text:
Chargers' old insurance policy is paying off for the Falcons
That's the thing about insurance policies. Somebody else usually gets the payoff.
For the first four years of his career, you didn't find Michael Turner among the NFL's leading rushers or scorers, but on the probability tables. The Chargers basically tagged Turner with the somewhat complimentary, yet often lamentable, role of "insurance" player.
He was their "what-if" back. As in, what if LaDainian Tomlinson gets hurt or otherwise incapacitated?
"Everybody wants to be the No. 1 guy at some point in their career," said Turner. "That's what I was wanting to do."
Since he left, he's left wanting no more. Nor are the Atlanta Falcons.
The Chargers? Ahem.
The lost availability of Turner, signed by the Falcons to a lucrative free-agent contract after last season, has been among the reasons listed by those clutching for explanations for the Chargers' 4-7 record since his departure. The fact that he's become one of the NFL's truly dominant running backs and helped elevate the Falcons from quicksand to quixotic in short order may have been neither here nor there as far as the Chargers were concerned, but no more.
Led by sensational rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and the third-leading rusher in the NFL – that would be Turner, who also leads the league with 13 touchdowns, eight more than the Chargers have on the ground – the Falcons visit Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.
The way this season has rolled out for the AFC-finalist team that Turner departed, and the way things have worked out so nicely for him and the Falcons (7-4), you just knew they had to be on the San Diego schedule.
"It's going to be a fun game," Turner said after powering the Falcons to victory over the Carolina Panthers last weekend. "I'm sure there will be a lot of trash-talking."
This, he meant in the most affectionate sense. Turner said the occasion of his comeback appearance in San Diego would not be one of those returns loaded with rancor and retribution.
The Chargers and their fans knew for years that Turner would be gone, knew from flashes of his talent that demanded that he go somewhere else to become a star, knew that Tomlinson and his own particular skill set weren't going anywhere soon.
"I can't say they made a mistake," said Turner via telephone from Atlanta. "They have LT. So it's not like they took a big hit."
Turner has been handing out the big hits in Atlanta, using his fullback-sized body as well as his tailback speed to rush for 1,088 yards on a league-high 251 carries. It will come as surprise to no one who saw his breakaways with San Diego that for all his bullishness – he's tops in the NFL in broken tackles with 27 – Turner's had 29 runs of 10 yards or more. That ties Turner with the only two runners ahead of him in rushing yardage, Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Turner seemed determined to earn every penny of his six-year, $34 million contract on his first official day on the job with the Falcons, breaking the franchise record with 220 yards rushing, 66 of those yards on one of his two TDs.
"I don't know what to say about the little brother," said Tomlinson a couple days later. "He's like a little brother to me, so I was really happy for him. He had texted me Saturday night about having a good game and whatnot, and I texted him back. Then he goes out and puts up 200. I'm thinking like, `Geez, what have I taught this guy?'"


text:
And the reviews are in:
"The ultimate in cutting-edge technology, the Cobalt offers all the goodies you could possibly
want in an incredibly intuitive system." - Scuba Lab
See the top 20 most helpful scuba gear reviews
Average Customer Review: based on 11 reviews.Rating: Amazing computer
Hi, I want to download my dives from my Cobalt... where do I begin? My instruction booklet says to go to the website, when I go to the website it is very lengthy and confusing to read. I love my Cobalt, I just hate the "trying to find answers" part on their website. Thanks, Amy
Hello Amy, are you a Mac or PC person. for either you will need to go to http://www.atomicaquatics.com/cobalt_software.html to download the correct software for your computer. After that all you have to do is connect your cobalt to your computer and it will download automaticly. If you have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.347.2822.
I am seriously considering the cobalt as my uwatec 2g may is not working and may not be covered by warranty My concern is the algorithm used in the atomic My wife uses a uwatec for her primary and backup computer and I have a uwatec as my backup . How similar is the cobalt alorgorithim. The uwatec allows 6 settings from L0 to L5 whereas the cobalt has only 3 standard moderate and conservative. we use the most liberal L0 and have had no issues with over 900 dives. I purchased a Sunto years back but it was way too conservative Thanks for your advice
I am a 68 yr old diver and my biggest concern is seeing my computer. I have handled both the Cobalt and the Pro Plan in the store, but which one would be easiest to see while using underwater? Thanks
Hello Chuck, Thank you for your inquiry! Both are excellent computers! But for which one would be the easiest to view under water? I'm going with the Atomic Cobalt with the Digital Compass. http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-16/009307/Atomic-Cobalt-Air---Nitrox-Integrated-Dive-Computer-with-Digital-Compass.html If you would like to place an order or have questions about our products, please contact one of our certified Dive Instructors at SCUBA.com by calling 800-247-2822 <> 949-221-9300 or e-mail us at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Hello, I am deciding between two diving computers: -Atomic Cobalt Air / Nitrox Integrated Dive Computer with Digital Compass -Pro Plus 2.1 Ive heard great things about both. I know the Cobalt is twice as expensive, but does it offer that much more in features/ease of use/accuracy/reliability? Also, I heard the digital compass on the Cobalt may not be that great (or as reliable as a regular compass). Can you please provide some guidance on the digital compass as well? Appreciate any help you can provide in helping me come to a decision! Best, Raul
Both are very good choices and nobody would be doing themselves any harm by choosing either. The digital compass on the Cobalt is one of the first truly accurate and convenient of digital compasses to hit the market. It is very user friendly and intuitive.
I am a new Open Water diver and looking to buy my first dive computer. I am not sure I will dive with Nitrox, the option to expand to nitrox later is nice, but is this overkill for a recreational diver at this level?
I notice at depth that the NO DECO time between my cobalt and my suunto D9 computer is considerably different. On a recent dive trip where I did three dives at 60 feet, I was seeing a difference anywhere between 27 and 32 more minutes on my cobalt at this depth. Ive heard suunto are a bit conservative, but this seems way off. Cobalt swears it is fine, but i think there is a fault in their algorithm. any thoughts?
If I buy the Atomic Aquatics Cobalt Computer, do I still need to purchase an air gauge for my BC? I just purchased the Aqua Lung SeaQuest Pearl BC and the Aqua Lung Legend LUX regulator and octo. I dont have a gauge as of yet. If I buy the above dive computer, do I need one?? Please Help.
thanks for your response about my cobalt vs suunto D9. my response is as follows: I had my cobalt on conservative, and my suunto on easy diving and still had this difference. I find it a bit perplexing that you think a 32 plus minute difference in no deco time is acceptable at the depths i was at. if I follow my cobalt, mu suunto would would indicate i would probably get bent. im curious why you think this is normal, and not a faulty device.
Battery Questions:
How long should my battery charge last?The Cobalt's battery should hold sufficient power when fully charged to allow for 30 to 60 hours of actual diving time and discharge at approximately 1 to 2 percent per day, during standby time. Recharging a fully discharged battery will take just over two hours using the wall charger, and about twice as long when charging from a USB source.
The biggest factor in battery charge life is the brightness level of the display- at its brightest setting it uses almost twice the power as at a mid-range setting. You can increase battery duration by dimming the display underwater (where typically full brightness is not needed) by cycling through brightness levels using the DOWN button.
The Cobalt is always sampling ambient pressure in the background, so it is never completely off. It is normal for the battery to drop by 1-2% per day when idle. A rapidly discharging battery, either when diving or in standby mode, may indicate a problem and should be checked by an authorized Atomic Aquatics service technician.
What if I see the Low Battery Alert during a dive?
The Low Battery Alert comes on if the battery level drops below 15% charge. Unless there is some other problem, this will still provide several hours of diving time. Charge the battery as soon as practical.
I plugged in my Cobalt to charge, and I see a message that says "charge stopped."
The charge stopped message indicates that the charging circuitry believes that the battery is in a condition where it should not be charged. The most common reason for this would be that the battery is outside acceptable temperature range, either too hot or too cold. If your Cobalt has been sitting in hot sun and become very warm, or left out in very cold conditions, allow it to reach a comfortable room temperature before attempting to charge.
If you see this message while the Cobalt is neither unusually hot nor cold, it may indicate a failure in the battery, or possibly the charging circuitry. You should contact Atomic Aquatics or your Atomic Aquatics dealer who can help determine if there is a problem.
What should I do if my battery is completely discharged (Cobalt will not wake)?
If the Cobalt battery is completely discharged, and the computer will not wake, it is important to start the Cobalt using the A/C adapter rather than USB. A USB connection, while it will charge the battery, will not generate the "reset" signal needed to start the Cobalt when it has lost all power.
If battery charge was completely depleted the Cobalt will wake and display the Set Time and Date screen. On reset the Cobalt goes back to the date and time of the last dive. You should set the time and date. However, no dive data or other memory is lost.
My battery ran down- what should I do?
If your Cobalt was stored for several months, or was at a low state of charge when it was put away, it may have run the battery down naturally. The Cobalt is never completely "off," even when asleep. It samples the ambient pressure periodically- just in case you might decide to jump in the water without turning it on first.
If the Cobalt is completely dead, charge it by plugging in the A/C adapter–not the USB adapter. Charging by USB will not generate the reset pulse needed to wake the Cobalt. The Cobalt should come up to the Set Time and Date screen shortly after plugging in the adapter. After setting the time and date you can go to the Main Menu screen, and monitor the state of charge.
If your Cobalt's battery seems to have run down very rapidly it could be an indication of a more serious problem, such as a leak or a damaged battery. It is recommended that you have the Cobalt checked out by an Atomic Aquatics dealer.
Do I need to be concerned about battery memory?
No. The Lithium-ion battery type in the Cobalt can be charged and discharged without developing "memory." As with other rechargeable batteries, it is best not to leave the charger plugged in for long periods of time after the battery is fully charged (don't leave it plugged in for weeks between trips).
When will I need to replace the battery?
The Lithium-ion battery in the Cobalt should be good for 500- 700 charge/ discharge cycles before gradually losing capacity. For most users it will never need replacement. If it does, this service can be performed at an authorized Atomic Aquatics dealer, who can also check O-rings and seals.
Why does the charging adapter have two sides?
The adapter has two sides, AC charging and USB, Because USB charging is limited to 500 mA. USB charging is limited to 500mA to protect the source electronics (your laptop, PC,etc.) and is part of the USB standard. We wanted to provide a faster (1000 mA) charge capability with the wall adapter, but we have to make certain that you cannot plug in the AC adapter and also have the USB connected you your laptop or PC. The simplest way to do this was to physically isolate the two sides of the adapter, so they are in fact two distinct adapters in one housing. It also provides a "stand" to support the Cobalt when connected to a PC for downloads.
Compass Questions:
How accurate is the Cobalt's compass?
The Cobalt's digital compass is fully tilt compensated, and offers the advantage over a traditional analog compass that it will read accurately regardless of the orientation of the screen- so long as there is a detectable direction the compass is pointing relative to the earth's magnetic field (not straight up) it will continue to show the heading.
All compasses, digital and analog, are subject to deflection by ferrous metals and magnetic fields in the environment. Metal clips, rings and retractors attached to the Cobalt will affect the compass. Also, it may not be accurate within or around metal ships or wrecks, and can be affected by being held very close to metal objects like a steel scuba tank.
The digital compass in the Cobalt is accurate to a level appropriate for underwater direction finding, but is not intended for precision navigation.
Why should I calibrate the compass? How do I calibrate the compass?
Any time the Cobalt is moved a significant distance on the earth- and by that we mean hundreds or thousands of miles, not just a few- the compass calibration should be redone. Instructions are on Page 8 of the Cobalt manual, which can be downloaded here.
How well the compass performs is very much dependent on calibration accuracy- even a couple of degrees off from a true 180° rotation or a 180° flip to upside-down will have an effect, so doing it very carefully is important. If you do not have the original box, as shown in the instructions, fastening the Cobalt inside a small rectangular box can help the calibration be more accurate. It is possible to do the calibration "freehand", but since the Cobalt case does not provide straight surfaces it is necessary to be very careful to rotate as close to 180° as possible.
Problems with Compass Calibration: Most calibration problems are caused by being too close to ferrous metals. Ferrous metals can be hidden in table tops, metal supports, reinforcements in concrete surfaces, or nearby electric motors. If you experience problems with calibration vary the spot where you do the calibration.
In very rare instances, environmental conditions (mainly exposure to strong magnetic fields) might possibly require the underlying initial factory calibration to be redone. This is a service procedure that can be carried out by a qualified dealer, or by Atomic Aquatics. If careful calibration attempts fail, contact your Atomic Aquatics dealer.
If I hold the Cobalt, in compass mode, parallel to the ground and then slowly raise it up, numbers quickly proclaim some significant changes.
First, these compass chips are not highly accurate- within 5° or so is about what to expect. That's about as close as you could get with a conventional analog compass (at least one small enough for diving), and no one can swim a course that accurately, so in practical terms this is fine. As far as the 3D compensation, it really should work well- if you are rotating the Cobalt accurately, say inside a frame against a reference line, then you might see that there is a small variation as you pass from horizontal to vertical, but it should read with reasonable accuracy in any orientation. However, if you are gradually raising the compass towards vertical, the magnetic vector the compass sees will diminish rapidly. You are moving the Cobalt closer and closer to being parallel to the angle it is attempting to measure. Depending on your location, you might reach a point well before vertical where the direction you are pointing the Cobalt becomes so close to parallel to the flux lines that tiny variations in how you hold the compass become huge swings in direction- it's impossible to hold it accurately enough by hand to keep a consistent heading. The magnetic flux is not parallel to the earth's surface, but varies with location (it is inclined 69°23' where we are, you can visit this site to calculate for your area). That's why the compass needs to be calibrated in your area, and can't be set at the factory. This would be true of any digital compass, and conventional analog compasses can't, of course, be tilted much at all. Additionally, the compensation put in by the accelerometer depends on measuring an angle- if that angle is moving (you are moving the compass) it will be less accurate. The compass response is dampened for relatively slow underwater motions; readings that come from rapid motions are discarded, so moving more quickly topside will make the compass less accurate.
The other big factor is calibration accuracy, and just a few degrees off from a true 180° rotation will make a still useable, but less accurate compass.
It's probably better to think of the 3D feature as allowing you to view the screen from any angle- held vertical, sideways, or upside-down. It's still going to be important that the long axis of the computer be roughly in the horizontal plane. The closer it gets to vertical (referenced to the flux lines), the more difficulty it has determining a heading.
Dive Functions:
Why did my dive not require a safety stop?
Safety stops in the Cobalt are determined by the algorithm. If your maximum depth is shallower than 40ft / 12.2m you will not see a safety stop. You will also not see a safety stop if your dive is extremely short- a momentary descent. This is designed to avoid the repetitive safety stop alarms some computers are prone to when the diver goes up and down within a zone.
Can I set the duration of safety stops?
Not at this time. Safety stops will be either two or three minutes, depending on the algorithm calculations.
Are safety stops mandatory? Will I be penalized if I don't complete a safety stop?
If you miss a safety stop, the Cobalt will alarm and tell you to go down for one minute. If you do not descend the alarm will go away. The Cobalt will not log a violation for a missed safety stop (safety stops are on top of the slowed ascent or any stops required by the algorithm). All safety stops in the Cobalt algorithm are "voluntary"- though strongly recommended. If, on the other hand, you fail to complete a required deco stop- which is always labeled as such- a prominent violation message will persist in the display for 24 hours. Cobalt Guide: Diving: Decompression: Violations
My temperature reading doesn't agree with my other computer or my buddy's computer.
The Cobalt temperature sensor is a part of the depth sensor, and it's located fairly deep inside the unit, so it may not respond as quickly as some other computers. But whenever we have checked the Cobalt sensors against good thermometers, they have been very accurate. Based on our experience, trust the Cobalt.
Why doesn't my Gas pressure update faster?
There is a delay (buffer) built into the gas display, to smooth out minor variations and provide stable readings. Since gas pressure typically doesn't change too rapidly and the system is accurate to only about 10 psi, we felt that providing a stable number to look at was preferable to a display with the last digit changing rapidly. The buffer could result in a two second delay in registering a sudden change in pressure.
I came up to the surface to look for the boat, and when I went back down the Cobalt said I was on a new dive–why?
The algorithm in the Cobalt allows for 2 min. at the surface before beginning a new dive. Less than 2 minutes and the dive will be continued. Over 2 minutes and your next descent will be treated as a second, repetitive dive.
Gas Switching:
On any given dive, the Cobalt is able to track up to three gas mixes for decompression calculations. The gas mixtures can be between 21% and 99% O2 and must be set up before beginning the dive. If gas switching is anticipated, a gas switch alert must be set prior to beginning the dive.
How can Cobalt switch gases underwater with only one hose?
The Cobalt's gas switching is for decompression calculations only. Gas time remaining calculations can only be done for the primary mix (defined as the one on your hose). When you switch to a secondary gas mix, the pressure reading and the Gas Time Remaining are "grayed out" to indicate that the primary mix is not being used.
What is meant by Primary Mix?
The Primary Mix is the tank that is attached to your Cobalt's hose, connected to the pressure sensor. When the primary mix is selected, gas time remaining calculations will be made and displayed. When other mixes are active, Gas Time Remaining and Gas Pressure will be grayed out to indicate they do not apply to the currently selected gas mix.
I pressed the UP button to initiate gas switching on my dive and nothing happened.
In order to initiate gas switching manually, a Gas Switch Alert must be programmed in the Defined Gas Mixes screen, prior to the dive. This limitation is placed on the Cobalt to keep gas switch dialogs from accidentally appearing when divers are not in fact using multiple mixes. Gas Switch Alerts will "clear" between dives, and must be set again for each dive when gas switching is expected.
Once any Gas Switch Alert is set, manually initiating the Gas Switch dialog with the UP button will show all programmed gas mixes for which the diver is shallower than the MOD.
General questions about RGBM
What is the difference between Atomic Aquatics' RGBM and the RGBM in others?
All RGBM implementations take into account methods to limit the formation of seed bubbles, microbubbles and silent bubbles by limiting ascent rates, repetitive dive times and multi-day diving. In addition, for deeper decompression dives Atomic Aquatics incorporates a "fully iterative" implementation of the RGBM algorithm.
What is meant by "full" or "iterative" RGBM?
The RGBM algorithm in its "full" or "iterative" version is very computationally intensive. It's called iterative because the computations repeat with slight variations to hone in on a solution. At depths below 150 feet (45 m) the Cobalt computer uses a fully iterative implementation of the RGBM algorithm. At depths below 150 feet, it, like other RGBM computers, uses a "folded" RGBM implementation which incorporates Haldanian strategies modified in ways that will reduce bubble formation. Because the full RGBM algorithm is so computationally intensive, before the Cobalt it was not incorporated into any recreational dive computer.
Is Atomic Aquatics algorithm less conservative or more conservative than other computers?
There is no easy answer to this question. Many times, when people ask this they are asking, "how much bottom time will I have?" The Cobalt is middle of the pack compared to other dive computers when it comes to no stop times. It is neither the most liberal nor the most conservative in our testing. There are some variables that will alter no stop times. The age you have entered, the risk level, and the exertion level selected for a dive all will influence the conservatism of the algorithm. Repetitive or multi-day diving are risk factors for DCS and will lower no stop times. The Cobalt also uses an absolute pressure sensor for depth, so no stop times at altitude (or during storms) will reflect the lower atmospheric pressure and you will see shorter stop times.
When it comes to decompression diving this question becomes more complex. One computer might go into the decompression slightly before another or require a shorter decompression schedule. Another might give a longer decompression schedule but "clear" more rapidly if one spends time at shallower depths. The RGBM algorithm will, in general, require decompression stops that start deeper than other algorithms, but may require a shorter overall decompression schedule.
No-stop times are different: "On my first dive last week, our depth was between 42 and 47 feet. At 30 minutes into my dive and at 42 feet, my Cobalt registered 105 minutes of no deco time left. My other "RGBM" computer said 55 minutes. There are only three settings on each of these computers. I had both set in the middle. Why such a difference in time?"
Decompression algorithms are exponential functions. When you are in the 40 to 50 foot range, you are very close to a depth where all decompression algorithms would see your no decompression time as essentially unlimited. In fact, at 42 feet, if you had ascended just 9 more feet to 33, you no-stop time would have actually registered as unlimited. In that shallow range a very slight difference in the algorithm can translate into a large number of minutes difference in no decompression time. That makes the algorithms seem far more divergent than they actually are. Think of it as two lines that are not quite, but almost parallel to an axis of a graph indicating your no-deco limit. A very tiny- 1 or 2% difference in the slope of one will make a large difference in the point of intersection. That same 1 or 2% difference in slope would make very little difference in the point of intersection if the lines are more perpendicular to the graph axis, as they would be on a deeper dive with saturation increasing rapidly. If you were to take the two computers deeper you would begin to see the no decompression times converge. Some dive computers may be a bit more conservative than the Cobalt, but the difference would not be anything like as many minutes. This is of course assuming that the two computers have been on all the same dives.
Another thing to bear in mind is that even the concept of "no decompression" time is at root inaccurate. There is no such thing as a no decompression dive, it is an artificial distinction and a very fuzzy one at that. Both computers are going to expect you to do slow ascents and safety stops. If you crossed over the "no decompression" threshold on one, the stop that it would require would actually make a pretty small difference in the overall ascent rate. The deeper you go, and the further you get into decompression, the slower the ascent required to lessen the risk of DCS- but decompression is an analog phenomenon, and we express the need for it as if it were a binary switch.
So I guess what I'm saying overall is that while the difference between the two computers looks like a lot in terms of minutes, it's actually not all that great in terms of the way the algorithm calculates your tissue saturation. You can get a feel for this if you look at the no stop times each computer gives in its planner on the surface. The differences will still be there, but they will be less with increasing depth. All RGBM computers share the same basic algorithm. There are differences in the details of the implementation and in the overall level of conservatism, but in the broad scheme of things they are fairly similar.
How does the Cobalt calculate no-fly times?
The Cobalt follows the DAN recommendations for no-fly times. A single no-deco dive is 12 hours, a second dive in the same 24 hour period will generate a 24 hour recommended no-fly time, regardless of depth. Any decompression diving will generate a 24 hour no-fly time.
Cobalt Firmware updates:
Can the Cobalt be updated online?
Yes, we will be making firmware updates available regularly.
Updating software for both Windows PC and Macintosh computers is available on Atomic Aquatics website. Due to the challenges of keeping up with various computer operating systems, please make sure you have the latest program before updating. Instructions and help are available on Atomic Aquatics website.
I was attempting to update the firmware in my Cobalt, and I --pulled the cable out accidentally, lightning struck nearby, my power went out, my PC crashed, or something went wrong--. Now the Cobalt is black, and I can't get it back!
OK, first, don't panic. You haven't damaged the Cobalt. We just need to get a program running in it again. In most cases, you can do this yourself by running the flash program again, using the recovery instructions provided on the website. Be sure to follow the appropriate instructions for Windows or Macintosh. Sometimes, if the updating failed after removing the internal firmware, it will be necessary to remove the battery in order to reinstall the firmware. This is something your dealer can help with, or contact Atomic Aquatics for assistance.
General Questions:
Why is there a dive in the Dive Log on my new computer?
This is an actual test dive done at the factory prior to shipment. Atomic Aquatics tests every computer in water prior to shipment on the dive that verifies the algorithm, the accuracy of the depth sensor, and the various functions and alerts.
Does my Cobalt hose and Quick Disconnect (QD) require Service?
Yes, you should have the Cobalt QD serviced when you have your regulators serviced. We recommend 2 years or 300 Dives.
My Hose is too long, too short, or just right. Can I change the QD fitting to a different hose?
The Cobalt QD fitting is transferable to any high pressure hose with standard fittings.
Will a wrist mount version be available?
Yes, we're working on it.
Will you have a touchscreen interface?
It's not likely. The means by which touchscreens operate makes them very problematic to use in wet environments. While there are some touchscreens on the market that can operate in wet environments or inside housings, adding the types of heavy gloves that divers frequently wear to the equation makes implementing a touchscreen virtually impossible.
The large, simple buttons on the Cobalt were designed specifically to be easy to operate with gloves and in a cold environment.
The power/USB adapter is strange. It has two sides that look almost identical. You plug it into the Cobalt using one side if you want to charge via AC power. You flip it over and connect it to the Cobalt if you want to use the USB cable. Why is an adapter required? The AC power device is fairly standard and so is the USB- why don't you use standard connectors?
The short answer is that the standard USB and AC receptacles are neither waterproof or made of materials durable enough to be exposed, so they would have to be housed behind a removable door of some sort- and sealed by an O-ring- a door that would have to be removed every time you wanted to access the charger or USB functions. We felt that having an adapter was preferable to having a potential leak point (particularly since it would be opened and closed frequently, and would of necessity open directly to the electronics). We looked hard at using off the shelf connectors, but the size increase in the case required to accommodate them and the leak potential persuaded us the adapter was a stronger solution. The contacts on the Cobalt do perform multiple functions, one of which is sensing the presence of water, so at least some need to be exposed.
What's the warranty on the Cobalt computer?
The Cobalt is warranted for 1 year. If you register your warranty online at the www.atomicaquatics.com website it will be extended to 2 years.
My Cobalt won't wake up- what should I do?
It depends on the circumstances.
If it has been sitting for a long while, or was put away in a low charge condition, the battery may be dead. See the instructions for battery charging–charge it with the A/C adapter, not via USB.
If your Cobalt went dead during the firmware updating process (note: the screen will normally go blank while the firmware is being updated, but should return to the Set Time and Date screen), there may have been a power, cable, or other interruption to the process. See the instructions for recovery from a failed firmware update.
If your Cobalt goes blank under any other circumstances, contact Atomic Aquatics or your Atomic Aquatics dealer.
I've been doing this a long time. Over the years I've seen items come and items go. I've found myself buying into the hype over new products more than once that would never actually see the light of day. I've anxiously awaited everything from lights, to regulators to rebreathers that made for really snazzy pictures, but were quietly filed away before a diver ever had the chance to buy one. Many have been the sales rep to come in and tell me that their company's new regulator was going to change the way we breathe underwater. The excitement and anticipation would overwhelm me, only to come crashing to earth once I got one into my hands and see the same old engineering that's been perfected by just about every scuba equipment manufacturer on the planet over the years. Any more I've become callous and jaded to this, pretty much convinced that there just isn't anything to get excited over any longer when it comes to "new" scuba gear.
That all changed recently when our Atomic Rep came to call. He wouldn't show me what was in his bag only teasing me that I was going to like it. He took his time, asking how business was, how the family is doing, asking if I had any issues or questions regarding Atomic or their product line. About the time I was done and over it all he pulls out a console from his bag. At first it looks like just another computer console. About the same size and shape as others already on the market, although the large buttons do catch one's eye. They are laid out with a guy in mind. Like a DVR remote control! Up, Down, Right and Left. Simple! What a concept! And what's more, the computer operates with that same principle in mind. Scroll up and down to choose the category, press right to enter a mode, and left to leave it. Just like my DVR. And what's more, they are magnetic buttons that do not penetrate through the case, making them leak-proof!
The next thing you notice is near impossible to miss. The screen on this dive computer is the first extremely high contrast OLED (organic Light Emitting Diode) screen on the market and is vivid and bright and as clear to read as any personal computer or smart cell phone! It is colorful and offers amazingly high contrast being set in front of a black background. Far and away the easiest to read screen of any dive computer I've ever seen! To top it all off, the illumination is user changeable to your taste or diving conditions. You can make it brighter or dimmer to suit your vision needs. It is laid out in a very common sense layout that is very user friendly and intuitive.
At this point, my curiosity is pretty well piqued. I'm impressed but not overwhelmed. Computers are expensive and I have a nice one that I like. Nothing I've seen yet says "I have to have this!" That is, until we started playing with the features. The High Pressure Quick Disconnect that comes standard on the unit is unique in how it screws into place and locks. Very secure but very easy to use. It has a built in, rechargeable Lithium ion battery that will last between 40 and 60 hours of diving before needing a charge, and even though it is a manufacturer service to have the battery changed, it is designed to last several years before needing this service. The best thing about Lithium ion batteries is that they don't get a memory. You can charge and recharge as you need. No more making sure you discharge the battery completely before recharging in order to maintain optimum battery life. The next fun surprise is that the battery can be charged using either the AC adapter included with the computer or by using your own PC or Laptop with the included USB cord!
The software this computer uses allows for just about anything any diver, from the newest open water diver to the more advanced technical diver would want. It has a pre-dive planner that will let the diver simulate and pre-plan just about any dive, including repetitive diving, as well as diving over multiple days such as on a vacation or a dive weekend. The log book is immense, storing up to 600 hours of diving in a very detailed dive profile. It is not only air/nitrox compatible up to 99% oxygen, but you can pre-program up the 3 different gas mixtures and switch between gasses underwater during your dive! This allows for changing from main cylinders to pony bottles filled with deco gasses or even separate bottles of different nitrox mixtures.
Finally on top of the all the regular features a diver would want in their dive computer, such as time to fly, automatic altitude adjustment, customizable options and alarms, and a generous operating depth, you get one of the most intuitive digital compasses ever placed on a recreational diving computer! Simple, easy to use, program and read, it will even perform track back functions allowing you to retrace your route back to your starting point!
Over all the Atomic Cobalt computer is one of the first pieces of scuba equipment I've seen in quite some time that really has that "Wow!" factor. The people at Atomic have found a way to pack a really large punch into a relatively small package and for the first time in many years, a new piece of dive gear that I don't need, but feel I have to have! I don't think it lives up to any of its hype at all, but rather over shadows its hype offering a complete package of features that description alone cannot do justice.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Vladimir Sobotka and David Backes both scored in the third period as the St. Louis Blues rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Edmonton Oilers, 4-2, at Scottrade Center.
The Oilers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period on late tallies from Taylor Hall and Ryan Whitney. St. Louis, however, fought back with second- period goals by Jaden Schwartz and Kevin Shattenkirk.
Jaroslav Halak made 15 saves for the Blues, who have won two of their last three games.
Devan Dubnyk stopped 26 shots for Edmonton, which suffered its sixth straight loss in St. Louis.
The Sports Network


text:
Audiostar upgrade problem
Posted 09 August 2012 - 09:08 PM
memory on the handset. How do I solve this problem.
Posted 10 August 2012 - 12:41 AM
Did Meades ASU download the firmware to your PC
or did it actually load it???
Either way, what Firmware is now in the handbox???
Go to setup > statistics for the full id.
Posted 10 August 2012 - 08:04 AM
Posted 10 August 2012 - 08:51 AM
If you have 5CE2 firmware loaded onto an Audiostar Hbx,
that is for the 497EP handboxes, not the Audiostars.
The Meade ASU shouldnt have loaded that firmware.?????
The latest Audiostars use a new memory module that
is not compatible with the older firmwares.
If old firmware is loaded onto a new model Audiostar
handbox, it is effectively bricked for all normal
update operations.
Need a bit more info on exactly what has happened
as the latest ASU shouldnt have allowed that
to happen.
What version of ASU did you use???
There is a backdoor way to fix it if it is caused by
putting old firmware onto a new HBX,
but im more concerned on how you managed to do it??
Posted 10 August 2012 - 09:49 AM
Posted 10 August 2012 - 06:20 PM
The latest ASU is ver 5.9.3.
This was put out to prevent 497EP firmware being loaded onto Audiostar handboxes, and hence bricking them for further updates.
Last check.
What exactly is the message you get when using StarPatch?
If it is something like
'Erase of page at 0xE10000 failed'
then you are bricked.
There is a special little program we have developed to
restore a semi bricked handbox but it is not "Meade authorised".
It is a three part process
and requires you to also use StarPatch in a special mode.
I have run the process myself several times,
and i know of four others who have run it successfully.
Up to you if you want to ask Meade to replace yr handbox
as their app killed it, or try the fix.
Posted 10 August 2012 - 06:34 PM
Posted 10 August 2012 - 06:59 PM
The Audiostar has a bit more memory for user data, is a bit faster than the 497 and has sound.
Also,it is the only firmware Meade are still updating,
hence works with later model scopes.
The cons are the Audiostar has no "protected" safeload code
( hence what has happened to you )
and you lose autoscrolling in long lists of objects.
Posted 12 August 2012 - 02:03 PM
If a pin has lost connectio this is one thing that it will do.
good luck...sounds like you need some...
keep us updated.
Posted 13 November 2012 - 10:17 AM
with the 497ep software loaded in it but i sure would like to get it back to the
factory audio star status. Is there a procedure for doing this?
Posted 13 November 2012 - 02:44 PM
I have the same problem on my new etx125, the hand controller still works
with the 497ep software loaded in it but i sure would like to get it back to the
factory audio star status. Is there a procedure for doing this?
As per earlier in the thread, have you tried StarPatch yet????
It has much better error messages than Meades ASU.
I need to confirm if you see the
'Erase of page at 0xE10000 failed' message
to determinwe if it is the same problem.
If so, there is a fix but it involves a 2 stage recovery.
Also, just for info, what is the current version of ASU you have
and what firmware version is loaded to the Hbx???
Posted 26 November 2012 - 03:06 PM
I get error message 497ep found and buidaua1f7.rom is designed for audio star
so then it must recognize the controller as a 497ep and quits
when i first turn on the scope the controller displays 497ep 5ce2 for a second and then proceeds as that controller
I just want to get the audio star build back A1F7
Posted 26 November 2012 - 03:45 PM
the one that came with the 125ec, i used meades 5.6asu to load the wrong software 497ep 5ce2 then i updated to 6.0ASU, then i bought the lx80 and used 6.0 asu to update the new controller to A3S4 then star patch to A3s4
now i would like to update the 125ec controller with the 497EP 5CE2 to
the useable audio star with the star patch update A3s4
Posted 26 November 2012 - 05:24 PM
i have version 1.806 of star patch, when i select audio star in controller type
I get error message 497ep found and buidaua1f7.rom is designed for audio star
so then it must recognize the controller as a 497ep and quits
In its raw form, StarPatch now tests for the mixup between 497EP and Audiostars, and prevents cross usage, but it can be set to do it if required.
Can you try the following first.
Make a shortcut to start Starpatch with "StarPatch.exe ForceHandset"
This will allow you to force a cross model load.
Now retry loading the firmware in that mode.
If you get the "cant erase memory" error at this point, we need to go offline and i will send you a program and instructions on how to run it.
Posted 26 November 2012 - 05:52 PM
Posted 26 November 2012 - 05:54 PM
Make a shortcut as per normal, and edit it to use the ForceHandset flag
Posted 26 November 2012 - 06:06 PM
Posted 26 November 2012 - 07:15 PM
You have to edit the shortcut and manually add the flag.
Ref attached diag.
Attached Files
Posted 26 November 2012 - 08:02 PM
What am I doing wrong?
Posted 26 November 2012 - 09:29 PM
Posted 26 November 2012 - 10:27 PM
would there be any problem with me trying your two stage recovery?
Yep. You need the forcehandbox mode working to do part 2 of the recovery.
As to why you cant edit the Target, i dont know what you are doing wrong as its a simple process.
If Starpatch is in C:\program files... then the path to the exe itself must be wrapped in quotes inside the shortcut Target box
ie "C:\program files\pixsoft\Starpatch1803.exe" ForceHandset
you must have the quotes at each end of the exe path and a space
between the last " and the Forcehandset.
Posted 27 November 2012 - 03:43 AM
BuildAUA1F7.rom is designed for the Audiostar.
Please try again
went back to options and autostar 497EP had been reselected not Audiostar
Just reloaded star patch 1.806 and tried the ForceHandset with that and that appeared to work for a while then I received this error message
erase of page at 0xE10000 failed
Handset flash memory is not working properly
Do you want to retry the erase?
yes no
I clicked yes three times ,same result
and thats where I'm at
Posted 27 November 2012 - 04:50 AM
Hmmmm, 1.803 should have worked in ForceHandset mode, but as you got the memory error with 1.806, it proves you can connect and that you have the expected flash memory problem.
I currently cant access my ftp site so have sent a PM.
Respond to that and i can send you the reqd file and we can go to the next step.
Posted 27 November 2012 - 08:20 PM
Posted 27 November 2012 - 09:19 PM


text:
As you know, the Zimbra team is always eager to make ZCS better and better-- today we are wondering about overall ease/cost of administration compared to [my favorite] MS Exchange. There are many of you out there who have switched (or are considering it!).
We'd love to hear:
- How you compare Exchange vs Zimbra TCO in terms of # servers / # admins needed to support your user base
- How many hours you spend maintaining Exchange vs Zimbra in a week
- How much downtime you experience (# times per month) with each
Please send us a note to: email@example.com
Thanks in advance! We will use any feedback you provide to help make decisions on future features and enhancements.


text:
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Gangrene is the progressive death of body tissue resulting from a lack of blood supply. When the blood supply is cut off, the tissue does not get enough oxygen and begins to die.
Gangrene can be internal or external. The two most common types of gangrene are:
A rarer wet type, called gas gangrene, develops from specific bacteria deep inside the body. Gas gangrene can be a result of surgery or trauma.
Gangrene is caused by infection or a reduced blood supply to tissues.
Factors that may increase your chance of developing gangrene include:
External gangrene may cause:
Internal gangrene may cause:
If the gangrene is widespread,
can occur.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
Treatment of gangrene includes:
To help reduce your chance of getting gangrene, take these steps:
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Diabetes Association
Canadian Diabetes Association
Health Canada
A quick summary of the 6 types of necrosis. Pathology Student website. Available at:
http://www.pathologystudent.com/?p=5770. Accessed September 18, 2013.
Fujiwara Y, Kishida K, et al. Beneficial effects of foot care nursing for people with diabetes mellitus: an uncontrolled before and after intervention study.
J Adv Nurs. 2011;67(9):1952-1962.
Gangrene. NHS Choices website. Available at:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gangrene/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Accessed September 18, 2013.
Gas gangrene. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated July 14, 2010. Accessed September 18, 2013.
Sepsis in adults. BSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated August 14, 2013. Accessed September 18, 2013.
Last reviewed September 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


text:
Skip to Content
If you are seeking a world-class educational experience within a vibrant, Christ-centered learning community, Cedarville is the place for you. Step up to the challenge of our arts, sciences, professional and graduate programs, and achieve more than you ever imagined. Be challenged and transformed by professors who are experts in their fields and invest their lives at Cedarville to mentor and guide students like you.
In 1984, Senior Professor Sandi Harner proposed that the Department of Language and Literature offer a technical writing program. One year later, Cedarville College offered the minor in Professional Writing, which consisted of five classes totaling 19 credit hours. The Professional Writing minor became a major in 1992, which Professor Harner renamed as the Technical and Professional Communication major in 1999. Professor Harner developed new courses for the major and also included an internship requirement. In 2011, the Professional Writing and Information Design major moved to the Department of Media and Applied Communications. Cedarville hired Nicholas Carrington as a new professor in the major, and he began his work as an Instructor in the fall of 2012.
Students take a variety of courses, such as Technical Editing, Visual Rhetoric, Corporate Culture, Design of Online Information I & II, and Documentation Design. These courses fall under broad categories, such as writing, visual design, or theory that exemplify the wide range of skills and jobs encompassed in the field. Each of these classes prepares students with the understanding, theories, and skills that they need to excel as a technical communicator.
For more information about the specific courses, please see the Academics page of our student website.
While other universities offer programs in technical communication, most of these schools do not offer the same wide range of courses that Cedarville's PWID program does. For example, other programs may cover web design, marketing, and instructional design, but these specific fields are presented in few weeks as units within the context of general courses. Cedarville's PWID program has a broad base, but it offers very specific courses that devote attention to these diverse career fields.
Cedarville's technical communication program also differs from other major schools in that the PWID program integrates Christ-centered values into the classes. Courses such as Corporate Culture provide students with an opportunity to evaluate their careers and their work as areas in which they can serve and glorify God. Students learn to develop a "theology of work" that seeks to keep God at the center of their technical communication activities.
The PWID program teaches Christ-centered principles and values along with professional skills, particularly in the Corporate Culture class. In this class, students discuss a theology of work, and they consider how they should live and work as Christians in a professional environment. All the courses emphasize integrity and a positive work ethic, and classes often discuss the ethical implications of the decisions they make with regard to their writing and design.
In addition, classes always begin with prayer, and sometimes the professors will read a devotional or Scripture to the class and have students journal about that Scripture passage. The PWID program emphasizes Christ and teaches Christian values in all areas.
Graduates from the PWID program work in a variety of environments and positions. For example, a 1996 graduate, Scott Bennett, serves at Procter & Gamble as a Specialist Manager of Corporate Communications, and Jennifer Himes, a 2004 graduate, works as a senior instructional designer at Nationwide Insurance. Graduates also work internationally, such as Jody Pait, a 1996 graduate, who works in Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital marketing for IBM, specifically focused on the Middle East and Africa regions. Graduates have also worked for the Department of Defense, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and other companies.
To read stories of other graduates, visit the Graduate Stories page of our student website.
The PWID program provides several means for students to network with professionals in the field. Each year, the PWID program holds a grad panel where they invite graduates of the program to come speak to students about their experiences in the field. Students can ask these professionals questions about their experiences, and they can even contact them for further information about possible career opportunities.
The PWID major also has a PWID Board, and the board members help students to develop professionally in several ways. The board members call students in the Professional Portfolio Development I & II classes for mock phone interviews, conduct mock face-to-face interviews with the same students, and come in the spring of each year for a portfolio review session, where they evaluate and give feedback to students on their portfolios and résumés.
Cedarville University also holds career fairs for students, including a career fair specifically for the Department of Media and Applied Communications. At the career fairs, students have the opportunity to meet with representatives of companies and to learn about possible job opportunities.
Community is an important aspect of the PWID program, and students have many opportunities to be involved in the community of the PWID major. Students in the PWID major are automatically members of the TPCu organization, and by attending the monthly meetings, students can connect with other students in the major. For example, Professor Harner will host students at her house for TPCu meetings and other game nights, including a Halloween Party and the famous Christmas Brunch where she serves her legendary Blueberry Caramel Pecan French Toast.
Every spring, students in the major take a weekend educational trip to meet with professionals and learn more about their field. Students have traveled to cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. These trips not only allows students to learn more about their field, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to foster community within the major.
Students themselves often initiate events, such as game nights and weekly dinners in the cafeteria. Students even decided to enter a canoe in the Cardboard Canoe Race in the fall of 2012, and they won the demolition derby as well as the distinguished title of Best Non-Engineering Canoe.
While taking so many courses and working in many group projects together, students quickly form friendships within the major, and they continue these friendships outside of the classroom. Students themselves often cite the community as a key component of the Professional Writing and Information Design major.


text:
ATN PS22-CGT 2nd Generation CGT Day/Night Weapon Sight
$3695.00 $2299.99 You Save $1,395.00 or 37%
Item # 2672495
|Eligible for Free Shipping on Orders $39 or More! (see promotion details)
|Members of The League get 5% back when you spend $100! (see promotion details)
Product Details
The ATN PS22-CGT is an attachment for daytime riflescopes with 1x-6x (2.5x-4x are optimal) magnification that converts the scope into a high-quality, very accurate night vision weapon sight. The ATN PS22-CGT utilizes a CGT Image Intensifier Tube, which allows you to go from day to night in less than 30 seconds without tools or changes in eye relief.
- Easily changes daytime scope to night vision
- Mounts in front of daytime scope, no rezeroing required
- Multi-coated all-glass optics
- Fast catadiotric front lens system
- Lightweight and rugged
- ARMS quick-release mount (optional)
- Limited 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- Intensifier Tube: CGT
- Lens of system: F1:1.44, 80mm
- Magnification: 1X
- Resolution: 45-54 lp/mm
- Recognition Range: 150m
- Detection Range: 200m
- Range Of Focus: 10m to infinity
- Battery Life: 60 hours
- Power Supply: one 3-volt battery (CR123A)
- Storage Temperature: -50 to +70°C
- Operating Temperature: -40 to +50°C
- Waterproof: 10m for 30 min
- Dimensions: L 5.5" x W 3.2" x H 2.8" (139 x 80 x 72 mm)
- Weight: 0.6 kg (1.45 lbs)


text:
Your Last-Minute Winter Getaway Essentials
We're not necessarily encouraging sexting (although Salma Hayek once admitted she is a fan of it!), but this app is the perfect tool to send a naughty pic to your guy (not showing your face, of course) or even a silly-faced pic to your girlfriends, because it puts a time limit on how long the pic is viewable. Set any time limit you want, and the photo will be automatically deleted from the recipients phone. Avoid ScarJo-esque humiliation—genius!
Price: Free
Because it's good to know when your friend is coming for a visit and to keep track of how regular it is, for health reasons. Simply press a button when your period starts, and it logs your dates and calculates the average length of the past three month's cycles, predicting the start date of your next period. Now you're prepared to avoid any embarrassing accidents.
Price: Free
Hilariously Bad Christmas Gifts


text:
Opinions on patents in the field of biotechnology are divided, with support for unfettered scientific progress at one end of the spectrum and a commitment to uphold the basic values of society at the other. Where many see an important contribution to social progress, others are concerned about potential risks and ethical questions.
Despite all the disagreement, biotechnology is a growing discipline with a remarkably strong market.
This growth is also reflected in the number of biotechnology patents. For several years now, biotechnological inventions have consistently ranked among the ten largest technical fields in terms of patent applications filed with the European Patent Office (EPO).
Inventors have been filing applications for biotechnology patents for over a hundred years. Patent No. 3, granted in Finland on 8 November 1843, introduced a novel method for producing yeast cultures. On 29 July 1873, microbiologist Louis Pasteur patented his improved yeast-making method at the French Patent Office.
Commercial firms also sought to patent biotechnological processes, with BASF patenting alizarin in 1869. The substance the scientists managed to successfully synthesise - a red dye - was used in textile manufacturing.
In recent years, researchers have succeeded in improving their understanding of the functioning of the human body and its immune system. Biotechnology has already provided life-saving medicaments such as human insulin, erythropoietin and Herceptin, and it appears to promise cures for conditions currently regarded as untreatable.
In agriculture, biotechnology is used to modify the physiology of plants with a view to introducing specific desirable features such as resistance to disease and herbicides, or achieving higher yields.
However, the debate about potential risks to individuals, society and the environment continues unabated. It affects all levels of political, economic and scientific decision-making.
As the executive organ of the European Patent Organisation, the EPO examines European patent applications and either grants or refuses them on the basis of European patent law, as laid down in the European Patent Convention and interpreted in the case law developed by the boards of appeal, the EPO's second-instance judiciary.
To be patentable, biotechnological inventions have to meet the same criteria as those in any other field of technology. Patents can only be granted for inventions that are new, involve an inventive step and are susceptible of industrial application. A specific legal definition of novelty has developed over the years, with "new" meaning "made available to the public". This means, for example, that a human gene, which existed before but was "hidden" from the public in the sense of having no recognised existence, can be patented when it is isolated from its environment or when it is produced by means of a technical process and as long as its industrial application is disclosed in the patent application. All other requirements of patentability must also be fulfilled.
While biotechnological inventions are in principle patentable, due to the nature of biotechnology and its ethical implications there are specific rules which apply when considering the patentability of an invention in this field.
Articles 52 and 53 of the European Patent Convention say what can and cannot be patented.
Biotechnological inventions are basically patentable. However, no European patent can be granted for any of the following:
- any invention whose commercial exploitation would be contrary to ordre public or morality (Art. 53(a) EPC)
- plant and animal varieties (Art. 53(b) EPC)
- essentially biological processes for the production of plants and animals (Art. 53(b) EPC), i.e. classical breeding comprising crossing and selection
- methods for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy, and diagnostic methods practised on the human or animal body (Art. 53(c) EPC)
Discoveries (e.g. the mere discovery of natural substances, such as the sequence or partial sequence of a gene) are not patentable. However, if an inventor provides a description of the technical problem they are intended to solve and a technical teaching they move from being a discovery to being a patentable invention (Art. 52(2)(a) EPC).
In Europe, a debate on biotechnology patents started in the late 1980s with the aim of clarifying the distinction between what is patentable and what is not, and harmonising EU member states' laws in this area. This led to the adoption on 6 July 1998 of EU Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions ("biopatent directive"). The directive has been implemented by all EU member states. As early as 1999, the EPC contracting states decided to incorporate the directive as secondary legislation into the Implementing Regulations to the EPC. Together with the EPC articles on substantive patent law, these rules now provide the basis for deciding on the patentability of biotechnology applications at the EPO.
The incorporation of the EU directive into the EPC strengthened the practice of the EPO in biotechnology, whilst putting greater focus on ethical considerations.
For example, the directive affirmed that isolated biological material is patentable even if it has occurred previously in nature (Rule 27(a) EPC). It also confirmed that plants or animals are patentable if the technical feasibility of the invention (e.g. a genetic modification) is not confined to a particular plant or animal variety (Rule 27(b) EPC).
Furthermore, an invention relating to gene sequences can be patented as long as the industrial application of the sequence is disclosed in the application and all other patentability criteria are fulfilled (Rule 29(3) EPC).
However, the directive rules out the patenting of the entire human body in all its developmental phases (Rule 29(1) EPC). The same applies to processes for cloning human beings, processes for modifying the germ-line genetic identity of human beings and the use of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes. Also excluded from patentability are processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering without any substantial medical benefit to man or animal, and animals resulting from such processes. This catalogue of exceptions to patentability is not exhaustive (Rule 28 EPC).
In addition to the provisions of the EPC and the EU directive, the case law of the EPO's technical boards of appeal and the decisions of its Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) form a further source of guidance when considering the patentability of biotechnological inventions under the EPC.
A landmark ruling on stem cell cultures was issued in November 2008. In the WARF/Thomson case (G 2/06), the EBoA decided that under the EPC it is not possible to grant a patent for an invention which necessarily involves the use and destruction of human embryos. The EBoA stressed, however, that its decision did not concern the general question of human stem cell patentability.
In a similar manner, the Court of Justice of the EU ruled in 2011, in the "Brüstle case" (C-34/10), that Article 6(2)(c) of the EU directive excludes from patentability an invention which presupposes the destruction of a human embryo irrespective of the point in time at which such destruction takes place.
With regard to plant-related inventions, the EBoA ruled in G 1/98 that plants are in principle patentable if the technical teaching of the invention is not limited to a specific plant variety or varieties. This was also the approach adopted by the EU directive and was explicitly codified in Rule 27(b) EPC in 1999. In 2010 the EBoA decided, in what is referred to as the "broccoli and tomato I case" (G 2/07 and G 1/08), that a process for the production of plants comprising the steps of crossing and selection is excluded from patentability even if it contains an additional step of a technical nature, such as the use of molecular genetic markers. The EBoA has been asked to clarify whether the products of such processes (i.e. plants or fruits) are likewise excluded from patentability. In its decisions (G2/12 and G2/13, known as "broccoli and tomato II") of March 2015, the EBoA ruled that the products of such processes (i.e. plants or fruits) could still be patented – if the conditions of patentability are fulfilled – even if they are obtained from such a non-patentable method.


text:
Ned Yost media session: September 3
Under the knife
Jason Kendall had extensive surgery today to repair three of the four muscles that attach to the rotator cuff. When doctors got into the shoulder, it was discovered that two of the muscles were completely torn off the bone. Yost said the doctor feels good about the procedure and Kendall will just have to take things month by month. Yost added that this is not something you should rush, and he knows the ever-eager Kendall will have to be reminded daily that he needs to be patient and smart about his recovery. Kendall should return to Kansas City at some point this weekend.
Starters return
Yost also commented on Brian Bannister and Luke Hochevar's return to active duty, saying the two will "piggyback" next Tuesday night at Minnesota. Bannister will make the start and Hochevar will follow. The moves will put Bryan Bullington back in the bullpen.


text:
May 25, 2016
Associated Press Release
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -- Memorial services have been planned for a central Florida sheriff's deputy killed when his patrol car crashed.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says viewings for Deputy Joseph Robbins will be held Monday afternoon and evening at a Lakeland church.
A memorial service will be held at the same church Tuesday morning. A ceremony honoring Robbins' law enforcement service will be held immediately following the church service.
Robbins was a 15-year veteran of the sheriff's office with 14 commendations and 187 recognitions in his career.
The deputy was on duty when he was found unresponsive in his marked cruiser Friday morning. Rescuers responded after someone heard the crash and called 911. Robbins was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or email@example.com.


text:
CULPEPER, Va. (WUSA) -- As the murder trial of former Culpeper police officer Daniel Harmon-Wright continued on Friday, WUSA 9's Peggy Fox caught up with the late Patricia Cook's brother, John Weigler.
Weigler commented on the trial so far, saying, "I think it's going pretty well. I think the trial's been fair. I think everybody's working hard to get to the right answer and I appreciate all that effort."
THURSDAY: Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Fisher Focuses On Daniel Harmon-Wright's 'five other shots' at Patricia Cook
He shared a little about what was going through his mind in court, expressing his love for his sister. "I want justice for her in, not in a heinous way, in a right way. And, I just love my sister," shared Weigler.
Weigler could see Harmon-Wright in court but admitted, "That has to be real controlled viewing, and I don't have hatred towards him. I hope we get to the right answer and he responds accordingly."
Weigler told Peggy Fox he believed that Harmon-Wright should have had his gun taken away or been taken off the police force after being reprimanded before for excessive force.
MORE: Jury Selection And Info On Harmon-Wright's Letter Of Reprimand
He, however, doesn't blame the police department for what happened to his sister.
Weigler explained, "I don't blame them. I think they need to be held accountable. We're all human, we all do what we do and sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don't. But it's a crazy string of events that lead to this and my mom and I have been dealing with it for a while."
As for the events of that day, he says that it does go through his mind. He can't think of any reason for what happened. "How can you justify 7 shots, several in the back [on] an unarmed woman in the car. You know, that makes no sense to me. It's just excessive brutal force."
Weigler later added, "I have the same questions everybody else does, and I don't have answers to them. Her last minutes were pretty horrible. What she went through is just insane."
As for punishment for Harmon-Wright for his actions that day, Weigler said that "whatever the Commonwealth determines...according to the law" is okay for him.
A memorial fund has been set up in honor of Sunday school teacher Patricia Cook. The funds will be used to send Christian children to summer camp. Donations can be sent to Culpeper United Methodist Church Pat Cook Fund, 1223 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701.


text:
|Owner closes chapter on dog shooting incident
|Written by Holyoke Enterprise
Close your eyes and envision a vicious dog attack on another dog. What do you see?
I see the gashing of teeth, torn flesh hanging, blood all over the dogs from the wounds inflicted on each other. There was none of that the day our dog supposedly attacked the neighbor's dog. In the police report when the "three buddies" were standing there watching the dogs wrestling they told the police officer they were "in fear of their lives." In fear of what?
There was no blood or torn flesh in all the time they were supposedly trying to get the dogs apart and while the neighbor went in to get his gun. If they were in "fear for their lives," why didn't they run to safety, get into the pickup or go into the house? The neighbor feared so much for his life that he got up close and personal to shoot our dog in the back of the head? So close that blood sprayed all over the neighbor.
If I were in fear for my life I wouldn't get that close in case that "vicious" pit bull should turn and try to grab my leg. My son made a mistake that night by going on Facebook and using the word "revenge" to one of his friends. He was so hurt, angry and devastated and he wasn't thinking. But our neighbors went to the police and said they were living in fear that my son would hurt their kids or their dog.
So for a while our privacy was invaded by the police driving the area more often than usual. My son would never harm a child or an animal. He was the one who opened the garage for a stray cat to get warm.
As far as I know, there was no ticket issued for discharging a firearm in town. When the officer that took the report was in Ampride one night when I was in there, the clerk asked why the neighbor didn't get a ticket and the officer replied, "he was protecting himself." So in other words, they have given him the impression whenever he thinks he is in "fear for his life" he has the right to shoot.
So if my son walks to his car in the alley to get his mp3 player and the neighbor thinks he is coming to do bodily harm and shoots him, are the cops going to look the other way again? Or maybe it's just the name and money that counts.
Another citizen asked if he shot a rabid skunk in his yard, would he get a ticket and the chief of police told him "yes."
If a skunk with rabies attacks another animal or human there will be bites, claw marks and blood, but you can't shoot him. But you can shoot a dog that leaves no bodily harm.
The police report failed to mention that there were no signs of a vicious attack, that the dog had no blood from wounds, just from our dog.
I don't think that the officer asked anyone else in the neighborhood if they thought our dog was vicious and I know there are a couple of officers on the force that know our dog wasn't vicious. I have lived here since 1970 and have been active in the community, so anyone who knows me should know that I would never endanger anyone or anything with harboring a vicious dog. I have grandchildren and an elderly mother that I would not put in harm's way.
I will let citizens of Holyoke decide for themselves if this was a vicious attack, or just ridding the world of another pit bull. I was so angry after reading the police report because of what was left out. My daughter sent me a reminder that there is a higher justice. It went this way. "If someone seems to be getting away with doing something wrong, maybe God is just giving them a chance to make it right. Be patient, God sees everything and has a very good memory."
Patty Coyne
Holyoke Enterprise December 6, 2012


text:
Going stag to your next Halloween party might be a blast, but if you are bringing a friend or significant other to your event, you can dress up in matching outfits. Our couples costume section is full of women's and men's costumes from many genres. A humor costume is a great pick for a Halloween party. Some funny costumes we carry include a plug and socket combo, tacky tourists, and bacon and eggs. Of course, your outfits themselves don't have to be goofy to get a good laugh.
Womens Plus Size Poodle Couples Costume
Adult Toy Story Deluxe Jessie Couples Costume
Cookies & Milk Adult Costume ( 2 costumes)
Pair a serious costume with a joke costume to create a hilarious juxtaposition. If you want a more straight-forward costume, consider decade costumes or movie costumes. Movie character costumes are a great option if you aren't sure which outfits will go together. Simply pick characters from the same movie such as Pebbles and Bam Bam or a Pink Lady and a greaser. Your character don't even have to get along; pair a Poison Ivy or Catwoman costume with a Batman suit and watch sparks fly! Whether you are looking for funny or just fun, we have tons of couples costumes to make your dress-up experience with your partner a fabulous one. Be sure to pick up your favorite matching costumes today!


text:
Inside the Mind of a Sports Fan
Tips to Get Through The 2014 FIFA World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup is about to kick-off in Brazil so The List's Matt Gallant is taking you inside the mind of a serious sports fan and breaks down what happens when your team loses or wins. Also, Eric Simons author of "The Secret Lives of Sports Fans" has some important tips to help get you through one of the biggest sporting events of the year, here on #Breakdown!
Tell us your favorite sports team? Keep the conversation going, @TheListMatt #Breakdown!


text:
On July 19, 2007 Matt Roe was hired to direct Butler's Track and Field/Cross Country programs. Roe came to Indianapolis after quickly developing strong distance programs at Long Beach State (2004-2007) and Western Illinois (2001-2004). While furthering Butler's strong international ties, Roe has developed a successful program model firmly committed to advancing regional recruiting, academic achievement, team culture, and overall program development.
As a result, Butler's school record book has been dismantled and re-written. Roe, an eight time Horizon League Coach of the Year, has led the Bulldogs to no less than 24 school records, including Butler's first two athletes under the four minute mile barrier.
Under Roe's direction the program has enjoyed success at the NCAA national level in both track and cross country. Nationally, the program had produced 14 NCAA finals qualifiers, and seven All Americans. In 2008 the men qualified for the NCAA Cross Country Championships, placing 29th. In 2009, Roe led Butler to its best Men's NCAA finish in Outdoor Track (40th). During the 2009 championships, Butler joined Stanford and Oregon as one of three programs in the country to produce a male qualifier at 1500, 3000 meter steeplechase, and 5000 meters. In the 2010 indoor season Roe led Rob Mullett to Butler's first sub four minute mile. Mullet's 7th place in the NCAA mile final led Butler to its 2nd best NCAA indoor finish in school history (56th). At the 2011 NCAA Outdoor championships, lead by Kris Gauson's 3rd fastest NCAA mark (3:40.59), Butler earned distinction as one of six schools nationally to produce a male and female qualifier in the 1500 meters.
From 2008-2012 Roe has advanced 33 Butler athletes to NCAA Regional track competition. At the 2011 East Preliminary round, Butler joined Florida State and Columbia as one of only three schools to have male competitor in the 800, 1500, 5000, and 10,000 meters. Butler was the only program in the East Region to achieve this feat while also having female competitors in the 1500, 5000, and 10000. In 2012, Butler was one of five schools in the NCAA East Regional Championships to have a male and a female to qualify for the 1500 meter final.
At the Great Lakes Regional Cross Country Championships, Roe's men have placed 6th or better the last four years. En route to an NCAA team birth, the 2008 men tied Butler's all time top finish, placing 3rd overall. The women have three top ten finishes, including a 5th place finish in 2007 (3rd best all time). Individually, Roe has had a male finish in the top 3 or better in thee of the five regional meets he has coached at Butler. In 2011 sophomore Callum Hawkins broke through to become the 2nd athlete in school history to win the regional individual title. Hawkins was named Great Lakes Regional Male Athlete of the Year. In total, Roe has mentored an impressive 16 All Great Lakes Regional harriers during his time in Indianapolis.
In the Horizon League, Roe's athletes have been nothing short of dominant. In just five years, Roe's athletes have achieved a staggering 171 All Horizon League honors, 66 Individual and Relay titles, 16 Athletes of the Year, 14 Horizon League Championship records, nine Cross Country team titles, and eight Newcomer of the Year awards. While furthering conference dominance in Cross Country, significant strides have been made at the conference level on the Track. At the 2010 Indoor Championships the program had its best combined finish in school history with a pair of runner-up finishes. For the women it was the best team finish in school history, while ranking second all time for the men.
Academically, Roe's athletes have raised the bar earning USTFCCCA All Academic Recognition in every season during his tenure. In the 2009 track season, Roe's women ranked second nationally (3.547), while the men were finished the year ranked 4th (3.347) in overall team GPA. For their combined effort the Bulldogs led the nation as program in team GPA, outpacing Yale for the top spot. Individually, the program has earned an unprecedented nine All- District, and five Academic All American awards.
Prior to taking the reigns' at Butler Roe engineered one of the top turnarounds in Division I distance running at Long Beach State from 2004-2007. Roe's accomplishments were recognized by his peers as they voted him to be the Men's West Regional Cross Country Representative for the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) from 2007-2009.
With their finishes at the Big West Conference meet, the 2006 cross country squad completed the best two year run in school history. The women's 2nd place conference finish in 2006 was best in school history. In 2005 both cross country teams leapt from 6th to 3rd at the Big West Conference meet, marking the best 49er finish in 17 years. At the West Regional meet, the women vaulted from 20th in 2004 to 10th in 2005. The men climbed from 15th to 10th place matching the women's team finish. Collectively, Roe's squads combined conference and regional improvements were unmatched by any competitive Division I school in the country from 2004-2005.
On the track the 49er's were equally successful under Roe. Roe's men played a vital role in the first conference track title in 30 years. At the 2006 Big West Championships, Roe's men tallied an all time 49er distance best of 34 points to help secure the conference crown. Not to be outdone, the women recorded 33 points at the Big West meet, also an all time 49er best. The women's distance contribution helped guide the team to a 3rd place finish and the best two year conference run in school history.
At LBSU Roe's athletes did more than improve they did so at impressive rates. Most notably, Jim Grabow became the first male distance runner in school history to earn All American honors finishing 11th at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Championships. Grabow, a 14:50 5000 junior college transfer in 2004, clocked personal bests of 13:44.04 in the 5000 meters and 7:59.40 at 3000 meters in his final season under Roe's guidance. Grabow ended 2007 ranked 6th on the U.S. indoor list at 5000 meters.
In less than three years at The Beach, Roe's runners recorded 51 All-time top 10 marks, 14 All Big West Selections, 12 school records, four NCAA National Qualifying marks, a Big West Conference Champion, one All American, and one Academic All American.
Prior to his appointment at The Beach, Roe made Western Illinois one of the most improved Division I distance programs in the nation from 2001-2004. In his first year, Roe also helped the Leatherneck men gain their 2nd Conference Outdoor Track title in school history in 2002, coaching Zach Somers to the first individual male conference distance title in a decade. At the 2003 Mid Con Outdoor Championships Roe's men and women continued to gain momentum combining for a school record 98 distance points. Their collective performance stood in stark contrast to the 27 total distance points in 2001Outdoor Championships, just months before Roe's hire.
As the Head Cross Country Coach at Western, Roe led both the men's and the women's program from the bottom to near the top of the Mid Continent Conference. In only his second season, Roe's women went from sixth to second at the Conference Championships, establishing one of the top one- year turnarounds in Division I from 2001-2002. The women's finish was best in school history. Roe's men improved dramatically at the conference meet jumping from seventh in 2001 to fourth in 2002 to third in 2003. All tolled in Roe's three years at Western he produced 24 All Mid Continent athletes, nine runner-up conference finisher, three conference champions, two school records, and two All American with Distinction Academic teams.
Prior to coach at Western Illinois, Roe served as an Assistant Track and Cross Country Coach at the University of Montana from 1999-2001. Roe helped guide the Grizzlies to 11 individual Big Sky titles, eight NCAA appearances, and two All American honors. Roe assisted the 2000 Lady Grizzlies to their best all-time Big Sky (second) and Mountain Regional (fifth) cross country finishes. The 2000 season was capped off by Sabrina Monro's runner-up finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
A standout on the track and trail for Division I national distance power University of Portland, Roe was a three-time All West Coast Conference harrier. A three-time WCC scholar athlete, Roe earned degrees in English (1997) and History (1998) from Portland. A USATF Level II certified coach, Roe earned his M.S. in Physical Education (Sport Psychology) from Western Illinois in 2003.


text:
The AMSOIL Great American Tour, Part FourWritten by on September 2, 2010 Huge Numbers And Great Action Highlight This Leg
As we continued our AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour of the Southeast United States, we next visited a couple of very unique venues. Bowman Gray Stadium was a diamond among a pile of rocks, so to speak. It stood out that much. And Carolina Speedway was positioned just right very near a large metropolitan area. Both of these tracks had some surprises in store for us.
By this time in our Tour, we had seen about the same type of promotion, refined in some places and not so refined in others. There were some tracks that had potential to grow given the right plan, mostly because of the growth of the surroundings, and others that seemed doomed for the same reason. Much of the future of any racetrack depends largely on who runs it and how they do it.
To give a quick recap of where we had been up to this point, we first visited Lanier Speedway in Georgia northeast of Atlanta, then on up to camp at the Tom Johnson Camping Center in Marion, North Carolina, and over to Tri-County Speedway for the Friday night races. We then loaded everything up and hit the road to Lonesome Pine Raceway above Bristol, Virginia, for the Saturday night show. The next morning we traveled up I-81 to stay at a neat campground in Edinburg, Virginia, in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley.
From that base camp we visited Southside Speedway outside Richmond, Virginia, for a Friday night show and then we bussed on up to Old Dominion Speedway, one of my old stomping grounds. We missed Winchester Speedway due to a rain-out before once again packing up and moving south again to the Tom Johnson grounds. From there we visited Hickory Speedway for the USARacing show and then the next weekend on to a track that we were not in any way shape or form ready for.
Bowman Gray Stadium
From the very beginning upon driving up to and looking over this racetrack, we knew we were someplace special. This stadium turned into racetrack, sometimes, had even more in store for us. It's a football stadium, but has a long history of racing too, dating from 1949.
Big Bill France, along with Alvin Hawkins, opened this track way back then and the future stars of racing cut their teeth here on this exciting quarter-mile bullring. Iconic names such as Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Richard Childress, David Pearson, Glen Wood, and Richie Evans and families like the Allisons, Earnhardts, Myers, and more raced here.
To say this place drips with history would be an understatement. If we were to search for where our roots of short track racing grew from, Bowman Gray would be one of the starting points. But that and the fact that its premier class was the Northeast-style pavement pounding Modifieds was building up to be one great Saturday night of racing.
We met with Gray Garrison, the promoter for this track and a descendant of the original owners. He told of how after WWI and the Great Depression, the stadium was built by workers under the WPA (Work Projects Administration) program and is now a part of the Winston-Salem (NC) Sports and Entertainment Complex owned by the city.
The week before, on opening night, many fans had to be turned away because of lack of a place to put them. It was standing room only, even the aisles were full. The count was somewhere north of 18,000 people in the stands. The night we were there was very close to that number with the stands full and the 4-foot wall surrounding the upper portion being lined with spectators, the seating capacity of 17,000 was surely met.
I met a few old friends too and talked a bit with Brian King who used to run Late Models but switched to the Modifieds four years ago. He was as happy a racer as I've seen. He told me he had never considered racing at BG, but tried it once and is now a regular. The racing action is intense. One thing that has always been known within this region, if you can win at BG, you can win anywhere. It is tough. Junior Miller showed us just how tough it can be. I think he hit everything but the lotto that night.
In the crowd were groups of fans for many of the drivers and their cheers were just like those of football fans during a game, only there were more than two teams playing. I have never seen as electric a group of race fans in my life. Just like high school or college football fans, these people were not about to miss one "game" of the planned 19 race season, lucky for Mr. Garrison.
The race was also commercialized completely, and I don't mean that in a negative way. There was a nightly event sponsor and many sub-sponsors who ran radio style commercials during intermission periods. Every means of capitalizing on the success and large attendance was utilized. And I had a feeling that those supporters of this track got their money's worth many times over.
All in all, we came away with a whole new feeling about short track racing and what it could be under certain circumstances. Can we duplicate that success elsewhere? I don't know, but some of that formula could bring a measure of success to some tracks that need it. Overall, it involved making the fans aware of the drivers and causing them to choose a favorite. I did notice that the track had a big screen TV normally used at football stadiums, and Daytona. When a driver was introduced, his/her photo appeared on the screen, allowing the fans to identify with each person and the team. How much are those big screens anyhow?
Carolina Speedway
For our first dirt venue of the Tour, we visited Carolina Speedway, just 16 miles by crow flight from the center of Charlotte. On April 23, when the USCS Winged Outlaw Sprint Cars came to play, they filled the stands until the parking overflowed into the pasture across the street which happened to be the property of the previous track owner. At some point, the local law enforcement halted the influx and closed off all parking, turning patrons away.
The 4/10-mile track was built in 1962 and an early promoter partner was the legendary Humpy Wheeler. Clint Elkins, is the general manager for the track today along with Mark Gibbons and Larry Lee, a group who recently took over the track management and are committed to improving the experience for both racers and the fans.
We had seen a similar success at places like Eldora for special events, but for a local dirt track, it couldn't have been better. On this night, there was a very decent turnout and lots of entries. And this was one of the, if not the, cleanest short tracks we've been to. A lot of attention was paid to keeping the place tidy, landscaping, and ongoing cleanup during the event.
The track itself was high-banked and fast. It did dry out before the feature race which provided a lot of dust in the air and single-line racing. Clint told me that plans were in the works to reduce the banking to help create more side-by-side racing and slow the cars down. It seemed to me that there was just too much sand mixed in with the clay and once the track dried up, all there was left was sand which blew into the air creating a sandstorm.
A track with more clay content will turn black and maybe rubber up as the night goes on, but not completely dry out. Dirt racing is dirt racing, but when the fans have to shower the sand out of their hair and clothes after an event, it diminishes the enthusiasm. We need to look at all aspects of our facilities and try to make not only the racing better, but the fans more comfortable as well. If that part is ignored, the numbers will dwindle.
The makeup of the race teams here included some Cup team members and shop workers from the many nearby Sprint Cup team shops. It's only natural that the people who work in racing participate in racing. We see lots of those guys and gals on asphalt tracks around this area, but it was refreshing to see them racing on dirt.
I think when Cup drivers like Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader participate at the local level on the dirt, and both have raced here, it sends a message that connects big time racing with its roots and that always has a positive result. I see big things in store for this track and with the push toward improvement by the aforementioned trio, it can only get better.
On this leg of the Tour, we definitely saw larger numbers of fans and a good count of racers. We continue to see the lower classes growing in numbers with even the Legends cars running on the dirt. Tracks have multiple classes of four-cylinder cars including front- and rear-wheel-drive. We also see young drivers in top divisions as usual and big money teams showing up at smaller venues.
I think it helped Bowman Gray to run the big Modifieds as the premier class. They were definitely more exciting to watch than the asphalt Late Model cars we see at most short tracks. That is not an indictment on my part, but a call out to the track promoter to find ways to make the racing action better. Single-line racing and winners who are a half lap ahead at the end do little to generate a thrill for anyone.
Maybe we should invert the field more. We did see that being applied at some tracks and, believe me, it shakes up the racing and also the points chase. Of course, we might see a little sand-bagging in qualifying if that order were reversed, but if you reverse the last week's finishing order, you would see the fast cars at the rear.
For shorter races, the mid-pack and even some back of the pack cars could experience leading the race, at least for a while. There is a lot of incentive for this process and it is good for the racers and the fans. On our very first Tour visit to the F.A.S.T. series in Florida, fast qualifier Wayne Anderson was asked to start at the rear for an additional $500 if he won. He did and still won, but watching him come up through the pack made for a good show.
Whatever the new plan is for each track, we do know that they need to keep shaking things up and refining the plan. Short track racing needs to be so exciting that fans talk about it with their friends at work and around the neighborhood. That brings in new fans and even entices some of those to participate at some level. What are your thoughts?
What Next?
Coming up next month we visit with the folks at Cherokee Speedway, a dirt track that was reconfigured some time ago into a smaller and hopefully more competitive track. And then we take in the action at the resurrected Dillon Speedway for our last racetrack visit of the first half of the 2010 AMSOIL Great American Tour.
More Photos From This Article View Slideshow
This was one unique innovation at BGS, the use of a portable winner's circle. The sponsor's representative for each race would be driven out to the finish line for the trophy presentation. How cool is that. What I would like to see more of is a podium style of reward for the top three drivers. This gives much more exposure to the teams' sponsors even if you don't win. And finishing in the top three is an accomplishment.A surprise was seeing Danica Patrick at BGS, even if only on a T-shirt. It is becoming apparent that interest in her is gaining momentum. Nearly half of the huge crowd at BGS were female, so it is only natural that they would cheer on one of their own. It has to be a money maker, think of the possibilities.The track itself at BGS was very flat, but that didn't mean there wasn't side-by-side action in all of the classes. The Modified racing was incredible if not stupid. Certain drivers literally beat and banged their way to the front, and you know who you are. Other than that rude and unnecessary display, there was a good bit of skillful driving and close action. The fans did not leave disappointed. Maybe that is why this track is so successful. Hmmm, a flat racetrack, multiple grooves, big, bad Modifieds, excellent promotion, all = very large crowds.I've seen rear covers before-Scott Bloomquist popularized them years ago to hide his obviously "superior" setups-but not this innovative. This panel doubles as a billboard for the many advertisers who support this team. What better way to show support than this?Numerous classes of four-cylinder cars were running this dirt track, a trend we witnessed across the board. We noticed that many of them were built and shaped to resemble the Dirt Late Models. Do I sense aspirations here? Of course, the natural progression is to move up some day to the upper class, that is if you can afford it.This is one unique setup we saw at Carolina Speedway. ColeVision Videography put together this trailer that has an elevated platform with a swivel seat and an air conditioned control room down below for the producer (his wife). They setup inside the track, shoot the video of the races and sell DVD's to anyone interested. This whole rig was designed and built by Mr. Cole.


text:
Software - Utility14 years of bringing you savings on name brand Software - Utility, including Microsoft, Symantec, Adobe Systems, and more.30 Day Return Policy. Order Online or Call Toll Free 866-880-1230
Buying refurbished and open box utility is a great way to save money on high quality products. All the utility at Tech for Less carry a warranty, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Our inventory is constantly changing due to our low prices and limited quantities, so don't delay – buy today!
Featured Products
Get an alert by RSS when we post deals in this catagory
Avanquest 018059105386 Fix-It Utilities Profession...
The Avanquest Fix-It Utilities Professional 12 comes with Bonus hotspo...
Fluke INTAIR-LAP InterpretAir WLAN Software for PC...
InterpretAir provides wireless LAN installers and network professional...
Detto RK000IM40301TE01 IntelliMover for PC - Compl...
ntelliMover lets you quickly and easily move your email, music, photos...
Migo Digital Backup Premium...
With Migo Digital Backup 3 Premium, get easy, reliable, automatic and ...
The Tech For Less Advantage:
- Over 2 Million Satisfied Customers Since 2001
- All Items are Inspected by Experienced Technicians
- Includes Manufacturer Warranty
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
- Easy Returns
- Same Day Shipping
- Lowest Price Guarantee
Contact Us
1610 Garden of the Gods Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Sales: 1.866.880.1230
Operating Hours
Monday — Friday
Outlet Store:
8:30am to 5:30pm MT
Phone Inquiries:
8:00am to 5:30pm MT
Email Us
Sales/Product Questions
After Sales Support
Customer Service Request Form
Product was as described, shippping was prompt and I was happy that my present made my wife happy. All of it was ...
Rolf A. - May 26th 2016
Rolf A. - May 26th 2016
*The Compare At price is the lowest price we've recently found on the Web from another reputable merchant and can include a shipping cost.