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Online Casinos – Check Out The Incredible Benefits!
Lots of people from young to old play casino games in order to earn money. If you are also interested in playing betting games, you should create an account on an online casino to get started. To set up your account, you just need to provide some basic details. Most online casinos provide welcome bonus to new users so you should claim your welcome or sign up bonus. It will not only improve your bankroll but also help you in other ways. It is also important to get advantage of other casino bonuses to make your gambling experience interesting.
You can get loyalty bonus, no-deposit bonus and many other promotional rewards while casino games online. In addition to this, you can also enjoy many other benefits by considering the option of online casinos. To know about these benefits, you should keep reading the below mentioned points.
Deposit money with ease
When you sign up for an online casino, it provides you with several payment options. It helps you find the best method as per your convenience. After choosing the right payment method, you can deposit or withdraw money in your account with ease. If you are playing casino games through internet, you don't need to worry about bringing cash or buying chips. Online casinos also allow gamblers to withdraw the money with ease. After winning some bets, you can get the money in your account that you can withdraw whenever you want.
Play different types of games
Land-based casinos are providing a few games whereas online casinos provide a wide range of games to choose from. If you are an interested gambler, you should play casino games online. The availability of several games can help you find the games that suits best to your interest. Most casinos also provide various categories of casino games including poker, card games and sports betting. With the help of trying out different casino games, you can get the best gambling experience and enjoy several benefits.
No need to deal with public
Online casinos allow you to play games without going outside your home. By connecting your device with an internet connection, you can start playing casino games instantly. It means you don't need to go anywhere and deal with the public. You can sit in your favorite room and enjoy playing casino games. You can play casino games on your Smartphone as well as laptop. Make sure you are visiting the authentic site for playing casino games otherwise you may face several issues.
Other benefits
By signing up to 18.104.22.168 or other casino site, you can find different betting games that you can play in your free time to earn money. Some casinos also provide gamblers with the option of free games. These free games help beginners to learn new strategies. You can also consider these free games in order to get unlimited fun and enjoyment. By choosing the option of online casino, you can get a chance to play games against experts.


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America's steel industry is the foundation of our economic and national security. Removing Section 232 without addressing the larger overcapacity problem would be devastating.
Reps. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.), Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), along with steel industry executives and United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway, convened on Thursday to discuss how strong trade policy can support America's steel industry.
As was attested during the virtual discussion, the American steel industry is the foundation of our nation's economy and national security. And though American steel manufacturers have found stable footing since the application of Section 232 trade action in 2018, a global overcapacity crisis looms over the industry.
"Frankly, it's important for us to remember that this is a decades-old problem and that 232 has been helpful, and it has sort of helped to reset how we think about steel and how we think about the domestic industry. And we can't afford to let that sort of slide back," said Conway. "This industry now is running the way it ought to run – at about an 85% capacity."
As the economic thinktank Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reported in March, the benefits of Section 232 trade action on imported steel were almost instantaneous when implemented in 2018. By 2019, Section 232's 25% tariff had curbed steel importation by 27%.
Section 232's ability to hold back the flood of cheap steel imported into the U.S. lent domestic steelmakers some security. This led to the reopening of idled plants in at least 15 states, the investment of more than $16 billion in new or upgraded steel facilities, and the creation of at least 3,200 steel jobs. Just this September, U.S. Steel announced plans to build a new $3 billion mini-mill, and Nucor Corp. has said it will build a $2.7 billion sheet steel plant, the company's largest construction project to date.
"I think it's critical we sustain the transformation," said Steel Dynamics CEO Mark Millett. "Our industry has performed, and all we ask is create that level playing field going forward."
All of this progress can be obliterated if cheap imports are again allowed to pour into our nation.
There have been calls from business groups and foreign nations for Section 232 exemptions. European Union diplomats have aired their frustrations with Section 232 tariffs during this week's EU-US Trade and Technology Council. But, as Conway and the executives commented during the roundtable, though China is a major contributor to the global steel overcapacity crisis, our European allies also play a role.
"We have problems coming out of China. We have problems coming out of Russia. But there are problems within Europe as well. There are other countries who have been not particularly great actors," said Conway. "As we think about this, we've got to stick now to a long-term fix for the U.S. steel industry, for this economy."
Importantly, as the U.S. steel industry has stabilized, not only have thousands of jobs been recovered, domestic steel producers have channeled their profits into improving and building cutting-edge mills that lead the world in manufacturing cleaner steel.
"There's a global race on to decarbonize steel. And developing and deploying those technologies needed to decarbonize requires collaboration, but it's a matter of competitiveness," U.S. Steel Senior Vice President Richard Fruehauf said. "In Canada and Europe, governments are quickly stepping up to support and fund the multi-billion-dollar transition needed to achieve steel decarbonization. In the U.S., as others have already said, we are ahead. … But we have to accelerate."
Nucor Corp. General Counsel Greg Murphy said, "Steel produced in the United States generates a small fraction of the emissions of steel produced and imported from other major steel-producing regions, including those in the E.U. and in Asia. Nucor and the industry's investments will enable us to actually reduce the global carbon footprint even further. By lowering imports, the Section 232 measures have actually effectively reduced the carbon footprint in the U.S. and supported lower-greenhouse-gas-intensity steels produced right here at home."
However, if the Biden administration allows the U.S. steel industry to fall victim to the global steel overcapacity crisis again, hundreds of thousands of workers will be at risk, along with their families and communities.
"These are real families. These are real jobs," said Mrvan. "We've talked all about hundreds of thousands of jobs in the backbone. We all agree upon that — that the steel industry needs to be protected. Section 232 is extremely important."

subset: commoncrawl


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The Owl Mission
The Park Ridge School District is committed to educating and empowering all students to think critically and creatively to express their full potential. We cultivate a community of lifelong learners and nurture all students to be kind, ethical, and responsible citizens, as well as independent, productive members of an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As a district, we embrace individuality and value cultural diversity, equity, and mutual respect.
The Owl Vision
We are dedicated to creating a culture and climate of collaboration and acceptance, where all members of the district are encouraged to challenge themselves and learn from their experiences. We recognize the importance of interconnection and encourage development of multiple intelligences and divergent thinkers. We strive to support our students as they grow academically, socially, physically, and emotionally, and recognize that this process is enhanced through collaboration within the larger community. The Park Ridge School District strives to advocate for the individual needs and goals of every member of the school community, by fostering an environment where growth and well-being are paramount.


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Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Max India Limited, a leading multi-business corporate and Mitsui Suimoto Insurance Company Limited which is member of MS & AD Insurance Group, a leader in the general insurance sector across the world. The rich experience of both the companies has made Max Life one of the leaders in the Indian Insurance Industry. As in the year 2013 – 14, Max Life Insurance Company Limited has been ranked among the top 4 life insurers in India with a market share of 10.30%.
Peaceful Post-Retirement Life
Tax Free Regular Income
Wealth Generation to beat Inflation
The company is counted amongst the fastest growing life insurance businesses with the Gross Written Premium of Rs.7279 crores and declaring a shareholder's profit of Rs.436 crores post taxation. The range of products offered by Max Life Insurance Company include Protection plans in the form of term plans, Child Plans, Savings and Investment Plans which are available in both conventional or ULIPs form and pension plans. With a wide range of products, the company strives to meet every individual's insurance related requirement at a single source.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C ApplyMax Life currently offers a range of three types of pension plans which are mentioned in details below with a detailed list of their features and benefits. Let us take a look:
A unit linked pension plan which offers market linked growths to build a considerable corpus for the policyholder.
The premiums under the plan can be paid for the entire tenure under the Regular Pay option of in one lump sum at the inception of the plan under the Single Pay option of premium payment.
The premium net of charges is invested in a choice of two funds namely – Pension Preserver Fund and Pension Maximizer Fund.
Guaranteed Additions are paid under the plan @ 0.50% of the fund value which also increases by 0.02% every year
The maturity value depends on the pension fund chosen for investment. Under the Pension Preserver Fund, higher of the fund value or 101% of total premiums paid is payable on maturity and under the Pension Maximizer Fund, higher of the fund value or 110% of total premiums paid is payable on maturity.
Commutation of 1/3rd of the proceeds is available but the remaining portion has to be used to receive annuity. The policyholder can buy annuity from the total proceeds instead of commutation. A deferred annuity plan can also be purchased where a single payment is required or the vesting can be postponed if the age is below 55 years
On death before the vesting period, higher of the fund value or 105% of premiums paid till the date of death is paid to the nominee who can either avail the death benefit in lump sum or avail annuity from it.
Top-ups are allowed under the plan to increase the fund value with a minimum value of Rs.1000
The top-up premiums paid are invested under the 'Save for Tomorrow' feature wherein the amount can be increased by 5% every year to a maximum of 150% of the annual premium.
Max Life Partner Care Rider is available under the plan for increased protection.
Eligibility Details
Minimum | Maximum | |
Entry Age | 30 years | 65 years |
Vesting Age | 50 years | 75 years |
Policy Term | 10 years | Vesting age – 75 years |
Annual Premium amount | Regular Pay - Rs.25, 000 Single Pay – Rs.1 lakh | No limit |
Premium Payment Term | Equal to the policy term or Single Pay | |
Premium Paying Frequency | Yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly |
It is an immediate annuity plan which is opposite of the deferred plan discussed above.
Annuity payments will begin after the premium is paid in lump sum
The annuity can be taken on a single life of the policyholder or on joint life of that of the policyholder and his spouse.
The annuity promises multiple annuity options like:
Life annuity
Lifetime Annuity with Return of 100% of Purchase Price on annuitant's death
Joint Life Annuity for life
Joint Life Annuity for life and Return of 100% of Purchase Price on death of the last survivor
There is no requirement of undergoing a medical examination to buy the plan.
People also read: max life nfo
Eligibility Details
Minimum | Maximum | |
Entry Age | 50 years | 80 years |
Annual Annuity amount | Depends on the purchase price and age | |
Purchase Price | Rs.1 lakh | |
Annuity Payout Frequency | Yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly |
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
A traditional money back plan providing periodic money-back benefits in the older ages to take care of expenses post retirement. The features and benefits of the plan are as follows:
The plan participates in the profits of the company by way of earning bonuses and premiums under the plan are required to be paid for a limited tenure.
Bonuses under the plan start to accrue from the end of the 2nd policy year and the bonus can be availed in 3 different options called Purchase Paid-up Additions, Paid in Cash and Premium Offset.
Under the first bonus option called Purchase Paid-up Additions, the bonus can be used to increase the Sum Assured. The increased Sum Assured will also be eligible to earn future bonuses.
Under the Paid in Cash option, the bonus which accrues is paid to the policyholder in cash every year
Under the third option of Premium Offset, the earned bonus can be used to adjust against subsequent premiums.
Survival benefits under the plan start to accrue once the insured attains 61 years of age @7.5% of the Guaranteed Maturity Sum Assured and continues for 15 years thereafter.
On maturity, the Guaranteed Maturity Sum Assured including the accrued Paid-up Additions and any Terminal Bonus is paid to the policyholder.
If the insured dies during the tenure of the plan, the Guaranteed Death Benefit along with the accrued Paid-up Additions and any Terminal Bonus is paid to the nominee
In case the insured is diagnosed with any terminal illness, an immediate payment equivalent to 50% of the Guaranteed Maturity Sum Assured is paid to him and the plan continues. The amount paid is later adjusted from any maturity or death benefit payable.
The Guaranteed Death Benefit is defined as higher of 11 times the annual premium or 105% of the total premiums paid till the date of death or the Guaranteed Maturity Sum Assured chosen at the time of inception of the plan.
The plan can be customized by availing Max Life Payor Rider with enhanced protection features.
Eligibility Details
Minimum | Maximum | |
Entry Age | 91 days | 55 years |
Maturity Age | - | 75 years |
Policy Term | (75 – age at entry) years | |
Premium amount | Rs.8500 | No limit |
Sum Assured | Rs.50, 000 | No limit |
Premium Payment Term | 7, 10, 15 or 20 years | |
Premium Paying Frequency | Yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly |
The company offers specific plans which are available online only. The customer only needs to log into the company's website, choose the required plan, choose the coverage and provide the details. The premium will be determined using the filled details. The customer then needs to pay the premium online through credit card, debit card or net banking facilities and the policy will be issued
Plans which are not available online can be purchased from agents, brokers, banks, etc. where the intermediaries help with the application process.
On the PolicyBazaar homepage, click on Retirement under the Personal tab.
Click New Quotes to compare and choose from top insurance providers.
Fill your date of birth (DOB), whether you are a smoker/non-smoker, and the payout amount. On the basis of your payout amount, you will get an estimate of your premium. Next click Continue.
Fill in your name, email address, city, country code, and mobile number. Click Continue.
You will be taken to the Life Insurance quotes page where you will see life insurance quotes of more than 10 insurers. Next, choose the plan as per payment schedule – One Time Payout and Monthly Payout Plans.
After reviewing and comparing each life insurance quote, click the premium amount to buy the desired plan.
You will see a pop-up on the screen which will give you an overview of the chosen plan like premium, plan features, exclusions, additional riders, etc. Click Proceed.
This will take you to the insurer's website. You will have to fill in the necessary details to buy the plan.
An annuity plan is a kind of insurance policy that pays out a regular income to the policyholder after his retirement. The money that is paid (also known as the purchase price) during the annuity phase, is accumulated by the policyholder (also known as the annuitant) himself in the years leading to the retirement. An annuity plan works in two phases, the accumulation phase and the annuity phase. During the accumulation phase, the policyholder has to pay the premiums. He has the option of paying it in one go, but commonly the premium is divided and paid throughout the years. Once he retires and finishes paying the premiums, his annuity phase starts and he receives the monthly payments.
Some people like to travel and do things which they could not do during their employment years. If you too want to do so but don't want your savings to dip, you can go for a high annuity plan. You can then plan the finances and divide the annuity in such a way that even after getting your tickets, you will have enough money to pay all the bills.
As the chairman of a company, you surely had a high social standing and your family was used to a lavish lifestyle. So keep this in mind when deciding upon the annuity coverage. You need an annuity large enough to help your family and yourself maintain that lifestyle for a longer period of time. Therefore, lifestyle is a determinant factor here.
An annuity plan ensures that your monthly incomes continue after your retirement as well and this in turn assures that you are never left in a financial crisis. However, if you already have the required funds to take care of your bills and expenses, you need not opt for an additional annuity. If you plan your finances well and invest your savings in an intelligent manner, it may sustain you for your life. However, since death is beyond our control and we cannot predict it, it would be advisable for you to go for a low life annuity cover. A life annuity plan would pay annuities till the last day of your life. So if you happen to live for a long time and your savings run out by then, you will have an additional source of income and won't have to depend on anyone else to take care of you.
You may also like: Present Values of Annuity | Future Value of Annuity
Step1: Enter your Client ID and Date of Birth to login into e-portal
Step2: Enter the policy details and payment method (Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking)
Step3: Save/print premium deposit receipt on successful payment intimation
Alterantively, you can pay via cash/cheque at any of the nearest branch.
Please check Best Retirement Plans India
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
*Please note that the quotes shown will be from our partners
*Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws
~Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ


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Over the last few days with the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival coming to an end Scannain was out and about taking to the actors and directors on the red carpet. Last Saturday was the Irish premiere of Alan Rickman's second directorial film A Little Chaos, starring Kate Winslet. Actor Cathy Belton, writer Alison Deegan, and Rickman were in town for the premiere.
Cathy Belton
So Cathy what was it like playing Louise who is this emotional anchor for Sabine (Kate Winslet) in A Little Chaos?
Do you think so?
Oh definitely. She's really the only character who's with her for a very long time.
It was great. It was really fantastic, Kate and I had this wonderful time together. At one stage we had filmed stuff that was in the flashbacks. This was because they wanted to establish very fast that Louise was there for her.
What is it like working on a period piece, especially a French period piece?
Unfortunately I didn't get to go to the ball, but even being a lady in waiting was still quite the experience. Wearing a corset really helped set the tone and helped me into my character. Most period stuff I've done is in theatre and I've always loved it. The costumes allowed you to be transported physically as well to this time period.
Alison Deegan
A Little Chaos is a very layered and nuanced film, what was it like bringing it to life?
Well the best thing I can say about that is if you are a writer you have to just sit down and you must absorb everything you have read and that you know about something and then really the best thing you can do is forget it and ust sit there for a long time and listen. Then suddenly you find yourself there with a voice in your head and then another voice and another voice and that really builds and builds, until you have yourself a little solar system and that little solar system is the film. You understand how the planets react to each other and that's really what I did or I tried to at least.
What scenes were the most challenging to bring from the page to the screen?
What I think what I did basically was I had a crash course in screenwriting and I had two hundred and fifty pages of a screenplay which I gave to Alan (Rickman) and what he showed me basically was that you can nip things and nip things and nip things so that if you've only got a hundred and something pages of a script all of those words have to make a difference and you have to understand and you have to try as hard as possible to say as little or as much as possible with as little words as possible. That's what I learned.
There are so many interesting characters, Sabine, André, King Louis. Who was your favourite to write for?
I think you know that really the central role, Kate's role was the most interesting. Mainly because I didn't know what she was doing, I really didn't know what had happened to her until I started to work one day and I realised I had written two hundred pages and I thought Oh my gosh I'm going to have to do something here. In a way I was listening for her voice and that character strangely brought that forward and that character had showed me what happened to her and that's how I realised what did happen to her.
There's a pivotal scene late in A Little Chaos and we won't spoil it but what was it like writing that scene?
Well as a wife of thirty years and a mother of many daughters and sons I wanted to say when you have a big ol' marriage it's like a dinosaur hide. It's got scars from previous events and really what you have to say is, "I put those scars there too, I made those choices too", so really you've got to understand that if you're standing there and I'm standing here the relationship is something where nothing happens by accident, everything happens by design whether you know it or not. It's about taking responsibility, what I wanted to say was blaming one party doesn't work anymore.
Alan Rickman
Alan what made you choose the beautiful A Little Chaos as your second directorial outing?
Well you said it's a beautiful film.
It is.
Then maybe I foresaw that it would be and wanted to be attached to it. It's so well written by Alison, it's filled with images you want to capture. It's a very modern story between a man and a woman with a stunning backdrop. It's truly a story about now as well as about then where we take history and ring it's neck a bit.
You're an actor and director so when going into a film as both how do you ensure that you don't accidentally monopolise the best scenes, is that a challenge?
As the director you're also the protector of the film and the last thing you want to do is unbalance the film. You know every scene is part of a whole and so even though there is a long scene between myself and Kate nevertheless it's her we need to watch.
That scene in particular in the garden between yourself and Sabine and she doesn't know you're the King, what was that like to film?
Well it's a wonderful scene and it was potentially going to be very fun to shoot and we kind of enjoyed shooting it, but the day we shot it the wind changed and we were on a flight path and so every thirty seconds we had a plane go by. Sadly it became a bit of a nightmare, good old editing room to the rescue.
There's this wonderful subplot with her family, what was that like constructing because as I watched it all unfold I was completely taken in.
You'll have to go again.
I know, because when I heard the voice for the first time I thought someone was talking in the cinema.
Well I'm glad you think that because that's the important thing about it, because that needs to be fed in and not sledge hammered into the audience's brain. All of these elements contribute to her discovering who she is and we have to do it with her.
You've got a great cast as well, you've got Matthias, Kate and Stanley Tucci. He brings a great kind of humour to A Little Chaos, what was it like working with Stanley because his character comes out of nowhere?
Yeah and I think his character is a gentle version of the true person. What a fantastic luxury to have him in the film and not least because he's an actor who directs so you've got his eagle eye flicking around.


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The live dealer casino games segment has developed greatly since the tech advancements started coming in from all sides. Such content soon became the industry standard, as high-quality video streaming became all the more accessible across the mass public. Soon afterward, all the leading casino operators included such gameplay in their libraries.
One common misconception in this regard is that most players think the live dealer games are the casinos'. This is sometimes the practice with regular online games, as the casino could have an in-house developing team. However, proprietary live dealer games are yet to be seen among the game libraries of international casino sites.
In fact, these casinos tend to hire third-party live casino software providers. Their main point of business is developing online casino gameplay (specific categories or the whole selection). For live dealer games specifically, Evolution Gaming is the undisputed leader, winning recognitions for years in a row. And with their specific products, unique gameplay, and massive rewarding potential, this is no wonder.
How to Choose a Live Casino Software Provider?
With the industry growing in popularity, it wasn't too long before the competition started to grow as well. Not all companies were interested in getting into the practice, but those that did were in for some work. Developers were constantly trying to improve the games, from their initial look up until today's ultimately realistic gameplay experience.
Soon enough, the handful of interested companies doubled and continued attracting even more businesses. Nowadays, there are plenty of online casino software providers that also design live dealer software as part of their offerings.
Live dealer software providers, respectively, are still a rather nice portion of the industry. This, in turn, made it easier for players to distinguish the key features of their products. Nowadays, it is more than easy to find out which characteristics contribute the most to player satisfaction. We have identified them for you below. Now, all you have to do now is compare them against the top providers whose games you enjoy the most.


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BlogRafael Oliveira7 min read
Building a news recommendation engine using Curiosity
Building a news recommendation engine
We explore the MIND dataset to build a quick news recommendation engine from scratch using Curiosity
Recommendation systems have been a key part of modern website interactions, as it can be very hard to find information otherwise. Websites have sections like "Suggested Read", "You might also be interested at", "Relevant for you", in which these recommendations are embedded in the flow of the website, and are key to help users understand, identify, and provide new opportunities to engage with the content, ultimately improve their experience and increasing retention and interest.
In my last post, Exploring CodeProject using Curiosity, I showed how one can build a graph embedding model and use it to recommend similar CodeProject posts in real-time using the built-in HNSW index. In that case, we built our recommendation model based entirely on the extracted entities from the articles' text content and the relationships that were captured in the knowledge graph.
But another interesting source of signals for providing recommendations is user-behavior: the premise is that similar users will have similar "interests", and we can capture these interests based on their interaction on the website.
There is plenty of research on the topic, and while we'll not present any novel algorithm here, I'll show how one can model this data as a set of relationships in the graph, and a few different approaches to provide recommendations based on this.
As we don't have the user-behavior for CodeProject, for this post we'll switch to another interesting public data-set that has all the information we need to demonstrate how to build a recommendation algorithm: Enter the MIND — or Microsoft News Recommendation Dataset. More details about this dataset can be found in the related paper, but in short, it consists of an extract of news articles and user interactions with them over time.
Data Modeling for Recommendations
Similar to my previous post, the first step in building our demo is to get the data inside the system — so let's start with our graph schema. From a quick inspection, the key data types in the MIND dataset are:
News Articles (from msn.com)
Anonymized Users
Entities (from WikiData)
Categories & Subcategories
The resulting graph schema is quite similar to the one from the CodeProject article, with the only change being that the Tags type have been replaced with WikiData Entities that were pre-captured by Microsoft when they generated the dataset.
We start building our MIND-connector (no, not this one) as usual. You can check the entire source-code for the connector on GitHub. We add the Curiosity Library package to be able to talk to the graph and also add a CSV and an HTML parser to help us read and transform the data.
For reading the data from each of the files, we can use the neat record objects to create the supporting classes to read the CSV data into, and then asynchronously iterate through the files to read each object:
We now define our supporting Node schema classes for the Curiosity graph:
And proceed to write the logic to ingest all articles and impressions:
Now we just need to generate an API token for our Curiosity instance, sit back and wait while the ingestion downloads all the data and populate our graph:
This might take a while, as it will also read the HTML pages of each article to try to extract the full text and date. If you run the code with the large dataset, might be a good time to go refill your coffee mug.
Recommendation Algorithms
As we already explored the idea of using graph embeddings to recommend similar articles to any given article, I'll cover now two other approaches that we can use to suggest articles:
Articles related to the user's interests
Articles viewed by Similar Users
Articles related to a user's interests
This algorithm works for existing users, as it depends on previous interests captured by the user interactions with news on the site. We want to explore the fact that if a user reads an article in which a given entity appears, there is a good chance that the user will be interested in new articles that also talk about the given entity. This can be represented as a set of graph operations, in which we start at the user, and navigate the graph towards articles, then entities, and then back to articles.
This operation can be modeled with a graph query like this:
Articles viewed by Similar Users
This algorithm uses a graph embedding model to try to model similar users based on their interests on the graph. First, we train a new graph similarity model, but this time for users instead of articles. As the number of users is quite high, we configure the model to only consider users that have read at least 50 articles.
We will also use an interesting capability of the Curiosity graph database, that allows us to expand the knowledge graph by defining inferencing rules to create "virtual edges" at query time. For this model, we'll define the following rule:
We now create the similarity index and configure it as follows:
Note that in this case, we disable the similarity for tokens options, as we'll not be handling any "Concepts" related to the user. We also add the two edge and node types that we want to use for modeling similarity, including the inferred edge defined earlier. Once the model is trained, we can use a similar graph query to fetch recommended articles based on user similarity:
Visualizing Recommendations
A quite handy feature from Curiosity is the option to customize the front-end directly from the application, without having to write a single line of JavaScript. We can use this here to build a quick prototype UI to visualize the results from the different algorithms. In our case, we'll add the three tabs to be able to and link each tab to a Custom Endpoint. First, we create the endpoints for each algorithm:
Then, we configure our User view to show the response of these three endpoints in separate tabs, using the Content From Endpoint component.
Finally, we can check that it all works by opening any user and clicking on each of the "recommend" tabs we created above (Similar for similar articles, Interests for related articles to what the user is interested and Similar Users for articles read by similar users):
Final Notes
In this post, we showed here how to quickly put together a set of algorithms to recommend related news articles. One key aspect that is not covered here but can be left as an improvement to these algorithms is a way to mix the different techniques depending on the profile of the user and to use other signals such as freshness or length to extend the predictions and re-rank the results.
If you're interested in reproducing this locally, you can find the connector code on GitHub.


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Clár Tillekens is an American Irish photographer born in New York. As a daughter of Irish immigrants who is now based in Europe, her work focuses on plural citizenship, transnationalism, and first-generation identity. Clár explores how culture is altered and maintained through migration. She utilizes varying styles to refer to formative spaces in different countries. She's currently based between Berlin, Germany and Bristol, England as she completes her MA in Photography at the University of the West of England.
Living outside of both the countries where I have citizenships has enabled me to examine how migration can both change and preserve culture. My series Overseas explores my experience of diaspora as a first-generation American and Irish citizen abroad. Taking on an additional nationality has been a complex experience, amplified by being based in two hostlands—Germany and England. As a relatively new Irish citizen who only lived in the country for a short while, my work explores Irish culture outside of Ireland and the parallels between the places I'm from in both the US and Ireland—New York and Leitrim. I re-contextualize signifiers of Irish culture by showing them in unconventional contexts to allude to the global dispersal of the culture through immigration. Additionally, I show my family's maintenance of their Irish cultural identity in New York, alongside details of places of personal significance in Ireland. These angles encompass my reflection of my identity as a plural, outsider citizen.
To view more of Clár Tillekens's work please visit her website.


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Here's a delightful bottle of St Austell's lager, Korev, apparently Cornish for beer (contrast with Breton Coreff and Welsh Cwrw). Pale yellow in the glass, the colour of a wispy, watery sunshine; here's why according to brewery head brewer Roger Ryman: 'We blend a little flaked maize with the malt to lighten the colour further, plus a small amount of CaraGold for sweetness and body. So it's not a Reinheitsgebot grist bill, but we in the UK do not operate under the straitjacket of German brewers.' Now the aroma: lemony boiled sweets, sugar-free if there's such a thing, so you don't get a massive sugary hit. It's a light and gossamer like nose. The lemony delicacy continues on the palate, a German-style Pils character reference — maybe something like Warsteiner — it's crisp and light in the mouth, tickles with a gentle carbonation (rather than the rasping bite I get from commodity lagers), and then proceeds to its demise with a lingering bitter finish. For me it's got a good refreshment value, and it's a pleasure to drink. I now hope Ryman does a dunkel or has a bash at a bock.
This is the first lager from St Austell (though Ryman has produced one for the brewery's exemplary beer festival, which I thoroughly recommend all and sundry to attend), and yet another addition to the continuing renaissance of British craft lager beer (and please don't write in to tell me that St Austell aren't craft, I'm far too busy trying to count the angels on a pinhead). BTW, here's a link to my piece on said renaissance in All About Beer, if you're interested in having a gander.
And if you want to know a bit more about the technical specs here's Ryman again: 'Fermentation is with a genuine Bavarian bottom fermenting lager strain. The beer will initially be brewed in our squares, but we are installing some cylindroconical vessels for production of bottled beers, so when these are available the fermentation will be moved to these. Collection is at genuine low fermentation temperature 8˚C, with the top heat of the fermentation regulated to 12˚C. Primary fermentation will last two weeks, as opposed to one week for our ales. We will then check that the diacetyl level is in spec before chilling and transferring to lager tank at -1˚C. We will hold in the lager tank for as long as is practical, but we only have four tanks, through which all the beer for our bottling line must pass. We will therefore have to move the beer after about three weeks as there will be other beer waiting behind it that we need to get into the tanks. On balance, given more tank storage capacity, I would perhaps opt for a longer lagering time, but I think this is more from a 'feel good' perspective rather than any real technical reason.'
So there you have it, Cornish lager, available only in bottle at the moment, a great antidote to my memories of the tasteless stuff that was Newquay Steam Lager, which I remember being available back in the late 1980s in a Crouch End gaff called Dick's Bar (it's now apparently called Bar Rocca and one review on Beer in the evening is rather funny: 'If Timmy Mallet married Jade Goody, they would have the reception here.').


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Crimea will ditch Ukraine's time zone and switch to Moscow Standard Time within weeks, Crimea's Prime Minister Sergei Aksenov announced Monday.
The announcement follows Sunday's referendum in Crimea, in which 96.8 percent of voters said they wanted to break away from Ukraine and come under Russia's rule.
Eastern European Time, observed by countries including Ukraine, Greece, and Turkey, observes daylight savings time and the switch coincides with the date its clocks jump forward.
Moscow Standard Time is the same throughout the year, so in the winter Crimea will be two hours ahead of Ukraine.
The change will occur on March 30, according to Aksenov.


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When we think of "rugged" compact cameras, the Olympus Tough line is the first to come to mind, and the new Olympus Tough TG-6 announced today continues the company's leadership in the category. What distinguishes the Olympus Tough line— apart from the cameras themselves—is the array of accessories that Olympus offers. It's not just a camera, but a complete system that can be tailored for specific uses. Optional accessories include three optical converters, two ring lights, an underwater housing for deeper dives than the camera can do on its own, plus protective equipment like a lens barrier and floatation device.
Like its predecessor, the Tough TG-5, the 12-megapixel Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof down to 50 feet, dustproof, shockproof for drops up to 7 feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a 4x optical zoom lens, providing a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25-100mm, which can be extended on either end of the range with the optional lens converters. At its widest setting, the lens has a maximum aperture of ƒ2—especially beneficial when shooting in low-light conditions underwater. The lens stops down to a maximum aperture of ƒ/4.9 at the tele end of its range.
Check out the Olympus Tough TG-6 at B&H!
The Olympus Tough TG-6 also boasts impressive macro capabilities for a compact camera. In Microscope mode, it can focus on objects as close as 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) using the optical zoom, for 35mm-equivalent magnification of 7x. Also useful for close-up work is the camera's ability to do Focus Stacking in-camera, merging 3 to 10 frames into a single image with expanded depth of field. For even greater control in post-processing, there's a Focus Bracketing mode that can capture up to 30 frames while shifting the focal point in small increments. To help achieve the most even lighting possible for macro shots, the LG-1 Light Guide and FD-1 Flash Diffuser—the latter of which can also be used underwater—are optional accessories.
Another new feature of the Olympus Tough TG-6 is an Underwater White Balance option with 3 modes, each optimized for shooting at different depths: Shallow, for depths to 3 meters; Mid Range for depths to 15 meters; and Deep for depths greater than 15 meters. The Deep mode is especially useful when using the optional PT-059 Underwater Case, which allows the camera to operate in depths up to 45 meters (approximately 147 feet).
The Olympus Tough TG-6 will be available in "late June" with a list price of $449. For additional information, including system accessories, see the official press release below, as well as the Tough TG-6 product page on the Olympus website.
Check out the Olympus Tough TG-6 at B&H!
Perfect for Outdoor Shooting with Tough Performance, Macro Functions and a Newly Developed Circular Fisheye Converter
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 22, 2019 – Olympus expands rugged and underwater shooting capabilities with the new Olympus Tough TG-6, a compact digital camera with reliable Tough performance for shooting anytime and anywhere. It features a blazing fast, wide-angle f/2.01 lens, back-lit high-speed CMOS sensor and powerful TruePic VIII image processor, providing the ability to capture stills and video with brilliant color and stunning detail. The Tough TG-6 is waterproof to a depth of 50 feet (15m)2, dustproof3, shockproof to 7 feet (2.4m)4, crushproof to 100 kgf5, freezeproof to 14ºF (-10°C)6, and features a dual-pane protective glass construction for superb anti-fogging performance. Its Variable Macro System goes beyond the limits of the eye with ultra-close-up shooting up to 1cm from the front of the lens7. Full-featured underwater shooting modes and a new fisheye converter lens that supports circular fisheye photography are available for the Tough TG-6, along with a full lineup of other accessories for expanded shooting possibilities, making this truly the strongest field camera available.
1 At the wide-angle end of 25mm (35mm equivalent)
2 Waterproof performance is JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) equivalent. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.
3 Dustproof performance is JIS/IEC protection class 6 (IP6X) equivalent. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.
4 Compliant with MIL-STD810F. This model cleared drop tests under Olympus in-house testing conditions; however, Olympus does not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions. Olympus in-house shockproof testing conditions: Drop height: 2.1 m, Drop surface: Plywood (lauan laminate), Drop orientation: 26 directions for each surface, each side, and each corner. Drop test was performed once for each direction.
5 Kilogram force (kgf) is the unit for measuring force exerted on an object. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.
6 The number of recordable still images is reduced at low temperatures.
7 Super Macro setting required.
Tough Performance for Shooting Anytime
Sealing throughout the entire camera body and double-lock construction on the camera battery cover are designed to provide waterproof performance to a depth of 50 feet for underwater shooting and excellent dustproof capabilities for use in dirty and dusty locations. Its floating construction protects the inside of the camera, clearing drop tests up to seven feet, and the reinforced body withstands loads up to 100 kgf. The Tough TG-6 is also freezeproof down to 14ºF, and the nitrogen-filled, hermetically sealed dual-pane protective glass construction prevents condensation and fogging for reliable shooting even in locations with severe temperature fluctuations.
High-Quality Images
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is equipped with a high resolution, high-speed f/2.0 zoom lens and a high-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor, offering excellent high-sensitivity performance and allowing you to capture bright, richly detailed images in low-light settings, ideal for shooting fast moving subjects. Anti-reflective (AR) coating incorporated in the image sensor's sealing glass minimizes ghosting and flares. The TruePic VIII image processor, found in the award-winning Olympus OM-D E-M1X® professional model, is featured on this model, reducing noise levels and improving resolution in low contrast areas. RAW data can be recorded and then edited in post-production using the Olympus Workspace image editing software.
Variable Macro System
Conquer macro photography and creatively capture intricate detail using any of the four shooting modes, opening a new world of macro shooting. This close-up shooting performance allows high-quality image capture of the microscopic world that the human eye cannot see. A closest focusing distance of 1cm is possible for close-up shots even in Program and Aperture modes for more flexible photography.
The LED Light Guide, LG-1 (sold separately) uses the LED on the front of the camera to evenly illuminate the subject while the image is being taken. The LG-1 also assists with composing the image, acting as a constant light source to illuminate the subject.
The Flash Diffuser FD-1 (sold separately) uses the in-camera flash to illuminate the subject, offering a significant increase in the amount of light. This increase in light allows for usage of lower ISO settings and faster shutter speeds, as well as an increased working distance. The FD-1 can also be utilized under water.
Microscope Mode
With Microscope Mode, users can capture high-quality, detailed images of tiny subjects that are difficult to see with the naked eye, such as the antennae and feet of insects, the veins of a leaf on a tree, snowflakes, etc. A maximum shooting magnification of 7×8 is possible when the optical zoom is set to the telephoto end and the subject is 1 cm away from the front of the lens, delivering magnified shots similar to using a microscope.
8 35mm equivalent.
9 Use of a tripod is recommended. Processing may take longer than usual.
Microscope Control Mode
Switch display magnification ratios with the press of a single button similar to switching microscope objective lenses for observing and photographing subjects at 1x, 2x, and 4x. When the subject is 1 cm from the front of the lens while using this mode, the image on the rear LCD monitor can zoom in up to 44.4x.
Focus Stacking Mode9
Focus stacking mode captures multiple shots while automatically shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. Only the areas in focus are extracted and merged, resulting in a full pixel photo with a deep depth of focus. This is particularly effective for macro shooting when shots have a shallow depth of field and a narrow range of focus. Between 3 and 10 shots can be set on the Tough TG-6 so users can fine tune settings for different subjects and precision in their finished image.
Focus Bracketing Mode
With a single shot, this function captures up to 30 images while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. Three levels of focal shift and number of shots can be selected to perfectly match the subject and shooting conditions. This feature is convenient for instantly setting the focal position when shooting flower petals or the wings of insects, etc.
Dive Deep Into Underwater Photography
To expand the possibilities of underwater shooting ever further, the Tough TG-6 is equipped with five underwater shooting modes optimized for various situations, allowing the user to capture sharp, colorful underwater photos at all depths. The popular Underwater White Balance mode now offers three options, providing appropriate color adjustment for deep water shooting. The new Fisheye Converter FCON-T02 (sold separately), for circular fisheye photography is now available, offering a versatile lineup of accessories to further expand shooting creativity.
Five Underwater Modes
- Underwater Wide: Optimized for shooting in dim underwater conditions and capable of shooting in deeper water.
- Underwater Snapshot: Records subjects using the natural lighting in pools and other shallow water for natural-looking photos.
- Underwater Macro: Perfect for close-up shots of small subjects such as little fish.
- Underwater Microscope: Captures even smaller subjects up to 1 cm from the front of the lens.
- Underwater HDR: Dramatically recreates the scene without losing details in dark areas.
Three Underwater White Balance Modes
- Underwater Shallow: Recommended for use in water depths up to approximately 10 feet deep to improve the red tones that tend to occur in shallow water.
- Underwater Mid-Range: Optimally tunes the color for general use in water from 10-50 feet deep.
- Underwater Deep: For use with the new Underwater Case PT-059 (sold separately) in water deeper than 50 feet, particularly for improving the blue tones in photos.
Fisheye Converter, FCON-T02
The new Fisheye Converter FCON-T02 (sold separately) delivers both circular fisheye photography and diagonal fisheye photography via zooming control. It can function even underwater for zoomed-in shots. The Converter Adapter CLA-T01 (sold separately) is required to attach this lens. FCON-T02 is only compatible with the Tough TG-6.
Advanced Video Functions
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is equipped with Ultra HD 4K Movie, ideal for recording beautiful scenery in amazing detail. Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie is also included to capture high quality split-second moments with playback in stunning slow motion.
Field Sensor System
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is equipped with a Field Sensor System, using tracking information obtained from various sensors in the camera to record data, including the GPS11, manometer, temperature sensor, and compass. Data can then be synced to photos and video and viewed in the free Olympus Image Track (OI.Track) smartphone app. Simply press the INFO button, even when the camera is off, to display data.
Pro Capture Mode
Never miss a shot! Pro Capture Mode shoots sequentially at 10 frames-per-second (fps) for 0.5 seconds before the shutter button is pressed fully, making it perfect for capturing shots where timing may be difficult, such as an insect in flight or a drop of liquid splashing.
High Definition LCD monitor
The new rear LCD monitor now features a 1.04 million-pixel high-definition resolution for improved visibility. The brightness and color saturation are optimally tuned for use outdoors.
Date Imprint
It is now possible to embed the date and time of capture into still images for convenience and reference later. Users can turn this feature on and off to best fit their needs.
Lens Barrier, LB-T01
The new lens barrier LB-T0112 protects the lens surface from scratches and dirt. The barrier opens and closes easily for smooth operation, even while wearing gloves.
Silicone Jacket, CSCH-127
This accessory protects the surface of the camera body from scratches. It also provides a solid grip on the camera when shooting during winter sports and water sports. LED Light Guide LG-1 and Flash Diffuser FD-1 can function with the silicone jacket attached to the camera.
Underwater Case, PT-05913
Designed exclusively for the Tough TG-6, this case can function down to a depth of 148 feet. The camera control dial is operable even when the camera is stored in the case for easy exposure compensation control underwater. Two external flash units for underwater photography (UFL-3) are compatible for multi-unit flash photography in a compact system.
Lithium Ion Battery Charger, UC-92
This new, compact battery charger can fully charge the Lithium Ion Battery LI-92B using a USB port in approximately 2 hours.
Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Tough TG-6 will be available in red and black beginning in late June 2019, with suggested retail prices of $449.99 USD and $579.99 CAD.
Accessory Pricing
PT-059 Underwater Housing: $299.99 USD; $329.99 CAD
Lens Barrier LB-T01: $49.99 USD; $59.99 CAD
Flash Diffuser FD-1: $51.99 USD; $64.99 CAD
LED Light Guide LG-1: $40.99 USD; $40.99 CAD
Circular Fisheye Converter FCON-T02 & Adapter CLA-T01 Tough Pack Kit: $224.99 USD; $292.99 CAD
Fisheye Converter FCON-T01 & Adapter CLA-T01 Tough Pack Kit: $139.98 USD; $139.98 CAD
Teleconverter TCON-T01 & Adapter CLA-T01 Tough Pack Kit: $129.98 USD; $129.98 CAD
CLA-T01 Adapter: $19.99 USD; $19.99 CAD
Lens Cap LC-40.5 (fits on CLA-T01 Adapter): $7.49 USD; $9.99 CAD
Lens Filter PRF-D40.5 PRO: $51.99 USD; $51.99 CAD
10 White balance can also be changed manually.
11 GPS: Global Positioning System. To use GPS Assist data, information must be updated via the internet. A PC or smartphone with an internet connection is required. GPS Assist Data must be updated every 2 weeks. Depending on the country/region of use, different laws and regulations may be applicable regarding the use of the GPS function. Be sure to follow local laws and regulations. Be sure to turn off the GPS function in places where its use is forbidden or restricted, such as inside airplanes. The camera is not equipped with a navigation function. GPS is a positioning measurement system that uses signals received from orbiting satellites. For better reception, avoid locations where signals can be blocked or reflected. Use the camera in as open location as possible where the sky is clearly visible. It may not be possible to obtain positioning information, or positioning information may be incorrect in the following locations: Indoors, underground or underwater, in forests, near tall buildings, near high-voltage lines, inside tunnels, near magnets, metal, or electronic appliances, near mobile phones that operate in the 1.5 GHz band.
12 Cannot be used together with Silicone Jacket CSCH-127.
13 The Field Sensor System will not operate properly when the camera is stored in the underwater case. Make sure to set the Log Lever to the off position when using the case. Use together with silica gel for best results.
The post The Olympus Tough TG-6 Is The Ultimate "Rugged" Pocket Camera appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.


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SEGA is awesome, there is no doubt about that, but they're not infallible. Back in the hardware days, SEGA made their fair share of mistakes. I won't name off the 32X and SEGA CD like a lot of gaming sites do, because to be honest, as an owner of both systems I have to say they have some really great titles. I'll even defend accessories that only exist for the sake of a few games. Just because the Dreamcast fishing controller is rarely used, due to the limited library of fishing games, does not make it a bad accessory. It's just highly specialized, and when put to use it is very effective. Same goes for the Samba de Amigo maracas and Virtual-On's twin sticks. But there are SEGA accessories and add-ons out there that were failures, or were simply too weird to take seriously. This week we'll take a look at five of these hiccups in SEGA's history.
The SEGA Activator for the SEGA Genesis was no doubt a cool piece of tech. Players could control a game with their full body years before the Kinect existed! But as evidenced in the training video above, it was too much of a hassle to set up, it required an annoying calibration process each time and the movements translated to button presses were just plain silly. I recall playing with this back in the 90's while at a friend's house. We set it up, popped in a game and five minutes later switched to standard controls. Why stand in the center of a plastic ring trying to figure out which arm movements translated to "jump" when we could simply tap the A button?
When Kinect was first announced, a number of gamers jumped on the hate wagon by posting the above video. Was it warranted? Perhaps, at least until the Kinect was actually shown in public and ultimately released. Kinect still gets its share of hate, but the thing works as promised and has a library of games which are perfectly tailored to the device. Perhaps if folks set down their glasses of haterade they'd realize this. The Activator, on the other hand, attempted to translate 3D movement to a 2D plane, with few games actually making sense for use with the device.
Dreamcast Karaoke Unit
This accessory made the list for one reason. No, it's not because I hate karaoke or because the instructions are all in Japanese. The Dreamcast karaoke unit is a bad accessory because it is 100% useless. Rather than releasing karaoke software, SEGA had the unit act as a pass-through for the modem. Owners of the device would boot up their Dreamcast, connect to the internet, download a song and enjoy. Songs could not be saved, so they would have to be re-downloaded should the unit be shut off. So strike one: an internet connection is required. Okay, so you may be thinking: "I can connect my Dreamcast to the internet". Nope! Even if you have a rare broadband adaptor (which I believe is not usable when the karaoke unit is hooked up) or can access the net via dial-up, you're out of luck as the karaoke servers went down in 2006. Strike two: no server access. So what is it good for? The box has classic Sonic on it, and it's a nice conversation piece. It makes your Dreamcast look a bit bigger. But spending over $100 on a useless add-on? Strike three.
The Sega Action Chair
One of the reasons I added "and/or" to the title of this article is due to the Action Chair. As I have never tried it, I don't think I'm in the field to call it the worst. However the thing is very weird. Like a sedentary Activator. The chair is incredibly rare, and is famously known for being up for sale for $500 last year. In fact, the chair was pick-up only and was an hour from where I live, though I had to resist the urge to buy a $500 rusty chair. How does it work? The sitting player moves their body about as if they are on the top of a giant joystick. Actions are carried out by pressing buttons on the ends of two padded handles. I could see the chair working with games like Hang-On, Space Harrier and Virtua Racing. But who knows if playing those sorts of games in a moving chair isn't uncomfortable. Also, considering the size of the chair, I'd assume it isn't adult friendly. Who knows? Perhaps the Action Chair is a pretty cool accessory, but given the lack of chairs to go around, I'm going to assume it wasn't a great alternative to a control pad.
Rez Trance Vibrator
Tetsuya Mizuguchi, you dirty man! Released after SEGA left the hardware market, the Trance Vibrator was an accessory made for use with the PS2 version of Rez. Essentially, it was a rumble pack. But where you put that rumble pack was up to you! SEGA said you could hold it, or put it in a pocket, but everybody knew it was meant for other places. Upon the release of the Trance Vibrator, a woman uploaded photos of herself in her panties holding the special accessory to her… region. And so, the Trance Vibrator was forever known as the video game sex toy. Mizuguchi returned to the world of Rez with the title Child of Eden, and so too returned to the world of vibrators by announcing that up to four controllers would shake to the music as players played. Good luck stuffing four controllers down your pants!
Super Wide Gear
Want to make your friends laugh? Next time you're out with them, whip out a Game Gear. After the laughs subside over how the handheld is the size of a VHS tape, attach the Super Wide Gear. The laughter will either double, or your friends will have very concerned looks on their faces. Growing up, I had a friend who had a Game Gear. While in his mom's car, we were playing Lion King in the back. He claimed the screen was too small, so he attached this wonky plastic accessory to the front of it to double the size of the screen.
To him he saw a larger screen, but to me the Super Wide Gear looked like some special attachment not unlike leg braces or dental head gear. Sure it assists and improves the gameplay experience, but is NOT something a kid wants to be seen using in public. I later acquired one myself, and found that even one scratch can ruin the experience. Whats the fun in seeing Sonic Triple Trouble at double the size when you have this annoying scratch on the screen? Being plastic, scratches are unavoidable and something Super Wide Gear users will have to get used to. That and having people stare at you as you play Cool Spot under a magnifying glass.


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Sept. 22, 2019
A local running club with a long and interesting history is hosting a benefit for Save Buffalo Bayou in Memorial Park next Saturday.
The Houston Ankle Biters Hash House Harriers is a social group, open to all ages, that meets monthly for non-competitive runs through woods, tunnels, parking garages, or wherever their leader, known as the hare, takes them.
They regularly hold benefits and this time they are honoring Save Buffalo Bayou with a Kontribution Kickball event on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a field next to the rugby pitch south of Memorial Drive on the southside of the park.
The event is free and open to the public, with beer and grilled food. All donations benefit Save Buffalo Bayou.
The Hash House Harriers is an international organization formed by British officers in 1938 in what is now Malaysia. Members of these clubs, who use pseudonyms, traditionally refer to the group as "a drinking club with a running problem."
Sounds like great fun. Come join us and meet some very fit, interesting, and jovial people.


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Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
bridge, Thailand
Learn about this topic in these articles:
Nong Khai
- In Nong Khai
In 1994 the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first bridge across the lower reaches of the Mekong River, was opened; it links Nong Khai by road with Vientiane. Nong Khai is the northern terminus of a railway from Bangkok and lies on the Bangkok-Vientiane highway. Pop. (2000) 59,776.
Read More


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Update: The start date of United Concordia's contract with the Department of Defense to administer the TRICARE Dental Program will take effect on May 1, 2017.
Harrisburg, Pa. (January 29, 2016) – United Concordia Companies, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a five-year contract at a total award amount of $2.9 billion by the Department of Defense (DoD) to administer the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). The TDP provides dental benefits for Uniformed Service active duty family members and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.
The new contract takes effect on Feb. 1, 2017, and is the world's largest voluntary dental plan. The TDP offers comprehensive coverage to about 1.8 million individuals currently enrolled in the TDP.
"The DoD chose to award the TDP contract to United Concordia based on our employees' ability to continually provide exceptional customer service, maintain a broad stable network of dentists for TDP beneficiaries, and consistently implement innovative and industry-leading benchmark processes," said F.G. "Chip" Merkel, president, CEO and chairman of the board.
United Concordia previously administered TDP benefits from 1996 to 2012 and currently administers the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) for active duty service members. Surveys and feedback have consistently demonstrated that both beneficiaries and the Government are satisfied with our network, services and program administration.
"As administrator of the TDP, we are entrusted to care for military members and their families. It is our honor and duty to take every possible step to improve their dental health," said Merkel. "We are very proud to be administrators of this important contract."
The TDP, like civilian group dental plans, covers diagnostic, preventive and restorative services. It also includes comprehensive dental specialty care coverage. Beneficiaries may find more information on http://www.tricare.mil/.


text: In several recent cases in California, courts have applied Brinker Restaurant Corp., et al. v. Superior Court to reverse trial court decisions denying class certification. Brinker is the ground breaking case in California where the California Supreme Court held that employers are only required to provide the opportunity for employees to take 30 minute meal


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Statewide Consulting Librarians
Statewide Consulting Librarians are assigned to individual public libraries within specified consulting territories. These territories are based on the six Library Federations. Click on the Federation links below to see each consultant's assigned libraries.
Broad Valleys and Golden Plains Federations: Suzanne Reymer
Pathfinder Federation: Tracy Cook
South Central and Sagebrush Federations: Pam Henley
Tamarack Federation: Cara Orban
Have a question for a consultant? Please click on our name to send an email, and we'll get back to you soon.
Tracy Cook - Lead Consulting and Learning Librarian - 406-431-0685 She provides consulting assistance on a variety of topics and oversees the consulting, continuing education, and lifelong learning programs within the State Library. Tracy's areas of expertise include library law, board development, personnel, local government relations, and advocacy. Tracy enjoys hiking, canoeing, citizen scientist work, and golf. She also volunteers for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the National Park Service whenever she can. |
Pam Henley - Statewide Consulting Librarian - 406-461-9049 |
Cara Orban - Consortia Director - 406-444-5350 Provides consulting assistance to Tamarack Federation public librarians and trustees. Provides statewide support for MontanaLibrary2Go, OCLC, the Montana Courier Alliance and other collaborative library programs that improve efficiency and value for local communities. |
Suzanne Reymer - Statewide Consulting Librarian - 406-698-0503 Provides consulting and advisory services to public librarians and trustees. Provides support for e-rate, bandwidth, public computing centers and digital literacy. Suzanne is based in Billings. |
Why advocacy matters
Libraries provide services that community members need.
Provision of these services takes money.
Not all local, state, and national leaders recognize the value of libraries or understand how the library contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
Other leaders are strong advocates whose influence needs to be maintained and cultivated.
Advocacy involves influencing and educating funding and governance leaders in order to obtain the resources the library needs to assist community members.
Where can I learn more about how to be a better advocate?
Ontario Library Association's Advocacy Toolkit - although written for Canadian libraries, this resource includes information useful to all library advocates
Michigan Library Association and Illinois Library Association each have toolkits and articles on advocacy
How do I get started?
Advocacy is about relationships. Think about who you know, and who they know.
Ask those individuals to meet you for coffee, talk to them when they visit the library, or when you see them in the community. Find out what they are working on. This often leads to opportunities to talk about how the library is working on those issues as well.
If they support the library ask them "What do you love about your library? Do you have a story about your library that you would be willing to share with others?" If they say yes collect the story and share it with others.
If they don't support the library continue to talk to them and build a positive relationship. You will need to listen more than you talk. Eventually you might find common ground. Even if you don't they are less likely to stand in the way of library efforts if they know you personally.
If you are working on funding for the library explore our resources about mill levies and winning elections.
How can I connect with local leaders?
Invite a local government leader to your library or out for coffee. Attend a community meeting and set a goal of meeting at least one new community or government leader.
Attend Montana Association of County Officers (MACo) annual conference.
Attend the Montana League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference.
How can I get involved at the state level?
Volunteer to help the Montana Library Association's Government Affairs Committee.
Attend Legislative Night when it occurs in odd-numbered years.
Follow the work of the Montana State Library.
Follow the work of the Montana Legislature - learn about proposed bills or listen to legislative hearings.
How can I get involved at the national level?
Subscribe to wired-mt and follow-through on postings asking for action.
Read the news and updates section of EveryLibrary.
Attend National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. The State Librarian is Montana's State Coordinator.
Why is Board Development important?
- Trusteeship is a working relationship with the community, library staff and fellow trustees.
- Trustees are entrusted by the public to look after its interest and are accountable to the public.
- There is a direct correlation between the quality of library service a community offers and the knowledge, capability and enthusiasm of its Board members.
- The most effective trustees are those who take advantage of learning and training opportunities.
I'm a new trustee! What do I need to know?
Trustee Manual Vol. 1: Getting Started - a handbook for trustees with information on duties and responsibilities of the job
Trustee Manual Vol. 2: Continuing On - resources and information on hiring a director, marketing and planning for the future
Trustee Trouble - A series from the Wyoming State Library depicting some common missteps trustees may experience
How do we hire a new library director?
Succession planning - resources for both planned and emergency succession events
Toolkit from COSLA (Chief Officers of State Library Agencies) containing sample job descriptions, recruitment ads, interview questions, reference checks, letters and more
Public library standards recommend trustees are certified. How do we do that?
Voluntary certification for trustees
Using the ASPeN directory to track continuing education credits
Other Helpful Resources
Legal Resources for Public Libraries from previous Montana State Library trainings
Suggestions for Bylaws for Montana Library Boards (pdf)
Understanding Meeting Minutes Procedures (pdf) based on research conducted by MSL staff
MSL Extension Local Government Center resources for local government entities
MCA - Libraries - explaining libraries and local government
Collection management – questions to consider
Are community members able to get what they want/need from the collection?
Are they able to find materials that reflect them and their interests?
If they are concerned about items in the library is there a process for them to express their concerns?
Is the library more than a museum for books?
Are libraries maximizing their resources to meet community needs?
Building a collection community members want to use
Excellent collection development librarians know their community. They often have personal relationships with regulars; they pay attention to what is happening locally; they look for hidden gems; and they analyze what is and isn't being used.
These librarians use a variety of tools to learn about their community
Listen. This is the first step. Talk to your regulars. Pay attention to what they are reading.
Attend community meetings and listen to what people are saying. What are they excited about? What are they interested in? What are they worried about?
Review your usage data. What is checking out the most? Consider subjects as well as formats. What doesn't get much use? Why is that?
Is your library in the Montana Shared Catalog? Take a look at these resources that can help you analyze your collection.
Don't forget online collections. Review online reports as well. Are you a member of MontanaLibrary2Go? Visit this link for information about how to see these reports.
Skim local, regional, and state print or electronic media to find hidden gems that should be added to the collection.
Consider local history and stories. The community's stories are a powerful way to learn, understand, and create. Consider the Montana History Portal either as a resource for people to access or as a service where your library actively contributes community history.
Access to the collection is important as well. Don't forget to practice good cataloging and review these resources that can help organize your collection up in a way that makes it easier to obtain the data you need.
Sometimes the most efficient and economical thing to do is borrow the item from another library – either through traditional Interlibrary Loan methods or through sharing groups.
Building an inclusive collection
Libraries have long been places where all people are welcome. We can build on that ideal by ensuring that our services and collections reflect all of our community members and give people access to the full range of human ideas and experiences. This is powerfully illustrated by the simple building blocks created by a group of students who analyzed why their library was so welcoming to all. You can read about the power of five in this article from American Libraries.
One of the key components? "Show me on the shelves and walls. Read those books yourself."
How do we build collections that reflect our community members?
Use what you learned previously when you listened to community members. Ask your community members to help you choose items for the collection. Be sure you include community members from all walks of life.
Review your census data. How many community members report having disabilities? How many minorities are in your community?
Go beyond that to identify other groups in your community who might not look different from the majority but who live differently. Give them a chance to tell their stories and "share their joy" which is another fundamental thing welcoming libraries do for their community.
The Massachusetts Library System has created a guide about how to build inclusive collections.
Keeping the collection alive and responding to community members
Most of us recognize that we don't want the library to become a museum for old books. Yet, it's amazing how attached we are to physical items that may have been sitting on the shelf for years.
Keep your collection fresh by weeding it regularly. There are many resources and learning materials on weeding the collection. The CREW Method is the one most frequently used by public libraries.
Add to the collection as you can – either through donations or a regular ordering process. Don't have enough money to regularly add items to the collection? Consider partnering with area libraries and cooperatively managing your collections to maximize the number of items people can access.
Review your collection management policy on a regular basis to consider if you need different formats or subjects.
Finally, you may run into a community member who is concerned about an item owned by the library. This can be challenging and uncomfortable. The American Library Association has guidance on how to handle these types of complaints.
- Other resources for handling materials challenges and censorship issues.
Library Standards due at end of month – enter information via ASPeN, state aid checks will be issued in October.
E-rate form 470 window opens – Form 470 opens a competitive process for the services desired – completed 470 form must be available online for 28 days prior to filing Form 471.
Commission meeting- 2nd Wednesday
Network Advisory Council Meeting
Statistics open – enter information via statistics reporting tool
Federation annual reports due at end of month – enter information via ASPeN
Fall Federation meetings start
Commission meeting – 2nd Wednesday
Montana Shared Catalog Fall membership meeting
Fall Federation meetings - continue
Network Advisory Council Meeting
Statistics due at end of month – enter information via Library Directory
Commission meeting – 2nd Wednesday
E-rate form 471 seeks funding for eligible telecom services competitively bid – – filing window for 471 is announced by SLD each year in the fall. Libraries must have bids/contracts with service providers in writing before filing Form 471.
ELSA (Excellent Library Service Award) applications open in ASPeN
Commission meeting, 2nd Wednesday
ELSA (Excellent Library Service Award) applications are due in ASPeN
Network Advisory Council Meeting
Spring Federation meetings - start.
Commission meeting at MLA conference
Montana Library2Go Membership meeting
Spring Federation Meetings - continue
E-rate form 486 states that delivery of telecom services has begun, form 472 (optional) files for reimbursement. Forms 486 and 472 may be filed anytime after receipt of funding commitment decision letter.
Updated Public Library Annual Statistics are available on MSL website
Network Advisory Council Meeting
Montana Shared Catalog spring membership meeting
Spring Federation meetings - continue
Federation dollar amounts determined by MSL. Federation Plans of Service due (before Commission meeting) – enter information via ASPeN
OCLC annual enrollment opens – libraries will be invoiced by OCLC in August or later.
Library Standards open – enter information via ASPeN, state aid checks will be issued in October.
Commission meeting – 2nd Wednesday
USAC - The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (E-rate) is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and provides discounts to assist schools and libraries to obtain affordable Internet access and advanced technologies. Schools and libraries can apply annually for discounts of from 20-90% on Internet access, hardware to support wifi networks and fiber build outs.
Weekly Schools and Libraries News Brief
Some states with high E-rate participation have produced their own training materials. These might be helpful in going step by step through forms:
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
All libraries that receive E-rate discounts for Internet Access, Internal Connections, Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections or Managed Internal Broadband Services must be compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Computers and/or Internet purchased with LSTA funds must also be CIPA compliant.
To be CIPA compliant, a library must:
- Filter visual images of child pornography, obscene material and images that are harmful to minors (for use on computers accessed by minors)
- Have an Internet Safety Policy
- Hold at least one meeting open to the public where the filter and internet safety policy are discussed. A board meeting open to the public is an example of a public meeting. Save meeting minutes and public notice announcing the meeting agenda.
Montana is divided up into six regions. Libraries within those regions have formed a federation. It's a formal and informal way to network and improve library services in Montana. Browse the Federation Notebook for additional information. The six federations are:
Federations receive funding through the Coal Severance Tax monies that the state receives. This money is divided amongst federations using a formula that is based upon population and evenly dividing the funding. ARM 10.102.5102 gives the specific formula.
FY22 Annual Report for Federation Expenditures
Federations are guided by a federation coordinator who is responsible for leading the federation and acting as a liaison between the Montana State Library and the federation. The Montana State Library also has a Federation Task Force responsible for reviewing the purpose, function, and goals of the federations.
Resources for library administrators
Library Director Manual - a resource for public library directors with information on managing a successful library
Trustee Manual Vol. 1: Getting Started - a handbook for trustees with information on duties and responsibilities of the job
Trustee Manual Vol. 2: Continuing on - resources and information on hiring a director, marketing and planning for the future
MCA - Libraries - document explaining relationships between libraries and local government
Resources for Policy Development
Resources for Materials Challenges and Censorship
Guidelines for Designing a Library Survey
Guidelines for Mill Levy Elections
Accounting and Financial Report Resources
Budget training resources
Government Information
Types of libraries and board authority
Montana Association of Counties Information about insurance and personnel services for counties and districts
Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority Information about insurance and personnel services for cities
Local Government Services Bureau A service of the Montana Department of Administration
MSU Extension Local Government Center Resources for local government entities
Archived but still may provide some useful information:
Finance and Budgeting Resources
MSL staff is willing to help with law questions, but our help doesn't carry the same weight as an attorney's. If you need an official interpretation of the law, please contact your city and/or county attorney. However we are happy to help direct you to the correct law or any supporting materials that you may need.
Laws and Rules
The Montana Constitution, Montana Laws, and Administrative Rules of Montana as they pertain to public libraries.
Library Districts
Information on forming a library district, and laws surrounding library districts.
Attorney General Opinions
Review opinions of the attorney general, useful for understanding the law and its ramifications for an organization.
Supreme Court Cases
Review Montana Supreme Court case(s) dealing with public libraries.
Montana Code Annotated
Search for Montana laws.
Frequently Asked Legal Questions
Links to documents that MSL created in order to address common legal questions that we receive.
Agreements and Attorney General Opinion 54, Number 7
This FAQ addresses agreements between local government officials and public library boards. It also gives library directors and board members ideas for how to discuss Attorney General Opinion 54, Number 7 and its impact on the library.
The Montana State Library strongly encourages all libraries to have a strategic plan. Strategic plans are helpful tools for libraries because they can focus the library's programs and services and help with decisions on allocating resources based on community needs and how the library can meet those needs. There are many different ways to approach strategic planning. You'll find some resources below. Our consultants can offer facilitation help to public libraries going through a strategic planning process. Please contact one of the consultants if you'd like more information about how the State Library can help you with your strategic plan.
There are many paths you can follow in developing your library's strategic plan. A good place to start is with some background on current issues and trends in libraries as well as data gathering.
Getting Started With Strategic Planning
From there you might want to look at some of these models for ideas and guidance.
Library Strategies Rapid Results Strategic Planning - This is the process MSL consultants are currently using as part of the Framing the Future IMLS funded project.
The Strategic Planning Process
Join a professional Association for continuing education and networking opportunities:
Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) The mission of ARSL is to build strong communities through advocacy and professional development by supporting rural and small library staff.
Montana Library Association (MLA)
Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) The Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) is a twelve state association of librarians, library paraprofessionals and friends of libraries in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Its purpose is to promote the development of librarians and libraries by providing significant educational and networking opportunities.
Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA) Continuing education and networking opportunities for people who work in, with, and for libraries in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Washington.
Find a library job:
Apply for a professional development grant:
MLA Professional Development Grant
MPLA Professional Development Grant
Attend a Leadership Institute:
Brush up on your professional competencies
Expand your knowledge using MSL Continuing Education resources.
Resources for technology planning and management
Barcode Registry
A voluntary program where you enter your barcode range in the Montana Library Directory.
PC Purchasing Specifications
Some guidelines to follow when shopping for new PCs for your library.
Consider recycling your old computer. The State of Montana's Department of Environmental Quality has a new web page with information about disposing of electronics.
Best Buy stores offer trade in and recycling of electronics.
Staples offers electronic recycling.
A nonprofit organization that helps public libraries obtain donated and discounted technology products. TechSoup can support your library!
Digital Literacy
Comprehensive list of resources compiled by Arizona State Library to help teach digital literacy skills.


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A leading British newspaper is reporting that embattled Christian mother Asia Bibi is not being allowed out of Pakistan until she can promise not to speak ill of her home nation when abroad. The Times noted that Bibi, who was acquitted of a blasphemy charge last October, was still unsure as to when she could expect to be released, with the Pakistani government currently holding up her asylum paperwork.
Asia Bibi Wins Final Supreme Court Challenge, Set to Flee Pakistan
"No one is telling me when they will release me and send us abroad," Bibi said, according to a close friend.
It is understood that Bibi's children are already in Canada, where the entire family has been granted asylum. Despite the excruciating hold-up, Pakistani government officials have continued to insist that Asia and her husband, Ashiq Masih, are free to leave on their own accord.
Considering the suffering Bibi and her family have endured at the hands of the Pakistani authorities, it is astonishing that they would attempt to muzzle her criticisms upon release. Bibi spent almost a decade behind bars, on death row, after being convicted on a blasphemy charge which was, according to the Supreme Court, "concoction incarnate." It was utterly false. Now, after such an extensive period of ill treatment, the government has the audacity to delay Bibi's reunion with her children. It is staggering.
Several cr0ss-party members of the British government lambasted Pakistan's government's actions, noting that this behavior "falls short of what we would expect from a member of the Commonwealth."
"We, Members of Parliament from all political parties and both Houses, ask you immediately to convey to your Government in no uncertain terms our disappointment, anger and frustration that Bibi has still not been released to allow her to take up the offer of asylum in Canada," the MP's wrote in a letter to the Pakistani governing authorities, as reported by The Tablet.
Addressing the reports that indicate the Pakistani government is pressuring Bibi not to speak badly of them, the MP's noted that "such pressure is wholly inappropriate and will, in the longer term, do even more damage to the reputation of the Government that you represent."
"We look forward to your prompt response and to the release to the Canadian Embassy of Asia Bibi without further delay," the letter concluded.
The UK's Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, reportedly campaigned passionately to have the British government approve Bibi's asylum request. However, Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly blocked the application upon fears that it would "stoke tensions" among Muslims in the UK.
"Sajid was very skeptical about the official advice, and pushed hard for her to be given asylum here. It eventually landed on the Prime Minister's desk, but she just followed the advice of the officials," said a senior government source, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Bibi continues to be held in a secure location along with her husband. Do pray for them both as they seek to escape the clutches of a country that has brought them so much harm.


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Forums › Service Issues › Categorization Issues › twitter blocked for family
Can you please block twitter on the family DNS? It feels better to be safe than sorry.
We are investigating what to do with Twitter. We used to blocked in the past, but we opened it up after multiple requests from our users.
Appreciate the feedback.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


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An e-mail here, an InstaStory there… coping in a fast-paced world means we get easily distracted and lose track of how much quality time we are spending with our kids.
If this sounds familiar, we suggest introducing our "golden hour" into your daily routine, where you set aside one hour of time, dedicating it to engaging with your little one, either through play or other activities. Switch your electronic devices off, forget about your work and try to relax and enjoy!
Did you know that spending quality time with your little one can strengthen your relationship while stimulating their emotional, language, social, cognitive and motor skills? Finding or scheduling a golden hour in your day may be challenging, but it will mean so much to your child. A little effort from you can go a long way
By introducing this dedicated time for your child daily, you will create a space for precious quality moments. So… phones off. Let's turn Play Mode on!
Let your child choose what they want to play or do and encourage their choice.
Try to promote physical activity and outdoor play as much as possible to stimulate physical and cognitive development.
Talk to your little one while you are playing to stimulate language development.
And as always, show your love, be attentive and responsive.
Remember everything starts in the tummy…when they feel right, they can enjoy growing up happy


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Pecans can lend a burst of rich, sweet and buttery flavor to raw recipes… or even cooked dishes if that is your thing. Their big size and meaty texture make them the perfect nut for spiced nuts (great snack), and they're delicious in green salads (great texture against the lettuce.)
Always look for plump pecans that are uniform in color and size. I know many people are in favor of purchasing nuts and seeds from bulk bins, but personally, I am not a fan. You have no idea how long they have been there. They might not be fresh or free of molds since they have been constantly exposed to air and fingers of the passing by taste-testers…. you know who you are. hehe
The fiber contained in pecans promotes colon health and facilitates regular bowel movements. It enables the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency by cleaning out the gastrointestinal system. When things are "running smoothly" it prevents constipation and hemorrhoids. I know, I am getting edgy here, I said the "H" word!
If you struggle with constipation, it can be brought on by endless possibilities. I am not here to say that pecans will rid you of this issue, but enjoying them can't hurt anything, can it? I suppose if you have GI issues such as diverticulitis… and that my friends are a whole other mixed bag of nuts. I have done quite a bit of reading and the verdict is still out if nuts/seeds aggravate the situation. The bottom line is that decisions about diet should be made based on what works best for you.
Oven method: (no longer raw)
If you are unable to dry the nuts or seeds, it is best to only soak an amount that you can be sure will used within two or three days. As with any live food, mold tends to set in within days if you're not careful. They will need to be stored in water, sealed tight and placed in the fridge. It is important to rinse them twice a day with fresh water.
I am grateful for the resources you provide through the research and testing you have done and that you so graciously share.
I purchased almonds and pecans in bulk (30-50# each) and will begin soaking them tonight so I can dehydrate and store them. I anticipate that I have enough nuts to last one year. Therefore, I need them to last longer than a month stored in mason jars in the pantry, and I do not begin to have enough fridge or freezer space for that many nuts. Can I throw an oxygen pack into each jar (or plastic bag if that's a better option) before tightening the lid? Will they keep for a year stored on a shelf that way?
***Just think you should know, there is a "right answer" to this question:) I've got my fingers crossed that this will work!!! If not, what other suggestions can you offer?
Can pecans be dryed with a candy coating? I want to candy them then dry them in a dehydrator. Can you recomend a recipe?
I have soaked and rehydrated my walnuts but they are rubbery like when broken and the meat is not white. I am drying them again but I don't know how they are to look inside after the soaking and drying.
Hi. For a newbie this article isn't clear if and when the nuts have their nut shell on or off. I'm sure this could make a huge difference. Please let me know or update because your information in wonderful and I'd like to follow your directions.
Thank you.
I like kettle corn popcorn. So I thought I would soak my pecans in a solution of melted sugar and salt then toast.
Also sea salt and vinegar. Again soak in the brine and toast.
Does any of this make sense? Help!!
Do organic chopped pecans require the same attention?
Thank you,
– Jeff
Do you need to dehydrate or roast nuts after if your baking them in a pie?
I boiled some Mayhan pecans for 8 minutes, cracked them, and now they need dried but not dehydrated to make them crisp and not rubbery. Can you do this in the oven or microwave?
I am going to try this with peacans but I have read that with walnuts you can slow roast them for up to 24hrs at temp. of 175 F. Would that timespan and temp work on peacans?
Hi there! I just soaked my pecans for almost 24 hours in the fridge and forgot to change the water! Will this cause any issues and is there anything I can do to fix it?
Thank you!