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With the recent IPCC report suggesting that the major cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels (IPCC 4th assessment report, 2007), the need to switch to cleaner, alternative energy sources is necessary and urgent. In order to meet the renewable energy goals set by various countries of the world there is need to devise practical, economical means to convert the inexhaustible energy source called lignocellulose biomass to glucose and thereafter to ethanol or other biofuels. The main problem in the conversion of lignocellulose biomass to ethanol is the difficulties in releasing cellulose from the complex entanglement of lignin and hemicellulose, enhancing enzyme accessibility to cellulose. We are examining existing pretreatment methods with the aim of developing a more-efficient pretreatment protocol. The ultimate goal is to produce ethanol at a competitive price as an alternative energy source. This research also includes the investigation of novel technologies that can potentially separate the product (ethanol) from other reaction bi-products. Lastly, we will investigate multiple microbial systems with the aim of overcoming some of the inhibitory effects associated with enzymatic bioconversion of biomass to biofuels.
The timber rattlesnake is facing serious threats throughout the United States. Originally found in 30 states, it has been extirpated from Delaware, Maine, and Rhode Island. It is protected from harvest in Tennessee and is listed as in need of management. Much of the distribution data in Tennessee is antiquated, and the current status of the species is in question (Wyatt and Bryan 2000). No studies of the natural history, distribution, demographics, or population size of timber rattlesnakes have been completed in Tennessee (Wyatt and Bryan 2000). Findings from this study can enhance Timber rattlesnake populations, which are clearly declining throughout its range. As development continues to expand, especially in somewhat remote, scenic areas such as Center Hill Reservoir, populations of wildlife will be displaced or extirpated from these areas. This study will identify and provide insight into necessary factors to develop conservation plans for Tennessee and other locations.
The presence of heavy metals in natural waters is an increasing problem due to industry practices and man-made disasters, such as the ash spill at the TVA power plant in Harriman, TN. As the environmental consciousness of the population is raised, the demand for stricter regulations on the amounts of metals present in water sources will increase. This study presents the results of removing metal ions from aqueous solutions using a series of chelating resins. Dry weight distribution, Dw, values were measured by a batch technique for a series of resins containing different functional moieties at selected pH values. The results for the uptake of radioactive tracer metals as a function of pH, resin loading, and structure of the chelating group will be presented. These materials offer the potential to effectively extract and separate metals at environmentally important aqueous conditions.
The National Park Service has proposed creation of monitoring programs for the duskytail darter Etheostoma percnurum in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSF) and the spotfin chub Erimonax monachus in the Emory River watershed in response to declines in rare fish populations. The duskytail darter and spotfin chub are acceptable for monitoring because they are rare, endangered, and susceptible to environmental changes and disturbances. The goal of this research is to develop long-term monitoring protocols for the duskytail darter and spotfin chub. Specific objectives include: (1) develop and test specific sampling designs that provide the statistical power to detect changes in population size and contribute to increased precision in estimates, (2) develop capture efficiency models for underwater observation sampling methods for both species, (3) define critical habitat to aid in monitoring site selection, and (4) conduct a power analysis to assess the ability of protocols to monitor populations. The end result will be a set of fully developed, tested, and evaluated monitoring protocols that are available to the National Park Service and other entities focused on assessing rare fish populations.
Over the years, illicit manufacture of methamphetamine has been a major cause of concern throughout the world. At every step of its presence, starting with the manufacturing, trafficking, consumption, or at the disposal, methamphetamine poses a serious health, social and environmental hazard. This research focuses on identifying and resolving some of the above issues. Firstly, the research focuses on determining the residential contamination caused by toxic chemicals liberated during the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine by off-site wipe testing and SPME-GC/MS/MS. The second research goal is to establish a chemical fingerprint database of seized clandestine methamphetamine by employing LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS. Finally, the research also aims to detect any trace amounts of methamphetamine that may be present in wastewaters by using LC/MS/MS and Q-TOF spectrometry.
Pyrolysis of biomass is the decomposition of organic material at high temperatures, usually between 200 – 400 °C. Fast pyrolysis occurs at heating rates that are unachievable in conventional thermal gravimetric instruments; still, slow pyrolysis kinetics using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) will be looked at in the early part of this research. The main focus, fast thermal degradation of biomass, must be approached by analyzing the gaseous pyrolysis products rather than by simply following the weight loss events. Furthermore, secondary gas-phase pyrolysis products will be taken into account as they play a significant role in the genesis of pyrolysis products. Rapid quenching will be used to quench pyrolysis while producing oily fractions with higher molecular weights. Mass spectrometry of gas-phase analytical methods will be explored to study biomass pyrolysis under realistic and industrially relevant conditions. Biomass kinetic parameters can be obtained and products can be analyzed and characterized. These two possibilities are of great interest in that kinetic parameters such as the reaction rate and the heat of reaction are essential in the design of a pyrolysis reactor. Also, by characterizing biomass pyrolysis product information, we can learn more about the components involved in this viable renewable energy source.
Hg can exist in various stable oxidation states in the environment. Notable among them are Hg (0) and Hg (II). Elemental mercury vapor, Hg (0) has residence time of approximately 6 - 12 months in the atmosphere. Hg (II) is highly soluble in aqueous media and can be readily transported to the Earth's surface from the atmosphere through atmospheric deposition (e.g. wet deposition such as rain or snow). Furthermore, it serves as a precursor for methyl mercury (HgCH3+), which eventually bioaccumulates in fishes and consequently becomes a risk for humans and wildlife alike. Therefore, the redox chemistry of mercury exerts significant impact on the distribution and transformation of Hg in various environmental compartments of the earth's surface. Previous studies indicate that light can control Hg redox reactions. This research will be designed to study the effect of light on Hg oxidation and reduction in aquatic systems. The focus will be first on the reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0). The effect of small molecular mass (LMM) organic acids and humic matter (humic acid, fulvic acid) on photochemical reduction of Hg(II) will be studied through lab simulation experiments. The ultimate aim of this research is to obtain the kinetics and reveal the mechanisms of photochemical redox of Hg in aquatic systems.
Previous research of giant Canada geese in the Upper Cumberland (UC) region of Tennessee involved social biology, movement patterns, aggression and dominance, and nesting ecology. A comprehensive study of the social biology of the UC flock, including all past observational and capture data, will provide additional information on resident geese that should assist in management of migratory geese. The availability of over ten years of capture and observation data provides a rare opportunity to study productivity mechanisms and lifetime reproductive success for certain individuals. Long-term data also will facilitate analysis of observed social bonds. This study will attempt to discern the origin of social bonds, degree of relatedness of pseudofamily members, and mate selection/reproductive effort in terms of pseudofamily and subflock association.
Industrialization has resulted in improving human living standards to a great extent. However, along with the improvements in living standards, pollution problems have also occurred. Our water supplies are a main issue of interest because pollution from both the atmosphere and soil eventually enters the aqueous phase by deposition and percolation respectively. Organic product contamination is one such problem.The removal of hazardous organic pollutants, such as, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (such as benzopyrene and dibenzoanthracene), pesticides (DDT, lindane), chlorinated aliphatic (chloroform, tetrachloromethane, trichloroethylene), pharmaceutical products (diclofenac, ibuprofen, carbamazepine), pollutants from mining, oil, and other related industries from waste water is a growing issue in environmental science and technology.Innovative methods for water remediation have been examined for removing contaminants from waste sites. Pulsed corona discharge (PCD) is a non-thermal plasma technology characterized by low gas temperatures and high electron temperatures. This technology has the potential of effective water decontamination and the capability of efficient removal or degradation of organic contaminants. Two key aspects (chemical and physical) exist during a pulsed corona discharge process, and are thought to occur simultaneously in synergism for direct or indirect degradation of organic compounds. The chemical aspect of the process, which is the main focus of this research, mainly involves the formation of various active radicals, such as, .OH. .H, .O, .O2 and .HO2 and active molecules, such as, H2O2 and O3 and their chemical reactions and pathways. All these active species and reactions involve a high oxidation potential to break the molecular bonds of organic contaminants; and, therefore, to lead to effective decontamination of water fluent.The group in Tennessee Technological University is focused on advancing the PCD technique for molecules larger than those being studied in the literature such as Phenol, Atrazine, Chlorophenol, etc. A combination of pH, conductivity, and physical aspects of the corona-generating system such as input power, frequency, and electrode distance, has been used to have physical aspects of the PCD.Using the fundamentals of organic chemistry with pulsed corona discharge principles, this research explores the degradation pathway of one of pharmaceutical products (diclofenac) in PCD using Q-TOF-MS and LC-MS-MS to identify the intermediate degradation products.
My research involves development of techniques to measure bioavailability of organic pollutants in aquatic environments. Our major approach is based on utilization of proteomic tools to identify differentially expressed proteins in aquatic organisms due to the presence of pollutants in the growth medium. Identification of differentially expressed proteins may be a direct indication of the bioavailability of the pollutants, may facilitate the development of new biosensors to detect bioavailability, and additionally may reveal the concealed impacts of the pollutants on the physiological processes of the organisms. We use microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model organism, and study the differences in its protein expressions as a response to triclosan, a commonly used antimicrobial compound found in many surface waters in trace amounts, present in the growth medium. The research plan involves growth of the alga in the presence and absence of triclosan in the medium, extraction and purification of proteins, 2-D electrophoresis, and mass spectrometric analysis of differently expressed protien.
Antimycin, an aquatic pesticide, was applied to 12.8 km of Lynn Camp Prong and its tributaries in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) during September 2008 to remove non-native rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss and restore a viable population of the native "Southern Appalachian" brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Chemical applications have become highly utilized fish removal and restoration tools and although antimycin is designed to minimize impacts to non-target species, benthic macroinvertebrate assessments are recommended, pre-and post-treatment, by National Park Service protocols (Moore 2008) to determine short- and long-term effects of antimycin application to aquatic macroinvertebrate communities.
The Barrens Plateau region of middle Tennessee harbors a number of unique and endemic aquatic species, including the Barrens darter (Etheostoma forbesi). The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency lists the Barrens darter as endangered; however, the Cookeville Field Office of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assessed the status of the Barrens darter during 2006 and chose not to recommend this fish be elevated to candidate status for Federal listing. This decision was based on the fact that this species has persisted, albeit in low numbers, across a number of sites during the period 1994 through 2004, with no apparent positive or negative trend in its status (Geoff Call, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, personal communication). However, surveys undertaken in 1994 (Madison 1995) and 2004 (Hansen et al. 2006) do not provide spatially explicit data concerning threats to Barrens darters, nor did the latter include an extensive sample of suitable habitat. Hansen et al. (2006) speculated that many suitable sites are situated upstream from previously sampled locales, and these sites should be visited to determine Barrens darter occupancy and better describe the extent of its distribution and abundance. The goal of the current research was to document the current distribution and abundance of the Barrens darter at most known historical collection localities and at additional localities within their potential range on the Barrens plateau.


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Soroptimist International of the Conejo has extended the deadline for accepting Women's Opportunity Award applications until February 10, 2013.
Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to go back to school can now obtain applications for the Women's Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist International of the Conejo's major service project. You can find an application at our website, http://www.siconejo.org or you can obtain a applications by contacting Paula Driscoll at 805-795-4865, or emailing her at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The deadline for submitting completed applications has been extended until February 10, 2013. Your completed application can be submitted by email to sia.conejoaward@gmail or mailed to P.O. Box 3634, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359.
Since 1972, the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards program has provided women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The award can be used for tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other education-related expense.
Soroptimist International of the Conejo will provide a $1,000 to $1,500 cash grant to its award recipient, who will then advance to the Soroptimist Camino Real Region level, where one recipient will receive $5,000. The program culminates with three finalist $10,000 awards.
Soroptimist International of The Conejo is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Chartered in 1981, the Conejo club is part of Soroptimist International where almost 90,000 Soroptimists in about 124 countries and territories and 3,000 clubs contribute time and financial support to community-based projects that benefit women.

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BOSTON -- So Mike D'Antoni, Kobe Bryant and everyone else wanted Dwight Howard to rush back. For this?
Talk about a pain in the shoulder.
The Lakers were trailing by 26 after three quarters to the hated Celtics, officially designating this as an embarrassment.
But whether it was punishment or conditioning, D'Antoni sent the fragile Howard back into this fiasco even though as Howard goes so go the Lakers' playoff chances.
The coaching staff thinks he's a big baby. But as much as Bryant needed Pau Gasol to arrive to win two more titles, he now needs Howard to be healthy and, maybe it's hard to believe, dominate.
Along the rocky way there will be all kinds of reports about who is happy and who is not, where Howard will play next season and ultimately whether Lakers fans care.
There will also be predictions of the end of the world if the Lakers struggle, so you know I'm getting ready to mention Magic.
As the leader of the rabble, it's usually up to Magic to set the agenda and speak the outlandish.
But Magic's priorities were a bit off Thursday. He was seemingly more interested in being with the president and tweeting about it than waxing crazy about the hapless Lakers.
So that left it to Shaq to sound ridiculous on behalf of former Lakers everywhere, and he let no one down.
Speaking on TNT before the game, the Big Hypocrite said: "The great players before us showed they can play through pain.
"My favorite clip in the world is Willis Reed walking through that tunnel [at Madison Square Garden in Game 7 of the Finals, 1970]. We have all played through pain. [Howard's] shoulder is not going to get any better. If you're so hurt all the time, stop smiling on the court."
What's smiling got to do with any of this?
But beyond that, isn't this the same guy who put off having toe surgery before the 2002-03 season, irritating Kobe to no end and leading to a disastrous 11-19 start to the season?
Shaq really has no right to ask someone to do whatever is necessary to help a team after routinely reporting out of shape to the Lakers.
James Worthy also let Howard have it on Times Warner Cable SportsNet, suggesting from 3,000 miles away that Howard wasn't mentally ready to play.
But then it's so easy to pound Howard because he's been nothing more than a pushover since arriving.
His body has not allowed him to perform as he would like. His back continues to hurt him. "Every day," he said after playing the Celtics.
He lost the nerves in his legs because of back surgery and he's undoubtedly going to feel pain again in his shoulder if smacked while trying to go up and score.
And yet, as broken down as he might be, he's near the top in several NBA categories that measure a center's effectiveness.


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Playstation 4 Watch Dogs with Optional 3 or 12 Months PlayStation Plus
- Was
- Was £55.00 to £99.00
- Now
- Now £55.00 to £95.00
- Save Up To £4.00
- Pre-order
0 review
- Delivery
- Delivery by 27 May
Pre-order for release on 27/05/14.
Take on the role of a genius hacker to track down those who hurt your family and explore incredible online action in Watch Dogs for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Plus membership.
We all live in a world where each connection we make online leaves a digital trail that tracks our every move and milestone, our every like and dislike.
Now take on the role of genius hacker Aiden Pearce in the hunt for those who have hurt your family, using the latest technology to monitor and control all who surround you by manipulating everything connected to the city's network.
Access omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control traffic lights and public transportation to stop the enemy and more. Use the incredibly realistic city of Chicago as your ultimate weapon and exact your own style of revenge.
Watch Dogs takes place in an open-world environment where you can use your smartphone to take real time control over the city's infrastructure. Trap your enemy in a 30-car pileup by manipulating the traffic lights. Stop a train, and then board it to evade the authorities. Narrowly escape capture by quickly raising a drawbridge. Anything connected to the city can become your weapon.
But you can't fight every battle with you phone – sometimes you'll have to take down enemies by delivering devastating blows with your baton or a gun.
By joining the PS Plus network you can experience awesome multiplayer action, download games and get access to exclusive discounts. Just choose the package that suits you from the drop down box above.
Age from 18 years.
Playstation 4 Infamous Second Son with 3 or 12 Months PSN
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- Was £49.00 to £130.00
- Now
- Now £49.00 to £124.00
- Save Up To £6.00
- In Stock
2 reviews
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Experience incredible online entertainment and awesome superpowered action with Infamous: Second Son for PlayStation 4 with PlayStation Plus membership.
Immerse yourself in the world of graffiti artist Delsin Rowe, who suddenly discovers he has mysterious powers to control smoke after witnessing a bus crash in his home city of Seattle.
When 'privacy' becomes invasive and the authorities abuse their power, a new kind of hero – and Delsin must discover that he is the man to take on the sinister Department of Unified Protection and its plans to control the US population.
Delsin must go on a journey of discovery to find out that he is the kind of hero that wields such fantastic powers that they turn him into a living, breathing human weapon.
Infamous: Second Son features a huge open world environment and there's plenty of battling to be done, starting with the chain wrapped around his arm as his main melee weapon and controlling smoke. But Delsin will soon learn that his powers stretch much further than that...
It's also available as part of a great value PS4 console bundle – see item number 3NVHD.
By joining the Play station Plus network you can experience awesome multiplayer action, download games and get access to exclusive discounts. Just choose the package that suits you from the drop down box above.
Age from 16 years.
Playstation 4 Battlefield 4 with 3 or 12 Months PSN
- Price
- £49.00 to £89.00
- In Stock
1 review
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With online access and awesome destructible environments, Battlefield 4 for PlayStation 4 with PlayStation Plus lets you fight the battle your way.
Fuelled by the next-generation power of Frostbite 3, Battlefield 4 provides a visceral, dramatic experience unlike any other. Demolish the buildings shielding your enemy, lead an assault from the back of a gun boat and much more.
In addition to its hallmark multi-player, you also get an intense, character-driven campaign that starts with the evacuation of American VIPs from Shanghai and follows your squad's struggle to find its way home. There is no comparison – immerse yourself in the glorious chaos of all-out war.
By joining the Playstation Plus network you can experience awesome multiplayer action, download games and get access to exclusive discounts. Just choose the package that suits you from the drop down box above.
Age from 18 years.
Playstation 4 FIFA 14 with Optional 3 or 12 Months PSN and £35 PSN Card
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- Was £49.00 to £129.00
- Now
- Now £49.00 to £124.00
- Save Up To £5.00
- In Stock
0 review
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Get ready for a new level of challenges and incredible game play with FIFA 14 for PlayStation 4.
Test your knowledge of the game in every area as you look for the players to put together a winning team and prepare the tactics to take on your next opponent.
Build your ultimate team of football stars by earning, buying, selling and trading players and items within the FIFA community. Create, manage and compete with multiple squads in new competitions each week.
FIFA 14 introduces the new Real Ball Physics and Pure Shot features that make your attempts on goal more realistic than ever before. Your players will adjust their stride to get off a good shot when the opportunity presents itself but if the chance comes when they are off-balance, the accuracy and strength of their shot will be compromised – just like real life.
You also get improved team-mate intelligence that ensures defenders stay close to their opponents in a bid to limit their opportunities, while keeping an eye out for a counterattacking opportunity. A new variable first touch makes dribbling with the ball even more of an art, while shielding the ball is more lifelike than ever.
The improved Career mode also makes player scouting more realistic than ever, letting you develop your scouting network and assess players on their attributes.
For the first time fans will feel the electricity of a living stadium as the emotions of new 3D crowds rise and fall around the stories on the pitch.
You can also use the new EA Sports Football Club app for iPhone and Android smartphone to manage your squad, search live auctions and bid to win new players.
Age from 3 years.
Take on an unlimited array of platform-racing challenges in the unreal world of Trials Fusion. Using your skills to traverse across obstacle laden, ramp ridden courses, you must strive to set track records against the best Trials players around the globe. Whether you're racing alone, with friends, or in a global tournament, competition is always around you.
And racing on official courses is just the beginning. A rich world of custom courses built by some of the most creative and skilled content creators in gaming awaits those who are continually searching for a new, insane track to conquer. And with long-term support of fresh features and content, the Trials experience will continue to expand and challenge players in new and exhilarating ways. Age from 12 years.
Playstation 4 Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn Collectors Edition
- Price
- £55.00
- In Stock
0 review
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Enter the realm of Eorzea with players from around the world in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn for PlayStation 4.
Massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) for PlayStation 4 that invites you to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world. Form a party and adventure with a multitude of players from across the globe. Forge friendships, mount chocobos, and board airships as you and your companions create your own unique stories in Eorzea. Set out alone or enlist the aid of friends as you undertake epic quests, battle familiar Final Fantasy monsters, and acquire unique abilities and equipment.
Key features: All the hallmarks of the Final Fantasy franchise, including an engaging storyline, genre-leading graphics and HD real-time cut scenes. A unique Armoury system that allows you to change to any of the nineteen different classes simply by changing your equipment. Develop your character however you want, anyway, anytime, anywhere. Experience dynamic events with the introduction of the Full Active Time Events system (F.A.T.E.). Take part in open world events and help shape the world around you. Incredible new graphics engine that delivers a high level of detail and quality. Breath-taking musical score by renowned Final Fantasy series composers.
PS4 features: Now in full HD (1080p) and able to display hundreds of characters on screen, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn delivers a truly beautiful and smooth gaming experience. With Remote Play open up your gaming experience with the high quality graphics at home or on the move...Age from 16 years.
Playstation 4 Assassin's Creed: Unity
- Price
- £55.00
- Pre-order
0 reviewAssassin's Creed: Unity is the fifth major chapter in the Assassin's Creed franchise and the first built exclusively for advanced-generation consoles.
- Delivery
- Delivery by 21 November
Welcome to Redview County, where a street-racing rivalry between cops and racers never stops as both sides compete in an all-out war featuring the fastest cars, mods and technology in a gritty open road environment. Play as either a cop or racer, where each side of the law has its own set of high stakes challenges, rewards and consequences. Risk everything in the ultimate high stakes rivalry.
High-Stakes Rivalry: Racers are lone wolves out for their own glory; driving agile cars built for high speed racing and epic chases. Cops work in teams to hunt down and bust racers using the full power of the police force. Each side has their own unique set of cars, technology, play styles and careers. Switch sides to get that car you need, the tech you want, and the role you crave in a progression system built for each side. Watch the stakes grow through a new gambling scoring system that lets the racer wager their speed points to shoot for higher multipliers and greater rewards, or bank their speed points safely when they return to a hideout.
All Drive: New in Need for Speed Rivals, All Drive erases the line between single player and multi-player gameplay. In All Drive you and your friends seamlessly join each other's games. My race and your race become our race. Friends or Rivals, online or offline, the choice is yours. Paths will cross as races and pursuits collide, creating a world where no two moments or events will ever be the same.
Your Car, Your Identity: Power up your car with the latest performance upgrades and technology, and personalize your car with fresh paintjobs, liveries, custom license plates, rims, and decals to show off your style to your friends and rivals.
Age from 12 years.
Playstation 4 Lego The Hobbit with Free Downloadable Content and Optional 3 or 12 Months PSN
- Price
- £55.00 to £95.00
- In Stock
1 review
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Adventure awaits in Middle Earth as you Join Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves in their quest to defeat the dragon in Lego The Hobbit for PlayStation 4.
From the makers of the hugely popular Lego The Lord of the Rings, this brilliant game has been inspired by the first 2 films in The Hobbit Trilogy: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. Join Bilbo as he leaves the comfort of the Shire on a journey through Middle Earth to help the Dwarves reclaim their lost Kingdom of Erebor within the Lonely Mountain.
Visit key locations from the films, join in fun treasure quests, mine for gems, discover loot and craft powerful magical items or build immense new Lego structures. Play as your favourite characters like Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves. Collect, combine and forge new items in the blacksmith shop. For even more fun you can even play with family and friends using wireless play!
Pre order now for Free downloadable content.
The Side Quest Character Pack lets you take control of exciting new characters including a Lego Big Figure River Troll or Girion, a brave Lord of Dale. The noble Thranduilís elk will offer you transport wherever you desire, or you can charge into battle with the fearless Dwarf soldier. Ever wonder what a Wizard does on his day off. Enjoy the simpler pleasures in life with Saruman's Day Off.
By joining the Playstation Plus network you can experience awesome multiplayer action, download games and get access to exclusive discounts. Just choose the package that suits you from the drop down box above.
Age from 7 years.
Playstation 4 Call of Duty Ghosts with Optional 3 or 12 Months PlayStation Plus
- Price
- £49.00 to £124.00
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
Call of Duty: Ghosts with Playstation Plus lets you take the fight for supremacy online.
The latest instalment in the Call of Duty franchise is clearly a labour of love, with the amazing detail that has gone into every frame to create a superbly lifelike field of combat, from sunlight falling through thick jungle foliage to coral reefs rich with marine creatures.
For the first time, you take on the underdog role – outnumbered and outgunned, players must fight to reclaim a fallen nation in an intensely personal narrative. Gamers will get to know an entirely new cast of characters and visit locales in a changed world unlike anything seen in Call of Duty before.
In the new Create-A-Soldier system, you can change the physical appearance of your soldier by choosing the head, body type, head-gear and equipment – even their gender.
The Call of Duty: Ghosts multi-player options include new dynamic maps and fresh tactical player movements.
The new squad mode lets you build your team and take up to 6 of them into battle, combining the best parts of the multi-player experience but allowing you to play either solo or co-operatively with the custom soldiers created and leveled up in multi-player.
By joining the Playstation Plus network you can experience awesome multiplayer action, download games and get access to exclusive discounts. Just choose the package that suits you from the drop down box above.
Age from 16 years.
Powered by EA Sports Ignite, Madden NFL 25 ushers in the next generation of sports games delivering 10 times more detail than any game in the franchise's 25 year history. Players think and anticipate in the trenches and across the field. Every step is calculated to showcase the most realistic player movement ever, and the emotion of Sunday is brought to life like never before with living sidelines, rich commentary, and thunderous crowds. Madden NFL 25 changes the game forever. See it. Feel it. Live it.
Features See It Next Generation Definition, with 10 times the visual detail, Madden NFL has never looked so real. See every nuance of a player's face, equipment, and clothing as the line blurs between the players in the game and their real-life counterparts. Feel It Brains & Brawn. All-new Player Sense unlocks the human element in Madden NFL. For the first time, players scan the field, anticipate situations before they happen, and manoeuvre with instincts and awareness.
Live It Madden Living World, In Madden NFL 25, feel the anxiety of the crowd as you step up to the line on 4th and goal. Watch your teammates and coaches erupt with excitement as you blaze down the sideline for a game-changing score. Hear the most intelligent commentary in franchise history, as Simms and Nantz recall everything about your career- all your injuries, all your stats, all your accolades.
Playstation 4 Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes
- Was
- Was £32.00
- Now
- Now £24.00
- Save £8.00
- In Stock
7 reviews
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Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes acts as a prologue to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and takes place one year after the events of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Assuming control of the legendary Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss), players are charged with the infiltration of Camp Omega where both Paz and Chico are held. The hostages hold key information concerning Snake and his private military organisation that Snake and his ally Kaz Miller must prevent from being exposed. Ground Zeroes charts the rescue and the subsequent fallout that leads into the beginning of the The Phantom Pain.
Ground Zeroes also acts as a bridge between previous Metal Gear Solid titles, easing players into the vaunted open world of MGSV. Features:The power of fox engine. Ground Zeroes showcases Kojima Productions. Open World design. The first title to offer open world gameplay. Ground Zeroes offers total freedom of play: How missions are undertaken is entirely down to the user. Unrestricted stealh. Imagine gameplay but with no restrictions or boundaries. Players use intelligence and cerebral strategy to sneak their way through entire missions, or go in all guns blazing. Each will have different effects on game consequences and advancement. Multiple missions and tasks.
Boasts a central story mode and additional side-missions ranging from tactical action, aerial assaults and covert stages that will be sure to surprise. Redesigned interface. Users will benefit from a clean in-game HUD that shows the minimal amount of on-screen data to give a more intense gaming experience. Various in-game weather settings. Will also test the player in a variety of time and weather environments that will be central to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Use night conditions to your advantage.


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The new entry level Porsche Macan, shown alongside the new Boxster and Cayman GTS at the...
Lotus has received permission from IndyCar to move forward with modified parts as it has been deficient to both Chevrolet and Honda in the first half of the season.
The changes, while not specified to the public, will be tested for the first time on July 2 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Many will be in effect for the July 8 race in Toronto.
Per IndyCar's new rules, engine manufacturers are permitted to request updates in mid-June and at the end of the season if they are more than 2.5 percent behind the standard bearer. In this case, Lotus is that far behind both Chevrolet and Honda with its one car, driven by Simona De Silvestro of HVM Racing.
Lotus is fielding a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged engine.
IndyCar isn't required to approve the changes, and the process of gathering information about the timing of implementation and specific parts took about 10 days. IndyCar then informed Chevrolet and Honda officials of the changes that will go into new engines only.
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Combination weight:
Up to 100 tonnes
400, 440, 480, 500, 520 hp
Day cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL
Volvo FM
Volvo FMX
Volvo FH
Volvo FH16
The Volvo FH16 can be made to suit the most varying transport tasks. The chassis is available in different heights, types of suspension system, braking system and peripheral equipment.
There are three different chassis heights for tractors and rigids:
The low chassis is intended for bulk transport on good roads with all-round air suspension. A medium height suits trucks with low front axles in combination with either front leaf or front air suspension. High is intended for trucks working with heavy construction and for trucks with leaf suspension.


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March 30, 2012 - Sustainable Endowments Endowments Institute announces suspension
of College Sustainability Report Card program. Learn More
GreenReportCard.org is the first website to provide in-depth sustainability profiles for more than 300 colleges in all 50 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces. See the Results
Popular Lists:
Best Overall Grades | Largest Endowments | Big Ten | Ivy League
College Sustainability Report Card Suspended
The College Sustainability Report Card is a free public service and there is no cost to access full contents of this website. We need your help to keep this important resource active and up-to-date.
Select a school, and find out more about its practices:
See school grades in a geographic region and link to their full Report Card profiles.
Explore the Map
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schools at the same time.
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than 300 schools.
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Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
SOURCE Cytos Biotechnology
ZURICH, February 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd (SIX:CYTN) today presented its full year 2013 financial results.
Full year consolidated financial figures 2013:
Balance sheet
Funds available for financing the Company's operations amount to CHF 40.00 million as per December 31, 2013, and include cash and cash equivalents, financial assets and trade and other receivables. This is CHF 11.35 million higher than on December 31, 2012 (CHF 28.65 million). This net change is composed of a cash increase of CHF 31.23 million due to funds raised in the form of equity (CHF 24.60 million) and debt (CHF 6.63 million) as well as a payment of CHF 1.00 million from a collaboration partner and other payments of CHF 0.20 million. Cash decreased by CHF 1.10 million due to share capital issuance costs as well as funds (CHF 19.98 million) mainly spent on ongoing operating activities - in particular, the global clinical Phase 2b trial with CYT003 in allergic asthma.
As of December 31, 2013, convertible bonds with a nominal value of CHF 13.17 million are issued and outstanding, i.e. not held by the Company. These convertible bonds are due for repayment at 150% of par in February 2015 unless they are converted into equity. In 2013 the conversion price was reduced from CHF 7.71 to CHF 7.32 per share due to the anti-dilution clause. The current conversion price is subject to further reduction on certain conditions. Furthermore, convertible loan notes with a nominal value of CHF 13.25 million are issued and outstanding per December 2013. They become due for repayment in February 2015 unless they are converted into equity. In 2013 the conversion price was reduced from CHF 2.244 to CHF 2.13 per share due to the anti-dilution clause. The current conversion price is subject to further reduction on certain conditions.
Revenues decreased from CHF 1.10 million in 2012 to CHF 1.00 million in 2013. In 2012 the revenue stemmed from license fees from Novartis of CHF 1.00 million and revenue from a technology transfer of CHF 0.10 million. In 2013 the revenue derived solely from license fees from Novartis.
Cash burn
The gross cash burn for operating activities, as calculated on the cashflow statement, increased from CHF 1.10 million in 2012 to CHF 1.68 million in 2013 on average per month.
Financial summary (IFRS, consolidated)
(in CHF million) Results 2013 Results 2012 Revenue 1.0 1.1 Net operating cost (24.3) (14.6) Operating loss (23.3) (13.5) Net loss (30.8) (9.3) Net loss per share (in CHF) (1.32) (0.57) 31.Dezember 31. Dezember (in CHF million) 2013 2012 Cash, cash equivalents, financial assets & trade and other receivables 40.0 28.7 Full-time equivalents (number) 28.7 21
Full year statutory financial figures 2013:
Financial summary (statutory)
(in CHF million) Results 2013 Results 2012 Revenue 1.0 1.1 Total operating expenses (42.7) (20.6) Operating loss (41.7) (19.5) Other income 2.0 6.5 Net loss (44.5) (15.7) December 31, December 31, (in CHF million) 2013 2012 Total assets 47.6 54.6 Total liabilities 50.4 37.3 Shareholder's equity (2.8) 17.3
The full financial statements can be found on http://www.cytos.com/reports-and-presentations.
Conference call on Thursday, February 13, 2014, 3 pm - 4 pm CET
Participants are kindly asked to call the following numbers 10 - 15 minutes before Conference schedule.
Participant Dial-in numbers for conference call:
+41(0)58-310-50-00 (Europe)
About Cytos Biotechnology Ltd
Cytos is a public biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of targeted immuno-therapies. The Company's lead product candidate CYT003 is a novel, first-in-class, immune modulator in Phase 2 clinical development as a potential new treatment for asthma.
CYT003 has a novel mechanism of action that inhibits the immune response that causes asthma, and may therefore be beneficial for the control of asthma. In a successfully completed Phase 2a study, CYT003 was shown to maintain asthma control and lung function in patients with persistent allergic asthma, despite withdrawal of standard therapy with inhaled corticosteroids.
CYT003 has been shown to have a good safety and tolerability profile in more than 450 individuals receiving the active agent so far. Cytos was founded in 1995 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. It is located in Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland. The Company is listed according to the Main Standard on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd under the symbol CYTN.
Forward Looking Statements
This media release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are urged to consider statements that include the words "will" or "expect" or the negative of those words or other similar words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements include scientific, business, economic and financial factors, including that CYT003 may not demonstrate safety or efficacy in clinical trials, that there may be delays in development or that CYT003 may not receive marketing approval, and that the Company relies on outside financing to meet capital requirements, which may not be available under acceptable terms or at all. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility for updating forward-looking statements or adapting them to future events or developments.
For further information, please contact:
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd
Harry Welten
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +41(0)44-733-46-46
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
US Investor enquiries
Susan A. Noonan
Tel: +1(212)966-3650
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


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Youth Michael Jordan jersey. Size 14-16 $35
Brand new Brian Urlacher jersey size XL. $50
Chicago Bears floppy hat. Brand new. $10
Chicago Bears velcro wallet. $5
Chicago Blackhawks iPhone 5c otterbox. $30 + free chicago Bears & Batman iPhone 5c cases.
Chicago Cubs zippo lighter. $30
Chicago Cubs full size flag. Blue w/red logo. $15
$130 takes everything.
local pickup only
Mar 11 -
Chicago :
Des Plaines - Sporting goods
We'll be sending text message alerts for your subscription to


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ReLoad™ Recycled Golf Balls - 12-Pack
A golf ball is more likely to be lost than worn out. With so many golf balls going astray, it makes environmental and economic sense for players to reuse them. This 12-pack features a variety of quality recycled golf balls. Makes a great gift for the golfer!
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1 reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by jhall201234 Excellent Golf Balls These are excellent golf balls. The delivery was in a timely manner. Excellent customer service. September 7, 2010
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red or black numbers, i.e. 90 or 100 compression
3 years, 9 months ago
A:In the olden days the red numbers were 90 and the black numbers were 100. This does not apply anymore. The Pro V1 is softer with black numbers and Pro V1x has red numbers and firmer. Many of the balls designed for the average player are probably in the 65-75 compression range.
3 years, 3 months ago
- Ft. Myers, Florida(read all my Q&A)
A:100 Compression
3 years, 7 months ago
- Bath, MI(read all my Q&A)
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Details: http://archive.org/details/mainecommunitytvarchives
List of Submissions: http://archive.org/search.php?query=collection%3Amainecommunitytvarchives&sort=-publicdate
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CTAM-Archive-Project/184144901703421
Through the generous support from the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine State Archives, the Community Television Association of Maine (CTAM) has received grant funds to begin an exciting, new archival project.
An invitation is being extended to all community television stations in Maine to participate by submitting existing video of historical events and topics unique to local people and places which will be cataloged and preserved on archive.org. Through archive.org these materials can be accessed from a centralized data base from anywhere there is an internet connection with a few key search terms. This will be a valuable resource for individuals, groups, schools, genealogists and all those who wish to research and preserve the local community history and culture.
Belfast Community Television has been selected as the site where this project will be coordinated by Archivist, Anne Allee with technical oversight by Ned Lightner, Station Manager.
Inquiries are welcome at firstname.lastname@example.com
Programs for submission should be sent in DVD format to:
CTAM Archive Project
c/o Belfast Community Media
93 Main Street
Suite 3
Belfast,ME 04915
Download the following PDF files for more information:
Special Note: The PDF and Excel spread sheet files containing listings of community television access centers in Maine have been removed from this resources page as we are now maintaining this listing in an expanded form as an interactive database that may be updated at any time by authorized access center managers. Please visit the Centers page to display a searchable and sortable listing from which you may generate your own customized PDF file. You may also wish to visit the Contact page to obtain a listing of e-mail addresses for Maine access centers and the Links page for a listing of centers with websites.
If you are an access center manager and you have not yet registered as a CTAM website user, please do so as soon as possible so that we may then authorize you to update your center's contact and other information. You can even add your center's logo and a photo to be displayed with along with your center's detailed information.
It started pretty simply. The Maine show "Second Act" was being produced, but had lost the sponsor for distributing the DVD's, so an alternative was needed. That was the first step.
Then there were other Maine shows that needed distribution as well. Soon it became the "Rockport Distribution Initiative", duping and mailing DVD's for a number of Maine shows.
But that got to be lots of work and lots of expense, so we tried electronic distribution. The time seemed to be right. Download speeds had increased and lots of content was available. Very quickly the DVD's were outmoded and electronic distribution via an FTP site took over completely. Soon most of the stations in Maine that showed outside content were participating.
And then it turned out that there were stations and producers outside of Maine who also wanted to participate. To automate the process and to make it more useful, a web site www.pegmedia.org was created on top of the FTP site to be the entry portal.
The PegMedia.org site was not intended to be the end all site for PEG distribution. It's a simple implementation. There are several other sites around the country under development and the PegMedia site might consolidate into one or more of those down the road. But for now, it's working, it's growing, and it seems to be pretty effective.
If you're community station, we welcome you to take a look at www.pegmedia.org and join if you'd like. It's free to stations and producers. And if you know of other stations in Maine or elsewhere who might be interested, please help get the word out.
It's that time of year when many people are thinking about gardening. Gardeners and those who dream of being gardeners love gardening programs.
On PegMedia, we have several gardening programs which might be great for broadcasting this time of year. They include:
New Addition: Garden Thyme http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/149/detail
Coastal Gardens http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/34/detail
Gardenwise http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/40/detail
Gardening Rhythms http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/228/detail
Emilys Garden http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/654/detail
Take a look and maybe give some a try!
Most South Africans will remember Nelson Mandela with a smile. They fondly call him by his clan name "Madiba". More than any other figure, he shaped the history of the new South Africa. In 1994, after spending almost three decades in prison, he became the first elected black president.
Deutsche Welle looks back at one of the world's most cherished leaders and bids Nelson Mandela farewell in a special 43-minute edition of our "In Focus" documentary series.
Please note that this program is not the usual half-hour format.
In Focus: Nelson Mandela
Location: www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall/574/detail
File: InFocus_Special_Mandela_12062013.mpg
Producer: Deutsche Welle
Length: 43:00


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In honor of J.S. Bach's 329th birthday, Ovation Press presents an arrangement of five of the composer's immortal Chorales by Hans Erik Deckert
Antonin Dvořák and George Gershwin... two composers from two different lands and two different time periods, though perhaps with more similarities than differences. In this latest release, editor Valter Dešpalj has masterfully arranged works by these two for the cello: Dvořák's Rondo and Gershwin's The Man I Love for cello octet.
Editor Amy Barlowe has brought one of the more popular sonatas by Italian baroque composer Domenico Scarlatti to strings. Check out Scarlatti's Sonata in G Major transcribed for Violin and Viola.
Danish musician and self-taught composer Lene Holt Nielsen comes to Ovation Press with a unique arrangement that speaks to the idea of expression. Check out Tribute for Cello Sextet today!
Besides fireworks, there is perhaps no more iconic representation of American independence than the Liberty Bell. We invite you to celebrate this year's 4th of July holiday weekend with editor Stephen Watkins' fantastic cello ensemble arrangement of John Philip Sousa's Liberty Bell.
Though we're clear of winter, Charles Jacot has sought fit to leave us with a little reminder of what many of us experience in the months between December and March via the Debussy prelude Footsteps in the Snow for cello quartet.


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Always Write
Just a quick note that, today (Dec 17) only, Amazon offers its Kindle for just $49 with free shipping. That is an amazing price for a new Kindle!
Yes, it is the entry-level model, without the built-in light or the touchscreen, and it does have Amazon's "special offers," but for this price it's still a great deal for an e-reader for yourself or as a gift.
Pick it up direct from Amazon here — but remember, the sale is today only. Tomorrow it will be back to $69.
Today Amazon announced their latest-generation e-reader, the "All-New Kindle Paperwhite," starting at $119.
I'm not really sure about the name. First of all, it's not exactly "all new," although that's not necessarily a bad thing, since the Kindle has been refined over time and is a pretty great e-Ink-based e-reader. I guess Amazon didn't want to name it the "Kindle Paperwhite 2″ or the "Kindle 6," as it's the second Kindle generation to include the side lighting system, and the sixth Kindle generation overall.
In any event, what is new about the All-New Kindle Paperwhite is:
- 50% Improved Contrast with E-Ink Carta (whiter white background and darker blacks)
- 25% Faster Processor (for faster page turns)
- A "Next Generation" lighting system (lit from the side, not the back, so it's easier on your eyes)
The specs, which are similar to the previous model, are:
- 6″ e-Ink Carta display, 212 ppi
- 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″ (169 mm x 117 mm x 9.1 mm)
- 7.3 ounces (206 grams) — "30% lighter than an iPad Mini"
- 2 GB internal storage (about 1,100 books)
- Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
- Battery lasts about 8 weeks (Wi-Fi off and reading for 30 minutes per day)
It is available with "Special Offers" for $119 (with free shipping), or without them for $139, and ships September 30.
Also coming soon is the version that also includes 3G wireless connectivity (in addition to Wi-Fi), coming November 5 for $189.
It looks to me like a solid, although not necessarily game-changing update to a very successful product. Better contrast (which was already excellent starting with the Kindle 3 and getting better from there) is always welcome, as is the faster processor. If any readers get their hands on one, please leave me your hands-on experiences in the comments below. Thanks!
UPDATE: The new e-Ink display technology used by the new Kindle is called "E-Ink Carta." According to E-Ink:
"E Ink Carta delivers a dramatic 50% increase in contrast over earlier generations of ePaper, giving eReaders a contrast ratio close to that of a paperback book. The crisp text and detailed graphics are also highly readable in direct sunlight. Carta's 16 levels of grey produce the sharpest rendering of images with smooth tones and rich detail."
From now until July 18, the Kobo Mini e-reader is on sale for just $39.99 here. That's not much more than a hardcover book!
The Kobo Mini comes with a 5″ e-Ink touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, 2GB of memory, and 1 month of battery life. The 5″ screen is smaller than the 6″ e-Ink screens on the Kindles and Nooks, but that makes for a very small and light e-reader, weighing in at just 4.73 ounces (much lighter than a hardcover, or even most paperbacks).
The year-end totals for 2012 e-book sales are in the books (har, har), and the results are net revenues of $1.54 billion ($1,540M), an increase of 41% over 2011 figures. (Note that means that 2011 figures actually surpassed $1 billion, even though they were reported just under that figure a year ago. The AAP figures always seem to be adjusted upwards over time, presumably adding late-reporting sales.) While a 41% increase is nothing to sneeze at, it is a marked slowdown compared to the triple-digit growth rates of the previous three years:
- 2003: $6.0M (185.7% increase)
- 2004: $9.3M (55.0% increase)
- 2005: $16.0M (72.0% increase)
- 2006: $25.2M (57.5% increase)
- 2007: $31.7M (25.8% increase)
- 2008: $61.3M (93.4% increase)
- 2009: $169.5M (176.5% increase)
- 2010: $441.3M (160.4% increase)
- 2011: $1,092.2M (147.5% increase)
- 2012: $1,540.0M (41.0% increase)
Print books did better than expected, but still declined slightly, from about $5,338M to about $5,289M. Buoyed by the growth in e-books, overall publisher revenues increased 6.2%, from about $6,431M to $6,829M.
E-books accounted for 22.55% of publisher revenue in 2012, a moderate increase from 16.98% in 2011. For comparison, e-book revenue as a percentage of the total was only 0.05% in 2002, increasing as a percentage by almost 500x in a decade:
- 2002: 0.05%
- 2003: ???
- 2004: ???
- 2005: ???
- 2006: 0.50%
- 2007: ???
- 2008: 1.18%
- 2009: 3.17%
- 2010: 8.32%
- 2011: 16.98%
- 2012: 22.55%
It seems clear that the days of e-book sales doubling and tripling are over, based on these 2012 figures, the fact that December sales grew even slower than overall 2012 sales (up only 20% from Dec 2011), and the fact that nothing can double or triple forever, especially as a percentage of overall sales.
So, how did I do on my predictions from a year ago? Back then (when 2011 sales figures came in), I predicted that:
Of course, nothing can double forever, and my early prediction is that 2012 e-book sales will fail to double from this year's numbers — maybe up 50% or so to about $1,500M (one and a half billion).
With the actual figure coming in at $1,540M, that means my prediction was within 3% of the actual number … just like my prediction for 2011 sales made two years ago. =)
Note: between an all-encompassing "day job" and the arrival of our first child last month, I haven't had nearly enough time to keep up with publishing industry trends or e-book sales stats as I used to — let alone having time to then blog about those things. But I'll go ahead and keep up the tradition and make a prediction for 2013 e-book sales anyway: based on the lack of innovation in e-readers (yes, we have lighted e-readers, but no color or flexible screens yet) and the saturation of the market, I predict that e-book sales will continue to slow their rate of increase, perhaps increasing another 20-25% over this year's sales figures, which would put 2013 e-book sales between $1.75 and $2 billion.
The newest Kindle (Kindle 5?), called the Kindle Paperwhite, came out a couple of weeks ago, and from all the reviews I've seen, it's a big hit.
The main new feature is the side-lit e-Ink display, which allows for reading at night or in low light, while still retaining the easy-on-the-eyes nature of e-Ink and ability to be read in direct sunlight. Reviews also say the lighting is more even than the similar Nook Glowlight, and that it noticeably improves the contrast of the display (Amazon says by 25%), because it makes the greyish background look more white. In the pics and videos I've seen of it so far, that was the first thing I noticed — the effect seems pretty dramatic. The display is also higher resolution (212 ppi vs. 167 ppi, or 62% more pixels) than the previous e-Ink Pearl screen used in the last two Kindle generations.
The Kindle Paperwhite is available in both Wi-Fi and WiFi + 3G flavors:
- Kindle Wi-Fi (with "special offers"): $119
- Kindle Wi-Fi (without "special offers"): $139
- Kindle Wi-Fi + 3G (with "special offers"): $179
- Kindle Wi-Fi + 3G (without "special offers"): $199
The new Kindle weighs 7.5 oz, or 7.8 oz for the 3G version, either of which are comfortable enough to easily hold in one hand. (For comparison, the Kindle 4, now just called the "Kindle," weighs 5.98 oz and is available for just $69. The Kindle 3, known as the "Kindle Keyboard," weighs 8.7 oz and comes with 3G for $139.)
While the new Kindle is impressive, and is probably a must-have for anyone who likes reading at night, it does lose some features from earlier models. Obviously, there is no physical keyboard, which Amazon went away from with the last generation Kindle Touch, but everything is accomplished through the touchscreen — including typing on a touchscreen keyboard and tapping or swiping on the screen to turn pages when reading. It also only has 2GB of storage (down from 4GB), although that is still enough to hold a thousand books or so, and Amazon will back up all your purchases in their "cloud" for free, so it's not much of a limitation. The newest Kindle also removes the speakers and headphone jack, and thus is unable to play text-to-speech, which is a deal-breaker for some people. It comes with a USB cable (which you can plug into your computer to charge the device), but if you want a power outlet adapter, that's an extra $10 now. (Again, if any of these limitations bothers you, the Kindle Keyboard is still available.)
The battery life is supposed to be excellent — 8 weeks even with the light on (at 30 minutes per day). All the reviews I've seen have reported that the battery life is excellent — you'll probably only need to charge it once a month or less.
The software on the new Kindle Paperwhite is a big departure from the simple, text-based lists that dominated the older Kindle user experience. The user interface is much more "tablet-like," with a scrollable list of book covers, and a strip of menus across the top. Everything is accomplished using the touch screen, including adjusting the strength of the light (in 24 steps, from very dim to quite bright), selecting a book to read, shopping in the Kindle Store, or tapping and holding on a word to bring up options to search that word in the built-in dictionary, look it up on Wikipedia, or even have it translated. While the addition of cover art to the home screen seems like a welcome change and an easier way to browse books, Amazon does place a strip of "Suggested Books" or "Bestselling Books" at the bottom of the display — and this is in addition to the "Special Offers" below that if you opted for the cheaper model — which shows that Amazon is selling Kindles and Kindle Fires at very aggressive prices partially in the hopes that users will buy lots of stuff from their excellent and expanding content ecosystem, including Kindle Books and newspapers, as well as videos and songs and apps for the Kindle Fire.
In any event, it looks like a solid offering from Amazon. While it came out later than Nook's Glowlight model, every review I've seen has praised the Kindle Paperwhite's lighting system as superior to the Glowlight's, so those of you who like to read at night will probably be glad you waited.
Do you have a Kindle Paperwhite? Please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts about it in the comments below.
Sorry I haven't had time to post much lately … just way too much going on with the day job and another (non-fiction) writing project I'm working on.
This is just a quick post to highlight what I thought was an interesting interview by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon (and inventor of the Kindle). A few highlights:
LE: How has the Kindle changed your own personal reading habits?
JB: I think like a lot of our Kindle customers, the biggest thing is that I end up reading more. So, it's just easier to read more. I can have more books with me.
LE: What do you think will be the same five to seven years or further out about the way we read, never mind how the technology advances?
JB: I think one thing that you can count on is that human nature doesn't change. The human brain doesn't change. And so one thing that seems to be very, very fundamental is that we like narrative. We like stories. So I don't think that any amount of eBook technology is going to change the fact that we humans like narrative.
LE: Do you think the appeal of purpose-driven eReaders is likely to diminish as the all-purpose devices get better and better at reading?
JB: No. I think that for serious readers, there will always be a place for a purpose-built reading device, because I think you'll be able to build a device which is lighter, which matters a lot to people, has better readability if what you're doing is reading text. You know, as soon as you have to make a device do a bunch of things, it becomes suboptimal for doing the one thing. … Can you go hiking in tennis shoes? Yes, but if you're a real hiker you might want hiking boots. And so both things, I think, will continue to coexist.
LE: What conviction, personally for you, do you hold onto to avoid wilting under the criticism that comes your way, specifically in the publishing arena?
JB: What I hold onto and what I tell our folks here at Amazon is, if you're going to invent, if you're going to do anything at all in a new way there are going to be people who sincerely misunderstand, and there are going to be also self-interested critics who have a reason to misunderstand. You'll get both types.
But if you can't weather that misunderstanding for long periods of time, then you just have to hang up your hat as an inventor. It's part and parcel with invention. Invention is by its very nature disruptive. And if you want to be understood, if it's so important for you to be understood at all times, then don't do anything new.
The full transcript of the interview is here; I think it's worth reading.
E-Book sales for Feb 2012 cooled a bit from the record-breaking January pace, totaling $114.9M for the month. (See the note last month regarding the new methodology used to calculate these sales figures.)
While impressive, these numbers are only a small increase from Feb 2011's then-record-breaking $90.3M. According to the AAP, last February's figure was artificially inflated due to a "one-off retail revenue transaction report" that "now makes that figure abnormally high."
It appears print books had a banner month, pushing total sales to $578.3M, the second-highest month I've seen since I've been tracking these figures (Oct 2010 clocked in at $609.7M).
Adult Book Sales:
- Adult Hardcover: $134.5M
- Adult Trade Paper: $125.0M
- Adult Mass-Market Paper: $64.6M
- Adult E-Book: $92.5M
Young Adult Book Sales:
- YA Hardcover: $82.9M
- YA Trade Paper: $56.4M
- YA E-Book: $22.4M
If those numbers are accurate, it's the best month for mass-market paperbacks since Sep 2010, which had been in a steady decline. E-Books accounted for 19.9% of the total sales reported above, a decrease from last month, but a little above last year's average of 19.1%.
UPDATE: Religious e-books accounted for $7,600,000, bringing the total to $122.5M for the month.
Looks like a big month for e-books in January 2012, although the Association of American Publishers went and changed up their system on us, growing from collecting data from 90 publishers up to 1,150. While this should give a more comprehensive and accurate picture of sales, it also makes comparisons with prior data more difficult.
On the plus side, they released a good amount of granular detail for both January 2011 and January 2012. The summary: e-book sales for January 2012 total a whopping $128.8M, shattering the old record of $90.3M from Feb 2011 (more on that next month). This compares to (revised, apples-to-apples) sales from January 2011 of $73.2M, or a 56.8% increase. Perhaps most impressively, e-books totaled 26.7% of all book sales (print, e-book, and audiobooks) for the month.
The details from Jan 2012:
|Tr. Paper
|MM Paper
Compare to Jan 2011:
|Tr. Paper
|MM Paper
The AAP must have some other figures they don't include in the numbers above, because they list total Jan 2012 sales at $503.5M and Jan 2011 at $396.0M, a healthy 27.1% increase from last year.
Some highlights that jump out:
- Mass-market paperback sales continue their decline (now down below 1/3rd that of e-books — it wasn't that long ago that e-books passing MM paperbacks seemed like a big deal).
- Adult e-book sales are up almost 50% from last year, and young adult e-book sales are up nearly six times last year's figures, due no doubt to the increasing popularity of color tablets (like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet) that allow for interactive children's e-books.
- Young adult sales in general did very well — I wonder if much of the difference can be attributed to the mega-popular Hunger Games books.
As explained above, don't look at this chart and take the comparisons to earlier months as gospel, as the AAP's new methodology makes month-to-month comparisons inexact. Last year, Jan 2011 sales were reported as $69.9M; this month (retroactively using the new methodology), they were adjusted upward to $73.2M. But a total of $128.8M in e-book sales is still a significant increase from any previous months, putting e-books on pace for $1.5 billion in sales for the year.
Pretty amazing deal … the Kindle 4, which retails for $79, comes with a $30 Wal-Mart gift card at Wal-Mart the week starting April 29. That makes the final price just $49 for the latest-generation e-Ink Kindle.
It's a pretty phenomenal deal, even though this is the non-touchscreen Kindle version (some of us don't want fingerprints on our screen anyway and prefer page turn buttons), and it comes with "special offers." More info on Amazon's website here, or my blog posts here.
If you've been looking to jump into e-reading, but don't want to spend much money, this is the deal for you. $79 is already a pretty attractive price for a Kindle, which gets you a 6″ Pearl e-Ink screen, Wi-Fi connectivity to download books wirelessly, adjustable text sizes, dictionary look-up, and access to Amazon's world-leading e-book store, plus thousands of free public domain e-books. Add in the $30 gift card, and it's like spending less than $50 for the Kindle — which is the cost of a couple of hardcover books.
If you want to grab this deal (perhaps as a Mother's Day gift?), it will probably only be available at Wal-Mart for a week, from April 29 to May 5.
B&N today unveiled a new version of their Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight — an e-Ink based e-reader with a built-in reading light. Designed to appeal to readers who read in bed at night (without wanting to disturb a sleeping spouse), the new Nook uses an LED lighting system hidden around the bezel of the screen. As it's built into the device and runs off the Nook's internal rechargeable battery, it's a superior solution to clip-on nightlights and reading lights.
Impressively, the new Nook manages to actually weigh a hair less than the previous Nook Simple Touch, and is still under 7 ounces, which is plenty light enough for easy 1-handed reading. It retains the touchscreen, e-Ink Pearl display, Wi-Fi, and other features of the regular (unlit) Nook Simple Touch, and the light can be turned on or off, for equally easy reading at night or outdoors in bright sunlight. It retails for $139, compared to $99 for the unlit version. It will be available on May 1.
While there have been rumors of Amazon coming out with a similar lighted Kindle version (and Sony had an e-reader with a similar, but not as advanced, built-in lighting system several years ago), kudos to Barnes & Noble for beating them to the punch. This seems to be a superior alternative to Amazon's case with a built-in reading light (which also charges directly from the Kindle's internal battery). Of note, the reading light will of course reduce the long battery life for which e-Ink e-readers are famous, but B&N says you can still read for a month for half an hour a day with the light on (compared to two months with the light off).
I haven't seen one in person yet, but it seems like a great solution for people who like to read in bed while their spouses sleep. Now, if only B&N would cut back on the overblown hyperbole in their press releases and product descriptions. First of all, you don't have the "World's #1 Reader," sorry, guys. And how they manage to pack "first & only," "perfect," "breakthrough," "optimized," "revolutionary," "great," "exclusive," "Best-Text," "fastest," "most advanced," "lightest," "unbeatable," "best of e-Ink," and "amazing" all into a few lines of marketing copy is impressive. It's like playing Superlative Bingo. And their press release is even more over the top. Really, B&N, you make a good product, but when you have to tell me 50x per press release how "most advanced" and "industry-leading" and "most stupendously amazing" and "world's best in the whole world" your own device is, it just sounds like you're trying too hard.


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Molecular Cell BiologyAuthor:
Lodish, Harvey, Berk, Arnold, Darnell, James
Edition: 5
Pub Date: 2003
Publisher: W H Freeman & Co
Summary: The fifth edition provides an authoritative and comprehensive vision of molecular biology today. It presents developments in cell birth, lineage and death, expanded coverage of signaling systems and of metabolism and movement of lipids.
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Pub Date: 2003
Publisher: W H Freeman & Co
Edition: 5th
Pub Date: 2003
Publisher: W H Freeman & Co
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8 of the best MIDI pad controllers
30th Oct 2012 | 16:33
We've all been there at some point. You need to program a drum part and all you have to hand is a MIDI keyboard - not the most suitable tool in the world for creating beats, especially if you're more of a percussionist than a pianist.
A much more appealing proposition is to turn to the now-traditional format of trigger pads arranged in a 4x4 matrix, as originally popularised by the classic Akai MPC60. This layout allows you to place a standard kit of drum sounds in a more natural position under the fingers than a keyboard could ever manage, giving you a much more intuitive array of targets to aim at.
So while it won't (and shouldn't!) replace your conventional keyboard controller, adding a pad-based controller to your setup can reap significant rewards if you regularly need to program drums.
Not only that, but some controllers of this type take things further by 94 / COMPUTER MUSIC SPECIAL including their own proprietary sound library and software instruments, while others are more like percussion instruments in their own right.
When selecting a pad-based controller, there are certain things to look out for. A large enough array of pads and controls is first and foremost, and the pads need to be playable and responsive enough to cope with the powerful, expressive, multilayered sampled instruments that are available to us today. Controllers should be easy to configure, so that you can customise the layout of the pads to trigger your chosen soundset, and the convenience of a single USB connector, handling both MIDI data and power, should not be overlooked. For the purposes of this round-up, onboard sounds aren't really a factor, as our assumption is that you'll be triggering sounds from software instruments in your DAW. With all this in mind, then, here's our pick of the current pad controller crop.
For a complete guide to programming, recording, processing and missing perfect drum tracks in any genre check out the latest Computer Music Special – The Ultimate Guide To Drums – which is on sale now.
NEXT: Native Instruments Maschine Mikro
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro
The cut-down sibling of Native Instruments' full-size Maschine, Maschine Mikro represents quite exceptional value - particularly when you take into account that it comes complete with its own powerful step-sequencing DAW, as well as a 6GB sample library and copies of Komplete Elements and the acclaimed Massive synth.
The Maschine software also comes in AU, RTAS and VST plug-in formats, so that you can access the included content via a plug-in in your DAW; but the software also acts as a plug-in host itself, meaning that you can access all your third-party effects and sound sources from within it. Pretty clever stuff!
Being almost exactly the same width as a 13-inch laptop, the supremely portable Maschine Mikro controller is beautifully built and impressively solid, so you feel instantly reassured that it's not going to fall apart the minute you start pounding on the pads.
The only real downside is the interface, which isn't as intuitive as that of its larger brother - this is largely due to Maschine Mikro's reliance on a single LCD screen rather than a pair of them, and far fewer controls.
Maschine Mikro isn't just a superb performer as a standalone package, but thanks to the bundled Controller Editor application, it can also easily be configured to work as a generic control surface for your software of choice.
As hardware controllers go, its lack of encoders and sliders does let it down a little - regardless, the playability of the pads make it an ideal choice for inputting drums, so when judged on its ability to carry out that task alone, the mighty Mikro is a winner.
Arturia Spark
Billed as a hybrid drum machine Arturia's Spark blends the conventional interface of an old-school drum machine, complete with TR-style step-input buttons, with a capable software instrument.
The hardware controller, primarily designed to be paired with the accompanying Spark software, is a handsome thing, bristling with knobs and buttons, and looks enough like a vintage drum machine to belie the fact that all of its sounds come from your computer rather than the unit itself.
Eight drum pads along the bottom edge can be switched between two banks for a total of 16 assignable triggers, although we'd much prefer there to just be 16 pads. Three rotary encoders per pad enable instant access to favourite parameters, while six more knobs and an X/Y controller adjust the filter, effects sends and mix for the currently selected pad.
In this guise, Spark excels as an old- school beatbox chock-full of quality sounds, but team it up with the MIDI Control Centre software that's also included and the hardware module becomes a more generic MIDI controller, with a range of assignable pads, knobs and switches all made accessible.
Pitched at the higher end of the price spectrum, Spark is an intriguing mix of old and new - exactly the sort of thing we've come to expect from Arturia. It could be more than you need if you're just after a controller, but if you have more lofty ambitions for it, the extra features, versatility and extensive sound library could well swing things in Spark's favour.
Akai MPD26
If you like the idea of controlling your DAW using a miniature Akai MPC padset, the MPD range of USB MIDI controllers clearly deserves your utmost attention.
For the purposes of this round-up we'll focus on the MPD26, which has 16 drum pads, laid out in a traditional 4x4 pattern, that can be switched between four banks to trigger a total of 64 different sounds. Six rotary knobs and six faders can also be assigned to send continuous controller data to your DAW.
The MPD26 features the exact same velocity- and pressure- sensitive pads as are used on the Akai MPC2500, so the overall feel is right on the money - great surface feel, great response. Solidly built, the MPD26 has an enviable pedigree, boasting the same core technologies that made the MPC range so successful. Not only does it feature the
essential Full Level and 16-Level buttons, but the note-repeat function even retains the classic MPC swing feel.
With a little tweaking, we were able to get the bank of transport buttons to operate the play, stop, fast forward, rewind and record functions in our test DAW (Logic Pro 9). This is a big bonus, as having transport control at your fingertips makes song navigation a satisfyingly hands-on experience while programming.
Six faders, six knobs and an effective total of 64 pads will probably be enough for the average e user, but should you need more in the control department, the MPD32 is the next step up, featuring eight knobs, eight faders and eight switches. For all-round playability, quality, features and value for money though, the MPD26 is a standout choice.
Korg PadKONTROL
Although at first glance the padKONTROL might appear to be one of the more rudimentary machines covered here, it does have one or two sizeable aces up its sleeve.
The pedal input for triggering kick drums or hi-hats is one of them, and the inclusion of the excellent X/Y pad from KORG's Kaoss Pad is another, the X and Y axes being assignable to the parameters of your choice within your software.
Owing to its simple layout, the padKONTROL was one of the easiest devices reviewed here to set up and use. Although it comes with its own editor software, there's certainly no obligation to install it - instead, you can just plug in a USB cable and start tapping away.
Power and data are handled by the USB cable, although there is a DC power socket on the side of the device in which to plug an optional mains power supply if your laptop battery doesn't provide enough juice, or you want to draw power from the wall in order to lighten the load on a USB hub, say.
Assigning pads to trigger MIDI notes is simplicity itself - just hit the pad that you want to assign and turn the rotary encoder to change the note value. You can do this while hitting the pads to flick through notes and hear the sounds that you're assigning, which really speeds things up if you don't know off the top of your head which sounds are triggered by which notes in your software instrument.
An accomplished all-rounder from one of the biggest manufacturers in the business, the padKONTROL has been around since 2006, and this fact alone should be enough to instil confidence in prospective buyers.
Novation Launchpad
Designed by Novation in collaboration with Ableton, the Launchpad's primary intended function is as a hardware control surface for triggering clips in the latter's ever-popular Live DAW. To that end, there's a cut-down Launchpad edition of Live included in the box.
The unit is solid yet incredibly lightweight, and the flat, square form factor is appealing, with four extra-grippy feet preventing it from sliding around. A USB port on the top right-hand corner connects the Launchpad to your computer, handling data and power.
When partnered with Novation's excellent Automap 4 software, the Launchpad becomes a universal controller capable of interacting with plug-ins in most current DAWs, and with its impressive array of 64 trigger pads, arranged in an 8x8 matrix, it almost makes you wish you had a few extra fingers.
Unfortunately the trigger pads aren't velocity-sensitive, which makes them far from ideal for programming expressive patterns. Extra buttons along the top and the right-hand side that handle page and mode selection when used with Live become additional trigger pads when used with Automap, and note numbers can be reassigned fairly easily using the software's Mapping Editor page.
Ultimately, although the Launchpad works brilliantly as an extension of Live, the impressive number of pads that it features just isn't enough to make up for its shortcomings as a generic controller for use with other applications.
If you're not using Live, or just want it for programming beats, it's probably best to look elsewhere, as this is really intended to be a clip launcher - a job, we should add, at which it excels.
Alesis Performance Pad Pro
Along with the Roland Octapad, the Alesis Performance Pad Pro is one of the only two units featured in our round-up that you can actually hit with drumsticks.
Featuring eight large trigger pads arranged in a 4x2 formation, the Performance Pad comes with a built-in library of 500 kit sounds that can be piped out to a PA system or recorder, and a stereo minijack input for hooking up an MP3 player to play along to.
Unusually, however, MIDI output is served up through a five-pin MIDI DIN socket - unlike all the other devices covered in these pages, there's no USB connector for easy hookup to a Mac or PC DAW, so you'll need to connect it via an external MIDI interface.
The Performance Pad Pro is built as sturdily as you'd expect for something that was designed to be hit with sticks, but unlike the Octapad, the pads aren't raised much above the surface - as a result, the shiny black plastic edge trim can be quite vulnerable to marks and scuffs when your enthusiasm gets the better of your talent.
The velocity-sensitive pads aren't quite as sensitive as we would like, with light taps from the sticks producing nothing but silence, and soft sounds only emerging at mid velocities. There also doesn't seem to be a way to adjust the sensitivity of the pads beyond the three preset soft, medium and hard velocity curves, or eight fixed velocity levels.
All in all, then, the Performance Pad Pro is a decent enough choice if you want to really make some noise, but it's far better suited for the stage than the studio.
Roland Octapad SPD-30
The Roland Octapad has been with us since 1985, when the original PAD-8 version made its debut.
Several generations later, this latest SPD-30 model combines the traditional eight-pad, stick-friendly layout with a plethora of onboard sounds and effects, an audio input and a phrase looper. It's equipped with both standard MIDI ports and a USB connector, and you can also plug in a USB memory stick for increased storage.
The SPD-30 is mains-powered via an included power supply, and the only other thing in the box is a printed instruction manual. Other manufacturers take note: this comprehensive and informative tome is a veritable breath of fresh air compared to the afterthoughts that come with some of the other units covered here.
In use, the V-Drum-derived pads are supremely bouncy and wonderful to play, and are large enough to provide decent targets. The unit is also equipped with five inputs for optional external trigger devices, such as kick pedals and snare, hi-hat and cymbal pads.
Assigning note numbers to the pads once you've hooked the SPD-30 up to your DAW is a simple task, thanks to the large, bright LCD display and ample navigation controls. You just hit a pad and turn a knob to set the note number that the pad transmits to your software, and there are enough pad sensitivity options to satisfy even the fussiest percussionist.
There may be no assignable knobs or faders, but if you've ever waved a drumstick in anger, this thing will induce a grin from ear to ear. It's simply fantastic.
Vestax PAD-One
By far the smallest of the units in this round-up, the PAD-One has 12 backlit silicon pads rather than the conventional 16, allowing it a shorter, ingot-shaped footprint.
In a nod to Akai, there are four available pad banks, bringing the effective total pad count up to an impressive 48. The pads have a satisfyingly rubbery feel, and are tactile, bouncy and responsive. Illuminated green when at rest, each pad flashes orange when hit to indicate the transmission of MIDI data.
The PAD-One is a breeze to set up, requiring merely the connection of a USB cable for power and MIDI data. The only other connectors are a six-pin MIDI Out port and a socket for an optional DC mains power supply. Assigning note numbers to pads took us seconds to figure out, with no consultation of the documentation required. Just press the Edit button, hit a pad and scroll to the desired MIDI note number.
The anodised metal finish gives the PAD-One a solid, durable appearance, perfectly matching the current crop of MacBook laptops. Sadly, however, the encoder knob feels a little bit cheap, and the miniature Edit button is disappointingly peg-like. The X/Y pad, used to control the rate and velocity of the roll function, feels equally bargain-basement, and we found it a bit imprecise.
These minor niggles aside, we rather like this chunky little unit as a compact and cost-effective way of squeezing 48 pads onto a congested desktop.


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In partnership with Caddis Interactive, the Quality Deer Management Association has redesigned its website, QDMA.com, according to The Archery Wire.
The website was shifted to deliver educational content for deer hunters and to become the place to go for hunters wanting to improve their hunting through quality deer management. The redesign is intended also to better support QDMA's members and volunteers.
Since the launch, there have been 140 educational articles and more than 40 press releases posted on QDMA.com.
Meanwhile, QDMA branches have also been able to share their news on the site as well, contributing nearly 90 news items during the past year.
QDMA website gets new, improved look
In partnership with Caddis Interactive, the Quality Deer Management Association has redesigned its website, QDMA.com, according to The Archery Wire.
- Outdoors
No Bambi for you, Mrs. Doe
Some people want so badly for deer birth control to work that they actually think it will, even on wild populations.
I wish I had a couple bridges to sell.
A week ago on the Outdoors page we ran the deer there do what deer everywhere do. They eat the easiest food available such as gardens and ornamental plantings. They walk in front of moving cars. They give ticks and parasites a place to live.
Bad catfish should be eaten
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a statewide campaign to educate citizens about invasive blue and flathead catfish - their negative impact on native fish species and what anglers can
do to help.
Nice first one
Brett Ishler, 16, Frostburg, bagged his first gobbler during the junior spring turkey hunt. The bird had a 9-inch beard and was taken near Westernport. Ishler was accompanied on the hunt by Rodney Lipscomb.
Archery open house planned May 4
CUMBERLAND — The Cumberland Bowhunters Club will host an archery open house at its Valley Road facility on May 4 beginning at 1 p.m.
Turkey hunting class scheduled
TYRONE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Com- mission will offer a Successful Turkey Hunting course at the Tyrone Sportsmen Association on April 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commission meeting set
ROANOKE, W.Va. — The next quarterly meeting of the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission will be May 4 at 1 p.m. at Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke. The public is invited to make com- ments. Items on the agenda include:
• Summary of the 2014 Sectional Meetings – Sportsmen and Landowners Questionnaire.
• Approve 2014 - 2015 Big Game Hunting Regula- tions.
W.Va. cautions about eating certain fish
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia has updated its advisories for eating fish caught in lakes and rivers.
U.S. Army Corps campgrounds open
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to open campgrounds at five West Virginia lakes.
Fishing rodeo slated
ROCKY GAP — A children's fishing rodeo will take place at the Rocky Gap State Park Nature Center on May 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Register at canderson@dnr. state.md.us or call 301-722-1480.
Crossbow use begins for New York deer hunters
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The new state budget includes an agreement that will give crossbow hunters their own season in New York.
Language within the budget will allow crossbow use for all small game, including turkeys, and any big game season in which firearms are allowed.
- More Outdoors Headlines
- No Bambi for you, Mrs. Doe