text:
Technical Talks is our series of risk management articles, produced by our in-house team of portfolio underwriting, risk managers and surveyors, offering support and guidance for you and your clients in relation to everyday business solutions.
Using wood instead of fossil fuels is seen as a greener option and wood chips and pellets were already cheaper than gas, heating oil and electricity even before the recent energy price rises. It's little wonder biomass boilers are becoming increasingly popular.
Biomass boilers (not to be confused with waste wood burners commonly found in woodworking trades) are designed to operate unattended 24 hours a day with periodic, scheduled maintenance.
However, they do pose additional fire hazards as outlined in our Technical Talk. Our Risk Control Managers are also happy to provide risk management guidance to policyholders thinking about biomass boilers.
Key Features of a Biomass Boiler
- Biomass boilers are designed to operate unattended 24 hours a day with periodic, scheduled maintenance.
- Generally fed by pellets or wood chip which are bought in, stored in bulk fuel containers or hoppers with automatic fuel delivery systems to the burners – normally auger feeds.
- Some businesses may chip their own waste wood to be used as fuel.
- Heating is generally provided through heat exchanges to hot water or hot air based heating systems.
- New technology but becoming widely established.
- Requires installation and maintenance by a competent company/person.
Biomass systems already have an established market share, but with this being relatively new technology there are limited industry accreditations and no formal UK/EN standards for Biomass Boilers, their manufacturers, installation or maintenance companies. It is therefore important the quality and safety of the product and installation can be established via trade and manufacturer's websites. The following should be considered in any such assessment:-
- Product accreditation to independent or national standards (Scandinavia & Germany where Biomass is a more established technology have national standards).
- Design and installation in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations by suitably trained and qualified persons.
- The boiler, flue and all safety devices must be inspected, cleaned, serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacture's recommended schedules or at least annually by a suitably trained and qualified person. In the absence of any formal accreditation body/standard for installers, information must be ascertained regarding the installers expertise and should consider:
- Their experience/number of similar installations completed
- Completion by engineers/designers of manufacturer's training courses
- Qualifications/memberships such HETAS, Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Hazards to look out for
- Burn back – with heaters generally automatically fed, the potential exists for so called burn-back where fire in the combustion chamber of the heater travels back through the fuel delivery system to ignite the stored fuel reserves.
- Equipment failure – the introduction of a combustion based heating system to any site increases the potential for a fire incident through equipment failure, poor installation, inadequate maintenance or improper use.
- Housekeeping – wood pellets, shavings and wood waste can collect near boilers, electrics and fuel storage areas. Also, Biomass boiler rooms are often used for general storage. This can significantly increase the risk of fire inception.
- Fuel Storage – bulk storage of readily combustible biomass fuels introduces additional fire load and resultant increased fire safety hazards to a site. Fuel that is delivered with too high a moisture content (30% plus), or stored in an area where it can absorb moisture can, in extreme cases, spontaneously combust.
- Fuel Transport – fuel delivery systems can create an increased risk of dust explosion during filling of silos and hoppers.
- Flue fires – flues can become extremely hot and can ignite combustible elements of construction or other combustibles where they are positioned too close or in contact.
- Un-combusted gas – can build up following flame failure and can create an explosion risk if restarting is not undertaken correctly.
- Operator error – improper start up/restart or failure to follow safe operating procedures by the user can increase the risk of fire or explosion.
- • Unattended running – these heaters will continue to burn whilst the premises are closed reducing the opportunity for early detection and subsequent emergency action should a fire break out.
- • Ash removal – excessive ash build up can spill over to inappropriate areas or effect proper operation of boiler.
Control Measures to Tackle Risks
The following loss control measures should be considered where a Biomass system is in use or proposed:
Burn Back Protection
The automatic in-feed auger (also known as stoker auger) fuel delivery system must have burn back protection, including a mechanical fire stopping device between the burner and the fuel store such as a rotary valve or an air tight shutter/burn back flap AND an automatic
water dousing system in the feed auger linked to a heat detection device in the conveyor housing. (Note under 50KW output systems may not be suitable to have burn back protection installed, these often feature hand/gravity fed hoppers built into the device.)
Control Equipment/Shut Off Devices
Modern boilers will normally have an automatic control system providing a lock out/shut down feature which will require manual re-set in the event of a number of potential circumstances. These include overheating, build up of uncombusted gasin the burner/flue, build up of carbon monoxide in the plant room or opening of the combustion chamber door. Jam switches should be fitted on all augers.
Installation, Cleaning and Maintenance by a Competent Person
The boiler, flue and all safety devices must be inspected, cleaned, serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacture's recommended schedules or at least annually by a suitably trained and qualified person (see comments in Key Features section on page 1 regarding competence and accreditation). Insulated fluesshould be used and a clear space of at least 1m maintained from combustible materials. Where the heater flue passes through a floor, ceiling, wall or partition that contains combustible materials a 50mm air gap (150mm for a single wall flue) around the flue or a proprietary fire-resisting sleeve or collar should to be fitted. Spark arrestors to flues are not recommended as they can cause soot build up.
Ideally the biomass boiler and associated fuel store should to be located in an external building of non-combustible construction or
purpose built structure separate from the main property by at least 10 metres or as far as is reasonably practical. Where located inside a building the plant and fuel store should preferably be located in a dedicated plant room with 1 hour fire separation, if not a clear space of at least 3 metres will be required around the plant and associated equipment. Provision of automatic Fire Alarm detection in the area of the
installation with offsite signalling is preferred.
Operation of the system to be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, by staff who have undergone operational, routine
maintenance and emergency procedures training. Start-up and Restart training to be included as it is important the correct safety checks and
procedures are followed.
Boiler room/compartment should be kept clear of combustible materials. Any spilled pellets, wood chip or overfill in the boiler compartment should be cleared promptly and the compartment inspected at least weekly. All waste ash is to be collected and retained within a proprietary metal lidded receptacle – preferably located externally and fed by screw mechanism incorporating fire dampers to any wall openings. These can be fitted with interlock switches to shut down the boiler if they become detached or full during operation.
The correct storage arrangements for pellets or woodchip is essential to prevent moisture absorption and the resultant risk of spontaneous
combustion. Only fuels recommended by the manufacturer and from reliable sources (to avoid contamination and guarantee moisture
content) are to be used in the boiler and be within specification for moisture content. The European Union has developed specifications and
standards – CEN/TC 335 for solid biofuels. If chipping own fuel, procedures are required to ensure the appropriate moisture content requirements are adhered to. Electrical fittings should not be present in fuel stores unless of an explosion proof type and an earthing point is
normally required for fuel delivery.
Health and Safety Considerations
Fire and Explosion Risks
A Fire Risk Assessment and, if necessary, a DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations) assessment should be undertaken, or existing documentation reviewed and updated to ensure suitability.
There is a risk that wood pellets in enclosed stores can produce carbon monoxide. Storage areas should be treated as confined spaces and appropriate ventilation and gas checks to be undertaken before entering enclosed stores or hoppers. Access doors should be locked and signage posted advising that entry is subject to a Permit to Work.
Technical Talks – Biomass
For more information, please contact your local branch.
Note: Information detailed in Technical Talks has not been verified for accuracy by a third party. None of the information should be taken as legal or professional advice.


text:
Un Canadien errant - theme from the 'Patriotes Soundtrack' 1/2
It was during the first hard years of the Patriotes' exile, in 1842, when a student wrote new topical lyrics for an old folk song. It became an instantly popular because it eloquently expressed the longing of an exile for his native land.
It is the rare matching of words and ideas with a simple, honest melody.
If sung as a "chansonàrépondre" you can imagine a canoe full of men in the northwest. The leader sings the couplet, then the rest of the voyageurs repeat it - using the rhythm to synchronize and pace their strokes … and the sentiment to divert their minds from the hard labour and the long day.
One could hear Un Canadien errant sung both in the bush and the cities of Upper Canada - from the Rockies to Lake Winnipeg and at the most distant outposts in Canada's northwest.
from: Chansons Populaires du Canada; Ernest Gagnon; 1880; Librairie Beauchemin.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


The stamp-edition is the monopoly of state. A piece of independence. A piece of sovereignty. A piece of exclusiveness. A piece of law.
To make stamp means: to create value. To make stamp means: to substitute value for.
The stamp is an opening. It is an opening to show that, what is important. To show that, what is not important. To demonstrate our fantasy.
Stamps are facts. Stamps are ideas. Stamps are indications to codification. Stamps are indications to innovation.
The stamp is such a picture, which not raises a claim to manage it as a picture, while state-power strives to monopolize the conceptual definition of the so called "picture". Stamp may resist this, if it is not a production of a state-monopoly.
Therefore I made stamps.
Gabor Tóth | ParaStamp | web
Gabor Toth is a visual and experimental poet living and working in Budapest.
This essay was published in: World Art Post, Artpool, Budapest, 1982, pp. 6. <>
[WAP texts]


Workday Adaptive Planning Knowledge Center
FAQs for Sheets
How-to: Configure parameters that automatically update
Yes, you can do this by linking together your time parameters. You can link any time element, except for timespan, to a single period parameter.
Example: You have a report with three segments with separate time parameters that you want to set up so that update automatically changing one parameter will automatically update the other parameters.
To link parameters:
 1. Drag and drop the first time element to the parameter bar
 2. Then, drag and drop the other two time elements on top of the first parameter
 3. After adding the parameters, right-click on the Period parameter to verify that the elements are connected
 In Parameter Settings, several dynamic time options are available when you scroll to the top of the Initial Choice setting such as current month and last actuals month.
How-to: Calculate percent of sales for an account
You can use the Display as Percent report element to display results for multiple accounts.
Example: You have a revenue account called Book Sales want to know what Book COGS is as a percentage of Book Sales.
To calculate percent of sales:
 1. Click Display As and add the % of Account element to your report
 2. Right-click on the newly added % of Account element and select the Book Sales account as the denominator for the calculation
 3. Add any account that you want to see as % of Book Sales
How-to: Create a subtotal for different time periods from different versions
You can use the Custom Display As element to create a subtotal.
Example: You want to create a subtotal using the first six months a budget version and the last six months of a forecast version. Assuming that your report already has 2 segments set up (#1 first 6 months for the budget version and #2 last 6 months for the forecast version), we can set up a third segment that will contain our calculations for the subtotal.
To create a Custom subtotal:
 1. Add a new segment
 2. From the Calculations menu, add a Difference element to the new segment
 3. In the Difference Options, include the two versions that you want to use for the subtotal and make sure to offset the Subtract Version 6 months Backwards
 4. From the Calculations menu, add a Custom Calculation element below the difference element in the segment that sums the last 6 months
 - Because the difference element is offset, it will sum the first 6 months with the last 6 months
 5. From the Display As menu, add a Custom element to the bottom of the segment and include the formula below where "offset version" is the version offset in the Difference element
 - if(this.version.name = "offset version", -ACCT.this, ACCT.this)
In the steps above, we are using a workaround to make the difference element a sum instead. The reason we use the difference is because it allows us to operate with 2 different versions in a single calculation, where as it is impossible, currently, to formulaically refer to values in another version from you current version.
How-to: Create a variance between two different versions and time periods
You can create a report that shows the variance between Budget 2020 version for FY2020 and Budget 2021 version for FY2021 by offsetting the time for one of the versions forward or backward.
To create the report:
 1. Place both the Budget 1 and Budget 2 versions in one segment
 2. Add a 2020 Time element to the segment or Filter
 3. Right-click on the Budget 2 version and select Properties
 4. Shift the version forward by 12 months.
 - By shifting the time forward, the Budget 2 version will display data for 2021 when the Budget 2 version is displaying data for 2020
 5. Add a Difference element next to the versions.
 6. Right-click on the Difference element, select Properties and verify that the Difference element is creating the proper variance and that the Budget 2 version is shifted forward by 12 months.
The resulting report should give you 3 columns: one for Budget 2020, one for Budget 2021, and one for the variance between the two versions.
How-to: Remove total rows for accounts
Totals can't be removed for a parent account in Report Properties. When the option to "Show totals at bottom" is checked in Report Properties, the total for the parent account will be shown as a row at the bottom of the rollup. When you uncheck "Show totals at bottom," the totals will appear in the same row as the parent account at the top of the rollup. As a workaround to remove totals, you can remove totals by dragging each account to the report builder separately.
To remove totals:
 1. From Design Elements, add a custom header to the report, right-click to select Properties, and update the label to represent the parent account
 2. Drag and drop the accounts that rollup to the parent account that we didn't add to the report to prevent displaying its total
How-to: Reverse the sign for non-GL accounts in Reports
Because the reverse sign feature in reports only applies to GL accounts, you can use a custom calculation to reverse the sign for non-GL accounts in a matrix report.
Example 1:
 - Formula -1*ACCT.Example
 - Translation: Multiplies the account by -1 to reverse the sign for the account
Example 2:
 - Formula: if([Budget]<[Actuals], div(([Budget]-[Actuals])/[Actuals])*-1, div(([Budget]-[Actuals])/[Actuals]))
 - Translation: If the Budget value is less than Actuals, then take the variance and multiple by negative one, otherwise just take the variance
How-to: Create a rolling 12 month average report


For example, "le dentiste" refers to a male dentist while "la dentiste" refers to a female dentist.
Moods and tense-aspect forms
The French language consists of both finite and non-finite moods. The finite moods include the indicative mood (indicatif), the subjunctive mood (subjonctif), the imperative mood (impératif), and the conditional mood (conditionnel). The non-finite moods include the infinitive mood (infinitif), the present participle (participe présent), and the past participle (participe passé).
Finite moods
Indicative (Indicatif)
The indicative mood makes use of eight tense-aspect forms. These include the present (présent), the simple past ( passé composé and passé simple), the past imperfective ( imparfait), the pluperfect ( plus-que-parfait), the simple future ( futur simple), the future perfect ( futur antérieur), and the past perfect (passé antérieur). Some forms are less commonly used today. In today's spoken French, the passé composé is used while the passé simple is reserved for formal situations or for literary purposes. Similarly, the plus-que-parfait is used for speaking rather than the older passé antérieur seen in literary works.
Within the indicative mood, the passé composé, plus-que-parfait, futur antérieur, and passé antérieur all use auxiliary verbs in their forms.
Présent Imparfait Passé composé Passé simple
Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
1st Person j'aime nous aimons j'aimais nous aimions j'ai aimé nous avons aimé j'aimai nous aimâmes
2nd Person tu aimes vous aimez tu aimais vous aimiez tu as aimé vous avez aimé tu aimas vous aimâtes
3rd Person il/elle aime ils/elles aiment il/elle aimait ils/elles aimaient il/elle a aimé ils/elles ont aimé il/elle aima ils/elles aimèrent
Futur simple Futur antérieur Plus-que-parfait Passé antérieur
Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
1st Person j'aimerai nous aimerons j'aurai aimé nous aurons aimé j'avais aimé nous avions aimé j'eus aimé nous eûmes aimé
2nd Person tu aimeras vous aimerez tu auras aimé vous aurez aimé tu avais aimé vous aviez aimé tu eus aimé vous eûtes aimé
3rd Person il/elle aimera ils/elles aimeront il/elle aura aimé ils/elles auront aimé il/elle avait aimé ils/elles avaient aimé il/elle eut aimé ils/elles eurent aimé
Subjunctive (Subjonctif)
The subjunctive mood only includes four of the tense-aspect forms found in the indicative: present (présent), simple past (passé composé), past imperfective (imparfait), and pluperfect (plus-que-parfait).
Within the subjunctive mood, the passé composé and plus-que-parfait use auxiliary verbs in their forms.
Présent Imparfait Passé composé Plus-que-parfait
Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
1st Person j'aime nous aimions j'aimasse nous aimassions j'aie aimé nous ayons aimé j'eusse aimé nous eussions aimé
2nd Person tu aimes vous aimiez tu aimasses vous aimassiez tu aies aimé vous ayez aimé tu eusses aimé vous eussiez aimé
3rd Person il/elle aime ils/elles aiment il/elle aimât ils/elles aimassent il/elle ait aimé ils/elles aient aimé il/elle eût aimé ils/elles eussent aimé
Imperative (Imperatif)
The imperative is used in the present tense (with the exception of a few instances where it is used in the perfect tense). The imperative is used to give commands to you (tu), we/us (nous), and plural you (vous).
Singular Plural
1st Person aimons
2nd Person aime aimez
Conditional (Conditionnel)
The conditional makes use of the present (présent) and the past (passé).
The passé uses auxiliary verbs in its forms.
Présent Passé
Singular Plural Singular Plural
1st Person j'aimerais nous aimerions j'aurais aimé nous aurions aimé
2nd Person tu aimerais vous aimeriez tu aurais aimé vous auriez aimé
3rd Person il/elle aimerait ils/elles aimeraient il/elle aurait aimé ils/elles auraient aimé
French uses both the active voice and the passive voice. The active voice is unmarked while the passive voice is formed by using a form of verb être ("to be") and the past participle.
Example of the active voice:
 - "Elle aime le chien." She loves the dog.
 - "Marc a conduit la voiture." Marc drove the car.
Example of the passive voice:
 - "Le chien est aimé par elle." The dog is loved by her.
 - "La voiture était conduite par Marc." The car was driven by Marc.
Word order
French declarative word order is subject–verb–object although a pronoun object precedes the verb. Some types of sentences allow for or require different word orders, in particular inversion of the subject and verb, as in "Parlez-vous français ?" when asking a question rather than "Vous parlez français ?" Both formulations are used, and carry a rising inflection on the last word. The literal English translations are "Do you speak French?" and "You speak French?", respectively. To avoid inversion while asking a question, "Est-ce que" (literally "is it that") may be placed at the beginning of the sentence. "Parlez-vous français ?" may become "Est-ce que vous parlez français ?" French also uses verb–object–subject (VOS) and object–subject–verb (OSV) word order. OSV word order is not used often and VOS is reserved for formal writings. [36]
Root languages of loanwords [109]
 English (25.10%)
 Italian (16.83%)
 Germanic (20.65%)
 Romance (15.26%)
 Celtic (3.81%)
 Persian and Sanskrit (2.67%)
 Native American (2.41%)
 Other Asian languages (2.12%)
 Afro-Asiatic (6.45%)
 Balto-Slavic (1.31%)
 Basque (0.24%)
 Other languages (3.43%)
The majority of French words derive from Vulgar Latin or were constructed from Latin or Greek roots. In many cases, a single etymological root appears in French in a "popular" or native form, inherited from Vulgar Latin, and a learned form, borrowed later from Classical Latin. The following pairs consist of a native noun and a learned adjective:
However, a historical tendency to Gallicise Latin roots can be identified, whereas English conversely leans towards a more direct incorporation of the Latin:
There are also noun-noun and adjective-adjective pairs:
It can be difficult to identify the Latin source of native French words because in the evolution from Vulgar Latin, unstressed syllables were severely reduced and the remaining vowels and consonants underwent significant modifications.
More recently[ when?] the linguistic policy of the French language academies of France and Quebec has been to provide French equivalents [110] to (mainly English) imported words, either by using existing vocabulary, extending its meaning or deriving a new word according to French morphological rules. The result is often two (or more) co-existing terms for describing the same phenomenon.
 - mercatique / marketing
 - finance fantôme / shadow banking
 - bloc-notes / notepad
 - ailière / wingsuit
 - tiers-lieu / coworking
One study analyzing the degree of differentiation of Romance languages in comparison to Latin estimated that among the languages analyzed French has the greatest distance from Latin. [111] Lexical similarity is 89% with Italian, 80% with Sardinian, 78% with Rhaeto-Romance, and 75% with Romanian, Spanish and Portuguese. [112] [113]
The French counting system is partially vigesimal: twenty (vingt) is used as a base number in the names of numbers from 70 to 99. The French word for 80 is quatre-vingts, literally "four twenties", and the word for 75 is soixante-quinze, literally "sixty-fifteen". This reform arose after the French Revolution to unify the counting systems (mostly vigesimal near the coast, because of Celtic (via Breton) and Viking influences. This system is comparable to the archaic English use of score, as in "fourscore and seven" (87), or "threescore and ten" (70).
Belgian French, Swiss French, Aostan French [115] and the French used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda


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MDX Overview
SQL Server 2000
This section introduces Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) and explains some of the concepts behind its structure and syntax. It contains the following topics.
Topic Description
Introduction to MDX Provides a brief introduction to MDX.
Key Concepts in MDX Explains the differences between relational and multidimensional queries.
Comparison of SQL and MDX Gives a more detailed description of the differences between SQL and MDX.
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© 2014 Microsoft


New Normal UP208
A new normal is a state to which an economy, society, etc. settles following a crisis, when this differs from the situation that prevailed prior to the start of the crisis. The term has been employed in relation to World War I, the financial crisis of 2007-2008, September 11 attacks, the aftermath of the 2008–2012 global recession, the COVID-19 pandemic and other events.
Some commentators objected overuse and misuse of the phrase by the media while describing atypical situations or behaviors, which turned it into a cliche.


Take the 2-minute tour ×
I am a bit confused about approaching this problem,
Let $g(x)$ be a function such that $g(x + 1) + g(x − 1) = g(x)$ for every real $x$. Then for what value of p is the relation $g(x + p) = g(x)$ necessarily true for every real $x$?
The four options given are $5,3,2 \text{ and } 6$.Please explain your answer.
share|improve this question
This cannot be difficult - there are only a small number of cases to try. Hint: rewrite $g(x + 1) + g(x − 1) = g(x)$ as $g(x + 1) = g(x) - g(x − 1)$ and use it to express $g(x+r)$ in terms of $g(x)$ and $g(x-1)$. – Mark Bennet Jun 27 '11 at 6:20
It would be nice if $0$ were a choice... – Ross Millikan Jun 27 '11 at 13:35
1 Answer 1
up vote 7 down vote accepted
Note that $$g(x+1) = g(x)-g(x-1)$$ for all $x$.
So $g(x+2) = g((x+1)+1) = g(x+1)-g(x) = g(x)-g(x-1)-g(x) = -g(x-1)$. Replacing $x$ with $x+1$ we get $g(x+3)=-g(x)$ for all $x$.
So $g(x+6) = -g(x+3) = -(-(g(x))) = g(x)$. So the answer is $6$.
(We already had that $2$ does not work; if you want to see why $5$ doesn't work, we have $g(x+5) = -g(x+2) = -(-g(x-1)) = g(x-1)$).
share|improve this answer
very nice solution! – mathmath8128 Jun 27 '11 at 6:54
Your Answer


Adventures in Machine Learning
Mastering Oracle: How to Limit Query Results for Efficient Data Retrieval
Query Limitation in Oracle: Limiting Result Rows in Queries
Are you tired of sifting through a sea of query results in Oracle? Do you want to save time and only view the important data?
You're in luck! In Oracle, you can limit the number of rows in your query results. In this article, we'll explore how to limit the number of rows in your Oracle queries.
The Limit Clause
The simplest way to limit the number of rows in your query results is by using the LIMIT clause. This clause is available in other database management systems but not in Oracle.
However, Oracle provides its own version of the LIMIT clause – the FETCH clause. Let's take a look at the syntax:
"'
SELECT column
FROM table
[WHERE condition]
FETCH {FIRST | NEXT} number {ROW | ROWS} ONLY;
"'
Here's a breakdown of the syntax:
– SELECT: The statement to retrieve data from Oracle's database. – column: The name of the column to retrieve data.
– table: The name of the table to retrieve data. – WHERE condition: Optional criteria for selecting rows.
– FETCH: Returns a specific subset of rows from the result set. – FIRST | NEXT: Indicates the starting point of the result set.
– number: Specifies the number of rows to fetch. – ROW | ROWS: Indicates the type of unit for the number of rows to fetch.
– ONLY: Excludes all rows beyond the specified number from the result set. For example, if we want to select the first three rows of the "employees" table:
"'
SELECT *
FROM employees
ORDER BY last_name ASC
FETCH FIRST 3 ROWS ONLY;
"'
This query will retrieve the first three employees' records from the "employees" table, sorted by last name in ascending order.
Subquery with ROWNUM Limitation
Another way to limit your query results is by using a subquery with the ROWNUM keyword. ROWNUM is a pseudocolumn that assigns a unique number to every row fetched from a query.
Combining ROWNUM with a subquery is an effective way to limit the number of returned rows. Here's an example:
"'
SELECT *
FROM (SELECT *
FROM products
ORDER BY unit_price DESC)
WHERE ROWNUM <= 5;
"'
This code retrieves the five products that have the highest unit price from the "products" table.
The subquery first sorts all the rows in descending order by unit price. Then, the outer query selects the first five rows numbered by ROWNUM.
Getting Top Rows Based on a Condition
When you have a larger dataset and want to get the top results based on a condition, you can use both methods described above as well. In the following example, we'll get the highest score of an exam with the following structure:
"'
CREATE TABLE exam (
exam_id NUMBER,
student_name VARCHAR2(50),
score NUMBER(3)
);
"'
The sample data inserted:
"'
INSERT INTO exam
(exam_id, student_name, score)
VALUES
(1, 'Alice', 95),
(2, 'Ben', 80),
(3, 'Charlie', 100),
(4, 'David', 95),
(5, 'Ella', 85),
(6, 'Frank', 92),
(7, 'Gina', 78),
(8, 'Harry', 90),
(9, 'Ivan', 96),
(10, 'Jake', 83),
(11, 'Kate', 87),
(12, 'Liam', 95),
(13, 'Maggie', 77),
(14, 'Nora', 84),
(15, 'Oscar', 98),
(16, 'Penelope', 81),
(17, 'Quincy', 92),
(18, 'Rachel', 89);
"'
The query to get the highest score:
"'
SELECT *
FROM exam
WHERE score = (SELECT MAX(score)
FROM exam);
"'
This query will retrieve the students who scored the highest on the exam.
Key Takeaways
By now, you should have a better understanding of how to limit query results in Oracle. You can use the FETCH or ROWNUM to ensure that only the necessary data is retrieved.
Additionally, by combining these techniques with subqueries, you can limit the results further based on particular conditions. Regardless of your query needs, a well-structured query can help you find the data you need quickly and efficiently.
In summary, limiting query results in Oracle is a handy technique that can help you save time and avoid unnecessary data. With this knowledge, you'll be one step closer to mastering Oracle's powerful query capabilities!
Discussion and Tips: How to Refine Your Oracle Queries Using Subqueries, Conditions, and Limitations
As the amount of data we store continues to grow at an exponential rate, so do the complexities of processing and analyzing it.
Organizations need agile and efficient tools to query their databases effectively. In this article, we'll explore how to leverage subqueries, conditions, and query limitations in Oracle to refine your queries and simplify data retrieval.
Using Subqueries for Sorting
Often in database applications, the need arises to perform a complex sort on a specific attribute within a dataset. In such cases, a subquery can be helpful.
A subquery allows you to divide a more extensive query into two or more queries and retrieve data from a nested component within a single query. When it comes to sorting, you can use a subquery to define a result set for sorting.
Let's take a look at an example:
"'
SELECT order_id, customer_id, total_amount
FROM orders
WHERE customer_id IN (
SELECT customer_id
FROM customers
WHERE region = 'Asia'
)
ORDER BY total_amount DESC;
"'
This query retrieves all the orders from a specific region (Asia) and sorts them by the total amount of each order. Notice that we used a subquery in the WHERE clause to retrieve customer IDs from a nested component and filter the results accordingly.
Applying Conditions for Query Result Limitation
When dealing with large datasets, it is often necessary to apply conditions to limit the number of results returned by a query. Oracle provides us with a useful and straightforward tool for this: the ROWNUM keyword.
ROWNUM is a pseudocolumn that can be used to limit the number of rows returned from a query, which helps to conserve memory and reduce processing time. Let's explore an example:
"'
SELECT order_id, customer_id, total_amount
FROM orders
WHERE status = 'delivered'
AND ROWNUM < 6;
"'
This query retrieves the five most recent delivered orders by filtering on the "status" column and applying a condition on ROWNUM in the WHERE clause. Here, we've limited the number of rows returned to five by setting ROWNUM to less than six.
Potential Limitations and Risks
While subqueries and ROWNUM are useful for limiting query results, there are several limitations and risks to consider before implementing them in your queries. When using subqueries, it is essential to be mindful of their complexity and impact on performance.
Subqueries can become quite complicated and take longer to execute, which can slow down your query performance. Additionally, subqueries are not always supported by all database management systems, so be sure to check the documentation for complete details.
Similarly, when using ROWNUM, it's crucial to remember that the order of rows returned is determined by the physical order the data is stored. Therefore, it's not always reliable to use ROWNUM to limit a query's results since the order in which the data was entered into the table could impact the results.
Another potential risk when using ROWNUM is that it can create a false sense of security in your results. Suppose you're using ROWNUM to limit the number of results returned in your query.
In that case, you may not necessarily be getting the data you need. For instance, if you are looking to retrieve the five highest scores from a table, and two or more students have scored the same highest score, using ROWNUM can limit the result set to less than five rows.
Therefore, be careful when relying solely on ROWNUM to limit your query's results.
Final Thoughts
Oracle provides many useful features and tools for querying your database effectively. By leveraging subqueries and ROWNUM, you can streamline your data retrieval and limit the number of results returned to optimize performance.
However, be mindful of the potential limitations and risks associated with these features. As always, test your queries, and consult Oracle documentation to ensure the best results for your specific needs.
In summary, refining your Oracle queries using subqueries, conditions, and limitations can help you streamline your data retrieval and optimize your query performance. By using subqueries to sort and filter your data and applying conditions to limit the number of results returned by your queries, you can efficiently query large datasets.
However, it's essential to be mindful of the potential limitations and risks of these features. Always test your queries and consult Oracle documentation to achieve the best results.
Query optimization is a crucial skill for data analysts, and mastering these techniques will help you make better data-driven decisions.


Vicente Juan Masip
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Alfonso V of Aragon, 1557, Zaragoza Museum
Vicente Juan Masip (also Vicente Macip;Catalan: 'Vicent Joan Masip'; 1475– 1545) (also known as Joan de Joanes (La Font de la Figuera 1507 - Bocairent 1579) was a Spanish painter of the Renaissance period. He was one of the main members, and was considered the premier painter of the Valencian school of painters.
His father was Vicente Masip (Andilla 1475 - Valencia 1545), and his son was Vicente Masip Comes (c. _PHONE_), known as Vicent de Joanes, who imitated his style.[citation needed] His two daughters, Dorotea and Margarita, were also painters.[citation needed] His most prominent pupil was Nicolas Borras.[citation needed]
External links[edit]


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Data set ID:
We conducted a "home vs. away" plant-soil feedback greenhouse experiment using two C3 grass species (Bromus inermis and Pascopyrum smithii) grown in soil collected from Konza Prairie. We used a closed-circuit CO2 trapping method and isotopic analysis to differentiate between root-derived and SOM-derived CO2 production. We investigated how soil chemistry and soil bacterial communities differed in soils with a history of B. inermis vs soils with a history of P. smithii.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Monday, June 1, 2015 to Monday, May 1, 2017

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


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Indian nations you'll trace the routes of fur traders and explorers you'll learn and lakes of otter tail county though simple in design, they symbolize the faith, community and tradition of the early he also hired men to change the natural course of the river today, pelican rapids annually celebrates the pelican fest,. Otter tail county find otter tail county minnesota salvation army stores salvation army provides information on charitable donations, thrift stores, community service programs, employment services, housing assistance, and disaster relief. 2 injured in otter tail county crash fargo — two men were injured in a crash saturday morning, june 30, on interstate 94 in otter tail county, the minnesota state patrol reported.
This township was originally a part of wilkin county, but by the legislative act of 1872 and the subsequent election provided by the act, it was attached to otter tail county along with the five other congressional townships of range 44, which are now a part of otter tail county two townships were organized out of range 44 on january 7 1873. The body of an early resident known as minnesota woman was discovered in 1931 in otter tail county radiocarbon dating determined that she had come through the area in approximately 6600 bc she had a conch shell from a snail species known as busycon perversa, which had previously only been known to exist in florida. Extramarital affairs - discreet affairs - discreet relationships have an affair with member who is 30 and single in otter tail county (mn) meet other married women and men looking for discreet affairs, relationships and extramarital affairs by becoming a member today - it's free. The otter tail county sheriff's swat team located him at 7:45 pm thursday in a fish house on east battle lake and arrested him without incident, according to the sheriff's office.
Our lakes there are 1048 lakes in otter tail county that is more than any other single county in the entire united states of america the otter tail county web site includes more information on each lake the otter tail county historical society has been collecting information on its lakes since 2000. In otter tail county, mn the age groups most likely to have health care coverage are 55-64 and 55-64, men and women, respectively the location has a 1 to 50 primary care clinician to patient ratio and a medicare reimbursement average per patient per year of $8,247. Domestic violence in minnesota • in 2011, • in 2013, at least 26 women, 7 men, and 6 family members/friends in minnesota were murdered in domestic violence homicidesiv • in 2014, otter tail county fergus falls southern valley alliance for battered women belle plaine someplace safe. The number of natural disasters in otter tail county (15) is near the us average (13) major disasters (presidential) declared: 13 emergencies declared: 2 causes of natural disasters: floods: 12 , storms: 8 , tornadoes: 4 , blizzard: 1 , drought: 1 , hurricane: 1 , wind: 1 , winter storm: 1 (note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category.
About 9 pm, crews responded to the single-vehicle crash on the 16000 block of 215th avenue, according to the otter tail county sheriff's office. Otter tail county human services director deb sjostrom says she can't comment on ceryes' situation due to state privacy issues but she says child protection workers do their best to reunite children with family members when possible. Otter tail county minnesota historical society collections, vol 17 (1920) submitted by jan stypula this county, established march 18, 1858, and organized september 12, 1868, received its name from the otter tail lake and river. The otter tail county sheriff's office responded at about 6 pm saturday to a report of a missing jet skier on west battle lake authorities searching for missing jet skier in otter tail county. A north west co post was located on otter tail point in 1785 another north west co post was located further west about 1805 the second post was the scene of lt zebulon pike's expedition in 1806 to find the source of the mississippi river (which was actually at lake itasca further west), where the british flag was ordered taken down and.
Otter tail county, minnesota's gender ratio is higher than the minnesota state average of 99 men to 100 women (99:100) or 099 the gender ratio is also higher than the national average of 97 men to 100 women (97:100) or 097. 2 forty–six years later, corliss wrote "reminiscences of the early history of otter tail county" for a two volume county history published in 1916. By may of 1870 three families and four single men left houston county in a train of prairie schooners they planned to travel as far as otter tail county, minnesota, or grand forks, north dakota olav thortvedt was the leader of this group.
1010 the otter tail county historical society will be hosting a tour of the fergus falls state hospital cemetery 2018-10-27 2018-10-28 #808080 the otter tail county historical society will be hosting a tour of the fergus falls state hospital cemetery on saturday, october 27 at 4 pm park in the back lot of the minnesota veterans home. Otter tail county is a county located in the us state of minnesota as of the 2010 census, the population was 57,303 its county seat is fergus falls the county was formed in 1858 and organized in 1868 otter tail county comprises the fergus falls, mn micropolitan statistical area. Quickfacts otter tail county, minnesota united states quickfacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. Otter tail county directory join zoosk online dating for free browse photos of vergas single hindu women, flirt with potential matches and set up a date in vergas for tonight.
Old betsy, mdewakantonwan dakota woman see old bets old bug see bug-o-nay-ge-shig old catholics, sect, archives, 20:423 old clitherall, otter tail county, ghost town, 47:112, 47:113 old connecticut path, indian trail, 15:256 old crossing, otter tail river, garrison, 38:286 old crossing, red lake river. The remains, nicknamed minnesota girl, were dated at about 11,000 bc (otter tail county historical museum) the first white men to enter the county were french and british fur traders efforts were made to set up trading posts on the leaf lakes and otter tail lake in the late 19th century, most of the towns were built along the railroad lines. Otter tail county is seeking a full-time public health nurse to work in the public health department to apply rural health community listening session october 30th 4-6 pm in alexandria.

source: m-a-p/FineFineWeb


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Telesis Bio at ASHG 2023
Visit us at booth #1811
Stop by to learn about our innovative automation solutions that enable push button synthetic biology and streamline multiomic application workflows throughout biologics discovery.
At Telesis Bio, we are committed to empowering researchers to overcome workflow bottlenecks and accelerate discoveries ranging from vaccines, antibody therapeutics, cell and gene therapy, precision medicine to protein and enzyme engineering for sustainable production. Our presentation at ASHG 2023 will showcase how our technologies can give researchers greater control over their workflow and innovations to shorten the path to discovery.
What you can expect to learn by visiting our booth:
- How De novo synthesis of DNA and mRNA and molecular cloning to multi-omic applications can be consolidated and simplified with BioXp automation solutions.
- How one-step and two-step mRNA solutions for vaccine discovery can streamline the vaccine and therapeutic drug discovery process, by allowing researchers to build transfection-ready mRNA in a single, overnight run.
- How automation solutions can streamline the process of generating novel genomes for the study of infectious diseases, including the ability to confirm correct genome constructs through the BioXp.
Visit our booth to learn more about how we're transforming genomics, breaking through workflow bottlenecks, and leading the way in automated molecular biology for rapid discoveries.
Stop by Booth #1811 to learn more about our DNA/mRNA solutions.
Enabling on-demand synthesis of genome engineering tools at the push of a button
Friday, November 3rd
CoLab Theater Assignment: 2
Dan Gibson, PhD
Co-founder and CTO, Telesis Bio
Synthetic and molecular biology techniques are crucial to accelerating impact in discovery and therapeutic applications. At Telesis Bio, our automated molecular biology workflow solutions are designed to eliminate current bottlenecks and accelerate the engineering of genes, genomes, genetic pathways, and cell lines. The BioXp platform – a total molecular biology workstation—enables flexibility in adopting automation for workflows from de novo synthetic biology and into multi-omic applications.
Beyond the BioXp platform, our SOLA enzymatic DNA synthesis technology is driving on-demand Digital-to-Biological Converter (DBC) applications for constructing synthetic DNA, RNA, and protein starting from digitally transmitted DNA sequence. In our presentation, we will give an overview of these technologies and how they can help overcome current synthesis bottlenecks and streamline molecular biology workflows throughout biologics discovery.
Our BioXp de novo and Select synthesis kits provide scientists with the flexibility to generate DNA and mRNA beginning with either digital sequence or existing linear or plasmid DNA, further expanding the utility, speed, and impact of the platform in discovery. We also discuss consolidated workflow solutions from sequence to NGS sample preparation for various workflows to optimize discovery.


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Ingalls Dugout Site
*The dugout site is closed for the season. Watch for an opening date in the Spring of 2024.
Laura Ingalls lived 1.5 miles north of Walnut Grove along the banks of Plum Creek from 1874 to 1876. Charles and Caroline Ingalls settled on the property in May 1874, declaring their intent to homestead it. After three consecutive crop failures they decided not to complete the homestead process. Instead, they purchased the land in July 1876 from the United States for $413 and resold it immediately for $400 to Abraham Keller.
The Ingalls family then moved to Burr Oak, Iowa to help the Steadmans operate the Masters Hotel. However, hardships continued to follow the Ingalls. Their only son, Charles Frederic, died en route at the age of nine months. Seventy-one years later in 1947 Harold and Della Gordon purchased the 172 acre farm, unaware of its historical connection. Garth Williams, an illustrator of Laura's books, had been following the Ingalls' trail in courthouse records. He visited the Gordons in November 1947 and informed them that their new farm had been homesteaded by the Ingalls. The unusual depression in the banks of Plum Creek was the location of the Ingalls dugout.
The Gordon family continues to maintain access to the dugout site for Laura's fans. Visitors can still identify the plum thickets, table lands, big rock, spring, and other sites that Laura describes in "On the Banks of Plum Creek". The Gordons have left the dugout site as they found it in 1947. The deep depression in the ground is all that remains of Laura's dugout home.
None of the buildings that Pa built remain nor is their exact location known. About 25 acres of native grasses have been planted surrounding the dugout site since 1999 to enhance the visitor's experience.
The site is open during daylight hours May through October, weather permitting.
Occasionally, heavy rains cause Plum Creek to flood access to the site. Entrance to the site is through the current 1900 era farmstead located 1.5 miles north of Walnut Grove on Redwood County Road 5. The Gordons charge visitors $7.00 per car or $40.00 per tour bus which is deposited at the site on the honor system.
Follow the signs to a large parking and picnic area along Plum Creek and enjoy the sights and sounds from Laura's time.
Ingalls Dugout Site
13501 County Road 5
Walnut Grove, MN 56180


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Une inévitable solitude: Varlam Chalamov et la tradition idéologique
AN INEVITABLE LONELINESS: VARLAM SHALAMOV AND THE IDEOLOGICAL TRADITION / This paper explains the reasons for the painful return of Shalamov to the Muscovite world, and analyses the various conflicts he had to face, regarding both his new and his former, detention, comrades. In this way, we can understand the impact that his first arrest in 1929 had on the construction of his existential model as well as on his aesthetic choices. Among these choices, can be considered his loyalty regarding politics and poetic engagement for the generation of 1920s, as he had interpreted it. On this basis, this paper investigates a number of ways of interpreting literary history made possible by some recent finds concerning the Shalamov's biography, and analyses the rupture between Shalamov and Solzhenitsyn.
Key words: painful return; politics and poetic engagement; generation of 1920s; Shalamov's archives


/systemd/system/elements.service
As you probably guessed from the ExecPath property, your service executable goes in:
/usr/bin/ElementsService.exe
If all went well you can now start your service from the command-line:
systemctl start elements
And you can stop the service with:
systemctl stop elements
Resident services
Starting and stopping a service is all good and well, but that doesn't mean it will automatically start when you reboot your Linux box. In order to make the service resident (persisted, so Linux remembers to fire it up on boot), you have to enable the service:
systemctl enable elements
If you want to stop the service from starting on boot, just disable it:
systemctl disable elements
Now there is a ton of things you can tweak and change in the service-manifest file. For example, do you want Linux to restart your service if it crashes? How many times should Linux attempt to bring the service back up? Should it only bring it back up if the exit-code is zero?
If you want Linux to always restart a service if it stops (regardless of reason), you set the following flag in the service-manifest:
Restart=always
If you want Linux to only restart if the service fails, meaning that the exit-code of the application is <> 0, then you use this value instead:
Restart=on-failure
You can also set the service to only start after some other service, for example if your service has networking as a criteria (which is what we set in the service-manifest above), or a database engine.
There is a ton of different settings you can apply to the service-manifest, but listing them all here would be a small book. Better to just check the documentation and experiment a bit. So check the link and pick the ones that makes sense to your particular service.
Reflections
You should be very careful with how you define restart options. If something goes wrong and your service crash on start, Linux will keep restarting it en-mass. Automatic restart creates a loop, and it can be wise to make sure it doesn't get stuck. I would set restart to "on-error" exclusively, so that your service has a chance to exit gracefully.
Happy coding! And a special thanks to Benjamin Morel for his helpful posts.

.NetRocks, you made my day!
October 11, 2019 4 comments
72462670_10156562141710906_5626655686042583040_nA popular website for .Net developers is called dot-net-rocks. This is an interesting site that has been going for a while now; well worth the visit if you do work with the .Net framework via RemObjects Elements, VS or Mono.
Now it turns out that the guys over at dot–net-rocks just did an episode on their podcast where they open by labeling me as a "raving lunatic" (I clearly have my moments); which I find absolutely hilarious, but not for the same reasons as them.
Long story short: They are doing a podcast on how to migrate legacy Delphi applications to C#, and in that context they somehow tracked down an article I posted way back in 2016, which was meant as a satire piece. Now don't get me wrong, there are serious points in the article, like how the .Net framework was modeled on the Delphi VCL, and how the concepts around CLR and JIT were researched at Borland; but the tone of the whole thing, the "larger than life" claims etc. was meant to demonstrate just how some .Net developers behave when faced with alternative eco-systems. Having managed some 16+ usergroups for Delphi, C#, JavaScript (a total of six languages) on Facebook for close to 15 years, as well as working for Embarcadero that makes Delphi -I speak from experience.
It might be news to these guys that large companies around Europe is still using Delphi, modern Delphi, and that Object Pascal as a language scores well on the Tiobi index of popular programming languages. And no amount of echo-chamber mentality is going to change that fact. Heck, as late as 2018 and The Walt Disney Company wanted to replace C# with Delphi, because it turns out that bytecodes and embedded tech is not the best combination (cpu spikes when the GC kicks in, no real-time interrupt handling possible, GPIO delays, the list goes on).
I mean, the post i made back in 2016 is such obvious, low-hanging fruit for a show their size to pound on. You have this massive show that takes on a single, albeit ranting (and probably a bit of a lunatic if I don't get my coffee) coder's post. Underlying in the process how little they know about the object pascal community at large. They just demonstrated my point in bold, italic and underline 😀
Look before you shoot
DotNetRocks is either oblivious that Delphi still have millions of users around the world, or that Pascal is in fact available for .Net (which is a bit worrying since .Net is supposed to be their game). The alternative is that the facts I listed hit a little too close to home. I'll leave it up to the reader to decide. Microsoft has lost at least 10 Universities around Europe to Delphi in 2018 that I know of, two of them Norwegian where I was personally involved in the license sales. While only speculation, I do find the timing for their podcast and focus on me in particular to be, "curious".
72704588_10156562141590906_7030064639744409600_nAnd for the record, the most obvious solution when faced with "that legacy Delphi project", is to just go and buy a modern version of Delphi. DotNetRocks delivered a perfect example of that very arrogance my 2016 post was designed to convey; namely that "brogrammers" often act like Delphi 7 was the last Delphi. They also resorted to lies to sell their points: I never said that Anders was dogged for creating Delphi. Quite the opposite. I simply underlined that by ridiculing Delphi in one hand, and praising it's author with the other – you are indirectly (and paradoxically) invalidating half his career. Anders is an awesome developer, but why exclude how he evolved his skills? Ofcourse Ander's products will have his architectural signature on them.
Not once did they mention Embarcadero or the fact that Delphi has been aggressively developed since Borland kicked the bucket. Probably hoping that undermining the messenger will somehow invalidate the message.
vspas
Porting Delphi to C# manually? Ok.. why not install Elements and just compile it into an assembly? You don't even have to leave Visual Studio
Also, such an odd podcast for professional developers to run with. I mean, who the hell converts a Delphi project to C# manually? It's like listening to a graphics artist that dont know that Photoshop and Illustrator are the de-facto tools to use. How is that even possible? A website dedicated to .Net, yet with no insight into the languages that run on the CLR? Wow.
If you want to port something from Delphi to .Net, you don't sit down and manually convert stuff. You use proper tools like Elements from RemObjects; This gives you Object-Pascal for .Net (so a lot of code will compile just fine with only minor changes). Elements also ships with source-conversion tools, so once you have it running under Oxygene Pascal (the dialect is called Oxygene) you either just use the assemblies — or convert the Pascal code to C# through a tool called an Oxidizer.
vsdelphi
The most obvious solution is to just upgrade to a Delphi version from this century
The other solution is to use Hydra, also a RemObjects product. They can then compile the Delphi code into a library (including visual parts like forms and frames), and simply use that as any other assembly from within C#. This allows you to gradually phase out older parts without breaking the product. You can also use C# assemblies from Delphi with Hydra.
So by all means, call me what you like. You have only proved my point so far. You clearly have zero insight into the predominant Object-Pascal eco-systems, you clearly don't know the tools developers use to interop between arcetypical and contextual languages — and instead of fact checking some of the points I made, dry humor notwithstanding, you just reacted like brogrammers do.
Well, It's been weeks since I laughed this hard 😀 You really need to check before you pick someone to verbally abuse on the first date, because you might just bite yourself in the arse here he he
Cheers

Quartex Media Desktop, new compiler and general progress
September 11, 2019 Leave a comment
It's been a few weeks since my last update on the project. The reason I dont blog that often about Quartex Media Desktop (QTXMD), is because the official user-group has grown to 2000+ members. So it's easier for me to post developer updates directly to the audience rather than writing articles about it.
desktop_01
Quartex Media Desktop ~ a complete environment that runs on every device
If you haven't bothered digging into the project, let me try to sum it up


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A new article by Logrus IT's CEO, Leonid Glazychev, has been published in Linguistics and Literature Studies, a professional journal issued by Horizon Research Publishing Corporation. Below is the abstract and the download link.
The article introduces the first hybrid language quality assurance (LQA) methodology for translated texts, the Quality Triangle. This methodology was developed to assess original translated materials, with no available reference translations. It combines holistic and analytical approaches and provides the most flexible solution for a wide variety of applications and subject areas. Special attention is paid to the proposed approach detailing how holistic quality factors can be taken into account given the challenge they represent: these factors need to be assessed, but are at the same time not completely objective by definition. The resulting Quality Triangle methodology provides a reliable model for incorporating semi-objective, holistic factors into quality assurance metrics and can serve as the foundation for building models applicable in real production processes and serving a multitude of purposes.
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States, businesses had to mobilize quickly, pivoting their strategies, distribution efforts, products and beyond to accommodate the new safety measures and external pressures. The food and beverage industry was no different. Although food manufacturers were deemed essential in the United States by Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), manufacturers had to adapt to a new normal during the shutdown.2 Some of the biggest changes that occurred in the food manufacturing industry include fluctuating customers, prices, product and ingredient availability, packaging, distribution, and food quality and safety.
Shifting Demand, Customers and Food Pricing
Sharp changes in food prices and product availability shocked supply and demand and impacted the entire food supply chain across the United States. According to the USDA, there were record levels of demand for food at grocery stores, and, on the supply side, there has been a reduced supply of meat products over the period of quarantine as meatpacking plants faced temporary closures, decreased slaughter pace, and slower production due to COVID-19 regulations.3 Poultry prices took a sharp dip and have been rebounding, hot dog prices are at an all-time high due to increased demand, and beef prices have been climbing due to scarce supply and limited fresh production. Food pricing fluctuation is one of the largest food industry impacts felt directly by the general public and the on-premise sector. Restaurants and bars were crushed by the skyrocketing ingredient prices and mandatory temporary closures due to COVID-19.
As restaurants, school cafeterias and hotels were temporarily shut down due to quarantine restrictions, the food manufacturing industry's most prominent customers practically disappeared. Before COVID-19, the USDA reported that in 2018, restaurants provided approximately 50% of meals consumed on a daily basis, up from 41% in 1984.4 When COVID-19 hit, consumer trends showed a monumental shift to eating at home. During the height of the pandemic, more people ordered take out from fast-casual dining places and ate from home. A recently published study reveals survey findings that suggest American's food habits are shifting, as 54% of respondents confirmed they are cooking more, and 46% of respondents, baking more.5 As customers and demand changed, products and packaging had to follow suit.
Scores of manufacturing facilities had to rapidly respond with different products to meet changing consumer demand, despite already being in mid-production for products for restaurant kitchens, cafeterias, and the like. Most of these large-scale and wholesale products would never make it to their original, intended destinations. Manufacturers swiftly adapted their production, creating retail-ready goods from product made or intended for restaurant or fast food supply. These food production facilities had to creatively find ways to change product packaging sizes, salvaging good product with take-home cartons and containers. Some processors pre-sliced deli meat for grocery stores around the country, as markets were unable to slice the meat in-store, dealing with restrictions on the number of people who could work at any given time. The food manufacturing industry showed great ingenuity, repurposing food and getting creative in order to keep the country fed and bridge the gap in convenience shopping that consumers have grown used to.
New Distribution Pressures
There were also disruptions in the food industry's distribution channel, and the logistics of distribution were adversely affected. Facilities faced increased pressure to have tighter production turnarounds from new consumer behavior and out-of-stock situations as many markets dealt with temporary panic shopping at the beginning of the crisis. Food manufacturing facilities have always faced tight deadlines when dealing with fresh and refrigerated product. However, COVID-19 introduced new critical, immediate needs to the food supply, and, more than ever before, facilities were pressed for time to deliver. Some facilities didn't have enough dock loading time, and certain cold storage facilities could not meet the raised demands for dock times, making it harder to get product through the distribution channel to consumers. Shipping and logistics came at a premium. Drivers and logistics companies were at capacity with their service offerings, and unable to mobilize to meet the needs of every manufacturing company.
On top of the pressures from consumer demand, manufacturing facilities had to procure PPE (personal protective equipment) in mass for all employees and adjust employee schedules to meet new national and state-wide quarantine restrictions that strained the system. The PPE requirements are part of the distribution logistics, as plants are unable to distribute safe product without adhering to the system's regulations. Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Environmental Affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation, Clay Detlefsen, said in an article for Food Shot Global that the whole food industry's system has been turned on its head, as manufacturers are concerned that if they start running out of PPE and sanitation supplies, they would ultimately be forced into shutting down their food processing plants.6
Regulating Food Quality and Safety
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns surrounding the food supply chain during the height of COVID-19 for both producers and consumers was food safety. While safety and quality are always a high priority in the food industry, rising concern around the transmission of COVID-19 became a new and unprecedented challenge for food quality experts. In February the FDA declared that COVID-19 is unlikely to pass through food or food packaging, but that didn't stop public concern.7 It was critical for food manufacturers and producers to ease public fear, keep the food supply stable and eliminate foreign material contamination that would adversely affect consumers and brand reputation. A mass recall due to foreign material contamination would have dire consequences for the strained food supply chain during this historic crisis. At the same time, the pandemic limited quality and food safety teams, as key teams had to work remotely, shift schedules had to drastically change to meet new safety regulations, production lines cut in half, and quality and safety teams had to make rushed decisions when it came to reworking product.
Some plants that faced potential foreign material contamination risked sending their product into distribution without a thorough rework, up against tight deadlines. And some plants adopted a multifaceted strategy and did something they've never done before: Reworked product on hold for potential foreign material contamination themselves. Many of these companies reworked product with their extra available lines, to keep as many of their workers as possible, despite the fact that food production employees are untrained in finding and extracting foreign contaminants. Inline detection machines are also typically limited to metal detection, often incapable of consistently catching many other types of contaminants such as glass, stones, plastic, bone, rubber, gasket material, container defects, product clumps, wood and other possible missing components. Food safety is of the utmost importance when a crisis hits as the food supply chain is crucial to our success as a nation and as an interconnected world. Facing new pressures on all sides, the food industry did not neglect food safety and quality, even while adopting new strategies. There was never a doubt that the industry would overcome the new challenges.
Looking Forward
The food industry has rapidly switched business strategies, swiftly turned around new products, found new ways to align product traceability and work remotely while still meeting industry standards and production expectations. Manufacturing facilities repackaged and repurposed food to keep the country fed, maintained job security for many employees and procured PPE in mass. The food industry is also full of manufacturers and plants that accomplished things they've never done before. There are shining examples of heroism in the food and beverage space as a growing list of food businesses, restaurants and delivery services have donated to healthcare workers on the front lines. Many large companies donated millions of dollars and pounds of food to feed their teams, their communities and the less fortunate.8 In the midst of a large obstacle, we have reached new heights and discovered new capabilities.
The challenges aren't over. The food industry is still facing the effects of COVID-19 shutdowns on businesses even during this period of re-opening in different parts of the country. A lot of places and companies have been hit hard, some even closing their doors for good. Forbes reported at the onset of the pandemic that Smithfield Foods shut down one of its pork processing plants after hundreds of the plant's 3,700 employees tested positive for coronavirus.8 Tyson Foods also shut down several meat processing plants under threat of the virus.8 Smithfield and Tyson were not the only ones. Food Dive has a compiled tracking system for coronavirus closures in food and beverage manufacturing facilities, recording reduced production, temporary closures, and permanent shutdowns across the industry. We expect some of the COVID-19 challenges to alleviate over time and hope that business will slowly return to normal and previously closed facilities will be able to re-open. However, we strongly hope some changes to the industry will remain: Creativity, ingenuity, resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to customers and partners. The bottom line is we're in this together––together, we're resilient.
 1. Frazier, L. (April 21, 2020). "How COVID-19 Is Leading The US Into A New Type Of Recession, And What It Means For Our Future." Forbes.
 2. Krebs, C. (May 19, 2020). "Advisory Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response." Homeland Security Digital Library.
 3. Johansson, R. (May 28, 2020) "Another Look at Availability and Prices of Food Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic." USDA.
 4. Stewart, H. (September 2011). "Food Away From Home." The Oxford Handbook of the Economics of Food Consumption and Policy. 646–666. Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199569441._PHONE_
 5. The Shelby Report. (April 17, 2020). "New Study Reveals Covid


Mastering iPhone's "Check In" Feature: Your Comprehensive Guide
The iPhone is not only a versatile communication tool but also a guardian of safety and convenience. Among its array of features, the "Check In" function stands out as an invaluable tool for ensuring your well-being and keeping your friends informed. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of this feature, including how it works, how to use it effectively, and how to make the most out of its capabilities.
Understanding How "Check In" Works
The "Check In" feature on your iPhone allows you to automatically notify a friend when you've reached your destination. This simple yet powerful tool can also provide real-time details about your journey, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience to your travels.
When you initiate a "Check In," your iPhone keeps track of your journey. If it detects that you're taking longer than expected or if you haven't reached your destination, it sends a notification to your selected friend. This feature is not just about reaching your destination; it's about ensuring you're safe and accounted for along the way.
Conversely, when a friend sends you a "Check In," you can monitor their progress. If their iPhone isn't progressing as expected, you can access information about their location, battery percentage, cellular signal, and more. This ensures that you are well informed and can provide assistance if needed.
Sending a "Check In"
To send a "Check In" from your iPhone, follow these straightforward steps:
 1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
 2. Tap the Compose button at the top of the screen and either add a recipient or select an existing conversation.
 3. Tap the Apps button, then tap More, and select Check In.
 4. Choose one of the following options:
 - When I Arrive: Specify your destination, and mode of travel (driving, transit, or walking), and add extra time if necessary. "Check In" will monitor your journey and notify your friend if your iPhone isn't progressing as expected. When you successfully reach your destination, the "Check In" will automatically complete and inform your friend that your iPhone has arrived.
 - After a timer: Set a time frame, which can be useful when you're meeting someone new, for example. If you don't end the "Check In" within the set time, it will notify your friend.
 5. Tap the Send button.
Should your iPhone not arrive at your destination, or if you fail to cancel the "Check In" and respond to the prompts, your iPhone's journey details will be shared with your friend. Keep in mind that if you initiate a "Check In" and subsequently lose service or your iPhone powers off, your friend may receive a delayed or early notification, along with the option to view the shared iPhone details.
Extending Your "Check In" Duration
Sometimes, your plans may change, and you need more time to reach your destination. In such cases, you can easily extend your "Check In." Here's how:
 1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
 2. Access the conversation with the friend to whom you sent the "Check In."
 3. On the "Check In" message, tap Details, then select Add Time, and choose the desired option.
Canceling a "Check In"
If you've successfully completed your journey or need to end the session for any reason, you can cancel your "Check In" to notify your friend. Follow these steps:
 1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
 2. Navigate to the conversation with the friend who received your "Check In."
 3. On the "Check In" message, tap Details, and then tap Cancel Check In. Confirm your decision.
Customizing the Details You Share
One of the exceptional aspects of the "Check In" feature is the flexibility it offers in sharing information. You can tailor the details you provide to your friend, making it more personalized and relevant to your journey. Here's how to customize the details:
 1. Go to Settings > Messages on your iPhone.
 2. Scroll down and tap Check In Data.
 3. Choose what information you want to share if you don't complete your "Check In" as expected. There are two options:
 - Limited: This setting shares your current location along with network signal and battery details from your iPhone and Apple Watch.
 - Full: The "Full" option includes the information mentioned above (current location, network signal, and battery details) in addition to the route you've taken and the last time you unlocked your iPhone or removed your Apple Watch.
By selecting the appropriate sharing level, you can provide your friend with the exact details they need without compromising your privacy.
In conclusion, the "Check In" feature on your iPhone is a remarkable tool for enhancing safety and communication with friends. By understanding how it works and following these guidelines, you can leverage this feature to ensure your well-being during your travels and stay connected with those who matter most.
Evren Elveren
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Coexistence of Explainability and Free Will
The God Puzzle and the Ultimate Intellect!
This post discusses the coexistence of explainablility and free will. I'd like to clarify at the outset that the only meaning of this term, with respect to the current discussion, will be the one that I'm going to give in the next paragraph.
We are going to define 'explainability' as a true occurrence of the the following statement:
"Everything that happens has an explanation, whether we know it or not." [1]
Let us now look at the assumptions and implications of this statement. Here one of the underlying assumption may be construed as the existence of some kind of an intellect that has the ability to understand or process the kind of knowledge in question. Here we are concerned only with the ability, and not the actual knowing. Moreover since the entire effort to analyse and study the Ultimate Truth would be futile if this assumption were not true; we'll assume it's existence for the time being.
Now let's consider the hypothesis that an explanation does indeed exist for everything that happens [2]. If that is the case, then our own actions (and thoughts) should also have an explanation. But ability to explain a phenomenon implies that it should be governed by some well-defined laws. In the present context what it means is that all our actions (and thoughts) are constrained by various kinds of natural laws.
Let's examine this fact in some more depth. What does this mean? Doesn't it imply that there has to be some area of the (whole) truth that has the potential to escape our very understanding! If our mental apparatus itself is functioning under some sort of fixed rules, then the thought pathways that don't follow these rules will never be created in our brain. It simply means that these rules will constrain us from being completely free and comprehensive in our thinking. There will always be a finite chance that there exist natural phenomena that our brain is incapable of processing either fully or partially.
 And while you think about this, let's explore it from another angle. If an ultimate truth does exists then there must exist an entity (even theoretical) that can comprehend it, otherwise it doesn't really have any meaning! Why is that? Think carefully! Explanation is a concept that is tightly coupled with complementary concept of an intelligent entity. An explanation is always for someone. The very concept of 'explanation' means that it should be able to make somebody understand something. If it can't make anybody understand anything, then it simply means that it is not an explanation! A very interesting fact emerges here:
"In order for an explanation to exist, there must be an entity that 'can' understand (or process) it." [3]
Now let's take a look at the following statement in light of the preceding statement. The link is not so obvious, but let me assure you that the next statement is a logical implication of the previous statement. It might be a good idea (though not necessary for understanding this article) if you try to spend some time on thinking about this logical connection before moving any further.
"If there is no God (or an ultimate intellect), nothing has any meaning, nothing makes sense, and there is no purpose to life!" [4]
Now, coming back to the earlier discussion. With reference to [3], we can say that if explainability exists, then everything may be explained including the behavior, actions and thought processes of the entity that is trying to understand or analyse it. This is because the term "everything" includes even the entity that is trying to understand it! We are not at a liberty to exclude any portion of the reality if we want the complete truth. Here we are faced with a logical impasse, because it directly implies that
"There can be no such thing as a true 'free will', if explainability exists!" [5]
The logical derivation is simple enough here too. The ultimate intellect that can process the ultimate truth must be truly free. This is necessary as its mental machinery would not be constrained by any kind of rules or laws, so that it is free to explore all possible pathways. So what stops us from proposing the existence of such an intellect? As far as I know, nothing. Such an intellectual being might very well exist. However, the implications of this proposition might be far reaching. Firstly, let me tell you that by proposing this statement (the existence of the ultimate intellect) we have a created a monster that threatens to shatter the entire logical framework on which we rely for all our intellectual activity. Some people might be disturbed by this, but I believe that it's an intellectually exciting and rewarding thing to explore.
Coming back to the issue, what we have said essentially, through this proposition here, is that something exists that doesn't follow any kinds of rules or laws! But if that is so, then by our earlier arguments, this entity itself cannot be explainable. This creates a contradiction with our initial assumption that everything is explainable.
On the other hand, if some kind of ultimate intellect or free will doesn't exist, then there's nothing that can understand the Ultimate Truth. So, following from [3], the Ultimate Truth just doesn't exist. Mind it, it's not just about knowing or not knowing, but about the very existence of this so called Ultimate Explanation.
This looks like a paradox! Though some people might say that it does make a certain kind of sense. Still what it does indeed do is create an impassable barrier for our logical faculties. A wall, or a dead end. The only way known to the humankind beyond these walls is that of faith
 It's possible that the likely reason for the above paradox may also be a use of inadequate or constrained reasoning methods. It's also possible that the procedure of analysis here is flawed somewhere. Or perhaps the logic needed for such matters is some kind of an elusive Higher/Lower Logic, which we are not familiar with. A logical framework that is free from the constrains of the various underlying assumptions of time and space. Besides it should not be contaminated with the inherent imperfection associated with the human thinking process. So the question before us here is how do we modify our existing logical system before it becomes good enough to analyse the secrets that lie beyond the edges of these walls? Is such a thing even possible?
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Puzzle of Existence: Past, Present and Future
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today - it's a gift, that's why it's called present"
As said by Oogway to Po
An interesting thought! We are in general so obsessed with past and future that we rarely take time to live the present. The older we get, more time we spend reflecting on either the future or the past. Present takes only a minuscule portion of our mental space. All our sense of self is derived from our knowledge of past and memories that we have acquired over the years. We identify and restrict ourselves accordingly based on our memories.
We have different kinds of epistemic access to past and future. We remember the past, but not the future. We also believe that by acting now, we can change the future but not the past. But as far is science is concerned, there should be no distinction between past and future. There are various interpretations of quantum mechanics suggests and all realities should exist simultaneously. Time is more of a feeling inside an observer rather than an objective physical reality existing on the outside. However as far as our reality is concerned, the difference is there, irrespective of whether science predicts it or not.
The implications of this interpretation are many, some of them being quite outrageous. What it means at the fundamental level is that there is no such thing as either past or future. There is no 'was' and there is no 'will be'. Everything is 'is'. This further paints a picture of an existence with no origins and no end. It all just exists now.
This view is more or less consistence with the data that we have and even with the Big-Bang like theories. There is a widely held belief among the experimental physicists, especially the astrophysicists, that space and time originated in some kind of a cataclysmic event, over a finite period of time in the past. We'll not go into the merits and demerits of this belief itself, but we have to take note of any interesting fact here. What this shows is that there are some highly educated and intellectual people who are ready to accept the fact that somewhere down the line there is bound to be the concept of a kind of existence without either time or space. But their hands are tied because they have no idea what to do in a situation like this. It's not just Relativity and Quantum Mechanics which don't work in this dreaded realm of no-space and no-time. But unfortunately every last straw of logic known to human race breaks down here. We just don't possess the ability to even digest a concept like that. We don't know what to make of it. No logical system of thinking exists that will work here. To make matters worse, there's not even a starting point, to start any kind of analysis!
But coming back to relative sanity, there is another diametrically opposite interpretation, consistent with the current theories, that can also be considered to be equally valid. What is says is that there is no such thing as present. What we perceive as present is a fuzzy area where past and future meet. Present is either an infinitesimal line dividing the past and future or like a band with a finite width. Both the viewpoints exist. However this second interpretation leans more towards the latter. The width of this band, representing our perception of


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Bet without Looking: Studying Eyes-Free Interaction During Live SportsAbstract:
This paper presents a comparison study of three different interaction methods for an eyes-free interaction with a second screen application while watching a TV broadcast. These interaction methods were used in WeBet, a touch-based mobile game that prompts users to bet if a goal is about to happen during a football match. WeBet is one of the prototypes we have been developing to increase the remote users' emotional levels during live sports broadcasts, so that they feel like if they were scoring a goal with their team. However, that can only be achieved if the second screen application does not require the users' attention when a goal (key moment) is just about to happen, otherwise they would be frustrated to miss that exciting moment. To this end, we conducted user tests that allowed us to determine the usage patterns and users' preferences regarding three different interaction methods, as well as to identify important refinements to be considered in future developments.


Peg and hole puzzle: Solution
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Peg and hole puzzle: Solution
Which gives a tighter fit: a square peg in a round hole or a round peg in a square hole? (The tighter fit is the one for which the ratio of peg area to hole area is greater.)
Solution
Consider the following picture:
key
Suppose that the side length of the large square is $a,$ so its area is $a^2.$ Then the circle has radius $a/2,$ so its area is $\pi a^2/4.$ By Pythagoras' theorem the small square has side length $\sqrt{a^2/2}$ so it's got area $a^2/2.$ The square peg in round hole fit is given by the ratio of the area of the small square to the area of the circle, which is $2/\pi.$ The round peg in square hole fit is given by the ratio of the area of the circle to the area of the large square, which is $\pi/4.$ Since $\pi > 3$ we have $\pi^2>8$ so $\pi > 8/\pi.$ Dividing by 4 gives $\pi/4 > 2/\pi$ so the round peg in a square hole gives the better fit.
Back to original puzzle
This puzzle was contributed by Colm Mulcahy, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Colm's own puzzles have appeared in Math Horizons and in the New York Times. He is a long-time columnist for the Mathematical Association of America and has his own blog. You can follow Colm on Twitter.
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Couldn't you also consider this problem from the direction of a pressure fit?
In this case, if the height of each peg is the same then the "pressure fit" is equal for both the rectangular prism and the cylindrical hole described above.
A peg is a cylinder with a height, h. The peg would contact the sides of the square hole at the cylinder's tangents lines of length,h. Pressure = force*area. Pressure =force*(4h*negligible width of each contact line)
A rectangular prism peg with the same height, h would contact a cylindrical hole at it's 4 edges. Again the pressure would be equal. Pressure = force*4h*negligible width of each contact line.
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A related problem which is fun, is to design a peg which fits into a triangular hole, a square hole, and a circular hole leaving no gaps.
Tim Davis
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The entire puzzle is rendered invalid inasmuch as the puzzle asked which gives a 'tighter fit', while the answer suggested a 'better fit'. Details, details, details...
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I thought the answer is just intuitive than mathematical: a round peg in a square hole can rotate about its axis. Whereas, a square peg in round hole cannot. (this is why manhole covers are square, though the hole itself is round)
Comment
I've read this 5 times and it still doesn't make sense. Which axis are you talking about? If the z-axis, you are wrong, both can rotate. Any other, you are still wrong, neither can rotate as they are pegs.


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Rainbow Journalism
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Amid lapses in journalistic integrity and increased competition from the once queer-shy mainstream press, can San Francisco's gay press remain the voice of its community?
Story by Dara Colwell
Illustrations by Steffan Schlarb
One evening early in 1950, a handful of men met in a Los Angeles home for an informal discussion. They locked the door, pulled down the shades and began to discuss--somewhat hesitantly at first--the nature of their deviancy. Their homosexuality, a subject silently dropped from polite conversation, was painfully isolating, but tonight they spoke freely. As midnight disappeared they voted to meet again. Within the next few months, they formed the Mattachine Society, and within a few years they began printing material for the homophilic press. Soon other publications appeared. And little by little the gay press grew, evolving decades later into a powerful force that galvanized the national gay and lesbian community.
As the gay alternative press expanded throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, it became marked by constant upheaval: turf wars, internal staff conflicts and, frequently, bankruptcy. Steering an uncertain and erratic course, most publications were short-lived, but new voices quickly emerged to continue the momentum and arouse social consciousness. Like the gay movement, the gay press had struggled to survive, and it grew more and more vocal--until the AIDS epidemic, for a time, muffled some of its cries.
Today, the gay and lesbian press enjoys a new level of respectability and prominence. Despite increased coverage of gay news in the mainstream media, the queer press still plays a decisive role in covering issues affecting the community, such as civil rights laws and legislation over same-sex partnerships.
But as in any community, dissenting voices are questioning the integrity, quality and politics of the press that represents them. Likened by one veteran reporter to a "dysfunctional family which spends half the time fighting among themselves," San Francisco's gay press is in a period of transition.
While it has struggled to weather continuing financial difficulties and maintain its traditional advocacy role, the local gay press faces a unique situation--a straight female editor, Lauren Hauptman, now heads Frontiers, a magazine geared predominantly to gay men.
This poses some interesting questions: If the most qualified man for the job is a straight woman, is the gay press still serving its community? What, in general, is its role, and how well is it received as the community itself gains wider visibility and acceptance?
A survey of what the gay man and woman on the street is reading.
A telling study of the covers of a few gay publications.
Advocacy vs. Objectivity
Hauptman is not the only straight woman rocking the boat. Pat Christen, executive director of the SF AIDS Foundation, has come under the aggressive scrutiny of the gay press, raising the issue of advocacy gone too far.
"The gay press plays a very important role in the community, but there's no doubt in my mind they go overboard," said one longtime AIDS educator who wished to remain anonymous. "At some point they stop being journalists and start being protagonists." The debate over advocacy versus objective journalism is as old as the gay press itself. As the voice of a minority community, the gay press historically has put a strong spin on news. Anything perceived as an attack was condemned outright.
And in matters close to the heart, such as the running of the SF AIDS Foundation, the dialogue within the community can prove contentious. Like when the Bay Area Reporter (a.k.a. the B.A.R.), a news weekly with a circulation of 35,000, ran a front-page photograph of Pat Christen being hit with a 25-pound bag of urine-soaked cat litter by a member of ACT UP/SF with the subhead "It was a real shit fight." While maybe over the top, these words do sum up the war between the B.A.R. and the SF AIDS Foundation.
Allegations that the nonprofit turned away patients without explanation, had lost its ties to the community and was instead more interested in institutional self-preservation have all surfaced in the debate over Christen's leadership. But the way the dialogue was framed, according to Derek Gordon, communications director at the SF AIDS Foundation, was divisive as well as sexist. "Between the outrageous headlines, sensationalist drop quotes, editorials and letters to the editor calling her a 'ball-busting bitch' and other incredibly misogynist terms, the B.A.R. either directly or indirectly lambasted her based on nothing other than her sexual orientation."
Mike Salinas, news editor at the B.A.R., sees it differently. "To say that she is a heterosexual woman is a convenient argument which deflects attention away from the real debate," Salinas said. "The Foundation spends too much time making its critics sound crazy and not enough time getting the organization into better shape."
A proverbial 800-pound gorilla, the SF AIDS Foundation is the largest service organization in the western United States. Recently, the AIDS activist group ACT UP/Golden Gate (not to be confused with the kitty-litter-throwing ACT UP/SF), wanting to track the Foundation's use of huge government funds, set up the Accountability Project Web site, revealing financial information on major U.S. AIDS charities and nonprofits, including their directors' salaries. Salinas said he was concerned that the community had no effect on or input relating to Christen's $162,000 salary. "There's the perception they don't believe it's anyone's business, when the whole point of the organization when it was founded was just that--it is the community's business."
But in San Francisco's insular gay community, political and personality conflicts are linked and often mistaken for one another, according to Tim Kingston, a news reporter for Frontiers and formerly for the Bay Times. "Sometimes a paper can develop a fixation on a particular personality to the point that if the person sneezes, there's a news story," Kingston said.
Gordon agrees and noted a downside to his having to respond to the near-constant attacks from the B.A.R. "It's not a good use of my time," said Gordon. "Very often I find myself going round and round, over and over, on issues that have little or nothing to do with ending this pandemic."
While most journalists--in the alternative or mainstream press--would argue there is no such thing as total objectivity, the lack of balanced reporting on Christen's career upset fellow AIDS workers enough to send a letter to Salinas. While agreeing with Salinas that the Foundation should be held accountable, the signers argued that there was a big difference between criticism and vilification. "There is simply no excuse for the kind of viciousness aimed at Pat which we've seen exhibited during the last several years, particularly in the pages of the Bay Area Reporter," the letter read. "We are disturbed that she gets treated much more roughly than any male leader in our community." The letter was printed only in part and out of context within a Salinas-penned editorial attacking it as being an "appalling bit of whimsy."
While observers of the gay press are well aware of the developed egos that operate within it, many believe there is a pressing need for balance to achieve credibility. "Advocacy journalism has its place and the gay press voices valid concerns," said Fernando Quinteros at the News Watch Project, an organization affiliated with San Francisco State University's journalism department whose aim is to monitor the fairness of news coverage of people of color and lesbians/gays. "But bringing in an outside perspective would certainly be novel. Gay journalists should work to uphold the basic tenets of good journalism and seek to go beyond an editorial tone."
But if objectivity is the goal, it can be argued, the gay community can look to the mainstream press, which has increasingly covered gay issues. For gay activist Jeff Sheehy, however, objective journalism hides a deeper societal bias. "So-called objective writing can actually be harmful. Reporters always look for counterbalance with a negative, homophobic view that reinforces the status quo." Recognizing the bias inherent in the gay alternative press, Sheehy still believes that advocacy is necessary. "We have a sophisticated, empowered community. People challenge those who speak for it and how they speak for it," he said. "Here, there are thousands of different voices screaming."
Elizabeth Weise, president of the Northern California chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association, sees the situation as a perpetual Catch-22. "There is real strength in vigorous journalism. I think the gay press certainly had that in the beginning at a time when the straight press was calling us perverts and faggots. There were clearly strongly held views." Weise says that while there is a definite need for the niche press, "I expect the standard of journalism to be higher. Things need to be substantiated. How can I take something seriously if it is totally one-sided?"
Similarly, reporter Kingston thinks there are few good writers who do the necessary research to report fairly. And given the diverse nature of San Francisco's gay population, a greater variety of journalism should be expected. "But," he said, with a trace of sarcasm, "follow the money--you get what you pay for."
Following the Money
"Most publications are free. What they pay or say they can afford to pay is not a lot," said Randy Alfred, media watchdog and a former editor of the now defunct Sentinel. "For the most part, the quality of reporting is not really up to a professional standard." Alfred said that for a generation, people in