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is there difference between two variations of sh command substitution?
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ref to "http://www.freebsd.org/cgi/man.cgi?query=sh&manpath=FreeBSD+8.1-RELEASE" command substitution section
environment ===
FreeBSD abc.xyz.com 8.1-RELEASE FreeBSD 8.1-RELEASE #0: Mon Jul 19 02:55:53 UTC 2010 email@example.com:/usr/obj/usr/src/sys/GENERIC i386
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PHP Code:
Last edited by rocket357; 21st September 2010 at 02:27 PM.
Thanks, rocket357.
The first form b=$( eval echo \$$_var ) which i understood is parsed like this:
pass1: eval echo $aa ## \$ is treated as dollar sign $, $_var is aa
pass2: eval it , and assign result (echo $aa 's output) to variable b
is it right to think of it ?
however, the second form b=`eval echo \\$$_var` which i can't read it.
pass1: eval echo \$aa ## \\ -> \ (as manpage explained), $_var -> aa
pass2: eval it ? echo \$aa -> $aa , $aa is output of echo , b=$aa, but the result is b=AAAA ($aa's val).
how to understand the second form ?
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In the context of Bourne shell scripting:
For all practical intents and purposes, $(string) is just a synonym for `string`. $() was added as a more explicit way of doing `` around the 80s, so $() is not as portable as ``.
I have not seen any shell that does not support $(), that is not old as petrified dog poo. I personally use `` in scripts because it gains a small bit of portability at no sacrifice in readability over $(). Yes, I'm to lazy to change from ``to $() in case I get stuck in an antique sh.
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
Not sure how this relates to the OP's question (Which I find fairly confusing to be honest), but $() has an advantage in that it's better "nestable", for example consider:
$(ls | grep $(cat somefile))
As for portability: $() has long since been a part of the POSIX standard. Writing shell scripts with `` for portability is like modifying your programs for Windows 95.
UNIX was not designed to stop you from doing stupid things, because that would also stop you from doing clever things.
I also prefer using $() wherever possible, apparently it was introduced with Korn shells and GNU's bash.
As mentioned by Carpetsmoker, this has been merged into POSIX/SUS standards and both are perfectly legal.. and a compliant 'sh' must support both.
CS, you'll just have to excuse those of us who test their scripts against shells who have yet to be certified as passing the standard, and prefer common-dialect portability over requiring the latest and greatest standards without real need of those features. Ditto for any C99 versus C89 debates. I'm a practical man not a theologian.
As to the OP, all I see is issues relating to $(), ``, and escaping, and wouldn't mind if the OP tried a more direct way of phrasing it.
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
I use both $() and `` but seem to be shifting more toward $().
Advantages of `` are that it's easier to type and easier on the eyes, so I don't mind it in a short line such as
% VAR=`command`
but the individual back-quotes tend to get easily lost in longer statements, so there I'll use $() as it's easier to spot.
But I also like consistency so maybe that's why the slide toward $() everywhere.
For entertainment, I looked up the standard to see what it says about the difference between backticks & $():
So here's the raw meat being thrown into the lions' cage:
The $() form of command substitution solves a problem of inconsistent behaviour when using backquotes. For example: Command Output echo '\$x' \$x echo `echo '\$x'` $x echo $(echo '\$x') \$x Additionally, the backquoted syntax has historical restrictions on the contents of the embedded command. While the new $() form can process any kind of valid embedded script, the backquoted form cannot handle some valid scripts that include backquotes. For example, these otherwise valid embedded scripts do not work in the left column, but do work on the right: echo ` echo $( cat <<\eof cat <<\eof a here-doc with ` a here-doc with ) eof eof ` ) echo ` echo $( echo abc # a comment with ` echo abc # a comment with ) ` ) echo ` echo $( echo '`' echo ')' ` ) Because of these inconsistent behaviours, the backquoted variety of command substitution is not recommended for new applications that nest command substitutions or attempt to embed complex scripts.
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The interpreter read in command line, and first two backslash is treated as \ literally, and \$ is treated as $ literally, $_var is replaced by $_var's value, "aa"
after first interpreted, the interpreter also find it there's \$ because of result of first read, and \$ is treated as $ literally ,
is it right ot understand it ?
the interpreter read in , and first two backslash is treated \ literally , and following two backslash is also, and following two dollar sign is replaced by current pid value.
after first read(the first four backslash is interpreted \\), then this \\ is also interpreted \.
if ex1 and ex2 do make sense.
look at another example
PHP Code:
the interpreter read in command, the first two backslash is \, the second pair is also \, the third pair is also \, and the following two dollar sign is shell pid
after first read, the text is look like this: \\\1018_var, however, as you can see, the result is not expand $$ to pid, i think it interpret byte by byte, instead of read a line whole, like this: the first three pair backslash is interpreted three literal \, then \\\$$_var(assume it read byte by byte ) is interpreted as first two backslash is \ , third backslash and fourth dollar sign is literal $, and result of this is \$aa.
question 1: how the interpreter interpret command line , line by line or byte by byte, or otherwise?
question 2: why the \$ sequence not be interpreted, it's also in the list `$', ``', or `\'?
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Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson flank Dior CEO at couture show
What if Katniss Everdeen and Hermione Granger were friends in real life? Well, they probably aren't, but Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Watson did sit pretty close together at a Dior fashion show on Monday.
Now we'll leave the BFF fantasies to the fanfic-philes
"The Hunger Games" star and "Harry Potter" alum hit Paris Fashion Week and Christian Dior's haute couture show for Fall/Winter 2014-2015, flanking the French fashion house's chief exec Sidney Toledano while they watched the models traipse by.
PHOTOS: Celebs at Paris Fashion Week
The show was held at Musée Rodin's gardens in a circular tent decorated with thousands of white orchids and displayed the latest confections by Belgian designer Raf Simons.
Lawrence, 23, who is the face of Dior's handbags, wore a white frock from the fashion house's Resort 2015 collection with black-and-white strappy pumps.
Watson, 24, wore a navy dress from Dior's 2014 couture collection and an Eva Fehren cuff, and her plum seating assignment makes us wonder if some collaboration with the iconic house is in the works. (Toledano is usually seen at the shows hobnobbing with celebs in the front row.)
The "Noah" actress also attend the Giambattista Valli show on Monday. And, like a good little fashionista, she swapped her diaphanous frock for a plunging all-black number for the latter show. However, she did make a pic from Dior her Twitter avatar.
Also at Dior: J'adore spokeswoman Charlize Theron and beau Sean Penn, "Gone Girl" star Rosamund Pike, newlywed Olivia Palermo, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, French actress Marion Cotillard and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.
Katniss, meet Hermione. Follow me @NardineSaad.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
..and the coffee has finally run out.
Well. I've reached my milestone and I don't know what I was expecting. No fanfare. No blare of trumpets.
Just like last year, it's raining again. There was a plan to go drinking once more in Shibuya, but the chill from the rain has put an end to that idea.
Here I am sitting in the apartment contemplating my year up until now. My worst fear is repeating myself. There is nothing like the thrill of the new. There'll always be another summer's fireworks, autumn's leaves, spring's cherry blossoms, and winter's snow.
I'm hoping I can find some new things to get excited about. Japan has it's good and bad. A lot of things I thought about the Japanese have changed. I think they like to believe their own myths.
The food is great. Much better than I imagined it could be. I have met the kindest people, the worst people and I think I have a lot to learn about them,.. and myself.
Today I had a surprise meeting. A last goodbye for now. Kampai with an 8% STRONG Chu-hi!! It made all the difference to my day. Thanks for sharing a drink. Good luck.
If you ask me how long I'm going to be here, I can't answer that. Forever? Nothing lasts forever, nothing..
Saturday, 31 May 2008
One Year In Japan
..and the coffee has finally run out.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 9:15 pm 0 comments
Saturday, 24 May 2008
I Love The Nightlife, I Love To Boogie
Tonight was a big night out with the boys in Shibuya.
There was a great turnout, including a friend I know from Brisbane who's only been in Tokyo for three weeks.
After first getting a drink from a combini, we started off in Tasu Ichi (aka. "Love Connection").
It's a small bar slightly erring to the side of more foreigners than Japanese, but it has a nice vibe and cheap 300 yen beers. Some J guys said they liked my shirt. It felt like an English lesson so I didn't talk to them very long. If it's a J girl I don't mind it at all. Hmm..
Once we had enough of there, we moved on to Club Atom.
It's strange that tonight, after almost a year of being here, I hadn't been to any nightclubs at all.
I'm glad I hung around and didn't catch the last train. I had a great time.
Club Atom is situated on the left side of Shibuya, walking past Shibuya 109 to the area commonly referred to as "Love Hotel Hill", where there are quite a few clubs.. and love hotels.
I paid a 2500 yen entry which is a bit much for me. I was a little perturbed that the security staff rifled through my wallet. I think that's quite a bit too invasive of my privacy. What are they looking for anyway?
There are three floors to the club.
The fifth floor is the largest main dance floor playing dance music. This was probably the least interesting room to me. I just felt kind of bored here.
I spent most of the time here on the sixth floor Hip Hop room. (There weren't the tables there that you see in the picture) This style of music is probably the most recognisable music you hear these days, so I knew almost all the songs the DJ played. The DJ was "spinning" tunes on a Macbook Pro!
I danced with two quite attractive Korean girls, that were on holiday in Japan for a few days. Their English was great, and I had a fun time dancing with them. One of the Japanese girls that tagged along with our group came up to me to dance and scared the Koreans away. Shame that. Probably a good idea anyway.
Finally I discovered the fourth floor psychedelic room. One of the other guys told me it was there. I thought it was the exit!
This was the room you come to get blissed out on heavy Trance/Techno tunes. Here, I was doing my most strange dancing, poking my hands through the smoke-machined air and laser lights. Big box, little box. Trippy!
It was a LONG night. Around 4:30am I stumbled out on the street with some of the others towards Shibuya station to catch one of the first trains of the morning.
On the train I sat next to an old man. At first I thought he was irritated that a foreigner had chosen to sit next to him, but he blurted out, "Nice to meet you too". Ok..
He continued with, "Are you American?", "Australia, nice people" and lastly, "Beautiful Japanese girls".
Yes they are.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 2 comments
Friday, 23 May 2008
Everything Is Blue In This World
Today had enough sun to warrant a road test of my new sunglasses.
Surprisingly I wasn't going cross-eyed with eyestrain with these babies.
So, my initial verdict is that these will do nicely. Everything is a cool shade of blue. The only thing that I'd say would improve the experience is maybe a cap to protect the rest of my face from the sun's harmful rays.
Kawasaki Today.
As usual, after work the footpath to the station had quite a few buskers. I think every second child in Japan must play a guitar, AND have the obligatory Crate or Roland busker's amp. The sad thing is none of the observers shell out any golden lucre for good performances.
What's the point? For the love of music? For the "chicks"??
Maybe. At least the second part possibly.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:24 pm 0 comments
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Playing Hockey With A Monkey
Another one to add to the LCD pile.
Direct from 1984, come on down Donkey Kong Hockey!
I picked this up in Shinjuku. I found this one by searching Rakuten, an online shopping mall.
Although I checked Google Earth for the location, it was a little tricky to find, being in a shop amongst residential housing. I was circling the area for ages before finding the small office/warehouse.
This one's in good condition, and it came with the original box and instructions.
The box is intact with a slight crease impression on the top, but all the flaps are ok. To me this is unimportant, but collectors are kind of anal about these things.
There does seem to be a few "water-like" marks in the LCD, and what looks like a tiny bit of hair under the glass (but it doesn't affect the game at all). I didn't notice when I looked it over. It was a little dark in the office. All the sprites are clear and the controls are good. There are no scratches and it's quite a fun game.
With a second controller, two can play! The controllers wind up inside the actual case. The battery cavity's a little tricky to get to. It's not one where you'd want to swap batteries all the time.
Basically it's Mario against Donkey Kong hitting a ball to score goals, while a referee appears to block and reverse play, and "crazy spots" (as they are referred to in the instructions) make the ball go in unexpected directions.
In a box I've seen this one go for large amounts of money. It's not too common to find. I think I was quite lucky to get hold of this one.
It was listed for around 5000 yen online, but I managed to get them to give it to me for 4000 yen. I'm pretty happy about that.
I had a really busy day today.
Another part of my mission was to go to the ward office to let them know of my visa extension, and update my gaijin card.
Unlike the Immigration Office, it was done in no time. I dropped into HQ to let them know my visa's good for another three years.
Finally, the last part of my mission was to search for good, yet inexpensive sunglasses.
Apart from one store devoted to sunglasses, it's a bit difficult to find them. Most of the department stores and smaller shops only had a few high priced pairs.
I chanced on one that I liked in Don Quijote in Kabuki-chō. They are "Men's Club" brand made in China.
They're polarised, and for 2000 yen it was easy choice. They have blue lenses, and are nice and dark (10% light transmission).
I didn't really get a chance to test them out seeing there wasn't much sun at all today but here's hoping they will do the job.
For what I paid it won't be a big loss if I don't like them. I think they were 99.9% UV protection. I just hope that 0.1% doesn't wreck my vision.
I got my headphones back today too, fixed from Yodobashi Camera.
For dinner we had Yoshinoya.
I picked up four cartons of mango nectar from YaMaYa, and TWENTY "Azuki Milk" from Marusho. They were on sale for 189 yen each. Crazy, that's like $40.
It's official, I'm insane.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 9:55 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, game and watch, Nintendo
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Three Year Visa
You see this?
Yes, that's right. Three Year Visa!
That means that I can be here for three more years if I want.
From what I heard it's really up to the whim of whoever is processing the visa, but the usual is two one year visas and THEN a three year one is granted.
Of course I boasted to the other teachers. One who's Australian said, "F*&ckin' B***tard!!"
I had many things on my mind today. Not being least was my debacle with the sunglasses.
I had trouble sleeping last night and being awake at 8am, I decided to just get up and get the Visa unpleasantness (AND the possibility of refund unpleasantness) out of the way.
The Immigration Office was very busy today. Again, if you have to do this as well, arrive early.
While I was waiting I constantly willed the powers-that-be to give me a three year visa and somehow, with this jedi mind trick I managed to score one. I hid my excitement well, but inside I was joyous as you can imagine.
Luckily, after waiting a while I decided to get my ticket for the re-entry visa line slightly earlier. With a multiple entry visa as well, I won't have to visit this place for another three years, which suits me just fine.
All up I was there for a little over an hour. I had an extra queue ticket that I gave to a girl who would've had to wait much longer. If only for a little extra karma, I think it was a nice gesture.
After going back and forth whether to keep the sunglasses or not, I decided to just go back to the shop and try to exchange or refund them.
If I waited for Oakley to check the glasses, it might take longer than the store allowed for that.
I figured if another pair was suitable, I'd be ok.
At first they weren't keen to even exchange them, but after trying on the alternative I still wasn't totally satisfied so I asked for a refund.
It wasn't the most comfortable situation, but I have to say it's not just this place that are reluctant to give refunds. Just be sure that you'll be happy with what you buy, and maybe this won't be a problem. The only exception to this would be your big chains like Yodobashi Camera, where I don't think a refund would be that difficult.
After such a long day I was happy for station beers to come along.
At the combini they had some 8% STRONG lemon drink that I just couldn't resist. I bought two.
I bought what I thought was a nikuman, but it had no pork (vegetarian?) I was still satisfied because I was pretty hungry.
The gf SMS'd with an unusual request for pudding on the way home. I asked "Purin, wa doko des ka?" and a clerk swayed the shelf like a TV game show girl to point out the obvious.
Hey, I was pretty drunk by this stage.
I could have done all this tomorrow on my day off, but like the old man says, "Don't do tomorrow what you can do today". Good advice but me being lazy, maybe I should have done this tomorrow on my day off.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: extension, Japan visa, Oakley
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Tired Eyes
I've been shooting off emails to Oakley (US & Japan) trying to find out what the go is with my new glasses.
They were pretty quick with a response. Both said there is a possibility of lens distortion.
Oakley Japan is located in Ebisu.
They asked me to bring it in to test for defects and said it would take 2-3 days.
My dilemma is this. The shop that I bought them from will offer an exchange or refund only in a week. If Oakley find nothing wrong with the glasses, I have just wasted my time.
What if the sunglasses are just unsuitable for my eyes? I don't really feel like going out of my way to fix something like this. I'd rather be sleeping.
In other news, in Ginza it looks like Kimuraya have increased the 189 yen price of Anpan to 220 yen each.
I asked the girl in my bad Japanese ("Kore.. Anpan?") if what I had was the same anpan (it was in a paper wrap). She didn't speak English so I just went, "hmm.. ok" and bought them anyway.
I was on a real azuki craving. Sampleman made it worthwhile by eating as many samples on display as possible.
The train home is quite amusing.
At one point the train filled up every inch of the available space so much that I almost had a woman in my lap (yes, I was sitting). Shame she was a bit of a hag, but anyway. Can't choose these things.
I've finally changed my Homer "Doh!" ringtone to the NES Mario Bros theme. A change is not as good as a holiday.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:26 pm 0 comments
Monday, 19 May 2008
Double Vision
Yet another detour to geek heaven, Nakano Broadway.
I decided to give a try to Nintendo Snoopy panorama screen (only click the link if you want to try the windows simulator), and a double screen Donkey Kong II.
Snoopy was 7,350 yen and not in the best condition. Some of the LCDs looked a little faded and the overall unit looked a bit worn. The gameplay was ok, but playing it didn't give me the goosebumps of playing Donkey Kong Jr again.
Donkey Kong II was a bit of a disappointment. For 2,100 yen I thought it could be a good bargain, but this was a little too used as well. The hinges and buttons were loose, the LCDs faded and the case was a little scratched too. Better off just playing the flash game of it linked above.
At least I saved my money. That's a good thing.
I really want to get at least Donkey Kong Hockey and Invaders Of The Mummy's Tomb. Then I'll stop.
Galaxy Invader 1000 IS calling me though. Hmm..
Some American geek boys were filming themselves happy that they got Galaga for 500 yen. Losers. I laughed on the inside, then thought to myself, "Just like me." Oh.
My new sunglasses are giving me a bit of trouble. For some reason they're giving me killer headaches. They seem to make it harder for me to focus on things further away. I don't think they're too dark.
I walked into the Bic at Tachikawa today where they had the same glasses. They gave me the same feeling too. Maybe it was because I was still dazed from wearing the ones I had coming here.
I tried their other lenses and none were any better. If it's any consolation, they cost 24,500 yen here so I got a great price.
I just wish I had my old sunglasses back.
Where are you?
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:45 pm 0 comments
Friday, 16 May 2008
Half Jacket Required
This apartment isn't that big. I looked and looked, and they were nowhere to be found. I've given up on my search for my sunglasses. I think I must have left them in Osaka.
So.. until the early hours of the morning I went on my exhaustive internet search for a new pair. In my sights were a replacement pair of Oakley's.
Going back many years I used to have a pair of Oakley Frogskins.
Actually two of them. The first pair I absent-mindedly left on a library shelf, and the second met an unfortunate end falling on the ground, and THEN getting scraped good with a door.
I was very mean to them.
Funnily enough, Oakley has decided to release a limited edition collection of these classic specs. In America, they have sold out completely, but here in Japan it looks like it's still possible to get them.
They were the first (and second) best sunglasses I've ever owned.
They had a bronze tint that was so dark, it was almost possible to stare into the sun without squinting (Not to say that I did. Just stating how good they were). Sadly, the ones they make today aren't as dark as my old ones, so I'm not expecting this new edition to be same either.
My two sources for cheap treats are Yahoo Auctions, and Kakaku.
Like eBay, Yahoo Auctions can be a little bit hit and miss. Most of the stuff is secondhand, and it's possible to receive non-genuine goods.
The better option is Kakaku. It's a price comparison site like Australia's Shopbot or Static Ice.
I often find many things MUCH cheaper than Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, THE stores when it comes to mostly electrical and household goods.
I wanted the darkest Oakley glasses so I settled on the 12-800 "Half Jacket" with Black Iridium lenses. They are polarised, so glare should be non-existent.
I paid 15,800 yen which is CHEAP. In Australia, these currently retail for $299.95! I got them from here.
Unlike a lot of internet-only shops, these guys actually have a shop-front in Okachimachi, near Ueno on the Yamanote line.
The actual shop was a little hard to find. The site name here is Liberta, but the actual name of the shop is Brad? Go figure.
Lucky I brought with me the actual street address, and the sunglasses model names I was after. The salesgirl had to call someone to get them out of the storage (No sunnies are actually on display).
Anyway, to cut a long story slightly shorter, I'm really liking my sunglasses. The sun doesn't come out all that often here, but when it does it's a blinder. If you're in Tokyo it's worth checking out.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:38 pm 0 comments
Labels: 12-800, Black Iridium, Half Jacket, Oakley, polarised
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Donkey Kong Jr's Come Home
Look what I have here!
This is Nintendo's Donkey Kong Jr (Panorama Screen). The memories from so long ago are slowly being reconstructed.
Out of the Panorama Screen series I think it's the best one.
It has the full directional pad, so the most control out of the lot. (Maybe Snoopy or Mario's Bombs Away would be others worth getting).
It's actually pretty hard to find. I DID see it in Nakano Broadway for 12,600 yen, but I baulked at paying so much. It's almost as much as a DS! These models get crazy prices up to 30,000 yen! I think it's easy to see why. The main difference to the usual Game & Watch series, is that these have vibrant COLOURED LCDs.
I bought it at Friends for 7,500 yen. It was 8,000 yen, but I managed to talk the sweet lady into giving me a bit of a discount. I gave it a go and it was like a shot in the arm taking me back to 1983!
The game was rated a C in condition by the store. It looks slightly yellow on the back (very slight), bottom half but apart from that everything looks great. Bright LCDs, no scratches and the controls are solid. What more could you ask for?
I was still racked with guilt for spending so much. Less so now that I'm writing this post though. She threw in the batteries in the "bargain".
Only a few more now to get. I'm sure my parents think I have lost it by now.
Arriving back home I found the postcard from the Immigration Office saying to come in for my visa renewal. Great News!
Finally, the Wonka chocolate has been opened for our enjoyment. There is some unwritten rule that things unopened will stay that way until upon opening, it will finish in no time.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 9:50 pm 1 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, game and watch, Nintendo
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
What's Mine Is Yours
An English teacher colleague is leaving supposedly for greener pastures in two weeks.
One benefit for me is that he gave me his steel string acoustic for impromptu jams.
I think we are all envious of his new position. Being a great, down to earth person, I think he'll be missed a lot.
Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any great incentive to stay for a long period of time. This year I expect to pay a higher premium for my health insurance now that my yearly income has been established.
I did get a slight increase in pay, but it doesn't really make a substantial difference to my living arrangements. I believe that in a lot of English schools there'd be a high turnover of staff.
It's a bit of a shame as I genuinely like helping all my students in speaking English well. And, I'm actually enjoying it still.
Let's hope things might change.
With some things that I don't like about here, there's a lot to like about Japan.
Hey, thanks for the guitar!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 2 comments
Monday, 12 May 2008
Please Do It At Home
There are a few activities frowned upon on the trains.
Eating bentos, talking on the phone, listening to music too loud, and NOT sleeping, or playing a computer game of some sort. Ok, the last two I made up but everyone's doing it!
One thing that I find bizarre is watching young women putting on makeup.
I'm not talking about just a touch of lipstick, but the precise operation of putting on fake lashes which looks like an eye transplant.
Thank you to Japan Metro for doing something to spare us this ritual.
Hopefully there will be also posters of salarymen that pick their noses openly, or even one with someone making a platform pizza. Oh, it seems endless.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:57 pm 0 comments
Sunday, 11 May 2008
When Headphones Go Bad
Yesterday my headphones decided not to work properly.
What was strange was that there was still music coming through but it sounded out of phase, like the bass and vocals were removed.
It seemed like I just got them yesterday too. A blog is useful to check these things. Here it is! Okay, 12th of July. Not so recent then.
Luckily I still have the box and receipt from way back then. Unfortunately the warranty is written in Japanese so I couldn't tell how long it was valid for. Looking online it said Panasonic's warranty was only six months (from an American website).
I thought I'd take it into Yodobashi Camera and try my luck if they'd still fix it.
I had some library items due in the next two days so I thought it'd a good time to bring them back as well. I played the catchers and lost, so I wasn't too pleased. I am REALLY trying to cut back on this.
Expecting Yodobashi to blow me off saying it was out of warranty, the guy just said take it to the basement where the repair section was. Sweet.
While I was there I decided to check out other headphones. Particularly the old retro "over-the-head" cans style.
There was a Kenwood KH-K1000 (Sound Meister Edition) ( Japan only) that i really liked for 29,800 yen. It has excellent overall sound with great sound imaging and deep, clear bass. One thing is, the cans are huge!
I liked a pair of Bose Triport headphones. These were cheaper at 19,750 yen. Some nice bass and a clear sound too. Probably not as good as the Kenwood ones, but they were a little more comfortable around the ears.
I've heard good things about UE in-ear phones, but they are a little pricey here.
I also got some more Don Simon juice from Yamaya as well. Almost got some Canadian Club or Smirnoff. Each bottle is 980 yen. That's amazing. Back home it was at least $25. Damn government taxes.
For now the best option is just to wait for my Panasonic headphones to be fixed, but what am I going to do in the meantime? I may have to wear my Rilakkuma headphones for now.
That should be interesting.
Oh, Happy Mother's Day, mamammy..
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:24 pm 0 comments
Saturday, 10 May 2008
When you see a sign like this, how can you NOT take a picture of it?
Although my mobile ring-tone is Homer saying "Doh" thirty two times, I'm not a big Simpsons fan.
I'm always keeping an eagle eye out for an interesting pic or two. This one is outside the ticket gate at Tama Plaza.
Not a lot to say today.
I looked at two more LCD games. One was Bandai's Cross Country, and the other was Robot Maker from Takatoku Toys. Both were in average condition so I didn't buy either of them.
The sales clerk didn't allow me to put my batteries in to try them out so it took any thought to get them out of my head completely, which is probably a good thing.
I don't see myself as a collector, and I don't think the gf is really liking all my junk filling up her apartment. Initially I just wanted the games I had when I was a kid. I still don't have them all yet though.
The search continues..
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 2 comments
Friday, 9 May 2008
Bandai Zaxxon
Ok, I can finally let you know what I bought from Yahoo Auctions. I'm sure it's a big surprise to tell you I got another video game.
What we have here is Bandai's version of Zaxxon.
If anyone remembers the original, it was a bitch to play because of the isometric, pseudo 3D view. This one's even more difficult because it's also in LCD black.
I guess I should thank Japan Post for actually delivering my mail this time. I guess it must've helped when I went into Shinjuku last week and registered a change of address from Tomioka.
I've heard stories of them not delivering mail because the name didn't match, even if it was just a middle name on the envelope and they just had it registered only first and surname!
Just remember if you move house here, let Japan Post know, or expect a lot of return to sender.
Anyway back to my review.
First impression out of the package was, "This looks kinda old".
Lately I've been spoilt by immaculate condition 80's games that are as pristine as they must have looked in 1982. While not as bad as some examples I've seen, this does have scratches on the screen as well as the back.
Not bad enough to effect play, but slightly disappointing. To be fair though, I paid a fraction of what a boxed, in great condition one would cost. What surprised me most was that this thing is pretty big compared to a Game & Watch that's for sure.
On the positive side, the controls work great and the LCDs are perfectly clear. All sound, although annoying, comes through loud and clear.
How is it to play?
Well, at first it felt like I was playing a game on a pocket calculator! Only one shot can be fired at once, so it's a little frustrating for it to actually hit something or fade away. Bombing does the same thing. You have to be on the ground level to fire them.
Having said that, after playing for bit longer now, I'm actually enjoying its quirks, and a space shooting game is a refreshing change from the usual, dare I say "samey" offerings of the other handhelds. An exemption, Neko Don Don, is my current fave.
What's truly impressive about this one is that there are two screens that gives a pretty amazing representation of a moving three dimensional environment. My favourite being the second "Death Star" canyon level. I didn't feel like posting a video. but you can see someone else playing it badly from here.
Now that I've tried Yahoo Auctions once successfully, I might have a new addiction on my hands.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Bandai, Zaxxon
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Neko Don Don!
Ok, you guessed it (or you probably didn't), but I got a new 80's LCD game.
This time it's Neko Don Don! from a little known company called Takatoku Toys (I've never heard of them).
While it wasn't on my initial list of must haves, I tried the windows simulator here and had a great time. (It says you need some dll files, but it ran just fine extracted from the zip file).
Comparing the simulator to the real thing, the programmer did a great job. I just had a go now and the game-play is very similar, so if you're on a windows PC (or virtual machine) give it a go.
The example I bought was in absolutely mint condition, still in the box with all the inserts and instructions with strong LCD blacks.
I suspect the original owner left it in a cupboard for twenty six years without playing it at all, which maybe from a collector's point of view is justified, but to not play the games borders on criminal.
After station beers® with T & N, I couldn't wait till tomorrow and bought the required LR44 batteries to run the game from the 99 yen shop. (Actually 104 yen each for two. Apart from false advertising I was pretty pleased not having to wait until tomorrow).
This is one really FUN game. I'd say it's even better than the Bandai ones I have. So why did I buy it instead of just playing the sim?
I'm a big fan of old school things, and LCD is about as old school as it gets for computer games. Sure, if it was able to be played on my DS I probably wouldn't have got it and I'm definitely not going to power-up my laptop on the train just to play this.
So, for a night of beers this seems like money well spent.
Just to finish off, I want to thank the mothers for the sweets I got for teaching their kids. Yes, I work harder for food, AND I got notification for the special something from Yahoo Auctions.
Come to daddy..
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Neko Don Don, Shibuya, Takatoku Toys
Monday, 5 May 2008
Golden Sleep
This Golden Week has been one long sleep-in.
Last night I didn't get to sleep until sometime between 4am and 5am. I could see the daylight coming through the windows.
It's been a week of late nights and long mornings. The usual wakeup is 2pm. Not a lot of time to do much else.
Just like with eBay, I'm getting slowly addicted to Yahoo Auctions Japan. It's pretty useless for people outside of Japan as sellers rarely ship internationally.
I made a bid a few days ago. I'll keep you posted what happens with that.
Wish me luck!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Friday, 2 May 2008
Separated At Birth?
Take a look at this photo. Look familiar?
For some strange reason quite a few japanese people have said that I resemble Matsumoto Jun. The first time I had a look at this I thought I was looking in a mirror! The resemblance is uncanny.
It doesn't hurt that this person is a singer slash actor, thought of as a bit of a hunk in these parts.
My hair is curly and his is a little bit too. How some people could equate my clearly Italian features, with looking Japanese baffles me.
It could be worse I suppose.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 5:49 pm 3 comments
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Japanese Sorry
The gf has quite expensive taste.
For a special treat we stayed at the Cerulean Tower in Shibuya.
Our room was on the 33rd floor. The view from the window was fantastic.
In the picture you can see the Hachiko crossing outside the station, Harajuku, the immense Yoyogi park, as well the skyscrapers of Shinjuku in the background. VERY cool.
Once settled in, we went up to the Executive Salon for some free snacks. Now, by snacks I mean we ate and drank the place virtually dry.
There was an assortment of delicious cheeses, chocolates, biscuits and cakes that we had ample servings of, as well as two Asahi, a Guinness and champagne. Nice.
From there I rushed a little drunkenly ahead of the gf into the heart of Shibuya to get to some shops before they closed.
I mainly wanted to get that Red Bazooka t-shirt I've been mulling over for quite a while.
The sales girl spoke good English. She wouldn't let me try on the actual shirt. She allowed me to try a sample of another shirt to get the size right. It felt a bit awkward taking off my shirt in the middle of the store, but at least I was the only customer there at the time.
She was really helpful. I was deciding between small and medium. I've lost a lot of weight in Japan so I was a little worried getting a shirt that I might grow out of quickly.
In the end I got the smaller size anyway as it looked more "fitted" than the other one.
At another store nearby they had a sale. Two shirts for about 2000 yen. Some of them had the craziest undecipherable English.
They had dressing rooms, but they wouldn't let me try them on. Huh? No sale, SEE YOU. I'm not buying anything without trying it on first.
The next morning we had a nice breakfast, again in the Executive Salon. I tried to eat as much as I could and I think I succeeded.
To my thinking it's strange to stay in a hotel when I'm living in the same city. Having said that, it was a more than nice little outing for both of us.
Thanks gf.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 4 comments
Labels: Cerulean Tower, Red Bazooka, Shibuya


text:
|OpenBSD Security Functionally paranoid!
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Encrypted == secure?
My interest in encryption is to protect the data when the machine is switched off and potentially lost/stolen.
Joe? Please don't derail. Noobification is confused enough as it is, assuming encryption protects from overwrite loss.
Chances are the person who comes into possession of a stolen laptop or desktop won't know what OpenBSD is at all ... but perhaps they'll be motivated to find out. encrypted /home /tmp and /swap should go a long way toward safeguarding data.
While the chances of losing a computer are small but significant. The chances someone with the skill to crack encrypted data (and not even on Windows) is quite an order of magnitude smaller.
I've seen too much hardware go missing to think encryption is anything but necessary.
Encrypted data when stolen is as good as deleted.. there is no protection from that, it offers no physical security.. backups would be wise.
While other sites allow threads to meander in whatever direction anyone wants to go, this site has traditionally frowned on such a practice. This is known as hijacking discussion. The reason we politely ask members to respect this request is because new respondents, having different perspectives, questions, & needs frequently take discussion in a different direction as presented by the original poster. This helps provide continuity, it helps when searching is done after the fact (& there is a lot of searching done on this site...), & allows the original poster to continue discussion in whatever direction they originally intended.
Original thread:
Anyone who wishes to contribute to this new thread is free (& encouraged...) to do so.
Thank you, Ocicat.
Let us start with definitions.
Data protection: data cannot be deleted/changed, or can be recovered if deleted/changed. Examples: read/only media, archives, backups.
Data at rest: Data sitting around on media.
Data in motion: Data in use -- in RAM on a processor, being sent over a network, etc.
Data encryption: obfuscation of data to make it meaningless to anyone but the originator and a recipient with the proper decryption tools and keys to remove the obfuscation.
Keys: Used in combination with encryption / decryption tools to obfuscate or make the data clear. Keys vary in capability, usefulness, complexity of use, ad infinitum, ranging from simple passwords to complex key systems and certification technologies.
Authentication: techniques used to identify users of data-at-rest, or senders and recipients of data-in-motion.
Authorization: techniques used to permit access to data, or to encryption/decription keys.
Key Management: The decisions made about who or what stores or has access to keys, can change keys, and all of the varied authentication systems for those keys, from personal possession or knowledge to certificate authorities and "trust" management. (In my opinion, this is often the most complicated and difficult to understand part of any encryption/decription system. And I further believe it is often the weakest link in any encryption/decryption decision system.)
Based on those simple definitions, it should be clear that any encrypted data at rest is not protected unless a protection regimen is instituted. One has nothing to do with the other.
There are times when data-in-motion is unencrypted: when the data is being processed by an application, or displayed, or retransmitted. Often, this is not well considered by a data architect.
One example that comes to mind is the recent very vocal and noisy NFSv4 thread on misc@ that began here: http://marc.info/?l=openbsd-misc&m=128818996830209&w=2 -- one of the thread posters who kept it going was happy with his NFSv4 implementation because he thought his strong authentication technology secured his organization's medical data. He not only confused authentication with encryption, eventually he mentioned that he'd combined NFSv4 with CIFS retransmissions -- disclosing to the knowledgeable that his implementation was also retransmitting unencrypted data, or data-in-the-clear, to Windows workstations on his open networks.
Last edited by jggimi; 2nd November 2010 at 12:36 PM.
That actually poses something I've often wondered, is there any operating system that can encrypt the contents of RAM, and decrypt on access? I bet the performance would blow hard but as a proof of concept it would be interesting!
To my knowledge once you turn off the power, whatever was in a PCs RAM fades away a short time later, and not everything in the world is obviously a PC. But during runtime, the only serious protection is trust in your operating systems correctness, which isn't always OpenBSD.
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
All program code executes in RAM, obviously, so having it encrypted means that the decryption "on-the-fly" program would have to be in memory unencrypted.. and it would have the information necessary for decrypting other memory, DMA buffers for devices would have to be unencrypted.
On at least OpenBSD, the swap partition is encrypted.. only when a process is relocated back into RAM does it get decrypted.
Really though, physical security means putting a lock on your door.. all bets are off if they break into your premises and steal your machine.
In short,
Encrypted != secure,
Encrypted == obfuscate
He did this, as it was described to me, in the event someone of authority ever visiting his home. He could destroy the barcode, and not be able to log in to his computer, explaining that, "I do not know the password; it was randomly generated."
Ironically, in a worst case scenario, his computer case also had a magnet on a platform inside. He could pull this platform out of the computer from the outside, and the magnet would fall on top of his hard drive, supposedly 'wiping' the contents of the drive.
Ultimately security, as a whole, is an idea we create for ourselves. At least it was for my math professor.
Some typical examples of ignorance of implication driving poor decision making (beyond the NFSv4 one I cited above):
This just in from Bruce Schneier's blog, regarding a talk by Whitfield Diffie at a recent ACCU conference. Highlights mine.
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text:
This transmission electron microscope image shows a single silicon nanowire. Thermoelectric materials convert heat to electricity and vice versa. Most fossil-fuel-powered engines generate waste heat, so researchers are using nanotechnologies to explore ways of making thermoelectric devices more efficient in order to convert that waste heat to usable power—and thus save energy. • SIZE: The diameter of this nanowire is approximately 100 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Transmission electron microscope
Product category
Download link
Scientific Image - Silicon Nanowire 237.9 KB
Nano Content Map
Nanometer-sized things are very small, and often behave differently than larger things do.
Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.
Year created
Owning institution
Renkun Chen, University of California at Berkeley - Attribution is required.
The creator listed here has made this image available to NISE Network partners for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and websites.


text:
Sony has cornered the market on Action Franchises Starring Gorgeous European Women Written and Directed by Their Husbands, as the studio is home to both "Resident Evil" (Milla Jovovich and hubbie Paul W.S. Anderson) and "Underworld" (Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman). With "Underworld" delivering a fourth installment tomorrow, and "Resident Evil" dropping a
Sony commerical trailer for its fifth film, isn't it time Mila Jovivich and Kate Beckinsale came together?
It's easy enough to imagine. Hell, it writes itself:
The camera cuts back and forth between footage of each woman running down a long hallway, being chased by zombie/lycans. As some indeterminate projectile sails toward the back of their heads, each woman goes into a knee slide at an intersection in the hallway, only to crash into each other. After some snarling at each other, they jump up to the safety of an overhead air duct, leaving behind their pursuers. A fight breaks out between the two factions, but instead of the lycans and zombies finishing each other off, they infect each other, creating a super race of umbrella-wielding zombie werewolves! And Jov-insale is humanity's only hope!
Sure, there'd be some things to work out—which woman would get top billing, whose husband would write? Whose would direct? Would it be in 3D (just kidding--of course it'll be in 3D). But there's precedent for settling these issues, as Fox got everyone to play nice for "Alien vs. Predators," which was directed by--wait for it--Paul W.S. Anderson! And that thing made more than $170 million without the benefit of an uber-fox in a shiny leather outfit.
Between them these franchise have hauled in more than $950 million worldwide. In fact, the box-office performance of these films is so relaible, that Sony's stopped screening them for critics. Is there any chance "Resident: Underworld" would rake in less than $100 million?


text:
Great show
It captures the heart of Devon, beautiful poetry
Mike L 9:02am Wed 7 Dec Report Abuse
stop the annoying so called poetry please.
mike 3:19pm Sat 21 Sep Report Abuse
Sophie is well fit
would love to give Sophie a night of loving!
naughty boy 3:15pm Wed 5 Jun Report Abuse
Love the programme seeing it for the first time on pick tv. One thing though the chip shop owners daughter is surely under the legal age for working.
Johnno 2:31pm Mon 20 May Report Abuse
She wont except help most folks have tried
john 7:59pm Tue 14 May Report Abuse
The landlady is lush.so honest we love her.I used to live there miss it do much.lets have some more .
trish 5:57pm Tue 14 May Report Abuse
love the show please bring it back
big mart 7:54pm Sun 28 Apr Report Abuse
I love this series, it makes me feel relaxed every time I watch it and I will have to pay a visit to Brixham one day...
lgod 6:51pm Sun 28 Apr Report Abuse
this is a lovely town,but such a shame for the old lady named mary who sleep by the harbour in the bushes,all weathers and left there
wter 5:14pm Wed 3 Apr Report Abuse
fish town
I watched all of them they were great, brixham is awesone i love Brixham i being coming since i was a small girl.
LJB 2:28pm Thu 29 Sep Report Abuse


text:
Thanks to its local presence, Omya is able to offer technical support with high-performance products for Consumer Goods.
As a natural mineral, calcium carbonate has a multitude of characteristics that make it an ideal raw material for a wide variety of uses in various applications.
Our products are natural minerals formed by the earth's carbonate cycle, and the production of these natural ground calcium carbonate products leaves a very low carbon footprint. Omya conducts its business according to the principles of quality, safety and corporate accountability.
Wherever we go and whatever we do, minerals are an important part of our lives. When it comes to minerals in our daily diet, calcium is well known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in blood clotting, nerve conduction, muscle contraction and as a buffer substance. With this in mind, Omya's calcium carbonate is used in food products as well as in pharmaceutical formulations – predominantly to provide highly bioavailable elemental calcium, but also as a multifunctional additive.
The demand for suitable additives can also be seen when looking at today's personal care products – calcium carbonate offers significant advantages when used in toothpaste, lip balm, skin care products and many more.
Food, pharmaceutical and personal care products require highly controlled additives. As a leading global manufacturer, Omya goes to great lengths to provide pure, natural minerals according to the highest available regulatory and quality standards.
With its up-to-date R&D facilities, Omya is also able to provide innovative materials with completely new structures in order to achieve whole new levels of bioavailability and functionality.
We invite you to dive into our world of natural minerals and profit from our experience and service. Our experts and lab facilities are there to help you in developing and finding the optimum solution for your product.
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Local Knowledge - Global Understanding


text:
Do cats really make everything better? I'm not sure. But they certainly liven up these dress shirts. Thank the talented artist who embroidered them for that!
These are the work of embroidery artist Hiroko Kubota. Just look at her neko (cat) shirts! Incredible.
"I'm always making clothes for my son, who is rather small, and there aren't off-the-rack clothes that fit him just right," Kubota told Japanese website Pouch. "At his request, I began making neko shirts."
Her son would collect photos of cats he found online. And from those photos, cute cats were picked for embroidered shirts.
Kubota has an Etsy shop, which sells the neko shirts. They cost 30,000 yen (US$300) a pop and seem to be selling well—though she probably doesn't charge her son that. That might seem expensive, but really, putting a price on amazing (and time-consuming) embroidery work like this ain't easy. This is cat art!
You can see more photos on Kubota's site in the link below or visit her Esty shop.
Go!Go!5 hiroko [Official Site]
これは欲しい!ポケットから顔を出す猫の刺繍シャツが可愛すぎる! [まとめ via Spoon & Tamago]
To contact the author of this post, write to bashcraftATkotaku.com or find him on Twitter @Brian_Ashcraft.
Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.


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Walk-a-thon in BC, Canada
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Walk-a-thon in BC, Canada
Are there still plans to organize a walk this year? I am interested in helping? Are there any others?
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text:
Knights take win Herd
The Knights picked up a 4-3 victory over the Bisons on Tuesday night. Buffalo received eight solid innings from starter Jon Niese but didn't factor into the final decision. With the win, Charlotte picked up their fifth in a row and took a sweep over the Bisons for just the second time since 1998.
Buffalo is off on Wednesday and returns to action on Thursday afternoon to start a 2-game set against Rochester.


text:
Several questions about the Lee 45 Carbide Factory Crimp Die #90864 have been asked recently on threads in the forum. For future reference for reloaders with similar questions, here a a couple of notes, based on some observations of my die that recently arrived from Midway.
I don't include much here that BD1 and Wildcatter have not already written about; however, a separate thread may be useful in making the information a bit more visible. If Hornady had taken the time to write a clear set of instructions for their crimp die, then the verbiage about crimping and crimp dies might have been unneeded.
1. Most importantly: The Lee 45 Carbide Crimp Die #90864 should not be used as a crimp die for the 450B.
2. The Carbide Crimp Die is very different from the steel Lee Taper Crimp Die #90785, which may be a useful substitute for the Hornady taper crimp die. The thread on that steel die (Notes on the Lee Taper Crimp Die) generated some of the questions about the Carbide Crimp Die #90864.
3. The 45 Carbide Factory Crimp Die is also very different from the Lee 45-70 Factory Crimp Die #90856. The modified 45-70 Crimp Die can be very helpful with some 450B reloading problems. There are several threads, including some stickies, devoted to the modification and use of the 45-70 die.
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die is described on this Lee web page: Carbide Crimp Die page. The description there of its operation is mildly confusing.
Below is an image of the Carbide Crimp Die that is printed on the instruction sheet included with the die. The sketch is slightly misleading because it shows a rimmed case in the die to which a roll crimp is being applied.
The crimp is applied by the "floating crimper".. For the 45 die, this crimper is a sleeve that is internally slightly tapered, and is free to move vertically in the die. Its lower position is determined by an internal shoulder in the die; its upper limit of movement is set by the "crimp adjuster" that is threaded in the upper end of the die.
The floating crimp sleeve is not a collet with fingers that are pushed against the cartridge. The floating sleeve crimps in the same fashion as the Hornady 450B taper crimp die or the Lee steel taper-crimp die. That is, the cartridge is pushed into a tapered cylinder that forces the case mouth against the bullet, with the amount of crimp determined by the distance the cartridge is forced into the taper. In the Hornady die, that distance is adjusted by screwing the die into and out of the press. With the Carbide Factory Crimp die, the distance is adjusted by screwing the"crimp adjuster" into and out of the die, which controls how far a cartridge can enter the sleeve.
The floating crimper is an efficient and convenient way of adjusting the amount of crimp, and could possibly be used with the 450B. However, what prevents the Carbide Crimp Die from being used this way is the ""carbide sizer" in the open end of Die #90864.
The carbide sizing ring will scrunch a case to a diameter of about 0.473" or a bit less. This is desirable for the 45 ACP case. However, SAAMI specs for the 450B call for the case mouth to be 0.4800" max, 0.47400" minimum. If a 450B cartridge is forced into this die with a press, the case and bullet will be deformed, possibly to the point of making a cartridge unusable. Possibly the case might buckle or telescope.
If somebody with the carbide die has the muscle to shove a 450 case with a seated .452" bullet, and wishes possibly to sacrifice the case and bullet to "science", let us know how it turns out.
I hope this is clear. If not, ask and I'll try again.
(edited to attach image)
EDIT: The link to the Lee page on the Factory Crimp Die was broke due to Lee changing the URL. I updated the link URL. Hoot


text:
Visit www.documama.org to read my guest post about my recent visit to Vietnam.
When you hear Vietnam, do you immediately think "war"? It was the first word association I had when I heard my parents were planning to visit Vietnam for a vacation. Months later, through a series of lucky events, I ended up going in place of my Dad.
War has, indeed, been a repeating theme in Vietnamese history and without a doubt, the Vietnam War is more present and visible there than in the US, but traveling there, we also got a glimpse into the complexities and treasures of a culture and a people that run deeper than what they call the American War.
We landed in Hanoi at 10:00 pm on February 1, 2012, haggard and fatigued after the long flights, we met up with our tour group and guide, Quang, a 47 year old for whom, by the end of our time together, we would all feel a special affection.
Since this was a tour group and planned for people more my parents age, it turned out that Quang and I were closer in age than the others. As he shared his life stories, I found myself continually figuring out what I was doing while he was swimming in flooded bomb craters during the rainy season or what it would feel like to have my brother leave home for another country, facing pirates and dangers, never to see him again.
What kind of parallel did his life have to mine growing up only 5 years apart? The comparisons were dramatic, I was safe, doing homework, school activities and swimming at beaches, my family was together, and in the post-war years, I happily studied at college and lived a carefree, peaceful, and fun-filled life. Quang grew up with the war.
In moving detail, Quang told us of his decision to try to flee his country, a decision that meant he was leaving his family behind for an unknown future. After extensive planning, while bobbing in the dark in a tiny row boat, he watched as the boat that was supposed to stop for him continued past. Devastated, he retraced his steps stealthily, hiding in shoreline brush, making his way back home without being detected to his relieved parents.
All while I worried about my marketing class project or my statistics exam.
Our group toured many key historical locations associated with the war: the prison known as "Hanoi Hilton," Reunification Palace where Ho Chi Minh's tanks crashed through the front gates, the elaborate, narrow Cu Chi Tunnels, a small section of the tunnel system used by the Viet Cong army. We saw old American ships being used by current day river police and abandoned US airplane hangars in Da Nang, we swam and walked along China Beach, one site where our troops took R&R. Signs of the American War were everywhere.
These and many other places were important and critical to see and experience as Americans in Vietnam, but we also learned about an other Vietnam, one independent of, and pre-dating America. We got acquainted with the Cham people, visited vibrant (and smelly) local markets and floating river markets, we experienced traditional Vietnamese dance and music and played a unique instrument, the Mono Chord, we watched water puppetry, an art form that dates back to the 11th century. From the foods, the silks, the rice paddies and the people, to the cyclo rides, pagodas, temples and the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, we experienced a Vietnam that had nothing to do with "the War."
Yes, Vietnam is a war-scarred nation, but it's not defined by the war. The people continue to heal and unite, and those who fought against the communist regime live side by side with former Viet Cong soldiers. Increasingly, a "market economy" (i.e. capitalism) is flourishing and tourism has grown markedly in recent years reaching 6 million visitors in 2011.
Through serendipity or some plan of the universe, I ended up in Vietnam, and because of those 20 days, I now hold this Southeast Asian country in my heart. "War" is no longer my first thought when I hear "Vietnam" and I have a friend in Ho Chi Minh City.


text:
Join Whitecaps FC striker Darren Mattocks and Sporting Kansas City striker CJ Sapong for a live chat at 1:30 p.m. PT. Submit your questions on twitter using the hashtag #24under24.
The live hangout will be available at the following links:
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are preparing to launch a special offer for fans on 2013 Season Tickets. To thank fans for their continued support, those who purchase Season Tickets from Saturday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 3 will receive a special signing bonus of 12 per cent off. Fans can take advantage of this offer and renew or purchase their Season Tickets online at whitecapsfc.com or by phone at 604.669.9283.


text:
PITTSBURGH — The Edmonton Oilers, debating between dynamic winger Nail Yakupov and defenceman Ryan Murray, who would have helped bolster their blue line, took the creative goal scorer.
Yakupov, only the third Russian to be selected first overall, follows countrymen Alex Ovechkin (Washington, 2004) and Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta, 2001) to the record book and follows fellow No. 1s Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins onto the Oilers roster.
The Oilers selected Hall with the first pick overall in 2010 and Nugent-Hopkins last June. Now they have Yakupov, who has been compared to Pavel Bure, a player the draft pick admired. Still, he wants to etch out his own identity — and he may have the tools to do it.
The five-foot-11, 185-pound right-winger registered 31 goals and 38 assists in 42 regular-season games with the Sarnia Sting in 2011-12 and put up 101 points in 65 gamed the year before that. He left his hometown of Nizhnekamsk, located about 500 miles east of Moscow, and settled into the Ontario Hockey League in order to ready himself for the NHL.
"I have lots of time to get ready to try to make the team. I'm ready for the NHL," he said. "And it's a great team. A young team. I saw them play in Detroit. They're young but they played good. I think it's going to be a great team — plus me, maybe."
Yakupov held down the No. 1 ranking all season, but the gap closed when his season was abbreviated by a knee injury he sustained in Russia's gold-medal game at the 2012 world junior championships.
"We've talked about having elite skill in our organization and he's hungry to perform, he's hungry to score. He's an emotional player, an explosive player so for us to think of what that's going to look like with Hopkins, Hall, (Jordan) Eberle, (Magnus) Paajarvi, (Ales) Hemsky . . . it's exciting," said Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini.
The Oilers still need help on the blue line, but by taking Yakupov and not Murray, it may assist the club in landing impending free agent Justin Schultz on July 1.
Schultz, drafted by the Anaheim Ducks, has said he won't sign with the club by Sunday's deadline and will instead explore the free-agent market now that he has declared his intention to leave the University of Wisconsin. Teams can court him on July 1 and the Oilers will be among the suitors.
One of Schultz's requirements is that he gets prime playing time, something Edmonton can dangle — along with some young talent up front.
"(Yakupov) had no hesitation telling me he was a No. 1 pick," said Tambellini. "I love the confidence. With that comes the courage to back it up and I don't think he lacks any courage in his ability that's for sure."
"Yeah, I was nervous," said Yakupov, who was at the draft with his parents, his uncle and his first coach. "But there's no pressure now. I feel great now.
"Two years ago, I wasn't thinking about the NHL, but now I'm excited."
Two years ago, Yakupov, 16 years old at the time, left his hometown and headed to the OHL.
"One of the things that really impressed me was that whenever I saw him get in all alone on a goaltender is that he didn't miss. He put it in," said Stu MacGregor, the Oilers' head amateur scout. "He has the potential to score 30 goals. Maybe more. You can't win games without scoring goals."
After selecting Yakupov, the Oilers were trying to move up but couldn't pull off a deal, nor was any serious consideration to moving the No. 1 pick.
"There are still a lot of things that need to be done," said Tambellini. "We know that if we can we're going to add another depth defenceman to the big club. You can't rest and say because you've had a great selection in the draft that your team is going to take a major step just because this young player is coming to your organization.
"Where we do need to get better is to have that heaviness, and not just from a physicality standpoint but the heaviness of being able to play with our top-six or top-nine players. We need some of that in our organization. Usually players that are strong, that skilled, you have to draft and we're looking for that.
"There was a lot of discussion but at the end of the day you have to make a decision and we made one that we know is going to be exciting. I can't wait to see him play with some of our skilled people."
Edmonton Journal


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Sound and fury: The 2003 Consumer 'awards'
Some embattled business owners and readers made 2003 a noisy year for this column, so herewith, three prizes:
Business owner most in need of customer-service training
Stumped? Here's a hint: I seem to command a certain respect among tow-truck drivers– unless they're working for Lethal. That's because I spent much of 2003 writing about Lethal's unique approach to customer service.
Most egregious was Lethal's pattern of demanding cash from some (but not all) AAA customers. Lethal has the AAA contract for Charlottesville, which stipulates that a member's car will be towed a certain number of miles free. But readers told me about three instances in which the driver had insisted on cash. I wrote about one incident last year (May 9, 2002) and the other two this year (June 5 and June 12).
In the June 5 incident, when neither the 19-year-old driver nor his parents could come up with $150 in cash in the middle of the night, the Lethal employee drove off with their car– even though the service call had come through AAA.
I'd spoken several times with Randy Green, director of public relations for AAA Mid-Atlantic, who claimed that the organization was taking action to convince George Morris, Lethal's owner, to improve customer service.
When I called in late May to discuss the latest incident– a predawn car removal– the reaction was sterner. AAA Mid-Atlantic officials, Green told me soon afterward, were "in discussions" with Morris about whether they would continue their contract with him, and that may have gotten his attention. In any case, Lethal still has the contract for AAA in Charlottesville, and I haven't heard any more reports about members being charged cash for covered services.
Since the award is for "Business Owner Most in Need of Customer-Service Training," however, and not "Biggest Repeat Offender," let me say this: Morris and his office manager, Donielle Messner, may want to bone up on their people skills. Messner routinely threatened me with legal action for writing about Lethal, while Morris mainly avoided me, preferring instead to have Messner deliver such pronouncements as "Mr. Morris has nothing to say to you."
Actually, that might have been a good thing; Morris was charged with using obscene language on the telephone in Charlottesville General District Court in 2001. The charge was nol prossed– i.e., the prosecutor withdrew the case, with the option of reinstating it later– as was a charge of damage to private property in the same court in 2000. Not so with a charge of assault and battery in Albemarle General District Court in 1995; he was found guilty and given a suspended sentence of 90 days.
Most recently, Morris (doing business as Lethal) was sued in July by Bill Hedges in Charlottesville General District Court. Hedges claimed that his 1992 Mercedes had been damaged while being towed, and the judge concurred; Morris was ordered to pay Hedges $1,300 and court costs.
Remember, AAA members: When you call for service, you can specify that you don't want Lethal. Remember, too, that AAA isn't the only auto club around.
Most likely to inspire letters to the editor
My reporting on Bright Beginnings evoked strong reader response, both positive and negative: One column and one short article resulted in five letters, two penned by supporters and two by detractors. (The fifth, which discussed the difficulties facing state childcare facilities due to changes in state laws in the mid-90s, we'll consider neutral.)
The column (June 26) described Heather Williams' experience at the Mill Creek branch of the center. Her daughter received "excellent care and nurturing"– but her son, Alex, had a total of 11 caretakers in 10 months. Williams claimed that there had been numerous licensing violations, and that she had discovered a letter from the state Department of Social Services (DSS) "hidden behind fliers and handouts" on a bulletin board, "even though bold print declared the letter must be posted in plain view of the parents."
That was no trivial oversight; the letter was announcing that the Mill Creek center had been placed on probation for a year. The reason: inadequate staffing– which also landed the Forest Lakes center on probation twice, in July 2001 and September 2002.
After filing a Freedom of Information Act request with DSS, which yielded 120-plus pages' worth of violation notices, inspection summaries, and certified letters, I learned that all four locations (Mill Creek, Forest Lakes, Earlysville and Crozet) had been cited repeatedly for licensing infractions– mainly for inadequate staffing, but also for such things as serving insufficient food to meet USDA requirements.
I tried several times to interview Kathe Petchel, Bright Beginnings' owner, but was unsuccessful. Instead, I received the following faxed statement: "We as a preschool implement and strive to achieve a high quality standard for families in our community. Throughout the past 18 years of serving children and their families, our continuing success is clear and speaks for itself."
Bright Beginnings parent and physician Ann Klecan wrote the next week (July 3) to praise the Mill Creek center, which her son had attended for two years. "The facility is a vast improvement over where he was for his first 10 months," she wrote.
I heard from plenty of current and former Bright Beginnings parents and employees, but almost all preferred to remain in the background. One correspondent told me about the situation covered in my October 9 article, which reported that Bright Beginnings had allowed an employee to remain on the staff after she had been convicted in Greene County General District Court of assault and battery.
Assault and battery is one of the so-called "barrier crimes" that, according to state law, bar a person from working in a child-care facility in any capacity. In this case, Bright Beginnings transferred the employee from her job as a teacher to a new job as admissions director– but that was still a violation of the law. Ultimately, the woman quit.
In the October 23 issue, Mark and Michelle Conner– who said that the employee in question had been "a wonderful influence" on their son– theorized that "if the Dave Matthews Band were somehow involved with Bright Beginnings, all your stories about them would be glowing."
"Quite frankly," they wrote, "you remind us of the class bully."
Lori Mendez wasn't buying it. Her letter (October 30) took strong exception to the Conners and their theory. "Do the Conners condone this woman and her personal behavior? Sounds to me as if [the Bright Beginnings employee] is the bully– not The Hook."
Another week, another letter: Jessiah Mansfield (November 6) wrote to say that her daughter had gone through "at least six different teachers" at Bright Beginnings and "would be starving" when Mansfield picked her up "after only four hours."
"As for the [Conners'] letter," she wrote in conclusion, "I say, 'bully on.' There are many of us right behind you wishing that it would be shut down."
Sharpen your pencils, Hookers: In early 2004 I'll be reporting on Bright Beginnings' violations of yet another set of state laws, this time the ones that govern payment of wages and overtime.
Wackiest response by a business owner
Bob Weitzner, owner of Northern Exposure, won this one in a walk.
In September 2002 I began researching a tipster's claim that an impressive endorsement for the restaurant might be a product of Weitzner's imagination. The ad in question, which ran for at least a year or so in local publications, included a rave review ("an outstanding experience") from, supposedly, the New York Times.
Over the next few months, I faxed Weitzner several times, asking him to furnish proof, but got nothing in reply. Not only did he fail to confirm the Times quote, but he added another, this time supposedly from the Toledo Blade ("a gem"). When I asked for proof of the Blade quote, he was similarly silent.
Shortly after I wrote about the questionable ads (January 16), I heard that Weitzner had posted my column in the front window at Northern Exposure. People asked me if I thought that Weitzner didn't get it– i.e., didn't understand that I was suggesting he was being deceitful– but I said that that didn't seem possible.
Weitzner didn't stop there, however; he also sent me a $25 restaurant gift certificate; I reluctantly returned it, putting journalistic ethics above my love of a free meal.
I wrote a second column about Weitzner (February 13), which chronicled local artist Eli Frantzen's experience after a driver plowed through the wall at the front of the restaurant on which Frantzen had painted a large mural. Even though the claims adjuster, after getting her estimate for the repair work, had told her that she would be receiving about $1,200 of the total settlement, Weitzner gave her only $500. She alleges that she had to "hound" him to get the rest.
Ira Doppelt's letter in support of Weitzner appeared the following week (February 20). It began, "I'm not sure what crime Bob Weitzner committed, but there must be a severe shortage of bad guys in Charlottesville for Bob to merit two columns by the Fearless Consumer."
Ira, stay tuned: Perhaps 2004 will bring me a bumper crop of bad guys, and the column will live up to your lofty standards. (If it doesn't, be sure to let me know.)
Do you have a consumer problem or question? Email the Fearless Consumer, write her at 100 Second Street NW, 22902, or call 295-8700 ext. 406.


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Hope College will feature the exhibition "Leadership: Oliphant Cartoons and Sculpture from the Bush Years" in the gallery of the De Pree Art Center from Friday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Nov. 22.
There will be an opening reception featuring artist Patrick Oliphant at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 pm.
The public is invited to both the reception and the exhibition. Admission is free.
This exhibit features the work of one of the greatest political cartoonists. Australian-born Patrick Oliphant, world-renowned for his fearless, caustic portrayals for America's most prominent peoples and events, will be showing cartoons, sketches, oversized caricatures, and sculptures in bronze and wax.
Oliphant uses traditional artistic devices, like caricature and hierarchy of size, to illustrate a complex variety of ideas. The "bad" characters of his cartoons are huge with the "flesh of pride, the obesity of power" (P.J. O'Rourke). The "good" are small, often seen conversing with the wise and ironic "Punk" the penguin. Punk represents the voice of reason, that which should inspire our actions as we watch the events in Washington unfold. The good characters are often out of action, inviting the uncertainty of whether this detachment is by choice or consequence.
Designed to correspond with the U.S. presidential election, the show will invite the members of the audience to reflect on their current political choices. The exhibition focuses on the Bush administration, but also includes images of the current candidates and past administrations.
James Billington of the Library of Congress wrote, "Editorial cartoons are part of the political discourse of our democratic society... We recognize these as enduring contributions whether the particular message pleases us or not... Pat Oliphant is such a master."
The De Pree Art Center is located at 160 E. 12th St., on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street. The regular gallery hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Gallery hours may be reduced during breaks and holidays. The gallery is handicapped accessible.


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Finite graph theory abounds with applications inside mathematics itself, in computer science, and engineering. Therefore, I find it naturally to do research in graph theory and I also clearly see the necessity.
Now I'm wondering about infinite graph theory. Quite a bit of research seems to be done on it as well and of course they are a natural generalization of a useful concept. But I never saw an example where we actually need them.
I understand that they come up as infinite Cayley graphs in group theory, that the automorphism groups of infinite but locally finite graphs are topological groups, that they play some role in general topology, etc. But to me it seems they are "just there" and are not essential in the sense that a theorem about them proves something about groups or topology what we couldn't have done easily without using them.
Polemically phrased my question is
Why should we care about infinite graphs?


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Old minutes now on-line!
Through a collaboration between Randy Attwood, Peter Jedicke, and James Edgar, National Council Minutes from the early years of the Society are now on-line.
In the past few days, Minutes from 1910 to 1934 were placed in the National Web Site to join part of the on-going project where historical archives are being scanned, put through an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process, proofread, and then saved in both html and PDF format for easy access by all.
The early years were handwritten, so had to be typed out in full, as the OCR system doesn't do well with handwriting. It was a monumental chore and most of it is now complete.
Go to https://rasc.ca/nc-minutes to view these valuable historical documents - they make very interesting reading!


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"The Hobbit," Peter Jackson's prequel to the blockbuster "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, charged out of the box-office blocks taking in $37.5 million Friday in its North American debut.
That puts it on track for a three-day total of between $95 million and $100 million, which would shatter the December record for biggest debut. The previous best was the $77.2 million brought in by "I Am Legend" in 2007."
It's been nine years since moviegoers have had the chance to revisit Middle-earth and they were glad to be back, giving "The Hobbit" an "A" CinemaScore.
Also read: Why 'The Hobbit' Will Be Biggest Tolkien Tale Ever at the Box Office
The final film in "The Lord of the Rings" series, "The Return of the King," debuted to $72.6 million domestically in 2003, but "The Hobbit" is benefiting from a higher mark-up on 3D tickets. It is the first adaptation of the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien books to arrive in theaters in that format and is available in 3,160 of the total 4,045 screens. It's on 326 Imax screens, too.
Friday's grosses for "The Hobbit" were boosted by the $13 million taken in from midnight screenings at 3,100 locations, 2,160 of which were 3D.
"The Hobbit" is also opening on 18,200 screens internationally in 56 foreign markets. After Friday, the first installment in the new trilogy has earned $57 million, Warner Bros. said.
Also read: 'The Hobbit': What Critics Think
About 460 theaters showed "The Hobbit" in the groundbreaking but controversial 48 frame-per-second format – which doubles the standard film speed and provides more clarity – that Jackson utilized when he shot the movie.
The film stars Ian McKellen as the wizard, Gandalf, and Martin Freeman as the titular hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. New Line and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer co-produced and co-financed the film.
Also read: 'The Hobbit' at 48 Frames – Hey, What Happened to Middle-Earth?
The battle for second place was close between "Lincoln," "Skyfall" and Rise of the Guardians."
In its sixth week, last week's top film "Skyfall" brought in $1.8 million and will finish the three days at around $7 million for Sony. DreamWorks Animation's "Rise of the Guardians" took in $1.5 million but, with the family bump on Saturday and Sunday, could wind up around $7 million too. DreamWorks and Disney's Oscar front-runner "Lincoln" brought in $1.9 million, putting it on pace to finish the weekend at $6.4 million.
Fox's "Life of Pi" made $1.4 million Friday and is looking at $5 million for the weekend. "Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2" was in the same range.
The Weinstein Company's Oscar hopeful "Silver Linings Playbook" brought in $588,000 from 371 screens.


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A bundle of connected nerves in the neck region of your spinal cord sends branches down into your shoulders, arms, and hands. This group of nerves is called the brachial plexus. These nerves control the motions of your wrists, hands, and arms, allowing you to raise your arm, type on your keyboard, or throw a baseball.
The brachial plexus nerves are sensory, too. For instance, they let you know that the pan you just grabbed with your hand is too hot to hold.
The brachial plexus can be injured in many different ways—from pressure, stress, or being stretched too far. The nerves may also be cut. Sometimes, brachial plexus injuries happen to babies during childbirth.
Facts about brachial plexus injuries
Brachial plexus injuries cut off all or parts of the communication between the spinal cord and the arm, wrist, and hand. This may mean that you can't work your arm or hand. Often, brachial plexus injuries also result in total loss of sensation in the area.
The severity of a brachial plexus injury varies. In some people, function and feeling returns to normal, while others may have lifelong disabilities because they can't use or feel a part of the arm.
During childbirth, large babies may be at an increased risk for brachial plexus injuries. A quick or emergency delivery, when the baby must be forcibly pulled out, can result in a brachial plexus injury because the baby's neck is often flexed severely in one direction. Babies in breech position (bottom end comes out first) and those whose labor lasts an unusually long time may also suffer brachial plexus injuries.
Symptoms depend on where along the length of the brachial plexus the injuries occur and how severe they are.
These are common symptoms of brachial plexus injuries:
No feeling in the hand or arm
Inability to control or move the arm, wrist, or hand
An arm that hangs limply
Types of brachial plexus injuries
Brachial plexus injuries are categorized according to how badly the nerves are damaged:
Avulsion. The root of the nerve is completely separated from the spinal cord (the most severe type).
Neuropraxia. The nerves are stretched (the least severe type).
Rupture. Part of the nerve is actually torn.
Neuroma. Scar tissue forms on the stretched nerve as it repairs itself.
Brachial plexitis. This is a rare syndrome for which no cause can be identified. It's also called Parsonage-Turner syndrome.
Brachial plexus birth injury—when the brachial plexus gets stretched during childbirth—is called Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy affects between one and two babies in every 1,000 births.
A doctor will generally examine your hand and arm and test for sensation and function to help diagnose a brachial plexus injury.
These are other diagnostic tests often used:
Imaging tests, such as an MRI scan or CT scan
Tests to determine nerve function and electrical activity, including a nerve conduction study and electromyogram
X-ray of the neck and shoulder area
Some brachial plexus injuries require surgery to repair the damage. Physical therapy can help you restore function in your arms and hands and improve range of motion and flexibility in stiff muscles and joints.
Brachial plexus injuries don't always need treatment. Some people, particularly babies with a brachial plexus birth injury, recover without any treatment, but it can take as long as several months for the injury to heal. Certain exercises can help with healing and function.
You may need regular checkups to watch the progress and healing of a brachial plexus injury. Checkups are especially important for babies and may be needed for as long as two years as the injury heals.
Calling the doctor
If you have had an injury to the neck or shoulder area and you can't feel or move your hand or arm, you should call your doctor to find out what's causing your symptoms.
For severe brachial plexus injuries, prompt surgical treatment could be needed to attempt to regain function. Without it, you might have a permanent disability and be unable to use your arm or hand.
If you have a brachial plexus injury resulting in a lack of feeling, you must take special care when dealing with hot items, razors, knives, or other objects that could harm you. A brachial plexus injury can keep you from feeling any other injury to the affected area, so you may not notice that you're hurt.
Key points to remember
Brachial plexus injuries often heal well if they aren't severe. Many people with minor brachial plexus injuries recover between 90 and 100 percent of the normal function of their arms.


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A Strategy for Administering and Grading an Individual-Group Exam
A collaborative approach to testing can foster an individual commitment to learning and to group problem solving and decision making skills. If you are considering administering a group test, but are concerned about individual accountability and the logistics of grading such an exam, you may find the following strategy, developed by G. Finan, helpful.
- Develop a typical exam.
- Administer it to the students individually and have them turn it in.
- Put students in groups of four to five and administer the test again.
Provide only one answer sheet on which to record the group's collective
Because they have already taken the exam individually, the group test serves as a review and as a means of generating thoughtful discussion, which further enhances learning. In fact, if the group composition is known in advance, members can encourage each other to put in extra studying time and/or they can study together prior to the exam.
- Give groups about ten minutes less than the time frame allotted for the individual test.
- Compute the student's final score based on his or her individual score
plus a percentage of the difference between the individual score and the
group score.
The Adjusted_Final_Score = Individual_Score + [Group_Score - Individual_Score] X Percentage]
The percentage is based on the individual score: 100 to 90 = 50%; 89 to 80 = 33%; 79 to 70 = 25%; <70 = 20%.
For example, if a student scored 80 on an individual test and 92 on the group test, then the student's score would be 80 +[(92 - 80) X 33%] = 84.
Because of the higher fraction used, students are motivated to earn a high individual score.
Finan, G. "How to Make Multiple-Choice Testing More Effective." Teaching for Success. 9.8 (1997): 7. Print.
For more information on Testing, see the CTE's Self-Paced Online Workshop "Testing Techniques."
Center for Teaching Excellence
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Phone: (517) 483-1680
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Additional contact information
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Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
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fill-out the Applegram form.


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"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. And our spiritual beings are "ageless". Having lived before and will continue after we die. Enlightenment.
- LE/100, Artist proofs 10, all sizes included
- 30x14, 48x17, 70x20 panoramic
Metal prints
My metal prints are spectacular. Like high definition art! I offer a gloss (reflective) or matte (nonreflective) finish. My images are printed on a special paper, with special sublimation inks. Under the right combination of heat, time and pressure, the image is sublimated—the inks are turned into vapor before they turn into a liquid—and the molecules go inside a specially coated aluminum surface. The colors are unusually brilliant and take on a magical luminescence. Since the color is locked below the surface and not on it, the durability is unparalleled. Dye infused images are waterproof, scratch resistant and do not need protective glass.
Plexi prints
I have chosen a handful or more of my images to be printed on premium crystal archival metallic paper. I absolutely love how these images dance on the paper with the reflectiveness of the plexi! The print is then fused between 1/4" clear and 1/16" black plexi with polished edges. If you find an image I offer in metal, and you would prefer a plexi print, please email me with size and I will send you a quote. email@example.com
Certificate of Authenticity
Each limited-edition print is signed and numbered by me, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Some pieces may be digitally signed with my approval and that will be included on the Certificate, The Certificate will be mailed separately.
Prints arrive in approximately 3 weeks. Or sooner! All my prints are manufactured in the USA by the highest quality standards. My artwork is shipped all over the world. The pieces of art are packed extremely well in either wood or cardboard crates with extensive packing materials to protect the piece. Shipping is included in your order—unless it is a custom order.
Return Policy
Because my prints are custom made to order, they are final sale and non-returnable. The same applies to my originals. My art is packed with the utmost care, however, if the art piece is damaged during shipping, please contact email@example.com within 24 hours of receipt. At that time, I will determine what action to take.
I offer gallery mount framing on both metal and plexi prints extending off the wall 1.25". With either a wire frame or security mount. With the security mount you can secure your print without wire. It comes with a T screw that locks the piece on the wall. Great for commercial and hospitality installations. Instructions included in packaging.


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Eight people were shot Thursday afternoon and Friday morning from the Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side to the West Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side, police said.
A man walked into Our Lady of the Resurrection Hospital with wounds to his torso about 12:20 a.m. Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro said. The man was shot near the intersection of Irving Park Road and Avondale Avenue, He was transferred to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
Two people were wounded within blocks of each other in West Pullman today, police said.
A 37-year-old man was shot about 10:15 p.m. in the 12300 block of South Emerald Avenue about 10:15 p.m., Alfaro said. Someone saw a car speeding from the scene and the shooting may have been a drive-by but police aren't certain. They responded to a call of a person shot and found the man on the sidewalk bleeding from his body and arm.
About 5 p.m. in the same neighborhood, in the 12000 block of South Lafayette Avenue, two 19-year-old men were shot in the legs, said Police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.
All three were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious-to-critical condition, according to police and the Chicago Fire Department. It's not clear if the shootings are related.
About 7:15 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was shot in the left thigh on the 1500 block of East 62nd Street, police said. The boy was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where his condition has been stabilized, police said.
Early reports said the boy was standing on the sidewalk when he heard gunshots and soon after felt pain, police said.
Another man, whose age wasn't available, was shot about 4 p.m. in the South Austin neighborhood on the West Side. He was robbed of some cash and shot in the left shoulder in the 100 block of North Mason Avenue and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital with a wound to his left shoulder, Alfaro said.
About 3:10 p.m. a 44-year-old man was shot in the 3000 block of Carrol Avenue in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. He was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in serious condition.
About 1 p.m. a man was shot in the 3500 block of West North Avenue in the Logan Square neighborhood. The 36-year-old was shot in the stomach more than once while standing on a sidewalk, Alfaro said. He's in stable condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.
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