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WL Research Community - user contributed research based on documents published by WikiLeaks
Full | Sparrowhawk |
Alternate | |
Meaning | Keylogger software for Unix terminals created by the CIA's Embedded Development Branch |
Topics |
Sparrowhawk is keylogger software for Unix terminals, with the goal of outputting the logged keystrokes in a standardized form.
It was planned to work for FreeBSD (8.0 and 8.2), Solaris (8-11), and possibly Linux on x86 32-bit, x86 64-bit, and SPARC 64-bit architectures. However, in practice, it looks like Sparrowhawk only works on FreeBSD and was in testing on some versions of Solaris. Most of the development cycle described on Confluence seems to be focused on Solaris. There is a chart in Vault7 showing what architechtures and operating systems are supported.
Sparrowhawk was written in C. Structurally, it looks like it consists of a kernel module as well as normal software installed on the operating system. The kernel module is probably necessary for Sparrowhawk to accurately log keystrokes because in Unix some operations (like backspace) are handled by the kernel rather than in userspace.
The team working on Sparrowhawk had a review meeting on January 9th, 2014. At this meeting, they reviewed the project and the things they could have done differently. These were their main conclusions-
- They tried to develop Sparrowhawk for 8 different platforms (combinations of operating systems and architectures at once. This was too many.
- They didn't demo their work for their 'customer' regularly. This resulted in "drift from customer expectation". It's unclear who the CIA developed Sparrowhawk for and why. They decided to demo more regularly in the future.
- The latest release of Solaris 8 was not purchased by the Applied Engineering Division (AED), but rather "obtained from IV&V". As a result, the Sparrowhawk team decided that AED was going to support Solaris as a future target system.
- There were some problems with outdated packages and they decided that they needed a "more reliable mirror for Solaris packages" (perhaps OpenCSW)
- They made some incorrect assumptions about how terminals work, for example "that local console is always handled virtually" and "/dev/console does not always use the pseudoterminal driver (pts)"
- The build process was only partially automated and Sparrowhawk lacked automated software testing. This made it difficult to build across platforms, and when the software was built it sounds like it often did not work.
- They tried to use OpenOffice for software documentation. But OpenOffice files don't work well with source control. After this mistake, they resolved to use plaintext or markdown files for documentation in future projects.
- Sparrowhawk didn't have debugging or error handling capability.
- Some of the code is duplicated between the kernel module and userspace program. Many components also lacked good encapsulation.
- They ran into some issues with different compilers being used for different Sparrowhawk components. They also ran into issues with gcc data structure alignment across platforms.
Sparrowhawk is probably named after the wizard Ged in A Wizard of Earthsea.
The initial development of Sparrowhawk seems to have taken place before 2014. Some of the dates are uncertain because years are left out.
September 5th, (2013?): Release of Sparrowhawk for Solaris 9
November 11th, (2013?): Release of Sparrowhawk for Solaris 11
January 9th, 2014: Meeting reviewing the Sparrowhawk project.
January 13th, (2014?): Release of Sparrowhawk for Solaris 10
February 4th, (2014?): Release of Sparrowhawk for Solaris 8. Either that, or this was the date they gave up. The meeting notes from January 9th say "unsuccessful delivery to Solaris 8 sparc", but that preceeds the release date, so it is possible they finished it.
Involved People
- User #524297: Creator of the Sparrowhawk pages. Refactored the Solaris client for Sparrowhawk.
- User #11628962: Project lead for Sparrowhawk.
- User #71380: Attended the January 9th, 2014 Sparrowhawk meeting.


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Rose Quartz Gemstones
Create a place with the angelic prayer box to connect with your angels and all of creation; release your fears, worries, and doubts – and replace them with increased levels of FAITH, LOVE and HOPE.
ANGELS ARE ALL AROUND YOU – guiding, protecting, and helping you live to your highest potential, purpose and greater good. Your Angels are awaiting for the opportunity to work with you to support your prayer request; we do no have to face life's challenges alone. Use the angelic prayer box, place your burdens on their shoulders and allow them to work on your behalf; to guide you in releasing your faith, restoring your love, and renewing your hope in life.
The angelic prayer box is a point of faith contact and connection with your angels. Included are attunded angelic cards. Use them to express your desires, dreams and aspirations.
Make your request know, ask that it may be given, on earth as it is in heaven.
and God is able to cause all grace to abound to you in order that in everything, always having all sufficiency, you may be abounding for every good work -2COR 9:8
Package Includes: (Each Box is attunded with specialized spiritual energy (Karuna Reiki Energy System) to support prayer request, intercession, and transformation.
- FAITH, LOVE or HOPE TAG
- INSTRUCTIONS – How to use the Box/Cards
- ANGELIC PRAYER CARDS (22 cards)

subset: commoncrawl


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A small turn out of athletes in the Best Western Bidarka's Round Robin Rumble didn't bother the Mariner wrestlers on Saturday, although in some weight classes, the Mariners had to battle themselves for competition.
The host Mariners won the rumble with 146 points, scoring more than twice the amount of second-place team Skyview with 61. This is the first time in the past 15 years that the wrestling team has won a first-place trophy in any tournament.
Three other teams, Nikiski with 24 points, Su Valley with 36, and Voznesenka with 14 participated. Of the nine weight classes, the Mariners won six. The team finished with 18 wins to only five losses.
Freshman Jared Brant won three matches enroute to a first place in the 106/113 weight class. He leads the team with five victories to no losses for the young 2013 season.
Teammate Jadzia Martin, a sophomore, took second, only losing to Brant 9-1. Martin plans on dropping to 98 pounds next week. Martin, who was giving up 10 pounds, beat Su Valley Nick Pederson 16-13. Calvin Johnson, normally 113, went up two weight classes to combine with Mariner freshman Ravi Cavasos and Jaime Rios at 126. Johnson won both matches while Cavasos placed second, beating Rios for second place.
Freshman 132-pounder Timmy Woo continued his undefeated season scoring pins against Jaryn Tanner from Skyview and Curtis Larson of Nikiski. Woo has developed a strong leg attack and has a solid cradle as a pinning combo. His second period stand-up and double leg takedown against Larson was really impressive. We haven't really drilled the combination yet and he was still able to score it with ease.
Woo's older brother, David Jack, 145, won three matches in his first tournament of the season. A senior, David Jack used legs, rides and low single-leg attacks for victory. Teammate Andrew Doughty was second at 145, beating out two other opponents from Nikiski. Junior Austin McGregor, 138, placed third. This weight featured three state qualifiers, Voznesenka's Gavril Kalugin and Nikiski's Tyler Handley. McGregor lost both of those matches, but managed to pin William Lynch from Nikiski. Kalugin beat Handley 10-6 earning a title for the Cougars lone wrestler.
Mariner Dakota Alward, 160, was looking like he was going to get a gold medal after pinning his first two opponents in the first period. However, in his final match against Austin Schrader of Skyview, Alward had a 7-4 lead when he got caught in a cradle and pinned. He was wrestling up a weight class, competing against heavier wrestlers.
Also wrestling up a weight class was junior Antonio Ochoa of Homer. His pins against Skyview's Mason Castagnier and Su Valley's Isaac Schwartz earned him a first place in the 170/182 bracket. Normally Ochoa wrestles at 160.
Teammate and junior Danny Rios, 195, also pinned his two opponents and won a gold medal. Rios had a great leg attack and was able to hit a real pretty roll-through tilt we have been practicing. Usually the move only scores near fall points, but Rios was able to pin Kyrin Childs of Su Valley with it.
The final Mariner to earn a medal was Heather Harrington, 220/285. Harrington lost her two matches against heavier competition, but was able to beat Will Olson of Nikiski again. This time she entered the third period trailing 3-0 before putting Olson to his back twice and finally earning a fall and a third place finish.
The Mariners head to Seward this weekend for two days of wrestling and tougher competition. We hope to add a few wrestlers who have been ineligible due to grades and lack of practices.
Chris Perk head coach of the Homer High School Mariner wrestling team.
Best Western Bidarka Round Robin Rumble
Homer High School
Oct. 19
Results for teams and Homer
Team results: 1. Homer, 146; 2. Skyview, 61; 3. Su Valley, 36; 4. Nikiski, 24; 5. Voznesenka, 14
Varsity 106-113:
2. Jadzia Martin of Homer
Varsity 106-113:
1. Jared Brant of Homer
Varsity 120-126:
2. Ravi Cavasos of Homer
Varsity 120-126:
1. Calvin Johnson
Varsity 120-126:
3. Jaime Rios
Varsity 132: 1. Timmy Woo
Varsity 138: 1. Gavril Kalugin of Voznesenka; 3. Austin McGregor of Homer
Varsity 145:
2. Andrew Doughty of Homer
Varsity 145:
1. David Jack Woo of Homer
Varsity 152-160:
2. Dakota Alward of Homer
Varsity 170-182:
1. Antonio Ochoa of Homer
Varsity 195:
1. Danny Rios of Homer
Varsity 220-285:
3. Heather Harrington of Homer


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Story highlights
NEW: Israeli defense minister praises Obama's peace process approach
Palestinian Authority president plans to apply for Palestinian statehood Friday
President Obama and President Abbas to meet Wednesday, top U.S. official says
U.S. is promising to veto Palestinian statehood in the U.N. Security Council
As the international community works on a package of initiatives to avoid a diplomatic showdown over Palestinian statehood at the U.N. Security Council this week, the presidents of the United States and the Palestinian Authority will meet to discuss the issue, a senior U.S. official told CNN.
President Barack Obama and President Mahmoud Abbas will meet Wednesday in New York in an effort to find a way around a showdown, the senior U.S. official said late Tuesday afternoon.
While there are a number of ideas in play, senior U.S., European, Israeli and Palestinian officials have told CNN they center around Abbas delivering a letter to the Security Council seeking full Palestinian statehood, but not forcing a council vote.
The Security Council letter would be paired with a statement by the Mideast Quartet laying out the terms of reference to relaunch peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, the officials said. The quartet is made up of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Monday night in an effort to get Russian to buy into the plan.
Tuesday night, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak praised Obama's approach to the peace process, telling CNN interviewer Piers Morgan that the U.S. president "is friendly to Israel, especially in security-related issues," and "is also trying, to the best of my judgment, to be even-handed with the Palestinians."
Quartet envoys met for a third day Tuesday afternoon to work on the text. The core elements include a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with agreed upon swaps, recognition of two states for two peoples – the Palestinians and the Jewish people – and a time line for a peace deal, diplomats said.
The officials said a package deal could enable Abbas to claim victory by going to the Security Council, but would not force a confrontation with the United States, which has promised to veto any statehood resolution which comes before the council.
"Just because he sends a letter to the council doesn't mean there has to be a vote," one senior European diplomat said. "The message we get from the Palestinians is that they definitely want to find a diplomatic solution."
A senior Palestinian official confirmed the idea was being seriously considered as an option that would allow Abbas to make good on his promise to go to the Security Council, but would also help boost efforts to relaunch negotiations.
"It actually is a good idea because it is like a Damocles hanging over our heads," one senior U.S. official said. "It creates an urgency to start negotiations."
Another idea Palestinians are considering is for Abbas to pair the Security Council letter with a bid at the U.N. General Assembly, where it is expected to have overwhelming support.
A "yes" vote in the General Assembly – where only a majority vote would be needed – could afford Palestinians with the status of "permanent observer state," similar to the position the Vatican currently holds.
A vote in their favor would be all but assured, meaning they could pursue legal actions against Israel, though analysts suggest that an elevated status could prematurely raise expectations for change in the region.
Palestinians' current status is "permanent observer entity." Permanent observers can speak in the General Assembly but not vote.
The Palestinian official said that while Abbas is committed to bringing the Palestinian bid for statehood before the Security Council, he is leaving the door open to compromise.
"We don't need to see a vote right away," the official said. He added that while an immediate vote may not be necessary, Abbas was not interested in postponing the vote as a "delaying tactic," but rather to give negotiations a chance.
"We see this as the beginning of a process," the official said.
Even senior Israeli officials were warm to the idea, saying that while they were not thrilled with Abbas going to the Security Council at all, avoiding a vote and preventing the Palestinians from unilaterally gaining statehood through the U.N. system was the main priority.
"From our side, I think we could accept it," one senior official said. The official said submitting the letter without a vote would give the parties time to begin negotiations before a decision had to be taken. He also said Abbas might feel more confident to meet Israel at the negotiating table without preconditions because he had the letter in the Security Council hanging over Israel's head.
"If he did this, it would be a good move," another senior Israeli official said. "He could walk away with the pride of having gone to the Security Council, having an improved terms of reference in a Quartet statement and maybe saving his relationship with the Obama administration. But I don't know if he will do it."
Despite the ideas talking shape, U.S. and European officials said it was too early to know what Abbas would do on Friday and suggested even Abbas himself may not know.
Clinton told reporters Monday the United States is engaged in "intensive ongoing diplomacy" and is talking with all sides to seek a compromise. She said even though there have already been "an enormous number of meetings," it was early in the week and there were still several days left to come up with a solution.
"No matter what does or doesn't happen this week it will not produce the kind of outcome that everyone is hoping for," she said. "So we're going to stay very much engaged and focused."
CNN's Steve Krakauer contributed to this report.


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Both looking beautiful in blue, Beyonce has shared an intimate moment with her daughter Blue Ivy. Part of a set of personal images posted by the singer on her website, the photograph offers a glimpse into family life for the star, her husband Jay Z and their adorable little one.With her face protectively turned away from the camera, rarely seen Blue Ivy sits comfortably in her mother's arms. The youngster, who will be one in January, will no doubt celebrate her first birthday in appropriate style.
In another photograph posted by the 31-year-old pop sensation baby Blue is being carried by her famous father down a tree-lined path. The black and white image, taken on a sunny day, echoes that of the 99 Problems rapper craddling his newborn that was released when she ws first born. In the days following his new found parenthood Jay-Z released Glory, a song dedicated to his daughter.Due to the fact that the 2-day-old baby's cries could be heard on the record, Blue was credited on the single and as advertising for the new song popped up across the country, she entered the record books as the youngest person to ever appear on a billboard.Ten-month-old Blue Ivy also has family members lining up to take care of her when her parents need some time off. Beyonce's sister, Solange, revealed to an American magainze that "Blue comes over, I babysit" adding that her own son, Julez, is often looked after by his famous aunty in return. "Beyonce takes Julez sometimes for the weekend" Solange added. "Blue and Julez are going to grow up more like sister and brother than cousins."
Along with the images of her gorgeous baby, Beyonce also left a Thanksgiving message for her fans. Written in blue pen the note reads "From my family to yours, wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, Beyonce." Clearly a family orientated lady, Beyonce also recently released a photograph of her 31st birthday cake iced with the phrase "Happy B'day Beyonce, Jay and Blue. "The Crazy in Love singer gave birth in January this year, four years after tying the knot with her rapper love, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter. Following their union, the former Destiny's Child star officially changed her surname to Knowles-Carter.
With babysitting duties sorted the couple then faced issues of another kind. In October the pair lost a legal battle to trademark their infant's unique name. The power couple had filed legal papers to protect their daughter's name soon after her birth in order to launch a range of baby products and clothes with her moniker. But they lost out to a small wedding planner based in Boston, Massachusetts who had called her company Blue Ivy in 2009. Texas-born Beyonce met her Brooklyn love in 2002 when they collaborated on their hit 03 Bonnie and Clyde and the pair's relationship went from strength to strength. In one of the few time she has opened up about her marriage she said "What Jay and I have is real. It"s not about interviews or getting the right photo op. It"s real."


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Name of the Employer
Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) surveyed employers to collect workplace injury and illness data. The Agency used these data to identify the approximately 10,000 workplaces with Days Away from Work, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rates greater than the average rate for their industry; your workplace was one of those identified. This means workers in your establishment are being injured at a higher rate than in most other businesses in your industry.
I am writing you to indicate my concern about the high DART rate at your establishment and to identify ways that you can obtain assistance in addressing hazards in your workplace. OSHA recognizes that your elevated DART rate does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in safety and health. Whatever the cause, a high rate is costly to your company in both personal and financial terms. In addition, you should be aware that OSHA may target up to 2,500 general industry workplaces identified in the survey for inspection in the next year.
Over the years, OSHA has found that many employers lack expertise in the field of workplace safety and health and welcome assistance by experts in this field. You may wish to consider hiring an outside safety and health consultant, talking with your insurance carrier, or contacting your state's workers' compensation agency for advice. Your workers can help identify hazards and find solutions. In addition, if you have a union at your site, please discuss with them how to reduce hazards in your workplace.
An excellent way for employers with 250 or fewer workers to address safety and health is to ask for assistance from the OSHA On-site Consultation Program. This program is administered by a state agency and operated separately from OSHA's enforcement program. Designed for small employers, the On-site Consultation Program can help you identify hazards and find effective and economical solutions for eliminating or controlling them. The service is cost-free and confidential, and there are no fines even if problems are found. The OSHA state consultant can also assist you in developing and implementing an injury and illness prevention program, an effective way to manage safety and health at your workplace.
In your state, the OSHA On-site Consultation Program may be contacted at:
Name, Project Manager
Name of Organization
Address – first line
Address – second line
Telephone number
I also encourage you to consider developing and implementing your own injury and illness prevention program as a proactive approach to find and fix workplace hazards before workers are hurt. We know these programs can be effective at reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Not only do employers experience dramatic decreases in workplace injuries, but they often report a transformed workplace culture that can lead to higher productivity and quality, reduced turnover, reduced costs, and greater employee satisfaction. As mentioned, the OSHA state consultant is available to assist you with developing a workplace injury and illness prevention program. More information on injury and illness prevention programs can be found on OSHA webpage at www.osha.gov. Additionally, a list of all the employers receiving this letter will be available on the OSHA webpage.
David Michaels, PhD, MPH
Assistant Secretary


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Colours Restaurant
Welcome to
Colours Restaurant is an innovative fine dining restaurant in St Helens town centre.
It is St Helens College's fully operational, training restaurant staffed by catering and hospitality students who are overseen by some of the industry's top chefs. Open to the general public, the restaurant allows the opportunity for students to develop their culinary and service skills through hands-on work experience.
The restaurant offers customers the chance to sample a variety of contemporary dining styles from some of the region's most promising young chefs. Through the use of top-quality, locally sourced fresh ingredients, and with a menu that regularly changes, our customers are able to sample exquisite lunch and dinner menus at a fraction of the cost of other local restaurants.


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Show All Answers
All requests to inspect, copy, or certify public records maintained by the VACPC must be submitted to the VACPC in writing. We encourage you to use the convenient FOIA Request Form that we have provided, which is available online and at the VACPC office. While the VACPC will review all written requests in any form, a request must contain, at a minimum, the following:
Direct your written request to any of the listed FOIA officers using the VACPC office.
Public records such as office budgets, audits, policies and procedures, transportation data, and other administrative functions are available upon request. Our doors are open. Simply make an appointment and we'll work with you on your request for administrative records. Some of the records that might be held in the VACPC office may be exempt from reproduction under the FOIA and/or other applicable federal and state laws. For specific information pertaining to an individual's file, provide us with your FOIA request form along with a signed release form from that person granting permission for access to those private records. If the individual is deceased, provide a copy of the death certificate and a release form from the executor of the estate. In no case will the names and addresses of beneficiaries, if known, be provided as this information is protected by other statues.
We will assist you as much as we can, but most requests for these specific types of records are best directed to the main source of that information.
Possibly. The fees levied by this office conform to the law. We will notify you if your processing fees will exceed $150 and we'll give you a cost estimate and offer you the opportunity to narrow you request. Payment is by check made out to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Peoria County and is due at the time of delivery. No credits cards are accepted.
The PCVAC will respond to each written request to inspect, copy, or certify public records in a manner consistent with the deadlines prescribed by law. However, you must realize that we function on a first-in, first-out basis. If your request is large or may be time consuming, we may contact you and attempt to negotiate a more realistic time schedule for delivery. Copies of public records will be provided upon payment of a copying fee, if applicable, as provided above. If requested, copies of public records will be mailed after the VACPC receives payment of the actual cost of postage and copying.


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This Dude Threw Legendary Party for 2,000 People, Gives Equally Legendary Interview
We're not even two decades into the millennium, but we may have our first real contender for party of the century.
Meet James Taylor, a 20-year-old from Michigan who threw a sick bash attended by some 2,000 people that got way, way, way out of hand. The best part? Taylor makes no apologies and even blames some parents who may criticize him for letting underage kids take part in the festivities.
The bash was a combination birthday-going away party that featured a pair of DJs, fire-throwers, strippers and drugs
Give Taylor credit, though. He totally owns the fact the party was a raging success and he's not even afraid to hint he'd do it again.


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Date: Nov. 4
Mileage: 42.8
November mileage: 122.3
Temperature upon departure: 37
Rainfall: 0.0"
Don't you hate the mornings that you wake up feeling a lot less than spectacular? Maybe you have this lingering dull pain in your mouth, and a headache too because you were up for several hours in the night worrying that you have a cavity. And your legs still burn from weightlifting two days ago and your caffeine's not kicking in and you know you have a heavy afternoon workload waiting for you at the office and you think some Chips Ahoy and a nap sounds about perfect. These mornings are even worse when they happen on the only 25-hour day of the year. But even without that extra hour weighing on your conscience, there's the weather forecast calling for "mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers" to consider. Letting any morning that promises to be not only long but dry pass by in bed is an unforgivable waste.
It was in this condition I slogged out on my mountain bike this morning, anticipating ice on the road and hoping to hit some trails if I could muster the motivation to pedal all the way out to the valley. I caught the tailwind north and slipped onto the Mendenhall trail system as soon as I could, winding through the neighborhoods and homeless camps atop frosty mounds of mud.
I crossed over to the glacier moraine and continued to ponder turning around. The mud was becoming softer, and anything that wasn't mud was an outright puddle. Splatters of wood chips, dead falls and other beaver carnage obstructed the trail. I practiced my moving dismount to jump the gnawed-off logs without stopping, until I finally splashed down into a huge stretch of beaver dam overflow. Piloting the mountain bike like a paddle boat through the hub-deep cold water, I nearly bogged down in the silt before I made it to shore. But I hammered hard up the last knoll and cleared the swamp without getting so much as a knee brace wet. I stopped on the edge of Dredge Lake to stomp out the water in my booties and soak in the satisfaction of my small victory. It was there I first noticed the sky shining through a patchwork of thinning clouds, backlit by a hidden sun and bursting with rays that nearly reached the ground. The world was suddenly infused with shadows, and light, and slivers of warmth. It felt like newfound energy, and renewal, and, come to think of it, the aftermath of a pretty fun cyclocross-type obstacle course, which definitely demanded to be re-ridden, only faster.
Funny how some mornings start out with head/muscle/toothache grumpiness, and end with a 40-mile mountain bike ride. Don't you love mornings like that?
Monday, November 05, 2007
7 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 5, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Those pictures are amazing. I'm definitely coming for christmas now. :)
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Genius! World's Most Amazing DIY Slip 'N Slide
Create your own end-of-summer water party with this incredible DIY slip 'n slide.
In the DIY world, there are great projects, and then there are the truly genius projects that make life a little more exciting. Jennifer at Hope Studios is not just a cool mom, she also creates genius projects worth celebrating.
Some of Jennifer's kid-friendly work includes a small hockey court made with a sheet of plywood and 2x4s. Yes, please! Or how about the time she hacked curtain sheers for an epic game of glow-in-the-dark flag football. Incredible!
But it's her DIY slip 'n slide that's caught our eye. With a little ingenuity and a lot of plastic sheeting she created the ultimate end-of-summer water slide. And the best part is it that it only takes about 20 minutes to set up, so just about anyone can recreate it.
DIY Slip 'N Slide Tutorial
Read on to inspire your next epic project—and learn how to create a DIY slip 'n slide in your own backyard.
MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon:
– Heavyduty plastic sheeting
– Landscape anchor pins
– Hammer
– Garden hose
– Baby soap (optional)
STEP 1: Choose a location for your DIY slip 'n slide.
Is it possible to do this in a flat yard? Jennifer says yes, but she was lucky enough to be able to run her 65 feet of plastic sheeting downhill for the ultimate DIY slip 'n slide.
STEP 2: Fold the plastic sheeting in half lengthwise.
Jennifer folded her sheeting in half lengthwise to provide an extra layer between the kids and the ground for a sliding surface of 4 x 65 feet.
STEP 3: Use landscape anchor pins to fix the sheeting in place.
She anchored the sides of sheeting—making sure they didn't stick out so little arms and legs were safe on the way down.
STEP 4: Turn on the hose; consider adding baby soap for extra slipperiness.
Now the fun part. Turn on the hose to wet the slide. Or use Jennifer's extra fun idea: add some baby soap to make the plastic extra slippery.
She says, "You can leave the hose at the top of the slide for lubrication, or you can attach a sprinkler head like I did so the kids slide through a nice, cooling shower on the way down."
STEP 5: Have a blast!
Admire your hard work. You'll know it's paid off by how many times the kids use the slide.
"My kids (and all the kids in the neighborhood) played on it for hours for days," said Jennifer. "We finally had to pull it up so we didn't kill the grass." She recommends moving it around the yard to avoid dead patches on your lawn.
Jennifer says, "The baby soap/inner tube combo is SUPER FAST!"
Thanks to our Genius! DIYer Jennifer at Hope Studios for sharing with us! For more on this project and to learn how she safely anchored her plastic sheeting to the lawn, check out her blog.


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Apple won't allow demos, trials, betas on Mac App Store
Apple issued a handful of updates via its News and Announcements for Apple Developers Thursday evening regarding the Mac App Store. The software download destination for Mac OS X Snow Leopard is expected to launch by the end of January.
"Your website is the best place to provide demos, trial versions, or betas of your software for customers to explore," Apple wrote. "The apps you submit to be reviewed for the Mac App Store should be fully functional, retail versions of your apps."
That's a change from the highly successful iOS App Store policies, in which iPhone and iPad users can download free limited trials of paid software. For example, the popular 99-cent game "Angry Birds" has a "Lite" version that is consistently among the top free iPhone titles.
Apple also issued tips for developers on how to meet the Mac App Store guidelines. For example, Mac apps submitted to the App Store must ensure that files are written in the appropriate location.
"This avoids being confused when applications store data in unexpected areas of the system (e.g., storing databases in the user's Documents folder or storing files in the user's Library folder that are not recognizably associated with your application)," Apple's documentation reads.
Another update provides tips for creating custom controls in a Mac application. It reminds developers that they can create their own custom controls, if the one they need is not available, as long as the element or behavior supports Apple's interface design principles.
Since it announced the Mac App Store, Apple has been providing developers with more information leading up to its launch. In October, the Cupertino, Calif., company gave an initial outline of what developers will need to do to get their applications listed in the digital storefront.
Apple is expected to release its own updated iWork '11 suite alongside the launch of the Mac App Store. The three applications included in the bundle — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — will be available for purchase individually when the Mac App Store debuts, along with the existing applications in the recently updated iLife suite.


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ENGLEWOOD, COLO. — Jeppesen has finalized a contract to provide its advanced optimization solutions to BP Shipping, one of the world's largest operators of oil and liquid natural gas (LNG) tankers. The contract will result in the installation of Jeppesen's Vessel and Voyage Optimization Solution (VVOS) on 52 BP vessels carrying crude oil and LNG shipments globally. The contract also provides for integration of Jeppesen's FleetManager shoreside component into BP Shipping operations. FleetManager will be used to track BP's owned and chartered vessels.
VVOS will help BP vessels optimize ship routes and engine settings to increase efficiency, minimize risks such as cargo loss and weather damage, and reduce fuel costs. Jeppesen's FleetManager component allows BP's shoreside managers to monitor vessel performance at sea, while receiving detailed reports on any vessel's current operating environment. In addition, Jeppesen's Vessel Routing Services provide the support of seasoned Ship Masters to analyze ship data and respond with 24/7 route planning and advisory services to optimize operational efficiency.
"Over the years, BP Shipping has demonstrated a strong commitment to improved vessel efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions," said Jeppesen director of Professional Services Joel Meltzner. "We're honored that — following an in-depth evaluation of today's most advanced technologies — BP Shipping selected Jeppesen as its optimization partner for these vessels."
These Jeppesen solutions provide several key operational advantages to BP Shipping and its vessels at sea. These include the ability for Ship Masters to optimize routes according to Speed, ETA, Fuel Consumption and Ship Motions (based on detailed computer models of BP vessels and predicted impacts according to weather). In addition, C-MAP electronic charts are built into both the shore and vessel based software interface, allowing vessels to perform depth and obstruction checks before accepting a route.
"After a thorough tender process and onshore/offshore trials, we determined Jeppesen's quality weather data and forecasting models, combined with its advanced user interface for both vessels and shore staff, made the company's solutions a good fit for BP Shipping," said Dan Read, Global Voyage Operations Manager, BP Shipping. "We are excited to continue working with Jeppesen on this suite of solutions for our vessels and shipping operations."
For additional information on Jeppesen solutions for shipping companies, go to www.jeppesen.com/marine. To learn more about BP Shipping, visit www.bp.com/shipping <http://www.bp.com/shipping> .
About Jeppesen
Jeppesen, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company, is a market-leading provider of vessel operations services and digital navigation solutions, based on worldwide vector chart data type approved to ISO19879, meteorological information and transmission technologies. Jeppesen offers a wide range of navigation and operations products and services to both recreational and commercial marine markets. Safety-conscious boaters and operators of vessels ranging from coastal to SOLAS class, rely on Jeppesen for innovative navigation solutions that improve safety and efficiency.


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"A Pall Is Cast over the Classroom": Legislating Academic Freedom
By Stephen RohdeMarch 8, 2013
Priests of Our Democracy by Marjorie Heins
AMERICAN HISTORY IS STAINED by recurring periods when our founding ideals — of an open society that upholds the free marketplace of ideas and diverse political viewpoints — have been sacrificed to fear and hysteria: reactions to threats, foreign and domestic, real and imagined. During these dark chapters, cherished democratic institutions such as the Supreme Court, Congress, and state legislatures, as well as the press and civic organizations, instead of standing up for the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution, often proved weak and spineless, encouraging and at times even leading many of the worst violations.
One of these tragic periods reached its heights during the 1940s and 1950s, popularly known as McCarthyism, when fear of communism prompted excessive public and private efforts to punish unorthodox ideas and advocacy. In Priests of Our Democracy: The Supreme Court, Academic Freedom, and the Anti-Communist Purge, Marjorie Heins juxtaposes her compelling and distressing account of the anticommunist purges that reached into the ivory towers of our colleges and universities with a chilling cautionary tale that asks whether history is repeating itself through the repressive reactions to 9/11. Have the earlier witch hunts that targeted alleged communists (with a disturbing and disproportionate focus on Jews) been replaced with an obsessive targeting of alleged terrorists (with a disturbing and disproportionate focus on Muslims)? Have we learned anything from the excesses of McCarthyism, or are we condemned to repeat them?
Heins, the founding director of the Free Expression Policy Project, engagingly addresses these and other urgent questions by deftly telling the stories of professors and teachers victimized by academic purges, while she deftly navigates more than 50 years of legal battles and constitutional controversies.
In 1951, George Kennan, a keen observer of the Cold War, warned — in words as relevant today as then — that the blinding fear of communism posed a danger that Americans would become
rather like the representatives of that very power we are trying to combat: intolerant, secretive, suspicious, cruel, and terrified of internal dissension because we have lost our own belief in ourselves and in the power of our ideals.
Heins places her account within the context of anticommunist hysteria at the national level, including President Harry Truman's 1947 executive order that created a program of sweeping loyalty investigations (of employees in every federal agency), the attorney general's list of "subversive organizations," and, at the state level, the infamous Rapp-Coudert investigations in New York, in which more than 500 professors, teachers, staff members, and students were interrogated, over 80 of whom were fired, resigned, or did not have their contracts renewed.
The heart of the book is Hein's comprehensive and accessible analysis of the fate of academic freedom from the Supreme Court's 1952 decision in Adler v. Board of Education to its 1967 decision in Keyishian v. Board of Regents. Both cases dealt with New York's Feinberg Law, which created a complex system of procedures to investigate the "loyalty" of every public school teacher and which authorized the removal of anyone who engaged in "treasonable or seditious acts or utterances" or who joined an organization that advocated the overthrow of the government by "force, violence, or any unlawful means."
In Adler, the Court found no First Amendment problem with the Feinberg Law, since teachers had no "right" to their jobs and were working "in a sensitive area" where they shaped young minds. The 6–3 majority opinion was written by Justice Sherman Minton, whom Heins calls "the most anti-civil-liberties of the justices." According to Minton, while the First Amendment assured everyone the right to "assemble, speak, think and believe as they will," when it came to "a sensitive area in a schoolroom," "[o]ne's associates, past and present, as well as one's conduct, may properly be considered in determining fitness and loyalty."
Justice William O. Douglas wrote a fiery dissent saying the Feinberg Law "proceeds on a principle repugnant to our society — guilt by association" that "turns the school system into a spying project" and would "raise havoc with academic freedom." According to Heins, with that, Douglas introduced the term "academic freedom" into the Supreme Court's lexicon. Douglas warned that with this decision, "a pall is cast over the classroom." He urged that "the guilt of the teacher should turn on overt acts. So long as she is a law-abiding citizen, so long as her performance within the public school system meets professional standards, her private life, her political philosophy, her social creed should not be the cause for reprisals against her."
Douglas was not alone. In his separate dissent, Justice Hugo Black warned that the Feinberg Law:
is another of those rapidly multiplying legislative enactments which make it dangerous — this time for schoolteachers — to think or say anything except what a transient majority happen to approve at the moment.
Within less than a year, the dissents in Adler began to influence the direction of the court. In Wieman v. Updegraff (1952), the court unanimously struck down an Oklahoma loyalty program that included a test oath for public employees, including state college faculty. In a memorable concurring opinion, Justice Felix Frankfurter wrote:
To regard teachers — in our entire educational system, from the primary grades to the university — as the priests of our democracy is not to indulge in hyperbole. It is the special task of teachers to foster those habits of open-mindedness and critical inquiry which alone make for responsible citizens.
By 1967, not only had McCarthyism been exposed and discredited as the country began to come to its senses, but the Supreme Court lineup had also changed dramatically. Only one of the justices in the majority in Adler, Tom Clark, was still on the court. New justices Earl Warren, William Brennan, and Abe Fortas joined Douglas and Black to overturn Adler and replace it with the groundbreaking decision in Keyishian.
In Keyishian, Brennan essentially transformed Douglas's dissent in Adler into the majority opinion of the court. As Heins puts it, Brennan "rejected wholesale the idea that restrictions on expression, ideas, and political associations are permissible under the First Amendment as conditions of public employment." Reversing Adler and striking down the Feinberg Law, Brennan wrote:
Our Nation is deeply committed to safeguarding academic freedom, which is of transcendent value to all of us and not merely to the teachers concerned. That freedom is therefore a special concern of the First Amendment, which does not tolerate laws that cast a pall of orthodoxy over the classroom.
In the three years after Keyishian, courts in Texas, Kansas, New Hampshire, Illinois, Nebraska, California, Mississippi, Florida, and the District of Columbia invalidated public employee loyalty laws. The California Supreme Court struck down an anticommunist oath, and attorneys general in Vermont, New Jersey, Oregon, New Hampshire, Hawaii, and Oklahoma pronounced their loyalty laws unconstitutional.
But the promise of Keyishian and its progeny, and the robust First Amendment protections for which they stood, fell victim to a post-9/11 willingness to sacrifice civil liberties in the name of fighting terrorism. In 2010, President George W. Bush's appointment as chief justice, John Roberts, wrote the majority opinion in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project, upholding the federal law that made it a crime to provide "material support" to any "foreign terrorist organization" to cover peaceful, lawful, and constitutionally protected activity, such as training radical groups to pursue nonviolent means of conflict resolution, or lawyers' filing friend-of-the-court briefs in support of such groups.
Justice Stephen Breyer, joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, wrote a trenchant dissent that argued that the First Amendment does not permit the government to prosecute people for teaching and advocacy with lawful aims, even if it is coordinated with a group branded as "terrorist." David Cole, a Georgetown law professor and the counsel for the Humanitarian Law Project, pointed out that had this interpretation of the material support law been on the books in the 1980s, the thousands of Americans who donated to Nelson Mandela's African National Congress would have been criminals.
Heins is deeply concerned about the future of academic freedom, in particular, and the First Amendment in general. She writes that the "American political system is all too vulnerable to political repression and to demonizing the dissenter, both on campus and off." Her important and compelling book makes a powerful case for renewing our fundamental commitment to the principle Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. articulated almost 85 years ago: that freedom of speech does not protect "free thought for those who agree with us, but freedom for the thought that we hate."
As Heins puts it, the cost of repressing "bad" ideas is too high:
[T]he people in power will inevitably try to squelch the ideas they think dangerous to their hegemony; yet these may be the very ideas needed for progress and social justice. Academic freedom is a "special concern of the First Amendment" because genuine education is not only liberating in itself; it is the basis of a successful democracy.
LARB Contributor
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text: Journey jewelry collectiono ffers unique and breath-taking styles that signify your commitment to eternal love and a vow of loyalty. The Journey dimaond collection of earrings and pendants boasts circular and exclusive romantic designs that strengthen your devotion begun with your engagement ring. Show your commitment throughout your life with a gift that shows your journey is true and forever. Journey jewelry collection is available in 14K/18K white and yellow gold.


text: Nothing much to report these days; summer in Mexico, very hot. My volume of poetry, Counting Blessings, is scheduled to be republished in July, and I'm still struggling with the republication of Spinning Straw Into Gold. All in good time, I guess. As for our ongoing discussion: O&D, amigos; O&D.


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FOTD - Fall Look with Smokey Eyes and Plum Lips
I wanted to share with you a quick look I did before heading out to a gig Friday night. It started out as a drugstore smokey eye tutorial, but my camera ended up dying on me, lol. After that, I ended up modifying it a bit with some department store brands.
As you can see, it's a smokey eye with a bold lip...very fall appropriate. I don't usually do these kind of lips, but I like how they turned out. I'm loving Magnetique lipglass all over again, it's so pigmented! I took these pictures in the hallway on my way to a gig, lol, I'm surprised they came out! You can see the strap on my arm from where I'm carrying my portable makeup chair.
Here's What I Used:
-PUR Minerals eyeshadow primer (not sure if this works well for oily skin, but it worked well on me)
-Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes ($4.99 on http://www.drugsture.com/!)
-MAC Young Punk minearlized eyeshadow (to darken it up a bit and add some glitter)
-NYX jumbo pencil in black bean (black base and liner)
-Anastasia Lifting Mascara (really love this mascara)
-Rimmel brow pencil in hazel (staple in my kit)
-Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes (love!)
-Jordana Liquid Eyeliner (pretty decent in terms of color and precise application...staying power isn't the best though)
-Revlon Colorstay Foundation
-Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer and Highlighter in Medium
-MAC MSF Natural in Medium Dark (to correct the beigeness of the foundie)
-forgot the blush, sorry!
-MAC Magnetique lipglass
-Ben Nye wine colored lip liner
Atlanta Makeup Artist


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These Terms and Conditions of Trading apply between Craigie Stockwell Carpets and all customers. By placing an order with us, you accept that these terms and conditions have been read and fully understood unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to acceptance of the order.
The content of this website is for your general information and use only. Prices and availability of goods are subject to change without notice. The price will remain firm for an order placed within three months of the date of the quotation, however, all our prices are linked to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of U.S. $1.50 = £1.00 G B pound. Any variation to exchange rates will affect our prices accordingly even in the middle of a contract, if applicable.
We take every care to ensure that the description and specification of our products are correct. While the colour reproduction of the products is a close representation, we cannot accept any responsibility for any variation in colour caused by the browser software or computer system used to view the products.
Whilst every effort is made to manufacture to the correct size, variations are unavoidable. The British Standards Institute tolerance is + or – 1.25% either way. Clause 3 BS.3655. Any claim for tolerance in width or length outside 1.25% can only be considered after inspection of the carpet by a representative of the Company.
All pile carpets, especially plain grounds, are liable to shading that is to show light and dark patches arising from unequal crushing of the surface. Light and delicate carpets are liable to become soiled in wear, and so apparently to lose colour. No care on the part of the manufacturers can obviate these tendencies which are inherent in all pile fabrics, nor can we accept any responsibility in connection with same.
Once a bespoke rug is in production refunding the purchase price is not possible and will be subject to a 100% cancellation charge
A delivery charge will be added to your order value where appropriate.
All dates quoted for delivery are estimated delivery dates only and may be subject to change. If for whatever reason that is likely to be exceeded we will notify you of the expected delay time. Any given lead time must be treated as approximate and does not form part of any contract. Time is not of the essence.
Any circumstances which are beyond the company's control that make it impossible for the company to fulfill its obligations with regard delivery dates are not circumstances entitling you to cancel this agreement. Craigie Stockwell carpets will not be responsible for reimbursement of costs, consequential loss or damage of any nature whatsoever that are incurred by reasonable delays or late delivery.
We retain ownership of any products ordered until we have received a full payment for such product.


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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Republican Party, the Trump campaign and other GOP organizations said Thursday that they are freezing their spending on Twitter to protest the platform's treatment of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Twitter temporarily locked McConnell's campaign account Wednesday after it shared a video in which some protesters spoke of violence outside his Kentucky home, where he is recovering from a shoulder fracture.
The social media platform said in a statement that users were locked out temporarily due to a tweet "that violated our violent threats policy, specifically threats involving physical safety." The statement did not indicate exactly how long the account was frozen, saying only that it was temporary. The account was active Thursday, but no longer contained the tweet.
The Courier-Journal reported one protester said McConnell should have broken his neck instead of fracturing his shoulder; another spoke of violence when responding to a reference about a hypothetical McConnell voodoo doll.
In an interview Thursday on Louisville radio station WHAS, McConnell said the decision to ban his campaign account was indicative of the "left-wing tilt of these big companies," which he said suppress speech on social media they don't agree with but did nothing when people were calling him "Massacre Mitch."
Some Twitter users applied that label to the senator for blocking consideration of House legislation imposing new regulations on guns. McConnell called the label "obviously an invitation to violence."
Twitter and other social media companies say they have no political bias.
National Republican Congressional Committee Executive Director Parker Hamilton Poling said her organization was halting Twitter spending "until they correct their inexcusable targeting of @Team Mitch."
"We will stand firmly with our friends against anti-conservative bias," Poling said.
The national Republican Party and President Donald Trump's reelection campaign had projected spending $300,000 to $500,000 this month on Twitter, according to one GOP official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to publicly discuss the plans.
The GOP's criticism of Twitter comes as Trump and McConnell are being pressured to endorse gun control measures after last weekend's mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, that left 31 people dead.
Trump's denigration of minorities and immigrants has prompted many to blame him for contributing to an anti-immigrant atmosphere.
McConnell has long led Republican efforts in the Senate to stifle gun control proposals and has resisted Democrats' cries to interrupt Congress' recess and approve new restrictions.
On Thursday he told the Louisville radio station that when lawmakers return next month, he wants them to consider expanded background checks and other legislation that would help authorities take guns from people considered dangerous.


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Program aims to increase the pipeline for under-represented artists
Saint Paul, Minn., March 13, 2019 – Flordelino Lagundino, Park Square Theatre's John W. Harris Artistic Director, has announced the eight recipients for the pilot year of a new Artist Fellowship program at Park Square: Ricardo Beaird, Ernest Briggs, Mary Capers, Maxwell Collyard, Ashawnti Sakina Ford, Sophie Peyton, Lindsey C. Samples, DJ Kool Akiem Scott.
"Fellowships gave me an inside track at some of the best theatres in the country, advancing my artistry and building my network," says Lagundino. "We were delighted to receive 58 applications this year. It's important to me that in our work at Park Square we find ways to open doors and build a pipeline for all early career theatre artists, especially for marginalized communities such as indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQA artists, in order to create a greater sense of belonging for everyone in our community."
The first year of the new theatre fellowship program is made possible by major grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Saint Paul's Cultural STAR program. Fellows will deepen and develop new skills over the upcoming year in residence by participating in projects which will connect them to Park Square and the Saint Paul/larger Twin Cities' community.
For the 2019 fellowships, there were five assistant directing tracks and three assistant designer tracks assigned (design may be in any theatrical design medium: set, costume, lights, props, sound, or projections). Each fellow will assist on two shows from early stages through final production, and will have a voice in production meetings, planning, rehearsals, and direct collaboration with lead production staff and the Artistic Director.
Collectively, the fellows will form a self-directed cohort of emerging leaders and may participate in the various department functions at Park Square in areas such as casting, season planning, carpentry, electrics, wardrobe or run crew, and in budgeting, human resources or marketing. Additionally, there will be opportunities to meet with artistic leaders at Park Square's partner theatres as well as other area theatrical institutions. To involve the fellow cohort with the wider community, staff support, and dedicated resources will be provided to help each fellow create an engagement experience as a part of Park Square's mission to center artmaking within the ongoing dialogue we have with our community.
At the end of the fellowship year, the cohort will participate in an Evening Cabaret Performance in which Twin Cities Artistic Leaders will be invited. This culminating event will be co-hosted with the MN Theatre Alliance. Feedback will be considered for the planning of future iterations and development of the program.
Park Square's community partners in this program include Springboard for the Arts, the MN Theatre Alliance, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Theatre Mu, the History Theatre, PRIME Productions, and the East Side Freedom Library.
Headshots of recipients HERE BIOS follow below.
Ricardo Beaird [Director Track] is a theatre maker and teaching artist from Nashville who recently performed at Park Square in Dot and Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Currently, Ricardo is an actor/presenter at the Science Museum of Minnesota. This year, he was selected to be a Red Eye Theater Works-In-Progress artist with his collaborator, Megan Burns.
Ernest Briggs [Director] is a professional actor and Twin Cities native who has worked in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida. Ernest received his Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Florida. He has worked locally as an actor with Mixed Blood Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Girl Friday Productions, Minnesota History Theatre, Artistry Theatre, Children's Theatre Company, Teatro Del Pueblo, Pillsbury House Theatre, Turtle Theatre Collective, South Coast Repertory (CA), Tilted Windmills Theatricals (FL) and various feature films. He has also directed productions for the Minnesota Fringe Festival, Nimbus Theatre and various short films.
Mary Capers [Design] is a wig designer from South Jamaica Queens, New York. She has a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Fredonia and a pending Master of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design and Production from Brooklyn College. She has worked at various theatres around the country and is happy to finally call the Twin Cities home.
Maxwell Collyard [Design] is an interdisciplinary theatre/film artist based in the Twin Cities working mainly with digital content and live performance. Maxwell designed projections for Turtle Theater Collective, Theatre Novi Most, Frank Theatre, and the Playwrights' Center. He also works as a cinematographer/editor for various fundraisers, Mixed Blood Theatre/Project 154, and with Fox and Coyote, Annie and the Bang Bang, Daniel Bonespur, and Porno Wolves to create music videos. He enjoys making movies in his spare time and is currently preparing a feature-length film for festivals. Maxwell also works as an actor and assistant director for theatres in the Twin Cities.
Ashawnti Sakina Ford [Director] is an actress, teaching artist, improviser, playwright, poet and director born and raised in the Twin Cities. Her work is typically centered in social change and arts accessibility. She recently co-founded The Black Ensemble Players theatre company to give rising black artists the opportunity to work on classical and new theatre. She is also a member of Blackout Improv which was recently recognized as a Minnesota Change-maker by MPR. Ashawnti has been seen on stages including the History Theatre and the Guthrie Dowling studio and has worked with companies including Full Circle Theatre, Sandbox Theatre and Combustible.
Sophie Peyton [Director] is a freelance director, dramaturg, and community engagement coordinator. Originally from Boston, she moved to Minneapolis to further her career in new play development and artistic administration. She holds a B.A. from Temple University and has worked on the administrative and producing staff at McCarter Theatre Center, Wilma Theater, and PlayPenn: New Play Development Conference. Regional credits include Minnesota Opera, Trademark Theater, History Theatre, Park Square Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, and Wilma Theater. She's had the pleasure of assisting directors Emily Mann, Adam Immerwahr, Jamil Jude, Peter Rothstein, and Doug Scholz-Carlson.
Lindsey C. Samples [Director] is a multidisciplinary theater artist. She believes art is a critical ingredient in fostering a healthy society and creating necessary social change. As a director, performer, teaching artist, and arts administrator, she has used theater as a bridge to be in conversation across communities, geography, cultures, languages, abilities, and identities. Lindsey holds a B.A. in Theater from Loyola University Chicago and an M.Ed. in Youth Development Leadership from the University of Minnesota.
DJ Kool Akiem Scott [Design] is an educator, teaching artist, renowned DJ, composer, sound designer, and producer. Widely recognized as a pioneer of the Twin Cities Hip-Hop community, he's produced for the legendary Micranots, was DJ for MF Doom's domestic and European tours, and has performed with artists such as Public Enemy, De La Soul, The Roots, Grandmaster Flash, and Jazzy Jeff. Kool Akiem has produced seven albums, many of which are critically acclaimed that released on Rhymesayers Entertainment, Subverse Records, and Mental Madness Wreckords. He has held DJ residencies in New York and Atlanta, and hosted radio shows including The Panther Power Hour on WRFG (Atlanta) and WEQY (Saint Paul). His expertise and philosophies on Sampling and Hip Hop pedagogy have been featured in several books including Five Percenter Rap by Felicia Miyakawa and Making Beats by Joseph Schlosh. He composed original scores for the award-winning stage play Kung Fu Zombies vs Cannibals (Theater Mu), was DJ for Illyria (Theater Latte Da), a sound designer for The Two Kids That Blow Shit Up (Theater Mu) and was recently commissioned to compose the theme song for Kung Fu Zombies vs Shaman Warrior (Smithsonian). He taught Hip Hop Music History at McNally Smith College of Music and conducts DJ and recording residencies and workshops for all ages as a teaching artist through COMPAS, East Metro Integration District and Intermedia Arts.
# # #
PARK SQUARE THEATRE. 20 W. Seventh Place, Saint Paul. Ticket Office: 651.291.7005. parksquaretheatre.org


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Filters: Categories: Data Release - In Progress (X) > partyWithName: OWEN P. MCKENNA (X) > Types: Shapefile (X) > Types: OGC WFS Layer (X)
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The application of two management strategies were tested across nine, Class III, wetland catchments located at the Woodworth Study Area (Stutsman County, ND). This field study took place during 2014 and 2015. 2014 was a pre-treatment year and snow measurements were taken in all experimental catchments in the late February 2015, before treatments were applied. Temporary electric fences were installed surrounding each wetland catchment to exclude them from grazing that took place on the management unit in 2015. All the catchments had been managed in a similar manner since purchased by USFWS in 1964. The primary management strategy of the wetland catchments from 1964–2013 was non-use with occasional prescribed burning....
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Data Release - In Progress;
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Tags: environment,
grassland management,


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Fact or Fiction? Top 8 Linux Myths Debunked
Katherine Noyes – PC World - Thu Sep 9, 2:18 pm ET
If the idea of using Linux in your business is one that makes you nervous, chances are you've fallen prey to one or more of the many myths out there that are frequently disseminated by competing vendors such as Microsoft. After all, each Linux user means one less sale for such companies, so they have a powerful motivation to spread such FUD.
In fact, the ranks of businesses and government organizations using Linux grows every day, and for good reason: it's simply a good business choice. Let's take a look, then, at some of the top anxiety-causing myths and dispel them once and for all.
1. "It's Hard to Install"
Today, installing Linux is actually easier than installing Windows. Of course, most people don't install Windows themselves--rather, it comes preinstalled on their hardware, and that's an option with Linux too, if you're in the market for a new machine anyway.
If not, however, the best thing to do is first try out the distribution you're interested in via a Live CD or Live USB. Then, once you decide you like it, you can either install it in dual-boot fashion, so that both Linux and Windows are available to you all the time, or you can install Linux instead of Windows.
Either way, installation has become extremely simple over the years, particularly on distributions such asUbuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint and openSUSE. Most include a step-by-step wizard and very easy-to-understand graphical tools; they also typically offer a way to automate the process. A full installation will probably take no more than 30 minutes, including basic apps.
2. "It's Just for Experts"
That Linux is more difficult to use than Windows and Macs is probably one of the most enduring and yet unjustified myths in existence today. It certainly used to be true--say, 10 years ago. Today, however, the inclusion of attractive graphical user interfaces and other usability improvements in many distributions means that even elementary school children can use Linux easily.
Now, server usage is a different story--just as it is under Windows, for example. And Linux won't be exactly the same as a Mac or Windows. But on the desktop, if you're used to the GUI of Windows or Mac OS X, you should have no trouble getting used to Linux. It's that simple.
3. "It's Free, So It Must Be Pirated"
Despite the growing use of free and open source software in governments and other organizations, some people still believe that any software that's free must be illegally copied. Fortunately, that's completely false. The notion of "taking" software off the Internet and then "tampering with it" for your own ends can strike litigation fears into the hearts of those unfamiliar with the concept, but fear not! Free and open source software is designed from the start to be free in cost as well as open to modification and improvement. That's how it works and gets better.
4. "There's No Support"
Vendors of proprietary software love to strike more fear into business users' hearts by painting a picture of the Linux user alone at sea, without anyone to ask for help. Once again, completely false!
First of all, every Linux distribution has an online community with excellent forums for getting help. There are also forums dedicated to small businesses and for newcomers in need of extra explanation. For those who want even more assurance, commercial Linux versions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE LinuxEnterprise Desktop come with vendor support. It's entirely up to you which route to choose.
5. "It's Not Compatible"
There are very few instances of hardware and software remaining that can't be used with Linux. One of theoperating system's many advantages, in fact, is that it's designed not to hog resources, and so doesn't require the latest, cutting-edge hardware. Most peripherals are compatible as well, particularly in distributions such as Ubuntu.
On the application side, it's also rare to find a problem. If there is something your business needs that can be run only on Windows, however, there are packages like Wine and Crossover Linux to make that happen. There are also countless comparable and Linux-friendly alternatives that can be easily installed, including all basic productivity packages.
6. "It's Less Secure"
Of all the myths perpetuated about Linux, I'd say this is the one with the least merit. The reality, in fact, is quite the reverse: Linux is far *more* secure than either Windows or Macs, as countless examples and security researchers such as Secunia have confirmed. In a nutshell, Linux's superior security derives from the way privileges are assigned, the fact that it's open to scrutiny by countless developers the world over, and the diversity of distributions in use.
Ever wonder why you've never heard of the Linux equivalent of Microsoft's "Patch Tuesday"? That's because there isn't one--it's not necessary. Neither is antivirus software. Strange but true.
7. "It's Not Reliable"
If you're using a Mac or Windows, it goes without saying that you are intimately familiar with crashes and downtime. Part of that is due to those systems' vulnerability to malware, but part is also simply inherent in the software. That's a big reason why Linux is used so heavily on servers--it almost never goes down. Imagine a day in the life of your business with no downtime!
8. "Its TCO Is Higher"
Last, but not least, proprietary vendors are notorious for trying to counter Linux's free price tag with vague fears about its "higher" total cost of operation in the long run. All I can say is, if that were true, why are so many governments and organizations around the globe turning to it in droves, particularly during the tough economic times we've had over the past few years?
There are also numerous studies confirming the financial benefits of Linux in a business setting, even with paid support. It's worth noting, too, that TCO doesn't explicitly capture the future costs that will be incurred by being locked in with a particular vendor.
Is Linux perfect? Of course not; no operating system is. Nor is it necessarily the best choice for every business. But don't let the myths hold you back.
Follow Katherine Noyes on Twitter: @Noyesk.


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Lake Worth Real Estate
Parks surrounding nearly 3,500 acres of surface lake in the City of Lake Worth are enjoyed by Lake Worth's visitors and residents. Lake Worth Park offers athletic fields for youth and adult visitors. It has two baseball fields, one softball field, and soccer / football field, a playground and a skate park for all ages. Navajo and Grand Lake Parks are equipped with basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds. Rayl Park is full of shade trees, picnic tables, a playground, and pond that is the home of many aquatic animals and species. Charbonneau Park, is more commonly known at the "Growing up Strong: Kids and Trees" project area. Hodgkins Park is the home to a large covered pavilion with its large grill for outdoor cooking and a playground just across a footbridge. The new Lake Worth Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated in 2013 to the Veterans of our United States Military.
The city offers its own retail and dining options with two new shopping centers opened within the past ten years offering than 1 million square feet of retail space. Its residents are served by the Lake Worth Independent School District.
6513 Lakeside Drive
7036 Lotus Trail
2912 Pueblo Trail
Lake Worth Listings Summary
Lake Worth - Town vs. County Stats
Avg Price in Lake Worth: $305,700 / County Avg $545,400
Avg Taxes in Lake Worth: $5,000 / County Avg $7,700
Avg Sq. Ft. in Lake Worth: 1,632 / County Avg 2,323
Avg Price per/sqft in Lake Worth:$187 / County Avg $235
Avg Walkscore in Lake Worth: 36 / County Avg 31
Avg Year Built in Lake Worth: 1961 / County Avg 1993
Avg Days on Website in Lake Worth: 78 / County Avg 64
Lake Worth Real Estate Market Health
Neighborhoods in Lake Worth TX |
Highland Lake Add |
Indian Oaks Sub |
Lake Worth Heights Sub |


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The glimpse at Kodiak's king crab fishery currently on exhibit at the Pratt Museum has opened the door on a slice of Homer's history and a glimpse at what the future may hold.
At a related event beginning at 5 p.m. today, Megan Murphy will describe related research in Kachemak Bay. Two Alaska Department of Fish and Game representatives, Elisa Russ and Ken Goldman, will talk about the local non-commercial tanner crab fishery, "what the fisheries management office is seeing and how the data is being interpreted," said Scott Bartlett, curator of exhibits at the Pratt.
The exhibit, "When Crab Was King: Faces of the Kodiak King Crab Fishery, 1950-1982," was created by the Kodiak Maritime Museum. It includes contemporary portraits of people associated with the fishery holding old, smaller photographs of themselves, many of them holding crab, that grew out of an oral history project. The oral history connection is made via a cell phone tour that allows visitors to hear recordings of each of the portrait subjects sharing their crabbing stories.
"When the Kodiak Maritime Museum put this together, the Pratt was in touch and working with them and wrote a letter of support for their exhibit for a grant to fund the project," said Bartlett. "At that point, we started thinking about hosting it, taking that story and localizing it to Kachemak Bay."
Crabbing in Kachemak Bay didn't equal that of Kodiak, but a similar story exists "as far as the economic impact, fishermen that were using this as a good part of their income and what happened when that disappeared, and the environmental impacts," said Bartlett.
A community conversation held by the Pratt several weeks ago added details of the local experience. Three oral histories and a newly recorded interview with Fred Elvsaas of Seldovia have given another layer to the Kachemak Bay perspective, each of them accessed through a push-button audio connection. Mounted crab — king, Dungeness, tanner and a number of smaller crab — provide a visual connection, as does the commercial crab pot suspended from the ceiling with an 18-inch king crab sitting inside.
"I think really the light at the end of the tunnel is one of the aquarium tanks in the special exhibits gallery where we are hosting a number of juvenile king crab from the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery in Seward," said Bartlett. "They look like adults, but they are an inch across, past the early development stage. … They're really cute and a hit with all ages."
The work the hatchery is doing, including a recent release into one of the bays near Kodiak to field test hatchery raised crab in support of wild populations, is cause for optimism, said Bartlett.
At today's "Crabby Colloquium: Recent Research and Fishery Management Perspectives, 5-7 p.m., Murphy will describe the research she has incorporated into her biological oceanography degree program. Her study looks at plankton, plants or animals that drift in water and are observed with the help of a microscope.
"The early stages (or larvae) of most marine invertebrates begin their life as drifting plankton, such as crabs, barnacles, clams and more," said Murphy.
Building on Kachemak Bay Research Reserve's interest in how marine invertebrate larvae are transported within and around Kachemak Bay, Murphy said she "grabbed hold of this research idea and brought it with me to graduate school through the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Studies." By fine-tuning the subject, she seeks to help answer the question whether "Kachemak Bay is the source of our crab populations or are we dependent on an upstream source?"
From March through October in 2008 and 2009, Murphy conducted weekly plankton tows and vertical profiles of temperature and salinity, focusing on three points between the Spit and McKeon Flats "as I wanted to look at the exchange of plankton and water between the outer and inner Kachemak Bays." During that time, Murphy observed seven crab species, including Dungeness and tanner, each with a unique release period.
"Also, most crabs appeared to be released in Kachemak Bay as I observed the entire larval development period over a few months," said Murphy, adding that observations of larvae in their late development stage might suggest they came to Kachemak Bay from another location. "Ultimately, I came away with the conclusion that Kachemak Bay adult crab are likely the main population source for new generations of crab in the bay."
Murphy's research has been published in the science journal "Estuaries and Coasts."
"(This) is more of a scientific standpoint with (Murphy) representing her recent research on larval crab development in Kachemak Bay," said Bartlett. "It'll help us all just sort of understand the complex life cycle. … It's not an easily managed fishery because crab are so unique and there are so many different stages of development."
"When Crab Was King: Faces of the Kodiak King Crab Fishery 1950-1982" and the additional Kachemak Bay piece are on exhibit at the Pratt Museum through the month of December. December is free-admission month at the Pratt.


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Swine flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs that has now spread to humans.
A "pandemic" is a disease that spreads all over the world and affects a large number of people. If you are caring for a loved one during a pandemic, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and others. Always follow the most current advice of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and your local health department.
Take the following steps to prevent the spread of pandemic flu:
Symptoms of the flu include:
If you or a family member display signs of the flu, stay home from work, school and errands and avoid contact with others. Call your healthcare professional at the first sign of the flu. Many symptoms can be treated by the health care professional over the phone.
Consider wearing a surgical mask when around others to prevent the spread any further.
A person with the swine flu may be able to spread the flu starting a day before they begin to feel sick, and for as long as they have symptoms, possibly 7 to 10 days.
Visit the local Red Cross or call the Franklin County Health Department at 636-583-7300.


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RENO — The largest outdoor arts festival in North America is about to become bigger.
Federal land managers have issued Burning Man organizers a four-year special recreation permit that allows a peak population of 68,000 on the northern Nevada desert this year.
Last year, the crowd at the offbeat art and music festival on the Black Rock Desert peaked at more than 53,000 — well below the previous population cap of 60,900.
Gene Seidlitz of the Bureau of Land Management says the agency is requiring organizers to comply with over 60 conditions related to issues such as security, public safety, resource management and cleanup.
He says the agency is confident that sufficient requirements are in place to protect the desert's environment and to ensure public safety.
Burning Man spokeswoman Megan Miller hailed the BLM's issuance of the multi-year permit, saying organizers have "always been confident in (their) ability to grow the event safely and sustainably."
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Dolores let one slip away.
In a back and forth baseball affair, it was the Monticello Buckaroos that had the last laugh.
The Utah school scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to retake the lead over Dolores at 7-6.
In the fifth and final inning, Tyler Weir hit a single to represent the game tying run Thursday at McAndrew Field. But the next at bat saw Bears' second baseman Kellen Gatzke strike out to end the game.
The baseball contest was shortened to five innings as part of the Montezuma-Cortez Invitational.
"It was a seesaw game back and forth. I thought that we had them," first-year Bears coach Chris Barry said. "We had a lot of base runners. We just didn't get the key hit that we needed in the key at bat. I feel we kind of gave them the game."
Dolores (0-3) opened a 3-0 lead in the first inning, taking advantage of walks by Buckaroos starting pitcher Shane Christensen.
Bears starting pitcher Chaz Thompson hit a double in the top of the first.
However, that would only be one of two hits Dolores could muster against Monticello (1-0).
"Hitting and base running is the big deal we need to do (better)," Thompson said. "We got good pitchers, good infield, but no more errors whatsoever. We can't have any errors. If we just do the little things, we can achieve bigger."
The Buckaroos responded with two runs in the bottom half of the first, and scored runs in the second and third innings to take a 4-3 lead.
Dolores responded in the fourth when Christensen walked six batters, which the Bears converted into three runs and a 6-4 lead.
Monticello hit three RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth to regain the lead. The Buckaroos closing pitcher preserved the lead and the win for Monticello.
Dolores was out hit 10-2.
"By the end of this season, this team's going to be very prepared and we're going to do very well," Barry said. "We're feeling well, our plate discipline is good and our batting is coming around. I think we'll be OK."
The Bears are back in action today in the Montezuma-Cortez Invite against rival Dove Creek at 11:30 a.m.
[email protected].


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How to Control Brown Spots on the Skin
Jennifer in Brick had her thyroid removed 5 years ago, and is now noticing brown patches on her skin.
She wants to know how she can maintain healthy skin without a thyroid.
Tracey from Salon Kokopelli's skincare department has an answer with today's Beauty Secret!


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TL;DR – Android Gingerbread on the Atrix features a slew of new/updated features and this article goes over some of the more memorable changes to Gingerbread on the Atrix (Installation of apps from unknown sources is now enabled, etc). Visit my Min.us gallery of Atrix Gingerbread screenshots.
I updated my Motorola Atrix to Android 2.3 a.k.a. Gingerbread. You, too, can simply update your phone by going to your phone's Settings" page, clicking on "About Phone" and tapping "System Updates". You will get a simple notification that an update is available for your phone and offered the chance to download it. After downloading is complete, you can install it now or later. If you haven't backed up your precious photos or phone contacts, please do so before proceeding with the update. After a restart or two, you will have the latest update from Motorola (Blur_Version.4.1.83.MB860.ATT.en.US to Blur_Version.4.5.91.MB860.ATT.en.US). Read my earlier post about the earlier updates that have been pushed out for the Motorola Atrix.
Straight from Motorola's release notes, here are some areas you should see major changes:
- Productivity Tools: Enhancements to business ready security features so you can get more work done on-the-go which includes robust VPN, device and SD card encryption, device management via 3rd party console and remote wipe ability. Adding Ability to install apps from unknown/3rd party sources e.g. XDA apks, the Amazon store (and its apps, etc).
- Gallery: Enhancements to the picture Gallery allow you to aggregate all your photos, your friends' photos and photo comments from social networking and photo sites like Facebook and Picasa in one place for easy viewing
- Music: Enhancements so your Music player is now connected to a dashboard for music discovery. Plus, easy access to all your favorite artists, live, personalized recommendations for songs & videos and news and event updates
- Dock Icons: Enhancement that enables easy access to favorite apps at bottom of each screen
- Organized App Tray: Enhancement that helps you personalize and categorize favorite apps into groups so you can be more efficient
- Location Based Recommendations: Enhancement that provides access to social content in one place so you can find out what is happening around you. You can use Yelp reviews and Facebook check-ins to find out what others are recommending
- Task Management Tools: Enhancement that makes it easier to create, edit & delete tasks, and to assign priorities and reminders
- Notification Tray: Enhancement that enables you to dismiss notifications one at a time
- Faster Webtop Browsing: Enhancement to webtop application includes Firefox 4.0 so you can browse faster than with earlier versions of Firefox.
You can use the Webtop feature with optional accessories (Motorola HD Multimedia Dock, the Motorola Atrix Webtop Access Kit and the Atrix Laptop Dock). I may consider checking out the Atrix HD Multimedia dock or the Webtop access kit, but NOT the "laptop" dock priced at ~ $500.
- User Interface: Updated user interface with simpler home screen design, including shift to use of white backgrounds in menus, enabling better viewing experience
- HD Video Playback: Enhancement that now enables HD Video Playback in 1080p for better viewing experience
- Multiple Recipient Emails: Create groups for multiple recipient emails so you can communicate faster
- One touch conference call access: Enhancement that makes it easier to dial-in to conference bridges while you're on-the-go
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When I discovered that ATT/MOTOROLA had finally enabled the ability to install Android apps from unknown or 3rd party sources, I was over the moon with joy. 🙂 The first 3rd party app I installed was the Amazon AppStore. Did you know the Amazon appstore gives you 1 "free" paid app a day? I, too, initially thought that Amazon gave the developers of the promoted apps 20% to compensate for making their app free for the day, but I soon learned that this was not the case. After feeling sympathetic, then I realized that Amazon not paying the developers were no different that Apple choosing to spotlight apps during their commercials. Ultimately, choosing to be featured is your business's call and part of that decision involves figuring out if the increased work(load) is worth the popularity & sign-ups received. That said, being able to install 3rd party apps on the Atrix means that I can actually develop for my particular phone. Case in point, I was able go through the Hello Android tutorial & run the compiled apk on my phone.
I found a screen-grabbing application on XDA's forums: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009451. It works without needing root and the only permission required is SD card editing & storage. Boom.
This discovery reduces the likelihood of me needing to root my Atrix even more. 😀 If you have followed the instructions on installing Android SDk to your phone, all you need to do to install the app is: Open up command prompt and type: adb install path/to/the/apk/file. You should get a success message if all went well:
C:\Users\Jane\: adb install C:\Users\Jane\Documents\Coding\Android\Atrix\screengrab.apk 879 KB/s (52210 bytes in 0.058s) pkg: /data/local/tmp/screengrab.apk Success
Please note: You will not be asked to okay the installation so please use this command with care. According to this Android Developer document, that adb install path/to/file only copies the file to a location on the phone, but I didn't have to do anything else to get Screen grabber apk installed on my phone *shrug*. I can't stress enough: don't be rash and download random apks from the internet. If you want to verify the permissions required by an app, simply tap the "Options" button and select "Manage Apps". Apps are now sorted alphabetically so scroll to the Screen Grabber entry and tap on it; the permissions required are at the bottom of that page and displayed below. The main difference I have found between the screenshots from the Screen Grabber app and those from the Android SDK method are: Screen Grabber's method is easier, snaps taken by Screen Grabber have a greater bit depth (32) & thus, a larger file size than those by the SDK method.
Lastly, the Atrix now comes with the ability to encrypt personal data including data on the internal & external storage devices (good news for IT departments everywhere)! I turned on the personal data encryption on my Atrix and after rebooting, I got a message about my SIM card being removed or changed. Thanks to the encryption/security feature, you will need to enter your MOTOBLUR account/password combo every time you reboot. A little inconvenience for peace of mind is not too much to ask especially if you need it i.e. if sensitive data passes through your phone, a spy, etc. Also, please be aware that if you turn on SD card encryption, factory resetting your phone may result in total data loss.
Refreshed Android Photo Gallery
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With Gingerbread on the Atrix, the photo gallery shows your friends' galleries by default. The first gallery set has the "views" which are:
- Camera roll: Pulls photos from the DCIM folder or where photos taken from the camera are specifically stored.
- My library: Pulls photos stored on your internal and external storage systems on the Atrix.
- Online: This hooks into my Flickr, Facebook and Picasa Web Albums and it's pretty nifty.
- Friends: This pulls photos from your friend's public Flickr, Facebook and Picasa albums.
- DLNA servers: Pulls photos from a media server you specify.
If you're irritated by the default setting to show pictures from your Facebook friends, turn that setting off by going to the "Settings" page. You can also setup DLNA servers via the settings. See the gallery below for the revamped options in the photo gallery app.
Refreshed Music Listening Experience
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Motorola didn't add anything too drastic to the stock Android Gingerbread music app. One of the things I noticed was a "Music Store" app which is from AT&T. I haven't bothered to uninstall it; besides, I already have my Amazon MP3 app installed. On the first run of the Music app on the Atrix, you will be asked if you want to get "Live Music" recommendations which is the main change to the bundled Music app. Once you have gone through the prompts on the default Music app, little has been done to differentiate the MOTOBLUR-skinned music app from Android 2.2.
The most obvious addition is that, by default, starting up the Music app (by MOTOBLUR) will display 'live' music recommendations to you and there is a tight integration with the (new) ATT music store. After you've set up the Music app, you will be presented with video, song & station recommendations. If you want a better music player, download the Google Music (beta) app which is pretty. I have used it as my main music player and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Plus, if you install the Music beta application on your computer and upload your music library to Google's servers, you will be able to stream your music via the Android app. Check out the gallery of the MOTOBLUR music app:
The Google Music app is another effort from Google to learn more about you and your music listening habits. Because I had Google's Music (beta) app installed when I upgraded to the Gingerbread release, I saw 2 music apps in my App Tray. If you haven't selected a default music player and you tap a (supported – I specify this because WMA files are apparently not supported) music file, you get to pick which player you want to play the file with. Anyway, here are some screenshots for your viewing to see just how much nicer the Google Music app is compared to the built-in app on the Atrix.
Refreshed Dock Icons
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Here's what the earlier dock icons of the Atrix (when running Android 2.2) looked like:
I didn't know I was missing out but now that the icons on the dock have been revamped, I'm very appreciative. My only gripe would be that I've mistaken the dock icons for my home screen apps and I'm not sure if I like that or not. The distinction was clearer with the old dock icons. Nevertheless, I am pleased with MOTOBLUR's second take on the dock icons see here:
Refreshed App Tray
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Motorola added a shortcut to all apps installed to the Dock Icons. This has been incredible handy and better than the generic looking circle that was inflicted on us.
Then, when you get to the page listing all your apps, there are now options to group your apps! There is an "ATT" group by default and mine only shows 2 apps because I uninstalled much of the pre-installed ATT apps that the Atrix came with. Then, I was able to create a "Google" apps group which is pretty self-explanatory. If your apps are edging into the 100s like mine, this is pretty handy. 😛 Alas, there is a fly in this ointment: a not-so-welcome change to the All Apps screen is an extra step towards pinning apps to your home screens. When you press and hold an app now, a dialog box pops up and asks you whether you'd like to:
- Add to Home: Adds the highlighted app to any of your Atrix's homescreens
- Share: shares the app to apps like Docs, Dropbox, email, etc.
- Add to group: add the app to whatever group you've created earlier. If you haven't created any special groups yet, you will be able to create one at this time.
- Uninstall: self-explanatory. I like that uninstalling apps has become easier than ever.
Depending on the app you are attempting to pin, you may only have the options to "Add to Home" or "Add to group". I'm sure once I've spent a month with this change, I'll grow to appreciate it, but for now, it's taking me some time to get used to. The gallery below has screenshots of the me adding apps to a newly created "App group".
Improved Location Recommendation tools
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The main location-related change I noticed was the addition of an app called "Rich Location".
Tasks Management & Notification Tray
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Notifications can now be dismissed on a per-item basis. App updates (if more than 3) are grouped into one and you can tap the new icon (a "Minus" sign) to dismiss those notifications. Otherwise, you can tap "Clear" to remove all notifications. Missed calls will be on top of any notifications (higher priority); Voicemail & Text messages are lower on the totem pole. Another new thing: when you ignore a call, you will be prompted (by default) to send a text message in return but I have since turned this feature off. Also, when you receive an incoming call notification, if your phone is locked, you get to slide-to-answer. If your phone isn't locked, you get to tap-to-answer. 🙂 The new Tasks app is underwhelming to me. I tried Astrid but it felt very "beta". I will give GTask a try next. Feel free to read AndroidAndMe's brief overview of the top to-do apps for Android. The tasks app from Motorola doesn't offer synchronization with Google Tasks or any other popular task management tool. So, if you don't care that it's completely local, then enjoy these screenshots:
User Interface Changes
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The visual changes to Atrix are too many to list. The best way to find out is install the update and enjoy the eye candy! 🙂 The icons for pretty much everything on the Atrix look newer (i.e. new icons), new color scheme which I'm slowly coming to terms with, the camera/camcorder app got digital zoom, picture/video modes & exposure features which is pretty cool, more options for saving contacts, etc. Overall, I'm been pretty impressed with Gingerbread and the stability it brings to the Atrix. For more screenshots of new features in Gingerbread (on the Atrix), visit my Minus.com gallery which should contain the screenshots in this article and more.


text: 08/14/2014 - If consciousness is just the workings of neurons and synapses, how do we explain the phenomenon of near-death experience? By some accounts, about 3% of the U.S. population has had one: an out-of-body experience often characterized by remarkable visions and feelings of peace and joy, all while the physical body is close to death. To skeptics, there are more plausible, natural explanations, like oxygen deprivation. Is the prospect of an existence after death "real" and provable by science, or a construct of wishful thinking about our own mortality.