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Cloud-Based File Synchronization Services
by Wayne A. Thorp
These days "the cloud," like so many other technologies, has made our lives significantly easier. While most have probably heard the term, there is still a lot of confusion about what it is and how we can use it. Without getting overly technical, cloud computing, or simply the cloud, refers to a collection of hardware and software resources that are delivered as a service over a network, usually the Internet. Chances are you are already using some form of cloud computing, especially if you have an email account with a Web-based service such as Yahoo! or Gmail. In these cases, you don't have email software installed on your computer. Instead, you log into your email account remotely, with the requisite software and storage residing on the service's computer cloud.
In surveys conducted in our weekly CI Emails, many of our readers use multiple platforms to access email, the Web and files: computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. While I am more the exception than the rule, on any given day you can find me working away on any of my two desktop PCs, two notebook computers, three tablets and my iPhone. It used to be if I wanted to work with an electronic file, say a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, I would copy the latest version to a USB thumb drive and copy it to whichever system I was using at the time or I would email copies to myself. The problem with that was I ran the risk of not having the most recent version of the file. On many occasions I had to revise a file to incorporate changes I had made on different versions of it.
Luckily, the applications of cloud computing are virtually boundless. One way in which I use the cloud on a daily basis is file synchronization. These services allow you to save files and access them across multiple platforms. In this Online Exclusive article, we discuss one area of cloud-based computing—file synchronization services—as well as compare the key players in the marketplace.
What Is File Syncing?
With file synchronization services, my days of trying to keep track of the latest version of a file between different PCs is a thing of the past. Now, I can save a document, say a Word file or Excel spreadsheet, into my "cloud" folder on one computer and then go to another system and access the file, edit it, re-save it and then access the current file on another device. The file-syncing feature ensures that no matter where I am accessing the file, I have the latest version.
File syncing sounds much more complicated than its implementation is. In most cases, you can be signed up and syncing files on the cloud in a matter of minutes. Usually, you can get some amount of storage for free (a discussion of the top services will come a bit later). There is typically some software to install to enable the file synchronization functionality; once it's installed, you specify which files to sync and the service saves a copy of those files on the cloud. As you access and modify these files, the service then "syncs" the most recent copy to the various devices you use to access them. Depending on the service you choose, you may be able to track the history of a document.
With a cloud syncing service, you don't have to worry about leaving an important file behind. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can retrieve your files (but even some syncing services store specified files locally, too). Frequent travelers can access important files from any Internet-connected device (something especially useful for business travelers). You can also use a file synchronization service to upload and access photos across multiple platforms.
With the advancements in file-syncing services, I can save a file on the cloud and then access and edit it on multiple devices.
There is one caveat to being able to access and modify files across multiple devices. Let's say you created a file in Microsoft Word and synced the file with a cloud service. In order to open that file in its original format, you need to have Word installed on the other devices from which you wish to access it. Alternatively, you can have a program or app that allows you to open and modify Word documents, although the level of formatting that is preserved may vary. The same goes for spreadsheet files, PDF files, etc. Otherwise, the best you may hope for is the ability to view the document but not actually edit it.
Cloud Storage Versus Synchronization
It is worth mentioning that there is a distinct difference between services only offering cloud storage and those that offer the added capability of file syncing. While all services offering file syncing offer cloud storage, not all cloud storage services offer file synchronization.
You can think of a cloud storage service as an Internet-based hard drive where you can store electronic data, such as music or photos. There are more archive solutions than file-syncing services, which allow you to access "current" files, modify them and be able to access the newly updated files across multiple systems or platforms.
This article focuses on cloud services that offer file synchronization.
Choosing the "Best" Service
As I tried out several file-syncing services for this article, it became apparent that there isn't a "one size fits all" solution. As we find in the comparison articles we publish in Computerized Investing for various categories of investment software and websites, the overriding factor is what you are trying to do. This will dictate the best service that is right for you, which may be different for someone else.
For this article, however, I viewed the services from a standpoint of someone looking to store files—word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.—sync them across multiple computers and devices and share them with friends, family or co-workers. Having been a long-time user of one such service, Dropbox, I was on the lookout for features that might lure me away.
In order to choose a file-syncing service, here are some factors to consider.
Most services offer some level of free storage along with a tiered subscription structure based on how much additional space you need. Advanced features can include version tracking.
Of the services compared here, Dropbox starts you off with the smallest amount of free storage—2G (gigabytes). However, it does tack on additional storage for each referral you make to the service.
Five gigabytes of free space appears to be the norm, based on the services I looked at for this article; although, Microsoft's SkyDrive starts you out with 7G for free. For many users, this may be more than enough. However, if you do need more space, it is important to look at the pricing options available to you.
Probably the biggest factor when selecting a cloud storage and file-syncing service is the "ecosystem" you rely on. If you are like me, you are using multiple platforms—Windows, iOS, Android, etc. It is important, therefore, to pay attention to each service's availability on different platforms.
Dropbox is versatile and can be used across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and Blackberry. If you are a heavy user of Google Documents or Microsoft Office tools, then Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive, respectively, may be the best options for you.
Thus, you need to consider the devices on which you'll want to use a file-syncing service, and make sure it is available across all those devices.
Content Management
One way services are trying to differentiate themselves from the competition is with content-management tools. Instead of merely storing and syncing your files, services such as Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive offer tools that allow you to create and edit text documents, spreadsheets and presentations using cloud-based applications. This means you don't need to have specific software installed on your computer or device.
Cloud-based apps are particularly attractive options if you don't want to spend the money on productivity suites such as Microsoft Office.
Local Storage & Offline Access
One thing you may not realize with cloud storage services such as these is that, while they back up your files to the cloud, the files may also reside on your local computer. This is both an advantage and, potentially, a hindrance. The advantage of having the files saved on your local PC as well as in the cloud is that you can still work with a file even if you don't have an Internet connection. This is a good thing when flying at 30,000 feet in an airplane (assuming your airline doesn't offer in-air Wi-Fi). You can create a file and save it to your synced folder or edit a synced file and syncing will take place the next time you are connected to the Internet. Amazon Cloud Drive, Dropbox and Google Drive give you offline access to your files.
The "downside" of this is that you are still using hard disk space. Depending on the systems you are syncing files across, this may be an issue. My primary desktop system has 700G hard disk, so my 100G Dropbox Pro account isn't overly burdensome. However, on my HP Folio 13 Ultrabook, I have only about 40G of free hard disk space.
If you are in a similar situation, it is a good idea to pick a service that allows you to choose which files or folders you want to sync.
Privacy & Security
Two areas of concern among our readers in regard to cloud computing are privacy and security. It only makes sense, since you are relinquishing some level of control by storing your data on a third-party server.
Right now, the biggest concern for cloud storage providers is illegal content, such as child pornography. Be sure to read the terms of service to see what is allowed and what isn't. In their efforts to keep illegal data out of the cloud, some popular storage providers scan the data they are storing. While they are required by law to respond to known or suspected instances of child pornography, not all take proactive measures.
Per their terms of service, most providers reserve the right to actively search data. Ultimately, it comes down to an interpretation of who owns the data. Those services that actively scan the data they store believe they own the data on their servers. Be aware, however, that the issue doesn't end with child pornography. In the future, services may start searching for pirated media files.
It also pays to be aware of how the various cloud providers are safeguarding your data. Security takes on various forms when talking about storing data on third-party servers. First, does the service provide backups of the data they are storing? One of the primary reasons for using a cloud storage service is to protect your data and files in the event of a computer crash on your end. But what happens if the crash happens on the other end? Is your data protected? Chances are, there is no guarantee that your data is safe. There are companies that provide secure backup services, but that would be the topic of another comparison article.
It's also helpful to be protected against ourselves, as we are often our own worst enemy. There are times we may be working with a file and make changes that, in retrospect, were not needed or desired. The ability to revert back to previous versions of a file is a handy option to have.
One final element to consider is how well your data and files are protected. This includes both protection of data as it is being relayed between your device(s) and the cloud as well as protection of data as it is being housed on the servers. At a minimum, data should be protected while in transit with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocols as well as encryption. Getting back to the issue of privacy, if a company's terms of service state it has the right to scan your data and report illegal activity to authorities, that usually means they have a master encryption key that allows them to analyze your files for embedded data.
The bottom line is to be sure to read the terms of service before signing up with any cloud-based storage service. Furthermore, don't expect to use a cloud storage service for illegal activities without getting caught.
Major Players
Do a Google search for "cloud storage" and dozens of services will appear. Instead of merely providing a comprehensive list of providers, I've chosen to take a closer look at the major players in the arena: Amazon Cloud Drive, Apple iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive and SugarSync. The comparison grid lists the main features of each.
Amazon Cloud Drive
Amazon Cloud Drive was initially started as a counter to Apple's iTunes for Amazon users to store and stream MP3s purchased from the online retailer's music store. Over time, Cloud Drive has evolved to a true file storage service. Last year, Amazon separated Cloud Drive from Cloud Player, which allows users to access music and video stored on their Cloud Drive (we will be focusing on Cloud Drive for this article). In May of last year, Amazon took another step forward by releasing a desktop app for Windows and Mac that allows users to drag and drop files within a client folder instead of uploading files via the Web. At that point, however, Cloud Drive didn't offer file syncing. That feature didn't come about until April of this year with the introduction of "File Sync" for the Cloud Drive desktop app.
Cloud Drive's terms of service do state that Amazon has the right to access your files, and they do not guarantee the safety of your data, something I find a bit troubling. Setting up Amazon Cloud Drive was pretty straightforward, although it took the longest of the services compared here because the executable you need to download from the Amazon website is 62M (megabytes) and takes a few minutes to download, even over a fiber connection. If you already have an Amazon account, you are good to go. If not, Amazon accounts are free. With a free Cloud Drive account you get 5G of storage. The Cloud Drive desktop app is compatible with Windows XP or later (including Windows 8) and Mac OS 10.6 or later. After installing Cloud Drive on my Windows 7 desktop and Microsoft Surface Pro Window 8 tablet, a Cloud Drive shortcut was automatically added to my Favorites, and Cloud Drive was added to the system tray.
The Cloud Drive folder has three default folders: Documents, Pictures and Videos. This is the same view when accessing Cloud Drive via a browser. You can add new folders, rename them or delete them. You can drag files into the Cloud Drive folder to sync them as well as save them to that location. You can also upload files from a Web browser. I could not find an option to pick and choose which files or folders to sync on my local PC. This may be an issue for those looking to limit the size of their synced files on certain computers. Also, when viewing the drive via a browser, there is a search box in the upper-right corner to easily locate files stored on Cloud Drive. Lastly, you can share or stop sharing individual files via a Web browser. You click the check box next to a file or multiple files and then select More Actions and then Share. This will generate a Web link that others can use to access the file(s).
Amazon Cloud doesn't have a dedicated app for iOS or Android. But I was able to access files on my Cloud Drive via my Safari browser on my iPhone. There is a Cloud Drive Photos app for Android that allows you to access and upload pictures from your Android phone or tablet via your Cloud Drive.
At the bottom-left of your Cloud Drive Web page, you are given how much storage is in use. You can also see this by hovering your mouse over the Cloud Drive system tray.
Unlike Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive lacks any content management tools or apps, so you will need to have programs already installed on your desktop or apps on your mobile device to read and edit content such as text documents.
With Amazon Cloud Drive you get 5G of free storage, which appears to be the norm among many providers. You can buy extra storage, with 20G of storage costing $10 a year. You can purchase a maximum of 1,000G (one terabyte or T) for $500 a year.
If you purchase a lot of music from Amazon, Cloud Drive may be the service for you, as purchases can automatically be uploaded to your Cloud Drive. You can then stream them over your computer or devices via Amazon Cloud Player. Also, the first 250 songs you import from Amazon do not count against your storage limit, and there are Cloud Player apps that allow you to stream your music over mobile devices. While Amazon Cloud Drive has come a long way since it was first launched, especially with the added functionality of file syncing, I didn't find anything that really made Amazon Cloud Drive stand out from the others I looked at.
Apple iCloud
Apple's iCloud service is really for those who live exclusively in the Mac/iOS ecosphere. It is built into every new iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, etc.) and every new Mac, which means there is no software to install on your Mac.
File syncing is done at the program or app level, without any dedicated folder like the other services highlighted in this article. Instead of remembering which folder you saved a file to, all you have to do is remember which app you used to create it. If you have the same iCloud-enabled apps on more than one device, iCloud automatically keeps the documents you create, and data used by your apps, up to date across all your devices. iCloud is built into such Mac programs as Keynote (presentations), Pages (word processing) and Numbers (spreadsheets).
The problem with this approach, however, is that it is more difficult to access files across different apps. Once you create a file in a given app, plan on editing it in that same app across different devices. This approach also means there is no direct method of sharing files or collaborating with others. I find all of this rather un-Apple.
To get iCloud, you need an Apple ID. If you own a Mac or an iOS device, you should already have one. If not, drop everything and sign up for one now! iCloud gives you 5G of free storage, and you can purchase additional storage if you need it. Fifteen gigabytes costs $20 year; 25G is $40 a year; and 55G costs $100 a year.
It is worth pointing out that Apple's terms of service state that it can, at any time, review the data synced with iCloud, and under certain circumstances might share that information with legal authorities.
As an iPhone user, I do like Photo Stream with iCloud. After enabling Photo Stream on my iPhone, any pictures I take with my iPhone automatically appear on all my other iCloud-accessible devices, including Macs and Windows PCs. I also periodically backup the entire contents of my iPhone and iPad to my iCloud account in case I lose or damage the devices. When I had to replace my iPad due to a faulty SIM card, I was able to restore the entire contents of it onto my new iPad using iCloud.
For Windows users, Apple does offer an iCloud Control Panel program that is compatible with Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, "all" this does is sync your mail, contacts, tasks and calendars with Outlook as well as sync your PC with Apple's Photo Stream. In terms of word processing, presentation or spreadsheet files, there is no syncing between Windows and iCloud.
Since I do the bulk of my file creating and editing on Windows, iCloud has zero appeal from a file- syncing standpoint. It is, however, great to be able to back up my iPhone and iPad to iCloud, making restoration a snap. For Apple users, however, it is a different story, as iCloud is integrated into all new iOS and Mac devices as well as major Apple apps for creating text documents, presentations and spreadsheets. If you are someone who works exclusively on Mac/iOS, iCloud is ready and waiting for you to use.
I have been using Dropbox for several years now and haven't switched because it works. While at the time I started using it, Dropbox was probably the undisputed leader in cloud-based file syncing, it has fallen behind some of its competitors in terms of the amount of free storage offered, pricing and content management.
Dropbox offers the widest operating system integration; it's compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems as well as iOS, Android and Blackberry mobile platforms. Much like Amazon Cloud Drive, you download an installation file to put the Dropbox client on your computer. The installation then places a Dropbox folder in your Favorites and a Dropbox icon in the Windows system tray. From there, you simply drag files into a Dropbox folder or save files to a Dropbox folder. You can also access your Dropbox folders from a Web browser.
Dropbox has some of the best iOS and Android apps for accessing your stored data. Using various document readers, media players and text editors, I was able to access most of the files I saved in my Dropbox from my iPhone, iPad and Google Nexus tablet. For those looking to access files across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, Dropbox gives you some powerful options.
With Dropbox Basic you get a relatively paltry 2G of free space. However, Dropbox offers a number of ways to increase your amount of free storage. You get 1G of additional space for each person you refer to Dropbox, up to 32G. You also get 125M each for connecting your Dropbox account to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and another 125M for following Dropbox on Twitter.
Compared to Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive, Dropbox doesn't have any content management tools. However, the company has been hinting that the situation may change in the future. At a press conference earlier this year, a Dropbox spokesperson said that the company plans to push away from being a personal-storage product to becoming a service that brings content to wherever people need it.
Paid Dropbox Pro subscriptions also carry significant price premiums over other services: 100G for $9.99 a month or $99 a year; 200G for $19.99 a month or $199 a year; and 500G for $49.99 a month or $499.99 a year.
With the "Pack rat" service, which costs $39 a year, Dropbox offers unlimited undo history and undelete. This is an excellent feature, as it safeguards files you delete and saves old versions of a file in case you need them later. Even without the Pack rat add-on, Dropbox keeps snapshots of every change in your Dropbox folder over the last 30 days.
You have two different means of sharing files and folders within Dropbox. You can either share a link to files and folders or you can create a shared folder. By sharing a link to files or folders in your Dropbox, you can share your files with anyone, even if they don't have Dropbox. Anyone who uses the link can preview the files and folders through their browser. Alternatively, you can share a folder in your Dropbox with others so that you can collaborate with them on the same files and folders. We use this feature extensively in the office when several of us are contributing to the same publication or project. However, this doesn't offer the true collaboration that you get with Google Drive. If more than one person is working on a document within a shared folder, the changes are not integrated into a single document. Instead, Dropbox creates "conflicted" copies of the file with the date in the file's name. While this ensures that changes aren't lost, it does then require some work to merge the changes into a single document.
One unique option Dropbox offers is the ability to limit the amount of bandwidth the service uses for uploading and downloading files from the desktop client. Furthermore, Dropbox only transfers those parts of a file that change during revisions. So instead of transferring an entire file that may be hundreds of megabytes in size, Dropbox only transfers the changes, which may be significantly smaller.
Looking though Dropbox's terms of service, I didn't find anything too shocking. Dropbox will look through your data for illegal activity if presented with the proper legal documents from authorities. If you upload pirated files, Dropbox reserves the right to delete them. Furthermore, Dropbox doesn't guarantee the safety of your data on their servers.
As I said during the introduction, I went into this looking to see if I could find a service that could unseat Dropbox as my go-to cloud storage and file-syncing service. For what I do, Dropbox is perfect. It is easy to use and reliable. However, the relatively small amount of free storage space and price points for additional storage are turnoffs. Whether or not Dropbox remains my preferred cloud storage and file-syncing service remains to be seen.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a rebranding of the former Google Docs service, with added features such as file synchronization. It is one of the few file-syncing services to offer a free online office suite that seamlessly incorporates cloud-based file syncing (Microsoft's SkyDrive is the other). Google Docs first started out as an alternative to Microsoft Office and has grown into an impressive one-stop shop for creating, editing, saving, syncing and collaborating on documents.
With Google Drive you can create new word processing documents, spreadsheets and presentations via a Web browser. Google Drive works with a number of apps that you can install from the Chrome Web Store. With these apps, you can edit images and videos, fax and sign documents, manage projects, create flow charts and more.
A free Google Drive account only requires a Gmail account, and it gives you 5G of free storage. You can buy additional storage; prices are some of the more reasonable among the services highlighted here. Subscriptions start at $2.49 a month for 25G and go up to $799.99 a month for 16T.
You can access your Google Drive via the Web or you can install a client on your Windows (XP, Vista, 7 and 8) or Mac (Mac OS 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8) computer. This places a Google Drive folder on your computer and a Google Drive icon in your system tray. There are also Google Drive apps for Android and iOS. Like most of the other services in this article, once you install Google Drive you have a dedicated folder that you save or copy files to in order to keep them synced across multiple devices. You can also choose to sync only select folders on your Google Drive.
When uploading files to Google Drive via the Web interface, you have the option of converting them to Google's file formats to edit them online. Perhaps even more useful, however, is the ability to export files you create or edit via Google Drive to more standard formats such as .doc, .rtf, .pdf and .csv. The Google Drive Viewer allows you to view over 30 file types in your browser, which, according to Google, includes HD video, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files—even if you don't have the source programs installed on your PC. Outside of Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Drive is a good means of editing Microsoft Office documents without needing Office installed on your system, although you may lose some formatting in the process. If you convert files to the Google Docs format, they do not count against your storage limit.
For those looking for true collaboration, Google Drive fits the bill. In other words, no matter who's editing the showed document, everyone always sees the most up-to-date changes. When more than one person is working on a document, all changes are made in real time. In fact, this may well be the most useful, and unique, feature of Google Docs. If you wish to share a file or folder, all you need to do is send a link from Google Drive in Gmail and the recipient will have the latest version(s) of the file(s). You can limit permissions to view or comment only or allow others to edit.
Google Drive tracks changes you make as well, tracking versions as far back as 30 days. You can also choose to save a previous version so you always have it.
A relatively new feature added to Google Drive is offline access, meaning you can still access and edit a Google Docs file even if you don't have an Internet connection. One catch is that you have to be using the Chrome browser or a Chrome OS device. Once you have set up offline access, you can view Google documents, spreadsheets, presentations and drawings without an Internet connection. Offline editing is limited to Google Docs documents, presentations and drawings (not spreadsheets). You can also view other files in your Google Drive, such as PDFs, Microsoft Office files and images. Any changes you make to synced files while offline will automatically sync when you reconnect to the Internet.
In reading about privacy concerns with cloud-based storage systems, it seems that Google gets most of the bad press. Google has an all-in-one privacy policy that applies to all of its services—Gmail, Google+, Google Docs, Google Drive, etc. Some people are worried about the policy's seemingly wide reach, which they interpret as giving Google the right to do pretty much whatever it wants with uploaded data. Google has issued clarifying statements that "what belongs to you stays yours." When you get down to brass tacks, however, Google's privacy policies are really no different than those of Dropbox, iCloud or SkyDrive. As a writer for PCMag.com put it, if you are comfortable using Gmail, you shouldn't have a problem using Google Drive.
Google Drive is an intriguing offering because it is actually part collaborative office suite and part cloud-storage file-syncing service. It offers a good amount of free storage space and its subscription prices are more than reasonable compared to the competition. Since I already have either Microsoft Office or Open Office installed on all of my desktop and notebook computers, Google Docs isn't something I use very often. Besides, Microsoft SkyDrive offers free Office apps that allow you to edit Office documents via the Web (we will discuss this a little later). As a file-syncing service, though, it does a good job. Uploading files is easy and the Google Drive Viewer is a means of previewing a wide array of files without needing a lot of different programs installed. It is also a nice touch to be able to export Google Docs formats into more widely-used document formats. I found the iOS and Android apps to be intuitive as well, although with these apps you can only create new documents and spreadsheets, not presentations or drawings.
Bottom line, Google Drive is a good service, especially for someone who is new to cloud storage and uses the Chrome OS or prefers the Chrome browser. While it doesn't offer enough to pull me away from Dropbox, it more than holds its own.
Microsoft SkyDrive
Often accused of being late to the party, Microsoft was actually one of the first cloud storage providers when it launched Windows Live Folders in August of 2007. Over the years, the service has evolved into SkyDrive. Like Google Drive, SkyDrive offers cloud storage and file syncing as well as a suite of online tools to create and edit a variety of files via free Office Web apps.
You can access SkyDrive via the Web as well as on your computer by installing the SkyDrive desktop app. The desktop app supports file syncing and is compatible with Windows Vista SP2, 7 and 8 as well as Mac OS 10.7 and 10.8 (but not 10.6). There are also apps for Windows Phone, Android and iOS for accessing your files on a mobile device.
SkyDrive gives 7G of free storage space, a step up from the 5G most other services offer. Subscription costs for additional storage are the lowest among the services highlighted in this article: 27G for $10 a year; 57G for $25 a year; and 107G for $50 a year. In order to get a free SkyDrive account you must first have a Microsoft account, formerly Microsoft Live. The account is free.
Installing the SkyDrive desktop app puts a SkyDrive folder on your computer as well as a SkyDrive icon in the system tray. From this item in the system tray you can choose which folders to sync.
SkyDrive.com is the Web interface for SkyDrive and is where you can create and edit Microsoft Office documents. Having used Office for nearly 20 years, I prefer these free Web apps over what you get from Google Docs. I also found these Web apps to be more robust. Currently SkyDrive offers apps for Word documents, Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, OneNote notebooks and Excel surveys. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these Web apps functioned on my Safari browser on my iPad and the Firefox for Android browser on my Google Nexus tablet. For editing Word documents on an Android smartphone or iPhone, there is the OneNote app. I was also surprised to find that the SkyDrive Web interface was streamlined and intuitive, two things Microsoft products are often not accused of being.
One unique feature the SkyDrive desktop app for Windows offers is Fetch files, which you can use to access all your files on a computer, even those not in a SkyDrive folder, from SkyDrive.com. You can even access network locations if they're included in the PC's libraries or mapped as drives. When you browse a PC's files remotely, you can download copies of files to work on. You can also stream video and view photos in a slide show. To access files on your PC remotely, make sure the PC you want to access is turned on and connected to the Internet. SkyDrive also needs to be running on that PC, and the Fetch files setting must be selected. This feature is not available on Macs.
You can share files and folders with SkyDrive via links. In February, Microsoft made a change whereby you no longer have to have a Microsoft account before accessing a file via a share link that is sent to you. However, you can still choose to require people to sign in to access a shared file. When you are sharing a document using Office Web Apps, you can see who is currently working in the document. When you make changes to a shared document that others are currently editing, the other users receive an alert that changes have been made. Instead of automatically updating collaborative files like Google Drive does, the users must save the file they are currently working on to receive the latest changes.
SkyDrive automatically keeps track of the previous 25 versions of all documents. It also allows you to restore or download an older version through the file's version history.
SkyDrive has also been integrated into Windows 8, the latest version of Microsoft's flagship operating system. When you log into a Windows Phone or Windows 8 PC, SkyDrive can sync settings and apps on those devices. This means that when you log in, SkyDrive will reproduce a previous machine you've set up: color and background themes, user photo, browser favorites and history and more. Also on Windows 8, there are a number of apps that have SkyDrive integrated into them.
Microsoft is a little cagey when it comes to how it handles your privacy and is always quick to state that it doesn't comment on internal practices. However, it is no secret that Microsoft Research's PhotoDNA Project is automated software that helps law enforcement and Internet service providers track down child pornographers. Undoubtedly that software is scanning SkyDrive accounts looking for illegal material. Beyond that, the company says it has "strict internal policies in place to limit access to a user's data…"
About the only disappointing thing about SkyDrive is that you can't access your files without an Internet connection. Since Dropbox and Google Drive offer offline access, I hope SkyDrive adds this feature in the future.
I was thoroughly impressed with Microsoft SkyDrive. If you deal with a lot of Microsoft Office documents, this is the cloud storage service for you. Office Web Apps allows you to create Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, even on tablets. I found this to be much more robust than Google Docs. The Fetch option is a unique feature that allows you to access files on other systems, even if they aren't in a SkyDrive folder. Lastly, the 7G of free cloud storage and inexpensive subscription costs create a little separation between SkyDrive and the rest of the pack. If I were new to cloud storage, this would be the one I would choose.
The last service we looked at for this article is SugarSync. The biggest difference between SugarSync and the other services highlighted here is that you can use it to sync any folder or file on your computer. What this means is that you can access the contents of any system you have synced with SugarSync. If you don't wish to sync all your files and folders, however, the desktop client still installs a My SugarSync folder that automatically syncs all files and folders that you put in it.
SugarSync offers 5G of free storage, but it is buried underneath offers for fee-based storage with a 30 -day free trial that requires your credit card. Furthermore, if you don't use your free SugarSync account for 90 days or more, it may be deleted. To sign up for a free account that doesn't require a credit card, go to www.sugarsync.com/free. Like Dropbox, SugarSync allows you to boost your free space amount by referring your friends. For each free account a friend opens, both of you receive an additional 500M of free storage, with maximum bonus space of 32G. However, when a friend opens a premium account, you both get an additional 10G of space, and there is no limit on how much extra space you can acquire with these types of referrals. Subscriptions are a little pricey compared to some other services: 60G for $7.49 a month; 100G for $9.99 a month; and 250G for $24.99 a month. All first-time subscribers have 30 days to cancel without being charged, but it still requires you to provide your credit card information.
In order to sync your files on a Windows PC or Mac, you need to install the SugarSync Desktop App. While you have the ability to sync any and all folders, the desktop app still also installs a SugarSync folder that syncs the files you place in it. However, one thing I don't necessarily like when installing the SugarSync desktop app on my Windows system is that it automatically assigned a drive letter to the SugarSync Drive. Luckily, you can turn this off within the Desktop App preferences. The installation also puts a SugarSync icon in the system tray.
When you open the desktop app, you can see all of the folders synced to your account or just the folders from the individual computers you've installed SugarSync on. Syncing additional folders besides the My SugarSync folder is extremely easy: simply drag the folders into the gray box at the bottom of the desktop app or select folders from the folder tree.
SugarSync offers multiple means of sharing and collaborating. You can share public links for any file or folder and share it on Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. Recipients can click on the link to download the file or folder without having to register or sign in. You can also create Shared Folders for collaborating with others. You can send an email invitation to join your shared folder. Folder members can then sync a shared folder directly to their own computers to edit files locally. Updates are then reflected for everyone whenever the edited file is saved. You can also share a folder as "read-only" so recipients can view the files but not make changes to them.
The SugarSync apps for iOS, Android and Blackberry allow you to sync folders or files to your smartphone or tablet for offline access. You can make changes on your mobile device and then sync the changes back to the cloud and your other devices the next time you are connected to the Internet. When opening a synced file on both my iPad and Google Nexus, SugarSync listed the apps I had installed that could open the selected file.
SugarSync allows you to view and restore previous versions of your files. SugarSync keeps the previous five versions of all your documents.
SugarSync is more along the lines of Dropbox and Amazon Cloud Drive in that it doesn't offer any content management tools. It is strictly for cloud storage and file synchronization. You will need to have the programs and apps installed on any device you use to open and edit the files you sync.
The SugarSync privacy statement is pretty clear-cut. SugarSync doesn't allow access to your data by third parties unless required by law or if you give permission to another service to access your files. SugarSync also states that it will not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.
After using SugarSync, I was surprised it hadn't come across my radar sooner. For someone not needing a suite of online tools to create and edit documents, SugarSync would be my choice over Dropbox. Both services are easy to use and reliable, but SugarSync edges out Dropbox with more free space and more reasonable prices for additional storage. It's also hard not to like the ability to sync all files and folders on a computer, not just those in the client folder.
There isn't one cloud-based file synchronization service that is truly "the best" for everyone in all situations. Each service has its advantages and disadvantages. As we said earlier, the ecosystem in which you operate will go a long way toward determining which service is the right fit for you.
If this article shows you nothing else, it's that there is an easy and inexpensive means of backing up important files to the cloud and sync them across multiple devices quickly.
Alan from NJ posted over 5 years ago:
This is an excellent overview of an issue almost all of us will need to understand. It's difficult to imagine seeing an article that's better researched or more clearly written. Thanks, Mr. Thorp and AAII.
Wayne Thorp from IL posted over 5 years ago:
Thank you for those very generous comments. I am glad you enjoyed the article.
Wayne A. Thorp, CFA
Editor, Computerized Investing
Brooks Nolan from TX posted over 5 years ago:
Dear Wayne! Congratulations on a most remarkable article. It is very comprehensive in operational or utilization scope, at a really ideal level of technical depth for quick understanding, seemingly unbiased and very, very easy to comprehend. This is a true AAII service. There are many, many published papers on this subject, and I personally think yours is one of the absolute best. Many thanks – Homerun!
Brooks Nolan
Thomas from IN posted over 5 years ago:
Good article, Wayne. Very well laid out, and you covered all the major players.
Hope to see more articles online for the upcoming wave of tech savvy among us.
Anthony from AZ posted over 5 years ago:
I use Google Drive, MS Skydrive, Box.com and Sugar Sync. From the perspective of automatic sync over three PCs I use in three different States (yes I travel a lot) Sugar Sync is a real blessing. I do not know how I would do without it
Charles Mattson from NY posted over 5 years ago:
This was a very clear, well written and well researched article. It is one of the best that I have ever read on AAII. I was also glad that I did not have to log on to my AAII account to be able to read the whole article. Thank you, Wayne. Keep up the good work.
Matt from CA posted over 4 years ago:
I use both Google Drive and Dropbox continuously (and MS Skydrive and Box.com occasionally). I like Google Drive for the reliability and the low price for large storage quantities (I use 100GB), but on my aging laptop, the Google Drive Sync client will quite often exceed 30% of available CPU power. Strangely, even when pausing the Google drive Sync client, the system load it imposes will often remain very high for several minutes.
The Dropbox client, by comparison, seems to impose only negligible resource requirements.
Jonathan Brown from CA posted over 4 years ago:
Thank you, this is a first rate summary of options. I tend to use iCloud as a first order but have also used Dropbox and Skydrive and Box. I have also used Cubby - which allows 5 gigs and like many others as you sign up friends you get an extra gig of storage.
A couple of other comments. I like iCloud in part because of the iWork software (which competes with Google's Drive and Skydrive). I have spreadsheets, keynotes and pages documents all at the ready on all my devices. That is possible on the other services but since I am an Apple user I am more comfortable with the ecosystem. Among the three Skydrive is the least useful from my perspective (but then I have grown tired of the Office interface). The Google drive option is a bit clumsy. But I understand that the native web based apps on iCloud are also a bit less friendly than the native Mac options. For a Mac user each of the other services allows you to send a doc out and have the Mac read it. For iCloud you have a number of options to move docs to non-mac users. Since a good deal of what I produce in documents and spreadsheets is proprietary - I generally output to locked PDF. In the end I think this is a matter of personal preference.
I have used all of the above on my tablet(s) and found each works fine.
One final comment - I have begun to default to iCloud but I think one good suggestion is to primarily concentrate on one service - it is just simpler to not have to remember where all your docs are. I expect that as time goes on some of the services will sort out and also that storage capacity fees will begin to drop a bit.
Peter Asprey from CA posted over 4 years ago:
Wayne: As usual for your writings, this is a timely and excellent article. I read it with delight. I use SkyDrive, Google Docs, er whatever they call it, and DropBox.
It is worth mentioning that with Office 360, the "rental version " of Office ($99/year) you get 20G extra of SkyDrive space. For me, a heavy Excel, Word and OneNote user, SkyDrive is a no brainer.
I believe that "...only disappointing thing about SkyDrive is that you can't access your files without an Internet connection..." is erroneous. The SkyDrive folder on my Windows 8 PC is accessible whether or not I have Internet access. It works similarly to DropBox's mechanism. I came to a different conclusion on which is best. I now use DropBox only for a special sharing of music with another player, but moved everything else to SkyDrive, which I find to be cheaper, more complete, intuitive, and aligned with my focus on MS Office. Perhaps most important is that I can "point" to an excel file on SkyDrive from my blog post and users see it as a live spreadsheet that they can manipulate in their browser. Not to get to rosy, it does NOT support Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) or I'd move all my non-sensitive apps there!
I'm not a Mac user. It fascinates me that the Apple's iCloud offering ties the output of an APPLICATION to whether files are in the cloud or no(if I understood). This could NEVER work for me! Some of my Excel files are for sharing; some never! Folder based seems more logical! The SugarSync approach of designating any folder/or file for synching is obviously the most flexible. SkyDrive's "Fetch" folders are a good idea and useful, but would be better implemented, IMHO, the Sugar has done it--at least as an option. Fetch DOES allow access to a HUGE amount of local data remotely.
RE: "As a writer for PCMag.com put it, if you are comfortable using Gmail, you shouldn't have a problem using Google Drive."
This is a weird statement! It implies that what you email is, security wise, equivalent to what you keep in your most "secret" spreadsheets! I would NEVER grant access to all my financial information that I might WANT to share across devices with Google (or any other service who feels that it has the right to rifle through my files.) This shows that Cloud Storage is just not there yet. NO ONE has the right to my files except me, whether stored on my machine, in transit, or stored in the Cloud.
Thanks again for a great read.
Pete Asprey
Larry Culpepper from MA posted over 4 years ago:
Be aware that the usual current version of Dropbox is not perfect for syncing iPhoto libraries. Apple requires that photo libraries be stored on Mac OSExtended formatted disks. Otherwise the photo library can become corrupted. Also, in the past if the photo library was being accessed on two Macs concurrently this created problems for the cloud syncing. They are developing an advanced version (2.3.29 currently) that does support iPhoto syncing. Visit the dropbox user forums for more info.
Also,Dropbox cautions that the disk on which Dropbox resides must boot right at startup - eg not a USB drive that may have a delay. Otherwise, Dropbox may initialize and get confused and delete files from the server since it does not seem them on the local computer. All is not lost, since they can be recovered from the Dropbox archive.
Mary Kennedy from MI posted over 4 years ago:
I am a SugarSync junkie. One thing I like about it is that I can add a new folder from computer A while I am out of town using computer B. So if I figure out too late that I need something else from A, there is a good chance I can still retrieve it.
Abe Almonte from Florida posted over 4 years ago:
Thank you so much. This article helped me (and friends and family) understand more about this kind of service. Thanks again for the great information.
Abe Almonte
lb from fl posted over 4 years ago:
Which one has the best security? Which one has the best privacy policy?


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Kansas Ornithological Society Christmas Bird Count runs Dec. 14-Jan. 9; Audubon count runs Dec. 14-Jan. 5
PRATT — It's been a mild fall in Kansas, but winter has arrived, bringing bird watchers the opportunity to bundle up and participate in a Christmas bird count (CBC). Christmas bird counts are great for making new acquaintances, renewing old friendships, and learning more about birds and birdwatching in Kansas.
This is the 111th year for organized Christmas bird counts, and more than 2,000 counts are held across the nation each year. Kansas averages 50 counts per year, with 40 scheduled so far this year and others yet to be announced. Many counts are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the state, but in recent years, more have been conducted in western portions of the state — such as Elkhart and Ulysses — providing additional opportunities to participate.
Christmas bird counts are conducted in circular census areas with a 7.5 mile radius. This is consistent from count-to-count and year-to-year, always surveying the same location and ensuring that data collected is comparable for population trends over time.
CBCs are easy to prepare for, the best tools being a pair of binoculars, a good field guide, and appropriate clothing and footwear for possible extreme weather. For those counting in an area with a lake, a good spotting scope can be extremely helpful in identifying birds at a distance. It's also a good idea to study what the expected species are for your location.
There are many count compilers in Kansas who only send data to the Kansas Ornithological Society (KOS), and these counts are free. The KOS will accept data collected on counts from Dec. 14 through Jan. 9, 2011, giving counters two more weekends to help survey their favorite areas. However, the official Audubon Christmas Bird Count period is Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 every year. The Audubon counts requir a $5 participation fee for persons 18 and older, with the money going toward the cost of data publication.
Information about Kansas CBCs can be found at the Kansas Ornithological Society website, www.ksbirds.org. For details, just click 2010-2011 Kansas Christmas Bird Counts.

subset: commoncrawl


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SKIPPACK — The Montgomery County Health Department has confirmed that a third-grade student at Skippack Elementary School has been clinically diagnosed with the type of infection which can lead to bacterial meningitis.
The case was reported to the health department on Tuesday, according to a letter that was sent to parents later that day.
The letter was provided to The Mercury by the Montgomery County communications office.
"Montgomery County Health Department and the Perkiomen Valley School District staff have been working in collaboration to identify close social contacts. Students and staff who have had close social contact (such as exposure to saliva by sharing drinks, food, utensils, kissing, or direct face to face exposure to sneezing and coughing droplets of the patient) should receive a prophylactic antibiotic (usually Rifampin) without delay," the letter said.
The infection is caused by a specific type of bacterium and may result in bacterial meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining of the brain, according to a fact sheet sent issued by the health department.
In less than 1 percent of the infections, it can cause a generalized infection of the bloodstream called "meningococcemia," which is often fatal, according to the health department.
A wide range of symptoms are possible, depending on the type of infection and the age of the patient.
General symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, sudden onset of fever or chills, severe fatigue, joint pain and loss of consciousness.
Those infections which result in meningitis can cause severe headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and purple spots on wrists, ankles, armpits and groin.
Those spots often start as a cluster of tiny blood spots, which appear like pin-pricks under the skin and gradually become darker and darker in color, often resembling bruises, the heath department fact sheet said.
Babies and infants with a meningococcal infection may experience fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, refusal to eat, high pitched crying, dislike of being handled, neck retraction, staring expression, difficulty waking and a pale or blotchy complexion.
The bacteria does not live long outside the body and only those who have close direct contact to an infected individual are at risk of developing the infection, according to the fact sheet.
The medication being recommended by the health department prevents close those who have had social contact with the infected person from becoming seriously ill, the letter said.
The medication's side effects include urine and body fluids temporarily turning orange in color. This is normal, according to the letter.
"Persons with contact lenses should not wear them during the course of antibiotic therapy to prevent staining of the lenses. There may be minor discomforts (upset stomach, slight diarrhea, nausea) from the prophylactic treatment," according to the letter.
According to a message posted on the school district's website, Principal Ryan Stanson-Marsh sent out the email letter and fact sheet to parents Tuesday afternoon after being notified of the infection
"He has also followed up this morning with communication to staff and parents about this incident," the message said.
"While classrooms and bathrooms are cleaned every night by the school's custodial staff, additional steps will be taken today during the school day to thoroughly disinfect the building," said the district message.
"Extra staff is being added to clean building surfaces (desks, chairs, door handles, water fountains, etc.). The operations department is also working with the district's transportation provider to assure the safety of students on buses" and school nurses will monitor students for symptoms, according to the district.
The district also noted that although they cannot release the identity of the infected student, "health care providers will be able to conduct a brief interview to determine whether or not a child may need to receive the prophylactic antibiotic. Parents may contact the health department at 610-278-5117 or call their health care provider for more information."
Montgomery County spokesperson Jessica Willingham told The Mercury this is the first reported meningococcal infection case of 2014.
In 2013, there were three cases, all in adults over age 50, all of whom survived, she wrote in an email.
Other than medication, the health department recommends the following for preventing the spread of the infection:
• covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing,
• not sharing eating or drinking items,
• frequent hand washing and
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle of balanced diet, rest, and exercise.
Follow Evan Brandt on Twitter @PottstownNews


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2005 Volleyball
Mount St. Joseph 3, Bluffton 1
By Bill Hanefeld Jr., interim sports information director
September 27, 2005
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University volleyball team (10-9, 0-1) gave Mount St.
Joseph (10-5 1-0) all it could handle before the Lions closed out the match in the
fourth set 31-29. The raucous crowd witnessed an eventful match that was the Heartland
Collegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams. The Beavers fell by scores of
30-18, 27-30, 30-28 and 31-29 after the ball took a few unlucky bounces off of the
rafters at the end of the match.
Senior Keri Kuhlman (Shelby/Shelby) led the Beaver hitters in their quest to knock off the nationally ranked Lions. She put down 18 kills and recorded five blocks against the formidable front line from perennial powerhouse Mount St. Joseph. Freshman Chelsea Wyse (Archbold/Archbold) sparked her Bluffton teammates numerous times throughout the match, both serving and going to the floor to return shots that seemed destined to become Lion points. Sophomore Rachel Alvarez (Convoy/Crestview) also had a stellar performance as she led the Beavers with 23 digs and had 9 kills. Junior Brittany Shultz (Hudson, Ind./Prairie Heights) set up the Bluffton hitters with 33 assists on the night.
The Beavers will be back in action this Saturday, October 1 when they host HCAC foe Hanover. The first serve is scheduled for 12 noon.


text:
Want to remind yourself or a friend about this program? Fill out this simple form and klru will email you a reminder on the day that it will air.
Long Claws / Tank's Sleep Over
series: Dinosaur Train
air date: 6/05/13 9:30 AM
Long Claws - Buddy, Tiny, Don and Mrs. Pteranodon head to the thicket to ask a Therizinosaurus family about their colossal claws. Mr. and Mrs. T strike a pose to demonstrate how they use their claws for self-defense, while their daughter, Teri, shows the kids her favorite practice spot. Tank's Sleep Over - When Tank spends the night at Pteranodon Terrace, the last thing he wants to do is sleep. But as the night wears on, Don, Tiny and Shiny start to nod off, and Buddy tries to stay awake with Tank. Then Buddy realizes that Tank is worried about sleeping in a strange place, so Buddy and Mom help Tank feel at home so he can finally get to sleep.
WARNING: Email reminders for this program have already been sent out. Your reminder may not reach the intended address in time for this program's airing.
Back to TV Schedule


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Aw, zombie threads. Yes, they can be annoying. I for one have been reading a thread, found one post and thought "I totally agree with this" and then realize I actually wrote it years ago (I guess its better than thinking I was an idiot. )
Ah Necromancers. One blog I frequent just changed software and it now locks threads older than a few months, so that people can't revive them.
Maybe someone could PM the newbie and let her know this is generally frowned upon?
Sometimes another member will add the next post in that thread, saying something like, "Hi, welcome to the forum! Just so you know, this thread was started in 2007. I think BeadLover10 resolved her issue, but if you'd like to discuss the topic again/ask your own question, you could start a new thread."
Page created in 0.163 seconds with 19 queries.


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I know what it is, You get an upgrade to your signature on these sites when you upgrade to a supporting member and or vendor status.
I was getting errors saving my original sig since it was granfathered in before Goob changed stuff around. I can only link to photos but not of an acctual URL even a page on this site like my reference link for example.
That is the only thing that make logical sence to me as to why I am getting BB code errors.


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Calories: 100 Fat: 0 Carbohydrates: 25 g Dietary fiber: 4 g Sugar: 19 g Sodium: 0 mg Protein: 0 g A good source of soluble fiber, which is helpful in controlling blood pressure, lipids, cholesterol and blood sugar, Katz said. Because it involves a lot of chewing, it can make you feel more satiated, Katz said. Good for an upset stomach, Giancoli said. Loaded with phytochemicals, including antioxidant flavenoids like quercetin, which is good for heart health and could have anti-cancer properties, and proanthocyanidins, which may protect urinary tract and heart health, Giancoli said.
Lilli Day/Photodisc via Getty Photo
Copyright © 2018, CT Now


text:
Back from the land of GUI software. I have bought one more Flyswatter JTAG recently and now have two boards connected to my home box. Unfortunately both Flyswatters got the same USB serial number so stock openocd opens only the first device it stumbles upon. Here is small patch that adds ft2232_index command to OpenOCD FTDI driver that allows to point at specific device to open. Works only with libftdi. In the same directory you can find my configs for AR71XX-based RouterStation Pro and Portwell's CAM-0010 device based on Octeon CN3010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Minor OpenOCD fixes
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text:
Just 5'8" and 155 pounds, Metro used his size to whip gazelle-like around the rink from his centre ice spot. In his third season with the Blackhawks, Metro enjoyed the best season of his NHL career, scoring 29 goals and finishing in ninth spot among the NHL's scoring leaders with 51 points. But that summer, the Hawks dealt Metro to Detroit with Bob Goldham, 'Sugar Jim' Henry and Gaye Stewart while Pete Babando, Al Dewsbury, Harry Lumley, Don Morrison and 'Black Jack' Stewart joined the Hawks. It was a bitter disappointment for Prystai until he realized that the Red Wings were poised for great things.
Detroit finished first for a third straight season in 1950-51, but it was 1951-52 that made Metro's smile widen that much more. The Wings again finished on top of the NHL standings. In the semi-final, Detroit blanked the reigning Stanley Cup champion Maple Leafs in four straight, with Prystai picking up four assists.
The Detroit Red Wings were in the midst of their first dynasty. In 1952-53, they again finished first for a remarkable fifth time. Metro contributed significantly with 16 goals and 34 assists to finish seventh in the regular season scoring race. But Boston surprised the Wings by defeating them in the semi-finals.
Almost unbelievably, the Red Wing juggernaut continued with a sixth first place finish in 1953-54. Detroit pushed Toronto aside in five games in the semi-final, then met the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup final. The series seesawed back and forth and went to a seventh and deciding game. Montreal drew first blood with a goal by Busher Curry in the first, but Detroit's Red Kelly evened the score early in the second. By the end of regulation time, the score was a one-one draw. Overtime. Loved by the fans; dreaded by the players. The next goal would decide it all.
Fifty-one years later, that same Stanley Cup was taken to Yorkton, Saskatchewan as the guest of Metro Prystai. Saturday, July 9 began with Metro and the Stanley Cup, along with Mayor Phil DeVos, hosting a special pancake breakfast in CPR Park. With the last of the syrup drained from the plates, Prystai and the Stanley Cup moved over to the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame, where fans lined up to meet Metro, take photos posed with the Stanley Cup and get the autograph of the hockey star.
Although you and I know of Metro Prystai for his hockey exploits through the late 1940's and '50's, Yorkton residents know the 77-year-old equally for his baseball prowess. In the early fifties, Metro was playing-coach for the Yorkton Cardinals a team that also featured his brothers Billy and Harry, Springfield Indians' Vern Pachal (who was the goal-scoring champion of the EHL in 1951-52) and Stan Obodiac, who later oversaw public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Every one of the boys on that team were proudly born and raised in Yorkton.
The Stanley Cup was then carried over to Metro's Yorkton home, where a small party was waiting on the arrival of the special guests. Metro's wife Mavis was there, along with children David, Karen, Michael and James as well as grandchildren Jordan, Emma and Jacob.
Metro and the Cup then left for Wynyard, a town of 2,000 steeped in agriculture found 150 kilometres west of Yorkton. Metro and Mavis had raised their four children in this community. In fact, the Prystai family had often skated at the Memorial Arena where Metro, on this Saturday, was meeting his fans and showing them the Stanley Cup. Mayor Sharon Armstrong came by to show her support of this wonderful adventure.
By 8:30 that evening, after twelve hours of activity with champion Metro Prystai, it was time to pack the Cup away and ready the venerable old bowl for its next adventure. And you can read about it Friday, as the Sutter brothers celebrated with the Stanley Cup in Viking, Alberta, and the fun stays right here in Stanley Cup Journal!
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text:
|View Poll Results: Total Eclipse - Episode 22 Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2012-12-08, 02:01
|Link #1
cho~ kakkoii
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: 3rd Planet
Total Eclipse - Episode 22 Discussion / Poll
Welcome to the discussion thread for Total Eclipse, Episode 22.
Thread Guidelines
|2012-12-09, 12:18
|Link #2
The Lovable SuBiTA
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sleeping in Yokohama base, Section 9.
An extremely outstanding ep.
Lots of TSF combat action, including wall jump, and TSFs getting chewed to pieces (by gun fire, not BETA)
Inia appears, and kicks more ass than Yuuya, acing his K/D ratio in seconds.
Cui gets caught in SDS explosion.
The FIRST ever successful use of the ejection block, in TEN years of Muv Luv. (ya, no fried Miku)
Sandek in skin tight pilot suit.
Laser class being done right, no PEW PEW lasers.
Code 991 Alarm used right finally.
Cui gets given a pistol (Why just a pistol again... and it was given by Yui...) and makes her way to shelter on her own, on foot... in a soon-to-be BETA infested location... Run Miku Run!
And lastly, bad boss gets Su-47 Berkut.
Next ep, BETAs and Berkut. Kick Ass.
Epic ep is Epic.
P.S. The part with the final boss and the Berkut, sounds so much like Normad and Anubis from Zone of the Enders... the voice sounds the same as well...
|2012-12-09, 14:38
|Link #5
Joseph Defense Squad
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mars
Good bye Giselle, and good riddance. Now, to feed your idiotic sister to some Beta. Really thought Yifei was fried for a minute there. Hope she makes it out ok.
That stereotypical villain laugh was so weird- but amusing, somehow. Good episode overall.
|2012-12-09, 15:50
|Link #7
Hiding Under Your Bed
Join Date: May 2008
I'm actually not expecting much in the way of real deaths (I'm sure plenty of grunts, etc will die). Chinese-girl should have died and miraculously survived, and Yuya's group has managed to get out of two events that should have, all things being fair, been prime opportunities for casualties.
In fact, I'm going to go even further and predict that Leon and Yuya will eventually put aside their differences and join forces. Oh, they may initially cross swords, but I think there's going to be an even bigger BETA threat that will bring love and peace to the fore. A BETA threat we haven't seen yet, beyond the ones who were released from the lab.
I never thought in a million years that I'd be writing those words when I started watching this show, but the tone of it has changed drastically after the time skip, and I think it's best to pretend those first two episodes were a whole other show. Of course, I'd love to be wrong, and see some real despair occur at the end, as everyone is slowly killed and eaten, and Yuya is left alone listening to their dying screams, and has one heroic chance to eliminate the BETA invasion....but fails, and the series ends with a dark wave of BETA crawling into North America, but....I doubt that's how it's going to go down.
As I had suspected, the refuges fighters are just pawns. Boss-man's subordinate's comments about idealism at the end pretty much cemented that.
I'm wondering what the puppet-master's pulling the strings really want. As for scar-man, I wonder if he's the Japanese instructor who saved Yuki and the other trainee in Kyoto, but then seemed to die off-screen. Unfortunately, I don't have any of the early episodes to go back and compare faces with.
|2012-12-09, 17:20
|Link #11
Nishikino Maki (* ̄▽ ̄*)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: I shall reveal it to you.
That was really good episode.
It shows the agenda of the RLF with some back story for Ibraheim and more mecha battles from the main cast.
The way things are going it kinda sucks that we only have a couple episode left. Dat Berkut.
By the way, did you notice the subtle change in the ending? That looks crazy!
I hope to see a back to back pose with Yuuya and Leon. The Maverick/Iceman team up with formations too.
I bet Sandek had tears running down his face when his daughters reunited in the palm of his hands. Literally.
Someone NEEDS to draw this. lol
Last edited by playmaker2k; 2012-12-09 at 17:31.
|2012-12-09, 17:58
|Link #13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
I don't see what's so evil about the American contingency plan of using Neutron bombs to create a barrier between Alaska and the rest of North America.
If the Beta hordes really breached the last line of defense every Soviet, American, Foreign national and civilian at the Soviet Base, Anchorage base, Lilliport and Yukon base would have been assumed to be eaten.
|2012-12-09, 18:10
|Link #14
Nishikino Maki (* ̄▽ ̄*)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: I shall reveal it to you.
I think it's a tough decision that isn't truly evil, but more of a precaution and necessity for the welfare of the people from a foreign or alien threat that could plague the nation if not dealt with immediately.
The whole sacrifice a few to save the masses has been an old strategy that happens all the time. Even now.
It'll get a lot of negative feedback from both sides which I think it already has from that RFL announcement, but that's also the kind of choice that takes a strain on the leaders of those countries just to attain some form of peace.
I don't want to that job. lol
Last edited by playmaker2k; 2012-12-09 at 18:21.
|2012-12-09, 21:06
|Link #15
The Lovable SuBiTA
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sleeping in Yokohama base, Section 9.
Lets see, the Americans just said in this episode. " If the Russians get back their country, they will own the most resources... not going to let that happen, lets kill them all by blowing them up first. For FREEDOM!"
Selfishness at a national level is also called patriotism.
Not sure if they are being overly optimistic or that they are influenced by a certain branch that is pushing for a certain plan.
Oh, and Miku is now on foot with a single pistol and a broken arm, in the middle of a soon-to-be infested BETA land. Who wants to bet on her odds of survival?
Also, the Berkut is aiming for the sisters... can Yuuya rescue them in time?
Last edited by grevierr; 2012-12-09 at 21:38.
|2012-12-09, 22:35
|Link #16
True Harem End or BUST
Join Date: Oct 2010
My boy Obama wouldn't be doing that. Now Bush on the other hand....Let me stop lol. But pretty much playmaker2k is spot on. Yea it sucks you're wiping out a bunch of folks, but the American government is looking at the overall big picture. Kill a few to save thousands as well as your native land. Whether you think its right on wrong, the bottom line is that America cares about saving its country, and in desperate times, its not exactly like independent survival doesn't become the #1 priority, people just want to ignore that fact.
Good episode, and dodged a big bullet right there. Thank god Yifei didn't die, was gonna be super depressed. I just don't see her dying though to be honest, but I can see Tarisa kicking the bucket. The action was very good, and if the final episodes have very good animation like this episode did, I can excuse some of the past episodes crap animation if it was to let the good battles look shiny and pretty.
|2012-12-09, 22:57
|Link #17
Extra Superior Otaku
Join Date: Sep 2008
like to see Lt Dahl back stories .... I hope TSFIA short stories get translated ....
Sigh still scratching my head .... governments back stabbing politics ..... The BETA threat is still there ( Eurasia) and your thinking of the Russian getting G elements .... talk about wrong priorities
|2012-12-09, 23:13
|Link #18
The Lovable SuBiTA
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sleeping in Yokohama base, Section 9.
While I do agree that the writer is rather heavy handed on the Americans, its the answers from the viewers that makes me wonder if he is really wrong...
At what point does numbers stop mattering?
|2012-12-09, 23:59
|Link #19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
RLF are being used like tools in order to steal TSFs, NOT SHOCKING. lol.
America assuring its own survival and dominance through nasty covert actions. Par for Course.
Yuuya proves he is the master of badass last stands. Lucky Inia showed up to save his butt at the last second. So much for being terrorized. She can apparently still put up an insane fight even when alone and scared.
Someone tell me how on earth Cui survived that suicided attack?! O.o Oh yeah, like a pistol is going to help in a firefight. But I suppose its better than nothing.
Looks like this show will be going out with a bang. We have I think 2 episodes left and we still have to resolve
1) USA infinities returning
2) The Man using the terrorists just to still some sweet Russian TSF.
3) The Released Beta.
All this while time is ticking off before Alaska get ripped in half, quite literally! Looks like we are in for an action packed finale.
@grevierr: "At what point does numbers stop mattering?"
When you have no personal connection to the people involved, numbers don't matter. :P
|2012-12-10, 00:02
|Link #20
Join Date: Dec 2006
Oi oi, sure Yuuya's voice actor shouted more than the expression Yuuya made, but this isn't the time to talk about the art (at least the battles don't suck!). Chobi and the gang are gonna die, it smells way too much like that.
At least... At least Chobi please don't die! ウワァァ━━━━━。゚(゚´Д`゚)゚。━━━━━ン!!!!
|Thread Tools


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John Legend is sooo hottt... What is the name of this video I must see it ??!!
John Legend is sooo hottt... What is the name of this video I must see it ??!!
John Legend - "Save Room"
Go to Yahoo! Music and watch the video. Beautiful body, and nipples look tasty, too!
He is nice! I could tell from the previous photos I seen of him. Nice. Hot! Beautiful lips, and everthing..
Just saw the video....WOW!!
Doesn't it make you wanna... just for the sheer WOW I HAD NO IDEA factor, alone?!?
Nice body, but for some reason he makes me think that he was bullied/picked on in high school. I just get the feeling that he was a nerd.
"Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.'' - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
i just masturbated to it
I've always thought John was HOT!!! I'd love to see him and Kanye rolling around together.
John is hot! Thinking of him and Kanye together makes me wanna
He did a performance in the Netherlands, where he asked some girls to come on stage and dance with him:P well, he seemed to like it?
sorry, this one does work:
Oh wow... he sure did get turned on!
for a second there, i thought she was going to grab it after she hugged him!
what a dumb ass bitch, he grabbed her ass, why didnt she grab his dick
I love John Legends smile. Nice to know he is one of us.
John's a looker for sure. And born not too far from me. Gay or not, so what?!?Happy belated B Day to ya' John!
I saw him interviewed by Wendy Williams and she asked him "are you gay" he said "No, I'm Not gay." It would be a shame if he flat out lied.
I hope they went back to the hotel room after that and fucked.
Now THAT is a porno I would actually pay to see. With that phat ass John got...SOMEBODY needs to be hittin that...
They are both unfortunate looking.
just because he may be gay that doesn't mean Mr Legend is goodlooking.
Hes just an "ooooordinary homoooo ! hahaha sorry I couldnt resist.
He's delicious but I think he's straight.
I love John Legend's music. His Evolver cd is terrific for me. I love Everybody Knows, This Time, Again It's Over Satisfaction and Take Me Away.
I think you mistake me for someone who cares.
If he had actual vocal talent, he'd be sexier. But at the most, he'd just be a hot looking lay.
John has vocal talent...whatchutalkinbout. His style doesn't suit everybody but the man can sang.
.....I never realized how hot JL is until this tread.....
I'd fuck John Stephens... but the way "Breion" is spelled makes my clit shrivel up.
Zerlock; boxerdudeuk
^^^ ***Sitting in the corner with my arms folded*** You guys are mean to my girl. I taking my toys and going home... ***Kicking rocks***
What?! I love me some India, and I still play "I Am Not My Hair" and "Video" on a regular. But I'll forgive you such a mean infraction...I LOVE Tracy Chapman! Now there's a real artist! I would never insult her by putting her in the same category as India Arie.
I got a gay vibe from the first time I saw him on TV so this isn't a surprise. As for his music, I like his new song with Outkast.
I for sure think that he is str8, to bad though


text:
Wednesday was a pitchers' duel to the fullest. But visiting Shenandoah made two mistakes and EMU took advantage for a 2-0 win. A line of thunderstorms rolled through Harrisonburg then, cancelling game two of the doubleheader.
The Lady Royals got a single in the first and a pair in the second, but SU starter Brooke Over got out of the jam each time. Lisa Lee (Buckingham, VA/Buckingham County), meanwhile, didn't allow a runner until a two-out walk in the third.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth. Lee drew a two-out walk. Within a couple of pitches, the speedster took off for second. As Lee slid in with the steal, the throw from the Hornets' catcher sailed wide and into shallow center field. Lee took off for third and then took advantage of a lack of hustle in the outfield by turning the corner for home, sliding in headfirst and slapping home for the first run of the game.
Back in the circle in the top of the sixth, Lee continued her no-hitter with her third consecutive one-two-three inning.
In the bottom of the frame, Over had two outs but made a bad pitch to Sara Jenkins (Stanley, VA/Page County). The first baseman ripped it over the left field fence for a 2-0 lead and her third homerun of the season. A couple of minutes later, lightning forced a lengthy delay to the game.
Lee tried to close out the no-no when play resumed, but gave up a one-out single in the seventh. She kept her composure, however, and coaxed out back-to-back fly balls to earn the shutout victory.
Another lightning bolt then put the start of game two in a delay, before finally postponing it altogether. As both teams have had a handful of games cancelled this spring, the two will try to schedule another doubleheader in the coming weeks.
Lee improved to 7-2 with the win, as she struck out two and allowed only two base runners via one hit and one walk. Over allowed five hits and walked two but also struck out 12 Lady Royals out of 18 outs.
Jenkins finished 2-3 from the plate with her homerun. Rasheeda Crews (Brookneal, VA/William Campbell) had a pair of singles and Molly Smith (Elkton, VA/Spotswood) had a hit and a walk.
Now 17-3 overall, the women take on ODAC play in earnest. Eastern Mennonite, 1-1 in the conference, plays at Guilford on Saturday followed by two at Lynchburg on Sunday.


text:
A wood wasp, slow and alone bangs into the glass
before falling to the pane again and again.
They come in from a crack in the pipe and head for the window,
where someone might wait for your return
in one text, or kill you if you return in another.
Five, six, seven, eight—
the last of the wood wasps escapes for now
and a slate blue butterfly lands.
It might be injured or resting…
This morning instead of rising,
I think of buffalo stampedes,
ribbons drifting from wires to drown out
the television audible in the courtyard:
car crashes, explosions
giving way to a jingle about hotdogs.
At dinner someone comments
how we're all descended from a few good men
which appears to support the theory of a few bad apples
and I think of rules, exceptions and hunger.
How we multiply and cancel as in one day
you have a subscription, a father, a pension.
How Somali pirates found—
after the fishing schools died down—
a haul in humans.
(Only the fast and swift can cut lines
of Bermuda rigged, long keeled, yachts.)
All the little zeros humming as
sailing insurance premiums rise
as I write this and recall how
it is harder for a computer
to understand a question than to answer it.
Is the littlest one old enough to stand by himself
on the inclined sidewalk
as he peers at the translucent
condom blown into a balloon?
His sister only inches taller
with braids dangling to her waist
asking her big brother why they can't
touch it, send it sailing into the air?
The oldest weighing
no more than a couple sacks of potatoes,
batting the smaller hands away…
His dark eyes perplexed by sidewalk trash.
I wish he could see the ocean,
wade into the shallows while adults hold
out their arms to all the little hands
splashing at the sun's silver shavings
swimming toward each other like music.
I wish he could close his eyes and listen
for the question fluttering out the window of chest.
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text:
Where is My Mickey
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text:
Just finished "The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint" by Brady Udall. Liked it a lot but not as much as "The Lonely Polygamist"
Just finished "The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint" by Brady Udall. Liked it a lot but not as much as "The Lonely Polygamist"
Get your nunchucks and the keys to your dad's car. I know where we can get a gun
"The Line" by Olga Grushin. I am bored so far. This seems to be a trend in my reading these days. Maybe it's me. My friend who recommended it to me has promised that it is slow going in the beginning but gets better.
There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.
just finished a neat book about baseball, cuba, and 1964. refers to the reds throughout, and especially pete. got it on kindle for 99 cents. well worth a buck.
summer with fidel by r.g. lawrence
I'm almost finished with In The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. The book tells the story of Ambassador Dodd and his family in 1930s Berlin. Well worth a read if you like US or German history.
all of harlan coben books are great. love his myron bolitar series. action, mystery and sports themes.
now reading the richard pevear and larissa volokhonsky translation of "war and peace" (only read an abridged version in the past) read their "anna karenina" several yrs ago...really good.
also found my son's old copy of "the phantom tollbooth" i'm starting..noted it's the 50th anniversary ..jules feiffer illustrations are terrific.
teach tolerance.
Long flight today from Portland to NYC and knocked off a good bit of Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. Spectacular is the first word that comes to mind.
Get your nunchucks and the keys to your dad's car. I know where we can get a gun
Just finished off "Moneyball".
Couple of thoughts about it.
-I enjoyed reading it a decade after the fact. It was fun reading about the greatness of Jermane Dye and Ray Durham.
-I there were times in which I thought I was reading some redszoners posts.
-Michael Lewis is a very good author but he also is a very arrogant author.
-I would have loved to see an epilogue written 5-10 years after the publish date.
-Youk for Billy Beane would have been one interesting trade.
-JP Ricciardi and Keith Law being talked about as baseball savants.
-No mention of PED's. I actually would love to hear Michael Lewis talk about the prevalence, or lack there of, of PED's while he was writing the book.
Last edited by bucksfan2; 11-22-2011 at 04:00 PM.
The Last Voyage of Columbus - 5/5 good stuff.
Endurance, Shackelton's Incredible Voyage. About 3/4 the way through and its pretty good.
"The Hall of Fame is there to keep alive the memory of people. You don't need to do that with people like Buck [O'Niel] and Joe [Nuxhall]. Nobody's forgetting those guys."
- Joe Posnanski
Stephen King's new one, 11/22/63. I'm about 70% through it, it's been an awesome read.
"The Hall of Fame is there to keep alive the memory of people. You don't need to do that with people like Buck [O'Niel] and Joe [Nuxhall]. Nobody's forgetting those guys."
- Joe Posnanski
Finished listening to Ron Chernow's Washington. One of the best historical bios of the period I've read. The narrator could be a bit off-putting with overly-correct pronunciations (kind of funny hearing him say "Saint Domingue" in a way that would leave anyone who didn't already know where the slave revolt in question took place clueless just weeks after hearing Gordon S. Wood talk about the same thing while pronouncing this in a very American Way), but otherwise the book was absolutely engaging.
Just started listening to Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" for a change of pace.
Juggling a couple of "real" books as well, but neither is particularly compelling.
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text:
Hood River Schools aren't ready to head east yet.
The district will take what could be two last-chance steps in opposing redistricting by the Oregon School Activities Association.
All this happens while up to 10 district jobs appear to be headed south as the schools face budget cutbacks for 2002-03.
The district hopes to present its case for staying in the Mt. Hood Conference when the state Board of Education when meets in Salem April 21, to ask for at least a delay in shifting Hood River Valley High School out of the Mt. Hood Conference and into the central- and eastern-Oregon based Intermountain Conference.
"It's our best option at this point," Superintendent Jerry Sessions told the school board April 10. (The district is not on the state board agenda yet, but Sessions said he is confident he and district legal counsel Jeff Baker will be granted time to speak.)
"With the economy turning around, we can even better address the needs down the road," with a stay, Sessions said. "I am confident things are happening behind the scenes that will work in our favor." He referred to a letter from State Sen. Rick Metsger to the state board, joining Hood River's case.
The district wrote "letters of exception" Friday to the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, taking issue with the recent decision by a Hearings Officer to uphold the OSAA redistricting decision. Sessions, Baker, and HRVHS principal Ben Kolb authored the letters.
Kolb wrote, "while there is little evidence in the record of the advantages to the seven schools of the IMC for this change, only the hope of one additional league contest seems to be the force driving this decision. This is an extreme price for the students of one school to pay."
If the IMC move goes through, HRVHS teams would face three and four-hour drives for games in Bend, Redmond, Crook County, Pendleton and Hermiston. Mt. Hood Conference opponents are located in Portland and east Multnomah County, one to two hours away.
The OSAA dilemma is not the only tough issue in front of the schools this month. Sessions announced Wednesday that the district could cut a total of up to 10 jobs in 2002-03 in order to meet its $1.1 million budget shortfall for 2002-04 biennium. The personnel cuts are not definite until the 2002-03 budget is adopted, likely in May.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the District Budget Committee holds its next meeting. It is scheduled to finalize a proposed budget, currently at about $30 million for the next two years, in time for presentation to the school board in May.
The action taken Wednesday by the board was to authorize the administration to submit the personnel cuts to the budget committee. Sessions has asked to cut 6.83 teaching positions and 1.91 classified positions, in addition to the high school assistant principal position, now held by Glenn Elliott. Sessions said the district would decide by Friday (too late for press time) which specific jobs would be proposed for cutting.
The personnel cuts are part of a $1.1 million reduction that includes reductions of $125,000 in technology purchases and $106,000 in athletics. (Sessions said no programs will be cut, and reductions will primarily be made in assistant coaches's salaries.)
"We've made significant cuts in every program," said assistant superintendent Rick Eggers. "A lot of folks have worked very hard over the past two or three months. A lot of suggestions have been taken and significant cuts have been made. We've cut a lot of things, and now we have to take a look at cutting people. There are not a lot of `things' we can cut out now.
"We don't know with absolute certainty where these cuts will be made, and possibly some will happen through attrition, but it would not be truthful to say that all of them can be taken care of through attrition," Eggers said. "Some people will be faced with having their positions reduced or eliminated."
District budget problems are aggravated by the pending move to the Intermountain District; increased travel, accommodations and other needs will cost the district at least another $30,000 next year, Elliott has told the school board.
The district now hopes to get the state superintendent of Public Instruction to stay the Hearings Officer's decision but stay the redistricting by two years. In turn, OSAA could appeal the "implement-stay" decision, Baker said.
After the state board's decision, the school district would have days to appeal it to the Court of Appeals.
Baker said "deference to the decision makers below would be quite great," by the Court of Appeals.
"The time involved could be as long as a couple of years. Our last best hope is now with the Superintendent of Public Instruction's office."
Baker told the board Wednesday that it would take the Hearings Officer to task over the scope of his review.
Baker said Reed based his ruling solely on whether or not OSAA had violated any laws or OSAA regulations in deciding to move Hood River Valley to the IMC.
"We'll submit the argument that the proper standard of review was less strict than that."
He added that the letter will address the conception of OSAA as a "voluntary association," which OSAA has invoked,
"The Hearings Officer cited that argument, but frankly it's lost any currency," Baker said. "It's not hardly a volunteer association anymore, if it ever was."
"The preponderance of the evidence submitted to the Hearings Officer and summarized in the proposed order clearly shows that thee will be a substantial deteriment(al) impact to Hood River's students caused by the move to the Intermountain Conference," Baker wrote.
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text:
The game did not resume Wednesday with heavy rain soaking the field.
The Crookston Reds and Ada Athletics were tied 2-2 in the bottom of the third inning Wednesday in Crookston when the game was suspended due to lightning. The game did not resume Wednesday with heavy rain soaking the field.
Cole Ricard started on the mound for the Reds and received stellar defense behind him.
He escaped damage in the first inning with a man on first when Reds centerfielder Nick Wheelhouse made a great diving catch to end the inning.
In the second inning, Reds shortstop Skip Toops threw out a runner at first from his knees near the outfield grass for the second out.
Ada had a few of their own stellar defense plays.
The A's got on the board in the top of the third with two runs and the Reds answered in the bottom of the third.
Ben Wilson got things going for Crookston in the third with a base hit to left field. Toops followed up with a base hit to center field and Matt Morin drove them both in with a double to the left-center field fence.
No make-up date has been announced for the game.
Crookston was playing without several key players, including manager Justin Johnson, Chito Longoria and Paul Smith.
The Reds, 6-5 on the season, will host the Roseau Royals on Sunday in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.


text:
These days, it's hard to find a high-end manufacturer not cranking out headphones. Bang & Olufsen appears to be the latest company offering its signature sound in a portable package. The company just announced two pairs of headphones under its B&O PLAY brand.
The BeoPlay H3 and BeoPlay H6 don't have that funky look that you'd expect from a company that invented a circular speaker — or these. However, they promise good sound for when you're on the go.
According to the announcement, B&O PLAY conducted extensive studies on the shape and curves of the human ear. Studies — plural! The end result is what went into the BeoPlay H3 in-ear model and the BeoPlay H6, which has an over-ear design.
The H6 has 40mm custom-designed drivers with neodymium magnets that are angled for the best distance and sound direction into the ears. It also has an internal bass port, anodized aluminum on the adjustable slider arm, and cowhide leather all the way from New Zealand.
For something more compact, the H3 has a custom-designed 10.8mm driver and the new Micro Bass Port. Other features include a rigid aluminium body with 23 ventilation holes, which boasts a more open soundstage.
"A wide range of headphones on the market today compromise on quality and sound performance," says Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, VP of B&O PLAY. "In the making of BeoPlay H3 and H6, we've worked with professional sound technicians and studio musicians, to offer people a pristine sound experience in a package that is a delight to wear."
The BeoPlay H3 and BeoPlay H6 will start shipping this July priced at $249 and $399, respectively.
Also check out:
KEF Launches M Series Headphones
Yamaha Debuts Pro Series Premium Headphones
Review of Meridian's Explorer USB DAC