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BP Comment Quick Links
|Strength of Schedule Report
October 23, 2010
BP Unfiltered
PitchTrax Wrong, Not Ump
Normally the PitchTrax data shown on television is pretty accurate, within an inch or so of reality. It's based on Sportvision's PITCHf/x pitch-tracking camera system, which usually does a great job. Not so in Friday's game. You might have thought home plate umpire Brian Gorman had lost his bearings around home plate. However, in this case it was the PITCHf/x camera that was lost. According to my calculations, the horizontal plate locations reported by PITCHf/x in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series were off by about 5-6 inches toward the third base side of the plate.
I calculate this offset by comparing where pitchers have located their pitches to left-handed and right-handed batters throughout the past few seasons to where the pitchers located their pitches in the game under consideration. For one pitcher, the comparison may not be very helpful, but when aggregated across all the pitchers who appeared in a game, this method tends to be fairly accurate, within an inch or two at the game level, and better than that if you average a few games together.
Here are all the horizontal offsets calculated by this method for each League Championship Series.
-0.1 inches, Citizens Bank Park, Game 1
-0.0 inches, Citizens Bank Park, Game 2
-1.7 inches, AT&T Park, Game 3
-2.5 inches, AT&T Park, Game 4
-1.8 inches, AT&T Park, Game 5
-1.9 inches, Rangers Ballpark, Game 1
-2.7 inches, Rangers Ballpark, Game 2
-0.5 inches, Yankee Stadium, Game 3
-2.1 inches, Yankee Stadium, Game 4
-1.0 inches, Yankee Stadium, Game 5
-5.5 inches, Rangers Ballpark, Game 6
The PITCHf/x system in Philadelphia seems to be the only one that's really well calibrated with regard to plate location. The system in San Francisco was off about two inches, which is quite a lot. The system in Yankee Stadium was off about an inch, which isn't great but is more within the realm of normal operation. But the system in Texas, which wasn't calibrated particularly well in the first two games of the series, went positively haywire in Game 6.
This is actually the fourth-worst excursion observed at a single-game level in the 2008-2010 time frame. Some of those were probably statistical flukes from my measurement method, but the strike zone called by the umpire tonight suggests that this was not a statistical fluke.
PITCHf/x plate locations, and thus the television PitchTrax locations, really were off by about 5-6 inches in Friday's Game 6. Please retract all tomatoes thrown at Brian Gorman on the basis of the PitchTrax data.
EDIT: Corrected the name of the home plate umpire.
Mike Fast is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
11 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
That does explain how a batter walks when all the
Oct 23, 2010 06:13 AM
It makes me wonder just how much those pitch tracker graphics influence those fo us watching the game. My eyes told me he was giving the guys a ton of room on the outside of the plate for lefties. But given the offset from the cameras, perhaps the graphic was introducing a bias.
Oct 23, 2010 09:13 AM
I'm always happy with more views. However, if PITCHf/x is well calibrated, the PitchTrax graphics should do a very good job of reproducing the pitch trajectories and locations.
Oct 23, 2010 12:27 PM
What would cause it to move 3 inches from game 2 to game 6 in the same park? Is it possible it's really more like 3 inches off, and the 1st game was inaccurate 1 way, and game 6 the other.
Oct 23, 2010 12:36 PM
I've notified Sportvision of the problem so they can look into what went wrong. They're the ones with access to the raw data from the cameras that could provide a definitive answer to what happened to the camera. I could speculate what might have happened, but that wouldn't be productive.
Oct 23, 2010 13:14 PM
What would you attach that camera to? It couldn't be low enough to potentially interfere with a pop up, and you wouldn't want it interfering with any sight lines.
Oct 23, 2010 12:37 PM
Richard Bergstrom
Why not do it the other way? Put some kind of technology in home plate like a motion sensor that can track the location of the ball as it flies over it?
Oct 24, 2010 13:39 PM
Mike, I don't think talking about "perfect is the enemy of the good" is worth bringing up. That's like talking about PED and someone uttering "won't someone think of the children". It's not relevant to the discussion because that's not the point being discussed.
Oct 26, 2010 17:02 PM
Tom, good questions. My response ended up going into a bit more detail than would fit well here, so I added a new blog post for it:
Oct 26, 2010 21:02 PM
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
A new twist on an over-8-year-old discussion came to light at an Alamo Community Council meeting, after Orchard Court resident Tonya York went public with a story about her near-death experience, getting hit by a truck in a crosswalk in front of Alamo Plaza.
Neighbors came out of the woodwork to tell their own versions of "close calls" - and to advocate the quick construction of a stoplight. County Public Works official Chris Lau and Supervisor Mary N. Piepho's South County Field Representative Gina Ferretti listened to feedback and answered questions.
"If I was on that side of the table, I would have some ownership - these are lives," York told county staff, who sat behind a rectangular table at the meeting. "It's not just a piece of paper you're pushing around."
An older neighbor chimed in.
"Take the lead. Get. It. Done."
County Civil Engineer Chris Lau, who was pummeled with questions and comments, told the audience there is $1.8 million in the Area of Benefit Fund that could be used to solve the safety problem.
The Area of Benefit Fund comes from per-house developer fees, meant to cover road projects as traffic increases in Alamo.
But there has been no consensus in the community on what action should be taken at the intersection, Lau said, and that has slowed the decision-making process. When the discussion began in early 2000, some residents strongly supported putting in a roundabout, while others pushed for a stoplight.
Today the cost of the light itself would be $300,000-$400,000, but additional reconfiguring would be likely be needed to line the Orchard Court driveway up with the light and crosswalk.
"It's a constant conversation," Lau said.
Initially he suggested the possibility of a tax for a roundabout, but attendees of the meeting stressed that wasn't realistic. And they pointed out that - at least at this meeting - there was consensus on the stoplight.
Last week, the county Board of Supervisors reduced the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 on Danville Boulevard in Alamo. Supervisor Piepho also wrote a letter this fall to California Highway Patrol, asking it to increase enforcement in the unincorporated area.
But residents say that's not going to do much for the pedestrian safety problem.
"You can still fly a long way if you're hit by a car going 25," York said.
CHP Officer Tom Maguire, who patrols the unincorporated area in the afternoons, told residents at the meeting he would look at the intersection himself the following day.
This week, Maguire said he wrote 17 speeding violations and five other traffic violations on that day alone.
"I'm gonna come down here and work Danville Boulevard ... I will personally do my best," he said.
He noted that he expected to be able to enforce the area for traffic violations once a week.
Twenty-three collisions occurred in 2007 on that unincorporated stretch of Danville Boulevard, Maguire reported.
"How do you know they're happening if you're not there?" one resident shot back.
Members of other community groups also asked if safety measures can be taken while Alamo waits on a decision. Limiting left turns coming out of the plaza was one suggestion.
"Why aren't we looking at that simple solution?" said Vicki Koc, a committee member of the Alamo Incorporation Movement.
Making regulations on the use of driveways in the plaza raises private property issues, Lau said.
"If we limit the type of movement in and out of the driveways we may need to buy the rights from the property owners," he said after the meeting.
Ferretti proposed a new transportation committee for Alamo, which could be an authoritative voice on the issue.
Newcomers were receptive to the idea, while residents who have fought for years to solve the problem - to no avail - were skeptical.
"How many committees does it take to get something done?" one neighbor asked.
Contact Natalie O'Neill at email@example.com


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One Newspaper That's in the Pink
This could go down as the year the newspaper broke—the year that the melting icebergs finally fragmented; the year that the old ways were definitively unmasked as unsustainable amid steepening revenue declines and a steady procession of buyouts and layoffs.
The story is substantially different for Pearson's London-based Financial Times. Like other major British upmarket newspapers, it winced its way through staggering losses earlier this decade, losing $60 million-plus in 2003 and more than $17 million in 2004. Unlike others, it has staged a remarkable turnaround. Analysts reckon that in 2007 the salmon-hued paper turned a profit of about $60million on revenues approaching $600 million. (This turnaround did not come without staff reductions, although a higher head count on the digital operations means overall staff numbers haven't much changed.)
Usman Ghazi, an analyst with Dresdner Kleinwort, reports that, for the past three years, FT ad revenues increased at least 9% annually. (Single-digit declines would beat what some major papers have chalked up lately.) Online revenues rose 40% in '07, says FT CEO John Ridding. This is a meaningless stat without the percentage of total revenues the FT garners from online, which Pearson does not break out. Still, this increase roughly doubles what the Newspaper Association of America reported for U.S. papers' digital growth. Unlike essentially every other major paper in Britain and the U.S., the FT's machinery—which includes U.S., British, Asian, and Continental European print editions, plus a Chinese-language Web site—hums along enviably. That today's complicated economic times make matching last year's 10% ad growth unlikely hardly detracts from the achievement.
This would all be kind of perfect were The Wall Street Journal not owned by Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp. just began same-day distribution of the Journal's flagship U.S. edition in London. Murdoch's public comments have consistently targeted The New York Times, and thus far the Journal is distributing only about 3,500 copies in London. But many suspect that if Job One for a Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal is suffocating The New York Times, then Job Two is crushing the FT. Pearson, don't forget, was sufficiently spooked by the notion of a Murdoch-owned Journal to explore joining an abortive bid for then-owner Dow Jones after Murdoch's made his offer.
"We are not going to be mesmerized by The Wall Street Journal," says FT editor Lionel Barber. "I am not sure it's a huge advantage right now, in various parts of the world, to be an American newspaper." (That it's an American newspaper owned by an Australian company that has hired Brits such as Les Hinton and Robert Thomson to help oversee it somewhat complicates Barber's calculus. Journal executives declined to comment.)
The FT and the Journal are wholly different beasts. The Journal's print circulation in the U.S. alone (1.7 million) dwarfs the worldwide circulation of the FT (just under 450,000). Ridding and Barber pound hard on talking points that position the FT as uniquely "global"—three-quarters of its ads appear in more than one edition, reports Ridding, a ex-journalist who could pass as Hugh Grant's older, businessman brother. But they're not wrong. The FT is a niche player, one with no claims to a mass market, and a well-balanced global circulation (roughly 150,000 in the U.S., 140,000 in Britain, and 160,000 throughout Europe, the Mideast, Asia, and Africa) that makes it uniquely suited for a class of advertiser targeting a class of reader—finance-obsessed types who spend lots of time in first-class airport lounges, say. A smallish sphere, but small is the new big, at least if your audience is rich. Somewhat similar: the competition between The Economist, which is 50% owned by Pearson, and Time and Newsweek. The Economist has all the buzz and positive indicators, but Time and Newsweek each outsell it in the U.S. by a factor of 4.
The FT's focus shows in its head count. Its total newsroom staff of around 500 was, until recently, half that of the Los Angeles Times. The FT's successes of the past few years are not the only thing that make it an anomaly. Its targeted business model does, too—to the regret, no doubt, of those who'd like to steal pages from its playbook.


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Dennis Deyoung Montreal Tickets
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The Dennis DeYoung Montreal concert is one of the most anticipated events today in Canada in rock music, particularly amongst fans of progressive rock. This is hardly a surprising fact for this is a musician famous for some of the best rock this side of the Atlantic, best known as the frontman of Styx. He has been an active part of rock music since his premiere in 1961. Since then, he has churned out hit single after single, released many albums whose millions of copies have been sold. He is a musician who plays the keyboards and the accordion, as well as an avid songwriter responsible for some of Styx's best songs. With Dennis DeYoung Montreal tickets in hand, anyone can watch his performance in this Canadian city live.
Dennis DeYoung is best known as the founder, lead vocalist, producer, songwriter, creative lead and musician of Styx. He single handedly wrote seven of the eight top ten singles that band churned out and has been featured on the cover of such magazines as Contemporary Keyboard magazine, and is ranked as one of the greatest keyboard players today.


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Fraud prevention
Recognize, reject
Recognizing fraud
The Competition Bureau, along with the Fraud Prevention Forum, plays an important role in helping Canadians get the information they need to be informed and confident consumers. Consumers also have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it.
Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded each year. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. Fraud targets Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life. Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself.
Fraudsters are professional criminals that know what they are doing. Fraudsters rely on some basic techniques to be successful. These include:
- developing professional-looking marketing materials;
- providing believable answers for your tough questions;
- impersonating government agencies, legitimate businesses, websites, charities, and causes;
- pretending to be your ordinary supplier;
- hiding the true details in the fine print;
- preying on areas of vulnerability, including those needing help with loans or finding employment;
- asking for fees in advance of promised services;
- threatening legal action to collect on alleged contracts;
- falsely claiming affiliation with reliable sources, such as legitimate news sites to support their products or services;
- and exchanging victim lists with other fraudsters.
Reporting fraud is critical
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that less than 5% of the total number of fraud victims report their experiences to law enforcement agencies. By reporting a scam, you provide law enforcement with the information they need to stop fraudsters and help prevent others from becoming victims. The information you provide is important!
How to report fraud
Fraudulent or suspicious activity can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, through its website at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.
Report instances of misleading or deceptive marketing practices to the Competition Bureau using the online complaint form or by telephone at 1-800-348-5358. If you are a victim of fraud, let your local police force know.
If you decide to file a complaint, it is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- cancelled cheques
- certified or other mail receipts
- chatroom or newsgroup text
- credit card receipts
- shipping envelopes
- facsimiles
- money order receipts
- pamphlets or brochures
- phone bills
- printed or electronic copies of emails
- printed or electronic copies of web pages
- wire receipts
- notes taken as events take place
Keep evidence items in a safe location in the event that you are requested to provide them. This information may form an important part of any investigation. The information you provide could be used as evidence during a prosecution.
Common scams
Common scams
Watch out for fraudsters who attempt to reach out to you and then end up taking your money! By increasing your awareness of the vast array of scams, you can learn how to recognize their different forms.
Below are examples of common scams. Click on the links for more information on how these scams work and how to protect yourself.
Victim stories
Victim stories
Every year, the Competition Bureau receives an average of 20,000 requests and complaints. These include complaints regarding mass marketing fraud, which is fraud by mail, telephone and Internet. Here are some examples of the kinds of complaints received by the Bureau.
Note: Certain details have been changed to protect the identities of the victims.
Fraud quiz
Fraud Prevention Month
There are many different types of fraud and scams perpetrated in Canada every day. In this interactive quiz, you will find questions to test your awareness of some of these scams. There are also helpful tips to educate you on how to avoid falling victim to fraud.
Once you have answered all the questions with True or False, you will be given a score on your fraud awareness level. Compare your results with those of your friends!
Remember, FRAUD: RECOGNIZE, REJECT, REPORT
True or false
- You see an advertisement in a newspaper, a magazine, or online for a job opportunity offering double the amount you currently earn, with little effort. You are asked for an upfront investment to receive an information package. No experience is required!
True or false: This is an incredible opportunity you shouldn't pass up. Answer
- While online, you click a link on the latest breaking news about an energy saving device, a weight loss product, a cure for a disease, or some other seemingly miraculous product. This news site is reporting on the latest findings, so it must be reliable—it shows the logos of known and reputable news organizations, celebrity endorsements, and has real users comments.
True or false: This product will certainly deliver on its promises. Answer
You are considering buying a product, but before you do, you decide to check online for reviews of the product. You notice that the product has an almost perfect approval rating and all reviews are extremely positive. It is described by many as the greatest product of its kind on the market, with no mention of any disadvantages or complaints.
True or false: You should rush to buy the product while it is still in stock! Answer
- Websites that offer health products with claims of a "scientific breakthrough" and include complex technical information, success stories and physician endorsements must be the latest, revolutionary treatment available!
True or false: This health product is surely a wonder cure. Answer
- You receive an email or telephone call advising you that you have won a tropical vacation through a contest that you don't remember entering. The message indicates you should keep this winning a secret and the only thing you need to pay upfront are the taxes. Congratulations!
True or false: You should pack your bags right away! Answer
- While checking your social networking account, you notice a number of advertisements offering everything from debt-relief products to incredible work opportunities. You trust the social networking site has screened all the advertisements running on their site, so the ads must be true!
True or false: You can rely on the truthfulness of the ads. Answer
- You receive a phone call or an email from someone claiming to work for a software company, maybe even a company you recognize. You are asked if, or informed that, your computer is running slowly. An offer is made to fix your computer once you grant remote access or download a software from a specific website.
True or false: This sounds like trouble! I haven't contacted this company so they don't know how my computer is running. Answer
- While online or on your mobile phone, you come across an advertisement promoting a free-offer of a product, such as a ring-tone.
True or false: Getting a freebie is risk-free! Click :) Answer
- You post an ad online and are happy to agree to payment by an interested party. You receive a cheque for more than the agreed upon amount. The purchaser says to simply return the difference through a money transfer service.
True or false: This seems a sensible solution. Answer
- You notice an ad offering a terrific price on a product that you find difficult to ignore. It might be featured on a website, in a newspaper, on the radio an on .There is some small print but you are in a hurry and decide to take advantage of this great offer.
True or false: You better not miss out on this great offer, sign up now! Answer
Answer 1
False. Beware! Job opportunity scams in the marketplace are often designed simply to steal your money. Often these fraudulent schemes require you to pay money before you even begin to work or before you are given details on the type of opportunities available. Sometimes there really are no jobs available. These fraudulent work schemes could also demand much more of your time than you could ever have imagined. In the end, often what seemed too good to be true turns out to be just that. To avoid wasting your time and money, watch for the following claims that may warn you that a job opportunity might be fraudulent:
- Claims of little effort and exaggerated claims about the amount of money you can earn;
- Requirements for you to pay money upfront; and
- Claims that "no experience" is required
Answer 2
False. Beware! Just because a website looks like a news site, or appears to be affiliated with a well-known news source, does not mean that is in fact the case. Many fraudsters create fake news sites to promote bogus products with unfounded and misleading claims. Look to well-known, reputable sources when searching for information online.
Answer 3
False. Be vigilant when dealing with online reviews or testimonials. There is no guarantee that they have been posted by a real consumer. Some companies create fake online reviews to make their products or services appear more desirable. Fraudsters know that customer reviews help many shoppers make purchasing decisions and can be devious when fabricating fake ones. They may even construct reviews that include spelling mistakes or other small errors to make them seem legitimate.
Make sure you read a variety of reviews, and don't put too much faith in the first one you see. Fraudsters may continue to post fake reviews in order to keep the most recent comments positive. You may also be able to check the reviewer's account to see if they have written other reviews. If the reviewer has posted only positive testimonials, you should be sceptical. The account may have been created for the purpose of making fake reviews.
Answer 4
False. If the first and only place you learn about a health product, for anything from weight loss to alternative cancer treatments, is through a sales pitch on the Internet, be suspicious. Fraudsters load their sites with confusing technical medical terms to make you believe that they know what they are talking about. Ads that are long on technical jargon may be short on proof. Look for well-known, independent, credible sources of information before you buy, and always talk to a health care professional before trying any new treatment. The photo of that "doctor" on the website endorsing a product or treatment could very well be an actor!
Further, there's no guarantee that "John Smith of Hometown, Canada" has achieved any results or is even a real person! The Competition Bureau has challenged companies who use testimonials that were not independent. Fraudsters want you to believe that, if the product has worked for other people, it will for you too. Be sceptical and talk to your health care professional.
Answer 5
False. Beware! The Competition Bureau frequently receives complaints regarding scam sweepstakes or contests advising consumers they have hit the jackpot or won exciting vacations. Here are a few things to consider. Remember that legitimate sweepstakes:
- do not randomly select non-entrants to award prizes;
- do not use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.) to communicate with you;
- do not tell you to keep your winnings secret;
- do not ask winners to pay any fees upfront (like taxes or a security deposit) to receive a prize; and
- do not ask for personal and banking details.
Answer 6
False. Beware! Just because an advertisement is running on a social networking site does not mean it is credible or reliable. While many advertisements are legitimate, fraudsters are always looking for new sources for advertising placement. They may try to mislead consumers with catchy headlines and graphics to entice you to their website where you may be cheated out of time and money. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Answer 7
True. Granting someone the ability to control your computer can open the door to the installation of malicious software capable of capturing sensitive data kept online, including banking and personal identity information. As well, giving the caller your credit card number could lead to charges for a bogus service and the possibility of future charges without your consent. Further, getting rid of the malware may lead to significant charges by a reputable technician. Don't reply to such calls or emails. If you are really experiencing problems with your computer, consult a reputable company.
Answer 8
False. There is a chance that you may be billed on a monthly basis for a service or product claiming to be free. Carefully read all the details of such offers. Text STOP if it results in charges to your mobile account.
Answer 9
False. This may be a common scam where the cheque is "no good". You could end up being out of pocket for the amount of the cheque, plus what you sent to the "buyer" as well, if you already shipped the product. Always be careful when dealing with strangers—either selling or buying products or services—and be particularly careful whenever asked to wire money as you cannot get it back.
Answer 10
False. Be vigilant when evaluating ads and pricing information, particularly when there is fine print or a link to terms and conditions. Be alert for hidden fees to avoid paying more than you bargained for. Never give credit card or account details until you are sure you understand the offer. And when making price comparisons, ensure that the price you are comparing is the total price.
Your result
0/10 – 5/10: Low on the Fraud Awareness Meter. Take some time to further raise your awareness of fraud. The Competition Bureau has various tools to help you recognize scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Consumer tools on the website include: the fraud quiz; some common scams in the "Recognize, Reject" section; victim stories that demonstrate how anyone can be a target of fraud; and other important tips on how to recognize, reject and report fraud.
6/10 – 9/10: Medium on the Fraud Awareness Meter. You may still benefit from more information on recognizing fraud. The Competition Bureau has various tools to help you recognize scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Consumer tools on the website include: the fraud quiz; some common scams in the "Recognize, Reject" section; victim stories that demonstrate how anyone can be a target of fraud; and other important tips on how to recognize, reject and report fraud.
10/10: Perfect Score. Share your knowledge with friends by referring them to the Competition Bureau's website where you will find various tools to help you recognize scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Consumer tools include: the fraud quiz; some common scams in the "Recognize, Reject" section; victim stories that demonstrate how anyone can be a target of fraud; and other important tips on how to recognize, reject and report fraud.
If you think you may have been a vicitim of fraud, click here to report it.
- Date modified:


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Sunsoft announced earlier today that the latest designs of their classic outdoor bistro blinds were now available.
Online PR News – 09-July-2014 – Sydney, NSW – Sunsoft recently announced that their latest collection of classic outdoor bistro blinds were now available. The new blinds according to the company have increased durability plus they are available in more colours and shades. However, the company has yet to reveal a pricing structure for these new outdoor bistro blinds but it's safe to assume that they have not revised their prices yet; this means that the new blinds may be available at old prices. So, people should be able to essentially get better quality for the same dollar amount. That said people are advised to contact the company to find out more about these blinds and to get them installed across their outdoor spaces.
Outdoor Bistro blinds have been Sunsoft's best selling product mostly purchased by home owners who wanted to cover their open outdoor spaces in summer with something that looked classy. Even though the blinds lasted a very long time and were known to be extremely resilient against bad weather some people asked that these blinds be available in a number of different colours and shades. This is something that the company took very seriously which is why they decided to revise their range of blinds by adding new colours. Although the company has not said if these are the only new colours they plan on introducing or if they are more to come later this year but people who find the right colour shouldn't wait.
"We have been selling some of the best outdoor bistro blinds for a very long time. Over the years we have constantly been working to ensure that our product was more durable, flexible and would withstand the harshest Australian weather. In addition, we are always listening to our clients which are why we have decided to come up with new blinds to suit every taste. Regardless, of the size and type of home we bet that you'll be impressed with what we have introduced," said one of the executives working for Sunsoft. "We encourage everyone to pay us a visit or contact us over the phone to discuss what they need."
Sunsoft is one of the pioneers in the blinds industry of Australia and have installed a number of blind systems throughout the country and also internationally. They have also installed blinds in commercial establishments like restaurants and hotels. All their blinds are especially designed to provide very simple yet cost effective solutions for enclosing the exterior like patios, pergolas and balconies. That said they also back their blinds with a three year workmanship and materials warranty which is why they currently lead in this industry.
More information about Sunsoft's latest Bistro Blinds as well as the services they provide can be found on their website: www.sunsoft.com.au. People who are looking to order custom blinds or need to find out more about how to order can also call up the company during business hours. Also requests for quotes can be sent directly via their website, which the company says they respond to ASAP especially if they receive it during business hours.
Sunsoft Shade Systems
Sunsoft Shade Systems Australia


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Subscriber portal
In a database developed in Access 2003 I have a form that displays a list of all database users. The users' details are in a subform. On the form there are 2 buttons to toggle between showing Active users and showing All users.
Clicking these buttons changes the record source of the subform. This all works fine.
I've just found out that if I open the database in Access 2007, the code does not work. The subform just goes blank and no data is displayed at all.
Here's the code for the Show All button: [code]Private Sub btnAll_Click() DoCmd.GoToControl "btnClose" Me.frmUsersSub.RecordSource = "qryFrmUsersSubAll" Me.btnAll.Visible = False Me.btnActive.Visible = TrueEnd Sub [/code]
Here's the code for the Show Active Only button: [code]Private Sub btnActive_Click() DoCmd.GoToControl "btnClose" Me.frmUsersSub.RecordSource = "qryFrmUsersSubActive" Me.btnAll.Visible = True Me.btnActive.Visible = FalseEnd Sub [/code]
The queries work. If I manually change the data source for the subbie, it works. When the form opens the subbies displays correctly (it's default record source is qryFrmUsersSubActive)
All suggestions welcome. Thank you
Microsoft is conducting an online survey to understand your opinion of the Msdn Web site. If you choose to participate, the online survey will be presented to you when you leave the Msdn Web site.
Would you like to participate?


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Priced as a 2-piece set. These carbon fiber strut covers will add the finishing touch to your engine bay.
Available for 05-08 Dodge Magnum models. This part comes unpainted, and is manufactured with hand laid carbon fiber; already comes with a "wet" look UV protected clear coat that provides that "shiny" look.
Installation Notes:
Strut covers install with provided velcro; detailed instructions are included.
Product is made-to-order and will take approximately 4-6 weeks to ship out after order is placed. Ships UPS/FedEx ground. For express delivery pricing and times, please call us. For international shipping quote, please call us or email us with your complete shipping address. Shipping price includes handling and insurance (damage & loss). Pickups are available in Oceanside, CA (save on shipping). Call for details.
Discounts Available:
For package deals or to purchase more than one item at a discounted price and combined shipping, feel free to call us for pricing.
Application Notes:
These strut covers will fit 2005-2008 05-08 Dodge Magnum 4dr 4 door sedan models ( 2005 2006 2007 2008 05 06 07 08 ) .


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Welcome to Bale Constructions
WE specialize in building Individually Designed Homes to suit your lifestyle, land and budget. We have limited standard plans for homes we build as most of our Construction is custom designed to suit your needs. A question we hear often is "Will you build to my plan?" the answer is YES. WE will even assist you in the design process to take advantage of your lifestyle and land site.
WE build a complete range of homes in all the styles Queenslander, Colonial, Modern Contemporary and Acreage Homes.
WE have Display Homes for your perusal scattered thruout Brisbane in Leading Estates. Please contact us to discuss as these change periodically.
WE have been established in the Plainland area of the Lockyer Valley for over 25 years. We currently build in the Brisbane and Ipswich areas, West to Toowoomba, North to Sommerset and South to Boonah & are able to build outside of these region if required.
WE are licensed in Real Estate & Property Development as well, enabling us to find, negotiate & purchase land for you, Or Develop & Construct your small to medium Development Project wether it be houses or units.
Contact Us Today and let us help you realize your dreams & to quote on your plans or ours.
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text: I actually feel like I took a step backwards going from a Nexus to an S4. Two major beefs after three days of ownership: 1) None of the volume settings can be locked to each other like on the Nexus. I tried installing Volume Control+ but it seems to be very buggy and not working right. Why would Samsung make you adjust all of your volume settings individually when going from a loud environment to a quick environment. 2) The lowest notification volume setting is still too loud when I use a Zedge notification sound. My Homer Simpson "doh" is way too loud for use in the office. With the Nexus it was very subtle.


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The Contribution of Internal Maternal Resources to Creation of Motherhood. Comparison Among Mothers to Twins and Singleton
The recruitment status of this study is unknown. The completion date has passed and the status has not been verified in more than two years.
Verified July 2006 by Sheba Medical Center.
Recruitment status was: Recruiting
Recruitment status was: Recruiting
Sheba Medical Center
Information provided by:
Sheba Medical Center
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: July 17, 2006
Last updated: NA
Last verified: July 2006
History: No changes posted
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Delivery of twins or preterm infant is a very stressful episode to mothers. The purpose of this study is to characterize maternal psychological resources in dealing with this situation and compare it to mothers giving birth to singleton at term
|Preterm Birth
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Case Control
Time Perspective: Longitudinal
Time Perspective: Prospective
Further study details as provided by Sheba Medical Center:
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|Child, Adult, Senior
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Study group: Mothers who give birth to twins or preterm infants
- Control: Mothers who give birth to singleton, full term infants
Exclusion Criteria:
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00353236
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00353236
|Contact: Jacob kuint, MD
|972-3-5303030 ext 2227
|Contact: Liora Findler, PhD
|Sheba Medical Center - Neonatal Department
|Ramat -Gan, Israel, 52621
|Contact: Jacob Kuint, MD 972-3-5303030 ext 2227 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Jacob Kuint, MD
Sponsors and Collaborators
Sheba Medical Center
|Study Director:
|Jacob Kuint, MD
|Sheba Medical Center
More Information
Keywords provided by Sheba Medical Center:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00353236 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|July 17, 2006
|Last Updated:
|July 17, 2006
Keywords provided by Sheba Medical Center:
delivery of preterm infant and/or twins
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Premature Birth
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Obstetric Labor Complications
Pregnancy Complications
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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Special Education Learning Experiences for Competency in Teaching (SELECT) is a federally funded program sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education and offered through the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University. SELECT courses are recommended for special and general education teachers, administrators, related service personnel, paraeducators, and other interested individuals.
Certified school personnel can take SELECT classes for renewal hours. SELECT classes can be taken for university credit for those teachers or administrators who are required by their school districts to have official transcripts and for those who may need to transfer hours out of state (tuition and associated fees apply). The classes can also be taken for Professional Growth contact hours for free.
If you would like to be added to our student listserv, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Please note whether you are interested in NAU academic credit or Professional Growth.
Admitted NAU students taking SELECT courses for academic credit will receive a link to the course evaluation via Blackboard Learn. Professional Growth students will be sent a link via email prior to the end of the course. Please note, Professional Growth students do not have access to the course evaluation in Blackboard Learn.


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I really enjoy this one. It's a very nice balance of mint and green tea. I was afraid it'd be too minty but it's just right. The gun powder green tea is very smooth too. Plus the leave are fun to watch unfurl more with each steep (I usually get 3 good steeps out of this).
It's a great refreshing tea for the afternoon. Might even be nice with sweetener if that's your taste. I just prefer my green teas without any.
175 °F / 79 °C 1 min, 30 sec


text:
Hand Planter Proposal, September 1, 2017
Greenseeder USE in the World
Last update: September 20, 2017
PDF version of Article
Labor Savings Video (17 Mb)
|Interview, Dr. Lisa Taylor and Peter Omara (Gulu University, Uganda) 12/15/2015
|One Acre Fund
PLANTER User Manual (Spanish)
Planter Data/Results
(+ seed weights)
|Hand Planter Pictures, (Maize Landscape, El Salvador, Uganda)
|Developing World (1987, CIMMYT, legume interseeding)
|Planter Design/Specifications
|Internal Drum (seed and fertilizer) + seed sizes
|Use for Mosquito Abatement US EPA
Countries where the OSU Hand Planter is being used,
(Pictures and Progress)
|Power point presentations
|(workshop data base)
Hand Planter Training, El Salvador, Dr. Edgar Ascencio, April 2016
World Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Cereal Production is 33%
Agronomy Journal, 91:357-363
Grain Yield Level and Nitrogen Response are Independent (maize and wheat) Journal of Precision Agriculture, 12:508
Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereal Grain Production with Optical Sensing and Variable Rate Application. Agronomy Journal, 94:815-820
Journal Publications (OSU Hand Planter
Team) + Posters
1. Effect of seed distribution and population on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Int. Journal of Agron. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/125258
2. Hand planter for maize (Zea mays L.) in the developing world. J. Plant Nutr.
3. Evaluation of drum cavity size and planter tip on singulation and plant emergence in maize (Zea Mays L.) In Press
4. POSTER Development and Evaluation of a singulating Maize Hand Planter for Use in Developing Countries
5. POSTER OSU Greenseeder Display
6. PPT Hand Planter for Emerging Countries
OSU Hand Planters, Around the World
Two newly developed OSU hand planters using plastic external housing
|Greenseeder hand planter increases maize grain yields using improved plant spacing and singulation
Third World Hand Planter Brochure: On this web site, we have included some basic information on maize area in the world and estimates of the total amount planted by hand. The problem with maize planted in the third world (Sub Saharan Africa, Asia, Central and South America) is that they essentially use heavy sticks whereby 2-4 seeds are planted per hill (first picture below, and left), roughly 35 cm apart. While incredibly inefficient, this method of planting is commonplace for third world maize farmers, largely dictated by terrain, circumstance, and resources. If single seeds could be planted 14-17 cm apart, much like conventional planters accomplish in the developed world, production levels could easily increase 25%. Despite the fact that third world maize yields are generally less than 2.0 Mg/ha (Dowswell et al., 1996), this 25% yield increase on 60% of the hand planted maize area in the third world would be worth more than 2.4 billion dollars/year (see calculations below).
We have developed a hand planter very similar in shape, size, and weight to the one seen in the first photograph on our web site, but that can reliably plant 1 seed, in various soil textures, moisture, and tillage systems. Initially, development, production, and delivery would need to be subsidized, thus the need for grant funds. But with time, local manufacture/industry creation of our new hand planter would also lead to more jobs. Added benefits of the new hand planter would be to remove chemically treated seeds (organophosphates, carbamates, chlordanes, +others) from the hands of small farmers. Decreased soil erosion from improved contour planting, and plant proximity will also be achieved. With time, we hope to modify the final prototype so as to accommodate mid season applications of urea fertilizer. Placing urea fertilizer below the surface, really via any mechanism is critical for improved nitrogen use efficiency.
This tool by itself would offer an affordable, easily adoptable technology for virtually all third world maize farmers. With modest funding for development and initial subsidized hand planters, this could provide widespread increases in third-world maize production that would rival most advances made in the last 50 years.
CIMMYT mega-environment database; C.R. Dowswell, R.L. Paliwal and R.P. Cantrell, Maize in the Third World, Boulder, Colorado, Westview Press, 1996.
"You cannot build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery"
Norman Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, 1970
OSU Hand Planter, Lira, Uganda, April 2014
BID's have come from
CAB FAB Welding, Newton, KS, 5200 South Kansas Road, 67114 (Kenneth, Justin)
|Hand Planter Cooperation
Assoumane Maiga, Mali Representative
Argemiro Moreno, Colombia Representative
IPNI, Togo project, Steve Phillips
|Regional Trials (proposal)
|Lecture, Dr. Barbara Stoecker (April 9, 2014)
|Hand Planter Release in Cali, Colombia, February 5, 2013
|Hand Planters Shipped to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Thailand, April 29, 2013
|FIRST Hand Planters Shipped to El Salvador
Support from
|Background Data
Source: CIMMYT mega-environment database; C.R. Dowswell, R.L. Paliwal and R.P. Cantrell, Maize in the Third World, Boulder, Colorado, Westview Press, 1996.
Adrian Koller
Eric Lam
Joshua Ringer
Randy Taylor
Edgar Ascencio
Peter Omara
Lawrence Aula
Eva Nambi
Jagmandeep Dhillon
Bruno Figueiredo
Fikayo Oyebiyi
Alimamy Fornah
Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio
Sulochana Dhital
Jeremiah Mullock
Jacob Bushong
Bee Chim
Eric Miller
Candi Byani
Jorge Rascon
Max Metcalf
Wayne Kiner
Kyle Hiner
Jonathan Kelly
Kevin Waldschmidt
Ideas proposed in May, 2007.
Meetings: Wednesday, 4:00 pm, Ag Engineering Shop
Energy Harvesting for Singulation (A. Koller and J. Rascon)
OSU Hand Planter Plan
AGCO Hand Planter Demo Report
|Added Materials
www.crustbuster.com (wobble slot)
Could these planters work using a protective rubber glove? Yes, but, the problem is that producers will not wear the gloves because they rely on finger dexterity and sensing to feel individual seeds. At the end of the day they have imbibed chemicals via skin to chemical surface contact.
OSU is aware of these planters and that have been discussed. The problem (demonstrated in the first video), is that they won't wear the latex/rubber gloves. In most parts of the world, it is hot and humid, at the time of "hand planting". As such, the human element of being able to singulate (using their fingers, and sensitivity in their fingers), relies on "not having gloves on." Are they (the producers) aware of the chemical contamination risks? Some are. So, because OSU is well aware, we think they need a hand planter makes that makes the decision for them. Marv Stone showed us a patent from Dickey-John that was older, but that recognized each seed (counted them as they passed by x-sensor).
Chinese farmers currently feed 20% of the global population using only 9% of
the world's arable land. Their traditional corn farming technique —
involving planting two to three kernels of corn per mound of soil just to
get one plant to grow — highlighted a need for a more efficient planting
technology. While this technique may have improved the odds, it had a habit
of creating high seed and labor costs. Which is why in 2002, DuPont Pioneer
entered the
Quick Facts
33% of wasted corn plants could be saved with vacuum planting.
Planting better seeds, in a smarter way.
Pioneer partnered with Hebei Nonghaha Agricultural Machinery Group, a local equipment manufacturer, to jointly develop a vacuum planter — the first of its kind in the country — that would allow Chinese farmers to plant corn using only one seed per mound. Improved single kernel planting technology raises the productivity and efficiency of Pioneer's corn, lowers the seed volume farmers need to purchase, reduces manual labor, and ensures more land can be used for other products, like grain, diversifying and increasing the area's food production output.
So far, it's working — single kernel planting is becoming a trend in China,
and if the vacuum planter continues to be widely adopted, it's estimated
that 1/3 of corn plants wasted by the manual thinning process could be
saved. Additionally,
|Last update: September 20, 2017
|NEW Hand Planter Video, online


text:
Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations
Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 534541, 5 pages
Thermal Energetic Reactor with High Reproduction of Fission Materials
Department of Development and Test of Reactor Devices, Institute of Atomic Energy of NNC RK, Kurchatov 071100, Kazakhstan
Received 20 May 2011; Revised 6 September 2011; Accepted 5 December 2011
Academic Editor: Francesc Reventos
Copyright © 2012 Vladimir M. Kotov. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Existing thermal reactors are energy production scale limited because of low portion of raw uranium usage. Fast reactors are limited by reprocessing need of huge mass of raw uranium at the initial stage of development. The possibility of development of thermal reactors with high fission materials reproduction, which solves the problem, is discussed here. Neutron losses are decreased, uranium-thorium fuel with artificial fission materials equilibrium regime is used, additional in-core and out-core neutron sources are used for supplying of high fission materials reproduction. Liquid salt reactors can use dynamic loading regime for this purpose. Preferable construction is channel type reactor with heavy water moderator. Good materials for fuel element shells and channel walls are zirconium alloys enriched by 90Zr. Water cooled reactors with usage 12% of raw uranium and liquid metal cooled reactors with usage 25% of raw uranium are discussed. Reactors with additional neutron sources obtain full usage of raw uranium with small additional energy expenses. On the base of thermal reactors with high fission materials reproduction world atomic power engineering development supplying higher power and requiring smaller speed of raw uranium mining, than in the variant with fast reactors, is possible.


text: Saw an unmarked Merc Vito with a blue RS4 and a Mondeo pulled over on Broadway in Oldham!!...hope it wasnt anyone off here!!lol Thought I'd post on here to warn anyone in the area as its such a stealthy thing to have unmarked!! It was dark blue with the first pannels on the side glass, and the rear pannels metal. there were blue lights behind the grille and also on the rear. It will stand out a mile off as it looked far too clean and shiney to be a workmans van! Keep your eyes peeled anywhere around manchester as the traffic cops base is just off broadway so may be patroling a large area......you have been warned!!lol RyanJon


text: Hi Travis > -----Original Message----- > From: Travis Oliphant [mailto:oliphant.travis at ieee.org] > Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 9:22 PM > To: scipy-dev at scipy.org > Subject: Re: [SciPy-dev] RE: Remez algorithm > > Have you seen the remez algorithm in the signal module? > > How does this one compare? OK, I wrote a bandpass filter driver for my routine and spent some time going through the sigtool version and comparing it to mine for somewhat realistic filter specs : taps = 90 grid_density = 16 bands = [.011,.15,.175,.239,.261,.500] desired = [0.,1.,0.] weights = [1e3,1.0,1e3] Some remarks and results: 1) the sigtools version requires a density of 32 to get accurate coefficients, I suspect an off by one bug in its peak finding routine. In any case, I have used 32 for the sigtools version and 16 for mine to get comparable results. 2) the sigtools version is significantly faster, the times for 100 iterations : sigtools -- 1.5 sec mine -- 13 sec 3) the sigtools version will use less memory, in this problem : sigtools -- about 11KiB mine -- about 259 KiB 4) the sigtools version does not return useful ancillary data, for instance, it's usefull to know just how good the fit was so that a routine can use it to make tradeoffs : number of taps, out of band rejection vs inband ripple, etc. 5) the sigtools version restricts the band edges to the range 0--.5, which makes it difficult, sometimes impossible, to design filters with complex coefficients, a practical thing to do sometimes with rad hard parts running $20K a pop. Mine goes out to 1.0. 6) the sigtools interface does not expose the function hooks available in the Parks-McClellan routine. This makes it difficult to properly design cascaded filters, or to design filters with more interesting shapes than the three basic types available. 7) the code for the sigtools version would be heck to modify or use as the basis of some other routine. It's convergence criteria are not clear; it failed to converge on some problems, but I have no idea what this meant. 8) The sigtools version is limited to filter design. Overall, I think that the sigtools version would work well for 99% of everyday filter design tasks, it's the remaining 1% that I wish to see covered, at least for my own uses. Chuck


text:
We are a progressive furniture retailer with the best concept in the industry: to make furniture shopping fun, affordable and exciting. It takes a talented, creative and dedicated team to make it that way.
We love our customers! Our team takes pride in delivering quality service and quality products to delight our customers every single visit.
Looking for a part time opportunity to earn some extra money and discounts on your decorating addiction? We've got you covered. Want to build a new career with a growing company that is committed to the development of their team members? We can do that, too.
We offer career paths with the flexibility to chart your own course based on where your talents and interests lead. Our team members have the chance to develop at their own pace, work in a variety of roles, and build on their personal strengths and interests as they progress within the company.
And, we have fun doing it.
From Operations to Sales, Customer Service to Store Support-our team members work together every day (even the days our stores AREN'T open!) to achieve the Weekends Only Mission-to "Save Our Customers Money."
Our Mission
Our hiring mission reflects our company values: Responsibility, Teamwork, Performance, Personal and Professional Growth, Honesty, and Commitment. WEO Team members are capable and committed to our Mission to "Save Our Customers Money" in an environment that supports growth and profitability, for the security of the company and co-workers. To achieve this, we offer meaningful work and a competitive compensation and benefits package.
We look for Team Players who demonstrate that they are customer focused, work well in teams, are effective in solving problems, and have the ability to effectively influence others to achieve results.
What You Can Expect from Our Hiring Process
We believe the most important business decision we make is who we hire, so we have a fairly rigorous and thorough process. Not only do we want to ensure that you will be a good fit for us and our culture, but that our positions will be a good fit for you too! The process may vary from location to location, but you can expect the following basic steps in any Weekends Only hiring process:
- Online Application and Assessment
- Phone Screening to determine if schedule & skills are a fit
- Initial Interview
- Second Interview/Panel Interview (depending on the position)
- Reference Check and Background Check
Here are some of the comprehensive benefits offered to our team members.


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Brooks named as appeals officer for NFL
Soon-to-be Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks, already a busy man in his retirement, has added another job to his work week, announced Friday by the NFL and NFLPA as a new appeals officer for the league.
Brooks, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next week in Canton, will serve as an arbitrator for on-field discipline against players, deciding appropriate punishment for fines levied for actions during games. He replaces former Vikings star Matt Birk, and will be one of two appeals officers, along with former NFL coach Ted Cottrell.
Brooks already has plenty on his plate, working as president of the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm, with the Tampa high school that bears his name and other work with his foundation.
"Derrick views this game with a very unique understanding as both a player and a team president," said Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations. "His review of appeals will be informed by experience as a player and as an executive."
Brooks has an active calendar of honors ahead, highlighted by his enshrinement in Canton, then on Sept. 14 at Raymond James Stadium, where he'll have his No. 55 jersey retired as he's inducted into the Bucs' Ring of Honor during the team's home game against the Rams.


text:
NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Vascular Surgery
Difficult venipuncture
Can an elevated blood pressure make venipuncture more difficult? I have been a regular blood donor and never had any difficulty with venipuncture & have been told that I do not have small veins. Today I had an xray with contrast and the tech had a very difficult time with the "stick". Also had blood drawn for blood test and that nurse also had trouble getting the blood. At the end of the office visit my blood pressure registered on the high side. Just wondered if a higher blood pressure would/could cause difficult "stick"?
No relation. Venipuncture is drawing blood out of the veins where blood pressure deals with the arteries. Your veins may just be small and therefore difficult to get blood out of.
Amy B Reed, MD
No longer associated


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What's the "Real" Climate Footprint of Your Community?
by Lisa Mastny, February 23, 2012
Across the country, communities of all sizes are trying to measure their impact on the Earth's climate. By taking detailed inventories of their greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide, but also trace gases like methane), they hope to gain a better sense of which economic activities generate the most emissions, and then take targeted action to reduce this impact.
The problem is, most existing greenhouse gas inventories have a critical flaw.
Most inventories focus only on the emissions that are produced in a region—that is, the emissions that arise locally from sources such as power plants, factories, vehicles, buildings, and agriculture. But this isn't all—or even most—of the emissions equation. What about the "hidden" emissions associated with the countless things that residents buy and use every day, like cars, food, clothing, computers, and electricity? Shouldn't these count toward the overall footprint, even if most of the emissions weren't actually produced in the region? Wouldn't this give a better sense of the true costs of our activities?
With this in mind, a handful of places are testing out a different kind of inventory that measures consumption-based emissions—the emissions associated with all the products and services that residents buy, use, and dispose of. The state of Oregon was the first community in the U.S. to commission this type of inventory, releasing its analysis last August. King County in Washington State (which includes Seattle) has since published a similar assessment, and a third project is under way for the City and County of San Francisco and the State of California. All three studies rely on a new methodology designed by the Stockholm Environment Institute, an international research organization that helps communities build capacity for integrated sustainability planning.
Measuring consumption-based emissions has important implications, not least because it provides a clearer picture for residents, businesses, and governments about the links between their own decisions as consumers and the wider climate impacts. But it's also relevant for discussions at the international level, as climate negotiators from around the world debate the relative responsibilities of their regions for contributing to—and addressing—global climate change.
Consumption vs. production
What makes the consumption approach so different? Consider electricity, a carbon-intensive product that we use every day. A production-based inventory would simply quantify all the carbon dioxide that's released by a local power plant, whether or not the electricity is consumed locally or transmitted elsewhere. More importantly, it wouldn't include many of the emissions related to this power production that may have occurred outside the region, such as the emissions released while extracting the coal or natural gas, or when transporting this fuel across borders. So it wouldn't give a full picture of a community's climate footprint.
A consumption-based approach, in contrast, would start from the standpoint of the actual electricity a community uses, and then calculate all the emissions associated with that use, whether they occur within or outside the region. In other words, it considers the complete electricity life cycle. By taking a lifecycle perspective, decision makers can more easily identify where in a product's supply chain the emissions are concentrated (production, transport, use, disposal, etc), and where they can most effectively make reductions. We see the direct connection between our consumption and its consequences.
The Oregon example
So how does your climate footprint change when you start counting emissions related to consumption rather than production? In the case of Oregon, the footprint grew—a lot. The emissions associated with statewide consumption—at 78 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent in 2005—were significantly higher than the emissions produced solely within state boundaries; in fact, they were 47 percent higher! This reflects the fact that Oregon imports a large share of its goods and services, which are often linked to complex, emissions-intensive, supply chains. In total, about two-thirds of Oregon's consumption-based emissions were released outside the state.
Most of these emissions can be linked to everyday consumers. According to the inventory, household consumption was responsible for 81 percent of Oregon's emissions, business investment for 11 percent, and government consumption for 9 percent.
The study was also revealing from a lifecycle perspective. The bulk of Oregon's consumption-based emissions occurred during two specific "life phases" of products: production (50 percent) and use (41 percent). Meanwhile, transporting all the goods and services consumed in the state—many from far corners of the globe—represented only a minor share of emissions, about 4 percent. The emissions released at retail/wholesale establishments and during the disposal of goods were also small.
What does this show us? That simply by buying a new product, we contribute to climate change: we are instantly burdened with all the emissions that were released to make that specific product. The process of using the product can also release significant emissions, especially if it's a carbon-intensive item like a car or a furnace. This means that if we want to move toward more sustainable consumption, we'll need to take a hard look at which products and services are particularly emissions-intensive to produce and use.
What products are the most emissions-intensive?
The Oregon study looked at a wide range of product categories, including vehicles and parts, appliances, food and beverages, construction, healthcare, electronics, lighting, furnishings, and clothing. It revealed, as most greenhouse gas inventories do, that among the biggest sources of emissions are personal vehicles and appliances (a category that includes home heating and cooling equipment). These items have particularly big climate footprints because they not only burn fossil fuels directly during their use, but they release indirect emissions associated with extracting, refining, and delivering these fuels.
The next biggest category of Oregon's emissions was food and beverages. (Together, personal vehicles, appliances, and food and beverages accounted for half of all the greenhouse gas impacts of Oregon's consumption.) In this case, the majority of food-related emissions occurred outside the state, during the "pre-purchase" phase of producing, processing, and packaging the food. Not surprisingly, red meat (which includes beef, pork, and lamb) and dairy and eggs released the highest pre-purchase emissions—a fact that can be attributed to the extensive feed requirements of cattle as well as to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from the digestive tracts of ruminant animals.
Looking at the lifecycle emissions of food makes it easier to see the profound impact that food waste—another growing problem—can have on the climate. In Oregon, the "upstream" emissions associated with food consumed in the state (the emissions released during food production, processing, and transport) were roughly 30 times higher than the "downstream" emissions associated with the disposal of uneaten food. This means that reducing food waste upstream—through activities like cutting back on production or avoiding excess purchasing—can significantly shrink food's climate footprint. In contrast, managing food waste after it's produced (by composting, for example) offers a much smaller potential for reductions.
Is "buying local" always better for the Earth's climate?
Many environmentalists emphasize the importance of buying local as a way to minimize the ecological—and climate—impacts of a product, whether it's an apple or a widget. In the case of food, a common concern raised is about "food miles"—the emissions associated with transporting an apple or a head of lettuce halfway across the world. But the findings of the Oregon inventory suggest that this isn't the only factor to consider when deciding whether or not to choose local.
As mentioned earlier, transporting all the goods and services that Oregonians enjoy represents only about 4 percent of the state's consumption-related emissions—so it's actually a relatively minor contributor to the emissions total. The inventory suggests that the more important variable to consider when evaluating the benefits of buying local is how the item was produced, since the production phase accounts for such a substantial share of consumption-based emissions.
For instance, if the local method of producing an apple is particularly emissions intensive (if it uses high rates of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, for example), then the climate footprint of that local apple could easily be much higher than that of a long-distance apple that was produced in a less emissions-intensive way (such as being grown organically). Conversely, for some products, buying local may bring a distinct climate advantage due to relatively lower emissions during production. In Oregon, for example, locally made furnishing and supplies are about half as emissions intensive on average as similar items produced in the countries that export to Oregon.
Lessons learned, and what we can do in our own communities
Like any modeling effort, there are limitations to consumption-based inventories. For reasons of data availability, for example, the Oregon study relies on nationally derived estimates of consumer, government, and business spending and trade relationships, which are then scaled to the state level. As a result, the inventory may not reflect local behaviors that might deviate significantly from national averages. Because of these and other limitations, consumption-based inventories may be inherently less accurate than certain elements of production-based inventories that are based on direct measurement of fuel use or production. That's why it's recommended that most places use a consumption-based inventory to complement, not replace, traditional production-based approaches.
Nevertheless, consumption-based inventories play a critical role in empowering us as consumers—and as communities. We can gain a more complete picture of how our consumption choices contribute to local (and global) greenhouse gas emissions
Among the steps we can take as consumers are:
- Shifting our vehicle, appliance, and food choices to more climate-friendly alternatives, such as switching from a standard sedan to a hybrid, using more-efficient home appliances (and turning them off when not in use), and eating fewer processed foods;
- Extending the useful life of our personal and household goods, such as furnishings and clothing, to reduce the need for new products and their associated emissions;
- Buying more durable (or secondhand) items, and delaying the purchase of new items by reusing items already in use. (For certain products like cars, appliances, or windows, however, upgrading to more-efficient models may bring greater climate benefits than prolonging their use.);
- Switching from high-emissions to low-emissions goods and services wherever possible; and
- Reducing consumption overall, either by no longer buying certain good and services or by avoiding consumption through gains in efficiency and other measures. The Oregon model suggests that for every $1 million decline in overall spending in the state, greenhouse gas emissions would decline by approximately 540 tons.
Steps for policymakers and other community decision makers include:
- Focusing waste prevention efforts on reduced and shifted consumption as a means of preventing waste and conserving resources;
- Encouraging extended producer responsibility or "product stewardship" and working with manufacturers to reduce environmental and health impacts across the entire life cycle of their product;
- Using government purchasing policies to "lead by example" and drive market change toward more climate-friendly products;
- Encouraging businesses and industries (both within and outside the region) to do their own inventories of "supply chain" emissions to help them determine where changes in technologies, energy sources, or suppliers may yield significant emissions reductions.
Clearly, if policymakers in Oregon based their climate action only on a production-based inventory, they would be missing a huge contributor to emissions in the state. This suggests that, as communities, it is in our interest not only to reduce emissions within local boundaries (such as by encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns), but also to support and encourage action beyond our borders to lower the emissions associated with producing and transporting the goods that we use. From this perspective, it is much easier to see how we are "all in this together" and must work collaboratively as communities, regions, and nations to address the local and global challenges we face.
Further Resources:
Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Oregon – 2005: Summary Report
Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Oregon - 2005: Technical Report
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in King County
Answers to common questions about the consumption-based emissions inventory
Calculate your household's carbon footprint
Materials Management Approaches for State and Local Climate Protection


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In the wet brine we go
Consolidated into a 2.5 gallon ziplok bag.
After 24 hours of brining, onto the racks for for room drying (2 hours)
Back in from spending a 3.5 hour stint in one of our Big Chief smokers. Used some Alder and Apple pellets
in the AMNTS.
Good treats to feed my fellow fishing buddies
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Edited by cmayna - 11/8/15 at 7:42am


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Cardiac MRI in Ischemic Stroke Study (CaMriSS)
This study has been completed.
Charite University, Berlin, Germany
Center for Stroke Research Berlin
Cardiology and Angiology, Elisabeth Hospital, Essen, Germany
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Karl Georg Haeusler, Charite University, Berlin, Germany
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: August 7, 2012
Last updated: November 7, 2016
Last verified: November 2016
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
No Study Results Posted on ClinicalTrials.gov for this Study
|Study Status:
|This study has been completed.
|Study Completion Date:
|November 2014
|Primary Completion Date:
|November 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)


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|Oct. 30, 2013
Top Stories
|How to keep morale high in the workplace
|Lack of open, honest communication has the most negative impact on employee morale, a survey of HR managers found. Find out about other morale killers and about remedies managers can employ to keep negativity at bay.
|CGMA Magazine
|Six steps to manage ethical risks as growth slows in emerging markets
|Challenging economic conditions in emerging markets are increasing the pressure on companies to cut corners in dealing with fraud, corruption, and bribery risks. Learn six steps to get a handle on the risks.
|CGMA Magazine
|Investors get selective with emerging markets
|Find out why some of the BRICS have fallen out of favor with investors and what makes Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea emerging markets that are still attractive.
|A business case for balancing work and life
|Penny Abbott, head of HR research at the South African Board for People Practices, explores what organizations can do to help employees perform better at their jobs by achieving work-life balance.
|Accountancy SA
|Six trends that are reshaping the accounting profession
|The six demographics trends in the U.S. leave accountants little choice but to embrace new business practices. Find out about the trends and about how accountants can deal with them.
|Journal of Accountancy
|Proposed crowdfunding rules offer CPAs new business opportunities
|Rules on crowdfunding proposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission would create opportunities for startups and small, private businesses to raise cash through internet-aided sales of securities—and would create opportunities for work by CPAs.
|Journal of Accountancy | Reuters | Bloomberg
|Why companies need a more forward-looking approach to cybersecurity
|Not so long ago, computer hackers focused mainly on organizations that had the most to offer. They followed the money, trying to breach big companies and access cash, sensitive data, or intellectual property. Now, hackers are just as likely to probe the systems of small to midsize entities.
|CGMA Magazine
|International consortium buys rights to develop Brazil's giant offshore oil field
|Latin American Herald Tribune
|Government shutdown delays start of 2014 tax season
|Journal of Accountancy
|Federal audit finds IRS failed to clamp down on improper tax payments
|The Hill/On the Money Blog
|Proposed Indian regulator would be allowed to review audits
|The Indian Corporate Affairs Ministry issued draft rules that would allow the National Financial Reporting Authority, a proposed regulator for accounting and auditing standards, to undertake border-crossing investigations of audit firms or audits and issue severe penalties.
|The Economic Times
|China tries to get a handle on bad loan risk
|China's National Audit Office has heightened scrutiny of local government debts, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged to rein in the country's budget deficit. Meanwhile, bad loan write-offs have tripled at China's biggest banks.
|Market News International | Bloomberg
|Housing prices in China continue to rise without government intervention
|China Economic Review
|Are you about to lose your assigned office desk?
|Having a desk at the office to call your own may be going the way of the typewriter. You might have to acquaint yourself with the idea of grabbing work materials from a locker and finding an open desk at the office, also called hotdesking, or working at a variety of desks assigned to particular activities.
|Strengthened German chancellor has plans to reform EU institutions
|Backed by a powerful grand coalition, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has the means to attempt to reform European Union institutions. Communal control of national budgets and public borrowing in EU capitals could improve competitiveness and bring about social reforms.
|Der Spiegel
|Are UK patent holders enjoying undue tax advantages?
|The European Commission has raised concerns that the U.K.'s Patent Box tax incentive breaches the European Union code of conduct for business taxation. The U.K. policy provides a lower corporate tax rate on profits attributable to a company's patents.
|AccountancyAge | Irish Examiner
|Booming exports pull Spain out of recession
|Norwegian tax authorities suspicious of cheap haircuts, car washes
|Views and News from Norway
AICPA News
|AICPA commission to develop best practices to improve diversity
|The recently formed AICPA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion plans to gather perspectives on the profession's diversity and inclusion through a survey and to provide a best-practices resource and maturity model for firms that are considering or developing diversity initiatives.
|Self-study with CPExpress
|CPExpress, the AICPA's comprehensive bundle of online continuing professional education courses for CPAs, offers immediate access to hundreds of one- and two-credit hour courses that allow you to select the specific topic you need when you need it for just-in-time learning. You can choose from a full spectrum of subject areas and knowledge levels.
About the AICPA
The American Institute of CPAs is the world's largest member association representing the accounting profession, with more than 394,000 members in 128 countries and a 125-year heritage of serving the public interest. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. Through a joint venture with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, it has established the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation to elevate management accounting globally.
© 2013 AICPA Inc. All Rights Reserved.| Privacy & Terms of Use


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OFT closes sportswear price fixing enquiry
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said it has provisionally closed an enquiry into possible price fixing by sportswear retailers.
The OFT said it will not decide until later this year whether any laws were broken. A separate investigation by the Serious Fraud Office is continuing.
The inquiries were launched after one retailer, JJB Sports, blew the whistle on the alleged cartel in January 2009.
Keith Hallawell, chairman of rival Sports Direct, welcomed the OFT's move.
"[The OFT's decision] is in line with Sports Direct's long held views on the investigation," he said. "It is also consistent with previous decisions taken by other regulatory bodies."
JJB had been granted full immunity in the OFT from possible financial penalties of up to 10% of turnover, in return for the firm's full co-operation.
JJB's share price rose 14% in morning trading on the London Stock Exchange following the OFT's announcement. Sports Direct rose only 3.8%.


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|Jeannie Fulbright
|Jeannie Fulbright is the author of Apologia's Young Explorer's series. She has completed five books in the series, Exploring Creation with Astronomy, Botany, Zoology 1, Zoology 2 and, the soon to be released, Zoology 3. Jeannie and her husband homeschool their four children, ages six to thirteen, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to homeschooling and writing, she enjoys speaking around the country to encourage homeschoolers on their journey. Her heart's desire is to equip others with information, edification and tools they can use to provide an excellent academic education without sacrificing the peace and joy that God wants for us to have as we fulfill His call on our lives to homeschool.
means notes of the session are available in PDF format when you click on the link to the session.


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General Machinery Ltd. (Since 1965) Kampala, Uganda
Deals In : Trucks, Cars, Heavy Equipment, Tractors, Forklifts
Languages Known : English
Business Type : Dealer, Importers
Profile : General Machinery Limited was incorporated in Uganda in March 1965 with the main purpose of developing agricultural mechanization through provision of Agricultural tractors, implements and related after sales needs. more...
(Total Hits: 2,862)
Farm Engineering Industries Ltd. (Since 1984) Kampala, Uganda
Deals In : Tractors
Profile : Farm Engineering Industries Ltd. is a leading Farm Equipment Dealer In Uganda. more...
(Total Hits: 2,753)
Uganda Heavy Duty and Farming Equipment Ltd. (Since 2004) Kampala, Uganda
Deals In : Trucks, Heavy Equipment, Tractors, Forklifts
Profile : Uganda Heavy Duty and Farming Equipment Ltd was founded in 2004 with a vision of bridging the gap between the farmers and machinery. Since the inception of the company,modern machinery/equipment have been imported into Uganda. more...
(Total Hits: 5,110)
Capital Auto Parts Kampala, Uganda
Deals In : Trucks, Parts, Engines, Tyres, Tractors
Languages Known : English, Kiswahili
Profile : Capital Auto Parts Limited is a private limited liability company that was incorporated under the laws of Uganda on 11th day of May 1992. more...
(Total Hits: 2,949)


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Lazy Naturals: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
This is the path of least textured hair resistance, but it isn't without its pitfalls.
Are you in love with the lazy naturals lifestyle? It's a sunny world where curly, coily, and wavy girls adopt a simplified, easy approach to textured hair care that means less time chained to the bathroom mirror (or insert your primary hair styling station here) and more time actually enjoying their big, bodacious strands. It's the path of least textured hair resistance, but it isn't completely without pitfalls. Like any method, the potential for mistakes and bad hair days abound. But, I want your natural hair journey to be as easy and effortless as possible. So, come in close. I'm going to share the biggest mistakes I made as a wee lazy natural lass so that you can steer clear.
Know Thy Texture
It took three long years of struggling followed by just three months of guided instruction for me to discover the best approach for my wild tendrils. I look back and grimace at the time I wasted trying to style my hair with limited understanding of curls and coils. As a result of wearing my hair snatched back every day, the coils at my crown were choppy and broken. As soon as I began learning about detangling, moisturizing, and protective styling, my curls started thriving. These days, it's easier than ever to learn about proper textured hair care and maintenance. Use resources like NaturallyCurly and Tribe Called Curl for information on styling techniques and products. Don't be afraid to experiment. And whatever you do, don't attempt to comb your curls dry.
Cut It Out
Ever spot a naturalista with super long curls from far away, but ragged, broken strands up close? Yep, that use to be me. Going years without a trim led to split ends, tangles, and frustration. Like many, I was so fixated on length that the health of my hair wasn't even a thought. Thankfully, I've seen the error of my ways and I now get regular (micro) trims every three or four months, depending on the condition of my curls. Since then, my hair has never looked better. For the record, I'm a big believer in letting a qualified stylist do the honors, which brings me to my final point.
Don't Go It Alone
Twelve years of doing my hair alone left me with long, but unremarkable curls and coils. My hair didn't have any shape and my ends were ragged and split. Then, I stepped into a natural hair salon. In addition to luxuriating in the experience of having someone else do the work, I also got a cut that literally turned heads. There is a great deal of mistrust in the natural hair community when it comes to stylists, and while some of it is understandable, beauticians who specialize in texture have the ability to make good hair great. As a lazy natural, I've mastered one or two signature looks, but when I want a special, sophisticated hairstyle, I go to a trusted expert. A trusted stylist in your area can easily be identified by a thorough online search, and of course a personal reference is always a plus. Looking for a stylist who specializes in styling curly and coily hair? Check out the Curl Salons on the site and leave a review!
For years, these three common mistakes kept me from glorious, healthy curls. Don't let them hold you back. May the (curly) force be with you.
What are some mistakes you have made as a lazy natural?


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YOUNG people from Kandu Kicks in Chippenham will be trying to strip Wiltshire Police of their title in their annual football tournament this weekend.
The event kicks off at 11.15am this Saturday at Stanley Park.
Community group Kandu Arts works with GreenSquare Housing Association on a football project for those aged 13-19 who would otherwise have barriers to getting into positive activities or to following their talent or passion for sport.
About 100 players are expected, with other teams featuring players from Chippenham homelessness drop-in Doorway, Trowbridge homeless charity Amber House and The Harbour Project for Swindon refugees and asylum-seekers.


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Are more expensive AR's significantly more accurate?
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April 1, 2013, 03:51 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 25, 2013
Location: Greenwood, South Carolina
Posts: 2,768
Are more expensive AR's significantly more accurate?
Title says it all. I'm not sure what rifle I'm going to end up with (got a little while of saving up money first before I can choose). Lately I've been contemplating getting an AR so that I could have a 5.56 upper for short range competitions and then switch to another caliber for longer range shooting. I do have a bolt .308 so 1200 yard accuracy won't be the end goal. Just something that could be taken out farther a little more easily than the 5.56.
My question is, is there a significant difference in the accuracy between "mid level" and fancy AR-15's? Would an off the shelf S&W MP-15 be handicapped under a Stag Arms or Noveske? I understand there's probably a price difference but will a lower level significantly hold me back? And, if so, can they be upgraded to the same (ish) level of accuracy without essentially replacing the whole rifle?
In the interest of full disclosure, I would probably only be able to afford a mid level entry at first (if even an AR) and anything more expensive may have to wait as I have to start saving for many more important things as well.
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The Order: 1886 May Have a Legitimate Shot at Game of the Year
Ever since we first saw gameplay for The Order: 1886, we've seen nothing but haters posting ridiculous headlines.
Why? The answer should be obvious: As one of the very first games announced for a brand new generation, expectations were understandably through the roof. We should all admit that no matter what Sony or Microsoft showed off early last year, many of us would've been unimpressed.
After a very long generation that led to widespread disinterest and fatigue, everyone was champing at the bit for a new era. The result: Nobody satisfied with anything, from Titanfall to inFamous: Second Son. Now, don't get me wrong; I don't believe we've seen a true example of "next-gen," either (according to my own personal definition).
But I ardently believe we'll see it in The Order: 1886.
It's ironic that everyone bashes the game for looking "generic" when in fact, "generic" is what everyone seems to want
The best-selling video games year after year? Gee, I think they're franchises with names like Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, and Madden. The most innovative, unique titles hardly crack the sales charts, so it seems to me that gamers are a bunch of hypocrites. Either that, or the core gaming group is a lot smaller than everyone seems to think, and the mainstream casual masses dictate the sales charts. Yes, I think I'll go with the latter explanation.
The Order: 1886 is a third-person shooter. So? Last I checked, Uncharted has always been a third-person shooter, too, and I don't see anyone slamming the franchise for this trait. When we finally see gameplay of A Thief's End, will it be labeled "generic?" Not a chance in hell. What separates Uncharted from The Order? A better story? From what we've heard, Ready at Dawn is attempting to pen an extremely compelling. in-depth story. Linearity? Hardly; both are linear adventures.
I'd very much like an explanation from the haters as to why one third-person shooter gets called "generic" while the other is revered above all others.
We still need to see a LOT more of The Order before we start passing judgment
I do believe The Order: 1886 will be a fantastic game when it arrives. Sony simply doesn't allow mediocre first-party titles out the door. This isn't about fancy graphics; this is about a fantastic concept, an excellent - and even unique - setting, what could be extremely intriguing characters, and a style of gameplay that is tight, polished, and even diverse. I guess everyone ignored gameplay details that involve systems beyond third-person shooting, but they do exist.
That being said, we've seen just a few minutes of gameplay and nothing more. This is a perfect example of gamers refusing to read because they base their entire opinion on a visual, and not text. The gameplay, story, setting, and character details are extremely promising; don't forget that the general feeling surrounding The Order before the gameplay footage was very positive. Then, a few minutes later, everyone reverses, and after having seen precious little of what that game will ultimately offer.
I guarantee that if Ready at Dawn comes through, this will be one of the best games of 2015.
Christina VirginiaAugust 22, 2014, 11:50 amFeatured Contributor"The gameplay, story, setting, and character details are extremely promising..."
You hit the nail on the head. I'm very excited to play The Order: 1886, because these are the things I value most in video games. Everybody has different tastes, so I can definitely understand people who place a high value on next-gen graphics and online multiplayer capability being disappointed. Personally, I prefer a single-player experience, and could care less whether a game runs at 30 or 60 fps. Compelling story? Fleshed-out characters? I'm there.
Bryan_6771August 20, 2014, 11:15 pmI was quite interested in this game until I saw the actual game play footage, it looks absolutely spectacular visually but the game play just doesn't live up to expectations. Granted, this is entirely based on a 4 minute demo, but the demo just didn't do anything interesting. A concerning amount of it was entirely scripted moments and general "oh shoot things from behind cover now". The first gameplay shown should be the very best (non-spoilery) moment they have to offer. Either this was a really bad choice of gameplay or this is a really bad sign for the game. I'll still be waiting to see how the reviews turn out, but right now I'm not wildly optimistic.
Cartman_5251August 20, 2014, 7:59 pmLOL. I have a PS4 and this is definitely the game i WON'T buy in 2015. If you think that a bunch of cut-scenes with 30 seconds of mediocre gameplay is how you make a great game(or any kind of videogame) you must have started to play videogames only 5 years ago.
escopablobar_0739August 20, 2014, 7:07 pmI am highly anticipating The Order but as with anything I am choosing to curb my enthusiasm and reserve final judgement for after release. It is obvious that the visuals are impeccable but we know very little of the other elements. Beyond the novelty of the setting and period is the actual narrative any good? Do the mechanics allow for deep immersion? Will the final build be devoid of QC issues? We should all curb our enthusiasm a bit and hold this new IP to as high a standard as any other game. Don't let the visuals cloud your judgement. Story is paramount and we don't quite know yet if The Order has a compelling one.
medman_9866August 20, 2014, 6:25 pmI love the setting, graphics, and lore....so hopefully they nail the story and it's a win.
Triple CounterAugust 20, 2014, 5:28 pmWah, Uncharted is beloved. (A 3rd person PLATFORMER with shooting elements, but hey, I won't fuss over the details.) Why not mention the Gears of War hits and flops? -Because it wouldn't suit your point.
People aren't excited about The Order because it looked like crap, that's why. You picked "generic" out of the batch so you could counter-douche all the douches who were getting all uppity about it. It doesn't make you any less like them, just so you know.
Next time you end up in my Flipboard feed, I pray that you actually come up with a valid argument. Better luck next time.
Triple CounterAugust 20, 2014, 5:31 pmAnd no, it doesn't have a shot. Based on your comments alone, you know this. Destiny or Call of a Duty is going to take it.
Pardon22August 20, 2014, 6:36 pmSimply put, it is popular to hate this game and call it "bland, linear & boring" when everyone has only seen/played a 5 minute snippet of gameplay. It's truly a ridiculous sentiment to call it either way, good/bad. We simply have not seen enough. The Last of Us was a by the bones shooter that had very regular weapons & shooting mechanics & it managed to do pretty well for itself. When they present the Order to journalists and they get to play a full mission/full game we will get a better picture of what it will offer. So how's about we actually wait until we have concrete evidence everyone?
Cannibal_2335August 20, 2014, 4:26 pmThank you for finally saying this. I have held the game in high esteem since it's reveal trailer. To this day, I can't find the "generic" that they're talking about. Cover shooters of the 3rd person variety have existed since MGS2, albeit bare bones compared to today's cover flare. However, games like Gears of War and Uncharted are not blasted for their copy and paste usage of this style. I can not wait for The Order!!! Day one purchase!!
pixmaaAugust 20, 2014, 4:01 pmFeatured ContributorAnd this is why it takes guts to start a new IP.


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Clubs And Organizations
Upcoming Events:
Oct 20 - Orientation for Prospective Members, 2:00 pm, Humber 103
Oct 28- Phi Theta Kappa Fall Induction Ceremony, 5:00 pm, Goess Multipurpose Room.
Oct 29- Community Yard Sale, 7:00 am - noon, Fulford parking lot.
Contact info:
Advisors: Joy Moses-Hall, firstname.lastname@example.com, 493-7558
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President: Monica Rease
Vice President of Scholarship: Elizabeth Chilcoat
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