text:
In general shooting in RAW format uses a lot more file storage than JPEG. What am I gaining when shooting RAW? Besides file size are there any downsides to shooting RAW?
I expect pro-RAW answers will dominate here, so I'll offer a pro-JPEG view.
I was shooting RAW from the start when I started using digital cameras. However, after a few years, when looking into my workflow, I realize that I very rarely use what RAW offers (post exposure white balance changes, exposure corrections and so on). My typical adjustments to the image is a slight increase of contrast, and perhaps adjust brightness a bit (yes, I try to be thorough with white balance and exposure when shooting). Given that, I really could not justify my image using 3-4 times the storage space required by RAW, so a year and a half ago I stopped shooting RAW out of habit, and instead default to JPEG.
It still happens that I switch to RAW, if the subject is of a nature where I expect to need extra post processing (tricky high-contrast light situations for instance), but more than 99% of my images are JPEG in the camera, and I have not yet felt that it limits me.
The biggest upside for RAW is color depth. Most RAW formats capture color information in 12 bit format. This means that color intensities can vary from 0 to 4095. In contrast JPG can only capture 8 bit in color depth (0 to 255). Therefore a RAW file can be tweaked much more extensively without the whites being washed out. The only two downsides I can think of are storage space and a more complex workflow.
I always consider a RAW file like a traditional negative -- The biggest benefit of shooting in RAW is the ability to tweak things like white balance and exposure with greater accuracy and ease back when you're "developing" them. However, shooting in RAW consumes memory card space faster, and some cameras perform faster when shooting in JPEG
One nice feature of some cameras is the ability to save both raw and jpeg. This gives you almost all of the advantages of both (you have the option of post processing or not depending on your requirements), at the cost of even worse filesize than raw alone (but not that much more if you're already shooting raw). Memory cards are cheap, and this might be a good option until you decide whether you prefer raw or jpeg.
RAW definitely takes more work. If you want to go straight to Facebook with an album of 50+ photos, you may want to consider using JPG. Using RAW allows you to customize white balance, exposure, etc. This takes more time, but can yield a better photo. If you have the time, this is the route to take.
If you are going for the HDR effect, you can sometimes achieve it with a single RAW file, and use exposure adjustments to create 5 differently exposed JPGs for merge. It's harder to accomplish that with a single JPG as source.
Finally, if you have enough memory cards, some cameras allow you to record both RAW and JPG for every shot — this is what I do, and may be a good option for you.
Raw vs jpeg is choosing processing software. Raw is not a specific file format like jpeg or tiff or psd. Most manufacturers have their own raw file format. Raw just means the data from the sensor in the most unprocessed form available. If the camera is set to jpeg then the processing is done by the manufacturer's in-camera processing software. If the camera is set to raw it saves the unprocessed data for processing with the photographer's choice of software. There are several potential advantages to doing the processing yourself with out-of-camera software.
There are many choices of out-of-camera processing software, and most of them offer more features, controls, and precision than what is currently installed in digital cameras. For instance the in-camera processing software for my Canon DSLRs is mainly controlled by several slider bars with a few setting options each. Photoshop on the other hand offers almost unlimited options, many more features, and increased precision in comparison.
If I'm using the in-camera software I need to process by prediction. Meaning I need to adjust the processing settings before I make the exposure. I previsualize the finished photograph, and set the processing to achieve it. If I don't achieve what I wanted I can't go back and reprocess the jpeg. Information that has been discarded is irretrievable. Using out-of-camera software I am processing by inspection. I look at the photo on a calibrated monitor, and can see my processing adjustments as I make them. As long as I am using non-destructive processing methods I can go back to any step or the beginning and start again. I'm pretty good at processing by prediction. I used the Zone System in my BW darkroom for many years. Even so my eyes and mind can assess image aspects in a split second. There is a huge advantage to using vision when creating visual art.
It is similar to drop-off, automated, uniform film development and printing compared to doing it yourself in the darkroom. As long as you are getting the results you want either is fine, but most photographers find that with a little practice they can do a better job and have more options doing the processing themselves than when they rely on the machine for processing. The machine is fast, but the human offers more options and control. It's up to the photographer as to whether those advantages outweigh the extra time and effort required to DIY. I prefer the results I get doing the processing myself. I think they are significant enough to warrant the extra effort.
In the future I expect that we will be able to install the processing software of our choice in digital cameras. When I can load up my favorite Adobe Camera Raw presets into my DSLRs I might start shooting jpeg more often.
The file size is because of the raw data, which the camera normally discards when outputting a JPEG.
Shooting RAW involves more post-production work. That can be a little, or a lot, or whatever you need. But you get much more capability to tweak your light balance, colour settings, and more. Plus the changes are reversible, and can be edited further.
The obvious downside is the file size. That's up front. But there is the extra cost of time in post-production.
In short: RAW has more room to fix photography-errors later on.
If you make the perfect picture happen in camera, JPG is all you need. But if you used the wrong white balance, over- or underexposed a bit, had some color problems you have more headroom in RAW to fix these things than in JPG.
The biggest pro for JPG is size, because size is speed. Burst rates might be higher, you get more pictures on one card, backup and transfer times is faster. For sports shooter this can be very helpful.
Just to be the devil's advocate for a moment, please note that raw formats are proprietary and "closed" specifications. These file formats are defined per camera manufacturer and often differ between camera models from the same manufacturer.
It has been mentioned in this thread that raw format is more like a traditional photo negative. i beg to differ - 20-ish years from now in 2031, when no one remembers the details of the whacky Nikon D70 raw specification (I don't know if it's really whacky, it's just an example), and no software can decode your raw file, you're in trouble. on the other hand, i'd be willing to bet you'll find something the can decode a JPG file.
it's just a thought, but it can become more immediate if the post processing software you use has support for a specific camera and two versions from now they screw it up, or maybe explicitly drop support for that camera. while this is not likely, it's possible.
I shoot in raw+JPEG mode.
This gives the key benefits of JPEG - simple portable images - whilst not losing the extra flexibility that a raw format provides.
In response to the reasons some give for using JPEG only:
I think the most important reason you would choose one over the other is what is required of you. I think the only real reason you would choose raw is simply if you need to post process or not. The thing about most DSLRs is that you can choose styles (or custom styles) which do boost contrast, saturation, treat in black and white and the like. It's perfectly capable of achieving a fantastic result in camera by manipulating the camera style settings. The problem is that when you have done this in camera, there is no option to go back and change it.
This is the primary reason many photographers shoot in raw (I'm one of them). Raw allows the photographer to retain the "digital negative" and manipulate it to their liking time and time again. Shoot a photograph in raw and you can, at a whim, create a striking black and white treatment. Don't like it? Just go back to your editing suite and whip up a classic retro feel, or a full colour, vibrant contrasting treatment.
What about dynamic range? Is the dynamic range so large that you need to bring back the highlights and bring out the shadows to "compress" the dynamic range into the final image and create a detailed lifelike result?
Here is one photo I took where I had to use Lightroom. The highlights were too bright and the shadows were too dark. Using Lightroom I was able to compress the dynamic range into a smooth, highly detailed looking photo.
In the context of RAW vs JPG I do not think that there are any "cons" to shooting RAW instead of JPG. I think the cons to shooting JPG only is that you are giving away your creative control of the image and thus it is not just your image but a collaboration between you and your cameras software ( or the person who wrote the code.) If you are comfortable with that then so be it but do not think that your decisions are the only factors in creating the JPG photo. I shoot black & white film and i want to develop it and print it to my aesthetic and artistic standards. If let someone else do that it would not be me making those decisions. I want to be in complete control of MY images.


text:
Why are nouns in French classified into masculine and feminine and what laws do classification depend on?
Sign up
- Anybody can ask a question
- Anybody can answer
- The best answers are voted up and rise to the top
In fact the classification is at least 6000–8000 years old and dates back to Proto Indo European (also the ancestral language of English, Hindi, Russian, and many others) where there were at first two "genders" (animate and inanimate) and then three genders: masculine, feminine and neuter.
It's possible that these evolved out of genuine religious belief that the objects had gender, but it's also possible that it has always been more or less arbitrary. You can imagine how this happens. Two words rhyme, say the daughter and the water — so speakers "erroneously" assign them the same gender to water by analogy (more plausible if the word for "the" also changes based on gender). Some old folks complain — the kids' slang these days — it makes no sense! But then they die, and two generations later, no one knows that it was ever said differently (there's no writing, remember). Multiply this effect by thousands of years and you get a completely arbitrary gender system.
In short: languages adapt extremely quickly because the young mind is capable of learning intricate systems. The effects generations later are not always logical. You can find examples of this in every language.
As far as I know the distinction exists from the beginning of the language, because it is derived from latin (which also has m/f classification, and even "neutral").
As to rules, for "most" words the gender comes from the object of the word. Also, some words have a gender from their sense, for example, qualities are mostly feminine. Masculine is used for languages, substantives, most countries, city names in general, materials, "calendar" (months, days, seasons)... Jobs used to be mostly masculine but that's changing progressively.
And (sorry ;-) there are exceptions, even among synonyms, there are even words that can be both (amour for example) !
French is Latin mispronounced by proto-Germans. Both Latin and German have three grammatical genders: masculine, feminine and neutral. Both languages are part of the Indo-European family and derive their gender system from the same root. Given this history, it isn't surprising that proto-French started out with these three genders. Over time, like most Romance language, French largely lost the neuter gender (now present only in a few pronouns, e.g. ceci or ça).
The origin of grammatical gender is not fully known. The current theory on Indo-European is that there were originally two genders, animate (for people and personifications) and inanimate (for objects and abstract concepts), and the animate gender split into feminine and masculine. Many Indo-European languages, in particular most modern Romance languages, saw a merger of masculine and neuter.
Although the feminine/masculine distinction in grammatical gender is likely to have arisen from biological gender (feminine to talk about women, masculine to talk about men), the language has evolved considerably since then. Nowadays, in French (like in most other languages with feminine and masculine genders), masculine and feminine usually match biological gender when applied to people or animals, but carries no implication when applied to other nouns: it's just an arbitrary grammatical feature.
Wikipedia has a list of languages by type of grammatical gender. Most languages are based on a masculine/feminine, animate/inanimate or a variation thereon (common/neuter, rational/non-rational, …). However there are languages with noun categories based on other considerations (some linguists use the term noun class rather than gender in this case). WALS has several maps of languages by gender types: number of genders, sex-based or non-sex-based, semantic or formal. Most languages that have feminine/masculine genders are of the formal type, i.e. the grammatical categories are to a large extent arbitrary when not refering to a person.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Homer Bailey was excellent in Thursday's start, holding the Indians scoreless over seven innings.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles are "trying hard" for Andrew Cashner.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Dodgers are showing interest in Royals closer Wade Davis.
Jason Hammel led the Cubs to an 8-1 victory over the White Sox on Wednesday by tossing seven innings of one run baseball for his 10th win.
Khris Davis hit two home runs and went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored on Wednesday.
Freddie Freeman had an absolute monster day at the plate on Wednesday, going 4-for-4 with a homer and five RBI to lead the Braves in a 9-7 victory over the Twins in Minnesota.
Yasmany Tomas had a monster day at the dish on Wednesday, blasting a pair of home runs and plating five as the Diamondbacks routed the Brewers 8-1 at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
Mets manager Terry Collins said that Jeurys Familia will not be available for Thursday's game against the Rockies.
Lance McCullers matched his season high with 10 strikeouts over six innings of one-run ball in an impressive victory over the Yankees on Wednesday.
Jon Gray led the Rockies to a 3-1 victory on Wednesday by holding the Orioles to one run in seven innings, allowing five hits and two walks while fanning three.
Gerrit Cole allowed only one run in a masterful 10-1 complete game victory over the Mariners on Wednesday.
Pirates prospect Steven Brault will start against the Brewers on Friday.


text:
Young Opera Stars Perform in Eureka Springs
Future stars of opera stages worldwide have gathered in Eureka Springs for the start of the 2014 Opera in the Ozarks season. Four of these fine young voices showcased their talents at a benefit for the Opera last night. The … Continue reading


text:
Please enter a maximum of 5 recipients. Use ; to separate more than one email address.
Under terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing process, piping and electrical/ instrumentation engineering services to the Antwerp chemicals site. Officials said the contract duration is three years.
Jacobs Engineering Group received a frame agreement from
BASF to provide engineering services at BASFs integrated
chemicals complex in Antwerp, Belgium, the companies said on
Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing
process, piping and electrical/ instrumentation engineering
Officials did not disclose the contract value, but noted that
the contract duration is three years.
BASFs integrated approach to manufacturing, research,
infrastructure, processes and management is known as Verbund, a
German word meaning linked or integrated to the maximum degree.
The Antwerp site is BASFs second-largest Verbund site; it
comprises more than 50 installations located on over two square
Having provided engineering services at this major
production site since 2003, we are delighted to build upon our
close working relationship with BASF," said Jacobs vice
president Mark Bello.
"We look forward to continuing to support BASFs Verbund
principles at the site.
All comments are subject to editorial review.
All fields are compulsory.
Sign-up for the Free Daily HP Enewsletter!
A searchable database of project activity in the global hydrocarbon processing industry
Engineers and designers are highly skilled individuals. Forcing them to enter design changes using tables, forms and spreadsheets is unproductive and uneconomical, and it increases the likelihood of human error—this is the way that most instrumentation software systems currently work. For too long, software vendors have denied engineers and designers the simple practicality of a graphical visual engineering interface with "drag and drop" capability and inbuilt intelligence, ensuring changes are automatically replicated into all the associated data and databases.
Is 2016 the peak for US gasoline demand?
Too soon to tell
July 2016


text:
Dan Kaercher finds a diverse bicycle-friendly community, go to Decorah for paved and off-road trails for bicyclists of all skill levels.
Hosted by Dan Kaercher, Iowa's Simple Pleasures features Iowa travel destinations, restaurants, events, parks, recreation and more. Produced by Iowa Public Television, the series highlights fun things for Iowans to do, see and taste, right here at home.
Kaercher: There's a lot of talk about cities creating a bicycle friendly community. In Northeast Iowa, one community pedals the extra mile to appeal to bicyclists of all skill levels. Boy, if you look at the Iowa Department of Transportation's Map for Bicyclists, which shows over 50 designated trails, it's hard to decide where in the state to go. Now, I biked a few of those trails, but I'd never been to the ones in Northeast Iowa. So I traveled to Decorah, a place that offers both the challenging terrain for mountain bikes and, nearby, a little smoother travel on a trail adorned with some impressive sculptures. John, I'm really looking forward to biking the wonderful Trout Run Trail here in Decorah today. Tell me about what makes it so special.
Hjelle: Well, the Trout Run Trail has got a little bit of something for everybody really. You know, it's got the hills. It's got the coldwater trout stream right out behind us there. It's got a little bit of art that goes on -- that you can go through.
Kaercher: The artwork, tell me about that.
Hjelle: There are three pieces of art that are on the trail.
Kaercher: I understand they all have a double view.
Hjelle: That's one of the things that we wanted to try to do, to have it be visible from not only the trail but also from the highway. We have one that is visible from not only the trail but also from the river for canoeists.
Kaercher: Called walking with birds, this bronze figure by Luther College graduate Doug Freeman features a special mailbox for passersby to place a thoughtful message. This mosaic of fired clay by Decorah potter Dean Schwarz doubles as a sign for a nearby fish hatchery. And the inspiration for this stainless steel river horizon archway by Iowa City artist Bounnak Thammavong stems from the artist's experiences as a trout fisherman. John, I can't wait to explore the trail. Tell me how to get started.
Hjelle: Well, you just head down the trail that way. It's about a mile to the fish hatchery, and I've got a couple friends that will go with you.
Kaercher: Perfect. Thanks.
Hjelle: Yeah.
Kaercher: We start out on a flat section of the trail. And in a mile or so, we arrive at the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Run by the Department of Natural Resources, the hatchery supplies trout for 17 streams in a four-county area in Northeast Iowa. Also at the junction of the hatchery and trail is an eagle's nest whose residence, thanks to a web cam, often can be viewed on line. To really appreciate this trail, it would be good to thank the some 24 land owners who were willing to provide access through their property. Scores of volunteers, government, and nongovernment entities worked years to make this trail a reality.
3, 2, 1.
Kaercher: And it wasn't easy. A blast through a bluff was necessary to help make this trail a 12-mile scenic loop around Decorah, which is expected to be completed by Spring 2012. Other bikers would just as soon go over the bluff rather than through it. And there are trails for those folks too. Decorah has 18 miles of mountain bike trails, primarily built and maintained with the city's permission, by a group called Decorah human power trail.
Gosen: Building these trails, first of all, requires a little bit of vision. I'm always looking at ways that we can complete loops, that we can have nice flowing trails, and at the same time keep them challenging and interesting.
Kaercher: When you say challenging and interesting, what kinds of obstacles do people look for along mountain bike trails?
Gosen: One of the things that our trails are known for is that they're built on the steep bluffs surrounding Northeast Iowa. Every place is a little different. We have steep down hills. We've got big log rides. We've got technical, hard, rocky, rooty climbs. So it just depends on what your skills are.
Kaercher: If your biking skills aren't up to the challenge, Deke Gosen likes to point out the trail is user friendly to runners and hikers as well.
Gosen: What makes our trail successful within the community is that the value is seen as coming from the attraction to many different user groups. Our trail group in town is referred to as Decorah Human Power Trails. We're trying to be inclusive with hikers and runners and birders and nature watchers. We're not just bikers.
Kaercher: Deke is right. No matter what kind of human power challenge people want, whether on mountain bike trails or paved ones, I think they can find the perfect fit with what's offered in Decorah.
Post your photos to our "Iowa's Simple Pleasures" Flickr group. See ALL group photos.
Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Decorah's Recreational Trails Map
Commentsblog comments powered by Disqus
Comment Policy
Iowa Public Television encourages conversation and debate around issues, events and ideas related to program topics.
- The editorial staff of Iowa Public Television reserves the right to take down comments it deems inappropriate.
- Profanity, personal attacks, off-topic posts, advertisements and spam will not be tolerated.
Find out more about IPTV.org's privacy policy and terms of use.


text:
This conference will explore the magnitude of sex trafficking across Tribal Nations, Hawaiian & Alaska Native Villages, and Native Communities. Walking With Our Sisters Who Are Victims & Survivors of Sex Trafficking is co-hosted by Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, First Nations Women's Alliance (ND), Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition, Montana Native Women's Coalition, and Spirit Lake Victims Assistance (ND).
© 2016 National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
This site is supported by Grant/ Cooperative Agreement No. 1UF2CE002359-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


text:
I really want to begin my first novel, but I'm just not sure how clear of an outline I should have before I start. Is a detailed synopsis of each chapter really necessary, or is it enough to just go in with an outline and key events?
The only thing that matters in planning, is doing it long enough to make you feel comfortable writing about your story.
There are two types of writers, "With an Outline" and "Without an Outline".
Try both styles and see which works best for you. It's important to figure out if you do your best writing with constraints or without them. Find a middle ground between the two types that helps you stay on track while maintaining creativity.
If you feel your creativity being sucked dry by trying to stay with the outline, then you over planned.
When I was studying sketch writing, we were taught to not worry about storylines and events, but rather about characters, relationships, and their motivations. The motivations then lead to some conflict and the personalities lead to a resolution.
In sketch (essentially a five minute play that tells a short story), the arc was pretty much, introduce characters, relationships, and environment by 1:00. Build up towards conflict by 2/2:30. The conflict brings out each characters needs and thereby actions, which drives towards a resolution around 4:00, and then wrap up at 5:00.
Following this method, each character would have a reason he does something, and the dialogue would write itself. This holds not just for comedy, but also other types of theatre, and on a larger scale (ie: novel, three-act play) the same concepts hold within each scene.
Every week we had to write a story, and the way we always started was by having some general idea and some characters and their motivations.
The characters then defined what happened. Often time, the end turned out to be entirely different from what was in the back of my head initially.
Stephen King talks about the same thing in On Writing, where when he starts a book he has no idea what's going to happen.
Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park) had also said in an interview many years ago that he used to get into the heads of velociraptors by pretending to be one in his office just so he could understand what they were going to do next.
Some writers produce better stuff when they plan and outline and world-build a lot. They're sometimes called outliners.
Some work better by just jumping in and writing (discovery writers).
Everyone is different, but you can learn which one you are (or rather, where you sit on the continuum between the two extremes) by trying both.
For example:
For a recent story, I began by planning plot, setting and characters enough until I could see key scenes appearing in my imagination. At that point I made myself stop outlining and actually wrote some of those key scenes to "flesh them out".
Getting the whole scene on paper helped me learn a lot about my plot, and characters. I saw some problems and had some great ideas. So I went back and changed my outline.
I did the opposite, too - after writing a few more scenes out, I returned to the outline to see if I liked the direction I was going. I fiddled with the outline to improve a few things, then used that to chop and change the written scenes.
The problems you need to avoid are:
I do a rough outline, detailing things that need to happen as the plot progresses, but then I try to let the characters lead the way from one place to another. You really need some kind of outline in order to build the plot correctly. Certain things will need to happen to move it along, and it feels less contrived if you build up to those things.
One negative with this is sometimes the damn outline stops matching the way the plot needs to move for the characters to be true to themselves. Then you have to stop and figure out what the hell to do to make it all work out...I've read many a book where the author clearly had this happen to them, and forced the characters to follow the plot, even though they'd written them away from it.
For me though, I can't really plan a character until I start writing them. Sometimes I'll do a few throw-off character sketches, and short stories, and then write my plot outline, and that helps.
Different people do different things.
I tend to plan, by starting off at blabbing at a piece of paper until i have the general idea of what the story shall be about, then plan it out a bit more and then i actually write the first draft of the story using my plans.
Most of the initial planning happens in my head - I have a 20 Minute walk to work every day, so over a week that's a lot of time to think. I then write out the outline and some points without any further planning. Just 3 or 4 pages to get the story itself nailed.
After that, the planning starts. Checking if the plot itself makes sense, then adding the facts, fleshing out the people, constantly trying to find references for each claim I make - unless it's SciFi in which case I try to make it believable and consistent, but obviously not necessarily real.
Now, I'm not a professional Author and I only ever written Short (<100 Pages) Stories, but that approach - Think, Write, Research - worked well enough for me as a hobbyist.
If you haven't written a novel before, then I would actually recommend doing both the "outliner" and "non-outliner" method that others have talked about here. And even if you know you're one or the other, I'd still recommend trying to break that routine every once in a while - just to shake things up. I'm a hardcore outliner, but I find that writing stories off the top of my head every once in a while (even if they turn out bad) really helps my creativity and writing ability.
Some people seem to like the Snowflake Method; maybe you can check that out.
I find that for longer works, it is a lot easier for me if I have an outline. I don't bother working up a full detailed synopsis, however. Instead, I just identify the key points of interest for each chapter. This usually helps me to think through the story line before I jump right in and start working on it. My epic fantasy novel ended up with 115,000 words, but the outline was only two pages (about 500 words).
For shorter work, such as a short story or novella, I may write down a couple of key points and perhaps some details about one or more specific characters. From there I just start writing. In fact, once I write down the general idea, I usually don't look at it again until I am done or nearly done with the whole thing. As I edit I may check to see if I missed anything from my initial notes, but not always.
Ultimately, as a writer you need to find what works for you. Everybody is different.
It strongly depends on yourself, how much you need a synopsis to stay focused. One thing in my opinion is really important to plan before: You should know your main story arc and clearly know how to end it. Some novels I read had no really end to it, that was somewhat frustrating as a reader. Sidestories on the other hand will also come to mind, while writing the novel and you get a clearer image of your world and your characters.
If your world is complex and you have multiple important characters it may be helpful to have a cheatsheet. Every time you make a decision about the world, the story or character traits you note it. That way you stay consistent throughout your novel.
As said before, you may adjust the planning to your personal needs.
As others have said, more or less, nothing is actually "necessary". Rules are there to be broken, well, maybe. But they are certainly not there to be followed slavishly.
Most important for (almost?) all stories are your characters. Flesh them out. Maybe... write their detailed biographies. Including stuff that never will feature in your novel. Because it gives them background, it puts flesh on the (fictitious) bones.
And then (and that's what I've read again and again (and again!) being said by any number of famous writers) your characters may surprise you, doing things you wouldn't have expected.
So... plan. As a rough sketch. And then write, and see if what you write is actually going where you though it would.
But find you own way. Which may require some experimentation.
What is this "outlining" you speak of?
I'm a seat of the pants-er. I almost never outline things, and when I do, it's usually "I kind of think that maybe I should do this here" and never anything concrete.
It really does depend on the writer.


text:
I'm currently attempting to siege a Tier 3 Mining Base that has 6 different blueprints that I want, and I don't want to pay for them.
As I'm on veteran, it's proving to be very hard work at my current level and with the ships I have available.
Two side missions (specifically Poke an Eye Out and Take Out the Take-Out) allow you to lower the tier of one particular base (one for each mission).
After at least 30 side missions, I'm still yet to see either of these options come up in this system, while I've seen them quite a few times in other systems that don't contain Tier 3 bases.
Is it possible for either of these missions to appear if the related faction (the one that will lose a level) is at level 3?


text:
I'm experiencing very low volume on my MacBook Pro (running Snow Leopard) while using Netflix Instant Play. All of my other video sites are working fine, and my computer's volume is set to full. I've had the same problem on a Leopard MacBook Pro. Are there fixes within Netflix or for my computer itself that I can try?
You could use the fine Mac program Audio Hijack Pro to amplify your entire system's volume while you watching Netflix, as described here.


text:
Progress Lighting P3016-81 Antique Nickel Renovations Single-Light Bathroom Sconce with Etched Ribbed Glass Shade
Exclusive Sale - Limited Time Only!
Prices discounted from 30-80%, while supplies last. See a better price online? Please call or chat using the links at the top of our site and we will beat that price.
Offer Ends 7/29/2016
Technical Specs
|Specification Sheet
|Progress Lighting Catalog
|Bulb Base
|Medium (E26)
|Bulb Type
|Compact Fluorescent, Incandescent
|Light Direction
|Up Lighting
|Location Rating
|Damp Location
|Number of Bulbs
|Product Weight
|Sconce Type
|Upward Arm
|Suggested Room Fit
|Bedroom, Kitchen
|Swing Arm
|Watts Per Bulb
Curved arms and cylindrical accents that enhance the transitional style found in the Renovations collection, allowing it to complement numerous décors. Balancing the Victorian, uncomplicated design with crisp shades and down lights in an etched ribbed glass, a touch of the past is added with a Forged Bronze or Antique Nickel finish.
- Wall sconce
- Etched glass shades
- Can be mounted in the up or down position
- Covers outlet box
- Mounting strap for outlet box included
- UL Listed
- Width: 6"
- Height: 9"
- Extension: 7-7/8"
- Uses (1) 100w medium base bulb (not included)
- Total Wattage: 100
Additional Progress Lighting Links
- View Manufacturer Warranty
- Shop All Progress Lighting Products
- Shop All Progress Lighting Renovations Collection Products
Our SKU: P3016
This product is listed under the following manufacturer number(s):
- Antique Nickel
- Forged Bronze
*Denotes a finish or option that has been discontinued
Product Reviews
Progress Lighting
Progress Lighting Renovations Collection
Other Products In The Progress Lighting Renovations Collection
Progress Lighting P2731
Renovations Three-Light Bathroom Fixture with Etch...$135.00-$135.00(1)
Progress Lighting P3515
Renovations 3 Light Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture wi...$83.00-$83.00(4)
Progress Lighting P2732
Renovations Four-Light Bathroom Fixture with Etche...$177.00-$177.00(3)
Progress Lighting P5104
Renovations 1 Light Bell Pendant with Etched Glass...$77.00-$77.00(1)
Progress Lighting P4510
Renovations Twelve-Light Three-Tier Chandelier wit...$818.00-$818.00
Warranty Info
Progress Lighting
1 Year Product Warranty
When properly installed and under normal conditions of use, Progress Lighting, Inc. ("Seller") warrants its manufactured products, including their metal finishes ("Product(s)") will conform to its catalogue specifications and be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of sale to end user, as specified in Seller's shipment documents for each Product (extended warranties may apply to Seller's fan motors and Energy Star® Products as indicated in Seller's Product manuals). Warping of wooden or plastic blades is not covered by this warranty. This warranty excludes fluorescent ballasts and high intensity discharge (HID) components, and Buyer agrees to make all claims regarding defects or deficiencies therefore according to the warranty of the manufacturer thereof as its sole source of recourse or compensation. Seller's obligations under this warranty and Buyer's sole remedy for its breach to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be limited to the value of the cost of repair or replacement of the Product, pursuant to a written warranty claim validated in writing by Seller. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES OR ACTUAL DAMAGES TO ANY CLAIMANT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, MULTIPLE, OR OTHER SUCH INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF REVENUES OR PROFITS), WHETHER ARISING OUT OF OR AS A RESULT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, WARRANTY (EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH HERIN), TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT OR OTHERWISE. In no case does this warranty extend to anybody other than Seller's customers, and no one is authorized to extend warranties or remedies on Seller's behalf. To be valid, the warranty claim must be made: (a) in writing according to Seller's procedures existing at the time of the claim, (b) within thirty (30) days of discovery of the defect, (c) within the applicable warranty period, and (d) include the dated store receipt or invoice evidencing purchase of the Product. Warranty claims should be sent to: Progress Lighting, Inc., P.O. Box 6701, Greenville, SC 29606. Products may be returned only after a Return Authorization Number has been issued by Seller's customer service department. Any unauthorized return, repair, replacement, modification or misuse of the Products by Buyer shall void the warranty. THIS WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR SUCH PRODUCTS, AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES. SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.


text:
Nike LIVESTRONG Shield Men's Half Zip Top
The Nike LIVESTRONG Shield 1/2 Zip is a versatile top that can be used in any situation. This men's training top is designed to take on any work out that you throw at it. It is made with moisture wicking fabric will help keep you dry and comfortable along with the flatlocked seams to help reduce irritation. Join the LIVESTRONG cause that has raised over $80,000,000 to fight against cancer. Winter training is about layers and this Nike LIVESTRONG Sield Men's Half Zip is the perfect piece for your collection.


text:
Bucs set NLDS rotation, will go with Cole in Game 2
Bucs set NLDS rotation, will go with Cole in Game 2
Hurdle favored Cole for Friday afternoon's start (1 p.m. ET, MLB Network) for two reasons.
"The way he has pitched on the road, and that the Cardinals haven't yet had a look at him," Hurdle said. "Not wanting him to sit too long also played into it."
Cole was 4-2 with an ERA of 2.38 in seven road starts. He last appeared in a game on Sept. 24, giving him 10 days' rest between starts.
Francisco Liriano, the winner in dominant fashion of Tuesday's NL Wild Card Game, will return to PNC Park to pitch Game 3 on Sunday. He will be followed, if the best-of-five series is still unresolved, by Morton, and if still needed, by A.J. Burnett's return appearance in Game 5.
Depending on how the series goes, Morton thus could have an opportunity to start a third seminal game for the Pirates in two weeks. He started the Sept. 23 win in Chicago that clinched a postseason spot for the Bucs, and the Sept. 28 win in Cincinnati that clinched home-field advantage for the NL Wild Card Game.
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
SPOTLIGHT ON:(Back to Menu)
Women and the Law: A Celebration
|Note: Due to illness, Justice Ginsburg was not able to attend the symposium. She asked Wendy Webster Williams, Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, to deliver her prepared keynote address, entitled "From Muller v. Oregon to the Family and Medical Leave Act: Protective Legislation, Then and Now." Professor Williams, who is co-author with Mary Hartnett of an upcoming biography of Justice Ginsburg to be published by Simon & Schuster, is a prominent scholar in the area of gender and the law who helped draft the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be the keynote speaker for the symposium "Rutgers School of Law–Newark Celebrates Women Reshaping American Law" on Friday, February 13, 2009. The all-day symposium, organized by Associate Professor Suzanne Kim, is one of a series of events celebrating the school's Centennial and its enduring commitment to teaching, scholarship, service, and opportunity
U.S. Supreme Court Justice
It was at Rutgers–Newark that Justice Ginsburg, who taught at the law school from 1963 to 1972, began to think about the issue of gender discrimination and to develop into a leading scholar and advocate for women's rights. The contributions of Justice Ginsburg and other lawyers to addressing gender discrimination by the legal system and the profession are told in the new book Equal: Women Reshape American Law (Norton, February 2009). Opening remarks at the symposium will be delivered by the book's author, Fred Strebeigh, a Yale University professor of non-fiction writing. He will discuss his research and the integral role of Rutgers School of Law–Newark in advancing gender equity for women.
The morning panel will focus on the pioneering contributions of women at the law school. Speakers will be: Diane Crothers, Esq. '74, co-founder of the Women's Rights Law Reporter and Deputy Commissioner, Citywide for Equal Employment Opportunity, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services; Janice Goodman, Esq., former director, Rutgers Women's Rights Litigation Clinic; Diana Guza-Wells (née Rigelman) '72, J.D., M.D., who, as a Rutgers law student, was involved with Justice Ginsburg's first gender discrimination work on behalf of Nora Simon; and Professor Emerita Annamay Sheppard '58, faculty member in the Women's Rights Litigation Clinic.
Two panels will follow Justice Ginsburg's keynote luncheon address. In the first, women who feature prominently in Equal: Women Reshape American Law will discuss their successful litigation and legislative efforts in the areas of pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, and violence against women. Speakers will be: Professor Sarah E. Burns, New York University School of Law; Professor Sally F. Goldfarb, Rutgers School of Law–Camden; Professor Catharine A. MacKinnon, University of Michigan Law School; Professor Victoria Nourse, University of Wisconsin Law School; Professor Susan Deller Ross, Georgetown University Law Center; and Professor Wendy Webster Williams, Georgetown University Law Center.
The second panel will focus on the history of women in the legal profession. Speakers will be: Diane Serafin Blank, Esq., the named plaintiff in a 1970s class action lawsuit challenging Sullivan & Cromwell's hiring practices as discriminatory against women; Ann Berger Lesk '77, a partner of Fried Frank and president of the New York County Lawyers' Association; Professor Twila Perry, Rutgers School of Law–Newark; Lynn Hecht Schafran, Esq., senior vice president and director, National Judicial Education Program, Legal Momentum (formerly NOW Legal Defense Fund); and Associate Professor Diana Sclar, Rutgers School of Law–Newark.
Professor Catharine A. MacKinnon will deliver the closing remarks.


text:
Promotes healthy brain function**
Assists with cardiovascular health**
Contributes to a healthy nervous system**
140 mg of Phosphatidylcholine per softgel
Help nurture your nervous system with Lecithin!** One softgel provides you with 140 mg of naturally sourced Phosphatidylcholine, a vital part of the B Vitamin Complex that is involved with the chemistry of the brain.** Phosphatidylcholine helps support the neurotransmitters necessary for brain function and muscle control, and aids with liver health and the metabolism of energy.** Lecithin supplements are a vital source of this important nutrient, and may be especially important since levels of phospholipids in the brain may decline with age.** Lecithin also promotes cell growth and supports nervous and cardiovascular health.**No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, Sodium Free.


text: This is going to be one of the best angels that I have made and submitted thus far. Today I will be showing you "how to draw a guardian angel", step by step. Instead of making an angel of cartoon or anime quality, I decided that making a statue form of angel could best showcase how we envision a guardian angel to be. They have flawless faces, large wings, and subtle expressions. Many folks believe that they have a guardian on their shoulders watching over them for all time. These guardian angels are also believed to be loved ones that have passed on who's spirit sticks around until they feel their time or presence is no longer needed. The statue in this lesson will be easy to tackle especially if yo have experience with drawing. Don't let the colored piece detour you away from tackling this tut on drawing a guardian angel. Thanks guys and enjoy the lesson.


text:
Your baby has ears! Low down, near the jaw line, the ears form, each arising from six small mounds, fusing together to give your baby his unique and individual ear shape. As the face and jaw forms and your baby's neck extends moving away from the chest wall, the ears migrate upward; they will come to lie at the same level as his eyes by 11 weeks.
The lips and nose are now beginning to take shape. To form the upper lip, two separate ridges of tissue grow from each side of your baby's face to fuse with the small piece of tissue in the midline extending downward beneath the nose (the grooved part of the upper lip).
At around this stage, your baby's small and large bowel lengthen. Because they have insufficient room to expand inside the still very curled-up embryo, the intestines appear as a bulge on the surface of the abdominal wall. This bulge is covered by a membrane, into which the umbilical cord becomes attached. The bowel will continue to grow in this embryonic sac until 11-12 weeks when it will be reabsorbed into the abdominal cavity, leaving just the surface attachment of the cord.
According to one study, eating apples during pregnancy could reduce the risk of your child developing asthma.
Following a Mediterranean diet may have the same effect. Researchers found that the babies of mothers who ate plenty of fish, olive oil, fruit, and vegetables were up to 30 percent less likely to wheeze as well as 50 percent less likely to develop skin allergies.
Scrupulous food hygiene is important in pregnancy for a number of reasons. Firstly, your immune system is under extra pressure during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to food poisoning. Secondly, there's a risk that food-borne illnesses can affect the health of your baby, so it pays to be cautious. Do the following:
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Buy this book now!
© 2000-2016 Sandbox Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Poole said they have 17 rodeos throughout the year. Students in grades sixth through eighth compete at the jr. high level and grades ninth through twelfth compete at the high school level.
"These kids aren't competing against each other," Poole said. "They're competing against the stock. The kids are competing for points to make it to the Nation High School Finals."
The event will take place at the MAC from Feb. 22– 24. Some of the events they'll be competing in include bare back riding, saddle bronc, pole bending and steer wrestling.
To join the organization or to find out more information, visit their website at www.lhsra.info.
"We're excited about having such a large rodeo affiliated with us," said the new MAC director Mike Fife. "I know this event is going to help boost businesses and economic growth here in Morehouse Parish."
Poole said any student wanting to join the organization "is more than welcome."
"We're like one big family," he said. "The commodore is wonderful. This rodeo has been declining in members so we're bringing it to Morehouse Parish to breathe life back into it. We cant' wait."
Location, ST | website.com


text:
August 19, 2013
What prompted educator Ed Barr to write a book about sheet metal fabrication? Find the answer and more about the book in this Q&A.
Published in April 2013, Ed Barr's Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication has received rave reviews on Amazon.com. One reviewer said, "[The book] contains a good balance of information on fabricating from scratch and restoration. Both hand shaping techniques and shaping with power tools are covered.
"The thing that I like about all of the 'how to' sections is that they're clearly written by someone who is an expert sheet metal worker instead of a writer describing what they've seen someone else do. This really separates this book from several others that I own. In a lot of cases, he describes what can go wrong and how to fix it, which can be really helpful."
Barr, who teaches sheet metal restoration and the history of automotive design at McPherson College, McPherson, Kan., recently participated in a Q&A with thefabricator.com.
Barr: I first became interested in restoration as a preteenager. I fell in love with the style of the mid-'50s Chevy pickup trucks. My parents bought me a 1959 Chevy truck when I was 13 to get me started. I knew absolutely nothing [about fabricating] except how to read, so I began educating myself through books and magazines.
Barr: An acquisitions editor from Motorbooks approached me about writing it because I was teaching automotive sheet metal restoration at McPherson College. I suspect such a project would have always seemed too daunting without a little prodding from someone. I'm glad they asked me to do it.
Barr: I can't give you any statistics on the number of restoration enthusiasts in the U.S., but I can assure you it is huge, and it cuts across just about every demographic class. I have heard that the aftermarket parts industry is a multibillion dollar industry.
In the last decade, the increased exposure that restoration, hot-rodding, and automotive-related hobbies have enjoyed on TV and in popular movies has introduced younger generations to our field. The information presented for purposes of entertainment isn't always accurate, of course, but it whets the appetites of people who might not know about old cars otherwise. Fortunately, the interest in restoration seems to be growing.
Barr: If you think about it, sheet metal seems to have magical properties. It can be made to soar through the air, float on water, conduct heat and electricity, resist corrosion, support heavy loads, resist torsional forces, and do a million other jobs that other materials can't do as well. While I can foresee an ever-growing use of mechanization in how sheet metal is made into useful products, the inherent properties of metals are just too versatile and too valuable to live without.
Barr: The surface of the metal always looks the same, so there is no obvious indicator of what needs to happen to the metal to make it assume the shape you want. Once you start thinking of the metal like Play-Doh®, however, you are better able to visualize what has to happen to get results. The metal will need to be folded, stretched out, or gathered up.
Barr:In the niche of automotive restoration, sheet metal is a good career because the kind of work we do is always in demand. It seems like every old car has corroded metal that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, the students I have had who are passionate about metal have gotten some great jobs, but only because they were the right people for those jobs.
Sheet metal restoration is only one specialty area in the context of our bachelor's degree in automotive restoration technology, so every student may not end up doing metal exclusively. More often students might end up doing some metalwork as part of a more comprehensive job in a restoration shop. They might also do paint, soft trim, and mechanical work.
Barr: I would encourage people in industry to think about ways that the processes they are involved in might carry over into automotive restoration or parts manufacturing. The fact that a person can buy a new '32 Ford, a new '57 Chevy, or a new '67 Mustang® body suggests to me that there is a demand for vintage cars that has yet to be satisfied.
Author Ed Barr can be reached at email@example.com.


text:
Budget cuts mean making tough decisions for Warren county volunteer fire departments. These departments are now making the most of what they have following a ten percent cut in county funding.
That percentage amounts to $45,000 the nine Warren county volunteer fire departments will lose, at a time when some departments were already struggling.
"Some departments are actually dipping into reserves now to make ends meet because income is just not keeping up with what our expenses are," said Warren County Fire Chiefs Association Secretary and Woodburn Fire Chief Bob Skipper.
Warren county has that same revenue verses expenses issue. County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon suggested solving with an insurance premium tax.
"When that failed their only option was to start cutting what they're paying out," said Skipper.
Now the fire departments are forced to decide how to cut spending.
"What we're proposing is that cut come from the maintenance budgets for the trucks and for the fire stations," said Skipper.
Skipper says this isn't ideal, but the least detrimental. At his department in Woodburn, they haven't been forced to look to reserves yet, but the funding hasn't increased either.
"The problem with that is our district is growing. We're getting more houses, larger buildings, and taller buildings, and we have a need for additional equipment that we can't afford, such as an aerial apparatus," said Skipper.
He says they will soon be due for newer trucks, and it's not just the big expense that add up.
"The day to day expenses keep growing. If you look, fuel is just going through the roof, and those costs hit us as well," said Skipper.
Skipper says it's the residents who will ultimately suffer with higher homeowners insurance rates.
Skipper will present the plans for the budget cuts to the Warren County Fiscal Court tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.


text:
Rushlow [Dash] A daughter, Arianna Ann, to Stewart and Terri (Kielczewski) Rushlow, Jr., of Torrington, Feb. 12, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington. Grandparents are Darlene Leavitt and Stewart Rushlow of Torrington, Richard Kielezewski of New Britain and Maureen Rushlow of Thomaston. Great-grandparents are Jean and Leonard Kielczewski of New Britain.
Read more of this story and more!
7-Day Subscribers have FREE access to everything on rep-am.com and our E-Edition.
CLICK HERE to register and activate your access,.
Not a subscriber?
You can purchase a single-day subscription for only $0.75 to read this and access all of our content and our E-Edition.
CLICK HERE purchase a single day subscription.
Become an electronic subscriber to the Republican-American for only $8 a month. CLICK HERE.
Follow Us
Post a reader commentWe encourage your feedback and dialog.
Please be civil and respectful.
If you're witty, to the point and quotable, your reader comments may also be included on the Around the Towns page of The Sunday Republican.
Readers must be registered and logged in to post comments on the site. Registration is free. Click Here to register.
A Subscription is not required to post comments only a Registration.
Log In
|Register / Forgotten Password?


text:
1967 Ford Galaxie 500 - August 2012 Street ShakerWritten by Chuck Vranas on August 1, 2012 Steve Allen's '67 Ford Galaxie 500 shakes it
Growing up as a teenager in the '60s created the perfect opportunity to have your mind molded into a hard-core horsepower fanatic. Steve Allen spent his formative years living in Greenville, South Carolina, and has plenty of fond memories regarding his introduction to the horsepower wars when muscle cars began to take over. Hanging out at the local newsstand with his friends thumbing through automotive magazines solidified the groundwork for his immersion in the hobby, but it was the frequent visits to Starlight Dragway in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, that got him hooked for life. The heavy scent from the starting line of race fuel mixed with burnt rubber combined with hometown hero Gene Cromer fielding his big-block, Ford-powered Willys coupe, known as the "Moonlighter", gave him the ultimate adrenalin rush and a newfound allegiance to Ford muscle power. His most memorable early hop-up was a '67 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT motivated by a high-performance 390ci mill, which he owned at around the same time he started working at the local Lincoln Mercury dealership in 1973.
As the years moved on he opened an automotive repair shop, and then relocated to the suburbs in the quaint little town of Easley. In a small town, it's easy to keep track of interesting cars motoring down the main drag, especially if one of them just so happens to be the crown jewel you always wished for. Steve tracked the movement of this one particular '67 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback for quite some time, knowing that it was owned by one particular family and that the car had been passed down through this family over the years. Knowing that the car was unavailable, he began a quest to locate a donor car to start a project, which was burning deep within his mind. After what seemed an eternity of searching, he had a conversation with a local friend about what he was looking for while also reminiscing about the old '67 that used to cruise through town. His friend told him he had recently acquired a car he might be interested in and invited him to visit his home that evening where lo and behold, Steve came eyes to headlights with the original '67 he remembered. Without wasting a second he made a deal and drove the prize home to his shop to begin his build. After reviewing the car, he noticed that it was a very clean original with no prior accident history. At this time he contacted Don Jacks of Street Metal Fabrication in Greenville, South Carolina, to help him in separating the body from the chassis to allow him to completely tear down the project to its bare essentials. Steve completely picked the factory spine apart and sent the frame and all related suspension components to be blasted clean and then powdercoated by Vanguard in nearby Anderson.
A decision was made to utilize the factory A-arm suspension up front while also incorporating RideTech 'bags at each corner to help soften the bumps. Out back a Ford 9-inch rearend was filled with 3.50:1 cogs and 31-spline axles. For the ultimate in stopping power, a Baer master pushes fluid through stainless lines to matching Baer discs and four-piston calipers at each corner. Completing the package, a set of big 'n' little American Torq-Thrust wheels in 18- and 20-inch sizes were capped with BFGoodrich g-Force rubber for the ultimate in handling and traction.
With the chassis completed, Steve focused on upgrading the original 289ci V-8 with a thunderous big-block reminiscent of his days spent watching Gene Cromer tear up the quarter-mile at Starlight Dragway. He sourced a '67 Ford 428ci FE from a derelict T-bird and brought it to Kenny Jackson in Greenville to do all the machining. Steve then assembled the fire-breather using all the right goods, including Eagle rods, Ross pistons, COMP Cams stick, and Edelbrock aluminum heads. To crown the shaker, an Edelbrock Performer intake was topped with a Demon 750-cfm carb and a finned aluminum Cobra-style air cleaner. An MSD ignition lights the spark, while spent gases get dumped through Sanderson headers and custom-fabbed Don Jacks 2-1/2-inch pipes. Power moves rearward through a Cain's Transmission–built C6 trans coupled to a stock driveshaft. The body was the handed over to Don Jacks who gave it a clean shave and prepped it to perfection before laying down a lustrous coating of Spies Hecker Midnight Blue metallic, accented by custom silver stripes. To add even more dazzle to the mix, all plating was sent off to Paul's Chrome and a set of '08 Harley-Davidson Sportster headlights were installed in the modified factory grille. To create a memorable business office, Steve fabricated a custom dash and filled it with Auto Meter dials to monitor the vitals while a Billet Specialties steering wheel and ididit tilt column handle the navigation and a B&M shifter picks the gears. For the ultimate in comfort, Paul Atkins stitched up plenty of dove gray leather to complement a set of '65 T-bird buckets and the factory rear bench as well as custom door panels, with plush matching gray carpet completing the deal. This Street Shaker with its seductive flowing lines and hard-core big-block Ford bite proves that you can bring the best of both worlds together.
Tech Tips
Comp Performance Group
COMP Cams
Proper Lifter Cleaning Technique
Clean lifters by soaking them in a parts cleaner or mineral spirits and then blow air in both the pushrod seat hole and the oil feed hole on the side of the lifter to force any remaining fluid out. Do not presoak hydraulic flat tappet or hydraulic roller lifters, as this will cause them to be pumped up and you will not be able to properly preload the lifter. Dipping them quickly in oil will properly lubricate without causing harm.
When To Change Fuel Pumps
If you switch from a carbureted setup to an electronic fuel injection setup, you need to upgrade your fuel pump. EFI systems require a higher fuel pressure that would drown a carburetor. Conversely, a fuel pump for a carburetor will not supply enough fuel for an EFI system to function properly.
Best of Both Worlds
Inglese partnered with FAST to create a series of fully customizable induction systems that feature classic Weber styling but utilize state-of-the-art fuel injection technology. Discrete EFI components and 50mm IDA-style throttle bodies give any hot rod timeless good looks and unbeatable performance.


text:
A cute classic by Bella, just for girls. Made from 100% super-soft ring spun cotton, this shirt features capped sleeves and a tapered side-seamed body with contoured fit. Select a design from our marketplace or customise it and unleash your creativity!
Size & Fit
Fabric & Care
Save £2.00 on Kids' Basic Hanes Tagless ComfortSoft® T-Shirt
Only £1.00 more on Kids' Basic American Apparel T-Shirt


text:
After a tough game against the Oilers last night in Edmonton the Islanders headed over to Calgary to take on the Flames tonight. Several story lines┬Āare┬Āentwined with tonights game┬Āincluding the return of fan favorite Theo Fleury after his┬Ā6 year absence from the game. Fleury┬Āeven told the Calgary┬ĀHerald ŌĆ£I would love to get hit ŌĆö that would be great.ŌĆØThe game will be streamed live on the Calgary Flames website, you can check it out here as i will embed the feed right to the site for your viewing pleasure.
┬ĀNotable events from last night include an impressive performance by Nate Lawson,two groin strains to Sean Bergenheim and Doug Weight which hopefully minor injuries, and Calvin de Haan scored his first goal in preseason. Here's what de Haan told ITV after yesterdays loss,
no comments
de Haan, who had a rough few minutes eased into the game showing many why he deserved to be taken at 12 in the draft.
On a night that was suppose to be all about John Tavares it was Bruno Gervais, Nathan Lawson, and Calvin de Haan who stole the show. From the drop of the puck these three players had their "A" game ready for a long night.
The Islanders opened up strong in the early first, consistently keeping the puck in the offensive zonefor a good part of the early first period putting pressure on Oilers starting goalie Jeff Deslauriers. 4:30 into the first Nate Thompson and Byran Young Dropped the gloves in retaliation for a hit on Freddy Mayer Thompson didn't necessarilytake to kindly of. As the period progressed the Oilers seemed to pick up the slack moving the puck the other way into the Isles zone. Play shifted back the other way and at 6:39 Bruno Gervais fired a wrister from the point to give the islanders a 1-0 lead. From some angles looked as if Tavares, who was situated in front of the net had redirected the shot in but the goal was given to Gervais. no comments
All eyes tonight will be on John Tavares as he suits up for his first NHL preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers up in Canada. Tavares, who missed Monday's game due to a bout with the flue is now feeling well enough to get ice time in what will be his first time wearing the Islanders orange and blue in a real game situation. Tavares has had a succesful and impresive camp so far, from being taken under Doug Weights wing to impressing many with his skill and maturity. A side note for tonights game, TSN is reporting that Dwayne Roloson is expected to start against his former club, although he isnt listed in the lineup given to Newsday's Katie Strang.
It didnt take long for the injury bug to rear it's ugly head as Frans Nielsen is returning to New York to have his knee examined. The unknown injury occured at an uknown time, on an uknown date (you remember how upfront the Isles are about injurys).
Finally, here is the lineup for tonights game. Note the players that many of us wanna see including johnny boy, Cizikas, Justin DiBenedetto, Joel "THE WRECKER" Rechlicz, Calvin de Haan, and Big Foot aka Mikko Koskinen. Hockeybuzz's Dee Karl should have an esier time recognizing the players tonight. And Here is the lineup accroding to Newsday:
Forwards: Doug Weight, John Tavares, Sean Bergenheim, Joel Rechlicz, Casey Cizikas, Justin DiBenedetto, Nate Thompson, Tyler Haskins, Robin Figren, Richard Park, Jon Sim, Jesse Joensuu.
Defensemen: Andy Sutton, Dustin Kohn, Calvin de Haan, Bruno Gervais, Freddy Meyer, Travis Hamonic
Goalies: Nathan Lawson, Mikko Koskinen
no comments
It's finally here Isles fans, The Islanders will take the ice for the first time in over 5 months and start the 2009-2010 season. we've been waiting for this since the dismal 08-09 season ended on Easter day with an embarrassingloss to the Bruins. This year starts with the same expectations as last year, finishing in the basement for another season. Fans and pundents are already salavating over the thought of picking Taylor Hall in the 2010 draft. I would hope the season doesn't come down to that AGAIN!
But there is one optomist on the team, Richard Park. Park spoke to Islanders Point Blank's Chris Botta and told Botta and the rest of Islanders Country "IŌĆÖll give you this: when April comes around, I expect us to be in position to compete in the playoffs." Park, who is a well respected vet has an extremely optimistic outlook for this season and should be taken very┬Āseriously. Its nice to see someone not counting the isles out before they even hit the ice.
What else.........oh ya everyone at training camp is impressed by John Tavares's hand shake. The young star has made a splash at training camp and has been taken under the wing of of Veteran and captain candidate Doug Weight. Reports from Katie Strang, the only New York reporter covering the Islanders and video from the Islanders website provide footage of Weight showing Tavares the ropes and giving him tips throughout camp.
Although Johnny boy is not gunna be playing, along with several other big name players, but hey it's Islanders hockey and right now i couldnt have asked for a better birthday present than the return of Islanders hockey. So break out the Jerseys and get ready for a late night cause it's almost hockey time.no comments
So Dany Heatley finally got his wish on Saturday, September 12th.┬Ā Heatley and a 5th round pick head to San Jose while Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick are moving to Ottawa.
But after all the speculation and rumors and demands, I look at this trade and my first thoughts are:┬Ā "So what?"
This is a trade that will help Ottawa, yes; they got rid of the unhappy Heatley, and receive a 2nd round pick to nab a young prospect.┬Ā But Cheechoo has not been too great an offensive force since winning the Rocket Richard trophy in 2006, and Michalek doesn't combine with Cheechoo greatly enough to equal a tandem sizeable to fill the gap left by Heatley.┬Ā It was obvious that there were little options out there for Ottawa to get full return for what they'd lose in Heatley, and while they receive a decent duo in return, it's likely not enough to change this team for the better and get them back in the playoffs.
And look at San Jose, they lose Cheechoo and Michalek,┬Āand just a few weeks ago also traded away Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to Vancouver.┬Ā Yes they get Heatley, but they're remodeling this team a little late.
Don't get me wrong, the combo of Heatley getting passes from Joe Thornton is a scary though.┬Ā Thornton is a great set up man and now has an excellent finisher in Heatley.┬Ā And yes, Heatley has had a successful playoff run with the Senators when they went to the Finals in 2007.┬Ā But one man's experience and goal scoring ability isn't going to be enough to turn an entire team's postseason failure around just like that.┬Ā While I wouldn't be surprised if the "professional" prognosticators start picking the Sharks to represent the Western Conference in this year's Stanley Cup Finals, I personally do not see it happening.
Ottawa has gotten rid of an unhappy Heatley, which will help locker room morale, but what they received in return was not enough to fill his void, they're not any closer to the playoffs without him then they were with him.┬Ā And San Jose gives up two players for one, granted a very good one, but depth has taken a small blow.┬Ā San Jose is marginally improved at best, and for a team that hasn't gotten past the second round of the playoffs since the lookout, they needed more than just┬Āa marginal improvement to be considered a true threat.
The Heatley trade demand, nixed Edmonton trade, and now the San Jose deal have dominated the offseason trade news while┬Āa Phil Kessel trade has been under the radar.┬Ā But in the end, a rumored deal to send Kessel to Toronto may end up making a bigger impact on those teams than the Heatley trade will on the Sharks and Sens, despite making much more noise since June.no comments


text:
Hi guys what is the difference in the usage of 成るべく and できるだけ?
Don't they both mean as [x] as possible?
1) できるだけ多くの本を読みなさい vs なるべく多くの本を読みなさい
2) できるだけ早くお願いします vs なるべく早くお願いします
I think スコット's answer isn't that off the mark.
If you take なるべく and できるだけ word for word, they become:
See how the subjects are different. なるべく just says that some state should be reached, while できるだけ demands you to make maximum effort in achieving the goal.
This difference isn't much noticeable when used in first person, because the speaker is the one who needs to take action.
However, under an imperative context, できるだけ gets all the more demanding for requiring the other person's effort. So なるべく sounds softer and more appropriate when you're not in a position to demand effort from the listener.
This is how I visualize these two adverbs.
Again, the difference in nuance between the two is very subtle, and they're interchangeable most of the time, if not always.
なるべく = as ~ as possible;
It needs a verb or adverb to be a complete phrase...
できるだけ = If I (you) can or as much as possible
Both are common in conversation.


text:
Monster Jam (Afternoon)Sat, March 2, 2013 - 2:00 PMRoyal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD
We are sorry, the date for this event has already passed. This event took place on 3/2/2013. Click here to view upcoming events for Monster Jam.
Still unsure? Check out our user reviews for:
Have a question? Need help? Call us at 800.477.5285


text:
Darlin' Dixie
One of the nation's top Tupperware ladies brings the party to town next week, but it's unlikely you have ever experienced a gathering quite like hers. Dixie Longate marries real-world, Tupperware-selling acumen with a Southern-inflected stage show in what has become a touring phenomenon. Dixie is one of a handful of drag queens hawking kitchen accouterments through the Mary Kay-like system for people who prefer the kitchen to the makeup counter.


text:
Buster Olney
Recent and archived news articles by Buster Olney of The New York Times.
Driven by a Fear of Failure
The former Yankees beat reporter for The Times recalls George Steinbrenner in the 1990s, when the Boss's mood swayed according to wins and losses.
July 18, 2010, Sunday
The Unnaturals
A look at baseball's early days, performance enhancement and all.
April 6, 2008, Sunday
An Outside-the-Park Investigation
For a steroid investigation of Major League Baseball to be credible, it would have to look at all of baseball — not just the players.
April 1, 2006, Saturday
Down on The Farm
The Yankees must go through a long reconstruction of the farm system before they have another dynasty.
October 22, 2004, Friday
The Uneasy Alliance Between Steinbrenner and Cashman
This article is an adaptation from ''The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty,'' a new book published by HarperCollins about the team that won four titles in five years. Those Yankees thrived under the pressure of relentless expectations, but players and...
August 15, 2004, Sunday
Hamilton's Arrest Clouds His Return
The Giants' Keith Hamilton talked optimistically this spring about his comeback from a torn Achilles' tendon, saying he intended to dedicate his performance in the 2003 season to the memory of his youngest sister, who was killed in a car wreck last...
May 24, 2003, Saturday
Reluctant to Relieve
John Smoltz is a reliever now, but he is not ready for long-term commitment. This is a marriage of convenience: The Atlanta Braves needed a closer and he said yes, reluctantly. His first love is starting pitching, with its structured regimen, its...
May 23, 2003, Friday
New Dimension To Home Field
Stand at home plate in Jacobs Field in Cleveland and it seems as if you could reach over the right-field fence by merely extending your arm. Jacobs Field was among the first of the new wave of ballparks designed to promote offense and home runs and...
May 18, 2003, Sunday
Yankees Finally Starting To Slow
The pace was faster than any in the history of the Yankees, 18 victories in 21 games, and it was not until the past 10 days that they finally began to slow. And if the Yankees glance behind them this morning, they will see the Boston Red Sox right...
May 15, 2003, Thursday
Mets' Struggles Add to Cone's Uncertainty
David Cone climbed a mountain of doubt when he surprised the Mets, and even himself, by winning a job in the starting rotation at the outset of the season. But now Cone is coming back from a hip injury and is ostensibly in the same position he was in...
May 12, 2003, Monday
Rss Feeds On Buster Olney
Subscribe to an RSS feed on this topic. What is RSS?


text:
Before meth, Sheff's son, Nic, was a varsity athlete, honor student, and award-winning journalist. After meth, he was a trembling wraith who stole money from his eight-year-old brother and lived on the streets. With haunting candor, Sheff traces the first warning signs, the attempts at rehabilitation, and, at last, the way past addiction. He shows us that, whatever an addict's fate, the rest of the family must care for one another, too, lest they become addicted to addiction.
You can also hear Sheff's son's perspective in his memoir: Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines.
©2007 David Sheff; (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"Sheff does not spare himself or anyone else from keen professional scrutiny any more than he was himself spared the pains and joys of watching a loved one struggling with addiction and recovery....This is an honest, hopeful book, coming at a propitious moment in the meth epidemic." (Publishers Weekly)
"Painful and honest account"
This account by David Sheff about his son Nick's meth addiction was lengthy but riveting nontheless. The account leaves nothing out, starting with Nick as a baby, young child, school-age, middle school, teenager. This detail is offered apparently to give the reader an open look at Nick's life and see that drug addiction can happen to anyone. (Nick was very bright, great athlete, artistic, funny, charming, had it all). Nick experimented with marijuana and alcohol at around age 12 or 13 and graduated to other drugs as he got older. Eventually he settled on meth (speed) as his drug of choice. As any parent, David wanted to believe the best about his son so when his son said he was not using drugs he believed him until forced to acknowledge that he had been using all along. Like any parent, he wanted to believe his son was not a liar and under normal conditions (not high/using), his son was not a liar. He tried everything to manipulate his son to become a good non-drug using citizen, put him in rehab after rehab, chased him all around California, begged, cajoled, threatened jail, and was just obsessed with knowing where Nick was even when it was obvious Nick was bent on self-destruction. Perhaps the most startling part of the book was after David had a stroke and was in the hospital intensive care ward. He couldn't remember his name, or even the year (thought it was 2015), but he was obsessed with being able to call and check on Nick. He kept telling the nurse he had to call Nick to find out how he was. After all the rehabs and efforts by the family, he finally had to just give up and put Nick's life into his own hands. Very interesting book for anyone who might have a drug user in the family. Offers some interesting insights, especially should help alleviate guilt felt by parents of users who blame themselves for a child's addiction.
"A Gripping Story"
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing this book read. I had heard the author and his son, the subject of the book, interviewed on NPR when the book first came out and the story stayed with me for a year before I decided to download the book. For anyone who has lived with a loved one who has an addiction problem, I think it is a necessary read. The story was eloquently told and all of the facts about meth addiction were explained in a way that I had never before understood to this degree. I highly recommend this book.
"Terrifyingly real..."
Sheff recounts in amazing detail, the horror he and his family continue to endure through his son's ongoing meth addiction.I found myself leaving earlier in the morning to catch the traffic jam, just so I could listen for longer.
As a professional of the medical world, I found his research and explanations excellent and pharmacologically accurate (as you'd expect of a journalist).
I loved this book, although I understand the agony and hopelessness Sheff expresses at times may be overwhelming to some - this really is the world that meth creates. Sheff does make some significant realisations on his journey which would assist anyone who also has a loved one with methamphetamine addiction.
I look forward to now reading/listening to Nick's account although I am terrified that by doing so I may be feeding the very habit he's trying to quit.
Lit Lover
"Been There"
My own son is addicted to drugs (though not meth) and alcohol. He read this book and insisted that I did. I admit, the first half of the book was horribly painful for me. It was as if I was reading about my own family and their struggles. However, it got me to admit things to myself that I had not been able to previously. I know from experience that this book is as painfully honest as it gets. By the end, I was nodding. Yes, there is only so much I can do for my son, but, I can deal with my addiction to his addiction in the most positive way possible. I can help myself. Well done Mr. Sheff!
I like good stories about animals and history
"Honest and Heartbreaking Rollercoaster"
Amazing! The author was able to put my life in a book and we have never met. Any parent of an addict who needs assurance that they are not alone in their struggles will find themselves in this book. Any person thinking of having children needs to read this first to open their mind up to the possibility that no matter how much someone loves their children there are no guarantees of happiness. Thank you for putting my feelings into words.
"Emotional roller coaster"
Being a new parent, this hit me harder than I expected. A realization that any family can be hit by this tragedy and I found myself getting teary eyed throughout the book. It is heart aching to hear this fathers story but the story is Told well and with great Narration. Some subjects tend to go on too long such as explaining the drug but overall I recommend this book.
Beautiful Boy is a heartbreaking, but clear picture of what life is like for family members going through addiction with a loved one.
"All parents should listen to Beautiful Boy"
Great book, expecially if you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. All compulsive personalities can learn from this compasionate book.
"Such a powerful story"
Loving this story is hard when you've lived it. It's filled with heartbreak and fear all parents of addicts have experienced.
Again, there are few laughs in the story or the tragedy that us as parents have gone though. The tears flowed many times when I could relate to David's fear and despair.
To all parents of addict's, find an Al-Anon group near you. Find many if you need it and keep going. You'll find serenity and hope and realize that you truly have been affected by this disease.
Do you read the book before you dislike my reviews?
"A Family's Love"
After reading Tweak, (Nic's story about his addiction), I was looking forward at reading his father's prospective. At first, I was ready to write a bad review because the story is kind of hokey at times, and it becomes a sob story. I thought that there was too much pity over a junky and I was getting annoyed with the read, but something happened as I read more of Nic's father's point of view.
I imagined putting myself in his dad's shoes and thought about my family and wondered what I would do in this situation, where you are seeing a love one destroy their lives over and over. I don't know. I hope that I wouldn't give up on them, but I don't know if I would give them handouts each time they relapse. I hope that I will never experience this in my life.
The book is very honest and narrated from his father's voice on his son, but there are other voices in his story on how they want to get Nic to get better. For example, we hear support from his other family members, and Nic's two younger siblings from his father second marriage, which they look up to their big brother.
Hearing their love for their step brother, step son, and their son, made the story worth it because it shows a family's love.
The book would been better if his father was the narrator because Anthony Heald overacts with his performance.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
Meet and Communicate with Fun Singles Near You on BBW Personals Plus
Register now to search thousands of members and post your FREE profile!
I love to laugh. I love to sing. I tell corny jokes. I am comfortable hanging around the house or going out and kicking up my heels. I ...
ChrisOR02 is a 49yr-old single man in Eugene, OregonView Profile


text:
The Feynman lectures are universally admired, it seems, but also a half-century old. Taking them as a source for self-study, what compensation for their age, if any, should today's reader undertake? I'm interested both in pointers to particular topics where the physics itself is out-of-date, or topics where the pedagogical approach now admits attestable improvements.
The Feynman Lectures need only a little amending, but it's a relatively small amount compared to any other textbook. The great advantage of the Feynman Lectures is that everything is worked out from scratch Feynman's way, so that it is taught with the maximum insight, something that you can only do after you sit down and redo the old calculations from scratch. This makes them very interesting, because you learn from Feynman how the discovering gets done, the type of reasoning, the physical intuition, and so on.
The original presentation also makes it that Feynman says all sorts of things in a slightly different way than other books. This is good to test your understanding, because if you only know something in a half-assed way, Feynman sounds wrong. I remember that when I first read it a million years ago, a large fraction of the things he said sounded completely wrong. This original presentation is a very important component: it teaches you what originality sounds like, and knowing how to be original is the most important thing.
I think Vol. I is pretty much OK as an intro, although it should be supplemented at least with this stuff:
For Volume II, the most serious problem is that the foundations are off. Feynman said he wanted to redo the classical textbook point of view on E&M, but he wasn't sure how to do it. The Feynman Lectures were written at a time just before modern gauge theory took off, and while they emphasize the vector potential a lot compared to other treatments of the time, they don't make the vector potential the main object. Feynman wanted to redo Volume II to make it completely vector-potential-centered, but he didn't get to do it. Somebody else did a vector-potential based discussion of E&M based on this recommendation, but the results were not so great.
The major things I don't like in Vol. II:
Vol. III is extremely good because it is so brief. The introduction to quantum mechanics there gets you to a good intuitive understanding quickly, and this is the goal. It probably could use the following:
Since the lectures are introductory, everything in there just becomes second nature, so it doesn't matter that they are old. The old books should just be easier, because the old stuff is already floating in the air. If you find something in the Feynman Lectures which isn't completely obvious, you should study it until it is obvious--- there's no barrier, the things are self-contained.
I'm not sure what you mean by saying: "the physics is out-of-date," because in some sense Newtonian mechanics is out-of-date. But we know that it is an effective theory (the low-speed limit of relativity) and is important to study and understand since it describes everyday-life mechanics accurately.
Feynman lectures are the classic 101/102 physics resource. So, just read and learn. And Feynman is a master in his pedagogical approach (remember the challenger case?)
The only thing is that you're not going to learn the techniques of Quantum field theory or other advanced and more recent research-level topics from Feynman lectures.


text:
Physical Changes in Your Aging Cat
In This Article:
Heart, Lung, Kidney, Liver, and Glandular Changes
Many changes occur to your cat's internal organs as he grows older. Good nutrition and proper dental care can help maintain good health into advanced old age, but some changes are inevitable.
The aging heart loses muscle tone and can't pump blood as efficiently as a young heart. Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, is not uncommon in older cats. Your vet might diagnose heart problems with the help of radiographs (x-rays), or he might recommend an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram for more precise diagnosis. Medication can often control symptoms of feline heart disease, depending on the type of disease, its severity, and your cat's general health.
Your cat's lungs become less elastic with age, reducing their ability to oxygenate blood, which reduces your cat's stamina. Older cats are prone to respiratory problems, so your vet might suggest changes to your kitty's vaccinations. If your cat has asthma, her symptoms might become worse.
Your cat's risk of kidney disease also increases with age. Part of the increased risk results from natural changes in the kidney itself, but various health problems can also contribute to kidney disease. Gum disease can result in transmission of bacteria to other organs, especially the kidney and heart. If the heart isn't working properly, blood flow to the kidneys may be reduced, contributing to kidney dysfunction.
Observable signs of kidney disease (usually increased drinking and urination) don't become apparent until more than half of normal kidney function is lost, so screening for kidney function through blood chemistry tests or urinalysis is a good idea as part of your older cat's regular examinations. Screening is also recommended before any procedure requiring anesthesia. Kidney disease is serious, but special diets and medications can often control it.
Your cat's liver, which produces various proteins and enzymes and removes toxins from the blood, also becomes less efficient with age. Liver disease isn't always easy to diagnose, though. A perfectly healthy animal sometimes shows high levels of liver enzymes, while one with liver disease might have normal levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Still, screening is recommended periodically and before anesthesia, as an animal with reduced liver function requires lower doses of anesthesia and some medications.
Glandular changes and the resulting hormone-related diseases are also common in older cats as the levels of some hormones rise and others fall. Hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus (see Feline Health Problems) are not uncommon in feline seniors. Routine blood tests can catch these and other diseases early, making control through drugs, diet, and other methods more effective.
Female cats who are spayed after coming in heat or having kittens—or not at all—might develop hormone-related mammary gland tumors. Although some tumors are fibrous rather than cancerous, about 85 percent of feline mammary tumors are malignant. A careful examination of the older female cat's mammary glands should be part of her regular check-up.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not unusual in older cats, but it can go unnoticed for a long time, especially in a multi-pet home where the hard-of-hearing cat may rely on visual clues from other pets and continue to respond to activity as you expect him to. Our cat Mary was stone deaf, and we didn't realize it. I made the discovery when she didn't react at all when I talked to her back and no one else was around to cue her. If your cat's first reaction to seeing you looks like aggression—a startled cat reacts with a swat or bite, for example—a visit to the vet to check his hearing might be in order.
Hearing loss due to aging is usually permanent. A few changes in your behavior, though, can keep your cat's interaction with you positive. Even if your cat is completely deaf, he might be able to sense vibrations, especially on the floor or a piece of furniture where he's lounging. Clap your hands, stomp on the floor, or pat the end of the couch to give him a heads-up. If he can still see, visual signals are also effective (if he's not sound asleep). Move into his field of vision at a distance before you approach him, or flash a light on and off to get his attention.
Eye and Vision Changes
Your cat might also lose some or all of her vision as she grows older. Common signs of vision loss include bumping into things or lack of interest in moving objects. Cloudiness of the older cat's eye, known as nuclear sclerosis, is normal and usually doesn't affect vision, but cats might also develop cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye diseases. Gradual changes are fairly normal, but if you notice a sudden change in the appearance of your cat's eyes or in her apparent ability to see, contact your vet. The eye is the window not only to the soul but often to general health as well.
Behavioral Changes in Your Aging Cat
Elderly cats often undergo changes in personality and behavior. Some changes are minor or even perceived as improvements by a cat's people—Felix no longer climbs the curtains! But other changes can be problematic and worrisome. Health problems and physical changes (see "Physical Changes in Your Aging Cat") often cause or contribute to changes in personality, behavior, and sleep patterns. In addition, many cats (like many people) become less able to handle stress as they grow older. Events your cat took in stride when he was younger might become catalysts for inappropriate elimination, aggression, phobias, and other behaviors you don't want.
Cat Nip
If your aging cat no longer seems to handle stress well, bringing home a new pet, especially a playful kitten, might not be a great idea. The best time to welcome a new pet is while the older one still moves around easily, sees and hears reasonably well, and retains an interest in his housemates.
Fortunately, behavior modification techniques and veterinary intervention can manage many age-related behavioral changes. If your old cat just doesn't seem to be herself, talk to your vet about diagnosis and treatment options.
We've probably all known some "crotchety" older people. Cats can become crabby as they age, too, sometimes behaving aggressively toward people and other pets they have lived with peaceably for years. Aggressive behavior is at best no fun to live with, and it's dangerous. Besides, a cat who changes in this way is not a happy feline.
Aggressive behavior in older cats is often a response to pain or fear. Pain might be the chronic aches of arthritis or long-term illness or the sudden pain of acute injury or disease. Fear can arise when the cat is in pain or when she can no longer see or hear well. Various organ diseases can also cause chemical imbalances that lead to behavioral changes, including aggression.
If your cat becomes aggressive, schedule a thorough physical exam to determine whether there's a medical reason for the change. If the behavior seems to be the result of a medical problem, talk to your vet about treatment options. If no obvious cause can be found for the behavior, ask your vet to refer you to a qualified animal behaviorist who can work out an appropriate treatment program. Medical (drug) treatment, other approaches, or a combination of treatments can often control aggression.
A number of medical conditions can cause older cats to lose their previously fastidious litter box habits, including feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), kidney or liver disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, anal sac disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or vision problems.
Loss of House Training
The most common behavioral problem reported in feline senior citizens is inappropriate elimination—pottying outside the litter box and sometimes scent marking (spraying). Such behavior might be due to a medical problem. Stress can also lead to inappropriate elimination in cats of all ages, especially older cats.
With older cats in particular, you might need to clean the litter box more frequently as changes in your cat's digestive and urinary systems cause him to use the facilities more often. If your old kitty is arthritic, he might experience pain getting to and in and out of the litter box. Sometimes a simple change—say, a more accessible location or a new box with lower sides—makes all the difference. Going up and down stairs can be painful for old joints, so adding a box or two in different parts of the house, especially if your house has multiple levels, might be helpful.
More on: Pets
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat http://life.familyeducation.com/cats/health/45708.html 2005 by Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.


text:
I am trying to use afconvert to convert a .mp3 to .m4r. I am entering the following:
afconvert -f m4af -d aac -o input.mp3 tone.m4r
However, this gives me an error:
Error: Couldn't open input file (-43)
I am in the directory of the input file. Could someone please shed some light on what I am doing wrong?


text:
get the touch system running and reattach the heavy table to the base and put it somewhere people can use it and experiment with it.
allow access for all to modify and use: sudo for guest:noisebridge account.
Following notes added by Carl. (please copy to main page)
How to reset the BIOS video settings
While playing around with the BIOS settings, I ended up disabling the built-in LCD from working anymore. Problem was, I couldn't see the BIOS screen to reset it! I ended up taking the table apart in order to find the VGA out connector. Plugging an external monitor to this allowed me to see what I was doing, at least part of the time. There were other times when even the BIOS screen appeared garbled. Here are the steps to reset the screens back to normal...
This is what we want to set in the BIOS to restore the LCD:
- Advanced Chipset Features
- AGP & P2P Bridge Control
- Panel Type
- set to "1280x1024 2x24B"
- Panel Type
- AGP & P2P Bridge Control
- Problem is, just setting the above won't immediately fix the LCD. Try setting first to "1024x768 1x18B", save and reboot, then set to above resolution.
- Make sure "Display Device" is set to "CRT+LCD" prior to setting the above. (CRT is the VGA out, LCD is the built-in monitor)
Steps to restore monitors while working blind:
- On boot, press "del" key a few times right after colored lines on LCD flash to get into BIOS.
- To reset BIOS to minimal failsafe defaults, press:
- Right, Down, Enter, "Y", Enter, F10, Enter.
- (Computer should now reboot. Press Del to enter BIOS.)
- Now we must set "Display Device" to "CRT+LCD":
- Down, Down, Enter, Down, Enter, 4*Up, Enter, 12*Up, 5*Down, Enter, F10, Enter.
- (Computer should now reboot. Press Del to enter BIOS.)
- Now to fix the resolution:
- Down, Down, Enter, Down, Enter, 3*Up, Enter, F10, Enter.
Hopefully, that should restore the built-in LCD.