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Yesterday I finally started playing Mount & Blade: Warband. It came out on the PS4 a few days ago and it has a 10/10 on Steam, not to mention a good friend of mine has recommended I play through it on more than one occasion, so I figured it was time to give it a go. It's been fun so far, albeit a little rough around the edges (not to mention the fact that it's not a great console port). But it got me thinking in a bigger scope, because it manages to pull some things off that are way ahead of their time.
If you've read even one of my blog posts, you know that I talk a lot about the unique storytelling potential of video games. I don't mean in a traditional narrative sense; I'm talking about the way that video games can redefine the structure of a story. They are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure books (or at least they can be). As technology improves, they become more and more complex, in some cases creating microcosms of living breathing spaces that affect the player and that the player can affect themselves.
The extreme versions of this are "systemic games," or games that have complex systems within them that the player can shape and that the player is shaped by. Examples include Mount & Blade, X-COM, and Civilization. These games all have a series of systems in place that the player must manipulate in their favor for a positive outcome to be reached. For example, in Mount & Blade the world is split up into factions. In order to gain renown in that world, the player must do tasks for and eventually pledge allegiance to one of the factions. However, this can lead to losing favor with one or several of the other factions, depending on their relation with the faction you aligned with. This creates divergent game-play, meaning many scenarios can arise out of these systems and the player will have to come up with new ways of dealing with them each time. On the opposite side of the spectrum is the narrative driven game. Examples include Uncharted, BioShock, and Asura's Wrath. These games function more like an interactive movie; it's up to the player to further the action, but no matter who plays it or how many times they do the story and gameplay will always follow the same beats.
Both of these are equally viable ways to make a game, and I enjoy both equally, depending on the game of course. But what does each kind of game offer, and which takes the best advantage of the medium? Well, both and neither. Systemic games are excellent at giving the player agency, at creating a true sandbox that the player can explore and manipulate. This leads to some crazy shit happening, absolutely, but the complex nature of systemic games limits what kinds of stories they can tell, if they're telling any at all. Most systemic games avoid trying to tell a cohesive, traditional story altogether, and that's fine; they don't need to tell a story because the gameplay is the story. On the opposite side of the coin are the story driven games, where because of the simplicity of their systems they are able to tell cohesive and sometimes excellent stories at the sacrifice of player agency or any real sense of choice.
Recently, I've noticed more games that try to marry these two concepts, to varying results. Traditionally the Metal Gear Solid series has been very linear and story-focused, but MGSV changed tack completely and added in complex interactive systems. However, in doing so it sacrificed the depth of its story, something that many fans considered core to the series. Shadow of Mordor went even further, introducing the Nemesis System (something that other games should utilize) and adding layers of interaction with enemy characters that I haven't seen before or after, but it suffered similarly to MGSV in the story department. Still, both games are moving in a direction that I think is ahead of their time, creating a game that marries two different facets of gaming. Weirdly, I think Mount & Blade has succeeded in that respect more than any other game I've played.
Mount & Blade is very, very far from perfect. It looks like ass, the controls are wonky, and the UI is terrible. But it comes from the opposite direction of MGSV and SoM, in that rather than creating a story as a framework for systems it started on the systemic side of the spectrum and peppered in elements of story, allowing the systems and the characters/factions woven within to create their own dynamic stories that involve the player and their actions directly. Does it work all the time? Hell no. It's clumsy and the storytelling is weak and spread far too thin. However, I think it represents something larger, an exciting trend that I hope takes off.
The more complex we can build our digital worlds, the more we can get the pieces to interact in ways that tell stories more compelling than two Sims getting married and then lighting each other on fire (that's pretty compelling, actually). These pieces can become more and more dynamic, to the point that they interact in meaningful and surprising ways, truly affecting one another. Imagine a game where the story happens dynamically, where the player has the ability to make real changes within the world of the game. Imagine that the game is intelligent enough to respond to those changes and throw challenges back at the player, so that it's never quite the same game. That is the true potential of videogames: to create a living, breathing world that the player can truly and meaningfully manipulate. We're heading in that direction, and it's exhilarating. Here's a great GDC talk from Ken Levine discussing a lot of what I've touched upon here:
We're a very long way off from a truly dynamic videogame world like the one I'm imagining. Still, I think we'll begin to see more games innovate in that direction as the technology improves. It will be interesting to watch it unfold, and I can't see what crazy experimental game is the next rung in the ladder to the systemic narrative. Until then I'm happy to deal with my Orc nemesis, Plumkrish the Destroyer. Thanks for reading, and Stay Optimistic.


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Many of us in the British equestrian community have been left appalled by footage caught on a helmet cam of a group of cyclists whizzing past a horse and rider, showing so little regard for their safety that one cyclist even undercuts them, hitting the horse, and catching the riders stirrup on their handlebar. This caused the normally bombproof horse to rear and bolt forward removing a back shoe in the process. But it could have been a lot worse.
The worrying thing is, that not only did this group of cyclists competing in the Windsor Triathlon, organised by Human Race Events, display zero regard for the safety of horse and rider in the first place - both kitted out in hi-viz gear by the way - but even after the incident they didn't apologise or stop and check that horse and rider were ok!
About the same time in Kent, another rider and her horse set off on a Saturday hack and were passed by a lot of cyclists taking part in a race organised by Evans Cycles. Again, the rider claims, some cyclists failed to slow down, passed too close and seemed not to care that her normally sensible horse was becoming agitated. The final straw came in the shape of a low-level cycle decked out with flags that resulted in the horse bolting through a hedge, falling and throwing their rider. Even though a couple of female cyclists did shout through the hedge and offer assistance, when she eventually managed to get out of the field and unable to remount, led her horse home, cyclists refused her requests to slow down, even when her horse was spinning around.
With the increasing number of cyclists on the road we're sure many of you have had similar experiences and so we think it's imperative that the equestrian and cycling community come together NOW to provide a simple set of guideline for sharing the roads safely before a horse and rider or cyclist are more seriously injured.
The British Horse Society already has a 'Code of conduct for horse riders and cyclists' that has a lot of good information in it. Unfortunately, the message that horses need special consideration doesn't seem to be getting through to the cycling community.
We also wonder if certain points need to be clarified. For instance, when it advises cyclists to slow down, there is no indication of what speed is appropriate.
Also, should we as riders use a system of arm signals that are respected by cyclists, such as moving an outstretched arm up and down to indicate, 'please slow down' or putting a hand up to say 'please stop!' ?
We were pleased to here that in the videoed Windsor incident the organisers said that that, 'Riders will be identified and disqualified from all Human Race Events.' However, this still leaves a question - if cyclists are taking part in a race, how can they be encouraged to slow or stop for horses when they will be penalised for losing time?
In both incidents we've mentioned the cyclists were competing in organised races but both horse riders seem to have been unaware that they were taking place. In the BHS Code of conduct they say that 'British Cycling has agreed to ask their race organisers to notify BHS Approved Riding Schools and Livery Yards when they are organising an event in their vicinity.' But obviously, this doesn't seem to be enough, if it's actually happening at all. Should race organisers make more of an effort to ensure that riders are made aware of races in their area and how can this be best achieved?
These are just a few issues that we've highlighted but now it's over to you. What have been your experiences of meeting cyclists whilst riding on the roads? What constructive suggestions do you have? Does the BHS code give enough guidance?

subset: commoncrawl


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How bipartisan can you get?
The VA bill that just passed the House of Representatives near unanimously was negotiated by a very liberal senator who caucuses with the Democrats and a rather conservative member of the House of Representatives.
Those negotiations were helped along by Rep. Mike Michaud, a Democrat, and Senator McCain, a Republican.
When talks bogged down, congressional leaders made critical, highly partisan comments in the press.
But, according to Politico:
[L]awmakers like McCain and Maine Rep. Michael Michaud, the top House Democrat on veterans' issues, tried to help arbitrate talks between Sanders and Miller.
"They both had to do what they had to do, then it was time to move on," Michaud said in an interview. "And they were both right. They know that we could not leave for the August break without getting a conference done and sending a bill to the president's desk." [source]
In addition, as Bangor Daily News reporter Christopher Cousins notes, Michaud's actions garnered public praise from a bipartisan group of House Members.
The Senate is likely to vote today, with the compromise bill expected to pass overwhelmingly and perhaps unanimously.
At a time when Congress has been so ineffective and partisan polarization has been so strong, these demonstrations of bipartisanship are laudable.


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About this item
No one predicted success for Henry Ward Beecher at his birth in 1813. The blithe, boisterous son of the last great Puritan minister, he seemed destined to be overshadowed by his brilliant siblings—especially his sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, who penned the century's bestselling book Uncle Tom's Cabin. But when pushed into the ministry, the charismatic Beecher found international fame by shedding his father Lyman's Old Testament–style fire-and-brimstone theology and instead preaching a New Testament–based gospel of unconditional love and healing, becoming one of the founding fathers of modern American Christianity. By the 1850s, his spectacular sermons at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights had made him New York's number one tourist attraction, so wildly popular that the ferries from Manhattan to Brooklyn were dubbed "Beecher Boats.


text: In his speech, Zardari is expected tooutline his political agenda [EPA] "It is normally a speech prepared by the government in which the president reviews the entire working of the government and enunciates its domestic and foreign policies," Babar said. 'Important event'Zardari summoned both houses of parliament to meet at 09:00 GMT for his address, a government statement said. IN FOCUS The widower of the assassinated Benazir Bhutto, a former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Zaradri was sworn into office on September 9. He was elected by legislators to replace Pervez Musharraf, the former president who stepped down under threat of impeachment. Musharraf addressed the parliament only once during his eight-year rule, and on that occassion opposition politicians chanted hostile slogans. When the government pushed Musharraf to resign in August, one of their complaints was his failure to address parliament on an annual basis, in line with his constitutional commitments.Kamal Hyder, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Islamabad, said: "The nation has a lot of expectations. They want to hear from their new president [reasons] why he has been silent about the American incursions and whether he is on board as far as the mood in the country is concerned. "He is supposed to be making a policy speech defining the future line of action on foreign policy, domestic issues, as well as the spiraling prices and of course the state of the economy will figure prominently. "Of course everybody will be anticipating to hear all the right things, whether the president will be able to deliver on those or not is something that we will have to wait for," he said. SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies


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Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential component of the departments and programs throughout the City of Georgetown. The departments listed below are looking for interested citizens to join the team, so get ready for some exciting projects! All you have to do is find the best fit for your time and talents!
Thank you for your consideration in volunteering with the City of Georgetown!
Animal Shelter
The Volunteer Worker program greatly enhances the level of care given to the pets during their stay in the shelter, but more importantly, it affects the quality of life of the animals that found their way here. You will make a positive difference in the lives of some cats and dogs in your work here. Some people, even the fiercest animal lover, will hesitate to volunteer here, concerned that they will become attached to all the animals, but we have a variety of different jobs available, including some that don't come into contact with the pets. The three major categories of volunteer work are: adoption outreach, one on one care of the animals, and fundraising. For additional information call Shawn Gunnin, Animal Services marketing coordinator, (512)930-3592 or through email email@example.com.
Georgetown Public Library
Volunteering at the Georgetown Public Library is a job that will never get boring. The available jobs at the library range from filing books, teaching, working with children, helping those in need find the resources available to them, etc. Almost all opportunities come with the chance to interact with a large range of people with varied interests and personalities. To find out more, contact Sheri Miklaski, Volunteer Coordinator, (512) 930-3131 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Main Street Georgetown
The Georgetown Main Street Program is always looking for more active volunteers. Some example activities are: serving on a main street advisory board or committee, helping with annual fundraisers, helping with special events downtown, and office and administrative assistance. For more information, contact Kim McAuliffe at email@example.com or (512) 930-2027.
Parks & Recreation
Volunteering in the City of Georgetown's parks is a great way for residents to give back to their communities. Share your time, skills and talents! Opportunities to volunteer with Georgetown Parks & Recreation are almost unlimited! Individual and groups can help on a one-day project or special event or assist on an ongoing basis. For additional information call Melissa Trahan-Pecorino (512) 930-8459 or email@example.com.
Police Department
The Georgetown Police Services volunteer program is a vital part of the department. Volunteer groups that fall under Police Department include the Park Ranger Program, which is in place to help citizens enjoy our beautiful city parks. It also includes the Victim Services unit which is a group of trained individuals who help the survivors, witnesses and family members through a tragedy. Other volunteering opportunities include helping the Records Division with administrative functions. If you would like more information about the Police Department Volunteer program, contact the Police Department at (512) 930-3510 or visit pd.georgetown.org to learn more.
Urban Forestry – Year Round Gardening Volunteer Opportunity
The Sunken Garden is one of San Gabriel Parks secret treasures. It is a lovely garden with raised beds and a water fountain right across the road from the Community Center at 445 E. Morrow. The Sunken Garden is maintained by the Georgetown Garden Club. The garden club is always looking for help year round to lend a hand with the weeding, moving plants and general maintenance duties. You do not need to join the garden club to volunteer in the Sunken Garden. All you need to bring is a pair of gloves and some water. If you have weeding tools that you like, please bring them with you. There will be someone there to help point you in the right direction, garden knowledge is not needed. If you are interested in helping out at the garden please call or email Heather Brewer McFarling at (512) 930-6113 or firstname.lastname@example.com. This is a great volunteer opportunity for one person or for groups. The garden club does have set working days/time throughout the year but if you have a large group looking for a project they can possibly organize that with you.


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Feel free to contact us for further information.
Contact info:
Grizzly's HELPLINE or SALES ENQUIRY:
Mobile: +64 27 6311 469
Australian Distributor – Fanmaster:
Phone: 1300 030 360
Fax: 02 9254 0999
Email: email@example.com
Web: www.fanmaster.com.au
For Sales Enquiry:
New Zealand – Nathan Robinson
Mobile:+64 27 631 1469
For replacement (NZ):
For Replacement and Feedback, please contact: Ping Lim at +64 21 275 8080
The fastest way for us to respond to you is via Facebook: www.facebook.com/grizzlylight/
Please fill in a printed copy of the form, scan it or take a picture of a scanned copy and email to: email@example.com
Download Replacement Form here.
For replacement (AUS):
For Replacement and Feedback, please contact: Ben Smith at Fanmaster firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact the Fanmaster Customer Service Team fanmaster.com.au/contact-us
Please fill in a printed copy of the form, scan it or take a picture of a scanned copy and email to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Download Replacement Form here.


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The Scottish National Portrait Gallery may have physically closed its doors to the public in April 2009 for a major refurbishment, but Heads Up is here to keep the virtual portals wide open. Over the next two years you will get the chance to see what goes on behind those doors, and meet the people who are working on the Portrait of the Nation project, as the gallery gets ready to re-emerge in November 2011.
You can discover more about Portrait of the Nation on our website where you will be able to find out about plans for the building, featured Portraits of the Month chosen from the collection by staff and supporters, details on how the project has been funded, and how you too can donate.
And most importantly of all, we want to hear what you think.


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M. C. Maw is a child of the 80's, growing up on a steady diet of Horror and Science Fiction. A lifelong fan of the genres and an obsession with Ridley Scott's Alien meant that there was only one choice for a career. He contributes to the horror review site Die On Set A and sometimes guests on their podcasts. M. C. Maw currently lives in Yorkshire with his partner, several fish and a snake called Lola.Visit my website
Make your presence felt. Be the first to post!


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My baby girl turned 3 today. Wow. Just... WOW!
We celebrated at the water park! Chloe really got into the lazy river this year:
Chase and I had a great time going around it, too. We got WET!
After the water park we went back to their dad's house for pizza, cake, ice cream and presents. Chloe wasn't in the best of moods at first (her pout rivals mine!)...
...but she got over it when we started ripping into presents:
After that it was time for CAKE! Now, you know every year I attempt to make cute birthday cupcakes for the kids. Some years I am more successful than others. This year I am happy to report that Chloe chose a pretty easy design and it came together pretty well:
Chase picked out the "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" candles, so she had a lot of candles to blow out this year (Chase helped)!
Mmmmmm.... CAKE!
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Here's to many more!


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Welcome to KnowledgeZest. I am thrilled that you stopped by to check out my blog.
My name is Sharmila Mathew and I love writing about topics that help people in some way or other. One of the reasons why I left my 8 to 5 job, working as a Content Writer and Knowledge Analyst, was to simply write about the things that would make me happy. Sharing my knowledge is definitely one of them.
When it comes to beliefs, I vouch for the saying 'Live and let live". I believe that everyone should get freedom and space to enjoy their life and should learn mostly from their own experiences.
I am a family oriented person and would like to thank my husband Mathew Thomas, sister Sobha Fernandes and brother Leo Fernandes for criticizing and reviewing my articles. They don't give up unless they get the best out of me. Special thanks to my mom Sepreena Fernandes and My brother Geo Fernandes for always being there. And I thank all my friends too for supporting me.
If you like my articles, then please let me know your thoughts about the same. Would really appreciate your comments and suggestions. Also, tell me about topics that you would like to read. It will be of great help.
You can get in touch with me using the contact form. And if you know someone who can benefit from my articles, then please share the website link www.knowledgezest.com with them.
Hope you gain lots of knowledge available here and across the web.


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Uniform Shop
Holiday Opening Times
The Uniform Shop opening hours for the general school community during the holidays are as follows:
Summer Holiday Opening Hours (9.00am - 12.00pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm)
- Tuesday 23 January
- Wednesday 24 January
- Thursday 25 January
- Saturday 27 January
- Monday 29 January
Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday, 30 January 2018:
Tuesdays 8.00am - 5.00pm
Thursdays 7.30am - 11.30am
Fridays 7.30am - 11.30am
Secondhand Exchange
The Uniform Shop accepts all current items of uniform for resale. All items should be clean. Blazers must be dry cleaned and in good condition. The old-style blazer will be donated to charity. A frayed cuff, worn elbows, very old crests, rips and tears on blazers make them unacceptable for resale. Items will be purchased from you outright as long as they are in good condition and the shop is not overstocked. Bathers, hats, socks and restricted sportswear are not accepted for resale, but will be donated to charity if handed in.
Year 12 Blazers
Year 12 blazers are available for sale. Because of the unknown nature of the overall size of Year 12 boys and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you come in for sizing as soon as possible.


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So, it has been awhile since I have posted a frugal alert! But, it has been awhile since I felt that I found a GREAT DEAL!
Well, I have been wanting to re-upholster this old chair that I have and love but have been putting it off. Well, not so much putting it off I have been busy with other things, and I wasn't going to spend hundreds of dollars to do it, so I was waiting for the right opportunity! Any WHo.. I did.
I had to run into Joanne's yesterday looking for Crepe paper which does not exist where I live and thought hey check out the clearance rack. The clearance rack was not just the CLEARANCE rack it was a plus 50% more off the clearance rack !!! Wahoo! I found a few different fabrics that I fell in love with but had to settle on one. So the fabric was originally $26.00 a yard. It was marked down to $9.00 a yard and then 50% off that yes I did! I bought great fabric for $4.50 a yard. I bought 3 yards and so a grand total of….. dun dun dun….. $$13.40
So, I have to run back before the sale ends on the 23rd, because I need new foam for the seat cushion and that'snot the cheapest stuff to buy, but If I can walk away with a brand new looking chair for less than $50 I will be a VERY VERY happy FRUGAL chick! I will have to put up pictures of said chair, because it is fabulous and I haven't done anything to it. I seen one just like it in the pottery barn mag for like $500 dollars! SO PB eat your heart out and weep!
I better save my trash talk for after I finish my project… I don't want to jinx the situation! Patience is so a virtue!


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I'm seeking guidance related to best practices or uses for 'document control' related to procedures (FEX) and HTML files.
Currently, a standard text note might be created for each "report request" stipulating something like: Regarding Report Request ID#: "12345", FEX filename "A", FEX filename "B", and FEX filename "C" are used within HTML file "Alpha-drill". Requested input parameters are for a date range with assigned amper variables '&STDATE' and '&ENDDATE'; this report offers abilities to drill in to retrieve '&USER' and/or '&ACCOUNT' details.
Any ideas for tools, template, or processes that are known to support existing doc control specific to WF would be appreciated.
WF's "Impact Analysis" is only so useful and it can fail if 'renaming' is performed after creation.
Up until now, our Request For Change [RFC] forms with attached text notes have supported this need. However, it has left my growing department exposed to 'tribal knowledge' support.
Thank you kindly!This message has been edited. Last edited by: <Kathryn Henning>,
WebFOCUS 22.214.171.124
Windows 7
SQL 2012 / DB2 / etc.
|<Kathryn Henning>
Hi Michael,
Are you using a vendor-provided document management system or something written in-house? How are these "text notes" created
and stored?
|Platinum Member
Hi Michael,
I may not be fully grasping what you're after - but a process that we found fairly successful when working at sites that did not have a formal change control/version control system (e.g. a system that would check fexes out/in and promote them from Dev to QA to Prod), was to include notes in the fexes.
We defined a standard on how to include "notes" in a fex. For example:
If the fex line started with the characters
then it would indicate a note.
The note could have a further "structure" to it e.g. to include the Request ID, date and initials. So your notes could result in the following fex lines.
-*[n] 12345 20130731 TJ FEX filename "A", FEX filename "B", and FEX filename "C" are used within HTML file "Alpha-drill". -*[n] 12345 20130731 TJ Requested input parameters are for a date range with assigned amper variables '&STDATE' and '&ENDDATE'; -*[n] 12345 20130731 TJ this report offers abilities to drill in to retrieve '&USER' and/or '&ACCOUNT' details.
Notes could be between lines of code, or added to the very bottom of the fex.
We then created a Master File Description that could read our fex, and a utility fex that would allow one to produce documentation of a selected fex, or of all fexes in an app directory.
If one just wanted to print the notes for a specific fex, then it would be reading the physical file on disk.
The main challenge with this approach is the discipline of the developers! But there are ways to manage & monitor that too.
WebFOCUS 8.2.06 mostly Windows Server
Kathryn, to better express my situation, I'm not using a Vendor-Based software for any 'doc control' or our 'Change Management' processes.
Like most organizations, when a business unit needs a report (built from WebFOCUS) they will submit a "Report Request Form" (e.g. SharePoint Form) detailing the report requirements and purpose.
That 'form' supports the cradle-to-grave (development/delivery) of the request itself.
In my premise, three WebFOCUS 'procedures' were created to fulfill that requested functionality, all of which are associated on a single 'HTML' file, which is presented on a WebFOCUS 'portal' (with applicable security).
Ideally, and assuming no modification are ever needed, the report is stable and the request form is deemed "completed".
The remaining need I express here falls into expanding the premise further down a timeline… say the developer that constructed the three FEX & single HTML file leaves the organization (thus the 'tribal knowledge' is unavailable).
What is or should be in place for the new/replacement team member, who is assigned an Application Directory [containing hundreds of FEX & HTML files] and needs to quickly assess:
'the purpose of the specific WebFOCUS file'
'what "Report Request Form" does it support'
any applicable aesthetics (screen shots of graphical layouts)
WebFOCUS 184.108.40.206
Windows 7
SQL 2012 / DB2 / etc.
While Twanette's solution to add 'comments' (notes) within each file can address most of the need presented in this post, that would solve only at a micro-level (one file at a time). As stated, the "discipline of the developers".
Following the premise of 'losing a developer and a replacement coming in', it can be incredibly time consuming for the newbie to be required to OPEN and READ each file (in essence REVERSE ENGINEER each single file to determine its connections).
This practice is almost never cost-effective, especially if efforts were already exuded to put 'comments' in place. I'd think there would be some type of 'association' tool [a.k.a. "tagging") available.
Barring WebFOCUS offering one, my post is to ask what other's are doing to compensate.
WebFOCUS 18.104.22.168
Windows 7
SQL 2012 / DB2 / etc.
Twanette's suggestion is a great start and I've seen it in place in many organizations. I would also add to those comments (in a "flower box" - from the good ol dayz) atwo lines: 1) "Called from" (procedure), and 2) "Calls" (procedure). Of course the initial "notes" refers to the "Report Request Form" which should include a section referred to as "Developers Notes". the "discipline of the developers" will remain an issue as long as the organization allows it to exist.
Well to make sure I manage, "discipline of the developers", I need to have a process in place that WHEN they follow, will provide quick 'searchable' results. My desire is to get in front of the 'reverse engineering' requirement that too often pops up when labor-shifts occur.
Whether developers take notes, insert comments to the code, or we utilize "tagging" in some manner outside of WF , there has to be an offering which the majority of WF customers could benefit from.
After seeing all the capabilities in other software tools which help users organize music, photos, documents, etc. on almost any platform, I remain optimistic that WebFOCUS could construct something that would avoid having to "open" every file let alone "read" through every comment.
Then again, this issue has existed for at least the three decades I've been involved in data & query management… so perhaps this is just an 'itch that will never be scratched'
My sincerest appreciation goes out to all those that offered suggestions (both in this forum and by reaching out privately). To date, it still feels like a piece of doc control ("tag" tracing/searching) is missing from the product.
FYI: Running "Impact Analysis" on a synonym/data sources appears to convey connections of the files, so my 'data management' doc control needs are covered. But in at least the 188.8.131.52 version, I've already uncovered circumstances where connections were not properly identified when IA was executed.
WebFOCUS 184.108.40.206
Windows 7
SQL 2012 / DB2 / etc.
|Platinum Member
You bring up an excellent issue and one that I have grappled with in several organizations over the years. I have at times built Focus databases and at others Excel spreadsheets to track the development of a "system" or application(s). Documentation always seems to be the last thing that anyone wants to do, but it is the thing that the department ends up paying for the most at the end of the day. The time it takes to tracks down Focexecs, Html files, scripts, etc can be managed with some proper upfront planning. And, worse, when a change is made, the cascading results are not known until something does not run.
Vivian Perlmutter
Aviter, Inc.
WebFOCUS Keysheet Rel. 8.0.2
(Almost) 1001 Ways to Work with Dates thru Rel. 8.0.2
Focus since 1982
WebFOCUS since the beginning
|Platinum Member
Hi Michael,
Regarding your comment:
We specifically used this mechanism to avoid the above. The specific standards in the fex e.g.
-*[n] for notes
-*[d] for documentation
-*[l] for links or dependencies between components
allowed us to build the WebFOCUS utility fex to run reports off our app directories, which would document the relationships etc.
WebFOCUS 8.2.06 mostly Windows Server
i like that idea.
what i use and have used since Noah built the ark,
if i have, say, 4 files for a project, they are titled:
projectname_fs.htm (the frameset for the presentation)
projectname_ddlist_1.fex (for dropdown lists)
projectname_report_2.fex (maybe a drilldown)
projectname_report_3.fex (maybe another drill)
its this last one, the 0_documentation.fex
which is a text file i write everything on earth i need to know. it doesn't execute; it just sits there. the naming 0_documentation assures that it sorts FIRST in the order of the projectname's group.
simple, but works for me.
i'm going to adopt Twanette's internal nomenclature tags..i like that!This message has been edited. Last edited by: susannah,
susannah, I like that _0 idea!
Give me code, or give me retirement. In FOCUS since 1991
Production: WF 7.7.05M, Dev Studio, BID, MRE, WebSphere, DB2 / Test: WF 8.1.05M, App Studio, BI Portal, Report Caster, jQuery, HighCharts, Apache Tomcat, MS SQL Server
We started developing in projects so that the html launch page and all of it's fex's are contained within the project and can be deployed together.
WebFOCUS Server 8.1.05
Windows 2008 Server
WebFOCUS AppStudio 8.1.05
Windows 7 Professional
IE 11 and Chrome Version 43.0.2357.124 m.
Mostly HTML, PDF, Excel, and AHTML
Let me thank all who offered suggestions and comments.
I look forward to seeing what enhancements come to fruition which make doc control even easier to manage.
WebFOCUS 18.104.22.168
Windows 7
SQL 2012 / DB2 / etc.
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text: kenmorefield Report post Posted September 26, 2016 (edited) Link to 2015 Jury Thread Link to 2014 Jury Thread Greetings colleague. Subsequent to our discussion on the exploratory thread and via e-mail, I am creating a nominations thread for this year's jury. If you haven't already done so, please reply to the poll. Once I have results, I will edit this initial thread to indicate dates and deadlines. As in years past, the second message in this thread will keep a running tally of nominated films. Colin unfortunately had to drop out this year, as did Alissa and Lauren. If anyone wants to take point on dealing with publicists for possible screeners, let me know. If not, I'll probably send an e-mail in a week or two asking you to confirm e-mail or mailing address if you opt-in to screener requests. (Alternately, we can put it on individual critics who are having a hard time getting access to a particular film to message me or one of the other members who gets screeners and request contact information for publicist.) Also, please let me know if you would like your primary affiliation to be other than what is listed below. 2016 Jury Kenneth R. Morefield -- 1More Film Blog Evan Cogswell -- Catholic Cinephile Christian Hamaker -- Crosswalk Josh Hamm -- Cut Print Film Joel Mayward -- Cinemayward M. Leary -- Filmwell Gareth Higgins -- God is Not Elswhere Steven D. Greydanus -- Decent Films Peter T. Chattaway -- FilmChat Noel T. Manning II -- WGWG Jeffrey Overstreet -- Christianity Today Anders Bergstrom -- 3 Brothers Film Jessica Gibson -- Freelance/Christ & Pop Culture Edited October 12, 2016 by kenmorefield Quote 1More Film Blog Faith and Spirituality in Masters of World Cinema Faith and Spirituality in Masters of World Cinema, Volume II Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Email leaving out one field
I created a custom email reply and used the bindings panel to drag/drop the form elements into the message.
All my fields are showing but one, and it's a list - everything else is either a text box or radio group.
In the form, the select id is "Quote_group_Number_of_Tires"
The Labels are: Single Tire, 2 Tires, 3 Tires, etc.
The Values are: Single Tire, 2 Tires, 3 Tires, etc.
In my email, the line where I put this field says:
<?php echo ((isset($_POST["Quote_group_Number_of_Tires[]"]))?$_POST["Quote_group_Number_of_Tires[]"]:"")?>
Is there something special I should do to make the list choice show? Or do you need more info...?


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Gun-Related Homicides Down in Phoenix Area
The number of firearm homicides in the Phoenix area dropped between 2006 and 2007 and 2009 to 2010, according to new numbers from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2006 and 2007, there were nearly seven gun-related homicides per 100,000 residents in Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale. That was tied for the 10th highest rate among the 50 biggest cities in the country, with the San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward, Calif. area and higher than the national average.
But between 2009 and 2010, the Phoenix area's rate dropped from 6.9 to 4 percent. That put the region below the national average and 25th out of the 50 biggest cities.
Overall, in both sets of years studied, the rate of gun-related homicides was higher in those big cities than the country overall. Between 2006 and 2007, the Phoenix area's rate was higher than that of the average of the 50 biggest cities. Between 2009 and 2010, it was lower than that average.


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Water is the key to all body functions including; digestion, assimilation, elimination and circulation, and to bones and joints, muscles, nerves, glands and senses. The right kind of water is one of your best natural protections against all kinds of diseases and infections. It's a vital factor in all the body fluids, tissues, cells, lymph, blood and all glandular secretions. Water holds all nutritive factors in solution, as well as toxins and body wastes and acts as the main transportation medium throughout the body, for both nutrition and cleansing purposes.
Since your body is about 70% water, the blood and lymphatic system is over 90% water, its essential for your health that you drink only pure water that snot saturated with contaminants, inorganic minerals and toxins. This pure water will transport vital nutrients to cells and waste from cell more efficiently.
Tap water contains a cocktail of toxic chemicals including; chlorine, fluoride, calcium carbonate, cadmium, aluminium, chloroform, arsenic, copper and lead. These inorganic minerals and toxic chemicals can cause arthritis, kidney and gallstones, memory loss and senility.
Source for this article; Apple Cider Vinegar by Patricia Bragg


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Home - Return to Previous Page
MSD Digital Shift Light - Programmable For All Gears
Shift Light, Digital Shift Light, 100-15900 RPM, LED, Adjustable Intensity, Sync Shift, Each
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The most universal and easy to use shift light available! Our new compact Digital Shift Light can be installed on everything from 1-cylinder points-triggered engines to Modular Ford engines with coil-on-plug technology.The tiny digital controller inside the compact housing gives you the ability to program the rpm activation points through the easy-to-view LED panel and two programming buttons. When the engine reaches the activation rpm, the six red LEDs illuminate brightly to alert your senses into throwing the shifter at the exact rpm. The DSL can be installed on single cylinder engines up through 12-cylinders on stock ignitions or high-powered aftermarket systems. MSD Digital Shift Light 8963 Programmable For All Gears - 1-12-Cylinder
Installs With Distributors/Coil Packs/Coil-On-Plug Programmable From 100-15900 RPM Six Bright LEDs Are Easy To View Supplied With An Easy To Install GMR Pickup Use With Sync Shift Pit Stop USA offers MSD Ignition Digital Shift Light 8963 at low everyday prices. Be sure to check out all of the products from MSD Ignition including MSD Gauges and Gauge Accessories, MSD Shift Lights.Product Description: Shift Light, Digital Shift Light, 100-15,900 RPM, LED, Adjustable Intensity, Sync Shift
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If your store is configured to use the PayPal Website Payments Standard module for accepting payments (formerly also called "PayPal IPN" module), then this notice applies to you.
If your server has had to be specially configured to allow IPN traffic to/from your server in order to process payment notices, you'll need to have your hosting company open up the additional new IP address PayPal is adding effective April 7, 2011 https://ppmts.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/92
This is a good time to remind you that you really should be using PayPal Express Checkout if you're accepting PayPal on your site. Using the old IPN/Website-Payments-Standard method for payments is becoming antiquated and has been known to have problems in various circumstances. Using the newer Express Checkout approach is far more reliable for completing payments and giving your customer up-to-date confirmation that their order has been paid and accepted by your store.
Naturally, also upgrading to the latest version of Zen Cart is similarly valuable and important.


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There are a lot of contenders for the number one pizza in San Miguel de Allende. Mi Vida, La Cucina di Afrodita and Casa Papaya all have wood-fired brick ovens and all make very good pizza napoletana. The problem is they usually only make it on a Sunday.
Now I don't know about you but I'm mostly a red meat kind of guy on Sundays. I'm more of a Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or any other day of the week pizza kind of guy. And I have a solution, well actually, a partial solution, a Wednesday to Saturday solution.
The place is called Neopolitan. Which is a very wise choice of names. Because Neopolitan-style pizza is the very best style of pizza (do I hear the sound of Sicilians, New Yorkers and Chicagoans gritting their teeth?). It's pizza so good that it is included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
The first time I tried a pizza from Neopolitan was in a bar. At Bonds 007 on Hidalgo, they hand you a menu for you to pick out your size and toppings of choice and about half an hour later, there's a cardboard box sitting beside your beer. A rather simple but rather brilliant idea for a bar that, outside of Sunday afternoon sausages, has struggled to find a niche in the food biz.
The most recent time I tried a pizza from Neopolitan was at the restaurant itself. Thanks to the one way streets in Colonia Guadalupe, it took a little running around in circles to find it. But suddenly, there it was.
I was there with three extremely good looking women (love the M/F ratio in this town), Key He, Sherrea and Don Day's Wife. They're the kind of women you'd climb two flights of scary stairs for, banging your shiny dome twice on the way up.
On the way up, I checked the Pisa invades New York graphic on the wall and some strange looking device on the terrace. It looked a little like a charcoal-fired Weber, a barbecue I dislike intently because of the inability to raise or lower the rack. But it had a gas line attached and a pizza stone on top.
"What do you use that for?", I asked Chef Carlos, one of Neopolitan's owners.
"To cook your pizza", replied Carlos.
"You're going to make a pizza with a Neopolitan-style crust on that?", I answered in disbelief. No stone or brick oven? No wood fire? How hot can you get that thing?"
"900 degrees Fahrenheit", replied the chef (which just happens to be the recommended temperature for a Neopolitan-style pizza).
"Hmmmmmmmmmm!", I think was my only comment.
I'd had emails telling me to not just try the pizza, that I had to try Neopolitan's salads. But salads occupy space that could be filled with pizza so I didn't even share the info on the salad raves with my fellow diners.
We ordered a bottle of L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah, one of my favorite affordable Mexican reds, and three small pizzas to share so we could check out some different toppings.
First up was an Española. It was very generously topped with goat cheese, arugula and jamon serrano. It had that yeasty smell that a good crust has. Not a cake but a bread dough smell. It was puffy on the edges with the right amount of char. It had a little crisp on the bottom but it still had some elasticity. It was a very, very good crust.
Next up was our waiter's recommendation. He called it Mike's Special. We used to call it the kitchen sink, the meat-lovers special, the one with just about everything on. This one had Italian sausage, mushrooms, bacon, onions, ham, basil and pepperoni. The toppings were all very good with a special mention this time to the tomato sauce.
I'm not a big stickler on whether a sauce is made from fresh or canned tomatoes and I really didn't care when another pizzeria told me their sauce was "made with tomatoes that grow on the volcanic plains to the south of Mount Vesuvius". But there are two things I do want in a tomato sauce: First, little or no bitter tomato paste. Second, the right amount and especially not too much sauce. Neopolitan had the sweetness and the quantity of sauce just right.
We finished with a quattro formaggi with provolone, parmesan, mozzarella and gorgonzola. There was lots and lots and lots of cheese and two slices left for Sherrea to take home.
This was good pizza, as good as I've had in San Miguel de Allende. And there was no way I would have known that it didn't come from a wood-fired oven.
I had to ask Carlos and his partner Jessica how they discovered they could make a pizza in that strange looking BBQ.
"Maryland", they told me, "we learned everything in Maryland."
Maryland? Must be a suburb of Naples.
Neopolitan is located at Julian Carrillo 4B, in Colonia Guadalupe, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They are open from Wednesday to Friday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm. To order for delivery call 415 121 7249.


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When you are traveling abroad the last thing you want is to get into an auto collision. Whether you've been hit or you rear-end another car, most people don't even know what to do next. Moreover, most insurance policies don't cover rental cars in other countries. No matter where you are in the world there is always an appropriate way to respond when car accidents happen. It can be nerve racking and little scary, depending on how shaken up you are or if there are injuries, if you get into a car accident oversees, but here are some ways to handle it in the worst case scenario that it happens to you.
First, is always smart to be prepared for the worst any time you travel abroad, no matter where you go. If you know that you will be renting a car in a specific country or location it is smart to read all of their laws first. In addition, you also want to look at what some of the best protocols are in that country to see what you should do if you do get into an accident. Some countries might operate in a vastly different way, so it is important to be knowledgeable if you do happen to get into an accident.
Next, you should never sign any papers after you've been in an accident until you know everything that is written down in the waver. In some countries you could literally be signing your life away. If you don't speak the language, make sure you have an interpreter – one that you can trust – that can tell you every the waver says before you sign the document. Many of these documents can be basic scams perpetrated by the police or the other person involved in the accident.
Also, you never want to panic. Always stay calm and collected -even if the collision is your fault. You want to make sure that you don't cause yourself or the other driver any further confusion. It can be easy to panic, especially if you are in a completely foreign country. It is also recommended that if you are injured that you don't move in case of any serious internal injuries. It might take a while for the ambulance to arrive. The same goes for the other driver involved.
Lastly, you want to make sure that you take an accurate assessment of the accident scene. If it is certifiably the other driver's fault, they might try to pin it on you, just because you are a foreigner. It is recommended that you take pictures of the damage to your car and to the other car. It might also be wise to take a picture of your phone or watch so that you get an accurate reading of the time and date. If you have to go court, which can be frustrating in another country, it is smart to have the most evidence, because otherwise they will take the other driver's word it blame it all you.


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What is FinTech
Financial Technologies or "FinTech" is a new financial industry that applies technology to improve financial activities. It's used to describe a variety of innovative business models and emerging technologies that have the potential to transform the financial services industry. Innovative FinTech business models typically offer specific financial products or services, traditionally offered by incumbent brokers or investment managers, in an automated fashion through the use of the internet. For example, equity crowdfunding platforms.
Benefits of FinTech
The global FinTech investments has grown dramatically in the last eleven years. It increased by 18 times from $5.5 billion in 2005 to reached $100.2 billion in 2016. Prominent clusters of relevance to securities regulators include trading, investments, and crowdfunding.
Innovative FinTech companies are already offering competing products and services in many of the key business lines of traditional intermediaries, including assets management and corporate finance.
In addition, most of the countries around the world illustrate directly or indirectly their support for innovation and technology incubators. And most Capital Market Regulators realized the importance of the FinTech and took steps to accommodate entrepreneurs and innovations of FinTech.
In general FinTech project will support Theme one (Facilitating Funding) and Theme two (Encouraging Investment) of the Financial Leadership 2020 Program and its in line with Saudi Vision 2030 by affording new channel for financing and investment.
FinTech and the National Economy
Financial technology (FinTech) will support the facilitation of funding by creating new financing channels targeting various sectors. Also Financial technology on the other side will create new investment channels and products.
Facilitating funding and diversification of investment channels are important factors in achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 which will encourage the creation of economic entities that will contribute to the economic depth and add value to the GDP and the national economy.
The Objectives of FinTech
The CMA objective is to support Financial Technology in the capital market by providing a simplified regulatory framework that is conducive for the innovation of Financial Technology within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The FinTech regulation will be designed to promote and to develop FinTech where participants can deploy and test their innovative FinTech products , services, and business models related to capital market within specified parameters and timeframes.
For further information you can communicate with CMA through the following email: email@example.com


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07 Jan
I posted recently about a beer company after I had been asked to photograph their range of beverages. Well, this post may interest you guys who do not touch the stuff and prefer your drinks hot and non-alcoholic and of course tasty. Coffee For Life vending solutions are suppliers of commercial bean to cup and traditional coffee machines throughout Glasgow and Scotland. They had me...Read More


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Free - Live Project Training
SMES offers Live Project Training for
* BCA Students
* MCA Students
* Engineering Students ( B.E. )
* M.Sc. Students
in ASP.NET, PHP, JAVA, Oracle & ERP. For further details please contact us on – 9825393930 and Please fill this form to apply online »
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New Arrival Popular High Quality Straight #613 Blonde Color Lace Front 13x6 Inches Glueless Wigs Malaysian Human Virgin Remy Hair 180% Density Pre-plucked Hairline With Baby Hair No Tangling No Shedding
Hair material: Malaysian human virgin remy hair in high quality (With many years' hair practice, Malaysian virgin hair has been proved it's the best hair to make #613 color. It's very strong and very well for this color. It won't be shedding and tangling)
Hair length: 10''-24'' (22'' hair length on the mannequins)
Hair color: #613
Hair texture: straight
Hair density: 180% density
Hair style: freestyle
Baby hair: yes
Bleached knots:yes, around perimeter
Lace color: transparent
Cap construction: lace front 13x6'' wefts back with adjustable straps and combs
Cap size: 22.5 14.5 12 12.75 15.5 5
Choose JYL Hair:
1) Factory direct sale with high quality
2) Fast shipping
3) Good customer service
4) Long time quality guarantee
Return Policy:
After you get our units, we can do exchange service if you don't like it. Before you decide to keep it, please don't cut the lace or dye/cut the hair,etc. Surely, you can wash it and see whether it tangles or sheds. Once you cut the lace or dye/cut the hair,etc, we can only offer repair service. Thanks!


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Kevin Bonnie at International Yacht Collection sends news that he's listed the 36.6m flybridge motor yacht Natalia for sale.
Built by Palmer Johnson in 2005 to Lloyd's class and MCA compliant, she's a product of the prolific Nuvolari Lenard design team. An interior featuring oak flooring and panelling accommodates eight guests in three doubles and a twin cabin, while twin 2,750 MTU engines give her a range of 900 nautical miles. A large saloon with excellent headroom has panoramic windows and relaxation and dining areas. Natalia also boasts an excellent charter record.
Lying in Nice, France, Natalia is asking €5.9 million.


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Strong Afternoon Trading Leads Dow to Solid Gains
The Dow closed strong today in end of day trading, gaining 225.48 points to finish up 1.31% 17,416.85. NASDAQ gained 45.42 points to close at 4,683.41, and the S&P 500 finished up 19.09 points in order to close at 2,021.25. In world markets, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng both fell just over 1% in a trend that was seen across Asia. Germany's DAX was up 0.25% to 10,737.87.
Strong Showing For Consumer Goods. Most of the Dow's gains were made in the consumer goods sector, which had a strong day due to the continued release of higher than expected earnings reports and rebounding US economy.
Energy Investors Remain Nervous.The energy sector continued to post losses due in part to continuing worries about the long-term stability of oil and natural gas, which investors fear may not have yet found a bottom. Light crude oil rebounded slightly to 44.58 per barrel, and natural gas was up a scant 0.26% to 2.73 per million BTUs, but both were volatile throughout the day. Diamond Offshore Drilling (DO), a domestic oil and gas producer, lead the race to the bottom of the energy sector with a disappointing drop of -6.48% to 30.73 per share.
Another Bad Day For Qualcomm, Yahoo! In tech, chip-maker Qualcomm Inc (QCOM) continued to struggle, posting losses of -10.27% to finish the day at 63.70. Search and media giant Yahoo! Inc (YHOO) also continued its fall, down -3.19% to 46.46, due to poor earnings and an abrupt split from overseas marketplace Alibaba Group Holding (BABA) which itself fell -8.78% to 89.81 for many of the same reasons.
A Few Moderate Losses. Food and sweets manufacturer Hershey Co (HSY) also had a down day, with a loss of -4.08% to finish at 103.29 after buying artisan beef jerky manufacturer KRAVE. Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) was down -5.87% to 114.14, and defense manufacturer Raytheon Co (RTN) lost -2.46% to end the day at 102.00.
Some Of Today's Winners include Varian Medical Systems Inc (VAR), rising 8.69% to 94.04, and home builder PulteGroup (PHM), which rose 6.03% to 21.82 per share. Both companies handily beat Q1 earnings expectations. Their respective sectors also rose this quarter, with Health Services up 12.75% and Consumer Durable Goods up 5.93% over the past three months.
T-Bills And Commodities Flat. 10-year Treasury notes also rose slightly, up 0.03% for a yield of 1.75%. The Bitcoin Composite Quote (XBT) was up 2.32% to $232.82 per coin. In commodities, gold held largely steady, posting small gains of $0.60 per troy ounce to finish at $1255.20, while corn rose 0.40% to $373.00 per bushel.
Posted in ...Market Commentary Daily Market Commentary


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22" x 32"
acrylic on canvas
Altman paints abstract expressionistic art in bright and soft hues reflecting emotions through nature images. He applies acrylic paint on his canvas and applies very originally designed mixed media.
In creating mixed media for his painting, Altman first begins by choosing from an array of recyclable materials.
The viewer senses his freedom of expression, movement, energy and drive through the multiple methods that he applies building layers upon layers on the canvas.
For Altman the process rises above the finished product sharing avenues of moods and emotions.
The process of making his art nurtures his mind, heart, and soul – as he reaches within himself and shares with others – the beauty he sees in the world.
How Trent Paints (Artist Statement)
Altman painted 'Sunset Beach' after returning home from vacation in Siesta Key, Fl. Experiencing the beach is one of Altman's favorite pastimes. Looking at photos, Altman chose the colors and designed each mixed media piece, capturing up to 7 to 10 layers on this painting.
Altman's work is strong on the physical texture of paint and objects by conforming them to his world. Indeed, a match, as well as, a new approach to the combined worlds of artists styles, like the impressionists : Monet's broken color, Pissarro's pattern of broken color, and Van Gogh's impasto. Altman's images are transformed into patterns of Cubism and High Analytical Cubism of Picasso and George Braque, translating the imaginative form of Watteau's metaphysical world. He has combined what many artists, in the past, used on a singular basis.
Altman is a Four-Time Award Winning International Artist
Copyright 2013 Strokes of Genius, Inc. All rights reserved. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission


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So, while I think I am getting better (I THINK), one thing that will always stump me in programming are equations. More specifically, longer mathematical equations. Right now, I am making a "Loan Calculator". Basically, it just uses a switch in another function, returns the values to the main function and it prints it out.
Unfortunately, given the formula I need to use, I can't figure out how to incorporate it in into a loop, as well I can't really understand the equation, even though it explains it.. (I'm retarded when something involves complicated looking math.)
Here's my code thus far. I need to make a loop do two things::
--Loop to output for however many months entered and the information for each month (Posted guess at end of post) This isn't my major issue however.
--Figure out how exactly the equation works and use it in the loop (My major issue).
----EQUATION:: payment =.......... ........principal x rate....
.................... .... .......... 1 - ( (1+rate) to the power (-m) ) )
--I'v also got no idea what a "Principal" refers to.
Rate = annual interest rate
M = number of months
(I know it's not done but. I can't really do much unless I figure this calculation stuff out
So far my guess is going to be something like this for the loopCode:#include <stdio.h> #include <math.h> int menu(void); int swit(void); int main(void) { int choice; printf("1. Enter Principal\n2. Enter Annual Interest Rate\n3. Enter Duration of the loan\n4. Calculate Loan Payment\n5. Display Loan Repayment Table\n\n"); choice = menu(); printf("Month::Old Balance::Payment::Interest::Principal::New Balance"); getchar(); getchar(); return 0; } int menu(void) { int choice; int princ; int ir; int dur; int calc; printf("Make your choice from the above menu:: "); while ((choice = getchar()) != 0) { switch (choice) { case '1' : princ = getchar(); break; case '2' : ir = getchar(); break; case '3' : dur = getchar(); break; case '4' : break; case '5' : break; default : printf("You entered an invalid choice.\nPlease pick 1-5 or use 0 to exit the program\n"); break; } } return choice; }
for (i = 1; i < months; i++). However. I am somewhat confused on how to do the calculations themselves (This is the most major thing I need help with. How exactly, after each calculation, I am supposed to re-calculate for the loop.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am absolutely useless when it come's to math.


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Are you in the United States?
Visit our U.S.A. & International site for relevant pricing, distribution and product availability information.Go to StarTech.com
Expansion Slot Rear Exhaust Cooling Fan with LP4 Connector
Remove hot air from a computer case with a rear exhaust fan
Product ID: FANCASE
- Ball bearing fan design
- Standard (full) profile expansion slot design
- Inline LP4 Molex power connectors
This high quality PCI Fan is an add-in cooling fan designed to fit in the PCI, ISA or AGP expansion slots of any computer. The PCI fan helps improve expansion card (video card, etc.) performance, by preventing overheating, making it a great video card cooler for older, hot-running 3D graphics cards like the Voodoo, TNT2, GeForce256 and more.
Powered through a simple LP4 connection to the computer power supply, the quiet-running PCI Fan utilizes a brushless DC motor that helps maintain expansion card temperatures while creating minimal noise levels.
Compact enough to fit into almost any expansion slot such that airflow can be directed as needed most, StarTech.com's PCI Fan is backed by 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
- Increase airflow within a computer case by adding an exhaust fan
- Add an additional fan to a computer case that doesn't have provisions for a case fan
- Remove the hot air from a high performance graphics card more efficiently
The StarTech.com Advantage
- A full profile slot design to help remove hot air from large workstations and desktops
- A small, quiet ball bearing fan keeps the air moving for better heat transfer
- Backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support
Product Numbers
UPC Code
Technical Specifications
|Warranty Information
|2 Years
|Fan Bearing Type
|Ball Bearing
|Air Flow Rate
|Fan RPM
|Noise Level
|32 dBA
|Connector Type(s)
|1 - LP4 (4 pin; Large Drive Power) Female
|1 - LP4 (4 pin; Large Drive Power) Male
|Special Notes / Requirements
|System and Cable Requirements
|Available rear expansion card slot
|Input Voltage
|Power Consumption (In Watts)
|Operating Temperature
|-10°C to 80°C (14°F to 176°F)
|Physical Characteristics
|Product Height
|0.8 in [2 cm]
|Product Length
|4.3 in [11 cm]
|Product Width
|3.5 in [90 mm]
|Weight of Product
|3.6 oz [103 g]
|Packaging Information
|Package Height
|1.2 in [30 mm]
|Package Length
|6.1 in [15.5 cm]
|Package Width
|5.1 in [13 cm]
|Shipping (Package) Weight
|4.6 oz [130 g]
|What's in the Box
|Included in Package
|1 - Expansion Slot Exhaust Fan
Product Support
Data Sheets
Compliance and Safety
Compliance Letters
Safety Measures
- If product has an exposed circuit board, do not touch the product under power.
- If Class 1 Laser Product. Laser radiation is present when the system is open.
- Wiring terminations should not be made with the product and/or electric lines under power.
- Product installation and/or mounting should be completed by a certified professional as per the local safety and building code guidelines.
- Cables (including power and charging cables) should be placed and routed to avoid creating electric, tripping or safety hazards.
* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.


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Las Dalias White-Blue Dress
A very chic and feminine dress, made from a soft and flowing lightweight material. The waist is elasticated so is very easy and comfortable to wear but also looks great with a belt. The neckline can be drawn in, so can be worn on or off the shoulder. The skirt of the dress is slightly longer at the back and buttoned down the front so can be left more open to show a little more leg if desired.
A beautiful addition to any wardrobe!
(Fits true to size)
All of our products are made on the beautiful island of Bali, using ancestral techniques of handmade embellishment, embroidery and printed fabrics.
Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
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Diddy was named Forbes Hip-Hop Cash King this year and he is definitely trying to live up to his name. According to reports, Diddy and his CIROC Vodka has struck a huge deal with the National Basketball Association.
Although the details are very scarce at the moment, reports claim that the title of this new movement will be, "The Toast of the NBA."
Sean "Diddy" Combs just keeps on winning. CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced a multiyear marketing agreement today. The campaign will be called "The Toast of the NBA." Led by Sean Combs, CIROC will lead the charge on responsible drinking with NBA fans nationwide. This announcement indicates a larger partnership entered into with the NBA by Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business and parent company of CIROC, making Diageo the exclusive spirits partner of the league. (XXL Mag)
The deal will include strategizing with each other on different ways to get the fans involved in the NBA and make it exciting.
Combs, CIROC and the NBA will work together throughout the season, both on and off the court, on how to probably celebrate which P. Diddy calls the 'Art of Celebration.' The purpose of the partnership is to elevate key NBA lifestyle events such as NBA All-Star and the NBA Playoffs with fun and engaging social media programming, consumer sweepstakes and activations. The NBA and CIROC will also produce a series of public service announcements videos which will star NBA talent. (XXL Mag)


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New Multidisciplinary Pain Program Announced at NIH
July 17, 2012
By Pamela Katz Ressler, MS, RN, HN-BC, adjunct faculty, Pain Research, Educationand Policy Program, Tufts University School of Medicine
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced a new multidisciplinary pain program that will be focused on the role of the brain in perceiving, modifying, and managing pain. The program, lead by internationally recognized pain researcher and neuroscientist, Catherine Bushnell, PhD, will be based in the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a part of the National Institutes of Health.
"Dr. Bushnell's work has profoundly changed the ways in which we understand and study this very important problem," said NCCAM Director Josephine P. Briggs, M.D. "Under her leadership, this program will continue to work toward the development of better ways to safely and more effectively treat chronic pain, and advance research on the intersection and integration of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches."
The NIH announcement of the pain program comes at a critical time in the growing burden of chronic pain in our society. The Institute of Medicine reports that more than 100 million people suffer from chronic pain conditions and nearly $635 billion is spent annually for treatment and lost productivity.
Research projects for the new program will include investigating how chronic pain produces changes in the brain that may modify how the brain reacts to pain medications, such as opioids; as well as exploring factors such as emotion, environment and genetics in pain perception.
The Tufts Pain Research, Education and Policy program faculty and students will look forward to future collaboration with this innovative new program.
Read the July NCCAM Clinical Digest on Chronic Pain and Complementary Health Practices
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Chronic Pain, NCCAM, NIH, Pain, Pain Education, Pain Policy, Pain Research, PREP, Tufts.
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Rapisarda Autosport International will return to the NHRA Mello Yello series for the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, Minnesota, next weekend followed by the most prestigious meeting on the NHRA calendar, the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis from September 2-7.
Sydneysider Wayne Newby will make his international debut for RAI, at Brainerd, joining the roster of Australian fuel racers who have been given a once in a life-time opportunity by team owner, Santo Rapisarda, to compete on the world stage.
"We decided to race at Brainerd to give Wayne the opportunity to adjust to the NHRA system," explained Rapisarda.
"He needs to get experience in how the Americans go about their racing, even though their start-up, staging and Christmas tree procedures are similar to Australia. A major difference between Australia and the NHRA is the shorter 1000 foot race distance and I'm sure the American officials would like to see Wayne pull the 'chutes early – as a rookie it's highly probable that his first pass at Brainerd will be a solo."
After Brainerd, the team will return to their home base in Indianapolis for a mid-week test and tune session ahead of the gruelling six-day meeting culminating on Labor Day.
"The Indy Nationals is the one event that any team owner worth his salt wants to win. For the American teams trying to secure a spot in the Countdown to the Championship, the pressure is intense."
"For us the situation is more relaxed, we race for fun and love of the sport.
The event also attracts many Australians and we definitely want to put on a good show for them. Last year we qualified eighth, then smoked the tyres against Tony Schumacher in second round. This year our plan is to do better and go further on race day," said Rapisarda.


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Wednesday, August 8, 2012
What I'm Wearing // Old Favorites
12 comments:
OOO I want a tutorial!!! Don't you just love thrifting?!?! :DReplyDelete
I can see how you'd have to keep yourself from wearing this one too much. It is fabulous!ReplyDelete
love it! sometimes the oldies make for the best outfits :)ReplyDelete
ps: your blog is fab!
xxo em
For me the combination of black and pink is sweet but also elegantReplyDelete
the skirt is very cool
I love that last picture of the skirt. I've not been a fan of the high low trend, but you may have changed my mind!ReplyDelete
I'm looking forward to the tutorial, that skirt looks amazing. Oh and what a beautiful background! Incredible.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 9, 2012 at 4:42 AM
I love everything about that outfit! That skirt is amazing. You should most definitely post a tutorial!ReplyDelete
goodnight!!.. that skirt is fantastic! Love it billowing out in your last shot! Too funny too, I'm just posting a cropped dress tomorrow that I gave an angle cut to the bottom with... but yours is way prettier! ;o)ReplyDelete
Looks like a beautiful backdrop too.
Mel ;o)
needle and nest
I love that skirt & love this blog. Here is a new follower :)ReplyDelete
Oooh I love these shots and your location is fabulous :)ReplyDelete
I love that last picture. It's such great scenery.ReplyDelete
Your outfits are wonderful!ReplyDelete


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While the rugged two day Mudfest tested the cars ability to handle the roughest off-road conditions, that wasn't enough to win the award. Each vehicle, chosen by their manufacturer, was also evaluated on their interiors, specialty features, and technology compared to others in its class.
The drivers put them through a number of tests on different courses that also judged acceleration, handling, and braking prowess. The Mazda CX-3 did well in every category and proved that Mazdas zoom-zoom is now making its mark in the All-Wheel Drive off-road sector.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 AWD is now available at Sport Mazda, Central Florida's leading Mazda dealer. The home of the Lifetime Warranty and NO DEALER FEE for all new Mazdas. Contact one of our sales professionals today or check us out on the Web at www.sportmazdaorlando.com.
We are proud to have been named the DealerRater United States Mazda Dealer of the Year based on over 3000 reviews from customers with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. Visit Sport Mazda today and experience car buying as you have always wanted.
Source: The New York Times


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One of the bonuses to visiting Walt Disney World so often is I can take the time to enjoy the many "extras" that exist on property that if you need to be running from one park to the next, or from one Fastpass to the next which is probably most accurate, you might not want to take advantage of. The tours WDW offers (and there are a lot!) are some of my favorite extras. I don't do them as often as I would like but when I have the time, they are some of my favorite memories.
The Royal Tea Garden Tour is a relatively new offering, only available during Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival. I missed catching it last year so made sure it was on the agenda for this past trip. As a tea nerd and someone who will never say no to a scone, I braved the WDW tour phone line to book a spot.
The first bonus to the WDW tours is you often get to see areas of the park devoid of people. One of my favorite memories is walking through Epcot to get to the front of the park for my Backstage Magic tour before the park was open (I even got a rose from one of the horticultural staff that time!). This time, while the park was open, I was in World Showcase before anything else was open so most people weren't headed in that direction. I got to enjoy empty France and United Kingdom pavilions and also just enjoy all the blooms of the Flower & Garden Festival without all the crowds aiming for the food booths.
The Royal Tea Garden Tour has a check in starting at 9:30am at the Rose & Crown. A friendly cast member will check your name on their iPad and hand you a badge. You're told you can wander more if you'd like and just reconvene at 9:45 on the Rose & Crown patio. A lovely couple from Pittsburgh adopted me for the morning and we chatted until our tour guides arrived. Rick from London and Owen from Northamption (of Kinky Boots fame) then introduced themselves and took over us to the tea gardens. Now, the tea "gardens" are a bit of a misnomer. If you've ever visited during Flower & Garden, you've seen the teapots gracing the gardens behind The Tea Caddy in the UK pavilion. These are individual tea gardens growing the different plants Twinings uses to create their different blends of tea.
Rick began by sharing the history of the Twinings company and telling the group about the current company and its main flagship store in London, his hometown. Rick then started in explaining how tea is grown on plantations, what the process for creating the tea leaves is once plucked and the difference between black, green and herbals teas. He then started explaining all the different blends currently being grown in the UK gardens. With each teacup garden, he explained the blend, the different plants grown to create the flavor and how it was best brewed and asked if anyone had tried the blend and if they'd liked it. In this way, we worked our way through the garden. You could ask questions at any time. I appreciated one person asked about how to officially pronounce "Twinings" – Rick reminded the group of the history of Thomas Twinings, the founder. He family traditionally had produced twine and the name was originally spelled "Twynings" so that is the correct pronunciation. Rick and Owen were both engaging speakers and clearly enjoyed the tour though they both thought it was fairly funny they'd come to the States to learn so much about tea.
The tour is fairly short, and you aren't given the usual Disney tour earpieces, so in the small garden, if you weren't close to the cast member speaking, it could be a challenge to hear them. Rick and Owen were aware of this and projected well and often did "sound checks" to make sure everyone could hear them. Luckily, the gardens themselves mean the group needs to stay cozy (close together) so I did not have a problem hearing at any time. It was also chilly and windy, though sunny, the morning I took the tour so the wind often carried the speaker's voice helpfully.
Following the tour, you return to the Rose & Crown patio for tea and scones. They have all the different blends of tea currently being grown to try as well as two scones per person. One is a savory scone, cheddar and herb, served with a bacon butter and the other sweet, a traditional golden raisin scone with clotted cream. Rick and Owen also circulated the entire time, trading our tour badges for a little bag of Twinings tea to take with us and answering any other questions about the tour or themselves and where they were from in the UK. You're welcome to have as much tea as you'd like, though the official ending time for the tour is 10:30am. If you wanted more hot water after that time, Rick and Owen could get it for you if you asked.
The tour is held only once a day, every day and does go rain or shine. For $18, no AP discount, I enjoyed the chance to learn more about the tea gardens, try new and different teas (as well as find a new favorite – I'm currently obsessed with the Twinings green tea with pomegranate, raspberry, and strawberry blend) as well as spend some time with two of the UK cast members. They were well versed in the teas being grown, had tried them all, had favorites to recommend and could answer questions about the growing and drying process. Obviously, Twinings is the tea WDW uses so it's the only one mentioned but I liked the aspect of the tour where we learned the history of the company and how it grew over time. A new life goal? Become a master tea blender someday by taking a master class at the Twinings flagship store in London!
This ranks high on the list of tours I've taken at WDW. It's affordable, fun and has a delicious treat at the end of it (that was really quite filling!). If you enjoy tea, gardening or just the ambiance of the UK pavilion of Epcot, I would recommend this tour highly during the Flower & Garden Festival.


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Hannah Lavender (previously Christenson) is an Illustrator, Designer, Comics Artist, and Writer currently based in Hillsboro, Oregon. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Illustration from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She has been recognized by such organizations as the Society of Illustrators and Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
For question or project inquiries, please contact Hannah at hannah(at)studiolavender(dot)com
Represented by Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management charlie(at)inkwellmanagement(dot)com
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Dominion Energy supports eco-friendly places to visit this summer
Whether your idea of summer fun is exploring museums or trails, star-gazing or watching river otters at play, environmental grants from the Dominion Energy charitable foundation support a variety of eco-friendly summer venues and activities in the region.
"In Virginia and North Carolina, we've awarded $255,000 to support local parks, gardens, museums and aquariums that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life," said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. "These public venues add beauty and vitality to our community, and they provide great options for summertime learning and fun."
Here are some eco-friendly summer destinations to consider in Virginia and North Carolina:
- Dyke Marsh (Alexandria, Va.) – Enjoy nature on a self-guided or guided walking tour with an experienced birder. The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provided the Friends of Dyke Marsh with $3,000 for educational brochures used by park visitors.
- Goochland Park (Goochland, Va.) – Take a leisurely stroll, picnic or paddle along the James River at Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing. Using a $10,500 Foundation grant, the Friends of Goochland Park plan to build an elevated pedestrian walkway to connect to portions of the park dissected by a public road.
- Henricus Historical Park (Chester, Va.) – Experience living history at a reconstructed English fort and Indian settlement along the James River. The Henricus Foundation was awarded $25,000 for Indian interpretive programs and environmental education.
- Huntley Meadows Park (Alexandria, Va.) – Explore a wetland wildlife sanctuary or join a birdwatching group. The Foundation provided the Friends of Huntley Park $5,000 to provide environmental education to At-Risk students.
- Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center of Virginia (Charlottesville, Va.) – Learn about the history of Lewis and Clark with hands-on activities, carpentry or hiking. The center received $17,500 to improve accessibility for individuals with special needs.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond, Va.) – Enjoy beautiful gardens, learn about pollinator plants and let your children cool off in the water play fountain. The botanical garden was provided $25,000 to restore Glen Stream, a small stream with serious erosion problems.
- Maymont (Richmond, Va.) – Tour a Victorian mansion, explore the gardens or watch river otters play. The park received $10,000 from the Foundation for educational outreach programs.
- Naturebridge (Prince William, Va.) – Enjoy a variety of naturalist-led hikes and nature programs for the entire family, as well as special summer programs for teens. The park received $10,000 for environmental science education.
- North Carolina Aquarium (Roanoke Island, N.C.) – Visit the new Dominion Energy-sponsored jellyfish exhibit and enjoy other cool aquatic animals.
- Occoquan (Woodbridge, Va.) – Try your hand at conservation art or join a rain barrel workshop. The Friends of the Occoquan received $5,000 for a rain barrel program to conserve water.
- Pocahontas State Park (Chesterfield, Va.) – Camp, boat, fish, swim, bike, hike or enjoy a cool summer concert. The Foundation granted the Friends of Pocahontas State Park $10,000 to expand its trail system.
- Sylvan Heights Bird Park (Scotland Neck, N.C.) – Take your family on a scavenger hunt or explore outdoor sensory stations and fossil digs near the playground. The Foundation provided $2,000 for the park to construct "sensory stations" to encourage outdoor nature play.
- The Children's Science Center (Fairfax, Va.) – Treat your family to a day of fun exploration and learning with a variety of hands-on activities. Dominion energy provided $10,000 for an urban bird educational project.
- The Elizabeth River Project (Portsmouth, Va.) – Enjoy kayaking, bird watching or riverside yoga at Paradise Creek Nature Park. The Foundation gave $25,000 to expand its programs for At-Risk-Youth.
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (Virginia Beach, Va.) – Experience hands-on exhibits, nature paths, marshlands and a large variety of marine life and animals. The aquarium received $22,500 from Dominion Energy to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles inadvertently hooked by anglers in the Hampton Roads area.
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science Foundation (Gloucester, Va.) – Sign up for a lecture, discovery lab, or wetland workshop. The institute was awarded $25,000 to provide Discovery Labs for the public. The labs are designed to increase the public's knowledge and understanding of the local environment.
- Virginia Living Museum (Newport News, Va.) – Learn about Virginia's vast array of birds, mammals and reptiles through hands-on activities or planetarium shows. The museum will use its $9,500 grant for "Pop-Up Discovery Stations," mobile displays that teach about conservation.
- Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation (Martinsville, Va.) – The museum has partnered with Natural Bridge State Park (NBSP) to develop and install new exhibits and environmental education programs at NBSP that will enhance visitors' experience. The museum received $10,000 from the Foundation for the exhibits.
The programs received Environmental and Education Stewardship grants awarded by the company's charitable arm, the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.
UVA Basketball Fans!
Dick Vitale on Team of Destiny: "This is a hoops story you will LOVE! Jerry and Chris capture the sensational and dramatic championship journey by Tony Bennett and his tenacious Cavalier team. UVA was Awesome Baby and so is this book!"
Ralph Sampson on Team of Destiny: "Jerry and Chris have lived and seen it all, even before my time. I highly recommend this book to every basketball fan across the globe. This story translates to all who know defeat and how to overcome it!"
Feedback from buyers: "Got the Book in the Mail Saturday, and could not put it down! Great read and great photography as well! Love all of the books I've received, but hands down, this is my favorite!" – Russell
Buy here.


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Who's out dancing on a weekend? All around the country nightclubs fill up with (mainly) young people bouncing until the small hours to amplified bass, getting intoxicated and, maybe, copping off. Yet there's another, less visible network of clubs where people dance more formally – think salsa, tango, ballroom, jive. Here there is a wider age range, less drinking and lower decibels, and everyone's likely to be done before midnight. I went to three of them to find out who goes there – and why.
My first stop was Swing Patrol, which runs classes and socials in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Berlin. At its social in the marvellously atmospheric Wilton's Music Hall in east London, the first people I meet are an upbeat group of twentysomethings who would not be out of place in a nightclub, if it weren't for the retro frocks and dapper waistcoats. They're here on a birthday outing for local girl Anna, 27. She's come because "It's an amazing venue, and really friendly. I thought everyone would love it."
They do love it – the place, the music, the buzz. "You could go to a pub for your birthday," says Anna's friend Dave, "and have some drinks and be shouting in the corner of a bar. Or you can come to something like this, where you make new friends and get to do something more fun."
The people and the place are big pluses, then, but don't they need to know the steps? "It's not massively important," says Anna blithely, though they all agree that a few basic moves will get you a long way. Like many social dance nights, Swing Patrol runs a taster session for newcomers at the beginning of the evening (which doubles up as a great icebreaker). "We learned two moves," says Greg, another of the group, "and then the teacher said, 'OK, you're ready for a night of dancing.'"
And were they? "It's easy to feel anxious at first," says Dave, "but as soon as you're dancing that really fades." That rings true. Out on the dancefloor, some dancers are clearly experts and others just as clearly newbies, but there's an upbeat, open ambience that makes room for them all.
That includes Pam and Steve, a couple in their late 50s who have come down from Grimsby to spend the weekend with their daughter. But she was off out with her boyfriend on Saturday night, says Pam, "so we thought we'd go out dancing ourselves". They've been learning lindy hop since Pam retired from the NHS last year, and it's completely changed the pattern of their lives: weekly classes, evenings out dancing – and provided a new social network.
"It helps keeps us fit," says Pam, "because we're doing something we enjoy. It keeps your brain active too. And you can really adapt the steps to suit your own level." But fitness is a byproduct: it's the enjoyment that keeps them coming back. "The music, the dancing – I just love it!" beams Pam. "And it's so nice to be among lots of different age groups. It makes you feel young."
Will they be back? Put it this way: they're already looking at the calendar to see when they can next come down to "visit their daughter".
Over at La Carablanca, London's longest-running Argentine tango club, the atmosphere is as different as the dance style. Where swing is extrovert and outgoing, tango is introvert and subtle, more poetic. Watch the couples revolving around the dance floor like little worlds-unto-themselves, and you sense that the dance is more about inner experience than outward appearance.
La Carablanca also offers tasters for novice dancers. The basic steps don't look hard – they're a kind of formalised walking – but turn out to be surprisingly difficult. Thirtysomethings Zuzana and Mario are here on their first visit, and found it a challenge. "Maybe we just have to come again and try to get better," says Zuzana.
"I will definitely try it again," says her husband Mario. "I like the tango, it's quite sexy. But in a serious way."
It's the second visit for fortysomethings Tina and Barry. They first did a tango as their wedding dance, and Tina in particular – who used to go out dancing ceroc and lindy hop all the time – has long had a soft spot for tango. "It's quite difficult even though it's a slower dance," she says. "But I really like it – it's sensual. And it's quite moody – a bit like like me!" Still, Barry has found it hard going.
"The music and rhythm aren't necessarily straightforward, and I struggled with the timing," he says. "And there are a lot of really good dancers on the floor, which can be intimidating." For this session, they're content to watch from the sidelines and enjoy the atmosphere. "Obviously we would rather be joining in," says Tina, "but I don't think we're ready."
Italian friends Mica (43) and Diego (39) are both performers in physical theatre, and talk about tango as a kind of creative challenge. "Each dance is like a relationship," says Diego. "It's different with everyone. You have to pay attention to the other, but also to yourself, and to the connection."
"I think it's good that there are rules," says Mica. "Having the men lead and the women follow – that is difficult for me! But it's interesting too."
It's notable that where the swing dancers all talked about atmosphere and energy, the tango dancers talk about "connection" – an almost mystical quality that only emerges between two people when they dance. That sense of interiority can make tango sometimes feel like a closed world to outsiders. "Also," says Graham, 63, who's here with Carole, 61, "there is a lot of etiquette surrounding tango that you might not know when you're new. It's almost like entering a different culture." Yet for those on the inside, I sense that is part of the appeal: a shared feeling of belonging.
Both the tango and swing evenings follow the conventional model of couple dancing: a man leads and a woman follows (though the swing dancers were more laid-back about members of the same sex dancing together). But does it have to be that way? Jacky's Jukebox, at the vintage Rivoli Ballroom in south London, is a monthly evening of ballroom and Latin dancing with a predominantly LGBT following, who don't play by those rules. Whether you lead or follow, and with whom you dance, is a matter of individual preference, not gender.
Michael and Sean are a couple in their 40s from Colchester, who met on the dancefloor over decade ago. "I was a bouncer at the time," says Sean, "and had this idea that dancing was a bit 'sissy'. But I remember thinking: life is short, they're not going to put 'Sean danced with a guy in a bar' on my gravestone!" They took dance classes together for a couple of years. "The teacher was fine with us dancing together if there was nobody else there," remembers Sean, "but as soon as someone else was there she used to make us dance in the back room."
"What's great about here," says Michael, "is that everyone gets on. There's old people and young people, there's obviously a big gay crowd, and there's transvestites – and everyone gets on through the dancing!"
"That level of acceptance is special," says Sean. "A lot of my life I had to pretend to be straight, but here people can be as they are."
I ask Gonzalo, 26, and Trix, 29, who can both dance as either leader or follower, why that flexibility is important for them. "The fact that I always had to lead in traditional clubs because I'm a man – and tall – was really limiting my enjoyment," says Gonzalo. "But when I found a place where I could follow, I started getting more into dancing." Trix learned ballroom as a child. "After finishing my exams as a follower, it was like: now you can do them all again 'as a man'. So I did!" She laughs at the thought. "I really like stepping outside those gender roles," she adds. "Sometimes people get confused, like: there's a woman asking me to dance?!"
And does both leading and following make them better dancers? "Oh, definitely!" they chorus. "You learn different skills, you experience things from both sides, you understand the roles better – you're a better dancer."
As with the tango and swing nights, it's not all about the dancing. Colleagues Julia and Rachel – professional violinists in their 50s – come for a drink and a chat as well. "It's just very relaxed," says Julia. "It doesn't matter who you are. It's all ages, black, white, gay, straight, and everybody dances together. It's very accepting."
"Wouldn't it be nice," says Trix, "if more of the world was like that?"


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With the recent Facebook scandal, social media in general has become a quite touchy subject. My network engineer husband who has shunned social media since its inception, feels vindicated, while those who are a bit more ambivalent feel torn. I mean, that is where I keep up with friends who I now live far away from. It's where I see pictures of my nieces and nephews who live in other states. It's where all of my writing network is thanks to grad school and an active writing life. Not to mention the thousands of photos on it. After carefully culling my Facebook feed, I actually like going there. It really does keep me informed. It's where people post funeral arrangements, birth announcements, party invites. I don't mind not checking it very often, but not having one at all seems foolish at this point in the social media game.
What I wouldn't miss though is the constant looking over my shoulder that I feel about Facebook and being an in-closet atheist. I have to be careful what I click like on because I know other people will see it. I am afraid to follow certain groups or like certain pages because I know people will see it. If I post something that I think could be misconstrued in any way, I will make the privacy settings so that only a handful of people will see it. But it's not just in closet stuff. I am clearly a left-leaning moderate, but I find myself holding back from posting any political persuasions of any kind because I hate to argue. And then there's the posts that other people put out there that I have to talk myself out of responding to. No, this doesn't matter. This is your friend. You will not respond to this stupid meme that suggests that atheists are idiots. Of course, those posts usually get people instantly unfollowed.
The ones thing I have been struggling with concerning social media is deleting people altogether. The unfollow option is great, but I often wonder why I don't just unfriend the majority of them. Obviously, family is different, but why I am still friends with the ultra-religious ultra-conservative woman I used to homeschool with who now has seven children and an unhealthy obsession with Chik-fil-A? Is her being the sister-in-law to my now deceased friend mean I should continue any kind of relationship, even one as meaningless as Facebook? Or that friend of a friend that I met at a party who is semi-interesting, but never came to anything I invited them to and it's been two years now? Or that guy I met at a writing event who made me feel super awkward and hasn't sent me another free book since I rebuffed his advances? Oh and the girl who used to live in my neighborhood who used to bully me? Apparently online, I am a pushover.
I unfollowed the super religious long ago. I outright delete anyone who is openly homophobic, racist, or misogynistic. I've never felt bad about those decisions. But social media, despite some of it's pluses, isn't really a safe place at this point. Not if you are trying to keep a secret. I think it's why I have headed to places like Lifehacker, Reddit, YouTube, and blogs. I may be anonymous, but at least there I can find "my people". So I think I'll keep my Facebook for now, but continue to treat it more like friend newsletter with pictures, update on big life events, and the occasional life decision that I have to keep my mouth closed about.
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This is a personal, but secret, blog archiving my deconversion from a Christian to a non-believer.
October 2018


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We celebrated my partner in business and crime's (Sam) birthday the other weekend.
We started at the W for SIN (Socially Interactive Nighttime) before ending the night at good old See Sound Lounge.
Why does it seem like we go there more now than ever?
It was the usual overly packed See Sound and Samantha lost her birthday presents just as I had on my birthday at See Sound back in June.
Moral of the story? Don't give a drunk girl presents.