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In his book, "Does IT Matter?" Nicholas Carr assumed that the PC-centric, client-server architecture was the zenith of Moore's Law (which says the number of transistors on a chip will double every two years) and therefore an ever-cheaper commodity with no strategic value. The emerging post-PC architecture not only proves his assumptions wrong but makes them look absurd given the magnitude of contrast. But much more important than poking Carr in the eye (however enjoyable that may be) is the urgent realization that we need to take a bold leap away from that legacy, PC-centric architecture. For one thing, the hackers own it outright and prove that to us on a daily basis. Recently we learned of a data breach at payment processing firm Global Payments Security that exposed financial information of 1.5 million credit cardholders. Such news is a recurring nightmare given our reactive, patch-and-pray security model.
Related stories:
After hack, RSA amps up security, but people still the weak link
How international cyber crime threatens national security
The writing is clearly on the wall: Hackers own the current, hippie-designed, Pollyanna-inspired, free-love openness that is today's PC architecture. Given that, any normal inertia against change should be ameliorated by the chance to bake in security at the beginning of a new architecture instead of as an afterthought. Beyond the security benefits, the capabilities of the post-PC architecture will make advances such as Siri, Watson and Facebook look quaint by comparison.The central components of this architecture are mobile devices, the cloud (or clouds), sensors and social networks. Of these components, mobile devices are the primary driver that is now drastically reshaping both the client and server sides of the architectural equation. These changes will incorporate the drive toward "natural interfaces" such as gesture and voice. Not to be dismissed is the plethora of sensors (some of them inside those mobile devices) that can monitor, measure and signal every corner of the globe. From a sheer numbers perspective, the post-PC architecture is the realization of ubiquitous computing. Accommodating these changes and enabling easy sharing between any type of client device requires a ubiquitous server solution that is ever-present, contextually aware and fast (regardless of load). Enter the cloud. Above and beyond the proliferation of hardware is a higher bar for software platforms that are smart and social by design, exhibit situational awareness, and leverage vast amounts of data. To satisfy these requirements, the key characteristics of a post-PC architecture are scalability, semantics and security. Scalability is required for the cloud to serve the massive number of devices and sensors in near-real time. The cloud will allow device convergence and interoperability across every organization in ways that were never imaginable. And semantics will be the glue between each component in order to enable the devices to understand the whole and the part they play in it and to act appropriately in any situation. That is what is meant by "situational awareness," and to do this requires an understanding of localized context. For example, if I say to Siri, "Call my wife", it understands that I am married, which contact in my address book represents my spouse, and which phone number I most often call her on. I recommend everyone read the Siri patent to see how Semantic Web techniques are another key driver of the post-PC architecture. And with cloud scalability enabling greater semantics, both will create major breakthroughs in security. Sensor, device and cloud components form a new type of multi-machine operating system that is now being designed. This multi-machine OS will be free to look beyond processor, memory and storage limitations toward robust, built-in solutions for identity (including biometrics), provenance, continuous monitoring and cradle-to-grave mandatory security. So while there are many changes ahead in this post-PC era, the opportunity to forge a secure, scalable and semantic architecture will be well worth the price. Michael C. Daconta (firstname.lastname@example.com) is vice president of advanced technology at InCadence Strategic Solutions and the former metadata program manager for the Department of Homeland Security. He is currently working on the second edition of his book, "Information as Product: How to Deliver the Right Information to the Right Person at the Right Time".
About the Author
Michael C. Daconta (firstname.lastname@example.com) is the Vice President of Advanced Technology at InCadence Strategic Solutions and the former Metadata Program Manager for the Homeland Security Department. His new book is entitled, The Great Cloud Migration: Your Roadmap to Cloud Computing, Big Data and Linked Data.
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Big Ben's comments were excellent and insightful...
Some new threads in the comment stream:
1. attacking or skepticism over AI and my situational awareness example.
2. Much more on the privacy versus security tradeoff and a nice Ben Franklin quote.
3. Some more good analysis on real "security" ... I like Bry from Florida's comment on "lazy solutions."
One important point before I comment on any of these - the title of my column is often changed, I think to make it a bit more controversial than I intend. Did not mean to start a flame war about hippies ... instead my goal was to point out a potential silver-lining in a move to a Post-PC architecture.
I think the comments on AI and semantics are similar to the skepticism AI has been subject to for many years, primarily because it promised too much too soon. But, the reality is that many of these techniques are now coming in to fruition and being used to increase the usefulness of computers, robots, automobiles and other automation.
I think the best comments here are the ones that are trying to begin to ferret out the root causes of our current weak security architecture and methods to devise new strategies.
I would be very interested in knowing if anyone who reads the article really believes the best approach is to continue with the status quo? - even in this new era of cyberwarfare?
While I understand the ruffling of feathers over some of my characterization of the problem, if we step back and look at the problem and combine that with the understanding of the huge amount of experimentation going on in cloud computing, I think leveraging one to solve the other is a good strategy.
Best wishes,
- Mike
Hippy bashing?
Are you effing kidding me?
Hippy bashing is so 1970's. A more modern strategy would be saying that anyone that doesn't want corporations and the government to have the power to spy on you, the ability to add programs without your approval or knowledge and the ability to remove or restrict your activities is a damn jihadi.
If you're against the oligarchs controlling your data and what you do with it you're with bin laden!
That's how ya do it!
Now I know that you're out of homeland security but could you take some time off of trying to destroy freedom?
Many good comments... let me try to address a few. There seem to be several lines of thinking threading through the comments relating to privacy, the nature of the current "PC-architecture" and PC vs Cloud. Regarding the notion that today's personal computer architecture is responsible for the data breach is the fact that we are all operating on the Von Neumann architecture for both clients and servers and thereby have not "baked security in" as there are little to no trusted components in wide use in today's systems. This leads us to the debate over privacy versus control, especially privacy versus government control. That is a very, very tough issue and I wonder what it will take for the public to reach a tipping point in terms of demanding more secure computing. In some ways this is a similar argument to giving up some of our freedoms for greater protections against terrorism which is also still a hotly debated topic. At this point, in my assessment, the hackers are winning. As for the PC versus Cloud line of thinking ... I don't think these are in competition. There will certainly be client systems in a cloud architecture; however, it will certainly be a less, distributed architecture. Again, overall I think these are really good questions and a debate and discussion worth having! Thanks for all the comments so far...
I find it interesting that "...the drive toward "natural interfaces" such as gesture and voice" is being touted as the next up and coming thing... regardless of how much more physical effort, that ISN'T natural, each person will have to expend, when simple typing and mouse movement are far more efficient, stable, accurate and functional.
Beyond the 'fad' of such a natural interface, lets seriously look at the drag on a person's body that will entail, as well as the monumental cacophony engendered by everyone, in all their cube's blathering on, ever-louder, so as to get THEIR device to hear them and not their neighbors. You think the noise from all your cube-mates is loud now?? HA!
In another direction, Margaret Bartley's comments are right on target! Bravo!
I don't understand why personal computers are responsible for the data breach at Global Payments Security. I'm pretty sure they didn't keep that data on a PC somewhere.
Posting my data from a PC instead of a mobile phone will not make Global Payments any more careful about who they outsource their programming and systems administration to, which is the real problem.
Companies don't take responsibility for their IT systems - they outsource it to someone who outsources it to someone else, who hires part-time, temp newbies to code it.
It's a systemic problem of having bureaucrats and financiers in charge of technical systems, instead of techies.
just changing the users' machines is irrelevant.
You'll have to look elsewhere to rationalize a Total Information Awareness, Ubiquitous Login system where everything we do is constantly monitored and authorized by Persons Unknown.
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text:
OUCH!! Griz Lose at Cheney
A large, enthusiastic crowd at Caras Park watched as the University of Montana Grizzlies let a very important game slip away on Saturday night in Cheney, Washington against the Eastern Washington Eagles, during the first ever Town Pump outdoor viewing party.
The Griz fought their way back from being behind most of the game to take the lead in the 3rd quarter after tackling the punter on the Eagles 8 yard line. The Griz then took the lead after a Jordan Canada touchdown 23-17.
The Griz lengthened their lead to 26-17 with a Chris Lider field goal at the start of the 4th quarter.
Then...disaster struck for the Grizzlies as the eagles rallied for two 4th quarter touchdowns to win the game 32 to 26.
The loss leaves the Grizzlies at 2 and 3 for the season but more importantly, 0-2 in the Big Sky Conference. Montana State, Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington and Cal Poly are all at 2-0 at this point in the season.
The Griz must win out...and count on the other teams to lose at least one conference game to even have a chance at repeating as conference champs. With the loss, the Grizzlies stand a chance of dropping out of the top 25 in FCS standings for the first time in 20 years.
Up next, the Griz hit the road for a Saturday game against Northern Colorado.


text:
Jessica's Little Sanctuary
Like this entry? Favorite it below!
- Name:
- Jessica
- Location:
- New York, NY
- Square Feet:
- 336
- Division:
- Teeny-Tiny
- What I Love About My Small Home:
- Given NYC's hustle-and-bustle (not to mention prices), it's been difficult to find a place entirely my own where I can actually feel at home. I stumbled on this fixer-upper, and fell in love. Home to a built-in shelving unit/desk and massive closets with additional storage space above, this apartment is perfect for me. I wanted to get my love for all things beautiful across, but not overwhelm guests with femininity, and think I've succeeded. I've worked my pants off to create a place to come home to after long days working in utter craziness, my own little sanctuary.
- Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space:
- The biggest challenge of living in a small space is having a place designated for living and sleeping versus hosting guests, all sans wall to delineate the space. With the help of a patterned rug, favorite local artwork, and shelving, I've designed space specific to the important parts of my life: sleeping, working, reading, and having friends visit.


text:
SANTA CLARITA >> A teenager has been taken into custody for allegedly posting a hoax Instagram threat to shoot Valencia High School students after worried parents have flooded the Santa Clarita sheriff's station with calls, a lieutenant said Sunday.
The 15-year-old was arrested early Sunday for publishing a threat on the Internet, said Lt. Brenda Cambra.
The post also made threats against women and included racial threats. It included photos of guns, dead bodies and a school marquee for a "Valencia High School," said Cambra.
That marquee is from another state, she said.
Calls began coming in at about 10 p.m. Saturday when a woman reported threatening posts had been made on Instagram.
"This posted threat caused more than a hundred residents to call Santa Clarita Valley Station during the night in fear that it could be real," Cambra said.
Detectives conducted a search of the teenager's home at 9:30 a.m, said Sgt Tim Vander Leek.
"There was no maps found or written plan of an attack, which is something that is commonly found in these types of cases," he said.
Vander Leek said the department "take these things very seriously."
"There is no evidence at all that the suspect has any access to these guns," she said.
"No firearms were found at the residence, and the suspect's family does not own any firearms," Cambra added.
The photo of a school Marquee was an image of taken at a different Valencia High School in another area, Cambra added. "The photo of the school marquee is not from our local high school."
"Based on statements made by the suspect, it appears he made these posts to get a reaction from friends on social media, realizing too late that the threats were being taken seriously," Cambra said.
Nonetheless, sheriff's officials planned to increase security at area high school and junior high schools this week as a result of the incident, Cambra said.
William S. Hart Union High School District Superintendent Rob Chancellor said in a written statement on the district's Facebook page that district officials became aware of the threat Sunday morning.
"We would like to thank the (Santa Clarita Valley) Sheriff's Department for their quick attention and response to this threat to ensure the safety of our students and staff," he said.
"We take threats of this nature very seriously and we are working closely with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department," Chancellor said. "Extra precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff on all of our campuses, while this is being investigated.
"We are looking forward to a day of student learning tomorrow, as we begin the first full week of the new school year," he added.
Detectives from the sheriff's Santa Clarita Valley station asked anyone with any information regarding the Instagram threat to call them at 661 255-1121.


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i've given up trying to find out, from the myriad labyrinths of oplc, the answer to my question, so i am asking it here in the hope that someone who knows will reply:
my question is this: who makes the important decisions about oplc and the xo - ie, its overall strategy, its design principles, and its presentation to the rest of the world. i know its was originally Negroponte's brainchild, for which he is to be warmly congratulated, but who is pulling the strings now? is there a board of governers? an executive committee? if not, why not? who decided not? why?
answers such as "its a grassroots community with no hierarchical structure" are not solicited. someone decided who should manufacture the xo; someone else decided not to release it to the general public. someone pulled the plug on the g1g1 initiative, etc
xo has the potential to service the needs of ALL children, not just the disadvantaged (and not just children - the elderly could benefit too) - if it were sold on the open market, the profits from that enterprise would change the current "success rate" of 2.4 million underprivileged users to 2.4 billion.


text:
Today In Jose Canseco Tweets As Motivational Posters: Guns
Jose Canseco is now writing a weekly column for Vice. His first essay basically put the gun debate to rest. Guns, like nukes, are not to be used, but rather serve as a deterrent (and not, say, to decisively win a world war) and thus, we should have them.


text:
VS 224LCR loudspeakers -- slim enough to be wall-mounted surrounding a flat-panel TV monitor -- are engineered to bring any multichannel source material vividly to life. Dual 4-1/2" (114mm) OCCM woofers. 1" (25mm) SWB tweeter . Elegant black lacquer piano finish cabinet
find a dealer
This extraordinary new tweeter incorporates an array of features and technologies
that result in great transparency and micro dynamics with a low frequency extension
that ensures a full-bodied sound character at high output levels.
The SWB's Coupled Dual Concentric Diaphragm (CDCD)
The advantage of using the new Boston Acoustics CDCD diaphragm is that its center
is terminated to a brass plug that extends from the motor system. At high frequencies
(i.e. above 10-12 kHz) the center of a traditional dome shaped diaphragm is gradually
decoupled and begins to move out of phase with the remaining diaphragm structure
causing cancellation of higher frequencies and a loss of radiating surface area.
Terminating the center portion prevents this from happening and forces the diaphragm
to operate in a "bending wave" mode, which has significantly lower distortion and
no phase cancellations. In this way, the CDCD works more like a piston—and this
lowers the "noise floor". The larger surround ensures sufficient high frequency
radiation and improves dispersion. It also compensates for the loss of center diaphragm
area and lowers compliance. The layering of materials is used to make a composite
Organic Composite Cone Material (OCCM)
When selecting a high performance loudspeaker cone material for VS Series, the engineering
team at Boston Acoustics required the material's performance qualities to meet our
highest standards. In order to acheive maximum performance, the VS Series loudspeaker
cone material needed to exhibit 3 principal qualities:
Lightweight - To achieve faster speed allowing for greater attack transient
response while maintaining good sensitivity
Rigid - To remain pistonic and minimize cone break-up even during higher
Highly-damped - To minimize resonances and provide un-colored accurate motion
throughout it's specified band
The Organic Composite Cone Material or OCCM chosen for VS is a new lightweight,
strong, and well-damped cone material developed to have superior sound characteristics.
Through the use of select natural fibers making the material less uniform, it virtually
eliminates the inherent cone break up modes exhibited by many other common cone
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While OCCM cones are very light they are also very rigid because the random crossing
natural fibers strengthen the paper base material much like carbon fiber, but at
a lower weight. By using OCCM along with premium transducer components, such as
aluminum cast baskets and rubber surrounds, VS Series loudspeakers are able to achieve
increased output, improved accuracy, and a high level of reliabilty.
Cabinet Construction
The speaker enclosure plays a vital role in the sound reproduction chain. It provides
a foundation for the woofers to generate of high-level bass while remaining neutral
in acoustic color and adding none of its own character. The enclosure should not
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the behavior of the speaker units. The enclosure should also be strong and stable,
offering rock solid anchoring for the higher frequency drivers so an accurate acoustic
image can result.
Most cabinets are made of man-made wood, which is inexpensive, relatively strong,
well damped, and easily machined and finished. It's well known in the aviation industry,
that composite materials can benefit from their constituent components in a way
that exceeds the performance of each of them separately. Typically, composite materials
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benefit from enhanced damping characteristics as the layers work against each other.
For this reason, we chose to make our VS Series loudspeaker cabinets from several
layers of dissimilar wood materials, sandwiched together in a high pressure curved
set of tools and cured with high frequency RF energy. The result is a stable curved
composite wood board material that can be further machined and assembled into a
loudspeaker enclosure.


text:
Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii fishermen organized successfully to kill a bill that would have limited the type of nets they use to fish.
Fishermen crowded a Senate hearing Thursday afternoon to protest a proposal to end the use of synthetic gill nets.
Many cited the importance of fishing to their livelihood and the significance of the practice to Native Hawaiian culture.
The Sierra Club, the Conservation Council of Hawaii and several other environmental groups testified in favor of the initiative.
Environmental advocates say the nets pose a risk to monk seals and other ocean wildlife.
Sen. Mike Gabbard, who co-sponsored the bill, said the committee decided to kill the bill because the opposition was overwhelming.
Gabbard said nearly 200 people opposed the bill.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
You learned from a famous sensei. Congratulations. The sun still rises and sets.
You learned from an obscure sensei. Congratulations. The sun still rises and sets.
We all put our pants one one leg at a time. A cup of coffee still costs a dime... I mean $4.
Today, we think that a sensei is "high" if he has high rank. Particularly in Okinawa before World War II, titles and ranks were not that popular. It was a mainland Japanese convention. If you trace your lineage to a sensei who lacks high rank because of this, don't worry about it. Your sensei pre-dates ranks.
If your sensei's name is not included in the history books, he is not alone. I know many fine sensei here in Hawaii that no one (or almost no one) has heard of. Many of the well known sensei here trained at one time or another with these obscure sensei. The early Okinawan immigrants were especially likely to be relatively unknown. Actually, I know a sensei whose photograph appears in many old Goju-Ryu articles. He is usually identified as "unknown." You can't imagine how happy Sensei Morio Higaonna was when I arranged for him to meet this "unknown" sensei for lunch.
Who did the Karate greats learn from? Sometimes they learned from unknown Karate hermits. Who is greater, the well known master or the hermit who taught him?
Whoever your sensei is, however famous or obscure he may be, you should simply try to become the best Karate student and instructor that you can be. In the self-defense context, I am sure that an attacker doesn't care who your sensei was.
And even in the commercial context, connection to a famous sensei will only get you some attention. You have to be able to teach the students yourself. It all comes down to you. Name recognition has little or no relation to ability.
Somewhere I read that Chojun Miyagi said that a sensei should be able to give an 8 hour demonstration on Karate with no notice at all. Right there, on the spot, Miyagi Sensei could do this. Please don't hold me to the quote exactly, but the idea is right.
Can you give even a 1 hour demonstration and lecture on the art... right now?
Because of my research work with the Hawaii Karate Museum I know that I can. This is a true story.
From time to time I get visitors to my office who are spreading the word about one religion or another. You know how it is sometimes awkward when such people stop by. You want to be polite but you might not be interested in their particular religious views. I have heard of some people who hide when they see such people coming toward their house.
Anyway, one day a pair of nice people came to my office to speak to me about their views. I was very polite, but discovered that one of them was Okinawan. Of course, I steered the conversation to Karate and asked about her family tree, where her ancestors were from, etc. I spoke so much about Karate that after a while, they were the ones who were trying to figure out how to leave gracefully. And for some reason, they never came back.
If you have to give a demonstration, can you do any of the kata in your curriculum right now? Can you do all of the kata in your curriculum at demonstration speed, one after another? And then can you speak to the audience without gasping for air? Can you not only show the kata but the applications?
These may seem like rather far fetched questions, but I am serious.
Chojun Miyagi was not only famous because he was Kanryo Higashionna's student -- he was famous because he was a great sensei himself. I dare say that in some ways, it is because of Miyagi Sensei that we know about Higashionna Sensei.
If your sensei is obscure try your very best. Train hard. Teach your best. One day you too might make your sensei famous.
Charles C. Goodin
Obscure Sensei
You learned from a famous sensei. Congratulations. The sun still rises and sets.
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, May 04, 2006


text: On Wed, 27 Mar 2002, Robert G. Brown wrote: > 2 relative to clock). I'd be very surprised if CPU speed "only" > increases by a factor of 5-6 over four years -- that would be a doubling > time of around 18 months (at the high side of the range) and we KNOW > that there will be The Great 64-Bit Crossover in the next year or two > (see e.g. the AMD "processor roadmap") which will probably be worth most > of a factor of two alone. > > rgb I thought "The Great 64-Bit Crossover" was last year when everyone fled the axp's in favor of the AMD's and the P3's? :) -- Rocky McGaugh Atipa Technologies rocky at atipatechnologies.com rmcgaugh at atipa.com 1-785-841-9513 x3110 http://1087800222/ perl -e 'print unpack(u, ".=W=W+F%T:7\!A+F-O;0H`");'


text: We stayed at the Casa de Liza before and it is now under new ownership who have retained all of its historic charm while updating and improving the rooms and gardens. Each room is unique, decorated with antique furniture and artwork, and nestled in a large garden filled with fruit trees, flowers and herbs in a secure enclave. The staff... More


text:
On Thursday, students and parents raised emotional and strongly worded objections to Durango School District 9-Rs proposal to move Big Picture High School from the building adjacent to the districts Administration Building to the Durango High School campus in a meeting with Superintendent Daniel Snowberger.
Technically, Big Picture is already part of DHS, its fourth Small Learning Community. With just 72 students, Big Picture caters to students with nontraditional learning styles.
About 60 parents, students and educators attended.
District spokeswoman Julie Popp said the district considered consolidating at DHS because of the savings it would generate.
Thrift seemed the least of Big Picture parents concerns.
One mother said she thought her children would drop out if Big Picture moved because they would get lost on a bigger campus.
Another mother said if Big Picture moved to DHS, the increased student population would necessitate an element of crowd control. And, lets face it, our kids are very independent-minded. If theres a situation where people are laying the hammer down on kids who are used to having their opinions respected, theyre going to flip out and flip them the bird, she said.
One student said she was illiterate before coming to Big Picture, because, though gifted, she was also dyslexic, and she needed Big Pictures small, nurturing community to thrive.
Another Big Picture student spoke of his teachers dogged efforts to help him excel at reading and writing a level of teacher-engagement he hadnt previously enjoyed in district schools and to which he attributed the near disappearance of his behavioral problems.
His sentiment was echoed by another girl, who said she knew Big Picture teachers were committed to ensuring every student graduated, whereas at other schools, they would already have given up on half of us.
One mother said that to the extent she and other parents were able, they would put our foot down.
Snowberger quickly said, You dont need to put your foot down!
Snowberger listened patiently to every comment and after an hour, told the room, I didnt know it was a stupid question when I asked it, disarming the audience, which finally permitted itself to chuckle.
Assistant Superintendent Victor Figueroa said Snowberger was listening to parents and noted not a single person in attendance supported the proposed move. Figuroa said the district had yet to read the results of a parent survey, and he expected the district to reach a decision about the move by March 15.
Standing in the hallway after the meeting, many parents said they would do whatever it took to deter the move, including attending next Tuesdays school board meeting.
But if that doesnt work, then Ill just tie myself to the train tracks, said one father, grinning.


text:
Sunseeker needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 35 designs submitted by 7 freelance designers.
ALTON is a international business consulting company. We do consult foreign businesses that starts their businesses in the United States. Many companies, that wants to do business in the United States, uses consultant services like we offer. Mostly we help them in their start up phase...our website should show our professional and reputable work.
Our Corporate design is contemporary, our website should be the same, the simple, the better....
Entrepreneurs, Companies etc..
Your webdesign will be seen by many international companies that are looking for our service. Most of our clients might need also a nice website for their company in the United States, we would be gladly recommend you to them. The better your design is, the more attention it takes to our clients.
We want a clean simple design, that has 3 columns... left sidebar, middle part and right sidebar... content can be also like in boxes...
Colors has to be blue, white and grey...you can use also some gold as it appears in our logo...The background should be light, white or grey...
Design will be used in a Content Management System, so menu should be flexible and has room for some navigation buttons... We want a horizon main menu and the sub menus should appear on the left sidebar...
Please gives us 3-4 designs that has different layouts, for example having 4 columns (left sidebar, middle 1, middle 2 boxes, right sidebar) so we can use different layouts for different pages of our site. We should be able to use also photos on the top of the middle bar...
Here are samples of sites that shows the structure:
I need the files as in PSD Format.
If you need more ideas or information, please let me know. I will look here everyday and answer your questions immediately.


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In this virtual lab experience, learners simulate measuring soil moisture and soil bulk density following the GLOBE protocol for NASA's SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) Earth satellite mission. This resource is part of GLOBE Pedosphere (soil)... (View More) eTraining. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
Emphasizing the synergies between science and engineering, these video clips highlight the research of professional ocean scientists and engineers in various disciplines. The clips are accompanied by additional relevant content including images,... (View More) data visualizations, graphs, animations, and other information. Content has been organized into more than a dozen thematic areas such as Solving Old Problems with New Technology and Small Scale Observations and Large Scale Ideas. All content has been aligned with science and engineering practices from the Next Generation Science Standards, including "asking questions and solving problems" and "planning and carrying out investigations," providing applicable resources for teachers who want to provide role models of effective practice for their students. (View Less)
This set of three videos illustrates how math is used in satellite data analysis. NASA climate scientist Claire Parkinson explains how the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice covers are measured from satellite data and how math is used to determine trends... (View More) in the data. In the first video, she leads viewers from satellite data collection through obtaining a time series of monthly Arctic and Antarctic average sea ice extents for November 1978-December 2016. In the second video, she begins with the time series from the first video, removes the seasonal cycle by calculating yearly averages, and proceeds to calculate the slopes of the lines to get trends in the data, revealing decreasing sea ice coverage in the Arctic and increasing sea ice coverage in the Antarctic. In the third video, she uses a more advanced technique to remove the seasonal cycle and shows that the trends are close to the same, whichever method is used. She emphasizes the power of math and that the techniques shown for satellite sea ice data can also be applied to a wide range of data sets. Note: See Related & Supplemental Resources for the maps and data files (1978-2016) that will allow you to do the calculations shown in the video. These also include data for different regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, enabling learners to do additional calculations beyond those shown in the videos. (View Less)
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This short video (~2 minutes) explains how a raindrop falls through the atmosphere and why a more accurate look at raindrops can improve estimates of global precipitation. This information is important to scientists working on the Global... (View More) Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission - understanding the micro world of raindrops provides insight to scientists about the macro world of storms. (View Less)
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Participants respond to 10 multiple-choice questions related to glaciers and ice-caps. Immediate feedback, explanations and a final score are provided.
This 16-page booklet illustrates multiple NASA sources that allow educators to incorporate real Earth science data and images in their teaching and programs. Sample resources as well as firsthand accounts of how these are being used in the classroom... (View More) or informal education setting are included. (View Less)
This online lab exercise focuses on the causes, characteristics and effects of the glacial-interglacial cycle. The sixth in a 10-part lab series on weather and climate, this lab exercise is designed for first and second year college geoscience... (View More) students (majors and non-majors) as well as pre-service STEM teachers. (View Less)
This online lab exercise focuses on the processes involved in the Carbon cycle and the influences of human activity on those processes- especially as they relate to Earth's weather and climate. The fourth in a 10-part lab series on weather and... (View More) climate, this lab exercise is designed for first and second year college geoscience students (majors and non-majors) as well as pre-service STEM teachers. (View Less)
These e-training resources from the GLOBE Program consist of three modules for teachers and one for scientists: Introduction to GLOBE; Introduction to GLOBE for Scientists; Introduction to the Atmosphere Investigation Area, and Clouds Protocols. The... (View More) modules can be used as a review for current GLOBE teachers; additional training material for GLOBE trainers to use before, during, or after GLOBE trainings; and an introduction to GLOBE for Scientists. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) is a worldwide, hands-on, K-12 school-based science education program. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This short video (2:01) uses an engaging approach to emphasize the importance of tracking and studying precipitation. The video cast explains how the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission will use a constellation of satellites to achieve... (View More) global coverage, thereby providing scientists with accurate precipitation data from around the world. In addition to the video, the site contains supplemental text which provides background information on the GPM mission. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free


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- AltCar Auto Show
- Beijing Auto Show
- CES Auto Show
- Chicago Auto Show
- DC Auto Show
- Detroit Auto Show
- Frankfurt Auto Show
- Geneva Auto Show
- LA Auto Show
- NAIAS Auto Show
- New York Auto Show
- Paris Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show
- SEMA Auto Show
- San Diego Auto Show
- Shanghai Auto Show
- St. Louis Auto Show
- Tokyo Auto Show
Auto Show: 2013 New York Auto Show
2014 Acura MDX: New York Auto Show
What is it?
The latest generation of Acura's venerable three-row luxury crossover SUV.
The 2014 Acura MDX is redesigned with efficiency and versatility in mind. Thanks to a smaller 3.5-liter V6 engine and available front-wheel drive, the MDX gets better fuel economy than ever before -- up to 28 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. But thanks to a weight loss of 275 pounds, the 2014 MDX is actually faster than its more powerful predecessor.
Inside, the new One-Touch Walk-In feature powers the second-row seats forward at the press of a button, facilitating access to the now-roomier third row. The second row can now also slide a full six inches forward or back to enhance seating comfort for all rear passengers. Up front, twin information displays -- an 8-inch driver information center and a 7-inch central touch-screen -- enabled Acura engineers to reduce the physical button count from 41 to just nine.
Acura also claims that the new MDX is more athletic in corners and evasive maneuvers than the outgoing model, while road and wind noise are said to be significantly lower.
How much?
Pricing info for the 2014 MDX hasn't yet been released. We expect the base front-wheel-drive version to be in the same ballpark as the base 2013 MDX (about $44,000) -- although the old model included all-wheel drive.
When can you get it?
The 2014 Acura MDX should go on sale this summer.
Add it to your shopping list because...
The 2014 Acura MDX is a significantly improved version of what was already one of the top three-row luxury crossovers on the market. Don't be put off by the smaller V6 and its 290 horsepower, as this velvety-smooth engine should provide more than enough get-up-and-go. The fuel economy gains, meanwhile, are nothing to sneeze at; after all, it wasn't long ago that a V6-powered Honda Accord sedan would struggle to get 28 mpg, let alone Acura's big crossover SUV. Throw in the 2014 MDX's seriously upgraded technology and tastefully restyled exterior, including those "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, and you've got a legitimate must-test-drive vehicle in the full-size luxury crossover segment.
Other cars to consider:
Buick Enclave: Buick's upscale three-row Enclave family hauler has received frequent updates to keep it fresh, and even the quieter 2014 MDX will struggle to match the Enclave's tomb-like interior noise levels.
Ford Flex EcoBoost: The stylish and roomy interior of the Flex is nice enough to be considered luxury-grade, and you can easily get into the ridiculously powerful, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost version for MDX money.
Infiniti JX: A luxury version of the new Nissan Pathfinder, the three-row JX is right up the MDX's alley. Don't buy one of them without first driving the other.
Used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: There's nothing on the market that combines luxury, power, and presence quite like the regal Mercedes GL-Class, and depreciation has brought some certified pre-owned specimens down to MDX territory. We particularly recommend the fuel-efficient GL 350 turbodiesel.
Used Infiniti QX: Not many MDX shoppers are likely to think about the three-row Infiniti QX56 with its 5.6-liter V8, but they could definitely afford a used one. If absolute power appeals to you, consider giving the distinctively styled QX a shot.
See all New York Auto Show news.
Do you like the new look of the Acura MDX? Tell us in the comments.


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Wedding Processional: What Order Does the Wedding Party Follow?
First comes love, then comes marriage... but who walks at the procession? And in what order?
(page 1 of 2)
The order of the processional is a portion of the wedding ceremony that seems to elicit confusion and concern. It's really not as complicated as it sounds and, if you make a "mistake," there are no processional police to ticket you. For the most part, any breach of etiquette won't be noticed by your guests because, after all, does it really matter in what order participants walk down the aisle?
Dear Wedding Guru: "What order does the wedding party follow in the processional?"
(Our answer on next page)
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2013


text: In message from "Rajiv" <jrajiv at hclinsys.com> (Mon, 3 Jan 2005 17:21:41 +0530): >Dear All, > 1. I would like to implement grid computing in Linux. Any >suggestions on what opensource package to use. > 2. Is there any free grid projects in Windows 1) There is not only one "kind" of GRID, for example computational (for example, distribution of batch jobs between batch job systems or "data" grid for data-intensive tasks) Example of relative universal opensource solution - Globus (www.globus.org) One example of solution for batch queues is Sun Grid Engine (see on Sun web-sites). 2) Pls take into account, that it's not the mail list which is responsible for GRID itself. 3) And what is about Windows, I'm not sure that using this OS corresponds to beowulf idea itself, so pls look on sites cited above. Mikhail Kuzminsky Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry Moscow > >Regards, >Rajiv _______________________________________________ Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf


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Bob Englehart was born November 7, 1945 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Influenced by children's book illustrators Tibor Gergely and H.A. Rey, he determined early in life to be an artist. Later, as a teenager, Bill Mauldin, Norman Rockwell, and the illustrators of the Famous Artists School were an influence.
He attended the American Academy of Art on full scholarship for one and a half years out of three from 1964-1967 when he dropped out to join the staff of Chicago American, soon renamed Chicago Today. There, he studied closely the work of Pat Oliphant and Today's Wayne Stayskal, with their free, expressive line, and modern approach to editorial cartooning. One day, in a composing room error, Englehart's weekly cartoon ran large at the top of the editorial page and Wayne's ran small at the bottom. A career was born
In 1972, Englehart returned to Fort Wayne to start a small commercial art studio and began working for the morning daily Journal-Gazette, drawing free-lance editorial cartoons. In 1975, Englehart closed his studio and became the full-time editorial cartoonist for the Dayton, Ohio Journal Herald. It was like joining the circus. There, editorial cartoonists Mike Peters, Jeff MacNelly, Doug Marlette, Jim Borgman, and others influenced him. On December 15, 1980, he joined The Hartford Courant as the first full-time editorial cartoonist in the history of the country's oldest newspaper, founded in 1764.
Englehart has awards from the Overseas Press Club, John Fischetti Contest, Planned Parenthood, and Free Press Association and was the finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1979. His cartoons have appeared in USA Today, Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, the London Times, and, heaven forbid, Playboy and Hustler. His cartoons are in the collections of the Thomas Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut,
Eastern Connecticut State University, Connecticut Historical Society, Ohio State University, Indiana University-Purdue University library, and The Newseum in Washington, DC.
Englehart has appeared in a political comedy review on Broadway, had cartoon shows on ESPN and Connecticut Public Television, illustrated a children's book, drew a daily and Sunday comic strip and has written many articles for The Courant's op-ed page and Northeast magazine, now called NE. In December of 2005, he celebrated 25 years at the paper. His hobbies are golf and writing novels.
Englehart is married to Pat McGrath. They live in Middletown, CT and together have three grown children and four grandchildren. He describes his political philosophy as "moderately confused."


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Was it, as one city councilor complained, "ridiculous and offensive" that plainclothes police officers attended the final Mass at St. John the Baptist Church earlier this month?
Was it, as one city councilor complained, "ridiculous and offensive" that plainclothes police officers attended the final Mass at St. John the Baptist Church earlier this month?
Feelings have been running high at America's oldest Portuguese parish since March when Bishop George Coleman announced declining attendance and mounting debt would force him to close St. John's.
And it is not unheard of that passionate parishioners resort to desperate measures when faced with the impending loss of something so integral to their lives and those of generations of family members. Occupations have occurred after church closings elsewhere, notably in the Boston area.
New Bedford Police Chief David Provencher has acknowledged there was no indication of any such trouble at St. John's. But he cannot be faulted for ordering a subtle police presence at the final service to ensure there wouldn't be any problems.
Better safe than sorry.
Ward 5 Councilor Jane Gonsalves said the presence of at least two police officers was "ridiculous and offensive." Other church members were also upset, she said.
But is it ridiculous to provide some measure of police protection when you have advance knowledge of a brewing situation and the likelihood of a large, emotional crowd? And how offensive is it to send a couple plainclothes officers inside the church while a uniform detail directs traffic outside? It's likely most in attendance barely gave it a second thought.
To their credit, parishioners concluded their involvement with their beloved church peacefully and without incident. They will continue to go through proper legal channels as they appeal the closing all the way to the Vatican, if necessary.
But the police chief also should be credited for taking the proactive measures he did. Had he turned a blind eye to the potential for trouble, he would have opened himself up to second-guessing from city councilors and parishioners alike.
The parishioners are doing what they feel they have to do. The police did what they felt they had to do.
Now the saga can hopefully continue to play out in peace.


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I'm using an iPhone 5S for Timelapse and I keep getting "No SIM Card" messages (duh, my SIM is in my iPhone 6, I just use the 5S for timelapse otherwise I'd sell it on craigslist) which interrupt the timelapse I'm shooting. Is there a way to disable these "No SIM Card" interruptions? Also got an interruption telling me that iOS 8.1.2 was available. Is there a way to disable that interruption as well?
update: going through my quicktimes, it looks like these interruptions created a gap between Dec 10 911am and Dec 11 1008am, missing a big snowfall. Here's the last frame and first frame of the resulting files:
It's heartbreaking to miss a snowfall so I'd like to know a way to keep shooting, without interruption!


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Bars B&B South Beach Miami
Modern. Comfort. Luxury.
Miami Beach Bed and Breakfast is a brand new, modern and luxurious house in the heart of South Beach's Historic Art Deco District. We are ideally located just a few blocks from the beach. Close to trendy shops and restaurants but away from all the noise of the nightlife scene. Located in a quiet residential street, the Miami Beach bed and breakfast offers a very unique experience of pure comfort and intimacy . You can party at our hostel location all night long going to the best nightclubs on South Beach VIP style but come back to a peaceful night of sleep at the B&B. Our hostel was nominated Best in the World! So you will have best of both worlds: The Most fun party Hostel in Miami and the Most luxurious quiet room at night!
We offer two types of rooms:
1 double bed - up to 2 guests
2 double beds- up to 4 guests
Free gourmet breakfast- on site
Free lunch- at our partner hostel Miami beach International Hostel
Free dinner- at our partner hostel Miami Beach International Hostel
Free afternoon teas with homemade goodies- on site
Free wine and cheese happy hour- on site
Free ore party drinks- at our partner Miami Beach International Hostel
Free VIP club outings
Clothes rack
Hypoallergenic pillows and luxury cotton linens
Hair dryers
In-room safety deposit box
Mini fridges
LED smart TVs
Spa natural amenities
Deluxe cotton Bathrobes
Gel memory foam mattress
Reading light
Make-up mirror
Ensuite rooms
Free wifi throughout the hotel
Dimmable lighting
Smoke-free rooms
Beach towels
Ipod/ Iphone docking stations in all rooms
Zen gazebo
Oriental garden
Outdoor courtyard
Dining room
Tv room
Concierge service provided for all requests
Guest lounge
Front desk staff
Security at night
Smoking only allowed outside
Our cancelation policy is 48 hours prior to arrival, any cancelations must be done by email only
Prices do not include sales tax of 13%
All rooms are non smoking, only in the outdoor patios
check is 3pm check out 11
check ins after 11 pm needs to be requested by email
any changes to the reservation must be done by email
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
B&B Facilities & Policies
- 24 Hour Reception
- 24 Hour Security
- Air Conditioning
- Bicycle hire
- Free Breakfast
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Free Internet Access
- Free WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Hot Tub
- House Keeping
- Internet Access
- Laundry Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- No Curfew
- Non Smoking
- Outdoor Terrace
- Parking
- Taxes not included
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Towels Included
Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 7 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
Must-Read Guesthouse InfoThis property has specific Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation policy: 7 days before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay.
Check in 3:00pm until 12:00am. Special late check in by REQUEST ONLY. If you are going to be later than 12:00am, please notify the Innkeeper ASAP for special late check in instructions. Our front desk closes promptly at 12:00AM Eastern Standard Time.
Check out 11.00
Payment upon arrival by credit cards, debit cards.
Taxes not included - occupancy tax 14 % per
person per night.
Breakfast included.
No curfew.
Non smoking.
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
take 395 to lenox av make a left go one block and it will be on your right side
Located Near
We are located on 7th and Lenox and the middle of South Beach, close to the beach but away from all the noise. The bus stop is just one blcock from us. all shops and restaurants are just a few blocks away. We are 5 blcoks from beautiful Flamingo park where there are tennis courts, basketball courts, swimiming pool, gym


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If you don't ride a bike, why should you care about bike lanes and safety?
Kaya Burgess, a writer for The Times of London, recently made a strong case as to why as part of an unusual advocacy campaign, "Cities fit for cycling," by England's newspaper of record of more than 200 years.
In a nutshell, Burgess says motorists should care because Britain's roads in towns and cities, designed centuries ago, are becoming a "traffic-choked nightmare" and received no relief by building more roads. "Petrol" prices are skyrocketing and parking spaces are scarce. (Sound familiar?)
Parents should care because children need a safe way to get to schools and because biking offers children an array of benefits, from curbing childhood obesity and improving the concentration of students to learning about road safety.
And taxpayers and employers should care because of the impact obesity is having on health care costs, and the cost to build and repair roads.
He goes on to list several other groups and reasons why the entire community has a vested interest in creating safer environment for cycling.
"Cities fit for cycling," started after reporter Mary Bowers was seriously injured in 2011 in an accident with a "lorry" (that's a truck in American English), which heightened the staff's awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists on British roads.
In an editorial on Nov. 5, 2012, it was noted that twice as many Britons die on bicycles every year than die serving in Afghanistan.
In the past two years, "Cities fit for cycling" has urged readers to take a pledge, spread the word via social media, and contact their "MP" (member of Parliament) and compiled stories on cycling on a campaign home page.
The campaign is starting to bear fruit, as Prime Minister David Cameron last month announced a commitment of $250 million into "cycle proofing" Britain's roads and this month as the House of Commons is expected to discuss the findings of the "Get Britain Cycling" study.
Talk about government action.
Stephanie Hunt, chairwoman of the Charleston Moves board, says she is not surprised that The Times is advocating improvements in Britain's cycling infrastructure.
She adds that Burgess' arguments for improved cycling in Britain are "applicable not only to Charleston, but to about every municipality I can think of."
"Charleston Moves' ongoing message is that 'it's not about the bike,' as much as it is about improving livability and connectivity in our region. Getting more people out of cars and onto bikes or on foot is a win-win across the board. Period. There is not a down side, other than the fact that maybe we all sweat a little more."
Hunt says bicycling's benefits are broad and indisputable. Among them are improved personal fitness, a cleaner environment, a reduction in traffic and money savings.
Get Britain Cycling's overall goal is to increase the level of bicycle ridership from 2 percent to 10 percent by 2025 and 25 percent by 2050, says Hunt.
In addition, the proposal calls for improvements in bicycle infrastructure, and governmental funding across departments, not just the department of transportation.
"It's a comprehensive vision and entirely doable, for Britain and for Charleston," she says. "But as the petition clearly states, it takes leadership from the very top to make it happen. That's true here, too."
Reach David Quick at 937-5516 or dquick@postand courier.com.


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Last Ferry at Ambleside
The last ferry arriving at the Waterhead Pier in Ambleside, Cumbria during a stunning sunset.
The Marine Lake Southport
Marine Lake at Southport showing the Ramada Hotel, Genting Casino, Silcocks Funland and the Marine Way Bridge. The bridge itself is an asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, with the deck supported from an A-frame pylon sitting to one side of the lake channel.
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade
Wayfarer's Shopping Arcade on Lord Street in Southport.
Ashness Jetty
Ashness Pier located on Derwentwater is one of a number of stops for the Keswick launch.
Sunset at Southport Pier
Southport Pier with the sun illuminating the wooden boards. The pier is a Grade II listed building in Southport, Merseyside and is the second longest in Great Britain.
Misty Boathouse
Boathouses on the River Leven at Newby Bridge. Frosty morning causing the mist on the water.
Pump House
The former hydraulic pumping station at Hartley Quay on the east side of Canning Dock dates from the 1870s and has been restored as a pub/restaurant.
Southport Pier Sunset
Stunning sunset over Southport Pier, Merseyside. I love the way the pier itself leads you to the sunset.
Low Force Waterfalls
This is Low Force Waterfall, which is situated in Upper Teesdale approx. 3 miles northwest of Middleton-in-Teesdale, alongside the B6277 road.
South Stack at Sunset
The lighthouse on South Stack has warned passing ships of the treacherous rocks since its completion in 1809. It is 91-foot (28 m) high and the light can be seen from 28 miles away.
Snowdonia Waterfall
Stunning waterfall and pool on the Watkins Path in the Snowdonia National Park above Nantgwynant.
Tenby Harbour
Tenby Harbour sits in the middle of the beautiful Georgian town of Tenby surrounded by pastel coloured houses. Selective colouring to highlight the pastel buildings
Kitesurfing at Sunset
Lone Kitesurfer enjoying the last of the wind before the sunsets at Ainsdale. Ainsdale Beach is located 5 miles south of Southport and 15 miles north of Liverpool.
Southport Fireworks
Fireworks at Southport with the Venetian Bridge as an additional focus point
Derwentwater as seen from Crow Park, Keswick in the Lake District. Cat Bells at the back is a poplular walk from Keswick and it has a modest height of 451 metres (1,480 ft).
Bamburgh Castle
Once home to the kings of ancient Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle is one of Northumberland's most iconic buildings.
Ashness Bridge
Ashness Bridge located south of Keswick is perhaps the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lake District.
Ainsdale Beach Sunset
Sunset down at Ainsdale Beach. Ainsdale is located approx 18 miles north of Liverpool and 4 miles south of Southport.
Down On Ullswater
View of Ullswater with Barton Fell as the background.
Boathouseboathousesboat houseriver levenriverlevennewby bridgecumbriawater reflectionmistmistyfrostmooring
From Lake District


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Title: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on October 11, 2006, 07:30:41 AM
I wanted to supplement the information on this forum regarding Photoshop Elements (PSE) and its suitability for DAM. I have been testing it for several weeks now on an archive of around 10,000 images. PSE has two modules: the Editor for adjusting the image, and the Organizer for managing the image collection. The package is good, but lacking in some important ways.
First, PSE's Editor and, specifically, its Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) implementation, will NOT update the embedded JPG preview in DNG files, even in the latest PSE v5 release. This makes it all the more important that DNG conversion occur after you've made your raw adjustments, since subsequent changes won't be reflected in the embedded JPG. This is not a huge hurdle if you're also using PSE's Organizer for your catalog. The Organizer can be forced to rebuild thumbnails from raw images (DNG or other raw formats). It will, however, limit the use of other catalog products like iView Media Pro since, if the embedded JPG is not up-to-date, the catalog will show an out-of-date preview. Based on the user's manual (Appendix D), IVMP is not able to render DNG files on Windows (the Apple version can use Apple's own raw engine, apparently).
Second, PSE's Organizer is fairly limited in its ability to write IPTC data. Keywords (which it calls Tags) and Descriptions (captions) are about it. You cannot write City, State, Country, or copyright fields into your images from the Organizer. It can, however, read much of this information and even search on some of it. You just need to use a different application to get the data in there in the first place (I use Photo Mechanic, which is outstanding). PSE's Editor can edit several of these fields, but it's a poor choice since it requires re-saving the file. This either re-compresses (and degrades) a JPG file or reqires opening a raw file and saving in another format (TIF, PSD or new JPG). In any case, PSE doesn't seem to permit editing metadata on a raw-format file, and hence is not a workable approach.
Third, PSE's Organizer doesn't have a way to re-read the embedded metadata in an image. So if you update the keywords in a file, Organizer will be ignorant of the changes. The only option is to remove the file from the catalog and re-import it. Oddly, it is perfectly capable of showing the current embedded metadata in the "properties" section, but this is only revealing information in the file, not in the catalog entries associated with the file.
Fourth, there is no way to sort the catalog by filename. This is a major drawback if derivative files are identified by appending suffixes to original filenames, as per Peter's book. If you could sort by filename, you'd see the original first, followed by the various derivaties. No such luck in PSE, however.
Fifth, if you work with external hard drives, PSE Organizer is a bit clumsy if the disk is off-line. It will attempt to reconnect to the files automatically, though you can set it to not do this. Even so, whenver you want to see a full-size view of the image, and will attempt to re-connect with the actual file, triggering a search of the local hard drive (fruitless, since that's not where the image files live) that must be cancelled manually. Specifying the drive as "offline media" is no good either, since it then assumes the files can never be modified (i.e. as if they were on DVDs), so any attempts to edit the image (by, say, sending it to the Editor) results in a local copy being made. My approach is to just not ask to view images at full size unless the hard drive is online, and to uncheck the option to "automatically reconnect" to files. For best results, the media where the files live should be online.
These are the main things I've run into through actual use. I'm sure I've missed some.
Overall, Photoshop Elements works fine as a basic DAM tool if you use it in a "closed loop" -- using both the Editor and Organizer together, and don't need it to integrate or play nicely with additional applications. If you hope to use a full-blown catalog app like iView instead of PSE's Organizer, be warned that the embedded JPGs will show the raw settings at the time of DNG conversion, and will not be current if the raw settings were changed later. To update the embedded preview, you'll need the full Photoshop program or, perhaps, Lightroom. If you use Organizer as the catalog app, be warned that changes to embedded metadata made by other applications (including PSE's Editor) cannot be updated in the catalog except by removing and re-importing the changed file.
With all that said, PSE was more than enough to provide the eye-opening experience of being able to see and find all my digital images. It was able to help me identify inconsistent or missing keywording, and its Collections feature, though basic, was a far better way to organize and sequence a slideshow than what I was doing before (in Powerpoint). Keep an eye out in case PSE's implementation of ACR is changed to permit updating of embedded DNG previews; if so, then a full catalog app like iView coupled with PSE's good Editor will make an excellent solution for around $250.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: David Anderson on October 11, 2006, 07:46:49 AM
I asked about the DAM abilities of Photoshop Elements in another thread recently, not because I planned to use it (I have full PS) but because I was giving a talk about DAM to my camera club and wanted to say something about budget solutions. Peter Krogh pointed out that PE can only edit one Raw file at a time, which is quite a significant limitation. Unless I missed it in your post, you didn't mention that one. However, thanks for a pretty comprehensive coverage of many other aspects of PE.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on October 11, 2006, 08:01:07 AM
Hi David,
I saw that post, and thought the topic deserved highlighting some of the other aspects of PSE that users should know about if they're considering the package. Personally I have not yet had the need for applying RAW conversion settings in bulk; I just don't shoot that kind of volume.
PSE's ACR does permit you to apply the settings from the previous conversion to an image. In PSE Organizer, you would CTRL-Click on, say, five images that should all get the same setting, and send them all to the Editor. Get the settings right for the first one, Alt-Click on "Update" to save the new settings without opening the file (this is similar to clicking on "Done" in the full ACR version). This will then load up the next image in the sequence. Select "Previous Conversion" from the Settings pull-down menu, Alt-Click "update" and so on through the remaining images.
While this isn't nearly as fast as what Bridge will do, it's a workable solution for small-volume or occasional needs.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on October 11, 2006, 08:30:43 AM
No sooner did I write up my review than I found another significant drawback: PSE Organizer will not write tag information into raw formats, including DNG. This presents a major roadblock to migrating to another catalog program down the road, since all keywording (or collections) done on DNG files will basically be stranded in PSE.
I suspect it would be possible to generate JPGs with the same filename, write the keywords into the JPGs, and then use another application to pair up the raw and JPG files and synch the embedded metadata. Afterwards, the JPG can be scrapped. I know Photo Mechanic has this feature, and other applications may, also. I would want to test this workaround before putting any effort into keywording my DNG files in PSE.
This seems quite an important drawback to me, making PSE suitable only for JPG-based workflows.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: David Anderson on October 11, 2006, 09:02:50 AM
An inability of PSE to write metadata to DNGs might not be such a big deal. I haven't fully made the switch to DNG yet, but if I remember Peter Krogh's recommended workflow correctly, he applies all his bulk metadata to the original Raw files in Bridge. This metadata goes into XMP sidecars, and is subsequently transferred to DNGs via Adobe DNG Converter. IVMP will import all this data when the DNGs are catalogued. If there is any subsequent need to write additional IVMP-applied metadata back into the DNG then IVMP can handle that. In other words, I don't think that PK normally applies metadata directly to DNGs from Bridge. On that basis, the fact that PSE can't do it is a moot point. No doubt PK will correct me if I am wrong.
However, if you are saying that PSE can't put metadata into XMP sidecars for original Raw files such as CRW, CR2, NEF, etc, but can only store it in some inaccessible internal PSE database then that is a significant problem.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on October 11, 2006, 10:58:26 AM
To the best of my ability to figure out sidecars, PSE doesn't write to these, either. I tested by attempting to embed a new keyword into a DNG (as well as into a NEF) from PSE, and then used Photo Mechanic to display the embedded metadata, and the new keyword didn't show up. Also, I can't see any .xmp files in the file directory (or anywhere else). I may be missing the boat, but it's not looking promising.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: dhull on December 29, 2006, 09:00:18 PM
Another issue people should be aware of is that edits made in ACR for PSCS2 which make use of features like straightening, cropping, curves, -- basically using any feature that is not supported by the PSE version of ACR -- are lost to the PSE organizer. It will display a thumbnail for the RAW file but anything applied to it using a feature not supported by the PSE5 version of ACR will not show in the thumb.
As far as writing tags to RAW, it will show a dialog claiming that it is doing it, but it is not.
PSE has a really nice UI but they need to fix up RAW handling a bit.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: Chris Bishop on December 31, 2006, 08:44:50 AM
I have just acquired CS2. BUT still use Elements v3 as my DAM application.
A-- It cannot write to DNG's, but creates the data in it's own catalogue. OK if you don't want to switch, there is a script in iVMP to import the Elements catalogue. It is flawed, but a solution is on the web in iVMPs' forum. I haven't tried it yet but the thread shows success.
B-- It can only modify one RAW at a time. This is OK as a DAM cataloguing software as any alteration will be on an individual file to create masters and derivatives from the DNG archive. Luckilly I can use Bridge-ACR-Rapid Fixer.
C-- It can "stack" versions of the same file so all the archive, derivatives and the master can be linked, that way there is no need to sort by filename. This can also be used for "similar" shots eg portraits.
D-- It can mimick the labels and ratings from Bridge and reads "Rank & File" converted metadata. It cannot mimck the colour scheme fully.
E-- It may just be possible to send the Elements catalogue to Lightroom v1. Not yet but the Lightroom forum is hopeful.
F-- There is a helpful "open with" menu item that is adaptable to yuor needs. I have Focus Fixer, Lightzone (RT) and others to aid processing/creating the master-It automatically finds CS2 as an option.
G-- v3 (now cheap on ebay etc) can have full curves and channels by buying add ons. (I have CS2 so no longer needed) BUT if this is the main / only software single processing restrictions apply.
Chris Bishop
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: dhull on March 03, 2007, 10:29:41 PM
Having now spent a lot of time with Lightroom, it is clear to me that all of the complaints that I had about PSE5 with respect to it's handling of RAW files have been addressed in Lightroom. My biggest issue with PSE has always been deficiencies in the organizer with respect to renaming filed, batch processing, and incompatibilities between it and Photoshop when handling RAW files. While Lightroom might not be the same level of high powered DAM application that iView is, it is a big step up from Elements.
I wonder if Adobe will use Lightroom (in some reduced capacity form) to finally create a ubiquitous entry level photo processing application for both MAC and windows. One would have to thing that the inability to run Organizer on the MAC was problematic for them. Now they could produce PSE with an identical interface on both platforms.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on May 17, 2007, 06:14:44 AM
Though I missed the announcement (if there was one), but ACR 4.0 is compatible with Photoshop Elements 5.0. This was surprising to me, since ACR 4.0 was announced initially as compatible only with Photoshop CS3. I downloaded the new ACR and installed it, and it has some excellent improvements that address many -- but not all -- of the issues discussed previously on this thread:
1. It provides the same new adjustment controls as in CS3 and Lightroom, including the "recovery" and "vibrance" sliders.
2. It will now embed and update the JPG preview in the DNG files, with options to embed a "medium" or "full-size" preview reflecting the ACR settings. Note: this is something Lightroom does not even do yet.
3. For proprietary (non-DNG) RAW files, it now gives you the option to write ACR adjustments to a sidecar file rather than to its own mysterious and undocumented database. You also have the choice of telling it to ignore existing sidecar files if it believes raw adjustments also exist in its database. (Hint: avoid the secret database at all times.) Testing confirms that updates to the ACR settings for a DNG file are written directly into the DNG file.
4. There is an interesting option to apply sharpening only to the preview image. It needs more testing to figure out exactly what it does, but I can see the advantage of applying sharpening only to the embedded preview for proofing work, but leaving the image unsharpened when it is opened into the photoshop editor (where better sharpening tools, including plug-ins, are available).
There is still one major drawback to using Elements in a raw workflow: the inability to apply the ACR settings to multiple images at a time.
Still, these are all excellent improvements -- especially since I had expected PSE 5 would languish under the old ACR version-- and give users many of the adjustment tools found in Lightroom and PSCS3, albeit for one-image-at-a-time use.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: Chris Bishop on May 17, 2007, 07:55:05 AM
Elements v4 can access ACR v3.7 This allows ACR v4 corrections to be read, but not fully "further adjusted". This means LR or CS3 users can still send files to v4 of Elements. As stated v5 is more capable. v3 left behind, as is CS2 or earlier. So much for backwards compatability.
Chris Bishop
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: KevinW on May 23, 2007, 05:27:54 AM
I figured I'd round out this post by describing the applications I use in conjunction with PSE. If you're starting from scratch, this setup saves too little money compared to the full PS CS3. But if, like me, you already have some of the pieces, then it might be a cost-effective way to add just the DAM- or RAW-related capabilities you need. What you really miss out on with PSE over PS is Bridge (for ratings and metadata) and its implementation of ACR (especially the ability to apply ACR settings to multiple images). For image editing, I have found PSE to offer everything I need, though this won't be true for everybody.
For importing, browsing, rating and metadata work, I use Photo Mechanic ($150, www.camerabits.com). It works straight from (and on) the image files, so what you're seeing is the information in the file itself rather than catalog information that may or may not be synched with the underlying files. It's a very speedy way to review images, displaying the embedded JPGs in raw files (NEFs, DNGs...etc.) It also has powerful file renaming features, and has legendary customer support.
After doing a first pass of ratings in PM, I open the folder of images in Lightroom ($199 intro price; now $299). Since it is rendering raw files, rather than displaying the embedded previews, this takes longer. I determine the raw conversion settings based on the higher-rated images, and then sync the settings to the rest of the group of similar images. When I'm done, I export the XMP data, which updates the sidecar files with the ACR settings.
Then I run the free Adobe DNG Converter, which creates the DNGs from the camera raw files and their sidecar files. This, too, takes a bit of time.
I then look at the DNG files in Photo Mechanic to finalize the ratings based on the adjusted conversion settings. I could have done this while in Lightroom, and occasionally I do, but it's much faster to scroll through different images and make side-by-side comparisons in PM. When the ratings are finalized, I write the star ratings as keywords, and also use the Priority field so iView will read the labels.
At this point, the work on the images is finished. I transfer the images to the archive and import them into iView.
I already had PSE and Photo Mechanic from my pre-DAM (and pre-RAW) days, so what I was really missing was a catalog application and a way to apply ACR settings to multiple images at a time. For awhile I limped along applying ACR settings only to the higher-rated images. Lightroom, at $199, has solved this very nicely. It might also get you as much cataloging functionality as you need, but I also picked up iView (Lightroom wasn't out at the time, and even now I'd still recommend iView).
That's my setup, for what it's worth.
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: Chris Bishop on May 23, 2007, 07:25:35 AM
Fine. LR will only get better, and those " in the know" nod, nod, wink, wink suggest the next upgrades could be free or cheap, as they want the product out in the market place and not held back by any financial constraints. Or at least that's how I read it.
for those rerading the post and wondering about following it. Two suggestions
One: try Image Ingester Pro as the ingestion program. It can do a lot for the money (if I remember $40).
Two: Get iVMPro quickly while it is available, before it becomes Expression Media-that appears to be having teething problems, being a new v1 product.
Chris Bishop
Another thought "on the run" Image Ingester pro (IIP) can read ACR presets and apply them to the ingestion of loads of photos. Set ACR once as you like it in Elements and import the photos with that preset applied. It may allow Elements users to apply RAW settings quickly to a lot of files, and only need to change the odd one or spend time on the "winner".
If this doesn't work because IIP doesn't find the settings created by Elements, then Marc, the developer appears to live on this forum so would soon pick up on it and work towards a fix.
Good one Marc.
Chris Bishop
Title: Re: Photoshop Elements as a DAM application
Post by: dcoberlin on June 10, 2007, 12:42:50 PM
I am new to this forum. I hope to tap into the obvious expertise of the contributers to this thread. Please tell me if this should be a new thread.
The DAM book makes it obvious that I need to develop a more effective and forward looking system even if I am just a serious amateur.
I have been using PSE3 an now PSE5 for a few years with the goal initially of organizing a gargantuan collection of JPG and TIFF images consolidated from various media, computer hard drives and EHDs. I keep a main catalog and consolidated library on an EHD and my spouse two sons and I use this on at least 3 computers (in two countries) each of which has its default catalog. We usually download our current SD cards as much as is on each computers hard drive and use the the EHD as the master catalog and storage site. I am loath to delete files from the SD cards as we occasionally reference images from the camera and use the cards to download at different computers as the master EHD is not available in all locations. I eventually wish to begin to use RAW files and DNG if I can first get a handle on my current inventory of files.
The problem is duplicate files on the master EHD and in the catalog. I used Duplicate File Finder (fundoc.com). Of 22,000 fairly recent files on the digital images folder 1/3 are duplicates. Many but not all of them are also true duplicate in the master catalog. Of the 130,000+ image files on the master EHD consolidated from all sources about 30% are duplicates !
I like many of the features of PSE however it seems to be a bit slower and I fear the problems with backup etc. which I have noted in forums.
I am tempted to clean all the duplicate files from the master EHD and start over with a new catalog. I would like to use a function like the PSE 5's new downloader option and have the folders automatically created and named by date. I would also love to import the many tags and collections though most have none.
Can I do this or am I better to somehow repair my unwieldy and overloaded EHD and catalog?
If I import in small batches how small? How often to do File> Catalog>Recover? Am I better off having various catalogs e.g. one or more for scanned photos etc.? How big a collection of files can be handled by any one catalog without bogging down?
I have been reading with interest the other software available and am considering IDimager, IMatch, iView however I am unclear which version of each would be most appropriate for me and which would have the most ease of use, stability and compatibility with my current status.
I know this is a lot but please set me on the right path.


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Recycling greywater for gardening
Some advantages of recycling greywater
- Useful during periods of droughts or water shortage
- Saves on your water bills
- No wastage of water
- Helps save useful plants and vegetables when the water supply is very low
- Can be used for collecting and using rainwater
Create your own greywater recycling system
The simplest and cheapest greywater recycling system is to capture shower and bath water in a bucket and use it to flush a toilet. But take care never to fill the flush storage tank with greywater as it will start smelling and may clog the flushing mechanism. Another simple way is to collect the water from a washing machine in a tub by connecting the outlet to the tub, and using this water for the garden.
There are other, more expensive systems in the market. But with simple tools you can also create a recycling system at home or make a small model of it to display at the science fair or exhibition at school.
You will need a filter to collect any waste materials, 2 big buckets, drainage pipes, valves to control the flow of the water, a surge tank and a lever to control from which source the water is coming. You will also need a small garden in a wooden box. Make sure the plants you select are not vegetables or fruit plants. For the model you need not use a pump. Just make sure the source of greywater is higher than the drainpipes. Attach the filter or home made sieve to the top of one bucket.
Pour clean water in one bucket and greywater in the bucket with the sieve. Both buckets must be connected to the drainage system. But when water from one bucket flows through it the other must close. The valves will do this. When the bucket with greywater is full, open the valve to let the water flow through the drainpipe. Make sure the water does not collect at one place as it will then be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and also cause flooding. It should flow steadily on to the soil in the small garden.


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Please choose your arrival date.
Similar Properties
Reported breakdowns of amenities will be repaired ASAP;condition of amenities cannot be guaranteed 100% of the time.
View: Gulf Front
Area: Perdido Key
Apx Sq Foot: 1850
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 8
Nightly Rate: Choose Date
Weekly Rate: Choose Date
Monthly Rate: Choose Date
16785 Perdido Key DrPerdido Key, FL 32507
View Full Size Map (new window)


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Car Review
2012 Mini Countryman: New Car Review
Pros: Great turbocharged engine; solid fuel economy; capable handling; spacious and versatile back seat; available all-wheel drive; better crash test scores than a regular Mini Cooper
Cons: Overmatched base engine; questionable ergonomics; limited cargo space
What you make of the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman depends largely on what type of vehicle you think it is. If you call the Countryman a crossover SUV, you'll love its fuel economy, but you'll likely be disappointed by a cargo bay that maxes out at only 41.3 cubic feet-roughly 15 cubic feet less than the norm for a compact crossover. If you call it a hatchback, that cargo capacity may seem just fine. Aside from storage space, anyone can appreciate the Countryman's available turbocharged performance and all-wheel drive, not to mention its adult-friendly sliding back seats.
But maybe we're overcomplicating things. Perhaps we should look at the Countryman as a bigger, taller Mini. From the driver's seat, that's exactly how it feels. You sit up high in the Countryman, but it never feels tippy. On the contrary, the handling is nearly as athletic as that of other Minis. As for the available engines, they're exactly the same, so the Countryman's extra few hundred pounds yield the slowest acceleration in the Mini family. Note that only the non-turbo base model feels a little poky; we're fans of the turbocharged S model's performance.
At the end of the day, even we aren't sure what to call the Countryman, but whatever it is, it does the Mini brand proud. It's no cynical ploy by Mini to capitalize on the crossover/SUV craze; the Countryman is a genuinely enjoyable vehicle, with real advantages over other Mini products.
Comfort & Utility
The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is a four-door crossover kind-of SUV that comes in three trim levels: base, S and S ALL4.
Standard features on the base Cooper Countryman include 17-inch alloy wheels (larger than the norm for a Mini), roof rails, rear bike rack preparation, ambient interior lighting with variable color, height-adjustable front seats, twin rear bucket seats with center rail front/rear divider system, leatherette upholstery, power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilting and telescoping multifunction steering wheel, keyless push-button ignition, a trip computer and a six-speaker audio system with auxiliary input and HD and satellite radio.
The Cooper S Countryman adds a turbocharged engine, an electronic limited-slip program called Electronic Differential Lock Control that's optional on the base Clubman, a black mesh grille with an extra air inlet, foglamps, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust pipes, sport front seats (Recaros are not available for the Countryman) and stainless steel pedals. The Cooper S ALL4 has all-wheel drive but otherwise generally keeps the same equipment roster as the regular S model.
Mini is the Dell of the automotive world, meaning you can tick every box on your dream Countryman and then wait for Mini to build it for you. Some highlights from the enormous options list are 18-inch alloys, a sport package with a stiffer suspension, xenon headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity, a navigation system with a 6.5-inch display, leather upholstery and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. There are also seemingly endless potential combinations of colors, special trim items and wheel designs.
The base Countryman's standard front seats are rather flat-that's where the optional contoured sport seats (standard on Cooper S Countryman) come in-but we love the commanding, chairlike driving position. The Countryman improves on this familiar Mini virtue thanks to its extra ride height. The Countryman's pedals are perfectly placed, and the tilting and telescoping steering wheel is low and straight, right where your hands expect it to be.
On the other hand, we don't approve of the audio and climate controls. They are laid out haphazardly, and some are stylish but frustrating toggle switches rather than proper knobs or buttons. Materials quality is also inconsistent. We do get a kick out of the pie-plate central speedometer, though, and we don't understand why so many people deride it. Who wants a Mini to have a boring BMW-style interior? Be careful what you wish for.
The Clubman wagon improves on the regular Mini's cramped back seat, but the Countryman takes it to a whole new level. The individual rear bucket seats slide and recline for optimal comfort or cargo space, and unlike the Clubman's low-mounted rear seats, the Countryman's are nice and high. Even lanky rear passengers will find satisfactory legroom and support. Of course, having four regular doors-instead of two front doors with a third reverse-opening "club door"- helps as well.
Also of note is the center rail divider system, an attractive one- or two-piece (your choice) metal divider that bisects both seating rows and contains two cupholders, a glasses case holder and an iPod cradle. It's another inventive Mini feature, reinforcing the sense that this isn't just another automaker.
The Countryman has a standard hatchback liftgate; no dual barn-style doors here. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 16.5 cubic feet, which is a lot by Mini standards although not by anyone else's standards. Fold down the rear seats, and you'll have 41.3 cubic feet-the same assessment applies.
As with Mini's other models, we're disappointed that Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity don't come standard on the Countryman. You get a standard iPod cradle on the center rail, for goodness' sake, but you have to pay extra for iPod integration with the sound system (although the standard auxiliary input works in a pinch). Speaking of sound, we're unimpressed by the supposedly premium Harman Kardon stereo, but the base stereo is much worse. On the plus side, there's a nifty option called Mini Connected that adds an attractive information and entertainment display in the center of that massive speedometer. Moreover, it gives iPhone users access to an app that can integrate Facebook, Twitter, Internet radio and a variety of other services.
Navigation can be added to Mini Connected if you want, but we figure that if you've already got a smartphone that works with Mini Connected, you already have access to Google Maps and the like, so you probably don't need to pay extra for Mini's maps and directions.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The Mini Cooper Countryman has front-wheel drive except for the S ALL4 model, which gets all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the lineup; a six-speed automatic is optional and, on S and S ALL4 models, comes with paddle shifters.
The base Cooper Countryman is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 rated at 121 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. This is a fun little engine in smaller Minis, but the Countryman weighs nearly 400 pounds more than the Mini Cooper Hardtop, and that's a recipe for sluggish acceleration. When your car weighs 3,000 pounds, you're going to want more than 121 hp.
Therefore, we strongly advise stepping up to the Cooper S Countryman's turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4, which cranks out 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 lb-ft during temporary overboost full-throttle acceleration). Even in this heaviest of Minis, the little turbo 4 punches above its weight, and the twin-scroll turbocharger makes sure you always have torque on demand. We love the S engine's exuberant noises, too. As for the S ALL4 model, it gains an additional 150 pounds, but snow belt dwellers may consider that a small price to pay.
Fuel economy is stated as 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the base Countryman with manual transmission. That's hard to believe since it's the same as the considerably lighter Clubman with the same powertrain. We suspect the EPA hasn't actually tested this particular model. The automatic base Clubman comes back to earth with a 25/30 mpg rating. The Cooper S Countryman actually does a little better, checking in at 26/32 mpg with the manual and 25/32 mpg with the automatic. The S ALL4 drops to 25/31 mpg with the manual and 23/30 with the automatic.
The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman comes with standard stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain).
The government had not yet crash tested the Countryman as of this writing, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Countryman its top Good rating in every testing category.
Driving Impressions
Don't get the idea that the Countryman is a big vehicle. It's actually only about half a foot longer than the Clubman. The Countryman feels bigger from behind the wheel, however, and that's because of its increased ride height, although it dilutes some of Mini's trademark glued-to-the-road driving character. The Countryman is hardly a tippy SUV, though. Handling is still extraordinarily surefooted, and you also get a more compliant ride than the Mini norm as a result of the extra suspension travel. Nonetheless, we'll stick to our default Mini recommendation that you stay away from the stiffer sport suspension, not to mention the unforgiving 18-inch wheels.
Other Cars to Consider
Kia Sportage - The stylish Sportage lacks the Countryman's cool interior vibe, but it compensates with an available 260-hp turbocharged inline-4 that'll blow even the Cooper S Countryman into the weeds.
Subaru WRX - The WRX hatchback probably isn't often cross shopped against the Countryman S ALL4, but maybe it should be. With standard AWD and superior turbocharged power, the WRX is a strong rival. It lacks the Countryman's cool factor, though.
Volkswagen Tiguan - With strong performance and a more capacious interior with a similarly premium feel, the Tiguan is an intriguing alternative from the conventional-crossover ranks.
AutoTrader Recommends
If you're going to buy a Countryman instead of a Clubman, we say go all out and get the S ALL4 model. As the only Mini model with AWD, the S ALL4 could be a stretch worth making.


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This article or section needs expansion and/or modification. Please help the wiki by expanding it.
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
- "For this is what your folk would call magic. I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy"
- ― Galadriel, The Mirror of Galadriel
Magic was a term used by the Hobbits to describe processes and abilities of objects which could not be explained out of their limited lore and knowledge. For Elves and Wizards, this "magic" was not something special or different from the natural world, just part of it that was not immediately visible, leading to more common categorization of things as "Seen" or "Unseen". The "Seen" aspects of a thing or person are only part of it. Through the power of the One Ring, Frodo Baggins at times saw powerful Elves, such as the High-elf Glorfindel, in their true level of power and radiance that extends into the Unseen.
The effects which could be described magical, were of different natures.
Divine magic
The Ainur as supernatural beings could alter the world in terms according to their nature. Sauron being a Maia (a lesser Ainu) used his powers to manipulate his slaves and objects. Some of them he taught to the Elves who created the Rings of Power, as well as his slaves, the Black Númenóreans and the Kings who became Nazgûl, who used this lore as "sorcery".
Similar magic was the one used by the Istari, the Maiar who came to Middle-earth to help the Free Peoples against Sauron. The nature of the Istari was not known to all, and they were known as wise old men. They were called Wizards.
Properly, Men using "magic", even for good, are not termed "Wizards". In Tolkien's mythology, this term is specifically only used for the Order of the Istari, who are of angelic origin. A member of the race of Men wielding magical powers would be referred to as a sorcerer, whether for good or evil.
Elven magic
The Elves were not supernatural beings and although knew the powers of the Ainur, they did not seem to comprehend the concept of "magic". The Elves were taught arts and crafts by the Valar in Valinor and could put dedication and love in every thing they wrought. Due to their immortality, Elven smiths could reach high levels of experience in craft and lore.
As mentioned, the Rings of Power were such "magical" objects that would seem supernatural to the regular people; they gave powers of manipulation of the word and invisibility. Other Elven artifacts were the Palantíri or the Lamps of the Noldor, as well as the Mirror of Galadriel. Some simpler artifacts were the river-boats of the Galadhrim and the elven ropes, which seemd to have will on their own.
Dark magic
Sindarin has two words for dark magic: morgul and guldur, although it is not defined clearly, the element "gul" literally means "lore" or "knowledge". It refers to the divine magic of Sauron used for evil, which could be taught to his followers, such as the powers of the Ringwraiths. Black Númenóreans who entered his service learned dark lore from him and became Sorcerers.
Sauron himself was also known as Necromancer which indicated that he had power over spirits. The Witch-King of Angmar had the power to summon the Barrow-wights to the Barrow Downs.
Tolkien also uses the word "Sorcery" and "Sorcerer" in negative context. Sorcery is perhaps the equivalent of the dark magic.
The constructions of Dwarves had significant properties which could be defined as magical. Such example could be the Doors of Durin which opened by themselves by pronunciation of the word "mellon", without machinery or other assistance.


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Posts Tagged 'Couch Tour'
Flip "Couch Tour" Demo & Signing
June 7th, 2012 Comments Off on Flip "Couch Tour" Demo & Signing Posted in News
The Flip Team is going to be at the Franklin Mills Mall in Philly Wednesday, June 20th. Free demo, signing, music and more! Everything starts at 12:00pm with the Zumiez Best Foot Forward contest. CLICK HERE for more event details.