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Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, January 4, 2013, 9:06 AM
Town Square
School board president: Public education key to state's future
Original post made on Jan 5, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, January 4, 2013, 9:06 AM
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 5, 2013 at 7:59 am
> Are we going to be better off investing in education –
> or in prisons to make up for the failure of
> our education system?"
One can only wonder if Mr. Tom has ever taken the time to review the basic data of California State government spending, prior to making statements like this one?
Let's look at a few statistics—
In terms of Adult Institutions, California has about 170,588 inmates as of 2007, out of a population of over 30M -- 475 inmates per 100,000 state residents. However, about 25% of these, however, are illegal immigrants who will doubtless be deported when they are released from incarceration—unless pardoned by President Barak Obama, as no doubt many are hoping he will do.
But what about welfare? How many Californians are on the dole?
Using US numbers, as of Fall, 2012, there are about 4.3M on welfare, and 47M on food stamps. Perhaps we should be looking to determine how many of these people are recipients of a "public education", to determine just how effective the public investment in this "institution" has been for these people?
Given Mr. Tom's silence on the number of people who are publicly-educated, and on welfare, food stamps, or unemployment—the numbers of such people far overwhelm the number of people in our prison system. Yet, all Mr. Tom seems to be able to focus on, to talk about, seems to be those who have chosen to break our laws, endanger our citizens, and to create a need to remove them from society.
It would be one thing if Mr. Tom could show that all of the people in California's prisons had been denied a public education. But Mr. Tom can not show that—at least for those who are US citizens. While perhaps not all in our prisons finished high school, all were offered the chance.
Mr. Tom should perhaps stop trafficking in sound bytes about education, but actually produce a plan that he will guarantee will educate every child in the state so well that none of them will ever break the law again.
So, Mr. Tom—can you do that?
We are spending upwards of 40% of our State budget (over $60B a year), and billions more in capital expenditures for facilities—we don't seem to be getting that much for our money. How come, Mr. Tom, how come?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 5, 2013 at 9:04 am
Dana Tom is a likeable person and great as a fellow parent. I would like to thank him for his devotion and time spent on the school board.
However, as a board member he has been rather insignificant and tends to go with the flow rather than be a leader. His comments are often just stating the obvious (although at times the obvious needs to be stated) and he has flip flopped on issues. The only reason he is there for a second term is because there were no other candidates in the election.
As president I do not expect much to change in his term, it will be well managed but I imagine not decisive. The reason he is president again is just because it is his turn. This is not really news.
a resident of another community
on Jan 5, 2013 at 9:21 am
Just curious as to how many parents have hired tutors or are sending their kids to learning centers like Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon, Mathnasium and the like since the adoption of Everyday Math.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Jan 5, 2013 at 10:57 am
Mr Tom, your help is greatly appreciated. Our district is not an easy to manage. We all mean well to the kids, but the definition of 'well' drastically change from family to family.
It's unrealistic expectations, such as "can you guaratee" that make it difficult for anybody to work here. Tutoring has nothing to do with the board. It's a family right to use it to supplement the school curriculum.
a resident of Palo Verde
on Jan 5, 2013 at 11:55 am
Ze'ev Wurman is a registered user.
I supported Mr. Tom in 2005, and he is, perhaps, an example of my biggest error in judging people. Many others have been elected since of whom I wasn't so sure, yet they turned out to be good, and sometimes even excellent, school board members. In contrast, Mr, Tom has been a constant disappointment.
Basically, Mr. Tom has been voting "present" during his stay on the board. He has had few if any serious ideas to offer, he has rarely if ever prodded the administration even in the most minor way, and he was always happy to explain away any administrative hiccup or misdeed that may have happened.
Basically a full time indiscriminate and unqualified cheer leader for the district administration. One can understand such behavior in a PTA president, but it boggles my mind that a supposedly intelligent person believes this is his role as a school board member.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 5, 2013 at 12:17 pm
> the board has nothing to do with tutoring.
Like most things in life—there is some truth in this statement, but it is not entirely true, either.
The shift to Everyday Math was never justified in a way that left people in the "community" understanding who/what/why was going on. There was never a position paper from the Board on the matter. There may have been some documentation from some level of staff, but it's hard to that documentation on the PAUSD web-site. A few teachers gave what seemed to be annecdotal testimony about how they believed EDM would help people on the "bottom", but they did not guarantee that it would.
So—what math texts should the district use, and why? Is there anyone on the Board, that made the decision, who can speak authoritatively on the topic, at this date? Did the matter come up during the last PAUSD Board election? Is the District better off for using EDM, or not?
Parents who now find that they are "forced" to hire tutors for their children might disagree with any suggestions that the Board had nothing to do with the selection of EDM—when it clearly did. [Parents in this town should be able to help their kids, but given their schedules (generally), trying to find the time might prove impossible, requiring tutors in their place.]
What's particularly hard to swallow is the fact that the Board, none of whom seem to be remotely "mathematical"—did not schedule follow-on studies at three, and five, years, to determine the effects, and value, of EDM on the PAUSD's students.
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Jan 6, 2013 at 11:30 am
There is something about the process of the PAUSD Board of Ed that is so...process driven, detailed, it is off-putting - meetings too long, speeches too pontificating, I think the system needs to be re-jiggered with a major turnover on the Board. I hope this happens sometimes to liven up the place and bring in fresh ideas.
That Mandarin Immersion controversy was ugly and bowing to a particular constituency. My belief has always been the Board must operate in the best interest of the entire district, of all the students, not a pushy self-interested group.
Waffling on decision-making is hardly an unknown on this Board.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 6, 2013 at 2:51 pm
We had a chance to have a real change in the board but I fear that with the current make up we will be faced with "more of the same". Perhaps the next election will provide us with some possibility of positive change. I agree with Former Paly Parent and the "Wurman" postings.
a resident of Barron Park
on Jan 6, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Always so negative. I read this and about the city "behind the scenes" workers. Every post is so critical. Can't we ever find something nice to say. I know Mr. Tom and he is a good man who cares about kids and doesn't want to do anything but make the district run better. So are the city workers highlighted in the accompanying article. Let's lighten up and be nice to each other in 2013, even if it is anonymous.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jan 7, 2013 at 10:14 am
"My belief has always been the Board must operate in the best interest of the entire district, of all the students, not a pushy self-interested group."
Yes. Unfortunately recent board agenda and meetings have been hijacked by one such group. The only way to counter this is to get more people involved. Mr. Tom can't do this on their own.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jan 7, 2013 at 1:44 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]


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Last week, a record number of new congresswomen were officially sworn into their positions to begin the 113th Congressional session.
One hundred women will be filling the seats of Congress in the new session. The total number of women holding seats in the House of Representatives is now 80, up from 77 in the last Congressional session. In the Senate, women hold 20 seats in the new Congress, up from 17 in the last session.
Among the women in this Congressional session's freshman class are:
Media Resources: New York Times 1/3/2013; Reuters 1/3/2013; Feminist Daily Newswire 11/7/2012
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subset: commoncrawl


text: crossposted from craigslist: http://longisland.craigslist.org/pet/371722555.html Subject: Libby...gentle 7 yr old Shep mix alone in empty house one month since owner died (LI, NY) Dear Companion Animal Friends, PLEASE CROSS POST (LI, NY, CT, NJ) When a guardian dies, we expect a family member or friend to take in that person's beloved pet in honor of the companionship and love they shared. But sometimes it doesn't happen. Sometimes there is nobody else... Libby was left alone in the world when her owner died. What makes it even more tragic is that her 96 year old "dad" (Joe) had taken Libby in after his son Richard who had adopted Libby two years before, passed away unexpectedly. Before that, Libby had another family who dumped her at the pound when they moved. After spending nearly a year at the shelter, she thought she found her forever person when Richard came to take her home. It was love at first sight, and this meant so much to Libby since the people at the shelter had always referred to her as "just a brown paper bag." For two years Libby lived as Richard's constant companion, and life was good. Richard battled severe obesity, and Libby gave him the companionship and confidence to take walks and to love himself. Just as he had loved her unconditionally, so had she loved him. When he suddenly passed away, his elderly father took Libby in. She was a reminder of the son he loved, and they gave each other much-needed comfort. So gentle was Libby, that even in his 90's, he was able to take care of her. She asked for so little. Last month, Joe became ill and had to be hospitalized. Libby waited anxiously by the front door for his return. He never came back. During this month, the only relative, an elderly man, came once a day to feed Libby. When she had to relieve herself, she often had no choice but to use a small carpet in a back room. Days turned into weeks, but still, she waited by the front door, looking at every passing car with a hopeful heart. When an acquaintance of the relative found out what had happened, she went to visit Libby...and what she saw broke her heart into a million pieces. There was Libby, curled up at the foot of the steps, waiting by the door. Her eyes were a combination of fear and sadness, as though she knew her person was not coming back but was terrified that someone would take her away from the waiting nonetheless. The house was hot and desolate, and Libby ran and hid when this kind woman came to see her. She would not make eye contact and hid in the corner, as if to say "I'm invisible". It was as though she didn't feel worthy, like she had forgotten the tenderness of a simple pat on the head. When we tried to take pictures of Libby, she always looked away with her ears down. Who, she thought, would want to photograph a forgotten dog? After a few days of consistent visits and allowing Libby to come forward on her own terms, Libby velcroed herself to this special person who came to give her food and water and who explained to Libby that though her daddy loved her, he was not coming back. She made a promise to Libby that she would never be alone again and that soon these days and night of loneliness and despair would be behind her... Libby still waits at the door. A few times a day someone comes. It is not her forever person, but it is someone who cares--someone who is dedicated to the promise she made this beautiful dog with a deep spirit and a heart of gold. While the overnights remain dark and lonely, there is a glimmer of light in Libby's eyes, and one she even wagged her tail. Though it will take some time for Libby to feel safe and secure again, there is surely someone out there who will understand, who will open her home and heart to a dog who has endured more heartbreak than any living creature should ever know. Libby waits by the door...she waits now for you... PLEASE CONTACT: email@example.com there are pics in the link. i can't take her, but if someone can, i could help to organize transportation. if anyone here can give her a good home, i'm thinking we can possibly organize some sort of relay to get her there. anyone interested?!?


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You are here
This is the BMW M6 Gran Coupe
Last month, BMW teased a shady, sinister-looking M-Power version of its 6-Series Gran Coupe. Today, it has given us both barrels straight to the chest. Internet: meet the M6 Gran Coupe.
As we suspected, it sports very similar firepower to its 'standard' BMW M5 and M6 brethren. And by very similar, we mean identical: underneath that rather lovely body sits a 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine developing 552bhp and 502lb ft of torque.
As such, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds - exactly the same as the M6 Coupe and 0.1s quicker than the M5 - and run on to a limited top speed of 155mph. If you so wish - and you live in Germany or own substantial acres of awesomely paved, straight runway - you can have the limiter set to 189mph with the M Driver's pack.That power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed double clutch M gearbox, featuring Launch Control (which is ace), and something called low speed assistance. We doubt with 552 horses under the bonnet, this will ever be an issue.
There's an electronic limited-slip diff at the back in collusion with the DSC stability control, both of which distribute the engine's power to give you maximum traction when a sudden burst of B-road rage descends. There's also a hydraulic steering rack (surely a good thing), optional carbon ceramic brakes, and dynamic damper control to better tailor the chassis.
Outside, it's familiar M fare, with those large air intakes sitting underneath the M kidney grille, flared wheelarches - pointing to a wider track both front and rear for the M6 Gran Coupe - 20in alloys, a new rear apron and of course, M-Power's favoured quartet of exhaust pipes at the back. Oh, and that rear apron incorporates a CFRP diffuser too, helping direct the airflow underneath the Gran Coupe.
It costs €128,000 in Germany, which is around £103,000, which is around £10k more than a BMW M6 Coupe. Do you, as BMW implores, agree that it brings "luxury and aesthetic appeal" to the M6 range? Tell us below.
What do you think?
This service is provided by Disqus and is subject to their privacy policy and terms of use. Please read Top Gear's code of conduct (link below) before posting.


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Front Range > Bard Peak > Climber's Log
Bard Peak Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2009
|I climbed with Aaron and several of the "usual suspects." The views were as spectacular as you could hope for, and the route was really good, but really steep (can you say f*#@in steep!)
|Posted Jul 11, 2009 10:42 pm
|Pete Castricone
|From Parnassus
Date Climbed: Sep 10, 2008
|I was racing an early season snow storm. While I was on Bard's summit, Woods and Parnassus were swallowed by a white cloud. My escape plan was to descend into one of the large southern basins, and the storm completely missed me.
|Posted Sep 11, 2008 10:57 am
|From Watrous Gulch / Ruby Creek
Date Climbed: Dec 15, 2006
|12/15/06 - Out and back trip from neighboring Parnassus. Added on Woods Mountain for good measure. These are rather boring peaks that can be safely climbed in winter.
1/6/16 - Winter loop over Woods, Parnassus, Bard, Robeson & Engelmann from Ruby Creek.
|Posted Sep 10, 2008 3:59 pm
Date Climbed: Jun 29, 2008
|Over from Parnassus via Watrous Gulch, descended down the valley between the two, all the way down to I-70. Had to hike a couple miles along the highway to get back to the Herman Gulch TH, which was silly, but not nearly as bad as I had imagined. Exceptional views from this Peak. Very few other people on these mountains for a beautiful Sunday in summer.
|Posted Jun 30, 2008 1:12 pm
|with Parnassas
Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2002
|We first climbed Parnassus from the Herman Gulch trailhead, then over to Bard. For the return we dropped down to a trail that stays on the I-70 side of the mountain until it gets back to Watrous Gulch.
|Posted Mar 19, 2008 9:40 pm
|Bard + Englemann+Robeson+Parnassus
Date Climbed: Oct 4, 1987
|A 4-Peak loop starting from the old Urad Mine area. Solo. Started on old Ruby Creek Road (foot traffic only) and worked towards Englemann. No trails, just up the slopes. Found nifty marmot jawbone. Once on top, just made a long traverse across the peaks. Very, very windy and cold day. But a great, great climb. One doesn't get four 13'ers in a day too often.
|Posted Jan 3, 2008 3:03 pm
|Parnassus and Bard
Date Climbed: Jul 15, 2007
|Wedding anniversary trip. Backpacked in below saddle of Parnassus and Woods. Hiked Parnassus and Bard. Beautiful days!!
|Posted Dec 28, 2007 6:23 pm
|Foxy Long Bottoms
|Engelmann, Robeson and Bard.
Date Climbed: Jun 10, 2007
|Posted Jun 10, 2007 9:06 pm
|Eric Holle
Date Climbed: Feb 6, 2007
|Ben and I finished the climb that Tim and I started last week. There were 30 elk and 7 bighorn sheep up there. Greatest glissade ever coming back down.
|Posted Feb 7, 2007 3:58 am
|Eric Holle
|"BARBEMANN" point to point.
Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2007
|We almost got search and rescued, a chopper flew down the valley and stopped to check on us less than an hour into the hike!
|Posted Feb 2, 2007 6:26 am
|Timothy Pearl
|"BARBEMANN" point to point.
Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2007
|Hwy 40 to I-70 Bakersville including Engelmann, Robeson and Bard. No Pernassus this time due to time, wind and energy constraints. A nice long march in the winter wind. With my death-march partner Eric Holle, of course.
|Posted Jan 30, 2007 11:22 pm
|"Barnassoods" Loop
Date Climbed: Nov 26, 2006
|Climbed solo with Mt Parnassus and Woods Mtn the Sunday after Thanksgiving to burn off that turkey. Windy and cold on the summit, but I was able to find a calm pocket to enjoy the views!
|Posted Nov 27, 2006 3:16 pm
|Route Climbed: From Watrous Gulch via Mt. Parnassus
Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2006
|A GREAT way to spend a day of vacation on a Tuesday. Clear skies and complete solitude was the prevailing theme for this adventure! I know of areas farther from Denver that see more visitors than this superb place.
|Posted Sep 17, 2006 4:28 pm
|Waterous Gulch via Parnassius
Date Climbed: May 16, 2006
|Some massive snowfields high up on the saddle extending down for maybe 100 meters. The connecting ridge also had some nice snow pinnicles and wierdly high snowdrifts on Bards ridge. Challenging & exhausting work but enjoyable. The snow was pretty good even at 2:00pm in the afternoon. As Grant says, very nice panoramic views too! No one else to be seen all day.
|Posted May 17, 2006 7:20 pm
|from Bakerville
Date Climbed: May 19, 1999
|Lots of postholing in the trees, but straightforward after that. Great 2000' glissade on the way down.
|Posted Mar 3, 2006 4:47 pm
|Route Climbed: Watrous Gulch via Parnassus Date Climbed: July 1, 2005
|Was planning only to climb Parnassus but it was such a beautiful day I traversed over to Bard. To avoid a large snowfield it was necessary to descend about 300' below the ridgeline. Saw some bighorns on the tundra descending from Bard to the Bard Creek Trail!
|Posted Jul 14, 2005 6:22 pm
|Route Climbed: South Ridge of Parnassus to Bard Date Climbed: June 14, 2005
|I hiked the Bard Creek trail until I was below the south ridge of Parnassus. I then climbed to Parn. summit and traversed to Bard. I returned via the Bard Creek Trail. Encountered snow up high but otherwise dry. Great hike across alpine tundra.
|Posted Jun 14, 2005 2:45 pm
|Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: May 21, 2005
|We did the Grand Circle route up Englemann, Robeson, Parnassus, Bard and Woods starting from the Urad Mine and ending at the Herman Gulch TH.
|Posted Jun 8, 2005 2:45 pm
|Route Climbed: Bard Creek Trail Date Climbed: July 2004
|Great place to go, I love the Watrous Gulch area. It was 4th of July weekend, 2004 and we were the only people back there camping. Unbelievable! Another Bi-Centennial to mark off.
|Posted Mar 1, 2005 3:27 pm
|Route Climbed: Bard Creek Trail Date Climbed: October 8, 2004
|The weather was beautiful, which was a good thing. I wrongly assumed there would not be too much snow due to the route facing south. I was sadly mistaken.
Once I reached the flat shoulder at 11,900 and traversed the rock field, the fun began! I climbed though areas of snow that were close to 3 feet deep in spots! The summit was covered totally in snow, and I had a hard time determining if I actually was there until I found the survey marker. There was no summit cairn or summit log (that I could find, that is).
My time up was close to five hours - two more than I anticipated, although the weather was great and the temperatures were moderate. It took me about three hours to get back down.
A nice climb, although my legs really felt it the next day. My face got a little red too from all of the reflective sun from the snowfield. All in all, a good trip with lots of great view of surrounding peaks.
|Posted Oct 9, 2004 9:44 pm


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One of the biggest downsides of having a fastidious yet fantastic beauty routine is the time it takes to accomplish it. Half the time, the reason is simply to let your date wait for you downstairs with bated breath; the other reason is that women don't entirely understand how to do more in less time. Here are some tips to ensure your beauty enhancement maintains its allure while cutting down its application time.
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Add cross training to your workout with BOB and the Stroller Strides Fitness Program.
A BOB is more than just a baby stroller:
- Includes Stroller Strides Fitness Kit: Handlebar Console, Stroller Strides exercise manual and exercise tubing.
- Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability. Locks forward for increased stability when jogging or if the terrain turns tough.
- Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.
- State-of-the-art, adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.
- Accessory Adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter or Snack Tray.
- Ultra-padded, adjustable reclining seat for enhanced seating comfort. Five-point padded harness helps keep your child comfortably secure.
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- High-impact polymer composite wheels with pneumatic tires and tubes take on tough terrain.
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- A simple twist of the front wheel tracking adjustment knob keeps you rolling straight.
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- Canopy silk screened with Stroller Strides logo.
- Also available as a double stroller.
- Weight (Net): 26lb, 11.75kg
- Capacity: 70lb, 31.75kg (Occupant plus luggage weight)
- Frame Materials: High strength aluminum alloy.
- Seat Material: Poly and Dobby weave fabrics with water repellent coating and open cell foam padding.
- Seat Care: Sponge area with a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and allow to dry. DO NOT USE DETERGENT.
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- Suspension: Coil spring and elastomer core shock absorbers provide three inches of wheel travel. Adjustable shock release knobs allow for two shock positions to fine-tune suspension for varying occupants and cargo. Position 1: 0-40 lbs. Position 2: 41-70 lbs.
- Tires: Pneumatic tires. Rear 16" x 1.75", Front 12.5" x 1.75".
- Tubes: Pneumatic with schrader valve.
- Hub: Quick release axle with sealed cartridge bearings.
- Wheels: High-impact polymer composite.
- Bearings: Sealed cartridge ball bearings.
- Spokes: High-impact polymer composite.
- Rear Brake: Foot-activated parking brake.
- Wrist Strap: High strength, polyester fabric webbing attached to stroller handlebar. Also used to secure stroller in folded position.
- Canopy Adjustments: 5 position toggle system with a 125° range of coverage provides ample protection from the elements.
- Canopy Window: 85 sq. in (54.8 sq. cm) clear viewing window.
- Handlebar Release Lever: High-impact polymer composite.
- Swing Arm: High strength aluminum alloy.
- Swivel Knob: Durable steel knob and lock-out pin to convert from "walk" mode to "jog" mode.
- Tracking Knob: Adjustable tracking knob to fine tune stroller tracking when front wheel is in "jog" mode.
- Storage: 2 interior mesh seat pockets, 1 large pocket on seatback and large Low Boy Cargo Basket underneath seat.
Additional Info


text:
Grizzly Peak
|[ Sizes: Orig | Large | Med | Small | Thumb ]
Grizzly Peak as viewed from the summit of "Cupid". The West Ridge of Torrey's is visible to the east side of Grizzly. March 9, 2008
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Grizzly Peak (Mountain/Rock)
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UN 13117 "Cupid" (Mountain/Rock)
Grizzly Peak Winter Hike (Trip Report)
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Lat/Lon: 39.63901°N / 105.85258°W
Object Title: Grizzly Peak
Image Type(s): Hiking


text:
Unfortunately this product is currently not available.
Give your smartphone a dazzling makeover with this black plastic rubber case with a matt finish. Designed to fit the iPhone® 5 and 5S, it is adorned with a subtle gradation of crystals, from Jet Hematite to clear crystal and features the Swarovski logo printed on a leather tag. iPhone® is a trademark of Apple Inc.


text:
I was out on a story when Jones' death hit the newswires. My wife, Deborah, who is a reporter at the same newspaper where I am a reporter, called me and said, "George Jones is dead."
I was on a city street, and I'd pulled to the curb to answer my phone. As soon as she told me, I noticed I was parked in front of a bar that closed a couple years ago.
"I wish they'd open that bar one more time," I said to myself. "One more time. Just today. Just for me. Maybe there's still a jukebox in the place."
George Jones didn't write most of the songs he sang, songs about drinking and love and loss and death and poverty and regret. But he sang the hell out of 'em, sang 'em with a voice that dropped to a dog growl, rose to a hillbilly whine, then climbed high to a sandstorm-scraped yelp of pain.
The songs themselves, I mean the words, very often had no value as poetry. They were trite songs, cliched songs, embarrassingly contrived, overemotional, soppy as a slice of cheap white bread dragged through the kind of gravy you make from fried baloney grease, flour and water.
And it didn't matter.
The voice carried all before it in lonesome victory, swooping up and down, stretching two syllable words into five syllables.
If you liked George Jones, you were not a casual fan of country music. His was a talent best appreciated by devotees, by people who know what a dobro is, by people who knew all the words. If you loved George Jones, you knew that cheap sentiment can be very expensive. Women and whiskey and lost jobs and hard times and hangovers and self-hatred and the bottom of the bottle, the bottom of the barrel, rock bottom.
George Jones sang about that life.
There are men (though we're getting more rare) who cannot cry, do not complain and hide a wound of the heart as though it were a shame on us. We speak of our worst, still-open wounds as jokes, or we say nothing at all, sometimes exploding in a glass-throwing, fighting rage that requires us to be quieted by the bouncer and a couple of beat cops called to the scene.
For us, George Jones was the designated crier, and that high, lonesome voice wept for us all.
You could not tell her that her leaving broke your life, that you tossed all night in pain, that even whiskey in the morning could not make you stop thinking of her.
George could sing it, though, and you could curl your hands around a slim-waisted beer glass, a glass shaped remarkably like a woman, and you could listen to him cry your loss, and if it didn't make things better, it at least provided a soundtrack.
Cry for George Jones. He cried for you.
Marc Munroe Dion has been a reporter and lead columnist for The Herald News inFall River, Masssince 1993.


text:
Fixing a Small Gotcha With Adafruit's NeoPixels
19 comments post a comment
A slight problem may have taken out one of Max Maxfield's Adafruit NeoPixel rings. Happily, there is a solution.
But what about my rotary potentiometers? There are five of these in the upper portion of the control panel. As you can see in the image below, I've decided that each will have 16 associated LEDs.
Fortunately, Adafruit supplies NeoPixel rings with 16 elements. These are perfect for my project, as illustrated below. Adafruit also offers 12-NeoPixel and 24-NeoPixel rings.
In addition to power and ground connections, each NeoPixel ring has a data-in connection and a data-out connection, thereby allowing you to connect a bunch of them together in series. All of this brings us to the crux of my problem. This morning, I brought one of my rings into work to show to my chum Ivan. When I proudly turned everything on, however, the result wasn't what I had expected. Instead of a glorious rainbow pattern rolling around the ring, all we saw was one lonely NeoPixel giving a very half-hearted attempt to light up.
Ivan immediately bounced over to his office and returned with a multimeter and oscilloscope. It took only a few seconds to discover that we were getting power to the ring, and the programming signal was reaching the ring's data-in pin, but there was no programming signal at the data-out pin. Hang on. I've been thinking about this as a long shift register, but it just struck me that this might not be a good analogy. Maybe we shouldn't see anything at the data-out pin unless we modify the program to behave as though there were more NeoPixels in the chain. (Hmmm... I'll have to go back and experiment further.)
It may well be that I accidently blew out the input stage to the first NeoPixel in the chain by electrostatic discharge (ESD). However, Ivan also pointed out that we were seeing a lot of overshoot and undershoot on the programming signal, as seen in the oscilloscope screenshot below.
In order to address this, we added a potentiometer into the circuit just before the signal line was presented to the NeoPixel ring. We started off with the potentiometer set to 0Ω. Then we gradually increased the resistance until the overshoot and undershoot were completely removed from the signal, as shown below. Increasing the value further started to impact the slope of the signal's edges.
The ideal value for this particular configuration was 230Ω, which we subsequently approximated by strapping two 470Ω 1/4-watt resistors in parallel. The required resistor value will no doubt depend on the characteristics of the rest of the wiring harness, so I will be repeating this procedure for future iterations of the design.
As I say, it may be that this overshoot and undershoot is not a problem, and that it was my own stupid fault that my NeoPixel ring was toasted due to my failing to take ESD precautions. On the other hand, I feel much happier knowing that we are now working with a clean programming signal. But now I must away to order a replacement NeoPixel ring. In the meantime, please feel free to post any questions or comments below.
Related posts:
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- Prototyping TNG: Desktop Wire Bender
- DIWire Desktop Wire Bender Kickstarter Project Launches
- Soldering Course & Competition at EE Live! 2014?
- Creating an Inamorata Prognostication Engine, Part 1


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EVERY Marvel Comics' JULY 10 Preview
Here's every preview for Marvel Comics on sale July 10, 2013, including Uncanny X-Men #8, Superior Spider-Man #13, Secret Avengers #6, and more.
Click the title to jump to that preview, or just click on through to read them all!
Got a comment? There's lots of conversation on Newsarama's FACEBOOK and TWITTER!
EVERY Marvel Comics' JULY 10 Preview
Marvel July 10 2013 previews
Credit: Marvel Comics
Twitter activity Tweets by @Newsarama


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Tigers pleased with revision of transfer rule
By Patrick Donnelly / Special to MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Tigers only had one issue with the new transfer rule this season. But once was enough to convince manager Brad Ausmus that something had to change.
That change arrived on Friday, as Major League Baseball announced a clarification in the rule that determines whether a player has control of the ball when transferring it from his glove to his bare hand. Essentially, the change takes the rule back to the way it had been previously called -- that if a player drops the ball while transferring it from glove to hand, it's still considered control.
"I think they did the right thing," said Ausmus, who might have played at least a small role in convincing the league to make the change. "I think it was an unnecessary revision. I think it's more common [sense] the way the rule is written now."
The Tigers requested a replay review the first week of the season in a game at Baltimore. Shortstop Andrew Romine fumbled a potential double-play toss from second baseman Ian Kinsler off a ground ball hit by Nick Markakis. Baltimore's Steve Lombardozzi was called safe at second on the play. Ausmus challenged the ruling that Romine had lost the ball on the exchange from his glove to his hand after tagging the base. After consulting with an official at Major League Baseball's Replay Operations center, the umpires confirmed the ruling on the field.
The next week, when the Tigers traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers, Ausmus pled his case with MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre. Torre was part of the committee that issued Friday's rule clarification.
The revision should go a long way toward eliminating most of the confusion over this rule.
"I think you'll still have some plays," Ausmus said. "The true 'did he have control' play where the second baseman is trying to catch it and throw at the same time, I think those will still probably [happen]. You might see them go either way. But the ones where the guy's clearly caught the ball, I don't think are going to be an issue anymore."
Smyly's turn will be skipped with two off-days
MINNEAPOLIS -- Drew Smyly is headed to the bullpen, but the move has nothing to do with the way he's been pitching.
Manager Brad Ausmus said on Friday that the team would skip Smyly's next turn in the rotation, pointing to a quirk in the schedule that gives the Tigers off-days on either side of a two-game series in Chicago next week.
"If there'd only been one off-day it probably wouldn't change, but when you have two within one turn through the rotation, you end up bumping everyone two days," Ausmus said.
After this weekend's three games in Minnesota, the Tigers have Monday off, then play the White Sox on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Tigers get their second off-day of the week on Thursday before starting a three-game series at Kansas City on Friday.
Smyly went 6-0 with a 2.37 ERA last year in 63 appearances, all out of the bullpen. He started 18 games as a rookie in 2012, and as Detroit's fifth starter this season, Smyly was used twice out of the bullpen before starting his last two outings.
On Wednesday, Smyly held the White Sox to one run on six hits over six innings, with just one walk and seven strikeouts. But Ausmus and pitching coach Jeff Jones prefer to keep the Tigers' other four starting pitchers on their normal rest, meaning Smyly gets skipped.
"He pitched so well the other day, I didn't want to do it to him again, but the truth is there really wasn't another answer," Ausmus said. "If we try to keep everyone in the normal five-man rotation, guys get pushed back seven days and we just can't do that. He understood. Trust me, it's not ideal. After his last start, in my mind I'm thinking, 'Well, we can get him rolling,' but really because of this schedule ..."
Ausmus said Smyly, who threw 92 pitches on Wednesday, could be available to pitch out of the bullpen as soon as Sunday, and certainly for the two games in Chicago. But Ausmus also said he doesn't want to overdo it with Smyly, who is expected to return to the rotation in Kansas City, where the Tigers start a stretch of 13 games in 13 days.
Avila day to day with contusion on left shin
MINNEAPOLIS -- Tigers catcher Alex Avila left Friday's 10-6 win over Minnesota in the fifth inning with a left shin contusion. He is considered day to day.
Avila was injured when he collided with Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki in the second inning. Avila was trying to score from first base on Andrew Romine's double, but he was cut down at home. Suzuki blocked the plate as he tagged Avila, who slid into Suzuki's shin guards.
Avila remained in the game and caught the first four innings before Bryan Holaday replaced him to start the fifth.
"He doesn't want to come out of the game," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. "Quite frankly, I don't want to take him out of the game. He's working with [winning pitcher] Rick Porcello. I don't like removing catchers when we have a lead and they're working with the starting pitcher."
Ausmus said he would give Avila a day off on Saturday, but he didn't expect the injury to become a long-term issue.
Avila went 1-for-2 at the plate and scored on Ian Kinsler's single in a seven-run third inning.
Patrick Donnelly is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Yellowstone National Park > Electric Peak > Climber's Log
Electric Peak Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Beattie Gulch
Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2017
|Biked up to the NE ridge on the overgrown road from the Beattie Gulch trailhead and hiked from there, great mountain. The old trail wasn't as hard to follow as I thought it would be, though finding it after the small burn area took a bit of luck. Riding back out I startled a black bear with cubs despite making noise, at least it wasn't a Grizzly.
|Posted Jul 22, 2017 2:57 pm
|With the Crew
Date Climbed: Jul 6, 1986
|With a good crew that day. Myers, Tim D , and Brian
|Posted Mar 26, 2016 5:46 pm
|bears, bears everywhere
Date Climbed: Jan 13, 2014
|got caught in the tracks of a mama grizzly and some cubs on our apporach. -39 F weather made for some exciting winter camping. will be attempting another winter ascent this january
|Posted Oct 21, 2014 5:12 pm
|Via Sportmans
Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2014
|Got 19.1 miles for the day starting and ending at the Glen Creek Trailhead. Was glad some other folks were up there to help with some route finding to keep the difficulty at something around class 3 with some serious exposure in a few places. Summited just after noon as the clouds were beginning to build. They threatened and thundered at us all the way back but never quite caught us thankfully. Good day.
|Posted Aug 2, 2014 8:14 pm
|Glen Creek
Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2013
|Hiked with my friend Bret. Always like this long day hike and fun scrambling near the summit.
|Posted May 2, 2014 6:07 pm
|Glen Creek
Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2012
|Hiked with my buddy Dave. 20 miles RT. Excellent day hike.
|Posted May 2, 2014 6:06 pm
|First climb in Montana
Date Climbed: Sep 12, 2003
|First peak I bagged in Montana, hiked in from Beattie Gulch it was long day but worth it.
|Posted Apr 3, 2014 8:53 pm
|Beautiful, hot, summer day.
Date Climbed: Jun 29, 2013
|Hiked from Beattie gulch. Hot day. Didn't see a single other person the whole day. A memorable solo climb.
|Posted Jul 12, 2013 8:34 pm
|Longest day hike / summit to date
Date Climbed: Sep 9, 2010
|Started from Bozeman @ 5:30, at the TH by ~6:45. Up by 12:00, back by 5pm. Definitely had to drop the trekking poles near the top, some solid scrambling. Watching some elk spar in Mammoth and hitting the Boiling River on the way out was a fine way to end a long day.
|Posted Jul 3, 2012 10:21 pm
|Day Hike
|Day hiking Electric was one of the hardest things I've done while working in the park. Amazing hike and scramble.
|Posted Jun 10, 2012 4:17 pm
|While working for Yellowstone YCC
|Posted Sep 18, 2011 9:03 pm
|Electric Peak
|Great hike, took me something like 10 hours car to car.
|Posted Aug 8, 2011 2:02 am
|Standard route
Date Climbed: Jul 9, 2011
|Surprisingly fun (if loose) class 3 finish which turned away quite a few hikers. Something like 7h car-to-car. Trip report
|Posted Jul 9, 2011 10:35 pm
|solo climb
Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2009
|I took the southeast spur after hiking into 1g3. Made the summit in 4.5 hours on a cloudy day which turned sunny by noon. Down in 3 hours.
|Posted Aug 29, 2009 11:15 pm
|Up the Trail
Date Climbed: Sep 27, 2008
|Backpacked from Glen Creek trailhead, up to summit (4 hrs). Descended to campsite 1G3 (2.5 hrs) and camped. Good climb.
|Posted Sep 28, 2008 7:12 pm
|March '08
Date Climbed: Mar 8, 2008
|North Ridge. Stashed the skis at 10,000 and hiked the rest. Winter conditions with awesome ski descent! Great powder!
|Posted Jul 14, 2008 2:29 pm
|Southeast Couloir
Date Climbed: May 31, 2005
|Great Climb! good snow
|Posted Feb 25, 2008 12:36 am
|No show
Date Climbed: Jul 4, 2005
|Long day hike, via the north ridge. Soloed on the fourth of July, hoping to get some natural fireworks… wasn't too disappointed with the clear weather.
|Posted Dec 12, 2007 1:06 pm
|Sam Page
|Summer 1993
|I remember a nasty dirt road approach and my partner setting off a thundering rock avalanche as he was unadvisedly trying to descend one of the steep gullies from the summit ridge.
|Posted Jul 22, 2007 8:10 pm
|Great Peak
|We got there just as the lightning was starting:-)
|Posted Apr 12, 2007 2:38 pm


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Come to Houston when it is 99F/99% humidity and tell me that when you're trying to get out of the heat in the shade...
Especially when there are several places with pizza nearly as good (if not just as good), that you can get right in to eat.
Chris does a wonderful job with his pizzas...He is a humble person who gives his best effort everyday...I am glad to hear about the extended hours, as I waited 3 1/2 hours to be seated, but it was worth the wait...Sort of like going to Yankee Stadium, you have to appreciate the history, even if you are not a Yankee Fan...Chris is undoubtedly one of the best pizzaiolas in the US, and what a pleasure to say that I have eaten there and had the fortune to speak with him on the phone...I like the viewpoint of, if it is 80% there, I am OK with that, the other 20% is personal preference...Remember, Chris makes his own mozz, has his personally designed flour from Giusto, understands the changing dough process to obtain the best crust in his daily environment, packages his designed tomatoes from California (visits the fields), supports his purveyors in Arizona, and when necessary, goes to the national supplier who produces the best product to put on his pizza...He is also very much a part of his WFO (like a brother) and understands it completely...It doesn't get much better than that...Do not miss the opportunity to experience Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix... RJelli
Haha sadly I will be moving myself in. I know it's stupid, but I have work lined up there. I lived in florida for a couple years so I know about sweating. And Chau, ya Biancos does some interesting stuff. If I remember correctly he even grows his arugula out back too doesn't he? He likes to have his stuff sourced closer to home then traditional.
Need names please! I plan to eat a lot of pizza that week!
Not suggesting that Bianco does this, but I believe I read in Peter Reinhart's book, "American Pie", he suggested boiling pepperoni for a few minutes to lessen the grease on the finished pie. You might wanna try that and see if it is what you're looking for.
I had Bianco this past December on a pizza road trip and was not at all as impressed as the masses seem to be. It wasn't at all bad, but the hype built up around said establishment was not lived up to.Meh.
So Steve, when exactly is your trip out this way?


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Like a moth to a flame, Alicia Keys can't seem to stay away from Maxwell in the new video for their sultry duet, "The Fire We Made."
The song, off Keys' 2012 album Girl On Fire, is a classic slow jam with the two getting all hot and bothered over their inevitable love affair.
Set in New Orleans during the late '50s, the clip plays out like something from a Tennessee Williams play. Keys even sets up the romance by saying, "The heat, the French Quarter and him/We fell in love."
The two "meet-cute" at her family's hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, and soon she's lounging around in her gauzy white dress with her old fan and ice cubes trying not to overheat. It certainly isn't easy, especially when Maxwell breaks out the swoon-worthy falsetto to say, "You want to be the one/You can't stay away."
Watch the video for "Fire We Make" below.


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Spend the weekend outdoors strolling through the booths at local arts festivals.
- The South Shore Art Center Arts Festival is in full swing. The 58th annual event on Cohasset Common boasts nearly 100 exhibit booths, music, children's activities and artists' demonstrations. It began Friday and continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. In addition, there is a jazz reception at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the art center galleries. Tickets for the reception are $50. Cohasset Common, Cohasset. www.ssac.org.
- The Pinehills in Plymouth hosts its 9th annual Art on the Green, an afternoon of painters, sculptors, jewelry designers, weavers, photographers, live music, food, and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. 508-209-2000, www.thepinehills.com.
- Milton's Forbes House Museum will hold the Plein Air Paint Out beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Artists will create landscape paintings on Milton Hill, and the work will be sold that very day. 215 Adams St., Milton. 617-696-1815, www.forbeshousemuseum.org.
- Copley Square is the site for the Cultural Survival Bazaar Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features an international group of artisans selling their products as well as music performances, presentations, Native American storytelling, educational displays, craft-making demonstrations, and ethnic cuisine. Admission is free. bazaar.culturalsurvival.org
The Braintree Historical Society and the Old Colony Model T Ford Club have joined forces to bring a display of Model T's to the Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. See "Tin Lizzies" from 1911 to the 1920s, joined by the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers in period costume, as well as refreshments. Admission is free. Braintree Historical Society, Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace, 798 Washington St., Braintree. 781-848-1640.
The Boston Pops hosts the Country Salute to Our Troops in its final Symphony Hall performance of the season. Songwriters Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, and Troy Verges from Music City Hit-Makers perform and share the stories behind some of the hits they've penned for pop-country stars. It begins at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $22-$92. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-266-1200, www.bostonpops.org.


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Download Adobe Flash to get the full 2014
Legacy Dynamic Brochure experience.
- or -Download PDF
Download the 2014 Legacy Brochure PDF
to explore the all-new 2014 Legacy.
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There's a sense of satisfaction in doing things differently than the rest. Like building a sedan that offers surefooted handling and refined smoothness. Invigorating performance with reassuring safety. And thoughtful innovation with long-lasting reliability. The balance of these virtues working together harmoniously in the Legacy is what delivers the confidence to relish every curve when you chase the things that matter most to you.
"If you're looking for a sedan as well regarded for its safety as its comfort, the 2013 Subaru Legacy deserves a long look. A huge back seat and cavernous trunk are definite pluses, but it's the Legacy's sure-footed standard AWD, impressive crash test ratings and excellent fuel economy that we love."1 - KBB.com
Read Article
"Subaru has racked up more endorsements by independent arbiters of automotive quality and safety than just about any other manufacturer." - FORTUNE Magazine, December 3, 2012
"A 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and Top Safety Pick for eight years running (2006–2013)." - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
"Subaru, this car has never given up on me, and for that, I will never love another car like I love my Subaru." - Zakary R., Southworth, WA
"It is a great feeling knowing that I can make it wherever I want when others are stuck at home. That's why I love my Subaru!" - Sean O., Oklahoma City, OK
"Thank you, Subaru, for keeping my family and me safe through so much, making such reliable vehicles, and sharing the love with every one of our drivers. We are a Subaru family for life." - Elizabeth H., Abington, PA
1 From 2013 Subaru Legacy Review on Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.
2 Disclaimer: Excerpted from FORTUNE Magazine, December 3, 2012 © 2012 Time Inc. Used under license. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Subaru.
3 Top Safety Pick Plus winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in at least 4 of 5 evaluations, with no less than acceptable in the fifth test. Ratings based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS's) 40-mile-per-hour moderate overlap frontal crash test, 40-mile-per-hour small overlap frontal crash test, 31-mile-per-hour side-impact test, 20-mile-per-hour rear-impact test, and roof-strength test. For more information, contact IIHS or visit their website at www.iihs.org.
Whether it's a weekend around town or a quick getaway, make your drive as efficient as it is fun. With the Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), you'll get the highest MPG possible at every speed, making every journey longer and more enjoyable.
The Lineartronic® CVT available in the Legacy 2.5i models is a chain-driven, low-maintenance unit that transforms the driving experience. Instead of the traditional shifting through each gear, the CVT continuously adjusts to the engine's demands to ensure the highest MPG possible. The CVT in the Legacy also features paddle shifters and 6-speed manual mode, so you can savor the classic joy of running through the gears as you carve your favorite ribbon of road.
The 2.5i offers a 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine that generates 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. That's ample power for a confident drive. What's more, when paired with Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), you can get up to 32 miles to the gallon and achieve over 590 miles on a full tank.1 You'll spend more time enjoying your getaways and less time filling up.
1 Driving range based on 18.5-gallon fuel tank capacity and EPA estimated fuel economy for 2014 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Lineatronic® CVT at 32 highway MPG. Actual driving range may vary.
A wealth of ultra-smooth power at the ready. That's the hallmark of the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder—the largest SUBARU BOXER® engine available. It produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, moving the Legacy 3.6R models with effortless confidence over the road. For smooth shifting to match the delivery of power, it's paired with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Driving is pure pleasure when a car is truly dialed in, which is why the Legacy comes equipped with quick-ratio steering. The quicker ratio is designed to make the Legacy more responsive to the driver, giving you sharp turn-in and smooth transitions for an even more enjoyable drive.
For optimum performance, experience the 6-speed manual to take advantage of the engine's output with a shifter that's been engineered for more precise shifts. Or go for smoothness with control with the 5-speed automatic with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching. And if it's a more efficient drive you seek, experience the Lineartronic® CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters.
Combining years of rally racing experience and the demands of daily real-world driving, the Legacy 4-wheel independent suspension design maximizes the feel you have for the road. The double-wishbone rear suspension absorbs the worst of the bumps without unsettling the rigid chassis. And, complemented with MacPherson struts up front, it's a tight, yet supple ride that always leaves you in touch and in control.
Well planned. Well connected.
The available clear, electroluminescent gauges make it easy to check your stats.
With over 100 cubic feet of passenger space, every Legacy passenger enjoys a roomy cabin with generous legroom in the back, plenty of hip room in the front, and spacious headroom all around.
The available 440-watt, 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system includes HD Radio® and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio1 and Bluetooth® hands-free calling. You can also stream your own tunes from your Bluetooth®-capable device or use the USB to plug in your iPod® for even more ways to immerse yourself in your music.
The available 7-inch high-res touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system make finding that perfect drive easier. Now it also includes Aha™ connected service2 via the Subaru STARLINK™ system with seamless access to web content such as podcasts, internet radio, audiobooks and personalized restaurant and hotel searches.
Dual-zone automatic temperature controls, convenient steering-wheel-mounted controls and a 10-way adjustable driver's seat are available to let you customize your environment with ease.
1 SiriusXM® Satellite Radio hardware standard as part of Harman Kardon audio system. Activation and required monthly subscription sold separately. Includes 4-month trial subscription. See your dealer.
2 Compatible smartphone and free Aha app required. For Aha to operate, latest version of Aha application and optional integrated audio and navigation system unit required. Data provided by smartphone is displayed on navigation screen. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Smartphone apps should only be launched when vehicle is safely parked. Aha is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Your wireless carrier's rates may apply.
Boxer Engine
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continually keeps the power routed to all four wheels, ensuring an outstanding grip in snow, rain or rough road. And now it's even better at handling steep inclines and harsher terrain.
With a push of the button, the available X-MODETM featuring Hill Descent Control takes control of the engine, transmission, AWD and brakes at low speeds to help you more easily navigate bad roads, slippery surfaces and steep hills with confidence. Hill Descent Control is especially helpful when you're descending a steep hill, making sure your Legacy descends at a set speed. In the all-new Legacy, you can count on control in almost any condition.
Continually grabbing for the best grip on the road, Subaru Symmetrical AWD sends power to the wheels with the best traction when other wheels lose theirs. It's the freedom you need to tackle steep or rough roads with confidence.
With Subaru Symmetrical AWD proactively sending power to all four wheels all the time, the vehicle has more than enough traction to climb the hill.
With many front-wheel-drive-biased AWD systems, power distribution is more reactive and power transfer often takes place after slippage occurs, resulting in a struggle for traction.
When danger steps into your path, the safest course is to step around it. The signature traction, stability and control of Subaru Symmetrical AWD help you steer clear of trouble.
The pistons move horizontally in 180-degree opposition to each other, so each naturally cancels out the vibrations of the other. The end result is smooth and controlled power.
The engine's flat design is inherently rigid and experiences less vibration than traditional "V" or inline engines. In other words, it's extremely well built and uniquely durable, so you can get more out of it.
The SUBARU BOXER® engine has a lower profile and is centered for greater stability.
The engine's lower profile and symmetrical design, delivers a more grounded, balanced drive. It feels responsive, tight in the turns and stable in maneuvers, allowing you to drive with more confidence.
"A 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and Top Safety Pick for eight years running (2006–2013)."1 – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
It's under the most challenging circumstances that you find the true value of what you drive. With advanced accident avoidance and exceptional passenger protection, the Legacy is engineered to be at its best in a worst-case scenario. And with available EyeSight®, a revolutionary driver-assist system that monitors the road ahead and if necessary can help bring your vehicle to a complete stop, you have the confidence of knowing that—in a changing world—we're always watching out2.
To make the Legacy even safer, we added a driver's side knee airbag, bringing the total to seven standard airbags for additional protection in the event of a crash.3
Our Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame is exceptionally strong for maximum resistance to impact energy, while its unique configuration helps divert that energy away from occupants. Also, front, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags3–standard on every Legacy–surround outboard occupants in the event of a crash to further help prevent injury. Offering further protection, the SUBARU BOXER® engine features a unique, low-profile design and drivetrain layout that helps it push down and away from the passenger area in a collision.
Before you can avoid danger, you have to see it coming. The Legacy features an available Rear-Vision Camera that gives you a clearer view of the area behind your vehicle, so you can be in charge of your surroundings.
Safety begins with avoidance. The traction and balance of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the stability of the SUBARU BOXER® engine provide you with the outstanding control you need to react to hazards. Every Legacy also comes with standard VDC electronic stability control, which can detect a loss of control and intervene to help keep you on your intended path.
Powerful and reliable disc brakes are teamed with advanced technologies to help you stop short of danger. Antilock brakes help make sure you don't lose traction, and the advanced Brake Assist system helps ensure maximum pressure is applied to the brakes as quickly as possible in an emergency situation.
1 Top Safety Pick Plus winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in at least 4 of 5 evaluations, with no less than acceptable in the fifth test. Ratings based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS's) 40-mile-per-hour moderate overlap frontal crash test, 40-mile-per-hour small overlap frontal crash test, 31-mile-per-hour side-impact test, 20-mile-per-hour rear-impact test, and roof-strength test. For more information, contact IIHS or visit their website at www.iihs.org.
2 EyeSight is a driver-assist system which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. See Owner's Manual for complete details on system operations and limitations. Please remember to turn off EyeSight when going through a carwash.
3 The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) (airbags) affords the driver and the front and rear outboard passengers additional protection in moderate to severe frontal and side-impact collisions. This system provides supplemental protection only, and seatbelts must be worn to avoid injuries to out-of-position occupants upon airbag deployment and to provide the best combined protection in a serious accident. Children should always be properly restrained in the rear seat.
The most important thing a Subaru can do is protect the people in it. We're always looking for better ways to do it, and now the 2014 Legacy is available with an innovative new driver-assist system that's watching the road with you: EyeSight®1. Like a second pair of eyes for the road ahead, it watches for potential danger, warns you when it spots it, and can even apply brakes to help you avoid it.
1 EyeSight is a driver-assist system which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. See Owner's Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Please remember to turn off EyeSight when going through a carwash.
Our connection to our owners and the life they live is forever unfolding at Subaru.
The Subaru "Share the Love" sales event began in 2008 as a way for Subaru to give back to causes our owners are passionate about. During the event, for every new vehicle leased or sold, Subaru donated $250 to the owner's choice of five participating charities. After five years of the Share the Love sales event, Subaru has donated nearly $25 million dollars. This year's participating charities included the Alzheimer's Association®, ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels Association of America® and USO. We're thrilled that we've been able to help such deserving causes and are grateful to our owners for helping us make this event a success year after year.
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All of you guys, G.R.I.T.S. (and from other parts of the world), and anyone that doesn't cover. . .
I have apparently completed my windows project. . . or at least the boss hasn't found anything wrong with it yet.
Attached is the binary of the program and also a data file that one would need to see anything on the program. For those of you who are trusting, this exe will create one location on your hard drive %Program Files%\Techmon. There it will store data files.
If any of you have a free moment (yeah, right. . . ) or just want to find anything wrong with my program, OR just want something else to do other than your real life. . . please download and execute this thing and let me know if there is anything you would do to improve it. We have already released this version as Beta (http://www.techmoninc.com/downloads.html) and haven't had any complaints from it, but I'd like for some experianced Windows programmers to comment on it, if you have the time or inclination.
Some known issues:
1) Rescan. I was unaware that redrawing pixels was a bad thing, until I read some thread on this forum, however, by that time it was too late for me to fix it. I probably won't.
2) Occasionally there is a line swap on the left pane. I think I have fixed this, since I haven't seen it in a while, however, I don't know how I fixed it so I assume that it is still broken.
What the program is for/does:
This software works in conjunction with a product that we have designed. . . a product that most of you will never see. We have an embedded system that we have added to an embedded system for the US Army. This program graphically displays a Chromatogram, which, for those of us who aren't Chemists, is a collection of data from a photo multiplier tube (PMT) signal after there has been a flame analyzation of a sample of air. What???? Okay, here is the deal, these units are in a detector that is looking for either GB (Sarin), VX or HD (Mustard). These chemicals generate an electrical signal that I capture. This signal can be seen in the upper right corner of the program.
The format is fixed and was defined by the boss, so I cannot really change that, but I'm open to suggestions for just about anything else.
The file TMRIAdacsViewer.txt is the exe and should be renamed as such. Likewise, the 09.txt is a tar ball.
Thanks in advance for any comments you may have.


text:
Euro 2012: Portugal v Spain – as it happened
Just look at those line-ups: Spain have thrown in a striker! Is that them bowing to carping about them being boring? Not likely: the inclusion of Alvaro Negredo is more probably just them showing off how many fabulous players they have. It's bonkers to think that Fernando Llorente hasn't even featured yet in this tournament.
The best player on the pitch tonight, of course, could prove to be Cristiano Ronaldo. Opponents have been barracking him with taunts of "Messi, Messi" all tournament but this is Ronaldo's chance to emphatically step out of the Argentinian's shadow by confirming his all-conquering brilliance in a major international tournament, which Messi has yet to do (perhaps the mischievous imp thinks it would be fun to wait and do that in two years time in Brazil?). Ronaldo has been splendid in this competition so far, as have Moutinho, both Portugal's full backs and, to a slightly lesser extent, Nani. If Portugal get the ball tonight, they certainly have the wherewithal to ruffle the Spaniards. But will they get the ball? And where will they get it? Will they have the dynamism and gumption to press high up the way Italy did, or will they seek to lure Spain far forward before lashing out on the counter? We look forward to finding out. Me, I'm going for 2-1 to Portugal, with Raul Meireles, having had 1,375 sighters in the tournament so far, to finally find the net.
Perhaps we will also find out why of why Alvaro Negredo doesn't play in the Premier League? Is he, like Andrea Pirlo, what Phil Brown might describe as "homophobic"? Just imagine if this had come to pass.
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Negredo
Portugal: Patrício; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrão; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Ronaldo, Almeida
Here is an incredible stat brought to my attention by @tomEurosport. "Casillas will become the first ever player to win 100 international games if Spain get through tonight. From 136 matches." And I believe that across those 136 games he has to save upwards of 11 shots.
7.15pm: Who are you supporting tonight and why? Elliot Ross has this interesting explanation of the allegiance of many Mozambiquans" "Thought you might be interested in featuring something from my piece on why Mozambicans are so keen on supporting the football team of their old coloniser (basically, it's because of the 60s and Eusebio). V grateful if you had a moment to check it out."
7.17pm: "As a regulatory attorney in the States, I am settled in my office preparing to go through the painstaking process of reviewing countless tiny interactions that end up adding up to nothing of significance," chirps Graham G. Martin. You can see where this is going, can't you? "It is very frustrating knowing that the intransigent position of one side will only be matched by the ineffectiveness of the other only to be resolved by some arbitrary resolution system that has little to do with the merits of either side ... perhaps I shouldn't watch the match and do some work instead?"
7.23pm: I see that former Atletico Madrid and Portugal winger Paolo Futre has tipped Ronaldo to inspire his homeland to victory tonight. I only mention that predictable prediction as an excuse to show this clip of Futre in action ... and, more amusingly, a rare and preposterous misjudgment by Peter Schmeichel for Futre's first goal.
7.33pm: "In order to alleviate the mind numbing tedium of this ticky tocky style of football Fifa should introduce something called 'The Chopper Harris Rule'," belches Tom Shaw, who is clearly the man to lead England back to relevance on the international stage. "If after eight consecutive passes the ball ends up further back than when the move started an opposition player ought to be permitted a two footed lunge at anywhere up to knee height. Whether this is at the player on the ball or any random member of his team is one of the finer details that could be sorted out later. It would certainly make them get on with it."
7.38pm: Clack, clack, clack! Out march the teams into an arena that is far from full. Well done, price-setters! Still, perhaps that means more readers of this here MBM? What? Ah.
7.40pm: The camera lingers a little on Xabi Alonso during the Spanish anthem, perhaps taking in how that rakish beard makes him look like Andre Villas-Boas.
7.41pm: And during the Portuguese tune (an uplifting number, it must be said), the camera lingers on Ronaldo, who is belting it out good and proper, as if to ask "is there nothing he can't do? *Swoon*"
7.43pm: "I cannot help but wonder, if Ronaldo was offered to stand in front of the rest of his team during the national anthems, maybe on a little pedestal, would he refuse?" parps Omar Naboulsi.
7.44pm: First blood to Portugal as Ronaldo wins the toss. The man's on fire!
1 min: And they're off! Portugal win the ball off Spain immediately and begin knocking it around at a leisurely pace.
2 min: After good work by Nani, Veloso fires off the game's first shot, a 25-yarder blast that which ricochets off a Spaniard and goes behind for a corner. Veloso takes that too and it puts Casilla in plenty of bother, so he tips it behind for another corner. This one, however, comes to nought.
4 min: Hooooof! Casilla lumps on long. For Portugal that is sa triumph on a par with a butcher convincing a vegetarian to tuck into a bucket of pig's trotters.
5 min: Crafty play between Iniesta and Alba puts the left-back into a promising crossing position but he wastes Spain's first opportunity to threaten the goal.
7 min: Alonso tries to take Portugal by surprise by pinging a long pass towards Silva, but he slightly overhits it and it runs into Patricio's arms.
8 min: Spain are starting to find their groove but Portugal are pestering them vigorously.
9 min: Bad miss! Spain tip-toed their way into the box before Bruno Alves tried to nick the ball off Iniesta but it squirted into the path of Arbeloa who sidefooted it over the bar from 16 yards.
11 min: After an enterprising start by Portgual, the game has settled into the expected pattern, with Spain enjoying most of the possession. But not with the sort of time on the ball that Ireland and France, for example, gave them.
13 min: High-pitched squeals of rapture from certain sections of the crowd (the press box?) as Ronaldo goes on a gallop down the left, skinning two players before clipping a lovely cross into the danger zone. Casillas comes to clasp it well. "I can't believe no one's mentioned that, when Portugal got the cane out of the cupboard and gave Spain a 4-0 whipping, Ronaldo would've scored one of the best chips to ever grace the international football," recalls. Matt Dony. "Right up until Nani ambled along to head it in on the line, only to be flagged offside. Cue the look of death from Ronaldo. More of that, please. Top entertainment!" He's not wrong: check out the footage.
15 min: Ronaldo is becoming a major problem for Spain. Another burst down the left yields a freekick on the edge of the area after he was fouled by two. It was from an acute angle but that didn't stop You Know Who from attempting a shot .... which he blazed into the wall.
17 min: More pressure from Portugal produces a corner. Ramos heads it clear. But Spain are rattled. This is a proper contest. Great stuff.
19 min: After a Spanish attack breaks down, Nani tears forward before going down under a flimsy challenge by Ramos. The ref waves play on, to the consternation of the Portuguese bench. Well, the people on it, anyway. "Given all the stick Sxpain got, wy has no-one made a big deal of the fact that Portugal also hasn't played with a striker throughout this tournament?" quips M. Carpenter-Alvaro. This is your chance to make people gobble hats, Hugo Almeida.
22 min: Spain seek to regain their composure and put Portugal back in their box with some circuitous possession play. But Portugal put an end to that with a solid intervention.
23 min: Ronaldo has a pop from 25 yards. It was not top of the pops.
26 min: Portugal dispossess Spain high up the pitch and apply sterling pressure, which Spain deal with well. But they're being subjected to a serious interrogation here.
27 min: The ref again cops condemnations from the speaking Portuguese bench as he refuses to award a penalty after Ramos seemed to handle a cross. The replay showed the ref was perfectly correct: Ramos stopped it with his chest.
29 min: Portugal's frantic pressing is forcing Spain to play long. Thing is, Alonso is pretty handy at that and he pings a fine long-range pass to Negredo. Spain work the ball out to Iniesta, who drifts into the box and fires just over.
30 min: Absurd refereeing by Mr Cakir, who watches Nani trick his way past a Spaniard with a piece of wizardry that brings whoops from the crowd .... and then, as Nani, races towards the Spanish box, pulls Portugal back .... to give Nani a freekick!
31 min: Excellent pressing again by Portugal, as Moutinho wins the ball back deep in Spanish territory and then pokes it through to Ronaldo. Naturally, Ronaldo tries a shot. Hiw low 20-yard drive skims wide.
33 min: Spain aren't liking this one bit. Their passing is starting to deteriorate badly. Not quite to England levels, but badly. "How do you beat Spain?" asks Anthony O'Connell. "You attack the hell out of them, that's how!" Portugal certainly seem to be proving that. Except, of course, for the fact that they haven't actually scored yet.
36 min: Spain rumbled forward, but too slowly and too inaccurately and they soon lose possession again to the relentless Portuguese. "Football is a team game, but I feel this time the big difference between these Real and Barca copycats just might be the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo on one side and the lack of Messi on the other," reasons Michiel Jongsma. "There is way more directness and penetration to the Portuguese and I see them winning this to be honest."
38 min: Negredo isn't providing much of a focal point for Spain. Torres and even Fabregas were better at that. "Honestly given the high quality of football how on earth did england Expect to join these teams in the semis?" gasps Bruno Araujo. In fairness, I don't think they did expect that. They still had to try though. Yes, that really is what they were doing against Italy.
40 min: Ramos booked for a trademark infringement, blocking Ronaldo as he sought to sprint into position to receive a pass from nani as Portugal counter-attacked. The yellow card slate, by the way, was wiped clean after the quarter-final so that one won't rule Ramos out of the final. If Spain get there.
43 min: The match continues to intrigue. Goal attempts may be in short supply but this is a very high-quality and tense game that feels very close to detonating something truly special. "Nani's down again," growls Will Hayward. "He's had a good game so far, but do you get the feeling he'd last five seconds in rugby union with his theatrics of writhing agony? I'm not sure Bakkies Botha would stand for it." You might be right. But how long would Serena Williams last in fencing? To pose an equally relevant question.
45 min: Coentrao booked, seemingly for giving the ref some backchat.
Half-time: A fascinating half, and it will be interesting to see how Spain use thje break. Adjust their tactics or personnel? I'd bring on Fabregas and Llorente. Portugal, meanwhile, will presumably introduce Nelson Oliveira at some point, which will be intriguing: Almeida has done OK but Oliveira has a greater capacity to unhinge an already brittle-looking Spanish defence.
"So THAT'S what Spain looks like when they don't have the ball 70% of the time," gollies Rob McClean. "Normal. A bit scared. And wasteful. But when you think of it, they always need 20 chances for 2 goals. We just get carried away by all the possession they have in the meantime. They can also all, like, dribble the hell out of the ball."
"Is it just me, or do Spain look like they don't really want to be there?" asks Andrew Enloe. "I'm probably being harsh on them, but they look just a bit annoyed that they don't get to pass the ball around at will." They do look rattled. But they also look a little jaded, which is another reason why changes are needed.
46 min: Spain are back on the pitch but still no sign of Portugal, who are intent on rattling them ever further by making them wait.
46 min: No substitutions during the break.
47 min: A slow start to the second half. Perk up, lads!
48 min: Spain stroke t he ball about as if stroking themselves. No great urgency. "I don't know why people are complaining about the way Spain plays," blurts Jason Graff. "I simply turned my TV on its side and they look a constant threat. When they link three or four sideways passes together, my pulse begins pounding."
50 min: Spain appear to be tryign to tire Portugal out, possibly in the belief that their opponents can't chase them for the entire second half and will eventually crack. So they're knocking the ball around with no obvious threat to move towards goal. Swathes of the ground are booing and whistling indignantly.
51 min: Spain finally decide to gesture at a threat, as Arbeloa hoiks in a manacing cross. Alves nods it behind for a corner.
53 min: Alves pings a fine diagonal ball and Portugal attack with much more speed and directness than Spain. A corner is their only reward and Ronaldo wastes it.
54 min: Inevitable Spanish change: Negredo off, Fabregas on. "On the same noteas mentioned previously, I wonder how Kevin Pietersen or Sachin Tendulkar would do at Baseball? "honks Kannon Gokul. "It is just hitting the ball randomly, isn't it?"
56 min: Tremendous work by Coentrao to win a corner for Portugal. Nani's delivery, however, was wretched.
57 min: No, no, no! Portugal had a 3 v 3 attack. Almeida had the ball, with Ronaldo to his right and Nani to his left. So what does he do? He attempts to whack the ball into the top corner from 25 yards! With predictable consequences. If either of these sides had a striker, this game would have been far better.
59 min: Ronaldo slips the ball through to Almeida and sprints into position to receive it back ... but it doesn't come, as Almeida tries another wildly ambitious shot. Time to bring on Oliveira.
60 min: Ronaldo surges down the right and into the box before collapsing in the vicinity of Ramos. Busquets seemingly complains that the Portuguese dived, and is duly booked for his brazenness.
61 min: Pepe booked for a perfectly valid challenge on Alonso. This ref has been plod. And so has Silva, which is why he is now being replaced by Jesus Navas.
63 min: Ramos rushes across to help out Alba after the winger threatened to get to the by-line.
65 min: Fabregas lays it off to Iniesta and then dashes into the box in search of the return, which he can't get because Pereira pulls him down. Freekick to Spain at the corner of the box. Xavi curls it in. Almeida heads it wide. Which he's quite good at.
67 min: Alonso tries to enliven proceedings with a shot from 50 yards. Wide it goes. "Portugal won't get tired," hammers Adam Hirst. "They're running around all the time. Everyone knows that standing on the edge of your own area in the Two Banks of Four is far more tiring. Takes more concentration see. How else can you explain the Best Midfielder in the World getting cramp after 55 minutes?"
68 min: Xavi skips clear from Meireles in midfield and ventures towards the box, before shooting from 25 yards. Easy save for the keeper.
69 min: Another ridiculous shot by Almeida, who ignores Nani to his right to boom the ball wide from a silly angle.
71 min: Almeida is more useful at his own end of the pitch that in attack. he's just backtracked diligently to intercept an Alonso pass and nod it back to his keeper.
72 min: Busquets does the Ramos: deliberately blocking Ronaldo's run while making out that he is trying to get out of the way. The ref isn't fooled and awards Portugal a freekick. There is not a hope in hell of Ronaldo doing anything other than shooting from 28 yards.
73 min: It's a reasonable effort from Ronaldo but it ever looked like going in. A couple of yards over.
75 min: It's a fine line between intriguing and irritating. This match is starting to edge towardas the latter now. "This is putting me to sleep," yawns John Abbate. "I thought nothing could be more of a bore than tiki-taka, but I was mistaken: failed tiki-taka is far more of a snooze. Here's hoping for one quick successful CR7/Nani counter attack so we can call it a night."
77 min: After a Portugal corner comes to nothing, Bruno Alves fouls Fabregas upfield and Spaniards surround the ref to whinge. "This is turning into a series of community theatre actors trying to one-up each other," grumbles Harry Brammer.
79 min: Good news! Nelson Oliveira looks set to come on. "It's a measure of something when Radio 5 cuts to Wimbledon coverage for excitement..." screams Harry Rawlings
81 minutes later than appropraite: Oliveira replaces Almeida.
82 min: By the way, Holland manager Bert van Marwijk has just resigned. Schteve McClaren must be a Schoo-in.
83 min: Another freekick for Portugal as Alonso hacks down Ronaldo. Cue the Jonny Wilkinsonish routine and ...
84 min: ... as shot into the wall, where Arbeloa handles it and is booked. So Portugal now have a freekick 10 yards closer, ie about 22 yards from goal.
85 min: Bad freekick from Ronaldo. Any chance he'll give someone else a go next time? Someone who doesn't train with Casillas every day? Not that Casillas has had to do anything with the freekicks so far.
86 min: Alves becomes the latest player to be booked, for a late tackle on Fabregas. Portugal's entire back four are now on yellow cards.
87 min: Here's a testament to how well Portugal have neutralised Spain's habitual linkman: Xavi is being replaced by Pedro.
89 min: More and more fouls littering this increasingly tense and tetchy game.
90 min: Ohhhhhhhh!! Portugal mounted a terrific counter after a Spain freekick came to nothing. But after Meireles slipped in Ronaldo for his clearest opening of the game, the Not-Messi smashed it high and wide! And oh, how the Spanish fans behind the goal laughed!
90+2 min: Spain corner. Last chance to prevent extra-time. Alonso overhits it.
90+3 min: Veloso booked for a late tackle on Alba, and that is the last act of normal time, suitably summing up the second half.
ET 1: Navas gets extra-time off to a promising start with a bold run down the right, culminating in a vicious cross that Portugal do well to clear.
ET 3 min: "What on earth is going on?" fumes JR. "Since the end of the second round of the group stage it's almost as if each game has been worse than the one before. This game literally stinks." I blame Spain: all that talent and they still can't bring themselves to take risks.
ET 4 min: Spain are getting more possession not yet threatening. "Did Spain just defend from a corner kick to avoid being exposed to another counter? Ok, Football can officially end." mourns Sandile Xaso of an incident a few minutes ago but whose email I've only seen now.
ET 5 min: Iniesta goes down as if slashes with a butcher's hook, when in fact Moutinho won the ball of him fair and square. But the increasingly annoying ref awards a free to Spain.
ET 6 min: A shot! An actual shot from Spain! OK, it didn't make it as far as the goal - because Alves blocked it around the penalty spot - but this is progress. It was Pedro who set the chance up, following some hiterto-lacking enterprise down the left.
ET 8 min: Pedro is down in need ot treatment after being fairly clattered by Pepe while challenging for a header. Might as well just go straight to penalties once he gets up.
ET 11 min: Corner to Spain, who have enjoyed t he lion's share of possession in this half. They take to corner short to Navas, who wins another. Fabregas takes it short again, this time to Iniesta, who loses possession, allowing Portugal to launch a counterattack, which Arbeloa does well to snuff out.
ET 13 min: Great save by Patricio! After fine, bold interplay by Spain, the ball was cut back by Alba from the byline to Iniesta, who had surged from deep to meet it 10 yards out. But the keeper pushes his first-time shot around the post!
ET 15 min: Pepe brings down Navas, who, along with Pedro, has made a difference to this game. Freekick from 25 yards or thereabouts. Ramos whacks a decent effort inches over.
Half-time in extra-time: Portugal have two substitution left and will surely make them as several of their players are looking tired and Spain are starting to find space. "My little brother (14), not a football fan, says about Spains tiki taka: 'it's like watching pass the parcel when no one opens the parcel!" exclaims Nick Lopez Green.
ET 16 min: Portugal change: Veloso off, Custodio on.
ET 17 min: Portugal's high-pressing subsided in the first half of extra-time but Coentrao jsut found renewed energy to rob Fabregas deep in Spanish territory and hurtle down the wing before delivering a good cross. Piqué just beat Ronaldo to it.
ET 18 min: One of the best players in the world reacts to being beaten in a muscular challenge for the ball by tumbling to the ground and rolling around. Oh Ronaldo!
ET 21 min: Smart work by Alba and Navas down the left before the latter lashes a low shot at goal from 10 yards. Patricio parries and Pepe nudges it back to the keeper before Fabregas can pounce on the rebound. "Spain has perfected the catenaccio, Brazilian-style," quips David Lizoain.
ET 23 min: Varela, who looked well nifty when he came off the bench to score the winner against Denmark earlier in this tournament, replaces Meireles. "Tell Nick Lopez Green's brother to watch England." suggests Ben Dunn. "It's like pass-the-parcel without the passing or indeed the parcel."
24 min: Spain produce their familiar trick of fouling to interrupt a counter-attack. But they're clever enough to rotate the perpetrators to avoid a red card. Alonso gets the booking this time.
25 min: Lovely work by Fabregas to win the ball in midfield and flip it through to Pedro, who has a free run on goal from 40 yards. But the defenders catch up with him as he reaches the box and Coetrao pumps the ball out to safety.
ET 26 min: This game is trickling towards a shootout. "If it goes to penalties, who'll screw up the Panenka?" wonders Rodney Harper. "I've got 50 bucks on Nani." Are we optimsitic enough to think that all 10 designated takers will actually go for goal during the shoot-out?
ET 29 min: Great run by Pedro, who has brought a pleasing directness to Spain's play. He wriggled past two players in the box before directness abanadoned him and, rather than shoot, he tried to pass to a team-mate. It was intercepted.
End of extra-time: Spain were the better side in extra-time, when Portugal clung on. Pedro and Navas made a big difference, bringing width, speed and directness. But it was too late and so we have a shootout.
Shootout omens: Casillas hasn't had much to do so far tonight, whereas Patricio gfot a chance to limber up with some stops in extra-time. Portugal to triumph, then. Iniesta to miss. He's looked a tad off tonight.
On twitter, Peter Schmeichel previews the shootout thus: "You can study as much as you like, but takers rarely put it in the same place. Good takes do different things every time."
Alonso hammers a low shot to the keeper's left but Patricios saves superbly! Spain 0-0 Portugal.
Moutinho takes an odd baby-steps run-up and then taps it to the keeper's right ... and Casillas emulates his counterpart! Spain 0-0 Portugal.
Iniesta rolls it down the middle as Patricio dives to the corner, confounding another prediction. Spain 1-0 Portugal.
Pepe takes a run-up as if he's preparing for a long jump and then places a lovely low kick past Casillas's dive and into the bottom corner. Spain 1-1 Portugal.
Piqué tonks it into the bottom corner. Spain 2-1 Portugal.
Nani. Alves started to walk towards the ball but Nani ordered him back ... and then smacked a textbook penalty into the top corner. Spain 2-2 Portugal.
Ramos does the Panenka! Patricio buys it. Spain 3-2 Portugal.
Alves, his turn apparently having come, crashes a powerful shot against the bar. Spain 3-2 Portugal.
Fabregas sends it past Patricio and in off the post! Spain 4-2 Portugal. Spain are through to the final. And Ronaldo didn't even get to take a kick (for presumably he was designated to take the glorious fifth).
Full-time: "Spain are like rivers." sums up Barry Praag. "For as Winnie the Pooh said: 'Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day'".