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29 Combined MPG (27 city / 33 hwy)
EPA estimated
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The 2017 Honda CR-V continues the tradition of quality, functionality, roominess and value that has established the model as a class leader in hot compact SUVs since its introduction in 1995. Redesigned for this model year, the latest CR-V adds a host of new features that are sure to be appreciated by shoppers looking for comfort, convenience and the latest technology in their next crossover.
Still built on the same platform as the Honda Civic, the new CR-V has a longer wheelbase for improved ride quality, while the updated exterior features more muscular fenders, aggressive front-end styling and Honda's first automatic foot-activated tailgate. Inside, the model's reputation for spaciousness is maintained, with plenty of room for all your stuff in the cargo area and more legroom than ever for rear-seat passengers.
One of the biggest changes for 2017 is the addition of the CR-V's first turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque that is standard on EX and higher trim levels. A criticism of past CR-Vs was that peak power didn't arrive until high up in the rev range, an issue that is capably addressed by the turbo, which reaches maximum torque at a low 2,000 rpm.
The base LX model will still be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, and buyers have the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive on all trim levels.
Never known for particularly sporty handling, the new CR-V makes improvements in that department with beefed-up suspension tuning, which reduces body roll in the corners, and variable-ratio electric power steering for quicker turn-in and more positive feel. And while perhaps not ideally suited for rigorous off-roading, the updated CR-V boasts increased ground clearance compared to the outgoing model.
The EPA has not yet released fuel-economy figures for the 2017 CR-V, but the 2016 model achieved a rating of 29 mpg combined (26 city/32 highway). Honda says it expects the new CR-V, with its lighter weight and new powerplant, to garner the best EPA fuel-economy ratings in its class.
The base LX model CR-V is already well equipped with enhanced interior materials and a variety of comfort and convenience features. EX and higher trim levels add more premium interior touches, an upgraded infotainment system and the standard Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety systems.
Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Honda CR-V to meet your needs.
used 2017 Honda CR-V Overview
The used 2017 Honda CR-V is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Pre-owned CR-V models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 190 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2017 CR-V comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a used 2017 Honda CR-V ?
Save up to $304 on one of 30 used 2017 Honda CR-Vs for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $21990 as of Jan 24, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 180 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2017 Honda CR-V trim styles:
The used 2017 Honda CR-V LX is priced around $23147 with average odometer reading of 4605 miles.
The used 2017 Honda CR-V Touring is priced around $31251 with average odometer reading of 7538 miles.
The used 2017 Honda CR-V EX-L is priced around $29491 with average odometer reading of 6520 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
2017 Honda CR-V features & specs
Is the 2017 Honda CR-V a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Honda CR-V and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 CR-V featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review ProcessAll of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Honda CR-V? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Honda CR-V and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 CR-V a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 CR-V.
Vehicle Touring 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Review I wrote my first review based on test drives. I bought the Touring model, loaded, and even added back up sensors and other accessories. I couldn't get what I wanted in my home town, so I bought it in another town while staying with my Aunt and Uncle. They loved it so much they went and bought the exact same car except for the color! I traded in my 2017 Mustang convertible for it (at a huge loss - 58% after 7 mos.), but it was worth it. The Mustang was great in every way except one - I couldn't get out of it. I am a retired senior (68) and it was taking a toll on my joints. My aunt also has knee problems and loved how easy the CR-V is to get in and out of. They traded in a Lincoln Town Car on it, and my uncle appreciates the large number speedometer. This car has a luxury feel, rides smooth and quiet, and has all the driver assist features that I want of the available ones except for a front parking sensor. It is amazing in rush hour stop & go traffic, great in rain. I expect to have it a long time. I think most seniors would benefit from this car, EX model and higher. I wrote about testing the competition (RAV4, CX-5, Escape, Forester, etc.) and there is no comparison for me. Give it a test drive next to other similar ones lilsted above in the same day! Then you will know where you want to spend your time and cruise the blacktop. For me, CRV was a major standout.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Honda CR-V
Used 2017 Honda CR-V listings and inventory: Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Honda CR-Vs for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 2467 used and CPO 2017 CR-Vs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 21990 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2017 Honda CR-V. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 3503 on a used or CPO 2017 CR-V available from one of 2807 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2017 Honda Cr-v safe?The 2017 Honda Cr-v earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
2017 honda cr-v EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded 29 combined MPG 27 city MPG/33 highway MPG
2017 honda cr-v EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded 29 combined MPG 27 city MPG/33 highway MPG
2017 honda cr-v Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded 29 combined MPG 27 city MPG/33 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Honda CR-V?
Available Honda CR-V 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Honda CR-V 2017 Trims: EX-L w/Navigation, SE, Special Edition, LX, Touring, EX-L, EX-L w/Rear Entertainment, EX, Base
Exterior Colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Urban Titanium Metallic, Kona Coffee Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl, Mountain Air Metallic, Molten Lava Pearl, Taffeta White, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Tango Red Pearl, Copper Sunset Pearl, Whistler Silver Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Opal Sage Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic, Borrego Beige Metallic, Green Tea Metallic, Sahara Sand Metallic, Mojave Mist Metallic, Chianti Red, Eternal Blue Pearl, Pewter Pearl, White Diamond Pearl, Clover Green, Clover Green Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Redondo Red Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Silver Moss Metallic, Basque Red Pearl II, Gunmetal Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Sandstorm Metallic, Satin Silver, Sebring Silver Metallic, Supermarine Blue Pearl, Cypress Green Pearl, Dark Olive Metallic, Electron Blue, San Marino Red
Interior Colors: Beige leather, Gray premium cloth, Black premium cloth, Beige cloth, Beige premium cloth, Black, Ivory, Saddle, Black leather, Gray cloth, Gray leather, Black cloth, Ivory cloth, Ivory leather
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, AWD/4WD, Adaptive Cruise Control, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Blind Spot Monitoring, Heated seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Lane Departure Warning, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Pre-collision safety system, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Aux Audio Inputs, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
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You know what I'd love to see? MSG crowd chanting 'fire D'Antoni', it'd totally **** him up. Damn, that would be beyond great.
You know what I'd love to see? MSG crowd chanting 'fire D'Antoni', it'd totally **** him up. Damn, that would be beyond great.
that will be special night for whole MSG
Kobe spend in NBA almost 20 years and saw few generation from Jordan to Lebron and Melo . We all rememer last Reggie game @ MSG so which will be last for Kobe . I think Kobeless Lakers are done.Last win against Lakers @ MSG was without Melo Stat with Jeffries Fields Douglas and Lin .
What's the latest on JR Smith? He is listed as DTD. What's the word on Twitter about Swish? Yay or nay?
I hope the Knicks don't sleep on the Lakers tonight just because they been losing. They are under fire and are bound to bounce back on someone, hopefully the Knicks will come ready to destroy
all i want is start game like wit Heat as opener threees from begining
alley oops Kidd/felton to Tyson.
We better not take them lightly, because they can play if they want to. They might play hard tonight on a national TV.
Like someone said before, if we lose to Dumbtony, i will
8's yet another one!
Thanks for the feature, I'm sure you had many posts to choose from.
I feel a beating coming. I did call that for the game against Lin, however I didn't realize it was a 4 city in 5 nights game.
I still feel a beating coming.
On a side note I heard Artest's demo. It was aite he repped for Queens.
Can`t wait for the game. Having to fight hard to stay awake and it`s only 10.50pm here. We must beat D`Antoni, how I hate that man.
Shouldn`t the pole for this thread be: "How many times will D`Antoni clap his hands and say let`s go, let`s go"??
I hope we Miami Heat these losers.
I'm expecting nothing less than total annihilation of D'Antoni's team. MSG was rocking last night for the Sandy relief concert, I'm hoping our guys can keep it going.
I am too excited for this game!
In JR's absence, Novak will have to step it up this time in the offensive end.
I have a good feeling about this game, it's gonna be so entertaining due to many reasons!
Brewer's defense against Kobe should be key, I don't wanna see Kidd on Kobe!
Tyson has no reason to be invisible tonight, he got howard in his pocket previously, do it again, amigo!
My Knicks are awesome, and this shall be the year of ultimate greatness

subset: commoncrawl


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Hope you had a great weekend. Did you buy/download Madonna's new album? Are you at all looking forward to Mariah Carey's latest (in store's this week?) In the meantime, let's talk TV. And feel free to give us your opinion of Megan Fox on Saturday Night Live.
So here goes with Fall TV…
Last week I asked you all about your thoughts on some new shows. Because we all know that when times are tough economically, we all turn to entertainment for a pick-me-up. Whether or not it delivers is another thing. And this fall the networks have unveiled a slew of new shows, funny, serious, a little of both and the endless reality shows…with a vampire or two thrown in. So I had asked you guys to let me know if you had any thoughts on Flash Forward, Mercy, The Good Wife and Glee. Some of you liked them, some of you didn't. So now, let's look at a few more of Fall's biggest offerings. Just throwing another four programs your way. Voice your choice in today's featured poll and tell us whether you give them a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or if there was a remote thrown in the process.
1) Cougar Town
2) Eastwick
3) Vampire Diaries
4) The Cleveland Show
For the latest pop culture news and voting, make sure to sign up for the People's Choice newsletter!


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good morning narutobase i was wondering if minato was put in a genjutsu and used ftg to teleport home or to a marked area will he be out of the genjutsu?
Think about it if a genjustu disrupts the uses chakra and minato uses ftg he would no longer be there for for his chakra to be disrupted.
Please note this is only a question


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Apple released a new generation of MacBook Air and Mac mini in Mid 2011. Versions of Symantec PGP Whole Disk Encryption 10.2 MP1 and below have a known issue with these computers.
What Happens: System does not boot when encrypted with PGP Whole Disk Encryption. Symantec has isolated this issue to the Mid 2011 version of MacBook Air 4.1 and 4.2 with the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and the Mid 2011 version of the Mac mini 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 with the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors.
This issue is fixed in PGP Desktop 10.2.0 MP2. This version is available for download via your account File Connect
If you have a version prior to PGP Desktop 10.2 MP2, use the following steps:
- Determine if you have a Mid 2011 MacBook Air or a Mid 2011 Mac mini.
To identify which version of computer you have, follow these links:
- MacBook Air: support.apple.com/kb/HT3255
- Mac mini: support.apple.com/kb/ht3476
- If you have a MacBook Air (Mid 2011) or Mac mini (Mid 2011) and you are using PGP Desktop 10.1 or 10.2 Build 1950 or newer - DO NOT encrypt your computer at this point in time. Please upgrade to PGP Desktop 10.2 MP2 first.
If you have encrypted a Mid 2011 version of MacBook Air or Mac mini and the boot process is failing, the encrypted data is NOT lost. You can recover the data by decrypting the disk by booting from a PGP recovery CD. See the following article for more information: www.symantec.com/docs/TECH149559
Imported Document Id
Terms of use for this information are found in Legal Notices.
Terms of use for this information are found in Legal Notices.


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Liverpool's Conor Coady wants to earn another chance after Europa League debut
Conor Coady fulfilled a dream by making his Liverpool debut and is now focused on getting another chance.
Last Updated: 09/11/12 12:19pm
The locally-born 19-year-old, who has progressed through the club's Academy since joining aged eight, gave a good account of himself in Thursday's 1-0 Europa League defeat by Anzhi Makhachkala.
A cold night in Moscow against opponents flying high in the Russian Premier League was a tough proposition for Coady, the club's Under 21 team captain, after he was asked to perform the holding role in midfield.
But he came through without too much alarm to give manager Brendan Rodgers more hope for the future, having already fast-tracked the likes of Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom into the first team due to injuries and a lack of numbers.
"I loved it. It is every boy's dream to make his debut for Liverpool," said Coady.
"I felt I had a good game. The gaffer is going to give youngsters a chance and for myself to get a chance was fantastic. I put my all into it and was made up to make my debut.
"You have to be patient and bide your time and hopefully your chance will come. You just have to keep working hard in training."
Coady often found himself in close proximity to former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o, Anzhi's marquee signing, as the Cameroon international dropped deep to receive the ball.
And the youngster relished the challenge, as he said: "It is always good to play against the best players in the world and Eto'o has been in his time. He has that bit of class about him."


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If you are bored and need something to do, then I have a job for you (unpaid )
A friend of mine is studying interiour design architecture and she asked me to help looking for a few pictures on the web.
It's about design lights.
I've google myself crazy but the problem is, I don't always understand the language and the topic isn't that common.
here is the info she gave me. there could be spelling errors because we did it over the phone.
name of the lamp => designer => year of creation (if available)
- A lamp you put on the wall => University Ceasar Putzeys
- Golden Gate => Nando Vigo
- Manhatten => Nando Vigo
- Light Tree => Nando Vigo
- Scintella => Pier Castiglioni => 1983 => Foltara Arte (found a few pics, no idea if they are any good)
- Commeta light => Jane & Charles Dillo => 1973
- tallo light => Jane & Charles Dillo => 1971
- lucifer => Ahlström & Erich from A&E design Sweden=> 1975-1976 (Most important one) (I have 1 pic)
I know this is a very stupid thing to ask and probably won't have many replys but all help is welcome
Thanks in advance


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Hi all, first post here so apologies upfront for any stupid questions.
I recently installed ZA (Free version) and I am having trouble accessing the internet at times. It is mainly when I first try to access the net after booting my PC or after periods of inactivity. If I shutdown ZA then IE connects immediately.
It also happens on an ad-hoc basis when trying to open new IE tabs etc.
I have never had this type of troubles before installing ZA so can only assume ZA is doing something it shouldn't!?!
I've read a few posts about ensuring svchost is given access etc and all appears to be configured correctly.
Appreciate any advice you guys might have.
Operating System:Windows XP Pro
Product Name:ZoneAlarm (Free)


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Streamline IBM z/OS application development processes and package approvals
IBM® Software Configuration and Library Manager (SCLM) Advanced Edition for z/OS® is a suite of add-on products for IBM SCLM for z/OS. This edition provides a centralized IBM z/OS software configuration management solution in one package. Now you can approve packages, implement augmented security controls, run three-way merges and simplify the management of SCLM-based projects.
SCLM Advanced Edition for z/OS includes these products:
- IBM SCLM Administrator Toolkit—provides software configuration management (SCM) services for Eclipse-based SCLM administration environments.
- IBM SCLM Developer Toolkit—provides SCM services for Eclipse-based SCLM development environments.
- IBM Enhanced Access Control for SCLM for z/OS—provides additional control over access to SCLM-managed libraries.
- IBM Breeze for SCLM for z/OS—provides a web interface to review and either approve or reject SCLM packages.
- IBM Merge Tool for z/OS and OS/390®—provides a variety of tools to perform file merge tasks.
- Simplifies the administration of SCLM-managed projects.
- Provides access to the administrator functions from either an Eclipse-based graphical interface or traditional host-based Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF) panels.
- Includes administrator functions such as creating and configuring new projects, as well as modifying, cloning, building and rebuilding (to allow the original source structure of objects to be maintained), and deleting existing SCLM-managed projects.
- Is a comprehensive solution for managing the modernization of traditional z/OS applications, including mixed applications containing both traditional and Java® Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) object types.
- Is an Eclipse-based tool that extends the functionality and accessibility of SCLM by providing an Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) interface.
- Enables developers to code and test applications in an Eclipse-based IDE, and then store source code in SCLM.
- Provides more levels of access control granularity and protection for SCLM-managed resources than SCLM and IBM Resource Access Control Facility (RACF).
- Allows you to specify which programs can be used by SCLM-managed data and restrict user access based on SCLM function or service.
- Helps prevent RACF data set violations and unexpected changes to SCLM data.
- Is a browser-based, SCLM package approval system.
- Allows you to build reusable packages, assign approvers, and automatically notify both approvers and managers through either Time Sharing Option (TSO) or email when there are changes in need of review.
- Is designed for both managers and developers who want to make the most of the SCLM product's strengths as a development and source code management tool.
- Delivers an easy-to-use, ISPF-based, three-way merge facility.
- Provides both project managers and IBM System z® application developers with the tools they need to identify, analyze and consolidate independently coded changes.
- Helps developers efficiently use and manage this process to merge up to three versions of source code.
SCLM Advanced Edition for z/OS resources
- IBM Redbooks: Application Lifecycle Management with SCLM on System z
Get an overview of the overall IBM Software Delivery Platform as well as a detailed description of several aspects of Software Configuration and Library Manager.
- Announcement letter: IBM Software Configuration and Library Manager: Updated Products for IBM z/OS help improve software configuration management (129KB)
Learn more about the SCLM Advanced Edition for z/OS.
Not in United States?
Contact IBM
Considering a purchase?
- Email IBM
Or call us at: 1-844-95-CLOUD1-844-95-CLOUD
Priority code: Cloud


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Tablet computers are helping Agriculture Department surveyors collect and share data more effectively. (Stock image)
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), housed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, surveys more than 12,000 farmers and agriculture experts annually to gather data that impacts the price of food and the futures and commodities markets.
For 150 years, these field workers – often retired farmers in their 60s or 70s, some in their 90s – conducted those interviews with pencil and paper. Sometimes field workers query farmers over the phone or by mail, but the questions are usually asked in person, during visits to farms all across the country.
Over the past two years, NASS transitioned from pencil and paper to digital surveying, deploying iPads to its in-person surveyors in the culmination of an in-house effort that began in 2009 with the creation of the Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) Operational Efficiency Project.
USDA's Pam Hird, who spoke July 9 at the Federal Mobile Computing Summit in Washington, D.C., said CAPI has "worked beautifully," seamlessly integrating security with increased performance, decreased costs and a training program that turns computer-newbie surveyors into iPad-proficient users in just 13 hours.
The end result has been faster, more accurate surveys, leading to better NASS forecasts that ensure, for instance, that American consumers aren't taken by surprise at the increased price of milk the next time they visit the grocery store.
"We're seeing surveys returned in 72 hours, giving us a longer time to analyze the data, which helps us set better estimates," Hird, who manages the iPad-based surveying program, said. "We've eliminated the mail stuff with paper, and we're able to extend the data collection period, allowing response rates to go up significantly."
Response rates have increased up to eight points in some states, meaning more ag-related information comes in to the department in less time -- and for less money.
"Right now, we're saving roughly [$3 million to 5 million] annually, and we're hoping to incorporate [CAPI] into larger surveys – hoping to raise savings to $10 million annually," Hird said. "That's a lot of money in a time when we're supposed to be looking for savings."
How it works
In-person surveyors, also called enumerators, take 12 hours of formal in-house classroom training – a curriculum that has been streamlined by NASS over the past 18 months, Hird said. The formal training typically comes after trainees attend one of many workshops NASS conducts across the country, where they are allowed an hour to handle iPads -- a first-time experience for many of the workers.
Once enumerators finish training, they hit the field, tablet in hand. The agency-issued devices come with four layers of security, designed to keep survey information from being shared with any outside party.
On a field visit, an enumerator must first log into the iPad, then log into the NASS' system, and then enter yet another code to access a producer's information and download questionnaires from the department's cloud into a browser window that operates entirely on the iPad's operational memory. In this way, no information is stored on the iPad itself, providing a fourth layer of security in case an iPad is misplaced, Hird said.
Because rural America does not always have thriving Internet connections, CAPI ensures the iPads come with a variety of tools that assist enumerators, including software to continuously seek an Internet signal and upload information asynchronously upon detecting one. Surveyed data streams to the department's cloud, and built-in tools let supervisors examine questionnaires for editing, organizing and oversight purposes.
"We hired firms to hack our systems, and they could not," Hird said. "We have not had any security breaches."
About the Author
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 have been an enumerator in N.E. Colorado for over thirty years. From my own experience over 80% of my interviews have been on the telephone. If i did use the I-pad in the field i would not have the reception in my area. If i did get on line it might stop responding, annoying the respondent and taking too much of their time. In the past several months this has happened a large number of times even between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m..
Also the system has been down a number of times. I have documented some of this for the first part of July.
In the future when the bugs get worked out it should work fine.
I have sent a copy of this to Bill Moyer, head of the Colorado office.
8251 Greensboro Drive Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102 703-876-5100


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When was the last time you were able to say you loved your kitchen? If you aren't happy with the way it looks, consider remodeling the space. However, careful planning and preparation is necessary to achieve your dream kitchen. With so many choices, from new technology in appliances to the variety of materials available for countertops and floor coverings, there's plenty to think about.
Consider Upgrading
While planning your new kitchen, consider adding features that can dramatically improve the space's comfort and functionality. For instance, radiant heat is something to keep in mind. Assuming you have a solid floor surface in your kitchen, you'll want to be able to walk barefoot without feeling a chill - a radiant heating system can do that for you. Additionally, it can help you keep your entire kitchen warm and toasty.
Shop Smart
If you want to upgrade certain appliances or fixtures in your kitchen, you don't need to break the bank, according to Consumer Reports. Look for bargain priced items and see if you can get discounted appliances from wholesale retailers. Shopping smart can help you get your dream kitchen without breaking your bugdet. In the end, you'll have more money to spend on other amenities throughout the space.
Finding the Right Contractor
Take your time when selecting a contractor for the job. Find someone you're willing to work for several months. Also, getting to know a potential candidate beforehand can ensure that he or she is the right fit.
When it comes to certain features in your kitchen, such as the radiant floor heating, you may want to contact a professional who specializes in this equipment to make sure the job gets done right.
Making Use of What You Have
Before you start knocking down walls and expanding your existing kitchen, take a step back and look at what you have. Using what you already have can help cut down on construction costs, especially if you'd like to and put aside more money to indulge in a few luxury items.
Mind the Details
As you plan the layout for your new kitchen, try to keep factors such as children and foot traffic in mind. Make sure there's enough room for people to walk in the kitchen while it's in use. Measure the appliances you want to ensure that they fit in certain areas of the space for convenience. Ultimately, attention to small details is what can make or break the project.
Whether you plan to renovate your kitchen in the near future or start this coming weekend, taking the time to carefully analyze the project before you begin will reward you with the kitchen of your dreams.


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Using Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirror as a starting point for discussion, discover the logistical and engineering challenges and feats behind installing work in public places. Hear from Tony Mighell, MCA Exhibition Services Manager along with Eamonn Madden, Group Managing Director and Jeremy Sparks, Director Partridge Events, from Partridge Engineers, specialists in the installation of public artworks such as those seen in Art and About's Live Lanes project.
Eamonn Madden, Managing Director of the Partridge Group has had 25 years varied experience as a structural engineer, designing the full range of structural types using all types of materials and methodologies. He has designed many art installations, temporary stages and Ceremonies. He is interested in a rational analysis of risk engineering and how it relates to temporary structures such as stages, film sets and public art works. He is a board member of the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers.
FREE, drop in
Image courtesy and © Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, photograph: Alex Davies
2 March 2013, 2:00-3:00pm
This event has finished.


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I'm thinking of upgrading my current MSI GTX460 Fan OC 1GB (256-bit, 336 Core, 725/3600), but I have difficulties choosing between a GTX660 and a GTX660Ti.
The prices are the following:
Standard Gigabyte Windforce GTX660 - 210 EUR
OC'ed Gigabyte Windforce GTX660- 235 EUR
Standard Gigabyte Windforce GTX660Ti - 285 EUR
Which would you recommend? Is the 75 EUR (~$100) difference justified for the GTX660Ti? Or should I just go with the OC'ed version instead?
*I'm not a Radeon fanboy, I don't wish to buy any AMD cards.


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Intel Earnings: What to Watch
Brian Krzanich is shaking things up at Intel. Now comes the wait for measurable results, which may be scarce as investors wait for fourth-quarter results Thursday.
The chip maker's new CEO, who hosted his first Consumer Electronics Show keynote last week, inherited a company with a sick cash cow–chips for personal computers, a business that has shrunk while sales of tablets have soared.
Intel's shares have benefited lately from signs that the PC market is bottoming out. But being a long-term bull on the company requires faith that the company can find ways to grow in new markets, as Krzanich has vowed to do.
And not much growth is expected in the period ended in September. While analysts' average estimates point to about 8% greater earnings per share than the year-earlier period, their $13.7 billion target for revenue is up only 1.5%.
Intel plans to report its earnings after market close and hold a conference call at 5 p.m. Here are some key things to watch:
Tablet traction: Krzanich in November set an unusually bold goal for Intel to boost its position in chips for tablets, a market now dominated by companies that license technology from ARM Holdings. He vowed to place Intel processors in more than 40 million tablets this year, quadrupling its current shipments to makers of those products.
No one is expecting dramatic signs of progress toward that goal on Thursday. But there could be some, an outgrowth of Krzanich's vow to dive further into low-priced gadgets than predecessor Paul Otellini targeted. Companies such as Hewlett-Packard introduced seven-inch Intel-powered tablets for less than $100 in the holiday shopping period, for example, a low level for a company long used to selling chips alone for hundreds of dollars.
Android action: Intel has long leaned heavily on its relationship with Microsoft, whose Windows operating system is used in most PCs. But that alliance doesn't help in tablets and smartphones, the source of most growth in the industry.
So Intel has invested heavily to make sure that Google's Android works just as well on its chips as rival ARM-based processors, an effort that could soon start having a slight impact on the chip maker's numbers soon.
At the CES show, Krzanich said Intel will help boost security features on Android to make it more palatable to corporate customers, a dig at one of Microsoft's real strongholds.
(Intel has also tightly embraced Chromebooks, the other Google-powered offering for clamshell-style portable computers that also come in ARM-powered versions).
The "other" category: Intel lumps emerging businesses like chips for tablets and smartphones into a reporting segment called "other Intel architecture operating segments."
It hasn't produced a pretty picture lately. In the quarter ended Sept. 30, revenue in that segment declined 9.3% to $1.1 billion from the year-earlier period, while its operating loss swelled to $606 million from $235 million.
Don't look for a profit this time out. But the revenue line could be interesting.
Bigger iron: Intel's best numbers come from its data center group, which includes sales of chips used in server systems. The company has little serious competition in the market at the moment, so there's little pressure on pricing or profit margins.
But the business is turbulent. Internet services like Google and Amazon.com are still buying more servers, but conventional companies like banks and retailers are slowing purchases. The countervailing trends could produce surprises Thursday.
Filling the factory: With PC sales still soft, Intel at least temporarily faces excess manufacturing capacity–a potentially costly problem. One symbol is a decision to keep a new factory building in Chandler, Ariz., closed for the moment rather than outfitting it with costly manufacturing tools.
Intel trimmed capital spending plans twice in 2013, though in November it projected that spending in 2014 would be nearly $11 billion–roughly flat with last year. Investors will be watching for any reduction in that forecast, which could tend to boost Intel's closely watched profit margins.


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Jazz legend Dave Brubeck dead
Dave Brubeck sits next to a piano in Monterey, California, in this file image from September 22, 2007. REUTERS/Kimberly White/Files
Jazz legend Dave Brubeck has died a day before his 92nd birthday.
The revered musician and bandleader passed away on Wednesday at a Norwalk hospital in Connecticut.
He died of heart failure.
The pianist became a crossover jazz great thanks to his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and hits like Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk.
But he was also a civil rights hero, becoming one of the first leading white acts to perform at black jazz clubs throughout the American South in the 1950s.
Flowers will be placed on Brubeck's Hollywood Walk of Fame star to mark his passing.


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2013 Watch: Low Income Service in the Year Ahead
After many years as the ugly ducklings of the credit union industry, lower-income credit union members are poised to become a good deal more like swans in 2013.
This is partly because it has begun to dawn on credit union executives that being lower income does not automatically or necessarily translate into being higher risk or lower profit.
Credit for this discovery belongs partly to community development credit unions which have taken the time to exhaustively document their experience working with lower-income members and to have shared their experiences with mainstream credit unions that are interested in learning from them.
More 2013 Watch
- Dec. 28, 2012 Marketing in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 27, 2012 Gen Y in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 27, 2012 Member Investments in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 26, 2012 Member Business Lending in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 26, 2012 Human Resources in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 21, 2012 Credit Union Taxation in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 20, 2012 CUSOs in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 20, 2012 NCUA Board in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 19, 2012 Cards in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 19, 2012 Mortgage Lending in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 18, 2012 Bank Conversions in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 17, 2012 Student Lending in the Year Ahead
- Dec. 17, 2012 Auto Lending in the Year Ahead
But credit also belongs to the legions of payday lenders, check cashers, title lenders, pawn shop lenders and rent to own places that have made it clear that serving the needs of lower-income consumers, even poorly, can be a money-making business.
Credit unions that treat lower-income members with dignity and offer them financial services for a profitable but still better deal than the high-cost alternative down the street can both improve their bottom line and help those members onto the path which will lead them to other and even more profitable credit union profits.
But the path forward to working with lower income members in 2013 cannot be taken lightly. Competition from products like the Bluebird card, the joint debit product being offered by Walmart and American Express, means that credit unions cannot merely count on lower fees and better service to draw lower income members.
Instead they will need to learn what is important to the lower income members, such as refinancing an existing expensive auto loan might be a better and more valuable approach than offering a new one and having the ability to deposit money easily via a mobile phone and not in a branch or at an ATM might mean gaining a family's business that the credit union didn't have before.
Next year is liable to see credit unions both shine and stumble working with lower income members but, fortunately, the industry has also shown itself capable of learning from its mistakes.


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With just a few weeks before pitchers and catchers report, we're checking in on how each team has fared in conducting its offseason business while acknowledging that there's still time for its prognosis to change. Teams will be presented in reverse order of finish from 2012, and I'll revisit and adjust their grades to account for late-winter deals as spring training begins.
Texas Rangers
2012 Results: 93-69, 2nd place in AL West (Hot Stove Preview)
Key departures: RHP Mike Adams, RHP Wilfredo Boscan, RHP Ryan Dempster, RHP Scott Feldman, OF Josh Hamilton, RHP Mark Lowe, 1B Chris McGuinness, C/1B Mike Napoli, RHP Roy Oswalt, RHP Koji Uehara, IF Michael Young
Key arrivals: UT Jeff Baker, LHP Jeff Beliveau, DH/1B Lance Berkman, RHP Jason Frasor, RHP Josh Lindblom, C A.J. Peirzynski, RHP Joakim Soria, C Eli Whiteside
After back-to-back American League pennants in 2010 and '11, the Rangers fell short in 2012. Despite owning at least a share of first place in the AL West from April 9 (after their fourth game) to Oct. 2 (after their 161st game) — not to mention the league's best record and run differential for most of that time — they lost seven of their final nine games to hand the division to the surging A's. Texas proceeded lose the wild-card game to the Orioles, bringing its season to a shockingly abrupt ending. The Rangers' losing streak has continued this winter, as they've failed to land top free agent target Zack Greinke and top trade target Justin Upton while letting Napoli and Hamilton — two of their top four power hitters — walk away as free agents. Earlier this week, a third power hitter, Nelson Cruz, was implicated as having obtained performance-enhancing drugs from the Biogenesis clinic in Miami, and could face a 50-game suspension.
To be fair, general manager Jon Daniels has trimmed some of the roster's deadwood. He unloaded Young on the Phillies, who will pay $6 million of the $16 million remaining on his contract, and let the disappointing Dempster, Feldman and Oswalt — all of whom had ERAs above 5.00 — depart as free agents. He has also let Adams, Lowe and Uehara — three productive but fragile relievers — move on as well. Meanwhile, he has retained all of the top prospects from the team's deep farm system, many of whom could figure into the Rangers' 2013 plans, and the highest-profile free agents he has signed could represent upgrades at their positions.
Atop that list is Pierzynski, who signed a one-year, $7. 5 million deal coming off a career year with the bat (.278/.326/.501 with 27 homers). At 36, he's not a great bet to match those numbers even while moving from one hitters' park to another, but he's a better defender than Napoli, not to mention a more durable player, having averaged 133 games a year over the past 11 seasons. For as potent as his bat could be, Napoli's recently discovered hip issues cloud his future behind the plate and make him a long-term risk, and it seems quite likely that the Rangers can improve upon the cumulative .228/.312/.397 line they received from their backstops in 2012. Soto, 30, was retained as the backup via a $2.75 million deal coming off a .198/.270/.343 showing for the Cubs and Rangers last year, but the righty's career .295/.390/.501 line against lefties in 626 PA makes him a natural fit with the lefty Pierzynski, who owns a career .259/.287/.382 line in 1,372 PA against lefties.
If Berkman is healthy, he should be able to help boost a DH slot that gave Texas a meager .265/.323/.432 line in 2012, with about half of the plate appearances going to Young and Napoli. That said, the 36-year-old slugger's health is no guarantee; he made three trips to the disabled list last year for leg problems and underwent two separate surgeries on his right knee that have left him with little cartilage in the joint. Those woes limited him to 32 games in which he hit .259/.381/.444, well off the sizzling .301/.412/.547 with 31 homers he hit for the Cardinals in 2011. Adding him rates as a good move, though his one year, $11 million deal, which includes a $13 million option for 2014 that vests with 550 plate appearances, is a bit steep.
The other offensive addition from outside that could have an impact is that of Baker, who was signed to a minor league deal. The 31-year-old is a versatile lefty-masher — .303/.342/.469 in 418 PA from 2010-2012 — who can spot at all three bases and the outfield corners. He's a particularly good fit at first base, where Mitch Moreland owns a lifetime .232/.294/.328 line in 196 PA against lefties.
The departure of Hamilton — whose injuries, troubled past, and penchant for finding controversy made him a risk to retain — and the failure to acquire Upton leaves the Rangers with an outfield of David Murphy in leftfield, Leonys Martin and/or Craig Gentry in center and Cruz in right. Given Murphy's problems with lefties (.266/.313/.361 career) and the fresh possibility of the loss of Cruz, the Rangers could use some depth. If Cruz is suspended following MLB's follow-up investigation, it's fair to wonder if Texas will revisit the idea of moving Ian Kinsler to first base to open up space for top prospect Jurickson Profar and free up Moreland for rightfield, though his platoon issues are accompanied by defensive concerns. Prospect Mike Olt, a 24-year-old slugging third baseman who is blocked by Adrian Beltre, has dabbled in rightfield as well, making 13 appearances last year between the minors and majors and then more in winter ball.
The departures of Dempster, Oswalt and Feldman, the failure to land Greinke, and the absence of Colby Lewis, whose recovery from flexor tendon surgery could keep him out until late June or longer, leaves the rotation with Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, Alexi Ogando and rookie Martin Perez. Holland was roughed up for a 4.67 ERA and 1.6 homers per nine, while Ogando and Perez combined for just 11 big league starts last year; the former was a key bullpen cog, while the latter spent most of the season at Triple-A. Lewis and Neftali Feliz, who underwent Tommy John surgery last July, could provide late-season boosts, but for right now, the main depth consists of another rookie, 24-year-old righty Justin Grimm, who split his season between Double-A, Triple-A and the majors (all of 14 innings for the latter). The possibility of moving lefty reliever Robbie Ross to the rotation has been debated, but with Harrison, Holland and Perez, the current unit already lists to the port side.
Soria, Frasor, Lindblom and Beliveau all add depth to the bullpen, with the first two likely to figure in the team's late-game plan. Soria, 28, was once a dominant All-Star closer with the Royals, but he struggled in 2011 and underwent his second Tommy John surgery last spring. His incentive-laden two-year, $8 million deal reflects the likelihood that he won't be back until late May or so, but that if he rediscovers his form, he'll probably set up Joe Nathan and be next in line for closer duties at some point; Nathan is 38 years old, with one good season, one bad one and one missed one (2010 Tommy John surgery) over the past three years. Frasor, 35, was signed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal coming off a down year in which he missed seven weeks due to a forearm strain and posted high walk and homer rates (1.2 and 4.5 per nine, respectively) to offset his career-high strikeout rate (10.9 per nine). He'll start the year replacing Adams as the top righty setup man, though that could change once Soria returns. Lindblom is a 25-year-old former second-round pick by the Dodgers who spent his first full season in the majors last year, making 74 appearances split between the Dodgers and Phillies and posting a 3.55 ERA with 8.9 strikeouts per nine but similarly troublesome walk and homer rates (4.4 and 1.6 per nine, respectively). Beliveau, 26, is a lefty specialist who was roughed up in 22 appearances for the Cubs last year; he's signed to a minor league deal and ranks below Ross and Michael Kirkman on the depth chart.
Unfinished business: Big bopper For all of Hamilton's issues, he did hit 43 homers last year, and averaged 36 per 162 games during his five years with the team. The Rangers haven't added anything close to a lineup centerpiece to replace his production, which becomes more problematic given the loss of Napoli and questions regarding Cruz; both hit 24 homers last year. I've argued before that the team should pursue 23-year-old Giancarlo Stanton, which would cost a good deal of their minor league depth but provide an offensive cornerstone — and marquee attraction — who's just entering his prime, but thus far, Texas doesn't appear to be working to acquire him.
It's certainly possible for Daniels to pursue a lesser slugger via trade using a less valuable selection of the team's prospects, but as spring training nears, it's less clear who exactly the team could target. The Twins' Josh Willingham, 33, hit .260/.366/.524 with 35 homers; he's signed for just $14 million over the next two years. The Cubs' Alfonso Soriano, 37, hit .262/.322/.499 with 32 homers, his best performance since 2008; the former Ranger (2004-2005) still has two years and $38 million left on his deal, most of which Chicago will have to eat to move him. The Dodgers' Andre Ethier has quickly fallen out of favor since signing his six-year, $85 million extension last summer and would presumably come at a significant discount. The Diamondbacks' Jason Kubel could be moved to accommodate the arrival of centerfield prospect Adam Eaton and a full-time spot for 2011 Gold Glove winner Gerardo Parra, though that likelihood is lower in the wake of Upton's trade to the Braves.Preliminary grade: C-


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This Week
The San Jose Earthquakes (15-6-5, 50 pts.) will host Chivas USA in a Western Conference clash on Sunday, Sept. 2 at Buck Shaw Stadium. The game kicks off at 6 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports, 1590 KLIV (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 8/27/12
Tuesday, Aug. 28 – 10:15 a.m. – Practice at Earthquakes Training Facility
Wednesday, Aug. 29 – Practice at Earthquakes Training Facility
Thursday, Aug. 30 – Off
Friday, Aug. 31 – 10:15 a.m. – Practice at Buck Shaw Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 1 – 10:15 a.m. – Practice at Earthquakes Training Facility
Sunday, Sept. 2 – Off
Injury Report
Out: Jean-Marc Alexandre (R – MCL sprain), Cesar Diaz Pizarro (R – groin strain), Joey Gjertsen (R – knee surgery), Jason Hernandez (R – hamstring strain), Shea Salinas (L – hamstring strain), Tim Ward (L – non-specific soft tissue injury).
Earthquakes All-Time Record vs. Chivas USA
MLS Regular Season: 3-6-5
Home: 2-3-2 (11 GF, 8 GA)
Away: 1-3-3 (7 GF, 10 GA)
Playoffs: 0-0-0; US Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 18, Chivas USA – 18
Chivas USA Info
Last Game vs. Chivas USA
Earthquakes 1, Chivas USA 1; May 13, 2012; Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Alan Gordon came off the bench to score an 89th-minute equalizer, earning the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA on Mother's Day at Buck Shaw Stadium. Gordon came on for Tressor Moreno in the 57th minute and left his mark late in the match with his second goal of the campaign. Fellow second-half sub Sam Garza created the chance, curling a cross to the near post where Gordon headed home the Earthquakes' result. Meanwhile, Garza picked up his first career MLS assist in what was his second appearance for San Jose. After conceding a fourth-minute goal, the Earthquakes dominated the run of play the rest of the way. San Jose held 62.5 percent of the possession and outshot Chivas USA 24-5. The Earthquakes also tied a club record with 15 corner kicks, matching their output from Aug. 26, 2000 against the LA Galaxy at Spartan Stadium.
Chivas USA Scouting Report
Chivas USA (7-10-6, 27 pts.) enter Saturday's game seventh in the Western Conference, 10 points out of the MLS Cup Playoff race. The squad has collectively scored seven fewer goals than any MLS team with 17 in 23 games this season. Colombian Designated Player Juan Pablo Angel has scored more than any for Chivas USA, finding the net four times in 15 games this season. Meanwhile, Ryan Smith tops the club's assists list with three. Leading the way defensively has been MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dan Kennedy with seven shutouts and 81 saves, third most in the league.
History of the Earthquakes-Chivas USA Rivalry
The two teams met for the first time on April 9, 2005, at Spartan Stadium, playing to a wild 3-3 draw … During the 2005 season, San Jose and Chivas USA met on three additional occasions: a 1-1 draw on June 12 at The Home Depot Center, a 3-0 win for the Earthquakes on Sept. 10 at Spartan Stadium, and a come-from-behind 2-1 Quakes victory on Sept. 17 in Carson in which Alejandro Moreno notched the 93rd-minute winner against his current club … Following that four-game unbeaten run by San Jose to begin the all-time series between the sides, Chivas USA has held the edge since the Quakes' return in 2008, posting a 6-1-2 record over nine matches … The Quakes' lone win during the stretch came on Oct. 20, 2010, when Chris Wondolowski posted a hat trick over 17 minutes after only coming off the bench in the 40th minute, for a 3-0 result at Buck Shaw … Chivas USA got an 85th-minute winner from Mariano Trujillo for a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the last meeting at Buck Shaw on April 23, 2011 … Wondolowski had given the Quakes a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, with Moreno leveling the score for the Goats in first-half stoppage time … Chivas USA went on to sweep the 2011 season series with a 2-0 home shutout on July 6 … The two teams tied 1-1 in their first meeting of 2012 on May 13 with Alan Gordon providing a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer.
Earthquakes Leaders vs. Chivas USA
Forward Alan Gordon has six goals and two assists in 10 appearances … Forward Chris Wondolowski has five goals in 10 appearances … Wondolowski recorded one of his three career hat tricks against Chivas USA on Oct. 20, 2010 … Goalkeeper Jon Busch is 4-3-1 with three shutouts.
Chivas USA Leaders vs. San Jose
Forward Alejandro Moreno has five goals and three assists in 16 games … Midfielder Shalrie Joseph has two assists in 13 games … Midfielder Peter Vagenas has one goal and three assists in 18 appearances … Defender Ante Jazic has three assists in six appearances … Defenders James Riley has two assist in nine appearances … Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is 3-0-1 with two shutouts.
Earthquakes – Chivas USA Connections
Quakes defender Jason Hernandez made 50 appearances for Chivas USA from 2006-07 … Chivas USA forward Alejandro Moreno produced eight goals and four assists in 31 games for San Jose during the Supporters' Shield season of 2005 … Moreno was teammates with Quakes forward Alan Gordon on the LA Galaxy in 2004, forward Chris Wondolowski in Houston in 2006-07, forward Steven Lenhart in Columbus in 2008-09 and midfielder Shea Salinas in Philadelphia in 2010 … Gordon played for the LA Galaxy with Chivas USA assistant coach Greg Vanney in 2008, and scored one goal in nine appearances for Chivas USA during the 2010 season … Chivas USA defender James Riley made 24 appearances for San Jose in 2008 before being selected by Seattle Sounders FC during the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft … Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic played with the Canadian national team from 2004-06 and the LA Galaxy from 2006-07 under current Quakes head coach Frank Yallop … Jazic was teammates with Gordon on the LA Galaxy from 2006-08 … Quakes midfielder Sam Cronin played with Chivas USA midfielder Nick LaBrocca at Toronto FC for part of the 2010 season … LaBrocca was also a member of the 2008 Colorado Rapids with Quakes defender Tim Ward … Quakes midfielder Marvin Chavez played with Chivas USA defender Heath Pearce for FC Dallas in 2009-10 … Chivas USA assistant coach Carlos Llamosa played for two seasons with Jason Hernandez at Chivas USA (2006-07) … Hernandez and Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy were briefly fellow members of the 2005 New York/New Jersey MetroStars … Kennedy (2001-04) and Quakes rookie midfielder Sam Garza (2010-11) both played at UC Santa Barbara … Lenhart and Kennedy are both natives of Yorba Linda, Calif. … Garza (No. 6) and Chivas USA rookie forward Casey Townsend (No. 5) were selected one pick apart in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft … Quakes midfielder Jacob Hustedt (2008-10) played with reserve Goats goalkeeper Patrick McLain (2007-11) at Cal Poly, with Garza and McLain opposing each other in the Big West Conference the past two seasons … Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud played at Wake Forest with Cronin (2005-08) and Quakes defender Ike Opara (2007-08), with the trio guiding the Demon Deacons to the program's first national title together in 2007 … Opara and Chivas USA defender/midfielder Jorge Villafaña were both members of the 20-player U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team for CONCACAF Olympic qualifying in late March … Quakes midfielder Simon Dawkins (Edgware) and Chivas USA midfielder Ryan Smith (Islington) are two Englishmen who were born in areas of London.
Community Events
Earthquakes Elite Clinic
Who: Earthquakes players Sam Garza, David Bingham, Cesar Diaz Pizarro, Brad Ring and Earthquakes coach Ian Russell
What: Elite Clinic
Where: Lavonya Dejean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA
When: Wednesday, Aug. 29
Details: Coach and players will run a 60-minute clinic for 150 kids and conclude with a 30-minute autograph session
Miscellaneous Notes
Earthquakes to Attempt to Break Guinness World Record for Largest Groundbreaking Ceremony
Earthquakes Club President Dave Kaval announced the club will break ground on their new stadium on Sunday, Oct. 21 and will try to break a Guinness World Record for the largest groundbreaking ceremony in the process. Fans are invited to the landmark occasion and can RSVP by visiting www.sjearthquakes.com/groundbreaking. Anyone planning to attend can park for free starting at 10:30 a.m. at the new stadium site on the corner of Coleman Ave. and Newhall Ave. Check-in for diggers begins at 11:30 a.m. To ensure participation, fans should arrive before noon. In order to break the Guinness World Record, the club needs 4,533 participants to dig for two minutes.
New Stadium Club Seats Sold Out
The Earthquakes announced on Saturday that club seats at the new stadium are sold out. With luxury suites and club seats sold out, general seating in the new stadium will go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 23. Current season tickets holders will have first priority to purchase tickets for the new stadium. The priority order will be set based on tenure as a season ticket holder. Season ticket holders will receive more information in the coming week regarding their specific account. In order to reserve a spot in the priority queue for the new stadium, fans can purchase season tickets for 2013, the final season at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Earthquakes are currently taking deposits for season tickets for 2013. Please call 408-556-7700 or visit www.sjearthquakes.com/2013 for more information.
Child, Mandaric to be Inducted to Earthquakes Hall of Fame
The Earthquakes announced last week that former star forward Paul Child and the team's original owner Milan Mandaric have been named to the Earthquakes Hall of Fame. The two former members of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Earthquakes will be inducted to the club's Hall of Fame at a ceremony during halftime of San Jose's match on Sept. 29 against FC Dallas. To celebrate the occasion, 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative pin courtesy of XFINITY.
MLS Cup Playoff Tickets Now on Sale
Earthquakes 2012 MLS Cup Playoff tickets are now on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com/2012playoffs through the March to the Cup Mini-Plan. The mini-plan includes a ticket to three of San Jose's remaining regular season home games – including the Quakes' international friendly against San Luis FC on Thursday, Sept. 6 – and the club's first MLS Cup Playoff home game since 2010. Prices start at $72 per package. For groups of 10 or more, call the club's front office at 408-556-7700.
Quakes First in Western Conference, Supporters' Shield Standings
The Earthquakes (15-6-5, 47 pts.) remain atop the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings following the club's 4-1 win against the Colorado Rapids. San Jose holds a three-point advantage over Sporting Kansas City (14-7-5, 47 pts.) in the Supporters' Shield race. Meanwhile, the Earthquakes are seven points ahead of Real Salt Lake (13-10-4, 43 pts.) and Seattle Sounders FC (12-6-7, 43 pts.) in the Western Conference table.
Guvenisik Hat Trick Leads Earthquakes Past Timbers, 3-1, in Reserve League
Sercan Guvenisik scored three times to lead San Jose past Portland 3-1 at JELD-WEN Field on Sunday in front of a Reserve League record crowd of 14,121. The first of Guvenisik's three strikes came from 65 yards out, catching Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson off his line to give San Jose a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. He added a pair of second-half goals on Sam Garza assists to improve the club's Reserve League record to 3-2-2 on the year.
Unbeaten Streak Continues at Buck Shaw
The Earthquakes extended their Buck Shaw Stadium unbeaten streak to 14 games after Saturday's 4-1 win against Colorado. The Rapids were the last team to beat San Jose at their primary home venue, winning 2-1 on Aug. 13, 2011. The Earthquakes are 8-0-3 at Buck Shaw this season and 9-1-3 at home including matches played at AT&T Park and Stanford Stadium.
Corrales Moves to No. 5 on Club's All-Time Assists List
Ramiro Corrales' pair of assists in San Jose's 4-1 win against Colorado leapfrogged the veteran defender past Landon Donovan and Eric Wynalda for No. 5 on the club's all-time assists list. Corrales has 30 career assists with the Earthquakes, one behind Dwayne De Rosario for No. 4 on the list. At 35 years old, Corrales is second on the team with eight assists this season, one off his career best nine in 2002.
Ballouchy Makes San Jose Debut
Former Santa Clara Broncos All-American midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy made his Earthquakes debut in Saturday's 4-1 win against the Colorado Rapids after subbing on for Marvin Chavez in the 80th minute. San Jose acquired Ballouchy in a trade with the New York Red Bulls for a 2013 international player slot and a conditional 2013 MLS SuperDraft pick on July 30.
Iron Man Morrow
Quakes all-star defender Justin Morrow has played every minute of San Jose's 26 games this season. He is one of five players in MLS to see the field in each of his club's 26 matches in 2012. The list also includes Colorado's Matt Pickens and Drew Moor, Sporting Kansas City's Jimmy Nielsen and Vancouver's Lee Young-Pyo.
Wondolowski Approaching MLS Single Season Record for Game-Winning Goals
Chris Wondolowski is one game-winning goal away from tying an MLS record that he shares with former LA Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz. Wondolowski (2010) and Ruiz (2002) have each recorded nine game-winning goals in a single season. San Jose's striker has scored the game winner in eight of San Jose's 15 victories to date.
Wondolowski Closing in on Club Scoring Mark
Chris Wondolowski is six goals away from matching Ronald Cerritos' club record for career goals scored. Cerritos scored 61 goals in 148 games over six seasons in San Jose. Meanwhile, Wondolowski has 55 goals in 98 games over five seasons for the Earthquakes. Additionally, Wondolowski's goal against Montreal on Aug. 18 tied his club record for tallies in a single season with 18.
Top of the League
Through 26 games, the Earthquakes are No. 1 in MLS with 52 goals scored and 57 assists. With 33 goals conceded, the Quakes are also No. 1 in the league with a +19 goal differential. Additionally, San Jose leads the league with 33 second-half goals and a +19 goal differential in the second half.
Single Season Goals Record
The San Jose Earthquakes continue to close in on the club's single season record for goals scored. After a 4-1 win against the Colorado Rapids, the Earthquakes have scored 52 goals in 2012 to lead the league. That total is the most scored in San Jose since the club returned to MLS in 2008 and three off the benchmark of 55 set by the San Jose Clash in 1997.
Earthquakes to Host San Luis FC in International Friendly on Sept. 6
The Earthquakes will host San Luis FC of the Mexican Primera Division in an international friendly on Thursday, Sept. 6 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com or by calling 800-225-2277. The club is also offering a special two-pack: A Supporters' Section ticket to the Quakes' match against Chivas USA on Sunday, Sept. 2 as well as San Luis FC for $30 (savings of $14). The offer is available only by visiting www.sjearthquakes.com.
Fifth Annual Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation Banquet Set for Oct. 12
The Fifth Annual Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation Awards Banquet is slated for Friday, Oct. 12 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. featuring former Earthquakes defender Jimmy Conrad as the keynote speaker. The event also includes the Andrew Bedard "Spirit of the Game" Award given to an Earthquakes player for the charitable works throughout the year. For ticket, donation and sponsorship information visit www.ssvcf.org/annualdinner.html.
Wells Fargo Goals for Education
Wells Fargo has again pledged to donate $250 for each goal the Earthquakes score in 2012 through the Goals for Education program. With 52 goals through 26 games, the donated total for this season already stands at $13,000. Thanks to 40 goals in 2011, the partnership raised $10,000 for local youth soccer and athletic development programs a year ago.


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Discussion in 'Star Trek: Voyager' started by Mareika, Aug 25, 2013.
I feel like I should apologize for that...
on topic: kate and Robert look amazing, I wish I had been able to go this year but something came up that made me curb my plans.
Please stay HbL
How long has it even been? I just kind of stuck to Tumblr, I don't even have a Facebook or Twitter anymore.
but hi! I missed you
19 months.
We thought you were dead.
Send me a tumblr note and I'll follow you
I think Froot hasn't been on in an even longer amount of time, unless she's moved accounts, but no I am alive just been jumping fandoms like crazy. (i haven't even had time to see the new trek movie, but i'm still unsure about seeing it at all from all i've heard)
I'll send you a PM!
NuSpock is scrummy !
The whole cast is yummy
I'm not even physically attracted to Benedict Cumberbatch and he's yummy, his voice is so beautiful I could die.
ETA: i read "yummy" instead of "scrummy" I must be tired
Thats exactly the picture I was thinking of, though in fairness, Scott Bakula certainly hasn't randomly gotten fan or anything.
Avery Brooks on the other hand, while not overtly fat, is obviously gaining a few pounds; certainly not to the extreme of Shanter and Mulgrew, but its noticeable.
Clearly, if you threw all 5 captains on a Tough Mudder course, Patrick Stewart would easily win it, Scott might pull through and Shanter would easily die after a few steps.
I entertain myself thinking how well Mulgrew or Brooks would do against each other.
I'm pretty sure they mean the same thing. And I am probably one of the few quite repulsed by Cumberbatch's looks, couldn't even watch Sherlock because of initial overwhelming repulsion.
Pine is looking pretty great in ST:XII though.. older, hunkier..
When I saw him a couple years ago he was downright scrawny.
But no one notice who was winning because Shatner would die so dramatically he would steal all the limelight.
In battle? In bed? In..?
Oh or are you talking purely scales.
Katie, bar the door!
Howdy girlfriend!
If you are busy jumping fandoms, may I ask if you've met a Russian named Galina "Red" Reznikov?????
as people get older they gain weight, who here hasn't?
having met him in person, Patrick stewart is incredibly slim, he might just have one of those body types, be one of those lucky people that has a great metabolism.
I hate when people give someone a hard time for gaining a little weight
WB, HoneyBLily. We missed you.
So has this lady. She has been saving this just for you...
Nothing like that "Janeway/Red glare" to get your attention...
I hope she comes back to get Janeway death glared in RED!
All the pictures I see of him these days suggest he has a belly, not a huge one, certainly not keg sized, but certainly enough to point out he let himself go. He seems really good at wearing the right clothing to hide it and sucking it in though! He's certainly not blubbery.
That might be the truest statement ever made in this forum.
Maybe she will like it if Red winks at her...
What do you think?
I think that's going to be teacake's next avatar.
In my best George Takei voice..."Oh Myyyyy."
I think I just turned into a bucket of goo!
I snagged the winking gif from Tumblr. I found it several places soooo I have no idea who made it. But then it could have just been grabbed as part of the show..Because it is from the scene, I think, where Red is checking the veggies by the truck and Mendez is leaving with his stuff in tow....He turns around and looks at her and she winks....
Not trying to give others a hard time for gaining weight as they age, but...
At 68, no one is in the shape Patrick Stewart is without working at it. He's not only slim, he's visibly fit.
Separate names with a comma.


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I have a FC4 machine of i386 architecture.
when i am trying to run any simple program like
This code compiles well.Code:#include<iostream> using namespace std; int main() { cout<<"Hello World"; return 0; }
it gives me error saying required libstdc++.so.5 not found/exist. I have just now installed libstdc++4.0.2.fc4.rpm but it still persists. I think it is some runtime library linking issue.
Ihad also run /sbin/ldconfig.
A few days back it was working perfectly. After that to have some space i uninstalle some applications, one of them was ecclipse. Only in ecclipse i removed c++ development environment. Do this have sth to do with such behaviour.How i can restore it back.
i am looking for help in this regard.


text:
Words formed when one letter is changed in wonned
Letter 1 (W) changed: 2 words found:
Letter 2 (O) changed: 2 words found:
No words found when changing letter 3 (N).
Letter 4 (N) changed: 1 word found:
No words found when changing letter 5 (E).
Letter 6 (D) changed: 1 word found:
A total of 6 words can be formed from wonned by changing one letter.
Some random words: aisle nyala lo li ilk icon ice
This is not a dictionary, it's a word game wordfinder.
- Help and FAQ - Examples - Home
Privacy and Cookies Policy - Share - © Copyright 2004-2017 Morewords.com - 66.391mS


text: Agree with the praise being given to Arsenal and Santi Cazorla. He was the one gooners signing I was really envious about. Not for the first time in recent seasons I'm wondering just how well Arsenal can do as they are looking very good indeed. Across N. London meanwhile, I see this morning that AVB is being given three matches to save his job courtesy of the press. How ridiculous is that? AVB, and Rodgers, Lambert and Laudrup too, all need to be given time to implement their strategies, skills, etc.


text:
Remember way back when kisame and gai fought??
Well kisame used 30% of his total chakra in that transfer body technique and even then created a sea just from chakra itself (which is on par if not better than what the 2nd hokage could ever manage)
Gai then wiped him out with 7 gates phoenix attack, but kisame had made clones, and it states in naruto that clones distribute chakra evenly, so when naruto makes 1 clone, his chakra is half.
Kisame made 3 clones to trap the 3 kids.
1 clone = 15%
2 clones= 7.5%
3 clones= 3.75%
Kisame only had 3.75% of his total chakra, and managed to fight gai evenly if not better, and also use a very strong ninjutsu.
Kisame FTW.


text:
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text:
On A Budget? Use Cell Phones Smarter
If you're on a buget, a new fancy-pants smartphone may not be in the cards for you—or is it?? Here's three ways to make owning a cell phone more affordable:
- Start with what you buy. Used cell phones are almost as good as new, and often gently used. You can get last years iPhone 4S (if the iPhone 5 finally releases this year) for a fraction of the price. Just check reputable used cell phone dealers, and remember that certain trade-in chains have HORRIBLE reviews.
- Only use cell phones when you're at a wireless hub (at home, work, a coffee shop, book store, etc.). iPhones are already designed to look for the nearest smart phone hub, but it's a smart way to use Android phones, too! It saves money on that data plan, especially if you're not on Sprint.
- Make calls using data. Minutes can be the most expensive part of using cell phones, (so can crazy texting), but it may be cheaper to just use data—and free WiFi—for everything, including calls. (I recommend downloading Google plus and using hangouts to video call your friends!).
- Secret fourth step: make sure to get CASH for that used cell phone! Even if it's an older model, it may be worth something, and you're keeping it out of a landfill!


text:
That top pic? Beyond awesome!
Via KStewartSouce
That top pic? Beyond awesome!
Via KStewartSouce
I ADORE these!! :)ReplyDelete
HeHe I love her, the first one is too cute ^.^ReplyDelete
These pictures are so adorable! (xReplyDelete
These look so "80's". Not that it is a bad thing. Looks so cool.ReplyDelete
Have you guys seen these pictures before ? http://www.crepusculobr.com/index.php/2010/01/fotossupostas-imagens-de-bella-cullen-como-vampira/
they look like they´re from the new moon scene with bella as a vampire but I´ve never saw them before so I´m thinking it´s a manip... what do you think ?
i'm totally making a bg with these <3 xReplyDelete
The 3rd pic makes me think of some kind of old Russian Poster, with her saying "SOVIET!".
Weird, I know!
OH MAN! Usually I have a favorite when you put up KStew pics, but I can't choose! The third one is kinda weird though!ReplyDelete
Can she really be any more gorgeous than she already is? Love her. Adore her.ReplyDelete
First pic is awesome - should be made into a poster for pre-teen girls before guys start to mess with their heads!ReplyDelete
These are the best pictures of Kristen I've seen yet! Agree, LOVE the first one, just fabulous!ReplyDelete


text:
Setting up and solving a large optimization problem for portfolio optimization, constrained data fitting, parameter estimation, or other applications can be a challenging task. As a result, it is common to first set up and solve a smaller, simpler version of the problem and then scale up to the large-scale problem. Working with a smaller version reduces the time that it takes to identify key relationships in the model, makes the model easier to debug, and enables you to identify an efficient solution that can be used for the large-scale problem.
This article describes three techniques for finding a control strategy for optimal operation of a hydroelectric dam (Figure 1): using a nonlinear optimization algorithm, a nonlinear optimization algorithm with derivative functions, and quadratic programming.
Working with MATLAB®, Optimization Toolbox™ and Symbolic Math Toolbox™, we will start by solving a smaller version of the problem and then scale up to the large-scale problem once we have found an appropriate solution method.
The MATLAB code used in this example is available for download.
Optimization Goal
Our hydroelectric power plant model includes the inlet flow into the reservoir from the river and the storage level of the reservoir (Figure 2).
Water can leave the reservoir either through the spillway or via the turbine. Water that leaves through the turbine is used to generate electricity. We can sell this electricity at prices that are determined by various market factors. We control the rates at which water flows through the spillway and the turbine. Our goal is to find values for these rates that will maximize revenue over the long term.
The best values for the hydroelectric flow rates are found over several days at hourly intervals. As a result, we need to find the flow values at each hour, which means that the size of the problem will increase the longer we run the optimization.
Defining System Interactions Using Symbolic Variables
We use the following equations to describe the interactions in this system. The first is the empirical equation for the turbine, and relates the electricity produced to the turbine flow and reservoir level. The second gives the reservoir storage level as a function of the flow into and out of the reservoir.
Electricity(t) = TurbineFlow(t-1)*[½ k1(Storage(t) + Storage(t-1)) + k2]
Storage(t) = Storage(t-1) + ∆t * [inFlow(t-1) - spillFlow(t-1) - turbineFlow(t-1)]
The amount of electricity produced is a function of the amount of water flowing to the turbine and the storage level in the reservoir. This means that the higher the water level in the reservoir, the more power will be produced for a given turbine flow.
Certain constraints need to be taken into consideration. Both the reservoir level and downstream flow rates must remain within specified ranges. The maximum level of flow that the turbine can handle is set, but the spillway level is unrestricted. Additionally, the reservoir level at the end of the simulation must be the same as the level at the start of the simulation. The power plant will continue to operate beyond the period for which we are optimizing, so we need to prevent the solver from finding a solution that empties the reservoir.
All the constraints for this problem are linear, meaning they can be expressed in matrix notation. Our objective, however, is nonlinear, making it challenging to express. We begin by formulating the objective function using symbolic variables.
X = sym('x',[2*N,1]); % turbine flow and spill flow
F = sym('F',[N,1]); % flow into the reservoir
P = sym('P',[N,1]); % price
s0 = sym('s0'); % initial storage
c = sym({'c1','c2','c3','c4'}.','r'); % constants
% Total out flow equation
TotFlow = X(1:N)+X(N+1:end); % turbine flow + spill flow
% Storage Equations
S = cell(N,1);
S{1} = s0 + c(1)*(F(1)-TotFlow(1));
for ii = 2:N
S{ii} = S{ii-1} + c(1)*(F(ii)-TotFlow(ii));
% K factor equation
k = c(2)*([s0; S(1:end-1)]+ S)/2+c(3);
% Megawatt-hours equation
MWh = k.*X(1:N)/c(4);
% Revenue equation
R = P.*MWh;
% Total Revenue (Minus sign changes from maximization to minimization)
totR = -sum(R);
We convert this symbolic representation of our objective function into a MATLAB function using the
matlabfunction command.
Nonlinear Optimization
We can now solve this problem using
fmincon, a general nonlinear optimization solver.
% Perform substitutions so that X is the only remaining variable
totR = subs(totR,[c;s0;P;F],[C';stor0;price;inFlow]);
% Generate a MATLAB file from the equation
%% 5 - Optimize with FMINCON
options = optimset('MaxFunEvals',Inf,'MaxIter',5000,...
[x1, fval1] = fmincon(@objFcn,x0,A,b,Aeq,beq,LB,UB,[],options);
Figure 3 shows the optimization results, together with the electricity price data that was used.
We see that the optimal operation sends no water to the spillway, and sends more water to the turbine when electricity prices rise.
Speeding Up Calculations with Derivative Functions
fmincon solver took 21.4 seconds to find the solution. Much of this time was spent approximating the gradient of the objective function using finite differences. One way to speed up this optimization problem is to supply the solver with functions that analytically calculate its gradient and Hessian. Because we defined our objective function using symbolic math, we can use the
gradient and
hessian functions from Symbolic Math Toolbox to calculate these functions automatically.
gradObj = gradient(totR,X); % Gradient
% Create a function that returns the objective value and gradient
ValAndGrad = @(x) deal(objFcn(x),grad(x));
hessObj = hessian(totR,X); % Hessian
hfcn = @(x,lambda) Hess(x); % Function handle to hessian
% Optimize
options = optimset(options,'GradObj','on','Hessian','user-supplied',...
[x2,fval2] = fmincon(ValAndGrad,x0,A,b,Aeq,beq,LB,UB,[],options);
This time, the problem was solved in 0.25 seconds. By specifying the gradient and the Hessian for this problem, we achieved an 85-fold speedup.
Quadratic Programming
A closer look at the Hessian matrix for this problem reveals that it is a constant: the values in the matrix are independent of the decision variables. This is a sign that the problem is quadratic, because its partial second derivatives are constant. As a result, we can use the
quadprog solver in Optimization Toolbox, which was designed for large quadratic problems like this one. The constraint matrices will remain unchanged, since
fmincon and
quadprog use the same formulation for linear constraints.
We pass the objective function to
quadprog in two parts: the Hessian matrix H and the vector of linear term coefficients f. The interior-point-convex algorithm for quadratic programming is the recommended algorithm for convex problems such as this one.
qpopts = optimset('Algorithm','interior-point-convex');
[x,fval] = quadprog(H,f',A,b,Aeq,beq,LB,UB,[],qpopts);
With the interior-point-convex algorithm, the optimal solution was found in 0.05 seconds. Because the interior-point-convex algorithm supports sparse matrices (H is 50% sparse, and A is 20% sparse), we can scale up and run the optimization over a larger data set.
Figure 4 shows that the optimal solution to the large-scale problem ran for YY days of data. Notice in the lower-right plot that the optimal solution found by
quadprog stores water in the reservoir during the first part of the simulation, so that there is a large volume of water available for the 14th and 15th days, when electricity can be sold at higher prices.
We run the optimization problem for an increasing number of decision variables and compare the performance of the different solution methods. The results show that the interior-point-convex algorithm solved the 6400-variable problem (over 4 months of data) in less than half an hour (Table 1).
(no gradient)
(with gradient
and Hessian)
|16 s
|0.46 s
|0.04 s
|238 s
|1.24 s
|0.16 s
|965 s
|3.17 s
|0.77 s
|6083 s
|43 s
|5 s
|30 s
|190 s
|1641 s
*Gradient/Hessian generation took several hours.


text:
© 2007 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Notes: Ethier flourishing under Mueller
Outfielder's average on the rise since hitting coach change
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
LOS ANGELES -- Since Bill Mueller took over as Dodgers hitting coach, no player has illustrated offensive improvement more dramatically than Andre Ethier. The second-year outfielder was batting .261 with a .311 on-base percentage and .402 slugging percentage when Mueller replaced Eddie Murray on June 14. Entering Tuesday night's game, Ethier's average was up to .294, the on-base percentage to .359 and the slugging percentage to .443. Murray, a Hall of Famer, had a laissez-faire approach to being a hitting coach, leaving it up to players to know what it takes to hit, as he did when he played. Very few players, however, are blessed with the natural hitting ability Murray had. Most must work at it tirelessly. Ethier said he needs a more proactive and personal approach, including immediate feedback on his mechanics, and he's now getting it. "It was tough not having the kind of program I was familiar with," he said. "I had to remember what I used to do to be successful. I've had to go back to the basics. I broke down my swing with Eddie, but with Bill and Manny, we've done it a couple steps further. We're doing the one-handed drill, how I approach the ball, how I use my legs and square up the ball and get my hands in the right slot. "That's why I think you see a lot of difference in my swing. With all due respect, I grew up with a dad who took me out and threw to me nonstop, Whiffle balls or whatever, all day long. It's not my style to sit back, take 10 minutes of batting practice and be ready to play. My dad's way was very proactive, and that's not how it was here. I need someone to see my swing and tell me what's wrong, tell me that I did it or didn't do it." Ethier said the best hitting coach he had while coming up in the Oakland system was Von Hayes, a left-handed hitter much like Ethier. As his Double-A manager, Hayes would remind Ethier of mechanical keys from the third-base coaching box between pitches. "I developed a rapport with him, and some people have it and some people don't," Ethier said. "Now I'm trying to get back to that mentality and frame of mind about hitting. I remember last year when we went to play Oakland, I talked to a few of their coaches and instructors there, and I got more feedback from them because they knew so much about me. When you change teams, it's tough no matter who the coach is." Something to celebrate: While warming up for his 10th start of the season, backup catcher Mike Lieberthal couldn't help but notice the Dodger Stadium scoreboard. In full DiamondVision size and splendor, Lieberthal was treated to a 15-minute video presentation of career highlights, the latest mock celebration of the seldom-used Lieberthal. "My last start [on July 3] was balloons and flowers, so this start, they put my highlight video up there," Lieberthal said, rolling his eyes. "I suspect it's Luis Gonzalez. He was behind the flowers. He said it wasn't, so I don't know who it was this time." Lieberthal also questioned teammate Randy Wolf. "Nope," Wolf said. "I was blamed for it right away, but it wasn't me. I'd take credit for something like that. I'd be nice to Lieby." Lieberthal figures the perpetrator got an assist from Phillies video coordinator Kevin Camiscioli, who likely supplied the highlights, and Lieberthal figured the show was enjoyed by many of his former Phillies teammates. He knows his Dodgers mates enjoyed it, as they "clapped when I hit home runs and made good plays," he said. All that's left is to wonder what's in store for his next start. "This is going to be really tough to top," Lieberthal said. Martin rests, and that's an order: Lieberthal took over for Russell Martin, who will catch Wednesday's day game. Manager Grady Little forbade Martin from even coming out of the clubhouse during batting practice. "You try to give him a day off, and the next thing you know he's out there at shortstop turning double plays," said Little. "I told him I didn't want to see him out here." Run the bases like Pierre: Dodgers center fielder Juan Pierre entered Tuesday night's game with 38 stolen bases and is on pace to finish the season with a career-high 66, which would be the most for a Dodger since Davey Lopes led the league with 77 in 1975. Lopes is in town as Phillies first-base coach. At the corners: Little said he's pleased with the way his corner infielders are handling their positions. He said first baseman James Loney "has a chance to win a Gold Glove before it's over," and third baseman Nomar Garciaparra has "made every play he's had to make." On Garciaparra, Little wanted to add this: "If the day comes when he couldn't play baseball anymore, he could work out a week or two and play with David Beckham in another sport [soccer], that's the type of athlete the guy is." Injury update: Wolf said his shoulder continues to improve and he hopes to be throwing off a mound by Friday or Saturday. He's been out since July 3 and will likely need another two weeks of bullpen sessions and live action before he will be activated. Little indicated Wolf is more likely to need a rehabilitation assignment the longer he's out, meaning he will likely spend a month on the sidelines. Las Vegas update: Roberto Hernandez, likely candidate to be the 12th pitcher when the Dodgers add one, allowed one hit in a six-pitch scoreless inning in his Triple-A Las Vegas debut on Monday night, then he went back to the bullpen and made another 20 throws. Coming up: In Wednesday's 12:10 p.m. series finale at Dodger Stadium, Chad Billingsley (6-0, 3.26 ERA) opposes the Phillies Kyle Kendrick (3-0, 4.40).
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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copyright the Chronicle July 2, 2014
Howard Frank Mosher and the Classics, Echoes in the Vermont Writer's Works, by James Robert Saunders. 208 pages. Softcover. Published by McFarland. $45.
Reviewed by Tena Starr
Four years ago, in June of 2010, Purdue University professor James Robert Saunders went to hear Howard Mosher of Irasburg give a talk on his latest book, Walking to Gatlinburg.
"I had already read that particular work as well as the other ten books that he had written up to that point, books that I would see, off and on, when I visited the independent booksellers that are a mainstay of Vermont's literary enterprise," Mr. Saunders writes in his introduction to his own book, Howard Frank Mosher and the Classics, Echoes in the Vermont Writer's Works. "Wanting to learn more about this author, who always seemed to have a little section at those stores reserved for him, I got on my computer and checked with the online MLA Bibliography, but found precious little that had been written about his works, in terms of interpretation."