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|Value in a Clever Design - The OpticBook 3600 Corporate brings affordable value in its unique design, eliminating the book spine shadow and text distortion of traditional book copying and scanning. Our clever design avoids the need for a large, expensive overhead scanner or complicated image-editing software.
Multifunction one-touch buttons - 7 one-touch buttons are designed to make your scanning easy and efficient, whether you're using bound originals (e.g., books, magazines) or normal paper (e.g., photos, documents). With just one touch, you can save the scanned images or convert images of the text document into text files that can be edited with a word processor. You may also choose to send them to another application for further editing, to a printer, or to a new e-mail message as attached files.
SEE Technology - Plustek's patent pending SEE™ (Shadow Elimination Element) Technology includes a specially designed edge and lamp. This revolutionary technology allows half of the book to lay completely flat on the glass with the binding against the corner edge.
Customer Reviews of Plustek Opticbook 3600 Plus Patent Pending
A Great, but highly Specialized Tool1/31/2009
This is my 5th scanner. I have been wanting one for some time, but the need to have "normal" scanning duties covered at my office caused its purchase to be put on hold for a while. There are plenty of times that I want to scan something in from a book and either save it or translate it to a word processing document to take quotes from. Using a "normal" scanner to try and get a decent copy of something in a bound volume is impossible because of the curved text or imagery which results from the close proximity of the book's binding to the printing on the page. Using that method, the best you can get is the text -- and that is only after someone sits down and retypes it all into a word processing document. With this scanner, you can actually get a good word processing version of the page using the included version of ABBYY FineReader optical character recognition software. This is a great, but specialized tool. If you need this thing, there is absolutely nothing else which can do the same job (within the normal operating budget of most folks or businesses). Three cheers for Plustek for delivering this exceptional product.
Great scanner for books11/28/2007
Quality scans, fast and easy to use.
So nice, I bought it twice3/12/2007
If you want to scan books, this is a great scanner/OCR combo. This model produces good quality non-searchable PDF files with ease. Since I have had the unit only a couple of weeks, I don't know how durable the scanner is for the long haul. I have scanned a couple hundred pages in getting to "know" the unit/software without issue. For the worst situtation, I had to power-cycle the unit. To date, I have only seen 2 issues with the unit/software: 1. To make a searchable PDF file, you need additional software. 2. On books with tight bindings & very small inner page margins, you may lose some data.


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Buy Tickets The Shortest Day
Show From Series
Friday, April 18
Saturday, April 19
Sunday, April 20
Monday, April 21
Tuesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 23
Thursday, April 24
The Shortest Day
December 21, 2012
Free event! Join Film Society and the Centre National de la Cinematographie for a selection of French short films that will screen around the world on the shortest day of the year! Read more »

subset: commoncrawl


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Kai Ju
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: So Cal
Oddometer: 1,910
I'm told the newer style clutch is the better clutch and I can certainly vouch for the improvement in throttle response, as well as shifting, with the lighter /7 flywheel I just installed. I imagine the change would be even more dramatic with the even lighter later clutch assembly yet.
and here is the quote from Snowbums web page:
8. In 1981 BMW made changes in the transmission clutch throwout bearing area, internally as well as the external shift lever arrangement. Also in 1981, BMW made a large change to the clutch and flywheel, which became a totally different design, and the flywheel is now called a Clutch Carrier....and the transmission input shaft was changed (shorter) to accommodate those changes. Transmissions before and after that date can be interchanged if the input shaft is the correct one. The input shaft is about 24 mm long on the early transmissions, and from 1981, it is about 19 mm long.
It is also possible to shorten the input shaft on an early transmission, in order to fit it to a later clutch unit...by simply using a cutoff disc, etc., even with the transmission still together!
Be sure to radius the forward edge properly. Within certain guidelines, such as the input shaft length, and internal gears angle cuts, shift kit or not, proper neutral switch...etc...as all mentioned in this page, most all the transmissions generally interchange.
Kai Ju
View Public Profile
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Pepper Lemon Cured Striped Bass
1 Jan 2010
|Striped bass/Sea bass
|3 1⁄2 Pound (dressed)
|Lemon peel
|1 Tablespoon, grated
|4 Teaspoon
|Seasoned pepper
|1 Teaspoon
|Salad oil
|1⁄3 Cup (5.33 tbs)
|Lemon juice
|1⁄3 Cup (5.33 tbs)
1. With vegetable peeler or fish scaler, remove any scales from fish. With knife, cut 3 or 4 slashes, about 1/2 inch deep, on each side of fish. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels.
2. In small bowl, mix lemon peel, salt, and seasoned pepper. With hands, rub mixture evenly over outside and in body cavity of fish. Place fish on large platter; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
3. About 1 hour before serving, prepare outdoor grill for barbecuing.
4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix salad oil and lemon juice. Place fish in wire barbecue basket on grill. Cook over medium heat about 25 minutes, brushing fish frequently with lemon-juice mixture and turning occasionally, until fish flakes easily when tested with fork.
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Pepper Lemon Cured Striped Bass Recipe


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The issuing of 2014 Fall Semester financial aid refunds will begin Friday, August 15th with the intention that all students who have signed up for Direct Deposit will have their refunds by the first day of class (Aug. 18th). Paper checks will be mailed to students who did not sign up for Direct Deposit.
Copyright © 2015 Ball State University 2000 W. University Ave. Muncie, IN 47306
800-382-8540 and 765-289-1241


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Sarasota News | Mysuncoast.com and ABC 7
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Thursday 5:38 am
Gov. Scott's wealth grew after spending millions on campaign
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott continues to see his wealth grow even after spending millions on his own re-election campaign.More
Thursday 5:35 am
Siesta Key Chamber prepares for 25th anniversary of its 4th of July Celebration
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla -- Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to take part in the 25th Anniversary of its Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
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Thursday 4:00 am
A changing weather pattern is developing.
A slow shift in the winds will bring changes to the forecast. Over the next 48 hours the winds will shift in response to high pressure drifting north. As a result we will return to a more typical pattern of showers and thunderstorms building in inland areas by mid afternoon and then watch those showers drift toward the Gulf waters by evening. Highs will remain above normal.More
Monday 9:42 pm
Tropical Storm Bill to hit Texas coast this morning
National Hurricane Center Miami - Tropical storm Bill is expected to make landfall on the Texas coast later this morning.
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Monday 2:39 pm
Grilled Lamb Chops with Orzo Salad
We stay home on the 4th of July since out dogs hate the firecracker sound. Instead we play music and put on their thunder shirts and enjoy a late afternoon meal.
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Growth creates need for more schools in Venice
VENICE, Fla. -- A community planning organization told school board leaders Sarasota County may need to build several more schools in the coming years to keep up with population growth.More
Saturday 5:31 pm
Top Stories for the Week of 6/14 - 6/20
Weren't able to keep up with news on the Suncoast throughout the week? Don't worry, we've got you covered with a recap of our most popular stories from the week of 6/14 - 6/20.
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Wednesday 10:37 am
Suncoast nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider and large provider join forces
SARASOTA, Fla. -- It's official: Centerstone and Manatee Glens have joined forces, finalizing an affiliation that combines their operations and expertise to advance the delivery of mental health and addiction treatment. The affiliation was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both organizations and is effective July 1st, 2015. Centerstone and Manatee Glens executed a letter of intent to pursue an affiliation in October 2014.More
Wednesday 1:53 pm
Floridians can get more vaccines at pharmacy under new law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Floridians can now get several new vaccines at the pharmacy instead of going to the doctor's office under a new law that took effect Wednesday.
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Tuesday 5:50 pm
Homeless musician finds receptive audience on streets of Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. -- If you walk down Main Street during the afternoon, you might run into one of Donald Gould's impromptu concerts. They can happen anytime at one of downtown Sarasota's sidewalk pianos, donated as part of the Sarasota Keys Piano Project.
Entertainment_culture United States Marine Corps Donald GouldMore
Tuesday 5:46 pm
Homeless musician Donald Gould and friends play "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
SARASOTA, Fla. -- We caught up with Donald Gould on Tuesday, right after a video of him playing Styx's "Come Sail Away" went viral on Facebook. Check out Adam Cellini's full report on Gould here.
- Events
- Video


text:
Video: Kevin Durant puts on show at Rucker Park
Aug 2, 2011, 8:50 AM EDT
Kevin Durant dropped in at the streetball Mecca that is Rucker Park Monday night. And it was a show.
He dropped in 66 points. He had some highlights. The crowd loved him. He rained three pointers over double teams like they were layups. Sure, the game got a little sloppy — it's streetball — but it was about as entertaining as basketball gets. Watch the video.
This is fun stuff. This is basketball for the people. This is KD the star.This video is no longer available. Click here to watch more NBC Sports videos!
- trueballs - Aug 2, 2011 at 11:27 AM
66 points and this is all they frickin recorded? We saw a whole game of kobe vs bow wow. CMON
- cosanostra71 - Aug 2, 2011 at 1:48 PM
I miss And1 on ESPN2
- philiplewis1 - Aug 2, 2011 at 4:06 PM
It's a shame he has to resort to this level for a game. I don't consider this basketball, it's something else entirely
- randysavage4ever - Aug 3, 2011 at 12:15 PM
you do know that Kobe , Vince Carter, Carmelo and like pretty much every NBA star at 1 point in their prime go there and play right?
that place is legendary ,
- cosanostra71 - Aug 3, 2011 at 3:02 PM
back in the day you would go to Rucker Park and you'd see Walt Frazier, Wilt Chamberlin and all those guys there on the reg
- randysavage4ever - Aug 2, 2011 at 11:02 PM
dream! – that is an F'n dream for any baller
step into the Rucker and have a performance like that –
Durant is the truth
- progress2011 - Aug 3, 2011 at 6:04 PM
Should a young player practice 500 jumpers or focus primarily on cross-over moves !!! Durant answers this question in this display against players at " arguably " the best street baller court in the nation.
EVERYONE on that court and in the stands probably have nasty cross-overs. But what separates pro's/ Durant from street ballers/ And1 type players is supreme fundamentals like Durants jumper !!!
I tell young kids at the gym all the time. MAKE 500 JUMPERS !
Then and only then and only if you want, work on your crossover.
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Forum Menu
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Post Response
Thin Coat ?!?!Posted by: Claire
Category: Medical
Posted on: April 27, 2003 at 18:49:28
My 1yr 8 mo. female JRT has a very thin coat only on the sides of her body. The fur on her back down the spine is normal but the sides have a very thin layer of fur. When she was a pup she had mange on her feet only but we got rid of it almost a year ago. We use prescription shampoo from the vet and feed her very good (expensive) dog food reccomended by the vet. Do you think it was the medications (Ivomectin, atarax, primor, mederol) and mange dips we had to give her that caused this? What can i do to boost her coat up? Vitamins? I heard somewhere that if you put a raw egg in the food once a week it should help. Any suggestions? I would prefer not to use more medication if at all possible, she's had a lot when she was a pup.Thanks!!!!


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The Vandalia Lady Vandals pose after winning the Effingham Round Robin Girls Basketball Tournament on Friday night. The Lady Vandals went 3-1 in the tourney.
Look for more in the print edition.
OKAWVILLE — Vandalia's 76-54 loss to Madison left a bad taste in Brian Buscher's mouth.
Simply put, Buscher wasn't very pleased with his team's performance on Tuesday during the opening night of the 2015 Okawville Invitational.
EFFINGHAM — An 11-0 spurt in the fourth quarter propelled the Vandalia Lady Vandals to a 49-42 win over Greenville on Monday night in the first game of the Effingham Round Robin Girls Basketball Tournament.
The Lady Vandals trailed by one early in the fourth quarter before they got going in a big way. Vandalia's girls scored 11 unanswered points to take control of the game.
Even with several key performers missing in action, the Vandalia Vandals celebrated Senior Day by winning two of three wrestling duals on Saturday.
The Vandals were shorthanded for the quad, but still won two out of three. Vandalia topped Robinson, 47-15. The Vandals then knocked off Monticello, 42-30. Murphysboro took advantage of Vandalia's open weights in a 39-37 win over the hosts in the final dual of the day.
Vandalia Coach Jason Clay said the open weights were tough to overcome against Murphysboro.
LITCHFIELD — The Vandalia Vandals split two duals at Litchfield on Thursday night.
Vandalia beat Highland, 51-21. But Litchfield knocked off the Vandals, 39-30.
After splitting the duals, the Vandals are now 19-6 in duals.
Litchfield defeated Vandalia, 39-30.
Litchfield won by forfeit at 106. Vandalia's Jarrett Paslay defeated Collin Davidson, 7-2, at 113. Chaston Womack earned a 15-0 decision over Tyler Thiessen at 120.
One frustrating loss had tormented the Vandalia Lady Vandals for nearly a month.
So when the Lady Vandals got another shot at Pana, it's safe to say there was some extra motivation.
In the end, Vandalia's girls earned some sweet revenge with Thursday's 41-27 victory over the Pana Lady Panthers.
The Lady Vandals had suffered a upsetting overtime loss at Pana on Dec. 15, with a controversial call playing a big role.
But this time, the Lady Vandals took care of business, earning some payback in the process.
PATOKA — Two of the top small school boys basketball teams in the region met on Saturday in Patoka.
In the end, Altamont earned a 63-48 win over the host Warriors.
Jered Cain scored 16 points to lead Patoka (13-6). Garrett Belcher had 12 and Tyler Back added 10 for the Warriors.
Adam Mayhaus poured in 32 points for the Indians, while Ryan Armstrong scored 27. Altamont made 26 of 33 free throws, while Patoka connected on just 9 of 20 at the foul line.
Greenville simply had too much firepower for the Vandalia Vandals.
Taking advantage of its depth, size and athleticism, Greenville hammered Vandalia, 73-46, on Friday night in front a jam-packed VCHS gymnasium.
Vandalia Coach Brian Buscher said he was proud of his team's effort, but gave the Comets credit, too.
"They're a solid team," Buscher said. "They hurt you everywhere because they're all capable of scoring. Our kids played hard. I'm proud of our effort. I just wish our execution would have been better."
The Vandalia Vandals were shorthanded last Wednesday night.
It was hard to tell.
The host Vandals went 3-0 in duals on Wednesday, winning all three in impressive fashion.
Vandalia defeated Belleville East, 42-18, and then knocked off Mascoutah, 63-12. Vandalia beat Roxana, 45-21, in the final dual.
The Vandals were without Jake Stewart, Kolten Kaiser and Skylar Depew, as all are dealing with injuries. And yet they still won all three duals.
Ryne Lipsey's wrestling career got off to a late start.
But he's made up for lost time.
While most of today's top high school wrestlers began competing in grade school, Lipsey did not.
In fact, Lipsey didn't get involved in the sport of wrestling until his freshman year of high school, almost a decade after some of his peers got their start.
But that late start hasn't stopped Lipsey's success on the mat.
Copyright © 2015
The Leader Union is your source for local news, sports, events and information in Vandalia, Il, and the surrounding area.


text:
An apparatus and method is provided whereby a monitor module on a token ring network assigns an active monitor and then activates a transmitting module resident on each station on the network to transmit test data frames of varying lengths which have been tuned to encourage maximum phase jitter on the network. Phase jitter related errors are then observed with a dedicated commercially available test apparatus or program.
1. A method for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter errors comprising the steps of:
a. determining a latency limit of the network;
b. tuning a data frame to provide for data transitions that match a ring latency;
c. transmitting the tuned frame on the network; and
d. observing clock phase jitter errors of at least one network station;
e. changing an active monitor on the network;
f retransmitting the tuned frame on the token ring;
g. observing the clock phase jitter of the at least one network station.
2. An apparatus for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter sensitivity comprising:
a. a means for tuning a data frame to provide for data transitions that match a ring latency;
b. a means for transmitting the tuned frame on the network; and
c. a means for observing the clock phase jitter errors at least one network station as a result of transmission of the tuned frame;
d. a means for changing an active monitor on the network; and
e. a means for retransmitting the tuned frame on the network.
3. The method of
a. changing the length of the tuned frame while maintaining data transitions matching the ring latency of the network; and
b. retransmitting the tuned frame.
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
11. A method for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter sensitivity comprising the steps of:
a. establishing an active monitor on the network;
b. generating a test frame at each station on the network;
c. transmitting the test frame from each station onto the network;
d. observing a clock phase jitter tolerance at each station on the network;
e. establishing a next active monitor and repeating steps a-d; and
f. repeating step e until a preselected number of stations have been established as the active monitor.
12. The method of
a. determining the latency of the ring;
b. setting a maximum test frame data length larger than that which can be transmitted within a latency period; and
c. setting a minimum test frame data length smaller than that which can be transmitted within the latency period.
13. The method of
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
a. decrementing each test frame by 5 bytes; and
b. retransmitting each test frame.
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. A method for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter sensitivity comprising the steps of:
a. providing a master processor and at least one station processor connected to the network;
b. programming the master processor with a monitor module and each station processor with a sender module;
c. coding the monitor module to carry out the following steps:
i. poll all stations on the network to determine each station's address;
ii. assign a high address to one station processor;
iii. transmit a test signal to each station processor;
iv. transmit a next active monitor signal to at least one station processor;
v. reexecute steps (ii), (iii) and (iv) until a predetermined set of station processors have become an active monitor.
d. coding the sender module to carry out the following steps:
i. generate a test frame;
ii. transmit the test frame onto the network upon receipt of the test signal from the master processor;
iii. alter the length of the test frame.
e. observing network jitter errors generated by the master processor and each station processor on the network.
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
a. setting an upper bound and a lower bound on the length of the test frame;
b. the upper bound being greater than the length needed to overlap the ring latency limit of the network; and
d. the lower bound being smaller than the length needed to overlap the ring latency limit of the network.
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. An apparatus for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter sensitivity comprising:
a. a master processor and at least one station processor connected to the network;
b. the master processor programmed with a monitor module and each station processor programmed with a sender module;
c. the monitor module coded to carry out the following steps:
i. poll all stations on the network to determine each station's address;
ii. assign a high address to one station processor;
iii. transmit a test signal to each station processor;
iv. transmit a next active monitor signal to at least one station processor;
v. reexecute steps (ii), (iii) and (iv) until a predetermined set of station processors have been assigned the high address.
d. the sender module coded to carry out the following steps:
i. generate a test frame;
ii. transmit the test frame onto the network upon receipt of the test signal from the master processor;
iii. alter the length of the test frame.
e. an observation processor connected to the network to observe network hardware jitter errors generated by each station processor on the network.
29. The apparatus of
30. The apparatus of
31. The apparatus of
a. set an upper bound and a lower bound on the length of the test frame;
b. the upper bound being greater than the latency limit of the network; and
c. the lower bound smaller than the latency limit.
32. The apparatus of
33. The apparatus of
34. The method of
35. An apparatus for testing a token ring network for clock phase jitter related errors comprising:
a. a means for establishing an active monitor on the token ring network;
b. a means for generating a test frame at each station on the network;
c. a means for transmitting the test frame from each station onto the network;
d. a means for observing the clock phase jitter errors produced at preselected stations on the network;
e. a means for establishing a next active monitor and repeating steps a-d; and
f. a means for repeating step e until a preselected number of stations have been established as the active monitor.
36. The apparatus of
a. a means for setting the test frame length to a maximum and a minimum value;
b. the maximum value of the test frame length being larger than that which can be transmitted within a latency period of the network and;
c. the minimum value of the test frame length being shorter than that which can be transmitted within the latency period of the network.
37. The apparatus of
38. The apparatus of
39. The apparatus of
40. The apparatus of
41. The apparatus of
42. The apparatus of
43. The apparatus of
a. a means for changing the length of the tuned frame while maintaining data transitions matching the ring latency of the network; and
b. a means for retransmitting the tuned frame.
44. The apparatus of
45. The apparatus of
46. The apparatus of
47. The apparatus of
48. The apparatus of
49. The apparatus of
Present invention relates to local area network (LAN) testers in particular, and in particular to software to detect phase jitter intolerant stations on a token ring local area network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, most computer networks have the goal of moving data among the computers connected to the network. Each network must have some mechanism for regulating access to the transmission of this data. Several approaches exist to regulate access to the transmission of data in local area networks. These include contention, token passing, demand priority, and direct switching. The present invention relates to token passing networks, and more specifically, token ring networks as defined by the ISO/IEC 8802-5 token ring standard.
A token ring network uses a logical ring topology, shown in FIG. 1, that is physically wired as a star with workstations connected to a wiring concentrator. Wiring concentrators can be cabled together to expand the capacity of the LAN.
FIG. 2 illustrates the wiring of workstations to each wiring concentrator. Each workstation uses a twisted pair connection for input and a second twisted pair for output with the data flowing from station to station in one direction to implement a logical ring. The wiring concentrator also controls access of each work station to the LAN.
Token ring adapter cards or Network Interface Cards (NICs) are installed on each workstation to allow it to be connected to the wiring concentrator. Each NIC has several capabilities. First, it has input and output buffers which allow data files of various lengths communicated from the workstation to be stored and then serialized before being clocked onto the network. Second, each NIC is also equipped with a phase lock loop circuit which is capable of extracting a clock signal which is transmitted with the data. Small variations in the clock rate (or phase) may occur as data is transmitted between workstations. If the rate of clock phase change is excessive, the phase lock loop circuits in a typical NIC cannot recover the clock signal and will generate an error. A third capability of the NIC is to report clock signal and other errors automatically by generating Error Report MAC frames which are transmitted onto the network.
ISO/IEC 8802-5 networks may operate at 4 or 16 megabits per second (Mbps). Each station on the network must operate at the same speed.
A "token" is a special data "frame" which is passed from workstation to workstation in sequence along the ring. The token frame is only a few bytes in length and contains a bit pattern which can be changed into a start of frame delimiter (SOF) by changing a series of bits into a start sequence. Immediately following the SOF is a sequence of source and destination address pairs that identify the sending and transmitting workstations, respectively.
The token is recognized by all workstations as being the arbiter of access for the transmission of the data. A workstation must have the token to place data frames on the network. If it does not have the token it must wait until it gets the token from its upstream neighbor in order to transmit data. If the token is passed to a workstation that needs to transmit data, the workstation converts the token to an SOF, appends the source and destination address. and then adds data to be transmitted. If the token is passed to a workstation that doesn't need to transmit data, the workstation sends the token to the next downstream workstation.
The SOF and the data frame travel around the ring from workstation to workstation. Each workstation reads the start sequence and the destination address. If the workstation's address does not match the destination address, the workstation merely retransmits it on downstream. If the workstation address matches the destination address, the workstation copies the frame into memory and modifies a bit pattern to signify it copied the transmitted data. If a data frame is transmitted in broadcast mode, each workstation receives and copies the frame without regard to the destination address. The frame travels around the ring until it eventually returns to the sending workstation. Latency is a measure of the delay it takes one byte to travel completely around the network ring. The sending workstation then strips the data frame from the ring and transmits a token in its place.
The ISO/IEC 8802-5 Token Ring data frame structure is the standard data frame structure that has been adopted by most token ring topologies. The minimum length of a token ring data frame is 21 bytes. The maximum data frame size under this standard is determined by the ring's signaling speed. A frame that is just large enough to fill the ring at any given time can be called the latency limit of the network.
FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the ISO/IEC 8802-5 data frame structure. The first field is that Starting Delimiter, which identifies the beginning of the frame. Next is the Access Control field. This field stores the "type" bits that identify the transport protocol. This field is also used to differentiate between data frames and control frames. The first two bits identify the type of frame: data or Media Access Control (MAC) management. MAC frames are used to collect network performance data that can be analyzed by standards-compliant network management products. Each MAC frame performs a specific network management function, such as a claim token used to select an active monitor for the network. The next six bits are used to inform the recipient of the priority of the data Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and/or MAC PDU.
The next two fields are the destination and source MAC addresses. Each one is a 6-byte field. The data field follows. It varies in size, based upon the signaling speed of the ring. 4Mbps Token Rings can support data fields of maximum size 4,332 bytes. 16 Mbps Token Rings can support data field that are of maximum size 17,832.
The last three fields in the data frame are the 2 byte Frame Check Sequence (FCS) and a 1 byte ending delimiter. The FCS contains a mathematically derived value that is calculated based upon the length and content of the frame. The recipient and transmitter each apply the same algorithm to the frame. If the recipient computes the same value stored in the FCS field (which was calculated by the transmitter), then it assumes that the contents were transmitted correctly.
The ISO/IEC 8802-5 Token Ring standard establishes several Network Management Agents (NMAs). These agents may reside at each Token Ring workstation and are used in the normal management operation of the ring. These agents include active or standby monitors (AM or SM), ring error monitor (REM), Configuration Report Server (CRS) and Ring Parameter Server (RPS).
Token Ring network protocol is monitored by the Active Monitor (AM). The AM theoretically can be any station in the ring. Usually, it is the first station to become active but, after more stations activate, the responsibility can be contested and assumed by another station. The AM monitors all traffic, ensures that the network's protocol rules are adhered to and initiates action that may be necessary to overcome protocol violations or failures. All the network workstations have the capability to be the AM, but only one can be the AM at a time. The other stations are known as Standby Monitors (SM).
The AM's duties includes the following: 1) initializing the ring by issuing a Ring Purge MAC Frame upon start-up, 2) creating tokens, 3) providing the master clock for the network and 4) ensuring that tokens and frames do not traverse the ring more than once.
The ISO/IEC 8802-5 standard provides for an AM contention process called token claiming. This process is initiated by any of the SMs whenever they detect a possible failure of the AM. Numerous possible symptoms can trigger this process. They include the failure of the AM to transmit a good token frame at least once every 2.6 seconds, the failure of the AM to transmit an AM Present MAC Frame at least once every 15 seconds, unsuccessful ring purge attempts, inconsistencies with the clock, absence of AM Present or Standby Monitor Present MAC frames after a station insertion, the AM losing power, experiencing a hardware or software failure, or the AM being physically disconnected from the LAN.
When any station detects a need for a new AM, it will initiate monitor contention by sending a claim token MAC frame. Any station receiving a claim token frame with a source address numerically higher than its own will merely repeat that frame. Any station receiving a claim token with a source address less than its own will itself transmit a claim token with its own (higher) source address. A station that is currently transmitting claim tokens will cease if it received a claim token sent by some other station with a source address higher than its own. Following these rules, eventually only the highest numbered address station will be sending claim tokens on the ring. When this highest numbered station receives three of its own claim token frames without receiving any others, it wins the claim token process and becomes the AM.
The AM asserts the system clock for the network which is encoded in each data transmission. The method of encoding used in the token ring network is called Differential Manchester Coding. An example of data coding using a Differential Manchester code is shown in FIG. 4. As can be seen, the use of a Differential Manchester code provides a strong timing component for clock recovery because a timing transition always occurs in the middle of every bit transmitted. The polarity only changes at a bit cell boundary if the next bit is a "0". Therefore, consecutive zeros appear as a 16 MHz square wave and consecutive ones appear as an 8 MHz square wave. This gives the Differential Manchester Code a vulnerability to phase jitter because these two frequencies have slightly different propagation velocities.
Each successive workstation receives data via the Differential Manchester code and proceeds to extract the clock rate and phase from the continuous transitions contained in the code. Due to imperfections in clock-signal-extraction and data-regeneration circuits, crosstalk, electrical noise, component inconsistencies, and other causes, the clock rate and phase received by each workstation may differ slightly. Clock phase jitter is the change in phase as compared to the clock of the AM. If phase jitter becomes severe, the phase lock loop contained in each NIC cannot correctly extract data from the frame. This condition causes detectable frame losses and error report MAC frames to be generated.
One aspect of creating a worst case jitter effect involves the data frame pattern. Strings of ones followed by strings of zeros (or vice versa) create phase jitter at the transition between the two strings. Another aspect of creating a worst case jitter effect is having the transmitting station receiving and stripping one of these string transitions at the same time it is transmitting the identical string transition.
In an effort to isolate phase jitter, the prior art has, in general, required the addition of special hardware to the token ring to track phase jitter. An example of this prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,428 to Copley. Copley discloses a token ring network testing apparatus which includes a state machine, a hardware phase jitter pattern generator, a rising edge generation circuit, a falling edge generation circuit and a comparator to determine phase jitter. Copley also provides for an interprelator which amplifies the phase jitter detected and a counter to track phase jitter patterns. However, Copley, as with other prior art test systems, requires addition of complex circuitry to the local area network and does not automatically provide for observation of the jitter reaction of all possible network configurations.
A need exists in the art for a methodology to evoke a worse case scenario phase jitter into a token ring network by using tuned data patterns. Additionally, a need exists for a method to automatically alter the conditions on the network to produce all important combinations of AMs, SMs and frame lengths to create phase jitter. For instance, a need exists for a methodology which automatically changes the AM and sizes or "tunes" test frames to create a worse case jitter production scenario in each NIC.
The preferred embodiment responds to the need in the art by providing a system to automatically assign and change the AM and to generate and transmit test data frames of varying structure to fully test a network for clock phase jitter. The invention first deploys a data frame generation and transmission module to each workstation in the network. A monitor module, resident on only one workstation, then chooses and activates one of the workstations as the AM. On a signal from the monitor module, each transmission module then generates test data frames and transmits them onto the network.
After the monitor module runs the test for a predetermined period of time, it then brings the current AM down, reassigns the AM and restarts the test until each workstation on the network has been selected as the AM and has orchestrated network protocol during testing functions. In this way, each workstation has an opportunity to generate the system clock, and each workstation has an opportunity to react to the system clock generated by every other station on the network.
The preferred embodiment of the invention includes three software modules, a monitor module, a transmit module and a display module.
The monitor module begins operating on a network which is up and running with a preselected and active AM and at least one SM workstation. The monitor module begins a test session by collecting all the addresses and locations of each workstation on the network. The monitor module then notifies a chosen workstation that it is to become the next AM and sends it an alternate address that is higher than any other workstation on the network. The next AM then automatically withdraws from the network, reassigns itself the high address and reattaches to the ring. The monitor module then sends a signal to the current active monitor, forcing it to deassert itself as the AM. After the monitor contention process selects the next AM as the current AM, the monitor module transmits a signal to each transmit module on every other workstation to begin testing.
Once contacted, each transmit module begins to format phase jitter test data frames and waits for the token to transmit them onto the network. The latency limit of the network changes, second by second. With the addition and deletion of workstations the test data frame length must also change in order to bracket the worst case condition for phase jitter, that is, when the data frame transitions occur at the latency limit of the network.
In the preferred embodiment, the test date frame may alternate anywhere in a range between a programmably selected minimum and maximum length. The maximum and minimum frame lengths may be set by the user, and are generally set to include frame length that would correspond to 2.5 times the ring latency limit. Each test data frame is partitioned into five segments where each segment is made up of either 0's or 1's and alternates between segments. Each transmit module continues transmitting test data frames onto the network decrementing the test data frames by one byte in every segment each time.
The preferred embodiment employs segments which are the same length with five distinct segment, for example, 1111 0000 1111 0000 1111 or 10101. Other odd numbers of segments (other than one) may also be used. The result is a test data frame which is "scaled" while maintaining the five segment data pattern throughout scaling. The five segment 0-1 data pattern has two transitions from 0's to 1's and 1's to 0's.
FIG. 6 shows a sample data file showing the five segments and a comparison to ring latency. The preferred embodiment employs alternating patterns of all ones and all zeros because at the receiving station, phase jitter is introduced at the transition from ones to zeros (and vice versa). With five segments of alternating all zeros and all ones, there are two transitions from zeros to ones, and two transitions from ones to zeros. A worst case scenario is introduced if the transmitter is transitioning from zeros to ones (or vice versa) at the same time that it has just begun stripping bits off the ring on the receive side with a bad phase ramp caused by a similar transition (i.e. the first of the two, zeros to ones or ones to zeros transitions).
Jitter related error conditions are reported automatically by the NIC in each workstation and through error report MAC frames. A separate network analysis station, which is commercially available, is connected to the network and is connected to the network and is used to collect the data from the error report MAC frames and either instantaneously display the errors for observation or log them for future reference.
After the monitor module determines that the test is complete, it reassigns the AM and begins the process again. The process is repeated until each workstation in the network has an opportunity to become the AM, control the network clock and test for resulting jitter problems.
The display module is a user interface which shows system status and allows menu driven control of various options of the monitor and transmit programs.
FIG. 1 illustrates a logical token ring network topology.
FIG. 2 illustrates a token ring network wiring concentrator using a logical ring topology in a star configuration.
FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of the ISO/IEC 8802-5 data frame structure.
FIG. 4 illustrates Differential Manchester data coding.
FIG. 5 is an example of a configuration table.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sample of the test data file generated by the transmit module and an indication of corresponding ring latency.
FIGS. 7A-7C are flow charts of the steps executed in the monitor module of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 8A-8C are flow charts of the steps executed in the transmit module of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a display of the user interface of the display module.
The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of three software modules which are deployed on an active functioning token ring network. Their function and cooperation result in a catalog of clock phase jitter characteristics for the network.
The monitor module is a program designed to manage a test cycle including terminating the current AM, selecting which workstation is to become the next AM, collecting information on which workstation is presently the AM and collecting information on test completion status and test results.
Initially, the monitor module polls all workstations currently participating in the network and determines their addresses. These addresses are stored in a configuration table. The monitor module then assigns an artificial hierarchy of alternate addresses. An example of the configuration table generated is shown as FIG. 5. The table is used by the monitor module to coordinate the assignment of the next AMs, to keep track of test results and test completion status. When the monitor module determines that a new AM is required, it selectively forces the next AM workstation out of the network in order to allow it to change its primary address to the alternate address specified in the configuration table. The alternate address is chosen by the monitor module to be the high address on the network. The next AM then automatically reasserts itself bringing its token interface up with the new alternate (and highest) address on the ring. The monitor module then sends a signal to the current AM causing it to deassert itself as the AM. When each AM is deasserted, it sets its address back to its initial attributes including its primary address. The monitor contention process in the token ring protocol then automatically assigns the next AM priority status and testing begins again.
Several attributes and functions of the monitor module can be changed by the user. The monitor module uses a command line to set its various functions including the following flags d, t and h, with their usages being as follows:
The "d" flag allows the user to select which token ring adapter to perform the transmit function of the monitor module. Each workstation has the capability of supporting up to seven NICs specified by UNIX path names. The range of this flag is 0-7, indicating the use of paths /dev/tok0 through /dev/tok7. When the flag is omitted, the default value assigned by the path is 0, therefore using path /dev/tok0.
The "t" flag allows the user to select a time to pause between tests, that is, between the time one workstation has become the AM and the time the monitor module starts the process to select the next AM.
The "h" flag allows the user to select a command line help message.
Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the specific steps used in the preferred embodiment of the monitor module will be described. At step 700, the monitor module validates the entry parameters of the token ring network. Essentially, it determines which workstations are located where on the network by collecting data as to primary address and ring location for each workstation. The monitor module also checks the status of the command line flags in step 700.
At step 704, the monitor module assigns a new AM to the ring before it activates a new adapter. In this step, the monitor module checks to see if the adapter is using the alternate address. If so, the address is stored in order to restore it after the test is complete. Additionally, at step 704, the monitor module creates the configuration table with primary and alternate addresses of each workstation and then arranges the addresses to create an artificial hierarchy on the network which is conducive to testing.
At step 708, the monitor module checks to assure that certain operating system control parameters have been successfully read and complied with. If a system override is detected, such as a control C keyboard entry, then the module exits normally. At step 712, the monitor module displays its status and other test data on the screen. At step 716, the monitor module sets its own attributes to allow reception of attention MAC frames. At step 720, the monitor module checks to see if this is a new test or a test continuation. If it is a new test, then at step 724, the workstation creates a new configuration table and skips to step 732. If not, then at step 728, the configuration table previously used for the prior test is used again. Moving to step 732, the configuration table is scanned to determine the number of workstations and their addressees on the network, their alternate addresses and an indicator flag as to which workstations will participate in the test. At step 736, the user has an opportunity to mark nodes in the table that should not be made active monitors.
At step 740, the monitor module checks for a specific error condition. The error condition arises when the workstation on which the monitor module was running was the AM at the time a prior test was taking place and was accidentally terminated during the test. To correct the error, the monitor module examines the configuration table to determine which workstation was assigned to be the last AM. If the current AM was the last on the list, the test is determined to have been completed successfully and the monitor module will continue with the next one. If not, an error condition exists and the current test is terminated. Also at step 740, the monitor module updates the structure of the ring, the configuration table and the Emergency Reset Table ("ERT") file before beginning an additional test. The ERT contains a copy of the data in the configuration file, as well as dates and times of execution of the monitor module.
At step 744, the monitor module checks to see if each workstation has been assigned as the AM. If so, the test is complete and the test sequence ends successfully at step 748. If not, at step 752, the monitor module opens the token ring adapter by sending a signal to the appropriate device driver but does not yet send any test frames onto the network. At step 756, a signal is sent to all of the transmit modules resident on each workstation with a start session transmit flag.
At step 760, the monitor module determines the next workstation on the token ring to become the next AM. It transmits a frame to that workstation notifying it of its pending status as AM and sends a configuration file specifying the next high address as the new address for that workstation. Step 768 is a wait state in which the monitor module waits for the next AM workstation to become active.
At step 772, the monitor module determines which workstation is the AM on the network and terminates it by sending a termination frame. Accordingly, the token ring network protocol elects the next AM which will be the desired station, recently opened with a high alternate address.
At step 790, the monitor module waits for the ongoing test to be completed, and proceeds to check to determine if all nodes have been tested at step 792. If so, the monitor module proceeds to step 794. If not, the monitor module returns to step 760 to select the next AM and continues testing.
At step 794, the monitor module, having completed its test, closes its adapter to end the test. At step 798, the workstation is then restored to its initial state.
The transmit module is responsible for generating a frame of varying length to be placed on the network as choreographed by the monitor module. The transmit module is deployed to all stations on the ring except for the AM.
The transmit module will transmit a frame which is subdivided into five equal size segments, containing predefined data patterns. The five segments contain a set of consecutive 00�0s for even segments and 0�ffs for odd segments. An example is shown in FIG. 6. The data frame is segmented to correspond to the ring latency of the network. The calculations necessary to determine the frame length to correspond with the ring latency is shown below:
where, rs=Ring Speed, fl=frame length and rl=ring latency.
The size of the test data frame is optimally set to 2.5 times the latency limit or the maximum data frame length that can transverse the ring during one latency period (i.e. 2.5�fl). If a transmitting station is receiving and stripping the first zeros to ones segment transition (or vice versa), at the same time as it is transmitting the second zeros to ones segment transition (or vice versa)—then a worst case jitter producing scenario is created because the transmitter is extracting a clock with a bad phase ramp caused by the first transition at the same time as it is transmitting the second transition. In other words, the clock that is being extracted on the receive side, and used to transmit data on the transmit side, has a bad phase ramp; and simultaneously, it is transmitting the second transition which causes additional phase jitter in downstream nodes. If the PLL circuit of any station on the ring cannot track the phase shift caused by the cumulative effect of the phase error in the test frame, a line error occurs. This occurrence is included in the next error report MAC frame transmitted by that adapter.
The transmit module begins operation with the range of data frame lengths desired. This range should include the length represented by 2.5 fl. It automatically decrements the test data frame by 5 bytes, one byte per segment, each time a test data frame is transmitted. The result is that the data frame and its segments are "scaled" down or "tuned" while maintaining the alternating 0 and 1 segment structure which encourages phase jitter. Each station with the special transmit module transmits continuously using a null destination address.
When instructed by the monitor module, the transmit module will bring the adapter interface down, will close the adapter and bring the adapter interface up using the alternate address which has been previously assigned by the monitor module.
The frame size and other basic operation of the transmit module can be specified on the command line by using flags. The following flags are allowed d, f, 1l, t, a and h.
The "d" flag allows the user to perform the transmit function. The range is 0-7 indicating the use of paths /dev/tok/0 to /dev/tok/7. When this flag is emitted, the default value assigned by the program is 0 therefore using the path /dev/tok0.
The "f" flag allows the user to select the maximum length of the frame to be transmitted. Since the program will transmit a number of frames starting with the specified length and decrease it by 5 bytes per iteration, the test length is directly affected by the frame specified. In case the frame entered by the user is not devisable by five, transmit module normalizes the frame size to the nearest smallest frame which is devisable by five. If the flag is not specified, once the program reaches the smallest frame sent, i.e. 5 bytes, it will repeat sending the initially specified maximum frame size until the user can interrupts its execution. The values allowed for the files transmitted are 5 to 16,000. If 5 is specified only one frame will be sent. The default frame size for the program is 500 bytes.
The "1" flag allows the user to select the number of cycles the test should continue execution. A complete cycle consists of the transmit module transmitting files beginning with the maximum number of bytes and decreasing it to the minimum number specified. When the 1 flag is not specified, the program will cycle forever. That is, after decreasing the file size to a minimum number of bytes, it will automatically jump back to the maximum number of bytes and begin transmitting test frames again. This condition can only be achieved by omitting the flag. The range for this flag is 1-999999 cycles.
The "t" flag allows the user to select a time delay in milliseconds between every frame is transmitted. A low number for this time delay will increase the network traffic since more frames will be sent during a smaller period of time.
The "a" flag allows the user to selectively run the transmit module using the alternate address, as will described later. This forces the transmit module to bring up the adapter interface using the alternate interface as assigned by the monitor module.
The "h" flag allows the user to select a command line help message. The help messages are preprogrammed and stored in a file resident on the workstation which is installed at the same time the transmit module is deployed on the network.
The "L" flag allows the user to select the length of the smallest frame to be transmitted. If the value of the "L" flag is set to be equaled to the value of the "f" flag, the actual frame size will not vary during the test.
If no flags are specified, the transmit module defaults to the following flag settings: d=0, f=500 and t=1.
FIGS. 8A-8C shows a flow chart of the transmit module. The transmit module begins operation at step 600 by reading and validating the command line entry parameters. The command line entry parameters comprise the command flags and the numeric value of the latency limit of the network. Step 604 displays a public message on the screen indicating the flags chosen and that a test is underway.
At step 608, the transmit module checks to see if it has been assigned the AM. If so, it sets the adapter attributes at step 610. If at step 608, the workstation is not to be assigned to be the AM, it uses its default address.
At step 611, the monitor program checks to assure that certain operating system control parameters have been successfully read and complied with. If a system override is detected, such as a control C keyboard entry, the module exits normally.
At step 612, the NIC is activated to begin an insert onto the ring.
At step 620, the transmit module begins the token ring test procedure. It does this by initializing the actual frame size, the pattern segment size and the loop counter. At step 624, the module generates the pattern frame and waits to receive the token. When it receives the token, it transmits the frame at step 626. The transmit module stays in a loop, transmitting test frames within the minimum and maximum frame length, until a program interrupt is encountered at step 627.
When a program interrupt occurs, a check is made at step 628 by the transmit module to determine whether the primary address has been used to transmit the files. If the primary address has been used, then the transmit module checks several conditions.
At step 632, the module checks to see if the program is halted at the user's request or if the test has been completed. If so, at step 634, the module exits normally, restores the workstation to initial state as it existed before the test began, and erases the alternate address file created by the monitor module. If the module is not halted at the user's request or the test completed normally, then the module at 636 checks for a communication failure such as an adapter read/write error. At step 638, the module returns the appropriate error code. If there has not been a communications failure at step 636, then at step 640 the module checks to see if the workstation on which it is resident is selected to become the next AM. If it has, then at step 642 it sets up an alternate address and returns to step 620. If it has not, then at step 644, the module returns to step 620 without changing the adapter's primary address.
If at step 628, the workstation is not transmitting according to the adapter's primary address, then a check is made to assure that the workstation is transmitting using the adapter's alternate address at step 648.
By step 652, the module determines if the user wants to halt the program. If it has, at step 656, the module exits normally, restores the workstation to its initial state and erases the alternate address file. If the module is not halted at the user's request, then at step 660, the module checks to determine if there has been a communication error due to an adapter read/write, AM assignment, or overflow or protocol violation. If any of these conditions exist, then at step 664, the module restores the adapter's primary address and returns to step 620 at step 665. If not, then at step 668, the module assumes that there has been an error because an unexpected condition exists. That is, that the workstation is selected to become the next AM but already has been assigned to be the AM. Here an error is returned and the module is exited.
The display module forms the user interface for the monitor module and its coordinating functions. As shown in FIG. 9, the display module sets up a menu including six menus of choices. The halt test menu, the suspend test menu, the resume test menu, the table menu, the reset address menu and the AM menu.
The halt test menu controls the functions of the monitor module which stops specific workstations or designates workstations which will not be able to return to the test. The suspend test menu allows for specific workstations to be withdrawn from testing or selects which workstation which will not participate in the test but can resume testing on command. The resume test menu allows suspended workstations to return to testing.
The table menu allows a display of test configuration table. The set/reset address menu allows the user to change or alternate the primary address of any workstation. The AM menu allows the user to select which user will become the next AM.
The preferred embodiment of the invention requires a local area network analyzer to intercept and catalog the error frames generated which are associated with phase jitter. Several hardware and software products are commercially available. One example is the Tinwald LinkView 2000 network analyzer. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment, the monitor module can intercept, decode and store the MAC error frames responsible for reporting network jitter related events. In any of the above cases, the data may either be stored for later analysis or displayed for real time analysis.
In summary, once the transmit module has been disseminated to each workstation on the network and the monitor module has reassigned the first AM and testing begins. The monitor module sends a test signal to each workstation which in turn activates the transmit module which is resident there. Each transmit module begins to generate a test frame consisting of five alternating segments of equal length. Each transmit module then scales the test frame between a maximum and minimum length and transmits it on the network. Due to 0-1 and 1-0 data transitions set up by the test file structure, data frames encouraging clock phase jitter are generated by the NIC hardware and are transmitted onto the network. A test "sniffer" or other hardware/software designed to recognize and record the Error Report MAC frames indicating jitter then receives the error frames and logs them accordingly. After a predetermined length of time, the monitor module selects a next AM and notifies it. The next AM removes itself from the ring, changes its address to the alternate high address provided by the monitor module, and then re-opens onto the ring. The monitor module then deactivates the current AM with a special terminate frame. Monitor contention results and the new AM is selected. Testing then resumes as each workstation begins again to transmit scaled test frames to encouraging phase jitter. After each workstation has alternatively been assigned the role of AM, the test is concluded. Phase jitter data can then be analyzed to determine which, if any, adapters have jitter intolerance.
Having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that modifications thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
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Noobs Only - Death Valley Dec 7th-9th
Here's my proposal...
An adventure ride through Death Valley with a mix of onroad and offroad just for noobs. This means mostly easy dirt roads or we help each other over obstacles when the going gets tough. We'll still get to see lots of great places and unique spots.
I've been to DV more times than I can count in a truck but only twice on a bike. I'll come up with the exact route in a few weeks.
Let's assume Dec 7th through the 9th as our target dates.
We'll share riding tips, talk farkles and argue about bikes. :D
Hopefully we'll all improve, grow our confidence and some of you will go back for DV Daze. We will probably have a chase truck that can hold some of your gear, so you can ride with less weight.
Anyone interested?
Update Nov.12th
We are meeting in Ridgecrest Friday morning in the Walmart parking lot. This will allow you to grab any last minute "oh shit" items. Make sure you are gassed up.
We will meet at 8am and roll out by 8:30am. I'll do a roll-call, we'll do introductions, last minute bike checks for loose items, etc.
The itinerary is as follows.
Day 1
Trona Pinnacles
Fuel stop - Top off in Trona
Goler Wash
Mason's Cabin (advanced rider will continue through Mengal Pass to Furnace Creek)
Surprise Canyon
Marble Canyon
Artist Drive
20 Mule trail (if time allows)
Fuel stop - Top off in Furnace Creek
We camp in Echo Canyon
Day 2
20 Mule trail (if not done on day 1)
Beatty (top off on fuel)
Chloride trail
Titus Canyon
Head back to Stovepipe Wells to top off
We make a decision whether to continue to Lippencott mine
Ubehebe Crater
Racetrack (depending on time)
Lippencott Mine (depending on time)
We camp by Lippencott mine (depending on time)
Day 3
Depending on where we left off on Saturday we may backtrack to see the racetrack and/or Lippencott Mine.
Lippencott rd (only for advanced riders)
Hidden Valley rd (for everyone else)
Saline Valley rd (those heading home take it south bound, those who want to continue into Saline Valley take it north bound.
Stop by hot springs
Steele Pass (advanced riders only)
continue on Saline Valley rd for Noobs to Death Valley rd to Big Pine.
A few more pics of what you can expect.
Looks like fun. I've been thinking of riding in AZ around xmas. Maybe I should think of doing this along the way...
Looks fun.
I may be able to do this.
That looks easy so I can take my ZX14:evil:rofl
Question: Is the trip-design centered around camping-out, or a motel? If the latter, where?
My buddy and I saw this thread last night.
We're both new to riding and want to so something just like this.
I have a '06 f650 gs and my buddy has a '07 DR650.
how many miles we lookin at?
I may be in ..... time will tell.
Well worth the effort.
A week ago, I flew to Las Vegas for work and rented an R1200GS with well-used Tourances from Las Vegas BMW and rode to Death Valley for two days of riding. I met a friend at Stovepipe Wells on his TKC-clad R1200GS. We covered about about 100 miles of gravel including a ride to "Racetrack" and the "West" road that parallels along Bad Water.
The views and riding were outstanding. On the rental bike, I was a little nervous in some of the sand and had to be helped through a gulley but it was otherwise fine. For a noob, I think a KTM 640 or KLR 650 would be perfect. Or a 12GS with good tires.
(A lot of those images look familiar and I apparently missed some cool stuff too).
By the way, I will return to Las Vegas BMW. The staff were great, the pricing was fair, and the pretty blonde behind the counter smiled at my ugly mug. :evil
DAMMIT!!! This trip sounds frekin awesome!!!
If my wife's friend cancels the engagement party I'm in! :D
If not; have a fun and safe trip guys.
Since I don't know where you are coming from, I can only talk to the mileage in DV. I still need to determine the exact route we will take, but I would estimate that you will ride around ~200 - 250 total miles. We will be able to fill up in Furnace Creek or Beatty depending on the route. You will probably need a fuel range of at least 130 miles.
These are estimates, I will have a better gauge once the route is finalized.
How about non-noobs? I'll ride anywhere to get away from this soggy damp weather we get here in the PacNwest. Probably be also able to supply a support vehicle with a trailer as my wife get's very jealous if I go some place warm and sunny while she's up here working:D I can bring extra tubes, tools etc. Lost count of how many extra tubes I have in the garage.
The short answer is YES, please feel free to join us. It would be great to have a veteran or two with us. The thing to keep in mind is that the pace maybe slower than what the norm is for most Advriders and we'll avoid really tough trails. That doesn't mean there won't be obstacles in some places where we will work together to get through. :D
I'm going to begin a list of candidates to hold places in case we get too many people. I doubt we will, but traveling with large groups tends to slow things down even further.
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At some points in our lives, we will all work for a megalomaniacal genius boss. It's not an easy, but it can be rewarding. And if you have to work for a guy who thinks he can change the world, why not work for Kanye West? Of the many things we learned from his latest all-night Twitter rant, the most important one seems to be that we're all invited to apply for jobs at his new company, DONDA (named after his late mother). This is no mere fashion line, people. He wants to "pick up where Steve Jobs left off":
"DONDA is a design company which will galvanize amazing thinkers and put them in a creative space to bounce there dreams and ideas," he wrote last night. "I am assembling a team of architects, graphic designers, directors musicians, producers, AnRs, writers, publicist, social media experts… app guys, managers, car designers, clothing designers, DJs, video game designers, publishers, tech guys, lawyers, bankers, nutritionist … doctors, scientist,teachers…
"DONDA will be comprised of over 22 divisions with a goal to make products and experiences that people want and can afford," he continued. "We want to help simplify and aesthetically improve everything we see hear, touch, taste and feel. To dream of, create, advertise and produce products driven equally by emotional want and utilitarian need.. To marry our wants and needs."
The fact that he included an email address, email@example.com, makes it seem like he's serious. I would not like to apply for the job of sorting through those emails, btw.
Yeezy even gives a couple of concrete examples of what DONDA will do, including a "new 7 screen experience" (pictured below) called "2016 OLYMPIC's." And he wants them to "design the MTV awards."
A few other awesome things we learned from his tweets:
OK, we're off to draft our cover letter now. (Just KIDDING, bosses!)
[Photos: Getty Images, Twitter]


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Illinois Suspended Drivers License Information and Procedures | DMV.orgSuspended Illinois drivers license - obtaining a restricted license, license reinstatement, penalties for driving on a suspended license and more.
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Chanel Jade & Paradoxal Dupe Smackdown
With every new Chanel nail polish launch the inevitable question is, are there any affordable alternatives? More often than not the answer is no. Chanel seems to find a way to add a little something special to their nail colors that make dead-on dupes an impossibility. Of course there are plenty of nail polishes that come close but Chanel twins are usually hard to come by.
After the Chanel Jade craze last fall a number of brands came out with their own less expensive version of the pale green shimmer, most notably Charlotte Russe Jade and Claire's Dream Catcher. And now Milani has entered the ring with their interpretation, Dress Maker. Back when I reviewed Chanel Paradoxal I was hard pressed to find any decent comparisons and then a reader email led me to Models Own Purple Grey.
Read on to see how these budget conscious versions stand up to two of Chanel's most buzzed about nail creations. Let the smackdown begin!
MAC Nail Trend F/W 2010 Swatches & Review
Jin Soon does it again! Following up her slam dunk sell-out collaboration with MAC last fall, they have teamed up again on Nail Trend F/W 10.
If you aren't familiar with the genius that is Jin Soon check out The Nail Files interview I posted last year. She's major in the editorial world and really on her game with color as evidenced by the nail polishes she created with MAC.
Mistress of the art of the sophisticated nail, Jin Soon was inspired this season by the sensual pleasures of the Forbidden City for Nail Trend F/W '10 – colours taken from the sculptures, tiles, architecture, fabrics, and decorative papers of Imperial China.
Jin synthesized this vision to arrive at a collection in exotic and ravishing combinations of orange, blue, taupe, green, purple and, of course, lacquer red.
American Apparel Nail Lacquer Swatches & Review
Say what you will about American Apparel clothes or ad campaigns but where nail polish is involved they hit a home run. Last winter the brand introduced their collection of Nail Lacquers and they certainly didn't play it safe. Any brand that kicks off with multiple blues and greens automatically scores points in my book.
As I reported, there was a recall due to a bottle issue but to AA's credit they rectified the situation in a timely manner. Prior to that I was sent a few polishes by the brand for review but I was only into one of the colors.
I've been meaning to hop over to my local American Apparel store to pick up the more "me" shades but I really hate the parking sitch in that area so I couldn't drag myself over there just for polish until recently. I know that makes me a bad polish fanatic and believe me, I'm totally kicking myself for waiting so long. See why after the jump!
Color Club Rebel Debutante Swatches & Review
|One of Color Club's three, yes I said three, new collections is Rebel Debutante. The collection introduces nine new creme polishes that for the most part are very chic and subdued but it's the stand out blue and green that caught my eye.What an unexpected twist to add such bright pops of color to the palette. I suppose they are the rebels in the group. Though what I like about this collection as a whole is that even though the majority of the shades are neutrals, they are what I'd call "new neutrals." They have an updated feel to them. See what I mean after the jump!


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Starkville School Board unanimously accepted funds from a nearly 30-year-old bond during its regular meeting Tuesday night at the Greensboro Center.
The bond, which totals $474,081.13, was left over from tax money collected for a 1986 bond that was paid off in 2006.City Clerk Lesa Hardin recently discovered the money in a city account and notified school officials.
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Rated 4 out of 5Â by Francesmcmichael a bit large I like the colour and style of these sunglasses but they were quite large on my face and the frame was quite big I find them loose. 3.28.2014
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Newport police are investigating reports of a man exposing himself to women on the Purple People Bridge.
Police said the man exposed himself to two women in separate incidents on the bridge at about 7 a.m. The flasher was described as a black man in his 30s wearing dark clothing and a hooded jacket.
Newport police are working with Cincinnati police to see if the incidents are related to a trio on incidents earlier this month in the Hyde Park/Oakley area.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


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The devastating waves churning against the eastern seaboard during Hurricane Sandy also ignited earthquake detectors as far west as Seattle, according to scientific reports from the University of Utah.
Seismographs throughout the United States picked up frequencies when Sandy's powerful waves shook across the seafloors of New Jersey and New York.
"We detected seismic waves created by the oceans waves both hitting the East Coast and smashing into each other," said Keith Koper, director of the University of Utah Seismograph Stations.
The energy levels of Sandy were similar to earthquakes between 2 or 3 magnitudes, according to University of Utah seismologists. Scientist's analyzed seismic data before and after the storm decimated the East Coast.
"We were able to track the hurricane by looking at the "microseisms" (relatively small seismic waves) generated by Sandy," says Oner Sufri, a University of Utah geology and geophysics doctoral student and first author of the study with Koper, in a released statement.
Sandy's seismic activity caused a massive increase in waves crashing against each other offshore. The result produced "standing waves" that shook the ground of the seafloor sending seismic waves through the earth because of the pressure generated by Sandy.
Earthscope, a network program combining 500 seismometers throughout the country tracked seismic data during Hurricane Sandy.
The network usually tracks energy release from earth's crust but also picks up seismic waves from hurricanes, tornadoes or mining cave-ins.
By observing the seismic patterns of Sandy, seismologists continually analyze data in the hopes of tracking super storms in the future.
Sufri speculates seismic tracking may pick up observations missed by satellites and help researchers, "understand how climate is changing and how it is affecting our oceans? Are we seeing more intense storms and increasing numbers of storms?"
Koper acknowledged the Sandy study "is exploratory science where we are trying to learn fundamental things about how the atmosphere, oceans and solid Earth interact."
A video demonstrating the research conducted by the University of Utah regarding the seismic activity of Hurricane Sandy is available by clicking this link http://vimeo.com/63694981


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Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet on Beige Leather
designer's notes
This Chan Luu wrap bracelet is the perfect addition to your accessories collection. Sterling silver nuggets are hand strung onto "beige" colored leather and a sterling silver heart charm is added for a twist on this classic style. Layer this style with a Chan Luu cyrstal mix bracelet to complete the look.
color: beige Sterling silver Chan Luu engraved curved oval button with 3 adjustable closures that measure approximately 33"/ 34"/ 35" in length Sterling silver and leather; Imported; style# 341374401


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Smart grid freebies: apps, maps and more
By Liz Enbysk
SGN Managing Editor
We've put together a collection of freebies that's sort of a smart grid goody bag for grown-ups. An app that shows the most EV-ready cities and one that calculates how distributed power solutions can save money and energy. There's a map that pinpoints states with the most renewables and an animated IBM video that explains the benefits of big data for smart grid technology. Fun stuff; scroll down and see for yourself.
· Which cities are most EV ready? According to Xatori, a Palo Alto, CA company that builds software for electric vehicles, Portland tops the list, followed by Dallas, Nashville, the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle. The list is based on public charging locations per 100,000 residents. If you want to drill down further, check out Xatori's free PlugShare app.
· What's the big deal with big data? Ask the folks at IBM and they'll tell you that evolving technologies, including smart meters and smart grids, can provide utilities with unprecedented capabilities for forecasting demand, shaping customer usage patterns, preventing outages, optimizing unit commitment and more. They've spelled it out in their Big Data, Big Opportunities video and a free white paper Managing big data for smart grids and smart meters.
· Free online energy data service aims at building owners. Austin startup Noesis has launched a service to encourage building owners and managers to reduce energy consumption. How does it work? Owners input their energy data and receive regular reports on consumption trends and comparisons to other buildings they own. According to a GigaOm story, during a recent trial of the Noesis service, owners signed up 44,000 buildings, from hotels to schools to chip makers.
· Bright lights in the Big Apple. Earlier this year New York City launched the NYC Solar Map, an interactive online tool that allows users to estimate the solar photovoltaic potential for the one million buildings in NYC's five city boroughs. According to a DOE report on the project, information on the shape, angle, size and shade on city rooftops comes from an airplane equipped with an aerial laser system.
More free stuff? Check these out...
Free tool helps utilities pinpoint best energy storage options
Tool jam! 2 freebies to tackle 2 different energy challenges
Two killer grid simulation tools from a national lab (and one is free)


text: OCEANSIDE: Art museum to host summer soireeBy North County TimesmidnightJuly 18, 2011⎙ Print💬 Comments -Reddit✉-Comments The Oceanside Museum of Art will host its annual Summer Soiree fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. July 23 at the museum, 704 Pier View Way. The semiformal/black-tie-optional event costs $200 per person and will offer dinner, drinks and entertainment. Call 760-435-3721 for reservations.


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The multimedia campaign conceptualized by Innocean Worldwide India includes TVC, print, digital and activations
It's a no-brainer that cricket is the most popular sport in India. It has a near religion status, and is in fact much more popular than the official national game, hockey. It unites the country, cuts across geographic boundaries; so much so that people plan their lives around major cricketing events.
Hyundai is now in it's fourth year of association with ICC as an Official Partner. High decibel multi-media campaigns in the past 3 years have achieved high salience & strengthened brand association. This year, they have continued their emotional, thematic messaging of Blue by Heart; which integrates the blue of Hyundai with the passion of Indian people for cricket.
"Blue by Heart is a very emotional idea at its core, but treated in a young, exuberant manner which is quintessentially Hyundai. It began last year with Champions Trophy and this year we are taking it to the next level," says Arjun Modayil Executive Director of Innocean. Blue By Heart is a multi-media campaign in the true sense: created & leveraged some very interesting & distinctly proprietary Hyundai properties.
The campaign conceptualized & executed by Innocean Worldwide has done full justice to the spirit of the sport in India. According to Smriti Chawla, CSD at Innocean , " Blue by Heart is born out of Hyundai's belief in bringing brilliant moments to life across driving experiences, sports associations and life's bright moments." The theme has been taken across touch-points for the next three weeks for the T20 World Cup.
According to Saurabh Dasgupta ECD of Innocean ,"the TVC, is based on a simple concept with a spirited track that amplifies the effect of cricket in a cricket crazy nation: the entire country is turning blue the colour of Hyundai. The brand Hyundai is the enabler of this phenomenon." To further enhance the buzz around recently launched Xcent, Hyundai unique property: the Hyundai Fan Park, which is the centre of all the excitement.
The print ad exemplifies the craze for cricket & Hyundai, all bound together in the colour blue.
An extensive series of consumer engagements driven by match screening and car displays at strategic locations across the top 9 cities is underway too. Called the Hyundai Fan Parks, these are centers that bring together cricket & Hyundai in real time and celebrate with the consumers.
The TVC:
Client: Hyundai ICC World Twenty20 2014
Communications Agency: Innocean Worldwide
Client Servicing: Mr. Arjun Modayil, Ms.Smriti Chawla, Ms. Romita Chatterjee
Creative: Saurabh Dasgupta, Allen Charles
Production House: Working-i FIlms
Director: Samir Tewari
« The 'Scarface' Remake Has Found a New Director Your Top Three: Favorite "That Guy" Actors and Actresses »


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SriLankan Airlines has agreed to sell and lease back its upcoming Airbus A330-300 deliveries as the state-owned carrier continues to strengthen its balance sheet.
Sri Lankan placed an order for six Airbus A330-300s along with four A350-900s at last year's Paris air show.
Five of the new six A330s have been sold to Hong Kong-based lessor HKAC while the remaining unit is being acquired by Los Angeles-based lessor Air Lease, sources indicate. Lease terms are said to be 12 years.
Air Lease will take the first aircraft, which is scheduled to deliver in October. HKAC will acquire A330s in December 2014 and April, July, October and December 2015.
One source says HKAC will step in with pre-delivery payments covering three A330-300s, while the remaining PDPs will be funded by operating lessor ILFC.
Earlier this year, SriLankan signed an agreement with ILFC to lease three Airbus A350-900s as part of its long-haul fleet renewal. The carrier agreed to lease the aircraft on 12-year terms, with deliveries set to take place between July and September 2016.
SriLankan has embarked on a re-fleeting programme to replace the entire widebody fleet. The Sri Lankan flag carrier's 22-aircraft fleet includes six A340-300s and seven A330-200s, Flightglobal's Ascend Online shows.
The Colombo-based carrier posted an operational loss of SLRs28.6 billion ($219 million) in calendar year 2013, widening a loss of SLRs27 billion in 2012.
The Sri Lankan finance ministry recently bought back equity investments in SriLankan Airlines from the main three state banks – Bank of Ceylon, National Savings Bank and People's Bank – in a move to strengthened the balance sheets of the banks.
"The investments made in SriLankan Airlines by these banks, which have not yielded any returns, will be bought back by the government relieving the banks of such long-term investments," said the financing ministry in its latest annual report.
Ministry data indicates that SriLankan's outstanding debt to banks stood at SLRs27.7 billion in the 2012/13 fiscal year. It was forecasted at SLRs19.6 billion for the 2013/14 fiscal year. For the 2014/15 fiscal year, the ministry predicts outstanding debt to banks will reach SLRs36.1 billion.
In addition to equity buybacks, the government injected $150 million into Sri Lankan in March, as part of a $375 million recapitalisation programme.
SriLankan also raised a $150 million syndicated loan from a consortium of banks led by Standard Chartered Bank, with a government guarantee for $50 million priced at Libor plus 400 basis points.
The loan was used for refinancing purposes. The carrier repaid a $112.5 million outstanding loan to Dubai's Mashreq Bank.
The initial $175 million loan facility, which was guaranteed by the government, was priced at Libor plus 400 bps. The facility was agreed in June 2012 and had a four-year tenor.


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August 20, 2011
Pelham star running back Denzel Jackson rumbles through the Baconton defense on Friday night for the first of his two touchdown scores in the Hornets' 33-7 victory. (Photo by Larry G. Williams/Special to The Herald)
Stories this photo appears in:
Pelham bakes Baconton, 33-7, during Carroll's debut
In Pelham's 2011 season opener Friday vs. Baconton, new coach Frankie Carroll gives Hornets fans something they didn't have all of last season Friday night: A win.
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Pittman was dean from 1973 until 1992. Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 6.
UAB has entered the realm of international medical training with the creation of the International Advanced Clinical Training Program.
UAB offers U.S. Preventive Services Task Force-recommended CT scans for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Gel form of a medication for Parkinson's disease speeds response time over traditional pills.
Scott Plutchak's diagnosis of transverse myelitis exposed him to a quality of medical communication not often encountered.
Newfound details of rare disease may advance understanding of brain tumors.
Preparation for an innovative, complex UAB program has been years in the making, and up to 30 "hard-to-match" patients are expected to receive organs this year.
The 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults contains nine recommendations for health care providers.


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UnrestrainedPenguin Publishing Group 2013; US$ 17.00
From Joey W. Hill?author of the Knights of the Boardroom series?comes a novel of erotic games and power plays, in which an adventurous woman attempts to break down her own barriers? Athena is an accomplished businesswoman in control of every aspect of her life. But since the death of her husband, she?s had the desire to explore submissive cravings... more...
The Mark of the Vampire QueenPenguin Publishing Group 2008; US$ 15.00
From Joey W. Hill, the bestselling, award-winning author of the Vampire Queen and the Knights of the Boardroom series, comes this scorchingly hot novel of servant and master, vampire and vampire hunter. For fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and J.R.Ward. Full servant. With his new title, Jacob must attend to Lady Lyssa's every need, venturing into a... more...
The Vampire Queen's ServantPenguin Publishing Group 2007; US$ 16.00
Praise for The Vampire Queen's Servant: "[Joey W. Hill] wove a spell from which I could not extricate myself.� This vampire story was powerful, dark, and feral." --Dear Author "This book should come with a warning: intensely sexy, sensual story that will hold you hostage until the final word is read." -- RT Book Reviews "I read, and read, and read... more...
A Mermaid's KissPenguin Publishing Group 2008; US$ 7.99
A Mermaid's Kiss ...flows with depth and emotion?an absollute pleasure to read."? ParaNormal Romance "I am in awe of this book... A Mermaid's Kiss remains with me, and I imagine it will for a long time to come."? Wild on Books "The sheer magnitude of magic in this story weaves a spell around [readers] and draws them in.� A beautifully written... more...
Vampire MistressPenguin Publishing Group 2010; US$ 16.00
The fifth book in the sensational series of "sizzling paranormal erotica." ( Fresh Fiction ) Joey W. Hill returns to the dark and seductive landscape of her Vampire Queen novels as a desperate woman named Anwyn finds herself trapped between the desires of two men, each with his own mission of the night: vampire hunter Gideon Green and vampire... more...
Vampire TrinityPenguin Publishing Group 2010; US$ 16.00
Vampire hunter Gideon Green never intended to become a vampire's servant. But when Anwyn, a woman with whom he shared an unforgettable night, is turned by a vampire pack, Gideon is forced into an uneasy alliance with one of the most terrifying vampires he's ever encountered: the mysterious Daegan Rei. Daegan has a vested interest in Anwyn. As Gideon... more...
Vampire InstinctPenguin Publishing Group 2011; US$ 16.00
A brand-new Vampire Queen novel from the award-winning author who "never ceases to amaze." -Night Owl Romance As servant to vampire mistress Lady Daniela, Elisa is unwaveringly devoted-but she recoils at one shocking request: destroy the untamed, undead children entrusted to her care. There is one desperate option: Malachi, a Native American vampire... more...
Bound by the Vampire QueenPenguin Publishing Group 2011; US$ 16.00
His soul is hers for the asking, as the phenomenally arousing series continues. Sworn to obedience, compelled by loyalty, and threatened with damnation for betrayal, Jacob is Lady Lyssa's vampire servant. But as Lyssa struggles with the powers that have come alive in her paternal Fae blood, she is challenged by two deadly enemies. more...
Controlled ResponsePenguin Publishing Group 2013; US$ 2.99
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Margaret Atwood fights library cuts, crashes petition server
Literary icon Margaret Atwood has joined the fight against Mayor Rob Ford's proposed cuts to Toronto's library system.
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Literary icon Margaret Atwood has joined the fight against a consultant's proposed cuts to Toronto's library system, marshalling her 225,200 Twitter followers and crashing a server hosting a petition.
At 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Atwood retweeted this from @sonalogy: "Toronto's libraries are under threat of privatization. Tell city council to keep them public now."
That drove a flurry of users to the petition and, shortly after 6 p.m., crashed the server of the Toronto Public Library Workers Union, CUPE 4948, which was hosting it.
"We reached our bandwidth limit and the server simply stopped displaying the website for people trying to get on to sign the petition," said Jim Thompson, who runs the website.
The server was down about 30 minutes.
Atwood has kept up the pressure Friday, tweeting several times from @margaretatwood, including "Here is direct link to the @torontolibrary petition http://t.co/hPNMV8P to stop closure & privatization. Thanks to all, pass it around."
By Friday evening, the petition had 17,300 electronic signatures.
In a Twitter direct message to the Star, the Alias Grace author wrote that Toronto's "astonishing" library system serves a huge number and variety of people using it for many purposes. "I've done research in them," she said.
City-hired consultants KPMG suggested Toronto "rationalize the footprint of libraries to reduce service levels, closing some branches." Also on the block is library outreach and programming.
Councillor Doug Ford, the mayor's brother and closest advisor, suggested Toronto has too many library branches and said – erroneously – that his Etobicoke ward has more libraries than Tim Hortons doughnut shops.
"It's a huge plus for our campaign to be recognized by such a prominent writer in Canada," said Maureen O'Reilly, chair of the library workers local.
"We have other initiatives reaching out to the writer community, so her recognition of this will help us there, and the cause we're fighting for.
"She may not be as big an icon, to some, as Tim Hortons, but she's a huge literary hero and her support is amazing."
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- Court case illustrates danger of letting cops write their own misconduct reports


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