Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. May you have a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2016, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped to make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, political belief, sexual preferences, or gender identity of the wishee. (By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for themselves, herself, himself, itself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)
Rehearsal of Encore Performance Oedo Sukeroku Taiko is a professional Japanese taiko group based in Tokyo, Japan. Grand Master Seido Kobayashi, in red (70 ye...
One Sound Concert: Encore Performance sound check
3 Taiko Groups
The enormous sound of massed taiko drums and other percussion instruments, the shouts, cries, and timing signals of the drummers were mesmerizing.
The costumes and the explosive, sometimes sinuous movements of the performers were the foreground to the commitment and personal good feelings radiating from them.
L.A. Taiko Festival XIII with Venice Koshin Taiko
featuring Oedo Sukeroku Taiko.
Oedo Sukeroku Taiko is a professional Japanese taiko group based in Tokyo, Japan. Grand Master Seido (in red) Kobayashi and three other taiko players garnered nationwide fame after founding the first taiko-only ensemble *Sukeroku* Taiko in 1957.
Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko Los Angeles, California, is a premier Japanese taiko drum ensemble, seeking to raise the level of intensity and enjoyment of taiko for ourselves, as well as the audience, by striving for a high level of group unity.
Master Etsuo Hongo, founder and leader of Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko, studied traditional taiko drumming in his home country of Japan. He brought his taiko experience to Los Angeles in 1973, and started the original L.A. Matsuri Taiko in 1977.
Venice Koshin Taiko is a Los Angeles based Japanese Taiko drumming ensemble that is known for its engaging, intense and powerful performances. The group strives to exhibit this form of taiko known as *kumi-daiko* (ensemble taiko) to audiences in the U.S. in hopes that they will leave with a lasting impression of this Japanese cultural art.
Known as the Festival of Lights, the Jewish holiday begins at sundown Dec. 6 and ends the evening of Dec. 14. The eight-day holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C., when Jews led by the Maccabees revolted against their Greek-Syrian oppressors.
Each night of the eight-day holiday is marked by giving gifts, eating latkes and lighting a candelabra, ḥanukkiyah or menorah. While Hanukkah may be one of the best-known Jewish holidays, it’s not the most important, nor does it bear much religious significance. In fact, the Hanukkah story isn’t mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. It’s described in the Book of Maccabees, which is omitted from the Old Testament.
In the United States and other Western nations, however, Hanukkah becomes a “Jewish Christmas” of sorts. According to a 2010 study, “The importance of Hanukkah among American Jews is driven by its proximity (in the time dimension) to Christmas,” Ran Abramitzky, Liran Einav and Oren Rigbi wrote in the study published in the Economic Journal. “Many American Jews use Hanukkah as a way to provide their children with an exciting alternative.”
But in Israel, “it’s a holiday, but it’s not so special,” Einav told the Washington Post in a 2011 interview. Schools are let out during the holiday and there are tons of festivals and concerts, but holiday shopping isn’t the main focus.
For those not familiar with the Festival of Lights, below are five answers to common questions surrounding the popular Jewish holiday:
What’s the Hanukkah story?
The Hanukkah story celebrates two events. The first describes how a small army of Jews, led by the Maccabee brothers, defeated the Seleucid Greco-Syrian Empire in Jerusalem. At the time, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed the Jewish religion, desecrated the Second Temple and made Jews sacrifice pigs – a non-kosher animal – on its altar.
After the Maccabees defeated the Greeks, they rededicated the Second Temple. To do so, they needed to light the menorah – a candelabra inside the temple that was part of daily Temple service – each night. The Maccabees were able to do so with a small drop of oil that lasted for eight nights. The event is considered a miracle since it gave the Maccabees enough time to find a fresh batch of oil.
Common rituals?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between Nov. 27 and Dec. 26.
Each night, for eight nights, Jews light a branch of a menorah. The middle and tallest branch of the candelabra houses the shamash (helper candle) that’s used to light the other candles. Each night, a new candle is placed from right to left. They are lit from left to right. Three blessings are said during this time. Jews are told to place the menorah in the front windows of their homes to publicize the Hanukkah miracle.
Gift-giving has become associated with Hanukkah. This tradition is believed to stem from the influence of Christmas. Usually presents are given by parents to their children. “Gelt,” or small amounts of money, are the only traditional gift associated with the holiday.
What’s a dreidel?
Dreidels, or square tops, is a common game children play during Hanukkah. The four-sided top is marked with one of the four Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimel, Hei and Shin. The letters stand for the Hebrew phrase, “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” a great miracle happened there.
Usually kids begin with an equal number of pennies, nuts, chocolate chips, raisins or matchsticks. Each participant gets a chance at spinning the dreidel. Depending on which letter the top falls on, the person receives a certain number of pieces from the pot.
The dreidel gambling game stems from the Greek-Syrian rule when Jews who wanted to study the Torah (Hebrew Bible) were prevented from doing so. Whenever a soldier walked by they would play with dreidels to conceal their “illegal” activity.
What’s to eat?
Since the Hanukkah story focuses on a small drop of oil, fried foods are common dishes served during the holiday. Latkes, also known as potato pancakes, are a popular item usually accompanied by apple sauce or sour cream. Deep-fried doughnuts, known as sufganiyot, are another holiday favorite among Sephardic, Greek and Persian Jews.
Hanukkah or Chanukah?
There are 16 different spelling variations for the Jewish holiday. The main reason stems from the word itself. Since Hanukkah – which literally means “dedication” – is a Hebrew word, there’s not one set way to transliterate it into English. Hanukkah and Chanukah are the two most popular spellings. Both are correct, however the one that begins with the “H” is more widely used since the “ch” sound might confuse English speakers.
May the lights of Hanukkah
bring you happiness during
this Holiday Season!
Zoe Mintz (2104) Hanukkah 2014: When does the jewish holiday start, 5 things you need to know (December 15 2014)
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking:
Dream of battled fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.
~Sir Walter Scott
Was the Death Star’s Massive Explosion part of an elaborate Inside Job?
Who was really behind the attack? Why did they want the Death Star destroyed?
~ Obi-wan walks around the Death Star with this Jedi attire, not a single camera or guard catches him.
~ Obi-wan walks up to the tractor beam controls, no passwords or overrides and shuts them off, no alarm sounds.
~ R2-D2 connects to the systems and yet has sudo access to turn things on and off at will without any passwords.
~ When Luke, Han and Leia fall down the trash chute, not a single storm trooper follows them.
~ The storm troopers are an elite set of clones, cloned from one of the most deadliest bounty hunters in the entire universe, and yet they can't shoot. Luke and Leia are swing across the shaft and are only a few meters away. Missing on purpose?
~ Obi-wan slowly lifts his life saber and lets Darth kill him, effectively a suicide.
~ Luke shoots bombs into an exposed exhaust port leading straight to the power core of the death star. Who's the idiot who designed that? Anyone think about, hmmm?, closing that exhaust port?
"Exhaust" means to exhale or blow out... Wouldn’t the missiles have been blown awry of their target rather than sucked in?
~ They only send out 5 fighter planes plus Darth Vader to take out the entire group of rebels. Where the are the 100,000+ ships they have on the death star?
Why has their been no investigation into evidence that the droids who provided the rebels with the Death Star plans were once owned by none other than Lord Vader himself, and were found, conveniently, by the pilot who destroyed the Death Star, and who is also believed to be Lord Vader’s son? Evidence also shows that the droids were brought to one Ben Kenobi, who, records indicate, was Darth Vader’s teacher many years earlier! Are all these personal connections between the conspirators and a key figure in the Imperial government supposed to be coincidences?
Was the Death Star’s Massive Explosion part of an elaborate Inside Job?
Two new cubs romp and play in their tundra exhibit at the Ouwehand Zoo in Rhenen, Netherlands, watched by their attentive mother Freedom.
The Ouwehand Zoo is part of the Polar Bears International (PBI) network of Arctic Ambassador Centers, which provide leadership for greenhouse gas reductions in their communities.
Today is day 4000 of Mars rover Opportunity's 90 day mission. Let's have a big round of applause for the little rover that could!
Today is day 4000 of Mars rover Opportunity's 90 day mission.
The old girl is having a few memory problems of late, but that happens to the best of us.
Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opportunity_(rover)
Nasa page on Spirit and Opportunity
Obligatory link to the saddest XKCD comic ever, about Opportunity's twin sister, Spirit
EDIT: Here's the XKCD comic with a few extra panels giving it an inspiringly happy ending.
Here's a version made cheerful by changing the text. This comic has taken on a life of its own.
From a ridgeline viewpoint, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity recently recorded a scene looking back over its own tracks made from nearly half-a-mile (more than 700 meters) of southbound driving.
thanks to reddit.com/user/stickmanDave
The first public notification of the hack came on Reddit. Within an hour Deadline Hollywood reported Sony had sent a memo to all employees warning of the hack. This was followed by a flurry of reporting then the release of proof of the hack.
November 26th
Three movies leak online, the FBI begins investigating the breach. When the BBC asks North Korea if they were responsible they respond "Wait and see".
December 1st
The initial data leak. I won't post it here but it's still available if you look on torrent sites. It's 26 GB of files and contained Social Security numbers, names, contact details, contact phone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, employment benefits, workers compensation details, retirement and termination plans, employees previous work history, executive salaries, medical plans, dental plans, genders, employee IDs, sales reports, copies of passport information and receipts for travel of all Sony Pictures employees worldwide. Much of this information notably "\HR\Benefits\Mayo Health\Mayo XEROX assessment feed" was stored in plaintext.
December 3rd
The second data leak. This one garnered less press but contained was considerably more dangerous. It contained full security certificate information, internal and external account credentials, authentication credentials with plaintext passwords for systems such as the Sony YouTube page and UPS accounts. I've heard that much of this information was available because an IT director was comprised apparently he had no background in IT and was actually a marketing exec who reached the position (and thus higher salary) through corporate politics. You can see for example is was good at naming files.
December 4th
The FBI issued a confidential flash warning to the security departments of large American companies warning about a new malware called Destover Backdoor.
I can't post the notice itself (it's confidential) but I can post the Symantec writeup about it.
As people started to analyze the code sample provided we learned that it was created on a computer using the Korean language and included pictures with Sony's name written on a tombstone (meaning that it was a targeted attack). The picture also contained the text “We’ve already warned you, and this is just the beginning. We continue till our request be met.” Note that no where did they say what their demands were though North Korea had previous threatened Sony over the release of The Interview.
We also learned how to detect the "Command and Control" modules of the code. Initially the virus just exposes the computers files and configures it to run a webserver. It also attempts to spread throughout the network targeting access to specific machines and ip addresses. Because these are hardcoded it means the attacker either had inside help or had previously penetrated Sony's network and gathered information. The malware only begins to broadcast back to the C&C servers once it’s been launched—and deletion of data on the targeted network has already begun. This likely triggered by a hard coded time in the code. This type of malware is consistent with a watering hole or spear phishing attack. The C&C servers the malware connects to were used previous by a piece of malware known as DarkSeoul which North Korea used to attack South Korea previously.
December 7th
Third data leak. This one contains all of Sony Pictures' financial information. Bloomberg reports that the initial data breach occurred at a hotel in Thailand where a Sony executive was staying. This is likely the source of the inside information about Sony's network.
December 8th
Another leak, this one was just posted to pastebin before quickly being taken down. This one contains the email archives of two executives: Steve Mosko, President of Sony Pictures Television and Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group. There's some confusion about the authenticity of this post. The data leaked is authentic but it looks like it came from a different group than the first 3 leaks. It also specifically mentions The Interview, which previous leaks did not. Consensus of the security community seems to be that this was a copycat or disgruntled employee taking advantage of the situation.
Security company Kaspersky releases its report which shows the initial computer virus used in the attack is the same at that used in the Shamoon attack where North Korea went after Saudi Arabia. We are also told that three security certificates used a password of "password".
December 10th
The next leak occurs. This one bears the signature of the first three leaks, meaning it is likely genuine. It includes information about Sony’s anti-piracy efforts, entertainment deals in the works, internal procedures related to tracking torrents and other illegal downloading. It also contains a document that outlines Sony’s cooperation with 5 major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to collect full data for monitoring illegal downloads.
On the same day the attacker behind the December 8th leaks releases another set of emails, these belonging to Leah Weil, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Sony Pictures Entertainment. They seem to be trying to piggyback onto the real leak. This is completely off topic but I wanted to mention the through these emails we learned that George Clooney is apparently the only person working with or for Sony that understand information security.
News stories proliferate.
December 13th
The next authentic leak. This one contains internal documents for tracking deals, expenditures, and revenue. It also contains information about the state of all deals Sony is currently working on. While previous leaks were initially seeded in China, this one was initially seeded in Taipei, Taiwan.
At this point IT workers at Sony begin anonymously talking to the press. They paint a picture of a company with an outdated network, lax security standards, and an unwillingness to hire quality professionals in IT and software development (believing top talent in these areas to be "too expensive"). They also describe a very traditional big corporate office environment in which things like "ass in chair" time spent at work is valued over results. Most promotions seem to be driven by office politics not talent.
December 16th
There's been many media articles, speculation, theories, and controversy. For weeks Sony has been fighting the leaks via takedown notices, hacking of their own, and pleas in the media. They activate their "cybercrime" insurance which provides them with $65 million in coverage. They cancel most media appearances in promotion of the film.
December 17th
A group of individuals makes threats of violence at US movie theaters which show The Interview. These are different in style, content, and tone than all communications from the actual hacker. They seem obviously fake, created by pranksters to take advantage of the tense situation. Regardless almost every theater chains pulls the movie from their schedule.
In an show of incredibly lazy journalism many media outlets (lead by Wired) publish stories stating that North Korea was not behind any of the hacking. These mix together the details of several attacks and treat all leaks (both credible and not) as coming from the same actor. At the same time more respectable media outlets like the NY Times, The Wall St. Journal, and The Washington Post publish stories stating that North Korea is "almost certainly" behind the attack and cite a litany of security professionals and confidential government sources.
While all the circumstantial evidence points to North Korea we do lack documented forensic trail that truly establishes some level of attribution with certainty.
December 18th
Sony cancels The Interview.
They also quietly cancel "Pyongyang" another comedy starring Steve Carell. Produced by company New Regency and directed by Gore Verbinski, the story is based on a graphic novel and follows a Westerner that is accused of espionage in North Korea.
December 19th
The FBI firmly places the blame on North Korea.
Everyone rushes to put this in a political frame.
Thanks to: CSMastermind (https://np.reddit.com/user/CSMastermind)
Known as the Festival of Lights, the Jewish holiday begins at sundown Dec. 6 and ends the evening of Dec. 14. The eight-day holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C., when Jews led by the Maccabees revolted against their Greek-Syrian oppressors.
Each night of the eight-day holiday is marked by giving gifts, eating latkes and lighting a candelabra, ḥanukkiyah or menorah. While Hanukkah may be one of the best-known Jewish holidays, it's not the most important, nor does it bear much religious significance. In fact, the Hanukkah story isn't mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. It's described in the Book of Maccabees, which is omitted from the Old Testament.
In the United States and other Western nations, however, Hanukkah becomes a “Jewish Christmas” of sorts. According to a 2010 study, “The importance of Hanukkah among American Jews is driven by its proximity (in the time dimension) to Christmas,” Ran Abramitzky, Liran Einav and Oren Rigbi wrote in the study published in the Economic Journal. “Many American Jews use Hanukkah as a way to provide their children with an exciting alternative.”
But in Israel, “it’s a holiday, but it’s not so special,” Einav told the Washington Post in a 2011 interview. Schools are let out during the holiday and there are tons of festivals and concerts, but holiday shopping isn't the main focus.
For those not familiar with the Festival of Lights, below are five answers to common questions surrounding the popular Jewish holiday:
What’s the Hanukkah story?
The Hanukkah story celebrates two events. The first describes how a small army of Jews, led by the Maccabee brothers, defeated the Seleucid Greco-Syrian Empire in Jerusalem. At the time, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed the Jewish religion, desecrated the Second Temple and made Jews sacrifice pigs -- a non-kosher animal -- on its altar.
After the Maccabees defeated the Greeks, they rededicated the Second Temple. To do so, they needed to light the menorah -- a candelabra inside the temple that was part of daily Temple service -- each night. The Maccabees were able to do so with a small drop of oil that lasted for eight nights. The event is considered a miracle since it gave the Maccabees enough time to find a fresh batch of oil.
Common rituals?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between Nov. 27 and Dec. 26.
Each night, for eight nights, Jews light a branch of a menorah. The middle and tallest branch of the candelabra houses the shamash (helper candle) that's used to light the other candles. Each night, a new candle is placed from right to left. They are lit from left to right. Three blessings are said during this time. Jews are told to place the menorah in the front windows of their homes to publicize the Hanukkah miracle.
Gift-giving has become associated with Hanukkah. This tradition is believed to stem from the influence of Christmas. Usually presents are given by parents to their children. “Gelt,” or small amounts of money, are the only traditional gift associated with the holiday.
What’s a dreidel?
Dreidels, or square tops, is a common game children play during Hanukkah. The four-sided top is marked with one of the four Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimel, Hei and Shin. The letters stand for the Hebrew phrase, "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham," a great miracle happened there.
Usually kids begin with an equal number of pennies, nuts, chocolate chips, raisins or matchsticks. Each participant gets a chance at spinning the dreidel. Depending on which letter the top falls on, the person receives a certain number of pieces from the pot.
The dreidel gambling game stems from the Greek-Syrian rule when Jews who wanted to study the Torah (Hebrew Bible) were prevented from doing so. Whenever a soldier walked by they would play with dreidels to conceal their “illegal” activity.
What’s to eat?
Since the Hanukkah story focuses on a small drop of oil, fried foods are common dishes served during the holiday. Latkes, also known as potato pancakes, are a popular item usually accompanied by apple sauce or sour cream. Deep-fried doughnuts, known as sufganiyot, are another holiday favorite among Sephardic, Greek and Persian Jews.
Hanukkah or Chanukah?
There are 16 different spelling variations for the Jewish holiday. The main reason stems from the word itself. Since Hanukkah -- which literally means “dedication” -- is a Hebrew word, there's not one set way to transliterate it into English. Hanukkah and Chanukah are the two most popular spellings. Both are correct, however the one that begins with the “H” is more widely used since the “ch” sound might confuse English speakers.
May the lights of Hanukkah
bring you happiness during
this Holiday Season!
Zoe Mintz (2104) Hanukkah 2014: When does the jewish holiday start, 5 things you need to know (December 15 2014)
The story of the mischievous boy who could fly and never grows up...
So why is #PeterPan usually played by a woman?!? Tradition? Weight? FAA Restriction?
Black Friday/Cyber Monday is around the corner. Many will search for laptops on this particular weekend (28th Nov to 2nd Dec) to find a decent deal on a shiny new laptop, either for themself or as a gift.
Best Buy, Amazon or Office Max will offer great discounts on some of their line up, especially in the low budget section.
Most of these deals are budget laptops, be aware that build quality, specs and performance will not be as good as in premium laptops like MacBooks, Lenovo ThinkPad T-Series laptops or similar models.
Most (if not all) will be sufficient for office work, web browsing and watching/streaming movies, older or low demanding games like League of Legends, World of Warcraft or any Source game will run on low or medium settings. Do not expect to play Battlefield or Crysis on a $300 laptop with an Intel HD4400 or worse.
Cheers!
Dell Home - Sale from Friday, November 28th, 12 am - Black Friday Ad
Staples - Sale from Thursday, November 27th to Friday, November 28th - Black Friday Ad
Sam's Club - Sale from Thursday, November 27th - Black Friday Ad
Best Buy - Sale from Thursday, November 27th to Friday, November 28th - Black Friday Ad
Office Depot/Max - Sale from Thursday, November 27th to Saturday, November 29th - Black Friday Ad
Costco - Sale from Friday, November 29th to Sunday, November 30th - Black Friday Ad
Walmart - Sale from Thursday, November 27th to Friday, November 28th - Black Friday Ad
HH Gregg - Sale from Thursday, November 27th to Friday, November 28th- Black Friday Ad
Tiger Direct - Sale on Friday, November 28th - Black Friday Ad
Microsoft Store - Sale from Thursday, November 27th - Black Friday Ad
Newegg - Sale from Thursday, November 27th - Black Friday Ad
thanks to:
https://www.reddit.com/user/SaneBRZ
stormborns
kaledo-art
germansingergirl
romaincrisis
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