text:
It is my sad duty to inform the visitors to this page of the loss of another
audio pioneer and member of the Dynaco family. Ed Laurent, first employee
and talented designer, has passed away. Ed's quiet assistance and good humor have been
instrumental in making this web page much better than it otherwise would have been, and
we will greatly miss his guidance.
I will compose a more detailed requiem and post the obituary as soon as I can gather my
thoughts and do justice to the task. Ed's friends are invited to contribute their
comments and reminiscences if they wish; I can only try to be the messenger of their respect.
Greg's Unofficial
Home Page
Recently, I looked all over the Net for a page about Dynaco audio gear. There
are a few devoted to modifications or upgrades to (mostly tube) vintage Dyna
gear, but not a single one celebrating the company, the rich catalog of
equipment, or the fun of building and listening to Dynaco gear. This page will
hopefully fill part of the gap. It is my ultimate intention to build and expand
upon a modest history of the company, its wares, and their various evolutions.
I will not attempt to chronicle all the mods and upgrades undertaken by other
Dyna aficionados, but will instead provide links to the hard-working people who
have already done more than I possibly could in that regard. This is from
the standpoint of a satisfied customer/user spanning three decades (so far),
and hopefully will invite comment and information from other users on the Net.
Former Dyna employees are extremely welcome to comment on or correct my
presentation! :-)
I want to salute the people of Dynaco, from their brilliant founder/designer
David Hafler onward, and hope that wherever they are today, they know that the
high fidelity industry is a poorer place in Dynaco's absence -- but was enriched
immensely by its too brief presence.
"The real art is bringing the greatest good (music) to the greatest number." --
Bob Tucker
••• The Good Stuff •••
And now, on with the actual goodies you were probably looking for on this site:
Here is a map of the site, just to get you started. Obviously, there's more to
it, but this is the rough structure.
I would like to thank a growing list of people who took time away from their
"real work" to contribute to the accuracy of this page, even though none of them
speak for, or are involved in support for, Dynaco hardware. I extend my
deep appreciation to John and Joy Peterson of Sound Valves Corporation, formerly Stereo
Cost Cutters/Sound Values, who maintained sales and parts support for Dynaco
equipment until their stock was depleted in the early 1990s and they ended
support for Dynaco equipment. Also Erno Borbely, owner of Borbely Audio, who designed many
circuits for Dyna's ground-breaking solid-state components in the 1970s and
continues to develop audio equipment of his own for sale. Thanks to Ned
Carlson from Triode Electronics who
scanned numerous 1950s and 1960s reviews of Dyna equipment from High
Fidelity, Audio, and Stereo Reviewmagazines, and allowed me to
mirror them on this site. Mark Williams provided extensive version and
upgrade information for Dyna's early solid-state equipment. Bob
Schneider wrote an excellent article about Dynaco upgrades (also mirrored
here with his permission) and provided helpful comments and info by Email.
Mike Hazel loaned copies of Dynaco brochures for me to scan, filling in
the last tidbits of data for the 1970s. Steven L. Bender provided copies
of the Mk. II and SCA-80 manuals, plus service info for the ST-120 and much
fascinating data on the speakers and solid-state equipment
specifications as well as the company history. He offers a line of Rebuild Amplifiers which Dynaco fans
may find intriguing. Joe Waterkotte provided updated FM-3 tuner
specifications. Mark McNally helped with speaker production notes and
faceplate info, provided the remaining solid-state gear reviews for me to
add to this site, and sent me many useful copies of Dynaco advertising brochures
with which to double-check and update my specifications. Lloyde Dees sent
pictures and specifications for the very rare Stereo 35, enabling me to complete
my page on this component. Don Bilger provided dates and ad copy which added
to the database of late-1970s Dynaco history. Mark Korda provided new info on
latter-day Dynaco speakers. Norman Koren submitted a link to his audio amp
design page. Eric Mintz contributed hardware and manuals to the ongoing
museum project! Kevin Boales kindly submitted many cleaned-up diagrams
and wrote an excellent page on troubleshooting your ST-400 and -410.
I sincerely appreciate their contributions, though I accept the blame for any
misinterpretation or errors in handling the information they have given me. I
would be honored to hear from anyone else who wishes to contact me. This web
site is a living document, and my mailbox is always open to comments.
Please understand that all of these folks contributed information about Dynaco
history with the understanding that they are not involved in support for
Dynaco components as such. Please visit their Web sites, check out their new,
original audio designs, and buy their Dynaco upgrade boards, but don't harass
them for assistance which they do not have the resources to provide. Use the
Web and Usenet for those purposes, as I did, and share your discoveries with me
and other Dynaco fans. You will receive credit if I use your information on
this page!
Among those who still derive some of their business from upgrades and
modifications to Dynaco equipment, Frank Van Alstine of Audio By Van Alstine answered questions
about Dyna parts replacement and circuitry. Joe Curcio of
Curcio Audio has provided numerous
schematics in PDF format for the Dynaco lovers to peruse and use, as he
continues to produce new designs based on the tubes which enabled Hafler & Co.
to change the course of high fidelity 45 years ago. These folks sell upgrade
hardware for old Dynaco equipment as well as their excellent original audio
gear, but PLEASE do not badger them for free support. Their time is valuable,
and in particular Frank's Audio Basicsarticles are well worth the price
for information on maintenance and upgrades of older stereo gear of many types.
Any errors in the data on this site are mine alone; none of the people who
helped me by forwarding anecdotes, data sheets, etc. are in any way at fault for
my mishandling of their data. Where not otherwise identified, ALL data on these
pages come from manuals and data sheets in my possession, either originals or
copies. Errors copied verbatim from Dynaco manuals or data sheets are not my
fault per se, but I'd like to hear from you if you think there's a typo or a
version change that should be corrected! :-)
Again, thanks to all the above for their help; this site would have been far
less complete and interesting without their contributions.
RIP: David Hafler, founder and mentor of The Dyna Company; Harry Klaus, who
contributed to many fine Dynaco products; Sid Lidz, designer of RF and power
components; Bob Tucker, author of most of Dynaco's first-rate manuals; Bill
Phillips, Dynaco's "golden ear" and customer service manager; Joe Sparacio,
technician; and Bob Boehme, QC/Engineering. They will be missed.
Made with a Macintosh and the Alpha multi-mode editor
hits since 20 April 2000
Dynaco is a registered trademark of Panor Corporation.
Dynaco/Site FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about
Dynaco or this site. Check here first -- maybe save yourself some effort!
Latest Updates to This Site
What's new on this site.
Dynaco Component Equipment Catalog
Information I've gleaned over the years
about the Dynaco product line; dates, specs, and designers. Some pages
(mostly the solid state gear)include schematics and service info. Check here first
for tech data!
Gary Kaufman's Dynaco Tube Audio Schematics Page
Gary Kaufman of The Dynaco Tube Audio Schematics Page shared some rare and extremely helpful
data with me, relating to Dynaco part numbers and model introductory dates, and volunteered
to be an alternate source for Dynaco information. Please visit his site for additional
data (especially tube-related) not found on mine.
Unofficial Dynaco Company History
A fragmentary history of the Dyna Company from inception to demise.
Dynaco Products and Modification Overview
A nice article written by Bob Schneider about parts and modification
for Dynaco's classic tube component equipment. Mirrored here with his permission.
Other links
Hi-fi and Dynaco-related links contributed by visitors and
other friends.
Extra special thanks go out to the following former Dynaco employees who
took the time to correspond with me and assure that the historical and component
data was as correct as I could make it: Wade Burns, Chief Engineer;
James Elliott, Director of Customer Services and Quality Control; John
Ferranti, QC; Doug Hercus, Quality Assurance Manager; Richard
Pley, Design Engineer; and Joseph Sparacio, Technician. My deepest
appreciation and respect to Dynaco's first "hired engineer" and designer of a
huge number of their tube and solid-state units, Ed Laurent. Ed
graciously agreed to be interviewed by phone and helped sort out a number of
factual items as well as contributing some fascinating recollections of life at
Dynaco in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
Ed Laurent reports that Mr. Hafler died on May 25, 2003 in Philadelphia after a
prolonged and debilitating illness. We would like to offer our sympathies and
best wishes to his family on behalf of the legion of Dynaco and Hafler
enthusiasts worldwide.
Mr. Hafler's vision and hard work brought to life a series of unparalleled
hi-fi components and a community of people who truly believed in the ethic of
economical and high-quality musical reproduction. His guidance saw the rise and
success of audio component kits which equalled the best the industry had to
offer, and which still enjoy a high reputation today.
We ask that you take a moment in your own way to reflect on Mr. David Hafler's
legacy, and to mark the passing of a true legend in the audio community.
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer obituary here.
This page created and maintained byGreg Dunn.
Copyright © 2000-2002 Greg Dunn


text:
[ad#Google Adsense]
I posted earlier about the latest Verizon iPhone commercial and now it seems that AT&T is hitting back to
Verizon's commercial.
According to the new commercial of AT&T a man is working late in his office when he receives a call from his wife reminding him about their anniversary is today.He then quickly surfs internet through his iPhone while in call and makes reservation of a table for dinner.
Will keep you updated on latest updates on Verizon iPhone.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wisha, wisha, wisha wannnn
It's B Gizzle (Heard me)
(Cut the music up, Ya that's good)
Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood (Bet something, shoot something)
One of the realest niggas ever don't it, right chyea, live and in living color
(I know you ain't gon do nothing, get em)
[Verse 1: B. G.]
It's like B. Gizzle, the world wide ghetto pass
I'm reppin nigga, take a flight to them other land
I fear God only, never fear another man
It's never one hustle, I always got a backup plan
It ain't no secret I can tell ya bout the gutta man
I'm a write a book on how to come out the struggle man
Now come through, you know what's in them dufflebags
A lot of gats, a lot of cash, and some ski masks
You know my street pass, it been certified
Stop lying I'm a g you been hear about
Stop repping, you a pussy I been a heard of you
You playin with a gangsta homie then murder you
Oh you lookin for me, but the homie lookin for you
Have yo people wearing a rest in peace shirt of you
My reputation on the block been A-1
I'm the same in, nigga I been since day
[Chorus: Lil Wayne (Trey Songz)]
I said bet somethin, shoot somethin
You just talking I know you ain't gon do nothin
Pussy nigga (ya heard me?)
If you got something to lose, you gon lose something unless you do something
So (ya heard me?)
Gotta use what you've learned, to receive what you've earned
Make sure (ya heard me)
Real niggas do real things and there's a lot of real niggas in the game
I know you heard me
You say (ya heard me), I say (ya heard me), He say (ya heard me),
I know you heard me, she say (ya heard me), everybody like it when I say (ya heard me)
[Verse 2: Juvenile]
You got a lot of nerve
They talkin a lot of hurt
Only round yo homies, when I'm round you know, not a word
I'm a heathen that fights for what he believes in, and I ain't got no plans on leaving till I get even
Salt and pepper, nigga I'm seasoned for any reason
The day you want something with Juve, come on and see him
My G ain't gon allow me to lose, I'm busting shots back as soon as you niggas move
Eww, I'm not a fan of fools that's why I got attitude
Runnin your mouth to me, I'm a try to get at a dude
Don't even have a tool, what is you tryna prove
Gon head and choose ya [? ], cause I'm a shoot
[Verse 3: Lil Wayne]
N. O. On my fitted, I'm commited to my city
Anything I will commit it just to show that I'm commited
Commit it then get aquitted
Aye Gizzle let me get em, Gizzle let me get em
Eat em up and shit em (ha)
And ain't no explanation for this damn insanity
I'm a monster like I'm part of the Adams Family
And some say I am old, but I'm new to a few
And I'm blessed... Esh you
I came to get me and I got you
And I'm so me and I'm not you
And even if you get married you could'nt do what I do
Now let me get high off my drug scandals
Lifes a gamble...
Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/bg/ya_heard_me.html


text:
Once again, we're hearing about news stories where people assume that a trademark means complete ownership over that mark, rather than simply the ability to prevent its use in confusing or dilutionary ways. The latest, as sent in by JJ, involves the University of Utah, who is threatening HBO over the show "Big Love." Apparently, in one of the episodes, the University's logo is portrayed on letterhead. This is a perfectly reasonable use, and certainly not in any way confusing (even to the proverbial moron in a hurry). Yet the University claims that some might believe this means the University endorses the show. That is, plainly speaking, ridiculous. Plenty of TV shows use logos from real organizations all the time, and it doesn't mean endorsement by that brand at all. If you needed to get approval of every brand ever used in your TV show, no TV shows would ever get produced.
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Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
Anonymous Poster, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:08amI really, really hope HBO tells them to shove it.
CmdrOberon, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:11am
Flawed Logic
I don't believe your logic stands up. With the
ever increasing number of paid endorsements appearing
in TV and film, I don't think it's unreasonable for
any brand name to believe that their appearance in a
show or film would lead people to conclude an endorsement.
At the very least, I believe most would assume that
some money changed hands for that prominent appearance,
and since they brand has decided to advertise in that
particular venue, they must approve of the venue.
And, everyone knows that 'approval' spelled backwards is 'endorsement'. -
WarOtter (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:23am
Re: Flawed Logic
I disagree but I'm too tired right now to actually write out why. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:41am
Re: Flawed Logic
I completely agree with this. Because the current status of product placement, any time a product can reasonably be identified to be one specific brand (whether it has a logo or a distinctive look like Chuck's iPhone), you need to get clearance.
And most entertainment law attorneys managing clearance for a production do this. If you didn't notice, studios have been blurring out labels and logos and trade dress on shows like Real World for 10+ years now. In most shows where they didn't get clearance, they'll either block the logo with something else in the shot, or they'll use a camera angle that keeps the trademark off screen. -
Steve, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:58am
Re: Re: Flawed Logic
They probably blur those things out so they can justify charging people that they do not blur out in a product placement. I doubt anyone that knows anything about the university of Utah thinks they endorse Big Love. Although I don't know why they would not be proud of their heritage. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:00am
Re: Re: Flawed Logic
Wow, I always assumed the Real World blocked those logos because they wouldn't pay for the placement, not the other way around. In other words, MTV wouldn't give free advertisement. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:42am
Re: Flawed Logic
I agree, Mike's wrong. -
Octothorpe (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:26am
Masnick Misses Mark
Masnick has really missed the mark on this one. There are may PR departments that would be terrified to have their organization linked in any way shape or form to this highly controversial show. Obviously the University of Utah is onne of those organizations that wants absolutely nothing to do with the show and would not have wanted their logo or name shown. Sure it may be a stretch of trademark laws, but the University has a point in that the use of their logo on the show could tend top show a link between the show and the University and they should have a right to protect the use of their image and reputation. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:28am
Re: Masnick Misses Mark
Ya so? The point is that they're stretching a law to get it banned - it's not clearly illegal to do so without their permission.
Just because someone doesn't like something doesn't make it illegal. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:36am
Re: Masnick Misses Mark
So put out a press release saying they don't endorse the show and be done with it. Or....file a lawsuit and look like a bunch of clueless idiots... -
AMusingFool (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:26amActually, they'd all just look like 'Repo Man'.
duane (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:34am
not with you on this one
I think you're right that this constitutes reasonable use, but I also think that the person above is right too. More and more, people see a logo and think, "Ooh, product placement." That isn't necessarily right, but I think it is more prevalent than ever before.
In that case, the university is right to be a little concerned. Despite what is right, this is what is perceived.
You also say "If you needed to get approval of every brand ever used in your TV show, no TV shows would ever get produced." and I think that's true too and is why on a lot of cable shows you see everything under the sun blurred out or taped over. And don't get me started on the background music... -
Comboman, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:46am
Try to consider their point-of-view
Let's say there was a controversial TV show about a fictional character who's a bigamist (or worse). On the show, this character is a blogger who writes for website called Techdirt and an episode shows a screen shot with the Techdirt logo. Now, even a moron-in-a-hurry wouldn't assume that the fictional character is real or that any of the bloggers at Techdirt are bigamists, but surely you can see how some viewers might assume that Techdirt had at least some participation in the show's production? -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 3:38pm
Re: Try to consider their point-of-view
Replace Techdirt with Wikipedia or Google Groups, and you'll see what you said makes no sense at all. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:55amsadly in a world where you are bombarded with ads constantly it has made it impossible to display any logo of anything in "movies/tv shows/rock star getting a drink" without thinking "Well they only showed that cause the organization paid them to do that!"
It really shouldn't be that way, but it is. I'm sure Utah won't pursue this much farther beyond making it clear they are not connected in anyway and they are going to be hopping mad about it! -
JRosen, 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:56am
And hooray again for an over-anal lawsuit-happy society.
It's really as simple as that. Too many people going overboard for minor s***. With all the movies, shows, etc about some kid getting into XYZ college/university, I've NEVER assumed that the institution was 'supporting' the show. Most of them I'm sure are happy for the 'plug' because someone might go 'y'know, I never considered that place as an option'... So christ, get over yourselves that it's a 'controversial' show. Besides, if I recall correctly, this one's been going on for 3-5 seasons now (I don't bother with premium channels so never watched it), which means there's enough people who like it, that U of U has a higher chance of pissing people off about it, and making their attendance perhaps a little worse. -
Rob R. (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:58amThen I guess no more running the show "Coach".
No matter if you like Apple or not, you have to give them a nod for their policy about product placement in TV/movies. They basically say to go for it. They understand that the more people see their products in good places, the more people will try their products. I just watched the movie "Knowing" and it has Macs all over the place. It's called "Free Advertising" and it has worked for years - until the money grabbers decided to try to muck it up. -
CheckersSpeech (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 6:58am
hmm ...
"This is a perfectly reasonable use, and certainly not in any way confusing (even to the proverbial moron in a hurry)."
Maybe it's confusing to the proverbial MORMON in a hurry ...
/needed to be said -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 11:22am
Re: hmm ...
Perfect. Mike's question was answered here, and the comments also should have stopped here.
This has nothing to do with laws. This is the most densely Mormon community in the country pissing themselves over having seen something they believe represents Mormons in the most well known show about non-Mormon values. -
Tom The Toe, 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:02am
OU Logo
The logo for the University of Oklahoma is used over and over on every episode of TNT's "Saving Grace". Everything from chairs, to mugs to computer wallpaper. It makes the show more real to the viewer since the setting is the OKC police department. You can't swing a bat in Oklahoma with out hitting an OU logo. The school has already been paid when they sold the logoed products they should not be allowed to double dip. -
Overcast (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:06amSo if the university hangs the logo out in a public place where it can been seen by the public - or someone wears a T-Shirt with the logo are they guilty of 'making available' :)?
Opus33, 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:10amAbsolutely incorrect. Production companies employ people whose job it is to obtain the necessary rights-clearances to use any and all brands, labels and marks in each show. Its a pain, yes, but the alternative is to blur it out or use fake brands.
Chronno S. Trigger (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:43am
To use a product in that way, there are no necessary rights or clearances.
Do you think that Pepsi gets approval for their commercials with the Coke cans in it? Do you think that Burger King gets McDonald's permission to use their logo? Do you really think that the Mythbusters got Apple's permission to use Adam's iPone in a bunch of episodes (or to bitch about the bill on Twitter)?
The blurring that you see on TV is self censorship. There are two reasons for this; one, they don't want to get into a misguided lawsuit (I would think the most common reason), and two, they don't want to give free advertising (as in they want companies to pay to un-blur the logo). -
Hlwd, 25 Jul 2009 @ 9:32am
Name Clearance
Would you happen to know if interviewing a former or current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or Laker Girl for an entertainment show or video and using a graphic that says exactly that:
Her Name
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (or former DCC or current DCC)
is allowable or would permission have to be received for that? -
Just the Begining
I vaguely recall cases were demands were made of film crews to get "licenses" to film buildings (in the background) that are publicly visible. (Actually I think they shot around it since they wouldn't pay the fee.) Anything that is publicly visible, essentially being put on public display by the maker, should be protected as a "fair use", such as the school logo, a can of coke, or a Ford automobile. -
Trails, 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:17am
I thought you said
Mormon in a hurry. Apt, given the context. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 7:43am
It is just a letter
A Cease-and-Desist letter is just that, a letter. It is not a lawsuit. For all I know (IANAL) the courts are not involved at all. The U of U cannot lose doing this. Their goal is to avoid the appearance of endorsing Big Love. Issuing a press release would have generated limited coverage. Sending the Cease-and-Desist letter makes their point in a big, more public way. Would /. and other media outlets have mentioned a press release? Not a chance. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:20am
Re: It is just a letter
good point -
Fiercedeity (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 10:27am
Re: It is just a letter
*IF* that was their intent (and we all know it wasn't), that actually makes the situation worse because they are intentionally abusing the intent of desist letters. If they just wanted to make it clear they don't support it, then they should have done a press release. Now it becomes abuse. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:19amFINE: The TV shows and movies will just have to make stuff up and hope and pray they don't make one up that exists, and then the real companies no longer get FREE ADVERTISING.
Rob R. (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:32amI like how Bill Amend does it in his comic strip Foxtrot. He reverses letters in the name. He'll say Toridos for chips, and Verlon for makeup, an iFruit for iMac and things like that. Perhaps the TV industry needs to follow suit and make up a ton of fake logos and companies for all of the series to draw from. I'd bet after a few months of doing that, Google statistics would see those terms searched for quite a bit - showing that the real companies are losing that much revenue from the exposure loss.
John Duncan Yoyo (profile), 11 Jul 2009 @ 6:29am
FAUX brands become real Re:
My daughter watches iCarly on nick and they feature computers and phones with a big pear on the back of the phone and computer.
Homer Simpson drinks Duff bear which I have never found on a shelf. I wonder if people have tried to buy the rights to that faux brand. I don think a few faux brands have made the jump to the store shelves. -
Mike Masnick (profile), 11 Jul 2009 @ 12:19pm
Re: FAUX brands become real Re:
I don think a few faux brands have made the jump to the store shelves.
In fact, there's a whole company (whose own name is stolen from a movie) that does that:
Still, none of that means that showing the letterhead of a real university means the university has endorsed the show. -
NullOp, 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:34am
Another spin is...
One might also look at logo use as free advertising. Personally, I think NO real-world logos should be used without payment from their owner. Make the bastards pay and I suspect the tune will change... -
Jason, 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:37am
I have to disagree with this
Branding is too important to allow distribution without permission.
Your disbelief of the statement "yet the University claims that some might believe this means the University endorses the show" is inaccurate.
What if Techdirt's image was produced and used in a commercial that promotes drug use, drug sales, prostitution, and pimping?
What if a show about rapist showed your blog being used by rapist to lure in victims? There would be some adverse publicity.
And don't use the fallacious reasoning that I am comparing Big Love to these acts I am not. I am just saying that I believe your logic in this specific case is inaccurate . -
AdamBv1 (profile), 10 Jul 2009 @ 8:47amWho really assumes right off the bat that any real logo or organization name full supports a show it appears in? when your dealing with a show that is supposed to happen in the real normal world you don't always invent new fictional places for everything and shouldn't have to.
Also think of all the places where government logos are used in shows all the time, because we see a presidential seal or any other logo do we automatically assume they support or endorse the show? -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 9:20am
Re: Who really assumes ...
The whole issue of Big Love, polygamy, fundamentalist (breakaway) Mormons, and the LDS Church (Mormon) is very touchy. The U of U is right to want to distance themselves and to avoid even the appearance of endorsement. Even if most would not assume an endorsement, some might. To ensure there is no misunderstanding and to keep itself out of the bigger controversy, the U of U sent the Cease-and-Desist letter, and then sent it to the media. Brilliant. My guess is there is no intent whatsoever of bringing this to court. The point has already been made.
Yes, I am a University of Utah Alum. Yes, I live in Utah. To get a more detailed perspective, read some of the comments attached to the original Deseret News article. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 9:49am
Does this mean that U of U will also stop the licensing of T-Shirts to ensure that a student does not wear one to his after hours job at a strip club? -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 10:04am
Re: T-Shirts
Seriously? In your example, there's a guy who might get seen by under 50 people (is anyone really paying attention to what the guys are wearing at a strip club?). In this case, we have a commercial entity blasting the logo into millions of homes at prime time. -
Joe Dirt, 10 Jul 2009 @ 11:31am
Re: Re: T-Shirts
I'm with Mike on this one. Since when does the size of the exposure make a difference? We're talking about a claim of unauthorized use of a logo, whether it's 50, or 50 million viewers, the law should be the same. -
Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2009 @ 9:50am
wow, so much infringement here
If the university is right, and this techdirt post was somehow shown on a TV show, then there would be cause for lawsuits from:
- apple
- mythbusters
- Burger King
- McDonalds
- U of Oklahoma
- Pepsi
- Coke
- and if I just added Disney, Monster, RIAA they could sue too?more
Wow, just think how much $$ the lawyers could make just from research, filing, motions, prosecution, and appeals - even if the lawsuits are thrown out. Why settle for lawsuits to prevent confusion when you can make $$ on a name or logo appearing anywhere. -
42tvdeal, 3 Nov 2011 @ 5:51pmThe good tv show great for Black Friday 42 TV. Thanks


text:
SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 23, 2012 - Reinforcing its commitment to the industrialization of the Internet, Cisco today announced the Industrial Ethernet (IE) 2000 switch series, a cornerstone product for the company's Connected Industries business unit and industrial network offerings. The Cisco IE 2000 industrial switch series will help customers build intelligent networks for industrial automation, delivering highly secure, scalable connectivity from plant floor to enterprise network.
The Cisco IE 2000 switch series builds on the company's enterprise networking expertise and existing Industrial Ethernet family of switches, delivering reliable and highly secure network connectivity to unique manufacturing environments. With the IE 2000 switch series, Cisco continues its leadership in providing intelligent networks that simplify the deployment of security, video and voice services for machine-to-machine communications on the manufacturing floor and industrial IP networks.
According to Cisco's Visual Networking Index (VNI), by 2016, there will be nearly 2 billion machine-to-machine wireless connections - including GPS systems in cars and asset tracking systems in shipping and manufacturing sectors - demonstrating the need to more tightly connect and integrate devices, machines and vehicles with traditional enterprise networks. The resulting transition, which Cisco refers to as "The Industrialization of the Internet," will accelerate the networking industry beyond the IT and service provider (SP) networks in industries such as manufacturing and transportation.
Cisco is uniquely positioned to address these new demands on industrial networks, which require a greater need for improved inter-connectivity across industrial equipment and enterprise networks. The Cisco IE 2000 switch series provides consistent network services between industrial networks and enterprise business applications, while also providing integrated security and better manageability - creating a truly intelligent network.
The Cisco IE 2000 industrial switch series also provides highly secure remote access and monitoring of automated systems and offers intelligent energy management with visibility into machine performance to help customers better manage costs. The IE 2000 industrial switch interoperates corporate and manufacturing floor networks in a cost-effective manner to deliver video and corporate applications to manufacturing plant floor.
The Cisco IE 2000 industrial switch portfolio will be formally unveiled at the Hanover Messe Industrial Automation trade fair beginning on April 23. Cisco will also be displaying (Hall 8, Stand D26) its complete line of industrial networking solutions from its Connected Industries business unit, including the Cisco switching solutions developed in collaboration with Rockwell Automation, showcasing switching solutions that enable faster deployment and reduced risk for manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, transportation and energy companies.
Supporting Quote:
"Major sectors of the economy are undergoing a transformation driven by new requirements around production and factory automation, traffic management, data analytics and machine-to-machine communication. Cisco's Connected Industries business unit was created to help customers realize the benefits of the transition to Ethernet and IP across the operational technology segments including manufacturing plants, transportation infrastructure and vehicles."
Supporting Resources:
Tags / Keywords
Switching, Internet of Things, Intelligent Networking, Manufacturing Automation, VNI, Visual Networking Index, Borderless Networks, Connected Industries, Ethernet-to-the-Factory, Industrial Manufacturing, Industrial Networks, Machine to Machine, M2M, Digital Factory, Hannover Messe, Hanover Messe, IE 2000, Cisco Connected Industries Business Unit, Industrial Automation, Mobility, Wireless Factory, IT Solutions
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.
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11 |
It is important for a manager to see operations in perspective. About the results of the survey you showed (during the presentation today), those who are most willing to participate in this type of surveys must be those who are actually using (the video games), and there must be other groups of people who have purchased video games but have gradually used it less and less. While, on one hand, you have been very successful in appealing to a wide age demographics, you also have software that deal with health or exercises that can easily go in and out of style and accompanied by risks. Have you ever surveyed the group of people who have purchased video games but no longer play and do not want to participate in such a survey? What does the changing age demographic mean at all? Is it meaningless to survey those who quit using video games as they will not start using them again? Please advise me about these. In relation to that, we have so far seen a certain platform for several years until the transitions to a new, revolutionary platform happens. Now that you have captured a wider population, do you think the current platforms can last a bit longer? Will we at least see the current platforms in the next two or three years on the market? Or, do you think that people in the higher age group will appreciate the next revolutionary platform and that you can transition them to the new ones soon? |
11 |
Iwata: Before publicly disclosing our internal surveys in this fashion today, I myself have considered many things.and, as a matter of fact, have thought that some may question its credibility and ask us whether the company was manipulating the result to our favor. First, I myself have been involved and concerned about the accuracy of the survey results with extreme attention. To tell you the truth, our U.S. subsidiary had conducted a different survey once, prior to the ones I showed you today, but it did not provide the accuracy that I was looking for. Let me tell you how we are checking the account. We are asking about 3000 people in Japan and 4500 to 5000 people overseas to cooperate. Whether they really represent the entire citizens in the country or not matters most in order for us to make management judgments. If they were biased, the results of the sampling survey can never show a meaningful gaming population transitions at all. Here is an effective way to check the accuracy: Because we can learn (from survey results) many things including who owns which hardware or uses at home, we compare how the survey result measure up against the installed base of the hardware with the sell-thru data of that hardware. If the balance is within a certain range, we can tell that those who were sampled represent the entire population. If the accuracy is not within the predetermined range, we can tell that we have chosen the wrong people for the purpose of the survey. We have been paying special attention to this point. Accordingly, the surveys have not been biased as you might be concerned to those who are Nintendo's loyal customers or who appreciate games (and not the ones who do not play anymore). We have been checking the accountability of the survey with a variety of different ways and now have become able to come up with survey results with a certain level of accuracy. What I have shared today are the results of the surveys only after we thought that we were starting to come up with accurate ones. So, as the premise, let me confirm that we are confident about these survey results. As a matter of course, there is no guarantee that anybody who has purchased a video game hardware will continue playing with it. This is not anything new, nor did it start with Wii or Nintendo DS. As you might recall, when NES, Super NES or Sony's Playstation was leading the market, people brought out their game systems from the closet in order to play with a Dragon Quest software after its launch, just to put away the system after playing the game through to the end. Of course, whether or not a game hardware is actively used is of great concern to us so we investigate it. You may have some vague assumptions that those who started playing video games with Brain Training or Wii Fit must have stopped playing with any video games as soon as they got tired of these initial software and that those who have been long gaming fans must continuously be playing one game after another. Well, the actual situation is not that simple. We are, in fact, using several other data in our variety of analysis, including the data obtained through our Club Nintendo, and we have come to understand that there has never been a situation where people who started playing video games with any particular game tend to quit playing soon. Regardless of the first software, those who continuously purchase additional software maintain their active game plays, and those who opt not to purchase software repeatedly will stop playing. Likewise, we have not been able to identify any particular software, of which its purchase discourages the player to play frequently or becomes the primary cause for the purchaser to stop playing. In other words, when people stop playing with video games, they do so without any apparent reason. Nintendo has been doing a number of researches about what degree and frequency our customers stop playing video games and how we can rebuild the market by offering new proposals with what intervals (in order to once again encourage those who quit to resume their game plays or prevent those who are going to drift away from doing so). We have yet to come up with any concrete answers yet. At least, it appears to be not as simple as you said that software dealing with health or brain training tend to be a short time fad with a big risk of going in and out of style easily. Video games are, or any entertainment commodities are, supposed to go in and out of styles easily so we must periodically make new offers. If we fail to offer new proposals, a good market condition today can instantaneously turn into a very bad one, which is characteristic of this industry. In the past, there were so-called platform cycles for the video game hardware. It was said that 4 or 5 years for a portable hardware and 5 or 6 years for a home console hardware were the platform cycles, within which new hardware are sold and gone. This graph shows the sales transitions of Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS each year from their launches. The right end of Nintendo DS is our forecast, so it is not realized yet, but do you think if these two hardware are showing identical cycles? I think they are completely different. Similarly, the software for these platforms shows different sales trends. When the customer base has largely expanded and the expansion is happening at a different trajectory, the past platform cycle should not be automatically applied to the current platform. Of course, we have no intention of disbanding our hardware teams since we do not think that Nintendo DS and Wii will last forever. Our internal hardware teams are always researching and working on new hardware so that we can launch them whenever we find an very interesting idea that can make people all over the world to feel like purchasing our new hardware just to play with the software, or when Nintendo or third parties developers come to the conclusion that, after all these different endeavors, there are no more ideas nor tricks with Nintendo DS and Wii to make software to surprise people in meaningful ways. You may not be able to believe this, but even when Nintendo has completed a hardware, it does not mean that we will surely launch it. From the initial concept building phase, it normally takes two to three years in order to develop a hardware. So, as soon as a new hardware is completed and introduced to the market, a team is established within the company which starts reviewing what the next hardware will be. Following a completion of a new hardware development, if the company determines that it will be better to continue with the sales of the existing hardware on the market after reviewing the circumstance comprehensively, it can no longer be used as it is in the future because that new hardware was optimized to be launched at that time. Some of the ideas may be used again in a new hardware. However, at the very least, we have had certain custom chips completed that ended up being unused, and it can happen again in the future. So, Nintendo has always been prepared for the launch of new hardware. However, that hardware is not needed until the time our software developers see the end in making new software with the existing hardware, or unless we have no more new market to explore and all the potential consumers have purchased our hardware. The ordinary technology-driven companies would write the technology road map to anticipate what kind of technology will emerge in the future in order to determine a new hardware launch timing based mainly upon the convenience of hardware developers. In Nintendo's case, however, the more decisive factor is when the software developers will start demanding for new hardware as they cannot create any more software with surprise factors with the existing one. Nintendo has always been making the hardware in order to prepare for that day to come. Accordingly, we have not been working with such a mindset of "what to do in the next few years." However, when we observe today's situation, I have the impression that the cycle for this time appears to be a bit longer than in the past. I also have the impression that an increasing number of those who used to believe in the past platform cycles are starting to say that the shift to the newer generations may take place a bit later than previously believed. |
12 |
I have been thinking about two concerns for the company: One is about the expansion of used game business overseas. I heard somewhere that they now have about the 30% of the market share in Japan and also that the secondhand market is rapidly expanding, especially in the U.S. We would like to know your understanding on this issue and countermeasures, if any. Another one is concerning the development. I may sound a bit too severe, but I do not see constant launches of major titles. Isn't it true that you are running out of ideas? Maybe it is due to the high hurdle that has been set. I mean, for your own titles to be called killer applications, unlike other ordinary companies, the unit sales must surpass 10 million today. You have a legendary leading creator called Mr. Miyamoto within the company, but I am also concerned that young talents have not been fostered to follow or exceed him. I am even starting to wonder if the company is at its early stage of big-company disease. Please advise me of your understanding and countermeasures. |
12 |
Iwata: First, we tend to agree with your understanding that the secondhand market is expanding abroad. I have heard a strong sense of concern from management of overseas software publisher over the situation that the number of major retailers who are beginning to place more importance on the used markets is increasing and that Amazon recently started to seriously deal with secondhand products. One of the reasons why more overseas software publishers than in Japan are having greater expectations over download sales must be because of the fear that today's issues surrounding the used business can grow to be a major problem in the future. If it were illegal acts like piracies, we could criticize them. But, however hard we may express our concern about the secondhand market, as long as they are not illegal, it does not do us any good. With video games, because people do not see much deterioration in the quality when they purchase as secondhand, it may give publishers a hard time if the used product market grows. On the other hand, this is one of the changes in the social circumstance, and it is our job as publishers to think of how to cope with the changes. When you ask me how we will cope with this issue specifically, our answer is that Nintendo must continuously craft ideas so that our consumers will feel like owning the purchased products or think about how to motivate the customers to purchase new products instead of used ones. You also pointed out that we may be running out of new ideas in developing our products. I think Nintendo must be the only company in the world that, immediately after announcing record sales and profits in all accounts, is criticized for a potential lack of new ideas. I think this is because the company has been continuously making new proposals one after another and has raised the bar so high. We understand that we are always challenging ourselves with higher hurdles in order to give more surprises to people than ever. So, regarding your concern of the "big company disease", I should say that we are continuously raising the bar so that we don't even have the time to get this disease. People's expectation for us is also definitely rising. I have to feel that the world has changed. Not a few years ago, I thought that the job of corporate spokespeople and marketers was to raise the expectations of people and of the public toward the company and its future. Recently, however, I am feeling with increasing frequency that it cannot be applied to Nintendo. Today, if I should make such comments like "the next product we will launch will be great," that other CEOs are often making, people would have extraordinarily high expectations toward it and will end up feeling that it was not up to their expectations regardless of whatever product we will have launched. Of course, we cannot afford to lower the customers' expectations of us too much, but we have to communicate with everyone so that people's expectations will not be too big. We are currently in such a phase. Also, the speed at which something new is regarded obsolete is becoming incredibly faster. Should we advertise and create a lot of buzz from many months before launch, the customers may feel as if they have gotten tired of the product even before the product launches. There is a risk today that they may feel that they have already experienced it enough and are done with it prior to launch. In today's circumstance where we need to refrain from making a big announcement or sharing information much in advance of the actual launch in the marketplace, it may appear that Nintendo is not making as many new proposals as before and that the company might be running out of new ideas. Objectively, we do not believe that the pace at which the company has been making new proposals has greatly slowed down. Also, whether our new proposals become a great hit or not sometimes depends on luck. Furthermore, just as you pointed out, Nintendo software today has a higher unit sales criterion to be called a killer application, so it is becoming increasingly challenging to clear that bar. As to your question of whether the successor of Shigeru Miyamoto has been groomed or not, even though there has been a number of Nintendo products which accompany his name or that has been sold by identifying Mr. Miyamoto as the producer. However, he is just another human being, so it is not possible that every single idea contained in these software was the sole creation of Shigeru Miyamoto. Certainly, when it comes to identifying and verbalizing some of the important major findings, few people can easily succeed him. For example, few people other than Shigeru Miyamoto can declare that weighing yourself everyday must be fun for everyone. However, the fact that Nintendo software is always full of unique and fun ideas attest to the fact that there are many good game creators at Nintendo. Together with Shigeru Miyamoto, all of them have been making what are called Nintendo software. So, I have never thought that we have not fostered game creators at the company. On the other hand, I know that people like Shigeru Miyamoto and I have lived in very fortunate times. Specifically, we were able to experience video game development as forerunners in this industry when we were young. It is one of the big themes for us to think about how we can transfer what we have learned to the younger generation who will never have the same experiences. We have been tackling with this mission in a variety of different ways, but I'd like to talk about them only when we can come up with some concrete result and when we will be able to tell you this developer or that, who has been trained through this way, has made such a software. We do not have any pessimistic view about it, and we have never had hard times trying to come up with new ideas. It is just that it has become increasingly harder to talk about new ideas much in advance of the actual launch of the product. Thank you for your understanding on this. |
13 |
The company is in very healthy financial condition and you once again confirmed net cash in the range of 1 trillion yen. I know you have always been asked of the usage of the cash in the future, but as I notice the changes in the environment, hardware sales and competitions, I'd like to listen to your ideas on how you would want to spend your cash, including the possibility of stock buy backs and others, or if you intend to maintain the current cash level. |
13 |
Iwata: As you know, video game business is a very high risk business. It takes only one product to change the landscape all at once. Today's video game market is advancing with a scenario which was unimaginable just a few years ago. Several years ago, some people in the stock market used to openly announce that there was no need for companies to keep cash deposits because you could borrow them whenever necessary. I think I can today say that the situation in the last 6 months has proved that they were wrong. As long as we are doing business where we have great risk at times, my belief is that we have to be cash-rich if we commit ourselves to continuing our business. So, it is very hard for me to imagine that Nintendo will abandon its cash-rich position all together anytime soon because doing so will significantly narrow down the options we can choose from in the future, which will weaken the competitive edge of the company towards the future and, as a result, the company will have a harder time being appreciated by the shareholders. This is my basic stance. Being able to hold sufficient cash means that the company has a number of different options. The possibility of stock buyback that you mentioned is one of them, and when we feel the need to do so, we will. Or, even though we do not have any such concrete plan today, if we encounter a great technology or patent that could give us a great edge for future challenges, Nintendo may be able to exercise the option of M&A even though we have hardly done so in the past. When that one technology or one patent is going to be the decisive factor for our future, we want to be able to exercise our option to take it. We hope that people invest in Nintendo by understanding that being able to have the freedom to choose our business structure and our operational structure is one of the most important factors and strengths that allows us to move towards our challenging goals. |


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'Restaurant: Impossible' chef Robert Irvine entertains at the OC Fair
He arrived in Costa Mesa to do more than cook. In snug jeans and a tighter black signature T-shirt, Food Network celebrity chef Robert Irvine charmed the standing-room-only crowd at the OC Fair's Hangar with his brand of energetic "chef-tertainment."
This definitely wasn't a regular cooking demo show. The Reuben burger with coleslaw and the Korean beef shortribs cooked onstage by sous chef Lee Lucier and audience member Debra Cohrone played a supporting role in a show that centered on Irvine.
And that was to be expected given that Irvine is star of "Restaurant: Impossible," a reality show in which he and his team fix everything that's wrong with a struggling restaurant, from the menu to the décor to the quality of the ingredients.
At the Hangar, Irvine spent a lot of time hopping off and back on the stage and easily filled more than 60 minutes with high-octane repartee about all things food- and lifestyle-related, from giving tips on how to buy good beef to telling his audience of more than 1,200 that he puts in 20 minutes of cardio and lifts weights afterward six times a week.
At one point, he brought up to the stage four audience members, then poured a small amount of olive oil into their mouth and asked them what that tasted like. Like olives, right?
He followed that by giving each of them a dose of grapeseed oil and asking them what that tasted like. All of them said there was really no flavor to it. The lesson? Grapeseed oil is better for cooking than olive oil because it does not alter the flavor of the dish and its smoke point is higher, he said.
About halfway through the show, he fielded questions and related anecdotes about the TV shows and his personal life. He told a story about one of his toughest food critics – his new mother-in-law. Irvine married professional wrestler Gail Kim in May and when he visited Kim's mother recently, she deemed the ribs that he spent four hours preparing when he visited with her as "not good."
He mentioned that he has stayed in touch with the restaurateurs who were featured in "Restaurant: Impossible," and that an upcoming episode would reveal which ones were succeeding and which have failed since they were given the 48-hour overhaul in the show.
Irvine's audience was a responsive mix of curious fairgoers and fans of not just his current Food Network show but of the previous ones as well – "Dinner Impossible" and "Worst Cooks in America." One audience member asked, for example, where his ubiquitous sledgehammer was – the one he sometimes uses to smash walls before a restaurant gets its makeover (it's being painted, he said).
But out of everyone in the crowd, Cohrone, 61, of Costa Mesa, arguably was the luckiest. A faithful viewer of Irvine's shows, she came to the fair especially to see him, so being invited onstage was thrilling, she said.
"The last thing I thought I would ever do today is cook with Robert Irvine," she said.
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text:
The Philosopher's Touch
Sartre, Nietzsche, and Barthes at the Piano
Columbia University Press
The Philosopher's Touch
Sartre, Nietzsche, and Barthes at the Piano
Columbia University Press
Renowned philosopher and prominent French critic François Noudelmann engages the musicality of Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Roland Barthes, all of whom were amateur piano players and acute lovers of the medium. Though piano playing was a crucial art for these thinkers, their musings on the subject are largely scant, implicit, or discordant with each philosopher's oeuvre. Noudelmann both recovers and integrates these perspectives, showing that the manner in which these philosophers played, the composers they adored, and the music they chose reveals uncommon insight into their thinking styles and patterns.
Noudelmann positions the physical and theoretical practice of music as a dimension underpinning and resonating with Sartre's, Nietzsche's, and Barthes's unique philosophical outlook. By reading their thought against their music, he introduces new critical formulations and reorients their trajectories, adding invaluable richness to these philosophers' lived and embodied experiences. The result heightens the multiple registers of being and the relationship between philosophy and the senses that informed so much of their work. A careful reader of music, Noudelmann maintains an elegant command of the texts under his gaze and appreciates the discursive points of musical and philosophical scholarship they involve, especially with regard to recent research and cutting-edge critique.
Who before François Noudelmann has shone a spotlight on great thinkers enamored with the piano? In the lives of Sartre, Nietzsche, and Barthes, exercising at the keyboard for pleasure was crucial. Yet their writing about music is relatively scant, implicit, or even, sometimes, discordant with their work. Breaking boldly with the academism all too common on the French scene of writing, Noudelmann's The Philosopher's Touch reveals an entirely new dimension of these figures' writing styles and thinking patterns. His piano is a harmonics of three disparate philosophers.
Robert Harvey, professor of French and comparative literatures, State University of New York, Stony Brook
Amateur pianist and philosopher François Noudelmann was jolted into action when he saw a video of Sartre at the piano. Like a recurring traumatic flashback, the Sartrean performance touches off a series of reflections on the covert practices of three highly attuned thinkers. The relation to music, private and protected, offers another register by which to read the unsayable in the imposing works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Roland Barthes. Ever vying with language for sovereignty, music disrupts the implacable habits of linguistic positing and delivers these exemplary writers to the scene of their greatest vulnerability.
Avital Ronell, New York University and the European Graduate School, author of The Test Drive and Finitude's Score: Essays for the End of the Millenium
An elegant ode to the emotional and intellectual importance of music and solitude.Publishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
a remarkable and revealing book.
Library Journal
Noudelmann's book is musically sophisticated and informed by deep knowledge of thepiano...This little book is a unique chapter in the aesthetics of thepiano, and serves as a wonderful opening beat for a suite of others to follow.
Daniel Herwitz, Notre Dame Philosophical Review
...essays that pique the reader's interest, rather than bludgeoning it.
Scott McLemee, Inside Higher Ed
The book probes the meanings of these elective affinities, and speculates on both the yawning gaps and hidden passageways between intellectual and corporeal pleasures, the travails of the mind and the secret life of the fingers.
Jeremy Eichler, Boston Globe
A musical reverie, a meditation, best if savoured slowly.
Cynthia Peck, The Vienna Review of Books
In today's philosophical culture, where thinkers seem to have succumbed to a fashion of soulless scholasticism, the significance of an invigorating book like Noudelmann's is difficult to overestimate.
Costica Bradatan, The European Legacy
Whether in a text that is scholarly or meditative, and whether, as Barthes put it in S/Z, a text is 'readerly' or 'writerly', music and letters never did comfortably embrace each other, for all that we need them to. Kudos to Noudelmann for offering something expertly imaginative, trying to meet that need.
Music and Letters
The Off-Beat Piano
Why I Am a Great Pianist
The Piano Touches Me


text:
Meet Harvey Helms, Your New Cyber Main Gay!
BettyConfidential is thrilled to introduce you to your new BFF!
-Harvey Helms
Almost every woman I've known in my life has at least one gay man that they go to for friendship and advice on beauty, fashion trends, boyfriend drama or for the real answer to the question "Do I look fat in this?" or "Do you really think he'll call now that I slept with him on the first date?" Oh, the drama of living! The gays love the drama! You trust your gay man because he always tells you the truth. Always. You've probably heard him say things like: "Sweet Pea, you might want to consider brighter lighting in your bathroom considering how much bronzer you have on today, okay 'Miss Miami?'" or "Your Grandmother called and wants that Christmas sweater back! Didn't I dispose of that sweater the last time we went through your closet, Precious?" Whether you realized it or not, this man is what's known as your "Main Gay." Actress/Comedian Kathy Griffin coined this phrase. If she didn't, I'm giving her credit because I adore her. Now I'm not trying to make Kathy's Main Gay jealous. Gay men are very territorial with the women to whom they 're in service. We take it very seriously! We are not opposed to the occasional Main Gay cat fight either!
As you're probably already aware, your Main Gay sometimes isn't always available when you need him. He may have just met the "Boy du Jour" and he says "No really!! I think he's the one!" and has to see his new man 24 hours a day. Or he's had to go back to rehab for a few weeks to take care of a little addiction problem. That's okay, because I've always said "Talented people are always addicted to something." Genius has its price. Go figure. Besides, when you visit him in rehab, you never know if you'll run into Lindsay Lohan, David Duchovny or Liza. It just ups his celebrity quotient! We love that.
So here I am. Harvey Helms. Stylist. Culturalist. Up and coming author of a juicy cosmetic tell all. I'm your new "Cyber Main Gay." Think of me when your main gay is not around in a fashion emergency or when you need up-to-the-minute info on a number of global issues like lip gloss, oil control, body smoothers or the mother-in-law from hell. I've been married three times and could write volumes on how I was treated by the Wicked Witch because I married "The Golden Child" by whom the sun rises and sets.
Why should you trust me? …
Well first you're going to see me at my worst after an Active FX Laser treatment [Check out the actual process with my flip commentary in my upcoming column!] and I've got a list of achievements a mile long which you can read at your own leisure in my bio. But here's what you really need to know:


text: Folks, I thought I would share this pattern with you. It is one that was new to me this spring after it was published in the SPAWNER magazine. I substituted the white moose hair wirh white buck tail, and the red wool body with red floss. It took three fish at Parsons Pond when no other fish were hooked. It has moved to the "preferred section" of my fly can. It may work in your areas as well. The photo is from a scan of the SPAWNER. I don't have my kit with me to show my example.


text:
Researchers studying data from 600 fields in 20 countries have found that managed honey bees are not as successful at pollinating crops as wild insects, primarily wild bees, suggesting the continuing loss of wild insects in many agricultural landscapes has negative consequences for crop harvests. The study, which prompts an urgent call to maintain and manage pollinator diversity for long-term agricultural production, is published today in the journal Science.
The 50 international researchers, including Lawrence Harder, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary, analysed data from 41 crop systems around the world including fruits, seeds, nuts, and coffee to examine the consequences of having abundant wild pollinators for crop pollination.
"Our study demonstrates that production of many fruit and seed crops that make diets interesting, such as tomatoes, coffee and watermelon, is limited because their flowers are not adequately pollinated," says Harder. "We also show that adding more honey bees often does not fix this problem, but that increased service by wild insects would help."
(See related: Pesticides on brink of ban over honey bee losses)
Flowers of most crops need to receive pollen before making seeds and fruits, a process that is enhanced by insects that visit flowers. These pollinators, including bees, flies, butterflies and beetles, usually live in natural or semi-natural habitats, such as the edges of forests, hedgerows or grasslands. As these habitats are lost, primarily owing to conversion to agriculture, the abundance and diversity of pollinators decline and crops receive fewer visits from wild insects.
The study found that the proportion of flowers producing fruits was considerably lower in sites with fewer wild insects visiting crop flowers. Therefore, the reduction of wild insects in agricultural landscapes will likely impact both our natural heritage and agricultural harvest.
"Paradoxically, most common approaches to increase agricultural efficiency, such as cultivation of all available land and the use of pesticides, reduce the abundance and variety of wild insects that could increase production of these crops," says Harder. "Our study highlights the benefits of considering this paradox in designing and implementing agricultural systems."
(See related: Honey bee losses defy solitary explanations)
The study suggests that new practices for integrated management of both honey bees and wild insects will enhance global yields of animal-pollinated crops and promote long-term agricultural production. These practices should include conservation or restoration of natural or semi-natural areas within croplands, promotion of a variety of land use, addition of diverse floral and nesting resources, and more prudent use of insecticides that can kill pollinators.


text: Bulletin board: Feb. 13, 2013 February 12, 2013 Karaoke NightUnity of Kanawha Valley will be home to Karaoke Night at 7 p.m. Friday. The public is welcome to come and share talents at 804 Myrtle Road, corner of Bridge and Myrtle roads. There will be singing, dancing and food to share. Various coffees, teas, soft drinks and delicious homemade treats are available at a small donation cost. General admission is $2. Unity's Karaoke Night takes place on the third Friday of each month.Mental health conferenceDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance will present "Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Rural Communities" Conference Friday and Saturday at John XXIII Pastoral Center. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. Friday. The conference is for those with mood disorders and professionals. Keynote speaker at the Friday dinner will be given by Allen Doederlein, president of the DBSA national in Chicago. Pre-registration is required. The cost for both days including an overnight stay and meals is $125. Saturday only for people commuting is $65. CEU credits for RNs and social workers are available. Call Diana Thompson at 304-472-1947 or email: email@example.com. Reunion breakfast The Magazine/Garrison Avenue Area Reunion Group will meet for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Shoney's, Kanawha Boulevard. Call David Radford or Norma Levy at 304-342-1095.Black history The Brothers of Xi Alpha and Theta Psi chapters of Omega Psi Phi will have a Black History Celebration at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Davis Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State University. The program will include Capital High School show choir; Horace Mann Middle School show choir; Partners of African-American Churches Communities Closing the Gap After School; and Poetry by Dr. Jenelle Nicole Robinson. An African-American Art Exhibit by Dr. R. Charles Byers also will be featured.Items for Bulletin Board may be submitted by mail to The Charleston Gazette, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301, or faxed to 304-348-1233. Notices will be run one time free. Please include a contact person's name and a daytime telephone number.


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Word Readability Stats
Some tips and techniques for Word seems like a good add to the blog. At least, those changes that I run into while writing for McGraw-Hill on my new book projects. This shows you how to enable Microsoft Word 2007 and 2008 readability statistics. Yes, it's moved in the new release.
Word 2007
Microsoft Word 2007 has the Office Button. The Office Button holds the key to what were once tool options. You click on the Office Button in the upper left hand corner. You'll see the following options dialog. Click the Word Options button to change options.
Choose the Proofing option in the left column, then check the Show readability statistics check box, as shown. You click the OK button when your done setting Word options.
Word 2008
Microsoft Word 2008 works like Mac OS X applications. You navigate to the Word on the menu and choose Preferences. That launches the following menu set.
Double click the Spelling and Grammer icon, which launches the Spelling and Grammar options dialog. Check the Show readability statistics box and then click the OK button to save the setting.
9 Responses to 'Word Readability Stats'
Thank you so much for such an easy-to-follow set of directions! The screen shots were perfect!
Very helpful!
Thanks a bunch!
I am so eager to get the readability option and it all worked just fine with your instructions but I CAN'T FIND IT ON WORD NOW! Where is it? I run on a Mac – WORD 2008.
The first half of the blog post covers Word 2007 and the second half covers Word 2008. If those aren't working for you, could you post back what's happening and I'll try to help you.
I can't get it to work – the readablity box is greyed out and I can't put a check in it.
What's the Operating System? What are your permissions – Administrator or something less?
For my installation of Word 2007, the bottom section under Proofing Options (Exceptions for:…), the two boxes for the current document are both checked and grayed out. If I select another document, the Hide grammar errors line becomes available.
So, for my current document (which I want readability stats for), I can't uncheck the hide options. How do I get past this?
Got the answer! I checked all the boxes under the When correcting spelling and grammar in Word heading. This made the Exceptions for: fields available.
I have Microsoft Word 2007; the readability stats dialog box does not appear anywhere, although the stats box is checked. I think the older version (2003) flashed them on the screen. Any thoughts?
Thank you.


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Champro Football Tri-Flex Girdle 5 Pads Built In. Integrated pads provide traditional protection in an easy care girdle. Machine washable and dryable. Low profile, TRI-FLEX ventilated hip pads rise above the waist. Contoured, ventilated thigh pad system with hard plastic shock plates. Polyester/spandex fabric with DRI-GEAR moisture management treatment. Cup pocket.
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Product Description
Integrated pads provide traditional protection in an easy care girdle
Machine washable and dryable
Low profile, TRI-FLEX ventilated hip pads rise above the waist
Contoured, ventilated thigh pad system with hard plastic shock plates
Polyester/spandex fabric with DRI-GEAR moisture management treatment
Cup pocket
Due to color differences in monitors, the colors on this site are for reference only. Please contact Epic Sports if you have any color questions.
Frequently Bought With
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- #17 in Football > Protective Pads > Girdles
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Students from across the U.S. converged on the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, today for the start of the Imagine Cup 2011 U.S. Finals event. Tomorrow morning, all 22 finalist teams will have their chance to present their projects to the Imagine Cup judges in hopes of moving on to the Worldwide Finals in New York City.
Judges will be looking for the students to showcase creative new ways to use technology to solve the world's toughest problems. Hear from Steve Clayton, a judge at the Imagine Cup U.S. event this weekend, on what he's looking for from the high school and college student competitors from across the country who are using technology to tackle the world's problems:
Be sure to follow us on Facebook.com/MicrosoftTechStudent or on Twitter @MSTechStudent , @ImagineCup, and hashtag #ICUS on Twitter this weekend to stay up-to-date on the Imagine Cup US Finals event and learn who the winners are on Monday, April 11.
Game Design competitors from the University of California, Riverside, Team Inspiration, spending some time in the Microsoft company store.
Game Design competitors from Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, Team Bloom, walking through the Microsoft visitor's center sporting their new Imagine Cup bags.
Team Righteous Noodle, Game Design competitors from the University of Houston, standing in front of their team banner.
(re-posted from our Imagine Cup Blog)


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On Sale July 2010
Diamond Order Code: MAY108069
From the team that brought you FVZA.
A special $1.00 preview comic for the upcoming, 3-issue, bi-monthly miniseries, brimming with elements of H.P. Lovecraft, mixed into a noir mystery.
Ryder on the Storm follows Ryder, a private eye, who is hired by the beautiful femme fatale Katrina Petruska to investigate the horrifically bizarre suicide of her lover, Michael Hudson. Ryder's journey to solve the case, and finish Hudson's work, leads him to discover a truth more sinister and terrifying than he could ever have imagined – daemons walk among us. Now, he must team up with the last daemon hunter, Charles Monk, to take down the cabal of ancient evil controlling the city – all while struggling to reconcile the dark side of his own nature.


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Ruthmere, a 1910 Beaux Arts mansion, will transport visitors back in time to America's Gilded Age. Guests can enjoy an exquisite fine arts collection including works by Tiffany and Rodin, period antiques, vintage cars, distinctive decorative arts, and a formal garden in season. In addition to offering regular tours, Ruthmere hosts numerous special events, including concerts, garden parties and special exhibits.
Other Historic sites in this state by Type | ||
Archaeological | Architecture, Historic | Battlefields |
Buildings, Historic | Districts, Historic | Gardens, Historic |
Homes, Historic | Living History | Monuments & Memorials |
Museums | Parks | Presidential Sites |
Records & Research |


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Varsity Monitor Terms of Service
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VM reserves the right to update and change the Terms of Service from time to time without notice. Any new features that augment or enhance the current Service, including the release of new tools and resources, shall be subject to the Terms of Service. Continued use of the Service after any such changes shall constitute your consent to such changes. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at www.varsitymonitor.com
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February polls
As one can see, February saw significant movement in the polls, as shown in the above average of the public polls.
The monthly newsletter is out today. The executive summary is:
There were four political polls in February – a One News Colmar Brunton poll, a Fairfax Ipsos poll and two Roy Morgan poll
The average of the public polls has National 17% ahead of Labour in January, up a large 6% from January. The current seat projection is centre-right 65 seats, centre-left 55 which would see National form a Government.
Tony Abbott's approval ratings has plunged in Australia.
In the United States President Obama's numbers continue to slowly recover from his terrible end to 2013.
In the UK David Cameron's ratings also drop after a poor Government response to recent floods.
In Canada the Conservatives are static with the Liberals remaining in the lead.
The normal two tables are provided comparing the country direction sentiment and head of government approval sentiment for the five countries. The mood in Australia has dropped significantly in the last month, while New Zealand improves.
We also carry details of polls in New Zealand on the NZ Flag, religion in schools, Winston Peters, the most important issues, Labour's baby bonus, higher taxes plus the normal business and consumer confidence polls.
This newsletter is normally only available by e-mail. If you would like to receive future issues, please go to http://listserver.actrix.co.nz/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/polling-newsletter to subscribe yourself.


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Identity management problems arose nearly a decade ago when organizations began to increase the number of business processes automated through web applications and integrate more systems into daily operations. This situation provoked a new challenge: How should you keep access control lists up-to-date when users are given multiple usernames and passwords? Even worse, if an employee leaves the company, how do you coordinate with HR departments to have IT teams disable access to their applications?
Today, with the evolution of technologies and the increased use of cloud-based applications, organizations face the same challenges in finding an effective way to perform user identity management. Though the environment has evolved, the nature of the problem persists: Identity management is time-consuming, expensive and difficult.


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DmC: Devil May Cry Dev Diary 3 Introduces the Voice of DanteWritten Thursday, November 22, 2012 By Richard Walker View author's profile |
The latest developer diary for Ninja Theory's DmC: Devil May Cry has surfaced today, introducing the larynx behind Dante himself, a voice actor fella called Tim Phillipps and the voice of a character named Phineas, Lou Beatty Jr.
In the new video, both actors have a bit of an old chinwag about their respective roles, with some new game footage mixed in, alongside a little look at the motion-capture work each actor has performed for the characters.
It's all interesting stuff, and well worth a watch if you've got a few minutes to spare. You've got a few minutes, ain't 'cha? Sure you have. Watch the vid. DmC is out on January 15th, 2013. Wanna try it out? Download the demo.


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Custom Software Helps Cities Manage School Choice
With fewer available seats in good public schools than families who want them, many cities face a vexing challenge: How do you decide which children go where?
Enter Neil Dorosin.
"You have to allocate public school seats fairly, transparently, and efficiently, but it turns out that's not so easy to do," said Mr. Dorosin, the executive director of the Institute for Innovation in Public School Choice, based in New York City. "We help cities solve that problem."
Over the past decade, Mr. Dorosin and the nonprofit IIPSC have used a combination of economic theory and custom software to help overhaul the school choice and student-assignment systems in New York, Boston, Denver, and New Orleans. That work has converted a tangled web of school applications, deadlines, and admissions preferences into algorithms that generate one best school offer for every student.
"There is a science to giving parents what they want in greater numbers," Mr. Dorosin explained.
For the time being, at least, IIPSC has almost totally cornered the market on providing that service, and the group is now poised to expand. In March, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation awarded the institute $1.2 million that will be used to do work in Philadelphia, Washington, and a third city, likely Detroit. A fourth city could soon follow.
"School choice exists in most cities. It can either be organized and facilitated, or it can be the Wild West," said Joe Siedlecki, the program and policy officer for the foundation's U.S. education team.
While IIPSC's initial efforts included only district-managed schools, the group's focus now is on creating "universal enrollment" programs that bring district and charter schools together in one centralized school assignment system. Proponents say that rationalizing the mechanisms that govern messy school choice marketplaces can help fix a host of problems, including opaque rules that unfairly benefit middle-class families, sometimes-sneaky admissions practices at charter schools, and long student waiting lists that hinder both families' and schools' ability to plan.
Because the assignment systems generate reams of data on parental demand for different schools and programs, they are also seen as a pillar of the "portfolio" approach to district management, in which families are offered an array of education options that may be expanded or closed based on performance and other factors.
But there is some evidence that algorithm-based school assignment doesn't help more disadvantaged children actually gain access to better schools, and some observers worry that such systems force parents to make choices without adequate information.
In some cities, universal enrollment has also sparked opposition from advocates for regular public schools.
"We've become obsessed with moving children around rather than investing in schools to improve them," said activist Helen Gym, a founder of the group Parents United for Public Education, based in Philadelphia. "I think that's a bad approach."
Allocating Scarce Resources
Mr. Dorosin of IIPSC described the field of "market design" that underlies the institute's work in lay terms: Some scarce goods, like expensive women's shoes, can be distributed by selling them to the highest bidder, he said. But others—human organs, for instance—cannot.
The latter is not an abstract example. IIPSC's board chairman, Alvin E. Roth, a professor at Stanford University who won a Nobel Prize in economics in 2012, designed an overhaul of the nation's system for matching the limited number of kidneys donated each year to the much longer list of those who need a transplant.
To match students with seats in public schools, IIPSC creates algorithms that draw from three sets of data: The schools' families actually want their children to attend, listed in order of preference; the number of available seats in each grade at every school in the system; and the set of rules that governs admission to each school.
Selective magnet schools might screen for test scores, for example, while charters may give preference to low-income families or to the children of their board members. Most systems prioritize giving siblings the opportunity to attend the same school, and different schools offer dozens of other types of preferences. Fitting all the pieces together makes for an extremely complicated logic problem.
IIPSC software doesn't guarantee that every family or school will get exactly what it desires, said board member Atila Abdulkadiroglu, an economics professor at Duke University. But the algorithm-building process "helps us to identify the trade-offs, determine what is achievable, and come up with the optimal compromise."
The benefits are evident in the 1.1 million-student New York City school system, where in 2004, Mr. Dorosin, then the district's director of high-school-admissions operations, helped lead the nation's first adoption of an algorithm-based school assignment program. The focus was on district-run high schools.
Entering the 2013-14 school year, three-quarters of the city's 75,000-plus rising 9th graders now receive one of their top three high school choices. Only about 1,000 students have to be manually placed outside of the algorithm-matching process, via administrative assignments. That's way down from 30,000 annually before the switch, when a murky "gray market" of high school choice flourished.
In addition, student waitlists have been eliminated, meaning that schools can begin allocating their budgets, hiring staff members, and planning programs—and that all families know where they stand—much earlier in the selection process.
"Previously, those who knew how to work the system were able to get a number of options, and others were left behind," said Robert Sanft, the CEO of the New York district's office of student enrollment.
Denver Reaps Benefits
Since the Denver school system paid IIPSC $350,000 in 2011 to help design its new student assignment system, formally known as the SchoolChoice program, the 88,000-student district has reaped similar rewards, said Shannon Fitzgerald, Denver's director of choice and enrollment services.
Now, there is a single application process for all district and charter schools, compared with 64 separate processes in 2010-11. Just over 88 percent of participating students were assigned to one of their preferred school options for this fall, Ms. Fitzgerald said. And now, she said, the district knows how every child got placed in each seat in the city—a major problem in years past.
"There [used to be] a lot of blind spots," she said. "For roughly one-fourth of our kindergarten kids, nobody could really account for how they got into their seats."
From a technical standpoint, implementing Denver's new assignment system was relatively easy, she said. It took a total of four months for IIPSC and district technology staff members to create a custom algorithm and the software to run it. There was a monthlong whirlwind of quality-control tests. The biggest "hiccups," Ms. Fitzgerald said, were related to data entry.
The far greater challenge, she said, came on the front end. District leaders went on a summerlong "road show" to sell the plan to worried parents and skeptical charter operators, some of whom were reluctant to cede control of a process so fundamental to their operations.
"It speaks volumes to the collaborative relationships we have in Denver with our charters that they were all able to put aside their desire to do what's best for their school alone and to see how this could benefit the greater community," Ms. Fitzgerald said.
Now in its third year, Denver's SchoolChoice program costs an estimated $575,000 annually to support.
The troubled school choice and assignment system currently in place in Philadelphia seemed like a prime target for a similar overhaul.
In 2012, the 131,000-student Philadelphia district identified "significant barriers to entry" at dozens of city charter schools, including one that made its application available on only one day each year, requiring families to attend an open house at a suburban country club to obtain a copy.
And in 2010, Research for Action, an independent nonprofit education research organization based in the city, found that blacks, Latinos, males, and special education students fared far worse than other groups at every stage of the city's high-school-selection process. All told, the researchers found, just 45 percent of Philadelphia 8th graders who completed a high school application in the fall of 2006 ultimately enrolled in any of the district high schools to which they had applied.
Eager to address those problems, Mayor Michael A. Nutter led a delegation of city education leaders on a visit to Denver in January of 2012. Lori A. Shorr, the mayor's chief education officer, said the group got in touch with Mr. Dorosin shortly after its return. Preliminary work began late last year, Ms. Shorr said, and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation awarded its grant to IIPSC not long after.
The consultants' efforts in the District of Columbia, funded by the same pot of money, have proceeded quickly. Officials there announced last month that all of Washington's regular public schools, which serve 45,000 students, and a majority of its charters would move to a unified system to assign students to schools for next fall.
But the work in Philadelphia has run into significant stumbling blocks.
The school district, beset by a financial crisis, has yet to sign on, and leaders of two major charter school coalitions have balked at the plan, according to Mr. Dorosin.
And when activists caught wind that the Philadelphia School Partnership, a nonprofit that has been leading the city's push for universal enrollment, sought to include Catholic schools in a new student-assignment system that would be operated by a private entity, a firestorm ensued.
"It's an extreme proposal that goes further than what any other city has done," said Ms. Gym of Parents United for Public Education.
Skeptical of Algorithms
Despite the problems Research for Action documented in Philadelphia's existing system, the group's executive director, Kate Shaw, is also cool to the idea of universal enrollment. Adopting such a program would amount to little more than "a technical improvement in the process," she said.
Ms. Shaw pointed to a recent study by researchers at New York University that found the concentration of at-risk students in low-performing New York City schools had not changed appreciably since the adoption of an algorithm-based assignment system. While 8th graders from all backgrounds are now getting matched to their top high school choices more often, it found, the most-disadvantaged students have either remained ineligible for the city's top high schools or have chosen not to select those schools, which are often located outside their neighborhoods.
"A universal enrollment process likely won't change the universe for Philadelphia's lowest-performing students," Ms. Shaw concluded.
While acknowledging that universal enrollment is not a "silver bullet," Mr. Siedlecki of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation said the data such systems generate can be an invaluable tool in helping school systems "grow their footprint of good schools."
In New York City, for example, such information has been used to make decisions about which city schools should be replicated or closed—and to create new bilingual and other specialty programs in underserved areas of the city where there is evidence of high demand.
"You get the information you need to change the dynamic," Mr. Siedlecki said.
Overall, IIPSC is bullish about the future of its approach: The group recently retained a management consultant to help plot its anticipated growth in the coming years, and Mr. Dorosin said that both districts and his own team are just beginning to tap into the power of the parent-demand data that new universal enrollment systems are generating.
"It's an unprecedented, incredibly large, wonderful opportunity," he said. "We truly believe that we've figured out a system for doing this so parents, schools, and the education reform movement all win."
Vol. 33, Issue 13, Pages 1, 12-13
Published in Print: December 4, 2013, as Cities Regulate School Choice With SoftwareWe encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
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