text:
Good essay I found on a teacher's website links...
Source: By Paul Cox, http://www.mathmistakes.com/
Piracy is NOT to Blame for the CD Slump!
For the past year, the music industry has been imploding in on itself. The music industry blames computer piracy, but they can not statistically prove it. In fact, the incomplete statistics that are available point to the exact opposite conclusion.
Over the last year, the music industry saw a 6.4% decline in CD sales and nearly a 30% decline in concert attendance. Interest in music videos has dropped so much that MTV, VH1, and CMT have dumped them during peak viewing hours. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) blames piracy for the decline.
The only evidence RIAA use in their favor is a survey that they conducted themselves, but other surveys like this one from the Digital Media Association come to the exact opposite conclusion. Which should we believe? It depends on what questions were actually asked and who they were asked to. Since I have not seen a whole breakdown, I cannot really say.
There are two kinds of "Piracy" out there. When you purchase a CD, you have a right to listen to it wherever you want. Surprisingly, it is also legal for you to copy it or transfer it to different media (copy it it cassette for example or transfer to an MP3 player) so you can listen to it wherever you want. You do not have a right to play it publicly for profit, whether it be on the radio, at a club, or bar, or dance without paying royalties. You also do not have a right to make copies to sell -- this is the really bad form of piracy that could get you into jail.
Nor do you have the right to make copies and give them away -- this is also considered "piracy", but practically everybody has done it. Have you ever made a mixed tape and given it to your friends or your significant other? That makes you guilty of piracy according to the letter of the law, but as far as I know, no one has ever been prosecuted for it. It ranks up there with jaywalking in criminal behavior.
Unfortunately, thanks to peer to peer file sharing programs like Napster, people can now make copies of their music and give them away to perfect strangers over the Internet. What is worse is that these perfect strangers can search for the songs they want and find someone willing to give it to them. This means that practically every song ever recorded is available for free. That is what has RIAA so upset, and their feelings are perfectly understandable, but is this really hurting their business as bad as RIAA thinks?
The Inconclusive Evidence
File sharing ethics aside, Napster was a great promotional tool. I myself bought at least 3 CD's I would not have had I not discovered the bands on Napster. CDs are noticeably better than MP3s, and downloading a "copy" is never preferable to buying the real thing. As for the music pirates, they do not buy CD's anyways, and Napster just kept them from having to tape songs off the radio.
It is impossible to chart an accurate trend with only two data points, but CD sales were up about 4% when Napster was running, sales went down 5% after Napster was shut down. While there is not enough data to claim that piracy increases sales, we must conclude at least that there is no evidence that piracy decreases sales either. These changes are really not that dramatic, and are perfectly in line with normal fluctuations in any market.
To be fair, the Napster shut down was not the end of online music swapping. Programs like Gnutella and Kazaa exist, and their unique architecture (no central index server) skirts the legal entanglements that got Napster in trouble. Neither have as broad a user base as Napster did in it's heyday.
If piracy was the primary cause of CD sales declines, then how do you explain the decline in concert ticket sales? It is impossible to pirate a live show. It also does not explain the rapid demise of music video. Also, the US is not the only country where peer to peer sharing is rampant, it is popular in the United Kingdom as well, but the UK showed a five percent rise in CD sales last year.
One cannot also blame the economy either. CD and ticket sales were dropping months before 9/11 and are still dropping despite claims of a recovery. Entertainment has historically been recession proof. Movie ticket sales are higher than ever despite price increases. TV audiences are up, so are video and DVD sales and rentals. Why is Music not following the same trend?
Lets also take a look at the figures RIAA is releasing. Their figures count the physical number of CD's shipped, not the price charged for them. As most music fans know, retail prices for CD's continue to climb despite the lack of inflation in the general economy. The current average retail price of a music CD is $19. While I do not have the data to back it up, a year ago the average retail price was around $18. So while the physical number of CD's being sold has gone down around 5%, prices have increased about 5%, and the total sales in dollars has remained about the same. Profits are therefore keeping up with the 0% inflation rate.
The Homogenization of Pop Music
In my opinion, the real cause of the decline in music sales is the music industry itself. For the past decade, as studio and promotional costs have risen, record labels have become less likely to keep around artists that are not selling as well as they used to. As a result, loyal followings of artists have become harder to come by.
Had this been the policy in the 1960's, The Rolling Stones would have been dropped when their second album failed to go platinum. The Beatles probably would not have lasted past the failure of "Love Me Do".
This puts enormous pressure on Artists to make their music as marketable as possible. Thus producers must appeal to a wider audience. The result: Every artist sounds the same these days. Artists as diverse as Moby and Shania Twain have more commonalities than differences when one considers the broader musical spectrum.
As a result, popular music has completely lost its diversity. The music industry has turned into the fashion industry: a bunch of self proclaimed know it all music producers and promoters determine what is "in" this season, send out press kits to promote their products, and pay radio stations to play their artists (remember when "payola" was considered unethical? It is now standard operating procedure.)
I will not even get into how companies like Clear Channel and Ticketmaster make it impossible for independent labels to break into the business and promote alternative artists.
The music industries protectionist policies and dogmatic pursuit of the "bottom line" has come at the expense of its most precious asset: Their audience.
Where do all the cool new music trends come from? The fringe. Consider this: every music style which became popular during the last century, originated in poor neighborhoods: ragtime, gospel, jazz, western, blues, swing, country, folk, rock and roll, R&B, heavy metal, disco, punk, reggae, new wave, rap, ska, alternative, techno and hip-hop all originated in poor neighborhoods (whether they be urban or rural, black or white). The middle class and rich merely copied and enhanced the music of the poor class.
It has always been difficult for new trends to break through to the masses, but under the current power structure (which has only been around since the deregulation of radio ownership in the late 90's) it is now virtually impossible. As people get tired of today's music (which really has not changed much since the early 90's) there is nowhere for them to go within the mainstream sources. I do not believe it is a coincidence that the most critically acclaimed and one of the best selling CD's of last year got virtually no radio airplay -- the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
Hence the need for non-mainstream sources like what the Internet has become. But RIAA is fighting the Internet, and using "piracy protection" as it's excuse.
The Anti-Internet Counter Revolution
For every revolution, there is a counter revolution. Just as the Internet was a revolution of information, there is a counter revolution going on. This one is getting little mainstream media coverage, because it is the mainstream media that is leading the revolution.
Record companies, music publishers, and movie studios (MPAA) have been spending millions trying to pass laws to protect their interests. These interests are counter to the interests of the tech sector as a whole. Congress seems ignorant to what is really going on, and seem happy to take money from the entertainment sector in exchange for constitutionally questionable legislation with long lasting effects on the still seriously depressed tech sector.
It would require an essay the size of a book to explain all this, but luckily someone already has. I highly recommend "The Future of Ideas: The Fate of the Commons in a Connected World" by Lawrence Lessig.
Let me give you the gist of the problem. The entertainment industry sees the Internet as a serious threat. Since it cannot shut down the Internet, it is attempting to use the tried and true approach of legislative creep. Pass a piece of legislation that no one complains about, then pass another, then another. Sneak in language that no one will catch that can be exploited in the courts, thus making the seemingly harmless legislation have real teeth. This is an approach being used by anti-smoking advocates, anti-abortion advocates, environmentalists, etc.
So far the entertainment industry has successfully passed two pieces of supposedly "harmless" legislation, and are poised to pass a third. All are constitutionally questionable, but so far lawyers have managed to keep test cases away from the Supreme Court.
The first was passed in 1998, called the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act. The purpose of this legislation was to extend copyrights an additional 20 years, thus keeping any new material from entering the public domain until 2018. The biggest supporters of the legislation was the family of the late George Gershwin, who are living off the royalties of their now long dead ancestor. Disney also were big supporters, fearful that the early Mickey Mouse silent films could enter public domain. What makes this act particularly sinister is the fact that Congress had already extended copyrights back in 1978 to extend them an additional 20 years. The 1998 act was the eleventh copyright extension in 40 years.
Most people not familiar with the situation may wonder why copyright extension is so bad. Basically what Congress is trying to do is to circumvent the Constitution (which guarantees that copyrights will be limited) by passing extensions ad infinitum. A test case has finally reached the Supreme Court. Details can be found here.
The second RIAA sponsored legislation was the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA, also passed in 1998. The purpose of this legislation was to "implement the treaties signed in December 1996 at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Geneva conference*", but what it really does is make it a crime to circumvent copy protection schemes, even if those protection schemes prevent consumers from legal "free use" of their purchased media. In fact it is now a crime even to discuss possible ways of circumventing copyright protection, a clear violation of free speech.
That was not all, the DMCA also required broadcasters of streaming audio to pay royalties for songs they broadcast. The Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel (CARP) set rates so high that the fledgling internet radio industry could never make a profit, thus threatening to crush the whole industry's very existence (which is apparently what RIAA wants). As it stands now, the CARP recommendations were rejected, but alternative royalty plans, if set too high, could still render internet radio non-existent.
Recall that the future of the tech industry is dependent on a higher demand for bandwidth. High quality Internet radio is a major perk/selling point of high bandwidth internet access. The elimination of any use of high bandwidth is ultimately harmful to the tech sector as a whole.
The third piece of currently pending legislation is the falsely titled "Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act" which is now making its way through Congress. Details of everything wrong with this legislation can be found at http://digitalconsumer.org/, but here is the summary:
The CBDTPA:
Could prevent you from digital copying any audio CD you own, even if you only intend to listen to it at the gym.
Could potentially infringe on consumers' ability to record or time-shift television shows.
Could prevent you from making backup or archival copies of any digital content that you legally paid for.
All future PC's, MP3 players, and digital video recorders would have to employ government-regulated copy-protection.
Is overly broad in it's definition of a "digital media device"
Would stifle technology in general.
Open source software, such as Linux, could become undistributable.
Panders to Hollywood and RIAA at the consumers expense.
It is simply the wrong approach to copy protection.
Basically, this act seeks to take away the rights of the public to use their legally purchased media as they see fit. If this legislation passes, the only sure bet result will be the creation of an underground industry of copy protection circumvention software and hardware. Bad news for the legitimate consumer electronics market, and once again bad for the technology sector as a whole.
More Bad Things to blame on RIAA
One of the latest schemes cooked up by the record industry was to create CD's that would not play on PC's, only on standard audio CD players. This would prevent some from ripping songs from their CD's.
Of course, one easy way to circumvent such a scheme is to use a CD or DVD player with digital bit stream out and connect it to a sound card with digital bit stream input, capture the audio as a WAV, then convert to MP3. (Is it even legal to discuss such workarounds under DMCA?)
But, all of this did not seem necessary to discuss because the owners of the CD format (Sony and Philips) threatened to take away the record company's right to call such a disk a "CD" since it violated specifications. It also may be illegal under federal law for RIAA to do such a thing.
That was until Sony itself released just such a copy prevention beast to market called key2audioT, details can be found here. The German version of Celine Dion's A New Day Has Come incorporated this scheme, and caused PC's to crash to the infamous "blue screen of death".
Two other copy protection schemes are being used here in the US, one is SunnComm's MediaCloQ used on a recent Charley Pride release and Midbar's Cactus 200 used on More Fast and Furious soundtrack CD.** The latter scheme will not even allow legitimate play on a Macintosh.
Your PC's CD playing feature could become useless if this technology becomes widespread. No doubt this scheme will make its way to the rest of the world, just setting up consumers to hate the music industry even more.
Like many people, I do not even have a CD player in my office, since I can use the computer CD player. If copy protection of this sort becomes widespread, the CD player will be useless.
In summary, the recording industry is in trouble, and it only has itself to blame. RIAA completely misunderstands the intentions of their own consumers and blames technology for its own internal problems. The legislation it is pushing through Congress will not make the industry better and may ultimately prove the downfall of the technology sector which is far more important to the economy as a whole.
I have no problem with the entertainment industry going after the big pirates who sell illegal copies of CDs, DVDs, and videos in swap meets and on street corners, this practice is bad for everyone. I do have a problem when the entertainment industry decides that the only way to fight these pirates is to make their media impossible to copy or used in other perfectly legal ways. It is only bad for consumers.
Update (August 2002): The latest insane scheme
Two more RIAA and MPAA anti-piracy bills were proposed this past month. The first sponsored by Reps. Howard Berman, D-Calif., and Howard Coble, R-N.C., would permit copyright holders to perform nearly unchecked electronic hacking if they have a "reasonable basis" to believe that piracy is taking place.
Back when I wrote about Game Theory and Terrorism, a reporter asked if I thought game theory is really appropriate if one side is "irrational". I did not have an answer, but it is safe to say that you cannot fight irrational behavior by being irrational yourself. Fighting terrorism with terrorism is a lose-lose scenario that will never end. Same goes for fighting computer hacking with computer hacking. So why does RIAA and MPAA want the right to hack the computers of pirates? Are they stupid or something?
If they thought the denial of service attack on their web sites over the July 27th weekend was bad, that was nothing if they go ahead with this plan. The hive mind of the hacker/cracker community is far more powerful than any group of computer consultants hired by the entertainment industry to stop illegal trading. The last thing the entertainment industry wants is to become "Public Enemy Number 1" to a group of smart and ruthless hackers out there.
As this article at salon.com points out, the bill is probably dead on arrival. It sounds like a couple of congressman are just appeasing some big campaign contributors, or their is some political brinkmanship going on. Either way, it is further proof that this issue is becoming a joke.
The second dumb anti-piracy bill this month, from Sen. Joseph Biden (which is no surprise to anyone except for the voters in Delaware who keep voting for him), is a bit more subtle. This article points outs some potential dire consequences while this one wonders what the big deal is. I hope this is not a bill that gets rushed through before August recess, since it obviously needs more study.
*The WIPO treaty that created the DMCA is so badly written that it has been rejected by practically every major country in the world except the United States and Japan. Among the non-signees: Russia, India, Canada, Australia, China and the entire European Union. See the list here.
** Hackers have already found a way around all of these schemes using a permanent magic marker to draw over the CD's data track on the outer edge of the CD. The data track is what the computer reads first, it is how enhanced CD's are possible. Audio players start on the inside track. If a computer CD player finds nothing on the data track, and that is what will happen if you magic marker over it, it will treat it as a standard audio CD. (Again I ask, is it even legal to discuss such workarounds under DMCA?)
Further reading:
If you do not believe that the entertainment industry wants to kill the Internet, read the MPAA's report to congress about their efforts to stop piracy. The authors of this document demonstrate a grotesque ignorance of technology, and apparently assumes that Congress is just as ignorant. Read this opinion on the negative consequences of MPAA's recommendations.
A web site that is following these issues closely is http://www.politechbot.com/


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Yelp is moving its headquarters into one of San Francisco's most historic and storied buildings.
The review website on Wednesday opened its doors at the newly renovated PacBell Building in the SOMA district.
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, along with Mayor Ed Lee, attended the event to remind the company of the historic significance of the building.
Part of the building's history include Winston Churchill making one of the first Trans-Atlantic phone calls in 1929.
"Taking up residence at 140 New Montgomery is certainly one of Yelp's most important milestones," said Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman.

subset: commoncrawl


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NEW YORK (AP) - There are the stylish brides who wear the beautiful gowns and have their hair and makeup just so, and there are the stylish weddings, where everything from the bridal ensemble to the parting presents has the touch that makes it all seem special.
NEW YORK (AP) � There are the stylish brides who wear the beautiful gowns and have their hair and makeup just so, and there are the stylish weddings, where everything from the bridal ensemble to the parting presents has the touch that makes it all seem special.
Vogue.com put together a wedding guide just in time for all those summer nuptials. The Associated Press asked editor Jessica Sailer Van Lith to put together a list of signs that the affair will be one to remember:
�It's personal. The wedding, from beginning to end, should seem like it belongs to the bride and groom, not like they've plugged into someone else's dream.
Maybe the bride carries her grandmother's handbag, maybe she doesn't take off that necklace she wears every other day of the year. The "perfect" look and feel will come from authenticity, not trends � and certainly not what everyone else is doing.
�They've gone local. Couples can embrace the place they were so thoughtful in choosing by offering touches of local cuisine, decor or music. "Don't truck in flowers or caterers who'll be driving for hours," says Sailer Van Lith. "Immerse you and your guests in the place you are � and have chosen to be."
�The bride looks like herself. She shouldn't look for a "perfect dress" because there are too many of those, says Sailer Van Lith. What a bride should want is the right dress, and from there it should be easy to pick everything that goes with it, she says.
�The seating chart makes sense. The seating chart is � and sort of should be � one of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding, but the payoff of success is huge. "At a stylish wedding, where someone has been thoughtful of the seating chart, all the guests will know the bride and groom have put them there for a reason: because they want these people from other parts of their lives to make a connection."
�Less can be more, especially with the head count. "Everyone invited is someone the bride and groom want to have there," says Sailer Van Lith. Period.
�There isn't a set schedule. A wedding isn't a science, it's an art, and, she says, the only people it all needs to make sense to are the bride and groom. If they like a daytime wedding with formal dress, it's OK, and the same goes for the wedding that moves straight to dancing from the cocktail hour.
Her advice to couples looking to achieve these goals and more: "Think of the wedding you want, and work backward."


text:
Track My Order
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text:
FF conquers two awards in Shanghai
Maranello, 2 May – The FF – one of the main protagonists at the Auto Shanghai 2011, which closed its doors a couple of days ago – set two records by conquering two awards from the prestigious Chinese news outlets Car&Driver and Oriental TV.
The renowned Car&Driver magazine – with its commission made up of opinion leaders from the automotive sector, design, fashion and arts – honoured the FF with the title "Most Beautiful Super Car 2011″, due to its blend of originality and beauty regarding its design, use of avant-garde technology and excellence in terms of manufacturing quality.
Furthermore, based on a survey amongst the public and professionals present at the Shanghai Car Show, the Oriental TV network, one of Chinas' biggest networks, nominated the FF "Most Popular Imported Car Model at 2011 Shanghai Auto Show", emphasising the enormous allure of the Prancing Horse on an important market like China.
Not even two months after the FF's presentation the latest model from the Prancing Horse can already celebrate an enormous success regarding clients and reviews, underlined by magnificent comments from the press after the test sessions in Südtirol, where more then 200 journalists from all over the world had the possibility to drive the car under challenging conditions.


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Difference between revisions of "Labor"
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Revision as of 16:50, 14 March 2011
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is charged with protecting and promoting the interests of American workers and their dependents.
Complaint jurisdiction:
Administers laws and programs protecting the safety and health, employment opportunities, and pension rights of workers; enforces federal wage, hour, and child labor laws; administers workers' compensation benefits for federal employees, longshore and harbor workers, and victims of black lung disease; works toward the removal of discriminatory employment practices by government contractors; sponsors job training activities; promotes peaceful and sound labor-management relations; guides the nation's unemployment insurance system; compiles statistics relative to employment and economic activity.
U.S. Department of Labor
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DOL's National Contact Center
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(866) 633-7365
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(866) 487-9243
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Complaints about State Employment Services and Job Training Partnership Act programs should be referred to this office.
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Complaint jurisdiction:
Complaints about unpaid wages, minimum wage enforcement, child labor laws, workers' compensation insurance, working conditions, farm labor contracts.
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Independent contractors, state, county, or city employees must contact their own union office. Discrimination issues should be referred to State Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
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text:
Release Information
Original Launch: May 7, 2014
Requirements: Blackboard Learn 9.1 Service Pack (SP) 4 and later with a content management license.
Supported Platforms
Clients who license the Blackboard Learn Content Management module and are running Blackboard Learn 9.1 SP 4 (9.1.40071.3) or later versions can begin using Blackboard Drive immediately. To have the best user experience and have the Easy Edit with Blackboard Drive functionality, clients should be running Blackboard Learn 9.1 SP 6 (9.1.60230.0) or later.
About Bb Drive
Blackboard Drive is a client desktop application for Windows and Mac OS X that allows desktop access to the Content Collection tab by mapping it as a shared network drive (a lettered drive on Windows and Shared Volume on Mac OS X). Blackboard Drive uses the WebDAV protocol for communication with Learn content management but has many advantages over the OS native WebDAV clients. Blackboard Drive provides better reliability, a more consistent experience, and improved user efficiency.
To learn more, see Getting Started and Best Practices.


text:
cæsium, cesium
Cæsium, or cesium as it is usually spelled in the United States, is the fifty-fifth element. It was discovered by German scientists Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in 1860. Cæsium is the neuter form of the Latin adjective cæsius, meaning bluish-gray. It is so called because spectral analysis of the element reveals two bright lines in that portion of the spectrum. From an 1861 issue of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine:
A faint blue line not due to strontium or potassium or to the lately discovered cæsium.1
Cæsium has the chemical symbol Cs.
1Oxford English Dictionary, cæsium, 2nd Edition, 1989, Oxford University Press, accessed 11 October 2009, http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50031116.
Copyright 1997-2019, by David Wilton


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I would love to be able to vote again on this one, only because Chase the Fire was my first choice and my second choice again. I've recently given this song some major listening time on the REACT CD, and it's just fantastic on there.
Not really how this vote works, but they do this song some major justice on REACT too.


text:
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"Natural Texas" Plate Benefits Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
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PINK PLATES SUPPORT BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN TEXAS - September 2012
$10 for Each September Sale of Six Pink Designs in Texas Plates
Read full release
MYPLATES.COM 2012 PLATE PLAYOFFS DEPEND ON FANS IN TEXAS - September 2012
Will Out-of-State Schools Beat Texas Schools in Texas?
Read full release
HIGHLAND PARK ISD PLATE NOW AVAILABLE - September 2012
UNT's redesigned plate also ready for purchase
Read full release
PL8-A-DAY GIVEAWAY GRAND PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED - August 2012
Facebook contest gives free plates to 35 Texans
Read full release
TOP 10 MONEYMAKERS AMONG COLLEGE PLATES - August 2012
UT #1 in national list and My Plates' list
Read full release
METROPLEX AUTO DEALERSHIPS OFFER FREE MY PLATES - July 2012
DFW dealers now give customers a more personalized buying experience
Read full release
SMU RELEASES NEW OFFICIAL TEXAS LICENSE PLATE - July 2012
Mustangs Redesigned Plates at MyPlates.com
Read full release
PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN FOR "SUPPORT STATE TROOPERS" PLATE - July 2012
New Plate to Benefit the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation
Read full release
HELP THE HOUSTON ROCKETS REDESIGN THEIR LICENSE PLATE - July 2012
New Official Texas License Plates from MyPlates.com
Read full release
USA FLAG PLATE FREE WITH PURCHASE JULY 1-8 - July 2012
Join These Texans in a Year-Round Celebration of America
Read full release
NEW KELLER WILLIAMS OFFICIAL TEXAS LICENSE PLATE - June 2012
Real Estate Company's Corporate License Plate Benefits Charity
Read full release
MY PLATES HONORS 100,000TH CUSTOMER - June 2012
Fort Worth Man Gets 10-Year Luxury Plate for Free
Read full release
THREE TEXANS' STORIES SAY "MY DAD ROCKS" FOR FATHER'S DAY - June 2012
Houston, Frisco, and Fort Worth Winners Get Free Luxury My Plates
Read full release
MY PLATES ON TRACK TO EXCEED $25M GOAL - June 2012
TxDMV Estimates Austin Company Will Over Deliver $25M Guarantee
Read full release
TxDMV WANTS YOUR OPINION ON NEW DALLAS STARS PLATE - May 2012
Go online now to share your opinion
Read full release
THREE MOMS HONORED THROUGH LICENSE PLATES - May 2012
Houston, Irving, and Arlington moms win big
Read full release
NEW TEXAS LICENSE PLATES AVAILABLE TODAY - March 2012
And 7-for-7 is March 7
Read full release
7-FOR-7 IS MARCH 7-14 - March 2012
Just a few days to get 7-letter personalized plates
Read full release
WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR BUMPER - February 2012
Three Texans win love story license plates
Read full release
5 NEW TEXAS LICENSE PLATES APPROVED - December 2011
The Texas Department of Vehicles Board approves five new specialty plates
Read full release
7 FOR 7 MAKES $300,000 FOR TEXAS IN ONE WEEK - November 2011
Texans Ordered 1600+ Seven-Character Personalized Plates
Read full release
7 FOR 7 SET FOR NOVEMBER 7 AT 7AM - November 2011
Texans Have 7 Days to Get 7-Character Personalized Plates
Read full release
18 NEW TEXAS PLATES AVAILABLE NOW! - September 2011
From Turkeys to Spurs to Wildcats
Read full release
7 NEW DESIGNS FOR 7 CHARACTER PLATES! - September 2011
32 Designs Available for 7-Day Event
Read full release
7 FOR 7 STARTS NOVEMBER 7 AT 7AM! - August 2011
Texans Get 7 Days to Order 7-Character Personalized
Read full release
NEW DESIGNS IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE - June 2011
AVAILABLE STARTING TODAY: Three 'Platriotic' License Plates for the Fourth of July
Read full release
15 NEW TEXAS PLATES AVAILABLE - May 2011
FROM BURRITOS TO BASEBALL TO BYU: 15 new Texas License Plates Now Available
Read full release
7-CHARACTERS 7 DAYS - February 2011
7-CHARACTER LICENSE PLATES FOR 7 DAYS ONLY New FREEDOM Plates For Sale for a Limited
Read full release
AUCTION RESULTS - January 2011
FERRARI is the most expensive plate ever sold in Texas: COWBOYS, GOHORNS, RANGERS
Read full release
AUCTION IS TONIGHT - January 2011
THE GREAT PLATE AUCTION IS TONIGHT! It's at Cowboys Stadium, and You Can Still Register to Bid Read full release
GONE FOREVER - January 2011
These plates could be gone forever. Tomorrow night is the big night. Read full release
AUCTION ACTION - January 2011
Free event at cowboys stadium. Open field and locker room. Read full release
MOST EXPENSIVE - January 2011
What will be the most expensive license plate ever sold in Texas? Read full release
WHO WILL BE FIRST? - January 2011
Bidder's Choice Plate is Texas' First Shot at 7-Character Freedom Read full release
NEW HIGH SCHOOL PLATES - September 2010
Fans of perennial 5A powerhouses Southlake Carroll & Allen can now show their Dragons or Eagles passion Read full release
NEW COMBOS, NEW DESIGNS, NEW DATE - August 2010
My Plates is adding an additional 22 new plate combinations to the previously announced 10 Read full release
NEW PLATE CHOICES FOR NASCAR FANS - August 2010
Go online now to share your opinion about new designs proposed for official Texas license plates Read full release
LONGHORN AND PINK T PLATE AVAILABLE - April 2010
New T Plate Opens Up Combinations Taken For Decades Read full release
PERSONALIZE USING 7 CHARACTERS - March 2010
New T Plate Opens Up Combinations Taken For Decades Read full release
TEXANS CELEBRATE SUPER BOWL WIN ON NEW PLATES - February 2010
Some celebrate the Super Bowl for a day, but two Texans have decided to make their party last all year. Read full release
Longhorns Plates on Sale January 7 - January 2010
Show your UT spirit, available the day of the big game Read full release
TxDMV Asks for Longhorn Votes - December 2009
Fan Feedback Needed for New Longhorn License Plate Design Read full release
BUY HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM THE TEXAS DMV & MY PLATES - November 2009
For the First Time, Texans Can Buy License Plates as a Gift Read full release
My Plates Launches First Corporate License Plate in Texas - November 2009
RE/MAX of Texas Gets Its Own Official DMV License Plate Read full release
MY PLATES SALES START TODAY - November 2009
Texans Get Fun, Colorful Choices in Official DMV License Plates Read full release
MY PLATES SALES START TOMORROW - November 2009
Texans Get Fun, Colorful Choices in Official DMV License Plates Read full release
TxDOT Commission Approves New Lower Prices for My Plates - October 2009
My Plates Set to Launch Sales November 19 Read full release
FOX RIO - Good Day Valley - December 2013
MyPlates.com Giant Check
Watch interview on December 18, 2013.
KWTX - December 2013
Lorena's Biles Wins $25,000 in Contest For Coach Of The Year
Read the story on December 9, 2013.
FOX RIO - Good Day Valley - December 2013
My Plates Coach of the Year Contest
Watch interview on December 5, 2013.
KLTV - December 2013
East Texas coach could win school big prize
Watch Ryan Peterson's story on December 5, 2013.
Fox 2 - Good Day Valley - November 2013
My Plates Coach of the Year
Watch interview on November 25, 2013.
Virtual Strategy Magazine - November 2013
Texas Youth Coaches Advance in Statewide Contest by MyPlates.com
Read story on November 22, 2013.
KTXD - November 2013
MyPlates.com Mascot Auction Gives Fans in Texas First Chance
Read story on November 21, 2013.
The Tribune - November 2013
Local coach needs community votes
Read the story on November 4, 2013.
CBS West Texas - November 2013
West Texas Coaches Compete for Coach of the Year
Read DeAnn Lopez's article on November 1, 2013.
El Paso Times - October 2013
East Side soccer coach in the running for MyPlates.com 'Coach of the Year'
Read Luis Carlos Lopez's story on October 26, 2013.
KTEN Texoma - October 2013
Volunteer Softball Coach in Denison Nominated By Team for Award
Read Alex Belser's story on October 27, 2013.
El Paso Times - October 2013
Exceptional coaches do it for love
Read Victor Martinez's article on October 24, 2013.
Midland Reporter-Telegram - October 2013
13 West Texas coaches finalists for My Plates Coach of the Year Contest
Read the report on October 21, 2013.
NFL.com - September 2013
"12THMAN" license plate goes for $115,000 in auction
Read Chase Goodbread's article on September 16, 2013.
KBTX - September 2013
Aggie Veteran Gives "12th Man" License Plate
Watch News 3 at 10 on September 16, 2013.
TAMU Times - September 2013
$115,000 12THMAN Plate Gets Roar from 88,000 Aggies
Read story on September 16, 2013.
KHOU.com - September 2013
A&M regent gives "12THMAN" specialty plate to Aggie veteran
Watch KHOU.com article on September 15, 2013.
The Eagle - September 2013
Regent wins bid for 12THMAN license plate
Read article on September 13, 2013.
USA Today - September 2013
Special Texas A&M license plate auctioned for $115,000
Read Chris Chase's story on September 12, 2013.
ESPN - September 2013
Texas vanity plate sells for $115K
Read Darren Rovell's article on September 12, 2013.
Wall Street Journal - September 2013
Texas A&M Fan Bids $115,000 For '12THMAN' License Plate
Read article on September 12, 2013.
Fansided - September 2013
Fan bids $115,000 for Texas A&M license plate reading '12THMAN'
Read Bryan Rose's article on September 12, 2013.
The Battlion Online - September 2013
'12THMAN' license plate sells for $115K
Read the Staff Report on September 12, 2013.
Fox News - September 2013
Texas man pays record $115,000 for '12THMAN' license plate
Read article on September 12, 2013.
MSN Now - September 2013
Bidding soars among Texas A&M fans for '12THMAN' vanity plate
Read story on September 12, 2013.
Dallas Morning News - September 2013
Houston lawyer wins Texas A&M Aggie 12THMAN plate auction for $115,000
Read Christy Hoppe's story on September 11, 2013.
Pittsburgh Tribune - March 2013
Personalized Plates Offer License for Creativity
Read Jason Cato's article on March 30, 2013.
Fort Worth Star Telegram - March 2013
Carroll 'loses' one mark, but is still big dog in license plates
Read Terry Evans' article on March 25, 2013.
Midland Reporter - March 2013
Midland High sets new license plate record in Texas
Read article on March 22, 2013 .
Houston Chronicle - January 2013
Houston Man Pays $25,000 for Unique Plate
Read Dan X. McGraw's article on January 28, 2013.
The Potpourri - January 2013
'HOUSTON' License Plate goes for Record $25,000
Read the report on January 26, 2013.
ABC/KVUE - January 2013
Man pays $25,000 for "Houston" vanity plate
Read the report on January 26, 2013.
ABC/KTRK - January 2013
Seven-character license plate auction to generate more cash for state's general fund
Read and watch Erik Barajas' report on January 25, 2013.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - January 2013
Points worth noting: mascots and license plates
Read editorial on January 4, 2013.
Houston Chronicle - January 2013
Top Bidder will Own HOUSTON license plate
Read Carol Christian's article on January 3, 2013.
Culture Map Houston - December 2012
A new round of special vanity license plates to sell for big bucks: Reveal includes Texans plate
Read Whitney Radley's article on December 28, 2012.
Houston Business Journal - December 2012
Exclusive Texas license plates offered at auction in Houston
Read Tim Monzingo's report on December 19, 2012.
El Paso Times - November 2012
Specialty Texas license plates available at auction
Read Vic Kolenc's article on November 29, 2012.
D Magazine - November 2012
Texas License Plate Auction Returns
Read Bradford Pearson's article on November 28, 2012.
Dallas Morning News - November 2012
Turning bumpers into political billboards
Read Claire Cardona's on November 4, 2012.
Tyler Paper - October 2012
TJC Apache Belles get their own specialty license plate
Read Emily Guevara's article on October 15, 2012.
Austin-American Statesmen - August 2012
Longhorns top sales of college merchandise for seventh straight year
Read Patrick Beach's article on August 31, 2012.
D Magazine - August 2012
A Chat Session With MyPlates.com Saleswoman
Read the article on August 13, 2012.
NBC DFW - July 2012
Proud to be an American License Plates
Read Ty Pressley's article on July 3, 2012.
Houston Chronicle - July 2012
U.S. flag plates arrive just in time for the Fourth of July
Read Renee C. Lee's article on July 2, 2012.
KENS San Antonio - July 2012
Patriotic plates: You can display American flag on your car
Houston Business Journal - June 2012
Texas companies offer corporate license plates
Read Olivia Pulsinelli's article on June 26, 2012.
Wall Street Journal- June 2011
What Drives People to Take a Creative License?
Read Nancy Keates' article on June 23, 2011.
The Lake Houston Observer- June 2011
"Platriotic" fervor is coming to the Lone Star State
Read article on June 23, 2011.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek- June 2011
Illinois to study putting ads on license plates
Read AP article on June 14, 2011.
Market Watch- June 2011
Illinois considering ads on license plates
Read Craig Tolliver's article on June 14, 2011.
The Business Insider – Online- June 2011
Broke Illinois Considers Ads On License Plates
Read Ricky Kreitner's article on June 14, 2011.
www.mysuburbanlife.com- June 2011
Illinois to study idea of corporate license plates
Read Andy Brownfield's article on June 10, 2011.
KIAH-TV CW 39 Houston, TX- June 2011
State Of Plates
Read Ben Lutman's article on June 2, 2011.
Abilene Reporter-News- June 2011
New license plates debut
Read Jeremy Goldmeier's article on June 2, 2011.
San Antonio Express-News- June 2011
Texas' newest license plate features Texas Motor Speedway
Read Mike Haag's blog on June 1, 2011.
KSLI-AM Abilene, TX- June 2011
Show Your Support With New Texas Tags
Read Rudy's post on June 1, 2011.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram- May 2011
Texas Motor Speedway now featured on specialty license plate
Read Gordon Dickson's blog on May 31, 2011.
The Outdoor Wire- May 2011
License Plates Will Help Fund Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
See press release on May 26, 2011.
San Antonio Business Journal- May 2011
Week at a Glance – San Antonio Spurs
The TCU Magazine – Online- May 2011
New TCU-themed license plate available
Read Rick Waters' article on May 4, 2011.
San Antonio Express-News- April 2011
Spurs still in the hunt for this prize
Read William Pack's article on April 30.
Yahoo! Sports- April 2011
Texas DMV considering proposed San Antonio Spurs license plate: Local fan report
Read Lisa Mason's blog on April 28, 2011.
Yahoo! News/Pegasus News- April 2011
Chime in if you want a special Texas license plate
Read Sarah Blaskovich's article on April 27, 2011.
San Antonio Business Journal- April 2011
Texas DMV considering proposed San Antonio Spurs license plate
USA Today- November 2010
States look at corporate plates to help with deficits
Read article by Katharine Lackey on November 5, 2010.
USA Today- November 2010
States look at corporate plates to help with deficits
Read article by Katharine Lackey on November 5, 2010.
El Paso Times- November 2010
Gustavo Reveles Acosta: Photog sets out to restore trolleys
Read his article on the UTEP Plate on November 7, 2010.
KHOU-TV CBS 11 Houston- November 2010
My Plates debuts Texans, Dynamo designs
Read post on November 8, 2010.
Fort Bend Sun- September 2010
Breast Cancer Awareness license plates available
Read article on September 28, 2010.
Denton Record-Chronicle- August 2010
Texas approves sale of new vanity license plates
Read Melanie Mason and Erin Mulvaney's article on August 25, 2010.
Dallas Observer- August 2010
OU812: Austin Burger Joint Plates Something Special
Read Hanna Raskin's blog on August 26, 2010.
The Dallas Morning News- August 2010
Texas approves 20 new designs for novelty license plates
Read Jeff Mosier's article on August 26, 2010.
Pegasus News- August 2010
New license plate combinations – like MAVS FAN or GIDDY UP – will be auctioned off in January
Read article from August 23, 2010.
Austin Business Journal- February 2010
TX Personalized License Plates Generate $1.1M
San Antonio Business Journal- February 2010
Personalized License Plate Program Generates More than $500,000 for Texas
Houston Press- February 2010
Texas, Thy Name is Vanity (Plates)
Read Richard Connelly's blog post from February 8.
KXAS NBC, Dallas- February 2010
Texans Near $1.2M in Vanity Plates Since November
Read Frank Heinz's article from February 8.
Abilene Reporter News- February 2010
'Texas Tough' Plates Popular in Taylor Co.
Read Brian Bethel's article from February 8.
KSAT 12 news, San Antonio- January 2010
Personalized Plates Bring Revenues, Consumers Have Options in Colors, Styles
Read Marilyn Moritz's article from January 8.
The Dallas Morning News- January 2010
UT Fans Show How Hooked they are for Thursday's BCS Title Game
Read Holly K. Hacker and Christy Hoppe's article from January 7.
Austin American-Statesman- January 2010
New UT License Plate on Sale Today
Read Mike Ward's blog from January 7.
KBMT ABC 12 Beaumont- January 2010
Longhorns License Plate on Sale January 7
Austin American-Statesman- December 2009
Time Running Out to Vote on Longhorn License Plate
Read Mike Ward's story from December 21.
Austin Business Journal- December 2009
TxDot Debuts Longhorn License Plate
KTRE ABC 9, East Texas- December 2009
Etech + MyPlates = Big Biz
Watch Donna McCollum's story from December 10, 2009.
Austin Business Journal- December 2009
Stepping Up to the Plate
Read Jacob Dirr's article from December 4, 2009.
Corsicana Daily Sun- November 2009
New Plates Coming Our Way
Read Janet Jacobs's column on November 30.
The Houston Chronicle- November 2009
Personalized Plates Can Now Carry Firms' Logos
Read Carolyn Feibel's column on November 29.
The Bryan-College Station Eagle- November 2009
Personalized License Plates are Making a Comeback
Read Donnis Baggett's comments on November 29.
Texas State Senate- November 2009
License Plates 2-4-1 Deal
Read Senator Jeff Wentworth's press release November 27.
The Weatherford Democrat- November 2009
Real Estate Firm First with My Plates
Autoblog.com- November 2009
Texas Unveils New Vanity Plates to Raise Money for State
Read John Neff's column November 26.
The Denver Post- November 2009
Re/Max is First Firm to Design Own Texas License Plate
Read Tom Trout's story November 26.
News Channel 25, Waco- November 2009
Decorate a Plate, Could Help Your State
Read Loren Korn's article November 25.
The Houston Business Journal- November 2009
Re/Max of Texas First to Step Up for Texas Novelty Plate
SmartPlanet.com- November 2009
Now, Branding for Your Bumpers: Corporate License Plates
Read Joe McKendrick's column November 25.
The Dallas Morning News- November 2009
Personalized Texas License Plates Available Again
Read Mark Norris' story November 20.
USA Today- November 2009
Plate Tech-tonics: Texas Sells Fancy New Vanity Tags
Read Michael Winter's column November 20.
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal- November 2009
DMV Offers New License Plates Today
Read Enrique Rangel's story from November 19.
NBC 5, Dallas-Fort Worth- November 2009
New Texas Plate Designs Available
Read Stacy Morrow's article on November 19.
KVUE, ABC Austin- November 2009
State to Monitor New Custom Plates
Watch Martin Bartlett's story November 18.
KCBD News Channel 11, Lubbock - November 2009
State re-launches personalized license plate program
Read Ben Lawson's story November 10, 2009.
Houston Chronicle - November 2009
Vanity has a price, but it's discounted
Read Carolyn Feibel story November 3, 2009.
San Marcos Daily Record - October 2009
New lower prices for My Plates beginning on Nov. 19
Austin American Statesman - August 2009
Transportation Commission gives initial OK for private vendor to sell personalized plates
Read Ben Wear story August 28, 2009.


text:
Since delicious's introduction all that time ago I have stuck with the service even though there are others out there, mainly because at the time it started I thought it was a great idea and they had the best implementation of on-line bookmarking. I believe and they still do however others may disagree.
Anyhow on to the problem I was having that I thought someone might find useful. One thing I noticed with the new delicious application is that the RSS icons don't seem seem to be easily accessible, so it is hard to find the RSS feed for a particular user, users tag etc.. This makes it a little hard if you are using something third party to aggregate the delicious feed.
Well here is the Syntax that I could not find on the delicious website.
If you want to just get the RSS of a users tag then use the syntax;
The reason I wanted an RSS feed of my latest public bookmarks is to feed my Facebook business page and give show users some activity and information about what I am looking at the time.. I do think delicious should should re-introduce the old RSS button somewhere on their application. I honestly looked everywhere on the homepage and all sub pages and could not find one RSS icon.. A shame in my opinion. Hope this tip helps someone.


text:
Running a business online is not always going to be the easiest road to follow. There are many different tools and outlets that will be able to help point you in the direction of the top online business systems. Anyone interested in creating a way to profit online can easily turn to these tips, tools, and resources to set you up for true success.
Sit down and think about some ideas that you feel you would succeed at. These are usually ideas where the site owner has an intimate knowledge or experience in. This is going to be your best bet and will enable you to branch out and make a decent profit quickly.
Once you have a couple of different ideas put out there, do what you can to learn about them and what they require to make money. What are people in this market willing to spend money on? This is another important step that many often tend to skip. There will always be sites that will help individuals learn about specific online business systems that work. Look into the few that you think you might like to try out and go from there.
While getting the site set up and ready to go, be sure to look into the different tools that are currently available. These tools will range from website builders to basic software that will help to keep tabs on all pages and results. Use various tools that will help to work as your own assistant and help you profit.
As long you are as consistent as possible, you will see the right results. Individuals who do not take the time to care for their site and make sure that it is all ready are not going to get the desired results or traffic numbers. Keep the same plan so that it works each day and that is a great way to make automatic money online.
Online business systems are perfect for those committed to making money online. Take some time to find out what other internet marketers are doing to make money and model their successes. Use all of the right tools and outlets that will help to guide you further to profits.


text:
I cannot think of any place I'd rather be on a Sunday afternoon than relaxing at a table by the bar at Zuni sipping dry vodka martinis and grazing on their perfect Ceasar salad, crispy fries, and briny oysters. Throw in the velvety chocolate pot de crème and you get the idea - a food lover's paradise.
Sadly, I rarely indulge in these dreamy Zuni afternoons, so I thought I'd try Judy Rodgers' pots de crème at home. This recipe is from her Zuni Cafe Cookbook: a great resource filled with so many of the classic Zuni dishes.
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used Guittard dark chocolate chips)
- 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 egg yokes
Preheat oven to 300.
Put chocolate and 1/2 cup cream in a bowl. Heat bowl over a saucepan filled with water on the stove top - like a double boiler. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted.
In a separate small sauce pan, heat milk, sugar, and 1/4 cup cream until sugar is melted.
In another bowl whisk egg yokes. Slowly add warm milk mixture and stir to integrate.
When chocolate is melted, pour egg/milk mixture through a strainer into chocolate bowl. Stir.
Place 4 small (4-5 ounce) ramekins inside of a larger baking dish, spacing the pots at least 1 inch apart. Pour custard batter into ramekins. Fill baking dish with 1/2 inch depth of water to make a steam bath for the custards. Bake in 300 degree oven for about 45 minutes. To test for doneness, lift a ramekin and tilt; if the custard is set but the center still bulges, it is done. The custards will continue to cook and firm when removed from the oven, so be careful not to overcook.
The pots de crème can be eaten in the hours after cooking, or can be covered and refrigerated for several days.
I added a candied orange peel to balance out the rich dark chocolate of the custard - so decadent and good!
makes 4 small pots de crème


text:
Sue D. Nymme comments on my blog:
8 – 12 seconds for a program to start!? I don't remember it being that quite bad when I used it.
use Moose; 1;
nomoose.pl 🙂
use Benchmark qw(:hireswallclock); use strict; use warnings; my $perl = 'c:/strawberry/perl/bin/perl'; Benchmark::timethese(100, { 'moose' => sub { system(qq{$perl moose.pl}) }, 'nomoose' => sub { system(qq{$perl nomoose.pl}) }, });
c:\home\jared> perl test.pl Benchmark: timing 100 iterations of moose, nomoose... moose: 33.6734 wallclock secs ( 0.00 usr + 0.14 sys = 0.14 CPU) @ 709.22/s (n=100) (warning: too few iterations for a reliable count) nomoose: 1.25888 wallclock secs ( 0.06 usr + 0.17 sys = 0.23 CPU) @ 427.35/s (n=100) (warning: too few iterations for a reliable count)
Yikes, it's more than 25 times slower! But is it really that bad? It's adding between 0.3 and 0.35 seconds to the start time. That actually sounds quite reasonable. And when you consider that a typical large perl program will load a whole bunch of other modules which also add to the start time, maybe it will start to get lost in the noise.
Based on this test, rejecting Moose solely on start-up time overhead seems a little unreasonable. (There could be some more overhead if you actually try to use it mind you.)
Just in case I'd used
Benchmark incorrectly, I tried something a bit more "traditional" (read hacky).
use strict; use warnings; my $script = shift; my $perl = 'c:/strawberry/perl/bin/perl'; for (1..100) { system("$perl $script"); }
$ time perl test2.pl nomoose.pl real 0m5.784s user 0m0.015s sys 0m0.000s $ time perl test2.pl moose.pl real 0m38.146s user 0m0.000s sys 0m0.046s


text:
If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
I actually have you on my facebook some how Always interesting to catch a few of your posts.
Thanks for the rep. Good to see you around
địa chỉ học kế toán tại hà nam
địa chỉ học kế toán tại thái bình
mẫu nhập xuất tồn
thủ tục góp vốn bằng tài sản cố định
mẫu tờ khai thuế môn bài mới nhất
trung tâm kế toán tại minh khai
học kế toán ở hải phòng
trung tam ke toan hai duong
HEY!!!!!!!! You still around?
You really should set up a video camera next time. Let us all join in on the fun
Hahahahahaha. Is it wrong that I would have loved to have seen that? Aspo cursing out a sink HAS to be fun.
Ooo cold. I'm so jealous. I want cold weather! We got stationed in Las Vegas. I hate it here. Too many people and way too big. Too busy. We've been here a year and I hope we won't be here too much longer. How's the job and family?
Head banging past the age of 25 is probably never advised. lol. Is your neck stiff, or do you just have a headache?
Doing ok. I see you're looking great as always. Hope life is dealing you better cards these days.
I'm doing alright. Trying to get used to 116 degree heat. It's not working so far. How's things in Africa?
Registered User
Super Moderator
ODN Community Regular


text:
Each of Canada's 13 provinces and territories has a liquor board, commission or corporation that oversees the control, distribution and sale of beverage alcohol in its jurisdiction. While each of these bodies is unique, they are all committed to working together through CALJ on liquor-related issues of common interest.
Alberta has a fully-privatized liquor industry. Currently, more than 600 registered agencies, representing manufacturers around the world, bring in liquor products to Alberta's marketplace. Liquor products are sold to consumers by privately-owned retail stores and licensed premises located across the province. Nearly 2,300 retailers operate in the province and close to 27,000 unique product listings are available to Albertans.
While Alberta's liquor industry is privatized, the AGLC is responsible for regulating the manufacture, importation, sale, purchase, possession, storage, transportation, and consumption of liquor in the province. Working on behalf of the Alberta Government, the AGLC oversees the conduct of all liquor activities in the province and collects mark-up on all liquor products sold in Alberta.
To ensure the province's liquor industry operates effectively, with integrity and in a socially responsible manner, the AGLC strives to provide a regulatory framework that is responsive to the needs of the industry and consumers, and one that balances choice and responsibility.
The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is one of two branches of government responsible for the beverage alcohol industry in BC.
The Liquor Distribution Act gives the LDB the sole right to purchase beverage alcohol both within BC and from outside the province, in accordance with the federal Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act.
As the sole buyer and re-seller of liquor in the province's mixed public-private model, the LDB is one of the largest liquor purchasers in the world.
Every year, the LDB buys alcohol from more than 1,000 British Columbian, Canadian and international suppliers and manufacturers to supply product to wholesale and retail customers across the province.
The LDB is one of the largest retailers in BC, with 36.2 million retail customer visits in 2013 alone to its retail chain, BC Liquor Stores. The LDB also supplies product to more than 10,000 BC bars, restaurants and private retailers—to the tune of more than 335,000 wholesale customer transactions during fiscal 2013/14.
As of March 31, 2014, the LDB:
As part of BC's mixed public-private liquor retail system, the LDB is committed to providing customers with an enhanced shopping environment, increased product selection and a high level of service at their 194 retail locations.
The LDB is proud to contribute nearly $1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia, helping to provide financial support for vital public services such as health care and education.
The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is a government corporation that sells alcoholic beverages throughout the province of Quebec. A growing company, it currently employs nearly 6,000 persons and manages more than 800 points of sale including its network of 408 outlets. Annual gross sales exceed $2.5 billion, some $1,5 billion of which comes from the stores of its outlet network.
The SAQ also operates large warehouses with a combined capacity of 4.3 million cases and a fleet of 230 transport and delivery vehicles. It supplies 22,800 holders of alcoholic beverage sales licenses (hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.) and 277 food wholesalers who, in turn, serve the needs of 8,400 grocers. In 2004-2005, the SAQ sold 7,633 products from more than 2,400 producers in some 45 countries.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is a Crown corporation for the province of Manitoba. Its mission is to provide innovative and responsible delivery of quality products and entertainment, generating revenue for Manitoba.
The Corporation operates Liquor Marts and Liquor Mart Express stores, Club Regent Casino, McPhillips Station Casino, Video Lotto and PlayNow.com, and also distributes and sells Western Canada Lottery products through a network of lottery ticket retailers. Revenues generated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries are returned to the province to support priority programming in health care, education, social and community services, economic development and public safety initiatives.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is the sole Canadian member of the U.S.-based Wine and Spirits Guild. The Guild is comprised of over 40 independent liquor retailers operating more than 500 stores throughout the United States. The Guild operates as a buying group whose goal is to supply Guild customers with high value products at great prices. Membership in the Guild is reserved for operators in non-competing markets and is by invitation only.
NLC is a provincial crown corporation responsible for managing the importation, sale and distribution of beverage alcohol within the province. NLC is a major retailer (through corporately owned retail outlets, branded Liquor Store), wholesaler (to Liquor Express stores, licensees, and other liquor outlets throughout Canada), and manufacturer branded Rock Spirits; (Rock Spirits owns brands and produces local product such as Screech Rum, Old Sam Rum and also contract bottles for brands including Crystal Head Vodka, Iceberg and Lemon Hart Rum). In addition, NLC is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Liquor Control Act, and Liquor Licensing Regulations.
NLC's mission is to be recognized as an exceptional organization, known for its passion in customer service, strong business performance, and progressive corporate culture. NLC directly employs approximately 587 employees (full time equivalents); operates 24 corporate stores; and supplies 140 agency outlets and over 2100 licensees
The New Brunswick Liquor Corporation is a Provincial Crown Corporation responsible for the purchase,
importation, distribution, and retail activity for all beverage alcohol in the Province of New Brunswick.
The Corporation contributes in excess of $161 million directly to the general fund of the Provincial Government. This is comprised of over $166 million in profits, $2.4 million in collections for the Environmental Trust fund, and over $275 in real property taxes.
As well, over 46 million is remitted to the Federal Government in the form of both HST on sales, and excise tax and custom duty levies on purchases. In total, more than $210 million is generated and returned to the various levels of Government.
The Retail Operations Centre and warehouse complex are located in Fredericton. ANBL services the public and licensees through a network of 44 corporate retail outlets and -84 private agency store outlets.
We have introduced brew pubs, micro-breweries, and an agriculture-based cottage wine sector, who all work with ANBL for the distribution of their product.
ANBL's product portfolio is comprised of over 1,881 products, including wines, spirits, beers and other products, such as coolers and ready to drink products.
For over 80 years, the NSLC has been managing the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol in Nova Scotia, returning 100% of its profits to government to help fund key public services. As a true partner in our communities, the NSLC conducts its business with integrity and respect for the environment while supporting the sale of over $30 million in local products every year. For more information on the NSLC, please visit myNSLC.com.
The Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC) is a crown corporation responsible for the purchase, control and sale of all beverage alcohol in the province. The PEILCC also has a regulatory function which includes licensing and inspecting licensed premises. On the commercial side, the PEILCC is a major force in the provincial economy and one of the largest retail organizations in Prince Edward Island. The head office, central warehouse and Licensee Distribution Centre is located in Charlottetown. Currently the public is served by 18 corporate retail outlets and 8 private agency store outlets.
Prior to the 1970's, Yukon's Liquor Control Board fell under the jurisdiction of the Yukon Legislative Assembly headed by the Commissioner of the Yukon Territory. The Director of the Liquor Control Board administered the day-to-day operations. The 1970's saw the election of the first partisan government and on April 1, 1977, the Yukon Liquor Corporation came into existence as a result of amendments to the Liquor Act. Currently, the Yukon Liquor Corporation is run by the President and Vice-President Operations, and YLC management. Yukon Liquor Corporations vision is that liquor products are enjoyed in a safe, legal and socially responsible manner. Yukon Liquor Corporation is responsible for the purchase, distribution, and sale of liquor products in the Yukon. Its purpose is to purchase a range of liquor products to meet customer and licensees interest alike, and to regulate the socially responsible sale, service and consumption of liquor products. YLC operates six government owned liquor stores, as well as directly serving approximately 137-145 licensees or liquor premises throughout the entire Yukon, from a central distribution warehouse in the capital city, Whitehorse. Through the five rural liquor stores, Territorial Agents also provide access to specific government services on behalf of other government departments.
Roll over and click on any province to see the respective association.
BC Liquor Stores gives thumbs up for dry grad celebrationsPosted: 04/03/2019Read More...
P.E.I. to remove personal exemption limits for interprovincial alcoholPosted: 02/01/2019Read More...
Health Canada Takes Action to Limit Purified Alcohol BeveragesPosted: 01/15/2019Read More...
New year brings new liquor pricing modelPosted: 01/15/2019Read More...
Read all the news
c/o Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission
3 Garfield Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 6A4
Tel: 902-368-5721
Fax: : 902-368-5735


text:
You might want to stay inside today, folks, because there's some space junk the size of a Buick set to reenter Earth's atmosphere and land, well, somewhere later today. After the spectacular disintegration of the Jules Verne earlier this year, this is the second time our earthbound space agencies have purposefully burned something up in the atmosphere. The trouble is, the Verne was carefully controlled and tracked by two planes (hence, the spectacular video). When this puppy breaks up in the atmo, at least 15 chunks of ammonia-soaked metal and other space station goodness are going to reach the surface. "If anybody found a piece of anything on the ground Monday morning, I would hope they wouldn't get too close to it," said a NASA spokesman.
Known as the Early Ammonia Servicer, or EAS, the tank was tossed overboard more than a year ago by NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, during a July 2007 spacewalk. It is the largest piece of junk ever tossed overboard from the ISS, and yes, you read that right. An astronaut threw a 1,400-pound tank of toxic ammonia coolant into the void, on purpose—but it's not as crazy as it sounds (we think). The tank was made obsolete by recent ISS repairs, and the ammonia-filled vessel was deemed too dangerous for a shuttle ride home. Tossing was the only option.
"As a matter of course, we don't throw things overboard haphazardly," said Mike Suffredini, NASA's space station program. "We have a policy that has certain criteria we have to meet before you can throw something overboard."
Still, if you find a glowing chunk of space waste in your backyard this evening, please call local authorities. People outside the U.S. are encouraged to call the U.S. Department of State via diplomatic channels. And don't touch anything!
Bonus: You can track the space junk at Reentry News. [MSNBC via Slasdot]


text:
//Imports the scanner utility
import java.util.Scanner;
public class ComputeLoan1
//Calls the method for variables to be calculated
public static double calculations(double loanAmount, double monthlyInterestRate, int numOfYears)
//Declares calculations as monthlyPayment
double monthlyPayment = (loanAmount * monthlyInterestRate / (1
- 1 / Math.pow(1 + monthlyInterestRate, numOfYears * 12)));
//Value that is returned to the main method
return monthlyPayment;
}//Closes the calculations method
//Final method used to output users calculations
public static void finalMethod(String[] args)
//Displays results
System.out.println("The monthly payment is " + (int)(monthlyPayment * 100) /100.0);
}//Closes the finalMethod
//Main method
public static void main(String[] args) {
double loanAmount = 0;
double annualInterestRate = 0;
double monthlyInterestRate = 0;
int numOfYears = 0;
double calculations;
//Creates a scanner for input from keyboard
Scanner input = new Scanner(System.in);
//Greeting to the user
System.out.println("Welcome to Kentucky Credit Union Loan Calculator!");
System.out.println("This program is used to help calculate the monthly loan amount.");
//Prompts the user for input
System.out.print("Please enter the loan amount: $");
loanAmount = input.nextDouble(); //Accepts input from user and stores it in a variable
//Enter yearly interest rate
System.out.print("Enter yearly interest rate, for example 7.25: ");
annualInterestRate = input.nextDouble();
//Obtain monthly interest rate
monthlyInterestRate = annualInterestRate / 1200;
//Prompts the user for input
System.out.print("Please enter length of the loan in years as an integer, for example 5: ");
numOfYears = input.nextInt();
} //Closes the main method
}//Closes the class


text:
For years, Reddit, the social-news site, languished as an obscure subsidiary of Advance Publications, the owner of magazine publisher Condé Nast.
Now it's hot, hosting a live Q&A with the most powerful man in the world, David Carr notes in the New York Times.
But President Barack Obama is just the latest celebrity to make the rounds of Reddit, which has become the top social-news site around, thanks to a largely hands-off policy by its owners.
Reddit was probably the biggest beneficiary of Digg's implosion, as users of that site fled a botched redesign. As its traffic exploded, Advance gave Reddit more freedom, not less, reorganizing it as an independent corporation, bringing back cofounder Alexis Ohanian as a board member, and hiring a well-connected Silicon Valley engineer, Yishan Wong, as its CEO.
Wong may not have the traditional CEO resume. But his status as an early engineer at PayPal and Facebook meant he ran in the right circles. And his recent experience as a devoted user of Quora, the question-and-answer site, raised his profile among the Silicon Valley cognoscenti.
Reddit, which was once down to a handful of engineers and business executives, has been on a hiring spree. Besides Wong, it's added a general counsel and several engineers. More than two dozen LinkedIn members list Reddit as their current employer now.
Carr doesn't touch on this in his profile, but people in the Valley are expecting Advance to fully spin Reddit out any day now and bring in big outside investors. (Currently, Reddit is an independent corporation with Advance as the largest shareholder.)
Update: We clarified Reddit's ownership status: It's been an independent corporation since April 2012.


text: Inspired by the example and tradition of the Sisters of Bon Secours, we strive to bring persons and communities to health and wholeness. In addition to providing health care services, we draw on our Catholic social justice tradition to contribute to the health of our communities, our nation and our world. Our tradition teaches us that each person is sacred and social. Based on this belief we are committed to fostering a dynamic and reflective organizational culture, and to decision-making based on our values and core commitments. We understand that to have a healthy community requires more than access to quality health care. The economic and political aspects of our society have an impact on how individuals grow and develop. Building a healthy community requires a systemic approach that addresses all basic human needs.


text:
A look back – May 12, 2010, former UA recruit-slash-ASU freshman Victor Rudd becomes the fourth player to bolt from ASU along with Demitrius Walker, Brandon Thompson, and Taylor Rohde. Rudd eventually enrolls at the University of South Florida.
UA fan "sleepingGiant" posits:
Wow!!.. Nobody seems to want to play for Sendick and his 40 minutes of helI "watch paint dry" offense! ASU is easily looking like the worst basketball team in the Pac-10 right now for next season. Meanwhile UofA will be back to putting up the usual basketball scores they put up against ASU for a quarter of a century.
This quote sets off a huge firestorm, where many Tempe Normal faithful blast sleepingGiant as being uneducated and uninformed.
Some examples:
You said the same EXACT thing last year. Don't you get tired of being wrong…EVERY…SINGLE…TIME???
As for UofA – maybe you clowns will actually qualify for the NIT next year….
The same UA basketball team that didn't even get an NIT bid? Yeah, ASU fans are terrified…
Somebody tell Sean Miller he's not in the weak A-10 anymore….he couln't even get his team into the NIT in the weakest year in the Pac-10's history.
With 5 good recruits coming in this is not surprising. Herb can handle it.
It doesn't look like Herb is handling it at all. As of February 6, 2011, Tempe Normal is 9-14, 1-10 in the Pac-10. With 7 conference games remaining, Tempe Normal will have to go 6-1 just to get to .500. Anything less and it assures Tempe Normal of a losing season unless they win the Pac-10 tournament.
Currently, Tempe Normal ranks near the bottom of the nation in three of four major statistical categories (points per game, rebounds per game, field goal percentage), and only two players average in double figures in points per game. Only two players have gotten to the free throw line more than 60 times (Abbott, Lockett), and as a team, Tempe Normal shoots free throws at a 64% clip.
Arizona, on the other hand, ranks in the top 100 in three categories (points per game, field goal percentage, assists per game), has a National Player of the Year candidate (Derrick Williams), plays 11 men with no real noticable dropoff outside of the center position, and has six players shooting three pointers at a 38% or better clip. They shoot free throws at a 74% rate, and get to the line almost twice as much as Tempe Normal (600 to 385), with five players having more than 60 attempts.
Yes, the next game is in Tempe, but really it's more like McKale Center North. It doesn't help that recently Tempe Normal cordoned off almost 3200 seats, ostensibly to give it a "home court feel". Realistically, though, nobody's buying that because even after that, Tempe Normal still can't sell out games. No, it's because they got tired of seeing all the empty seats… except when Arizona comes to play, in which case the Arena is mostly cardinal red and navy blue instead of maroon and gold.
Now, Tempe Normal's Herb Sendek is 6-4 against Arizona since 2007-08 season. However, of those 6 wins, only one of them is against Sean Miller. Again, that's ONE win against a non-interim Arizona coach.
That says volumes about Tempe Normal's program – that it can jack it up against the interims but completely shuts down against the heavy guns. Oh, and by the way, Lute Olson's record against ASU: 43-6. Miller's career Arizona record against ASU: 2-1. So, that's a 45-7 record by regular Arizona HC's (not counting interims) against ASU HC's in the last 28 years.
Yes, that's exactly SEVEN wins over regular Arizona HC's in 28 years. That five-game win streak between 2007-2009 was fool's gold since it was over the interim HCs.
So, for Sunday's game:
Frontcourt: Arizona. Tempe Normal has no answer for Williams who will go for another double-double (at least 20 points and 10 boards). Jamelle Horne will also get 10-and-5, and Perry will get 8-and-5. In otherwords, Arizona's frontcourt will have a field day on the glass – and second chance points – against the woefully undersized Tempe squad. Tempe's Kuksiks will get his 10 points, but that's about it.
Backcourt: Arizona. Jones, Fogg, Mayes, Hill, and Parrom have come alive in the meat of the Pac-10 schedule. Tempe's Abbott and Lockett can score in bunches (27 ppg combined), but after them, McMillan, Felix, King and now Creekmur offer a combined 16 ppg off the bench. And while Jones and Fogg combine for only 18 ppg, the Arizona bench of Mayes, Hill, Lavender and Parrom offer up another 25 ppg.
Coaching: Arizona. Normally, Sendek would have the edge if it were any other coach, but this isn't any other coach. Miller has shown he can outcoach Sendek and already owns the career head-to-head coaching lead against Sendek, going 3-2 as Arizona's and Xavier's HC.
Intangibles: Arizona. The game is being played in Tempe, but both teams have a week off after a trip to the Bay Area schools. Tempe Normal, however, has given Arizona a lot of game film to find weaknesses – not that it'll be hard to find them… see "frontcourt" – whereas Arizona has given Tempe Normal a lot to worry about after a 3OT win at Cal, where two nights earlier Tempe Normal could not close the door on the same Cal team.
Arizona by 10.


text:
It seems our guy Frasor has decided he's sick of being the 8th man out of a 7 man bullpen, and is working to improve his game this winter. The solution? Adding a change-up to compliment his straight-as-an-arrow fastball and inconsistent curve.
"I'd be cruising, and I'd walk somebody -- I'd walk Joe Schmo -- and then here comes another hitter, and then it's a two-run homer," he said. "It's like, how did that just happen? Two outs, nobody on, and then there's two runs in just like that.
Talk about self-awareness - that about sums it up for the life and times of Frasor these past few seasons. Still, it's good to see another Blue Jay take it upon himself to throw a nice little "fuck you" to the (numerous) critics and pessimists and actually, you know, work towards the season.
Refreshing, actually.


text:
Understanding Apple's Binary Protection in Mac OS X© Amit Singh. All Rights Reserved. Written in October 2006
With the advent of Intel-based Macintosh computers, Apple was faced with a new requirement: to make it non-trivial to run Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware. The "solution" to this "problem" is multifaceted. One important aspect of the solution involves the use of encrypted executables for a few key applications like the Finder and the Dock. Apple calls such executables apple-protected binaries. In this document, we will see how apple-protected binaries work in Mac OS X.
Relax. Please don't send me a note telling me about your "friend" who has been "easily" running Mac OS X on the laundry machine. When I say "non-trivial," we're not talking about mathematical impossibility, etc.
Note that besides hindering software piracy, there are other scenarios in which encrypted binaries could be desirable. For example, one could turn the requirement around and say that a given system must not run any binaries unless they are from a certain source (or set of sources). This could be used to create an admission-control mechanism for executables, which in turn could be used in defending against malware. In a draconian managed environment, it might be desired to limit program execution on managed systems to a predefined set of programs—nothing else will execute. In general, a set of one or more binaries could be arbitrarily mapped (in terms of runnability) to a set of one or more machines, possibly taking users, groups, and other attributes into account. I must point out that to create such a mechanism, one doesn't have to use encrypted binaries.
Further details on various concepts and terminology used in this document can be found in the book Mac OS X Internals: A Systems Approach. Specific references are provided within "Further Reading" boxes throughout this page.
The Structure of an Apple-Protected Binary
A typical Mach-O file contains a header at its beginning, followed by a sequence of load commands, followed by data for one or more segments. Load commands, which can have variable size, specify how the file is laid out and how it is to be linked. A segment, which contains a sequence of zero or more sections, is described by an
LC_SEGMENT load command. Figure 1 shows the relevant data structure.
struct segment_command {
unsigned long cmd; /* LC_SEGMENT */
unsigned long cmdsize; /* includes sizeof section structs */
char segname[16]; /* segment name */
unsigned long vmaddr; /* memory address of this segment */
unsigned long vmsize; /* memory size of this segment */
unsigned long fileoff; /* file offset of this segment */
unsigned long filesize; /* amount to map from the file */
vm_prot_t maxprot; /* maximum VM protection */
vm_prot_t initprot; /* initial VM protection */
unsigned long nsects; /* number of sections in segment */
unsigned long flags; /* flags */
Figure 1. The data structure representing the
LC_SEGMENT command
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 2.6, The Runtime Architecture
In Mac OS X 10.4.x, an apple-protected binary is a Mach-O file containing one or more AES-encrypted segments. The
LC_SEGMENT load command for an encrypted segment has a special bit (
0x8) set. Actually, the first few (3 in Mac OS X 10.4.x) pages of the segment are not encrypted—the rest are.
We can use the
otool command-line program to view the load commands in a Mach-O file. Figure 2 shows excerpts from the output of running
otool on the binaries for
ls and the Finder. We see that the
flags field has the
0x8 bit set in the case of the Finder, which is an apple-protected binary, but not in the case of
$ otool -l /bin/ls
Load command 0
Load command 1
cmd LC_SEGMENT
cmdsize 600
segname __TEXT
vmaddr 0x00001000
vmsize 0x00004000
fileoff 0
filesize 16384
maxprot 0x00000007
initprot 0x00000005
nsects 8
flags 0x0
$ cd /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/MacOS
$ otool -l Finder
Load command 0
Load command 1
cmd LC_SEGMENT
cmdsize 872
segname __TEXT
vmaddr 0x00001000
vmsize 0x002e8000
fileoff 0
filesize 3047424
maxprot 0x00000007
initprot 0x00000005
nsects 12
flags 0x8
Figure 2. Using
otool to view Mach-O load commands
One can write a simple program that trawls the entire system looking for Mach-O files matching the apple-protected criteria. The following is a list of (possibly non-exhaustive) apple-protected binaries in Mac OS X 10.4.x.
- The
Dockbinary within Dock.app
- The
Finderbinary within Finder.app
- The
loginwindowbinary within loginwindow.app
- The
SystemUIServerbinary within SystemUIServer.app
- The
mdssupport binary within Metadata.framework
- The
ATSServersupport binary within ATS.framework
- The
translatedRosetta-related binaries in
Before we see how apple-protected binaries are executed, let us look at an overview of how the Intel version of Mac OS X executes program in general.
Mac OS X Program Execution: A Simplified Description
In the first version of UNIX, the
exec system call was used to execute a file by overlaying the calling process with the file and transferring control to beginning of the file's core image. The basic idea is the same in Mac OS X. The
execve system call ultimately executes programs from the kernel's standpoint, regardless of the user-level API used to initiate the execution attempt.
#include <unitstd.h>
execve(const char *path, char *const argv[], char *const envp[]);
Figure 3. The
execve system call
As Figure 3 indicates,
execve() begins with the path to an executable. The system call handler uses the
namei() kernel function to convert a path into a vnode. Given the vnode, the corresponding file can be read from.
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 7.5, The
execve()System Call
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 11.6, The VFS Layer
execve() reads the first page (4096 bytes) from the file to examine what kind of a program it is. The x86 version of the Mac OS X kernel can handle the execution of the following file types.
- 32-bit Mach-O x86 binaries
- 32-bit Mach-O PowerPC binaries (handled through Rosetta)
- 64-bit Mach-O x86 binaries (requires 64-bit hardware)
- "Fat" binaries (the fat binary must contain at least one of the aforementioned supported types)
- Interpreter scripts
The following additional points are noteworthy:
- 64-bit Mach-O PowerPC binaries are not supported by Rosetta.
- A fat binary is essentially an archive consisting of one or more Mach-O binaries concatenated, along with a header at the beginning. Apple's marketing term for these is Universal binaries.
- An interpreter script is a text file that traditionally begins with the
#!characters followed by a path to the interpreter. Files not containing the
#!line are treated as shell scripts—not by the kernel, but by the
execvPstub in the C library. If the stub gets an
ENOEXECerror from the kernel when such a file's execution is attempted, it reattempts execution by using
"/bin/sh"as the first argument to
execve()and the file as the next argument.
Given the first page of the file,
execve() attempts to determine the file type using a multipass algorithm. For example, in the case of a fat binary, it calculates the location of the appropriate Mach-O binary (if any) within the fat binary, reads the first page of the new target binary, and reexamines its header. Here we are interested in apple-protected binaries, so we will not discuss how the special cases of Rosetta and interpreter scripts are handled.
Upon identifying a Mach-O binary,
execve() calls the Mach-O image activator (fancy name for a handler function) to take care of the actual execution. The activator performs a variety of sanity checks, sets various flags, handles task-working-set caching details, and eventually commences to load the Mach-O file. This loading step includes setting up an appropriate virtual memory map and parsing the Mach-O commands in the binary.
Of particular interest to us is the
LC_SEGMENT command, which, as we saw earlier, describes a segment. For every
LC_SEGMENT command, the kernel checks the
flags field to see if the apple-protected bit is set, and if so, it proceeds to unprotect that segment as an additional step before deeming the load a success. Figure 4 shows a relevant kernel code excerpt illustrating the control flow that occurs during the handling of
// The execve system call handler
// The case of a Mach-O file
error = exec_mach_imgact(...);
// Mach-O image activator
static int
exec_mach_imgact(struct image_params *imgp)
lret = load_machfile(...);
lret = parse_machfile(...);
// Parse and handle Mach-O load commands
static load_return_t
switch (lcp->cmd) {
case LC_SEGMENT:
ret = load_segment(...);
static load_return_t
if (scp->flags & 0x8) {
// This is an apple-protected segment
ret = unprotect_segment_64((uint64_t)scp->fileoff,
} else {
ret = LOAD_SUCCESS;
return ret;
Figure 4. Unprotecting a protected Mach-O segment during execution
Let us now look at how the kernel handles "unprotection".
Unprotecting Apple-Protected Binaries
The "unprotect" operation determines the offset at which to begin (recall that the first few pages of an apple-protected segment are not encrypted) and calls a special memory-mapping function,
In a Mach-based VM subsystem,
vm_map() maps the specified memory object to a region of virtual memory. Crudely put, a memory object represents a range of pages all of which are accessible through a given pager (also called a memory manager). The pager handles page-ins and page-outs over the memory region(s) it is responsible for. For example, when the kernel calls a pager to handle a page-in operation, the pager can retrieve the page's data from a backing store such as a disk. When a file is being executed, it is the vnode pager that retrieves pages from the file.
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 8.2, An Overview of Mac OS X Memory Management
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 8.3, Mach VM
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 8.6, The Mach VM User-Space Interface
vm_map_apple_protected() does a rather simple thing: it essentially interposes another pager, the apple-protect pager, between the kernel and the vnode pager. Normally, the kernel would communicate with the vnode pager to request data for a page. With this interposition in place, the kernel communicates with the apple-protect pager instead, which takes the encrypted mapping backed by the vnode pager and transforms (decrypts) each page as it is requested by the kernel. Figure 5 shows a code excerpt.
// Called to handle page-ins
memory_object_t mem_obj,
memory_object_offset_t offset,
vm_size_t length,
vm_prot_t protection_required)
dsmos_page_transform((const void *)src_vaddr,
(void *)dst_vaddr);
Figure 5. Page-transformation performed by the apple-protect pager
Note that the apple-protect pager doesn't support page-outs. In fact, its implementation of the routine for handling page-outs (the "data return" routine in Mach pager parlance) panics the system because it should never be called under normal circumstances (unlike
vm_map_apple_protected() is not an exposed interface).
Amusingly, the "dsmos" prefix in Figure 5 stands for "Don't Steal Mac OS X". In fact, the
Don't Steal Mac OS X.kext kernel extension plays a critical role in the working of the apple-protect pager. The
dsmos_page_transform() function, which takes as arguments a source (encrypted) page and a destination (decrypted) page, simply calls the function pointed to by the
dsmos_hook function pointer. The "dsmos" kernel extension sets this function pointer to point to
page_transform(), a function implemented within the kernel extension.
page_transform() performs the actual AES decryption.
Using some means of peeking at kernel memory, you can catch the apple-protect pager in action. For example, one of the counters this pager maintains is an integer named
apple_protect_pager_count_mapped. We can retrieve the value of this integer from the kernel and see how the value changes as we run programs. Since the Rosetta binaries are apple-protected, we can run a trivial PowerPC binary that sleeps for a little while, and examine the counter's value before, during, and after the execution of the binary. Figure 6 shows the experiment, which uses a script (
readksym.sh) for reading kernel symbols via
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 8.2.1, Reading Kernel Memory From User Space
- Accessing Kernel Memory on the x86 Version of Mac OS X
$ cat sleeper.c
$ gcc -arch ppc -o sleeper sleeper.c
$ sudo readksym.sh _apple_protect_pager_count_mapped 4
0000000 0008 0000
$ ./sleeper &
[1] 7173
$ sudo readksym.sh _apple_protect_pager_count_mapped 4
0000000 0009 0000
[1] + done ./sleeper
$ sudo readksym.sh _apple_protect_pager_count_mapped 4
0000000 0008 0000
Figure 6. Viewing the number of times the apple-protect pager is mapped
Referring to the list of apple-protected binaries we came across earlier, we should be able to account for each mapped instance of the apple-protect pager.
Don't Steal Mac OS X (In Your Address Space)
On Mac OS X 10.4.x, the "dsmos" kernel extension also stashes a 256-byte blob of integrity data in the commpage. This data is visible at an offset of
0x1600 bytes from the start of the commpage in every user task's virtual address space. In the x86 version of Mac OS X 10.4.x, the commpage starts at
-16 x 4096 bytes. Therefore, the integrity data is at the address
-16 x 4096 + 0x1600. Figure 7 shows a trivial program that demonstrates this by printing the "string" at the virtual address of interest.
$ cat dsmos.c
puts(-16 * 4096 + 0x1600);
$ gcc -o dsmos dsmos.c
$ ./dsmos
Your karma check for today:
There once was was a user that whined
his existing OS was so blind,
he'd do better to pirate
an OS that ran great
but found his hardware declined.
Please don't steal Mac OS!
Really, that's way uncool.
(C) Apple Computer, Inc.U??VWS?5P
Figure 7. Dumping the commpage-resident "dsmos" data
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 6.7.6, The Commpage
- Mac OS X Internals: Section 8.13, System Shared Memory


text:
In our administrative building we have a network with around 150 workstations. Till now I used fixed IP address giving the specific department one range in same address.
Etc in marketing I had 192.168.1.2X, in sales 192.168.1.3X, servers are with 192.168.1.20X. Now things are getting knotty as the number of workstations increases. I want to start all over again using DHCP server, but I do not know which device I should use as a DHCP server.
Candidates are as follows: 3X Win 2003 Server, 3X managed switches with web interfaces and DHCP server built in, one FreeBSD router as main router for the entire network, another router as alternative internet link from other ISP, 2X access points for internal wireless network.