text:
Ordered an AVR in Circuit Emulator with USB interface from Sparkfun today. I'm starting to work on a project where I'm using Microsoft Robotics Studio (MSRS) with some Atmel controllers.
I became interested in their product when I tried debugging and AVR Butterfly and found out that my old programmer/debugger wouldn't work with 3 volt devices.


text:
Price: $16.95
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Koningin Beatrix Mars by R. Allmend. For Concert Band. Festive Marches/ Wedding/Birthday / Marches / Light Marches. Marching Series. Grade 2. Score. Published by Molenaar Edition (ML.015542020-S).
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
rj_coverhound necesitaba un nuevo diseño de banner publicitario y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 22 diseños de 7 diseñadores freelance.
CoverHound is a new Car Insurance lead gen site. We have created a unique model to match consumers up with car insurance carriers and local agents. As you can see from visiting our website (http://coverhound.com), our UI is very friendly. Our form is simple, and we do not collect any personal information including name, email, or phone number.
We are looking for a new set of ad creative to serve on automotive themed partner sites. These are sites that provide resources for consumers looking to buy new cars, or get more information about their existing vehicles. As a result, we want this campaign to be themed accordingly. There is an image of a car on our homepage that is encouraged to be used, but any additional ideas for images/animation are welcome as well.
Create static and flash versions of the following banner sizes:
Some messaging:
CoverHound - The Smarter Way to Find Car Insurance
Get Matched to Carriers Instantly
No Contact Information Required
Save Hundreds in Minutes
The creative should include a zip code submit box with a call to action that will be directed to the second page of our form. Here is an example of the destination: http://coverhound.com/step1?zip=92109. The zip parameter should pass the value submitted on the banner.
The colors used should match the theme of our brand/site (blue/gray, brown, blue)


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The B1G Media Days Experience
The B1G Media Days Experience
The B1G Media Days Experience
The Journey
Allow me take you on a journey. It begins in Ann Arbor and proceeds west via I-94, past the forested hills of Battle Creek, the lakeside vistas of Benton Harbor, and -- what's that smell? Ace, did you fart? You did, didn't you. Oh, my bad. That's just the natural smell emanating from the greater Gary, Indiana area. And we're not on I-94 anymore. And we have to pay a toll. And another one. We just paid a toll for a mile's worth of highway because in the greater Gary, Indiana area, they pump sulphur into the air and stir gold into the asphalt.
The skyscrapers and highrises of Chicago loom. They are glimmering beacons of Midwest culture thrusting out of a flat and fertile land of corn fields and cattle farms. Batman was filmed here, did you know? Those batmobile scenes took place right where Siri is telling us to go. Our blue dot freezes as we are swallowed by the vast labyrinth of tunnels and underpasses.
We are lost.
Not to fear! Our superior instincts tell us we're somewhere right below the Hyatt Regency, host to the 2012 B1G Media Days extravanganza. We emerge from the depths of the city 30 minutes later and arrive, frazzled but totally exhilarated, in the lobby. Well done, B1G, what a posh venue. So posh I have momentarily forgotten the correct number of syllables in "concierge". Too posh. Its well-to-do clientele don't seem to acknowledge that a high profile football event is taking place ... somewhere in here. Look at them with their boring black attire and pompous black suitcases and stupid blackberry devices. Don't they know that very famous people -- Denard Robinson fergodsakes! -- are currently inside the double doors of this, this ... completely empty ballroom.
"Excuse me, ma'am. We're here for the Big Ten Media Days. Says here it's in Ballroom AB."
"This is Ballroom AB."
"But there's no one in there..."
"This is the Hyatt Regency Chicago."
"You want to be at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place."
And that is the story of how Ace and I barely made it to Brady Hoke's speech last Thursday.
(more after the jump)
- Read more about The B1G Media Days Experience
- 42 comments
- Log in or register to post comments


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Thunderbird 0.6May 03, 2004
While I've been using Thunderbird as a mail client since version 0.2, today's 0.6 release feels less of a toy and more like the first really solid revision.
Installation required the same rename-the-old-one then drag-n-drop-the-new-one that's proving to be a trademark of early software releases from the Mozilla Foundation. It's easy, but not for the masses. We'll see an installer soon, no doubt.
Upon launch, the first thing noticed is the brand new visual theme. Jon Hicks' fabulous Thunderbird icon is a welcome improvement over the old blue flame, and the pinstripe theme is top notch.
I'm not convinced the continuity is quite there yet between Firefox and Thunderbird but both updates make for a much more pleasant experience than the old look. Firefox uses small, greyscaled icons that feel vaguely vectorish, while Thunderbird uses larger colour icons that feel more pixellated. I'm not sure if consistency is even a goal, but I can't see what harm it would do.
The speed improvements are incredible, although I'm not sure they deserve that much credit — switching between folders in my old version (0.4 in this case, I've [unintentionally] skipped the odd-numbered versions) used to lag intolerably. Now it's lightning fast, at least given my few-hundred-messages-per folders.
But a few annoyances remain. The first is most likely due to the new theme, and will be resolved in time — when mail came in that was routed to a non-Inbox folder (thanks to one of my custom filters) the folder's icon would indicate new messages with a little highlight. Also I just discovered recently that when mail was sitting on the server but not yet downloaded, the account's icon would indicate this state with a similar highlight. 0.6 doesn't do either of these, but that's more of a disappointment than a genuine inconvenience. And though they are missing, a welcome new addition is a Mac OS X dock indicator when new email is received. Perfect!
Two of my accounts are SSL-friendly, but the certificate belongs to the hosting service instead of my domain so I'm just 'borrowing'. Thunderbird prompts me with a warning… every time I check my mail. Admittedly, it's usually smart enough to remember if I hit 'OK' during a single session, but as soon as I re-start the client it's back. I wouldn't mind at least being offered the option of never being asked about this again.
Amongst my folders lives a special top-level folder called 'Templates' which I will never use, and another called 'Drafts' which I just about never use either. I can't delete this. That annoys me. And why aren't 'Junk' and 'Trash' together in a collapsible grouping? I want all this is because vertical space is at a premium given my folder hierarchy, and I have three email accounts set up which all compound the problem.
But that's a surprisingly small list of annoyances for pre-release software. The improved visuals are no doubt strongly influencing my impression of the program, but then again I sort of base a career off that possibility. I'm a happy Thunderbird user, and I continue to become happier with each new release.


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|Skip Navigation Links
|Exit Print View
|System Administration Guide: Naming and Directory Services (DNS, NIS, and LDAP) Oracle Solaris 11 Express 11/10
Part I About Naming and Directory Services
1. Naming and Directory Services (Overview)
2. The Name Service Switch (Overview)
Part II DNS Setup and Administration
3. DNS Setup and Administration (Reference)
Part III NIS Setup and Administration
4. Network Information Service (NIS) (Overview)
5. Setting Up and Configuring NIS Service
Password Files and Namespace Security
How to Add a New NIS User to an NIS Domain
Changing a Map's Master Server
How to Change a Map's Master Server
How to Modify Configuration Files
Modifying and Using the Makefile
Changing Makefile Macros/Variables
How to Modify the Makefile to Use Specific Databases
How to Modify the Makefile to Delete Databases
Updating and Modifying Existing Maps
How to Update Maps Supplied With the Default Set
Using Shell Scripts With cron and ypxfr
Using makedbm to Modify a Non-Default Map
Creating New Maps from Text Files
Adding Entries to a File-Based Map
Creating Maps From Standard Input
Modifying Maps Made From Standard Input
Changing a Machine's NIS Domain
How to Change a Machine's NIS Domain Name
Using NIS in Conjunction With DNS
How to Configure Machine Name and Address Lookup Through NIS and DNS
Dealing with Mixed NIS Domains
Part IV LDAP Naming Services Setup and Administration
8. Introduction to LDAP Naming Services (Overview/Reference)
9. LDAP Basic Components and Concepts (Overview)
10. Planning Requirements for LDAP Naming Services (Tasks)
11. Setting Up Sun Java System Directory Server With LDAP Clients (Tasks)
12. Setting Up LDAP Clients (Tasks)
13. LDAP Troubleshooting (Reference)
14. LDAP General Reference (Reference)
15. Transitioning From NIS to LDAP (Overview/Tasks)
Part V Active Directory Naming Service
16. Setting Up Oracle Solaris Active Directory Clients
Use the following steps to bind to an NIS server that you specify. For more information, see the ypinit(1M), ypstart(1M), and svcadm(1M) man pages.
Add the hostname of the NIS server and its IP address to the /etc/hosts file.
Run the domainname command to populate the /etc/defaultdomain file.
# /usr/bin/domainname name-of-NIS-domain
Prompt for the NIS server host name.
# /usr/sbin/ypinit -c Server name: Type the NIS server hostname
Restart the NIS services by performing one of the following steps.
For the services to persist across reboots, run the svcadm command:
# svcadm enable -r svc:/network/nis/client
For the services to persist until reboot only, run the ypstop and ypstart commands:
# /usr/lib/netsvc/yp/ypstop # /usr/lib/netsvc/yp/ypstart


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Wentworth House Hotel4
106 Bloomfield Road, Bath, BA2 2AP
Price FromView Rooms
- Good
- 189 guest reviews
"We really enjoyed our stay here and thought Bath was a lovely city. Would definitely recommend both the hotel and the city. It was perfect f..."
"We had a pleasant two-days stay in this hotel: lovely house, surprisingly spacious (backside), nice breakfastspace -extended in the conserva..."
"Enjoyed my overnight stay. Friendly staff, very accommodating. Room was clean but fabric of the room and hotel was tired in places e.g. carp..."
"Elegant buildings of this age , a former home of some importance, now turned into a hotel, often are described as shabby chic. In this case..."
"Location was good, easily accessible to venture off and explore the area, only about 5 euros taxi back in the evening. We stayed (as a coupl..."
About the hotel
Set in almost an acre of grounds, Wentworth House is a guest house just a 15-minute walk from Bath city centre. It offers free parking, a seasonal, heated outdoor pool (April - Sept). All rooms at Wentworth are traditionally furnished and neutrally decorated.
Each room has a private bathroom, a TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. A full English breakfast is served in the dining room which features a traditional bay window with views across the garden. The residents bar is open from 1. 30pm until 10. 30pm. Bath Spa Rail Station and the historic Roman Baths are just over 1 mile from the guest house. The Theatre Royal Bath is less than a 10-minute drive away.
Read MoreLess
Facilities Show/hide
- Main
- Hotel Non-Smoking Throughout, Tea/Coffee making facilities in each room, Hairdryer in each room, Telephone In Each Room, Wake Up Call Available, Ground floor bedrooms
- Parking
- Car parking available onsite
- Business
- Wi-Fi Available, Meeting Facilities, Wi-Fi Available In Public Areas, Wi-Fi Available In Rooms
- In Room Entertainment
- Dining
- Bar
Useful Info Show/hide
- Between 14:00 and 22:00
- By 11:00 hours
- Up to 5 years old
- The price shown is based on the occupancy and dates you have searched for. Prices and availability are subject to change based on the arrival date, number of nights and occupancy searched for. All prices are inclusive of all local taxes.
- Pets are not allowed
Customer Reviews
Our reviews are from genuine LateRooms.com customers. We verify that the customer has stayed before leaving a review.
57% would recommend it to a friend
Customer service
Food quality
Room quality
Wentworth House Hotel - great hotel and city
We really enjoyed our stay here and thought Bath was a lovely city.
Would definitely recommend both the hotel and the city. It was perfect f...
Read More Less
Good stay
We had a pleasant two-days stay in this hotel: lovely house, surprisingly spacious (backside), nice breakfastspace -extended in the conserva...


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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Although Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher built his team to win it all this year, he doesn't think it's a now-or-never situation.
Florida State still has a lot it can accomplish and can finish the season on high note despite being upset Saturday at North Carolina State. Even a national championship, though a longshot right now, isn't totally out of the question.
Still, some fans are skeptical after the fifth loss to a double-digit underdog in Fisher's 2 1/2-seasons as head coach.
Fisher loses many top skill players and defenders after the season, along with the most successful placekicker in school history.
``I don't think it's this year or bust at all,'' Fisher said in a preseason interview. ``I think we'll be good for a time to come.''
But for many, the time was supposed to have been now - especially with a favorable schedule that had only three games outside the state.
The 12th-ranked Seminoles (5-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) hope to restart their winning ways Saturday when struggling Boston College (1-4, 0-2) visits in search of its first win of the year over a Football Bowl Subdivision team. The Eagles may find themselves a proverbial hornet's nest against the jilted Seminoles, who are desperate for redemption after last week's dismal second half that resulted in a 17-16 loss at North Carolina State in its first out-of-state test.
``I can't get into my opponents psyche'' Boston College coach Frank Spaziani said. ``That's Jimbo's job to worry about the psyche of his football team.
``The best way we approach it,'' Spaziani added, ``is get our guys to be play at the highest level that they possibly can and expect the other team to play at their highest level and go from there.''
Florida State is a four-touchdown favorite to win for the third straight time in the series.
But while the Seminoles still have much to play for, many fans are already thinking about what's next, with the likes of at least 10 members of the current roster on NFL teams in 2013.
``It's not like that,'' senior defensive tackle Everett Dawkins said. ``There are younger players just waiting for their time to play.''
The Seminoles, however, will be making several significant changes next season, starting with the quarterback position with the departure of fifth-year senior EJ Manuel. They also lose their best running back, Chris Thompson, one of their most reliable receivers in Rodney Smith and most versatile offensive player in fullback/tailback Lonnie Pryor.
Fisher will also need a replacement for placekicker Dustin Hopkins, who is on his way to becoming the ACC's career leading scorer and field goal kicker.
Add a half-dozen defensive starters, including possibly a few juniors who could be lured by NFL riches to leave school a year early and the Seminoles are a different team.
A sampling of names that could on the backs of a variety of NFL jerseys next season could include Carradine, Dawkins, Hopkins, Joyner, Manuel, McCloud, Moody, Rhodes, Thompson, Werner. Add Brandon Jenkins, who missed the season with a broken foot, and possibly some of the younger linemen or linebackers and Fisher will have a busy spring finding replacements.
And then there's a potential quarterback controversy in the making as well. Fisher has 15 days in spring practice and the month of August to determine whether Jacob Coker, Clint Trickett or Jameis Winston replaces Manuel.
No matter how one would look at it, there will be far more questions heading into the 2013 season, when the schedule is also going to be a bit tougher.
``I think we'll be good for a while,'' said the ever-confident Fisher.
Not that he has given up on this year.


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Yosemite Point F-Stop
Yosemite Point
The view of Half Dome from Yosemite Point. I'll be back in the Sierra's in less than two weeks now! Can't wait :)
Lights Overhead
Fishing Hut Aurora
I'm once again under the Northern Sky. Not much chance of seeing the Northern Lights here in Oregon though. I may get lucky though.
Aurora Flame
I've got to get rid of some prints from my inventory. I purchased various sizes of canvases but haven't got them printed so you get to choose the photo and the size at below cost price! See the sizing options below:
24x36" (60x90cm) — $190 AUD (1 available)
16x24" (40x60cm) — $120 AUD (1 available)
Fine Art Paper Print
12x18" (30x45cm) — $40 AUD (1 available)
Prices exclude shipping where necessary. Other sizes are also available but not with the same discounts. Message me for more details!
Aurora Burst
Clearwater Lake Aurora
Frozen Matanuska
Moody Mountains
Aurora Selfie
Yosemite Falls Rainbow
I captured this small rainbow in the mist of Yosemtie Falls on the hike down from the top. I used a circular polariser to enhance the colours in the rainbow.
Late Night TV
Brown Bear
© 2017 — Karl Lindsay Nature Photography
alaskaamericaastrophotographyauroraaurora borealisbest ofcreative commonsdelta junctionfavouritekarl lindsaykarl lindsay nature photographynaturenorth americanorthern lightsphotographyunited statesusawinter
From Photo Flow


text: Modern dance track in the style of trance, progressive trance. Well suited for dance parties. The track is universal fact that under it or him possible not only to vigorously move, play sports and a lie down, close their eyes and dream, to feel the lightness of the wind and lightweight weightless flight … For video and other purposes.


text:
When Thomas Toth contracted pneumonia, he became inseparable from the cool, stylish Don Draper.
Toth watched all five seasons of the AMC series "Mad Men" from his sickbed in a two-week viewing binge . He became so captivated by its fictional admen that he began sporting skinny ties and drinking Old-Fashioned cocktails.
"The nuances of the story lines are getting so complicated — they're introducing characters in Episode 2 and that character comes back in Episode 6 — I can digest things a lot quicker and easier when I binge on them," the 44-year-old Denver resident said.
Toth has lots of company. Services such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as digital video recorders, have transformed the TV viewing experience by enabling viewers to devour multiple episodes or even entire seasons of "The Wire" or "Downton Abbey" in marathon viewing sessions.


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Marine Corps Cpl. Triah Pendracki, Special to American Forces Press Service
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq, May 28, 2009
The U.S. military holds its servicemembers to high physical standards, and some take those standards to the next level, pushing themselves above and beyond whats expected of them.
Seven such servicemembers rose to the challenge for the Strongest Man competition here May 16, a monthly event sponsored by the bases Morale, Welfare and Recreation office.
The last seven months Ive been on deployment, I have been lifting weights at least six days a week, said Navy Seaman Chris Spencer, a coxswain with Riverine Squadron 1, whose efforts paid off with a victory in this months competition.
In a contest separating the strongest from the strong, participants completed six challenges.
The first test of strength was the overhead press, which required the competitors to lift 135 pounds above their head as many times as possible. The next event was a dead lift, and each strongman competitor lugged 225 pounds off the gym floor for as many repetitions as their body could handle in a two-minute period.
The third event was a test of endurance. The competitors held two 20-pound dumbbells straight out to their side and parallel to the floor. Though already dripping sweat and having lifted hundreds of pounds, the strongmen were then challenged to max out their weightlifting potential.
The last indoor event was the only part of the competition that allowed competitors to choose their load. For the dumbbell power press, each strongman had three attempts to lift the heaviest dumbbell he thought he could handle over his head. The servicemember who lifted the most weight claimed first for the challenge.
The strongmen then moved out into the blazing Iraqi sun for the final two events of the competition: the timed flipping of a 600-pound tire and a series of carrying events.
Finally, it was time for the last and most anticipated segment of the competition that tested the servicemembers strength and endurance. Much like the final relay in the popular Worlds Strongest Man competition, the strongmen raced to complete a farmers walk, chain drag and Atlas stone carry events requiring the participants to pick up and carry items weighing hundreds of pounds.
After almost two hours of grueling physical challenges, Spencer came out on top by winning every event in the competition.
Although Spencer said he was more than prepared for this competition, he already has a strategy for next months competition.
Im going to take my time and not rush as much, he said. I think its best to go last, because then you know where the bar is set, and you can see their techniques before you go.
Event organizers are planning a few new challenges for future strongman competitions, but welcome outside ideas from the competitors.
I would love to see a Humvee or a 7-ton truck pull, said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Grundel, a machine gunner with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 and a participant in the competition. Something big and something heavy would just be really cool to try.


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Car Review
2014 Lexus GX: New Car Review
The 2014 Lexus GX 460 is an analog SUV in a digital world. Based on the same body-on-frame platform that underpins Toyota's 4Runner and FJ Cruiser SUVs, the GX 460 prioritizes off-road performance, just as every SUV used to do. Featuring tough, trucklike construction and standard 4-wheel drive with a dual-range transfer case, the GX is a go-anywhere kind of vehicle. But that puts it in stark contrast to modern luxury SUVs, which generally employ unibody platforms that are optimized for shopping malls and suburban driveways.
Of course, Lexus has made sure that the GX feels at home in civilization, too. Thanks to a soft suspension, a slew of fancy features and standard 3-row seating, the GX can certainly play the part of a high-end family vehicle. We're surprised that Lexus didn't use richer interior materials in this expensive SUV, but the mellifluous V8 engine provides some consolation. Just don't expect carlike handling in corners. The GX is an old-school SUV that's happiest when it's pointed straight ahead.
What's New for 2014?
The GX 460 receives the corporate spindle Lexus grille this year as well as standard LED headlights (with available LED fog lights) and a new 8-inch touchscreen interface. The equipment roster was shuffled so that some content was taken out of the base and Premium models, but this change cuts the price of both by a few grand. A new Luxury trim debuts as the top-shelf GX model.
What We Like
Off-road-ready hardware; compliant ride; standard 3-row seating; plenty of luxury and technology features
What We Don't
Uncomfortable second- and third-row seats; cumbersome on-road handling; unremarkable interior quality; low fuel economy
How Much?
Fuel Economy
The rear-drive-based GX 460 comes with standard dual-range 4-wheel drive and a 4.6-liter V8 engine rated at 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque.
Its fuel economy is a predictably underwhelming 15 miles per gallon city/20 mpg highway.
Standard Features & Options
The 2014 Lexus GX 460 comes in three trim levels: base, Premium and Luxury.
The base GX 460 ($49,995) includes 18-in alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, driver memory functions, electroluminescent gauges, a rearview camera, a trip computer with a 4.2-in display, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth (for both phone and audio) and a 9-speaker audio system with an 8-in touchscreen display, a 6-CD changer, satellite radio and iPod/USB connectivity.
The Premium ($54,705) adds niceties such as high-gloss 18-in wheels, LED headlights, mahogany interior trim, perforated genuine leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone climate control with a smog sensor, a wood and leather steering wheel, voice controls and enhanced Bluetooth. This model also has a hard-drive-based navigation system that features Lexus Enform, which lets you either plan trips from home using a Lexus-exclusive online search called eDestination or leverage your smartphone for this purpose with the downloadable Enform mobile app.
The Luxury ($61,625) boasts exclusive 18-in liquid graphite wheels, an adaptive air suspension, power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a power-folding third-row seat and a cargo-area tonneau cover.
Some of the higher trims' standard features are optional on lesser models. Available on the Luxury model only are a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and wide-view front and side parking cameras. Additional options include dynamic cruise control and CRAWL Control for automated low-speed off-roading.
In terms of versatility, we found that the GX's standard third-row seat is mounted low, so longer-legged passengers will likely have their knees in their faces. The second row isn't particularly supportive or comfortable, either. If you plan to use more than two rows on a regular basis, we recommend purpose-built people-carriers such as minivans or the Ford Flex with EcoBoost.
Cargo capacity in the GX measures just 11.6 cu ft behind the third-row seat. Power-fold that seat into the floor and you have a more reasonable 36.5 cu ft. With the second-row seat backs folded down, the GX can haul a healthy 91.9 cu ft. However, the GX's unusual cargo door is hinged on the passenger side, which means it opens toward the curb on American roads -- not the most convenient design for curbside loading.
The 2014 Lexus GX 460 comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and 10 airbags (front, front side, front knee, rear side and full-length side curtain). All models include Safety Connect, which uses the same 24-hour response center as the Enform system to get you the help you need if the unexpected occurs.
Crash tests have not been performed on the GX.
Behind the Wheel
The GX's interior frankly lacks the top-quality materials we've come to expect from Lexus over the years. In particular, the dashboard doesn't look or feel like it belongs in a vehicle costing more than $50,000. Still, everything seems screwed together reasonably well, and Lexus's trademark electroluminescent gauges serve as a reminder that this is more than just a Toyota. Also, while the GX 460's central control panel has a lot of buttons, they're clearly marked in large white type, so there are no ergonomic snafus to report.
On the road, the GX 460 is a mixed bag. Its tall, slim build may work well for tight off-road trails, but it also makes the GX feel a bit claustrophobic, as if it hasn't yet expanded to its full width. That feeling doesn't inspire confidence in corners, where the GX could hardly be more out of its element. In a straight line, however, the GX's soft ride and excellent noise suppression make for a pleasant cruising experience. Potholes are often barely noticeable thanks to the long-haul, off-road-ready suspension.
Acceleration from the mandatory V8 is adequate, though it's unusual to see a V8 these days with such a low horsepower rating, and you'll feel the lack of juice at higher speeds. The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds with the optional trailer hitch, which is more than car-based crossover SUVs can handle but not that much by trucklike SUV standards.
Other Cars to Consider
Audi Q7 -- With its standard 3-row seating and premium ambiance, the aging Audi is a natural GX foe.
BMW X5 -- Boasting superior handling along with an available third row, the X5 is the driver's SUV in this class, but don't even think about it if you're the off-roading type.
Land Rover LR4 -- The surprisingly affordable LR4 impresses with its sumptuous interior, muscular V8 and adult-friendly 3-row seating. Its off-road performance is, naturally, beyond reproach.
AutoTrader's Advice
If your heart's set on a GX, you might as well go for the top-of-the-line Luxury model with the optional Mark Levinson audio system. It's not a stellar value, but you'll be glad you sprang for the Luxury's standard features and that killer Levinson stereo.


text:
New Car Review Video
2014 Toyota Tundra: 5 Reasons to Buy - Video
The 2014 Toyota Tundra has quietly been one of the toughest full-size pickup trucks for years -- but just being tough isn't always enough. Some folks thought the Tundra looked a little soft, while others complained about its controversial interior. That's why Toyota gave its big truck a serious makeover for 2014. It was time to set the record straight and let the Tundra's talents shine. Here are five reasons why Toyota's refreshed full-sizer merits strong consideration.
1. Smoother Ride
We always thought the Tundra had an overly firm ride, especially with an empty bed, and we weren't alone. So Toyota made ride quality a top priority this time around, and the results are remarkable. The new Tundra rides noticeably better than before, taking bumps and ruts in stride, even without a load in back.
2. Muscular New Styling
Last year's Tundra still looked good, but there's a trend toward squared-off, macho styling among big pickups, and Toyota didn't want to be left out. The new Tundra's blocky, intimidating front end compares well with the Silverado and F-150, not to mention the sort of old-school Mack truck you may see exiting a log yard. It's still unmistakably a Tundra, but there's an imposing vibe that wasn't there before.
3. More User-Friendly Interior
If you've ever sat behind the outgoing Tundra's wheel, you know that some of the central controls can be hard to reach. We pointed it out in reviews, and we weren't the only publication to do so. Happily, Toyota decided to give the Tundra a brand-new dashboard for 2014. Now those central knobs and buttons are all closer to the driver, and they control cool standard features such as Bluetooth and a rearview camera.
4. Fancy 1794 Edition
Inspired by special-edition rivals such as the Ford F-150 King Ranch, the 2014 Toyota Tundra is offered in 1794 Edition trim with 20-inch wheels, a special grille and saddle-brown leather upholstery. If traditional Chevy or Ford buyers are on the fence, it's just one more factor that might convince them to try the Toyota. These days, you must have a true luxury truck if you want to compete, and now Toyota does.
5. Excellent Off-Road Ability
The Tundra has always held its own in the dirt, but Toyota is emphasizing the TRD Off Road package's capabilities this time around. Boasting upgrades such as skid plates, heavy-duty Bilstein shocks and an off-road-tuned suspension, the TRD Tundra is one of the best factory off-roaders in the business. Take it from us: We drove one on a demanding trail in the Cascades, and the Tundra TRD Off Road barely broke a sweat.
AutoTrader Says
If you're a Tundra fan like we are, you have to love the changes for 2014. The Tundra was already a great truck, but now it should really give the Big Three something to think about.


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The one thing we know for sure about the fiscal debate in Washington is that over the next year, someone's taxes are going to go up. But the fight will be over whose taxes and how much they will have to pay.
Already, Wall Street lobbyists in Washington are privately concluding that the so-called "carried interest" tax treatment that allows hedge fund managers and others to pay certain taxes at the lower capital gains tax rate will be "toast," in the words of one lobbyist.
And many think preferential tax treatment for capital gains and dividends is also set to go away as Washington scrambles for new revenue to stop the nation's fiscal bleeding. (Read More: Obama Looks to Rally Public Support for Fiscal Deal.)
On capital gains in particular, many of the reformers circulating plans in Washington are already advocating an elimination of the tax preference there.
Under the "illustrated plan" released by the Simpson-Bowles commission, capital gains and dividends would be taxed as ordinary income, with a top rate of 28 percent . A competing bipartisan plan, known as Domenici-Rivlin, would do the same. A Joint Committee on Taxation study floated a top rate as high as 38 percent for capital gains and dividends.
There are other proposals circulating on the tax side of the debate that will make some taxpayers angry. Simpson-Bowles, for example, would cap the mortgage interest deduction at $500,000 of home value for primary residences only. And it would phase out the employer sponsored health care tax exclusion. (Read More: 'Fiscal Cliff' Is a 'Grand Canyon': Bill Gross.)
Domenici-Rivlin would limit the mortgage interest deduction to just $25,000 worth of mortgage interest, and would repeal the deduction for state and local taxes.
A plan floated by the so-called "Gang of Six" of bipartisan senators would change tax deductibility rules in a wide range of areas, including health, charitable giving, homeownership and retirement. It would also repeal the AMT permanently—which will make some payers of that tax happy.
At this stage it's almost impossible to know where the final deal will land. But we can guess an amount that Washington might settle on. (Read More: What Is the 'Fiscal Cliff?')
In the so-called "Grand Bargain" negotiations between Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, and President Barack Obama was heading toward about $800 billion in "new revenue" before negotiations broke off last year. ("Revenue" is Washington-speak for "taxes").
It's a safe bet that they'll end up somewhere in that range again this year with some sort of brokered deal before the new year that would delay the fiscal cliff and set the stage for broader tax reform legislation in 2013.
—By CNBC's Eamon Javers


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Tinley Park, ILUSA
February 13, 2011
No introduction yet
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" Hippocrates
Welcome to the Chicago suburbs raw and living food meetup group! I started this group because of my passion to spread the word about raw and living foods and to start a gathering place of like minded people. I am owner of learning RAW food and have a big dream to share.
I am a certified Raw food chef and certified Raw and Living food Nutritional Educator who lives in the Burr Ridge area. I received my training at Living Light Institute in Fort Braggs, CA. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and growing and inspiring each other over the years.
learning RAW food is dedicated to helping people incorporate raw living foods into their daily diet. My classes, recipes, products, workshops and services revolve around the simple concept that raw living foods are fundamental to living at our bodies fullest potential.
I am looking forward to hosting events and teaming up together to create monthly gatherings where we can share recipes, ideas and keep the passion on high for raw and living foods.
learningrawfood.com is my website - check it out and find out much more
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The Virginia Legends were handcuffed for one game but then broke loose to win the USSSA Women's Fast-Pitch Softball World Series July 29 in Botetourt County, near Roanoke.
The comeback against a 12-team field gave the Legends their sixth national title. It was their first time playing in this event. They previously had captured four 23-and-under ASA National championships and one ASA Women's National crown.
The Legends' only setback in the Series came in the winners' bracket final. They fell 2-1 to the Virginia Pride, which rode a combined two-hitter by U.Va. pitcher Melanie Mitchell and LSU's Ashley Czechner to the victory.
It was a different story in the finals. The Legends made adjustments at the plate and soundly defeated the previously unbeaten Pride twice — first by 6-0 and then 9-1.
One of the big plays in the championship game came when outfielder Trena Peel crashed into the center-field fence in robbing the Pride of a three-run home run.
Peel, Hampton University's women's softball coach, was selected as the tournament's offensive MVP. Other honorees for the Legends were third baseman Sami Fagan of Missouri, the overall tournament MVP, and Mackenzie Audas of the University of Central Florida, the pitching MVP.
Peel, a former standout at LSU and later an all-pro twice, was playing with the Legends for the first time. Other players from the area on the team were Virginia Beach's Heather Dunning, Miranda Paul and Haley Ward.
The team is coached by the Peninsula's Bobby Wills, Joe Woolsey, Craig Smith and Tim Moore.
Margaret Williams of the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins played an instrumental role in helping the Virginia Swimming all-star team take third place in the Eastern Zone Long Course Age Group Championships in Richmond.
Williams, competing in the 13-14 age group, anchored the winning 400-meter freestyle relay, swam the opening leg on the winning 200 free relay, and anchored the 400 medley relay that placed fourth. She topped her individual showing by placing third in the 100 free in 60.44 seconds and and fifth in the 50 free in 27.90.
The four-day meet ended Saturday and included 10 zone teams representing states from Virginia to Maine. The Middle Atlantic all-stars came out on top with 1,353.5 points, while Potomac Valley finished second (1,197) and Virginia Swimming third (845).
Brieanna Romney of the South Eastern Virginia Aquatics (SEVA) Seahawks made a good showing in the highly competitive meet, which included up to 70 and 80 swimmers in some events. Competing in the 10-and-under division, she placed fifth in the 50 butterfly (34.25) and anchored the fifth-place 200 medley relay and sixth-place 200 free relay.
Kade Younger of the Blue Dolphins, 11-12s, placed fifth in the 100 fly and seventh in the 50 fly, while Stephen Kuster was fifth in the 200 breaststroke.
Eighth-place finishes went to Jeremy Uniszkiewicz, 11-12s, in the 400 individual medley; Alexandra Slayton, 11-12s, 50 backstroke; and Cole Younger, 10U, 100 fly.
Semi-pro football
Playing nearly the entire game in a steady rain Saturday night didn't bother the Virginia Crusaders. Instead, they took advantage of one mistake after another by the Carolina Stallions in the slippery conditions to notch a team-record-high 71-0 win at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg.
From the start, it was raining touchdowns for the Crusaders, who are 3-1 in Mason-Dixon League play. They scored on their first play from scrimmage on a 60-yard run by Isaiah Wigfall, then quickly added two more TDs on a 40-yard fumble return by Anthony Hall and a 20-yard pass from Andre McGlone to Scorpio Brown for a 20-0 lead in the first quarter.
The flood of touchdowns continued in the second quarter as the Crusaders amassed a 52-0 cushion. This followed scores by Brown on a 20-yard fumble return, a 30-yard pass from McGlone to Shawn Jackson, a 4-yard fumble return by Mtyari Robinson and a 4-yard run by Robinson.
They closed out the scoring in the second half on runs of 15 yards by Lonnie Gilbert and Wigfall and a 5-yarder by Mike Codie.
The Crusaders return to action Sunday with a 5 p.m. game against the Virginia Jaguars at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
Jim Gallagher of Yorktown shot a 4-under-par 68 in sectional qualifying at the Independence Golf Club in Midlothian on Monday to earn a spot in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, set for Sept. 8-13 in Lake Forest, Ill.
Only two spots were on the line among the 32-player field at the Independence course. The other berth went to Scott Bemberis, 45, of Richmond, who also shot a 68.
Gallagher, 53, was at his best, making five birdies after hitting 17 of 18 greens.
He was coming off a win in the Senior Amateur at The Woodlands in Hampton on Friday and then a runner-up finish in the Bay Creek Amateur on Sunday at Cape Charles.
At the Senior Amateur, Gallagher carded a 4-under 65 for the lowest score in the tournament. Gallagher's 65 gave him the 50-54 age-group title by one stroke over Danny Hilling of Hampton.
Other winners in the 104-player field included: Burt Hussey, 55-59 age group, with a 70;
Robert Cheeseman, age 60-64, 67; James Guthrie, age 65-69, 69; Arthur Manley, age 70-74, 68; and C.H. Smith, 75 and over, 67.
Connie Glueck, 48, of Williamsburg placed second overall among the 75 women competing in the Goochland Sprint Triathlon on Saturday.
She completed the 300-yard swim, 12.5-mile bike and 5-kilometer run in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 54 seconds. Renee Kunnen, 30, of Richmond was first in 1:02:42. ...
John Piggott of Williamsburg took second place overall among the men and Kristin Herring of Newport News second overall among the women in Saturday's Lynchburg Half Marathon.
Piggott, 47, came across the finish line in 1:18:00 and Herring, 33, in 1:34:54. Christine Schaffer of Yorktown was second in her 45-49 age group in 1:51:05.


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The cost of breaking swaps contracts taken out by real estate investors who borrowed in euros at the peak of the property market in 2006/07 has increased substantially, according to an analysis by global real estate advisor, CBRE.
Created as a hedging instrument, swaps were intended to protect real estate loans with high LTV ratios, which typically have low interest rate cover, against interest rate rises. However, as the financial crisis drove interest rates down to unprecedentedly low levels, these instruments have become increasing burdens on investors wishing to sell their properties, affecting willingness to sell and, in the case of potential distressed sales, the recovery of value to lenders.
Currently, the cost of breaking a 20-year swap contract taken out at the peak of the property market in the Eurozone (Q4 2007) has jumped to 31% of the total value of the original loan as at the end of Q1 2012. Weak economic data and the ongoing Eurozone sovereign debt crisis are continuing to push down medium to long-term euro interest rates, pointing to a continuance of this trend.
The interest rate on a 20 year swap taken out in December 2007 would have been about 4.9%. As at the end of Q1 2012, the equivalent fixed interest rate for the remaining 15.75 years of that swap contract was about 2.7%. In order to break that contract, the borrower would need to pay an up-front lump sum equivalent to the present value of that additional interest, which explains the 31% break cost for such a swap.
The picture in the UK is not quite as extreme, as UK swap rates have been slowly increasing over the last few months, mitigating the break cost somewhat. The UK property market also peaked about a year before that in the Eurozone, meaning that Q4 2006 is the most relevant period to look at.
However, UK investors have experienced additional difficulties as, at the peak of the market, many borrowers took out longer swap contracts than were absolutely necessary, due to the fact that long-term interest rates were then lower than short-term interest rates.
Philip Cropper, Managing Director, Real Estate Finance, CBRE, commented: "The cost of breaking swap contracts associated with property loans taken out at, or close to, the peak of the market is proving a material factor in the work out strategies of lenders considering distressed asset sales.
"As we can see from our analysis, at the extreme, the cost of the breaking a 20-year euro-denominated swap taken out in December 2007 could wipe a significant amount from the sellers' return. In a challenging market, this is frustrating the recovery process as lenders try to deleverage their balance sheets. It also penalizes other investors seeking to dispose of performing assets.
"The irony of this phenomenon is that swaps were intended as an instrument to protect investors from the risk associated with rising interest rates. However, at the peak of the market no-one anticipated that we would enter such prolonged low interest rate environment."
"In working out property loans, banks face considerations relating to provisioning and the current and future prospects for both the underlying assets and the borrower. The scale of the potential costs of breaking swaps, and a bank's own capital adequacy requirements, add further significant complications to the process, which we believe are having a major impact on decision making. The key to working ones way through these situations is understanding the interaction of all the moving parts."
Source: FTI Consulting