text:
The Week That Was
Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, November 7, 2007
These are just a few of my thoughts on what has transpired at the state and national levels in sports during the past week.
Can it be?
…Ive been as skeptical as anyone about the Lions chances of making the playoffs.
Following their 44-7 win over the Broncos, they would have to try not to make the post-season.
At 6-2, realistically, theyre only three games from making it in the weak NFC. The road wont be an easy one, though, as they still have the likes of the Cowboys (7-1), Giants (6-2), Chiefs (4-4) and Packers (7-1).
Helping the cause will be the fact that all of those teams will play at Ford Field, a place where the Lions are unbeaten at 4-0 this season.
They still must play the Packers twice as they end the season in Green Bay for what could be for the NFC North championship.
I believe this week at Arizona will tell us if we can truly believe in this team.
After a huge win over Denver, this game has letdown written all over it.
Its these kind of games which separate contenders from pretenders its up to the players to decide which they want to be.
Spartans give another away…
…When Michigan State fans look back on this season, they will see it as the season of what could have been.
The Spartans should be 8-2 instead of 5-5.
They gave games away against Northwestern, Iowa and most importantly Michigan. Late in the fourth quarter, MSU had what seemed to be a commanding 24-14 lead. Since I was covering a high school playoff game, I didnt get to see the final moments, but once I heard it was 24-14, I thought it was over.
Imagine my surprise when I got home to hear the Wolverines actually pulled out the 28-24 victory.
Michigan will likely lose after I say this, but I am finally going to give the team credit after opening the season 0-2.
Neither loss will soon be forgotten, but you have to give the Wolverines credit. They could have completely went into the tank after losing to Oregon in Week 2. Instead, they used the first two weeks as motivation to stay in contention for the Big Ten title.
This week will be the test as Michigan is on the road at Wisconsin.
A win there will set up Ohio State at Michigan for the Big Ten title.
A side note on that game: my good friend and former Thumb sportswriter Dave Bossick will be at that game taking photos.
On Monday, be sure to look for his name in the photo credit for any pictures we run.
Moving to MSU, the team has lost five of six since starting 4-0.
The Spartans must win one of their remaining games at Purdue this week or Penn State.
If they dont its another season without being bowl eligible.
That cant happen because Central Michigan wants a piece of the Spartans in the Motor City Bowl.
We dont have any interest…
…Those were the words of Tigers president Dave Dombrowski when asked about the teams interest in acquiring Alex Rodriguez.
Its not that Dombrowski wouldnt want A-Rod and his bat in the middle of the order.
Dombrowski and many other general managers just arent willing to pay a player $35 million a year.
Thats more than the Florida Marlins payroll!
I dont think its collusion either, its just economics.
The owners know theres no player in any sport worth $350 million over 10 years its insane.
This off-season should be entertaining to say the least as teams refuse to give into A-Rod and his agent Scott Boras.
I could see a scenario where A-Rod doesnt come close to getting what he wants. In the end, hes going to have to settle for less, or not play at all.
Instant replay?
…Baseball owners voted 25-5 in favor of exploring the option of instant replay in baseball.
It would only be used on boundary calls to determine home runs, fair and foul balls and fan interference.
I like the idea.
Too many times, there are such close calls that the umpires get wrong, now they have a chance to get them right.
The technology is there and I dont think it will slow down the game too much. Instead of lengthy meetings between umps and managers, the replay can determine the right call.
This is still in the preliminary stages, but in theory, its the right thing to do.
…Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson turned in one of the most impressive performances youll ever see on Sunday.
Peterson broke the single-game NFL rushing record, with his 296 yards and three touchdowns.
The previous mark of 295 was set by Jamal Lewis, when his was with the Ravens. Peterson has a strangled hold on the NFL rushing lead.
Not only is his 1,036 yards leading the NFL by nearly 300 yards, but hes officially on pace to break 2,000 yards.
That may be a bit lofty, but after rushing for 296 yards, this kid has shown anything is possible.
Since hes a rookie, I say he slows down a bit and finishes around 1,800 yards. Oh, I forgot to mention, hes on my fantasy team.
Living up to the hype…
…For the most part, the Colts-Patriots showdown lived up to the hype as New England pretty much sealed up home field advantage in the playoffs, with its 24-20 victory.
The game was pretty ugly and didnt turn into the shootout many were predicting. For three quarters, Indy did exactly what I said it would do play keep away. The Colts ran Joseph Addi until he nearly dropped.
But it still couldnt stop Tom Brady from leading a pair of touchdown drives to win the game.
Although Indy lost, I still like the Colts chances in a rematch.
They showed no fear, but just made one too many mistakes in the fourth quarter. The Patriots can be beaten, but it wont happen in the regular season.
Many are saying New England will lose to the Steelers or Giants.
I dont see it.
Bill Belichick has a massive chip on his shoulder and wont allow that to happen.
The only team with the weapons to beat the Patriots is the Colts.
Jar of the Week…
…The 1972 Dolphins are officially gripping.
The only team to ever finish an NFL season undefeated is already making excuses if the Patriots run the table.
Don Shula, the coach of that team said: The Pats did cheat. The Spy-Gate thing has diminished what they accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. Theyve got it.
Belichick was fined $500,000, the team was fined $250,000 and they lost a first round draft choice. That tells you the seriousness or significance of what they found.
I guess you got the same thing as putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds home run record. I guess it will be noted that the Patriots were fined and a number one draft choice was taken away during that year of accomplishment.
First let me say, nothing has been proven about Barry Bonds, theres a lot of speculation, but thats where it ends.
Second, I realize the Patriots cheated, with that said, theyve pretty much proven it didnt matter anyway.
Ive been on record as disliking the act from the 1972 Dolphins and how they celebrate after the last unbeaten goes down.
In todays NFL, winning the Super Bowl is more important than going undefeated. Except to Belichick.
This guy has been making an example out of the entire league this year and now, he has even more motivation.
Im not a huge New England fan and I pretty much dislike everything about Belichick, but I hope the Pats do it just to shut the Dolphins up once and for all.
Paul P. Adams is a sports writer for the Huron Daily Tribune and can be reached at (989) 269-6464 ext. 112 or email@example.com. The Week That Was appears every Tuesday and Thursday.


text: The following is an exerpt from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man available by WWW at http://gdbwww.gdb.org/omim. I hope this is of some use. Eric OMIM -- 480000 G480000 TESTIS-DETERMINING FACTOR [TDF; SEX-DETERMINING REGION Y; SRY] Mutations in this gene give rise to XY females with gonadal dysgenesis and translocation of part of the Y chromosome containing this gene to the X chromosome in XX males Goodfellow and Lovell-Badge (1993) provided a major review of SRY and sex determination in mammals.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
© ® The Nobel Foundation
IPCC honoured with
2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Phone: +41-22-730-8208 /84/54
Figure 3.7. Annual crop water demand and water supply for Trout Creek, Okanagan region, Canada, modelled for 1961 to 1990 (historic) and three 30-year time slices in the future. Each dot represents one year. Drought supply threshold is represented by the vertical line, maximum observed demand is shown as the horizontal line (Neilsen et al., 2004).


text:
Microsoft already revealed Forza 6 way before E3 2015, following yesterday the Xbox's E3 event also announced that this year, their flagship motorsport simulation game Continue Reading
Category Microsoft
Minecraft: Xbox One Edition Hitting Retails on November 18th
Minecraft: Xbox One Edition will be available to gamers via retail stores on November 18th for 75 AED ($19.99 USD), Players will be able to Continue Reading
Microsoft reveals Windows 10: Guess Windows 7 ate 9
After Slacking tons of jobs, and buying off Mojang in the recent.. Microsoft has finally announced its upcoming Windows software' jumping right-off Microsoft's Terrible OS Continue Reading
October games for Xbox Gold
Brand-new Co-op Indie Platformer "Chariot" is the way to go for Xbox One owners, Available from 1st to 31st October' 2014. Have a look at Continue Reading
Halo Project remains uneffected by Microsoft slashing of 18,000 Employees
Microsoft's CEO "Satya Nadella" has been an Active strategist of the company ever since he has been given the title of Chief Executive Officer, who Continue Reading
Games14 | First look at Xbox One Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Limited Edition
At Games14, we witnessed a huge queue of Anticipated COD lovers who ran like a hound of fans as soon as the show started earlier Continue Reading
Etisalat and Microsoft Teams' up for Xbox One Launch in UAE
Leading Telecommunication firm of UAE "Etisalat" Teamed up with Microsoft for Xbox One Launch in United Arab Emirates, which brings you several benefits and flexibility, which Continue Reading
GTA Online San Andreas Flight school update
This weekend, it's time for fight AND flight as The San Andreas Flight School Event Weekend takes off in GTA Online. That's three days of big Continue Reading
Xbox Gold Games in April
Starting Today, Two Great titles are available through Xbox Live Gold Membership! for Microsoft Xbox 360 which are available for quite a few days only, Continue Reading
Xbox One Officially available in September across UAE and other countries
Microsoft has called it official launch of Xbox One! It's about time when we are going to wait for Xbox One for few more months! Continue Reading
Exclusive "Jamais Vu" mission for Xbox One and Xbox 360 Detailed!
Konami has announced an Exclusive "Jamais Vu" mission for Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox 360. Xbox exclusive content will add a new dimension to the Continue Reading
Trailer | Fighter Within [Xbox One Kinect]
Ubisoft Brings you Fighting game action in Motion Controlled Experience "Fighter Within" developed by Daoka [Wonder why they did that, Anyways!] play with your friends Continue Reading
Black Ops II Apocalypse DLC, First on Xbox Live comes with 1000ft Mech!
Finally A Final DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Yes I Could not believe it either..There were too many Downloadable content for this Continue Reading
Deadpool 'Merc With A Map Pack' DLC Available Now!
The First DLC pack for Deadpool, Merc With a Map Pack, has been released a couple days ago on Xbox 360 for 240 Microsoft Points Continue Reading
Play as "Stanlee" in Lego Marvel Superheroes
Yes, you watched him create some of the Best Superheroes, Draw some of the Best Comics and Now you will be able to play him Continue Reading
FIFA 14 Ultimate Team : Carryover Feature
EA Sports Announced FIFA 14 Ultimate Team will carryover from Current Generation to Next Generation Consoles, FIFA 14 is allowing fans to bring their FIFA Continue Reading
Splinter Cell Blacklist's Paladin Takes Flight by Ubisoft and Local Update
Ubisoft, when this great company means Great Work of art with their Award winning games and Epic collector's edition as always, now They bring you Continue Reading
Ultimate Warrior is Back in WWE 2K14!
WWE 2K14 gets Ultimate Warrior also known as James Hellwig as Exclusive Pre-order bonus. Which is going to be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Continue Reading
Batman Arkham origins collector's edition
Batman Fans, "Here we Go!" [Joker's Accent] Batman series gets a whole new addition with this Great collector's edition for Batman Arkham Origins that comes Continue Reading
Sign-up for Xbox 360 Update Public Beta Program
Microsoft is holding an open public beta for its Xbox 360 console fall system update. A limited number of customers across the globe will be Continue Reading


text:
Luncheon Address
March 3, 1996
I am very pleased to be here today. I always look forward to an opportunity
to meet with the psychology community.
As you know, my research focuses on adolescent development. Lately, there
have been many days in Washington when I thought that there was a sudden
explosion of the adolescent population. The government shutdown and its
aftermath of trying to get caught up and move ahead simultaneously has pushed
the Foundation's talented and very dedicated staff to its limits. Some days,
it is difficult to put a positive spin on things. And then I read what must
be the world's most positive outlook ever. Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's
wives who met a rather unpleasant fate, was reputed to have said, "The
executioner is, I hear, very expert and my neck is very slender." Somehow
the budget battles and the shutdown looked a little less grim.
Today, I want to talk about the national R&D enterprise, the role of
psychology and other social and behavioral sciences in that enterprise, and
the important role that the science community has in preserving the health of
the enterprise.
From the end of World War II to the present, research universities and the
federal government have been partners to develop knowledge and people
critical for America's national security and improved general welfare. We
have had an eminently successful partnership. But like all successful
partnerships, the responsibilities grow with increasing success and
diversification. And as we know from businesses and law firms, medical
practices and school systems, the appropriate response is to expand the
partnership to include a greater variety of partners to perform the growing
complexity of work.
This partnership is now threatened. The end of the Cold War has caused many
to conclude that economic well-being, one of the major post-Cold War
rationales for the federal R&D investment, is best served by industry. Many
concerns about universities--beliefs in neglect of teaching, inappropriate
use of federal funds, and sloppy financial accountability--have also raised
questions about the federal investment in universities. We believe that
universities continue to play an extremely important role, but also believe
that change is needed. We at NSF want to do our part to support that
change--for example, in more effective integration of research and education,
and we have or will soon, launch a number of experimental initiatives. As
with all we do, we welcome your suggestions.
Nevertheless, particular components of the federal R&D investments, the
social sciences and the technology programs have become targets of criticism
in political debates over the past years. As representatives of the
behavioral sciences, you know better than most about the high quality of U.S.
research activities in these fields and the importance of so much of that
work in helping the nation grapple with major societal problems. I am sure
you have had as much difficulty as I have in hearing critics suggest that the
social and behavioral sciences are not equal members of the R&D enterprise.
Let me assure you that we at NSF do not hold that view.
Indeed, it can be argued that the social and behavioral sciences should be
right at the center of the nation's R&D enterprise. In addition to advancing
our understanding of behavior in a fundamental way, the social and behavioral
sciences are what one might call "enabling sciences" or "partner sciences."
A recent book, The Stork and the Plow, by biologist Paul Ehrlich and two
colleagues discusses the interrelated dilemmas of human hunger and
environmental damage. Although we know that a good part of each one of these
problems is connected to proper land use, the authors expand our perspective.
They write, "Still, extensive environmental damage and hunger do not arise
simply from ignoring nature's constraints. They are produced by a complex
and often self-reinforcing interplay of social, economic, political, and
natural forces operating at all scales--from rural villages to global trade
agreements." Examples closer to home that highlight the essential
contributions of behavioral science include the role of stereotypes in
achievement and occupational reward behavior, and the role of beliefs in
impeding use of technological or biomedical advances. Understanding behavior
that we use daily in our administrative and leadership roles are foreign to
my senior colleagues at NSF and other science agency heads, even those who
instinctively do the right thing. Our field is extremely important to all of
these areas and to the nation.
This is the perspective that all of you know and understand. It is the way
in which the world functions or tries to function. Whatever we discover and
uncover in the physical and biological sciences--be it biology, chemistry, or
physics--that knowledge gives us only part, albeit an essential part, of the
wherewithal for beneficial use. It is, in the long run, the pattern of human
application of that knowledge in social, economic, or political systems that
determines our societal success or failure. It is our understanding of these
patterns through research in the social sciences, combined with an evolving
system of individual and collective human values, that can keep the human
race from continuously falling on its collective sword.
I am concerned that in our strong focus on disciplinary detail in all the
sciences, we are neglecting an important opportunity to extend each field to
the larger societal context in which it must be used. I believe this broader
framework for graduate, and even undergraduate education, is critical but
often ignored.
Just as we are seeing increasing interdisciplinary work in the physical
sciences and engineering, I believe we likewise will see expanding work in
the partnering of other fields of science with areas of social science. I'm
sure most of you are aware of many more examples than I. In fact, I would be
interested to hear more specifics from your own experience. At NSF,
interdisciplinary research on (1) transformation to quality organizations and
(2) human dimensions of global change are good examples of efforts already
underway. In planning stages is a very exciting effort on Learning and
Intelligent Systems.
Many of the problems identified by the recent Carnegie Foundation study on
adolescence, for example, are at the very core of America's societal stresses
and in need of long-term solutions. The report, as I'm sure most of you
know, emphasizes the interdependence of effective social institutions and
positive adolescent development that can reap enormous benefits for the
nation as well as for the individual youngsters.
Basic social and behavioral science research will "enable" us to gain insight
for these tasks. Because we live first and foremost in a human society, our
most pervasive influence is always the human reaction to circumstances--in
economic systems, in nation states, or as individual family members. With
the help of the social sciences we can strive toward optimum performance and
quality of life in all of these human interactions and systems.
This will require not only a strong and diverse research base in the social
sciences but also the ability to apply this knowledge for program design and
policy making. The latter more frequently will necessitate combining the
analytic approaches of several different disciplines. Nowhere does the
potential pay-off for cross-disciplinary work look more promising than in the
social and behavioral sciences.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for us. As you well know,
academic departments are not always persuaded to open their doors to
strangers "bearing fruit" from another discipline. In the long run, however,
I think we are discovering that interdisciplinary work increases rather than
diminishes opportunities.
At NSF, many current research activities in the social, behavioral, and
economic sciences are linked with those of other directorates to enhance our
understanding of unexplored terrain. For example, recent advances in the
area of human cognition, neurobiology, and machine computational processes
have stimulated important new work that will advance computer design and
understanding of human learning.
As I said earlier, I am eager to learn from your experiences because they
will help us at the Foundation to have an even broader, more comprehensive
perspective. This national R&D enterprise of which we are all a part has
grown from the seedling that flourished at the end of the Second World War to
a great flowering tree. Its branches have extended our knowledge and ability
to improve our lives, increase our opportunities, and better understand each
It is not one discipline or branch, one technology or technique that could
have achieved such spectacular results. The enterprise is much more than the
sum of its parts. Damage to any segment, however, can undermine the whole
structure. Our goal as scientists should be to support the enterprise in its
entirety and not just our specific corner.
In the effort to balance the federal budget, public support for science and
technology is very vulnerable, as is support for many other worthy programs.
The role that the science and engineering community plays in articulating the
value and contribution of its work to both the public and its representatives
will be critical.
In this new environment, leadership from you, the science community, will
require a much more public persona. You are needed more than ever to be
visible and vocal in your communities. Neal Lane and I will be actively
looking for opportunities to speak to citizens groups about science and
technology in all our lives. The chance to talk to the local Rotary Club or
the League of Women Voters is the chance to tell "science and technology's
The contributions that science and technology have made, the possibilities
that they offer, the potential that they hold for our future--these provide
the reason and importance for their continued support. If scientists go into
the schools, as I know many of you have, if they interact in community
affairs as "scientists," and if they pursue opportunities to speak out on
behalf of science--then voters, and the policy makers they elect, will
understand the value of our national investment in science and technology.
However, without our explanation and outreach, the very things that we know
can change and improve lives will not appear any different or better to the
electorate than numerous other competitors for public support. Science and
technology are not guaranteed winners in such a contest because they are
sometimes difficult to fathom.
Although the public is fascinated with science, we also know that citizens
have limited "understanding" of science. More important, the electorate has
little understanding on how science and technology contribute to our
individual lives, aspirations, and our national goals.
Although I am more uneasy talking to the Rotary Club than I am presenting
research and results to my peers, I not only seek out chances to do it, but
in the long run, I enjoy it. I hope you will take these thoughts back to
your faculty and tell them that we at NSF are serious and committed to this
new role for the science community. We believe that the preservation and
prosperity of science in service to the nation depends on it.
Return to list of Dr. Petersen's speeches.


text:
Raiders finding less use for McClain
Updated 12:09 am, Friday, October 19, 2012
Middle linebacker Rolando McClain, the team's first-round pick in 2010, went from playing 95 percent of the snaps to 31 percent (17 of 55) against the Falcons on Sunday. He said all the right things Thursday, but has to be wondering if that percentage hits zero next season.
McClain said he was "not naive" about being replaced by rookie Miles Burris in the Raiders' nickel (five defensive backs) defense that they use on passing downs. But he is a not-naive team player.
"You understand the situation, you understand the transition - whatever that may be - and you're not naive to the fact of what's going on," he said. "But at the same time, you're still a team player.
"If coach thinks that's the best thing for the defense, then by all means do it. I'm all with it. I can focus more on the base (defense) now."
While the Raiders are not actively trying to trade McClain, one has to wonder about the future of the eighth overall pick in 2010. He has no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries (he does have 5 1/2 sacks and an interception) in 35 career games and his salary is scheduled to jump from $970,000 to $4 million in 2013.
Plus, there are legal questions he's still lugging around.
McClain is appealing a May conviction in Decatur, Ala., of third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm in the city limits. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail. He will have a jury trial after the season. The NFL hasn't determined if he will be suspended.
McClain is focusing on the positive, and he said the coaches told him he made 11 impact plays in his 17 snaps.
"I just didn't play in nickel, they played a lot more nickel," he said. "I feel good about it. ... It is what it is. If they feel like they want Miles to go in, that's perfectly fine with me."
McClain made a nice tackle at the 1-yard line to prevent the Falcons' Jason Snelling from scoring late in the third quarter. But he didn't take much credit for it.
"Everybody was ready to make a play," he said. "We didn't want them to score and we figured they were going to try and run it in."
McClain, who will probably play more against a run-oriented Jacksonville team, said he was told about the change going into the bye week.
Outside linebacker Philip Wheeler took over the signal-calling duties from McClain and now wears the helmet equipped to communicate with the sideline.
"It makes me work harder," Wheeler said. "It's forced me to get in the film room more, so I can make better calls and do what's right for the defense, and I'm up to the job."
Briefly: Linebacker Aaron Curry practiced for a second straight day but it's doubtful he'll play Sunday. Curry has been on the physically unable to perform list with sore knees, and the Raiders have 21 days to clear a spot for him on the roster, put him on injured reserve or release him. ... The Raiders have been granted a one-day extension from the league to sell enough tickets to avoid a local blackout of Sunday's game.
Vic Tafur is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Twitter: @VicTafur


text:
I'm a believer in due process, the rule of law, and letting the system take its course, even if the wheels grind slowly. Unfortunately, if the suicides of smart but physically weak kids, kids that decide to come out as gay or who are outted by others, overweight kids, etc. are any indication, none of the aforementioned applies in the no-holds-barred arena of bullying. Bullying is so relentless and its emotional toll so great it can make a victim of it pray for death when their pleas for justice are ignored. With bullying, the wheels of justice tend to not grind at all.
Case in point was a headline story on CNN.com this morning. This past Monday, a school bus monitor in Greece, NY (a suburb of Rochester) was verbally abused by a group of middle-schoolers to the point of being brought to tears when one of them taunted that she did not have family because…
"… they all killed themselves because they didn't want to be near you."
As cruel as that comment is, the cruelty is increased tenfold by the fact that Klein's son took his own life 10 years ago. The only saving grace to this story was that one of the little cro-mags was stupid enough to film it with their cameraphone and then post it on their facebook page. Then someone else took it from facebook to YouTube. This is a saving grace because the next folks to take this ball and run with it was the community at Reddit. Once the Reddit folks got wind of this, it went from words of support to getting other media outlets involved to getting a fundraiser started to send this beleaguered woman on vacation. Last I heard, as of 3PM Thursday afternoon, the fund was up to $270,000.
There are a lot of messages I hope this sends to the little turds that made this woman's life hell on (I'm sure) many other occasions that didn't get recorded. First, once your actions see the light of day, you will be exposed for what you are: a sub-human (I hesitate to say 'animal.' Never saw animals behave this way) and something that this world can do without. Second, you are clearly outnumbered by the amount of good people in this world, judging by the response to this. It's unfortunate that your dumb asses just get more press. And the final message is that while you are wallowing in whatever punishment your shithead parents and your castrated school administration finally get pressured into giving you, Mrs. Klein will be flying first class to a tropical location where she will be driven via limo to a 5-star hotel where she will then (after an afternoon at the spa) sit pool-side where she will drink large drinks served in coconuts with little umbrellas in them while two tanned and muscular cabana boys named Raoul and Javier fan her with palm leaves, and she will rest easy in the notion that shitheads like you will never bother her again.


text:
Today I attended a computing qualifications meetup at Anglia Ruskin University that was attended by the three main exam boards; OCR, AQA and Edexcel. Please excuse any typos or mistakes – I have typed this up very quickly (and published it in the early hours) as I would not have had time until the weekend to report it otherwise.
Each board was given 15 minutes to explain their course and then a question and answer session was staged afterwards.
I will initially go through each board before offering my personal views:
OCR Computing GCSE – Sean O'Bryne
Their idea for the course started way back in 2005 and was put into practice in 2010 with the first cohort qualifying this year. Sean O'Bryne was keen to state that the course focuses on 'computational thinking' – and this is more than just programming. Computational thinking is the core of the course and this has strong links to the real world.
OCR stressed that their course did not have a specified language for the practical work and they are happy for teachers to teach the language they feel most comfortable with.
Assessment of the course is not box ticking, neither is it marked by weight of work. They do not expect a huge amount of coursework to be completed to achieve the high grades. "If it works, it works" explained Sean, whilst also pointing out that they like to reward creativity. It was pointed out that OCR have had to make hardly any adjustment to teacher's marking of their student's work.
There are currently 5 programming tasks available to students (Little Man Computer, Javascript, Shopping Cart, Mobile Phone App, and Encryption Using a Spreadsheet) and they will continue to be live until OCR feel they are outdated. If this does happen at least 2 years notice will be given to teachers before they are withdrawn.
As this course has all ready been running two years, there is support already available. Hodder Dynamic Learning are going to supply the official support. Susan Robson's GCSE Computing book was recommended although more as a revision guide than a coursebook (Note: Please see Susan Robson's comment below). The OCR official website was also mentioned as a good place for resources.
Course structure:
1.5 hour written paper (40%)
20 hours controlled assessment – investigative task (30%)
20 hours controlled assessment – programming project (30%)
Edexcel Computing Science – Nicky Hughes
Edexcel's course is still being written. They hope to submit their course in June 2012 to obtain accreditation by September 2012.
Nicky explained their course was about "doing" and making computer science "cool". Edexcel are also trying to structure their course to attract more girls into the subject. Edexcel Computing Science will "relate theory to students lives and bring out the addictive nature of problem solving."
To help put their course together, Edexcel has spoken to MIT, URL, ARM, Open University, BT and the Computing at School group.
Their aim is to raise awareness of what computers do and how they do it, develop awareness of ethical issues associated with computer science and support progression into computer science related careers as well as those linked closely to it – engineering for example.
Nicky Hughes described the course as, "Challenging, creative and cool". They would like students in the lesson to be programming and are trying to focus their course on "more about doing than writing up." There will be opportunities in the controlled assessment to introduce motors, sensors and robots.
Course Structure:
1.5 hour written paper (40%)
3 hour practical examination (on screen) – externally assessed (35%)
Controlled assessment task (10 hours) – internally assessed (25%)
AQA Computer Science – Stuart Gilbertson
AQA have obtained full accreditation for their course and they handed out the specification at the meeting. Supposedly we were the first to get our hands on it and it will be available on their website later this week.
AQA carried out extensive market research (before Gove's speech) to help produce their course. They spoke to many teachers and had support from Microsoft. AQA made it clear that it was not a partnership with Microsoft – just support – and their course does not rely on the students using any Microsoft products.
They have put their practical unit as unit 1 to emphasise that it is the most important part of the course worth 60% of the GCSE. Students will be required to complete 2 of 4 available tasks. There is one already available on their website (Mobile phone app) with 3 more to come within the next 2 weeks. Tasks are year specific so they will change each year. There is a guideline of 25 hours set for coursework, but unlike other controlled assessment, this is only a guideline and students may spend less or more time on their work. The time also does not have to be recorded by the teacher.
The second unit is the theory unit which is tested at the end of the course by either a paper or online test.
Stuart Gilbertson explained that the course is based on "what teachers wanted. It is relevant with interesting content and will be updated regularly. It is focussed on the 'fun' area of computing."
The course content does overlap a little with the Microsoft MTA qualification.
The support AQA will offer is as follows:
- Free of charge web conferences
- Free face to face meetings
- AQA and Microsoft resources for teachers on their website
- Subject advisor support
Course Structure:
50 hours controlled assessment – 2 tasks of 25 hours each (60%)
1.5 hour written paper (40%)
Question and Answer Session
Can students do both ICT and Computer Science GCSEs?
OCR: Don't know.
Edexcel: Hopefully, but not 100% sure
OCR and AQA: Will you supply lesson plans for your courses?
OCR: Yes, on the website and Hodder Dynamic
AQA: We are currently focussed on the SoW at the moment, but will have some materials available in September
OCR: What feedback have you had back from your pilot schools?
OCR: Everything has been positive so far.
AQA and Edexcel: Will there be text books available?
Edexcel: One will be produced as soon as possible for September
AQA: We are currently working with people to produce a range of text books rather than having one endorsed publication
Will there be any VLE material available?
AQA: Yes
OCR: Yes, already available on the website
Edexcel: Yes, there will be
Edexcel: What is the reason for the lack of controlled assessment on your course?
Edexcel: This is due to the on screen assessment. Students will need a lot of programming skills to pass the test.
Edexcel: What will students do in the 10 hour controlled assessment?
Edexcel: Prototyping, like a self watering Christmas tree. The student will have to prove the concept. Simulation of this would be enough to pass.
Edexcel: Is you on screen assessment language specific?
Edexcel: No, it will only be using pseudo-code
Edexcel: You website has not been updated for a long time. When will new content be available?
Edexcel: In the next 3 to 4 weeks
Edexcel: Will all students sit the on screen assessment on one day?
Edexcel: It is likely it will be over two days
Will the courses be compatible with Apple Macs?
All course: Yes
Is it possible to resit the exam if a student fails?
AQA: No as it is a linear course. However students are allowed to carry their coursework over.
Edexcel: Is you course aimed at high level students only?
Edexcel: No, it is aimed at all levels.
AQA: How far in advance will the CA tasks be released?
AQA: 2014 tasks will be available by 1st September. After this we will release them 3 years in advance of the exam.
What other courses do you offer?
All exam boards hinted that other computer related courses are in the pipeline.
My Personal View
It was an interesting event and gave everyone present a chance to see what stage the exam boards are at in getting their courses ready for September 2012.
AQA were certainly the most professional and organised looking board. They had a pack available for all teachers, were keen to get teacher details and their presentation was the most polished of the three. I feel their course has the most potential and I particularly like the way they have put a lot of emphasis on the practical side of the course. However it does concern me that there is very little material available currently to help teachers and the promise that they will be by September leaves us teachers in a bit of a gambling situation – what if they do not follow through with their promise?
Edexcel were very much about ideas with little actual content on their course – they offered no handouts at all to teachers. I do not see how any school can see this as a realistic option this year when the course will only be submitted for accreditation in June. Like AQA they are very short on the ground with material to help teachers and their exam heavy course may put people off – especially the on screen pseudo-code only test.
OCR were a little disorganised, using a presentation that was clearly not edited for 15 minutes meaning the speaker ended up rushing through a number of slides. They did give out a brochure, but were keen to point out that their material was already easy to access on their website. However, I personally feel this course is really the only safe option at the moment. It has been running two years already, has text books, scheme of work, lesson plans and teachers who have already taught the course to help out. It is the safe option – tried and tested.
To summarise, OCR is currently the best course to teach in my opinion. AQA have the foundations of something special though and it will be interesting to see how it is in a year or two, but at the moment it will be a gamble for any teacher who takes it on – keep your fingers crossed the support material arrives in time. Edexcel have left it too late and just aren't a realistic option this year. Their course took a bit of a battering in the question and answer session and there on screen assessment test that replaces a controlled assessment option on the other two courses didn't seem very popular amongst the people there.
I hope this has been some help to those of you who are not sure who to go with. Please post your thoughts and comments below.


text: Eclipse Community Forums - RDF feed https://www.eclipse.org/forums/ Eclipse Community Forums Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1000723/#msg_1000723 I am using Windows Server 2003 machine. I have added some environment variables using format TEST_UDV_{{variable_name}}. For example, TEST_UDV_PRODUCT_HOME. Now I am trying to use this variable in my test case, where I have replaceText step. I am providing the Parameter Value as $PRODUCT_HOME. But it fails giving error :7009: Test Execution Error. Variable with name $PRODUCT_HOME is not resolvable. In PRODUCT_HOME, I am providing the path of my AUT. Please let me know what mistake I am doing while using env variable. Thanks, Himanshu]]> Himanshu Parmar 2013-01-15T10:25:43-00:00 Re: Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1000832/#msg_1000832 Just a guess - did you restart Jubula after env. variable definition?]]> Alexander Kolesov 2013-01-15T13:51:00-00:00 Re: Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1001129/#msg_1001129 Yes, I did restart the Jubula. I am not sure why it's not picking up the value. One more question for you, do we have option to specify global variables, just like pre-defined Jubula variables where we can specify key-value pairs? Either option will work for me. Thanks for your help. Thanks, Himanshu]]> Himanshu Parmar 2013-01-16T05:02:34-00:00 Re: Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1001762/#msg_1001762 I think you can use global data set for extracting predefined values. Or you can create a keyword like 'apsInitGlobals' where you will initialize required variables and place the keyword at the very beginning of test suite. Thanks, Alex]]> Alexander Kolesov 2013-01-17T10:35:39-00:00 Re: Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1002200/#msg_1002200 If you can use the Store Variable action (on the "Application" component) to work around your problem, all the better. In terms of environment variables, one other thing to be aware of is that they can only be used on the client (ITE) machine - not on the machine where the AUT Agent is running. Perhaps that explains your issue. Best regards, Alex]]> Alexandra Schladebeck 2013-01-18T06:46:53-00:00 Re: Getting error while using environment variables https://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/mv/msg/448847/1002313/#msg_1002313 Thanks, Himanshu ]]> Himanshu Parmar 2013-01-18T11:37:52-00:00


text:
Dee and Lance make plans for the Mansonland Theme Park. World's First Penis Reduction. Arizona Mother Really Likes Dogs. Phone calls.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: iTunes
Dee and Lance place bets for the annual Black Friday Death Count. Charlie Manson is getting hitched. SF Man stabbed by catcaller. Child rapist blames the victim. Phone calls. Happy Thanksgiving!


text:
About Us
Blue Mountain is the home of Pennsylvania's highest vertical, the most varied terrain and some of the longest runs in PA and is one of the best ski resorts in PA! Close to home – we are only 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York - so you can join us any day or everyday of the year, for Outdoor Adventures, Skiing, Snowtubing and Snowboarding.
PA's Highest Vertical
Blue Mountain Resort is located along the Kittatinny Ridge, which is part of the far-reaching Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is a neighbor, giving hikers quick access to our many amenities during their travels. With the breathtaking backdrop of the Pocono Mountains, Blue Mountain sits within the picturesque Little Gap Valley. Originally named Little Gap Ski Area in 1977, Blue Mountain was born in 1989 to better identify with the grand-scale of our mountain. Blue Mountain has 39 ski trails to challenge your skills so you'll never run out of thrills, and with 16 lifts to get back up to the top the fun never stops.
Blue Mountain is best known for skiing, boarding & tubing in the Winter.. yet it's far beyond the everyday experience for non-Winter Mountain Adventures! If you're not yet familiar with our endlessly amazing activities, Blue Mountain also offers Disc Golf, Downhill Mountain Biking, Outdoor Laser Tag, Action Archery, High & Low Ropes Challenge Courses, Segway Tours, Ziplines & Climbing Walls, Adventure Camp, Adventure Parties, Team building, Corporate Meetings, Weddings, Special Events & so much more during our Green Season, May - October.
So whether you're a fanatic, a first-timer, a group looking for adventure, or a family out for fun; you'll enjoy a first-class experience at Blue Mountain Resort. Whatever your pleasure - there's always something to do at Blue!
You Do the Math:
164 (acres of fun) + 39 (ski trails) + 39 (tubing lanes) + 21 (bike trails) + 16 (lifts) + 3 (disc golf courses) + 2 (challenge courses w/ziplines) + 3 (outdoor laser tag fields) + Adventure Camp, weddings, teambuilding, corporate meetings, reunions, special events & more) = The most wickedly-awesome place to have an adventure!
Blue Mountain Resort
Boasting a 1543 elevation above sea level and a 1082 vertical drop, Blue Mountain has a bigger mountain-feel with a smaller, family-owned & operated touch. Visit us and spend time on PA's highest vertical!
Physical Address:
1660 Blue Mountain Drive
Palmerton, PA 18071
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 216
Palmerton, PA 18071
GPS coordinates:
We're going to let Google handle this one. But, if you want to go old-school.. just give us a call and we'll talk you through it 610.826.7700 - next stop, Awesome-ville!
Happy Trails
Are you into maps? Who isn't? This one's sure to make you smile.
Add a little planning to your adventure. Explore the trail map, plan your trip of epic-ness and be prepared for endless amazement!


text:
How Glass Skirts Kept Us Warm We are currently exploring ideas for a public sculpture that will feature discarded glass insulators as shown in the two pictures below. The city of Montreal, with Hydro-Québec, is currently involved in moving its electrical grid below ground. One of the leftover products of this process are the insulators […]
Tag Archives: quebec
The Little Blue Petticoat
Posted in Glass insulator, Hydro-Québec, Sculpture Also tagged glass, hydro-quebec, insulator, montreal, revolution tranquille, sculpture, silent revolution Comments closed


text:
The images of early American history are easy to visualize: Jeffersonian architecture, redcoats and revolutionaries, powdered wigs, flags with the slogan "Live Free or Die." But its soundtrack is elusive.
Now, a pair of University of Virginia events will conjure and examine the sounds of early America, from the parlor music of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello to slave songs and bawdy tavern sing-alongs.
On March 30 and 31, the McIntire Department of Music's "Soundscapes of Jefferson's America" symposium will examine the sounds of the era through a combination of scholarly presentations and musical performances.
Concurrently, the "Sound in Early America" exhibit – a collaboration between the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the music department in the College of Arts & Sciences, the Jefferson Trust and the music library– opens Tuesday and features sound artifacts ranging from Jefferson's personal notebooks and family music collection to a Civil War-era musical Valentine. An opening reception on March 26 at 5 p.m. will kick off the exhibit.
Associate music professor Bonnie Gordon co-organized the symposium and curated the exhibit with library staff and a team of music graduate students.
"The idea behind all of this is to uncover not just music of the past but a textured soundscape," Gordon said. "We all have this incredibly good sense of what early America looked like. But we have very little sense of what it sounded like, and we've been trying very hard to get to what those sounds are, and to get people across Grounds to really listen to the past."
Soundscapes of Jefferson's America
The symposium will bring together performers and scholars in history, literature, theater and music and includes presentations on the music of slaves, the political and social dimensions of hearing, Jefferson's personal instrument collection and other topics.
"I think the importance of this conference is its inclusiveness in terms of both music and the broader sound world," said music department chair Richard Will, who co-organized the event. "We're considering as many different kinds of music as we can and also going beyond that into areas like oratory and the everyday sounds that marked out space in early America: the sounds of working, the sounds of socializing, even the sounds of drinking. We're trying to weave a very diverse tapestry of sound."
The conference is the culmination of a two-year project funded by the Jefferson Trust, and had its beginnings when Gordon discovered the Monticello Music Collection, which consists of Jefferson's personal sheet music and is owned by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation but housed in Special Collections.
Gordon was looking for a copy of a particular George Frideric Handel aria, and the library's Virgo search engine directed her to Special Collections.
"It turned out that it was in a book that Thomas Jefferson had owned, and I wasn't actually allowed to check it out," she said. "So I started wondering, 'What is here and what does it say about Thomas Jefferson?'"
The symposium, which is in its second year, has grown to include both Jefferson's music and a broader examination of what his environment sounded like.
"The conference started as a way to think about this music, and it grew very quickly into a way to think about the tension between this very well-curated collection of music and the absence of music and sound by others, especially African-Americans," Gordon said. "We know when Jefferson's daughters wanted music for dancing, it was Sally Hemings' sons who played. We know that there are the archeological remains of instruments that have been found at Mulberry Row, where the slaves lived at Monticello, and we have records of music and sounds at other slave plantations in the South. This was a rich sound culture."
The symposium begins March 30 with a series of discussions at the Harrison Institute/Small Special Collections Library auditorium and concludes March 31 with sessions at Montalto, culminating in a performance by old-time banjo virtuoso Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton. Later that evening, the Free Bridge Quintet will present "Jazz Meets Jefferson" at Old Cabell Hall. Harmonious Blacksmith & Friends will also perform a free concert as part of the symposium.
Sound in Early America Exhibit
The exhibit, housed on the first floor of the Small Special Collections Library, showcases historical items that evoke the sound of early America, from the Jeffersonian era through the Civil War.
Gordon curated the exhibit with a class of music graduate students – Amy Coddington, Stephanie Doktor, Emily Gale, Courtney Kleftis and Gretchen Michelson – as well as music library assistant Winston Barham.
The students went through materials ranging from the advertisements for minstrel shows to Jefferson's personal notebooks, which contain song lyrics and notes about music that he observed.
Michelson, a Ph.D. candidate, likened the experience of curating the exhibit to the effect of visiting a historical site in person as opposed to simply reading about it.
"If someone comes to the exhibit, I hope they leave thinking 'This is awesome, I've seen these rare manuscripts and the music,' but that they are also engaged with their own imagination and thinking about what sounds were like in this place many years ago," she said.
Michelson said she was especially interested in a book called the "Christian Minstrel," which dates to 1848 and is a sort of early music textbook that used shape-note singing and contained instructions on four-part harmony.
Doktor, also a Ph.D. candidate, said she was drawn to the project in part through an interest in issues of race and minstrel music, which often featured white performers in blackface. Writing about those materials for the exhibit was a challenging process, she said.
"How do you write about the racial politics of something like this?" Doktor said. "It's not neutral; it's very insidious."
Selecting the materials required a consideration of both content and presentation, Kleftis said.
"Part of it is looking for things that are visually appealing," she said.
Examining Jefferson's music also brought him to life in a new way, Gordon said. Jefferson enjoyed a reputation as a virtuosic violinist, but much of the violin music in his collection didn't show signs of having been heavily played, she said. The music his daughters played, however, showed evidence of substantial practice.
"Jefferson also sustained an injury that would have made it hard for him to play much of this music," Gordon said.
Will praised the exhibit and the symposium as an incredibly successful collaboration between the music department, the library, Monticello and the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies.
Gordon also said the experience of curating the exhibit has changed her perception of the nature of libraries and historical collections.
"We think of libraries as being very quiet and silent, but we've learned that the library is very noisy," Gordon said. "It's full of sonic artifacts and full of sound. And we're encouraging people to listen to that. We don't have playlists or phonograph recordings that actual reproduce sound from early America, but we do have this incredibly vital printed record that we can learn to listen for."
– by Rob Seal


text:
Please select another video.
DATELINE SATURDAY NIGHT MYSTERY PREVIEW: Haunting
A pair of double homicides in Nebraska, five years apart, lead police to fear a serial killer may be on the loose. Josh Mankiewicz reports Saturday, September 23 at 8/7c on NBC.
Past Seasons
Watch full episodes of Dateline NBC, for new episodes visit NBC.com
Dateline in-depth
Dig deeper into the issues and stories behind the broadcast.
Watch extended interviews, interrogation clips, and other exclusive web content that didn't make the Dateline broadcast.
Someone is missing. Have you seen something that can help? Read it. Share it.
Do you have a missing person's case you'd like Dateline to feature? Contact us here.
Could you be the one to heat up a cold case? Read it. Share it. Someone out there knows what happened.
Do you have a cold case you'd like Dateline to feature? Contact us here.
Dig into the issues and powerful, in-depth reporting with exclusive digital content from the reporters and producers who go "On Assignment."


text:
Hi All, I have a query, There seems to be a small bug with ip6_forward_rt cached route.In ip6_input(), before we check this cache, we don't check whether this cache is invalid i.e because of the destination address to which this forwarding route is pointing to is currently assigned to our interface.
Ex: suppose currently:we have default gateway and even enabled forwarding capability. So this cache is pointing to default gateway/interface. All packet destined to IPv6 address X are forwarded to that default gateway.
Now if we assign that address X to our interface itself, thenStill we will be forwarding packets destined to IPv6 address X to default gateway rather than taking it up.


text:
Hurricanes are just one disaster that can bring a small business to its knees. Do you have a crisis communications plan? MarketWatch Radio's Adrienne Mitchell gets some advice for entrepreneurs from Jennefer Witter, President of New York-based P.R. firm The Boreland Group.
Check your crisis communications before next storm
MarketWatch Partner Center
Most Popular
We Want to Hear from You
Join the conversation


text:
Since the beginning of this century Grit-Lit, has been the place to come for the latest and best information on thrillers and gritty detective novels. Published in many of the United States best known newspapers– including the San Francisco Bay Area News Group papers and led by the San Jose Mercury News and the Contra Costa Times–with print circulations well in excess of 500,000 plus extensive internet exposure, Grit-Lit is one of the most widely read thriller review columns in the industry.
Because book publishers believe that women buy most of the books — I've even been told — and I quote a powerful industry insider– "Men don't read" —ARGH!!! Makes me CRAZY.
But this is not a men's book review site. Git-Lit is for anyone who loves men and women of action. Characters like: Jack Reacher, Caitlen Strong, Mike Hammer, Spenser, Doc Ford, Dave Robicheaux, Joe Pike, Bob "The Nailer" … if you love them then you are at the right place.
Grit-Lit is dedicated to gritty detective novels, thrillers and the occasional odd ball — health and fitness, sports, true life adventure. Books that will give you a thrill or make your life better. Books that at their best offer an excellent combination of what I call the three sacred E's — Entertainment, Education and Enlightenment.
In short, these are not the kind of books you are likely to see reviewed on Oprah.
As this blog grows it will include all the Grit-Lit columns including reviews of hundreds of action oriented mysteries. Plus even more books that I was unable to review in my regular column.
Myles Knapp has been held at gunpoint by the Rio police, fought for his life against a hammer-wielding psycho and lost more full contact judo fights to Marines than he can count. As a reviewer, he's read over 5,000 thrillers and is determined to read another 5,000. Since 2001, his column, "Grit-Lit," has appeared in major newspapers and websites including The San Jose Mercury, Oakland Tribune, Contra Costa Times and affiliates.
A marketing and sales professional, he has lived and worked in the United States, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. When not busy completing his second and third Revenge School novels, Myles is reading, lifting heavy weights and riding his motorcycle or bike.
Everyone at Grit-Lit looks forward to reader and author comments. We love to hear from you.


text:
Antique Italian Crystal Chandelier 3d model
Highly detailed 3d model of 18 light 2 tier crystal candle chandelier light fixture.
Available 3d file format:
.max (Autodesk 3ds Max)
Free download this 3d objects and put it into your scene, use it for 3d interior visualization project, light fixtures design, interior decoration design, 3d rendering and other field related to 3d design.
Browse the categories below, you can find out more 3d models about Indoor Lighting, Chandelier, Crystal lighting, the models also apply to 3D Visualisation, Interior Design, Architectural Visualisation, Landscape Design, 3D Animation, 3D Art and more - some of them are rigged and low poly.
Other similar 3D models
- Round Drum Crystal Chande....max
- Drum pendant with crystal....max
- Column wall sconce.max
- Chinese lantern pendant l....max
- Adjustable hanging lamp.max
- 3 light ceiling lamp.max
- Minimalist Modern Table L....max
- Floor lamp with black sha....max
- Bowl torch floor lamp.max,.3ds
- Millennium Chandelier.max
- Brass pendant lighting.max
- Golden metal tree lamp.max


text:
As I've quit Tibia a few months ago since that PVP-patch that (in my opinion) totally screwed over what was left of the PVP-system in Tibia I'm trying to get rid of my last account. It's just rotting away at the moment so it can go cheap for someone who wishes to play Inferna or Dolera. Note that these servers are the only Hardcore PVP servers that actually have a community and aren't filled by a bunch of level 400's, so IF you want to play Tibia I suppose this is the best server for u to play on (if u play for PVP).
The account is basicly a starters account for someone that wishes to play up a char on Inferna (or Dolera) but doesn't want to start from scratch. It comes with the following:
122 Druid & 94 Paladin. Both chars got full equipment as showed on the screenshot. Note that the account is free account atm and that there's more stuff as a Royal scale robe in the yalahari depot and alot of loot/creature products/djinn to sell. I reckon there's somewhere inbetween 1kk and 1.5kk in sellables in the depots (Yalahar). As I've said I quit playing so I'll sell the account cheap as it's just rotting away atm anyways. 40 euros (_CHANGED FROM 60 to 40 CAUSE NONE WAS INTERESTED) and the account is yours, I prefer to sell to someone from the same country as me (Holland) or we could use a known middleman. Let me know if anyone is interested.
Both chars did PoI & Wrath, didn't do INQ but the druid has access there and to Spectres and Vats aswell. Didn't do Yalahari quest on both chars, druid got access to every important place that existed untill 2 months ago.. If interested in any more details just let me know.


text:
Expecting it to be an M&S number, I was surprised when she said that she got it from Asda and that it was a totally bargainous price of...wait for it....£16. Way to go Grandma Pickles! (So named after her last cat.)
Being the friendly soul that she is, Mum was waving to some young chap who had come to trim a nearby hedge. After she had gone he said "Wow, is that your Mum, she's a character isn't she?" Oh yes indeed! Just look at that legendary blue eyeshadow.
The coat has great detailing on the back,with a little drawstring to give it some shape. We spotted someone else in the same coat when we were out in Selfridges today but I have to say, she didn't wear it half as well as my Mum!
Unfortunately I couldn't see any on-line but I wouldn't be surprised if there was the odd one in the stores. Instead I came across this quilted jacket in burgundy (£19), which is another great find, also courtesy of George at Asda.
I am going to Leeds tomorrow to meet my friend who travels down from Newcastle for our bi-annual shop and catch up so if I don't manage to post tomorrow, I will be back on Sunday. Have a great weekend!


text:
Skip to main content
Dallas Party, Wedding, And Event Rentals 214-484-2489
Party And Event Equipment Rentals in Dallas and all the DFW Area
Rental Policy
Contact Us
Site Map
Member Login
Audio Equipment
BBQ Grills
Beer Pong Table
Bubble Machine
Casino Equipment
Catering Equipment
Ceremonial Scissors
Champagne Fountains
Coat Racks
Confetti Blower
CottonCandy Machine
Chair Covers
Dance Pole
Dance Floor
Director Chair
Disco Balls
Dinner Ware
DJ Lighting
Dolly Rentals
Dunk Tank
Foam Machines
Food Serving Equipment
Fog Machines
Game Show Buzzer
Generator Rentals
Greenery And Plants
Golf Carts
Indian Stages
Karaoke Machine
Kids Tables/Chairs
LED Up Lighting
Lounge Furniture
Mascot Costumes
Metal Detector
Margarita Machines
Misting Fans
OutDoor Lights
PA Systems
Patio Heaters
Patio Lights
Photography Equipment
Piping and Draping
Plasma TV's
Podium And Lectern
Port-A-Cool Fans
Projector Screen
Red Carpet Runners
Santa Claus Suit
Stage Lighting
SnoKone Machine
Snow Machines
Stanchions And Ropes
Stage Rentals
Spot Cooling Fans
Temporary Fences
Tent Rentals
Trash Can
Out Door Games
Vanity Mirrors
Video Game Party P
Wedding Curtains
Wheelchair And Walkers
2 Way Radios
USA Flag And Pole
Preferred Vendors
Portable Bars
Charging Station Stand
Dallas AV Rentals
AV Equipment Rentals Dallas, Audio Visiual Equipment Rentals Dallas Tx, Dallas Audio Visual Rentals for Projectors, Sound Systems,Audio Visual Equipment,Projector Rentals Dallas,HD Projector Rentals Dallas,Outdoor Projectors Dallas Rentals,Rent AV equipment Dallas Tx, Where to Rent AV equipment in Dallas, How to Rent AV equipment Dallas Tx,Projection Rentals Dallas,Presentation Equipment Rentals Dallas,Rent AV equipment Dallas Tx, Conferences, Weddings, Church Events and Presentations, Theatre Productions, Entertainment, and Special Events. Equipment delivery, set-up, and system operation is available in Dallas, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Garland, Mesquite, Addison, Frisco, and all suburbs including surrounding areas in DFW. We have a wide selection of Projectors, Projection Screens, Sound Systems, Powers Speakers, Power Subwoofers, Microphones, wireless microphones, 4 channel mixers, 8 channel mixers, amps, speaker stands, mic stands,HD projectors, Plasma Tv's. LCD Monitors, LED Tv's, 3D Tv's, CD Players.
If you do not see the specific item you are looking for, please contact us —
we have a wide range of AV gear available that are not specifically listed on this website
Rent AV Equipment in Dallas


text:
The Mississippi River in St. Paul has begun its descent after cresting Thursday morning, but rain coming this weekend could prolong the high waters.
The river hit a height of 20.13 feet above gauge level Thursday morning — the seventh-highest crest on record and just short of the projected crest of 20.2 feet.
By 10 p.m. Friday, the river had fallen slightly to 19.73 feet, and it's expected to remain in "major" flood stage — 17 feet — into next week.
In Stillwater, the St. Croix River was near its forecasted crest Friday, measuring 87.57 feet at 9:15 p.m. Water at that level is considered to be in "minor" flood stage.
Because the lower portion of the river gets backed up when the Mississippi floods, the St. Croix will fall as the Mississippi falls, said Craig Schmidt, hydrologist with the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen.
Schmidt said about 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall the next few days in the metro area, but that won't be enough to push rivers to higher crests.
"There could be an individual thunderstorm that drops 3 to 3 1/2 (inches of rain) in a very localized location, but that wouldn't be enough to affect the rivers very much," he said. "That type of thing might affect small streams and urban flooding, that sort of thing."
The coming rains are not expected to be as heavy or widespread as those earlier this month. On June 19 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 4.13 inches of rain was recorded.
"And what is fairly widespread will be something that the soils and everything can handle," Schmidt said. "One and a half, 2 inches over three days — that's not a problem. We won't get as much runoff from that."
Saturday will see a higher likelihood for thunderstorms. The highest chance, however, will be Sunday, when a cold front moves into the area, Schmidt said.
Storms on Sunday could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds, he said.
Whatever falls the next few days will add to a June rain total that is already the Twin Cities' second-highest on record.
Through Thursday, the airport saw 10.85 inches of rain — 6.6 inches above what's considered normal for the month.
Not even an inch more would be needed for the Twin Cities to have the rainiest June going back to 1871, a record now held by June 1874, when 11.67 inches fell.
Concern over more river flooding will drop as summer continues. Storms later in the season typically don't bring as much rain, Schmidt said. But the chance for river flooding is not entirely over.
"We still are going to have to keep our eyes open the next 30 days or so," Schmidt said. "We're probably still looking at an above-normal pattern for rainfall, but we are getting out of our peak thunderstorm season."
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning paddlers to think twice about putting a canoe or kayak into state rivers, which are running higher and faster than usual.
DNR water safety specialist Kara Owens said the swift water creates more debris, which can cause trouble for boaters.
Andy Rathbun can be reached at 651-228-2121. Follow him at twitter.com/andyrathbun.


text:
Java/J2EE online training by H2K Infosys | Zapp Classifieds .com - Events in United States
Free Classified Ads in United States
Sunday, 18 February, 2018
Post Ad
Select your country:
United States
Report Abuse
Email this Ad
Post# E11942
01 Jan, 17 - 01 Jan, 18
Java/J2EE online training by H2K Infosys
(Atlanta, )
Posted on
: Saturday, 29 July, 2017 15:55
Updated On
: Saturday, 29 July, 2017 15:55
Expires On
: Friday, 27 October, 2017 15:55
This ad has expired
Reply to
H2K Infosys the leading provider of IT Training in Alpharetta, GA, USA offers Java/J2EE Training online.
We provide job oriented training, and cover both basic and advanced level concepts. Our extensive 80+ hours of training along with real-time projects and domain knowledge prepares you for a successful role as a Java Developer. Our Java course includes access to real-time environment to work on various software tools to gain hand-on experience.
All enrolled students are provided with course material and video recordings. We offer life-time access to the Java/J2EE course, unlimited mock interview sessions, and resume preparation sessions.
What is the role of a Java Developer?
A Java Developer is involved in the programming and development of business applications and software as well as its architecture. Java Developer develops and executes programs using Java and its associated frameworks.
Why consider a career in Java?
Fresh Graduates/IT newbies can start a career in IT as a Java Developer
Career Change or switch from current technology to be proficient in Java
High market demand for Java professionals
Pay scale is excellent for Java professionals
Rewarding and Successful career in Software Development with job security
Enroll Today for our Java Training!
Visit us at: www.h2kinfosys.com
Call us: USA +1(770)777-1269 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
It is
ok to contact this poster with commercial interests.
765 visite
Categories »
Accommodation, supplies
Administration & business services - consultancies
Advertising, marketing and communication
Agriculture, livestock and fishing breeding
Agriculture, livestock and fishing supplies
Agriculture, vegetable and flower growing
Agriculture and livestock breeding, services
Analysis, control and research auxiliary services
Art and artistic crafts
Associations and organizations of public interest
Automation and office machines
Banks and financial services
Beauty salons, cosmetics, health & well-being
Beauty salons, equipment and supplies
Building industry, articles semi-finished products
Building industry, residential and industrial
Building industry, technological products & plants
Building industry and civil works, equipment
Building industry & civil works, services & works
Building industry and civil works, supplies
Building materials
Business agencies and commercial services
Business gifts
Candy, confectionery and ice cream
Cars and motor vehicles
Catering and entertainment auxiliary services
Ceramics, products and processing
Certificates, reproduction, drawings and photos
Chemical industry, machinery and equipment
Chemical industry, services and works
Chemicals, basic products
Chemicals, secondary products
Churches and religious associations
Cinema, cameras, optical instruments
Cinema and radio-television
Cleaning products
Climate control and conditioning, equipment & co.
Clock and watch making
Clothing, accessories
Clothing, knitwear and furs
Clothing and leather goods, machinery & equipment
Clothing and leather goods, services and works
Clothing and leather goods, supplies
Commercial and artisan activities, furnishings eq.
Commercial and artisan activities, machines & co
Commercial and artisan activities, supplies
Condiments, spices, infusions and coffee
Congresses, fairs and events, supplies
Cosmetics and toilet products
Cultural and entertainment services
Door and window frames
Drinks, wines and liqueurs
Electrical engineering, materials and components
Electronic engineering, materials and components
Embassies and international organizations
Entertainment sector, supplies
Environmental protection & refuse disposal,machin.
Environmental protection & refuse disposal,service
Fabrics and material
Food & drinks industry,basic products and supplies
Food and drinks industry, machinery and equipment
Food and drinks industry, services and works
Food products
Footwear, leather goods and skins
Furnishing fabrics, curtains and carpets
Furnishings, decorative objects
Furnishings, kitchen and household appliances
Furnishings and accessories, bathroom
Furnishings and accessories, bedroom
Furnishings and furniture, home
Furnishings and furniture, professional
Furnishings & wood industry, machinery & supplies
Furnishings and wood industry, services and works
Glass, products and processing
Garages, equipment, supplies and auxiliary service
Goods transport and shipment
Graphic, paper and publishing industry
Health and hospital systems, equipment & supplies
Heat engineering and heating, equipment & services
Hospital and health services
Hotels and hotel facilities
Household appliances
Industrial activities, machines and equipment
Industrial activities, supplies
Industrial electrical engineering, equipment & co.
Industrial supplies for prevention, safety
Information technology, products and supplies
Information technology - consultants and services
Insurance companies and insurance services
Jewelers, watchmakers and gold and silversmiths
Kitchen utensils and houseware
Lawyers, notaries and legal services
Leisure, articles and supplies
Linen, drapery and blankets
Livestock breeding and fishing, animal breeding
Machine tools and systems
Marble, stone and similar
Meat, sausages and fish
Mechanical equipment
Mechanical machining and services
Mechanical tools and materials
Medical-health and orthopedic products
Metal materials, semi-finished
Metals, heat surface treatments & electroforming
Metals and alloys
Metal working, forming and welding
Motors and drives
Motor vehicles, accessories
Motor vehicles, auxiliary services
Motor vehicles, repairs
Motor vehicles, spare parts and components
Office furnishings and equipment
Office supplies
Packing and packaging, equipment and systems
Packing and packaging, services
Packing and packaging, supplies and materials
Packing and packaging articles
Paints, varnishes and enamels
Paper, cardboard and primary products
Personnel recruitment and training
Petroleum products, gas and fuels
Pharmaceutical and related products
Physicians and surgeons
Plastics, products and articles
Plastics and rubber industry, machinery and eq.
Plastics industry, services and works
Plumbing fittings and accessories
Printed finished products
Professional and non-prof. electrical engineering
Professional and non-prof. electronic engineering
Professional workers - consultants & services
Publishing services
Public and private transport
Public administration
Public services, various
Publishing and services
Refrigeration, equipment and services
Restaurants and related public premises
Restaurants, public houses
Rubber, products and articles
Rubber industry, services and works
Schools and educational services
Services for companies, events and support
Setting, printing and packaging
Social services
Sport, articles and supplies
Sport and leisure, facilities and equipment
Sport and leisure, services
Steelworks and foundries
Storage and handling, equipment and systems
Storage and handling, services
Suites, armchairs, chairs and tables
Surveillance, maintenance & cleaning services
Technical, administrative consultants & appraisers
Technical and industrial consultants
Telecommunications and telephony, equipment & co.
Textiles, yarns and raw materials
Tourism, services
Tour operators and tourist organizations
Transport, auxiliary services
Underwear, stockings and bathing costumes
Valves and measurement equipment
Various metal products
Watchmakers, gold- and silversmiths
Water, light, gas and public utility companies
Wood and semi-finished products
United States Classifieds
United States Companies
Free Classifieds and Ads Sites Partners:
Directory of Companies
Sporting Goods
Mobile Phones and Accessories
Used Cars for sale
Building Materials in United States
Job news in United States
Cycling and Dancing Sporting Goods in United States
Other Sporting Goods in United States
Administrative & Support United States
Finance & Banking United States
Companies of Wigs & hairpieces
Companies of Other for Jewelers, watchmakers and gold and silversmiths
Aeronautical & aerospace industry
Public houses - beer houses & pubs
Cabinetry - Kitchen
Water Coolers
Sport stores - Autographed Memorabilia
Sport stores - Cycling
Buick Park Avenue
Cadillac Brougham
Copyright © 2009 - 2018 Zapp Classifieds .com. All Rights Reserved |
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Popular Searches
Powered by


text:
Attitude, character count in trying to nail down elusive employment.
Employers rarely tell the truth about one thing: why they didn't hire you.
So I asked them for you.
BOOK REVIEW: Avoid job-hunting pitfalls
COLUMN: Spring clean job-search tactics
Before we get to that, here's why they stay mum in the first place.
For one, they have legal departments breathing down their necks. Lawyers tell them not to talk for fear of leading you to think you've been discriminated against when that's not the case.
It can be an issue of time. They likely have interviewed lots of people and don't have time to give you thoughtful advice.
Based on past experience, as a favor when they did try to act like a career adviser, job hunters became defensive and the conversation turned ugly.
Something changed. The job was put on hold. The person in charge of hiring had to go in for back surgery. The company's priorities shifted. Whatever it was, it had nothing to do with you, and they were overwhelmed or unwilling to talk about it.
They may not know how to share the kind of personal critique you want. And that brings me to the reason many people don't get hired.
What I'm about to share doesn't represent every employer. But from what dozens and dozens of employers — small, medium and large companies in all types of industries — told me, this is clear: It's really, really hard to find good people.
ON TV: Catch Andrea Kay on 'The List' on June 24
By good people, I don't just mean folks with the right skills or right experience.
Yes, experience and skill matter. And some jobs in information technology, finance, engineering and other areas are hard to fill because special talents and functional skills are needed to perform the jobs.
And yes, for many jobs, education also can be a factor.
But you can be the most talented person who walks the earth and possess the proper technical skills. Yet you still won't get hired because of this: how you seem.
For my recent book, I asked employers this question: Why didn't you hire the last 10 people you interviewed? Every one of them said it was because of how the job applicant "seemed" based on how he or she acted before, during or after an interview.
Sometimes the person said something in email, on the phone or face to face:
• Sharing too much personal information.
• Getting defensive about past experiences.
• Complaining about the past or even the drive to the interview.
• Sending writing samples with typographical errors.
• Asking about salary, benefits and break times.
• Taking weeks to respond then being full of excuses on why: "My computer was down. I was out of the country."
How does that make those job hunters seem? Careless, disinterested, hard to get along with, unreliable, unprofessional, immature.
Fair or not, employers said the behaviors were very revealing. The behaviors influenced them so much that they said it predicted not only what kind of employee someone might be and whether a person could do the job, but it also predicted that elusive, hard-to-nail-down issue — whether they would be a good fit at the company.
In every interaction an employer has with you, a potential boss is wondering: "What would it be like to have this person working at my company? Would they fit in with the other employees?"
Companies can't afford to hire someone with the right skills to do the work but without the character needed to get the job done right.
So yes, employers are looking for clues about maturity, critical thinking, attitude, self-initiative, intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and the desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Employers are watching and listening for signs of which characteristics and attitudes you have.
Someone once said that companies hire for skills and fire for character. What employers told me — and I'm telling you — is that they also hire for character, more than you think.
Career consultant Andrea Kay is the author of This Is How To Get Your Next Job: An Inside Look at What Employers Really Want. Reach her at firstname.lastname@example.com. Twitter: @AndreaKayCareer.


text:
Specifications and Features
Large Print Volume
Pingo boasts an impressive 200x200x200mm build volume - large by the standards of even much more expensive printers.
Fast Printing
Thanks to Pingo's sturdy construction and bowden extruder, printing speeds of up to 90mm/s can be reached while maintaining print quality.
High Quality
Pingo is made from premium components that yield amazing prints time after time. As a result, layer heights down to 50 microns can be achieved.
By focusing on print quality and not on pointless 'bells and whistles', we were able to keep the price low without sacrificing any performance.
Pingo – About the Printer
We are thrilled to bring to you Pingo, our 3D Printer! Large Build Volume Pingo boasts an impressive 200x200x200mm build volume – large by the standards of even much more expensive printers. To put that into perspective, if you were to print a hollow box as large as you could, it […]
Batman Bust
A batman bust in carbon fiber PLA, 100 micron layer height. Turned out excellently!
The "To make or not to make" skull from thingiverse (thing:441087). This print was well over 20 hours but it turned out perfectly! The support material generated by slic3r did an excellent job, and the complex overhangs and under surfaces are well formed.
Ball Bearing
A completely functional printed ball bearing, all in one print! White PLA at 200 micron layer height.
This great elephant model prints in one go and then stands up! It has joints at the front legs, back legs, and head. Printed in gold PLA from Ultimachine.
3D Benchy
The 3DBenchy is a printer torture test – a model that challenges every aspect of a printer. On this (rather cute) boat there are overhangs, bridges, fine details, small structures, and sharp edges. All of these aspects make it an ideal print to test a printer's quality. Here at Pingo3D we […]
Sprial Chess Piece
This awesome model (thing:470700) was printed in white PLA at 0.2mm layer height. The print was done without support, and turned out flawlessly. Enjoy!
Moai Statue
A really neat moai (thing:149271) printed at a 100 micron layer height in orange PLA. An absolutely flawless print, try to find any layer lines!
Coffee Rocket
A print in the coffee HTPLA from Proto Pasta. This is a really cool material, and it even smells like coffee! The print is a single-perimeter rocket (thing:458903) in spiral vase mode at 0.2mm layer height.
Tiki Head
A great looking tiki statue (thing:33746). Layer height of .2mm, printed in wood PLA. Wood filled PLA is very fun to work with and turns out looking great!


text:
La Caballeriza is an 8-room Boutique Hotel, designed for nature enthusiasts. It is located in the rural area of Limache. Offers a pool, green areas, children playground, massages services, hot tub ... read more
Other boutique hotels near San Francisco de Limache
Boasting a terrace with panoramic views of Valparaiso bay, the Atkinson is 100 metres from Atkinson Promenade on Concepción Hill. Guests can relax in the lobby by the fireplace and the piano. Wi-Fi... read more
Situated in an historical building on a quiet street, the intimate 4-star Zerohotel breathes the authentic spirit of Valparaiso. It boasts a terrace with loungers overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Al... read more
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a garden, this boutique hotel offers rooms overlooking the green trees and forests of Zapallar. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are available. The... read more
The Aubrey is a friendly Australian/English boutique hotel situated in a converted mansion in the city's cultural centre, Bellavista. It is a short walking distance from Metropolitano Park and Cerr... read more
With a marble staircase and elegant wall mouldings, Lastarria Boutique Hotel boasts details of 5-star décor. Guests can rely on the tour desk to arrange Spanish classes, ski resort passes and show ... read more
Located only 20 metres away from Pablo Neruda's house, La Chascona, and a 10-minute walk from Baquedano Metro Station, Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo offers accommodation in the district of Bellavist... read more
Located 450 metres from Baquedano subway station, Su Merced Hotel offers accommodation in Santiago. Free WiFi and breakfast are included. The main square is 700 metres away. The rooms in Su Merced... read more
Set in the chic Providencia neighbourhood, Meridiano features modern style décor only a 6-minute drive from Santiago's Museum of Fine Arts and within walking distance from lots of restaurants. WiFi... read more
White walls, wooden furnishings and chic interiors can be enjoyed in the upscale neighbourhood of Providencia. The metro station is a 3-minute walk and Wi-Fi is free. CasaDeTodos B&B Boutique has ... read more
Stylish décor and a French-inspired courtyard can be enjoyed in this boutique hotel situated in upscale Providencia. Massage sessions can be booked and complimentary snacks are offered. Private par... read more
Boutique-hotels. And great places nearby
We help you find the best boutique hotels in San Francisco de Limache. We guide you to cool design hotels, hip and trendy hotels and small five-star luxury hotels. These hotels might often be so unique and romantic that you do not want to leave your room. But still - you should! Therefore, we also help hotels guide you to the greatest places nearby - be it coffeeshops, restaurants or museums.Here are some recommended places nearby boutique-hotels in San Francisco de Limache:


text:
Boss Brushed Legging
You shouldn't have to sacrifice style for comfort! Get the best of both worlds in this soft brushed legging, designed in black with the screen print "Boss" across the front.
- Elastic waistband
- Approx. 8 in. leg opening
- Approx. 29 in. inseam
- 92% polyester, 8% spandex
- Machine wash
- Model wears size S/M
- Imported


text:
For Q2, the producer of sapphire substrates for the LED lighting and semiconductor sectors posted revenue of $43 million and non-GAAP profits of 59 cents a share, consistent with the Street consensus forecast of $42.8 million and 58 cents.
However, for Q3, the company issued guidance that came up dramatically short of expectations. The company sees revenue of $28 million to $34 million and non-GAAP profits of 23-30 cents a share, while the Street had been looking for $47.7 million and 61 cents.
"Prolonged weakness in the LED backlighting market is now having an impact" on demand, CEO Raja Parvez said in a statement. "We have limited visibility at the moment for new core sales and, given our polishing customers have ample core inventory at the moment, current pricing for two through four inch diameter cores is down as much as 60 percent sequentially. While we believe this situation will improve by the end of the quarter, it will have an impact on our third quarter results."
RBCN in late trading is down $1.50, or 11.7%, to $11.30; that follows a drop of 95 cents, or 6.9% in the regular session.


text:
Phase II Checklist
You are here
Checklist for GRACES Phase II (OT) programs
- Have you selected appropriate templates from the GRACES OT library? Have you gone through the checklist in the Top-level Program Overview note and included relevant standardized notes? Add notes with information about the program and acquisition that will make it easier for the observer. Try to use the standardized notes provided in the OT Library.
- Check that readout mode and the spectroscopic mode are clearly stated in the "set-up" note.
- Are the integration times reasonable? Individual spectroscopy observations should not be longer than 2400sec (due to the high rate of cosmic rays). Short exposures result in large overheads from the readout of the detectors, and may give data dominated by the read-noise. Check with the ITC.
- GRACES observation sequences that take longer than ~3 hours to execute will likely not be executed all on one night, and you must allow adequate time for re-acquisitions on subsequent nights when filling the allocated time. Have you read the details about the overhead calculations? Have you added a note explaining how many reacquisitions you have assumed for the calculation of the overheads? Taking the correct overheads into account, do your defined observations fit within the allocated observing time?
- Have you checked Baseline Calibrations to see what is offered/required.
- Have all observation classes been set correctly?
- Have you considered the effects of differential atmospheric refraction on your data? Note that the guiding will be optimized at the central wavelength, minimizing the light-loss due to differential refraction at that wavelength.
- Make sure that observations taken in Normal readmode are set up as Fast Read/Low Gain in the GMOS component, observations in Slow mode should be set up as Slow Read/High Gain.
- Check the filter under the GMOS component. This should be set up as DS920 for 1f or HeIIC for 2f.
Guide stars
- Are guide stars selected for the GMOS OIWFS? The PWFSs are not used for observing sidereal targets with GRACES in most cases. First, select the position angle mode (Fixed, Allow 180deg flip) in the GMOS component as appropriate. The automatic guide star selection service will select an appropriate guide star for the specified observing conditions. Alternatively, the PI can still choose a guide star using the Manual GS button on the OT position editor. For manual guide stars, ensure that the guide star can be reached for the selected position angle, that the guide star is within the magnitude limits for the OIWFS, and that all guided offset positions can be reached. Check that the probe arm is visible and falls within the green box in the position editor. Fix any red offset positions. The UCAC4 catalog should be used whenever possible for choosing guide stars as the magnitudes are usually reliable.
- Ensure guide stars are stars and not galaxies.
- If the PI requires calibrating standards beyond what is offered in the standard baseline calibrations, these must be defined, including a specific target, and time will be charged against the program for the observation. Observing class should be set to Nighttime Program Calibration. Baseline standards are set to partner calibration.
- Note that a 1x1 binning is required for the acquisition sequence.
- Is the ROI set to custom? Are the values Xmin=2172, Ymin=1570, Xrange=1800 and Yrange=1100?
- Is the readout mode set to Fast Read/Low Gain?
- Have you included the appropriate acquisition observations?
- If an observation includes an unusual or non-standard acquisition (eg. blind offset acquisitions), include the appropriate OT Library standardized note in the program. The text of the note can either describe the acquisition or point to other notes within the program. Using these standardized notes should minimize acquisition errors and observers won't be surprised. See the OT library for examples of non-standard acquisitions.
BLIND OFFSETS: Use when targets are too faint to be acquired within 5 min of imaging.
- Make sure that a User1 target is defined with coordinates on the same astrometric system as the science
- Make sure the blind offset User1 star has a name, preferably something like 'Reference Star' or 'Blind offset star'
- Offset star should preferably be within 20 arcsec of the science target. The accuracy of blind offsetting is better than 0.1 arcsec for offsets less than 20 arcsec.
- For the blind offsetting to work, it is essential that the same guide star can be reached for the bright object and the science target.
- Include a note in the program to warn the observer of the non-standard acquisition.
- If your observations involve complicated alignments, crowded fields, or targets fainter than about R=18 (eg. if the target is not obvious in the OT position editor with the Digitized sky survey 2 image loaded), you need to prepare finding charts. Such a finding chart should indicate the target/s and display the orientation (preferably North up and East to the left) and scale. Finding charts should be uploaded through the OT.