text:
New models offer plenty of power and room for more
No matter how hard a network administrator tries to standardize an organization's computing needs, reality almost never complies. Nearly every office has at least one user who needs a computer that is more powerful than normal. Whether they are using computer-aided design software or producing multimedia content, those power users need superior processing power and excellent graphics capability.
Enter the workstation, the powerhouse category of desktop PCs. These devices are nearly as powerful as most servers — even more powerful in some ways — and are generally needed for resource-heavy tasks.
We received workstation computers from Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and Super Micro. We asked for a bare minimum of a high-range quad-core processor, 4G of memory, a strong midrange graphics card, at least one 500G hard drive and a DVD R/RW drive. We then gave the manufacturers some wiggle room on price, allowing them to add things such as more memory or a second processor or maintain the minimum specification in hopes of coming in at a much lower price. What we ended up getting was a few of each.
We ran them through their paces with PassMark's Performance Test 7 benchmark software suite. That allows us to look at each aspect of system performance and show each device's strengths and weaknesses. The results largely made up our Performance grade.
For our Ease of Access grade, we looked at the insides of each workstation: how easy was it to get at the components and could they be removed without using tools. Cable management played a big part in determining this grade.
The Upgradability grade was based on how much room the workstations had for adding things such as additional memory and peripheral cards without needing to replace existing components. Empty card slots, memory slots and drive bays were the primary areas of concern here.
If a workstation had components above and beyond the required minimum, they were reflected in the Features grade. Extra ports and peripherals primarily drove this grade.
Last, we looked at the price and assigned a Value grade based on how much the workstation cost in relation to how well it performed in the other categories
The Mac Pro MC561LL/A from Apple is the only computer in the roundup to have two quad-core processors, and it still manages to have the lowest price in this review.
We were pleased about one of the first things we noticed: the handles at either end of the top of the casing. They made it easy to move the workstation, which is necessary once in a while in some environments. Technically, the Mac Pro also has two handles on the bottom, but we see those used primarily as feet.
The five USB 2.0 ports — two in front — and four FireWire 800 ports — also two in front — are definitely adequate for most computer users' needs. They are supplemented by two USB ports on either end of the keyboard and a wireless mouse for a net gain of two USB ports. The Mac Pro also has two Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Apple Mac Pro (MC561LL/A)
Pros: Everything easy to get to; good price.Cons: Relatively low performance score.Performance: BEase of Access: AUpgradability: B+Features: B+Value: APrice: $3,499 ($3,199 government)
Once inside, we were most impressed with the layout of the components. The processors and memory are on a separate board on the bottom of the case and could be pulled out to make changing memory or processors easy. The internal hard drive bays also slid out without needing to detach any cables from the drives. All in all, everything is quite easy to get to, and with minimal cabling, cable management is excellent.
Upgradability is also very good. There are two memory slots open, and it has one PCI Express 2.0 x16 and one PCI Express x4 expansion slot. We were also pleased to see three empty internal 3.5-inch drive bays and one external 5.25-inch one. That leaves a decent amount of room for upgrades before the original components would need to be tossed out.
In our performance benchmark tests, the Mac Pro had the lowest score: 1,861.5. Although its two Intel Xeon E5620 quad-core processors helped it considerably with most of the CPU tests, in the rest — such as one to find prime numbers — some of the single-processor systems performed better. Its 6G of memory and ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card each held their own in their respective tests, but there were enough negatives to cancel out the gains in the CPU test.
First, that is still a respectable benchmark score. It just happens to be at the bottom of a very good pack. Second, because we had to run the benchmark tests in Windows 7 to have something to compare with the others, we must assume that the Mac Pro could do better when running in its native OS X. In other reviews, the need to run in Windows had not affected the Apple product's score significantly, but this highly-tuned two-processor system was a different case.
Apple is selling the Mac Pro MC561LL/A for $3,499, which is a good price for a two-processor system. The government price of $3,199 makes this a real bargain. This workstation would do well for users who prefer to use Mac OS X.
Dell's Precision T5500 is a well put together computer with a lot of features. It has more ports than any other workstation in the roundup. We were pleased to find eight USB 2.0 ports — two in front — in addition to the PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports. It also had three FireWire ports — one in front — an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment port, a serial communications port, and even a parallel port for older printers.
Unfortunately, one shortcoming we found was that this Precision model had only a 250G hard drive. Given that a workstation such as this generally would need to have a great deal of software installed, that drive size might not be adequate.
Inside, we found that the components were reasonably easy to access. There are a few places where the cabling is bracketed in such a way to make it awkward to get to things, but that is only in a few places. With the exception of the power supply, everything can be removed without using tools. One thing we didn't see on the other computers is a physical intrusion detection switch that can tell you if the case has been opened since the last time you had done it.
Dell Precision T5500
Pros: Exceptional 2-D graphics performance.Cons: Some cables in the way; low hard drive performance.Performance: A-Ease of Access: BUpgradability: B+Features: A-Value: B+Price: $4,404
There was also a decent amount of room for upgrades. Only four of the six memory slots are used, and it has an empty PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot and two empty PCI Express x8 expansion slots. There also was a variety of empty drive bays: two 3.5-inch internal, two 5.25-inch external and one 3.5-inch external.
The Dell Precision T5500 did pretty well in our performance benchmark tests. Its score of 2,274.2 puts it squarely in the middle of the pack. Its ATI FirePro V5800 graphics card did extremely well at representing 2-D images. The six-core Intel Xeon X5680 processor handled most of the math tests well, and the 4G of memory excelled in most tests. Its hard drive definitely prevented the computer from getting a better total. However, it's a solid performer all-around.
The Dell Precision T5500 sells for $4,404 as configured for this review. We found that to be an acceptable price, considering the great number of ports and the fact that it has a six-core processor.
Hewlett-Packard's Z600 Workstation is a well-designed piece of computing that's very easy to access. The first things that caught our attention were the handles placed at the top two corners of the case without adding anything to its outer dimensions. These handles are comfortable to grasp and could be used to easily move the workstation.
We were impressed with the HP's whopping number of USB 2.0 ports: nine, with three in the front. And that's in addition to having PS/2 ports for a mouse and keyboard. However, it has only one FireWire 800 port.
Everything inside the Z600 is designed for ease of access. Everything except for the motherboard can be removed without using tools. Even the power supply is special in this regard. We were able to pull it out to find that it plugs into a socket beneath that interfaces all of the power cables and runs them under the motherboard. The only disadvantage to its unusual shape is that if it ever needed to be replaced, you couldn't just run out to the computer store and get any old rectangular power supply. But you probably wouldn't want to if you could, because this power supply is given an 80 PLUS Bronze rating for power efficiency.
HP Z600 Workstation
Pros: Pull-out power supply; case handles.Cons: Low performance results; less room for upgrades.Performance: BEase of Access: AUpgradability: B+Features: AValue: A-Price: $4,531 ($3,987 government)
The inset handles have a price, and that is in the upgradability grade. It only has two empty 3.5-inch internal bays and two empty 5.25-inch external ones. At least one more 3.5-inch internal bay could have gone where a handle resides. The motherboard does have a few more available expansion slots than average: one PCI Express 2.0 x16, two PCI Express x8 and two regular PCI slots. In addition, there are three memory slots still available.
The HP scored near the bottom of the group in our performance benchmarks. Its score of 1,884.8 was largely because of its Intel Xeon X5660 six-core processor's low performance in most of the CPU tests. Although the 6G of memory did reasonably well, the Nvidia Quadro 2000 more than canceled that out with its subpar graphics performance.
At a $4,531 list price, the HP Z600 is a bit more expensive than we would have liked. However, its government price of $3,987 is definitely more like it and actually makes it a good buy. This workstation would be ideal for network administrators who must move computers frequently.
The ThinkStation C20 from Lenovo has many high-end features for multimedia use, and moving it around is made easier by the case handle toward the front of the top panel.
There is no shortage of USB 2.0 ports with the ThinkStation. It has 10 total, with two in the front. That is the most of any computer in this roundup, although its lack of any PS/2 ports means that two of these ports are taken up by a keyboard and mouse. There is also an external Serial ATA port and ports for 5.1 surround-sound speakers.
Inside is where the ThinkStation showed some weakness. Some components were not easy to access because of the support structure. And the blue tabs that are supposed to indicate tool-free entry are often not very visible or intuitive in their operation. However, the cables are tied back pretty well.
Lenovo ThinkStation C20
Pros: Excellent graphics performance.Cons: Somewhat hard to get into.Performance: A-Ease of Access: BUpgradability: B+Features: A-Value: B+Price: $4,660 ($3,736 government)
The ThinkStation's power supply is rated at 750 watts. This means that it has more than enough power for all of its components and then some. However, it might also draw more electricity than others in this roundup.
We were pleased with the ThinkStation's upgradability, both in quantity and variety. Its memory only uses two of the six DIMM slots, leaving plenty of room there. The motherboard has a plethora of usable expansion slots: one PCI Express 2.0 x16, one PCI Express x1, one PCI Express x 4 and two regular PCI. There are also three empty 3.5-inch internal drive bays and one 5.25-inch external one.
The Lenovo did well in our benchmark tests, achieving a score of 2,334. This places it second in the roundup. Though the Intel Xeon X5650 performed very well in the CPU tests, its 4G of memory didn't do as well. But what gave the ThinkStation such a good grade was the high-end NVidia Quadro FX 4800, which totally blew the competition away in the 3-D graphics test.
The Lenovo ThinkStation C20's list price of $4,660 leaves something to be desired. However, the government price of $3,735 was more to our liking. This workstation computer would do quite well in the hands of a video editor or 3-D modeler.
The SuperWorkstation SYS-7046A-T from Supermicro is built more like a server than a workstation. That is evident in its size and some of its components. The case is 25.5 inches front to back, a little long for some desktops, and might be a bit awkward if placed underneath a desk.
The SuperWorkstation has a good number of ports. Although there are only six USB 2.0 ports — two in front — the PS/2 ports for a keyboard and mouse made them all potentially usable. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two serial communications ports and the surround-sound ports nicely round out the connections. We were also pleased to find the SAS RAID enclosure the SuperWorkstation had.
When we opened the case, we were pretty pleased with the way the insides were laid out. The cable management is good, and everything is pretty easy to access. We liked that there is a partition between the motherboard and drive enclosures that have four fans in a row. That would definitely ensure that airflow would proceed constantly in one direction.
Supermicro SuperWorkstation (SYS-7046A-T)
Pros: Fast performance; lots of memory; RAID drive.Cons: Large and heavy for desktop use.Performance: A+Ease of Access: A-Upgradability: AFeatures: B+Value: B+Price: $4,395
The SuperWorkstion's super-sized case also allows for several upgrades. The motherboard has room for a second processor, and only six of the 12 memory slots are used. The Redundant Array of Independent Disks enclosure has seven open slots for hard drives. There is also one 5.25-inch external bay, and one that can be used to hold a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch device. The number of available expansions slots is decent: one PCI Express x 4 and three PCI. The second PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that is available on other computers in this roundup was taken up in the SuperWorkstation by the SAS controller card.
In our performance benchmark tests, the SuperWorkstation scored the highest: 2,928.2. Although its Intel Xeon X5650 processor had one of the slower performances in the roundup, its 24G — yes, you read that correctly — of memory completely blew away its competition in that area.
That is an impressive amount of memory, but it should be noted that, although it totally outstripped the others in the large RAM test, it actually scored second lowest in all the other memory tests. That means that unless you are performing an inordinate number of operations at once, there is a limit to how much extra RAM will help, and the SuperWorkstation might have exceeded that limit.
That being said, its performance in many areas was very good, enabling it to earn a top score of 2,511 even when excluding the RAM test from the results.
Supermicro has set the list price for the SuperWorkstation SYS-7046A-T at $4,395. That's a very good price for all that RAM and the eight-bay RAID drive. This workstation would do very well in any situation in which its physical size won't be an issue.
E-Mail this page
Printable Format
Advanced Search
Sign up for our newsletter.
I agree to this site's Privacy Policy.


text:
Maybe China's Currency Isn't Undervalued After All
Note to rest of the world: Stop bugging China on undervaluation of its currency.
The World Bank's re-estimation of global pricing is leading to a second day of questioning of economic verities. Yesterday, a number of publications used the new numbers to pronounce that the U.S. would next year lose its century-long ranking as the world's number one economy. (China Real Time came to a more nuanced—and skeptical—conclusion.)
Today, two economists at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, perhaps the world's top econ think tank, used the numbers to conclude that the Chinese yuan was no longer undervalued, as it has been for decades.
"This estimate is of potential historic significance," conclude Martin Kessler and Arvind Subramanian. "The end of Chinese mercantilism—and relief for the rest of the world—may be in sight," they write in a Peterson blog post.
To review, the World Bank re-estimated the size of different economies using a calculation known as purchasing power parity (PPP), which tries to estimate relative wealth by looking at differing prices in different countries for the same goods or services. Such comparisons usually show that developing countries aren't as poor as they seem. For instance: A haircut in Beijing costs far less than a haircut in Boston, which means the wealth of a Chinese person with a full head of hair –- let's call him Mr. Wang—is greater than usually understood.
But Mr. Wang doesn't buy things in PPP; he buys them using actual currency. When he leaves the hair salon and buys an import, say a U.S. iPhone or a German car, his yuan are converted into dollars or euros at the current exchange rate. Given that Chinese earn far less money than Americans or Germans on average, exchange rate comparisons accentuate the gap between developing and developed nations. Most comparisons of international power are done using the prevailing exchange rate, not PPP.
Now, back to the value of the yuan.
Messrs. Kessler and Subramanian use the new PPP calculations to estimate that between 2011 and March 2014 China's per-capita GDP grew about 13 percentage points faster than the U.S., which they say should translate into a currency appreciation of around 3.2%. Since the actual appreciation was 7%, that suggests the yuan appreciated too rapidly during that period and made up for some of the time when the yuan didn't strengthen rapidly enough. "The renminbi in 2014 is thus fairly valued," they conclude.
Any estimate of a currency's valuation is a black art. Different economists use different methods and come up with different conclusions, especially if there isn't an obvious undervaluation or overvaluation.
It's hardly surprising that many countries accuse the others of deliberately undervaluing their currencies, and use estimates of currency valuation to make their point. Nearly every government has the same strategy for growth -- export more -- and a cheap currency helps exporters.
The U.S. Congress has made China's currency a political issue for years; before that, Congress's target was the Japanese yen. Developing nations, in return, accuse the U.S., through the Federal Reserve's bond-buying policy known as quantitative easing, of slapping a fancy name on a plan to drive down the value of the dollar.
More In Currency
- Donald Trump Is A Few Years Behind on the China Currency Problem
- A New Yuan Trade: Target Short-Sellers, a Group Says
- Cold Feet: China's Experiment With Freer Yuan Again Gets Cut Short
- Yuan's Fall Drags Down Some Chinese Companies
- Does a Tobin Tax on Foreign Currency Trades Make Sense for China?
- Global Currency War? U.S. Officials Are Counting on a Continuing Truce
The most likely outcome of the Peterson Institute calculations is that China will be able to point to them as a way to justify its currency policy and the U.S. Congress will do its best to ignore them.
Alan Tonelson, an economist for the U.S. Business and Industry Council, a business group that regularly accuses China of playing different games to disadvantage U.S. exporters, was dismissive of the Kessler-Subramanian calculations.
Although the yuan has risen substantially in value over the past decade, "that should not be confused with movement toward proper valuation because, during the period in question, China's economic fundamentals improved so dramatically versus America's," Mr. Tonelson wrote in an email to China Real Time. "Indeed, it's most reasonable to argue that the yuan's appreciation brought it no closer to proper valuation during this period - because were it traded freely, it would have appreciated much, much more."
The argument isn't settled and likely won't be soon, if ever. The International Monetary Fund is due to come up with its assessment of the yuan's valuation during the summer. Last year, the IMF said the yuan was "moderately" undervalued—IMF lingo for 5% to 10% undervalued. The IMF figures China's trade surplus will rise over the coming years. So it's a safe bet that the IMF, which doesn't use PPP, will again be in the yuan-is-undervalued camp.
--Bob Davis. Follow him on Twitter @bobdavis187.
Most Popular Videos
Most Popular Articles
Disparity in Corporate Profits Hints at Something Amiss
West Point, Annapolis Officials Investigating Possible 'White Power' Hand Sign
Trump's Impeachment Rebuke Bookended by Policy Victories
The Money Men Who Enabled Adam Neumann and the WeWork Debacle
The CIA's Former Chief of Disguise Drops Her Mask

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jimmy Fallon's 'Russell Brand Reads Star' Bit Interrupted by … Russell Brand [VIDEO]
Not since Jimmy Fallon climbed trees dressed like Robert Pattinson to complain about things that bothered him has a 'Late Night' sketch been this good.
Last night (Feb. 4), Fallon threw on a wig and a British accent to perform the bit 'Russell Brand Reads Star,' in which Fallon does a pretty spot-on impersonation of the flouncy Englishman reading Star magazine.
All you need is an accent, a curly black wig and some tight clothing, plus the mannerisms of Jack Sparrow -- and you've pretty much got it.
No one is immune from pseudo-Brand's mocking. From Justin Bieber being the love child of Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer to Rihanna and Chris Brown's doomed romance, no celeb is safe from Fallon-as-Brand's insults.
The host is eventually interrupted from yelling ridiculous British sayings like "lovely jubbly" when the real Russell Brand arrives to help end the skit with some less than gentle molestation and accusations that everything Fallon is doing is a "hate crime."
Codswallop! Bob's your uncle! Other British things!


text:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I look up a single name or symbol?
A. Use the PLANTS Name Search at the top of the left hand menu. If you want a list for an entire genus or family with synonyms, or a state, please use the State Search instead.
Q. How do I obtain a copy of the entire PLANTS checklist?
A. Go to Download/Complete PLANTS Checklist on the left hand menu, or click here.
Q. How do I use your downloaded PLANTS information?
A. Most of our data are downloaded as uncompressed ASCII text, and can be imported into word processing, spreadsheet, or database programs of your choice.
Q. How do I refine my search using multiple criteria?
A. Using the Advanced Search (top of the left hand menu) you can search and download all the data at PLANTS with comprehensive flexibility. You can also do geographic searches via the State Search function, but only for a limited number of criteria (scientific name, common name, symbol, family, and state distribution).
Q. How do I find county distributions?
A. PLANTS contains county-level distributional data for all 50 states, and these are listed in the legend of the distribution map in a species' PLANTS Profile. After selecting a species and viewing its PLANTS Profile, check the distribution map to see if the plant occurs in the state of interest. Consult the map legend to see if we offer county distribution data for that state, and if so, click that state on the map or the state postal code in the legend to view the county level map.
Q. How do I find information about a plant that is growing in my front yard?
A. PLANTS mostly has native and naturalized plants of the PLANTS Floristic Area (PFA), which consists of North America and all additional U.S. territories and protectorates. PLANTS generally does not contain information about horticultural or cultivated plants such as you can buy at a nursery. Please use the search engines available on the Web to locate horticultural, crop, and gardening sites, consult your local nursery or grower, ask your school, city, or university science reference librarian, or consult the agricultural or horticultural extension person for your area.
Q. Where can I find more detailed information than youve provided me with?
A. Please use the search engines available on the Web to locate horticultural, crop, and gardening sites, consult your local nursery or grower, ask your school, city, or university science reference librarian, consult the agricultural or horticultural extension person for your area, or consult your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) district office or NRCS Plant Materials specialist.
Q. I cant find the plant Im interested in. Why not and how can I? I think a list from which to choose would be helpful!
A. PLANTS contains information about vascular plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts, and hornworts that occur spontaneously within the PLANTS Floristic Area (North America and all additional U.S. territories and protectorates). PLANTS does not always contain common garden plants or plants that occur only outside the U.S. The PLANTS Name Search (top of the left hand menu) should find your plant if it is in the database, since it automatically looks for any record containing the string you entered. Check your spelling if you are convinced that your plant is in the database, and try to enter only part of the name. See our page on Wildcards for more information.
Q. Why dont you have a photo for a plant species in which I am interested?
A. We are building our Gallery as fast as time and money allow. Many species do not have readily available images. Try searching for additional photos using one of the Web search engines, and check More Accounts and Images and Related Web Sites at the PLANTS Profile.
Q. Will you identify a plant for me?
A. We'd like to but it is very difficult to do without specimens; verbal descriptions rarely suffice. If the identification is important to you consult your local library, especially a college or university library, for references used to identify the native or horticultural plants of your area. Illustrations, either photos or line drawings, can be most helpful. Alternatively, consult the local herbarium (plant specimen museum) at one of the land grant institutions, hopefully nearby, or another nearby college or university. Your local agricultural or horticultural extension person may also be able to help. Other web-based resources have illustrative material or staff that can answer such questions, especially if the plant is unusual and growing spontaneously (not cultivated) and therefore of interest to local or state institutions.
Q. What plants are in the PLANTS database?
A. The PLANTS database contains native and naturalized plants of the PLANTS Floristic Area (PFA), which consists of North America and all additional U.S. territories and protectorates. Vascular plant distributions are mapped at the state and province level, and by U.S. county. Our checklists for the non-vascular mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens cover all of North America north of Mexico; no additional distribution data are available for these plants. The total number of PFA accepted taxa at the rank of binomial and below is about 38,000. Comprehensive data for the U.S. territories and protectorates in the PFA Pacific Basin area are in preparation but are not yet included at PLANTS. PLANTS also has about 5000 vascular plants that do not occur spontaneously (i.e., are not naturalized) in the PFA; most of these are of economic importance, and many of them are cultivated within the PFA.
Q. How are your vascular plants arranged?
A. According to the Cronquist system, as published in: Cronquist, A. 1981. An integrated system of classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanical Garden. Columbia University Press, New York.
Q. What do you mean by native and introduced?
A. In PLANTS, native means naturally occurring at the time of Columbus. Introduced plants arrived later, invariably with human assistance, from some other part of the world. Introduced plants reproduce spontaneously in the wild without human help. Waifs persist for a time and then disappear. Garden Persistent plants remain around old homesteads but do not spread from them. At PLANTS we use Introduced since it is widely known rather than the similar term naturalized. Because people have been moving plants for thousands of years, and because it is often hard to know how a plant got where it is, Native Status is frequently ambiguous and therefore difficult to assign.
We have broken the PLANTS Floristic Area (PFA) into Native Status jurisdictions to try to improve our information about where plants are native. A plant that is native to any part of a Native Status jurisdiction (e.g., L48, the lower 48 states) is considered Native, even if some populations within that area are introduced. Thus the L48 Native Status value for smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is N (Native) despite the existence of introduced populations on the West Coast. However, a plant like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is considered Native and Introduced since it has some infra-taxa that are native to L48 and some that are introduced there. Plants that do not occur in the PFA do not have Native Status values in PLANTS, though they may be cultivated or used as ornamentals within the PFA.
Q. What do the distribution maps show?
A. The state and county maps show the distribution of native and naturalized populations only, not planted or horticultural populations. Plants growing in yards, along streets, or planted in other settings are not included unless they have escaped cultivation and are established in the wild and reproducing spontaneously without the aid of humankind.
Q. How are your symbols put together?
A. Each symbol is composed of the first two letters of the genus+first two letters of the species+first letter of the terminal infraspecific name+tiebreaking number (if needed). Genus and family symbols are the first five (genus) or six (family) letters of the name, plus tiebreaking number (if needed). Symbols were first used in the Soil Conservation Service's National List of Scientific Plant Names (NLSPN), and have been perpetuated in the PLANTS system.
Q. Do you still have only one common name when many plants have several?
A. PLANTS has a single National Common Name (always found below the scientific name at the top of the PLANTS profile). For some plants, alternative common names appear in the top PLANTS profile box. PLANTS also maintains a single common name for each state; these state common names are available only to NRCS resource managers.
Q. Why does my understanding of the state or county distribution of a particular species not agree with yours?
A. There are several possibilities: 1) Your information is more accurate than ours. If so, please read our distribution data standards and then contact us to update our information.
Q. What are synonyms and accepted names, and how are they portrayed in PLANTS?
A. Accepted names are listed flush on the left margin, and are the currently accepted scientific name for a particular plant. Synonyms, indented below their corresponding accepted names, are names that have been used previously to refer to that plant, but for taxonomic or nomenclatural reasons are no longer preferred. In many cases the currently accepted name may reflect a more appropriate taxonomic placement, for example, the species is more at home in its current genus. Or, it may have been determined that a previously used name was not validly published, and hence may not be used. Also, synonyms often were published after the publication of an accepted name referring to the same species, and according to nomenclatural rules of priority, the older name must be used.
Q. How are binomials and autonyms listed in synonymy?
A. Autonyms ("self names") are names such as Swertia albicaulis var. albicaulis which are automatically established from the binomial when a new taxon (e.g., Swertia albicaulis var. columbiana) is described at a rank below species. Autonyms represent the remaining conceptual portion of the binomial when all the other infraspecific taxa at that rank (e.g., Swertia albicaulis var. columbiana) are excluded. When a binomial with all its infraspecific taxa is placed in synonymy, however, some taxonomists assert that the autonym is no longer extant, and the binomial synonym should be used to represent that portion of the species not contained in other infra taxa. Thus, if Swertia albicaulis is transferred to Frasera, Swertia albicaulis var. columbiana becomes a synonym of Frasera albicaulis var. columbiana, whereas Swertia albicaulis becomes the corresponding synonym for Frasera albicaulis var. albicaulis. But at PLANTS we retain all symbols and names, so if we have previously used the autonym we place it in synonymy alongside its forming binomial. Thus in the above example we place both Frasera albicaulis var. albicaulis and Frasera albicaulis in synonymy of Swertia albicaulis.
Q. What are the data fields and values in the PLANTS database?
A. You can view them here.
Q. How do I cite PLANTS?
A. Please cite the National PLANTS Database as indicated on our PLANTS Citation and Acknowledgements page.
Q. Are your images copyrighted? Am I free to use them?
A. The use of most images at PLANTS requires permission. Conditions of use vary as follows, but acknowledgement is required under all circumstances:
Non-copyrighted images: Use of these public domain PLANTS images is unrestricted (i.e., free for any use) and you do not have to notify the photographer or the PLANTS Database. You must acknowledge the source of the image as shown below no matter how or where you use it.
Copyrighted images: Any use of copyrighted images requires permission of the copyright holder or designated contact person. Please see the Usage Requirements displayed with each picture for the contact information for the copyright holder or designated contact person, and use it to communicate with them directly regarding any use of copyrighted images. Regardless of how you use the image, you must acknowledge the source of the image as shown below.
Acknowledgement: Any use of any PLANTS image requires proper credit to the photographer or illustrator, copyright holder, institution, and the PLANTS Database. Here are two examples of appropriate acknowledgment:
©J.S. Peterson
NPDT @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Robert Mohlenbrock
USDA, NRCS, 1997 - Northeastern Wetlands Flora @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Q. How do I contribute images to the PLANTS database?
A. We and your fellow users would very much appreciate your contribution. Please read about our preferences for submissions.
Q. Can we link to your site or your images?
A. For pages on our website, please do! But to link to individual images on our website you may need permission from the copyright holder or designated contact person, depending on the Usage Requirements for an image.
Q. Which browser/version should I use to view the PLANTS Web site?
Q. How are style sheets used on the PLANTS Web site?
A. We use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to format the site consistently with our fonts, font sizes, and colors. For best results your browser must recognize style sheets and be set to accept our style sheet in particular. This will normally be the case if you are using Internet Explorer. The PLANTS site may be viewed without style sheets enabled or with your own style sheets, but there will be some font, color, and spacing differences.
Q. How is scripting used on the PLANTS Web site?
A. The PLANTS Web site uses JavaScript for greater versatility. For example, we use it for some form validation, to display help screens, and to maintain your name searches from page to page. The site will still be useable if scripting is turned off, but expect some decreased functionality.
Q. Should my browser be configured to use scripting?
A. Our recommended browser is normally configured to use scripting when it is installed, and this is required for full performance of PLANTS. However, you may have set your security settings or firewall software to disable scripting. For example, in Microsoft Internet Explorer, setting your security level to "High" (Tools> Internet Options…> Security) will disable scripting. Please refer to your browser or firewall documentation for more information.
Q. What type of "cookies" are used on the PLANTS Web site?
A. We use only "session" cookies on the PLANTS Web site. These cookies are temporary files that are used to keep track of information as you move from page to page while you're at PLANTS. They cease to exist when you close your browser and cannot ever be shared outside of PLANTS. We do not use "persistent" cookies at PLANTS. Persistent cookies store information on your computer for some defined time period and remain on your computer even when you close your browser.
Q. What are cookies used for on the PLANTS Web site?
A. We use cookies on the PLANTS Name Search. On the PLANTS Name Search at the top left of every page, the name type and the name you enter are stored as cookies. This allows you to move between the different sections of PLANTS and see the last name you entered in the Name Search at the top of every page.
Q. What happens if I disable cookies or reject cookies at the PLANTS Web site?
Q. How do I set my browser to accept or decline cookies?
A. That depends on your browser, browser version, and perhaps your firewall software. In Internet Explorer see Tools> Internet Options…> and click on the Security tab. We recommend you check the documentation for your browser and firewall software, and consult with your system administrator if you have one.
Q. How can I directly link to the PLANTS database from my Web site and display a PLANTS Profile Page?
A. General instructions for accessing a Plant Profile Page are outlined below. We ask that you retain the PLANTS navigation frameset and clearly specify that your link is going to the USDA PLANTS Database.
1. A direct query to display a Plant Profile assumes that a valid PLANTS Symbol is included in the URL. The general form is (with no breaks):
where XXXXX is a valid symbol in upper case. The symbol must be upper case! For example, to display a profile page using the symbol AMAR2 use the following URL:
2. It is also possible to search the PLANTS database. If more than one plant meets your search criteria, a list of these plants is displayed (if only one plant meets your search criteria, a single PLANTS Profile appears). Individual PLANTS Profiles can be displayed by clicking on the plant links in this list. The type of search and the search text is included as part of the URL. The general form is (with no breaks):
where searchtype =
and searchtext = the text that you wish to search for.
Note that the system finds both complete and partial matches to your search text. Thus a common name search on "blue" would return bluemink, Arizona bluestar, big bluestem, and many others. The following example searches the PLANTS database for any common name containing "blue":
Please contact us if you establish a direct link to PLANTS so that we can try to keep you up to date if the structure of PLANTS changes. Also contact us if you need further help in accessing the PLANTS database from another Web site.


text:
Transparency Is Breaking Out All Over!
On Monday, Cato is hosting a briefing on Capitol Hill about congressional Wikipedia editing. Over a recent 90-day period, there were over 400,000 hits on Wikipedia articles about bills pending in Congress. If congressional staff were to contribute more to those articles, the amount of information available to interested members of the public would soar. Data that we produce at Cato go into the "infoboxes" on dozens and dozens of Wikipedia articles about bills in Congress.
A popular Twitter 'bot called @congressedits recently created a spike in interest about congressional Wikipedia editing. It puts a slight negative spin on the practice because it tracks anonymous edits coming from Hill IP addresses, which are more likely to be inappropriate. But Congress can do a lot of good in this area, so Cato intern Zach Williams built a Twitter 'bot that shows all edits to articles about pending federal legislation. This should draw attention to the beneficial practice of informing the public before bills become law. Meet @Wikibills!
Also, as of this week, Cato data are helping to inform some 26 million visitors per year to Cornell Law's Legal Information Institute about what Congress is doing. Thanks to Tom Bruce and Sara Frug for adding some great content to the LII site.
Let's say you're interested in 18 U.S. Code § 2516, the part of the U.S. code that authorizes interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications. Searching for it online, you'll probably reach the Cornell page for that section of the code. In the right column, a box displays "Related bills now in Congress," linking to relevant bills in Congress.
Those hyperlinks are democratic links, letting people know what Congress is doing, so people can look into it and have their say. Does liberty automatically break out thanks to those developments? No. But public demands of all types—including for liberty and limited government—are frustrated now by the utter obscurity in which Congress acts. We're lifting the curtain, providing the data that translates into a better informed public, a public better equipped to get what it wants.
The path to liberty goes through transparency, and transparency is breaking out all over!


text:
1949 & 1954 Ford F-1 - All In The Family
Two Panes Keep this Family Connected
Panel trucks are rare; having two fine panel trucks belonging to one family is even less likely. The reason for today's panel truck shortage began with low production numbers. When compared to the traditional open pickup truck, there simply was not the demand for a truck with a covered cargo area. While that roof provided protection from both the weather and unsavory characters who may want to unload your cargo, it also limited the ability to load tall objects. It was common to see plumbers, electricians, and local delivery of goods being handled by panel trucks. But still, the production numbers paled in comparison to the pickup.
As time went by, the popularity of the panel truck continued to dwindle. In 1950 (Ford didn't list production figures for individual truck models in 1949) there were 22,241 F-1 panel trucks produced. By 1954 new Ford pickup trucks outnumbered new panel trucks 10 to one, with a mere 9,093 F-100 panel trucks rolling off the production lines. Production figures would climb a bit from there by 1956, and then in 1960 the last conventional Ford panel truck was built, replaced in 1961 by the Econoline van series.
Hot rodders always recognized the value of a panel truck as a parts chaser and race car support vehicle. They were perfect for hauling parts, towing the race car, and then converting to sleeping quarters at the race track. They provided shade at the dry lakes and salt flats and simply supported the hot rod industry.
The sight of these two exceptional panel trucks parked side by side at the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion stopped us in our tracks. It turns out they were part of the Street Rodder Magazine Road Tour, traveling on the Vintage Air leg of that national journey. The 1949 panel bore Illinois plates, while the 1954 was from Texas, little did we know the two truck owners were related.
As it turns out Norm Baker, owner of the 1954 is the brother of Judith Baker-Barrows, who, along with her husband, built the 1949 panel. There was a third Baker involved in this panel family, the late Bill Baker. Bill was an artist and a hot rodder his whole life, and from all accounts he was a guy who lived life to the fullest. Sadly he lost his battle with cancer in 2006 before he could finish this 1954 F-100 panel. Rather than see the truck go unfinished and leave the family, Norm Baker stepped in and purchased his brother's truck and spent two years finishing it to the high standards that Bill Baker was known for.
The chassis work had been nearly completed and the frame rolled on solid axles front and rear with disc brakes up front and drum brakes out back. In 1954, Ford introduced their first OHV V-8, and while the venerable Y-block was a step up in power, the Baker boys opted for more modern power in the form of a 1985 small-block Ford motor. In the interest of reliability, the 302 was rebuilt to stock specifications, from the four-barrel carb to the cast-iron exhaust manifolds.
By day, Norm Baker is a charter boat captain, which explains the maritime theme of the panel truck. In keeping with that theme, the engine is finished in an understated gray paint scheme lending a marine look to the motor. Behind the motor, a C6 transmission handles the shifting chores with a Lokar shifter handling gear selection. Out back a 9-inch Ford rear spins the Coker Redline tires.
The nautical theme continues on the outside of the F-100. Painted an appropriate deep blue, the body remains basically original. The rear doors have been shaved and the license plate now resides in a recess that spans the hatchback-opening rear doors. At first glance you may think this truck is a 1956 due to the use of the 1956 hood and chrome grille. The hood has been relieved of all emblems and a new chrome bumper completes the front view.
Inside the truck a custom wood headliner was crafted by his brother-in-law Lyn Barrows. Lyn also contributed much of the custom metalwork inside the cabin, while Greg Stallmeyer handled all the leatherwork on the truck. Some of the late Bill Baker's artwork was done in metal sculpting and his use of a MIG welder in art was a trademark. Bill also painted the dashboard. The same style of metal panels has been incorporated throughout the truck.
By 2008 the truck was complete, a fitting tribute to Norm's late brother and a truck that will remain in the family for a very long time. But this is only half of the story, because in 2007 Judith Baker-Barrows and her husband Lyn Barrows purchased one very fine original truck from Joe Amato at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
With a love of old panel trucks running in the family there is little wonder the Barrows began bidding on this fine 1949 survivor in Scottsdale. Unlike most panel trucks, this one had led a relatively gentle life and was in remarkable condition. So remarkable in fact that the original factory paint remains intact inside the truck.
After purchasing the truck, Lyn and Judith proceeded to make the old hauler a more modern vehicle. Lyn has been hot rodding for a very long time and had a clear vision how the truck should be built. The Barrow's own an art gallery in White Heath, Illinois, so it was important to have a reliable truck with reasonable ride quality to haul art to and from the gallery with either Judith or Lyn behind the wheel.
The old front axle has given way to a Mustang II front suspension and power rack-and-pinion, while out back a 9-inch Ford rear is mounted with leaf springs and carries 3.50:1 final gear.
For power a 1985 Ford HO 302 motor was mated to an AOD transmission. The engine remains in stock configuration with a single Holley carb feeding the small-block. Dress-up items are limited to a chrome breather and aluminum valve covers as this is still a working truck. A Walker radiator and twin electric fans control engine temperature, while cast-iron manifolds lead to a pair of turbo mufflers.
Externally the truck looks much like it did the day it left the factory. Since the truck was painted when they purchased it, the person behind the excellent paint and bodywork is unknown. Dave Anderson handled the graphics on the side of the truck and the original bumpers were sent off to be powdercoated in black. Those outside mirrors are straight from O'Reilly Auto Parts and the original lighting is still in use on the truck.
Lyn then turned his attention to the inside of the truck. The original "Spiralounge Seat" that Ford bragged about in 1949 has been replaced with a pair of modern Ford pickup seats. While the original seats may have boasted "coil springs adjustable to the driver's weight" with a hydraulic shock absorber mount, the new seats feature an additional 63 years of seat development and provide infinitely more support in all the right places.
The stock gauge cluster was sent off to Classic Instruments to be refurbished, while Vintage Air handles the climate control. A complete Ron Francis Wiring harness was installed in the truck and the GMC van tilt and telescopic column is topped with a custom banjo steering wheel.
And so the Bakers and their extended family now have a pair of panels capable of cruising long distances or delivering the goods on a local basis. These panels go a long way toward making family outings more fun and also provide plenty of reasons to get together anywhere between Texas and Illinois.


text:
HIGHLIGHTS: Westbrook Lobs To The Kiwi
Video Details
- FOX Sports Southwest
- FOX Sports Southwest - Thunder
- FOX Sports Southwest - Top Headlines
- Oklahoma City Thunder
HIGHLIGHTS: Westbrook Lobs To The Kiwi
Help | Press | Advertise With Us | Jobs | FOX Cincy | RSS | Site Map
FS1 | FOX | FOX News | Fox Corporation | FOX Supports | FOX Deportes
™ and © 2019 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. All rights reserved
Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these TERMS OF USE and UPDATED PRIVACY POLICY.
Advertising Choices


text:
Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper is feeling the effects of the poor housing market.
The one-time-co-host of "At the Movies" is named in a foreclosure case filed by U.S. Bank, Crain's reports.
Roeper allegedly missed payments on his $1.5-million dollar mortgage.
Thumbs down, Roeper.
His attorney says that Roeper has made the payment and brought his mortgage current since the suit was filed Nov. 17 in Cook County Circuit Court.
"The mortgage payments are connected to two deals that were late. When the money came in, the mortgage payments were made," attorney Todd Musburger told Crain's.
Roeper lives in the condo, but it's on the market. He currently owes about $1.45 million on the place.


text:
Fort Lewis College recognizes and honors the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by the members of the Armed Forces. We welcome veterans who wish to begin or continue their education at our campus in Durango, Colorado. We are working to help veterans make the transition from military life back into life as a civilian and a student. To learn more about applying to FLC, check out our Admission page. A number of resources and programs are available exclusively for veterans, including the Fort Lewis College Veterans Club.
New Veteran Students: Complete VA form 22-1990 (Application for Educational Benefits). This needs to be done as early as possible after you have been accepted by Fort Lewis College, as it takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks to process your claim.
Transfer Veteran Students: Complete VA form 22-1995 (Change of Program or Place of Training) and submit to the Veterans' Certifying Official at the Registrar's Office.
Dependent Students: Complete VA form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance). This needs to be done as early as possible after you have been admitted into Fort Lewis College, as the minimum processing time for claims is 4-6 weeks. When you receive notification your benefits have been approved, please provide the Veterans' Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office with a copy of the notification letter. This will provide the VA claim number, which must be used for any correspondence between the Registrar's Office and the VA.
Rehabilitation Students: You will need to contact the Veterans Administration at (800) 827-1000, which will connect you with the proper authority to determine if you qualify for benefits. Once you have been approved for benefits, you will receive VA form 28-1905 each term of enrollment. You will then need to submit this form to the Veterans' Certifying Official at the Registrar's Office.
General Information: Address changes with the VA can be made by calling (888) 442-4551. Please notify the Registrar's Office as well. Any registration changes should be reported immediately to the Veterans' Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office within 15 business days from the last date of attendance. Failure to do so may result in an adjustment of reported hours back to the first day of the semester. You will receive checks on a monthly basis, which will be payment for the preceding month of enrollment. Chapter 30 students are required to verify their enrollment for the time period and number of hours indicated on the form via WAVE at www.gibill.va.gov in order to be paid. Chapter 30 students may also phone in this information at (877) 823-2378.
For information on how to apply for educational benefits, or if your enrollment status has changed, please contact the Veterans Certifying Official at (970) 247-7399 or visit the Registrar's Office.
You may check the status of your Veterans' benefits by calling (888) 442-4551. This is an automated phone system which allows you to check your status. You may also ask questions via the VA Education Benefits website at www.gibill.va.gov.
The Fort Lewis College Veterans Club exists to give veterans a community of friends that understand what being in the military is all about. Any veteran from any branch of service is welcome to join. The Club routinely holds meetings and sponsors events. For more information, please contact Lindsay Reichert-Noisom.
Click here to subscribe to the Veteran's Club listserv.


text:
Atlas Copco to acquire MEYCO, broadens offering for tunneling and mining
Stockholm, Sweden, December 21, 2012: Atlas Copco (Schweiz) AG has agreed to acquire the Switzerland-based MEYCO Equipment business from BASF Construction Chemicals Europe AG. The acquisition broadens Atlas Copco's offering with mobile equipment for applying sprayed concrete (shotcreting) in underground operations.
MEYCO, with offices and an assembly facility in Winterthur, Switzerland, has about 40 employees and had revenues in 2011 of around MEUR 20 (MSEK 175). Its products include carrier-mounted concrete spraying equipment, concrete spraying arms, pump and dosing units. Current sales are mainly for underground construction projects in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Both parties have agreed to not disclose financial details of the transaction.
"This acquisition is a good strategic fit for Atlas Copco as it broadens the offering for our existing customers," said Bob Fassl, Business Area President for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique. "Shotcreting is a growth segment thanks to high safety requirements in tunneling and we look forward to introducing these products through our global sales channels, both to mining and underground civil construction customers."
For more information about MEYCO, see www.meyco.basf.com . The acquired business will be part of the Underground Rock Excavation division within Mining and Rock Excavation Technique. The purchase is subject to approval by the responsible authorities and legal closing of the transaction is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2013.
About Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. With innovative products and services, Atlas Copco delivers solutions for sustainable productivity. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2011, Atlas Copco had 37 500 employees and revenues of BSEK 81 (BEUR 9).
Atlas Copco's Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area provides equipment for drilling and rock excavation, a complete range of related consumables and service through a global network. The business area innovates for sustainable productivity in surface and underground mining, infrastructure, civil works, well drilling and geotechnical applications. Principal product development and manufacturing units are located in Sweden, the United States, Canada, China and India.


text:
Parents: Baby left alone by YMCA day care staffers
Mother says she found her son alone in dark room
A 10-month-old baby was left alone in a day-care room of a local YMCA.
Kyle Turcotte's parents said they are furious after the YMCA staff in Marblehead left the child alone in a room.
The parent's family membership includes child care. After working out, they went to pick up their son. The baby's mom, Katie Gustafson, said she opened the door to the child care room and found it was dark and the staff was gone.
"I was so scared," she said. "I was calling out, and nobody answered. Then I looked around and saw some strollers lined up."
That's when she said she spotted his little red sleeve. Kyle had been left in his stroller, unbuckled with a bottle next to him, she said.
"Anything could have happened. He could have fallen out of the stroller, somebody could have taken Kyle," said the baby's father, Andrew Turcotte.
The Turcottes complained to the YMCA's director. They said the director admitted the child care staff did not follow procedures when they left for their lunch break.
In a statement, executive director Scott Hitchcock said the boy was left unsupervised for about 2-5 minutes, adding "such a mistake is unacceptable."
"Such a mistake is unacceptable and resulted in the immediate suspension and termination of the two staff members," Hitchcock said in the statement.
The Department of Families and Children is investigating.


text:
How to Use the Context
Inquiry Question
In central North Carolina Johnston managed to piece together a ragtag army of 20,000 men. He maneuvered to take advantage of Sherman's decision to divide his army into two columns to increase its mobility. On the morning of March 19, just south of the village of Bentonville, Johnston attacked Sherman's Left Wing, which had fallen half a day behind the Right. Although this offensive made considerable progress, Union troops staged a resolute defense that afternoon to prevent a Confederate breakthrough. The other half of Sherman's army arrived the next afternoon, and the battle continued until Johnston withdrew from the field on the night of March 21. The three days of fighting involved more than 90,000 men and ranged across nearly 6,000 acres of land. General Johnston's attack, which took place just three weeks before General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, was the only major attempt to stop Sherman's army after Atlanta and the last Confederate offensive.
The Battle of Bentonville, as it became known, resulted in more than 4,000 casualties. Many of the wounded found themselves in a field hospital set up by Sherman's Fourteenth Army Corps. Its surgeons, searching for a safe location, chose the modest two-story farm home of John and Amy Harper, and wounded began streaming to this makeshift medical facility within minutes of its establishment a mile from the chaotic front lines. Throughout March 19 and 20, Federal surgeons at the Harper House treated a total of 554 men, both Union and Confederate. Without the benefit of antibiotics to stop infection, doctors amputated shattered arms and legs to prevent gangrene from claiming their patients' lives. Despite the screams of the wounded, the piles of severed limbs, and the stench of blood and chloroform (an anesthetic used by Union surgeons) that pervaded the Harper House, the family refused to leave their home during this time.


text:
Welcoming end year season, Jakarta Tourism and Culture Office (JTCO) held an activity related to Betawi art and cultural performance.
In order to preserve and develop Betawi dance, JTCO held "Lomba Karya Cipta Tari Betawi 2013". Registration is open until December 6, 2013. After that, the participants will be joining to the Workshop on December 9-10. Eventually, the finalists will show their work on December 29, 2013 at The Plaza Theatre Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki.
This event managed by Bidang Pengelolaan Daya Tarik dan Destinasi Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan DKI Jakarta
Phone: (+62)21-5228706, 5213827


text:
The silliness of many airport security measures doesn't need to be belabored, but I can't resist noting an absurdity I encountered yesterday flying out of Milwaukee. As a traveler approaches the security screening area, there is a sign identifying "prohibited items." The sign contains a long list of such items, but four (e.g., a pair of scissors) are singled out with large illustrations, each with a red line drawn through it. One of the four pictures was an old-fashioned caricature of a bomb–round and black with a burning fuse. I tried to picture a situation in which the fact that bombs are not permitted in carry-on luggage would be useful information. It is hard to imagine a traveler seeing that sign and thinking, "Oh my gosh! You mean I can't bring my bomb on board?" On a more positive note, the airlines are abandoning the practice of asking whether you packed your own bags and whether anyone gave you a suspicious-looking package to carry on board. I always check in electronically; a screen pops up that asks these questions and the customer checks Yes or No. I once checked "Yes" accidentally; a screen then came up that said, in essence, that the right answer is "No" and I should go back and change my response. The check-in then proceeded smoothly. Which shows how seriously anyone ever took this bit of dialogue. So maybe things are moving in the right direction.
- Subscribe now!... Get rid of ADs!Support Power Line...VIP MembershipPresentsPower Line
Most Read on Power Line
Donate to PL
Our Favorites
- American Greatness
- American Mind
- American Thinker
- Ann Althouse
- Babylon Bee
- Belmont Club
- Churchill Project
- Claremont Institute
- Dartblog
- Federalist
- Gatestone Institute
- Hoover Institution
- Hot Air
- Hugh Hewitt
- InstaPundit
- Jewish World Review
- Law and Liberty
- Legal Insurrection
- Lileks
- Lucianne
- Michael Ramirez Cartoons
- Michelle Malkin
- RealClearPolitics
- Ricochet
- Roger L. Simon
- Steyn Online
- Tim Blair
- Urgent Agenda
Subscribe to Power Line by Email
Find us on Facebook
"Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." Winston Churchill
"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." Inscription on the Liberty Bell


text:
Miami (Ohio) holds off Central Michigan 77-70
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — Will Sullivan scored 17 points, including the last four points of the game, as Miami (Ohio) held off Central Michigan 77-70 in the Mid-American Conference opener Wednesday.
Geovonie McKnight also scored 17 for the Red Hawks (5-7), a career high, with Will Felder adding 15 and Jaryd Eustace 13, but it was Sullivan who closed the door.
Miami had an 11-point lead with 5:50 to go but the Chippawas (7-6) cut it to 3 on a Chris Fowler layup at 59 seconds. McKnight hit one free throw and Eustace made two before Fowler scored again. Sullivan then took over for the Red Hawks, making one of two foul shots at 39 seconds before two CMU free throws, two at 29 seconds and getting a layup at 15.
Fowler had 22 points and 7 assists for Central Michigan. Blake Hibbitts added 17 points and John Simons had 10 with 9 rebounds.


text:
Perched high on the red, fertile soil of Buderim Mountain above the Sunshine Coast, Buderim might be small, but no town or city in the state can match it for vibrant colour. The colour flows from the bougainvillea, poinciana, frangipani and hibiscus, which adorn just about every garden in town.
Although the area's prosperity has been built on timber, sugar, citrus, coffee and bananas, the name of modern Buderim is synonymous with ginger, which is marketed directly in every conceivable form. You can taste the fruits of the good earth at the markets or many of the local culinery establishments.
The link to the timber industry is preserved in the faithfully restored cottage built from hewn cedar and beech by pioneer John Kerle Bennett in 1876. The hinterland in which Buderim is set is sprinkled with a number of parks and reserves, which give the visitor a glimpse of the original vegetation in the area. The parkland within the area includes Mooloolah River National Park, where the wallum heathland bursts into a riot of colour in spring, Buderim Forest Park, with its signature waterfalls and boardwalk, and the beautiful Foote Sanctuary.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


text:
Showing results for 1 to 1 of 1 1940s 1930s 1970s 1980s San Diego (Calif.) California Border stations Missions
Results 1 to 1 of 1
Search Results
Baja California and the West Postcard Collection
- Postcards depicting California, Baja California, and the Southwest, mostly from the early 1900s. Images of Tijuana, Ensenada, Balboa Park, and the California missions are well-represented in this collection.
- Creation Date: 1900-1989


text:
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) continues to make its case for milk-supply management in the Senate's farm bill proposal for dairy policy.
NMFP released a congressional cost analysis last week showing the Senate's proposal would cost $116 million less over 10 years than the House's proposal, which does not contain milk-supply management.
Both proposals contain margin insurance to offset low margins caused by high input costs.
The sticking point has been the milk-supply, or stabilization, component, which would kick in when margins fall below $6 or $5 for two consecutive months, or $4 for one month.
During those periods, producers would be paid only for between 92 and 94 percent of their milk to discourage production.
The House farm bill's dairy title is projected to cost $418 million above the budget baseline over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Research Service report released in October, while the Senate dairy program would cost $302 million above the baseline.
The CRS report buttresses the point that NMPF has been making about the need to couple margin insurance with a market stabilization program, as the Senate bill does, to achieve cost controls, incoming NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern stated in NMFP's press release.
Mulhern said the CRS report demonstrates that the Senate plan is the most fiscally responsible program.
"Without the market stabilization program to both reduce the duration of low margin conditions, and reduce government outlays for insurance payments, the House plan would be a budget-buster," he said.
The International Dairy Foods Association contends milk-supply management would harm consumers and low-income people needing nutrition assistance by raising the cost of milk.
Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president for legislative affairs and economic policy, said NMPF is hiding those impacts comparing only the government costs of the two proposals.
While the Senate proposal would cost the government a bit less at face value, it would cost the government more in the long run in higher costs of some nutrition assistance programs if the cost of milk increases due to supply management, he said.
For the same reason, it would also negatively affect people in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because their "food stamps" wouldn't stretch as far when it comes to milk and dairy products.
He contends the costs of the two bills are not much different, especially when one considers the Senate bill includes $50 million in fees paid by dairy farmers over the10 years. That makes up close to half of the difference, he said.
In addition, milk-supply management would have indirect costs to the government, which would be much higher than the difference between the bills. The government buys dairy products and subsidizes their purchase through some nutrition-assistance programs. Those costs would increase during periods when supply management increases the price of milk — as much as 35 cents per gallon, he said.
"Claims about a 35-cent-per-gallon increase are bogus," said Chris Galen, NMPF senior vice president of communications, said any suggestion that it will spike retail prices to abnormally high levels is a deceitful and deliberate misinterpretation of the studies done on the Senate's proposal.
Nor would it affect the milk bought through government food-assistance programs, he said.
An analysis of the Senate's proposal by University of Missouri ag economist Scott Brown found the stabilization element would have been activated for only four months from 2009 to 2012 and would have no noticeable impact on consumer prices.
The study found the stabilization program would only raise the farm price of milk by one half of one cent per year over the four years studied That slight difference is indistinguishable from the normal movement of milk prices, Galen said.
But that's on an average over time, and that's not the way the program works, Slominski said.
The program is designed to trigger on and off, but there would be a spike in prices in the months it was in play, he said.
"Most months stabilization is not in effect so it has no impact, which is why the IDFA rhetoric is misleading," Galen said.


text:
Apple announced new features coming to the iCloud at WWDC today, highlighted by the ability to access documents and open Web pages across Apple devices.
To access Web pages across devices, Apple introduced the iCloud Tabs feature in Safari. This function allows users to view all pages open across synced iPhones, laptops, and iPads, with the ability to access them. If a user wants to open a tab from another computer, clicking the iCloud Tabs button in Safari offers thumbnails of what you have open. Users can then use multitouch gestures to zoom in on a Web page to preview, then access.
Apple provides the same permeability with documents now, announcing Documents in the Cloud. A user can launch Preview to see all your PDFs in the cloud, then drag those documents to make them available within a device. Make a change on an iPhone for example and it'll be updated accordingly on a connected Mac.
In addition to Documents, Apple formally unveiled familiar apps Notes, Reminders, and Messages (corresponding to iMessage on the Mac) through iCloud. News of Notes and Reminders rolled out during the iCloud beta period for developers in May, but the inclusion of Messages was new. A user can now sit at their laptop as an iPhone rings, and simply respond without shifting devices.
Since launching iCloud in October, 125 million users have registered for the service. The number should only grow now that the newest Mountain Lion release comes with iCloud built-in. Leading up to the event, only other expected news for iCloud involved photo and video sharing capabilities (the Wall Street Journal first reported this in mid-May). At the time of this post, no announcements were made within that area. The Ars WWDC liveblog is still underway however and we will update accordingly if more iCloud announcements are made.
Listing image by Chris Foresman


text:
Experimental Drug Shows Promise Against Head and Neck Cancer
Professor, Department of Pathology
Chair, Department of Pathology
Dr. Prystowsky has extensive leadership, research, education, program development and administrative experience.
Pathology Services: As Chairman of the unified Department of Pathology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center (~700 FTE; budget ~$110M), Dr. Prystowsky has substantial experience in developing and managing service, research and educational programs. Montefiore has been delivering value based care for years and is the best performing Pioneer ACO in the USA. Our pathology service line delivers 24/7 service producing greater than 10 million test results per year for Montefiore patients. Dr. Prystowsky has engaged in many College of American Pathologists (CAP) programs as a governor of the college including both domestic and international laboratory inspections. In addition, the Montefiore women's healthcare team recently carried out a very successful See, Test & Treat program in May 2015 bringing much needed healthcare to women in the Bronx.
Education Activities: Dr. Prystowsky has had a unique opportunity during the past two years to connect pathologists from all practice environments through educational efforts. This is possible because he chairs both the Undergraduate Medical Education Committee of Association of Pathology Chairs (APC) and the Council on Education (COE) for CAP. For undergraduate medical education, pathologists from many practice settings have contributed to developing national standards for teaching pathology to all medical students (www.apcprods.org/UME/Competencies). Pathologists teaching diagnostic medicine to all medical students will solidify our role as experts for all practice settings – this long-term educational approach fits well with the CAP goal to "Make Pathologists Known." Another educational effort bridges the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee of APC with the COE and Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA); members developed a test utilization course for residents that teaches both common problems in test selection and how to interact with ordering physicians. Over one third of CAP members are required to participate in maintenance of certification (MOC). A third major effort of the COE is to develop programs and processes that will facilitate learning opportunities and record keeping for our members to comply with MOC. Dr. Prystowsky has first hand experience with the educational programs and their impact on the trainees (20 residents and 10 fellows) and faculty (greater than 50) whom he oversees and mentors.
Research Focus: In 1999 Dr. Prystowsky organized a multidisciplinary group including surgery, oncology, pathology, molecular biology, protein chemistry, computational biology and biostatistics to study Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Initial studies on molecular classification of HNSCC using microarray technology demonstrated that patient segregation by gene expression profiling is a better predictor of outcome than established clinicopathological variables. The Head and Neck Program includes multiple laboratories with research exploring basic mechanisms of tumor behavior, developing biomarkers and identifying molecular classifiers that define distinct subsets of patients. The questions arise from the tumor board, from taking care of patients, with the primary goal to develop new diagnostics that will optimize treatment selection at initial diagnosis.
Childs G, Fazzari M, Kung G, Kawachi N,Brandwein-Gensler M, McLemore M, Chen Q, Burk RD, Smith RV, Prystowsky MB, Belbin TJ. Schlecht NF (2009) Low level expression of microRNA's let7-d and miR-205 are prognostic markers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Amer J Pathol 174(3):736-745.
Prystowsky MB, Adomako A, Smith RV, Kawachi N, McKimpson W, Atadja P, Chen Q, Schlecht NF, Parish JL, Childs G, Belbin TJ (2009) The histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 inhibits expression of mitotic genes causing G2/M arrest and cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Journal of Pathology, 218:467-477.
Schlecht NF, Brandwein-Gensler M, Nuovo GJ, Li M, Dunne A, Kawachi N, Smith RV, Burk RD, Prystowsky MB (2011) A comparison of clinically utilized human papillomavirus detection methods in head and neck cancer. Modern Pathology 24:1295-1305.
Harris T, Jimenez L, Kawachi N, Fan J-B, Chen J, Belbin T, Ramnauth A, Loudig O, Keller CE, Smith R, Prystowsky MB, Schlecht NF, Segall JE, Childs G (2012) Low-Level expression of miR-375 Correlates with Poor Outcome and Metastasis While Altering the Invasive Properties of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Am J Pathol, 180:917-928.
Schlecht N, Brandwein-Gensler M, Smith RV, Kawarchi N, Broughel D, Lin J, Keller CE, Reynolds PA, Gunn-Moore FJ, Harris T, Childs, G, Belbin TJ, Prystowsky MB (2012) Cytoplasmic ezrin and moesin correlate with poor survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head and Neck Pathology 6:232-243.
Lleras RA, Smith RV, Adrien LR, Schlecht NF, Burk RD, Harris TM, Childs G, Prystowsky MB, Belbin TJ (2013) Unique DNA Methylation Loci Distinguish Anatomic Site and HPV Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res. 19:5444-5455. PMCID: PMC3892374
Prystowsky M, Feeney K, Kawachi N, Montagna C, Willmott M, Wasson C, Antkowiak M, Loudig O, Parish J (2013) Inhibition of Plk1 and Cyclin B1 Expression Results in Panobinostat-Induced G2 Delay and Mitotic Defects. Sci Rep 3:2640.
Naritoku WY, Ljiljana Vasovic V, Steinberg JJ, Prystowsky MB, Powell S, (2014) Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Boot Camps: Filling Pathology Specific Gaps in Undergraduate Medical Education. Archives of Pathol & Lab Medicine 138:316–321. PMID: 24576025
Sadofsky M, Knollmann-Ritschel B, Conran R, Prystowsky MB (2014) National Standards in Pathology Education: Developing Competencies for Integrated Medical School Curricula. Archives of Pathol & Lab Medicine 138:328–332 .
Hebert T, Maleki S, Vasovic L, Arnold J, Steinberg J, Prystowsky MB (2014) A Team-Based Approach to Autopsy Education: Integrating Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Rotation Level. Archives of Pathol & Lab Medicine 138:322–327. PMID: 24576026
Schlecht NF, Ben-Dayan M, Anayannis N, Lleras RA, Thomas C, Wang Y, Smith RV, Burk RD, Harris TM, Childs C, Ow TJ, Prystowsky, MB, Belbin TJ (2015) Epigenetic changes in the CDKN2A locus are associated with differential expression of P16INK4A and P14ARF in HPV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Medicine DOI: 10.1002/cam4.374
More Information About Dr. Michael Prystowsky
Material in this section is provided by individual faculty members who are solely responsible for its accuracy and content.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Belfer Building, Room 713
Bronx, NY 10461


text:
CHICAGO, IL (Sept 23, 2009) - Embracing the wave of the growing popularity of DSLR cameras, Zacuto introduces the Z-Finder V2, an optical viewfinder that allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video. Additional features of the Z-Finder includes: 3x focusable magnification, Schneider optics, a 40mm diameter lens, an adjustable (left or right) eye-cup preventing extraneous light leakage, and most importantly, a field of view perfectly matched to LCD screen sizes of many DSLR cameras such as: Canon 5DMKII, Canon 7D, Panasonic GH1, Nikon D300, Nikon D5000, and Pentex 7D. "This Z-finder is awesome. I am using it in Lima, Peru right now and am so glad I purchased it. I had a Hoodman but the quality of this is amazing and the eye cup is truly spectacular," says W. Ashley Maddox, DP/Director of Wam Pictures LTD.
Since the DSLR viewfinder is critical for precision focus on shallow depth-of-field cameras, Zacuto's product designers and engineers created an extremely fine focus wheel to achieve exact focus. Robert Primes, ASC agrees, "The Z-finder V2 is a magnificent upgrade and sharp as a tack across the whole image. The focus gearing was accurate, frictionless and backlash free." The Z-Finder can adjust to varying levels of vision correction with its diopter. It's essential for critical focus and some people will need to dial the Z-Finder focus wheel all the way in for Nearsightedness (Myopia) and fully out for Farsightedness (Hypermyopia). "My focus is 100% more precise with the Z-finder than without it," says Alain Pilon, Photographer & Videographer, "But it could have been even better if the camera LCD had more pixels. This is great because it means the Z-finder is future proof: its performance is going to improve as LCDs get better." The 6 oz. optical viewfinder is a DSLR filmmaker's best tool for creating precision focus and stability. "At the moment there is nothing that comes close to this," says Philip Bloom, Independent DP and Director, "It is absolutely essential for video on the 5DMkII. I couldn't shoot hand-held without it that's for sure. It has a 3x magnification making the image huge in your eye. Yes it is magnifying the pixels, but it still improves focusing a hell of a lot." To read additional user reviews and comments on Zacuto's Z-Finder visit, http://zacuto.blogspot.com/2009/09/z-finder-user-reviews-and-comments.html
The Z-Finder V2 is unique in the way that it attaches to your camera. The Z-finder attaches to the LCD screen with a mounting frame. This is a snap fit frame that sticks to your LCD screen with a double sided adhesive. Once the frame sets for a couple of hours, the Z-finder can then be snapped on or off for quick viewing of the LCD screen or to get your eye in the actual viewfinder of the camera. "What I'm most impressed with is the ability to critically focus my still shots," says Jason Smith, Chicago Based Event Photographer. "I use a lot of wide-aperture Canon lenses that are hard to get tack-on focus. So I turn on live view, move the focusing spot right on the subject's eye and with the Z-finder's help, I'm able to confirm that the eyeball is super sharp."
Zacuto offers two additional add-on features for protection and safety. First, a lanyard gives you the option to attach a strap to the Z-Finder and thus, after a quick release of your viewfinder, you will be able to keep the finder around your neck for ease of re-attachment. Another protection is the Z-bands, which holds the Z-finder tight against the LCD screen and helps prevent it from getting knocked off. For more information on Zacuto's Z-Finder V2, additional benefits, and a very detailed step-by-step tutorial product video visit http://store.zacuto.com/Z-Finder.html The Z-Finder V2 is developed by Zacuto USA, the leading independent camera accessories maker in the professional market. Z-Finder is available at a Zacuto worldwide dealer: http://www.zacuto.com/category/zacuto-dealers or at http://zacuto.com.
Zacuto USA Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, Zacuto, originally a production equipment rental house formed in 2000 by a former Director Steve Weiss and DP Jens Bogehegn, whose combined film/video experience of over 50 years, quickly expanded into a producer of high-end production equipment. Designed for independent filmmakers, Zacuto made in the USA, brand of products, offer customized camera packages & products which come with a Life Time Guarantee and are shipped anywhere in the world. For more information, visit http://zacuto.com


text:
Privacy and Cookies
The following policy sets out how Kittiwake Developments Ltd ('we'), the trading name of Kittiwake Developments Ltd, uses and protects any information that you provide when using this website kittiwake.
We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and can assure you that whenever you provide information by which you could be identified, it will only be used in accordance with this policy statement.
We may change this policy from time to time and would therefore advise you check this page for updates on a regular basis.
This policy is effective from 7th Sep 2012.
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user's hard drive containing information about the user. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on our site. Once the user closes their browser, the cookie simply terminates. For instance, by setting a cookie on our site, the user would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. If a user rejects the cookie, they may still use our site.
When we provide services, we want to make them easy, useful and reliable. Where services are delivered on the internet, this sometimes involves placing small amounts of information on your device, for example, your computer or mobile phone. These include small files known as cookies. They cannot be used to identify you personally.
These pieces of information are used to improve services for you through, for example:
- enabling a service to recognise your device so you don't have to give the same information several times during one task
- recognising that you may already have given a username and password so you don't need to do it for every web page requested
- measuring how many people are using services, so they can be made easier to use and there's enough capacity to ensure they are fast
By using our website (through any device) you agree that this Cookies Policy applies to that use, in addition to any other terms and conditions which may apply.
We reserve the right to make changes to our Cookies Policy. Any such changes shall appear here and become effective immediately. Your continued use of our websites is taken as meaning that you agree to any such changes.
Our use of cookies:
Our website does not capture or store personal information in cookies, but merely logs the user's IP address which is automatically recognised by the web server. This is used to record the number of visitors to our site.
Strictly Essential Cookies
We sometimes use what is called a 'Session Cookie' when a user visits our website. This tracks essential information entered by the user in any form. Examples of Session Cookies are:
- Add items to a Trolley
- Entering your details in a Contact Form
- Entering details for Billing and Delivery
- Completing Questionnaires
- Logging into a User Account
Google Analytics
Google Analytics sets cookies to help us accurately estimate the number of visitors to the website and volumes of usage. This ensures that the service is available when you want it and fast.
Cookie Name: _utma
Typical content: randomly generated number
Expires: after 2 years
Cookie Name: _utmb
Typical content: randomly generated number
Expires: after 30 minutes
Cookie Name: _utmc
Typical content: randomly generated number
Expires: when user exits browser
Cookie Name: _utmz
Typical content: randomly generated number + info on how the site was reached (e.g. directly or via a link, organic search or paid search)
Expires: after 6 months
For more information about Google Analytics visit Google Analytics website.
Removing and disabling cookies:
If you do not wish to accept cookies on to your machine you can disable them by adjusting the settings on your browser. However this will affect the functionality of the websites you visit.
Information Collection and Use:
We are the sole owner of the information collected on this website.
What we collect
We may collect the following information:
- name
- contact information including email address
- demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
- other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers
What we do with the information we gather
The information you provide helps us to understand your needs and provide you with a better service. It also assists with
- Internal record keeping.
- Improving our products and services.
- Keeping you informed and up-to-date about developments, new products and special offers.
- Market research.
We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding and securing the information we collect online, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to enable you to easily access other websites of interest. However, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
- whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
- if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to us at the address below or emailing us at marketing@kittiwake.
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required to by law. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we believer may be of interest to you.
You may request details of the personal information we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. A small fee is payable 10£. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to: 3-6 Thorgate Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7LU, UK
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.