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Discussion in 'Science Fiction & Fantasy' started by Temis the Vorta, Oct 10, 2011.
Heiroglyph has potential. It sounds like an ancient Egyptian twist on It Takes A Thief.
What... Liz Taylor lived back in ancient Egypt, in fact she was a Queen or something
Hulu has added the original Aussie version of (The) Strange Calls. They have 6 episodes altogether, but only the first 2 are free.
Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak is returning to NBC with another hourlong project about ordinary people acquiring extraordinary abilities
That's pretty twisted. I like it.
NBC Orders Drama Script Based On Remy Chandler Book Series
A private eye who can read minds? Doesn't that make the mystery-solving rather too easy?
Mind reading isn't admissible as evidence, so knowing who isn't the same thing as having the evidence for a conviction. It could be like Columbo, where he knew who did it, but had to prove it.
But that's not the point. The appeal of mystery/detective stories isn't in whether a conviction is attainable; in fact, many mystery stories end without a courtroom-level burden of proof being met. Mysteries are stories about solving puzzles, about using observation and clever deduction to uncover the truth. The detective's victory lies in figuring out the killer's identity, solving the puzzle. That's the climax of the story. Even in Columbo, the audience knew the answer in advance, but Columbo himself still needed to investigate, observe, and deduce. He didn't "know" who did it, he just suspected, and had to find the evidence to confirm his suspicions. Sometimes he didn't suspect the real culprit until nearly the end of the story. So it was still about the detective using his wits and skill to deduce the answer. Just magically sensing the answer would be cheating.
Doesn't help Sookie Stackhouse.
Even if you give the lead more brains than her, as the short-lived Canadian series The Listener showed, there are other aspects, as well as the admissible evidence problem, to be followed. Or, if you admit literary SF as precedent, a mind-reading detective was pretty interesting in The Demolished Man, by Alfred Bester. (No, not the Stallone movie!)
Interesting. So I wonder if they will all develop the same abilities or if they different organs will give different abilities.
Oh, I'd expect different abilities. The one who gets the eyes has super-sight, the one who gets the heart becomes super-strong, something like that.
ABC to Adapt Korean Drama 'Nine: Nine Time Travels'
A Reboot of Charmed Is in the Works at CBS
I don't understand rebooting something so recent. To me rebooting should be done to old stuff that we haven't seen done in a modern style.
Well, as the article says, supernatural stuff is fashionable now, so people are looking for anything that fits the bill. And Charmed was and still is a very popular show, bewilderingly.
Reboot everything!
Every show on TV should be various reboots of Leave It To Beaver-- darker and grittier reboots of Leave It To Beaver.
We definitely need a reboot of Lost and Breaking Bad!
Nine times Nine is my favorite show that I've watched in the last year, but I'm not sure how it adapts to US television because like most Asian dramas it is a self-contained story that doesn't fit the seasonal US TV type thing. The show ran for 20 episodes and the story was finished.
Kim Yun Jin (Sun from Lost) is involved in this as a producer so I'm hopeful that we might actually see more Asian characters in the series. Of course history and my brain tells me this is probably going to wind up like a lot of other ABC series and probably put on Thursday night at 8PM and canceled.
That could actually work because it's serious enough (often the case with Korean TV).
OTOH, I don't think the more light-hearted Japanese stuff like Papa to Musume no Nanokakan would translate to western countries.
Separate names with a comma.


text: Hi! Good to be back. Destiny seems to have established that the three "classical" powers of the Star Trek universe--the Federation, the Klingons, and the Romulans--were the powers that suffered the heaviest civilian and other losses to the Borg in 2381. The Federation lost Risa and Deneva; the Klingson suffered the destruction of Khitomer, the devastation of the Mempa system, and the bombardment of Qo'Nos. What happened to the Romulans? I've a speculative theory. The Romulans have been a high-tech spacefaring civilization for millennia, product of their inheritance of advanced (if sublight) technology from Surak-era Vulcan. The Romulans have since built extensively on this, for instance, mastering warp drive and subspace, actually building and deploying singularity drives on a large scale (I bet they're standard for the D'deridex-class, at least). The Romulan economy may lag behind the Federation, but Romulan technology is likely at least as advanced as anything the Federation could put up. One area of technology where the Romulans are quite good with are metaweapons, doomsday weapons capable of inflicting massive damage and/or subverting other powers' weapons. Romulan telecapture technology was used on a wide scale during the Romulan War of the 22nd century and against during the Romulan Civil War in the 23rd century; a Romulan suicide probe devastated Coridan at the beginning of the Romulan War; during the Civil War, after using the Sunseed technology, the Romulan Praetorate launched a weapon that would have made Sol hyperflare and destroy our solar system, and would have been happy to do the same to the Qo'Nos system; the Tomed incident saw an "accident" with a single singularity drive-equipped Romulan warship annihilate outposts scattered possibly across light-years; and, in Nemesis the Romulan coup plotters were confident enough in the ability of the Scimitar to penetrate Federation defenses and launch a globally lethal attack on Earth to send it on its way. The Romulans don't have many scruples against using metaweapons. Telecapture technology was something the Romulans kept and developed for some time; there were only ex post facto regret against the bombardment of Coridgan by some Romulan military leaders, who also saw nothing wrong with executing the populations of colony worlds; only a combination of a deep-cover Federation spy, Rihannsu honour, a civil war that led to regime change, and improvised quantum-entanglement technology saved Sol; likewise, during Nemesis the combination of the coup plotters' fears of Shinzon, Donatra's regret and interception of the Scimitar, and concerns about Romulan PR saved Earth's life from painful dissolution. In the past, the only things preventing the successful deployment of Romulan metaweapons--and only from the 23rd century on--was a combination of Rihannsu honour and fear of massive retaliation from the Star Empire's neighbours. Apart from that, the Romulans seem quite willing to incorporate massive attacks against civilian attacks as an integral part of their military strategy. Post-coup Tal'Aura was even willing to accept the decimation of her Kevratan subjects by plague. It's at this point we come to the Borg invasion. Both Romulan states are quite aware that the Borg have attacked Romulan space in the past, and the Romulans have quite possibly also been subject to attack by the Borg on the Wolf 359/single-ship model. Both Romulan states have developed their military technology, including metaweapons, to a very high degree. Both Romulan states are very territorial, competitive to a high degree with each other and their neighbours (not so much Donatra with the Federation) and determined to protect their civilization and their governments. And after the attacks on Acamar and Barolia, both Romulan states are aware that the Borg are invading the Alpha and Beta Quadrants with the express intent of exterminating their local rivals, eventually becoming aware that the Borg are arriving in their neighbourhood via the Azure Nebula on the Romulan border. What will the Romulans do? The Romulans are going to fight with conventional weapons and weapons systems--planetary defenses, warships, and the like. The Romulans are likely also going to fight against the Borg using improvised weapons, like the telecapture-equipped mining ships in Artaleirh during the Civil War. I also think that the Romulans are going to engage in the unrestrained use of metaweapons against the Borg. If the Borg are coming to exterminate Romulan civilization, what incentive could either Romulan state to use all of the metaweapons at their disposal against the Borg? Hyperflares, Tomed-style tactics, thalaron radiation, who knows what else--they're all likely to be used without inhibition, IMHO. There's evidence to suggest that the Romulans did well against the Borg. The Verithrax, a single ship, was able to destroy the Borg vessel attacking Ardana. The Forge, described in the tie-ins to the movie in 2385, likely also exists in the 2381 timeframe. The fact that the Romulans were able to capture, reverse-engineer, and eventually deploy Borg weapons technology suggests to me that the Romulans were able to do a significantly better job against the Borg than the Federation ever was. What all this implies to me is that the two Romulan states survive the Borg incursion in relatively better shape than either the Federation or the Klingons. With advanced conventional weapons technology, the sort of assimilated Borg technology that lets a refitted mining ship destroy a Klingon fleet, and any number of metaweapons and a demonstrated willingness to use them in defense of Romulan civilization, the regions of Romulan space bordering the Azure Nebula might not have suffered as much as neighbouring Federation and Klingon space. Who knows? Maybe even worlds outside Romulan space could do well. Ardana seems to have survived thanks only to the Romulans, and if we want Mestiko to have survived despite being near the triborder Romulans could also have been present. If the Romulans did get off fairly lightly, this has all kinds of implications for the galactic balance of power. What say you all?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, July 24, 2013, 3:12 PM
Town Square
Traffic advisory for Diablo Road
Original post made on Jul 25, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, July 24, 2013, 3:12 PM
Comments (4)
a resident of Danville
on Jul 25, 2013 at 1:27 pm
It was a rough day in Danville for PG&E with downed power lines and a gas leak. It would have been excellent to get this advisory as an Emergency Alert as with the gas leak evacuation... turning around on Diablo Road and driving out past Blackhawk to get to the freeway added quite a bit of time to my route. The advisory would allow people to plan better for a 20-minute detour. Obviously, this was merely an inconvenience as opposed to a potentially life-threatening disaster, different in scope and scale, but let's consider putting the existing technology to use!
a resident of Danville
on Jul 26, 2013 at 7:38 am
I totally agree. There was so much traffic congestion anyway because of updates in streets here AND during commute time. eSo, for all those pro-Summerhill people, what do you think is going to happen when you add all those homes, families and cars across from Diablo Country Club? Still shaking my head.
That stupid Matadera project is still going and the construction trucks and workers don't care about local neighborhood traffic AND now we have a fox roaming our backyards.
Poor guy-probably had his house and family destroyed by construction crews. Now we have to keep pets in because wildlife was dislocated.
The monkeys are running the Zoo here in Danville, California.
a resident of Danville
on Jul 26, 2013 at 10:22 am
Yes, the accident on Diablo Road practically killed someone, and the road closure threatened the lives of everyone on the east side of the blockage. If someone needed an emergency vehicle during that time (or if there had been a wildland fire, for example, requiring evacuation), lives were indeed in jeopardy.
Shame on Danville Town Council for endangering our lives by approving the SummerHill project. Shame on Save Mt. Diablo for supporting it as well. I will never send another penny to that hypocritical group. I will be supporting Save Open Space-Danville, an all-volunteer group that truly supports open space in Danville, not just miles and miles away from here.
a resident of Danville
on Jul 26, 2013 at 12:12 pm
I feel for the people involved in the accident, but I too was majorly inconvenienced as I was attempting to pick up the kids at Athenian. I also have nothing but props for the two DPD standing in the middle of the intersection directing traffic where it was probably well over 100 degrees. I wasn't feeling overly entitled, but I didn't want to keep the kids waiting in the hot sun either, so I attempted to ask how long the detour was in effect for. One of the officers had just spoken with another woman but she pulled away before I could ask her what he said. I had already pulled over and well out of the path of traffic, as I slowly approached the cops trying to get their attention one of them was rather rude and yelled something along the line of "get back in your vehicle and drive off". The 2nd was looking my way so I asked him how long it would be and he said "I don't know it's a PG&E problem". I seemed too far away from the pipe rupture to be related, but I realized I had no option to turn around and take the back route through Blackhawk. It was a hot day and everyone was working on their last nerve, but a little decent communication about what is happened goes a long way in a situation like that.
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 29 comments | 835 views


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While multi-platinum rock band, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Incubus[/lastfm], channels uber-masculinity with their brand of alt-funk-metal, lead singer Brandon Boyd's intimate, sensitive lyrics often sound like heartfelt letters to a mysterious recipient.
Part of this candid lyrical emotionalism is what has made Incubus so popular among such diverse audiences and many of their songs even have titles that sound like parts of letters which is why we've written this list of the Top 10 Incubus Song Titles You Could End A Letter With.
We can't wait to hear Incubus' poetic stylings during their free streaming performance on Live on Letterman at the Ed Sullivan Theater on July 11th, 9pm Eastern (6pm Pacific), which you can watch right here.
10. "Wish You Were Here"
Incubus' popular song "Wish You Were Here" sounds like a melancholy postcard from a tropical island:
I dig my toes into the sand/The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds/Strewn across a blue blanket/I lean against the wind/Pretend that I am weightless/And in this moment I am happy…happy/I wish you were here
9. "Promises, Promises"
We've all gotten letters from people who have screwed up with the words "Promises, Promises" scrawled liberally as if to convince us of their worth, but Boyd suggests that letters are best ended with no "promises" :
So promise me only one thing, would you?/Just don't ever make me promises/No promises
8. "A Kiss To Send Us Off"
"A Kiss To Send Us Off" starts off like the beginning of a dirty letter and ends like, well, a "happy" ending:
Meet me here/On November 11th. Come alone/Bring your mouth/And selective irreverence/we'll both see stars
7. "Are You In?"
This literally could just be the whole contents of the letter? Quite the existential quandary from the emotionally in-tune lads of Incubus: "Are You In?"
6. "Get Your Pants And Go"
We'd hate to get a letter like this, but we may or may not have written something to this effect at one point in our lives. We're not telling.
5. "Love Hurts"
The theme of "Love Hurts" is essentially the prosaic content of most letters from age groups 13-2o before they get older and realize that love doesn't hurt as much as not being able to pay the bills:
Love hurts…/But sometimes it's a good hurt/And it feels like I'm alive/Love sings/When it transcends the bad things/Have a heart and try me/'cause without love I won't survive
4. "Pardon Me"
We've received many a letter that began with the words "pardon me," but never as the result of a phoenix-like spontaneous combustion:
Pardon me, while I burst into flames…/Pardon me, pardon me, pardon me
3. "Here In My Room"
Many literary heroes have started their fictional letters with the words "here in my room." Likewise, Boyd spins his own fiction-worthy tale:
If the world would fall apart/In a fiction-worthy wind/I wouldn't change a thing now that you're here/If the world would fall apart/In a fiction-worthy wind/I wouldn't change a thing now that you're here
2. "If Not Now, When?"
There is no better way to end a letter of discontent than with a thought-provoking question, like:
I've waited all my life/If not now, when will I?
1. "Nice To Know You"
No explanation is needed for "Nice To Know You." Just, goodbye.
- Don't forget to come back right here July 11th at 9 PM to watch Incubus Live on Letterman presented by AT&T– rethink possible.


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Over the years I've offered the same piece of advice to every single Vikings owner. But not a one has taken that advice and acted upon it. Know how I can tell? Because not one of them has dropped dead. At least, not in front of me.
That said, our man Zygi Wilf, or Zzzzzzygi Wilf as anyone who has ever heard him speak calls him, is getting unnecessarily dragged over the coals these days. In fact, he and brother Mark are catching it for doing nothing more than acting within their legal rights. It's all very surprising.
Gov. Mark Dayton's populist rant against personal seat licenses is about six months too late. That Vikings ship has sailed. We can barely hear the Gjallarhorn off in the distance.
I could make some sort of smart remark about his failure to read the fine print in the stadium deal, but that wouldn't be right because the Vikings were up front about what they were going to do. Heck, this is the NFL we are talking about. It's not as if the Wilfs were going to wake up one morning and decide: Let's not rake in as much money as we can.
So I have no idea what the governor is doing, other than rousting the anti-stadium cranks and giving them a chance for one last squawk. If he is trying to appeal to the Wilfs' sense of decency and fair play, he might as well go ram his head against a brick wall behind the Capitol. Because a contract is a contract.
Both sides scratched, clawed and threatened until a stadium deal was struck. All the final details and approval were worked out in May. Now, as a certain former NFL coach once noted, there's no room for crybabies.
There is nothing that can be done about it. And just in case the governor thinks he can find some sort of loophole to exploit, here's a warning: Never try to out-lawyer the NFL. Those fellows will pick your carcass clean.
However, the governor did make a good point with regards to the Vikings opting to play a home game in London next season. Yes, that stinks. It's a kick in the head for local fans who have been tossed overboard for a bigger payday. Vikings fans have zero to gain from that cross-Atlantic excursion.
Again, we have to remember that the Vikings are within their rights. It's in the stadium deal that they can play up to three games overseas over a 15-year period. But it's legitimate to ask what sort of owners accept a $498 million public subsidy and then almost immediately announce they are dumping a home game.
Well, the Wilfs would do that. But so would any other NFL owner. A buck is a buck. And as a group, NFL owners are infamous for trying to wring every last nickel out of the general public, both here and abroad.
It seems to be in extremely poor taste for the Wilfs to take on that game in London. It's an insult to the locals, who have been slow to come to that realization. But again it was all legal, although I get a huge kick out of part of the rationale being to allegedly promote Minnesota tourism.
"Nigel, we've got to get out of this bloody fog. Let's go on holiday."
"Right, let's visit the home of those American footballers."
Anyway, the NFL never has been overly concerned with public relations. The game is so wildly popular that the people pretty much have to take whatever the owners dish out. What will be interesting to see is if the Wilfs are among the first to actually kill the golden goose. Supposedly, they've been floating potentially exorbitant PSL fees among season ticket holders. Some of those ticket holders yelped so loudly that they caught the governor's attention. And here we are.
Well, people will pay or they won't. It's up to them. But it's not up to the governor. I'd have to say Mark Dayton's heart is in the right place. But his head is out to lunch.
Follow Tom Powers at twitter.com/TomPowersPP


text:
About the Pituitary
The pituitary gland is a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of your head. The pituitary makes hormones (chemicals that control different systems in your body). Pituitary hormones are important for maintaining normal body function.
The hormones your pituitary gland makes are:
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
- LH (luteinizing hormone)
- FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
- GH (growth hormone)
- Prolactin
Part of the pituitary gland connects to the bottom of your brain (hypothalamus). This part of the brain makes two hormones that the pituitary gland stores until they are needed:
- ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
- Oxytocin
When you need these hormones, the pituitary gland sends them to the rest of your body.


text:
Related quotes
"Those of us with Asperger's Syndrome have very specific strengths that will be needed and called upon as this world comes to an end."
"It will be a NEW BEGINNING, the finding of our TRUE nature and the full EXPOSURE of suppression and control. We think that it will be the EVOLUTION stepping stone in the GROWING of OURSELVES and our UNDERSTANDING of this WORLD, the UNIVERSE and ENERGY! The more believe and feel this way, the more this will be the outcome!"
"Those waiting to see the end of the world shall be disappointed,because they will wait & eventually leave the world behind."


text:
ARVAC Inc. announced the regular low-income home energy assistance program (HEAP) closed Tuesday. ARVAC will continue to accept applications for the crisis intervention program. This program is for assistance with electric deposits and shut-off notices. For more information for Russellville, Pope County, call Joyce Cunningham at 968-5756.
PCCA to meet Thursday
The Pope County Cattlemen's Association will meet 7 p.m. Thursday at Russellville First Assembly of God Church in the fellowship hall for the regular monthly meeting. The program and meal will be sponsored by Ross-Rogers Equipment Company of Scranton and Mark Wedel of Ouachita Livestock Market of Ola. The meal will be brisket with all the fixings. Members are asked to bring potluck desserts. All members, their families and other interested persons are encouraged to attend.
American Legion music event scheduled
The American Legion will host a music event at 6 p.m. Thursday at 215 N. Denver Ave. in Russellville. Features include Bobby Hughes and Jessie Hughes with Bob Maggard on lead guitar, Jack George on bass, Howard Moore and Noah Hughes on guitar. Admission is $1.


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The bid protest that has put a temporary halt to NASA's plans to move from a proprietary content management system to open source architecture is just the latest example of how procurement disputes can delay agency initiatives for months.
The motives behind bid protests are not always clear, according to Jaime Gracia, president and CEO of Seville Government Consulting, who said the continued increase of bid protests in the federal space is evidence that some vendors and contractors are "abusing" the system.
Bid protest filings at GAO have increased each year since 2008, experiencing double-digit increases in fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010, according to the agency's annual report on bid protests. Gracia said a big reason for incumbent companies to file protests when they lose a contract is simply extra revenue. With a properly filed protest, an incumbent can often extend the contract at least until the protest is reviewed.
Jaime Gracia believes some companies
use bid protests to manipulate the system.
"Protests, in general, are always business decisions," Gracia said. "If an incumbent protests, that's usually about three months of extra revenue. For the most part, protests are done in hopes of making an agency think twice."
White said that many agencies faced with a bid protest will voluntarily "pull the plug and go away," meaning they reevaluate a contract and the protestor's argument. It does not have to lead to a new bid solicitation, though it can, he said.
And while "nobody talks about it," Gracia said, bid protests also often involve backdoor deals between competing vendors.
"Nobody talks about that, nobody wants to talk about it, but through back channels, the winner will work with the loser – the protestor – to figure out an arrangement where they get a piece of the action," Gracia said. "It's kind of a dirty secret."
In the NASA, case, reported earlier, eTouch Federal Systems filed a protest on Dec. 28 against NASA's new $40 million blanket purchase agreement with Rockville, Md.-based Infozen, which was to begin Feb. 1 and would have replaced the agency's CMS with new open source architecture to run its 140 websites and 1,600 web assets and applications.
The Government Accountability Office will review the contract, but a ruling could take until April 8, slowing NASA's efforts to implement its open government plan. The protest means NASA can't move ahead with its plans until GAO resolves it, according to Ralph White, head of GAO's bid protest unit.
Optimos CEO Lisa Mascolo said frivolous bid protesting is "uncommon" and certainly not "a sound business strategy."
"I don't think companies protest because they think they're going to prolong their time and revenue, I think they protest when they feel like something wasn't right or there is something they need to better understand," said Mascolo, whose firm is a strategy and enterprise information technology provider for the federal government. She added that bid protest debriefs can sometimes contain valuable insight, even for a losing protestor.
"It's not a cheap thing to protest, it doesn't make for good relationships, it takes time and meanwhile you're spending money on lawyers which is not a money-making venture," Mascolo noted.
Lisa Mascolo says frivolous
protests are rare.
Contractors filed 2,475 big protests in 2012, yet only 570 of those cases were found to have merit, and only 106 of those cases were sustained, meaning the GAO ruled favorably for the bid protestor.
Mascolo said the spike in bid protests could be at least partially explained by agencies not clearly defining what they're asking for – particularly in RFPs for involving newer technologies like cloud solutions, mobile and big data.
"Requirements were not as well defined" for such contracts, Mascolo said, "and it was easy for bidders to be confused."
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Frank Konkel is a former staff writer for FCW.
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An individual's walking gait will be the first biometric used to continuously authenticate mobile warfighters.
The former chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the lead sponsor of the IT procurement bill FITARA is calling it quits.
Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord has been replaced as the chair of the group overseeing the massive cloud initiative known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure.
Government application of the ledger technology lags behind the hype, but expect more experiments to take off in the coming months.
After a 2017 filled with uncertainty and slipped deadlines, the Census Bureau faces a critical 2018 that could make or break the constitutionally mandated count.
Nick Sinai and Steve Kelman contend that a great way to "drain the swamp" is to fix the Do Not Pay shared service that was created to combat fraudulent and improper payments.
I hate to say this but this article demonstrates the same poor logic and false alternatives that most 'light-weight' policy decision fall prone to. It looks at the population-wide data, picks out an indicator ('sustained protests') and then draws a conclusion about the behavoir of individual firms and their motivations. "only 106 of those cases were sustained" is judgemental writing and could have easily stood alone as an article with the title "GAO finds 106 six cases of government criminal activity in 2012!" You might also want to take a look of the case load of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the much more expensive avenue for significant protests. GAO issues 'findings' that the Agency can ignore or circumvent and often do. Also, the results of the findings are sometimes 'yes, the government broke the law but.... no real harm so move on' - is that a win. Let's sharpen the journalistic pencil here and avoid cocktail party policy making.
Oughta be some sorta' ante up to get into these protests - some percentage of the contract worth - just to "disincentivize" the abuse, whatever the heck that means.
Recent studt reveals a protestor has a better than 75% chance of something "good" happening.
8251 Greensboro Drive Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102 703-876-5100


text:
(The rim on the picture is for illustrative purposes only.)
Goodyear UltraGrip 8
TyresWinter tyresM+S markingwith snow flake symbol
Tyre dimensions195/60 R15 88H
Weight index88
Speed indexH (max 210 km/h)
Item No.D-120009
- Description
- EU Tyre Label:
Goodyear UltraGrip 8
The winter tyre that delivers outstanding snow traction
The UltraGrip 8 is the winter tyre that that delivers braking performance and grip when it matters most.
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- First directional tyre using 3D-BIS (Block Interlocking System) TechnologyTM throughout the entire tread pattern
- Next generation winter tread compound
- Higher net contact area
- Next generation V-tread design
- More grip and shorter braking distance on snow and ice
- Improved handling and braking on dry and wet roads
- Excellent traction and handling on snow and ice
- Outstanding grip on wet and dry
Optimised mileage and improved fuel efficiency TUV Claims TÜV SÜD claims 55% shorter braking distance on snow* 41% more lateral grip on snow* 6% more resistance to aquaplaning on curved roads** *Compared to a Goodyear summer tyre. Braking distance on snow from 50 km/h to 5 km/h, measured by TÜV SÜD Automotive.
Since 1st November, 2012 all tyres made after 1st July, 2012 must show the European Tyre Label.
The European Union has developed this new provision to promote economic and ecological efficiency and ensure road safety.
Disadvantages The Tyre Label can provide an overview and give the customer more transparency, but it only covers three criteria. For an extensive evaluation of a tyre, however, far more performance characteristics are relevant. Especially in the search for suitable winter tyres the test results from different test institutions such as the ADAC are much more stringent.
We'd like to point out that it is the manufacturer that labels the tyre and provides us with this information. If you do not find the label values, either the manufacturer did not inform us of the label, or the product was manufactured before July, 2012. Before that date, tyres had not yet been required to carry a label, so in some cases it is possible to purchase a tyre without a Tyre Label.
The tyres are classified in terms of three performance characteristics:
• Fuel Efficiency (letters A to G)
• Wet Grip (letters A to G)
• External Noise
Take action
Finally, it is the driver that determines the fuel consumption. In order to reduce this over the long-term, by being careful during acceleration drivers can become more fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious.
Regularly checking tyre pressure helps to improve rolling resistance, reduces energy loss, and supports optimum adhesion in wet conditions. To reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your and the safety of other road users, always keep a reasonable distance.
More information: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/tyres/labelling_en.htm
Choose from our large online selection or ask us for advice. Our experts are happy to help you choose the appropriate tyres from our extensive range of products.
The classification in terms of fuel efficiency is divided into seven classes, from the A-class (the highest) to G-class (the
lowest). A tyre in the A-class consumes 0.1 litres less at 100km than a tyre in the B-class. An essential component for fuel
efficiency is the rolling resistance or rolling friction.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is the force that opposes motion. It is formed, for example, when a wheel is rolling. Rolling resistance depends not only on the geometry but also on the properties of the material.
Average Average value is between C-E. Class D is not used.
It shows how efficient the vehicle can brake on wet roads. Wet grip is an important feature especially with summer tyres.
Class A has the highest safety and the shortest braking distances. Class F has low security and the longest braking distance.
The wet grip classes are based on test driving on wet roads with a speed of approximately 80 km/h. The difference between the braking distance of the tyres is 3-5 feet per grade. E.g., the difference in braking distance between Class A and Class F are up to 18 metres.
Average The average value of the tyres is between class B-E. Class D and G is not used.
The symbol indicates the external rolling noise in decibels and as a 3 class sound wave symbol to clarify whether the tire can
keep the recommended level. External rolling noise does not correspond to tyre noise inside the compartment.
A continuous sound level above 80 decibel can cause health problems.
Three sound waves symbolize the worst results. These are the tyres that exceed the maximum limit of approval. A symbol of 2 sound waves have noise level that corresponds with the approved sound level. Tyres that are marked with 1 sound wave are over three decibel quieter than the approval.


text:
ALEX Toys Jr Mix n Max Busy Bug Rattle
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Product Description
Get baby busy with the Mix 'n Max Busy Bug Rattle. As a teether, baby will be attracted to the Busy Bug's shapes and colors, which are perfect for soothing gums. As a rattle, baby will practice hand-eye coordination while colors and patterns stimulate brain activity. It's a rattle, teether, toy and learning tool all in one!
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Putco Virtual Grille
- Polished Mirror finish NeveRust Stainless Steel.
- Installs over the existing truck manufacturer's grille.
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- Coordinated Bumper Inserts are available for most applications
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Give your vehicle some clean stylings with Putco Virtual Grilles! Putco crafts their Virtual Grilles from durable NeveRust stainless steel tubes and polishes them to a bright mirror shine. Installation is fast and easy too; just mount the Virtual Grille over your stock grille at existing holes - no drilling, no cutting! In minutes flat your truck will be riding in class and subdued style. Most applications offer coordinated bumper inserts to complete your new upgrade. Best yet, Putco backs your Virtual Grille with a lifetime warranty.
Putco Virtual Grille Customer Reviews
Overall Rating:4.8 of 5
Just as AutoAccessoriesGarage said it would be. No drilling, easily installed over the existing grille, and I didn't need any special tools. I think it looks great, and I've gotten a bunch of compliments asking where I bought it.


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Structure Fire at 1329 W. Cucharras St.
Colorado Springs, CO– Colorado Springs Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire located at 1329 W Cucharras Street at 8:38am on January 11, 2012. The first engine arrived at 8:41am to see smoke coming from the attic of the home and called a working fire. As firefighters made access to the roof, they found the fire to be contained to just the attic area of the home.
This was a single alarm fire and CSFD responded with two fire engines, one fire truck, heavy rescue unit, hazmat unit and four support apparatus. CSFD had 24 firefighters on scene working to put out the fire. CSFD fire investigators were called out and have determined the cause of the fire was found to be accidental and caused by overheated electrical wiring that sparked the fire in the attic space.
There were no injuries reported however, the family that lives in the home will be displaced until repairs can be made. The CSFD "After the Fire" representatives and the American Red Cross are assisting the family with any needs they may have. The damage is estimated to be $54,000 structural and $15,000 contents. The amount of property saved is estimated to be $160,000 structural and $134,000 contents.


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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Singer-songwriter Cee Lo Green is postponing a grand arrival to his semi-permanent Las Vegas show after a deadly shooting and car crash shut down much of the tourist corridor.
Officials with the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino said they're working to reschedule the event, which was set for Thursday night.
A car-to-car shooting at a busy Las Vegas intersection prompted a multi-vehicle crash early Thursday morning. Three people died, several were injured, and the street was taped off for the investigation.
A suspect vehicle fled the scene and remains at large.
The "Cee Lo Green Presents Loberace" show is scheduled to start Feb. 27 and run for 28 shows.
Green is a coach on "The Voice." He's also one-half of the duo Gnarls Barkley, which produced the 2006 hit "Crazy."


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Serena Williams suffered an injury scare during her 6-0, 6-0 first-round win over Edina Gallovits-Hall at the Australian Open, rolling her right ankle in the first set and requiring an immediate medical timeout.
She lay motionless on the ground for a few seconds until the umpire came down to check on her.
She was able to stand and walk to her chair without any assistance.
After getting the ankle retaped, Williams had no problems, going on to win in 54 minutes (1 minute less than Maria Sharapova's double-bagel win Monday, despite the seven-minute delay).
Bypassing her oncourt interview obligations, Williams came into her post-match press conference relatively quickly, presumably so she could get herself to the doctor as soon as possible. She said she almost panicked when she went over the ankle, flashing back to the left ankle injury she sustained last year in Brisbane. For the most part, she was upbeat. She had no plans to let the injury stop her quest for a third straight major title.
"I'll be out there unless something fatal happens to me," she said. "I'm not here to make excuses. I'm here to play."


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Equine Lameness: Clinical Judgment Meets Diagnostic Imaging
Equine veterinarians have tools at their disposal--from traditional lameness exams to advanced diagnostic imaging--to help them make educated clinical judgments about lamenesses, their structural causes, and prognoses.
Photo: Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief
The athletic horse is subject to a variety of injuries and expresses the pain they cause in various ways, from behavioral quirks to obvious limping. Subtle lameness problems can be especially challenging to identify and manage. Fortunately, equine veterinarians have tools at their disposal to help them make educated clinical judgments about lamenesses, their structural causes, and prognoses.
Each year at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention organizers select a renowned practitioner to present the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art lecture on their topic of expertise. Sue Dyson, MA, Vet MB, PhD, DEO, FRCVS of the Animal Health Trust in Great Britain, who has devoted her professional life to the art and science of lameness diagnosis, was the distinguished lecturer at the 2013 convention, held Dec. 7-11 in Nashville, Tenn. She pulled from her experiences as veterinarian and accomplished rider to tackle this topic.
She prefaced her presentation with a quote from Sophocles: "Look and you will find. What is unsought will go undetected." While this is true of life in general, she said, it is extremely appropriate to the process of working up a lameness in a horse.
Clinical Observations
Dyson prefers to apply a different lameness scale than the AAEP's five-grade system. Using a scale of 0-8, she grades the horse at each gait, on different surfaces, and both in hand and under saddle. She recommended embellishing on each numeric grade with verbal descriptions.
During a lameness exam Dyson views the horse from the front, behind, and side. Next, she listens to the footfalls for gait irregularity, preferring to do so while longeing the horse rather than trotting him in hand.
"On the longe line, it is easier to assess how the horse is holding its body as an adaptation to pain," Dyson says. "It is possible to compare the horse's natural balance on left and right reins, the head and neck position and movement, the excursion of the inside hind limb, and the swing of the back. We can look at quality of the canter, whether there is a delay to departure into canter, and the head and hindquarter movement and/or presence, absence, and symmetry of toe drag."
She reminded the audience to scrutinize downward transitions from canter to trot, as well: "Alterations in body posture and balance during transitions are telling." She also recommended exercising the horse on a fine gravel surface with some traction rather than concrete so the horse isn't tentative and instead strides freely.
"In most cases, foot lameness worsens in circles as compared to straight lines," she remarked, adding that about 20% of the time, the horse's lameness worsens when the lame foot is on the outside of the circle.
She cautioned that a horse with bilateral (in both limbs of a pair) lameness can be difficult to grade. Putting a horse under saddle with a rider often exacerbates an unsoundness issue—in fact, ridden exercise is the only circumstance in which lameness is evident in some scenarios--so it can be another useful exam tool. Dyson said she likes to compare how the horse moves when the rider sits on both the correct and incorrect diagonals, as well as the difference in gait when the horse is ridden on contact versus moving on a long rein. "But," she cautioned, remember that "a good rider can mask lameness while a bad rider can induce it."
As practitioners evaluate the quality of horses' paces, rhythm, and swing through the back, Dyson recommended they take note of the steadiness of head carriage and any overbending and "curling up" in front. Do any aberrations change between right and left reins? She commented that a horse that ducks his head behind the vertical is likely displaying discomfort.
While most veterinarians focus their lameness evaluations on the horse at trot, Dyson also finds the canter useful. Canter locomotion places different biomechanical loads on the limbs, she said. She urged the examiner to look for behavioral resistance (bucking, kicking out, tail-wringing), loss of three-time canter, or difficulty with lead changes. "Failure to extend the hind fetlocks (at the canterduring the stance phase) is another important hint of a musculoskeletal problem," she said.
Asking the horse to perform lateral work can bring out the worst in a sore limb. The most information comes with a skilled rider on board who can ask for correct lateral exercises. An experienced rider is also able to communicate what he or she is feeling under saddle, which is particularly helpful in subtle lameness situations. "What a rider feels may be different from what we see," Dyson said.
Many times it can help to reassess the horse after he exercises and then stands for at least an hour. An injury that might have loosened up could get tight again and this will become evident in gait alterations as he begins another round of exercise.
"Behavioral signs are other indicators of lameness," Dyson said. A horse that spooks, evades, tilts his head, opens his mouth, is stiff through the neck, resists turning, rushes, runs away or is reluctant to go forward, displays tension, and/or bucks or rears is a horse that is communicating some level of discomfort. It is prudent to watch the horse at his specific athletic pursuit–for example, a jumping horse should jump or a dressage horse should be asked to perform exercises at his skill level.
Another observable feature Dyson described as useful in a lameness diagnosis is saddle slip. While this might be a manifestation of an ill-fitting saddle or a crooked rider, it is often related to back asymmetry and/or hind-limb lameness. In Dyson's recent study of 128 horses with saddle slip, she determined that 4% were affected with forelimb lameness while 54% were lame in one or both rear legs. In 86% of the lame horses, the saddle tended to move to the side of the lame limb.
"Hind limb lameness is the most frequent cause of saddle slip and is not necessarily a result of the rider," she concluded. "Diagnostic analgesia (nerve blocks) of hind limb lameness eliminated saddle slip 97% of the time."
Diagnostic Anesthesia
Nerve blocks are a useful tool that can help pinpoint an area of discomfort. Dyson said that for best results a systematic approach is necessary—the veterinarian should numb each area of the lame limb in a methodical manner, starting from the ground and working up. While diagnostic anesthesia is crucial to lameness investigation, she said, "It has its limitations." For instance, some pain is difficult to abolish altogether. And, she added, "There may be more than one source of pain causing lameness. Less than 70% improvement after diagnostic anesthesia often indicates an additional source of pain."
Over the years practitioners have discovered that results of diagnostic anesthesia can be confusing. What they see following blocking areas of the limb with anesthesia depends on numerous factors: How accurate is the injection? How much anesthetic is injected? How far does anesthetic diffuse upward?
Dyson reported a confounding study with results that departed from the expected: Five percent of horses with primary foot pain required anesthesia above the fetlock to improve and, therefore, diagnose the lameness. Usually, foot lameness is localized by diagnostic nerve blocks below the fetlock.
She said nerve block responses don't seem to differ based on injection approach, whether it's in the weight-bearing or flexed limb or if the horse walks or stands for a few minutes after injection. Inadvertent injection into the wrong structure can result in no improvement in lameness, or at the very least there might be delayed numbing of that region or unintended anesthesia of other structures.
Dyson suggested practitioners interpret regional anesthetic nerve blocks carefully and corroborate results with all other exam findings.
MRI Studies
When it comes to evaluating the various soft tissue structures in the equine foot, Dyson has found that advanced imaging modalities like MRI lend a hand. She has been using MRI for as long as it has been available in veterinary medicine, so she has many years of insight to impart on imaging a variety of injuries.
When it comes to evaluating the various soft tissue structures in the equine foot, Dyson has found that advanced imaging modalities like MRI lend a hand.
Photo: Stephanie L. Church
Collateral ligament injuries First she reviewed the difficulty of diagnosing injuries to the collateral ligaments (CL) of the coffin joint. These ligaments are at risk of damage when the foot is placed asymmetrically, particularly when the quarters of the hooves are different heights--lateral or medial rotation and sliding of the coffin bone relative to the short pastern bone above it stresses the ligaments and/or the coffin joint. The results of using diagnostic nerve blocks to isolate CL injuries can be disappointing, and she noted that ultrasound exam only provides a limited view of the foot structures; 27% of ultrasound exams miss the pertinent injury. Also, the longer the length of the hoof capsule, the more difficult it is to obtain effective views with ultrasound. Dyson reported that in comparing MRI findings to histopathology (examination of ligament tissue slices with a microscope) from euthanized horses, she observed a good correlation to actual damage within the collateral ligament, thereby confirming the value of MRI for diagnosing this injury. In general, MRI reveals that chronic CL lesions are degenerative in nature.
Once the veterinarian makes a definitive diagnosis, he or she can suggest a prognosis and implement a treatment plan. "The outcome for sport horses with collateral ligament injury is better than for the general purpose horse, possibly because there is earlier recognition in horses in steady training and competition," she said.
Sidebone Another condition that practitioners have historically overlooked is collateral cartilage ossification (conversion to bone), referred to as sidebone. Dyson's comments shed light that there is often an association between sidebone and CL injury: "Extensive sidebone increases the risk of injury to the collateral ligaments and their coffin bone attachments as well as the ossified cartilage being susceptible to fracture from trauma."
DDFT injuries The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) courses behind the pastern to insert on the bottom of the coffin bone; its anatomical arrangement serves to stabilize the coffin joint. Dyson said MRI is useful for assessing the DDFT; in nearly 83% of horses with foot-related lameness, she identified DDFT lesions around the navicular bone using this modality.
Dyson noted that elite show jumpers are at particular risk for DDFT injury within the hoof, with increased strain on the tendons as fences get higher. Also, 10- to 15-year-old horses are most at risk of these injuries, as opposed to horses younger than six. Dyson suggests that this is probably due to cumulative loading or age-related degeneration in the distal (lower) part of the tendon. An affected horse shows more lameness when turned on a circle or exercised on firm footing, and lameness improves with rest. Horses with DDFT injuries often stand pointing the lame foot, much like horses with navicular disease.
Dyson also remarked that there is no definite relationship between foot conformation, including coffin bone angle, and DDFT injury. That said, she added, "Of horses with DDFT lesions, about 15% have low heels and/or broken-back hoof-pastern axis." Veterinarians can miss these lesions on ultrasound but see them clearly using MRI.
Dyson cited one study in which 32% of horses with distal DDFT injuries returned to full athletic function after 6-12 months of stall rest and controlled walking. These injuries are often chronic by the time they are identified, and injury duration affects treatment outcome.
Navicular problems Navicular disease has been a challenge for practitioners to diagnose and manage, in part due to the extensive interconnection of soft tissues around the navicular bone and coffin joint. "A normal radiographic (on X ray) appearance of the navicular region does not preclude the presence of significant abnormal pathology (damage or disease)," Dyson stressed. She offered information about a "new form of navicular disease: Abnormalities are restricted to the marrow fat and the thin struts of bone (trabeculae) within the navicular bone." This type of injury is not visible with radiography and can only be seen using MRI.
Additional pathology the MRI reveals in the navicular structures also has relevance. "Distal border fragments are now considered significant to lameness," Dyson said. In nearly half of radiographic studies, veterinarians miss these and only identify them with MRI. In addition, the distal sesamoidean impar ligament, attached to the navicular bone, is at risk of injury; distal border fragments are found within the ligament, which may have adjacent tears (basically, from where the ligament has pulled away from the bone and taken fragments with it). The ligament is also highly innervated with many sensory nerve endings so such damage is likely to be a source of pain.
Lessons Learned
In summary, Dyson reported that we have learned quite a bit from MRI over the years. Some findings might seem like common sense, but we can now confirm these conclusions with definitive information:
- She emphasized, "There are an infinite number of structures that can be injured in many different ways."
- Veterinarians have a lot more to learn about how lesions develop and what causes pain. For example, it is not uncommon to see bilaterally similar lesions in a unilaterally lame horse, begging the question, "Why isn't the horse bilaterally lame?" Usually, with both limbs affected, one would expect to see the horse lame in both legs. Yet, this isn't always the case.
- Signal intensity changes of MRI imaging might not resolve over time; veterinarians need to determine what chronic pathology is significant and what isn't. It can be a bit confusing to correlate MRI abnormalities with active and painful lesions.
- Not all horses need an MRI!
- Veterinarians' current ability to diagnose far exceeds their ability to treat successfully.
As Dyson wrapped up her talk, she took one final opportunity to impart a bit more wisdom, quoting Nobel Prize-winning physiologist Albert Szent-Gyorgi: "Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking something different." Approaching equine lameness diagnosis with just such an inquisitive and creative mind is what will generate advancements in this field, she noted.
About the Author
Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, and has a special interest in managing the care of sport horses. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. She has also authored the books Go the Distance as a resource for endurance horse owners, Conformation and Performance, and First Aid for Horse and Rider in addition to many veterinary articles for both horse owner and professional audiences.
Related Content
5 Things You Need to Know: MRI
Infectious Disease: EPM (AAEP Convention 2012)
Gastrointestinal Tract (AAEP Convention 2012)
Managing Emergencies (AAEP Convention 2012)
Reproduction (AAEP Convention 2012)
Joint Injections (AAEP Convention 2012)
Equine Dental Care (AAEP Convention 2012)
Stem Cell Therapy (AAEP Convention 2012)
Top Equine Studies of 2012 (AAEP Convention 2012)
Veterinary Ethics (AAEP Convention 2012)


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Review of Representation and Reality
In Representation and Reality (MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1988, 134 pp., $19.95, ISBN 0-262-16108-7), Hilary Putnam, the father of functionalism, turns on his mind child, declaring that "functionalism, construed as the thesis that propositional attitudes are just computational states of the brain, cannot be correct."
Full Text:PDF
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1609/aimag.v11i1.827
Copyright © 2017, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.


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Get bird-friendly garden tips
Picoides pubescens
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Ron Kube
The active little Downy Woodpecker is a familiar sight at backyard feeders and in parks and woodlots, where it joins flocks of chickadees and nuthatches, barely outsizing them. An often acrobatic forager, this black-and-white woodpecker is at home on tiny branches or balancing on slender plant galls, sycamore seed balls, and suet feeders. Downies and their larger lookalike, the Hairy Woodpecker, are one of the first identification challenges that beginning bird watchers master.
Open woodlands, particularly deciduous woods and along streams. Also found in created habitats including orchards, parks, and suburbs. You may also find Downy Woodpeckers in open areas, where they can nest along fencerows and feed amid tall weeds.
Downy Woodpeckers eat mainly insects, including beetle larvae that live inside wood or tree bark as well as ants and caterpillars. They eat pest insects including corn earworm, tent caterpillars, bark beetles, and apple borers. About a quarter of their diet consists of plant material, particularly berries, acorns, and grains. Downy Woodpeckers are common feeder birds, eating suet and black oil sunflower seeds and occasionally drinking from hummingbird feeders.
Both male and female excavate the nest hole, a job that takes 1 to 3 weeks. Entrance holes are round and 1-1.5 inches across. Cavities are 6-12 inches deep and widen toward the bottom to make room for eggs and the incubating bird. The cavity is lined only with wood chips.
Downy Woodpeckers nest in dead trees or in dead parts of live trees. They typically choose a small stub (averaging around 7 inches in diameter) that leans away from the vertical, and place the entrance hole on the underside. Nest trees are often deciduous and the wood is often infected with a fungus that softens the wood, making excavating easier.
An active woodpecker that moves quickly over tree trunks, branches, and stems of grasses and wildflowers, characteristically leaning against its stiffened tail feathers for support. Downy Woodpeckers move horizontally and downwards on trees much more readily than most other woodpeckers. You may also see them perched atop tall weeds such as goldenrod in late summer, hammering away at a plant gall to get at the larva inside. Occasionally hops on the ground for food. Downy Woodpeckers have the undulating flight pattern typical of many woodpecker species, alternating quick wingbeats with folding the wings against the body. When having a dispute with another bird, Downy Woodpeckers fan their tails, raise their head feathers, and jerk their beaks from side to side. In spring you may see courtship displays in which males and females fly between trees with slow, fluttering wingbeats that look almost butterfly-like.
Downy Woodpeckers are numerous and their populations were stable between 1966 and 2015 according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 14 million, with 79% living in the U.S. and 21% in Canada. The species rates an 7 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score. Downy Woodpecker is not on the 2016 State of North America's Birds Watch List. These birds sometimes nest along fences, and the shift from wooden to metal fenceposts over the last century may have reduced their numbers. But clearing and thinning forests has had the opposite effect, since Downy Woodpeckers do well in young forests.
Where they occur, Downy Woodpeckers are the most likely woodpecker species to visit a backyard bird feeder. They prefer suet feeders, but are also fond of black oil sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and chunky peanut butter. Occasionally, Downy woodpeckers will drink from oriole and hummingbird feeders as well. Find out more about what this bird likes to eat and what feeder is best by using the Project FeederWatch Common Feeder Birds bird list.
Look for Downy Woodpeckers in woodlots, residential areas, and city parks. Be sure to listen for the characteristic high-pitched pik note and the descending whinny call. In flight, look for a small black and white bird with an undulating flight path. During winter, check mixed-species flocks and don't overlook Downy Woodpeckers among the nuthatches and chickadees – Downy Woodpeckers aren't much larger than White-breasted Nuthatches.
Keep track of the Downy Woodpeckers at your feeder with Project FeederWatch
If you see Downy Woodpeckers in your yard, report your observations to My Yard eBird
Can Woodpecker Deterrents Safeguard My House?: Read about what works and what doesn't on our blog
Tricky ID: Downy and Hairy woodpecker, Project FeederWatch.
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers: ID tips, Great Backyard Bird Count.
Like Chasing Tornadoes: The Fun And Challenge Of Mixed Species Flocks, Living Bird, Autumn 2014.
Downy Woodpecker, from Bent's Life Histories of North American Birds (1939).
Coping with Cold: A Bird's Strategy, Project Feederwatch, January 22, 2015.
Bird-friendly Winter Gardens, Birdsleuth, 2016.
Built to Peck: How Woodpeckers Avoid Brain Injury [video]
Contact the Lab | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site CreditsCopyright © 2015 Cornell University
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell or give your email address to others.


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Click a swatch below to change colors.
DISCONTINUED Port Authority® RapidPass Briefcase. BG108
Spend less time at the security checkpoint. Our checkpoint friendly briefcase features an easily accessible laptop sleeve that slides out for screening without having to remove your computer. This versatile sleeve can also be detached and used separately.
Note: Bags not intended for use by children 12 and under. Includes a California Prop 65 and social responsibility hangtag.


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This study is provided by ICPSR. ICPSR provides leadership and training in data access, curation, and methods of analysis for a diverse and expanding social science research community.
State Samples from the Census of Manufacturing: 1850, 1860, and 1870 (ICPSR 4071)
Principal Investigator(s): Bateman, Fred, Indiana University; Weiss, Thomas J., University of Kansas; Atack, Jeremy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This collection contains information from the Census of Manufacturing for states and the District of Columbia. It was originally collected to study the failure of southern industrialization. The data describe states and counties in terms of urban or rural, amount of capital invested, and number of male, female, and child workers employed. Additional information includes daily wage for skilled and unskilled labor, annual wage bill, hours in ordinary day's labor, types and quantities of inputs and outputs, power type, and horsepower. The original data were collected by Fred Bateman and Thomas J. Weiss and the collection was later extended by Jeremy Atack.
Access Notes
Data in this collection are available only to users at ICPSR member institutions. Please log in so we can determine if you are with a member institution and have access to these data files.
Study Description
Bateman, Fred, Thomas J. Weiss, with Jeremy Atack. STATE SAMPLES FROM THE CENSUS OF MANUFACTURING: 1850, 1860, AND 1870. ICPSR04071-v1. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas/Urbana, IL: University of Illinois/Bloomington, IN: Indiana University [producers], 2004. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], 2004. https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR04071.v1
Persistent URL: https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR04071.v1
Export Citation:
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This study was funded by:
- National Science Foundation (GS-2450, GS2456, SOC75-18917, and SOC75-20034)
Scope of Study
Subject Terms: census data, historical data, industrialization, manufacturing, nineteenth century, wages and salaries, workers
Smallest Geographic Unit: city
Geographic Coverage: United States
Unit of Observation: manufacturing establishment/plant
Universe: States and territories in the United States for which records were extant.
(1) Individual states should be analyzed separately. For aggregations, use the data available as NATIONAL SAMPLES FROM THE CENSUS OF MANUFACTURING: 1850, 1860, and 1870 (ICPSR 4048). (2) State data for 1880 are available as STATE SAMPLES FROM THE 1880 CENSUS OF MANUFACTURING (ICPSR 9384). (3) National data for 1880 are available as NATIONAL SAMPLE FROM THE 1880 CENSUS OF MANUFACTURING (ICPSR 9385). (4) The principal investigators request that the source of these data be credited and that authors using these data send a file copy of their work to Jeremy Atack at Vanderbilt University.
Original ICPSR Release: 2004-12-21
- 2006-03-30 File CB4071.ALL.PDF was removed from any previous datasets and flagged as a study-level file, so that it will accompany all downloads.
- 2005-12-15 On 2005-08-15 new files were added to one or more datasets. These files included additional setup files as well as one or more of the following: SAS program, SAS transport, SPSS portable, and Stata system files. The metadata record was revised 2005-12-15 to reflect these additions.
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In the June 3 editorial, The Cortez Journal asked, "What does public education really need from parents and the community?" I thank the Journal for allowing me the opportunity to outline my vision of what great parental and community support looks like.
Schools do not expect every one of its parent supporters to be the "super parent" who attends every meeting, chairs the parent teacher association group, volunteers weekly in their children's classroom, and helps photocopy the school newsletter each month. While we love these parents, we know that many of our community members do not have the time or inclination to be so involved in school. What we do hope each member of our community will consider, however, is the following.
The first role engaged and supportive parents play occurs years before the child ever sets foot in our public schools. There is conclusive evidence demonstrating the great benefit of parents speaking to, reading to, and engaging with their children from the earliest stages of infancy. The research on this is clear: The language environment children are exposed to in the first 36 months of life has huge implications on their cognitive development and upon their readiness to succeed in school when they come to us in kindergarten. We encourage the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors of our youngest community members to spend time speaking to them with high levels of sophistication, with a wide variety of vocabulary, and in a diverse scope of content areas. You'll be amazed at how well these youngsters listen, and you'll be doing them a great service by engaging their fast-growing brains.
Schools need parents to tell their children that school is the No. 1 priority for the child outside of the home. Research shows that parents who send a clear, consistent, and often-repeated message that school success is non-negotiable almost always have students who succeed in school. By putting school as the top priority – before sports, dance lessons, karate, free-play, and certainly before computer, video games and TV time – parents are demonstrating to their children that they expect them to attain a high-quality education. This sounds easy, but as a parent of two active and precocious elementary aged children, I know that sending this message consistently requires firm resolve and a dedicated commitment from the entire family. By establishing these expectations early, however, I know my job as a parent will be much easier as school success becomes a habit for my kids.
Schools need parents to make it clear that they expect their child to graduate from high school ready to succeed in college or some other type of post-secondary training. Research tells us that a high school diploma is no longer sufficient to provide a citizen a reasonable chance of economic stability in the 21st century. We know that if parents send a consistent message that they expect students to be ready to succeed after high school, the chances of their students taking their schooling seriously and persevering through the hard times that every student encounters in their school careers goes through the roof.
School need parents to back up their positive messages with determined action. The most concrete and significant way parents can do this is to ensure that their children attend school every day possible, and do their school work every night possible. In the 2013-14 school year, almost 20 percent of the children who attended Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 missed 20 or more days of school. That means that one child out of five missed at least four full school weeks, a month of school last year! There is an old saying in education, "If they aren't here, we can't teach them." We desperately want our students to attend school as regularly as possible, and parents are our best allies in this effort.
Finally, schools desperately need this community to reinvest in the children and schools of our district. Our city, our county, our region, our state, and our nation all have much to gain from providing the current generation with the highest quality education possible. The kids of this district have unlimited potential, and it is up to us to provide them with the schools, teachers, and opportunities the deserve so they may exceed even our wildest expectations of them. When the time comes to demonstrate support for school, I ask that each citizen commit to investing in our children so we can be confident in our future.
Alexander Carter is the superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1. Reach him at email@example.com.


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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Legislation to end permanent alimony and set stricter guidelines for other divorce settlements passed another Florida House committee on Thursday.
The bill has now passed two committees in the House and one in the Senate and could be ready for a floor vote before the end of the month.
The goal of the bill is to target and eliminate permanent alimony. In Florida, depending on how long a couple was married and other factors, one spouse could pay the other spouse for the rest of their life.
On Thursday, divorced man after divorced man stood in front of lawmakers and called permanent alimony a life sentence.
"I've been held in bondage by the state and forced to pay alimony against my will for the past 30 years," said R.C. Lindsey.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, said the current system is outdated.
"Things have change in the family and so should alimony," said Workman.
But opponents like Elisha Roy with the Florida Bar argue the legislation would keep spouses from staying home and raising kids.
"Essentially, what this bill says is, 'You've got to go to work. You've got to work to your highest potential while you're at work, cause if you don't you are going to have a very short period of time, half the length of your marriage, to figure out a way to make back that social security that you sacrificed and make back that retirement income you sacrificed,'" said Roy.
The bill would also allow old alimony cases to be reworked.
"Essentially, what we are doing is opening the flood gates to every divorce that has ever been decided in Florida," said Roy.
After several amendments and a few objections, the bill passed.
Workman said he'll continue to amend the bill in an effort to gain support.
Copyright 2013 by News Service of Florida and News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Marcellus Money: Statehouse Bought and Sold by Shale Gas Industry in PA
Steve Horn | July 12, 2012
By Steve Horn • Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 15:02
Consider it official: the Pennsylvania statehouse has been bought and sold by the shale gas industry, confirmed today, yet again, by MarcellusMoney.org.
In a press release, Marcellus Money, a project of Common Cause of Pennsylvania and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania laid out the sobering facts about the frackers' stranglehold over the PA state government, writing,
The natural gas industry and related trade groups have now given nearly $8 million to Pennsylvania state candidates and political committees since 2000…Top recipients of industry money given between 2000 and April 2012 were Governor Tom Corbett (R) with $1,813,205.59, Senate President Joseph Scarnati (R-25) with $359,145.72, Rep. Dave Reed (R-62) with $137,532.33, House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Turzai (R-28) with $98,600, and Sen. Don White (R-41) with $94,150.
Furthermore, between 2007-2012, the gas industry spent an astounding $15.7 million on lobbying the PA state legislature.
The overwhelming majority of the campaign cash flowed in the direction of Republican Party politicians between 2010-12. Individual GOP politicians and Political Action Committees (PACs) received $4.5 million from the gas industry during that time frame, while, on the other side of the aisle, Democratic Party politicians and PACs received roughly $650,000.
"The industry has largely had its way in Pennsylvania and has spent millions to put their friends in the state legislature and the Governor's mansion," said James Browning, Regional Director of State Operations for Common Cause, in the press release. "The industry's focus now is on protecting these investments and maintaining access to key elected officials."


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Leading the way in palliative care
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that lung cancer patients who received palliative care reported less depression, pain and other symptoms than patients who received aggressive medical care. What's more, the study showed that those who received palliative care lived longer, on average and enjoyed a higher quality of life.
At Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital, members of the palliative care consultation service strive to alleviate pain and discomfort to improve the quality of life for patients dealing with these difficult life-limiting illnesses. The palliative care service uses a team consisting of a physician, nurse practitioner, social worker and chaplain who have specialized training in these challenging issues.
Maher Tabba, MD, medical director of the service, explains, "Our team is committed to improving the care of seriously ill patients, to relieve their suffering through pain and symptom management and to provide ongoing communication and coordination through the healthcare system. In addition, we work closely with the patient and their families to give them a better understanding of their choices for care."
The nurse practitioner for the program, Martha Quigley, MS, GNP-BC, CHPN, provides most consultations to patients and families. "The team works to ensure that patients and families receive the type of care they want so they gain a sense of control to make decisions that are consistent with their definition of quality of life," Quigley says.
The palliative team broadens the disease-model for medical treatments to include goals of enhancing the quality of life for the patient and family, optimizing function and addressing the psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their families. "Concerns surrounding care needs on all these levels are addressed in a way which normalizes them, decreasing anxiety and bringing families together despite difficult circumstances," adds Anna Ventura, MSW, LICSW, palliative care clinical social worker.
For patients with life-limiting or progressive illness, referral criteria for palliative care consultations include pain, shortness of breath, agitation, etc. Treatment options may include aggressive care or less aggressive care dependent upon the patient's preferences.
Patients who choose Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice for home care have the added benefit of the continuum of care including palliative care VNA services at home. Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice has been consistently named to HomeCare Elite, a national compilation of top performing home health agencies across the country.
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Camby must thought he is a Cornerback in NFL or something ...
It used to be Camby's island in there. Maybe he had a flashback.
good timeout
Nice time out.
wow a time out to chill off an opponent who is getting hot.....
Wow KNICKS up by 30???? And it wasn't DAMNPHONY holding them boyz back???? Hmmmm.....
Hmm chewy - melo iso ball, 2 dead offensive attacks in a row. MOAR MELO ISOBALL! time to start killing the clock and letting the blazers score.
Damn Lin I know Fields is ya boy but come on!
Real Talk
* miscues *
chandler not ready for pass.
Landry missing alleyoop
Landry losing control of ball.
Seem to be playing better basketball but we are playing a very very poor team tonight! gotta love Camby with the assault on Fields!
Will we ever win a championship again? Id like to think so!


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Life happens: Just another boring, old married couple
Feb. 16, 2012 at midnight
Updated Feb. 18, 2012 at 8:19 p.m.
For those of you in the office pool who picked "divorced within two years," prepare to kiss your money goodbye.
The end of this month will mark the second anniversary of when I suckered my husband into being permanently stuck with me.
Naturally, to mark such a milestone, we are planning to go all out with our celebration:
Me: "So, what do you want to do for our anniversary next weekend?"
Him: "Um ... I don't know. Hey, is 'The Simpsons' on tonight?"
Me: "I think so. Oh! Let's order Chinese food and watch it."
Obviously, we don't have all the details worked out yet. But in our defense, we were so busy this past weekend lounging around the house in elastic band pants and slippers and making chili that was approximately 2,500 calories per bite that it left little time to make anniversary plans.
Now, to the untrained eye, it may seem like in only two short years I have turned into a boring, old married person. But personally, I think marriage has gotten a bad rap as being "boring."
There are approximately 113,877 movies and TV shows out there that, at one point, all have some scene where a girl turns to a boy and says "I don't ever want to be one of those boring, old married couples sitting in silence at dinner."
Those same movies and TV shows then portray married couples as being composed of a shrill, exhausted wife constantly nagging her weary, dead-eyed husband who keeps making sarcastic quips about "I don't have an opinion anymore; my wife tells me what to think" to his single buddies.
And it's thanks to these portrayals that people too often confuse "boring" with "comfortable." See, while I'll agree marriage isn't one giant non-stop action train, isn't that also the point? I didn't get married to have it resemble dating. Dating sucks.
The constant fart suppression alone is exhausting, let alone all the other stuff. If he doesn't call within three days, should I call him? Or perhaps text? Maybe poke him on Facebook? Does he like me? Is my breath OK? Is he seeing anyone else? Just who is that girl with the horse teeth that wrote a happy birthday message on his Twitter feed? When I take off my Spanx, water bra, fake eyelashes, four-inch stilettos, hair extensions and seven-layers of makeup, will he be disappointed?
And that's not to say my husband and I don't go out on dates. We do. We'll get all dressed up and go someplace nice. And then you know what I get to do after a date with my husband?
Anything I want.
I can keep the sexy times going once we are back home or put on my sweatpants immediately and share a roll of Tums with him on the couch because that foie gras is not sitting well in either of our stomachs.
And as for that boring married couple you see at dinner sitting in silence? Who said silence has to be a bad thing?
Comfortable silences are one of the most rare commodities on Earth. You ever hang out with someone you can't have a comfortable silence with? It's horrible. Both of you struggling to fill the pause in conversation until the awkwardness makes you both want to stab yourself in the eye with a soup spoon. That's why weather was invented. Simply so we would have something to fill those uncomfortable silences with.
And that's why they call it "settling down with someone," not "let's keep this emotionally-draining roller coaster going, permanently."
So, to my beloved husband, I'd just like to say happy anniversary, baby. I love you. And thanks for at least attempting to hide your laughter at my farts after that whole foie gras incident.
Aprill Brandon is a columnist for the Advocate. Her column runs every two weeks in the Your Life section. Comment on this story at VictoriaAdvocate.com.


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This crazy-looking cloud over Texas is rare and awesome
A rare cloud formation was caught on camera as it moved over Timbercreek Canyon in the Texas Panhandle at dawn on Nov. 4.Video via Todd MaskCalled a roll cloud, the formation is a low, horizontal cloud formation associated with the leading edge of a thunderstorm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The roll cloud isn't attached to the thunderstorm and is relatively rare, reports the Washington Post.
View "This crazy-looking cloud over Texas is rare and awesome " on Spundge


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BERLIN — With frequent power outages causing headaches among Berlin citizens, town officials are urging patience though some are calling for more scrutiny over how Berlin handles its utility.
"It [a power outage] is a major inconvenience," admitted Mayor Gee Williams.
Last Saturday marked the most recent in a string of blackouts that have been leaving Berlin in the dark since earlier this summer. There have already been a couple weather driven incidents in September, though severe storms in August, and July especially, brought the bulk of the outages.
"It's been an unusual summer because of the storms," said Williams.
Several residents, who wish to remain anonymous, lodged complaints with this paper criticizing the length and frequency of outages over the last three months. The blackout Saturday in particular served as a final straw for some, since that day's storm wasn't nearly as fierce as Hurricane Irene or some of the lightning-filled squalls that pounded the area in July, leading many to question whether they should expect the lights to now go off every time it rains.
According to Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence, last Saturday's outage was a unique accident, likely caused by moisture seeping into a piece of equipment on North Main St. However, he theorized that the equipment may have already been damaged by lightning in an earlier storm, which would have left it vulnerable to rain seeping in.
Additionally, Lawrence pointed out that the blackouts were exacerbated by the fact that Berlin is currently at one-shot capability. Extensive damage from lightning in July forced the replacement of breakers in the town's substation. Without those breakers, all three circuits that make up Berlin's power grid are tied together. When one goes down, they all do. It's an issue that Lawrence brought to the town council months ago.
"This problem was discovered earlier this summer," confirmed Williams.
Immediately following Lawrence's announcement that lightning damage meant new breakers would be needed, the council allocated $69,600 towards having the parts replaced, though the actual cost was eventually whittled down to $56,000.
"The equipment is currently being manufactured," said Williams, who explained that the parts needed to be custom-built for Berlin, a several month venture. "Help is on the way."
Lawrence confirmed that the new breakers are expected mid-November, and will put the town at "three-shot capability," allowing each of Berlin's circuits to operate independently, meaning problems in one circuit won't affect the other two.
When the new breakers are in place, Williams was confident that outages around town will be severely reduced. In the meantime, he promised that the town will continue to provide the best service it can in the face of severe weather. For residents frustrated by the blackouts, Williams asked that they consider how easily Berlin has gotten off compared to some other parts of the state.
"Comparatively speaking, our outages are very short," he said.
Williams pointed out that other towns in Maryland lost power for multiple days during Irene, while Berlin was only off-line for a few hours.
"Our reliability is as competitive as anybody's," he said.
Councilwoman Lisa Hall expressed doubts with the direction Berlin is going with its utilities in general, not just with the recent string of outages.
"How much is enough?" she asked, inquiring about the exact amount of money Berlin has spent on utility issues and projects over the last few years.
Hall used the replacement breakers needed for the power plant as an example.
"That plant can $70,000 us to death," she said, citing rising repair costs as an area of worry.
Hall did admit that Berlin's involvement in the electric field is a complicated affair with a lot of variables.
"There's a lot of pressure on the town to own a utility like that," she said.
But complications aside, Hall wants to open up all aspects of how the town handles utilities to the public eye.
"I think we need to really look at what has been spent in the last three years," she said.
Lawrence also felt that the public should be more involved, though his concern dealt more with the practical side of keeping the lights on. Public annoyance with outages is not something unfamiliar or unexpected for Lawrence. He understands how easy it is for residents to get angry while in the dark, both figuratively and literally.
In an effort to sharpen public awareness of what causes power outages and how the town attempts to prevent and respond to them, Lawrence suggested an open class for all interested members of the community, where any questions they have can be fielded by knowledgeable sources.
One of the biggest complaints now, admitted Lawrence, is the duration of blackouts. Though times vary, some parts of Berlin were without power for almost five hours last Saturday. According to Lawrence, the long down time was the result of difficultly in locating the source of the problem.
"Basically, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack," he said. "You have to physically check every pole."
Town officials did express interest in the classes, added Lawrence, but nothing has been decided for sure yet. If the frequency of outages remains constant or even increases in the coming months, Lawrence mentioned the option of placing the town's power grid underground, a move that comes with a heavy initial cost, but would make the energy network all but immune to severe weather.
"It's one thing we're looking at in the 10-year plan," he said, adding that Berlin could begin going underground, "one street at a time," to avoid having to bear the entire expense at once.
Whatever immediate steps are taken to protect against future outages, Hall still believes that the council needs to re-examine some of its ideas and practices in regards to utilities and she encourages the public not to be shy with any questions they might have about town operations.
Williams reiterated his opinion that, though there have been hiccups in Berlin, service has been strong compared to other places, even if it doesn't always appear that way to residents experiencing a black out.
"We don't live in a world one-mile wide," he said.


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brandy is back yall!!! you guys gotta remember her. she made her debut here way back and now shes back to show us how much shes grown. from the looks of it the titties did most of the growing. i swear i could just stare at her play with her titties all day. check out the scene where shes pouring water on those huge tits while they are all oiled up.
see how much this hot girl will go for $cash$ !
check out more hot girls get banneg for cash


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ties / 1 posts found
A Day in Honduras
Overcoming poverty is incredibly difficult, but most experts agree that education is essential. Imagine for a moment you're among the hundreds of millions in the third world who need corrective lenses, but can't afford them. Your journey towards education and a better life is halted before it can begin... Our recent posts have explored ecoSolargy's newly implemented CSR program. A vital aspect of the program is volunteering in our community....Read More


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Full of problems
1999 Chevrolet Silverado
I've had problems with this receiver since the moment they put it in. Every time I receive a call, I have to reset everything. The contact between the head unit and base is terrible. When I would go to hit a button, the screen would go black(used contact cleaning solution NUMEROUS times). Menus are tedious to go through to do a simple task. I will be going back to pioneer or alpine units that I have never had a problem woth
Pros: Good looking unit Sound quality
Cons: Buggy software Poor contacts Screen glare


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Two Last Tango in Halifax stars could be set for Bafta glory.
Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker are both nominated in the supporting actress category for their roles in the BBC drama series.
BBC drama The Great Train Robbery, filmed across Yorkshire last year, is up for best mini series.
Educating Yorkshire, filmed at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, is nominated for best factual series. It will also face stiff competition from the likes of Gogglebox, Breaking Bad, Broadchurch, and Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor, in the Radio Times Audience Award, which is voted for by the public.
Bradford magician Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo, will go against the likes of Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Strictly Come Dancing in the Entertainment category for Dynamo: Magician Impossible.
The Bafta television awards will take place on May 18.


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LFD Integrated Zero Mk. III
* 60 watts into 8 ohms, each channel, stereo integrated amplifier.
* Bandwidth: 1 Hz - 50 kHz.
* One pair of MOSFETs per channel.
* Inputs: 5 line inputs, 1 tape loop.
* Outputs: 2 pairs of speaker terminals.
* Controls: Input selector, Input/Mute/Tape, Volume.
* Weight: 17.6 lbs.
* Dimensions:17" W x 2.5" H x 13" D
The LFD IV Signature appearance of the case is very similar to the NCSE, the dimensions are also more compact, yet the weight is heavier than the LE III:
17" W x 3.5" H x 8" D and 0.5 lbs heavier
The LE III plastic push button power switch has been replaced with a sturdy metal toggling switch that looks identical to the NCSE switch. The sharp edging of the LE III case has been replaced with smooth and more solid feeling heavy plate. The black color is also more pleasant than the silver color of the LE III.
Also please note that the LFD LE IV Signature is being sent to USA/Canada only and differs significantly from the international models, as was described earlier.
I want to stress that it took a week of playing 24/7 before the amplifier settled in, the sound after that period of time became strikingly improved. I realize that my reporting the sound quality was great enough to evoke a tearful moment only after a seven day break in period is not very scientific, but for me it was a significant revelation.
Comparing the sound of the Harbeth C7-ES3 and the LFD IV Signature to the
former LFD LE Zero Mk. III
Bass output is more rich, and complements the middle frequencies- never overtakes them. One need not and probably should dismiss the idea of consider a sub woofer which in my opinion and that of the reseller would probably muddy the sound quality. The bass output in both amplifiers was at all times never artificial, boomy or loud, however the bass "size" in the LE III was subdued by comparison.
Mid range instrumentation has additional clarity, not as great a difference as was the bass clarity when comparing the two amplifiers, but never-the-less noticeable. And lastly, something both odd and different. Bass vibrations with the LFD III and C7-ES3 could be heard coming at me and felt on my chest with the volume turned up sufficiently to do so , a pleasant experience and nothing that I find unusual. The bass with the the LFD LE IV Signature and the C7-ES3 is heard at the level of my ears and forehead, very different. You all can attest to how impressive the sound stage of your Harbeth speakers are when you have found your just right placement and toe in, and the predominating sound output is midline and slightly overhead. With the LE IV Signature it is significantly mid line and at ear level height more so than the LE III did. Wish I had a spectrograph analysis to display for the scientific readers, and I don't have the experience to write my subjective account in a more orthodox manner, but I did my best. And yes, I kept the LE IV Signature over the LE Zero Mk. III
[Edit: Had been considering a sub woofer to use with the LE III when It was being used with my P3-ESR. However, when I upgraded to the larger sized C7-ES3 it was evident that a sub woofer would not be needed with either amplifier. The LE IV Signature was purchased from Gene Rubin Audio in California who arranged for Fidelis in New Hampshire to ship directly to me.]
{Moderator's comment: this post is released 'as is' and is not verified}


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Jordy Nelson was a game-time decision Sunday because of a nagging hamstring injury. He started anyway, but made it less than a quarter before [si_launchNFLPopup video='3fb73a7eabdb44ac80ee9f480b9e6bd1']hobbling to the sideline with an ankle injury[/si_launchNFLPopup].
Nelson slid to the turf in an effort to catch a low Aaron Rodgers pass on 2nd-and-goal, and his right ankle appeared to catch in the turf and turn under his right leg. Once Nelson made it to the bench, Green Bay's trainers removed his shoe and placed a bag of ice over the injured ankle. He was ruled out for the game, at halftime.
It came as a bit of a surprise that the Packers opted to play Nelson in Week 9, with a bye week awaiting. Green Bay's leading receiver sat out last week's sloppy win over Jacksonville, further depleting a receiving corps that has been without Greg Jennings.
Rodgers finished with a season-low 186 yards passing in that 24-15 victory last week, with James Jones putting up 78 yards to lead the way.
Perhaps seeing his teammates go through the motions encouraged Nelson to push it a little harder this week. The tough part of that decision now is that his Sunday injury had nothing to do with his hamstring issue. Even with an extra week to rest up, Nelson could face a tough road back to 100 percent -- any receiver dealing with multiple leg injuries could be limited for some time.
Both Jones and Randall Cobb stepped up again with Nelson out Sunday. Jones hauled in a TD pass from Rodgers in the first half, while Cobb was on the receiving end of a pair of Rodgers' scoring tosses -- including one on the play after Nelson left injured.
Green Bay did have to hold its breath later in the first half when Cobb took a shot while returning a punt. That play briefly had the Packers down to just Jones, Donald Driver and Jarrett Boykin at wide receiver.


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Best Family Board Games
Old and New: The Best Family Board Games to Play Over Winter Break
Old and New: The Best Family Board Games to Play Over Winter Break
Nothing beats good old-fashioned board games when it comes to quick and easy family entertainment. Whether you're spending time with relatives or just snuggled up with your little ones for the rest of the holiday break, we've rounded up a mix of classic and contemporary board games to keep your family engaged. While some of our favorites may be found in your basement, others are worth a speedy trip to the store for some fresh, brand-new competition. Shop and play these family-friendly board games!
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