text:
Voices: Process Puzzler
Explosion Reveals A Broader Problem
Operators and managers lack adequate understanding of process
Oct 2, 2019
*This Month's Puzzler*Read More
More from this author...
Process Puzzler: Be Level-Headed With SolidsSep 4, 2019The right level instrument won't necessarily resolve process issues
What Does Proper Pressure Relief Demand?Aug 5, 2019Opinions dramatically differ on the wisdom of relying solely on a vent system
Process Puzzler: Don't Pull Your Punches With A Knockout DrumJul 15, 2019Fixing mist eliminator and transmitter issues demands significant steps
Cloudburst Creates Commissioning ConfusionJun 12, 2019Delving deeper into performance and corrosion issues is essential
Puzzler: Compressor Creates ConundrumMay 8, 2019Deciding whether to repair, replace in kind or switch type isn't simple
Head Off Heat Exchanger HeadachesApr 9, 2019Finding the best way to maintain temperature in a new tank requires better analysis.
Puzzler: Slurry Seals Pump's FateMar 13, 2019Inadequate attention to slurry particulars and seal plan impair performance
Scrub The Scrubber DesignFeb 11, 2019Solving a contamination problem demands a thorough rethink
Take Some Basic Steps With A Caustic SystemJan 15, 2019Recent tube failure should spur addressing several issues
Weigh The Cause Of Feeder ProblemsDec 7, 2018A variety of recent changes complicates troubleshooting
Take A Cold-Eyed Look At A Cooling ProblemOct 31, 2018A methodical approach should pinpoint the culprit behind recurring difficulties
Process Puzzler: Neutralize A Neutralization NightmareOct 2, 2018Addressing problems with pH control requires some basic steps
Processing Plants: Dampen Water WoesAug 29, 2018A number of ideas aim to reduce water intake and wastewater discharge issues
Processing Equipment: Cure A Hiccupping ColumnAug 1, 2018Dealing with trapped intermediate components is crucial
Control Systems: Rule Out A Rule-Of-ThumbJun 25, 2018Control system project suffers from an inadequate cost estimate
Process Puzzler: Vanquish Valve VexationsJun 1, 2018Replacing the actuator may eliminate a contamination problem
Deftly Diagnose a Dust CollectorApr 30, 2018Consider upstream operations as the potential cause of sudden problems
Process Puzzler: Neglect Nurtures NuisancesApr 2, 2018Loading operation suffers from the wrong kind of management oversight
Beat a Belt Press BottleneckFeb 28, 2018Resolving equipment issues requires a number of actions
Processing Equipment: Untangle Tower TroubleJan 30, 2018Take specific steps to plug gaps in essential data.
Puzzler: Vent System Requires Rigorous ReviewJan 3, 2018Refinery revamp raises significant safety issues
Process Puzzler: Tackle Turmoil About Wastewater TreatmentOct 11, 2017Various issues cloud selecting the right clarification equipment
Process Puzzler: Pumps Present a Pretty PickleSep 18, 2017Readers reflect upon the change of pump type and cause of the failures
Amine Regenerator Requires RevampingAug 25, 2017A variety of issues may undermine column performance
Worker Safety: Treat Nitrogen With More CareJul 31, 2017Readers suggest safety improvements to avoid asphyxiation risks
Exchanger Choice Spurs Some HeatJun 26, 2017Respondents disagree on whether switching type of exchanger is a good idea
Developing a Better Process is Only the StartMay 30, 2017Researchers must show grit to get a pharmaceutical plant to adopt a novel approach
Salvage A Subpar ScrubberMay 3, 2017Address a variety of issues that may afflict a troubled unit
Process Puzzler: Relief System Requires ReviewApr 7, 2017Performance raises serious concerns about current arrangement
Conquer Centrifuge ChallengesMar 14, 2017Assess a number of issues that can compromise performance
Process Puzzler: Surmount Sump StrugglesFeb 15, 2017Several problems could afflict a slop oil system
Accidents: Don't Simply Blame the OperatorJan 23, 2017Incident may have stemmed from equipment issues or poor management
Process Puzzler: Fix A Fouled FractionatorDec 13, 2016Cleaning a column of soap sludge calls for careful contemplation
Process Puzzler: Forego False EconomiesNov 9, 2016A "penny wise, pound foolish" approach prompts plant problems
Valve Sizing Demands CareOct 12, 2016Faulty assumptions cause a number of problems
Ward Off Wastewater Treatment WoesSep 12, 2016Improving ion-exchange-system performance may require a variety of steps
Deflate Compressed Air DifficultiesAug 5, 2016Ailing air system requires a variety of fixes
Revamp Operations Now!Jun 29, 2016An explosion at an ammonia plant exposes serious safety-management flaws
Process Puzzler: Preclude Phosgene PerilsMay 16, 2016Readers cite failings in procedures and design that prompt problems
Distillation: Conquer Column ChallengesApr 27, 2016Readers suggest a variety of steps to address multiple issues
Process Puzzler: How To Cope With Glue-Processing and Staff-Conflict ProblemsMar 25, 2016Readers offer ideas of how to surmount a sticky situation
Process Puzzler: Ponder The Pressure DropMar 2, 2016Readers advise considering the most likely causes of an increase
Material Handling: Banish Baghouse BlindingJan 27, 2016Assess a variety of factors that can jeopardize jet-mill-system operation.
Process Puzzler: Pump Screams for ServiceJan 5, 2016Excessive noise indicates its mounting requires immediate attention.
Process Puzzler: Foster Faster FlowDec 3, 2015Readers suggest steps to speed emptying a viscous polymer from a reactor.
Correctly Cope with Chlorinated ByproductsOct 29, 2015Proposed plan for reducing emissions would benefit from revisions
Process Changes: Mitigate A Manager's MayhemOct 6, 2015Readers recommend how to restore performance after ill-advised process changes.
Process Puzzler: See the Light After a BrownoutSep 1, 2015Trips of a column and compressor call for considerable changes
Cast a Cold-Eye on Cooling SystemJul 28, 2015Increase in water flow to one exchanger may cause multiple issues
Process Puzzler: Sort Out a Sewer SnafuJun 29, 2015Storm water may contribute to ongoing problems
Process Puzzler: Tackle Exchanger FlawsMay 27, 2015A variety of issues may contribute to ongoing problems.
Prevent pH-related ProblemsApr 23, 2015A number of issues may contribute to sensing and quality issues
Control the SkidsMar 26, 2015Essential information is needed to keep a project from going off track.
Heat Exchanger: Reject a Risky Rate RiseMar 4, 2015Proposed process changes may prompt operating problems.
Heat Exchanger Cleaning Requires A RethinkFeb 5, 2015Readers point out all sorts of purging procedure problems
Process Puzzler: Fully Fix a Fatal FlawJan 8, 2015Proposed revisions to a thermal oxidizer system don't suffice.
Process Puzzler: Hold Off on a Hydrogen HikeNov 12, 2014Consider other options than increasing the feed of fresh hydrogen
Get Relief From Valve PoppingOct 14, 2014Readers suggest ways to address thermal expansion issue.
Prevent Serial Coating ProblemsSep 11, 2014Readers suggest how to successfully put aspartame on corn flakes
Ensure a Satisfactory Steam SystemAug 13, 2014Readers suggest ways to improve steam operations
Batch Cooling: Speed Up Cycle TimeJul 10, 2014Readers recommend ways to expedite the process
Process Puzzler: Confront Column ConstraintsMay 20, 2014Upgrading an atmospheric tower may require operational and design changes.
Preclude Pump ProblemsApr 16, 2014Achieving adequate performance requires multiple measures
Process Puzzler: Fix a Fluidized BedApr 2, 2014Addressing the problems may mandate multiple measures.
Vanquish Vacuum Distillation DifficultiesMar 12, 2014Readers recommend a variety of improvements.
Keep Oil Sampling SafeFeb 11, 2014Any sample cooler requires a pressure relief valve
Kayo Another Compressor CatastropheJan 20, 2014Reciprocating unit requires multiple revisions.
A Troubled Process for Producing Surfactant Requires Considerable ChangeDec 5, 2013Readers help sort out a sulfonation in shambles.
Options May Improve Aniline Removal From WastewaterNov 12, 2013Readers offer suggestions for a two-stage countercurrent solvent extraction process.
Process Puzzler: Sort Out a Steam Condensate SystemOct 7, 2013Readers suggest ways to address water hammer and other problems.
Slop Oil System Is Too SloppyAug 28, 2013Addressing safety and environmental issues will demand major modifications
Process Puzzler: Veto the Proposed Vent ScrubberJul 31, 2013Its design suffers from serious mechanical and safety deficiencies.
Process Puzzler: Go With AgglomerationJun 27, 2013Safely reprocessing flammable polymer dust demands a number of measures.
Process Puzzler: Restore Reboiler ReliabilityMay 30, 2013Readers recommend ways to keep a thermosiphon operating properly
Forestall Fermenter FoulingMay 20, 2013Readers suggest how to properly clean unit to eliminate scourge of wild yeast .
Beat Dryer DifficultiesMar 28, 2013Readers suggest ways to get a second-hand unit to perform better
Pumping LPG: Take A Load Off LoadingFeb 28, 2013Readers suggest how to avoid problems in pumping liquefied petroleum gas.
Process Puzzler: Preempt Pump ProblemsFeb 1, 2013Readers suggest several options to improve reliability
Get Rid Of Problems Not Just Off-GasJan 15, 2013A variety of factors may compromise performance of an oxidizer.
Cope With Condenser ConstraintsDec 10, 2012Readers suggest ways to maintain performance on hot days.
Process Puzzler: Replace the TankNov 20, 2012A fiberglass vessel isn't appropriate for the intended use.
Worker Death: Place Blame Where It Really BelongsOct 24, 2012Readers suggest the actual culprits behind a welder's death.
Process Puzzler: Tame Tower Temperature TurmoilSep 20, 2012Start-up conditions may provide key insights about what's causing problems.
Make The Right Opening MoveAug 15, 2012Readers suggest how to relate valve position to flow.
Tap the Best Tie-inJul 25, 2012Readers consider where to get compressed air for a pump.
Vanquish Vacuum Pump VexationsJun 11, 2012Readers suggest how to pinpoint problems
Burst a BubbleMay 8, 2012Readers suggest how to preclude ignition-temperature-test failures.
Don't Scoff At the ExpertMar 21, 2012Readers recommend significant upgrades to a relief system.
Knock Out Polymerization Process ProblemsMar 13, 2012Tackling equipment and compatibility issues is crucial.
Fight a Film FiascoFeb 13, 2012Readers suggest how to address heat exchanger fouling and inappropriate cleaning.
Don't Be Stumped by a SumpJan 12, 2012Several steps can help handle gasoline-laden vent gas.
Foil Coil DestructionDec 13, 2011A number of steps may pre-empt problems
Chillers Require Cold-Eyed ReviewNov 9, 2011Readers suggest ways to avoid temperatures swings and trips.
Neutralization Requires Basic RethinkOct 6, 2011Waste disposal system shouldn't be treated as an afterthought.
Silo Holds MysteriesAug 23, 2011Readers ponder why an old tank failed.
Make Models MatchAug 9, 2011Readers explain how differences in pressure can arise.
Prevent Pump ProblemsJul 5, 2011Readers suggest possible root causes and ways to improve performance.
Process Puzzler: Spike Tank SpikesMay 31, 2011Readers suggest how to avoid column feed tank problems.
Heat Exchanger Puzzler: Make the Best of a BlunderMay 4, 2011Readers suggest ways to get an incorrect exchanger to do the job.
Foil Future FiresApr 5, 2011Readers point to possible causes of a blaze.
Choose Cleaning Solvent WiselyMar 17, 2011Readers raise a variety of issues to consider.
Process Puzzler: Look Beyond The ValveJan 14, 2011Other factors can contribute to persistent valve leaks.
Vanquish Vexing VentingDec 13, 2010Try process-control and equipment changes to eliminate hydrogen losses.
Process Puzzler: Root Out RumblingNov 11, 2010Measurements can confirm the cause of the problem in the fiber-glass piping.
Process Puzzler: Deal with a Decanter that Can'tOct 14, 2010Readers recommend ways to save a standing separator.
Don't Impair Level MeasurementsSep 21, 2010Several factors can prevent two sensors from giving matching readings.
Keep Catalyst From OverheatingAug 25, 2010Readers react to a fouling problem in an exchanger.
Successfully Satisfy Catalyst RequirementsJul 14, 2010Readers recommend ways to remove excess oxygen and water.
Process Puzzler: Make Solid ProgressJun 16, 2010Readers suggest ways to improve crystallizer controls.
Is an Expansion Joint Good For the Long Stretch?May 19, 2010Contributors suggest how to handle thermal and water issues.
Process Puzzler: Put Railcar Loading Back on TrackApr 21, 2010Readers suggest how to stop serious safety snags.
Add Other Options to the MixMar 16, 2010Readers suggest how to improve a blending operation.
Take the Pressure Off LoadingFeb 16, 2010Readers suggest how to avoid risks during upsets.
Process Puzzler: Keep Incineration SafeJan 25, 2010Readers suggest how to deal with a cyanide-containing fuel.
Process Puzzler: Combat Column ContaminationDec 15, 2009Readers suggest how to tackle a troublesome tower.
Process Puzzler: Guard Against GasNov 10, 2009Readers suggest the source of a safety stumper.
Process Puzzler: Tell the Bosses the TruthOct 15, 2009Managements goal for a material balance likely isnt feasible.
Process Puzzler: Fix a Fluid Flow FlawSep 15, 2009Readers suggest solutions for dryer difficulties.
Process Puzzler: Master a Musty MessAug 13, 2009Readers suggest how to deal with a contamination source.
Tame a Troublesome ThermowellJul 23, 2009Readers suggest solutions for a fluid-bed corrosion issue.
Process Puzzler: Avoid Another Fatal AccidentJun 19, 2009Readers consider the causes of a deadly fire.
Process Puzzler: Eliminate Evaporator EffectMay 21, 2009Readers solve an evaporation pump problem.
Process Puzzler: Kayo a Cascade Control ComplicationApr 24, 2009Readers suggest how to properly regulate an exothermic reaction.
Clear Up a Compressor ConundrumMar 23, 2009Readers decipher a compressor surge.
Process Puzzler: Sidestep a Scale-up ScareMar 4, 2009Readers grapple with a reactor production change.
February Process Puzzler: Isolate Electrical IncidentsFeb 3, 2009Readers unravel a wiring riddle.
Process Puzzler: Soothe a Skittish SupervisorDec 16, 2008Readers weigh the wisdom of cladding exchanger tubes to answer last month's Process Puzzler.
Get out of the SoupDec 2, 2008Readers clarify a consistency complication.
Quell a Quality Control ConfrontationOct 27, 2008Readers recommend improvements for a pH control process
October Process Puzzler: Foil a Future FireOct 13, 2008Readers suggest ways to improve safety at a cylinder storage site. Also, December's Process Puzzler: Improving coagulant consistency.
September Process Puzzler: Fix a Fast Fouling FilterSep 5, 2008Readers suggest ways to improve operation and safety. Also included is November's Process Puzzler Question.
September 2008 Process Puzzler: Kayo a Drum ProblemAug 13, 2008Readers suggest ways to improve the performance of a pot
October's Puzzler: Change Layout and Operating Procedures to Reduce RiskAug 13, 2008
Process Puzzler: Deal with dryer drizzleJun 16, 2008Readers suggest ways to solve a spray interference problem
Process Puzzler Question: Lengthen media life and reduce operating costs in a pressure filterJun 16, 2008Our pressure filter suffers from excessive cake build-up. Although some caking is necessary for efficient filtering, it would be desirable to extend the running time. What do you suggest? Also, do you have any ideas on how we can lengthen media life or reduce operating costs?
August 2008: Designing a desulfurization processJun 1, 2008How would you improve this design?
November Process Puzzler: Deter dryer difficultiesOct 30, 2007Readers suggest how to improve reliability and avoid danger, in this month's Process Puzzler.
October Process Puzzler: Keep a float from sinking operationSep 27, 2007Readers suggest how to achieve reliable level measurement, in this month's Process Puzzler.
September Process Puzzler: Will steam get a plant into hot water?Aug 31, 2007Readers offer advice about switching a clean-in-place procedure.
August Process Puzzler: Remove operating problems not just an impurityAug 1, 2007Readers suggest how to keep sludge from clogging equipment in this month's Process Puzzler.
July Process Puzzler: Blow away conveying system problemsJul 6, 2007Readers suggest how to improve the reliability of a crucial blower in this month's Process Puzzler.
June Process Puzzler: Forestall furnace foiblesMay 16, 2007Readers suggest how to address a hard-running vaporizer in this month's Process Puzzler.
May Process Puzzler: Quick fix needed!Apr 24, 2007Readers recommend solutions for a pump control problem in this month's Chemical Processing Process Puzzler.
April Process Puzzler: What do we tell maintenance?Mar 29, 2007Readers identify problems with a relief system in April's Process Puzzler.
March Process Puzzler: Does removal approach offer a quicksilver lining?Mar 1, 2007Readers consider ways to clean mercury from scrubber blowdown in this month's Process Puzzler.
February's Process Puzzler: Improve a grandfathered unloading stationJan 30, 2007Readers suggest ways to improve a grandfathered unloading station in this month's Process Puzzler.
January Process Puzzler: Sticky valveJan 3, 2007Readers offer ideas for the cause of a sticky valve in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
December Process Puzzler: Debug a weigh feederNov 29, 2006Readers offer ideas for improving reliability of a weigh feeder in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
November Process Puzzler: Consider options for automationOct 31, 2006Readers suggest ways to automate an HCl absorber in this month's Process Puzzler in Chemical Processing.
October Process Puzzler: Improve centrifuge separation capacity, qualitySep 29, 2006Readers offer suggestions to improve centrifuge separation capacity and quality in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
September Process Puzzler: Uncovering cause of solid build-upSep 14, 2006Readers offer suggestions to improve reliability of a vibrating screen in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
August Process Puzzler: Avoiding a future accidentAug 22, 2006Readers suggest possible causes for a mysterious mixer explosion in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
July Process Puzzler: Prevent the burn-out of a mixerJun 28, 2006Readers suggest quick solutions to a solid-liquid mixing problem in Chemical Processing's monthly Process Puzzler feature.
May Process Puzzler: Boost the reliability of a solvent supply pumpMay 25, 2006Readers suggest solutions to cavitation in this month's Process Puzzler.
April 2006 Process Puzzler: Fixing a Fouled Flue Gas SystemMar 11, 2006Readers identify the cause of poor absorption in flue gas system in this month's process puzzler.
Making sense of temperature sensingJan 6, 2006Readers provide solutions to a thermowell problem in this month's Process Puzzler.
Condensate cripples compressorJan 5, 2006Readers offer tips on how to keep a standby compressor ready for service.
Track that spillJan 2, 2006Chemical Processing's readers offer tips about how to locate and identify a chemical spill.
Dont waste your boilersJan 2, 2006Chemical Processing's readers offer tips about how to properly isolate a waste heat boiler.
Know when the end is nearJan 2, 2006Chemical Processing's readers offer tips about how to determine resin-reaction end point.
Prevent heat-exchanger pluggingDec 30, 2005Readers suggest how to keep a solvent recovery system running smoothly.
Cure column hiccupsDec 29, 2005
Process Puzzler: Choose a pump wiselyMay 25, 2005Readers offer tips about how to choose the best pump for slurry service.
Process Manufacturing Puzzler: Stop solvent lossesApr 1, 2005A reader is sufferring significant solvent losses during his batch process. Read about how his peers might solve his problem.
Process Puzzler: Keep cables in their placeFeb 21, 2005A Chemical Processing reader was looking for a solution to a cable hanger problem. At his plant, a 200-lb. cable bundle supported by cable hangers fell and injured one man. Read what advice our readers had for him and take a look at next months' question.
Process Puzzler: Serve up better column operationDec 21, 2004Readers tackle Chemical Processing's process puzzler question and offer tips about how to keep a stripper column from flooding.


text:
Java::JVM::Classfile - Parse JVM Classfiles
use Java::JVM::Classfile;
my $c = Java::JVM::Classfile->new("HelloWorld.class");
print "Class: " . $c->class . "\n";
print "Methods: " . scalar(@{$c->methods}) . "\n";
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is an abstract machine which processes JVM classfiles. Such classfiles contain, broadly speaking, representations of the Java methods and member fields forming the definition of a single class, information to support the exception mechanism and a system for representing additional class attributes. The JVM itself exists primarily to load and link classfiles into the running machine on demand (performed by the Class Loader), represent those classes internally by means of a number of runtime data structures and facilitate execution (a role shared between the Execution Engine (which is responsible for execution of JVM instructions) and the Native Method Interface which allows a Java program to execute non-Java code, generally ANSI C/C++.
This Perl module reveals the information in a highly-compressed JVM classfile by representing the information as a series of objects. It is hoped that this module will eventually lead to a JVM implementation in Perl (or Parrot), or possibly a way-ahead-of-time (WAT) to Perl (or Parrot) compiler for Java.
It is important to remember that the Java classfile is highly-compressed. Classfiles are intended to be as small as possible as they are often sent across the network. This may explain the slightly odd object tree. One of the most important things to consider is the idea of a constant pool. All constants (constant strings, method names and signatures etc.) are clustered in the constant pool at the start of the classfile, and sprinkled throughout the file are references to the constant pool. The module attempts to hide this optimisation as much as possible from the user, however.
It is probably important to at least have briefly read "The JavaTM Virtual Machine Specification", http://java.sun.com/docs/books/vmspec/
This is the constructor, it takes the filename of the classfile to parse and returns an object:
my $c = Java::JVM::Classfile->new("HelloWorld.class");
This method returns the magic number for the classfile. All valid classfiles should have the magic number 0xCAFEBABE:
my $magic = $c->magic;
This method returns the version of the classfile. The version consists of a major number and a minor number. For example, "45.3" has major number 45 and minor number 3:
my $version = $c->version;
This method returns the name of the class that this classfile corresponds to:
my $class = $c->class;
This method returns the name of the superclass of the class that this classfile corresponds to:
my $superclass = $c->superclass;
This method returns the constant pool entries as an array reference. Each entry is an object. Currently undocumented.
my $constant_pool = $c->constant_pool;
This method returns the access flags for the class as an array reference. Possible flags are:
- abstract
Declared abstract; may not be instantiated
- final
Declared final; no subclasses allowed
- interface
Is an interface, not a class
- public
Declared public; may be accessed from outside its package
- super
Treat superclass methods specially when invoked by the invokespecial instruction
print "Flags: " . join(", ", @{$c->access_flags}) . "\n";
This method returns an array reference of the interfaces defined in the classfile:
my $interfaces = $c->interfaces;
This method returns an array reference of the fields defined in the classfile:
my $fields = $c->fields;
This method returns an array reference of the methods defined in the classfile:
my $methods = $c->methods;
Each Java method is represented by an object which has the following methods: name, descriptor, access_flags and attributes. name and descriptor return the method name and descriptor. Possible access flags are:
- abstract
Declared abstract; no implementation is provided
- final
Declared final; may not be overridden
- native
Declared native; implemented in a language other than Java
- private
Declared private; accessible only within the defining class
- protected
Declared protected; may be accessed within subclasses
- public
Declared public; may be accessed from outside its package
- static
Declared static
- strict
Declared strictfp; floating-point mode is FP-strict
- synchronized
Declared synchronized; invocation is wrapped in a monitor lock
Various attributes are possible, the most common being the Code attribute, where the value holds information about the Java bytecode for the method:
foreach my $method (@{$c->methods}) {
print " " . $method->name . " " . $method->descriptor;
print "\n ";
print "is " . join(", ", @{$method->access_flags});
print "\n ";
print "has attributes: ";
foreach my $att (@{$method->attributes}) {
my $name = $att->name;
my $value = $att->value;
if ($att->name eq 'Code') {
print " $name: ";
print "stack(" . $value->max_stack . ")";
print ", locals(" . $value->max_locals . ")\n";
foreach my $instruction (@{$value->code}) {
print $instruction->label . ':' if defined $instruction->label;
print "\t" . $instruction->op . "\t" . (join ", ", @{$instruction->args}) . "\n";
print "\n";
foreach my $att2 (@{$value->attributes}) {
my $name2 = $att2->name;
my $value2 = $att2->value;
if ($name2 eq 'LineNumberTable') {
print "\tLineNumberTable (offset, line)\n";
print "\t" . $_->offset . ", " . $_->line . "\n" foreach (@$value2);
} else {
print "!\t$name2 = $value2\n";
} else {
print "!\t$name $value\n";
print "\n";
Note that in the case of the Code attribute, the value contains an object which has three main methods: max_stack (the maximum depth of stack needed by the method), max_locals (the number of local variables used by the method), code (returns an arrayref of instruction objects which have op, args and label methods), and attributes. One attribute that Code can have is the LineNumberTable attributes, which has an arrayref of objects as a value. These have offset and line methods, representing a link between bytecode offset and sourcecode line.
This method returns an array reference of the attributes defined in the classfile. Attributes are common in many places in the classfile - here in particular we have the classfile attributes.
my $attributes = $c->attributes;
Attributes are represented by an object that has name and value methods:
foreach my $attribute (@{$c->attributes}) {
print " " . $attribute->name . " = " . $attribute->value . "\n";
Possible attributes include the SourceFile attribute, the value of which is the source file that was compiled into this classfile.
A number of classfile features are not currently supported. This will be fixed real soon now.
Not enough test programs.
Leon Brocard <email@example.com>
Copyright (C) 2001-7, Leon Brocard
This module is free software; you can redistribute it or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thanks to Aubyn, I discovered failblog.org. While I try to limit my blog to personal stuff (really, it's all about ME!), I just could not resist posting this.
Oh, and I find out on Saturday whether or not I made the lottery for the Wasatch 100!!
Finding these sites is like falling down a rabbit hole; you never know what you will see or how far you will go.
I've been up at night just clicking "previous" over and over reading pages and pages of Fail. Love it!
Hahaha - that is hilarious!
That. Is. Awesome.


text:
Dancing Cow and Pigs, Las Vegas, NV, 2000
Dancing Cow and Pigs, Las Vegas, NV, 2000
from 350.00
Limited Edition Archival Pigment Ink Prints
Prints in this edition are limited, as follows:
Regular Edition- (11x14 and 16x20 sizes combined) Total prints- 50
Oversized Edition- (20x28 size) Total prints- 15
Regular Edition prints are supplied with overmats.
Oversized Edition prints are supplied as "loose" prints, only.
For detailed Print Presentation Information, click here.
Free shipping is included with any print purchase. All work is completed exclusively by the photographer.
Please Note- Purchased prints will not contain the copyright watermark shown in the lower left of the displayed image.
Print Size:
Note- To Checkout after you've added an item to your Cart, click the Shopping Cart Icon located on the right-hand side of the main navigation links at the top of this page.


text:
Twitter. Bulletin boards. And even internet chats. These are all forums of communication and public record. According to an alleged leaked memo, McDonald's Japan branch has drawn up a list of things that are okay—and not okay—to say online.
But in the process, McDonald's just spawned a new meme tearing up Twitter among delicious burgers. Let's dig in.
Japanese website Get News first published the leaked memo earlier yesterday (Kotaku reached out to McDonald's Japan today, but did not get a reply). The alleged memo, titled "Rules Concerning the Use of Social Media" (ソーシャルメディアの利用に関するルール), is a laundry list of things that seem like common sense for employees of large corporations, such as not saying things which might hurt people's feelings.
Examples of bad online comments were saying customers were "gross" or saying bad things about handicapped people as well as writing online when celebrities swing by local McDonald's branches. Other things the alleged leaked list touched on was leaking information—yes, the irony should not be lost.
The alleged memo does ask employees to show their support for McDonald's, giving this now infamous example of a good online comment: "Chicken Tatsuta is delicious! It's my favorite burger! (チキンタツタ美味しい!一番好きなバーガーです! or "Chikin tatsuta oishii! Ichiban sukina baagaa desu!") That comment has quickly become a meme in Japan and is currently tearing up Twitter (search here to see the flood of Chicken Tatsuta tweets). The tweet rush is believed to be from users of 2ch, Japan's largest bulletin board, who are perhaps perturbed by these apparent attempts to dictate online speech. Or maybe they just love a tasty burger.
Last fall, a McDonald's employee got in a tweet spate after some teens held a "potato party", buying an unreal number of french fries. Get News believes that the current sixty second campaign McDonald's is running in Japan has prompted the fast food chain to supposedly mete out these rules of online behavior for employees, so they don't use the internet as a space to vent.
And now, I'm hungry for a Chicken Tatsuta. You know, it's my favorite burger.
マクドナルド「Twitter・LINE・2ちゃんねるで発言規制」と全国店舗通達にクルー困惑 「チキンタツタ美味しい!」は発言可能 [Get News]
「チキンタツタ美味しい!一番好きなバーガーです!」がTwitterや2chで大量拡散中 [Get News]
Culture Smash is a regular dose of things topical, interesting and sometimes even awesome—game related and beyond.
Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.


text:
Alex Mendez & Team
Fund: Storm Ventures, Inc.
Posted by Anonymous on 2011-03-25
Had the opportunity to pitch Alex Mendez and a few of his associates. Alex was interested in the business idea and you could tell right off the bat. The team asked well informed and thoughtful questions and gave us a bit of extra time to go through some of the finer details. After the meeting they followed up within a reasonable time-frame.
In the end, Storm decided to forgo the opportunity. Of the VCs we pitched, I was disappointed as I could see Alex being a very strong contributor and supporter.PRIVATE: Members Only


text:
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A press of a button signals for help and allows you to speak with an Emergency Hotline Agent directly through your device.
Real Time GPS Location Tracking
Help is always close at hand, even if you're lost or unable to communicate your location. Our GPS technology will detect your location in real time so help can reach you as quickly as possible. Your personal emergency contacts will also be able to locate you on their computers and mobile devices.
24/7 Response Centre
An Emergency Hotline Agent is available to assist you any time, day or night. These trained professionals can contact Emergency Responders such as paramedics and police, and notify your personal emergency contacts on your behalf.
Auto Alerts to Family & Friends
You can choose up to four contacts to receive alerts in the event of a personal emergency, either through email or text messages " whichever suits your needs.
Fall Detection Technology
When your device detects a fall it automatically sends an alert to our 24/7 Response Centre and to your personal emergency contacts – without having to press a button.
Geo-Fence Alerts
For those living with dementia, autism and many other conditions, wandering can be a constant concern. With Geo-Fence alerts, you'll be notified if your family member wanders outside of the safe areas designated by you.
Benefits of Medical Alert System in Soquel California
These types of emergency systems have many benefits associated with them. One of the main benefits is that they provide help to individuals when they cannot get to a telephone to call emergency medical services. Since the medical alert devices are worn on their wrists or around their necks, all they have to do is to reach up and hit the designated button and they will be contacted with the medical alert company right away. This convenience is one benefit of the medical system.
Another benefit to the medical system is that it provides independence to individuals who may not have been able to live alone without such a device. By having this type of system in place, if the individual is a senior citizen they will feel confident in living alone as will their family members who know that a medical alert system is right by their side.
Medical alert devices are also quite reasonable in cost. Depending on the type of system one orders, they may have to pay for the devices in addition to a monthly monitoring fee. The prices will vary from company to company in Guam but overall the price is reasonable and is usually around $30 per month. When viewing everything that one gets for this price it can easily be justified and seen as a great deal.
Soquel Medical Alert System
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Questions about the Personal Emergency Response System
Does the medical alert system come with other services? Some medical alert systems come with additional services such as medication reminders, glucose monitoring reminders, and the like. It's good to know what other services can be included with the purchase of your services, so make sure you ask what's included.
7. What happens if something goes wrong with my equipment? Most of us hate reading the fine print. I challenge anyone out there to read the "terms and conditions" of the 5 or 6 medical alert devices you want to evaluate (gives me a headache even thinking about doing that again). So that in mind, I would encourage anyone making a decision on a particular device to ask; What happens if your system goes down? Does someone come out to fix it? Will they send you another one asap? Do you need to send the dysfunctional system back? etc. Also, one other point… when you have narrowed down your choice, read the fine print by looking up the terms-and-conditions of the particular provider on their websites.
8. Does the medical alert system include "automatic fall detection"? Medical alert systems have come a long way in the last 5 years. Today's advanced systems can detect when a user has fallen automatically. It's all in the advanced algorithms developed by brilliant engineers and embedded into small devices which are saving lives everyday. These smart-systems can distinguish (in most cases) between when someone has actually fallen, and when someone has decided to sit down abruptly. "The big three" that (currently) offer automatic fall detection are Halo Monitoring Systems, Wellcore Personal Emergency Response, and Philips Lifeline with auto alert.
9. Am I purchasing these devices, or leasing them, or neither? Goes back to my prior suggestion about reading the fine print… Find out (ahead of time) whether the equipment is yours or not. What happens if you no longer require the equipment? What happens if you damage the equipment?
10. What is my total yearly cost? This gets down to "brass tax"… How much does this cost me each year (total cash outflow). Enough said.
Nearest Medical System to You In Santa Cruz County 95073
How to pick the right one in CA
As the population ages, the range of services for seniors increases. The medical alarm is one of those pieces of technology that has grown in popularity. Where there were once only a few businesses offering medical alert systems, there are now dozens. So, how does one choose the best medical alarm out of the many options available?
One of the most important features of a medical alarm is the monitoring service. If an individual has made the decision that they need an alert system, then they have made the decision that they may need outside help in case of an emergency. If the monitoring system fails or is unsatisfactory, then the alert system is inadequate. A monitoring system should be a monitoring centre, not be a direct call to 911. Many people who utilize medical alert systems simply require outside support such as a friend or family member, not emergency services. A monitoring service can provide this support. Secondly, the provider of the medical alarm should own the monitoring service. This way, the professionals who answer the alarm are qualified by the standards of the medical alarm company.
Medical alert systems should be easy to install. Most should take a matter of minutes to set up. If a system's set-up seems too onerous or complicated, then the company has not fully considered the needs of their clientele. The installation should be easy or provided free-of-charge. They should also provide long-term, 24/7 technical support.
Another element to consider is the company's history and reputation. There are companies who have been in the business of medical alert systems for decades. These companies know their business and are more likely to have proven equipment. The company that only started offering medical alarms in the past couple of years is less likely to thoroughly understand the needs of their clients. The new company is also less likely to have amassed positive testimonials – do a simple Google search to find out what others say about the company and the services offered.
How a Medical Alert System helps you?
If you are looking for a medical alert system to protect an elderly loved one, be sure to do your homework. There are a lot of companies out there that offer personal emergency response systems with a number of features and benefits that are very useful and others with serious limitations. For example medical alert phones may be a practical solution for your elderly loved one if they are comfortable with the technology and you believe that they are not in a great risk of falling in becoming incapacitated. A medical alert phone is more or less a wireless phone that you can program with an auto dial feature. It allows the user to carry the telephone around and be able to present auto dial button and be connected with friends, relatives or emergency response professionals but it does require them to be able to access the telephone, operate the telephone and communicate with the person that they're calling.
The trouble with these medical alert phones is that in the event of a sudden illness, fainting or slip and fall the elderly user may not be able to find, use or even remember that they have the phone. On the plus side, these systems are cheaper than medical monitoring systems as there is no monthly monitoring service to pay for. By getting your senior citizen a reliable mobile phone and preprogramming personal contact numbers into autodial you pretty much accomplish the same effect. We're not knocking these phones we just want to point out that while they give the user access to a telephone service remotely the system is only as strong as its weakest link.
When an elderly person falls chances are they are going to be disoriented. If they are too confused to find and operate a remote medical alert phones they will not be able to use this system to summon help.
A more practical solution is a medical alert system that can be activated using a pushbutton that is worn around the neck as a pendant or on the wrist like a watch. These medical alarm systems will allow your parent to maintain an independent lifestyle because you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that they can get help simply by pushing a button.


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Demand for motors increased for a third straight quarter during the second quarter of 2012 as NEMA's Motors Shipments Index increased 5.3% from the previous quarter. This surge follows on the heels of a 5.9% (revised) gain posted in the first quarter of this year and a 3.6% gain recorded in the fourth quarter of the last year. Since bottoming out in the second quarter of 2009, during the depths of the Great Recession, the index has climbed a cumulative 53% — and has topped its pre-recession high for five straight quarters. Growth in the fractional horsepower segment of the motors market dipped below that of the integral horsepower segment in the second half of 2011, but rebounded strongly in the first half of 2012. The inflation adjusted dollar value of fractional horsepower motors shipments has almost doubled between the second quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2012, while the value of integral horsepower motors shipments increased by almost a third over the same period.
Motors shipments have benefited from strong manufacturing sector growth early this year, but that growth appears to be in the process of slowing. Although the manufacturing sector experienced a surge of activity in the first quarter of 2012, the second quarter showed a weak annualized gain of only 1.4%. Looking forward, the Institute of Supply Management manufacturing indices for new orders and export orders remain sluggish. While the weak 2012 Q2 growth performance probably represented a low water mark, annualized increases in output are seen running no higher than the mid-2% ranges for the rest of 2012 and the whole of 2013.
Recent data on durable goods orders also point toward a slowing of the manufacturing recovery, with orders of durable goods contracting year-on-year by 1% in June. Overall, most of the incoming data indicates that manufacturing growth, one of the few bright spots in the recovery to date, is moderating amidst slow, but positive, progress in the U.S. economy. Nonetheless, the electrical manufacturing industry is expected to advance at a steady annual pace over the next two years.


text:
The cornea is an ideal model for studying in vivo angiogenesis since it is avascular and therefore any vascular development is the result of introduced material. Originally developed for rabbit eyes, it has also been adapted for mice, which are more widely used.¹,²
The assay is carried out by first creating a pocket in the cornea where the compound of interest is inserted. A variety of material can be used to hold the test cells containing angiogenic compounds in suspension, including sponges, ethylene vinyl copolymer, or Hydron. The vascular response can then be monitored by direct observation using either a stereomicroscope or slit lamp.
It is also possible to quantify the amount of vascularization by measuring the area of vessel penetration or by employing fluorescence techniques. Advantages of this assay include the ability to monitor progress of vessel formation, the absence of existing background vasculature, and adaptation for use in mice. Disadvantages to consider include the need to perform a demanding surgical procedure which imposes limitations on the size of the study and the development of inflammation is common and may interfere with visualization.
- Hartwell D, Butterfield C, Frenette P et al. (1998). Angiogenesis in P- and E-selectin-deficient mice. Microcirculation. 5(2-3):173-178.
- Presta M, Rusnati M, Belleri M et al. (1999). Purine analogue 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside inhibits early and late phases of the angiogenesis process. Cancer Res. 59(10):2417-2424.
LT172 updated 7-Oct-2011
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.


text:
Are your 3rd-5th grade students learning the skills they need to conduct online research? Last year the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project conducted a survey of over 2,000 advanced placement (AP) and National Writing Project (NWP) teachers to determine their perspectives on students' research habits and the impact of technology on their studies.
The survey report How Teens Do Research in the Digital World concludes that virtually all (99%) survey participants agree "the internet enables students to access a wider range of resources than would otherwise be available." At the same time, a significant majority of these teachers strongly agreed that students expect to be able to find information quickly and easily using the internet. 83% felt that the amount of information available online is overwhelming to most students. 71% agreed that today's technologies discourage students from using a wide range of resources for their research. 60% agreed that these technologies make it harder for students to find credible sources of information.
There's a lot that 3rd to 5th grade teachers can do give students the foundational skills they need to tackle rigorous research projects throughout their academic careers AND address the Common Core State Standards that concern informational text:
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.9 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
Check out session 5, "New Literacies of the Internet," in the video workshop Teaching Reading 3-5. In the video, Donald Leu of the University of Connecticut clarifies some of the differences between reading narrative text and reading informational text, and then defines five skill areas that students need to draw on to learn from online information.
- Identifying important questions: In the video you'll see educators helping students generate questions on topics such as global warming and colonial American history. Good questions lead to good searches.
- Searching for information: Young researchers can too easily get in the habit of clicking on anything that turns up on a search results page. The teachers in the session 5 video walk students through taking a close look at search result summaries to make inferences about which sites will be the most useful.
- Analyzing and evaluating information: You can learn a lot from an "About Us" page. When was the information created? Who created it and why?
- Synthesizing information: Dr. Leu points out that synthesis is different on the internet. In print, the text is contained. Online, the text is constructed as students navigate from link to link. Skimming and scanning with purpose are important here. Students need to practice monitoring themselves to keep from getting distracted from their purpose for reading. Graphic organizers to the rescue!
- Communicating information: Students can practice safe and authentic online communications by sharing their research efforts with other students. How about 3rd graders creating a shared list of the "best" sites for learning about Egyptian civilization?
You can use the session's Literacy Practice Portfolio to reflect on your current practice and to plan for implementing new techniques. And when today's third grader astonishes his future AP teacher with his online research acumen, you will hear distant applause.


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Monday, January 25, 2010
What I Learned Writing a Book about Warren Buffett: Part I
The Mini-Meeting: January 20, 2010, 8:30 a.m.
The most surprising thing about this "mini" Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting is the intimacy.
Leaving a raw winter's morning outside and entering the warm confines of downtown Omaha's Holland Performing Arts Center, named after Dick Holland, an early Buffett investor (circa 1958) and advertising executive—Buffett would grill him for information before buying shares of advertising agencies in the 1970's—there are no crowds, no lines, and no spectacle.
There are, in fact, only a handful of shareholders in the lobby.
Some have come by cab directly from the airport—these are East-Coasters, for the most part, wearing suits and ties beneath wool overcoats—while others have driven in from the snowy neighborhoods west of downtown Omaha, wearing parkas or jackets and boots. All are chatting quietly or milling around outside the doors to the 2,000-seat Peter Kiewit concert hall, where the meeting will start in about an hour.
Indeed, so laid back, so folksy and so accessible is this meeting that the reasonably alert observer can see Mid-American Energy CEO David Sokol, Warren Buffett's heir-apparent (at least, for now: more on this later), chatting it up with a few long-time Berkshire investors from the New York City area.
And there is Mark Hamburg, the Berkshire CFO—head down and papers in hand, moving among shareholders and staff members—but looking more like a harried mid-level accountant for the local electric utility than the CFO of one of the largest companies on earth who happens to be orchestrating a special meeting that will help create more shareholders for that company than its CEO ever cared to have.
Even the CEO himself, Warren Buffett, can be glimpsed in between several moveable screens that were set up to wall off a portion of the lobby from us, the shareholders.
Inside that space Buffett is meeting the press, but if you stand just right you can see him talking animatedly with a half-dozen reporters (all male, for some reason) about the Kraft deal (Kraft has announced an end-around plan in its efforts to buy Cadbury which neuters Buffett, its biggest shareholder, and he is angry), about the Obama tax proposals (the President, whose candidacy Buffett vocally supported, is lashing out at banks, and Buffett is uneasy), and about the economy (stabilized, according to Buffett, but not zooming ahead) while photographers move around him like he is Brangelina, their cameras snapping only a couple feet from his head.
Paparazzi aside, this must be very much like a Berkshire annual meeting back in the days before Buffett created the "Class B" shares and let the riff-raff in.
Ah, but one other difference is now noticeable: a tall, well dressed, man—easily 6' 4"—stands discretely nearby, on our side of the screens. And though he makes no move to restrict the few curious bystanders edging towards the break in the panels to watch Buffett, we all can see the coiled wire rising from the collar of his dark business suit to something in his ear: he is a bodyguard. So despite the informality of it all, nobody ventures too close to listen to the "Oracle of Omaha."
Suddenly a woman's disembodied voice calls out sharply from behind the screens: "Okay, now we'll do broadcast."
"Great," Buffett says in his husky voice, sounding oddly happy about the change despite the fact that he—a billionaire for whom time and money are inextricably linked—is being made to schlep from one group of reporters to another. For a man rooted in the deep-seated sexism of the 1950's (he once posed his Board of Directors, males and females alike, among the silicone-enhanced staffers of a Hooters restaurant for the annual Berkshire Christmas card), it seems that Becky Quick and Betty Liu are more fun to talk to than a bunch of middle-aged men.
And thus the band of reporters surrounding him disperses, and Buffett moves away from the crack in the partition to an unseen seat in front of unseen television cameras. The few curious onlookers disperse, and the bodyguard relaxes.
It's time to go inside the concert hall.
But this modest effort requires proving one's shareholder credentials, which are being checked by two friendly women seated behind a table—a setup more like a church pot luck supper than a shareholder meeting for one of the world's largest companies. Before entering, you must prove ownership of Berkshire Hathaway stock, otherwise you will not be handed the movie theater-style ticket to the meeting itself (no large plastic "Shareholder" badges here, as at the annual shindig).
Fortunately I've brought along a copy of my brokerage statement showing the Berkshire shares—the prospectus did say ownership was required—but next to me is a couple from suburban Omaha who, despite having braved the rotten weather, which is just cold enough to turn the sidewalks to a sheet of ice, have nothing relevant to show the ladies.
The couple protests—nicely: this is Omaha, not Manhattan—that they had no idea they'd have to show proof of ownership, and while I don't wait around to hear what happens, I can't imagine they won't get in: "Woodstock for Capitalists" this is not.
It's more like an old Allman Brothers concert at the Fillmore East, though decidedly upscale, and without the chemistry experiments in the bathrooms, if you get my drift.
Thus it is that I have journeyed again to the heart of Berkshire Hathaway—downtown Omaha, Nebraska—this time on an icy, overcast day, and taking a chance that the so-called Oracle of that very Midwestern city will take questions above and beyond the stated purpose of this simple, straightforward shareholder meeting: to approve a 50-for-1 stock split in the Berkshire 'B' shares. (For reasons why Warren Buffett is, in reality, no 'Oracle'—world's great investor, yes; Oracle, no—pick up a copy of "Pilgrimage to Warren Buffett's Omaha" at Amazon.com.)
And it will prove worth the trip.
No, Charlie Munger—Berkshire Hathaway's acerbic Vice-Chairman and the business partner without whom Warren Buffett would not have created Berkshire as we know it—is not in attendance, although Buffett will make up for Munger's absence in a particularly Buffett-like manner.
Nor will attendance approach the 30,000-plus faithful that will likely cram into the nearby Qwest Center arena for the annual meeting come May 1.
Nor will Buffett take questions for anything close to the 5-plus hours he and Munger will do at that event.
But there will still be a few goodies today, including the fact that not a single "What should I do with my life?"-type questions will be asked by the more informed shareholders who bothered to come, which means that we will learn a few things about the Burlington Northern acquisition, about Warren Buffett himself, and about why it is that Kraft's issuance of under-valued stock bothers Buffett mightily, yet the very reason we are having a shareholder meeting is to approve a stock split that will facilitate an acquisition by Warren Buffett using his own under-valued stock.
Stay tuned.
Jeff Matthews
I Am Not Making This Up
© 2009 NotMakingThisUp, LLC
The content contained in this blog represents only the opinions of Mr. Matthews, who also acts as an advisor: clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice, and should never be relied on in making an investment decision, ever. Also, this blog is not a solicitation of business: all inquiries will be ignored. The content herein is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Seattle, First City of Disposable Plastic Thermos Containers
Well, Starbucks finally has its act together, if Wednesday's earnings release is any indication.
At least, its financial act.
Starbucks' environmental act still leaves a lot to be desired—particularly here in the U.S., where getting a Starbucks coffee in a ceramic mug is harder to accomplish than getting a three-pump, no-foam, half-decaf, non-fat, no-whip, extra-hot moca.
In the U.K., we should note, the situation is quite the opposite. There, instead of automatically serving coffee in a paper cup, Starbucks baristas prepare it in a mug. If you want the paper cup, you have to ask for it.
The environmental friendliness over there stems, no doubt, from the Italian espresso bar—where patrons come in, down a coffee while standing, and then head back out into the world—being ingrained in the European psyche.
Americans, on the other hand, are simply accustomed to getting their morning coffee in what amount to disposable thermos containers made of paper cups and plastic lids—capped off in the case of Starbucks by long green plastic swizzle sticks designed exclusively to plug the tiny hole in the lid—before heading for the office in their Tahoes, Escalades and Tacomas.
Still, you might think that a company based in Seattle—a city that has an "Office of Sustainability and Environment" and calls itself "a national leader in raising awareness and inspiring action on many environmental issues"—would be a little more focused than the average fast-food joint on reducing the detritus of paper cups and plastic caps and plastic cups and paper wraps and long green plastic swizzle sticks designed exclusively to plug the tiny hole in the lid that fill up the trash containers at every Starbucks we've ever been to.
But you'd be wrong: the average Starbucks, at least in the U.S., recycles as much as the average frat house after pub night.
Besides which, the domestic Starbucks operating manual for CEO Howard Schultz's beloved "baristas" seems to devote no space whatsoever to ways of minimizing the use of those disposable paper and plastic thermos containers for customers who don't have to drive to the office in their Tahoes, if your editor's recent interaction is any indication.
That interaction happened in a Philadelphia Starbucks, where we asked for a venti (large, in Starbucks parlance) skim latte in a mug, and then began to set up for an hour's worth of work in between meetings.
After some efforts behind the counter, the barista called out that their one remaining venti mug—this is in a Starbucks in the city of Philadelphia—was chipped, and would I mind if he….
I didn't quite catch his alternative above the noise of place, but usually they just put it in a smaller mug, which is no big deal, so I nodded and said "no problem."
And what he did was this: he filled a smaller mug with three-quarters of a venti skim latte and put the rest—maybe an inch or so of coffee—in a venti paper cup with a plastic lid and a brown paper wrapper around it.
The only thing he didn't do was stick a long plastic swizzle stick in the hole in the plastic lid.
And we are not making this up.
Jeff Matthews
I Am Not Making This Up
© 2009 NotMakingThisUp, LLC
The content contained in this blog represents only the opinions of Mr. Matthews, who also acts as an advisor: clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice, and should never be relied on in making an investment decision, ever. Also, this blog is not a solicitation of business: all inquiries will be ignored. The content herein is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Goldman 8, Public Zero…The Teachable Moment of Bare Escentuals
We've been radio silent here at NotMakingThisUp the last week or so, for what we hope will prove good reasons.
The first reason is that for the past week your editor has been in conference meetings at Ground Zero of Healthcare Reform.
Now, Ground Zero of Healthcare Reform is, in our view, not Washington DC, where the legislation itself is being worked out. (And by "worked out" we mean "bribed, weaseled and compromised by ignorant Congresspersons").
Ground Zero of Healthcare Reform, at least for the last few days, has actually been San Francisco, California. More specifically, it has been the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference—an annual confab of pretty much every CEO, CFO, VC or scientist who ever started up, ran, founded or otherwise had something to do with a company that performs the actual hard work of keeping healthy a nation of 300 million uniquely diverse (at least among the ranks of "developed nations" with which our healthcare quality gets blithely compared) human beings.
The second reason for the radio silence is that we're gearing up to participate in Bloomberg Television's coverage of the mini-Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting next week, at which Berkshire shareholders will be voting to do something Warren Buffett swore would never happen under his watch: the splitting of Berkshire's stock.
No matter, this morning's headlines brought a good reason to break that silence: the acquisition of Bare Escentuals, a publically-traded cosmetics company (ticker BARE) based right here in San Francisco, by Shiseido, a large Japanese counterpart, for $18.20 a share in cold, hard, US dollars.
Now, as far as deals go, this really shouldn't be an attention grabber, but stay with us while we get to the "teachable moment."
The winners in the deal are, of course, existing Bare Escentuals shareholders, who happen to include the company founder, a private equity firm, and the many institutions and individuals who bothered buying the stock on their own free will.
The losers would mainly be short-sellers, who according to our Bloomberg are stuck with 5.3 million such shares they must now buy back ("He who sells what isn't his'n," as the old Jessie Livermore phrase goes, "must buy it back or go to prison").
Another class of losers, however, would be pretty much anybody who took Goldman Sachs' advice to sell their BARE stock just six weeks ago. Indeed, more than 5 million shares changed hands in the two days following Goldman's early December move from the always-meaningless "Neutral" rating to the rare "Sell" rating, and the stock traded down $2, wiping out $200 million of the company's valuation.
Now, there was good reason investors took Goldman Sachs' advice to sell their BARE stock.
After all, it was Goldman Sachs who led the Bare Escentuals public offering back in November 2006, pricing 16 million shares at $22.00 a share.
And it was Goldman Sachs who successfully led a 12 million share secondary at $34.50 in early 2007, which Goldman's crack Equity Research Team quickly followed by slapping a "Buy" rating on BARE stock, with a target price of $44.00 a share.
"But wait, there's more!"
Three months later, it was Goldman Sachs who, once again, plugged the Street with more stock, this time selling 8 million shares of BARE at $36.50.
Finally, the Street had had enough of Bare Escentuals: the stock sold off ten points that summer and never really recovered.
But this did not deter Goldman's Equity Research Team, for in the manner of equity research teams everywhere, Goldman's Finest changed their "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" only after all the deals were done.
And Goldman's Finest stuck with that "Neutral"rating even while the stock performed in a decidedly non-Neutral fashion: it cratered all the way down to $2.45 a share in March 2009.
Now, you might think such a ridiculous price would have merited an upgrade: that $2.45 per-share valuation amounted to only 3-times EBITDA, a steel-company multiple for a non-steel-company-like 70% gross margin, 28% operating margin business.
Besides, if you liked it a $36.50, shouldn't you love it at $2.45?
You might think that, but you'd be wrong. In fact, Goldman kept its "Neutral" rating and thus missed a 425% rally in shares of BARE until the stock hit $13.00 a share—where Goldman's Finest deemed the shares an outright "Sell" just over a month ago.
By our count, that's three overpriced stock offerings and four bad research calls, for a score of Goldman 7, Public 0.
And it is here now that we get to our Teachable Moment.
You might think this sort of performance would hurt Goldman Sachs—i.e. that there might be some sort of loss of credibility in the matter of Bare Escentuals which would have a negative financial implication down the road for Goldman Sachs, Inc.
And you would already be wrong.
Because the financial advisor to Bare Escentuals in its acquisition by Shiseido is none other than…
Yes, you got it.
Goldman 8, Public 0.
Jeff Matthews
I Am Not Making This Up
© 2009 NotMakingThisUp, LLC
The content contained in this blog represents only the opinions of Mr. Matthews, who also acts as an advisor: clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice, and should never be relied on in making an investment decision, ever. Also, this blog e at NotMakingThisUp, and for what we hope will prove good reasons.
is not a solicitation of business: all inquiries will be ignored. The content herein is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.
Monday, January 04, 2010
New Year's Resolution: Think For Yourself
It was a cool Florida evening one year ago next month when your editor joined a distinguished investment strategist, familiar from near-constant CNBC exposure, and a third market observer on a makeshift stage in the dining room of a country club to discuss the economy and the prospects for the stock market—such as they were, in those gloomy days—before a solemn group of Chartered Financial Analysts from the local financial community.
The crowd had reason to be solemn.
The news was horrible and getting worse. Indeed, the financial crisis then gathering steam outside the tree-shaded windows of the club would not reach a peak for another four weeks before finally culminating in that apocalyptic March, 2009 print of "666" on the S&P 500.
The lessons of Warren Buffett—whose high-profile, crisis-defying investments in Goldman Sachs and GE were looking pretty stupid—seemed quaint, old-school and positively out-dated as we faced the crowd.
Who wanted to "put all your eggs in one basket and watch that basket," as Buffett liked to say, when Buffett acolytes such as Bill Miller—his so-called "Value Trust" fund had lost a third of its value in the previous ten years—were watching their concentrated portfolios getting crushed in the financial collapse?
And so it came as no surprise that your editor was figuratively elbowed aside when the Famous Strategist took control of the discussion, delivering in a loud and booming voice a vision of the future that no doubt made the hot coffee turn to ice in the throats of the gathered host.
Your editor kept only a few notes of the session, being seated on a stage next to the Famous Strategist and being more concerned with addressing the questions at hand, as opposed to writing down what the Famous Strategist was advising the CFAs in attendance, but we did jot down enough to preserve the gist.
And it was not pretty.
"The economy is gonna be an underachiever for several years…the consumer has adjusted to a new reality," was one line. So far, nothing shocking here: both statements are quite reasonable, even for stock-market optimists.
"There's another trillion dollars in losses that are gonna be taken by the banks." Now, pessimists would argue that the verdict on this statement isn't in yet—that the Alt-A mortgage time bomb has yet to explode, for one thing.
But by our Bloomberg, the combined trailing-12-month losses of the 21 institutions that comprise JP Morgan, Citigroup, BB&T, Bank of America and the whole rotten crew of banks described by our Famous Strategist, amount to not-losses at all, but profits.
Specifically, they amount to operating profits of $10 billion and net income of $5 billion for the twelve months encompassing the worst of the crisis—from fourth quarter 2008 through the first three quarters of 2009.
Of course, JP Morgan alone has taken $30 billion in loan loss provisions during that time, and the rest of the bunch has likewise been taking losses along the way on their Bubble-Era loan books. So, "another trillion dollars" of loan loss provisions, as predicted by the Famous Strategist, may well be the final tally when the cycle is concluded.
But, thus far, those losses have been more than made up for by profits.
As for investment advice, our Famous Strategist couldn't have been clearer: "The financials are a graveyard of bad investment, and they're illiquid, most of the large ones…" he warned the audience. "The government can say what they want, but they're gonna have to nationalize these institutions—treat 'em like Fannie and Freddie, which is the walking dead."
Since those words were spoken, however, the "walking dead" have acted more like sprinters: BankAmerica was trading around $5 that dark night, and can't be had for less than $15 as we write this. So too JP Morgan, a share of which cost $25 then, but now fetches more than $40. Wells Fargo, which was $17, is now $27.
Only Citigroup, among the big banks, and was trading at $3.50 at the time, costs less today. And not one has been nationalized.
Hard to imagine a better batch of investments than the large financials in the last twelve months.
But it was, perhaps, the career advice our Famous Strategist gave to the CFAs that resonated most loudly, and most threateningly, that dark night: "We live in an era of reduced expectations," he said, and that included equities.
Pointing out the lousy ten-year history of the S&P 500 (which made the papers during the last few weeks of 2009, the concluding year of the stock market's first-ever negative decade), he suggested the CFAs focus on fixed income and safety for their clients. "Get used to it," he said. "It's going to last for years."
Now, the real lesson here is not, to be clear, that a Famous Strategist could be dead wrong—like, 99% wrong—and that Warren Buffett, who would eventually turn a profit on his Goldman Sachs investment, is usually, eventually, right.
Hey, Buffett actually sold puts on the markets near their all-time highs. Yes, they're "European" puts and don't get exercised for another decade, and yes, he'll probably make money on them. But the fact is the best investor who ever lived actually sold insurance on world markets at their all-time peaks.
Nor is the point here that the Financial Crisis was a short-term blip whose after-effects will be smoothed over by the subsequent near-doubling in the S&P 500 from its 666 low in 2009, and great things to come in 2010.
If anything, the Crash of 2008 appeared to us to mark the end of US economic supremacy, much as the Crash of 1929 marked the end of Great Britain's, and our displacement by China is something we will be dealing with for decades.
The lesson is something all investors eventually learn, and it is this: think for yourself.
Those CFAs who took the Famous Strategist's advice that dark February night and dumped their financials and stashed the proceeds in safe Treasuries are certainly wishing they had.
Jeff Matthews
I Am Not Making This Up
© 2009 NotMakingThisUp, LLC
The content contained in this blog represents only the opinions of Mr. Matthews, who also acts as an advisor: clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice, and should never be relied on in making an investment decision, ever. Also, this blog is not a solicitation of business: all inquiries will be ignored. The content herein is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author


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I need a document that has a notes column on the right hand side of each page starting after the contents page.
This notes column should have the heading "Notes" , should be 50% of the size of the main column and be separated with a thin line.
Any ideas which packages I can use to do this? I've managed to get a wide ruled margin. No heading so far.


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Tavistock: Course open no restrictions winter rules in play
Welcome to Tavistock Golf Club, situated on the western slopes of the Dartmoor National Park, an area of outstanding beauty.The golf course was established in 1890 and with continual updating and maintenance to the highest standards it offers a challenging test to golfers of all abilities. Because of the excellent drainage the course and the greens (which are generally true and very fast) rarely closes, thus allowing trolleys to be used all the year round and there is no need for winter greens or tees, except during major course maintenance. The Club is proud of its reputation for first class catering provided by experienced chefs and friendly staff.


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Located on Australia's Country Way (A3) Mundubberra (Aboriginal for meeting place of the waters or footsteps in the trees) is famous for being one of the largest producing areas of table grapes in Queensland and is famous for many other Burnett Regional Flavours such as citrus, mangoes, peaches, lychees, nectarines, watermelons and rockmelons.
Mundubbera also has a unique industry, an insectary! 'Bugs for Bugs' produce beneficial predatory bugs for crops and agriculture, cutting down the need for chemical sprays.
Bicentennial park is a must visit with it's art walk, sensory garden, steam train and have sheltered picnic, barbecue and playground facilities available. Mundubberra is also home to an art gallery, museum, Jaycee's Park and the Riverside Motorcross raceway which is known as the best natural motocross course in Queensland.
The Auburn River National Park, at the intersection of the Auburn, Boyne and Burnett Rivers, features a wild and impressive river channel of huge boulders and water-worn rock formations. The park offers a basic camping with facilities.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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The Dishwasher is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards for china, glassware, tableware, cooking utensils, etc., using machine and manual cleaning methods. This position also ensures the dishwashing area is maintained as a clean, safe and sanitary facility.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
If parity is what you want...
At various times, the Tigers, Rays, Orioles, Mariners and, notably, the Royals fell into this category of weaker sisters that some assumed should be easy pickings, and when the Jays lost to these lesser teams, people totally lost it.
Setting aside whether if this theory was sound (and it probably wasn't), a glance through the American League in 2009 shows us that there really aren't any allegedly easy wins for the Jays or any other team this year.
All of the teams in the Central look to be at least .500 teams, and the West - with the offensive juggernaut Rangers and the surprising Mariners - looks as though it could be a four team race well into the summer. Almost every team has relative stregnths and weaknesses, and no team stands out as exceptionally weak or an outright disaster along the lines of the Nationals.
Speaking of which: Let's not tally those interleague games against Washington in the win column for the Jays just yet.
The upside of this parity is that we'll likely two-thirds of the AL in the mix for playoff spots all season long, and every game is going to be that much more important if the Wild Card will be up for grabs to a team with a win total in the low 90's.
Bring on the nail-biters.
13 comments:
Much as I love the Jays, this is a pretty good argument (from last spring) debunking the whole unbalanced-schedule thing.
- April 30, 2009 at 11:34 AM
- Tao of Stieb said...
That doesn't seem like much of an argument to us. In fact, it reads like a JaysTalk call.
King Kaufman is a douche anyways.
- April 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM
The Jays are not a wicked pissa team, they are very poorly constructed. Ricciardi didn't even sign one free agent! Not one. This team ain't contending anytime soon, if not for last place! I'm happy such a weak team is in the AL Easy(sic). Good luck with Burres, the Red Sox and everybody else schools him for that matter. Today will be a laugher today!Boston will win another World Series while the Jays fans bring up slop like Burres.Even shitty little Tampa has become better than y'all.
- April 30, 2009 at 11:48 AM
- eyebleaf said...
^^ Red Sox Nation in the house, and insufferable as always.
Fucking annoying pricks.
- April 30, 2009 at 11:59 AM
- Tao of Stieb said...
There are two free agents signed in the offseason (Millar and Barrett) who are on the roster.
Blah blah blah blah pissa blah blah.
- April 30, 2009 at 12:00 PM
- Darren Priest said...
He's got "wicked pissa" and "y'all" in the same post...not to mention the comical redundancy and failing to acknowledge "shitty little Tampa Bay" beat them, too.
No wonder he chooses anonymity. Lay off the Mountain Dew Code Red, Corky, and go bother the Sons of Sam Horn.
- April 30, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Tao of Sleaze, Barret and Millar were signed to minor league contracts NOT major league ones. That's what I meant. Anyway, someone mentioned y'all. I'm Black so we use y'all. I'm also from Somerville ,Mass so I use wicked pissa too. Anyway, the Jays are temporarily in first but with slop like Burres you can race to the bottom of the barrel. I'll give you credit at least you won't be the joke that Yankees Suck! will be. They have old farts, a bad farm and buy all their players. At least your owners(who are richer than ours by the way) didn't let JP make one major league signing.
About Tampa, they lucked out. They were better than the Jays last year but anyone was cept for Baltimore.Now Tampa reverted back to normal , but we'll crush them now. Tek is hitting and we have tons of starting pitching depth.The Jays in 09? 5th place losers!
- April 30, 2009 at 12:25 PM
- Tao of Stieb said...
Millar and Barrett were signed to minor league FREE AGENT contracts because that's the way the market went this off season. In which case, we'd have to say that J.P. was a fox with his signings.
Consider: Millar the minor league free agent (.914 OPS and 7 RsBI) versus Rocco Baldelli the major league free agent (.516 OPS and 1 RBI).
(With apologies to Drew/Lloyd.)
And don't even start with that Varitek nonsense around here, sunshine.
- April 30, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Darren, what's up? anyway with Boston man, yeah your team is better and is the best team around BUT who schooled you last year? The Shitty little Rays, no? Yes, JP and the Rogers cheaped out this season and its a drag BUT the season is not over yet. Let's see if Lester holds up (he's been hit the last few times out),if Beckett is healthy and Dice-K etc . So stop this pro Boston crap, OK?
- April 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Hold him down Tao, I'll beat on him.
No ... all teams in this division have some issues. Toronto has a fantastic rotation on the DL. New York's bullpen other than Rivera is slightly less effective than a tee. Boston has two senior citizens who should get plastic knees installed soon. Tampa is falling to the norm. Baltimore is Baltimore.
- April 30, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Fuck off Anon.
TOS...just ignore that BS
On the topic of "games they should win". I kind of buy into the theory but not based solely on which teams they are playing, but rather the SP + the team they are playing. You only need to look at vegas odds (which I do far too often) to see that the line varies drastically depending on who is toeing the mound (my mind just drifted). So losing a game to Crazacky Greinke does not make me want to punch a wall...but when we drop games to a a picther like...well a Brian Burres type, which we seemed to do all the time last year, that is what made me want to go all "the most dangerous game" on Denbo last year...end of disjointed rant.
- April 30, 2009 at 1:06 PM
You know the Jays are being looked at as a serious contender when the Sox trolls start coming out. There is one over at DJF as well.
- April 30, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Christopher, no offense but the Jays willnot be contending. Let's get serious. when you throw out garbage like Burres and the wildly incosistent ,Purcey this is a contender? No way. JP should have gotten Parrish back , start miller OR even Castro in AA. Fine protect Mills and Cecil but Burres? This is bad Gming. He claims he wants to see hwat they have with the kids THEN puts out the Orioles' garbage like Burres! Alright Tallet, fine, but why throw out a pitcher that is so bad.
Another thing, Cito's lineup today was terrible. I don't understand some of his moves, they seemed to win back in 92-93 in spite of him!The Pinchitting deal too is quite stupid. what is with Cito, he got the team to hit again so why the GIDPs again? And why except Burres over Bullington or even someone else? I question Gaston's greatness...he was a great hitting coach BUT manager? That is questionable.
- April 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM


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PACHI PACHI Walkthrough and Guide
Welcome to the PACHI PACHI Walkthrough where our team of contributors will help you work through the game via a step-by-step tutorial. A Gamewise walkthrough aims to take you all the way through the game to 100% completion including unlockable quests and items.
If you are stuck on something specific and are unable to find any answers in our PACHI PACHI Walkthrough then be sure to ask the PACHI PACHI Forum / Community for help and advice in the discussion box below and they will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer!
Finally, if you have been playing PACHI PACHI and wish to help other users, feel free to sign up and start contributing!
PACHI PACHI Overview
PACHI PACHI is a game developed by USEN Business Design and released on iOS.


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Semi Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:24 am
Post subject: LED lighting with tracking sysem
Hi all
I'm new to this forum and wanted say hello first.
Now on to my problem:
I have a pathway (or walkway) that I want to light up with LEDs. It is about 40m long. The easiest way would be to mount LEDs on the sides and use a switch to turn them on. But that's not my case.
What I would like to do is:
If someone walks the path, some LEDs turn on at the position the person is and say about 1m in the direction of walking. The result would be somekind of guiding light or something.
The thing is that I don't know how to create the tracking system that would track the persons position and send the corresponding signal to microchip that would light up correct LEDs.
I have looked for different sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, laser) but have yet to find one that would cover the whole 30m strip with max of 2-4 sensors.
If anyone has a clue what to use (maybe even video tracking) please help me out.
All ideas are welcome.
Oh, one more thing, the budget for the tracking system is about $500 (only the tracking part, not whole system).
Thanks you all in advance.
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HG Master
Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 105
Location: Galati, Romania
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:14 pm
Post subject:
first of all, welcome to the team.
It's an interesting sistem and a fun project, but it would be kinda' hard to make it with only 3 0r 4 sensors.
I know a site
and you will find there an ultrasonic range sensor easely incorporated in a PICAXE sistem.
Best of all it's got a range of 3 meters and an accuracy of 3 cm, or 10 ft and 2 and 2 eights inches.
You need to buy about 20 of those.
They're about 20 bucks each and you need a PICAXE 40X2 or PIC18f4420
if you know C++.
Or you could simply use some infrared LED's and some IR recievers to switch on a section of the led strip.
A laser range finder could work but it's complicated.
The best thing is the PICAXE sistem.
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:37 pm
Post subject:
Hi Alexander
Using IR LED-s and receivers is not an option because it will mean that I or someone else needs to carry an extra item for the lights to work.
Using more than 3-4 sensors is complicated in many ways. First thing is waterproofing. Second, every component that you add to your system, makes it a lot unstable.
Maybe I need to be more clear about what I need.
A random object (human, bike, car, ATV) moves down the walkway. Sensor detects movement, turns on a segment of LEDs about 1,5 meters long. Object continuous to move at random speed down the walkway. If it passes a group of LEDs, lets say 5, they turn of and same number of LEDs turn on at the other end. I know it does not have much practical value but thought it would look pretty cool.
About what i have figured out so far:
1. Ultrasonic has a low range and in my understanding very low angle for detection. I can mount sensors only on the sides of the walkway so I'll need a lot of them to cover the walkway.
2. Lasers might do the trick, but they are really expensive.
3. IR range sensors have also very low range of detection.
4. RFID and and IR receivers and such don't help me much, I don't want to carry somekind of transmitter around all the time.
I thought that maybe it can be done with a CCTV camera or two that have the capability to detect IR light. If I mount the IR LEDs on the strips so that they all have same distance to each other, I could use this as a reference guide to calculate the distance and direction of the object. Only thing then is to write some kind of algorithm to detect and track objects. Maybe put in 1-2 motion sensors to turn the camera/s on.
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HG Master
Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 105
Location: Galati, Romania
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:13 am
Post subject:
I see but it's really complicated.
A gliph tracking camera perhaps or thermal camera?and a software. I d k
I am running out of ideas
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Site Admin
Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Posts: 1399
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:35 am
Post subject:
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like an interesting project. I am wondering if our stair lighting controller could work in this application.
Either way let us know the direction you go.
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:20 am
Post subject:
Nice controller.
It seems that it will switch on all lights when you step on the bottom or top step, am I correct?
In that case, it wont do the trick, sorry.
I think the best way for now is to look into some nightvision cameras and see what I can come up with.
If someone has more ideas about the tracking part, you are very welcome.
If someone has some input about using cameras to track objects, you are welcome also.
Thanks for all so far.
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:09 am
Post subject:
Does anyone know a good resource for robots that track moving objects using a camera?
Thought it would be a good starting point for my project.
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 08 Dec 2008
Posts: 9
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:44 pm
Post subject: Re: LED lighting with tracking sysem
I was looking for a tracking system till i find...
Electronic Technicien
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 am
Post subject:
Hi Baker
Thanks for the link but their products don't suit me.
As I said in previous posts, the system must work without me or some one else carrying a tag or something.
Thanks anyway.
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Site Admin
Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Posts: 1399
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:23 am
Post subject:
Here is an open source video tracking solution that may fit the bill.
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HG Junior
Joined: 19 Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Yes
Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:32 am
Post subject:
Video tracking really seems like overkill. If you want to limit to 3 or 4 sensors, why can't you use diagonal lasers? Example:
The lasers shine at an angle across the walkway to a photocell. When one is tripped you light up that section, and keep it lit up for a few seconds, to give the person time to reach the next beam. If they don't cross the next one within that time it just shuts off (in case it was just a squirrel or something), otherwise when they cross the second beam the first section shuts off and the second lights up.
You could probably seal both the lasers and photocells in airtight transparent boxes for waterproofing and protection from the elements. You'd just have to make sure the laser is aimed precisely at the photocell and put it in a tube so light from other angles won't hit it.
If you want it to light up 1m sections you could just use a timer. Once the first beam has been tripped it will light up the first metre for a couple seconds, then the second, etc. It should work in the majority of cases, when people are just walking along, if you time it correctly.
If you have any sort of computer or programmable IC involved (which on a $400 budget you certainly could do), it could even measure how long it takes to go from one beam to the next, and use that to better synchronize the remaining sections to the person's speed. Even keep a running average so the timing automatically sets itself to the average walking speed of the people passing through.
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Semi Newbie
Joined: 04 Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:11 am
Post subject: Flexible Led Strips
What I can suggest is flexible led strips, plus led controllers and power supplies. You may save money and get more light. Just a suggestions.
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HG Junior
Joined: 13 Nov 2012
Posts: 10
Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 4:48 am
Post subject:
This is just what i am looking for!
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Free shipping continues above € 99
Free shipping continues above € 99
Dal design elegante e senza tempo, La cupola è la caffettiera disegnata da Aldo Rossi che dimostra la capacità di questo autore di sintonizzarsi sui gusti del pubblico, tipica dei grandi progettisti. Una caffettiera moka "per tutti", in un bell'alluminio che scalda il gusto del caffè all'italiana.
Designed in 1988 by Aldo Rossi, La Cupola was created from the desire of the designer to create a coffee pot easily available for everyone, thus gaining a lot of public success. Made of aluminium casting with plastic handles and knobs, this coffee maker is a small table architecture with a dome-shaped top, functional and at the same time beautiful to see. An icon of contemporary industrial design, with which one can prepare and serve a great coffee.
Born in Milan (1931-1997), he is considered by many to be the greatest Italian architect of the second half of the 20th century. His life as an architect started with Gardella and Zanuso. An author of abstraction, reduction and brevitas, his severe language of primary shapes, geometrical patterns and silent evocation created some of the most intensely poetic works of architecture and design in his age.