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What started as me posting a link on my private Facebook page about how much I hate the Transportation Security Administration, quickly turned into a very revealing conversation about race and could be a very large and underlying issue of why we don't see more people of color in birding or enjoying nature in general.
The original link was about TSA officer Nelson Santiago who was caught stealing an iPad out of someone's luggage and stuffing it in his pants. Turns out that his theft on the job could total upwards of $50,000 over the past six months alone! My anger at the TSA is that I think the grope is a violation of my civil rights, low wage employees get to legally do to me something that any other stranger could be arrested for and I see it as bad theater meant to make me feel safe. I don't feel safer, I feel violated in a vain effort to placate the public. But the first comment by a person I will call Starling, took it in a totally different direction:
"And look at who we employ at the TSA. With a name like Santiago, I wouldn't be surprised if his mom lives in Mexico…Sorry, but the TSA is one of my least favorite government organizations. I've had stuff stolen before. They don't do anything without me watching them."
If this is Chestnut-headed Oropendola is from Panama, should I worry that it's going to steal my camera after I digiscoped its picture?
I was taken aback. The TSA is my least favorite government organization, but what is that crack about the mother of the accused all about? I stated that I didn't think nationality had anything to do with it, people can be jerks/thieves regardless of their nationality. A few other friends left similar comments, some played good cop, some played bad cop, but the bottom line is that we felt that was a racist statement to make about the story. But Starling didn't stop.
"Merely emphasizing the fact that the majority of the people caught doing this kind of stuff tend to be mexican," Starling said. "I don't doubt that there are some great mexican people. I know some :)"
Because using a smiley face emoticon makes you less of a racist. Not! I grew up in Indiana and a phrase that I remember hearing was, "I'm not a racist, but have you ever noticed that…" and whatever followed the "but" was the most horrifically racist thing you could imagine. If you have to couch something with an emoticon or "I'm not, but…" that's trying to give yourself a permission slip to be a jerk.
Starling continued, "Also, think about it. How many TSA people have you met who aren't black or mexican? Not too many I bet. Ever wonder what ethnicities have the highest crime rates? you guessed it. btw, I promote equality in all ways, but I don't bend over backwards protecting any either."
Wow. I travel more than the average bear and I can say that unless I'm in Central America…TSA agents are a mixed bag of race. I would say that most of my interactions have been with white people in the US. I know Starling has done some travel, but not a lot and wouldn't have a good basis of comparison of all TSA workers.
This Red-legged Honeycreeper was hatched in Central America…is he waiting for you to turn your back so it can steal your electronics?
Starling is an excellent birder, a young person, someone that I've admired as an up and comer and hopeful for the future of birding. But that statement alarmed me. If Starling was brave/foolish enough to reveal that thought process, they can't be the only person I know who feels that way–they just don't advertise it on a Facebook wall. It's been my experience that for every 1 person I know who thinks a certain way, at least 12 others in my circle agree. I wondered, how many other birders out there feel this way, perhaps even on an unconscious level? Are we putting out distrust on the trail without even realizing it? If Starling has been to Central and South America to watch birds, what kind of vibe has been put out by this person when they interact with the guides and hosts down there. Is a distrustful hairy eyeball always on the guides even while Starling racks up the lifers?
I thought about my friends of color on Facebook who dabble in birding. Were they reading Starling's comments and thinking, "Yeah, I don't need to go birding and have white people assume that about me, I'll play D&D instead. Crazy white people!"
The Starling comments continued with the same pattern and no one standing up for them, but simply pointing out how racist they were. Starling felt that we were trying to force them to "bend over backwards promoting minorities" and that was ridiculous because "they get so many freebies."
To which my friend TJ said, "Yeah, dude. Being a white guy in America is super hard. If only I was a minority, I'm sure that law enforcement would treat me way better."
One of the biggest and more recent face palm incidents with law enforcement and the outdoors happened in Colorado in 2009 when a large marijuana farm was found growing in Pike National Forest. In a press release, Michael Skinner, a law enforcement officer with the US Forest Service said warning signs of drug trafficking in the parks included, "tortilla packaging, Spam and Tecate beer cans." He also added that campers who play Spanish music and people speaking Spanish were a sign. If you saw any of this, you were to leave the park immediately and call local law enforcement.
If you were of Hispanic decent, would you want to go birding in Colorado if those were warnings being posted on signs and aired in the media?
So, I think this conversation is a wake up call to all of us and our attitudes. Is this a vibe we are putting out there in little conversations and chats either in public or online? This can't stand if we want more people of color to join us. If you hear it, call it out like it is: racism.
For the record, I've only ever had one theft from airport security and that was my Go Girl when I was in Kazakhstan…and their staff was neither black nor Mexican.
This post makes some great points. The attitude of the birding community can go a long way toward making people of color feel welcome- especially when there's already an intimidation factor for birders of color venturing into predominantly white, rural areas. Something to think about.
I really appreciated this article, Sharon. However, this is a problem that extends beyond the community of those that observe and study birds in the wild. There also seems to be a noticeable lack of people of color involved in captive bird welfare as well. I have been involved in captive parrot rescue and adoption for over a decade and I bet during that time we have probably not had more than a half dozen adoption applicants who were of color. I have often wondered about the "why" of that and what we could do to attract more people of color into the captive parrot welfare world. They are most certainly welcome, and Lord knows we could use their help.
While race is perhaps an element in the question of why there aren't more non-"whites" practicing bird watching, socio-economic class and background is every bit as much of one. Demographic studies of bird watchers consistently find a significant portion of them to be middle class or higher with, as would be expected due to the equation that in the U.S. at least economic class equals educational opportunity, higher than average levels of education. As you go up the economic scale in the U.S., the higher one gets, the more pale the people there become.
The simple truth is that if one spends all ones time just trying to make economic ends meet, they're much less likely to expend their time and resources on something as (let's admit it) ephemeral as watching birds; they simply don't have that luxury. There are always exceptions, of course – the so-called "bird bums" encountered at refuges, festivals, and other birding hot-spots, are often as poor as church mice; however many are nevertheless the off-spring of solidly middle class families in which the seeds of their passion for birds was allowed to germinate and grow.
I'm sure this has something to do with it, though I think a lot of it is also a cultural experience thing. My wife works with and went to school with a lot of black women from urban cultural upbringings that are flabbergasted that we go out into the WOODS and look at birds. We've invited at least a couple out on our more casual outings but there's a fear there…and it's not a fear of racist white people – it's a fear of nature. That's a huge part of the culture of many Americans of any color, but it's especially prevalent among those who don't have the opportunities of education or travel that certainly aren't afforded to many many minority youth. We need to get into the cities, get these kids some bins and get them off the pavement.
That said, racism is also a learned behavior and we need to fight that with education as well. I grew up homophobic and now my best birding buddy (other than my birding wife) is an openly gay man that I share hotel rooms with on birding trips. Birding can be a bridge if you let it. Put a learned racist and a black man out in the woods hunting for a black-backed woodpecker and there's a good chance they'll be buying each other beers and laughing it up after a few hours (of not finding the damned bird, because they apparently don't exist). We just need to get them both to go out there. No small task.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for tackling this important and difficult topic. I always enjoy reading your stuff and I agree with pretty much everything you said here.
However, I would take issue with one thing. It's technical in a way, but still important. I don't think the post matches its title.
It's true, in my experience, that birders are about as non-rascist as any group of people I know. It's also true that at least in the US and Canada, they're overwhelmingly white. Getting other races into the birding tent is a worthy and difficult project. We've got to make headway on it.
Your post doesn't really take up the question your title poses, though. The core of what you write recounts an incident where a birder displayed attitudes that in my opinion were unambiguously, nakedly racist. I think a lot of us who read those posts were shocked, because they were so unusual among birders.
You say, " Is this a vibe we are putting out there in little conversations and chats either in public or online? This can't stand if we want more people of color to join us. If you hear it, call it out like it is: racism."
I would say that there's no vibe involved in your core story. Starling made a bunch of ill-considered, indefensibly racist comments. That's newsworthy precisely because it's quite unusual. I wholeheartedly agree that it shouldn't stand and I thought you and many others did a very good job of calling Starling out. I hope he learns something from this episode. I know him to be decent person in most respects and I hope he'll soon realize, if he doesn't already, precisely why many of his comments were both offensive and simply unsupported by fact.
Your next story of racism and stereotyping isn't from a birder at all. It's from a cop (and just to be clear, I don't think nor do I mean to imply that all or most law enforcement officers are racists). I do see a connection between this story and the issue of diversity among nature fans, in that people of all races should be made to feel welcome on public lands and it's a problem when they're not. But it's a fairly indirect connection, I think.
So, if you want to start a conversation about how to make birding more diverse, awesome. And I'll be the first to say that I think a lot of birder behavior, including dress, customs, etc, while not truly racist, is not at all welcoming to non-whites. We can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results.
And, if you want to tell a story about a rare instance of a birder making racist comments and being roundly and swiftly called on it by other birders, also awesome. But given how contentious and painful the history of race relations is, basically throughout human history, I think it's very helpful to keep the terms of debate as clear as we can manage.
Anyhow, I apologize for that long discourse. As I said, I agree with pretty much everything you said. I look forward to this conversation continuing, to hearing more of your thoughts on the subject, and to building a birding community that is as vibrant and colorful as our society itself.
Hi Sharon,
I appreciate you addressing this important topic. As a birder of color I have often faced suspicion and fear when I venture into affluent communities in search of birds. People often don't realize their local park can provide entirely different experiences for different people. I'll just recount the tale of Alta Plaza Park in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.
I was new to birding when I discovered this lovely terraced park while walking to work at the local science museum. I often stopped to photograph hummingbirds and began to hear the fearful murmurings of locals keeping an eye on the man in the bushes. Keep in mind I was dressed well and carrying camera equipment. This is where it gets layered. Race plays a part, no question in my mind, but people have a whole catalog of issues to draw upon including (but not limited to)
Fear of voyeuristic acts… "is that man taking pictures of me or my kids?" (I had a woman accuse me of being sent by her ex-husband to photograph her)
Fear of stillness… "if you aren't moving you must be up to something"
A breakdown in cultural connectivity – not being able to say "Hi" to a stranger and engage in conversation.
And importantly, a distinct lack of awareness about the natural world – of course I'm going to look suspicious in the bushes if you have no idea about the 7 hummingbirds zipping around me as I'm taking pictures.
At first I just shrugged off the looks, ignored them and focused on the birds. Then one day I couldn't ignore the police car that had driven up into the terraced park (no small feat) to pull me over from the hummingbird bush. I was sad to find out that someone had called the cops, but glad to meet a cop who understood what was going on and let me be. (digression: oddly enough, when I was outside the park the cops would pull me over while on my bicycle and accuse me of stealing it)
I let the incident pass until I was questioned by the cops again a few days later. Then, one Sunday morning, I was photographing a young red-tailed hawk (http://kitundu.com/patch) perched on the roof of a church. I heard a man describing me to the police. My height, build, location, color of my jacket etc… He didn't even have the sense to get out of earshot. I turned to him and said "Sir, can I help you? Do you have any questions for me? Sir? Sir? What are you afraid of?
"The police will take care of you!" was his response as he gathered up his dog and ran away.
At that point I decided I'd rather watch out for birds and not cops – so I crafted a reply. I didn't want to be accusatory, but I wanted to draw people's attention to my experience in the hope that people would shake off the fear and relax. I made a poster and put one on all the streetlights, garbage cans, and on the bulletin board too.
Here it is
The response was heartening. It started a dialogue and turned me into the "bird man," a small time local personality. Some people felt obligated to come talk to me so that the poster wouldn't be about them. Others came up to tell me about the fact that they had the police called on them while doing Tai Chi. One woman was so upset with me that I put up the posters, dismissing them as unimportant and saying that "we" take our advisories very seriously. I responded that while light hearted, it was also meant to be taken very seriously.
This effect was short lived. The hawk I was following got restless during fall migration and moved on. When I returned to the park several months later to look for the bird which I'd heard had returned, the vibe was back. If you didn't have a stroller, a dog, a girlfriend/boyfriend, or a walker, you might be the odd one out. It certainly isn't everyone… but I think we just need to be more open to one another, more curious, sensible and street smart for sure, but way, WAY less fearful.
Walter Kitundu
Bolinas, CA
I do not understand. If there happens to be a significantly larger correlation factor between "older white folks" and bird-fancying or between homosexuals and aviculture than that between university students and birding or ethnic "minorities" (as recognized by the federal government) and birding, what is the problem? There could be various explanations for such correlations. The data do not imply that there is some underlying discrimination nor that there is an artificial and malicious mechanism in place for attracting only Midwestern grannies to the nature center or homosexuals to the bird club meetings. I mean, we do not have a program for convincing white people to stop wearing shorts and flip-flops all of the time, because the fashion errors of the lesser-melanised do not in any way preclude "ethnic" people from committing them as well.
@Walter, awesome flyer! Actually, you raise a good point. Birding can be a solo activity for many who choose not make the time and effort to arrange meet-ups with other birders. Therefore, the birding community does not even have an opportunity to discriminate against the soloists. That you received such cold treatment by an entire neighbourhood is a symptom of some serious problem there, but at least the birding community cannot be blamed for that case of sheltered myopia!
Great post, important topic.
Obviously there are a lot of factors at play here. This thread has touched on some of the huge ones including overt racism, disproportionate police attention for harmless actions, economic disparities. I'd like to point out something that I've had to learn over and over again – even for a well-meaning white person, it's easy to forget just how much race can affect a person's day to day life in ways that aren't necessarily dramatic, but wear you down over time.
@Kirby: I recently read an essay by Evelyn White called "Black Women and Wilderness" that speaks to exactly that topic, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available online. I can't outline her whole argument but suffice it to say that she argues that there is a cultural tradition of "isolation= increased vulnerability to racism" that impacts African-Americans' feelings about wilderness even when it isn't consciously expressed as such.
@Walter: Thanks for that story and your strategy for resolving the problem.
@sara: Besides what Corey said, bear in mind that there is already a problem with environmentalism being seen only as a boutique issue for naive, mostly-white college kids and Park Slope style liberals (see the navel-gazing of Jonathan Franzen for self-inflicted examples.) That makes it easy for the cynical to set populism and environmentalism against each other, when in fact environmental collapse is a huge danger to the poor, mostly non-white populations of the world, and any sustainable solution to environmental problems also needs to incorporate economic and social justice, since otherwise increasing instability and desperation will just tear down the efforts we've made. Also, it's the right thing to do!
That's enough out of me. I want to close this by pointing out the Urban Science Adventures blog, which I love because it's full of enthusiasm, focused on education, and talks about race and science alike in a straightforward, unapologetic way: http://urban-science.blogspot.com/ . Some folks here might enjoy it.
@Carrie, without addressing the conservation/envrironmentalism connection (because honestly, I am not convinced that bird appreciation alone is necessarily efficacious in those efforts; I am not even certain that the so-called "professional" conservationists have a clue either), I still don't get it. Why is it "the right thing to do?" Likewise, I have yet to understand what is the motivation to attract more women to the engineering and physics departments at my university, for example. I am not opposed to efforts for worldwide education (e.g. trying to convince the Naga people not to hunt migratory Amur Falcons), but that is not the issue here.
Regarding the conservation/environmentalism connection, bird appreciation alone is definitely not necessary, and I am not sure anyone here was suggesting this. However, bird appreciation often leads to conservation awareness and activity, because bird appreciation leads one to notice the vanishing diversity. Not everyone who is into conservation is necessarily a birder, but the vast majority of birders are into conservation.
And if you are not even certain that "professional" conservationists (who do you mean? State authorities or full-time staff of NGOs? Biologists?) have a clue, who do you think has? Farmers? The Oil industry? Other NGOs? Anyone? Who do you think should do the job?
I can't think of anyone, and therefore, I think that Corey's and Carrie's arguments are valid.
Why is it the right thing to do?
Well, for example because we – as birders or naturalists who are into conservation – think we can work more effectively if we increase in numbers. Therefore, convincing others to join is the right thing to do. This pertains to the entire spectrum of society, from tea party voters to WASPs to minorities. As a consequence, a relatively low percentage of birders / conservationists amongst people of colour demonstrates a high "recruiting potential".
And I think there is more to it, as the low percentage hints towards deeper social factors, likely lower income and lower social and economic security. I have given this some thought and am quite sure these factors are the most important ones, although there certainly are more reasons involved. Of course, ideally these factors should be mitigated and then people of colour would become birders all by themselves. But this is not an ideal world, and social and economic discrepancies within a society aren't likely to go away anytime soon. Any form of "affirmative action", be it in birding / nature conservation or regarding women in engineering sciences, could therefore be seen as a necessary evil, a way of fighting a symptom immediately until the underlying problem has been resolved.
@Jochen, no, I still do not get it. Why is it a symptom of "an underlying problem" if there is not a lot of estrogen represented in physical sciences? And what is the problem? Is it a problem that there are not a lot of straight men in the cosmetology sector? And if it is about recruiting birders in numbers, then we should be targeting regions of high population density, converting entire nationalities in India and China, rather than handing out binoculars to inner-city African Americans or trying to reason with tea partiers, for example. And again, that African Americans are not well represented in the birding community or that high energy physics is not popular among women does not imply that birders/physicists practice some systematic discrimination. By the way, Jews were in fact systematically discriminated against by science faculty at American universities, and look at them now . . . if you really want to do science and see birds in this nation, race/gender are not pertinent. Economic factors are relevant (since birding requires quite some leisure, and optical accessories are not cheap), but those need not be coupled with race/ethnicity. The original poster does not suggest that we need to invite more Appalachians to the birding community, after all. Why do not Amish youth spend their rumspringa birding? Where are the recently immigrated Chaldean birders? I do not think that their absence is evidence of an "underlying problem."
@Sara: surely you can't be serious?! The lack of estrogen – as you put it – in physical sciences is a very real problem if you happen to be a woman interested in pursuing a career in this field. It is certainly true that a higher percentage of men are interested in this field in the first place compared to women, but some women will nevertheless be interested, and they will definitely face discrimination.
Nature conservation NGOs are "targeting" centres of high population density, and there are NGOs active in China and India and elsewhere. What does that have to do with "handing out binoculars to inner-city African Americans"?
And as far as I have followed this post and the comments, no one ever implied that birders were practising some systematic discrimination. I can see that the post's title may be a bit misleading in this respect, but surely you've read the whole piece?
Then you state that economic factors are relevant but that these need not be coupled with race and ethnicity. Well, they need not be and should not be, but truth is: they very, very often ARE! And that is a big "underlying problem" in any society.
@Jochen, the title of the article suggests that there is a lack of "birders of color" (although, as other commenters have noted, the content of the post does not really address the query in the title). If in fact this were due to solely economic factors (which I do not think is absolutely true) then I would understand clearly why birding is not really the priority for those groups. But the original poster does not ask why there are not a lot of lower income birders.
And by the way, the fact that I cannot chat with my advisor at the urinal has not affected significantly my endeavors in science. Surely, there are differences: some positive and some negative (probably mostly positive: men like having women around, and there is a biological reason for that!), but I have the impression that other facets of my personality factor more heavily than my gender.
I have offer an addendum to my comment and an injection of hopefulness and positivity. Racism exists in this country and so do birders. I feel that there must be racist birders out there… but I haven't met them yet. Maybe we don't travel in the same circles. What I have found, in my limited experience, is that if you care about a chickadee you probably care about me too.
Most bird folks I have met have been great people (there are always a few socially inept exceptions to this – but not being attentive to social cues doesn't make you racist… unless you are truly judging that birds personality by the color of its orbital feathers… jerk!) Anyway, It seems that nice people gravitate towards birds and that is a wonderful thing.
As far as the lack of birders of color, I think that is a complex and far-reaching societal issue. If we mend the things that sustain ethnocentrism and greed, fear and selfishness, do our part to weaken the irrationally strong grip nationalism holds on our sense of self, attain a balance in the distribution of resources, and become the inclusive and fair society that we aspire to be (and never quite are), and we STILL don't have more non-white birders… we can blame the birding community. But for now these issues are bigger than birding, and birders seem as (if not more) sensitive to issues of conservation and general compassion than most.
I'm guessing Starling was born and raised in Arizona.
Lots of that kind of bogeyman talk here.
Thank you for this post that is a good start at unpacking some of the many complex reasons few people of color bird, and are otherwise visible in North American natural spaces.
As the founder of Outdoor Afro, and a passionate birder myself, I spend a lot of time sharing with others how rewarding and beneficial outdoor engagement is for everyone. I also share and dismantle some of the challenges and barriers we face when we spend time outdoors. Here is a recent article I wrote that describes an especially challenging experience I had recently when introducing an underserved community to a local natural setting:
What I like most about this piece is its self reflection and inquiry within the birding community. As an African American, I tire of always having to be "the one" to raise issues of difference. So it is quite refreshing to be an observer and contributor for a change!
Please keep the conversation going — even if it exasperates and is difficult. Once we get to the ll species will benefit from it.
— meant to end with:
Once we get to the other side, we will all benefit from it!
Thank you for writing about an issue that is so important to the teachers at my school. All our freshmen do the Backpacking Project every spring, where they train to do a week-long hike on the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail. They learn all about Leave No Trace, navigation, first aid, teamwork, and all the wonderful lessons an outdoor experience can provide. Many of them, after graduation, state that "the trail" was one of the most important and formative experiences of their teenage years.
Now I can tell you that most of our kids are African American and come from the inner city; this experience is often their first one in nature. Think about how much a positive "trail" experience can do for them in introducing them to conservation, stewardship, and yes, birding!
We have had varying responses from other hikers when our kids are on the trail. Some are excited that we are giving kids – any kids, no matter their background or race – a chance to connect with nature and engage it. Some, unfortunately, look at us like we simply don't belong, or make thinly veiled comments that are racist in nature (those people must think that just because I'm white, I must share their disgraceful views).
The best thing about being a teacher is knowing that exposing kids to many ideas and experiences helps them discover their passions and talents. It is just infuriating when someone feels that exposure to certain things is only for certain kinds of kids.
Finally, just because I think it is really cool – a few students brought an ovenbird who had hit the window to my classroom for help, and my students sprang into action to make sure it had a safe place to come to its senses. Another group of students applied decals to the windows to reduce bird strikes, and another group built a feeding and watering station. There's my hope for the next generation of urban conservationists!
Sharon, thank you so much for raising this issue, which I have struggled with for many years.
As a woman of color and an avid birder, I wish I had a dollar for every ignorant assumption and racist remark I've heard come out of the mouths of my 'liberal' birder companions.
There's not enough room here for me to go into detail about some of the actions I've attempted to get nature lovers/watchers to pay more attention to the importance of greater inclusion to the demographics in the birding community. For now, I'll just give you a shout-out for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks again!
I know this is a year old, but I found the comments interesting. I have to say, though, that as a middle-aged white woman, I have had some similar experiences that Walter had with people getting suspicious, thinking I am spying in them or their kids, etc. when I birdwatch or take photos. My binocular's carrying bag wore out a long time ago, so I openly carry binoculars, but one doesn't see my camera in my backpack. I haven't had the police stop me, yet, but I've had plenty of people stop and ask me what I am doing.
Where I live, I see a lot of non-whites who like to bird or who are interested in birds, but I do think there is an issue of a lack of money and time for many minorities. And, some segments of our society seem very disconnected with nature. Inner city white kids often have the same attitudes towards birding as inner city black or Hispanic kids, I've found.
© 2013 10,000 Birds. All words, images, and opinions are the property of their respective authors unless stated otherwise.


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|Winnebago County Sheriff's OfficeNews Media Release
|News Release Number 2010-029
|Information: Predicted Flooding for the Rock River in Winnebago County
|Date: 07/23/10
|Time: 1400 Hrs.
|Page 1 of 1
Narrative: The National Weather Service is predicting that the Rock River in Winnebago will rise significantly over the next several days. Due to these predictions and to pre-plan the potential for moderate flooding, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department is notifying residents in flood prone areas to be aware of these predictions and conditions as they may change. In anticipation of moderate flooding that may occur, sand and sand bags will be available at two locations:· Harlem Roscoe Fire Station #1—10544 Main Street in Roscoe;· Michalsen Office Furniture—8010 North Second Street in Machesney Park. The Sheriff's Department is also utilizing our City Watch Emergency Notification System to alert affected residents of the possibility of flooding. Additionally, beginning at 0800 Hrs. on Saturday, July 24, 2010, a NO WAKE Zone will be in effect on the entire Rock River in Winnebago County. The Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center will be staffed until the flood threat no longer exists. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updated information as it changes. Citizens may contact the Sheriff's Department Emergency Operations Center at 815-319-6215.

subset: commoncrawl


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Shackled with a Grade II*-listed building, Bennetts was under pressure from an audience clamouring for a worthy response, says Felix Mara
The DJ John Peel once said: 'Taking LSD is like going to Stratford-upon-Avon - you only have to do it once'. And when Bennetts Associates embarked on the project to transform the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) in 2005, Stratford-upon-Avon had declined into a world-famous backwater.
Eschewed by day-tripping Brummies and estranged from the cult surrounding its most famous son, Stratford had become alienated from the goings-on at the impermeable RST and adjacent Swan Theatre. 'It was stuck in a rut,' says Bennetts director Simon Erridge.
The architect faced a Gordian knot of problems. The theatres, coupled like a two-backed beast and without internal connections, also lacked decent front-of-house facilities. Elisabeth Scott had designed the RST, which opened in 1932, for summer festivals - audiences were to adjourn to Bancroft Gardens for refreshments on the banks of the Avon. She was also required to design a vast cinema-like auditorium, with a stage that was nearly 30 metres away from the cheap seats, behind a doomed-to-become-unfashionable proscenium.
Acoustically, its fan-shaped geometry was an under-performer, and Michael Reardon's smaller Swan Theatre, which opened in 1986 in the shell of Dodgshun and Unsworth's 1879 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, trumped it with a thrust stage which was closer to the arrangement in Shakespeare's time, bringing actors closer to their audiences.
Beyond difficulties with the RST's reception and operation, Bennetts had to keep a level head, under pressure from a client which demanded the best stage for performing Shakespeare in the world, as well as an international audience clamouring for an architectural response worthy of the occasion.
And Bennetts was shackled with a Grade II *-listed building; despite its formal and operational flaws, Scott's awkward Art Deco Moderne-cum-Amsterdam School was deemed an exemplarModernist public building. True, there is some fine period detail, and the gently convex north facade has a smiling, optimistic 1930s disposition. But the listing constrained Bennetts.
If the existing structure was to be substantially retained, they could only achieve an integrated design by engaging with it. A heroic tabula rasa approach in a contemporary idiom would be difficult to pull off, though perhaps not impossible. In 1998, Erick van Egeraat proposed just that, although his truly awful drawing inspired little confidence.
Bennetts made a virtue of near-necessity, cherishing and adapting the existing theatres with humour and an eye for resonant features, such as the hallowed floorboards of the original stage and Art Deco bar, hijacked as a vertically sliding foyer doorway. This approach, along with the RST's massive construction, is eminently sustainable. You don't demolish such a quantity of brickwork in this day and age without considering the environmental cost.
Despite the consensus that a thrust stage is the optimum arrangement, time has ways of unravelling such certainties - so it might be rash to build a 'state of the art' theatre from scratch. Better perhaps to approach the RST as an adaptable work in progress than as something ossified, exquisitely packaged and the embodiment of the 'dead theatre' that Peter Brook attacked in his 1968 treatise The Empty Space.
Bennetts wrestled with the existing fabric, inserting a more compact RST auditorium and, in the residual volume, sequences of spaces - foyers, a restaurant, bars and much-improved changing rooms - enabling ad hoc accretions to be stripped away.
The boldest space, a new glazed colonnade, addresses Weston Square, links both theatres and draws the public through the complex. At its north end an outlandishly tall tower with load-bearing external brickwork rises unapologetically to a vantage point 32 metres above grade.
As the lift car rises through the tower's shaft, its light illuminates the tower's beacon-like viewing gallery at the top. You might see this as the monument the RST needed, but the true monument dwells in its inner workings. 'You can hear a whisper on stage from the back of the auditorium,' says Erridge.
Every seat is now within 15 metres of the RST stage, and theatre consultant Charcoalblue has developed seats that fold away to provide wheelchair spaces. Fire engineer Buro Happold simply designed out the safety curtain.
It's a tough old boot of a building. The cruciform columns supporting the RST auditorium balconies are mill-finished steel - actors even struck them with axes during a performance of Macbeth. And Bennetts' choice of materials, colours and textures is rich without being ostentatious. This is an architecture of immense maturity - full of warmth, humanity and life, which will compel people to return. 'It's very much liked and admired,' says Erridge. 'Even by Stratfordians.'
Felix Mara is technical editor of the AJ
Q+A Simon Erridge Director, Bennetts Associates
Describe your initial design concept
We knew that substantial parts of the building had to be retained, so our scheme proposed major interventions in order to accommodate a new auditorium and expanded public spaces.
The auditorium form was critical, and the Royal Shakespeare Company was already working on a template which brought actors and audience closer together. A key idea we proposed was to mirror this closer relationship inside the building with a much stronger external relationship between the building and the town.
Did the final scheme alter much from this concept?
There were some changes. In public areas the new roofline was made more prominent; the auditorium became more compact and adopted a faceted geometry; and the design of the load-bearing brick tower was refined several times.
What was your approach to the existing building?
The building's Grade II*-listing is as much down to its historical significance as its architectural merit. In fact, it was never much admired. Referred to locally as the 'Jam Factory', it turned its back on the town, and the vast auditorium was considered the hardest in the country in which to make an audience laugh or cry.
Our preference from the beginning was to embrace much of the existing building and its eccentricities as part of the design, treating it as a found space and being inventive with the constraints it presented.
What were the challenges?
Making major interventions in a historic building is always difficult, but in this case the combination of a highly technical brief, sensitive riverside location and multi-headed client made the challenge all the greater. The single biggest technical difficulty was the construction of the new 7m-deep stage basement within the existing building, only a few metres from the river Avon.
Where does this building sit in the evolution of the practice?
When we won the competition in 2005, it was the most significant commission the practice had ever been given. Hampstead Theatre was our first performance building, but the rst was an enormous step up in scale and complexity, which built firmly on our previous experience.
Theatres are some of the most complex building types and have the most demanding clients, but we're absolutely not a specialist practice. We hope there will be more theatres, but the lessons learned from the rst will feed back in to all our projects.
What would winning the Stirling Prize mean to the practice?
Getting onto the shortlist for the third time is a fantastic achievement, but we're not getting carried away.
Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres by Bennetts Associates
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For discussion around the Super Eight.
For discussion around the Super Eight.
Moderators - email@example.com (will go to all moderators)
Email/Hangouts - email@example.com
Pakistan will reach but they won't go through.
OK... my preds...
South Africa
Sri Lanka
New Zealand \ West Indies \ India
West Indies \ India \ New Zealand
India \ New Zealand \ West Indies
Pakistan \ England
England \ Pakistan
What Dickinson can do 4 times, he can do a 5th... just GOD DAMN andmark for beating me to it!
Appreciating cricket's greatest legend ever - HD Bird...............Funniest post (intentionally) ever.....Runner-up.....Third.....Fourthcricket player"; "Bob"), 1/11/1990-15/4/2006
(Accidental) founder of Twenty20 Is Boring Society. Click and post to sign-up.
Proud member of Twenty20-Is-Boring Society.
T2IBS Media relations officer
T2IBS official face
R.I..P ........ Fardin Qayuumi
The team going into the Super 8's with the additional 2 points would hold a decisive edge over the other 4 teams, so IMO opinion the team that wins all its 3 group matches would have some breathing space during the Super 8's.
Sreesanth said, "Next ball he was beaten and I said, 'is this the King Charles Lara? Who is this impostor, moving around nervously? I should have kept my mouth shut for the next ball - mind you, it was a length ball - Lara just pulled it over the church beyond the boundary! He is a true legend."
IMO opinion!!? Just a goof-up guys. Lolz@myself.
TBF it could stand for "in my own opinion"
Originally Posted by Axl Rose
RIP Craigos. A true CW legend. You will be missed.
President of RTDAS - Ryan ten Doeschate - The Freddie Flintoff of Associate Cricket
Member of DNAS, ESAS - Dirk Nannes, Edgar Schiferli. Dutchmen can bowl.
Originally Posted by Pedro DelgadoOriginally Posted by Matt79
Well TBH all opinions are formed based on something else...
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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In an interview on "The Marc Bernier Show" on WNDB-AM in Daytona Beach, Florida's Governor Rick Scott favors spending money on science and math degrees; however, was quoted saying that Florida "doesn't need a lot more anthropologists in this state." Read Michael C. Bender's entire post on The Buzz – a political blog of the St. Petersburg Times
As a political leader with significant national and international influence, we at the American Anthropological Association think it is unfortunate that Governor Scott would characterize anthropology in such a short-sighted way. As a discipline that has a rich and robust history, anthropology has made numerous contributions to the study of cultures both foreign and domestic, and has helped us understand humankind. Anthropologists are leaders in our nation's top science fields, from groundbreaking discoveries in public health to homeland security, and anthropologists work in various arenas, due to the diversity of the field in science and the humanities.
Download (.pdf) the official response to Governor Scott from the American Anthropological Association: http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/upload/Letter-to-Gov-Scott.PDF
Blog readers, what do you have to say to Governor Scott?
Drop us a comment or leave your blog link and we'll post it here.
- One recent grad speaks out on their blog – benthropology
- A perspective from a biological anthropologist – Powered by Osteons
- Neuroanthropology nicely rounds-up the coverage


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Ben – White Man in Business Casual
207 cut out images of Ben, a white man, wearing business casual clothing. Dozens of poses photographed from multiple angles allow you to tell a visual story with Ben in your eLearning course or presentation. We've gone through the tedious task of removing all of the backgrounds for you so that you can drop Ben onto any background with other characters of your choice to create a custom scene.


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Our calendars may be making their way toward the wintry seasons, but that won't keep us from dreaming of shimmying off a great pair of cutoffs in the land of 100 degrees and palm trees. That being said, it would be a total understatement to say that we were merely stoked to find out the following: Onia (that rather dapper men's swimwear line) has collabed with Free People (a rather serious favorite of ours).
The subsequent line of shorts will include a femme twist on the signature men's swim trunks Onia has perfected. The brand's oceanic name sake, The Calder Beach Short, has us seeing sand and surf...and maybe some sort of romantic bonfire, afterward. The shorts will be featured in an orange-and-teal striped pattern, a solid papaya, and lovely florals. These summery bottoms will retail between $98 and $128 and will hit FreePeople.com this December.
This may be Onia's first venture into the land of womenswear, but these adorable designs look right up our alley. Carl Cunow, R29 pal and designer of the Onia brand, said that with the right retailer, he would even be open to creating a line of bikinis. Which means the next time we score some shorts for our dude pals, we can hook ourselves up, too. (WWD)
Photo: Courtesy of Onia


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General Description of GeographyGeography focuses on human interactions with the environment. It contributes critical knowledge in political and economic decisions.
Geography (from Greek "geographia", lit. "earth describe-write") is the science that deals with the study of the Earth and its lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth".
The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes (276-194 B.C.). Four historical traditions in geographical research are the spatial analysis of natural and human phenomena (geography as a study of distribution), area studies (places and regions), study of man-land relationship, and research in earth sciences.
Nonetheless, modern geography is an all-encompassing discipline that foremost seeks to understand the Earth and all of its human and natural complexities—not merely where objects are, but how they have changed and come to be. Geography has been called 'the world discipline'. As "the bridge between the human and physical sciences," geography is divided into two main branches—human geography and physical geography.
Transfer Preparation for Geography
Geography Majors are highly recommended to take as many geography courses as possible prior to transfer, with a minimum of the following:
Geography: GEOG 100, 101, 120, 150
Additional Recommendations
Human Geography: add GEOG 106, 151, 152, 154, 160
Human geography is a branch of geography that focuses on the study of patterns and processes that shape human interaction with various environments. It encompasses human, political, cultural, social, and economic aspects. While the major focus of human geography is not the physical landscape of the Earth (see physical geography), it is hardly possible to discuss human geography without referring to the physical landscape on which human activities are being played out, and environmental geography is emerging as a link between the two.
Physical Geography: add GEOG 130, 151, 152, 154, 155
Physical geography (or physiography) focuses on geography as an Earth science. It aims to understand the physical lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, and global flora and fauna patterns (biosphere). It examines the natural environment and how climate, vegetation & life, soil, water, and landforms are produced and interact.
Environmental Geography: add GEOG 106, 130, 151, 152, 154, 155, 160
Environmental geography is the branch of geography that describes the spatial aspects of interactions between humans and the natural world. It requires an understanding of the traditional aspects of physical and human geography, as well as the ways in which human societies conceptualize the environment. Environmental geography has emerged as a bridge between human and physical geography as a result of the increasing specialisation of the two sub-fields. Furthermore, as human relationship with the environment has changed as a result of globalization and technological change a new approach was needed to understand the changing and dynamic relationship. Examples of areas of research in environmental geography include emergency management, environmental management, sustainability, and political ecology.
Geomatics: add GEOG 151, 152, 154, 155
Geomatics is a branch of geography that has emerged since the quantitative revolution in geography in the mid 1950s. Geomatics involves the use of traditional spatial techniques used in cartography and topography and their application to computers. Geomatics has become a widespread field with many other disciplines using techniques such as GIS and remote sensing. Geomatics has also led to a revitalization of some geography departments especially in Northern America where the subject had a declining status during the 1950s. Geomatics encompasses a large area of fields involved with spatial analysis, such as Cartography, Geographic information systems (GIS), Remote sensing, and Global positioning systems (GPS).
Other Course Recommendations for Geography
• It is highly recommended that all geography majors take MATH 119
• For the Human Geography major, add ECON 101, PHS 250
• For the Physical Geography major, add CHEM 100, BIOL 100, MATH 121, PHS 110, PHYS 170
• For the Environmental Geography major, add ECON 101, PHS 250, CHEM 100, BIOL 100, MATH 121,
• For the Geomatics major, add MATH 130
Career Options for Geography
The job title of "geographer" is not often found in companies or government agencies (with the most notable exception of the U.S. Census Bureau). However, more and more companies are recognizing the skill that a geographically-trained individual brings to the table. You'll find many geographers working as planners, cartographers (map makers), GIS specialists, analysts, scientists, researchers, and many other positions. You'll also find many geographers working as instructors, professors, and researchers at schools, colleges, and universities. Here is a brief look at some of your career options:
Urban Planner/Community Development
Geography is a natural tie-in with urban or city planning. City planners work on zoning, land use, and new developments, from a gas station renovation to the development of whole new sections of urban area. You'll work with individual property owners, developers, and other officials.
The news media, book publishers, atlas publishers, government agencies and others are looking for cartographers to help produce maps.
GIS Specialist
City governments, county agencies, and other government agencies and private groups are often in need of experienced GIS professionals.
Agencies like the National Weather Service, news media, the Weather Channel, and other government entities occasionally need climatologists. Admittedly, these jobs usually go to those with meteorology degrees, a geographer with experience and vast coursework in meteorology and climatology would definitely be an asset.
Transportation Management
Like urban and city planning, there are opportunities in local government but regional transit authorities or shipping, logistics, and transportation companies look kindly to someone with transportation geography in their background and good computer and analytical skills.
Environmental Management
A large number of environmental assessment, cleanup, and management companies exist throughout the world today. A geographer brings excellent skills for project management and the development of reports like environmental impact reports. It's often a wide-open field with tremendous growth opportunities.
Becoming a high school or university geography instructor requires additional education beyond your undergraduate degree but it would certainly be rewarding to instill your love of geography with future geographers. Becoming a geography professor will allow you to research the world of geography and add to the body of knowledge developed by geographers.
For the population geographer who loves demographic data, what can be more rewarding than becoming a demographer and working for state or federal agencies to help develop population estimates and present data? The U.S. Census Bureau is one of the few entities that actually have a position titled "Geographer."
National Park Service Ranger
Are you a physical geographer who needs to be outside and couldn't even consider working in an office? Perhaps a career in the National Park Service is right up your alley?
Real Estate Appraiser
Real estate appraisers develop an opinion of value for a specific piece of property. The work involves research into appropriate market areas, the assemblage of pertinent data, and the use of various analytical techniques to provide an opinion that reflects all pertinent market evidence. This multidisciplinary field incorporates aspects from geography, economics, finance, environmental planning and law. A solid foundation in geography is essential to a real estate appraiser's success and typical appraisal tools include aerial photos, topographic maps, GIS and GPS.
Geography Faculty
• Ken Yanow, M.S., M.A. | ext. 5720 | firstname.lastname@example.com
Geography Courses
• GEOG 100 Introduction to Geography – Physical Elements
• GEOG 101 Physical Geography Laboratory
• GEOG 106 World Regional Geography
• GEOG 110 Introduction to Oceanography
• GEOG 120 Introduction to Geography: Cultural Elements
• GEOG 130 Weather and Climate
• GEOG 145 Information to Mapping and Geographic Information Science (GIS)
• GEOG 150 Geographic Information Science and Spatial Reasoning
• GEOG 152 Advanced GIS – Project Design and Applications
• GEOG 153 GIS Internship
• GEOG 154 Introduction to Remote Sensing
• GEOG 155 Introduction to Image Analysis
• GEOG 160 Geography of California
• GEOG 295 Selected Topics in Geography
• GEOG 299 Independent Study


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Uganda's Phantom Ministers
One can only draw one of two conclusions; that the ministers are simply not up to the task intellectually, or , that they are somehow subconsciously acknowledging the government's genocidal policy, but are too intimidated to speak up against it.
(Former U.N. Undersecretary General Olara Otunnu, right, methodically exposed Uganda's genocidal policy in the north).
The headline of a column in Uganda's New Vision newspaper by Opiyo Oloya on September 4, 2006 was "UNAA Convention was disorganized!� but should have instead read, "Disorganized Ministers Fail to Defend Uganda Government.� I was there and I can assure readers that the ministers were missing in action.
The writer, Oloya, was being too generous with his appraisal of Uganda government ministers assigned to defend failed government policies, when they attended the recently concluded Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) in New York City.Â
It was clearly evident from the onset that none of the Uganda ministers, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Oryem Okello, Hilary Onek, Dorothy Hyuha and others were in any position to mount any serious defense of the regime. Oloya suggest that the organizers railroaded the ministers; on the contrary, Kabwegyere and Onek had more than adequate time to challenge the key points of genocide as outlined by speaker Olara Otunnu, the former United Nations Undersecretary General in charge of children in war zones. Instead, none of the ministers presented any evidence to contradict Otunnu's central points.
Additionally, the ministers knew in advance that Otunnu was scheduled to make a presentation at the conference. It was not as though someone brought him in through the back door. Instead, the ministers used much of their time to hurl personal attacks and insults against Otunnu rather than refuting his statement. The ministers failed to convincingly challenge any points outlined by Otunnu, that:
Almost 2 million people have been herded into concentration camps in northern Uganda; That death rate there is three times higher than in Darfur; That infant mortality rates in concentration camps are the worst in the world; 1,000 children die every week in the camps; That there are rampant documented cases of rape and sexual exploitation against civilians, especially by government soldiers; That the insufficient water supply results in 12 hours of waiting in line to collect water from a water pump; That there are insufficient sanitary facilities – reports show that over 4,000 people share one facility; That primary Healthcare Services is disgraceful with doctor/population ratio of 1:30,000, and; That rampant depression and alcoholism in the death camps leads to high rates of suicide among camp inmates.
Uganda government ministers should be ready to defend their regime and president anytime, anywhere and under any circumstance. It's woefully inexcusable that Ugandan tax payers should continue to foot expensive travel and hotel bills for under-performing officials.
As much as I oppose the Uganda government, I was embarrassed to watch Hilary Onek and Tarsis Kabwegyere struggle to defend failed government policies. The citizens of Uganda deserve better representation and should demand public review of ministers and other high appointed officials on an annual basis.Â
One can only draw one of two conclusions; that the ministers are simply not up to the task intellectually, or , that they are somehow subconsciously acknowledging the government's genocidal policy, but are too intimidated to speak up against it.
There is no other explanation for their ineptitude and inability to clearly article government policies. Now is the time for the United States and other governments that have sustained the regime to demand accountability and action to stop the 20 years of slow-motion genocide in Northern Uganda. Silence means the regime's supporters are enablers and complicit in genocide.
The writer, Otunu, an Operations Manager at a Facilities Management company in New York is not related to Olara Otunnu.
To subscribe to New York's favorite Pan-African weekly investigative newspaper please click on "subscribe� on the homepage or call (212) 481-7745. For advertisements or to send us a news tip contact firstname.lastname@example.com "Speaking Truth To Empower,� is our motto.
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- Ann GarrisonFebruary 22,2018 @ 08:03 PM
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
googletag.pubads().definePassback('6785150/BENN/BlackStarNews', [[300,250]]).setTargeting('fold',['BTF']).display();


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Hi ~
Start here - tell us about yourself and what brings you to ePlaya.
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Hi ~
little c here from Portland....just letting you know I am here :P
- chiefdanfox
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I used to live in Portland. Awesome town full of some pretty cool folks. If this is your first burn please please please remember how dry it is here. When I moved to Reno from Vancouver, WA I was sick for a solid month and a half and that was just in the city. I lost my voice, my sinuses went crazy, and I got nosebleeds almost daily for the first few YEARS I lived here. BRC is even dryer, and you're gonna want to be extra hydrated and bring eye drops, lotion, and saline nasal spray. Be prepared to sound like you smoke a pack a day by mid-week.
"The future is a whore, she promises herself to everyone."
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Thanks for the welcome:)
Thanks for the tip....I will hydrate starting now! I am still planning on going...but I don't have a ride:( Anyone out there want to go with me? I can drive or I can catch a ride. I have a subaru, and it doesn't get the best gas mileage, so I would prefer to go in another vehicle....thanks again for responses :wink:
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innergygroup necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 300 diseños de 84 diseñadores freelance.
looking for class,
Grab hold of your keyboard and mouse. We are looking for a iconic logo that will get peoples attention. We have created a very detailed description below you to read.
I have a document that can be downloaded here with more examples:
Tahoe Road Trip
Tahoe Road Trip is a completely new website and mobile application centered around vacation activities in a specific geographic locations. This website will be designed to be launched in multiple cities. The first site is the Ozarks followed by Tahoe, then followed by other cities like, Napa, San Francisco and New York.
Tahoe Road Trip (TRT) is making it very easy for travelers to quickly book travel in specialty markets. This will be accomplished through a uniquely designed user interface utilizing Ajax technologies.
The design artifacts need to be designed in a template format. The TRT will launch the website in other markets and will need to be quickly leveraged.
The planned launch of the website is in 3 months from this date March 30, 2009
Dominated by Women
Couples & Families
College Education: Bachelors & Master
Income: 75-120K per year
Drive: Jaguar or they want one (http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/xj/h…uction.htm)
2 kids
Live in San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, Oregon, Seattle and Sacramento Areas
Skis & Snowboards
Own latest handheld device technologies, iPod, iPhone, Blackberry Touch
Uses Yelp.com, Google, Travelocity, and Kayak.
Is comfortable with online technology
Enjoys travel and Quick get aways
Enjoys magazines like, Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast, National Geographic Explorer,
Adventurous Spirit
Tastefully Adventurous: Likes to be in the woods and have wine
Enjoys finding valuable bargains
Smart and Educated
Open to new ideas
Customer Concerns
That what is advertised is what they get
No surprises
The price paid delivers on the conditions of satisfaction stated
They can quickly establish trust
They are getting a good deal
Business Objectives
Produce a unique easy to use travel experience
Produce a satisfaction for users so that they come use our site for all Tahoe travel
Customers share the site with others
Customers are able to find the best trips suited for them
To produce a real opportunity for advertisers to increase revenues
To build long term trust in customers
To successfully launch the site in the Tahoe market
The site be attractive and sign up advertisers
Communication Objectives:
Distinction: Communication occurs when language produces coordinated action
customers will buy travel
customers will visually recognize logo and communication
Customers will not need to read in order to understand system
The design artifacts will be coherent with their background listening
The Story:
A couple decides they would like to take a road trip to Tahoe. They would like to have a romantic adventurous weekend to get connected to one another. They begin to talk about it and choose to book a trip. They would like to find a good deal and stay in great place.
The couple navigates to Google.com and does a search and finds TahoeRoadTrips.com. They click on the link and are surprised by what they find. The site brings a nostalgic sense to them of when times were easier like when they were traveling with mom and dad. They remember the 70's yet, they still notice the clean macintosh like ease of use in the site. The site feels like a classic car morphed into an iphone. Sleek, clean, magnificent yet, it is still approachable, comfortable fun and easy to use.
They quickly are able to use the navigation to start their request in finding what they are looking for. They are able to give context to the results of their search. They immediately notice the map on the right side of the screen, they like how they can see how close they are to the moutain ski slopes. They find the perfect property and complete the checkout process.
They say to themselves silently, I can not believe how easy it was to book travel. We quickly found something that was perfect for us. They bookmark the site and know they will reference it the future. They refer it to their friends. They download the app to thier iPhone.
The travel plan was accomplished quickly and efficiently. They were amazed at how quickly they could get what they wanted and with so little effort.
Conceptual Logo ideas:
The trick is then logo needs to work with Tahoe interchanged with Ozarks- not an easy feat and eventually extend to Moscow and beyond. The goal would to have the logo interchangeabel to swap out the cities.
We would like to design something that would appear that it is part of a car, like a hood ornament. Cars often have iconic logos that are simple yet very impactful. Think of a Mercedes Benz, Jaguar or High End car type of logo. This logo should speak, class, be approachable and have charisma.
Another Approach that may work is a license plate. The logo could look like a license plate. This would allow us to quickly remove the logo and replace for future websites.
These are the psychographics of the people we want the logo to speak to:
Adventurous Spirit
Tastefully Adventurous: Likes to be in the woods and have wine
Enjoys finding valuable bargains
Enjoys the hunt as much as the vacation
Smart and Educated
Open to new ideas
Brags to their friends about using the latest and greatest websites
Look at http://www.cartype.com/ to get ideas about auto logos.
The logo needs to have both a type treatment and a icon element. The logo will be used in both web and print.
I have a document that can be downloaded here with more examples:
- Please see description.
I don't want it to look like a typical web 2.0 logo
I don't want it to look common
I don't want it to look cheap
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has announced that it is providing free access to its England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892 database until the end of the month.
The source information is given as follows:
Home Office: Criminal Registers, Middlesex and Home Office: Criminal Registers, England and Wales; Records created or inherited by the Home Office, Ministry of Home Security, and related bodies, Series HO 26 and HO 27; The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England.
Information potentially returned includes:
•Name of criminal
•Birthplace (not often listed after 1802)
•When and where tried
•Sentence (death, transportation, imprisonment, acquittal, etc.)
•Where and when received
•Date of execution or release
•By whom committed, to whom delivered
The collection is available at http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=1590
(With thanks to Ancestry)
Professional genealogical problem solving and research
Researching Scottish Family History (New book)
The Scottish GENES blog has now ceased publication - for continuing Scottish news please refer to its sister blog, British GENES, at http://britishgenes.blogspot.com. The Scottish GENES posts will remain online as an archive of Scottish genealogical news from 2007-2011. Alba - agus Scottish GENES - gu bràth!
Monday, 24 January 2011
Free access to English and Welsh criminal registers
2 comments:
- Judy Webster said...
Chris, I have nominated both of your blogs for the Ancestor Approved Award in a post at Genealogy Leftovers.
- 24 January 2011 at 22:37
- Chris Paton said...
Thanks Judy!
- 24 January 2011 at 23:00
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Laura Varsky is a graphic designer and illustrator from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Her first forays into the design world came through her involvement with the local independent rock scene. She gradually asserted herself as a designer, specializing in the design of books and CD sleeves. In 2006 she received a Latin Grammy as Art Director for best record packaging.


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2 December 2011, Rome - In just two years FAO, IFAD and WFP have assisted over 22 million people hardest hit by the global food price crisis thanks to generous funding from the European Union's Food Facility (EUFF) — providing tangible evidence that investing in agriculture and nutrition improves global food security, the three UN agencies said today. The combined effects of high food prices in 2007-2008 and the global financial and economic downturn pushed millions of people into poverty and hunger. By the end of 2008, when the number of undernourished people neared one billion, the European Union launched the € 1 billion Food Facility.Set up in close collaboration with the UN's High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis, the EUFF channelled some € 368 million through FAO, IFAD and WFP to bridge the gap between short-term emergency needs and longer-term development by boosting agricultural production and productivity in countries hardest hit by the crises.In providing quality seed and fertilizers, improving and building infrastructure and reducing the impact of natural calamities, the three agencies have helped to improve the food security and nutrition of an estimated 22 million of the most vulnerable people in 35 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.By linking farmers to markets and financial services, assisting in facilitating sustainable and profitable farming practices and creating new revenue streams, the effects of the EUFF will continue into their futures.Back on trackFor FAO, the EUFF funding of € 232 million represented the single largest donation from the European Union. It enabled the organization to carry out 31 operations in 28 countries, reaching some 15 million people in rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America."In establishing the EUFF, the European Union sent a strong message to both developed and developing countries that it was time to join forces and get agriculture, a sector suffering from decades of underinvestment, back on track in the fight against poverty and hunger," said FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf. Through EUFF funding amounting to € 52 million, IFAD has increased the long-term access to food and the food security of over 500 000 households in 11 countries throughout Asia and Africa."The European Union Food Facility has been an important instrument to respond to volatile food prices and the economic crisis," said Kevin Cleaver, IFAD Associate Vice-President, Programmes. "Together with our regional partners, we supported smallholder farmers by strengthening their access to financial services and national and local markets." Between 2009 and 2011, nearly 5 million people in 10 countries improved their food security thanks to programmes implemented by WFP and its partners, supported by nearly € 84 million of EUFF assistance. "The EU Food facility has been a tremendous success. It proves that linking relief, rehabilitation and development can have a concrete impact on people's food security," said Amir Abdulla, WFP Deputy Executive Director. "We are ready to continue working with the EU on longer-term sustainable activities to help the poorest farmers to market their crops and improve the nutritional status of their families." Reducing hungerAs food prices are expected to remain high and volatile in the coming years, it is essential to maintain the momentum created by the EUFF in promoting agriculture as the most effective means of reducing global hunger and poverty.Lessons learned from the initiative underscore the importance of focusing on marginalized farmers with high production potential, combining input distribution with extension services, building capacities of smallholder farmers and their communities, rehabilitating rural infrastructures and involving all actors of the value chain in local seed production.
It is crucial to build on these lessons and step up efforts to enable the world's most vulnerable people to withstand future shocks and produce the food they need to live active and healthy lives.


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searchnow necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 56 diseños de 11 diseñadores freelance.
I need a designer to create a logo and contemporary web design for an online marketing company's website. This company has a great reputation and now they need a website to match!
Publisher Direct Networks
I need a web layout and design for an online marketing company. They will be pursuing major clients including huge publishing companies with online web properties and big brand advertisers.
The website will consist of several pages however each page does not have to be completely different than the next. The tabbed pages will be Home, Advertisers, Publishers, Services, Contact Us and Presentations.
.PSD file only; each element separated into layers
Here is a detailed breakdown of the company services:
-Driving targeted web traffic to websites. Some of the niches include: gamers (not gambling), music, sports, fashion, entertainement (non-adult), etc.
-Placing ads on websites. Big brand advertisers...
-Custom Ad Creation such as rich media ads (dynamic, exapandable, high quality, etc.)
-PR Marketing Submitting PR releases to thousands of media outlets and beat writers that cover the online world
- A logo for the name Publsiher Direct Networks (that will also be their .com)
- A catchy header that will be on most of the pages throughout the site. Examples of sites I like: contextweb.com, webgiantmedia.com, mediabank.com, glammedia.com, brightroll.com, volomedia.com and tremormedia.com
- A column for industry news *see webgiantmedia.com
- Each page will contain a description of services based on the tab so the body of each page will mostly contain text except for the Presentations page which will be a video player. The format from one page to the next will be similar aside from that.
- A contemporary look meaning deep colors, contrast, rounded edges. A little *transperancy might be nice as well. *IGN.com effect
- I am also open to trying a couple of various font sizes and styles however, nothing too crazy since this is a corporate site
- .PSD file only; each element separated into layers
- A boring, stuffy corporate site
- Bland color
- Cutouts of people flying kites or walking on the beach etc. Something that has zero to do with online marketing.


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Forms Jobs
At the request of the City Council in 2006, Planning staff looked at struggling urban commercial areas throughout the city, known as Revitalizing Urban Commercial Areas (RUCAs) (RUCA map [pdf]) Phase I (Phase I Projects [pdf]). Staff prepared recommendations for public improvements, regulatory changes, and financial incentives to help revive these areas. The City Council committed 1.5 million dollars for the improvement of these locations. This RUCA assistance focused on public and private site improvements. A study prepared for the Council (see RUCA Study [pdf]) identified twelve (now 18) potential priority areas for assistance. The city selected three areas for the first round of assistance: Waughtown Street/Thomasville Road intersection, Liberty Street/14th Street, and Washington Park/Acadia neighborhood. The city partnered with 20 businesses willing to make improvements to their properties.
The City Council approved a second round of funding for 18 areas through a Phase II RUCA Program. Phase II information [pdf]. The city selected five RUCA areas and identified businesses in those areas are eligible for project assistance. This assistance may be in the form of a low interest loan or matching forgivable loan. (The IRS has determined that any portion of a loan forgiven may be counted as income to the borrower and be subject to income taxes. Please refer to a tax professional to determine your income tax liability for any loan that is forgiven.)
At this time no new areas or new projects can apply. Follow this link to the RUCA Handbook [pdf] (a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) [pdf] that was used is available here). If you have questions about the RUCA Program, call Ruben Gonzales for more information at (336)747-7474.
This property at 1713 N. Liberty Street was revitalized in part by the use of the RUCA
1713 N. Liberty Street "BEFORE"
1713 N. Liberty Street "AFTER"
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Vilken header ska jag ha?
for 2 timer siden
Kjøp ny lader? De har billige universalladere på el-kjøp. :)
All photos, graphics and drawings unless otherwise indicated are not taken, made or owned by me. These images are not intended for any commercial purpose.
Please comment if you recognize the source of a photo/drawing, or if you want me to remove your photo.


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My site link => HERE.
I could also use a forum review-- I am slowly trying to build up the content and fix issues.
I know the site is horrid in IE and I need to "center" vertically as well as horizontally. Any thoughts?
This post has been edited by stackoverflow: 05 July 2012 - 11:47 AM


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"In TCM, the lungs are known as the 'prime minister' of the body because they control breath and the circulation of qi and blood," explains Laurie Steelsmith, N.D., L.AC., author of "Natural Choices for Women's Health." They also circulate a particular type of energy known as wei qi. That's your immune system's first line of defense, serving as a barrier to outside influences that can make you sick. "The lungs act as a bellows," Steelsmith says. "They fan the fires of the body and turn up the flame on your overall well-being."
To develop a program that gets your lungs working and your qi moving, we turned to Tiffany Chen, star of "Step-by-Step Tai Chi" and "The Kung Fu Kickboxing Workout" DVDs, as well as Max Strom, Oregon-based yoga teacher, breathing educator, and developer of the DVD "Learn to Breathe."
This interval routine, which takes about 30 minutes, alternates between spurts of lung-strengthening cardio developed by Chen and focus-enhancing breaths from Strom. It's challenging yet simple in design so you can concentrate on coordinating your movements with your breath. "Monitoring your breath as you work out makes exercise more restorative," says Strom. With strong lungs, you'll gain energy and boost your immunity -- keeping yourself healthy this season.
Start with an energizing warm-up. Next, move on to the intervals, which switch between cardio exercises and resting breaths. The cardio builds lung capacity and endurance, increases circulation and metabolism, boosts the flow of qi, and enhances vitality. The resting breaths calm the nervous system, promote mental sharpness, and help you stay centered. Finish with a cooldown of soothing breaths and stretches.
Start the intervals with exercise one and work your way in order through nine. Do each cardio segment for five minutes, performing a resting breath for one minute between sets. Or, if you find the five-minute cardio sessions too difficult, try doing them for two minutes with 30 second resting breaths -- and, when finished, repeat the entire sequence. "Most important," notes Chen, "find a pace that fits your own abilities."
Complete Breath
What It Does: Strengthens the lungs and diaphragm by causing them to expand more fully than they typically do. Stretches and strengthens the chest muscles. Increases circulation and lung capacity. Energizes the entire body. "The exaggerated hold of the breath lets your body absorb more qi from the inhalation," says Strom.
How to Do It: Sit cross-legged with your spine tall. Breathing through your nose, inhale and hold your breath, then exhale and hold your breath -- all for an equal amount of time (three to seven seconds each; don't strain). Continue for one to three minutes.
Standing Twist
What It Does: Stimulates circulation, warms up the body, encourages the mind to relax, and teaches you to breathe more freely.
How to Do It: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging by your sides, and knees soft. Inhale and twist your torso to the right, then exhale as you release and twist to the left, letting your arms swing with your body. Keep alternating twists from right to left, building momentum until your hands are lightly slapping your lower ribs with each twist. Let your breath speed up in time with the movements, inhaling as you twist and exhaling as you unwind. Continue for one minute, or until you feel more energized, and then gradually slow to a stop.
Butt Kickers
Instead of lifting your knees, as in a traditional standing jog, focus on lifting your heels as if trying to kick your backside. Keep the heels off the floor and stay on the balls of your feet throughout the interval. Do for five minutes.
Upside-Down Slow Breath
Stand with feet parallel to each other, a little wider than hip-distance apart, and knees soft. Fold over at your hips and let your head hang with arms dangling (or hold on to opposite elbows); completely relax your neck. Inhale for three to seven counts (don't strain), and exhale for an equal amount of time. Do for one minute.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees soft, and arms hanging freely by your sides. In a continuous motion, place your palms on the floor in front of your feet and hop your feet back so your body is in the top of a push-up position, keeping your spine straight during the transition; immediately contract your core and push off the balls of your feet to hop your feet back toward your hands, and then stand up into the starting position. Gazing straight ahead will help you keep the spine long throughout this movement. Repeat for five minutes.
Mindful Breath
Stand tall with your knees soft and feet hip-distance apart and parallel. With your palms together in front of your heart, breathe in and out through your nose. Don't restrict or guide your breath in any way -- simply notice your natural breathing pattern. Do for one minute.
If you have a jump rope, use it. If not, simulate the circular motion of turning the rope with your hands to help you keep time. Take small hops off the floor, jumping with both feet at once. Stay on the balls of your feet. For an added challenge, alternate jumping forward and backward with jumping from side to side, keeping feet together sometimes and slightly apart other times. Jump for five minutes.
Upside-Down Slow Breath
Stand with your feet parallel to each other, a little wider than hip-distance apart, and knees soft. Fold over at your hips and let your head hang with your arms dangling (or hold on to opposite elbows); completely relax your neck. Inhale for three to seven counts (don't strain), and exhale for an equal amount of time. Do for one minute.
Knee Lifts
Lift your knees one at a time, alternating legs and bouncing on the balls of your feet. Keep your hands on your hips. Or, for greater intensity, hold your arms out in front of you at waist height, and then touch your knees to your palms for the duration of the interval. Alternate knee lifts for five minutes.
Mindful Breath
Stand tall with your knees soft and feet hip-distance apart and parallel. With your palms together in front of your heart, breathe in and out through your nose. Don't restrict or guide your breath in any way -- simply notice your natural breathing pattern. Do for one minute.
Alternating Lunges
Stand with your feet shoulder-distance apart and your hands on your hips. Starting with your right foot, step forward about 3 feet, bending both knees and coming into a lunge; your right thigh should be parallel to the floor, knee bent at a 90-degree angle. To maintain proper alignment, keep your spine straight, engage your abs, and don't extend the front knee beyond the toes. Push back up and return to the starting position. Repeat with the left leg, and alternate for five minutes. If this is too challenging, try lunging with one leg until it's fatigued, then switch to the other leg.
Slow Breath
What It Does: Soothes the nervous system. "Breathing this way slows down the heartbeat and respiratory system, telling the body that rest is imminent," says Strom.
How to Do It: Sit cross-legged on the floor with spine tall, or lie on the floor with arms out at least 2 feet away from the hips. Breathing through your nose, inhale slowly for a count of three to seven, and then exhale for the same count; breathe continuously for three minutes.
Twisting Straddle
What It Does: Stretches the muscles in your back, sides, and hamstrings.
How to Do It: Sit on the floor, spine tall, with your legs straight and open as wide as is comfortable, arms extended straight out over the legs. Inhale, and reach your right hand toward your left foot, going as far up the left leg toward the toe as you can while keeping the spine straight. Exhale and come back to the start. Repeat on the other side. Continue for two minutes.
Text by Kate Hanley


text: With BI having become a mainstream topic in both business and IT, the lack of a decent business case is increasingly unacceptable. As justified and as noble a cause as better decision-making is, faith is not a business case - certainly not for a topic as high up on the CIO agenda as BI. This white paper describes how to build a better business case for BI, by understanding the level of ambition organizations can have and the layers in the business case that should contribute to that level of ambition.


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A 35-year-old Brockton man is charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatality in connection with the death of Edward J Dill III, 36, of Brockton early Saturday morning on Nilsson Street.
BROCKTON – Jeraldine McGettigan's first thought when Edward J. Dill III moved in next door to her on Green Street was, "finally there's some eye candy in the neighborhood."
However, her perspective on Dill soon evolved.
Dill proved to be a positive influence on their block, McGettigan said. He renovated his multi-family home and regularly mowed the lawn. She planted flowers, and together they kicked drug addicts off the sidewalk.
"He was trying to help me clean up this neighborhood," McGettigan said. "I am so hurt right now, you don't even know."
Police say Dill, 36, was killed Saturday when another Brockton man drove over him on Nilsson Street and left him dying in the street.
Dana Waller, 35, has been charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatality in connection with Dill's death about 2 a.m. Saturday.
Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene, where they found Dill lying unresponsive in the street.
Dill was taken to Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Dill grew up in Brockton and attended Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, said Luis Rivera, a friend who lives in one of Dill's apartments on Green Street.
Dill bought the two-story home in 2012, according to city records. Rivera said Dill had no children and lived with high school buddies. His father lives in Revere and his mother in Brockton, Rivera said. She was not home Saturday afternoon.
Dill has worked in real estate, sold cars and most recently worked security for Lil' Poopy, said Rivera, who is the rapper's father.
Rivera said Dill motivated him to go to the gym and that he encouraged Rivera to move his son's music studio from a smoke-filled location on Crescent Street to a new basement facility at their house.
"He was a wonderful guy," Rivera said. "I couldn't believe it."
Friday night, Dill tried to convince Rivera to go out clubbing. Rivera said Dill spent a lot of time at Cristal Restaurant on Main Street, and that he liked to party. On Friday, Dill was angry about a guy who had punched him over a girl, Rivera said.
Police say Waller was driving a maroon SUV when he struck Dill and fled the scene.
The matter is under investigation by state police detectives assigned to the Plymouth County district attorney's office, Brockton Police and the state police accident reconstruction team.
There will be an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Councilor Dennis Eaniri, who represents Ward 3 where the fatal hit-and-run occurred, did not respond to a request for comment.
Sleeping early Saturday morning in his Nilsson Street home across from where Dill was killed, Jose Jimenez, 77, said he was awakened by flashing lights and sirens. At first he thought it was a fire.
"It's normal to see police cars out here," Jimenez said. "It's a sad situation. But we live in the world today. You go out and you don't know if you're coming back or not."
Joseph Markman may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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World Cup group permutations
Group H
Fixtures (Thursday, 9pm BST): South Korea vs. Belgium, Algeria vs. Russia
Belgium: Already assured of their passage, and need a point against South Korea to win the group.
Algeria: Must beat Russia to be guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds, and if they do that they could also top the group if Belgium lose to South Korea. A draw will likely also be enough due to their superior goal difference up against South Korea, as a point will send Algeria through unless South Korea beat Belgium by three goals or more.
Russia: Have to win against Algeria, and will definitely go through if South Korea do not beat Belgium. But a win might not be enough, as South Korea could overtake them on goal difference if they do win.
South Korea: Must pick up all three points against Belgium and hope other results go their way. If Algeria-Russia is a draw, then South Korea would have to win by at least three goals to go through. If Russia beat Algeria, then South Korea need to win by a greater margin than Russia to qualify. If Algeria beat Russia, then South Korea are out.
1) Overall goal difference
2) Overall goals scored
3) Head to head in games between those teams
4) Goal difference in games between those teams
5) Goals scored in games between those teams
6) Drawing of lots
Dale Johnson has been an editor and journalist at ESPN for 18 years. You can follow him on Twitter @dalejohnsonESPN.
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Bypass capacitors? What are they, and why use them? Is there a sonic or electrical benefit, or both, to using bypass capacitors? And if it's good to use them, is there a formula for determining the correct value of a bypass? Also, should the voltage of the bypass capacitor be greater/higher than the capacitor it is bypassing? Any other qualifiers for bypassing?I know this is a broad range of questions. But, I read these same questions, almost everyday on various audio forums, and I truly don't know the answers. For my own benefit, I would love an explanation, if possible? Any insights, from anyone who would care to contribute, would be greatly appreciated. Especially if you've used bypass capacitors, and would like to elaborate on their benefit (sound improvement)?Thanks! Edit:I'd like to share any responses in this thread with the Audio Karma Forum, if OK? This same discussion is happening there too. Maybe I'll link this thread, when it get's interesting?Thanks again.
Thanks GetRDun,The 1% formula is the only one I've read about too. But, I seem to just buy either 0.01uF or 0.10uF bypass caps, and be done with it. Maybe that isn't optimal, but its worked so far. Now, I was hoping Jeff might comment, though I'm sure he's very busy this time of year. As such, I'm willing to wait for his input, as I know it'll be worth it. Merry ChristmasOh yea, I've been looking at the CD 940C caps. I've got the Mouser page open now. Deciding...
Bypass capacitors throw off the timing between the drivers...I would never use them, but rather seek to increase the quality of the main cap.
Sonic Craft manufacturers and sells SoniCap Gen II and Platinum capacitors. Both are typically used as bypass caps. Why market these, if they're a downgrade in audio quality (which I don't think they are).
Both of those capacitors are used in other ways than as bypass ones, i.e., it's not that the capacitors in themselves are a downgrade in quality (though of course there are better - and more expensive - ones). Smaller value caps are faster in output than larger value ones and therefore their information reaches the speaker drivers sooner than that of the larger value capacitors. They may indeed perhaps extend the frequency response of the unit they're used in (or just add "air") but at the cost of smearing the timing. People are more or less sensitive to timing issues so, as usual, it becomes a personal preference.
And in my Bryston B60 integrated I'm actually breaking my rule big-time by using Mundorf E-cap bi-polar electrolytics bypassed by a Vishay MPK1837 with modified leads (as detailed here: http://audiophile-musings.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-vishay-mkp-1837-review-and.html). I used Cardas litz wire as the lead, very thin (I think 36 gauge) to add a little resistance to the Vishay and get the ESR a little closer to the Mundorf. And I have to say, it sounds really good! The amp sounds fantastic this way... I can't say it's better than a single high-quality film cap (probably not) but it matches the sound of the amp well and there isn't enough room inside the slim chassis for a big film cap anyway.
p.s. So far I've found Humble Homemade Hifi's capacitor descriptions to be quite convergent with my own listening, even though he is testing it in loudspeakers and I'm using them in line-level applications.
I have a friend that was recapping sets of Acoustic Research AR9 and AR90 speakers. He'd tried several well known and respected poly caps, and didn't like their sound on the upper dome midrange. Too strident. He could only listen a few minutes before ear fatigue set in. So finally, at my urging, he tried the Mundorf E-Caps, and loved them. He also added a Vishay bypass, and liked that combination even more.I haven't tried many of Tony's recommendations yet. I don't have that many pairs of speakers! But, I have tried Mundorf EVO Oils and Supremes, in my AR90's. Not much playing time yet, as I'm still refinishing the cabinets. But what I have heard, is very promising. I also just recapped my AR58S speakers. This time I used ClarityCap CSA caps on the tweeters, and ESA caps on the midrange domes. For those caps, the Homemade HiFi comments were 100% spot on to what I was hearing. Warm, but veiled, and rolled off in the upper mids and treble, to me. Exactly as Tony said. I'll give them a few more weeks of burn in before I decide to add bypass caps, since Tony seems to think that helps with the Clarity's. If the bypass caps still fail to elevate them, I guess it'll be time to order more Mundorf's from Jeff...!
I'd be interested to know how you rate the Clarity caps versus the Mundorf's in your high and midrange circuits? What series Mundorf caps will you compare to the Clarity CSA/ESA? I hope that Jeff G will comment soon! I imagine he was busy for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
I think you have it backward, the Jupiter copper foil caps are better than the VT caps. I used the Jupiter foil caps to replace the Sonicaps in my speaker crossovers, pricey but a very nice improvement.
I'm curious as to why you would use mixed values for the 6, 24, and 80uF caps? I was under the impression that using the same values to get the target value was fine, such as (3) 2uF caps to make the 6uF value or (4) 6uF caps paralleled to make the 24uF value, but using other values outside of this may cause audible effects! I stand to be corrected if this is not the case!
I'm also wondering if substituting the Dayton .1uF caps with say a Cornell Dubilier 940C / 0,01uF / 3000VDC, like Tony Gee suggests, would be an improvement?
Thanks again for sharing your builds and mods!
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Are you excited about engaging people in what God is doing around the world through your writing? Love to build relationships in a team environment? OM China is looking for a Field Communications Officer to help share what God is doing in the nation and facilitate inter and intra team communications.
We are looking for a Field Personnel Officer to facilitate the recruitment and placement of new recruits and to support the field leader to ensure the health and well-being of the team.