text:
STERLING � An audible murmur of curiosity has burbled alongside the usual clinking of spoons in coffee mugs for a week now at the Over Easy Cafe.
"Who is it? Who is it? Who is it?"
Clink, clink.
Polishing off an apple crisp a la mode, longtime Sterling resident Malcolm Smiley says it's not him.
Across town at Woody's Barber Shop on Main Street, Betty Moulton says, alas, it's not her either.
Kevin Coleman, who also isn't the one, has heard some theories around town.
"One person said it's the local florist," Mr. Coleman deadpanned, eliciting a snort of laughter from his wife, Lisa, the local florist.
Last Thursday, a Massachusetts Lottery official announced to the utter amazement of nearly everyone in Sterling that one of two winning tickets for the previous night's $122.9 million Powerball drawing had been sold at Appletown Market on Main Street.
The lucky owner of that ticket, perhaps a regular at the Over Easy Cafe or somebody who has gotten a trim at Woody's or bought a bouquet of roses at Lilac's of Sterling, can choose to pocket $34.2 million all at once or collect the full $61.5 million share of the jackpot in annual payments over the next three decades.
The winner had yet to claim the prize as of Wednesday evening, said lottery spokeswoman Beth Bresnahan.
In the meantime, speculation as to the identity of the multimillionaire among them has become a kind of pastime or parlor game among townspeople here.
While it's possible the winning ticket was bought by somebody just passing through, the consensus feeling around town seems to be that one of Sterling's 7,800 residents is holding a scrap of paper worth at least three times the town's annual operating budget of roughly $10 million.
"People are saying it's somebody in town. I hope they're right," said Ms. Moulton, the barber, who has cut hair at Woody's, a few doors down from where the winning ticket was sold, for 25 years.
She figures the winner might want to get through the holidays before coming forward to publicly claim the prize, the first step in a process that likely will change the winner's life fundamentally, and not necessarily for the better.
Florist Lisa Coleman said if she had the winning ticket, she'd change her telephone number and call a tax accountant before fessing up.
But Mr. Smiley said he'd present the winning ticket to lottery officials immediately so that the interest on the jackpot would be accruing in his bank account, not those of the 43 states that participate in Powerball drawings.
"I'm old fashioned. I'd want the interest," said Mr. Smiley, 77, who moved to Sterling in 1936.
Mr. Smiley said he's not particularly concerned by the prospect of a multimillionaire in the scenic, mostly rural town. Homes are spread out and separated by woods enough that even construction of an obscenely gaudy, conspicuous mansion somewhere in town wouldn't be enough to upset Sterling's small town calm, he said.
Ms. Moulton isn't worried about that either.
"I would think they wouldn't want to be harassed, so they'd move to where nobody knows them," she figured.
Whatever his or her plans, the person holding the winning ticket has until this time next year to claim the prize, said Ms. Bresnahan, the lottery spokeswoman. In the meantime, he or she might want to safeguard it well as the winning ticket is considered a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever has possession of it is entitled to the jackpot.
When that person turns up at the Massachusetts Lottery's headquarters in Braintree, he or she will be asked to fill out a form and turn over the ticket for authentication, which could take as long as two hours, Ms. Bresnahan said.
If the ticket is genuine, the winner would be handed a big ceremonial check at a press conference, probably that same day, but the actual payment would take about two weeks to process, she said.
"I'm happy for whoever it is," Ms. Moulton said. "I hope it doesn't ruin their life."
Her shop smelling pleasantly of roses, Ms. Coleman said it's difficult for her to contemplate how even just a million dollars would reshape her life, let alone a lump sum of $34 million.
"Money isn't everything," she said. "Not that I wouldn't want to win."
Contact reporter Thomas Caywood at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow on Twitter @ThomasCaywood


text:
ICI Homes is a leading new home builder in Florida dedicated to excellence in quality and service
ICI offers a wide variety of new home models in communities across the state of Florida. Ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation for many years, ICI Homes has been at the forefront of the new home building industry as a standard bearer of excellence. Always on the cutting edge of Florida new home design and technology, ICI Homes takes pride in offering a wide variety of architectural styles and floorplans to match your lifestyle and price range.
Because ICI Homes has built thousands of new homes, from affordable villas and townhomes to breathtaking mansions, our company benefits from a volume purchasing advantage that ensures your new home is built with the best quality materials at the greatest value for your money. The trust you place in ICI Homes is reciprocated by our professional staff of "hands on" designers, builders, and managers.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
14kt Gold St. Amelia Medal. Dimensions: 3/4 x 1/2. Patron Saint of: Arm Pain and Bruises.
This medal can be custom engraved for $25 with your message!
Patron saint medals and pendants are packaged in a deluxe gift box. 14k gold medals do not come with chains.
All Bliss Medals come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
For more information on Bliss Medals - Click Here.


text:
State(s) / Location(s) Involved
California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Vermont, Wisconsin
Start / Enrollment Date
The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) funded a combined total of eighteen demonstration States from 1998-2004. SSA provided five-year funding to twelve States (see locations above) to develop innovative projects to assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to reenter the workforce. These awards helped States develop State-wide programs of services and support for their residents with disabilities that increased job opportunities for them and decreased their dependence on benefits, including SSDI and SSI. California, Vermont, New York and Wisconsin implemented SSI waivers to test alternative rules.
Detailed Description
View the Detailed Description of the Demonstration online.
Print out a Detailed Factsheet.
The SPI projects ended September 2004.


text:
When ducks attack!
We take Duchess the Wonder Dog to the park for her daily walk. She belongs to Lyndsay, but since my daughter has an erratic work schedule through the summer, I've been the designated dog walker recently. Duchess is very good at 'reminding' us that it's time to go, and she does this by prancing around in the house until we open the front door. The dog knows the word "walk" so it cannot be spoken without sending her into gyrations.
Last week, She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed wanted to go along and feed the ducks. Mary hasn't walked with us for a while because of the heat. It's hard on her, so she normally stays home. But there was stale bread in the kitchen and she hadn't been to the park for a couple of weeks. She wanted to visit the ducks. So Mary, Lyndsay, Duchess and I all piled into the car.
At the park, she walked to the edge of the pond where the ducks spotted the bag in her hands almost immediately. Every duck in the northern half of the county converged on her! Lyndsay, despite being an animal lover, was creeped out by the sudden crowd of ducks around her feet.
Duchess saw this as too much encroachment around her 'mom' and ran the ducks off. She raced toward them and they bolted into the water. Duchess would not pursue because getting into the water is entirely too much like getting a bath – something she avoids at all costs. But when she moved to the left, the ducks moved to the right and came back up on the bank looking for more bread. Meanwhile, Duchess was eating whatever bread she could find. This back-and-forth went on for a few minutes until one of the larger ducks tired of the game. The next time she lunged at them, he stood his ground and pecked at one of her front paws!
Duchess yipped and jumped back. She limped away holding the paw well off the ground. Lyndsay rushed over to look, thinking that she'd stepped on a fish hook or a thorn, but the dog was just being a drama queen. The duck called her bluff. Within a minute or two, she was walking normally again.
So be careful in our local park. There's a gang hanging out there, and they all quack.
Labels: centennial park, duck, humor, owasso


text:
By ,
Published January 13, 2015
A tour bus has overturned on a rainy Southern California freeway, injuring 30 people.
The bus crashed Thursday afternoon on Interstate 15 in Corona, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.
CHP Officer Travis Monks says all 30 people on the bus suffered minor to moderate injuries.
There were no deaths or serious injuries.
A spokeswoman for Corona Regional Medical Center says two people were treated there for minor injuries.
The bus was heading to Orange County from the Pala Casino Spa & Resort in San Diego County.
Monks says it was raining hard but it's unclear if the weather caused the crash.


text:
Find hotels & motels in Mount Clemens using the list below. Search for the cheapest discounted hotel and motel rates in or near Mount Clemens, MI for your upcoming personal or group trip. Discover the most favored Mount Clemens, Michigan motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Mount Clemens area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Mount Clemens hotels. Need 5+ Rooms? Secure Mount Clemens Group Hotel Rates
The Mount Clemens center is about the area of Downtown Mount Clemens and 3 miles west of Lake St Clair Metropark.
How should we direct your call?


text:
there will be no replica/counterfeit products being sold
There is a lot of grey area where some will agree or disagree however the definite cut off is a part being sold under another companies name.
For example if you are trying to sell a clutch advertised as Aisin that was not actually manufactured by Aisin that will not be accepted and will likely result in being banned, possibly without warning.
If anyone sees anyone selling counterfeit parts here or thinks they may have unknowingly gotten a counterfeit part please let us know.
For businesses selling in this section
In your threads include either a link to your website that must also contain your personal contact info or in the thread list
Business Name
Phone Number
Physical Address
Representative Name.
if Individual and not commercial, we will require FULL NAME, phone number, and paypal verified email address.
Only one thread can be bumped by the vendor per day and only 4 active threads per user on the first page at any given time
If you have suggestions about rules you think should be added or changed post them in this thread.
Vendor section rules
1 post • Page 1 of 1
- Club4AG MASTER
- Posts: 2084
- Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 1:18 pm
- Contact:
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Return to "Shops, Manufacturers, and Retailers Only"
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


text:
Though the Barrett-Jackson car auction's first three years at the Orange County Fairgrounds showed signs of success, officials said the cards just weren't in place for a fourth year to happen.
The overhead was too high for a sufficient profit margin at the Costa Mesa venue and an optimal 2013 date couldn't be arranged, said Craig H. Jackson, chairman and CEO of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based auction house.
"We've loved the community and the area," Jackson said. "If they build a bigger building, we'll come back to the venue. But there are a lot of venues we can go to."
Barrett-Jackson has received offers from elsewhere in the meantime, he said.
He wouldn't specify if the auction is coming back to another part of Orange County or to Southern California, only that an announcement will be made in January.
Jackson said his organization — which dubs itself as having the "world's greatest collector car auctions" — was looking for its usual late-June date in Orange County. He wanted to avoid the "June gloom" earlier in the month, but found the rest of the month wasn't working out either.
June 15 and 16 is Father's Day weekend, which wasn't optimal, and because Barrett-Jackson relies on its television coverage from the Speed channel, Jackson said, June 22 and 23 were out too. Speed will be covering Le Mans, the famed 24-hour endurance race in France, during that time.
Later dates were out because the fairgrounds preps for the Orange County Fair in July, and having it at earlier dates would be too close for comfort to Barrett-Jackson's auction in Palm Beach, Fla., in April.
"This is bittersweet," Jackson said. "I wanted this to work, but there were a lot of things that collided at the same time with Le Mans."
Barrett-Jackson not renewing its year-to-year contract is an expected $500,000 loss for the fairgrounds, said Jerome Hoban, CEO of the O.C. Fair and Event Center.
"It was a surprise to us," Hoban said of Barrett-Jackson's decision. "We were working on what weekend [the event] was going to be, but they had concluded within their camp that it was not profitable."
The car auction, which the fairgrounds had hosted since 2010, was one of the facility's biggest events of the year, he said.
About $14 million in sales came from the July auction, organizers said at the time, with nearly 54,000 people attending the three-day event.
Phil Neri, Barrett-Jackson's vice president of sales and marketing, in a letter to Hoban was complimentary of fairgrounds staff.
"Despite our joint efforts to drive attendance and bring sufficient attention to the event in a very busy area of Southern California, we have been in a negative position for three straight years," Neri wrote. "Like the fairgrounds, we are in business to achieve a profit.
"The relationship and partnership with the fairgrounds has been stellar. This decision was very difficult on our side ... "
Kim Glen, marketing director for the Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau, said her organization has had a "really good relationship with Barrett-Jackson. We know they love the city of Costa Mesa and enjoy working with us."
"We're optimistic that they'll come back," she added.
Hoban echoed the sentiment and said he was hopeful for a 2014 Barrett-Jackson event in Costa Mesa.
He called their decision "not a goodbye, just a delay for 2013."
Tent woes
On the first day of the Orange County 2010 event, Barrett-Jackson seemed to be too big for its new venue, Jackson said.
The auction was using the newly opened Hangar, a building reminiscent of an airplane hangar and gymnasium. The Hangar's doors were opened to an extension tent that overflowed outside.
The fairgrounds people have "been great to work with, but the problem is we outgrew the Hangar the first year," Jackson said.
Then, finding that rental tent too small, Barrett-Jackson officials decided to use their own "tent" — one that was 200 feet wide, 63 feet high and some 200 yards long. The facility, which housed the cars up for auction, was used in 2011 and 2012 on the fairgrounds' parking lot.
But setting up, maintaining and transporting that tent from its storage place in Arizona was costly, as were aspects like air conditioning, heating and lighting, Jackson said. It all cut into the bottom line. There were some tensions with the fire marshal.
Jackson said he had hoped the 2013 setup could be like the first year and utilize a rented tent that overflowed from the Hangar into what's now called the Main Mall section of the fairgrounds.
But fair officials didn't seem keen on allowing a sufficient tent, which would need anchoring holes drilled on the now-stylized concrete of the Main Mall, Jackson said.
A tent larger than the 2010 one, pending the fire marshal's approval, may have been possible after exploring other anchoring options, Hoban said.
"It's certainly not a non starter," he said.
Jackson said he didn't want the fourth Orange County event to be downgraded from its previous years.
"Either we do it our way, Barrett-Jackson-style, or we don't do it," he said.
Twitter: @bradleyzint


text:
Shot transit officer in Cambridge had lost all his blood
BOSTON (MCT) -- A police officer shot and wounded while pursuing the marathon bombing suspects last week had to be resuscitated after his heart stopped and he lost his entire blood supply, but doctors and relatives on Sunday said he was emerging from sedation and expected to recover.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Officer Richard Donohue Jr., 33, of Woburn, Mass., responded to a call Friday for assistance after a shooting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, officials said. They said it was not clear whether Donohue knew at the time that the MIT officer who had been shot and killed was a friend of his, Sean Collier.
Donohue emerged from his police car and exchanged fire with the suspects before he was shot in the right thigh, officials said. A bullet severed his femoral vein and artery, and Donohue began to bleed out, doctors said.
"CPR was started in the field, and he required a prolonged resuscitation that started at the scene and at our emergency room," Dr. David Miller, a critical-care doctor at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, said a briefing Sunday.
Donohue had lost all of his own blood, but doctors were able to give him transfusions to replace it. Miller said a surgical team was then able to stop the bleeding and save Donohue's leg. The officer remained in the ICU Sunday on a ventilator, in stable but critical condition and unable to talk, although he wiggled his toes and squeezed fingers.
"He continues to need high levels of sedation," Miller said.
He said doctors were "cautiously optimistic" that Donohue would make a full recovery.
Dr. Russell Nauta, a Mount Auburn surgeon, said that during CPR, Donohue's heart stopped and it took more than 45 minutes to restore his pulse, but that he should be able to recover and walk again.
Edward Donohue, the officer's younger brother and a patrolman with the Winchester, Mass., police department, said he has been at his brother's bedside with the rest of the family.
"As a brother, fellow officer and American, I cannot describe the pride I felt in what Dick and other officers did that Friday morning," he said.
"Signs are positive and we are hoping for a speedy recovery," he said.
He said his brother, a graduate of Winchester High School and the Virginia Military Academy, worked in the Boston hotel industry, including at the Omni Parker House Hotel on the north side of Boston Common, before finding his true calling as a police officer.
"He loves being a cop - we were just talking the week before about how much he loves the job," Donohue said.
He also spoke to those who would attack his brother and fellow officers:"To our enemies: we will persevere and we will fight because we know no other way to live than free."


text:
You may have gathered by now that I like chocolate. So at least I'm being consistent by coming up with another chocolate-themed post.
But next, a dilemma. Torrone. Soft. Chocolate. What to call it? Cake or dessert? Dessert or cake? Or neither? Anna del Conte calls it 'a confection' - a neat get-out if ever I saw one, particularly as she then goes on to explain that it is 'usually served as a pudding, though it is delicious with coffee at any time of day'.
Hmmm, not a good start. And then there's the question of which recipe. As any fule no, Italians will argue all day and night - nay, an entire lifetime - over the provenance and authenticity of a recipe.
Fine. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, I go.
What follows, then, is my version, based on a recipe by Anna Del Conte. She is in no way responsible for what I've done to it, be it for better or worse. (No way could I countenance putting digestive biscuits in it, for example. To me that would result in something much more like the ubiquitous chocolate tiffin.) Mine will give you a very soft and intensely chocolatey 'nougat', which should be served straight from the fridge.
100g blanched almonds
100g blanched hazelnuts or pistachios
200g unsalted butter
120g cocoa powder (the best you can get, 100% pure cocoa)
1 large egg
1 tbsp golden syrup or a plain honey
2 tbsp dark rum
Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Line a 2lb loaf tin with cling film. Spread the nuts on a baking tray, and toast for 7-10 minutes until they've turned golden. Watch them like a hawk, though - they burn very easily.
Leave them to cool, and then whizz in a blender until coarsely ground. (Alternatively, depending on how you like your torrone, whizz half until coarsely ground, and the other half more finely.)
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa, a spoonful at a time, and beat hard until completely incorporated. Next, mix in the nuts. Then beat the egg and golden syrup together, and add to the mixture. Add in the rum, and stir the whole lot until thoroughly blended.
Spoon the mixture into the clingfilmed tin, press it down, and level the top. Cover with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
(Anna's serving suggestion: 'Decorate with crystallised flowers and/or blanched or sugared almonds to serve.' As you can see, I ignored that, and went with blood oranges instead - a good match for both the rum and cocoa.)


text:
DR. LEE PONSKY Urologist, founder of MedWish International and MedWorks University Hospitals Case Medical Center FROM THE NOMINATION: As a urologist, Dr. Lee Ponsky specializes in innovative minimally invasive therapies. In his charitable work, however, it appears the doctor has no issue with getting as involved as possible. Dr. Ponsky, director of the Center for Urologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Therapies at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, is founder of MedWish International, a nonprofit committed to the recovery and recycling of usable medical supplies health care providers must discard. MedWish International, which has a warehouse on Euclid Avenue, shipped more than 200,000 pounds of supplies from U.S. hospitals to developing nations in the first half of 2008. Dr. Ponsky started the organization in 1993 as an undergraduate student at the University of Rochester in New York, inspired by his service as a volunteer at a missionary hospital in Nigeria. He also is the founder of MedWorks, for which he is enlisting local doctors to volunteer for four hours a year to uninsured and underinsured patients in Cleveland. He hopes to have MedWorks up and running within the year. And as though that's not enough, he has worked with his brother, Zac Ponsky, to bring Medical Brigades to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for an all-volunteer medical and dental operation that will see underinsured and uninsured patients. Having a full-time schedule as a urological cancer specialist would be enough for many, but Dr. Ponsky seems tireless in his efforts to keep MedWish on track as a successful organization, and to get MedWorks off the ground to help Cleveland's poorest with their health needs, the nomination said.
Health care advocate, Dr. Lee Ponsky
Recommended for You


text:
bool OEDrawGreekKeyCircle(OEDepict::OEImageBase &image,
const OEDepict::OE2DPoint ¢er, double radius,
const OEDepict::OEPen &pen, double patternAngle=15.0,
double patternWidthRatio=0.20)
Draws a circle with the OECircleStyle.GreekKey style.
The graphical properties of the circle.
See examples (A) and (B) in Figure: OEDrawGreekKeyCircle.
Specifies the angle (in degrees) between the patterns of the circle. The angle has to be in a range of \([1.0^{\circ} - 90.0^{\circ}]\)
See example (C) in Figure: OEDrawGreekKeyCircle.
Specifies the width of the pattern of the circle relative to its radius. The ratio has to be in a range of \([0.01 - 1.00]\).
See example (D) in Figure: OEDrawGreekKeyCircle.


text:
My wife, who I affectionately refer to as "the music Anti-Christ" often calls me "He without Brains" when it comes to purchasing audio gear. Our latest interchange of pleasantries began when I announced that I needed a new CD player in the $1500 to $2000 range. She found one at Costco for considerably less than a hundred bucks and thought I would be very pleased. "You just don't get it" I said, to which she replied "Neither will you". I think she meant it in so many ways.
High on my list for consideration was the Cambridge Audio 840C, a Redbook CD player that has amassed a bucket-load of great reviews over the past few years. It's been called the best CD player under $5000 by some pretty revered ears and invariably punches well above its weight class in nearly every review. So it seemed a little begging was in order.
The begging paid off in spades………well, at least with respect to getting an 840C for review. Better yet, my review sample was accompanied by two other highly regarded components from Cambridge Audio's "8" series, namely their 840W 200 watt power amplifier and the 840E stereo preamplifier. Even though I'm not in the amp market right now, I thought that this would be a great opportunity to evaluate a fully integrated system representing Cambridge Audio's latest and greatest efforts.
This company has been shaking things up a lot lately in the audio world by producing some outstanding audio components. While there is no shortage of companies that routinely do this, what sets Cambridge apart is the fact that their high-end audio equipment is…………..gasp………remarkably affordable. This combination is extremely rare and welcome since the chasm separating high-end audio and affordable audio is frequently insurmountable for many people. I could hardly wait to test these reported giant killers in my own listening environment.
Specifications : 840C CD Player
- Design: Redbook CD Player
- MFR: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB
- Upsampling: 24 bit 384 kHz
- S/N: 113 dB, A weighted
- Dimensions: 4.5″ H x 16.9″ W x 14.7″ D
- Weight: 18.7 Pounds
Specifications : 840E Stereo Preamplifier
- Design: Stereo Preamplifier
- MFR: 10 Hz – 100 kHz, + 0.1 dB
- S/N: < 121 dBr
- Output Impedence: 100 Ohms (Balanced or Unbalanced)
- Dimensions: 4.5″ H x 16.9″ W x 15.2″ D
- Weight: 19.1 Pounds
Specifications : 840W Stereo Power Amplifier
- Design: Stereo Power Amplifier
- Power Output: 200 WPC into 8 Ohms; 350 WPC into 4 Ohms; Mono (Bridged) 500 Watts RMS into 8 Ohms
- MFR: 5 Hz – 80 kHz, – 1 dB
- THD+N: < 0.005% from 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- S/N: > 90 dB (Unweighted)
- Damping Factor: > 125 at 1 kHz
- Dimensions: 5.8″ H x 16.9″ W x 14.4″ D
- Weight: 33 Pounds
The Design
840C CD Player
Normally, I'm far more interested in how a component sounds rather than how it was designed, built, and marketed. However, in this case, Cambridge Audio certainly didn't leave me with a lack of things to write about. The 840C is truly a technological marvel, offering up a smorgasbord of interesting and desirable features. It's hard to know where to start, but let's try near the beginning. CD data at 16 bit/44.1 kHz is upsampled to 24 bit/384 kHz using an Adaptive Time Filtering (ATFTM) process developed by Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This process utilizes an advanced interpolation algorithm to generate the additional information between the CD's data points, providing a number of audible advantages including a pronounced reduction in jitter and error harmonics. Each channel then has its own 24 bit DAC (Analog Devices AD1955) which is subsequently processed by individual, symmetrical analog filter circuitry. Nyquist theory be damned, upscaling CD data truly offers significant audible benefits.
The 840C not only improves upon the sound of Redbook CDs but you can also utilize the sophisticated DAC circuitry and upscaling capabilities for two additional digital inputs. Digital sources can be input through either a Toslink optical connector or a S/P DIF coaxial cable. These additional digital inputs are accepted in a variety of word widths and sampling frequencies, and can either be passed through directly or processed to several other word widths and frequencies. Overall, the 840C offers a great way to improve the quality of your CDs and other digital sources such as DVD, media servers or IPod docks. While I reviewed the entire 840 system as a stand-alone unit, it is designed for easy integration into more complex environment through the use of its RS232 port, a Control Bus input/output and an infrared emitter input. I can't think of any other CD player offering more bang for the buck than the 840C.
Appearance wise, the 840C is pretty much, just straight business. The thick aluminum face has a minimal number of buttons for essential CD functions with two additional buttons to access and select from the numerous menu options. A large LCD panel and the well constructed CD tray occupy the center of the unit. The LCD provides information on track number, upsampling rate, and elapsed or remaining time. LCD backlighting can be toggled between bright, dim, and off either from the front panel or the remote. The menu and select buttons allow you to toggle between the two digital inputs or CD playback. All functions are also controlled by the well designed and hefty remote, which has the additional large benefit of providing amplifier and pre-amplifier control. I found that the remote from either the CD player or the pre-amp accomplished everything one needed for ordinary listening. Nice, nice, nice.
840E Preamplifier
The 840E is Cambridge's top of the line stereo pre-amplifier. It accepts a total of seven inputs, including two balanced inputs using XLR connections. Like the 840C, it has a number of features that allow for easy integration into a multi-room system such as a Control BUS Input/Output, RS232 control, an IR emitter input, and trigger input/output and throughput connections. The 840E is physically designed similar to the CD player, with a larger central LCD panel indicating the volume level and the input being utilized. The display can be switched to scroll through other functions such as balance, treble and bass, or direct throughput bypassing the tone controls. All inputs can be named, as desired, and a number of other nice features include the ability to trim the various input levels of different sources to yield common levels of loudness when switching, switching the volume ramping function on and off at start-up/shutdown, and a headphone output. The 840E can also be directly synched to a matching 840W power amp, a feature which I utilized and loved. For those employing smaller monitor speakers, there is also a sub output which can be run full range or low-passed at 200 Hz. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are available at rear.
The heart of the 840E's audio quality resides in its design, superb build quality and the utilization of a number of novel technologies. Proprietary Terrapin (10 pin) amplification modules designed by Cambridge are utilized rather than pedestrian op-amps for the low level gain stages. Precision resistor ladders are utilized for volume and balance controls, rather than common potentiometers. There is definitely an authoritative feel to volume changes with a pleasing click between each transition as the gold plated relays conduct their business. Physically, the case is rigidly designed and acoustically damped within, sharing the same thick faceplate with other "8" series components. Yet none of this would matter if it didn't sound great………..but it does.
840W Power Amplifier
Cambridge designed a new amplification topology for the 840W, referred to as Class XDTM. Essentially this functions to move the zero crossing transition point of conventional AB designs to a different level, boosting the range of pure class A operation. Once this is exceeded, the amplifier then switches to an improved class B design. A white paper provided on Cambridge Audio's website is very informative regarding the goals and improvements associated with this topology. Again, build quality is evident throughout from the acoustically dampened, rigid chassis and their choice of 1% tolerance metal-film resistors, gold plated bus bars and polypropylene signal caps. Similar to the other "8" series components, there is outstanding flexibility with the 840W. This includes a duplication of all the control features (control bus, trigger functions, IR emitter in) available on the 840E and 840C but more impressively, one can run this amplifier in conventional stereo mode, bi-wired stereo mode, bridged mono, and bi-amp mono (provided one is fortunate enough to have two 840Ws).
Overall, it is clear that Cambridge Audio focused on providing an acoustic blitz rather than aesthetic glitz with all components in the Azur "8" series range. With this mission accomplished, their efforts were then placed on providing tremendous flexibility, convenience, and ready integration into multi-room systems. Visually, the components speak quality but are unlikely to garner any oohs and aahs until they are turned on.
I set up all three components in my 12′ x 18′ listening room and used balanced XLR cables from Bryston for all testing. Speaker wire was DIY Belden with silver-soldered gold terminations. I employed three different sets of speakers with this review, including Genesis 750s, KEF 104/2s, and Proac Tablette 2000s. Each of these speakers has their own sonic personalities and quirks, none are overly expensive, yet they all can sound very pleasing and accurate when properly driven. The Genesis 750s are far and away the most revealing speakers of this trio so I spent the majority of time with them.
My set-up for this evaluation was pretty much a straight plug-and-play and I was up and running in about 10 minutes. However, based on the advice of others, I let all components burn in for about 150 hours prior to conducting any serious listening. Even though I only utilized the bare essentials of the 840 components, one cannot help but be impressed with the thoughtfulness and versatility incorporated into their design, particularly with respect to their potential for integration into a more complex system. The feature set of each component goes far beyond anything that could be routinely expected at their price points.
I also tried the 840C CD player alone on my reference system comprised of an Anthem AVM30 feeding two Bryston 7B-ST monoblocks that drive Genesis APM-1 speakers. To my ears, this is a very revealing system that harshly punishes poor components and/or recordings. It also provides stunning rewards with well recorded music and is quite discriminating and revealing with respect to incorporating any new components.
In Use
One of the many things I love about music is that it can turn me into a blithering idiot. A number of songs grab me emotionally and send shivers up my spine, an effect that's greatly magnified on a really nice system. This all started as a kid, when listening to Clarence Carter's "Patches", R. Dean Taylor's "Indiana wants me", or Wayne Newton's "Daddy, don't you walk so fast" on 45's could bring me close to tears. I'm not suggesting that these songs will do it for you, and no, I didn't use any of them for this evaluation, but I'm sure that many of you know what I mean. My shivery choices for this evaluation were "My beloved wife" from Natalie Merchant's Tigerlily CD and Elton John's "Indian Sunset" from the "Madman Across the Water" CD. Yep, the chills were there. Both of these artists sing with such passion and emotion in these songs that I'm turned into a sopping floor puddle. The Cambridge trio captured every subtle crack in Natalie's voice and perfectly conveyed the sadness and despair in Elton's tale. The "chill factor" provided by the Cambridge trio is near the best I have ever heard.
Next, I listened to a number of recordings that I'm intimately familiar with and that I know to be well recorded and produced. "Slow body poppin" from Billy Cobham's Warning CD delivers some gut-slamming bass and searing guitar despite its unassuming title. Again, perfect instrument placement and pop was delivered to the Genesis. I kept cranking the dial until I feared for my speakers, but I had no reason to believe that the Cambridge lacked more throttle than I was willing to deliver. I then moved to Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin's Harlequin CD, which was a drug used by many audio shops to hook potential customers back in its day. The first time I heard the title track, it felt like I was getting repetitive glaucoma tests. When this didn't happen with the Cambridge, I was a little disappointed………..until I remembered to take off my glasses. There it was. Eye-popping mid bass and Ivan Lins' stunning vocals, all delivered perfectly through the Genesis.
With Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Two Tribes", the soundstage was the largest I have ever heard my KEFs deliver. They have never performed better and truly disappeared in this massive barrage of sound extending from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Here, this song left me giddy with fondness as to how stunningly three dimensional a good two channel set-up can be. Go Frankie! Finally, I tried to stay within Cambridge's Class A volume range with Dire Straits "Love Over Gold" CD and Roger Waters "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" CD using the Proac Tablettes. Both of these recordings have great depth and imaging, although the latter can be brutally sibilant on lower quality gear. Pure late night pleasure that sounded as dramatic and vibrant as I've heard on systems costing five times this price. Even though I've nearly worn the pits and bits off of these CDs, the Cambridge trio offers them up sounding almost brand new. Overkill amplification for the Tablettes, to be sure, but they certainly matched well with this system and I've never met a speaker that didn't respond well to high quality signals and amplification.
Even after a lot of listening with the Cambridge, it is still really hard to find adjectives and superlatives that truly encapsulate the great qualities of this system. No matter what I threw in the tray, bass was incredibly well controlled over a wide range of listening volumes, ranging from loud to louder to loudest. At any sane volume level, there was never a hint that I was approaching the amplifier's thermal control or clipping limits. Just tight killer bass. The separation of instruments and vocals was steadfast throughout and there was a very wide sense of space in all dimensions. However, it's my description of the top-end where I know I will fail the most at conveying the true beauty of these components. It was neither bright nor glaring, but everything is there. It is certainly not what I would call warm or curtailed, but, but, but……….it revealed new content in recordings that I've probably listened to over a hundred times on several dozen different systems. So let's go with strident without being harsh, piercing but clean. I don't exactly know which member of the 840 trio should get the credit, but as a package, this system is an absolute knockout.
Well, I hate appearing to be a sycophant to Cambridge Audio and/or the many reviewers who have evaluated these products previously, but I'm left with little choice. So here goes………….more of the same. One can hardly overstate what Cambridge Audio has accomplished with their recent 840 series. Tremendous value, tremendous flexibility, tremendous sound! I think if these components were suddenly doubled in price, they would be immediately be embraced by the upper crust of high end audio snobs. The CD player opened a new window on many recordings that I felt I was completely familiar with. The 840E/840W pre-power combination provides an embarrassment of riches with respect to features and flexibility and it does so without gimmickry or garishness. These components provide superb value at their price points. Most importantly, they will move you up very high on the stairway to audiophile heaven without requiring a second mortgage. My nit-picks are so small, they seem meaningless and don't even warrant mention. These components merit your serious consideration if you're climbing the high-end ladder as you'll ascend remarkably high for a very reasonable price. It's easy to recommend any, better yet, all of the 840 series components wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. The CD player is now on my "must-have" list and I'm seriously scheming on how to delay home renovations for an 840E/840W acquisition. This is a sincere audio company that's doing just about everything right to bring high-end sound to the masses.


text:
You May Think There Is Little That Can Be Done To Improve The Aerodynamics For Open-Bodied Sprint-Style Racers, But This Race Team Found That Just Isn't True
Sprint Cars are the model of simplicity. Straight front axles, open wheels and cockpit, and minimum weight often make for lots of fun, and some really intense racing. But one area where Sprint Cars haven't been given as much attention as their Stock Car brothers is in the area of aerodynamics. Yes, Winged Sprint Cars have those huge wings to provide plenty of downforce, but what about the "naked" cars? That's why when Dave Salazar, general manager of the A2 Wind Tunnel, told us about a Midget team coming to test, it definitely got our interest.
The race team is Brown & Miller Motorsports, which races USAC-sanctioned Midgets. "We really just went there the first time wanting to figure out where we were aerodynamically," says Brad Noffsinger, who manages the team. "But we really learned a lot, specifically about how air moves through the radiator-and not just getting a lot of air to the radiator. It turned out that exhausting the air out of the radiator and the engine compartment was a big issue with cooling. We did a few panel adjustments and added a few NACA ducts to move more air and it cooled the water temps 25 degrees on the racetrack. Once we learned that, we could go back to hopping up the motors and making more power."
Noffsinger hit on an area where Salazar stresses smart race teams can capitalize on during wind tunnel testing even if the rules on bodies and aerodynamics are very restrictive. In essence, a wind tunnel can tell you a lot more about how airflow is affecting the race car beyond downforce and drag (although both are important).
"If you take the time to look at pressure differentials, you can really do a lot of interesting things inside a wind tunnel," Salazar says. "So even though the Midget doesn't have any fenders you can move around, or even a wing like one of the Winged Sprints, there was a lot this team could do.
"Besides looking at different ways to get more air through the radiator, we also tried two different hoods. The hood shape is not only important for the obvious aero issues, but they also had different scoop designs and by putting monitors inside the air cleaner, we were able to see which design got more air to the engine's intake.
"So even though one hood may look sleeker on the car, if it is choking off the air available to the engine it could actually be costing you speed on the racetrack. And there's really no way to tell without some form of testing."
Noffsinger adds, "We also looked at ways to keep the air from buffeting the driver's head so much on big race tracks. That's something he won't notice until it goes away, but it will help concentration. But the interesting thing about that are the changes that we made I think also made the car safer. We moved some panels around and rounded the edges on them to get the air to track a different way. And getting rid of any sharp edges near the driver is always a good idea, so it is a benefit two different ways."
Although most wind tunnels are exclusively the domain of top-level race teams with mega budgets, the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, North Carolina, is designed to be affordable for Saturday-night level race teams. For example, instead of a rolling road setup or a mechanism that spins the wheels, A2 instead uses a unique system that blows and sucks air underneath the car to simulate how the track moving underneath the race car affects airflow. And while A2's staff does not give advice on what aero changes will work best (they are very careful about giving away aero secrets a previous race team may have already learned in the wind tunnel), they will work to help customers run their tests as efficiently as possible and learn as much as they can from the data collected. For most tests, data is collected in "counts" of downforce, but for simplicity's sake in this article, Salazar converted the data into the equivalent of horsepower required to push a Midget car to 140 mph. And when we give the horsepower numbers here, that's only what is required to overcome aerodynamic drag, we're not talking about weight, drag from the driveline, or anything else.


text:
Get the Flash Playerto see this player.
|Austin Wilde
Short review: A hot and horny jock from Nextdoor Entertainment has his own collection of movies and galleries at this top site. It's quite new, but it is growing and you get to access loads of bonus sites and extras when you join. It's great quality everything throughout, the other jocks and some twinks are all cute and sexy too, and it's a great place to sign up to for quality porn.
Content Amount: Austin appears 14 movies here which have five viewing options and run for around 20 minutes each. There are 17 photo sets with around 30 pics each, and 11 backstage movies. You also access 21 bonus sites plus a daily live show.


text:
LeBron James' $300,000 Engagement Ring For Fiancé Savannah Brinson
Talk about engagement bling! LeBron showered his fiancé, Savannah, with a 5-carat diamond! She's one lucky lady!
We haven't been able to stop lusting over LeBron James' high school sweetheart-now-fiancé's GORGEOUS engagement ring — which is why we went straight to the experts to find out ALL the details about her unforgettable bling!
"The ring is a traditional Tiffany style ring with a pear shape diamond in the center along with two tapered diamond baguettes on each side," says Aslam Bakshi, owner of Diamond Images U.S.A., Inc. "The center diamond should be at least 4-5 carats… with an approximate retail value of between $250,000 and $300,000."
Oh, the perks of marrying an NBA star!
LeBron, 27, asked for his longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson's, hand in marriage during a New Year's Eve party at SL Nightclub in Miami.The pair first started dating in high school and have two young children together: LeBron James Jr., 11, and Bryce Maximus, 4.
We're so happy for them! We hope their wedding is just as extravagant as her ring!
What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Is this the most blingin' ring you've ever seen? Weigh in below.
— Nicole Karlis
More LeBron:
- LeBron James Throws Password-Protected Party At NYC's The Darby
- Did LeBron James' Girlfriend Savannah Brinson Sleep With Another NBA Player?
- LeBron James' Mother Gloria Arrested At Miami Beach Hotel


text:
This video envisions a three-dimensional look at the combined visible light and radio emission from the active galaxy Hercules A. Unusually, this giant elliptical galaxy is not found in a large cluster of galaxies, but rather within a comparatively small group of galaxies. The supermassive black hole in its core, however, spews out strong jets of energetic particles that produce enormous lobes of radio emission. The size of these radio lobes dwarfs the large galaxy and extends throughout the volume of the galaxy group. This visualization is intended only to be a scientifically reasonable illustration of the three-dimensional structures. In particular, the galaxy distances are based on a statistical model, and not measured values.
NASA, ESA, and Z. Levay, F. Summers, G. Bacon, T. Davis, and L. Frattare (Viz 3D Team/STScI)
Publication: November 29, 2012


text:
An unusual arson case: polymer grains, a mineral spirit, solid bricks containing kerosene, and a glycolether used as fuels.
An arson attempt in 1996 in a polyethylene-recycling factory near the city of Ghent, Belgium, failed through the action of the security guard. The guard caught the offenders while they were starting fires at two different locations. The guard extinguished the fires, but the offenders fled. There were no traces of a burglary found inside the factory. An extensive examination involving analysis of the samples and consulting relevant literature revealed that if the fire had not been extinguished, the factory would have been severely damaged.
Polyethylene (either high or low density) is a plastic solid of milky transparency. It is prepared by polymerization of liquid ethylene at high temperatures and at either high or low pressure. In the factory, nine incendiary spots were prepared (open bags with grains of polyethylene, different solvents, wood, hard paper plates, and hard paper rolls). One of these spots is represented in Figure 1.
It was necessary to determine the flammability of the incendiaries to identify their components and the consequences if the fires had not been extinguished. Different samples were taken on-site for analysis. Their descriptions are represented in Table 1.
Experiment (analytical conditions and sampling procedure)
A static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed for screening and identifying any ignitable liquid (the modified method based on ASTM guideline 1618-97). The chromatographic separations were performed on a Carlo Erba Top 8000 series GC-MS. The chromatographic profiles were compared with standard solutions. The following conditions were observed:
* temperature program 40(1)-8-280[degrees]C
* injector split 30ml/min. @ 250[degrees]C
* capillary column Rtx-5, 30[m.sup.*]0.32[mm.sup.*]1[micro]m
* carrier gas 50kPa helium
* detector MS EI+ scan 25-325m/z
* detector MS source temperature / oven interface temperature 200[degrees]C / 250[degrees]C
* headspace (with a gas-tight syringe) 1ml @ 25[degrees]C
* 100[degrees]C (heating for 1h 30min.)
Results and Discussion
The results of the analyzed samples are represented in Table 2. The GC-MS analysis of sample 8 (Figure 2) reveals a distribution of two propylene glycol ethyl ether (PGEE) isomers with a ratio of [approximately equal to] 13:1 and two impurities, propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and ethanol.
Additional Remarks
* The white spirit in samples 3A, 4A, 5A, 7A, 9A, and 10A appears similar to 9C, based on the comparison of the chromatogram peaks (height and ratio).
* The kerosene in samples 1C and 2C appears similar, based on the comparison of the chromatogram peaks (height and ratio).
* The ratio of the ethoxypropanols and the ratio of the PGEE/PGME were calculated for all the samples with the polyethylene grains and for the PGEE liquid. The ratios are almost the same (D matrix, D evaporation stage); therefore, one can assume that the solvent in the polyethylene grains is identical to the liquid sample 8 (a chromatogram comparison confirms the statement) (Figure 3).
* The white spirit in the samples with polyethylene grains has different evaporation degrees; low evaporation 5A<9A<10A<3A<7A<4A high evaporation (Figure 4).
* Sample 6A probably contains traces of white spirit, but the signals are far below the detection limits for scientific confirmation and significance (Figure 5).
All the samples with the polyethylene grains contained the solvent PGEE. Some of the grains also contained white spirit or kerosene. The liquid in the metal can was PGEE (ASTM class 0.1, oxygenated solvents), an industrial solvent for the production of thinners, lacquers, and dyes; therefore, it is not commonly for sale. The liquid in the plastic can was a white spirit (ASTM class 3, medium petroleum distillates). The green bricks were impregnated with kerosene (ASTM class 4, kerosenes). Table 3 gives a summary of the different fuel characteristics.
The flammability of the PGEE, the white spirit, and the kerosene, with and without the polyethylene grains, was tested in contact with a lighter flame. The liquids and bricks were easily ignited, as was the whole combination. Paper and wood burned easily because of their low autoignition temperatures. Based on the flash point, the white spirit is considered a flammable liquid (< 37.8[degrees]C); the kerosene and the PGEE are considered combustible liquids ([greater than or equal to] 37.8[degrees]C).
Polyethylene (PE) readily ignites but will not sustain combustion. The typical pyrolysis pattern of polyethylene (C 85.7%, H 14.3%) was not encountered because the samples for analysis were not burned (there was no presence of olefins and diolefins with every n-alkane, and there was an absence of the branched alkanes between the n-alkanes).
The mineral spirit- and the kerosene-impregnated bricks can be used to improve the ignition of the PGEE and to improve or accelerate the combustion of the wood, paper, and polyethylene grains. The polyethylene grains will continue burning with great intensity with burning drops, black smoke, and the burned-candle-wax smell. This will result in a violent fire with major damage to materials.
Gino Van Vaerenbergh
Fire and Explosions Investigations Laboratory
National Institute of Forensic Sciences
Brussels, Belgium
|Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
|Title Annotation:
|Technical Note
|Van Vaerenbergh, Gino
|Forensic Science Communications
|Geographic Code:
|Jan 1, 2002
|Previous Article:
|Hair bibliography for the forensic scientist.
|Next Article:
|Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers.


text:
3 stars (out of 4)
Brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald were gradeschoolers when they debuted as an opening act for hardcore punk pioneers Black Flag in the '70s. Their band, Redd Kross, brought a tongue-in-cheek fascination with kitsch culture and bubblegum pop to their hard-charging if wildly erratic '80s albums. They streamlined things on Redd Kross' 1990 commercial breakthrough, "Third Eye," and followed with a series of fine, straight-ahead pop-rock albums before taking a break in 1997.
Now 15 years later, the McDonalds have reunited with holdovers from the '80s version of Red Kross, guitarist Robert Hecker and drummer Roy McDonald, for "Researching the Blues" (Merge). Rather than straining for reinvention or an updated sound, the quartet aims to hone strengths: High-octane melodies delivered with a minimum of fuss or filler. The 10 songs blow past in less than 33 minutes, with robust melodies resolving in arms-wide-open choruses augmented by wordless "sha-la-la" vocal harmonies. Concise guitar solos, giddy-up drum fills, bass lines that often playing thundering counter melodies, and the nasal lead vocals of Jeff McDonald, suggesting a punky John Lennon, make "Stay Away from Downtown," "Uglier" and the title track irresistible for power-pop connoisseurs.
Beneath the exuberant musicianship lies an earnestness far removed from the younger Redd Kross. The band doesn't break much ground – if you loved their '90s albums, chances are you'll appreciate this one. But maturity has its own rewards, most especially in the wistfulness they bring to "Dracula's Daughters."


text:
New update for Super Monkey Ball
Today SEGA released another update for its popular iPhone game Super Monkey Ball, available in the App Store for $9.99. Version 1.01 features an interactive tutorial, instructions and the function to suspend the game by pressing the 'Home' button. TUAW claims that SEGA has also improved the game's controls.
As promised, the "dead zone" where the ball stops moving altogether is larger, and movement overall has become less erratic.


text:
Diamond Ring
Platinum 0.70ct Diamond Emerald Cut Solitaire Ring FEU-804
Platinum 0.70ct Diamond Emerald Cut Solitaire Ring. FEU-804.
An embodiment of elegance and luxury, this beautiful platinum ring features a stunning 0.70ct emerald cut claw set solitaire diamond. Designed perfectly for everyday wear, this diamond set piece would make the perfect engagement ring to sit comfortably alongside a wedding band.
At C W Sellors, we have an expert team of diamond specialists who handpick and grade each jewel to meet our high standards and a team of talented in house designers who combine their talents to bring you our exclusive Diamond collection. Chosen for their rare white quality, each diamond we use has a minimum clarity of VS and minimum colour of G-H. Every diamond is then set within white gold, yellow gold or platinum that has been elegantly designed to please the wearer. You can find other diamond engagement rings and wedding bands to complement this ring online and in store.
All articles purchased from CW Sellors are lovingly and securely dispatched with our elegant jewellery packaging.
Brand C W Sellors Diamond Jewellery
Supplier Model No. FEU-804
Collection Best Seller
Style Diamond Ring
Engagement Ring
Gemstone Diamond
Diamond Only
Cut Emerald Cut
Faceted Cut
Metal Platinum
Packaging C W Sellors Luxury
Gender Ladies
We offer Free UK next day delivery on orders over £50, in stock items will be sent the same day when ordered before 4pm. All our items are dispatched using a Royal Mail tracked signed for service.
We offer worldwide shipping, charges will be calculated in the checkout for deliveries outside of the UK.
For more information about our delivery services available, contact us on 01335 453453 or email us at email@example.com.


text:
Save money on food
#1 I agree 100% it's only a guide and in the Uk there are, sell buy, use buy and a best before. After the sell buy date the shop must remove from shelf but is still usually eatable. Use buy is when they recommend you should bin but there is a few days before its BAD. Best Before like the rest is just what it says, the product is at its best before this date but does not mean you can't eat it! You will know anyhow if its not right just be sensible in my experience 1 or 2 days over the date has never caused me any trouble and many a time even rescued me from a night with no food to a very enjoyable meal.
コメントを書くにはサイン・インしてください またはサイン・アップ ここに


text:
The Electricians covering London, Family Electricians, Domestic Electricians and commercial work carried out. PAT testing and Home Inspections, Landlord certification. We work along side other trades too!
[email protected]
Make a Payment
MK of Fulham Electrical
Part of The MK London Group Ltd
Contact us
Trusted Tradesmen
T's & C's
Electricians in The City
We cover The City as well as many other area's!
Give us a call to arrange your electrical work.
Since 1994 we have been providing affordable electrical services to residential and commercial clients in the London area. We are reliable and efficient in all work we carry out.
We really value our loyal customers and have built up a strong client base over the years.
We are an established, certified and insured business with a strong and varied client base, which continues to grow on a daily basis.
You're only ever as good as your last job! Which is why we do all we can for our customers to ensure that we provide the best service and workmanship possible.
Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith, Earls court, Wandsworth, Putney, Barnes, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Ealing, Battersea, Belgravia, Central London and many, many more


text:
By Jeff Caplan, NBA.com
VIDEO: Gregg Popovich accepts his third Coach of the Year award
SAN ANTONIO — Last summer was unlike any of the previous 17 in Gregg Popovich's career as coach of the San Antonio Spurs. The long days passed, but the doldrums from the Spurs' heartbreaking Finals defeat to Miami bogged down like a stagnant lake in the Texas heat.
The 2013 championship was right there, 28 seconds from glory for a proud San Antonio franchise, the model of the NBA if not professional sports as a whole. But everybody knows what happened next. Popovich lived with it every day thereafter until he finally could not any longer, when the players returned to begin, somehow, a brand new season.
"The way we lost in the Finals wasn't an ordinary loss; it was pretty devastating," Popovich said Tuesday afternoon at the Spurs' practice facility as he received the Red Auerbach Coach of the Year trophy. "And we decided that we would just face that right off the bat at the beginning of the season and get it out of the way; don't blame it on the basketball gods or bad fortune or anything like that. The Miami Heat beat us and won the championship and that's that, and you move on. In all of our lives there are many things more important than winning and losing basketball games and that's the perspective we had to take. And our team showed great maturity and resilience in being able to do that, so I'm very proud of them for that."
Their resiliency also came during a period of transition on the bench. Popovich's longtime aids, Brett Brown and Mike Budenholzer, became head coaches.
But nothing seems to phase this group. With Manu Ginobili turning 36 over the summer and Tim Duncan celebrating his 38th birthday on Friday, neither had to return, or return in better shape than they finished the previous season. When this season could finally have been the one that signaled the inevitable descent it seems has been predicted for the past half-dozen seasons, the Spurs won 62 games, the second-most of Popovich's 18-year career and earned home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with the league's top record.
With the Spurs, everything is a collective effort. They win together, lose together and plan how to win again together.
"We're fortunate," Popovich said. "These guys don't care about stats, they only care about winning basketball games. You might get a championship, you might not, but you give it your best effort. But these guys could all have better stats. I play them for 29 or 30 minutes a game in their careers and their stats suffer because of it, but that sacrifice helps our entire team. and this year, whatever adversity we had — every team has adversity — but our bench really helped us through that. We would not have had the same success without what our bench did. I think that and the leadership that our older players showed helped us get through the hard times."
In accepting his third Coach of the Year trophy, joining only Pat Riley and Don Nelson as three-time winners, Popovich spoke sincerely. He praised owner Peter Holt for granting he and general manager R.C. Buford, who sat next to his friend of more than two decades at the table during the news conference, the freedom to do their jobs, and said he was humbled to be singled out among the many worthy candidates this season that included first-year coaches Jeff Hornacek at Phoenix and Steve Clifford at Charlotte, plus Chicago's Tom Thibodeau, Portland's Terry Stotts and others.
None faced quite the unpredictable psychological hurdle that Popovich did with his heartbroken team.
"I think his steadfast attention to detail and facing the realities of last season's end and immediately getting it behind us was really important," Spurs general manager Buford said. "And his approach with his staff was different because it was a different staff, but the energy and the leadership we've seen has been consistent throughout his time as a coach."
But of course it wouldn't be a Popovich press conference without a measure of snark, and Pop didn't disappoint.
When asked about losing his two longtime assistants, he interrupted the questioner: "Thank God."
Asked where he displays his Coach of the Year trophies, Popovich said: "They're on the hood of my car. … I've got three of those right on the hood."
As a younger man, Popovich dreamed of a playing career in the NBA before turning to coaching, getting his start as an assistant at the Air Force Academy. Asked if he knew he wanted to coach in the NBA once he didn't make it as a player, Pop responded: "Larry Brown screwed me as a player. He had the unmitigated gall to pick David Thompson over me back when he was the Nuggets coach."
Brown, of course, is one of Popovich's mentors and who helped him get to the NBA, a place Popovich said was never truly a goal. He said he would have been happy to live out his days where he spent his early coaching days at Division III Pomona-Pitzer College in California.
"For me, the NBA was watching on TV back when they had the long nets and watching the ball go through the long nets; I really enjoyed that," Popovich said. "I was fat, dumb and happy as a Division III coach. I could do it the rest of my life, it was fantastic, I loved it. But all of us take a different road here and there. The NBA was never a dream or thought of, 'I'm going to go to the NBA and be a coach and do this.' I had no clue.
"We run a lot of the same drills to be honest with you, pivoting drills and sitting on chairs, silly things like that, but all fundamental basketball stuff. After that, let the players play. They know how to get it done."
So, too, does Pop.


text:
Jordan Belfort, whose memoir "The Wolf of Wall Street" was turned into a film by Martin Scorsese, expects to earn more this year than he made at his peak as a stockbroker, allowing him to repay the victims of his fraud.
Wolf of Wall Street Belfort says he's aiming for $100 million pay
Jordan Belfort, whose memoir "The Wolf of Wall Street" was turned into a film by Martin Scorsese, expects to earn more this year than he made at his peak as a stockbroker, allowing him to repay the victims of his fraud.
"I'll make this year more than I ever made in my best year as a broker," Belfort told a conference in Dubai today. "My goal is to make north of $100 million so I am paying back everyone this year."
Belfort, a motivational speaker, will use his earnings from a 45-city speaking tour in the U.S. to repay about $50 million to investors. That was his share of the fine, he said.
U.S. stockbroker Belfort spent 22 months in jail for money laundering and securities fraud in the 1990s after his Long Island-based Stratton Oakmont Inc. defrauded investors out of more than $200 million. That story was retold last year in a blockbuster film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
"After six months of putting all the profit from the U.S. tour into an escrow account, it will go directly back to investors," Belfort said. "Once everyone is paid back, believe me I will feel a lot better."
Motivational Speaker
The Securities and Exchange Commission shut down his firm in 1998, and in 2003 Belfort was convicted and sentenced to four years in jail. The government said a $110.4 million victim- compensation fund must receive half his income.
"I got greedy," Belfort said today. "Greed is not good. Ambition is good, passion is good. Passion prospers. My goal is to give more than I get, that's a sustainable form of success."
Belfort admits he fleeced investors, cheated on spouses, and was once so addicted to drugs that he kicked his second wife down the stairs in front of his daughter. Even after the fines, he maintains most of his trading activities were legal.
"Ninety-five per cent of the business was legitimate," he said. "It was all brokerage firm issues. It was all legitimate, nothing to do with liquidating stocks."
In Dubai, where Belfort spoke today, the $100 million film that earned DiCaprio a Golden Globe Award, was cut by a quarter for multiple scenes depicting drug use and sex. The f-word is used 569 times in the original version, more than any feature film ever made, according to the Internet Movie Database website.


text:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released the latest video in the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Faces of Distracted Driving" series, featuring the story of Kassy Kerfoot, from Meridian, Idaho.
WATCH: "Kassy Kerfoot, 18" – http://distraction.gov/content/faces/index.html#kassy-kerfoot
On December 29, 2009, 18-year-old Kassy Kerfoot was driving on a busy five-lane highway during rush hour traffic when she lost control of her car and hit two oncoming vehicles. She suffered serious brain injuries and died five hours later. She was texting with a friend at the time of the crash.
"Kassy Kerfoot was a bright and talented young woman whose life ended because of a single text message," said Secretary LaHood. "I hope that everyone who hears her story will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their focus on driving."
"Kassy and I talked about distracted driving so many times, but she always thought she was good enough and fast enough at texting. She never thought something like this could happen to her," said her mother, Liz Catherman. "This is real. It can happen to you whether you're a teen or an adult. I never want another family to go through what my family has been through."
"Faces of Distracted Driving" is a video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving by sharing the stories of family members who have lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and half a million were injured in accidents involving a distracted driver. The series is part of Secretary LaHood's effort to raise greater awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
WATCH: "Faces of Distracted Driving" – www.distraction.gov/faces
The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages anyone who would like to share their distracted driving experiences to email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
To learn more about USDOT's efforts to stop distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov.


text:
Autism and Neurodiversity
JKP is the leading publisher in autism and related conditions, publishing authoritative and practical books for professionals, parents, children, and anyone whose life is touched by autism. Our books cover a range of topics including communication and development, relationships and social skills, teaching and assessment, parenting strategies and overcoming depression and anxiety.
Bestselling authors include Tony Attwood, Jennifer Cook O'Toole, Carol Gray, Luke Jackson and Donna Williams.
Teacher Education and Autism
A Research-Based Practical Handbook
Edited by Clare Lawrence. Foreword by Tony Attwood.An edited volume of practical research-based advice, with discussion points and activities to help educate new and practising teachers about autism. Includes chapters on maths, physical education, sex and relationships, behaviour management and more. Learn MoreApr 2019, Paperback / softback, 9.02in x 5.98in / 229mm x 152mm, 176pp, CA$27.99ISBN: 9781785926044
The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods
Robyn StewardChanges during puberty, such as the onset of periods, are challenging for girls on the autism spectrum. Written from experience by an autistic woman, this straightforward guide to periods helps the reader to prepare in great detail, from hygiene to pain medication and sensory experiences to mood swings. Learn MoreApr 2019, 96pp
The Tourettes Survival Kit
Tools for Young Adults with Tics
Tara Murphy and Damon Millar, illustrated by Hiro EnokiThis survival guide for teens with Tourette's provides the tools you need to survive and thrive at home, school, work and beyond. It includes strategies and behavioural therapy techniques for managing tics and advice on what to do in a range of everyday situations, including preparing for exams, dealing with bullies and going on a first date. Learn MoreMar 2019, 208pp
The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women
Dr Sarah Bargiela, illustrated by Sophie StandingAn engaging insight into the often underexplored condition of autism in women and girls, delivered in an expertly researched and beautifully illustrated graphic book. The perfect resource for anyone who wishes to understand how gender affects autism, it shows how to create safer, more accommodating environments for women on the spectrum. Learn MoreMar 2019, 48pp
He's Not Naughty!
A Children's Guide to Autism
Deborah Brownson. Illustrated by Ben Mason, illustrated by Ben MasonFed up of everyone not understanding her friend Jake, Taryn candidly explains her understanding of autism, and why Jake's behaviour isn't naughty! This book is quick and fun way for children aged 6-10 to learn about autism and the vibrant illustrations provide a unique visual representation of what it's like to be autistic. Learn MoreMar 2019, Paperback / softback, 8.31in x 8.31in / 211mm x 211mm, 80pp, CA$19.95ISBN: 9781785928727Mar 2019, Ebook, PDF, CA$19.95ISBN: 9781785928734
Simple Autism Strategies for Home and School
Practical Tips, Resources and Poetry
Sarah Cobbe. Foreword by Glenys JonesOffering a unique overview of a child's point of view of life with autism, this guidebook will help parents and teachers better understand how this condition is experienced in day to day life. Organised by topic for easy reference, it explores the issues that can arise in everyday situations from toilet training to homework. Learn MoreMar 2019, Paperback / softback, 9.06in x 6.10in / 230mm x 155mm, 328pp, CA$33.95ISBN: 9781785924446Mar 2019, Ebook, ePUB, CA$33.95ISBN: 978-1-78450-817-3
OCD - Tools to Help Young People Fight Back!
A CBT Manual for Therapists
Cynthia Turner, Georgina Krebs and Chloë Volz, illustrated by Lisa Jo RobinsonThis manual for therapists describes how to set up and run a 14-session evidence-based CBT programme for treating OCD in young people, originally pioneered by the Maudsley Hospital. It's designed to be used with a Workbook for patients, OCD - Tools to Help You Fight Back! Learn More2019, 48pp
OCD - Tools to Help You Fight Back!
A CBT Workbook for Young People
Cynthia Turner, Georgina Krebs and Chloë Volz, illustrated by Lisa Jo RobinsonThis workbook is for patients undergoing an evidence-based 14-session programme to treat OCD in young people which was pioneered by the Maudsley Hospital. It's to be used in conjunction with the Manual for Therapists OCD - Tools to Help Young People to Fight Back Learn More2019, 144pp
The PDA Paradox
The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum
Harry Thompson. Foreword by Felicity EvansBy providing an eloquently written insight into the world of PDA, Thompson's memoir gives invaluable information to those looking to expand their knowledge of the autism spectrum. It covers his experiences of finishing school, holding down a job and forging meaningful relationships. Turbulent at times, it ends on a note of hope and positivity. Learn More2019, Paperback / softback, 7.56in x 5.43in / 192mm x 138mm, 184pp, CA$25.95ISBN: 97817859267542019, Ebook, ePUB, CA$25.95ISBN: 9781785926778
Can I tell you about Nystagmus?
A guide for friends, family and professionals
Nadine Neckles, illustrated by Vikas UpadhyayNystagmus is a lifelong condition that affects 1 in 1000 people, but what exactly is it? This friendly guide tells readers about the causes, symptoms and effects, shows how to get help at home and at school, and makes the condition more relatable to other children. Ideal for children aged 7+, friends, family, and professionals working with them. Learn More2019, Paperback / softback, 8.94in x 7.56in / 227mm x 192mm, 80pp, CA$17.95ISBN: 97817859256272019, Ebook, ePUB, CA$17.95ISBN: 978-1-78450-965-1


text:
Raid on iconic Atlanta Eagle bar highlights A.P.D.'s disregard for civil rights, common sense
In protest of the violent raid on the 22-year-old Atlanta Eagle bar on September 10, GLBTATL and members of Atlanta's LGBT community (and supporters) will be gathering in front of Atlanta City Hall on Saturday, September 19, at 12:00 p.m.
GLBTATL, made up of members of Atlanta's LGBT community, and our allies are highly concerned with the Atlanta Police Department in their handling of the police action against the Atlanta Eagle bar on September 10, 2009. We believe that no person, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or other aspect, should be treated in the manners alleged in the official complaints. We are further disappointed in the sluggish response from the Atlanta City Council, and particularly with the abject silence of Mayor Shirley Franklin. We join with other local and national groups in calling for an immediate, transparent investigation into the events. Should the allegations of improper police conduct prove true, the offending parties should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As community leaders, we want it to be understood that our trust in the protection and dedication of Atlanta Police Department officers has been violated.
No community should live in fear of its protectors in law enforcement, whether in Fort Worth, TX (where a similar raid occurred in June at that city's "Rainbow Lounge"), Atlanta, or anywhere in America. As Atlantans, as Americans, and as humans, we demand respect, fairness, and common sense from our law enforcement and our government. We recognize that this issue represents a gross violation of the civil rights, and likely violation of United States Constitution-conferred rights, of Atlanta's citizens. Though as activists we may represent Atlanta's gay community, these events are a pandemic issue of violation of civil, and basic human rights.
Common sense and precedent form the backbone of American treatment of law towards citizens. If the A.P.D.'s allegations of past illegal acts at Atlanta Eagle are true, we ask why such dramatic measures as occurred on September 10 were necessary. If, as in A.P.D.'s later media statement, permit violations were the reason for the raid, are there not procedures through which the owners and management of Atlanta Eagle could be made aware -- methods that would not have resulted in the violent humiliation, unwarranted personal searches, and possibly illegal background checks performed upon 62 innocent bystanders?
We are all reasonable people and we believe in fair and reasonable action by our law enforcement officials. If their undercover work and actions on September 10 came about as a result of only two questionably factual complaints, why were the owners and management of Atlanta Eagle not made aware of the complaints and offered a chance to remedy the situation? Since neither illegal drugs, nor any serious act of harm in which the business was obviously complicit, were ever found as part of the investigation process , we are hard-pressed to find any justifiable precedent for the behavior of Atlanta Police Officers as described in the official complaints.
In short: Why the raid? Don't we have more important crimes to address? Why not get Atlanta Eagle's owners involved, once the alleged illegal acts were identified?
To concerned citizens, such as GLBTATL, it seems that this police raid was not meant to investigate or deter crime. Rather, it sent a message that the LGBT community, comprising as much as one-eighth of Atlanta's residents*, is second-class and not deserving of the same basic human respect as others. With only a paltry apology issued via the A.P.D. media office, this message of disrespect, a message that can easily turn into hate, has begun to echo throughout the gay community, and Atlanta as a whole.
We must be clear: This far, and no further. The alleged police behavior on September 10 cannot be tolerated again, without truly justifiable cause. Atlanta stands together, to say that we will not be silent until our grave concerns, echoed over the past week by numerous local and national organization and media outlets, are addressed thoroughly. We look forward to a future day when we can rebuild our bridge of trust between Atlanta's LGBT community and Atlanta law enforcement.
On Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 12:00 p.m., concerned Atlantans and others will assemble at Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave., Atlanta, Georgia. A small number of speakers will provide statements of either prepared or personal nature, and may be available for media interviews. Based on Internet discussion, we also expect many attendees to be standing in protest during the event.
Media are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 888-452-8285. Calls will be routed directly to the event organizers. Separate interview opportunities may be available, and event organizers are happy to direct media to the appropriate persons.


text:
When the 34th America's Cup begins on Saturday it will do so in a flood tide. In fact, the first eight races are likely to be held in a flood tide (flowing into San Francisco Bay), which will then turn to an ebb tide (flowing out of the Bay) beginning on the second weekend.
"Two years ago we started looking at the currents for the race days of the America's Cup and how that affects the tactics," said ORACLE TEAM USA tactician John Kostecki. "Basically, the current affects the windspeed and it'll play a major factor."
A flood tide is favorable because it means the current is moving the same direction as the prevailing west/west-southwesterly wind and increases the wind limit for racing, which in the America's Cup is set at a base of 23 knots. The limit will increase or decrease daily based on the strength and direction of the tide. A flood tide means less chop and flatter water, while the ebb churns up the water, as the wind is against the current.
In the Louis Vuitton Cup the crews sought relief from the flood tide in the lee of Alcatraz Island on the bottom of the windward leg.
"It is quite interesting having Alcatraz as part of the race track," said Kostecki, who says he has sailed on the Bay for more than 45 years. "It really comes into play because on flood tides you can use the cone of Alcatraz as relief. You can get about 3 to 4 knots difference in tide just from behind the island.
"The speed of the tide on the racecourse can vary a fair amount," Kostecki continued. "I have seen up to 4.5 to 5 knots in strength in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the race track it will be a little bit less, but you could see 3 to 3.5 knots on the racecourse in a really strong tide, and that really makes it interesting for us tacticians as to where we place the boat to take advantage of the strength of the tide."
The strength of the tide is particularly important downwind, especially with the advent of hydrofoiling. Normally, a tactician would look for slack water sailing downwind in an adverse current. But with the AC72's ability to hydrofoil, tacticians are now looking for more adverse current.
"It's completely contrary to everything they've done in their sailing careers," said ACTV commentator Ken Read, a veteran of two Volvo Ocean Races and countless grand-prix regattas. "Adverse current is helping downwind because the conveyer belt is moving against the wind and increasing the apparent windspeed the boat feels. Windspeed is king in the AC72. Increasing the windspeed makes up for the adverse current."
If one of the crews wants to hydrofoil upwind they'll be looking to avoid adverse current because it slows the apparent windspeed. The jury's still out as to the benefits up upwind hydrofoiling, but Emirates Team New Zealand tactician Ray Davies thinks it will occur.
"It's almost routine now," said Davies. "I'd expect it to play a role in the Cup."
- AC Media


text:
By Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com
VIDEO: Alonzo Mourning talks to Jim Nantz after his election to the Class of 2014
Sure Gary Payton counts. But he played just two of 17 seasons in Miami, with a ring from the 2006 championship but also with his mortality showing as the last two of the 17 and The Glove more nickname than accurate description.
Alonzo Mourning, though, is pure Heat.
That's what made Monday so meaningful, beyond the obvious individual salute with the official announcement that Mourning had been elected to the Hall of Fame. It was a moment for the entire franchise. It was a moment for all South Florida.
In joining 2013 inductee Payton as the second former Miami player to be enshrined, "Zo" became the first Miami player, and that's more than semantics. Mourning came to a team in 1995-96 that had never finished better than fourth in the Atlantic Division and had a winning record once in seven years of existence. Titles, and not of the division variety, followed. Unlike anyone in uniform, and second only to Pat Riley in any job, he made them.
The election of Mitch Richmond was also made official Monday in Dallas in conjunction with the Final Four, along with induction for college coaches Gary Williams and Nolan Richardson as part of the Class of 2014 that already included David Stern, Sarunas Marciulionis and Bob (Slick) Leonard among others. Mitch Richmond is a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native.
Enshrinement festivities are Aug. 7-9 in Springfield, Mass., but just try avoiding the South Florida feel. It won't happen. One of the best players the region ever produced and the physical presence of a center who helped forge the identity of future champions will walk the red carpet at Symphony Hall, and it will be an event at the far tip of the Eastern seaboard.
"I'm humbled and I'm truly honored to be able to stand here before you today and to know I'm going to be a part of such a prestigious group of individuals that helped pave the way for a lot of individuals to experience this," Mourning said on the television broadcast of the announcement. "Again, I'm very, very grateful. I stand here on the shoulders of so many other people."
The significance impossible to miss that so many other people from the Heat have stood on his shoulders while playing 10 and 1/2 of his 15 seasons in two stints with the Heat. The second Miami run was as part of the 2006 title team, which will become the starting place for this latest moment of Mourning helping to take the franchise to the future.
Dwyane Wade won that championship too, and he will be in the Hall. Same with Shaquille O'Neal, headed for 2017 induction after spending only 3 and 1/2 seasons along Biscayne Bay but as first-team All-NBA in two of them. Tim Hardaway, gone from Miami by then but forever linked to the Heat, was a finalist this year and could make Springfield one day.
And then there's the current group, of course. LeBron James. Wade, from both generations of Heat. Ray Allen. Chris Bosh. It is possible to imagine going from zero players to seven with deep Miami ties being enshrined in a relatively short span of history, depending how long James plays, and eight counting Payton. Nine counting Riley, a 2008 inductee as coach.
Mourning will have been the guy who — typically — showed all the other players the way.


text:
** NFL Playoffs **
Under 43 Houston-Cinn $100
GL Guys..
** Saturday Hoops **
Ncaa ytd: 37-36-1 (week: 2-5-1) 1-0 early Kstate-3 (wasn't around)
San Francisco+6Utah St-2 and SF+12 (6pt Teaser)
NBA ytd: 50-39-5 (1-1 yest)
Spurs-13 $300
* Sixers finishing up an 8 game road trip tonight and are on a B2B after losing by 24 to the thunder last night. 4 of their last 5 games they scored 89 or less and this is also their 4th Game in 5 nights. They have off Sunday and Monday and being a "getaway game" im sure they just wanna get this Long road trip overwith, tough spot playing the thunder then San Antonio back 2 back days.. Spurs by 20. 107-87
NFL Playoffs: 1-0 +100
Vikings+10.5 $200
run, run and run some more is what the Vikings will do tonight, a heavy dose of A-Peterson and fresh legs of Joe Webb..
** NFL Playoffs **
1-1 -10
Ravens-Colts Over 47 $100


text:
The CPA [Coalition Provisional Authority] itself, he found, was mainly staffed by American policy wonks — "young, naive, pushy people" fired with a messianic zeal rapidly to replace centuries of tribal and religious rivalries and state control with democracy and free markets, and displaying a dogmatism that, as Synnott drily noted, "cut no ice" with the Iraqis.
Perhaps the two greatest forces in American life today are egalitarianism and capitalism. Both opinionmakers and politicians shun other cultural questions, either because they believe they are unimportant or because they believe they are losing issues.
This muteness has crippled our response to cultural decay at home, so it is no surprise it has crippled our international actions as well.
Without cultural ballast, a democratic society cannot make the distinctions necessary for rational thought, let alone wise governance.
How does a country recover from this desolation?
(Link via Rod Dreher)


text:
Candy Can Be a Gas!
by Anne Renaud
Lollipops and most other forms of hard candy are made from one basic recipe: sugar, corn syrup, and flavoring. The ingredients are heated at high temperatures to obtain a pure sugar syrup, which turns into hard candy when left to cool. No wonder they taste so sweet!
However, by adding one extra ingredient, you can really shake things up and make hard candy do some pretty neat things—like explode!
If you've ever popped Pop Rocks, you've felt the familiar fizzle, snap, crackle, and pop of candy granules erupting on your tongue. So what makes the candy take on a life of its own when you put it in your mouth?
The secret ingredient—which isn't really secret, since it's written right there on the package—is carbon dioxide gas. According to Marta Mas, marketing director of Pop Rocks, Inc., this is how it works.
The hard candy recipe ingredients are heated until all the sugar has melted. The liquid is then boiled until it reaches 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). When the pure sugar syrup is gasified with carbon dioxide at the super-atmospheric pressure of about 600 psi (pounds per square inch), tiny gas bubbles form inside it. This mixture is then left to cool and solidify while it is maintained under pressure. Once the mixture has solidified, the exterior pressure is released. The result is that the pressure inside the candy is greater than outside, which causes the interior pressure to fracture the sugary mass into granules. That's why Pop Rocks are in fragmented form.
If you take a look under a microscope, you'll see that the granules are still filled with high-pressure bubbles. When you pop the rocks into your mouth, the bubbles are released, making popping sounds as the candy melts. Tasty pressure!
- atmospheric pressure:
- Pressure caused by the weight of the atmosphere. At sea level it has a mean value of one atmosphere but reduces with increasing altitude.
- granule:
- A small, hard grain, as of sand, salt, or ice.
- mixture:
- Matter made up of two or more substances or materials that are physically combined.
- Pretend you are in charge of your own candy factory. Invent a new candy that is fun to eat. How does your candy change as it is eaten? What are its physical properties? What makes your candy fun to eat? Write a short paragraph describing your candy. Include details about its physical properties and how it changes as it is eaten.
Answer: Answers will vary.


text:
Toggle navigation
Remember me
Law School Discussion
Deciding Where to Go
Choosing the Right Law School
Barry or Coastal?
Barry or Coastal?
16 Replies
5299 Views
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #10 on:
September 05, 2013, 05:56:55 PM »
Could not agree more with Maintain satisfaction or disappointment depends entirely on expectations. Believe it or not everyone wants the same thing and there are plenty of people that are passionate about foreclosure defense, family law, criminal law etc. Barry can certainly get you a job doing that or even as a D.A P.D etc. It is also possible to work for firms etc, but harder and some doors will be closed.
Frankly Cravath is not hiring anyone from UM or Barry. You won't find many Supreme Court Clerks fro
Those schools either.
Reading the OP's post it sound like they have no desire to work for a big firm and want to be an attorney in Orlando certainly doable from Barry. Had the OP I want make a minimum off 100,000 k out the gate and work in a NY firm Barry would be a terrible choice, but each person has their own situations and if someone wants to be an Attorney in Orlando Barry is a fine choice, but outside of that it won't open many doors.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #11 on:
October 04, 2013, 08:10:34 PM »
Beware of any school that has a high attrition rate.
For the most recent class reported to the ABA,
starts with a 1L class of 293 and 17.5% either failed out or decided not to return for year 2. Barry's Florida Bar pass rate was approximately 10% lower than the state average.
Florida Coastal, a for profit school started its recent 1L class with 580 students. A whopping 30.% either failed out or chose not to return to Coastal for their 2d year. Coastal's Florida Bar pass rate was approximately 4% lower than the state average.
If you compare the attrition rates of Barry and Coastal with other Florida law schools you will see that in most instances Barry and Coastal are much higher.
In my opinion Barry has a high attrition rate but Coastal has an unconscionable attrition rate.
Good luck.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #12 on:
October 12, 2013, 11:07:50 PM »
Attrition rate is something to consider, but an important thing to realize is that attrition does not always mean failing out. Barry for example has a 17.5% attrition rate and 48 students did not come back for 2L. However, only 20 of the 48 did not come back due to academic reasons
Of the remaining 28 students 21 transferred likely to better schools no it is not bad attrition it is good for those 21 students. The other 7 students likely decided the law was not for them or went on to some other opportunity.
In reality well under 10% failed out due to academic reasons and the majority of academic attrition comes from part-time studnets who try to balance legal education and a job , which doesn't work out.
I don't think anyone is arguing Barry or Coastal are elite institutions, but you really need to read into these statistics there is a lot more detail in them.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #13 on:
October 12, 2013, 11:23:09 PM »
Statistics can be manipulated to say whatever they want and I am all for lawschooltransparency's mission, but frankly what does "underemployed" mean?
here is their and in the ABA data it says 218 of 363 graduates have bar passage required jobs and this is only 9 months after graduation, which is a flaw in the data collection. The reality is no ABA law student from any school can even be employed in a bar passage required job until 7 months after they graduate. The reason for this is you graduate in May then you take the bar in July and results in most states are released in October or November. So if you graduate in May you cannot work as a licensed attorney until 6 months after you graduate then very few people hire during the holiday season and you can't even really look for work until January, which is 9 months.
Additionally, the situation of each person is unique to them I know one person from my school got a job as a D.A., but failed his drug test he is not employed, because he has a drug problem it has nothing to with the school.
Another classmate of mine had a father that was diagnosed with Cancer and had 6 months to live instead of looking for work my classmate stayed with his father until the end. He found a job, but again it shows not everyone is in the same boat.
On top of that half of the class as Hofstra finished in the bottom half and 25% of the students finished in the bottom quarter and if you finish in the bottom quarter of Hofstra is going to be easy? No.
Further analysis 21% of their students did not pass the bar and that means only 79% of students can obtain jobs that require bar passage. Again, passing the bar has a lot more to do with the individual than the school itself it is an insanely difficult test that requires intense focus and preparation for months. Many people are unsuccessful their first go around.
Bottom line is these stats do not really say anything you cannot measure people in this manner. You can measure LSAT scores of incoming students that is objective criteria, but what each person does in their career and their goals are unique to each individual and not every single law school graduate is 25 year old kid who passes the bar on their first try, wants to go straight into the working world, and has no obstacles during the timeframe right after graduation.
Any ABA school Hofstra included will provide you with a solid legal education and provide you with the opportunity to take the bar exam. If you successfully pass the bar and are deemed morally fit to practice you will be given a law license and what you do with that has a lot more to do with you than the name of your law school.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #14 on:
October 14, 2013, 03:56:15 PM »
Just though I would share some good news about Barry than won a Mock Trial competition in San Francisco beating in state Rivals Stetson and Florida State along with ten other schools. I was in a judge in this competition and was impressed with all schools involved, but Barry definitely deserved the win.
The results also show it is about the individual student not the name of the law school.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #15 on:
October 16, 2013, 10:46:03 PM »
That is the beauty of trial competitions and just like real trial nobody cares about what school you went in the heat of litigation. Congrats to the Barry students that won the competition.
Re: Barry or Coastal?
Reply #16 on:
October 27, 2013, 12:08:43 PM »
Indeed or in the vast majority of the legal profession or any profession if you get results nobody cares where you came from.
Tom Brady was the 199th Draft Pick
The following QB's were drafted ahead of him
Chad Pennington, Marshall - Drafted by the New York Jets in Round 1, Pick 18.
Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra - Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in Round 3, Pick 65.
Chris Redman, Louisville - Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in Round 3, Pick 75.
Tee Martin, Tennessee - Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 5, Pick 163.
Marc Bulger, West Virginia - Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in Round 6, Pick 168.
Spergon Wynn, SW Texas State - Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in Round 6, Pick 183.
None of them are in the league anymore and the only two that had any impact were Chad and Mark.
Tom Brady got results and is going to the Hall of Fame and may be one of the greatest QB's of all time.
The same story can be told in every profession and if you apply yourself in anything you can accomplish great things. Barry stepped up and beat schools like University of Texas, Hastings, University of Florida etc all of them are fine schools, but that Barry team was the best and they won.
Law School Discussion
Deciding Where to Go
Choosing the Right Law School
Barry or Coastal?


text:
Home Finance
Determining how much home you can afford, or what payment you feel comfortable with, can be a trying process. Calling lenders, looking at mortgage loan programs and interest rates can be confusing, to say the least. There is an easy way to get started, and give yourself an idea of where you stand.
Why Buy?
Learn about how buying a home can save you money!First, you will be saving on taxes because the interest on your mortgage is tax deductible. Whereas, If you are renting, your landlord benefits from this. Second, you will b...
Mortgage Checklist
Learn about the information usually required during the loan process.