text:
Democrats Refuse to Act Judiciously: Democrats in Control of the Senate Have Stonewalled President George W. Bush's Nominees for the Federal Bench, Creating a Crisis in U.S. Law Enforcement. (Nation: Judicial Nominations)
Nichols, Hans S., Insight on the News
That was then. This is now. Before the Supreme Court waded into the Florida electoral swamp and decided Bush v. Gore, Senate Democrats were fond of quoting Chief Justice William Rehnquist's 1997 comment that judicial "vacancies cannot remain at such high levels indefinitely without eroding the quality of justice [that] traditionally has been associated with the federal judiciary." At the time, there were 82 vacancies on the bench of federal appeals and district courts.
With the number of vacancies at 107 today, Republicans claim that the Democrats have changed their tune now that a Republican is doing the nominating and Democrats control the Senate.
One of the most dogged critics of the Republican handling of President Bill Clinton's judicial nominees was Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), now chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Back when he was ranking member on the committee, he took to the floor and declared: "Any week in which the Senate does not confirm three judges is a week in which the Senate is failing to address the vacancy crisis. Any fortnight in which we have gone without a judicial-confirmation hearing marks two weeks in which the Senate is falling further behind."
As chairman, however, Leahy has lost his desire to confirm three judges a week, say congressional aides. While the cranky Vermonter boasts that his committee has held eight hearings, many of those involved only one nominee, say Capitol Hill observers. On his watch, more than 37 judicial nominees have yet to receive so much as the courtesy of a hearing.
John Nowacki of the Free Congress Foundation recalls Leahy's rush to concur with candidate George W. Bush back in October 2000. "Although we are [from] different parties, I have agreed with Gov. George Bush, who has said that in the Senate a nominee ought to get a vote, up or down, within 60 days," Leahy said. Of the first batch of Bush nominees -- delivered by the president to the Senate on May 9 -- only two of the 11 have been given a hearing, Nowacki says. And of the entire 60 nominations Bush has sent, only 12 have been confirmed.
In response to concern about this, Leahy spokeswoman Mimi Delvin says: "While the Republicans clearly expected retaliation for the shoddy way in which they treated Democratic nominees, it's not happening. The Democrats are moving faster on nominees than the Republicans did, but for some who are bent on waging a partisan war over judges, that is not good enough."
An irate GOP aide responds: "Here are the same people who perfected the crucifixion hearing, and the only thing we did was delay half-a-dozen of their nominees. Guilty. We did that, but we never attacked their character, and we always kept the vacancy number under 70 at the end of each Congress"
Democrats shrug that political gamesmanship on judicial nominations is nothing new, but nonpartisan observers stress that this type of obstruction rarely occurs at the outset of a new administration. "One can see this pattern at the end of an administration, especially when the quality of the nominees gets thinner" Douglas Kmiec, dean of the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University, tells INSIGHT. "But for this early in an administration and with the quality of these nominees -- all with splendid legal credentials -- to be treated this rudely is truly unprecedented."
Taken alone, the raw percentages suggest that Bush's first-year nominees have indeed received shoddy treatment. According to data culled from Senate records and the Congressional Research Service by the Free Congress Foundation, President Ronald Reagan had a 91 percent confirmation rate for federal judges in his first year. In 1989, when Democrats controlled the Senate, the nominees of President George H.W. Bush came in at 62 percent, not that much different from Clinton's first year percentage of 58. And Clinton, like Reagan, had his own party in charge of Senate committees. …


text:
The radical Islamic fighters showed up at Mohamed Salia's Koranic school demanding to address his students. 'How to wage holy war,' one wrote on the blackboard in Arabic
The instruction to camouflage cars is one of 22 tips on how to avoid drones, listed on a document left behind by the Islamic extremists as they fled northern Mali from a French military intervention last month
This came as Conservative committee members repeatedly pointed to a recent opinion poll showing Canadians don't want Canada more involved in the conflict that has embroiled the West African nation
After the first air raids, Al-Qaeda evacuated the building and dispersed their trainees elsewhere before the centre was pulverized by two French bombs
A former U.S. ambassador to Mali has alleged that France paid a $17 million ransom to free hostages
When declaring victory in a war against another country, it helps to actually go there.
Thoughts on the future of the PBO, politicians' privacy, the necessity (or lack thereof) of parliamentary civility, Canada's mysterious mission in Mali, and some dissenting New Democrats on the Clarity Act.
Three suspected jihadists arrested in the days since the liberation of the town of Timbuktu said Friday that Malian soldiers were torturing them with a method similar to waterboarding
Just because Canada's contribution to the French-led intervention in Mali has been paltry does not mean Canada needs to do more. The French, British and African allies appear to be handling things splendidly.
Canada has provided a C-17 transport until Feb. 15 to help move French troops and equipment into place to launch attacks against Islamist forces who have taken over the northern half of Mali

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 2, 2009
|Filing date
|Nov 1, 2004
|Priority date
|Jan 26, 1999
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Jerome D. Boss, Cezary Marcjan, Fei Su
|Original Assignee
|Microsoft Corporation
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (2), Classifications (20), Legal Events (2)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/678,536, filed Oct. 3, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,248, issued Nov. 2, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/237,538, filed Jan. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,618, issued Dec. 5, 2000, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
ISPs maintain servers on the Internet and sell Internet access to individual subscribing clients. A subscribing client typically gains access to the Internet using a modem to call the ISP. The client typically dials a local telephone phone number to establish a connection to the Internet via the ISP by connecting to the ISP's point of presence (POP). A local area network (LAN) of clients can also be connected to the Internet, either via a dial-up connection or a permanent connection. For example, LAN 123 is connected to the Internet via one of the nodes 104 on LAN 123 that happens to be a server.
In the example, server 110 is the server of a large bookstore that advertises and sells books over the Internet, for example by maintaining a web site. The customers of the bookstore access the Internet as clients 120-122. Customer clients 120 and 122 may, for example, be individuals who buy books and access the Internet from their respective homes in California and New York. The bookstore server 110 may, for example, be located in Illinois.
Companies that advertise on the Internet recognize the importance of providing customers and potential customers with a pleasurable shopping or browsing experience. On the Internet, a pleasurable experience generally requires that users can easily establish and maintain fast, reliable connections, and that the various elements of the site are available. Users may have negative experiences when connecting to a web site using particular ISPs or local dial-up connections. These negative experiences can result in low sales figures in some areas. For example, potential customers in San Francisco may have difficulty accessing bookstore 110 due to local Internet infrastructure limitations. Companies that advertise on the Internet therefore spend large sums of money trying to determine whether customers and potential customers in various parts of the world can easily access, explore, and interact with company web sites.
Client 124 dials out from a single location and accesses a target Internet site (for example, bookstore server 110) via a number of ISPs 101, 103 and 109. Client 124 then records performance data indicative of the quality of connections to the target site. Unfortunately, the different lengths of the long-distance connections 124A, 124B and 1245C from the single location of client 124 to the various ISPs 101, 103 and 109 affects connection quality. In contrast, the customers 120, 121 and 122 of the bookstore are connected to ISPs via local dial-up telephone connections 120A, 121A and 122A. The performance data collected by client 124 at the single location is therefore not necessarily representative of a typical user's experience.
The invention involves a method that employs a system of geographically distributed data-gathering client computers that connect to the Internet, access a particular target site, and obtain performance-parameter values indicative of the quality of their respective connections to the target site and the targeted web site. The data-gathering client computers connect to the Internet in the same manner as typical users (for example, to an ISP via a local dial-up connection). Moreover, the application software used by the data-gathering client computers to access the target site is similar to that used by a typical user. The performance-parameter values obtained are therefore indicative of the experience of a typical user accessing the target site for at least two reasons (plus the one we marked above). Each data-gathering client computer, having obtained the performance-parameter values associated with its respective connection to the target site and the parameters associated to the web site measured, forwards the performance-parameter values to a central server (the "UserMon" server) for analysis.
A "distributed push" scheme is employed in one implementation. The many data-gathering client computers first poll the UserMon server for instructions (e.g., which target site to access). The individual data-gathering client computers then access the target site specified by the UserMon server(s), gather performance-parameter values, and then "push" the acquired performance-parameter values back to the UserMon server(s) for analysis.
This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.
System 400 is a "distributed" system employing a number of data-gathering clients 402-405 connected to the Internet via local (i.e., not long distance) dial-up telephone connections. The system is called a "distributed" system because the data-gathering clients are distributed among a number of geographical locations. The system also involves a user-experience monitoring system server(s) 401, also called the "UserMon" server, that contains instructions to data-gathering clients 402 and 405 and receives data from data-gathering clients 402 and 405. As described below in detail, the data-gathering clients collect data indicative of user experiences from a number of locations using different connections. This collection of user-experience data may then be used to identify a variety of problems that degrade user experience.
First data-gathering client 402 monitors the Internet connection and obtains a performance-parameter value indicative of what a first user's experience would be if the first user were to attempt to access the first server 110 from first data-gathering client 402. For example, first data-gathering client 402 may access a target web site on ISP server 110, download the web page, record the time (i.e., full-page download time) required to download the web page.
In step 502, a second Internet connection is established from a second data-gathering client 405 to the same first server 110 (the target site). This second Internet connection includes a dial-up connection 407 from second data-gathering client 405 to a third ISP server 109 (via a POP) and another connection from third ISP server 109 to the first server 110. Second data-gathering client 405 monitors the second Internet connection and obtains a performance value indicative of what a second user's experience would be if the second user were to attempt to access the first server 110 from second client 405.
In step 503, the performance-parameter values obtained by the first and second data-gathering clients 402 and 405 are sent to a fourth server 401, the "UserMon server." The performance values thus collected at the UserMon server can then be used to determine what a user's experience accessing a target web page on first server 110 would be for users accessing the target web page from various geographic locations. For illustrative purposes, first server 110 includes the entire target web page. However, the information making up the target web page may, in some embodiments, reside on more than one server.
In some embodiments, the first client 402 is geographically disposed in a first local telephone market area (an area in which the telephones have a first area code) and the second client 405 is geographically disposed in a second local telephone market area (an area in which the telephones have a second area code and do not have the first area code). The first and second clients 402 and 405 may be separated from one another by a large distance, for example a distance greater than 500 miles.
In step 601, a data-gathering client (such as client 402 of
Next, in step 602, the data-gathering client uses the preprogrammed settings (for example, URL or IP address) to transmit its preprogrammed client ID to UserMon server 401. At this point, the data-gathering client has not been instructed to monitor Internet connection performance. Consequently, the data-gathering client does not record data indicative of the performance of the Internet connection to the UserMon server. ISP3, through which the data-gathering client is connected to the Internet, is one of a few ISP servers chosen to establish initial communication with the UserMon server. The dial-up connection may be over a long distance telephone connection. In some embodiments, it is preprogrammed with an initial set of target web site addresses. The data-gathering client then uses these addresses in the event that it cannot immediately pull target web site addresses from the UserMon server.
In step 603, UserMon server 401 responds by instructing data-gathering client 402 to get client-specific instruction files from the UserMon server. An instruction file contains a list of target sites and lists of ISP dial-up information as well as potential commands to execute. The data-gathering client retrieves the instruction files from the UserMon server and then disconnects from ISP3 (step 604). The information in the instruction files need not be stored in a file in all embodiments, but rather may be stored in any suitable format.
In the instruction files, the target sites are listed as URLs of target web pages. The dial-up information includes ISP telephone numbers to be used in accessing those target sites and any usernames, passwords and/or domain names required to establish a connection to each listed ISP. The instruction files may also include a list of query strings. A query string is used to build an URL in the case where the target site is the site of search engine. In one embodiment, the data-gathering client retrieves the instruction files by executing an HTTP GET procedure in accordance with the WinInet application programming interface (API) using the UserMon URL in accordance with the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Having retrieved the instruction files, the data-gathering client is prepared to begin accessing target sites to collect data indicative of user experience.
Each line of URL file 702 has the following fields separated by spaces: target page name 710, URL prefix 711, URL suffix or full URL 712, an optional field 713 for a "must" string, and an optional field 714 for a "fail" string. The line may also include the following additional fields: DNS timeout value, full page download timeout value, script download timeout value, cookie string, "must" string, and a "fail" string. A "must" string is a text string that must be present on the target web page in order for the query to succeed. A "fail" string is a text string which if present on the target web page will cause the query to fail. Each line of the QRY file 703 is a separate query string 715.
If the data-gathering client cannot establish the local dial-up connection after a predetermined number of attempts (in the illustrated example, five attempts), then the data-gathering client records that it could not establish the connection and moves on to attempt the next local dial-up connection listed in the instruction files (step 804). If, on the other hand, the local dial-up connection is established, then the data-gathering client stores data (step 805) indicative of the performance of the dial-up connection. This data may include the number of times the data-gathering client had to dial the telephone number before a connection was made (i.e., the number of redirects), the total amount of time used to establish the dial-up connection, and the data transfer speed (baud rate) of the connection.
Processing proceeds to step 806 after the dial-up connection is established. The data-gathering client then attempts to access the first site in the list of target sites in the instruction files. The data-gathering client monitors (step 807) the Internet connection and obtains performance-parameter values indicative of a user's experience accessing the site. Such performance-parameter values may include full-page download time and full-page size. The data-gathering client then "logs" the performance-parameter values by pushing the values to the UserMon server over the Internet (step 808).
The UserMon server responds (step 809) to the data-gathering client by returning a message acknowledging receipt of the performance-parameter values. The message also includes a software version notification. If the software version indicates a new version of the data-gathering client software is available, the data-gathering client initializes a self-upgrade sequence that results in a full upgrade of the software. The message is discussed in detail in connection with
An optional command may be transmitted to the data-gathering computer along with the message. One command instructs the data-gathering client to retrieve new information in the instruction files. If there is such a command (step 810), then the data-gathering client issues an HTTP GET instruction to retrieve its instruction files from the UserMon server. Processing then proceeds to step 812.
If there are more sites listed in the instruction files, then processing proceeds to step 813. The data-gathering client thus accesses numerous sites using the same dial-up connection. For each site, the data-gathering client collects performance-parameter values and then pushes these values onto the UserMon server.
Processing proceeds to step 804 after performance-parameter values have been collected for each site in the instruction files (step 812). The data-gathering client then disconnects the dial-up connection and attempts to establish another dial-up connection using the next ISP telephone number in the RAS instruction file 701. In this way, the data-gathering client attempts to access all target sites listed in the instruction files using every ISP telephone number listed in the instruction files.
Next (step 903), the data-gathering client calls the "Navigate" function on the Internet Explorer instance. This function takes a URL of a web page, accesses the web page, and then downloads that page.
The data-gathering client receives a notification by the "NavigateComplete" method from the Internet Explorer instance (step 904). "NavigateComplete" returns a Boolean value that indicates that the Internet Explorer instance has received the end of the web page. Upon receipt of an end-of-page notification from "NavigateComplete," the data-gathering client reads the timer using the "WIN32" API. Either the "QueryPerformanceCounter" or the "GetTickCount" function can be used. The data-gathering client then determines the "full-page download time" by subtracting the timer reading in step 901 from the timer reading in step 905.
The "HTTPGetTime" performance-parameter value (also called "page script download time") indicates the amount of time to obtain the first script on the target web page. The "HTTPGetSize" performance-parameter value (also called "page script size") is the size of this first script. Values for the "HTTPGetTime" and "HTTPGetSize" performance parameters are obtained in accordance with one embodiment using the "InternetReadFile" function of the WinInet API. First, a timer on the data-gathering client is read. Then, functions including the "InternetReadFile" function are called. "InternetReadFile" returns several variables. The function returns a TRUE to indicate the function succeeded in downloading the requested data. The function returns a size value indicating the remaining amount of data to be downloaded. When the function returns both a TRUE and a size value of zero, then the function has successfully downloaded the first script of the target web page. The data-gathering client then reads the timer. The difference between the two timer readings is the "HTTPGetTime" performance-parameter value. The "InternetReadFile" function also returns a pointer to a number of bytes downloaded. This number of bytes is the "HTTPGetSize" performance-parameter value.
Dialing module 1001 uses information in the dialer section 1010 of the settings file 1006 to configure itself and then uses information in the local RAS instruction file of the instruction files 1007 to connect to a specific ISP server. Input module 1002 uses information in the INPUT_LOCAL and INPUT_REMOTE section 1009 of the settings file 1006 to configure itself and then receives from the UserMon server 1013 the client-specific instruction files 1007, which are then stored on the data-gathering client 1000.
Log module 1004 uses information in the LOG_LOCAL and LOG_REMOTE section 1008 of the settings file 1006 to configure itself and then pushes performance-parameter values to the UserMon server 1013. The UserMon server 1013 stores these performance-parameter values in log files 1016. Log module 1004 logs the performance-parameter values to local log file 1018 or to the UserMon server, depending on a setting in the settings file. Regardless of the setting, if log module 1004 cannot communicate with UserMon server 1013, then log module 1004 stores the performance-parameter values in local log file 1018 and the performance-parameter values in the local log file are relayed to the UserMon server 1013 when communication is established or reestablished. Log module 1004 also receives and interprets commands received from the UserMon server and then notifies other modules that actually execute the commands.
Query module 1003 accesses web pages specified by URLs in the URL instruction file of the instruction files 1007. Query module 1003 also checks web pages specified by URLs to see if those web pages contain particular "must" and "fail" strings specified in the URL instruction file of the instruction files 1007. Query module 1003 uses an instance of an application program (for example, the Microsoft Corporation's Internet Explorer web browser) to access these web pages. After query module 1003 has executed a query, log module 1004 sends the query results to UserMon server 1013. Query module 1003 also executes a "software upgrade" command. At initialization of the data-gathering client 1000, query module 1003 determines if the UserMon system software on the data-gathering client is the latest version. If it is not, then query module 1003 retrieves the latest version from UserMon server 1013 and upgrades the software on the data-gathering client automatically without user intervention. Controller 1005 is a high level main program that loads modules, unloads modules, and uses the other modules 1001-1004 as necessary to carry out UserMon functionality.
ISAPI extension 1014 of the UserMon server 1013 communicates with the data-gathering client 1000 using the HTTP communication protocol, receives performance-parameter values from the data-gathering client 1000, logs performance-parameter values in log files 1016, and sends commands to the data-gathering client 1000. ISAPI extension 1014 is written in accordance with the ISAPI standard. For additional information on the ISAPI standard, see the "ISAPI Server Extensions and Filters" and "Developing ISAPI Extensions" documents, copies of which are available on Microsoft Corporation's website, http://premium.microsoft.com.
Server console 1017 includes a user interface that allows a human user to examine log files 1016, change the settings files of data-gathering clients of the system, and control the system in general. Server console 1017 includes an editor that performs basic checks of actions taken by the user in order to prevent the user from making certain syntax and configuration errors.
Instruction files 1015 contains a plurality of sets of client-specific instruction files. Each set of client-specific instruction files includes RAS, URL and QRY information for a given data-gathering client. Each set of of these instruction files is transferred to a corresponding data-gathering client to become its client-specific instruction files 1007.
Section 1008 of settings file 1006 has two parts. The first part, "LOG_LOCAL," has a destination key that specifies a local file to which performance-parameter values are written if the data-gathering client cannot communicate with the UserMon server. The second part, "LOG_REMOTE" has a destination key that specifies a method for sending log lines to UserMon server 1013. "LOG_REMOTE" also has a proxy key that specifies which proxy to use in case proxy use is required for the remote logging operations (may be different than the proxy used for the Input module).
Data-gathering client 1000 can be configured to receive one or more of its RAS, URL and/or QRY inputs locally from the data-gathering client itself rather than from UserMon server 1013. This feature is usable to prevent the UserMon server from overwriting the client-specific instruction files 1007. The data-gathering client can be configured to operate in a stand alone local mode so that it does not communicate with a UserMon server, but rather receives commands from the INPUT_LOCAL section of the settings file and logs performance-parameter values in a file on the data-gathering client. The INPUT_LOCAL section may, for example, be located on the hard drive of the data-gathering client.
Section 1009 of setting file 1006 has two parts. The first part, "INPUT_LOCAL," contains settings required by Input module 1002 when the data-gathering client is receiving its inputs locally. There are three keys in the "INPUT_LOCAL" part: a RAS key, a URL key and a QRY key. Each of these keys identifies a file on the data-gathering client that contains input information when the data-gathering client is operating in the local mode.
The second part, "INPUT_REMOTE," contains settings required by the input module when the data-gathering client is receiving its input from the UserMon server. There are five keys in the "INPUT_REMOTE" part: a RAS key, a URL key, a QRY key, a "RemoteSetup" key, and a "Proxy" key. The RAS, URL and QRY keys specify locations where the RAS, URL and QRY information is located on the UserMon server, respectively. The "RemoteSetup" key specifies a location where a setup program resides on the UserMon server. The "Upgrade" command causes the data-gathering client to get the setup program on the UserMon server identified by the "RemoteSetup" key using the HTTP GET command and to execute that program. The setup program executing on the data-gathering client does the actual upgrading of the software on the data-gathering client. The "Proxy" key specifies a location of a proxy to use in case proxy use is required for input received from the UserMon server. This proxy may be different than the proxy used when input is received by the log module. Key values that specify remote locations are prefixed with "http://".
Dialer section 1010 of settings file 1006 contains multiple fields of settings used by the dialing module 1001. The first field, the "location" field, contains the data-gathering client ID. The UserMon server maintains information indicating the geographical location of the data-gathering clients by ID. When the UserMon server receives communication from a data-gathering client having a particular ID, the UserMon server is able to match the ID to a geographical location where the data-gathering client that transmitted the ID is supposed to be located.
The second field, the "reboot time" field, indicates when the data-gathering client is to reboot itself. The reboot field has five space-separated subfields: a minute subfield (0-59), an hour subfield (0-23), a day of the month subfield (1-31), a month subfield (1-12), and a day of the week subfield (0-6, 0=Sunday). Each subfield can include a comma-separated list of values, or include a "*" to indicate all values. The data-gathering client reboots itself when the local time maintained by the data-gathering client matches all the field values. For example, "5 0 * * *" causes the data-gathering client to reboot daily at 12:05 AM, "27 2,14 * * 3" causes the data-gathering client to reboot at 2:27 AM and at 2:27 PM every Wednesday, "0 15 25 12*" causes the data-gathering client to reboot at 3 PM on Christmas, and "0 0 1,15 * 1,2,3,4,5" causes the data-gathering client to reboot on the first and fifteenth day of every month, but only if they fall on a weekday.
The third field, the "OperationLogMode" field, specifies how performance-parameter values will be logged. A "0" value specifies no logging, a "1" value specifies logging to the UserMon server console, a "2" specifies logging to a file, and "3" specifies logging to both the UserMon server console and to a file.
Object section 1012 of settings file 1006 contains a set of dynamic-link library (DLL) components. When an instance of particular module is needed by the main data-gathering client program at runtime, the DLL component of that object is dynamically linked in. A DLL is a compiled version of the object that can be linked into the main program at run time. There is a DLL component for the log module, a DLL component for the input module, a DLL component for the dialing module, and a DLL component for the query module. There is an "input" key that specifies which DLL to use for the input module, a "log" key that specifies which DLL to use for the log module, a "dialing" key that specifies which DLL to use for the dialing module, and a "query" key that specifies which DLL to use for the query module.
Log files 1016 includes four types of log files: a LOG0 file denoted "WPMLog0-YYMMDD.txt", a LOG1 file denoted "WPMLog1-YYMMDD.txt", a LOG2 file denoted "WPMLog2-YYMMDD.txt", and a LOG3 file. Each log file has its own specific format and data fields. Each line of each log file is made up of fields separated with semi-colons. To reduce the size of individual log files, the UserMon server is configured to save log files periodically (for example, at the end of every day) so that newly received performance-parameter values will be written to new log files. The "YYMMDD" in the log file name is a date stamp indicating the date the log file was saved.
The LOG0 file contains the performance-parameter values obtained by the data-gathering client when querying the Internet pages. The LOG0 file has the following fields:
The LOG1 file is a data-gathering client notification log file. Notifications, confirmations, client errors, modem errors, telephone line errors and other similar communications from data-gathering clients are logged in the LOG1 file. The LOG1 file may contain the following fields: ServerGMTTime, DialerName, DialerDate, DialerTime, DialerGMTTime, and LoggedMessage. The LoggedMessage field contains the text of the message. One possible message is the command ID and command name of a command that was confirmed as received by the data-gathering client. ServerGMTTime is the time that the message was logged in the LOG1 log file. DialerTime is the GMT time when the message was sent by the data-gathering client. DialerName contains an ID of the data-gathering client that confirmed receipt of the message. DialerDate indicates the date of the message. DailerGMTTime is the GMT time of an event as determined by the data-gathering client. To determine DialerGMTTime, the data-gathering client compares GMT time transmitted by the UserMon server to local time maintained on the data-gathering client to obtain a time offset between the data-gathering client's local time and GMT time. The data-gathering client determines the GMT time of an event by determining the local time of the event and then calculating the GMT time of the event using local time of the event and the offset.
The LOG2 file is the UserMon server notification log file. Acknowledgements, notifications, abnormalities and warnings from the UserMon server are logged here. The LOG2 file has the following fields: ServerGMTTime and LoggedMessage. LoggedMessage is the message (for example, command ID of a command) received by the UserMon server from the CMD.txt input file. ServerGMTTime is the time that the UserMon server logged the message in the LOG2 file.
The LOG3 file is not an actual file but rather is a virtual file ("null" file). In case a data-gathering client does not actually have performance-parameter values to log but nonetheless wants to receive commands from the UserMon server, the data-gathering client can log a fictitious request in the LOG3 "null" file. A data-gathering client can use the LOG3 log during its idle time to check the UserMon server for pending commands assigned to the data-gathering client.
The UserMon system may include data-gathering clients spread over the globe across many time zones. Rather than keeping track of events reported in the local time zones of the many data-gathering clients reporting results, events are tracked using a single universal time, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Data-gathering clients send GMT times to the UserMon server. GMT time can be easily converted back to local time by adding or subtracting a known hour value from the GMT time.
Data-gathering client 1000 communicates with UserMon server 1013 by sending a "log request" to UserMon server 1013 and pushing performance-parameter values to the UserMon server. The log request includes: a request command, data-gathering client 1000's unique ID name, GMT (date and time), and performance-parameter values, all separated with semicolons. The request command consists of a "log ID" field, and an optional notification field.
A "0" in the "log ID" field specifies logging the request in a data log (regular log). A "1" in the "log ID" field specifies logging the request in the client notification log. A "2" in the "log ID" field specifies logging the request in the server notification log. A "3" in the "log ID" field specifies logging the request in a "null" log. When the "null" log is specified, a request is not logged on the server. Rather, a "null" log can be sent to notify the UserMon server of an event.
A "C" in the notification field indicates that the data-gathering client does not want to receive any commands immediately following the request. The "C" notification is used when the data-gathering client is in the middle of a series of transfers and does not want to receive commands from the UserMon server. For example, the "C" notification is used when the data-gathering client's local log file is flushed to the server after a server or network outage. A "D#" in the notification field indicates that the data-gathering client is running out of disk space. The "#" is an integer that specifies how many bytes of disk space are still available. A "M#" in the notification field indicates that the data-gathering client is running out of memory. The "#" is an integer specifying how many bytes of memory are left still available.
After receiving the "log request" from the data-gathering client 1000, the UserMon server 1013 issues a response to the data-gathering client 1000. This response includes: a "StatusCode" field, a "GMTTime" field, a client software version field, and an optional command field. All fields of the response are separated with spaces.
The "StatusCode" field is a Boolean value. "TRUE" indicates that no data was lost, that the request was successfully processed, and that the request need not be retransmitted. "FALSE" indicates that the request should be locally logged and retransmitted later.
The "GMTTime" field is a field for transmitting the current Greenwich Mean Time. A data-gathering client uses this value to determine a time offset of its local time to Greenwich Mean Time. This value is used be the data-gathering clients to synchronize Internet querying and to standardize time stamps relative to a universal time.
The "Version" field contains a hexadecimal representation of the software version of data-gathering client software that is maintained on the UserMon server. When the data-gathering client has a lower version number than is indicated by the received "version" field, the data-gathering client initiates an auto-upgrade sequence and loads new software from the UserMon server. The version field is optional.
The "Command" field specifies a command for the data-gathering client to execute. Commands include the following five commands.
The first command, the "reboot" command, specifies the time and date at which the data-gathering client will reboot itself. To avoid having to travel to the locations of crashed data-gathering clients, the reboot command is provided so the data-gathering clients can be rebooted remotely. For example, operation of the data-gathering client may become degraded after operating for an amount of time due to the data-gathering client using an ever increasing amount of memory. To avoid this degradation and a potential eventual crash, the data-gathering client is controlled to reboot itself periodically. The command line includes the following subfields: a minute subfield (0-59), an hour subfield (0-23), a day of the month subfield (1-31), a month subfield (1-12), and a day of the week subfield (0-6, 0=Sunday). Each subfield can include a comma-separated list of values, or include a "*" to indicate all values. The data-gathering client reboots itself when the local time maintained by the data-gathering client matches all subfield values.
The second command, the "idle" command, specifies a period of time that the data-gathering client is not to be obtaining performance-parameter values. The data-gathering client can be instructed to stay connected to the Internet so that other software resident on the data-gathering client can use the connection to communicate with the UserMon server. For example, the UserMon server can use a program called "NETMEETING" to examine the desktop and change desktop settings of an idling data-gathering client. The "NETMEETING" software is available from Microsoft Corporation as part of the Internet Explorer 4.0 web browser. The "idle" command has the following parameters (on date-timeGMT for Xminutes [connected(default)|disconnected] [NetMeeting IPaddress, other parameters]).
The third command, the "getfile" command, causes the data-gathering client to get a file specified by a URL in the getfile command line. The file is then stored on the data-gathering client at a location specified using a path name in the getfile command line. The command-line format for the getfile command is "UrlOfTheFile LocalPathAndFileName." After file transfer, log module 1004 returns a value indicating that the getfile command was executed successfully. The UserMon server can use the getfile command to have a data-gathering client read a selected file (for example, a new settings file) from the UserMon server.
The fourth command, the "UpdateDialers" command, is a server-only command that is issued when a data-gathering client is added to the system or is removed from the system. The command line should be: "SERVER: UpdateDialers."
The fifth command, the "ExpireCommand" command, is a server-only command. The "ExpireCommand" command issues when an operator wants to remove a pending data-gathering-client command that has been accepted by the UserMon server but has not yet been sent to the data-gathering client. The command line should be: "SERVER: ExpireCommand [CmdID]."
An operator of the UserMon server 1013 can cause such commands to be sent to one or more data-gathering clients in the system. To do this, the operator writes a command (or series of commands) to a file "Input\CMD.txt" on the UserMon server 1013. Each line of this file is a command, in the format set forth above, except that each line is preceded by either a specific data-gathering client name or, if the command is specific to UserMon server 1013, with the word SERVER. For example, the line: "NewYork1: getfile http://184.108.40.206/input/HelloWorlds.txt C:\Windows\Hello.txt" causes the getfile command to be sent to the data-gathering client named "NewYork1." NewYork1 would get the file "HelloWorlds.txt" and save the file as "C:\Windows\Hello.txt" on the data-gathering client.
UserMon server 1013 reads all the commands in the "Input\CMD.txt" file, assigns a unique command ID to each command, adds those commands and command IDs to a list of pending commands stored in memory on the UserMon server, logs acknowledgement of receiving each command in LOG2, and then deletes the "Input\CMD.txt" file. (Only the UserMon server assigns command IDs and every command on the system is assigned its own unique command ID.) When the UserMon server responds to a data-gathering client, the UserMon server includes any command in its internal list of pending commands for that data-gathering client.
When a data-gathering client receives the UserMon response, it extracts the command and returns a confirmation of having received the command. The command ID is included with the confirmation to indicate the particular command being confirmed. UserMon server 1013 receives this confirmation, logs the confirmation in LOG1, and then removes the command and command ID for this data-gathering client from its internal list of pending commands.
In accordance with some embodiments, the UserMon system obtains information indicative of which part of the Internet connection is causing Internet connection degradation.
In accordance with the above-described user-experience monitoring system, each of the data-gathering clients 1301-1304 accesses the target bookstore server via its respective ISP server. Each data-gathering client then obtains performance-parameter values indicative of the performance of its respective Internet connection to the target bookstore and pushes these performance-parameter values to the UserMon server. This data can then be used to diagnose Internet-connection problems, such as data bottlenecks that limit connection bandwidth.
Consider, for example, a situation in which data-gathering clients 1301 and 1302 report similar unacceptably slow Interconnect connections to UserMon server 401, whereas data-gathering clients 1303 and 1304 report acceptable Interconnect connections. Based on these data, UserMon server 401 can conclude that the bottleneck is not associated with any Internet infrastructure used to connect ISPs 1307 and 1308 to bookstore server 110. UserMon server 401 can further conclude that the problem is not likely one of ISPs 1305 and 1306, as they both suffer similar bandwidth limitations. The problem is likely to be a bandwidth limitation of those elements common to ISPs 1305 and 1306 that do not affect ISPs 1307 and 1308. As shown in
The following examples further illustrate how data gathered by data-gathering clients may be used, in accordance with the invention, to troubleshoot Internet connections. If problems and/or performance degradation appearing through a first ISP do not appear through another ISP in the same geographical area, then the problem lies most likely with the first ISP proper. If the same problems show on two ISP servers in the same geographical area and both ISPs are using the same backbone provider (for example, AT&T or Sprint), then the problem most likely lies with the common backbone. If a problem affects all local ISPs and is not particular to dial-up issues (line busy, no answer), then the problem most likely lies with the regional network infrastructure (for example, MayWest or MayEast). If the problem occurs through all ISPs and are related to dial-up issues such as busy line, no answer and/or no dial tone, then the problem likely lies with the regional telephone company (for example, USWest or GTE).
In accordance with some embodiments, rather than having the data-gathering clients just access a single target web page and obtain performance-parameter values pertaining to this access, the data-gathering clients carry out complete "transactions" over the Internet and obtain performance-parameter values indicative of a performance characteristic of these transactions. An example of such a transaction is the purchase of an airline ticket over the Internet. In such an instance, a data-gathering client accesses a target web page and then interacts with that web page and associated web pages, supplying any requested information until the transaction is complete. The data-gathering client logs performance-parameter values pertinent to the transaction. Such performance-parameter values may, for example, include whether the data-gathering client was successful in completing the transaction and how long it took to complete the transaction.
In one embodiment, a person uses a browser to interact with the target web site to complete a desired transaction and a proxy server is used to record the data that is transferred back and forth between the client and the target web site. The browser may open multiple connections to retrieve information from the web site. The proxy then records the headers of all such connections used, the time at which each connection is opened, and the time at which each connection is closed. The resulting data is then converted into a script which when executed will simulate the actions of the person and replicate the entire interaction with the target web site. A copy of this script is loaded onto each data-gathering client. The data-gathering client executes the script when the data-gathering client is to obtain performance-parameter values pertaining to the transaction. The transaction is then carried out as if the person were again interacting with the web site and the data-gathering client logs whether the transaction could be completed and, if so, how long it took to complete the transaction.
In accordance with one embodiment, a web page is maintained that is accessed via the Internet by an individual user who uses his/her own computer to access the web page. The web page informs the individual user of an action he/she can take to have his/her computer become a data-gathering client of the UserMon system. The web page may, for example, be a web page of an ISP that offers the individual user free ISP services or other incentives in return for allowing his/her computer to be a data-gathering client. If the individual user agrees to allow his/her computer to become a data-gathering client, then UserMon system software is transferred to and is installed on the computer of the individual user. The individual user may, for example, click on a button on the web page to make this agreement and to initiate the transfer and installation of this software. The UserMon system software can be configured to operate in the background, only at predetermined times, at times when the individual user is not using the computer, and/or at times when the individual user is not using the modem of the computer. The UserMon system software on the computer of the individual's computer causes the computer to become a data-gathering client of a UserMon system. Accordingly, data-gathering clients can be owned and/or controlled by a first entity whereas the UserMon server can be owned and/or controlled by a second entity.
With reference to
A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk 1429, optical disk 1431, ROM 1424 or RAM 1425, including an operating system 1435, one or more application programs 1436, other program modules 1437, and program data 1438. A user may enter commands and information into the personal computer 1420 through input devices such as a keyboard 1440 and pointing device 1442. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, Joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1421 through a serial port interface 1446 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 1447 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1423 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1448. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.
The personal computer 1420 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 1449. The remote computer 1449 may be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the personal computer 1420, although only a memory storage device 1450 has been illustrated in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal computer 1420 is connected to the local network 1451 through a network interface or adapter 1453. When used in a WAN networking environment, the personal computer 1420 typically includes a modem 1454 or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 1452, such as the Internet. The modem 1454, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 1423 via the serial port interface 1446. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the personal computer 1420, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.
Although the present invention is described in connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. The data-gathering clients need not connect to the Internet via dial-up connections. The data-gathering clients may, for example, connect to the Internet via cable TV connections, fiber optic connections, and wireless satellite connections. This invention may be used in cases where the connection to the Internet via any connection that provides dynamic IP addresses (as opposed to static IP addresses). A computer can be both a client and a server. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jun 3, 1997
|Dec 21, 1999
|Keynote Systems, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for evalutating service to a user over the internet
|Aug 9, 2000
|Dec 31, 2002
|Akamai Technologies, Inc.
|System and method for optimized storage and retrieval of data on a distributed computer network
|U.S. Classification
|370/252, 370/401, 709/203
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Oct 4, 2012
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Dec 9, 2014
Owner name: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC, WASHINGTON
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MICROSOFT CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:034543/0001
Effective date: 20141014


text:
this wiki
Bryan Belmont (also known as Aaron Alexander in SDA, and simply Belmont in New-WWE) is a CAW superstar who debuted in 2010. He is not to be confused with the Aaron Alexander wrestling in CCL and BCW.
Current LeaguesEdit
After losing the SDA World Championship, New-WWE signed Belmont to a contract. He would debut against Lemarcus Carter in a King of the Ring Qualifier, winning after debuting a new finisher.
Previous LeaguesEdit
Superstar Development AllianceEdit
Aaron Alexander made his debut in Tag Team competition, teaming with Adam Edge, defeating the SDA Mentors, Mike Quackenbush and Claudio Castagonoli. Alexander was rewarded by gaining an opportunity to become SDA World Champion, competitng in a Fatal 4 Way with Adam Edge, Dicky Softnoodle and Kosmo Thomas, but was cheated out of it by a screwjob. He would gain another opportunity, and would defeat Dicky Softnoodle to become SDA World Champion. In his first defence, he would defeat Softnoodle in a rematch in the dreaded BCW Match. After the match, Spitfire would attack The Franchise. Alexander would then make his second successful defence of SDA Championship, defeating Jason Mattews in a Cage Match. Alexander would not forget about Spitfire, however, and challenged him to a match for the SDA World Championship. In a hellaicious match, Aaron Alexander would come out top after reversing Spitfire's finisher, and retain his World Championship. He is set for NESE Kurt Russellmania, where he will defend his World Championship in a fatal four way, against Xavier, Dicky Softnoodle and RKO. The match was moved after Kurt Russellmania, where Alexander would lose his World Championship after being pinned by RKO.
Accomplishments & ChampionshipsEdit
- New-WWE World Heavyweight Champion (2 times)
- New-WWE World Tag Team Champion (1 Time) (With Matt Morgan)
- New-WWE Tag Team Champion (3 times), Pablo Alfonzo Gonzales (1x), Christopher Cauckel (2x)
Superstar Development Alliance
- SDA World Championship (1 Time)
Other Accomplishments
- The Vivianverse ranked him #29 of the best 50 singles wrestlers in the The Vivianverse Top 50 in December 2011
- The Vivianverse ranked him #32 of the best 50 singles wrestlers in the The Vivianverse Top 50 in July 2012
In WrestlingEdit
Finishing movesEdit
- Symphony of the Night (One Armed Swinging Neckbreaker, Used in New-WWE starting in late Season 5)
- Pedigree (Used in SDA)
Signature movesEdit
- Tempest (Discus Big Boot)
- Spinebuster
- Big Boot (to standing or grounded opponent)
- Various martial arts strikes
- Dawn of Sorrow (Spiral Neckbreaker, Previously his New-WWE finisher)
Entrance MusicEdit
- "In The City" by Kevin Rudolf (New-WWE Edit) (Current New-WWE Theme)
- "Come Follow Me" by The Answer (New-WWE Edit) (Used occasionally while teaming with Christopher Cauckel)
- Simon's Theme; Metal Verison (1st New-WWE Theme)
- Simon's Theme From Super Castlevania IV (2nd SDA Theme)
- Believe It or Not (from American's Greatest Hero) by the Chipmunks (1st SDA Theme)
|e v
|New-WWE Roster
|AJ Styles · Amarillo · Andrew Liana · Athena Snow · Athouse · Belmont · Biff Andreas · Big E · Big Show · Bo Dallas · Brock Lesnar · Cesaro · Charlotte · Chris Jericho · Chris Johansen · Christopher Cauckel · Connor Wine · Curtis Axel · Danny Jackpot · Dean Ambrose · Dietrich · Dolph Ziggler · El Hondero · Fandango · Heath Slater · Jack Swagger · Jacob Cass · Jey Uso · Jimmy Uso · John Cena · John Kimble · Kage · Kofi Kingston · Lillith Miller · Maria Lopez · Maryse · Matt Eichorn · The Miz · Movado · Neville · Paige · R-Truth · Randy Orton · Ray Rich · Roman Reigns · Rusev · Sasha Banks · Sebastian Cruise · Seth Rollins · Sheamus · Steven Raden · Summer Rae · Tia Red · Tommy Wall · TRS · Tyler Breeze · Urena Adams · Zach Starr · Zack Ryder · Zeus Tucker
|Joyce Stewart · Lana · Mr. McMahon · Paul Heyman · Stephanie McMahon · Triple H · The Wingmaster
|Roster · Results · Title Bouts · Rumble · WrestleMania


text:
"On a motorcycle to Munnar" Munnar by francisjeffy
Munnar Travel Guide: 146 reviews and 357 photos
9:30 AM - we'r on the roll, filled the motorcycle with 10 liters of Petrol, and got in the travel gear, Jackets and helmets, made ourselves comfortable, and Ride on..
11:30 AM - Our first stop for a Tea and some stretch after the 2 hour ride. carry on soon without wasting much of the time, and we were lucky enough not to get any rain so far.. Ride on again..
First photo session was near the landmark stone laid on remembrance of the day of the inauguration of the road which connects between Adimali and Neryamangalam. This road goes through a forest, and if you are an experienced biker you will be enjoying the ride through this route. There are so many steep curves and climbs all the way.
And after Adimali, its en route Munnar. The road was a little bumpy, when compared to the Neryamangalam - Adimali (Forest) Road.
2:00 PM - After Four and half hours of ride we reach Munnar town, We could have reached earlier, if we had traveled faster, but we preferred not to, because our motto was to "enjoy the journey as well as the destination".
The first thing we did on reaching Munnar was heading in to Eastend, a good Hotel, right in the Munnar Town. I really like that place, They got good and friendly people, tasty food, and neat and clean Facilities. For lunch we had, Roast beef with pineapple, Beef with vegetable and bamboo shoots, Egg burji, bread toasts and butter. all for a total of 250 rs.
Send Photo to a Friend
- Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam
One hour
Top station is 32 kilometers from munnar, and it will take around one to one and half hour to reach there, so both ways it will be around two to three hours. so Luke suggested we will go en route Top Station, for half an hour and turn back after half hour so that we can be back to munnar town by four and then we can start our journey back. I agreed.
So we left through the Top Station route, Mattupetti Dam is on the way, stopped there and took few Photos, and the dam sure was full, an after effect of the monsoon.
Then we reached echo point, and Top station is 18 kilometers from there, Luke inquired about the road to top station from there, to the person in the check post. We got news that the road was good, to travel. But it was almost 3:40 PM and we had to travel back. So we spent few minutes, there Telephoned few of our friends back home, my vodafone did not have range in echo point, but it had good range in Munnar town, so we used lukes bsnl connection, bsnl have good range in echo point and in munnar. Then we started out journey back to munnar town.
We reached munnar town around 4:00 PM, and we had tea and snacks from the local tea shop. Then we went to Flavours, its right in the middle of Munnar town, They sell home made chocolates, and tea. They have different flavours of Tea, like Vanilla tea, Cinnamon tea, Chocolate tea, and then for chocolates they have rum and raisin chocolates, and many other flavours, I just had a sample of rum and raisin chocolate, and fell in love with it, there were only two packs of rum and raisin left, and we bought both of them. It was jus 35 rupees for a 100 gm pack, and for vanilla tea it was 40 rupees for 250 gm
Then time was 4:30 PM and we started our journey back home from munnar, For few kilometers we were able to travel with the bike engine turned off, the slope will take you with an average speed of 40 to 50 kmph. Then we reached Adimali by around 6:30 PM, and it got dark soon, and then we had to travel through the forest road, which will take us to neriamangalam.
It is best to travel through the Adimali - Neriamangalam forest road during day time. It is really hard to see the road at night, there is no electricity there, so no street lights, and there are no people living over there, and there are lots of steep slopes on the sides, which are really hard to be identified in the night, and sometimes wild elephants can give you company, and the fog can also give lots of trouble. We had to travel through that place after the sun went down, and had a hard time keeping up with the road, Luckily there was no fog on the road.
Reached Neriamangalam at 7:30 PM.
We had Tea and snacks from a local tea shop in Neriamangalam, and once we got refreshed, it was ride on.
Then to Kothamangalam ,and the muvattupuzha, and then thripunithura, and then Home sweet home - Cochin
We reached home by around 9:30 PM
- Pros:Tea plantation, Beautiful scenery, lush green hills and beautifull lakes, Good Climate, Home made chocolates, Tata tea manufacturing plant, Indo Swiss Cattle Farm, Not too crowded
- Cons:Curvy and steep roads, tough night drive
- In a nutshell:refreshes your mind and soul
Reviews (4)
Eastend has got a beautiful garden in the front. The first thing which comes to my mind when I think of Eastend is a... more travel advice
It is always better to travel light, If you plan to do excessive shopping, you can take a big bag with you. There are no... more travel advice
Munnar has got beautiful curvy roads, and especially the Adimali - Neriamangalam Forest Road. but it can get dangerous,... more travel advice
Flavours, stood distinctively different from all other shops, especially the Name board on it. I had an idea to purchase... more travel advice
Munnar Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "A post Monsoon trip to MUNNAR"
- "Munnar - A breath of fresh air!"
- "Munnar- India's answer to Sweden"
- "Munnar is a famous hill station"
- "Munnar - A Paradise"
- "God's own heavenly hill station"
- See All...
- Things to Do in Munnar
- Hotels in Munnar
- Transportation in Munnar
- Nightlife in Munnar
- Restaurants in Munnar
- Shopping in Munnar
- Warnings and Dangers in Munnar
- See All...
francisjeffy Visits Here Frequently!
"business, Adventre"
- Member Rank:
- 2 4 8 9 6
- 4 Reviews
- 13 Photos
- Add Friend
- Follow
- Send Message
Badges & Stats in Munnar
- 4 Reviews
- 5 Photos
- 1 Forum posts
- 0 Comments
- 363PageViews
- See All Stats
- See All Badges (1)
Have you been to Munnar?Share Your Travels
Latest Activity in Munnar
- updated a Munnar Travel Page "On a motorcycle to Munnar"
- Posted in Travel Goa Forum "Re: House for Daily rent in palolem"
- Wrote a Review Warm Clothes in Munnar What to Pack
- Uploaded a Photo to "One of the Best in Munnar"
Photos in MunnarSee All Photos (5)
No friends yet.


text:
That was wonderful!!
The Tour was really good. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the Rockies. Beautiful
We lucked out as the weather was absolutely perfect for this cruise. The staff was also very knowledgable and cheerful
Stunning, stunning and stunning! Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic crew. Sam and Mo did a sterling job of describing what we were seeing. The scenery is wonderful the opportunity to get off the boat and walk around the area of Spirit Island was very special. It was topped with a sighting of a bear on the shore line, which made the trip absolutely magical. 10 out of 10 and will do this again when we're back in the Rockies.
It was wonderful, very relaxing and beautiful trip
Wonderful experience. I enjoyed it very much. Worth the money.
Loved the tour. Brittany was very knowledgeable and friendly. Sam was a wonderful Captain. The lake is so beautiful. So glad we took the tour.
This is a great tour to go on so long as the weather is good. We had a beautiful clear and warm, sunny day. so everything was great. The location is beautiful and the commentary was interesting. Recommended
Loved this boat trip to spirit island
beautiful, but the weather is also important.
The day didn't start off the best as we were driving there it kept on raining on and off, there was also construction on the road to Maligne Lake, which we didn't know about until we were driving. When we got to Maligne Lake we were there early so I asked the girl if we could get on earlier and she was very accommodating. The sun came out and the tour guide said it was the best day she has seen in about a month. The sun helped to see a lot of the mountains and glaciers, I am glad I took my family.
I grew up looking at the giant poster of Spirit Island so yes we had high expectations from this boat ride. But we were stunned by the beauty of the Maligne lake. Views are fantastic and entry into the spirit island is dramatic. Other people on the boat didn't expect that. Wish we had more time there. It's a must watch!
At first, you might think the price is quite expensive, however cruise is much worthy.
I can see beautiful scenery with wonderful sky. Also, the guide is very kind.
Spirit island is also really beautiful!!
This tour was fantastic we were lucky enough to have a really sunny day and could ser the glaciers and all the scenery this was well organised and very informative
Had an excellent tour of Maligne Lake. Learned of the history, saw the beauty, and really enjoyed the afternoon. Will do again!
The beauty of this area is stunning. Our travel guide and boat captain were icing on the cake. If you are in this area, do not pass up this opportunity.
This tour was amazing!
This is a MUST GO cruise. Spirit island is breathless beautiful. We had a really good time.
Pretty setting and wonderful tour guide. Even an xcellent gift shop.
Glad we did it
Absolutely spectacular!
Very beautiful. Personnel very friendly
Wonderful trip!!!!
We had a great time on the Maligne Lake Tour. Spacious enclosed boats with good views. A well informed guide was on board who explained the interesting facts about the lake, mountain ranges etc. There was also another person driving the boat and she was very competent. Our only issue was some confusion regarding the departure place. We thought the tour left from the downtown Jasper address on the vouchers we printed from online. Fortunately we checked the day before and found that we had to make our own way to Maligne Lake. This information needs to be clearly indidcated as it is about an hour drive or you have to make reservations to go on the tour from the downtown office at further cost,
very enjoyable. beautiful spot


text:
The North Bay Business Journal has selected 11 women from Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties for its 11th annual Women in Business awards honoring leaders, innovators and visionaries in organizations across the North Bay.
Past winnersRead the stories of winners over the past 10 years.
The 2011 Women in Business winners are:
Gail Ahlas, Superintendent, Roseland School District
Berta Bejarano, Director of Diversity, Linguistic & American with Disabilities Act Services, Kaiser Permanente -- San Rafael
Pamela Chanter, Vice President, VANTREO Insurance Brokerage
Susan Duvall-Dickson, Chief Operating Officer, Private Ocean
View as one page 1 | 2 | 3 Next


text:
Informational Videos
Have you seen the latest informational videos?
To see all the small things everyone can do to stay fire-safe, click here » more
Whether your role is faculty member, staff, student, or visitor to Tufts University, each person has a personal vision and mission they are seeking to achieve. Additionally, each person is likely to have many other people in their lives – who are impacted by that vision and mission in some manner.Fires and other threats can suddenly cause injuries (or worse), property loss, and other forms of major setback to your personal mission.
Tufts Fire Safety (and the entire Tufts University Department of Public and Environmental Safety) contributes to the goal of "safeguarding your mission" in support of the Tufts community, the university mission and YOUR goals as well.
Tufts Fire Safety is specifically charged with monitoring and maintaining the Fire and Life Safety Systems for all of the university's academic, administrative and residential buildings on all three campuses. Tufts Fire Safety's staff presents fire safety awareness programs, performs periodic building inspections and conducts semi-annual fire drills in residential buildings. The Tufts Fire Safety Office delivers its mission primarily via the 3 E's of fire safety: Education, Engineering, and Enforcement of fire safety related services and policies.
Contact Us
Fire Safety
419 Boston Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-2745 telephone
(617) 627-3116 facsimile


text: Might I know what CPU I am able to upgrade my Toshiba Portege M405-S8003. I desire to work Win 7 Ultimate in 64 bit. I presently have Intel CPU T2400 @1.83 GHz, 4 GB ram and Win 7 Ultimate 32 bit. Memory Upgrade for Toshiba Portege M405-S8003 Laptop, the Toshiba Portege M405-S8003 Laptop takes the PC2-4200/5300 DDR2 SDRAM SODIMMs.


text:
Meet and Communicate with Fun Singles Near You on JDate
Register now to search thousands of members and post your FREE profile!
See who's on JDate:
I'm very lucky to have a job that I love, Son who mean the world to me, activities and interests that motivate and enrich my life. I wo...
caringheart1011 is a 52yr-old single man in Austin, TexasView Profile


text:
Consider the 695 N weight held by two cables shown below. Theleft hand cable had tension T and makes an angle of θ with thewall. The right hand cable had tension 820 N and makes an angle of34 degrees with the ceiling.
Part A
what is the tension T in the left hand cable slanted at anangle of θ with respect to the wall? Answer in units ofN.
Part B
What is the angle θ which the left hand cable makes withrespect to the wall? Answer in units of degrees.


text:
the front dif locks in, everything says it is in 4 hi, could gears be stripped in shift motor that it says it is in 4 wheel, but it is not shifting the fork over? What sensor says that it is locked in 4hi? Is that part of shift motor that it turns far enough to engage sensor but does not move the fork in tranfer case
by john78 in Whitefish, MT on April 09, 2013


text:
This is a page uses "Portfolio Page Template." The content on the page goes here and the heading above is the page title. This page also displays projects as you can see below. You can add projects from Portfolio → Add New in the admin.
For the thumbnail, you can choose one of three aspect ratios, landscape (4:3), portrait (3:4), and square (1:1) in the Customizer.


text:
Welcome to Defensive Carry from S.E. Michigan. I hope you enjoy your time here and learn as much as I have from the knowledgable members.
This is a discussion on AR 15 Guidance within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; I'm a complete nub who would like to build an AR15 before another escaped mental patient commits another mass shooting and this gun gets banned... ...
I'm a complete nub who would like to build an AR15 before another escaped mental patient commits another mass shooting and this gun gets banned... I have completely no idea where to start, and the shear amount of options that I have to choose from and all the technical talk and all the abbreviations and all of the conflicting opinions have me feeling lost and extremely intimidated. Even if I home how figure out what basic parts I need, I still wouldn't know what features would suit me, what I should buy, who to buy it from, and why I would or wouldn't want a certain feature...
To those of you that know what you're doing and who have built your own already, how did you get started? I figure others were in an environment where they had experienced friends or family to help guide them along a little, but I do not have that luxury.. Anyone start out where I am now that can give me some pointers?
Welcome to Defensive Carry from S.E. Michigan. I hope you enjoy your time here and learn as much as I have from the knowledgable members.
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations James Madison 1788
In all honesty wouldn't mind knowing how to build and AR myself
Last edited by Rock and Glock; July 4th, 2013 at 06:49 PM.
But now, he said, take your money and a travelers bag. And if you dont have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! Luke 22:36 (NLT)
Few if any build an AR15 they assemble one big difference. If you just going to buy a stripped lower install the parts buy a complete upper and put the two together no big deal anyone can do it with no real special tools or training. But I would ask why when today you can buy a good quality Ar assembled from a manufacture for the same or less.
If you going with a stripped upper receiver and barrel things get a bit harder you need proper Ar15 block to secure the weapon when installing barrel nut.
A good Ar15 tool ,if you just doing one or two a generic all in one wrench will do. You will need a good set of punches also cheap stuff does not cut it .
The trash bins are littered with bent wrapped and damaged upper receivers .
If you decide to do it all from parts get the tools first read 3 times how to do a dry run and be sure before you do anything the first time.
Assembling an AR from parts is not that high tech.
Cross breed assembled from parts left over from other projects
Voodoo barrel
Huldra(Adams Arms) gas piston block and rod Bolt Carrier Group
Knight tactical upper receiver
Panther arms lower
CMMG kit for the lower
Magpul stock generic buffer tube with heavy buffer
Old colt fore grip modified to fit gas piston rod
Mid level scope that was laying around unemployed
Shoots great but if you added it all up parts would cost more than buying a good one. Still not really a build more like assemble .
Here is what can happen when an AR upper is messed with with out proper blocks being used. extreme case
Last edited by Smitty901; July 4th, 2013 at 08:00 AM.
As a nube I suggest buying a stripped lower and a lower parts kit. Building a lower is easy and it will help you learn. Then I suggest you buy a complete upper for a top shelf manufacturer and slap it on your lower.
Complete PSA AR15 Lower - Classic Edition - No Magazine - Receivers - Firearms <----on sale today only $200!
PSA AR15 Lower - Receivers - Firearms
Palmetto State Armory Premium Classic Lower Build Kit - Lower Parts - AR-15
Today it's actually more expensive to buy parts by about $50
I American and I Ameriwill!
AR15.com has great step by step videos , choosing what you want is harder. Maybe browse a few manufacturers and pick a model that you like, then assemble one to match?
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson
Nemo Me Impune Lacesset
Welcome to the DC Forum! I think most people are better served buying a complete AR for their first one. Smitty 901 gave some good advice on using the proper tools and equipment if you assemble yourself. As a side note if you decide you don't like AR's a complete AR from a reputable maker will have better resale than a frankengun. Good luck!
Retired Police Lieutenant, Former MH-53 Pave Low Gunner, Retired USAF Reserve, Glock Armorer, AL Retired LEO Pistol Permit, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, LEOSA Qualified
Active Fraternal Order of Police member
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13
Thanks all for the suggestion...
I have decided take the advice to just buy one... That is if I can find one that's in stock and not overly marked up which is starting to be a bit of a chore...
Walmarts around here have most of the AR's in stock at reasonable prices. Colt 6920 for $1097. Windhams were about $850. Even the local Ace Hardware had a decent selection of AR's. Good luck!
Retired Police Lieutenant, Former MH-53 Pave Low Gunner, Retired USAF Reserve, Glock Armorer, AL Retired LEO Pistol Permit, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, LEOSA Qualified
Active Fraternal Order of Police member
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13
Buy a mini 14 and you don't have to worry about diagnosing problems for repair.
The only downside is mag prices.
" Blessed is that man, who when facing death, thinks only of his front sight"
-Jeff Cooper
Good luck OP, AR's are starting to show up here in communist Colorado, so if we have 'em, you should
be able to locate one...I've seen Bushmasters & Stag's for $900 to $1100 at local stores
NRA-Life Member
CLICK THIS VIDEO FIRST & then go to howtobuildanar15.com for the full series and call Brownell's and request a catalog while you're at it.
Good Luck with your build.
One advantage of buying from Brownell's is that if you WHOOPS! and buy the wrong part or even if you goof and mess a mess a part up you can return it for a replacement or get a full "no questions asked" refund.
Liberty Over Tyranny Μολὼν λαβέ
many mango seasons ago i use to build them. building a ar rifle is fun and it gets in your blood. i say building, not buying most of the rifle all ready put together and you put the upper on the lower. i got all the proper tools, punches, head space gauges, tork wrench, and blocks to build. i would get all the parts, one part at a time. a barrel here, a front sight there, etc... mix and match parts. rra upper, colt lower, bushmaster barrel, and any and other named part i could find. sometimes i could find all the parts to make a rifle will all matching names. the last three years i look to buy the parts cheap trying to keep the complete build under $500.00. last week i did several builds for a friend and his son. they took about a year to round up all the parts, so they got about $800.00 plus in each rifle. they wants the same name on all major parts. the big problem is the parts price has gone sky high. also most parts are hard to find and/or on back order. the price of a ar has come down under 1k. there are reports that wal mart have them back in stock for around $800.00. so by the time you get the proper tools and parts together you can buy a rifle for what you have into your build. some will tell you you don't need the proper tools, but when you break the ears off a lower trying to hammer a roll pin in, jb wield will not fix it.
An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
Red State State of Mind


text:
Glee's Lea Michele is Headed to The X Factor! Catch Her in the Audience on November 8
Lea Michele (Rachel) recently performed X Factor judge Demi Lovato's song, "Give Your Heart a Break," on Glee. Now, in addition to having that X Factor connection on Glee — a bit of Glee is coming to X Factor.
On November 8, Lea revealed that she will be attending the live taping of that night's show.
So excited.. getting ready now to go to a live tapping of #XFactor!— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) November 8, 2012
Lea and Demi are quickly becoming two of each other's biggest fans. They gush about each other on Twitter, and Demi recently even offered Lea some words of advice and encouragement as the Glee star prepared to record her debut album.
It's no surprise then, that Lea was quick to tweet about Demi, too.
Can't wait to see my girl @ddlovato! So proud of her!!!— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) November 8, 2012
And for any grammar Nazis out there, Lea did catch and correct the mistake she made in her first tweet.
Not tapping.. lol.. Taping:)— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) November 9, 2012
Can we just blame autocorrect? It's always autocorrect's fault.
Can't get enough Gleetastic goodness? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!


text:
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Shabazz Napier scored 16 points and freshman Andre Drummond had 10 points and 13 rebounds to lead No. 17 Connecticut to a 67-53 victory over Notre Dame on Saturday, snapping the Fighting Irish's 29-game home winning streak.
Alex Oriakhi added 12 points for the Huskies (14-3, 4-2 Big East), who played without freshman guard Ryan Boatright who is being held out by Connecticut while the NCAA investigates eligibility matters that predate his enrollment at the school.
Eric Atkins scored 20 points for Notre Dame (11-7, 3-2), who led 25-24 at halftime.
The Huskies shot 56 percent in the second half, while the Irish closed the game by making 12 of 36 shots.
Connecticut used an 18-8 run over the first 10 minutes of the second half to take a 42-33 lead. The Irish scored five straight points, but UConn answered with a 12-2 run that made it 54-40 with 3:41 left.


text:
Amorphous Gold Hanukkah Dreidel by Adi SidlerProduct ID: DRD-AS-46507
People who bought this item also bought:
Amorphous Gold Hanukkah Dreidel by Adi Sidler
A futuristic and hip version of a Hanukkah dreidel made of anodized aluminum and handcrafted by Adi Sidler; laser cut with a cool gold shimmer.
Amorphous Gold Hanukkah Dreidel by Adi Sidler
Extremely contemporary and hip, the form will captivate you. Adi Sidler has taken an anodized aluminum disk and cut the Hebrew letters out with the latest industrial laser cutting methods. This one you'll want to collectable. The shimmering gold color won't deteriorate with use because of the special anodizing process. It twirls on a silver colored axis that is topped with a blue dot. Displaying this dreidel is easy; it comes with its own square shaped base.
Adi Sidler's designs are clean lined and simple yet totally functional and possible for everyday use. Having graduated from the famed Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem and presented with high honors he emerged as one of Israel's premium Judaica artists whose products are sold worldwide. Check out what else Adi has to offer!
This cool Hanukkah dreidel would make a thoughtful gift for a bar mitzvah!


text:
Download our free Treatwell app.
We expect Treatwell citizens to be polite and well mannered so if anything you see on this site causes you offence (profanities, unauthorised advertising, slanderous comments), please let us know and we'll look into right away.
Before you submit your report, have a read of our Community Guidelines to make sure the content of this review breaches them in any way.
If this is your business, see also our tips on dealing with negative feedback.
When I arrived (on time) my therapist was still dealing with her previous client chatting about various products so I was asked to wait. This meant I was taken to the treatment room more than 5 minutes late. I was then left (for longer than necessary) to get undressed.
The facial itself felt quite luxurious - the various aromas and textures of the products were lovely and the facial massage was pretty good. That said, it would have been nice if they had provided a hand massage while the steamer was on.
After the treatment I returned to the reception area to find that not only had the therapist not gone over time since she started late (due to her running late), she actually finished 5 minutes early. I subsequently found out that the reason for this was so she could tell me about, i.e. sell, the various overpriced products. Being barraged with an information overload after a nice relaxing facial was not really what I needed.
Although I enjoyed the facial, it was around 45 minutes rather than an hour; starting the facial late and finishing early so that they can sell their products was not appropriate and in the end I left with a sense that the place was pretentious. I won't be returning.
If you've already registered with Treatwell, why not log in before reporting this content? If you log in we'll be able to get in touch with you once we've reviewed the content you're reporting.
If you're not a citizen, why not register now?
See also our tips on dealing with negative feedback.


text:
Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair says she isn't completely comfortable with the idea of allowing borrowers to put down 3 percent on a new home. » Read More
Wall Streeters thought Donald Trump was a joke. Not anymore. Here's why the street is quietly jumping on the Trump train, says Turney Duff.
The "Fast Money" traders share the which plays they'd make at the market open.
Some of the names on the move ahead of the open.
Snapchat raised $1.81 billion in an offering, indicating strong interest in the company despite concerns that it is struggling to attract advertisers.
When Josephson took over as the boss of Bitly in July 2013, the company was growing quickly but had no idea how to make money. Now things have definitely changed.
Financial markets have a more appropriate reading now on the chances of a rate rise in June than before, the St. Louis Fed president on Thursday.
Investigators say Kermit Washington used his charity to fund personal expenses, trips and jewelry purchases.
While regulators and legislators try reduce the footprint of domestic institutions. American banks continue to lag.
Here's why the SEC shouldn't allow IEX — or any exchange to implement trading delays, according to these two university professors.
Big banks have social media teams to rival newsrooms' staffing abilities—and budgets.
The fourth biggest bank in Canada will reduce its workforce by 4 percent, according to a company memo seen by Reuters.
The Fed is seeking robust growth and low inflation. But the opposite is happening, setting the economy up for a fall, says Michael Pento.
Some of the names on the move ahead of the open.
Fitch Ratings downgraded Credit Suisse Group's long-term default rating by a notch to A-minus and its viability rating to a-minus from a.
A Fed rate hike in June or July isn't set in stone, but labor data suggest it's time to pull the trigger, St. Louis Fed President Bullard said.
Wells Fargo is jumping into the mobile payments game with its new Wells Fargo Wallet.
Morningstar analysts think Goldman Sachs' stock is set to outperform. They're not as bullish as they once were.
Four Federal Reserve banks are pushing the central bank to raise interest rates, up from two in March, minutes from the Fed's meeting showed.
When it comes to student loan debt, recent grads should avoid these five mistakes, says Andrew Josuweit.
The bank's need for reserves to offset losses on oil and gas companies could rise in 2016, executives warn.
Get the best of CNBC in your inbox


text:
Teen Acne: Topical Medicines continued...
Some prescription creams include two or more active ingredients.
The typical side effects from these treatments are mild and confined to the skin. They include stinging, redness, irritation, and peeling.
Retinoid creams can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. So when using these treatments, it's important to limit sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and apply sunscreen regularly. Protect exposed skin with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a large-brimmed hat. Make sure not to get any topical retinoids in your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Teen Acne Treatment: Oral Medications
For moderate to severe cases, a dermatologist might recommend prescription acne medications taken by mouth instead of -- or in addition to -- topical treatments. Here are some of the types used.
Oral antibiotics. For more severe teen acne, daily antibiotics can help kill bacteria and reduce swelling. These drugs are typically prescribed for periods of six months or less. Over time, the bacteria may become resistant to a specific antibiotic. When that happens, the doctor may switch to a different drug.
The side effects of oral antibiotics depend on the medication, but they can cause problems like upset stomach, dizziness, skin color changes, and sun sensitivity. Tetracycline can yellow the teeth and affect bone formation, so it's not recommended for children under 14 or pregnant women. Doxycycline and minocycline are also not recommended for children under 14 or pregnant women.
Isotretinoin. This is a powerful drug in the retinoid group. It's used for severe or moderate acne that can't be controlled with other treatments. It reduces the amount of oil made by glands in the skin. It also curbs inflammation and reduces clogged hair follicles. Taking it for several months, once or twice a day, can clear most cases of acne.
The most common side effects are dryness of the skin, eyes, mouth, lips, and nose. Other side effects include nosebleeds, achiness, diminished night vision, sun sensitivity, and changes in triglyceride levels and liver function. Severe side effects of isotretinoin are very rare. Since it can cause serious birth defects, women should use two different forms of birth control when taking isotretinoin. People using isotretinoin might need periodic blood tests.


text:
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Magic Johnson has joined a group bidding to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar and part-owner said Friday he's partnering with former Atlanta Braves executive Stan Kasten and wealthy investor Mark Walter to join the auction for the Dodgers, who will be sold by Frank McCourt.
Johnson sold his equity stake in the Lakers in October 2010. The former point guard became a successful businessman after his career ended, and was widely rumored to be looking for a larger ownership stake in another pro sports franchise after parting amicably with the Lakers.
Kasten is the former president of the Braves and the Washington Nationals, while Walter is the CEO of a global financial services firm. Their bidding organization will be called Guggenheim Baseball Management.
The Los Angeles Times first reported Johnson's interest in the Dodgers.


text:
The Low Level Challenge
View Single Post
July 26th, 2013 (11:18 AM). Edited July 28th, 2013 by Porygon Z.
Porygon Z
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pesaro, Italy (GMT +1)
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Nature: Adamant
Posts: 679
Started this challenge, finally.
As of right now, I only have the 1st Gym badge.
Treecko Lv. 15 - Bullet Seed, Growl, Absorb, Quick Attack
Ralts Lv. 11 - Confusion, Growl, Double Team
Nincada Lv. 6 - HM for Cut and Flash
EDIT (07/29): Three Gym badges! Now in Route 112.
Grovyle Lv. 21
Kirlia Lv. 20
Makuhita Lv. 20
Tentacool Lv. 20
Numel Lv. 12
Nincada Lv. 6 - HM for Cut, Flash, and Rock Smash
3DS Friend Code: 1864-9474-4763 (Matthew)
Safari Zone: Ice-type, Snover/Bergmite/Dewgong
Emblems awarded so far
Owner of
Tri-Species Challenge, Version 3.0
Porygon Z
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Porygon Z
Find all posts by Porygon Z
Find threads started by Porygon Z


text:
Venezuela's Government Just Instituted a Two-Day Workweek, Because It Needs to Save Electricity
Business Insider
YouTube Wants People to Visit It for the Reason They Go to Facebook. Will This App Update Help?
Everybody Loves Beyoncé's New Album. But Can It Single-Handedly Save Her Husband's Business?
Business Insider
San Francisco Wants Almost All of Its Uber and Lyft Drivers to Get Business Licenses
The Bills
My Best Friend's Brother Owes Me Rent Money. Can I Sue Him?Your personal-finance questions, answered.
Yes, Bernie's Plan to Make College Free Would Be a Gift to Rich Kids. That Doesn't Make It a Bad Idea.
The Juice
42 Percent of an Electric Car RevolutionI did the math, and that's what I'm getting out of my plug-in Prius. Not bad.
The Bills
All the Sad, Broke, Literary MenA buzzy Atlantic essay details the dire financial straits of a journalist living in the Hamptons. Great work if you can get it!
Why Is It So Hard to Get Clean Weed?More marijuana growers—and more marijuana users—want pot that's "organic." Here's what's harshing their mellow.
One Reason Tax Returns Are So Complicated? Because H&R Block and Other Preparers Like It That Way.


text:
Staff Picks
Before After
by Anne-Margot Ramstein
Everyone knows that a tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. But in this clever, visually enchanting volume, it's also true that a cow can result in both a bottle of milk and a painting of a cow, and an ape in a jungle may become an urban King Kong. Just as day turns into night and back again, a many-tiered cake is both created andRead More »
The World's Strongest Librarian
by Josh Hanagarne
Josh Hanagarne couldn't be invisible if he tried. Although he wouldn't officially be diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome until his freshman year of high school, Josh was six years old when he first began exhibiting symptoms. When he was twenty and had reached his towering height of 6'7", his tics escalated to nightmarish levels. Determined to conquer his affliction,Read More »
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
by Michaela DePrince
Michaela DePrince was known as girl Number 27 at the orphanage, where she was abandoned at a young age and tormented as a "devil child" for a skin condition that makes her skin appear spotted. But it was at the orphanage that Michaela would find a picture of a beautiful ballerina en pointe that would help change the course of her life.Read More »
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
by Ben Montgomery
Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, 67-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail.Read More »
All The Bright Places
by Jennifer Niven
Violet Markey is on the ledge of her school's bell tower, six stories up, and frozen in terror. Theodore Finch, the Freak, stands on the ledge nearby. Before she can panic, he calms her down and gets her back on solid ground. He even lets everyone think she's the one who talked him out of jumping. Violet, until recently, was a popular cheerleader and Finch has a well-earned reputation for being manic, violent, and unpredictable.Read More »
The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
by Wes Moore
Two kids named Wes Moore were born blocks apart within a year of each other. Both grew up fatherless in similar Baltimore neighborhoods and had difficult childhoods; both hung out on street corners with their crews; both ran into trouble with the police. How, then, did one grow up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader, while the other ended up a convicted murderer. . .Read More »
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth
by Christopher Scotton
This earnest debut is part coming of age story, part tale of redemption and part Greek myth played out in the holler. After witnessing the death of his younger brother in a terrible home accident, 14-year-old Kevin and his grieving mother are sent for the summer to live with Kevin's grandfather. In this peeled-paint coal town deep in Appalachia, Kevin quickly falls in with a half-wild hollow kid named Buzzy Fink who schools him in the mysteries and magnificence of the woods. The events of this fateful summerRead More »
The Boys in the Boat
by Daniel James Brown
Daniel James Brown's The Boys in the Boat is the kind of nonfiction book that reads like a novel. Centered around the life of Joe Rantz—a farmboy from the Pacific Northwest who was literally abandoned as a child—and set during the Great Depression, The Boys in the Boat is a character-driven story with a natural crescendo that will have you racing to the finish.Read More »
Shh! We Have a Plan
by Chris Haughton
(PreSchool-Grade 2)—In a gorgeous nocturnal landscape of deep purples and blues, four figures go marching along. The three big ones are holding nets, and the little one trails slightly behind. Suddenly, they spy a bright pink bird in the tree. "Hello, birdie," calls the little one. "Shh," reprimands the first one. "SHH!" hisses the next. "We have a plan," explains the third, holding up a birdcage. They tiptoe towards the bird with hilariously expressive body language until, "ready one…ready two…ready three…Read More »
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds
The Good Lord Bird
by James McBride
Abolitionist John Brown calls her "Little Onion," but her real name is Henry. A slave in Kansas mistaken for a girl due to the sackcloth smock he was wearing when Brown shot his master, the light-skinned, curly-haired 12-year-old ends up living as a young woman, most often encamped with Brown's renegade band of freedom warriors as they traverse the country,Read More »
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory
by Caitlin Doughty
Most people want to avoid thinking about death, but Caitlin Doughty — a twenty-something with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre — took a job at a crematory, turning morbid curiosity into her life's work.
The Husband's Secret
by Liane Moriarty
Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contained his deepest darkest secret with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well.
Supernatural Enhancements
by Edgar Cantero
When twentysomething A., the European relative of the Wells family, inherits a beautiful yet eerie estate set deep in the woods of Point Bless, Virginia, it comes as a surprise to everyone--including A. himself. After all, he never knew he had a 'second cousin, twice removed',
Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Sometimes it's the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal. . . .
A murder… . . . a tragic accident… . . . or just parents behaving badly?
What's indisputable is that someone is dead.
But who did what?Read More »