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When Pope John Paul II described the New Evangelization back in 1983, he said it required new ardor, new methods and new expressions.
Since then, perhaps no priest has embodied those qualities like Father Robert Barron of Chicago.
Through his "Word on Fire" ministry he has used blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, websites and mobile apps to spread the faith.
He's evangelized the culture through movie reviews and news commentary. And he released the epic "Catholicism" film series which has been seen across the world on both Catholic and secular television.
In May, Father Barron was appointed rector of Chicago's Mundelein Seminary, and Our Sunday Visitor caught up with him there to discuss the New Evangelization, the new media, and what's next for him and his ministry.
Our Sunday Visitor: In your opening message as rector at Mundelein, you laid out the seven great qualities of a new evangelist, of someone living out the New Evangelization. What are these seven marks?
Father Robert Barron: Well, first, you must have a relationship with Jesus Christ. To evangelize is not just to share ideas — any theologian or historian could do that. It's to share a relationship, and you can't share what you don't have. Therefore, you've got to be in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, and this is piggybacking on Pope John Paul II, you've got to be a person of ardor. I cited that line from Aristotle where he said, "Finally, people only really listen to an excited speaker."
I've always thought that was dead right. If you're not excited about your message, you won't communicate it effectively. So you've got to have ardor.
Third, you've got to know the story of Israel. Here I'm working with people like N.T. Wright and others who say that at the heart of evangelization is the good news that the story of Israel has come to its fulfillment — that the promises of God, as Paul said, have all met their "Yes!" in Jesus. When you abstract Jesus from Israel, you get the bland, spiritual teacher, the contemporary guru-Christ.
Back in the second century, there was a heretic named Marcion, a crypto-Gnostic who said, "Get rid of the Old Testament and its witness to an unworthy, fallen deity. Just keep Luke, and some parts of Paul." And the Church said, "Absolutely not!" to that proposal.
I tell my seminarians, "You need to say 'No!' to that as well." Marcion's Christ is evangelically uncompelling; you must propose the full story of Israel to be an effective evangelist.
Fourth, you've got to know the culture. Here is Karl Barth's famous image of the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. When Pope John Paul II called for "new expressions," he was looking for new ways to express the faith to a secular society that has grown rather cold to the Gospel, and that has lost a sense of the transcendent.
This requires you to look for "seeds of the word." Within the secular culture, there will always be signs, seeds and indications of the Gospel. So find these seeds, latch onto them, and engage the culture.
Fifth, you've got to love the Great Tradition. We Catholics don't subscribe to sola Scriptura. We don't operate by Scripture alone. Scripture is the heart of theology, yes indeed, but as Blessed John Henry Newman said, it "unfolds across space and time." It's like a great river that continually broadens and deepens. We know Christ better because we know him through Augustine, Aquinas, Newman, Chesterton, and through Michelangelo and Dante. To know the great Catholic theological and artistic tradition is key to being a new evangelist.
Sixth, you've got to have a missionary heart. I told my Mundelein students, "It should bother everyone in this room that 75 percent of our own Catholic people are not going to Mass."
Vatican II said the Eucharist was the "source and summit of the Christian life." It wanted more people at Mass, not less. Yet now, 75 percent of our own people don't even go to Mass regularly? That's a tragedy.
These are souls who are in serious trouble. And I don't mean that simply in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell. I mean even now. There are many people who are lost, and it's because they've lost contact with God. As St. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in God." There are all kinds of people in the secular world who are suffering, because the secular ideology is shutting down the longing of their hearts. So I told the students, "You must have a missionary heart; you must be passionate for souls."
Last, you've got to know and use the new media. This explosion in technology is really unprecedented, at least since the time of Gutenberg. I tell my seminary students: "Know it; use it; it's in your blood. Your generation grew up with this. You grew up with computers, so use them and don't be afraid of technology."
OSV: What advice would you give people on evangelizing through the new media?
Barron: First of all, don't be afraid. There's a lot of fear surrounding this technology. People think, "I don't know it well enough; it can be abused; I might get negative feedback." And that's all true. But anything can be misused — computers, telephones, automobiles — but we wouldn't hesitate to use those things. It's the same with new media. So, don't be afraid.
Also, when you use them, make sure you're grounded in the old technology of books. You must have something worth saying when you speak. I don't think it's a good idea for someone to simply jump into new media for the sake of jumping in. Are you grounded in the theological tradition, in a life of prayer, in the spirituality of the Church? Are you disciplined by the Church's teaching? If not, then I'd say be careful. But if you are, then don't be afraid of new technology and don't neglect the old.
OSV: It must be difficult to follow up your epic "Catholicism" series, but what are you working on next?
Barron: Well, now that I find myself rector of Mundelein, my main task is to run this great seminary and make sure it flourishes. My goal is to produce priests for the New Evangelization.
Having said that, my Word on Fire ministry still exists, and I have a great staff which continues to help me produce blog posts, videos, podcasts and more.
Right now we're working on our next documentary series, this one on the New Evangelization.
For its structure I'm using Pope John Paul II's great description of the movement, one that's "new in ardor, methods and expression."
I've been filming in Australia, England and America, and we've gathered a lot of footage of top Church leaders and people on the ground. My aim is to show what's happening throughout the very secularized world when it comes to evangelization. So that's the next big project for me and Word on Fire.
Brandon Vogt is a Catholic writer and speaker who blogs at BrandonVogt.com. He is also the author of "The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops Who Tweet" (OSV, $13.95), which you can find at www.churchandnewmedia.com. He writes from Casselberry, Fla.
Copyright © 1996-2019 Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.


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The Ultimate 4x4 Gift GuidePosted in Product Reviews on December 4, 2013
The holidays are a time for giving, but it can be tough to shop for the four-wheeler who seemingly has every tool and trinket under the sun. So this year try giving your loved ones some great ideas for what they can give you! Fortunately the 4x4 aftermarket is constantly in the process of building better mousetraps for any possible situation on the trail. We skipped the big-dollar items like 40-inch-tall mousetraps and coilover shock mousetraps in favor of more reasonably priced options for every rockcrawler, mud bogger, or trail rider.
ARB Premium Recovery Kit, $418
The ARB Premium Recovery Kit includes everything an off-roader needs before hitting the trail, in one box. By buying all of the gear in one kit, you get exceptional saving over buying components. The kit includes a high-visibility bag, a 17,500-pound snatch strap, a 26,500-pound tree protector strap (10 feet), a 9,900-pound winch extension strap (66 feet), a recovery line damper, leather gloves, two D-shackles, and the ultralight ARB 9000 snatch block.
Information: ARB USA,
425.264.1391, www.arbusa.com
Daystar Roller Fairlead Isolator, $29.99
Daystar's Winch Isolators provide a clean and easy way to store the winch hook when not in use. Installed over the winch cable, the Winch Isolators nest with a roller or hawse fairlead and provide a convenient rest for the winch hook that also prevents it from rattling. Available in either red or black and made from durable polyurethane.
Information: Daystar
800.595.7659, www.daystarweb.com
Pittsburg 11⁄2-Ton Aluminum Racing Floor Jack, $89.99
This compact racing jack from Pittsburg Tool is constructed of durable, aircraft aluminum billet. A knurled aluminum handle ensures a steady grip while you quickly lift your load in just 31⁄2 pumps. The racing jack also features a universal joint release mechanism for smooth precision lowering and a compact design for easy storage and transport.
Information: Harbor Freight Tools
800.423.2567, www.harborfreight.com
Mechanix Wear Original Insulated Glove, $27.95
The brisk cold air makes even the simplest tasks more burdensome, so Mechanix Wear created The Original Insulated glove. With sizing from small to XXL, they lock in the warmth for any size hand. A comfortable single layer of formfitting fleece lines the entire glove, preserving warmth without sacrificing valuable dexterity. Then they added a durable water-resistant coating and liner in the palm to keep your hands dry.
Information: Mechanix Wear
800.222.4296, www.mechanix.com
Smittybilt Tire Plug Kit, $24.99
Even the toughest tires can have a rough day on the trail. That is why Smittybilt has released a new tire plug kit designed specifically for off-road enthusiasts. The new kit comes complete with everything you need to mend a punctured tire, including: (30) self-vulcanizing plugs, rugged handtools, lubricant, a folding knife, a pair of needle-nose pliers, extra valve stems, a dual-head tire pressure gauge, sidewall bailing wire, and interior tire patches, and illustrated instructions.
Information: Smittybilt
888.717.5797, www.smittybilt.com
Trail-Gear Oil Carriers, From $28.93
Tired of having quarts of oil and fluids bouncing around in the back of your truck, buggy, or off-road vehicle? Trail-Gear Oil Carriers are your solution to this problem by securing and organizing your automotive fluids. They are constructed from CNC laser-cut 16-gauge steel with a spring draw latch with a 200-pound breaking force that features a safety catch to prevent accidental openings.
Information: Trail-Gear Inc.
877.4X4.TOYS, www.trail-gear.com
Spot Trace, $99.95
The newest addition to the popular SPOT line of products, SPOT Trace uses 100 percent satellite technology to track anything, anywhere, anytime. SPOT Trace is a theft-alert tracking device that will monitor valuable assets virtually anywhere in the world, on a smartphone or computer. Affordable and easy to use, SPOT Trace's tracking capabilities are perfect to monitor trucks, Jeeps, UTVs, and other valuables.
Information: Spot
866.651.7768, www.findmespot.com
Rugged Ridge Hood Catch Kit, $99.99
The Rugged Ridge aluminum Hood Catch Kits for TJ Wranglers are built as a strong direct replacement for the OE catches that degrade and fail after years of off-road abuse. Built in the same black powdercoated finish as Rugged Ridge's JK kit, the TJ kit also incorporates an adjustable tension rod, guaranteeing a precise fit.
Information: Rugged Ridge
770.614.6101, www.ruggedridge.com
Herculiner Bed Liner, $99.95
Herculiner is the only polyurethane and rubber granule coating that is applied in just three easy steps to your truck bed using rollers and a brush: prep, apply, let dry. When cured, Herculiner provides a tough, durable, skid-resistant coating. Because of its unique properties, it can bond to virtually any surface or material.
Information: Herculiner
800.323.5440, www.herculiner.com
Rubicon Express Sway Bar Disconnects, $139.99
Rubicon Express Extreme-Duty Sway Bar Disconnects provide a fast, easy way to disconnect your front sway bar, increase front axle articulation, and tackle challenging obstacles with greater flexibility. The heavy-duty threaded body adjusts to different lift heights and allows for easy sway bar angle setting for a wide variety of Jeep models, without the need for tools.
Information: Rubicon Express
866.533.7706, www.rubiconexpress.com
Rancho RockGear Glide Plates, From $139.99
Rancho RockGear front and rear differential glide plates for Jeep JK Wranglers allow for confident off-road exploration as each provides added protection and a smoother glide over rough terrain. Constructed from 1⁄4-inch high-strength, low-alloy steel, the diff glide plates are compatible with OE and other aftermarket differential covers and available in durable red or black powdercoat.
Information: Rancho
734.385.7804, www.gorancho.com
Truck-Lite LED Headlight, $425
Truck-Lite's 7-inch LED headlight outputs a brighter, crisper, whiter light, dramatically improving light projection and overall visibility. The LED headlight exceeds FMVSS-108 and CMVSS-108 DOT requirements for low- and high-beam performance.
Information: Truck-Lite
800.562.5012, www.truck-lite.com
BDS Coilover Spanner Wrench, $13.63
BDS Suspension now offers a simple solution to adjusting ride height of the Fox Racing 21⁄2-inch coilover shocks offered in BDS Performance Lift Systems. This unique tool design fits the adjustment collar of the Fox Racing coilovers and accepts any 1⁄2-inch drive ratchet or breaker bar. The ratchet allows the spanner wrench to function in multiple positions for easier use in IFS setups and reduces the chance of damage to the tool, adjustment collar, and your knuckles.
Information: BDS Suspension
517.279.2135, www.bds-suspension.com
Energy Suspension Toyota Tacoma Master Bushing Set, $497
Energy Suspension now offers a suspension bushing and mount Master Set for '05 and later Toyota Tacomas. The kit replaces worn-out, soft OE rubber bushings with Energy's unique Hyper-Flex performance polyurethane for improved handling and control. Made in America, Energy's Master Set is available in red or black polyurethane.
Information: Energy Suspension
888.292.1250, www.energysuspension.com
Oasis Trailhead Tire Deflators, $59.95
Trailhead Automatic Tire Deflators are for off-roaders who want to air-down fast. They deflate accurately and evenly in all four tires, to a user-defined pressure, within seconds—even while you're driving. To use, simply screw on to valve stems and drive off.
Information: Oasis Mfg.
888.966.2747, www.oasismfg.com
More Power Puller, From $211.75
Regular come-alongs just aren't heavy-duty enough for use off-road, but the More Power Puller is made of solid iron and steel. The Wyeth-Scott Company has been manufacturing More Power Puller hand winches since 1934, and offers them with 35 feet of 5⁄16-inch Amsteel Blue synthetic rope. With double line, they can dead-lift up to 6,000 pounds and pull up to 12,000 pounds, making them a perfect, go-anywhere, fix-anything puller
Information: Wyeth-Scott Co.
740.345.4528, www.wyeth-scott.com
Wilco Tiregate Bed Mount, $169.95
The Tiregate Bed Mount tire carrier is designed and fabricated to the same high standards as the company's swing-away tire carriers. In fact, it uses the same Y-bar, urethane wheel cone, and wheel safety tether cable that the PR and HT Series Tiregates use. The Bed Mount tire carrier is designed to hold up to a 40-inch tire and wheel. When bed space is needed just remove the tire, and the base plate sits flat to maximize floor space.
Information: Tiregate
877.945.2684, www.tiregate.com
MasterCraft Wrench Roll, $25.95
Constructed from rugged 100 percent cotton duck canvas, these organizers from MasterCraft Safety fit open-end/box wrenches and close with a Velcro strap. Designed with 16 slots, in widths ranging from 1 to 3 inches. Make rattles a thing of the past!
Information: MasterCraft Safety
800.565.4042, www.mastercraftsafety.com
4x Innovations Universal Portable Winch Tray, $183
4x Innovations has created this great-looking and highly functional portable winch tray that mounts to any standard 2-inch receiver. It accepts any standard winch that has a 10x41⁄2-inch mounting pattern and a line pull up to 9,500 pounds. Better yet is that the main hitch tube is easily removed for storage when not needed, and a storage position is included in the winch mount tray.
Information: 4x Innovations
608.348.4880, www.4xinnovations.com
Mac's Utility Mat, $29.95
Mac's Utility Mat is a knee-saving 2x4-foot foldable mat that is plush yet ultratough with a 3⁄4-inch thick foam pad. Fused with 100 percent polypropylene fibers, the mat resists stains, oil, and chemicals and can withstand whatever you throw at it while effortlessly providing convenience and comfort.
Information: Mac's Custom Tie Downs
800.666.1586, www.macstiedowns.com
Spidertrax Wheel Spacers, From $99.95
Spidertrax has been producing quality wheel spacer kits since 1999. Every Spidertrax wheel spacer kit is designed vehicle-specific, is engineered and manufactured in house, and uses only the finest domestic grade aircraft quality aluminum. Kits come complete with everything needed for installation. Applications include Jeep, Suzuki, and Toyota as well as wheel adapter kits, which allow you to change your vehicle's wheel bolt pattern.
Information: Spidertrax
800.286.0898, www.spidertrax.com
PEAK Wireless Backup Camera, $149.99
The PEAK wireless backup camera is a safer way to back up. It comes with a 4.3-inch LCD color monitor, which securely affixes to your windshield or dashboard with suction-cup mounts for easy-to-see rear coverage. A water-resistant color camera attaches to the back of your ride's license plate for complete rearview coverage, and a 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter installs on most vehicles in just minutes.
Information: Peak Auto
800.323.5440, www.peakauto.com
Factor 55 ProLink, $124.95
Engineered and machined in the USA from lightweight billet 6061 aluminum, the ProLink provides a safe means to easily attach a standard 3⁄4-inch screw pin shackle to existing winch cable and rope eyes The cable or rope eye is captured into the body of the ProLink by a removable oversized 5⁄8″ double shear pin. The ProLink is compatible with both Hawse and Roller fairleads and snugs neatly against both versions.
Information: Factor 55
208.639.1674, www.factor55.com
Advance Adapters Yoke Removal Trail Tool, $49.95
This clever new tool from Advance Adapters removes differential pinion yokes as well as transfer case yokes for your trail fixes or for use in the shop. Compatible with CV, non-CV, and companion flange yoke series: 1310, 1330, 1350, 1410, 1480, Toyota Truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Land Rover.
Information: Advance Adapters
Shirt & Swag Club, $25 a month
Need a gift that keeps on giving for the guy or gal who has everything? Want the coolest 4x4 T-shirts around? Check out the Shirt & Swag Club. Get a quality authentic T-shirt and a bag full of goodies delivered each month, bimonthly, or quarterly. Pick between 4x4 or desert racing styles from small to 4XL.
Information: Shirt & Swag Club

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday February 22, 2019; 07:04 am EST
You've got no control over where most of your tax dollars go. The exception is Line 35 on the Maryland state income tax form. Check that line and you make a direct contribution to Chesapeake Bay and the Endangered Species Fund. The Fund — split evenly between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Department of Natural Resources — supports Bay restoration and conserves native wildlife and endangered species.
Last year, the tax check-off amounted to more than $1.1 million, helping restore shorelines, educate schoolchildren about the environment, green our neighborhoods and clean-up local rivers and streams.
Donations of any amount can be made and are tax-deductible. Last year, almost 40,000 state income tax statements were returned with contributions to the fund averaging $28.
"Small contributions of $10, $25 or $50 add up in a big way and generate the funds that the Chesapeake Bay Trust uses to support hundreds of projects that get kids outdoors and help improve the health of local communities and Maryland's waters," says Trust director Allen Hance.
Of course you won't forget that April 16 is this year's tax deadline; the calendar buys you a one-day reprieve, as April 15 falls on Sunday.


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Hello all,
I just recently picked up my first, first gen celica that I've been looking for, for a long time.
It's a RA29 with 150,xxx miles on it. Still has the stock running 20R and even has fully working AC that's been upgraded to R154!
There's a fair bit of rust, Mostly just in the hatch and passenger rocker panel.
My plan is to turn this into more of a streetable track car and do a sr20det swap to help keep the weight farther back up front.


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Put in a simple way, the Data Mapper design pattern is an elegant solution that allows developers to keep all of the domain objects handled by an application separate from the underlying persistence layer. This characteristic is commonly known as persistence ignorance. As with many other patterns, the implementation of data mappers either in PHP 5 or any other programming language isn't something that must be done all the time, as this depends heavily on the requirements of the application being developed.
What's more, in many cases using domain objects that are aware of the data access layer is a suitable approach; the use of Active Record is a good example. However, as soon as the structure of those objects doesn't match the database schema, the implementation of an intermediate layer that resolves this incompatibility internally is necessary. Here's where data mappers come into play, although there are other patterns, such as Data Access Objects, that also address this issue in an effective manner.
In order to demonstrate the actual functionality of data mappers when using PHP, in the introductory installment of this series I started building a simple domain layer, which was comprised of an abstract class whose interfaced was used for modeling basic domain objects. Essentially, this class was a basic data container that implemented some magic PHP methods for adding and deleting object properties dynamically.
Based upon the interface and functionality encapsulated by this abstract class, it was possible to create concrete user objects easily via simple inheritance. With a domain layer already set, what's the next step we must take in the implementation of data mappers? Well, as I said before, data mappers behave like "gluing elements" between domain objects and the data access layer. Thus, in this second tutorial I'm going to show you how to implement this layer. For the sake of brevity, it will be made up of a trivial MySQL abstraction class.
Want to learn the full details concerning the implementation of this sample data access layer? Then start reading now!
{mospagebreak title=Review: building a simple domain layer in PHP 5}
Before I begin building the data access layer mentioned in the introduction, I'd like to reintroduce the definitions of the classes developed in the previous article. These classes were the building blocks of a basic domain layer.
Having clarified that, here's the source code corresponding to the first of these classes, which define the structure for generic domain objects. Take a look at it:
abstract class DomainObjectAbstract
protected $_data = array();
public function __construct(array $data = NULL)
if ($data !== NULL)
// populate domain object with an array of data
foreach ($data as $property => $value)
if (!empty($property))
$this->$property = $value;
// set domain object property
public function __set($property, $value)
if (!array_key_exists($property, $this->_data))
throw new ModelObjectException('The specified property is not valid for this domain object.');
if (strtolower($property) === 'id' AND $this->_data['id'] !== NULL)
throw new DomainObjectException('ID for this domain object is immutable.');
$this->_data[$property] = $value;
// get domain object property
public function __get($property)
if (!array_key_exists($property, $this->_data))
throw new DomainObjectException('The property requested is not valid for this domain object.');
return $this->_data[$property];
// check if given domain object property has been set
public function __isset($property)
return isset($this->_data[$property]);
// unset domain object property
public function __unset($property)
if (isset($this->_data[$property]))
class DomainObjectException extends Exception{}
As you can see, the above "DomainObjectAbstract" abstract class encapsulates all of the functionality required for building generic domain objects; it can aggregate and remove properties on the fly, thanks to the implementation of the "__set()" and "__get()" PHP magic methods. Since any concrete domain object inherited from this base class will be a plain data container, testing the object is reduced to performing some basic assertions on it.
The "User" class below shows how to create a concrete user domain object by way of simple inheritance:
class User extends DomainObjectAbstract
protected $_data = array('id' => NULL, 'fname' => ", 'lname' => ", 'email' => ");
$user = new User();
$user->fname = 'Susan';
$user->lname = 'Norton';
$user->email = 'email@example.com';
Well, obviously spawning a new user object and assigning a few new properties to it is a simple process that doesn't bear any further discussion, right? However, there are a few neat advantages to defining domain objects like this. First, they're easy to test and maintain, and second, they're completely ignorant of the storage mechanism implemented by the application that uses them.
While this strategy allows you to decouple the domain layer from the data access layer, this benefit comes with a fixed cost: there must exist an intermediate element that bridges the layers. That's the role that a data mapper plays. However, before I start showing a concrete implementation of that mapper, it's necessary to code, at least for the demonstration purposes, the aforementioned data access layer, so you can see how each element fits into this schema.
With that idea in mind, in the following section I'm going to define a basic data access layer. In this case, it will be comprised of a single MySQL abstraction class. Thus, to see how this whole new class will be developed, click on the link below and read the lines to come.
{mospagebreak title=Building a basic data access layer}
In most cases, the data access layer of an application is comprised of multiple classes that perform well-differentiated tasks. In this case, though, the layer that I plan to build here will be made up of only one class, which will abstract the access to MySQL. Doing this will let you grasp more quickly how a data mapper will work in a rather simple context.
That being said, please pay attention to the definition of the MySQL abstraction class, which is as follows:
class MySQLAdapter
private $_config = array();
private static $_instance = NULL;
private static $_connected = FALSE;
private $_link = NULL;
private $_result = NULL;
// return Singleton instance of MySQLAdapter class
public static function getInstance(array $config = array())
if (self::$_instance === NULL)
self::$_instance = new self($config);
return self::$_instance;
// private constructor
private function __construct(array $config)
if (count($config) < 4)
throw new MySQLAdapterException('Invalid number of connection parameters');
$this->_config = $config;
// prevent cloning class instance
private function __clone(){}
// connect to MySQL
private function connect()
// connect only once
if (self::$_connected === FALSE)
list($host, $user, $password, $database) = $this->_config;
if ((!$this->_link = mysqli_connect($host, $user, $password, $database)))
throw new MySQLAdapterException('Error connecting to MySQL : ' . mysqli_connect_error());
self::$_connected = TRUE;
unset($host, $user, $password, $database);
// perform query
public function query($query)
if (is_string($query) and !empty($query))
// lazy connect to MySQL
if ((!$this->_result = mysqli_query($this->_link, $query)))
throw new MySQLAdapterException('Error performing query ' . $query . ' Error : ' . mysqli_error($this->_link));
// fetch row from result set
public function fetch()
if ((!$row = mysqli_fetch_object($this->_result)))
return FALSE;
return $row;
// get insertion ID
public function getInsertID()
if ($this->_link !== NUlL)
return mysqli_insert_id($this->_link);
return NULL;
// count rows in result set
public function countRows()
if ($this->_result !== NULL)
return mysqli_num_rows($this->_result);
return 0;
// close the database connection
function __destruct()
is_resource($this->_link) AND mysqli_close($this->_link);
class MySQLAdapterException extends Exception{}
As seen before, the "MySQLAdapter" class is merely a Singleton that performs some typical operations on MySQL, such as connecting to the database server, executing hard-coded SQL statements and fetching database rows. Its inner working is that simple, really.
At this time, coding a class like this seems to be a pointless task, since it doesn't shed any light on how to build a data mapper class. But this is a misconception, believe me. When I show you the definition of the data mapper, you'll realize that the existence of a MySQL adapter makes a lot of sense.
Assuming that you understand the logic behind the "MySQLAdapter" class, it's time to see how it works. So, in the following section I'm going to code a short script that will put it in action.
Now, go ahead and read the next segment. It's only one click away.
{mospagebreak title=Putting the MySQL abstraction class to work}
If you're like me, then you want to see how to use the MySQL abstraction class defined in the previous segment. Below I wrote a short example that shows how to utilize the class's interface to pull out data from a fictional "users" database table and display this information on screen. Here's the corresponding script:
require_once 'MySQLAdapter.php';
$db = MySQLAdapter::getInstance(array('host', 'user', 'password', 'database'));
$db->query('SELECT * FROM users');
while ($user = $db->fetch())
echo 'First Name: ' . $user->fname . ' Last Name: ' . $user->lname . ' Email: ' . $user->email . '<br />';
As depicted above, putting the "MySQLAdapter" class to work is a fairly straightforward process, meaning that you shouldn't have any problems enhancing its current functionality. Naturally, the point in building this sample class is to set a basic data access layer that allows you to "justify" the implementation of a data mapper.
Now, think carefully about the hypothetical scenario that has been created so far: on one hand there's a domain layer where plain user objects live happily, completely ignorant of the existence of the persistence storage mechanism (read: a single MySQL table). On the other hand, there's the "MySQLAdapter" class, which is the only building block of the layer that accesses the data stored on that table.
Still with me? Then, ask yourself the following question: how can a user object be saved to its associated table, even considering that its properties might not entirely match the table's fields? That's exactly where a data mapper comes in, as this element is responsible for internally solving this incompatibility. The bad news is that data mappers are complex creatures that often require the implementation of other data access design patterns, such as an Identity Map, or in large and heavily-loaded applications, a Unit of Work.
However, for the moment there's no reason to feel intimidated by these potential issues. In the upcoming article I'm going to discuss how to build a basic data mapper class, so you'll be able to quickly grasp its underlying logic. In the meantime, feel free to read the conclusions below.
Final thoughts
In this second part of the series I went one step further into the implementation of the Data Mapper design pattern in PHP 5. I built a simple MySQL abstraction class which performed a few common tasks, such as connecting to the database server and running hard-coded queries, fetching database rows and so forth.
The purpose of coding a class like this is to recreate a scenario where an application is split into at least two different layers. The first one is the domain layer, where the domain objects (users, blog posts, etc) live, and the second one is the data access layer, which is built upon the previous MySQL accessing class. For the sake of brevity, the presentation layer will be omitted.
With that scenario already set, the next logical step is building the data mapper classes that will interconnect these two independent layers. However, this topic will be discussed in depth in the next tutorial, so don't miss it!


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Maybe, also back post/pinp-back a post from TG, CAG forum and atari forum back to this post.
Not all of those forum members read or post here but there are still a regular group o MAME players out there.
Also do not be "too" constrainted in your selection let users send you their sugestions and choose from there.
Look at what OO, has done on TG site - postinmg a "CAG World Championships" tournament.
About 30 or more MAME players did respond. There were quite a few participants and most of them were MAME.
I also think going forward one has to work more collaboratively and not rely on one site to be the "only" place
where MAME`ers participate.
Francois du Toit
Discussion about the MAME Championships
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Andy Cohen Gets SLAMMED on Social Media for His New Year's Eve Gig
Social media was pretty much unanimous last night with Andy Cohen's hosting abilities on CNN's New Year's Eve Live: never do it again.
He became the new host this year after Kathy Griffin got the axe earlier in 2017, so it became a dude fest as he tried his best with his pal Anderson Cooper throughout the night.
This new formula didn't really seem to work to either of their advantages, as many were saying online how much they missed Kathy and how Andy didn't live up to expectations compared to how she was for several years.
How did you think Andy did, do you think Kathy should be brought back and given some redemption?
No chemistry..yet friends. Anderson shouldn't be doing it either..give it to Don lemon and the other crew. Move on from them.I watched. Andy insulted nicole.then immaturely said I won't have her on my show..then to say he really wants her on his show. Childish. He kept plugging his shows.. just won't watch again.
Amateur hour! Andy's ego got the best of him - he monopolized the entire time on air, stepping over others as they talked. It was a mess and a couple times he could tell Anderson was over him...he even asked Anderson at one point. These two are really good friends off air, and it showed to their detriment - it was more just them being silly then it was presenting a show. Kathy is way more precessional than Andy - sorry Andy, not every occasion needs to be about you smoking pot or chasing a twink.
If you watched Kathy and Anderson in previous years then you most likely found Andy and Anderson's chemistry off. It actually surprised me given the amount of time these two spend together doing AC2. Although I didn't watch the entire thing this year, I will give next year a another fair shot. I don't think Kathy should accept even if CNN offered her the gig back. She should let them sink or without her.


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188.8.131.52 - Lookup IP Address
18.104.22.168's full geographical location [Resita, Romania] is available on our interactive map and you can also see the "whois" data for this address. Range information: 22.214.171.124 [ROMANIA, ripencc, Thursday, July 5, 2001, {220.127.116.11 - 22.214.171.124}]
Find IP Address LookupFind IP address lookup for: 184.108.40.206 [ROMANIA, ripencc, Thursday, July 5, 2001, {220.127.116.11 - 22.214.171.124}] [Resita, Romania].
IP Address Location
The IP address is located here.
"Who Is" Information
Local IP Addresses
Other IP addresses local to this one.
Extended IP Address Information
IP Address Breakdown Into Binary Components
IPv4 Mapped IPv6 Address
::ffff:188.8.131.52(IPv4 mapped IPv6)
::ffff:50:60:50:da(IPv4 mapped IPv6, raw IPv6)
Other addresses similar to this one
IP Address Range
Address at Start of Range
Address at End of Range
- 18.104.22.168 - 126.96.36.199, ROTLD, Bd. Averescu ...
- 220.127.116.11 - 22.214.171.124,


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To use all features of KLM.com safely, we recommend that you update your browser, or that you choose a different one. Continuing with this version may result in parts of the website not being displayed properly, if at all. Also, the security of your personal information is better safeguarded with an updated browser.
To discover the soul of the Barcelonans, it's best to eat one's way through Barcelona. From farmhouse cheese to molecular gastronomy, the versatile flavours of Catalonian cuisine tell the turbulent story of the region. The Visigoths, the Moors and the French have all occupied this fertile area on the Mediterranean Sea over the past centuries, and they have all left their mark as the tastes in Barcelona's markets make clear.
The city has more than 40 markets, serving a very choosy clientele. Whole families come out to inspect freshly caught cod or haggle over some delicious jamón ibérico. The Catalonians get their inspiration from sun-ripened tomatoes, sheep's cheese and chorizo, and recipes are passed from person to person. A walk through the markets of Barcelona will definitely tempt you to try one of the delicacies. Bon profit!
It's always very busy in La Boqueria on La Rambla, one of the largest covered produce markets in Europe. The chefs from Barcelona's best restaurants make their purchases here every morning. It's easy to get lost among the hundreds of stalls with ham, olives and fresh fish – just let it happen! And in many stalls you can taste the delicacies on offer. If you're looking for something specific, ask at the information centre for a handy map (booth 435 near the back) which will show you exactly what each stall specialises in.
Spain boasts a number of delicious types of ham such as jamón serrano and jamón ibérico. The latter is often popularly called pata negra or 'black hoof'. This is because this cured ham is made from black Iberian pigs. The nutty flavour of the ham comes from the acorns they eat – these voracious animals can consume up to 10 pounds per day. Jamón serrano means 'mountain ham' and is made from white pigs from the Andalusian sierra.
Fish fans should set course for the neighbourhood of Barceloneta next to the old port, where for over a century, fishermen have been selling their fresh catch of the day. The discerning buyer can choose from countless possibilities including cuttlefish, razor shells and shrimp of all types and sizes. And if you can't wait to eat fresh seafood, then visit one of the many local restaurants – it doesn't get any fresher than this. The Barceloneta market isn't only of gastronomic interest: don't miss the extraordinary cast-iron window frames. The building by Antoni Rovira i Trias, dating back to 1884, was completely renovated a few years ago.
With delightful products such as figs, scallops and other delicacies so richly available, real cooking enthusiasts won't be able to resist the temptation to prepare something tasty for themselves. You can join one of several cooking courses in Barcelona, with a Spanish chef teaching you all the tricks of the trade. After a tour of the market, you'll make typical Spanish dishes such as paella or gazpacho, all while enjoying a delicious cava.


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Northwestern Wildcats Balloon
18in Foil Balloon
Product Details
Let your team spirit fly high with this Northwestern Wildcats Balloon! Featuring the school logo in official team colors, this round foil balloon is great for tailgating and game day parties! You can use this Northwestern balloon to decorate during alumni weekend or display it at your future Wildcat's graduation party.
Northwestern Wildcats Balloon product details:
- 18in diameter
- Foil
- Self-sealing
- Reusable
Officially licensed ©NCAA product.
Inflation Info
Balloons arrive uninflated. Helium inflation available at Party City stores. No additional cost. Show of receipt required. No maximum quantity. Always dispose of balloons properly. Do not release balloons into air.
California residents will be required to purchase a balloon weight with any foil balloon inflation at Party City stores if they do not already have one.
Frequently Bought Together


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Here are some ridiculous manicures I did, in between being a general Grinch and trying to get thesis writing supplies (instant coffee and chocolate) and beauty essentials (nail polish, fifty shades of blush) at the shopping centre where everyone walks so. damn. slowly.
Four Santas to ring bells in your face and smoke outside while in their costumes, making your brain explode as you try to explain to your toddler why Santa wants cancer!
One overpriced Christmas tree that smells better burning than sitting in your house, shedding endlessly!
Showers of glitter that stay in your hair, then one night when you think it's all gone you wake up with a flake in your eye!
Woohoo Christmas! (In the background is an NMR spectrum, which is the kind of thing I've been staring at all day - you know how on CSI TV shows they shove a sample into a machine and it tells them what chemicals are in it? Doesn't work like that in real life! Instead you have poor people like me staring at graphs, trying to work out whether the number of neighbouring hydrogens makes sense, and eyeballing integrals to try to work out if it's close enough to a round number to get away with. Yeah, science!)
*grinches away*
Like this? Click below to let us know!


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Superbly crafted, healthful, comfortable and fashionable.
Naot is an international success story. When the members of Kibbutz Naot Mordechai founded the kibbutz shoe factory in 1942 as a one room workshop, no one imagined that in fifty years' time their shoes would be worn all over the world. The small shoe factory that made simple work shoes and sandals has become an international business and is now Israel's leading manufacturer and exporter of shoes.
The idea originating in northern Israel in the late nineteen-eighties, "It's fashionable to walk in comfort", quickly conquered the world. Naot manufactures a large variety of footwear with a unique anatomical footbed. The footbed is a "negative" print of the foot, just like the footprint we leave when walking in the sand. It is flexible, soft, shock absorbent, supports the heel and alleviates fatigue and pain. The footbeds are made of natural cork and latex and are covered in a pampering layer of suede. The uppers are made of high quality Italian leathers. Naot has gained a loyal customer following, which each year enjoys a new and exciting collection of comfortable shoes, clogs and sandals.
It is no wonder Naot means oasis!
More from Naot
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Naot Women's Leilani In Vintage Camel Leather/Oily Olive Suede
- Brand: Naot
- Product Code: 31-492
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YES!! finally someone else noticed that! They sound like big wimps.The thief voice taunts are OK, but is it just me or does the voice actor sound a little like Butthead from the MTV cartoon?
Black jack whore sounds ok to me since it has an irish or scottish accent. I think they say the word whore a lot! =)
I think the AI guards should say "Thief in the ____" or "I need help in the ____ ."and fill in the blank with whatever room they are in so we know where to run. at least some sort of generic like what floor they are on ... or if they are outside or inside.


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Posted by jessica on
Exploring Little Saigon in SF's Tenderloin Neighborhood
The first time you take a stroll through the Tenderloin, the San Francisco neighborhood surrounding HI San Francisco City Center, you might feel a little disoriented: you thought you were in San Francisco, right? So what's with all the Vietnamese signs, restaurants, and markets?
Welcome to Little Saigon, a two-block stretch of Larkin Street, between Eddy and O'Farrell Streets, officially recognized by the city of San Francisco as a neighborhood with the same cultural significance as Chinatown or Japantown. The city gave Little Saigon its moniker a decade ago in recognition of the Tenderloin's active Vietnamese community and huge number of Vietnamese-owned businesses. Today, a pair of dragons sitting atop stone pillars greet visitors crossing the neighborhood's official threshold at Larkin and Eddy Streets. But Vietnamese culture in the neighborhood isn't limited to Little Saigon's technical boundaries. Venture past the dragons, duck through the Tenderloin's doorways, and amble along its streets, and you'll soon feel transported straight from San Francisco to Saigon. Here are a few of our favorite ways to start your journey.
Perk Up
We're of the opinion that there are two types of people in this world: those who love Vietnamese coffee, and those who haven't tried it yet. The Vietnamese spin on the cup of joe is extra-strong, brewed to order, and served in a glass with enough super-sweet condensed milk to give an Oompa Loompa a mouthful of cavities. Stop into one of the Tenderloin's many hole-in-the-wall coffee shops to try it out yourself – you're almost guaranteed to come out with a new favorite morning pick-me-up.
Eat Cheap
Little Saigon may be SF's friendliest – and tastiest – neighborhood for travelers on a tight food budget. Here, it's easy to score yummy, filling, and authentic banh mi – sandwiches on baguettes served with toppings such as jalapenos, pickled carrots, and cilantro – for around four bucks a pop. Saigon Sandwich Shop, about two blocks down Larkin Street from HI-City Center, is the undisputed favorite of local lunchtime crowds. During prime lunch hours, the line's likely to be out the door, but don't be intimidated: this place is so small, an overflow crowd is inevitable. A veritable banh mi emporium just around the corner from the hostel, Lee's Sandwiches offers dozens of bahn mi fillings, plus a rainbow of exotic Vietnamese desserts, freshly baked take-home baguettes, and smoothies ranging in flavor from avocado to durian to cranberry.
Of course, the banh mi's not the only tasty steal to be had in Little Saigon. All over the neighborhood, Phở, broth with meat, herbs, greens, and heaping tangles of skinny noodles, comes served in oversized bowls that can easily feed two people for less than $5 each. The crowded local favorite is Turtle Tower, where rice noodles are made fresh and broth is served without adornment, in the Northern Vietnamese style. Next door, bustling Phở2000 lets you slurp your soup while sitting elbow-to-elbow with a mix of Tenderloin residents and office workers on their lunch breaks.
Feeling creative? You can also stock up on Vietnamese ingredients nearby to take back to the hostel kitchen. Find fish sauce, chili paste, and bags of unpronounceable, exotic wonders at Larkin Street's handful of bodegas. Or, hunt for fresh sugar cane, daikon, and lemongrass at the Heart of the City Farmer's Market, operating out of the Civic Center's United Nations Plaza on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Get Inspired
If you're looking for a different kind of creative inspiration, don't miss the Asian Art Museum. About a five-minute walk from the hostel, the museum prides itself on its huge collection of art from all across Asia. Tickets are normally $12 ($8 for students), but admission is free the first Sunday of each month.
Celebrate Tết
Each winter, the Tenderloin becomes the best place in the city to celebrate Tết, the Vietnamese New Year. The celebration in the city is put on by the Vietnamese Community Center of San Francisco each year and ushers in the Lunar New Year with entertainment, food, games, dance, and more. The free event draws tens of thousands of revelers all coming together to celebrate Vietnamese culture in the Tenderloin.
Stay at HI-SF City Center


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(CNN) -- In the movies, it's a familiar storyline: superheroes joining forces to tackle a world crisis.
But CNN Heroes can do it, too. Marie Da Silva, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow and Evans Wadongo are working together to help AIDS orphans in the African nation of Malawi.
In 2002, Da Silva started the Jacaranda School in Malawi, where half a million children have been orphaned by AIDS. For her efforts, she was honored as a top 10 CNN Hero in 2008.
Today, there are 400 children in the school, and they're also benefiting from the help of two top 10 Heroes from 2010: Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, whose organization, Mary's Meals, feeds more than 600,000 schoolchildren around the globe; and Evans Wadongo, who has brought more than 23,000 free solar lanterns to rural African communities through his nonprofit, Sustainable Development For All.
CNN recently spoke with Da Silva about the team-up and how it's helping the children.
CNN: How did you connect with Magnus?
Marie Da Silva: I went to the CNN Heroes tribute show in 2010, and I saw Magnus because he was one of the top 10 CNN Heroes. In his speech, he mentioned ... how he was feeding over 300,000 children in Malawi. And it touched me. So, after he got his award, I had to go and see him and say thank you.
But there was something else that was happening at our school at that same time. For all the years that I had the school, I was buying the porridge for the children, costing me something like $500 a month. Then, for a time, we were given porridge by (another organization) ... but we had had a drought in Malawi, so I was panicking.
I went up to Magnus and ... I told him what was going on at the school. I felt a little embarrassed, but I just asked him to consider us. Now, he's feeding all 400 of our students a day.
Some of these children do go without food at home, and most of them come without breakfast to school. This porridge has all the nutrients needed and is made of soya, too -- one of the healthiest meals our orphans can have each day. We have many students who are HIV-positive, so Mary's Meals is saving lives by keeping our children healthy.
CNN: How has Magnus' support enabled you to do more for your students?
Da Silva: The high school students who stayed in school through the afternoon ... they were weak, most sleeping in class. (Mary's Meals) agreed to provide an additional meal of porridge for (them) at noon. This has resulted in a lot more attendance at the school and students studying with energy.
One of our college graduates is now working for Mary's Meals as a field monitor. We are so proud. ... This is what we want: to see them graduate and get quality jobs.
Mary's Meals built a new stove for us that uses less firewood and cooks our porridge even faster. ... Now, the most firewood we will use is about seven pieces, down from 40 pieces. So we've actually saved our costs. And the most important thing is, we're saving the environment.
Magnus, he's really a saint to me. His support means a lot to us. Every day, the children will always have something to eat, so we are thankful.
Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2012 CNN Heroes
CNN: How did you come to work with Evans Wadongo?
Da Silva: I first heard about Evans through CNN Heroes. I met him through a friend of mine, Lane Hill, who thought Evans should come to teach our kids to build the (solar lanterns).
Then Robert Burke, a math teacher at the Shanghai American School in China -- one of our biggest supporters -- was looking for another project for his students to become involved in. ... Since seeing my story on TV, they've visited us and donated money to build our first toilets with running water, a clinic and a physics and science lab. ... So, (he) raised money to bring this project to life.
Today, I'm happy to tell you that we have over 200 lamps made by the kids themselves with the help of Evans and his team, and we distributed the lamps to the kids who are taking their examinations.
For the family, (this) cuts the costs. And for the children, it's helping them to study. And during this examination time ... I'm sure we're going to see better results, so we're very thankful to Evans.
CNN: How did your students respond to him?
Da Silva: Evans brought a lot more than just those lamps to our students. ... He's a young African guy, and they're young African students, so ... he's motivated our kids to be inventors. They've come up with their own little models that work just like Evans' lamps. ... He really gave them confidence that they, too, can make something that can help people and change people's lives.
This summer, the kids will be making their own designs and (giving) a lamp and a book out in the villages and to schools. This will be our first outreach program ... teaching our kids to give back.
CNN: Are you surprised that two of your fellow honorees have been able to help you?
Da Silva: CNN Heroes coming together to work together is something that I don't see as that unusual. All of us (are) doing something that is helping others, so when we hear each other's stories, we just want to see if we can help.
It's a family, you know? You want to help your family. I love it, and it makes a huge difference.


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Sacrosidase Oral solution
What is this medicine?
SACROSIDASE is used to treat sucrase deficiency. This is part of a genetic condition known as congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an unusual or allergic reaction to sacrosidase, yeast, glycerin, papain, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Each dose must be diluted with 2 to 4 ounces of water, milk, or infant formula. Use the specially marked measuring scoop that is provided with your medicine. The beverage or infant formula should be served cold or at room temperature. Do not heat the solution, mix it with hot liquids, or mix or consume with acidic beverages such as fruit juice. This can cause your medicine to not work properly. Take this medicine with food. Take half of each dose at the start of the meal or snack and take the other half during the meal or snack. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose before a meal, take it as soon as you finish your meal. If it is almost time for your next meal, take only one dose with that meal. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor or health care professional will check to make sure the medicine is working properly for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
severe diarrhea
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
stomach discomfort
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Discard 4 weeks after opening due to the potential for bacterial growth. Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
March 21, 2017
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert


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Originally posted April 7, 2010.
Christians often equate randomness with an atheistic worldview, but randomness is an essential feature of many God-ordained biological processes, from the union of egg and sperm during reproduction to the generation of antibodies by the immune system. In fact, based on its prevalence in the natural world, one might conclude that randomness is one of God's favorite mechanisms for creating life!
Here I want to clarify a few misconceptions about randomness before moving on, in future posts, to describing other biological processes that make use of it.
Misconception #1
Randomness is like "God of the Gaps". With time, advancements in science will allow us to make accurate predictions in previously "random" systems.
Isaac Newton's famous three laws of motion, described in his 1687 classic Principia Mathematica, have empowered physics students for centuries. Using these and Newton's universal law of gravitation, you can predict the trajectory of everything from pool balls to planets. By the early nineteenth century, the idea of a "clockwork universe" was firmly established, and scientists believed that with time, science would be unlimited in its predictive power.
Although it could be true that we live in a "clockwork universe,"1 two developments in the twentieth century shattered our hopes of having a fully predictable universe. The first was quantum mechanics, which describes how things work at an extremely small scale. One of the major discoveries in quantum mechanics was Werner Heisenberg's "uncertainty principle," which holds that the more certain one is about the location of a particle, the less certain in principle one can be about its momentum, and vice versa. At the quantum level, then, our predictive powers are ultimately limited.
Another discovery that destroyed all hope for a fully predictable universe was chaos. Mathematically chaotic systems are those which are extremely sensitive to changes in their initial conditions. Even fully deterministic systems can exhibit chaotic behavior and act in unpredictable ways. Consider a famous function, the logistic map2:
I know equations make people nervous, but stay with me! This one does some fascinating things. Here's how it works: start with some initial value for x at time t = 0, and plug that in for x(t). Let's start with x0 = 0.2. R is just some constant value; let it be 2. Now we use the function to calculate the outcome in the next time step, t = 1:
We can use this value as input for the next step, and repeat this process over and over to find the output at each time point.
What happens? The answer is plotted in the figure below on the left. If we follow along the x-axis, which represents time, we see that the value of x goes toward 0.5 and stays there forever.
What if we start with the same x0, but increase R to 3.1? Following the same process as before, we get a very different result! The middle graph shows that the outcome oscillates between two values over time.
If you make R = 4, the function does something very strange. In the right-most plot, the function still fluctuates up and down, but it begins to look irregular. And if we change the initial condition, x0, just slightly, from .20 (blue solid line) to 0.2000000001 (red dotted line), we see they are virtually the same until somewhere around t = 14. After that point, they exhibit completely different behavior.
Several observations can be made here. First, the same equation can produce three different classes of behavior, simply by changing R and x0. These classes are called fixed-point (left), periodic (middle), and chaotic (right). Below the values of R that lead to chaos, the system is not sensitive to the initial value of x0. Over time, the system will either become a flat line or oscillate.
When R is greater than approximately 3.569946, however, the system becomes chaotic, and the outcome is extremely sensitive to changes in the initial value of x0. What this means is you would have to know the value of x0 to infinite precision to predict its long term behavior. Since this is impossible in any kind of real-world application, the detailed behavior of a chaotic system is impossible to predict.
If this is true even for a simple, completely deterministic equation, how much more difficult is it to predict the behavior of a more complicated chaotic system, like a hurricane! Even the poor weathermen here in San Diego get it wrong sometimes, and the weather here doesn't change very much.
So, between the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, and the sensitivity of chaotic systems, we now know that we are fundamentally limited in our predictive power––not just temporarily. Whether the systems we study are truly indeterministic is another (interesting) question, which of course has implications for divine action.
Misconception #2
Randomness means anything can happen, and all possibilities are equally likely.
People often think randomness means the outcome is completely open-ended, but you can't roll a 7 on a 6-sided dice, nor draw a red marble from a bag of blue ones. Even random processes function according to rules. (The logistic map in the last section is another good example.)
Sometimes, the word random is used to mean unbiased. If you want to know who will win a political election, you make sure to poll a random sample of people, not just those hanging around a Tea Party rally. But the word random doesn't have to mean that all possibilities are equally likely. When maternal and paternal chromosomes get together during conception, they exchange long sequences of DNA in a process called recombination. We now know that recombination happens more often in some places of the genome than others, but the specific sites where it will occur in a given embryo are impossible to predict. So recombination is random in the sense that it is unpredictable, but not in the sense that all outcomes are equally likely.
Misconception #3
Randomness always leads to disorder.
On the contrary, randomness often leads to exquisitely ordered and complex outcomes. In my next post, we'll watch a simulation of viral self-assembly from individual proteins bouncing around in a jar. You could repeat the simulation a thousand times and always get the same result, even though the particular assembly pathway would look different each time. That is, if the starting materials are present and the conditions (temperature, pH, etc) are right, you will always get a beautiful, highly symmetric virus. Random motion is the mechanism used to search "solution space" for a favorable outcome.
Fractals provide another great example of patterns emerging from randomness. Fractals are chaotic patterns with the same basic property: no matter how much you "zoom in," the overall structure is maintained. Clouds, trees, crystals, and snow flakes are naturally-occurring fractals.
You can construct a fractal like the Sierpinski triangle shown at left by rolling a die and following simple rules.3 If 100 people in a room independently rolled a die 100 times and followed the rules, they would all have different sequences of rolls, but all would end up with the same pattern!
Thus, for many random processes, the fine details may be unpredictable along the way, but the macro-level outcome is foreseeable.
"Randomness," when taken to mean unconquerable unpredictability, is inherent in many processes created by God, from hurricanes to viral assembly to genetic recombination to antibody production. Randomness means that the details of the future are unpredictable, and will stay that way regardless of scientific progress. That said, randomness is constrained by rules and often leads to complex patterns and macro-level order. More misconceptions about randomness no doubt lurk in all our minds, leading to suspicion when we hear phrases like, "evolution is random." But hopefully, this post can help to clarify some of the confusion.


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Many growers in the lower Southeast have waited through several drought-plagued years for a growing season like the one they saw in 2003. Farmers responded to what many are calling a "perfect season" by producing record-high yields of several crops, including peanut, corn and soybeans.
Plentiful and timely rainfall during the spring and summer were followed by drier than normal weather in the fall for many growers in Georgia, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
If the latest yield forecast holds true, Georgia farmers will produce record-high yields in peanuts, soybeans and corn in 2003 while Alabama farmers will see record-breaking corn yields.
Peanut production for Georgia is forecast at 1.82 billion pounds, 6 percent more than earlier forecasts and 39 percent more than in 2002. Yield per harvested acre is forecast at 3,400 pounds, 200 more than the previous month's estimate and 800 pounds more than the 2002 yield.
If this yield is realized, it will be a state record yield for Georgia peanut growers. By the end of October, the majority of the crop had been harvested. Harvesting conditions were very good.
Georgia's corn yield is expected to average 135 bushels per harvested acre, the same as earlier forecasts and 20 bushels per acre more than in 2002. If this yield is realized, it will break the state's record of 134 bushels per acre set in 2001.
Ample rainfall during the growing season provided growers with an excellent crop. Total corn production is expected to total 41.9 million bushels from 310,000 acres harvested for grain. A production of this size would be 25 percent more than last year.
Soybean production in Georgia for 2003 is expected to total 5.94 million bushels, the same as earlier forecasts and 102 percent more than in 2002. Acreage expected for harvest is at 180,000 acres or 29 percent more than the 140,000 harvested in 2002. Yields are expected to average 33 bushels per acre. This is the same as the previous month's estimate but 12 bushels per acre more than in 2002.
If this forecast is realized, it will be a Georgia record, beating the previous record of 31 bushels per acre set in 1994. As of the first part of November, 30 percent of the crop had been harvested, which is slightly behind normal.
Georgia's cotton production for 2003 is expected to total 2.15 million bales (480 pounds), 100,000 bales above earlier forecasts and 572,000 bales above the 2002 production. Harvesting conditions have been excellent, except for a few short delays due to showers. Acreage for harvest, at 1,290,000 acres, remains unchanged from the previous month.
The yield calculates to 800 pounds per harvested acre, which if realized would the second highest on record, topped only by 843 pounds per acre in 1994. By the end of October, about half of the crop had been harvested.
Extension specialists in Georgia are reporting that the quality of this year's cotton crop also is greatly improved over 2002 numbers. Color grades are the best in many years, fiber strength is improved, and, with very few exceptions, micronaire has been within the acceptable range.
Meanwhile, across the river, favorable weather conditions throughout the crop year also contributed to above-average yields for cotton, corn, peanuts and soybeans in Alabama.
Corn yield in Alabama for 2003 is estimated at 115 bushels per acre, the highest in Alabama history.
The current yield is 33 bushels more than the 10-year state average yield and 8 bushels per acre above the previous record set in 2001. Production is forecast at 24.15 million bushels or 8.31 million bushels more than last year's production. Harvested area is set at 210,000 acres.
Cotton yield in Alabama is forecast at 772 pounds per acre or 265 pounds above last year's yield. The November yield is 189 pounds over the 10-year average yield of 583 pounds per acre. The record-high yield is 795 pounds per acre, occurring in 1985. Harvested area is set at 510,000 acres. This area will produce 820,000 bales, up 20,000 bales from earlier forecasts.
The state's average peanut yield is forecast at 2,900 pounds per acre. This is an increase of 850 pounds from last year's yield of 2,050 pounds per acre. The 10-year average is 2,117 pounds per acre. Peanut production is estimated at 548.1 million pounds. Harvested area is set at 189,000 acres.
Alabama's soybean production is estimated at 5.27 million bushels. This total production comes from 155,000 acres with an average yield of 34 bushels per acre, just 1 bushel below the record set in 2001. The 10-year state average yield is 26 bushels per acre.
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Heart It Or Hate It: Joe Manganiello Shaves Off His Famous Scruff
Nigel Campbell | September 6, 2013
True Blood star Joe Manganiello debuted a new scruff-free look last night at New York Fashion Week and we barely recognized him.
What do you think of his new fresh faced look?
We mean...he obviously still looks good. It's Joe Manganiello--and we all know what's underneath that suit.
But why mess with perfection?
Heart or hate the new look, Instincters?
Image Source


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The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Business and Human Rights, Professor John Ruggie, posted the draft "Guiding Principles for the Implementation of the UN 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' Framework" on his online consultation forum.
The forum, intended to gather views from a broad range of stakeholders, will remain open until 31 January 2011. The Guiding Principles elaborate and clarify for companies, states, and other stakeholders how they can operationalize the UN 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' Framework, by taking practical steps to address business impacts on the human rights of individuals. The UN Human Rights Council had endorsed the Framework unanimously in 2008, and asked Ruggie to provide this additional concrete guidance.
Click here to read the full text document -


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They really are flying off the needles.
When I started this run of scarves, I only intended to knit a couple of them. Now, it's an obsession. I can't stop: the yarn, the patterns, the instant gratification. It's like a drug. And unlike Huey Lewis, I don't want a new drug.
Ruffled Sunset Scarf
What: Ruffled Sunset Scarf
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky: One full skein of Carnival
Needles: sizes 10 & 17, Knit Picks Options
Pattern: Baby Ruffle
Date started: 3/22/07
Date finished: 3/23/07
Dimensions: 7.5″ x 39″
Lesson Learned: None. I still love this yarn. The variegated is even softer than the solid colors.
Destination: Warm The World
There is another scarf on the needles. Tomorrow is supposed to be cool and rainy; perfect for knitting. I think the storm is already marching this way:


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In fact, free throws were the difference in the game overall. ETSU hit 30-of-36 free throws while the Lady Bisons were 10-of-12. The score was tied 23-23 at intermission.
With 10:09 left to play the Lady Bisons held a 40-36 lead on a layup by Morgan Faulkner.
At 9:24 ETSU's Latisha Belcher hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 40-40.
The Lady Bisons once again took the lead at 45-42 on a 3-point shot by forward Valerie Bronson with 7:06 left on the clock.
Again ETSU fought back and tied the game at 45-45 on a free throw by Tara Davis with 6:30 remaining.
Belcher connected on another pair of free throws at 5:48 to give ETSU a 47-45 lead. The Lady Bisons would not lead or tie the game the rest of the way.
Guard Jenna Bartsokas scored 12 points to lead the Lady Bisons. Center Jess Reece and forward Hannah Phillips each added 10 points.
Phillips just missed a double-double as she hauled down nine rebounds.
ETSU forward Natalie Pickwell scored a game-high 20 points, with six of her points at the free throw line. She was slightly below her per game average with two 3-point field goals.
Davis added 17 points with nine from the free throw line.
Belcher and Gwen Washington each chipped in 10 points.
Belcher recorded a double-double tying with Tosha Austin for the game high on the boards with 11.
The Lady Bisons are 8-18 overall, 5-12 in the A-Sun. ETSU, which is expected to be the No. 1 seed in the A-Sun Tournament, improved to 17-10 overall, 14-4 in the conference.
Monday night at 7 the Lady Bisons are back home at Allen Arena for the last time this season. It will be "Think Pink"/"Pack the House" night and will also be "Senior Night".
Written by Mark McGee, Senior Publisher/Director of Media Relations.


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Bindings explained
Hi, thanks for this useful article. It is something that I don't get. In the asoundrc example file, I can read "They have been split into top row and bottom row with channels 0-7+16-25 on rme9652_0 and channels 8-15+26-27 on rme9652_1." But it is no channel numbered 26 or 27 into this asoudrc.
If I understand well the code into the file, both sound cards are using the same virtual stereo channels 24 and 25. And we have 27 bindings for 25 channels. --Dominique 17:53, 23 May 2009 (CEST)
Samplerate limit in the asoundrc
rate parameter in asoundrc is setting the samplerate of the Alsa Device. But, what im looking for is the possibility to limt the samplerate in a range of min to max.
Possible errors in Plugin section
Hey everyone, since I just heard of .asoundrc yesterday I would not call myself an expert and edit the wiki. Due to this lack of knowledge I just want to point you experts to some (in my view) inconsistencies in the Plugins section:
First, I think the fourth listing is missing something. In the second listing the slave device sl2 has pcm "hw:1,0" and is slave of rate_convert. However, the fourth listing does not state pcm "hw:1,0" in the slave definition. Such an example can be found in the ALSA plugin documentation.
Second, the rate for the slave is set to 48000 in the listings. Opposing to that the text says it converts the samples to 44.1 kHz.
Third, the last listing says: "make this address of.the second channel on my real soundcard.be the second pcm device on my new soundcard" In my opinion the it should be "the second pcm device on my REAL soundcard". Of course, the same holds for the second last listing.
If I'm completely wrong on any of those things, please inform me and don't just delete my (possibly erroneous) correction suggestions.
Thanks :)


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Twisted Andes Adventure 2013 – Day 6 and 7Posted in Events on October 3, 2013
The Twisted Andes Adventure continues in the south of Chile for the 6th day. We hit the road south early so we could take in two trails that lay 200 miles away in Linares. The local wheelers met us and guided our caravan into the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This is where the twisted part comes from; the deep ravines switch back and forth, causing the axles to flex in opposite directions. Smooth and steady is the technique here while punching it only when necessary.
The Las Cruz trail wound around the mountains in slippery style, especial since it had started to rain. The decomposed granite formations made the twisties more fun with both looseness and grip. Rolls and breakage marked the end of the first trail, as we hit the second trail just as the rain began to pour. Trail two consists of a deep slot in the hillside barely wide enough for a full size 4x4. Even smaller rigs bounce side to side like pinballs while grasping for traction in the soupy mud, steeply climbing into the hills at night with the ground level over the cab roof is as challenging as it gets. The lack of visibility and slippery slopes caused another roll, one that took hours to recover.
On the seventh day of the twisted Andes Adventure, we rested – sort of. The plan was to regroup and rebuild after drying out from the night before. The night run had taken its toll on vehicles and participants alike. Broken windows, crushed cabs, busted axles, and even a bent Hi-Lift jack were counted as casualties.
The group departed on separate schedules as a restful day, so they could find spare parts and fix the carnage in-route. Along the way we stopped at Salto Del Laja, a beautiful waterfall and resort in the Andean foothills. But as always the weather conspired with the night to slow us down. Heavy rains and a jeep with no wipers caused a slow trip to the town of Cunco, nested near the Andes amid lakes, trails and snow.


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
The current charm offensive by new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has not had the same effect on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as it has on other world leaders.
While attending a gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York this week, Netanyahu insisted that the policies of the Islamic Republic have not changed, even if the head of state has, and any nation that alters its approach to Iran just because of Rouhani's smile is a fool.
Netanyahu went a step further, ordering Israeli diplomats to conspicuously exit the General Assembly hall when Rouhani took the podium.
But Rouhani was doing his best to make the Israeli leader look intransigent. In an interview with CNN, Rouhani appeared to finally acknowledge the Nazi Holocaust against the Jews as a historical event, a gesture his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, very notably refused to make.
However, Netanyahu cautioned that, much as North Korea did in recent years, Iran is now looking to ease international pressure over its defiant nuclear program by making cosmetic concessions. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to push forward toward acquiring an atomic bomb.
In his own address before the UN General Assembly, Rouhani repeated the claim that Iran is interested in nuclear power only for peaceful purposes, and that anything else would be "contrary to our religious beliefs." He went on to describe Iran as an anchor of peace and stability in the Middle East.
US President Barack Obama seemed to be taken in by Rouhani's demeanor, much to the chagrin of Israel. Speaking from the UN podium, Obama said the US was ready to reengage Iran, but that Rouhani must back up his words with actions. The American added that US diplomacy in the Middle East currently has two focal points, Iran's quest for nuclear weapons and the Israeli-Arab conflict, a coupling that makes Israel very uncomfortable.
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Is There Enough Room for Multiple Races During the Same Weekend in MABRA?
Maybe. Maybe Not. Yes and No.
The BIGGEST race this upcoming weekend for MABRAians should be the Tour of Page County Stage Race and by all accounts, it is. However, it's not without a little overlapping of new bike races as well as some pretty prominent local teams racing in other spots around the country. More on that on Friday. First, we kick a dead horse.
If you are a member of the MABRA listserve and have the stomach to check it out, even on an occasional basis, you might recall a big bashing of Joe Jefferson. Yes, the same guy who, along with his club, has put the Sugar the Honey and the Ice Tea in dozens upon dozens of races over the years throughout Washington County, Maryland. His reasoning, which didn't seem to come soon enough for some, was a financial one. Women, historically, weren't producing revenue. Still, that wasn't good enough for some and a few got upset and said they'd boycott races. One female rider, who is not even located within the Mid-Atlantic and whose presence here was a just a blip on the radar, went so far to tweet to a main sponsor of Tour of Washington County:
Ky Hunter @RambaKy Apr 8
@SRAMroad very disappointed you choose to be the title sponsor of ToWC, a race that is taking HUGE steps backward and excluding women.
What? How does THAT make things better?
I dunno, rather than complain over social media and call for a boycott of races from a promoter publicly on a listserve try to do something positive about it. Find a company that might be interested in sponsoring women's races, come up with some positive ideas that can be executed or host a women's clinic much like is being done at the Dawg Days course this upcoming Sunday.... THE WORLD OWES YOU NOTHING.
Speaking of the world, I know it isn't perfect and that promoters are often held hostage by the dates that they can actually host the events so I'm not assigning blame here to anyone. If the world was perfect, the Melford Circuit Race, The Salisbury Twilight Crit and the Page Valley Circuit Race would not be held during the same weekend.
Thankfully for Page Valley race promoter, Chris Gould, who seems to pour his heart and soul into hosting races, Page Valley looks to have pretty standard registration numbers with Cat 3/4, 4/5 filled and about 40 women total signed up for the races. That's not that bad. I'm assuming the 17 or so women signed up for Melford are more interested in a learning experience than the stage race experience. That actually works.
However, a new race busted onto this year that almost nobody signed up for. Most likely because people DID want the experience of a stage race rather than a downtown twilight criterium experience...which is also pretty freakin' sweet.
I do remember the Salisbury Festival Twilight Crit was announced. It had a 1/2/3 race with a pretty nice payout. With very low registration numbers, that seemed to have changed and the 1/2/3 field was eliminated and now the Cat 3/4 race is the main event.
I feel bad for the promoters of this event because it seems to be an example of them probably only having ONE DATE to choose from since the event was to take place the same weekend as the town's festival. Speaking of a festival in Salisbury, I'm not sure what they celebrate besides Frank Perdue. It's the gateway town to Ocean City for most. My guess is that some people would take advantage if it were summertime; hit the beach, do a crit, and then knock back a few mind erasers at Seacrets in Ocean City. Race promoter dudes..convince the town to have their festival in the summer, when the stench of industrialized chicken is at its highest, do the crit, then head over to Ocean City to check out all the celebrities on the boardwalk.
I just hope that this race can eventually happen because it does sound really cool. See you out on the tarmac!


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iKite is a great resource, and relatively speaking, priced affordably. What do you end up spending 80 or 100 bucks on? Could be eating out a couple times, a couple weeks of coffee and pastries, or something equally trivial which ends up costing more than you think over the long run. They do their best to get forecasts right, and the real-time wind conditions and stats are the real draw. Not just for the Bay, but if you travel too - Hatteras, South Padre, Hawaii, etc.
If it helps any, you can get a discounted membership here:


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Roberto Cavalcanti, Brazil, moderated the event celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Amazon Regional Protected Area (ARPA) initiative and profiling the ARPA for Life Initiative, which aims to protect ten percent of the Brazilian Amazon and ensure the sustainable use of its resources.
Braulio Dias, Executive Secretary, CBD, highlighted the success of the ARPA initiative in increasing PAs and developing creative ways to mobilize sustainable financial support through public-private partnerships.
Izabella Monica Vieira Teixeira, Minister of Environment, Brazil, via video address, stressed that ARPA for Life offers a new vision and innovative policies for regional and international cooperation on biodiversity conservation.
Gertrud Sahler, Germany, highlighted 20 years of cooperation with Brazil on biodiversity and underscored: achievements in pairing international commitments with on-the-ground impact; innovative partnerships; and innovative institutional and technical solutions. Rosa Lemos, Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO), discussed the ARPA goal of protecting 60 million hectares, and discussed innovations in financial management, including the Protected Areas Fund (FAP), a trust fund for long-term sustainability.
Naoko Ishii, GEF, praised the initiative's innovative partnerships, observing that they should be replicated globally. On lessons learned, she highlighted the focus on sustainable financing, noting that financial sustainability of PAs is a priority under GEF-5. Rachel Kyte, World Bank, highlighted endowments as a useful conservation mechanism. She noted that ARPA takes an integrated landscape management approach, with a focus on territorial development, PA connectivity, extractive reserves, and livelihoods.
Guillermo Castilleja, Gordon and Betty Moor Foundation, pledged continued support to the initiative. On next steps, he stressed creating new alliances and ensuring PAs are the "backbone for economic development." Lasse Gustavsson, WWF, highlighted the need for continued support to ARPA for Life, noting its significance globally. Mauricio Dorfler, Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, spoke on the organization's strategic work on PAs and welcomed efforts to expand best practices from ARPA to other member countries. Francisco Gaetani, Brazil, focused on steps forward, including: private sector contribution; new public dialogues on PAs; long-term financial commitments; and expanding efforts to other biomes.
Mauro J. Capóssoli Armelin
Paulino de Carvalho, Brazil, noted that the Nagoya Protocol text is quite balanced and that balance should also be reflected within the context of the WTO.
Jaysahree Watal, WTO, observed that on one hand the CBD provides for the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs), whilst also stipulating that IPRs should be supportive and not run counter to the objectives of the Convention. She highlighted two issues on: whether or not there is a conflict between the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement and the CBD; and whether or not something needs to be done in the WTO on TRIPS to ensure compliance.
Watal outlined four positions regarding the compatibility of the TRIPS Agreement and CBD that: there is no conflict between TRIPS and the CBD; there is no inherent conflict, however undecided on whether international action is desirable; there is no inherent conflict but international action is desirable, such as a disclosure requirement on patent applicants and an amendment to TRIPS; and that there is inherent conflict and a TRIPS amendment is necessary and patents over genetic resources are not compatible with sovereignty. Watal observed that the discourse approach, obliging patent applicants using genetic resource and associated Traditional Knowledge (TK) inventions to disclose the source country where known, is favored by Brazil, China, India, the EU, the African Group and others.
Markus Lehmann, SCBD, provided a background and an overview of the Nagoya Protocol. He noted that the Protocol aims to provide a legal framework to articulate the quid pro quo that underpins ABS by providing for access to genetic resources subject to prior informed consent in exchange for the fair and equitable share of benefits derived from their use.
Paulino de Carvalho, Brazil, discussed the Brazilian perspective on IPRs and the CBD, emphasizing the necessity of preventing the erroneous issuance of patents. He noted that the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol cannot just be achieved through contractual arrangements and a more general framework is required. He also noted that the Protocol was flexible and allowed countries to designate check points. He outlined his county's support, together with others, for amending the TRIPS agreement by inserting a disclosure of origin requirement of genetic resources and/or associated TK.
Karin Feriter, US, highlighted her country's position favoring a contractual approach, however acknowledging that it is not enough. She also supported developing a code of conduct as well as ethical guidelines and expressed reluctance to turn "the patent system into an enforcement system for other laws." She emphasized that the disclosure requirement should not be added to the patent system because this would introduce an unreasonable formality, which is not required.
www.wto.org www.cbd.int
Jayashree Watal
CBD Secretariat
Measuring and Mainstreaming Natural Capital and Leveraging Biodiversity Finance
Presented by European Commission, World Bank, UNEP/TEEB, UNDP
Pema Gyamtsho, Bhutan, said "we look at our biodiversity as a bank. We want to know what capital we have, what interest we can earn, and how much we can spend for social development, poverty reduction and environmental protection."
Rachel Kyte, World Bank, outlined The Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) project, a global partnership to integrate the value of ecosystem services into national accounting work. She explained that WAVES would: implement UN-agreed methodologies for environmental accounting; measure ecosystem services; and work with partner countries on sector-based accounting.
Pavan Sukhdev, TEEB, discussed country-level studies and The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Business Coalition working to provide guidelines for corporations to assess impacts on nature based on international standards. Sukhdev introduced the TEEB National Implementation: Reflecting the Value of Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Policymaking, a project managed by UNEP.
Veerle Vandeweerd, UNDP, launched the UNDP managed project Building Transformative Policy and Financing Frameworks to Increase Investment in Biodiversity Management. She noted that the EC had contributed 4 million Euro and UNDP-GEF had contributed 2.4 million Euro. Vandeweerd explained that the project would be piloted in eight countries, and would contribute to a new generation of NBSAPs that include natural accounting for biodiversity.
Pema Gyamtsho, Bhutan, discussed the integration of ecosystems into Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index and into the country's national accounting. Tania Villegas, Ecuador, observed that in her country the economics of nature is taken very seriously and nature is used as a driver for social equity, noting the need to capitalize on interesting initiatives.
Jonathan Davis, Liberia, highlighted challenges to valuing natural capital in Liberia. He observed that although his country is well endowed with natural capital, it has not had an opportunity to value it. He noted that the challenge would be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the ecosystems and assign an appropriate value.
Carlos Rodriguez, Conservation International, provided a perspective from Costa Rica, observing that from 1986, his country had been able to grow while at the time taking care of natural capital. He highlighted four elements for achieving this: protecting natural capital through a strong, consolidated system of PAs; understanding the economics of nature and addressing perverse incentives; institutional transformation; and good governance, political stability and enhancing the means of doing business.
Yves de Soye
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Recently retired Baker University Professor Tony Brown '83 will give the Commencement address for fall graduates of Baker on Sunday, December 14 in Baldwin City, Kansas. Brown will address the undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing, and the School of Professional and Graduate Studies.
Tony Brown has been a professor at Baker since 1990. He received his bachelor's degree from Wabash and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While at Wabash he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University.
Founded in 1858 as the first university in Kansas, Baker is a private liberal arts college with 4,000 students in 40 undergraduate degree programs and three graduate programs.
During his tenure at Baker, Brown has received several teaching awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Award, the Most Outstanding Professor Award and the Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching. He has served as the director of the First Year Student Program, director of the University Honors Program, and as chairman of the psychology department.
He has been active in the Baldwin City community, serving on the City Council, as vice president of the Black Jack Battlefield Trust, and in numerous offices in the Baldwin City Lions Club. Brown retired from full-time teaching in the spring of 2008 to pursue other professional opportunities. At the time of his retirement, he was inducted into the Baker University Academic Hall of Fame.
Those "other professional opportunities" included a successful run for political office — he is currently State Representative-Elect for the 10th District of the Kansas House. (Brown is pictured at an election night party — photo courtesy of Baker University.)
"I'm hoping we can make a good state education system even better," Brown told the Lawrence Journal-World Journal at the time of his election. "I'm hoping to help improve the healthcare system. I'm hoping to help come up with an energy plan that's environmentally sound."
More on Brown's election run for the Kansas House can be found at the Lawrence Journal-World.