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|Introduction | Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens performance | Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM versus competition | Conclusion
Introduced in 2002 as the successor to the 28-70mm f/2.8, the first generation EF 24-70mm f/2.8L proved itself a very capable performer. Comparing the performance side-by-side the two share similar scores for distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration (in fact the older lens was measured with slightly lower levels, though it's unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use), however, significant advances have been made in sharpness (equating to a 33-percent improvement overall) and transmission values, down from T3.4 to T3.0.
Both lenses are sharp in the centre but the improvement in the sharpness across the field accounts for the dramatic improvement. We're also used to seeing the performance drop significantly at longer focal lengths, and, while it's not quite at the same quality levels as the shorter lengths, it's still noticeably better than the previous model.
Comparing the Field Maps at 35mm f/2.8, the Mk II (left) shows excellent uniformity. Although acutance is 8% percent higher in the centre, the corners aren't far behind at 5%
Zooming out a little to 50mm (again at maximum aperture) and the Mk II still shows a 5.5% improvement in acutance in the centre and 4% in the corner, although to be fair the older lens holds up well.
At the longest focal length (70mm) and maintaining the f/2.8 maximum aperture setting, the shortcomings of the older version can be seen quite clearly. Direct comparisons reveal a 7.3% higher acutance in the center of the field, while the corner is an impressive 11% percent higher with the new lens over the first-gen model.
Measured TStop
As for transmission, the new lens is noticeable faster with a maximum of T3.0 and more closely resembles the f/2.8 theoretical aperture value. The graphs above reveal the relative differences between the two quite clearly (the red line plotting the results of the new lens, against the blue for the original version). Both lenses have the vaunted f/2.8 maximum aperture but our measurements reveal the new version is faster (brighter) by nearly a one ½ stop at 24mm dropping to just less than a one 1/3 stop brighter at 70mm.
As a Canon user, potential purchasers of this lens will also likely consider the firm's popular EF 24-105mm f/4L. Both are L-series and targeting professional photographers, however while the 24-70mm f/2.8 is one stop faster (theoretically), the 24-105mm f/4 has extra flexibility for portraits with the popular 85-105mm focal lengths, boasts image stabilization and at around $1000 less, is significantly more accessible in price.
Not only does the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM compare well against its predecessor, it also outperforms the 24-105mm f/4L in most areas when tested on the Canon EOS-1Ds MkIII. Not only is it significantly sharper and almost 1 2/3 stops faster, it has noticeable less distortion. However, not to be outdone, the 24-105mm f/4L has slightly less vignetting while also boasting quite low levels of chromatic aberration.
DxOMark Score Map:
A careful look at the DxO Mark Score Maps reveals the 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM to be a better performer optically than the 24-105mm f/4 at every aperture and focal length combination. However, in fairness, the performance of 24-105mm f/4 tails off more noticeably past the 70mm limit of the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. If we compare the same focal range (as we should), the new lens outperforms the 24-105mm between the crucial f/4 and f/8 range but it also performs very well at f/2.8.
Map Sharpness at 50mm f/4 focal length:
If we take a closer look at the sharpness map for both lenses at a focal length of 50mm and at a comparable aperture (f/4 in this instance) we can begin to see the difference. Although one stop down from the maximum aperture, which is an advantage with most lenses, the new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers very good sharpness in the centre and that holds up well across the field into the corners. In contrast, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM can only just about match the new lens in the centre, with the image noticeably softening towards the edges and corners. While this isn't surprising given the fact lens performance is weakest wide-open, the results reflect the limited aperture choices and, therefore, typical use for photographers working in available light.
Although the new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II has two UD (ultra low dispersion) and one Super UD glass elements in the optical construction, in our global map the 24-70mm f2.8 has traces at every aperture and every focal length (though, unsurprisingly, it's strongest at the faster apertures and wider end). By comparison, the simpler EF 24-105mm f/4L has much lower levels, and is only an issue at the wider end at the maximum aperture.
If we examine the field map of the two lenses, we can see the lateral chromatic aberration actually doesn't look quite as problematic as it it's portrayed in the global map (above). Fortunately, lateral chromatic aberration is simple to remove in software (such as DxO's own Optics Pro image workflow solution).
Canon vs Nikon vs Sony (Zeiss): the Flagship midrange contest
While the Canon version is the latest to market, both Nikon and Sony users can call on relatively new designs. The Sony made Zeiss designed model is the oldest of the three and yet it has some very good scores, with each either bettering or matching the newer Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 and, at first sight, rivaling the new Canon optic. While the Sony has slightly lower Distortion (at 0.3%) and Vignetting (at -1.4 EVs) than the Canon, the overall DxOMark scores of 26 vs 21 respectively are mainly influenced by the Canon's uniform sharpness over the image field. This is noticeable at the wider apertures throughout the zoom range, and particularly at the longer focal lengths. The Canon also edges ahead with the impressive Transmission score.
To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.
To website
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the kind of lens that's always going to be held up to high scrutiny - it's the company's flagship standard zoom for professional photographers, and is expected to deliver top-notch results under all conditions. Happily, that's exactly what it does.
Read the article
Added by ag08025 | June 08, 2014
result is not credible. look here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=787&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=2&API=0&LensComp=618&CameraComp=614&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0
Added by cometer | December 25, 2013
Could you also provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel "numbers" for Canon 5D mark III ?
Could you also provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel "numbers" for Canon 5D mark III for the 5 measured points @ F4, the 5 measured points @ F5.6, and the 5 measured points @ F8?
Reply | Read all replies for this comment
Added by hoodlum | December 25, 2013
Re: Could you also provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel \
I would like to add that it would be nice to see the detailed perceptual Mpixel numbers for the focal lengths and apertures measured of all camera lens combinations. That would give a greater understanding of how to use the lens.
I assume that you have all of this information and it would just be a matter of finding a way to present it.
Added by Emilie_DxOMark | January 07, 2014
Re: Could you also provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel \
I would like to add that it would be nice to see the detailed perceptual Mpixel numbers for the focal lengths and apertures measured of all camera lens combinations. That would give a greater understanding of how to use the lens.
I assume that you have all of this information and it would just be a matter of finding a way to present it.
You can check the acutance value in the field for each focal aperture measured.
P-Mpix is measured for the whole image and would not have a lot of sense for one position in the field.
Best regards,
The DxOMark team
Added by cometer | December 25, 2013
could you provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel "numbers" for Canon 70D?
Since in the sharpness P-Mpix graph the same color code is used for > 12 P-Mpixs, could you provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel "numbers" for Canon 70D for the 5 measured points @ F4 and the 5 measured points @ F5.6? I'd really like to know how good (sharp) the Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM performs on 70D @ F4 and F5.6
Reply | Read all replies for this comment
Added by Emilie_DxOMark | January 07, 2014
Re: could you provide the sharpness perceptual Mpixel \
Thanks for your comment. You can check the acutance value in the field for each focal aperture measured.
P-Mpix is measured for the whole image and would not have a lot of sense for one position in the field.
Best regards,
The DxOMark team
Added by cometer | December 07, 2013
Suggestion to reveal more into
I noticed that there were several "measured points" in this graph, such as 4 points @ F2.8 and 4 points @ F4, etc. Could you show in somewhere the actual P-Mpix numbers for these points?
BTW, since the number of sensor mega pixels has been growing over 20M in reccent years (such as Nikon D800), I suggest that the color codes should extend to at least 40M.
Finally, are these "measured points" measured @ the center of the lens or the corner? Could you provide both info in the future?
Reply | Read all replies for this comment
Added by Emilie_DxOMark | December 17, 2013
Re: Suggestion to reveal more into
Thanks for your question, we always measure many apertures for one specific focal (min – max –f/2.8 f/4, f/5.6, f/8 etc….)
For Sharpness we perform 15 points of measure in the field.
About the color scale, you are right, this is something we should improve for the next website version.
Best regards,
The DxOMark team
Added by riccimar | January 31, 2013
Looking at the graph
looking at the final graph , it seem the nikon scored more than 24 and the canon mark II less then 25, but looking at the real measure the nikon scored 24 and the canon 26.
i suspect something gone wrong there..


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In the annals of fantasy there is no mage as feared, no sorcerer as powerful as the fiery Lina Inverse. And when the exceptionally well-endowed Naga the Serpent accompanies her, the forces of evil will find there's nowhere to hide!
Contains all 6 OVAs: Scary Chimera Plan Jeffrey's Knighthood Mirror, Mirror Labyrinth A Frightening Future Lina-chan's Lovely Makeover Operation
DVD Features: Interviews with Voice Actors, Portfolio, Original Trailers, Previews.
Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, English subtitles.
Can't get enough comedy, explosions, and catchy, rhythmic, can't-get-'em-out-of-your-head Megumi Hayashibara pop songs? Expand your Slayers universe - literally - with Lost Universe today!
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The IBEX Knitty Gritty glove is a mid- weight glove made of a lambswool blend. The seamless knit design makes for a clean looking glove with exceptional comfort. The palm and fingers are riddled with grippers to keep your hands on the bar at all times.
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New album: Tales of Us
Artist: Goldfrapp
Label: Mute Artists Ltd.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
The sixth album of original material from Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory is their strongest, most consistent effort since their "Felt Mountain" debut in 2000.
Like genre-hopper Neil Young – who trades in hard rock, folk music and country – Goldfrapp spread it around all over town as well. The English duo is known just as much for its electric/dance sound as its dreamy, acoustic/electronica work – with the latter providing the most memorable songs. Pinches of Tori Amos, Pink Floyd and Zero 7 can be heard in this work.
From the black and white album cover to Alison Goldfrapp's moody vocalizing over Gregory's minor-key landscapes, "Tales of Us" is dripping in noir. Except for "Stranger," each song is named after a person.
Opening track "Jo" is an updated take on Rick Wright's more inspired moments with Pink Floyd, while "Annabel" and "Drew" feature the up-close whispered vocals that have done Tori Amos well. "Tales of Us" isn't brimming with originality, but the influences worn on the musicians' sleeves are arranged in a tasteful manner.
The intimacy of "Stranger" pushes the whole longing/desire bit to the hilt, but it works. Accompanied primarily by Gregory's acoustic guitar work, Alison Goldfrapp manages to cram the emotions of a David Lynch film into a four-minute space.
Album closer "Clay" continues the album's cinematic theme by building to an emotional crescendo that validates the shoe gazing and murmuring of the previous nine songs. "Clay" is still musically sparse, but it boasts cellos, and nothing ramps up the old heart rate like a team of cellists sawing away.
If you're looking to "Tales of Us" for a dance anthem, it's not here. Anyone wanting to zone out to some mildly interesting music should be quite satisfied.
Classic album: Hideaway: The Best of Freddy King
Artist: Freddy King
Label: Rhino
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Due to his death at the age of 42 in 1976, the work of blues legend Freddy King isn't as well known as it should be.
Since albums didn't really become a proper art form during King's heyday, Rhino's "Hideaway" compilation is the perfect introduction to a somewhat unsung blues progenitor. King's instrumental hit "Hideaway" is in itself enough to warrant King's place in any music hall of fame worth its salt.
Covered by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jeff Healey, Eric Clapton and Johnny Winter, "Hideaway" contains many riffs and chordal phrases that have become blues shorthand. Interestingly, no one is fully certain who wrote the song, but King's version is considered a blues standard.
Also a gifted vocalist, King shines in the Jimmy Reed-esque "Country Boy" and Fats Washington's "That's What You Think." These tunes are sung with conviction and a healthy dose of humor. On the primal boogies "San-Ho-Zay" and "Sen-Shay-Shun," King predated Prince's penchant for alternative spelling by a few decades. The only glaring omission (possibly due to record label hassles) is "Woman across the River," a later-era King track that was covered by the Allman Brothers Band in 2003.
"Hideaway: The Best of Freddy King" plays like the greatest juke joint jukebox you've never heard. The collection starts out strong and is still cooking with gas on album closer "Going Down," known to many rock fans through the Who's live version from 1972. King's work deserves a deeper investigation, but this compilation stands as one of the greatest single-disc blues albums on the market.
Jon Dawson's album reviews appear every Thursday in The Free Press. Contact Jon at 252-559-1092 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Purchase 'Making Gravy in Public' at jondawson.com.


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Forty years ago Tiny Naude kicked South Africa to a famous victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand. Duane Heath writes that today the 68-year old Springbok can't even remember his own name.
There he sits, a fading hero from yesteryear, watching history in the making. This old giant, this fusion of beanstalk bones and muddy memories, gazes at the dark-haired youngster standing before him. The muscular youngster's green jersey is coated in South Island sludge and for a moment its weight threatens to sink his spirit.
The old hero looks at that youthful face and for a moment everything becomes clear again. He looks at that black field and remembers the cold taste of its murky turf. He stares at that sopping, shapeless ball in the chiselled forward's hands and knows once again how much the wetness weighed.
The young man, just seconds from sporting immortality, stares off into the chilly haze above the Christchurch crowd, up past the bald hills behind Lancaster Park, then looks down at his new pair of soaked black boots. And, in that moment, frozen by misty breath and icy blood, the old man knows what is about to happen – not because he has a vision of the future but because he has a flash from the past.
He remembers! The fragments untangle slowly at first: his long limbs like spaghetti after countless scrums…John Gainsford's gallop for glory..his old friend Gert Brynard levelling the scores at 16-16… Colin Meads conceding a penalty at the death…the kick that changed everything…
The TV screen is a time machine that takes the old man back. When the Springboks lost to New Zealand in Dunedin in their final Tri-Nations match, few remembered that it had been exactly 40 years and 220 Tests since Tiny Naude reached the one summit John Smit and his modern-day heroes must still climb: beating the All Blacks in their own backyard.
The Western Province lock kicked a penalty with three minutes to go to give the Boks a 19-16 victory in the third Test of the 1965 series. It was one of the great comebacks. Veteran Kiwi commentator Keith Quinn summed up Naude's heroics when he said, 'In those days, 16-5 was a great lead because tries were worth only three points. But in the second half, through John Gainsford and that great goal-kicking lock Tiny Naude, the Boks slowly came back. It came down to a penalty late in the game. We all thought that Naude would never get it, but he lifted the ball out of the mud and sent it through the posts.'
Fans who think the Springboks were battling before Jake White took over would do well to remember 1965. The record reads: played eight, lost seven. To really put things into perspective, South Africa lost only 14 of their 49 Tests played between 1960 and the beginning of 1970. Half of those losses came in 1965 Naude will always be remembered for his match-winning kick against the All Blacks, although it was not the first or the last time the six-foot five-inch lock would play a pivotal role in a Springbok victory. He played 14 Tests between 1963 and 1968, and on at least three occasions saved his side's bacon. Tiny was a man for the big occasion. Naude made his debut in 1963 in the fourth Test against Australia in Port Elizabeth. The Boks, after prevailing in the first match, found themselves having to win to save the series, after losing consecutive Tests for the first time since 1891. Tiny's response? A try and a 45m penalty, and South Africa shared the series.
After the glory of 4 September 1965, in which he single-handedly ended the Boks' longest losing streak of seven matches, Naude returned in 1967 for a four-Test series against France. It was once again backs-to-the-wall stuff. South Africa had lost eight of their last nine Tests and hadn't beaten the Tricolores since 1952. Amazingly, since Naude's debut four years earlier, the Springboks had won just one match – thanks to that kick.
Naude contributed to a 2-1 series win with three of his trademark long-range penalties in the second and third Tests. The British Lions toured in 1968 for another four-Test series, and Naude was once again instrumental in setting the tone of a 3-0 Bok victory when he scored a try in the home side's 25-20 win in the first encounter. He scored a total of 47 points in Tests, made up of two tries, four conversions and 11 penalties – not bad for a player whom Dr Danie Craven said would never have played for South Africa had he not moved to Cape Town from the Transvaal.
Naude fell in love with the Cape while on a rugby tour. 'I was working on the mines, and our team, Randfontein, played against Maties and some other sides,' Naude told me when we first met in 2003. 'After I returned to the Transvaal, I decided to get long leave and returned to the Cape. I settled in Sea Point, joined Hamiltons, and never returned!'
At Hammies he not only gained WP and Springbok colours but also met his future wife, Miems. 'My mate Piet Botha and I were there one night in 1962 at the club social,' he explained, 'and there I saw this sexy girl!'
The two hit it off immediately. On the field, Naudé represented the junior Boks in 1963 and after a strong performance for Western Province against the Wallabies, made his international debut. He singled out two players as the best he'd shared a field with: Colin Meads, and the one player who would never forget him, Frik du Preez. 'You can't really make a comparison between today's players and those of my day, because all the rules have changed so much,' Naude said.
'Take the line-outs, for example. Back then, you weren't allowed to lift a guy in the line-out. But if I can think of one player from my era that could be compared to today's greats, then it would have to be Meads. But a person must just accept that the eras were different. 'Frik, on the other hand, wasn't a very big man, but he was very athletic. He could jump up to a man's waist, whereas when I jumped my feet hardly left the ground!'
Today, Tiny and Miems still live in the Somerset West area, where they built a house 30 years ago. He has Alzheimer's, and in the two years since we met, his condition has deteriorated to such an extent that he now spends three mornings a week at a day-care centre in Strand. 'It just gives me time for myself because I have to do so much more for him these days,' says Miems. 'He's sliding down slowly but surely. He no longer recognises me as his wife, only as Miems.'
The things Naude couldn't remember when I first visited seem insignificant now. Of his Test debut, there remained just 'a flash', while he couldn't recall why he was dropped for the second Test of the 1965 series. Now, he no longer recognises his children. Of his heroic feats Naude recalls almost nothing. Once, when everything threatened to get a little hazy, there was always that kick, that moment of truth 'a lifetime ago' as he described it, that refused to drain from his memory bank. Now it's all blank.
On a grey and drizzly Saturday in August, as his blond-haired son threw himself against an All Black wall on the dark side of the world, Schalk Burger snr and Frik du Preez decided to look up an old friend. 'Even my children were saying that it had been a long time since they'd seen their father smile,' said Miems Naude of the visit. 'When Frik was here, Tiny was even laughing! It was amazing, Tiny's reaction to him.
He just has this connection with Frik. Tiny doesn't remember the other players. He doesn't even remember his own name. But he remembers Frik.' Tiny Naude's gift from the sporting gods was a sopping ball wrapped in Christchurch clay, a piece of leather heavy with the weight of history. His feat, now erased from his memory, is preserved on a videotape his grandson has simply labelled 'Oupa se skop'. I still like to believe that, despite his illness, Naude sometimes remembers. But can he really? Burger has no doubt. 'Tiny's in a bad way, but when Frik arrived, it was amazing – it was as if, all of a sudden, he could remember everything again.'
Naude spent most of that day holding tight his most prized possession: a gift from Du Preez, his autobiography Frik. He wasn't much interested in the text, but he couldn't keep his eyes off the man on the cover. And every time he looked up and saw his comrade, once his brother-in-arms in the Springbok second row, something stirred behind those eyes. After all, how can the memories of your greatest day not sink deep enough to leave at least a fragment of a footprint? 'Look,' says Tiny Naude, his eyes fixed on his friend. 'It's you, Frik! It's you!'


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|The Spy Discord Sunglasses features a custom-built frame from high quality propionate, 6 base PC lenses and a modern sleek matte black style frame. 100% UV Protection


text:
New Albany fell short in their comeback against Lewisburg, dropping game two of their series, 11-8 Saturday night.
The Bulldogs held a 1-0 series advantage, defeating the Patriots on Friday, 19-1, but found themselves down quickly in the second game, 5-0. With Taylor Goode and Drew Wray on base, Riley Alef brought in the 'Dawgs first runs with his double and later scored himself off a single by Easton Hall.
Lewisburg added two more runs in the fifth, which preceded another RBI hit from Hall, making it 7-4.
Tyler Basil pitched six complete innings, but was replaced in the seventh with bases loaded and no outs for the Patriots. Joshua Googe allowed four runs, walking two and giving up a single to Anthony Bradley.
Down 11-4, New Albany batted through their lineup, scoring four runs off four hits with doubles from Wray and Tyler Beaty. Hall made it 11-7 with his triple and was interfered by the third baseman, allowing him to score and making it a three-point game. The Bulldogs were unable to cut anymore of the deficit, leaving two on base.
Hall led New Albany with three hits, followed by two from Wray and Alef. Max Wade, Dalton Todd and Bradley each had two hits for Lewisburg.
The two teams will square off again Monday night at Lewisburg. Game time is set for 4p.m., weather permitting.
Other Union County scores from Saturday, April 30.
Hamilton 16 East Union 2-Lions win series 2-0
West Union 11 Biggersville 10 (10 innings) Eagles win series 2-0
Ingomar 11 Pine Grove 4– Series tied 1-1. Game three will take place at 6 p.m. at Ingomar on Monday


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The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
The U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on June 28, 2012. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod opposes the birth control mandate that is part of the law because it runs counter to the biblical truth of the sanctity of human life, and the mandate creates a conflict of conscience for religious employers and insurers who face steep penalties for non-compliance based upon their religious convictions. The birth control mandate enacted Jan. 20, 2012, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires employers to provide access to health insurance that covers most forms of birth control, even those that can cause the death of an unborn child.
The rule, or mandate, exempts churches but applies to other religious employers. On Feb. 10, 2012, President Obama announced an "accommodation" for religious employers, saying they would not have to cover birth control, but that insurance companies would provide free birth control, including "morning after" pills. The LCMS objects to the use of drugs and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception.
More: Statements | News | Resources | Video | Audio | Call to Action
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison announces the release of "Free Exercise of Religion: Putting Beliefs into Practice," an open letter opposing the recent U.S. Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate on the grounds that it is an infringement of our God-given right to act according to the tenets of our faith. Twenty-four other religious leaders joined in signing the letter.
>>View more HHS mandate videos
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Take a stand for life! Plan now to attend the January 2015 LCMS Life Conference, which will take place Jan. 22-24, 2015, in Washington, D.C. at the Crystal City Hilton Hotel in Arlington, Va.
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© 2003 – 2010The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.All Rights Reserved. The LCMS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. Our Tax Identification Number is: 43-0658188


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KALAMAZOO, Mich.-Winning by an 11.74 margin, Miami University's collegiate synchronized skating team completed a RedHawk sweep at the Midwestern Championships on Saturday. The RedHawk junior team also captured gold at the Midwestern Championships earlier in the day.
The win was the 10th-straight first-place finish for the collegiate team dating back to the start of the 2010-11 season. It also was the third time in as many competitions the RedHawk collegiate team has won by a double-figure margin.
The RedHawks had a clean skate and amassed a score of 79.10 for their Rock 'N Roll-themed program. Michigan finished in second place with a score of 67.36 and was followed by Western Michigan in third place with a score of 60.56. Wisconsin (59.54), Michigan State (58.98), Adrian (57.64) and Illinois (53.26) rounded out the collegiate field, respectively.
Although the RedHawks took a one-year hiatus from the Midwestern Championships last year and also in 2008-09, Miami's collegiate team has now won this competition the last six times it has competed at the event.
Competing in the Midwestern Championships for the fourth time in Miami junior program history, the RedHawk junior team seized their second first-place finish at the event earlier in the day and the first since 2007-08. It is just the second first-place finish by a junior team at any event in program history.
Miami's senior team also was in action on Saturday. Amidst a strong international field at the Leon Lurje Trophy in Goteborg, Sweden, the senior team sits in second place after Saturday's short program. The RedHawks trail first-place Team Surprise (Sweden), the defending World Champions, by just 2.73 points.
The RedHawk collegiate and junior teams are idle from competition until they compete at the U.S. National Championships in Plymouth, Mich. Feb. 28-March 2. Miami's senior team concludes its stint at the Leon Lurje Trophy with Sunday's free skate event.


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|Feb 5, 2013, 11:12 AM
Inexpensive multiple video track editor?
Let me preface this post by saying that I'm an amateur video person and I may have overlooked something very obvious. If so, please point it out!
Is there a "middle ground" between iMovie and FCPX?
I've searched high and low, and one of the very few things that I found was an open source application called kdenlive. The screen shots on the devs website looked good, so for the past 2 hours (not kidding) my 2010 MacBook Pro 15" has been installing MacPorts and kdenlive (along with its mile-long list of dependencies).
On the Windows side, I can get Sony Vegas for under 50 USD. Isn't there a Mac equivalent of this?
What I want to do is create a series of videos for my YouTube channel of a rather unique vintage computer. I plan to shoot with two cameras simultaneously, with one shooting the computer and the other shooting just the screen. Can't do a screen capture as the output is CGA/EGA and the Operating System is CP/M 68K.
I'd like for the videos to concentrate on the screen output with the occasional cutaway to the system for floppy disk changes, disk access lights, reset button pushes, etc. It seems to me that the easiest way to accomplish this would be to have the two video tracks side-by-side so that I don't have to muck around with timing and proper sequence and so on.
I know that iMovie will do cutaways, but I can't have both complete videos on the timeline at the same time. Final Cut Pro X will do this of course, but the price is a bit steep.
Is there a way to do this inexpensively on my Mac, or should I just go ahead and buy Vegas and do it on my Windows machine?
|Feb 5, 2013, 12:09 PM
Here is a tutorial for achieving this in iMovie
Personally I wouldn't do PiP as it looks tacky and instead I would stick to cutaways. There is no issue with syncing the videos as you can sync them at the start and then cut away what you don't need from the top layer.
For a Sony Vegas equivalent check out Premiere Elements
|Feb 5, 2013, 12:32 PM
I recently went from iMovie to FCPX mostly for the multicam support. I record 3-4 hours of lectures a week and have screen capture and board capture videos to edit together. It's a real pain with iMovie but a piece of cake with FCPX.
I bought a copy of Sony Vegas Movie Studio for my son last Christmas (he uses windows). I don't recall anything on the box about multicam editing and would be surprised to find it on any consumer grade product since most "consumers" only use one camera!
Retina iMac, 15" MacBook Pro, Mac mini with Yosemite Server, 7 other Macs and 5 iOS devices in the household. Yes, it's too many.
|Feb 5, 2013, 02:04 PM
I *do* want cutaways instead of PIP. I agree that PIP looks less than professional. I had planned on doing just as you said, sync the two videos at the start and then select the portions of the "secondary" video that I want to overwrite the primary video, but apparently iMovie can't do that.
I typed (and subsequently deleted) a long explanation of what I wanted to accomplish, but then realized that I should probably go find a tutorial instead of asking someone to hold my hand and walk me through it.
Thanks to all for replying! Now, just for story completion, the install of kdenlive took approximately 3 hours and seems to work. Well, I fiddled with it for 15 or 20 minutes without any crashes or untoward behavior. Whether or not it'll do what I want remains to be seen.
|Feb 5, 2013, 02:52 PM
How about this? I haven't used it, but it looks promising. And for $4,99 well, what's the risk?
"VideoCanvas is very flexible and works a lot like a drawing application for video clips. Yet it is easy to get started even for someone who never edited video before.
VideoCanvas is ideal both for quickly throwing together some video clips to put on YouTube as well as for making an advanced animated multi track movie with precise control over the result"
Let us know how you liked it (if you used it)
CP/M, whow, cool. I started on a TRS-80
|Feb 5, 2013, 04:14 PM
Well, shoot. I wouldn't hesitate to spend the $5 but the minimum OS requirement is Lion, I'm still using Snow Leopard.
Thanks for the tip, though. Wonder why I didn't find this one in my searches?
|Feb 5, 2013, 05:33 PM
Check out premiere elements as that should easily be able to do what you are after.
|Feb 5, 2013, 09:03 PM
I've been tinkering with Final Cut Express 4 for the last three years on my '08 MacBook. It's a step above iMovie, but seeing as it is an older program, you may be able to find something more recent in terms of software that is in the same price range but more suitable to the tech of the last year or so.
|Feb 6, 2013, 04:04 AM
|Feb 6, 2013, 07:09 AM
I think with all these software we are talking about. Good or Bad one point we are all overlooking?. How easy is it to work with and too learn. Some editing software has improved to a level of making your work easy.
If you are happy with the software you are using fine.
iMovie 11 and FCP-X are a new revolution regards editing. First it looked very alien and now way was i going to change from FCP7 to FCP-X. But believe me FCP-X those most things what are being talked about on these threads.
FCP-X has the power to cater for multiple video track editing.
I think no editing software is rubbish as one has to also include people who are just happy to edit home videos with minimal effort.
|Feb 6, 2013, 10:06 AM
Let's come back from the FCPX vs. CS6 vs. Avid discussion to the OP's question:
Then I have three options for you:
1. Go with a free software. kdenlive (and cinelerra) are open source and quite usable on Linux systems, but when I last tried them on Mac OS, they were a real pain. Still, things might have improved. I've heard good things about the new Lightworks software. It's free and apparently works nicely, although with a slightly uncommon interface. But hey, for free... you can try it, can't you?
2. Spend a little less on editing software. I can recommend these two stopped down versions that would be middle ground between iMovie and FCPX:
- Adobe Premiere Elements ($100)
- HitFilm Express ($150) (which also includes basic visual effects)
3. If you're German (probably not a chance), you can gladly have my copy of Final Cut Express, since I don't use it anymore. It's the German version though, and I also wouldn't wanna send it around the world.
|Feb 7, 2013, 12:52 AM
premiere elements +1
try this:
take an empty pop can, place it on the floor, smash it flat, now try to pull it back to how it was.
see how it looks like crap? that's called compression
|Feb 9, 2013, 09:20 PM
Hi all,
Here is a test video that I made with kdenlive, the open source editor. Kind of a pain to install (approximately 3 hours), but it seems to do what I want.
The video is more or less a proof of concept, so it's a bit rough and has no narration.
|Feb 10, 2013, 06:40 AM
Thank you for your post. Its a bit like watching paint dry and your computer equipment looks very outdated. I think with todays technology having to spent 3 hours for a software to load is a bit to long.
Would have been nice if you could have talked us through regards to what you are doing. But you did make us aware of what it is.
|Feb 11, 2013, 07:53 AM
|Feb 11, 2013, 11:42 AM
That's not bad. Glad you got something working.
iMovie's cutaway feature will do the same, and it is very easy to use--but as you've said, you'd have to pay attention to timing in order to sync clips up.
Another option is an older version of Final Cut Express or Adobe Premiere from eBay.
Please support our short film about child abuse.
|Feb 15, 2013, 04:18 AM
Looks less professional...
i7, 16GB RAM, 4TB RAID, GTX660 | Macbook Pro 2010
|Feb 22, 2013, 01:45 PM
Hi Mac people,
I have completed a project using Kdenlive, the results are here.
It took a few hours to learn how to accomplish what I wanted as I have very little experience with NLE's.
There were a few odd quirks and a crash or two, but nothing that I couldn't handle.
The video turned out pretty much as I had envisioned it, so I'm happy with the results.
Would I have been better off with a commercial product? Perhaps, but since my needs are rather limited I'll probably stick with Kdenlive as long as it continues to perform.
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The Groovy development team and G2One are pleased to announce the release of Groovy 1.5.1 -- a bug fix release for Groovy 1.5 as a Christmas present.
It fixes a few problems that were discovered after the release of Groovy 1.5.0. In particular: a dead lock in the Groovy classloader, and a problem with input streams with the Ant builder. Also, a problem in highly concurrent setups on multi-processor machines made Groovy run anormally slowly, and this new release also fixes this problem and makes Groovy run much faster using the full power of all the CPUs.
If you haven't read it already, you can discover all the novelties in Groovy 1.5 by reading Guillaume Laforge's article on InfoQ.
You can download Groovy 1.5.1 here:
The JIRA issues related to this release:
The Groovy team and G2One wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you will enjoy this new release!


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As many of you know, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 (PACT Act) went into effect in June 2010. This act prohibits the mailing of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, RYO/MYO tobacco, etc. This was the worst possible news that we could have received as this means that we cannot serve our customers in the fashion that you have become accustomed to.
Additionally, many credit card providers are prohibiting the sale of any tobacco products through a non face-to-face transaction. This equates to consumers being unable to purchase ANY form of tobacco product (including cigars, pipe tobacco, and other products not specifically included in the PACT Act) through online and catalog retailers.
Our legal team is currently working hard to find a resolution to this matter. We will continue to update this page and resume selling products allowable by law as soon as we can.
All informational updates will be posted here immediatly as they become available. We ask that our customers refrain from calling to ask for a status update. The only information available by phone is the same informaton provided here.
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Nighthawk wrote:I forgot to add that throughout the experience I felt an evil presence in the room. When I felt my subtle body tilting, I tried to say the nembutsu but couldn't move my lips so I recited it mentally a few times and right after is when I felt my body being pressed down hard for about 10-15 seconds before the experience ended and I awoke. If there really was some kind of evil spirit in the room, the nembutsu seemed to have really pissed it off.
asunthatneversets wrote:The one or two times it happened to me I never felt a presence, my good friend has it happen all the time and never feels a presence. But there's a room his house where 4 different people have slept and woke up unable to move, they all said the sheets were being pulled tight around them. Weird stuff.
y1010 wrote:I felt everything except my hands.
Handle? You can't handle it?
You want to control and if not you are afraid?
Nighthawk wrote:y1010 wrote:I felt everything except my hands.
Handle? You can't handle it?
You want to control and if not you are afraid?
Seishin wrote:I couldn't open my eyes to see anything but I could hear "people" running about me and "talking" although I couldn't understand their language. I was trying to scream but nothing was coming out other than a whimper. Luckily my wife heard my whimpering and woke me up.
Seishin wrote:It would have been great if it were aliens however my wife was in the room at the time... on earth
Nighthawk wrote:Last night when asleep I felt my whole body lift up and turn sideways and I could really feel the gravity pushing down. I felt everything except my hands, but when I awoke I was still lying down in the same position. The experience was a bit frightful as I thought I was about to die. Could it be that what I experienced was the subtle body and has this happened to any of you while asleep or in meditation?
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Although having many options for cancer treatment has greatly improved the survival rates of patients, it can be difficult to navigate all the choices. We have assembled a team of physicians, nurses and other specialists dedicated to helping you and your family develop the right treatment plan and access all the services you need to cope with cancer.
Breast Health Center
El Camino Hospital's Breast Health Center is an FDA-Certified Mammography Facility and performs more than 12,000 studies a year. With an experienced and highly skilled staff, specially trained radiologists and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the Center offers comprehensive mammography services.
Clinical Trials
El Camino Hospital is proud to offer our patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. We also offer National Cancer Institute (NCI) clinical trials, so our patients have access to the latest cancer treatments.
Over the last few decades, endoscopy has evolved from mostly a diagnostic tool to one of the most rapidly growing interventional therapies in medicine. At El Camino Hospital, the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy unit has grown significantly over the last two years and stands today as a pioneer in the field.
Genetic Counseling
Our genetic counseling service offers patients and physicians the opportunity to develop targeted treatment plans based on specific genetic profiles. Our geneticists can also help you assess your risk for cancer, and help you decide whether you should be tested for any genetic markers that may predispose you and your family to cancer.
Hospice care provides treatment to manage pain and symptoms associated with a terminal illness. In a partnership of caring, Pathways hospice care was created in 1986 as a joint venture with El Camino Hospital to help families.
Infusion Center
With eight chairs and specially-certified chemotherapy nurses on staff, our infusion center offers a comfortable and safe place to receive your treatments. Each chair has a personal television with headsets. Our on-site chemotherapy pharmacy works closely with your oncologist to help manage symptoms that are a result of the treatments. Our infusion center, located in Oak Pavilion, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Palliative Care
There is much more to cancer care than the latest technologies or surgical procedures. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual challenges related to the disease or its treatment. With palliative care, we are treating the whole person, not just the cancer.
Pathology is the cornerstone of a good cancer program because it allows physicians to accurately stage a tumor and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Our highly skilled pathologists are an essential part of your cancer treatment team; the information they gather is pivotal in making the right decisions for your personalized treatment.
Prostate Cancer Services
There are a variety of approaches to treating prostate cancer, and advancements in technology are continually improving the tools available to the medical profession.
Radiation Oncology
El Camino Hospital is advancing some of the technologies used to treat a variety of cancers, particularly neurological tumors.
The radiology department at El Camino Hospital offers a complete range of medical diagnostic services. Our expertly trained staff accredited by the American College of Radiology will ensure an effortless and comfortable imaging experience for you.
Our team of board-certified surgeons specializes in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including colon cancer and lung cancer. For patients with prostate cancer and some female cancers we offer da Vinci Robotic surgery.
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery
We offer the cutting-edge technology of the CyberKnife as part of our new Center for Advanced Radiotherapy and CyberKnife Radiosurgery. The CyberKnife is a radiation therapy device that is able to pinpoint solid tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy using image-guidance technology. As a result, no incisions, anesthesia or hospitalization are required. For more information call 650-940-7243.
Tumor Board
Through regular meetings with our Tumor Board, a team of experts will review your case and create a treatment plan together. This consensus-building is essential to ensuring we are all working together toward a common goal - to deliver the best care possible for your special circumstances.
Our risk reduction program includes a targeted screening service that includes a detailed interview and assessment by a specially trained nurse practitioner. We will communicate with your primary care physician to make sure we are all working together as a team to reduce your risk of cancer.
Oncologist Shane Dormady of El Camino Hospital's Cancer Center offers sage advice for new patients facing a cancer diagnosis. He talks about what to expect after a cancer diagnosis, what's new in cancer treatment today and how to best manage your care. This eight-minute video is a must-see for new cancer patients and their families.


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The celebrity couple's girl was born five-weeks premature over the weekend, though family members like Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner have said both mom and baby are "healthy" and doing well.
Dr. Oz, who met up with US Weekly at the Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday, said he had been "following Kim's story."
Our youngest child [Oliver] was born five weeks premature. So I know how hair-raising that is, and the most important thing to recognize is today, we can actually get kids to survive almost always, but if you don't manage them really well early on, they can grow up to develop all kinds of issues.
The "Dr. Oz Show" host said that Kardashian and West would have to "really put the focus" on their newborn.
"We change how a child responds to a world around it in those first few weeks of life, so they ought to really focus in on that little girl," he said.
"It's sacred, those first few months, for all babies but especially for the premature It's a sacred time," he added.
Meanwhile, Kim's sister, Khloe, has promised that the family will share more info about their newest member "when the time is right."


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SPACE pirate and alien life forms could soon be seen zooming around the Lake District – thanks to a new million dollar movie.
Old Hutton writer and director Rick McLeod has teamed up with a group of American producers to make a science fiction film based on cult television series Firefly.
The US consortium, one of whom has done sound-tracks for Mr McLeod in the past, originally began filming experimental sequences in county – but then the idea turned into a feature-length film.
Although $1 million is a relatively small budget for a movie, Mr McLeod said he was 'shocked' when the group gave the figure.
"Last year was a good one for us – we're still reeling from that – so when they approached me my first question was 'Are you serious?'
"It's not easy to make films in Cumbria, especially with the UK Film Council gone. When we had Leslie Grantham here, he was unpaid because he loved the script.
"It's great to know that our hard work is starting to pay off."
The film, called Lost Transmission, follows the lonely adventure of Blake, captain of a mining ship, with no-one but his computer to talk to after war breaks out on Earth. But he leaves the planet to find life on other worlds.
Filming is expected to start in early 2012, and will be split between Cumbria and America.
CGI effects are already being worked on by the studio, which created a castle in the middle of Windermere in a previous flick.
Before filming begins in earnest, Mr McLeod is shooting a short promotional video with action sequences in Old Hutton.
And he is looking for '23rd century pirates' to star as extras in a fight scene on Sunday, to be led by a trained fight choreographer.
"We're seeking punks, goths and heavy rockers. Long or short hair, tattoos and piercings are a bonus but not essential. The more outrageous the look the better," said Mr McLeod.
Filming will last for between two and three hours and anyone interested can email email@example.com.
Participants are requested to send a head shot with their email.
Discussions with actors to play the role of Blake are still going on.
TWO thirds of the red kites released in Grizedale Forest last summer have survived the harsh winter.
Wildlife rangers believe that around 20 of the 30 birds released in the Forestry Commission's three-year re-introduction programme made it through the winter and are still in Cumbria, or nearby counties. Between five and eight of the birds are believed to be living around Grizedale and the Rusland Valley, with another three to five inhabiting the Kirkby Moor area near Ulverston.
Four more Grizedale red kites have been spotted by RSPB experts at feeding stations in Dumfries and Galloway – the furthest known movement is by the bird tagged as number four, which has flown 120km north west into Scotland.
"The birds are doing pretty much exactly as we expected, which is very encouraging," said Iain Yoxall, Forestry Commission wildlife ranger. "We are more confident that these birds will make it to adults now they have made it through a harsh winter. Sadly we lost a few birds but that is natural and why we have to release the numbers that we did."
The 30 red kites released from a secret location in Grizedale Forest in August last year had coloured tags on each wing. An orange tag on their left wing shows they are from Grizedale, and blue tags on their right wings indicate that they were released in 2010. Some birds were also fitted with radio transmitters to help with monitoring.
Mr Yoxall, who has been following the birds' movements around Cumbria, said the help he has received from the public had been invaluable. "I have been radio tracking the birds but sightings from members of the public have been a fantastic help and greatly appreciated. This has been very important because it helps us find the birds and backs up our radio tracking results to give us a more robust picture of their movements. We hope that the public will continue letting us know when and where they make sightings of the red kites."
This year's birds will hatch in May and are likely to be released into Grizedale Forest in August. The red kites being introduced into Grizedale are the product of a reintroduction programme that took place in Northamptonshire in the 1980s.
Red kites were almost eradicated from the UK following changes in farming practices and human persecution between the 16th and 19th centuries. But they managed to cling on in Wales, and their numbers recovered slowly thanks to the actions of local conservationists


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Spotlight for Recruiting ProfessionalsJanuary 9, 2013
Is there a statistical relationship between employer branding methods and student behaviors? NACE's 2012 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey found that companies that developed relationships with key faculty members and that drive web traffic to the organization's website using search engine optimization (SEO) had better acceptance rates of job offers made to students.
Employers that invested time and energy into building direct relationships with key faculty members fielded an average acceptance rate of 75.7 percent, while employers that did not use this form of branding had an average acceptance rate of 65.8 percent.
While SEO is not widely used as a branding technique and the perception of its effectiveness is fairly low, organizations that used SEO to drive web traffic to their websites had an average acceptance rate of 80.5 percent compared with an average acceptance rate of 72.4 percent for companies that did not use SEO.
These, however, were the only two branding techniques that correlated to a higher acceptance rate. When comparing the acceptance rates of employers that used other branding methods—such as career fairs, corporate websites, and social networking—against those that did not, the acceptance rate tended to be the same.
The 2012 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey was conducted June 15 through August 15, 2012; 242 employer-member organizations took part. A report based on the survey will be available later this winter.
JobplaceNACE Blog: http://blog.naceweb.org/
NACE's Tweets: @NACE.org
Contact NACE StaffNACE's Newsletter: Spotlight
©2015 National Association of Colleges and Employers. All rights reserved.


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In This Issue
Table of Contents
Cover Story
More than 5 million voters could be affected by new Voter-ID laws and (coincidentally?) a disproportionate number of them are people of color.
Corporations want to store up treasure on earth — that's their whole, entire, complete, and utter point.
The lesson for me, as the parent of a middle school child, was to pay closer attention.
We need to build understanding as well as skills to break the cycle of poverty, because our obligation as Christians is not just help, it's love.
What does God's "settlement" look like?
In fact, my knowledge of Brazil is limited to that tall Jesus statue overlooking a city, and the fact people can be naked on the beaches while speaking Portuguese.


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8015 Interstate 35 S
San Antonio, TX 78224
When you shop at our San Antonio new Honda and used car dealership your satisfaction is our primary concern. If you value a variety of high-quality vehicles, Fernandez Honda is the first and last place you will need to shop for a new or used car by Honda. The team at Fernandez Honda is proud to serve the communities of Selma, San Marcos, Boerne and New Braunfels, TX with Honda cars and would like to have the chance to earn your business. We are ready to assist you and can easily be contacted by phone.
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Friday, 19 Oct 2012 10:48 AM
By Greg McDonald
© 2015 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Friday, 22 May 2015 08:56 AM
Flavor Flav, the rapper and former reality TV star with quite the rap sheet, was arrested in Las Vegas on Thursday for a . . .
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At 37, Maggie Gyllenhaal was told she was "too old" to play the lover of a 55-year-old man, the Oscar-nominated actress . . .
Friday, 22 May 2015 06:42 AM
Josh Duggar, the oldest brother in the TLC show "19 Kids and Counting," has admitted molesting underage girls while he w . . .
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October 2, 2013
Because of the shutdown of the federal government caused by the lapse in appropriations, the National Park Service (NPS) has closed all 401 national park units, including the Blue Ridge Parkway. All visitor facilities including all NPS Visitor Centers, historic sites, park hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, picnic areas and restrooms – except for the main motor road, a thru way – are closed. These park facilities will remain closed until the government reopens.
Chief Ranger Stinnett said that park visitors in all overnight campgrounds and lodges will be given until 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, October 3 to make travel arrangements and leave the park. In addition, all park programs and special events have been canceled.
The Blue Ridge Parkway hosts approximately 70,000 visitors on average each day in October; nationally, more than 715,000 visitors a day frequent the National Park System. Nationwide the NPS stands to lose approximately $450,000 per day in lost revenue from fees collected at entry stations and fees paid for in-park activities such as cave tours, boat rides and camping. Gateway communities across the country see about $76 million per day in total sales from visitor spending that is lost during a government shutdown.
At the Blue Ridge Parkway, 195 National Park Service employees are on furlough because of the shutdown and approximately 200 concessions' employees are similarly affected. A total of 43 National Park Service employees remain on duty, providing law enforcement, security and emergency services.
Nationwide the shutdown has also furloughed more than 20,000 National Park Service employees; approximately 3,000 employees remain on duty to ensure essential health, safety, and security functions at parks and facilities. About 12,000 park concessions employees are also affected.
Because it will not be maintained, the National Park Service website will be down for the duration of the shutdown. NPS.gov has more than 750,000 pages and 91 million unique visitors each year.
For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov.shutdown


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Book your room at The LA Hotel Downtown
Please enter your travel dates.
High-rise haven in LA's financial core
With a stay at The LA Hotel Downtown in Los Angeles, you'll be minutes from World Trade Center Los Angeles and U.S. Bank Tower.
This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Los Angeles Central Public Library and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 469 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and you can also request refrigerators.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel also features wireless Internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.
Featured amenities include a business center, a computer station, and dry cleaning/laundry services.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In L.A.'s financial district, this hotel is adjacent to the World Trade Center and is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Los Angeles Convention & Exhibition Center.
Beyond a stylish entry lined with limos and valets, this hotel features a huge, art-filled lobby with formal sitting area and step-down lounge. There is also a 24-hour business center with fax/copy machines and computers with high-speed Internet access available for a surcharge. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel for an additional cost.
The Back Porch offers informal garden dining, and the lobby lounge is open all day and evening. A ballroom, banquet facilities, and event catering are on site for special occasions and weddings.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and the complimentary 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines and free weights. Helpful staff can assist with tour/ticket information and luggage storage.
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Wedding services
- Elevator/lift
- Computer station
- Luggage storage
- Concierge services
- Fitness facilities
- Bar/lounge
- Conference space
- Business center
- ATM/banking
- Number of floors - 14
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 469
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of restaurants - 2
- Smoke-free property
- Outdoor pool
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Valet parking (surcharge)
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Refrigerator (on request)
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Wireless internet access ( 9.95 USD per day )
Available in some public areas: Wireless internet access ( 9.95 USD per day )
Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Air conditioning
- Pay movies
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Bathrobes
- Free toiletries
- Premium bedding
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Coffee/tea maker
- Refrigerator (on request)
- Cable TV service
- Desk
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Flat-panel TV
- Room service (limited hours)
- WiFi (surcharge)
Where to Eat
The Back Porch: This informal garden room, adjacent to the lobby, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and offers outdoor dining.
Lobby Lounge: Breakfast, light meals, and cocktails are served at this centrally located lounge.
Nearby Things to Do
The LA Hotel Downtown offers a palm-fringed outdoor pool and sundeck. Guests have complimentary access to the 24-hour fitness room, which offers cardio equipment and free weights.
The YMCA is connected to the hotel via a pedestrian bridge, and offers tennis, racquetball, basketball, fitness classes, and swimming (surcharge).
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fee for buffet breakfast: USD 28 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)
- Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)
- Valet parking fee: USD 35 per day
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


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Remove process duplication, free up resources and benefit from potential cost savings.
Northern Trust partners with you to create a customised investment operations outsourcing solution delivering economies of scale through technology, automation and collaboration to complement your business model.
An experienced partner and market leader, Northern Trust offers:
George Hindmarsh
George Hindmarsh is a Senior Vice President of The Northern Trust Company and Head of Business Development for the Asia Pacific region.
Based in Singapore, he is responsible for leading the company's growth in asset servicing for corporations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks, government entities, superannuation funds, asset managers and other institutional clients in the region. He brings in-depth technical expertise and knowledge of current market best practices and regulatory landscape from his vast global experience.
George has 15 years of banking industry experience and joined Northern Trust in August 2012 from Citi Transaction Services, where he was most recently Director Head of UK Investor Services Product covering various product functions and client segments. His experience includes positions at Citi as Head of the Asia Sales Desk, based in London, where he was responsible for securing asset servicing mandates from European financial institutions investing into Asia, and in asset servicing sales and relationship management, based in Hong Kong. Previously, he held client relationship roles for HSBC in Hong Kong and Canada.
In 2009, George was named Top 100 Rising Stars in Finance in EMEA by Financial News. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University, Canada.
Northern Trust Corporation. Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A. Incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Products and services provided by subsidiaries of Northern Trust Corporation may vary in different markets and are offered in accordance with local regulation. For more information, read our legal and regulatory information about individual market offices.
This material is directed to professional clients only and is not intended for retail clients. For Asia-Pacific markets, it is directed to institutional investors, expert investors and professional investors only and should not be relied upon by retail investors.


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Afghan army girds to go solo against Taliban
Fresh recruits say they will be ready
Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times
Afghan army recruits use old helmets until they are assigned to a unit, when they are equipped with the same helmets and body army that U.S. soldiers use.
Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times
Rahmatullah, 21, (left) and his cousin, Azizullah, 20, go through weapons training at the Kabul Military Training Center.
Los Angeles Times
Thousands of new recruits are learning how to be soldiers.
Wearing an old Russian-style helmet and firing an American M-16 automatic rifle, he squinted as his hissing rounds found their target on a firing range at the national training academy. At his elbow was his first cousin Azizullah, a functionally illiterate Pashtun tribesman who crouched to fire his own M-16.
The cousins decided in the fall to join the Afghan National Army, which for a decade has struggled to mold itself into an effective fighting force. Both were encouraged to join by their fathers and uncles, Pashtuns from a nearby hilltop village where support for Afghan security forces is strong and hatred of Taliban insurgents runs deep.
Rahmatullah, 21, and Azizullah, 20, freely admitted that their own motives were more base: Soldiering pays about $155 a month for recruits and about $230 a month after they join a unit, better than anything they can find in their hardscrabble village. The food is plentiful and the beds are warm.
Oh yes, each recruit added, almost as an afterthought, "And I want to serve my country and protect it from its enemies," meaning the Taliban.
On their own
The two callow Pashtun villagers and 1,400 fellow recruits in 1st Battalion, 4th Company, 1st Platoon, are the vanguard of a deeply flawed force that must fight the Taliban on its own after U.S. troops withdraw by the end of 2014. Their 18 weeks of training here will be tested in Afghanistan's deserts and mountains, where hardened Taliban insurgents are poised to attack.
Five weeks into training, the cousins were off to a good start. Rahmatullah put 20 of 20 shots into the center of target cutouts 25 yards away. Azizullah hit 18 of 20. Neither man had ever fired a gun before -- or so they claimed.
"They are motivated and they learn fast," said the platoon instructor, 1st Sgt. Haga Mohammed. "They'll be ready to fight when they leave here; all our guys will be ready, believe me."
Everyone at the sun-baked Kabul Military Training Center -- the recruits, the training cadre, the mustachioed Afghan commanding general, and the soft-spoken Canadian chief adviser -- spouts the same line: The Afghan army is unified, with no ethnic divisions. It will be fully capable of fighting off the Taliban when U.S. forces are gone.
That, of course, is what a long parade of Afghan generals and Western advisers has been assuring training center visitors for nearly a decade -- even as the army remained poorly led and ill-equipped.
"We like the Americans, and we feel stronger if we're with them," Rahmatullah said in his barracks, amid the sour stench of unwashed bodies. "But we'll be ready 100 percent to fight on our own in 2014."
Rahmatullah's brother, 1st Sgt. Nazir Ahmad, who has fought the Taliban and is now a trainer at the center, said U.S. Marines taught him discipline under fire. "We have the lead now, but we're a poor country and we still need weapons and equipment from the Americans," he said.
Some shortcomings
At the front, the Afghan army's shortcomings are obvious, and a source of constant complaint among front-line American troops.
For all the enthusiasm and bravery of individual soldiers, the army has not weaned itself from air support, artillery, fuel, weapons, ammunition, communications and combat medical aid provided by U.S. and coalition forces. Drug use, theft, corruption and desertion are common. Discipline is improving, but remains erratic.
The desertion rate is 10 percent to 15 percent, said Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaher Azimi, and no deserters have been punished. "Well, it's a volunteer army," he said.
The army is also undercut by ethnic tension, and by Taliban infiltrators and disaffected soldiers who shoot and kill Western troops and civilian contractors. At the command level, ethnic Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and others fight bitterly for influence.
Afghan Brig. Gen. Aminullah Patyani, the academy commander, says any such problems can be addressed through rigorous training. As academy commander, Patyani is bullish on the army.
What about so-called insider attacks, which have caused 130 coalition deaths since 2007, including 61 in 2012? There hasn't been a single such incident at the training center, Patyani said.
Recruits' phony IDs and fake letters of recommendation from village elders? Increased vigilance, with fresh help from the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's intelligence agency, has the problem under control, Patyani said.
The washout rate? No such thing. Every recruit graduates, the general said, even if they have to keep repeating their courses.
Patyani said the Afghan army was nearing its goal of 195,000 soldiers. Troop strength was expected to reach 187,000 by the end of 2012. But the academy must churn out 50,000 new soldiers a year to help keep pace with desertions, casualties and retirements.
Canadian commander
Col. Peter Williams, a wiry Canadian who commands a 320-member, eight-nation adviser team, said advisers directed hands-on training in the academy's early years. The focus was on delivering large numbers of recruits. Today, he said, advisers stand back and observe, offering quiet advice later.
"They're getting the quantity they want," Williams said. "Now's the time to focus on quality."
Williams has recommended extending the basic training course from nine weeks to 12. (Recruits take another nine-week "collective training" course after graduation.) A pilot 12-week class was this day in an elaborate ceremony featuring martial music, goose-stepping and fiery speeches.
The graduates carried no rifles. Every visitor to the ceremony, from recruits to senior officers, was searched for explosives or weapons. Armed Afghan, Canadian and private security guards stood watch, all on alert for an insider attack.
The ceremony played out without incident as Rahmatullah and Azizullah returned from the firing range. Rahmatullah was stunned to learn that his father, Azizullah's uncle, was pacing outside the academy gate.
A Los Angeles Times reporter had phoned the father, Qandi Gul, to request an interview. His wife, Ashad Bibi, was convinced that the call meant her son had been wounded or killed. At her insistence, Gul drove his ancient rickshaw motorcycle down a mountain road to the academy.
Gul waited for hours, seeking permission for his son to speak with him. At last, the young recruit emerged. He buried his head in his father's arms as the older man showered him with kisses.
"Call your mother right now," Gul ordered. Rahmatullah grabbed his father's cellphone and walked to a lonely spot along a barbed-wire fence.
Later, in the mud-walled village of Qalai Mohsen, Gul described how he had practically ordered his son, and his nephew too, to join the army. Gul served six years as an Afghan police officer. Three sons, including Rahmatullah, are in the security forces. So are three nephews.
Most of the men in the village, in fact, are in the army or police. Gul's compound overlooks the national police training academy. On display inside his home is a photo of his eldest son in uniform.
Over a meal of steaming lamb, rice and spinach spread out on his floor, Gul says the village is rabidly anti-Taliban. They are Pashtuns, like most of the Taliban, but Gul calls the insurgents "devils and thieves."
When he was a police officer, a pro-Taliban mullah told him he wasn't a real Muslim because he served the U.S.-backed government.
"I told him, 'I'm a true Muslim and an Afghan patriot who serves his country, and I'll send all my sons to serve their country,'" Gul said.
"The army, the government, will stand against the Taliban, and against Pakistan, even after the Americans are gone," Gul said, sucking on a cracked lamb bone.
- Teen girl shot by Taliban leaves hospital 1/5/13
- Israelis unveil ancient Hebrew manuscripts 1/4/13
- Pakistan: Gunmen kill 7 teachers, aid workers 1/1/13
- Fight for Afghanistan's most famous artifact 12/30/12
- CIA's security group emerges from shadows 12/27/12
- Navy SEAL died of apparent suicide, official reports 12/24/12
- Army to seek death penalty in 16 Afghan killings 12/19/12
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Getting Started with Maven
Maven was written to be a command line tool. So, go download the latest release and install it. To begin using Maven, you have to download and install it.
Begin here: http://maven.apache.org/download.html
I started with Maven 2.0.4. Download the binary distribution that suits your operating system, e.g. tar.gz (linux), or zip (windows). Unzip the contents to directory that is accessible to your user. My install is at /home/piratepete/Java/maven-2.0.4 . You should take a look at the directory contents. For Unix/Linux based systems a shell script is provided in the $MAVEN_HOME/bin directory called "mvn". For windows users it's "mvn.bat". Open the file up and you'll quickly see that I'm old school and referring to $MAVEN_HOME is incorrect. Maybe not incorrect but I'm going to be deprecated soon. Your environment probably should use $M2_HOME.
The reason to create a $M2_HOME is to save on typing in your $PATH line. You'll need to set $M2_HOME/bin in your path. Now whether you want to type
PATH=/home/piratepete/Java/maven-2.0.4/bin; or PATH=${M2_HOME}/bin
Environment variables are handy e.g. if you change things a lot. After you install Maven you'll need to set your path to the $MAVEN_HOME/bin directory.
For Linux in your user's profile you'll need:
PATH=$M2_HOME/bin;/usr/bin:/usr/sbin: ... /usr/local/bin:$PATH
For windows, under MyComputer/Properties you'll find an Advanced button. Select that you'll change the user or system parameter for Path. You might add something like this to the front of the Path statement:


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Deloitte's inaugural Business Trends report takes a closer look at eight emerging forces that are influencing how organizations' think about their strategy. Each trend delivers new insights on some of the important issues facing businesses today. Trends were selected based on topics that consistently re-surfaced during conversations with business leaders over the past year and their potential to impact strategy over the next two years.
Our theme for these trends is Adapt. Evolve. Transform. – because each has the potential to upend long-held assumptions, energize strategic planning efforts and even fundamentally shift the business environment for individual companies or industries. If you're looking for ideas to challenge your thinking and spur some big new ideas, look no further.
"Business Trends 2013" are grouped into two categories.
"Get Closer" trends offer the potential to help organizations become more interconnected with customers, partners, and other stakeholders such as governments:
"Reach Further" trends find new opportunities, products, markets and leaders:
Take this opportunity to energize your strategic planning activities by exploring new ways of thinking about some of today's emerging business trends.


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Lace Tights, $48
T.I. leaves his vocal imprint on Jidenna's chart-topping melody "Classic Man" for the soundscape's remix.
SEE ALSO: 50 Cent Recruits T.I., 2 Chainz And Jeremih For 'Get Low'
The dapper rapper appears on the latest version of the Wondaland artist's standout single, which is listed on DJ MLK's current mixtape GoodNight…


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Kids Home Care
What is Kids Home Care?
Kids Home Care offers home health services designed to meet the special medical and developmental needs of children at each stage of development, from infants through teens. We offer a coordinated, case management approach to children's home healthcare needs. Through direct care as well as partnering with community providers, Kids Home Care brings All Children's Hospital's tradition of excellence right to the homes of patients and families throughout the West coast of Florida.
We work closely with families and physicians to meet each child's unique home healthcare needs. Our coordinated approach focuses on developing a plan that is convenient, economical, and meets a family's unique needs and schedule. For children being discharged from the hospital, Kids Home Care can provide continuity of care through pre-discharge education and standardization of care (using the same procedures, equipment and supplies whenever possible).
Our clinical staff is available by phone 24 hours a day to assist the patient's family and physician. Same-day delivery service is available. Our reimbursement specialists can work with families and their health insurance representatives to help the claims process proceed smoothly and to provide any necessary documentation.
Kids Home Care received the gold seal of approval of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
About Our Services
Respiratory Care Services
- Clinical case management
- Patient education in hospital or home
- Durable medical equipment:
- Aerosol nebulizer compressors
- Apnea/bradycardia monitors
- Bi/PAP CPAP devices
- Cough assist devices
- Oxygen concetrators
- Oxygen cylinders: portable and stationary
- Pulse oximeters
- Suction machines: portable and stationary
- Ventilators
Nursing Services
- Clinical case management
- Patient education in hospital or home
- Infusion pump and enteral feeding pump training and equipment and supply rental
- Co-ordination of care with local nursing companies that provide patient's home needs
- Wheelchairs and commodes
- Clinical case management
- Hemophilia: factor concentrates and infusion supplies, durable medical equipment
- Diabetes supplies, equipment and medications
- Growth disorders: growth hormone preparations
- Cystic Fibrosis—a full range of inhaled medications and related oral medications, including enzymes and vitamins
- Other disorders—Variety of hematopoeitic and biotech pharmaceuticals
Clinician support available 24 hours a day.
Kids Home Care provides biomedical waste containers and disposal to protect the health and safety of all family members, in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
Interested? You can learn more about Kids Home Care by calling (727) 767-8240 or toll-free at (800) 428-3990.


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The YH-19 was the first practical single-rotor utility helicopter. The first in Sikorsky's successful S-55 series, it solved the center-of-gravity problems of earlier models by shifting the engine to the front and the passenger compartment to beneath the rotor hub. Other innovations included offset-flapping hinges and hydraulically boosted irreversible controls. Designed for the Air Force for arctic rescue, the S-55 served all U.S. military branches throughout the 1950s, especially during the Korean War and in most major military conflicts of the early Cold War. Civilian versions pioneered helicopter airline service in the United States and abroad.
This is the first S-55. From its first test flight in 1949, it served mainly at the Sikorsky factory demonstrating improvements to the series and generating flight data. Fred Clark of Orlando Helicopter Airways restored it in 1966 for commercial use. Thirty years later he returned it to its original military configuration.
Gift of the Nancy and Fred Clark Family.