text:
ISA, Beamex to host calibration workshop
The workshop will explore latest insights, trends and best practices for process plant technicians and engineers seeking to improve calibration quality, safety, accuracy and efficiency.
The International Society of Automation and its calibration partner, Beamex Inc., have scheduled their Calibration Best Practices: Interactive Workshop for Thursday, Aug. 18, at Space Center Houston, gateway to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
The jointly sponsored workshop will explore the latest insights, trends and best practices for process plant technicians and engineers seeking to improve calibration quality, safety, accuracy and efficiency. Instructors will discuss day-to-day challenges and how best to solve them through new and innovative strategies and advances in calibration technology—all designed to save time while achieving quality metrics and improving safety.
Workshop participants will benefit from a highly interactive…
We need a standard for stating measurement accuracy
2016 Readers' Choice Awards
Online resources: Optimize calibration
Beamex teams up with Mark Draghicescu Racing
Ask the Experts: Valve characteristics, flow of sandy condensate
A reader asks for expert advice when selecting valve flow characteristics.
This column is moderated by Béla Lipták, automation and safety consultant and editor of the Instrument and Automation Engineers' Handbook (IAEH). If you have an automation-related question for this column, write to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Experts weigh in on distillation plant measurement problems
Storage terminal solves expensive metering problem
How a phosphate plant uses ultrasound metering to improve safety and production
Bela Liptak and his crew tell how to resolve difficulties with measuring column differential pressure and flows of flare and natural gas.
I always use your valuable books in my field as a control & instrumentation engineer. I have three questions, and if you could help me it will be so appreciated:
1) Installation differential pressure transmitters on tall towers (inlet…
Aplus Finetek Sensor Inc. offers a reliable multipoint liquid level switch
The SC series tuning fork level switch from Aplus Finetek Sensor Inc. requires no calibration
Digital signals support low-maintenance approach to differential pressure measurement
Endress+Hauser commissioning wizard: Guided, interactive, simple
Our readers tell us who they think delivers the best technology in our industry
There's knowledge in our readers. That's why every year we ask our loyal audience to help us determine which automation service providers offer the best products and brands they can rely on to get the best combination of performance, ease of use,…
'Working Monitor' Regulator Solves Pressure Problems
Online resources to help you understand pressure instruments better
Pressure transmitters meet new challenges
Daisy Data Displays' X-Purge control gets redesigned
Thin-film RTDs offer fast response, streamline calibration
Compact size and clever design of resistance temperature detectors improve OEE in sterilization applications.
Thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors each have application areas where they excel, but none of the available versions seemed to work at a yogurt ingredient factory in Denmark. Fortunately, recent developments in thin-film technology, advanced…
Endress+Hauser iTemp TMT82: Reliable, accurate, SIL 2/3 certified
Keeping tabs on temperature resources
Meggitt offers HART-enabled vibration sensors
Meggitt's PCH420V vibration sensor has a programmable transmitter that allows vibration data to be accessed by HART enabled process controllers.
Meggitt's PCH420V is the first HART®-enabled piezo-electric vibration sensor enabling continuous online monitoring of balance-of-plant assets with a digital connection to PLC or DCS systems for local analysis of multiple vibration bands. They are capable of installation in multi-drop configurations and reduce wiring requirements. HART functionality enables the user to specify vibration frequency bands, detector types and full-scale measurement ranges—effectively enabling field-configuration for specific monitoring requirements.
PCH420 sensors are powered by the network for continuous coverage, unlike wireless solutions only offering snapshots of asset performance and employing batteries that require frequent replacement. Utilizing PCH…
Designing and testing networking devices for harsh environments
Meggitt provides HART-enabled piezo-electric vibration sensors
Level Field
Quickly Test Load Cell Systems
The Care and Feeding of your Weigh Cells
Industrial Safety Disasters: Not Again-Again and Again
Making Accurate Batches
10 analyzer resource guides you need to know about
Here are 10 online resources to help you understand analyzers, their limitations and advances.
This 45-minute video, "Continuous Gas Analyzers," was presented at the Siemens Industry 2013 event. The presentation covers analyzers, sample systems, sample points, defining requirements and budgets, and understanding overall…
Statistical process control: How to quantify product quality
How to simplify analyzer installation
Data analysis is only as beneficial as the process and equipment it improves
Fine points of compressor surge control
Compressor damage and costly production outages can be prevented by attention to surge curves, control strategies and valve response.
Greg: I learned early in my career that compressor surge is the fastest phenomenon that occurs in process industries around turbomachinery, and with the most disastrous consequences. We had huge axial air compressors whose acceleration upon surge…
Cascade tuning recommendations for starting tuning values
Online Resources: Loop Control Systems
A revolution is stirring in the process control world
The Open Group's Future Airborne Capability Environment Consortium's marching orders sound like an ideal arsenal for a process control revolution.
As the U.S. presidential campaign season progresses through the primaries, it seems that more than a few people are ready for serious change in how government is done. The boundless barrage of rhetoric and vitriol has grabbed much of our attention,…
Reader Feedback: Fresh approach needed for plant and process improvement
NovaTech's DCS has been remixed for millennials
ExxonMobil picks Lockheed Martin to develop open, secure DCS
DCS future to be inspired by aerospace industry
How history, principles and standards led to the safety PLC
Today's safety instrumented systems (SIS) increasingly rely on programmable logic solvers to protect lives, property and the environment.
The process industries often deal with large quantities of flammable, explosive and hazardous chemicals, and they have a long history of incidents resulting in lost lives, lasting injuries and environmental as well as property damage. Experiences…
Wago's compact, powerful PLC can stand alone
CSIA gives Morley first lifetime achievement award
PLCs and DCS to become obsolete when safety moves to the cloud
Benefits of measuring and monitoring energy flows
The most significant reductions are discovered by measuring and monitoring energy flows.
Founded in 1979 to help building owners and managers reduce energy costs, Holmes AutoPilot spent the first several years working in non-industrial facilities including schools, churches, libraries, office buildings, pools, ice arenas and shopping…
New standards coming for cybersecurity of critical infrastructure
Here's how SCADA provides wellhead awareness
Death of the DCS
Model-less multivariable control in practice
Eliminating the model offers the advantages of model-based control without the headaches.
A steady stream of articles since 2004 have cast light on the performance and ownership challenges of model-based, multivariable predictive control (MPC) from a practical operations-oriented perspective1. This body of work has led to the idea of…
Take the path to model-less multivariable control
How to simulate wireless control
Real-Time Control for Optimization Goes Beyond Energy Saving
Working with IoT is not as easy as it sounds
Avoiding the Internet of spam still requires human intelligence
Online resources: PLCs and industrial computers
Software development: Every company's next core competence
Resource Guide: Drives and motors turn up value
Our monthly resource guide is compiled by Executive Editor Jim Montague. This month, we explore getting the most from drives and motors.
"Drives 101: Basic Features of AC Drives" is a 38-minute video, originally presented at…
Product RoundUp: Motors and drives refuse to stand still
Why not more sophisticated capabilities for motors and drives
Robot pilots? Improving level detection reliability
How to specify valves and positioners that don't compromise control
Valve demand to pass $98 billion
Why and how to establish installed valve flow characteristics
Azbil announces Smart ESD* Device for SIS applications
Reader feedback: How large does an actuator have to be to handle actual process conditions?
New Valve Actuators Address Both Ends of Torque Spectrum
All About Actuators, Positioners
Valves, Actuators, Positioners - the Good Stuff
Motors and drives: Driving forces
Motors and Drives: Process Automation Driving Forces
How HMIs are delivering more detailed and accurate data
Human-machine interfaces keep perfecting ways to deliver and display more detailed and accurate data in more varied formats and environments.
Just as sensors and I/O provide process data for analysis and control, plant-floor HMIs deliver information needed for informed, efficient and safer choices. Additionally, just as microprocessors, software and the Internet will always need to…
How process controls revive beer and history
Ignition software sparks flexible, affordable SCADA
Clear and rapid presentation key for leading operator interface trends
To help keep up with the newest trends, we've compiled this special report highlighting the past year's operator interface developments.
Today's leading trends in operator interface, human-machine interface (HMI) design and engineering center around presenting more information, presenting the right information at the right time and presenting it clearly and rapidly.
These trends…
Users chime in on benefits of operator training simulators
NovaTech upgrades PET plant in less than one week
Is artificial intelligence dangerous?
A lasting plan for managing alarms
Wanted: Better designed systems for operators
Connecting All Instruments to IIoT Seems Ideal, Smart and Practical, but Is It Really?
Siemens Brings Automation Education Event to Los Angeles
How Smart Can You Get? The Newest in Data Recorders
Data Acquisition Must-Haves
The Latest Data Acquisition Tools
Data Acquisition and Logging Gets on Track
IIoT developers start delivering better process data
Success stories coming in as IT technologists zero in on the problems and applications of industrial facilities.
Twenty-five years ago, companies would never trust their hardcore industrial processes to desktop PC hardware and operating systems, or trust them to an online bookseller, search engine startup or light bulb maker. However, business models change,…
Data analytics still need the human touch
Make sure you can trust your diagnostic measuring tools
Resources Guide: make sure intrinsic safety doesn't blow it
Our Control Monthly Resource Guide brings you the latest online resources on a variety of process control topics.
Our monthly resource guide is compiled by Executive Editor Jim Montague. This month, we focus on your online needs for intrinsic safety.
The classic "AN9003—A User's Guide to Intrinsic Safety" is a 20-page…
Process safety would be better if it had strong regulations as German beers do
How to do wireless for safety systems
Closing the loop on process safety
OPC UA on the rise from Unified Architecture to Universal Application
Recent developments show the OPC Foundation is making rapid progress toward fulfilling its original vision of eliminating multiple gateways. Everywhere.
Control readers will be familiar with OPC and the current version of that communication protocol, Unified Architecture (UA). However, as we will see, OPC is doing what it can to become the Universal Application as an engine of the much discussed…
Let's use smarter things to make plants run safer and better
Navigating the fastest developing technologies in process automation
WirelessHART continues explosive growth
Pepperl+Fuchs FDH-1: Universal Tool for Mobile Fieldbus Diagnostics
WIA-PA and WIA-FA to be added to IEC wireless standards
Chinese committee introduces two new wireless standards designed specifically for process and factory automation.
I'm sure readers of this column are familiar with the wireless sensor network standards, WirelessHART and ISA100.11a. However, the Chinese national committee to IEC has also introduced two additional standards: WIA-PA for Process Automation,…
Standardization coming for wireless sensor power sources
Nominate your plant to win the FieldComm Group Plant of the Year Award
Ethernet changes process automation plant floors
There are advantages to one unified protocol for Ethernet
Everyone could communicate and interoperate on the same Ethernet network, but only if enough major and regular customers demand a mixed network.
Well, I was chugging along researching this issue's cover article, "Alive and growing," about how industrial Ethernet is basically taking over plant floors and process applications, when I hit a snag. Of course, Ethernet is saving cable, digitizing…
ExxonMobil commits to thinking differently with electrical integration, configurable I/O
New approaches to automation include electrical integration and configurable I/O. What prompted ExxonMobil to start thinking and doing things differently? Sandy Vasser, I&E manager at ExxonMobil, explains the transition.
Think before you act. Several years ago, ExxonMobil began its journey to act differently, trying to find ways to improve success. However, acting differently requires the ability first to think differently, and that is a significant change.
The Great (DCS) migration project at Emerald Kalama Chemical
Programmable I/O can be a multitasking master
Opto 22 adds mobility to operator interfaces with groov Action Plan
Mobile trends in industrial automation
Smart Industry conference promises real-life approach to IIoT
Intelligent parking drone named winner of Siemens' first Mobility IDEA Contest
Back to school time: All you need to know about power supply
Do you need a course refresher on power supplies? We have you covered.
"Programmable DC Power Supply and Precision DC Source" tutorials include definitions, applications and power-supply fundamentals, such as load considerations and line and load regulation. They provide tips for using a programmable DC power supply to build the most accurate test system. National Instruments
Hosted by Sydney-based electronics design engineer David Jones, EEVblog and its YouTube channel have videos on everything from building to tearing down power supplies in an eight-part series on lab supply design. Watch the videos here.www.eevblog.com
The Power Supply Technology subsite in the Applications & Technologies section at Mouser…
Process and power/electrical controls merging into unified systems
Why can't your power source for wireless communication be as simple as a D-cell battery?
Advantages and disadvantages of using ac line reactors and dc link reactors
State of Technology Report: I/O Systems
Open systems threaten smooth migrations
How Chemetall upgraded its manual process to one with integrated IT infrastructure
Lockheed Martin wins next-generation refining and chemical facility automation system contract from ExxonMobil
ISA, CSIA to offer online project management course
ISA and CSIA now offer system integrators a web-based project management course.
The International Society of Automation and the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) agreed Jan. 20 to provide a web-based project management course for system integrators.
"Project Management for Automation and Control System Integration" (MT08W) will be taught live online by an ISA expert during four sessions spread over two consecutive weeks. The course will cover all aspects of project management phases, functions, responsibilities, techniques and tools. The course will debut in March with four-hour sessions taught on March 8, 10, 15 and 17. Another offering is planned for fall 2016. Description and registration information is at ISA's website.
CSIA conference set for April 19-22
In other news, CSIA will hold its 2016…
Where were the water treatment and quality experts before Flint's water disaster?
Food & Beverage Forum: Customer is king
Things to do and not to do in project execution
Batch control blasts off
Fueled by the transferable ANSI/ISA-88 standard and streamlined by software, batch control is reaching escape velocity in its traditional processes, and migrating to new worlds of applications.
Julius Caesar usually gets the credit for "divide and conquer," but there's evidence he was just the most famous in a long line of ancient rulers to use it. That's the way with any great idea—everybody wants to make it work for them. Of course,…
Virtualization key enabler of Kao modernization
Chemical plants streamline distributed controls
How FactoryTalk software provided the vision Scotts Company needed to grow
Monin flavors western hemisphere with FactoryTalk Batch
We know many of the problems that compromise productivity; now we have the technology and can afford to take care of them.
Finally, a WiFi-enabled smart toaster. Where was this gadget back when I could eat a full loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread toast without gaining a pound? My old-school toaster dates from the 1980s — older than most of the instruments where I work —…
Schneider Electric forms software agreement with BP
How energy audits upgrades can boost profits at industrial facilities
The ins and outs of safety instrumented systems—part 2
The ins and outs of safety instrumented systems—part 1
Neural nets improve flame detection
Underwriters Laboratories launches cybersecurity program
Understanding cybersecurity for operational technology
Siemens opens three cybersecurity centers
Genpak plant roof collapses as staff evacuate building
How to secure your industrial networks
Physical safety, cybersecurity can't be separated
Airport Kabuki and Functional Security
How systematic enclosure design optimizes field instrumentation performance
Specifying an enclosure for sensitive field-based control and instrumentation equipment is not a trivial task.
When designing or configuring enclosure protection for sensitive field-based equipment, it pays to consider the entire system—including the enclosure material, its insulation and heat transfer characteristics—rather than focusing simply on…
Panel modification centers opening
Pentair improves panel integrators efficiencies


text:
Questions or Comments
Contact Us 24 Hours a Day
For email@example.com or if you would like more information about any of our services or products, click "send email" below.
24 Hour Tele Banking270.651.3509
Call us at
or toll free at 888.651.7466 or 888.333.8741
Complaints about, or requests for information related to your home mortgage loan must be submitted in writing to:
South Central Bank, Loan Servicing Center
P.O. Box 2367
Glasgow, KY 42142.
Please include your name, loan number, and details of the alleged error or requested information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Why should calories be of concern?
Last week, federal health officials issued a report saying that Americans got 11 percent of the calories in their diets came from fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King and Pizza Hut. With all the health risks associated with fast food and obesity, this new study could hardly be considered good news.
In addition to making me pass up Little Caesars for a home-cooked meal, this report also left me wondering about calories. I mean, we spend an awful lot of time talking about them, tracking them, avoiding them and, of course, feeling guilty when we consume too many of them. But what, exactly, are calories and what do they have to do with food?
Dr. Prescott prescribes
Most of us associate calories with food, but the calorie is actually a measure of heat energy. You know how your car generates heat — energy — by burning gasoline? Well, our bodies generate energy by burning food, and calories are the way we measure how much "fuel" a particular item on our plate can provide.
A food calorie (technically, a kilocalorie) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius. To figure out how many calories something possesses, scientists use a device known as a bomb calorimeter. They place a sample inside the device, use a small electric charge — the "bomb" — to ignite it, then see how much the water in a neighboring chamber heats up.
Lots of things that we'd never dream of putting in our mouths possess calories. For example, if our bodies could digest gasoline, a gallon would be worth about 31,000 food calories. That's about the same as 50 Big Macs. But when doctors and nutritionists talk about calories, they mean the ones generated by substances that our bodies actually can use to fuel our muscles and organs.
Of the foods we eat, fat is the richest source of energy, possessing nine calories in each gram. Protein and carbohydrates each have four calories per gram, while soluble fiber has about two calories per gram. For those among us who like a drink now and then, every gram of (undiluted) alcohol holds seven calories.
How does it all add up? While energy needs vary depending on age, body size and activity level, most of us require about 2,000 calories a day to go about our business.
Unlike cars, though, when we put extra fuel into our tanks, it just doesn't spill out onto the ground. Instead, our bodies convert that excess to fat. And it adds up quickly: Every 3,600 calories you pack away means another pound on your belly. Or elsewhere.
The key to keeping weight off is to limit the amount of calories you take in to the amount you burn off. Sounds easy enough, right? Just remind me of that next time I'm staring down a nice rib-eye at Red Prime. I might end up eating my words.
Prescott, a physician and medical researcher, is president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Cohen is a marathoner and OMRF's senior vice president and general counsel.


text:
All | Editorial | General Tech | Graphics Cards | Networking | Motherboards | Cases and Cooling | Processors | Chipsets | Memory | Displays | Systems | Storage | Mobile | Shows and Expos
Micron no longer has NVMe envy
Subject: General Tech | April 14, 2016 - 04:28 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Ryan's Law, NVMe, micron
Micron has announced their own PCIe 3.0 NVMe devices today, in HHHL, M.2 and 2.5" form factors. The specifications are a little sparse at the moment, we do not know the flash which resides within the devices nor the endurance differences between the 7100 PRO series which is designed for read heavy scenarios or the 7100 MAX which is for mixed usage. In addition to the 7100 series, they also announced the 9100 series which ranges in size from 800GB up to 3.2TB and has theoretical sequential reads of 3GB/s and writes of 2GB/s. The Register was not provided with any specific pricing but Micron suggested the 7100 series could be priced similarly to SATA drives, while the 9100 series will obviously lie outside the boundaries of Ryan's Law.
You should also take a look at the information Al gathered while he was at the product launch.
"These NVMe SSDs complement Micron's existing S600DC SAS SSDs, which are now shipping in volume. The 7100 is the smaller product and the 9100 its big brother. Both have a PCIe gen 3 NVMe interface, which is faster than the 12 Gbit/s SAS interface used by the S600DC flash drives."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- DOOM Open Beta @ Steam
- Blizzard knocked over by Lizard DDoS snowstorm @ The Inquirer
- Chrome 50 marks the end of support for Windows XP, Vista and old OS X versions @ The Inquirer
- Our First Look At The STOM Spectrum i100 @ TechARP
- Facebook open-sources city-wide WiGig internet comms, phone masts @ The Register
- iOS 'date bug' can be exploited over Wi-Fi using NTP @ The Register
- Tell us about your worst data disaster to win a Macrium Reflect key @ The Tech Report
ASUS Announces a Trio of Adaptive-Sync Gaming Monitors
Subject: Displays | April 14, 2016 - 04:13 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: Republic of Gamers, mg28uq, mg24uq, MG248Q, ASUS ROG, asus, adaptive sync
ASUS has announced three new monitors from their Republic of Gamers division, all of which feature Adaptive-Sync variable refresh rate displays.
The monitors include a 28-inch model (MG28UQ), and a pair of 24-inch displays (MG248Q, MG24UQ). Looking first at the MG28UQ, which is a 28-inch, UHD/4K (3840x2160) display featuring a 1ms response time. Inputs include DisplayPort (1.2), one HDMI 2.0, and two HDMI 1.4 ports.
One of the 24-inch displays, the MG24UQ, is also UHD/4K but features an IPS display (and consequently loses the 1ms response time of the 28-inch version).
Finally there is the 24-inch MG248Q, which offers a high 144 Hz refresh rate and 1ms response from its TN panel, but this model offers only FHD (1920x1080) resolution - though still adequate for gaming (especially at higher detail settings) depending on your preferences.
As far as availability goes, ASUS states "ASUS MG28UQ and MG24UQ are available immediately worldwide. MG248Q will be available in April 2016", though pricing was not announced.
SanDisk's X400 series brings security as well as a more efficient controller
Subject: Storage | April 13, 2016 - 09:18 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: sandisk, x400, tlc, M.2 SATA, 88SS1074-BSW2
SanDisk have updated their SSD lineup with the X400 family, available in sizes of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB all of which are available in 2.5" and M.2 form factors. They have continued their tradition of adding a small SLC flash cache to the drive, with the majority of storage being TLC. Inside you will find Marvell's 88SS1074-BSW2 four channel controller and 256MB of DDR3L-1600 and as you can see, a lot of extra space. SanDisk also united their SSDs lines in the 400, with 256-bit AES on these drives there is unlikely to be a new generation of the 300s. Check out KitGuru for the full performance numbers of this consumer level SSD.
"The X400 family features SanDisk's 6th generation 15nm Triple Level Cell TLC NAND and just like the previous X300 uses SanDisk's nCache technology where some of the NAND runs in SLC mode to bolster performance."
Here are some more Storage reviews from around the web:
- Mushkin TRIACTOR 480GB SSD Review @ NikKTech
- ADATA XPG SX930 240GB @ Modders-Inc
- Synology DiskStation DS716+ NAS Review @ OCC
- WD My Cloud EX4 8TB NAS Server Review @ NikKTech
The Creative Assembly tries a different take on DLC for Total War: Warhammer
Subject: Editorial, General Tech | April 13, 2016 - 05:57 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: creative assembly, warhammer fantasy, total war, dlc, gaming
After committing the double sin of pimping preorders and Day 1 DLC announced before the release date, The Creative Assembly seems to be trying to win back some of their fans by offering free new content for all some time down the road. There will be new Legendary Lords, magic items, quest chains, and units and towards the end of the year. If you want to play as Chaos you will still have to preorder the game or pay for it after release.
The offer of free content is appreciated, apart from one small problem; the game's release date is still over a month away. The offer of future free content seems to be a thinly veiled effort to increase the sales of preorders, since many of us have refused to take them up on their offer. Hopefully this is a hint that the industry is beginning to realize that publishing the actual game in full will draw more customers than releasing a partial game with DLC already planned.
Iceberg Interactive has a much better model, Endless Legends was released as planned and once they realized how popular the game was they put effort into adding entirely new features and races. Instead of taunting their customers with DLC announced at the same time as they released the game, they have treated it more as a reward for customer loyalty. Then again, perhaps their customers are the exception and The Creative Assembly's announcement will succeed in selling more copies of the game before the release date.
"Now, developers The Creative Assembly have released details of their post-release plans and that includes loads of free add-ons. There will be new Lords with their own quest chains, items and campaign bonuses, new magic, and, most intriguing of all, an entire new playable race."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Endless Legend Launches New Expansion, Holds Sale @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Death, Despair And Lovely Cutscenes: The Banner Saga 2 @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Titanfall 2 teaser trailer published by Respawn Entertainment @ HEXUS
- Hitman Review @ OCC
- Burly Men At Sea Offers Hyperstylised Folktales @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Everybody's Gone to the Rapture arrives on PC/Steam tomorrow @ HEXUS
- Wot I Think: Baldur's Gate: Siege Of Dragonspear @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Dark Souls 3 review @ Polygon
Software defined USB may help save your devices
Subject: General Tech | April 13, 2016 - 04:59 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: usb type-c
The USB Implementers Forum, in charge of developing the standards for USB interfaces have developed software which can confirm the authenticity of a USB device or USB charger before allowing power to pass over the connection. This is intended to prevent the death of another Pixel, or any other device which might charge over a Type C connection thanks to a dodgy cable. It is not yet released but was written with the intention enabling it to be distributed as a patch to your OS as it was designed with a proper signature and certificate to ensure it is not easy to tamper with. The Register has more on this story as well as information on Google's WebUSB protocol which will allow a connected USB device to communicate with connected networks.
"The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has announced the "USB Type-C Authentication specification", a set of software-defined rules that a device can use to protect itself from potential sizzlage."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- The Battle Between LTE and Wi-Fi May Have Left LTE-U Out In the Cold @ Slashdot
- Best smartphones 2016: iPhone SE, Huawei P9, Galaxy S7 Edge and more @ The Inquirer
- Security researcher to IBM: 'Fix that 2013 Java bug' @ The Register
- Security is the biggest bug of open source, says Linux Foundation CTO @ The Inquirer
- Our First Look At The STOM PC Stick @ TechARP
- How to not get pwned on Windows: Don't run any virtual machines, open any web pages, Office docs, hyperlinks ... @ The Register
- Linux Kernel 4.5 Gets Its First Point Release, Receives Hundreds of Improvements @ Linux.com
PS4 Remote Play Now Available On PCs and Macs With 3.50 Firmware Update
Subject: General Tech | April 13, 2016 - 04:54 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: sony, remote play, PSN, ps4, playstation 4, game streaming
Sony is rolling out a new firmware update for its PlayStation 4 gaming console. The 3.50 firmware update adds social networking features to schedule events and allow users to appear offline along with a major change that opens up Remote Play to allow game streaming from the PS4 to Macs and Windows PCs.
Users should start receiving the console update shortly. In order to stream to PCs, users will need to download the Remote Play utility for Windows or OS X. PC system requirements are modest requiring a minimum of a dual core (4 thread) Intel Core i5 560M (2.67 GHz) and 2GB of RAM when running Windows. Mac users can get by with an even lower end i5 520M (2.4 GHz). Users will need to be running the 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows (8.1 or 10) or Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite or newer.
Sony recommends having a bare minimum of a 5Mbps symmetrical broadband internet connection in order to stream games to remote devices, and it recommends a connection with at least 12 Mbps download and upload speeds for the best results. Unfortunately, this rules out most DSL users, though they should still be able to play locally over their LAN. (It is not clear whether you can direct connect to the console to stream or if you have to go through a Sony server to stream, other remote play devices seem to be able to work only off of the LAN connection though so it should work.)
Sony makes it easy to play your games by supporting the DualShock 4 controller – users will simply need to plug it into the PC via USB cable and it will work as expected on PlayStation games. You will also need a Sony Entertainment Network account to pair devices and it is recommended to set the desired PS4 as your primary account. Specific setup instructions can be found here.
Streaming capabilities are currently limited as there is no support for streaming at 1080p resolution. Out of the box, Remote Play will stream at 540p and 30 FPS (frames per second). Users (preferably with wired devices including the PS4) can go into the settings and max it out at 720p and 60 FPS or dial it all the way down to 360p if you really need to play remotely over the internet with a small upload pipe.
Sony notes that not all games support Remote Play, but it seems like the majority of the console's catalog of games do.
There are several YouTube videos of users testing out Remote Play, and it does work. It seems to be a bit behind Xbox One streaming in the video quality and usability departments (e.g. no 1080p and you can't change resolution and frame rate on the fly). Hopefully Sony continues to flesh out the application and features.
Have you had a chance to try PS4 to PC game streaming? I'm now waiting for Microsoft to allow PC to Xbox One streaming hehe.
Thrustmaster Introduces Xbox One Compatible TMX Wheel
Subject: General Tech | April 12, 2016 - 06:33 PM | Josh Walrath
Tagged: Thrustmaster, TMX, T300, tx f458, force feedback, wheels, racing pedals, DiRT Rally, project cars, Assetto Corsa, xbox one
This ASUS GeForce GTX 980 Ti took the red pill
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 12, 2016 - 05:34 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: asus, 980 Ti, GTX 980 Ti MATRIX Platinum, DirectCU II
The ASUS GTX 980 Ti MATRIX Platinum comes with a mix of features including a memory defroster, as this card is designed with LN2 cooling in mind so we may see it appear in some of this years overclocking contests. It uses the older dual-fan DirectCU II, not the newer CU III version but the cards still remained around 60C under full load when [H]ard|OCP tested them. The one-press VBIOS reload is perfect if you run into issues overclocking, and this card will overclock as [H] hit 1266MHz Base/1367MHz Boost/1503MHz In-Game with VRAM at 8.2GHz. That overclocking potential as well as an asking price currently under MSRP helped this card win the Gold, see it surpass the MSI Lightning in the full review.
"Today we review the ASUS GTX 980 Ti MATRIX Platinum, a gaming enthusiast centered video card which boasts enthusiast air cooling and an enthusiast overclock on air cooling. This high-end video card features DirectCU II cooling, making it the perfect comparison to the MSI GTX 980 TI LIGHTNING in class, price, performance and cooling."
Here are some more Graphics Card articles from around the web:
- Gigabyte GTX 980 Ti XtremeGaming 6GB @ techPowerUp
- ASUS Radeon R9 Fury STRIX Graphics Card Review @ NikKTech
- AMD VR Performance featuring Sapphire @ Kitguru
T'is but a flesh wound! The PC market shrinks by about 10% this Q1
Subject: General Tech | April 12, 2016 - 04:41 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Lenovo, apple, asus, market share, doom
That rustling you hear outside your door is the press getting ready to once again predict the impending doom of the PC industry, ready with bon mots describing how the world, including statisticians, engineers and animation creators will be using tablets for their work from now on. As is always the case, these doomsayers are vastly overstating their case, though this is not to say there are some hurdles facing the PC industry as a whole.
Windows 10 has failed to drive consumers to update their hardware, for a variety of reasons obvious to everyone but Gartner, IDC and Microsoft's marketing team. Intel's latest offerings have not provided a solid reason for enthusiasts to upgrade their machines and AMD is worryingly quiet lately. This has lead to a fall in sales compared to this time last year of between 9.6-11.5% depending on which of the two sources The Inquirer quoted you choose to believe is more accurate.
Apple and ASUS are the only two companies showing growth and a 1% increase is nothing you should brag about, even if you are beating the competition. Even Lenovo is seeing their sales shrink, to the tune of roughly 10%. There is new hardware slated to arrive soon and the falling price of M.2 and PCIe SSDs may provide some impetus for enthusiasts to pick up a new motherboard at the very least, so hopefully we will see this trend begin to reverse itself before the end of the year.
"Gartner's report said that PC shipments reached 64.8 million units in the first quarter of 2016, while IDC offered the more pessimistic figure of 60.6 million. This represents a decline of 9.6 per cent or 11.5 percent, depending on which figure you go on."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Tesla Recalls 2,700 Model X Cars, Highlighting Risk of Massive Model 3 Rollout @ Slashdot
- Come in Microsoft SQL Server 2005, your time is up @ The Inquirer
- Windows 10 debuts Blue QR Code of Death – and why malware will love it @ The Register
- HTC 10 vs Galaxy S7 specs comparison @ The Inquirer
- You keep using that word – NVMe. Does it mean what I think it means? @ The Register
- Infected with Petya ransomware? This tool will rescue your data @ The Register
Micron and Intel Launch a Wave of Enterprise Storage Products
Subject: Storage | April 12, 2016 - 03:30 PM | Allyn Malventano
Tagged: vmware, ssd, S600DC, S3100, P3520, P3320, Nexenta, micron, Intel, D3700, D3600, Ceph, 9100, 7100, 5410s, 540s, 5400s
There has been a lot of recent shuffling about in the world of enterprise storage. I'm writing up this post from a Micron product launch event in Austin, Texas. Today they are launching a round of enterprise SSD products. These lines cover the full storage gamut from M.2 to U.2 to HHHL. While prior Micron SSDs were bottlenecked by AHCI and PCIe 2.0, these new lines are using Marvell controllers and are capable of PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds (plus NVMe).
The workhorse of the lineup is the 9100, which will be available in HHHL and U.2 2.5" 15mm form factors.
Lighter workloads are handled by the 7100 series, which is available in U.2 2.5" 7mm and M.2 22110. The slower serial bus remains covered by their S600DC SAS SSDs.
Micron is not the only company pushing further into this space. Less than two weeks ago, Intel ran their 'Cloud Day' event, where they launched a new Xeon CPU and a plethora of new SSDs, some of which were based on IMFT 3D NAND tech (SSD DC P3320). Intel also launched the client 540s and business 5400s product lines, which are based on Silicon Motion SM2256 controllers driving SK Hynix hybrid (SLC+TLC) flash. While these controllers and flash are coming from external sources, they must still pass Intel's rigorous qualification and compatibility validation testing, so failure rates should be kept to a minimum.
Another aspect of this Micron launch day is their push into the production of not only SSDs, but all-flash storage devices. Dubbed 'Micron Accelerated Solutions', these are devices built, serviced, and supported by Micron. They naturally contain Micron SSDs, but also draw on other vendors like Supermicro and Nexenta. The products range from VMware SANs, to Ceph solutions capable of 1 million IOPS and 140 Gbps, to software-defined storage. I'll be sitting through briefings and asking questions about these products when this post is set to go live, and I will update this space with any additional juicy tidbits once we wrap up for the day.
Apparently we are going to see consumer IMFT 3D TLC NAND *this month* in the form of a Crucial MX300!
...and in a couple of months we will see Crucial M.2 PCIe SSDs:
There was also some discussion on XPoint (spoken 'cross point') and where Micron sees this new storage being implemented. Expected to see scaled production in 2017 and 2018, XPoint is non-volatile (like flash) but extremely fast (like DRAM). There was not much said beyond generalities, but they did have a wafer, and you know I love die shots:
I was not permitted to get a better die shot of the wafer at this event, as the Micron rep specifically requested that journalists only use photos that were shot from stage distance. Fortunately, this was not the only event where I have photographed a XPoint wafer. Here is a photo I caught at a prior event:
**End update**
Here is a quick breakdown of the products launched by both Intel and Micron over the last two weeks:
- SSD DC P3520 and P3320
- First SSDs to use 256Gbit/die 32-layer IMFT 3D NAND.
- PCIe 3.0 x4 HHHL and 2.5" U.2
- SSD DC D3700 and D3600
- PCIe 3.0 x4 2.5" U.2 dual-port design.
- Dual-port means two hosts can access a single SSD through the use of a special backplane that merges the PCIe lanes from two separate systems into a single U.2 connector. This is a move for increased redundancy, as one system can fail and the same flash storage will still be available to the failover system.
- PCIe 3.0 x4 2.5" U.2 dual-port design.
- SATA 2.5" SLC+TLC hybrid for enterprise
- Intended for boot OS / caching / index storage duties
- SATA 2.5" SLC+TLC hybrid for enterprise
- SSD 540s and Pro 5400s
- Silicon Motion SM2256 + SK Hynix SLC+TLC hybrid flash
- Pro 5200s adds Intel vPro / OPAL 2.0 and Microsoft eDrive support
- SSD E 5400s and E 5410s
- Silicon Motion SM2256 + SK Hynix flash
- Small capacity M.2 2280 and 2.5" SATA
- 9100 PCIe SSD
- PCIe 3.0 x4 HHHL and 2.5" U.2 15mm
- Up to 3.2TB capacity
- 7100 PCIe SSD
- PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 22110 and 2.5" U.2 7mm
- Micron Accelerated Solutions
- VMware
- Supermicro
- Nexenta
That's a whole lot of flash related product launches in a very short period of time. I'm excited to see large pushes into the enterprise because that means we will see this tech trickle down to consumers and power users that much sooner!
The Micron NVMe press release was a bit light on details, so I've included their Accelerated Solutions release after the break.
Is there still a market for DIY watercooling kits? The Thermaltake Pacific RL240 surfaces
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 11, 2016 - 06:40 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Pacific RL24, thermaltake, watercooler
As you can see from the image, the Thermaltake Pacific RL240 Water Cooling Kit comes with some assembly required, it is not an AiO cooler. Since it is a full kit it will cost you much more than a self contained cooling apparatus, at $284 on both Amazon and Newegg many users will not be interested in installing this cooler. For those that are still curious, one of the benefits of the kit is that it contains everything you need, including the waterblock, reservoir and pump as well as the radiator and even coolant. Unfortunately [H]ard|OCP's testing revealed the performance to be moderate at best, so the price premium is hard to justify, as you can see in the full review.
"In a world now filled with All-In-One CPU coolers, Thermaltake takes it old school with a water cooling kit that has everything you need from A to Z. If cutting your hose to length and perfecting the layout and presentation of your cooling loop appeals to you, Thermaltake makes it easy with a one stop shop."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Gelid Antarctica Ultra-Quiet Tower @ eTeknix
- Rosewill B2 Spirit HPTX Full-Tower @ eTeknix
- Cooltek Jonsbo RM1 ATX Mini Tower Review @ NikKTech
- Noctua NH-D15S @ techPowerUp
The Priv has been flushed
Subject: General Tech | April 11, 2016 - 05:30 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Android, blackberry, Priv
Blackberry has abandoned the Priv, calling it somewhat of an expensive mistake not only because of the investment costs but also because it was priced well above what consumers are willing to pay for a phone. They will be developing a new Android device which is intended to sell at $400, in line with the competitions prices. This also seems to imply that the BB10 OS will no longer be actively developed at Blackberry although they have not stated that for the record. They also haven't disclosed how many Priv's were sold but considering what they told The Register and others it is likely to be well below what they had hoped. They aren't dead yet but they are certainly low on health.
"BlackBerry's CEO has used an interview with United Arab Emirates outlet The National to announce plans to move the troubled mobe-maker's Android efforts downscale."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Build Your Own GSM Base Station For Fun And Profit @ Hack a Day
- The Performance Of Ubuntu Software Running On Windows 10 With The New Linux Subsystem @ Phoronix
- What did the one Toshiba desktop SSD say to the other? Our cell size has shrunk @ The Register
- Sandberg USB Master Charger Pro Review @ NikKTech
AMD Radeon Crimson Edition drivers continue quality improvement
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 11, 2016 - 03:23 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: rtg, radeon technologies group, radeon, driver, crimson, amd
For longer than AMD would like to admit, Radeon drivers and software were often criticized for plaguing issues on performance, stability and features. As the graphics card market evolved and software became a critical part of the equation, that deficit affected AMD substantially.
In fact, despite the advantages that modern AMD Radeon parts typically have over GeForce options in terms of pure frame rate for your dollar, I recommended an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, 980 and 980 Ti for our three different VR Build Guides last month ($900, $1500, $2500) in large part due to confidence in NVIDIA's driver team to continue delivering updated drivers to provide excellent experiences for gamers.
But back in September of 2015 we started to see changes inside AMD. There was drastic reorganization of the company and those people in charge. AMD setup the Radeon Technologies Group, a new entity inside the organization that would have complete control over the graphics hardware and software directions. And it put one of the most respected people in the industry at its helm: Raja Koduri. On November 24th AMD launched Radeon Software Crimson, a totally new branding, style and implementation to control your Radeon GPU. I talked about it at the time, but the upgrade was noticeable; everything was faster, easier to find and…pretty.
Since then, AMD has rolled out several new drivers with key feature additions, improvements and of course, game performance increases. Thus far in 2016 the Radeon Technologies Group has released 7 new drivers, three of which have been WHQL certified. That is 100% more than they had during this same time last year when AMD released zero WHQL drivers and a big increase over the 1 TOTAL driver AMD released in Q1 of 2015.
Maybe most important of all, the team at Radeon Technologies Group claims to be putting a new emphasis on "day one" support for major PC titles. If implemented correctly, this gives enthusiasts and PC gamers that want to stay on the cutting edge of releases the ability to play optimized titles on the day of release. Getting updated drivers that fix bugs and improve performance weeks or months after release is great, but for gamers that may already be done with that game, the updates are worthless. AMD was guilty of this practice for years, having driver updates that would fix performance issues on Radeon hardware for reviewer testing but that missed the majority of the play time of early adopting consumers.
Thus far, AMD has only just started down this path. Newer games like Far Cry Primal, The Division, Hitman and Ashes of the Singularity all had drivers from AMD on or before release with performance improvements, CrossFire profiles or both. A few others were CLOSE to day one ready including Rise of the Tomb Raider, Plants vs Zombies 2 and Gears of War Ultimate Edition.
|Release Date
|First Driver Mention
|Driver Date
|Feature / Support
|Rise of the Tomb Raider
|Performance and CrossFire Profile
|Plants vs Zombies 2
|Gears Ultimate Edition
|Far Cry Primal
|CrossFire Profile
|The Division
|CrossFire Profile
|Performance, CrossFire Profile
|Need for Speed
|Performance, CrossFire Profile
|Ashes of the Singularity
AMD claims that the push for this "day one" experience will continue going forward, pointing at a 35% boost in performance in Quantum Break between Radeon Crimson 16.3.2 and 16.4.1. There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks and months to test AMD (and NVIDIA) on this "day one" focus with PC titles that will have support for DX12, UWP and VR.
The software team at RTG has also added quite a few interesting features since the release of the first Radeon Crimson driver. Support for the Vulkan API and a DX12 capability called Quick Response Queue, along with new additions to the Radeon settings (Per-game display scaling, CrossFire status indicator, power efficiency toggle, etc.) are just a few.
Critical for consumers that were buying into VR, the Radeon Crimson drivers launched with support alongside the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Both of these new virtual reality systems are putting significant strain on the GPU of modern PCs and properly implementing support for techniques like timewarp is crucial to enabling a good user experience. Though Oculus and HTC / Valve were using NVIDIA based systems more or less exclusively during our time at the Game Developers Summit last month, AMD still has approved platforms and software from both vendors. In fact, in a recent change to the HTC Vive minimum specifications, Valve retroactively added the Radeon R9 280 to the list, giving a slight edge in component pricing to AMD.
AMD was also the first to enable full support for external graphics solutions like the Razer Core external enclosure in its drivers with XConnect. We wrote about that release in early March, and I'm eager to get my hands on a product combo to give it a shot. As of this writing and after talking with Razer, NVIDIA had still not fully implemented external GPU functionality for hot/live device removal.
When looking for some acceptance metric, AMD did point us to a survey they ran to measure the approval and satisfaction of Crimson. After 1700+ submission, the score customers gave them was a 4.4 out of 5.0 - pretty significant praise even coming from AMD customers. We don't exactly how the poll was run or in what location it was posted, but the Crimson driver release has definitely improved the perception that Radeon drivers have with many enthusiasts.
I'm not going to sit here and try to impart on everyone that AMD is absolved of past sins and we should immediately be converted into believers. What I can say is that the Radeon Technologies Group is moving in the right direction, down a path that shows a change in leadership and a change in mindset. I talked in September about the respect I had for Raja Koduri and interviewed him after AMD's Capsaicin event at GDC; you can already start to see the changes he is making inside this division. He has put a priority on software, not just on making it look pretty, but promising to make good on proper multi-GPU support, improved timeliness of releases and innovative features. AMD and RTG still have a ways to go before they can unwind years of negativity, but the ground work is there.
The company and every team member has a sizeable task ahead of them as we approach the summer. The Radeon Technologies Group will depend on the Polaris architecture and its products to swing back the pendulum against NVIDIA, gaining market share, mind share and respect. From what we have seen, Polaris looks impressive and differentiates from Hawaii and Fiji fairly dramatically. But this product was already well baked before Raja got total control and we might have to see another generation pass before the portfolio of GPUs can change around the institution. NVIDIA isn't sitting idle and the Pascal architecture also promises improved performance, while leaning on the work and investment in software and drivers that have gotten them to the dominant market leader position they are in today.
I'm looking forward to working with AMD throughout 2016 on what promises to be an exciting and market-shifting time period.
NVIDIA Releases 364.91 Beta Drivers for Developers
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 11, 2016 - 01:04 AM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: nvidia, vulkan, graphics drivers
This is not a main-line, WHQL driver. This is not even a mainstream beta driver. The beta GeForce 364.91 drivers (364.16 on Linux) are only available on the NVIDIA developer website, which, yes, is publicly accessible, but should probably not be installed unless you are intending to write software and every day counts. Also, some who have installed it claim that certain Vulkan demos stop working. I'm not sure whether that means the demo is out-of-date due to a rare conformance ambiguity, the driver has bugs, or the reports themselves are simply unreliable.
That said, if you are a software developer, and you don't mind rolling back if things go awry, you can check out the new version at NVIDIA's website. It updates Vulkan to 1.0.8, which is just documentation bugs and conformance tweaks. These things happen over time. In fact, the initial Vulkan release was actually Vulkan 1.0.3, if I remember correctly.
The driver also addresses issues with Vulkan and NVIDIA Optimus technologies, which is interesting. Optimus controls which GPU acts as primary in a laptop, switching between the discrete NVIDIA one and the Intel integrated one, depending on load and power. Vulkan and DirectX 12, however, expose all GPUs to the system. I'm curious how NVIDIA knows whether to sleep one or the other, and what that would look like to software that enumerates all compatible devices. Would it omit listing one of the GPUs? Or would it allow the software to wake the system out of Optimus should it want more performance?
Anywho, the driver is available now, but you probably should wait for official releases. The interesting thing is this seems to mean that NVIDIA will continue to release non-public Vulkan drivers. Hmm.
Lian Li Debuts SFX-L PE-550 and PE-750 SFF Power Supplies
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 8, 2016 - 11:23 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: small form factor, SFX-L, SFX, PSU, power supply, Lian Li
Lian Li has (rather unexpectedly) announced a pair of SFX-L power supplies, with the PE-550 and PE-750 small form-factor PSUs.
Lian Li PE-750 SFX-L power supply
SFX-L is the slightly longer (hence the "L") version of SFX, and permits more powerful designs and larger, quieter fans than standard SFX. Of the two new models from Lian Li the PE-550 is an 80 Plus Gold PSU rated at 550W, and the PE-750 is an 80 Plus Platinum model boasting a whopping 750W from this tiny form-factor.
Lian Li has doubtless contracted the manufacture of these PSUs, as the post on SFF Network has concluded: "The 550W at least is from Enhance according to the UL number and the possibly the 750W based on the heatsink design."
Lian Li PE-550 SFX-L power supply
The 750W model now bests SilverStone in the SFX power category, eclipsing their 700W SFX-L model shown at CES this year (and which is still not listed on their site). Just why anyone would need 750W for what would presumably be a mini-ITX system (limited as mITX motherboards are, with only one PCI Express x16 slot); but the benefits of SFX are certainly appreciated the moment one begins working inside of an enclosure such as the NCASE M1.
The PSUs are fully modular with flat, ribbon style cables (PE-750 pictured)
Particulars as the pricing/availability were not yet known at press time. For full specs check out the links for Lian Li's product pages for the PE-550 and PE-750.
The GIGABYTE Z170X Gaming 6 sells at a very appropriate price
Subject: Motherboards | April 8, 2016 - 09:27 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: gigabyte, Z170X Gaming 6, Intel, Z170
At this moment the Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 6 costs $170 on Amazon, which gets you support for dual SLI or triple Crossfire, a Killer NIC E2200, a pair of M.2 slots, three SEx ports and even a Type-C USB 3.1 port in amongst other USB, A/V out and SATA connections. [H]ard|OCP tested the performance of this board and found the overclocking potential to be somewhat disappointing, although possible with some effort. After dealing with BIOS issues and some very warm MOSFETs one reviewer settled on running an i7 6700 @ 4.6GHz (100x46) and DDR4 set at 2666MHz. In the end this board is a good value for someone who wants a wide variety of features and is either disinclined to overclock or who is willing to put effort into tweaking the UEFI to acheive a decent overclock.
"GIGABYTE is back with its $165 Z170X Gaming 6 motherboard today. It's a full featured motherboard that won't break the bank and has a lot to offer. While many enthusiasts need what is considered high end, there are a lot of enthusiasts just looking for something that will get the job done with a few extra bells and whistles."
Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:
- MSI Z170A SLI Plus @ Kitguru
- ASUS Sabertooth Z170 S @ eTeknix
- MSI Z170A Gaming Pro Carbon @ Modders-Inc
- ASRock Z170 Extreme4+ @ Hardware Canucks
- Gigabyte Z170-Gaming K3 @ eTeknix
Corsair's Angular Carbide SPEC-ALPHA Enclosure Released
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 8, 2016 - 07:09 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: mid-tower, enclosure, corsair, case, Carbide SPEC-ALPHA, atx case
Corsair has officially released the Carbide SPEC-ALPHA case they were showing off at CES 2016, and this mid-tower is a striking design that offers an alternative to more traditional look of the company's recent Carbide offerings.
The White/Red SPEC-ALPHA at CES
"With its modern, angular appearance, the SPEC-ALPHA really stands out in a crowd. But its looks aren't all that are modern – the SPEC-ALPHA features native USB 3.0 support, room for up to four SSDs, and a three-speed fan controller for the three included 120mm fans. A large window shows off internal components and the Direct Airflow Path layout, which provides superior cooling by getting rid of unnecessary drive bays."
The inclusion of a 3-speed fan control is definately welcome at this price, which is an attractive $79.99 MSRP. We'll have to wait until we get one in to test to see how it performs, but at first glance it looks promising. Doubtless the look won't be for everyone, but if you look at a lot of enclosures (like someone I know) unusual designs are always welcome!
Inside the Black/Red version
Technical specifications from Corsair:
- Expansion Slots: 7
- 5.25" Drive bays: N/A
- 3.5" Hard Drive Bays: 3
- 2.5" Drive Bays: 4
- Cooling Layout:
- Front: 2 x 120mm (2 x 120mm LED included)
- Top: 2 x 120mm
- Rear: 1 x 120mm (included)
- Radiator Compatibility:
- 240mm: Front only
- 120mm: Front, or Rear
- Integrated dust filters for front and bottom intakes
- Front I/O Panel includes:
- USB 3.0 port (x2)
- Three-Speed Fan Controller
- Headphone and Microphone jacks
- Power on and Reset buttons
- Dimensions (LxWxH) 518 x 220 x 474 mm (20.39 x 8.66 x 18.66 inches)
- Maximum GPU Length: 380 mm
- Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 156 mm
- Maximum PSU Length: 190 mm
- 2 Year Warranty
(Image credit: Corsair)
As stated above the Carbide SPEC-ALPHA retails for $79.99 and is available now.
Other PSU companies hate them; Corsair's one weird trick to get you from a 7 to a 10
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 8, 2016 - 06:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Warranty, PSU, corsair
If you are using a Corsair AXi, HXi, RMi Series or RMx Series PSU they have some great news for you today. The 7 year warranty that you used to have has now been increased to a full decade of protection against product defects the in materials or workmanship. It still won't help you if a snake decides to make a home in your PSU but for any failures caused because of design problems will be covered. You can see the full details of the warranty over at Corsair's site.
You can read the full PR here.
Oh, we like this; Edge will now pause some Flash content
Subject: General Tech | April 8, 2016 - 05:21 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: flash, microsoft, edge, windows 10
The new insider build of Windows 10 includes a new feature on Edge, similar to the one already found on Chrome, it will pause Flash assets on webpages which are not the main content. This should mean far less annoying advertisements blaring from your speakers if you happen to visit an uncouth website which features that type of advertisement. It is also a step in the right direction for security, considering Adobe has posted yet another critical update for a gaping security hole in Flash. You can follow the links from Slashdot to grab the update if you wish, or delve into the morass of comments about this update.
"Microsoft Edge will "intelligently auto-pause" Flash content that is "not central to the webpage." If you want to try this out now, you can take the feature for a spin with Windows 10 build 14316, which was recently made available to Windows Insiders"
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Adobe issues another Flash patch following Windows 10 ransomware threat @ The Inquirer
- Microsoft rethinks the Windows application platform one more time @ The Register
- What to Know before Using Windows 10's New Linux System @ Linux.com
- Asustek reduces demand for Intel-developed smartphone platforms @ DigiTimes
- OPPO F1 Plus Smartphone First Look @ TechARP
- Mumblehard spam-spewing botnet floored @ The Register
- Managing infrastructure, a newbie's guide: Simple stuff you need to know @ The Register
You know you want it, Little Tikes kidBoard
Subject: General Tech | April 7, 2016 - 09:44 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Little Tikes, kidBoard, input
Look at that colour scheme, LEDs would just ruin the beautiful clash of blue, red and purple on the yellow background. Clicky keys? You bet this thing clicks, so much better than any mere Cherry MX keyboard. It is also ruggedized, you could keep typing even when falling down stairs, you might feel bad by the time you hit the ground floor but this keyboard won't care. It may not survive a jamming though, so keep your milk and cookies or PBJ to the side when composing on this keyboard. Drop Modders Inc a note to let them know they've done a top notch job with this review as well as with their sense of humour.
"The Little Tikes kidBoard: the name says it all. An undisputed titan of computer peripherals, the engineers at Little Tikes have set the bar higher than ever with their newest release. The kidBoard incorporates an incredible combination of bleeding-edge software, phonics integration, and hardware mastery to create the next generation of gaming keyboards."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Corsair Strafe RGB Silent Mechanical Keyboard Review @ Techgage
- Speedlink Parthica Core @ Kitguru
- Bloody B740A Light Strike Keyboard @ Benchmark Reviews
- Fnatic Flick Mouse & Rush Keyboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Corsair M65 Pro RGB Gaming Mouse Review @ Neoseeker
- Corsair Gaming Sabre RGB 10k DPI Optical Mouse @ eTeknix
- GAMDIAS ZEUS Laser Gaming Mouse Review @ Techgage
PC Perspective
Upcoming Events
Get notified when we go live!
PC Perspective Live! Google Calendar RSS


text:
May 25, 2016
Tallahassee, FL - A cable line fell this afternoon along Thomasville Rd near the E 5th Avenue intersection in Midtown.
According to TPD – it was a bolt that was loose and fell, causing the Comcast Cable line to come down.
Traffic has been impacted, but both lanes are moving.
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:
Flamingo, Lestartit
Based on 109 Reviews
Flamingo Overview
Situated in the area of L'Estartit, just a few minutes from the resort centre, with bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife. **This is basic accommodation and suitable only for the budget traveller. Please note this when booking.**
Hotel facilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar/lounge
- Billiards or pool table
- Check-in time ends midnight
- Check-in time starts noon
- Check-out by noon
- Check-out from 8:00 AM
- Currency exchange
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Free Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Golf course on site
- Internet access - wireless
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage storage
- Massage
- One meeting/conference room
- On-site car rental
- Pets accepted
- Photocopy machines
- Restaurant(s) in hotel
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Swimming pool - outdoor
- Swimming pool - outdoor seasonal
- Terrace
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Wheelchair accessible
Room facilities
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Balcony
- Bathtub only
- Cable/satellite television channels
- Complimentary toiletries
- Connecting / adjoining rooms available
- Direct-dial phone
- In-room safe
- Phone
- Private bathroom
- Satellite television service
- Shower only
- Shower/bathtub combination
- Television
8/10 Great Based on 4 Reviews
Add a review
16 April 2007
Review of 'Flamingo'
Anne Saxelby, Teesside/England
I have stayed at The Flamingo 4 years running now, enjoyed every single one and still keep coming back . Rooms are basic but provide all requirements and are immaculately clean. The staff are very helpful and friendly and I am always made to feel at home.
Free debit card payments
No fees for using your debit card
250,000 hotels worldwide
Offered in over 40,000 destinations
Lowest price guarantee
We will not be beaten on price
Online booking management
Amend, cancel & update bookings online


text:
"Glen Allen: a little history in the suburbs" Glen Allen by b1bob
Glen Allen Travel Guide: 24 reviews and 33 photos
Glen Allen would seem to be just another bedroom community in the suburbs of western Henrico County. To a large extent, that is correct. There are plenty of shopping centres and strip malls in Glen Allen that leave almost no evidence of its rural heritage. Glen Allen in 2006 is what Mechanicsville and other parts of Hanover County will be in 2020 if we do nothing to put the brakes on the unrestrained growth. Mountain Road was the road often traveled by Thomas Jefferson in colonial times between Williamsburg and Charlottesville. The last vestiges of its of its rural past is the Meadow Farm at Crump Park and the Courtney Road Service Station which only serves as an historic monument.
Friends from outside the area might not know exactly where Glen Allen is located. It is northwest of the city of Richmond. Along I-295, exits 43 through to 53 will put you in Glen Allen.
- Pros:A nice safe community (for now) in which to live and raise a family.
- Cons:Blind and unfettered development is swallowing up the green space.
- In a nutshell:A cautionary example of unchecked growth.
Reviews (21)
Sometimes, you have to go some to go sightseeing and on rare occasions the sights pop up unexpectedly. I first happened... more travel advice
Walkerton Tavern was built by John Walker in the mid 1820s. Across the years, it has served as a tavern, store, post... more travel advice
Class and Trash is one of the funkier antique stores in the area. It is a two-storey brick building next to a garage on... more travel advice
Phat Boyz is a small barbecue place on Route 1 next to Green Top. You can smell them slow-cooking barbecue outside. Like... more travel advice
Favorites (2)See All Innsbrook Pavilion
Local Customs (2)See All Old fashioned Fourth of July
Sports & Outdoors (1)All Golf
Been to Glen Allen?Share your travels with the world!
Comments (15)
Cute little town - the Innsbook Centre almost sounds like the Tyrolian City Innsbruck. Michael
The Lebanese Food Festival sounds great. I lived in Arlington for about 4 years.
Virginia Center Commons has Macy's and several up-scale accessory stores for products like Gucci, etc. The 100+ stores are awesome plus the week-end modeling shows.
Another excellent update...and another mouthwatering meal! I'm glad you enjoyed your first Indian experience. I'd have probably ordered the coconut shrimps too - I'm a huge fan of shrimps in curries and stir fry dishes!
Good to see you finally tried Indian food, Nat. It's one of my favorites.
People tend to forget what these little communities have to offer. It never surprises me when I find that these communities have the most personality. Happy Trails!
Great page! I love strolling through tiny towns. - Just had shish kebab this noon ;-)
Nice job. I have no idea what's tabouli but I'd try it :-) Courtney Road Service Station looks quite new to me.
getting full of mexican food...after playing the blacksmith - sounds great for a week-end! wish it was closer to home.
Nice job on the Glen Allen page, Nat! Gotta love the Lebanese Festival!
b1bob's Related Pages
Glen Allen Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Glen Allen: a little history in the suburbs"
- Create a Glen Allen Travel Page
- Things to Do in Glen Allen
- Hotels in Glen Allen
- Restaurants in Glen Allen
- Shopping in Glen Allen
- See All...
b1bob Visits Here Frequently!
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. - Thomas Jefferson"
- Member Rank:
- 0 0 0 7 6
- Forum Rank:
- 0 7 3 7 7
- 2,388 Reviews
- 3,326 Photos
- Add Friend
- Follow
- Send Message
Badges & Stats in Glen Allen
- 21 Reviews
- 33 Photos
- 0 Forum posts
- 15 Comments
- 5,869PageViews
- See All Stats
- See All Badges (47)
Have you been to Glen Allen?Share Your Travels
Latest Activity in Glen Allen
- Posted in Technical Help Forum "Re: Seeing which friends are online"
- Wrote a Review J.E.B. Stuart Monument in Glen Allen Things to Do
- Uploaded a Photo to "J.E.B. Stuart Monument"
- updated a Glen Allen Travel Page "Glen Allen: a little history in the suburbs"
Photos in Glen AllenSee All Photos (33)
Top 10 Pages
- Top 5 Page for this destination Richmond Intro, 250 reviews, 498 photos, 1 travelogue
- Top 5 Page for this destination United States of America Intro, 203 reviews, 326 photos, 3 travelogues
- Top 5 Page for this destination Virginia Intro, 154 reviews, 245 photos, 2 travelogues
- Top 5 Page for this destination Quito Intro, 80 reviews, 123 photos
- Mechanicsville Intro, 67 reviews, 131 photos
- Top 5 Page for this destination Charlotte Intro, 83 reviews, 91 photos, 1 travelogue
- Washington D.C. Intro, 76 reviews, 94 photos, 2 travelogues
- Virgilina Intro, 52 reviews, 85 photos
- Top 5 Page for this destination Williamsburg Intro, 51 reviews, 64 photos
- Europe Intro, 51 reviews, 53 photos


text:
- Dec 27, 2012
- melissa
- 0 comments
In September, I had my right helix pierced and had 2 new holes added to my earlobes here at The Studio at Painful Pleasures. While our resident piercing artist, Jason Coale, prepared to pierce my ears, I talked to him about the pros and cons of being pierced with a needle vs. a piercing gun. I later brought up the subject with piercing artist Jeremy Smith after he joined our team. My conversations with Jason and Jeremy, supported by the information I found on the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) website, taught me that there are a few key advantages to having your ears pierced by a professional piercer rather than by a piercing gun operator:
- Professional piercers are better educated and more experienced than piercing gun operators. Professional piercers have done apprenticeships and generally received more extensive piercing educations than those who operate piercing guns. According to the APP, "Although gun piercing establishments usually train their operators, this training is not standardized and may amount to merely viewing a video, reading an instruction booklet, and/or practicing on cosmetic sponges or other employees."*
- Piercing guns can't be sterilized to the same degree professional piercing equipment is. Ear piercing guns can't be properly cleaned in an autoclave; at best, they're wiped with alcohol or other antiseptic wipes in between uses. At a professional piercer's studio, you should find that all tools and jewelry have been autoclaved before your piercing's done, that needles are pre-sterilized and disposed of after one use, and that your piercer wears sterile gloves during the procedure. This reduces the likelihood of "transmitting bloodborne disease-causing microorganisms"* like the Hepatitis virus, which can live on inanimate objects like piercing guns for weeks at a time.
- A professional piercer has more control over the placement of your piercings. A blocky piercing gun can make it hard for an operator to pierce your ears evenly. A piercer using a needle will have better visibility and can accurately pierce through markings that have been placed exactly where you want the holes to go. If you're looking to have multiple earlobe piercings done, a piercer can better ensure that your piercings are added in a nice line that follows the curve of your ear with equal spacing between holes.
- It's less traumatic to be pierced with a needle than a gun. A needle pierces a clean hole, causes less pain, and typically results in less swelling. Piercing guns, on the other hand, can cause significant tissue damage, particularly when used on cartilage, which can shatter when a rather blunt stud is forced through it. Worse yet, piercing guns malfunction from time to time, and in those instances, the operator has to either remove the stud and try again or force it the rest of the way through the ear manually, further traumatizing the tissue and putting the client at greater risk for contamination and infection.*
In addition to physical trauma, piercing guns can be mentally more traumatic, particularly for young children. The word "gun" and the sound a piercing gun makes can be more upsetting to a child than the actual piercing. Below you can see photos of one of our young clients having her ears pierced with a needle by resident artist Jeremy Smith. She was actually giggling through most of the procedure! This is a perfect example of how comfortable a child can be with a professional piercing her ears.
- Professional piercers use better starter jewelry than piercing gun operators. Piercers typically insert implant-grade stainless steel or titanium starter jewelry in a new piercing—jewelry that's sized to allow for swelling so that no undue pressure will be put on the healing piercing—whereas piercing gun operators insert mixed-metal studs. According to the APP, "the length and design of gun studs is inappropriate for healing piercings."* A stud that's too short prevents air from getting to the piercing, restricts blood circulation, doesn't allow for swelling, and makes it harder to clean the new piercing adequately. These issues can lead to a prolonged healing process and increase the likelihood of infection developing. Additionally, such studs are more likely to have high nickel content that can be irritating to those with more sensitive skin.
Bottom Line: Professional piercers use a more modern approach to piercing that's less traumatic, more sterile, and more likely to result in a smooth healing process. Also, you're more likely to be pleased with the placement of your piercings if you have a professional do them for you.
A Note on Aftercare: Wherever you have your ears pierced, remember that you're always better off leaving your piercings alone as much as possible during the 4-6 week healing process. You might spray them a few times a day with something like Nature's Pure Defense, which is a soothing, all-natural, sterile aftercare spray. You can also do sea salt soaks by applying cotton balls dipped in a mixture of ¼ teaspoon sea salt stirred into 1 cup of warm water to your ears a couple times a day. It's also good to let warm water run over your piercings in the shower every morning. Just be sure not to use soap on your new piercings, since it can be drying, and avoid turning your jewelry as you could turn bacteria into the healing fistula. Also, don't apply things like triple antibiotic ointment or vitamin E oil, which can cause the outside of your piercing to heal more quickly than the inside and trap bacteria inside. Don't be surprised if you develop "crusties" around your new piercings; that's perfectly normal. Just soften them with warm water in the shower or something like Nature's Pure Defense, and then leave them be. Before you know it, you'll be picking out a fun new pair of earrings to replace your starter jewelry!


text:
I was a common one, I struggled a lot, I worked day and night but still I was alone and unknown for years, but when some awesome ladies from around the world, held my hands and tried to lift me up I became Sister Zeph who is known and loved by many people around the world and changing hundreds of lives. It happened because I was helped by other women, it proves that if we women support each other, we can bring a big revolution to make women empowered, educated and aware of their rights , I think this is a shortest way to make the world understand that men and women are equal.
Hello, Its my pleasure that i have met such courageous woman in world pulse stage. Your piece of writing proves that there exist human beings who actually carry the fact of humanity who are supportive, co operative and represent sisterhood. Thanks Ukhenching Marma Bangladesh
Thanks for sharing your story!!! It is motivating enough for fellow women to learn and know that and then work hard for their future , so not to give up.
Thank you for sharing your story! You're absolutely right that by women supporting other women and helping share each other's stories, we can bring about change - both big and small.
Warm regards, Megan
Megan Keav


text: Hello folding community! I have recently grown increasingly interested in folders as my wife and I (a) live in an apartment with no room for one much less two full-size bicycles, (b) drive a small car with the same issues as our apartment on space, (c) are not tall (I have a 28 inch inseam), (d) really want to start riding bikes again. I have become particularly interested in the Downtube line because they seem like the best bang for buck under $500 folding bikes. I'm particularly interested in the 9FS, 9 front suspension and 9NS (I do most of my own automobile maintenance so I don't think the internal hubs would really be necessary) and I like that they already have a rack and rear fender. First question - does this seem like a reasonable decision or does anyone have a better suggestion? Secondly, I've never ridden a Downtube bike and I would have to drive across the state to try one out (their main shop is in the Philly area) - is there some other type of folding bike that would feel similar enough that I could likely find at a local shop and test ride to get a good idea of the feel? Third - for what reason would one choose to go full, front or no-suspension? Thanks ahead of time for any help!


text:
CrossRoad Christian Fellowship's Garage Sale to Support Habitat for Humanity
Please forgive the mess
Association of Realtors Build Day
House #25 Partner Family Announced
House #25 Build Begins
Bingo Sundays!
Pagosa Springs Women's Golf Assocation Celebration July 8th
Join Habitat for Humanity in an evening of celebration, courtesy of the Pagosa Springs Women's Golf Association Tuesday, July 8th at 7:00pm at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts Enjoy the country and pop musical styling of award winning singer/songwriter Tim Sullivan and his band! Bid on magnificent silent …
Video of House #24 Build
Take a look at the time lapse video Steve put together of the House #24 Build.
Sponsor a Project and Help Habitat for Humanity in 2012
Habitat for Humanity is once again gearing up for a busy summer in 2012 and we are seeking your help to accomplish our goals. This June we are preparing to complete our 23rd Habitat home, begun in 2011. As well, we hoping to complete at least six Neighbors Helping Neighbors …


text:
RSE Remake Speculation Thread
View Single Post
July 25th, 2012 (8:19 PM).
Xander Olivieri
Join Date: Jun 2010
Nature: Hasty
Posts: 5,530
Originally Posted by
Magmaruby and Aquasapphire
@ Xander I don't see the Extralink as a location per say but more of games similar to how FrLgE had the doduo berry game though wi-fi. Though if it lacks extralink I hope they add some wi-fi uses as it'll be lacking in them compared to BWB2W2.
The Entralink is the center section of Unova, so it is an actual location. If anything we'll prolly get the same Wifi usage that HG/SS had. (which is pretty much none outside of battle anyway as I don't remember if Pokethon was Wifi enabled)
With the possible return of Contests, we have Local Wifi Linked Contests, Pokeblock Mini Game, possible return of Mix Record for Secret Bases...and then normal battle Wifi linkage.
Xander Olivieri
Also Known As:
Snowhawk, Dragomaster, Xanny
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Xander Olivieri
Find all posts by Xander Olivieri
Find threads started by Xander Olivieri


text:
This work demonstrates Naomi's signature flowing style and has, in fact, become a signature piece you may see frequently. The client wanted the piece to provide extra privacy which was achieved with the opaque glass.
Heart of Glass
This triptych is a residential installation. The view is from inside the living room, looking outdoors and if you look closely you can even see the trees. The distortion in the glass adds privacy while not blocking the outside view.
We are in the process of a site redesign!
The redesign with Naomi's full portfolio of custom stained glass is not yet complete, although you will find some additional images below.
Please click these links to visit Naomi's Facebook photo album pages or her portfolio on Custom Made for more examples. Feel free to call or text Naomi directly at 303.883.6209, or use the contact page here on this site.
Please click on images below to see full images and scroll through.


text:
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Cost
- Cheap
Step 1
Using a bowl, mix equal parts Italian bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 2
Take your chicken breast (I cut the meat into strips to make this easier) and spread mayonnaise on both sides of the strip/fillet/whatever.
Step 3
Place each piece of chicken into the bread crumb-cheese mixture and coat both sides. The mayonnaise makes this stick and keeps the chicken nice and moist while it bakes.
Step 4
Place your chicken into a greased glass baking dish, uncovered, into a 425 degree oven for about 35 minutes.
Step 5
Serve on top of spaghetti and marinara sauce, or with fettucini and alfredo sauce. Its delicious, moist, and so very easy!
I love this!!! I made it with Greek yogurt because my step dad is on a diet but i still want to try it with the mayo SO YUM!!!!!! Thank You
Oh, that sounds soooo good... I must get some breadcumbs and try it this week! Thank you!
This was SO good! Thanks so much!
I'm gonna try these, yummy!


text:
The design evokes memories of old fashioned lamps, but when you see the floating part, you realize this is designed for the future.
- The lamp consiststs of a handcrafted wooden base with a high glossy black finish. Attached is a stylish black fabric covered power cable.
- The conical shaped lampshade is manufactured in matte black fabric with a pearl white inner sid furnishing.
- The light flows through the openings of the mirror which covers the lower part of the lampshade.
- What makes this lamp float is integrated levitation technology. It consist of electromagnetic components and a sophisticated control system.
- As it employs the very latest LED technology, the lamp is low in power consumption too. With a touch of your fingertip, the lamp can be dimmed to the intensity you require.
- The fabric covered power cord is 2.00 meters long (6.5 feet) and is connected to the universal power adaptor with a power cable with the length of 1.85 meters (6 feet).
- The standard universal power adaptor has a EU two pins power plug, but you can order an US power adaptor.
- Light intensity: 300 Lux. Power consumption: 3W standby (only levitation on), 15W when the LEDs are fully on.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping.Show More Show Less
- 14 - 25 days to United States
- Final sale and no returns. View details


text:
Kabam RPG Studio has teamed up with Lucas Films and the Walt Disney Company to create "Star Wars: Uprising," an upcoming game on mobile devices.
The game will "introduce a new chapter of the Star Wars™ universe that will illuminate dramatic events in the Anoat Sector, inclusive of Hoth and Cloud City, following the Battle of Endor and the death of the Emperor," according to a release.
The RPG will immerse players in the Star Wars universe during a unique time following the fall of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.
Although there is no set date for the app's official release, users can pre-register to receive a beta rollout in the coming weeks.
Hit the break for the full presser and the app's promotional video.


text:
You stared at your computer screen and watched as messages appeared in your inbox. Your YouTube inbox was becoming quite cluttered. Cluttered with hate. People kept sending you messages and comments saying horrible things about you. You put your head in your hands and started crying. The most recent message is what did you in. It said: "You suck! You can't dance worth a shit! You should give up!"
You slammed your head on your desk and cried harder. Did everyone hate you? Were your friends really your friends? Did they really care about you or were they using you for their own needs. You even invited your best friend Arthur over today. He probably didn't care about you either. Tears ran down your face and onto your desk. You felt isolated, alone, and helpless.
You heard a knock on your door, but you didn't look up. You didn't care, and the person on the other side probably didn't either. You heard it open and someone walked in. He came up to you and put a hand on your shoulder.
"________, what's the matter?" Arthur asked.
How the hell did Arthur get past your parents?! Who cares? He's probably here to make things worse anyways.
"Seriously, what's wrong?" He asked again.
You looked up at him with a tear stained face. You couldn't say anything. You just couldn't. You glanced at your screen and saw another hateful message appear. A tear appeared in your eye and you put your head back on your desk.
"Oh, I see now." Arthur said in an understanding tone.
"I-It hurts too much." You said weakly.
Arthur hugged you. "Nothing there is true. What those people say are all lies."
"A-And how do you know?" You whimpered, looking up again.
"You want to know how I know that?" Arthur asked, closing your browser window and wiping the tears from your face. "I know that because.. I-I love you too much to think anything different." He answered, kissing you gently on the lips.
You instantly stopped crying and your eyes widened. You were processing what he just said and what he is doing. He cared? Someone actually cared about you? You started crying again, but they were tears of happiness instead of sorrow. You closed your eyes and let the tears fall as you melted into the kiss, where you felt the happiest.
Arthur pulled away after about ten seconds and saw you were crying again.
"Love, your crying again. What's wrong?" He asked, his voice filled with extreme concern.
"Don't worry, I'm not sad." You said, wiping the tears from your face. "These are tears of happiness, because I've never felt so wanted before. So loved or anything else."
Arthur sighed of relief and smiled. "That's good, cause I don't want you to feel sad and lonely anymore."
He hugged you and you rested your head on his shoulder.
"Arthur, I love you too." You said, smiling.
Never again has the messages bothered you, because Arthur was always there for you. You finally felt loved, and like you had a place in the world. Finally. <3
England X Reader: Internet Bullying by CypherOpticsWatch
©2013-2016 CypherOptics
EDIT: Ok guuuuuys... this is old... im over it. no seriously. way over it. i just got it out through fan fiction. im fine!
I just randomly wrote this. No draft, just threw it on da. This has recently happened to me. On youtube. I am indeed being bullied and im being told I suck. it does hurt. a lot. the only difference here is I have no guy. a crush, but no guy.
I'm sure you don't suck and even if you're not good at it right now, you can get better through practice and/or lessons. Also if you need to talk, I'm here for you and anyone else who needs someone.
How did he past my parents anyway specially sis? Lol
people can be s cruel...if only we all had an Iggy to be there for us when people write nasty things
I actually CAN NOT dance. And I am proud that I cannot dance.
The cure to depression and cyber bullying = A further Kirkland
I had a crush on someone once, but turns out he was dating my best friend and she always bragged about how cute he was, to make me jealous.
She ended up never talking to me again.
She ended up never talking to me again.
Dammmmmmmmmmmggggg that person.
Oh, don't worry- a little while later; he began to feel guilty and broke up with her as a result. My sister's debut is in a few months, and my parents are planning to make him my escort~
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Good job dude. *high fives* we're here for ya bro!
Same I have a crush but no guy. The guy I have a crush on though has a crush on someone else and my friend has a crush on him so I just gave up. :/
I don't care about haters.. Hater gonna hate, ducks gonna duck, chairmode activate.. BEEP!
I feel bad. I have a youtube channel and I'm playing the harp and doing a cover and I'm afraid I'm gonna get hate. I Feel bad
i know the feel i have people on youtube go and tell me to kill myself simply because i said i liked one artist better than another :iconiknowbroplz:
A lot of hugs ya got there!
OMG RAEP! HALP! ZE HUGZ! ZEY ARE TOO MUCH! *reaches up* NOOOOO THEY'VE GOT ME! *dies* XD
If you can write this awesome story, surely they're just jealous of your awesome skills! Everyone is unique~! Don't worry, I'm sure if you explain then it will probably stop. Completely. I am here for you, HetaFan. :3
it's ok i and this people don't hate or think you suck i really enjoy this story and be hide that compter screen i bet there it a beuiful smart woman and all of those people are jerks so yeah rock on and don't let anything let you down
Gah. Honey honey honey. Please don't believe what people are saying.
Anyone who does that crap needs to control themselves, and just stop.
If you need to talk message me, kay?
Anyone who does that crap needs to control themselves, and just stop.
If you need to talk message me, kay?
thanks. but its waaaay over now. dealt with their asses loooong ago. (le epic)
Ya know what, if u have a crush, ask him how he feels about u. He hates u, or doesnt feel the same, SMACK HIM! I don't know, that's what I'd do.
how did you animate your icon?
This is really good. It's sad your being treated bad I hope it gets better soon
If it was i be like who de hell is dese ppl delete message delete, delete, delete done DERRRP


text:
lynn grayson
lynn grayson
Venice, CA, United States
About lynn grayson
Painting since age 1 1/2 and placed in gifted and talented program at age 7. Most grateful for education, experience, awards, meeting great people & all the opportunities since; Sophie E. Sopha Foundation, Sugarman Foundation, T.I.D.E.S Foundation, Lambent Fellow and Stobart Foundation, Stobart Fellow. In 2014 Lynn launched her own website which includes a her own ever growing design line, links to her involvement in the film/music & television world, Charity projects/ groups and art shows which have fostered the creative growth of art with communities coast to coasts.. She founded and co-created RKTOBKTOLA, with Curator Sarah Belden in response to the climate & coastal changes encored by Hurricane Sandy, exhibitions at Hammburg Kennedy in NYC to Wessen Gallery in LA. Paddle Eight. It showed how creative ideas can construct something of great community mass positive response. Hand ground paints to the construction of fractal compositions in her paintings serve to show her search in understanding the unification of source in visual reality through beauty in all. Overlapped many of her works reveal similar naturally occurring geometric patterns that exist in many different forms of life and nature. On a wall the artworks become calming nostalgic patterns seen common throughout the universe that seek to wake the subconscious into recognizing compositional knowledges of life's geometric forces.
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, John Stobart Fellow.
BFA Painting, 2000.
Art Students League of New York
Figure Drawing/Painting 1997-O3
Sarkana Paints. Williamsburg, NYC
Paint and Materials Maker. 2000-06
Collections: Melbourne University, Austrailia. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Old Lyme Connecticut. John Stobart Foundation. T.I.D.E.S Fountdation, Lambent Fellow. Sugaman Foundation Fellow. Sopza E. Sopha Foundation. Richard Massy Foundation. Gardens By The Bay , Singpore contributing artist.
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Alumni Exhibition, CT Sept. 2015
December 2104: "The Birthday Boys."
Artwork in Season 2,
Prod., Abso Lutely& Red Hour Films Productions
July 2104: Chelsea ArtWalk.
"Summer Group Show,"
Lyons Wier Gallery., New York, NY
August 2104: "Sound of Sirens,"
with Katrina Del Mar Patty DeLuca Gallery, Pronvincetown, MA
July 2104: Art Market Hamptons,
Lyons Wier Gallery., New York, NY
May 2104: Gardens By the Bay, Singapore.
Squircle line Press:
"eco-ecphrasis art prints."
Limited Edition Prints
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé,
Squircle line Press Founder & Gardens By the Bay; NAC Writer-in-the-Gardens Resident.
March 2013: RKTOBKTOLA
Rockawaytobktola for Hurricane Sandy Relief. Founder; Exhibitions: Hamberg Kennedy, NYC and Waterhouse Project, LA
August 2013: Gallery 33.
Group Show
Venice Art Crawl, Curator & Artist
October 2013: Artworks for the Cure.
TJ Martel Foundation
Participant; 2013artworks.org Hosted by American Airlines and Universal Music Group.
December 2013/14: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Live painting.
September 2012: Ready For Love. NBC.
Artwork for and on Set.
Bonanza Productions, Jerry Bruckheimer Television, Warner Bros.
April 2011: Fire House Gallery.
Group Show. Stobart Fellowship
New London, Ct
June 2010 : Monash University,
Group Show. Prime Sci.
Melbourne Australia
For past links to exhibitions can be found at lynngrayson.com
Thank you for your interest in my artwork and in art in general always. Have a beautiful day!


text:
The Clark County Sheriff's Office on Monday released the name of a woman who died in a fatal car crash near Hockinson on Saturday.
Kristin J. Berger, 51, of Vancouver died after her 1991 Chevrolet Lumina hit a 1994 Acura Legend head on at 12802 N.E. 182nd Ave., near 139th Street. The accident happened about 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Brooke M. Schroeder, 21, from Battle Ground was driving the Acura sedan. She was injured and transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center after the crash. Schroeder was discharged Monday, a hospital employee said.
The drivers were the only people in the cars.
"At this time, it does not appear that alcohol, drugs or speed were a causing factor," in the crash, said Sgt. Scott Schanaker, sheriff's office spokesman.


text:
What does Maximo have in common with the Stanley Cup?
Mary Gorczynski 1100006B54 firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  software ibmsoftware asset-management service-management tivoli ibmpulse2011 ibmontwitter eam ibmpulse maximo
1 Comments | 12,246 Visits
Give the gift that keeps on giving
Mary Gorczynski 1100006B54 firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  software service-management ibmontwitter tivoli ibmsoftware maximo ibmpulse eam ibmpulse2011 asset-management
0 Comments | 2,101 Visits
At this time of year we are all rushing around shopping........but how does that relate to our careers? Does your company have left over money that needs to be spent by the end of the year? Is your manager looking to give employees a "gift that keeps on giving"? The ... [ + Read more ]
IBM Pulse 2011 EAM Track Kickoff
Mary Gorczynski 1100006B54 email@example.com | | Tags:  service-management ibmsoftware maximo ibmpulse2011 eam asset-management pulse2011 ibmpulse tivoli software ibmontwitter
0 Comments | 2,212 Visits
The Enterprise Asset Management Track Kickoff had to be moved to a bigger venue this year to accommodate the crowd of about 1400. And folks were not disappointed! Bill Sawyer, Vice President, Tivoli Maximo Operations kicked off the session with an overview of ISM for Manufacturing. After Bill's brief introduction, Bill Cheng, ... [ + Read more ]
Maximo Oil & Gas – In Line and On Target with Global Oil & Gas Industry Top Predictions for 2011
Mary Gorczynski 1100006B54 email@example.com | | Tags:  asset-management tivoli maximo ibmpulse idc service-management eam oil-and-gas ibmsoftware software ibmontwitter ibmpulse2011
1 Comments | 3,977 Visits
Today's blog comes from Terry Ray. IDC Energy Insight recently released their 2011 predictions for the Oil & Gas Industry. Their predictions were based around several major themes such as – a recovery from the U.S. drilling hiatus, the emergence of 'easy gas', a focus on non-productive time, and more oversight ... [ + Read more ]
Enterprise Asset Management Track Kickoff will be full of heavy hitters
Mary Gorczynski 1100006B54 email@example.com | | Tags:  eam software service-management smarter-buildings asset-management smarterbuildings tivoli maximo ibmpulse2011 ibmontwitter ibmpulse ibmsoftware smarter-planet smarterplanet
1 Comments | 4,123 Visits
Today's blog comes from Rob Bloom. The Enterprise Asset Management track kickoff is always a key event for EAM-focused Pulse attendees. Whether it's smarter assets, sustainable building operations, aging infrastructure, aging workforce, reporting and analytics, mobility, or operational software consolidation, Maximo is the solution of choice. And, you will hear directly ... [ + Read more ]