text:
New York, NY, US
see all...Viewing 3 out of 5 projects
Andrew is a designer interested in the social and civil support systems underlying design intervention, especially in the intertwined domains of public space and infrastructure. Recent work engages large scale systems, yet his interests range across scales and he relishes each opportunity to design and collaborate on projects, from ephemeral interfaces and graphics to buildings to large landscapes.
He is a recent graduate of Syracuse University School of Architecture, where he was recognized as a Syracuse University Scholar, awarded the James Britton Prize for Best Thesis, and recieved the Luther Gifford Prize for Highest Rank in Scholarship.
Gluckman Mayner Architects, New York, NY, US, Intern Architects
REX, New York, NY, US, Intern
Contributed models, drawings, and diagrams to several projects.
Medium, New York, NY, US, Intern
ARTBAR project team - selected as a winner in Urban Design Week 2011's By the City / For the City competition.
601 Tully, Architectural Assistant
A community-collaborative design build renovation. This project started as a class at Syracuse University, which carried over into the summer. While working on the project, I made drawings, renderings, models, and sketches. Later, I helped to begin to make some of these concepts reality by reclaiming materials, processing those materials, and making furniture and a mobile partition to be installed in the house after its completion.
AdHoc_Su, Product Design Intern
A pop-up multidisciplinary design studio in Syracuse led by Designer Garth Roberts. I contributed sketches, renderings, drawings, and models.
Fourth Coast, Inc., Intern
A start-up renewable energy, engineering, and consulting firm. While at Fourth Coast, I learned the ins and outs of solar and wind energy systems, and applied this knowledge by conducted feasibility and benefit analysis of PV and Small Wind Energy Systems. As part of this, I worked on NYSERDA and USDA grant requests, making site plans, electrical diagrams, and solar analyses.
The engineering component of the firm had me prepare building permit and documents and perform NYSUBC research. Also, I learned about and worked on a RFP for the Army Corps of Engineers, for which I prepared Site-Civil and SWPPP drawings.
Syracuse University, BArch, School of Architecture
Recognized as a Syracuse University Scholar, awarded the James Britton Prize for Best Thesis, and recieved the Luther Gifford Prize for Highest Rank in Scholarship.
James Britton Prize for Best Thesis, Award
Syracuse University School of Architecture Award for Best Thesis
Luther Gifford Prize for Scholarship, Award
Prize for Highest Rank In Scholarship, B.Arch Program Class of 2012
University Scholar, Award
1 of 12 Undergraduates Selected from Entire University Class, Highest Distinction awarded to undergraduate Students.
Chancellor's Scholarship, Scholarship
Syracuse University
Crown Award, Grant
Funding research Travel to Seattle, Portland, Madrid, and Barcelona to further my thesis project.
Syracuse Works, Award
A selection of 20 Student projects at Syracuse that were installed in a pop-up storefront in Downtown Syracuse.
Robert W Cutler Memorial Scholarship, Scholarship
Syracuse School of Architecture Merit Scholarship
Winner - Design Works Screen Competition, 1st Place
A MDF Milled Screen at Syracuse School of Visual and Performing Arts Fabrication Lab
King and King Comprehensive Design Competition, Honorable Mention
Syracuse School of Architecture Comprehensive design studio 'prize.' Project: CNY FoodCenter
Myron Jordan Memorial Scholarship, Scholarship
Syracuse School of Architecture Merit Scholarship


text:
Tibetan / Vajrayana
Vajrayana Buddhism is most closely associated with Tibet and can be characterized by the figure of the siddha, the master whose spiritual realization is so profound that he or she has power over the phenomenal world, and in whom the profundity and vastness of absolute truth is fully and completely manifested. Many of our most well-known authors come from this tradition of Tibetan Buddhism .
[Note: The tags for the various schools are not definitive as many books span multiple traditions, etc. They are meant to use as a starting point for exploring this collection.]
A Garland of Views
A Guide to View, Meditation, and Result in the Nine VehiclesA Garland of Views presents both a concise commentary by the eighth-century Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhava on a chapter from the Guhyagarbha Tantra on the different Buddhist and non-Buddhist philosophical views, including the Great Perfection (Dzogchen), and an explicative commentary on Padmasambhava's text by the nineteenth-century scholar Jamgön Mipham (1846–1912).Padmasambhava's text is a core text of the Nyingma tradition because it provides the basis for the system of nine vehicles… Read More
Hardcover$22.95+ Add to Bag
The Complete Nyingma Tradition from Sutra to Tantra, Books 15 to 17
The Essential Tantras of MahayogaIn 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a yogin and scholar of northeastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Written by a mantra practitioner for the benefit of mantra practitioners living among the lay community, it was intended to be informative, inspirational, and above all, practical. Its twenty-five books, or topical divisions, offer a comprehensive and detailed… Read More
Hardcover$59.00+ Add to Bag
The Bodhisattva Path to Unsurpassed Enlightenment
A Complete Translation of the BodhisattvabhumiĀrya Asanga's Bodhisattvabhūmi, or The Stage of a Bodhisattva, is the Mahāyāna tradition's most comprehensive manual on the practice and training of bodhisattvas—by the author's own account, a compilation of the full range of instructions contained in the entire collection of Mahāyāna sutras. A classic work of the Yogācāra school, it has been cherished in Tibet by all the historical Buddhist lineages as a primary source of instruction on bodhisattva… Read More
Hardcover$54.95+ Add to Bag
Sunlight Speech That Dispels the Darkness of Doubt
Sublime Prayers, Praises, and Practices of the Nyingma MastersFrom the noble lotus pond of pure conduct,The swan of intelligence calls.By the white wings of the three practices of the teachings, May all wise sentient beings be happy.—Kunkhyen LongchenpaWith the wish to inspire and motivate practitioners, Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche has translated a selection of wisdom teachings into direct and simple English that retains the power of the original writings and their emphasis on practice. The authors are five… Read More
Hardcover$26.95+ Add to Bag
The Complete Nyingma Tradition from Sutra to Tantra, Books 1 to 10
Foundations of the Buddhist PathIn 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Written by a lay practitioner for laypeople, it was intended to be accessible, informative, inspirational, and above all, practical. Its twenty-five books, or topical divisions, offer a comprehensive and detailed view of the Buddhist path according to the early… Read More
Hardcover$49.95+ Add to Bag
When the Clouds Part
The Uttaratantra and Its Meditative Tradition as a Bridge between Sutra and Tantra"Buddha nature" (tathāgatagarbha) is the innate potential in all living beings to become a fully awakened buddha. This book discusses a wide range of topics connected with the notion of buddha nature as presented in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and includes an overview of the sūtra sources of the tathāgatagarbha teachings and the different ways of explaining the meaning of this term. It includes new translations of the Maitreya treatise Mahāyānottaratantra (Ratnagotravibhāga),… Read More
Hardcover$49.95+ Add to Bag
The Royal Seal of Mahamudra
Volume One: A Guidebook for the Realization of CoemergenceThis guidebook for cultivating the meditative practices of stability and insight—the first major work from the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to become available in English—stands out among works of its kind as one of the clearest and most comprehensive presentations of coemergence, or mahamudra. In it, the eighteenth-century Tibetan master Ngawang Kunga Tenzin, the Third Khamtrul Rinpoche, details a step-by-step program of spiritual exercises that bring the meditator directly to… Read More
Hardcover$34.95+ Add to Bag
The Heart Sutra
A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic of Mahayana BuddhismThe Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra is among the best known of all the Buddhist scriptures. Chanted daily by many Zen students, it is also studied extensively in the Tibetan tradition, and it has been regarded with interest more recently in the West in various fields of study—from philosophy to quantum physics. In just thirty-five lines, it expresses the truth of impermanence and the release from suffering that results from the… Read More
Hardcover$24.95+ Add to Bag
The Profound Inner Principles
With Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye's Commentary Illuminating "The Profound Principles"With masterful clarity and precision, The Profound Inner Principles delineates the principles and foundations of Vajrayāna practice. Rangjung Dorje presents the nature of things—mental and physical—and looks at the cause of delusion, what delusion creates, and how delusion is corrected. His explanations capture the principles of the Vajrayāna's niruttara tantras, with a special focus on the structure and functioning of the body. Just as sugatagarbha, or buddha nature, is the… Read More
Hardcover$49.95+ Add to Bag
A Brief Fantasy History of a Himalayan
Autobiographical ReflectionsIn this autobiographical narrative, Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche sets a magical scene as he describes his early years in "Snowland" (Tibet) as one of seven children of the renowned Nyingma master Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche. After touching on his youthful training and experiences, Rinpoche describes how he traveled and taught in many different nations and cities in the East and West. Shifting between poetic observations and earthy humor, he shares stories… Read More
Hardcover$29.95+ Add to Bag

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dipropylene Glycol is an colourless.
It's a non toxic oil that draws wetness or moisture from
the air. There are 2 different types of DPG agents 1) is
industrial grade and 2) is fragrance grade. We only
purchase DPGF which is DPG fragrance grade. As though it
is the best for mixing with your fragrance oil and bath
and body products. The industrial grade has a order
however the fragrance grade is odorless little to no
DPG is a terrific diluent for diluting the fragrance oil
you purchase from our website. You can also add the
product into your oil warms if the scent is too strong.
Dipropylene glycol mixes well with water and soap by
products also. It has always been a must purchase item
for people who use and sell fragrances for it's low odor
quality and superior quality.
Toxicology Information
This clear odorless oil is not a toxic oil. If you spill
the oil, wipe up immediately, will not cause skin
irrations as though it could be added to skin by
Diluting Solvent
Please select the appropriate
size from the dropdown menu
Available in 4oz, 8oz, 16oz,
gallon and 3 gallons
DPG 4 oz : $3.00
DPG 8 oz : $5.00
DPG 16 oz : $7.50
DPG Gallon : $29.00
DPG 3 Gallons : $79.00
As used in fragrances and
bath and body products
Store out of direct sunlight keep in a well
closed container


text:
TELLURIDE, Colo. — Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, home to moneyed hippies, artists and nature buffs, Telluride is a live-and-let-live kind of town.
A sign assures visitors they are in a "civil-liberties safe zone."
The 15 mph speed limit, which applies in most of the town, is largely enforced by placing a police hat on the tip of a stick and perching it in the driver's seat of a squad car.
In the center of town is the Freebox, a collection of wooden bins where people swap bootleg concert tapes, alpine gear and more, regulated only by the principles of karma.
So perhaps it should come as no surprise that although Telluride cannot legalize marijuana, it may do the next closest thing: officially declare possession of pot for personal use to be the town's "lowest law-enforcement priority."
In August, the Town Council voted 6 to 0 to put the issue on the Nov. 1 ballot. Residents will be asked whether to instruct town marshals — the local law enforcement — to make the investigation, arrest and prosecution of marijuana possession their lowest priority. The proposal applies only to the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana by people 18 or older.
Several cities already have what proponents term "sensible" pot ordinances, most notably Seattle, where voters in 2003 approved an initiative to make the possession of small amounts of marijuana law-enforcement's lowest priority.
Still, Telluride's vote will be closely watched, experts said, because it is the first marijuana ballot proposal since the Supreme Court ruled in June that the federal government could enforce its zero-tolerance policy on pot, even in the 10 states that permit its use for medical purposes. Colorado is among those states; the others are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
Executive Director Allen St. Pierre of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws said the fact the Supreme Court did not strike down the state laws seemed to suggest "concern by justices about thwarting local control, local values."
People who favor relaxing marijuana laws — many of whom believe the government wastes public resources by targeting low-level drug offenders — hope Telluride sets a national example, St. Pierre said.
"The great disconnect at the policy level is here in Washington, D.C.," he said. "Congress is frozen in a sort of reefer madness that states and localities are not."
But Calvina Fay, executive director of the Drug Free America Foundation, said the agenda behind local initiatives "clearly is the legalization of drugs. ... They have made it very clear that they are going to keep pushing."
A famously fun-loving town with a year-round population of about 2,000 and an "in-season" population close to 10,000, Telluride has become a ritzy resort in recent years and is peppered with log-cabin mansions and swanky restaurants that require reservations, even if you can still wear flip-flops or the T-shirt you hiked in all day.
But the town's newer arrivals have tempered its freewheeling ways.
"Telluride is really in transition," Chief Marshal Mary Heller said.
J. Michael Dorsey, who served in several high-profile federal government posts before he retired, moved to Telluride a year ago. He was the assistant secretary for public and Indian housing during the Reagan administration and sat on the national drug-policy board.
He is a leading critic of the Telluride proposal.
Dorsey said the proposal is misguided, partly because voters should not establish law-enforcement priorities. He also objected to a second portion of the initiative, which would declare that Telluride would approve if Colorado decided to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana use.
That would "tell people in town that we think marijuana should be legal, and it will tell people who visit that we think marijuana should be legal," he said. "I think that's the wrong message to give to families in town, and I think it's the wrong message to give to families who are coming here."
To supporters, the proposal reflects the town's ethos. Much of the town seems to celebrate that "high" can refer to its lung-clenching altitude — 8,750 feet above sea level — and to the heady smoke that wafts intermittently. One popular T-shirt reads: "Honey, I think the whole town is high."
"In Telluride, we tend to respect an adult's right to make decisions for themselves, within reason," said Ernest Eich, 30, a leading backer of the proposal. "I think this has a very good chance."
Eich said that with fewer marshals in town — three of the department's 10 positions are vacant — those on patrol should pursue crimes that people find more worrisome than marijuana possession.
Heller, the chief marshal, said the initiative wouldn't have much practical impact. Marijuana possession, she said, typically is charged only as a secondary offense, such as when an officer pulls someone over on suspicion of drunken driving and happens to find a bag of pot.
Even then it is treated under Colorado law as a petty offense, similar to a traffic citation.


text:
Photo Courtesy: Arizona Athletics
Feb. 18, 2004
University of Arizona head women's basketball coach Joan Bonvicini will make an appearance on the "Scarborough Country" television show, airing live on MSNBC tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 18) at 8 p.m. Tucson time.
Bonvicini will be part of a panel discussion concerning issues surrounding the recent recruiting and rape allegations made against the University of Colorado football program. Also scheduled to appear is former Wildcat softball player Jennie Finch, along with former National Organization of Women president Patricia Ireland.


text:
Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Wessington and Beadle County in South Dakota. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Wessington, SD today!
Popular Tags for Skydiving Wessington:
Skydiving Wessington, Skydiving in Wessington, Sky Diving Wessington, Skydive Wessington SD, Skydiving 57381, Wessington Skydiving, Skydiving Wessington South Dakota, Skydiving near Wessington, Skydiving in Wessington South Dakota, Wessington Sky Diving, Skydive 57381, Skydiving Wessington SD, Skydive Wessington, Skydiving Beadle County, Skydive in 57381, Skydiving SD, Sky Diving Wessington SD, Wessington, South Dakota
Sign up for our newsletter and receive updatesand specials on skydiving across America!


text: The Abington Board of Selectmen gave Town Manager Richard LaFond good marks in his first review. Michael Franey, chairman of the board, said in an interview that he and his fellow members were pleased with LaFond and the work he has done in his first six months on the job. He said they appreciate his calm demeanor and the way he handles issues in a timely fashion. The review was held according to his contract and did not include any raise or change in the contract, Franey said.


text:
Reload this page for a different collection of photos.
This site is owned and operated by
N Lippincott LLC,
open source technology consulting.
We are not affiliated with local government authorities or the Saylors Lake community association.
For inquires about consulting services or this site,
please call 570-798-7883.
We are not able to respond to inquiries about community services, issues, or events.


text:
Baby Shower Gift Idea – HALO SwaddleChange @HaloSleepSack
As part of my week long baby features of awesome products to give to that…
I received the book "Adventures at Walnut Grove: A Lesson About Teasing" from the author Dana Lehman today and I was anxious to open the package! Upon opening the package I found a signed copy of her FIRST children book and a craft that goes along with the lesson of teaching that teasing is not nice.
The book itself flows very nice, and story line is simple yet educational. Not only does "Adventures at Walnut Grove: A Lesson About Teasing" teach children in a unique way how teasing affects others, but the book also incorporates math and other skills important for children to learn. On the last page of this book you will see a list of questions that a parent or a teacher may go over with their children or classroom.
This book is geared towards an age of 3 and above. The book is a simple read, and will keep the attention of little ones until the end. You can purchase this book or both of her children's books today by visiting her website www.lehmanpublishing.com.
My daughter was so excited to have received this book in addition to the book being signed that we decided to vlog about our new book:
I loved this review. As a former 4th grade teacher and now a mom of three, I know how important these books are! To write about vital life lessons in a non-threatening way is tremendous. I'm impressed that this author has self-published and will definitely be going to her site to find out more about this book and any others she has. Thank you Brandy for sharing it through video, too. It's one of those conversations that I can see every mom having with their children. Great review!
Great review Brandy and Kiara! 🙂 I am taking a Children's Literature Class and I am really into picking books as I have always aspired to be a teacher (even though I'm a business major). Someday I would like to have a huge library for my kids and this book looks like a GREAT one to add. I bookmarked her site and I will get some money and order it 😉
We also have both of Dana's books and I have to say that they are my sons favorite books and they have me read them over and over again to them. Now when a book like this comes before spiderman, batman, and ironman books you know you have a winner!
Its well written, great colors schemes throughout the books and they are so easy for the kids to follow and learn from. If you haven't picked up these books for your child, classroom or library your really missing out.


text:
Sharks Great White 3D
by admin on Mar.24, 2014, under Screensavers
Name: Sharks Great White 3D
Type: Screensavers
Genre: oceans
About: Chilling horror of all the oceans, seven meters of net malice, the most dangerous to human form – the great white shark is now on your monitors!
Download: Sharks Great White 3D (1970)
Futuristic City 3D
by admin on Mar.24, 2014, under Screensavers
Name: Futuristic City 3D
Type: Screensavers
Genre: Futuristic
About: Apocalypse canceled future – to be! Download the new live wallpaper and screensaver Futuristic City 3D and explore the city of the future: a thoughtful, practical, with a welcoming atmosphere. Look into the future today and the next generations will envy!
Download: Futuristic City 3D (1317)
Winter cottage
by admin on Jan.14, 2014, under Screensavers
Name: Winter cottage
Type: Screensavers
Genre: Winter
About: Enjoy the magic of falling snow, mysterious stone house, lost somewhere in the mountains. In the windows gradually illuminate light. From the tube starts to go smoke. House is gradually reviving …
In the intro scene are three different cottages. You can configure as snow will fall, and choose animals.
Download: Winter cottage (855)
Screensavers – Falling money
by admin on Nov.11, 2013, under Screensavers
Name: Falling money
Type: screensaver
Genre: color, dollar
About: A beautiful screensaver with slowly falling dollar.
Download: Falling money (716)
Screensavers – The cat licks screen
by admin on Nov.11, 2013, under Screensavers
Name: The cat licks screen
Type: screensaver
Genre: color, cat
About: A fun screen saver for lovers to decorate your monitor. Fluffy the cat will lick your diligently monitor, licking droplets of water from it. It looks very realistic!
Download: The cat licks screen (853)
Screensavers – Vulcano
by admin on Jul.18, 2013, under Screensavers
Name: Vulcano
Genre: color, bokeh
About: Download free screensavers for Windows 7/Windows 8/Xp/Vista. Before we open view on a desert island at the time of the dinosaurs. A quiet sunny day, around the sound of the sea and the cry of reptiles, but this sunny and bright day, gradually turns into a real chaos, and all because the volcano wakes up and starts erupting …
Download: Vulcano (885)
Screensavers – 3d Screensaver by nVidia
by admin on Jul.18, 2013, under Screensavers
Name: 3d Screensaver by nVidia
Genre: Screensavers
About: Download free screensavers for Windows 7/Windows 8/Xp/Vista. A beautiful screensaver made in blue on the company nVidia.
Download: 3d заставка от компании nVidia (957)
Screensavers Glassland 3d screensaver
by admin on Mar.13, 2013, under Screensavers
Name: Glassland 3d screensaver
Type: Screensavers
Genre: color, bokeh
About: Download free screensavers for Windows 7/Windows 8/Xp/Vista. And here ends next summer, thanks to this, the developers pushing for the creation of the next summer landscape. And this simple screensaver will allow you to experience the atmosphere of a warm, summer day. Here is a hill, with a growing on it a lone tree and tall grass, and will be seen in the distance a small settlement, and the camera is virtually immobile, except for the effect of swaying with the grass on the breeze.
Download: Screensavers Glassland 3d screensaver (2)


text:
"You should feel pretty darn good about the results in this survey," City Administrator Jim Archambo told aldermen at Tuesday's meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
The National Citizen Survey, commissioned by the city, took a reading of residents' satisfaction on a number of fronts, including overall community quality, economic sustainability, public safety, civic engagement, the environment - and even food.
Wauwatosa came out looking like a pretty good place.
"Most residents experienced a good quality of life in the city of Wauwatosa and believed the city was a good place to live. The overall quality of life in the city of Wauwatosa was rated as 'excellent' or 'good' by 95 percent of residents," said a summary of the findings.
The survey, a collaborative effort between the National Research Center and the International City/County Management Association, went out to 1,200 representative Wauwatosa households, and 430 surveys were returned. The response rate of 38 percent was considered higher than might be expected, and the responses were statistically weighted to reflect the population.
In the survey, respondents were asked, for example, to rate Wauwatosa's "variety of housing options" on a scale of 1 (excellent ) to 4 (poor). There were more than 100 questions, and responses were compared to national benchmarks from National Citizen Survey's database of about 500 jurisdictions.
Almost all respondents reported that they plan to stay in Wauwatosa for the next five years, and the two characteristics receiving the most favorable ratings were the "overall image or reputation of Wauwatosa and the availability of affordable quality food." The characteristics receiving the least favorable ratings were the amount of public parking and the traffic flow on major streets.
Some of the findings were a little surprising. For a community that prides itself on its bikeability, 84 percent of those traveling to work drive in a car occupied by only the driver - way above the national benchmark, according to the report. Just 1 percent bike to work, the same amount takes the bus, while 3 percent walk and 5 percent work at home.
Respondents were satisfied with the rate of population growth in the community - 82 percent said it was the right amount. But a rating of nuisance problems found that only 23 percent said they had no problem. The "minor problems" category came in at 55 percent.
City residents fell short on civic engagement, according to the data. Only 21 percent had attended a meeting of local elected officials or any other local public meeting in the previous 12 months.
Less than half had volunteered their time to some group or activity in Wauwatosa, lower than the benchmark, though more than 9 out of 10 had provided help to a neighbor.
When respondents were asked how frequently they participated in various activities, providing help to a neighbor or friend and recycling were the most popular activities.
Joining a club, and going to a meeting of elected officials - for example, the Common Council - were the least popular activities.
Of the 30 characteristics for which comparisons were available, Wauwatosa placed 28 above the national benchmarks, and two were similar to the benchmark.
Archambo said the survey is "part of the effort to measure our performance against other benchmarks, not just ourselves, and to see … how are we doing in the eyes of our citizens."
The survey claims a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent, and cost less than $10,000, Archambo said.
More from News and Features
- Tosa police investigating armed robbery at North Shore Bank Wednesday
- Wauwatosa Business Spotlight: Perspective Design specializes in being a generalist
- Wauwatosa Police Report: June 19 - 25
- Wauwatosa In Brief: Get set for Dozer Day in the Village, July 9
- Wauwatosa Meetings: June 30
- Wauwatosa Village businesses remain upbeat amid ongoing reconstruction
- East Tosa Gran Prix draws racers from across the continent
- Wauwatosa News and Notes: June 30
- Mystery Photo Contest: June 30
- Wauwatosa Senior Meals: Week of July 4


text:
|Following the recent publication of two reports looking at the EDL and the rise of the far-right in the UK (see here and here), the think-tank DEMOS has published a report looking at the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of the EDL's supporters on social networking sites.
Entitled, 'Inside the EDL: Populist politics in a digital age', the report comprises responses from 1295 sympathisers and supporters, including data on their "demographics, involvement in EDL activity, political attitudes and social views."
Jamie Bartlett, the author of the report, describes the EDL as a "facebook group with a militant wing", and argues that most of the EDL's activity takes place online.
DEMOS conducted surveys using an online sample recruited through the EDL's Facebook supporters. Some of the key findings of the report include:
• EDL supporters are "disproportionately likely to be out of work: A significant percentage of supporters are unemployed – although this is especially true of older supporters. Among 16–24-year-old EDL supporters, 28 per cent are unemployed, compared with a national average of 20 per cent for the same age group. Among 25– 64-year-olds, 28 per cent of EDL supporters are unemployed, compared with a national average of 6 per cent.
• Immigration is the biggest concern among EDL supporters: Although the group's leaders claim Islamic extremism is the EDL's primary raison d'etre, supporters appear to care more about immigration: 42 per cent consider immigration one of the top two issues facing the country, with 31 per cent citing Islamic extremism.
• The BNP is the most popular political party among EDL supporters: Although members of the BNP are not officially welcome at EDL demonstrations, 34 per cent of EDL supporters vote for the BNP.
• Supporters have low levels of 'social capital' and high levels of pessimism: Only 32 per cent of EDL respondents, compared with 55 per cent for the general population as a whole, agreed with the statement 'in general, people can be trusted', which is considered to be a good proxy measure for social capital. The group is also extremely pessimistic about the future, compared with the general public.
• Supporters join the EDL because of a combination of opposition to Islam or Islamism, and to preserve national and cultural values: Nearly half (41 per cent) of supporters claim to have joined the EDL because of their views on Islam. While some directed abuse at all Muslims, others made more nuanced criticisms, condemning 'political Islam' and 'Muslim extremists'. A large number cited a love of England, commitment to preservation of traditional national and cultural values, and representation of the interests of 'real' British countrymen (31 per cent) as their reason for joining. In many cases this amounted to a defence of liberal values from perceived outside forces such as Islam. It is of interest that no one cited immigration as an important reason for joining the group, although it is the biggest concern facing members.
The Report's recommendations include engaging with the EDL's supporters and addressing wider issues that contribute towards their sense of disenfranchisement and exclusion including joblessness, immigration and low levels of trust in political institutions.
The report states:
"The EDL appears to be symptomatic of a new brand of loosely nationalist movements across Europe, which finds common cause in opposing a perceived Islamification of secular liberal and Christian societies. These groups lay claim to the mantle of the enlightenment, espousing support for fundamental liberal values of free speech, democracy and equality, which they seek to defend from the threat of Islam … There is little doubt that the EDL contains some racist and openly anti-Islamic elements – but this is by no means true of all supporters. The task ahead is to engage with those who are sincere democrats, and isolate those who are not.
"Anti-Islam and anti-Islamist sentiment is an important, but not the primary, concern among supporters. Any concerted effort to limit the group's support would therefore require addressing a much broader set of concerns about immigration, joblessness, pessimism and a general decline in social capital and trust in political institutions. These challenges transcend single groups like the EDL, but unless they are dealt with, groups like the EDL will continue to grow."
You can read the full report here.
|< Prev
|Next >


text:
This can be defined as the art of winning unfairly at sport without actually cheating. If a player profits from an unfair advantage, or covers up an unjust act, or intimidates his opponent/s by words or body language he is guilty of gamesmanship, which is the antithesis of good sportsmanship.
Unfortunately, histrionic questioning of line calls, hectoring and haranguing referees/umpires and taunting and goading opponents permeates all levels of professional sport, from tennis to football. It is scarcely surprising, therefore, that amateurs are aping the less attractive attitudes of the professionals, and bending the rules in order to win.
Any tendency to employ these tactics should be eradicated. Good manners in sport are paramount, as in other aspects of life. Even if this means you lose again and again, at least you will be doing it gracefully.


text:
Britney Spears & Jason Trawick's "Winter Wedding" Canceled, Claims Site
"Britney Spears and Jason Trawick had planned a romantic and intimate winter wedding, but after incessant fighting between the two, the impending nuptials have been called off," RadarOnline is "exclusively reporting."
Wait… what?!
According to a "source" for the outlet, "Britney and Jason had planned to get married at the end of December, but they have been fighting non-stop so the wedding has now been called off."
"They are telling their friends it's being postponed, but they will probably never make it down the aisle," explains the RadarOnline insider. "Britney doesn't think Jason is any fun and resents him because he acts more like a second father than a romantic partner, or equal."
One tiny problem.
As Gossip Cop has reported, oh, about a dozen times, Spears and Trawick HAVE NEVER, EVER, EVER SET A WEDDING DATE.
Nothing has ever been planned, and nothing was "canceled."
It's interesting that RadarOnline keeps claiming Spears "exclusives" when its track record looks like this, and yet the outlet persists.
A rep tells Gossip Cop the latest wedding-is-off report is "not true," since, again, there was never a wedding planned.
Meanwhile, another source assures us the couple is "great" and "happy."
Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!
Like us on Facebook!


text:
Tellico Nymph
Hook: Nymph; here, the 2XL Daiichi model 1710; sizes 14 to 10.Thread: First, bright yellow Uni-Stretch bobbin-mounted, then black 8/0 Uni-Thread or similar.Tail: Strands of golden pheasant tippet.Shell: A narrow strip from a brown turkey feather, prepared as per the tying notes.Rib: A single narrow peacock herl, preferably taken from the longer- fronded side of a peacock sword feather.Underbody (optional): Fine weighting wire.Body: The bright yellow Uni-Stretch, or bright yellow floss, if you prefer.Hackle: Brown.Tying Note: Prepare the turkey strip ahead of time by saturating it with a flexible adhesive and allowing it to dry. Note that the components are listed in the order in which they are attached. Tie on the tail, then tie in the shell strip, followed by the peacock herl. If you've opted for weighting wire, cut short the butt ends of the components you've tied in thus far and abut them with the weighting wire.


text:
** FILE ** Facebook.com's mastermind Mark Zuckerberg smiles at his office in Palo Alto, Calif. in this Feb. 5, 2007 file photo. Rapidly rising Internet star Facebook Inc. has sold a 1.6 percent stake to Microsoft Corp. for $240 million, spurning a competing offer from online search leader Google Inc. The deal announced on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007 after several weeks of negotiation values Palo Alto-based Facebook at $15 billion _ less than four years after Mark Zuckerberg started the online social networking site in his Harvard University dorm room. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
The Facebook social networking site has 350-million users who spend about an hour-a-day on the site.
But how can you tell when social networking goes from just being social, to being an addiction?
Dan Harris reports on some Facebook junkies who are trying to kick their habit.
For Michigan 10th grader Neeka Salmasi, chatting and messaging with her friends on Facebook had become a huge problem.
"It's like an addiction.' says Neeka, "you look up one moment and it's day and you look up another moment and it's night."
In the beginning, she says she'd be online for as little as 20 minutes a day ...but then those minutes grew into a couple of hours on weekdays and sometimes as long as six hours on the weekend.
"She wasn't doing any other tasks," said Neeka's mom. "Her room was really messy. And then a couple of times we fight over it. And we don't fight that much."
Neeka's grades were going down, her mom was constantly checking up on her... the obsession to constantly check Facebook disrupting her life.
And in California, best friends Monica Reed and Halley Lamberson quickly realized that they too were wasting too much time on Facebook.
These teens, like so many teenagers across the country, were struggling to find a balance between social media and their everyday lives.
Dr. Sherry Turkle, Psychology Professor, at MIT says, "For a teenager, it doesn't make sense to think of MY LIFE and then I get distracted by SOCIAL MEDIA. We're not going to be taking away the internet. It's more a question of living with these devices that so compel us, in a way that serves our human purposes."
So in order to put Facebook in its proper place, Neeka took action. She asked her sister to change her Facebook password on Monday morning, and keep it hidden from her until Friday night.
Neeka said, "The first week was hard. My friends didn't know how I could do it, but my studying habits improved."
Monica and Halley decided to limit their use to one Saturday per month.
"If one of us cheated, and looked at Facebook, we'd be forced to write something embarrassing on somebody else's Facebook page."
Dr. Sherry Turkle said, "People take breaks, people drop in and out. Parents and children, we're all learning how to do this better."


text:
NEW ORLEANS- Oilfield services giant Halliburton will plead guilty to destroying evidence in the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Company officials threw out test results that showed little difference in the number of devices needed to center the cement casing in the well at the center of the 2010 disaster, according to court papers. Halliburton had recommended well owner BP use 21 centralizers, but BP used only six and the issue has been key point of contention between the two companies.
Halliburton is the third of the three major players to admit criminal wrongdoing in the 2010 blowout and resulting oil spill. BP and rig operator Transocean have already pleaded guilty to other charges related to the disaster, which killed 11 rig workers and unleashed the biggest oil spill in U.S. history.


text:
Great Women Leaders
King Jayadratha tried to kidnap her, and great women leaders fought like a true warrior queen. Great women leaders demonstrated how a traditionally devoted wife can also be powerfully assertive. The writer was awarded with National Premium of Art and Culture, in 2007 in Lithuania great women leaders was dedicated to be a Woman of the Year. Unknown to many, however, was her use of new techniques of statistical analysis, such as during the Crimean War when great women leaders plotted the incidence of preventable deaths in the military. Great women leaders developed the "polar-area diagram" to dramatize the needless deaths caused by unsanitary conditions and the need for reform.
Soon, the Americans Great women leaders their way in the war. They thought that if South Vietnam didn't want to be part of North Vietnam, they shouldn't be bossed around. This is to be a civil war between the Korean people with the goal of reunification. I build up a large military of 200,000 men. Each rock had a word on it which we hoped would be a word or a blessing to help each person move forward on their journey. I just loved handing out the rocks.
Under the distingui great women leaders people who are honored not only in Morocco, but around the globe, count brilliant leaders in different disciplines, heroes of wars, outstanding writers and poets, high-placed officials, legendary figures, artists. They are simply remarkable individuals who have one thing in common: are not easy to stereotype. His extremely simple and inexpensive earthenware "Pot-in-Pot" cooling device is starting to revolutionize lives in this semi-desert area. By the end of 1861, the troops had abandoned the forts in Chiricahua country because of the Civil War in the East. Bascom was later killed during battle by a cannonball from the Southern side.
Recent Entries
- Use Registry Cleaners That Will Work For Your PC!
- Take Affordable Family Trip Within Your Reach Today
- Men's Leather Wallet The Best Gift To Behold
- New York City Marketing Company Uses Google Adsense To Cut PPC Costs
- Safeguarding Vital Information With Registry Cleaners
- Get Smart Roommates At Backpage
- Some Of The Greatest Films From The Passionate Movie Star, Samuel L. Jackson
- Take Free Trip In Your Grasp Tomorrow
- Women Leaders in African History Information
- Grab For New Roommates Today


text:
And yet while most of us appreciate the need to "deacquire" as we get older, we also agree that it's easier said than done. As Akiko Busch has observed, "One may be forced to downsize space due to economic dictate in recessionary times or might simply choose to live more simply and sustainably. But even if the mandate to cede one's belongings is clear, one still needs insight and judgment to do so — and that can pose some complex challenges."
In her fine essay "The Art of Shedding Possessions," she describes how she went from being overwhelmed at the task of turning her adult son's former bedroom (still alive with "ghosts" of his youth spent there) into a viable guest room.
2. A great place to start the process is your clothes closet. This offers multiple benefits: You not only get to shed possessions and clear out what might be a big clutter fest, you'll probably discover things you love that you'd forgotten about. And, best of all, when you follow the five steps and many practical tips in style coach Susan Sommers' piece "Shop Your Closet," you can create a sharp new look for yourself. See: Less can be more!
3. It's typically easier to help others in this situation. Emily Berns Heyser found herself thrust into that situation when her mother-in-law needed to downsize into a smaller space that was more appropriate for her declining state of health. But this woman equated the need to get rid of her prized possessions with a decree that her life as she'd always known and lived it was over.
As Berns Heyser writes of her "Mutter" in "Giving Things Away Can Make a Life Transition Easier": "A longtime widow with chronic diabetes, she was irascible and depressed, anxious about the future and doubtful that any change could be for the better. It was as if she saw her life as already over, and all the appurtenances of that life — from the books she had read to the clothes she had worn to the Christmas ornaments she had crafted — finished and done with as well."
So as a loving (and clever) daughter-in-law, she hatched a neat plan: After packing and moving Mutter's essential items, she set up a table outside the older woman's home and created a kind of ongoing free flea market. Naturally the "shoppers" were thrilled, but the biggest surprise of all was Mutter's positive reaction.
Click here for two more approaches to clearing out clutter on Next Avenue
Don't miss out on MORE great articles like this one. Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter!
Photo courtesy of Howard Sandler/Shutterstock.com


text:
Mar 18, 2014 8:30 AM
We have a few bottles of nail polish that are accented with glitter, but none of them are obnoxious enough to go full-on sparkle-crazy. On those days when we're craving attention of any sort, we're happy to have some Manfried Galactic Color Nail Enamel ($7) at the ready. We weren't sure why it was called "galactic" until we realized that the
purple, green, and blue fuchsia, emerald, and teal gloss has our fingers blinging so brightly that they can be seen from space.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


text:
My 6.5 year old daughter Ellerie is really, really into art. She draws every single day, practicing different animals and creating new storyboards plotting out the adventures of her creations. She loves to paint and scrupt and any and everything else art-related. She also loves to try new art toys. So she was super excited when the makers of DohVinci sent us their DohVinci Anywhere Art Studio to test out.
The product takes Play-Doh and makes it squirtable in a thin & artistic way, basically. This kit comes with four tubes of pretty colored dough, a squirting mechanism, and several blank boards to create on. It all goes in a nice handy dandy carrying case that makes this a great kids travel kit (better for airplanes than cars unless you have a table top set up in your car, though it could be done either way).
Ellerie LOVED this product. She thought it was so cool to create 3D art. She said she felt it was like "painting and drawing put together" without spilling or having to clean off brushes. Changing colors was easy (and neat). Putting it up for later was also easy. Everything has a place to click into so she knew right where to put it all and she closed it up and brought it with her in the car "just in case she was bored somewhere else we were going."
There are lots of other DohVinci art kits, all of which seem to be aimed at girls with their color scheme and designs but artistically-inclined boys would love playing with it too. The only thing Ellerie didn't like was that the big tool made it hard for her hands to get all of the designs exactly as she wanted them. She would like a smaller art tool to load the dough into, maybe more like a pen shape she says. Her hands started to hurt after playing with it after a while, which she didn't like. Still she got it back out later to play with again.
All in all - a great present for art-loving kids age six(ish) and up (due to the large device). Great for occupying kids neatly in confined spaces - like an airplane or airport or hotel room or restaurant table even. But also great for everyday at home fun without a lot of cleanup and no supervision required. It is very easy for kids to do themselves.


text:
Prefab Possibilities
From Dean Dowd on July 18, 2008 in General Remodel
The world of prefabricated building is accelerating. From modular homes to structurally insulated panels, prefab building is quicker, often cheaper, and greener than traditional, site-built structures. Here are some fun prefab possibilities for you to kick around:
Prefab Outbuildings
These structures, from saunas to garden sheds, have long been common in Europe and Scandinavia. And now they are making a footprint in the United States as well. Manufactured in kits in several styles, you can easily have your small workshop or playhouse up in no time.
Modular Homes
Of course, prefabricated possibilities are not limited to just a shed or a sauna. The modular movement encompasses all, from the basic, "just gimme a roof" house to very custom, high end homes. Modular homes create less waste, are tightly insulated, and are as unique as you want them to be.
Everything Else
With the coming onslaught of modular homes, it seems that anything can be prefabricated in the warehouse before ever seeing the light of day. Of course cabinets, countertops, tub/showers these have long been built off-site. But wall panels including windows, stairs, shelving, storage, etc. can all be manufactured in-house (but not yours). The possibilities seem endless. The entirety of homes, it seems, can be prefab. And what's great is that there is no apparent loss in quality, only cost and time, and those are things we don't mind cutting back on!


text:
Picture your perfect day hiking, having a picnic and Martin Creek Falls! Explore this wondrous area in Rabun County, Georgia.
Martin Creek Falls is a three tier waterfall. The highest point on this waterfall is 35 feet. The trail leading to Martin Creek Falls meanders near a creek on the Bartram trail, which will lead explorers on a 20 minute hike to a beautiful lush area.
Martin Creek Falls was a daytime trip for two of my subscribers, Tommy and Linda.
They found sunshine, a summer's hot day filled with an eagerness to explore. Martin Creek Falls is a very inviting spot also for campers.
An area for camping can be found near the trail leading towards the falls.
The waterfalls' waters are very cold but are very good to cool off in after a 1.3 mile hike. Martin Creek Falls is a perfect hike for couples who enjoy hiking. The trail is noted to be difficult as seen on this site: http://www.n-georgia.com/becky-branch-martin-creek-falls.htm.
Remember to bring water on this adventure, especially with the summertime heat approaching.
More images of Martin Creek Falls can be found at http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=martins+creek+falls&qpvt=martins+cre...
Martin Creek Falls is a magical place, so go ahead and make this part of your summertime fun in the Southern Appalachia region!
Other sites to note in contribution to this article are: http://www.jjanthony.com/waterfalls/falls/martincreekfalls.html and http://georgiamountains.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id...
(More great pictures can be found on these sites).
Keep reading, the next article will be about another waterfall, of course.
The waterfall is located in Kentucky, and is a famous destination for all those looking for waterfalls.
Something tells me you are going to love it!
Special thanks to Tommy and Linda for sharing their memories and photos!!!!!!


text:
Seemingly impossible after three perversely sinister seasons, the upcoming "American Horror Story" ramps up the creep-out factor with its latest theme. Premiering October 8, Freak Show promises conjoined twins, sword swallowing, a lobster boy, a killer clown and a two-faced head. The show's stellar production departments will no doubt triumph with even more stunning effects, and the top-notched cast will undoubtedly meet new challenges. Click here to watch the latest (second) extended preview and here to watch the opening credits.
Creator Ryan Murphy told Hollywood Reporter: "It's about outcasts … true stories about circus performers who were cast aside. The story in many ways dovetails with Asylum because ... many of them in real life were put into asylums. There's a great symmetry we've come up with that's rewarding." The first cast poster carries the German tagline, "Wir sind alle freaks," which means, "We are all freaks."
AHS actress Sarah Paulson talked about "this idea of being a forgotten soul in the world that's just been cast aside. Everybody feels like that at some point in their lives. It's something that I think has a tremendous amount of currency. It feels very honest about what it means to be a person" (in EW). Murphy has promised that, unlike past seasons, in Freak Show, once a character dies, they stay dead.
Last season's Coven cast members Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates took home Primetime Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, respectively. So what's in store these exceptional actresses next? Here's the Freak Show cast rundown:
Sarah Paulson as Bette and Dot Tattler
Paulson faces insurmountable technical challenges for this, her fourth season on "AHS," in the dual role of conjoined twins Bette and Dot, with two heads (and, according to EW, "two very different personalities") sharing the same body. Dot, the more knowing of the two, carries a "darkness," while Bette, in her innocence, hero worships Elsa Mars (Lange), who wants the twins to join the freak show in order to ramp up waning attendance. (From EW.)
Paulson has been through rigors before, as Cordelia, gouging her own eyes out before becoming the next Supreme in Coven and, as Lana, being kidnapped by Bloody Face in Asylum. Like Cordelia, Lana emerged from her tragedy and triumphed. Will Paulson's Freak Show character end up a hero as well?
Paulson started out almost 20 years ago in horror TV as Merlyn Temple, ghost sister to Caleb (Lucas Black) in the short-lived "American Gothic." In the last few years, she's appeared in the acclaimed films "Martha Marcy May Marlene," "Mud," and "12 Years a Slave," as well as the HBO movie "Game Change."
Evan Peters as Jimmy Darling
Despite landing various TV and film roles in his teens and early twenties, Peters was virtually unknown until he portrayed Tate Langdon in "AHS" Murder House. Believe it or not, he had fans swooning over him, even after he turned out to be the ghost of a high school shooter AND the Rubber Man. He played the admirable Kit in Asylum and frat boy turned Frankenstein Kyle in Coven. In the real world, he's engaged to Emma Roberts, who also jumped on board the "AHS" train last season.
His Freak Show character Jimmy Darling, son of Kathy Bates' Ethel, was born with lobster like hands, similar to the real life Grady Stiles. When his father Dell Toledo (Chiklis) shows up, they vie for power under Elsa (Lange). Will Jimmy have Stiles' violent tendencies?
Michael Chiklis as Dell Toledo
After starring in two TV shows, "The Shield" and "The Commish," Chiklis makes his "AHS" debut in Freak Show. He'll play the strongman, husband to Angela Bassett, ex-husband of Kathy Bates, and father of Evan Peters. Chiklis won multiple awards (Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, Satellite, TV Critics Association) for his portrayal of Vic Mackey in "The Shield," which ran from 2002 to 2008. He also plays The Thing in the "Fantastic Four" movies.
Frances Conroy as Gloria Mott
Conroy played Moira, the elder maid and unofficial advisor to Vivien, in Murder House; the Angel of Death, adorned with magnificent wings, in Asylum; and oft-quoted eccentric/sassy witch Myrtle Snow in Coven. She's been nominated for Saturn and Emmy awards for "AHS." In season 4, she's the well-to-do mother of Finn Wittrock, who wants to join the Freak Show, while she'll "do anything" to keep him away (according to Murphy in EW). Prior to "AHS," Conroy was best-known for her role as Ruth on the HBO show "Six Feet Under," which earned her a Golden Globe, a SAG, and four Primetime Emmy nominations.
Denis O'Hare as Stanley
"AHS" loves to mix it up. O'Hare played lovestruck toady Spalding to Jessica Lange's Fiona in Coven and a dazzled Larry to Lange's Constance in Murder House. But in Freak Show he'll clash with Lange's character Elsa. Instead of being a member of her troupe, he's been described as a "collector of freaks" (according to Vulture). EW describes he and Emma Roberts' character as con artists. Besides appearing in 20 episodes of HBO's "True Blood," O'Hare has appeared on other TV shows, in various stage productions, and in such notable films as "21 Grams," "Michael Clayton," "Milk," and "Dallas Buyers Club."
Emma Roberts as Maggie
With Eric as her dad and Julia as her aunt, Roberts grew up around acting and landed the starring role of Addie Singer in the tween show "Unfabulous." She starred in a couple of kids movies and then joined the seasoned "Scream" cast for the series' fourth installment as cousin to Sidney (Neve Campbell). After filming indie pic "Adult World" with Evan Peters, the two started dating. She joined the "AHS" cast for last season's Coven as Hollywood brat Madison. She and Peters got engaged during the 2013 holiday season. Her Freak Show character is a fortune teller and con artist, a partner of Stanley (O'Hare) according to Murphy in EW. And, true to real life, Maggie and Jimmy (Peters) will have a romantic relationship again this season.
Finn Wittrock as Dandy
Wittrock played Damon Miller on the soap "All My Children," and, like Matt Bomer, appeared in Ryan Murphy's HBO movie "The Normal Heart." In Freak Show, he'll be the son of Gloria Mott (Conroy), who wants to join the troupe, despite her efforts to thwart him.
Angela Bassett as Desiree Dupree
Nominated for an Oscar for "What's Love Got to Do with It?" and winner of numerous awards - Golden Globe, Black Reel, Saturn, Image - for various TV and film roles, Bassett joined the cast of "AHS" for last season's Coven. She played brutally powerful voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, a darker version of the real 19th Century New Orleans practitioner. In October, Bassett will play Desiree Dupree, married to Chiklis' strongman, and performer in the Freak Show with her peculiarity being a third breast.
Kathy Bates as Ethel Darling
Like Bassett, Bates joined the "AHS" cast for Coven as the show's version of real life 19th Century slave torturer/killer Delphine LaLaurie. Cursed to live forever by Laveau and buried alive, current-day witches dug her up 100 years later. Later in the season, she's beheaded but still alive, engendering some tongue-in-cheek humor, albeit gruesomely. Prior to "AHS," Bates accomplished what few actresses could - won an Oscar for a horror film - Rob Reiner's 1990 "Misery." She's also won a Golden Globe and earned Tony, Emmy and other Oscar noms.
This Fall, she'll be the Bearded Lady, Peters' mom and Chiklis' ex Ethel Darling. According to EW, "Ethel is basically Elsa's (Lange's) right hand woman," says Murphy. "She helps run the camp, and she's sort of the guardian of the law. She had a real tragedy in that she was a real circus star in the '20s and 30s and then she had her baby and she became a down-and-out drunk, and Elsa saved her."
Jessica Lange as Elsa Mars
In her fourth season on "AHS," Lange will play Elsa Mars, a German living in Jupiter, Florida in the 1950s and running one of the last freak shows in the U.S. In EW, Lange said, "My character is very manipulative. She understands what's needed and she provides it. However the thing I want to be very clear that Elsa really loves these people. She truly cares for them in her own selfish narcissistic way. It's not just exploitation."
She spent her third season (Coven) portraying the Supreme witch of her time, Fiona Goode. In season two (Asylum), she starred as Sister Jude, the cruel head of the institution, where she's later confined as a patient. She portrayed Constance Langdon in season one (Murder House), a failed Hollywood actress and next-door neighbor with history, for which she won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress. One of Hollywood's most lauded actresses, Lange earned six Academy Award nominations and two wins - for "Tootsie" and "Blue Sky." Lange has said next season's Freak Show will be her last on "AHS." Fans hope she'll change her mind.
John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown
This newcomer to "AHS" for Freak Show landed the coveted role of the killer clown, the season's primary villain. He retired in Jupiter and detests that the Freak Show has come to town. Formerly, Lynch played the lead suspect in David Fincher's three-hour thriller "Zodiac," Drew Carey's cross-dressing brother on "The Drew Carey Show," Marge's (Frances McDormand) husband in acclaimed 1996 film "Fargo" and a detective on the show "Body of Proof."
Wes Bentley as Eddie
Wes Bentley played the pivotal role of Ricky in the much-lauded 1999 film "American Beauty," which won 5 Oscars and numerous other awards. He played Seneca Crane in 2012's wildly popular "Hunger Games." He's slated to appear in the Halloween episode and at least one other episode of Freak Show as Eddie, who appears out of Ethel Darling's (Kathy Bates) past hell bent on vengeance. EW confirms he'll play the real Edward Mordrake. Murphy says,""He is a very famous horror myth ... a man with two faces. A normal face and then a face on the back of his head that would whisper evil things and force the forward-facing entity to commit horrible crimes." Not the first time AHS based characters on real people -- Murder House featured the Black Dahlia, Asylum Anne Frank, and Coven Marie Laveau, Delphine LaLaurie and The Axeman of New Orleans.
Gabourey Sidibe as Patricia
Sidibe debuted in "AHS" last season as Coven's audacious human voodoo doll Queenie. After having lived at Miss Robichaux Academy with the Salem-origin witches, she took up with the voodoo faction on the other side of town. According to Enstarz, her Freak Show character will be an affluent Barbizon School woman. She returns home to Jupiter when her mother (Patti LaBelle) disappears (according to EW). Prior to "AHS," Sidibe wowed audiences with her 2009 film debut, the starring role in "Precious," which earned her an Oscar nom. After that, she played Andrea on the Showtime series "The Big C."
Jamie Brewer as Katie
Like O'Hare, Brewer appeared in Murder House and Coven but not in Asylum. She played daughter Addie to Constance in season one, tragically hit by a car in her pretty girl costume on Halloween, and clairvoyant Nan in Coven, drowned mercilessly in the tub by Fiona and Marie. No details on her Freak Show character have been released.
Naomi Grossman as Pepper
Grossman played Pepper, who first appeared in the opening scenes of the second season, Asylum. Her character was based on Schlitze, a real life "pinhead," who appeared in the iconic film "Freaks." Pepper endeared audiences as she approached Lana Winters with the request "Play with me." Accused of killing her sister's baby, Pepper later gained the power of increased verbal ability through alien intervention and denied the charges leveled against her. According to Huffington Post, it's official! Grossman will be back as Pepper for Freak Show.
Patti LaBelle, TBA
Known primarily as the R&B superstar who put out mega-hit "Lady Marmalade" in the 1970s, Patti LaBelle previously appeared in a handful of TV shows and movies, including Norman Jewison's 1984 drama "A Soldier's Story." In Freak Show, she's slated to appear as mother to Gabourey Sidibe's character. According to TVLine, she's not going to sing. Her character "is a local townsperson who begins to unravel the murderous secrets of Twisty the clown killer." She's a co-worker and friend of Gloria (Conroy), according to EW.
Ben Woolf as Meep
Possibly THE creepiest character in the twisted history of "AHS," Ben Woolf played Infantata in the show's first season Murder House. A leaked call sheet shows Woolf as Meep in Freak Show. The call sheet also identified Ann McKenzie as Eudora Tattler (presumably related to Sarah Paulson's character), Rose Siggins (who lost her legs early in life) as Legless Suzi, Christopher Neiman as Salty, and Ramona Tyler as Mildred Bachman. The world's smallest woman Jyoti Amge will play Ma Petite. Erika Ervin, the world's tallest model, is Amazon Eve. Mat Fraser (who was born with shortened arms) plays Paul the Illustrated Seal. Drew Rin Varick (42" tall) plays Toulouse.
Matt Bomer, TBA
Matt Bomer, who appeared in creator Ryan Murphy's HBO movie "The Normal Heart," will make a guest appearance on Freak Show, in a role that Murphy calls "warped." Bomer currently plays Neal Caffrey on USA Network's show "White Collar" and starred alongside Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey in the 2012 movie "Magic Mike."
Mariana Vicente as Carol
Since placing in the Top 10 in Miss Universe 2010, representing Puerto Rico, Vicente has appeared in a couple of TV shows, including last season's "American Horror Story: Coven" as Gwen in the episode The Axeman Cometh. IMDb lists her as Carol in the first two episodes of Freak Show.
Grace Gummer as Penny the Candy Striper
Also having appeared in the Coven episode The Axeman Cometh as Millie, Gummer (daughter of Meryl Streep) currently appears in "The Newsroom" as reporter Hallie Shea. Wikipedia lists her as Penny in Freak Show.
Skyler Samuels, TBA
The gorgeous 20 year-old, known for her roles as Gigi Hollingsworth on tween show "Wizards of Waverly Place" and Chloe on the ABC Family show "The Nine Lives of Chloe King," has been cast in a "pivotal" recurring role on Freak Show, according to Screen Rant. She'll play a townsperson "who finds herself in a tough situation." Her character name hasn't been released.


text:
A New Mexico witness in Mule Creek reported watching and following two silent, blue-white lights moving slowly about 300 feet off the ground beginning about 11:16 p.m. on April 29, 2014, according to testimony in Case 55894 from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) witness reporting database.
The witness had gone to a barn to check on animals in this remote area when the lights were first seen.
"There were two blue-white lights, arranged like headlights, but much larger, floating slowly out of the canyon and into the valley, at about 300 feet elevation, and maybe 300 yards away, seeming to follow the road," the witness stated. "The lights blinked occasionally. There were no port/starboard lights or strobes. I was thinking maybe it was a helicopter, so I turned off the engine of my car, but there was no discernible noise, other than wind. It was very, very windy."
The witness said the lights moved closer to his location.
"The lights moved closer and I would estimate that they moved at about 10-15 mph. They stayed parallel and in the same plane. I pulled out my binoculars which I keep in the car for observing my cattle, etc., but couldn't make out any shape or profile."
As the lights passed behind his home, the witness decided to follow the lights in his vehicle.
"The lights proceeded to the south-southeast slowly, and when I pulled out of our driveway, I was parallel to it, and pulled into the road to pursue it. It was to the east of my location, still moving very slowly and very low, over the hills. I kept my speed at about 25 mph, thinking that I could intercept it out on the highway. And I thought to myself, 'And then what?' and began to be a little intimidated."
The witness continued to follow the lights.
"After I had traveled about .30 mile on the dirt road, the lights veered directly east and disappeared behind a low hill. I have lived here for 30 years and figured out about where I might intercept it, so I went to the highway - NM Hwy 78 - and proceeded east for about 4.5 miles, but didn't see it any longer. I drove up to a higher vantage point, but didn't see it anywhere."
The witness was nervous about the event.
"I felt very nervous suddenly and started to tremble. I had had another 'encounter' in 1992, but this time, I felt a lot more intimidated, and though the curiosity and desire to pursue is there, I am quite uncomfortable. I am very tired, but not sure I can sleep tonight. As curious as I am, I wish this hadn't happened. I hope all my cows are there in the morning."
Mule Creek is an unincorporated community in Grant County, NM. New Mexico has a current UFO Alert Rating of 5 with a low number of recent reports nationally. New Mexico had 3 UFO reports in March 2014 - the 40th highest reporting state - while California had 103 reports - the highest reporting state in the nation. The above quotes were edited for clarity.


text:
Following its recent acquisition announcements from Anime Expo over the weekend, Right Stuf, Inc. today confirmed the October 2014 release dates for three of its upcoming titles, "Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn)" part four, "Junjo Romantica 2" and "Space Pirate Mito", to be released under the distributor's Nozomi Entertainment and Lucky Penny Entertainment labels.
"Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn)" part four, will include the seventh episode of the series, based on the novel by Harutoshi Fukui, which also brings the OVA series to its climax. The Right Stuf and Sunrise partnered DVD release, priced at $29.99, will be available beginning October 7, 2014 and it will feature both English and Japanese audio, as well as English and Spanish subtitles. The release will include "The Story So Far", episode EX "One Hundred Years of Solitude", promotional videos, TV commercials and character highlights, as on-disc extras.
"Junjo Romantica 2" is the second season of the "Junjo Romantica" anime series, based on the yaoi manga by Shungiku Nakamura. The new, value-priced ($44.99) DVD release will be available on October 7, 2014 under the Nozomi Entertainment label, and includes the complete 12-episode second season with Japanese audio and English subtitles. You can learn more about the series, by visit the anime's official page.
Also releasing on October 7, 2014 is the "Space Pirate Mito" complete collection, under the Lucky Penny Entertainment label. The Litebox-style DVD set ($29.99) features remastered video, updated translations, and will include all 26 episodes, both season one and season two (Space Pirate Mito: A Pair of Queens), of the anime series. Season one will include English and Japanese audio with English subtitles, while season two will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles only. On-disc extras include, the clean openings and closings, TV commercials, promotional videos and a special bonus episode. You can learn more about "Space Pirate Mito" by visiting the anime's official page.


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
Residents of Avita of Stroudwater spent Thursday morning with horses at the Healing Through Horses ranch.
The ranch is based in New Gloucester.
The seniors have been visiting twice a month as part of an equine therapy program.
The seniors, some with Alzheimer's, spend time grooming, stroking, nuzzling, feeding and talking to the horses.
Avita of Stroudwater, which is based in Westbrook, focuses on memory care.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


text:
Ours is an age of rapidly advancing technology, but in the wake of any number of smart devices with native alarm functions the once-essential alarm clock has fallen out favor with many of the tech-savvy who would rather kick it new school. The GOgroove BlueSYNC TYM is one alarm clock seemingly designed with tech lovers in mind. The TYM boasts a simple design, clean display, USB charging port and bluetooth capabilities that allow it to act as a speaker and even a speakerphone on which users can take or make calls, in addition to doing what alarms do best: wake people up.
After some hands-on testing of all the features on a review unit here's what we found:
The Nifty-
- The TYM is light and appealing to the eye with wood (available in light or dark finish) and a clean display.
- Set-up of the device is simple and intuitive.
- Bluetooth pairing is as simple as it gets.
- Music streamed via the bluetooth capabilities plays clearly, with the speakers delivering good sound quality.
- The front display also incorporates the date, offering extra information without appearing crowded.
- The buttons on the unit are non-intrusive, maintaining the simple, clean style of the TYM.
The Not-So Nifty-
- Out of the box, the review unit had two minor, but nonetheless visible scratches, the larger of which on the front display.
- Although the TYM allows users to stream radio options such as Pandora or Spotify, or music locally stored on a device via Bluetooth capabilities, it does not have a native radio function.
- Only one alarm option, a standard buzz, is available.
- The quick start guide offers sparse directions, printed in an exceptionally small font. This is not as much of an issue as it could be given that the TYM is quite easy to set-up with most of the functionality being highly intuitive for people comfortable with tech and gadgets.
- Though the bluetooth connectivity is very simple, as is the completion and receipt of calls when a phone is paired with the TYM, the call quality and clarity is not ideal for either the TYM user or the person they are speaking to. The clarity the TYM speakers displayed with bluetooth music streaming was much less present on the call.
In Conclusion:
The GOgroove BlueSYNC TYM has an interesting variety of bells and whistles, which operate with varying degrees of success. The appearance, ease of use, bluetooth, USB and speaker capabilities all land in the plus column. Unfortunately, for a device that is first and foremost an alarm clock, the TYM lacks some of the basic functionality that run-of-the-mill alarm clocks have featured for decades, and though calls are technically capable via this device, they are not recommended for anyone not looking to relive the call quality of an out-of-coverage range cell phone sometime around the turn of the century.
Suggested Links
- 'Buffy Season 10' is here, catch-up with a complete series recap before you read
- Interview: Co-founders Matt Arevalo and Chris Davis talk Loot Crate
- Jason Segel gets personal, shares how his life influenced 'Nightmares!'
- The best of BookCon: Highlights from the 'This Is Where I Leave You' panel
- 8 incredible things Amy Poehler said at BookCon


text:
I have worked out a new way to account for acceleration in the computations to detect roll and pitch gyro drift in IMU computations.
The method that is commonly used right now is based on computing centrifugal effects in the body frame of reference. This method requires an aerodynamic model of the aircraft that can be used to compute acceleration in the body frame using the rotation rate vector measured by the gyro, and the air velocity vector. As a result, this method has small errors when used with a fixed wing aircraft, and has large errors when used with a multicopter.
The new method, described here, does not require a model of the aircraft at all, so it is an exact method, not an approximate one. It is based on three innovations to the currently used method:
1. The roll-pitch reference vector is acceleration minus gravity, instead of gravity.
2. The calculations are performed in the earth frame, so there is no computation of centrifugal effects needed at all.
3. The computation uses a formulation based on integrals, which attenuates the effects of noise.
I have not yet tested this method, but I am confident that it will work. I will report back, and post a blog entry, when I have some test results.
Here is a link to test results.
Best regards,
Bill Premerlani
Views: 10178
Thanks for another great piece of work Bill!
I've done an initial implementation of this idea for ArduPlane/ArduCopter in my accel-wip branch
(note, I don't recommend anyone actually try to fly a real plane or copter with the code from this branch yet - please wait till more simulation work has been done)
The main code for the algorithm is in libraries/AP_AHRS/AP_AHRS_DCM.cpp in the function drift_correction(). The code includes a few minor changes from Bills paper:
Thus far Bills idea seems to work very well unless a yaw error develops. I've done most of my testing with a simulated gyro drift rate of 2 degrees/second/minute on all 3 axes, plus about 0.25g of white noise on the accelerometers and 20 degrees/s white noise on the gyros.The gyro drift is setup in a 'sawtooth' pattern, reversing every 5 minutes, so it rises at 2 dps/min for 5 minutes, then falls at the same rate for the next 5 minutes and so on. This is an easy pattern to recognise in the logs.
If I use the GPS as the primary yaw correction source then the flight is very good - better than what we have achieved previously. The omegaI drift correction tracks the synthetic drift rate very well.
That is a very nice tracking of the sawtooth pattern! The yaw drift tracking is not as good as the X and Y drift tracking, but it is still good.
Things don't work nearly as well if I use the compass as the primary yaw correction source. The flight starts off fine, but after 5 to 10 minutes three things start to happen at about the same time. The DCM yaw starts to diverge from the true yaw, the DCM pitch starts to diverge from the true pitch, and the omegaI.z drift starts to diverge from the true drift.
The bit on the right is where the plane crashed as it no longer had any idea of its correct pitch. If we look at what happened to omegaI we can see that the yaw drift correction failed to keep up:
It is quite possible that the yaw drift correction we use in APM is just not good enough. I'm chasing down some ideas on improving it and I'll re-test once I've done that.
The main idea I'd like to try is to use the same 'integrate in earth frame' idea that Bill has introduced with this paper on the magnetometer. The same basic principle should work with the magnetometer, except it will primarily give information on the yaw error instead of the roll/pitch error. I'm hoping it will provide a more reliable yaw drift correction technique than what we use currently, which is based on applying the DCM matrix to the current mag vector and using that to directly compute a heading. The heading error is then used to build omega_yaw_P and the z component of omegaI.
Cheers, Tridge
A few more comments on the prototype implementation. Currently it calculates the velocity only in 2 dimensions, ignoring any vertical velocity. I think we should probably estimate vertical velocity using the barometer, especially for multicopters. I didn't use the GPS height for vertical velocity as it is notoriously unreliable.
The tests I did were with a 'perfect' compass with zero offsets, no noise and constant magnetic field strength. One of the key things I want to see is how well this new drift correction system works with a more realistic compass that is being strongly influenced by the magnetic field from the motors and power distribution board. That is probably my primary concern about this new drift correction method - because it no longer can assume that the aircraft flies along a particular axis I think it may now be much more dependent on good yaw to get the roll and pitch correction right. With the old code if the compass was behaving badly for some reason (eg. motor interference) then navigation will be thrown off, but the aircraft would still retain good stability, and a pilot could bring it home without problems in FBWA mode. With this drift correction technique if a yaw discrepancy develops between the GPS and the aircraft then that will impact on roll and pitch stability, and it may become impossible to fly at all.
So what I'd really like to find is a way to support 3D acceleration correction in multicopters and planes while still retaining roll/pitch stability if yaw is way off. If we can separate these two then we'll really be onto a great system.
Cheers, Tridge
Hi Bill,
On a related topic, I've finally implemented your offset nulling revisited compass offset algorithm for ArduPilot. It works very well! Here is a graph from our Rascal simulator when I setup offsets of -60, 120, -180:
I chose a gain of 0.3 for this run, although I've increased that to 0.5 for the release code.The graph shows the offsets converging nicely in a few minutes. The yellow line is the heading error between the heading that the correct offsets would give, and the heading that the current offsets give. You can see it converges on zero quite well.
I also limited the single step delta to 2, so the total offset change (as a vector length) is never more than 2 in one step. That is just paranoia in case we get some garbage from the compass for a short time (eg. a spike in throttle magnetic field effect).
I really like the fact that this new method avoids using the DCM matrix, which means no possibility of nasty feedback effects.
Thanks very much for publishing this idea!
Cheers, Tridge
Tridge, It's super to see Bill Premerlani's algorithm re-implemented and graphed again on another auto pilot.
In the past, alignment of the magnetometer with the Autopilot was an issue. But now, I enjoy being able to put my magnetometer way out down the wing of my plane away from motor effects. As your graph shows, the algorithm will figger out any small (or large) mis-alignment between the mag and the autopilot and correct it.
Hi Pete,
We haven't actually implemented Bill's mag realignment algorithm yet. What I have just implemented is the new offset nulling algorithm, which is separate.
I have looked at the realignment algorithm, and I do plan on trying an implementation, but it doesn't look nearly as simple as the offset nulling algorithm is. I'd never even heard of the vex() operator before!
The idea of being able to automatically cope with 180 misalignment of the compass is very appealing, but it will have to wait for another day.
Cheers, Tridge
This is taking the good way. I was looking for an algorithm to estimate attitude of race motorbikes. But none, except DCM, compensate for centrifugal forces. But even DCM desn't take in account the accel in X axis for ground vehicle.
With these new methods, and with the code from Andrew, it will now compensate for heavy accel (speed change) during long straigh and during braking. It will also work during wheelies (front wheel leave ground) and on hard braking.
I should still improve my math skills :-)
Hi Bill,
This is just an update on my attempts to implement your new roll/pitch drift algorithm. I still haven't got it working well, although I haven't given up.
I've tried redoing our compass code as we discussed, so it no longer treats it as a roll corrected compass, and instead works directly with the mag vector in the DCM code. I think that is a very worthwhile improvement, but it didn't solve the problem (drat!).
The thing that has really surprised me is how consistent the failure is. As you know, I'm a bit obsessed with noise effects, and I had thought that the failure of my implementation of this algorithm was down to noise or drift levels so I concentrated how noise interacted with the algorithm. Finally I thought to just turn off all noise and gyro drift in the simulator, and ran with 'perfect' sensors. It still crashed in the same way after 10 minutes of flight!
That graph shows the last 3 and a half minutes of the flight. There are a few notable things. The first is that it almost crashed once at 21:55:04. The plane is supposed to be flying nice circuits on a perfect windless day with perfect sensors. It tracks the roll really well until suddenly the solution collapses. That first time it recovers, but the second time it hits the ground before it can get back on track.
The second notable thing is how much 'gyro drift' it is learning. This was with perfect gyros that were not drifting at all, yet it built up omegaI.y to over 2 degrees/second by the end of the flight and omegaI.z got similarly large. I could just drop the I gain, but then I don't think it will be able to track drift at the levels we want to support for the old APM1 gyros.
I still think the key to this is yaw lock. Even without the tilt corrected compass code the error terms are highly dependent on yaw accuracy, but the yaw accuracy is highly dependent on the amount of error! It's all great if the errors stay small, but once you get error in one or the other you get feedback between them and the solution collapses. If you have enough altitude it does recover a good rotation matrix in 5 to 10 seconds or so, but at the heights I'm testing at (100m) when flying at 30m/s, those 10 seconds are often enough to crash.
I wonder if we should be avoiding using the product of the DCM matrix with the mag vector in computing the yaw drift term? We could instead calculate the minimal rotation matrix that takes the earth magnetic field and rotates it to match the current mag vector. Then use the yaw component of that rotation as the driver for the yaw lock. That would remove a feedback path in the error. What do you think? I know it's quite contrary to the usual technique of trusting the DCM matrix.
It also could just be a bug in my code (always a possibility!). Maybe there is a 10 minute "crash the plane" timer that I've not noticed before :-)
Cheers, Tridge
Hi Tridge,
I think the key issue is error buildup in the omegaI terms. As I mentioned in my report on what happens during sustained rotations, there are some effects that "break"Robert Mahoney's proof that the PI gyro drift controller is stable. In fact, there are situations in which it is not stable.
One of the situations is sustained rotations. In that case, the PI gyro drift controller goes unstable, but it takes about 10 minutes to "break"! In my report, I analyze what is going on, and explain why it happens during sustained rotations. The solution for sustained rotations is to turn off the integrator in the drift controller.
In the case of the new roll/pitch drift compensation algorithm, there is likely some subtlety that is causing error build up, such as an unintentional bias in the the implementation. I am hopeful that you and I can work together to figure out what it is, and fix it.
Best regards,
Hi Bill,
Answering your first comment last :-)
In your sustained rotations report, you were dealing with a rotation rate of over 400 degrees/s. The tests I'm doing at the moment are flying circuits with a average yaw rate of under 5 degrees/s, and the long term average roll and pitch rate is even lower. I hadn't paid a lot of attention to the analysis from your report as I expected that sustained rotation rates that low wouldn't cause the sort of error build up that you were looking at.
I also have not studied Magoney's original proof, and I should do that.
Cheers, Tridge
Hi Tridge,
I suggest before you try improving the algorithm we try to get a better understanding of why it crashes after 10 minutes.
First, the list of "usual suspects":
1. The algorithm is inherently unstable after 10 minutes.
2. Bias or bug in the simulation.
3. Bias or bug in the implementation.
4. It might have been better if we (I) had not allowed the acceleration reference vector to adjust yaw. (Actually, this is a strong suspect.) It might have been better if only the horizontal components of the cross product of the roll-pitch reference vectors were reflected back into the body frame. Taking the entire result allows the magnetometer and the accelerometer to fight each other, I think.
To help us get a better understanding, I wonder if you would be willing to do the following:
Run the simulation again until it crashes. Send me the same plots as above, except I want to see the entire history, from initialization to crash. Also, I would like to see OmegaP, and also the results of the two cross products involved in the drift compensation. (cross product of known and measured earth mag field, and cross product of accelerometer integral with gravity minus acceleration.)
Also, just to be sure on one aspect of the implementation....the integral of R*A (dcm matrix times accelerometer) should be reset for each GPS report. In other words, the integral is performed between GPS reports, its not accumulated from the very beginning. If it is accumulated from the beginning, the algorithm will certainly eventually go unstable, probably after about 10 minutes.
Best regards,
Hi Bill,
It might have been better if we (I) had not allowed the acceleration reference vector to adjust yaw. (Actually, this is a strong suspect.) It might have been better if only the horizontal components of the cross product of the roll-pitch reference vectors were reflected back into the body frame
I did try that something along those lines. What I did was to keep a drift_error_earth vector, which gets its X and Y components from the accel drift correction (the R*A sum). It gets its Z component solely from the yaw drift correction. That vector is then converted to body frame to feed into the PI controller. That means the R*A sum is (in earth frame) the only contributor to roll/pitch correction, and the yaw drift is the only contributor to the Z correction.
I was hoping this separation would help prevent cross-talk between the two drift correction systems building up with sustained turns. Unfortunately it didn't work, and didn't even really make a difference at all, which suggests I'm on the wrong track.
Also, just to be sure on one aspect of the implementation....the integral of R*A (dcm matrix times accelerometer) should be reset for each GPS report. In other words, the integral is performed between GPS reports, its not accumulated from the very beginning. If it is accumulated from the beginning, the algorithm will certainly eventually go unstable, probably after about 10 minutes.
I do zero the R*A sum at each GPS fix. I had a bug at one stage where I didn't do that, and it collapsed a lot more quickly than 10 minutes! I think it managed to fly for about 30s or so :-)
One thing I'm going to try soon is accumulating omegaI changes over much longer time periods. Right now omegaI is adjusted on every GPS fix, which means at 4Hz. We know that what we want omegaI to do is follow the long term drift of the gyros, which means we want it to change on much longer timescales than 0.25 seconds. So I'm thinking of accumulating (but not applying) the omegaI change over a period of 10 to 15 seconds, and then applying it as a step, but limiting the step size to the known maximum drift rate of the gyros. This system would rely on omegaP to handle the small amount of drift that can build up between steps.
The idea is to prevent omegaI from trying to track anything that is happening over the short term, for example in turns, only allowing it to track the long term trend. If we integrate over a long enough time then omegaI has got to come out right. My guess is that 10s to 15s will be about right, but I'll try a range of integration periods and see what works.
I'll try that idea first, and then move onto more detailed graphs of what is happening to omegaP.
Cheers, Tridge