text:
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Meet your fellow owners in our Owners Clubs
I am originally from France. I have been in the States since a few month (U of MN).
Just before leaving France, I was driving my dad's car (Golf IV, 130hp + chip = 150) behind a new 5 series somewhere in the north of France. I thought it was a 530D, "the usual" (in France) (a great car anyway). But it wasn't, It was the brand new 535D!, I couldn't believed it! I was the first time I saw a 535D...and the last time...
The engine is a bi-turbo, this is great but this is not an innovation...the real innovation is the the fact that the turbos are in "series": the smaller one is blowing into the bigger one. BMW is the first to introduced this technology on the market.
I know some people working in the diesel department of a great german manufacturer....the "Diesel War" between the german manufacturers has just begun...In a couple a year from now (maybe next year?), we will see some AMAZING and INSANE diesel engines...
Wait and see
PS: This website site is great!0
"In a couple a year from now (maybe next year?), we will see some AMAZING and INSANE diesel engines..."
I just hope we see them here (usa)!0
chris65amg Posts: 372I know that the diesel engines over there in Europe are just great, so I really hope that we can get some over here. I hope that the German luxury car makers (BMW, Benz, Audi) bring over their smaller diesels for the C, A4, and 3-Series. That would excite the market for diesels. Isn't Acura talking about a possible TSX diesel?0
I agree, that would be great...for the german manufacturers but not for the US manufacturers...
I don't even need to say that I am 100% for diesel engines. Someone said that in the UK, 45% of the car sold are diesel...in France it's not 45%...it's 90%...and PSA (Peugeot) makes more diesel engines than any other car manufacturer in the world. I have been driving diesel cars for 10 years and diesel powered machines for almost 20 years (Deere and CAT diesel engines rock!!!). For me, gas it's just for bikes and sports vehicules, the rest is better to drive with a diesel engine.
BUT I don't see the point in having a diesel engine in a luxury car or vehicule. If one can afford a 100000$ car (like the TouaregV10), does he worry about the gas price and the mileage? I don't think so. I think he worries more about the comfort, the silence, high HP and RPM engine...
Why do the german manufacturer are putting some much money in designing diesel engines for the luxury cars? Maybe they are trying to create a new niche market ? Where are the customers for those kind of cars and SUVs ? In Europe? I know it's all about diesel in Europe but this is not the kind of car that anybody can afford. No, the market is here, the customers are in the US (remember why Porsche decided to go for the Cayenne...).
In the US, it's all about gas engine. Rich people want something different, something exotic: "You want the model with the V8 gas engine but we have a model even more expensive than this one, the one with the V10 diesel engine..." I am sure they I have those thoughts in mind in Stuttgart, Neckarsulm and Munchen. Why build such big engines if it's not for the US market (and its numerous rich customers) ? Because it's very unlikely that VW is going to sell hundreds and hundreds of their TouaregV10 in Europe, it's rather Touraeg R5 and V6. I think the emission standards are not a big deal (even the Californian standards), they already know how to "solve" the problem (Peugeot and their particule filters already have the solution...).
What are they waiting for? Maybe I am totally wrong. Maybe they are having fun in making bigger and bigger engines. "You made a V8 diesel engine, I am gonna make a V10 engine...You made a V10 engine, I am gonna made a V12..."
My toy is bigger than yours :P0
I agree to the fact that they (german car makers) should import the diesel versions of their smaller model.
I have just realized that VW is just importing the lower HP version of their 1.9L and 2.0L TDI (around 100hp)! Why don't they import the 130, 150 (1.9L) and 140hp version (2.0L) of those engines. Emission standards ?
Because there is a HUGE difference between the 100-115hp versions and the 130-140-150hp versions. The first ones are quiet....the second ones are pure FURRY. You wouldn't believe it's the same block! The difference is the same between the Audi V6tdi 155-163hp and the 180hp version of the same engine.
My dad (in France) has a Golf IV TDI 130hp, 6 speed (MatchII, latest version) upgraded with a german chip (inexpensive, 70euros for the injector-pump version, more for the older version, easy to install, great stuff) that gives more punch (more torque than power) when driving on the 5th or 6th. It's almost like driving a BMW330D or a A4180TDI: you are cruising at 60mph on the highway, you push the throttle down and handfull of seconds after you are at 120mph...still on the same gear :blush:
It's like being pushed by a huge catapult that seems to keep pushing for ever...only a diesel engine can do that (unless you have a gas engine that goes up to 9000rpm and more: M5, S2000, Modena,etc... but the price isn't the same ). Anyway, just to tell that the 130-150hp versions by far the best versions : brutal, sharp I like those engines. What's more, you have got better mileage with the 130-150hp versions than the 100-115hp versions (between 5 and 5.5 liters/100km on highway). No, there is no mistake...
I drove the new Passat 2.0L TDI, the engine is basically the same as the 1.9L version but not as brutal as the 1.9L, they changed that because many people complained about that. Surprisingly, the new engine is more noisy :confuse:
But it's a great car, for sure a best-seller in Europe. They announce a 170hp version of the 2.0L engine. Toyota has just launched a 170hp version of its 4 cylinder engine on the Avensis. Round one, fight!
bladerunner Posts: 1I live in the UK and thought I'd just add my experience of the new 535d tonight !
I've not actually driven one... no I was driving a TVR Griffith 400, (4 litre V8 UK two seater spots car, for those that don't know). I exited a roundabout onto a short 1/4 mile section duel carriageway. I noticed the 535d badge on the new BMW infront of me as I pulled out to overtake. Now I gave the TVR everything it had to 6k red line in 2nd & 3rd and yes I got past and maybe just over a car & a half length infront over that 1/4 mile.
I'd have been impressed if it were a petrol BMW that kept with me but amazed it was so quick. The TVR is also slightly tweaked over a standard 400 so performance is somewhere between a 400 & a 430 in reality. Of course I had the better seat & the nicer sound track, but I bet the BMW driver had a equally big smile. Alas the TVR isn't mine I was repairing the exhaust for a friend while he was on holiday. I've been driving diesels for a long time and remember unbelievably slow slugs like the ford Granada & Peugeot 604 turbo diesels. I currently drive a 1996 Audi A6 Avant 2.5 TDI (140bhp 5cyl), which is both economical, (50mpg average with some care), and adequate performance wise. I will however look out for a 535d estate, (wagon), in 5 or so years when they reach my price point0
And they are talking about a 335D and a 540D... :surprise: :blush:
Those engineers from Germany are mad0
I drive a 530d and—in addition to the fact that its max. speed and cruise speed have nothing to envy to, say, those of a 530i—the rocket you feel you are driving when you press the accelerator from 2,000 r•m on is amazing. A 530d has much more punch than a similar (or higher) HP-powered gas engine. This is one reason to prefer a diesel over a gas engine even at the level of a 5-Series. In particular if you must drive along not only highways but also mountain roads. It is not the speed but the acceleration what matters there when overtaking a slower vehicle.
The mileage you get with diesels is another reason. Specially here, in Europe, where the fuel prices can reach the moon in a few time. Nobody disdains cheaper journeys no matter he/she drives a small car or a luxury performance car. A 5-Series or similar is not a Ferrari, in any case.
Then, a diesel engine usually endures more mileage or more years in good condition. For this reason, resale prices are higher for diesel powered cars, it including those of the high-level segment, here in the UE.
Finally, there is silence and no vibrations in a high-end diesel-powered car nowadays.
Those are the reasons supporting my crossing the line from gas to diesel when I bought my 530d one year ago. I was a gas car driver until then. The only thing I regret sometimes is the noise of a good gas engine. That of the diesel is always more bronco. My family and I still drive a gas Mini Cooper—so funny and useful! :shades: But there was no comparable diesel engine there!
I am a diesel lover and user since 1995. I always knew there was something missing on diesel engines but I didn't know what it was until BMW came with the idea of the twin turbo (535D)!!! That's what is missing on diesel engines... power on top!
I hope that other car makers are going to follow BMW and really build same serious sports car based on diesel. The era of gasoline car ends with electronic injection, it's hard to say but it's true. The new M3 engine, for example is good, it was "the best engine of the year" in 2000something, but is not as fun as the old carburator. Actually it's quite boring.
It would be nice to have a Z4d with the new 535D engine, or a V12d on the 7 series or see WV using what BMW has done with the 535D.
What a shame that petroleum engine are about to end when a new diesel chapter is starting.0
I am a diesel lover and user since 1995. I always knew there was something missing on diesel engines but I didn't know what it was until BMW came with the idea of the twin turbo (535D)!!! That's what is missing on diesel engines... power on top!
I hope that other car makers are going to follow BMW and really build same serious sports car based on diesel. The era of gasoline car ends with electronic injection, it's hard to say but it's true. The new M3 engine, for example is good, it was "the best engine of the year" in 2000something, but is not as fun as the old carburetor. Actually it's quite boring.
It would be nice to have a Z4d with the new 535D engine, or a V12d on the 7 series or see WV using what BMW has done with the 535D.
What a shame that petroleum engine are about to end when a new diesel chapter is starting.0
gidian Posts: 1I am very interested in getting a 535D, but I live in the US.
Is there a way to have one imported?
I am not sure but, may be with European Delivery through an authorized dealer in the US?
you can't bring a BMW here that BMW NA doesn't sell.
Think about it, who'd work on it?
Aside from that, all cars have to be federally certified.
OK, I should have known better! :blush: I cannot take my 530d into the US, then. :mad:
I know it sucks--your 530d is a great car.
If they had the 335d here, i'd buy one. 272 hp, 380lbft--yum!
bubico Posts: 2What I mean by "good" would be fair priced and reliable source (I don't want to end with a melted :lemon: engine after I pay and ship it over the pond :P ...). Thank you, bubico
P.S. Pond = Atlantic0
drhasslefree Posts: 1Does anyone know when BMWNA will bring the BMW 535d to the US. The year is almost half way and I am seeing more stations with the "premium" diesel (ULSD.
I am interested in the car and BMWNA will not support it0
tdinick Posts: 4Diesel BMWs will be back in the USA in 2008. They were last sold here around 1985/6 as a 525td and used ones are sold on eBay for about $4k -- so they really kept their value.0
Do you have more info tdnick?
Will it be the suv's ( boo ) or, perhaps a 535d with 6-speed, active roll stabilization, etc ( yay! ).0
I'm currently stationed in Italy. While here, I can get a BMW 3d or 5d series at diplomatic pricing (good but still expensive). The catch is the cost is in euros, which are killing us American's over here.
My question is if I buy a 2008 535id to bring home, does anyone know about what would have to be done and cost to convert to US specs? Also, will the diesel engine set up for over here need a conversion or additives to run on US diesel fuel?
I went to Oktoberfest in Munich in Sep and sat with a guy in R&D at BMW. I also contacted the USA Marketing rep while visiting the plant. Nothing comfirmed and very unofficial, but was "told" that the current plan was to market the X5 SUV as a diesel in the US for the 2009 model and if all went well, follow with the 3 or 5 or both series for 2010 models. So looks like it is still some time away unfortunately.
Should I bring home a European conversion or not? Its gonna cost me. What would the resale look like if I decided to sell it and get a 2010 when they come to the USA?
I need to make a decision before the end of this year, so the expertise on this forum will help a lot.
I'm thinking that you won't be able to legally license a 535d for love nor money as there is probably no way to convert one to operate as cleanly as would be required to meet federal emmissions standards. Your best bet would be to either buy a gasser at diplomatic prices or wait until the BMW diesels are available on our side of the pond.
Best Regards,
Thanks. Was wondering if anyone was reading this board since the post prior to mine was a year old.
Hoping you're wrong but I really don't know. I'm definitely more interested in a diesel than a hybrid and need some good economy since I will be returning to southern California and even a normal commute is 30 miles each way.
Why don't you think I could convert it? Someone told me they have to replace the headlights, tail lights, windshield? and maybe a few other items.
Boy, US market is missing out. This heavy, safe, beautiful car can get about 55mpg on the highway.0
Because California HATES diesels. Why? Emissions, period, full stop, the end. To say that it would be near impossible to get a 535d licensed in the non-CARB states would be an understatement, to get it licensed in California would most likely require divine intervention, and the last time I checked, the deities weren't acting on the prayers of American diesel lovers. :P
Best Regards,
Thanks Shipo,
How about if I bring in as a used car since I'll own it over here for at least 8-9 months?
How do others get VW TDIs and MB diesels registered there?0
Nope, not going to work either. In the case of the VW and Mercedes-Benz diesels, they meet the pollution requirements as set forth by the EPA. In fact, technically the Mercedes-Benz meets the CARB requirements as well, however, California pulled a fast one at the last minute and changed the rules regarding the Blue-Tec urea canister (which has to be refilled every 7,500 miles or so). Now the only way to legally license these cars in California is to wait until the car has over ~7,500 miles on the odometer.
That said, since the BMW diesels don't even meet the U.S. EPA emissions standards, you won't even be able to legally get the car in the country much less to California. As I said before, you need to wait for BMW to release a U.S. spec diesel, and that probably won't happen until 2009 or 2010.
Best Regards,
gagrice Pahrump, NevadaPosts: 31,432The car has to be USA certified for both safety and emissions. I still remember Bill Gates with his $900,000 Porsche impounded because it was not crash tested to US standards. I think you are looking at a giant hassle that you will lose. Get a Mercedes E320CDI that is US approved and with 7500 miles you can register it in CA. I know of several people that took European delivery on a Mercedes diesel. It has to be a legal US vehicle. So far BMW has not brought any diesels to the US. An X5 diesel would be to my liking for sure.0
raychuang00 Posts: 541I've read that BMW may unveil the US-market 330d at NAIAS in January 2008. It will be rated at 228 bhp, but the fuel efficiency will be around 30-35% better than the 328i model. That 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine may make its way into the 5-Series sedan and possibly the next-generation X3 due about 18 months from now.0
This discussion has been closed.


text:
Berlin smart Grand Slam | 17 - 22 June 2014
Lausanne, Switzerland, January 22, 2014 – The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour will once again be the centrepiece of the international beach volleyball calendar in 2014.
From Long Beach in California to Shanghai in China and many places in between players will compete for their share of the $10.2m in prize money on offer from 10 Grand Slams, an inaugural FIVB Grand Slam Final and 10 Open tournaments. The Grand Slams conclude with the first ever FIVB Grand Slam Final, which will offer $500,000 in prize money.
Last year the men's tournament went down to the wire as Latvia's Janis Smedins and Aleksandrs Samoilovs held off the challenge of Brazil's Pedro Salgado and Bruno Schmidt at the Durban Open in December. Brazilian fans did have something to celebrate though as Talita Antunes and Taiana Lima won the women's crown after dominating all season.
It means that both sides will be pushing hard to retain their titles, while the depth of the teams chasing them grows ever deeper.
Initially nine Grand Slam events were named, but in recent weeks the total went up to the maximum of 10 when the Klagenfurt returned as a host following a year off the Tour when the Austrian venue hosted the CEV Beach Volleyball European Championships.
The lake-side resort will once again welcome the crème-de-la-crème of the beach volleyball world as the Austrian city gets set to host the ninth double-gender Beach Volleyball Grand Slam of the 2014 season from July 29 to August 3.
This year will mark the 17th time that the Lake Worthersee site has hosted a stop on the international circuit. With the exception of last season, the men's World Tour has stopped in Klagenfurt every year since 1997 and the women's since 2001. In 2001 Klagenfurt also hosted the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships and this year's tournament will make Klagenfurt the most experienced host in the World Tour's history with 16 men's and 12 women's tournament to its name.
"Beach volleyball players and fans have come to expect the best from Klagenfurt," said FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F°. "I am proud to have the opportunity to now build on the previous successes of this stop on the World Tour and look forward to once again experiencing all that this excellent venue has to offer."
"We are very happy to organise the A1 Beach Volleyball Grand Slam in cooperation with the FIVB at Lake Worthersee in Klagenfurt, Carinthia again this year," said Hannes Jagerhofer of the ACTS Group, the official promoter of the event.
Earlier in the month, the organisers of the Moscow Grand Slam announced a date change to June 11 to 15 so as to accommodate Klagenfurt's inclusion in the 2014 beach volleyball calendar.
Also making a return to this year's calendar is Stavanger in Norway, another popular stop on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. The unique dockside venue, which hosted the 2009 World Championships, was last present on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in 2011, after 13 straight seasons, but returns with a Grand Slam from June 24-29.
The ever-popular Stare Jablonki, returns as a Grand Slam after hosting the World Championships last year. The venue on the banks of Lake Mazury will now welcome beach volleyball players and fans from August 19 to 24.
Through the year there are a host of familiar cities hosting Grand Slams; Long Beach in the USA continues for a second season after a successful debut in 2013, while The Hague in the Netherlands is planning on spreading the tournament over four different cities in preparation for their hosting of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in 2015.
There are also Grand Slams in Fortaleza in Brazil, Berlin, Moscow and Gstaad in Switzerland before the FIVB Grand Slam Final.
The participants in the FIVB Grand Slam Final, for
which the location and dates are still to be confirmed, will be made up of the
top eight nations on the FIVB Beach Volleyball Grand Slam ranking with a
maximum quota of two teams per country, per gender. The newly conceived Grand Slam Final has yet to be assigned and the FIVB
is in negotiations with the promoters who have shown an interest in staging
this event.
Fuzhou in China, Anapa in Russia, Xiamen in China and Phuket in Thailand will once again host Open tournaments with a further five organised in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Czech capital Prague, Parana in Argentina and Qatari capital Doha with Durban in South Africa once again bringing the season to a close in December.
The newest addition to the 2014 beach volleyball calendar, the FIVB U17 Volleyball World Championships will be held in Bahia Banderas in Mexico, providing yet another opportunity for young beach volleyball players to come to the fore and gain international experience in their sport.
Polish town Myslowice will once again do the honours of hosting the FIVB Beach Volleyball U23 World Championships while Oporto in Portugal will put its previous experience of hosting the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships to practice yet again in 2014. Cypriot resort Larnaka will host the U21 World Championships.
The second edition of the Youth Olympic Games are set to take place from August 16 to 28, 2014 in the Chinese city of Nanjing and it will be the first time beach volleyball will be included in the sporting line-up.
2014 Beach Volleyball Calendar
22.06.2014 20:49:52
USA's Bourne/Hyden and Czechs Kolocova/Slukova strike gold in Berlin
Berlin, Germany, June 22, 2014 - USA's Tri Bourne and John Hyden and Kristyna Kolocova and Marketa Slukova from the Czech Republic claimed the gold me... More...
22.06.2014 20:16:44
USA's Bourne/Hyden win first World Tour gold in Berlin
Berlin, Germany, June 22, 2014 - Tri Bourne and John Hyden won their first World Tour gold medal at the FIVB Beach Volleyball Berlin smart Grand Slam ... More...
22.06.2014 19:01:53
Kolocova and Slukova crowned as Berlin smart Grand Slam champions
Berlin, Germany, June 22, 2014 - Kristyna Kolocova and Marketa Slukova won their second gold in only one month by winning the FIVB Beach Volleyball Wo... More...
22.06.2014 07:21:29
All-American men's final at the Berlin smart Grand Slam
21.06.2014 20:06:00
Brazil and Czech Republic in women's final in Berlin, USA and Brazil supply men's semifinalists
21.06.2014 19:41:52
Brazil's Antonelli and Juliana face Czech team Kolocova/Slukova in Berlin final
21.06.2014 18:47:15
American qualifiers Doherty and Lucena storm into Berlin semis
21.06.2014 14:10:28
Antonelli/Juliana knock out Ross/Walsh to advance to semifinal
20.06.2014 21:37:06
Eight women's teams and 16 men's still standing at Berlin smart Grand Slam
20.06.2014 20:48:09
Poland's Fijalek/Prudel take revenge against Russia
20.06.2014 20:09:28
Brazil's Agatha/Seixas knock out European champions in Berlin
20.06.2014 13:02:20
Flying Dutchmen top the pool with three wins at Berlin Grand Slam
20.06.2014 09:35:56
Volleyball internationals visit FIVB Beach Volleyball Berlin smart Grand Slam
19.06.2014 20:18:07
Women reach deciding phase in Berlin, men just get started
19.06.2014 19:44:37
Impressive start for Doherty and Lucena in Berlin main draw
19.06.2014 18:05:26
Germany's Borger/Büthe delight the home crowd with third win
19.06.2014 13:55:26
USA's Ross/Walsh on track for back-to-back gold
19.06.2014 11:24:26
American qualifiers upset Moscow champions in Berlin
18.06.2014 20:50:41
Upsetting day for German teams at Berlin smart Grand Slam
18.06.2014 18:30:56
Brazil's Bruno/Alison pushed hard in Berlin qualification
18.06.2014 15:59:34
Berlin Grand Slam ends for home team Holtwick/Semmler
18.06.2014 12:42:59
Tough opening match for 2013 champions Talita/Lima in Berlin
17.06.2014 20:05:13
Berlin residents Bieneck/Grossner claim main draw spot at Berlin Grand Slam
16.06.2014 22:20:22
Talking Stats: 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour—June 16
16.06.2014 18:18:05
Top of the world returns to Berlin's 'Mitte' for the FIVB smart Grand Slam
16.06.2014 08:22:57
FIVB Beach Volley World Tour moves to FIVB Berlin smart Grand Slam
16.06.2014 01:52:23
FIVB World Tour in middle of three straight $800,000 FIVB Grand Slams
11.03.2014 10:33:23
Berlin Smart Grand Slam heads back to city centre
30.01.2014 16:38:52
2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour ready for more highlights in record-breaking year

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Globe Poster - Evans Grill, Young Groovers
Globe Poster - Evans Grill, Young Groovers
- Good condition; slight discoloration possible worn corners. Look at photo for details.
- These will ship flat
- 22" x 33"
- 6/1991
Globe posters were truly the people's posters. For more than 80 years, they brightened city street corners and telephone poles, country crossroads and union halls, shouting the names of bands and the dates of carnivals up and down the East Coast. A Globe Poster made you look, with its bright inks and bold type that shook and shimmied.
Founded in 1929, Globe grew by leaps, bounds and bold swatches of DayGlo color into one of the nation's largest showcard printing companies. Starting with vaudeville, movies, burlesque and carnival, Globe found its groove in the 1960s with posters for top R&B and rock acts like James Brown, Otis Redding, and Ike and Tina Turner. In 1975, Joseph Cicero Sr., a longtime employee of the company, purchased Globe Poster from owner Norman Shapiro. Cicero's sons, Bob, Frank and Joe Jr., followed their father into the business, carrying Globe's iconic style forward into the rap, hip-hop and Go-Go scenes.
With demand for posters dwindling in this digital age, the Cicero brothers decided to close up shop in 2010. But Baltimoreans and students aware of Globe's legacy formed a Friends of Globe group to find a new home for its treasures.
Because of that vision, the desire of the Ciceros to keep Globe in Baltimore, and MICA's creative thinking, Globe did not die. Truckloads of wood type, letterpress cuts and other tools of the trade moved from Highlandtown to MICA in the summer of 2011, and when the fall semester started, Bob Cicero began teaching a new generation of artists how to make a poster "pop."


text:
First step: creating an Anatomical BRIK
Surfaces are created from an anatomical (T1) MRI dataset. Surface creation works best if two or more T1 datasets are acquired and averaged. Averaging can be done in AFNI (easier) or in FreeSurfer. To average anatomies using AFNI, use the following commands. Motion correction is applied before averaging in case the subject moved between anatomies. The base anatomy (that other anatomies are aligned to) should be the anatomy that the EPIs are best aligned with (usually the T1 collected closest in time to the EPIs).
3dAllineate -base 3DSAG_T1_2.nii -source 3DSAG_T1_1.nii -prefix ${ec}anatr1_1RegTo2 -verb -warp shift_rotate -cost mi -automask -1Dfile ${ec}anatr2toanatr1 3dmerge -gnzmean -nscale -prefix ${ec}anatavg 3DSAG_T1_2.nii ${ec}anatr1_1RegTo2+orig
3dAllineate -base {$ec}anatr2+orig -source {$ec}anatr2+orig -prefix ${ec}anatr1_1RegTo2 -verb -warp shift_rotate -cost mi -automask -1Dfile ${ec}anatr2toanatr1 3dmerge -gnzmean -nscale -prefix ${ec}anatavg {$ec}anatr2+orig ${ec}anatr1_1RegTo2+orig
If there are three anatomies, extend as follows:
3dAllineate -base {$ec}anatr1+orig -source {$ec}anatr2+orig -prefix ${ec}anatr2_2RegTo1 -verb -warp shift_rotate -cost mi -automask -1Dfile ${ec}anatr2toanatr1 3dAllineate -base {$ec}anatr1+orig -source {$ec}anatr3+orig -prefix ${ec}anatr3_3RegTo1 -verb -warp shift_rotate -cost mi -automask -1Dfile ${ec}anatr3toanatr1 3dmerge -gnzmean -nscale -prefix ${ec}anatavg {$ec}anatr1+orig ${ec}anatr2_2RegTo1+orig ${ec}anatr3_3RegTo1+orig
Second step: FreeSurfer preparation
Run the script file
/Volumes/data/scripts/@prep_dir anat_name
NB: To access this script (or anything else on data1) then data1 must be mounted on your Mac. To run this command first change into the directory where the subject's data is stored. e.g.
cd /Volumes/data/UT/DB/afni
Then, type the command. e.g.
/Volumes/data/scripts/@prep_dir DBanatavg+orig.BRIK
if you have an average anatomy or
/Volumes/data/scripts/@prep_dir DBanatr1+orig.BRIK
/Volumes/data/scripts/@prep_dir 3dsag_t1.nii
if you do not. Be sure to include the full file name including the .BRIK or .nii suffix. Ignore warnings issued by Freesurfer about using only one anatomical scan or incorrect group permissions.
Next: Create the surface
Creating Cortical Surface Models
Location of the created surface
Creating a cortical surface model requires a lot of disk space (~1-2 GB per subject). Because disk space was historically limited, cortical surface models were created on a different disk than the fMRI data. e.g.
for the surface and
for the fMRI data. Because disk space is now inexpensive, in 2011 this practice was discontinued and now the cortical surface model is stored with the fMRI data is the "fs" (for freesurfer) directory:
For web pages describing the previous method, please see
- OLD version of Preparation for Creating Cortical Surface Models
- OLD version of Creating Cortical Surface Models
- OLD version of finishing and using Cortical Surface Models
Details of the commands
The @recon script performs the following steps automatically; they are included here for educational purposes but do not need to be performed.
Creating FreeSurfer Directory Structures for Individual Subjects
FreeSurfer requires a specific directory structure for each subject. In addition FreeSurfer requires that subjects' directories be listed in the $SUBJECTS_DIR. Since this is an environment variable, it can be set at anytime:
set SUBJECTS_DIR = /surfaces/subject_name/
The program mksubjdirs constructs the directory structure automatically.
cd $SUBJECTS_DIR mksubjdirs subjID
Importing AFNI Files into FreeSurfer
The mri_convert program is used to convert the BRIK/HEAD files into the mgz format (gzipped MGH file),:
mri_convert $SUBJECTS_DIR/afni/subjIDanatr+orig.BRIK $SUBJECTS_DIR/subjID/mri/001.mgz
This should be repeated for every anatomical scan with the number scheme 001.mgz, 002.mgz, 003.mgz, etc.
mri_convert afni/CAavganat+orig.BRIK CA/mri/001.mgz
if the averaging is done in AFNI (recommended method). Ignore warnings issued by Freesurfer about using only one anatomical scan


text:
Buy organic certified fabrics (GOTS) directly online
We are Lebenskleidung from Berlin/Germany. In our fabric store you can get our amazing organic certified fabrics directly online by the meter or by the yard. No matter where you are, we ship to to you worldwide.
We are specialized in organic cotton fabrics and offer you a great selection of beautfiful, trendy and at the same time sustainably certified fabrics. We are proud to be certified accrding to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) since many years.
At us you can find various fabric categories and fabrics for any purpose and your creative ideas.
No matter if you are searching for stylish organic single jersey fabrics, your sweater knit fabric and matching rib cuffs for your hood, denim fabrics for your trousers or fabrics for accessoires, bags, shoulder bags or pillows: we think you will find the right fabric with us.
If you are a business owner or designer, simply apply for your business account and benefit from our staggered wholesale prices when buying your fabrics. Of course, we are also open for everyone who is a stitching- or DIY-enthusiast, too! We are always trying to grow a bigger community of designers, fabric lovers, and everyone else - so feel free to join.
If you happen to be in Berlin, you can also get your fabric directly from our showroom, which is open each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. and each Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. for our open stocksale. You can find our address in our contact info as well!
If you need to see your fabric samples first, no problem. Simply us the button "ORDER SAMPLE" in each article view or go directly to our sample section.
Many answers to most of your questions can be found in our FAQ or in our "About Us" section. If there is anything that remains unanswered, simply drop us a mail and we are always happy to help.
For now we want to welcome you - enjoy browsing through our organic fabric selection.
Yours Team Lebenskleidung


text:
Bootstrapping (A backpacking story)
Bootstrap, v. : To make use of existing resources or capabilities to raise (oneself) to a new situation or state; to modify or improve by making use of what is already present.
The kid looked about 16. He was shouldering a large backpack, the kind that's probably 6 pounds when empty, the same kind I ditched a month into our trip when I realized that it sometimes pays to be a weight weenie. He had a second pack as well, a school book bag strapped to his shoulders in the opposite direction. It hung across his chest like an awkward pregnancy.
My boyfriend, Josh, and I passed him on the trail, hiking in the opposite direction. We exchanged the usual greetings. "Nice day! Where are you going?" To which he replied, "I'm going to climb Mount Whitney!" His smile was all enthusiasm, and he moved up the trail away from us with the confidence of a person who doesn't have a mirror and doesn't need one. Ahead of him lay 190 or so miles, nine passes ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 feet in elevation, and the 14,505-foot Whitney itself. As the kid walked, his sleeping pad, a long tube tied loosely to the bottom of his larger pack, swung and bounced against the backs of his knees. I'll never know for sure, but I hope he managed to reach his planned destination.
It was June of 2009, and on the day of this encounter Josh and I were making our way north through Yosemite National Park. We were through-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and thus far we had covered about 900 miles. The distance had shaped us, both mentally and physically. We were strong and sleek, smug and young, dirty and always hungry – Hungry for more food, and hungry to see more of the West. It was becoming easier to hike twenty-plus miles a day, and it felt natural to go to sleep in a tent every night. Despite this, I was no different than the kid with the two backpacks, and if you had seen me six years ago, you probably would not have thought much of my chances, either.
For me it began with a soft-shell cooler, a poncho, a MacGuyver-like trust in the magical properties of duct tape, and an ad in the classifieds. "Tent for sale," the ad said.
When I first moved to Scotland in 2003 I had never been backpacking, but I had been camping, and I loved to walk. It was a transition period in my life. My job near Edinburgh was less important than the fact that it allowed me to live somewhere entirely new. The work contract was for seven months, and I had allowed myself this length of time to make a decision about my education. Should I take my art degree and move out into the working world? Or should I return to school and pursue a different course of study?
None of these big life questions were weighing on my mind when I wandered into the town of Dunbar one sunny afternoon. I was out for a weekend walk, and right then I wanted to buy a cheese roll. As I roamed the shop fronts I was surprised to discover a museum dedicated to the memory of John Muir. Having grown up in the American West, and in particular having spent six years of my childhood in California, I did know who Muir was: one of America's most-loved naturalist-writers, the man who founded the Sierra Club, and who was a leading driver behind the creation of California's Yosemite National Park. Dunbar was his birthplace, and it was the place he spent the first eleven years of his life. As I left the little town and its museum I felt as though I was not so far away from home after all.
Sometime after my Dunbar hike, I was surfing the internet and found a web-link to an organization called the John Muir Trust. The JMT does conservation work on a number of properties throughout Scotland. Poking around the site, I was excited to see a list of 'Conservation Work Parties' and a call for volunteers. "What fun!" I thought. I signed up for my first backpacking trip, a mountain ringlet butterfly monitoring expedition to Glen Nevis. And I started searching the classified ads for outdoor gear.
In preparation for the actual trip, I decided to test out my new tent one weekend at a developed campground, setting up on a patch of manicured green lawn next to a building that sold candy bars and soft drinks. The night was windy and my tent shook so loudly that it was a long time before I was able to fall asleep. In the morning the tent was still standing and the wind had stopped. I considered the trial a success.
The one thing lacking on my tent was a rainfly. I had considered this already. With me I had several lengths of string, a roll of duct tape, and some large, heavy duty plastic garbage sacks. I taped several of the sacks together until I had a square of plastic big enough to drape over my tent, and attached one string to each corner of the plastic square. The strings could be tied to the tent poles at each corner of my tent, creating a rainfly. I felt very thrifty.
When the Volunteer Work Party Weekend finally came around, I discovered to my dismay that my food, clothing and other gear did not fit into my new pack like I had previously assumed it would. The biggest problem was my sleeping bag. Also a purchase from the classified ads, it was a fluffy cotton cylinder with a girth similar to my own and a height of about two feet. It had been designed for the use of extra house-guests, not for backpackers. I shoved the sleeping bag into my backpack anyway. I was able to fit a few other things in the pack around it, but not my food. Thinking quickly, I threw the food into a soft-shell cooler. It was time to go.
An elderly couple gave me a lift to the Glen Nevis Trailhead. When we arrived it was pouring rain. Not drizzling, but pouring. I pulled my poncho out of my pack, and we started up the trail. In retrospect I know how strange a sight I must have been: the large backpack, the cooler slung over my shoulder that bumped my thigh as I walked, my poncho flapping around in the wind and making me look like a giant green bat. At the time I could only pull my poncho tighter, gasp for breath, and attempt to keep up with my white-haired hosts. I was not in shape for this.
In part due to my slow pace, we arrived at the group campsite around the side of the mountain just in time to pitch our tents before dark. Though it was a relief to be done with the hill climb for the evening, I was beginning to doubt the soundness of my gear and planning. I set up my tent as rapidly as possible, trying to keep my things dry. The attempt was not very successful. In addition, my newly erected tent was listing at an odd angle, looking as though it was about to cave in. I crawled in and sat on my soggy cotton sleeping bag. Eating potato chips by the glow of a handheld flashlight, I listened to the increasingly violent flapping sounds of my rainfly coming apart at its duct-tape seams.
I will always think well of the name Sandy Maxwell after that weekend. Sandy, our trip leader, was making his way around the tents to check on the new arrivals just as my own shelter was beginning to disintegrate. I don't remember what I said when he reached me, but I suppose my situation didn't need much explanation. Sandy told me that there was another empty tent, left by a couple who had arrived earlier in the day. They had discovered a rip in their rainfly soon enough to retreat back down the mountain, and were currently staying at a hostel. Both to my relief and extreme embarrassment, Sandy offered me the use of his tent and sleeping bag. He himself slept in the ripped tent, and by all accounts had a very frigid night.
In the morning the sky was a steely shade of grey, but it was no longer raining. Around our camp circle the mountain was really visible for the first time. Ephemeral waterfalls were streaming down the rock faces opposite us, looking like silver threads. I found Sandy Maxwell sitting on the ground, cooking breakfast meat on a camp stove. "Do you want to stay for the rest of the weekend?" he asked me.
I looked over at the tent I had packed up the mountain. It was sitting lopsided on the turf, plastic garbage sacks dangling here and there from the tent poles. "I'm obviously not prepared for this trip," I said.
"That's not what I asked. Do you want to stay?"
I swallowed my embarrassment, and the words came out. "Yes," I said, "I do."
"So," replied Sandy. "We'll make it work."
It turned out to be a wonderful weekend. The weather remained cold and grey that first day, and there weren't any butterflies out, so our group just went on a hike. Everybody seemed to know something about the landscape around us. One man talked about the geology of the mountain. A retired biology teacher pointed out the various plants. I felt as though, having walked into an empty room, I had suddenly discovered it to be full of people and activity. On Sunday it was warm, and the sky was the color of a bluebird's back. It was perfect for butterfly monitoring, and we saw hundreds of mountain ringlets that day.
My trip to Glen Nevis did not, on its own, change the course of my entire future, but something in the attitude of the volunteers I met that weekend stayed with me. These were people who chose to spend their free time wandering around mountain-sides in the freezing rain. They were able to look at a landscape and see not just pretty pictures, but stories.
It takes time, mileage, and effort to improve a person's backpacking skills. Even though I was bailed out of a bad situation on my first trip, I still had to learn how to backpack and figure out my gear. This is something I did over the course of several years, and I would be the object of curious stares on the trail more than once.
Hiking into John Muir's Yosemite in 2009, I could look around and recognize the faces of familiar plants, could say something about why this one grew over here but not over there. As I walked, I also looked at the people we met on the trail. It was the backpackers I liked to watch best – That determined variety of human for whom no pleasure is greater than that of walking out into the quiet corners of the world with the elements of civilization strapped to their backs. The families made me smile. The little kids were dressed in their REI best, and looked like small versions of their parents. They were learning the rules early. At the opposite end of the spectrum was the teenager with the ridiculous backpacks, aiming for Mount Whitney. When Josh and I passed him on the trail, I could have said something to him about his gear, but I didn't. There's another kind of education in life, the kind in which we step out alone into the big wide world with nothing more than a load of untested ideas and a desire for adventure.
"Good luck!" Josh and I called to the kid as he moved away up the trail. He would figure it out for himself.


text:
Insights brings a powerful new way to write your blog posts. It increases productivity and at the same time the appeal of your posts.
With Insights you can very quickly (in couple of seconds) do the following:
- Search your blog for posts, edit them or insert links to them into the current post
- Insert Flickr Images
- Insert Youtube videos
- Search and link to Wikipedia
- Search Google
- Search News
- Google Blog Search
- Insert a Google Map
Insights allows you to do all this using dynamic AJAX interface which loads the relevant information to your post in just a few seconds.
Using Insights
Insights increases the speed you access and present information on your site. It makes any information almost instantaneously available.
Let's say I want to link snazzy archives to my exact plugin page.
If I am not sure of the exact link to that page I would need around 1 minute to open a new window, search for this page, copy the link and paste it. With Insights everything is done in couple of seconds.
Adding images
What if I wrote a post about mountains and wanted to insert a generic picture of a mountain:
With Insights it takes few seconds:
What about a Video?
Easy as it can be. Find a relevant video and click Add Video!
Google Maps
With Insights you can add real maps to your posts using Google Maps interface. You can add markers and draw paths too.
When you are satisfied, Insights will add a map image to your post.
Wikipedia and Google
Insights also allows you to search Wikipedia and Google. Insert the links or read the articles with ease:
1. Upload the whole plugin folder to your /wp-content/plugins/ folder.
2. Go to the Plugins page and activate the plugin.
3. Use the Options page to change your options
4. If you want to use Google Maps module then get your free Google Maps key here.
4. Write a new post. You will notice Insights toolbar. Use it :)
0.4 - Added search only non-commercial licensed images option
Looking for a WordPress SEO expert?


text:
Wal-Mart files legal complaint against growing protests ahead of Black Friday
Wal-Mart is taking legal action against its organized labor opponents, filing an unfair labor practice charge over widespread protests at its stores across the country — as well as rallies planned for Black Friday, considered the biggest shopping day of the year.
The company filed a complaint on Friday against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, claiming the labor union — one of the nation's largest — has unlawfully disrupted business by staging protests at Wal-Mart's stores and warehouses around the country over the past six months.
The retail giant, which has roughly 1.3 million U.S. workers, is asking the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an injunction against the rallies and pickets — even flash mobs — that have sprung up at stores nationwide, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Click to submit your Black Friday photos
"We are taking this action now because we cannot allow the UFCW to continue to intentionally seek to create an environment that could directly and adversely impact our customers and associates," Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar said in a statement obtained by Reuters. "If they do, they will be held accountable."
NLRB spokeswoman Nancy Cleeland said federal officials will decide quickly whether the complaint has merit and noted that, by statute, the agency must make a charge of illegal picketing a priority before all other cases.
The agency, she said, just decided two main issues: whether workers are picketing and if so, whether the picketing intended to unionize workers.
"This is a complicated case," Cleeland told The Associated Press, adding that if the labor board decides Wal-Mart's complaint has merit, the matter would then go to district court.
Wal-Mart workers protesting their employer complain of low wages, poor working conditions and inadequate health benefits, among other grievances. "Making Change," A Facebook page devoted to the protests, had more than 29,000 followers as of Monday afternoon.
Wal-Mart employees began walking off the job last week week ahead of Black Friday, when three union-backed groups expect thousands of protests nationwide.
"Wal-Mart is doing everything in its power to attempt to silence our voice," said Colby Harris, who works at a Wal-Mart store in Lancaster, Texas. "But nothing — not even this baseless unfair labor practice charge — will stop us from speaking out."
In October, a strike at a Wal-Mart store in Los Angeles spread to stores in 12 other cities, with local and national leaders holding protests at more than 200 stores for better pay, fairer schedules and more affordable health care. Since that time, workers have since walked off the job in Dallas and Richmond, Calif., and other upcoming strikes and protests are expected at stores in Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C.
Charlene Fletcher, who works with her husband, William, at a Wal-Mart in Duarte, Calif., became enraged when she learned that both were scheduled to work on Thanksgiving, missing the holiday with their children, ages 2 and 5.
"It's heartbreaking to miss the holiday with them, and it's just one more way that Wal-Mart is showing its disregard for our families," Fletcher said in a statement. "But when our co-workers speak out about problems like these, Wal-Mart turns their schedules upside down, cuts their hours and even fires people. We're going on strike for an end to Wal-Mart's attempts to silence its workers."
Three groups — Making Change at Walmart, OUR Walmart and watchdog group Corporate Action Network — are now calling on the nation's largest employer to end what they claim are retaliatory tactics against employees who seek out better working conditions.
In a statement to FoxNews.com, Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman characterized the movement as "another exaggerated publicity campaign aimed at generating headlines to mislead" customers and employees.
"We have a great group of associates at Wal-Mart," Fogleman said. "We'll have more than one million associates working throughout the holiday weekend, and they're excited about our Black Friday plans this year. This is the Super Bowl for retailers, and we're ready.
"We've been working on our Black Friday plans for almost a year now and we're prepared to have a great event. Our associates care about providing a great customer experience on Black Friday, and we're confident that's what customers will have at Wal-Mart this year."
Some of the nation's other large retailers, meanwhile, have announced earlier hours on Thanksgiving to capitalize on the shopping-heavy holiday weekend.
Like Wal-Mart, Sears will open at 8 p.m. Thursday, while Target will open at 9 p.m. That's two hours earlier than last year for Wal-Mart and three hours earlier for Target. Sears was closed last Thanksgiving, the Arizona Republic reports.
"I won't participate in Greed Thursday's openings," Donna Forry posted on AZCentral.com's Facebook page. "Keep it Black Friday."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


text:
The strap is adjustable to any length between 9" and 48", and can stretch to 72" – enough to span the width of a pickup truck bed. Just tighten to set the size and wrap the tail end of the strap around the hook to lock it. The loose ends can be clipped to the strap for neatness and safety.
The sturdy fiberglass-reinforced nylon hooks have carabiner-style stainless-steel spring clips for secure attachment. The strap has a high-density rubber core wrapped with a durable UV-rated woven outer casing.
This product is available only at our retail stores.


text:
Material & care
Upper material: Leather
Lining: Imitation leather/ textile
Insole: Leather
Sole: Abrasion-proof tunit
Padding type: Cold padding
Shoe tip: Pointed
Heel type: Block heel
Shoe fastener: Slip on
Pattern: Plain
Article number: C1811E013-Q11
This is a new lyrics search engine, which attempts to find song lyrics for you
from a variety of sources.
Give it a try now!
Most popular artists (view all)
Most popular songs
LyricsBadger is powered by the Dancer web
framework, and uses
by David Precious.
Lyrics are the property and copyright of their owners,
and are provided for educational purposes only - view legal


text:
Yesterday I posted (twice!) a Think Progress chart proving that the government under president Obama had pursued austerity policies. It was done to refute Mitt Romney's outright lie that the president had spent the country into oblivion, but some of us wondered why the Democrats would think it was such a good thing in any case.
Dday asked the fellow who made the chart for CAP:
I asked Linden why any progressive should look at this information with anything approaching pride or pleasure. "If your argument is that we shouldn't be having a fiscal consolidation during a recovery, that's a fair criticism of it," Linden said. He claimed that his chart was more of a myth-busting document, merely showing the facts of the situation. It attempts to rebut criticism from the right of Obama as a tax-and-spend liberal Democrat exploding the deficit.
But what about the criticism that the economy needs more, and not less, fiscal support?[…]
Linden didn't really contest the argument. "You can argue (the information on the chart) was the wrong direction, given our economic issues, given the fragility of our recovery," he said. Linden did add that "it's worth remembering that the President proposed a substantial jobs package last year and the Republicans blocked it." That is true, although the payroll tax cut and an extension of unemployment insurance, a substantial part of the American Jobs Act, did pass.
But this gets to the point of who should take credit for that chart. Republicans in Congress demanded less spending, lower taxes and cuts to the deficit when they took power in the House in 2011. The chart shows that this happened. They blocked higher fiscal spending. They got a debt limit deal that constrains spending for the next ten years. They put forward the measures that will reduce the deficit by trillions, if the trigger remains in place. Republican House members should be just as comfortable tweeting out this chart as the President. It falls in line with virtually every one of their professed favorite policies.
"Both things are true," Linden said. "One, that it is a myth that the President has been a great big spender… but you can also say, if you're looking for a partial reason why our recovery hasn't been faster, that may be one of the answers, that the President is pursuing the preferred policy path of his conservative critics."
I think he may have missed the point. When the president and his supporters send out a chart like that lauding their success at cutting spending and taxes, they are telling people that it's their preferred policy too.
But they've done this from the beginning, going all the way back to the transition when the president was giving the entire village a woodie with his Grand Bargain vision. The health care bill was sold as primarily a money saver (although nobody believed it…) They have often touted their tax cuts as huge accomplishments. president Obama himself promised to cut the deficit in half in his first term (a first term virtually defined by an epic economic downturn.) It's quite easy to see why people would assume that they truly are proud of their record of spending cuts and tax cuts and think that a soft austerity was a pretty good idea.
Dday winds up with this:
"It's a mythbusting piece more than anything else," Linden concluded. "These are the numbers. Spending, taxes and the deficit have gone down. You can say fairly that this is not the economic policy we should be pursuing. If you want to criticize the President because he's not been Keynesian enough, that's OK with me. If you're saying that he's been too much of an austerity President, fine. But especially on a day when Mitt Romney is out there talking about the President running up massive debt and spending wildly, you have to say this is just not true."
The problem is that the policy that would be best for the economy is the policy that would feed this myth, and when I look at what's more important, the myth or millions of people suffering needlessly, I know where I come down.
Someday, someone is going to make the case to the American people for policies that will work instead of operating entirely on the basis of conservative myths. I'm not sure when that will be but keep your eye on Europe over the next few months to see what happens when austerity finally bites so hard that the people get fed up.


text:
But is it worth going to? why Lenexa? what can we expect this year?
I put these and some other tough (well slightly tough) questions to IIUG President Stuart Litel who kindly agreed to an exclusive interview with the Informix Application Development Blog..
- Q. What's different about this year's IIUG conference over previous years?
A. It will be a very technical event with a concentration on purely Informix. All the sessions revolve around the entire Informix product line.
Q: Why did the IDUG and IIUG conferences go their separate ways?
A: A few reasons.
1) The IIUG Board believed that the users wanted a more affordable and Informix only event. We had experience at doing two day events before and we attracted many more people.
2) We wanted to do an event that was a break even event financially, not where costs were very high and the price had to be high and also not to make a big profit, but only to put a little seed money away to cover costs to do an event each year.
Q: Why would people want to take time out of their work schedule to attend the IIUG Conference?
A: I have personally been to each and every Informix conference since they started about 15 years ago. I personally believe it is not only what you learn but the people and relationships you make, such as meeting you the first time a few years ago and fellow Informix users around the world. If I have technical problems or questions I have the contacts throughout the world to talk to and help with my word situation.
You will be learning and meeting some of the best instructors, but at conferences you are meeting the best technical trainers from IBM, developers like yourself, Jonathan Leffler, John Miller, Madison Pruet, Kevin Brown, Scott Lashley as well as fellow users who you can share work experiences. I have often said give me two days at a conference with power users and developers vs ten weeks of Informix only classes and you will learn not only more but create the right contacts to assist you in your every day business life. And don't forget you can meet Carlton Doe and get a copy of his IDS 11 book autographed!
Q: Attending a conference is a big waste of money, discuss..
A: I definitely dont agree with that statement. See all my comments below. I mean for about $1500, three days, over sixty sessions on JUST INFORMIX and its related products, how can you beat that. I have heard well its not only the money but also the time away from the office. Please tell me what better deal there is in the IT / IBM / Informix world. The IIUG created this event to be just that an event that people will learn about and talk about later. I have heard people comment about coming to Kansas City, whats there to do. Trust me I just about the same thing, but it does not matter where we hold the event, we are there for the event and to learn and meet fellow users and this proved to be the perfect location.
As for the Conferences being a waste, hey I have been to every Informix Conference there ever was under Informix Corp. Every IBM event that had Informix content (the old Technical Conferences and now IOD) and IDUG / IIUG event and most of what I have learned and almost all the Informix contacts I have in the world were all made due to coming to these conferences. It is like anything else, it is what you make of it, and here you have the opportunity to make what ever you want with fellow users from around the world.
Q: What presentations are you planning to attend?
A: Me personally, to tell you the truth I have not looked at the sessions yet. But there is over 60 Informix technical sessions, the most number of Informix sessions than any IBM conference or other event anywhere in the world! and for the price, how can you beat this! The bad news I doubt I will get to any sessions, because I will be too busy with the event. Although I try not to miss sessions from what I call the "Gang of Five", the Five IBM Distinguished Engineers - they are always the best (of course Guy I will get to your sessions).
Q: Why Lenexa, I mean come on, why Lenexa?
A: If you take a right hand turn out of the hotel it is College Blvd. Drive five miles or so down the road and that is where most of the Informix developers and support team for IBM are actually located. Many of these people will be presenters at the conference in addition the Monday night party we intend to invite the entire Informix development and support staff to the party. One big family is what I am calling it!
Also Kansas City is centrally located in the middle of the United States so we are not at either coast. I remember the biggest Informix conference ever was held in Chicago with over 5,000 attendees and I believe one of the reasons was due to the location. What do they say in real estate... LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. well Overland Park / Lenexa / Kansas City provided just this.
Q: Do you have any entertainment lined up for us?
A: Wait you said people were there for the technical sessions... OK I will give you an exclusive PEAK but will not spill all the details.
Sunday night will be a reception in the Exhibit Hall starting around 6PM
Monday night will be an event which I will call "Party with the Informix Family" with all the attendees, developers and support staff from the area invited and Tuesday night is an off site event which I will not give you any of the details. But here is something I will say to you... They put me in charge of the parties, so if you have met me before you will know the food and beverages will be good (and I love to eat and I hate drink coupons hint hint :) )
Over the years I tell lots of Informix stories and I will always remember a few years back at an Informix conference run by IBM I walked down a hallway and there was Jonathan Leffler sitting on the floor eating lunch with some users drawing all kinds of technical information. Give Informix users some good Informix content and pizza on a box and a corner to sit in on the floor and they are happy... We re there for the technical information, but the entertainment will be fun too!
Q: How are the registration numbers looking so far?
A: We are way ahead of schedule. As of the writing of this to you, we only have space for about 110 - 120 more people. The hotel can only hold about 340 people in the main conference room, so that is our limit. Also on the Hotel room block, we have blown over it twice! I had to call the hotel and get more rooms under the hotel room block. We are way ahead of projection. In fact we have more Informix people already registered than attended last years combined IDUG / IIUG event and we still have over 11weeks to go!
Also on the side of Sponsors / booths... We have more booths already signed up an paid for then the IBM IOD and IDUG 2007 events combined!
Q: Why Lenexa again?
A: Cause we want to be where the developers are! It gave us access to the core of the Informix team (of course besides you guys up in Portland, Oregon!)
We have three of the most important people in the IBM Informix world coming to speak. Arvind Krishna is the Vice President of Database Servers for IBM Information and he will be the keynote. If you have never heard Arvind speak, he is truly very informative and very entertaining. Also speaking will be Jerry Keesee and Bernie Spang together. Jerry is the Director of World Wide development for IBM Informix and this past year at IOD, Jerry's session was one of the few for any product that was standing room only. In fact they closed off the room due to fire regulations. Bernie Spang is the Director of WorldWide Marketing for IBM Information Management Databases. These two are great together, which is why I asked them to do it together. It will be fun to see who gets more time on stage!
And speaking of these three individuals, there will be some world class special announcements happening that I cant talk about a this time, but they will be press worthy announcements happening (opps that is all I can say). But there is some other special stuff happening that I have not even told the conference committee yet that I have planned up my sleeve.
Speaking of the Conference committee, these people are doing one heck of an amazing job. Lead by IIUG Board Member Cindy Lichtenauer, One of the IIUG Founders and first President Walt Hultgren and long time IIUG Board Member James Edmiston, they are joined by long time Informix users: Kernoal Stephens, Tammy Frankforter, David Link, Bruce Simms and Tom Beebe.
Also one last note. I got an email from someone in Croatia the other day who is coming. He figured out that he can fly to the USA, stay for the entire conference and pay for the conference registration for less than it costs just for the registration only to an IBM conference in Europe and this event is where the true Informix knowledge will be, so he is coming to the event and urging other users in Croatia to also come.
Personally I have estimated that the total cost of the event for someone in the USA including Airfare, hotel and conference registration is only about $1500 from most anywhere in the lower 48 states! Remember a week at an IBM class is I think about $2500 just for the tuition and IOD registration is about $1595 for the EARLY BIRD. Here you get much much more for about the less cost!!
Thanks Stuart! From what I've heard the list of sessions is being finalized about now. Here is where you can check the list of Confirmed Technical Sessions. Hope to see you there in April.
[Read More]


text:
Fur flees: Rummage sale shuns pelts
When word got out that the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA would be selling donated furs at its biannual rummage sale, some animal lovers got their dander up.
"Disgusting hypocrisy," is how one angry activist described the change in SPCA policy in a letter to The Hook. The current sale is now under way through November 2 at the former Moore's home improvement center on Pantops.
But SPCA director Carolyn Foreman says the new policy announced in an October 21 Daily Progress story– was a misunderstanding.
"It was... a decision at the rummage sale that they kind of made out of enthusiasm for raising as much money for the animals as possible," Foreman explains. "In hindsight, that's not our policy. We don't promote anything that would cause inhumane suffering."
Because of that policy, Foreman says, no furs will be sold at this year's or any year's SPCA sales, which typically bring in nearly a third of the organization's $950,000 operating budget.
So what to do with those furry cast-offs?
As Foreman points out, the furs were given with good intentions, and the last thing the SPCA wants to do is slight someone trying to help their cause. "We want to respect the spirit in which it's donated," she says.
Foreman notes that there's a lot of that spirit to respect: "We've had quite a few donations."
In the past, says Foreman, the SPCA has given furs to other non-animal-oriented non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army. This year, the SPCA will be doing something new.
While reporting on this story, The Hook learned what several national organizations, such as the D.C.-based Humane Society of the United States, do with their donated furs.
"The proper end for a fur is to give it right back to the animals," says Society spokesperson Andrea Cimino. Her organization distributes furs to wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country.
"Most rehabbers are begging us for fur," Cimino explains. "They say it works wonders for the animals," particularly orphaned baby animals who burrow into the cut-up pelts.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has a similar fur donation program, but it is broader in scope. In addition to using donated fur for animal rehabilitation, the organization uses it for educational displays and for "Anti Fur Fashion Shows," the type of red-paint throwing performances for which the organization is famous.
And, surprisingly, there are certain instances where PETA considers it appropriate for humans to wear fur. At a series of "Fur Kitchens," held throughout the year, PETA offers fur coats to the homeless, which as their website points out, are "the only people who have any excuse to wear fur." They also send the coats to Afghanistan to keep women and children warm during the freezing winter months.
After hearing about these programs, the SPCA's Foreman says the group decided to send the donated furs (with the exception of two already promised to UVA's drama department) to the animals at the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro.
While donated furs will bring tax deductions for the giver, they won't provide any cash to the SPCA.
"Somebody could have reaped the harvest from them," says Shirley Ehrhardt, owner of Twice as Nice, a non-profit consignment shop which has sold full-length furs for as much as $400. "I would have tried to sell them," says Ehrhardt, whose shop benefits the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
Next year donors to the SPCA sale will learn up front where their fur will fly.
"If the donor doesn't mind them being used to help the animals," says Foreman, "that's where they'll go."


text:
Elkhart River
The Elkhart River was named by the Indians for one of the river's islands which they thought resembled an elk's heart. The river rises from the lake country of northern Noble and southern Lagrange Counties. It begins as two branches which join and flow in a generally northwestern direction before entering the St. Joseph River at the City of Elkhart. The river is fairly shallow and quite slow-moving as it flows through the scenic farm and woodland of northern Indiana. The upper reaches of the Elkhart River are bordered on either side by marshland which comprises the largest single unit of remaining wetland in the state. There is little current so plan on continuous paddling for the entire float.
Also of interest is the large Amish population in the area. Their unique lifestyle has been preserved as they have pursued a very basic agricultural existence while shunning the luxuries and conveniences most of us enjoy.
Of note to the canoeist are the many log jams and heavy aquatic vegetation present in the upper reaches of the river. This makes navigation difficult and in high water the jams become potential traps. Also, be watchful for wire fencing which may be strung across the stream to contain livestock. Supplies or medical assistance may be obtained in either Goshen or Elkhart but it is recommended that food and water be carried.
As might be expected from the description of the river, a great variety of waterfowl can be observed on the Elkhart along with the many mammal species common to the state. Game fish species present include northern pike, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and others. There are many state-owned and operated recreational facilities in the area including Chain O'Lakes State Park, Tri-County State Fish & Wildlife Area, and the Gene Stratton Porter Memorial Woods, Edna Spurgeon Nature Preserve and the Lloyd Bender Preserve are held by private organizations but are open to the public.
State Road 13 to Waterford Mills
Put in at the State Road 13 bridge, 1/2 mile south of Millersburg. There is room to park one or two vehicles on the road shoulder and use of the southwest corner of the bridge is recommended. This is a trip of about 12 miles and should take about five hours to float. An old canal greets canoeists on their right about 1 1/2 hours downstream. The canal was originally built in conjunction with a dam for the generation of hydroelectric power. Today the dam is gone but the canal offers a 30-minute short cut as it returns to the river. To take the canal, bear to your right. About 1 1/4 miles after the canal rejoins the river you will come to a small dam which can be portaged on the right. You can take out further downstream at Waterford Mills where County Road 40 crosses. The southwest corner provides the best exit. To reach this site by auto take County Line Road west from Millersburg to State Road 15, then turn north and continue to Waterford Mills where you will turn west on "Bridge Road." The bridge is about 1/4 mile west of town.
Waterford Mills to Oxbow Park
Another five hour float will take you from Waterford Mills to Oxbow Park. The park provides for group canoe camping and is operated by the Elkhart County Park and Recreation Department. Prior approval to camp must be obtained from the Elkhart County Park and Recreation Department, 113 N. 3rd St., Goshen, IN 46526. At the upper end of the Goshen Pond you will be faced with a choice of two channels. The river is on your left and a canal is on the right, so bear left. Portage the dam on the right side. After passing through Goshen and traveling about four miles north of the city, watch for a park on your left. Entrance to the park by car is from U.S. 33, about midway between Goshen and Elkhart. To reach the park by car from Waterford Mills, take State Road 15 to Goshen. Pick up U.S. 33 west in town and proceed to the park entrance (on your right).
Oxbow Park to Island Park
It is a short three-hour float from Oxbow Park to Island Park in Elkhart. The park is an island at the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers and makes an excellent access site. There is a dam about 1/2 mile before the confluence which must be negotiated. Portage on the left. To reach the park take U.S. 33 into Elkhart and turn right on Sycamore Street which will take you into the park.
Studebaker Park, located upstream of Island Park is also available for canoe access, picnicking and restroom facilities. For further information on conditions and camping sites contact the Elkhart County Park Department, the Elkhart Park Department, or the Goshen Park Department.
Another float in the area is a float of about 6 miles which is available in Chain O' Lakes State Park. Canoes may be rented for use in the park and in early spring the entire chain can be floated, which adds considerable length to the trip. Also available are facilities for boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, horseback-riding and swimming.


text:
WASHINGTON, April 25 (UPI) -- A bill advanced by the House Natural Resources Committee would prevent President Obama from delaying the Keystone XL pipeline, the committee chairman said.
The full House committee voted 24-17 in favor of the Northern Route Approval Act, a measure that would make it easier for pipeline company TransCanada to build the cross-border Keystone XL pipeline.
Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., blamed Obama blocking the pipeline.
"This important legislation will prevent the Obama administration from imposing further delays on the Keystone XL pipeline and I look forward to further action on this bill from the full House of Representatives," he said in a statement.
Concerns about the pipeline's route through Nebraska forced TransCanada to revise Keystone XL plans, creating a headache for supporters. Canadian officials have defended their environmental record against claims that production of tar sands oil, the type designated for Keystone XL, leads to more greenhouse gas emissions.
A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency doubted a U.S. State Department assessment that questioned some of the emission figures. Hastings looked to the State Department's report as evidence the pipeline would have "no significant environmental impacts."


text:
The Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference will be held on the campus of the University of Kentucky from June 13-16. The conference is for teens who have completed their freshman year of high school, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have just graduated.
While attending the conference delegates will participate in several workshops and tracks of their choosing. They will have an opportunity to take a campus tour and visit colleges within the university. They will also participate in the election of 4-H State Officers for the upcoming year.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Henry County Local, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:


text:
An undermanned UCLA squad forced two overtimes against Oregon on Thursday, but eventually walked off the court with a four-point loss.
Still, there were encouraging signs, particularly heading into Sunday's 6 p.m. home tipoff against Oregon State.
The Bruins (21-7, 10-5) allowed the Beavers to shoot 54.5 percent in the second half of a Corvallis upset last month. Against the Ducks this week, UCLA gave up 38.1 percent, including 27.3 percent in two overtimes.
"It was arguably as well as we played defensively all year," head coach Steve Alford said. "We made things difficult. We gave up some rebounding — I thought that was obvious — but other than that, we took their transition away."
Added forward David Wear: "Defensively, we didn't give up any easy buckets."
Oregon, just ahead of UCLA as the Pac-12 Conference's most efficient offense, only scored four fastbreak points. What truly hurt the Bruins were lengthy possessions; they gave up 17 offensive boards, and as many second-chance points.
Perhaps that can be forgiven. Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams served one-game suspensions for violating team rules, sidelining an average of 14.2 rebounds per game. That accounts for nearly 40 percent of UCLA's nightly output.
Just half a game ahead of Arizona State for second place, the Bruins can't afford any similar letdowns as they try to clinch the Pac-12 Tournament's No. 2 seed. They were outrebounded 39-32 by the Beavers (15-12, 7-8), leading to 18 second-chance points.
They'll also have to watch out for senior guard Roberto Nelson. The league's leading scorer only had 12 points against the Bruins in February, but is averaging more than 20 on the season.
"He can take over games all by himself," Alford said.
Likely starters
Adams and Anderson, the team's two leading scorers at 17.2 and 14.9 points per game, will likely return to the starting lineup today. Alford did not commit to starting the pair, but said he would as long as Saturday's practice went well.
Anderson also leads the team with 8.6 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. Adams has 79 steals, three shy of tying the school's single-season record set by Cameron Dollar in 1997.
Senior night
Seniors David and Travis Wear, as well as walk-on guard Aubrey Williams, will be honored during a pregame ceremony at Pauley Pavilion. The Wears are closing their third season with the Bruins, a stint that began after the Orange County natives transferred from North Carolina. Williams joined the team in September 2012.
Sunday will mark the end of UCLA's home schedule; the Bruins travel to Washington and Washington State next weekend before heading to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Tournament four days later.


text:
PHILADELPHIA – They poured into Citizens Bank Park Monday, the nine-year-old ballyard's season opener, in search of what they'd missed since October.
You know – that whole crack-of-the-bat routine? Hits produce runs, and runs produce wins. But the Phillies' unfamiliarity with that equation, and their dearth of Vitamin O, sent red-clad fans to the parking lots crying for a cure to their team's slugging maladies.
Sadly, for the Phillies' sake, there is no secret potion, rain dance or witch-doctor elixir that can fix overnight what's ailing them. Their struggling lineup was every bit the root of their 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins.
A two-run double in the seventh inning by Freddy Galvis, who had begun his big-league career on an 0-for-12 slide, saved the Phillies the embarrassment of a shutout defeat. Those runs weren't enough to overcome those which Miami seven-hole hitter Omar Infante produced, amid a two-homer performance.
Almost poetically, a fan dropped his Opening Day giveaway, a replica of the white flag commemorating the team's 2011 division title, from the upper deck and allowed it to float away. Is that the message to glean from Monday's defeat, that the Phillies' grasp of the N.L. East division stakes is slipping away?
'Four games into it, there's no reason for us to sit here and be in a state of panic,' said Shane Victorino, whose 1-for-3 outing at the plate left his batting average at .308. 'Everyone's in a state of panic because we don't have the big boys. And we all understand that and we all know that. That's what it's all about.
'Do we want to score 10 runs a game? Who doesn't?'
In Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, the Phillies are missing 474 career home runs, eighth all-star nods and an MVP award. They're missing veteran leadership, lineup savvy, postseason guile.
And consistency. When last had the Phillies played the first four games of their season by penciling four different players into the first-base spot on their lineup cards? How about never. Which explains why Charlie Manuel was more encouraged by Howard fielding groundballs during warmups than John Mayberry Jr. misreading a sixth-inning bunt. Mayberry charged and left no one to cover first base to receive Cole Hamels' throw.
'It was good to see him, but I couldn't put him in the lineup,' Manuel said.
The 205th consecutive sellout at CBP drew 45,574 fans for midday baseball. It's worth wondering how many more will traipse through the turnstiles to see such paltry offensive displays.
There's a problem for which the Phillies have no immediate answer. Scoring runs hadn't been an issue for them in 2007 or 2008, when they began their five-season stint atop the N.L. East. Now it is, with the Phils averaging six hits per game to open the season.
'It's a snowball,' said Shane Victorino, 'and it's all rolling downhill.
'But there's no reason to press. I've got 12 at-bats in the season. I'm going to end up with 600, I hope. If you dictate what I've done in 12 at-bats, I might as well give you my bat and have you play for me. … I think you sit here and everyone's trying to find an answer for what's going wrong.'
Then there's Galvis, who opened his big-league career by hitting (or swinging-and-missing) at an 0-for-12 clip. It cast away the goose-egg that had been staring back the Phillies from the left-field scoreboard.
'I'm not grading him on 10 at-bats,' Manuel said of Galvis, a rookie.
In that vein, yes, Manuel has a point. Maybe these Phillies should not be graded on one win in four games. Maybe it's unfair of the five-time division champions to be shown the door so promptly. Maybe it's unjust to suggest that there's trouble up ahead should Manuel's hitters remain tentative at the plate.
'They shouldn't be,' Manuel said. 'If they are tentative, we're in trouble.
'We've got to want to hit and we've got to want to love to hit. Hitting is something you have fun (with). You really have a lot of fun. Of course, when you're not hitting or you're not getting hits, the game's not too much fun.'
These days, all four of them, the Phillies and their fans aren't having too much fun.


text:
A huge PG&E gas line explosion and fire rocked San Bruno Thursday night igniting dozens of homes in an instant. By morning the devastation was clear. Dozens of homes had been damaged or destroyed.
San Bruno Fire Chief Dennis Haag described the fire zone this way, "It looks like a moonscape in some areas."
The death toll stood at four Friday evening with four other people critically injured with burn wounds. The most critical were taken to the premier burn center in the Bay Area which is St. Francis in San Francisco.
Officials said late Friday that everyone was accounted for in the area.
Officials did not release victims' names, but Agustin Macedo of San Francisco told The Associated Press his 44-year-old daughter, Jacqueline Greig, and his granddaughter were killed. Reached by phone, Macedo said he was too upset to give any more information, including how he knew his family members' fate. The granddaughter's age and name weren't known. They lived in a home just yards from the initial explosion. Greig worked at the California Public Utilities Commission. Executive Director Paul Clanon only announced to staff Friday morning that Greig was missing. The pipeline involved in the explosion is under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utility Commission.
The explosion happened near Skyline Boulevard and San Bruno Avenue. People who were home at the time had no warning. Many said they had minutes if not seconds to get themselves, their loved ones and pets out before a wall of fire and a hail of asphalt rained down on their neighborhood.
Emergency officials lowered the number of destroyed homes from 53 homes to 37 home Friday. They said eight additional homes were significantly damaged and dozens more were damaged in one way or another, but still standing. Aerial pictures from the scene showed many homes gone to their foundation. Others were missing roof tops. Dozens more vehicles that were parked on the street were also destroyed. Witnesses said the cars and homes exploded from the heat from the massive fire ball.
The area damaged by the fires and explosion spread across 15 acres.
At a 6 p.m. news conference Friday, emergency responders said they been able to do a basic search of the ruins, although a few of the addresses were still too hot to get cadaver dogs inside to search for additional bodies.
On Friday morning, state officials said along with the death and critical injuries, 52 people were treated for smoke inhalation and burn wounds. Four firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation.
A huge crater was left at the initial explosion site and a huge pipe was seen nearby on a flattened street. The crater was initially filled with water, but that water had been pumped out by early evening. That crater will be the center point of the investigation into what happened Thursday evening to cause it to explode without warning.
Marla Shelmadine, who lives on 1131 Fairmont Drive, said the blast quickly escalated down her street, destroying one house at a time in quick succession. She said she got out of her house with her two cars and her pets, and did not know if her home was destroyed or not.
Other neighbors said they saw the street rip apart and ran for their lives from a huge wall of flames. One man jumped into his car and drove through the flames. He said the explosion was followed by a hail of asphalt falling from the sky as the pipe line ripped through the street. His bumper was fried by the time he got to safety, but he was safe.
PG&E President Chris Johns said a 30-inch steel gas pipe ruptured about three feet underground. He said his crews had not been able to determine the cause of the rupture because they can't get close enough. The initial site of the blast is now a huge crater filled with water.
Johns said at a 9 a.m. news conference the company has heard news reports that some residents smelled gas in the area before the blast and had reported that to PG&E.
"Right now, we haven't got confirmation about that, but we have records that we are going back right this minute to try to confirm what exactly those phone calls look like and when they occurred, and we will report back as soon as we know something," John said.
Smoke from the fire traveled miles away. One person in Sunnyvale said he could smell the fire at his business by 8 p.m.
Emergency crews set up a staging area in the parking lot of a nearby Lunardi's supermarket. Dozens of homes were in the area of the fire and hundreds of people were forced to evacuate. Even by early afternoon Friday it was not clear when people could get back into their homes.
The waiting was torture for dozens of people worried about their homes.
Before the fire department identified the gas line as a culprit, witnesses speculated that the chaos may have been attributed to a plane crash.
The fire burned without any signs of stopping for the first full hour after the explosion. The fire could be seen from NBC Bay Area's helicopter from miles away, and people on the ground said the flames were 100 feet in the air.
The fire is located just north of San Francisco International Airport. Here is a Google map of the exact location.
An NBC Bay Area photographer who was near the scene said sounds similar to those of a jet engine could be heard for several minutes following the explosion. Another person who was about a half mile away said she could hear the roar of the fire or something that was fueling it from her balcony. Other people near the explosion said they thought it was an earthquake.
"We are going to take 24/7 oversight to make sure everything is done correctly, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told reporters in Washington Friday.
The National Transportation Safety Board is the agency that is called upon to investigates pipeline accidents. The Transportation Department, which includes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, regulates pipeline safety.
Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado, acting governor while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in Asia on a trade mission, declared a state of emergency in San Mateo County. He said the first thing the governor asked him to convey is his thanks to the fire fighters and police who responded to this fire.
Also Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Administration made disaster relief funds available to cover 75 percent of the cost of fighting the fire. That money will cover equipment, supplies and emergency work such as evacuations, shelter and traffic control.
San Bruno set up an emergency hotline for victims or people worried about friends or loved one. (650) 616-7180. They asked everyone who lived in the area to call the line and register.
Below is a walk-through by a Southern California fire official as he shows what to look for to keep your home safe from gas leaks.


text:
Why didn't the Times Square bomb explode? It failed to go off because it was both badly constructed and poorly designed, say experts.
The homemade bomb – discovered as it fizzled and smoked at a landmark US crossroads – was a strange combination of ingredients, notes John Pike, head of GlobalSecurity.org.
It was composed of gasoline, propane tanks, fertilizer, and consumer-grade fireworks, according to information released by New York City police. But gasoline does not explode – it burns. Propane does explode, but only when mixed with air in precise quantities. And the fertilizer doesn't appear to have been mixed with fuel oil, which is a prerequisite to making the sort of fertilizer explosive with which Timothy McVeigh destroyed the Oklahoma City federal building.
Even bungled attacks can be serious, however.
"Just because [the perpetrator or perpetrators] was incompetent doesn't mean they didn't have evil intent," says Mr. Pike.
Alarm clock and fireworks
According to police, the detonating agent of the car bomb was a cheap-looking alarm clock attached to a 16-ounce can of fireworks – the sort of small explosives one can buy at roadside stands in certain states before the Fourth of July.
New York's mayor noted that the fireworks could have been purchased in Pennsylvania and driven into New York City. The wiring linking the bomb's parts together appeared crude, he said.
"It looked amateurish, I think, is a nice way to phrase it," Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters following the attack.
The fireworks were supposed to detonate gasoline cans and propane tanks packed in the sport utility vehicle used for this wheel-borne improvised explosive device (IED). The final piece in the hoped-for chain reaction of the bomb was a larger box – a gun locker – filled with 200 to 250 pounds of fertilizer.
Initial police reports indicate that the fertilizer was not the grade of ammonium nitrate used by Mr. McVeigh to terrible effect. McVeigh's bomb, at some 4,000 pounds, was also much larger.
'Call it a terrorist act'
But even a small bomb, properly constructed, could have caused havoc in the close quarters of Times Square. To park a car bomb there shows that the perpetrator was intending to make a statement and cause the maximum amount of damage possible, says Pike.
To him, that's terrorism, whether of domestic or international origin.
"I would go ahead and call it a terrorist act," he says.
In a series of broadcast appearances on Monday, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said the US is not ruling anything in or anything out as it investigates the case.
"Right now, every lead has to be pursued," said Secretary Napolitano on NBC's "Today" show.
However, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday that whoever had tried the attack had intended to terrorize New Yorkers.
"I would say that whoever did that would be categorized as a terrorist," said Mr. Gibbs at the White House briefing.
There's plenty of evidence for investigators to work with, because the SUV-bomb did not go off.
Terrorism via easy-to-obtain ingredients
Propane and gasoline have been used in terrorist attacks before. In June 2007, a British-born Muslim doctor radicalized by the war in Iraq used propane, gas, and nails in a series of attempted car bombs in London and Glasgow. They failed to detonate.
But easily obtainable ingredients can still be mixed to deadly effect. Backpack bombs made of peroxide and other substances found in hair salons were the weapon used in the 2005 London subway bombings, in which 52 people were killed.
Najibullah Zazi, the Denver airport shuttle bus employee who pleaded guilty to a 2009 plot to attack the New York City subway, was stockpiling material for a peroxide-type explosive, according to US authorities.


text:
Submitter says: "Sometime last week, our college flagpole fell. Luckily, no one was hurt. Since it's been at least a week since this disaster, and no efforts to replace it seem to have been made (short of the orange cone), I took the opportunity to show my school spirit and fixed it myself. NCC, you're welcome."
- Reposted by


text:
Overcoming All Odd's: Despite Disability, 60-Year-Old Woman Launches Own Business
Essential Under T's
Orem SBDC
Barbara Read is no stranger to adversity. Eight years ago, as a result of Central Nervous System Vasculitis, Read was diagnosed with a short-term memory impairment that has affected her ability to find sustainable employment. Though Read has been receiving disability pay and services over the last few years, she has yearned to find a means to financially support herself. However, due to her disability and lack of employment over the last five years, Read's job opportunities are limited.
As a means to achieve financial stability and get off disability pay, Read created a vision to launch her own business, showcasing a clothing product that she conceptualized. The idea was initiated by a personal experience that Read had on a very hot summer day while in church. Read was wearing a chic summer dress that she had layered with a t-shirt for modesty, but found herself hot and sweaty from the added layers. Wishing for a lighter, more breathable, more feminine and formal alternative—the idea for Essential Under T's was born.
Read has worked tirelessly for two years to bring her vision to life and has since designed a product that offers several unique qualities. The cornerstone feature of Read's product is a short design, which cuts off just below the chest to avoid un-needed layering over the torso. Essential Under T's are also distinguished by lace trim, a flattering neckline, and added coverage over the shoulders for strappy dresses and blouses.
To create the product, Read devoted hundreds of hours, including a number of personal trips to the Los Angeles garment district to find an affordable fabric that aligned with her vision. Nearly a year later, with the help of Read's favorite "lace man" Albert, Read found just what she had been looking for!
In the spring of 2011, Read's Vocational Rehabilitation counselor referred her to the Orem Small Business Development (SBDC), an organization that helps entrepreneurs formalize and launch small business startups. Read was introduced to Marynika Miche', a business consultant at the SBDC who helped her write a business plan, put financials together, and complete paperwork for a Vocational Rehabilitation grant that would provide Read with critical startup funds. "The SBDC has been a great blessing in my life. I needed someone to come along and set me on the right course," said Read. "Marynika worked effortlessly on my Performa income statements, monthly cash flows, and estimated startup costs."
In June of 2012, Read was awarded a small business startup grant from Vocational Rehabilitation to launch Essential Under T's. The 22,500-dollar award is a significant milestone for Read's journey as an entrepreneur—helping cover the much-needed costs associated with prototyping and manufacturing products during the first year of business.
In recognition for her hard work and determination, the Orem SBDC has selected Barbara Read to receive a Small Business Award for the second quarter of 2012. "I believe Barbara has what it takes to make this a success," said Miche'. "She has worked so hard to create her product and to receive the grant. This hard work and persistence deserves recognition."