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Shares of Adobe Systems (ADBE) are down $6.65, or almost 8%, at $78.50, in late trading, following remarks on its outlook offered by management at its annual analyst day event taking place today.
According to reports from Briefing.com, Adobe projected total revenue for the fiscal year ending in November of 2016 at $5.7 billion, with EPS of $2.70. That is below consensus for $5.93 billion and $3.21.
The company also projected EPS growth, on a non-GAAP basis, of 30%, compounded annually, from this year through fiscal 2018, with revenue rising by 20% per annum during that period.
Shares of Arista Networks (ANET) rose $3.47, or 5.4%, to $67.38, during the regular session, following an article late this afternoon by Bloomberg's Susan Decker and Ian King stating that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said it would examine the validity of patents held by Cisco Systems (CSCO), which has been suing Arista for patent infringement.
As the authors write, "by agreeing to review the patents, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board made a preliminary finding that Arista is likely to win its challenge. The board declined to institute a review of a third Cisco patent, saying Arista hadn't raised enough evidence to warrant one."
Arista declined my request for a comment on the matter, citing the company's "quiet period" in advance of earnings. Arista reports on November 5th.
Cisco shares rose 38 cents, or 1.4%, to close at $27.23.
Now at $30.85, Yahoo (YHOO) has had a rough ride in 2015, falling almost 39% since the start of the year. Yet at current levels, it trades as if there is no benefit to come from the announced spin off of its remaining shares of Alibaba Group (BABA), says activist investor Jeff Smith.
"Where the stock trades today is really not reflecting any value for the spin off," said Smith, leader of the activist investing firm Starboard Value which campaigned earlier this year in favor of the spin off, before an audience at the Bloomberg Markets Most Influential Summit. "In our view, it reflects the worst case scenario in terms of full taxation. But we think it is a great opportunity right now."
Barrons.com weighed in bullishly on Yahoo back in January, after the company announced plans for the spin off, arguing that the stock price sat below the company's sum-of-the-parts value (see Weekday Trader Extra, "Yahoo Stock Undervalued Ahead of Alibaba Spinoff," Jan. 28). But Yahoo ran into trouble starting in May when the IRS called into question the permissibly of a tax-free spin off. Last month, the agency rejected an initial request for a ruling on the matter.
Last week, however, Yahoo filed with the SEC that it would pursue a spin off whether or not it gets a favorable ruling from the IRS. Still, analysts have lowered price targets,and some arguing that by forging ahead could put shareholders on the hook for a tax liability.
"The whole segment of laptops from $500 up to $1,500 now belongs to Microsoft and Apple,' said Rich Doherty of Envisioneering, when I buttonholed him on the sidelines of the Microsoft (MSFT) devices event in New York, a short while ago.
Doherty, who said he was on his way to buy candles for the death of the PC, was responding to the unveiling onstage by Microsoft exec Panos Panay of "Surface Book," a laptop starting at $1,499 that turns from notebook into a tablet by detaching its screen using a specially-designed hinge between the two.
"There's a lot of engineering behind it and a lot of money," observed Doherty. Combined with the updated "Surface Pro 4" tablet, Microsoft, and Apple's (AAPL) MacBook line, will dominate the "high-end laptop," and, indeed, much of what is in that mainstream of laptops from $500 to $1,000.
I've posted a brief video of a Microsoft staffer demonstrating the Surface Book's design.
Doherty's take on the Book: "it's great, it's incredible," he said of the machine. Microsoft is "very serious" about this effort, he said. "They fired a shot over the bow" of the PC industry three years ago with the introduction of Surface.
Panay talked up the comparison between the Surface Book and the "MacBook Pro," which he had earlier lauded as a very well designed machine. He said the Surface Book is twice as fast as the MacBook Pro.
There my be little left for Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Dell, and others, opined Doherty — just the scraps.
"What's going to be left for HP and others? Selling $300 models, maybe…" he said.
The unveiling of Surface Book came at the end of a 90-minute presentation that ran overtime, as Panay and other executives demonstrated additional new products, including a revamp of the existing Surface tablet line, and new "Lumia" smartphones, the "950" and "950XL," large-screen phones that include things such as the ability to dock the phone to a USB hub and have it power a full desktop display.
Those new quasi-desktop capabilities are another thing that give Doherty deep concerns for the PC industry. "Now my phone is my computer," he mused.
At the demo tables, one was able to compare the new Surface Pro 4 to the prior version. Although on paper there's not much of a difference in weight — 1.73 lbs for the new one versus 1.76 for the old one — there is a noticeable different when holding the thing. A staffer on hand said the company had done some new things with weight distribution of the components inside the case that contributed to the feel.
Panay noted onstage, to much applause, that Microsoft had heeded the cries of Surface users who had to buy clips to attach to the case of the tablet to hold their stylus.
The new stylus offered with the Pro 4 has a single flat edge that allows the pen to grip to the side of the Surface magnetically.
As regards the new phones, at the demo tables, one could witness the enhancements to photo-taking with the 20-megapixel rear camera on the device. Microsoft's software is able to see when there is motion in a scene and close the aperture of the shot, to eliminate blurring. A staffer showed me photos of the same subject that he said were taking with the Lumia, and with a competitor's smartphone, noting where there was blur in the competing image that was avoided in the Lumia picture.
Also, you can go back and change the flash exposure on a shot, to remove extreme effects, if you want. I've posted a video of a Microsoft staffer showing off that feature.
Microsoft shares are up 25 cents, or half a percent, at $46.88. Hewlett stock is up 69 cents, or 2.5%, at $27.87. Apple shares are up 69 cents, or 0.7%, at $111.47.
Press and guests are gathered inside the James A. Farley post office — someday planned to be the Patrick Moynihan Station – in Midtown Manhattan for a Microsoft (MSFT) briefing that most expect will include discussions of new devices including new versions of the "Lumia" line of smartphones, and the Surface tablet computer. You can listen in via the webcast on Microsoft's Web site. Microsoft stock is down 15 cents at $46.48 in advance of the briefing. Cue the thundering video — "it's not about the technology, it's about you," is the tag line. Microsoft's Terry Myerson takes the stage. He says it's hard to believe that it's only been ten weeks since the company introduced Windows 10.
He says 110 million devices are now running Win 10. That includes over 8 million business PCs Myerson says Facebook will be developing dedicated apps for Win 10, including an Instagram app.
It's time to start the next chapter, says Myerson, with new devices, with new chips, new hardware, and new functions such as "Windows Hello."
But right now, it's all about Microsoft devices, he says.
But first, an update on Xbox. There will be multiple special box sets for the holidays, including a "Halo 5″ edition. There is also a new, more advanced controller coming.
Lets talk about "HoloLens," Microsoft's augmented reality headset. Next follows a demo or "mixed reality gaming," in which a gamer, Dan, comes on a bear stage and stalks the stage gesturing in the air. We see via the monitors the generated gun res'd onto his hand, and the imaginary evil robots seeming bursting through the walls of the stage
The company is taking applications today from developers for the HoloLens dev kit, which will be available in Q1 of 2016, for $3,000.
Next, the new version of Microsoft's wearable, "Microsoft Band." To talk about it, executive Lindsey Mate se takes the stage. The new model features a band that curves around the wrist better, better touch sensitivity built into the screen, a barometer, for measuring elevation, and integration with Cortana, Microsoft's voice-activated assistant. You can peruse all the data gathered by the band about your performance, "MY big data," Matese emphasizes. For golfers, it will give you an "automatic score card" as soon as you finish the game.
Matese mentions several partners, including Gold's Gym, and a startup for weight loss, Lose It.
Pre-orders start today, and general availability is October 30th, for $249.
Myerson is back to talk about Surface and Lumia. Surface, he says, is now a $3.5 billion annual business. Both Dell and Hewlett-Packard are reselling Surface to businesses.
Myerson brings up Panos Panay, head of all things devices. Big applause for him. Panay says it's "mind blowing" how Win 10 is "threading it all together."
He wants to talk about the new Lumia: the "950" and "950XL." It has two antennas to fin the best signal. The two versions have "octacore" and "hexacore" processors. They are in 5.2-inch and 5.7-inch displays, with 564 and 518 pixels per inch. Much of this has been written about on the gadget blogs, quips Panay, to laughter from the crowd. "Can you not do that," he scolds them, playfully.
The rear camera has a 20-megixel sensor that is the product of years of camera development, he says. "You take a picture with this phone, I don't care if the object is moving, or I'm moving, that picture is going to be clear," says Panay of the optical image stabilization. There's a dedicated camera button.
There's 32 gigabytes built in and expandability. At some point, "you can expand this thing to two terabytes!" says Panay. "Two terabytes in my pocket. The USB "Type C" power plug will charge the phone to 50% in half an hour.
Panay intros Bryan for the demo. He connects the phone to a desktop display. And the Lumia fills the display with a fully-fledged Windows 10 user interface.
It's a bit reminiscent of the Motorola "Atrix" phone from about five years ago, which had a desktop mode. You can even access the thumb drive plugged into the display dock from the phone. He demos a video feed in 1080p filling the display.
"That's insane! That's coming from a phone!" Panay is back. The new Lumias will sell for $549 and $649. There'll also be a new, cheaper Lumia for $139 come December. And now, on to Surface.
Roll the video of Bob, a small business owner who uses Surface. Surface Pro is "simplicity, and it's beautiful," says Bob. He uses it to call up product models. "I'm just blown away how effective a tool it is."
"It's not just Bob: there are doctors and composers and even engineers back in Redmond using Surface to design the next Surface," he says. Panay says there are "competitors chasing it." A nod to Apple's "iPad Pro." Cue the pounding AC/DC score.
The "Surface Pro 4″ has the thinnest Gorilla Glass ever shipped on a tablet; the 12.3-inch screen has a "photo-aligned oxide display," and a new custom chipset, the "G5." That helps with the new stylus, which has an eraser on one end.
"50% of people using Surface Pro 3 use a pen." It has 1,024 points of pressure. "You know howling naturally flows out of the pen. That's how it will flow pit of this, too." It has an all-year battery life, because you don't want to lose the moment by having to charge.
With one click of the pen, Microsoft's "OneNote" app opens up to receive ink. And now, a Cortana demo, by pressing the button on the pen. "At any time I can write on the Web just like I want to," says Panay of the ability to draw over the Web browser. Cue the clip of a composer drawing notes on a musical staff. "Out of his hand and into your heart, David just wrote a beautiful symphony just for you," says Panay.
Panay is "not going to compare it to any pad, to any tablet, they're not in the same class." So, he throws up a pictur of the MacBook Air. "But it will compare it to what it's equivalent too. The MacBook Air is a great product. It's very well designed; Surface is the best product." It's 50% faster than the Air.
Panay extols the new detachable keyboard cover, with an enhanced glass trackpad and "scissor" design keys.
What is "Windows Hello"? Cue the video of adorable kids (Panay's) sharing the Surface. It can be activated by a fingerprint sensor built into one version of the detachable keyboard
"I'm holding the thinnest, most powerful surface yet," says Panay, "it can replace your laptop." It starts at $899 and is available October 26th. Preorders start today.
But there's something else….
"What if you've wanted a surface but you wanted a laptop surface?" He asks. "What if we could do for laptops what we do for tablets?"
"We made the the ultimate laptop; we made Surface Book." Panay brings it out to show. "The typing experience on this thing is unbelievable. You type, and it's quiet. But it's powerful. We've been making key switches for 15 years at Microsoft. It brings every Windows 10 feature to life."
The machine has an Nvidia GeForce GPU. "This is for the scientist who's thinking about the cure for cancer and needs to push the machine as far as they can." It uses "GDDR5″ memory chips. And it has a 12-hour battery life.
"ounce for ounce, pound for pound, this is the fastest thirteen inch laptop ever made anywhere on any planet."
He compares it with the MacBook Pro. It's twice as fast, he says. Demo using Adobe's "Premiere" to edit a film.
It starts at $1,499, available October 26, with pre-orders today.
"This product is going back to reinventing categories," he says. "Satya [Nadella] pushes us to be growth hackers," he says.
Panay comes back out with the Surface Book detached from its keyboard, so that it becomes a tablet. "It is now the thinnest and lightest PC around," he says. Panay is offering units to the crowd down front to fondle. "Do you know what you're holding? The thinnest and lightest PC ever made."
Panay says the GPU chip is contained in the keyboard base. So, once plugged back into the keyboard, the display gains the benefit of the full graphics capability. "How do you have a laptop? The hinge is what is known as a dynamic fulcrum. We wanted you to have all that power in the top of the device, but when you plug it in, you need to be able to extend it." He shows off the bending hinge. "We use a technology called muscle wire; we throw a charge into it and it expands and contracts."
"I've shown you something here that is the most powerful laptop on the planet. It has touch, it has pen, it has more pixels than any laptop in its class."
"and it does this," he adds, taking the display off of the keyboard.
Panay exits to applause, and Nadella takes the stage. He says Surface Book and the rest are part of moving customers from "needing Windows to choosing Windows to Loving Windows." After an extended talke by Nadella regarding caring, we shift to a video of people biking and filming and using their Surface Book in various ways
Microsoft shares are are up 48 cents, or 1%, at $47.11.
// ]]>
Pacific Crest's Andy Hargreaves this morning reiterates a Sector Weight rating on Apple (AAPL) shares, reiterating his view that Street expectations are too high for sales of the newly released iPhone 6s in the December quarter and in the first half of the fiscal year, given what he expects will be some slackening of demand.
"We continue to believe Street estimates for 1H:F2016 iPhone units are too high," writes Hargreaves. "But AAPL's price and the stickiness of iPhone customers should protect long-term cash flow, which creates a favorable long-term risk/reward." He sees fair value at $132.
Apple shares this morning are down 28 cents, or 0.3%, at $110.50.
For the September-ending fiscal Q4, which Apple is scheduled to report on October 27th, he sees the company more or less making expectations:
We expect Apple to sell 47.8 million iPhones in FQ4 (September), which should be in line with both buy-side and sell-side expectations. We see some risk to this number based on the timing of the iPhone 6s launch late in the quarter (only two iPhone 6s selling days in FQ4, as opposed to eight for the iPhone 6 in the year- ago period), but would view downside of a couple million units as inconsequential as long as the explanation was launch timing.
That may mean revenue of $51.3 billion, an profit margin of 39.9% and EPS of $1.92, writes Hargreaves, which is better than the average estimate for $50.98 billion and $1.88.
However, for FYQ1, he's modeling total iPhone sales of only 66.9 million, below what he believes is consensus of 76 million:
Our FQ1 iPhone unit estimate of 66.9 million is based on an iPhone replacement rate that we believe is in line with what the company experienced in the two years prior to the iPhone 6 launch. This is based on our belief that the replacement rate in the iPhone 6 cycle was abnormally high and unrepeatable, which is supported by quantitative and anecdotal evidence. Similarly, we assume a moderated level of share gain compared to the iPhone 6 cycle. This is based on our view that the iPhone 6 unlocked pent-up demand from Android owners that had been waiting for a large screen iPhone. Although our FQ1 estimate of 66.9 million would be down materially from the 74.5 million units Apple shipped in F1Q15, we believe it would still represent outstanding results that would support Apple's long-term strength in the high-end smartphone market.
Hargreaves acknowledges the quarter will be helped by the 6s being a week later than the iPhone 6 last year, in its retail debut of September 25th.
He also sees the value of Apple having included China "as a launch country this year," which means "Apple will have 12 more selling days in China in FQ1 than it did in the year-ago quarter."
But those factors "will be offset by a lower level of sustained demand through the quarter," he thinks.
As a consequence, Hargreaves expects "a lower- than-expected iPhone unit outlook to prompt FQ1 revenue guidance well below the Street estimate of $76.4 billion." His own estimate is for revenue of $70.08 billion and EPS of $2.90.
Citigroup's Jim Suva this morning has a what he calls a few "non-consensus stock calls" for the networking equipment business, initiating shares of F5 Networks (FFIV) with a Sell rating, and Juniper Networks (JNPR) with Neutral, and Cisco Systems (CSCO) with a Buy rating.
In early trading, Cisco F5 shares are down $6.64, or 5.4%, at $116.30, while Cisco is up 21 cents, or 0.8%, at $27.06.
"We are the only firm," boasts Suva, "with a Sell rating on F5, as we believe the company is likely to guide below expectations within the next 6 months thereby putting pressure on F5's valuation multiple and stock price."
This is the group that can deliver, Suva writes, with "low- to mid-single digit toppling growth," as "transitions" happen in the industry:
All three companies play in mature markets and are undergoing (or have recently undergone) significant market, technology, and management transitions. We believe large cap networking companies are likely to be rewarded for 1) predictable & sustainable growth (rather than single product or volatile growth), 2) their ability to protect, and potentially grow, gross and operating margins, and 3) meeting investor expectations.
Here's his table of those transitions (click on the image to see it larger):
He thinks there are several "transitions" that are going on for F5 that are detrimental at the moment:
Market focus: F5's core market of application delivery services is maturing, and the company is investing in its security product portfolio to drive future growth; Technology: Sales of F5's BIG-IP and VIPRION appliances are no longer growing, as L4-7 application delivery services are increasingly deployed as software modules on premise, move to the cloud ("Synthesis" architecture), or become delivered as a managed service ("Silverline"); Management: Manuel "Manny" Rivelo, formerly EVP of Strategic Solutions, became CEO on July 1st, and John DiLullo is coming from HP's Aruba W-LAN business to lead F5's WW sales organization.
And investors are simply expecting too much from the company:
We believe many investors are looking for F5's security offerings to be a significant revenue growth driver going forward. However, we are taking a more cautious approach, as F5's "Good Better Best" bundles likely make F5's security revenue increasingly tied to the fate of its core L4-7 application delivery services business which is facing slowing growth. We believe there is limited upside to gross and operating margins, which are already very high. Gross margin has been stable in the 83-84% range since FY12, while operating margin peaked at 38.3% in FY12 and has been stable at ~36.5% since FY13. We believe F5 is likely to reinvest in its channel distribution and R&D, so the continued shift to software is unlikely to boost margin. We are below consensus on revenue and EPS. Our revenue estimates of $2.04B in FY16 and $2.20B in FY17 are ~$80M and ~$110M below consensus numbers of $2.12B and $2.31B, and our PF EPS estimates of $6.85 in FY16 and $7.32 in FY17 stand $0.47 and $0.85 below consensus due to the weaker revenue.
As for Cisco, among the things he likes are the dissolution of the threat of software-defined networking:
We are making the case for multiple expansion, based on the SDN threat going away, the gradual shift to a recurring revenue model and the potential for op margin expansion. We believe the common bear thesis of ~2-3 years ago that the adoption of Software Defined Networking (SDN) would commoditize Cisco's switching business is being proven wrong, while Cisco's push into subscription revenue models is likely to reduce the historical revenue volatility. We believe both developments positively impact the earnings multiple, with Cisco – whose LT revenue and EPS growth is similar to large cap enterprise tech names (low- to mid- single digit revenue growth and mid- to high-single digit EPS growth) – potentially being re-rated to the large cap enterprise tech peer group.
As for Juniper, he likes that that business has finally "stabilized," but it's already in the share price:
We like the stronger execution under new CEO Rami Rahim and the progress made on Juniper's cost structure and capital returns following the involvement of activist investor Elliott Management. However, we believe that all of the above are currently priced in the stock and see limited catalysts to take the shares up or down in the next 12 months. To wit, Elliott has started selling its stake in JNPR.
He's watching for certain developments with Juniper:
A rebound in routing revenue in H2'15; early deployments of the QFX10000 family of switches; progress towards achieving the company's 25% LT op margin target; future buy- backs and their impact on EPS.
Wireles chip maker Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) late Monday evening said it would buy wired networking chip maker PMC-Sierra (PMCS) for $2 billion in cash, or $10.50 per PMC share, a 37% premium to PMC's close on Monday of $7.69.
PMC stock had risen during the regular session by 3.5%, and the shares had been on the rise since a report last Thursday by Bloomberg's Alex Sherman and Ian King stating the company hired bankers to shop itself. Through Monday's close, the shares are down 16% this year, and up 7.4% in the last 12 months.
Skyworks said the deal would make it "a highly diversified analog, RF and mixed signal semiconductor leader."
Skyworks expects to save $75 million through unspecified "synergies," and says the deal will add 75 cents in non-GAAP earnings per share per annum.
Skyworks also updated its financial outlook: it expects to have revenue in the September-ending fiscal Q4 of $880 million and EPS of $1.52. That is higher than the company's forecast back in July of $875 million and $1.51, and higher than current Street consensus for $876 million and $1.51. CFO Donald Palette credited "sustained outperformance" to "the growing adoption of our integrated mobile systems and new opportunities across the Internet of Things."
Bidding of PCS is a dramatic departure a company that has consolidated share in the wireless and mobile market, its chief products being so-called front-end modules, collections of amplifiers and filters for wireless that have nothing ostensibly to do with data center infrastructure.
Skyworks CEO Dave Aldrich remarked,
With our acquisition of PMC, Skyworks will be uniquely positioned to capitalize on the explosive demand for high performance solutions that seamlessly connect, transport and store Big Data. Specifically, we plan to leverage PMC's innovative storage systems, flash controllers, optical switches and network infrastructure solutions to expand our engagements with some of the world's leading OEMs and ODMs as well as emerging hyperscale data center customers. At a higher level, this complementary yet highly synergistic acquisition is consistent with our stated strategy of diversifying into adjacent vertical markets while leveraging our system-level expertise and global scale. PMC enables us to substantially expand our serviceable market within some of the fastest growing segments in technology including cloud storage and optical networking.
Shares of solar installation firm SunEdison (SUNE) are down 4 cents at $9 in late trading, after the company this afternoon said after the closing bell, that it will cut 15% of its workforce in an effort to "align" itself "with current and future market opportunities" and to "accelerate cash flow positive operations."
Said SunEdison, "the restructuring provides for a workforce reduction of approximately 15% of the Company's global workforce in response to current and expected market conditions and in order to remove duplicative activities created as a result of merger and acquisition activities and business growth."
The company will take charges of $30 million to $40 million, in total, from the September-ending Q3 through Q1 of 2016, mostly for severance.
SunEdison did not go into detail about those "current and expected" conditions. It plans to hold an investor presentation this Wednesday morning, October 7th, at 8 am, Eastern, including CEO Ahmad Chatila and CFO Brian Wuebbels.
Here are some things going on today in your world of tech:
This just in on the M&A front: Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) may be preparing to merge with John Malone's content collector Starz (STRZA), according to an article this evening by the L.A. Times's Ryan Faughnder and Meg James, citing four unnamed sources.
Such a deal, which is in "advanced talks," would "mark a significant step toward creating the next major media company," the authors write. Malone already has a minority stake in LGF.
Lions Gate shares are up $3.81, or almost 10%, at $42.99, in late trading. Starz shares are up $3.78, or almost 10%, at $42.85.
Speaking of M&A, Wells Fargo's Maynard Um opined the imminent break up of Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) into two separately traded companies could produce meaningful upside for Hewlett-Packard, as both will represent inexpensive shares with high free-cash-flow yields. He reckons the combined value of the companies, perhaps amplified by their takeover value, may be as much as $55 based on the currently trading HP shares. The shares today closed up $1.11, or 4%, at $27.18.
Twitter (TWTR) was one of the more prominent names of the day, its shares closing up $1.84, or 7%, at $28.15, after co-founder Jack Dorsey was named permanent CEO, replacing Dick Costolo, who stepped down back in July, and who today stepped down from the company's board of directors.
Analysts instantly praised the appointment of Dorsey, predicting a focus by the company on fixing things that have prevented its service from becoming more mainstream. Cantor Fitzgerald's Youssef Squali, who has a Buy rating on the shares, and a $50 price target, writes that during the morning's investor call "the tone and optimism were palpable, and somewhat greater than we anticipated."
Even R.W. Baird's Colin Sebastian, a bear on the stock, wrote today that it settles a "major source of uncertainty" and gives the company legitimacy. "We also applaud the promotion of Adam Bain to COO, who is broadly well-liked and respected inside and outside Twitter," wrote Sebastian.
Security tech company Radware (RDWR) is seeing its shares pushed down $1.35, or almost 8%, at $15.97, in late trading, after the company warned this afternoon after the closing bell, that its revenue for Q3 will be well below consensus, at $48 million, below the company's prior forecast of $57 million to $59 million, without explaining why. EPS is now seen at 10 cents a share, well below the prior 23 cents to 24 cents range, and below consensus of 24 cents.
Radware will host a conference call tomorrow at 8:45 am, Eastern time, to discuss the results.
Security is having a bumpy start to earnings season: The warning follows a lower-than-expected fiscal Q2 report from security firm Barracuda Networks (CUDA), that sent its shares plunging, and a cut in ratings today for FireEye (FEYE) over at Piper Jaffray that pushed its stock down $1.18, or 3.6%, to close at $31.88.
Microsoft (MSFT) is expected to unveil new mobile devices at an event in New York City tomorrow. I'll be on hand to cover the events. FBR & Co.'s Daniel Ives, a bull on the stock, today wrote that the event will be important to relieve the perception of Microsoft as trailing badly in the mobile world.
Microsoft shares closed up $1.06, or 2%, at $46.63.
Speaking of new offerings, with Amazon.com (AMZN) expected to unveil a new cloud computing service for data analytics this week, bulls on shares of Qlik Technology (QLIK) and Tableau Software (DATA) defended the companies writing that Amazon has a hire hurdle to match the capabilities of the smaller companies' data visualization technology.
Shares of chip makers had a decent day, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) closing up 11.40, or 1.9%, at 619.85, and Intel (INTC) rising 2%. DRAM and NAND maker Micron Technology (MU) rose a whopping 10%. That's despite another disappointing report on the industry trends Sales slipped more than is seasonally the norm in August, analysts observed. Some predict that means a round of cuts to Street estimates for chip firms for Q4.
Speaking of chips, RBC Capital Markets's Mahesh Sanganeria cut his rating on chip equipment makers Applied Materials (AMAT) and Lam Research (LRCX) to Underperform from Sector Perform, citing a big decline in spending on both DRAM and NAND production in 2016. Shares of Applied rose 16 cents, or 1%, to close at $15.10, while shares of Lam closed down 26 cents, or 0.4%, at $65.42.
Tech Trader Daily is a blog on technology investing written by Barron's veteran Tiernan Ray. The blog provides news, analysis and original reporting on events important to investors in software, hardware, the Internet, telecommunications and related fields. Comments and tips can be sent to: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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A glittering jewel adornment at the waistline of this dramatic evening dress by Alyce 6561 Special Occasions radiates a sunburst pattern of pleats that complement this form-fitting look perfectly. Small sequined embellishments add additional flair, while a crisp, pleated bust sets a striking tone.
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The House currently bristles with 99 nays — 71 Republicans and 28 Democrats.
It's not all Syria news out there. The Republican National Committee has cast a critical eye on the incoming Affordable Care Act and its impact on the 2014 midterm elections.
"Even as they watch the stream of bad news, Democrats up for re-election in 2014 have doubled down on their support for the law," says committee chief of staff Mike Shields in an in-house memo. "Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas called it an 'amazing success story.' Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina says it has 'a lot of positives.' They're out of touch with their constituents — and Republicans aren't going to wait until next year to make that case."
There's work to be done in the heartland as well. FreedomWorks — the grass-roots group representing some 6 million liberty-minded folk around the nation — is staging a "How to Fight ObamaCare Summit" in its offices that are, yes, right across the street from the U.S. Capitol. How appropriate.
Participants will hail from seven states, organizers say. And on the agenda, much practical fare for those who disagree with the Affordable Care Act and wish to make their case known.
Among the teachable offerings: Defund It 101, Legislative Update: Who is on our side?, Common Misconceptions, Winning the Media Battle, Focusing on Targets, Creating a Patient Centered Approach to Healthcare.
"Up Late with Alec Baldwin."
Behold, that is the name for Alec Baldwin's new late-night talk show on MSNBC, scheduled to begin airing at 10 p.m. Fridays in October. The news was revealed Thursday by network President Phil Griffith. Mr. Baldwin will address "current events and culture," Mr. Griffith says.
"Certainly Baldwin's liberal politics are an organic fit for MSNBC," notes an assessment from The Hollywood Reporter.
"In putting Baldwin in the anchor seat, MSNBC may be distancing itself even further from the traditional image of cable-news provider." So says Variety, which also adds that Mr. Baldwin has hosted NBC's "Saturday Night Live" 16 times.
• 77 percent of Syrians say they are "not internally displaced persons" who had to flee their home and live in another part of the nation.
• 14 percent say they are internally displaced.


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The Coastal Critter events are free and run from 11am-3pm.
Thursday 29 July, Lepe Country Park
Tuesday 3 August, Hurst Spit (Cut Bridge)
Friday 13 August, Pennington Marsh (Lower Pennington Lane)
Tuesday 17 August, Calshot Spit (middle car park)
Tuesday 24 August, Lepe Country Park
Friday 31 August, Pennington Marshes (Lower Pennington Lane)
For more information and map co-ordinates visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@
# # #
The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.


text:
Type: Posts; User: ilikridn
I was there... had a great time. Super facility. Lucy was wonderful!
And yes, Jypsy Rose was incredible. She made my jaw drop and I just said WOW. That is the kind of foal we all want to breed...
Just took some new photos of Esprit, my Escapade filly out of a Prinz Gaylord mare...
I agree with buschkin. I don't have a lot of experience in the matter, but with all the times I've tried breeding, the easiest one was achieved with live cover. My mare took on the first try.
What a fun thread. If we're voting, this one got my vote... I love it!! :lol:
Happy Birthday fellow Gemini! (I turned 45 this week.)
I've never had a stallion, so I can't give you an experienced answer to that one. Just that if I were you, I would certainly be tempted to do the same. I can understand you must be frustrated and...
So sorry for your loss... truly a shame. Glad your mare is okay and hope you have luck finding a baby for her to raise. :sadsmile:
My 2007 filly by Escapade out of a Prinz Gaylord mare turns 2 this week and is 15.2 in front and 15.3 behind. I've expected her to end up at 16.1 or 16.2, so she seems to be right on track.
It has gotten more prominent as she has gotten older. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before on a warmblood. It could be that I didn't notice it as some of them are not in such...
I thought you were done with mares... ;)
Wow!! You ARE lucky! Congratulations, Jill! :D
(can't wait to see that baby next year)
Anyone else have a horse with a marking like this? What is it? Is it hereditary?
When she was first...
Well said, Susan.
Hubby works in the restaurant business for a large company. They have had to cancel restaurant openings that were in the pipeline and in some cases walk away from leases that...
First of all, I did watch the video clip, and I agree... he's great! Hubby and I watched Idol last season and the season before and really enjoyed it, but we haven't watched it this season. Adam...
It is a topic that is pretty much at the forefront right now in America (the economy, not breeding). So discussing once a month, especially during breeding season, is not unreasonable.
me too... I can't stay awake any longer. I'll check back in the morning and see if it's a Whimsy or an Alloy/Adam.
Good Luck with your foaling Barb and Willow! :)
He doesn't seem to be answering to that one.
Please! Let this be it! She's looking VERY restless now.
... oh, of course, then goes and stands in the corner.
I like Whimsy too.
AWOL... too funny.
Looks like you might be right about the butt crack of dawn, after all. I'm not gonna last for this one. I keep thinking "just a few more minutes" as my eyelids get heavier and heavier.
A "W", huh?
If it's a filly and a carbon copy of mom, Willow Too. or Willow Two. Did I hear earlier that Willow is a homebred?
seems to be working! ;)
Yeah... poor guy. He's had a rough week, and he travels a lot. Whenever he takes the last flight out, it's always late.
Probably closer to Giddings... I'm not sure where La Grange is. I'm actually halfway between Rockdale and Thorndale, if you know where those are.
Pawing!! :D
Willow's snacking. That's good. Take your time, Willow. We're not in any hurry and no one here needs any sleep. :::::yawn:::::


text:
Homeland Security:
Management of First Responder Grant Programs and Efforts to Improve Accountability Continue to Evolve
GAO-05-530T: Published: Apr 12, 2005. Publicly Released: Apr 12, 2005.
Additional Materials:
- Highlights Page:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-8757
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
In fiscal years 2002 through 2005, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) within the Department of Homeland Security managed first responder grants totaling approximately $10.5 billion. The bulk of this funding has been for statewide grants through the State Homeland Security Grant Program and urban area grants through the Urban Areas Security Initiative. This testimony provides information on the history and evolution of these two grant programs, particularly with respect to ODP grant award procedures; timelines for awarding and transferring grant funds; and accountability for effective use of grant funds.
Federal first responder grants are a means of achieving an important goal--enhancing the ability of first responders to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist and other incidents with well-planned, well-coordinated efforts that involve a variety of first responders from multiple jurisdictions. ODP has led federal efforts to develop these capabilities in part through its management of federal first responder grants. ODP has modified grant award procedures for states and localities. ODP developed procedures and guidelines for awarding the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative grants to states, and for determining how states and localities could expend funds and seek reimbursement for first responder equipment or services they purchased. As part of this process, ODP gave states some flexibility by allowing them to determine how grant funds were to be managed and distributed within their states and whether purchases would be made locally or at the state level. Congress, ODP, states, and localities have acted to expedite grant awards by setting time limits for the grant application, award, and distribution processes and by instituting other procedures. Nevertheless, the ability of states and localities to spend grant funds expeditiously was complicated by the need to fulfill state and local legal and procurement requirements, which in some cases added months to the purchasing process. Some states have modified their procurement practices, and ODP is identifying best practices to aid in the effort, but challenges remain. ODP has taken steps to improve accountability in the state preparedness planning process, in part by requiring states to update homeland security strategies. In tandem with this effort, ODP revised its grant-reporting method, moving away from requiring states, localities, and urban areas to submit itemized lists of first responder equipment they plan to purchase towards a more results-based approach, whereby grant managers at all levels must demonstrate how grant expenditures are linked to larger projects that support goals in state homeland security strategies. As part of a broader effort to meet mandates contained in Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, addressing national preparedness goals for all hazards, ODP has taken steps to ensure more assessments of first responder needs are conducted on a national basis. Finally, ODP recently issued interim national preparedness goals that reflect the department's progress in developing readiness targets, priorities, standards for preparedness assessments and strategies, and a system for assessing the nation's overall level of preparedness. However, DHS's task of finalizing these goals and translating them into capabilities that are meaningful and readily transferable to the wide variety of local jurisdictions around the nation is still not complete.
Oct 8, 2015
Maritime Critical Infrastructure Protection:DHS Needs to Enhance Efforts to Address Port CybersecurityGAO-16-116T: Published: Oct 8, 2015. Publicly Released: Oct 8, 2015.
Sep 24, 2015
Biosurveillance:Challenges and Options for the National Biosurveillance Integration CenterGAO-15-793: Published: Sep 24, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 24, 2015.
Sep 16, 2015
American Red Cross:Disaster Assistance Would Benefit from Oversight through Regular Federal EvaluationGAO-15-565: Published: Sep 9, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 16, 2015.
Sep 10, 2015
Emergency Management:FEMA Collaborates Effectively with Logistics Partners but Could Strengthen Implementation of Its Capabilities Assessment ToolGAO-15-781: Published: Sep 10, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 10, 2015.
Aug 12, 2015
Immigrant Investor Program:Additional Actions Needed to Better Assess Fraud Risks and Report Economic BenefitsGAO-15-696: Published: Aug 12, 2015. Publicly Released: Aug 12, 2015.
Jul 30, 2015
Hurricane Sandy:An Investment Strategy Could Help the Federal Government Enhance National Resilience for Future DisastersGAO-15-515: Published: Jul 30, 2015. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2015.
Jul 22, 2015
Combating Terrorism:State Should Evaluate Its Countering Violent Extremism Program and Set Time Frames for Addressing Evaluation RecommendationsGAO-15-684: Published: Jul 22, 2015. Publicly Released: Jul 22, 2015.
Critical Infrastructure Protection:DHS Action Needed to Verify Some Chemical Facility Information and Manage Compliance ProcessGAO-15-614: Published: Jul 22, 2015. Publicly Released: Jul 22, 2015.
Critical Infrastructure Protection:Preliminary Observations on DHS Efforts to Address Electromagnetic Threats to the Electric GridGAO-15-692T: Published: Jul 22, 2015. Publicly Released: Jul 22, 2015.
Jul 14, 2015
Unaccompanied Alien Children:Actions Needed to Ensure Children Receive Required Care in DHS CustodyGAO-15-521: Published: Jul 14, 2015. Publicly Released: Jul 14, 2015.
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text:
worth the listen
if you dont have MANGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL yet i suggest you go get it 10/10 www. hiphopgood .com has it along with all the albums from this past year
as Gloria replied I didnt even know that a student able to make ($)5882 in a few weeks on the internet. did you see this web page... can99.c.o.m.
Twista killed it, but it is standard radio fare, and the sample is annoying
Twista be murkin tracks.


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 6, 2003
|Filing date
|Mar 9, 2001
|Priority date
|Mar 31, 2000
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|I-Nan Chang, Chung Chih Lo, Wu Chin Chen, Yen-Wen Chen
|Original Assignee
|Ant Technology Co., Ltd.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (7), Classifications (16), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
In the fast developing field of biology and medical technology, it is an obstacle to the advancement that people cannot precisely measure the variation of biological phenomenon in real time to realize the function of the variation. Since 1990, a biosensor system has been defined as an apparatus which utilizes immobilized biomolecules in combination with a transducer to detect in vivo or in vitro chemicals or produce a response after a specific interaction with the chemicals. The biomolecules comprise molecule identifying elements for the tissue of an organism or an individual cell. Such elements are used for receiving or generating biosensor signals. The transducer is a hardware instrument element that mainly functions as a physical signal converting element. Consequently, a biosensor system can be constituted by combining specific biologically active materials, which can be obtained by isolating, purifying or inventively synthesizing the materials via biochemical methods, with a precise and fast responding physical transducer.
An earlier biosensor, which was constituted by an enzyme electrode such as the enzyme electrode for use in the blood-sugar test (Clark et al., 1962), was developed and marketed by the YSI Company. Since 1988, pen-shaped and card-shaped enzyme electrodes utilizing a mediator to speed up the time of response, enhance the sensitivity, and reduce the interference caused by other biological materials, have also been developed (Demielson et al., 1988). However, the sensitivity of such first generation biosensors is limited by the weak conjugation between the biomolecule-enzyme and the test target. Even though the enzyme possesses the ability to amplify the signal, there still exists a defect in which a test target of low concentration cannot be detected in a short period of time.
The second generation biosensor, which is an affinity biosensor, is designed to overcome the above-described obstacles. It adopts an anti-body or receptor protein as a molecule identifier. Generally, its conjugation constant between biomolecules and target molecules is above 107 M−1, and its detectable limit value is much more precise and smaller than that of the first generation biosensor.
The transducer of the second generation biosensor can be made of a field effect transistor (FET), a fiber optic sensor (FOS), a piezoelectric crystal (PZ), a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device, etc. The second generation biosensor was developed by a Swedish company, Pharmacia Biosensor AB, in the year 1991 by employing the technologies of micromachining and genetic engineering to develop the affinity biosensors, BIACORE and BIA lite. These products utilize the technologies of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and micromachining to conduct a real time detection of biomolecules, in general, under the concentration from 10−3 g/ml to 10−9 g/ml to achieve an acceptable resolution. Although these products may achieve high resolution, they are not economical and practical because of their difficult technologies and their high price, for example, US $300,000 dollars. In addition, the price of their consumable detection chips, which cost $200 US dollars for each chip, is also very expensive. As a result, it is quite difficult to popularize these products.
Among the second generation biosensors, an alternative one adopts a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system using piezoelectric technology as the transducer. Such an apparatus, which costs about $30,000 US dollars and each consumable chip of which costs about $30 US dollars, is much cheaper than that of the aforesaid one, which utilizes the technology of SPR. However, its resolution and sensitivity can merely reach 10−3 g/ml to 10−6 g/ml.
An object of the present invention is to overcome the defect of QCM, and promote the sensitivity and resolution of the QCM biosensor system, in order to make it more economical and practicable. Furthermore, if the present invention is utilized in combination with a transducer of high precision, the detection resolution can be significantly raised.
In accordance with the present invention, a high resolution biosensor system measures the effects of gas or liquid characteristics, such as density, viscosity and temperature of the gas or liquid present at the surface of a piezoelectric quartz crystal, as well as the differential pressure between the two sides of the crystal, on the oscillation frequency of the crystal. The relation among these factors can be illustrated by the following equation:
C: a constant, −2.3�10−6 cm2/Hz-g
ΔF: the frequency variation caused by mass load
F: oscillation frequency of quartz crystal
ΔM: the variation of mass load carried by the electrode
A: area of electrode
ΔηL: variation of solution viscosity
ρL: variation of solution density
As the density and viscosity of the solution remain constant, the frequency variation (ΔF) is directly proportional to the variation of the mass load (ΔM). However, the precision of the frequency counter used in traditional biosensor systems can only reach 1 Hz. If the base clock is 10 MHz, the ultimately detectable limit can only be 0.43�10−9 g (approximately corresponding to 4.3�10−6 g/ml). The present invention utilizes a phase-lock loop (PLL) circuit to generate a counting signal that has the same phase as the base clock, but the frequency thereof is n times higher than that of the base clock, such that the resolution can be raised n times. For instance, if n=100, the frequency for the resolution can reach 0.01 Hz and the ultimately detectable limit can be up to 4.3�10−12 g (approximately corresponding to 4.3�10−9 g/ml). This invention may vastly enhance the precision of measurement and improve the identification sensitivity of biological target by up to 100 times, and thus reach the virus level of identification. Furthermore, the PLL circuit comprises a filter for tracing phase error, and utilizes a closed loop servo control to maintain the phase relation. Therefore, the frequency jittering problem customarily caused by noises in input signals can be overcome, because the output signal of PLL does not disappear with the instantaneous variation, such that the S/N ratio can be raised and a stable output frequency can be achieved.
FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a conventional piezoelectric microbalance biosensor;
FIG. 2 is schematic diagram of the high resolution biosensing system according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment for practicing the concept illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the PLL circuit of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram for signals at each node of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between the input and the output of the PLL circuit according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates the timing chart of an embodiment of the PLL circuit according to the present invention.
One of the embodiments of the present invention is a modification of a piezoelectric biosensor (100) of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, which induces an oscillating electric field along a direction perpendicular to the surface of the chip to make the crystal lattice (102) inside the chip produce mechanical oscillations similar to a standing wave. This type of mechanical oscillation can be indicated by a specific frequency. A resonant frequency can be measured by applying an appropriate oscillation circuit (104) and frequency counter (106), the resulting frequency being made available to a computer (P.C.) through an interface (108) for analysis.
The following equation shows the relationship between the frequency of the piezoelectric quartz crystal and the solution of the detected organism:
C: a constant, −2.3�10−6 cm2/Hz-g
ΔF: the frequency variation caused by mass load
F: oscillation frequency of quartz crystal
ΔM: the variation of mass load carried by the electrode
A: area of electrode
ΔηL: variation of solution viscosity
ΔρL: variation of solution density
As the density and viscosity of the solution remain constant, the frequency variation is directly proportional to the mass load, and will be detected by the QCM biological detection crystal. Then, the QCM crystal outputs a signal accordingly.
In the prior art shown in FIG. 1, the known biosensor (100) transmits the signal to oscillation circuit (104) to produce an oscillation signal, and the oscillation signal of the oscillator is transmitted to frequency counter (106) to obtain a frequency value. The principle of the counter is to sum up the counts of the input pulses every second to figure out the frequency value (the sum of pulses per second). For example, if the pulses are summed up one time per second, the minimum unit (resolution) is 1 Hz. If they are summed at ten second intervals, the minimum unit is 0.1 Hz (namely, 0.1 pulse per second). As a result, for the purpose of promoting resolution, the sampling rate must be compromised. If the sampling rate remains at one time per second, when a resolution higher than 1Hz is desired, the pulse would need to be divided into more units for counting.
The present invention provides a solution to overcome the above problem by providing a modified biosensor (101) that utilizes a phase lock loop (PLL) circuit (110) and ultra-high frequency counter (112) in place of the frequency counter (106) of the conventional biosensor (100). The PLL circuit (110) generates a signal that has the same phase as the original one but has a counting frequency which is n times the original frequency.
The relation between the new counting signal and the original one is illustrated in FIG 6, while FIG. 4 shows details of the phase lock loop circuit (110). The output signal (f) of the oscillation circuit of the modified biosensor (101) is transmitted, to a phase comparator (402) having an a second input the frequency multiplied output of voltage controlled amplifier 408 for comparing the phase of signals. If the phase of the input signal (f) leads the signal at node (b), the signal at node (c) is a positive wave. The more the signal (f) leads the signal at node (b), the broader the pulse width of the signal at node (c) becomes. On the other hand, if the input signal (f) phase lags behind the signal at node (b), the signal at node (c) is a negative wave, and the less the signal (f) lags the signal at node (b), the narrower the pulse width of the signal at node (c). When the phase difference between the signal (f) and the signal at node (b) is quite small, the signal at node (c) is a very narrow impulse.
The phase comparator output signal at node (c) is preferably filtered through a low pass filter (404) and amplified by an amplifier (406) to generate a DC voltage signal to control the frequency of the output signal (nF) from voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) (408). The higher the DC voltage input into the VCO (408), the higher the frequency of the output signal of the VCD (nf) becomes, and, after feedback, the frequency at node (b) will be raised. On the other hand, if the DC voltage is negative, the frequency at node (b) will descend. Eventually, the phase of the signal (nf) will be stabilized to be similar to the signal at node (b). Furthermore, the frequency of the output signal (nf) which is n times the frequency f of the signal f (namely, nf) is then transmitted to ultra-high frequency counter (112) so that a high precision of the variation detected by the biosensor can be achieved. The operation principle of the combination of the phase lock loop (PLL) circuit with quartz crystal microbalance is further described below.
Essentially, the piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor (102) utilizes oscillation to detect and identify the mass variation of target materials, so it intrinsically is an oscillator. The oscillation is converted into pulses by oscillator circuit (102) and phase lock loop (110). The number of the pulses are counted by a counter (112). In the example 1 described below, an oscillation with frequency (f) of 10 MHz is adopted for the purpose of illustration. About 10,000,000 pulses are counted in one second. However, the last pulse, in fact, is not a complete pulse. Therefore, the actual count should be about 9,999,999 and {fraction (2/3)} pulses. And yet, the highest resolution is 1 Hz, because such a decimal fraction cannot be directly detected by directly inputting the oscillation with frequency (f) into the counter.
The following examples are presented for illustration purposes and not to limit the scope of the invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, if we incorporate and calculate the time of the last one pulse, φ, then we can raise the resolution of the bio-sensor. This invention employs the PLL circuit to achieve said purpose. The PLL circuit (110) is used to produce a signal with the same phase as the original signal, but the frequency thereof has been raised n times in a cycle. As shown in FIG. 7, if the original frequency f equals "a+φ", and "a" is an integer, since φ<1, the detectable frequency f is "a". Now we raise the frequency by n times, nf, nf=na+b+φ′, wherein b=φ−φ′and is an integer. So, if "na+b" can be detected but φ′, which is less than 1, cannot be detected, (nf) will be "na+b". If nF is divided by n, then we can get the original frequency f, (na +b)/ n=a+(b/n). Therefore, we get the frequency count number of "a+(b/n)". In other words, the resolution has been raised n times.
On the other hand, since the PLL circuit (110) comprises a filter (404) to trace the phase error and employs a closed loop control to retain the phase, even if the input signal is affected by noise that results in frequency jittering, the PLL circuit will not produce any instantaneous change, and a stable result can therefore be achieved. Such a result is an extraordinary and unexpected advantage of using a PLL circuit.
FIG. 3 shows details of an implementation of the circuit of FIG. 2 in which the signal sensing circuit includes a central processing unit (318), data recorder (320), corresponding level and tn-state converters (324, 326, 328, and 330), latches (322, 334), clock (336), and an RS232 interface (338). The signal frequency (f) of the oscillator (304) connected to chip (302) is input through a signal receiver (314) to PLL circuit (310), which generates an output with an n times frequency (nf). The signal nf is sent to an ultra-high frequency counter (312) before being level converted by converter (324) and applied to counter (306). The ultra-high frequency counter (312) counts the number of pulses produced in every second, and thus a resolution of 1/n can be achieved . For instance, if n=100, the resolution will be 0.01. Since the present invention employs hardware to implement the high speed sampling, the variation sensed by of biosensor can be rapidly and precisely measured. Because the division of frequency (nf) by n results in the frequency of the signal at node (b), which is then used in phase comparison, an output frequency (nf) which is n times the input frequency (f) can finally be obtained, and the phase difference between (f) and (nf) is a fixed value, Z, as shown in FIG. 6.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG 4, the low pass filter (404) may not only make the pulse width at node (c) correspond to the DC voltage at node (d), but also eliminate the noise. Therefore, the output of PLL possesses a merit of quite small jittering. Such a merit may overcome the problem of getting a worse S/N ratio after raising the resolution. This is an extraordinary advantage.
The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the area can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore, the examples herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 17, 1986
|Dec 6, 1988
|Seiko Instruments & Electronics Ltd.
|Analytical device and method utilizing a piezoelectric crystal biosensor
|Sep 24, 1987
|Jan 31, 1989
|Flowtec Ag
|Arrangement for generating natural resonant oscillations of a mechanical oscillating system
|Jun 11, 1990
|Mar 10, 1992
|Sundstrand Data Control, Inc.
|Anti-aliasing for frequency output sensors
|Mar 26, 1992
|Jan 25, 1994
|Intel Corporation
|Phase-locked loop frequency-multiplying phase-matching circuit with a square-wave output
|May 8, 1995
|Jan 14, 1997
|Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
|Fuel mixing ratio detecting device
|Mar 12, 1997
|Oct 6, 1998
|Aisin Seiki Kabishiki Kaisha
|Angular rate detector
|Oct 2, 1998
|Nov 21, 2000
|Ericsson Inc.
|Phase locked loops including analog multiplier networks that can provide constant loop bandwidth
|Title not available
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Nov 30, 2004
|Sep 5, 2006
|Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
|Measuring the 3 dB frequency bandwidth of a phase-locked loop
|Mar 12, 2004
|Jan 23, 2007
|Seiko Epson Corporation
|Measuring method, measurement-signal output circuit, and measuring apparatus
|Oct 20, 2011
|Apr 2, 2013
|Rapid Diagnostek, Inc.
|Measurement of binding kinetics with a resonating sensor
|Mar 12, 2004
|Apr 21, 2005
|Yoshihiro Kobayashi
|Measuring method, measurement-signal output circuit, and measuring apparatus
|Nov 30, 2004
|Jun 1, 2006
|Galloway Brian J
|Measuring the 3dB frequency bandwidth of a phase-locked loop
|Jun 4, 2004
|Feb 3, 2005
|Ciphergen Biosystems Inc
|Detection of biomarkers
|Jun 18, 2010
|Dec 29, 2010
|Universidad Polit�cnica De Valencia
|Method and device for nanogravimetry in fluid media using piezoelectric resonators
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Mar 9, 2001
|Nov 6, 2006
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Nov 1, 2010
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Dec 12, 2014
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|May 6, 2015
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Jun 23, 2015
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20150506


text:
Anyone worked on these?
You guys get good results from them they look hard and look like they would really help you get your form tight.
Was thinking of pausing for 3 count just below knees then finishing rep, not going too heavy.
Would they be ok from a 2" deficit?
Thank you!


text:
Release Date: 2010 |
I'm a 100% I'd burp my worm to this. Good review, need to hear this.
Digging: After Dinner - Paradise of Replica
Incredible review. I'm listening to this atm and it's pretty great.
Album Rating: 4.5thanks!
Album Rating: 4.5Good stuff
Glass case of emotion. All of it.
Album Rating: 4.5seriously!
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


text: The restaurant is not so big,in the center of Milan. It's possible to reserve table for more than 6 people and bring birthday cake. The "cooked" dishes are really good, especially the ramen. It's also possible to order some special dishes tipical from japan not so common in other... read more


text:
- Product Information
Product Description
Our Blue Cat Face Paint Kit is just what you need to complete your look for Halloween, costume parties, sporting events, holidays, picnics, and other celebrations. These blue cat makeup kits come with five different shades of paint, along with a brush for easy and detailed application. Create detailed cat faces or other fantastical looks. Re-imagine yourself based on your favorite blue characters with our blue cat makeup kit. Our water-based paints are gentle on your skin and easily washable with soap and water. Blue Cat Face Paint Kits provide enough paint for 10 full faces. Our Blue Cat Face Paint Kit is sold individually by the kit.
- Quantity-1
- Color-Multi-color
- Imprintable-No
- Quantity-1
- Questions & Answers
- Reviews
Party Tips on Hosting a Kid-Friendly Halloween Party
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We offer a wide selection of Halloween decorations in a variety of horror themes. Use this guide to help you choose the perfect decorations to make your home the most popular trick-or-treating destination this year!
Prepare for Your Breast Cancer Awareness Event with Pink Ribbon Party Supplies
Browse our selection of pink and pink ribbon items to decorate for, or giveaway, at your Breast Cancer Awareness event!


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- El SalvadorAgricultureFunding via PADECOMSM
German Arno...El SalvadorAgricultureFunding via PADECOMSM
Santos Salv...El SalvadorAgricultureFunding via PADECOMSM
Jose Fernando
Update on Jose FernandoJosé decided to apply for a new loan to buy insecticides, weed killer, pest-control substances and fertilizers. He will limit himself to only buying the materials he needs for his corn and bean crops, to have the excellent results of the previous loan.
Thanks to the previous financing, José was able to increase his production and his sales, he has improved his family lifestyle and his financial situation.
Con la ayuda del financiamiento anterior logro aumentar su producción y sus ganancias, ha mejorado el estilo de vida familiar y su situación económica.
Previous Loan DetailsJosé needs a loan because he needs more working capital to continue investing in his corn and bean crops. This loan will allow him to buy fertilizer, insecticides and pesticides. José's previous loan helped him to buy farming inputs when he needed them. His profits have increased and he has ... More from Jose Fernando's previous loan »
Additional Information
Concurrent and Successive Loans
Our Field Partners often work with borrowers over a series of loans as the borrowers build credit, take out bigger loans, and expand their businesses. In order to make it easier for our Field Partners to post loans for borrowers who have been listed on Kiva before, we allow them to post successive and concurrent loans for their Kiva borrowers. This means that our Field Partners are able to post a borrower's second, third, etc., loan on Kiva without having to re-enter all of the borrower's information.
This borrower has been listed on Kiva before, so you'll see an updated loan description, as well as excerpts of the original descriptions from earlier loans. Most borrowers take out loans consecutively, meaning that they receive a second loan after having repaid the first. However, sometimes our Field Partners give out concurrent loans, allowing borrowers to take out one primary loan and a secondary "add-on" loan along with it. These "add-on" loans are typically smaller than the borrower's primary loan and serve a different purpose. Because Field Partners can now post loans as successive and concurrent loans, you will be able to track borrower progress over time and see the various ways a borrower is working with our Field Partners through funds from Kiva's lenders.
Loan tags help lenders find loans that match certain areas of interest. You can add up to 5 tags for this loan.
About El Salvador
713View loans »
US Dollars
Success!! The loan was 100% repaid
- Repayment Term
- 10 months (Additional Information)
- Repayment Schedule
- Irregularly
- Pre-Disbursed:
- Jul 4, 2014
- Listed
- Jul 27, 2014
- Currency Exchange Loss:
- Ended:
- Apr 18, 2015
Photo from previous loan
Kiva allows our Field Partners to re-use the same photo for individual borrowers that have been posted on Kiva's website once before in a 24 month period, and we allow them to re-use group photos for up to 24 months, provided that 80% of the current group's membership is represented.
Taking, collecting, and uploading photos of borrowers is one of the most challenging elements of using Kiva for our Field Partners. In order to make Kiva easier for Field Partners to use, we have allowed them to post successive and concurrent loans without taking a new photo of the borrower if the criteria above are met.


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Select Local Merchants
Salon West & Body Works SpaRead MoreThe stylists and aestheticians at the full-service Salon West and Body Works Spa aim to make clients feel beautiful, empowered, and worthy of every minute of pampering. They perform a variety of services to help purge minds and bodies of impurities, from microcurrent facials to acne-clearing scrubs. The salon's master stylists shampoo and blow-dry hair before sculpting it into busts of George Washington, and steady-handed nail technicians tend to hands and feet with luxurious manicures and pedicures.16985 W Bluemound Rd Ste 200Brookfield, WI US
Elmbrook Family DentalRead MoreFor relaxed and gentle oral care, visit Elmbrook Family Dental in Brookfield, a professional and highly-rated dentistry. With so many great services, dental clinic can even help your smile with fillings, check up, cleaning, crowns and veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. This dental clinic offers a wide array of services, all of which are available by appointment only. Dental cleanings are a breeze when you call and schedule an appointment at Elmbrook Family Dental.125 N Executive DrBrookfield, WI US
Signature Eye CareRead MoreIf you're seeking quality optical care, Signature Eye Care in Brookfield is a prime choice. Signature Eye Care offers a vast array of frames to choose from and contacts too, in case glasses don't fit your style. Brookfield's this vision center maintains an appointment-only policy for all beauty services. Your vision is priceless, so make sure it's treated with only the best care at Signature Eye Care.17125 W Bluemound RdBrookfield, WI US
L'Image Skin Spa BrookfieldRead MoreBoth men and women can find professional spa services to suit their needs at L'Image Skin Spa Brookfield in Brookfield. L'Image Skin Spa Brookfield also offers a wide variety of skin care treatments, including chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and spider vein removal. To reduce development of deep wrinkles, head to this spa for an injection. Painless and effective hair removal remedies, such as waxing and laser hair removal, are available at this establishment. Make up application are just the start at L'Image Skin Spa Brookfield with their numerous beautiful services that make you shine. If you're looking for great hair remedies, such as hair cuts, head on over to this spa. Take a load off and escape to this spa for a rejuvenating and stimulating massage treatment. There's no better place to spend your day off than at L'Image Skin Spa Brookfield so book your spa treatment today.16620 W Bluemound RdBrookfield, WI US
ClairesRead MoreGreat shopping awaits at Brookfield's Claires where style is their expertise. A clothing item at Claires will feel custom made for your body. The styles are always changing quickly, and when they do, Claires has got what you need. Ladies, if you are on the market for some fashion-forward clothing items, look no further than this highly rated store. If you're commuting by car, you will be happy to know that Claires is located near a number of parking options.95 N Moorland RdBrookfield, WI US
Brow Art 23 BrookfieldRead MoreThe fully licensed crew at Brow Art 23 uses techniques developed in India and the Middle East to shape clients' brows. Using a single piece of thread, they remove eyebrow and facial hair during a process called threading, which involves looping the string and using the loop to oust hair without using chemicals or wax. They also specialize in henna designs and makeup, as well as permanent makeup and eyelash extensions.95 N Moorland RdBrookfield, WI US


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Book your room at Residence Inn by Marriott Harrisburg Hershey
Get an overview of this hotelFamily-friendly aparthotel with free breakfast and indoor pool
Located in the suburbs, this family-friendly aparthotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Kohl Memorial Park, Challenge Family Fun Center, and Pennsylvania State Capitol. Strawberry Square and Indian Echo Caverns are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Property Features
This smoke-free aparthotel features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Free breakfast is provided, as well as free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and a free manager's reception. Additionally, a seasonal outdoor pool, a business center, and dry cleaning are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 122 apartments feature kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and dishwashers. Free WiFi and free wired Internet are standard, as are LCD TVs with cable channels.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Renovations & Closures
- Exterior
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to an indoor pool, Residence Inn by Marriott Harrisburg Hershey provides a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool. A computer station is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. This 3-star property offers access to a business center. Guests are offered a complimentary breakfast each morning and a complimentary manager's reception is offered on select days. This family-friendly aparthotel also offers coffee/tea in the lobby, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a fireplace in the lobby. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Residence Inn by Marriott Harrisburg Hershey is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Pool umbrellas
- Business center
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Free grocery shopping service
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free reception
- Computer station
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Fireplace in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Free breakfast
- Free self parking
- Free WiFi
- Indoor pool
- Laundry facilities
- Number of floors - 3
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Smoke-free property
- Television in lobby
- Total number of rooms - 122
Family Friendly Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Indoor pool
- Kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Sofa bed
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Cable TV service
- Climate control
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free newspaper
- Free toiletries
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Dial-up Internet access (surcharge)
- Dishwasher
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Premium bedding
- Premium TV channels
- Refrigerator
- Sofa bed
- Stovetop
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary breakfast each morning. A complimentary manager's reception is offered on select days.
Nearby Things to Do
An indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available.
Pets allowed, Maximum number of pets per room 2
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No rollaway/extra beds available
No elevators
Optional extras
- Pet fee: USD 100 per accommodation (maximum USD 100 per stay)
- Late check-out fee: USD 200


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Over the last several weeks Planned Parenthood has been exposed in multiple situations illegally selling aborted babies. You can watch and listen first hand as the negotaitions are made that work to sidestep how the financial benefit appears on paper and to the public.
Undercover investigators are taken into the room where aborted babies are stored and sorted. Videos show clinic workers identifying pre-born parts: "it's a boy", a "twin", "leg", "kidney", "brain", or "eye balls". These body parts are sorted identifying the humanity of the pre-born.
Planned Parenthood even admits to selling intact aborted children which may mean they are peforming illegal types of abortion like partial birth abortion, which was outlawed in 2007 by the Supreme Court. In addition there is the question of children being born alive and killed outside of the womb since some "specimens" are obtained intact by medical researchers.
Here are two resources to stay on top of what is taking place regarding Planned Parenthood and how you can both further the message and discuss the videos.


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I don't know if it's quite zeitgeist material, but there certainly is the sense that Friends in Bellwoods, a compilation album curated by Casey Mecija and James Bunton of Ohbijou, captures a musical moment in time. Based out of Mecija's home in the Bellwoods area of Toronto, the compilation featured 36 performances by some of Canada's most acclaimed independent musicians, performing new music, demo versions of songs yet-to-be-released, and some pretty choice covers, too. Aside from being a killer compilation, Friends In Bellwoods was also a fund-raising campaign for Toronto's Daily Bread Food Basket; the proceeds from record sales has put $11, 000 in the food bank's coffers since first being released in 2006.
Now, three years on, there's a new compilation, Friends in Bellwoods 2, boasting 40 choice new and rare music from the same bevy of fantastic Canadian independent musicians. Who in particular, you say? Well there's some stuff from Final Fantasy, Gentleman Reg, Bruce Peninsula, Timber Timbre, The Rural Alberta Advantage and The Acorn. Yeah, I though that might get your attention.
The new compilation is out today on Out Of This Spark, and I've made sure you have plenty of opportunity to secure yourself a copy below, whist sampling a few of the tracks available.
MP3: The D'Urbervilles "Magic Arrow"
MP3: Tusks "New To Old Money"
Buy: Friends in Bellwoods: iTunes | Zunior
Buy: Friends in Bellwoods 2: iTunes
Donate: Daily Bread Food Basket
Quick Before It Melts
Latest posts by Quick Before It Melts (see all)
- 10/09/15 >>THE BEVERLEYS, THE DYING ARTS, DRALMS, GREY LANDS - October 9, 2015
- THE GUEST LIST >> THE FOLK - September 24, 2015
- 09/18/15 >> THE HOLY GASP, ABSOLUTELY FREE, FIVER ++ - September 18, 2015


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Kindle WiFi
I've got a Kindle 3 and the Wi-Fi is very intermittent. I had a play with it earlier – it appears it only works when the router is on channel 11 or lower. Anyone had similar experiences?
4 Responses to Kindle WiFi
I believe that 11 channel cap is the result of jurisdictional realities with the spectrum allocations. In particular FCC in the US, only the lower 11 channels are technically allowed.


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The eye is to see beyond the obvious and see into the future the red bird brings happiness and reminds me that all the I do is important, I am someone who brightens others lives.
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Select Local Merchants
Madera Ranchos Assembly of GodRead MoreFree your mind with a pit stop to this chamber of culture. Of course, it's Madera Ranchos Assembly of God's fantastic center in Madera. Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.35849 Avenue 13 1/2Madera, CA US
Active4NutritionRead MoreWhen planning her client's diets, holistic health coach Kristina strives to acquaint people with new foods and habits, gradually eliminating cravings and forging a lifestyle that her website calls "free of denial." She views herself as proof of this program's success, having lost weight by undergoing training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and adjusting her eating behaviors. Through Live Naturally with Kristina, she helps others change their nutrition and fitness outlook with personalized guidance. Her 60-day and 6-month programs both begin with a complimentary breakthrough session, where she plans unique approaches to each person's goals. The programs cover one-on-one coaching, wholesome recipes, and tutorials on tasks that shape a healthy lifestyle, including grocery shopping and cleaning out your kitchen. Additionally, Live Naturally with Kristina sets up group gatherings and an online community to provide social support.1361 East 27th StreetMerced, CA US
7-ElevenRead MoreYou will not want to miss shopping the aisles at 7-Eleven's grocery store in Merced. The healthy and tasty canned food items from 7-Eleven make great side dishes and cooking ingredients. Dairy is packed with the essential nutrients your body craves, so help yourself out. Dairy products have everything you need. These tasty and nutritious snacks will help you push through your long workday. Customers don't need to worry about finding parking, as there are many spots available in the area. After learning all that 7-Eleven has to offer, you'll satisfy your craving for groceries by heading there now.77 E Olive AveMerced, CA US
Challenger Learning CenterRead MoreNext time you're looking for something engaging and culturally aware, you'll want to head directly to Challenger Learning Center's center of culture in Atwater. Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.3460 Challenger WayAtwater, CA US
Dental Hygiene LimitedRead MoreThe professional dentist treatments at Los Banos' Dental Hygiene Limited will leave you feeling fresh and clean. You'll finally get the smile you want with the services at Dental Hygiene Limited, including fillings, check up, cleaning, and crowns and veneers. So don't forget to book your next dental cleaning or cavity filling at Dental Hygiene Limited.863 I StLos Banos, CA US
Hilmar Catering and RentalsRead MoreBuild the perfect sandwich at Hilmar Catering and Rentals. Throwing a big party? Count on Hilmar Catering and Rentals to provide top-notch catering with the same great dishes you love. Drivers will find quick and easy parking just around the corner from Hilmar Catering and Rentals. With an expansive menu and skilled team, Hilmar Catering and Rentals promises you a truly rewarding sandwich experience.8322 Lander AveHilmar, CA US


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Earlier this year, a post on cloudy nights spoke of an opportunity to take an online planetary science class with Mike Brown at CalTech. The course was based on a graduate level course, and consisted of online lectures, quizzes and homework. The course started with thousands, however only around 800 actually passed with a 70%. I made an 89%.
When growing up, what got me into astronomy and space was a NOVA special about the Voyager space probes that flew to the outer solar system. It was narrated by Patrick Stewart from Star Trek The Next Generation. This would have been around the time I was in 5th grade or so. I didn't think much about planetary science as a career till I was much older. Life has a way of getting in the way sometimes and things that teenagers can't control can derail things. I remember in high school there being a senior level geology class that I wanted to take. I, however, was not able to take it because of school rules. In the end it would not matter because I dropped out of high school my senior year anyway. I worked for a couple of years and then one day decided I was going to go to college. I was 19, I was in Missouri with my Dad visiting my grandmother, and by golly I was going to do it. And I did. Community college, I took English 101, Math 093D (Pre-Alegbra) and Library Skills. I passed all the courses, with each being a B. The following semester I took Math 95D (Algebra),English 102, Psychology 101, and Geology 101 with lab! So it took a few years but I got the Geology class. I passed it with a B+, and decided I was going to major in Geology and eventually study the planets. I really wanted to study Neptune! I have always loved the planet since that old NOVA special.
In the end I would not study planetary science or geology. I today have an accounting degree, and work in banking (and I do also have a high school diploma). I help develop programs that stop fraud on debit cards. I am not the person who calls you wanting to know if you did a transaction... I promise! I help write "rules" for cards that stop bad transactions from happening in the first place. But enough about that!
Now fast forward to 2015. This class I thought would be just some lectures and simple homework. Ya know, list the order of the planets. What is a crater. How does the Sun work. Stuff that one can learn on Wikipedia. I signed up because well it is space and I love anything about space. The first lecture was pretty much where the planets are in the sky. How to download the program Stellarium. That kind of thing. By about the third or fourth lecture the class was learning about the atmosphere of Mars. Needless to say this is not going to be a rehash of some "How The Universe Works" tv show or Astro 101 class.
Over the nine weeks the class got very deep. We learned about the Nice model, the Grand Tack model. We studied the chemistry of comets. We learned why Europa has oceans. We learned about why Enceladus has plumes and a ocean, and what it means. We learned that the solar system has an asteroid belt that has actual belts inside it. Yes belts inside a belt!
In the end I was challenged. And in the end I learned I was probably never capable of being a planetary scientist. Now this isn't some down with me, I am sad post. Not at all. People who study space have to be very smart and very good at math and science. I have a passion for space, but that doesn't mean I can do high level math and physics and chemistry. Academics in the space sciences also have to be willing to put up with a tough life style. They are broke a good part of their 20s and maybe 30s being grad students and post docs and researchers living on a grant, shoestring budget and maybe a prayer. And in the end, they have to be the best of the best when it comes to academics and grades. I am a solid B student. I am not a "professor smart" person.
So where am I going with this. This is sounding like a Debbie Downer. I for nine weeks, got to be a planetary scientist, well a student planetary scientist.... and I loved it. I am proud of my 89%. I am proud of a "certificate" that I earned (it is just a PDF doc with no credits at any school). I actually got to learn science and not just look at pictures or listen to a podcast (while usually mowing grass or working) and learn why things are what they are in the sky. Why our solar system is the way it is. In essence I was that fifth grader again watching and learning about the solar system all over again like it was new.
In the end I got to glimpse another life of something I could never do, but for nine weeks I did do.
But I will warn you those who are reading, it is dang tough. When the guest lecture by Bethany Ehlmann starts, you are going to be really second guessing yourself... I know I did. But I am so glad I toughed it out and grew as a person.
Thank You Mike Brown. I can not recommend your course enough.
Of Thises and Thats…
2 days ago