In today’s TFTTF Slice, Chris runs you through his daily routine while on a workshop. Chris also interviews his tour guide and some of the attendees of the Lake Baikal trip. You’re listening to a slice of Photography Tips from the Top Floor. The shownotes are at https://tfttf.com/ Links: Chris’s photos from Lake Baikal on … Continue reading "895 Voices (Slice)"

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Washington Post: In the early days of the pandemic, the U.S. government turned down an offer to manufacture millions of N95 masks in America. “It was Jan. 22, a day after the first case of covid-19 was detected in the United States, and orders were pouring into Michael Bowen’s company outside Fort Worth, some from … Continue reading Washington Post: In the early days of the pandemic, the U.S. government turned down an offer to manufacture millions of N95 masks in America

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-to-celebrate-dia-de-la-familia-on-national-public-lands-day.htm

The National Park Service (NPS) today announced plans to dedicate one of the nation’s newest National Historic Landmarks, the 1956 Grand Canyon TWA-United Airlines Aviation Accident Site in Grand Canyon National Park. This site commemorates a horrific airline collision over the Grand Canyon in 1956. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/1956-nhl-designation.htm

Thes plush scarves and face masks were designed to block out 95% of common contaminants that pose health risks—and 99% of germs that cause colds or flu.

The post N95 Scarf Filters the Air Around You – With Fashionable Sustainable Solution for Personal Protection appeared first on Good News Network.

This publication provides estimates of total softwood and hardwood harvests by region and owner for the United States from 1950 to 2002. These data are generally not available in a consistent fashion and have to be estimated from state-level data, forest resource inventory statistics, and production of forest products. This publication describes the estimation process and documents the various assumptions. These estimates have been used for the past three decades in the periodic USDA Forest Service timber assessments.

ALPHA MEDIA has promoted ERIK FOX to PD for Top 40 KLLY (ENERGY 95.3)/BAKERSFIELD. ERIC is heard as the PM drive talent and has also held the position of MD for the station. ERIK commented, … more

COX MEDIA GROUP Country KWEN (K95.5)/TULSA is celebrating National Nurses Week with its “Apple A Day” campaign. In partnership with 19TH AND GRAND RECORDS, the station is giving … more

It's the end of an era as after 19 years as PD at HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95)/MINNEAPOLIS, LEIGHTON PECK has resigned his post. All totaled PECK was at KS95 nearly 29 years, and worked … more

Portraits of entrepreneurs Quebecois, for whom the question of profit goes after those working conditions, personal development and improvement of the environment. How to do more with less? Enrich themselves ... but differently. --------------------------------------------- Des portraits d'entrepreneurs québecois, pour qui la question du profit passe après celles des conditions de travail, de l’épanouissement personnel et de l’amélioration de l’environnement. Comment faire mieux avec moins ? S’enrichir… mais différemment.

In this work we consider the initial-value problem associated with a coupled system of generalized Korteweg-de Vries equations. We present a relationship between the best constant for a Gagliardo-Nirenberg type inequality and a criterion for the existence of global solutions in the energy space. We prove that such a constant is directly related to the existence problem of solitary-wave solutions with minimal mass, the so called ground state solutions. To guarantee the existence of ground states we use a variational method.

We study an equivariant extension of the Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism for quantizing gauge theories. Namely, we introduce a general framework to encompass failures of the quantum master equation, and we apply it to the natural equivariant extension of AKSZ solutions of the classical master equation (CME). As examples of the construction, we recover the equivariant extension of supersymmetric Yang-Mills in 2d and of Donaldson-Witten theory.

We construct semiglobal singular spacetimes for the Einstein equations coupled to a massless scalar field. Consistent with the heuristic analysis of Belinskii, Khalatnikov, Lifshitz or BKL for this system, there are no oscillations due to the scalar field. (This is much simpler than the oscillatory BKL heuristics for the Einstein vacuum equations.) Prior results are due to Andersson and Rendall in the real analytic case, and Rodnianski and Speck in the smooth near-spatially-flat-FLRW case. Similar to Andersson and Rendall we give asymptotic data at the singularity, which we refer to as final data, but our construction is not limited to real analytic solutions. This paper is a test application of tools (a graded Lie algebra formulation of the Einstein equations and a filtration) intended for the more subtle vacuum case. We use homological algebra tools to construct a formal series solution, then symmetric hyperbolic energy estimates to construct a true solution well-approximated by truncations of the formal one. We conjecture that the image of the map from final data to initial data is an open set of anisotropic initial data.

Many efforts of research are devoted to semantic role labeling (SRL) which is crucial for natural language understanding. Supervised approaches have achieved impressing performances when large-scale corpora are available for resource-rich languages such as English. While for the low-resource languages with no annotated SRL dataset, it is still challenging to obtain competitive performances. Cross-lingual SRL is one promising way to address the problem, which has achieved great advances with the help of model transferring and annotation projection. In this paper, we propose a novel alternative based on corpus translation, constructing high-quality training datasets for the target languages from the source gold-standard SRL annotations. Experimental results on Universal Proposition Bank show that the translation-based method is highly effective, and the automatic pseudo datasets can improve the target-language SRL performances significantly.

A graph $G=(V,E)$ is $delta$-hyperbolic if for any four vertices $u,v,w,x$, the two larger of the three distance sums $d(u,v)+d(w,x)$, $d(u,w)+d(v,x)$, and $d(u,x)+d(v,w)$ differ by at most $2delta geq 0$. Recent work shows that many real-world graphs have small hyperbolicity $delta$. This paper describes the eccentricity terrain of a $delta$-hyperbolic graph. The eccentricity function $e_G(v)=max{d(v,u) : u in V}$ partitions the vertex set of $G$ into eccentricity layers $C_{k}(G) = {v in V : e(v)=rad(G)+k}$, $k in mathbb{N}$, where $rad(G)=min{e_G(v): vin V}$ is the radius of $G$. The paper studies the eccentricity layers of vertices along shortest paths, identifying such terrain features as hills, plains, valleys, terraces, and plateaus. It introduces the notion of $eta$-pseudoconvexity, which implies Gromov's $epsilon$-quasiconvexity, and illustrates the abundance of pseudoconvex sets in $delta$-hyperbolic graphs. In particular, it shows that all sets $C_{leq k}(G)={vin V : e_G(v) leq rad(G) + k}$, $kin mathbb{N}$, are $(2delta-1)$-pseudoconvex. Additionally, several bounds on the eccentricity of a vertex are obtained which yield a few approaches to efficiently approximating all eccentricities. An $O(delta |E|)$ time eccentricity approximation $hat{e}(v)$, for all $vin V$, is presented that uses distances to two mutually distant vertices and satisfies $e_G(v)-2delta leq hat{e}(v) leq {e_G}(v)$. It also shows existence of two eccentricity approximating spanning trees $T$, one constructible in $O(delta |E|)$ time and the other in $O(|E|)$ time, which satisfy ${e}_G(v) leq e_T(v) leq {e}_G(v)+4delta+1$ and ${e}_G(v) leq e_T(v) leq {e}_G(v)+6delta$, respectively. Thus, the eccentricity terrain of a tree gives a good approximation (up-to an additive error $O(delta))$ of the eccentricity terrain of a $delta$-hyperbolic graph.

The problem of sampling from the stationary distribution of a Markov chain finds widespread applications in a variety of fields. The time required for a Markov chain to converge to its stationary distribution is known as the classical mixing time. In this article, we deal with analog quantum algorithms for mixing. First, we provide an analog quantum algorithm that given a Markov chain, allows us to sample from its stationary distribution in a time that scales as the sum of the square root of the classical mixing time and the square root of the classical hitting time. Our algorithm makes use of the framework of interpolated quantum walks and relies on Hamiltonian evolution in conjunction with von Neumann measurements.

There also exists a different notion for quantum mixing: the problem of sampling from the limiting distribution of quantum walks, defined in a time-averaged sense. In this scenario, the quantum mixing time is defined as the time required to sample from a distribution that is close to this limiting distribution. Recently we provided an upper bound on the quantum mixing time for Erd"os-Renyi random graphs [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 050501 (2020)]. Here, we also extend and expand upon our findings therein. Namely, we provide an intuitive understanding of the state-of-the-art random matrix theory tools used to derive our results. In particular, for our analysis we require information about macroscopic, mesoscopic and microscopic statistics of eigenvalues of random matrices which we highlight here. Furthermore, we provide numerical simulations that corroborate our analytical findings and extend this notion of mixing from simple graphs to any ergodic, reversible, Markov chain.

In this paper we revisit the deterministic version of the Sparse Fourier Transform problem, which asks to read only a few entries of $x in mathbb{C}^n$ and design a recovery algorithm such that the output of the algorithm approximates $hat x$, the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of $x$. The randomized case has been well-understood, while the main work in the deterministic case is that of Merhi et al.@ (J Fourier Anal Appl 2018), which obtains $O(k^2 log^{-1}k cdot log^{5.5}n)$ samples and a similar runtime with the $ell_2/ell_1$ guarantee. We focus on the stronger $ell_{infty}/ell_1$ guarantee and the closely related problem of incoherent matrices. We list our contributions as follows.

1. We find a deterministic collection of $O(k^2 log n)$ samples for the $ell_infty/ell_1$ recovery in time $O(nk log^2 n)$, and a deterministic collection of $O(k^2 log^2 n)$ samples for the $ell_infty/ell_1$ sparse recovery in time $O(k^2 log^3n)$.

2. We give new deterministic constructions of incoherent matrices that are row-sampled submatrices of the DFT matrix, via a derandomization of Bernstein's inequality and bounds on exponential sums considered in analytic number theory. Our first construction matches a previous randomized construction of Nelson, Nguyen and Woodruff (RANDOM'12), where there was no constraint on the form of the incoherent matrix.

Our algorithms are nearly sample-optimal, since a lower bound of $Omega(k^2 + k log n)$ is known, even for the case where the sensing matrix can be arbitrarily designed. A similar lower bound of $Omega(k^2 log n/ log k)$ is known for incoherent matrices.

Asymptotic expansions are derived for eigenvalues produced by both the Crouzeix-Raviart element and the enriched Crouzeix--Raviart element. The expansions are optimal in the sense that extrapolation eigenvalues based on them admit a fourth order convergence provided that exact eigenfunctions are smooth enough. The major challenge in establishing the expansions comes from the fact that the canonical interpolation of both nonconforming elements lacks a crucial superclose property, and the nonconformity of both elements. The main idea is to employ the relation between the lowest-order mixed Raviart--Thomas element and the two nonconforming elements, and consequently make use of the superclose property of the canonical interpolation of the lowest-order mixed Raviart--Thomas element. To overcome the difficulty caused by the nonconformity, the commuting property of the canonical interpolation operators of both nonconforming elements is further used, which turns the consistency error problem into an interpolation error problem. Then, a series of new results are obtained to show the final expansions.

We propose Cotatron, a transcription-guided speech encoder for speaker-independent linguistic representation. Cotatron is based on the multispeaker TTS architecture and can be trained with conventional TTS datasets. We train a voice conversion system to reconstruct speech with Cotatron features, which is similar to the previous methods based on Phonetic Posteriorgram (PPG). By training and evaluating our system with 108 speakers from the VCTK dataset, we outperform the previous method in terms of both naturalness and speaker similarity. Our system can also convert speech from speakers that are unseen during training, and utilize ASR to automate the transcription with minimal reduction of the performance. Audio samples are available at https://mindslab-ai.github.io/cotatron, and the code with a pre-trained model will be made available soon.

We study heterogeneous $k$-facility location games. In this model there are $k$ facilities where each facility serves a different purpose. Thus, the preferences of the agents over the facilities can vary arbitrarily. Our goal is to design strategy proof mechanisms that place the facilities in a way to maximize the minimum utility among the agents. For $k=1$, if the agents' locations are known, we prove that the mechanism that places the facility on an optimal location is strategy proof. For $k geq 2$, we prove that there is no optimal strategy proof mechanism, deterministic or randomized, even when $k=2$ there are only two agents with known locations, and the facilities have to be placed on a line segment. We derive inapproximability bounds for deterministic and randomized strategy proof mechanisms. Finally, we focus on the line segment and provide strategy proof mechanisms that achieve constant approximation. All of our mechanisms are simple and communication efficient. As a byproduct we show that some of our mechanisms can be used to achieve constant factor approximations for other objectives as the social welfare and the happiness.

List of runners numbered 8,000 to 9,503

Joseph Schloss is the author of two of the definitive scholarly works on hip-hop culture. Making Beats: The Art of Sample-Based Hip-Hop is a look inside the insular world of hip-hop producers, showing us their rules, worldview, and day-to-day lives. Foundation: B-boys, B-girls and Hip-Hop Culture in New York investigates the history and practice of hip-hop dance, as seen by the b-boys and b-girls themselves.

In our wide-ranging talk, we discuss the influence of West Side Story on hip-hop; what the “b” in “b-boy” really stands for; why having rap records at all wasn’t always a sure thing; and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/95/ for full show notes and comments.

Bill Stephney grew up playing in bands, but found his real intro to the music business in college, when he got involved in Adelphi University’s radio station WBAU. He became the music director as well as an on-air personality, overseeing a crew that included a young Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Doctor Dré, and more. Out of those connections, he became a key member of the legendary production collective The Bomb Squad, best-known for their game changing work with Public Enemy.

After college, Bill went to work as the first employee of a new record label called Def Jam, co-founded by his longtime friend Russell Simmons. Bill’s job was to get the label’s artists on the radio—something that sounds comparatively simple today, but was bordering on impossible back in 1985.

After his time at Def Jam, Bill went on to found two record labels, produce albums for comedy legend Paul Mooney, act as music supervisor for movies like CB4 and Boomerang, and even partner with Chris Rock on a humor newspaper.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/195/ for full show notes and comments.

Richard Lutz remembers Mike Wakelam, a major force in medical research who died suddenly of a suspected Covid-19 infection.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Master Stephan Kesting calls into the podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Onnit.com. Use Promo code CHURCH at checkout for a discount.

This podcast is also brought to you by Hulu Plus. Visit huluplus.com/joey for an extended free trial.

Streamed live on 07/08/2013

Dr. Belisa Vranich, author of "Breathe", and the creator of The Breathing Class joins Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt live in studio!

Visit http://thebreathingclass.com/ to learn more!

This podcast is brought to you by:

Tom Rhodes, a touring comedian for more than 30 years and the host of the "Tom Rhodes Radio," podcast, joins Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt LIVE in studio.

Dave Woodhall pays tribute to writer, broadcaster, campaigner and long-time friend Steve Beauchampe.

waveTracing has announced the release of SP950, an audio effect plugin that accurately emulates the legendary sound of the E-mu SP1200 sampler and Akai S950 low-pass filter. If you are familiar with the E-mu SP-1200 workflow, you know the way the device is typically used is with a pitched-up source such as a turntable playing […]

The post waveTracing’s SP950 emulates the sound of E-mu SP-1200 & Akai S950 appeared first on rekkerd.org.

W.A. Production has launched a limited time offer on the Savage Bass House Bundle, a collection of sound packs, DAW templates and audio tutorial course at 95% off the regular price. You don’t have to go for broke to make great bass house. Our Savage Bass House Bundle comes complete with all the tools you […]

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Plugin Boutique has launched a sale on Inphonik, offering discounts of up to 50% off on its plugins for a limited time only. The RX950 Classic AD/DA Converter effect plugin is designed to perfectly mimic the whole AD/DA conversion process of the Akai S950 in order to give your music this vintage, warm and crunchy […]

The post Save up to 50% on Inphonik’s RX950 Classic AD/DA Converter and RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer appeared first on rekkerd.org.

Revenue from operations (excluding GST) in the said quarter stood at Rs 1,598.58 crore.

Italian artist and teacher Giacomo Verde passed away today. Video artist and activist he has explored the use of electronic and digital video image in theatre and performances. Among the highlights in his career he collaborated with Van Gogh TV →

Earlier, the loan default was estimated at over Rs 800 crore but scrutiny of documents by CBI revealed that the amount is much larger.

This story ran on Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Gloria Vanderbilt was an artist, heiress, designer and philanthropist who, for many Americans, may be best remembered for her blue jeans . She died at the age of 95. Vanderbilt's son, Anderson Cooper, announced her death Monday, airing an obituary for her on CNN. Vanderbilt had cancer, he said. "Earlier this month, we had to take her to the hospital. That's where she learned she had very advanced cancer in her stomach, and that it had spread," Cooper said. "What an extraordinary life. What an extraordinary mom. And what an incredible woman," he said, his voice quavering a bit at the end of the remembrance. Vanderbilt had full lips, eyes that turned up at the corners and a patrician bearing. She was, in fact, descended from shipping and railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the richest men in American history. She was born in 1924, and her father died shortly thereafter. Vanderbilt was raised by a beloved nurse because

People squirming in a world where everything is rated and reviewed.

My husband and I were given two N-95 masks by the wife of a (retired) doctor from church when C19 was barely making headlines. She said he had a couple of boxes from his practice. Is it legal for us to use them if we *must* go out? I am immunocompromised, if that makes any difference. My husband is not. I understand the moral argument for not using them. Is it worth taking just two to drop off at a medical office or hospital? We are in a mid-sized city in the southeast, not a big city like NYC.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Chris Knight, Sue Foley, The Quebe Sisters and Maya de Vitry, live on Mountain Stage with Larry Groce.Support for this podcast is provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Guest host Kathy Mattea welcomes performances from Beth Nielsen Chapman, Carrie Newcomer, Erin Rae, Lisa Mednick Powell, and Lillie Mae. Support for this podcast is provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Guest host Kathy Mattea welcomes Shawn Colvin, Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, Lucy Kaplansky, Rebecca Loebe, and Kacy & Clayton.Support is provided by Adventures on the Gorge.https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, Patty Griffin,Craig Finn & the Uptown Controllers and Shook TwinsRecorded 9/22/19 in Charleston, WV. Support provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Live performances by The Steel Wheels, Radney Foster, Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert, and Eilen Jewell, recorded in Charleston, WV Sunday Sept. 29, 2019. Support provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Live performances from Shovels & Rope, Cris Jacobs, Kelsey Waldon, Wayne Graham, and Tyler Grant & Robin Kessinger. Recorded in Charleston, WV Sunday Oct. 06, 2019. Support provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Guest host Kathy Mattea welcomes Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Hayes Carll, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Allison Moorer, and Mick FlannerySupport provided by Adventures on the Gorge.https://adventuresonthegorge.com/

Live performances from Chely Wright, Andrew Combs, The Claudettes, Michaela Anne, and Cave Twins. Recorded 11/3/2019 in Charleston, WV. Support is provided by Adventures on the Gorge. https://adventuresonthegorge.com/