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Jackson Systems will be giving away an iPad to one lucky winner at the AHR Show. Please visit us at booth #968 to enter to win. We are looking forward to meeting with our clients and talking to new contractors at the show. If you attend, be sure to stop by booth #968.
Getting Social
At Jackson Systems, we are very social people. All employees are encouraged to network with our clients and prospects by providing relevant information and timely news on the HVAC industry and events. We enjoy the wonderful responses we receive from our followers and want to thank you all for sharing the great ideas, suggestions and sometimes just plain fun. Tom Jackson, our CEO, invites everyone to join him on Facebook and Twitter. You can reach his Facebook page at by clicking here and his handle on Twitter is @thomaswjackson. We hope you will enjoy his informative and inspiring posts, as well as his comedic musings. Thank you for sharing in our social networking.
I've Got an Idea
If you are attending the ACCA show in Orlando this year, don't forget to attend the "I've Got an Idea" session on March 1. Many ACCA participants look forward to this session every year. We have standing room only at last year's event. This year's "I've Got an Idea" will feature host Vince DiFilippo and his camera crew working through the audience, ready to put you and your great idea on the "big screen." We will also be giving away 2 iPad minis for the top 2 ideas. Don't worry if you won't be at the show, we will post some of the great ideas we hear on our blog and Facebook page.
Regional Standards Lawsuit Settlement Reached
The American Public Gas Association (APGA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have filed a settlement agreement in the ongoing lawsuit over regional efficiency standards. Intervening parties in the lawsuit, including the Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), now have 10 days to file a response with the court, after which time the court will accept or reject the settlement agreement.
The settlement would vacate the residential nonweatherized gas furnace and mobile home gas furnace standards, which were to become effective on May 1, 2013, and begin the process for developing a new standard within a year of finalization of the settlement agreement. The DOE has agreed to amend some of its data collection and information sharing procedures for this rulemaking. Click here for the full article from ACHR News.
Anti-Metal Theft Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate – Article courtesy of ACCA
It's no surprise to anyone reading this that theft of precious metals (copper in particular) found in HVAC equipment is an ongoing issue. Recently Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced S. 3631, the "Metal Theft Prevention Act" to make it an explicit federal crime to steal metal from critical infrastructure. In Charlie McCrudden's latest Hot Air! blog, he covers what the bill includes and how it would help law enforcement crack down on these thieves. For more information, read Charlie's Hot Air Blog.
Some Tips to Start off the New Year! by Frank Besednjak
We know this post is a little lengthy, but the content is terrific. This comes from our friend Frank Besednjak who has helped many companies with improving customer service, process mapping, leadership and overall business excellence. We hope you enjoy!
You know just about every time I get on social media, check my email or open my regular mail, I find some sort of ad or information telling me how, with their system, I can increase my business by getting my phone to ring more with their new marketing strategy and so on. Most of the time I just get annoyed and I'm sure you do too.
I'm a customer, and I'm not stupid. So most of these gimmicks may work short term, but you know . . . I believe in a few fairly simple, important things that will increase sales and profitability, and guess what? They always work.
Here they are:
Number one: Location is everything! Be where the customers are. This includes social media, offering free advice. Get involved with local media outlets, churches, charities and other civic organizations.
Number two: Have real people who are happy answering your phone. I will hang up on a recording, but I won't hang up on a person.
Number Three: Always show up on time. Always follow through on what you promised. Always call people back immediately. Don't think someone will wait three days for a call back.
Number Four: Since you have spent all of this time,money and effort trying to get into the customer's home than don't be in such a big rush to get out of it. Make it worth the visit and perform whole house checks. Both you and the customer will be happy you did.
Number Five: Don't be afraid to make money and raise your price. Everything costs your more doesn't it? I meet so many contractors that are so afraid to lose business that they work for almost nothing.
If you are going to make no profit, why work? Just go fishing or play golf every day, it is more fun, easier and pays about the same!
Number Six: It's okay to fire a customer. Look at it this way . . For any of you who have gone through divorce, I'm sure you remember it being very expensive.
You know why it is so expensive? Because it was worth it, that's why! Firing a customer is sometimes like divorce, so don't be afraid to spend money doing it.
Number Seven: Be worth it and believe it. Customers' measure value on the experiences encountered and promised. Just because you can do the repair with your eyes closed doesn't mean anything to the customer. It is a combination of every interaction they have had, are having, and will have with your organization that will either add to or detract from the overall perceived value. People go to expensive restaurants not because they are hungry and need food. They go because they expect an experience that makes it worth the investment. So make the experience worth it to them.
Number Eight. Integrity . . . Be upfront and honest in everything you do. This to me is a zero tolerance rule. For you and all of your employees.
Number Nine. Work as a team. Have rules, processes, procedures and policies in place that everyone understands. Make a plan for anything that could happen and write a policy or procedure on how to handle it. Sure you can bend the rules or change them occasionally but at least you have some basic guidelines to follow.
Number Ten. Educate, train and practice. Even sports professionals educate themselves and practice regularly because they want to be the best at what they do. Don't get left behind.
Number Eleven. Keep score and set goals. If you don't know how you are doing, how do you know what you need to improve on? Also, if you set no goals, it is kind of like having no destination on a trip . . . Odds are you will never make it.
Hopefully you are or are planning on implementing some of these guidelines. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Frank directly: http://frankpresents.com/Dot_ContactUs.asp
Washington and California New State Laws Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors in 2013
Effective Jan. 1, 2013 state law in California will require carbon monoxide detectors in all condominiums and apartments with fossil-fuel burning appliances.
The law now applies to landlords, tenants, condominium owners and Homeowner Associations. Click here for more information on the new California law: http://www.ehow.com/list_6674598_california-carbon-monoxide-detector-requirements.html
Washington State has also passed its own law about CO detectors. This new law requires most existing apartments, condominiums and single-family residences to install carbon monoxide detectors. Landlords must install detectors outside of each separate sleeping areas and on each level. For more information on the Washington State law, click here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=19.27.530
GO BANANAS! By Steve Coscia
A fresh start – isn't that what everyone wants at the beginning of a New Year? People crave a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew with no reminders or guilt about the past. Having an opportunity to start over again is a wonderful gift don't squander it. This year, I urge service professionals to kick start their goal-setting and rational thinking potential by making more positive snack food choices. Yes, that's right snack food. Monitor your sugar intake during the course of your workday. Lots of sugar may give you a quick energy boost, but the effect soon wears off leaving you more tired, irritable, anxious or depressed.
The US Food and Drug Administration Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing foods and beverages with little added sugars. Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods and beverages in processing or preparation, not the naturally occurring sugars in fruits. Major sources of added sugars in the American diet include regular soft drinks, candy, cake, cookies, pies, and fruit drinks. Sugars such as fructose, sucrose, honey or corn syrup–are metabolized in the same way. Likewise, the sugar found in a banana and that in a can of soda are both digested similarly but the banana contains added benefits. The main difference is that most soda and candy are nutritionally empty, whereas the banana contains fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Bananas are handy, easy to carry (about the same size as a candy bar) and they have tremendous health benefits. But wait – it gets even better. A banana also contains an essential amino acid called Tryptophan which our body converts into serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate a person's feelings and it enables a person to make rational decisions. Service professionals who make rational decisions are more likely to experience heightened self-esteem and career advancement – all that from a banana. Improved mental health is the required catalyst which can set your goal setting activities into motion.
Do not procrastinate when it comes to your physical and mental health. So the next time you reach for that thick caramel or cream filled candy bar, pause and consider the implications. This year, choose healthier snack foods and reap the rational thinking and health benefits which will help you achieve your goals. Happy New Year!
AHRI Releases October Shipment Data
U.S. shipments of gas warm air furnaces for October 2012 increased 14.5 percent, to 229,459 units, up from 200,470 units shipped in October 2011. Oil warm air furnace shipments decreased 32 percent, to 4,215 units in October 2012, down from 6,199 units shipped in October 2011.
U.S. shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totaled 294,678 units in October 2012, up 25.1 percent from 235,603 units shipped in October 2011. U.S. shipments of air conditioners increased 29.9 percent, to 193,665 units, up from 149,048 units shipped in October 2011. U.S. shipments of air-source heat pumps increased 16.7 percent, to 101,013 units, up from 86,555 units shipped in October 2011.
For the full AHRI report, click here: http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/Statistics/Monthly%20Shipments/2012/October2012Stat-Release.pdf
Branding Tip#33 from Greg McAfee, HVAC Business Consultant
Coca Cola™ was just named the number one most valuable global brand of 2012 by brand consultancy firm, "Interbrand". It's really no surprise as the renowned soda distributor spends more than $2.6 billion annually on advertising and has millions of fans spanning the globe.
Now you are probably thinking, "They should be #1 since they spend that much", right? However, $2.6 billion was about 6% of their total revenue for 2011.
What percentage of your revenue are you spending to brand your company?
Carry On!
Greg McAfee
HVAC Business Consultant
Jackson Systems Celebrates Employee Tenure
We would like to give a big thank you and celebrate some of our employees for their hard work and dedication. Celebrating 5 years with Jackson Systems: Ryan Feyerabend, Mike Holscher, Jake Stilabower and TJ Terrell. Celebrating 10 years with Jackson Systems: Doug Engel and Joe Jackson. Thank you all for helping the company grow and for your commitment to excellence everyday!
School 49 Christmas Party a Huge Success
Thanks to Fox 59 for sharing the School 49 story. We are all humbled by the generosity of our amazing company. Watch the story here: http://fox59.com/2012/12/20/company-donates-christmas-to-ips-school-49/
Service Leaders Make a Difference by Steve Coscia
It happened slowly. The service, which used to be terrific, was showing signs of degradation.
For me, it's the little things that count. It's a welcome smile, an invitation to be seated, a quick request for my beverage order and frequent visits to my table just to make sure everything was OK. The restaurant owner, who was almost always present in the past, had been absent during my last few visits.
She was a lovely woman with a pleasant disposition and boundless energy. Her entire demeanor just exuded and attitude of "welcome to my place." It was as though "her place" was her house and she meant to show off just how comfortable and relaxed you could become by just being there. I'd say she held the bar high and encouraged those around her to stretch their capabilities and step outside their comfort zones so that visitors to her place would feel welcome, relaxed and well-served. She demonstrated her role as a leader and in any service industry good leadership is essential. Read more at http://www.coscia.com/service-leaders-make-a-difference.
New App Allows Download of 400+ Thermostat Manuals on Smart Devices
The RTFM Thermostats app features access to over 400+ name brand thermostat manuals to be accessed and shared. Manuals can be searched by brand name and model number. The selected manuals are automatically saved to your mobile device after download. You have the ability to request IOMs that will email to you, as well as the ability to forward manuals via email to your customers, technicians or office team at the touch of a button. The app is available for Androids and iPhones. For a limited time, you can get the app (a $3.99 value) for just $.99. The free version of the app allows you to test it prior to purchasing. This version has limited access to manuals and part numbers. Go to Google Play or The App Store to download your copy today! Search for RTFM Thermostats.
The ecobee EMS Beta App is now available for BlackBerry OS7 touch screen devices.
The new EMS App was developed in partnership with you, our commercial customers who range from HVAC contractors and distributors, to facility managers and business owners. The EMS App was created to provide you with a simple and easy way to monitor and control all of your EMS and EMS Si thermostats while on the go.
With the ecobee EMS App, you can be more responsive to your tenants, employees and customers, address problems quickly, decrease the number of expensive on-site service calls and increase your overall efficiency.
Some exciting features of the EMS App we think you will enjoy include:
Watch List – you can create a custom watch list of thermostats to quickly keep tabs on priority spaces and locations with repeat issues.
Alerts List – conveniently summarizes all current issues and maintenance actions, allowing you to address problems immediately.
Access On the Go – you will gain remote visibility into each of your ecobee EMS/EMS Si thermostats and have the ability to make simple adjustments.
No Excuses! Presented by Greg McAfee, HVAC Business Consultant
It's the month of Christmas, and I title my newsletter "no excuses"? You would think I'd come up with something a little happier, cheerful or merrier, right?
Well, a couple weeks back, I met a guy by the name of Kyle Maynard for the first time live. I had hired Kyle to come in and speak to my son's (Travis) high school, along with Travis's team at the football banquet later that evening. During both of Kyle's talks, you could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. The Principal even said "I've never heard the juniors and seniors more quiet than this!" Kyle Maynard was born with arms that end at his elbows and legs that end near his knees – yet he has already accomplished more than most people will in an entire lifetime. Why? Because he gave up on making excuses, and started living the life he was intended to live.
I'll wrap up this last 2012 newsletter with this video clip of Kyle Maynard. I hope he challenges you, and inspires you to live the life you are intended to live!
May you, your family and your business have a Merry Christmas!
Visit Greg's Web site at gregmcafee.com to see how he can help your business become more efficient and profitable.


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Joining Us
Physics education research (PER) is a field of growing importance to physics departments across the United States. Government funding agencies, private corporations, and private foundations have given financial support to support PER. Training in PER lends itself to a variety of career goals, including:
- research and teaching at the university level
- teaching at the primary and secondary level
- consulting
- software development
- museum education
The UMaine PERL seeks:
Ph.D. candidates:
- receive a physics doctorate while specializing in physics
education research
- financial support is available
M.S. candidates:
- receive a Masters of Science while specializing in the application
of physics education research to teaching.
- financial support is available
Undergraduates in physics or education:
- volunteer in a classroom that uses modern teaching methods
- participate in seminars on physics education research
- visit the University of Maine to work with the research laboratory
- implement and test research-based curricula at your school
High school teachers:
- implement and develop research-based teaching materials that
best match your classes and students
- carry out continued research in our M.S. program
In addition, we are interested in working with students, teachers, and faculty who are not specifically addressed above.
For more information, please contact John Thompson or Michael Wittmann.

subset: commoncrawl


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The guessing games that have been going on with industry insiders and Windows Phone enthusiasts over the last few weeks concerning when AT&T would begin releasing phones that run on the Windows Phone 8 operating system are now over.
A recent press release issued by AT&T has answered the main question people have had about Windows Phone 8 devices. They are now set to be released on Friday, Nov. 9.
This means that AT&T will feature three phones this week that run on the Windows Phone 8 operating system: the Nokia Lumia 920, the Nokia Lumia 820 and the HTC 8X. Each of these phones are somewhat similar, but there are enough differences that you will want to examine which phone will work the best for you if you plan to buy a Windows Phone 8 device.
Nokia Lumia 920
The Nokia Lumia 920 features a stellar 8.7 megapixel camera that is specially designed to help minimize blur caused by hand movement. It also is more than capable of taking great photos and video in a small amount of light.
It also features the largest battery that Nokia has ever placed in a smartphone, so you should feel comfortable you can use the phone throughout the day and not need to plug it in to recharge every couple of hours.
Nokia Lumia 820
The Nokia Lumia 820 is not quite as advanced as the 920, but it has the same look and feel as some other high-end smartphones. One of the fun features about the Nokia Lumia 820 is that the phone allows for the use of interchangeable shells.
Windows Phone 8X by HTC
This HTC 8X phone is designed to be held. In fact, it is sculpted with a thin and tapered feel that allows you to get the most out of its 4.3-inch 720p HD display.


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There's a good article on Chasing Mailboxes about how employers can set the tone for cycling to work, and make it more accommodating. I've had some experience with biking to work from a couple of different locations, as well as several different jobs, and I figured instead of writing a two page comment, I'd throw up a response here. This is less of a response, really, and more of adding my own information.
Of the three jobs I've bike commuted to, my current is clearly the best, not having to wear cycling clothes and taking a whole 6 minutes. My second job, though, had shower facilities, so if I wanted to go out for a lunch ride or longer ride before coming into work I could. Then again, my own shower isn't far.
Job 1
- Office or Cubicle: The was retail work delivering auto parts via truck, so no office. Or the world was my office, or just the truck. Whatever
- Parking: Inventory area behind the counters.
- Type of Rack: Nada
- Shower facilities: Just a bathroom to wash up in.
- Discussion: This job was only a few miles from work, so while I still rode in full cycling gear, I rode slow, and it wasn't in the middle of the summer. I just washed up quick in the women's bathroom (private stall) and changed into work clothes. This job was close enough that if it snowed during the day I could just get a lift, with the bikes, back home. I felt safe enough leaving the bike in the back of the building (inside) all day as the only ones with access were my coworkers, and at any time there were only a handful of them. Towards the end of my time at the job I spent less time on the road, and was in the building anyway.
Job 2
- Office or Cubicle: Cubicle, technically
- Parking: Partially covered from the elements (some parking completely protected) and under cameras, but not within sight of security.
- Type of Rack: Pretty awesome poles with a circle on them. More were installed a few months before I left.
- Shower facilities: Showers available.
- Discussion: During the time I worked here, we bought the house, meaning my commute to work got longer. It used to be only 7 miles, which mean a 30 minute ride and I just needed to wash up and change in the bathroom. I used to do this commute 3-4 times per week at one point. Then we moved, and it turned into 34 miles round trip to commute. I only did this once a week, and made full use of the shower facilities in the office. I also used the commute to tie into the weekly women's ride I helped to lead.
Job 3
- Office or Cubicle: Office, kinda
- Parking: Inside the building
- Type of Rack: Nada
- Shower facilities: Just the bathroom
- Discussion: My current job is a whopping 1.2 miles away. I've talked about it a bit before. This means that I wear my regular clothes on the bike for the commute, and there's very little to do once I get to work as far as getting ready. As we're the only business in the building I'm able to leave the bike under the stairs on the first floor without worrying about it. I'm also able to ride whatever bike I want to work, vs always riding either the Raleigh or Trek. I'm not worried about leaving the Fuji outside, and I can ride the cross bike when the weather isn't great.
Have you commuted to different jobs or from multiple locales? How does your commute stack up?
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Simone KitchFebruary 26,2013Simone Kitch Rites
PLAINFIELD The funeral Mass for Simone (Racine) Kitch, 68, who died Feb. 18, 2013, was celebrated Monday, Feb. 25, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Brandon.
The Rev. Richard Crawley, pastor of St. Alphonsus Church, was the celebrant.
Stu James was the organist and soloist.
Burial will be at a later date in St. Marys Cemetery in Brandon.
Bearers were Bob Kilpeck, Chuck Memoe, Bob Bell and Gary Stanley.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.MORE IN ObituariesCharles T. Baker
Charles T. Full StoryMarguerite Hoose
Marguerite Alice Peggy Hoose, 90, of Rutland, Vermont, died December ... Full StoryLouise S. Full Story
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Georgia Department of Community Health Confirms First H1N1 Death in Georgia
"I am saddened to report the first death of a
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary reports that 37,000 deaths are caused each year due to "regular" or "seasonal flu."
The majority of individuals infected with the novel virus experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover from their illness without complications. Symptoms of the virus are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, extreme fatigue, and possible nausea and vomiting, especially in children. As of July 8, 2009,
To date, this illness has been seen most commonly in children and young adults with outbreaks in schools, child care centers and residential camps. Complications from infection with this virus are most common in children and adults with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.
This flu season, we are preparing to address both seasonal flu and novel H1N1, and we urge all to practice the ABC's of flu prevention:
- Act to protect yourself through hand washing and other prevention measures to reduce transmission of the virus
- Be considerate and remain home if you do become ill. Take care of yourselves and your children at home and follow the advice of your health care professional, and avoid exposing others
- Connect with your trusted source of health information whether it be the CDC, your local health department or DCH. Follow the health updates as we approach the flu season and be aware of evolving plans regarding both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines availability, and share what you learn with friends and family.
Information and updates about the novel H1N1 virus are available on:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Web site: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
- Georgiahealthinfo.gov Web site: http://georgiahealthinfo.gov
- DCH Public Health Web site: www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu/


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The Texas A&M football team had an extremely porous defense in 2013 because the Aggies did not have the requisite size and talent to compete with the top teams in the SEC.
The easiest thing to do as a college football fan is to blame the coach when your team fails. There are Aggie fans out there who think that Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mark Snyder should be replaced after the poor showing from the defense in 2013.
This is not an issue with coaching or with scheme. It is simply a case of not having the right players in place to successfully hold up against an SEC schedule.
This is a look at why the Aggies' defensive issues in 2013 were related to a lack of proven talent on defense, and how those issues can be resolved.


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(Update Aug. 22: I've added photos to this post)
I just returned from a three-week vacation. I had every intention of posting while away (I even had this picture of chocolate chip cookies on a USB key to use in an internet cafe). But it never happened.
However I return refreshed and with lots of new toys: While in Paris I went back to Mora, where I bought individual tart rings and a dipping fork. Also when I saw our trip took us near Tain l'Hermitage, home to Valrhona, I felt compelled to stop there. My husband generously agreed, perhaps hoping there's something in it for him.
So back to the post I meant to write a few weeks ago. These cookies are perhaps the first thing I ever baked as a child. And I baked them many, many times since. The recipe comes from Joy of Cooking (the recipe doesn't seem to have changed from one edition to another).
As a child baking them in France, I didn't know that our brown sugar ("cassonade") was any different from American brown sugar. I also had to make my own chocolate chips from bars of dark "chocolat de ménage." Baking soda was available, we just had to buy it in pharmacies ("bicarbonate de soude").
These were always a hit among French friends, well before "les cookies" became commonplace and lost the appeal of novelty. And even today, none of my friends has become so blasé about cookies that I ever have to bring any home.
I haven't changed the way I make them much, other than buying the darkest brown sugar I can find in health food stores here in Europe. I like them small and crunchy, which can be achieved by baking them a few minutes longer than for a softer version.
Recipe: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Source: Joy of Cooking
About 3 dozen 2 1/2 inch cookies
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (140g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (125g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (110g)
I've tried cutting these amounts drastically but it does affect texture. Still, you can get away with reducing sugar by about 25% I would guess.
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspons salt
I think the original Joy of Cooking recipe had 1/2 tspn, and I agree less is better. But don't leave it out, it does add a pleasant kick.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
or one packet vanilla sugar
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (about 150g dark chocolate I believe)
I use good dark chocolate bars, but not much more than 50% cocoa. I tried the 70% but it was too bitter for this style of cookie. I chop them into chunks with the biggest knife I can find.
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Sigh, the children of this family don't like nuts, so I make two versions, with and without nuts.
1. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease the cookie sheets.
2. Whisk together thoroughly flour and baking soda.
3. Beat softened butter and both sugars on medium speed until very fluffy and well blended.
4. Add and beat until well combined the egg, salt and vanilla.
5. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until well blended and smooth.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.
At this point you can chill the dough or even freeze it for later use.
7. Drop the dough by heaping measuring teaspoonfuls onto sheets. If the dough has been chilled you can shape little walnuts with your fingers.
Don't flatten them, they will flatten naturally in the oven. Space about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until the cookies are just slightly collored on top and rimmed with brown at the edges, 8 to 10 minutes; rotate the sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
9. Remove the sheet to a rack and let stand until the cookies firm slightly, abut 2 minutes. Transfer the cookies to racks to cool.
Make sure they are quite cool before boxing them, but don't let them lie around too long or they might capture moisture and get soft.
Food Photography
On another subject, I don't post so much about photography as I originally intended to do. The main reason is that based on comments, there seems to be more interest in food than in anything I have to impart about taking photos (not much, as my interest is very recent). Still, I'm always eager to learn more about this subject, and I enjoy reading well-illustrated blogs.
Among these I ran across this great post from 101 Cookbooks with tips on food photography. Given the quality of Heidi's photos, her advice is extremely valuable.
For instance:
Utilize all-natural (or available) light:
I look for light that is soft, sometimes diffused with a thin curtain (which helps the window to act like a huge light box). I avoid direct light because it throws really harsh shadows across the food. No Flash. Ever. Unless you want your food to look sweaty and greasy - which can sometimes be cool/modern when you are talking about BBQ or something. But get the techniques down using natural light first, and then start breaking the rules
I always wanted to make a list of the rules I've stumbled across thanks to blogging, and will make so bold as to post my own tips after the authoritative advice referred to above:
- Use an SLR camera if you can (wow they make a difference)
- Take pictures in daylight if possible, as recommended above. Since I often cook or bake at night, natural daylight is usually not available (see the photos of cookies in the making included with the recipe above). If lighting conditions are difficult, increase the ISO level (sensitivity to light) to 800 or 1600. I personally don't care if this makes my pictures grainy.
- Never use a flash on food (again, as per Heidi's recommendation). It's such a shame when well-executed dishes appear unappetizing because a flash was used.
- Take pictures close up, and try different angles. Low is dramatic, but sometimes a good shot from above makes the picture more "readable".
- Have fun with high apertures to blur backgrounds or foregrounds. Though with my new Canon 50mm 1.8 lens I feel sometimes too much of the shot is blurry. For instance the shot above hurts my eyes a little because the cookie in the foreground is blurry. But I do like the blurry green background. I have to learn to dose it.
- Cropping can be fun, but I've tried to stay away from it recently. I want to focus on getting good overall photos, not just good details for cutting and pasting.
- Watch out for cluttered backgrounds (hard to do in my messy kitchen!)
- If I'm hesitating between an "artistic" shot and one in which you can really see and understand the nature of the food (what I mean by readable above), I tend to choose the latter if what I want is a discussion on the food, not the photography. This seems obvious but I do get frustrated when fashion magazines don't give you a clear view of whatever clothes they're trying to pitch.
- Take sectional shots, so you can see how food looks on the inside
- And probably use a tripod to get sharp photos. I bought one recently but haven't used it much (too lazy), which explains why many of my shots are blurry. Aside from using the wrong aperture.


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Posts about Newsstands
Public Spaces
Are abandoned newspaper boxes micro blight?
It's been just a few years since graffiti sprawled across Washington's downtown buildings. While blight in DC used to be large-scale, marked by graffiti and vacant lots, improvements over the past several years mean that in many places around the city, we now look for blight with a microscope. Are abandoned newspaper boxes blight on this micro scale?
The December 9 article on DC's lack of newsstands elicited strong reader reactions about what does and does not belong on our city streets. From upper Connecticut Avenue to K Street to around the Anacostia Metro station, newspaper boxes in Washington are ubiquitous. And abandoned boxes are often seen as a subtle sign of urban disorder.
Across the city, newspaper boxes cluster together in numbers easily reaching into the double digits in a single location. The clusters reflect the diversity of locally-available publications, ranging from the Epoch Times and Washington City Paper to USA Today, El Tiempo Latino, and the Washington Blade. As a means of distribution, newspaper boxes are critical to any publication. But when jumbled together haphazardly in nearly every corner of the city, are they adding to or detracting from the streetscape?
An unscientific canvas of downtown shows that boxes are distributed indiscriminately, sometimes on the corner while other times curbside in the middle of the street. Large concentrations are bunched outside most Metro stations. In upper Northwest and parts of Capitol Hill, they are frequently lined up outside of coffee shops. Elsewhere throughout the city, they hover near bus stops, frequently commandeered as additional ad hoc seating.
There are nearly 30 boxes outside of the Metro Center entrance at 12th & G. At least three metal boxes, Our Town, Falls Church Free Press, and the Rock Creek Free Press, appear to be abandoned. A quick check of Rock Creek Free Press's website confirms, "The September 2011 edition will be our last. After 5 years, 50 issues, the Rock Creek Free Press has printed its final edition." Their boxes outside of Metro Center and Gallery-Place entrances, however, remain.
Only one block down the street at the 13th & G Metro Center entrance, there are over 30 boxes, a dozen battered and vacant. From the looks of it, the box for Our Town is being used as makeshift storage locker for a homeless person's blanket, rather than newspapers.
Who is responsible for newspaper boxes?
Stocking or not stocking boxes is an independent decision by each publisher, but an inactive newspaper box has a similar effect on public space, albeit on a smaller scale, as that of a vacant storefront. In its own way, a vacant box is representative of physical and intellectual blight.
Earlier this year, Arl Now documented two of the usual suspects in vacant boxes: the publications Apartment Showcase and For Rent. In March, Prince of Petworth pondered who regulates boxes.
While DDOT's Public Space Policy Division has jurisdiction to regulate the abandoned boxes, removing the boxes from the streets clearly isn't very high on the city's priority list. "Just look around," said a man standing next to the line of boxes bordering the street at the 7th & F NW entrance to the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station.
Boxes at Metro stations fall under WMATA's jurisdiction, beyond DDOT's reach. If the buildup of years-derelict boxes outside many stations is any indication, Metro isn't clamoring to clear things out, either.
Vacant boxes in Anacostia
Although there are 5 boxes for The Washington Post and a solitary box for The Washington Times outside the Anacostia Metro, it has been weeks if not months, maybe a year or more, since they have been stocked, according to my independent observations and those of many morning commuters.
Up and down MLK and Good Hope Road, sometimes across the street from each other, are the omnipresent yellow stand-up boxes of The Express. The boxes are usually empty, with bundles of the paper instead resting on the front doorsteps of buildings around the neighborhood.
At 14th & Good Hope Road, outside of the Anacostia Warehouse Market, a Washington Post box is vacant and chained shut. "I don't know how long it's been there, but it's probably close to whenever the paper started," said Earl Johns, an Anacostia resident as he entered the market. As an indefinite indication of its age, the daily paper is priced at a quarter.
What to do about vacant boxes
Given their negative influence on the urban fabric, it is worthwhile to explore potential ways to address abandoned boxes. In other cities, people have gotten creative. There have been examples of boxes serving as flower pots> for guerrilla gardeners. Some have hosted small "parties"; others have featured benign street art dioramas.
Courtesy of The Pop-Up City.
On New York City's Upper East Side a long-standing community group has worked with the city for years to remove abandoned "newsracks" from cluttered sidewalks. In 2004, New York enacted a law revising existing regulations of newsracks. In DC, no such laws appear to be on the books, and if they are, they are not enforced.
While many communities in the city suffer from structural unemployment and smothering rates of illiteracy, it is understandable the dumping of newspaper boxes has been ignored.
Of course, some see the boxes as an important part of the landscape. According to one Howard University student, "They make the outside of the metro more colorful. Without the boxes you'd be bored."
Public Spaces
Newsstands could help enliven Washington's streets
Lively public spaces are a vital part of a livable city. Although DC has street vendors, unlike Paris, Philadelphia, and New York, we don't have one element that can help create a vibrant place: the newsstand.
Although innocuous to some, the interaction every morning with vendors that pass out the Washington Examiner and Washington Post Express fosters a connectivity fundamental to urban life.
"I've had about three babies named after me. People bring me cards and food," a Washington Examiner vendor said recently. "People make our day and we make theirs."
Newspaper boxes are mechanized while newsstands are personalized. "In publishing lingo," wrote the Post in 1991, "a reader is said to have a 'relationship' with a newspaper or magazine when he buys it all the time, feels strongly about its editorial content and absorbs at least some of its advertising messages."
Food trucks have become popular and ubiquitous in the city, largely because of the feeling of relationship they engender. Wouldn't newsstands on the streets do the same for us cerebrally?
In DC, to pick up a copy of your favorite magazine or an out-of-town newspaper, you have to step through a door. What if DC had newsstands like other cities and you could grab a magazine on the run?
Newsstands "forcefully demonstrate that New York, unlike cities whose streets have lost their vitality to car culture, still teems with on-the-run pedestrians," according to the New York Times.
According to the same article, until 2003 newsstand operators owned their stands and paid the city $1,000 for two-year licenses. Then the city enacted Local Law 64, "which required owners to give up their stands but allowed them to operate city-owned structures at no cost." Not surprisingly, newsstands, the intellective apotheoses of city sidewalks, began to vanish.
The momentary relief newsstands can bring to the daily grind of DC life was wistfully immortalized in 1992's A Few Good Men. Tom Cruise's character, Daniel Kaffee, gets up with Luther, who runs a local newsstand, several times throughout the movie to match wits and exchange clichés. One memorable scene:
Kaffee: How's it goin', Luther?As a unique commercial marker paying homage to the past heydays of newspaper boys and the ongoing intellectual gentrification of the city, newsstands could add authenticity by invigorating DC's public streets.
Luther: Another day, another dollar, captain.
Kaffee: You gotta play 'em as they lay, Luther.
Luther: What comes around, goes around, you know what I'm sayin'.
Kaffee: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Luther: Hey, if you got your health, you got everything.
Kaffee: Love makes the world go round. I'll see you tomorrow, Luther.
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Triangle bikini top and side tie bikini bottoms made from US Dollar print material is hand sewn in rows over green metallic fabric to make this a highly rich and unique looking swimsuit! Your body is sure to look like a million bucks in this Lucky Lotto Bikini. Embrace your crazy, outgoing side and feel totally rich!
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Spinach & Prawn Filo Tart Recipe
By January 4, 2013Published:
- Yield: 6-8 Servings
- Cook: 15-18 mins
- 6-8 sheets filo pastry
- 15g melted butter
- 75ml natural yoghurt
- 2 egg yolks
- 2tbsp milk
- 75g shelled prawns
- 1tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1kg spinach, wilted cooked in a saucepan over a low heat with 1 oz butter and 1 tbsp water. Then drained.
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a tart tin, or several smaller tart tins with filo pastry. Press carefully into the edges. Brush with melted butter.
2. Mix together the yoghurt and egg yolks, and gradually add the milk and mix until smooth.
3. Place the spinach, prawns and parsley on the base of the flan, and pour the yoghurt sauce over the top. Sprinkle with black pepper and bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes.
4. Serve hot or allow to cool and serve with a crisp salad of green leaves.
- Skill Level: Easy


text:
Parks and gardens
|Maria Luisa's Park
Overall rating:
Rank: 8 About 51
Address: Av de María Luisa, s/n, Seville
|Jardines Reales Alcázares in Seville
Overall rating:
Rank: 19 About 51
One of the largest, late-medieval gardens of Europe, the Jardines Reales Alcazares in Seville is a true treasure, with more than a thousand years of history behind it. It's a great place to visit...
Reviewed by: J
|Jardines del Guadalquivir
Overall rating:
Rank: 24 About 51
Situated in the heart of the city, the Jardines del Guadalquivir in Seville in La Cartuja is a modern-art garden built for the Expo '92 within the exhibition site as a resting area. ...
Reviewed by: J
|Maria Luisa Park
Overall rating:
Rank: 28 About 51
Maria Luisa Park belonged to the San Telmo Palace and was donated to the city by the Duchess of Montpensier, the Princess Maria Luisa Fernanda de Orleans in 1893. It was built for the Exposicion Ibera-American...
Reviewed by: Jò
|The Neptune Fountain in Seville
Overall rating:
Rank: 31 About 51
The magnificent Neptune Fountain in Seville (locally known as the Fuente de Neptuno) is a monumental civic fountain situated in the Jardines del Principe. Although not as famous as its Italian counterpart in Florence,...
Reviewed by: J
|Isla Magica
Overall rating:
Rank: 34 About 51
Isla Magica is well known theme amusement park having more than 40 rides and attractions. There are even roller coasters, shows and cinema which attract the visitors to its park. The park opened in the year 1997 and is a modern amusement...
Reviewed by: Jò
|Jardines del Valle
Overall rating:
Rank: 39 About 51
Located to the northeast of the city center and in the Santa Catalina district, the Jardines del Valle in Seville was first developed from the vegetable gardens of an old...
Reviewed by: J
|Parque Donana
Overall rating:
Rank: 41 About 51
Parque Donana is a national park which is also known as Coto de Donana and is located near Seville. This national park and wildlife refuge situated to the southwest of Spain is a tribute...
Reviewed by: Harsh


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Ken ShamrockKenneth Wayne Kilpatrick
- Birthdate: 02/11/1964 (age 52)
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 212 Ib
Shamrock emerged as one of the biggest stars in...
It went down like this: Shamrock was at a mall in Modesto last month when he saw two women fighting, with several people standing around watching. Shamrock jumped in to pull the women apart when a bystander jumped on his back.
According to Shamrock's rep, he through the person off his back and followed up with a move that knocked her to the ground. Only then, after someone pointed it out, did he realize that the attacked was a woman, after which he backed off.
Police took a battery report against Shamrock, noting that she only suffered a slight knee abrasion. The case is with the DA's office but prosecution is unlikely as they believe Shamrock was acting in self-defense.
Shamrock's rep added, "Outside the ring, Ken is not a violent man ... and was only trying to do the right thing."


text:
- Worldwide Rank #593
- Follower/Following Ratio 26k
- Daily New Followers 4k
Alejandro Fernández Twitter Stats
@alexoficial - Tracking Alejandro Fernández Twitter profile since October 6, 2009
Twitter oficial de Alejandro Fernández
Alejandro Fernández Tweets
@alexoficial has posted 36 tweets in the last 30 days, which translates to an average of 1.2 tweets per day.
Alejandro Fernández Twitter Followers
@alexoficial has 5,180,056 followers on Twitter.
This account is #593 in the worldwide rank of the most popular Twitter users.
Alejandro Fernández Following on Twitter
@alexoficial is following 193 Twitter accounts.
Last month this account followed 3 users.
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@alexoficial will hit 5,553,891 followers in the next 3 months, and 6,696,165 in one year.
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De Nada (That's think nothing of it" In Spanish)
Trip Start Unknown
29Trip End Ongoing
Map your own trip!
Loading Map
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Where I stayed
In Catalina's House
Ummm…but Catalina you do not speak English…remember.
She said that long ago he had a wife and she went to live in an apartment on a hill and now he is gay. Ummm…I think that's the story
Well, I think that I have established that I love Catalina. I mean LOVE Catalina. I swear she is made of sugar. When I was in my room I heard the voices of two men. Of course I had no idea what they were saying but I caught some words here and there. I stayed in my room because I always get embarrassed when I do not understand visitors but I paid attention with my senses. I heard and smelled meat cooking.
I thought nothing of it. Catalina cooks dinner every day while I do my homework. I heard her offer the men coffee.
I thought nothing of it because it was the afternoon/evening and she always has coffee then. I heard her cutting bread.
I thought nothing of it because she has bread with her coffee and she always offers me some with my tea. I heard them laughing and talking freely.
I thought nothing of it because it is the neighborhood and that is what people here do. At dinner I asked Catalina about her friends. She told me that they were some men that she had known for many years. They help around the neighborhood with the gardens and odd jobs and they do not have a lot of money. They came by and asked if she had any coffee. She said she could tell that they were hungry so she gave them the coffee and made them dinner.
I thought everything of that.


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You may have heard a lot about dual core processors recently and how they are licensed in the world's most popular database environments. Microsoft announced in late 2004 that they would only charge a single processor fee for a dual core chip, and since that time, there has been a flurry of debate, projections, and discussions on how vendors should price their software in response to hardware technology changes. Just before the writing of this article, it looked like Oracle made the statement that they will charge on a per core level for their software on any server, thereby taking an exact opposite stance as the strongly marketed Microsoft one.
Since the Microsoft announcement on dual core pricing, despite that fact that no Microsoft software was available on any dual core architected server at that time, more and more clients have been asking me about dual core servers and IBM DB2 Universal Database for Linux™, UNIX®, and Windows® (DB2 UDB) licensing. In addition to this, they've also asked about sub-capacity pricing as they leverage hardware technologies for server consolidation plays.
To make things a little more confusing, different vendors use different or similar terms to mean different things that affect licensing (the point of that sentence was to be confusing). For example, for some, a core is a processor, others regard a processor as the chip (or di) that plugs into a socket, and so on. Add into the fold the ability for hardware servers to create both static and dynamic partitions (I'll call them logical partitions, or LPARs, in this article, but different hardware vendors call these different things), and you're likely to have more questions that need answering.
With all this terminology and marketing hoopla and distractions, it's hard to get a handle on what's going on. In this article, I'll discuss the licensing considerations of DB2 UDB in a dual core environment and give you some insight into this technology and its associated terminology to give you a better understanding on the landscape in general. To wrap up this article, I'll also discuss sub-capacity pricing, a hot topic with today's server consolidation plays.
What is a core according to IBM?
Quite simply, a core is the circuitry that executes computer commands. A chip, on the other hand, is a silicon wafer that a core resides on. Dual-core refers to a chip design and fabrication capability that results in two processor cores per physical chip (some people go so far as to call it an 'SMP chip'). In contrast, with what is for now your typical workstation (you know, the one that's likely sitting on your desk right now), it's more than likely the case that a single core resides on a single chip.
A single core architecture is shown in Figure 1 below:
Figure 1. A single core processor
In today's marketplace, it's likely a safe bet to assume that from a licensing perspective, everyone refers to the previous figure as one processor. Along the way, there have been performance boosting technologies implemented on the single core architecture to help boost virtual processing speeds or throughput.
For example, Intel's hyper-threading is one such technology that has been shown to boost performance gains up to 30% for some key workloads. Before we go on, let's spend a moment on terminology:
- Threads are simply sequences of instructions. Threading within a processor is a design technique used to improve performance by permitting what appears to be the simultaneous execution of two or more sets of instructions.
- Hyper-threading is the ability to essentially schedule separate thread execution plans in a highly efficient manner.
DB2 UDB supports hyper-threading, and there has never been any additional charges for this technology since it didn't double the performance of the DB2 UDB server overall. (It won't for any database server for that matter; well, I am sure someone on some server with some workload will prove me wrong, but you get the point.) Other performance-based chip enhancements like SMT are supported in DB2 UDB at no additional cost as well.
In October 2000, IBM introduced a new line of highly scalable microprocessors called Power® chips (originally, the Power4 series, which has since been replaced by Power5, with plans for Power6, and so on). These Power chips changed the technology landscape by implementing two cores (so the ability to have two separate circuitry units executing compute instructions) on a single chip (something that plugs into the board). In fact, the Power5 architecture today holds over 50 industry standard and application benchmark records that spawn a broad range of technical and commercial workloads. Soon after, other hardware vendors followed suit, like HP and Sun. Most recently, Intel and AMD have introduced this technology to their chip families as well.
The advantage of dual core chips is that they can be used to drive performance and reduce power requirements as well as the heat generated by higher and higher clock speeds of their single core counterparts. Dual core chips are more dense as well, which means their physical requirements are more along the lines of their single-core cousins since they share the same form factor. Dual core chips would also appear to be more environmentally friendly in that they consume less electricity and cooling (HVAC) requirements. In addition to this, the proximity of cached memory can yield performance advantages too.
With respect to performance, experts have called an end to Moore's Law (the prediction that the processing power of computer chips will double approximately every 18 months) which sparked general industry interest in dual core processors. Most recently, commodity chip manufacturers, like Intel and AMD, announced 2005 products that will feature their first generation of dual core chips to help combat the heat generated by increased processing power of a chip in recent generations.
A dual core architecture is shown in Figure 2 below:
Figure 2. A dual core processor
Not much difference here really. You still have a single piece of silicon that plugs into the socket on your board. However, as previously noted, in this architecture, there are two pieces of circuitry that are used to execute compute instructions.
So how are dual core chips licensed for DB2 UDB?
With the advent of dual core, there's a lot of confusion around the term processor. For example, IBM Power5 servers (and their benchmarks) are officially reported by the number of cores. So a 16-way Power5 SMP server has 16 cores, but only has 8 actual sockets where physical processors would plug into. Last I checked, Sun refers to a dual core chip as a single processor capable of running two threads. A Sun box with 4 dual core processors is called a 4-way SMP machine. In contrast, IBM would call this an 8-way machine (since it has 4 dual core processors which equals 8 cores). So comparing what Sun will call a 4-way box and what IBM calls a 4-way box are different boxes - so be careful. In addition to this, HP refers to a single dual core chip as a processor. So an 8 core HP system is called a 4-way SMP server and to make things more confusing, the terms processor and dual core chip are used interchangeably in their documentation.
SAP and TPC benchmarks do not require hardware vendors to list the number of cores that were used when publishing their results. However, the SPEC benchmark rules (for example, SPECfp_rate 2000) require that results are stated in number of processor cores. For example, the Sun Fire V40z SPECfp_rate result on their 4-way machine is listed under the 8-way results category. This may be a reason as to why IBM has decided to identify the SMP-attributes of a server via cores and not physical processors. There are differences of opinions obviously, but I recommend you look at processor cores when comparing performance results across solutions.
Generally, to the IBM Software Group, a processor is a functional unit within a computing device that interprets and executes instructions. For the most part, with multi-core technology, each core is considered a processor. For example, in a dual core Power5 chip, you would count two processors when licensing your software using a per processor metric (Don't throw this article away yet because some of this has changed, more on that in a bit.)
Today, for Power5-based systems (and other non-IBM high-end processors with dual core architectures - basically anything that isn't an OpenPower 710/720 server or x86 process architecture - namely, Intel/AMD), IBM defines a core as a processor. This seems reasonable since not only can each core execute software independently, but standard performance tests show that the processing power is at near or more than two-fold with these dual core architectures.
For example, consider the DB2 UDB TPC-C 16-way result that IBM announced in July of 2004 (that's almost one year ago as of the writing of this article - a lifetime in the world of benchmarks). The Power5 dual core architecture used for this benchmark yielded some rather impressive results. Specifically, this DB2 UDB benchmark was run on a 16-way IBM eServer p5 570 server and achieved 809,144 tpmC - surpassing competitive results on systems with up to four times more licensed CPU's.
For example, currently SQL Server's best overall TPC-C result was run on a 64-way SMP server and achieved 786,646 tpmC; DB2 used one-quarter of the processors to beat this result. (Remember, with the Power5 dual core architecture, each core is considered a processor, as opposed to each socket. The IBM 16-way result refers to the number of cores, so there are really 8 sockets on this machine. Some vendors would refer to this as an 8-way dual core system, whereas the IBM eServer folks call it a 16-way server because of the way they interpret the term processor.)
This is just one example of the performance characteristics of leading edge dual core servers. In November 2004, IBM released a 64-way TPC-C result that yielded over 400% better performance than the leading SQL Server 64-way result and 270% better performance than Oracle's top TPC-C result with the Real Application Clusters (RAC) technology with 64 processors, and 318% better performance than Oracle's best 64-way SMP TPC-C result with 64 processors. All of these competitor results were on single core architectures.
The point of this discussion isn't to brag about the performance of DB2 UDB (okay, perhaps a little), but rather to illustrate the potential power of a well engineered dual core architecture.
For the reasons illustrated above, IBM Software Group charges per core when it comes to Power5-based, and other non-x86 architecture or OpenPower 710/720 box, servers with dual core architectures. If a Power5 server was sold with 8 physical processors (though it wouldn't be called an 8-way box), you would have buy 16 DB2 licenses (since each processor has two cores). Remember that different vendors have different terminology frameworks here; I am trying to bridge them by illustrating how processor-based products would be licensed by IBM. Because of the fact that an eServer machine may not be sold with the term processor, I map them here for simplicity.
In the 16-way TPC-C result mentioned earlier, when compared to Microsoft SQL Server, you would license 48 fewer CPUs of the DB2 UDB database software and still achieve better performance (8 processors x 2 for dual core licenses on this server = 16 licenses). Not only is that 48 fewer CPUs of the software, but it is also less maintenance and potentially less hardware cost too.
Although not an official statement from IBM, existing Power-based chips, and future chips of any architecture with a very high dual to single core performance ratio will still require two license entitlements. Quite simply, for these chips, IBM continues to license the core, not the chip, for these powerful processor families.
In late 2004, Microsoft announced that it will define a processor to be a chip (the piece of silicon that plugs into the computer motherboard) -- regardless of the number of cores on the chip. This differs from the pricing strategy of this architecture for both IBM and Oracle when it comes to their database servers. There was a lot of press coverage about this announcement, despite that fact that a server wasn't available from any vendor with a dual core architecture that Microsoft SQL Server could run on.
During this time, IBM had a number of opportunities to benchmark the performance of the new x86-based Intel and AMD dual core architectures and hasn't found that their respective first generation technologies produce the type of results found with the Power5's dual core architecture (there are also a number of public benchmarks that will suggest this assertion to be true as well). Rather, the anticipated dual core to single core performance ratio appears to display normal generation-to-generation performance improvements and represents an excellent architectural shift for further performance enhancements that should not be constrained by the power requirements and heat generation limitations discussed earlier.
IBM announced on April 21th, 2005 that for both the x86 Architecture and OpenPower 710/720 platforms, only one IBM middleware software processor license will be required for the two cores on a dual core chip..
IBM made this announcement since our internal benchmarks for these dual core systems didn't match the core to performance ratio of other systems. This announcement, when you think about it, is consistent with the pricing strategy of the past. (Enhancements like hyper-threading which never yielded double - or near double - the performance advantage did not increase a client's per processor costs even when these technologies claimed to enable a server to behave as such.)
Back to our dual versus single core examples. If you had an 8-way SMP server that used dual core AMD chips, you would only need to buy 8 DB2 UDB processor licenses. If this same box was on a dual core Power5 server, you would need to buy 16 DB2 UDB licenses. Again, this pricing seems to maintain value for clients. DB2 UDB on an 8-way Power5 dual core server (remember, this is 8 cores, so 4 sockets) has been shown to demonstrate 429,900 tpmC. This bests the top SQL Server 8-way result on a single core architecture which yielded 175,366 tpmC by 240%.
To summarize, IBM software products that are priced per processor require a user authorization for each processor (as defined by IBM) that is available on the server. This is the approach IBM has consistently used since it originally introduced processor pricing. As of April 21st, 2005, there is an exception for x86-based AMD/Intel dual core processors, as well as those found within the OpenPower 710/720 servers from IBM in that despite each core being a processor to IBM, you only need to license per physcial processor on these boxes.
The IBM announcement on dual core architectures and how it benefits you
The recent classification of dual core architectures with respect to their relative performance helps to sustain the value relationship that you receive from software relative to your chosen hardware technology. In essence, this announcement helps you maintain value in the face of advancing hardware technology and moreover links you to a utility-like computing model (how many transactions can you run).
Despite marketing hoopla and FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), DB2 UDB (and IBM middleware for that matter) remain more competitively priced than ever in today's marketplace.
So what's sub-capacity technology?
Sub-capacity pricing is another challenge that software companies must address with the new ability for hardware vendors to offer both static and dynamic partitioning at the hardware layer -- thereby creating virtual servers. For example, imagine having a 4-way server and carving it up into 2 separate 2-way servers as shown in Figure 3 below:
Figure 3. Sub-capacity technologies
In the previous figure, you may install your database server on the blue partition (which houses processors 1 and 2) and have your application server software on the red partition (which houses processors 3 and 4). Each partition is like it's own machine: it has its own processors, memory, and so on. In IBM-speak, we call them Logical Partitions (LPARs) when they are static. By static, I mean that the resources allocated to each partition do not change over time. Another form of partitioning is called Dynamic Logical Partitions (DLPARs) which give you the added flexibility of dynamically reallocating compute resources to a partition in response to business demands or policies. Since DB2 UDB V8.1.2, DB2 UDB has supported features for different vendors' hardware partitioning strategies - including dynamic ones.
Both LPARs and DLPARs allow users to address multiple system requirements using a single machine. This can be used to deliver benefits such as: server consolidation, business unit consolidation, and mixed production/test environments. LPARs have long been utilized by those that implement zSeries® technology, but are relatively new to the distributed world.
You should be aware that LPARs by themselves do not provide a significant increase in a system's availability. However, LPARs can be used to complement other availability strategies.
Since each partition is treated as a separate server, you can run a single environment with a single system image on a single partition. This can provide for a more cost efficient solution, since you can allocate resources to departments, database servers, clustering, and so on.
It's clear that sub-capacity technology enables clients to maintain the value of their software in the face of technology changes. Since your costs are more closely aligned with your actual capacity requirements, you only need to pay for additional capacity as application usage grows. This makes it easier to pilot new applications and to support smaller workloads. It also makes it easier for you to optimize your IT environment and design your systems to maximize utilization instead of minimizing software costs. And IBM is the only vendor which supports the advanced server virtualization capabilities found in the IBM eServer p5 and IBM eServer i5 server systems (the ability to take single processors and partition them into multiple run-time environments - even at a fractional processing level).
Taking into account the results on those Power5 servers discussed earlier in this article, one may envision a development environment where a 4-way server is virtualized into 20 servers for development, Q/A, and so on.
How DB2 is licensed in a sub-capacity environment
On the same day that IBM announced dual core pricing for x86 and OpenPower hardware, IBM officially announced sub-capacity licensing for selected DB2 family offerings that run on UNIX, i5/OS™, or Linux when running in partitions created on supported IBM and non-IBM systems.
You'll note that Windows was not included in the list of products and platforms eligible for official sub-capacity pricing. Unlike other systems, x86 and Itanium-based systems rely exclusively on virtual partitioning technology like EMC's VMWare ESX and GSK servers, or Microsoft's Virtual Server. It is IBM's intent to support these systems in the future when these technologies have the full support of the IBM Tivoli® License Manager for IBM Software product (which is used to track usage under this program - more on this in a bit). If you require this kind of licensing consideration for your DB2 UDB environment in the meantime, contact your IBM representative.
To make it easier for clients to track sub-capacity compliance, IBM also announced a version of IBM Tivoli License Manager (ITLM) for IBM Software, which is a no charge version of ITLM. This version is fully compatible with the existing for-fee version of ITLM, but can only be used to track IBM software offerings under this program. Clients who want to track non-IBM software can substitute the for-fee version in the compliance process. Clients that elect to use sub-capacity licenses need to generate and submit to IBM a quarterly report on their sub-capacity usage.
As of the writing of this article, the DB2 family products that officially support sub-capacity licenses are:
- DB2 UDB Enterprise Server Edition v8.2
- DB2 UDB Data Warehouse Enterprise Edition v8.2
- DB2 Data Links Manager v8.2
- DB2 Net Search Extender v8.2
If you use other DB2 products and want to investigate their usage in a sub-capacity environment, please contact your IBM representative.
When licensing supported DB2 products with supported sub-capacity hardware technology in an LPAR environment (a list of supported hardware platforms is presented at the end of this article), you have to account for the maximum number of processors used in your ITLM reporting period for the DB2 software. In other words, you must purchase DB2 licenses for the maximum number of processors that you will use.
If you're leveraging virtualization engines, you follow the same principal. However, at no time will you ever pay for more processors than are on the server. For example, if you took a 4-way server and created 20 partitions, each with a copy of DB2 UDB, you would only be required to purchase 4 DB2 UDB ESE licenses.
There are technologies that allow you to allocate software execution to a set number of processors (sometimes called processor pinning). This is not hardware partitioning and such isn't afforded the benefits of sub-capacity licensing outlined in this article. In fact, with most of these technologies, the execution of the software may occur on a set of processors, but when the other processors are idle, it will execute instructions there as well.
The following sections details some typical examples using sub-capacity licensing and the total number of processors that would need to be licensed. For simplicity, these examples do not consider the number of cores on the processor.
An LPAR sub-capacity example
An LPAR provides the capability to statically isolate compute resources and run independent operating systems of the same, or different, type on the same server. A typical example may include a 12-way server, that uses LPAR technology to create 3 virtual servers. Figure 4 shows 3 LPARs (purple, aqua, and pink) and the respective processors that are assigned to them (8, 2, and 2). In this example, you would need 4 DB2 UDB licenses (2 for DB2 Enterprise Server Edition (ESE) on AIX® and 2 for DB2 ESE on Linux).
Figure 4. A topological view of an SMP machine using sub-capacity technologies with LPARs
A DLPAR sub-capacity example
As previously mentioned, DLPARs provide the capability to respond to a change in business requirements in real time. This obviously creates some complexity when it comes to licensing any software.
Both the IBM eServer i5 and eServer p5 systems have the capability to run DLPARs. For example, consider the topology shown in Figure 5:
Figure 5. A topological view of an SMP machine using sub-capacity technologies with DLPARs
In this example, you can see the compute resources allocated to DB2 UDB change depending on the business need or the location in the business cycle. In fact, this example has a nice complexity to it in that processors are being dynamically allocated between different operating systems no less!
To identify the number of sub-capacity license entitlements for each product, you have to determine the maximum number of processors each product runs on across the 3 potential configurations in this example. The number of processors running DB2 Enterprise Server Edition in this example varies by the location in the business cycle (peak times, normal operations, or simulation work as the company presumably ramps up to a peak load). The maximum number of processors ever allocated to DB2 in the business cycle is found when running the simulation workload on the bottom of Figure 5. In this mode, a total of 6 license entitlements are required (4 under AIX and 2 under Linux) and therefore at all times, you are required to procure 6 license entitlements for your DB2 software - even though other periods allocate less compute resource to the DB2 software. If you have an environment where you want to more closely correlate these factors, IBM also offers the On Off Capacity on Demand (OOCOD) pricing model.
A virtualization sub-capacity example
This example shows how to count licenses when exploiting the virtualization capabilities available on the IBM eServer p5 and IBM eServer i5 systems that allow you to create shared processor pools. In this topology, the processors in the shared pool can be dynamically reallocated based on rules established by the client.
In this advanced sub-capacity scenario, there are some hardware-specific terms that you need to be aware of when trying to figure out how to license your DB2 software. A capped partition (shown in Figure 6 below) is a partition that has a set limit on the number of processors it can use. This set limit is identified by the Processing Value Unit (PrU) metric (which can also be thought of as physical processor equivalents). Another metric, called the Virtual Processor Value Unit (VP), represents (for capped partitions only) the number of physical processors that can be shared to attain the PrU value. In a capped partition, you are required to license software in accordance to the PrU value for the partition.
Figure 6. Virtualization example
For example, the capped partition E has PrU = 2 and VP = 4. This means that the DB2 workload on this partition will run on the equivalent of 2 processors, but those two processors are virtualized to run on portions of the processors in the processor pool up to a maximum of 4 physical processors (for example, if the system borrowed 50% of processor power from 4 processors in the pool, resource allocation on that system would look like: 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 2.0). In Figure 6, you can see that partition E is a capped partition that spawns from a shared pool of nine processors. Since partition E is capped with a PrU of 2, this means that at no time can partition E ever use more than 2 processors from this pool (although these two processors may be the combination of fractions of up to 4 processors as previously noted). In this example, partition E needs 2 DB2 processor entitlements.
In contrast, an uncapped partition can leverage extra processing power from the shared pool when it is available for use up to an amount identified by the VP metric. Uncapped partitions are typically reserved for higher priority workloads that can benefit from the extra horsepower available from extra compute capacity when portions of the server are under-utilized. For an uncapped partition, the PrU unit is the minimum number of processors assigned to the partition at all times, while the VP is the maximum number of processors it will try to acquire from the pool if they are available. For an uncapped partition, the VP metric acts a little differently since it is assumed that uncapped partitions will use whole processors when available. In other words, while with a capped partition VP represents the number of processors that can deliver the power defined by the PrU metric, in an uncapped partition, it just means the maximum number of physical processors allocated to the partition. In an uncapped partition, you are required to license software in accordance to the VP value for the partition.
For example, in Figure 6, partition H will have a minimum of one processor assigned to it, and will acquire up to 3 processors if they become available. In this case, for DB2, you'll need 3 DB2 licenses since VP=3. Remember, in the uncapped partition, the attainment of VP=3 is done by whole processors and not fractional components as in the capped partition example.
So let's now summarize the example on Figure 6. How many DB2 licenses will you need to correctly license this server for your DB2 software? The answer is 8. Is that what you expected? If not, consider:
- 1 processor for partition B
- 4 processors for the capped partitions E and F ((PrU E = 2) + (PrU F = 2) = 4) which are capped at an aggregate compute power of 2 processors each (though they can each accumulate the power equivalency of 2 processors from up to 4 processors in the pool).
- 3 processors for the uncapped partition H (VP=3) since despite starting with one processor as its compute power baseline (PrU=1), the partition will attempt to acquire 3 processors of computer power from the processor pool
The PrU and VP limits are set by the client in conjunction with IBM. Remember, a client is never required to purchase more license entitlements than the number of processors in the system. (A corollary to this is that the number of licenses required within a shared pool is capped at the number of processors within the shared pool.)
A micro-partitioning sub-capacity example
This final example shows how to count licenses when exploiting the micro-partitioning capabilities available on the IBM eServer p5 and IBM eServer i5 systems. Micro-partitioning allows a single processor to be subdivided into portions of hundredths of a processor from the processor pool. The example that follows in Figure 7 is somewhat similar to Figure 6 as the process of counting the required license entitlements is the same. However, you need to understand and account for the benefits of micro-partitioning when determining the number of DB2 licenses you need.
Figure 7. A Micropartitioning example
The simple rule of thumb is that you aggregate your required licenses in the same fashion you did in Figure 6, taking into account the nuances with capped and uncapped partitions, and then round up any fractional component to the next whole number.
One final thing to thing to note in this environment before turning to our example. In an uncapped partition processor allocations are always in whole values. In other words, an uncapped partition can never have a fractional component (like 2.5) as its processor allocation (either the baseline or the target - this is why you only see whole numbers in partitions G and H.)
So let's now summarize the example in Figure 7. How many DB2 licenses will you need to correctly licensing this server? The answer is 7. Is that what you expected? If not, consider:
- 1 processor for partition B
- 3 processors (1.6 + 1.3 = 2.9 rounded up = 3) for the capped partitions E and F which are capped at an aggregate compute power of 1.6 and 1.3 processors respectively (though they can each accumulate the power equivalency of their assigned processing power from up to 4 processors in the pool)
- 3 processors for the uncapped partition H (VP=3) since despite starting with one processor as its compute power baseline (PrU=1), the partition will attempt to acquire 3 processors of computer power from the processor pool
The PrU and VP limits are set by the client in conjunction with IBM. Remember, a client is never required to purchase more license entitlements than the number of processors in the system.
More details on ITLM for IBM Software
As previously mentioned, the IBM Tivoli License Manager for IBM Software will be installed and run by all customers implementing sub-capacity license entitlements. In fact, IBM is the first vendor to supply a tool for customers to leverage for software compliance. Customers only need to run one version of the ITLM server, but may run additional copies if their deployment warrants. After registering sub-capacity offerings, ITLM will monitor the use of all sub-capacity licenses via their part numbers and will record the monthly high water mark which represents the maximum copies of the sub-capacity supported product run concurrently. In subsequent quarters, clients need to generate a report, review it, and then submit it electronically to IBM. If the use level is within your entitlement level, then nothing needs to be done and you go on with operations, submitting the next use report the following quarter. If your use level is above your entitlement, a quote will be generated for you by IBM with the required additional license entitlements.
Supported partitioning technologies
The following table shows the hardware technologies that officially support sub-capacity pricing with DB2 UDB today. If your hardware isn't supported, please contact your IBM representative. For the latest supported hardware configurations and DB2 editions and products that support sub-capacity licensing, see the IBM Passport Advantage Web site.
Table 1. Supported hardware configurations for sub-capacity licensing
|Operating system
|Partition technology
|Sub-capacity eligible
Virtualization Engine
|RHEL 3 u3
Virtualization Engine
Virtualization Engine
Virtualization Engine
|HP-UX 11i
|Solaris 8
|Dynamic System Domains
|Solaris 9
|Dynamic System Domains
|Solaris 10
|Dynamic System Domains
Disclaimers and required disclosure information
The information in this article is submitted as a best effort basis as the author understands it and does not represent an official communication from IBM. Neither IBM nor the author is responsible for the information in this article.
Required TPC information
The following is required information when referencing TPC-C benchmarks. Refer to the TPC-C Web site for complete details.
Note: References to licenses and benchmark are current as of the publication date of this article. Neither IBM or the author are responsible for changes made by competing vendors, or new benchmarks during the course of business.
- DB2 V8.2 on IBM eServer pSeries 595 (64 Power5+ 1900MHz); 3,210,540 tpmC, $5.19/tpmC; Available: 05/14/2005
- DB2 V8.1 on IBM eServer p5 570 (16 Power5 1900MHz); 809,144 tpmC, $4.95/tpmC; Available: 09/30/2004
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Ed. 64-bit on HP Superdome (64 Intel Itanium2 1500MHz); 786,646 tpmC, $6.49/tpmC; Available: 10/23/2003
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Ed. 64-bit on Bull NovaScale 5080 C/S (8 Intel Itanium2 1500MHz); 175,366 tpmC, $4.53/tpcC; Available 06/30/04
- DB2 V8.1 on IBM eServer p5 570 (8 Power5 1900MHz); 429,899 tpmC, $4.99/tpmC; Available: 09/30/2004
- Oracle 10g on HP Integrity rx5670 Cluster 64Pl; 1,184,893 tpmC, $5.52/tpmC; Available 04/30/2004
- For more details, read the Dual Core pricing announcement and the Sub-capacity licensing announcement.
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Rainbow Light, Deep Defense, 90 Mini-Tabs (Discontinued Item)
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Long-Term Herbal Tonic for Promoting Natural Immunity:
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Consult a health care professional prior to use if you are pregnant, lactating, taking medication or have a medical condition.
|Supplement Facts
|Serving Size: 1 Mini-Tab
|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|4:1 Herbal Extracts
(equivalent to 800 mg of herbal powder) Ligustrum [fruit], Astragalus [root], Codonopsis [root], Bai-Zhu Atractylodes [rhizome], Organic Echinacea purpurea [flower tops], Reishi [fruiting body], Shitake [mushroom], EcoCrafted Echinacea angustifolia [root]
|200 mg
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Ligustrum [fruit]
|300 mg
|* Daily Value (DV) not established.
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text:
HAMPTON, VA- The Petersburg Generals rallied for two runs in the 9th inning to come behind and steal a win from the Peninsula Pilots 3-2 on Thursday night at War Memorial Stadium.
The Pilots broke a 1-1 tie with a sacrifice fly by Kyle Johnson (Purdue) in the eighth inning but the Generals scored two runs in the ninth inning to steal the win from the Pilots. The Generals (3-6) have won three in a row, including last night's 2-1 victory over the Pilots. The Pilots (4-4) beat the Generals on Monday night 7-3 before falling late the last two games.
The Generals scored both runs (both of them unearned) off of closer, Taylor Edens (VMI), who lost his first game of the season. The Generals led off with a single to the shortstop by Ryan Owens (Mount St. Mary), who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A fielding error followed but Owens did not advance. After a pop out, the Generals were down to their final out. A wild pitch moved the runners up a base and forced the Pilots to intentionally walk Nick Christopher (Virginia State). David Martinez (Newberry) hit the game-winner with a bloop single to right field to score two runs and take the 3-2 lead. Edens got a strikeout to the end the threat.
The Pilots threatened in the ninth when Connor Myers (Old Dominion) beat out an infield single and stole second. He was stranded at second base when the final out occurred.
The Pilots broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Johnson. Garrett Brooks (East Carolina) led off the inning with an infield single. PJ Higgins (Old Dominion) followed with a walk to put two runners on. Taylor Ostrich (Old Dominion) advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Johnson lifted a fly ball down the right field line to score Brooks but that's all the Pilots would get going into the ninth inning.
The Generals scored first in the third inning on an RBI infield single by Martinez. The Pilots would tie it up at one in the fifth inning when Brooks brought home Zach Lopes (Delaware) on a two-out single.
Ryan Cook (Richmond) got the nod and tossed five innings, giving up an unearned run on six hits and striking out six. Austin Heenan (VMI) followed with three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Dylan Collet (St. Leo) pitched seven innings of one-run ball while striking out seven on the night. Devin Repine (Maryland-Eastern Shore) was awarded the win after pitching two innings and striking out one.
The Pilots had multi-hit games from Myers, who was 2-for-3 and Brooks, who was 2-for-4. The Generals were led by Owens, who was 3-for-4 and Martinez, who was 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs.
The Pilots will hit the road and face Edenton on Friday night before returning home on Saturday night for the Ring Ceremony and game against the Morehead City Marlins. The 2013 champions will be receiving their rings! For more information regarding the season, please visit www.peninsulapilots.com. For up to the minute details on Pilots Baseball be sure to "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @PeninsulaPilots. Use the #PilotsNation to spread the word about the Pilots!
About the Coastal Plain League
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 18th season in 2014, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had nearly 1,200 alumni drafted and 68 alums – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut thus far; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at coastalplain.com and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (@CPLBaseball).


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Rated 4 / 5 stars
wow, fi 'd tried to do that in ms paint it would have taken me months, very good, personally i think the stance is a little strange...
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I thought so too, but I went with it.
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CLAIM YOUR CASH: Global Cargo Claims Management
Many companies have decentralized and fragmented claims processes that result in fewer paid claims and a missed opportunity for supply chain optimization. When centrally managed and analyzed, cargo claims can provide valuable insight. However this essential component is often missing.
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text:
Cheyenne, Wyoming
September 21?22, 2005
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