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subset: commoncrawl


text:
A San Diego federal jury on Friday convicted four men, all immigrants from Somalia, of conspiring to raise money and send it back to their war-torn country to fund the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
The verdict ended a three-week long trial and came after 2½ days of deliberations by the panel.
Charged in the case were Basaaly Saeed Moalin, a cabdriver in San Diego; Issa Doreh, a worker at a money remittance business that was the conduit for transferring the funds; Mohamed Mohamed Mohamud, the imam at a City Heights mosque frequented by the city's immigrant Somali community; and Ahmed Nasiri Taalil Mohamud, a cabdriver from Anaheim.
They were convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and to a foreign terrorist organization, and money laundering conspiracy. They face potentially long prison sentences: 15 years on the terrorism charges and a maximum of 20 years on the money laundering charges. Sentencing is set for May 16.
The men showed no reaction as the verdicts were read in the courtroom of U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Miller. About a dozen members of the Somali community seated in the audience also looked on silently.
During the trial, the gallery seats were filled each day with about two dozen members of the local community, many who attend the mosque where Mohamud served.
Abdi Mohamoud, executive director of the Horn of Africa organization that provides services for the Somali community in City Heights, said the verdicts will resonate in the tight-knit community.
"Many people know these men, they know their families, their children," he said. "It's very tough when someone you know is involved in anything like this."
While some will be displeased, Mohamoud said that the verdicts should serve as a "wake-up call" for the community. "If there are individuals who are involved in or have connections with groups like al-Shabaab, this should encourage people to stay away from them," he said.
The investigation by the federal Joint Terrorism Task Force began more than five years ago and involved extensive FBI wiretaps of telephone calls between them and alleged al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia.
The conversations formed the core of the case presented to jurors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Cole and Caroline Han contended that the calls revealed the defendants' efforts — spearheaded by Moalin — to raise money for the fighters, then transfer it using fake names and phone numbers to the fighters in Somali via a City Heights money transfer business.
Al-Shabaab was designated a terrorist group by the U.S. government in February 2008, two months after the wiretaps of the men began. The groups engaged in attacks on peacekeeping and government forces in Somalia at the time, and conducted a campaign of beheadings and bombings, the government said.
While Moalin is featured on most of the calls, Cole told jurors that Mohamud was a "power broker" who used his position as an imam of a City Heights mosque to raise money.
Defense lawyers had a far different take on the conversations. They argued the government had taken snippets of longer conversations and edited them to make the talk appear far more sinister than it was. They said that the men were motivated by charity and trying to raise money for humanitarian purposes back in their home country.
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in a statement that she was gratified to see the jury rejected these arguments.
"The jury clearly did not accept defense claims that months of intercepted conversations about bullets, bombings and Jihad were actually conversations about their charitable efforts for orphans and schools," she said.
"This case proves that our efforts to detect and disrupt terrorist financing — and prevent the violence that goes along with it — has paid off."
The wiretapped conversations spanned a period from December 2007 to August 2008. In all, prosecutors said the amount of money raised for the fighters was about $8,500. In addition, they said that Moalin also provided another form of support when he allowed al-Shabaab fighters to use a home he owned in the capital of Mogadishu.
Much of the trial came down to debate about what was said on the wiretaps, by whom and what was left out.
Cole said that some of the conversations are conducted in a kind of code to obscure the meaning of what was being discussed. When discussing money transfers, for example, the defendants spoke about "bundles" or "stones" that he said was code for increments of money.
Many of the early conversations were recordings between Moalin and Aden Hashi Ayrow, a man who prosecutors said was a leader of al-Shabaab and a dedicated terrorist. On some recordings he is heard giving details of recent attacks and battles against Ethiopian forces or troops supporting the nascent Transitional Federal Government, which was trying to establish itself as an interim government in the war-torn country.
But the defense team said the government had built the entire case on a flawed premise: that Moalin was communicating with Ayrow. "They see al-Shabaab everywhere," defense lawyer Joshua Dratel said in closing arguments.
Instead, the defense said another man, a police official who was opposed to al-Shabaab, was the person speaking on the phone. They located that man and took his testimony, along with several others, in a trip to Djibouti. The testimony was videotaped and played to jurors as part of the defense case.
Defense lawyers declined to comment after the verdict.
The defense team also attacked the government's English translation of the tapes, contending it misinterpreted and botched key words and phrases. They provided their own translations of the conversations which were far more benign — and accurate, they said.
Ayrow was killed by a U.S. missile strike in May 2008. Prosecutors said the men continued to raise money over the next few months but by late summer were becoming more wary. In one conversation in July, Moalin indicated he was suspicious of being monitored and said it was time to "lay low."


text: Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiation of his temper and loss of self-control. Yield larger things to which you can show no more than equal right and yield lesser ones, though clearly your own. Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite.


text:
Trail Cam Rotation
I, like several thousand other bow hunters, am itching to hit the timber come October first. Not only for the obvious reasons but also to try out another technique! I love trying new things out and have done some unorthodox and out-of-the-ordinary experiments to find where the monsters lurk in the past but this time I feel pretty confident with my latest idea. I call it the "Trail Camera Rotation". Now it's not fancy and it didn't take a lot of brain power but it's an easy one to figure out. Here's what I did to find where a monster's been hiding.
Early in the year, I started out with a new piece of property. Not knowing anything about it, I studied a satellite image of the property. From there, I walked the timber, the creek beds, grassy areas and whatever else I came across. After determining three spots that looked promising, I placed a trail camera at each location. One spot was a pure dud and I later realized it was only used during the rut, so I pulled that camera after a month. The other two produced big bucks right off the bat. After analyzing both spots, I decided one area would be too difficult to haul a deer out of because of the standing crops, so I opted to focus on the last place. I gathered the other two cameras and placed them on opposite ends of the productive trail camera and waited two weeks to check them. It appeared that my target buck was coming from one end, so I removed the unproductive camera and placed it even further back from the second camera. Throughout the summer, I walked those cameras back about 90 yards over a 2 month course ultimately finding out where he was bedding. I also realized that part of his core area happened to be on the bordering property, so I stopped at the property line. It doesn't appear to be a problem as he beds mostly on my side and seems to feel at home on my farm. So now I have several ambush sites along this fairly long area with many opportunities to hunt from no matter what the wind is doing. In fact, If I hear noise from one of these areas, I'll have ample time to draw and position my bow for a clean shot. It's all in the homework! From here, all I need is a buck :-(
I used to use the same technique with string but this is much easier. I've officially caved in to the 21st century technology and have no regrets. Everything else I do will be the same. I can still make believe I'm an early settler trying to feed my family when I hunt from the ground and nobody will know how ill I really am So it's business as usual! Come on October!!!Permalink
More from Marc Anthony
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- The Deer are Moving!
- A doe to kick off the new season!
- One Sleepless Night!
- Packed and ready!
- Where to cut for that trophy buck!
- 2 Year Anniversary for Me
- Trail Cam Rotation
- An Idea for Illinois!
- Antlered Doe!
- The Conversion Into Daylight
- Endangered or not, wolf killings will happen!
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- Deer Transitions
- Last Batch of Pictures
- Marc's 2010 Deer Prediction
- Reports of Bucks Peeling!
- Bobcat/Deer Trail Pics
- Governor's Invitation to Hunt. I'll Take It!
- Some Fish Stuff!
- Today's Trap Shoot in Tremont
- Who is the Best Whitetail Hunter in the World?
- Getting Pumped!
- Bucks, Does and Fawns!
- They're Getting Bigger!
- Say Goodbye to Goliath
- More eye candy
- A different trail cam picture!
- More pictures!
- Trail cam pictures from you!
- Trail cam pictures start to surface
- Webinar for hunting from the ground
- Chicago approves new handgun restrictions
- Supreme Court limits local gun bans
- 4 Months to tell?
- Using rain to scout deer
- Confessions of a Trouble Maker!
- Wild Turkey Chicks
- Coyote Hitching a Ride
- The Ultimate Sign!


text:
Holiday Rafa
For my cousin Cat and all of you, and thank you for your emails, who love the Rafa posts and photos...
Check out Rafael Nadal with his longtime gf "Xisca" at the Juntos Por La Integracion charity gala organised by his foundation in Barcelona last night. I love her. She is SO cute. Sometimes I worry though that they're too young to have been together for so long. I also worry a lot about how... fragile he can seem sometimes. Like, when he looks desperately at his box, and he's getting better at this now, I want for him to start becoming more independent. Yes, I can totally psychologise him just because I watch him on tv.
Here's to a healthy 2012. And a lot of great matches.
G Tres/Splash, Miquel Benitez/Getty


text:
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the September/October 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.
We make time to celebrate successes! It's important to focus on the impact our institution has on its visitors and how each staff person contributes to this impact. Additionally, we continue to have an Activities Team to develop time and space for staff to engage in fun activities during and outside of work hours. From chili cook-offs to baseball games, there are opportunities for staff to get to know each other and take their minds off of work from time to time. (Pictured: A staff-intern outing to a food festival in downtown Chicago.)
Joy Kubarek-Sandor, student and teacher programs manager
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
We share problems and ask for solutions from all staff and the board.
Maya Halevy, director
Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem, Israel
Among other things, the museum has weekly "free coffee" sessions Friday mornings in the Atrium at 9:00 a.m. (We open officially at 9:30 a.m.) At our bimonthly all-staff meetings, we have contests and reward prizes like "free parking for a month," etc., to staff.
Kat Stein, director, public relations and communications
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
"The need sharpens the wit," says a popular Spanish proverb. In fact, in our museum, the current economic crisis is acting as a stimulus to test new, creative, cost-effective solutions, and everybody in this business knows that this means a lot of fun. For instance, we turn our main design efforts from expensive exhibitions to state-of-the-art activities.
Francisco J. Franco del Amo, technical manager
Aquarium Finisterrae-Museos Científicos Coruñeses, A Coruña, Spain
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) has science communicators involved in reaching out to the public with precise and scientific knowledge. We engage in multiple methods of science communication with the general public. Their many responses suggest that the issues are "alive," and that encourages us. Plus, Miraikan continues to train, advise, and acknowledge each staff person's efforts, thereby providing a base of respect, recognition, and sense of accomplishment within the entire Miraikan family. This results in a strong sense of belonging and a strong sense of teamwork. We share all feedback and take a positive learning approach to achieve open and innovative communication.
Yuko Okayama, science communicator
Miraikan: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan
The economic difficulties have been an impetus to fight "against all odds," ensuring that El Museo de los Niños de Caracas continues to help children "learn by playing."
Mireya Caldera Pietri, director
El Museo de los Niños de Caracas, Venezuela
It is increasingly difficult to sustain staff morale and more importantly to retain staff in these tough economic times. Our science centers face the challenge that they are not widely recognized or funded, and there are no clear career paths for staff. We hope that the 6th Science Centre World Congress in Cape Town in September 2011 will help to bring our centers into the forefront of public thought and support.
Derek Fish, director
Unizul Science Centre, Richards Bay, South Africa
While we have not been able to offer raises in this economy, our senior management has made a point of advocating for continued investment in staff through avoiding pay cuts, adding staff positions to ease workload if needed, and providing additional professional development opportunities. Staff is encouraged to attend professional conferences and workshops. We have also instituted a "Brown Bag" training program that educates staff from all functions of the organization on different aspects of our operations—exhibit development, animal training, science programs, and personal health.
Rachel Meyer, executive director
CuriOdyssey, San Mateo, California
Because of the kind of institution that Maloka is (we must be a self-sustaining institution in a Latin American country), we are used to working in difficult economic conditions. I think difficult times are the moments when morale must be higher; they are the times when you as a professional are working for a community facing its greatest challenges, and it might inspire you. Motivation is something very personal, so the best I can do is to show the staff the opportunities that a time of crisis gives to us and let them participate in the design of new solutions.
Sigrid Falla, director of research and development
Maloka, Bogota, Colombia
Every year, all the employees of Technopolis go on a day trip together to another tourist attraction or science center. During a real team-building day, they catch a glimpse of how other tourist institutions are working and handling things.
Twice a year, a meeting with all Technopolis employees reviews the status of our current activities and reveals the future plans of the science center for the next half year.
Every year, in September, all Technopolis employees (public workers, technicians, office employees, etc.) clean the exhibition room, the cafeteria, the offices…together. This also is a sort of team building and a way to create some involvement for everyone.
Technopolis believes it is important to set up inspiring projects that are highly appealing to the media. For example, in February 2011, Technopolis broke the world record of the largest chemistry lesson with 526 students. The positive vibes of the event and the accompanying media attention gave a good feeling to everyone and was a boost for staff morale.
Steven Vols, marketing and communication director
Technopolis, the Flemish Science Center, Mechelen, Belgium
Over the past year, I've been fortunate enough to serve on our museum's Rewards and Recognition Committee. The purpose of the program was not necessarily to raise morale, but to reward and recognize staff in nonmonetary ways. The goals of the program are to
- recognize employees whose efforts make a difference
- recognize individual team members equally for their efforts
- build a spirit of teamwork and cooperation among co-workers
- demonstrate that employees' work is valued and appreciated.
The committee members are museum employees from all departments and serve for a term of one year. The first task for the committee was to conduct an employee survey to establish a baseline for future metrics and gather ideas from staff on what they would like to see as part of the program. From that, we put together an action plan of potential programs to implement throughout the year. The plan was reviewed and approved by our senior management team. Some of the new programs the committee initiated are
- raffles held during monthly all-staff meetings
- a peer recognition program where staff can recognize their peers for small achievements
- a reciprocal pass with local museums and attractions to provide free admission for employees (+1 guest) to participating organizations
- pins and lanyards to recognize staff service milestones
- a staff variety show to showcase staff talent
- lunchtime professional development programs for staff.
Based on annual survey results, staff found Rewards and Recognition to be a great program and appreciates the effort the museum is taking to recognize staff. For year two of Rewards and Recognition, we will continue to support ongoing initiatives and are looking to add new programs based on feedback from staff, such as a staff break room, a summer picnic for staff and their families, and a staff weekend at one of our residential outdoor school sites.
Nate Lesiuk, program developer
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland
From our Facebook page:
I've found that giving people ownership over small projects really helps. Most of my staff members are part-time and they have qualifications to be full-time, but the institution cannot afford it.
However, if they feel they can contribute a program to the whole institution, it increases the value they feel in the job. It also helps that part-timers know that we tend to hire from within for full-time jobs, so they have opportunities to advance.
Sarah Schoenlaub, physical science gallery leader
Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri
The above statements represent the opinions of the individual contributors and not necessarily the views of their institutions or of ASTC.


text:
Photographer's Note
The Roman Aqueduct in Caesarea on its most known section, broken centuries ago by earthquakes and sea erosion, its the final edge of its remnants. Built on the 1st century BC, by king Herod, brought water to the ancient city from the springs on southern side of Mount Carmel, about 10KM to the north east.
I always wondered what had happened to the missing part stones a puzzle not found any trace on the web.
Location on map: 32.5127, 34.8964
-0.3 exp. bias due to strong daylight.
My previous photos on the subject:
A wider POV, same place.
Southwards view to the length within the Dunes.
Archs in close view.
mirosu, pierrefonds, kato, ourania, shevchenko, danos, jhm, mcmtanyel, delpeoples, jcpix, nikkitta, krzychu30, Cricri, clic, papagolf21, NorthernLight, swapankumarroy, PaulVDV, PiotrF has marked this note useful
Critiques | Translate
tenretin (3128) 2014-02-23 1:31
Hello Ike,
I love the correlation between the horizon and the alignment of the bridge. This is a beautiful book. The human element helps to perceive the scale.
Well done!.
saxo042 (38078) 2014-02-23 1:32
Hi Ike,
A very good picture of this interesting aqueduct. I also appreciate your links to the other pictures and the map reference. A very attractive picture with a small, but important human presence.
Kind regards
mirosu (16313) 2014-02-23 1:35
Hello Ike,
You have found a great viewpoint which not only leads towards the aqueduct but also shows the excellent details. The light and shadows create fine contrasts to the simple colours and the textures. This fine exposure is incredibly sharp so that the details are perfectly accessible.
The well-chosen tight crop eliminates all unwanted distractions.
Very well done.
Nicou (191114) 2014-02-23 1:49
quelle vue sur cet aqueduc sueprbe quel rendu sur la pierre une très ancienne construction ce rendu sur la pierre cet éclairage très intéressant sueprbe.
Bravo et amitié
carlo62 (81155) 2014-02-23 2:05
Ciao Ike
splendido questo acquedotto su questo fondale blu, dove cielo e mare si uniscono alla perfezione.
Attira l'attenzione anche la discreta presenza della signora, quel piccolo punto rosa attrae molto più di tante altre cose.
Buona domenica
photographer_sg (6059) 2014-02-23 2:10
Hello Ike
beautiful composition with great framing and clarity. Lovely natural colours. Beautiful contrast. Thanks for sharing and have a great new week.
best regards
pierrefonds (95607) 2014-02-23 5:32
Hi Ike,
the distance between the baqueduct and the horizon is giving depth to the composition. The point of view is showing the details and the colours of the architecture of the aqueduct. The good luminosity is bringing out the colours. Have a nice dya.
kato (11630) 2014-02-23 7:24
Hello Ike,
You're capturing well this architecture by a good composition and excellent tone/clarity, so it's interesting and impressive to see the stone architecture which is built for water supplies from the desert. It looks like a great wisdom of ancient engineers who thought the useful irrigation. It's strong and functional structure. and it's also impressive to face the sea.
Kind regards,
ourania (51103) 2014-02-23 7:29
Hello Ike,
I like very much the simple, graphical design of this ancient aqueduct and enjoy the sharp, natural textures and the compact, warm stones in your photo. I like the angle you chose for this capture, the perspective is great and the blue backdrop of sea and sky very pleasing. There's vast depth through the arches and the shadows underneath them provide nice contrast and enhance the graphism and dynamism of your picture. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely evening,
shevchenko (20560) 2014-02-23 19:14
Hi Ike,
Good pov and good frame to show the magnificent aqueduct, nice blue sky and sea as background, suprise that the WS is showing another side of aqueduct that accompany by sand dune, interesting composition, distinct photo, good shoot.
Royaldevon (66012) 2014-02-24 1:47
Hello Ike,
A simplistic subject of sea, stones and sky but so very finely composed, and exposed with excellent sharpness to create a fine photograph. The textures are almost palpable.
The inclusion of the head is a gem.
It adds just a hint of new colour, gives a focus point and puts the whole shot on an understandable scale.
Love it!
Have a great day,
Bev :-)
danos (110395) 2014-02-24 2:32
Hi Ike,
nice the view of this old Roman aqueduct in Caesarea that is so close to the sea.I like its good meaintenance as the excellent light and the contrast management of the scene.Good its placement in the frame.
jhm (193769) 2014-02-24 4:02
Hello Ike,
This part of these aqueduct is very good maintain.
Lovely with the sea the wonderful blue sky.
Really a very good technical picture also wonderful colours.
The aqueduct care for a wonderful composition.
Very well done, TFS.
Have a nice day,
mcmtanyel (56772) 2014-02-24 18:20
Hello Ike,
I like the views of the sea through the arches and the color combination - deep blue vs the earth tones. Well seen and rendered, TFS!
Miguel82 (38603) 2014-02-24 20:00
Dear Ike, I'll always reply in chronological order don't worry even if I'm busy sometimes, that ancient roman aqueduct is a testimony of the past still in good conditions, high definition, good light and hues, good evening
delpeoples (60326) 2014-02-25 4:28
Dear Ike
A stunning subject matter, beautifully photographed. I love the warm light, the excellent contrasts and vivid colours. Superb work. Thanks for sharing, have a beautiful day.
jcpix (14030) 2014-02-25 16:00
Hi Ike,
Yes, that does come to an abrupt end doesn't it! Understandably so it would seem, but also very impressive that considering the factors, this much is still standing strong. Another great angle taken to emphasize perspective, and even more so with this particular shot is the contrast of the lively blue backdrop. A sun filled sky and controlled exposure has brought out precise detail and texture, and as always, I love those repeating crescent patterns. :) Well done once again. Have a great day ahead.
Friendly wishes,
nikkitta (17070) 2014-02-25 16:16
Hola Ike
Fascinating capture ( like, admire romain constructions so well done )
Creative way to preset it with the great contrast of sea and sky and the pink touch
Well done with good links
I have the answer to your question, if in Latin America it will be for sure, at the house of same politicians
krzychu30 (15512) 2014-02-26 0:19
Hello Ike,
simple,but thanks to so successful color combination very expressive and hence very captivating composition.
Really the contrast between blue of the sky and stone,natural tones of the Aqueduct couldn´t be more attractive and pleasant to us.
Kind regards
lousat (122979) 2014-02-26 2:06
Hi Ike,new interesting post in your serie about this old aqueduct,the mistery of the missing stones still remain but the pic is truly beautiful,in particular the details are impressives,i can count the bricks..ehehe..great 3D effect on the archs too.Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano
Cricri (176) 2014-02-26 9:48
Hi Ike
Belle série de l'Aqueduct, j'aime la lumière sur les villes pierres, la vue de la mer entre les trois arches, belle présentation
Belle soirée
UlfE (14641) 2014-02-26 10:55
Hi Ike,
I love the simplicity and the very nice composition of this photo. The lines are clean and the glimpse of the sea in the background is an extra bonus. I also like the inclusion of a person under the arch on the left hand side . This gives a sense the size of the aqueduct. Weather and light could not have been better for taking a photo. TFS and have a nice evening!
Kind regards,
eldancer1 (36343) 2014-02-26 14:11
It maybe broken but this aqueduct had served very well the people of the ancient Roman empire. I still marvel at the genius of those early engineers so ahead of their time. Good pov and sharp details. Well done, tfs.
clic (23098) 2014-02-28 10:24
Hello Ike
You show water behind aridity and that constitutes a stunning view of more than 3,000 years ago!
I also wonder how salt water from the sea had been fed to the impressive duct and most-important, by what means did they avoided NaCO2 to destroy that stone pipe.
papagolf21 (146750) 2014-03-03 8:26
Bonsoir, cher Ike,
C'est exceptionnel de voir que les Romains ont su édifier des aqueducs de par le monde de cette façon.
Encore une image édifiante à tous points de vue.
elenimavrandoni (0) 2014-03-24 16:23
Ike, great explanation on your informative note and very nice angle used to show the beauty and the significance of this Aqueduct!!
thanks for sharing!!
jmdias (94054) 2014-05-18 14:18
a marvelous view of these arches and I liked the contrast of its colors against the blues. nice view and excellent quality.
abmdsudi (83405) 2014-08-21 5:41
Hi Ike
Ancient aqueducts! that's incredible feat has me in awe of man's engineering ingenuity then! Wonderful composition, nice detail in the stonework, lovely repeating patterns of the aches against a beautiful sky which help bring out the foreground from the background. Indeed it's refreshing to find a site where people value other people's abilities and all the descriptions have been perfectly put together, thank you. Great capture.
Best regards
NorthernLight (2383) 2014-10-01 1:23
Hello Ike,
I am always amazed how this ancient Roman buildings survive for so many centuries.
This picture is very interesting because of the photographic subject and the story behind it and it is very attractive by colors, sharpness and composition.
Have a nice day
swapankumarroy (3769) 2014-10-09 10:33
Dear Ike,
The old arches stood at the side of sea and very clear view within the arches, good composition with sharpness and well detailing.
warm regards,
berek (50508) 2014-11-14 21:02
Dear Ike
what a view on what made this super water on a very old stone building on the stone that made this very interesting light.
have a good weekend.
pajaran (94241) 2019-03-28 0:47
Dobar dan.
Lep pogled, dobar tekst ...
Lepo poakzano, dobar kontarst i ostrina.
Lepa stara arhitektura, lepa rusevina akvadukta.
Zelim vam lep dan, sve najbolje.
PaulVDV (49034) 2019-08-15 13:23
Hello Ike,
A beautiful reminder for me of my journey forty years ago.
The fact that this aqueduct is so close to the sea makes the views even more attractive.
Here we get to see a glimpse of the blue Mediterranean Sea under every arch.
Best regards, Paul
PiotrF (45426) 2020-02-11 15:23
Hello Ike,
Interesting view of Roman Aqueduct in Caesarea.
Technical a very well picture.
Excellent capture with very good sharpness.
Fine presentation
Photo Information
- Copyright: Ike Harel (ikeharel) (100149)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2014-01-18
- Categories: Ruins
- Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ35
- Exposure: f/7.1, 1/320 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Map: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2014-02-23 1:14


text:
Reviewed by Jenna G. (age 8)
I like this book because it tells you a lot about Bald Eagles. My favorite part of the book was when they told me that the biggest nest was twelve feet deep. I like the real photographs because it shows you how the eagles look and live.
I recommend this book to people who like to learn about Bald Eagles. This would be a good book for people who also are interested in photography because the photos are so interesting to look at.


text:
Understanding Tai Chi
Breathe in, breathe out. Let your chest rise, now let it fall. Shift your body weight to your left leg and stretch your arms out to the left, now slowly sway your arms and your body weight over to the right. Complementary movements, mental and physical balance, yin and yang. These are the essence of tai chi.
According to Chinese medicine, the universe is run by a single principle, the Tao, which is made up of the yin and the yang. They are opposing, yet complementary principles. For example, the yin includes femaleness, the moon, cold, and matter, while maleness, the sun, heat, and energy are relatively yang.
"Chi" refers to our energy, vitality, or life force. And "tai chi" is translated as "all encompassing" or "supreme ultimate," because of its embodiment of both the yin and the yang. "Chuan," often used in the name, translates to "fist" or "boxing," and signifies exercise.
Tai Chi is sometimes described as "moving meditation." Through the slow and careful movements of tai chi, people learn to focus on each motion and become aware of the processes in their bodies and mind. The goal is to combine thoughts and movement, which in some, can even generate spiritual feelings.
Achieving and Maintaining Good Health
In Chinese medicine, pain or sickness is believed to occur when the flow of the chi is blocked, and yin and yang energies are out of balance. When the chi is circulating freely, physical symptoms disappear. The joints are seen as gates that control the flow of chi; the slow, gentle, swaying movements, deep breathing, and mental focus of tai chi are designed to relieve tension, open up these joints, and allow chi to move effortlessly throughout the body.
Tai chi is claimed to be good for all health concerns. A number of renowned tai chi masters are said to have experienced sickness in the past from which they could find no relief until they began to practice tai chi. Such reports, however, are merely anecdotes and may not represent actual benefit.
The scientific research done thus far has involved small groups of people. Some of these studies are promising and may suggest specific benefits. According to most, but not all studies, tai chi can decrease the risk of falling (or the fear of falling) in elderly people. Some studies have also suggested that tai chi may lower blood pressure, improve symptoms in fibromyalgia, and decrease depression symptoms.
Learning to Practice
Tai chi does not involve impact or equipment. It requires only your motivation and perseverance. With the supervision of a qualified instructor, people of any physical condition can begin to practice with little concern for injury. It may be best to start with a group class. To find a teacher you will be compatible with, ask members of different classes about their teachers.
There is a great variety of styles of tai chi and an even greater variety of teaching styles. In some traditional classes, there is little verbal communication and the students learn by watching. In other classes, the teacher may speak throughout and use imagery to describe body movements ("let your spine hang gently like a necklace of pearls") and to guide meditation ("let the energy flow through you like water down a stream").
While there are certification programs for tai chi instructors, a certificate is no guarantee of a person's skill or experience. Ask potential instructors about their specific style, years of practice, and education. In addition, observe several classes before deciding to join one.
Balancing Your Chi
Whether you have a specific condition or want to maintain your current state of health, balancing your yin and yang energies through the practice of tai chi may bring peace and vitality to your mind, your body, and your life.
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 09/2017 -
- Update Date: 11/14/2013 -


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Matrix Announces New Coaches for 2011 Season
McKinney to Join Board and Lead High School Program
The Matrix is proud to announce to outstanding additions to the Matrix coaching staff and Board of Directors:
See below for additional information about their addition to the Matrix.
Marcus McKinney
Marcus McKinney, an Arlington native with high school and AAU coaching experience in Virginia and Maryland, has signed on to join the Board of Directors for Matrix Basketball. As part of his new role, McKinney will be responsible for developing all Matrix high school-aged AAU teams, and will be a head coach for the club.
McKinney coached the girls' varsity team at Wakefield High School for several years, before serving as the girls' varsity head coach at Bullis for one year. For the last five years, Coach McKinney has been an assistant varsity coach at Edison High School in Alexandria. McKinney has coached AAU teams for many years as well. Overall, he brings over 15 years of high school and AAU coaching experience to the Matrix organization.
"I am very excited to join the Matrix and provide more opportunities for area high school players to play at a high level and gain college exposure in the spring and summer," said McKinney. "The Matrix has done a tremendous job with developing players, as evidenced by the success and reputation of their teams at the younger age groups. With more top-3 finishes than any other club in the Potomac Valley in 2010, the future is bright for the Matrix, and I am glad to be a part of the club's continuing efforts to develop girls' basketball in Northern Virginia and the Potomac Valley District."
For more information about Coach McKinney, click here to read his coaching bio.
Dave McRae
Long-time AAU, county/travel, and high school head coach Dave McRae has joined the coaching staff of Matrix Basketball. For the 2011 AAU season, Coach McRae will be coaching the Matrix 11-Under/6th grade Black team, the two-time defending Potomac Valley silver medalists in the age group.
Coach McRae has been a head coach for BRYC in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) since 2001 and is a three-time winner of the FCYBL Most Valuable Coach award, as voted on by his coaching peers. He has coached at Annandale High School, currently as the head JV coach and varsity assistant coach, since 2005. Finally, Coach McRae was a head coach with the Vogues AAU organization from 2003-2009.
Matrix president Liz Reed stated, "We are very excited that Dave McRae has decided to join the Matrix as a coach. We think he'll be a great addition to our coaching staff and our club, and brings a wealth of coaching experience at many different levels that will help guide our 11U Black team in the upcoming season."
"I spent a lot of time with Liz discussing our approach to AAU basketball before deciding to join the Matrix. It quickly became apparent that the Matrix's vision of how to develop their program is right in line with my approach to developing players and developing a program," said McRae. "I am very impressed with the way that the Matrix has grown as an organization in the past several years. Not only have they been very successful on the court, as demonstrated by their Potomac Valley-leading eight top-3 finishes in 2010, but just as important, they've built their program with integrity. Moreover, they have maintained a well-organized, close-knit structure as they've grown in a way that shows they have the right priorities in mind when it comes to developing strong players and strong teams as part of a cohesive program.
For more information about Coach McRae, click here to read his coaching bio.
Last Updated: August 24, 2010.
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1862 $1 MS65 Certification #21572854, PCGS #6952
Owner's Comments
The Share specimen. A deeply toned gorgeous gem. Deep electric blue opens to warm rose centers. The surfaces are near perfect and the eye appeal is outstanding.
Expert Comments
Q. David BowersThe following narrative, with minor editing, is from my "Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia" (Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., 1993).
Coinage Context
Silver dollars accumulate: Walter H. Breen in his Encyclopedia notes that by 1861-1862 many earlier silver dollars had accumulated in the New York Sub-Treasury and were shipped to the Philadelphia Mint for melting and conversion into subsidiary coinage. "This explains both the undue rarity of many dated 1848-1859" and a bullion source of much Philadelphia coinage 1862-1865, according to the same source.
These coins were issues which had coin back from overseas, or which had not been sold for a premium (coins 1853 and later were not distributed for face value and were held until buyers were found who were willing to pay premiums for them).
Three different dollars: In 1862, dollars had three different values in the eastern United States. Most valuable was the silver dollar, which at the time of issue was not available at par and which had a melt-down value of over $1.04 in terms of gold. Next most valuable was the gold dollar, which served as the standard against which the other dollars were measured. The gold dollar was worth $1.00 in December 1861 and by early 1862 had risen slightly due to hoarding by the public and speculators. Worth the smallest amount was the paper dollar, which soon traded at a sharp discount from both the silver and gold coins. As the Civil War progressed, the value of the paper "greenback" dollar, as it was called from the color of its reverse side, would drop below 50¢ in terms of gold and silver. It was not until December 1878 on the market, and not officially by law until January 1, 1879, that the silver dollar, gold dollar, and greenback dollar were fill freely interchangeable at the same value on the open market.
Specie payments suspended: In late 1861 the American citizenry became very jittery. In December 1861, banks suspended the payment of gold coins (specie, in government lingo). In 1862 the situation worsened. Confederate victories had caused uncertainty, it was not known which side would be the victor in the Civil War, and all kinds of coins began to be hoarded. By the second week of July, scarcely a dime, quarter, or any other coin was to be seen, a situation which caused great consternation among tradesmen and vendors. Small cardboard chits and other coin substitutes sprang up and were widely used, as were a later spate of encased postage stamps, bronze tokens (called Civil War tokens by collectors today), scrip, and other paper currency notes. The Treasury suspended the payment of silver coins.
From the summer of 1862 onward, the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints turned out a steady but small quantity of silver coins which were not used in the eastern part of the United States. However, many of these went to Canada, where they circulated as fractional silver pieces and were literally as good as gold. An estimated $30 million worth of earlier silver coins found their way to Latin America, where in some instances United States coins traded at a premium. The West Indies, the East Indies, and the Orient provided additional markets. Curiously, all throughout the Civil War, gold and silver coins circulated readily on the West Coast. The explanation is that the West Coast had abundant supplies of gold and silver, and transportation with the East was such that monetary differences could not be adjusted quickly (the transcontinental rail link was not completed until years later, in 1869).
Concerning the withdrawal of silver and gold coins from circulation, Hepburn (p. 204) states that there was an estimated $250 million in specie in circulation in 1861, but only $25 million at the close of 1862, that "only the amount estimated in use on the Pacific slope."!
As they were worth more than face value even before the suspension of specie payments, Liberty Seated dollars did not circulate in the United States at any time during 1862. Over a decade later, in autumn 1876, following the acts of January 14, 1875 and April 17, 1876, specie payments were resumed, and the Treasury released quantities of coins of earlier dates. By this time the value of silver had fallen on world markets, due to the actions of Germany in Europe and the immense outpouring of silver from the Comstock Lode in the United States, and Liberty Seated dollars were no longer worth more as bullion than his coins. Thus, for the first time since early 1853, Liberty Seated coins of the dollar denomination were seen in general circulation.
Numismatic Information
Circulated grades: Although the 1862 silver dollar was minted in low quantities-just 11,540 business strikes were made-a fair number have survived to the present day. Although quite rare, the 1862 is not "impossible" and, in fact, is more easily obtained than the higher mintage 1861. Per Director Pollock's 1861 comment, quoted earlier, by 1862 there was a diminished demand for silver dollars for export to China. Probably, many remained stateside and were placed into circulation after the mid-1870s, by which time their bullion value had fallen to below face value. Alert bank tellers and others fished dozens of specimens out of circulation in the 1890s and the following decade.
Mint State grades: In Mint State the low-mintage 1862 is rare, and is especially so in MS-64 or better. High-grade coins typically have extensive die striae, as struck, on the obverse and reverse, making it appeal' to the uninitiated that such coins have been cleaned or brushed. On the obverse, the die striations are diagonal and are oriented in a line, more or less, with the top of Miss Liberty's lower left leg. On the reverse, the die striations are nearly vertical.
As is the case with other Liberty Seated dollars after 1858, the relative availability of Proofs takes much of the demand away from Mint State coins. Because of this Proof factor, the true rarity of Mint State Liberty Seated coins was not recognized in the literature until recent decades," Since the founding of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club in 1974 there has been a great interest in the subject. This and the availability of PCGS. and NGC population reports have made it possible to appreciate such coins today for the rarities that they truly are.
Business strikes:
1.Normal Date: Breen-5468. One obverse and two reverse dies were prepared for business strike coinage. Mint State pieces have heavy die striations in the fields.
Dies prepared: Obverse: 1; Reverse: 2
Business strike mintage: 11; 540; Delivery figures by day: February 4: 700; June 24: 500; July 30: 5,000; August 5: 5,340.
Estimated quantity melted: Unknown Approximate population MS-65 or better: 2 to 4 (URS-2)
Characteristics of striking: Most are well struck. Known hoards of Mint State coins: None
This date is remarkable for its low business strike mintage of just 11,540 pieces.
U.S. Silver Coins Go to Canada
In July 1862, private holders of silver coins, including banks and bullion brokers, sent these pieces (not including Liberty Seated dollars) in huge quantities to New York City, where they were sold at premiums. From that point, untold numbers went to Canada, where for the next decade they constituted what one writer called the "American silver nuisance." It was estimated that in Montreal alone, during the next several years, not less than $80,000 worth of American silver coins changed hands per day, and at least 30 money brokers derived the majority of their income by participating in such transactions.
(Weir, Sixty Years in Canada, pp. 137, 138, 159, 167.)
The Canadian government passed legislation which provided that after April 15, 1870, the legal rate of United States silver coins in Canada would be 80 cents on the dollar, an action intended to encourage exportation before that date. However, on the market the price did not dip below 95 cents on the dollar, due to demand for the coins from money brokers. Eventually, over $5 million worth of U.S. quarters and half dollars and about $500,000 worth of lower-denomination silver coins were shipped back to the United States in 1870. Apparently, no silver dollars were included-a testimony (as if one were needed) that no Liberty Seated dollars were in American circulation when the flight of coins from New York began in 1862.
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Sony Alpha NEX-7
The Sony NEX-7 features a new "TRINAVI" control interface with three separate command dials. Also offered is a superb OLED viewfinder and 1080 HD video.
- Good image quality
- Fast AF performance
- Outstanding viewfinder
- Cost
- Awkward playback regimen
- Monitor/viewfinder interface can impact battery life
Quick Take
The Sony NEX-7 isn't without its flaws - including a dense and awkward menu system - but it's one of the best pieces of equipment we tested this year.
Buy Direct From Manufacturer
Read Our Full Review: Sony Alpha NEX-7 Review: A Top-Notch Mirrorless Camera


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Route 66 is about as iconic as it gets when it comes to America. The food, the fun, the sun and all the unique motels along the way. Pack up your Scratch Map® USA poster, a GPS and all the road trip music you can stuff into a glove box because it's time for the Scratch Map® USA poster guide to the ultimate Route 66 road trip.
1. Lou Mitchell's
The first stop on this 8 state tour is in Chicago, which is a large bit of city to uncover on your Scratch Map® USA poster. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the start of Route 66 is Lou Mitchell's, a restaurant that has become synonymous with Route 66. Thousands of road trippers have stopped here for a bite before heading out onto the open road – it's the only way to start your road trip.
2. Pops
You're driving; it's pretty obvious that you're going to need a few stops for gas. If you happen to be heading past Arcadia, Oklahoma, you may just have to fill er' up at Pops. Don't worry, you won't miss it, just look for the 66-foot tall soda bottle. It's both a gas stop and café with hundreds of unique soda flavours to stock up on for the rest of the drive.
3. Cadillac Ranch
West of Amarillo, Texas is a unique piece of Americana, the Cadillac. The Cadillac Ranch is 10 Cadillacs buried nose first into the dirt, and they've been brightly drenched in paint and graffiti. Best part? More graffiti is encouraged so after you're done Instagramming these colourful creations, grab a can and sign your name.
4. Wigwam Motel
It wouldn't be an ultimate road trip without some unique motels on the way and Wigwam Motel is one of the best. In the slightly run down town of Holbrook, Arizona it's hard to miss the magnificence of faux tepees that make up this motel. If you're in need of some shut eye while racing through Arizona, do not miss an opportunity to mark this town off your Scratch Map® USA poster.
5. Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
For another artistic turn on this road to freedom, Elmer has the answer. Not too far from Barstow, California is an assortment of sculptures made from recycled bottles and other materials. You may even run into Elmer himself who is always working up new additions to his off road art gallery.
6. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a non-negotiable addition to your road adventure. It's where Route 66 ends and it has everything a tired road tripper needs. Restaurants, amusement parks, a place to sleep and most of all a beach and ocean breeze to relax with after that long drive cross-country.


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There is so much to see and do in Galveston that fitting everything in to your holiday schedule is one of the biggest problems you are likely to face. This is but one of the reasons why you may wish to consider holiday rental accommodation in Galveston town or on the island, allowing you full control over your activities and freeing up as much of your time as possible. Holiday rentals in Galveston are available in the form of beachfront condos, villas, or larger holiday houses, to suit all budgets, tastes and travelling party size requirements.
Family fun in Galveston
There are a great many wonderful beach areas in Galveston, in which to enjoy a whole host of fun activities, from beach volleyball, to fishing, to pleasure cruising. Equally, however, there are theme park options where attractions are likely to appeal to all age groups. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark affords thrilling water-based rides of all descriptions and is unique in that its structure is adaptable, depending upon the weather conditions. The park literally converts from outdoor to indoor to suit the season, maximising both your comfort and your enjoyment. Moody Gardens is even more varied in nature, with an aquarium to admire marine life of all types, a scientific museum and even its own beach and golf course.
What to see in Galveston
Culture lovers will find plenty of interest in Galveston. You would be well advised in this respect to visit places such as The Bishop's Palace, the Moody Mansion Museum and the home of the Galveston Historical Foundation, Custom House, for a true and fascinating insight in to the region's past. The Pier 21 Theatre offers a presentation with regard to the mighty hurricane which struck Galveston in 1900 and a chance to fully appreciate nature's devastating power. It should also be remembered that the freedom of your holiday rental will allow you to get out and about on the island to explore for yourself and discounts are often to be had by booking hire bicycles a day or two in advance.
The restaurants of Galveston offer a wonderful array of foods to suit all tastes. The traditional Texan restaurant, Beachsiders, serves food native to the area amidst wonderful scenic views, while the Black Pearl restaurant specialises in local seafood. If you want to eat in places popular with the locals, you should consider El Jardin Mexican Café for a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, or the Italian restaurant, Gino's Pizzeria, Pasta and Subs. If you are not too tired after your busy day and hearty meal, the nightlife in Galveston includes clubs, bars and live music venues, with places like 21 and Captain Jack's providing a pleasing blend of late night entertainment.


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WASHINGTON - The Senate's top Democrat attacked Republican senators Thursday for blocking Chuck Hagel's nomination to be President Barack Obama's next secretary of defense, saying it was "shocking" and "tragic" that the GOP would attempt such a move at a time when the U.S. military is engaged in so many places around the world.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Republicans are filibustering Hagel's confirmation and that such a move is unprecedented. "Not a single nominee for secretary of defense ever in the history of our country has been filibustered," the Nevada Democrat said. "Never, ever."
A demand by Republican senators that the White House give them more information about what Obama was doing on the night of the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, has the effect of a filibuster. Reid said Republicans notified him Wednesday night they would withhold the votes needed to advance Hagel's nomination. Reid said he considered that a "full-scale filibuster" because the Republican strategy would prevent Hagel's nomination from getting the required 60 votes.
Republicans are seeking "extraneous requests" for information that will never be satisfied, Reid said. "The pattern has been clear for months: as soon as President Obama's administration responds to one request, Republicans devise another, more outlandish request," Reid said.
The White House responded on Wednesday afternoon to the GOP's request for information about Benghazi, according to Reid. "But now Republicans say this is not enough, and are moving the goal posts at the last minute," Reid said. "This is no way to operate."
A full Senate vote on Hagel, a former two-term Republican senator from Nebraska and twice-wounded Vietnam combat veteran, is expected to be held Friday after Reid filed a motion to limit debate. While Democrats hold a 55-45 edge in the Senate and have the numbers to confirm Hagel on a majority vote, they need the support of five Republicans to clear the way for an up-or-down vote on him. Two Republicans - Sens. Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Mike Johanns of Nebraska - have announced their support for Hagel.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he'll vote against ending debate on Hagel's nomination, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other Republicans may join him if the White House doesn't tell them whether Obama spoke to any Libyan government official about getting assistance during the assault on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi. U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans died in the raid last September.
"There seems to not be much interest to hold this president accountable for a national security breakdown that led to the first ambassador being killed in the line of duty in over 30 years," Graham said Wednesday. "No, the debate on Chuck Hagel is not over. It has not been serious. We don't have the information we need. And I'm going to fight the idea of jamming somebody through until we get answers about what the president did personally when it came to the Benghazi debacle."
McCain declined to say whether he would try to delay Hagel's confirmation if Obama did not provide an answer. "My position right now is I want an answer to the question," he said.
The nomination of John Brennan as CIA director is also being delayed; the Senate Intelligence Committee is pushing off a vote amid demands that the White House turn over more details about drone strikes against terror suspects and about the Benghazi attacks. Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein of California said a vote likely will be postponed till late February.
A bitterly divided Armed Services Committee on Tuesday voted to approve Hagel by a 14-11 vote, with all the panel's Democrats backing him. The committee's Republicans were unified in opposition to their onetime colleague, who will succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta if he's confirmed
Obama "stands strongly" behind Hagel and believes he "will do a wonderful job," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said aboard Air Force One en route to Decatur, Ga., where the president was scheduled to speak about early childhood education.
If confirmed by the Senate, Hagel, 66, would take charge of the U.S. armed forces at a time of turmoil. Automatic cuts to the Pentagon's budget are looming, American troops in Afghanistan are being halved over the next year, North Korea has tested a nuclear weapon, Iran remains a threat in the Persian Gulf region, and Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Mali and Tunisia all are in a state of unrest.
Reid said incorrectly that Panetta is departing his post Thursday, leaving the federal government's largest agency without a leader because Hagel has not been confirmed. But Panetta, who is retiring after 18 months in the job and will return to California, has committed to waiting until his successor is approved.
At a Pentagon award ceremony on Thursday for former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Panetta said it was fitting to recognize her accomplishments on Valentine's Day. And he said the second-best Valentine's Day present would be for the Senate to confirm Hagel and allow Panetta and his wife to "get the hell out of town." He said he's got his belongings packed.
Hagel has faced intense opposition from Republicans, who have challenged his past statements and votes on Israel, Iran, Iraq and nuclear weapons.
But the questions and comments before the Armed Services Committee vote on Tuesday took a more personal and confrontational turn. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, demanded that Hagel provide information on compensation for speeches over a five-year period - three years more than required - and suggested that without the information, the committee wouldn't know whether Hagel got money from "extreme and radical groups."
Reports about Iranian leaders praising Hagel's nomination back up Cruz's claim, said Sen. James Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. "I'd say he's endorsed by them. You can't get any cozier than that," Inhofe said.
Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Donna Cassata and Jim Kuhnhenn contributed to this report.


text: An exhibition celebrating the centenary of the birth and surveying the work of the renowned Finnish designer Kaj Franck is currently on view at the Designmuseo in Helsinki (15 June – 25 September). Spanning over four decades (from the 1940s to the 1980s) of Franck's career as an artist, an industrial designer as well as a teacher of design, Kaj Franck – Universal Forms showcases an extensive body of work encompassing glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture and plastic and metal objects, including Iittala's famous and commercially successful 'Teema' tableware line. (more…)


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All photos on this page are © copyright Creation Research and are not to be used without written permission.Click on title below for individual links
We have the biggest research file in the world on vertical fossil trees (polystrate). These have made a remarkable impact, in universities around the world where we use them to show that millions of years of evolution is not in the rocks. The tree (right) which we exposed on our 2002 Blue Mountains coal field trip is just one more nail in the coffin of those who insist the evidence points to evolution and millions of years, therefore the Bible must be reinterpreted or thrown out. This continuing research is vital. Like all research, it is expensive and needs your team support gifts. See Evidence from Polystrate Fossil Trees brochure No 3
Fossil Polystrate Tree found with leaves
Polystrate file Trilobites
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Polystrate file Fish
Polystrate file Trees
Polystrate file Leaves
Polystrate file Belemites
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Canada has been drawn into Group E alongside Argentina, Austria and Iran at the FIFA U-17 World Cup set to kickoff on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates.
Four current Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency players were called into the most recent Canadian U-17 camp, including Carducci, and midfielders Marco Bustos, Matthew Chow, and Jordan Haynes.
The Red and White were represented at the draw by Whitecaps FC Residency goalkeeper – and Canadian U-17 national team captain – Marco Carducci.
The Canadians will open the tournament against Austria on October 19, then take on Iran on October 22 and will close-out its group stage with an encounter against Argentina on October 25.
All group matches for the Canadian U-17's will take place at the Al Rashid stadium in Dubai.
"We knew we would be drawn into a group with three quality opponents, and the draw fulfilled that expectation," Sean Fleming, head coach for Canada's U-17s told CanadaSoccer.com from Dubai.
The Canadian U-17 national team will gather for a camp from September 1 to 10 in Mexico. They will then come together again for a pre-World Cup camp from October 7 to 15 before the tournament begins.
"Our first match is against Austria so our immediate focus will be on them, but obviously to have a chance to take on a great footballing nation like Argentina is a special challenge. I know our players will rise up for that one."
Fleming's U-17's made history in 2011 when Canada picked up its first-ever point at a FIFA U-17 World Cup – notching draws against England and Rwanda.
But after the draw Fleming did not want to set a specific goal for his team at the competition, asking his players to instead focus on solely on the team's performances in October.
"Our team needs to focus on all of the small things that go into putting together a positive performance," Fleming said.
"We want to remember that this tournament should only be a stepping stone in the careers of these players as hopefully they will go on to represent our men's national team and play for the country at the highest level.
"The draw here today does not change on our expectation."


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Last week, news broke that funnyman Steve Martin became a first-time dad in December 2012. Martin's step into fatherhood came as a big surprise because the beloved actor, known for his comic wit, banjo playing and well-written prose, is 67 years old. But Martin certainly isn't the first Hollywood star to have a child in his 60s. Here's a look at some other celebrities who had kids well into their golden years.
Photo: Luca Bruno / AP


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Celestial navigation has an undeserved reputation for being difficult, but can be learned in a weekend. It provides sailors with a great deal of self-reliance — a big part of offshore sailing — and can be a lifesaving skill when your power or instruments fail.
Marion, MA: February 25, 2013 — It's time to improve your fundamental seamanship skills. Join the Marion Bermuda Race Team for an Introduction to Celestial Navigation Seminar Presented by Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship at the Sippican Women's Club in Marion, MA on May 4 – 5, 2013.
This seminar is a hands-on course covering basic celestial theory, sight reduction of sun, moon, planets, stars, and specialty sights of certain bodies, like the noon sun sight and latitude by Polaris. The seminar goes hand in hand with the Celestial Navigation Division of the Marion Bermuda Race starting June 14th and is perfect for any sailors contemplating an ocean crossing or a cruising adventure.
The class covers related topics such as time and time zones, sight planning, sextant accessories and offshore navigation plotting techniques, especially dead reckoning. Practical plotting of each kind of sight, as well as celestial running fixes, is covered in detail. Sextant use is discussed during one session, but no sights actually are taken during the class.
The emphasis is on practical use of celestial navigation, with plenty of pencil and paper work. (Up to a dozen sights are reduced and plotted during the weekend, with numerous additional exercises.) using H.O. 249 and H.O. 229 in conjunction with the Nautical Almanac.
Students will find the Introduction to Celestial Navigation seminar to be a comprehensive, yet fast-paced, celestial navigation course. Over the past dozen years, alumni have navigated in Marion-Bermuda Races (even won on occasion!) and have made numerous celestial-only ocean crossings.
A review of basic navigation concepts such as chart work, plotting, true to magnetic course conversion, DR, time/speed/distance, etc. is recommended.
For those who have had no previous exposure to the subject reading one of the following books before the seminar would be helpful: Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell by Hewitt Schlereth or The Celestial Navigation Mystery Solved by David Owen Bell (Landfall Navigation 203-851-3176 http://www.landfallnavigation.com www.landfallnavigation.com). For sextant use and care, try "The Sextant Handbook" by Robert Bauer.
Students should bring to class: (1) Current Nautical Almanac (either blue or orange version) (2) Volume 2 of H.O. 249, (3) parallel rules and dividers. Optional is volume 1 of H.O. 229.
The Sippican Women's Club is located on Front Street near Tabor Academy in Marion Massachusetts Hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Your instructor is Tim Queeney, Editor of Ocean Navigator. The cost is $295 per student, $450 per couple payable by April 22nd by check or credit card. Navigators under the age of 19 may attend for half-price.


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Thermaltake Memory Cooling Kit Review
Memory modules sometimes get quite hot after extended periods of use. As the temperature of the memory rises, there is a greater likelihood of errors occurring.
In general, memory becomes slower at higher operating temperatures so it is always a plus to keep them down. On possible way of doing this has just come from Thermaltake. They have come up with a memory cooling kit designed especially for memory.
The kit comes with two heatspreaders for DDR memory, two fined heatsink sections for video card memory, and an assortment of clips and sticky interfaces to hold it all in place. For the die-hard Thermaltake fans, the kit even includes a small aluminum case badge.
Our attention focused on the heatspreaders and the fined heatsinks. Our test bed was a stick of particularly warm-running Mitsubishi RAM. The test bed for this stick of memory, and the Thermaltake memory heatsinks was a very unique piece of equipment we recently brought into the lab.
We can't go into too much detail at the moment, but what the test-bed does is send a special waveform through the memory to heat it up.
After a few minutes the memory achieved a stable temperature rating of about 37.2 degrees Celsius. We mounted a thermistor directly on one side of the stick to record our temperature readings through out all of the tests.
Test one: Heatspreader in place on one side.
The first test we conducted was with only one heatspreader on the stick of Mitsubishi memory. The kit comes with two of these heatspreaders which are made from stamped sheets of 1mm thick aluminum which has been anodized blue. A small strip of adhesive interface is applied to the rear of the aluminum and the heatspreader positioned in place. To ensure that it doesn't come loose over time, a set of spring clips are attached to keep it firmly in place.
In some cases it may be necessary to install both heatspreaders on one stick of double sided memory. In that case, the same rules apply and the clip is still used to hold each plate firmly in place.
Regardless, in our tests we used only one heatspreader and recorded a temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius, down about 1 degrees from the bare memory tests as best we could measure.
Test two: Finned heatsinks and heatspreader
In this test we tried out the memory with the heatspreader on one side and the finned heatsinks on the opposite side. It was a bit difficult to get an accurate temperature reading during this second test since each memory chip, on each side of the PCB was generating heat. Anyway, with thermistor in hand, we once again inserted the memory stick into the test-bed and set about heating up the memory modules.
The spring clips were used to hold both the finned heatsinks and the heatspreader in place but they are not shown in the picture above.
With the second test concluded we saw a temperature of 35.0 degrees Celsius recorded (again, as best we could). Based on those numbers, the cooling kit in this configuration resulted in roughly a 2 degree drop in temperature. Keep in mind that this is a passive cooling solution so no fans are involved.
The finned heatsink sections measure 21x59x13mm and can also be used for video card memory instead of sticks of RAM. By using the same adhesive thermal interfaces, the two short sections of finned heatsink can be attached to the video card as ramsinks.
Overall the memory cooling kit is a nifty little set of gear for both sticks of RAM, and devices like video cards with on-board memory cooling requirements.
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Verdict reached just after midnight Friday
MADISON, Wis. — A jury has found a Madison man guilty of two counts of sexual assault, and one count of child abuse.
It took the jury nearly 11 hours to return with the verdict for Joshua Drabek, now 20, who was accused of sexually assaulting his stepsister when he was 13 and the girl was 9.
Several witnesses testified Thursday morning before brief closing arguments from both sides.
Defense attorney Ronald Benavides said the teen has given conflicting statements about when the assaults happened, calling her accusations into question.
The teen, known as SLC, fled her home in February 2012 and later told doctors at a hospital where she was taken that she had been starved and sexually assaulted.
Drabek allegedly assaulted his stepsister when he was 13 and the girl was 9. Drabek pleaded no contest to sexual assault charges in November 2011 in a case involving a different girl.
The teen ran away from home in February 2012. She told investigators her father and stepmother locked her in their basement and refused to feed her. They were convicted on child abuse charges at separate trials.
SLC testified Tuesday about being bullied by her brother and beaten with a wiffle ball bat. She said she feared if she told adults about the sexual abuse they would not believe her.


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Posted by: Shannon @ A Dash of Sparkle on January 8, 2014
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Shhh! No spoilers around Jon Hamm. The man is lagging on his "Breaking Bad" viewing.
"I didn't see last Sunday's because I was at the Emmys," he said Thursday. "I'm one behind."
Hamm was taking part in a Q&A with a handful of journalists to promote the stateside release of "A Young Doctor's Notebook" on Ovation (check back here next week for more on that), but the looming series finale of the sister show to Hamm's other series, "Mad Men," on AMC became a topic of discussion -- particularly "Breaking Bad's" recent golden moment.
"I was thrilled that [executive producer Vince Gilligan] won [an Emmy] for best show," Hamm said of the drama about a high school chemistry teacher-turned-meth czar. "He's deserving. The show is phenomenal. And they overcame a lot of hardship."
A formidable journey -- one in which a little-watched show becomes a cultural phenomenon and critical darling -- that's not lost on Hamm.
"It's interesting because both of our shows have had these parallel tracks," he said, referring to "Mad Men." "Both of our shows were cast off from bigger, fancier networks. In our case, HBO and Showtime. In their case, FX had 'Breaking Bad' originally. So we're both kind of these bastard stepchildren that no one wanted. And then we both had tremendous success. Both of us have always had a great sibling relationship, honestly." (There was a money matter in 2011 that might have caused a bit of sibling rivalry, of course.)
Though he didn't contribute to the record-breaking 6.6 million viewers that tuned in for the penultimate episode, the 42-year-old actor said he is engrossed in the "Breaking Bad" hysteria.
"I'm like everyone else on the planet anxiously awaiting Sunday night," he said. I mean, come on! How is it going to end? I don't know, but I think it's going to be awesome."
He said he plans to find out what happens to Walter White and company the old-fashioned way.
"I will be in Boston, so I will be watching on television as it happens, which I rarely do anymore," Hamm said. "I'll be there. I'll be tuning in."
Hamm will likely soon enough experience such a frenzy himself when "Mad Men" goes off into the sunset. It was recently announced the upcoming seventh and final season of the Matt Weiner drama will be split in two, with the first half airing next year and the final half rolling out in 2015.
For now, Hamm is seeing how his friends do it first.
And while he offered no musings on how he'd like the drug drama to end -- a topic that has produced countless theories across the Internet -- he did say he was thankful he's not the guy that has to deliver the goods.
"I'm glad I don't have to write any of this stuff because the pressure to land the plane after a seven-year run has got to be massive." he said. "But Vince is a singularly talented guy. And also a lovely guy. A wonderful creative force. I, like everyone else, have really enjoyed watching this drama unfold."


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Since Jodi Murphy's son was 2, she had a hunch that he might be on the autism spectrum, but it wasn't until Jonathan was 13 that he was formally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. A bright boy, it was clear to Jodi that with the right interventions, her son could learn to function independently in society. But when she identified the best resources and services for her son, it was difficult to access them because Jonathan's disability was not considered 'substantial' enough.
As a child, he showed interest in (and a talent for) acting, and Jodi encouraged him to audition and perform in community theater. When he was a young teen, Jodi wondered how she could help Jonathan use his talent as an actor as a possible career as he approached adulthood. She encouraged him to take Voice Over classes when he was 16 and…. Drumroll….
Jonathan, now 27, has been in the Voice Over business for the last three years. He has an agent who brings him auditions and work and he works with clients directly. The Murphy's have a recording studio in their home that they created out of a walk in closet. Jodi helps Jonathan with his administrative duties and marketing, allowing him to focus on his strengths and not become overly anxious over tasks that overwhelm him.
Jonathan is living in an independently about 5 miles away from his family's home, where he works and auditions. Jonathan also performs on stage and does some on camera commercial work.
Now Jodi is pooling her family's talents—Jonathan's voice over, her daughter's writing, her husband's technical acumen and Jodi's marketing skills—and collaborating with creative professionals to develop a children's book app series for the iPad. "We are sharing Jonathan's real life experiences in a unique, respectful and, hopefully, entertaining way," says Jodi, "to share how someone on the spectrum overcomes obstacles, triumphs over social anxieties, and thrives…quirks and all!"
The series Geek Club Books and the app will make it's debut in Fall of 2013. In the meantime, the collaborators are building a community that embraces its "geekiness" and are recruiting role models for the 8-12 year bunch. Each week, the "I am unique, I am a geek" forum announces a twenty-something 'Geek of the Week' who shares some insights that are just endearing and inspirational.
"My son's life has been quite the adventure, says Jodi, "from being the boy that paced in the corner to being a social outcast, bullied and reclusive, to commanding a stage, making people laugh with him (and not at him), finding friends who like him for him, and earning the respect of professionals in his industry. He still struggles with seemingly simple daily living skills, but he perseveres and never gives up."
To learn more about Jonathan CLICK HERE.
To learn more about Geek Club Books, CLICK HERE.
FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Read the first three chapters of my book HERE.
You'll be hooked.


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New Details on Birth of Britain's Royal Baby
Britain's royal family is planning some old-school, media-friendly theater for the birth of the royal baby, and Prince William is expected to be present in the delivery room on the big birthday. Jeanne Whalen reports.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the the latest revelations of Britain's while the full ... list ... well we learned that ... he had indicated ... he needed money and you don't actually know that ... their baby ... a lot of speculation here that there could be a great but a palace spokesman said that they determined to learn new facts had chosen not to let one of life's biggest missed reason to leave until the end although ... the cut NL it's can be a boy across all it is a white Richman to choose from the Internet has not stopped on rampant speculation in the media reading every possible sign and body language ... from K what what's been happening ... for it yet I mean in true Oriole be the walking passionate become fairly ridiculous ... her in a lot of time ... it is a lot and the hype a few months ago when when ... but he thought they overheard me ... telling a little girl at a better public appearance ... I'm that that issue of having a girl I think the girl handed her the part of ... the very least ... it with a look at that ... thank you I'll give it you might get ... I will cut herself off but they get ... but that's probably not what happened and she definitely coming into her ... and there were the top of been talk that she had been seen shopping for blue item ... for ten years series ... of moves ... to keep it that that that what you're actually buying were never actually let ... them are or what shade of blue that my try at every mean everything into everything hostels aren't David the big day does come ... and they learn what the sexes I knew Boston swindler first the Prince William B in the room with cake ... I'd like to add the feed the planet for him to be very weak and be an ... early ... Charles with all fill in the delivery room for the birth of William and Harry though ... if not completely new but a ... fairly new in me and milk or white and purple fleece over over ... and then how does this is the most important things in the we you all are what it's all about us how to weave them with sex caveats ... they're they're going to have a lot of pageantry year and it will snow and have a good show for stuff like that that ... that when he ... actually arrived at the hospital they will announce ... that ... and ... when the baby before and ... they will ... there will be at ... home will it can tear it out of the hospital but the thin ... paper ... we prefer camping on it ... including the baby pack ... that will be taken by car or truck and tell him where it will be completed on and he told one to do so would mean people ... great for biking and palate ... to the renegade ... that anyone come up in reading the bulletin ... at the same time that that would appear to Buckingham Palace ... they will send out a black female press release and open thinking helped ... the course will be calling you and wake you up to you know that I well I do and don't don't don't get a picture you're a kid that what they've said is that even if she can work in the middle of the lake bed them the way toward the kind of reasonable daylight hours tick readable it can keep a compelling ... to you and your and your life in the last thing you know when she is having one baby not plans


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We, at Digestive Healthcare Center, are always striving to fulfill the triple aim of better care, better service, at a lower cost. We are the first contract, "Global Colonoscopy Contract" that fixes the rising price of this life saving procedure so that more patients can avail themselves of it.
Our Medical Director, Dr. Charles Accurso, has lectured nationally on this topic at the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American College of Physicians.
We are a group of physicians specialized in gastroenterology, the medical field dedicated to digestive health. Our practice is located in Central Jersey with offices in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren. We are privileged at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital — Somerset. We are also affiliated and co-located with the Central New Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Center in Hillsborough where most of our procedures are performed.
The gastroenterologists at Digestive HealthCare Center are physicians in the medical specialty of gastroenterology and digestive disease. To learn more about our specialists, click on a physician's name or photo.


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Project Gotham Racing 4
Mass Effect, Forza 2 in Live Marketplace sale
Still have the original Mass Effect? Jolly smashing news for you, then: the game's first DLC pack, Bring Down the Sky, has been discounted massively on Xbox Live Marketplace.
Project Gotham Racing 4 headlines
Recent "Gotham" Tesla recording session was for Crackdown 2
Remember how Tesla apparently outed Gotham 5 yesterday? And remember how Microsoft blanked it? Ruffian's just posted the following on its Twitter account: "Brum brum! Screech! Mmm, I love the sound of a Tesla in the morning." Mr Tesla appears to have got his wires crossed. We've just had it confirmed by Ruffian that the […]
McGill - PGR4, Mass Effect and Halo 3 are "perennial" games
Xbox UK head Steve McGill's told MCV that PGR4, Mass Effect and Halo 3 – the latest three games to be included in 360's Classics range – are "perennial" titles. He may well be right. "These latest three additions are some of the very biggest and best blockbuster games available on any platform," he said. […]
PGR DLC is Live Deal of the Week
Live's Deal of the Week this week is The PGR4 Premium Challenge Pack. Normally priced at 400 points, it's now available to Gold Members for 240 points, a saving of 40 percent. That's literally amazing. Get your 360 on and save pounds pounds pounds, right now.
No more PGR4 DLC, says Bizarre
UK developer Bizarre Creations has confirmed that there'll be no more DLC for Project Gotham Racing 4 on the company's official forum. "Sorry, but you won't see any more PGR4 DLC from Bizarre Creations," said a spokesperson. "We've handed over the reigns to Microsoft now. It's possible that they may create some more content in […]
PGR4 DLC pack brings power-value
Full details here of two packs of DLC for Gotham 4, some free, some not. All available on February 14. Here's what to expect. Free Challenge Pack (Free) "Download the new Free PGR 4 Challenge Pack from Bizarre, and you'll drive the hydrogen-powered 2007 Peugeot Flux, winner of the 2007 Peugeot International Design Competition. Plus, […]


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Holiday Gift Boxes
Learn how to make these holiday gift boxes using these free instructions. Handmade Christmas projects are the perfect way to show you care, and with these paper-crafting steps, creating this design is easy.
SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (Rustic Cream, Pure Poppy) Papertrey Ink; (gold metallic) DCWV Inc. Patterned paper: (Sherry Vinegar from Chilled Cucumber Soup collection) Jillibean Soup; (Pure Poppy Stripe) Papertrey Ink Clear stamps: (noel, ornament from Believe set) Ali Edwards/Technique Tuesday; (holly leaves from Twinkle On set) Technique Tuesday Dye ink: (Pure Poppy, New Leaf) Papertrey Ink Fonts: (Harbell) dafont.com; (Impact) Microsoft Software: (design) Brother Template: (Fold 'n Go box) Papertrey Ink Dies: (banner) Brother; (Circles N Stars) Pink Paislee Finished sizes: Love, Joy, Peace box 3 1/2" x 7" x 1 3/4", Noel box 2 3/4" x 5" x 1 1/4",
1 Print box on cardstock. 2 Scan and cut box from cardstock using software; assemble. 3 Scan and die-cut circles and stars from cardstock using software. 4 Trim die cut panel and adhere to box with foam tape. 5 Print sentiment on cardstock. Scan and die-cut from cardstock using software. 6 Adhere sentiment to card with foam tape. 7 Stamp holly leaves on cardstock, trim, and adhere behind sentiment with foam tape.
1 Print box on cardstock. 2 Scan and cut box from cardstock using software; assemble. 3 Adhere patterned paper to box. 4 Die-cut banner from cardstock and patterned paper using software. 5 Adhere die cuts together and adhere to box with foam tape. 6 Stamp holly leaves, noel, and ornament on cardstock. 7 Trim stamped images and adhere to box with foam tape.
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Sonos PLAY:5 vs Bowers & Wilkins A7
Wireless speaker shootout
Heads up!Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.
Editor's note: This article focuses on the original Sonos PLAY:5, not the new model.
Not long ago, if you wanted crisp, room-filling sound, you needed a receiver, a CD player, and a pair of speakers. For some music fans, such old-school hi-fi systems still rule. Set things up just right, sit in the sweet spot, and you can enjoy some mind-blowing stereo sound.
But what if you don't want bulky gear, wires, and remote controls cluttering up your décor? What if you don't want to just sit and listen? What if you don't own any CDs?
Yes, you can you get amazing sound from a much smaller kit
Today's wireless music systems are easy to set up and easy to enjoy as you move around the room. Grab your smart phone or tablet, and you're all set. You have your music collection and a powerful remote control in your hand.
Two of our customer favorites are the Sonos PLAY:5 and the Bowers & Wilkins A7. Shoppers frequently ask us how they compare, so we brought them to the Crutchfield Labs for a face-off. We focused on four points: setup, user-friendliness, sound quality, and multi-room functionality.
Sonos PLAY:5
Sonos PLAY:5 wireless streaming music speaker
The PLAY:5 comes from a California-based company founded in 2002 with the goal to "reinvent home audio for the digital age" and a singular focus on user-friendly multi-room music systems.
Sonos lets you stream music from practically every online music service as well as Internet radio stations, your computer, or an Apple device. The PLAY:5 can play music stored on up to 16 PCs, Macs or NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices on your home network, supporting the most popular audio formats. The Sonos software even indexes your music folders so you can view your music collection by categories (such as artists, albums, composers, genres, or tracks). You use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to access all of the music sources through the Sonos remote control app, available for Apple and Android™.
The PLAY:5 measures 14-3/8"W x 8-9/16"H x 6-13/16"D and weighs about 12 pounds. It houses two tweeters, two midrange drivers, and one 3.5-inch woofer, powered by discrete built-in class D amplifiers.
The B&W A7 powered speaker system iwith AirPlay wireless streaming
Bowers & Wilkins A7
Bowers & Wilkins, an English company founded in 1966, made a name for itself with high-end stereo speakers. Their aim with the A7 is to give users "all the convenience and freedom of wireless music, without compromising on sound quality."
B&W uses Apple's AirPlay system. If you have a Wi-Fi network, you can use a single Airplay speaker wirelessly right out of the box.
Unlike Sonos, which controls many music sources from a single user interface, AirPlay functions from within whatever music source you happen to be using on your Apple device (or a computer running iTunes). Both systems give you access to a vast selection of content choices. One advantage for the A7 is streaming from YouTube via the AirPlay function built into the app. Sonos does not support streaming from YouTube.
As a multi-room solution, AirPlay isn't quite as robust or flexible as the Sonos system. It is possible to stream music from a computer running iTunes to multiple AirPlay speakers with independent volume control. And Apple's remote app gives iPad or iPhone users track and volume control of the music stored on a computer. However, if only one Apple device is involved, you must stream the same song to all speakers. And you can only stream music from an Apple portable device to a single AirPlay speaker at a time.
The A7 – at 14-3/16"W x 8-5/8"H x 6-5/16"D and 12.5 lbs – is a tiny bit larger and heavier than the PLAY:5 and a little less easy to move around. The Sonos has a rear port that doubles as a carrying handle for easy transport between rooms.
Like the PLAY:5, the A7's five speakers are powered by discrete class D amplifiers, though the A7 relies on a 6-inch subwoofer for deep bass, as opposed to the PLAY:5's 3.5-inch woofer.
The A7 uses some of the same technology from B&W's well-respected component speakers. The A7's rear Flowport™ is a dimpled bass port that carefully controls air flow to deliver tight bass without excess noise, known as "chuffing," as air travels through the tube. And the A7's tweeters feature tapered tubes, a design borrowed from B&W's esteemed Nautilus™ speakers, that minimize reflection off the rear of the enclosure, for clean, clear high frequencies. Also, digital music signals are upconverted to 96kHz/24bit resolution by the A7's high-quality digital-to-analog converter.
Sonos PLAY:5 internal driver array
B&W A7 internal driver array
The Sonos PLAY:5 is made for easy set up, and it did not disappoint. We already had a Sonos Bridge connected to the Wi-Fi network in our Labs. From there, I downloaded and opened the Sonos app on my iPod touch®, followed the set-up instructions in the app, pushed a couple of buttons on the Bridge and PLAY:5, and I was ready to listen. The whole process took about three minutes to complete. From there, I was able to stream lossless music stored on my iPod touch.
Setting up the B&W A7 was even easier than the PLAY:5. As with Sonos, you'll need the free B&W app on your iPhone, iPod touch or you can download a set-up program for your computer from B&W's website. With the A7, the app is solely for setup. Download the app, plug in the power cord, follow the instructions, which include entering your Wi-Fi network password, and you're ready to start listening.
I started with the A7 and was immediately impressed by its lush tone. Well-balanced and vibrant, it had excellent bass extension that didn't distort or dominate the performance. It demonstrated particular presence in the upper bass frequencies and lower midrange, while sounding very refined in the high-end. And while I was definitely aware of the music coming from a single speaker, our listening room was filled quite nicely with rich sound, impressing me with excellent dynamics even as I pushed the volume higher and higher. I was able to play it very loudly before it started to show any signs of distortion.
The highlight of listening to the A7 was John Coltrane's "Blue Train." This was my "wow" moment with this remarkable speaker. The tone of Coltrane's tenor sax was huge, big and bold, rich and dynamic. It leapt at me from out of the A7's drivers and made me rethink the limits of what wireless speaker systems are capable of.
In comparison, the Sonos PLAY:5's sound is a bit thinner than the A7. It was more airy in the high frequencies, but it lacked the bass definition and impact of the A7. On Paul Simon's "Born at the Right Time" from The Rhythm of the Saints, a very low drumbeat that came through powerfully with the A7 didn't have the same impact with the PLAY:5. Though it's easy to add a Sonos wireless sub to beef up the low-frequencies.
Nevertheless, the PLAY:5 is a very good speaker in its own right. "Blue Train" sounded marvelous – just not as rich as it did with the A7. Coltrane's tenor sax tone was not as fully rounded out as with the A7.
Here's where it gets interesting
At times during my listening sessions, I felt the Sonos competed quite well with the A7. And on a couple of occasions, it even sounded better.
I noticed this in particular on another Paul Simon track, "The Coast." There is a lot of percussion in this song, which resides tonally in that upper bass/lower midrange zone. The A7's rich response in these frequencies made the percussion really stand out, to the point where they muddied up the vocals a bit, making them sound slightly muffled. But on the PLAY:5, because those frequencies are recessed, the presentation sounded more balanced, with clear, natural-sounding vocals.
Conversely, I played "Hold On" by Alabama Shakes, a song with more open space. The A7 was the clear winner here, with its deep bass response delivering this song's groove with power and feeling. The vocals floated over the music rather than getting lost in it. With the PLAY:5, the song felt thin compared to the A7, not quite as infectious or toe-tapping.
Very different soundstages
The other interesting difference in sound is the soundstage each speaker projects. At first listen, the A7 sounded much bigger. But the more I listened, the more I realized that the PLAY:5 actually projects a wider soundstage. It sounds like the music is presented across a wider horizontal plane, whereas the A7 sounds more like it's coming from the middle of the speaker. Yet the A7's sound had more depth to it. I would characterize the PLAY:5's soundstage as wide and flat, while the A7's is tall and deep.
The bottom line
While I preferred the sound of the A7, I came away feeling good about each speaker. The B&W A7 is an excellent one-box wireless system for rooms where you're eager to pursue high-fidelity sound but unwilling to deal with multiple components and speakers.
The Sonos PLAY:5 offers a seamless, goof-proof user experience while still delivering very good sound. Sonos also offers the promise of more versatility with a larger selection of speakers to expand your system.
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to home audio, preferring the receiver/source/speaker setup. But after spending time with these wireless speaker systems and hearing just how good they can sound, I could definitely find a place in my home for either the PLAY:5 or the A7.
Sonos PLAY:5
Bowers & Wilkins A7
|Wireless technology
|Sonosnet™ 2.0 proprietary wireless system or standard Wi-Fi.
|Apple AirPlay – Requires a Wi-Fi network and either an Apple portable device or a computer running iTunes.
|Remote control
|Sonos app for Apple or Android portable devices – Lets you stream music from your networked computer and online music sources as well as music stored on Apple devices. Streaming of music stored on Android devices is not yet supported. Can be controlled from a computer, too.
|Your Apple device – Lets you stream from its music player or other apps. Apple's Remote app let's you stream from a computer running iTunes. The A7 also comes with its own small remote.
|Online music services
|Sonos let you choose from a wide selection of services and thousands of Internet radio stations from within its app.
|Listen to any music service that offers an AirPlay-compatible music app, including YouTube. Each app must be launched and controlled separately.
|Supported music file formats
MP3 (compressed)
WMA (compressed)
Ogg Vorbis
Audible (format 4)
Apple Lossless
FLAC (lossless)
WAV (uncompressed)
AIFF (uncompressed)
Amazon Cloud
MP3 (compressed)
Apple Lossless
AIFF (uncompressed)
WAV (uncompressed)
|Multi-room functionality
|Sonos offers a more versatile and user-friendly multi-zone system. It features synchronous playback (same music plays in multiple zones) or multi-stream playback (different music streams in each zone). Control all zones from a single portable device. No computer is required.
|Music can be streamed from a portable device to one AirPlay speaker at a time. Multi-zone playback of one stream on multiple AirPlay devices is possible from a computer running iTunes. The Apple Remote app allows you to control these streams from an Apple portable device.
|Speaker configuration
|Two tweeters, two 3" midrange drivers, one 3.5" bass driver
|Two tweeters, two 3" midrange drivers, one 6" bass driver
|1 year
|2 years
|14-3/8"W x 8-9/16"H x 6-13/16"D
|14-3/16"W x 8-5/8"H x 6-5/16"D
|11.9 lbs.
|12.5 lbs.