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News & Events
For the Media
Gov. Cuomo Announces Partnership Among New York State, Clarkson University & Trudeau Institute to Grow Biotech Industry
Partnership will harness assets of North Country institutions to form a world-class biotech R&D enterprise, spur the commercialization process and drive new opportunities in the industry
The following news was released by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a partnership between New York State, Clarkson University, and the Trudeau Institute to form a world-class biotech enterprise and further establish the region as a premier center of biotechnology research and development.
Clarkson University, a nationally-ranked private university in Potsdam, and the Trudeau Institute, a world-renowned center for immunological research in Saranac Lake, have separately led the region in high-tech research: Trudeau in immunology and infectious disease, Clarkson in engineering, science, and entrepreneurship. Working together, the two institutions have the capacity to cover the full spectrum of biotechnology and dramatically energize the research to commercialization biotech product process. The initiative will attract new investment, save more than 80 jobs at the Trudeau Institute, and encourage the commercialization of new technologies that will lead to creation of new companies and bring hundreds of jobs to the North Country.
"New York State has a major asset in both Clarkson University and in the Trudeau Institute and we must harness these strengths to continue to strengthen our innovation economy," Governor Cuomo said. "This transformational partnership will allow for the best and brightest minds to collaborate and undertake world-class research and development, building the region into a global leader in the biotech industry and driving new opportunities and jobs in Northern New York."
New York State will invest up to $35 million over five years to support the R&D efforts between Clarkson and Trudeau, including establishing and coordinating scientific research and expanding education and technology-based economic development. These activities include research into the use of fine particles for medicine, pharmacy, biotech, nanotech and bioengineering programs at Clarkson and extend to additional areas such as instrumentation and devices, and other biomedical engineering initiatives in the North Country that would not be possible by either institution acting on its own.
Clarkson University President Tony Collins said, "Clarkson's research portfolio is accelerating in biotech and health sciences, and utilizes an interdisciplinary model that frequently brings faculty and industry together to solve complex problems and find practical solutions. For example, faculty members in our Center for Advanced Materials Processing are actively involved in the development of innovative drug delivery systems using our deep understanding of the chemical composition of new medications. Together, Trudeau and Clarkson have an opportunity to transform the body of scientific knowledge that will emerge through collaboration as well as bring direct benefit to the North Country's economy through technology-based innovation and new educational opportunities."
Ronald H. Goldfarb, President, Director & CEO of the Trudeau Institute, said, "This infusion of funding over the next five years provides the momentum we need for stabilizing Trudeau and fast-tracks full implementation of a new business plan for the Trudeau Institute including translational research and new applications for our discoveries. Enhancing our relationship with Clarkson University will synergize initiatives between our respective, talented faculties. Both institutions will be better positioned to seek corporate and private funding as well as large government grants. This relationship will also enhance commercial productivity; joint programs in the nanotech/pharmacy/biomedical engineering, instrumentation/devices biomedical and life sciences will stimulate private sector growth and ensure that this initiative is self-sustaining. From my perspective as a former Manager of Drug Discovery and Development at Pfizer, Inc. and having been a Co-Founder, President and CEO of Sopherion Therapeutics, a biotech/biopharmaceutical company in the cancer space, I am confident that this joint effort will facilitate commercial research and discovery in the North Country."
This partnership will build the capabilities of both organizations to bring their extensive academic, clinical, federal and corporate networks together to expand translational research, support the North Country's emerging biotech cluster, and take products from the laboratory to the clinic and into commercialization, all of which is envisioned to generate high paying jobs in the North Country.
The two entities have a long history of collaboration and partnership with Clarkson faculty serving on the scientific advisory board for Trudeau Institute and research collaboration between faculty at each institution that has also enriched graduate student and postdoctoral education and research.
Funding will provide for operational costs and lab improvements at Trudeau and Clarkson, and allow for the implementation of new programs that will assure financial sustainability, particularly for Trudeau, which has historically depended on government and foundation-based funding of grants to support its research and affiliated operations. In addition, the collaboration between Clarkson and Trudeau would foster interactions with various programs at other universities to spur further opportunities for the North Country.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "Governor Cuomo has made ensuring New York State's competitiveness in the areas of high-tech a priority since day one. The Governor has recently launched a number of bold, new initiatives focused on moving ideas from concept to commercialization and supporting our higher education institutions as economic engines. This new partnership between New York State, Clarkson University and the Trudeau Institute will embody all of these efforts, growing the emerging biotech industry in the North Country to attract new private investment and create good paying jobs for its residents."
Senator Betty Little said, "When I first ran for State Assembly to represent Saranac Lake, visiting and learning about the Trudeau Institute was one of my first priorities. Trudeau is a world-renowned laboratory and ensuring its continued operation here in the heart of the Adirondacks is much more than maintaining the legacy and protecting jobs so important to our area. It's about saving lives. That's what the scientists and staff are working to do. This five-year investment will have enormous benefits for decades. The collaboration with Clarkson is very exciting and begins a promising new chapter for both wonderful institutions. Arriving at today's announcement has been a long journey beginning with the surprising news of plans to move Trudeau. I am appreciative of Governor Cuomo's interest and support every step of the way as we worked together to achieve today's outcome."
Assembly Member Janet Duprey said, "This is an exciting day for the North Country. We are thrilled that this caliber of science research and development is coming to our community. Thank you to Governor Cuomo and the state for continued investments in the region."
Mayor Clyde Rabideau, Village of Saranac Lake, said, "We are becoming recognized around the globe as a place where cutting edge biotech research happens, and today's news that Clarkson University and the Trudeau Institute will form this exciting new partnership is a major step further in this direction. The jobs of tomorrow are in high-tech research and development, and we are thrilled that this new economy is growing here in the North Country. I thank Governor Cuomo for his support of this partnership, and we thank the state for this major investment and work to bring together this new bio-tech enterprise."
Chairman Billy Jones, Franklin County Legislature, said, "The North Country's economy is diversifying to reflect the new industries of the 21st century, and we are excited that two premier organizations here in our region - Clarkson University and the Trudeau Institute - are coming together for this new partnership. The state and Governor Cuomo have been a partner to Northern New York's emergence as a hub of biotech research and development, and this investment will help create jobs in our community and grow our local economy."
NCREDC Council Co-chair and President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Garry Douglas said, "This powerful, new partnership announced today builds on the North Country region's strategic investments in the fast growing bioscience industry, and elevates our capabilities to spur the research to commercialization biotech product process, create jobs and bring new investment to our region. The North Country has fully embraced Governor Cuomo's model for community driven economic development and as a result, has realized critical collaborative partnerships, such as the one between two of our region's premier higher education and research institutions, Clarkson University and the Trudeau Institute, which will be a major force behind our region's future success."
About the Trudeau Institute
The Trudeau Institute is a nonprofit biomedical research center founded in 1884 by Dr. E.L. Trudeau. The Institute's fundamental research on immunity fosters the development of vaccines, treatments and cures for many life-threatening diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis and influenza. The Institute is supported by federal and state grants and contributions from individuals, private foundations and corporations. For further information about the Trudeau Institute, go to www.trudeauinstitute.org.
About Clarkson University
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.
Photo caption: New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (left) congratulates Clarkson University Trustee Lawrence J. Delaney (right) and Clarkson University President Tony Collins (center) upon the at the announcement of a partnership between New York State, Clarkson University, and the Trudeau Institute to form a world-class biotech enterprise and further establish the region as a premier center of biotechnology research and development.
[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/cuomo-11-20-2013.jpg.]


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Going "green" isn't about changing your entire lifestyle all at once. A sustainable lifestyle is achieved by making a series of Thoughtful Choices. Each week, on Thursdays, we will share a simple tip for how we can all help keep our planet healthy.
Our Choice
Since 1991, the National Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program has responded to more than 480 animals in distress and has rehabilitated and released nearly 100 marine animals back to their natural environment. Research, satellite tag tracking, and outreach education are also significant components of this program.
Your Choice
MARP needs a new hospital pool for rehabbing sick and injured seals. You can support our Marine Animal Rescue Program and local Baltimore-area businesses by donating to our Heal the Seals campaign through GiveCorps.
With GiveCorps, you can support causes that move you, and get rewarded for your generosity with great deals from local merchants. Today's deal is $5 off at Bonjour French Bakery Cafe!

subset: commoncrawl


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|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
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|"Robert Muir (JIRA)" <j...@apache.org>
|[jira] Commented: (LUCENE-2271) Function queries producing scores of -inf or NaN (e.g. 1/x) return incorrect results with TopScoreDocCollector
|Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:48:27 GMT
[ https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/LUCENE-2271?page=com.atlassian.jira.plugin.system.issuetabpanels:comment-tabpanel&focusedCommentId=12836179#action_12836179 ] Robert Muir commented on LUCENE-2271: ------------------------------------- bq. This is because once you allow infinities, it's easy to get a NaN with a simple multiplication by 0. maybe we should keep it as is then, and only allow finite results > Function queries producing scores of -inf or NaN (e.g. 1/x) return incorrect results with TopScoreDocCollector > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Key: LUCENE-2271 > URL: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/LUCENE-2271 > Project: Lucene - Java > Issue Type: Improvement > Components: Search > Affects Versions: 2.9 > Reporter: Uwe Schindler > Priority: Minor > Fix For: 2.9.2, 3.0.1, 3.1 > > Attachments: LUCENE-2271.patch, LUCENE-2271.patch, LUCENE-2271.patch, TSDC.patch > > > This is a foolowup to LUCENE-2270, where a part of this problem was fixed (boost = 0 leading to NaN scores, which is also un-intuitive), but in general, function queries in Solr can create these invalid scores easily. In previous version of Lucene these scores ordered correct (except NaN, which mixes up results), but never invalid document ids are returned (like Integer.MAX_VALUE). > The problem is: TopScoreDocCollector pre-fills the HitQueue with sentinel ScoreDocs with a score of -inf and a doc id of Integer.MAX_VALUE. For the HQ to work, this sentinel must be smaller than all posible values, which is not the case: > - -inf is equal and the document is not inserted into the HQ, as not competitive, but the HQ is not yet full, so the sentinel values keep in the HQ and result is the Integer.MAX_VALUE docs. This problem is solveable (and only affects the Ordered collector) by chaning the exit condition to: > {code} > if (score <= pqTop.score && pqTop.doc != Integer.MAX_VALUE) { > // Since docs are returned in-order (i.e., increasing doc Id), a document > // with equal score to pqTop.score cannot compete since HitQueue favors > // documents with lower doc Ids. Therefore reject those docs too. > return; > } > {code} > - The NaN case can be fixed in the same way, but then has another problem: all comparisons with NaN result in false (none of these is true): x < NaN, x > NaN, NaN == NaN. This leads to the fact that HQ's lessThan always returns false, leading to unexspected ordering in the PQ and sometimes the sentinel values do not stay at the top of the queue. A later hit then overrides the top of the queue but leaves the incorrect sentinels unchanged -> invalid results. This can be fixed in two ways in HQ: > Force all sentinels to the top: > {code} > protected final boolean lessThan(ScoreDoc hitA, ScoreDoc hitB) { > if (hitA.doc == Integer.MAX_VALUE) > return true; > if (hitB.doc == Integer.MAX_VALUE) > return false; > if (hitA.score == hitB.score) > return hitA.doc > hitB.doc; > else > return hitA.score < hitB.score; > } > {code} > or alternatively have a defined order for NaN (Float.compare sorts them after +inf): > {code} > protected final boolean lessThan(ScoreDoc hitA, ScoreDoc hitB) { > if (hitA.score == hitB.score) > return hitA.doc > hitB.doc; > else > return Float.compare(hitA.score, hitB.score) < 0; > } > {code} > The problem with both solutions is, that we have now more comparisons per hit and the use of sentinels is questionable. I would like to remove the sentinels and use the old pre 2.9 code for comparing and using PQ.add() when a competitive hit arrives. The order of NaN would be unspecified. > To fix the order of NaN, it would be better to replace all score comparisons by Float.compare() [also in FieldComparator]. > I would like to delay 2.9.2 and 3.0.1 until this problem is discussed and solved. -- This message is automatically generated by JIRA. - You can reply to this email to add a comment to the issue online. --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: email@example.com For additional commands, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
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Happy Post Thanksgiving! This week, 100%SSA had the chance to chat with Shawn Gabborin of Angry Gnome Comics!
Shawn give the dirt on writing horror comics and we discuss the annoying trend of bad Hollywood remakes…
I've read a ton of your stuff, Shawn, and I have to say… you're a pretty twisted guy! I have to ask…what scares you?
Spiders and Snow. So living in Pennsylvania, I get plenty of both.
Working in horror comics presents its own sets of challenges, I'm sure. How do you keep suspense moving from panel to panel?
Personally, silent panels work great. If a panel doesn't have any words (or just a few quick ones) you're more likely to take a better look at the art, which slows you down. Couple that with some strong facial expressions or creepy scenery, and that slows your flow down even more. So I can try my best to write for suspense, but a lot of it comes down to the artists translating it to the page… which Steph has done an amazing job of with Victor Season and Palm Reader!
You and your wife (Stephanie) make a pretty great creative team. Do you guys ever argue over the comic work like, well, a married couple?
Can I plead the fifth on this one? Actually, only when I see an error AFTER she's finished a page. And as a good husband, I take full responsibility for all errors.
Horror is such a vast genre. Is there any subject matter that you're itching to sink your teeth into? Why?
Nicely phrased, because I'm actually working on a real nasty vampire story. I've always loved vampires, but they've gotten so over-sexualized and spoofed lately that there is really nothing scary left to them. So I want to do a story that takes them back to what they are supposed to be: brutal, violent, bloodthirsty creatures of the night… that don't sparkle. Ever.
It seems that the new flavor in Hollywood is to remake classic horror films. Is there any particular film that you'd like to see remade?
I'm kind of a purist when it comes to my horror flicks. Not to say I haven't enjoyed some of the recent remakes, I just think it's lazy. But I could see a remake of "Basket Case" working. I love the movie, but I think it suffered from the poor acting and poor effects, so I could get behind remaking it. I think it'd have potential to be a really creepy flick, if done right.
Any stinkers that you wish hadn't been made?
The new Prom Night was just bad. I think the main thing that I don't like is when they take what made the movies memorable, and pitch it. Texas Chainsaw? Let's forget the creepy man-child cross dressing Leatherface, let's make him fast and angry! Friday the 13th? Forget slow and methodical… let's make him fast and angry too! Halloween? Forget the boogieman who starts killing for no apparent reason, let's make him a troubled youth from a screwed up home… who's fast and angry! There's nothing unique to any of them. I don't think Hollywood has faith in the attention span of newer generations, so we lose the creepy atmospheric horror in exchange for repetitive jump scares. I could go on for hours on this topic, so it'd probably be best to just move on…
Geek out time. Favorite Slasher?
Freddy Krueger all the way. For most slashers, dead teens = a good day. But Freddy likes to play with you first. That's a whole different level of creepy. Gotta respect someone who takes joy in their work… regardless of what their work is.
Favorite Movie Monster?
I'd have to go with the Gremlins. They have these silly rules (don't get them wet, don't feed after midnight, etc.) that you have to follow. And if you don't… well those green gremlins are some nasty little critters. I could have some fun writing a Gremlins comic…
Stephen King or Clive Barker? Stephen King.
My mom was a huge Stephen King fan, so I was basically raised on King stories.
All right, let's get back to comics. I know you've been working steadily on your "2 Page Gory Story" anthology series, Short Stack with a ton of creative artists. Not to alienate anyone, but do you have a favorite in the group? Okay, pick three!
That's a tough question. In the five issues that are out, I've worked with 52 different artists on 65 stories… so choosing three is tough. All the artists I've worked with have been amazing. Viewing it as which worked the best (story, art and how well the two came together), let's say Daniel Logan with "InsurOnce Upon A Time", Dave Acosta with "The Duel", Mario Cau with "Home Late" and Kathryn Layno with "Atonement". Yeah… that's four, I know. But this is just too tough! I mean, all four of those artists exceeded what I set out for with those stories, so I need to give them their dues. That was stressful… I need to go lay down.
I know we had a hell of a time at the last Super Show, but what are you looking forward to the most at CGSSS 2010?
Definitely getting to see everyone again. I've seen scattered people here and there through the past year, but it's great to see everyone at once. The vibe is just so great.
Thanks Shawn!
For more information on all of Shawn's work, visit http://www.angrygnomecomics.com/ and come back soon for more interviews, including talks with Kevin Freeman, Zack Kruse, and Jamie Fickes!


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Story highlights
- Jackson's office releases what it says is statement from congressman's doctor
- Colleagues in the House split on how much information Jackson should reveal
- The nine-term congressman hasn't appeared in the House since late May
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is "receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder," according to a statement released by the congressman's office, which attributed the quote to an unidentified doctor.
The Illinois Democrat and son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, has not been on Capitol Hill since late May, and in early June his office announced he was taking a leave of absence because he was suffering from a "medical condition."
Jackson's office on Wednesday noted that information on Jackson's status is protected by federal law, as is the information of all medical patients. At the same time, the congressman's office released what it said was a statement from Jackson's doctor. Jackson's office declined to give the doctor's name.
The doctor also was quoted as saying Jackson "is responding positively to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery."
According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, "mood disorder" is a broad term covering a variety of neurobiological abnormalities that can include a major depressive episode, bipolar disorder and catatonia.
"Generally speaking, to be diagnosed with a mood disorder, your feelings must be intense, with the patient feeling either depressed, or having excessive energy for days at a time, where sleep is not needed and decision-making can be significantly hindered, or one can fluctuate between both extremes," said Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in private practice in Wilmette, Illinois, and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago.
Jackson's illness comes as the House Ethics Committee is examining allegations that in 2008 he or one of his associates offered to raise funds for then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in exchange for the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama going to Jackson.
Jackson has maintained his innocence and pledged to continue to cooperate with authorities. "I did nothing illegal, unethical or inappropriate in that pursuit, and I believe that is what the Ethics Committee will conclude at the end of this process," he said.
In a separate incident, Jackson apologized to his constituents in September 2010, after the Chicago Sun-Times reported that a Chicago businessman told federal investigators that Jackson had asked him to pay for a restaurant hostess to fly between Washington and Chicago several times.
He said he was "deeply sorry" that he had "disappointed some supporters."
Earlier Wednesday, before Jackson's office released the statement about his health, Democrats in the House of Representatives aired differing views on whether the younger Jackson should reveal the details behind his leave of absence.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said Jackson should disclose information on his own timetable, but Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the House minority whip, said more information should be provided.
"He's obviously facing a health problem," Hoyer said Wednesday in response to a question from CNN. "People get sick. And when people get sick, they miss work. Everybody in America understands that, but I think the family would be well-advised to give his constituents as much information as is appropriate."
It was a direct message from a House Democratic leader who had been reluctant, until now, to publicly press Jackson for more detail.
The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus told reporters Wednesday he has spoken several times with members of Jackson's "blood family" and is confident Jackson will return from his leave of absence.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Missouri, said there was no urgency for Jackson or his family to come forward with any details about the absence.
Cleaver told reporters outside the House chamber that "when the people in his district have become concerned, then Congressman Jackson will respond, but so far there is no evidence that there is upheaval in his congressional district."
Added Cleaver: "He's fine. He's an old football player -- he'll be back."
Cleaver made it clear he is in regular contact with Jackson's family, not directly with Jackson himself.
"It's frustrating and upsetting to me" that other Democrats on Capitol Hill have called on Jackson to provide more information, Cleaver said. Every member of Congress deserves privacy, he added, and he cited Congress' vote on a law that keeps medical information confidential.
"This is not about a congressman. This is about a human being who is sick. This is not a political matter; it's a health matter," he said.
Cleaver said Jackson's situation was discussed at the weekly Congressional Black Caucus lunch on Wednesday and added that caucus members were alarmed that other Democrats were urging the family to provide more information.
"We all agreed today, 100%, that that should not be the way in which we deal with members of Congress who get ill," Cleaver said.
Pressure began mounting on Jackson, a nine-term representative, on Tuesday after comments to reporters in Chicago by fellow Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin.
"As a public official ... there reaches a point when you have a responsibility to tell people what you're facing and how things are going. Sen. Kirk has done that, and I think Congressman Jackson will face that, too," Durbin said.
Earlier this year, Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois, suffered a stroke. He is still recovering and his office continues to give updates on his progress.
More questions arose late last week, when Jackson communications director Frank Watkins said, "Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed."
"We have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time," Watkins said.
Initially, Jackson's office said the congressman was suffering from "exhaustion."


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2014 US Code
Title 42 - The Public Health and Welfare (Sections 1 - 18445)
Chapter 113 - State Justice Institute (Sections 10701 - 10713)
Sec. 10703 - Board of Directors
|Publication Title
|United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 2, Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
|Bills and Statutes
|United States Code
|SuDoc Class Number
|Contained Within
|Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
Sec. 10703 - Board of Directors
|section 10703
|Laws In Effect As Of Date
|January 5, 2015
|Positive Law
|Source Credit
|Pub. L. 98-620, title II, §204, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3337; Pub. L. 102-572, title VIII, §803(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516; Pub. L. 108-372, §3(c), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1754.
|Statutes at Large References
|98 Stat. 3337, 3336
106 Stat. 4516
118 Stat. 1754
|Public and Private Laws
|Public Law 98-620, Public Law 102-572, Public Law 108-372
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§10703. Board of Directors
(a) Appointment and membership
(1) The Institute shall be supervised by a Board of Directors, consisting of eleven voting members to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Board shall have both judicial and nonjudicial members, and shall, to the extent practicable, have a membership representing a variety of backgrounds and reflecting participation and interest in the administration of justice.
(2) The Board shall consist of—
(A) six judges, to be appointed in the manner provided in paragraph (3);
(B) one State court administrator, to be appointed in the manner provided in paragraph (3); and
(C) four members from the public sector, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party, to be appointed in the manner provided in paragraph (4).
(3) The President shall appoint six judges and one State court administrator from a list of candidates submitted to the President by the Conference of Chief Justices. The Conference of Chief Justices shall submit a list of at least fourteen individuals, including judges and State court administrators, whom the Conference considers best qualified to serve on the Board. Whenever the term of any of the members of the Board described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) terminates and that member is not to be reappointed to a new term, and whenever a vacancy otherwise occurs among those members, the President shall appoint a new member from a list of three qualified individuals submitted to the President by the Conference of Chief Justices. The President may reject any list of individuals submitted by the Conference under this paragraph and, if such a list is so rejected, the President shall request the Conference to submit to him another list of qualified individuals. Prior to consulting with or submitting a list to the President, the Conference of Chief Justices shall obtain and consider the recommendations of all interested organizations and individuals concerned with the administration of justice and the objectives of this chapter.
(4) In addition to those members appointed under paragraph (3), the President shall appoint four members from the public sector to serve on the Board.
(5) The President shall make the initial appointments of members of the Board under this subsection within ninety days after October 1, 1985. In the case of any other appointment of a member, the President shall make the appointment not later than ninety days after the previous term expires or the vacancy occurs, as the case may be. The Conference of Chief Justices shall submit lists of candidates under paragraph (3) in a timely manner so that the appointments can be made within the time periods specified in this paragraph.
(6) The initial members of the Board of Directors shall be the incorporators of the Institute and shall determine the State in which the Institute is to be incorporated.
(b) Term of office
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term of each voting member of the Board shall be three years. Each member of the Board shall continue to serve until the successor to such member has been appointed and qualified.
(2) Five of the members first appointed by the President shall serve for a term of two years. Any member appointed to serve an unexpired term which has arisen by virtue of the death, disability, retirement, or resignation of a member shall be appointed only for such unexpired term, but shall be eligible for reappointment.
(3) The term of initial members shall commence from the date of the first meeting of the Board, and the term of each member other than an initial member shall commence from the date of termination of the preceding term.
(c) Reappointment
No member shall be reappointed to more than two consecutive terms immediately following such member's initial term.
(d) Compensation; reimbursement for expenses
Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.
(e) Status of members of Board as officers and employees of United States
The members of the Board shall not, by reason of such membership, be considered officers or employees of the United States.
(f) Voting rights of Board members; quorum; action of Board on concurrence of majority
Each member of the Board shall be entitled to one vote. A simple majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The Board shall act upon the concurrence of a simple majority of the membership present and voting.
(g) Chairman; initial selection and term of office; subsequent annual election
The Board shall select from among the voting members of the Board a chairman, the first of whom shall serve for a term of three years. Thereafter, the Board shall annually elect a chairman from among its voting members.
(h) Grounds for removal of members
A member of the Board may be removed by a vote of seven members for malfeasance in office, persistent neglect of, or inability to discharge duties, or for any offense involving moral turpitude, but for no other cause.
(i) Quarterly meetings of Board; special meetings
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held quarterly. Special meetings shall be held from time to time upon the call of the chairman, acting at his own discretion or pursuant to the petition of any seven members.
(j) Open meetings
All meetings of the Board, any executive committee of the Board (on any occasion on which that committee has been delegated the authority to act on behalf of the Board), and any council established in connection with this chapter, shall be open and subject to the requirements and provisions of section 552b of title 5 relating to open meetings.
(k) Duties and functions of Board
In its direction and supervision of the activities of the Institute, the Board shall—
(1) establish policies and develop such programs for the Institute that will further the achievement of its purpose and performance of its functions;
(2) establish policy and funding priorities and issue rules, regulations, guidelines, and instructions pursuant to such priorities;
(3) appoint and fix the duties of the Executive Director of the Institute, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Board;
(4) present to other Government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities whose programs or activities relate to the administration of justice in the State judiciaries of the United States, the recommendations of the Institute for the improvement of such programs or activities;
(5) consider and recommend to both public and private agencies aspects of the operation of the State courts of the United States considered worthy of special study; and
(6) award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts pursuant to section 10705(a) of this title.
(Pub. L. 98–620, title II, §204, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3337; Pub. L. 102–572, title VIII, §803(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516; Pub. L. 108–372, §3(c), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1754.)
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3) and (j), was in the original "this title", meaning title II of Pub. L. 98–620, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3336, known as the State Justice Institute Act of 1984, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title II to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 10701 of this title and Tables.
2004—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 108–372 inserted "(on any occasion on which that committee has been delegated the authority to act on behalf of the Board)" after "executive committee of the Board".
1992—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "Conference" for "conference" after "whom the" in second sentence.
Pub. L. 102–572, title VIII, §804, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, provided that: "The provisions of this title [amending this section and sections 10705 and 10713 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 29, 1992]."
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. The United States Government Printing Office may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the US site. Please check official sources.


text:
Today I had this idea that perhaps Cyril and Willy should be doing their bit to try and promote healthy eating/living. It wasn't until I scanned the picture that I realised just how out of proportion the two characters are to one another!
Don't worry – tomorrow, as with most folk, the diet will go out the window for The Boys but rest assured, they will be back on track next week! 🙂
Hope your day's been great!
Ms Katykins and The Spineless Wonders 🙂


text: Hello Till, I have on several counts tried the creation of mailing lists with API using the command: mail_mailinglist_add($params) ... The mailing list record is seen in the ISPConfig admin interface but the actual mailing list it self is NOT created on the mailing server. However, creating the same mailing list through the admin interface gets everything to work just fine. May I kindly request you to guide on how I can trouble shoot this problem if ONLY you are sure that creating a mailing list through API works through! Thanks, Joseph


text:
Oscars Live Feed 2014
Relive The Oscars With Our Wrap Up Show!
Another Oscars have come and gone, but if you missed any of the action you're in luck! We have our Oscars wrap up show hosted by YouTube star Tyler Oakley and POPSUGAR's Annie Gabillet. Plus, we have guests Shannon Vestal, Kandee Johnson, and Kirbie Johnson to help break down the red carpet hits and misses, big winners, show highlights and more. Watch Tyler, Annie, and company now!
On Kirbie- Haute Hippie Jumper, Tory Burch Earrings, BCBG Shoes
On Becca- Prabal Gurung Dress, Erickson Beamon Rocks Earrings
On Shannon- Shoshanna Dress, Jared Jamin Earrings (http://www.jaredjamin.com/strident-marchessa.html)
On Allison- Rebecca Taylor Dress
On Annie- Tibi Dress, Cuchara Necklace


text:
Samuel is one of our number one dudes in NYC (and we just returned from rage managing his West Coast tour), so it's with great pleasure that we unveil his debut single "I Heart NY". I guess it's trendy to rhyme about NYC ever since Jay and Alicia started banging on about bright lights and concrete jungles, but this was our original NYC anthem, the demo racking up a serious play count in our iTunes since we first met the Heavyroc crew 18 months ago. The Knocks are at the helm here once again (under the expert direction of Grammy-nominated veteran Greg Wells), stringing a playful keys riff through a maze of big brass blasts and singalong group vocals, resulting in a breezy summer anthem for the city that never sleeps and a brilliant first single for Samuel as he readies his debut album for release later this year.
MP3: "I Heart NY" - Samuel [exclusive]
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Labels: samuel, the knocks
3 comments:
- Anonymous said...
Cool track
- June 24, 2010 at 12:50 PM
- ted said...
this is The Best
- June 26, 2010 at 11:03 PM
- Natalie said...
This is fabulous! poppy without being overwhelmingly sweet
- July 3, 2010 at 7:11 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
At the moment a lot of people are concerned about the possible negative effects that watching stereo 3D content might possibly bring, and there are even speculations that it could even lead to permanent damage to the viewer's eyes if watching too much 3D content on a daily basis. It is true that there haven't been too much tests regarding this being done, but there are also no cases that confirm that watching stereo 3D content can lead to some health risks. Actually the only real concern is for small kids while their eyes and brain are still being developed, so maybe just in case you should be careful there is you have children. Other than that you can experience some short-term lets call them side effects from watching stereo 3D content like a movie, TV show, playing a game etc. and at least half of the time the reason for you getting uncomfortable, your eyes feeling tired, getting disoriented etc. is due to being exposed to badly shot or converted 3D content.
But beyond those short-term effects is there risk of permanent eye damage from exposing eyeballs to the faux third dimension for prolonged periods of time? That is what Gamasutra has asked a specialist – Dr. Mark Borchert, a respected L.A.-based ophthalmologist with the American Academy of Ophthalmology and here is what he answered:
It's not likely to cause any permanent harm to vision. There are people who get uncomfortable with it, and get eye strain or headaches, or on much rarer occasions, a sense of imbalance or nausea, but there's no evidence it can cause permanent harm to your vision or use of both eyes together or anything like that.
However while Borchert admitted that ophthalmologists "don't have an answer" to the negative effects of 3D effect viewing on young children, the expert pegged the appropriate 3D viewing age even lower than Nintendo.
Binocularity and stereoscopic vision is something that is learned in the first few years of life, primarily in about the first three years of life. So it's unlikely that children at that age, where stereoscopic vision is developing most critically, are going to be playing these games. But the effect of 3D on young children, we have no idea. For older children, it's not going to hurt them. I can't imagine how this is going to cause any kind of permanent harm to someone who is over four years of age.
Here I can personally confirm that being exposed to "fake" 3D content on computer screens, HMDs, paper prints and other sources for years I have no problems with my normal stereoscopic vision whatsoever, but then again I'm also well over three years old. And regarding the uncomfortable and more tiring first experience that most people have when they watch some 3D content for the first time, there is another scientific explanation, but simply said the main reason is that it is something new, and our eyes and brain need some time to adjust to it. So you should not get discouraged about watching stereo 3D movies or playing games in stereo 3D mode just because you first experience was a bit uncomfortable, try again a few times and if you still don't get used to it, then you might have some trouble with your eyes or something else, so you should go and see a specialist just in case.
And now what is the actual and a bit more technical reason for the first maybe not so comfortable experience of some 3D content when you are exposed for more than a few minutes. The way that out eyes normally work is that they perceive the depth we are seeing by converging our eyes at an object we want to focus on based on the distance to it – for close objects they converge more and for more distant objects they may even remain parallel. And this movement of the eyes is achieved by the extraocular muscles of which each eye has six, and these muscles are responsible for it's movement and depending on the distance to the object you are focusing on the eyes need to move in order to converge with the right angle. Then you also have the eyes focus differently depending on the distance to the object you converged your vision on and that is done by changing the curvature of the lens inside your eyes with the help of the ciliary muscles. These two things happen together in order for us to perceive the depth of real world objects in the real life when we are not watching stereo 3D content on out computer or TV screen…
However when watching 3D content on a screen there is something different and new to out eyes and brain and that is exactly what tires you at first, because you need some time to adjust to the new "sensation" and learn how to properly do it. You can even say that your eye muscles need to be trained too, although it is not only up to the muscles not being ready for the additional load they need to handle when watching stereo 3D content. As already mentioned while we are babies and small kids our binocularity and stereoscopic vision is being developed and we learn how to see and perceive the distance and depth of everything in the world around us. And since we use the method described above in the real world and try to apply the same when watching stereo 3D content on a flat screen, we try to do things the same way at first, but in case of "fake" 3D content displayed on screen there is something different. Normally when you are watching an object at a distance of lets say 10 meters away form you, your eyes are first converging for that distance of ten meters and then they focus for the same distance of 10 meters. However when watching a stereo 3D movie or playing a game in stereo 3D mode our eyes are still having to converge for a different distance depending on what content is being currently displayed on the monitor (lets say the 3D screen is 1 meter away from the viewer), so if you get an object that appears deeper inside the screen your eyes will let's say converge for a distance of 3 meters or if something jumps out of the screen they will converge for lets say half a meter. So this way the first part is the same, our eyes still converge differently depending on the sense of volume (depth or pop-out) we have of the objects displayed on the 3D screen although the screen is actually sitting at a fixed position. However regarding the distance that out eyes need to focus at, depending on the object being displayed on a 3D screen, things are a bit different compared to the real world, as if you converge on an object that is 3 meters away from you in the real world your eyes will also focus for a 3 meter distance. But when you are watching the same thing on a 3D display your eyes will still converge for a 3 meter distance, but the focus you will get will not be for 3 meters like in the real world, but will instead remain at 1 meter – the distance to where your 3D monitor is. Now this is the exact reason that at first the stereo 3D content feels a bit weird, unreal and tiring for our eyes and brain, but after watching a second or third movie or trying to play a game for a few times in stereo 3D mode we adjust and we can easily do this different way of seeing things without feeling strain.
And now comes the role of bad 3D content like movies that were converted from 2D to 3D and that conversion hasn't been properly made. Going to such a movie can have all the bad effects you've felt the first time when you watched some stereoscopic 3D content and in result can create a bad image for the movie (which is to be expected), but also can draw away people from stereo 3D in general usually because of them not knowing the difference between good and bad 3D and/or not knowing that they have actually watched a movie shot in 2D and then badly converted in 3D. The problem with bad conversions to 3D is that generally they contain contradicting depth cues or objects that our brain tells us that should be closer to us, but our eyes tell us just the opposite – that they should be very far form us. This again leads to some additional strain for both the brain and the eyes that are contradicting each other, but there can also be a lot of other factors that can lead to bad experience like jumping through fast scenes all the time with very far and very close objects with our eyes having to readjust to these changes too quick and too much and so on. And then again there should be no health risks associated with watching even badly converted 2D to 3D content, it just leaves a long term bad experience and may as well drive that person away from 3D for a while. However bringing small kids younger than 3 years to watch a badly converted 2D to 3D movie, or exposing them to an autoconverted 2D to 3D TV show or a movie at home on the new 3D HDTV is definitely not a good idea!


text:
No publisher wants to believe that content is a commodity. But by introducing a new web Travel Tips section powered by Demand Media, USA Today is taking the bold and necessary move in admitting just that.
It's a turning point for the publishing industry to concede that not every column inch is vying for a Pulitzer, and to act accordingly. Let's face it: certain types of content — in this case, detailed travel tips, deals, and the like — do not require nor merit the talents of their highly capable (and highly paid) editorial staff.
It's also clear from Nat Ives' report at AdAge that the new section is an opportunity for the USA Today brand to capitalize on search engine optimization (SEO) to capture prospective travelers who search for specific advice, such as "hotels with toddler pools in Maui". Demand Media will analyze search trends and engage writers in its content marketplace to address topics with the greatest commercial potential. Meanwhile, USA Today lends their brand to the equation to generate new audiences from search engines and revenue for both parties. For USA Today, this solves the problem of how to add more to their user experience and grow their audience, with little to no cost.
It also solves Demand Media's problem: they have a whole lot of content with no place to put it, and this deal opens up distribution for a broad new category. Demand Media clearly has its sites on 'movin' on up', and they are dating up a tier on the social ladder with this deal, as it helps them move upscale into a more premium environment under the halo of the USA Today brand name. This provides further momentum on the heels of the news that CEO Richard Rosenblatt convinced online heavy-hitter Joanne Bradford to join Demand Media as chief revenue officer.
Will the content be up to the typical editorial standards of the USA Today? Almost certainly not. But travel tips don't require particular expertise or training, so this category is an excellent candidate for commoditized content. Moreover, it's important to understand that the primary consumer quite likely is not a current USA Today enthusiast. It is a web searcher who may or may not have any relationship with the brand. And given the topic, the value-add of a highly paid writer could easily be lost. One doesn't need to wax poetically about a toddler pool after all.
Most publishers will turn their noses up at this as "farmed" content. But to do so would be foolish. This is a great example of a top brand recognizing where they do and do not make a difference, and focusing their investments where they matter.
For the USA Today online team, led by Jeff Webber, this is a smart move. Now, other publishers need to do what people in other industries have done for decades: focus on your core competencies and economize on those things that do not differentiate your product. The publishing world has been all too slow to recognize this Econ-101 reality, and it's time for a wake-up call.
What are your thoughts on low cost, commodity content?


text:
Topic: Boba Fett Artist Portfolio
Looks like there's a new Boba Fett Artist Portfolio signed by Joe Johnston, one of the original designers of the Boba Fett costume. Right now it's available for pre-order at a few websites, most notably the Star Wars Shop site.
http://shop.starwars.com/catalog/produc … id=1318482
Unfortunately, it looks like it's priced really high for most collector's, coming in at a meager $495.00
However, for those that can afford it, this looks like it's a nice little item. It's signed by Joe Johnston himself and comes with eleven 12x17 images. It comes in a holographic textured portfolio with a brushed metal titanium alloy Mandalorian symbol on the front.
"I'm just a simple Fan, trying to make my way in the universe."


text:
Nicola Morgan, the Crabbit Old Bat, is an award-winning author of around 90 books across many genres. For the last few years, she has given crabbitly honest advice to determined writers, here and in her books, WRITE TO BE PUBLISHED, WRITE A GREAT SYNOPSIS, DEAR AGENT and TWEET RIGHT.
Monday, 19 March 2012
What has Twitter ever done for you? (With a competition)
So, I spent time and money rewriting it. Partly because I love you so much.
Anyway, it's done. So, please tell your friends who are on Twitter already or thinking about starting. It is at its heart a beginners' guide but there's also lots of stuff that some seasoned users might not know either. Especially those who are behaving badly with DMs and poor etiquette. *glares crabbitly* In fact, should you see anyone misbehaving, just suggest they buy Tweet Right and do us all a favour.
What has Twitter ever done for me?
It's been my office, without the office bore, the office flirt, and the office politics. (Mostly.)
Yes, but apart from that?
It's like a party, where I can talk to many people at once, not get pinned in a corner by the drunk boring flirt. And for which I needn't even get dressed. Or buy anyone drinks. In fact, we occasionally have Twitter parties where exactly that happens. Unless @gillian_philip is there, in which case a lot more happens.
Well, yes, but apart from that?
It answers questions for me, such as: if you're 6' 2" can you stand upright in an ambulance?
Yes, but what else?
It (or the people on it) helped me when my website was hacked and when my Mac caused me horrible, horrible problems.
I found my ebook cover designer (@design4writers), my formatter (Becky Pickard of www.zebedeedesign.co.uk), two fab assistants who sadly can't work for me any more (@catoninetales and @bookshop_becky) and my brand new sparkly publicist (@mllouisekelly), as well as lovely @rebeccaebrown who handled the blog tour for Write a Great Synopsis. Another ace publicist, @cgotch who handled Write to be Published, is also there, though I'd known her from Before Twitter.
Yes, but apart from that?
I've made friends with authors, agents and publishers. Some of them gave me quotes for my books, some asked me to do events (which, largely through Twitter, have become a financial mainstay of my career), and several have said they'd like to publish me. All of them have been what good friends are: people who support me in good and bad times.
Yes, but...
If I have good news, someone on Twitter will always start telling people before I do, so I don't need to.
But apart from that?
If I'm doing an event, it's Twitter that spreads the word further and drums up most interest.
*getting bored now* And?
It's extremely amusing when @hprw puts her capering slippers on and cavorts all over people's keyboards, or when she is rude to @caroleagent and almost gets away with it, or when @mikejarman's thumbs get him into trouble.
You're almost convincing me, but what apart from that?
I got myself in the news when I accidentally created the No 1 worldwide trending topic, #lessinterestingbooks.
I sold a sofa.
OH, WELL then!
So, competition time!
Simply comment below, in no more than 140** characters including spaces, telling us what Twitter has ever done for you. It can be general or specific, amusing or serious. The winner will be randomly chosen (no skill required) on Good Friday, 6th April, midday GMT. And the prize? Chocolate! Your choice of any delicious bar from Coco of Bruntsfield, the very clever people who, when I moved from Bruntsfield, sensibly opened up a branch near my new abode. I will post your prize to any UK address. The choice is fabulous! My favourite is probably honey and almond, though I wouldn't say no to any of them, really... Just hinting.
(** Tip: check this by writing it in your tweeting space on Twitter?)
Details of Tweet Right and my books for writers (including various buying links) are here.
Twitter away!
42 comments:
2 competition wins: 1 resulted in a reading by Bill Nighy, the other brought Writers'&Artists'Yearbook to my desk. Plus new friends, info...
~Miriam Drori
- 19 March 2012 at 08:17
- liz fenwick said...
I met my agent
Note: don't count me in the comp though..can't do chocolate but I love twitter
- 19 March 2012 at 08:23
- Nicola Vincent-Abnett said...
I heard about the Mslexia writing competition, on Twitter; I entered, finished in the last three, and, now, an agent is reading my novel.
- 19 March 2012 at 08:26
- Johanna Nield said...
Twitter has broadened my outlook & knowledge, connected me to new people, distracted me from tedious tasks. It entertains, informs & engages
- 19 March 2012 at 08:30
Through Twitter, I found writers. People who like doing what I like doing. And I could finally stop pretending.
- 19 March 2012 at 08:42
- alex johnson said...
It's been the last piece in the jigsaw to finally realising my international jetset playboy lifestyle #fact
- 19 March 2012 at 08:46
- catdownunder said...
I work in isolation and care for my elderly father at home. Twitter provides the companionship of a working environment but without the office politics. I can tease and be teased, I can talk knitting and share the occasional recipe, get advice and encouragement, give and get a virtual hug and generally purrowl my way through the beginning and end of the day...and, best of all, there are writers there and they understand!
- 19 March 2012 at 09:15
- Carole Blake said...
Met my fabulous newest client @Liz_Fenwick who DID NOT pitch to me on Twitter. Got radio gigs, app review requests, quotes for my authors.
- 19 March 2012 at 09:25
- Julie Cohen said...
Without Twitter, I never would have had the opportunity to discuss the wider social implications of Rupert Holmes's 'The Pina Colada Song.'
- 19 March 2012 at 09:26
- Carole Blake said...
And - unexpectedly - I found several new & good friends. Don't enter me in comp: leave for others!
- 19 March 2012 at 09:27
- Nicola Morgan said...
Carole - I'm glad you made the point about Liz NOT pitching to you on Twitter! Possibly the most important lesson for aspiring writers: do not pitch to agents on Twitter. Ever.
Also, I'm wondering if it's a condition that your clients, like you, must not like chocolate? Is this something that i should have said in Write to be Published? Do you mention this in From Pitch to Publication?
Great answers, everyone. But, Cat, *cough*, 140 characters....
Alex, actually I don't think that *is* a #fact
- 19 March 2012 at 09:33
- Cameron Writes said...
I've made friends, found enough information to realise that I rushed into self-publishing too early and the gumption to start again. Without Twitter I'd never know when comps were on or whose cat was ill. I've terminally alienated only one person which is sad but I didn't read your book. Don't enter me in the competition - but thanks for the opportunity to tell you this. Cam
- 19 March 2012 at 09:38
- Isabel said...
It's the grown up bit of my day, between writing and two children. It teaches brevity: writers' gold. It watches dull TV for me, so I don't.
- 19 March 2012 at 10:14
- Louise said...
Meeting other writers and getting gossip on publishing world,it's quite the eye-opener. And following the lovely Gok Wan.
- 19 March 2012 at 10:30
- Catharine Withenay said...
Telling the twitosphere my paltry progress in writing/editing helps me persist (or perhaps procrastinate). Somehow, others tolerate this.
- 19 March 2012 at 10:38
- Janet O'Kane said...
Twitter means I'll no longer be a wallflower at the litfests I'm attending in 2012.
- 19 March 2012 at 10:44
- Ann Patey said...
If I'm feeling lonely Twitter cheers me & I forget my problems. I can do good deeds for people & get loads of support back. I <3 Twitter!
- 19 March 2012 at 11:23
- Tamara Epps said...
Twitter has helped me connect with others just like me and expand my knowledge of so many things. Oh, and I get a news feed directly to me.
- 19 March 2012 at 11:38
- Redleg said...
I can always count on Twitter. Twitter always babysits my kids. And once Twitter was the getaway driver for my insurance fraud by arson.
- 19 March 2012 at 12:45
I found out that Halloween turnips (not pumpkins) lasted longer in Scotland than the rest of the UK :) #yumchocolate
- 19 March 2012 at 13:45
There's no need to enter me in the comp because after a weekend of baking more calories is the LAST thing I need, but here's my Why I Heart Twitter tweet:
"BT (Before Twitter): me, working 9-5 in soul destroying office job. AT (After Twitter): me, full-time writer, self-publisher & speaker—and happy!"
- 19 March 2012 at 14:15
- Jan Jones said...
Twitter is a world enrichment device. My life would be very greyscale without it now.
- 19 March 2012 at 18:14
- Annette Thomson said...
I've gone from being a weird oddball to a weird oddball with loads of weird oddball friends.
- 19 March 2012 at 18:44
- Nicola Morgan said...
Some of these answers are so great I wish I'd made it a skill-based comp - except that then i'd have had to choose!
- 19 March 2012 at 18:45
- Keren David said...
Caroline Lawrence reviewed my first book. Thank you Twitter! And thank you Caroline more..
- 19 March 2012 at 18:55
- Sally Zigmond said...
Twitter has turned me from a social wallflower into a social butterfly.
- 19 March 2012 at 19:56
- catdownunder said...
Oh, I thought I was allowed more characters because I am not eligible to enter the competition! Sorry.
- 19 March 2012 at 20:36
- womagwriter said...
Twitter has done nothing for me. That is because I am STILL not on it, despite buying your book and promising myself I'll have a go.
- 19 March 2012 at 21:12
- Philip C James said...
My old friends tell me to my face my jokes ain't funny; my new friends on Twitter are far too polite, caring and forbearing to do so...
- 19 March 2012 at 23:20
- Stroppy Author said...
I befriended a publisher who is now publishing my series of seven vampire books, out in April. NOTE: I didn't pitch on Twitter!
- 20 March 2012 at 07:30
- Stroppy Author said...
And sort of got my agent, as she's Nicola's agent and I met her at an event of Nicola's she tweeted about
- 20 March 2012 at 07:32
- Tottie Limejuice said...
Not going for the 140 characters as you said you only post the choccy to UK (boo!) but was so struck by the similarity of circumstances with catdownunder in that Twitter helped me when marooned at home looking after my elderly mother with dementia. I have also made a lot of good friends, though lost a few along the way because of Twitter's infuriating habit of unfollowing and blocking people when you haven't asked it to!
But all in all it's a marvel and I can't imagine how we all managed before it.
- 20 March 2012 at 09:17
A friendly human being is never less than 140 characters away.
- 20 March 2012 at 12:11
Or in better English :
A friendly human being is always less than 140 characters away.
- 20 March 2012 at 12:13
- ghulam sarwar said...
nice work keep it up
- 21 March 2012 at 10:23
- Emma Pass said...
Twitter's been a revelation! I've found my fab group blog & an amazing community of writers & readers I feel privileged to be a part of.
- 22 March 2012 at 21:56
- Mike Jarman said...
Twitter has sent me into my naught corner more times that I can count - I rather enjoy my corner with you lot to keep me company.
- 29 March 2012 at 17:41
- maryom said...
It's replaced the schoolgate gossip that I miss now the Teen's moved up in the world + told me where I can buy haggis flavoured chocolate!
- 29 March 2012 at 18:47
- Laura Mary said...
I discovered a world of support and inspiration, in what was previously a very isolated area of my life. I also joined a virtual circus!
- 30 March 2012 at 12:55
Twitter has made me the contacts (and friends) enabling me to leave a job I hated for one I long aspired to. Twitter has got me drunk, also.
- 4 April 2012 at 12:44
- Ebony McKenna. said...
Twitter got me a two page spread in the December Ferrets USA magazine!
- 7 April 2012 at 07:02
- Nicola Morgan said...
And the winner is.... Julie Cohen! Thanks to EVERYONE for entering and it was great reading your comments. In the end, it comes down to luck but lots of you made me laugh as well!
Julie - click the Coco link in the post, choose your flavoured bar of choc and I'll ask for your address later and send you a delicious bar. Congrats!
- 9 April 2012 at 21:40


text:
At first glance, the obvious changes to PHP are a result of the success of the Java platform and the weaknesses of PHP revealed when making a comparison. With the release of PHP 5, it's apparent that the developers of PHP and the Zend Engine (which are essentially one and the same) felt compelled to make PHP much more like Java with respect to object-oriented programming. With its new interoperability with Java, as it states on Zend's web site, "full integration with Java will be closer than ever before." Hmmm, full integration with Java, huh?
On November 4th, 2003, Zend, the Israeli company backing the development of PHP announced a strategic partnership with Sun. This deal also included advisors from Borland, Macromedia, MySQL and others. The purported purpose of this deal was to make PHP part of Sun's web server and bring it to the corporate world of development that previously had been dominated by ASP and ColdFusion. Now with the release of PHP 5, it's far more apparent which path PHP is taking.
{mospagebreak title=How PHP5 is Similar to Java}
PHP's object model was re-written from the ground up and mimics the abstract properties of Java's object method. There are private and protected members and methods, abstract classes and interfaces, in practice, identical to Java's object model. The extent of the influence that Sun has on PHP today is clear. If you have experience with Java and PHP, reading the details of the object model at http://www.php.net/manual/en/migration5.oop.php reveals the absolute cloning of the Java object model within PHP 5. From throwing exceptions to static variables, PHP 5's object model mimics Java in concept all the way to the syntactical level.
This is great for enterprise developer's using Sun products, but with the release of PHP 5, what does this mean for the half-a-million PHP developers worldwide who have depended on PHP for open-source development and for the developers whose ideas and efforts have brought PHP up through the ranks from its inception in 1995? When PHP goodies were bundled with Sun's web server on November 4th, 2003, with a $775 price tag, PHP began down the path of corporate ownership. For years developers have eagerly contributed their ideas and efforts to be a part of the success of PHP. Now that all the hard work and volunteering has paid off and PHP is a worldwide success, it appears that PHP could soon be another corporate shill owned by Sun, MySQL, Borland and Macromedia, if not on paper, then by direct influence on the people at Zend. Of course it will remain open source so that the half-million developers can continue to contribute their time and genius to its success, but if those thousands of contributions lead to direct financial gain for companies whose coffers are already overflowing and are simultaneously using those contributions to manufacture software with price tags out-of-reach to anyone but corporations, is PHP still the language developers should be focusing on for use in the open-source community?
{mospagebreak title=New Features in PHP5}
On the positive side, this edition of PHP does bring improved performance and a new suite of MySQL functions. Backward incompatibility is limited to a list of ten issues that can be found at: http://www.php.net/manual/en/migration5.incompatible.php. Minimally, there are only minor configuration file changes that need to be made to the web server. These changes are found at: http://www.php.net/manual/en/migration5.configuration.php. Several directives have been introduced for configuring php.ini files mainly dealing with hashes for encryption. Read about them at http://www.php.net/manual/en/migration5.newconf.php.
Some very useful functions have been added to PHP5. It's been nine years in the making, but PHP5 now includes two functions to uuencode and uudecode. Combining those functions with the new socket and stream functions, developers can create a lots of "kewl" applications. An application to automatically encode and decode files to and from news servers comes to mind as an example of how to incorporate these new functions. At that point of course, a developer could use any of PHP's existing functions to continue to manipulate the files, store the contents in databases, and so on. Read about those and all the other new functions at: http://www.php.net/manual/en/migration5.functions.php.
An addition to error reporting aids developers in keeping their code up-to-date. The E_STRICT message tells developers when their code is using deprecated functions or is in danger of not being forward compatible. However, don't assume that E_STRICT will be output if using E_ALL, because it won't. E_STRICT must be explicitly declared to output its suggestions to PHP 5 code.
While the rewriting of PHP's object model to essentially that of the Java object model does raise flags about the direction of PHP, it is still a powerful addition to the PHP5 release. Java became successful for a reason. It's intelligently designed and facilitates code reuse. By borrowing the best features of Java's object model, PHP has leveraged itself with far more credibility as a programming language that can stand on its own two feet (even if Sun, Borland and Macromedia are holding it by its arms).
Some vital re-workings in the PHP object model lie in how objects are treated in low-level fashion. Instead of passing the actual object itself, PHP's object model passes by reference. Now when operating on objects, developers can pass around multiple handles to the actual object allowing for more powerful and efficient applications. Existing PHP objects do not need to be re-written to take advantage of this change in PHP 5.
In general, developer's who have experience with Java will easily adapt to PHP 5's object model. On the downside, if PHP is a developer's primary language and he or she hasn't been introduced to the world of static variables, public and private methods and the host of aspects included with this new model, they may have a bit of a learning curve adopting the higher-level format of object-oriented programming in this release. Overall, though, this change will be a plus for creating large-scale, object-oriented applications with PHP.
{mospagebreak title=MySQL Functions in PHP5}
Keeping pace with the developments in MySQL and PHP's tight relationship, PHP5 has added a new suite of MySQL functions relating to the new features added since MySQL 4.1. Denoted as Improved MySQL Extension, its purpose is to allow developers to take advantage of prepared statements and the other additions to MySQL 4.1 and above. Find out the details of these at: http://www.php.net/manual/en/ref.mysqli.php.
Something very interesting to note with the addition on the Improved MySQL Extension is the absence of bundled MySQL client libraries with PHP5. There are numerous reasons given for this, including the different licenses that PHP and MySQL are under (PHP is under a BSD/Apache type license and MySQL is under a GPL license). The PHP5 documentation also assures developers that 'there will always be MySQL support in PHP of one kind or another' but doesn't go into details as to the future of MySQL support. This perhaps is further evidence that the long-lasting popularity of LAMP environments (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) will soon be replaced by SLOP environments (Sun, Linux, Oracle, PHP). If Zend continues to shy away from MySQL and completely joins forces with Sun, MySQL may soon no longer be part of the picture, and cheap, fast development may no longer be possible for PHP developers in the same capacity as it is today.
{mospagebreak title=Questions About the Future Direction of PHP}
Zend clearly has underplayed the extent of the shift that has taken place concerning the future of PHP. While this version of PHP does provide a much better object model and added features, is this the beginning of the end of PHP as the choice of web scripting language for the open-source community and developers not under the employ of corporations? Will the average developer still be using PHP five years from now, or will the usefulness of PHP be limited to companies who can afford to shell out thousands of dollars for all of the necessary software that may be required to make PHP a viable option for development (along with the purchase of products from Sun, Macromedia, Oracle, Borland and others)?
While today this is still speculation, the evidence and tone lends credence to the thought that with the success of PHP, built on the backs of developers worldwide, the near future of it may include an alienation of it from those who energized it at its genesis, propelling it to the corporate enterprise status that those in control of PHP are seeking today. No matter what actually happens, developers should be aware of the major developments with PHP beyond the surface level function additions and new object model. Companies and developers who are employing PHP 5 for large-scale applications today at a reasonably low price may be in for a surprise in the next few years, if operating PHP at full capacity involves the purchase of additional, expensive software.


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I am currently working on the premise that there are actually two problems here. 1. what are my feelings about how science should be conducted in areas of challenging, controversial and globally significant science and 2. given we get 1. right, how is that science then communicated to policy makers.
I think I can get at the first question easily, so, for now, I'll focus on the second. I've been reading various things - the literature, 'The honest broker', CSA guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering advice in policy making, and other bits and bobs from luminaries such as Jonathan Porritt and Crispin Tickell.
I confess, the first time I read 'The honest broker' I struggled to perceive any difference between the three modes of interaction that were non-advocative (i.e. pure scientist, science arbiter and honest broker). To me, they felt like the same thing. I've now realised they are a spectrum, and the defining scale of that spectrum is consideration of the policy maker (from providing information that the scientist thinks is relevant, to providing information that the policy maker asks for, through to providing information that expands the choices of the policy maker). Of course, in complete contrast, the advocate seeks to narrow that choice.
The question I have to ask myself within this framework is 'what should I be'? Clearly, this is spectacularly simplified as one's position varies as a function of time and circumstance AND end-members do not make good exemplars (in that I am unlikely to be 100% of any of them). To what extent in this context to the Oxford Principles help??? Here they are as a reminder...
Principle 1: Geoengineering to be regulated as a public good
While the involvement of the private sector in the delivery of a geoengineering technique should not be prohibited, and may indeed be encouraged to ensure that deployment of a suitable technique can be effected in a timely and efficient manner, regulation of such techniques should be undertaken in the public interest by the appropriate bodies at the state and/or international levels.
Principle 2: Public participation in geoengineering decision-making
Wherever possible, those conducting geoengineering research should be required to notify, consult, and ideally obtain the prior informed consent of, those affected by the research activities. The identity of affected parties will be dependent on the specific technique which is being researched - for example, a technique which captures carbon dioxide from the air and geologically sequesters it within the territory of a single state will likely require consultation and agreement only at the national or local level, while a technique which involves changing the albedo of the planet by injecting aerosols into the stratosphere will likely require global agreement.
Principle 3: Disclosure of geoengineering research and open publication of results
There should be complete disclosure of research plans and open publication of results in order to facilitate better understanding of the risks and to reassure the public as to the integrity of the process. It is essential that the results of all research, including negative results, be made publicly available.
Principle 4: Independent assessment of impacts
An assessment of the impacts of geoengineering research should be conducted by a body independent of those undertaking the research; where techniques are likely to have transboundary impact, such assessment should be carried out through the appropriate regional and/or international bodies. Assessments should address both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of research, including mitigating the risks of lock-in to particular technologies or vested interests.
Principle 5: Governance before deployment
Any decisions with respect to deployment should only be taken with robust governance structures already in place, using existing rules and institutions wherever possible.
I suppose that, to a certain extent, they confirm some of my feelings about the science - the importance of impartiality, public engagement though transparency, the critical role of governance, but do less for me in terms of deciding how I will act as a policy advisor. At the moment, I've realised, I trust my sense of right and wrong. As an example, at the recent LWEC meeting we were challenged to determine where immediate funding might be pointed. The point was raised that EPSRC had an assessment/framework project and an SRM project and, to balance the portfolio, CDR should be targeted.Clearly, from a purely selfish point of view (and the argument about scientists being driven by research funding really irritates me) I'd have been better of advocating more SRM. However, clearly the right thing to do was to press for CDR, which I did. I am not expecting a medal for this, I simply make the observation that many scientists are much less selfish and not at all driven by financial gain, despite this criticism being levelled at us on a regular basis.


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Pfeiffer University recognizes the value of information provided by students, employees, and others in assessing the Institution's performance. This process is for the purpose of addressing significant violations of the institution's standards, policies, and procedures and is not a forum for addressing grievances. Pfeiffer has established grievance procedures for students and employees and expects individuals to attempt to resolve grievance issues through procedures established according to the situation.
Complaint Process is noted and should be followed accordingly. In all cases, complaints should first be resolved with the individual or department prior to initiating a formal complaint. Process and procedures are noted in the below attachment.
Pfeiffer University Complaint Policy & Procedures


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Many of you know by now that the U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has recently made and then withdrawn an interesting policy change. Back in 1983, just after OSHA had issued the final version of the hearing conservation amendment, the Agency sent out a notice to its inspectors not to enforce the noise standard's requirements for feasible engineering and administrative controls until workers' time-weighted average exposure levels exceeded 100 dBA, and even then only if the other elements of the hearing conservation program, specifically hearing protectors, did not adequately protect them. This policy stayed in effect for 27 years although voices from ASHA, NHCA, labor unions, and other organizations protested. The result has been that the use of engineering noise control in this country has virtually disappeared, at least in the workplace. The situation in the general environment isn't much better because EPA's Office of Noise Abatement has been closed since 1982.
One of the arguments against the 1983 policy change is that OSHA implemented it without going through the public rule-making process, so its legality has been questioned. Another argument is that this policy is contrary to all other OSHA health and safety regulations, where engineering and administrative controls are the primary methods of hazard reduction. During this period, however, there were some major court cases, the outcome of which required OSHA inspectors to perform cost-benefit assessments if they issued citations for lack of noise control. So while the other industrialized nations have developed quieter products and processes, the American workplace remains noisy. In Europe and Australia noise control technology has greatly outpaced the U.S., as has the protection of workers against noise-induced hearing loss. Some American manufacturers market quiet products in Europe and noisy ones at home. The OSHA noise standard lags behind those of the rest of the world in other respects. Out of some 25 nations, there are only 2 that use the OSHA 90-dBA permissible exposure limit (India and the U.S.) and four that use the 5-dB exchange rate (Brazil, Colombia, Israel, and the US). Most others have adopted a limit of 85 dBA or below and the more protective 3-dBA exchange rate.
In more recent years additional litigation has taken place, going as far as the U.S. Supreme Court, which struck down the necessity of a cost-benefit analysis. Consequently, on October 19th of last year, OSHA published in the Federal Register the intention of changing its current policy by redefining the word "feasible" as it relates to the noise standard as "capable of being done." The Agency did say that if a noise control remedy threatened an employer's viability (the capacity to remain in business), it would not be considered feasible. OSHA encouraged the public to comment on the proposed change with a deadline of Dec. 20th 2010, which has since been extended to March 21st 2011.
ASHA, along with NHCA and Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC), signed a coalition letter to Dr. David Michaels, the OSHA Director, supporting the recent policy change and requesting that the Agency continue to make improvements to the existing regulation. We later followed up with detailed reasons for our support, including the facts that workers are continuing to lose their hearing despite alleged compliance with the hearing conservation amendment, they often fail to wear their protectors or use them improperly, hearing protectors can have an adverse effect on communication and the perception of warning signals, and engineering controls can actually be less expensive in many situations because they are one-time rather than annual expenses. Also, there are many options available to OSHA to ease any resulting burdens on employers by giving long compliance times, exempting small businesses, and providing technical assistance.
Within a few weeks of its publication, there was a firestorm of objection from major business associations, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, claiming that the policy change was not needed and that it would have an adverse effect on jobs. These groups maintained that employees were sufficiently protected with hearing protectors and other elements of the hearing conservation program. They conveyed the impression to their members that OSHA would crack down on them immediately (an impossibility), that the policy applied to workers exposed to noise levels over 90 dBA, when in fact it's TWAs (averages not levels, resulting in far fewer overexposed workers). They also maintained that this was something new rather than something that had been an integral part of the noise standard since 1971!
Also around this time President Obama issued an executive order directing the agencies to reexamine the need for regulations, and certain members of Congress took a negative interest in OSHA's proposed policy change. As a result, OSHA withdrew its policy on January 19, 2011, stating that this process required "much more public outreach" and that they needed to examine other alternatives. They would, however, review all comments that arrived by March 21st and some time after that hold a stakeholders meeting.
ASHA members should consider submitting comments on these issues to OSHA. Mail three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket no. OSHA 2010-0032, U.S. Dept. Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20210.
Further information:
- NHCA's press releases about the proposed policy change
- Response from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Dr. Alice Suter has been active in the field of occupational hearing conservation for 40 years, during which time she worked at the U.S. EPA, OSHA, and NIOSH, and more recently as a consultant. At OSHA she was a senior scientist and manager of the noise standard. Although she is a strong proponent of hearing loss prevention programs, she believes that these programs must include measures to control noise at the source for them to be effective.


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...but I still have a few scary pictures I had set aside as contenders for this week's theme.So here's one by Gustav Rehberger that isn't exactly supernatural - but still pretty scary.
You can see this one and a few others at full size in my Gustav Rehberger Flickr set.
Celebrating illustration, design, cartoon and comic art of the mid-20th century.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Hallowe'en's over...
2 comments:
I wasn't familiar with Rehberger's work-- he seems classically trained but also pretty bizarre. Was that his normal style, or are you just plucking these images as an unrepresentative sample from those trashy magazines my mother warned me not to read?ReplyDelete
That's the best description I could ever hope to hear for Rehberger, David : "classically trained but bizarre" ;-)ReplyDelete
Rehberger did copius amounts of work for esquire and Coronet - but from what I can find, not for many others. And yes, this work is pretty representative of his style.
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VIDEO: Bosh Videobombs Wade With Daughter
ALL BALL NERVE CENTER — Just when you think the Miami Heat have run out of ways to videobomb each other, they come up with something new. Last night, after Dwyane Wade put up 30 points in a win against the Pistons, he stopped to do the postgame interview. As their talk wound down, Chris Bosh delivered his customary videobomb. To switch it up, this time he got his daughter involved.


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Media Statements & Speeches
|Statement: November 19, 2009
|View Printable PDF Version
|Docket No.: ER09-636-000
Statement of Chairman Jon Wellinghoff on notice of cancellation of Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi's participation in the Entergy System Agreement
"Our action today will allow Entergy and any interested party to engage in meaningful negotiations for a successor arrangement to the System Agreement to be in effect prior to the withdrawal of Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi. This order resolves a key Entergy System issue that will inform the cost benefit analysis evaluating the future of the Entergy Operating Companies once Entergy's current Independent Coordinator of Transmission agreement with SPP expires. I would also like to note that Entergy's retail regulators are in the process of forming a Regional State Committee to provide input on issues important to the region. This group will be instrumental in evaluating issues involving the future operations of Entergy's system, including such issues as evaluating RTO membership and/or an enhanced ICT arrangement. Such decisions will be inextricably linked to discussions surrounding a successor arrangement. Finally, this order gives the parties guidance so that the Operating Companies can engage in long-term generation planning and procurement decisions with more certainty. For these reasons, I support this order."
|View Printable PDF Version


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Information on the Risk-Based Pricing Rule
- What is Risk-Based Pricing?
Risk-based pricing refers to the practice of setting or adjusting the interest rate and other terms of credit provided to a particular consumer based on the consumer's credit data and other factors used to measure risk.
- What is the Risk Based Pricing Rule?
The Risk-Based Pricing Rule was established by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to a concern that consumers are not adequately informed of the effect that credit report data has on the APR consumers are charged when obtaining new credit. As a result, the Board and the FTC published this new rule.
Effective Jan. 1, 2011, companies that use a credit report or score in connection with a credit decision must send notice to a consumer when, based on a credit report or score, the company grants credit on material terms that are not the most favorable terms offered to a substantial proportion of consumers. In most cases, the rule defines "material terms" as the loan's Annual Percentage Rate.
- How Can Experian Help my Business Comply with the Risk-Based Pricing Rule?
To determine the most appropriate compliance method, organizations should begin to evaluate their underwriting processes to gain an understanding of the rule's impact on both resources and technologies, and prepare to respond to consumer questions about the credit information provided.
Not only does the rule establish different methods to determine if a risk-based pricing notice is necessary, but it also provides a variety of options to structure a successful compliance program.
To find out how Experian can help you comply with the Risk-Based Pricing Rule, contact your local Experian sales representative, request more information by requesting more information, or call 1 888 414 1120.
Note: While Experian is happy to provide our observations related to the new Risk-Based Pricing Rule, please work with your own legal counsel to ensure that you comply with your obligations under the rule.
- Risk-Based Pricing - Compliance Tools
Experian can help you comply with the Risk-Based Pricing Rule.
- Learn About Experian's Products and Services to Help You Prepare for Risk-Based Pricing Compliance
- Available National Score Distribution Models to Use in Your Credit Score Disclosure Exception Notice
- Risk-Based Pricing - Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers in this comprehensive document developed by Experian credit experts.
- How do I comply?
- Did you know?
- Risk-Based Pricing Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
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Jessica Goldman of the Central Connecticut swimming and diving team was named Northeast Conference Diver of the Week for her impressive performances from both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards this week, the NEC announced Tuesday.
Goldman, the reigning NEC Champion, began her sophomore campaign right where she left off last season. Goldman swept the diving competition this past weekend in the Blue Devils' dual meet with LIU Post. The Blue Devils entered three divers in the meet and each competed for the top spot.
Goldman topped her teammates from the 1-meter board, registering an impressive score of 240.35, just 5.2 points off of the CCSU freshman record which Goldman set last year. She also claimed the victory in the 3-meter competition, registering a score of 242.10, a full 25 points higher than the second-place recipient.
The Blue Devils kick back into action this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, at the Sonny Werblin Invitational hosted by Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ.


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The weird, wacky wonderfulness of past Tokyo Motor Shows is trying to make a comeback.
Just look at Toyota's Fun-Vii concept, which Akio Toyoda called a "smartphone on wheels," or Honda's stylish small electric sports car concept, the EV-Ster.
But much has changed since my first Tokyo show 20 years ago.
In the fall of 1991, Japan's bubble economy had not quite burst. The nation's carmakers were still fearlessly, shamelessly upbeat.
Fertile-minded designers, engineers and product planners threw down the gauntlet in 1991, rolling out concept and production models that filled every conceivable niche and created a few new ones.
The Makuhari Messe convention center was packed with prototypes and production cars -- so many new models that in the weeks before the show Japanese companies ran out of days in which to preview them. Toyota had to launch the Aristo and Crown Majesta models on the same day.
Indeed, Tokyo was king of the hill.
Now Beijing and Shanghai have the allure. And the Seoul show has moved into the front ranks, too, drawing more than 1 million visitors every other year. Tokyo stands in the shadows.
But after the 2009 show, when almost every major foreign manufacturer stayed home, Tokyo is recapturing some of its old sparkle. The show is being held at a new location, the smaller, but more centrally located Tokyo Big Sight convention center.
Carmakers are showing lots of interesting and amusing concepts.
"We must go for the quality -- and the concept cars that are fun," said a wistful senior Toyota public relations executive who was there with me at the 1991 show. "But we're never going to be what Beijing and Shanghai are. They just have too many people."