text:
by Mike Masnick
Wed, Feb 29th 2012 8:12pm
Filed Under:
eu, passenger records, pnr, privacy, us
There's been an ongoing discussion between the US and Europe (and other countries as well) about the US's demands that anyone flying to the US should have all sorts of data passed along to the US first. And while an agreement has been made, apparently the rapporteur in charge of examining this issue of sending passenger data to the US, Sophie in't Veld, is now urging the EU to reject the agreement.
The key issue appears to be that the details of the current agreement violate existing European rights and rules -- including the fact that the US will retain this data forever (contrary to some claims that it would just be held for 15 years -- which was already problematic). Apparently, the agreement goes so far as to give US law enforcement a direct login to European computer systems, so they can sift through reservation data at will. Basically, this is yet another case of US law enforcement overreaching in what it wants to be able to spy on, and just assuming that everyone will go along with it, despite a lack of clear reason for why. Now, what remains is whether or not EU officials will give in.
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Anonymous Coward, 29 Feb 2012 @ 9:13pmYes, yes. Reject the US government. They'll just push harder! Don't remember to push back, with everything you've got. Don't let them systematically take over other countries like this.
gorehound (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:17am
Re:You should be standing up to your EU not my corrupted USA Government.Here's Hoping you stand up for the Rights of Europeans.
Pixelation, 29 Feb 2012 @ 9:24pmHey EU, all your data are belong to US!
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 3:41am
Re:More true than you know: the first thing that will happen is that all this passenger data will be transmitted to the US.
The second thing that will happen is that the US-based repositories holding it will be hacked, the data will be extracted, and it will be made available for sale in the usual places on the Internet. This means in turn that every stalker, every rapist, every crazed ex-lover with sufficient cash and savvy will be able to purchase it.
The third thing that will happen is they'll use it.
Marcel de Jong (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 4:46am
Re:If you use Google mail or Hotmail or Yahoo mail, that's more true everytime.
Anonymous Coward, 29 Feb 2012 @ 9:40pmIt is not at all difficult to imagine why US authorities may seek some of the information discussed in the article.
If certain people in the EU see it as an issue, then perhaps they may wish to consider the possibility that clearing US Customs will be infinitely more difficult.
This is not to say that privacy concerns are illegitimate, but only that it is a bit weary to keep reading about the big-bad US trying to stick it to the rest of the world by "demands" and "overreaching".
Anonymous Coward, 29 Feb 2012 @ 10:38pm
Re:"This is not to say that privacy concerns are illegitimate, but stop having them because it annoys me."
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 7:58am
Re: Re:This is not even close to the tenor of my comment. Your attempt at parody fall well short of the mark.
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 9:00am
Re: Re: Re:I don't know. Seems pretty accurate to me. Since you're just another AC, I can't with complete certainty point to other comments of yours, but assuming you are the AC I think you are then that parody is entirely on point.
Also, if you really want to hide yourself as anonymously as possible, you'd change your writing style. This air of sophistication you attempt to present at times, when you aren't foaming at the mouth over piracy, kinda gives you away.
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 4:38pm
Re: Re: Re:That is exactly the tenor of your comment. In fact, it shares the same condescension as all of your comments.
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 9:09pm
Re: Re: Re: Re:Condescension is in the eye of the beholder, and apparently you read things through a filter having a very narrow field of view.
This article purposely characterizes US officials in a negative light, without any consideration that there are perhaps some legitimate reasons for the data.
Before launching in to another "they are at it again" screed, in my view one who wants to strive for accuracy should at the very least try and secure a copy of the document and try and contact US officials to solicit their views.
Mike Masnick (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 12:10am
Re:It is not at all difficult to imagine why US authorities may seek some of the information discussed in the article.
The concerns are not over the US requesting data. It's how they have access to it, how they store it and how long they have access to it.
If certain people in the EU see it as an issue, then perhaps they may wish to consider the possibility that clearing US Customs will be infinitely more difficult.
Again, the concern is not about sharing the info, but how much and how the info is shared.
This is not to say that privacy concerns are illegitimate, but only that it is a bit weary to keep reading about the big-bad US trying to stick it to the rest of the world by "demands" and "overreaching".
No. They are demands and they are overreaching. For someone who constantly puts us down petulantly for not knowing what we're talking about based on your "expert" knowledge, I'm surprised you'd comment on a subject you appear ignorant about.
The concern here is that the US has continued to ratched up its demands further and further, and now basically wants universal, unlimited access to European passenger roles. As the video makes clear, the EU is fine with sharing reasonable amounts of data with limits on how it is accessed, how long the US has access to it, and how it's stored.
The demands over those things are clearly, overreaching.
Marcel de Jong (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 5:04am
Re: Re:And on the other side, US demands info from EU, but don't reciprocate. The EU doesn't get flight info from the US. At least not to the extent that the US gets about EU citizens.
It is very much a one way street.
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 8:05am
Re: Re:If you have the resources to find it, post a copy of the document. I tried to find it last evening, but all I could find were various articles and press releases taling about it.
BTW, it is not my intent to put you down. Most of my comments are intended to clarify or correct statements made that I believe are inaccurate in matters dealing with legal issues.
Mike Masnick (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 10:34pm
Re: Re: Re:BTW, it is not my intent to put you down. Most of my comments are intended to clarify or correct statements made that I believe are inaccurate in matters dealing with legal issues.
If you wanted to correct or clarify you would correct or clarify. You don't do that. You snidely comment about how smart you are while snidely talking down about anyone you dislike. It's pathologically stupid and makes you look like a jackass.
Anonymous Coward, 2 Mar 2012 @ 8:30am
Re: Re: Re: Re:Only I know my intent, and what I said is accurate.
Apparently, you seem to believe you are a better judge of my subjective intent than I am. Just because you believe you are right does not mean you are. I say what I say in good faith. It would be nice to have it received as such.
By the way, I constantly attempt to correct or clarify. Not once have I ever made any sort of comment about how "smart" I am and how "dumb" someone else is. Your resort to personal attacks makes we wonder if perhaps your subject matter expertise does not stand on as firm a foundation as you proclaim and would have others believe.
Mike Masnick (profile), 2 Mar 2012 @ 9:30am
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:Apparently, you seem to believe you are a better judge of my subjective intent than I am.
No, I can read your intent just as well as you can, and your denials of your obvious intent are pretty laughable.
By the way, I constantly attempt to correct or clarify. Not once have I ever made any sort of comment about how "smart" I am and how "dumb" someone else is.
Nearly every post you cast aspersions on the knowledge of someone else without actually "correcting" or "clarifying" anything.
Case in point: http://www.techdirt.com/blog/innovation/articles/20120218/00481917799/how-patent-system-is-rigged-to -only-expand-whats-patentable.shtml#c187
There is no reason to post what you posted other than to suggest that Mr. Masur is not as well versed in these subjects as you, the brilliant expert.
You make no effort to correct or clarify. You merely suggest that Mr. Masur is clearly unqualified to speak on such issues, while implying that you, of course, have the necessary experience.
It's exceptionally transparent. And the thing is, you do that in nearly every post.
Your denials are pretty funny. Because if you truly believe you are clarifying and correcting and NOT acting like a pedantic asshole, you really need to go back and learn how to write like you're not a pedantic asshole.
And, I know, I know, oh heaven's to betsy, Mike Masnick is using curse words again. You're a big boy. I've told you already that I call it like I see it, and you act like a pedantic asshole who never has the balls to actually make a definitive statement on anything. It's why we call you out, and why we think you're full of shit. Because you are.
Anonymous Coward, 2 Mar 2012 @ 10:12am
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:This may come as news to you, but I read such articles, and in addition review bios, CVs, other publications by authors, bar memberships, etc. to get a sense of the person behind an article. I also look at the names of the persons credited with having assisted during the preparation of articles, which in cases such as this comprise many who I either know personally or whose body of work I have studied over the years.
In the past I have critiqued many such articles, some laudatory and some not. Many I happen to disagree with I most certainly do not "pan" because it is clear that the author is not shooting from the hip. As difficult as it may be for some to understand, it is quite possible for one having a particular view of the law to entertain polar opposite views. They can be provocative and provide very valuable food for thought.
Some years ago I wrote a rather scathing critique of an academic article. The author took umbrage and essentially told my that I was way off base and my view would never hold sway before a court. Funny, but I never heard back from the individual when my view was upheld by a court and a decision rendered that came as a surprise (to say the least) to the vast majority of practitioners who regularly dealt with the issues involved in the case. Does this make me "smart". Absolutely not. All it does is confirm that there is no substitute for closely following substantive law and its historical development. This is but one of many examples where longstanding notions and understanding of legal issues have been proven wrong, with those critical of my views and opinions comprising predominantly academics.
As for using "curse words", all they indicate to me a fundamental weakness in the position(s) being articulated by the user(s). In my view resort to "crass" is an ineffective way to engage is a discussion.
By the way, what is this "we" stuff? Seems to me it should be "I".
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 1:54am
and when any other country expects to be able to do the same over US citizens and be able to have access to the US government's computer systems, what will the response be? it will be a very loud 'FUCK OFF'. this is a typical move by the US. they've got to have every bit of information about everybody and be able to track everything about everybody, but will refuse to allow the same of it's people or government. another step towards trying to take over the world!
The eejit (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 2:49am
Re:I, nor many others, do not want our bank details handed over, if we pay by credit card. Nor do we want our passport information handing over. Nor do we want other identifying information to be handed over before we visit the US, or even if we don't.
TtfnJohn (profile), 29 Feb 2012 @ 9:43pmIt would be the height of foolishness for the EU to have adopted their agreement with Australia as a standard and then allow the United States variations to that standard.
In Canada we've already suffered from the over-enthusiam of American authorities who wrongly deported a Canadian citizen to Syria where he was detained and tortured for a number of years while the security apparatus in the States and Canada denied any mistake before admitting one and our citizen came back home. We still have the problem of Canadians appearing on a no fly list on a Canadian airline (Air Canada) apparently based on the US no fly list who can still travel back and forth across the border with relative ease and fly on American carriers once in the United States.
It's not just the permanence of access to data that American authorities want but what the maze of American security agencies will do with it once they have it even as they work at cross purposes, which they often do, and European citizens get to pay the price for it.
Ensuring security from terrorists is vital and something all nations and groups of nations must do. Just not at the cost of eroding the rights of the citizenry because some in the security apparatus just love the idea of tonnes of data they can have fishing expeditions into.
Joe, 29 Feb 2012 @ 9:50pmIt always greatly annoyed me that when I fly from Vancouver to Toronto, all my personal details are sent down south to the US government because the flight path crosses over US airspace. It annoys me more that no one in government put up a fight over this.
Anonymous Coward, 29 Feb 2012 @ 10:49pmFor the EU, this is a problem where they are pretty much screwed. If they want access to US airspace, they pretty much have to accept the rules.
The EU can choose to enforce their rules, but they will find that they are not able to change US law.
Chargone (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 3:30am
ya know, the simple response to this is to stop flying to the US.
if they want to kill their markets, let them BE a dead market and see how that goes for 'em.
would hurt the EU in the short term, long term would hurt less than agreeing to this sort of nonsense, and might eventually result in a shift in US policies... or at least a return to isolationism on their part so they leave the rest of us alone.
or, you know, they start invading (more powerful) places (than before). that could happen too.
rml, 29 Feb 2012 @ 10:58pmThe solution is easy: reciprocity.
For every bit of personal data that leaves the EU for the US (as passenger data, as a result of dragnet request by law enforcement, NLSs, letters rogatory, MLAT requests, FISA orders, subpoenas, search warrants, or what have you), an equal amount of personal data from an American must be transferred to the EU, so our law enforcement, governments, secret services, and companies can rummage through your information at will, share it at will, modify it at will, datamine it at will, use it for advertising purposes at will, tax you at will, deny you access to the EU at will.
Seems only fair.
Anonymous Coward, 29 Feb 2012 @ 11:23pm
Re:Amend 'american' to 'american politician' and I'd totally agree, otherwise both sides will have innocent people having their info poured over instead of just one.
Bet if politicians had to share that level of details with a foreign government they wouldn't be nearly as eager pushing for stuff like this.
rml, 1 Mar 2012 @ 12:53am
Re: Re:I disagree. Politicians are sly enough manipulate the system and to work in exceptions in new bills for themselves.
It's the voter who needs to feel the pain, as an incentive to push for better legislation through their representatives.
Machin Shin (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:07am
Re: Re: Re:Oh, we already feel the pain. It is our government who thinks it is great fun to run expose us to radiation with their "virtual strip searches" and then as if that was not enough they also have to grope you. All in the name of "security".
Re:This would probably be illegal under European law (which is where the problem actually lays).
rml, 1 Mar 2012 @ 12:57am
Re: Re:I think it may be perfectly permissible, really. It already happens, and if there is a really flagrant breach like the SWIFT affair some years ago, new legislation (such as the treaty on sharing passenger data under discussion) will make it permissible in retrospect.
EU is Doing RightI think EU is doing the right thing, they should surly reject the agreement :P
Johan �kerman, 1 Mar 2012 @ 1:46amSlavery is rising again. If you think I am overreacting just check what happened the last 15 years. In like 20 years they have removed paper and coins and also controlling your bank transfers, where you are at your cellphone or other device, what you are writing and to who, and to what IP adresses you are connected to. And have made VPN and encryption illegal... You all know they already now want this to happen. They are trying, one law at the time...
Niall (profile), 2 Mar 2012 @ 6:58am
Re:I have some nice new tinfoil you can buy. Please visit my eBay account - you can use Paypal if you want!
kenichi tanaka, 1 Mar 2012 @ 4:29amThe United States is trying to become the new "Nazi Germany" of the 21st Century. The world needs to be very concerned because the United States is quickly becoming a threat to world peace.
Look at the Obama Administration. It wants peace talks to continue between the Palestinians and Israel but when Israel continues to build on land the Palestinian Authority want to build their state on ... Israel says no and continues to build on that contested land.
So, what does the Obama Administration do? They demand that the Palestinians to come back to the talks yet won't pressure Israel to negotiate in good faith.
I'm an American, I'm a Patriot and I love my country. But I'm ashamed and disappointed that our government no longer works for the people and they are no longer working for peace. Only to further their own goals of instituting laws that are only harming our civilization.
The founding fathers of our country, who created our "Constitution of the United States", and I'm referring to the original "UNALTERED", "UNEDITED" and "UNABRIDGED" version of our constitution, they would be ashamed as to what has happened to our country.
I wish our founding fathers had never rose up against the British rule because we deserve to be destroyed like the disease we've turned into.
I'm sorry for saying this but we've become the very problem that we rebelled against (when we fought against the British Empire). America has become a dictator who no longer respects our neighbors and who continue to dictate to the rest of the world what they should be doing.
Machin Shin (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:10am
Re:I will agree with you for the most part. The only difference is I am proud of what this nation once was and would not trade that for anything. I just think the time is fast approaching for the citizens to take this nation back and restore it to what it once was.
abc gum, 1 Mar 2012 @ 4:53amWhy do they hate the tourist industry?
Marcel de Jong (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 5:10am
Re:The US has been hating on the tourist industry for a few years now, with the tax on filling out the little ESTA form online.
"The US Customs and Border Protection department charge $14 per application for an ESTA. All payments must be made by credit card." ( source: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/uni ted-states )
So only people with a credit card can enter the country, but only when you've already paid 14 bucks for the privilege of emptying your soul to US Customs and Border 'Protection' agency.
Next to that you have to endure the ridiculous security theatre, which thankfully you don't have to pay for (yet).
No, the US hates tourists, and would like to see America only open to Americans.
nasch (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:31am
Re: Re:So only people with a credit card can enter the country, but only when you've already paid 14 bucks for the privilege of emptying your soul to US Customs and Border 'Protection' agency.
You're going with a $14 fee? There are reasons not to go to the US, but once you've bought intercontinental plane tickets, $14 is quite literally pocket money.
Marcel de Jong (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 7:43am
Re: Re: Re:I know, but I know of no other country that does this. To pay in order to fill out a form to say that you are not a terrorist.
The Groove Tiger (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 7:06am
Re:Tourists are freeloaders that take away all the overpriced miniature Statue of Liberty mementos and leave none for the patriotic and god fearing Americans.
Marcel de Jong (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 5:12am
BTW, EU has been giving this info to the US since 2003
kenichi tanaka, 1 Mar 2012 @ 5:28amPresident Obama and his DOJ are turning into Hitler, rampaging across this planet and telling everybody else what to do. Jobs have been decimated in our economy, the wealthy are now even more wealthy than before this crisis began and all he and his cronies can do is force other countries to give in to his demands.
It's like Obama is a mix between Napolean and Hitler.
The eejit (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:19am
Re:It's not quite that bad, the US Government just hates modern technology and everything it can be used for.
abc gum, 1 Mar 2012 @ 6:32am
Re:Yes, because it was all peaches 'n cream before that socialist Muslim from Kenya took office.
Oh, wait - did I respond to sarcasm? In the midst of right wing pandering, it becomes difficult to discern.
Niall (profile), 2 Mar 2012 @ 7:35am
Re:Yes because both Hitler and Napoleon thought it would be funky to invade other countries "for the lulz", which of course the modern US Democratic party is so guilty of last decade... except that they didn't.
So, who would you rather compare with Hitler and Napoleon?
Unonymous (profile), 1 Mar 2012 @ 8:01amWhat I would like to know is how this proposal would be received if it was proposed from Europe?
You want to fly from Chicago to Germany?
Great! Submit your information to all countries that you pass over for security reasons. This could include many half a dozen countries or more! Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the U.K, the Netherlands, Germany, perhaps France.
If all these countries wanted to keep and retain information about U.S. Citizens traveling to, over or through them, in perpetuity how would the U.S. Government react? Why would they expect any other nation to react differently than they would?
Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2012 @ 8:14amNow no one wants to visit USA. ^lluminati
same day same thing, 1 Mar 2012 @ 12:56pmus methods:
1 "ask" for whatever it is you want.
2 when not getting it "encourage" said country to get it.
3 if not effective promish to help them with "gifts" and "aid"
4 if that does not work "talk" them into it with threats of "agressive diplomacy" and helping fund "like minded citizens" to "encourage" said government and people to accept there "agressive diplomacy"
5 if all else fails commence "aggressive diplomacy" to bring "freedom" to said country
steps seven and eight will be covered if populace *has different outlook*
i doubt it will get beyond step 2 here
Kevin (profile), 2 Mar 2012 @ 4:23am
And the "New World Order" marches onOne world government as predicted in the Bible (Revelation 13:1-15)
The so called Christian USA has done more to push the world to this point than any other country since 1945.
They will ultimately fail as has every other empire building nation throughout history.
weddie, 2 Mar 2012 @ 8:34amJust wondering, as a parent (living in Europe) I would actually like to visit the states with my kids, to show them what is a great country. It is just that issues like this make me think, well, I don't want to if the US government is going to do this. Where can I make my voice heard???
Anonymous Coward, 2 Mar 2012 @ 9:37am
Re:What you may read at sites that raise a ruckus about matters and issues such as this in now way reflects day to day activities here in the US.
I would hesitate in the least to visit and enjoy the diversity of places and things that my country has to offer. I visited Europe with my family several years ago, even as controversial political issues were being discussed and considered for legislative enactment. Funny thing, they had not a whit if relevance or impact on the great enjoyment we had traveling throughout the contries we visited.
While in Europe we were welcome with open arms, and had a great time trying to deal with the diversity of languages with which we came in contact. Imagine not speaking German, the other person not speaking English, and yet somehow being able to communicate. It was actually quite fun.
As we experienced in Europe, I have no doubt you would have the same experience in a visit to the US.
BTW, if a part of your visit would be to go to a theme park in Orlando, make sure you avoid the period between mid-April and mid-October. The temperature and humidity is more than a bit extreme...it is almost debilitating for those who are not acclimated to extremes of heat and humidity.
Enjoy what we have to offer. I am confident you will find a trip here a very pleasureable experience.
nasch (profile), 2 Mar 2012 @ 10:00am
Re: Re:I visited Europe with my family several years ago, even as controversial political issues were being discussed and considered for legislative enactment.
That's a bit different since those controversial issues weren't specifically related to European governments invading your privacy as a condition of allowing you to visit (at least I don't remember any such issues).
William Chambers, 4 Mar 2012 @ 3:27pm
NoThis is not an issue of US overreach, but more of EU overreach. If the EU chooses to accept the US's request, then it's the EU's fault. Full stop.


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Static in the Attic: Ways to Enhance Memory And Lead a Brain Wellness Lifestyle
By Dr. Alice Vestergaard, Ashford University
Do you ever walk into a room and wonder why you are there? Are you frustrated because you sometimes can't recall names of people, but you recognize faces? Do you ever forget where you put your wallet, keys and/or glasses? Do you find yourself in the middle of a conversation, and suddenly "blank" on the next word you wanted to say?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you have plenty of company. All of the above can be normal memory changes as people age. While the frequency of "senior moments" and "tip of the tongue syndrome" increases as we age, it is not necessarily a sign of decline or the signal of impending Alzheimer's disease or other disease process.
There are certain memory changes that are temporary and reversible. Memory is actually a complex system of processes, and there are many variables that can impact any part of the memory chain. Some reversible causes of memory problems include sleep deprivation, stress, multi-tasking, infection, dehydration, vitamin deficiency, depression, colds/flu, sensitivity/reaction to medication or strong emotions.
Contrary to popular myth, and the portrayal of older people by the media, memory can actually get better as we age...but it requires training just like an athlete who trains the body on a regular basis through consistent exercise. Brain exercise should be incorporated into everyone's life on a regular basis.
The great news is that scientists now know that the brain is constantly rewiring itself, adapting and growing new brain cells even throughout the aging process. Not only can a person grow new brain cells, but the more people exercise and challenge the brain, the less likely they will be to develop brain damaging disease later in life. There are a variety of ways, techniques and methods to stimulate the brain. Begin with these tips.
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2. Say out loud what you want to remember. Don't worry about people thinking you are strange for talking to yourself. Saying something out loud fires more brain cells and helps in the memory process.
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10. To remember pass codes, license plate numbers, credit card numbers, telephone numbers, and/or important dates, create a story that links the individual letters or numbers together.
About Dr. Alice Vestergaard
Alice Vestergaard, professor in the College of Health, Human Services, and Science at Ashford University, has specialized in long-term care, emerging health technology, and the study of brain-health in aging. She has more than 25 years experience in both the private and public education sectors and has lectured extensively on her fields of expertise. While at Ashford, she has served as executive dean, program manager, lead faculty, faculty trainer, and curriculum developer within diverse multi-cultural settings.
About Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor's degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.


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Monday, December 28, 2009
Embarassments of poverty
11 comments:
- AnonymousDecember 28, 2009 at 1:37 PM
yeah, baby - Club Coconino! "the check clears & you're in!"ReplyDelete
Ya know it takes a brave man to say these words. So much of what we do is "marketing," but if you are doing it right and taking care of your customers the marketing generally just takes care of itself.ReplyDelete
I'm either brave,obnoxious or just plain stupid. I kind of have to go with the stuff that comes from my twisted heart.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 30, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Watch out, keep this up and you might night get invited to join the club! :)ReplyDelete
It's nice to see building get some recognition, but it sucks to see the divisiveness and cliques that have arrived with it. I didn't play that game in high school and sure aren't going to play it now. Thanks for another fine post Paul.ReplyDelete
I think I know what you are talking about. I spilled my coffee on my shirt, and some beer on my friend's girlfriend. It was sweet to see some of your bikes hauling ass around bendor.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 7, 2010 at 7:52 AM
Did you read about Bruce Gordon's rejection? The cracks are forming. Maybe people will begin to see the eporor has no clothes?ReplyDelete
Maybe the eporor has no 'M'.ReplyDelete
Just stumbled upon your blog, good reading! I wish I had the $$$ for a custom frame, at 5'2" it's hard to find a frame that works/fits for some rugged Arizona riding. One of these days my rear triangle will snap. The small size frame of my bike ('07 K2 Attack 2.0) has the factory flaw that if the rear shock is bottomed out, the tubes will actually hit each other...ReplyDelete
I dare you to count the number of tubes on this one:
Dang, somebody has a chopsaw !Talk about a way to make it complicated to build a frame....ReplyDelete


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AIR ~ Movement of the Day:
Day 65 of the 100 Day Challenge! Squat Thrust Tabatas to get you moving today! No equipment necessary, minimal space required, absolutely no excuses to not move! [Click here for additional Workouts]
Fruit and Spinach Smoothie with Raw Nuts. Monday mornings can be hectic, but don't let the rush out the door deprive you of the nutrients you need to start your day! This fast and super simple breakfast will fit into ANY morning schedule. [Click here for additional Recipes]
SPARK ~ Thought of the Day:
Quote of the Day: Most players are pretty good, but they go to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be. ~ Wayne Gretzky
Essential Element: Well people don't necessarily experience any less stress; they simply develop better strategies and coping mechanisms for dealing with it [click here to read Spark Insight: Coping Mechanisms].
Journal: By thinking what we've always thought, we'll always get what we've always got. In order to move forward, we've got to think that direction first! What are you moving towards? Can you taste it? Feel it? Smell it? What's your goal. Get it in writing – look at it daily – then dedicate your energy to making it happen… [Click here for additional Journal exercises]


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VMS::Stdio - standard I/O functions via VMS extensions
use VMS::Stdio qw( &flush &getname &remove &rewind &sync &tmpnam &vmsopen &vmssysopen &waitfh ); $uniquename = tmpnam; $fh = vmsopen("my.file","rfm=var","alq=100",...) or die $!; $name = getname($fh); print $fh "Hello, world!\n"; flush($fh); sync($fh); rewind($fh); $line = <$fh>; undef $fh; # closes file $fh = vmssysopen("another.file", O_RDONLY | O_NDELAY, 0, "ctx=bin"); sysread($fh,$data,128); waitfh($fh); close($fh); remove("another.file");
This package gives Perl scripts access via VMS extensions to several C stdio operations not available through Perl's CORE I/O functions. The specific routines are described below. These functions are prototyped as unary operators, with the exception of
vmsopen and
vmssysopen, which can take any number of arguments, and
tmpnam, which takes none.
All of the routines are available for export, though none are exported by default. All of the constants used by
vmssysopen to specify access modes are exported by default. The routines are associated with the Exporter tag FUNCTIONS, and the constants are associated with the Exporter tag CONSTANTS, so you can more easily choose what you'd like to import:
# import constants, but not functions
use VMS::Stdio; # same as use VMS::Stdio qw( :DEFAULT );
# import functions, but not constants
use VMS::Stdio qw( !:CONSTANTS :FUNCTIONS );
# import both
use VMS::Stdio qw( :CONSTANTS :FUNCTIONS );
# import neither
use VMS::Stdio ();
Of course, you can also choose to import specific functions by name, as usual.
This package
ISA IO::File, so that you can call IO::File methods on the handles returned by
vmsopen and
vmssysopen. The IO::File package is not initialized, however, until you actually call a method that VMS::Stdio doesn't provide. This is doen to save startup time for users who don't wish to use the IO::File methods.
Note: In order to conform to naming conventions for Perl extensions and functions, the name of this package has been changed to VMS::Stdio as of Perl 5.002, and the names of some routines have been changed. Calls to the old VMS::stdio routines will generate a warning, and will be routed to the equivalent VMS::Stdio function. This compatibility interface will be removed in a future release of this extension, so please update your code to use the new routines.
- flush
This function causes the contents of stdio buffers for the specified file handle to be flushed. If
undefis used as the argument to
flush, all currently open file handles are flushed. Like the CRTL fflush() routine, it does not flush any underlying RMS buffers for the file, so the data may not be flushed all the way to the disk.
flushreturns a true value if successful, and
undefif not.
- getname
getnamefunction returns the file specification associated with a Perl I/O handle. If an error occurs, it returns
- remove
This function deletes the file named in its argument, returning a true value if successful and
undefif not. It differs from the CORE Perl function
unlinkin that it does not try to reset file protection if the original protection does not give you delete access to the file (cf. perlvms). In other words,
removeis equivalent to
unlink($file) if VMS::Filespec::candelete($file);
- rewind
rewindresets the current position of the specified file handle to the beginning of the file. It's really just a convenience method equivalent in effect to
seek($fh,0,0). It returns a true value if successful, and
undefif it fails.
- sync
This function flushes buffered data for the specified file handle from stdio and RMS buffers all the way to disk. If successful, it returns a true value; otherwise, it returns
- tmpnam
tmpnamfunction returns a unique string which can be used as a filename when creating temporary files. If, for some reason, it is unable to generate a name, it returns
- vmsopen
vmsopenfunction enables you to specify optional RMS arguments to the VMS CRTL when opening a file. Its operation is similar to the built-in Perl
openfunction (see perlfunc for a complete description), but it will only open normal files; it cannot open pipes or duplicate existing I/O handles. Up to 8 optional arguments may follow the file name. These arguments should be strings which specify optional file characteristics as allowed by the CRTL. (See the CRTL reference manual description of creat() and fopen() for details.) If successful,
vmsopenreturns a VMS::Stdio file handle; if an error occurs, it returns
You can use the file handle returned by
vmsopenjust as you would any other Perl file handle. The class VMS::Stdio ISA IO::File, so you can call IO::File methods using the handle returned by
vmsopen. However,
useing VMS::Stdio does not automatically
useIO::File; you must do so explicitly in your program if you want to call IO::File methods. This is done to avoid the overhead of initializing the IO::File package in programs which intend to use the handle returned by
vmsopenas a normal Perl file handle only. When the scalar containing a VMS::Stdio file handle is overwritten,
undefd, or goes out of scope, the associated file is closed automatically.
- vmssysopen
This function bears the same relationship to the CORE function
vmsopendoes to
open. Its first three arguments are the name, access flags, and permissions for the file. Like
vmsopen, it takes up to 8 additional string arguments which specify file characteristics. Its return value is identical to that of
The symbolic constants for the mode argument are exported by VMS::Stdio by default, and are also exported by the Fcntl package.
- waitfh
This function causes Perl to wait for the completion of an I/O operation on the file handle specified as its argument. It is used with handles opened for asynchronous I/O, and performs its task by calling the CRTL routine fwait().
This document was last revised on 10-Dec-1996, for Perl 5.004.
1 POD Error
The following errors were encountered while parsing the POD:
- Around line 234:
You forgot a '=back' before '=head1'


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COPA: Bad Legislation
from the well,-duh dept
It is actually somewhat surprising that over the past few years, COPA (Child Online Protection Act) hasn't received more attention. I guess that unlike the CDA (Communications Decency Act), which was found to be unconstitutional, COPA sounds like this family-friendly law - and who wants to make it sound like they don't want to "protect" children. Of course, it's a terrible law that simply makes it illegal to put material "harmful to minors" online, with no way of really determining what "harmful to minors" is. Anyway, the law is finally going to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. It's really pretty scary how consistently bad the US government has been in enacting laws about the internet.


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Inventory management is one of the oldest uses for computer systems and it remains one of the most complex issues. As a result, we track more than 100 different systems. We wrote this buyer's guide to help buyers shed some light on this market.
Here's what we'll cover:
What Is Distribution Inventory Management Software?
Common Features of a Distribution Inventory Management System
What Type of Buyer Are You?
Benefits and Potential Issues
Market Trends to Understand
The Vendor Landscape
Ross Perot said "Inventories can be managed but people must be led." Both parts of the sentence are important in understanding inventory management software. Distribution inventory management software helps companies buy, track, deliver merchandise and supplies. It tracks the on-hand, allocated and ordered quantities to show actual stock levels. It shows the current value, and provides historical and trend information for planning purposes. Inventory management software helps balance supply levels so that sufficient quantities are on hand to supply customer needs without having too much capital invested or having inventory that goes out of date or spoils.
The inventory system performs other important tasks. The first is that it produces the picking information to fulfill customer orders. Second, it provides receiving information to make sure that orders placed with vendors are completed successfully. Inventory control systems are used for tracking reorder points, managing lot number tracking, generating order advice or even placing orders automatically. Order management systems can integrate with inventory systems to check quantities on hand or lead times for out-of-stock items. Inventory applications also track important inventory value information for accounting purposes.
The five features below are common in most modern distribution inventory management systems:
Before evaluating different solutions, you'll need to determine what type of buyer you are. Over 90 percent of buyers fall into one of these four groups:
Full-suite buyer. These buyers value the seamless integration of data and processes that comes from having one provider for all functions. For example, a top full-suite system for accounting, customer relationship management and inventory management can turn quotes automatically into orders and then generate picking lists, shipping labels and invoices. These buyers favor complete software suites like Oracle, SAP, Sage ERP or Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Multiple warehouse operations buyer. These enterprise buyers run multiple facilities and need to track and balance inventories over a geographical area. The buyers require software that can balance inventory between warehouses while strategically placing it closest to the probable customers. Finally, the software must determine the best choice between drop shipping split orders between warehouses or centrally receiving inventory and then shipping to warehouses.
Departmental buyer. These buyers are distribution specialists for firms that have an internal distribution network. They may only sell to their own outlets, but they must contend with multiple suppliers, inventory issues, competing corporate customers and transportation decisions similar to commercial distributors use.
Small business buyer. These buyers may work for distributors or wholesalers or may have a distribution component as part of their company. They usually have smaller numbers of clients, suppliers and inventory and may include some assembly or production components but still face the same basic issues as large-scale distributors. They may be using dedicated systems or an integrated solution.
Effective inventory management is a critical success factor for distributors. You can expect the following benefits from an inventory management system.
Time savings. Inventory management systems can save time in all aspects of handling inventory. Slotting analysis saves time by having frequently picked items placed where they can be quickly located. Picking systems speed the process to fulfill customer orders. Receiving systems allow for the efficient inflow and processing of inventory.
Capital savings. Inventory management systems can help business reorder stock and supplies at economic reorder amounts.
Integration with accounting systems. Integration with the rest of the accounting system is hugely important. Information shared with the general ledger keeps balance sheets current. Inventory reorders trigger entries in purchase order and accounts receivable. Pick information and shipping information is shared with accounts payable.
There are two key issues with general ledger systems. The first is the cost of implementation and maintenance. The inventory must start from a clean physical inventory, which can be time consuming and labor intensive. Periodic inventories must be conducted to ensure that the physical count agrees with the system count.
The second challenge is discipline. It is very, very easy to grab a piece of stock from a shelf for a customer and "catch up on the paperwork later." It is easy to do and, as a manager, it is easy to excuse. But it can have a devastating effect on an inventory management system. And when it is part of a integrated system, the errors spread all the way through.
Inventory systems continue to evolve and are one of the most dynamic parts of ERP and supply chain systems. The following are trends to consider when selecting a system.
Pick to light technology. Pick to light (PTL) is a paperless picking technology. Instead of printing a pick list, arrays of lights on the ceiling and shelving indicate the location of the items to be picked. Digital displays on the shelf give the quantity to pick.
Intelligent inventory tagging. The use of one-dimensional bar coding for equipment and inventory tagging is well established in manufacturing programs. Recent systems use radio frequency identification (RFID), which can be read remotely to check inventory levels and to confirm equipment availability. Other systems use two-dimensional bar codes which contain descriptive information in addition to an identifier like a part number.
Advanced slotting analysis. Advanced slotting analysis uses historical inventory information, picking trends and warehouse shelving layout information to determine the most cost-effective placement of supplies. Slotting analysis can also ensure that dangerous items are not stored together, for example, ammonia next to chlorine, which could violate government regulations, insurance restrictions and common sense.
Inventory management systems vary greatly; buyers need to understand their scope and scale while evaluating inventory packages.
|This type of buyer...
|Should evaluate these systems
|Full-suite buyer
|SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics
|Multiple warehouse operations
|Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Infor
|Departmental buyer
|Exact Globe, Geneva, ADS, Oracle, SAP
|Small business buyer
|Blue Link, ADS, Infor, Abas
Our service is simple and 100% free to customers like you because software vendors pay us when we connect them with quality leads. You save time and get great advice. Vendors get great referrals. It's a win for everyone!


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Graphene: The Wonder Material of the 21st Century
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Abstract: The need to make products faster, stronger, smaller and lighter is driving the development of new and enhanced materials with properties out of reach of prior generations. If the 20th century was the age of plastics, the 21st century seems set to become the age of graphene.
Graphene is a honeycomb-like lattice made of a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms. It is 100 times stronger than the strongest steel in the world and is almost transparent. While being the thinnest, lightest, and strongest known material, it offers flexibility and extremely high electrical and thermal conductivity. Due to its unique properties, graphene has turned into a hot topic both in the industry and in academia. With these unique features, graphene has found applications in flexible and wearable electronics and antennas, pressure sensor design, flexible displays, optoelectronics and data communication systems, medical and bioengineering technologies, photovoltaics, and rechargeable batteries.
In this 2hour presentation Dr. Kao will discuss what is graphene, its structure, its electrical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, some production methods, and its many applications in semiconductors, electronics, biomedical and biological engineering, lightweight/strong composite materials, optical electronics, water filtering, solar cells, energy storage, computer displays, etc.
Speaker Bio: Dr. William Kao received his BSEE, MSEE and PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He workedin the Semiconductor and Electronic Design Automation industries for more than 30 yearsholding several senior and executive engineering management positions at Texas Instruments, Xerox Corporation, Cadence DesignSystems.
Dr. Kao has authored more than 40 technical papers at IEEE Journals and Conferences, and holds eight software and IC design patents. He was an Adjunct Professor at UCLA Electrical Engineering Department where he taught courses in computer aided IC design.
Dr. Kao is a Senior Member of IEEE, and was one of the founding members of IEEE-Circuits and Systems - Silicon Valley Chapter, where he was Chapter Chair in 2005 and 2006.
Dr. Kao currently teaches Renewable Energy, Clean Technology and Business Sustainability courses at the University of California Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension.
Dr. Kao current interests include the subjects of Energy, Environment and Education.
He teaches and is a frequent lecturer on various Emerging Technologies. In the past five years he has given over 50 talks and seminars on various emerging technology topics such as Clean Technology, Renewable Energy, Business Sustainability, Big Data, IoT, Smart Cities, Sensor Networks, Innovation, AR/VR, Robotics, AI and 3D Printing.


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Eight Months In Jail For Teaching People How To Pass A Lie Detector Test
from the for-tests-that-don't-even-work-well dept
As we noted last time, TV shows like Mythbusters and Penn & Teller: Bullshit! have both more or less taught people the same thing. While the government sought an even longer sentence, this is still worrisome on a variety of levels. Merely instructing people how to beat an extremely faulty technology should never be a crime. The judge and the DOJ's statements on the case are just bizarre:
O'Grady acknowledged "the gray areas" between the constitutional right to discuss the techniques and the crime of teaching someone to lie while undergoing a government polygraph. "There's nothing unlawful about maybe 95 percent of the business he conducted," the judge said.Deter others from what? From speaking out about how to trick incredibly unreliable technology that the government probably relies on too much already?
However, O'Grady added that "a sentence of incarceration is absolutely necessary to deter others."
"This crime matters because what he did endangers others," said Anthony Phillips, a prosecutor with the Justice Department's division that pursues corrupt public officials.No it didn't. It doesn't endanger others to show them that a lie detector is faulty and not reliable. What endangers people is the federal government relying on such a dreadful technology that's so easy to "beat."
In many ways, this is similar to discovering a massive security flaw and then blaming the messenger for showing others how that security is flawed. The proper response is to not use the flawed security. But that's not how the government operates, unfortunately.


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MissMolly wrote:... You can do a search of Belle's insightful blog on this forum where she writes on her decision making process and life with her permanent colostomy. I believe her writings are archived on this forum, titled "Colundrum of a permanent colostomy" or something similar. Her writing is a 3 part series and is an eloquent and personal narrative.
Perhaps someone on this forum who is technologically adept can find NWGirl's 3-part blog and provide a direct link?
Belle would love to know that her words and writing continue to help and aide others. The world lost a great person with Belle's passing...
Return to "Colon Talk - Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) support forum"
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Miranda Kerr Dazzles David Jones
Victoria's Secret supermodel Miranda Kerr shows off her legs for days while making an in-store appearance at David Jones in the Hay Street Mall in Perth, Australia on Saturday (February 21).
The 25-year-old is being sought after by Virgin boss, Richard Branson! A spokesperson for V Australia said, "The first VAustralia aircraft is the Didgeree Blue. The aircraft are usually female in persona and will likely be named after inspiring contemporary women,who match the brand personality for VAustralia!"
After SI model Bar Refaeli was plastered on the side of a Southwest airplane, naming an airplane after Miranda doesn't seem too far off!
10+ pictures inside of Miranda Kerr dazzling David Jones…


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Obama Escalates Debt Fight
President Warns Congress He Won't Pay 'Ransom'; GOP Insists on Spending Cuts
WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama, facing a battle over raising the U.S. borrowing limit, made clear Monday that he sees no alternative to Congress voting for an increase and said that not doing so would be "irresponsible" and "absurd."
Mr. Obama's confrontational message—that a debate over the debt limit was already harming the economy and could push the U.S. into a recession—was primarily aimed at Republicans, who plan to use the debt-limit vote as leverage to extract cuts in federal spending. But it...


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The Great OpenStack-Amazon API Debate
Aug 8, 2013 5:00 AM PT
The discussion and debate over open source cloud software's compatibility with cloud leader Amazon's proprietary APIs was just beginning when the 451 Group released "The OpenStack Tipping Point" in April.
With the advancement of the OpenStack software and community -- along with lingering questions about the desired level of compatibility with Amazon's cloud -- the matter is heating up. However, the issue of Amazon cloud compatibility is largely a non-issue.
Enterprise customers are focused on solving their computing and business challenges. They typically center on promptly providing their customers and internal users and divisions with adequate resources and infrastructure; speeding application development and deployment; and avoiding so-called "Shadow IT," which normally involves use of Amazon's cloud.
As these organizations consider and implement OpenStack, they are interested in hybrid management alongside Amazon -- but often they're mostly interested in having something "Amazon-like" that is not Amazon. The main reason is they want and need control not only of the computing resources, but also of the actual infrastructure and applications.
Just as we've seen in the past with operating systems, databases and hypervisors, the answer for this desired Amazon-like cloud infrastructure is usually open source software -- not only OpenStack but others, including CloudStack, Eucalyptus, Joyent and OpenNebula.
Vive la Difference
One of the biggest drivers for OpenStack, according to early users and customers, is the ability to more easily and comprehensively combine the open source cloud software, which is modular, with existing infrastructure, applications and processes. That is not typically done with Amazon, since its cloud services are already baked and packaged -- not to mention the fact that it is proprietary software.
Thus, Amazon API compatibility is less of a concern than the other facets of implementing cloud software, such as load balancing, metering, identity management, orchestration and automation, and other issues.
That's not to say Amazon API compatibility is not or should not be considered significant for OpenStack users, developers and vendors. In fact, there's a cogent case to be made for solid Amazon API compatibility in OpenStack, according to CloudScaling CEO Randy Bias, an experienced and respected OpenStack insider and community leader.
I think this may in fact emerge as one of the key differentiators among OpenStack vendors. I'm not saying that one is better than the other here, but I do think the differentiation among OpenStack vendors is a good thing, since there is quite an array of users and customers -- including very lucrative ones -- ranging from startups and small businesses, to mid-sized organizations and system integrators, to enterprises to service providers, to Web 2.0 and technology firms and Fortune 500 companies.
In addition, past successful open source software has usually integrated with the proprietary software of the day -- so Amazon API compatibility and focus in OpenStack makes sense from that perspective.
Still, when it comes to dedicating yourself to Amazon APIs, there's already an open source cloud vendor doing that: Eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus is aligned with Amazon and its APIs while OpenStack is pitted against Amazon, maintained CEO Marten Mickos. Eucalyptus may benefit from its hybrid cloud approach in that it is more deeply integrated -- but it is also more beholden to Amazon APIs.
Still, OpenStack stands to gain as much from Amazon as it does to lose by being the "Amazon-like" infrastructure that organizations are seeking to use -- often in addition to sanctioned Amazon cloud use that is also growing in enterprise and public sectors.
Cloud vs. Software
We've also seen demand for CloudStack, which is Amazon API-compatible and was the standard answer to OpenStack hype a year ago. Today, however, is a different story, and the developer, vendor and customer support, as well as the momentum behind OpenStack, have surpassed that of CloudStack. Nevertheless, I believe the existence of multiple open source Amazon alternatives will drive the market for all of them, just as we've seen with the Xen and KVM open source hypervisors.
Another truly insightful opinion on the matter is a customer perspective stressing the point that Amazon is the cloud, and OpenStack is software. This isn't to say OpenStack isn't a true cloud computing infrastructure technology, but Amazon did define "cloud computing," and arguably, it continues to represent the most productized cloud computing services in the market.
OpenStack is open source software and is much less packaged, which is why there is still some challenge in implementing and integrating it, particularly among large organizations with legacy and existing environments to worry about. This point also comes from a customer, whose voice is perhaps most meaningful to other users and the market.
I also agree largely with Rackspace's Robert Scoble, who argues that OpenStack is about innovation more than integration or compatibility with Amazon. This is consistent with the 451 Group's research highlighting how OpenStack has become a favorite platform for devops efforts that combine software development and IT operations for optimal speed, efficiency and effectiveness.
Cloud computing, devops and OpenStack are all adjacent trends that are currently growing in the enterprise.
So Amazon is still the 800-pound gorilla in cloud computing, but we've seen many of these giants in the market significantly challenged by open source software in the past: Microsoft, Oracle and VMware among them.
That is another true difference that is meaningful to OpenStack users, customers and the overall market: Amazon is proprietary, and OpenStack is open source. Since OpenStack is open source software and has a wide range of vendors developing, contributing to, supporting and selling it, OpenStack may be able to successfully serve both the Amazon API-compatible and innovate-on-your-own camps -- and I believe it will.


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ELFs are terrorists
While it may seem like a nice premise, "preserving" the environment has many sides to it. For instance, sometimes building a dam creates irrigation that saves thousands of starving people and creates a reservoir for fish to flourish. Sometimes clearing a wooded lot to put up a hospital can be a good thing. That's why we have zoning laws. The population of the world is increasing, and the results must be dealt with not by "saving all the trees," but by proper, legal, environmental management.
We are a nation of laws.
To say that the ELF is not a terrorist organization because no has gotten killed is ludicrous [News, "Ecoterrorism: ELF 'targets' Hollymead Center," February 19, 2004]. Under that definition, the burning of empty black churches must have been mere vandalism.
There are alternatives if you want to save the land. The Nature Conservancy has saved millions of acres. You could also run for Congress or the local zoning board. You might not be able to save the whole world, but pick your own little corner of the world and get to work. Plant a tree. Clean a stream.
The Boston Tea Party was not terrorism on its face in that the people at the time were subjects and had no right to vote. The very foundation that America is built on is the fundamental right of accountability to the people. (Ask former California governor Gray Davis about this.)
When Bush's Education Secretary called the NEA [National Education Association] terrorists, he was wrong. What he should have said was that the organization's giant lobby and its practice of arm-twisting votes in Congress is an embarrassment to good teachers everywhere and a disservice to the students of America.
I only hope that the first casualty of ELF is not a veteran fire fighter who dies when a backhoe explodes as he tries to keep it from burning. It would be a sad irony for someone who dedicated their life to putting out forest fires to die because an ideological idiot wants to play with matches.
Mitch Carr


text:
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A listing of all BIO members and subsidiaries.
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London: Dramatic goals from Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic in second-half injury time earned Everton a scarcely-deserved win over Tottenham in a drab encounter at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
Clint Dempsey looked to have won the game for the Londoners with a strike with 15 minutes to go, but late efforts from the Toffees duo ensured David Moyes` side earned all three points.
The meeting between two sides with Champions League ambitions looked likely to be a lively affair, but goalmouth action was at a premium on Merseyside.
The first half was a largely cagey affair, although the home side had by far the better chances and would have been disappointed to go into the break level.
The opening 10 minutes was a highlight of the afternoon, with Everton`s recalled duo of Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas linking up well down the right on several occasions.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had to be quick off of his line to quell an attack by Jelavic after the Croatia striker evaded the visitors` offside trap.
However after that bright start, the game settled into a nervous affair with neither side able to force clear-cut opportunities - although Everton had two decent claims for penalties turned down by referee Lee Mason.
The first - an alleged handball by Dempsey - was rightly waved away, but an appeal for a similar offence by William Gallas was perhaps wrongly turned down.
Spurs were content to hit their hosts on the counter-attack for the opening period, but in the early stages of the second half they began to build more fluent attacks.
Their first real chance of the game came on 53 minutes when Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen blasted in a free-kick which stung the palms of Tim Howard as the American goalkeeper turned the ball over the crossbar.
But the second half soon settled into a familiar tale to the opening period, with neither side creating any out-and-out chances or increasing the tempo of the game.
Everton looked shorn of creativity after the half-time substitution of Kevin Mirallas, who suffered a recurrence of his recent hamstring problem.
When a goal did finally arrive, it was a moment of real quality from Spurs` summer signing Dempsey - the American received the ball just outside the Everton area, and his shot at goal took a deflection off Sylvain Distin and lofted over the helpless Howard.
The goal seemed to spark the home side into life as they adopted a more direct approach, yet Spurs who nearly doubled their lead when substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson saw his shot cannon off the crossbar with just five minutes left to play.
But minutes later there was delirium inside Goodison Park as Pienaar got his head on a cross from Seamus Coleman to earn an equaliser against his former club.
And in the 92nd minute, Jelavic pounced on a loose ball in the Tottenham area to slam home a winner for Moyes` men to send them fourth in the Premier League.