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Programmable logic controllers(PLCs) have gained a substantial hold in the industrial manufacturing arena, and we would be remiss if this technology were not given the due attention it has earned. As such, we are featuring a series of articles based on the fundamentals of PLCs in this new EC&M department covering the technology of solid-state industrial automation. Throughout this series on PLC fundamentals, we'll cover PLC hardware modules; software capabilities; current applications; installation parameters; testing and troubleshooting; and hardware/software maintenance.
What is a PLC?
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines a PLC as a "digitally operating electronic apparatus which uses a programmable memory for the internal storage of instructions by implementing specific functions, such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control through digital or analog I/O modules various types of machines or processes."
One PLC manufacturer defines it as a "solid-state industrial control device which receives signals from user supplied controlled devices, such as senors and switches, implements them in a precise pattern determined by ladder-diagram-based application progress stored in user memory, and provides outputs for control of processes or user-supplied devices, such as relays or motor starters."
Basically, it's a solid-state, programmable electrical/electronic interface that can manipulate, execute, and/or monitor, at a very fast rate, the state of a process or communication system. It operates on the basis of programmable data contained in an integral microprocessor-based system.
A PLC is able to receive (input) and transmit (output) various types of electrical and electronic signals and can control and monitor practically any kind of mechanical and/or electrical system. Therefore, it has enormous flexibility in interfacing with computers, machines, and many other peripheral systems or devices.
It's usually programmed in relay ladder logic and is designed to operate in an industrial environment.
What's it look like?
PLCs come in various sizes. Generally, the space or size that a PLC occupies is in direct relation to the user systems and input/output requirements as well as the chosen manufacturer's design/packaging capabilities.
The chassis of a PLC may be of the open or enclosed type. The individual modules plug into the back plane of the chassis.
The electronic components are mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are contained within a module.
Where did it come from?
The first PLC was introduced in the late 1960s and was an outgrowth of the programmable controller or PC (not to be confused with the notation as used for the personal computer). PCs have been around the industry since the early 60s.
The need for better and faster control relays that fit into less space as well as the frustration over program inflexibility (hard-wired relays, stepping switches, and drum programmers) gave birth to the PC.
Although the PC and PLC have been interchanged in speech, the difference between them is that a PC is dedicated to control functions in a fixed program, similar in a sense to the past problem of limited ability. A PLC, on the other hand, only requires that its software logic be rewritten to meet any new demands of the system being controlled. Thus, a PLC can adapt to changes in many processes or monitoring application requirements.
How does a PLC work?
To know how the PLC works, it is essential that we have an understanding of its central processing unit's (CPU's) scan sequence. The methodology basically is the same for all PLCs. However, as special hardware modules are added into the system, additional scanning cycles are required.
Here's one simple scanning process that involves every PLC. First, the I/O hardware modules are scanned by the ladder logic software program as follows.
Upon power-up, the processor scans the input module and transfers the data contents to the input's image table or register. Data from the output image table is transferred to the output module.
Next, the software program is scanned, and each statement is checked to see if the condition has been met. If the conditions are met, the processor writes a digital bit "1" into the output image table, and a peripheral device will be energized. If the conditions are not met, the processor writes a "0" into the output image table, and a peripheral device (using "positive logic") remains deenergized.
A PLC interfaces numerous types of external electrical and electronic signals. These signals can be AC or DC currents or voltages. Typically, they range from 4 to 20 milliamperes (mA) or 0 to 120VAC, and 0 to 48VDC. These signals are referred to as I/O (input/output) points. Their total is called the PLC's I/O capability. From an electronic point-of-view, this number is based on how many points the PLC's CPU is able to look at, or scan, in a specified amount of time. This performance characteristic is called scan time. From the practical perspective of the user, however, the number of I/O modules needed as well as the number of I/O points contained on each I/O module will drive what the system's I/O capability should be.
It's important to have sufficient I/O capability in your PLC system. It's better to have more than less so that, when more I/O points are required at a future time, it's easier to write the existing spare I/O points into the software (since the hardware is already there). There's no harm to the operating system in having spare I/O points; the software can be programmed to ignore them, and these points will have a negligible effect on the PLC's scan time.
The PLC's software program
The software program is the heart of a PLC and is written by a programmer who uses elements, functions, and instructions to design the system that the PLC is to control or monitor. These elements are placed on individually numbered rungs in the relay ladder logic (RLL). The software's RLL is executed by the processor in the CPU module or controller module (same module, different name).
There are many types of PLC software design packages available. One frequently selected software package is of the RLL format and includes contacts, coils, timers, counters, registers, digital comparison blocks, and other types of special data handling functions. Using these elements, the programmer designs the control system. The external devices and components are then wired into the system identical to that of the programmer's software ladder logic. Not all of the software elements will have a hard-wired, physical counterpart, however.
As the PLC's processor scans (topdown) through the software program (rung-by-rung), each rung of RLL is executed. The hard-wired device that the software is mirroring then becomes active. The software is thus the controlling device and provides the programmer or technician the flexibility to either "force a state" or "block a device" from the system operation. For example, a coil or contact can be made to operate directly from the software (independent of the control cabinet's hard-wiring to source or field input devices). Or, a device can be made to appear invisible (removed from the system's operation), even though it's electrically hard-wired and physically in place.
Individual PLC sections
Common to all PLCs are four sections, each of which can be subdivided into smaller but equally important sections. These primary sections include the power supply section, which provides the operating DC power to the PLC and I/O base modules and includes battery backup; the program software section; the CPU module, which contains the processor and holds the memory; and the I/O section, which controls peripheral devices and contains the input and output modules.
Power supply section. The power supply (PS) section gets its input power from an external 120VAC or 240VAC source (line voltage), which is usually fused and fed through a control relay and filter external to the PS. In addition, the PS has its own integral AC input fuse.
This line voltage is then stepped-down, rectified, filtered, regulated, voltage- and current-protected, and status-monitored, with status indication displayed on the front of the PS in the form of several LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The PS can have a key switch for protecting the memory or selecting a particular programming mode.
The output of the PS provides low DC voltage(s) to the PLC's various modules (typically, with a total current capability of 20A or 50A) as well as to its integral lithium battery, which is used for the memory backup. Should the PS fail or its input line voltage drop below a specific value, the memory contents will not change from what they were prior to the failure.
The PS output provides power to every module in the PLC; however, it does not provide the DC voltages to the PLC's peripheral I/O devices.
CPU module. "CPU," "controller," or "processor" are all terms used by different manufacturers to denote the same module that performs basically the same functions. The CPU module can be divided into two sections: the processor section and the memory section.
The processor section makes the decisions needed by the PLC so that it can operate and communicate with other modules. It communicates along either a serial or parallel data-bus. An I/O base interface module or individual on-board interface I/O circuitry provides the signal conditioning required to communicate with the processor. The processor section also executes the programmer's RLL software program.
The memory section stores (electronically) retrievable digital information in three dedicated locations of the memory. These memory locations are routinely scanned by the processor. The memory will receive ("write" mode) digital information or have digital information accessed ("read" mode) by the processor. This read/write (R/W) capability provides an easy way to make program changes.
The memory contains data for several types of information. Usually, the data tables, or image registers, and the software program RLL are in the CPU module's memory. The program messages may or may not be resident with the other memory data.
A battery backup is used by some manufacturers to protect the memory contents from being lost should there be a power or memory module failure. Still others use various integrated circuit (IC) memory technologies and design schemes that will protect the memory contents without the use of a battery backup.
A typical memory section of the CPU module has a memory size of 96,000 (96K) bytes. This size tells us how many locations are available in the memory for storage. Additional memory modules can be added to your PLC system as the need arises for greater memory size. These expansion modules are added to the PLC system as the quantity of I/O modules are added or the software program becomes larger. When this is done, the memory size can be as high as 1,024,000 (1024K) bytes.
Manufacturers will state memory size in either "bytes" or "words." A byte is eight bits, and a bit is the smallest digit in the binary code. It's either a logic "1" or a logic "0." A word is equal in length to two bytes or 16 bits. Not all manufacturers use 16-bit words, so be aware of what your PLC manufacturer has defined as its memory word bit size.
Software program. The PLC not only requires electronic components to operate, it also needs a software program. The PLC programmer is not limited to writing software in one format. There are many types available, each lending itself more readily to one application over and above another. Typical is the RLL type previously discussed. Other S/W programs include "C," State Language, and SFC (Sequential Function Charts).
Regardless of which software is chosen, it will be executed by the PLC's CPU module. The software can be written and executed with the processor in an online state (while the PLC is actually running) or in the off-line state (whereby the S/W execution does not affect current operation of the I/O base).
In the RLL software program, we find several types of programming elements and functions to control processes both internal to the PLC (memory and register) as well as external (field) devices. Listed below are some of the more common types of elements, functions, and instructions:
* Contacts (can be either normally opened or closed; highlighted on the monitor means they are active).
* Coils (can be normal or latched; highlighted means they are energized).
* Timers (coil can either be ON or OFF for the specified delay).
* Counters (can count by increments either up or down).
* Bit shift registers (can shift data by one bit when active).
* One-shot (meaning active for one scan time; useful for pulse timer).
* Drums (can be sequenced based on a time or event).
* Data manipulation instructions (enable movement, comparison of digital values).
* Arithmetic instructions (enable addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of digital values).
Peripheral devices
Peripheral devices to the PLC and its I/O base(s) can be anything from a host computer and control console to a motor drive unit or field limit switch. Printers and industrial terminals used for programming are also peripheral devices.
Peripheral devices can generate or receive AC or DC voltages and currents as well as digital pulse trains or single pulses of quick length (pulse width).
These external operating devices, with their sometimes harsh and/or fast signal characteristics, must be able to interface with the PLC's sensitive microprocessor. Various types of I/O modules (using the proper shielded cabling) are available to do this job.
Input module
The input module has two functions: reception of an external signal and status display of that input point. In other words, it receives the peripheral sensing unit's signal and provides signal conditioning, termination, isolation and/or indication for that signal's state.
The input to an input module is in either a discrete or analog form. If the input is an ON-OFF type, such as with a push button or limit switch, the signal is considered to be of a discrete nature. If, on the other hand, the input varies, such as with temperature, pressure, or level, the signal is analog in nature.
Peripheral devices sending signals to input modules that describe external conditions can be switches (limit, proximity, pressure, or temperature), push buttons, or logic, binary coded decimal (BCD) or analog-to-digital (A/D) circuits. These input signal points are scanned, and their status is communicated through the interface module or circuitry within each individual PLC and I/O base. Some typical types of input modules are listed below.
* DC voltage (110, 220, 14, 24, 48, 15-30V) or current (4-20 mA).
* AC voltage (110, 240, 24, 48V) or current (4-20 mA).
* TTL (transistor transistor logic) input (3-15VDC).
* Analog input (12-bit).
* Word input (16-bit/parallel).
* Thermocouple input.
* Resistance temperature detector.
* High current relay.
* Low current relay.
* Latching input (24VDC/110VAC).
* Isolated input (24VDC/85-132VAC).
* Intelligent input (contains a microprocessor).
* Positioning input.
* PID (proportional, intregal, differentiation) input.
* High-speed pulse.
Output module
The output module transmits discrete or analog signals to activate various devices such as hydraulic actuators, solenoids, motor starters, and displays the status (through the use of LEDs) of the connected output points. Signal conditioning, termination, and isolation are also part of the output module's functions. The output module is treated in the same manner as the input module by the processor.
Some typical output modules available today include the following:
* DC voltage (24, 48,110V) or current (4-20 mA).
* AC voltage (110, 240v) or current (4-20 mA).
* Isolated (24VDC).
* Analog output (12-bit).
* Word output (16-bit/parallel).
* Intelligent output.
* ASCII output.
* Dual communication port.
A/D: A device or module that transforms an analog signal into a digital word.
Address: A numbered location (storage number) in the PLC's memory to store information.
Analog input: A varying signal supplying process change information to the analog input module.
Analog output: A varying signal transmitting process change information from the analog output module.
Baud rate: The number of bits per second that is either transmitted or received; also the speed of digital transmission acceptable by a device.
BCD: Binary coded decimal. A method used to express the 0-thru-9 (base 10) numbering system as a binary (base 2) equivalent.
Bit: A single binary digit.
Byte: Eight bits.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): An integrated circuit (IC) that interprets, decides, and executes instructions.
D/A: A device or module that transforms a digital word into an analog signal
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM): Same as EPROM but can be erased electrically.
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): A memory that a user can erase and load with new data many times, but when used in application, it functions as a ROM. EPROMs will not lose data during the loss of electrical power. They are nanvolatile memories.
Image register/image table: A dedicated memory location reserved for I/O bit status.
Input module: Processes digital or analog signals from field devices.
I/O points: Terminal points on I/O modules that connect the input and output field devices.
Millisecond: One thousandth of a second (1/1000 sec, 0.001 sec).
Modem: Modem is an acronym for modulator/demodulator. This is a device that modulates (mixes) and demodulates (separates) signals.
Operator interface: Devices that allow the system operators to have access to PLC and I/O base conditions.
Output module: Controls field devices.
Parallel data: Data whose bytes or words are transmitted or received with all their bits present at the same time.
Program: One or more instructions or statements that accomplish a task.
Programming device: A device used to tell a PLC what to do and when it should be done.
Random Access Memory (RAM): A memory where data can be accessed at any address without having to read a number of sequential addresses. Data can be read from and written to storage locations. RAM has volatile memory, meaning a loss of power will cause the contents in the RAM to be lost.
Read-Only Memory (ROM): A memory from which data can be read but not written. ROMs are often used to keep programs or data from being destroyed due to user intervention.
Software: One or more programs that control a process.
Robert B. Hee is an electronic/electrical engineer in private practice in Virginia Beach, Va.


text:
- 75
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Approximate dimensions - Made to measure
Table - TAB-10
- Beauteous Collection.
- Built on a solid timber (beech, walnut, oak or other woods) mortise and tenoned base, to contract standards.
- Wood stained and polyurethane varnished.
- Also available in other wood, material and finishes.
Other Product Areas
Other contract, hotel and restaurant furniture area options are available for chairs, sofas, tables, cases and furniture:

subset: commoncrawl


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Always on the lookout for a bargain Bordeaux with good bones (structure). Tried this last week: 2001 Ch. Jonqueyres; AOC: Bordeaux Superior; Importer: Import! Wines, Inc. of Madison, WI.
Day 1: Delightfully classic claret nose with complex and restrained flavors to match. Great balance between structure and fruit. Resolved tannins. Definitely a merlot-driven blend. I recall somewhere that the producer is a right-banker from Cotes de Blaye.
Day 2: Fruit really moving forward at this tasting, but still a nice enough claret example.
Day 3: Very fruity, but something volatile emerging.
Day 4: Drain cleaner.
Buy again? Maybe, if it could be downed in a day. FYI. the 2000 of this wine was crackin' good, though I did run in to two corked bottles in a case.


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The homepage of our website has a couple of slideshows from DD. The website is http://www.danville.k12.il.us. The main slideshow and the slideshow of the schools in the upper right is using the Ultimate Fade-in Slideshow (v2.4) found here: http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamici...nslideshow.htm
I am trying to create a splash page that I can call when we have a school closing due to snow. I am using the Splash Page script found here: http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamici...amicsplash.htm
When I test the splash page, the two slideshows on the homepage are shown (everything else is hidden) I understand that the splash screen basically just "covers" the real homepage. I am thinking that there is an issue with the z-index somewhere. Is there a way to increase the z-index of the splash page to cover up the two slideshows?
I have created a test page that can be seen here: http://www.danville.k12.il.us/hometest.htm
Thank you
D118 Webmaster


text:
Root beds in after 'daunting' start
Joe Root endured an unfortunate start to his first senior England appearance a few weeks ago. Root, who already looked as if he might have difficulty being served in a bar in London, turned up in an England blazer that, he reckons, was six or seven sizes too big for him. It did nothing to alleviate the impression that this tour had come a year or two early for him. "It felt like I was wearing Chris Tremlett's blazer," Root said. "It was good fun, though, as it was a nice ice-breaker for the rest of the side to get to know me."
Root, 21 years old, is certainly fresh faced. But it would be wrong to read too much into that. After all, Alastair Cook and Sachin Tendulkar hardly looked like grisly old pros when they started. Sometimes a youthful face can hide a steely interior. Besides, you wonder if Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting might swap all those runs, all those centuries and all that success to be where Root finds himself right now: at the start of the journey.
Root is a talented young man with a bright future. Having developed through the same Sheffield Collegiate club side as Michael Vaughan, Root surpassed 1,000 first-class runs in his first full season in 2011 and impressed Graham Thorpe, England's lead batting coach, on the subsequent England Performance Programme (EPP) tours. He followed it with another solid season in 2012, helping Yorkshire secure promotion and winning the Cricket Writers' Club Young Player of the Year award. Geoffrey Boycott is among Root's many admirers.
Root admitted, however, that his first experience of the England dressing room had been somewhat intimidating. One of the downsides of central contracts, compared to many upsides, is that international players are rarely seen in the county game. And one of the downsides of the more professional approach that players have these days is that opponents do not so readily meet for a drink after play to chat about the game
"It was quite daunting walking into that room with guys you've spent the last five years watching on the telly," Root said. "They are heroes you look up to and the next minute you're training with them every day and learning from them. I didn't know them at all to be honest.
"But they've been brilliant. It's a great environment to be part of and everyone's really excited for the rest of the series. Everybody has been very good at making sure I'm welcomed into the side and Tim Bresnan, in particular, made sure everyone got to know me. That was really beneficial. It's been fantastic."
Root knows that this tour, for him, may well be about acclimatisation. With Nick Compton having been preferred to Root for the Test side and having taken his chance pretty well, Root has been relegated to the role of understudy. While there is an element of disappointment about that, Root also accepts that the time familiarising himself with the England dressing room, its characters, habits and work ethic will help him feel more comfortable if and when his chance comes.
"Any time spent around the team is valuable," he said. "It's good to almost ease your way in and you get great exposure to all the coaches and all the lads and it's brilliant to get some advice on board from everyone and a great learning opportunity. I'll just keep trying to get as much from this tour as I possibly can."
He showed he remains in decent touch with a century for the EPP squad last week. While the quality of the opposition was modest, Root took the opportunity to remind the selectors of his form and, should injury intervene, he insists he is ready.
"Everyone needs time in the middle," he said. "Especially when you've not been playing, you need to have the confidence that, if something does go wrong, if someone does go down, I've got a weight of runs behind me to stand me in good stead.
"I'll just be doing everything I can in the nets, working with all the coaches to try to improve my game and take as much from the tour as possible. And also to make sure that, if required, I'm ready to go."
That game also featured Steven Finn's comeback from injury. While no decision about Finn's involvement in the third Test has yet to be made - the next three days of training will define that - Root, at least, was impressed by the fast bowler's performance.
"He looked very dangerous," Root said. "He bowled fantastically well, took some wickets and got good overs under his belt. He bowled great areas and looked threatening like he always does. I think he's pretty happy with where he's at now, and interesting to see how things go over the next three days in training."
Part of Root's training involves working on his offspin. While he remains very much a part-time bowler at present - he claimed just one Championship wicket in 2012 - he knows that an ability to perform a role as second or even third spinner might, at some stage, make a crucial difference when it comes to selection.
"I'm working really hard on my bowling," he said. "I'm trying to take this opportunity of being part of this squad to be a better player and my bowling is definitely part of that. My aim is to improve and give the captain another option, so I have to be able to take some wickets or tie an end up."
The England squad, which now contains Ian Bell and James Tredwell, will resume training on Sunday when they take their first look at the much-debated pitch for the third Test at Eden Gardens. They spent Saturday helping a children's charity in Kolkata. While there may be much cynicism about sports people engaged in charity, no media were present on this occasion and no notice of their activity was published.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo


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OUYA: Android Based Game Console Takes Kickstarter And The World By Storm
from the up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-b-a dept
We have seen some disruption over the years, the Wii being a primary one. It showed the gaming world that the graphical arms race of previous console generations was not as important as innovation in the way people play games. Another disruption happened because of Facebook and mobile gaming. These platforms brought with them the proliferation of a free-to-play business model for gaming. The idea that people could play games for free and then pay money later was something never tried since shareware fell out of favor. These little pockets of disruption have shown that there is a market for gaming outside the typical retail console and PC arena. A market that is ripe for the harvesting.
With all that in mind, imagine the breath of fresh air for gamers when a new Android based console, the OUYA, was announced via Kickstarter. The OUYA promises to be just the kind of disruption the games industry needs. Describing this need, the creators say:
The console market is pushing developers away. We've seen a brain drain: some of the best, most creative gamemakers are focused on mobile and social games because those platforms are more developer-friendly. And the ones who remain focused on console games can't be as creative as they'd like.Among its chief selling points is the open development environment. This means that anyone can make and sell games on the console with the only barriers to entry being owning the console and making sure that some aspect of the game is free to play. For gamers, the only barrier to entry to playing these games is the initial $99 it costs.
Let's open this sucker up! It's time we brought back innovation, experimentation, and creativity to the big screen. Let's make the games less expensive to make, and less expensive to buy. With all our technological advancements, shouldn't costs be going down? Gaming could be cheaper!
So how well was this new console received? Well, Kickstarter itself has that covered in a blog post:
Yesterday a video game project called Ouya became the eighth project in Kickstarter history to raise more than a million dollars, and the fastest ever to do so. Ouya hit the total in just over eight hours, shattering the previous record.Two Kickstarter records broken in a single day by a single project. The only other project to pull that off was another game project, Double Fine Adventure. The funding hasn't stopped just with these broken records either. It has already surpassed $4 million dollars with over 30,000 backers, and it shows no sign of stopping. With this kind of backing in less than two days, this console and what it plans to do with the games industry will be tough to ignore.
As you might expect, Ouya also has the biggest single-day total in Kickstarter history. It received more than $2.5 million in pledges from its launch on Tuesday at 8:44am to Wednesday at 8:44am.
The overall impact the OUYA will have on the games industry is still very much up in the air. However, we do know it has become an overnight success in the minds of both developers and gamers alike. People who are very much willing to part with their money for the promise of a major shift in the way we consume games. I know it has made me jump at the chance to get in on the first run.


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How China's Slowing Economy Can Rebound
China's manufacturing activity fell to an 11-month low in July, one much-watched gauge showed. The WSJ's Tom Orlik tells Michael Arnold that this may finally prompt the government to prod the economy with fresh stimulus.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... key gauge of manufacturing activity in China fell to an eleven month low on Wednesday ... was the first questions about the health of the Chinese economy ... for Asia Today o Michael Arnold joining me from Beijing is China economics editor Tom Orlik ... some were seen a number of disappointing economic indicators recently today we saw the HSBC Flash PMI for China what this data show when when seconds of me ... say the HSBC App Eli flushes the first three game which began on the streets of ... the Chinese economy each month ... I and the July to readings critique of pressing ... issues exit is he in the archery sucks that ... aam contract saying ... the shoes to claimants to claiming Foster Street since the financial crisis ... and the shoes new or this week which suggests that ... things are getting get was before they get to ... ALM so the first call for the Chinese economy was pretty bad ... the first reading on the Chinese economy in the second Hoff suggests things could continue to get what's ... no in the past when we've seen disappointing indicators of you know often Chinese leaders would would step in to support growth ... is a new leadership that ... took office of this year ... it seems that they're a bit more tolerant of slowing growth but is there a limit beyond which they won't allow the economy to slow ... I I think those competing rights ... of the last administration people told Dubai the ... The Wen job fall puts ... on ... the market so is expected to decrease leads to much then everyone would step in with ... higher lending hire and best investments is full of grace ... save all ... of the thang the new Permian hasn't done knots ... aam ... the question I do is was the government's Austin Lane ... up ... till recently it was white he believes that ... something funny for some great which is the government's full tile gets the BBA ... would be the awesome line ... of that in a series of comments from senior need is suggesting that ... grace even as low as six point five percent or seven percent ... could be acceptable ... no markets have upset the status it in stride they fell but not quite too much ... you know perhaps it could be because of getting use to disappointing ... data from China but ... it also may be because they sense that the government is getting ready for for stimulus ... I'm just wondering if the government to step in ... um is there and would be different about the stimulus efforts this time around ... by thing really simple difference is that a stimulus and I was going to be smaller than the stimulus which we soul ... is not to say isn't eyeing ... up by then it was really a chopping board efforts to flood the economy in the crib to see ... this time Brian nothingness a recognition ... that financial stocks as extremely stress ... Investment Authority to highlight ... some expecting if there is a move to stimulate who can look for more than it was in the Poste ... I think the second difference is the channel through which to me this comes ... in the Poste we've really seen ... banks lending to Likud government ... as the main vehicle ... um for pumping up critics ... this time Ryan I think that stresses in the banking sector when worries about wasteful investment height that in local government ... I we probably see the central government putting its balance sheet woke up late great to be expecting ... more fiscal side ... certainly China's economy is a major global story and one that were to stay on top of whatever day of division to come ... but some funds for much for joining us here for Asia Today o Michael Arnold ...


text: Corn, Soybeans Slide as Farmers Boost Planting March 25, 2013 04:25 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Bloomberg Email March 25 (Bloomberg) -- Corn and soybeans fell for a second session in Chicago on signs feed use in the U.S. may slow just as the nation's farmers prepare to boost plantings. Feedlots in the U.S. placed 1.48 million young animals in February, down from 1.71 million a year earlier and the fewest for that month since the U.S. government began tracking the data in 1996, Department of Agriculture data showed March 22. U.S. farmers may sow the largest area of soybeans ever and plant the most corn since 1936, according to a Bloomberg survey. "With normal seasonal conditions, the large area will support a record corn crop and a sharp increase in inventories in the year ahead," Luke Mathews, a commodity strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, wrote in a report today. The drop in cattle placements in feedlots suggest lower feed demand in months ahead, he said. Corn for delivery in May fell as much as 0.6 percent to $7.2225 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, adding to a drop of 0.9 percent on March 22, and was at $7.24 a bushel by 5:24 a.m. local time. Soybeans for delivery in the same month fell 0.7 percent to $14.3075 a bushel on volume 47 percent below the 100-day average for that time of day. Soybeans may be planted in the U.S. on a 78.35 million acres (31.71 million hectares) and corn seeding may reach 97.3 million acres, according to Bloomberg's survey. The U.S. government acreage report is due March 28. Wheat for May delivery slipped 0.2 percent in Chicago to $7.285 a bushel in Chicago. Milling wheat traded on NYSE Liffe in Paris for delivery the same month advanced 0.2 percent to 241.75 euros ($314.32) a metric ton. --With assistance from Elizabeth Campbell in Chicago and Rudy Ruitenberg in Paris. Editors: Sharon Lindores, John Deane To contact the reporter on this story: Luzi Ann Javier in Singapore at email@example.com To contact the editor responsible for this story: Claudia Carpenter at email@example.com Back to news


text:
|Syntactic Confectionery Delight
godsby root (Scribe)
|on Oct 04, 1999 at 22:35 UTC ( #114=usergroup: print w/replies, xml )
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Toro has created a hybrid utility vehicle specifically for farmers — it hauls, dumps, plows and transports.
Called The Twister, this truck-style vehicle is named for its active in-frame suspension, which twists so that the front of the vehicle can adjust to the terrain independently of the rear. An independent A-arm front suspension helps handle uneven terrain. Toro says the result is better traction, improved stability and a smooth ride through plowed fields and pasture areas.
Dump box. For hauling, the Twister has a 14.75-cu.-ft. bed capacity and a payload up to 1,600 lbs. A double-walled polyethylene bed resists dents and corrosion. Quick-release latches on the cargo bed gate make manual lift unloading easier. An optional electric bed lift takes all the effort out of dumping heavy loads.
With a top speed of 20 mph, the Twister isn't going to win any sport track races, but it can get many jobs done faster and easier than a tractor can. Available 4-wheel hydraulic brakes improve stopping power and control. A 9-ft. turning radius is handy for getting around in tight spots.
Amenities. The Twister is cushier than a lot of ATVs. It sports twin bucket seats, a wide step-through operator area, and lots of legroom. There's a cup holder and under-the-seat storage space for tools. There is even a 10-amp outlet for accessories.
The Twister can be customized to more than 25 attachments and accessories. Stake sides allow for large-capacity loads such as lumber or bales of hay. A brush guard bumper protects the grill. An electric winch and a rear receiver hitch extend the machine's capabilities.
Prices start at $7,499. For more information, contact The Toro Company, Agronomics, 8111 Lyndale Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55420, 800/348-2424, or visit www.Toro.com.


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Navios Maritime Holdings Inc (NM) Jumps 9.29% on January 21Equities Staff Follow |
Navios Maritime Holdings Inc (NM) was among the biggest gainers on the Russell 2000 for Thursday January 21 as the stock popped 9.29% to $0.86, representing a gain of $0.0733 per share. Some 400,491 shares traded hands on 1,286 trades, compared with an average daily volume of 983,125 shares out of a total float of 108.13 million. The stock opened at $0.84 and traded with an intraday range of $0.90 to $0.84.
After today's gains, Navios Maritime Holdings Inc reached a market cap of $93.24 million. Navios Maritime Holdings Inc has had a trading range between $4.68 and $0.69 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $1.39 and a 200-day SMA of $2.79.
Navios Maritime Holdings Inc is a seaborne shipping and logistics company focused on the transport and transshipment of drybulk commodities including iron ore, coal and grain. It operates in two segments; Dry bulk Vessel Operations and Logistics.
Navios Maritime Holdings Inc is based out of Monte Carlo, and has some 562 employees. Its CEO is Angeliki Frangou.
For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Navios Maritime Holdings Inc, check out Equities.com's Stock Valuation Analysis report for NM. To see the latest independent stock recommendations from Equities.com's analysts, visit our Research section.
The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.
Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.
For more news on the financial markets, go to Equities.com. Also, learn more about our independent proprietary equity research reports and our robust do-it-yourself Stock Valuation Analysis reports in our Research section.
All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.
DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer


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Antonio Cancio @ on
Wavefunction visualization does not seem to work
I have used this tool in the past as a computational lab and have used the visualization of the wave-functions of benzene as a simple model to demonstrate periodic wave-functions. With the recent upgrade, there is an option for wave-function visualization but it does not seem to produce any output. There should be according to my old notes, an option to view wave-functions under "Results" much like viewing the electron density. Have tried IE and Firefox on Windows and Safari on OSX to see if was a browser issue. How can I activate this feature?


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Resistors are used to correct the current drop that is caused by LEDS. This current drop will cause your lights to flash at a much faster rate. Our resistors come with 4 wires to give you the opportunity to install them without splicing the wires.
To install you would connect one Black wire to the ground on the bike, the other Black wire to the ground on the light itself. The same applies for the positive, one goes to the bike, the other to the light. You could also clip off one of the wires and splice them in directly if you don't need the 4 wires.
You will need one set of our resistors for every set of LED signals that you order.


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The Lady Bisons are 5-24, 3-16 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Kennesaw State dropped to 10-18, 7-12. The win ended a 12-game losing streak for the Lady Bisons. It was the longest losing streak in the NCAA era for the Lady Bisons.
"The girls want to show that they are a better team than what their record shows," Lipscomb coach Frank Bennett said. "We really played a solid game.
"We played good defense on our Florida trip last week and had trouble scoring. This time we put both ends together a little bit better."
Bartsokas finished with a game-high 24 points. It was her fifth time to score 20 or more points in a game this season and the second time she has scored 20 or more points this season in back-to-back games. She was eight-of-16 from the field and six-of-six from the free throw line.
"She had been in a little slump and now she has had four straight strong offensive games," Bennett said. "This was one of her best games as far as the percentages she was shooting and making smart shots. In the second half she took care of the ball very well.
"I don't know if she has the chance to be an all-conference player on a last place team. But she has certainly played at an all-conference level the last few games."
Duerk scored 12 points, all in the first 20 minutes, but her play early was crucial in the victory. Guard Anna Bowers, who was two-of-four from 3-point range; and forward Valerie Bronson, who was four-of-six from the field, each finished with nine points. Both Bowers and Bronson scored at crucial times in the second half to stop runs by Kennesaw State.
"Brittany was doing a great job of scoring one-on-one," Bennett said. "There were some scramble situations where people found her loose under the basket. We made some good passes to her."
The Lady Bisons made 15 turnovers, but also had 15 assists in the game.
"We got 10 points off of turnovers," Bennett said. "That was a real concern. Offensive rebounds and points off of turnovers are what hurt us at Stetson. Kennesaw State got points off the boards (21), particularly in the first but not many off of turnovers."
The Lady Bisons led 33-28 at the half. In the second half, sparked by the second 3-pointer of the game by Bartsokas, the Lady Bisons led by eight, 38-30.
Kennesaw State pulled within one with a little over 12 minutes to play. With 11:49 left the Lady Bisons held onto a 41-40 advantage.
A 3-pointer with 10:30 on the clock by guard Ashley Holliday gave Kennesaw State a 43-41 lead, their first of the second half and their first since the 10:28 mark of the first half.
With the game tied at 45-45 the Lady Bisons pulled ahead by three on a shot by Morgan Faulkner with 8:45 left.
Bartsokas went to the line with 8:28 left. She hit both of her free throws for a five-point Lady Bisons lead, 50-45.
Holliday connected on another 3-pointer to cut the lead to 50-48. The Lady Bisons answered with a layup by Bronson for a 52-48 lead.
With a little less than six minutes remaining the Lady Bisons led 52-50. Bartsokas pulled the Lady Bisons ahead 54-50 at 5:51. Kennesaw State again trimmed the lead at two at 54-52 with 5:06 remaining on a layup by Angie Smith.
Bowers dropped in a 3-pointer to give the Lady Bisons a 57-52 advantage with 3:44 left. Bowers then struck again with 2:45 remaining left on a two-point shot for a 59-52 lead.
"Both of those baskets came at a time when we were really having a hard time scoring and Kennesaw State was making a run at us," Bennett said. "The two baskets together gave us a little breathing room and stopped that run.
"We have been looking for the ability to meet those runs. We were able to cut them short."
Forward Hannah Phillips hit one of two free throws with 33 seconds left for a 62-56 lead. Bartsokas added two free throws with 18 seconds left to ice the game at 64-56.
Both Duerk and Bartsokas were in double figures in the first half.
Both teams got off to a slow start offensively. Neither team could pull ahead by more than two points until the 8:54 mark when Bowers hit a free throw for a 16-13 Lady Bisons edge.
The Lady Bisons pulled ahead by four, 23-19, when Bartsokas sank her first 3-pointer of the game with 7:05 remaining.
The biggest lead of the first half for the Lady Bisons was eight points, 27-19, on a layup by Duerk with 5:50 on the clock.
Holliday led Kennesaw State with 14 points. Forward Sametria Gideon added 12. Center Montinique Nixon grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds.
"We played a lot of our zone defense and really did a good job of covering their shooters," Bennett said. "Holliday got hot on us in the second half."
The Lady Bisons close out the regular season Saturday afternoon at 2 at Allen Arena when Mercer visits.
Written by Mark McGee, Senior Publisher/Director of Media Relations


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Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Warded Man WIP
I've added more layers to Arlen, the main character from The Warded Man. In the next step. I will pull the shadowed face out of the dark background so the edge of the face isn't so lost. Need to paint the spear too.
3 comments:
- Steve Anderson said...
This is looking great. I love your technique of drawing on the backside of the vellum vellum.
- November 30, 2009 at 11:05 AM
- Peter V. Brett said...
It just keeps getting more awesome!
- December 1, 2009 at 8:50 AM
- The Art of Kim Kincaid said...
Thank you Steve and Peter.
- December 2, 2009 at 8:04 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Here is another link from a Norwegian website that lists the farm where our ancestors had farmed:
Click on option #4 (should indicate farm #31) for the correct farm. Sorry but I cannot translate for you. :)
Farming in those days and in Norway was different than the way Americans are used to farming, but here is another web link that explains it better (or more confusing) than I could:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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I think I may have found it! I have done some more looking over at RobertK's discussion and this is what he (RobertK) posted:pt1 wrote: Hi, I think the origin of commentaries and their alleged dates of creation are probably the main controversial point here because both camps use it in their arguments, but to completely opposite ends (to be clear - when saying "commentaries", the reference is to atthakathas, not to tikas and other later derivative works).
Robert then goes on to say that he is not sure which "commentary" is referred to by Buddhaghosa.I found this in the attakattha to the Dhammasangani (first book of the Abhidhamma) the Atthasalini, (from the introductory discourse):
"The ancient commentary therof was sang By the First council, Mahakassapa Their leader, and later again by seers, Mahinda bought it to the peerless isle, Ceylon,.." endquote.
Buddhaghosa wrote that commentary around 4th to 5th century CE (AD).
Does anyone know of any other references, if any, that might suggest a First Council reciting? The above is still a little vague, but provide some evidence.


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If you like peppermint candy canes and also chocolate, this recipe is for you. It's perfect to serve for parties during the holiday season and it's one of our favorite holiday treats. This Peppermint Bark combines a mixture of both white chocolate and dark chocolate. This is a really easy recipe that we wanted to share with you. It's perfect for Holiday gift-giving. Yum!
Peppermint Bark
1 lb. dark chocolate
1 lb. white chocolate
Candy canes, crushed
1. Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Spread,evenly, on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place baking sheet in freezer to harden chocolate, approximately 30 minutes.
2. Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Spread on top of the dark chocolate layer. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and gently press into the chocolate. Refrigerate until completely hardened and set. This normally takes at least 2 hours. Break apark into nice size pieces for serving or gift-giving. Yummy.


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From Fr John Main, "The Life Source," MOMENT OF CHRIST (New York: Continuum, 1998), pp. 76-78.
Every great spiritual tradition has known that in profound stillness the human spirit begins to be aware of its own Source. In the Hindu tradition, for example, the Upanishads speak of the spirit of the One who created the universe as dwelling in our hearts.
The same spirit is described as the one who in silence is loving to all. In our own Christian tradition Jesus tells us of the Spirit who dwells in our heart and of the Spirit as the Spirit of love.
This interior contact with the Life Source is vital for us, because without it we can hardly begin to suspect the potential that our life has for us. The potential is that we should grow, that we should mature, that we should come to fullness of life, fullness of love, fullness of wisdom. The knowledge of that potential is of supreme importance for each of us. In other words, what each of us has to do and what each of us is invited to do is begin to understand the mystery of our own being as the mystery of life itself.
In the vision proclaimed by Jesus each one of us is invited to understand the sacredness of our being and life. That is why [it is] of such great importance that we should allow our spirit the space within which to expand. In the tradition of meditation this space for expansion of spirit is to be found in silence, and meditation is both a way of silence and a commitment to silence. . . It becomes a silence that we can only describe as the infinite silence of God, the eternal silence. And. . .it is in this silence that we begin to find the humility, the compassion, the understanding that we need for our expansion of spirit. Thoughtful men and women everywhere in the world today are beginning to see that spiritual growth, spiritual awareness, is the highest priority for our time. But the question is---how do we enter on this path?
That is where the tradition of meditation is of supreme importance for us as a tradition of spiritual commitment. . .through the ages and yet available for you and me. The only thing that is necessary is that we enter into it by beginning the practice. We have to put time by . . .to make ourselves available for this work of making contact with the Source of all life and for the work of making space available in our lives for the expansion of spirit. The deepening of faith and the actual practice of meditation are both very simple. You simply take your word. . .and repeat it. . . . [Y]ou make contact with the ground of your being, because what you discover is that the mantra is rooted in your heart, the center of your being, and your being is rooted in God, the center of all being.
After meditation: from Arthur Osborne, RAMANA MAHARSHI AND THE PATH OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE (York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, 1997), pp. 158-59.
Sri Bhagavan said, "The Grace of the Guru is like an ocean. If one comes with a cup he will only get a cupful. It is no use complaining about the stinginess of the ocean. The bigger the vessel the more one will be able to carry. It is entirely up to you."
Carla Cooper - firstname.lastname@example.com


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Courtyard By Marriott Midlothian properties are listed below. Search for cheap and discount Courtyard By Marriott hotel prices in Midlothian, TX for your personal or business trip. We list the best Courtyard By Marriott Midlothian hotels/properties so you can review the Midlothian Courtyard By Marriott hotel list below to find the perfect place.
This page will show you discounted Midlothian, TX hotels & motels that have a comparable rating of a Courtyard By Marriott.Need a group/meeting discount? Request a group rate for Midlothian TX
How should we direct your call?


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The Midnight Guardian Series are young adult paranormal romance novels appropriate for pre-teen and teen readers.
Paperback & eBook editions available from
Amazon | Apple iBooks | BAM! | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | Smashwords | Sony eReader
Retailers/Libraries: Ingram and Baker & Taylor
OF SUN & MOON, Book 1
Read an Excerpt | See the Trailer
Keira Ryan is a guardian, a supernatural creature on which the myth of the tooth fairy was based. Not that you could tell by looking at her. She looks like any other high school freshman. She even has the same worries. Her best friend is dating a stuck-up cheerleader and she's crushing on a junior.
But there's more (there always is)…Keira finds out that she isn't just any guardian, she's the prophesied child "of sun and moon", destined to bring about the end of the house of Gammen which rules over the Mogdoc Empire. Keira Ryan is a guardian, a supernatural creature on which the myth of the tooth fairy was based. Not that you could tell by looking at her. She looks like any other high school freshman. She even has the same worries. Her best friend is dating a stuck-up cheerleader and she's crushing on a junior.
What's a mogdoc, you ask? Think of a gremlin crossed with a swamp monster, then give it supernatural speed, agility, strength, and a taste for human blood.
Set in a picturesque rural, river town in southern Ohio, Of Sun & Moon has been described by readers as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter.
WHISPERING EVIL, Book 2
Read an Excerpt | View the Trailer
Keira faces her greatest challenge yet…her driving test. Her best friend is acting strangely these days, but maybe its just that he can't wrap his head around her unlikely new mogdoc ally or her new hot guardian mentor. He'll have to deal because it's time to take on a new ruler of the Mogdoc Empire.
Despite her readiness, the guardian elders are cautious. Watch and wait are their orders, but when has Keira ever asked for permission?
MIDNIGHT CHILD, Book 3
Read an Excerpt | View the Trailer
Join Keira as she chases her destiny in this exciting third installment of the Midnight Guardian Series. While Keira searches, the mogdocs draw closer and a new alliance emerges to threaten the existence of her charge, the midnight child. A strange locket passed to her on Christmas Eve may be the key to unlocking secrets at the Great Serpent Mound. A history of trust is tested. A promise of passion turns deadly. A surviving evil creates doubt and there's only one way to stop it…Find the Gift. Just what do you get the spoiled gremlin queen that has everything?
SHADOWS RISING, Book 4
Read an Excerpt | View the Trailer
For hundreds of years, these dark woods have held a secret. Every living part of it knows, from the top-most leaf on the tallest oak to the tiniest earthworm needling through the earth below. They see them. They hear them. They feel them. They fear them. They are forced to watch with no way to scream out. No way to stop the shadows.
Senior year has begun. Keira Ryan should be worrying about the two boys that are vying for her heart. She should be worrying about Prom. She should be worrying about graduation. But instead of a dress, she's choosing which dagger to carry. An ancient evil is working to infiltrate our world, and she's the only one who can stop it…the prophesied "Child of Sun & Moon".
In this fourth installment in the series, Keira and her friends race against time to rescue her charge before The Harvest. They must hurry. Their enemies are bringing forth a new force to sway the balance toward evil. The shadows are rising.


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This release corrects a problem with the self-extracting archive file that affects users who use report styles. There is no new functionality.
The DO element of output date conversion can be used to insert the ordinal day number (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc).
The date output conversion code now supports the text modifier to insert specific text between selected items in the converted date.
The query processor STYLE keyword and the REPORT.STYLE command now allow a style to be reference indirectly via an R-type VOC record.
The QMBasic !USERNO() subroutine can be used to relate a user name to the corresponding QM user number(s) as a field mark delimited list.
The QMBasic compiler now accepts use of a dimensioned array element as the control variable in a FOR/NEXT loop.
As an aid to determining the optimum value for the NUMLOCKS configuration parameter, the LIST.READU command now has a DETAIL option that displays the current and peak numbers of record locks.
The LOGTO command now has a RESET option that discards all active programs, menus, etc at the current command processor level. This is particularly useful when using LOGTO in a menu.
Use of the EV (edit values) command of the ED editor when on line 2 of a dictionary I-type item now breaks elements of a compound expression onto separate lines to simplify editing. The same change has been made to the SED editor dive function.
The PAGESEQ query processor option can be use to provide contiguous page numbers over successive separate reports. This might be useful, for example, when assembling monthly reports into a single composite analysis for the year.
The NO.DATE.WRAPPING mode of the OPTION command can be used to suppress rolling dates with overlarge day numbers into the next month. Date wrapping is a standard feature of Information style environments.
The algorithm used by the QMBasic RND() function has been modified to improve the randomness of the returned values. Note that no guarantee is given that the returned sequence will be identical from one release to the next even if the RANDOMIZE statement is used to set a seed value.
The QMBasic SYSTEM(1029) function can be used to determine the current internal subroutine depth.
The -K option to the qm executable to kill users now requires administrator rights. This option will now also take a user login name as its qualifier and logs out all QM processes running as that user.
There is now a 30 second timeout on the prompt for the account name on entry to QM for sessions where this prompt is displayed. The same timeout also applies to the user name and password on Windows 98, and on direct entry to QM from a network (as opposed to via the operating system shell) on Linux and FreeBSD. These timeouts ensure that automated connections to a QM server cannot hang on these prompts, consuming a licence.
The COPYP command now reports the number of records copied.
An additional layer of caching has been added to the TRANS() operation to improve performance when using files accessed via Q-pointers.
The R (range check) conversion code has been added.
The QMBasic INPUT @ and INPUTFIELD statements now support a PANNING option that allows entry of an unlimited number of characters in a given display width by panning the data where necessary.
The QMBasic object oriented programming features have been enhanced to allow the default limit of 32 arguments in a public function to subroutine to be increased (see the CLASS statement). Also, a new syntax of three periods (...) can be used as the final argument to a public function or subroutine to extend the argument list up to the maximum permissible length with unnamed arguments that can be accessed using the ARG() function or the SET.ARG statement.
This release includes a correction for a fault introduced in the QMFix tool at release 2.4-10 where use of the -R option may cause a file corruption.
The FL$UPDATE key of the QMBasic FILEINFO() function can be used to determine whether a file has been updated by another process.
The SKT$INFO.OPEN key of the QMBasic SOCKET.INFO() function can be used to test whether a program variable represents an open socket.
This release is mainly concerned with improved compatibility with other enviroments to further simplify migration.
The install process on Windows now creates a TEMP subdirectory under the QMSYS account. This is used to pass control information between the QMSvc service and the QM processes that it starts. All users need full access to this directory.
VOC and dictionary record type codes are now case insensitive for improved compatibility with other environments.
QM now supports a variant of SP.ASSIGN to ease migration from other environments. This uses form queue definitions created using SET.QUEUE and maps these onto SETPTR commands internally. Direct use of SETPTR is recommended for new developments.
As part of the above development, QM now supports print mode 6 in SETPTR to specify that the output is to be written to a file and also printed.
The SETPTR command has also been extended to add a mode where it reports the settings of a print unit in a form that can be captured by a program and later used to restore those settings.
The SP.OPEN and SP.CLOSE commands have been added for improved compatibility with other environments. The KEEP.OPEN option of the SETPTR command should be used by preference in new developments.
The ED editor now looks for an X-type VOC record named $ED.OPTIONS on entry to set defaults for case sensitivity, block command confirmation prompting and entry of non-printing characters.
The XEQ command of the ED editor now supports several special tokens to insert items such as the file name into the executed command. These have been added for compatibility with other systems.
The PICK.IMPLIED.EQ mode of the OPTION command can be used to enable a Pick style shortcut in the query processor such that a field name in a selection clause that is followed by a literal value enclosed in double quotes with no intervening operator behaves as though there was an EQ operator.
The QUERY.PRIORITY.AND mode of the OPTION command causes the query processor to treat the AND operator as higher priority than the OR operator.
The QMBasic compiler now allows the EQUATE statement to be used with @variables.
The QMBasic INPUT @ and INPUTFIELD statements now have an optional APPEND keyword to position the cursor at the end of any existing data.
The QMSvc service on Windows now uses improved telnet parameter negotiation to allow use with a wider range of terminal emulators.
This release includes a beta test version of PQ style Proc processing. This is available for general use but users should be aware that it has limited support during the test period. Any defects should be reported via the normal support channels, including a simple test case where possible.
This release is mainly to fix a serious bug in alternate key index scanning.
The VOC now contains an F-type entry named MD as a synonym for VOC to give better compatibility with other systems.
Shutting down the QMSvc service on Windows systems now force logs out all QM users on network connections.
The NO.QUERY option of the CATALOGUE command can be used to suppress all confirmation prompts.
The ACCOUNT.RESTORE command will now create the @ID dictionary entry if it does not already exist.
The behaviour of the query processor REPEATING option has been modified to use the dictionary S/M flag to determine whether the item should be repeated.
The query processor NO.GRAND.TOTAL option can be used to suppress the grand total line. This is a VOC phrase that expands to the previous method of GRAND.TOTAL "'L'".
Although dynamic files are very robust, there is a small possibility of file corruption after a power failure or other event that causes outstanding write operations not to complete if a split or merge action is lost. QM now includes a mechanism that allows split and merge operations to be suppressed using the NO.RESIZE option to the CONFIGURE.FILE command. Subsequent use of the IMMEDIATE option will apply the deferred splits/merges. Use of this feature removes the possibility of file corruptions from lost splits or merges but will cause a reduction in performance. Typically, deferred splits/merges might be applied overnight after the system backup. See the description of dynamic files in the user documentation for more details.
Several changes have been made to the query processor to improve compatibility of with other multivalue environments in queries that use breakpoints.
The C conversion code performs concatenation of data items and separators.
The QMBasic INPUT@ and INPUTFIELD statements now support two new mode options. The EDIT option causes input to commence in edit mode, suppressing the normal clearance of the input field if the first character entered by the user is a data character rather than an edit character. The OVERLAY options starts input in overlay mode where data entered by the user replaces the character under the cursor rather than being inserted.
The documentation set has been revised. There are now just four manuals in addition to the index. The new QM Reference Manual (qm.pdf) combines the contents of the previous QMBasic Reference Guide, QMClient API Guide, Command Reference Guide, Editors Reference Guide, Introduction to QM and Query Processing Guide into a single, fully hyperlinked document. The Windows help has been updated to be a compiled HTML file and a new HTML help package is available for non-Windows users. The Windows install will delete the old documents on the QM server. Copies installed on other PCs or on non-Windows platforms must be deleted manually. Note that a recent Windows security fix prevents the compiled HTML help file being installed on a mapped drive.
The STARTUP configuration parameter can be used to specify a command, typically a paragraph, to be run when QM starts (shared memory load, not a individual user login).
The optional ON.LOGTO VOC item will be executed by the LOGTO command before moving to a new account.
The PROMPT option of the PTERM command can be used to change the command prompt.
Printed output can now be directed to the auxiliary port of a terminal or emulator by use of SETPTR mode 5. The output is buffered in the $HOLD file and sent to the terminal when the printer is closed. This feature relies on correct setting of the mc5 (aux on) and mc4 (aux off) terminfo items.
The query processor TO option when used with a delimited report now has an optional APPENDING qualifier to append the data to an existing file.
The $NO.CATALOGUE compiler directive can be used in a QMBasic program to specify that a module is not to be catalogued where the $BASIC.OPTIONS record includes a CATALOGUE line to automatically catalogue all programs.
The DELETE.CATALOGUE command can now take a list of catalogue items in a single command.
The query processor now supports use of Soundex matching in WHEN clauses.
QMBasic class modules may now inherit public variables, functions and subroutines from other classes.
The algorithm used by the qmfix utility -r (recover) option has been modified such that the layout of overflow is optimised for performance of sequential file scans.
The terminfo colourmap key can be used to translate internal QM colour values to alternative values used by specific terminal emulators.
The -stdout command line option can be used on Windows systems to cause QM to use the stdout file handle instead of the Windows console APIs. This is of use when capturing the output or piping it into another process. It should not be used for normal operation as some display features may not work.
The QMBasic FOLD() and FOLDS() functions have been extended to support the three argument format found in Pick style systems and to support multivalued width arguments.
The syntax of local functions and subroutines in QMBasic has been changed to remove an anomoly when compared to public functions and subroutine in class modules. Local functions and subroutines should now be terminated with an END statement. The QMBasic compiler will report a warning if this END is missing. Programs should be modified as soon as possible as this will become an error at a later release.
This release fixes a problem with the Linux install process. There is no new functionality.
This release fixes a problem that could affect printing from the query processor. There is no new functionality.
The query processor now supports use of STYLE NONE to override any default report style set using SETPTR or REPORT.STYLE.
The QMBasic SET.ARG statement can be used to set the value of a subroutine argument based on its position in the argument list. It is intended for use with subroutines declared with the VAR.ARGS option.
The QMClient API is now provided as a QMBasic class module to enable its use from within QMBasic programs to access remote servers.
The inline prompt mechanism has been extended to allow multiple parameters to a paragraph to be accessed in a single prompt and to add default values to some modes.
The COMPILE.DICT (CD) command now takes the NO.PAGE option to suppress pagination of output to the user's screen.
In response to user requests, the CREATE.FILE command now reports an error if the file cannot be created because the operating system components already exist. In previous releases, a unique name for the operating system files was generated automatically in this situation.
OPTION LOCK.BEEP can be used to cause QM to emit a beep at the terminal once per second while waiting for a record or file lock.
The query processor REPEATING keyword can be used to repeat single valued items alongside each value of a multivalued item. It will also repeat the final value of multivalued items where multivalued data has a different number of elements.
Private and public variables in class modules are now initialised to the unassigned state in the same way as local variables. Previous versions set these variables to zero on creation.
The QMBasic GET.PORT.PARAMS() function now returns additional information regarding the state of serial port control data.
The QMBasic OBJINFO() function can be used to return information about an object variable.
The QMBasic ON GOSUB and ON GOTO statements now support up to 65535 labels.
The QMBasic debugger DUMP command can be used to dump the contents of a variable to a file for external analysis. This is of particular use with very large character strings.
QM now monitors for processes that have terminated abnormally, releasing the resources and licence slot automatically. This check is performed at five minute intervals by the QMSvc service on Windows and by a new daemon process, qmlnxd, on other platforms.
The command processor will now look for a catalogued item if a command line references a VOC item that is not of executable type. In previous releases, an error was reported instead of checking the catalogue.
The .X command editor operation has been extended to allow execution of commands stored in alternative files. Such items can also now be executed with the RUN command.
The ACCOUNT.SAVE and ACCOUNT.RESTORE commands now correctly save and restore QM alternate key indices.
The PSTAT command now shows the account name of each process reported.
The LOGIN.PORT command can be used to login a serial port from within another QM session. This might be of use, for example, to start a process that will monitor a dial up line for incoming connections. This command is currently only available for Windows systems.
QMBasic programs using the $CATALOGUE compiler directive or the equivalent option of the $BASIC.OPTIONS record and not specifying a catalogue name now default to use the program source record name instead of the name in the PROGRAM, SUBROUTINE, FUNCTION or CLASS statement. An error is reported if these names do not match. This change may require modification to some programs.`
The QMBasic KEYCODE() function now returns char(27) if an Escape character is received but not followed by further characters within 200mS. This mechanism can be disabled using the BINDKEY() function.
The QMBasic MATREADCSV statement reads a line of text containing comma separated variable format text from a file opened using OPENSEQ and parses it into the elements of a dimensioned matrix.
The QMBasic CSVDQ() function dequotes a comma separated variable string according to the CSV standard, returning a dynamic array of extracted items.
The QMBasic SYSTEM(1027) function returns the serial port name of a QM user process connected via a serial port.
This release fixes a fault where query processor reports may not be correctly paginated. There is no new functionality.
QM now supports login from serial connections on Windows systems. This is controlled by the SERIAL configuration parameter.
The NEWLINE option of the SETPTR command can be used to select the character sequence sent by the QMBasic PRINT statement at the end of a line. This may be CR, LF or CRLF and is mainly intended for output captured in files for further processing.
The query processor ABSENT.NULL keyword, typically used with a select list, causes the query processor to treat an absent record as a null item instead of an error. This allows a query to span a set of related files where the complete set of record ids might not appear in all of the files. Without this option, it is necessary to construct an intermediate file.
The PDEBUG command allows debugging of phantom and QMClient processes.
QM account names may now be up to 32 characters in length. Then name must start with a letter and may not contain spaces. It will be translated to uppercase internally.
The SEL.RESTORE command has been extended to allow a list of records to be restored.
The FILE.SAVE and RESTORE.ACCOUNTS commands have been added.
The query processor now accepts the NO.CASE qualifier after all relational operators to indicate that the comparison is to be performed in a case insensitive manner. This can also be set as the default by use of the QUERY.NO.CASE mode of the OPTION command.
The query processor TO option used in LIST and SORT with the CSV or DELIMITER options now prompts for confirmation if the target file already exists. This can be suppressed by use of the NO.QUERY qualifier after the pathname. Note that this change may require modification of existing programs and scripts.
The QMBasic DELETESEQ statement can be used to delete an operating system file. It is intended primarily as a counterpart to OPENSEQ but can be used to delete any operating system file.
The QMBasic RTRANS() function has been added as a variant of TRANS() for closer compatibility with Revelation (and perhaps other environments) where the returned data does not have the mark characters lowered by one position. Note that this makes it impossible to distinguish between retrieval of multivalued data from a single record and retrieval of single valued data from multiple records.
The QMBasic PAUSE and WAIT statement can be used to synchronise activity in related QM processes.
Public functions and subroutines in QMBasic CLASS modules can now be declared with the VAR.ARGS option.
Optional arguments may be supplied to the QMBasic OBJECT() function when instantiating an object. These will be passed into the CREATE.OBJECT subroutine within the class module.
A new $MODE setting for QMBasic programs has been introduced to given closer compatibility with the behaviour of substring assignment on Pick style systems. This option, PICK.SUBSTR.ASSIGN, overrides use of the existing PICK.SUBSTR and causes QM to apply the D3 style definition of this operator.
This release introduces object oriented programming. This has been done by extending the QMBasic language to add CLASS modules. Existing applications will be unaffected by this new functionality though object based components can be added alongside the traditional multivalue programming structures. For more details, see the CLASS statement and the OBJECT() function in the QMBasic Programming Guide.
VOC F and Q-type entries can now use two additional special prefixes on file pathnames. @TMP will be replaced by the value of the TEMPDIR configuration parameter. @HOME will be replaced by the value of the HOME environment variable.
The ACCOUNT.RESTORE command now has two new options. The NO.CASE option causes new dynamic hashed files to be created with case insensitive record ids. The DIRECTORY option causes new files to be created as directory files.
ACCOUNT.RESTORE also now supports a wider variety of tape formats to aid migration from other environments.
The FIND.ACCOUNT command can be used to locate an account on a Pick style FILE.SAVE tape prior to use of ACCOUNT.RESTORE.
The SEL.RESTORE command can be used to restore a specific file from a Pick style ACCOUNT.SAVE or FILE.SAVE tape.
The SETPTR DISPLAY command now takes an optional LPTR keyword to direct the report to a printer.
The MCAN and MC/AN conversion codes can be used to extract all alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric characters from a character string.
The QMBasic RETURN statement no longer needs brackets around the return value when used to return from a function. Existing programs that have the brackets will not be affected by this change.
XLATE() can now be used as a synonym for TRANS() in QMBasic programs and I-type dictionary items.
The QMBasic ARG.COUNT() function can be used to determine the number of arguments supplied to a subroutine. This is of particular use with subroutines that are declared with the VAR.ARGS option. The ARG() function can then be used to access an argument by its position in the argument list.
Use of the QMBasic ERRMSG statement or the Pick format versions of ABORT and STOP will save the message id in @SYSTEM.RETURN.CODE if it is numeric.
The TRAP.UNUSED option of the QMBasic $MODE directive or its equivalent in the $BASIC.OPTIONS record causes the compiler to display a warning if a variable is assigned a value but never used.
The G command of the QMBasic debugger can be used to continue execution at a specific line number.
QM now supports use of sequential files over 2Gb up to a limit determined by the underlying operating system.
Trigger functions can now include pre and post-clear file modes.
A SELECT operation during which no file updates occur now automatically corrects the load value of a dynamic file which can become inaccurate if a process terminates abnormally. Although this error has minimal effect, this corrective mechanism helps to ensure accuracy.
The FSYNC configuration parameter has been extended to allow optional file synchronisation at transaction commit.
The QMBasic MAX() and MIN() functions can be use to return the greater or lesser of two values.


text:
|Attention: DocWiki has reached EOL and will be decommissioned January 25, 2019.
Agent stuck in Reserved state
From DocWiki
Agent stuck in Reserved state
|Problem Summary
|Agent is stuck in Reserved state till Rm cleanup thread cleans up the call.
|Error Message
|52552690: Feb 09 09:29:41.946 CST %MIVR-SS_RM-3-CLEANUP_STUCK_CONTACT:Removed stuck contact: The name of the method that invoked another method=1529181/2
|Possible Cause
|This can happen if the agent extension is not unique i.e the agent DN is either shared or the same DN is also configured in another partition. So when RmCm tries to add observer to the DN, it is possible that it has added observer to the wrong DN and so it cannot receive events for the agent's DN.
|Recommended Action
Check the CUCM route plan report to ensure that the agent extension is unique. <\b>Check the MIVR and JTAPI client logs for agent login <\b>Sometimes CTI/JTAPI may not be delivering events for the agent DN. Escalate to IPCBU JTAPI team with relevant logs.
|Release 7.0(1), 8.0(1)
|Associated CDETS #


text:
Kubrick App
Free Kubrick App for iPhone, iPad and Android
In conjunction with the exhibition Stanley Kubrick, LACMA created a FREE app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app features photographs, script notes, an interactive timeline of Kubrick's career, and original interviews with Stan Douglas, Elvis Mitchell, Chris Nolan, Terry Semel, David Slade and Douglas Trumbull about the director's life and legacy. Excerpts from a rare 1965 interview with Kubrick, courtesy of Jeremy Bernstein, are also included.
View and download in iTunes & Google Play
Designed and developed by Ryan Harper. Additional production by Paul Ford. LACMA video interviews by Alexa Oona Schulz. Special thanks to the Stanley Kubrick Archive at the University of the Arts, London.


text:
email is a valid word in this word list. For a definition, see the external dictionary links below.
The word "email" uses 5 letters: A E I L M.
Direct anagrams of email:
Words formed by adding one letter before or after email (in bold), or to aeilm in any order:
a - lamiae b - lambie c - malice d - mailed medial e - mealie g - milage h - hiemal l - mallei n - maline menial p - impale r - mailer remail s - emails mailes mesial samiel
Shorter words found within email:
ae ai ail aim al ale alme am ami amie el elm em ilea la lam lame lea lei li lie lima lime ma mae mail male me meal mel mi mil mile
List shorter words within email, sorted by length
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text:
Disney is mining The Force for even more new films.
Walt Disney chief executive Bob Iger said screenwriters Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are working on stand-alone Star Wars movies that are not part of the new trilogy already in the works.
"There has been speculation about some standalone films that have been in development, and I can confirm to you today that in fact we are working on a few stand-alone films," Iger told CNBC.
He said the movies would be based on "great Star Wars characters that are not part of the overall saga". The films would be released during the six-year period of the new trilogy, which starts in 2015 with Star Wars: Episode VII.
Disney confirmed last month that Star Trek director J.J. Abrams will direct the seventh instalment of the Star Wars saga.
Disney bought Star Wars maker Lucasfilm last year for more than four billion dollars.
The last Star Wars trilogy, a prequel to the original films, was released from 1999 to 2005.


text:
|2012-10-26, 11:27
|Link #1321
Kana Hanazawa ♥
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: France
Age: 32
|2012-10-26, 11:31
|Link #1322
Sensei, aishite imasu
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hong Kong Shatterdome
Considering they tried to sweep this entire affair under the rug, I imagine there'd be allot of typical bureaucratic blustering to try to avoid having to take responsibility for the incident.
Again, the most interesting thing will be what happens to the criminal in this incident. This is the first time afterall, that we've seen these police take in a serious criminal alive.
|2012-10-26, 11:34
|Link #1323
Kamen Rider Muppeteer
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Unknown
Age: 34
|2012-10-26, 11:36
|Link #1324
阿賀野型3番艦、矢矧 Lv168
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Belgium, Brussels
Age: 32
It is basically the same as any scale system that give a numerical value to a given phenomenom and whatnot: you have a specific number of set value set already in the program leading to the reading expected and the definition of the said result. For example, Richter scale attribute a certain value to quantify the energy due to an earthquake, with the given number leading to a direct appreciation of what you can expect from the said earthquake, despite an earthquake of a specific magnitude might not lead to the textbook damage described there.
Actions done by people are merely the aftermath of it (removing the said worker from a specific ward, preventing some people to access to pure hue restricted jobs etc), but the system itself is what dictacte what an individual is, based on mere parameters. And if the parameters and definitions, as well as the conditions and extent they can be used, are wrong, the system is the flaw of it.
Last edited by Klashikari; 2012-10-26 at 11:47.
|2012-10-26, 12:11
|Link #1326
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
She won't get to see the worst of society at it's height, so she chooses to go down to a prestigious seat at the gutter of the system, so as to truly appreciate it's flaws, but at the same time, constructively formulate potential reforms.
I really think that Akane isn't just an "older" Madoka in terms of Naivety and presence, she's also hope, in an extra-ordinary individual. And that's probably Urobuchi's main point here.
If I may be politically incorrect, Akane and some of Urobichi's previous characters , et all, represents Urobuchi's conception of an "Ubensmensch" that delivers hope and changes and improvements, while pointing out just what kind of qualities such a person might invoke. Moral, Benevolent Ubensmensch of a superior human nature above that of normal human nature.
It's an interesting theory. Human Nature has its Saints and Sinners, the Sinners outweigh the Saints, but Saints and Sinners are in few between. Humans are grey, in a spectrum, but Urobuchi posits that most cluster around the darker end of the spectrum. But it would take a special kind of Saint to pull off a miracle for real change to happen, in Urobuchi's worldview.
It seems that he subscribes to the Great Man Theory of history, but perhaps I'm reading to far into it. But "Great Man", or "Great Woman" in this case predominates his thinking, and I think is one of the running themes in his recent works, beyond : hur hur, the world is grimdark and irredeemably full of despair. To him, the world is Redeemable, but only through miracles. Black Swans if you will, and Akane I think is a perfect example of a moral and highly principled one.
|2012-10-26, 13:28
|Link #1327
I disagree with you all.
Join Date: Dec 2005
But even without that, I wonder why the managers wasn't caught in some kind of liability law. I have no doubt the CCs of everyone involved in the bullying (on either side) increased, maybe permanently. A regular Sybil check should have detected it. (And if there aren't any, why would there be a queue the Dominators need to jump?) So why isn't he treated like a boss who poisons his employees and dumps toxic waste on the rest of society?
I don't think she's very good yet, but she's just starting.
|2012-10-26, 13:52
|Link #1328
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Age: 33
|2012-10-26, 14:35
|Link #1329
Kamen Rider Muppeteer
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Unknown
Age: 34
|2012-10-26, 15:40
|Link #1330
Senior Member
In fairness to him, he's probably become jaded over time, and for understandable reasons. I get the sense that he's speaking from experience when he offers advice to Akane. He probably tried to work with the Enforcers as colleagues, only to have that nastily blow up in his face at least once or twice.
I'll admit that in schools, you can get some very nasty bullying and teachers turning a blind eye to it, but this sort of bullying would not go on in an actual adult workplace (at least not without heads rolling and people getting fired).
The world of Psycho-Pass, in spite of how it's clearly more technologically advanced than our own world, has some elements to it that are objectively worse than our own world. That speaks loudly and clearly to a real system failure, imo.
|2012-10-26, 15:54
|Link #1331
I disagree with you all.
Join Date: Dec 2005
And while I'm unclear about legality in that world, I'm sure it's also discouraged, at least where they get more regular access to the network. I mean, just being creepy in public can get you in serious trouble...
My point is, that case was a bit of a freak. As it would be in our world, but freaks do exist.
|2012-10-26, 16:31
|Link #1332
Senior Member
I wouldn't be so sure about that. We've only begun to explore the world of Psycho-Pass, so who's to say that there's not many other workplaces with issues similar to this factory's?
You yourself wondered why the manager of this factory wasn't caught in some kind of liability law. You rightly asked "So why isn't he treated like a boss who poisons his employees and dumps toxic waste on the rest of society?"
Maybe it's because bosses like this aren't all that rare in the world of Psycho-Pass, and different places of employment just keep trading their "toxic waste" off on one another, if you catch my drift.
The world of Psycho-Pass increasingly strikes me as a place that has put Law and Order above everything else, including liberty, equality, and even basic human dignity. Psycho-Pass wouldn't be the first narrative to argue that when society starts treating human beings as nothing more than collections of numbers, that society naturally becomes cold, dehumanized, harsh, and uncaring.
|2012-10-26, 17:16
|Link #1333
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: in the land down under...
Some of you are using it to refer to the technological system that provides the CC and psycho-pass readings, others the whole societal system, and yet others, the "Sybil System" - but again, the boundaries of each of those systems are blurred and arguably different for different posters.
Might I suggest defining what you mean by "the system" (each time you post about it, if needed)? It'll be a little more effort on everyone's part (both in writing and reading), but at least you'll be able to know what each other is talking about.
|2012-10-26, 17:41
|Link #1336
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Can I just say that I think it is great we are having these discussions & disagreements. It's what I like best about Gen's works that they are a bit morally ambiguous. I think we are supposed to disagree like this.
It's also what I didn't like about the first episode. Things seemed way too straight forward: The System is bad and has to be over thrown.
But now I am glad we can disagree and personally I hope we continue disagreeing throughout the series, it's a sign Gen is doing what he does best.
|2012-10-26, 17:45
|Link #1337
SIBYL salesman
Join Date: Feb 2011
Being treated like crap because of being labelled a latent criminal isn't something the system suggests, it only suggests to keep an eye out on them.
Computers lack empathy, so the people can still take whatever action at their own disgression, like Akane intervening in the situation in ep 1. Akane was then asked to explain her actions, not locked up for not listening to Sibyl.
|2012-10-26, 18:13
|Link #1338
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
To me PP world seems to have stretched to its limits some standards of our world, like the educational system that should, along your early years, orient you toward what fits you better, simply an indication. Or the criminal justice/crime prevention that should "prevent", reduce or keep under control crimes, but we know how hard it could be depending on many factors. Nothing more than this has been altered/stretched in the PP world, apparently.
What if we would find a way to establish with a very little margin of error what's the more fitting work for each of us? Wouldn't the business companies take advantage of it? What if we would find a way to establish a way to really prevent crimes, even if with an "acceptably" margin of error? Wouldn't the crowd be charmed by this? Yes.
What I find interesting is that PP world is not just-another-dystopian-world, I mean, it seems to be not a consequence of some big war or catastrophe, but "just" of the evolution. Nothing seems to have been really imposed. The aspects described seems to be a sort natural evolution of that undetermined factors becoming determined. how would humanity adapt to it? Apparently loosing its humanity. And it doesn't seems to matter if you are at the top of the hierarchy or at the bottom of it. For these reasons I find this world a bit more creepy than a totalitarian world or whatever where laws are imposed. In this world are not, they seems to be accepted. And for the same reason I'm less judgmental than I would be toward the characters and their behaviors.
What I'm trying to say it's that I find this show intriguing
|2012-10-26, 18:53
|Link #1339
Senior Member
As I wrote before, I think Gen has done just about everything he can to make the system look bad, short of making it cartoonish. If the system was intended to be ambiguous, I'd expect to see a couple more clear-cut positive outcomes of it to balance things out. Such balance is lacking, imo, so...
Personally, I think it's possible that Gen is aiming for Orwell-esque social commentary here.
There's many possible themes that I can already see here:
1. There are limits to how far humanity should progress in a technocratic direction.
2. Humans can be too trusting of machines or systems, and become overly complacent when it comes to practicing personal judgement.
3. Getting "tough on crime" isn't always the best answer to crime. Sometimes it's better to understand the root causes of crime (some of which are due to societal or systematic flaws), and to work to correct those root causes.
Maybe I missed something, but from what I can tell, it seems entirely possible that there's a highly advanced AI system which has been designed to carefully chart and limit the course of each human's life within the world of Psycho-Pass. Many of its "suggestions" may well be hard-and-fast "law". For example, only those with high potential for multiple disciplines, such as Akane, seem to have much flexibility when it comes to determining their course in life.
Now, of course, you can only blame an AI system so much because it was ultimately designed by humans (or a human, at least). Nonetheless, it's not hard to conceive of an AI that acts as a virtually unquestioned societal Supervisor. For all we know, the Sibyl System may be exactly that (and in fact, the way the characters talk about Sibyl suggests to me that this is what it is).
1. There have been AIs in fiction that were capable of emotion. Data and Lore of Star Trek are prominent examples here.
2. Even if Sibyl lacks empathy, maybe people themselves just don't care. Or, in fact, that might be part of the appeal of Sibyl to some folks. In real life, a lot of people think that judges tend to be too lenient when passing out sentences to convicted criminals (and in fairness, there are definitely cases where I can see why people would think that). I can see many people thinking "Finally, a computerized judge that won't be swayed by some bleeding-heart sob story; finally, criminals will get the sentences that they deserve".
As for Akane not being locked up, maybe the system gives some leeway for raw rookies. Or maybe those with high potential are given certain allowances that others aren't (notice how Shinya's home doesn't seem to have the same neat holographic technology that Akane's does - Is that because Shinya doesn't want it, or is that because the system doesn't deem Shinya as worthy of the same benefits that Akane enjoys?)
Psycho-Pass presents a world that's creepy precisely because it's not that hard to see how a certain technocratic vision, and a couple believable technological advancements, could take us from where we are now to what the world is like in Psycho-Pass. Like you said, nothing all that dramatic (like a nuclear world war, or something like Skynet from the Terminator movies) would be necessary for a world like Psycho-Pass' to come into existence.
The best dsytopian or cyberpunk fiction puts forwards worlds that feel like they could be just around the corner of where we are now, which is what makes them so chilling and intriguing. I view them as compelling cautionary tales of what can become of humanity if we aren't careful.
Last edited by Triple_R; 2012-10-26 at 19:04.
|action, psychological, science fiction, thriller
|Thread Tools


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rotflmao !!!!!!
good work !
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