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AER-DEC® Integrated Sink
Soap. Rinse. Dry. All three steps without taking any.
Soap. Rinse. Dry. All three steps without taking any.
The AER-DEC is the perfect innovation for any high-end washroom. Soap dispenser, faucet, hand dryer, and sink basin all designed to work together as one beautiful, touch-free, hygienic, highly efficient system.
Designed to work hand-in-hand with the AER-DEC Integrated Sink, these soap dispensers promote cleanliness at every level.
AER-DEC features the revolutionary BASYS® sensor-activated faucets from Sloan®. The faucet is field researched and specifically engineered to meet the demands of the commercial plumbing industry.
Finally a hand dryer where you need it. AER-DEC brings the power and innovation of hand dryers off the wall and right to your hands. By doing so, it eliminates water on the floor caused by dripping hands and wet paper towels.
Each component of the AER-DEC is designed to create a fully integrated system. The key to that integration is the patent-pending AirBasin that controls air and water flow to eliminate backsplash and updraft.
The AER-DEC experience is made possible by innovative air dams that redirect air and water to eliminate backsplash and updraft.
Basins can be ordered in custom widths or in standard increments of 30, 60, 90 or 120 inches. Build your washroom around the AER-DEC, or the AER-DEC around your existing washroom. The basin can be custom designed to accommodate your specific needs. Basins can be centered or offset based on traffic flow or space restrictions. All basins are 23.5 inches deep and 5 inches thick and can be trough style or include individual stations. The consoles meet ADA requirements if properly installed.
The AER-DEC can be made from your choice of 300+ colors of Corian® Solid Surface, Corian Quartz, Silestone, or Caesarstone materials.
Whether you want your basin to float, fit into an alcove, or stand on its own, it is all possible with the AER-DEC Integrated Sink.
The AER-DEC can use LED technology to light the space in a way that matches your design. At the touch of a remote, change the color to match your brand, the season or your local team as they prepare for the big game.
With AER-DEC, the design is in the detail. Elevate your restroom experience and customize your sink edges with more options now than ever. Pair your edge option with an optional bag hook, available in light gray or dark gray colors.
The AER-DEC's standard stainless enclosure has been upgraded to a hold-open design. Maintenance is easier than ever with the new design. The hold-open doors are magnetized for easy access and stay open when you need. The angled enclosure keeps your restroom sleek in design and functionality.
Depart from the standard and choose a vertical enclosure with your AER-DEC. The vertical enclosure comes in stainless hold-open or laminated cabinet style doors. Choose from over 150+ laminate options for additional design freedom.
View the brochure or contact Sloan for more information.


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There are pros and cons to any decisions you make in your life. This includes the small ones and the big ones. In my role as a franchise ownership advisor, I've had the distinct advantage of hearing first hand (from people I've helped become their own bosses) what they feel the pros and cons are of being your own boss are.
I'm going to share what they've told me, along with what I know first-hand, since I've been my own boss since 2001. Here are three of the many positive things to being the boss:
1. You can set your own schedule
Imagine how it would feel for you to be able to come and go as you please...to set a schedule based on your needs instead of your employer's needs.
2. You don't have anyone to report to
If you own an independent business, the buck stops with you. You make all the decisions having to do with your business. Believe me, it's quite empowering.
If you end up becoming the owner of a franchise business, the buck still stops with you, but there is a difference. You don't get to make strategic decisions about your business. In other words, you can't just add new products and/or services in order to increase revenue. Those things can only be done from franchise headquarters.
3. You have lots of control
As the boss, you have the ability to control your day-to-day work life.
In addition to setting your own schedule, you have the final say so on who you hire, and what benefits (if any) you provide.
You can also control the growth of your business. Maybe you're at a time in your life where you don't want or need to pursue record-breaking sales numbers. Guess what? When you're the boss, you don't have to.
On the flip side owning a business, does have its drawbacks:
1. Income fluctuations
When you own a business, your income is dependent on the revenue you bring in. And it may not be consistent-especially at first.
Think about it; when you're an employee, you expect and receive a paycheck on a consistent basis. It's up to your employer to figure out the revenue part. It's really not your problem. Not so when you're the boss. You're the one in charge of making enough money to pay your employees, pay your operating expenses, and pay yourself!
2. Liability
You, as a business owner, are liable for bad things that can sometimes happen in a business. For example, if you own a restaurant that serves alcohol and one of your employees serves alcohol to an underage customer who drives away from your restaurant and hurts someone in an auto accident, you can be held liable. Scary, huh?
That's only one example. Can you think of any others? You need to.
Tip: make sure you hire a business attorney who will explain your liability as the owner of a business before you become an owner.
3. Long hours
It's one thing to "understand" you'll be required to put in long hours when you own a business, it's quite another to actually work 12-14 hour shifts. Feet get sore.
Granted it will probably be easier to do knowing that the hours you're putting in are for your own business, as opposed to someone else's business. But still, long hours are long hours. You may want to talk to current business owners to see what kinds of hours they're putting in.
When you own a business, tired or not, you have to be the one who steps up when longer hours are needed to keep your business up and running. You need to weigh all of the pros and cons before you take the plunge into business ownership.

subset: commoncrawl


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A more efficient cycle through reliable prototyping and showcasing tools
Manufacturers in the industry have looked for ways to streamline the process as well as maximize their efficiency. When manufacturers work with Browzwear, they have the ability to leverage true-to-life digital garments over physical samples. This drastically reduces the amount of textile waste typically encountered throughout the process.
A more efficient cycle through reliable prototyping and showcasing tools
Eliminate the dependency on the production of physical samples and efficiently finalize approvals
Easily alter and reuse unpicked prototype to optimize the workflow funnel
With a faster turnaround rate, more deals can be closed in less time
Any adjustments can be made over digital samples, meaning that all the back and forth iterations that are typically encountered can be carried out with both speed, ease and of course accuracy, resulting in a faster turnaround rate. As the validation process is remarkably cut down, manufacturers and brands have the ability to close deals in less time. Additionally, unsold samples can be altered and repurposed for future collections.
Working with digital tools gives manufacturers the advantage of visualizing the end product before being sent to production. Therefore, any fundamental changes can be made early on in the process, making it less likely for errors to occur once the garments have been physically produced. As physical prototypes are less needed, there is more availability when it comes to both physical space and human resources, meaning larger volumes can be produced in a fraction of the time.
Manufacturers can rely on the information provided in the tech pack, which has been extracted directly from VStitcher. As each aspect of the digital garment is accounted for, including how each fabric behaves when worn, the digital sample is an exact representation of the physical product. Therefore, manufacturers no longer need to spend time interpreting the data provided in the tech pack, and the designs can be sent straight to production without experiencing common errors and misunderstandings.
Read more about our accuracy and communication driving products:
When Crystal Apprel Limited first signed on with Browzwear in 2008, 3D had not yet become an integral part of the design workflow in the industry. In 2017, as the digital workflow became a more common standard in the industry, Crystal Denim researched options and compared solutions from other providers. They ultimately expanded their Browzwear license agreement because of the user-friendly tools, the proven speed-to-market and sustainability. They also created a specialty Virtual Design team to focus solely on becoming experts in 3D design.


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This section contains 1,413 words
(approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page)
An Analysis of Jane Eyre
Summary: Discusses the Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane Eyre. Describes Jane Eyre's physical appearance as developed throughout the novel. Relates that to Jane Eyre's perception in regard to her appearance.
Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is presented in the Victorian Period of England. It is a novel which tells the story of a child's maturation into adulthood. Jane's developing personality has been shaped by her rough childhood. She has been influenced by many people and experiences. As a woman of her time, Jane has had to deal with the strain of physical appearance. This has a great effect on her mental thinking and decision making. Jane Eyre's cognitive and physical attributes have been affected by her environment throughout her life.
Jane Eyre was born an orphan and raised under the hands of a heartless Aunt. Aunt Reed stressed to Jane that she was privileged to live so well without any parents. At a young age, she has to discover the hardships of life. Jane's cousin, John Reed, emphasizes to her "you are a dependent, you have no money, your...
This section contains 1,413 words
(approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page)


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Our New Visual Identity – Rebranding
U Learn, U Grow, U Succeed
This trinity is distinctive within the logo, with the steady increase in size of each U, representative of student growth and progression with the UKCBC. In addition, the close alignment of each U represents the supportive environment that we strive to foster within the College.
Concept of the UKCBC logo
Colour can connect with us on an unconscious level, conveying sentiments and establishing a connection with an audience beyond the factual. The colour turquoise was chosen as it reflects the necessity for open communication in the expression of ideas, positive decision-making, and other managerial skills required for the development of an individual, a group, an organisation, and a society.
Numerical Significance
The letter U is the 21st letter of the alphabet. Having a numerical sum of three, 21 symbolises the principles of growth and the energies of optimism, inspiration, intelligence, sociability and communication. Its significance as the fifth and final vowel, meanwhile, embodies the attributes of progress, experience and opportunity.
Unique and recognisable, Proxima Nova combines geometric shapes with elegant curves and flexibility, harmoniously balancing the U of the logo.
Logo Meaning
The emphasis of the U denotes our commitment to our students and our dedication to delivering the best in academic development. We have three core beliefs and encapsulate these within our logo.


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Pioneer Valley Regional School
universal respect - personal responsibility - academic excellence
Welcome to our website!
We hope our website will provide students, families, staff and the wider community both general and specific information that will help you find the right people, forms, and information for you as a member of the Pioneer Valley school community
Our Mission
The Pioneer community is committed to creating a learning environment that fosters universal respect, personal responsibility, and academic excellence. Pioneer recognizes that to meet the challenges of the 21st century we must critically and creatively engage in real world tasks, adapt to new situations and technologies, and collaboratively problem solve. By designing equal opportunities and multiple approaches to growth in a heterogeneous setting, we will facilitate the success of our students in a rapidly evolving, diverse and dynamic global society.
The Pioneer Valley Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities.
Official website for Pioneer Valley Regional School. This page conforms to our Acceptable Use Policy.
Copyright © 2018. Pioneer Valley Regional School District. All rights Reserved.


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"I have awoken with a fire in my belly, a good fire, one that speaks of life, a beacon in the dark, and if I place it on a high enough peak perhaps you can see it, perhaps it can light a flame in your heart, and when you feel its warmth, then you may be able to light one too, to pass it on, for each of us can be a light in the dark for someone else, and someone else, and someone else, until there is a chain of golden light shining far and wide connecting us one to another." © Leah Bracknell.
It is the time of the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, the shortest day and the longest night, when shadows close around us. The cold moon is little more than a silver sliver in the sky, struggling to pierce the heavy pall of clouds, and the darkness seems complete.
For many, this is all too apt. While much of the world celebrates the holidays and holy days of the season, for others it is a time of grief, isolation and fear. Some simply long for warmer times and a house full of laughter, rather than the silence of an empty nest. Some carry the pain of recent or impending loss, feeling the empty place at the table like a knife in the gut. There can be many causes… too many to list… but for those touched by grief, the holiday season can be a living hell.
The first Christmas after the death of my partner and lifelong friend, I was lost. Every Christmas greeting, every song, brought tears. I just wanted to curl up in a dark corner and hide. I could not do so… I had the boys… and it was not the way we had chosen to face cancer with him. So, it was not the way we were going to face life without him.
Instead, on Christmas morning we dug a hole in the middle of the garden. In it we planted a winter-flowering evergreen with fragrant blooms. Beneath its roots we buried some of my partner's ashes… and all his favourite coffee creams from a big box of chocolates. There were, inevitably, tears. But there were smiles too, for by bringing him into our day, we felt his presence. Then I donned the 'posh frock' and 'sparklies' as the boys expected and we made Christmas as usual.
The winter solstice may well be the darkest hour, but it is also the turning point. As soon as the sun has passed its most southerly declination, the days begin to get longer once more… and spring is on its way. The worst of the winter weather may yet be to come, but the light is slowly beginning to return.
When my eldest son was stabbed through the brain in 2009, he was not expected to live. There was a time of fear that I cannot describe. But he survived. It was little short of miraculous, yet the ongoing grief of watching him try to battle his way back to himself was utter hell. Six months after the attack, he was sent home, still unable to even sit unaided or to do anything for himself, still struggling to speak and with his sight irreparably damaged. But he was home for Christmas.
Eight years later and he is home for Christmas again… this time after an incredible adventure in India. Over the past few years, he has jumped out of aeroplanes, travelled widely, ridden his trike to raise money for charity and won a national award as an inspiring individual. He still cannot walk, his vision has not magically healed, the damage to his body is permanent and the long-term effects are unknown. But, in spite of all prognoses and expectations, it has not prevented him from living.
My son has often said that there is no courage in how he lives, he just puts one metaphorical foot in front of the other. I disagree. Few see the inner struggles; the outer world sees only the way in which we choose to face it… and it is in those choices that courage is found.
It is all too easy to let the darkness overtake us when life turns to winter. Too easy, too, to believe our trials are 'worse than' or 'not as bad as' those of another, falling prey to judgement or guilt. The Gates of Hell are different for each of us, and none of us can know how we will face them if we are called upon to stand in their shadow. None of us can see into the secret depths of another's heart and mind. It is not always easy to see clearly into our own, nor to find a path through the mire.
"If I can wake each morning with a prayer of gratitude in my heart, and close each day with the same, I know I am living well.
If I can acknowledge all the blessings and gifts that come my way, now, yesterday and tomorrow, it blows away the cobwebs of fear and grief and confusion and despair, and my life feels sweeter and richer than never before.
If I can plant the seed of hope in the garden of my soul, and nourish it with love and compassion, and fertilise it with forgiveness, and water it with the sweet cleansing rain of faith, trust and belief, then I will witness how it flourishes and grows and reaches its roots deep into my heart and every cell of my being, and blossoms in the winter of my yesterdays lost and blooms on the horizon of tomorrow, with the gift of divine grace and beauty…" © Leah Bracknell.
The words above are from 'Morning Prayer' by 'actress, yoga teacher, shamanic healer, and cancer-club member', Leah Bracknell, best known for her long-running role as Zoe Tate in ITV's Emmerdale. Leah kindly gave me permission to share her words. While the papers may write that she is battling terminal cancer, she regards herself as 'GLIDING – Gloriously Living In Defiance of Expectation'. Reading her blog, I would call that an understatement.
As I no longer watch TV or read the papers, I was not aware of Leah's identity or story when I read her Morning Prayer. I simply found it beautiful. When we are lost in our own pain, the words of another cannot cure, but they can shine a light to help us find a way forward and make our own choices. Read Leah's Prayer in full on her website, Something Beginning with C, then read her stories; her own story is woven through them. Let her words light a flame in your heart.
Leah will be giving a talk: Cancer And the Art of Living on January 18th 2018 in London. Details and booking below:


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St. Thomas scores 97 in shutout win over St. OlafNov 12, 2017 - 1:02 AM NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Jacques Perra threw for three touchdowns, Stephen Wagner added three more on the ground, and St. Thomas beat St. Olaf 97-0 on Saturday to become the second Division III team this season to score 90-plus in a shutout victory. The Tommies (9-1, 8-0 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) extended their winning streak to eight games and tied a MIAC record with 28 straight conference wins since 2014. St. Thomas picked off four passes, had two return touchdowns and held the Oles to 71 total yards. The Tommies gained 667 yards. Earlier this season, St. John's scored 98 points in a shutout win over College of St. Scholastica to open its season.
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!


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Yet Another year has past and once again, Santa is getting ready for his big night of delivering gifts to all the good girls and boys around the world. Every Year the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) got its best and brightest workers together to ensure Santa's airspace remains clear and safe. As in past years, the NORAD Santa Tracker has a placed all of the Santa tracking onto Google Earth on your computer and on your mobile device! That is right, there has been an app developed for the Apple iOS and Android Marketplace! As well, there are also videos and other fun games for kids and kids at heart to play in the Countdown Village.
iChristmas Music
On December 8, 2010, a group of musicians from the North Point Ministries iBand produced a concert playing instruments that were apps on Apple iPads and iPhone/iPod Touch(s). What impresses me is they did the set in front of a live audience and I never heard any mistakes—plus it tounds great! Tis the season so let's all enjoy some Christmas music by the way of iDevices played by the North Point iBand. Enjoy!
Holiday Gift Guide to Men (Part Four)
Round four of the Holiday Gift Guide to Men brings you all things for your iDevices. As always, I either have these items or am wishing I had these items. Some of these are also able to work with devices other than Apple products.
Elago S4 Slim Fit iPhone 4/4s Case
Do you have a new iPhone 4 or 4s? You know they look great and you want to keep them that way, so why not protect them? The only problem I have is that some cases go to the extreme and protect your phone from falls off of towering skyscrapers which results in a bit of bulk. The Elago S4 Slim Fit case protects your phone from everyday wear and tear and it is what its name suggest—slim. No, this is not going to protect your phone from high falls or sudden dunks in a toilet, but I am hoping you respect your expensive iPhone and don't treat it like a flip phone from years past. Best of all this case gives a little grip to the slippery phone yet it is easily retrieved out of pants pockets which other grippy cases do not do so well.
Cost: $10
rooCase for iPad 2
This case for your iPad 2 is a great case for the executive that wants to protect the iPad 2 and look professional at the same time. The rooCase is made of premium leather and features a soft microfiber lined cover with a magnet that works in conjunction with the iPad smart cover on/off feature. Please keep in mind this is not a sleek form fitting case, more of a portfolio. My wife has one for her iPad and loves it (so do I)!
Price: $30
Scoche passPORT Charging Adapter
Do you have an iAccessory like an iHome that you bought a few years ago for your iPod, but now have an iPhone and now it won't charge it? With this device, you can charge your iPhone with the older accessory—the Scoche passPORT Charging Adapter. I had this exact problem with my old Monster iPod FM Transmitter for the car. My transmitter worked great as a transmitter, but once I got an iPhone it was not wired to charge mt iPhone. I bought the passPort, just popped it onto my Monster 30-pin connector and then the adapter into the 30-pin slot on my phone and now what was once old is now new and most importantly—charging my iPhone.
Price: $20
Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 4/4s
Are you always on the iPhone and now with iOS 5 noticing you are left with little power to your phone. The Mophie Juice Pack Air gives your phone an extra battery and case all in one! This case adds to the size of the iPhone 4/4s but what it also adds is up to 6 more hours of talk time to your phone, and for some people that depend on their phone for business, this can be all that is needed to get the job or new client. This phone does use the 30-pin slot, so it is no longer available to use unless removing the case, but it then offers you to plug in the very common USB plug, which is included. That USB can also be plugged into the computer and it will still sync to iTunes without needing to remove the case. My dad has one and swears by it!
Price: $75
Apple TV
Yes, this is an iPhone/iPad Accessory! This tiny box attaches to your HDTV thru an HDMI cable and accesses all the content on your computer iTunes account but also any iPhone/iPad running iOS 4.2 using Airplay. You can stream video, movies, even apps to the big screen of your TV. This does work through WiFi or through Ethernet, but best of all this item is APPROVED by my co-worker Stacy as a great device!
Price: $100
Holiday Gift Guide to Men (Part Three)
Round three of the Holiday Gift Guide to Men. This one is themed outerwear, and like before, either I own it or want it. Also, if you are reading this and feel something else should be in the Holiday Gift Guide to Men, leave a comment or e-mail me and I will look into it. Oh, and if you wish to buy me something on the list, I am gladly accepting gifts as well!
Sherpa Adventure Gear Renzing Hat
It is getting cold outside and I am sure your man would like to keep his ears nice and toasty. The only thing is that you don't want him looking like a school kid with a puff ball hat or like a droid wearing those earmuff things. This hat is made of lambswool with a polyester lining by the people of Nepal—the home of Mount Everest.This hat is available in a variety of colors, and I love it for its warmth and style. I especially like that it isn't made in China.
Cost: $15
Isotoner Men's Smartouch Fleece Lined Glove
Ever outside in the could and you reach for your touch screen phone only to realize you can't use it because you have gloves on? These gloves are stylish and useful for more than keeping your hands warm—they also let you use your touch screen phone without taking of your gloves! There are other makers of this sort of glove, but I chose these for those of us that work in an office setting and may need to look a little more polished. I know that I sure could use these, because in January when it is below zero outside and my car barely breaks above the freezing point, I will still be able to use my phone! If interested, North Face also makes a series of gloves using the North Face Etip technology starting at around $60.
Price: $25
De Martini Messenger Bag
If your man is a bike messenger or likes quality, well made and unique bags for going to and from work, the De Martini bag might be for him. I have one of these bags and have had it for almost 10 years. The outside is made of a high quality canvas which is lined with an industrial vinyl that will keep all the inside belongings dry from the outside elements. These bags are rather simple no cheap fasteners or zippers that break. These use a simple metal buckle with nylon webbing for making it secure. Also, don't expect hidden pockets all over. There is one open pocket on the inside. Simple, clean and built to last.
Price: $60-125
Wigwam Hiking Socks
Socks you say? Yes, socks. I own several pairs of these sock and can't say enough about them other than they last forever, keep your feet warm when needed and help wick away moisture when needed and they are made in the USA! I ask for these socks every year because I just can't wear regular socks on the weekends especially when it is freezing. These are great camping/hiking socks that also help minimize blistering when on long hikes, even in the heat of the summer.
As you can imagine, Wigwam makes more than one type of sock, so here is a link to their other styles. It is also nice to note that they also make socks for running and have an Ironman sock for those who run the Ironman.
Price: $15 a pair
Holiday Gift Guide to Men (Part Two)
As promised, I have round two of the Holiday Gift Guide to Men. This one is all for the camper and outdoors-man in your life. Below are four gifts of which three of them I personally have.
Fatwood 25 lb. Box
On those cold nights when you just want a fire in the fireplace and you no longer get the subscription to the daily paper, you will be glad to have these little sticks of wood. Fatwood is all natural, insect free and loaded with natural resin that starts on a dime, which lasts much longer than the local paper does. Just two of the 8″ long sticks will start a roaring fire long enough to get the bigger logs ablaze. best of all, this fatwood is responsibly harvested from logged tree stumps making it an environmentally responsible gift as well!
Cost: $30
Swedish Firesteel
If you ever find your out in the wilderness with no matches for the night, make sure you have this little lifesaver. I always have this in my bag when camping, you never know when it will come in handy. I have used mine to start camp fires and stoves. Just like a traditional flint and steel, this lightweight version is great for backpacking due to the weight and I have never had troubles even when it is wet! My thought is if it is good enough for the Swedish Department of Defense, it is good enough for me.
Price: $15
Goal0 Guide 10 Adventure Kit
Yes this is expensive, at least in my world, but it is also one of the best. This summer my family and I went to Rocky Mountain National Park and camped out for four nights at a non-electric site with plenty to charge. We cobbled together a 12-volt 15-watt solar panel, car jump-start kit with 12-volt and USB and a power inverter not to mention the 2-prong charger with cords. All of this was just as—if not more expensive as a Goal0 (Goal Zero) setup, and definitely not as compact and efficient.
Price: $120
As a side note, this will charge a phone at a time, but for the bigger stuff I suggest the Goal0 Escape Scout 150 for $400 or if you are really going off grid and need longer term larger power the Goal0 Ranger 350 Extreme for $525. Like I said, not cheap, but will make one or more happy campers! Then again if you go camping to get away from it all, forget you ever read this!
SAS Survival Handbook
Lets just say you got lost, really lost. Would you know what to do to be found, if injured, if starving for food? You would if you had this book. Developed by the SAS (Special Air Services) a corp of the British Army this handbook covers it all just in the case of an incident. It is always better to be safe than sorry. This is also a great read for those who like "useless knowledge" like my wife says—except it could prove to be more useful than useless.
Price: $15
Holiday Gift Guide to Men (Part One)
I you are struggling for ideas of what to give a guy for the holidays, have no fear, I have just the solution for you. Introducing my Holiday Gift Guide to Men. While I can't guarantee a gift will be great for all men, I can at least give you suggestions that will aid your search. Most gifts are reasonably priced and are on my list or are items I currently own. Happy shopping and let the fun begin. Over the next few days and weeks, I will place one or more items in a post for ideas. Hope these help!
Syma S107 RF Helicopter
This was a great present to myself earlier this year that is fun for almost the whole family! I do not recommend this for children under 6 or with anyone that may have a pet that is a bit scared of noise and things that hover, but still lots of indoor fun!
Price: $30
Scosche reVIVE II Dual USB Car Charger for iPad
On the road with your iPad and you have no way to charge it other than the wall socket? Now you can plug in and charge your you iPad, iPhone or any other device that uses USB to charge and you can truly be mobile! All you need is your cord and this and you are all set. One great feature is that you can charge two devices at one time!
Price: $15
Gerber Paraframe II Camping Knife
Have a camper or outdoors-man in your life? This knife is strong and sturdy and yet compact enough for a backpack. The serrated blade also aids in cutting . . . err. sawing through some of the tougher materials like climbing rope and wood. Please note this is not safe at the airport and will most likely get you some unpleasant looks and meetings with people that have little humor in their jobs.
Price: $25
norad santa tracker 2009
Another year has past and once again, Santa is on his way. Every Year, Santa is tracked by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to ensure Santa's airspace remains clear and safe. As in past years, the NORAD Santa Tracker has a special site where you can track him in real-time. There are also videos and other fun games for kids and kids at heart to play.
a charlie brown ad agency
This morning a co-worker of mine sent me this classic Charlie Brown remake depicting ad agency life. Being an ex-agency art director, I can most certainly attest that much, if not all of this is true! Please enjoy this special presentation of A Charlie Brown Ad Agency!
Merry Christmas
For those of you that read my blog, or those of you that just stumbled upon this blog; Have a very Merry Christmas today. I hope you are able to share it with your loved ones.
personalized santa video
Santa may me hard at work preparing for tomorrow's flight around the world, but he still has time for sending a personalized video to your child! Santa now has technology called the Portable North Pole that makes a personalized video possible even when he is extremely busy. Mom and Dad just need to fill out a form and answer a few questions and then Santa will make a video for your child. Please note that this technology is first being rolled out in Canada, but will work for any child around the world. Santa (with the help of Mom and Dad) can have your child's picture placed into the nice file next his or her name.
Try out the Portable North Pole and let me know what you think!


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What The Ears Don't See
I have always been one to believe in the importance of face to face communication. Back before the internet (yes, I am exposing my age as a geezer), I would be most often be irritated with having a simple telephone conversation. I always felt that the person on the other end of the phone line (for those of you have no knowledge of communications before wireless – these were cables that ran from house to house with big poles spaced about 200 feet apart from each other, carrying spoken noise from one talking receptacle to another), might not have been paying attention to me. Or because of being a visual communicator, I may not have been able to get my sincerity across without someone being able to see it with their own ears, that I was serious.
But texting and social media have taken my communication issues to a whole new level of insecurity. We now have an entire generation of people, who do not have social skills to hold a simple face to face conversation with someone. Sure, they can care on a text or private message conversation, but in person, not very likely.
The problem with communication today, is that the typed word is just that, plan as the screen you read it on (it used to be as plain as the ink on the paper). At least with a telephone, you could tell if someone was happy, sad, angry, confused… oh wait, yes, on the phone at least, you had the opportunity to straighten out a misunderstanding.
But in these days of political correctness, misunderstandings can be carried to an entirely new level. Both friendships and families have been torn apart by the lack of emotions understood by the simple typed messages. And if there is any confusion, it is too late to do anything about it. On the phone, you could immediately take back what you said, but by the time you start texting, "OMG, I did not mean it that way," the recipient of the original text has already gone from 0 to 60mph with a response, and the discussion escalates in intensity. Feelings get hurt. Worse things are exchanged. Relationships often end up ended. I have experienced this several times in my life.
To make matters worse, conversations held on social media such as Facebook and Twitter, have what are called "trolls". These are individuals who have nothing better to do, than to initiate situations of dissent, or people who are just plain miserable. They look to cause trouble, and many are very good at it. Hopefully, lists and pages that are infected with these trolls have good moderators who can weed these mean spirited people out before any real harm is done, to what otherwise might actually be a good source of information.
I miss the days of face to face conversations. I do think we have become to desensitized with the internet communications. And I am certain that I have had my share of misunderstandings with things I have written or misunderstood. I have a lot of friends who know me well enough, back before the internet, who are very quick to let me know if I am off my rocker with a comment, something that does not sound like it could have been written by me. I call them my voices of reason.
I am far from politically correct. I do not use racial slurs, accept all ethnicities, beliefs, and religions, and will never disrespect a woman. But I also understand that there are people who were raised and taught to be bigoted. I generally ignore those people. And I do not normally get upset hearing someone refer to Asians referred to as "oriental" in spite of me having two daughters of Chinese descent. I know that "oriental" is a style of rug, and I will not waste time trying to undo what people have been taught.
This is the problem that social media and the internet does not address, how to emote feelings with the typed words. Sorry, emoticons and "feeling like…" at the end of a post do not count. The internet has been a great source to communicate information, such as health stories, feel good stories, helping to find missing children, and especially news issues that we seem to have lost faith in actual news agencies to report without a political bias.
It would just be nice to have a normal conversation about something that mattered. And if someone was upset about it, before the first "OMG are U friggin' kidding me" is sounded, the issue could be clarified before things are said that go too far.


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Barton-McCombie reaction
The Barton-McCombie reaction is the deoxygenation of an aliphatic alcohol via thioacylation of the alcohol followed by radical cleavage. Variations of the reaction may employ different thioacyl fragments and hydrogen sources, although S-methyl xanthates and tributylstannane are most commonly used.[1]
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Mechanism and Stereochemistry
- 3 Scope and Limitations
- 4 Synthetic Applications
- 5 Comparison to Other Methods
- 6 Experimental Conditions and Procedure
- 7 References
Deoxygenation, or the replacement of a hydroxyl group with hydrogen, is a useful simplifying transformation that may also be used to introduce deuterium or tritium in a site-specific manner. In 1975, Barton and McCombie discovered that deoxygenation of aliphatic alcohols could be accomplished through thioacylation of the hydroxyl group followed by treatment with the reducing agent tributylstannane (Eq. 1). They also discovered that the reaction most likely proceeds through a radical chain mechanism involving addition of tributyltin radical to the carbon-sulfur double bond at sulfur, followed by fragmentation and hydrogen abstraction by the resulting carbon-centered radical.[2](1)
Since Barton and McCombie's seminal discovery, analogous methods have been developed that employ other reducing agents and thioacyl compounds. Because the reaction conditions tolerate a wide range of functional groups and substitution patterns, such deoxygenations have seen considerable use in organic synthesis as either a late-stage, simplifying transformation, or in the modification of complex, natural products.
Mechanism and Stereochemistry
Prevaling Mechanism
The insensitivity of the reduction step to solvent polarity and the need for a radical initiator suggest that the mechanism of this step involves radical intermediates. Initiation produces small amounts of the tributyltin radical, which adds across the carbon-sulfur double bond at sulfur, yielding resonance-stabilized adduct radical II. Irreversible reduction of this intermediate by tributylstannane to form VI via pathway (B) is sometimes a problematic side reaction, depending on the identity of Y and the reaction conditions. Fragmentation of II via pathway (A) affords co-product III and carbon-centered radical IV, which abstracts a hydrogen atom from tributylstannane to yield the product and propagate the radical chain. IV also may add reversibly to starting material I via pathway (C), which in some cases leads to thioester VII (Eq. 2).[1](2)
In general, the relative rates of pathways (A), (B), and (C) depend on both the nature of the reactants and the reaction conditions (concentration, temperature, etc.). Electronic effects from substituents near the radical center tend to be minimal,[3] although steric compression can significantly affect the ease of fragmentation.[4]
The diastereoselectivity of reductions of tertiary alcohols is generally high in conformationally rigid substrates. Although anomeric effects can favor axial attack in reductions at the anomeric center in pyranoside derivatives,[5] the stereochemical outcome of the majority of free-radical reductions involving HSnBu3 and similarly bulky reagents is dominated by the approach of the hydrogen donor from the less hindered direction, as in the reduction shown in Eq. 3.[6](3)
Studies of secondary alcohols employing deuterium-based reducing agents have demonstrated that deoxygenations of secondary alcohols can also be highly diastereoselective. For instance, the stereoselectivity of reduction at the 2-position in ribonucleoside derivatives is controlled by the orientation of the pyrimidine base (Eq. 4).[7](4)
Scope and Limitations
Using the Barton-McCombie reaction, primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols may be reduced efficiently under appropriate reaction conditions. However, particularly for primary and tertiary alcohols, some substrates have specific concerns. The following sections discuss the scope and limitations of the Barton-McCombie reaction with respect to the thioacylation and reduction steps.
The Thioacylation Step
In a method that has general utility, Vilsmeier-type reagents may be used for thioacylation of primary and secondary alcohols (Eq. 5). The resulting thionoesters efficiently undergo reduction with HSnBu3.[2](5)
Other O-thioacyl derivatives are obtained by reacting the alcohol with appropriately activated thiocarbonyl compounds. Treating the alcohol with a strong base and carbon disulfide followed by iodomethane is a long-established route to S-methyl xanthates, and a similar reaction of the alkoxide with phenyl isothiocyanate affords thiocarbamates (Eq. 6).[8](6)
Thioacylation of tertiary alcohols is sometimes complicated by subsequent spontaneous Chugaev elimination,[9] a process that is retarded by the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents (see Eq. 3, above), but is otherwise facile. Some xanthates may be prepared and subsequently reduced at room temperature (Eq. 7) but others are even less stable, and alternative substrates must be prepared.(7)
For those cases, the tertiary alcohol may be deoxygenated via the corresponding O-thioformate. Although the parent Vilsmeier reagent cannot be used for this transformation because side products derived from carbocation formation predominate, an effective method employs copper-catalyzed imidate formation followed by exchange with hydrogen sulfide (Eq. 8).[10](8)
The Reduction Step
Tributylstannane is the most common hydrogen donor employed for the Barton-McCombie reaction. However, this reagent is not without disadvantages, including the formation of stoichiometric amounts of tin-containing co-products and a propensity to react with reducible functional groups, notably C-Br and C-I bonds. In addition, some organotin compounds are significantly toxic towards both mammals and microorganisms. For secondary alcohols, the efficiency of tributylstannane reductions is largely independent of the nature of the thioacyl fragment (Eq. 9).[11][12][13][14][15](9)
Tributylstannane will also deoxygenate suitably derivatized primary alcohols, although higher temperatures are required for optimal yields, reflecting the lower rate of fragmentation.[16] An important limitation of the scope of the reduction step, common to all reducing agents, is related to the possibility of transformations of the carbon-centered radical. Fragmentation to form an alkene takes place when the carbon β- to the radical center bears a chloro, isocyano, nitro, thio or sulfonyl group. With the exception of sterically crowded alkoxy groups,[17] alkoxy, aryloxy and acyloxy groups do not eliminate. However, thioacyl groups will do so, and this forms the basis of a free-radical method for converting diols into olefins (Eq. 10).[18](10)
The use of catalytic amounts of tin avoids the production of stoichiometric amounts of potentially toxic by-products. Silanes such as PMHS (polymethylhydroxysilane, HO(MeSi(H)O)nH, n ~ 35) may be used as terminal hydrogen sources in these reactions (Eq. 11).[19](11)
Reductions of O-thioesters that do not involve tin-based reagents have also been devised. Simple trialkylsilanes may be used, although the lower H-donating efficiency requires either the use of catalytic amounts of a hindered thiol plus an initiator,[20] or larger amounts of an initiator alone. Tris(trimethylsilysilane) is a comparable donor to tributylstannane, and can be used as a direct replacement.[21] Compounds with P–H bonds, notably diakyl phosphites[22] and hypophosphorous acid[23] are inexpensive, low toxicity donors that again require larger amounts of the initiator. Recent variations include the use of formate ion as the H-donor, with stoichiometric persulfate as the radical source,[24] and the combination of a trialkylborane with water and oxygen, in which complexed water is the H–donor.[25]
Synthetic Applications
Because the Barton-McCombie reaction employs mild conditions and has high functional group tolerance, it is useful for the late-stage modification of natural products or synthetic intermediates. For instance, synthetic efforts toward spinosyn A involved deoxygenation of a late synthetic intermediate. Among other functional groups, a vinyl bromide and alkene in the substrate were not affected by the reaction conditions (Eq. 12).[26](12)
The reaction has also been used for the synthesis of unique molecular architectures, which may involve the use of carbonyl or hydroxyl groups as functional handles which can be removed via deoxygenation. A synthesis of azafenestrane nicely illustrates this idea (Eq. 13).[27](13)
Comparison to Other Methods
Alternative methods for deoxygenation may involve either radical or ionic intermediates. Among radical-based methods, deacylation to afford the alcohol starting material is a common problem when other activating groups, such as oxalates, are employed.[28] Photochemical methods may suffer from the same problem, and successful photochemical deoxygenations are generally less efficient than those that employ radical initiators (Eq. 14).[29](14)
Dissolving metal or electrochemical conditions can be used to effect deoxygenation via carbanionic intermediates; however, the substrate scope of these methods is severely limited because the reaction conditions are strongly reducing. In addition, deacylation can be a problem under these conditions. Phosphorodiamidates do not undergo competitive deacylation (Eq. 15).[30](15)
Reductions of electrophilic, unhindered sulfonates with metal hydrides represent another method for ionic deoxygenation (Eq. 16).[31](16)
Experimental Conditions and Procedure
Typical Conditions
The reaction is typically carried out under an inert atmosphere of argon or nitrogen. The efficiency of the reaction does not depend on solvent, and a wide variety of solvents can be employed, including aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxane, alkanes, acetone, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and dichloromethane. The most common radical initiators used are AIBN, peroxides, and trialkylborane-air, and initiators are essential when hydrogen donors weaker than tributyltin hydride are used. Workup can be complex because the tributyltin sulfide by-products of the reaction can be difficult to separate. Several procedures have been devised to address this problem; however, the appropriate workup method for a given reaction depends on the polarity of the deoxygenated product.[32][33]
Example Procedure[2](17)
5α-Cholestan-3β-ol (2.50 g; 6.44 mmol) and 1,1'-thiocarbonyldiimidazole (2.00 g, 11.22 mmol) were heated under reflux for 3 h in 1,2-dichloroethane (25 mL). The solvent was evaporated, the residue was dissolved in CH2Cl2, and the solution was washed with 5% w/v tartaric acid, H2O, and saturated NaHCO3, dried over MgSO4, and evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from Et2O/MeOH, by evaporating the Et2O at rt on a rotary evaporator, to give 1-(5α-cholestan-3β-yloxythiocarbonyl) imidazole (2.92 g, 90%): mp 151–152°; [α]D22 –57.2 (c 0.8, CHCl3); IR (Nujol) 1410, 1305, 1265, 1125, 1010 cm–1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.33 (s, 1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 5.42 (m, 1H). Anal. Calcd for C31H50N2OS: C 74.65; H, 10.1; N, 5.6; S, 6.4. Found: C, 74.6; H, 9.9; N, 5.65; S, 6.4. A solution of the foregoing compound (0.51 g, 1.022 mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was added over 0.5 h to a refluxing solution of Bu3SnH (0.45 g, 1.55 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) under argon. The solution was refluxed until TLC indicated complete consumption of the starting material (1.5 h). The solution was evaporated and the residue chromatographed on alumina (Brockmann grade III), eluting with pentane. Evaporation of the product-containing fractions and recrystallization from acetone/methanol gave 5α-cholestane (0.30 g, 79%). Mp and mixed mp with an authentic sample 78.5–79.5 °C.
- ↑ a b McCombie, S. W.; Motherwell, W. B.; Tozer, M. Org. React. 2011, 77, 161. (doi: 10.1002/0471264180.or077.02)
- ↑ a b c Barton, D. H. R.; McCombie, S. W. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1 1975, 1574.
- ↑ Crich, D.; Beckwith, A. L. J.; Chen, C.; Yao, Q.; Davison, I. G. E.; Longmore, R. W.; de Parrodi, C. A.; Quintero-Cortes, L.; Sandoval-Ramirez, J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 8757.
- ↑ Quiclet-Sire, B.; Zard, S. Z. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 9190.
- ↑ Giese, B.; Dupuis, J. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1983, 22, 622.
- ↑ Kovács-Kulyassa, A.; Herczegh, P.; Sztaricskai, F. Tetrahedron 1997, 53, 13883.
- ↑ Robins, M. J.; Wilson, J. S.; Hansske, F. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1983, 105, 4059.
- ↑ Jenkins, I. D. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1994, 1227.
- ↑ Nace, R. Org. React. 1962, 12, 57.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Hartwig, W.; Motherwell, R. S. H.; Motherwell, W. B.; Stange, A. Tetrahedron Lett. 1982, 23, 2019.
- ↑ Oba, M.; Nishiyama, K. Tetrahedron 1994, 50, 10193.
- ↑ Robins, M. J.; Wilson, J. S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 932.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Jaszberenyi, J. C. Tetrahedron Lett. 1989, 30, 2619.
- ↑ Egron, D.; Durand, T.; Roland, A.; Vidal, J.-P.; Rossi, J.-C. Synlett 1999, 435.
- ↑ Schummer, D.; Höfle, G. Synlett 1990, 705.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Blundell, P.; Dorchak, J.; Jang, D. O.; Jaszberenyi, J. C. Tetrahedron 1991, 47, 8969.
- ↑ Gervay, J.; Danishefsky, S. J. Org. Chem. 1991, 56, 5448.
- ↑ Barrett, A. G. M.; Barton, D. H. R.; Bielski, R.; McCombie, S. W. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1977, 866.
- ↑ Lopez, R. M.; Hays, D. S.; Fu, G. C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 6949.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Crich, D. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1984, 774.
- ↑ Kawashima, E.; Uchida, S.; Miyahara, M.; Ishido, Y. Tetrahedron Lett. 1997, 38, 7369.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Jang, D. O.; Jaszberenyi, J. C. Tetrahedron Lett. 1992, 33, 2311.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Jang, D. O.; Jaszberenyi, J. C. J. J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58, 6838.
- ↑ Park, H. S.; Lee, H. Y.; Kim, Y. H. Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 3187.
- ↑ Spiegel, D. A.; Wiberg, K. B.; Schacherer, L. N.; Medeiros, M. R.; Wood, J. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 12513.
- ↑ Frank, S. A.; Roush, W. R. J. Org. Chem. 2002, 67, 4316.
- ↑ Denmark, S. E.; Montgomery, J. I.; Kramps, L. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 11620.
- ↑ Dolan, S. C.; Macmillan, J. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1985, 1588.
- ↑ Kishi, T.; Tsuchiya, T.; Umezawa, S. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1979, 52, 3015.
- ↑ Ireland, R. E.; Muchmore, D. C.; Hengartner, U. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1972, 94, 5098.
- ↑ Hua, D. H.; Venkataraman, S.; Ostrander, R. A.; Sinai, G.-Z.; McCann, P. J.; Coulter, M. J.; Xu, M. R. J. Org. Chem. 1988, 53, 507.
- ↑ Barton, D. H. R.; Motherwell, W. B.; Stange, A. Synthesis 1981, 743.
- ↑ Crich, D.; Sun, S. J. Org. Chem. 1996, 61, 7200.


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According to Daisy O'Neill, Black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis) not only raid nests for eggs, they are also chick killers. She witnessed a premature chick being dragged out of the nest by an oriole some years ago. The victim was dropped to roast dry on the concrete floor. "I have yet to observe an oriole turn flesh eating," she says.
Below is her experience on the Black-naped Oriole after reading the earlier account of this bird raiding the nest of the sunbird.
"The earlier raid of eggs from sunbird's nesting site happened many years ago when my house renovator pointed out to me during the balcony extention project. The pendulated nest was overhanging from my balcony roof, then without a floor. Frantic calls of a pair of Olive-backed sunbirds (Cinnyris jugularis) caught my attention. From my window, I saw a yellow bird 'wearing a 'Zorro's black mask' took seige of the nest and started probing into the nest cavity.
"I 'shooed.' the bird away with loud clapping of my hands. I did not even own a pair of binoculars then!
"Whether Black-naped Orioles are just vindictive destroyers or opportunistic consumers of their raids, I have insufficient statistical observations to provide confirmation. I think, the next opportunity I get, I should allow nature to take it's course and observe – and I will let you know. It is going to be painful to see chicks get taken. Hopeful it is one that is too late for me to intervene.
"One thing for sure, whenever Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier) turn my balcony into their maternity home, Black-naped Orioles are never far away. Flocks of them roost nightly in the row of matured Angsana trees (Pterocarpus indicus) opposite my residence.
"Quite recently, I witnessed one that came right up and perched on the balcony grill for a good 'look see' after having observed that a pair of bulbuls were 'busy' at the balcony.
"I came to the conclusion that although Black-naped Orioles are attractive, quick and witty, with a personality of their own, they are rouge birds with predative instincts with a notion to just destroy. It appears to be their speciality trait."
Daisy O'Neill
Penang, Malaysia
August 2005
(Image by YC Wee)


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Weekly Wine Quiz #98: Grape Trivia – Blends, Part 2
The Wine Quiz series is not meant to intimidate. The whole idea here is to have fun and learn something new. When answering the questions, it is fully encouraged to use all available sources of information, including Google or any other search engine. There are no embarrassing answers – the most embarrassing thing is not giving it a try…
Welcome to the weekend and your new wine quiz!
We are continuing our grape trivia series, with the focus now on Blends. All the questions below are focused on the grapes which work well in the blends – and occasionally on those which do not. White, Red, Rosé, Sparkling and not, dry, sweet and may be even fortified – all goes.
Let's proceed!
Q1: This grape was created as a cross between Cinsaut and Pinot Noir. Can you name the grape?
Q2: Take a look at this list of the grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, ?, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris. Two questions:
a. Name the missing grape
b. What wine is made most often by blending some of these grapes?
Q3: Which grape is missing?
– Tempranillo, Garnacha, ?, Graciano
Q4: This dry red wine from California is related to famous Caymus, and made out of the unknown, secret blend of grapes. Can you name this wine?
Q5: Carménère to Merlot is the same as Douce Noir to ?
Good luck, enjoy the quiz and your weekend! Cheers!
April 12, 2014 at 9:20 am
Pinot meneuire
Conundrum. P.s. I wouldn't call it dry
April 16, 2014 at 7:00 am


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A year ago, today, I posted my first little blurb on my blog. I was very much pregnant and feeling very much alone as well as very much uncertain of what was to come. It is funny how something like typing away at my computer has helped me in so many ways during the last year.
For one, it got me through the rest of my pregnancy without going totally bonkers. I was able to vent and wonder and sometimes just ramble about everything that was going on before, during, and after Raegan's birth; I needed this space to sort it all out and keeping an audience in mind has always helped me organize my thoughts when writing.
For another, blogging has helped me realize that I am not alone in this life or this journey of being a mama. By sharing my own stories and thoughts, and reading or hearing your responses to them, I've learned that so much of what I'm experiencing (good and otherwise) is universal; I take great joy and comfort in that.
So what I would really like to say to those of you reading this is a heartfelt Thank You. Thank You for making me feel like my words and my stories matter. Thank you for allowing me to brag every now and then on my beautiful babies and for giving me the space to doubt and question my role as their mama. I believe that I've become a better, more confidant parent because I've allowed myself to ask those questions and feel those doubts; you've helped me get there by withholding judgment and offering support and suggestions when I needed them.
When I started, I never thought I'd have this much to say (almost 90 posts?!) or that people would actually bother to read it (over 4,600 page views?! Seriously?!). But now I look forward to finding new stories and moments to record here. In the immediate, these writings are for me and for you. In the long term, they are for my children. I want them to know just how much thought (and joy and humor and sometimes even a bit of angst) their mama put in as they were growing. Seeing as I'm still growing too, I don't think we'll have a problem generating more blog material any time soon!


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Photo: Associated Press
The Oscars often represent mainstream entertainment from which many North Americans celebrate collectively. This past Sunday, however Americans and Canadians alike found it difficult to celebrate the blinding whiteness (read: decidedly Caucasian) talent in the 2015 Oscar list of nominees and subsequent winners. Oscar host, Neil Patrick Harris jokingly admitted it would be an evening of, "Honouring the best and the Whitest". This year's Oscar nominee line up is not a fair representation of the diverse populations that now make-up the 'mainstream' in the U.S. and Canada today. Here's a MUSKRAT list that celebrates the talented Indigenous artists whose work continues to diversify the uniformity of that coveted stage:
BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE – Cree from Piapot First Nations Reserve, Qu'Appelle Valley, SK.
1982 Winner for Best Original Song: An Officer and a Gentleman
Singer/Songwriter, who co-wrote the song "Up Where we Belong" with Jack Nitzsche
CHER – Cherokee
1988 Winner for Best Actress – Moonstruck
1984 Nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Silkwood
CHIEF DAN GEORGE – Coast Salish, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, Vancouver BC 1971 Nomination for Best Actor in a supporting role: Little Big Man
Actor in the role of Old Lodge Skins
Chief Dan George is much celebrated in the Indigenous world and while did not win an Academy Award, he did receive the Order of Canada and has a school in Toronto named after him and a Canadian stamp made in his likeness.
GRAHAM GREENE – Oneida from Six Nations Reserve, Ontario
1994 Nomination for Best Supporting Actor: Dances with Wolves
Actor in the role of Kicking Bird
With a distinguished career in film, television and live theatre, Graham Greene is also a graduate of the Centre for Indigenous Theatre located in Toronto, Ontario
JOANELLE ROMERO – Apache, Cheyenne, Spanish & Jewish from Albuquerque, NM.
2000 One of nine, first-round shortlist nominations for documentary film: American Holocaust When it's all over I'll still be Indian
Filmmaker and founder of Red Nation Film Festival. Unfortunately the film did not make it to the final round of five finalists. Romero had great difficulties in finding funding to complete the film although a 29min version is found at her website: http://rednationtv.com/
JOHNNY DEPP – Cherokee/Creek (Honorary son to Ladonna Harris, Comanche)
2008 Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
2005 Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
2004 Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
JAMES GARNER, Cherokee
1986 Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Murphy's Romance
JAMES EARL JONES, Cherokee
2012 Winner of an Honorary award
1971 Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role – The Great White Hope
KIM BASINGER, Cherokee
1997 Winner for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – L.A. Confidential
SACHEEN LITTLEFEATHER (Marie Louise Cruz) – White Mountain Apache, AZ
1973 Winner for Best Actor: The Godfather
Activist representing Marlon Brando for his role as Vito Corleone.
Littlefeather presented a statement on behalf of Marlon Brando, who declined his Academy Award as a show of support for American Indians and to bring attention to Wounded Knee occupation at the Pine Ridge reservation which started February 27 of that same year. Brando also boycotted the award show in protest of the "treatment of American Indian peoples by the film industry".
TOMMY LEE JONES, Comanche
2013 Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role – Lincoln
2008 Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – In the Valley of Elah
1994 Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – The Fugitive


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Jangling Sparrows Fly Into Frog Level Brewing Company
Live Music Returns to North Carolina when the Jangling Sparrows fly into Frog Level Brewing Company, Waynesville's First Brewery, on Saturday, May 30th. Showtime is 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. Free Admission. 56 Commerce St.
Info: (828) 454-5664 or visit https://www.facebook.com/froglevel.brewingcompany. Must be 21 and over.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Paul Edelman fronts Jangling Sparrows, whose salt-of-the-Earth, Americana-flavored Roots-Rock has been favorably reviewed by such national publications as Glide Magazine, The Alternate Root, and Music Connection, among others.
Jangling Sparrow's latest album "Bootstraps and Other America Fables" was released last October. "The songs are meant to tell stories of struggle, character, and perseverance, both on the large and small scale," explains Edelman.
About Songwriter-Guitarist, Paul Edelman
Paul Edelman, singer, songwriter, guitarist, poet and performer, fronts Asheville, North Carolina-based group, Jangling Sparrows. Edelman can be found sitting comfortably in Roots Rock, Country, Folk, Soul or Storyteller. His lyrics have a way of making people feel understood and his emotional vocal delivery underscores that ability. Edgy and misty, his vocals often go from a holler to a whisper seamlessly and with crisp intention. He has been compared to John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Jay Farrar for his ability not just to create a picture with words but a whole movie with the music.
What The Media Is Saying
"On Bootstraps And Other American Fables, Jangling Sparrows takes its place among stalwart Alt-Country acts like Drive-By Truckers and The Bottle Rockets in showing the capacity for strong songs that tell a story and rock hard."- GLIDE MAGAZINE
"Paul Edelman can pen a stand-alone lyric, his words all keepers."- THE ALTERNATE ROOT
"One of the best Americana albums I've heard in a long while. Paul Edelman has created a rampaging rock album with some great Country and Blues touches but most of all, great stories."- MUSIC-NEWS.COM
"A collection of eleven magical songs that cover a wide and wonderful range of topics…'Hey! Hey! Harriet Tubman' about the historical freedom fighter is bright, uplifting and highly respectful."- INDIE PULSE MUSIC
"This band from North Carolina makes ragged a** rock and roll that will have you thinking Crazy Horse, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and John Prine, often at the same time."- THE ROCK DOCTOR
Donate to IndiePulse Music Magazine's Academic and Music Education Scholarship Program HeartBeat4Kids
IndiePulse Music Magazine creates Scholarships to help Youth In Need of assistance to complete their educational goals and stay in school.
Go to http://www.indiepulsemusic.com/heartbeat4kids to learn more, Donations can be made at http://www.paypal.me/xmg – Any Amount will help!


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メゾン・ド・ヒミコ「Mezon do Himiko」
Release Date: August 27th, 2005
Running Time: 131 mins.
Director: Isshin Inudo
Writer: Aya Watanabe (Screenplay),
Starring: Kou Shibasaki, Joe Odagiri, Min Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Hiroki Murakami, Hirokazu Inoue, Chiharu Muraishi, Kira Aoyama, Hiroshi Okochi, Shinichi Hatori,
La Maison de Himiko is the title of the film and the name of the retirement home, for gay men, which is at the centre of the narrative. It is a place where people are open and accepting of others when the outside world can be judgemental and sometimes cruel and it is the place where one young woman finds herself coming to terms with the darkest of emotions that have hampered her life.
It all starts with Saori (Kou Shibasaki), the unhappiest woman in town. She is working two dead end jobs, her most important being secretarial one at Nippon Paint, a small firm where the boss, Hosokawa (Nishijima) is sleeping with his office staff and she isn't paid enough to put up with her boorish colleagues. Desperate for cash to pay off debts she is considering working for a phone sex company when a handsome young man named Haruhiko (Joe Odagiri) appears at her workplace with an intriguing offer of a paying job – every Sunday she will work as a maid at La Maison de Himiko, a seaside retirement home for gay men, where she will help run errands and look after its dying owner, Himiko.
Saori flatly refuses. It's a routine she has heard before. What's the problem?
Her estranged father is the owner of La Maison de Himiko. Her father is Himiko (Min Tanaka), he is gay and Haruhiko is his boyfriend. Saori cannot forgive her father for abandoning his family and for his decision to be openly gay.
Haruhiko ups the offer and states that there is an inheritance and with her father about to die she will soon come into some money. With little cash and no decent jobs on the horizon, Saori takes up the offer. What she finds at the house is a space for a group of men to be themselves be it reserved and quiet or outrageous and camp. This space soon opens up for her as she begins to deal with feelings for her father and her future.
Writer Aya Watanabe and director Isshin Inudo quietly lay out Saori's journey from anger to acceptance (or near enough) with the ease and gentleness of seasoned professionals, allowing the story to flow naturally and rather conventionally. The audience delves into the story through Saori's perspective as she, and by extension the audience, discovers that people are complex and it is best to understand the emotions that make up humans. This realisation, in turn, helps Saori unburden herself from her emotional problems. While gay issues are dealt with, the film dovetails these into more complex and universal ones about acceptance of difference and other people's feelings. This is neatly laid out by the script and in the visual language and performances in the film.
Saori begins the film trapped in miserable circumstances.
In a society where people are sensitive to emotions and make sure to regulate them in public to maintain their roles, Shibasaki gleefully plays a character whose physicality broadcasts her inner anger to the world with little regard for what people may think. She uses comic and dramatic skill to show Saori's inner turmoil in the fullest sense. Slight in build but curdling with an ocean of inner ire she slouches around in every scene as if powered by resentment over having to engage with life. Forget makeup, she has a permanent frown plastered on her face. Her manner is curt and her disgust for others, and herself, is plain to see.
It is understandable when you consider her broken family background and her present financially straitened circumstances. Her apartment, just glimpsed is cramped and rather bland while her office work is pure monotony with a predatory boss looking to sink his claws into his female workers. Most of the shots of her city life are of drab, rainy, humid anonymous urban locations.
When she travels to the coastal town where La Maison de Himiko is, the atmosphere of the film changes into a more vibrant one and Saori begins to open up in her new surroundings. The titular house rests on the coast basking in the warm embrace of the sun for most of the day. The interior of the house is refined, with fine art adorning walls and rococo furniture for people to use as they read Ed McBain's novels and watch Lady Lawyer Mystery Files. Most of all, it is a place that encourages people to be together as can be seen by sofas, the long dining tables and the swimming pool and an open kitchen where everyone contributes to the cooking and eating together.
The men who reside in the building are a mixture of archetypes given a slice of backstory or a few traits that makes them feel a little more real and diverse – the ex-yakuza, the school teacher, transvestites – than stock clichés and these people bring their experiences and nuanced opinions to the story, helping each other and Saori in the process. These personal experiences and the items they bring such as family photographs, reminisces of mothers or children, past jobs, all humanise a supporting cast who play their roles with coolness and respect.
Saori's engagement with the men at la Maison de Himiko is initially one of
suspicion and sometimes outright hostility and disgust with a few homophobic epithets thrown in. As she gets to know the band of gays she works for, this hatred is soon mixed with grudging interest that gradually becomes acceptance and friendliness as she becomes part of a supportive group of people who act as a family and she gets to know the men who reveal more
about themselves to this outsider. Of course, being a gay-themed film there is clubbing (plus a fun dance sequence to the tune "Mata au hi made" "Till we Meet Again") and dress up for the characters to engage with but these serve to show the prejudices that they suffer as heterosexual characters of different types show up to pour scorn on some of the loveliest and shyest characters.
At this point, both Saori and the audience have gotten to know the characters and we suddenly get a taste of what it's like to feel an individual threaten to tear your social standing apart because of your sexuality. Sympathy arises as La Maison de Himiko has allowed the audience to see that these men are people and thus complex and lets us make the connection for ourselves with little manipulation.
This is a lesson that Saori learns herself when she comes to understand her father Himiko and his lover Haruhiko are no longer easily dismissed as the root cause of her misery.
Min Tanaka, swathed in feminine robes, makes few appearances as Himiko, bedridden as the character is, but his presence is felt throughout the film thanks to his strong and cool masculinity which gives the sense of an unshakable and uncompromising belief in what he is and has done. Himiko's patience with Saori and her growing understanding of the characters makes her learn that she needs to reconsider him and her own mother before jumping to conclusions about abandonment and what her parents meant to each other.
As Haruhiko, the handsome Joe Odagiri is smoking with sensual and dangerous vibes but it is his vulnerability, the moments of fluid sexuality that undercut the binary oppositions and social definitions that people cling to, and the uncertainty with life after Himiko's passing that provides the conduit for Saori to understand these men on more profound levels and thus, let go of her anger in a series of emotionally cathartic scenes that build up to an ultimate but low-key epiphany.
When we first see Saori it is with a scowl but as the film moves forward and she shows the difficulty she has in coming to terms with things and our last sight of her is with a beaming smile.
The story is not perfect. There are a few raging stereotypes and clichéd gay-themed story tropes running around such as flouncing drag queens and a homophobic bully who may be uncertain in his heterosexuality. These elements give the story a slightly schematic feeling, as if boxes are ticked as gay-related issues are neatly dealt with and audience expectations met, but they are couched between the other, more down-to-earth characters and there is that wonderful Japanese ambiguity and darkness that gives it an edge. Happiness for the characters is never certain, forgiveness is not something easily found, total acceptance of homosexuality is something these men may never see in their lifetime but as long as Le Maison de Himiko remains open and they look out for each other, things will work out.
Indeed, this is the wonderful thing about the film. The titular Le Maison de Himiko genuinely does become a safe place that is a joy to hang out at as Saori discovers for herself and it is thanks to the direction of Isshin Inudo and the actors that we understand why. There is the sense that the filmmakers care about the people on screen and just allow them to be who they are, regardless of their faults and prejudices, and to learn and grow as the get to know each other. It is hard to resist joining in their lives and caring thanks to the actors' performances which are spirited and engaging and as Saori makes a return trip to the house at the end of the film, you'll wish you could join her and spend more time with the residents.
My Japanese teacher let me borrow the film and I'm pretty happy to say it's a great title and one any audience member can return to and enjoy. I enjoy watching Kou Shibasaki (formerly a lead in teen-centric films like Battle Royale and One Missed Call, wasted in her latest film roles like Bolt from the Blue and 47 Ronin) and Joe Odagiri (Mushishi, Adrift in Tokyo) so it's great to see them work together in this film.
I cannot stress enough that with this film Kou Shibasaki proves that she is a fantastic actor. The way she stays in character and paints a picture of misery that gradually morphs into happiness and freedom as the film progresses, the way she matches gazes with characters and shows the troubled emotions she has, is all convincing and moving.
I have reviewed one other film by director Isshin Inudo and that is Zero Focus.
Here's that delightful dance sequence I mentioned earlier: "Mata au hi made" "Till We Meet Again" by Ozaki Kiyohiko remixed by Yoshihiro Sawasaki.
Here's the original song:
Much like the titular Maison de Himiko, the film offers a safe space for people to relax and be in the presence of friends.


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Virginia Blush is a sweet sugar cane-based wine made from sugar cane grown in the Ilocos region. It is fermented with apples and a tinge of rose.
The sugar cane stalks used in this wine were grown in Batac, Ilocos Norte and were aged together with apples. Fermentation takes between 6 to 12 months in temperature-controlled earthenware.


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Sony's PlayStation 3, or PS3, can output video in a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. The 4:3 setting produces a boxy image, and the 16:9 setting produces a more elongated, cinema screen-like image. The 4:3 aspect is only available in standard definition, or SD, whereas the 16:9 aspect can be obtained in SD and high definition, or HD. If you're using an older, more boxy-looking television, you should adjust the PS3 output to 4:3 to make the image fit. Likewise, if you're using a more recent flatscreen, you should make adjustments so the PS3 output is 16:9 and fits the TV.
Choose "Settings" on the PS3, then "Display Settings" and "Video Output Settings." Press the "X" button. Choose "HDMI" as the "Type of Connector," if you're using an HDMI cable. Press the forward arrow button and choose "Automatic." The output will be automatically set at 16:9 and fit a flatscreen.
Select "Settings" on the PS3, then "Display Settings" and "Video Output Settings." Press the "X" button. Choose another kind of cable as the "Type of Connector," if you're using anything other than HDMI. Follow the prompts to choose the type of output signal; for example, "Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr" in the case of component cables. Press the "X" button.
Choose the resolution supported by the TV. You may find this as part of the model designation, or have to look it up in the documentation. Some settings may not be displayed, depending on the cable used. Choose 720p or higher, and the PS3 image will be adjusted to a 16:9 ratio and fit elongated televisions. Choose "Standard" or "480p," and a screen will appear for selecting the screen size. Choose the size that matches the TV and press the "X" button to confirm.
Writer Bio
Patrick Nelson has been a professional writer since 1992. He was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication "Producer Report" and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson studied design at Hornsey Art School.
Related Articles


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It's been a long time since I lived on a college campus, sharing a small room, eating in the dining hall and meandering all over the sprawling grounds to the various buildings I frequented. But it all came flooding back as I settled into life at Snow Mountain Ranch as a volunteer.
SMR, as we call it, covers over 5,000 acres in a valley in the Colorado Rockies. As a family and conference center, it has a wide variety of facilities, as well as the usual lodging and dining halls. Being run by the YMCA of the Rockies, there is a big focus on outdoor, athletic and family activities, spawning a pool building, gym, yoga center, riding stables and craft shop as well as the Nordic Center for cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding and ice skating venues. And I'm sure I haven't discovered many of the offerings.
My own world revolves around a few select sites. Home is in Pinewood. It's the residence hall for us "seniors" and is the usual long hall lined with doors and small motel-like rooms. Doors slam, footsteps echo down the hall, but late night parties are not an issue. And this time I got to pick my roommate! After almost 31 years together, I knew Rich and I would be compatible.
Two connected rooms have been converted to a lounge for us, and is frequently filled in the evenings by those interested in watching TV and playing games. My first week here, I made it a nightly habit to wander down to watch the Olympics with those gathered there. It also happens to house the notebook entitled "Senior Trips." There we can sign up for various planned activities or post suggestions for group outings. It's worth keeping up with the list, as the Y often provides free and convenient transportation for the events.
Pinewood is connected to the main lobby for SMR, with a two-sided gas fireplace, comfy chairs and a good internet connection. It's a very pleasant place to sit and read or visit. In the evenings it is frequently overrun by us seniors.
The Craft Shop, where I work, is on the far end of the campus from Pinewood. Lacking plowed sidewalks, and with roads that are narrow and slippery, walking is not as easy an option as I'd like. Unlike college days when I walked everywhere, I frequently end up having to drive for safety sake. For someone as committed to a healthy life style as I am, it goes against my grain. I'm sure it would be different in the other seasons. But for winter, a car is fairly essential.
When I'm not working, the Nordic Center is my favorite haunt. There I get my free ski passes, rent any equipment I like, gratis, and check the latest grooming reports. It happens to be the most sought after place for volunteers to work, helping skiers, selling ski clothing and equipment and handling rentals. Perhaps one day I can work my way up the ladder to a position there! For the meantime, it's the hub of the 60k of ski trails on SMR property and starting point for any day's ski.
And finally, the Commons where we eat. It is the central cafeteria that feeds all the lodge guests at SMR as well as its staff members and volunteers. It definitely brings back memories of the old cafeteria lines in college. This is no newfangled, upscale food station style cafeteria which some of my kids enjoyed in college. It's the old food line with trays, steam tables and mass produced food. In its defense, some of the dishes are pretty good. And I regularly hunt down the healthy offerings – an abundance of fresh fruit at breakfast, seedy bread for sandwiches and the fruit bowl at lunch, and build your own salad ingredients at dinner. Fortunately, their desserts aren't at all tempting, but I still wish for some ice cream now and again.
The main attraction of the Commons, though, is social. The senior volunteers always sit in about the same spot, gathering around the tables in random order as we arrive. It's the best place to meet others and get to know everyone better, or find out what's going on. It's a retreat between work hours, or a leisurely visit on our time off. It's easy to spot our group – we're the gray haired folks with SMR fleece vests and badges hanging on colorful lanyards around our necks.
I wouldn't want to do it year-round, but for a brieft winter stint when we can enjoy the mountain views and endless opportunities to ski the trails, it's a good life. I'm quite enjoying being back on campus.


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My training on culture is direct and bold, helping people learn to embrace culture and not shy away from it. I shed light on how culture surrounds us in all that we do, paying attention to how we may over look cultural differences and the danger of "not seeing race." Racism and oppression is looked at closely, with a particular emphasis on how these things affect the African-American community. I bring awareness and insight to those who provide services to the black population and/or other people of color.
In this training I also focus on helping the provider increase their cultural awareness and sensitivity. I do so by assisting providers in recognizing what bias or judgements they may naturally bring into the room. I draw out the judgements or bias a provider may have by encouraging self-reflection, as well as teaching ways to reframe these thoughts.
My training on cultural awareness is raw, unapologetic, and moving. To help ease into the delicate topic of culture, I utilize videos, articles, worksheets, and expressive activities to assist people in fully embracing culture and raising their cultural antennas. My gentle, but direct approach will make you feel safe as you learn how to be more culturally aware. Whether you are black, white, purple or blue, this training will be worth your while. If you are looking for a candid training on culture, which goes beyond the typical surface discussion, this is the training for you.
I provide this training once a year to the public, check back here on my website under "register for a training or workshop" to see when this training will be offered. I also offer this training privately to agencies, school sites, and organizations. Feel free to contact me if you would like me to provide this training on site to your staff. Copyright © 2017 Bloom Into Your Best Self, All rights reserved.


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Regioselective Oxo-Amination of Alkenes and Enol Ethers with N-Bromosuccinimide-Dimethyl Sulfoxide Combination: A Facile Synthesis of α-Amino-Ketones and Esters
Pragati K. Prasad, Rambabu N. Reddi and Arumugam Sudalai*
*Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pashan Road, Pune, 411008, India, Email: a.sudalaincl.res.in
P. K. Prasad, R. N. Reddi, A. Sudalai, Org. Lett., 2016, 18, 500-503.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b03540
see article for more reactions
An oxo-amination process with readily available N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and secondary amines as N-sources and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the oxidant provides amino alcohols in a single step. For the first time, the formation of reactive Me2S+-O-Br species generated by the interaction of NBS with DMSO has been proven.
see article for more examples
Key Words
α-amination, imides, oxidation, DMSO


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We visited Bedford today the first time we have ever been there. We took the train from Bletchley train station its only 50 mins to Bedford and was nice looking at all the stops along the way. Bedford high street is like all the old towns a little run down but down by the river it was nice and the sun come out witch made it all the better. We visited the Higgins Museum and found it one of the best we have found on our travels, lots of local interest so would recommend a visit.
From Wikipedia – The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum is in the Castle Quarter which occupies the site of Bedford Castle to the east of the High Street on the north side of the River Great Ouse embankment. The quarter also has the Castle Bailey gardens, the Castle Quay development of flats, restaurants and shops, the Castle Mound, and the John Bunyan Museum. The Art Gallery & Museum reopened after an extensive refurbishment in June 2013.


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DSP hardware and Software Comparison
by Stu Olson, N7QJP
From: Stu Olson, N7QJP
To: "'email@example.com'"
Well, I got a number of suggestions to put these comments out on the reflector. No problem, here it is. Before I get started, let me state that I have no loyalties (or family connections) to Brian, K6STI (DSP Blaster software developer) or TimeWave Tech. I own a copy of the DSP Blaster software and a TimeWave DSP-9 (recent firmware upgrade to 3.0).
I also recently had the opportunity to borrow a TimeWave DSP-59+ and see how it worked compared to my two DSPs.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order.
To run the DSP software, you must have a 486 or better machine, VGA, math coprocessor, mouse, and a 16-bit Creative Labs sound card (Sound Blaster 16, Vibra 16, or AWE32). I can not verify proper operation on clone 16 bit sound cards, although I do not think they will work. I am using a Pentium 75 and Win95. The DSP Blaster software is the latest release, version 1.12. There are no special digital modes that I am aware of. It is my understanding that K6STI has other software for this (or is currently working on it).
My first impression of the software was that I did not like it. Why...it was different. I had my DSP-9 for about 18 months and was comfortable using it. The software DSP was new, different, etc. After I had it for a few days, I started to get over that "new" feeling and got into using it. I hooked up my FT-736R so I could do side-by-side comparisons...A/B switching, etc. I wanted to be able to switch back and forth between both DSPs and hear the difference, if any. I ran none of these processed signals through an analyzer, o'scope, or even a cheap DVM (grin). This was all done with my two ears (which were working OK the last time I had them checked... would someone please answer the phone that keeps on ringing!).
One thing I immediately noticed is that the software does not decrease the "clear channel" noise nearly as much as does the DSP-9. By clear channel, I mean that no one is talking...just good old background noise. With my DSP-9, I routinely dial up the calling frequency and then turn on noise reduction. The noise goes away (almost like having squelch without the drawbacks). I spoke with K6STI about this and he gave me a long and quite complete explanation for this....having to do with the way noise cancellation works, that the DSP-9 is also killing part of the weak signal when it does this (sometimes called soft-squelch), etc. I can not prove or disprove his explanation. I am not a DSP engineer. All I can tell you is that if you want don't wish to hear noise when no one is talking, don't get the software DSP.
Heterodyne reduction....they both do a very nice job. I could not really tell any difference between either unit. I went down on 40 meters in the evening to check this out, since I couldn't find that many heterodynes up around 144.200. I did, however, kill a couple of birdies that I found lurking down on 6 meters. As I said before, they both did a good job in this area, without screwing up the desired signal.
Noise reduction on a really weak SSB signal.....I tried this on 2 meters and also on 432 during the contest last weekend. After spending significant time evaluating both, I think the software DSP wins this one by a little bit. There were a several times when I could pick out more words, and when this was the case, the overall sound of the audio signal was more pleasing to listen to. (Of course, I was not running the signals through the same audio amps and speakers either, and this could account for the difference in the sound as well.) I believe the software DSP digs a bit further into the mud and brings up a better sounding signal.
I do not do a lot of CW work, although I spent some time trying out both in this mode. The software version also takes the honors in CW weak signal as well. It has a very nice CW peaking filter, which has an automatic fine tuning option to really tweak the signal. I was able to track a operator with a rather drifty VFO without having to fool with the controls, nice touch!
Low and High pass filters.....they can be controlled separately in the software. On the DSP-9, you must use them as a single function. I liked being able to switch in a 250 Hz HPF while leaving the audio up at 1500 Hz untouched. I found that a lot of nasty noise is taken out when turning on the high pass filter. I used this more than I did the low pass filter. Having two independent controls, with multiple settings each, is much better than the DSP-9 with only a couple of bandwidth selections.
Automatic Gain Control....the software has it, the DSP-9 does not (the DSP-59+ did though). It seemed to work quite well in the software, although I really don't care to use it. Perhaps it would be more useful in a faster paced contest were you have lots of signals with widely varying signal strengths. I prefer to use the volume control myself.
Support....K6STI normally answered my e-mail requests the same day...often times within an hour or two (this was over the holiday season). The DSP-9 folks always answered my e-mail within 1 business day (and even once on a Sunday). So, I guess they both get a high rating here. Nice to see that customer support still means something to some people! FYI...I have already received one update from K6STI, no charge. He distributes them via e-mail attachments (hard to do with the EPROM in my DSP-9).
So...at this time, it appears that the software version is quite a bit ahead, eah? Well, yes and no. One thing that I found that I REALLY HATE is the fact that I can't run the K6STI software in a window in Win95. The computer does not give it enough time, and the software bogs down...distorts, stops processing, complains about interrupts, etc. If I run it full screen, it is fine. It also does not do well at all running as a background process. In defense of the software, let me state that it is written in assembly language and directly accesses the cards hardware. As such, running it in any kind of Windows environment would not be the preferred method to use. It is a DOS based program, and from what the manual says, does best running that way. It can also be loaded as a TSR and is suppose to run well in the background in this manner. (It is only about 35K bytes in size...ah yes, those good old days of compact assembly language code!) Anyway, if you plan on running your Windows based logging program and this at the same time...good luck. Every time you switch over to log a contact, your DSP goes south!
I usually don't take my PC workstation roving with me...so using the software in the Jeep is a no go for sure. However, it is really easy to toss the little old DSP-9 in the front seat and use it. Score a point for the DSP-9!
Bottom line....PRICE always means something here! For the price, you can not beat the software DSP. It sells for $100, and when compared to a hardware DSP, that is quite a bit cheaper. It sure is not portable, unless you have a notebook with compatible sound card to support it. I have had a couple of people come over and use my station, and I fire up the software DSP for them to try. They were very impressed with it...having never used a DSP before. If you are a Windows person, and you MUST use other software at the same time, you may not be very happy. If you are a good old DOS person, this should not cause a problem.
Last comment for the road. This evaluation sure as hell was not scientifically conducted. It was never meant to be. If you have more questions, drop me a note. If you DSP is better than either of mine, good. I won't dispute your claims. If you want to flame about these contents... vent your frustrations on the calling frequency thread and spare me. I wrote this up because several people wanted my comments on this. I hope you have may have gained something from these paragraphs. I wish I had known some of these things before I spent my money (on either one for that matter). Good luck and happy DSPing!
73 and best to all from Phoenix AZ
Stu Olson, N7QJP DM33
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Comments: Rein, W6/PA0ZN


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When is a colourful Japanese puzzle game not a colourful Japanese puzzle game? When it's made by Germans!
Gem'X, despite appearances, is indeed a German-born game designed to resemble Japanese arcade titles, thanks to one of its designers' love of Japanese anime and manga. While there are certain areas where they didn't quite nail the presentation, it certainly has a distinctive look and feel among the rest of the Atari ST's library.
And it's an interesting, surprisingly cerebral puzzle game, too! Check it out in the video below, and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for more.


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In Mary le Chef – Cooking Passion you'll enjoy 60 restaurant levels, and 30 extra challenge stages across 6 charming chapters. Prepare 70 different dishes, and upgrade your restaurants and menus.
While cooking all those tasty recipes, you get to watch a wonderful story unfold. Mary works at large law firm – and being a real Vanderworth, her parents expect Mary to have a successful career as a lawyer. Except, Mary feels she has a different calling – she loves cooking, and wants to become a chef! Will Mary have the courage to stand up for herself, and follow her heart?
Have fun playing Mary le Chef – Cooking Passion, the time management cooking game for food lovers!
ENJOY THE 1ST SEASON of GameHouse's Mary le Chef, an amazing restaurant management game
DASH THROUGH 6 CHAPTERS, cook in beautiful restaurants, complete 60 story levels, and 30 extra challenging cooking stages
BECOME A CHEF, master your skills in this cooking game, and cook three star dishes for your customers
RUN YOUR DINERS and serve food in a variety of kitchens, restaurants and dining rooms
COLLECT DIAMONDS & WIN TROPHIES to buy decorations
ENJOY HIDDEN OBJECT ELEMENTS and see if you can find all the mice
PLAY A COOKING GAME, and be part of a story filled with love, friendship, and culinary dishes
The first 10 levels are free, with an in-game purchase available to unlock the full game and all locations.
Enjoy more GameHouse Original stories and try our other restaurant games for free: