title: Sea Urchin Toast with Lemon Zest

text:
Sea Urchin Toast with Lemon Zest
Sea Urchin toast with lemon zest is a luxurious, sophisticated appetizer that highlights the delicate, sweet, and briny flavor of uni. This dish is simple yet elegant, featuring creamy uni placed atop toasted bread with a burst of fresh lemon zest.
Uni, the prized delicacy from the gonads of sea urchins, is known for its rich, buttery texture and complex umami flavor. When paired with the crunch of toast and the brightness of lemon, this dish creates an unforgettable balance of taste and texture. It’s perfect for a special occasion or as an impressive starter for a seafood feast.
For the Sea Urchin (Uni) Toast:
6-8 slices of crusty bread (such as baguette or sourdough)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup fresh sea urchin (uni), cleaned and separated into pieces
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (such as chives or dill), finely chopped (optional)
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil (optional)
Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
Prepare the Toast:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a grill pan on medium-high heat.
Lightly brush each slice of bread with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil on both sides.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill the bread on the grill pan for a more charred effect.
Once toasted, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Uni Topping:
While the bread is toasting, gently clean the fresh uni, removing any bits of shell or membrane. Use a spoon to separate the uni into individual pieces, taking care not to break the delicate texture.
Zest the lemon using a fine zester or microplane to collect the aromatic oils. Set aside.
Assemble the Sea Urchin Toast:
Once the toast is ready, place the slices on a serving platter.
Gently place the uni on top of each slice of toasted bread. The uni should be distributed evenly, with each slice getting a generous portion.
Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the top, ensuring each bite will have a zesty burst of flavor.
Season the uni toast with a light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the uni.
Optionally, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil on top for extra richness.
Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as chives or dill, if desired, for an added touch of freshness and color.
Serve immediately while the toast is still warm, allowing the richness of the uni to shine.
Uni is a delicate ingredient, so it’s important to handle it gently to preserve its texture. Use the freshest uni available for the best flavor—freshness is key. When selecting bread, choose something hearty but not too dense to complement the delicate uni, as a crusty baguette or sourdough works wonderfully. If you prefer, you can serve this dish with a side of lemon wedges to add extra zest at the table.
This recipe can also be elevated by adding a touch of wasabi or a drizzle of soy sauce on top of the uni for an Asian-inspired twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Sea Urchin (Uni) toast with lemon zest is an indulgent yet simple dish that allows the flavor of uni to shine. The combination of buttery uni, crispy toast, and zesty lemon makes for a refined appetizer that is as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes. Perfect for any seafood lover or anyone looking to try something unique and luxurious.


tier: polar

shelf: history-culture

text:
Scores of stranded Moroccan citizens repatriated from Spanish-run enclave of Melilla
The repatriation of 200 Moroccan citizens stranded in the contested Spanish-administered enclave of Melilla in Morocco started on Friday.
The Moroccan government closed its borders in mid-March to tackle the coronavirus.
Melilla and Ceuta are two cities on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, surrounded by Morocco on three sides, which Spain considers as integral parts of its territory.
However, Morocco also claims sovereignty over the two enclaves and views continued Spanish rule over them as a modern-day form of colonialism. Their boundaries represent the EU’s only land borders with Africa.
"The Moroccan government has given us a list of 200 Moroccan citizens stuck in Melilla and we are proceeding with their repatriation," a local Spanish government spokesman in Melilla said.
Moroccan media said the repatriated individuals would be placed in quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Moroccan authorities did not immediately provide details on the reported start of the repatriation process.
In late April, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit told parliament that measures would be taken to repatriate Moroccans stuck in the two enclaves "in the shortest possible time".
Around 28,000 Moroccans have been stranded outside the country since the kingdom suspended international commercial flights in mid-March in a bid to forestall the spread of the novel coronavirus.
A large number of those stranded are stuck in France, Turkey and Spain.
Many have taken to social media to voice their distress.
Moroccan consular services say they have covered accommodation expenses for some of those stranded.


tier: cub

shelf: civic-law

text:
Expanding ecommerce fulfilment resources
5th April 2021
Spatial Global has experienced significant growth in the ecommerce demand during the past 12 months and as a result, parent company Keswick enterprises has invested in the procurement of a specialist fulfilment company APS.
Spatial Global a scalable ecommerce fulfilment partner
Recent years has seen a steady growth of ecommerce across multiple sectors. However the pandemic and resulting lockdowns has meant massive ecommerce growth and rapid acceleration of the online channels reaching target audiences. Many businesses have been restricted by lack of capacity in their in-house fulfilment or their selected logistic partners’ lack of headroom. This has increased the pressure on the already strained supply of labour in the transport and logistics industry. The online consumer boom trend shows no signs of slowing - current statistics suggest that ecommerce sales in the UK will have risen to £60,289m in 2020 and by 2040, 95% of purchases worldwide will be made online*.
Acquisition to ensure strength in depth
APS, Assembly and Packaging Services is one of the UK's leading non-food co-packing and fulfilment companies – and it became a member of The Keswick Enterprises Group in February 2020. Based in Blyth, Northumberland, it has 35 years' experience in assembling, collating and packing merchandise and giftware for manufacturers, importers and retailers. This added to the groups existing presence in UK contract packing and fulfilment - SGL Co-packing Ltd. Recognised as one of the UK's top ambient contract packing and contract manufacturing specialists, SGL Co-packing, provide high quality support to mainly dry food and general merchandise suppliers – and was acquired in 2008.


shelf: science-engineering

title: 2010 12 07 archive

text:
Blegh. It's nearing the end of the semester, so there's that, but a goodly amount of other little annoyances have decided this is the week to stack up. Midway shipped a 12ga mag extension, which doesn't fit the new shotty for some reason, and the Galco holster I thought I'd try out does not work with M&Ps with the thumb safety, so I was looking forward to the post office at this time of year. Add a handful of other recent issues with various parcel services and I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just hand deliver everything. Less stress and I'd get to see the country!
Unfortunately I got off to a late and extra grouchy start as the little Chevy did it's party trick of draining the battery as it sat overnight. It likes to do this on average about once a month, regardless of anything being left plugged in. The battery's less than a year old too.
No big deal, just pop the hood and jump it, and it's fine for another month. Except winter is upon us, and apparently neither car at the house will have a working hood release until April when the cable thaws out. Nothing like crawling under a car in the snow and gravel to wedge your hand between the radiator and hood support to trip the latch when you're already grumpy.
There's a handful of other things, but it's not worth dwelling on. I just felt the need to vent a little. I'm going to sit down and read a book and sip on some coffee before choir and then play games the rest of the day.


tier: kodiak

shelf: software-docs

title: 2532

text:
Hi, I’m very new to Docker and wanted to make sure I am on the right path before diving in too deep.
I am moving my main desktop from Debian Wheezy (#!) to Arch Linux. One of the items I need to port over is a cron script that uses a utility called ledger to mine data from a GnuCash file, generate charts of spending vs budget, and emails them to my wife and I each morning. The latest version of ledger (and the only one available for Arch) does not support GnuCash files any longer, and I must install an older version which is still supported in terms of libraries on Wheezy.
I cannot get it to run in Arch. I don’t want this issue to be a blocking point. I am wondering if I can use Docker to run this script with it’s dependencies in a Wheezy-based Docker container. I think I would need to:
- Get a Wheezy container installed
- Install ledger 2.6 with proper dependencies
- Map a local drive (containing my GnuCash data file) in the container so I can access it
- Map a local drive for outputting the images.
- Execute the script via Docker with my host cron
The script also sends the email via Gmail. Not sure if I would want to keep that in the container or just let Docker handle the stuff I can’t do in Arch and keep the rest there.
If anybody more experienced can weigh in on the suitability and feasibility of this, it would be much appreciated. Any tips would be even better. For now I’m poring through the docs.
Jessie Frazelle has a great blog post about containerizing desktop apps with a link to her Dockerfiles: https://blog.jessfraz.com/post/docker-containers-on-the-desktop/
It should be possible to do what you’re describing.
I meant to mention you can mount host directories or files:
This is indeed a very valid use case for docker.
Your Dockerfile might look something like this:
RUN apt-get install ledger-2.6 # assuming this is what you need to get ledger installed
you could use that to build an image called ledger: docker build -t ledger .
Assuming the normal ledger command is something like ledger /path/to/gnucash.dat -o /images/
, you could run it something like this:
docker run -it -v /path/to/gnucash.dat:/gnucash.dat -v /path/to/images/:images ledger ledger /gnucash.dat -o /images
Your cron script on the host could call ledger using the docker run command, and then email the results. You could also do the email bit inside the container.
Hopefully this helps!
Thanks to all, what a responsive and helpful community!
I hope to try this in the next few days .
Pulled debian:wheezy, entered it with /bin/bash and installed ledger and vim. Committed it. Figured out my drive mapping and it runs like a champ! Just need to coordinate the cron between what I put in the image and what runs outside. I’ll search on how to create / use the right user in the image so the files I spit out aren’t owned by root.
This is fantastic technology! I can stay bleeding edge with Arch without giving up the old and stable. Thanks again for your help.
One final note, everything works but it took me 45 minutes of Googling to figure out why my docker run command would not execute with cron, and would leave no trace in the logs.
I had to remove the -t option from my command if starting with cron. With the -t in there, it would fail without any trace. Everything I found when searching was related to running cron INSIDE a container, but nothing addressing executing a docker command within the host cron.
Ah yes, the -t option allocates a pseudo-tty, which cron does not have. If I do something like echo | docker run -it ubuntu cat
, it will complain and say FATA cannot enable tty mode on non tty input
. I’m not sure why cron wouldn’t have the same error message though.


shelf: health

title: Japanese cosmo liftingtm the non invasive facelift you need

text:
In the sphere of alternative health modalities, we constantly discover and explore techniques that can promote well-being and rejuvenation. One such revolutionary method that I offer at Mind Body Sole Reflexology is Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM. This natural, non-invasive facial treatment has gained significant recognition for its numerous benefits, which include skin rejuvenation, relaxation, and even holistic health advantages. In this comprehensive guide, I aim to give you a detailed understanding of what Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM entails and how it can be a game-changer for your self-care routine.
Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM is an innovative facial treatment that integrates the age-old wisdom of acupressure with modern aesthetic techniques. It's an organic, non-surgical facelift method that not only promotes youthful skin but also contributes to overall health and vitality.
One of the distinguishing features of this treatment is its dual approach. On the one hand, Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM can produce visible results, akin to those achieved through cosmetic procedures, but without any invasive intervention or recovery time. It helps in smoothing out wrinkles, enhancing skin elasticity, and stimulating collagen production, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin.
On the other hand, this technique takes a step further. It's not just about outer beauty; it also targets your inner well-being. Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM is based on the belief that facial muscles are connected to the body's organs via meridian lines. So, by stimulating specific points on the face, we can impact overall health, much like the principle behind foot reflexology.
A typical Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM session in my practice begins with a thorough cleanse to ensure your skin is ready for the treatment. Next, I use my fingers to apply targeted pressure to your facial muscles. This process aims to relax tension, promote blood circulation, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining the skin's youthful elasticity.
Throughout the session, I am mindful of each client's unique needs and comfort levels. I carefully adjust the pressure and techniques used to ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Many clients describe their session as a tranquil escape, leaving with a radiant glow that mirrors their inner well-being.
Consistency is key when it comes to reaping the full benefits of Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM. While you may notice a fresh, relaxed appearance after the first session, consistent treatments can lead to more noticeable improvements in skin tone, texture, and elasticity.
At Mind Body Sole Reflexology, I understand that wellness is more than just addressing specific concerns; it's about nurturing the connection between the body and mind. And Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM does precisely that. It offers an opportunity to invest in your self-care, providing a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
Moreover, as a practitioner of alternative health modalities, I am committed to ensuring the highest level of care. I have been trained and certified in Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM and am continually striving to enhance my skills and understanding of this transformative treatment.
As an integral part of my practice, I encourage and foster open communication with my clients. Before we begin your Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM journey, I take the time to understand your skin type, concerns, and overall wellness goals. This initial conversation allows me to tailor the treatment to your individual needs, enhancing its overall effectiveness and creating an experience that is as unique as you are.
Clients often ask me about the best way to incorporate Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM into their skincare routine. The beauty of this treatment is its adaptability. Whether you're looking for a standalone service to boost your skin health or want to incorporate it as part of a holistic wellness regime, the choice is yours. I'm here to offer expert guidance and support you in making the best decisions for your skin and overall health.
Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM is also an excellent complement to the other services I offer at Mind Body Sole Reflexology. It pairs particularly well with foot reflexology, creating a holistic treatment plan that addresses wellness from head to toe. The combined effect of these two treatments can significantly amplify your sense of relaxation and well-being.
In the realm of skincare, we often hear the phrase 'prevention is better than cure.' Japanese CosmoliftingTM aligns perfectly with this ideology. While it can undoubtedly help improve visible signs of aging, it's also an excellent preventative treatment. By regularly stimulating your facial muscles and improving circulation, you can potentially delay the onset of wrinkles and maintain your skin's elasticity for longer.
However, it's not just your skin that benefits from this treatment. Many clients have reported feeling a greater sense of calm and relaxation post-session. This is because the treatment works along the meridian lines that run through the face, neck, and scalp, which can help release tension and promote relaxation.
The quest for ageless beauty can often feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn't have to be that way. Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM offers a natural, non-invasive solution that addresses not only your skin's appearance but your overall well-being. It’s an approach to beauty that doesn't just cover up imperfections but nurtures and enhances your natural beauty.
As a certified Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM practitioner, I'm thrilled to offer this transformative treatment to my clients in the Harrisburg, New Cumberland, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, Enola, Lemoyne, Duncannon, Marysville, Shiremanstown, and Lewisberry areas.
I believe that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, and investing in treatments like Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM can be an important part of your self-care routine. I invite you to take the first step on this exciting journey to rejuvenated skin and overall wellness.
In conclusion, Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM is more than a cosmetic treatment—it's a wellness experience. It can serve as a potent tool for self-care, boosting your skin's health while promoting overall well-being. So, whether you're looking to rejuvenate your skin or simply indulge in some well-deserved 'me-time', this non-invasive facelift could be just what you need.
If you're based in Harrisburg, New Cumberland, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, Enola, Lemoyne, Duncannon, Marysville, Shiremanstown, or Lewisberry and are curious to try Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM, I invite you to reach out and book your session at Mind Body Sole Reflexology.
If you have any questions or if you're ready to book your first Japanese Cosmo LiftingTM session, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly at (717) 497-6077. I look forward to joining you on your journey to enhanced beauty and well-being.


shelf: finance

title: Spac buying trumps social media company loses key executives dwac stock plummets

text:
Many SPAC investors got burned last year after buying what are essentially shell companies that, for the most part, purchased low-quality assets with investor funds while paying executives handsomely. This resulted in SPAC’s losing their lustre and largely tanking in share price.
Apparently, Digital World Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: DWAC) missed the memo about SPAC’s needing to invest in high-quality assets to curry investor favor. Instead, they bought Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns Truth Social, former president Donald Trump’s potentially soon-to-be-defunct social media site.
Truth Social, which Trump started after being banned from Twitter, has been nothing short of a disaster. In addition to almost no participation from Trump himself (he only posted once on the site weeks ago), the platform has experienced issues onboarding new users, including making users join waitlists that can last for weeks.
These issues have severely limited the user base on the platform. Trump himself has about 140,000 followers, drastically down from the 90 million followers he had on Twitter (NYSE: TWTR). According to those close to him, Trump is reportedly so upset with Truth Social’s performance that he has considered joining a rival site, such as GETTR.
Devin Nunes, the erstwhile Congressman who now heads up Truth Social, has attempted to address Trump’s frustrations by replacing senior leadership with people loyal to him, which led to the resignations of Truth Social’s chief technology officer, chief product development officer and chief legal affairs officer. The market was not happy with this mixup, with the stock down 25% since the announcement of the departures.
Where Truth Social and Digital World Acquisition Corp go from here remains unclear. With Trump seeming on the verge of giving up on the platform, it’s doubtful that this situation will get better soon. Expect Digital World Acquisition Corp. shares to continue their downward trend for the foreseeable future.
Shares of Digital World Acquisition Corp are currently trading at $47.28 per share, down –1.5% on the day. YTD DWAC stock is down -8.55%.
* Attention readers on mobile or tablet, if you cannot view the above chart in its entirety, please rotate your device sideways. Make sure you have your portrait orientation lock switched off.
[mailmunch-form id=”1025983″]Disclaimer: Wealthy VC holds does not hold a position in any of the stocks mentioned in this article.


shelf: education

title: 5 things leaders need to quit doing

text:
Leadership isn’t just about what we do; it’s also about what we choose not to do. Success comes from doing new things, improving existing practices, and stopping the wrong behaviors.
If you want to lead better this year, here are five things worth quitting:
Learn by emulating, but lead by innovating. Copying means doing the same things your competitors do in the same way. While that might help you keep pace, it won’t push you ahead. Gather ideas from diverse sources, but remember that replicating someone else’s playbook doesn’t guarantee their results. Originality that is valued by others is what sets leaders apart.
Certainty is rare in today’s business landscape. When you conclude too quickly, you risk shutting out new perspectives and getting blindsided by change. While confidence is valuable, certainty can make you rigid. Instead, embrace agility and experimentation. Plans are necessary, but adaptability often determines success when the unexpected happens—as it inevitably will.
Not every shiny object deserves your attention. The difference between pursuing innovation and chasing trends lies in intentionality. New gurus, flashy ideas, and so-called breakthroughs will come and go, tempting you to pivot without a clear strategy. Be open to fresh ideas but disciplined enough to avoid veering off course unnecessarily.
I know what it’s like to be a worrier—I’ve been there. But I’ve learned it doesn’t help. Worry is unproductive; it drains energy while solving nothing. Concern, on the other hand, leads to action. Shift your focus to what’s within your control. And yes, hope can be a strategy—when it means trying something new and being willing to act. Build confidence in yourself and your team by ensuring you’re doing everything possible to drive success.
High performers are often overlooked. They consistently deliver results, and it’s easy to assume they’ll keep doing so without recognition. But neglecting to acknowledge their contributions can lead to disengagement. While it’s crucial to address poor performance, don’t let that effort come at the expense of appreciating the people who consistently move the needle.
Which of these behaviors do you need to stop? If you recognize it, you can address it.
Mark Sanborn is an award-winning speaker and advisor to leaders. He is the Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University which challenges students to “choose to be extraordinary.” For more information about his work or to book him to speech, visit www.marksanborn.com.


shelf: home-craft

title: Well stocked kitchen arthritis

text:
Most kitchens are packed with implements as big and weighty as cast-iron Dutch ovens and small appliances and as tiny as measuring spoons and grapefruit forks. Yet out of all of those hundreds of items, consider how few are appropriate for the arthritic cook.
Arthritic persons who love to cook are often frustrated at how inappropriate most kitchen implements are. We have compiled a list of the major items any arthritic cook needs in order to prepare-and to eat-healthy, tasty home-cooked meals. And all without resorting to tasteless microwaved or restaurant meals.
Kitchen Openers for Arthritic Persons: Caps, Jars, Lids, and More
Tight jars, bottles, and cans have to be the number one complaint for persons suffering from arthritis. In fact, the jars and bottles don't even have to be very tight for them to frustrate any cook-arthritic and non-arthritic alike.
Some manufacturers of kitchen openers have gotten smart about this-making openers that help arthritic persons open tough packaging in a jiffy. These range from aids as simple as silicone grippers that can be stored after use...to cabinet- or wall-mounted jar openers always ready for easy opening.
Cooking, Cutting, Slicing, and Spreading Tools for Arthritic Persons
Here's where the true art of cooking begins. Knives are often a particular source of concern because of the discomfort associated with holding the handle. Not to mention: sharp blades are involved! Manufacturers of adapted cooking products have really stepped up to the plate in recent years by providing easy-to-grip knives and graters designed for arthritic persons.
What an amazing variety of knives, slicers, graters, and peelers are now available! How about special cutting boards, too? Bread spreader boards and pot holders (not the mitt type of holder, but the type that holds a pot to the stove) take the arthritic cook from raw food to cooked delicacy with speed and comfort.
The Arthritic Cook Serves Dinner: Adapted Plates, Utensils, and Cups
Now that dinner is cooked, is it served yet? Yes. And eaten? Yes again. Perhaps the widest range of kitchen items for arthritic cooks and arthritic diners-is in the area of specially adapted eating implements.
Plates and bowls adapted for arthritics offer guards, scoops, and lips for keeping food on the plate. But what about plates that seem to have a mind of their own and slide off the table? Available too are special plates that hold fast to the table.
What arthritic person hasn't found liquids to be even more elusive than food? A vast array of cups and glasses for arthritics, with special handles, grips, lids, and straws, ensure that the beverage gets to the mouth-every time, and without a drop spilled.


title: A festival to rediscover

text:
A festival to rediscover
medieval charm and cobblestone streets
Trivento Soulplace Film Festival is an international competition with live screenings open to filmmakers from all over the world. It takes place in the small town of Trivento (Campobasso, Molise, Italy) and its purpose is to help independent cinematography talents and filmmakers to improve their career.
We accept films of all genres and also shorts. Award-winning films will be screened in public before the award ceremony.
Trivento, in the scenic region of Molise, Italy, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. Dating back to Roman times, its medieval charm enchants visitors. Wander through cobblestone streets, marvel at the Castello Angioino, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine.
With sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards, Trivento promises an unforgettable experience at the heart of Italy.
PATRONAGES, SPONSORS & PARTNERS
May 30, 2025
Apr 25, 2026
May 5, 2026
May 28, 2026
Centro Polifunzionale Comune di Trivento
Corso Guglielmo Marconi
Trivento, Molise 86029
Submit your project
Awards & Prizes
Rules & Terms
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Original Soundtrack
Best First Time Director
Special Jury Prize
Soulplace Film Festival is an international competition with live screenings open to filmmakers from all over the world and its purpose is to help independent cinematography talents and filmmakers to improve their career.
We want to support as many filmmakers as possible, all over the world, motivating them to always improve, always give their best and never stop dreaming.
The event involves not only filmmakers and the public, but also the whole territory as well.
We accept films of all genres and also shorts, in the form of narrative (fiction), documentary (non fiction) or animation.
Award-winning films will be screened in public before the award ceremony.
*All winners will receive an official laurel and a free ready for print certificate.
By submitting your film, you declare to know and accept that we can promote some of the films by uploading the trailers and/or teasers or posters and production stills and so you allow us to use them for free, for promotional purpose. However the films will never be available online.
Submission fees cover administration costs and therefore they are non-refundable. Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.
We do not accept:
- poor standards or amateur movies (bad sound, lack of subtitles/captions for non-English films, video resolution less than 720p HD);
- movies involving politics or promoting political agenda;
- extremist or propaganda content movies, either religious or political organizations.
Best Narrative Feature, Fabrianese, Antonio Palese
Best Documentary, The Headless Horseman, Andy Collet (ex aequo)
Best Documentary, Ambassador of Remembrance, Magdalena Zelasko (ex aequo)
Best Animation, My Beloved, Paolo Franzelletti
Best Narrative Short, Amentalio, Mokotsi Rukundo
Best Director, Pravas, Vipul Sharma
Best Editing, LOOK UP - The Science of Cultural Evolution, Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold, Espen Jan Folmo
Best First Time Director, LOOK UP - The Science of Cultural Evolution, Nini Caroline Skarpaas Myhrvold, Espen Jan Folmo
Best Cinematography, Werdum: Above the Pain, Kleber Luis da Silva
Best First Time Director, After the freezer, Tenley Eakin Raj (ex aequo)
Best Screenplay, 2 Brothers, William Wong
Best Actress, Lady Cobra, Nicoletta Tanghèri
Special Jury Prize, LA BALZANA, Luca Marconato
Best Narrative Feature, Brave Girls, Rajeev Ashok Bhatia
Best Documentary, Perpetual Search, Gopal Shivakoti
Best Animation, Half Past Four, Seung-il Chon
Best Narrative Short, Spring, Nathan Schiltz
Best Director, Subzero, Laleh Noureddin Mousa
Best Cinematography, Good Night, Over and Out, Sol Bergé, Mastrolillo
Best Editing, Soraya, Maryam Rahimi
Best Original Soundtrack, New life, Cristian Paduano
Best First Time Director, Requiem Espresso, Gil Giuliani
Best Screenplay, Silent Sighs, Meryem Jabbour
Best Actor, Somewhere to Stay, Iman Hajazimian
Best Actress, Suite Night, Mahtab Pishghadam
Best Music Video, Tyrannosaurus Blues, Vittorio Caratozzolo & Class 1 A
Special Jury Prize, 39.5, Akshat Gulati
Trivento 2024 finally happened! We enjoyed it so much. Filmmakers from all over the world partecipated to our festival and some came here: we were incredibly […]
We’re thrilled to annouce the winners for the first edition of the Trivento Soulplace Film Festival.Here is the list: 🏅 Best Narrative Feature, Brave Girls, Rajeev […]
Soulplace Film Festival means Live Screenings, Awards, Masterclasses: a network of events all over the world, promoting cinematography talents and local territories. Our aim is to […]


text:
Shon Harris Announces Re-election Bid for Yuba City Council
Jul 10, 2020 12:00AM ● By From Re-elect Shon HarrisYuba City Mayor, Shon Harris. Photo: Re-elect Shon Harris
YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Yuba City Mayor, Shon Harris, has announced this week that he will seek re-election to the Yuba City Council this fall. Harris was elected to the Council in 2016 and is currently serving his second term as Mayor.
Harris said he is proud of the work the council has accomplished during his first term. He added that he will continue that work in conjunction with all city staff and the community during a second term. “Our efforts will be expedited due to the experience, relationships, and contacts established both internally and externally during my first term,” explained Harris. “I won’t be starting fresh which means we can hit the ground running and continue working toward accomplishing our goals as a city.”
A strong proponent of Public Safety, Harris recognizes the extreme significance of the recent tragedies involving law enforcement in the US and added that the law enforcement profession does not and never will stand for discrimination or bias of any kind. He stated that he stands behind our local law enforcement personnel and does not support the effort to disband or defund our police department. “Yuba City law enforcement and fire professionals deserve our full support as we prioritize safety, understanding, and equality for all,” said Harris.
Harris expressed his concern for the safety of our community and the economic impacts resulting from COVID-19. “It is important that we work closely with our Bi-County Health Officer to create balance between economic recovery and flattening the curve to avoid a second surge,” Harris explained.
In addition to his role as Mayor, Harris serves as a board member of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Sutter Buttes Flood Control Agency and Yuba-Sutter Arts and Culture, among others. He confirmed a strong desire to leverage resources and communications among our local government organizations to tackle regional issues on both sides of the river. “We all continue to fight many of the same battles,” said Harris. “It makes sense to develop strategies and structure as a region and pool our collective talent to address issues such as homelessness, public safety, and the economy.” said Harris.
Harris was born in Yuba City and raised his three grown children here. He has four grandchildren and one foster son. In addition to spending quality time with family, he enjoys travelling, hiking, shooting, and fishing. He is a graduate of Faith Christian High School, and holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Criminal Justice Administration. His 32 years of public safety experience includes serving as an Emergency Medical Technician for Bi County Ambulance Service and as a corrections deputy with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department before completing a 23-year career with the California Highway Patrol. He has 15 years of experience as a supervisor and over 8 years’ experience as a law enforcement manager. He retired in 2017 at the rank of Captain while serving as the Commander of the Yuba-Sutter Area office of the California Highway Patrol.
During Harris’ first year as Mayor, the Council identified eight priority areas and began working to achieve progress, including: Public Safety, Fiscal Stability, Organizational Structure, Business Friendly, Enhance Partnerships, Quality of Life, Infrastructure and Homelessness. Harris led several community workshops focusing on a variety of issues of concern to the public, including the unfunded liability and homelessness. In an unprecedented move, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Shon Harris to a second term as Mayor in December of 2019 and he continues to serve in that capacity.


title: How to accurately select the ups power supply battery for medical equipment

text:
Due to the instability and pollution of the mains supply, there are situations such as interrupted mains supply, voltage spikes, frequency drift, etc. UPS power supply batteries play a very critical role in the normal operation of medical equipment, which will directly decide whether the operation of medical equipment is stable or not, and can cause damage to medical equipment and even medical accidents in severe cases. Therefore, equipping medical equipment with proper UPS power supply batteries is the top priority of the relevant staff. Below ACE gives you some opinions on how to accurately select the UPS power supply battery of the medical system.
From the design and layout of the PCb, to the design of the UPS power supply battery system and the solution to complete machine, different designs have different effects on the operation of the internal components of the machine. For example, the printing design of the PCb board will affect the running signal and current. Therefore, according to different equipment, the UPS power supply battery considered will be different.
The function of medical equipment, high-precision orientation test, small size and high power are also major considerations. This requires that UPS power supply battery can escort the medical equipment under the conditions of a small on-board high-power area.
(1) Today's price competition of medical equipment is fierce, especially for some small and family medical equipment. Therefore, this requires that important medical equipment UPS power supply batteries should have a competitive price.
(2) The choice of battery capacity. The capacity of the back-up battery can be divided into two types: standard device and extended device. The standard device has a built-in battery, which can prolong the use time of the equipment by 10 to 15 minutes after power failure, while the extended device is generally equipped with a battery cabinet, which can usually extend the use for a longer period of time. In actual use, it is usually selected according to needs.
The current supply of medical equipment needs to pass FCC-b and other electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic detection, and at the same time pass qualification verification to ensure that UPS power supply batteries can meet various requirements. In addition, the service capabilities of UPS power supply battery manufacturers in medical systems have to be taken into consideration, which involves the care and maintenance of the equipment in the later period. If necessary, please consult.
Our expert will reach you out if you have any questions!


title: Multiplatform javafx for real hessian

text:
I’ve already blogged about running JavaFX on Android and discovered that my first generation Nexus 7 is quite able to run such an application, including an animated gauge. So it is time to step up the ante and go for a fully working application.
Yes, applets / Swing applications can look pretty decent as well. And I think it hasn’t lost much of its looks in these 10 years, it even has some animation going on. The backend also had a web application for administrative functions, but I now just SQL the stuff straight into the database, I don’t need all the fancy logic that was in the web application.
Recent developments in browsers means that I can only start the applet in IE at the moment, and Oracle will discontinue the plugin completely. So that means I either convert the applet into webstart application, or write a JavaFX version, that just happens to also run on Android and other mobile hardware.
There isn’t much challenge in the first option, is there? So the choice was easy.
Following my own rule to first get all of the technical obstacles out of the way, before starting to make things look pretty or work on trivial stuff, I created a JavaFX application that has a date picker (JFXtras’ CalendarPicker), a table, a tree and some buttons and made them work.
Yeah, that is a pretty boring GUI, but it took quite some steps to get there, because exchanging data with the backend using Hessian on Android was not trivial. First I (naturally) tried the Hessian library that is used both by the Server and the Applet. It works perfectly on a windows desktop, but on Android it fails:
Strangely enough the Hessian jar is included and processed by dex, so there is no obvious reason why the class can’t be found. Luckily José Pereda showed me that more people already ran into this problem.
Following his advice, the next attempt was using Hessdroid. But it is only available as source and is compiled against Android 1.6. Some frustrating tweaking and twiddling later it was compiling against Android 5.1, but unfortunately not working either:
com.caucho.hessian.io.HessianProtocolException: expected hessian reply at 0x48 (H)
In the discussions another Hessian port by Flamingo was mentioned, but that project has completely disappeared from the interwebs. Googling revealed that it was used in a project called “JFXperience“, and that was still around. But more importantly: it had the supporting jars in its source tree! So I downloaded the sources, and found the ‘flamingo-android-hessian-client’ jar in there… But no luck again:
java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: No virtual method putDouble(Ljava/lang/Object;JD)V in class Lsun/misc/Unsafe; or its super classes (declaration of ‘sun.misc.Unsafe’ appears in /system/framework/core-libart.jar)
Sun.misc.Unsafe? Oh oh, that probably won’t be easily fixable.
I was about to give up and settled on the idea that I had to build a REST service, when I noticed a blogpost by Monkeyboy mentioning a stripped down version of Hessian. Hmmmm. Maybe stripping it down… You never know until you try. So I downloaded the sources, the compilation went without a hitch and, well, you’ve seen the results! Thank you, Monkeyboy!
So now all the technical issues are out of the way, I can move forward with finishing up and polishing the JavaFX application. But I figured I should document my travels in case someone else runs into the same problem. And if that source link goes down, I’ve got a copy tucked away in my Nexus.
10 year old software and I can still build on it. Ain’t Java great?
Update 2016-02-20: turns out Hessian has a problem when using a host name instead of a direct IP when connecting to the server, it crashes without any explanation. One would think that using InetAddress.getByName(hostname) to convert the host name to an IP address would solve that, but apparently that is what makes the application crash!


title: 2 min read • August 05, 2022

text:
2 min read • August 05, 2022
2021 record: 7-10| 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 4.5
It is a new era in Atlanta with former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan traded to Colts in the offseason. As fans eagerly await the development of 2022 draft pick Desmond Ridder, former second overall pick Marcus Mariota will take over the QB one position.
Over the last two years with the Las Vegas Raiders as Derek Carr’s backup, Mariota has appeared in 11 games and thrown for 230 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. This year will be the first time since his stint with the Titans where Mariota will have the opportunity for substantial playing time.
Catching Mariota’s passes will be 2022 first-round pick Drake London who is returning after a dominant college career at USC. He is expected to be healthy following his ankle injury that limited him in workouts prior to the draft. In just eight games last year, the dynamic receiver raked up 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Altanta’s breakout star in 2021 Cordarelle Patterson returns to the squad as a rushing and receiving option. In his career-high year, the versatile receiver ran for 618 yards and 3 touchdowns while catching passes for 548 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Cornerback Isaiah Oliver is nearly 10 months removed from his ACL injury. He is not on PUP but is not 100 percent to start the year.
Linebacker Deion Jones is on the physically unable to perform list because he had shoulder surgery after last season. It is a shoulder injury that has lingered from college but the Docs believe Jones will not have any lingering effects once he is fully recovered.
Starting free safety Jaylinn Hawkins who dealt with an ankle injury that kept him out for three games is fully healthy.
Mariota’s demise as a starter in Tennessee began with injuries. The former Titans starting quarterback injury issues began in 2018 when suffered a pinched nerve in his elbow, which resulted in issues with gripping the ball. The nerve issues continued to plague the quarterback as his deep ball accuracy faltered. He ultimately lost his job to Ryan Tannehill with the nerve issues lingering.
As Carr's back up in Las Vegas, Mariota dealt with injuries to his quad and pec. The Docs do not anticipate those injuries impacting Mariota in his first season as Matt Ryan’s replacement.
While the former USC receiver suffered a right ankle fracture and dislocation that ended his college career early, he is not likely to be limited by the injury in his first season in the NFL. It is the same injury Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle sustained before his rookie season, which did not limit him in any way considering he posted a 1,015-yard season. The 2022 first-round draft pick said he is back to 100 percent.


title: Company sold btc for the first time in 15 months

text:
- Riot Platforms announced that it mined 463 Bitcoins in April compared to 533 coins in March.
- The company sold a portion of its BTC trove to avoid equity fundraising to strengthen its mining operations.
Riot Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT), a United States-based Bitcoin (BTC) mining company, announced its unaudited production and operations update for April 2025. For the first time since January 2024, Riot Platforms made its first Bitcoin sale of about 475 BTCs in April, thus deviating from its maximalist approach.
The company announced that it managed to raise $38.8 million from its Bitcoin sales in April 2025, thus funding its operations without any equity fundraising. Furthermore, Riot announced that it closed the acquisition of all of the tangible assets of Rhodium at the Rockdale Facility, including 125 MW of power capacity, and mutually ended all outstanding litigation.
“During the month of April, we made the strategic decision to sell our monthly production of bitcoin to fund ongoing growth and operations. We continuously evaluate the best funding sources considering a multitude of factors and prioritizing a strong balance sheet. These sales reduce the need for equity fundraising, limiting the amount of dilution in our stock,” Jason Les, CEO of Riot, noted.
Expected Impact of Riot Sales on Bitcoin Market
The Bitcoin network has experienced exponential growth in the past few years, bolstered by the rising adoption by institutional investors and growing global money supply. The Bitcoin sale by Riot is a gesture of Bitcoin maturity and will play a crucial role in strengthening the BTC network in the long haul.Moreover, Riot Platforms is committed to strengthening its BTC mining facilities in the United States under the Donald Trump administration.


title: This mist on the Woolwich reach

text:
This mist on the Woolwich reach
And the glowing smoke of the clipper’s exhaust
Lie on the silver-silted wildfowl beach
Where every cold-shanked creature
From the dipper to the gull to the unemployed teacher
Treads in the silence the morning has enforced.
Silence in the world, frosted, stilled
But a spirit cry of sorrow melts inward ice.
I forgot. Meeting needs has filled
My day and been the building
I’ve been both brick-laying and gilding.
A melody makes me think twice.
It was a new song with a very old thought:
How far did they travel to give their treasure?
How many times wondered, how far the rest they sought?
And continued, purposed, refreshed with a water
Convincing star-seekers the way was getting shorter
And at last, in making a present, take pleasure.
You changed the reason that I should live
From managing to celebrating, from ‘enough’
To so much that I must learn to give
More frequently, more deeply, just to deliver
Others’ blessings, then, with a shiver,
Discover a smooth way that was rough.
I don’t yet do justice to the purpose you bring:
The world changed when you showed us real aid.
Guaranteed that all we do in honour should sing
With inner music, joy appear surprise-springing
Difficult days be the ones bells keep ringing
And I grasp it for a moment, weep, then act unafraid.
I was teaching a GCSE English Literature student about different sorts of rhyme yesterday, thinking about Browning and the Victorians – wanted to push myself to something a little more challenging.
The subject wanders from my window to the music I was listening to last night, my typical preoccupations with provision and purpose, and a very poor attempt to capture some of the joy I felt this morning, remembering that it is all new, that the story of Christmas is definitive, powerful, and that Jesus is the the point. It was as though I had forgotten for a while. Sorry, Lord.


title: Brenda dress pattern tester roundup part 1

text:
Greetings from Australia and a big hello to you all my lovely sew’ist friends. Here where we live we are having a lovely and warm early Autumn and it truly is a time of year to celebrate all things Brenda !!!
(AU/UK) 6 – 30
(US) 2 – 26
(EU) 34 – 58
Cup Sizes – B, C, D, DD
On Sale for a limited time only – $9.50(US)
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level
Greetings from Allison and Megan. We are in Milwaukee, WI, USA.
I, Allison, am the mom and one who sews. Megan is my teen daughter and frequent model.
Between, the two of us there are three
Brenda dresses. All of the dresses utilize the cup sizing option as we are both full busted. I love never having to figure out an FBA.
All three are made from a scuba crepe.
Megan’s dress is a blue with red and ivory floral design. The fabric was purchased from Surge Fabrics. Megan, while very tall, is also very high waisted and needs a notable sway back adjustment. She has the 3/4 sleeves, round neckline, and a line skirt. I choose not to add the zipper to any of the dresses.
The other two
Brenda dresses are mine. One is a mauveish-gray floral from Boho Fabric. This dress has the Bishop sleeves, v neckline and a line skirt.
The final dress is made from a black crepe scuba with a slight texture to the right side of the fabric. For this dress I added the Bishop portion of the sleeve from lace and added a cuff. Ann will tell more about that later. It also has a straight skirt with the round neckline. This dress is such a classic dress perfect for a semi formal outing or special date night.
Brenda dress has so many options making it appropriate for a wide variety of occasions. I can see it worn in the office, to a wedding, for a date night or even for a semi formal event. It would be cute for a day on the town with a pair of sandals.
Now admittedly Megan is much cuter than I, so every time she wears her dress she has received a multitude of compliments on her dress.
An Ca and I live in a small village in Belgium, not that far from the sea. I was honored to be able to sew the beautiful
Brenda dress! I used Scuba crêpe from “De Stoffenstraat”.
My advice before you start sewing is: measure your upper bust and choose your size based on that size!
I sewed the
Brenda dress with the pencil skirt, the cuffed sleeves and the V-neck. The only adjustment I had to make was my usual swayback adjustment. I have not worn my
Brenda dress yet because I have mainly worked from home lately, but I am convinced that I will enjoy it a lot in the future ❤!
Hello all! This is Brenda from The Netherlands.
It is not every day that Ann names a dress after you, but it did happen! I was and still am so honoured.
I’ve made 3 dresses, to showcase all 3 sleeve options. Used both necklines and I’ve also used 2 lengths and 2 different skirt options. My personal favourite is the bishop sleeve with V neck and the A line skirt. I love that each option gives the dresses a total different look.
Being a little bit taller than average, I lengthened the dress a bit and for the best fit I combined a 2C bodice that I’ve graded to a 4 waist/hip.
As a tip for sewing the
Brenda Dress I would say, keep measuring yourself before cutting. It gets old, saying something like that over and over again, but it is so important! You will love your dress more because of it.
Since we are still in lockdown I’ve not worn my dress on other places than my own home, but when we are finally able to go to the office I’m so gonna wear ALL the dresses!
Hello I am
Elise from Queensland, Australia. My
Brenda is made from stretch Suede which is super funky. I chose the pleated sleeve option and paired it with the A line skirt, I love an A line skirt. I made a couple of alterations to perfect the fit which includes a sway back adjustment and shaving an extra couple of cms off the shoulders. I wore my dress to an Autumn long table feast and I felt perfectly Autumnal. I received lots of compliments, people especially love the sleeves….such a statement piece.
Hi my name is
Jennifer L and I am in Oklahoma. The fabric I used for my
Brenda is scuba that I actually found on Amazon! The style choice I made for this lovely dress is one for an upcoming event I have in June. I wanted something flattering, in a style I haven’t made before! I don’t normally make or wear V-necks so I went for it this time. Plus those tulip sleeves, who can resist? I had to do a sway back adjustment for my perfect fit which with the fitting guides included really helped make them not intimidating. I am so excited to wear my new dress!
Hello, here is Marieke from the Netherlands.
Well, spoiler alert….This is thé dress!
The choice of sleeves you have is extraordinary special, 2 skirts and different lengths, there are cup sizes and when you take your time for a toile you’ll end up with a perfect fit.❤
My personal favorite is my brown scuba suede dress. The fabric is a little heavier then scuba crepe, so I decided to make the straight skirt, longest length with cuffed sleeves and a v-neck.
My favorite boots are my brown suede knee boots and the result is: brown…But I think this is my most stylish outfit I ever had.
I used a scuba crepe with print for the same dress; cuffed sleeves, longest length and a v-neck too. As you can see the whole look changed with just using different fabric! Some high heels and hello party!
The royal blue scuba crepe I used to make myself a 70’s inspired look. You can play with your belt and shoes and create a different look over and over again.
I decided to make only v-necks. I am larger on top then at my bottom and the attention goes to the dress now instead of my top.😄
It isn’t a hard sew, just pick your favorite fabric and start sewing!
Ow, and last tip: when you haven’t worked with scuba crepe before….Try it! It’s one of the most comfortable fabric I have ever worn. It doesn’t wrinkle, it is form fitting and scuba crepe is light, flowy and perfect for summer. (Regular scuba can be quite warm though, so use it for other seasons😃)
Use a little bigger stitch then you are used too and be happy.😀
Hi, I am
Priscilla from Illinois. This is my first fitted dress using a base. New to me-scuba crepe. I am surprised how easy this dress was to sew. I made the bishop sleeve with elastic and V-neck with the shortest pencil skirt and I was very pleased with the outcome that I made another with a double knit (red and black houndtooth) with the cuffed sleeve version. I didn’t make any alteration and the fit was great. Key to sewing the perfect fit
Brenda is to measure the upper bust and choose size accordingly. I would suggest making a toile first to make all the necessary adjustments.
The dress with
Brenda sleeve is Scuba crepe I got from Textile Twins and the cuffed sleeve is a double knit I got a while back.
This dress is so gorgeous and feminine and each sleeve version gives it a very different look.
I got compliments from complete stranger when I went to pick up my online orders at the local grocery store. I see many more
Brendas in the future❤ .
Hi there! I’m Shilyn, living in Florida, US. I used a neoprene scuba from a local shop and a glitter tulle from Joann Fabrics. This is such an easy make, but the biggest tip is to make sure the fit is perfect! (Ann is amazing at helping with that!) Once the fit is perfect, you’ll have the perfect work or date night dress.
I chose the round neck with pleated sleeves, and used the tulle for the sleeves to get a more romantic look (hello date nights!)
The only fit alteration I made was a sway back adjustment, which is the normal adjustment I do for DS patterns.
Hi y’all! My name is
Sophie and I live in Vienna, Austria. I made the petal sleeve version of
Brenda with a floral scuba knit I got from a destash group about a year ago.
Brenda is a pretty fast sew, choosing what option to make first will probably take the longest 😅
I did my usual 3/4“ sway back adjustment and the fit is a dream!
I hope to wear my dress with cute strappy heels when we get to go out again.
Looking forward to seeing your makes ❤
Sue Glas-Parrott and I live in the State of South Dakota in the upper Mid-West in the USA. For my
Brenda, I used a Scuba Crepe purchased from Fabric.com. I thought it was the perfect weight for this dress. The
Brenda is an easy sew, but make sure you take your time to get the details nailed such as with pressing for the narrow hems on the sleeves, mark your darts carefully, that sort of thing. And always, make a test garment. My style choice for the
Brenda was work chic, if there is such a thing. Almost every garment I make I want to wear to work as well, so this is highly appropriate, especially if you have an important meeting. I made zero alterations to my
Brenda. I made a size 5, B cup. I have not yet worn my
Brenda, but my husband approved, so I expect to receive many compliments!
Good day to all. My name is
Taryn from Cape Town South Africa. I used a zebra print scuba for my first
Brenda and a plain black scuba with printed mesh for my second
Brenda. Both the zebra print and mesh were already in my stash. The black scuba I got from one of my favourite stores in Hermanus, a popular seaside town just outside of Cape Town. When sewing my
Brenda I found it best to hand baste the kick pleat in place before machine sewing. For the first dress, I made the round neck with the pleated sleeve. I love how the scuba holds the shape of the sleeve. My second dress was inspired by a little black dress I spotted in a boutique window. It was a simple black dress with a v-neck that featured an attached sheer floral draped shawl. I set out to create my own version using the printed stretch mesh in my stash for the petal sleeves and really love how it turned out. For both my dresses, I chose the longer-length straight skirt as I love how glamourous I feel in it. I think it adds a bit of extra drama to the overlook look. I did not have to make any fit alterations. I have worn my zebra print
Brenda out to dinner with my husband and was showered with compliments by my husband as well as my folks who were on babysitting duty for the night. Even though it is a busy print, I feel like the fabric and pattern are a perfect match. I feel amazingly confident in both of my dresses – definitely how every woman deserves to feel. To see what I come up with next, keep an eye out on my social media at
1. Your name and where you live ? Jamie west coast United States
2. What fabric did you choose and where did you purchase – scuba from Joanns
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Brenda ? For the thicker scuba use lots of pins because it doesn’t go willingly.
4. What was your style choice for the Brenda ? The v neck with the bishop sleeve
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Brenda ? I made a straight two
6. Have you worn your Brenda yet and what compliments did you receive. Wore for a family get gathering and received complements
Hiya, my name is Meiling and I live in Perth, Western Australia.
I chose scuba knit fabrics. I purchased from Lush Fabrics. Www.lushfabrics.com.au
Some sewing tips when sewing the
Brenda would be that it was a very easy sew. Scuba is a delight to sew with. Make sure you use your stretch stitches when sewing.
I chose to make the Petal sleeves and straight skirt and the pleated sleeve and straight skirt.
Some alterations that I had to make were some slight taking in to the back middle seam and slightly at the sides to take the hips in.
I have worn my
Brendas to work multiple times. Colleagues always comment on how they like my dress and then are pleasantly surprised when I tell them its ‘Me made’ 🙂
Social media URLS – Sewaholic Creations


title: 512299 morbius tickets are now on sale sony releases a new imax poster

text:
After more than its fair share of delays, Morbius’ theatrical release is (once again) right around the corner. And while some fans might have their doubts about the film’s current April premiere date, Sony is digging its heels in. The studio has confirmed that tickets for Morbius are officially on sale. You can check out the official announcement video below.
— Morbius (@MorbiusMovie) March 14, 2022
Sony is also hyping the movie’s debut with a new featurette (or “vignette”) that finds Jared Leto sharing new insight into the title character. In the video, Leto explains that he was attracted to the role because Morbius (unlike the Joker) has never appeared onscreen before. This ultimately gave him the freedom to play the living vampire without having to worry about distinguishing himself from earlier performances.
Additionally, Morbius is still on track to play in select IMAX locations next month. That’s why Sony has also released a new poster to encourage fans to see the film with an expanded aspect ratio and better sound. Perhaps to symbolize “the darkness within,” the poster shows Leto’s silhouette surrounding the cave entrance where Morbius gets his powers, all while bats fly off to one side. Check out the artwork below.
Morbius will open in theaters on April 1.
Do you plan on ordering tickets for the film? What do you think of the new IMAX poster? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Morbius Vol. 1
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title: Legislationdetail

text:
Air Quality Management District recommending the Board of Directors adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 002-2017 approving the 2008 Reasonably Available Control Technology State Implementation Plan update.
FUNDING: No financial impact.
Air Quality Management District (AQMD) recommends the Board of Directors adopt a resolution approving the 2008 RACT - SIP update and direct staff to forward the update to the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Western El Dorado County is part of the Sacramento Nonattainment Area for ozone. Because the region has exceeded the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards it has been designated as a "severe" nonattainment area. As such, pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), AQMD and the other air districts in the region must conduct analysis of permitted emission sources located in the respective districts. If the analysis reviews indicate it is necessary, the districts must implement changes to their regulatory processes. The analysis process is referred to as a Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) analysis.
AQMD staff conducted the RACT analysis for all subject source categories (those subject to the EPA’s Control Techniques Guidelines) and major sources of Volatile Organic Compounds or Oxides of Nitrogen. The RACT analysis found that the AQMD rules currently in place provide sufficient compliance with this update requirement. With Board approval, AQMD shall report these findings to ARB and EPA by submitting the attached RACT - SIP update report and Resolution. No revision to District Rules are required by this action.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Upon approval, the RACT - SIP update will be forwarded by AQMD to ARB to be transmitted to EPA.
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
Click here for full text


title: Understanding battery energy density and its importance

text:
Battery energy density is one of the most crucial factors when designing and choosing batteries for a variety of applications, from smartphones to electric vehicles. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important?
Battery energy density refers to the amount of energy a battery can store relative to its weight or volume. It is often measured in two ways: specific energy density (Wh/kg), which compares energy to the battery's weight, and volumetric energy density (Wh/L), which compares energy to the battery’s size. These measurements help determine how much energy a battery can deliver per unit of mass or volume.
For instance, a battery with a higher energy density can store more energy within the same weight or size, making it more efficient for use in portable devices and electric vehicles.
Higher energy density allows a battery to store more energy in a smaller, lighter package. This is particularly important for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, where space and weight are limited.
Imagine a smartphone with a battery that is bulky and heavy. It might hold a lot of power, but carrying it around would be impractical. A battery with high energy density solves this problem by offering long-lasting power without adding bulk or weight to the device.
In addition, batteries with higher energy density provide longer operating times. For example, electric vehicles (EVs) with high-energy-density batteries can travel longer distances without needing a recharge, making them more convenient and efficient.
While energy density is crucial for determining how long a battery lasts, power density measures how quickly energy can be delivered. Power density is usually expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg), whereas energy density is expressed in watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).
In simple terms:
Both metrics are important, but energy density typically takes precedence when the goal is to maximize battery life in portable devices or electric vehicles. On the other hand, power density is more important for applications like high-performance electric tools or racing vehicles, where energy must be delivered quickly.
High energy density batteries offer several significant benefits:
For instance, lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density, have revolutionized industries by providing portable power for everyday devices, medical equipment, and electric vehicles.
Despite their many advantages, high-energy-density batteries are not without their risks.
The higher the energy density, the more energy a battery contains. This means that if something goes wrong, such as a short circuit or overheating, the battery can release large amounts of energy quickly, leading to fire hazards. Lithium-ion batteries, while highly efficient, carry these risks due to the volatile nature of their liquid electrolytes.
Safety features, like protective circuits, are crucial to minimizing these risks, but the increasing energy density still poses challenges in terms of safety and thermal management.
While lithium-ion batteries remain the standard, solid-state batteries are emerging as a promising future technology. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This design not only reduces safety risks but also allows for higher energy densities—up to 2.5 times more than traditional batteries.
Solid-state batteries also promise faster charging times and longer lifespans, making them ideal candidates for powering everything from mobile devices to electric vehicles in the future.
Battery energy density is a key factor that influences how long a battery lasts, how compact it can be, and how safely it operates. As technology continues to evolve, advancements in materials, design, and new battery technologies like solid-state batteries will likely lead to even higher energy densities. This will pave the way for longer-lasting devices, more efficient electric vehicles, and even new applications we can't yet imagine.
At RHY Battery, we are committed to providing high-quality battery solutions that meet the demands of modern technology. Explore our range of lithium-ion batteries and discover how we can power your devices for the future. Visit RHY Battery to learn more!


title: Integrating with Xibo

text:
Integrating with Xibo
Integrating applications opens the door to many exciting possibilities, and we’ve designed the Xibo CMS from first principles with maximum support for integration. The heart of the CMS is an API which is used by Xibo’s own user interface, and can also be accessed via a 3rd party! The CMS API is used to pull data from the Xibo CMS into another system, or push data from another system into the CMS.
Our API makes exciting opportunities to integrate Xibo with other systems possible! For example, imagine an integration with a point of sale system which pushed complimentary products to the signage when a customer purchased something.
The CMS API is a RESTful API protected by oAuth. It can be consumed at //yoururl/api
and exposes routes for all CMS operations. The API is OpenAPI Compliant and the documentation is presented using Swagger-UI. Every Xibo CMS install has a /swagger.json
end point which can be used to provide an API document specific to the version of Xibo running.
The API document in this manual is always for the latest release.
The explore bar at the top of the Swagger documentation can be used to load the API docs from older releases.
- 3.3: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/xibosignage/xibo-cms/release33/web/swagger.json
- 2.3: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/xibosignage/xibo-cms/release/23/web/swagger.json
- 1.8: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/xibosignage/xibo-cms/release/18/web/swagger.json
You can copy/paste the swagger.json
from the above links into Postman’s import function.
Xibo has a comprehensive system for customisation and the API is no exception. You can use custom Middleware, Routes and Controllers to implement your own API endpoints to do whatever you need to! The most common use is to group up existing Xibo operations into something easier to call by the 3rd party!
These are documented in our section on extending Xibo.


title: Why does it hurt when i touch my tooth

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Nearly everyone experiences some type of tooth sensitivity at some point in their life. Usually, this sensitivity comes and goes when teeth are exposed to food or drinks that are hot or cold. However, it may be more concerning if you experience tooth sensitivity or pain when you chew, brush, or touch your teeth. Here are some of the reasons your tooth may hurt when pressure is applied and how your dentist in Plano can help.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are many different things that can cause sensitive teeth, and the treatment options may vary depending on the cause. But many times, tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layers of the tooth, where the roots and nerves are, become exposed. This happens when the protective layer of enamel is worn away. Some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
How to Treat Sensitive Teeth
It’s important to see your dentist in Plano to determine the cause of your sensitivity before beginning any treatment. The good news is there are a variety of treatment options available depending on the cause.
If your sensitivity is caused by a damaged dental restoration, decay, or a cracked or broken tooth, your dentist may recommend some type of restorative dentistry. These treatment options include dental fillings, dental crowns, or perhaps an inlay or onlay.
When sensitivity increases when you bite down or it sticks around for a long time, you may need a root canal. Again, your dentist will be able to tell you if this is the case. Even though root canals can seem scary, the truth is that they help the pain go away.
There are also times when gum recession is to blame for tooth sensitivity. In this case, your dentist in Plano may recommend fluoride treatments at your dental appointments or a special desensitizing toothpaste or rinse.
Is There Any Way to Reduce Sensitivity At Home?
The best way to avoid sensitive teeth is to take good care of them by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist for regular checkups at least every six months. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush in small circles. But if you’re already experiencing sensitivity, there are things you can do prior to your dental appointment.
Keep in mind, none of these remedies are long-term solutions. You should never avoid tooth pain or sensitivity. In fact, doing so can make the symptoms worse. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get relief today.


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Maven invests £2.25m in award winning IT managed services provider, Kube Networks
Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”), one of the UK’s leading private equity firms, has completed a £2.25 million investment in Glasgow-based Kube Networks Limited (“KubeNet”), an award winning technology solutions provider specialising in managed IT & infrastructure services, cloud solutions, connectivity, voice, and cybersecurity.
The funding, provided through Maven Investor Partners, Maven’s private equity co-investment network, will support KubeNet’s ambitious growth plans, which include both organic expansion and a targeted buy-and-build strategy. A first bolt-on acquisition is expected to complete in the coming weeks providing an immediate increase in scale and offering significant synergy potential.
Founded in 2012, KubeNet has established itself as a trusted technology partner for a diverse range of UK and international clients and is an accredited partner of Cisco, Datto, and Microsoft. The company offers a comprehensive suite of IT & Infrastructure Managed Services, including owning and operating an advanced Next Generation Network offering clients high speed internet services, underscoring its commitment to ensuring that its infrastructure meets the evolving needs of customers who demand performance and reliability. The firm also holds ISO and Cyber Essentials accreditations, reflecting its dedication to data security and service excellence.
The investment from Maven will assist KubeNet in executing its buy-and-build strategy, as well as continuing to drive its organic growth, following a 27% increase in revenues over the past two years, by expanding its customer base and increasing upselling opportunities. The funding will also support investment in marketing, strengthening brand awareness and customer engagement as the business scales.
The IT and telecoms sector continues to witness strong demand, driven by digital transformation, increased cybersecurity requirements, and the shift to cloud-based solutions. The UK Managed Services market is forecast to expand with a 12% CAGR between 2023 and 2027 (source: UK Government). KubeNet is well positioned to capitalise on these trends, leveraging its strong industry reputation and advanced IT infrastructure.
Andrew Muirhead, Senior Investment Manager at Maven, commented: “We are delighted to have secured this off-market opportunity for our investors, backing a well-established, profitable business with increasing levels of contracted revenues and operating in a market that is forecast for long-term growth. We have been impressed by managements’ plans for scaling the business, which includes a strong acquisition pipeline of highly complementary businesses that will expand its service capabilities, achieve operational efficiencies, and ultimately accelerate growth.”
Fraser Ferguson, Director at KubeNet, added: “Partnering with Maven marks a significant milestone for KubeNet and we are excited to work with a private equity firm that shares our vision and importantly, understands our sector. At KubeNet we have a clear M&A strategy to align with our current organic growth, and this investment will accelerate our ambitious growth plans and further scale our proven and innovative solutions to a wider UK market.”


title: Two more schools delay t level launch plans

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Two more providers due to teach the first T-levels in just two months’ time have delayed delivery for at least a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It means the number of colleges, schools and other providers in England in wave one of the rollout of the new post-16 technical qualifications has now fallen from an original 50 to just 44.
The providers delaying their T-level launch plans are Sandwell Academy and Walsall Studio.
Another provider which was signed up to deliver T-levels from 2021, Reigate College, has also pulled out of delivery.
Announcing the decisions today, a Department for Education spokesperson said: “Due the impact of coronavirus, Sandwell Academy and Walsall Studio have both decided to delay delivery of T-levels until 2021. Both providers remain fully committed to T-levels and we will continue to work closely with them to make the programme a success.
“Reigate College also remains committed to delivering T-levels in the longer term but has decided not to do so in 2021 so they can focus on working with students on existing qualifications to ensure a positive recovery from Covid-19.”
The DfE added: “We are really pleased that the vast majority of 2020 providers remain on track to deliver T-levels from September and we thank FE leaders and staff for their continued support and hard work.”
Today’s news comes a month after four other T-level providers – Access Creative College, Durham Sixth Form Centre, Salesian School and University College Birmingham – also cancelled their plans for a 2020 delivery.
Another provider, York College, announced at the same time that it will now only offer one T-level route this year instead of all three they had planned for.
Other providers had pulled out of or delayed T-level delivery prior to Covid.
In October, education secretary Gavin Williamson’s old college, Scarborough Sixth Form, pulled out of offering construction and digital pathways from 2020 because of a lack of opportunities for the T-levels’ mandatory 315-hour work placements locally, and a shortage of good-quality teachers.
Three schools previously ditched plans to take part in the 2020 wave.
Skills minister Gillian Keegan confirmed in April that the government would drive forward with plans to launch the first T-levels from September 2020 despite the disruption being caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
She said that while providers have “rightly raised some issues” with delivery, “most wanted to continue to deliver the first T-levels this year” and “we owe it to these young people to find ways to continue to deliver the courses that they have chosen and that will offer them great progression opportunities”.
The first three T-levels – in construction, digital and education and childcare – will be taught from September 2020 with more rolled out gradually between 2021 and 2023.
The new post-16 qualifications have been designed to be the technical equivalent and on a par with A-levels.
Walsall Studio, Sandwell Academy and Reigate College have been approached for comment.


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Fountain – Two Tier Concrete with Surround
Outside to Outside Diameter: 245 cm | Inside to Inside Diameter: 215 cm
Height to Top of Statue: 175 cm | Large Dish Diameter: 85 cm | Small Dish Diameter: 58 cm
Add an impressive and tranquil focal point to your garden or outdoor space with the Fountain – Two Tier Concrete with Surround. This elegant concrete fountain features a beautiful two-tier design, perfect for creating a serene atmosphere while enhancing the aesthetic of your garden, patio, or yard. With pre-drilled piping for easy water connection, this fountain is ready to provide a soothing water feature that elevates the ambiance of any outdoor setting.
✅ Elegant Two-Tier Design – The classic two-tier design creates a stunning water flow effect, adding beauty and tranquility to your garden or outdoor area.
✅ Durable Concrete Construction – Made from high-quality concrete, this fountain is built to last, offering both durability and timeless style.
✅ Pre-Drilled for Water Connection – The fountain is pre-drilled and ready to be piped for running water, making installation straightforward and hassle-free.
✅ Large and Small Dishes – The large dish (85 cm diameter) and smaller dish (58 cm diameter) create a balanced, tiered effect that enhances the visual appeal of the fountain.
✅ Ample Surround – The 245 cm outside diameter surround ensures a beautiful frame for the fountain, making it an eye-catching feature in any outdoor setting.
Create a serene and elegant atmosphere in your garden with the Fountain – Two Tier Concrete with Surround. Perfect for adding both style and tranquility to your outdoor space.
Order today from EuroSalve and bring a calming, sophisticated water feature to your home or garden!


title: Buy Luna Park Sydney Tickets

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Buy Luna Park Sydney Tickets
Whether you prefer to hit the park during the day with your family or opt for a more adult-oriented event after hours, Luna Park Sydney tickets have you covered. Disney and Universal Studios have established some of the world’s best-known amusement parks with properties like Florida’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. Each features hours of rides, meet-and-greets with your favorite costumed characters from the screen and other themed attractions.
Across the country in California, Disneyland was the flagship attraction from the media moguls. It opened in 1955 and still draws substantial crowds between daily admission and events like Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite when guests can enjoy fireworks, photo opportunities and more with heroes from galaxies far, far away.
Make the most of your next trip to the park with Luna Park Sydney tickets from TicketSmarter. Some amusement parks like Parque Salitre Magico in Bogota, Colombia, host concerts from international headliners like Harry Styles and Maroon 5. The park also presents the annual Festival de Terror that starts in late September and runs through Nov. 1 for Halloween enthusiasts looking for a spooky way to celebrate the holiday.
Other popular international parks to add to your bucket list include the Everland Theme Park in South Korea, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, PortAventura Park in Spain and Asterix Park in France.
Where is Luna Park Sydney located?
Luna Park Sydney and its ticket office are located at 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point, 2061.
Luna Park Sydney Seating Chart
Secure your seats at Luna Park Sydney in Milsons Point with our easy-to-use and interactive seating chart. Depending on the event, your pass might grant general admissions access to the park or reserve your seat to the show. Larger concerts and productions are typically held in theaters and outdoor venues within the park with rows of seating. TicketSmarter offers extensive filtering options to help you secure Luna Park Sydney tickets in Milsons Point, . Our convenient delivery options make it easy to instantly download your tickets or have them transferred to you.
How much are Luna Park Sydney tickets?
The price of your ticket will vary depending on the event and where your seat is located. Right now, there aren’t any scheduled events, but when Luna Park Sydney schedules events we’ll be able to calculate average ticket prices for you.
Luna Park Sydney Schedule
Luna Park Sydney tickets are easy to find when you buy them from TicketSmarter. Quickly navigate the schedule above for Luna Park Sydney events using our filtering tool. Parks like Busch Gardens or Six Flags are generally open during the summer months with dates stretching into the fall depending on the local climate. Events there may range from concerts to festivals and special fan events that take place after hours but still allow guests to enjoy some of the perks of the park. Our online marketplace makes buying Luna Park Sydney tickets simple. Use the calendar of events located above to plan your next trip to the park.
How many events are coming to Luna Park Sydney?
Right now there are no events scheduled for Luna Park Sydney at this time.
What time does Luna Park Sydney open?
Luna Park Sydney doors typically open an hour before performances but visitors will want to arrive at the venue 30 - 60 minutes early to find parking.


title: About us

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Leisurelux Travel Agency is a leading provider of travel solutions and experiences. Our mission is to make travel accessible, affordable and enjoyable for all our clients. Our vision is to become the go-to travel agency for individuals and businesses, renowned for our exceptional customer service, expert advice and unbeatable value for money. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation or a business trip, our knowledgeable and experienced team is here to help you make the most of your time away. With Leisurelux, you can expect a seamless, stress-free travel experience every time
The mission of Leisurelux Travel Agency is to make travel accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all our clients by providing exceptional customer service, expert advice, and unbeatable value for money. We strive to provide a seamless and stress-free travel experience to all our clients, whether they are planning a dream vacation or a business trip.
The vision of Leisurelux Travel Agency is to become the go-to travel agency for individuals and businesses, renowned for our exceptional customer service, expert advice, and unbeatable value for money. We aim to be the trusted and reliable partner for all travel needs, offering personalized and innovative travel solutions that meet the changing needs of our clients.
EXPLORE THE WORLD
At Leisurelux Travel Agency, we believe that travel is a valuable and enriching experience that should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re here to help you explore the world and make your travel dreams a reality. With our expertise, personalized service, and unbeatable value for money, we make it easy for you to plan and enjoy a trip of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Leisurelux is your ticket to the world. Let us help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
(CEO & Co-Founder)
Akash Rathod is the CEO & Co-founder of Leisurelux, a one-stop travel agency that offers a variety of travel services to meet the needs of all types of travelers. With a passion for travel and a deep understanding of the industry, Akash has built Leisurelux into a thriving business that provides corporate tours, MICE management, FIT, family tours, weddings, and adventure trips to clients around the world. With his expertise and commitment to excellence, Akash has established Leisurelux as a trusted name in the travel industry and continues to lead the company towards even greater success.


title: Conserve power nexus 5x

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Google has officially launched its Nexus 5X smartphone. If you are searching for a fast, versatile handset that delivers the purest Android experience possible, the Nexus 5X is right for you. Powered by a quad-core Qualcomm processor, 2GB of random access memory (RAM), a 12.3-megapixel primary camera, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow, it’s one of the top smartphones on the market. But like all mobile devices, it has a limited battery life before it must be recharged.
How much usage can you expect to get out of the Nexus 5X on a single charge? Benchmarks vary depending on who is performing them and the settings under which those tests take place. With that said, the folks at PhoneArena conducted their own internal benchmarks with several different smartphones, the Nexus 5X included, to see which one came out on top. According to the report, Google’s latest smartphone was able to deliver 6.25 hours of “regular use” on a single charge, putting it on par with the HTC One (M9).
The good news is that you can prolong the battery life of your Nexus 5X by following some simple steps. For starters, you should enable Android’s battery saving mode. Doing so will limit vibrations, location services, and certain background data (note: you won’t be able to access or use Google Maps Navigation in battery saving mode). From the Settings menu, touch Battery > Menu > Battery Saver > and toggle the switch at the top to the On position. You can disable this feature by repeating the steps and toggling the switch to the Off position. Battery saving mode will automatically disable, however, when your Nexus 5X is being charged.
Of course, you can also squeeze some extra battery life out of your Nexus 5X by using the new Android Marshmallow feature called Doze. Originally unveiled during the Nexus 5X’s announcement, Doze is a new feature that places the phone into sleep mode when idle, which subsequently means it won’t use nearly as much energy. The great thing about Doze is that it’s built into the Marshmallow infrastructure. There are no on/off buttons to toggle. From the moment you first receive your Nexus 5X, Doze will be enabled.
In order for Doze to work, however, your Nexus 5X must be sitting still, disconnected from a charger, and have the screen off. If you are moving it around, the motion sensors will detect this action and prevent Doze from enabling. So, how much additional battery life can you expect to get with the Nexus 5X’s new Doze feature? Some sources are saying the Nexus 5X can run for over 500 hours in standby mode with Doze enabled. Results may vary, however, depending on your setting and specifications, but regardless this is a helpful feature for stretching a little more juice out of your Nexus 5X battery.
Have any other power-saving tips or tricks that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments section below!


title: Create database using mongodb atlas ui

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The popularity of cloud databases in the last few years has been undeniable, and it is well-utilized in various industries. The MongoDB NoSQL database in particular is a go-to among developers and companies alike. According to MongoDB revenue data from 2022, there were over 300,000 sign-ups for the Atlas free tier, which is an increase of over 15X in the last five years. MongoDB is used by customers who are moving to the cloud at scale, thanks to its incredibly useful Atlas offering.
fig. Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
Why Choose MongoDB Atlas?
In building a database, it’s important to make sure your platform of choice is open-source and easily scalable. The ability to support complex queries and fine-grained concurrency control is also valued. Fortunately, Atlas offers all of these features and more. It allows you to create a MongoDB cluster on major cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms, and start using that cluster soon after deployment. Furthermore, Atlas’s browser-based UI makes its features easier to grasp, even for beginner coders.
Getting Started with MongoDB Atlas
Before the actual process, make sure that the latest version of Python and PIP are properly installed and configured on your device. After these steps, you can now proceed to learn how to create a MongoDB database.
How to Create a Database on Atlas
After downloading resources, create an account for MongoDB Atlas. To create one, simply go to the homepage and press the ‘Get started free’ button. Choose the cloud provider of your choice and an available region for your provider. However, make sure that you’re picking a region that is nearest to your location to reduce latency. Next, select your cluster tier. We recommend M0 or the free cluster tier. This shared cluster works great for small projects and learning purposes. You can then give your cluster a permanent name.
Configuring the Cluster
After MongoDB finishes processing your cluster, you will see that you can now access the ‘Security’ tab. You have the option to select your device’s IP address, or allow access from anywhere – the first option suffices. Autofill the Whitelist Entry box using the ‘Add current IP address’ button and confirm. Now switch to the ‘Overview’ tab and click on ‘Connect’. If you’ve followed our previous step and updated your driver accordingly, you’ll be able to see your connection string. Take note of the string, and input a password on the second field.
Obtaining Connection String
To interact with your MongoDB Atlas cluster, you should utilize the popular driver PyMongo. The PIP module installed earlier will be the easiest way to install it onto your device. To use it, input ‘python3 -m pip install pymongo --user’. You’ll also notice that your MongoDB Atlas connection string will show as ‘mongodb+srv://’. You need to install the dnspython module to allow the driver to function with DNS SRV records via the ‘python3 -m pip install dnspython’ command.
Managing Your Cluster
Now that we have PyMongo, you can proceed to interact with your MongoDB Cluster. The following will allow you to do so:
If there are any errors with the username or password you specified, you can use the following code to spot an operation failure error:
To test your database, use:
To create a new collection, you first have to add a document. The ‘insert_one()’ method is the simplest way to do so:
If you want to add or delete multiple documents, run complex queries, or find documents, you can refer to MongoDB’s named query operators.
Overall, MongoDB Atlas is an ingenious way to store and access data and a helpful tool that lets you focus on development without worrying about backend tasks such as security, maintenance, and scaling.


title: How to boost your immunity through yoga

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Time and again bundles of research across the world have proven that YOGA is very helpful and effective to boost our immune system (Journal of Behavioral Medicine). This isn’t trying to infer YOGA as a substitute to medicine but rather YOGA helps in prevention of infection by keeping our immunity system ready for defense.
How does YOGA boost your immune system?
An immune system that is functioning well, prevents spread and healing of common infection can be marked as a healthy immune system. Regular practice of YOGA followed by healthy diet and meditation is one of the pillars to healthy life. In addition to making our body flexible, active asanas promote functioning of complex cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory system. Dynamic asans with proper breathing sequences improve the lymphatic circulation, making the muscles flexible and stronger.
It may be difficult to accept for most of us, but choric stress weakens our immune system. Yoga is a worldwide accepted formula for stress management and lowering the cortisol/stress hormone. Recent studies suggest that yoga convert beneficial genes of our body to white blood cells, thereby improving our immune system.
Four Simple Yoga Asanas That Boosts Immunity
Sukhasana is one of the most popular YOGA poses. It is simply practiced by sitting with the crossed leg. Yes, it is the traditional pose for meditation. This simplest YOGA asana works miraculously.
Apart from calming our bind and body from a deep breath, we exhale stress and negativity. In addition to reducing the stress hormone, it normalizes our heartbeat rate and nervous system distress. Everything of which is needed for better immunity.
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana
The half lord of the fishes’ pose is done by twisting the upper half body with a gentle compression on the stomach. This Asana is practiced to deal with digestive problems.
It helps in eliminating toxins out from the body which would otherwise lead to gastrointestinal complications and infection. Proper and complete digestion not only build a strong body but also a stronger immunity.
Did you know reversing your head down could help you boost your immunity? Yes, it really does. Inversing our heads down brings the blood flow and oxygen to the mucus membrane.
These minute membranes are the first defensive organs to fight against infection.
4. Viparita Karani
Keeping the legs up the wall might make your walls dirty but are ultimate stress burning yoga pose. It allows proper blood circulation and releases pressure from the back. They help in fortifying and proper functioning of our nervous system which is must for optimal immunity.
In a nutshell, the best precaution that we can take now is the regular and periodic practice of YOGA followed by healthy food and a goodnight’s sleep.


title: Looking ahead the housing and mortgage markets in 2024

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Falling house prices and turbulent mortgage rates made 2023 an unpredictable year for homeowners and movers. As the bells ring out for the start of 2024, is a calmer year on the cards?
Three key questions dominate analysts’ minds it seems. First, do house prices have further to fall? Second, will mortgage rates go lower? And third, how will affordability change throughout the year?
House prices not bottomed out yet
After recording significant drops in 2023, even the more optimistic analysts expect house prices to keep falling in 2024. According to one such prediction1, prices will slip a further 2% across the year. Others2 expect a more radical drop of as much as 10% by Autumn 2024.
As the number of homes for sale has steadily risen, sellers are facing pressures to keep pricing competitively, further reinforcing the picture of a buyers’ market. Despite robust supply, property prices may bottom out in 2024, separate analysis3 suggests.
Mortgage rates to fall?
Mortgage rates look set to remain higher for longer into 2024, some analysts4 predict, with an expectation that they will not fall back to 4.5% until the second half of 2024. In this context of higher rates, it is expected that cash buyers will be the biggest group of buyers in 2024. There are positive signs, however, that mortgage rates are falling and will continue to do so.
Steady increase in housing affordability?
After a shaky year, mortgage affordability improved towards the end of 2023. Indeed, the average monthly repayment for those purchasing in September was £64 per month lower than in July5. Expected rising incomes in 2024 may have a positive effect on housing affordability. Richard Donnell of Zoopla commented, “The housing market is adjusting to higher borrowing costs through lower sales rather than a big decline in house prices.”
He continued, “Assuming mortgage rates remain in the 4 to 5% range, we see UK house price growth remaining in the low single digits for the next 1 to 2 years, below the projections for growth in household incomes.”
Here for you
Whether or not these expectations come to pass, we’ll be here to guide you through all your property decisions in 2024.
5Octane Capital, 2023
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments