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The Neanderthals emerged suddenly in Europe around 300,000 years ago, and disappeared, or else were assimilated by mixing with other human races, silently and just as quickly about 35,000 years ago. The only difference between them and present-day humans is that their skeletons are rather sturdier and their brain volumes slightly larger. Neanderthals were a well-built human race, as is now agreed by just about everyone.
A fossil belonging to a Neanderthal
Detailed comparisons of Neanderthal skeletal remains with those of modern humans have shown that there is nothing in Neanderthal anatomy that conclusively indicates locomotor, manipulative, intellectual, or linguistic abilities inferior to those of modern humans.72
Therefore, many modern researchers describe Neanderthal Man as a sub-group of modern man and refer to him as Homo sapiens neandertalensis. Recent discoveries show that the Neanderthals buried their dead, made various musical instruments and shared a culture as developed as that of modern man, Homo sapiens sapiens.
Although the fossil findings show that Neanderthal Man was a human, with nothing primitive about him compared to ourselves, evolutionists still portray Neanderthals as ape-men. This is just one of the many indications that Darwinism is based not on scientific findings, but on prejudice and propaganda.
The Neanderthals: A Human Race
To the above can be seen the Homo sapiens neanderthalensis Amud 1 skull, discovered in Israel. It is estimated that the owner of this skull would have stood 1.80 meters (5 feet, 11 inches) tall. Its brain volume is the largest so far encountered for Neanderthals, at 1,740 cubic centimeters.


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Ten Latino high school students from throughout San Diego County this week started a summer program designed to help them learn about journalism through real-life work experience at U-T San Diego.
The U-T Young Latino Journalism Scholars program, which was held for the first time last year, gives students the opportunity to learn from and work with professional journalists, photographers, videographers and editors to learn the business from the inside. Participating students are paid and will be considered for a $5,000 scholarship that will be awarded by the U-T at the end of the program.
Students selected for the program are Rashid Binnur of Mar Vista High School, Jennifer Brice of Clairemont High School, Olivia Garcia of Hilltop High School, Ixchel Gonzalez of Kearny High School, Carmelita Leyva of Ramona High School, Francisca Martinez of Orange Glen High School, Alex Pacheco of Chula Vista High School, Maritza Rico of High Tech High School, Katrina Roybal of Castle Park High School and Stefanie Tellez of Otay Ranch High School.
The students chosen for the program were selected from dozens of applicants. Selection criteria included academic achievement, writing ability and panel interviews.
San Diego Gas & Electric, the program's inaugural sponsor, is again the underwriting sponsor of the program.
"SDG&E's partnership with the U-T San Diego provides a promising group of high school students a special opportunity to excel as youth leaders in journalism," said Pedro Villegas, director of community relations for SDG&E. "SDG&E congratulates these students for their selection as this year's Young Latino Journalism Scholars and for embracing this unique opportunity to be the next generation of San Diego's journalists."
In addition to learning about journalism and multimedia, students will learn about civic engagement and be paired with mentors from the U-T newsroom.
The Young Latino Journalism Scholars program was conceived by the U-T's Latino Advisory Board and John Lynch, vice chairman and CEO of U-T San Diego.
"At the U-T, we believe in the power of journalism to build better communities," said U-T Editor Jeff Light. "We see journalists as agents of positive change. This program is a small but important part of our commitment to building a better San Diego. We are sharing the skills of San Diego's most accomplished journalists, building bridges within our own community and creating opportunity for some of the brightest kids in the region."

subset: commoncrawl


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Car Deals
Hatchback Deals: October 2013
If you're looking for a hatchback, you've come to the right place. We've searched through incentives from several automakers to find the best hatchback deals on a variety of popular models.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a compact car offered in 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback body styles. Through the end of the month, any Focus is a good deal thanks to low-interest and cash-back offers from Ford. For qualified drivers looking to finance, Ford is offering 0 percent interest for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent for 72 months on all 2013 Focus models. That offer is paired with up to $2,000 cash back. Cash buyers also get a great deal, as Ford is offering up to $3,500 cash back through the end of the month. Unfortunately, Ford isn't offering any lease deals on the Focus hatchback in October.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The Hyundai Elantra GT is a compact hatchback that features a 4-cylinder engine and four doors. In October, qualified drivers can get good deals on the 2013 Elantra GT whether they're looking to lease, finance or pay with cash. For finance shoppers, Hyundai is offering interest rates as low as 0 percent for 60 months, or 0.9 percent for 72 months. Drivers who would rather lease also get a deal, with Hyundai offering payments from $179 per month for 36 months after just $2,699 down at lease signing. Finally, those paying in full can get up to $500 cash back through the end of the month.
Find a Hyundai Elantra for sale
Subaru Impreza
If you're looking to combine hatchback practicality with all-wheel-drive security, the Subaru Impreza is your car. That's especially true in October, since Subaru is offering good lease and finance deals on 2013 Impreza models. Through the end of the month, qualified drivers looking to finance an Impreza can get one with 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months. Lease shoppers also get a good deal: The Impreza starts at $159 per month for 36 months after $1,959 down at lease signing.
Find a Subaru Impreza for sale
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a 5-door hatchback with a fuel-efficient hybrid 4-cylinder engine. In October, the 2013 Prius is offered with a few alluring incentives. The most impressive is for qualified buyers looking to finance. Through the end of the month, those shoppers can get a Prius with 0 percent interest for up to 60 months. But the hatchback is also offered with a strong lease deal: a 36-month term with payments from just $248 per month after $2,648 down at lease signing.
Volvo C30
The Volvo C30 is a 2-door hatchback that combines luxury and sport, thanks to a long list of standard equipment paired with a muscular turbocharged 5-cylinder. In October, the C30 is offered with an enticing lease deal. Through the end of the month, shoppers can get a 2013 C30 for 39 months with payments from $299 per month. Best of all, that deal doesn't require a hefty down payment. Instead, it asks drivers to put down just $799 at lease signing. Those who choose that deal also can get up to $2,000 cash back in options allowances.
What it means to you: Our favorite new hatchbacks are offered with many incentives this month, as our list of hatchback deals shows.


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16 cosplayers compete against each other in one-on-one lip sync rounds until a single winner is chosen by audience applause & enthusiasm. Do you have what it takes to make the crowd go crazy? Come live your vocal idol dreams without having to sing a note!
Here are a few things to keep in mind while applying!
- We encourage the use of well known songs.
- Use songs that would make sense to your character.
You can apply here: http://www.animeboston.com/cosplayhq/A reminder: Anime Boston is an anime convention that is part of the New England Anime Society (NEAS). As such, we can only accept applications from characters that originally hail from a japanese created media. That means we cannot accept anything from Batman, Stephen Universe, Avatar, Overwatch, etc. This is not my rule, but it is a very important rule that has consequences for the convention itself if I break it. I will not bend on this one thing.
The deadline is Feb 28th for all applications!
Oh! Almost forgot, My name is Dema or Mama Natsu and I will be the Coordinator of this event! If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask!


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Does anyone know where I can find some decent floppy drive locks for under $20USD?
**Thread moved from Product/Book Reviews to Hardware**
First link: $19.50 USD
Goodbye, Mittens (1992-2008). My pillow will be cold without your purring beside my head
Extra! Extra! Get your FREE copy of Insight Newsletter||MsMittens' HomePage
www.pricewatch.com ....best prices on the net.
It isn't paranoia when you KNOW they're out to get you...
what allenb suggested is one of the best links I have ever found when I need cheap computer parts.
I think that it will be your best bet.
Yes, I use pricewatch often for most hardware needs however. Looking up minor items on there can be quite timely.
Forum Rules


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Hannah's Huevos Motuleños Quick Weeknight Meals Recipe Contest 2009
Recipe: Huevos Motuleños
Category: Vegetarian
How long does it take? 30 minutes
Name: Hannah
Why is it a favorite meal? It's a tasty, healthy version of a great Mexican brunch dish. I like that it's satisfyingly rich and filling but still tastes bright and fresh. And of course, it's quick! I'd love to hear what all the great cooks here at thekitchn think!
Huevos Motuleños
Makes two large servings
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 medium onion, minced
1/2 small green bell pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed though garlic press
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can black beans (undrained)
squeeze of lime juice
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 small corn tortillas
4 eggs
Tasty salsa
Grated queso fresco or Monterey jack cheese (small amount)
1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil. Add minced onion, bell pepper, garlic and oregano, sauté until soft, 3-7 min. Add cumin and cook until fragrant, about another minute.
2. Add beans and some (about half) of their liquid to the cooked veggies. While beans are cooking, mash them up with a potato masher or fork, until everything is fairly smooth. Cook until beans are warm and thick but still moist, about 6 minutes. Add lime juice and cilantro, stir and remove from heat. Set aside.
3. Warm tortillas. You have some choice here about how crispy/soft you want it. I've tried both ends of the spectrum and like it both ways. (Soft is easier to eat with a fork, crispy is good for eating more like a tostada. I prefer soft.) You can heat the tortillas on a cast iron or in the microwave.
4. Cook your eggs! I do over easy, but sunny side up or poached works too.
5. While eggs are cooking, spread some beans on each tortilla (a layer of about ½ inch works well). When eggs are done, put one egg on each tortilla. Sprinkle with grated cheese (lightly), salsa (heavily) and chopped cilantro (garnish). Enjoy!
*Note: You can sub-in dried beans for the canned ones but, clearly, it will take longer. Also, you can do through step #2 many days ahead. If you do this, it'll only take 15 minutes to get dinner on the table! I often make a pot of beans, go through step #2 and then keep the beans in the fridge for the week. They're great in this recipe as well as with rice, in tacos, etc.
Thanks Hannah, and good luck! Readers, give Hannah a thumbs up if you like this recipe!
Enter our Quick Weeknight Meals Contest!
You could win some fabulous prizes and we'll all collect some great new recipes.


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Cloud Atlas
(Provocative, overpowering epic)
One thing is for certain: "Cloud Atlas" is the most provocative movie of the year. It has been labeled both "pretentious" and "profound" by critics and audiences.
David Mitchell's best-selling novel has been adapted for the screen in a three-hour overpowering epic filled with magnificent performances and sweeping cinematography.
Is it hard to follow at times? Yes, but stay with it and it all comes together in a powerful conclusion.
Lana and Andy Wachowski have taken the six stories in the novel and interwoven them, sometimes with a bit of confusion and at other times with precision, using incredible makeup to allow actors to play a variety of roles. (Stay for the beginning of the credits to see the different roles that Tom Hanks and others play. Some will surprise you).
So, what's it all about? Well, a lot of things, like personal freedom, survival, connectedness, love, reincarnation, consequences and the circle of life.
The six stories could all be a movie in themselves, and they jump around at a whirlwind pace, losing you at times, but eventually connecting. The final hour is exciting and satisfying as the stories are resolved in a variety of ways, jumping rapidly from one situation and era to another.
If all this scares or confuses you, you are not alone. We like to see our movies without reading a lot about them beforehand so that we can enjoy the element of surprise and not be swayed by other critics. We did read up a bit on "Cloud Atlas," which didn't help much, as it is almost impossible to describe.
Audiences will take many different things from it. More than the theory of reincarnation, we took that sense of connectedness, which manifests itself in a variety of different ways, places and times.
Tom Hanks and Halle Berry have the biggest roles and variety of characters, beginning with an ancient time (or is it the future?) and extending to the distant future. The final scene puts them as grandfather and grandmother in yet another sphere.
Jim Broadbent plays a pivotal role as the author of the "Cloud Atlas" symphony and a book publisher. He is also used as the narrator who ties together much of the narrative.
We jump, rapidly at times, from prehistoric times (or is it the future) to an adventure at sea in the 1840s, to a reporter's adventure in the 1970s, to two different futuristic societies, to the 1930s. The theme that we are all connected to others, whether past or present, can be interpreted in many different ways, but it is very evident in this movie.
In a moving conclusion to one of the stories involving slavery, one of the characters remarks, "We are more than a drop in the ocean; the ocean is made up of many drops."
"Cloud Atlas" is an ocean of a movie, made up of many drops. If you go to the movie with a clear mind and a desire to see it through, it will give you much to think about and discuss. If you are looking for a couple of hours of light entertainment, find something else.
Rated R, with violence, profanity, sex and nudity, but also love, compassion and humanity.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Directors from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, RE/MAX North agents and friends all joined Peg Eisenhauer, broker and owner of the new RE/MAX North office, at a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Feb. 6, to celebrate the grand opening of her new location at 2263 Grand Island Blvd. across from Grand Island Town Hall.
Eisenhauer also has an office located at 100 Sylvan Parkway in Amherst. All RE/MAX North agents from the Western New York area have access to both facilities as needed.
The Grand Island team offers more than 100 years of combined real estate experience. The Grand Island agents licensed at this newly renovated office are Sherry McDonald, Linda Kutzbach, Colleen Furnia, Athina Howe and Floyd Doring. Call 716-773-2573 for more information.


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Yellow, green, pink and purple, the new colors of the 2013 Moleskine Planners. Four new colors that join the iconic black and classic red. Artist Rogier Wieland tells us about them in a new stop-motion animation, coming out in the fall. Above is a short preview.
Two layouts, daily or weekly horizontal. One size: Large, with space for appointments, projects and notes. The colored details include the bookmark, the "in case of loss" on the flap, the expandable pocket and the letters in the address book at the back, all in the same color as the cover.
Available at the Moleskine Store, MoleskineUS and in selected store around the world.


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The Sports Xchange
With win at Illinois, Michigan set to grab No. 1 ranking
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Michigan wasn't sure exactly what defensive challenges Illinois would present Sunday, but it didn't take too long to adjust.
The Wolverines used an 11-0 first-half run to pull ahead of the Illini, and they never trailed again on their way to a 74-60 victory. Four Michigan players scored in double figures in front of a sold-out Assembly Hall crowd.
"We anticipated a lot of things they could do, and in a two-day prep, we were trying to get ready for so many things," Michigan coach John Beilein said. "That took some time to adjust."
The Wolverines (19-1, 6-1) claimed a share of the Big Ten lead with Indiana. Michigan likely will become the nation's top-ranked team on Monday following No. 1 Duke's midweek loss to Miami. The program hasn't been on top of the national ratings since 1992-93, the second of consecutive years when the Fab Five led the Wolverines to the national title game.
However, Beilein said rankings don't matter.
"To our team, it doesn't make a big difference," he said. "Our big thing is let's get better every day ... and focus on winning the Big Ten championship."
Guard Trey Burke led a balanced Michigan attack with 19 points. Nik Stauskas had 14 points, while Glen Robinson III and Tim Hardaway Jr. each collected 12.
Brandon Paul was one of three players in double figures for Illinois (15-6, 2-5), which has dropped four of its past five and five of seven in the new year. Paul scored 15 points, D.J. Richardson had 12 and Tracy Abrams added 10. Center Nnanna Egwu had six points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Michigan's victory was its third straight since a Jan. 13 loss at Ohio State.
"If we want a chance to beat them, we've got to play better than we did today," Illinois coach John Groce said. "It's disconcerting when they shot 53 percent from the field, but I look at it that one of the things I wanted to do was guard the 3-point line. We did a pretty good job of that."
Michigan hit just five of 15 3-point attempts.
The Wolverines scored the game's first 11 points and held a 15-7 lead at the 11:38 mark. Three-pointers from Paul and Abrams and an Egwu put-back helped the Illini get within 17-15.
However, Illinois could never overtake the visitors, who had a 10-5 run in the final 3:43 of the half behind 3-pointers Burke and Hardaway. Michigan led 35-27 at the break.
The Wolverines briefly opened a double-digit lead when Robinson's jumper gave them a 39-29 advantage. Abrams had five points as Illinois cut the margin to 41-37 with 16:33 showing.
But Michigan replied with nine straight points, including buckets by Max Bielfeldt and Burke off turnovers, and the Wolverines took a 50-37 lead with 14:28 showing.
Illinois never again got closer than seven, at 55-48 with 9:13 remaining. Michigan patiently extended the lead to as many as 18 points.
"We cut it to a two-possession game, maybe three at two different times late," Groce said. "We had a couple of live-ball turnovers that you can't guard and defend. You can't guard one on nothing ... and that pushed it back up."
Illinois shot just 23-for-62 from the field (37.1 percent) and hit just six of 26 attempts (23.1 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc. The Illini outrebounded the Wolverines 36-35.
"We tried to do whatever we can to make a run, but we broke down a few times on defense and they exposed us," Illini guard D.J. Richardson said.
Wolverines starting forward Jordan Morgan suffered a sprained ankle in the first half and did not return. His status for later this week was not immediately known.
NOTES: Michigan's Hardaway entered the game as reigning Big Ten player of the week. He scored 21 points in a road win over Minnesota 10 days ago. This week, he had 13 in the Wolverines' 68-53 home win over Purdue. ... The Illini retired Govoner Vaughn's No 35 in a pregame ceremony, raising a banner with his name to the Assembly Hall ceiling. Vaughn was Illinois' first African-American letter winner during the 1957-58 season and team MVP in 1960. He finished as the program's third all-time leading scorer with 1,001 points. ... The game was the first meeting between Groce and Michigan since Groce became Illinois' coach, but Groce is no stranger to the Wolverines. His Ohio University team beat the Wolverines 65-60 in a second-round NCAA clash last year in Nashville ... Michigan sixth man Mitch McGary had notched 20-plus minutes in four of his previous six games and scored a career-high 21 points Thursday against Purdue. He played 16 minutes Sunday and scored six points... The Illini snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday with a 71-51 triumph at Nebraska ... Illinois opened a stretch in which four of five games will be against nationally ranked foes. The Illini will be at No. 13 Michigan State on Thursday. Michigan hosts Northwestern on Wednesday.


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Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will resume peace talks here tonight, the State Department said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
It will be the first time that the two have held direct talks since 2010. The meeting followed an intensive effort to revive the moribund talks by Secretary of State John Kerry, which included six trips to the Middle East.
Kerry spoke on Sunday with Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to formally invite them to send their negotiating teams to Washington.
"Both leaders have demonstrated a willingness to make difficult decisions that have been instrumental in getting to this point," Kerry said in a statement. "We are grateful for their leadership."
The first meeting is planned for this evening, and negotiators are also planning to meet on Tuesday.
The Israeli side will be represented by Israel's justice minister, Tzipi Livni, and Yitzhak Molcho. Saeb Erekat and Mohammed Shtayyeh will represent the Palestinian side.
The initial meetings will focus on developing a "procedural work plan" on how to conduct the talks in the coming months, the statement said.
Netanyahu worked over the weekend to convince Israelis that a resumption of the peace process was vital to the country's interest.
The Israeli Cabinet cleared the last obstacle to resuming peace talks with the Palestinians by voting Sunday to approve the release of 104 Palestinian prisoners. The prisoner release is an unpopular move with many Israelis, but one that the Palestinian leadership has insisted upon.
The prisoners, most of whom have served at least 20 years for deadly attacks on Israelis, are to be released in batches depending upon progress in the talks. Netanyahu will lead a team of five ministers who will oversee the release. He deferred any decision on whether Arab citizens of Israel would be among the prisoners released.
A Palestinian official involved in the negotiations process, who could speak only on the condition of anonymity, said earlier that the first group was expected to be released in August, and the rest within six months.
Mideast peace talks are set to resume
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will resume peace talks here tonight, the State Department said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.


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WASHINGTON -- Social Security recipients shouldn't expect a big increase in monthly benefits come January.
Preliminary figures show the pay raise will be between 1 percent and 2 percent, which will be among the lowest since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975
The raise will be made official Tuesday, when the government releases inflation figures for September.
The cost-of-living adjustment is tied to a government measure of inflation adopted by Congress in the 1970s. It shows that consumer prices have gone up by less than 2 percent in the past year.
Monthly benefits for retired workers average $1,237, meaning the typical retiree can expect a raise of between $12 and $24 a month.
This year, Social Security recipients got 3.6 percent increase in benefits. That came after two years with no increase.


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CSI for Birds: Scientists Use Forensic Techniques to Improve Airport Safety
Carla Dove (left), Nancy Rotzel (far right) and Marcy Heacker (near right) use the Museum's bird collection to identify birds that are involved in birdstrikes using both traditional morphological identification and molecular techniques. (Photo: James DiLoreto)
© Smithsonian Institution [Higher Resolution]
Carla Dove, a researcher at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), is used to getting feathers and globs of bloody tissue in the mail. On a Wednesday afternoon in her office at the Feather Identification Lab, she tears open a routine FedEx envelope and removes a long, dried piece of tissue and a cotton swab with bits of fluffy down stuck to it. "We get ten or twelve of these a day," she says.
Dove's lab is one of a handful that identifies the remains of birds that have collided with aircraft—incidents formally known as "bird strikes." These collisions present a growing problem as planes become quieter, air traffic increases, and the populations of some birds, such as Canada geese, increase. According to the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), 52,000 wildlife strikes were reported between 1990 and 2003, costing nearly $500 million per year in delays and damage to aircraft. Since 1988, 194 people have died in crashes attributed to bird strikes.
Frequently, the birds involved in these collisions are sucked into plane engines, making for the identification process messy and difficult. That's where Dove and her team (which includes researchers Marcy Heacker, Nancy Rotzel, and Sarah Sonsthagen) come in. In the past few decades, the Smithsonian has played a central role in the growing effort to systematically gather data on bird strikes, this data is then used by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to analyze bird behavior, dietary preferences and migratory patterns using the information to reduce hazards at airports.
Image courtesy of Airliners.net
In cooperation with the Air Force and the FAA, the Feather Identification Lab encourages pilots and airfield managers to collect animal remains after a strike and send them in for identification—even if it's just a few feathers or traces of tissue. In 2006, the lab processed 3,500 cases, and the numbers are growing each year.
When Dove started at the Museum in 1989, she and her mentor, the late Roxie Laybourne, processed about 300 cases a year. Laybourne, who founded the Smithsonian forensic ornithology program in the 1960's, pioneered many of the methods used in feather identification. After helping investigators determine that starlings were responsible for a fatal crash at Logan Airport in Boston, she began to use the Smithsonian's collection of more than 600,000 "study skins"—preserved bird specimens used for research—to match feathers and identify species involved in strikes all over the country.
Today, Smithsonian scientists still use many of Laybourne's tools and techniques. If a sample comes in with whole feathers that have distinctive markings, one of the Feather Identification Lab investigators heads out into the collection and tries to find a match amid the drawers of study skins. But whole feathers aren't always available. "If we get a paper towel swipe with what we call snarge—blood, bits of tissue, and goo—we use forensic techniques," Dove says. In these cases, if the sample contains pieces of down, called barbs, the researchers will turn to a reference set of microscope slides that Laybourne started. By comparing the microstructure of the barbs from the unknown sample with slides of known specimens, they can usually narrow in on the bird's group. The microscope might reveal, for example, that the sample is from a duck, rather than a pigeon or a songbird, but not which species of duck. Sometimes the researchers can further narrow it down by comparing the feather fragments to study skins once they know the proper group.
The difference in microstructure between a feather from an American Kestrel and a feather from a King Penguin is very noticeable under the microscope.
Differences in size, shape, and arrangement of nodes on the feathers of various bird species can help in identification. These images from a scanning electron microscope show the difference between nodes on a Chicken feather and a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.
The lab makes about half of its identifications using the collection, but this is becoming increasingly challenging. "In recent years, people in the field are much better at collecting the remains, and the material we are getting is much more fragmented," Dove says. "The job is much harder now than it was 40 years ago."
So in 2003, the NMNH decided to sharpen its identification tools. The Museum joined forces with the FAA to build a database of avian DNA to help solve cases that have insufficient feather evidence. The database, which is now part of a larger initiative called the Consortium for the Barcode of Life, was completed in 2006 and now contains the sequences of one gene, called CO1, or the "barcode" gene, for 96 percent of bird species in the U.S. and Canada. It was built using tissue samples from the Museum's collection and specimens borrowed from other museums and universities around the country.
Sarah Sonsthagen with a few birds from the collection.
© Smithsonian Institution
Dove and her team just finished putting the database through its paces during fall migration—the busiest time of year. They're thrilled with the results: about two thirds of the tissue samples submitted for DNA testing came back with species-level matches. While many of the results were the usual suspects—geese, gulls, and other birds common on airfields—the list included 123 species from 14 different orders.
The researchers have even been able to go back and solve some "cold cases," including one that was two years old. "We knew it was a small perching bird—a passerine—but we didn't know which one. It did $74,000 in damage to a B-2," Dove recalls. "We went back in our files, pulled out the sample, and identified it as a golden crowned kinglet, which is a teeny tiny little bird. It weighs less than a quarter of an ounce."
The precision that comes with DNA evidence is exciting to the Feather Lab team. "In the past, we probably would have said 'perching birds' or 'warbler,' but now we can say 'painted bunting' and 'ruby-crowned kinglet,' and 'yellow-rumped warbler,'" Dove says. The forensic evidence also helps convince aircraft engineers of the results, especially when the culprit turns out to be a small bird that does not seem capable of doing thousands of dollars in damage to a jet engine.
From Feathers to Flight Paths
Identifying a culprit species is more than a fascinating biological puzzle: it has real-world consequences. "What we do here is fundamental to any other decisions made about bird strikes," Dove says. "The first thing you have to know is what species are being hit."
The U.S. Air Force Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Team is one group that relies on Feather Lab analyses to identify the species that do the most damage to their aircraft. Using information about the habitats of commonly struck species, their breeding behavior, and migratory patterns, the Air Force created the Bird Avoidance Model (BAM)—a dynamic map that shows birdstrike risk levels across the U.S.
"We make recommendations to our pilots not to fly in certain areas at certain times based on the concentrations of birds that are predicted to be there," says Eugene LeBoeuf, chief of the BASH Team.
The BAM also feeds into the Avian Hazard Advisory System, which incorporates nearly real-time data from weather radars that can track large flocks of birds similar to the way they track snowstorms. Aviators can access the system online to see if a given flight path or airfield has a low, moderate, or high risk for birdstrike at a certain date and time.
Dove and her team work most frequently with the Air Force, but they are seeing an increase in non-military cases. The lab also collaborates with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Field Station in Sandusky, Ohio. Researchers there maintain the National Wildlife Strike Database for civil aviation and test various management strategies designed to prevent future collisions.
"The first line of defense is airfield vegetation," says Robert Beason, a biologist who supervises the NWRC station's efforts to develop tactics that discourage wildlife from congregating at airports. Researchers have found that tall fescue grass is particularly unappealing because it harbors a fungus that tastes bad to birds and gives other animals indigestion. They also test commercial products that can be sprayed onto vegetation, such as the chemical used in artificial grape flavoring, which stimulates pain receptors in birds the way hot peppers do in humans.
But simply keeping birds away from the runway may not be enough, according to Beason. "The second question is: can you make the birds see the airplane and realize it's coming towards them?" So researchers are testing technologies such as pulsating landing lights of different wavelengths to see if birds will respond to and avoid them.
Carla Dove cleans a sample of feathers to prepare them for identification.
© Smithsonian Institution
Identifying which species are involved in strikes is critical in deciding how to manage the hazard at each airport. Techniques being used range from noisy music and propane canons, to border collies and falconers, to pyrotechnics. "Everybody wants to have a silver bullet to keep birds away from airfields, but it has to be an integrated plan. It depends on the airfield," Dove explains.
Although no one can say exactly how effective strike reduction efforts have been overall, it is clear they're paying off in some places. The John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York has reduced the number of gull strikes by roughly 80 percent using tactics such as grass management, eliminating standing water, and frightening birds with pyrotechnics, according to Richard Dolbeer. Dolbeer heads the Bird Strike Committee USA, a volunteer group that promotes collaboration between government agencies, the military, and private industry to prevent bird strikes.
While there may be no silver bullet, Dove is optimistic about the Smithsonian's contribution. "There's no doubt in my mind," she says, "that we're having an impact on aircraft safety."
Related Links
NMNH Division of Birds http://vertebrates.si.edu/birds/
Smithsonian Institute Migratory Bird Center http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/
Federal Aviation Administration Wildlife Page
Bird Strike Committee USA http://www.birdstrike.org/
International Bird Strike Committee http://www.int-birdstrike.org/
Avian Hazard Advisory System http://www.usahas.com/
U.S. Bird Avoidance Model http://www.usahas.com/
Department of Defense Partners in Flight http://www.dodpif.org/
Consortium for the Barcode of Life http://www.barcodeoflife.org/
Barcode of Life Data Systems http://www.boldsystems.org
Story by NMNH IT Web Intern Christine Hoekenga.
(September 2007)


text:
With standout performances from Mikey Leblanc and Chad Otterstrom, the premiere of Brainstorm¿the latest snowboard film from Whitey McConnaughy and Kingpin Productions¿got the San Diego, California crowd pumped for the coming snowboard season.
Made up of a who's who of the snowboard industry, the audience at the Spreckels Theatre in downtown SD last night witnessed the first showing of the new snowboard film from the same guys who made last year's Destroyer.
Although the newest venture didn't match Destroyer for its skits and pros-trying-to-act entertainment value, the riding consisted of top-notch rail sliding, park jumping, and backcountry-kicker flipping at its finest. With the likes of Scotty Wittlake, Andrew Crawford, Lukas Huffman, David Carrier Porcheron, Joel Mahaffey, Josh Dirksen, Ali Goulet, and Jason McAlister, the action was non-stop. Gigi Ruf took the newcomer award, while J2 showed everyone that you could be around for years and still rule the rails like nobody else.
But Otterstrom started things off with a bang, and Leblanc pretty much climaxed the show toward the end with insane combinations of rails and jibs. The movie was quick and to the point, without a lot of filler. It also used a minimum of repeat locations, which kept the riding exciting and fresh as well.
After the show, the amped crowd had to be ushered out to the street and away from the theater, but the mix of pros and industry types wanted to bask in the moment a little bit longer.
With tonight's double-feature premiere of the new Standard and Mack Dawg films (Optigrab and Stand And Deliver), everyone will get more snowboard performances to talk about this weekend. And transworldsnowboarding.com will have complete coverage of those events as well. So stay tuned.


text:
Plot 4328: Modernism Steps Up in Lebanon
There was time when I used to run the stadium steps at my local high school for exercise. (Now, I have trouble finding the time to leave the house for any kind of work out.) But imagine if I lived here?? I could pop out the front door, run a few sets, and at the end, plop my perspiring self into the pool at the top! How cool would that be?
Built on a 10 meter drop, Plot 4328 by Bernard Khoury Architects in Kfardebian, Mount Lebanon is a sloping masterpiece of light and purpose - a genius work whose front façade becomes its roof and whose external features become its best amenities. That's not to say that the interiors are anything to sneeze at, though. Located on three levels, the two units have skylights that flood them with light from above and floor to ceiling windows that look out on to the valley below. There's even a mobile balcony to move you vertically from terrace to terrace. How brilliant is that?
For more images and information, visit Plot 4328 / Bernard Khoury Architects
Images: Arch Daily


text:
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 31st Jan 2011 15:32 UTC
Francis Ford Coppola is one of the most prestigious and critically acclaimed directors in cinematographic history. He directed, among others, the Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, and has won so many awards it's hard to keep track. In an interview with 99%, he touched on the subject of art and making money, and his musings are fascinating, and yet another indication that the times are changing in the content industry. "Who says artists have to make money?" Coppola wonders.
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Comment by Vinegar Joe
by Vinegar Joe on Mon 31st Jan 2011 18:06 UTC


text:
Continuing from last month, we take another surf through great personalities from the design, painting, and illustration worlds -- closing out this year's Designing Women with : * Kathleen Meaney, * Debbie Millman : Sterling Brands, * Nicolle Rager Fuller, * Susan Sellers : brand strategy, * Tina and Esther: Little Fury, * Jessica Skipworth : Branding, * Deborah Adler, and last but not least, * Sara De Bondt!
Alphabeasties and other Amazing Types
An amazing body of fantastic work can be found at designing woman Sharon Werner's web site : Werner Design Works.
Enjoy her playful, fun logo collection ... amongst others
Full story : Werner Design Works
Another sample
Kathleen Meaney Teaching Designer
The most exciting part of meeting designing woman Kathleen Meaney is discovering her teaching methods. (Also interesting is the use of the ampersand as the site icon!)
This assignment requires the student to act as punchcutter and printer -- a process through which the history and present-day practices of graphic design unfold. It lays down a foundation for digital typography and color theory, and serves as a primer for letterpress printing.
Full story : Terms & Conditions
Another great signage sample
Debbie Millman : Sterling Brands
Debbie has been a major influence in building the creative side of Sterling Brands since 1995. Debbie's loves are culture, technology and the role that design plays in our everyday lives.
Debbie is President of the AIGA, the largest professional association for design. She is a contributing editor at Print Magazine, a design writer at FastCompany.com and BrandNew.com, and Chair of the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Full story : Sterling Brands
A look at Debbie's unique Extinction Timeline
Sara De Bondt
Sara De Bondt is a London-based Belgian graphic designer who has been running her studio since 2003. There you'll find some wonderful and ground-breaking design ...
At her site, you can also download a copy of her Futuro ET font -- The Martian Museum of Terrestrial Art typeface (ttf) !!!
Full story : Sara De Bondt studio
Another sample
Susan Sellers : brand strategy
Susan Sellers is a founding partner and Creative Director at 2x4 and Senior Critic at Yale University School of Art. At 2x4, she leads diverse projects from large-scale identity and branding projects to exhibition and set design for major cultural institutions nationwide.
While it's not necessarily about print or graphic design -- it indeed is about visual communications design. Spend some time in this site and you'll be amazed.
Full story : Two by Four dot org (2x4.org)
Another sample
... continues on the next page!


text:
RICHMOND, Va.—The last race of the NASCAR's regular season brought out the best in some people and teams. Others? Not so much.
Jeff Gordon and crew chief Alan Gustafson can attest to that. Their clutch performance earned Gordon a second-place finish Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway and a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
For Kyle Busch, this wasn't his worst moment but it was a somewhat surprisingly far-from-clutch performance for his team as it saw a chance to compete in the Chase slip right through its fingers.
What we learned on a night where Clint Bowyer won:
Busch needs to race better
Gordon's comeback was a surprise—he was horrible until the team decided to unhook his rear sway bar for the final 245 laps. But more of a shock was the failure of Busch's Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Although they missed the Chase because of a season filled with bad luck, Busch and his team were their worst enemy Saturday night as Busch finished 16th while Gordon placed second, allowing Gordon to gain more than the 13 points he needed on Busch to make the Chase.
Championship teams overcome a pit road call that doesn't work, which couldn't do when crew chief Dave Rogers opted to leave him out while most of the field pitted when it started raining with 127 laps remaining.
Busch teammate Denny Hamlin stayed out too—he wasn't going to lose a race just as he had lost it at California —but then zipped down pit road on the lap before it went green. Busch and his team should have followed their teammate down pit road once they heard Hamlin's team mention it on the in-car radio or saw him head to pit road.
Then as Busch, on old tires, fell backward, he said nothing on the team radio. Frustration set in.
Busch used to talk more on the radio, but getting skewered by media and his team for what he says has made him a hermit this season. It's one of those catch-22s—air the frustration for everyone to hear and deal with the consequences or bottle it up and possibly lose focus.
As Busch fell deeper and deeper behind, Rogers radioed to him, asking what changes he might suggest to the car.
His response: "I don't (expletive) care."
That did his team no good. Busch is one of the smartest drivers when it comes to the cars. Maybe that was his way of saying he had lost the handle of the car and there was no getting it back, but at that point he sounded as if the 26 weeks of misfortune that had put him in the bubble position in the first place caught up with him. At that point, Busch was in deep trouble.
It got worse. Three laps later, on their final pit stop with 65 laps left in the race, Busch's pit crew blew the pit stop with a missing lug nut that required the rear tire changer to go back to the right rear tire a second time before Busch could pull away. That sent Busch back to 25th.
Meanwhile, Gordon was having the comeback of his career when his car came alive with the adjustments and pit strategy broke his way. Busch didn't ask for information on where Gordon was, but Rogers did provide some updates. Mainly he tried to cheerlead. For a moment, it appeared Busch might be able to wheel the car into the Chase, but he couldn't make it on talent alone.
Afterward, Rogers said, "Kyle did a good job of keeping his composure."
Maybe that's all that should be asked of Busch, considering his past inability to keep his composure. But if he wanted to make the Chase, Rogers needed more from Busch and Busch needed more from Rogers.
"The Chase is more than one race, but we certainly were in a position to capitalize and make it, but that call—I blew it," Rogers said. "There's no two ways to look at it."
Actually there is. They blew it together and as a team. Everyone is going to make mistakes. But their inability to overcome them with one of the most talented drivers and teams in the business was eye-opening.
Bowyer remains unfazed
Clint Bowyer is one of the most laid-back drivers in the Sprint Cup Series. He can get excited and freak out occasionally, but he forgets what gets him mad pretty quickly.
So when he cut down a tire after trading paint with Juan Pablo Montoya on Lap 235, he was able to not worry about that and ended up with a fuel-mileage victory.
He'll take them any way he can get them and enjoy the moment.
"To win tonight, the way we won it, we got the left rear knocked down, that ultimately ended up (led us to) winning us the race. … Unbelievable," Bowyer said.
NASCAR made right rain call
Although the forecast was fairly dire that NASCAR wouldn't get the race started and a second band of storms appeared as if it might force NASCAR to suspend the race before the halfway mark, NASCAR was able to get in 400 laps—albeit with an end around 1:30 a.m. ET.
NASCAR started the race about 1 hour, 45 minutes after its scheduled time and then waited out a 51-minute red flag for another shower and track drying.
Granted, there's probably some self-serving in the decision—NASCAR officials, the crews and the drivers really wanted their Sunday off and no way did NASCAR want to race against a slate of NFL opening-day games. And if rain had finished the race 127 laps short of the scheduled distance, Busch would be in the Chase and not Gordon while fans would have cried foul that NASCAR didn't run its final regular-season race to the finish.
NASCAR takes a lot of flack for trying to wait out rain storms when the forecasts don't look favorable. But this was clear proof that more often than not, it's better to take a chance and get a race in on the day it's scheduled.
The bottom line: It's the right decision that even at the expense of East Coast television viewers, NASCAR put on a good show for those people who paid hard-earned money for tickets.


text:
Training & Registration Information
Interested volunteers need to contact the office of the State Building Commissioner to request an application to register. All applicants will be pre-screened by the I-BEAM Advisory Board to determine if they meet the volunteer qualifications to participate in the I-BEAM Program. Upon approval, the applicant will be contacted by IDHS to register for the required ATC-20 and ATC-45 training courses, offered at no cost, that best corresponds to their schedule and location.
The one-day course features the Applied Technology Council (ATC)-20 training, which provides procedures and guidelines for making on-the-spot evaluations and decisions regarding continued use and occupancy of post disaster damaged buildings. Presented specifically for volunteer structural engineers, building inspectors, and other qualified personnel, the training includes rapid and detailed evaluation procedures for inspecting buildings and posting them as "inspected" (apparently safe), "limited entry" or "unsafe". Also included are special procedures for evaluation of essential buildings (e.g., hospitals), and evaluation procedures for nonstructural elements, and geotechnical hazards.
ATC-45 Safety Evaluation of Buildings after Windstorms and Floods is an essential tool for building safety professionals and volunteers responsible for evaluating wind and flood-damaged buildings. It is patterned after the widely-used standard for post-earthquake safety evaluation of buildings (ATC-20).
After completion of the training and application process, the approved volunteer's contact information will be entered into a database as a registered IDHS volunteer and considered to be available for deployment following a disaster. IDHS recommends that once the volunteer is registered, they provide their current employer with a Volunteer Notification to Employer letter, provided by the State Building Commissioner upon request.
A Certificate of Completion will be provided to the participant upon completion of the course. The course registration, instruction and educational material will be offered to the registrant at no cost. Participants who reside 75 miles or more from the training location are entitled to lodging the night before a course. If you have questions regarding eligibility for lodging, please contact the Emergency Management Training Registration Secretary.
- Training Information - TBD
- Deployment Information - TBD


text:
Claudia Allen adapts her own play detailing the decades-long love affair between a butch lesbian and a religious housewife for the screen in a film directed by Wendy Jo Carlton. The story begins in a nursing home, where an elderly Hannah (Sharon Gless) has been forbidden from visiting Rachel, the love of her life.
Rachel is in a coma, and since Hannah is not family, she is refused entrance into her longtime lover's room. As Hannah's memories drift gently back into the past, she recalls her relationship with Rachel, which began when they were just young girls.
Just when it begins to look as if Hannah will never see Rachel again, a sympathetic student offers to help her circumvent the traditional hospital rules regarding visitors. In the process of attempting to get one last glimpse of her beloved, however, Hannah is forced to come to terms with the fact that Rachel's view of their relationship wasn't all roses.


text:
Sign in
Reset your password
Registered Users
Hi! I'm Melissa, and I'm a stylist/hair designer at the Salon at ULTA in Seal Beach, CA. I've been licensed coming up on 4 years, the last three of those spent freelancing and working as a hair and makeup artist for photoshoots.
I specialize in creating a truly customized experience to each guest who takes a seat in my chair. I evaluate their needs as well as the needs of their hair, and come up with the best plan of action to make the guest's hair dreams come true without sacrificing the integrity of the hair. I'm big on aftercare, so my clients always leave the salon with one or two recommended products for them to keep their hair healthy and beautiful at home.
I use Redken and Pravana lines of color, and I am a Pravana certified colorist. I'm working on my Redken certification, but I was also trained in all of Redken's color lines.
I'm big on continuing education, so I'm always attending shoes and classes to further myself and my talent.
Hairdressing is truly my passion, and I hope some day to become a platform artist or brand educator and to spread my love of beauty throughout our industry and beyond.
~ Melissa


text:
|Version 5 (modified by 10 years ago) (diff),
Building on Solaris
These instructions have only been checked for GHC 6.8.3 on Solaris 10 on SPARC. It should mostly apply to later versions of GHC, Solaris 8 and later and perhaps Solaris on x86.
Using the right GCC
Avoid the system GCC versions
On Solaris 10, the
/usr/bin/gcc is a version that uses Sun's code generator backend. This is completely unusable for ghc because ghc has to post-process the assembly output of gcc. It expects the format and layout that the normal gcc uses.
/usr/sfw/bin/gcc version (at least on Solaris 10) is 3.4.x which is reported to have problems, see below.
It is recommended therefor to install another gcc package, either from some Solaris binary package or to build a vanilla gcc from source.
Selecting a good GCC version
GCC version 4.1.x and 4.0.x seem to be fine. 4.1.2 is recommended.
GCC version 3.4.x is reported to mis-compile the runtime system leading to a runtime error
schedule: re-entered unsafely.
But such a gcc version is sufficient for most user programs in case you just installed a ghc binary distribution.
GHC has not yet been updated to understand the assembly output of GCC version 4.3.x.
GCC version 4.2.x works but takes hours and hours to build the large
.hc files that GHC generates. It is reported that particular modules can take upwards of 5 hours and the overall build takes a couple days.
Using GCC from a non-standard location
Since the recommendation is not to use the system
/usr/bin/gcc then it is necessary to configure GHC to use a different GCC. Not only do we have to ensure that this alternate GCC is used while building GHC, but we must ensure that this alternate GCC is used by default by the built GHC once we install it and try to use it. Otherwise it will default to whatever
gcc is on the
$PATH which would typically be
/usr/bin/gcc again.
Due to a bug in the build system (#2966) it is not enough to specify
--with-gcc= when running
./configure. It is necessary to adjust the
$PATH so that the correct gcc is found *and* to use
--with-gcc= to the full path to that same version of gcc. Having it first in the
$PATH is required for the build to go through and the
--with-gcc= flag is necessary to have the resulting ghc use that gcc once installed.
For example:
export PATH=/opt/gcc-vanilla/bin:$PATH ./configure --with-gcc=/opt/gcc-vanilla/bin/gcc
Fixing the
unix package
At the time of writing the
unix package gets built wrong (see #2969) which results in
getSymbolicLinkStatus not working which in turn breaks darcs. The fix is given in the ticket.
TODO attach a patch for ghc-6.8.3, send in a patch for ghc-6.10.x and HEAD.
Using GMP and other libs from non-standard locations
The gmp library is not a standard system library on Solaris. It can usually be installed from a third party binary package collection or built from source. Either way it will usually not be on the standard cpp include path or the standard static linker path, or the standard dynamic linker path.
We can handle the first two aspects with these
./configure flags
--with-gmp-includes and
For example, using gmp installed from the 'blastwave' package collection:
./configure --with-gmp-includes=/opt/csw/include --with-gmp-libraries=/opt/csw/lib
However to actually run programs compiled by ghc (such as stage1) that use gmp from this location we need to link them in such a way that they will find the gmp lib at runtime. The best way is to use the
-R linker flag to 'bake in' the right path.
This can be specified in the
mk/build.mk file by using:
TODO check this works, it was only tested with a bootstrapping ghc that always used the above flag, baked into the driver shell script. In that case only
GhcStage2HcOpts=-optl-R/opt/csw/lib was needed.
Split objects
With the right toolchain this can work. It's been tested on Solaris 10 with ghc-6.8.3, gcc-4.1.2 and the system (not GNU) binutils (ie as, ld etc from /usr/ccs/bin).
If you run into problems however turn it off by adding this to your
Note that to use split objects at the moment you need your gcc to default to the SPARC V9 ABI or to tell ghc to tell gcc to use the V9 ABI it when assembling (
-opta-mcpu=v9) otherwise you'll hit bug #2872.
Putting it all together
This example uses ghc-6.8.3 on Solaris 10, using gmp and other tools from the 'blastwave' collection installed in
/opt/csw. The gcc is 4.1.2 install in
/opt/ghc-vanilla/4.1.2/bin. The bootstrapping ghc is the binary from the ghc download page installed in
mk/build.mk file is
SRC_HC_OPTS=-optl-R/opt/csw/lib SplitObjs=YES
export PATH=/opt/gcc-vanilla/4.1.2/bin:/opt/csw/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/ccs/bin
./configure options
./configure --prefix=/opt/ghc \ --with-ghc=/opt/ghc-bin/bin/ghc \ --with-gcc=/opt/gcc-vanilla/4.1.2/bin/gcc \ --with-gmp-includes=/opt/csw/include \ --with-gmp-libraries=/opt/csw/lib
Remember of course that you must use GNU make, not the system make. The Solaris 10
/usr/sfw/bin/gmake should do. Any other GNU make that you install from a third party repository should also be ok.
gmake -j4
If you are lucky enough to have a box with lots of CPU cores then use them! Sadly the maximum number that it can actually use effectively is around 4. Hopefully the new build system in ghc-6.11 and later will be able to use more.
- link to expected testsuite results.
- how to make ghc use
-R/opt/csw/libfor everything it builds (it get it into the rts pkg conifg)
- how to make sure it really does get built with readline support


text:
LoganTN needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 17 designs submitted by 7 freelance designers.
Ace Clutch aceclutch.com
A former coworker and myself had been doing coding work for close to a year. I've been playing video games competitively since my mid-teens, and had a chance to get to know very well the inner workings of a very specific competitive community. The goal of this project is to build a website that will fill a void in news articles for an audience of roughly 5,000-10,000 and expand to more games as the opportunities arise.
Three of us are working in collaboration to make sure that this venture is a success. We are hoping to add a designer to our repertoire, but as this is a VC project, funds are limited and we can't afford to work with a design agency; this design will be our first and only foreseeable expense (coding, advertising, hosting, staff are all covered). Therefore, anyone who is willing to take this payment in full for their design and then an additional stake (tbd) in the project for future smaller projects or manipulations that come up will likely be the winner.
Edit: As a bit of background for anyone interested in working on this project, the name of the project, Ace Clutch, comes from a gaming term that essentially means being the sole remaining member of your team and defeating everyone on the other team, against the odds.
This website will be directed towards professional and semi-professional PC video gamers (4+ hours a day gaming). 18-25 y/o males from varying backgrounds, regions, and classes who play on competitive teams for money and prizes.
We just need the design; we can code.
The website will be a community website: news and rumors (distinct from each other) will be posted in paraphrased blog-format with a comment system.
Aside from the news, the forums and user profiles will be focal points. Making lesser appearances will be downloads, and demos (recordings of played games).
If you're still in the dark about the e-sports community, look to http://www.GotFrag.com, http://www.fnatic.com, http://www.tek-9.org, and (to a lesser degree) GameRiot.com.


text:
- "Now, Harry, cast a fully-charged Verdimillious Duo Spell. Once cast, the spell will show you objects hidden by dark magic. Use what you find to leave the room!"
- —Professor Lockhart[src]
The Verdimillious Duo Spell (Verdimillious) is a charm that produces green or red energy from the tip of the wand[1]. It holds a number of useful purposes, and is rather easy to cast[1].
Professor Quirinus Quirrell taught this charm to his first year Defence Against the Dark Arts class in the 1991-1992 school year along with the Verdimillious Charm and Verdimillious Tria[3]. Professor Gilderoy Lockhart later revised it with his second year Defence Against the Dark Arts class the next year[1].
Like its precursor, Verdimillious Duo can have two forms with very different effects, although unlike the Verdimillious Charm, this spell's dual forms are marked by varying colours.
If one quickly casts the charm while aiming for a specific target, green sparks and electrical discharge will explode from the wand and crackle all around the victim, hence proving very useful in duelling[1][2]. When used a number of times by more than one witch or wizard on a werewolf, the beast will be temporarily subdued[2].
If one draws out the casting, saying the incantation slowly and waving the wand in a circle overhead, aiming for thin air above the caster, an orb of red light will be thrown skywards from the tip of the wand like a flare[1]. Once it reaches a certain point it will explode several feet away in a blinding flash of white light, thereby illuminating the entire room for a short time[1]. While the light of the charm fills the room, objects hidden by Dark magic will be revealed, although unlike its precursor, objects hidden by Verdimillious Duo remain tangible and visible even after the light fades[1]. Nonetheless, green sparks will still be floating around the enchanted objects for a while after the light disappears[1].
This incantation is most likely derived from Latin "viridis", meaning "green" and French "mille", meaning "a thousand". The modifier "duo" means "two" and is common in incantations.
Behind the scenes
- This charm may be related to Verdillious and Vermillious.
- It is an upgrade of the Verdimillious Charm and the precursor of Verdimillious Tria.
- This spell was meant to be in the Game Boy Advance version of the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is evidenced by the game's debug menu, which is inaccessible during normal gameplay but can be accessed via a cheating device such as an Action Replay. One of the options is a list of all of the text in the game, with "Verdimillious Duo" being listed along with the game's other spells.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (Green, GBC)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game) (PS1 and GBC)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game) (Green, GBA)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game) (Cut from final version)
Notes and references


text:
University of South Carolina Beaufort sophomore Kendra Collins was named an honorable mention selection to the NAIA Women's Golf All-America team on Monday.
Collins, a former Bluffton High standout, posted top-15 finishes in four events and earned All-Sun Conference honors this spring. She also was named Sun Conference Golfer of the Week once.
Her best finish was a tie for fifth at the Newberry College Invitational at Moss Creek Golf Club, followed by a tie for sixth at the Sun Conference Championships.
Collins did not play the final three rounds at the NAIA National Championships last week because of illness.


text:
Washington, DCUSA
June 11, 2007
No answer yet
Help support your Meetup
Meet other outdoors enthusiasts who are environmentally conscious and spiritually inclined. Of course you don't have to be all three! Our main purpose is to enjoy nature, whether it is hiking, biking, camping, backpacking or bird-watching. We'll also try to do our part to protect the environment by joining clean-ups, trail maintenance, etc., Being with nature is also great for the spirit, but when we are not outdoors we'll do meditation, book-reading, etc., We'll do our own events or join the activities of Sierra Club, hiking and biking clubs, other outdoor and environmental groups and also meditation groups. I have found that enjoying nature brings me in touch with my roots as a human being and helps me to connect better with other living beings and people, without any barriers.
Disclaimer: We provide a way for meeting people with similar interests on a voluntary basis. Participants in our events are responsible for their own safety.
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text:
a steezy pete is snowboarder who is completely "steezed" out to the max.. probably wearing atleast 3 tall tees at one time and all the latest Gangster shit. steezy petes have all the latest Technine snowboard gear aswell. Breckenridge CO is packed full of steezy petes.. son
"yo check out that steezy pete's shoe lace belt dawg, it matches one of his tall Tees."
by sick brew March 26, 2010
buy the domain for your pet blog


text:
Hand-arranged in a shimmering opalescent mercury glass cube with gorgeous golden ombre finish, this vibrant autumnal arrangement is a beautifully breathtaking surprise!
This radiant arrangement includes orange roses, light orange alstroemeria, purple button spray chrysanthemums, burgundy cushion spray chrysanthemums, bupleurum, seeded eucalyptus, huckleberry, and transparent autumn oak leaves. Delivered in a Golden Amber cube.Approximately 13 3/4" W x 12 1/2" H


text:
This year the Festival will be held at Freedom Pÿk, the former Broad Street Prison, a notorious symbol of slavery and oppression, now converted into a space open to the public.
In homage to the Festival, Moleskine has created a special edition which will be given as a gift to the artists and guests in Lagos, including the poets of the "Coffee-Table Collection", Nigerian filmmakers whose works will be shown, and exhibiting photographers.
Each year the Festival focuses on a specific region of the world. The choice this year is the Mediterranean, and Italy in particular, with a series titled "Black Mediterranean: Afro-Italian Narratives". Among the eminent writers and international scholars who will be present are Nuruddin Farah, Ubax Cristina Ali-Farah, Claudio Gorlier, professor emeritus at the University of Turin, and Armando Pajalich, poet and professor at the University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
Lagos Black Heritage Festival
April 2-9
Freedom Park, Broad Street,
Lagos Island, Nigeria.
April 2-9
Freedom Park, Broad Street,
Lagos Island, Nigeria.


text:
Jan 26,2007
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Report
by ODFW
Due to cold weather and icy conditions, angler activity and updates to this week's recreation report are limited. Contact ODFW at the Deschutes Watershed Office (541) 388-6363 or Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732 for more information.
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-14 inch rainbow trout are fair. Illegally introduced bullhead have had a negative impact on trout angling. Recent snows may limit access. Contact Ochoco National Forest @ 541-416-6500.
CLEAR LAKE: Clear Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.
COLUMBIA RIVER FROM BONNEVILLE RESERVOIR TO JOHN DAY DAM: Bass fishing has been good in the main Columbia and backwaters. Anglers are reporting good catch rates of nice bass in shallow water with artificial baits of various types.
CRESCENT LAKE: No boat ramps are accessible due to snow and few if any anglers on the water over the past week. There is open water for those anglers with float tubes and pontoon craft.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Angling opportunities for redband trout and mountain whitefish are good. Flows are projected to be from 200-250 CFS the next few weeks. Wading in the river should be relatively easy and trout hungry after weeks of high water. Anglers using nymphs are likely to be most successful. Anglers can check daily flows at this website:http://www1.wrd.state.or.us/cgi-bin/choose_realtime_gage.pl?basin=05
DESCHUTES RIVER: Dry fly fishing has been slow; anglers should look at using nymphing tactics in the slow water areas. DESCHUTES RIVER Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: No angling reports from the past week. Deschutes River flows have come down to around 800 cfs.. Please note that this reach of river is restricted to flies and lures only.
FALL RIVER: No recent reports. Very little overall angler activity.
FROG LAKE: Frog Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow and brown trout 10-18 inches are available. No recent reports.
KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: Kingsley Reservoir, located west of Hood River, has recently been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity.LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: The Metolius Arm is closed to angling. The balance of the reservoir has fair to good opportunities for bull, brown and rainbow trout.
LAURANCE LAKE: Laurance Lake, located near Parkdale, has been stocked with keeper trout.METOLIUS RIVER: There are no new reports from anglers from the past week. This time of year the bull trout and mountain whitefish are typically fairly active and can provide an enjoyable day. Please note that the Metolius River is catch and release for all fish.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow trout are good. Portions of the reservoir may be icing over, however, conditions are likely unsafe for ice angling.
PINE HOLLOW: Stocked with keeper trout.PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Portions of the reservoir may be icing over, however, conditions are likely unsafe for ice angling.ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Rock Creek Reservoir, located near Wamic, has been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity.WALTON LAKE: Opportunities for 8-16 inch rainbow trout are fair.


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Heidi Dallin interviews the cast and crew of "Fame Jr." for a Cape Ann TV special that airs tonight at 6PM on Channel 12.
If you haven't seen the show, your last chance is this week: Thursday & Friday, March 6 & 7 at 7PM or Saturday & Sunday, March 8&9 at 1pm.
Tickets are available at the door.
If you can watch the special tonight, see it on the Web at Cape Ann TV's wicked cool streaming service here.


text: Baltimore Ravens Nike Men's #57 C.J. Mosley Elite White larger image Baltimore Ravens Nike Men's #57 C.J. Mosley Elite White Item SKU: Baltimore Ravens 74598 Availability: Units in Stock $46.99 Size: Size Charts -- Please Select -- 40/M 44/L 48/XL 52/2XL 56/3XL 60/4XL Quantity: Descriptions The NFL® Baltimore Ravens Nike Men's #57 C.J. Mosley Elite White from Nike® is the closest thing to what your heroes are wearing on the field. The jersey features the name and number with flexible twill. Buy your favorite Baltimore Ravens Nike Men's #57 C.J. Mosley Elite White from the official shop of the NFL®. PRECISE FIT Zoned stretch fabric at the sides is tailored for a precise fit and movement. FLYWIRE STRENGTH Flywire strength resists stretch around the neck, so it holds its shape. BREATHABILITY Strategic ventilation over major heat zones helps keep you cool. Additional Details Water-repelling fabric to help keep you stay lightweight and dry Tailored fit for comfort Flexible twill numbers No-tag neck label Stitched player's name, number on chest, back and sleeves Embroidered nike logo on each sleeve and team wordmarks or logos on chest TPU metallic-effect shield at V-neck Laser-cut embossed jock tag Fabric: BODY: 91% NYLON/ 9% SPANDEX MESH: 88% NYLON/ 12% SPANDEX Machine wash cold Made in El Salvador Other Items To Consider Baltimore Ravens Nike Youth #87 Maxx Williams Elite White $46.99 Baltimore Ravens Nike Men's #9 Justin Tucker Game Purple Team Color $34.99 Baltimore Ravens Nike Women's #58 Elvis Dumervil Elite Purple Team Color $46.99 Baltimore Ravens Nike Women's #24 Shareece Wright Game Purple Team Color $34.99


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The delayed launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE has pissed more than a few people off. Earlier this week, we learned that the ITC has blocked imports of Sprint's new flagship HTC device at U.S. Customs to inspect the software loaded on the devices to make sure HTC is no longer infringing upon Apple's patent #5,946,647. Sprint's official notice of the delayed launch went out on its community forums while HTC issued an official comment to the media.
We can confirm that the product will not be in stores this Friday. Products for pre-order are on hold. We'll provide a ship date as soon as we're able. HTC will work with Sprint to maintain the promise for pre-order customers so they will be among the first to receive their HTC EVO 4G LTE units when available.HTC
While all of this is bad new for consumers, the delay of the HTC EVO 4G LTE may be short lived. A glimmer of hope appeared this afternoon when Best Buy customers who had pre-ordered the HTC EVO 4G LTE restarted receiving emails which state that the new release date for the phone has been pushed back from May 18th to May 23rd.
Best Buy could have some information which has not yet been made available to the public, but HTC has not released any new information on the issue. We are waiting to hear back from them regarding this new development. For all we know, the ITC has already lifted the U.S. Customs hold on the HTC EVO 4G LTE and HTC One X and HTC is waiting to release an official statement until the devices start moving through their supply chain again.


text: Okay, so we're getting a bit repetitive. First this was the dunk of the year, then this was in the running too. Yeah, yeah, they're all great dunks, and so is this one, from the second quarter of tonight's Thunder-Kings tussle in Oklahoma City. What's it got going for it? Well, it's a lob, and while Blake Griffin's brought us plenty of those (many via Chris Paul), they're more about brute strength than the athleticism we see here from Westbrook (and Durant, for that matter, who gets up the court and into position to make the pass really beautifully). Maybe we don't have to rank these things. Maybe we can just say "that's a great dunk." [FS OK]


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Grand Island residents are about to benefit from a national backpack giveaway campaign.
The Cellular Connection, the largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S., in a joint effort with its customers, has announced that it will donate 60,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through its School Rocks Backpack Giveaway initiative.
More than 400 participating TCC stores across the U.S. are inviting local families to bring their children to the store between noon and 2 p.m. on Aug. 3 to pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and more. Backpacks will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The participating store on Grand Island is located at 2162 Grand Island Blvd.
Each participating TCC store will donate between 100 and 150 backpacks. Any leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools.
Grand Island residents have also joined the cause. Since the beginning of May, TCC customers have been given the option to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar with the difference going directly toward the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average person with children in grades K-12 will spend $95.44 on school supplies such as notebooks, pencils and backpacks.


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Two midshipmen will face court-martial while a third will not in the case of three football players who were accused of raping a fellow student at the U.S. Naval Academy, it was announced on Thursday.
The decision in the abuse case comes as Congress has continued to wrestle with the growing number of sexual assaults in the military. It also comes amid notorious civilian cases involving athletes and alcohol-fueled rape such as the assault in Steubenville, Ohio.
Vice Adm. Michael Miller, the superintendent of the Naval Academy, announced that he had referred the cases of Midshipmen Eric Graham of Eight Mile, Ala., and Joshua Tate of Nashville to court-martial. Midshipman Tra'ves Bush of Johnston, S.C., should not face court-martial, he said.
"We are committed to a thorough and fair conduct system and investigative process, and the Naval Academy will meet the highest standards, operate consistent with the law, and expeditiously investigate every report of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment and sexual assault," the academy said in a statement emailed to reporters.
Graham was charged with abusive sexual contact and Tate was charged with aggravated sexual assault. Both midshipmen were also charged with making false official statements, the academy said.
"The case was thoroughly investigated by NCIS and was forwarded in June for further investigation at an Article 32 hearing. The Article 32 investigation concluded last month, and the investigating officer forwarded his report of findings and recommendations to Vice Adm. Miller last week," according to the military academy's statement.
"We are pleased that two cases are going forward," Susan Burke, the lawyer for the alleged victim, told the Los Angeles Times. Burke added that she and her client were briefed about the third case in which a confession would not have been admissible in court.
"The victim is a strong young woman who is very smart," Burke said. "She understands that a confession can be made under circumstances that leads to it being suppressed."
[Updated, 11:48 a.m. PDT Oct. 10: Andrew J. Weinstein, the attorney representing Bush, disagreed with Burke that charges against his client had been dismissed for technical legal reasons. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Weinstein said:
"Midshipman Bush is gratified that all criminal charges against him have been fully dismissed. This
decision follows a thorough 8 day, 21 witness Article 32 hearing, presided over by a Judge who, in an
exhaustive 174 page report, concluded that the allegations of sexual assault against Midshipman Bush
were unsubstantiated and that no reasonable grounds exist to believe that he committed any such crime.
Midshipman Bush is a young man who has committed his life to the protection of our country and, with
these criminal charges now behind him, he looks forward to continuing his loyal and devoted service.
Any suggestion that the case against [Midshipman] Bush was dismissed on some sort of legal technicality is baseless. As the Judge who conducted the Article 32 hearing concluded, reasonable grounds do not exist to believe that [Midshipman] Bush committed the crime of aggravated sexual assault, irrespective of any statements he may have made."]
Both the original alleged episode in 2012 and the recent Article 32 proceeding, roughly the equivalent of a preliminary hearing in civilian law, drew sharp complaints from those who monitor the military's application of justice and from women's advocates. At the proceeding, the female accuser was questioned for more than 30 hours by defense attorneys seeking to focus on the alleged victim rather than the athletes she said raped her.
The alleged incident occurred in April 2012.
The female midshipman testified that she had been drinking rum then went to a "toga and yoga" party at an illicit off-campus house known to be used by football players at the academy in Annapolis, Md. Males wore togas and females reportedly wore yoga pants. More than 100 people attended the party at the house known as "the Black Pineapple," according to testimony.
There was heavy drinking at the party where the 20-year-old woman arrived already drunk. She testified that she may have been too drunk to stay conscious.
The woman said she learned of the sex acts via social media the next day – a similar situation to the Ohio case where social media played a crucial role in forcing the case onto the public agenda.
The woman was reluctant to bring charges against her fellow student-officers. When the investigation began, she was disciplined for drinking and the males were allowed to continue their football careers, according to her attorney Susan Burke, speaking to reporters at the time. Without the woman's testimony, the case was closed in November 2012. It was reopened in January when the victim changed her mind and agreed to testify.
In September, the woman was questioned for about 30 hours over several days by defense attorneys who grilled her about her sexual habits and whether she wore a bra. She was even questioned – despite frequent objections from prosecutors -- about how wide she opened her mouth during oral sex and whether that indicated she was consenting to the sexual activity. The female midshipman was also asked if she had apologized to another sex partner "for being a ho."
The case infuriated partisans who argued that the military system of criminal justice was unable to deal with sexual assault cases and allowed lawyers to put the victim on trial. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, (D-N.Y.) was among the lawmakers continuing to push to change the current system.
The Navy case also comes as the number of sexual assaults in the military has grown to about 26,000 a year, up from the 19,000 two years earlier.


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Lundell Plastics Corporation makes plastic parts that extend equipment life by protecting the components vulnerable to heavy wear. Lundell says its UHMW polyethylene wear shoes can be installed to protect a new auger or repair an old auger and will outlast steel two to one. At about $40/unit (covering one revolution of auger flighting), wear shoes are less expensive than replacing an auger.
Lundell also offers polyethylene flightings for use in seed handling. The company claims the polyethylene flightings are as durable as steel ones but the plastic is gentler on the seed.
Contact Lundell Plastics Corp., Dept. FIN, 400 W. Market St., Odebolt, IA 51458, 877/367-7659, www.lundellplastics.com.
Hide comments


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[Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and the Rules of the House of Representatives, 111th Congress] [111st Congress] [House Document 110-162] [Jeffersons Manual of ParliamentaryPractice] [Page 171] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] * * * * * sec. xv--order
|Sec. 351. Precedent in Parliament and the House.
|In Parliament, ``instances make order,'' per Speaker Onslow. 2 Hats., 141. But what is done only by one Parliament, cannot be called custom of Parliament, by Prynne. 1 Grey, 52.


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I read an article a few days ago about ideas for jazzing up your scrub wardrobe. Wearing monochromatic scrubs can get rather monotonous, and after reading this article, I thought I would put my style talents to work. Since Cherokee makes great scrubs that appeal to almost everyone, I took advantage. I love Cherokee scrubs for the same reasons you probably do. They always seem to have a great fit, wash well, and there is a style for just about everything and everyone!
So without further ado, here is my attempt at working as a Scrubs Fashionista!
How about this V-Neck top in the Eco Floral Pattern with these cute straight legged cargo pants in chocolate brown?
Or check out this "keyhole" top. It looks like a classic tunic with the mild v-neck and side vents. It would look great paired with these "Touch" drawstring cargo pants in turquoise. These pants have the added benefit of being soft as can be!
Here's another cut I really like from Cherokee—the empire waist top. Pair this top in the "Papavero" or "Modern Dot" print with these low-rise flare leg scrub pants in black and you could almost stop at a happy hour on your way home from work!
What is your favorite Cherokee inspired outfit?


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Babolat Tennis Racquets
Babolat tennis racquets are in the hands of top tennis pros like Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Li Na and many more. Get the best possible advantage with your very own racquet from this high quality line in the Babolat tennis racquet family.
Babolat AeroPro
The Babolat AeroProincorporates Aero modular technology for 10 percent more aero dynamism for a faster swing. The Aero-dynamic design of these Babolat tennis racquets is incorporated into three strategic racquet points: the throat, the head and the shaft. Cortex System technology is an interface and vibration filtering system between the handle and the frame. The CDS (Cortex Dampening System) preserves useful low-frequency vibrations and dampens high-frequency impact vibrations, allowing enhanced sensations and more responsive ball control. The GT braided graphite/tungsten fibers in the racquet core improve racquet performance by harvesting 10 percent more energy, and providing more power, than non GT frames.
Babolat Pure Drive
Babolat Pure Drive combines three Babolat tennis racquet technologies for one high performance racquet, endorsed and used by Andy Roddick. The GT graphite/tungsten braided fiber, reinforced racquet frame returns 10 percent more energy due to the added concentration of tungsten filaments at strategic racquet locations. The CDS (Cortex Dampening System) filters through vibrations; deadening unwanted high frequency vibrations and preserving helpful low frequency vibrations for more precise racquet control. The Babolat patented Woofer technology enhances racquet to string interaction when hitting the ball. You will feel more confident and have more control with 25 percent more contact time.
Babolat Pure Storm
Babolat Pure Storm racquets feature the powerful GT (graphite/tungsten) frame and the Babolat patented Woofer technology. Instead of a static string bed, the piston/pulley function of the Woofer system allows strings to interact during impact, providing 10 percent more power and a larger sweet spot. Greater surface deformation dampens unwanted vibrations and absorbs more shock.
Babolat Drive Z
Drive Z, designed for advanced players, this Babolat tennis racquet balances power, forgiveness and maneuverability. Patented Woofer technology ensures a larger sweet spot, a more interactive string bed and harmful vibration dampening for more responsive power in each swing. The Side Cortex dampening system (an evolution of the Cortex Dampening System) is a soft, translucent material in the two side beams of the yoke. Even the inverted V shape of the cortex has been purposefully designed to dampen only the vibrations that interfere with comfort and prevent precise ball control.
Babolat Overdrive
The Babolat Overdrive combines comfort and maneuverability for intermediate players. The CDS (Cortex dampening System) between the racquet head and handle minimizes vibration interference by dampening high frequency vibrations and allowing low frequency vibrations through to enhance racquet control. The ergonomic smart Grip design in the Overdrive Babolat tennis racquet handles maximizes control by providing you with a more natural grip. This patented Babolat exclusive grip design lessens rotation in the wrist when hitting the ball.
Babolat E-Sense Range
Babolat E-Sense Range is for infrequent intermediate players. These Babolat tennis racquets are made of 100 percent graphite with Side Woofers. E-Sense frames are great for first victories.
Babolat C-Drive
The C-Drive series of Babolat tennis racquets were designed with the junior player in mind. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, the C-Drive features Side Cortex with a Cortex Dampening System on both sides of the yoke. The CDS (Cortex Dampening System) preserves useful low-frequency vibrations and dampens high-frequency impact vibrations, allowing enhanced sensations and more responsive ball control.
Babolat Junior
The Junior Babolat tennis racquets mirror the technology found in the adult equivalent racquets. From junior champions to those just starting out, there is a racquet for every level, and every size.


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recently i saw a TS-12 go for just under 500 and the same day a TS-10 go for just under 1500, literally triple the cost!
why? is it the poly after touch on the ts10 that makes it worth 3 times it's bigger brother???
and what is poly after touch? i know what after touch is, and my ultra nova has after touch and it works just fine. and i can hold down and push harder on a cord and they all "after touch"
i am confused on this. any one out there in the synth land that could clear up my confusion would be appreciated


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Turn off the Ad Banner
To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.
This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,
located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.
Appeared on: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Microsoft Adds Office Style Ribbon To Windows 8's Explorer
The Home tab is focused on the core file management tasks, and Microsoft
put all the major file management commands there in prominent locations:
Copy, Paste, Delete, Rename, Cut, and Properties. Microsoft has also also given new
prominence to two popular heritage features, Move to and Copy to, along
with exposing a hidden gem, Copy path, which is really useful when you
need to paste a file path into a file dialog, or when you want to email
someone a link to a file on a server.
The Share tab is for sharing files by typical methods like zipping
them up and emailing them to a friend, or burning them to optical media.
Or you can quickly share files with other people in your home group or
your network domain. It also provides one-click access to the ACLs for
the currently highlighted file.
The View tab provides access to options for view customization. Microsoft
enabled one-click access for turning on/off the Navigation pane,
Preview pane, and Details pane, a live preview gallery for the different
icon display sizes, quick access to sorting and grouping by column, the
ability to quickly add columns, plus easy access to three hidden
features: show file name extensions, show hidden items, and hide
selected items.
The customization options for the Navigation pane are also much
easier to access ? in the drop-down menu, you get one-click access to
them, including a new option to show or hide favorites.
The file menu lets you quickly open new Explorer windows, access your
shortcuts, and change folder and search options. It also includes a
hidden feature that we love, Open command prompt, and a really useful
new command, Open command prompt as administrator, both of which launch a
command prompt with the path set to the currently selected folder.
Microsoft has provided a variety of contextual tabs that activate in the
context of specific files and folders, and for tasks like searching,
managing libraries, viewing pictures, and playing music. One of the best
examples is the new Search Tools contextual tab which launches when you
click in the search box.
The Search tab surfaces a bunch of hidden gems that most people are
not aware of, but that could solve some common problems for them. You
can quickly adjust the scope of any search, filter by common date
ranges, file type, file size, and other properties like the author or
name. Then you can save these searches for future use.
Here are examples of some of the other Explorer context tabs:
Disk Tools
Microsoft investigated a number of options for using
widescreen formats more effectively with the goal that the total
vertical space available for content was the same after we added the
ribbon as it had been in Windows 7. The company removed the header at the top of
the main view and moved the Details pane to the right side (and also did
a visual revamp of the pane) while keeping a one-line status bar at the
bottom of the window.
This approach gives you a new Details pane that is much easier to
read, makes better use of widescreen formats, and preserves screen real
estate for the main file/folder pane. The exact number of lines might
vary a bit from PC to PC depending on what add-ins you have, but for the
out-of-the-box configuration running full screen at 1366 X 768, you can
actually fit two more lines on the screen than you could in Windows 7.
And this comparison assumes you have the ribbon open. If you collapse
the ribbon (double-click the tab, or click the Minimize arrow on the
right side of the ribbon), you get even more vertical real estate with
our new approach.
All of the existing Windows Explorer shortcuts work in this
version of Explorer, but with Microsoft's new approach, all of the approximately
200 commands in the ribbon now have keyboard shortcuts as well.
The new Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Explorer also provides a lot of
customization opportunities. Similar to Office, by right-clicking any
button in the ribbon, you can add it to the QAT. Additionally, you can
choose to have the QAT display above or below the ribbon, and to display
the ribbon in an open or minimized state.
Finally, as you may have noticed in several of the screen shots, Microsoft just had to bring back the ?Up" button.


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Acrossair Browser
Acrossair is another augmented reality application for the iPhone. If you don't know what augmented reality is yet then check out the video below demonstrating Acrossair.
The Acrossair Browser switches to a Google Maps view when you hold the iPhone flat. The map stays oriented to your current view as you move the phone around.
The usefulness of augmented reality applications for mobile phones depend on the quality of geo-data that they hold. Watching the video for the Acrossair browser it looks like they already have lots of data from a number of different sources.
Also See
Augmented Reality Roundup


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Our home has no commercial signs. Even if you use a GPS, please print these directions or download a PDF on your phone !
From the North: A1 exit Valdichiana, SS E45, bypass Perugia and follow signs for Assisi on the SS75
From the South: A1 exit Orte, SS E45 (SS 3bis) follow direction Perugia, then SS75 direction-Assisi-Foligno
Exit at Santa Maria degli Angeli Nord. You will encounter a series of roundabouts that are numbered. At roundabout nr 2 follow Santa Maria degli Angeli. In Santa Maria degli Angeli drive along the huge church with a golden statue on the top of the facade. Drive straight on along the church, then take the underpass beneath the railway. Note the sign for Assisi almost in front of the MacDonald's as soon as you emerge from the underpass. Continue following signs for Assisi until roundabout nr 5 (approx. 3.5 km/ 2.1 miles from the Church).
Here turn left downhill, direction Perugia (SS 147), you will be soon driving on the Ponte San Vittorino (a bridge close to a bus and camper parking lot). Just after the bridge turn sharp right in Via San Vittorino along the parking lot (this is Parking area E).
Continue straight on for 1.7 km (1 mile) without taking any turn until a T-junction where you have to turn left. You will see the sign of Via Petrata on your left as soon as you turn. Continue uphill for 4.2 km (2.6 miles). Do not take Via Mosciole nor any turn into unpaved roads until you arrive at a large stone building with a metal gate, the Castello di Petrata. After the Castello you will notice our house across the hill with solar panels on the roof.
Continue past the Castello di Petrata for 1 km (0.6 miles) until you see a long, low house of a white-cream color at nr. 35-37. The B&B is at nr. 37. Note the ceramic plate depicting a medieval lady near the house number.
The house has many doors, please ring at nr. 37 (which is indicated below the plate) and we will tell you where to park.
Click here to open a Google map with driving directions.
NB If using a navigator, please search for directions from Assisi, not from Valfabbrica. Please do not exit the highway at Assisi Viole, Assisi Rivotorto, Ospedalicchio or Valfabbrica. The exit Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli Nord is well signposted and is the most convenient route to the town and to us.
Lat. North: 43° 6' 660'' or 43° 06' 39.6"
Long. East: 12° 37' 527'' or 12° 37' 31.6"
Our address:
"Alla Madonna del Piatto", Via Petrata 37, Pieve San Nicolo', 06081 Assisi (PG), Umbria, Italy
tel.: + 39 075 8199050
cell: + 39 3287025297EMAIL


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Here, you can find all kinds of batteries for Einhell cordless tools. All the Einhell batteries listed is brand new and stored in our UK warehouse, we will send your order via safe and fast shippment, which can help you get it in time.
|There are no products to list in this category.


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Latest data out of China shows factory activity shrinking for the fifth consecutive month in March, heightening concerns that this could be the turning point for Australia's resource plays and currency as chances increase of a protracted slowdown in the world's largest consumer of commodities.
One analyst told CNBC on Thursday that he was thinking of reworking his Australian portfolio keeping in mind a slowing China.
"The numbers are showing us that there is slowing down, we will therefore construct portfolios with less expectations that growth from China will drive," Jeremy Hook, Investment Director of TMS Capital, an advisory firm based in Sydney, told CNBC.
"Therefore some of the domestic (Australian) stories, some of the beaten-up cyclicals such as brick works and the building sector, which have been terrible here. That might be the better place to invest where nothing is expected rather than the resource sector where a lot is expected and we could end the year being a bit disappointed," Hook said.
Australia exported A$64.8 billion (US$67.9 billion) worth of goods to China in the last fiscal year that ended June 30, 2011, out of which iron ore and concentrate shipments to China made up almost 62 percent, according to data from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Therefore any slowdown in its biggest export market, will have a ripple effect on Australia's mining sector say market watchers, who forecast commodity prices will trend lower because of an expected decline in Chinese demand.
"There's a sense that there'll be weakness in the first half and that will weigh on soft metals," Peter Hickson, Global Commodities and Basic Materials Strategist at UBS, told CNBC.
BHP Billiton, the world's biggest miner, also said on Tuesday it was seeing signs of "flattening" iron ore demand from China.
Aussie to Hurt
The Australian dollar fell to a two-month low on Thursday on news that new factory orders in China sunk to the lowest level in four months, according to HSBC's preliminary measure of manufacturing activity.
According to Jonathan Barratt, CEO of Sydney-based commodity market research and analysis firm Barratt's Bulletin, the Aussie dollar could potentially fall to parity against the U.S. dollar if the Chinese economy continues to show weakness.
"We have seen a lot of news concerning the economy slowing and this just adds to the frustration," he said. "The Australian dollar looks weak. If we see a break of US$1.04 on a daily chart this will potentially see US$ 1.0170 and even parity," Barratt said.