text:
Once upon a time, a train travelled through the snow-covered tracks of North Dakota.  Inside the train was a little too warm. Thankfully, there was a steady draft coming from some flaw in the train’s structure, and the draft was keeping Mr. McLeery’s legs cool.

Mr. McLeery had taken this train before, but never this far north. In the past, he had detrained at Lawsmith County, where he worked as a pinprick clerk for Industrial Recursions, LLD. But this morning, Mr. McLeery felt no compulsion to get off at Lawsmith. Instead, he remained on board to see just where this train goes. “It can’t go into Canada, can it?” he thought. But where is the last stop? And will any other passengers still be aboard at that point?

The train chugged along. It didn’t seem to be in a hurry. The scenery was pretty drab – white, grey and then white again. Until the brown dot. The brown dot ahead took a long time to grow into the shape of a building. Mr. McLeery attributed this to the otherwise vacant landscape, allowing him to see for miles across the snowy plains.

But there it was, a building. And soon enough, the train’s breaks slowly screeched, and a slightly mechanized voice announced the “last stop, Downey’s Creek.” Mr. McLeery looked about the train car. There were no other passengers, and no train personnel. And so, he gathered up his briefcase and his down jacket, and Mr. McLeery detrained.

The first, obvious sign of incongruity was the lack of a creek at Downey’s Creek. The second sign was the complete absence of life, other than his own, as the train pulled out of the station. The doors of the old, wooden, brown train station were unlocked, but no one was inside. There were no roads that Mr. McLeery could see that approached the station.

The train took a few minutes to maneuver around the tracks and to retreat southward. Then, Mr. McLeery was alone.

“Perhaps this was a mistake,” thought Mr. McLeery. But he was keenly aware of the fact that he didn’t much feel concerned about his precarious situation. How long until another train arrived? Where would he get food? Would he have to spend the night? And where? Plus, he was fairly certain that his cell phone would not work out here. After all, it barely worked back in Lawsmith. But none of this worried Mr. McLeery, as he stepped off the platform and began trudging in a random direction, through the snow.

The snow was about a foot deep, and made loud, crunchy noises as he stepped. They were the only noises, other than his own breathing, that Mr. McLeery could hear. After 20 minutes of walking, Mr. McLeery looked back. The brown station was small. After another 20 minutes, he looked back again. Now the station was just a brown dot. In another 20 minutes, his right ankle becoming a little sore, Mr. McLeery looked back again, and this time saw nothing but snow. He stopped to enjoy the sensation of being in the center of a sea of snow – no trees, no houses, no people, no animals. Not even any birds. Just Mr. McLeery, holding his briefcase, surrounded by an empty, white plain.

Uncertain which direction to continue, Mr. McLeery remained still, waiting for something to happen. As the afternoon turned to evening, the temperature dropped, and Mr. McLeery closed his eyes to the burning cold. He began to freeze. Sitting down was no longer an option, as his legs would refuse to bend. As Mr. McLeery died, his focus turned deeply inward.  He was completely unaware of the snow and the cold and even of his dying body. Mr. McLeery’s attention was consumed by an image. An image of great meaning. And he was becoming part of that meaning, and had always been a part.

Mr. McLeery’s body was a frozen shell – a man, standing in a snowy, white pain, holding a briefcase. To an observer, he would have appeared like a wildly out of place statue commemorating normalcy; the normal as abnormal. But there was no observer, and there was no Mr. McLeery.

[For more stories & wordplay, visit me at www.daisybrain.com]

title: Mr. McLeery

question: What can you speculate about Mr. McLeery's mood about not getting off at Lawsmith?

answer: Mr. McLeery could want something different in his life and therefore decides not to get off on the same train station that he gets off on everyday.

question: What were the other noises that Mr. McLeery could hear?

answer: The other noises that Mr. McLeery could hear were the loud crunchy noises as he stepped in foot deep snow and his own breathing.

question: What would have happened if Mr. McLeery had just gotten off at his usual train stop?

answer: If Mr. McLeery had just gotten off at his usual train stop, they he may not have frozen to death and may have had a second chance to change his life around.


split: train

text:
Over the past decade, Jeremy Renner has somewhat quietly become one of the most trusted and dependable actors in Hollywood. In addition to his work in critically acclaimed films like _The Hurt Locker_ and _Arrival_, you can also find him in countless big budget franchises from _Mission: Impossible_ to _Bourne_ to _Avengers_.

In _WIND RIVER_, the actor gives one of the best performances of his career. He takes the torrid past of his character Cory Lambert and wears it like a fire burning him from the inside, resulting in heartbreaking and beautifully understated work from the talented Renner.

Last week, we were lucky enough to catch up with him during the film’s press day and had the chance to talk about his experience making the movie, shooting in extremely cold conditions, his upcoming role in _Avengers: Infinity War_ and much more.

Check it out below, and enjoy!

_You give such a beautiful performance in Wind River. Your character Cory is dealing with a lot of demons but it’s that endurance and emotional restraint while that pain is bubbling underneath the surface that really makes the performance so incredible. Can you talk about working on the role?_

JEREMY RENNER: Yeah, I was just really attracted to the complexity of that character. The initial feeling on set was sort of to discover how to address all those things you just discussed. I thought it was going to be a bit more stoic. I realized very quickly in shooting it and being rational about applying it is that I needed to just do slow trickles of released emotion throughout the picture and then still have a cathartic moment at the end of it.

I just feel like I had to have the strength because the catharsis is in unleashing all the feelings that he’s having. I thought I was going to be better at restraint and having him be much more steel-like and stone-like but it ended up being much more of a slow burn of moments that allowed him to sort of decompress all the pressures that he’s going through.

_I think the film’s lack of sentimentality really works to its advantage because it makes those later moments when it does peek through so much more affecting._

JEREMY RENNER: Yeah, yeah.

_Was this the most grueling set that you’ve worked on? I know you’ve done a few other crazy ones._

JEREMY RENNER: No, I don’t think so. It’s actually really majestic and beautiful. We were shooting in Park City about an hour drive up into the mountains. The landscape is just as much a character in the movie as anyone else. So it was really important. It also just informs truths and decisions to be made within the storytelling because of the elements. So it only helps everybody.

I know it was difficult for the crew and for the logistics of snow: chasing snow, running away from snow and running towards the snow. You have to be pretty nimble on the production side of it. But for me, being on the set is just a ton of fun man. I love the snow and I loved the way we were snowmobiling around. We’re also dressed for the environment. Like, if I was cold and wet running around in that environment I’d probably find it unpleasant. But I was dry and warm enough and that’s it. I was glad we shot it there.

_Cool. What about working with Taylor Sheridan? He’s written some incredible scripts but this was his first time directing off his own script._

JEREMY RENNER: It’s a little more of a personal story to him. He spent time on a reservation. He was very clear of what he wanted but wasn’t sure of how he was going to get there. It’s an admirable quality, I think. Him being a great listener, as well, stopped him from being rigid and it allowed a lot of collaboration to happen. It was a great experience because of that.

_So you’ve been working on Avengers: Infinity War. How’s that going? With all the characters in there, do you get to team up with any new ones for the first time?_

JEREMY RENNER: I don’t know how all that is going to work. I’m actually doing the bulk of my work from now until January.

_This film and the forthcoming fourth one are proposed to be a culmination of this epic series that’s ten years strong. Even at the outset of your work, does it feel like this current journey is reaching a definitive end?_

JEREMY RENNER: I don’t know. The Marvel world is its own beast and they have their ideas and what they’ve got going on. I don’t know if it’s an end, or a new beginning, a different phase or what they’re looking to do but I’m sure they have a lot of irons in the fire right now.

_Has there been any interest for your Hawkeye character to transition into the Netflix Marvel world?_

JEREMY RENNER: It’s not a decision I get to make. It’s not an option that has been on the table ever. But any way I get to explore the Clint Barton/Hawkeye character is always interesting to me.

_Working on Wind River and such an incredibly layered character, what are the things that stick with you as you go to work on future roles?_

JEREMY RENNER: It’s movies like _Wind River_ that make me want to get out of bed and go to work. Those movies excite me. Movies like _The Hurt Locker_, that are really challenging and small enough and collaborative enough. _The Messenger_…as an actor those are the types of roles I hope to be in my future.

_That concludes our interview, but many thanks to Jeremy Renner for his time. Be sure to check out WIND RIVER_ _as well, as it’s_ _in theaters now!_

question: Which character does Jeremy Renner play in Wind River?

answer: Cory Lambert

question: What are Renner's thoughts about the character?

answer: Renner says he was attracted to the complexity of the character, who was dealing with a lot of demons from a torrid past.

question: What are Renner's thoughts about the set of Wind River?

answer: Renner thinks the Park City set was majestic and beautiful. The landscape was much of a character in the movie as anyone else, but it wasn't the most grueling set he's worked on despite all the snow. Renner actually had a lot of fun on set.

question: How does Renner feel about the movie Wind River?

answer: He says movies like Wind River make him want to get out of bed and work. Like The Hurt Locker, Wind River is exciting, challenging, and small enough to encourage collaboration.

question: Write a ~6 sentence summary.

answer: Avengers star Jeremy Renner sits down for an interview about his new movies Wind River and Avengers: Infinity War. In the movie Wind River, Renner plays Cory Lambert, a complex character who is dealing with demons from his past while trying hard to decompress the pressure he's going through. Renner says he had a lot of fun in the snow while filming in Park River. Movies like Wind Riverexcite him and hopes that he has similar roles in the future. As for the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War movie, where Renner will reprise his role as Hawkeye/Clint Barton, Renner didn't reveal any details aside from doing the bulk of his work until January. He says there are no plans to take the Hawkeye character to TV, but he'd like to explore the character more.


text:
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Friday

Sep 7, 2018 at 5:00 AM

Mathew Gunkel, of Mount Laurel, was recognized as the national "Hero of the Year" by his company for his work with fellow Mount Laurel resident, Dominic Sutton.

MOUNT LAUREL — Mathew Gunkel grabbed the blue bicycle sitting outside the door of Dominic Sutton’s home and wheeled it over to him in front of the driveway. Despite the fact that it was over 90 degrees outside, Dominic’s face lit up and Gunkel, his pediatric nurse, began to unstrap him from his wheelchair.

The bike, which is an adaptive one to accommodate the 16-year-old who has cerebral palsy, was purchased thanks to Gunkel’s fundraising efforts, something he did on top of his daily care and work with the Mount Laurel resident.

As they rode around Dominic’s house on Wednesday, Dominic did most of the pedaling, while Gunkel ran behind him, playing music and keeping a hold on it.

“This is pretty usual,” said Gunkel, also of Mount Laurel, laughing as he wiped the sweat from his face after the hot September ride was over.

Gunkel’s work, however, is anything but usual, according to his company, Bayada and his colleagues.

That’s why he was recognized as the National Registered Nurse Hero of the Year by Bayada Home Health Care. This is the second year in a row the national award was given to a nurse from Burlington County.

“As a nurse, you can't compare him to anyone,” said Chantel Denny, Bayada’s clinical educator and Gunkel’s supervisor. “I couldn't think of a better person to receive that award — just knowing all that he went through with Dominic and then to receive that recognition, I was just so happy for him.”

He was chosen from thousands of nominees across the country, Bayada officials said in a statement, for “exemplifying the highest standards of care.”

The Sutton family nominated him for the award after seeing his dedication, care and help that he’s provided their son for about the last six years.

“Mat gives Dominic the attention that a boy his age deserves and wants,” David Stratton, Dominic’s father, said.

His mother, Joanne, highlighted the fact that Gunkel consistently goes above and beyond for her son’s care.

“Mat raised the money because he knew the bike was going to be beneficial for Dominic,” she said. “How do you thank somebody for doing that? How do you let them know how much you appreciate them?”

Going above and beyond is something Denny spotlighted as well, especially after Dominic was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“I just remember Mat — all the training that he went to when Dominic was diagnosed as a diabetic on his own free time and then taking the time to train all the new nurses coming in here (to work with Dominic),” Joanne Stratton said.

For Gunkel, all of that was just a part of his everyday life in the career he loves.

“It's also really amazing to be able to work with him — he has some complex medical needs and it's challenged me outside of things that I've known,” Gunkel said. “It's really kind of forced me to go out and go to symposiums and get my hands on new literature and bring that back to the family and bring that back to the nursing team and so it's been rewarding as a nurse as well as a person working with Dominic.”

Besides just providing him care, Gunkel said he also likes that he can relate to some of the challenges and emotions Dominic is going through as a teenager.

“It's really rewarding to be able to relate to him and talk to him about the struggles he's going through as a teenager, which is why I go out and I play angsty, angry music and ride around on his bike and let him blow off some steam,” he said. “That means a lot to me because I know what it meant to me as a kid, to get on a bike and ride around with a friend and burn off steam.”

Receiving the award from his colleagues meant a lot to Gunkel.

“We work to be happy and to find purpose in life, and I think the people I work with have found that purpose because it shows through in things like the award that I received,” he said.

He even got a special surprise, thanks to his coworkers, who told him to come into the office because it was Dominic’s birthday.

“I'm coming into the office thinking that it's Dominic's birthday celebration so I'm like, ‘OK, they don't often have kids in for birthday celebrations, sometimes they do, but OK,’” he said. “I just pushed it to the side ... so I walk in a room and it's just like a whole bunch of people standing there (yelling), ‘surprise!’

"So I'm like, ‘Oh, it's a surprise for you (Dominic)’ and then they point up on the wall and it's ‘Congratulations Hero of the Year’ and I don't have words for it.”

question: Summarize what the text states about Gunkel's work.

answer: The text states that Gunkel's work is anything but usual. His work has been given the national award two years in a row. Gunkel worked with a Mount Laurel resident, Dominic Sutton and was given the Hero of the Year award by his company. Sutton had unique medical challenges and working with Sutton allowed Gunkel to grow in his line of work.

question: Will Mathew Gunkel continue to help other patients/residents at Mount Laurel?


text:
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Exotic Cars Available in Miami

Take a second to really picture Miami in all it's essence. The breathtaking beaches, extraodinary skylines and the eclectic mix of distinguished restaurants, boutiques, people. There's no doubt the destinations are world class, but what about your means of getting to them? At Carefree Lifestyle, we offer a vast inventory of luxury cars to complete your vision of the best possible experience here in South Miami.

Of course, the decision is yours. You can be one of the many tourist who stop by daily to take selfies next to our exotic cars or you can fulfill your dreams and get behind the wheel of anything from an Ashton Martin to a Lamborghini. With over 10 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, we can assure you there is nowhere else to look than Carefree Lifestyle rentals.

If you are interested in renting a top of the line vehicle from us, we make the process easy. Whether you just want a hot ride for the weekend or to lavishly live the life of prosperity for a longer period of time, there is a rental car available for you. Our cars are available for daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Please visit our Miami Beach office or call us today to make a resevervation.

Between the timeless design of our exotic vehicles and genuine customer service, Carefree Lifestyle has aquired prestigious clients over the years. Leonardo DiCaprio, Lebron James, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown are just some of the many celebrity customers that have sought after our services.
Don't settle for a mediocracy, treat yourself with the exotic car you deserve. Let us help you unleash your inner traveler.

Click on a Logo Below to Filter by Manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We do accept cashier's checks and cash. Wire transfers are also accepted in some cases, however, a credit card must be on file for the car deposit and damage deposit. See damage deposit below.

Do you offer refunds?

Carefree lifestyle does not provide any refunds, returns or exchanges of any kind. Carefree lifestyle goal is to provide you with superior service. If you have an issue of any kind during your rental please let us know so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Do you have an age limit on luxury rental cars?

The minimum age is 21 with a clean driving record. Carefree lifestyle has the right to refuse a car rental to those with major moving violations, DUI convictions and other major infractions.

What is you Cancellation Policy for rental vehicles?

Please note Carefree lifestyle does not provide refunds if the vehicle is used less than the reserved hours or days. There are no refunds for cancellation within 72 hours of reserved time/date. Cancellations up to 1 week before the reservation may qualify for a 50% refund. For refunds and cancellations, some exclusions may apply; examples include the following but are not limited to: holidays, special orders, long term rentals, special events, extenuating circumstances.

What is your Cancellation Policy for gift cards?

Currently we do not offer refunds on gift cards.

Do you charge for Delivery/Pick Up on your Luxury rental cars?

If you are within our range of pickup and drop off destination there will be no delivery or pick up fees. If you fall outside our delivery pick up areas, certain changes may apply. Carefree lifestyle will provide you with that information at the time you make your reservation.

Do you charge a feul surcharge if we bring back a car with less gas than you provided in the vehicle?

All vehicles must be returned with the same amount of gas that was provided at the time the rental car was released. Carefree lifestyle will provide you with 3/4 of a tank of gas or more on your rental vehicle. Our fleet is 100% luxury so each car must be filled with 93+ octane gasoline.

Do you offer additional Insurance on your cars and who pays if I get in an accident?

The driver is responsible for any damages, liabilities, etc that may occur when renting the vehicle. If the renter is in need of additional insurance then please inquire within.

Do you allow International drives to rent a Luxury Car?

International drives are allowed to rent from our luxury fleet. International drives must provide us with a valid passport a driver's license from their country.

Is there a maximum allowance of mileage you can drive on one of your cars?

Daily mileage for luxury vehicles is 100 miles per day. Daily mileage for exotic vehicles is 75 miles per day. Carefree lifestyle will provide you with the amount of miles allowance for the vehicle you rent and the renter is responsible for additional cost per mile if you drive over the stated mile allowance.

What if i get a ticket while driving one of your cars?

The renter is responsible for any ticket incurred while the vehicle is rented. Parking, traffic, speeding, toll bridges, or any other violations issued while the vehicle is being rented is the responsibility of the renter. The renter must pay any fees, penalties, towing charges, impound costs and any other monies that are associated with the car during their possession.

Car Rental Policies

Age Limit

Minimum age is 21 years old with a valid drivers license. Carefree lifestyle has the right to refuse anyone.

Additional Drivers

Minimum age of 21 with a valid driver license. Additional driver must provide Carefree lifestyle with a copy of their license and make Carefree lifestyle aware that they will be driving the luxury rental car.

Cancellation Policy

At the time you place your reservation, Carefree lifestyle will put a 50% deposit of the total amount of the rental on your credit card. We require a 7 day notice of cancellation for a full refund on your deposit. On major holidays, events and special occasions, Carefree lifestyle requires a 30 day notice of cancellation for a full refund of your deposit. If you cancel 7 days or less before your rental, you will be charged for 100% of the rental.

Delivery/ Pick Up

Inquire within delivery or pickup fees may apply if out of our complimentary delivery range.

Damage Deposit

All renters must provide Carefree lifestyle with a credit card or debit card authorization for a damage deposit. If there is any damage on the rented vehicle when returned, Carefree lifestyle will bill against the damage deposit.

Damage Repair/Loss of Use Policy

In the event that any damage occurs to one of Carefree lifestyle's piece of inventory during a rental, the customer is only reponsable for repair costs. In addition, for the length the inventory is down the customer will also incur a loss of use per day based on the length of time the inventory is non-rentable. This rate is based on Carefree lifestyle's daily published rental rate.

Fuel Surcharge

All vehicles must be returned with the same amount of gas that provided to the rental at the time the rental car was released.

Insurance

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We do accept cashier's checks and cash. Wire transfers are also accepted in some cases, however, a credit card must be on file for the car deposit and damage deposit. See damage deposit below.The driver is responsible for any damages, liabilities, etc, that may occur when renting the vehicle. If the renter is in need of additional insurance, then please inquire within.

International Luxury Car Renters

International drives are allowed to rent from our luxury fleet. International drives must provide us with a valid passport and driver's license from their country.

Mileage

Daily mileage for most vehicles is 100 miles per day. Carefree lifestyle will provide you with the amount of mile allowance for the vehicle you rent and the renter is responsible for additional cost per mile if you drive over the stated mile allowance.

Payment Methods

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. We do accept cashier's checks and cash. Wire transfers are also accepted in some cases, however, a credit card must be on file for the car deposit and damage deposit. See damage deposit below.

Rates

All rates are subject to change without notice.

Driving Area Restrictions

Rental vehicles may not be driven outside the states they are rented in without prior written approval.

Prohibited Users

No person not authorized to drive the car can operate the vehicle.
No smoking in the car
No drinking and driving
no excess speeding
No racing of any sort
Not allowed to drive on any race tracks
Not allowed to drive on unpaved roads or surfaces
Not allowed to tow vehicle
Not allowed to tow any vehicle
Any customer that uses our vehicle for any purpose related to still photography, video, motion picture, or other non-recreation use must disclose this prior to rental and ALSO provide the necessary production insurance INCLUDING our vehicle AND it's VIN # on the actual insurance certificate.
Anyone who reserves our vehicle for a production and does not disclose this information is subject to an immediate removal of the car or engine ignition de-activate and ALSO an immediate fee equal to one rental day on the vehicle in ADDITION to the fee charged for the service in question.
Carefree lifestyle reserves the right to remotely disable and retrieve the rented vehicle if any rental agreement stipulations are broken.

Tax

Applicable local taxes vary by location and all rental charges are subject to the local tax for that specific location. Please verify at the time of the rental.

Tickets

The renter is responsible for any ticket incurred while the vehicle is rented. Parking, traffic, speeding, toll bridges, or any other violations issued while the vehicle is being rented is the responsibility of the renter. The renter must pay any fees, penalties, towing charges, impound costs and any other monies that are associated with the car during their possession.

CAREFREE
SPECIALTIES

For over 15 years, Carefree Lifestyle has been providing exhilarating experiences to people from every corner of the world. Including celebrities, athletes, leaders of industry and other high profile individuals.

Carefree Lifestyle is committed to providing you with the highest level of customer service and the most exhilarating experiences. That is why Carefree Lifestyle has become the premier, and most respected exotic car rental and luxury service company in Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

Our Los Angeles location has relocated to best serve our California clients. Please click on contact us to see the new address for exotic car rental pickup and returns.

Carefree Lifestyle

8929 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90069

(310) 289-7791

Fax: 305-534-3819

[Los Angeles Exotic Car Rental]

We offer the best in luxury rentals in Los Angeles. We are the leading provider of exotic and sports car rentals, mansion rentals, yacht charters, limousine rentals, private jet and aircraft charters.

question: Is there an extensive FAQ?

answer: Yes the Frequently Asked Questions cover questions such as payment method, age limit, and cancellation policy.

question: What kind of cars does carefree Lifestyle rent?

answer: Exotic and luxury cars.

question: Do they have celebrity endorsement?

answer: They have worked with stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lopez, tough it is not clear if they have been endorsed by them.

question: How long has Carefree Lifestyle been renting cars for?

answer: For 15 years.

question: What example of car brands do they offer?

answer: Lamborghini and Aston martin are just two of the brands they offer to drive.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: A page regarding the rental of cars from Carefree Lifestyle.


text: There was once a Jester who fell in love with a princess; she would always laugh at his jokes. There came a day where he begged the princess to be one with him - she laughed as it were one of his comedic jousts. It was then he realized he must change; so he became a jouster, and the past jester now jouster competed to win her favor. In the spirit of his passion he named his Lance LoVe and continued to fight for her amusement: she ignored him without thought. Weeks later the Princess had come down with a bout of depression and was crying day after day night after night... But the Jester could no longer muse her - he was no longer a fool. It was the day he changed from Jester to Joust that he became a tool from fool. In her loss of mind she grabbed the Jouster's lance and fell on top of it...It was the fools cruelest joke of all, for it pained no one more to fall in LoVe.

title: The Story of Unrequited Love

question: Why does the Jester love the Princess?

answer: It appears as though he loves her because she laughs at his jokes.

question: Why does the Jester no longer earn her attention when he becomes a Jouster?

answer: Though not clear in the story, it appears as though when the Jester becomes a jouster, he loses his ability to tell jokes.

question: Describe the point of the story.

answer: The story seems to suggest that it is often better to be good at what we are, then strive to be better as someone else. Though the Jouster has success in his new direction, he loses the Princess' attention when he can no longer make her laugh, leading to losing he entirely.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: A piece of flash-fiction that depicts the tale of a Jester who was vying the affections of a Princess. the Jester becomes a jouster, but no longer earns the Princess' attention. The Princess becomes depressed ad kills herself by falling on the Jouster's lance, which he has called LoVe.


text:
CONTEXTUAL EMPIRICISM is a theory about validating scientific knowledge. It is the view that scientific knowledge is shaped by contextual values as well as constitutive ones.[1]

[1] Janet Kourany, _Scientific Knowledge_

title: Contextual empiricism

question: What is empiricism?

answer: It is a way to prove scientific knowledge.

question: Why is it necessary to validate scientific knowledge?

answer: To ensure that hypotheses are either true or untrue.

question: What is contextual empiricism?

answer: It is the view that scientific knowledge is shaped by contextual values as well as constitutive ones.

question: Why was contextual empiricism developed?

answer: It is a theory about validating scientific knowledge.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: Contextual empiricism is a theory about validating scientific knowledge.


text:
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A month of American food wouldn't be complete without my favourite American dish - jambalaya, a Louisiana speciality. Discovering this delicious dish essentially made me want to go to Louisiana! This jambalaya uses field mushrooms and vegetarian sausages instead of the traditional meat. Traditional jambalaya is also laden with green capsicum, however, I've left this out because it makes me sick - but if you are partial to a bit of green capsicum feel free to add it in, although I don't think it needs it!!

I've also made this recipe using brown rice instead of white, it was also fantastic. You just need to increase the amount of water by about 2 cups and increase the cooking time by at least 20 minutes.

[]

INGREDIENTS

5 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, roughly chopped

2 field mushrooms, washed and chopped in large chunks

3 vegetarian sausages, chopped

1 celery stick, chopped

1/2 cup dry sherry

4 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups basmati rice

6 cups vegetable broth

1 tin diced tomatoes

2 bay leaves

4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2 tsp dried marjoram

1 tsp sweet paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tin cannelini beans, drained and rinsed

1 tin Kidney beans, drained and rinsed

(More hot water, as required)

TO MAKE

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot. Sauté the onions and celery for 2-3 mins. Add the mushrooms and veggie sausages and sauté until the veggies are cooked.

2. At this stage you'll notice the bottom of the pan is getting all brownish from frying the veggies. So - deglaze the pan by adding the sherry (you'll notice all the browny bits come right off the bottom and make your dish a lovely rich colour). Add the tomato paste as well and heat through.

3. Add the uncooked rice and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes. Add the vegetable stock, tinned tomatoes, bay leaves and all herbs and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring very frequently for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through, you may need to add more water as you are going to stop the rice sticking onto the bottom depending on how thirsty your rice is.

4. When the rice is almost cooked stir the tinned beans through. When the rice is fully cooked serve.

Serves 4.

THIS MONTH I'M FEATURING LOTS OF DELICIOUS FOOD FROM SOUTHERN USA!

_CHECK OUT MY OTHER RECIPE POSTS:_

 I've submitted this recipe to the Vegan Virtual Linky Potluck - click here to see the other entries.

question: Why did the author replace traditional meat with field mushrooms and vegetarian sausages?

answer: The author is probably a vegetarian.


text:
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question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: Ayden payment company renders friendly end-to-end business transactions between the buyer and the seller and ensures optimum customer satisfaction and safety.


text:
Thanks to SteamDB it seems that Bound By Flame a graphically pleasing RPG may get a Linux version. It has mixed reviews, but it may be worth a look.

If you see this entry on SteamDB, it seems Linux is currently in a "qa_test" phase. This could mean it's close to release, but it could also be just the start of testing.

The funny thing is, I personally asked about a Linux version last year on their Steam forum. The reply was a simple "There is no Linux version planned for the moment". Looks like they changed their minds, which is great.

ABOUT THE GAME (Official)
You are a mercenary possessed by a flame demon in a desperate world ravaged by seven Ice Lords and their Dead-Army.

In this RPG where all your choices lead to consequences, you will have to choose between unleashing the powers of the beast within and rejecting the demonic influence that wants to claim your humanity.

Freely develop your abilities and combat style through three skill trees: swing the heavy weapons of the Fighter, wield the sneaky dual daggers of the Ranger, or use the devastating flame spells of the Pyromancer.

Recruit companions who will live, love, hate and fight alongside you against the dreadful creatures of Vertiel, in real-time epic battles based on tactics and reaction.

The bigger the danger, the greater the temptation to draw on the demon’s power at the cost of your soul… which way will YOU choose?

Find Bound By Flame on Steam, but do not buy it until a Linux version is officially released. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.

question: What is 'Bound By Flame'?

answer: It's an RPG video game.

question: Does Bound By Flame have a Linux version?

answer: It may get it. Linux is currently in a "qa_test" phase.

question: What is 'Bound By Flame' look like?

answer: The player is a mercenary possessed by a flame demon in a desperate world ravaged by seven Ice Lords and their Dead-Army.

question: Why does the author advise readers not to buy the game until a Linux version is officially released?

answer: It is not clear if and when a Linux version will be officially released. (The article is taken from GamingOnLinux.com.)

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: 'Bound By Flame', an RPG video game, may get a Linux version. Linux is currently in a "qa_test" phase, but it is unclear if and when a Linux version will be officially released. That's why the article (it's taken from GamingOnLinux.com.) advises readers not to buy the game until a Linux version is officially released.


text:
He walked like a man who had conquered every challenge he had ever faced. His large shiny forehead, a bulwark against those foolish enough to oppose him, glistened in the sun. His sat down at the table across from me. This guy certainly didn’t dress like I imagined most men of his trade would dress. His red leather jacket was hardly inconspicuous and his flashy black sunglasses looked expensive. This is a man that is so good at what he does he doesn’t have to blend in.

“Hello Mr. Smith. How are you?” I posited.
“I don’t have time for that shit.” he puffed back.
“I’m sorry I don’t do this kind of a thing very often, you are the first guy we have had to hire”
“The target is Martin Pierce Lepnick, is that correct?”
 “Yes.”
I have seen this exact scene play out in movies a million times and in the movies it looks cool, but I can’t help but feel like a complete dipshit. This whole thing is dumb.
…

Six days ago my boss the fucking president of the United States of America called me into his oval shaped office.
He said, “William I need you take have someone taken care of for me”.
I tell him “I’m sorry Mr. President I don’t understand. Like you want me to make sure they are taken care of? Do I need to have Sandra check the Lincoln Bedroom’s availability this month because I think you already have it booked till next Spring”.
“Fuck Lincoln and his shill of a bedroom! I need someone whacked!”
“This sounds like something you might want to talk to Director Schiller about. I can get him on the line…”
“Fuck that fat fuck Schiller! I want you to handle this.”
“Sir, that’s really not my specialty. I don’t think it’s even appropriate for me to hear about matters of national security”
The President gets up from his sofa and walks right up to me. I can smell the whiskey emanating from the large flapping orifice that resides above his presidential chin.
“This has nothing to do with national security” He pulls out one of his flasks from his suit pocket and dumps the contents into his mouth.
“William do I need to have something happen to you to? That would be a shame.”
“Sorry Mr. President”
“I’m sure you’d like to bang that blonde girlfriend of yours a few more times, wouldn’t you William? I know I would”
“What would you like me to do Mr. President?”
“I need you to set up a meeting with my guy. Sean Smith”
…
Sean let out an annoyed sigh.  He repeated “Martin Piece Lepnick?” “I just want to confirm that I am being set up by the president of the United States before I stage my coup and hang our beloved commander and chief in the streets”
“Wait WHAT?”
“Shut your fucking cock mouth up for a moment and listen” “Lepnick is the guy who books whores for Republican Congressman.” “When a newly elected guy arrives in D.C. they send their finest whore to fuck him. Sure she will pretend to be some unwitting intern or a slutty secretary but they paid to ensure they fuck the new guy” “Then they have blackmail to call in when they need it.” “It’s an effective system to control your lackies and the President has a lot of lackies to control, that’s where Martin comes in” “Mr. Lepnick finds the right girl for each job. He also makes sure to dispose of the girl once they are done to keep things quiet. He is the only other guy that knows about this whole shitshow.”
“Well that sounds awful, but I don’t understand. How exactly is he setting you up?”
“Because last week they found one of Lepnicks botched disposal jobs floating in the Patomic. They have called him in for questioning and the jig is up. He probably wants to cut a deal.”
“That makes a kind of perverted sense though. How is he betraying you?”

title: Eagle Vs Potus

question: What does the story say about the protagonist?

answer: The protagonist works for the president. Six days ago he was called into the office to take care of the Lincoln Bedroom's availability. The president then demands that he wants to meet with Martin Piece Lepnick.

question: What does the story say about the protagonist and the president?

answer: The president demands that the protagonist gets in touch with Sean Smith, who should get in touch with Martin Lepnick. Lepnick is in charge of sending their finest whores to go for government officials. This is later used as leverage against them. Six days later the protagonist meets with him.

question: What does the story say about Lepnick?

answer: Lepnick is in charge of sending their finest whores to go for government officials. This is later used as leverage against them. The president asks the protagonist to get in touch with Sean Smith, who is then supposed to reach out to Martin. Lepnick meets with the protagonist six days later.

question: How does the story end?


text:
"Um...excuse me, but is something the matter?"

Her voice sounded intelligent enough.  She was probably a student, just leaving the library after a long night of studying.  Spring term often causes even those with relatively easy courses to spend until eleven o'clock at night in the library.  Doing a four month course in two months' time can do that to a person.

"Why do you ask?" he replied.

"You're lying on a concrete wall at eleven-thirty at night."

"I've seen people lying around here before."

"...in the daytime, maybe.  Never this late."

He paused for a second.  "Well, I suppose you're right."

She studied him before replying.  He was in his early or mid twenties, and fairly well dressed, so he probably wasn't homeless.  Then again, he wasn't really sleeping on the wall; he was just lying there with his eyes open in his shorts, a button-up shirt, and sandals, at eleven-thirty on Saturday night.

"So you understand, then, why I'm asking if something is the matter."

"I suppose so."

"...and?"

"Have you ever had the feeling that you're different than everyone else?"

"Well, obviously" she replied.  "Everyone's different."

"No, I'm not talking about normal, 'you listen to Mariah Carey and I listen to Sufjan Stevens' kind of different, I'm talking about really, completely different than everyone around you."  He spoke as if he were having a sort of revelation on the spot--as if nothing that he was saying had ever occurred to him before that moment.  "Like, as if your brain works differently in the way that it comes to conclusions, and your priorities are completely different than everyone else's."

She paused before replying "Is that why you're lying on a concrete wall under a tree at eleven-thirty at night?  Because you're different?"
"I suppose that's one reason," he finally admitted, "and I think that's the root problem.  But probably not the biggest problem I'm facing right now."

"Why's that?"

"Well, I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with being different.  I mean, Da Vinci was probably different.  Not that I think I'm him.  Sometimes it can create problems, though."

"I meant for you to tell me what this supposed 'biggest problem' you're facing right now is."

"At this exact moment?" he inquired.

"At this exact moment" she replied.

"At this exact moment, my biggest problem is the fact that I'm trying to have an existential crisis, and there's this random girl talking to me."
"I'm sorry, I can leave, if you want."

"No, no.  I think it's better to talk about it than to lay here, thinking about it."

"Okay, so then talk."  She sat down about a foot away from his head, there on the wall.

"Well, for starters, I came to the realization today that I've never had a deep, meaningful relationship with anyone.  Ever."  He spoke in a fairly monotone voice, but somehow it seemed as though he was just barely maintaining his grip on the present.  As if just thinking about the subject caused him inexpressible horror.  She saw the way he lay across the concrete, with as much of his body touching it as possible, and it seemed that he was rooted to the earth in such a way to compensate for his mind's desire to flee.

"What do you mean by 'deep, meaningful relationship'?"

"I mean...well, something that matters.  It's like I have all of these friends, right? And I talk with all of them, and I hang out with some of them, but at the end of the day, I can't really depend on any one of them.  They'd like me to think that I can, but I really can't, and when I need them they all seem to disappear.  It's like...I don't know, like everything is plastic.  Fake.  The world is a set of social rules that I have to follow in order to be normal, and because of this I can't have a real, deep, meaningful relationship with anyone.  Because it's not normal. At least, not on the level I'm thinking of, it isn't."

"Well, can't those relationships be a gateway to what you really want?"
"You'd think so.  I did.  But I must always end up bending or breaking one of those social rules.  Or maybe I'm completely and unforgivably disobeying one that I don't even know about.  And because of that, these fake friendships tend to disintegrate, quickly.  Maybe 'plastic' wasn't a good word to use to describe it.  Plastic takes too long to disintegrate.  It's like they're made of paper, and the first time it rains everything gets soggy and unreadable, then just breaks apart, because there's no real substance to it."

"And that's why you're lying here?"

"Yes."

"On a concrete wall."

"Yes."

"At eleven-thirty at night."

"Yes."

"Because you feel like your friendships are all disintegrating and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

"Yes.  Well---no.  Not exactly.  It's like, I just realized that they all have the capacity to disintegrate, with little to no warning.  And that's what freaks me out.  Not knowing.  Well, that and the lack of a real, meaningful relationship with another human being."

She paused for a moment, presumably attempting to compare this man's problems with her own, and arrived at a conclusion.  Haltingly, she scooted down the concrete wall another foot and a half or two, then lay down so that their bodies made a line, separated by six inches of space between the point where his head ended and hers began.
"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm having an existential crisis."

title: A sort of a dialogue that I wrote last summer

question: Who are the main characters of the story?

answer: The man and the girl.

question: What is going on?

answer: The girl sees a man lying on a concrete wall at 11:30 in the evening and talks to him.

question: Why is the guy lying on a concrete wall at 11:30 in the evening?

answer: He's trying to have an existential crisis.

question: What is the guy's relationship with the girl?

answer: Nothing, they're complete strangers.

question: Write a ~6 sentence summary.

answer: A girl who may be a student approaches a man lying on a concrete wall at 11:30 in the evening and asks what he is doing there. The man explains that he was trying to have an existential crisis before she interrupted him. He realizes that friendships have the capacity to disintegrate, with little to no warning, and not knowing freaks him out. His life also lacks a real, meaningful relationship with another human being. The girl scoots over and lays down six inches from the man's head so their bodies make a line. The man asks what she's doing, and she says she's having an existential crisis.


text:
is a song by Japanese rock band Radwimps. It was used as one of the four theme songs to the animated film _Your Name_, and was one of 26 songs the band composed for the film's soundtrack. It reached number-one on the _Billboard_ Japan Hot 100.[1] It also received a digital download song certification of Million from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for sales of 1,000,000.[2]

Release

The song was used in multiple trailers for _Your Name_ prior to the film's release, which can still be found on YouTube.

The song was originally released as a promotional single for the _Your Name_ soundtrack on July 25, 2016, ahead of the _Your Name_ soundtrack's late August release.[3] The original version of the song, which has slight structural changes, was included on the band's eighth studio album _Ningen Kaika_ (along with another of the four vocal compositions from the _Your Name_ soundtrack, “Sparkle”).[4]

Ahead of the film's April 2017 release in North America, Radwimps re-recorded the four vocal theme songs from the film in English, including “Zenzenzense”. The English version was unveiled on Tokyo FM's School of Lock! radio program on January 23, 2017,[5] and was released digitally on January 27.[6]

Credits and personnel

Adapted from _Your Name_ liner notes.

-   Yojiro Noda – composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, vocals, guitar, piano
-   Akira Kuwahara – producer, guitar
-   Yusuke Takeda – producer, bass
-   Mizuki Mori – drums support
-   Masayoshi Sugai – recording engineer, mixing engineer
-   Tom Lord-Alge – mixing engineer
-   Bob Ludwig – mastering engineer
-   Tetsuro Sawamoto – assistant engineer
-   Jamil Kazmi – mix coordination

Charts and sales

Weekly charts

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Chart (2016–2017)                 | Peak                              |
|                                   | position                          |
+===================================+===================================+
| Japan Hot 100 (Billboard          | 1                                 |
| Japan)[7]                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Japan Hot 100 (Billboard          | 20                                |
| Japan)[8]                         |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   English version               |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Japan Hot Animation (Billboard    | 1                                 |
| Japan)[9]                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Japan Radio Songs (Billboard      | 1                                 |
| Japan)[10]                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| South Korea (Gaon Music           | 92                                |
| Chart)[11]                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| World Digital Song Sales          | 9                                 |
| (_Billboard_)[12]                 |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Yearly charts

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Chart (2016)                      | Peak                              |
|                                   | position                          |
+===================================+===================================+
| Japan Hot 100 (Billboard          | 2                                 |
| Japan)[13]                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Japan Hot Animation (Billboard    | 1                                 |
| Japan)[14]                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Japan Radio Songs (Billboard      | 1                                 |
| Japan)[15]                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Sales and certifications

!scope=“row”| South Korea (Gaon) |N/A |205,497[16] |-

Release history

  Region   Date               Format        Distributing Label
  -------- ------------------ ------------- --------------------
  Japan    [17]               radio debut   EMI Records
  [18]     digital download

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

title: Zenzenzense

question: How was Zenzenzense received?

answer: It reached number one on Japan Hot 100 and received a Million award for digital downloads.

question: How was the song released?

answer: The song was released in the film's soundtrack and later in the band's eighth studio album Ningen Kaika. It was also re-recorded in English for the film's release in North America.

question: Who were the musicians responsible for the song?

answer: Yojiro Noda, Akira Kuwahara, Yusuke Takeda, Mizuki Mori.

question: What was the song's purpose?

answer: It was used as a theme song for the animated film Your Name.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: Zenzenzense is a song by the Japanese rock band Radwimps. It was one of the four theme songs to the animated film Your Name, and one of the 26 songs the band composed for the film's soundtrack. It reached number one on Japan Hot 100 and received a Million award for digital downloads. The song was released in the film's soundtrack and later in the band's eighth studio album Ningen Kaika. It was also re-recorded in English for the film's release in North America.


text:
EBENEZER BRIGHAM (April 28, 1789 – September 14, 1861) was a 19th-century American pioneer, businessman, and politician. He was one of the first Americans to explore southwestern Wisconsin and the first permanent settler in present-day Dane County, Wisconsin.[1] A militia officer during the Black Hawk War, he served as commander of Fort Blue Mounds (or Mound Fort) and was active in both the Wisconsin territorial council, and the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1840s and 1850s.[2]

Early life

Born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, he left his home state for the Northwest Territory, traveling by canoe along the Allegheny River from Olean Point to Pittsburgh, then taking a flatboat down the Ohio River until stopping at Shawneetown. He walked the rest of the way, arriving in St. Louis in 1818.

Career

Working as a prospector, Brigham followed the Mississippi River by horseback and stayed at Galena in 1822. One of the earliest visitors to the area, he helped miner James Johnson build one of two log cabins at the camp. Returning to Springfield, Illinois, he left there with a team of oxen heading for the lead mines region of southwest Wisconsin to build his own mining camp.

He was originally part of a mining party which lived along the Platte River, only four miles from present-day Platteville, Wisconsin. However, the party soon left the area under threat from the local Winnebagos during the Winnebago War.[3]

In the spring of 1828, Brigham arrived in Dane County, Wisconsin to work the lead mines in and around Blue Mounds.[4] Although the mines had been previously occupied, the site had long since been abandoned and he built a cabin for himself. This was the first structure to be built in Dane County. His nearest neighbor was located 24 miles away in Dodgeville and, as of 1832, the only other recorded inhabitants were four French-Canadian fur traders south of Green Bay and east of Rock River.[5] Using such crude tools as a windlass, rope and tub, over 4,000,000 lbs. was taken from the mine and hauled by wagon to Green Bay, Chicago and Galena, in total a 15-day trip. He later accompanied William S. Hamilton and Henry Gratiot and several others to Green Bay to negotiate boundaries between the miners and local tribes.[6]

Brigham is said to have discovered a lead deposit by chance, by throwing his cap in the air and digging where it fell.[7] By 1828, he had established a successful lead mine operation at Blue Mounds, as well as operating an inn and general store serving the local miners, local tribes and other travelers. His tavern became a popular stopover along the Old Military Trail,[8] and soon his small mining camp grew with settlers arriving from Illinois and within the Michigan Territory. He was honored by the Michigan territorial governor Lewis Cass and appointed a magistrate. He held the position of magistrate for four years, serving as justice of the peace, and from the winter of 1830–1831 until 1837, as postmaster of Moundville.[9]

During the Black Hawk War, he served as a colonel in the Wisconsin Territorial Militia. Fort Blue Mounds was later built near Brigham's home, and he and his neighbors took refuge there during the conflict. While Brigham remained in command, he successfully defended the post against several raids by the Sauk and Fox. Involved in politics during his later years, Brigham was a member of the territorial council between 1836 and 1842[10][11] and a state representative in 1848,[12] and he served on the Dane County board of commissioners in 1845, 1848–1850, and 1854–1855.[13][14]

Death

He died at the home of his niece, a Mrs. H.G. Bliss, in Madison, Wisconsin on September 14, 1861, and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery. Although the original cabins at the site had long since disappeared, the general store remained at Blue Mounds for over forty years as an historic landmark until it was destroyed in a fire in January 1877.[15] His part is now part of Blue Mound and Brigham County Park,[16] the latter being named in his honor.[17]

Legacy

In March 1910, his heirs donated the site of an old blockhouse from Fort Blue Mounds to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin having been used during the Black Hawk War.[18] A bronze tablet marking the site of the fort was unveiled by the Wisconsin Landmarks Committee in a special ceremony held on September 5, 1910. A replica of his general store is also on display at the Mt. Horeb Historical Society Museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.[19]

[1]

[2] Legler, Henry E. _Leading Events of Wisconsin History: The Story of the State_. Milwaukee: Sentinel Company, 1898. (pg. 153, 167, 176)

[3]

[4]

[5] Punchard, George. _History of Congregationalism from about A.D. 250 to the Present Time_. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, 1881. (pg. 322)

[6]

[7]

[8] Heim, Michael. _Exploring America's Highways: Wisconsin Trip Trivia_. Wabasha, Minnesota: T.O.N.E Publishing, 2004, pp. 128–129

[9]

[10]

[11] Beck, J.D. _Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin_. Madison: Democrat Printing Company, 1903, p. 928.

[12]

[13] Strong, Moses M. _History of the Territory of Wisconsin, from 1836 to 1848_. Madison: Democrat Printing Co., 1885. (pg. 222, 224)

[14]

[15] Park, William J. _Madison, Dane County and Surrounding Towns: Being a History and Guide_. William J. Park & Co., 1877. (pg. 241)

[16] Green, Doris. _Wisconsin Underground: A Guide to Caves, Mines, and Tunnels in and Around the Badger State_. Black Earth, Wisconsin: Trails Books, 2000. (pg. 12)

[17] Bewer, Tim. _Wisconsin's Outdoor Treasures: A Guide to 150 Natural Destinations_. Black Earth, Wisconsin: Trails Books, 1997. (pg. 159)

[18] Shambaugh, Benjamin F., ed. _Iowa Journal of History and Politics, Vol. III_. Iowa City, Iowa: State Historical Society of Iowa, 1910. (pg. 305)

[19]

title: Ebenezer Brigham

question: What does the text say about the Apache tribe?

question: Summarize what the text says about Ebeneezer Brigham.

answer: Ebeneezer Brigham was born on April 28, 1789, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. A 19th-century American businessman, politician, and pioneer, he left his home state for the Northwest Territory, traveling by canoe, flatboat, and finally on foot, arriving in St. Louis in 1818. He was one of the first Americans to explore southwestern Wisconsin and the first permanent settler in present-day Dane County, Wisconsin. Brigham was a militia officer during the Black Hawk War and served as a commander of Fort Blue Mounds (or Mound Fort). He was active in the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin territorial council during the 1840s and 1850s. Brigham died on September 14, 1861, in Madison, Wisconsin, and Brigham County Park was later named in his honor.

question: What does the text say about Brigham's career?

answer: Brigham followed the Mississippi River by horseback and stayed in Galena in 1822 and worked as a prospector. He helped miner James Johnson build one of two log cabins at the camp. He went back to southwest Wisconsin from Chicago with a team of oxen to build his own mining camp. Brigham arrived in Dane County, Wisconsin in 1828 to work the lead mines around Blue Mounds, where he built a cabin for himself - the first structure to be built in Dane County. He later established a successful lead mine operation at Blue Mounds, as well as an inn and general store that served local miners, local tribes, and other travelers.

question: What does the text say about Brigham's legacy?

answer: Brigham's heirs donated the site of an old blockhouse from Fort Blue Mounds to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin in March 1910. The site was used during the Black Hawk War. A bronze tablet marking the site of the fort was unveiled by the Wisconsin Landmarks Committee in a special ceremony held on September 5, 1910. A replica of Brigham's general store is on display at the Mt. Horeb Society Museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. Brigham County Park was named in his honor.


text:
“Father, I don’t want to go”, said the 11-year-old boy. “You have to”, said the father. “You have no choice. We are starving, and this is the only way we are going to survive another night”.

“But--”

“No. I am sorry. But we simply do not have any other options here.”

The boy got up, and looked his father in the eye. “I will try to hurry”, he said, before running out the door. As the father watched his firstborn disappear in the rainy fog, he sighed and went back to his book. But the pains of hunger prevented him from focusing, and he wept for his son’s life, knowing that they could not last long on what limited resources they had left.

Then he got up and walked out of the room.

* * *

It would be several hours later that he would hear a knock on the door of the tiny cottage he called home. When the father opened the door, he did not find his son. Instead, he was greeted by an elderly gentleman. The man was dressed in black, and peered at the cottage through thick lenses. “Good day, sir!”, he greeted cheerfully, forcing the host to list several reasons in his mind as to why it was in fact the opposite. But instead of voicing his problems, he invited the man inside for what little refreshments he could offer.

“And by what name do you go by, my good man?”, questioned the elder. “I am Charles”, the father answered, “and who are you?”. The elder looked at him and said, “When I explain my reason for coming here, names will not matter anymore”. Charles looked strangely at the elder. He was starting to get a strange feeling in his stomach. The feeling you get when you know something is going to change and nothing will ever be the same again. His feelings were correct, because after the elder spoke next, Charles collapsed onto the floor and did not awake until a few hours later when his son returned.

* * *

It would be a long flight to Hollywood, California. But as the father and son reflected on the past 24 hours, they knew that what lied ahead for the young star was going to be indescribable. A flight attendant greeted the two, and offered refreshments. But as she went to pour the coffee, she missed and poured it on Charles’ brand new suit. The normally laid back father was filled with rage at the poor lady. What an inconvenience this is! How are they going to sign the record labels when there is coffee all over his suit? After much apologizing to the attendant, the son managed to calm his father down, but he was shocked at the initial reaction. His father never yelled.

Almost a day later, they arrived in Hollywood. As they followed the GPS around the city, in search of the record company’s address, the son stared out the window. It was very confusing, this sudden change in his life. When he left the house yesterday morning, he went to the farmer’s market to do his usual trade of goods for food. But there was no one there, except a man with a flute. He remembered approaching the man and asking him where everyone was. The man replied that it was Saturday, and the farmers were too busy working the fields to sell their goods. The boy was very disappointed in himself, and kicked the wall in anger. They would not have enough to last another week, when the market would reopen. The flutist saw the boy’s obvious disappointment and offered him a few dollars in exchange for a song. It turns out that the flutist was actually a talent scout for a major record company. The boy doubted his ability to sing, but as soon as the lyrics flew out of his mouth, well, everything happened so fast. The “flutist” started jumping up and down very excitedly, and the boy very quickly realised how famous he was about to become. It would be a quick stop at the house to inform his father, and the rest is history.

* * *

They pulled into the record company and got out of the limo. A doorman greeted the duo but the father ignored him, his course set to wherever they sign labels. There was nothing else on his mind. He wanted his son to have a chance, and he wanted all the money he could get. To never be hungry again. The thought excited him, and he began walking faster to the elevator, in which his son interrupted his train of thought. “Father, don’t you think you were being rather rude to the doorman? He said hello and you ignored him.”

“That doesn’t matter anymore, son. The small people like us, we don’t mean anything to society. That’s why we need to be at the top, and we need to surround ourselves with people at the top, or we will not be a part of anything”, his father explained. But it only left the son more confused. Why did his father feel the need to be at the top? Why did he ignore the doorman and yell at the attendant? Suddenly, the whole thing seemed pointless. But as the elevator door opened, the father grabbed his son by the arm and dragged him into an official looking doorway.

“So, you are here to sign the record label and start your new life”, said a portly man sitting at the desk. “Well, let me tell you, I have never seen a more qualifying singer for our company. I have a feeling this boy is going to turn a lot of heads and make a lot of money. Now, if you would be so kind as to read these terms and conditions, and then sign your name at the bottom, please”.

The young boy stared at the long list of terms. He thought about the money, the fame, the glory. He thought about the incident with the attendant and the doorman. He thought about a lot of things, and when he was urged by his father to hurry, he decided to voice his decision.

“No.”

* * *

The father was livid. He scolded the son for waiting this long to say no, what a waste of a trip, how could you do this, and on and on. But the son replied, “Father, I wanted to do this, but you were overcome with greed. You hurt the people around you just so you could get to the top. You were blinded by your excitement and your desire for money. You’ve changed, father, and I don’t want to be a part of something that takes away a part of the people I love.”

The man behind the desk got up and closed the door, making sure that a click was heard in the lock mechanism before sitting down again. “We have ways of making them cooperate.”, he said slowly. The father looked up at the man with interest. “When they begin to be overwhelmed by their moral compasses, we have ways of convincing them otherwise”, the man continued. He got up again and went to a cabinet in the far corner of the room. He reached in and grabbed a small vial. It was filled with a reddish liquid of some sort.

“Now”, the man said to the son, “we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way.” He began to twist off the lid of the vial. “You have already showed that you are against the easy way, and that was to sign the paper. So you leave me no choice but to do things the hard way”. The boy looked up in fear. He knew what was coming. Before he could even blink, the man held the vial to his mouth and started pouring the foreign liquid down his throat. The world started spinning, and the room slowly got darker. The boy looked up at his father, but found him looking away, at a painting in the room. Then everything went black.

* * *

Charles walked up to his son. It had been three years since they signed the record label, and this was one of many concerts that his son had lined up for the next two years. The money was pouring in, and fans came from all over the world to hear him sing. As the pair walked out the concert hall doors, they were met by a photographer on the street. “Mr. Beiber! Can I get a picture of you next to Justin?”

“Why yes”, said Charles J. Beiber with a smile. “Yes you can”.

title: The Prodigy

question: Why does the father send his son out?

answer: To get food

question: Who is the scout for the record company?

answer: A flutist at a farmer's market

question: Why does the boy reject the offer?

answer: He doesn't like what the prospect of money has done to his father

question: Who is the boy revealed to be at the end?

answer: Justin Beiber

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: A boy is sent to a farmer's market to get food for his father, but he meets a talent scout for a record company there who is impressed with his singing. The boy and his father fly to Hollywood and are offered a record deal, but the boy rejects it because the prospect of money has made his father greedy and cruel. The company executive forces the boy to drink a red liquid. Years later, a photographer asks if they can get a picture of Charles Bieber with his son, Justin.


text:
[Nick Babich]

Nick Babich is a developer, tech enthusiast, and UX lover. He has spent the last 10 years working in the software industry with a specialized focus on … More about Nick Babich …

Visibility of system status is one of the most important principles in user interface design. Users want to feel in control of the system they’re using, which means they want to know and understand their current context at any given time, and especially when a system is busy doing work. A wait-animation progress indicator is the most common form of providing a system status for users when something is happening or loading. While an instant response from an app is the best, there are times when your app won’t be able to comply with the guidelines for speed. A slow response could be caused by a bad internet connection, or an operation itself can take a long time (e.g. install an update for OS). For such cases, in order to minimize user tension, you must reassure users that the app is working on their request and that actual progress is being made. Thus, you should provide feedback to the user about what is happening with the app within a reasonable amount of time.

Visibility of system status is one of the most important principles in user interface design. Users want to feel in control of the system they’re using, which means they want to know and understand their current context at any given time, and especially when a system is busy doing work. A wait-animation progress indicator is the most common form of providing a system status for users when something is happening or loading.

To get a better understanding of how your UI designs can benefit from animated progress indicators, it will help to sketch out your (app) ideas. A few months back, Adobe introduced a new design and wireframing app called Experience Design (or Adobe XD), designed for creating interactive wireframes and user interfaces. The app is still in public beta, with features added on a regular base, and you can download and try it out for free. In this article, we’ll explore the main types of animated progress indicators and provide recommendations on when and how to use each type.

Further Reading on SmashingMag:

-   How Functional Animation Helps Improve User Experience
-   In-App Gestures And Mobile App User Experience
-   Best Practices For Animated Progress Indicators
-   Animated Microinteractions In Mobile Apps

Good Interaction Design Provides Feedback

While an instant response from an app is the best, there are times when your app won’t be able to comply with the guidelines for speed. A slow response could be caused by a bad internet connection, or an operation itself can take a long time (e.g. install an update for OS). For such cases, in order to minimize user tension, you must reassure the users that the app is working on their request and that actual progress is being made. Thus, you should provide feedback to the user about what is happening with the app within a reasonable amount of time.

Always Give Some Type of Immediate Feedback

A user’s wait time begins the moment they initiate an action, and the worst case is when they don’t have any indicator the system has received it. When an app fails to notify users that it’s taking time to complete an action, users often think the app didn’t receive the request, and they try again. Plenty of extra clicks and taps have resulted due to a lack of feedback.

Any action, such as clicking a button or pulling to refresh, should have an immediate reaction. It’s essential to give some visual feedback immediately after receiving the request from the user to indicate that the process has initiated.

[Pull-To-Refresh action. Image credit: Behance]
Pull-To-Refresh action Image credit: Behance
Use A Progress Indicator For Any Action That Takes Longer Than One Second

When the app takes more than 0.1 second but less than one second to respond to user input, it feels like the app is causing the result to appear. Although users notice a short delay, they stay focused on their current task. After one second, the user’s attention begins to wander, and they notice that they’re waiting for a slow app to respond.

In order to reduce a user’s uncertainty, offer a reason to wait with a progress indicator for any action that takes longer than about _one second_ (Note: the use of animation isn’t recommended for anything that takes less than one second to load, because users might feel anxious about what just flashed on the screen). Animated progress indicators mitigate the negative effects of waiting and prolong the user’s attention on the site or in the app.

Types Of Progress Indicators

Progress indicators tell users that the app needs more time to process the last user action. The simplest form of process indicator is _indeterminate_ — these types of indicators request users to wait while something finishes, but they don’t indicate how long it will take.

[]
Infinite looped animation offers feedback that the system is working, but doesn’t provides any information about how long the user will have to wait. Image credit: Behance
As a general rule, you should use this type of progress indicator for fast actions (2–10 seconds). Making the user stare at a spinning wheel or infinite linear animation longer can increase bounce rates for your website or cause people to close your app.

Another type of progress indicators tell _how long an operation will take_ (approximately or exactly). These types of indicators are called _determinate._ They are the most informative type of wait-animation feedback since they show the current progress, how much has already been accomplished, and how much is left. A visual indicator that progresses towards completion puts the user at ease and increases their willingness to wait.

[Indeterminate indicators visualize an unspecified wait time, while determinate indicators display how long an operation will take.]
Indeterminate indicators visualize an unspecified wait time, while determinate indicators display how long an operation will take. Image credit: Material Design. (Large preview)
Two Most Popular Animated Progress Indicators

There are two popular types of animated progress indicators — _looped animation_ and _percent-done indicator_.

Looped Animation

Since the majority of looped animation is indeterminate and serve a variety of types of delays, including long ones, this type of progress indicator tends to have negative connotations.  For example, a default loading icon in Apple iOS (spinner of gray lines radiating from a central point area) serves a variety of operating system functions, indicating the status of everything from device boot to problems connecting to network or loading data. Because of that, users don’t like to see only a loading spinner with no indication of progress or time.

[Watching a loading spinner is like watching the clock tick down — when you do, time seems to stop]
Watching a loading spinner is like watching the clock tick down — when you do, time seems to stop. Image credit: appance
Percent-done Indicator

A percent-done indicator is a determinate progress indicator that fills from 0% to 100% and never decreases in value. Both linear and circular progress indicators may be percent-done.

[Loading bar]
Linear percent-done progress indicator Image credit: Adobe Stock
[Circular percent-done progress indicators]
Circular percent-done progress indicators Image credit: Adobe Stock
As a general rule of thumb, you should use a percent-done animation for longer processes that take 10 or more seconds. Based on Jakob Nielsen’s research about response times,  10 seconds is a limit for users to keep their attention on a task, after this time users quickly grow impatient if they don’t have enough information on how long they have to wait for the result.

Tips For Progress Indicators

You should always try to make the wait more pleasant if you can’t shorten the line.

Explain Why User is Waiting

Many times, if users are informed, they may be more patient. It can be helpful to add additional clarity by including text that tells the user what is happening or explains why the user is waiting.

[Skyscanner tells users it’s searching the best flights by checking all available providers]
Skyscanner tells users it’s searching for the best flights by checking all available providers.
Provide a General Time Estimate for Time-Consuming Tasks

Don’t try to be exact, a simple, “this might take five minutes” can be enough for the users and encourage them to wait it out.

[Software update estimation in Apple iOS]
Software update estimation in Apple iOS
Show Absolute Amount of Work Done

For time-consuming operations where it’s unknown in advance how much work has to be done, it may be impossible to use a percent-done indicator, but you still can provide running progress feedback regarding the absolute amount of work done. In this case, consider showing the number of steps, because knowing the number of steps helps users at least form an approximate estimate.

[When the progression can’t be monitored accurately consider showing the number of steps instead of percent number.]
When the progression can’t be monitored accurately, consider showing the number of steps instead of percent number.
Don’t Stop a Progress Bar

A progress bar makes users develop an expectation for how fast the action is being processed. As a result, any unexpected freezes will be noticed and will impact user satisfaction. The worst possible case is when progress bar approaches 99% and suddenly stops. Most users will be frustrated by this behavior because it makes them think the app is frozen. Hopefully, there is a simple solution  — you can disguise small delays in your progress bar by moving it instantly and steadily.

[Image credit: Behance]
Image credit: Behance
Make Progress Bars Feel Faster to Users

Keep in mind that perception can be just as important as raw speed. In order to make a progress bar _feel faster_ to users you can start the progressive animation slower and allow it to move faster as it approaches the end. This way, you give users a rapid sense of completion time.

[Image credit: Behance]
Image credit: Behance
Offer a Visual Distraction

Creative progress indicators can reduce a user’s perception of time. If an app gives users something interesting to look at while waiting, this makes users pay less attention to the wait itself. Thus, to ensure people don’t get bored while waiting for something to happen, offer them a distraction. For example, this can be something fun…

[Image Credit: Behance]
Image Credit: Behance
Or something adorable…

[Image credit: Vimeo]
Image credit: Vimeo
Or something unexpected that catches users’ attention long enough for your app to load.

[Fine animations can distract your visitors and make them ignore long loading times. Image credit: Behanc]
Fine animations can distract your visitors and make them ignore long loading times. Image credit: Behance
Skeleton Screens: A Great Alternative To The Traditional Progress Indicators

As you’ve just learned, when things are going to take a while, we let people know that using progress indicators. However, while the intentions behind progress indicators are good, the end result can turn out to be bad. As Luke Wroblewski mentioned in his article: “Progress indicators by definition call attention to the fact that someone needs to wait. It’s like watching the clock tick down — when you do, time seems to go slower.” With the introduction of progress indicators to our UIs, designers often make people watch the clock. While it’s better than nothing, when you design UIs you should always try to make the wait more pleasant.

Hopefully, there’s a good alternative of progress indicators, the technique that lets people have a great experience while they are waiting. And this technique has a name, _skeleton screen_. Skeleton screens (a.k.a temporary information containers) are essentially a blank version of a page into which information is gradually loaded. Rather than show a loading indicator, skeleton screens focus on _actual progress_ and create anticipation of what is to come. This creates the sense that things are happening immediately as information is incrementally displayed on the screen and people think that the application is acting while they wait.

Medium uses this trick, showing a simple wireframe as a placeholder, while the actual content loads. The load screen also makes the user familiar with the overall structure of the content being loaded.

[Medium]
Medium focus on content being loaded, not the fact that it's loading. Image Source: merhl (Large preview)
Conclusion

No matter how fast we make our app and sites, there will often be something that takes time to process. Wait animations, such as loading spinners and percent-done indicators, reduce uncertainty by informing users of the current working state and increase the likelihood that the user will stay and wait for the information to load. A rule of thumb is to use a looped indicator or skeleton screens for reasonably fast operations taking between two and ten seconds, and a percent-done indicator for operations taking more than about ten seconds. When choosing between looped animation and skeleton screens, it’s probably a good idea to favor latter because they contain one important advantage — they can improve the feel of any action taking longer than a few milliseconds.

  This article is part of the UX design series sponsored by Adobe. The newly introduced Experience Design app is made for a fast and fluid UX design process, creating interactive navigation prototypes, as well as testing and sharing them — all in one place.

  You can check out more inspiring projects created with Adobe XD on Behance, and also visit the Adobe XD blog to stay updated and informed. Adobe XD is being updated with new features frequently, and since it's in public Beta, you can download and test it for free.

[Smashing Editorial] (il, ms, vf, aa)

question: Who is Nick Babich?

answer: Nick Babich is the author of the article. He is a developer.

question: What is a wait-animation progress indicator made for?

answer: A wait-animation progress indicator is made to provide a system status for users when something is happening or loading.

question: Is there an alternative to the progress indicator?

answer: Yes. One of them is a skeleton screen or temporary information containers.

question: Which is better - the progress indicator or skeleton screen?

answer: A skeleton screen is better because it focuses on actual progress and creates anticipation of what is to come, and progress indicators call users' attention to the fact that they need to wait.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: Visibility of system status is one of the most important principles in user interface design. A wait-animation progress indicator is the most common form of providing a system status for users when something is happening or loading. However, progress indicators call users' attention to the fact that they need to wait. A good alternative to progress indicators, skeleton screen, or temporary information container, is a blank version of a page into which information is gradually loaded. Rather than showing a loading indicator, skeleton screens focus on actual progress and create anticipation of what is to come.


text:
“Alor?”

Nothing.

“Hello?!”

I don’t understand.

“Alor, we don’t have time for this…”

He’s just standing there, staring off into a world that doesn’t exist to us anymore.

“We can’t stay here anymore, it’s too dangerous.” I seem to say only to myself.

I make Alor move and lead him along the path into the forest, while behind us we hear the cries and screams of those long beyond saving.
“I know where we can hide. It’s not much, but it will do.” Now I’m just thinking out loud, which truthfully seems to help keep the fear and anxiety locked away. If I stop to think, I may lose my composure altogether, and then all will be lost.

We continue down the path and see the destruction all around us. I can’t fathom that just a few hours ago, Jorni and I were walking down this very same path planning our future together. This is the road where we would have taught our children how to walk. These trees were the symbols of home and the realization of years of hard work and sacrifice.

As we reach a clearing by a lake, I see the plot of land that would have been our future. About a hundred yards to the side was a cave, surrounded by the many colors of autumn, and I felt at ease for the first time in hours.

We walked over to the cave and entered its gaping mouth and even though it was dark, I knew this place like the back of my hand. We take our first left after 32 steps, avoid the gap 41 steps after that, and then as we continue forward, we begin to see the light.

As we reach the area we’ve been coming to since we were seven years old, I let loose a sigh of relief. In the middle of a maze of tunnels and confusion hides a hidden pond with a hole in the cave the beckons sunshine to beam through, and quite possibly my favorite place on this planet. We start a fire in the pit Jorni and I have used countless times before and lay our heads down.

I think it’s safe to say sleep consumed me even before my head touched the ground.

Three Hours Later

I finally wake up from a loud splash. As I regain my clarity I realize what Alor had done.

Alor was good at a lot of things, yet swimming was not one of them. Now, he has fallen into the dark, freezing water and it’s up to me to save him yet again.

He instantly starts fighting my rescue. I use all the strength I have left to get us back to the land of the living.

He falls to the ground and I notice that stones were tied to his ankles…how did I miss that?

“What were you thinking!?” I yell.

He says nothing.

“Alor…You have to talk to me. We are in this together and we are all each other has left. If you left…I would be nothing. Look, what happened back there was horrifying and while we lost everything, we still have life. That’s what is most important.”

Silence.

However, for the first time in a very long while, I see life in him. He cracks a smile and shakes his head ever so slightly, as if to say “Welp…that wasn’t very smart, now was it?”

He gets up and begins walking, and of course I walk with him.

“All is not lost. You know that. I know that. We will get through this, we always do. The only way this ends is if we are no longer breathing. We survived. We beat the odds. Maybe others did as well. Maybe Jorni or Mother…“

Alor stop in his tracks and a single tear streams down his face.

“You know, they could be alive. Maybe they escaped? I know…I know the chances may not be that great, but we can’t just give up, can we?” I say to my ever-stoic companion.

He nods and seems to shake off some of the demons weighing him down and we continue our trek to find some other survivors, and possibly the most important of them all.

As we emerge from the belly of our cave, we are greeted by the sound of birds and the rustling of wildlife around us. For the first time in what seems like ages, life feels normal again. We push forward, putting as much distance between us and the danger that ever lurks behind us.

“We have to find Mother. I don’t think Terwal has been hit yet, and we may find the help we need. Also, since Jorni wasn’t at our cave, she may have headed that way as well.” I proclaim, yet Alor just keeps trudging along, with a renewed vigor that is resonating from deep inside him.

We travel for the next couple of days, taking camp at night, and walking all throughout the day without so much as a word. I’ve just come to expect the fact that conversation is just not in the cards at the moment.

We finally reach Terwal on the third day and find it perfectly intact. Well, except for the fact that this great town is completely empty. Aside from the hungry yelps from street dogs, no sign of human life is present.

We continue towards Mother’s house. As we arrive at the home where we learned how to survive this world, we see a note pinned to the door.

“Alor,

I hope this finds you alive. I love and miss you so much. We couldn’t stay any longer and needed to flee to the mountains. Do you remember where we took that trip when you were a child? You will find us there. Let’s sort this all out together.

P.S. Jorni is here too, and she loves you very much.

Love,

Mom”

“They are alive…” Alor says, with but a whisper.

“I am alive.”

title: A Life Worth Living (1000 Words)

question: Why does the narrator feel they are in a dangerous place?

answer: There has been destruction all around with cries and screams being heard.

question: What does the narrator find as a place to hide?

answer: Near a lake, was a cave that they entered to hide.

question: What does the narrator need to save Alor from?

answer: Alor had fallen into the dark, freezing water without knowing how to swim.

question: Explain what the narrator and Alor find when they reach the town of Terwal.

answer: They find the town intact but completely empty of people. They reach mother's house and find a note saying they had to flee to the mountains and provided a meeting place.

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: The narrator and Alor were peacefully planning their future in the town when all of a sudden they were surrounded by destruction. They hide in a nearby cave until the next day. They make the three day trek to the town of Terwal but find it completely empty of people. At mother's house they find a note saying they had to flee to the mountains, and provided a meeting place.


text:
The Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree honouring more than 300 journalists for their “objective coverage” of the events leading to the seizure of Crimea from Ukraine.

The annexation of the southern region has been widely condemned as illegal by the West, with the Prime Minister David Cameron describing the move as “in flagrant breach of international law”.

But Mr Putin has since secretly awarded prestigious "Order of Service to the Fatherland" medals to pro-Kremlin journalists in what is being considered as an escalation of Russia’s propaganda war over the Ukraine crisis.

Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told _The Moscow Times_: "I can confirm that such a decree was signed, but we usually do not publish them. Now, since this information has become public, we do not plan to add any details about it."

The awards have been received by some executives of Russia's major state-owned television channels and Margarita Simonyan, editor of the pro-Kremlin English-language channel Russia Today (RT), talk-show host Arkady Mamontov and the head of the Federal Mass Media Inspection Service, Aleksander Zharov, whose organisation reportedly blocked access to several popular opposition blogs.

 In pictures: Crisis in Ukraine

Show all 11
[Crimean Tatars drag away a police officer in front of a local government building in Simferopol]

In comparison, no journalists from the independent television channel Dozhd or the radio station Ekho Moskvy, which are more critical of the Kremlin's policies, received the award.

In March, Liz Wahl, the American news anchor for _RT_ resigned live on air in response to the station’s “whitewashed” coverage of events in Ukraine.

Her remarks led to the station releasing a statement saying they would be sending her to Crimea “to give her an opportunity to make up her own mind from the epicentre of the story”.

Russia Today anchor Abby Martin voiced her personal views live on air

(Russia Today)

However, Russian media deny they are part of a propaganda campaign and accuse Western journalists of bias, a charge that has found fertile ground in eastern Ukraine where some reporters have already been taken hostage or beaten.

Russia's well-organised and well-financed state media have portrayed events in a style reminiscent of the Soviet era, peppering their reports with the message that Ukrainians, as during World War Two, may be cooperating with fascists.

Several Russian newspapers used the same photo on Monday on their front page, showing a man with flames licking up his sleeve as he throws a Molotov Cocktail into the burning trade union building in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, where dozens of pro-Russian separatists died in violent clashes on the streets.

Blaming Friday's trouble on far-right Ukrainian groups, the popular Komsomolskaya Pravda ran a banner headline declaring: "Dirty scumbags!"

Some Russian media also likened the blaze to a World War Two Nazi massacre when all the residents of a Belarussian village were burnt alive.

Other allegations by officials that only drunks and drug addicts follow the pro-Russians have also fallen flat, leaving it to Ukraine's bloggers to vent the widespread frustration with not only the pro-Russians but with their new leaders as well.

"At the time of war, everyone lies," said a post on the ‘Odessa on fire’ website, in a bid to defuse debate over who was responsible for the more than 40 deaths on Friday.

But while much of the Ukrainian blogosphere undermines their leaders, Russian media coverage is helping to boost support for Mr Putin, whose ratings last week hit 82 percent - the highest since 2010.

question: Does the author think that the 300 journalists awarded by Mr. Putin have objectively covered the Ukraine crisis?

answer: It is implied they do not since they use quotation marks when they mention their “objective coverage”.

question: Is honoring journalists in Russia transparent?

answer: It seems it is not as Mr. Putin secretly awarded medals to the journalists.

question: Are all journalists in Russia treated equally?

answer: It is implied they are not since no independent journalist received awarded.

question: Why did RT say that they will send Liz Wahl to Crimea “to give her an opportunity to make up her own mind from the epicenter of the story”?

answer: Because she criticized coverage of the Ukraine crisis?


text:
The 1913 NCAA BASEBALL SEASON, play of college baseball in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began in the spring of 1913. Play largely consisted of regional matchups, some organized by conferences, and ended in June. No national championship event was held until 1947.[1]

Conference winners

This is a partial list of conference champions from the 1913 season.

  Conference        Regular Season Winner
  ----------------- -----------------------
  Big Nine
  Missouri Valley
  SIAA              Alabama

[1]

title: 1913 NCAA baseball season

question: Who organized the 1913 NCAA baseball season?

answer: The NCAA.

question: What does NCAA stand for?

answer: The National College Athletic Association.

question: In which season did the play begin?

answer: Spring.

question: In which year was there no national championship event?

answer: 1947.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: The 1913 NCAA baseball season  play of college baseball in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began in the spring of 1913 and ended in June.


question: Who are the speakers?

answer: A woman leaving a library and a man lying on a wall

question: Why is the man having an existential crisis?

answer: He believes that he can never have a true, meaningful relationship with anyone else and that the friendships he does have could fall apart at any moment

question: What was the woman doing before the conversation started?

answer: Leaving a library after studying

question: What time of year is it?

answer: Spring

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: A woman leaving a library at night sees a man lying on a wall having an existential crisis. He worries that he is unable to have a meaningful relationship with anyone else, and that the friendships he does have could fall apart without warning. The woman lies on the wall with him and also has an existential crisis.


text:
U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 03 Nov 2009 at 12:00:57 PM GMT is:

[$ 1 1 , 9 0 6 , 6 4 4 , 6 1 7 , 5 1 1 . 3 3 ]

The estimated population of the United States is 307,218,781
so each citizen's share of this debt is $38,756.24.

 The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$3.78 BILLION PER DAY since September 28, 2007!
Concerned? Then tell Congress and the White House!

question: Why is the U.S. national debt increasing?

answer: Not answered.

question: What is each US citizen's share of the national debt?

answer: $38756.24