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Bailian: From Brick & Mortar to Brick & Click using OpenStack, DevOps
But what happens when the market flips on its ear?
This was the situation in which Shanghai-based Bailian group found itself in several years ago. China's largest retailer, the chain of more than 6000 grocery and department stores was spread all over the country.
Many of the brick-and-mortar company's online competitors, such as JD.com, Suning, and Taobao were introducing new sites and campaigns, and other traditional enterprises were moving to a multi-channel strategy. In 2014, Bailian decided to join them.
Chinese consumers bought close to $600 billion in online goods during 2015, a 33 percent increase from the prior year. The company knew that if it were going to survive, it had to solve several major problems:
- Lack of agility: Some applications were not cloud native and took months to update, and waiting for a new server could take weeks, slowing development of new applications to a crawl.
- Server underutilization: As much hardware as Bailian was using, there was still a huge amount of unused capacity that represented wasted money. It had to be streamlined and simplified.
Choosing a platform"Our transition from traditional brick and mortar to omni-channel business presented a great opportunity but an equally large challenge," says Lu Qichuan, Director of IaaS and Cloud Integration Architecture, Bailian Group. "We needed a large scale IT platform that would enable our innovation and growth." Thinking big, Lu and his team outlined four guiding principles for their new platform — fast development, dynamic scaling, uncompromised availability, and low cost of operations. These guidelines would support aggressive online growth targets through 2020.
And it wasn't as though Bailian was a stranger to online commerce. The company was already running a Shanghai grocery delivery service, on its existing IT platforms. But it knew that its existing applications, which were not yet cloud-ready, weren't just complex to support; they also required long development cycles. Add to this the desire to not just port legacy applications such as supply chain logistics and data management to the new, more flexible infrastructure, but also to reclaim applications running on public cloud, and the way forward was clear: private cloud was what Bailian needed.
But which? The company had already zeroed in on many of the advantages of OpenStack. In particular, Bailian Group was impressed by the platform's continuous innovation, with rich new feature sets every six months. The IT team also valued OpenStack's lower licensing and maintenance cost, flexible architecture, and its complete elimination of vendor lock in.
Finally, Bailian Group is a state-owned enterprise, so when China's Ministry of Industry and Information (MIIT) officially declared its support for the OpenStack ecosystem, the decision was straightforward.
Bailian Group then selected the OpenStack managed services of UMCloud, the Shanghai-based joint venture between Mirantis and UCloud, China's largest independent public cloud provider. UMCloud's charter to accelerate OpenStack adoption and embrace China's "Internet Plus" national policy closely matched Bailian Group's platform strategy. "We found OpenStack to be the most open and flexible cloud technology, and Mirantis and UMCloud to be the best partners to help us launch our new omni-channel commerce platform," says Lu.
Start small, think big, scale fastBailian Group's IT leaders worked with Mirantis and UMCloud to quickly build a 20-node MVP (minimum viable product) using the latest OpenStack distribution and Fuel software to deploy and manage all cloud components. The architecture included Ceph distributed storage, Neutron and OVS software defined networking, KVM virtualization, F5 load balancers, and the StackLight logging, monitoring and alerting (LMA) toolchain.
With this early success, the team quickly added capacity and will soon reach 300 nodes and 5000 VMs in this first phase of a three phase, five-year plan. Already a handful of applications are in production on the new platform, including one that manages offline-to-online store advertisement images using distributed Ceph storage. The team has also added new cloud application development tools and processes that foster a CI/CD and DevOps culture and increase innovation and time-to-market. This development environment includes a PaaS platform powered by the Murano application catalog and Sahara for data analysis.
For phase two, the IT team anticipates expanding the OpenStack platform to 500 nodes across two data centers and more than 10,000 applications by the end of 2018. Phase two will also add a Services Oriented Architecture (SOA), microservices, and dynamic energy savings.
Embracing the strategy of starting small, thinking big, and scaling fast, phase three will extend to 3000 nodes and over 10 million virtual machines and applications by the end of 2020. Phase three will also add an industry cloud and SaaS services that drive prosperity of the retail business and show other retailers the processes and benefits of cloud platform innovation and offline to online digital transformation.
Interested in more information about how Bailian Group is making the most of OpenStack to solve its agility problems? Get the full case study.


text: The Qajar rulers were members of the Karagöz or "Black-Eye" sect of the Qajars, who themselves were members of the Karapapak or "Black Hats" lineage of the Oghuz Turks. Qajars first settled during the Mongol period in the vicinity of Armenia and were among the seven Qizilbash tribes that supported the Safavids.[GARD]

subset: commoncrawl


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1. The best (or worst) brawls of Black Friday 2015
It's one of the more dubious American traditions: Shoppers line up hours before stores open their doors for a chance at a few "door buster" sales.
Chaos ensues. People fight one another for television sets and toys. And it's all captured on tape for the rest of us to gawk.
It was the most-viewed CNNMoney video on Facebook in 2015.
Luckily, Black Friday sales are no longer limited to those brave enough to risk WWE Elbow Mania at the mall. An online sales report from Adobe said Americans spent more than $2.7 billion online on Black Friday this year.
2. Watch robots 3D print a bridge
An ambitious engineering project in Amsterdam is making use of robots to build a bridge over a canal.
The robots begin at one side of the canal, adding small amounts of molten metal to create lines in midair. The lines intersect to create a self-supporting structure -- in this case, a bridge.
3. See Amazon's new robot army
Amazon's next-generation fulfillment centers are complete with gigantic robotic arms and machines to help prepare customer orders.
The 10 higher-tech fulfillment centers will help Amazon (AMZN) ship products faster to its customers, the company says.
4. IPhone 6S: Cost to build
Though the iPhone 6S looks a lot like its predecessor, the latest iPhone includes some advanced features that make the phone better to use -- and a bit more expensive for Apple to make.
The biggest changes include 3D Touch, a better camera, and a Taptic Engine.
Despite the advancements, some analysts are concerned that Apple might not surpass the number of iPhones it sold a year ago.
-- CNNMoney's David Goldman and Aurelio Kim contributed to this report.


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New Jersey Institute for Disabilities
The New Jersey Institute for Disabilities (NJID) is one of the largest not-for-profit agencies of its kind in the nation providing services to infants, children, and adults with developmental and related disabilities. NJID offers specialized facilities, programs, and support throughout New Jersey. Come join our dedicated staff of more than 500 and make a difference in someone's life!
We are currently recruiting for a group home Assistant Manager in Toms River, NJ. The group home Assistant Manager is responsible for training and supervising staff, and assisting in assessments and medical appointments. The qualified candidate must have strong organizational and communication skills, have a responsible attitude, and be reliable. The ability to assist with client care and transportation is required. The qualified candidate will share on-call responsibilities with the group home Manager and provide effective leadership and direction to staff in the absence of the manager.
Job Requirements:
Position Details:
Location: Toms River County: Ocean
Hours Per Work Week: 40 Weekly Work Schedule: Tues – Weds 2:30p – 11:30p, Fri 1p-9p and Sat 8:30a-2:30p
Other shifts are available at this location.
NJID has full-time, part-time, and per diem direct support opportunities in Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset Counties.
Please apply online at www.njid.org and click on the careers tab or fax your resume to 732-590-1798.
COVID-19 Considerations
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety and security of the individuals we serve and our employees have been of the utmost importance to us. To that end, NJID follows stringent protocols which comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State and local public health guidelines. NJID ensures necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is made available for all employees.
NJID EOE Statement
It is NJID's policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expressing, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an agency, we value diversity of background and opinion and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, fringe benefits, layoff, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.


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Security is probably something you have not given much attention to, but you may inadvertently be at a high risk simply because you're a foreigner. Christians often ignore these risks and assume that God will protect them because they're doing his work, yet the large number of mission workers who have been robbed, raped, injured in accidents, abducted or executed makes it clear that these risks are very real and need to be planned for.
Risky situations include natural disaster, terrorist attack, military coup, revolution, riot, transport accident, robbery, rape, kidnap and imprisonment. But some of these events can happen anywhere – even in your home country – so don't be put off your God-given mission by the risk, but take steps to manage the risk instead. You need to take steps to avoid all these situations, and develop a plan for what to do in the event of an emergency.
Before departure, check up on local conditions as advised by your own government, and check this advice regularly for updates. When your government advises its citizens to leave your host country, you would be extremely unwise to stay. If you're British, subscribe to the FCO's information service (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) so that you are kept up to date.
Keeping safe in your host country is a matter of common sense, and many of the things you need to be aware of are no different to the precautions you would take if you were in London, Paris or New York. However you need to be aware at all times that you may be in a country whose government and people may be hostile to Christians, to your mission and to people of your nationality in general. This heightens the security risk. You may also be a target for thieves and kidnappers because you are perceived to be wealthy. So extra caution may be necessary if you are to survive long enough to accomplish your ministry.
Here are some specific tips we can give you from our experience:
• Panic! Try to keep calm, keep your voice down and defuse a tense situation rationally.
• Go out on your own, or after dark, or without a local escort unless local leadership says it's ok.
• Criticise the government, army or police.
• Make sudden moves at checkpoints or when being robbed.
• Make jokes when dealing with officials.
• Stop after an accident if your vehicle is still drivable. Find the nearest police station and report the accident.
• Attend any political rallies.
• Take credit cards with you unless you know you are going to need them.
• Accept lifts from (or give lifts to) strangers.
• Leave bags unattended.
• Take with you anything that you can't afford to lose.
• Take photographs of police, checkpoints, airports, government offices or military installations.
• Put up a fight.
• Let a woman get in a taxi on her own.
• Head off the beaten track without an appropriate guide or security guard.
• Use any form of transport that looks unsafe, or if the driver looks tired, drunk or high.
• Flaunt wealth like watches, cameras, iPads or jewellery. If you can't afford to lose it, don't take it.
• Carry large amounts of cash on you.
• Take photocopies of your passport and ticket and carry them with you at all times while leaving the original securely locked in a safe at your base.
• If you have to carry money keep most of it in a hidden money belt and keep it out of sight. Don't use it like a bum bag/fanny pack
• If you have a laptop, mobile, expensive camera or iPod, try to keep it out of sight and don't use it in public.
• Be polite and patient with government officials, police and military.
• Make sure somebody always knows where you are.
• Avoid angry or violent crowds.
• In the event of civil unrest, stay inside and phone for help.
• Keep vehicle windows wound up and doors locked in towns so people can't steal things.
• Always follow the advice of resident mission workers and/or local hosts.
• Keep the windows and doors to your room shut when you're not in the room – even if you're still in the same building.
• Keep an eye on luggage, particularly if someone comes up to talk to you, as they might be a decoy for a thief.
• Dress modestly according to local convention, particularly when visiting religious sites.
• Make sure you know the address and phone number of where you're staying.
• Report any incident immediately to the police or your embassy as appropriate.
• Know what the evacuation plan is.
• Try not to attract attention to yourself by dressing differently from locals.
• Be aware of who might be watching or following you. A man who engages you in conversation may be a decoy for an accomplice creeping up behind you.
• Avoid going to dubious areas at night.
• Try to travel in the company of locals whom you can trust.
• Try to travel only in well-maintained vehicles and always wear seat belts or crash helmets if possible.
• Carry with you high quality medical gloves to protect you from infected body fluids when helping others.


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When Cabrera Hits the Field, We Witness History
By Tom Zahari
Aug 11, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers third basemanMiguel Cabrera
hits a home run in the 9th inning against the New York Yankees during the game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
As sports fans, we like to sit back and complain about what is going wrong with our team. Instead of praising the Detroit Tigers for their 12 game win streak, fans asked, "What is the weakness of this team?" Fans are still calling for Jim Leyland to be fired for pitching Phil Coke too much, or playing Ramon Santiago or Andy Dirks. Every fan wants their team to be perfect, but not one team is perfect.
Instead of complaining about the shortfalls of this team, let's marvel at the man who is easily the best right handed batter in the game right now. He is the best batter in the game right now, period. Last year, he won the first Triple Crown in 45 years with a batting line of .330/.393/.606 with 44 HR, 139 RBI, a WAR of 6.9, and a wRC+ of 166.
This year, he has put up even better numbers. He has a batting line of .360/.453/.685 with 38 HR, 114 RBI, a WAR of 7.4 and a wRC+ of 207. Those numbers weren't put up in a full season, he has done it in 50 fewer games than last season. These numbers would be career numbers for any other player in baseball and Cabrera has done it in just 111 games and about 30 of those he has been ailed by a hurt hip flexor, abdominal muscle, and other lower body injuries. He cannot run out any plays without limping, so he has decided that instead of running, he will trot around the bases.
In the past 10 game road trip, Cabrera hit .372/.449/.837 with 6 HR and 15 RBI. He is the first batter to ever hit home runs in back to back at bats against Mariano Rivera and one of only 5 players ever hit multiple home runs off of Rivera.
Cabrera is having a season for the ages and we are running out of superlatives for the big man. His weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 207 is the 20th greatest of all time. The only player since 1957 to put up numbers that equal this is Barry Bonds which he did every year from 2001-2004 and there are many questions around those numbers.
On the first pitch this season, Cabrera has hit .487 with a SLG of .987 12 HR and 34 RBI. The most home runs that any other player has hit on the first pitch is 9. Cabrera is not one to watch film and sometimes he is seeing a pitcher for the first time when he steps up to the plate. He hits home runs to every part of the field and he will hit pitches in every part of the zone. He has hit pitches that were a foot off of the plate over the left field fence and he is not afraid to flick a pitch over the right field fence. Cabrera also has one of the best eyes in baseball. Pitchers who are lucky enough to get him down in the count 0-2 will try to get cute and throw a perfect pitch, and before you know it, the count is 2-2 or 3-2.
Miguel Cabrera has a chance to be the first back to back winner of the Triple Crown and I would take my chances that he will catch Chris Davis in the Home Run category, if he plays the rest of the season. Many people have called for Cabrera to take a DL stint or take an extended time off so he can recover from his injuries and get healthy for the postseason run.
I am not opposed to Miguel taking some time off to get healthy, because the main goal of this season is not to put up regular season numbers for the ages, it is to win a World Series. Every time that Cabrera steps onto the field, we as fans get to witness history. Appreciate what you are watching right now, because Cabrera is a once in a generation player. Every time he steps on the field, he does something with his bat that makes people say wow and try to find words that to describe the best hitter in the game.


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The Lord's Servant
"How can this be," Mary asked the angel…"? Luke 1:34
This young Jewish girl knew she was a virgin. She must have been in a state of utter amazement when the prononcement came that she was to have a child.
" he Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…" Luke 1:35
Mary was chosen for this Divine appointment because she was pure, devoted, faith filled and made ready by God Almighty.
Even though it seemed an impossibility– she received and believed.
" For with God nothing is impossible." Luke 1:37
What are your impossibilities?
Is there a roadblock, a mountain– a "no way through"?
Our God loves the impossible because when HE does it –you and I will never be able to take credit for it! We are living in a time where the extreme is the normal and the normal doesn't seem to exist.
BUT OUR GOD Is still WITH US.( Acts 17:27)
We are not alone.
HE knows ALL things because HE IS IN ALL THINGS!
On our own–We run out of time, love, money, patience and eventually hope.
IN HIM the very impossibility becomes a bridge of faith to the impossible!
Mary answered the overwhelming challenge with these words– " I am the Lord's servant." Luke1:38a
Are you?
If you are, then– the IMPOSSIBLITIES of your life are pregnant with supernatural POSSIBILITY!
Mary acknowledged the SOVEREIGNTY of God when she said" May it be to me as you have said." Mark 1:38b
Mary birthed Jesus, the Savior of the world.
From that moment forward– impossibilities became possible!
Because as HE grew into manhood and went to a Cross, shedding His blood for the sin of all mankind ( yours and mine)– we were given the eternal gift of belonging to God– FOREVER– identity, resource, a family!
Hallelujah what a Savior!
Born in a lowly manager, HE was.
Everything surrounding his birth seemed impossible.
What is surrounding your life at this moment?
Surrender your burden to the burden bearer.
HE has enough of whatever you need.
He is the gift.
Your heart could be the manager for His spiritual life in you.
Jesus says, " Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Lay down your pain, anxiety, fear, isolation–your past and open your heart to Jesus.
If you are a believer bogged down in circumstance– give it over to Him. Reclaim your inheritance as a servant. He loves to " make all things new." Look to Him –the author and finisher of your faith. HE IS ABLE.
If you have never been assured that you are his child– pray with me:
" Jesus, I come to YOU. Yes, I 've messed up my life but I long to know YOU. I need to belong to YOU. I want YOU as my Savior, my God, my Refuge. Forgive me. Cleanse me from all my sin for I do believe YOU went to a CROSS long ago and shed your blood for me– for my sin. Thank YOU. From this moment forward I will choose to believe that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE— because I now KNOW I belong to YOU as your child. I want to be YOUR SERVANT. I now believe and receive. Hear my prayer for I do pray it in YOUR NAME alone."
Let us vow to remember what His birth brought to this world.
Christmas begins in the heart.
Merry Christmas to all.
God Bless each of you,
Christmas 2019


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The 291 from Liberty Pumps is an Automatic Sump/Effluent Pump w/ Wide Angle Float Switch, 3/4HP, 10' cord, 115V. It has a discharge of 1-1/2NPT and can handle solids up 3/4". The Liberty 291 is best used for residential and commercial heavy-duty pumping of large volumes of drainage, effluent and waste water, and other non-corrosive, non-explosive liquids. The Liberty 291 automatic submersible effluent sump pump has a shut-off of 48' of head and comes with a quick disconnect 10' power cord.
The Liberty 291 provides a cost-effective mid-range pump for on-site waste water systems, liquid waste transfer and commercial heavy duty sump pump applications that require higher head or more flow. Liberty's unique Uni-Body casting will provide years of reliable performance.
Wide-Angle Float with Quick Disconnect design;
Liberty's unique, one-piece "Uni-Body" casting;
Permanently lubricated upper and lower bearings;
Oil-filled, hermetically sealed motors with thermal overload protection;
Stainless steel, removable bottom screen;
416 Stainless steel rotor shaft;
All fasteners - corrosion-resistant stainless steel;
Semi-Open impeller permitting passage of solids up to 3/4";
Epoxy powder coat finish;
1-1/2" Discharge;
Stainless steel bottom screen - easily removable;
Maximum fluid temperature 140F;
Technical Specifications:
|Product Specs
|Cord Length:
|10 ft
|Flow at 5 FT Head:
|Horse Power:
|Shutoff Head (ft.):


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Reporter Tom Scheffey has an interesting story in the Connecticut Law Tribune about a public-records fight over psychiatric records of Civil War soldiers.
A professor and a graduate student at Central Connecticut State University wanted access to the records in connection with the student's research for his thesis involving post-traumatic stress disorder.
The state fought the request, citing a psychiatrist-patient privilege enacted in Connecticut in 1969. The professor and his student fought back, arguing that the privilege was not intended to be applied retroactively, and won a ruling from the state Freedom of Information Commission ordering release of the records.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Legal Skirmish over Civil War Psych Records
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Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'satellite'.
Xenon Powered Satellite Orbiting Dres
Diamonder posted a topic in Mission ReportsNow since it's orbiting Dres it's out of communication range so it has no control. I gave up on trying to get it to Dres orbit normally so I used Lazy Orbit by Halban on Spacedock. I did this since the purpose of this mission was to get a cool photo for my profile banner so I didn't mind. I hope you guys like the photo, until next time!
TESS Satellite
Matheo G posted a topic in KSP1 Mod ReleasesTESS for KSP i have recreate the TESS satellite for ksp you can download it here : Download (SpaceDock) - https://spacedock.info/mod/1836/TESS Satellite License - WTFPL if you have any problem tell me, i will do my best for resolve it ! (sorry for English mistake i am french ^^)
KerbSat 2
davifrancis60 posted a topic in KSP1 The Spacecraft ExchangeKerbSat 2 is a continuation of another satellite, Kerbsat 1, which is a satellite that can be launched into the Kerbin's orbit In this continuation I expand the rocket's limit a little more and make the Kerbsat reach the Mun. Again if you are Interested on it Click here for the Download (KerbalX) Details Type: VAB Class: satellite Part Count: 44 Pure Stock Some Images
KerbSat - 1
davifrancis60 posted a topic in KSP1 The Spacecraft ExchangeKerbSat The KerbSat Mission will be responsible for carrying a satellite in a rocket to Kerbin's orbit. That's All, Im not so good on developing rockets but yes i did this small satellite for fun. Details Type: VAB Class: satellite Part Count: 32 Pure Stock KSP: 1.12.1 If You are Interested Download it Here
Satellite to Duna!!!
Rapier12 posted a topic in KSP Fan WorksHey! Many of you might have sent Satellites to the Mun, and at Kerbin and Rarely to Duna and other Planets and the people who sent satellites to the Mun and at Kerbin are thinking of how can we send satellites to Duna. For that question, I have just the answer for that!!! Introducing, The Duna Satellite (Mardun) This Satellite was just made by me!!! and it consists of the satellite and its launcher that took it to Duna. Download Link below. Extract the Zip File and paste the craft file in your KSP Game. Link for Download: https://mega.nz/file/Tk4ASYTD#x3nizo2jLIKfVVIIkRaVFGX5RfFD-Zi9aYzbkyTxclo
Hello all Kerbonauts, Would you like the chance of flying a REAL satellite around Kerbin? Do you want to simulate a true to life satellite constellation that (in real life) images at 1 metre resolution? Then look no further Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) has teamed up with Coatl Aerospace to deliver a KSP version of SSTL's very own 300S1 satellite! SSTL satellite constellations provide daily orbital multi-spectral images to aid in mapping of environmental changes, vital for agriculture, disaster response and research. This download includes the 300S1 satellite and its payload adaptor. The KSP version of this capable satellite is a self-contained satellite part, equipped with all the subsystems required to keep it operational. The KSP satellite includes a representative imager, communication system, power generation and storage system, propulsion system and AOCS with representative dynamics. The satellite is available in career mode from the Advanced Exploration node, and includes Module Manager config files supporting for the following mods: DMagic Orbital Science Remote Tech SCANsat Textures Unlimited Download Spacedock - Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. - Satellite Pack Curseforge - Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. - Satellite Pack SSTL and Coatl Aerospace hope you enjoy playing with their creation and we can't wait to see how you use this in your Kerbal Universe! Please post images below of your SSTL 300S1 satellites in space! Future plans SSTL and Coatl Aerospace are planning on expanding the range of SSTL satellite platforms within this satellite pack. So keep an eye out for future updates and make sure you follow this thread! Challenges Check out the Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. - Constellation Forming Challenges to find interesting ways of using our parts in your game. Start Your Career in Outer Space If you want to take a leap from the digital world and build satellites for real, you should check out the SSTL Careers page. About SSTL Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science, communications, navigation, in-orbit servicing and beyond Earth infrastructure. The company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with 500 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments. Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched more than 50 satellites for 20 international customers – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA, international governments and commercial customers, with an innovative approach that is changing the economics of space. Headquartered in Guildford, UK, SSTL is part of Airbus. www.sstl.co.uk About Coatl Aerospace: Coatl Aerospace is a proud supporter of unmanned exploration. Check out ProbesPlus! for more satellite and science parts to add to your KSP collection! License: This mod is shared under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) licence.
[1.3.1] [v1.1.1] PanzerLabs AeroSpace K-Sat Series
JohnnyPanzer posted a topic in KSP1 Mod ReleasesThis mod provides the player with a new line of probe models called the K-Sat series, with integrated power (storage and generation) as well as buildt in antennas. It is usable in stock KSP, but it truly shines when used alongside Remote Tech, where the buildt in antennas can be put to good use. Alongside the probe cores the K-Sat series also includes some accessories, such as structural pylons, fuel tanks, stand-alone antennas and science equipment. It also comes with a brand new engine made specifically with satellites in mind. All parts are balanced to work equally well in all game modes. The probe cores may seem a bit costly in career, but the cost is taking the nuclear generated power into account and is actually a bit low compared to the stock nuclear generator when measured against charge per second. Mass has been calculated by comparing all integrated functions to stock parts. Download the mod here: SpaceDock -=::::::::v::::::::=- So how does it work? Just use the parts provided to build satellites. The upside compared to stock probes is that all K-Sat probes come with integrated power storage and generation and buildt in antennas. In a stock game the antennas are regular data transmitters, but when used with Remote Tech the K-Sat probes will provide several options for building various com networks. You can also use the new engine to get a bit moire Dv for your satellites, as it is has a very high Isp in vacuum, and you have a selection of structural pylons to choose from. If you so choose, you can also equip your satellites with the new inline science part that comes with all four sensors buildt into one. The K-Sat Series also includes a fuel tank, a stand-alone dish and an inline battery bank capable of storing 500 units of electrical charge. Can it be used in KSP 1.3.1? Yes. It also supports Remote Tech version 1.8.9 I think part A should do thing B instead! Balancing the gameplay has been trying since I have done it alone. Input and suggestions are therefore very welcome, please post your thought and I will take them into consideration for the next build. I found a bug! Good. Please share it in a post below, and I will look into it. Pics or it didn't happen Imgur Album -=::::::::v::::::::=- Installation 1. Locate your gamedata folder in your KSP installation. For example, if you are a Steam user it should be something like Steam/steamapps/common/Kerbal Space Program/GameData 2. Double click on the downloaded zip file (PzL_Ksat_1.1.zip) to open it up. 3. Drag and drop the folder named 'PanzerLabs' into your GameData directory. 4. If asked, allow windows to overwrite content (In case you have other PanzerLabs mods installed) 5. Drag and drop 'ModuleManager.3.0.1.dll' into your GameData directory. 6. Have a Gin & Tonic and enjoy the game. License This work uses the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. For a full legal text, go to: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode This means that you can: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. Under the following terms: Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. This work is distributed along with Module Manager, as permitted by the license of that particular work. Credit (and a deep gratitude) for Module Manager goes to it's original creator ialdabaoth as well as to the current caretaker of the project, sarbian. The forum thread for the original release can be found here: This work provides support for the mod Decal Stickers, as permitted by the license of that particular work. Decal Stickers was created by blackheart612 and can be found here: This work provides support for version checking through MiniAVC, as permitted by the license of that particular work. For more information on MiniAVC: -=::::::::v::::::::=- Changelog 1.1.1 -Fixed a typo that lowered the cost of the LO-242 by almost 75%. 1.1 -Included MiniAVC support -Included support for Decal Stickers -Updated all antennas for KSP 1.3.1 -Updated the MM patch for Remote Tech 1.8.9 -Changed folder structure -Changed category for the inline battery, from Utility to Electrical -Made the small dish (PzL-COM D1) physicsless -K-Sat PzL-BB 888 *Added "Marble" to the name *Added internal launch antenna *Added hibernation option *Added KerbNet access *Changed RT omni range to 2.5Mm -K-Sat PzL-LO 242 *Now allows surface attachments (on it, not with it) *Added "Lancelot" to the name *Added internal launch antenna *Added hibernation option *Added KerbNet access *Changed RT integrated omni range to 150km -K-Sat PzL-LO 1138 *Added "Cobra" to the name *Added internal launch antenna *Added hibernation option *Added KerbNet access *Changed RT dish range to 90Mm *Changed RT integrated omni range to 150km -K-Sat PzL-LO 1142 *Added "Crabhead" to the name *Added internal launch antenna *Added hibernation option *Added KerbNet access *Changed RT dish range to 50Gm *Changed RT integrated omni range to 150km 1.0 -Lowered the heat production of LFE-808 "Bolt" by a significant amount. It should no longer cause critical overheating of parts attached to it. -Changed the name of the tripod girder from "K-Sat Structural Support A" to the correct "K-Sat Structural Support C". -Changed the description of the tripod to differentiate it more from the regular structural support. -Added cross feed toggles for all Structural Supports. 0.9 -Initial Release.
Very speed satelite
Dr.Pyanco posted a topic in KSP1 DiscussionThe thing is this: I originally created a ship to "imitate" the Cassini-Huygens, the section that would land on Laythe I separated it successfully, I was about to enter Laythe but it just touched the atmosphere and went off to Jool. Nor did he fall into the latter but accelerated a lot. The discussion is, is this normal? I have not been able to calculate to what percentage of the speed of light this speed corresponds; Here an image.
KSP's commnet system
Autolyzed Yeast Extract posted a topic in KSP1 Gameplay Questions and TutorialsProbe: 3 OCTOs, 4 com-16 (3 functional) Relay satellite: 3 OCTOs, 3 RA-2 antenna level 3 tracking station The crafts are well within range of eachother. the relay sat has 100% connection to KSC. The probe just lost connection to the KSC minutes ago. It refuses to connect to the relay satellite. I'm getting really sick and tired of my crafts specifically interplanetary probes refusing to connect to relay satellites for absolutely no reason whatsoever, someone PLEASE TELL ME WHY IT IS NOT CONNECTING TO THE DAMN RELAY.
CommSat orientation
paul.ko posted a topic in KSP1 Gameplay Questions and TutorialsI'm completely new to KSP and currently trying to set up a CommNet. Is it necessary for the relay antenna on a communication satellite to point at Kerbin? Also, do you need two (relay) antennae, one on each side? (the 1st one aligned to Kerbin, the 2nd one to e.g. a probe)
Welcome To The Clever Sats Development Thread (Marketing) Clever Sats is a contract pack for Contract Configurator aimed at improving the stock satellite contracts. Contracts added by the pack are intended to improve the realism replayabilty and depth of satellite contracts. ^Clever Sats's New Logo^ Tired of satellite contracts asking for the same thing over and over again with no end insight? Finding that launching satellites feels pointless? Unrealistic orbits annoying the space nerd in you? Try Clever Sats for some realism replayabilty and depth in your satellite contracts! [Clever Sats Github] Development "Continued" by @Mark Kerbin and @VaPaL with permission from @severedsolo Future Development Plans; This "Roadmap/ Changelog Is Pulled From The Github, If You Want More Upto Date News & Info Use That. =) Less colorful tho. [Roadmap On Github] Info/Key; (P) This is planned but not necessarily going to happen (T) This is in testing (D) This is ready for next release (R) Planned And Required For Release (TBD) Planned Feature But Not Currently Worked On Rewards are marked based on the "level" of funds and rep. This is for comparisons sake. Plans; Contract Types (R) Generic (T) Rewards: 1 fund : 1 reputation Launch generic satellite into a generic orbit - very common Weather (T) Rewards: 3 fund : 3 reputation Launch a weather satellite into keostationary orbit Mass Cap = 3t Uncommon Launch a weather satellite into polar orbit Mass Cap = 3t Rare Satellites must be above a certain region Spy (T) Rewards: 4 fund : 2 reputation Launch a spy satellite into keostationary/tundra/kolniya orbit Mass Cap = 5t Very Rare Communication (T) Rewards: 3 fund : 3 reputation Launch a communication satellite (3-5t) into keostationary orbit Mass Cap = 3-5t Common Launch a communication satellite (3-5t) into tundra orbit Mass Cap = 3-5t Uncommon - Rare Satellites must be above a certain region and have a relay antenna Observation (R) Rewards: 2 fund : 3 reputation : 2 science Launch a Kerbin observation satellite into polar orbit Common Miniaturized (T) Rewards: 1 fund : 2 reputation Launch a cub/mini/micro satellite (500-100kg) into generic orbit Mass Cap = 500-1000kg Common Multiple satellites per launch per launch (could be a bonus parameter) Science (T) Rewards: 3 fund : 3 reputation : 3 science (body dependent) Launch a science probe to another body (Mun, Duna...) Uncommon The idea is to give science points even when there are no more to be collected Survey (R) Rewards: 2 fund : 1 reputation Launch satellite equipped with scanner into a LKO generic orbit Uncommon Navigational (T) Rewards: 5 fund : 4 reputation Launch a navigational constellation Size = 24-27 Satellites Max Completed = 2 Rare Multiple contracts, one for each orbit inclination in the constellation Move (R) Rewards: (?) fund : (?) reputation : (?) science Move a satellite to a new orbit (within reason if possible) Uncommon Only launched by this pack contracts Excluding Weather Spy Communication Navigational Investigate (R) Rewards: 2 fund : 1 reputation Investigate a malfunctioning satellite (only manned?) Uncommon Decommission (R) Rewards: 1 fund : 1 reputation Decommission a science probe outside Kerbin system by crashing it into a sterile body Mission Time = 5+ Years Rare Decommission a science probe inside Kerin system by deorbiting it Rare Decommission a satellite (in LKO/MKO) by deorbiting it Common Decommission a satellite (in HKO) by moving it to a graveyard orbit Common Licensing Clever Sats 1.5(?) + licensed under MIT @Mark Kerbin & @VaPaL Clever Sats 1.4 & prior versions licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 @severedsolo Acknowlegments "Continued" (But not actually) by @Mark Kerbin and @VaPaL with permission from @severedsolo @nightingale as ever for his tireless work on Contract Configurator (you rock!) @severedsolo For the original Clever Sats pack.
Today im challenging you to try and beat my 0.4 ton unmanned mun lander satellite/spacecraft (aka the smallest satellite w/engine), which was originally supposed to be just a satellite that would orbit kerbin but when I decided to try and land it on the mun it was able to with extra fuel to return back to kerbin! This is the craft, you download it if you want: https://kerbalx.com/JohnsterSpaceProgram/Smallest-Satellite-wEngine
Satellite Map of Southern Kafrica
MedwedianPresident posted a topic in KSP Fan WorksSeveral weeks ago, I thought about how Kerbin would look realistically, under the satellite eye. I decided to create a pseudo-satellite image portraying the presumed vegetation and settlements realistically. I made it by superimposing the KerbalMaps picture of the region with various textures based on real-world mapping data. Enjoy.
Is this a acceptable satellite launch?
Astrowixa102 posted a topic in KSP1 Mission Reports----------EDIT - There seems to be a problem at 6:23 - Any one knows whats going on? ---------- Is this a acceptable launch? How do you move things to other categories so i dont slow anything down?
I am not sure of how to match my own orbit's inclination with the orbit that is shown on the map by a contract. I had to send a satellite into a specific orbit which was shown on the map. I had no problems with the apoapsis and periapsis (except for matching the exact spot for the ap and pe, I just eyeballed it, would appreciate a hint here as well) but when it came to matching up the inclination I was really struggling. The contract said the desired orbit had an inclination of 170 or so degrees but relative to what? I also had the argument of the periapsis and longitude of ascending node, just didn't know what they meant (still don't know). If I aligned the map/ planet with the orbit it looked like about 290 degrees. If I launched and put the navball on 170 I got nowhere. Can someone tell me how I can launch at the correct angle or sort of figure it out? And also how to adjust my orbit too once in the air, like you would do for a moon (using maneuver nodes doesn't work because I can't set an orbit as a target so I'm not sure how much normal of delta-v to add/ subtract)? In the end I just had to eyeball things by aligning the planet with the orbit and stuff like that which was fine but still way to much hassle in comparison to other things in this game. Also if you add normal or anti-normal the contract orbit tells you your ascending and descending nodes but maneuver nodes would be useful in this situation. I have Kerbal Engineer installed so I think there has to be a better way of doing these sorts of missions just not sure how. Would MechJeb help in this situation? Thanks in advance for any answers although I'll probably thank you again later
How to set up three relay sats.
GKSP posted a topic in KSP1 DiscussionHi guys. Today, I was toying with MJ while setting up relays around the Mun. In doing this, I have figured out a perfect way to set up your relay sattelites. 1. First off, this requires three relay sats, all attached to the same vessel, and, unless you are a rocket scie-- have internet access, MJ. 2. Get into the altitude you want for deploying your relay sats. 3. Deploy one satellite. 4. Make sure you are clear of it, then open up MJ's maneuver planner window. 5. Create a maneuver for a 2/3 resonant orbit and complete the burn. It doesn't matter when. 6. Tell MJ to circularize at your AP. Delploy Sat 2. 7. Repeat with Sat 3. Give this a like if you found this helpful with your relay systems. It took me far too long to find this out myself.
I've been trying to bring a polar surveying satellite and a scanning rover to Duna in one payload. It's all good until I decouple my satellite with 2 Communotron 88-88 and the rover with a HG-5, a Communotron 16, and a Communotron 16-S suddenly goes "limited probe control". Isn't the rover supposed to have relay connections to my satellite? Or am I still supposed to have direct Kerbal link? Here are pictures of the satellite ,rover and the final stage: Album EDIT: Thanks for reminding me that there's a difference in antennas....
Calling all Kerbinauts, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. has released a part mod, containing SSTL Satellites. In our first release of this mod we have the 300S1 satellite and launch ring adaptor. As features and more satellite parts are added to this mod we hope to set some interesting and unique challenges to the community using our satellites. However for now our first challenge is relatively simple. Constellation Challenge #1 - Start date 06/04/2018: Set up a constellation of a number of "SSTL 300S1" satellites from a single launch around Kerbin such that in any one standard Kerbin day 95% of Kerbin is scanned and mapped. Rules: Stock parts only apart from those found in the Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. - Satellite Pack Must use the SCANsat mod (default settings) to map the Kerbin biome Prior to starting the scanning period (i.e. 6 hour Kerbin day) all previous scanned data of Kerbin should be cleared. [NB: Rules will be updated if required, if clarity is required. This is our first challenge so we may mess things up] Scoring: Score = total cost of launcher and components used (including 300S1 satellites) * the total mission time in seconds since launch Verification: Supply some images from launch to final global coverage and post below Leader board: Winner is the person with the lowest score Name Score Enjoy and have fun! SSTL Outreach Team
Multiple SAS for orientation ?
PrimoDev posted a topic in KSP1 Gameplay Questions and TutorialsHello ! I've recently put a few satellite into orbit with 2 robot control units : The 1st one is supposed to be facing Normal and the 2nd one Radial In. But I'm encountering a problem : Once SAS activated I choose "Control From Here" for the 1st one and choose "Normal" after that I switch to the second control unit and it immediately turn up to Normal... My question is : Is there a way to choose 2 different orientations for the control units on the same craft ?
Help me plz
UltraLink729 posted a topic in KSP1 Gameplay Questions and TutorialsHello reader, I'm kind of new to KSP and I really need help with these: 1. How do you put things into cargo bays? (If differs between types I need MK3) 2. Is there an easy way to land on a planet without all that math stuff? 3. Is burning just accelerating? 4. How can I build an easy space station? (ALL QUESTIONS CAN ONLY HAVE STOCK PART ANSWERS) Thanks for any help with this. -Ultra
Hwasong-14 as Space Launch Vehicle
JucheJuiceMan posted a topic in Science & SpaceflightPaektusan-1 | Length 24m | Weight 21t 1st stage | Length 12.1m | Diameter 1.25m | Total Weight 13.38t | Propelant 11.15t UDMH/AK27 | Thrust 280kN | Burn 95sec Interstage Length 0.50m 2nd Stage | Length 9.4m | Diameter 0.88m | Weight 6.8t | Propelant 5.73t UDMH/AK27 | Thrust 135.5kN | Vernier 4 30kN | Burn 90sec 3rd stage | Length 1.5m / 2.5 Fairing | Diameter 0.88m | Weight 0.57t | Propelant 0.52t Solid | Thrust 44.5kN | Burn 27sec | Payload 0.015-0.02t (LEO 218km) http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Paektusan-1/Description/Frame.htm Hwasong-14 | Length 19.5m | Total Weight 33.8t 1st stage | Length 13.4m | Diameter 1.7m | Weight ? | Propelant 26.64t UDMH/N204 | Thrust 394.1kN | Vernier 4 70kN | Burn 151sec 2nd stage | Length m | Diameter 1.25m | Weight ? | Propelant 2.86t UDMH/N204 | Thrust Vernier 2 35.4kN | Burn 235sec | Payload ? | Range 12,000km with <300kg payload? Janes estimates 255 to 360kg weight for North Korean thermonuclear bomb. http://www.janes.com/images/assets/111/75111/North_Korea_bargains_with_nuclear_diplomacy.pdf http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/Hwasong-14/index.htm Unha 3 simulated Unha 3 OSFS Hwasong-12 simulated Hwasong-12 | Length 16.5m | Diameter 1.5m | Weight 24.7t | Propelant 21.32t UDMH/N204 | Thrust 394.1kN Vernier 4 70kN | Burn 120sec | Payload 500-650kg? http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/Hwasong-12/index.htm Hwasong-14 put few dozen or even one hundred kilogram object into low earth orbit atleast as attempt with Paektusan-1 in 1998 at 218km?
First scansat satellite!
Mr. Quark posted a topic in KSP1 DiscussionI made my first scansat satellite! I really like it! It's a temporary orbit because it goes 5 KM below atmosphere. But should survive a fair bit of orbits. I love it!
Unmanned Missions
Der Anfang posted a topic in KSP1 Gameplay Questions and TutorialsSo, I haven't been very active in KSP since last year, and only dabbed a little bit once the comms were introduced. Well, just yesterday, I attempted a Duna mission with a probe only in career. I had a pretty big commsat setup in the Kebrin system. And yet while I still had some control on the approach of Duna (even during the Aerobraking phase) I had completely lost comms with my probe after I left Duna's atmosphere. Let me begin by saying that since this last time I restarted career mode, this was the first probe ever in the Dunian system. I tried to wait for one more aerobrake after I lost control and I still didn't get my comms back online and I had totally lost the probe. Gosh, it felt like a scary mars mission blowing millions of USD for nothing. Anyway, what is the best approach of an unmanned mission to a new world for the first time? Is there anyway to maintain that control without a commsat setup already in place? It's very different trying this with the comm networks now, and exploration seems even harder now. Not that I mind the challenge, but I have a laythe probe already on the way even before my Duna mission and I am afraid I will not be prepared for it by the time it reaches the Joolian system. How do I prepare unmanned missions with the commnet, and what steps should I take before sending a probe to unexplored worlds so that I do not lose it like I did with my Duna mission? **EDIT** Yes, I have upgraded my tracking station to the max. It is fully upgraded.
Happy Anniversary
KSK posted a topic in Science & Spaceflight60 years to the day, came a sound that shook the world. beep...beep...beep... Sputnik 1 - long gone but your legacy lives on.
I CANNOT... complete a Satellite contract... Everything is checked except the orbit.... I'm going the right way.. both nodes are at 0%... and the AP PE are both within 5K meters.... This is holy excrements frustrating....


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The City Bar will close at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, and will resume regular hours at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27. Happy Thanksgiving!
Help and Support for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Virtual Attorney Support Group
The Lawyer Assistance Program hosts a weekly virtual support group to help you structure a time in your day to connect with others, cope with stress and create healthy routines for maintaining psychological and emotional health during this time. Our groups meet on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. via Webex, an online meeting platform.
RSVP by emailing Michelle Cuevas, Clinical Coordinator at LAP at email@example.com, and she will send you a Webex invite with instructions on how to access the group.
Topics addressed in the group will include:
- Combatting isolation and accessing support in a time of social isolation and distance
- Techniques to manage stress and anxiety
- Distress tolerance, emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques
- Creating a routine to maintain physical and emotional health
- Career/employment issues
- Maintaining work/life balance while working from home
- Family/relationship issues
- Sustaining hope, looking ahead
It's normal for stress, anxiety and panic to arise when we are working remotely, have changes in routine, are social distancing and have concerns for ourselves and our loved ones health and well-being.
If you or anyone in your family has a mental health or substance use issue, it's essential to keep connected.
Please feel free to contact us by phone, email or text for a confidential chat.
Eileen Travis, Director
Emily Lambert, Clinical Coordinator
Confidential helpline: 212-302-5787 (leave a message)
Eileen Travis, call or text: 917-488-4890
We fully understand that the changes you are making to adapt during this time very challenging time can impact your wellbeing and effect your mental health. We offer these resources to help you address any issues you may be faced with.
The CDC site is likely to offer the most up to date information on the COVID-19 virus.
This New York resource is continually updated with recommendations and data.
"The Leader's Guide To Managing COVID-19 Panic" by Jan Bruce
"8 Strategies to Set Up Remote Work During the Coronavirus Outbreak" by Marten Mickos
"Stigma and Resilience" published by the CDC
"Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak" published by SAMHSA
"Dealing with Social Isolation" by Brian Cuban, author of "The Addicted Lawyer"
"100 things to do while stuck inside due to a pandemic" published by USA TODAY
Free Online Courses from Ivy League schools
The National Suicide Prevention Lifelineprovides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text.
Text "HOME" to 741741
AA COVID-19 Informational Page
"Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19" published by the CDC
"[Lawyer] Anxiety, Self-Protective Behavior, Ethical Sinkholes, and Professional Responsibility" by Dan Defoe
"How do you keep down your stress levels at the office?" by Stephen Rynkiewicz
"Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty" published by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
"Staying Mentally Healthy During the Coronavirus" published by The Change Direction initiative
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers tips for people with mental illness
Practice Gratitude
Our circumstances have significantly changed in the past month, exacerbating anxiety, fear and worry. Using any of the typical stress management strategies are excellent ways to reduce stress, such as: eating healthy meals, maintaining a routine, being gentle with yourself, taking time for activities you enjoy, getting outside in nature, exercising, avoiding self-medication with alcohol or drugs, using a relaxation practice (meditation, yoga, deep breathing), reaching out to others.
Another tool for managing stress is practicing gratitude. Taking time to recognize what is good in life helps shift our focus, reframe negative thoughts and allows us to express more compassion and kindness to ourselves and our families, colleagues, friends and clients. Even in this challenging time, we can find joy in the moment.
Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, morning or evening, write down 3 things that you are grateful for. Start a gratitude jar ( a box or any receptacle will do). Any time you experience gratitude, write it down and put it in the jar. Periodically empty the jar and review what you have written. Send a gratitude email or text to share your appreciation for others who have positively impacted your life.
Practice Acceptance
True self-acceptance is embracing who we are without any judgement or conditions. It means embracing our whole self, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Accepting ourselves is even more important during this time of transition and uncertainty.
Being gentle with ourselves for not being perfect strengthens self-esteem. Having compassion for ourselves fortifies our ability to be compassionate to others, all the important people our lives, family members, friends, colleagues and clients.
Self-acceptance can facilitate resilience by moderating our reaction to issues that arise in times of crisis. It reminds us that it's okay to do the best we can do each day.
Practice tips:
- Be kind to yourself, no one judges us more than we judge ourselves
- Stay positive, soothe the doubting voices in your head by replacing them with positive thoughts
- Accept imperfection, don't let obsessing about perfection prevent you from being productive
- Believe in yourself, remind yourself of difficulties you have gone through and survived and think of yourself as a strong person who can deal with any challenge that comes you way
If you are faced with a challenge
Refuse to be panic-stricken
Life has not ended for you
Life flows on. Declare for yourself:
I accept the reality of this situation.
But not its permanence
Eric Butterworth
Practice Compassion
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
Today the world is asking us to adapt to a new reality, one that requires us to leave our comfort zones and find new ways to work, stay connected, care for our loved ones and stay healthy mentally and physically. We are challenged with discovering ways to manage our thoughts, actions and feelings in this unprecedented time.
It's a great time to treat ourselves and others with the respect we deserve. Practicing self-compassion is giving ourselves permission to be human. To acknowledge that we are all walking through unchartered waters and to accept that we don't have all the answers.
Psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff is credited with defining self-compassion as having "kindness, gentleness and understanding towards yourself", especially during times of uncertainty. Research has consistently shown that practicing self-compassion can create greater social connectedness, reduce anxiety, depression, shame and worry, increase emotional intelligence and help us choose between reacting out of fear and responding with kindness. Self-compassion is the first step in having compassion for others.
Ways to practice self-compassion:
- Treat yourself as you would a small child or a beloved pet, with unconditional love and acceptance.
- Develop awareness of when your "critical inner voice" is present without trying to change it. Understand that it was probably helpful to you in the past and you can now choose to let go of it.
- Remember that you are not alone. Whatever you are going through is shared by millions of others all over the world, it is our shared humanity, not one of us is perfect, we are all trying to find our way.
- Give yourself a "permission slip" to be imperfect. Focus on your potential. Remember other times you struggled through a difficult situation and not only survived but helped you to thrive.
- Reach out to others. Support and guidance can help you change your negative beliefs and take positive steps towards overall well-being. Being available to others with compassion and grace completes the circle.
Stay Focused
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
If you are having difficulty staying focused, you are not alone! Adapting to our "new normal" impacts us mentally and can compromise our ability to stay focused and productive. "Mind wandering" is a common everyday experience in which our attention strays from a task or project we are engaged in. Mind wandering can involve thoughts of the past or of an uncertain future. In either case, it veers us away from the present moment.
Michael McCreary, Associate Editor of Entrepreneur, in his April 16, 2020 article, suggests several ways to refocus a wandering mind:
- Add a deliberate distraction—play music without lyrics, adding background noise has been shown to boost concentration
- Allow your mind a moment to daydream—a Harvard psychologist suggests that pausing occasionally to think about something unrelated can invigorate focus when you return to your task
- Identify and eliminate stressors—stressors can draw your attention away from productivity (this is a hard one, better to acknowledge your stressors and put them aside for the time being).
- Count slowly as you breathe—Buddhist meditators laud the benefits of breath-counting meditation that cleanses distracting thoughts and builds concentration power
- Monitor your mind wandering and bring it back on task. Noticing when your mind starts to wander gives you a chance to think "my mind has wondered off again" which activates circuits that help you get back on track.
Defining Well-being
The American Bar Association's (ABA) Task Force on Lawyer Well-being describes well-being as "striving to thrive across these six dimensions"
- Occupational - cultivating personal satisfaction, growth and enrichment in work along with financial stability.
- Emotional - developing the ability to identify and manage our emotions to support mental health, achieve goals, and inform decision making. Seeking outside help for mental health when needed.
- Physical - striving for regular physical activity/exercise, proper diet and nutrition, good sleep, hygiene, and minimizing the use of addictive substances. Seeking help for physical health when needed.
- Intellectual - engaging in continuous learning and pursuing creative or intellectually challenging activities to foster ongoing cognitive development.
- Spiritual - developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
- Social - developing a sense of connection, belonging and well-developed support and social networks while also contributing to groups of families and friends as well as broader society and communities.
In challenging times such as these, it may be harder to focus on some of these areas of wellness and it may require some creativity and flexibility in how we can build up these various dimensions of well-being. It can be helpful to pick one or two of these areas to focus on and work on each day. For example, one day this week one could decide to focus on their physical well-being and try a new at-home exercise, and on another day shift to focus on social well-being and reach out to a friend via the phone or schedule a zoom get-together with friends to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness during the pandemic. By looking at wellness in a multi-dimensional way, it can help illuminate areas of strength as well as areas to improve in our lives.
Practice H.A.L.T.
This acronym was created in 1941 in AA as a relapse prevention tool. The idea is to ask yourself if you are feeling "hungry, angry, lonely or tired" and then to satisfy that need or needs in order to maintain balance. It remains an important part of recovery today and has been widely adopted as a mental health self-care tool to increase self-awareness and enhance well-being. When one or more of these basic needs are not met we are more susceptible to negative thoughts and behaviors. Adding HALT to your "toolkit" provides you with the opportunity to check in with yourself when you are feeling stressed, anxious, agitated, frustrated, or aren't sure what's going on.
HUNGRY — Hunger can be physical, emotional or even spiritual. We may simply need to eat to satisfy physical hunger, or we may be emotionally hungry and need to reach out to and be comforted by others. We can be hungry for an explanation of how the world we knew just a few months ago has changed and for a desire to return to normalcy.
ANGRY — Anger is a normal human emotion, neither good not bad. It is complex and can accelerate rapidly. It is often a reaction to frustration and stress. Anger can also be a defense mechanism masking other emotions (fear, sadness) that may be difficult to express. We may not be able to change the source of our anger, but we can change our response to it. We may be angry at the loss of our daily routines, or the lack of control we have about the future.
LONELY — Loneliness is particularly relevant to what many of us are experiencing right now. We are separated from family members and friends, our normal work environments, and the everyday tasks we take for granted. Staying connected to each other and having a support system is more important than ever. Checking in on others, especially those who are vulnerable and have fewer resources, can increase our own sense of well-being.
TIRED — We all know that lack of sleep effects every area of our functioning. The results range from feelings of stress to fatigue and the sense of being overwhelmed by life circumstances. Quality of sleep is also important. It's a time to rest both your body and mind so that you wake rejuvenated.
Practicing HALT is one way to remember that taking care of our basic needs requires daily practice. It helps us recognize our vulnerabilities and take appropriate action to strengthen our wellbeing.
Practice the 4 A's to Manage Stress
Stress is a normal human emotion and not always negative. We need some stress to motivate us, be creative and challenge ourselves. Too much stress, however, can impact our ability to function effectively and put our wellbeing at risk. The "4 A's" provide guidelines for recognizing triggers, intervening and changing how we handle stress to preserve wellbeing.
The first step is to identify situations, people, places and things that stress you out. Spending too much time watching the news, getting into a power struggle with your partner or child, being unforgiving with yourself if you think you are not perfect. A lot of needless stress can simply be avoided.
- Take control of your space. Have a dedicated place to work as separate as possible. Other areas should be work free zones.
- Learn to say no. You have a lot of demands on your time and responsibilities. May sure you schedule in down time to relax and regroup
After you identify your stress triggers, you have the power to change your response to your benefit.
- Don't react, respond. When dealing with others, communicate your feelings honestly and openly, with kindness. Keeping silent when something is bothering you can increase stress.
- Temper your expectations of yourself and others.
- Make your boundaries clear. If you are busy and someone wants something from you, you can say, "I only have a few minutes" or "I can get back to you later."
- Manage your time efficiently and reap the rewards of having extra time for yourself.
"I have the courage to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to change the things I can." This is one of many mantras in the recovery community and so apropos to the current situation we all share.
- Look at the big picture to determine what is beyond your control and focus on what is within your control.
- Talk to someone. You may not be able to change a situation, but still feel frustrated. Share it with family, friends or colleagues who will listen with compassion.
- Practice positive self-talk. One negative thought can lead to another and leave you feeling exhausted. This is a time to be gentle with yourself.
Changing expectations and adjusting your usual standards helps with stress management.
- Reframe an issue. Look at your unique situation from a new viewpoint. Instead of feeling frustrated by social distancing, think of new ways to stay connected to family and friends.
- Adopt a mantra. Create a positive saying that is meaningful to you, such as, "I have everything I need to cope with this situation." Repeat it several times a day.
Mental Health Awareness Month - Tools to Thrive
- Allow yourself to feel – this is a good time to let go of any beliefs you have that feeling your feelings is not acceptable.
- Don't ignore how you are feeling – don't allow feelings to get bottled up to the point where you will explode. Take time to process strong feelings, but don't wait too long.
- Talk it out – do this with someone you trust. It's a great way to get perspective and guidance. It can help you to process your feelings and think about how you may want to respond to someone who may have triggered a particular feeling.
- Build your emotional vocabulary – how many times have you answered "fine" or "good" when that's not how you are really feeling? It's important that you have the language to describe your emotions beyond, "sad, glad or mad."
- Try journaling – each day write down 2-3 feelings you experienced during the day and what caused them. It can help you become more comfortable with expressing your feelings.
- Consider the strength of your feelings – journaling can also help to clarify what is really going on. You may initially describe a feeling as "stress" when what was really going on was "annoyance."
- Seek professional guidance – If you are having a hard time dealing with your emotions Mental Health Professionals are trained to help you.
Celebrate Yourself
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We've been challenged by this pandemic to take many first steps as we struggle to adjust to changing everything about how we live on a daily basis.
As we get through, a day at a time, it's easy to forget that we actually accomplished something important, met a goal or had a precious moment connecting with family, friends or colleagues.
There's no better way to celebrate the end of "May is National Mental Health Awareness Month" then to encourage everyone to:
"CELEBRATE YOURSELF" Accept-Encourage-Empower
Some of these wonderful insights can be found on: thriveglobal.com. Taking the time to celebrate who you are and honor your efforts and successes, no matter how small, can be a reminder of what's really important.
You can make a daily practice of celebrating yourself by:
- Looking at your accomplishments no matter how small
- Focusing on your achievements
- Reminding yourself that you have inner strengths
- Being grateful for everything and everyone in your life
- Finding joy in the little moments of your day
- Identifying ways you are manifesting your purpose
Reasons to celebrate yourself:
- It reminds you to enjoy the journey. Pausing to be present in the moment is key to developing a mindset that allows you to appreciate the small things that make life worthwhile. Savor the moment!
- It's an act of self-compassion, it increases self-kindness and decreases self-criticism.
- It reminds you to be grateful. Celebrating yourself means taking the time to be truly grateful. Celebrating yourself every day is a way to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude" that can shift your entire perspective on life.
- It increases your confidence. The more you celebrate yourself, the more your level of confidence grows. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished. Radiating positive energy inspires those around you to be confident as well.
When you take time every day to acknowledge the little steps that you are taking towards achieving your goals, you strengthen those actions. Do for yourself what you do for others, unselfishly and generously. Celebrate who you are now, not your future self or the person you wish you were. In what ways can you acknowledge yourself today and celebrate the very existence of who you are?
The staff of the City Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) are all trained mental health and substance use professionals who are available to help you or someone you are concerned about, safely, confidentially and free of charge.
If you are having difficulty managing your stress, anxiety or have concerns about the uncertainty of our times, LAP is also offering a free and confidential Virtual Support Group, beginning Wednesday, May 18th at noon. If you are interested in participating, please contact:
Emily Lambert, JD, LCSW LAP Clinical Coordinator


text:
Based in London, Drum n Bass Radio is a web radio station that broadcasts worldwide 24/7 non-stop. Its programming is dedicated to Drum & Bass music, including Old Skool, Jungle and Hardcore.
Upfront Drum n Bass 24/7
ContactLondon , United Kingdom
- Web: drumnbassradio.com
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Twitter: @_Drumnbassradio


text:
DVB-T2 TV Module H265
DVB-T2 TV module support 2 Tuner Diversity
Tested in Germany
Support MPEG4 and HDMI
Touch screen control function RX TX IR ready
DVB-T265 TV Tuner Module is an Digital TV module with DVB-T2 decoder support H.264 and H.265 and mount on main DVD or Head unit PCBA.
It offers DVB-T2 digital TV audio video / HD TV signal and turns your DVD player has DVB-T2 TV function.
It is fully compatible with Germany New Standard H.265 digital TV standard and all DVB-T2 or DVB-T adopted countries. Even it is H.264 or MEPG2~4.
It also can be used as COFDM Wireless Video receiver RX for Drone.
Need DVB-T2 TV Receiver box?
UART information
- – Baud (115200)
- – Databits ( 8 )
- – Odd or even Parity ( no )
- – 1 x Startbit
- – Stopbits (1)
UART Communication data ( download PDF file )
Downstream write operation frame:
Header code: 7E 66 99 5A
Synchronization: 55
Write operation frame: 33
- Write frequency and bandwidth command 03 80, the data length is 3 bytes. The first two bytes are the frequency points, and the 3rd bytes is the bandwidth.
The frequency unit is MHz and retains one decimal place, such as 474.0 MHz, which is 12 84 (hexadecimal, decimal data is 4740). Bandwidth data 00, 01, 02 represent 6M, 7M, 8M respectively
- Other remote control commands (including all remote control commands such as volume addition, subtraction, recording, and stop)
01FF: The data length is 1 byte, which is the client code of the remote control code value.
For example, the volume add (VOL+) is 4D, and the volume subtraction (VOL-) is 05.
Ending E7
For example:
1. Set frequency 666MHz bandwidth 6M
Need to send data 7E 66 99 5A 55 33 03 80 1A 04 00 E7
2 set frequency 474MHz bandwidth 8M
Need to send data 7E 66 99 5A 55 33 03 80 12 84 02 E7
3 volume plus
Need to send data 7E 66 99 5A 55 33 01 FF 4D E7
1, In addition to the data segment can be modified, the other head and tail synchronization data do not modify, Otherwise it can not respond to commands. Correct response will return data segment 00 FF, error will return 11 10
2, modify the frequency and bandwidth, please write three bytes at the same time, the separation has not been tested.
3, Please refer to the remote control user code for remote control code.
4, The above data are all hexadecimal.
Downstream read operation frame:
Currently only tested read frequency and bandwidth
Send the command 7E 66 99 5A 55 11 03 80 E7
Return data 7E 66 99 5A 55 77 03 80 12 D4 02 E7 (red is frequency point and bandwidth 482.0M 8M)
Remote Control Code


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Using Your Personal Information
13th June 2018
A change in UK data privacy regulation started on 25 May 2018.
The General Data Protection Regulation, known as GDPR is a positive step towards us telling you how we use your date and you having more control over how your data is used. As part of these changes, we have updated our privacy policy Using your Personal Information.
RCJ Advice & Citizens Advice Islington Privacy Policy
pdf (338.38 KB)


text: Happy New Year! Today we start off the new year by previewing all of the new Disney related things coming in 2018. We preview what things we know are coming to the Disney Parks this year. specifically, Toy Story Land in Walt Disney World and Pixar Pier in Disney's California Adventure Park. We also preview the new Disney movies that will hit theaters this year. What are you most looking forward to in 2018?


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Lucky are the people that have enough money to buy new and new items at all costs. They are too crazy about filling their racks with the latest models of cameras, watches or other costly items. Many of them sell away their old things. Few of them think how to sell my Canon Camera at the highest prices.
Those thinking to make maximum money out of their old cameras should focus on –
Retain the packing – It is suggested not to destroy the box that contains your old camera. You can think of getting the good buck if you pack the camera in its box and offer to the prospective buyer. Always plan well as how to sell my Canon Camera and earn big. It is because of the fact that the potential buyer would think that the camera has been used in sparring manners. Keeping the cameras in their original packing means you are likely to make the good buck while cameras sold without the box is certain to forget big money.
Nice wrapping – Cameras offered by prominent companies should always be kept in cotton wool by wrapping it nicely around the piece. This is the best way to protect it from ill effects. Camera screen can be protected well with an LCD overlay that helps to prevent scratches or spots etc. It ensures the safety of lens and body caps. Protective bags may be used for carrying the cameras that can be protected with cases too.
Cleanliness – Cameras can be made to run for long and sold at higher prices by giving the thorough cleaning. Use of a microfiber cloth is good for this. Finger marks and smears etc can be removed with this that works like a fine brush. Rocket type blower could else also be much help in this regard.
Necessary repairs – It could happen that your camera might have undergone some defect as your kid might have dropped it on the floor. So be wise to get it repaired in perfect manners before you offer it for sale to someone.
Source for selling – Think of a viable method by which you can sell the camera at the higher price. Why not trade the pieces by contacting websites that charge some commission but are able to fetch you big buck. Fewer hassles and big money is the exclusive advantage of selling the cameras through the internet. Or else you can talk to your friends, relatives and other known guys that could be in need of a camera. Go to the local camera shop that could also be interested to buy it.
Price – It is suggested to ask genuine price for your old camera that you wish to sell. Asking too high a price is not wise as people are not so innocent and offer big money. But at the same time do not go too low as far as sale value of the camera is concerned.
Adherence to the above simple tips can be helpful to sell my Canon Camera and make genuine money.
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color of law
Accomplished Advocate
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2007
- Messages
- 5,903
- Location
- Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
So, you totally ignored my post #13 where I said "Pulling you over to determine if you are legal is illegal."?Hmmm. Good point.
I do believe there used to be "Stop and Check" road blocks around all the time but those have been mostly dumped by the wayside now so your argument may be valid.


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Hello and welcome to my blog! In this post I will detail the process of building a plinth for my laundry room. Occasionally in the process of building furniture for my clients I have to work a project in for myself to keep the house up and running, so I use my nights and weekends to build such projects without interrupting my other work. The laundry room will be finished with a live edge shelf and will be closed behind doors of which the particulars have not been decided, but for the moment the plinth is priority and the only part of project which has found approval after multiple rounds of careful negotiations and planning sessions.
A plinth is a base utilized for the sole purpose of raising the height of something, in classical western architecture that something would a structure, column, or statue. In contemporary use of the term it often also refers to raising a cabinet from the ground with a box-like stand. My wife and I both agreed that the front load machines are a bit low for our preference but that stacking one on top of the other would place both in unfortunate positions, one being too high the other two low. The result is that I would design a plinth (stand) to raise them to an agreeable height. This provided the additional benefit of raising the dryer to a point at which the exhaust duct was able to make a much smoother turn from its exit at the dryer to the duct connection at the wall.
This plinth is being constructed of yellow cedar and western red cedar. The structural components will be primarily yellow cedar and the panels will be of western red cedar. I've determined that I will be using mostly haunched double mortise and tenon joints to construct this piece and every surface will be planed to a finish. My planning includes the consideration of chamfers, setting back various members from one another to ensure that I can apply continuous chamfers around each framing member on their exposed surfaces.
The aesthetic of this plinth is that of the tokonoma alcove base cabinetry, and ultimately will work toward a similar overall aesthetic once the shelving is in place. Unlike a traditional alcove this will ultimately be hid behind doors, I haven't quite decided exactly the format of the doors but something like red cedar paneled fusuma would work well in my estimation.
I found this project to be of interest because it puts many of my principles to the test. This plinth will have to hold a good deal of weight and a machine that vibrates at certain speeds, it will also need to resist damage from occasional water drips (which will be wiped off quickly!). The finished piece has been in use and so far, so good. I had the run off from the door drip onto the plinth by accident and it was removed some time later to no ill effect.
My work starts with a basic frame to create the top, each joint is a haunched double mortise and tenon and they're sized to allow the uprights to engage the same corners, also with a haunched double mortise and tenon.
With work I make for myself I like to experiment with aesthetic and function, this project is no different. I wanted to see how I would enjoy the result with both hidden and visible joinery. On one face the joinery is completely exposed and on the opposing face the joinery is cut blind. This would allow me to determine exactly which I would use on the completed piece.
Here I'm cutting out one of the mortises, yellow cedar is a fairly delicate wood and so I often avoid clamping it. In this case I've simply positioned it on my planing beam to allow use of the planing stop to prevent the stock from moving as I chop the mortises.
The intersection joints are carefully sized to allow for continuous chamfers.
With the top now completed in its basic form I can cut joinery for the uprights, planning out exactly where the mortises would land.
This was followed by cutting out the joinery for the stretchers, these are utilizing single mortise and tenon joints.
The uprights were mortised at about their halfway point to receive the stretchers and then the frame was dry-fitted. Once the uprights were in place I could mark out the stretchers along the sides of the frame and mark and cutout for a heavy support along the center of the frame that will brace a central leg under the frame.
At this stage I also grooved the framing members to receive the western red cedar panels that were to be made.
The supporting beam uses simple half lap joinery at the center connection and half dovetails at the ends.
The center support was put in place along with the upright. These are very common under frames that span a long distance but carry weight over their center, such as a bed. In this case the washing machine will not only put a load over the center of the frame but will also vibrate the frame so I am building the plinth with a bit of redundancy.
Now that the frame is nearing completion I can turn my attention to the western Red Cedar panels. Red Cedar shows an incredible variety of color, this panel for instance is a very pale pink while the tight character of the grain suggests it came from a fairly old tree.
Next I begin to assemble the plinth, placing the panels in and gluing joints. I'm using hide glue on the joinery but will reinforce the joinery with an inner frame that will also bear the weight of the machines. This inner frame will utilize joinery which disassembles in the opposing direction of the mortise and tenon joints of the outer frame locking them tight and preventing them from working loose in the future.
Here is a look at the center support.
Another look at the joint as it connects to the surrounding frame.
The lower stretchers were pinned sand corner blocked to keep them from moving after years of a vibrating washer. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the inner frame before setting in the plywood tops, they were simply made with rabbet joinery.
The plinth is now complete and in place. I'm happy with the result and have thought to utilize a version of this design in other circumstances such as a bed.
I hope that you have enjoyed this short build, a brief aside before another project begins, and I look forward to reading your comments. This project was the inspiration I had in mind for the article written on Salko Safic's Handwork.


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minicine? & Conchita Iglesias McElwee host a night of film, music and art, downtown Shreveport. Beginning at 8PM, Friday May 1st, 846 Texas Avenue, $5.
Conchita Iglesias-McElwee, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Conchita Iglesias-McElwee, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Film: New works by Darrin Martin (more info: www.swampland.org )
Art: The Love / Hate Show
Sara Hebert, Chris Jay, Conchita McElwee, Michael Moore, Tara Streetman, Robert Rodgers, Shane Thompson, Micah Harold, Brandon Jenkins, Courtney Harold, Shannon Palmer, Chad O' Kenievel, Chris Stripling, Jen Wasson, Sizer Yerger, John Bentrup, Aubre Bauer, Venus Sheets, Mallori Brandon, Megan Cardenes, Kandi Kane, Jamie Anderson, Shawna Atkins, Mimi and Donnie Webb, Bregon Webb, Alison Wonderland, Jeremy Hayes, BJ Wheless, Kathryn Usher, Dylan Hillman, Chris Beale, Amy Lynn Scott + more...
Music: The Peekers vs. Power Pellut
What more can we say!


text:
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Developed and Managed by Infocom Network Private Limited.


text:
Today, in his fervorino at Mass, Pope Francis again mentioned the Enemy of your soul, the Devil.
He talks about the Devil frequently when speaking off the cuff.
From the site of Vatican Radio with my emphases and comments:
The Pope drew inspiration from the daily readings, in particular the first reading that recounts the episode of Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, being dragged before the Sanhedrin because of his witness to the Gospel. Pope Francis noted that Stephen was a victim of calumny. He is accused of "false witness" but it is not a "fair fight, a fight between good men", noted Pope Francis, because Stephen's enemies chose the path of a dirty fight, "the path of calumny". Calumny he continued is worse than sin – it is the direct expression of Satan.
"We are all sinners; all of us. We all commit sins. But calumny is something else. It is of course a sin, too, but it is something more. Calumny aims to destroy the work of God, and calumny comes from a very evil thing: it is born of hatred. And hate is the work of Satan. Calumny destroys the work of God in people, in their souls. Calumny uses lies to get ahead. And let us be in no doubt, eh?: Where there is calumny, there is Satan himself. "
From the behaviour of the accusers, Pope Francis then turned his attention to the accused. Stephan, he noted, does not return falsehood with falsehood: "He does not want to go that way to save himself. He looks to the Lord and obeys the law", being in the peace and truth of Christ. And that Pope Francis said "is what happens in the history of the Church", because from the first martyr until today there have been numerous examples of those who have witnessed to the Gospel with great courage:
"But the age of martyrs is not yet over, [Get that? Don't imagine that you are safe just because you don't live in modern Nigeria or 20th century Mexico or ancient Rome.] even today we can say, in truth, that the Church has more martyrs now than during the first centuries. [St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 119 companions, 498 Spanish martyrs, …] The Church has many men and women who are maligned through calumny, who are persecuted, who are killed in hatred of Jesus, in hatred of the faith: some are killed because they teach the catechism, others are killed because they wear the cross … Today, in many countries, they are maligned, they are persecuted … they are our brothers and sisters who are suffering today, in this age of the martyrs".
And again Pope Francis repeated "The age of martyrs is not yet over, the Church has more martyrs now than during the first centuries". This age of "such great spiritual turmoil" reminded the Pope of an ancient Russian icon that depicts Our Lady covering the people of God with her mantle:
"We pray to Our Lady to protect us, and in times of spiritual turbulence the safest place is under the mantle of Our Lady. [Schutzmantelmadonna!] She is the mother who takes care of the Church. And in this time of martyrs, she is the protagonist, the protagonist of protection: She is the Mother. (…) Let us state with faith: Mother, the Church is under your protection: Care for the Church. '"
Just the other day, the Pope spoke about the harm caused by gossip.
What is calumny? From the good old Catholic Dictionary:
Calumny is the deprivation of another of his good name by imputing to him, behind his back, something injurious to his reputation of which the speaker or writer knows he is innocent. It incurs an obligation of making restitution so far as possible.
Related to calumny is detraction.
Detraction covers those sins commonly referred to as uncharitable talk; it is unjustly depriving another of his good name behind his back, either by calumny or by saying that which is true; in the latter case there is no right to publish what is true against him without just cause if it is not publicly known, for every man has a right to his good reputation so long as he can retain it. But for a just cause (e.g., the public good, or to protect the innocent) the secret sin of another may be made known. The degree of seriousness of detraction is in accordance with the harm done the person detracted and the malice of the speaker; being a sin against justice as well as charity it leaves an obligation of making restitution as far as possible. He who by listening to detraction encourages it actively or passively sins equally with the detractor.
Note the obligation to make restitution. If you publicly detract from a person's reputation, you must make equally public corrections and/or apologies.
Be careful of those dark, satanic feathers. They seem to very light, harmless even. But they can kill. Once they are out of the pillow, you won't be able to collect them and get them back into the pillow again.


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Nvidia posts $200 million loss, takes 69% of GPU marketBy Justin Mann
Nvidia has for long enjoyed a spot as the superstar of gaming graphics, besting ATI again and again. That trend continued even past the acquisition of ATI by AMD, and didn't reverse until the latter HD Radeons were available. Since then, the fight between both graphics giants has been on much more equal footing. This has hurt Nvidia, along with many other setbacks in the past year, which all have contributed to the company posting a net loss of $201.3 million, or $0.37 per share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
It isn't all bad for the company, which accompanied the financial downer with news that revenue has grown 38 percent from the previous quarter. CEO Jen-Hsun Huang mentioned they are decreasing inventory dramatically, with hardware being sold after it is manufactured nearly twice as fast as before. They also took the time to announce the milestones they reached over the previous year, such as the introduction of the Ion platform, CUDA and the upcoming Tegra 600 SoC.
Despite losing a good chunk of cash, it seems they have still managed to best AMD when it comes to desktop GPU share, claiming a 69% piece of the market up from 63% the prior quarter. This doesn't include integrated GPUs, where Intel reigns supreme. Still, is Nvidia feeling pressure from the vendors they have spurned? Is the bickering with Intel affecting their business? Nvidia is making good moves in expanding their hardware lineup, but has very stiff competition in every arena they compete in.


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January 16, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: Friends, Outfits & Inspiration!
7 comments:
Just to let you know I did a little sponsor feature on you and my other sponsors today!ReplyDelete
What a cute way to showcase your friendships!! :)ReplyDelete
Moniques outfit is my fave! I love her purple pants.
A very stylish set of friends you have!
You and them are all beautiful!ReplyDelete
I saw a gorgeous blouse like Anni has in Ross, which was a wonderful price (marked down over 50%, I think!) and I have been searching for one ever since. WHERE did she find that?!ReplyDelete
You all look GORGEOUS.
okay those are some pretty fine looking shoes! xoxoReplyDelete
You are toooooo cute!! Thank you for sharing our outfits and our team from work.ReplyDelete
Love the blue shoes :) You all are gorgeous. It's nice to see you in Aloha Friday.ReplyDelete


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Budget provides for new taxes of 2.5 bln next year
The final draft of the 2017 state budget, tabled on Monday in Parliament, provides for new measures worth 3.3 billion euros. The Finance Ministry foresees the new measures, combined with the better-than-expected performance of those imposed this year, leading to a primary surplus of 2 percent of the gross domestic product in 2017, against a bailout agreement target of 1.75 percent.
Despite the expectation that the fiscal milestone will be covered, the government has failed to persuade its creditors not to force it to implement the measures agreed (in order to ease the fiscal pressure on taxpayers), as the budget to be voted on December 10 shows.
Greeks will have to pay additional taxes of 2.5 billion euros in 2017, coming both from the increase in income tax rates and from indirect taxation on tobacco, coffee, fuel, the internet, pay TV etc. The state will also have an additional benefit of 843 million euros from slashing expenditure on pensions and social benefits and raising social security contributions.
On the other hand, the budget includes social policy actions worth 871 million euros: This concerns 571 million to finance the Solidarity Social Income and another 300 million whose precise spending is not specified.
The primary surplus projected amounts to 3.6 billion euros, against a target for 3.1 billion, thanks to the better-than-expected performance of this year's measures, which has led the government to expect this year's primary surplus to close at 1.9 billion euros, or 1.1 percent of GDP.
The final draft, debate on which will start in the House on December 6, contains a growth forecast of 2.7 percent for next year, against a 0.3 percent contraction this year. This is based on the forecast for increases of 9.1 percent in investments, 1.8 percent in private consumption and 5.3 percent in exports – all of which are seen by various observers and entities as quite optimistic.
The budget also includes an estimate for a return to inflation, at an annual rate of 0.6 percent, following years of deflation, and a reduction of the unemployment rate to 22.6 percent from 23.7 percent this year.


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the quiet patience of chinquapin, chokecherry . . . .their years in nesting circles…each
of black tupelo, mossy oak cup, slippery elm…none
of us remembers except Ailanthus, the tree of heaven, but
in my third springtime I carried a baby blue jay through pilose…climbed
a pine and gave her back to her mother
…all the other years …after the clearances
I carried myself adding layers
of hackberry, hornbeam, catalpa pods opening…closing…marcescent…
counting the rings of each new start…
pedicel from a conifer bog… . . . .nannyberry hear me
…my quiet noise
. . . .…what if I lit a match? . . . .what if I took an axe?
during the sap season the maples dripped
from what was carved there…into my skin
…sweet as the fingers of a little girl…
then hardening
Editor's note: My botany classes are far behind me, so much of this poem required some time spent on the interwebz looking up word definitions. This time was decidedly well-spent. The poem's specific references serve as small doors into the world of the narrator and her story of plants and trees, and why they matter.
Author's note: In the Schoolcraft Library's rare books room, Trees of Michigan, is an exhaustive record of hundreds and hundreds of native trees, many now extinct.