text:
It's virtually impossible to question the engineering supremacy of the modern C6 Corvette in the pantheon of 'Vette history, but many pine for the dashing style of the '63-'67 C2 Corvette. Enter the n2a Stinger.
N2A has been responsible for some rather questionable styling exercises in the past, but the n2a Stinger attempts to blend modern and vintage in perfect balance. The Stinger is built atop the 200/2010 Corvette C6 chassis but tosses every piece of body work in the hamper. Instead, Fred Kantor and his crew have designed an all carbon fiber throwback body emulating the C2 Corvettes from 1963 through 1967. The interior will be all leather wrapped and uniquely customized for each customer and in fact the first three examples will be based on the rip-snorting Corvette ZR1 with 638 HP.
n2a sent along these sketches and images of their freshly cut styling buck along with the announcement they'll be taking orders on the unique automobile. If this car manages to live up to the sketches we can imagine a ready crowd of coachbuilt Vette buyers frothing at the mouth for their own copy. Complete press release below:
SANTA ANA, California, March 17, 2009 – n2a Motors announced today that it is
accepting deposits on the Stinger, the latest model in their line of critically-acclaimed
coachbuilt automobiles. Slated for January 2010 delivery, the Stinger is inspired by the
generation 1963, '65, and '67 Corvette Sting Rays and is built atop the 2009/2010 C6
Corvette chassis.
The '63-67 Corvettes are among the most revered, iconic, and beautiful cars in
automotive history. The Stinger pays homage to the historic 2nd
generation Corvette with
a sleek, carbon-composite body featuring the front end and hood scoop from the 1967
Corvette, a mid-section reminiscent of a '65 Corvette, and the famous split-window rear
end of the '63 Corvette, and has a level of performance and safety that engineers of the
era could never have dreamed possible. Utilizing a new Corvette donor car, the Stinger
achieves 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine rated at 16
MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Since the chassis and safety equipment remain
unmodified, GM's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the
Stinger can be serviced at any GM dealership.
n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette's body panels and installing the new
carbon-composite Stinger body, a process that takes over 800 hours for n2a's
coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured
leather seats, leather dash, wool carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Wheels
and cat-back exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a's custom-made components.
The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building
unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color
combinations, ensuring that each customer receives a unique car customized to his or her
n2a Motors has reserved serial numbers 001,002, and 003 for ZR1-based Stingers.
Featuring the 638-hp LS9 engine, the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever
produced. Stingers built on the ZR1 platform rocket from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top
speed of 205+ mph. Serial numbers 004-010 are reserved for Z06-based Stingers, which
are 505 hp with a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. n2a Motors is accepting deposits to
reserve a serial number and a place in the production order. Production is expected to
commence October 1st
The Stinger is n2a's third model, following the successful 789 and Anteros models that
debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Both are built on the C6 Corvette platform and
utilize carbon-composite bodies, a carry-over from n2a's background in stealth
technology prototyping for military contractors.


text:
Egypt make it three wins for three at Women's World Championship qualifier
Algiers, Algeria, February 25, 2014 - The Egypt women's volleyball team continued their winning rhythm at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Africa Pool T qualification tournament as they beat Congo DR 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-16) on the third day of the round robin tournament held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Algiers, Algeria on Tuesday, while Botswana surprised Nigeria 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-21).
The victory improved Egypt's win:loss ratio to 3:0 meaning that they now lead the six nation tournament with two matches still to be played. Congo DR dropped to 0:2. Egypt's experienced opposite spiker Ingy El Shami led all scorers with 14 points.
Up and coming Botswana upset the experienced Nigerian team 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-21) to improve their win:loss record to 1:1, while Nigeria dropped to 0:2
The winner of the six nation tournament will earn a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014, which will take place from September 23 to October 12.
Day 4 Programme Feb 26

subset: commoncrawl


text:
User621787 Reports
9th of Jan, 2011 by User621787
I received an advertisement in the mail for a pre-black friday sale at Hhgregg. The advertisement states "Panasonic 50" Class Plasma HDTV SRP799.99 now 599.99". I went into the store......
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text:
Morrison & Foerster represents companies in complex energy-related disputes before federal and state trial and appellate courts, administrative bodies and arbitral tribunals. Our integrated team of regulatory, trial, appellate, antitrust, project finance, M+A, private equity, securities, white collar and environmental lawyers are well versed thought leaders in the energy sector, delivering industry-specific strategic advice, sharply honed negotiating skills and deep litigation experience to help clients reach a successful resolution in critical investigations and disputes.
When energy industry companies are faced with the prospect of litigation, arbitration, enforcement actions or regulatory proceedings, whether they involve contract disputes, environmental review or permitting requirements, antitrust or energy regulatory compliance issues, or challenges to agency decisions, Morrison & Foerster seamlessly merges energy industry expertise with world-class litigation, arbitration and regulatory experience.
Morrison & Foerster provides:
Unsolicited e-mails and information sent to Morrison & Foerster will not be considered confidential, may be disclosed to others pursuant to our Privacy Policy, may not receive a response, and do not create an attorney-client relationship with Morrison & Foerster. If you are not already a client of Morrison & Foerster, do not include any confidential information in this message. Also, please note that our attorneys do not seek to practice law in any jurisdiction in which they are not properly authorized to do so.
©1996-2019 Morrison & Foerster LLP. All rights reserved.


text:
Chocolate caramel cake
Nutrition and extra info
- Sponge is freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal597
- fat43g
- saturates25g
- carbs51g
- sugars32g
- fibre1g
- protein5g
- salt0.74g
- 300g butter, plus extra for greasing
Butter is made when lactic-acid producing bacteria are added to cream and churned to make an…
- 300g light muscovado sugar
- 3 large eggs
The ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition, packed with protein and a…
- 1½ tsp baking powder
Baking powderbay-king pow-dah
Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali…
- 85g cocoa powder
- 225g plain flour
- 225ml soured cream
Fresh unpasteurised milk quickly separates and the fat rises to the top. This fat layer is then…
- 300ml pot double cream
- 5 tbsp dulce de leche or caramel sauce
- 25g caramel flavoured chocolate, finely chopped (we used Lindt)
Chocolate as we know it in pressed…
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly grease 2 x 23cm loose-bottom cake tins and line with a circle of baking parchment. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition, then add the baking powder, cocoa and a third of the flour. Mix well to combine, then stir in half the soured cream. Alternating between adding the flour and soured cream, mix everything until just combined. Spoon into the prepared tins, then smooth over the surface with a spoon.
Bake for 30 mins or until the cakes are firm to touch and a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 5 mins, then turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
When you're ready to serve, whip the double cream with 2 tbsp Dulce de leche until soft peaks form. Place 1 cake on a serving plate and spread with half the cream, then drizzle over the remaining Dulce de leche. Top with the other cake, then spread the remaining cream on top. Sprinkle with the chocolate. Chill until ready to serve.


text:
- Please call us for FREE help:
- (866) 531-0695
Maysville, MO Assisted Living Communities
Dekalb County Nutrition Center is an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities are an apartment-style habitat designed to focus on providing assistance with daily living activities. They provide a higher level of service for the elderly which can include preparing meals, housekeeping, medication assistance, laundry, and also do regular check-in's on the residents. Basically, they are (more...)
This welcoming assisted living community supplies help when necessary with the goal of providing the services that help seniors stay as autonomous as possible. Why choose assisted living? Studies reveal that living near peers and participating in social activities leads to a more fulfilling life. With assisted living, you'll find senior-friendly living options and a dedicated staff. Communities have additional services that include 24-hour supervision and security, emergency response systems, access to licensed nursing care, chef-prepared meals, and assistance with grooming, dressing, and bathing. Housekeeping, laundry, social programs, and local transportation are usually provided, too.
Speak To a Care Advisor
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text:
TUESDAY, Sept. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Treating alcoholics greatly reduces the financial burden their addiction places on their families, according to a small new study.
Latest Mental Health News
Researchers looked at 48 German families with an alcoholic member. After 12 months of treatment, family costs directly related to the family member's alcoholism fell from an average of $832 per month to an average of $178 per month.
The average costs associated with alcoholism decreased from about 20 percent to slightly more than 4 percent of the total pre-tax family income, the study found.
In cases of relapse, treatment for alcoholism reduced the financial burden on families by an average of $80 per month.
Two of the largest alcoholism-related costs to families prior to treatment were alcoholic beverages (an average of $310 per month) and cigarettes (an average of $114 per month). One year into treatment, those costs fell to $87 and $79 per month, respectively.
The researchers also found that, after 12 months of treatment, the average amount of time spent caring for the alcoholic family member fell from 32 hours per month to eight hours per month.
The study was published online Sept. 24 in the journal Addiction.
"We're opening up an area of addiction research that doesn't receive much attention," lead author Dr. Hans Joachim Salize, of the Central Institute of Mental Health, in Mannheim, said in a journal news release.
"When they look at effects on families, addiction studies mainly focus on problems such as domestic violence and depression, not on the financial burden of caring for an alcoholic.," Salize said. "But when health services and policymakers study the costs and benefits of treating alcoholism, they need to know that treatment has an immense financial effect not just on the alcoholic but also on his or her spouse, partner, children and parents. The benefits of treatment reach well beyond the individual patient."
-- Robert Preidt
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Addiction, news release, Sept. 24, 2012


text:
First-aid skills
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
Revision as of 15:55, June 3, 2009 by Milominderbinder2 (Talk | contribs)
Cycling, First Aid, Navigation, Outdoor skills, Scout skills, Swimming, and Wilderness Survival skills.
Here are the first aid resources you need for over 40 ranks and badges. ► Videos show you key skills.
While your handbook is your primary resource, the links below can help you learn your first aid skills. See the Disclaimers.
► Expert Village Videos: First Aid - Basics - Basics2
Rank Videos
The following BSA Rank Videos require Apple QuickTime:
First Aid Kit
See: First Aid Kit - with items and uses
Altitude Sickness
Bites and Stings
► EVVideo: Insect Bites & Stings - Treatments - Insect Bites - Brown Recluse Spider Bite - Chiggers - Bee Stings - Bees
Tick Bites
► Avoiding Ticks - EVVideo: Removing Ticks
► Mayo Clinic: Bleeding Video - EVVideo: EVVideo: Bleeding - EVVideo: Bleeding2 - Direct Pressure -
Pressure Bandage
► EVVideo: Avoiding Blisters - Blisters - How to Treat Blisters
Bloodborne Pathogens
► ProFirstAid: Introduction to Bloodborne Pathogens - What are Bloodborne Pathogens? - Reducing the Risk of Bloodborne Pathogens
Broken Bones
► EVVideo: Burns - Second Degree Burns - Second & Third-Degree Burns - About.com Video: Burn - About.com: Types of Burns Video
Chest Pain
► EVVideo: First Aid for Choking Victims - PFAVideo: Choking - About.com Video: Heimlich Maneuver
Cold Reactions
► EVVideo: How to Treat Frostbite - About.com: Stages of Frostbite Video
► EVVideo: CPR Basics - CPR ProFirstAid: *NEW* Hands-Only CPR - PFAVideo: Adult CPR - About.com Video: Hands Only CPR -
Cuts - Scrapes
► EVVideo: Cuts (Lacerations) - EVVideo: Abrasions
Electrical Burns - Electrical Shock
Eye Injury - Object in Eye
Getting Help
Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
Head Injury
Spinal Injuries
► PFAVideo: Head, Neck and Back Injuries
Hearing Loss
Heart Attack
► EVVideo: What Is a Heart Attack? - Risk Factors - Misconceptions - Signs of a Heart Attack
Heart Disease
Heat Reactions
Heat Exhaustion
► EVVideo: How to Treat Heat Exhaustion
Heat Cramps
Heat Stroke
Nausea - Motion Sickness
► EVVideo: Nose Bleeds - About.com Video: Nosebleeds
Poisonous Plants
► EVVideo: Poison Ivy & Poison Oak - How to Treat Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac
Puncture Wounds
Seizures - Convulsions - Epilepsy
► EVVideo: Seizures - PFAVideo: Seizures
► EVVideo: How to Apply a Shoulder Sling - Slings - More Slings
► EVVideo: Venomous Snake Bite
Poisonous Animals
► EVVideo: How to Treat Jellyfish Stings
► EVVideo: How to Tell if Someone Needs a Splint - Injuries Requiring a Splint - Types of Splints - Applying a Splint - How to Use a Pillow as a Splint - How to Position a Splint
Sprains - Strains - Cramps
Sprained Ankle
Stopped Breathing
► EVVideo: What Is a Stroke? - How to Identify a Stroke - How to Prevent a Stroke - The Signs of a Stroke
► EVVideo: Sunburn - EVVideo: Severe Sunburn
Tooth Injury
Transporting an Injured Person
► EVVideo: How to Carry an Injured Person by Yourself
Wilderness First Aid
► EVVideo: Assessing Wilderness Emergencies - Medical Emergency - Shock - Triage - Wilderness First Aid
Related Awards
See also
External links
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. Don't use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately.
Please note that the only first aid materials recommended by the Boy Scouts of America are those found or listed in official BSA materials such as the current First Aid Merit Badge Book and Boy Scout Handbook. First Aid Treatments are constantly being revised. See the Guide to Safe Scouting. Neither MeritBadge.Org, nor its contributors make any recommendations.


text:
Press Start Studio's Xbox Live hack-and-slash game Twin Blades has had a rough time of things. Last year it was pulled from the Marketplace over concerns about its violent content, only to return four months later with the zombie blood replaced by harmless green goo. But even then, the game proved to be incompatible with the Windows Phone Mango update, which wasn't rectified for another three months.
Fast-forward to March of this year, and Twin Blades is once again gone from the Marketplace. Not only that, but the Xbox 360 indie and iOS versions, as well as Press Start's other Windows Phone title, Butterfly, are also gone. As usual, they all disappeared without warning.
We contacted Microsoft about the delistings and received this response:
"Due to unforeseen circumstances both Microsoft and the developer are unable to make these games available in the Mobile Marketplace going forward. We have appreciated the opportunity to share these games with our customers."
Basically, the titles have been permanently removed. They didn't say why, but in situations like this that don't involve licensed games, a mass delisting usually means that the developer has gone out of business. Press Start Studio, a small French developer, did not return requests for comment. Further signs that their doors may have closed: they haven't updated their website since October, and they actually failed to respond to an interview that we had arranged a short while before that. Too bad, it would have been good!
It's always sad to see the passing of a game from existence. Twin Blades had a vocal little fan base who loved its stylish art and action. In our review I lamented its extreme repetitiveness and poor level design though. As for Butterfly, another game I reviewed – well, that one was just terrible. You're not missing much from its absence but some easy Achievements.
If we learn anything more about Press Start Studio's fate, we'll be sure to let you know.


text:
One of the world's most popular fast-food restaurants, Nando's has unveiled a new menu today and fans may be surprised to see it's a bit more beefy.
Customers will soon be able to order a fillet steak and chargrilled vegetables in either a pitta bread or a wrap as the chain moves away from thighs and drumsticks.
Other new menu items include beef steak marinated in house peri-peri sauce and flame-grilled, with chargrilled vegetables and garlic mayonnaise, fillet steak in a prego roll and a side of chargrilled vegetables with peri-peri sauce. Chicken drumsticks have also been added in either a side or main portion.
The news will be great for fans looking for a bit more variety as they frequent the traditionally chicken-based eatery.
The South African chain is worldwide, but Nando's has a special place in Britain's heart. Even though it serves a huge number of customers in Australia and the USA, we boast the largest number of branches in the world at 339, while Australia has 264, and it's home territory, South Africa, comes in third with 259.


text:
Difference between revisions of "California State Visit Data"
(→Follow-up Q&A)
|Line 479:
|Line 479:
I would agree with all of Rush's suggestions. I would add that a program could be crafted to promote partnerships of public libraries, community technology centers, health clinics in rural and underserved areas and/or other service providers so that existing community infrastrucure could be used as a backbone to promote broadband connectivity throughout the state. Susan H.
I would agree with all of Rush's suggestions. I would add that a program could be crafted to promote partnerships of public libraries, community technology centers, health clinics in rural and underserved areas and/or other service providers so that existing community infrastrucure could be used as a backbone to promote broadband connectivity throughout the state. Susan H.
Latest revision as of 18:24, 28 March 2007
- 1 Nancy
- 2 Rick
- 3.1 Day #1: (Feb. 26, 2007)
- 3.1.1 Randy Chinn:
- 3.1.2 2. Sandra Breier, Wes ?, Department of Telecommunications Services
- 3.1.3 3. Barb Johnston, Irene ? – California Telemedicine and E-Health Center (CTEC)
- 3.1.4 4. Governor's BB Task Force – Michael Liang, Ann Neville, Jeff Newman
- 3.1.5 5. CSAC – Counties: Jean Hurst, Geoffrey Neill, Melissa White
- 3.1.6 6. Lunch with CENIC – Jim Dolgonas and and Stephanie Couch
- 3.1.7 7. Sue Buske
- 3.1 Day #1: (Feb. 26, 2007)
- 4 Follow-up Q&A
- 5 San Mateo Combined Report
Meeting with Susan Hildreth and staff to debrief California visits February 27, 2007[edit]
We met with Susan and four of her staff (I can get their names if necessary).
John and I summarized the results of our meetings at some length. Focus groups produced a lot of good information. John's meetings showed differing points of view (no surprise) and in some cases a real need for these people to talk to each other.
Two big questions were: What is the role of the state library? What would they like Gates to do?
They do not see their role as providing hand's on assistance to local libraries. They see this as a local responsibility or the responsibility of the regional cooperatives. They might do something minimal but not in depth.
Susan does see the state role as representing library interests at the state level by getting on relevant boards or commissions or attending such meetings regularly so they stay informed and can press for support or inclusion of libraries in telecom and broadband efforts. Susan has now decided to attend the Broadband Commission meetings herself.
John, what did they say they wanted Gates to do???
Meeting with Bill Huber, AT&T , San Ramon, CA[edit]
February 26, 2007 Huber is a Senior Vice President for AT&T covering California and parts of Nevada. He oversees construction and build out. This includes voice, data, customer interface, and video in the Bay area. Huber sits on the new California Broadband Commission.
He said the priorities for AT&T for 2007 and 2008 is to put voice, video and data in one platform in a copper and fiber hybrid configuration.
Huber deals mainly with getting broadband to the home. He suggested we talk to Bob Campbell who covers institutional service including libraries.
He said that they cover a large percentage of California with broadband service and can help libraries get broadband. (Several of the librarians Bolt talked to mention a new AT&T service called Optiman and Bolt asked Huber about this service. Huber said it was "too large" large and wouldn't work for libraries. Some libraries said that AT&T couldn't configure Optiman for their widely separated libraries.)
Huber said that libraries don't always understand what they already have and what they have access to. AT&T would be glad to work with local libraries on this. He said that 90% of the libraries in California could have broadband today but the total solution is not in place. He said they have a working relationship with a satellite partner who might be able to provide access in more rural areas. He felt that cable was not really a viable solution.
Huber mentioned that AT&T had bought Bell-South. He said their core network would be agnostic to what was at the end of the network. It could be wireless or wire. AT&T wants to be robust and sustain leadership.
We discussed how to define broadband and he said that was an issue at the Broadband Commission. He said it is a challenge because each community has its own last mile rules and regulations. One city is easy to deal with and the next one difficult. There is also the challenge of the local right of way.
He expects the video franchise bill to equalize this. He is a big supporter of the recent video franchising bill and said it will set a new standard of franchising for everything.
He said the state right of way issues is solved and would set standard timeframes that would work.
He would like a holistic view about broadband services. He sees the biggest problem is that consumers do not know what is possible with broadband. He would like to see a public education campaign that teaches users about broadband applications. He wants government to help build demand. If a major barrier is lack of computers, he would like to see government help people get computers.
Huber sees the Broadband Commission and the new Emergency Technology Fund as complimentary.
Huber would also like to see incentives for carriers to build out. He suggested tax incentives to do this. However, he does not want government (municipalities) to establish and run their own networks. He feels this is redundant to what the telecom companies are already providing.
There will be a big Broadband Summit on May 24th. They are intrigued by the Kentucky model and have invited someone from ConnectKentucky to speak at this conference.
When asked about e-rate he said that AT&T does "a ton of e-rate and it works well."
When asked what Gates Foundation might do he said to use their name to bring the private telecom world and communities and government together to facilitate and perpetuate development of a system that works. They need a model of who does what t make it work. Find a successful model and replicate it. Fine two or three nice applications or solutions. Demonstrations of success Identify requirements Use the Gates credibility Make it scalable Teach government to teach private industry to put it together. Gates can be a neutral party.
California focus group, Sacramento[edit]
February 27, 2007
1. Describe your current network. How is it configured? How much bandwidth do you have? How do you get it? What does it cost? How is it funded? Is it scalable? Individual networks and bandwidth
James: 72 libraries with T1 and Gigaman to Internet. Obtain fiber from Time Warner; T1 from city budget. This is the first year for E-rate. Can get more T1 but then need more hardware
Mary Ellen: range from T1 to small (4 computers) some 750 and 7-8 T1. System provides for all members. 4 different LATAs . Everything comes to Fresno, but mixed telcos and very expensive as a result. Doubled bandwidth in last year and filled it instantly. Erate and CTF both used. Bandwidth based on number of computers, but Internet demand changed things. 10 computers=T1. Host capacity all used up. Have to do something about the network. Members resistant to providing their own Internet.
Deborah – does not have support staff, etc. System connectivity preferred rather than county.
Mark – 11 branches with Internet to Sacramento County Office of Education, but want us off. Connection is 1.5 Mb. Branch are 256. Afternoon demand is high and under-configured. Independent network because county did not want involvement. County now wants the library back in. They are looking for a whole new way – need 6x increase. Costs $20-25,000 dollars now. Library has no choice but to go back to the county. Would have to demonstrate it is not cost-efficient.
James – trenching cost for fiber is high for initial install - in some cases, $500,000 to go. Library pays, not vendor.
2. What do you use your bandwidth for? Internet connectivity – describe uses Internal operations – describe uses ILS/PAC – describe Bandwidth uses Internet
- Social networks, 20% of use is MySpace
- Utube
- Podcast
- Blogs
- Homework help
- Wireless - serving "drive-by" users
- Manage automation resources
- Computers
- Infrastructure
- Circulation system, catalogs
- Distance learning
- Info people training
- State training
- Electronic ILL
- Monitor branch operations such as security, computer maintenance
- Remote monitoring. Lighting and HVAC is monitored from Atlanta
- Lighting
- E-government
- Net library
- Video download
What is it NOT being used for? Use is everything involved with Internet, YouTube, podcast, blogging, lots of wireless. Drive-by users. Some users have to register to use wifi, some do not. Circ a factor, as well as distance learning and looking to increase it.
3. What would you like to do with your Internet Connection that you cannot do with your current environment?
- Future uses if have more bandwidth
- I-2 resources not on the commodity network like Shoah
- Video conferencing
- For the public
- For the staff
- Add more public access computers
- Produce multi-media productions of programs
- Video story hours
- Speakers
- Author readings
- Pod casting
- Music/photos/digitized resources
- Wireless bookmobile in real time
- Wireless everywhere
- Integrated telephone system
- 71 different phone companies to deal with
- Telemedicine
- Add more computers. Have the computers and space but don't have the bandwidth
4. Is your bandwidth sufficient? If no, what problems does the insufficient bandwidth cause for your staff and patrons?
- Slow access.
- Limit access to MySpace and other social networking sites
- Limits the number of computers that can be made available to the public
- Can't broadcast/podcast adult programming and speakers
- Can't offer wireless because not enough bandwidth.
5. What would you consider sufficient bandwidth? How did you arrive at that amount? Planning Look at what I want to do with the bandwidth. I don't care how you get it to me, decide use; watch videoconference with no degradation; screen filled with in a fraction of a second. What is the impact on end user? If application, then you tell me.
This should not be a specific number but rather a set of preferred functionality performances such as : Download ________KB in ______seconds. Video conference without blips Screen refresh in ______ seconds Gather input on end use Support _______ computers Should be scalable Formula they use is: 1 computer per 1000 people in the community ___seats for wireless users (tables, lounge chairs)
No crystal ball for library services. How do we plan that? In just a few years, we have seen a major change in library requests. The most I see is a pipe that is scalable.
One computer per thousand population and use GIS to map. Then can start to plan the pipe. All new facilities will be VoIP and wi-fi. Look at reader seats. Lounge seating and table seats are eligible in the formula. VoIP on a separate subnet.
40 computers per T1. See jump going from 1Mb to 5Mb. Wi-fi – cable franchise is using cable modems for wi-fi. 1Mb minimum. City had franchise and cable was free to library.
They use cable for wireless only. Free from cable company
Rational for getting more bandwidth • Demand as evidenced by o Registration o Actual use o Use tracked by county o Number of computers the library has and the number waiting to use them o Blame county if access is slow or down • E-government County knows how active the library Web site is as part of county web site. Make it clear that it is a county problem and not library. County has denied staff. If it fails, it is your problem.
Try to predict demand but it is growing so fast it's very difficult
Segregate use so that administrative work is guaranteed a certain speed so that the library can operate. Staff computers guaranteed 384K - circ, ref, workroom.
Aggregate demand to convince telecom to provide servcie. Had telecom committee of big users in County. Hospital was a big user. Wrote grants. Joint use with school district; got bandwidth because of after-school activity. Schools want us to take the lead on such things
16,000 users/month for wi-fi and cable modem is fine.
Looked at cable modem for wi-fi. But 51 cities all had their own franchise deals and geography is too spread out.
Library bandwidth may taper off as entire environment changes and more is available at home.
6. If you had more bandwidth, what would you use if for? What is your vision for your library's connectivity? Everything they want to do.
How many computers you want to add, but it is not just the computers but functionality.
Completely wireless and check out the book wirelessly/automatically is one vision.
7. What are the barriers to getting more bandwidth? Barriers
- Priority of the library in getting build out, need to make a business case
- LATA boundaries
- Industry infrastructure – they change the infrastructure and don't always think of the impact on libraries
- Growth of demand
- Industry targets urban area with lots of dollars where build out serves many
- Hardware configuration – grows like topsy, no good planning or way to plan
- Staff support at the local level. No expertise.
- Industry capability. No fiber in many places
- Cost, budget to pay for bandwidth upgrades. Erate and CTF are not enough
- High costs for remote sites
- E-rate is slow to credit
- Need for more computers and to maintain and replace them.
- Trenching cost for fiber is high for initial install - in some cases, $500,000 to go. Library pays, not vendor.
- Multiple phone companies serving an area
- Geographic isolation of the library and of the community, across the mountains. In some places in rural areas, libraries are the only access point for libraries
- Waited 3 years for T1 and fiber, and still do not have it. .
- Difficulty in convincing government that high speed internet is needed
- Providers keep targeting big urban areas, and little guys are left out of the loop. For me, nothing is available except satellite. Decision to bring DSL boils down to not enough people to make it worth their while.
8. E-rate: What role does e-rate play in high speed access for public libraries? How does CIPA impact? E-rate
- Too much paper work
- Not enough dollars
- Dollars don't come through quick enough
- Not enough services covered
- Contract issues – cycle doesn't fit contracts
- Filtering
BUT "Can't pay the telecom bill without erate" Some libraries wanted to apply but their cities said it was too much paperwork.
Local policy says have two levels of filters; SAM product and authentication via link to circ to set up policy. Wi-fi-can't turn off filtering.
Appeal process is difficult. Is it work the risk?
9. Who at the regional or state level provides you assistance in analyzing your needs and getting you more bandwidth?
- Assistance
- Board of Ed in the county
- Own library staff
- None
- State Library
- City/County IT but library may be a low priority
- City doesn't understand needs of library and library users
- Regional cooperative
- Telecom networks but Erate is a catch 22 because can't talk to them before they bid
- Ed tech at the university
10. If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were to offer assistance in getting more of US public libraries with higher bandwidth, what would be most helpful? Gates
- Nationwide network for libraries including satellilte
- Facilitate bandwidth/satellite access
- Fiber optic projects, installation and ongoing costs
- Expert planning assistance on bandwidth design
- Bandwidth needs
- Network design
- Appropriate technology
- Keep up to date with WebJunction
- Configuration assistance
- Assistance in keeping up with technology (WJ not used much)
- Influence erate to simplify.
- Use California TeleConnect as a model
- Assist in negotiating discounts on a T-1 line
- Focus on have-nots They need:
Training Servcies
- Application in the community
- Space/electricity
- Help with I2
- Tribal libraries need assistance
JOHN WINDHAUSEN MEETING NOTES CALIFORNIA[edit]
Day #1: (Feb. 26, 2007)[edit]
Randy Chinn:[edit]
Chief Telecom aide to Chairwoman Christine Kehoe of the California Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications. Phone: (916) 651-4107
He thinks in general things are working well in California. He is proud of the state e-rate program, called the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF), which was established 5 or 6 years ago. It subsidizes ½ of the recurring network connection cost. However, this fund focuses on the "first" connection and often includes low-speed dial-up connections. The CTF law was recently amended to expand eligibility for non-profits and the subsidy can now be used for broadband.
NOTE: Rush told me after the meeting that law also was changed to require schools and libraries to apply for federal e-rate first, and the California subsidy only covers 50% of the amount not covered by the federal e-rate. This was done to save California money.
AT&T serves 60-65% of the state, Verizon about another 20%, and the remainder is served by about 20 small telcos.
He believes the state has a strong record of supporting advanced and then broadband capability. He is proud that the state has no restrictions on the ability of municipalities to build their own networks.
No new broadband initiatives are under consideration. To some extent, the legislature is awaiting results of Task Force.
ATT was interested in using Cal Trans rights-of-way, but wanted to use them for free. CalTrans wanted payment, and CLECs were willing to pay, but ATT killed the effort. ATT complained to Governor and Technet about poor rights-of-way policies, causing Technet to put California low on broadband policy report.
Randy thinks there is no evidence that lack of access to rights-of-way is a problem. Disputes Technet finding. Technet ranking is unfair.
He described Emerging Technology Fund, $60 M from AT&T and Verizon mergers, focusing on BB for underserved areas.
He believes cost is not the major factor inhibiting BB; major factor is consumers don't have a feel for the utility of BB – no computer, no content, maintenance costs, confusion of connections: Result: consumers don't see enough value in BB
His focus is on enhancing ability of non-profits to educate consumers of value and providing community BB centers.
He is proud that franchise bill requires telcos to provide a hook-up to a non-profit for every 10,000 subscribers.
Thinking about a master contract with cell phone providers to build towers more quickly, asking fair market value- then taking a piece of that revenue for Calif Teleconnect Fund.
PUC has twice considred whether to fund BB through state USF; twice decided no.
Believes more could be done to leverage existing state assets: dept of Motor Vehicles? CENIC ubiquity? But CENIC is reluctant to expand mission too broadly – could be seen as competing with AT&T.
Agrees that Califonia BB policy activity is not particularly organized (Rush says decentralized).
2. Sandra Breier, Wes ?, Department of Telecommunications Services[edit]
Has developed 4 master service contracts for state and local gov't telecom services to replace former single contract. Contracts just being made available now: calnet.ca.gov (or calnet2 or calren).
2/3 of customers are local governments.
Under new contracts, state departments and cities can choose terms from any of the 4 contracts, provides some competition.
AT&T won 2 of the contracts; Verizon won the other two.
Purpose of contracts is to expand BB connectivity in rural areas especially. Focus is on fixed wireless Point-to-point using Verizon's EVDO technology and low-earth orbiting satellites. Is also trying to partner with industry to expand BB everywhere.
Not using Wi-Fi or Wi-Max.
Not just available to cities and counties; is available to energy companies, water companies, "special districts". Libraries can connect through the local governments, or by putting an antenna on the roof and receiving EVDO connectitivy point to point.
Cable showed no interest in competing for these contracts. IBM and small telcos showed some initial interest and then bowed out. They are likely to be more successful as subcontractors to AT&T and Verizon.
Some libraries are connecting today through old contract.
Verizon and AT&T are just now building out under these contracts.
Contracts are not exclusive; state is still open to other companies submitting a better service (though AT&T and Verizon appear to have first opportunity).
Cities who sign up must have 2-year minimum. Month-to-month thereafter (like cellphone contracts). State agencies have no minimum duration. (this is an improvement over old contract, which had a 5-year commitment)
Referred to Jeannine Chandra study (ask Michael Yiang)
Old contract had no IP services (example of why it needed to be replaced).
Biggest impediment to BB is lack of south-facing angle to connect to satellite (needs to be free of trees, buildings, mountains)
Timing with E-rate is BIG problem. Notice of availability under CalNet came after deadline for E-rate filing. Schools now have to wait til next year.
No rights-of-way problems because of Governor's Executive Order on BB that opened rights-of-way.
Sees no impediments to BB for libraries (except for lack of south-facing).
Contracts do not specify an access technology; specify only a service need – providers determine best technology.
Most urban areas will use Pt-to-pt. Rural areas will use satellite.
3. Barb Johnston, Irene ? – California Telemedicine and E-Health Center (CTEC)[edit]
Focusing on access to health services and education across the state.
12 telemedicine centers today, trying to establish new network to connect them.
Preference is to build off of CENIC network, create its own "cloud".
Origin of BB focus in California was economic development (state almost went bankrupt after Enron). Focus on connecting rural areas. Many elderly move to rural areas; need health care.
At first, no one paid attention to libraries, now very interested in bringing libraries onto their proposed telemedicine network.
Focused on networking and PPP (public-private-partnerships); endorses creating MPLS networks – can dynamically ramp up or down connectivity speed (quality of service).
Believes BB availability is "choppy". Sometimes available, sometimes not. (i.e. Berkeley does not have BB) also a lot of unused fiber is out there, but they don't know where it is.
Supports more accurate mapping; agrees with wisdom of creating non-profit to gather proprietary data (Connect Kentucky). CTEC would like to fill this same role.
Was planning to seek funding from foundations; now may be looking at FCC's Telehealth pilot projects.
Looking for $10-15 Million for 5 years. Would love to have funding from Gates.
CTEF would also be a good place to house funding. Barb is on the Board of CETF. Very supportive of Sunni McPeak at CETF.
Was unaware of DTS contracts.
Believes biggest barrier to BB is $. Telco charges are too high. Outside funding is necessary.
4. Governor's BB Task Force – Michael Liang, Ann Neville, Jeff Newman[edit]
Working to produce final BB report by October. Task force has 19 private sector members, 2 legislators.
Exec. Order creating Task Force is focused on improving BB to rural and underserved areas (same as CETF). Some disappointment that no money was included in Exec. Order creating task Force (unlike some other Exec. Orders)
Has set up 6 Working Groups, doing the heavy work of identifying problems and coming up with solutions: emerging technologies, health care, education, public-private partnerships (PPP); 2 others
5 years ago Gov. held 17 economic vitality meetings – common theme was connectability.
Bureau of Transportation and Housing is responsible for economic development and infrastructure – that is why Task Force is housed there.
Also focused on rights-of-way issues as well as BB. Are working with municipalities as well (NOTE: CSAC said no municipality was invited to serve on Task Force)
Biggest BB problem is the mismatch between supply and demand. Rural areas have greater demand than supply; urban areas have greater supply of BB facilities but not enough appreciation or education in what BB can provide.
Government funding is not an option. State budget is too tight.
Also supports PPP as solution.
Agrees that mapping is a big problem. Doesn't know where BB facilities are located.
Also unaware of DTS contracts. Greater focus is on consumers – everyone but public sector.
CENIC has focused on health care because of large bandwidth needs of telemedicine. Agrees that challenge is to convince CENIC to move beyond high-end research applications to serve other needs (like libraries)
Mentioned that state PUC is considering changes to state high-cost funding B (to large telcos) High-Cost funding A goes to small telcos
5. CSAC – Counties: Jean Hurst, Geoffrey Neill, Melissa White[edit]
Represents all counties' and almost all needs – foster care, mental heatlh, everything but eduction.
VERY disappointed with new cable franchise bill. Before statewide franchise bill, ita ctively negotiated wonderful benefits for consumers through franchise process – public access channels, wired schools and libraries, broadcast of town council meetings. All of this now impossible because of new state franchise bill
State legislation has minimal public interest requirements, and once the telco enters, the cable company can abrogate their existing franchise agreements. Disaster for cities and counties.
Cities' only role is to hand our permits and receive customer complaints, but they have no leverage to enforce anything on the video industry.
Amazed that industry (AT&T and Verizon) spent $50 Million in lobbying for this bill.
Believes most libraries do not obtain BB through cable, so not sure cable's abrogation of contracts will have much effect on libraries BB access.
Suggested, somewhat facetiously, that maybe libraries could install a lottery machine because lottery commission then pays for a secure BB connection.
Very concerned that BB task Force is focused on rights-of way as a barrier to deployment. Concerned that cities could lose their 5% franchise fees that remain intact even after franchise bill.
Believes that legislature is not focused enough on BB. One legislator said "BB is not even close to being as important as telephone service."
Not aware of many municipal BB networks. Cities have more authority than counties to do this because counties need authority from state or need to share authority with city.
Skeptical of DTS contracts; believes state has not had a good record of IT management and deployment.
Noted BIG gap between growing population in Central Valley and lack of BB.
Said that there is no existing California program that would be suitable for Gates Foundation dollars. Supports creation of a new pilot project separate from existing projects, which are too politicized and captured by industry.
6. Lunch with CENIC – Jim Dolgonas and and Stephanie Couch[edit]
Biggest BB problem is dollars. New funding is necessary. Very interested in developing new content and applications that will stimulate demand for BB. Not as focused on last mile solutions.
7. Sue Buske[edit]
Her consulting firm represents public interest groups and municipalities in cable franchise negotiations.
She believes California franchise bill left intact some controls by cities, some cities are expected to challenge the new law by continuing to seek build-out requirements on telcos. Certain to end up in litigation.
Formerly headed up Alliance for Community Media in D.C., which promotes community video programming on cable systems.
Very involved in negotiating institutional networks for city governments. She is certain that almost every cable I-net would include service libraries. Often cable companies will build dark fiber for use by libraries and other municipal entities. – no limit to BB speed, whatever the library can pump through the dark fiber is up to them. (!)
Also, she believes many cable companies will prefer to retain their contracts with the cities rather than deal with state PUC. Cable companies have already built-out to satisfy municipal requirements and have installed I-networks. Concerned that state PUC may impose new additional requirements. Cable unlikely to pull the plug on their existing services.
Has been able to negotiated BB connections through cable agreements with creative interpretation of Title VI of Cable Act. Technically, Cable act only allows cities to negotiate for cable services, but Act also allows for "functionality" – this is the legal hook to request I-nets.
Praises Fred Kohn (?) city manager of Monterey County for developing BB connectivity and using Wi-Fi- to extend scope of I-net (dark fiber).
Believes AT&T and Verizon will not be interested in serving everybody as does cable.
Cable is focused on the last mile and has done much more to solve the "digital divide" than telcos. Most other state government agencies are not focused enough on the last mile bottleneck. Cable IS represented on Governor's Task Force (CCTA).
Follow-up Q&A[edit]
From: ?[edit]
Geoff and I needed a bit of time to discuss this. We're frankly hard-pressed to come up with an "action" that has been particularly notable. I think at this point the most important thing is the establishment of administrative bodies (California Emerging Technology Fund and the Governor's Broadband Task Force) to research and propose recommendations to the Legislature and the CPUC. At least the conversation is getting a bit more serious...
Nancy: I believe the passage of SB 284 would be instrumental in kick-starting additional broadband investment throughout the state. John
Rush from State Library[edit]
As we have seen with Gates Foundation contributions to public access computing in public libraries, sustainability is a long term factor that has to be addressed. Here is a list in descending order of actions the Gates Foundation could take regarding broadband. Please note: The following action items are my blue sky thoughts in descending order for California. I provide this list without regard to politics, which may affect their viability. However, from what I have read, Warren Buffett wants his donation to the Gates Foundation spent quickly. I am copying others here for their suggestions and recommendations as well.
- Endorse the Governor's Broadband Task Force in California and make a contribution set aside for public libraries.
[comment] I am not sure how Bill and Melinda Gates would feel about a public/private partnership press photo with Arnold, but it would get a LOT of attention. Have the photo taken in front of a row of public access computers in a public library, with Arnold receiving a Gates Foundation check.
- Endorse the California Emerging Technology Fund, and make a contribution that is set aside for public libraries.
[comment] This fund was originally built with money from AT&T and Verizon as a result of PUC approval of their respective mergers. It is $65 million over 5 years, which will not go very far in a state this size. The CETF grant process has not been announced.
- Pay for public libraries to join CENIC/CalREN and get Internet2 access.
- This action item is larger than just California. Testify before Congress and the FCC to simplify E-Rate.
Susan from State Library[edit]
I would agree with all of Rush's suggestions. I would add that a program could be crafted to promote partnerships of public libraries, community technology centers, health clinics in rural and underserved areas and/or other service providers so that existing community infrastrucure could be used as a backbone to promote broadband connectivity throughout the state. Susan H.
San Mateo Combined Report[edit]
1. Describe your current network. How is it configured? How much bandwidth do you have? How do you get it? What does it cost? How is it funded? Is it scalable?
PLS (regional cooperative)- ATM frame relay , T1's to certain libraries, criteria for more is whoever runs out; network is being redesigned; adding T1's adding a band aide; not practical; show certain hours of the day; monitor LAN and wifi; spike are after school; gaming ; ATT is provider; scalable – no limit; t1's to all libraries; some have more than 1 t1 – San Mateo PL has 3 t1's
BPL (member of regional cooperative) - High speed connectivity from PLAN; part of 2 networks; also part of city network; most services from PLAN; speed is good from PLAN; the more you have the more you need – especially wifi; getting parking lot wifi vultures – never come in the library; multiple networks – most info from PLAN, some city services for housekeeping, e.g. MS Office, city applications;
San Francisco Public – current network 29 locations about 1500 workstations, ½ staff and ½ public, 20mb fractional DS3; determine additions by speed and slowdown; have graph of bandwidth utilization; youtube, social networking driving increased use.; ATT direct for service; going to opt-e-man – ATT fiber up to 1g; wills tart with 50mb; 2 other ways for patrons – wired connections via reader tables via Comcast; at branches wired through Comcast or dsl; is saturated now; Comcast 3mb; dsl 10mb – many complaints of slowness; ILS slowed because of use
Black Gold (regional cooperative) – each lib has dsl or cable all internet runs on; lib apps are separate/protected bandwidth; slows down for internet apps; dsl or cable allows redundant access to server; branches have fractional t1's; decided based on number of computers and judgment call by staff; decided via politics of members, director, IT person, input from libraries; cost means we can't give them what they need but have enough bandwidth for services; bottleneck is host circuits – 4t1's need new hardware, equipment limitations
Contra Costa County – 25 locations ; 24 t1's to central site; connection to central county WAN not direct to internet; microwave disk; wireless everywhere; 1 library on cable; cpu's at capacity; county loves library – Contra Costa County fosters good relations with sending gifts, good evaluations, and collaboration (sucking up).
• Erate
• Teleconnect (California technology fund provides funding after E-rate discount is taken)
• Own budgets
• Whatever can pay for and get
• Regional cooperatives pay as part of member services
o Formula based on
• Number of computers on network
• Based on use of network
2. What do you use your bandwidth for?
Internet connectivity – describe uses
Internal operations – describe uses
ILS/PAC – describe
• Games
• Social networking
• E-government – (government expects everybody to be able to get government information online)
• Archived video recording of government meetings
• Economic development – job applications online
• Downloadable audio
• E-books
• Video conferencing – statewide meetings
• Training
3. What would you like to do with your Internet Connection that you cannot do with your current environment?
What you would use it for:
• Gaming
• Social networking
• E-government – access online not available in print; forms ; archived video recording of government meetings
• More people want to download from home
• Desktop sharing
4. Is your bandwidth sufficient? If no, what problems does the insufficient bandwidth cause for your staff and patrons?
All said no. The notice lack of sufficiency by:
• Many complaints of slowness
• Use of ILS is slowed
• Slow internet applications
• Restrictions on some applications
They deal with the lack of bandwidth in several ways:
• Identify core services and prioritize IP addresses
• Have computers that can only access ILS/PAC
• Have computers that can only access databases
• Limit access to games, block access
• Limit downloadable audio and video
"We keep adding but we are always saturated"
5. What would you consider sufficient bandwidth? How did you arrive at that amount?
• Planning with members on services
• Policy decisions – business decisions
o Gaming
o Parking lot use?
o Select core services – guarantee core set , what's left maybe slower; prioritizing IP addresses; catalog only stations
• Track bandwidth use
• Regional cooperatives work with local libraries to identify upcoming services (such as podcasting) and plan for expanded bandwidth to meet the demand.
Rational for getting more broadband
• Commuters and remote connects to lib services
• Get services from regional cooperatives
6. What is your vision for your library's connectivity?
• Add public libraries to CENIC and allow access to CENIC content such as Shoah files
7. What are the barriers to getting more bandwidth?
• Competition with other city agencies
• Policies
• Need more equipment – modern computers "Old PCs impact success"
• Cost of routers at central
• Bandwidth saturation
• Lack of bandwidth
• Industry limitations
o Infrastructure not built out to rural areas
o AT&T offers Opt-E-Man but not available to all the branches
o Don't know who vendor reps are, no tech support for planning
• IT knowledge – don't' know how to do configurations
o Variety of what need to know and do
o Added technology
o Need to train all staff – line staff
o Need to be trained
o "We throw money at IT and it's never enough"
• No planning guides to help plan for configuration, bandwidth needs
8. E-rate: What role does e-rate play in high speed access for public libraries?
Who applies for the E-rate funds?
How does CIPA impact?
• Discount on bills – not revenue that can be used; no accountability
• Slow circuits
• Paper work
• Vendors slow to credit bills
• County gets benefit of e-rate, not library
Regional coops apply on behalf of member libraries
Some libraries filter
Some don't
Some filter only children's department.
Some comply with CIPA
Some follow board policy NOT to filter
Some follow community policy TO filter
Noone seems very worried or concerned about it.
9. Who at the regional or state level provides you assistance in analyzing your needs and getting you more bandwidth?
Also Leadership, where does it come from?
Leadership in forming networks comes from:
• Regional cooperative
• State librarian
• I2 networks
• Vendors
• Teleconnect
10. If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were to offer assistance in getting more of US public libraries with higher bandwidth, what would be most helpful?
• Influence erate
• Influence CENIC –I2
• Influence industry
o I2, telecom
o Someone who knows libs
• Someone – people to help with network evaluation (health check on the library's system and configuration)
• Team/person can draw on for help at regional level
• Public education of the services libraries provide – increase public demand
• High speed equip for high speed bandwidth
• Network equip – routers and switches
• Increased regional training
• More computers in rural areas
11. What leads to success?
Success factors
• Hook up with community colleges for collaboration/cooperation
• Aggregation
• Members of PLS
• Sharing equipment and staff
• Leadership – desire to move and experiment
• Mutual respect – good relationship
• Staff participation and experimentation
• Local leadership
• Work independent of government – county
• Good IT support from cooperative


text:
Parts 1 & 2 Of The "Invasion Earth" Trilogy
The Return Of The Gods:Twilight of the Super Heroes
Black & White
331 Pages
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Pretty mundane. But there is a huge alien Mother-ship near the Moon and strange orange spheres chase some of Earth's heroes who vanish into thin air –are they dead?
Then black, impenetrable domes cover cities world-wide.
Alien invasion of Earth!
A war between the Dark Old Gods and the pantheons that followed!
Warriors from Earth's past having to battle each day and whether they die or not they are back the next day!
And no one suspects the driving force behind the events that could cause destruction and chaos throughout the multiverse —assaulted on all fronts can Earth's defenders succeed or will they fail...is this truly the end?
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Following the events on Neo Olympus and the Boarman invasion of Earth, many heroes and crime-fighters have withdrawn from activity.
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As heroes from other parallels who helped during the events return home, members of the Special Globe Guard are shocked at the sudden appearance of Zom of the Zodiac.
Very soon, a group of heroes find a quick rescue mission turn sour as they become lost between parallel Earths and threats. Sometimes one Earth just is not enough.
The complete story published in issues 7-10 of Black Tower Adventure now in...one handy dandy book!


text:
I am specifically interested in walking/hiking/cycling rather than going to the beach or skiing.
What are some recommended day trips from New York City for outdoor activities? [closed]
closed as primarily opinion-based by Karlson, drat, choster, Nean Der Thal, Mark Mayo♦ Jun 1 '14 at 13:14
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
The Appalachian Trail is a stop on the Metro North Railroad on weekends.
1Considering the available schedule from Grand Central I'd make it a 2 day trip. – Karlson Feb 11 '12 at 15:25
If you don't like biking around Central Park. Try Bear Mountain. There is a race there in the summer but I can't find the info now.
You can go to the Poconos for hiking, Trail Biking, Kayaking, Fishing. More on the Poconos here.
There is also Catskills but I wouldn't do it in one day.
I once did a day trip from NYC to Princeton University, which is not that far away. I really went for the campus, which is really nice (when compared to the 1970s concrete bunkers of my Uni) and also for record shopping. But there are several hiking trails nearby. The Sourland Mountain ones look interesting. I haven't been around in New Jersey that much, but that part of it was actually quite nice.


text:
I so wish I'd doubled this recipe while I was making it. Tripled, or quadrupled even!
These are so scrumptious…perfect for the fall season.
It's really simple…you just add some pumpkin puree and spices to the egg-milk mixture.
Then make French toast as you would.
See…easy, peasy…
The eggs, milk, pumpkin and spices.
It will be thick. Thicker than a "regular" French toast mixture.
Don't fret.
They will cook just fine.
Cook in skillet or on griddle.
Well greased.
Grease in between batches too.
This is very important, as the denser egg mixture has more of a tendency to stick!
The flipped side with some drizzles of maple syrup.
With the leftovers, I cut them into "french toast sticks" and froze them.
They freeze beautifully and the kids got to enjoy them for lunch a few days later!
Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Yield – 4 servings
Preparation Time – 5 minutes
Cooking Time – 15 minutes
- 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp homemade pumpkin pie spice
- Butter and syrup for serving
- Fresh fruit or smoothie as side
- Set out the bread for dipping.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin and pie spice until smooth.
- Dip each side of the bread and cook on a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Flip after 1 – 2 minutes.
- Once all are cooked, serve with butter and maple. And a side of fresh fruit.
- If freezing, let cool completely to reduce freezer burn.
- Enjoy this perfect fall "breakfast for dinner"!
Cost $4.15
Want more great breakfast recipes from Erin?!?
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text:
FLORENCE, KT -- The Northern Kentucky Technical Rescue Team rescued a dog Sunday after it fell through a frozen pond. The rescue team responded to the call in Florence about 10:00 a.m. Sunday after callers said a husky who had wandered onto some ice and fell through.
"She is part of the family. She was probably not even as big as her head is now (when I got her). She's like my child I guess I would say," Jose, the dog's owner, said.
First responders tried to break a path in the ice for the dog to swim back to shore. When that didn't work, they called in the water rescue team.
It took crews about 20 minutes to rescue the dog. Firefighters said the 1-year-old husky mix named Ali was conscious. Jose said he thought Ali was close to giving up.
"It was pretty scary. There was one point when she stopped completely," he said.


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MILPITAS, Calif., April 11, 2016 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash storage solutions, today introduced an upgraded all-flash storage platform with the introduction of the InfiniFlash™ IF150 system, the latest addition to its InfiniFlash family, which is transforming data centers around the world. The new IF150 brings twice the performance via upgraded 12Gbps SAS connectivity, and the same massive capacity to big data and hyperscale workloads as the previous generation of InfiniFlash. This further broadens the potential uses for the next-generation storage platform around a variety of new workloads, including high-performance computing (HPC), big data analytics, media services and other high capacity, extreme performance-demanding applications. Today, SanDisk also introduced new offerings to enhance the experience for InfiniFlash customers.
"Since its launch, the game-changing performance and economic benefits of the InfiniFlash System have been recognized by customers—from data centers in research institutions doing big data analytics to web providers, hyperscalers and video streaming companies who manage data on a massive scale, and more," said Ravi Swaminathan, vice president and general manager of systems and software solutions at SanDisk. "With our new IF150 system, we have pushed the performance even further, while at the same time delivering massive-scale storage at a price point that makes business sense."
The IF150 system is uniquely suited for both the scale-out and scale-up environments required by today's enterprise, cloud and hyperscale data centers. Delivering up to two million raw IOPS and consistently low latency, the IF150 system supports demanding workloads by addressing scalability and availability challenges. It works intelligently as an integrated hardware, software and open source system to deliver multiple business benefits to enterprise customers. It offers up to half a petabyte (512 terabytes) of flash storage in one 3-rack-unit (3U) system and can directly connect up to eight off-the-shelf-servers. Like all InfiniFlash systems, the new IF150 offers massive all-flash storage capacity at a $1 per GB price point for raw flash – compression and de-dupe capability in storage software (available from SanDisk Infiniflash ecosystem partners) can further dramatically reduce the effective price per GB.
"While all-flash arrays continue to exhibit strong double digit growth, the cost of these solutions is undergoing an increasingly downward trend," said Eric Burgener, research director at IDC. "As these flash alternatives reach price parity with HDD-based systems, we are starting to see more data center customers able to consider them for their storage requirements. The introduction of the InfiniFlash IF150 system brings higher performance at an effective dollar-per-gigabyte price point; in turn allowing a variety of new enterprise workloads to benefit from flash storage performance."
IF150 features and specifications include:
In addition to the introduction of IF150, SanDisk is now further broadening its commitment to exceptional customer support for the InfiniFlash systems family with the addition of two new optional offerings:
InfiniFlash Customer Quotes:
Read more - InfiniFlash™ System IF150 – All-Flash "Building Blocks" for Software-Defined Storage
For more information about the IF150 system and InfiniFlash or to view InfiniFlash studies, visit https://www.sandisk.com/business/datacenter/products/flash-systems/infiniflash.
SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, is a global leader in flash storage solutions. For more than 27 years, SanDisk has expanded the possibilities of storage, providing trusted and innovative products that have transformed the electronics industry. Today, SanDisk's quality, state-of-the-art solutions are at the heart of many of the world's largest data centers, and embedded in advanced smart phones, tablets and PCs. SanDisk's consumer products are available at hundreds of thousands of retail stores worldwide. For more information, visit www.sandisk.com.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for growth of all-flash storage arrays, cost of all-flash storage arrays continuing to decline, price of all-flash storage arrays reaching price parity with HDD-based systems, a variety of use cases and enterprise workloads expecting to benefit from flash storage solutions, more data center customers considering flash storage solutions for their storage requirements, InfiniFlash availability, performance, cost of ownership, reliability, capacities and pricing that are based on current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: the growth of all-flash storage arrays may be slower than we expect, customer acceptance of all-flash storage arrays may be slower than we expect, pricing for InfiniFlash may not decline as quickly as we expect or reach parity with HDD-based systems, InfiniFlash may not be available in the capacities that we expect, with the performance, cost of ownership, reliability or pricing that we expect, industry and customer trends may not evolve as we expect or the other risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016. This news release contains information from third parties, which reflect their projections as of the date of issuance. All statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this release. SanDisk undertakes no obligations to update the information in this release in the event facts or circumstances change after the date of this release.
1 Based on internal testing. Test results and configurations available from SanDisk upon request.
2 Annual Failure Rate as compared to HDDs. InfiniFlash AFR based on internal testing. Test results available from SanDisk upon request.
3 Power consumption cost modeling data available from SanDisk upon request.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Parr
SanDisk Corporation


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Authorities ID man killed in head-on crash in Houston
A 20-year-old man died Sunday night when his car collided head-on with a sports utility vehicle in northeast Houston.
Daniel Hope died in the two-vehicle wreck that happened about 8:15 p.m. at 9200 Tidwell near Mesa, according to the Houston Police Department.
Police said Hope was driving a Toyota Corolla westbound on Tidwell when he lost control of his car, hit a curb and veered into oncoming traffic. He tried to return to the westbound lane but collided with a GMC Envoy that was traveling eastbound on Tidwell.
The SUV driver was taken to LBJ General Hospital. The person had minor injuries.
Police were investigating the crash.


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If you're looking for high quality and personal service, you've come to the right place. At Boring Mini Storage we'll give you the attention and personal service you'll come to expect and enjoy. We offer the best in services and supplies for storage and moving. Boring Mini Storage was established in 2004. Let us put our years of experience to work for you.
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Treat your friend/valentine/partner/significant other (we don't care how you know each other!) to an evening of fun in our kitchen. Registration is for two people.
Indulge your love of street food by preparing a menu of Chicken Skewers with Coconut Curry Dipping Sauce; Green Papaya Salad; Noodle Soup with Shrimp, Thai Basil, Spinach, and Shiitaki Mushrooms; and Galloping Horses, made with Seasoned Ground Pork Wrapped in Leaves of Butter Lettuce with Citrus Fruit and Mint. This class touches on an array of culinary techniques and results in delicious dishes!
$145 per couple
Sun., October 20th at 6:30pm
Thurs., November 14th at 6:30pm
Thurs., December 12th at 6:30pm
Sat., December 28th at 6:30pm
Menu-based classes are collaborative, with students sharing in the preparation of the menu. Class finishes with a sit-down meal.
Due to limited spaces, classes at Baltimore Chef Shop are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will be happy to transfer your registration to a different class given 48-hours notice. While cancellations within 48 hours of the class are not eligible for transfers, we welcome you to send a friend in your place!


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Lin returns to New York
While this may still be a big deal to some, in the locker room after Wednesday's loss in Philadelphia, Lin tried to downplay the significance.
The game against the New York Knicks will be nationally televised and will, after all, feature All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, James Harden and Dwight Howard.
"I'm hoping I will be a subplot," Lin said.
Not a chance. It was here, after all, that Lin captivated the sports world in the winter of 2012 with an out-of-nowhere run that propelled him to global prominence and onto the cover of Time magazine, becoming the first player in more than 40 years to put up 20 points and seven assists in his first five starts. His run eventually faded, and a knee injury ended his 2011-12 campaign, but many remained shocked that summer when the Rockets offered Lin a three-year, $25 million deal that the Knicks refused to match.
Lin still enjoys cult-hero status in these parts among those who fondly remember the Linsanity stretch. Lin has tried to put that behind him.
"For me it's just another game," he told reporters. "It's two years removed, so I am just going to play basketball and not worry too much about Madison Square Garden. Obviously, I have so many great memories there and will cherish it forever, but it's just basketball."
True, but adding some fuel to the notion that Lin is more lead character than subplot has been his recent play. He has been moved into a sixth-man role behind point guard Patrick Beverley, and has excelled. He scored 34 points (with 12 assists) in the loss to the Sixers on Wednesday, following up a 31-point effort against the Raptors. He has gone 20-for-36 from the field and 12-for-21 from the 3-point line in those two games and is averaging 18.1 points (on 54.2 percent shooting) overall.
That's a big improvement over last season, when Lin struggled to meet high post-Linsanity expectations with his new team, and didn't seem to mesh well at all with guard James Harden. He seems more comfortable now, and the bench role—which allows him to play more with Harden off the floor—might even be helping him further.
"We talked about him coming off the bench, and I said, you've got to go out there and just play," coach Kevin McHale said. "He's got more bounce in his legs. He's got more juice. He's been playing very well."
The Rockets, though, are a different story. While the Knicks avoided a full-on meltdown by beating Atlanta on Wednesday, Houston continues to struggle to find a rhythm as McHale tinkers with the starting five. The bigger problem, though, remains the fourth quarter—the Rockets blew a double-digit lead in the fourth in the loss to Philadelphia, following games against the Raptors (an overtime win) and the Clippers (a loss) in which the Rockets blew double-digit leads late.
Linsanity aside, establishing a lead and finishing the game strong remains the Rockets' big challenge at Madison Square Garden. "No lead is safe unless it's larger, significantly larger, than what we had (Wednesday)," Lin said.


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The eBay Hack: What You Need to Do Right Now
Online shopping site eBay (EBAY) is asking its millions of users to reset their account passwords following a cyberattack on servers storing non-financial customer information, the company announced Wednesday.
The compromised database contained customer names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers and birthdates, so while hackers accessed no financial data, the information is valuable to potential identity thieves. eBay has more than 128 million active users, according to its website.
"The eBay breach illustrates the growing problem with identity theft, which is how ordinary folks are often the real targets of hackers who go after these big companies," said Adam Levin, chairman and co-founder of Credit.com and Identity Theft 911. "No matter how safe any individual person is with their data, databases like eBay's represent a nearly irresistible source of people's personal information to hackers, rather than going after individuals one by one."
What You Need to Know
The database was breached between late February and early March, which the company discovered after it detected some compromised employee log-in credentials two weeks ago. That investigation revealed the compromised server.
PayPal, a payment processing subsidiary of eBay Inc., wasn't compromised, as PayPal information is stored on servers separate from the affected ones. Credit card and other financial information of eBay users is encrypted and also stored separately.
As with most data breaches, changing passwords is a must. If you use your eBay password to log into other sites, change those, too, and keep in mind the risk of using the same password across many platforms. Considering an email address is often your username for online accounts, the hackers with the eBay data could easily access other accounts using the same credentials or target you via an email phishing scam.
Identity theft should also be a concern among these data breach victims, because your address and date of birth can be helpful for criminals interested in committing tax fraud or opening fraudulent accounts in your name. You should check your free annual credit reports (here's how to do that), as well as monitor your online bank accounts and credit scores, because a sudden and unexpected change in credit score can be an indicator of identity theft.
You can see two of your credit scores for free every month with a Credit.com account, and you can learn more about the risks of identity theft here.


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My-Cool-SMS API
My-Cool-SMS lets users send and receive international SMS text messages via web, mobile device, desktop programs and API for a low price. The service sends SMS via Wi-Fi or 3G connections meaning users are not required to have a SIM card. My-Cool-SMS provides web applications that allow users to manager their contacts and messaging campaigns as well as perform analytics. The My-Cool-SMS API allow users to send and receive SMS text messages, manage mailing lists and retrieve delivery reports. The API can be used to integrate the gateway with any web site or third party application. It uses HTTP calls and responses are formatted in JSON.


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Anyway, hi! Welcome back to the place I infrequent. How were your holidays?
My Christmas was chock-full of kiddos, as Christmases are wont to be. So naturally, conversation during one get-together eventually touched on the fact that I remain securely in the "Godmother, I love you THIS much!" card section at Hallmark. I got a bit of ribbing about the barren state of things, tick-tock and such, though I can't imagine this type of teasing lasting many more years. (Though science continues to advance...Onward, science!)
At one point, I good-naturedly countered with, "With my luck, our kid would totally be an asshole!" And the conversation only devolved from there.
I am closer to 40 than 35, which means there is a 96% chance I will hear this from my doctor should Things Get Real: "If your ovaries have not yet crumbled to dust and actually Leggo a viable Eggo, you are a higher risk than a credit default swap circa 2005 … also, are you aware that if you do conceive, your preggo-pendi will likely become a perma-pendi?"*
I can imagine myself examining the ultrasound results with my doctor. "Ah," she'd say, "See that? You can already see the laryngeal birth defect forming …"
"What does that mean?" I'd say, sitting up, fighting panic.
"Just that your child will never be able to form the words 'I'm sorry,' 'I love you,' 'please,' or 'thank you.'
It also means he'll probably try to set the dog on fire, steal money from his grandparents, deface church property, and there will be rashes. On a weekly basis."
And I'd anxiously pull up my elastic-waistband pants and leave, huffing to J on the way to the car: "That's the last time we get an ultra-sound from someone in the WalMart parking lot!"
*"Pendi" is my aunt and uncle's shorthand for "pedunculus," defined by the Urban Dictionary as follows: "a frontbutt on women (and some men), the pedunculus is the last fatty roll before the vagina." You're welcome.
In totally unrelated news, I am mulling some changes to this blog, because if I'm totally sick of looking at the layout, I can only imagine the guttural revulsion you're feeling by now. So, here are some new names I'm considering for the site:
1) Tight slacks.
2) I wanted to call this "Two Dinks and a Dog," but some non-posting asshole already bought that domain. (Yes, the whole sentence. Maybe I'd use underscores for spaces.)
3) That's not chili!
And now that my most entertaining neighbor is dead, what should the focus of the blog be? Lifestyle, writing, food, gardening, mommy blogger with an invisible child named Sebastian, who is allergic to soy and enjoys crafting with felt? Maybe a weekly interview with J while he reacts to something strange I make for dinner ("Yes. There are definitely subtle notes of construction adhesive at work here, though the overall mouth-feel is playful, strangely evocative of crushed tapioca"). Maybe I could give my dog a monthly guest slot, though every blog she posts would just look like this: "Bark-bark-bark-bark-bark-bark-bark--sound of butt scooting across carpet--bark-bark-bark-bark-bark--sound of retching--bark-bark!!!!" So that would get old after awhile.
Lately I have been in a state of EXTREME anxiety concerning a project at work, so maybe I could document my meltdown? I have a feeling it could be spectacular! Would I be fired if I put this footnote in my grant proposal: "As you can clearly see, the client did NOT trust my professional opinion or provide timely, detailed information. Therefore, instead of a well-developed proposal that could result in meaningful change in our community, you are being presented with a charcoal rendering of Ed Helms' profile, a strangers' grocery list that I found in a parking lot, and a selection of my Best Blogs from 2006. Enjoy!"
Here's what I'm thinking: Meltdown Monday, Testy Teste Tuesday, Wow-What-a-Weave! Wednesday, Thin-Skinned Thursday, and Found in the Fridge Friday.
Or we could stick with the current sporadic, unpredictable, rickety-ass schedule. Which is kind of fun, because who doesn't like surprises?


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COOKEVI LLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Tech men's and women's golf teams have each added a name to their 2011-12 rosters.
Taylor Diegel (Knoxville, Tenn.) has signed with the men's club while Madalyn Everts (Ooltewah, Tenn.) will bring her talent to the Tech women's team.
Taylor Diegel
Diegel, the son of Craig and Peggy Diegel, is a 2011 graduate of Farragut High School where he was a four-year letterman in golf under coaches Scott McKenzie and Jonathan Cox as well as a two-year basketball letterman who played shooting guard under coaches Donald Dodgen and Chris Cool.
He was a first-team honoree by the Knoxville News-Sentinel PrepXtra in 2009 and took second team honors in 2010. Diegel was no stranger to success off the course as well, earning the TSSAA Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award and TSSAA Student-Athlete Award.
During his career at Farragut, Diegel helped lead the Admirals to two Class AAA state championships in 2008 and 2009, his sophomore and junior seasons. His teams won district and regional titles in each of his four high school seasons. As a senior in 2010, he averaged 73.6 strokes per 18 holes in national, regional and high school tournaments.
At Tech, Diegel plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Madalyn Everts
The daughter of Bob and Peg Everts, Madalyn Everts is a 2011 graduate of Notre Dame High School, where she lettered in golf for four seasons under coach Jeff Fisher.
Everts brought home a fifth-place finish at the TSSAA Class A-AA State Golf Championships as a junior in 2009 and also took third-place regional finishes in both her junior and senior seasons. She was named Most Improved on her team as a junior.
During her tenure with the Lady Irish, Notre Dame was a two-time regional champion.
In high school, Everts was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and was named to the Dean's List. At Tech, she plans to major in mechanical engineering.


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Earth : Europe : Turkey : Marmara (region) : Southern Marmara : Uludağ
Uludağ (pronounced oo loo daa) is a national park and wintersports resort in Southern Marmara of Turkey.
With its 2,543 mt/8,343 ft summit, Uludağ is the highest mountain of northwestern Turkey. There are some reports and photos that claims its summit is visible from Istanbul about 150 km north as the crow flies on clear days, though this is usually not the case due to humidity.
Uludağ has two sides to it: On one side, it's an untouched natural beauty of forests, hills, and rocks overlooked by eagles and on the other it's a heavily-used resort of wintersports. One might argue there is a third side as well, the relatively small-sized but well-used daily-use areas that are filled with kebab-odour that disseminate from grills of open-air restaurants.
Uludağ was one of the twenty-odd mountains around the eastern half of Mediterranean basin that used to be called Olympos in ancient times—more precisely Mysian Olympos in this case, Mysia being the ancient name of the region what is about eastern two-thirds of Southern Marmara today.
In medieval times, Uludağ served as a hermitage to Christian monks, a situation which is the reason why its name was Keşiş Dağı ("Mountain of the Monks") in Ottoman Turkish. It was renamed Uludağ, which translates "Great Mountain" ("great" being more in the sense of "grand"), in 1935, about a decade after the Turkish Republic was founded.
Northern side of the mountain overlooking the city of Bursa (though you should be darn lucky to have a glimpse of the city from most locations on the mountain) is dotted with a number of flat plateaus around 1,600 mt above the sea level: Sarıalan (the main daily-use area and where cable cars from Bursa terminate), Kadıyayla (where the cable car pauses before heading forward to Sarıalan), Karabelen (when approaching by road, the national park gate is situated here), and Kirazlıyayla (the first plateau after the park gate) among others.
The southern slopes of the mountain is far steeper and is less accessible.
Flora and fauna
Uludağ is one of the places where school geography textbooks come true: the mountain has belts of different types of vegetation varying with the elevation. The lowest slopes bordering Bursa, up to 350 mt above the sea level is covered with Mediterranean shrubs (maquis), such as laurel trees. Between 350 through 700 mt, it's the warm temperate decidious forests dominated by chestnut trees (this zone is where most of those delicious chestnut desserts unique to Bursa originates from). It's the time for cool temperate decidious woods between 700 to 1,500 mt, dominated by beech trees. 1,500 to 2,100 mt is the highest belt that still allow trees to grow, dominated by indemic firs of Uludağ. Tree-less and fragile alpine meadows cover the areas of mountain above 2,100 mt.
Bears, wolves, deers, and eagles among others are the dwellers of Uludağ.
As you may be expecting, Uludağ is far chillier than nearby Bursa thanks to its elevation. The wintersports season, especially skiing, is between October and April, with a guaranteed stable snowcover and constant below freezing temperatures between December and March. A summer day that is sweltering hot in Bursa is likely to be cool enough that makes it really uncomfortable without at least a cardigan outdoors in Uludağ during the day and definately at night.
Get in
The narrow (wide enough for vehicles to pass side by side though) and tarmac road from Bursa (with signs pointing it all around the city) winds on the side of the mountain for 22 km until it arrives at the national park gate at Karabelen. After the gate, it turns into—or rather isn't upgraded from since it was opened—a cobbled road, presumably to force drivers to lower their speed, so that driving under icy conditions in winter on this winding road is safe. The cobbled road lasts for 8 km until Sarıalan, or 12 km until Oteller (area where all hotels are clustered).
In winter, vehicles without tire chains may not be allowed to go further than park gate if park authorities decide so (which usually do so in heavily-snowing days). Fortunately, you'll see a lot of stalls run by local people on sides of the road which sell chains—though they'll for sure try to rip you off if it's one of those no-cars-without-chains days (like trying to sell the chain for up to 100 TL, whereas it would cost about 15 TL elsewhere). Whether a snowy day or not, winter driving rules apply.
30-person cable cars (teleferik) from Bursa's upper neighbourhood of Teferrüç on the foothills of the mountain (minibuses with signs Teferrüç – Teleferik get there from central Bursa) take a much more direct route than the road. It takes around 20-25 minutes to get to the Sarıalan station located at 1,634 mt above the sea level. At about mid-way up to Sarıalan, there is a change station at Kadıyayla. Because of space constraints, no skiing/snowboarding equipment is allowed in the cable car, but fortunately you can rent them up on the mountain. As of 2010, teleferik ride from Teferrüç to Sarıalan costs 10 TL pp return on Wednesdays and Fridays, 15 TL pp return on other days [8]. Children aged 7-12 are entitled for a 50% concession. Departures start 8:30AM with 30-minute intervals until 10AM. Then, there is a departure every 40 minutes during the rest of the day with the last departure from Teferrüç to Sarıalan at 8PM and the last returning departure to the city at 8:20PM [9]. Cable car service may be cancelled due to bad weather, especially in wintertime.
If that's the case, then you can take 15-person dolmuşes from Bursa, which have no fixed hours, and depart when full. Their departure stop is in Tophane, next to the Saltanatkapı gate of old city walls. It takes around 50 minutes to get to Oteller, their last stop in Uludağ, by these dolmuşes and a one-way trip costs 9 TL pp. There are also dolmuş taksis with a capacity of four passengers available, which naturally have less waiting times until they are full, and which cost 15 TL pp one-way.
A flat rate—which doesn't depend on the number of passengers—for vehicles is charged at the national park gate. Bigger the vehicle, more expensive the fee (though not prohibitively so).
Get around
Minibuses (dolmuş) are available from Sarıalan cable car station to Oteller area, about 10 km away and where all of the hotels are located.
2-person gondola lifts (telesiyej) start from their separate station next to the cable car station in Sarıalan and head to Çobankaya plateau 3 km away and about 100 mt higher than Sarıalan. A return ticket on gondola lift line costs 10 TL pp, with a 50% reduction for children aged 7-12.
The "two sides" of Uludağ is also evident in the activities it offers: in wintertime it's skiing down the white slopes, in summertime it's taking a walk amidst the woods.
Uludağ is the oldest wintersports resort of the country with the first hotel opened in 1940s. Uludağ offers a number of tracks between fir trees, each with a different level of hardness. Lots of teleskis are available, though unlike many other wintersports resorts around the world, there is not a universal teleski pass system in Uludağ, so you may have to pay each time you use a teleski unless you are using your hotel's own, although there are daily passes valid for each individual teleskis, which cost 80 TL a day.
Skiing equipment can be rented on the mountain for 15-25 TL a day.
Although none of them waymarked, there is a number of hiking trails on the mountain, with the most popular ones being the trail from Sarıalan to Çobankaya and the trail to the glacial lakes and the summit, which you can start from the abandoned wolfram mine (location simply known as Volfram) east of Oteller area. Volfram to lakes and summit hike is reported to take place along a non-waymarked but obvious trail which forks in about an hour and a half after you started walking: trail to right leads to the summit—the roof of northwestern Turkey where you can catch a glimpse of part of the distinctive crocodile-like shape of the Sea of Marmara and a distant silhouette of Istanbul beyond on clear days—while the one to left leads to the lakes—four of them roughly in a row, most of which are partly ice-covered even in the height of summer unless in an exceptional year. Hiking Volfram to either location is said to take around 3 hours—though those wishing to see both the summit and the lakes close-up better take their camping gear with them since, although near each other, hiking to both locations and then back at the same day is said to be demanding.
There are a number of kiosks/grocery stores on the mountain, although like almost anything else offered by commercial establishments in Uludağ, they provide snacks and drinks for about three times of what you'd pay elsewhere.
Around Sarıalan is a number of open-air Kendin Pişir Kendin Ye ("Cook it yourself!") restaurants mostly favoured by Middle Eastern (especially Saudi) families where you buy your meat by kilo and rent a grill with some charcoal and cook your kebab yourself. Most, if not all, of these restaurants are open round the year.
Otherwise, all hotels in Uludağ are full-board and you'll have your meals in your hotel.
Although a national park, being a wintersports resort means that those prefering a luxurious bed rather than a bumpy mat under the tentfloor won't be dissappointed in Uludağ.
All hotels in Uludağ are located in Oteller (literally "hotels") area, which is divided into 1. Gelişim Bölgesi, the older development area and 2. Gelişim Bölgesi, the newer development area with a few km inbetween. 1. Gelişim Bölgesi is reported to be livelier than 2. Gelişim Bölgesi. Many hotels in Uludağ, though, are aimed at skiers and thus are closed during summer.
Organized campgrounds run by Turkish Ministry of Forestry can be found in Sarıalan and in Çobankaya.
It's possible to wild camp pretty much anywhere—apart from the obvious skiing tracks, of course—in the mountain. However, highest areas are covered with alpine meadows, some of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, so it's important to follow leave-no-trace guidelines.
Stay safe
Get out
Getting out of the mountain generally means backtracking to Bursa, although there are some tracks leading to remote villages at the eastern and southern foothills of the mountain.