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Like the Rockefellers and the Kennedys, the Kochs are one of the most influential dynasties of the modern age, but they have never been the subject of a major biography... until now.
Not long after the death of his father, Charles Koch, then in his early 30s, discovered a letter the family patriarch had written to his sons. "You will receive what now seems to be a large sum of money," Fred Koch cautioned. "It may either be a blessing or a curse."
Fred's legacy would become a blessing and a curse to his four sons - Frederick, Charles, and fraternal twins David and Bill - who in the ensuing decades fought bitterly over their birthright, the oil and cattle-ranching empire their father left behind in 1967. Against a backdrop of scorched-earth legal skirmishes, Charles and David built Koch Industries into one of the largest private corporations in the world - bigger than Boeing and Disney - and they rose to become two of the wealthiest men on the planet.
Influenced by the sentiments of their father, who was present at the birth of the John Birch Society, Charles and David have spent decades trying to remake the American political landscape and mainline their libertarian views into the national bloodstream. They now control a machine that is a center of gravity within the Republican Party. To their supporters, they are liberating America from the scourge of Big Government. To their detractors, they are political "contract killers", as David Axelrod, President Barack Obama's chief strategist, put it during the 2012 campaign.
Bill, meanwhile, built a multi-billion dollar energy empire all his own, and earned notoriety as an America's Cup-winning yachtsman, a flamboyant playboy, and as a litigious collector of fine wine and Western memorabilia. Frederick lived an intensely private life as an arts patron, refurbishing a series of historic homes and estates.
Sons of Wichita traces the complicated lives and legacies of these four tycoons, as well as their business, social, and political ambitions. No matter where you fall on the ideological spectrum, the Kochs are one of the most influential dynasties of our era, but so little is publicly known about this family, their origins, how they make their money, and how they live their lives. Based on hundreds of interviews with friends, relatives, business associates, and many others, Sons of Wichita is the first major biography about this wealthy and powerful family - warts and all.
©2014 Daniel Schulman (P)2014 Hachette Audio
"Obsessed with the gossip"
It's not a bad book, and it's well read. However do not read it if you want to know even an iota about how the Koch's built their businesses through intelligence and foresight - read if you want to hear the same story about how much art Fredrick Koch buys. Very repetitive and the writer clearly was breathless at being let into the Koch's world. Their PR people did a great job as the salacious stories are all well trodden and there's a lot about their "philanthropy"
"great story..really well written.."
really good book was hoping author had written more as the style and pacr of the book wad excellent
"Great listen"
Flows well. Great story, would definitely recommend it. A story about a little known dynasty and it is composed well.
"Interesting family"
I could hardly stop listening; the author grabbed my attention and held it all the way to the end of the book. It is amazing how much information Daniel Schulman has been able to gather about the Koch family, from public records, newspaper reports and court documents. The family refused to be interviewed for the book. Schulman starts with Fred Koch who was born in 1900 and grew up in Quanah, Texas, son of a Dutch immigrant. His father was a printer who brought a printing press to Quanah and established a newspaper. Fred worked at various jobs and worked his way through school. He graduated for M.I.T. in engineering. He invested three hundred dollars and started a company providing the needs of oil refineries. He built this into a multi-million dollar company. He married a Kansas City debutant Mary Robinson. They had four sons Frederick, Charles, twins David and William. Fred worked the boys hard and had the boys compete against each other. They attended boarding schools and M.I.T. except Frederick who attended Harvard with a degree in the arts. Fred was a founding member of the John Birch Society. He taught Charles his political view point but Charles eventually became a member of Libertarian party. Frederick never worked in the company business and had very little to do with the family. He lived in New York City or London restoring old historical buildings, and is a collector and patron of the arts. Charles, David and Bill worked in the company until Bill broke away and brought many lawsuits against the family. Bill built his own engineering company which is now a multi-billion dollar business. Charles and David took the business over from the father and built it into a multi-billion dollar business. Schulman had done a good job assembling everything known about the Koch's into a single straight forward, understandable account. The author leaves out no confirmable damming detail particularly about the Koch Industries indifference to environmental and safety matters. The Koch's Libertarian belief about small or no government appeared to have made them think they did not have to adhere to laws that interfered with their business. After they lost the lawsuits from the EPA they did change the way they ran the company and started to adhere to all laws. Schulman interviewed employees to gather information about Charles's "Market Based Management" system. The author points out that the Koch's donate not only to the Republican Party but also to selected Democrats as well. The brothers individually and with the Family Foundation donate heavily to the arts and medical research. I felt the author presented a well balanced, well researched report about the Koch family. Allen O'Reilly did a good job narrating the book.
"Early Life Details OK but Not Much on the Business"
The most interesting part of this book was hearing about the Koch Brothers' father and their upbringing. Unfortunately, so much of the focus is on the scandalous in-fighting that there is very little time spent on the business and the intelligence and drive of Charles and David. While I learned a few interesting factoids about the brothers, it got tiresome listening to fight after fight, lawsuit after lawsuit, family vs. family.
"Very interesting/enlightening"
I'll admit it, I cringe whenever I see or think of the Koch Brothers, however I listened to an interview with the author and thought what the heck. It's a great story - humanizes these guys along with the rest of the clan - and let's you see where their belief system comes from. I even agree with them in a couple of areas, which kind of shocked me. I still don't like what they do politically, but I'm glad I listened to the book. I think both people that admire and dislike them will find it interesting.
"What a family!"
Very well done storytelling. You get a real feel for the way these folks are motivated and their interactions with each other. Easy to listen to and follow with great interest. Illuminating and provocative, a must read no matter your preconceptions.
The family dynamics were the most interesting.
Very difficult to say there were so many.
I wish I had the time but yes.
"Money and Power"
Great story of very powerful yet tragic family. The story line held my interest but the conclusion could be more brief.
"Interesting but not gripping"
Interesting but not gripping. Gives some insight into a powerful family. In the end it drags. Valuable source for contemporary history.
"Its Dallas meets Giant meets Citizen Kane"
The least appreciated member of the family is the role Mary R. Koch, Fred's wife and the boys' mother, played in keeping the family from tarring itself apart following the death of Fred. It was her unifying influence saved this family from self-destruction. No matter how the boys scrapped it stopped when in their mother's home
Yes! It made me both admire the Koch's and feel apprehensive about them.
Whether the listener will like this book or not will depend on two major factors. One can the listener suspend any adverse reaction he or she may have to the Koch's current political activity. Two whether the listener can view the material in the same way they watch J.R. Ewing in Dallas, Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane, or Bick Benedict & Jett Rink in the film Giant. All of these archetypal film/TV series deal with sometimes ruthless men who have had to struggle and compete to build their economic / political / publishing empires. When these men reach their zenith of power they inevitably sow the seeds of their own destruction by wheedling their power without compassion convinced that the truth they learned in life is the only truth that counts. While listening to this book about the Koch family I found myself thinking of all three of these "fictional families" and characters.
HISTORY: In 1967, Fred Chase Koch, died at age 67, leaving his 4 sons with a lot of money to start their lives. Was it a blessing or a curse? Fred, an immigrant's son, was a self-made man as he came from rags to become one of the wealthiest men in Kansas. He originally settled in Wichita Kansas in 1925 forming his first business Winkler-Koch Engineering Company. They developed a more efficient way of "cracking" oil and making gasoline. Heavy litigation by bigger oil companies nearly drove him out of business. He won the law suits but it was a hollow victory financially. He took the company international and built refineries in the Soviet Union, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is there he made his family fortune. In 1932 he made the most important decision of his life. He married Mary Clementine Robinson. Her father founded University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. From this union sprang Fred Koch's four sons. In 1940, the year his twin sons were born, Fred joined new partners creating Wood River Oil and Refining Company, which today is known as Koch Industries. Fred died November 17, 1967 and the company passes to his four sons who were ages 34 (Fredrick), 32 (Charles) and the twins (David and William) were 27.
Fred, as father and mentor, shaped his sons in the early years to be fiercely competitive. Two of the boys, Charles, the second son, and David, the third son, took the imprint of competitor to heart and merged it with their souls. Together, with single minded focus and constant frugal reinvestment, they built a business that dwarfed their father's holdings. William, David's twin brother, appreciates how to compete and initially worked well with Charles and David but also appreciates the finer things in life. After a litigious buyout of his interest by Charles and David, William took his money and built a separate energy company worth millions and enjoyed a life style of a playboy and sportsman. Charles, David, and William all attended MIT, Fred's Alma mater, and got engineering degrees like their Dad. Charles, David, and William all took positions within the founder Fred's company and learned the company from the bottom up. Fred fast tracked the boys through the various levels of the company so they would understand the guts of the company he had built. And then there was Fredrick; as the eldest son he set his own rebellious path by attending Harvard and he got a degree in the arts. After that he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Upon return to civilian life, he enrolled at the Yale School of Drama. He received an M.F.A. degree from the school in 1961. As a result of this Fredrick never underwent the ground up apprenticeship his brothers did. He became a patron of the arts and refurbished notable homes that had fallen into disrepair and neglect. In essence, at heart, Fredrick became a consumer and displayer of wealth rather than the conservator and accumulator of wealth and power as his three other brothers did. Fredrick seems to have a sense of entitlement, which may come from being the eldest sibling, and a deep ceded suspicion that his brothers were out to cheat him when valuing the price of his stock when they bought him out. Whereas the brothers seem to resent Fredrick's desire to share equally in the mega company Charles, David and William built without putting in the hard work it took to grow the company larger than the one they inherited from their father. This all played out in a decade's long legal struggle over the distribution of the family fortune Fred left his wife and 4 sons. During this struggle for control of the company sometimes William was an ally of Fredrick and sometimes be his opponent. This friction contributed to William deciding to cash out and go his own way and form his own company.
The least appreciated member of the family is the role Mary R. Koch, Fred's wife and the boys' mother, played in keeping the family from tarring itself apart following the death of Fred. It was her unifying influence saved this family from self-destruction. No matter how the boys scrapped it stopped when in their mother's home.
POLITICS: Politically, the family founder, Fred, was very conservative. In 1928 he did business in Joseph Stalin Soviet Union and developed strong anti-communist sentiments from that experience. He was a founding member of the John Birch Society. This and other factors resulted in some very nasty press along the way which engendered Fred's abhorrence to publicity which he passed on to his children. That is why the Koch brothers are all adverse to publicity to this day; unless it is for some philanthropic activity through their Family Foundation. The family refused to be interviewed by the author for this biographical portrait of the founder and sons of the Koch dynasty.
Fred's political views were transferred to his son Charles in his involvement in the Libertarian Party. In 1980 David Koch ran as vice-president on the Libertarian Party ticket. He lost! . . . Since then Charles has been the puppet master by sponsoring think tanks, endowing educational chairs with strings, and provided financial support to mostly Republicans and some Democrats who embrace liberation precepts of small government keeping out of the way of business. Some of the organizations they underwrite are Koch family foundations, Citizens for a Sound Economy, Americans for Prosperity, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Bill of Rights Institute.
PHILOSOPHY: Libertarian philosophy, to my mind, have this idealized view of a level playing field; where stout hearted individual workers can, fairly and without government or union interference, contract with individual employers. The result is a fair market value wage for the skill set offered. In an ideal world that is fair and inhabited by angles, this might work in theory, but it is naïve to think this functions well where parties are motivated on either or both sides by greed, dishonesty, or lack of conscience. The Koch's bring this naïve view to the area of government regulation in the area of commonly held resources, like the environment. If farmer x sells the Koch's a right-of-way through his land to put a leaky oil pipeline on it what skin is it off farmer x neighbors nose if the land is then spoiled. To this naïve view I agree with James Madison when he wrote, "If men were angles, no government would be necessary." The Koch brothers are many things but I don't think anyone would accuse them of being angles. Charles and David are like beautiful tigers. Just because the tigers are beautifully magnificent and good to look at, it does not mean I want to be embraced by them and prefer the bars of government to restrain the tiger's nature. Libertarians argue that the bars are not needed. It impairs market forces. What is naïve about their view that the ground is level is the assumption that all competitors are of equal strength, and that market forces are sufficient to restrain larger or stronger groups from dominating and despoiling weaker groups. Finally they assume everyone will act in accord with their better angles or be free to simply take their economic ball and go find someone else to play with. This is not always possible.
HISTORY: The above philosophical view caused Koch Industries to run into a battle with the EPS which they lost. Following that battle Charles used what he calls Market Based Management (MBM) to determine that Koch Industries were too heavily invested in pipelines. He did not adequately assess or allocate the cost of maintenance of the asset pipeline rightly. By squeezing out every dime of profit from it by cutting maintenance to the bare minimum a disaster followed that prompted the EPA action. As a result of MBM they disinvested the pipelines portion of the business to avoid the liability from future catastrophic failure. Market Based Management works well to maximize profits only if your world view does not prevents you from appreciating the risk one assumes in certain dangerous industrial activities.
SUMMARY: The author successfully presents a well-balanced portrait of the family members. It highlights those qualities that the brothers share as well as those that divide them; those qualities which are altruistic and beneficial to the public good like their philanthropy to the arts and medical science; and those qualities that are more self-interested and are less concerned with public good over privet profit. I find this creates an interesting Yin/Yang dynamic. The Yang of privet ruthless profit makes the Yin of benefactor philanthropy possible. It reminds me of the Carnegie Foundation established by Andrew Carnegie to burnish his image of ruthless steel industrialist after he had worn all the marbles in the monopolistic early industrial age when he cashed out and set up his foundation that built half the public libraries in this country as well as Carnegie Hall. Bill and Melinda Gates as well as Warren Buffett appear to be following this model. There is much to admire in rich people that turn their talents to public benefit. There is also much to be apprehensive about when the rich try through purchased influence and campaigns designed to hood wink citizens into removing the bars that separate our collective necks from their furry muzzle and teeth. My only question is when will the Koch family feel enough money is enough money and switch over to full time philanthropy? Will they do it in time before they utter "Rosebud"?
The book is a great listen, the material is well researched, the narrator's voice is present on the ear, and not taxing to hear over time. I recommend that you take a tour of this Koch family zoo and decide which one, if any, of the Koch family tiger cubs you would want to climb into the cage with.
Three of the four Koch brothers are business men, driven by the arithmetic of life. The Koch brothers are tough-minded, intelligent, well-educated engineers (the eldest son, Frederick, is an art collector with a BA in Humanities from Harvard).Daniel Schulman recounts details of the Koch brothers' lives that make one admire the Koch brother's strengths and fear their weaknesses.
As a listener is titillated by Schulman's stories of each of the brothers, one is reminded of Joseph Kennedy Senior's biography ("The Patriarch") and Kennedy's determination that no circumstance justifies America's entry into WWII. Kennedy's underlying belief was that German atrocity is a matter of arithmetic not politics.
Kennedy believed Hitler's Germany could be contained like any unfair business conglomerate that fails to follow the rules of corporate competition. Schulman's characterization suggests Charles Koch would have agreed with Kennedy's assessment of Hitler and that America made a mistake in entering the war. To both Kennedy and Koch, American entry to the war makes no economic sense when calculating profit and loss; i.e. the only arithmetic intelligent and driven businessmen depend upon. Charles Koch, like Joseph Kennedy, is the patriarch of the Koch family. Charles is the family business's leader, the CEO of Koch Industries.
Schulman infers Charles Koch believes a plutocracy of industrialists, managed by the principles of market driven self-interest, will cure the maladies of American society. The arithmetic of business fails to address the nature of human beings. Creating jobs and wealth does not raise all boats; i.e. jobs and wealth are quantifiable variables in a sea of unquantifiable human' needs. Human nature may change over time but only when, or if, humans reach a level of belief, and action "to do for others as you would have them do to you". Until human nature is rid of lying, greed, lust etc., etc. , something more than market driven self-interest is required to advance society.
In the end, one concludes from Schulman's fascinating book, the Koch brothers are neither devils nor angels; just humans with extraordinary abilities, tenacity, and luck. One's fear comes from their delusion in believing the arithmetic of free enterprise is a panacea for society.
"The Koch brothers and their squabbles"
Family, money, power
William, one of the twins--he had 5 children with 4 women, and 3 wives. He had serious issues with his brothers and it seemed to taint his entire life. I wanted to know more about what was going on inside his head.
No extreme reaction except that I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
"Good book."
A very interesting book about the Koch family, which is also very well narrated.
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A recent article1 providing advice on nutrition encouraged readers to "limit your exposure to pesticides by choosing organic and locally grown foods when possible." The article goes on to explain why pesticides and nitrates (an ingredient in artificial fertilizer) should be avoided.
The writer's intent is not clear to me. While she may have meant to advise choosing foods that are both organic and local, her subsequent explanation only addressed pesticide and fertilizer exposure and therefore did not support that argument.
If your goal is to reduce such exposure, your best bet is to eat organic foods. Period. End of sentence. If you can find foods that are both organic and locally produced, and locally produced is important to you, then by all means, select those. However, selecting conventionally, albeit locally, produced food does nothing to reduce your exposure. The "local" label does not guarantee that your food is organically produced or is better for you. You are certainly better off, and I would argue that the environment is better off, if you purchase organic fruits and vegetables from half-way around the world instead of a pesticide-ridden fruit or vegetable from your local farmer.
1"Tell Me What to Eat." Fit Pregnancy, Oct/Nov 2011: 88

subset: commoncrawl


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text: I have backed up all of my games onto a WBFS formatted hard drive and i have some serious and weird issues. All of my original games do load just fine but when I try to load a game which I have downloaded, it comes up with a black screen. To fix this, I need to turn off the Wii, put the copied disk in for the specific game and I try to load the game from USB Loader and it works. Is there any way for it to stop doing so? I want to be able to play without the disk in. Do i need to update my cIOS (i do not know which one i am using)? I have updated my USB Loader GX. The games which do not work are: Ashes Cricket 2009 (PAL), Super Paper Mario (NTSC-U), Harry Potter HBP (PAL) and Carnival Games (PAL).


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Automated telephone voice message services; Computer-aided transmission of messages and images; Delivery of messages by electronic transmission; Electronic messaging; Electronic, electric, and digital transmission of voice, data, images, signals, and messages
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In an isolated stretch of Eastern Kentucky, on a hilltop known as Blade Ridge, stands a lighthouse that illuminates nothing but the surrounding woods. For years the lighthouse has been considered no more than an eccentric local landmark - until its builder is found dead at the top of the light, and his belongings reveal a troubling local history.
For Deputy Sheriff Kevin Kimble, the lighthouse-keeper's death is disturbing and personal. Years ago Kimble was shot while on duty. Somehow the death suggests a connection between the lighthouse and the most terrifying moment of his life.
Audrey Clark is in the midst of moving her large-cat sanctuary onto land adjacent to the lighthouse. Sixty-seven tigers, lions, and leopards and one legendary black panther are about to have a new home there. Her husband, the sanctuary's founder, died scouting the new property, and Audrey is determined to see his vision through.
As strange occurrences multiply at the Ridge, the animals grow ever more restless, and Kimble and Audrey try to understand what evil forces are moving through this ancient landscape, just past the divide between dark and light.
The Ridge is the new thriller from international best seller Michael Koryta, further evidence of why Dean Koontz has said "Michael Koryta's work resonates into deeper strata than does most of what I read" and why Michael Connelly has named him "one of the best of the best."
I've been bouncing around between books for months now, trying to find something that captured my attention. This book did the trick. One of the other reviewers compared it to a campfire story, and I would agree that the base of this book had that type of base. But while that reviewer considered that a negative, I loved that aspect of it. Campfire stories have to cut right to those deeper situations that make people shiver. It wasn't a jump out of your seat, get nightmares scary by any means, but it made me think a lot during it and I was delighted at the imagery and the storytelling. Come on, a lighthouse in the middle of the woods? That image immediately makes you curious, and there are so many instances of those types of strong, lasting images throughout.
The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is that I reserve 5 star books for those I absolutely cannot put down. The ones that make my guts wrench with some sort of emotion, either grief or excitement or tension, and this book was more of a fun, solid ride than a truly epic one. The author also gave some good characters that brought us through the book, and they did the job well, but I do love when relationships (meaning friendships, romances, trust, animosity) develop or change in big ways over the course of a novel, and that didn't happen in this one--the characters were more allies that happened to be working toward the same cause than ever developing any real feelings or connections to each other. But I would have given it far less stars if I thought this got in the way of the storytelling. I don't find books I love on a 5-star level very often, so take that rating keeping in mind that I may be particularly hard to please.
The narration was great. This audiobook actually dabbled in sound effects (slight echoing for over-the-telephone, spooky background music at supernatural parts). At first, I thought it was kind of cheesy, but I grew to like it and found it actually pretty effective at creating a mood.
This book is less of a lightning fast scream ride, and more of a thoughtful, get under your skin, character-developing campfire-esque tale. Though it's not quite a ghost story, it's a story for those who like that vibe. If you're not intrigued by the sample above, maybe this isn't for you.
All I can say is it's the first book in a while that I'm going to recommend to friends.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Ever since I read The Cypress House, I have been enjoying Koryta's books. This was by far the best of the bunch that I have downloaded. The story line is the strongest and most compelling, with Kimball now rating as my favorite of his heros (I have not read any of the Lincoln Perry books yet, only the stand-alone titles). He has conveyed a vivid sense of place and atmospere that allowed me to visualize the setting as well as the characters. The cats are a marvelous part of the whole. I tried predicting what turns the story would take, and although I never really had the outcome fully figured out, it wasn't because the author played unfair tricks - he just had better ideas. The last hour of the book had me mesmerized. I will say that if you just do not enjoy stories with a strong element of the supernatural, this may not be for you. I don't actively seek out ghost stories, but Koryta's ability to make you buy into the existence of other-worldly beings is masterful.
The reading by Robert Petkoff was excellent. This book was a real treat and highly recommended.
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed this book! It is well written and the characters seem to have depth. My favorite part of the book is the way that Koryta has used the big cats' emotions to drive the story's suspense level.
I hope to hear more from this author...no slashers, no graphic sex scenes (come on people, we know what happens), and no gratuitous gore.
Also, I don't see too many well-written ghost/horror novels out there right now, so discovering this author is great...can't wait for the next one!
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
If you like suspense with a more than touch of the paranormal, you won't be disappointed here. I've heard comparisons between Michael Koryta and Dean Koontz, but I prefer Koryta. After producing "Watchers", a really first rate, well-developed and enjoyable suspense novel, and a couple of others with some imagination, Koontz has progressively sunk into a pattern of cycling vicious violence, underdeveloped characters, and weirdness that never quite makes the cut to believable. What can I say? It sells. Koryta, however, has so far avoided this trap. "The Ridge", as well as "The Cypress House" has all the elements that attract readers to the best of Koontz, but unlike Koontz, he has retained his subtlety.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to The Ridge the most enjoyable?
This one is a real page turner. The Ridge starts slowly, almost lazily, giving each character flesh and personality, then allows the reader to see into the minds of each. The other impact that I felt when reading, was that it is so visual. One can see the deep woods surrounding the town; the beauty of the cats at the preserve; and the omnipresent lighthouse.
Kevin Kimball is revealed to be a man of intelligence, great honor, and fortitude, and he does not waver. His is a lonely life, but he attends to duty in the face of all odds. He is truly the strong, silent savior of his town from the beginning to the very last, nail biting end.
This is a ghost story, but not one that can be totally labeled as such. It is not quite like any that I have read, mainly because of the way that it is told. Upon completion, I was filled with a tinge of sadness, but the end is a matter of just the way it had to end. I cannot give any hints about this story, because to do so would be unjust to the reader who has not read this book, but I must say, you will not be disappointed. The Ridge is one of the best books I have read in some time, and now, I am hoping that a movie is made. This one really needs to be on film.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I put So Cold The River high on my favorites list....but man, this book was so different and so so good right from the start....don't hesitate to download this one....you won't want to stop it til it's done
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
But not a great book. I listen when I'm working outside, in a doctor's office and at the end of the day when there's time. If the book is really good it holds my attention. If not, my mind strays and I have to back track. Found it hard to focus on this one some of the time.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Creepy enough to give you the shivers without ever being gross, like the best kind of campfire tale. I enjoyed the characters and the story. The narration was excellent.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I couldn't put this book down once I started it. The narrator was very good and brought the characters to life for me. This book was well worth it.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Or did I???????
This book was horribly slow. My ears glazed over. It did not come together by the time I gave up in the 2nd to 3rd quarter. There were 2 story lines that I could not tell why each were in the book. The big Cat Habitat or whatever - Held nothing that drew me in. It was like Michael threw that in to add pages to a book. Maybe it came together with the guy that killed himself in the lighthouse - If it did - It was way too late for me. Speaking of the other story line. That was also slow coming together & By the time I started hearing about spirits and blue lights - I started drifting. I thought this was a murder mystery book - Not a ghost story... Whatever it was - It was bad.
I try to weed out the reviews that start with "This is my 7th Michael Koryta book & He's such a good writer"...... I wish there was a non groupie section for reviewers that weren't so easily entertained.
Good news..... A good review coming for Michael Koryta's "The Prophet"
6 of 9 people found this review helpful


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See Howard in Reno in 2011: WorldCon 69
If you've ever considered attending the World Science Fiction Convention, WorldCon 69 in Reno, Nevada is the show for you.
Why? Because the entire Writing Excuses crew is going to be there, a huge contingent of my friends and peers in the Utah community of science-fiction and fantasy creators will be in attendance, and Reno promises to be the most cost-effective WorldCon for a decade in any direction. Why? Because Reno is a gambling town, and the price of your room and your meals will be in large measure offset by gamblin' fools. What would set you back $200 to $300 per day in most cities will cost you between $50 and $100 in Reno.
And right now Renovation 2011 memberships are about to go up in price from $160 to $180. Thursday, September 30th is the last day you can pay the old rate.
Why pre-register? Among other things, starting in January your membership will allow you to nominate things for the 2011 Hugo Awards. You'll also be able to vote on the Hugos themselves during the summer of 2011. It'll also let you tell your friends, family, and boss that you have firm plans between August 17th and 21st of next year, which is a critical step in being able to actually take the time off.
Is WorldCon worth it? If you've ever wanted to meet the folks who create your favorite science fiction and fantasy, and meet them in an environment when they'll actually sit and talk with you in a bar, over lunch, during a panel, or at a kaffeeklatsch, this is the place with the highest concentration of those folks anywhere in the world. You might like star-spotting at ComicCon or Dragon*Con, but those stars usually won't deign to stop and talk. Authors LOVE to talk to people, and tend to have exceedingly interesting things to say.
Is WorldCon worth it? You'll get to meet me and Sandra, and score awesome deals on merchandise. We can't quite save you the cost of membership, but we can make a dent in it. You'll get to meet dozens of other Schlock fans, and argue nuances of plot and characterization. You'll probably get to see Brandon, Dan, and Howard record a few episodes of Writing Excuses in front of a live audience, likely with special guests drawn from the notable attendees.
Is WorldCon worth it? Read the comments below. I'm sure somebody from Melbourne, Montreal, Denver, or Los Angeles (the events I've personally attended during the last five years) will say something helpful.


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What does king mackerel mean?
Definitions for king mackerel
Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word king mackerel.
Princeton's WordNet
king mackerel, cavalla, cero, Scomberomorus cavalla(noun)
large mackerel with long pointed snout; important food and game fish of the eastern Atlantic coast southward to Brazil
King mackerel
The king mackerel is a migratory species of mackerel of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It is an important species to both the commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of king mackerel in Chaldean Numerology is: 9
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of king mackerel in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1
Images & Illustrations of king mackerel
Translations for king mackerel
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- రాజు mackerelTelugu
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Sharon Osbourne is "devastated" by her husband Ozzy Osbourne's relapse into drinking and taking drugs over the past year and a half. "Everybody knows he's been struggling with this his entire life and I never knew that he was using prescription drugs," Sharon Osbourne said on The Talk yesterday, as reported by US Weekly. "I knew he was drinking occasionally, but I didn't realize to what extend. It's our business – we're dealing with it. We're not getting divorced. However, am I happy? No. Am I upset? Yes, I am – I'm devastated right now."
Ozzy Osbourne: 'I Have Been Drinking and Taking Drugs' for 18 Months
The Black Sabbath singer revealed last week that he had slipped back into drug and alcohol use, but said at the time that he had been 44 days sober. The 64-year-old apologized for his "insane behavior" and denied rumors that he and Sharon Osbourne were getting divorced.
Sharon Osbourne confirmed that her husband had been struggling, and said his behavior had affected the family. "He's been using alcohol and prescription drugs for the last year and a half . . . and he has been in a very dark place. That's true," she said. "It's a disease that not only hurts the person that has the disease but it hurts the family. . . . It hurts people that love you and we're dealing with it."
Sharon Osbourne said she thinks the situation will bring the family closer together. "We've dealt with worse and we will deal with it and this too shall pass," she said. "Otherwise my husband will be taken to the hospital to get my foot removed from his ass."
Black Sabbath are getting ready for the June 11th release of their new album 13, their first release with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals since 1978's Never Say Die! They'll premiere the new song "End of the Beginning" on the May 15th season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and they've set four North American shows for this summer.


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WINNIPEG, Nov. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Legumex Walker Inc. (TSX: LWP) (the "Company") today provided an update on its sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company's Special Crops Division to The Scoular Company ("the Special Crops Transaction"), which was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders on November 9, 2015, and its intended divestiture of its 84% ownership interest in Pacific Coast Canola ("PCC") ("the PCC Transaction").
The Company is targeting to complete both the Special Crops and PCC Transactions within the next 10 days.
Further information regarding the Special Crops Transaction and its anticipated effects on Legumex Walker are contained in the Management Information Circular dated October 12, 2015 which is available on www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that there is risk that the amount of working capital or payment in respect thereof pursuant to the Special Crops Transaction will be less than as at September 30, 2015 or otherwise less than expected, resulting in the transaction value being less than anticipated, and a risk that the amount available for distribution to shareholders will be less than expected as a result of unforeseen liabilities.
The Company also reported that it has filed its Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the period ended September 30, 2015 on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and posted the filings on the Company's website at www.legumexwalker.com in the "Investors" section. Revenue, gross profit and earnings were negatively impacted in the quarter by the pending process for the sale of the Special Crops Division and divestiture of the Company's interest in PCC. For the period ended and as at September 30, 2015, the Company experienced net losses, was in a net deficit position, and was in violation of certain of its lending covenants. Certain lenders have not provided forbearance on these covenant breaches and thus reserve the right to demand repayment of the related borrowings.
About Legumex Walker Inc.
LWI is a growth-oriented processor and merchandiser of pulses and other special crops, and with the completion of the PCC canola seed processing facility in Washington State, canola products. The Company derives its revenue from sourcing, processing, marketing and distributing special crops, canola products and associated healthy, specialty food ingredients to a global customer base. The Company operates processing facilities in the Canadian Prairies, American Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and China.
Cautionary Note on Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws which may include, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Company's sale of its Special Crops Division and divestiture of its interest in PCC. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risk that the sale of the Special Crops Division and divestiture of its interest in PCC will not be completed within the time frame contemplated or on terms previously announced and the risk that the Company and PCC will not be in compliance with the terms of its credit facilities and related forbearances, the risk that the net proceeds of the sale of the Special Crops Division will be less than previously disclosed, and the risk that notwithstanding the fact that the Company will not realize any proceeds from the divestiture of its interest in PCC, the Company or its subsidiaries may incur costs and obligations in respect of such divestiture, as well as those factors referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Information Circular dated October 12, 20115 as amended by the Addendum dated October 26, 2015, in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period ended September 30, 2015 and in the Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2015 which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and should be reviewed in conjunction with this press release. The Company's expectation with respect to the sale of the Special Crops Division and divestiture of its interest in PCC assume that the conditions to the sale of the Special Crops Division and divestiture of its interest in PCC will be satisfied or waived by the anticipated closing date and the Company and PCC's lenders will continue to forbear in respect of the enforcement of the credit facilities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the assumptions inherent in forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Legumex Walker Inc.
For further information: Lauren Moran, Manager, Investor Relations, email@example.com, (425) 250-1498; Lawrence Chamberlain, NATIONAL Equicom, firstname.lastname@example.com, (416) 848-1457
Legumex Walker Inc.
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Richmond's End
Civil War buffs will enjoy this article found on Today's History Lesson
On April 3, 1865, Union forces finally captured the Confederate capital of Richmond. The end to the American Civil War was in sight. But if you can believe it, the activities of the night before are even more interesting.
Read the rest at Today's History Lesson…


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Seattle Mariners: Celebrating Their Sweet 16 Losing StreakJuly 26, 2011
What can possibly be fun about losing this many games? I have no idea, really. In fact, if you're in such a sour mood that you'd rather kick dirt and curse under your breath, you may want to move on because I'm in the mood to make light of it.
The Mariners have been pretty lousy lately. Worse than usual, in fact. Over the past 16 games, they have only won zero games. So, to celebrate their "Sweet 16," here's a look at the benefits they've gained from crossing this important milestone.
The Mariners losing streak can get a driver's license.
The Mariners losing streak can consent to having sex in some states.
The Mariners losing streak has acne.
That acne has been really nasty. The worst part is that I can't make any jokes about it being shaped like Chone Figgins or Jack Cust because they've barely played. Their contribution to the losing streak has been minimal compared to guys like Justin Smoak, Franklin Gutierrez, Adam Kennedy and all the pitchers that had previously been so solid.
The Mariners losing streak can get a job.
The Mariners losing streak can have boys over, but has to leave their door open.
The Mariners losing streak can drink if it travels to places such as Sudan, Jamaica or Germany.
The Mariners losing streak can join the Air Force ROTC but cannot get a scholarship until it turns 17 (likely tonight).
I'm sorry that you're all going to have to endure another night of this. Then again, why am I apologizing? I'll be enduring it also. It's not like I'm the one not hitting, pitching, fielding, running or managing. Remember when our biggest worries were an Ichiro slump or no one in the stadium being able to count to four?
The Mariners losing streak thinks it knows everything and can't wait to move out.
The Mariners losing streak is now an upperclassman and can leave campus for lunch.
The Mariners losing streak can file for emancipation.
The problem with emancipation filings is that they can be denied. In our case, I think we can safely assume the judge would deem the Mariners unfit to survive on their own. This means they will likely have to stay with their parents until they're 18 (tomorrow).
So that's where we are. We wait this thing out until the Mariners losing streak graduates from high school. We try our best to embrace its delinquent lifestyle, hope it gets accepted to college and matures. If not, we kick the punk out and let them learn things the hard way.
Come on, Mariners losing streak. Change your ways.


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Despite having a blog for about 3 months it does not appear on any list when I type key words into the wordpress search box or in other search engines. The blog is set up to be included in search engine results and it is a public blog. Anybody have similar problems or can offer me advise.
The blog I need help with is chrispatrickmyblog.wordpress.com.


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My blog: http://geenpenenpapier.wordpress.com/ has problems with loading my favourite design: Coraline. I am using Google Chrome and it looks like this when someone is visiting my blog:
http://i52.tinypic.com/2dtwy08.jpg (Tinypic-link) very frustrating for me and my visitors!
Does someone have a solution for this theme?
The blog I need help with is geenpenenpapier.wordpress.com.


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Codemasters: "It's True" That PSP2 Is As Powerful As PS3
According to evidence, we should be mere hours away from a PSP2 unveiling, which would be helpful...we could use the ultimate clarification.
The rumors have been flying; not so much that the PSP2 exists (we already know it does), but in regards to the new portable's potential and power. It seems that Sony, in pushing it in the direction of developers, has been saying the PSP2 is "as powerful as the PS3" and so far, at least a few companies have echoed that bold statement. The latest is Codemasters: in speaking to Eurogamer, Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens started by saying "we're at the tip of the iceberg" in terms of portable entertainment and as far as the PSP2 goes:
"In portable areas, you're going to have statements, which are already out in the press, saying PlayStation Portable 2 is as powerful as the PS3 - which is true."
There are many rumors concerning the structure and power of the next PlayStation Portable iteration; it is said to offer 3D support, have a semi-large high-definition screen, boast analog sticks, etc, etc, etc. Perhaps it'll all be cleared up in Japan very soon and we're really hoping that happens...the amount of speculation has reached ridiculous levels.
Tags: psp, psp2, psp2 ps3, playstation portable
1/26/2011 10:17:42 AM Ben Dutka
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:05:33 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:38:49 AM
Shared trophy support between the two, letting you log on to your PSN account with the PSP2 would be cool as well. Oh and same with the saves. Then it'd be like how the PSX games work right now.
Last edited by Feregrin on 1/26/2011 11:41:19 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 10:41:05 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 10:56:11 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:11:21 AM
the thing that even if you forced an all PS3 into a handheld device you will get a lot benefit for harvesting its all power since the screen size will not be able to show all elements as it was on a real HDTV , only if we are playing with magnification lenses , that would be funny
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:24:12 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:36:19 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 1:20:22 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:45:23 PM
Long story short, you need to start reading up on an modern console you own and/or others you've played to get an idea of what means what and how it's used... Or! You can keep gaming and not let it bother you.. ;)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:54:34 PM
To give you an idea of how powerful the SPEs (sometimes called SPUs)in the CellBE are, they can operate on four 32-bit integers, or four single precision floating point numbers in a single clock cycle, as well as performing a memory operation, within the same clock cycle. in the PS3, the Cell has 7 SPEs, and one of them is dedicated to security. Each SPE is capable of a theoretical maximum of 25.6 GFLOPs (billion floating point operations per second). With six available, that means a game can draw on about 154 GFLOPs. Performance on double precision numbers is not nearly so good because the processor has to run multiple operations per calculation to do double precision work.
What it comes down to is that 32-bits can be as fast as you want. 64-bit processors are bigger and more complex, but in the world of double precision math, 64-bits is where you have to be in hardware for the best performance. There are systems with 32-bit processor cores and 64-bit floating point units. So, you can have the best of both worlds...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:05:03 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:00:28 PM
Loved my old Jag though. Dreamcast too, 128 bits baby. PS2 I think was the same. By that measurement PS3 is probably 640 bits (Just pretending it is a measuring stick.)
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/26/2011 4:00:40 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 10:56:31 AM
Oh come on Mr.Cousens. The PS3 has a 3.2GHz processor capable of 200+ GFLOPS! Even if Sony recruited the best minds in the industry and the most leading edge manufacturing techniques, they'd need pixie dust to tease that kind of performance out of anything available or projected to be available in the mobile processor sphere. I mean, you're talking about a CPU with one dual issue Power PC core, and 7 dual issue SPU cores specifically built for floating point performance, all running at 3.2GHz. There really isn't anything in the mobile space that can match that computing performance.
But then again this is a CEO talking, and he says it's as "powerful", not that it offers the same performance.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 1/26/2011 10:59:20 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:02:07 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:15:34 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:01:14 PM
In terms of performance when speaking about "power" of the devices, I'd have to agree that the PSP2 is capable of dishing PS3 quality titles.
Last edited by Nynja on 1/26/2011 12:08:00 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:25:44 PM
Oh, I'me mentioned the power envelope before. Even if this thing has a battery twice the size of the one in the PSP it's not going to have enough juice to go 4+ hours with a processor even close to being as fast as a CellBE running at 1GHz.
No, if the CPU has the same number of available cycles as a Cell at 3.2GHz, then it's at best fictional. Anything capable of that many clock cycles either has many more cores of a similar clock speed. Either of which drives the power use through the roof. In terms of the number of polygons per second or fill rates of shader operations or whatever other metric a GPU is measured by, I don't think that it's reasonable to believe that a mobile processor could easily match the total capability of the RSX. The RSX isn't a particularly quick GPU by current standards though, so it's possible that a mobile GPU could get within a significant fraction of the performance of the RSX in some respects.
I mean, there are some very powerful systems on a chip, but they all top out at about 1.2-1.5GHz, which is less than half the clock on a cellBE in a PS3.
The PSP2 is rumored to have up to 1GB of RAM to play with, and that certainly can help take some of the load off the GPU. It would allow developers to include a lot more graphics data that has been pre-processed instead of forcing the GPU to create it on the fly. But it doesn't make the system as powerful as the PS3. I mentioned a couple of weeks or so ago, that the PSP2 may come with as much as 1GB of RAM. Such a technique could give us games that have a similar visual look as early PS3 titles. But, the appearance of the game is only one aspect of what the PS3 with Cell can do for a game. Without the massive SPU performance of the Cell, some things will be extremely challenging to do on a handheld, even with 1GB of memory to play with.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 1/26/2011 12:34:16 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 1:59:05 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:02:05 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:12:20 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 9:33:57 PM
THe PSP2 will NOT render games at a full 720p pixel resolution. Even the iPhone 4's retina display is well below 720p @ 960x640 (that's right, a step above a SDTV) and the individual pixels on a 3.5" screen are virtually invisible to the human eye.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:03:48 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:04:26 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:18:48 AM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:04:53 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 11:19:21 AM
I think its a high possibility but since there are couple of devices with 3G connectivity that dosent support Phone calling like the Ipad
I would really like to see that happening as an option for consumers
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:04:52 PM
If they keep the price low they could easily make profit with PS Store sales for PSP2 and the PSP Phone is looking good
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:36:20 PM
Well, with more people coming out and saying the same thing about the PSP2, I don't really see how each and every one of them could be wrong. Of course, in terms of pure processing power, there is no way in hell that it's equal, but there are other ways. Will wait anxiously for anything official.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:40:10 PM
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 12:46:50 PM
EDIT: Although... if the form factor is similar to that found in the launch PSP, only without the UMD drive, would that not leave quite a bit of space in the device to perhaps double up on processors, serving to make it more powerful? Would that be possible?
Last edited by Lawless SXE on 1/26/2011 12:49:09 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:55:22 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:57:19 PM
I don't think size and form factor helps the processing power that much. It frees up some space for a larger cooling system or battery, but I think they have limitations. With room to spare, Sony probably rather reduce the size of the device rather than give you a hefty battery. Look at PSP Go, everything was shrunk.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:03:52 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 1:07:54 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 1:28:16 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 1:48:17 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:32:55 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:08:26 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 5:28:35 PM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:08:43 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 2:58:29 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:00:46 PM
Without the cache memory and PowerPC core, and having only 4 SPEs, the resulting processor is actually quite small. Sony owns the production facilities that Toshiba used to do that, they purchased them back from Toshiba this year. If I was going to make a portable system that needed to be in the same league as the PS3 performance wise, I might look at making a mobile, extremely low power spurs engine, and add it as a co-processor to whatever mobile chip I use. The main CPU is easier, it doesn't really have to be a PowerPC design. but the SPEs are unique.
Now, I'm not saying that they have done this, but since they pretty much own the design and the manufacturing facilities, Sony could conceivably use the Spurs engine. They could also have worked with nVidia (for example) to integrate the 4 SPE cores into a System on a Chip like the Tegra2. If you could somehow add those 4SPEs to any Tegra 2 or Tegra 3 system, you still wouldn't match the computing power of a PS3 exactly, but boy you would be close, clock cycle for clock cycle.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:40:09 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:12:18 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 9:44:46 PM
So, if the SPEs are the source of the power of the PS3, then if you were able to put 4 of them inside a PSP2, it might not be quite as fast as the PS3, but it would have some of that special secret sauce.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 3:54:14 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:07:53 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:09:42 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 4:54:49 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 8:29:44 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 5:05:02 PM
They may be simply saying that they can make the game for psp2 without cutting any features from the same game already made for ps3. In other words it will look and play the same.
In any case it looks like impressive piece of technology. I hope people who use portables will get all they wished for.
Unfortunately, I have no need for portable device like this. Only place where I have time to play games is at home. Frankly, I myself, would've been happier if it never existed. I can already see some games going to psp2 lol. Selfish, I know ...:)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 9:38:35 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 7:57:17 PM
If the PSP2 does have a memory card slot and does support all PSN PSP, PS1 and minis titles, I will trade my PSP in today to play it.
I suddenly feel like giving my PSP one last hurrah and playing through MGS Peacewalker, GoW Chains of Olympus, GTA Vice City Stories, Dissidia FF, Crisis Core FF VII and Gran Turismo PSP. All games available on PSN except Crisis Core, what a shame.
With digital distribution costing far less than retail distribution, why are the games on PSN and all other online services (except Steam) still so damn expensive?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 9:39:40 PM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @ 8:18:47 PM
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 12:20:22 AM
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 2:47:25 AM
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text:
Montana securities commissioner warns of Bitcoin risks
MISSOULA, Mont. - On Thursday Montana Securities Commissioner Monica Lindeen put out an investor advisory urging Motnanans to consider the risks that come with virtual currencies like Bitcoin before jumping in. Bitcoin is a digital currency created in 2009. It's popular among techies, investors, libertarians and other people who want to exchange money without involving banks or governments. Some have made a lot of money by buying Bitcoin at low rates and cashing in when the values skyrocket. Lindeen's advisory cautions that virtual currency is subject to minimal regulation, susceptible to cyber attacks, and not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Lindeen also says investors in virtual currency will have to rely on unregulated companies that may not have the right internal controls, and also that investors will have to use security software and other systems to guard e-Wallets from theft. "We do know that Bitcoin is becoming more popular, and frankly we kind of want to get out in front of it and give people the information at the front end before they get into the virtual currency investing," said Jennifer McKee, spokeswoman for Lindeen. On Thursday NBC Montana met with a Missoula man who nearly made half a million dollars through Bitcoin, but didn't end up taking the step to invest. "When I first looked at the Bitcoin it was running at about $8 a Bitcoin, and I slowly watched it bump up to about $20 a Bitcoin, and I thought about investing right there," said Gibbs. Ultimately, the Bitcoin value became too high when accounting for the risks. Gibbs hasn't completely lost faith in the currency though. He says if it hits $100 again he may invest in a couple Bitcoins, but he'll watch them closely. "The Bitcoin has gone up and crashed twice now, and we're looking at the third run, and so it's either going to peak or disappear," said Gibbs.


text:
Hotel deals in Budapest
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The Hive Party Hostel Budapest
Dob Utca 19., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Nearby points of interest include an opera house, a basilica and a synagogue. The central The Hive Party Hostel Budapest is set next to National…
Read more...RESERVE
Full Moon Design Hostel Budapest
Szent Istvan Korut 11, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
The property is just about 10 minutes walk of Museum of Ethnography . The hostel offers a night club, currency exchange and a safe deposit box…
Read more...From US$ 32price for 1 nightRESERVE
Azurro Hostel
Jozsef Korut 36. 1/1., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Bars and restaurants are steps away. Azurro Hostel is located in Józsefváros district next to Vigado Concert Hall, Statue of Lajos Kossuth and Statue of…
Read more...From US$ 103price for 1 nightRESERVE
Zen House
Repkeny Utca 11, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Guests may find St. Zen House Hostel is situated in Rózsadomb district of Budapest, close to a parliament building and a church.
Read more...RESERVE
Suite Hostel
Imre Utca 4, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Erkel Theatre is 1.8 km from the hostel and Buda Castle is about 2.2 km away. Suite Hostel is situated in Ferencváros district of Budapest…
Read more...RESERVE
A + A Hostel Budapest
Ferenc Korut 29. 2/1, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
This venue is situated 950 meters away from Belvarosi Szent Mihaly Templom, Hungarian National Museum and Great Market Hall. A + A Hostel Budapest is located…
Read more...From US$ 47price for 1 nightRESERVE
Central Backpack King Hostel
Oktober 6. U.15., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Central Backpack King Hostel Budapest is also located near State Opera House and Hungarian Parliament Building. Central Backpack King Hostel Budapest is only 800 meters…
Read more...From US$ 72price for 1 nightRESERVE
Center Hostel And Guest House
Dohany Utca 57., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
A 10-minute walk to the center of Budapest. Center Hostel and Guest House Budapest is located in Erzsébetváros district next to Budapest, Dohany Street…
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Corvin Point Hostel
Nap Utca 4., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Guests are invited to explore the synagogue, the castle and museums located in close proximity. Corvin Point Hostel offers a soundproof accommodation in Újbuda district…
Read more...From US$ 46price for 1 nightRESERVE
Budapest Budget Hostel
Ipar Utca 21, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
This hostel is situated 1.6 km away from Hungarian National Museum and Budapest. Alongside excellent services, Budapest Budget Hostel offers a sun terrace and a…
Read more...From US$ 56price for 1 nightRESERVE
Hello Budapest Hostel
1 Gonczy Pal Utca, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Set in Ferencváros district of Budapest, around 15 minutes' walk from Chain Bridge, St. Hello Budapest Hostel is an affordable accommodation offering great location in…
Read more...From US$ 74price for 1 nightRESERVE
East Side Hostel
Jobbagy Utca 11., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
This venue is 4 km away from the center of Budapest. East Side Hostel is located in Erzsébetváros district next to Heroes' Square, Buda Castle…
Read more...From US$ 35price for 1 nightRESERVE
Cat And Co. Guesthouse
Akacfa Utca 4. Ii./1. (Door Bell 27), Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
This venue is situated 700 meters away from National Jewish Museum, Dohany Street Synagogue and Great / Central Synagogue . Cat and Co.
Read more...RESERVE
Elizabeth Apartman-Hostel
Regi Posta Utca 16., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
St. This well-equipped apartment is a great place in Budapest to stay at. Stephen's Basilica is located 700 meters from the property and Danube…
Read more...From US$ 68price for 1 nightRESERVE
The Groove
Szt. Istvan Krt. 16., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Thanks to a tram stop nearby, the hostel is well connected with other parts of Budapest. The Groove Hostel offers a bright accommodation in Angyalföld…
Read more...From US$ 35price for 1 nightRESERVE
Homeplus Hostel
Balassi Balint Utca 27., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Homeplus Hostel is set in a central area, which attracts tourists. Homeplus Hostel is located in Rózsadomb district next to Danube, St.
Read more...From US$ 38price for 1 nightRESERVE
7X24 Central Hostel
Kiraly Utca 14., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Just 2 km from the center of Budapest known for St. The 3-star 7X24 Central Hostel offers a non-smoking accommodation in Belváros - Lipótváros…
Read more...From US$ 50price for 1 nightRESERVE
Aventura Boutique Hostel Budapest
Visegradi 12, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Aventura Boutique Hostel Budapest lies close to Széchenyi thermal bath, Budapest and Great / Central Synagogue . The family-run Aventura Boutique Hostel Budapest is placed close…
Read more...From US$ 48price for 1 nightRESERVE
Pesto Hostel
Veres Palne U. 16., Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
Shoes on the Danube Promenade is 1.7 km from the hostel and Matthias Church is about 2.0 km away. Pesto Hostel offers a quiet accommodation…
Read more...From US$ 67price for 1 nightRESERVE
Hostel Goodmo
Mikszath Kalman Ter 1, Budapest, Hungary (Open map)
The property lies about 30 minutes' walk from Budapest city center. The comfortable Hostel Goodmo provides quick access to Underground Railway Museum, which is 1200…
Read more...RESERVE


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On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy presents the third in a series of four Energy Policy Roundtables focusing on the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Randolph Room of Faculty House, 400 W. 117 th Street.
The panel will discuss the following topics:
- Initial implementation changes: timetables and implications for the utility sector, the nuclear power industry, LNG terminal siting and climate change.
- Refining and fuels, including the Renewable Fuels Standard: implications for the Northeast and fuel imports
- Market opportunities for new vehicle technologies
Panelists include: Charles Ing, director of government affairs for Toyota Motor North America; Genevieve Cullen, vice president, Electric Drive Transportation Association; Robin Segal, Transportation Economist and Consultant. Shirley Neff, associate research scholar at SIPA will moderate.
Published: Nov 30, 2005
Last modified:
Nov 29, 2005
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Northern SoftwareDevelopment System Programmer/Debugger Supported Devices Contact Us Shopping Cart
Northern Software
Our mission is to provide high quality tools tailored to microcontroller firmware development.
Our tool suite - Northern Software Development System (NSDS) is designed to support most Microchip PIC® microcontrollers. The system is still under development.
NSDS programmer/debugger - complete and may be purchased. Currently can be used as production programmers and UART-to-USB converters. The devices are fully ready for development and debugging, but debugging function is only avaliable through NSDS IDE which is not yet released.
NSDS IDE and compilers - still in development, Beta version to be available in March 2018. Release is planned for 2018. The tools will be free for non-commercial use.
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Android Phones
16 GB Galaxy Nexus and HTC Droid Incredible 4G to come to Verizon in April?
March 5, 2012 | by Adrian Diaconescu
Android Phones, HTC, Rumors, Samsung Nexus S
Even though we figured a while back that the MWC event held in Barcelona last week would clarify a few things in the smartphone market and would leave us with more confirmations than rumors and leaks, we are still deep in the land of ''could'', ''might'' and ''should''.
According to a leak picked up by the guys at Droid-Life a few minutes ago, Verizon is closing in on three smartphone releases that should interest all you Android geeks out there.
First up, in chronological order, there's the LG Lucid 4G, formerly known as Cayman, set to be made available on March 29. The Lucid was already leaked out yesterday, though, so this is not actually news. On the other hand, as one of our readers, Florin Popovici from PocketDroid.net, pointed out earlier, the LGLucid 4G might actually be the same F160L we saw benchmarked a few hours ago. If that's the case, this is a clearly a smartphone to watch for, as it will probably be powered by a quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is no new gadget, but up until now we only had the possibility of getting one of the great Android-based smartphones ever with 32 GB of on-board storage. If today's leak proves trustworthy, a 16 GB version of the Nexus will be hitting Verizon's shelves on April 5. Both the gadget's black and white model should be made available with reduced internal memory and the price might be cut to around 199 dollars on contract.
Finally, the HTC Droid Incredible 3 4G is set to hit the US market on April 26, and this might be the most interesting part of our article today. The Droid Incredible 2 has not exactly been an HTC hit in 2011, running Android 2.2 Froyo upon its release and featuring a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, which is why nobody really expected a follower.
However, this Droid Incredible 3 might actually be a big deal and is thought to be the same Fireball which gained Wi-Fi certification about two weeks ago. For those of you who don't remember what the Fireball is rumored to bring to the table, let's just say that it should sport a full HD 4.3-inch screen and feature a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box and, of course, LTE connectivity.
Keep in touch with Androinica.com over the next few weeks to find out how much truth lies in this new leak and set of rumors.


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Hollyoaks stars in anti-abuse ads
Hollyoaks actors and pop stars appear in new television adverts launched today to highlight abusive behaviour in teenage relationships.
Two different advertising campaigns were co-produced with MTV and soap opera Hollyoaks t o support the Home Office campaign This is Abuse.
Charities and campaigners said young women are being subjected to coercive 'sexting' and groping in school corridors, as well as physical abuse and rape.
In the first advert, which will run across all MTV channels and online, pop musicians Example, Jason Derulo and boy-band The Wanted deal with myths about consent and 'call out' abusive relationships
The second advert focuses on the abusive relationship of Hollyoaks couple Maxine Minniver, played by Nikki Sanderson and Patrick Blake, played by Jeremy Sheffield, and deals with non-physical abuse. It will air for the first time during tonight's episode of the drama on Channel 4.
Charities End Violence Against Women, Respect and AVA are supporting the campaign.
End Violence Against Women Coalition director Holly Dustin said: " We need to wake up to the fact that girls and young women are subject to distressingly high levels of abuse from boyfriends and other peers including coercive 'sexting', 'groping' in school corridors, as well as physical abuse and rape.
"So we applaud the Home Office for making a long term investment in the essential task of preventing abuse through its long running 'This Is Abuse' campaign to tackle harmful attitudes and behaviours.
"This should now be built upon with work in schools around consensual and respectful relationships, and ensuring specialist support for young survivors and abusers."
A spokesperson for Respect and AVA said: " The 'This Is Abuse' website provides important support to the many young people whose lives are affected by serious abuse.
"Respect and AVA are pleased to bring our expertise to this service, we know it is a lifeline for many young people and we are committed to ensure the service provides the help they deserve."
A new 'In The Know' section, specifically aimed at boys, has been added to the 'This is Abuse' website, designed to help them understand the campaign's messages.
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: " The new 'This is Abuse' campaign adverts highlight to teenagers that abuse isn't just limited to violence, but can include controlling and coercive behaviour.
"Too many young people have experienced some form of emotional violence from a partner. We need to stop this - not only can emotional abuse wreck lives but it can be a precursor to physical violence.
"Today's new advertising campaigns will help teenagers identify abuse and give them the tools to challenge it when they see it. It is one part of a long term commitment from the Home Office to prevent abuse before it starts."


text:
Coffeehouse Post
Single Post Permalink
View Thread: Scary memory error in Win8.
40 minutes ago,jgd12345 wrote
This solves 2 problems as currently to switch between apps you have to swipe endless amount of times to find the application you are interested in. It will also be quite a familiar experience to people using iOS.
Well you don't, you can just go back to the Start screen and click the app you want to switch to.


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Butler Pennsylvania Golf Courses
Featured Golf Course Review:
|Stoughton Acres Golf Course -- stoughton acres
|Review by: TS
|good course - great value. i cant believe how inexpensive this course is for how well it is maintained. even if youre not form the area, make sure you plan a round here at least once a year. great service. and ignore what this website says about 'closed on mondays', because its open.
|From pittsburgh, pa
Golf Courses: Additional Golf Course Reviews:
|Stoughton Acres Golf Course -- one of the best in Butler
|Review by: bogey
|I agree with the above post. The only problem is that the course is so well maintained, and so inexpensive, that every grogan this side of the Missippi plays it, which tends to make it a bit slow. Plan your tee time early to beat the slowness of the play
|From Butler, PA
|Aubrey's Dubbs Dred Golf Course, The -- beats me every time
|Review by: bogey
|No water. No sand. But it is still very difficult. Not the best in Butler, so you can get off easily and usually play quickly. The back 9 is one of the hardest in the State.
|From Butler, PA


text:
|Reference : Catalytic Properties of Class a Beta-Lactamases: Efficiency and Diversity
|Scientific journals : Article
|Life sciences : Biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology
|Catalytic Properties of Class a Beta-Lactamases: Efficiency and Diversity
|Matagne, André [Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Enzymologie, Centre d'Ingénierie des Protéines > >]
|Lamotte-Brasseur, Josette [Université de Liège - ULiège > > Centre d'Ingénierie des Protéines > >]
|Frère, Jean-Marie [Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Département des sciences de la vie >]
|Biochemical Journal
|(Pt 2)
|Yes (verified by ORBi)
|[en] beta-Lactamases are the main cause of bacterial resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins and related beta-lactam compounds. These enzymes inactivate the antibiotics by hydrolysing the amide bond of the beta-lactam ring. Class A beta-lactamases are the most widespread enzymes and are responsible for numerous failures in the treatment of infectious diseases. The introduction of new beta-lactam compounds, which are meant to be 'beta-lactamase-stable' or beta-lactamase inhibitors, is thus continuously challenged either by point mutations in the ubiquitous TEM and SHV plasmid-borne beta-lactamase genes or by the acquisition of new genes coding for beta-lactamases with different catalytic properties. On the basis of the X-ray crystallography structures of several class A beta-lactamases, including that of the clinically relevant TEM-1 enzyme, it has become possible to analyse how particular structural changes in the enzyme structures might modify their catalytic properties. However, despite the many available kinetic, structural and mutagenesis data, the factors explaining the diversity of the specificity profiles of class A beta-lactamases and their amazing catalytic efficiency have not been thoroughly elucidated. The detailed understanding of these phenomena constitutes the cornerstone for the design of future generations of antibiotics.
|File(s) associated to this reference
Fulltext file(s):
All documents in ORBi are protected by a user license.


text:
Last night I attended a talk at Princeton title Stop Making Sense: On Collecting, Sorting and Presenting Data presented by Rudolf Frieling, Curator of Media Arts at SFMOMA, San Francisco. I have to start by saying that the artsy parts lost me! Frieling would show and art piece and say – of course you've seen this or – you know this – and I'd be thinkin "huh? should I?"
Other than that – this was an interesting talk about how we organize our data and how technology is changing so fast and so much that our delivery methods and storage methods are not going to be the delivery methods and storage methods of the future – so how does one successfully archive media materials? When Frieling was introduced, the professor mentioned a few stories that were a bit funny – but also very sad if you think about it. The first was that when presenting in a newly built theater, he found that he could not play his VHS tape because the people who designed the theater had decided that VHS was no longer a valid storage format. The other was about a store here in town that actually sold its entire collection of VHS tapes to an artist so that he could make a sculpture out of them – this store no longer sells VHS tapes. The final story was about the library at the university no longer storing VHS tapes. He had approached them to ask for a space in the the high density storage unit for his tapes and the library said they were no longer keeping tapes and that anyone who had provided to the VHS collection at the library could come pick up their items or they would be given away first come first serve.
Along those lines, my husband and I donated all of our VHS tapes to the local public library a couple of years ago – the plan being to replace them with DVDs – a media type that takes up less space on our shelves and that we found ourselves using more than VHS.
Frieling provided some keywords for his talk (I didn't catch them all): collecting, linking, presenting all in terms of data. The fact of the matter is (and we librarians know this already) not everything is available online and if it is – it's possible that it's not accessible because of hardware, software, or firewall reasons. He spoke of a tool that he and others had developed for CD-ROM that no longer worked on current systems due to hardware and software changes in these systems. He spoke of websites developed at the beginning of the web that no longer work as they were intended because they were developed with system limitations in mind. The long and short of it is that systems change and as archivers and curators how are we going to preserve information for future generations?
Freiling mentioned a TV show collector by the name of (excuse mis-spellings – the font was small and I was in the back of the room) Pentti Pajukallio. This man has spent most of his life recording TV shows and collecting these VHS tapes. He only stopped to have open heart surgery and even then his wife recorded what she could for him. The question is that what value does this collection have to anyone but Pentti? And if it does have value for others how will we access it?
One of the best slides (for me) was the one of a pile of 3×5 index cards that Frieling had put together as his first database. These cards contained bibliographic references that were of use to him. He keeps this "database" today because it has nostalgic value for him – but most of the references are probably inaccessible or unavailable – or even out-dated. This collection only has value to him or those studying him. Another great point that he brought up in reference to his note cards – information like technology is always changing so databases like this are not always going to be valuable – so are they worth archiving and making accessible? I don't know – that was the question of the night.
One great quote was when Frieling mentioned that now that we have search engines and the world wide web it's even harder to find the "pearl among the rubbish" when we're browsing through collections. Books are a strong model to provide content. They can be browsed, you can jump back and forth, or you can read cover to cover. This 2D model (sounds a bit like Weinberger's first order of order) allows the user to read the text as is or randomly, but it's physical – it's the pearl and it's easy (in theory) to find because it's not (in theory) surrounded by rubbish.
When it comes to webpages we may think of the "home" page as the entry point into our site but in reality people are entering our sites from every which way because search engines are indexing all (one again – in theory) of our pages and providing them in piecemeal to searchers. Frieling described this as users coming at our sites diagonally instead of straight on like they do with books. This means they only get parts of the information we're providing and not getting the whole picture.
One way to look at information or media is that each item has two stories. One story is that of the artist or the collector and is usually personal in nature. The other story is that of the viewer. This story gives us the perspective of the outsider. This is the perspective that we're giving in our catalogs – the perspective of the cataloger when viewing the item – so why not let the other "viewers" (our patrons) add their perspectives as well? This isn't something that Frieling said exactly – just something I thought when he started talking about the two stories. What he did show us was Steve and how allowing others to add tags to art gave the piece a whole new perspective and a whole new value.
He ended by showing us the Way Maker (if you have a link please share it with me). This program is downloaded to your phone and then you attach your phone to your body and you record your life through your eyes. Does this hold value for anyone but you? Maybe not – but it allows you to see your life from another perspective. It shows you things that you maybe weren't paying attention to throughout the day – and maybe even makes you more aware of your surroundings. Would a series of videos like this be worth archiving? Who knows – maybe it would be educational for future generations or other cultures to see what a day in the life of Nicole is like. Would I do it? Nope! I don't need to go to that level of sharing my life – I have this blog and my personal networks – that's enough for me 🙂
It was a great talk, while the art aspects were over my head, I'm glad I attended – I just wish that there were more links provided or that the slides were available as I'd like to link you to more information and I don't have the time just now to do the research on Pentti or the Way Maker.


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Samsung have a new addition to their Go range of netbooks with the brand new Samsung Go N315.
The Samsung N315 might be a new model name, but it appears that the N315 is an updated version of the Samsung Go / Go N310. It seems to have the same chassis and design, including the rubberized finish and much of the same hardware.
What they have done though is upgrade it with the latest, more energy efficient Pine Trail Intel Atom N450 1.66Ghz processor, and Intel GMA 3150 graphics. The N type WiFi addition to the 802.11b/n/g is also new, along with Pre-Installed Times Reader 2.0 software.
The 2.71lbs Samsung N315 has a 4-cell battery which should provide 4.5 hours of battery life.
Specifications of the Samsung Go N315 include a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, Atom N450 CPU, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11b/g/n/ WiFi, Ethernet, 1.3MP webcam, and Windows 7 Starter Edition.
If you were eying the N310, we would recommend you now look at the Samsung N315 instead as it features the latest generation Intel Atom CPU and Windows 7.
The Samsung Go N315 is currently available for $426 from Amazon!
Via Netbooked