text:
Designed with the better player in mind, the new Titleist 910 series offers total performance with improvements in flight, feel, looks, fit, and sound when compared to the previous 909 series. The 910 is the first fully adjustable driver offered by Titleist and their reservations on releasing a driver of this sort before they were ready to commit to the design is definitely worth the wait. The 910 D3 is the deeper faced model and produces lower spin rates and a boring trajectory that is most commonly preferred by advanced players. The pear shaped, 445 c.c. head sits square at address however the face angle can be easily changed thanks to the innovative, SureFit Tour, dual angle hosel. This adjustable hosel design provides precise independent loft and lie adjustments to fine tune ball flight for more control and greater accuracy and the interchangeable shaft connection provides enhanced fitting options. Besides the custom options, the new Fast Face Insert and the re-designed crown is what really sets the 910 D3 apart from the previous model. Ball speeds have increased by 15% when compared to the 909 D3 and the lighter crown allowed for more weight to be positioned along the perimeter of the club head for a higher MOI (moment of inertia) resulting in greater distance and more forgiveness. The 910 D3 is offered in lofts ranging from 8.5* to 10.5* and for the first time, Titleist has offered four distinct shaft options including the Aldila RIP, the Project X graphite, the Mitsubishi 'ahina, and the Mitsubishi kai'li.
Tags: budget golf, budgetgolf.com, titleist, titleist 910, titleist 910 d3, titleist 910 d3 driver, titleist 910 d3 driver review, titleist 910 d3 review, Titleist golf


text:
Fujifilm F550 and F600 EXR: Twin cameras (review)Monday January 16 2012 Sensor Review
With 7 different high-end compact camera models launched in 2011, Fujifilm holds the manufacturing record for this segment for 2011. Further, 2012 seems to be starting out just like 2011, with the announcement of the F770 EXR, XS -1, and HS 30 EXR cameras.
With this review of the Fujifilm F550 EXR and F600EXR, DxOMark completes its 2011 Fujifilm "collection."
Twin cameras
At first glance, the two cameras look nearly identical, and in fact the F600EXR was launched only 3 months after the F550 - with the same body, same design, and same sensor specifications.
These two cameras are compacts with a large focal range zoom lens (15x with a 24-360 mm f) and a tiny (half-inch!) sensor with a very high pixel density (a pixel pitch of only 2µm). This sensor is a BSI CMOS sensor, purportedly more sensitive than classic FSI CMOS and destined to become standard for every sensor with a pixel pitch inferior to 1.4 µm.
It is worth noting that at this price there are not a lot of brands that allow shooting in RAW.
EXR technology
The EXR technology is a specific pixel array rotated by 45° compared to a conventional CFA array:
Different modes are available. When the EXR mode is activated, half of the pixels will be underexposed to allow better reproduction of the scene's dynamic. In this case, a specific demosaising process obtains a fully-resolved 16-Mpix image with a wider dynamic.
Another mode allows the user to shoot with all pixels exposed at the same level; in this case, the sensor provides a "real" 16-Mpix image.
DxOMark review of the F550 and F600
No suspense here, the sensors are identical from the DxOMark point of view.
The scores are very close to the current best compact cameras. The low-light ISO scores (158 for the F550, 153 for the F600) are very close to that of the Canon Powershot S100, for example.
Their DxOMark scores (39 for the F550 and 40 for the F600) are limited by the ISO range (scores for studio conditions, color depth and dynamic range could be better if Fujifilm provided an ISO 50 or ISO 80).
The F550 and F600 vs their competitors:
To complete this review, here are 2 interesting comparisons: the Fujifilm F600 vs the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Nikon Coolpix P7100:
and the Fujifilm F550 vs the Samsung EX1 vs the Olympus XZ1:
Further readings for the Fujifilm F550 and F600 EXR: Twin cameras (review)
To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.
Bridge cameras often suffer from so-so image quality and cheap finishing touches. How does this premium bridge from Fuji compare to such expert compact cameras as the Canon Powershot S100 or G12? Does it use the same sensor as the Fujifilm X10? What differences in performance can we expect when pitting it against an APS-C hybrid? Here are the DxOMark.com test results for the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1.
Added by ranma | January 16 , 2012
EXR Mode tested
I wonder whether dxo test the F600/550 with exr mode on/off.
Is there any differece between EXR mode on and off?
Reply | Read all replies for this comment
First replies for this comment
Added by Hakeem | January 17 , 2012
Re: EXR Mode tested
I have no idea why DXOMark is not giving the details of their test.
At least it should state its all done on standard mode (on full resolution). What focal length on the lens was set for the test etc.
I would also like to see the rating under all the three fields, colors, ISO and DR when image output is set to Medium RAW and EXR is set to DR priority.
This is a different kind of sensor and should be treated differently.
Opinion on the Score:
Even in that standard mode it is quite a decent score, considering the flexible focal range 15x and starting at 24mm.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Town Square
Legal challenge expected
Original post made by Tim Hunt, Castlewood, on Dec 27, 2012
Haggerty fired Gray in June and this month the board of supervisors denied the claim filed by Gray for wrongful discharge. That sets the stage for filing a law suit.
Gray had served as chief of staff for Haggerty since Haggerty won the supervisor's seat when Ed Campbell retired in 1996. He was re-elected this year without opposition so will start his fifth term in January. Gray had been Campbell's chief of staff.
The unusual situation for office staff for supervisors is that the staff members are county employees and thus entitled to most of the same protections afforded to civil service employees. Of course, they serve at the pleasure of their boss, the supervisor, but things can get mucky. Thus, the legal challenge by Gray.
It played out in a very interesting way in Contra Costa County when former supervisor Gayle Bishop was convicted of nine felony counts using her office staff in an unsuccessful election campaign as well as lying to the county grand jury. Two of the perjury charges were dismissed upon appeal and she wound up serving a brief jail term.
Her staff members, who likely would have lost their jobs when the new supervisor took over, instead, appealed to the county human resources department and wound up getting placed in other jobs within the county system.
Gray has worked for many years in the county system. Whether he would want to continue within the county is a question only for him, but it will be interesting to see if this case is quietly settled or actually goes to trial. It was unusual for me, over the course of many years, to meet with the supervisor without Gray also being present.
Gray also was a successful political operator, running a number of campaigns including Haggerty's first election campaign and subsequent re-elections. He also advised on judge campaigns.
How this will play out is anyone's guess—one item I would be willing to bet on—both sides will want terms of any settlement sealed.
Comments (2)
a resident of Old Towne
on Dec 27, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Casanova_Frankenstein is a registered user.
What a scoop! I hope when they make the movie of this taut political thriller, you get a share of the profits for your role in covering this gripping story.
Tim, you've dunnitagain!
a resident of Foothill High School
on Dec 30, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Daniel Bradford is a registered user.
"Wrongful Discharge" starring Matthew McConaughey as Chris Gray and Johnny Depp as Scott Haggerty. And Salma Hayek as the woman they both love. Can we get Oliver Stone to direct?
The climax of the film will be the out-of-court settlement. I just love movie scenes where people sign and then file legal documents; always sends a chill down my spine.
Don't miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic.
Livermore trustees demonstrating wisdom
By Tim Hunt | 11 comments | 1,368 views
2017 guide to summer camps
Looking for something for the kids to do this summer, learn something new and have fun? The 2017 Summer Camp Guide features local camps for all ages and interests.


text:
Pulaski Tech students can cast their votes for their favorite faculty and staff members today and Friday at the Beta Zeta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa table set up in the Campus Center foyer.
Voting started Thursday and will continue 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Winners will be announced Monday during the chapter's celebration of Phi Theta Kappa Founders' Day and 90th Birthday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Campus Center foyer.
Students can also get information about the benefits of membership in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, and also get information about the Stamp Out Smoking campaign
Pulaski Technical College


text:
Hello everyone -
We are hoping to put together a collection of images showing apiaries in New York City. If you're keeping bees in the five boroughs, we'd love to see your set-up and hear a little bit about it. What inspired you to keep bees?
Go here to submit a photo and a brief description: http://submit.nytimes.com/beehives-nyc
Please and thank you,
Emily Rueb/The New York Times


text:
Skip to Section Subnavigation Skip to Page Content
Speak Up
Skip to Page Content
The daughter and granddaughter of teachers, Diya Abdo knew her calling from an early age.
She would teach. What's more, she knew how she would teach.
At 13, when she visited a college classroom with a cousin in Jordan, she didn't like the way the room was set up. The professor literally spoke down to students from an elevated podium. Desks were bolted to the floor in precise rank and file.
"I knew there was something really, really wrong with that picture," says Diya. "I thought, I want to do this differently. And that was that."
The associate professor of English does do it differently. She and her students sit in a circle, and she listens more than she lectures. She's not afraid to engage her students in and out of class.
Her approach works. She has received the 2010 Dick Dyer Award for Advising, a 2012 Stewart Award for Teaching and the 2013 Board of Visitors Award for Advising.
"I always knew the kind of teacher I wanted to be: friendly, accessible, more of a facilitator than a lecturer," she says.
That style is embraced at Guilford.
After completing graduate school, Diya taught at several institutions in Jordan, but they weren't the right fit. When she saw the advertisement for a job at Guilford and investigated the College's website, something clicked, just like it did when she was 13 years old.
"I found a job description," she recalls, "and the job description was just Diya. I knew this was the place for me."
Diya's dedication has benefited countless students since she joined the Guilford faculty in 2008. One of those students is Paula Wilder, who was a senior during Diya's first year at the College.
Although Diya wasn't Paula's primary adviser, the two stayed in touch after Paula graduated. Paula, who has completed coursework for a master's, began teaching at a local community college. She mentioned to Diya that she wasn't receiving feedback about her teaching.
"Diya immediately volunteered and scheduled a day to observe me for two hours during a time that she would normally be at home with her family," Paula says.
"The willingness she has to do this doesn't surprise me, because this demonstrates her commitment to always go above and beyond for both her present and former students."
Last Updated: January 17, 2014


text:
Real Name: eton66racer Joined: December 2011
No vehicles yet.
Stick to arterial roads; avoid alleys and side streets
Main arterial roads are specifically designed for the heavy ... ...
by cuts_off_prius
Read more tips
© 2017 Fuelly.com - All Rights Reserved. May 26, 2017 10:09 PM CDT
A simple & effecive way to track fuel consumption
Easy to understand the real cost of your vehicle


text:
While I always approach a game looking for exciting and interesting gameplay, I have a background in the visual arts and my eye can't help but be drawn to the visually inspired. Roger Ebert has famously said that video games can't be art. Sony has three new games that prove him wrong.
I recently had a chance to get my hands on some of these new games at a Sony Playstation event. The first game to catch my eye was Puppeteer. With a real flavor for the theatrical, Puppeteer has layer upon layer of set pieces that spring into place. You play as a young boy who has been transformed into a wooden puppet, and you find different heads throughout the journey as you go on a quest to find your own. The characters and game assets all have a look of being lovingly handcrafted, and the lighting adds real drama.
Continue Reading "Video Games as Art: 3 New Games for Playstation3″ »


text:
Madre Labs, CocoCardio, .26 oz (7.5 g)
Verified Purchase
Madre Labs, CocoCardio, .26 oz (7.5 g)
Excellent products love it. great taste....
Madre Labs, CocoCardio, .26 oz (7.5 g)
Posted by alvinlky on Jan 25, 2013 | Verified Purchase
Excellent products love it. great taste....
Great taste
Posted by 5649150956425648240 on Jul 17, 2012 | Verified Purchase
I drink this with hot water or add a little to my protein powder / almond milk home made ice cream. Great chocolate taste and low on calories.
I wasn't not too exited about it
Posted by nadyaact on Dec 29, 2012 | Verified Purchase
I don't think I'll order another one of this powders. I sure it's very good for you. But the taste for me was unacceptable.
샘플로 받았는데요
Posted by 5015724434567791276 on Jun 04, 2012 | Verified Purchase
씁쓰래한 맛이고 저는 우유에 설탕 넣어서 먹으니깐 걍먹을만하네요 샘플 먹어보구 주문할려고 햇는데 ㅋㅋ 주문할 생각은 없어요 애기입맛이라서 단것이좋아요 ㅋㅋ
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Best Cocoa EVER !!
Posted by Sickness-ELIMINATOR on Dec 21, 2013 | Verified Purchase
Healthy Cocoa Drink!! All you have to do, is simply add one scoop to 4.8 ounces of warm or hot water and stir! Easy, quick and makes a delicious drink! On the back of the Coco Cardio package it says you can also add the desired amount of natural sweetener (agave nectar, stevia or honey) if you'd like. It also says that the product is naturally quite bitter due to its naturally-occurring polyphenol content. I personally didn't find it that bitter at all and drank it without any sweetener. What I love about this product is that is has a great taste and great nutrition stats as well! The only ingredients are organic natural (non-alkalized) cocoa powder, organic freeze-dried beet juice powder and hibiscus sabdariffa extract. Since its made with organic freeze-dried beet juice powder it slightly becomes a dark red/brown color once your done stirring the cocoa powder with the water. . . . You can find other products I use on my Page! I use only products that have Scientifically Proven benefits (or taste good).
Very tasty :)
Posted by GeorgiasMirror on Jul 07, 2012 | Verified Purchase
And not too sweet.
Tastes Great
Posted by funkydharma on Jul 20, 2012 | Verified Purchase
This was a freebie and tastes just like cocoa should
Posted by Reviewer2455113 on Aug 11, 2012 | Verified Purchase
I had only gotten the single packets of this product and finally bought the large pouch. I must say it was worth it. I drink it almost daily and sometimes more than once. I love chocolate and beets as well and the combination is great and good for you. Try it!!
Posted by Viktorija on Aug 18, 2012 | Verified Purchase
The taste is like real organic cocoa, I like it.
Posted by Reviewer1855556 on Sep 11, 2012 | Verified Purchase
tastes good with a few drops of stevia vanilla, add some almond milk and ur in for a treat that calmes you and gives you a boost at the same time, love it!


text:
You are here
Forestry Commission Joins Task Force to Prevent Arson
Did you know that arson is the cause of fires that burn more than 25,000 acres of woodland in Georgia every year? That's almost the size of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!
In response to this problem, the Georgia Forestry Commission is joining with 13 other states to launch the Southeast Arson Task Force, the first of its kind in the nation. A federal grant is funding the project, which will advance the training for fire investigators in member states, most of which are understaffed and underfunded.
Arson investigators will have their first meeting in Brunswick this month to plan strategy, network and receive specialized advanced training. The arson task force concept will allow states to utilize joint resources in major and serial arson cases and during extreme fire periods.
In 2008, the Georgia legislature strengthened penalties for woods arson. GFC investigators are authorized to make arrests and issue citations for violations. Conviction penalties include fines and a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
One of our most important resources, however, is you! We need Georgians to always keep a sharp eye out for suspicious activity, which can be reported anonymously to the Arson Tip Hotline at 1-800-GA-TREES or by e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
About the Author
Brian Clavier is the Chief of Law Enforcement for the Georgia Forestry Commission. Clavier is a Certified Fire Investigator who manages all aspects of GFC law enforcement operations, including a team of 7 officers which investigates forestry related crimes and large and incendiary caused wildfires.
Before joining GFC, Clavier served in the arson unit of the State Fire Marshal's Office for the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. In this position, Clavier served as fire safety supervisor, an arson investigative specialist and department firearms training officer.
Clavier achieved the rank of Lieutenant during his 7-year tenure at the Cordele Fire Department. Clavier holds numerous certifications and professional awards.
He lives with his wife and daughter in Houston County.


text:
One of the neatest things in genealogy is finding the actual homes or land where your ancestors used to live. You never know if the old ancestral home is still standing or if perhaps there is a family cemetery on the property. The problem is that most old deeds were written in such cryptic language that the average person cannot figure out what they were saying. All of those metes and bounds get rather confusing. However, there are some was to cut through the confusing terminology and find the old home place. I have done it many times and here is an example that you can use as a road map to finding your own.
When I look at an old deed, the only things I really focus on are the date, county, name of neighbors and any creeks, rivers, roads or other named boundaries. These are all you need to get started. Forget about how many poles and rods there were along one boundary line. Unless you are trying to redraw the entire property, all you need are the aforementioned items.
I am going to show you an example of how this works, using my ancestor Royall Spain of Mecklenburg County, Virginia as an example. I started by finding all of the deeds that showed him buying or selling any land in the county. His case is kinda simple because he bought only three tracts of land and basically sold only one.
In Royall's case, he bought part of the estate of his mother and father-in-law, Ann and William Harris. He then proceeded to buy land adjoining his property, to make one large tract that totalled roughly 155 acres. Royall later sold the entire tract to his son-in-law, Joshua Spain.
Here is a rough summary of each deed, providing the year, parties involved, the number of acres and the body of water upon which they were located. I did not include the names of neighbors in this example but you should jot those down as well.
- 1821, Harris to Spain, 57 acres on Butcher's Creek
- 1826, Norment to Spain, adjoining Spain, 66 acres on Middle Bluestone Creek
- 1827, Harris to Spain, adjoining Spain, 31 acres on Middle Bluestone Creek
- 1866, Spain to Spain, half of 155 acre tract where he now lives
- 1870, Spain to Spain, remainder of 155 acre tract where he now lives
Seeing that Royall lived on the land between 1821 and 1870, I can look at census records and get the names of his neighbors in at least 1850, 1860 and 1870. Those might come in handy later...
The next step is a bit tougher but you need to find a good map of the county in question, made near the time of the deed transactions. In this case, I know that Gilmer maps exist for Mecklenburg during the Civil War period. The Virginia Historical Society and the Library of Virginia both have copies to review. You cannot copy the ones at the Library of Virginia but the Virginia Historical Society offers copies for sale at their facility. (You should read an earlier article I wrote on the Gilmer maps....here!)
Using the creek names and the names of neighbors I picked off of the 1860 census, 1870 census and the actual deeds, I find that there is a Spain farm named right on the map. There are lots of Spain farms throughout the county but I can pretty much rest assured that the one in question is the Royall Spain farm. There are other family names as neighbors, including Lawson and Harris. If you recall, the Spain farm was part of the larger Harris farm. Royall's daughter also intermarried with the Lawson family. Add to that the proximity to Butcher's and Middle Bluestone Creeks and I have a preponderance of evidence here to prove that this is the farm I am looking for!
It is great to find the farm on an 1860s map but that does not help me much today. A lot of the roads and landmarks have changed so I need to turn the old map into a new one. I do this using Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth. I used Google Earth to find a modern satellite photo of the area with the roads and churches called out. I saved it to my computer and went to work.
I opened the satellite photo, along with a scan of the 1860s map, in Photoshop and shrunk the Google map until it was roughly the same scale as the 1860s map. I then changed the transparency of 1860s map and laid it on top of the modern image. It took a little adjusting but I had New Hope Baptist Church and two roads as fixed points on both maps. After about five minutes of fine-tuning the scale and transparency, I came up with one image that merged the old and new maps into what I would call...perfection.
Just look at the way the old farms fit perfectly within the modern tree lines. Look at the Harris, Spain and Lawson farms. You can tell that they fit within the boundaries of the woods like a glove! I was impressed myself over how well this turned out.
I now know that the Royall Spain farm was located near the intersection of modern-day New Hope and Skipwith Roads , specifically 36°43'58.74"N, 78°29'31.68"W. I have not gone down to the site to check for an old home or cemetery but I will eventually, powered by the knowledge of knowing where to look.
I realize that a lot of pieces fell into place in my example but it took more effort than I make it sound like. I had to go find the deeds and the maps. I had to do census research and a good bit of photo-editing. I make it sound easy but I admit that this type of research can be quite challenging. It might seem a daunting task to find the home of an ancestor that lived over 100 years ago but it is possible. When you do find it, with all of this work behind you, the reward is all the more sweet as opposed to someone just telling you where it was!


text:
The A-B-See's of Looking at Art
Kendall College of Art and Design Education Program
A is for Aesthetics.
B is for Beauty.
"See" is for the ability to truly see what is inside a piece of art.
Join us at Kendall for this hands-on family program which will consider the personal, contextual, and formal perspectives that determine how we each connect with different art pieces and how those preferences designate what each viewer considers to be great Art.
This engaging exploration will examine how our brain "sees" and why it prefers to look at certain things. The interactive study will give the participants time to "see" and reflect on artwork considering their intuition, sensory perception, and conscious awareness.
Free and open to the public!
No reservation required. Limited to the first 30 participants.
Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations to participate should contact the KCAD President's Office at 616.451.2787 x1150 at least 72 hours in advance.


text:
Engineering Entrance Coaching Lessons
Harendran Bala | 13 May
Tejas Academy Centre | 04 Apr
Tejas Academy Centre | 03 Apr
Trending Discussions
What are top Engineering colleges in India?
Show previous answers
Parimala Sowmianarayanan | 30/07/2016
IIT Madras followed by other IITs (top 6) IISc Bangalore NIT Warangal NIT Tiruchi Under private institutions and universities- BITS pilani PSG Coimbatore VIT, vellore Deemed universities should be the last priority as they are not as worth as they are expensive
Ranganath Bhupalam | 30/12/2016
Of course, all IITs, IISc, NITs, BITS, and a few more.
hiii I am in govt job engineering service in railway .I want start online class. plz help how to teach online class using digital pen pad..which company making good product
Aditya Singh | 08/06/2016
Wacom pen are pretty good
Ananth Padmakar Pasumarthi | 06/07/2016
U v lk b having some devices to teach
Show previous answers
Vinod Kumar | 15/01/2016
open urbanpro and create a account
Kkstudycentre | 28/01/2016
First you should register as tutor on www.urbanpro.com
Show previous answers
Ashok Kumar | 04/02/2016
Hi, Capacitor passes AC signal and blocks DC signal. Lets assume, we have pure AC signal , Load and Capacitor. If load and capacitor are connected in series, Load will receive the ac signal which is 90 degree phase shifted with respect to source. If Load and Capacitor are connected in series, AC signal applied across the same will be bypassed by capacitor and there won't be any signal across the load.
Gaurva | 09/02/2016
its depend on the frequency of ac signal
Show previous answers
Career Group Institute Chd. | 26/12/2015
Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices.
Gaurva | 09/02/2016
Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices.
Thousands of experts Tutors, Trainers & other Professionals are available to answer your questionsAsk a Pro
Recommended for you
Revision Techniques to Improve Learning during Exam...
[Admin Note: Very useful tips from our guest author Gaurav. We hope these would come in handy for any student preparing for any exam- whether school exams, board exams, entrance exams or even while learning new skills. Since learning is not about memorizing, these tips actually help you understand the concepts better, in a more efficient way!] Students Preparing for Exams are always bogged by Revision to be completed and how much to Revise. I had found these Revision Techniques to be profound in...
Hurry up! Apply for Government Jobs before the end...
There are a number of exciting upcoming government jobs in India for you. Just check out the links and apply for relevant jobs. Open Positions: Position Name Dept./Org. Vacancies Last Date Info. Link LDC, Steno, Driver, MTS, Ayah, Cook IAF 140 30-03-2015 http://bit.ly/1C1zjAM Technician, Technical Asst ICAR-IISR (Kerala) 09 25-03-2015 http://bit.ly/1AVbaok Principal, PGT, TGT, Hindi Translator AEES 48 28-03-2015 http://bit.ly/1x8iKMe Junior Engineer (Electrical) IRCON 10 28-03-2015 http://bit.ly/1F2omyd JRF,...
Exam Tips for Students
So, Children your exams are fast approaching & you are facing the jitters? correct? But there is nothing to worry. If you plan your studies well, you can definitely pass your examinations with flying colours. Here are a few simple tips that you can follow: 1. Your school has issued a time table for the exams. Go through the time table carefully. 2. Find out which are the subjects whose examination dates fall after a Sunday/public holiday. 3. Ensure that you know the portions for the exams....
Bank P.O Exam Guide
Bank P.O is one of the most talked about examination for bank recruitment in India. P.O stands for Probationary Officer which is an entry level position in banks, which are especially for fresh graduates or a person without any prior experience. The probation period for Bank P.Os is generally 2 years in which they re trained and are also posted across different departments for gaining exposure in the action and policies in the banks. Banking in India Banks in India have always proved out to be reliable...
8 Exam Stress Busters That You Can Count On
When exams knock at the door, it is common to go paranoid. First, the constant worry on how you will perform and whether you are preparing right is a major concern. Next, the limited time span and the vast syllabus that you have to complete. Irrespective of the kind of exam you are appearing for, stress is common and happens. If exam stress sounds like a jargon, then here is simplifying it to tension. Don t you feel a constant tension before exam? Now when you agree that you feel tense before exam,...
Engineering Entrance Coaching classes
Find Qualified Tutors & Institutes on UrbanPro for Engineering Entrance Coaching classes
Have a Question?
Thousands of expert tutors are available to answer your question
Looking for Engineering Entrance Coaching classes?
Find best Engineering Entrance Coaching classes in your locality on UrbanPro.
Do you offer Engineering Entrance Coaching classes?Create Free Profile Now »
About UrbanPro
UrbanPro.com helps you to connect with the best Engineering Entrance Coaching classes in India. Post Your Requirement today and get connected.


text:
Access your Emirates Skywards or Business Rewards account
Explore our website in multiple languages for a tailored experience.
Find flights, see our featured fares and earn Skywards Miles on your travels.
Find the best fares across our global network.
Check in online, choose your seats and add extra services with one click.
Connect to new experiences, people and cultures in over 150 destinations worldwide.
Open up a world of rewards every time you travel. Enjoy reward flights, upgrades, exclusive benefits and more.
Search which Emirates destinations you can fly to from your chosen point of origin and find inspiration for your next trip with the Emirates route map. Simply select the region you want to fly from and check the list of countries Emirates flights depart from within this region; or type your preferred origin and destination into the tool at the top of the page.
You can view all destinations Emirates flies to from all airports in your country on the route map.
Book flights from your local airport to your destination quickly and securely on emirates.com. Our Best Price Guarantee means you can rest assured that you'll get the best online fare for your flights whenever you see the symbol.


text:
Discussion in 'The Coffee Shop ~ Chit Chat' started by RayVoy, Jan 9, 2013.
What do ya think:
The things they come up with these days lol
I wonder, "What's the max safe speed on those?"
I thought they were out of Biz.. Guess not...
I like the fact that you don't have to take your regular wheels and tires off so that is a +. But some how I don't think those will handle the beating that these will because the tracks on this are wider and it is a direct connect to the lugs on the wheel hub.
I looked into a set of mattracks for my 95 before I sold it. They are pretty spendy. In 2009 The medium duty set for my 95 silverado was $26,500. No thank you!
I want to know fuel mileage stats in addition to stop speed for the Track N Go's.
They look like they're a blast, but wow, that's a ton of money!
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Office of Inspector General
Functional Statements > Office of Inspector General
C. Audit Services (EFA)
Audit Services (AS) is responsible for audit activities relating to improving the Department's programs and operations. AS conducts, coordinates, and oversees audits and other activities and makes recommendations to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of programs and operations administered or funded by the Department. AS also recommends changes needed in the Department's existing and proposed legislation and regulations to clarify requirements, improve program performance and operations, and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in its programs and operations.
AS formulates, recommends, and executes audit policy consistent with the overall policy guidance of the Inspector General, and assures that all audits of Departmental organizations, programs, activities, and functions are conducted in accordance with the standards established by the Comptroller General of the United States.
AS conducts audits and other activities in accordance with policies and procedures established by the OIG, and, when appropriate, audit standards prescribed by the Comptroller General. AS issues reports to advise appropriate officials of findings and recommendations on adequate financial accountability and reporting, efficient and economical use of resources, and effective achievement of program results.
AS coordinates with other components of the OIG to ensure the effective, efficient, and economic utilization of resources. The AS function is performed by headquarters and field Regional offices, which report to the Assistant Inspector General for Audit (AIGA) and Deputy AIGA (DAIGA).
Audit Services Immediate Office
The AIGA and DAIGA are supported by immediate office staff that direct and coordinate activities required for effective management of Audit Services. Major tasks include:
- Audit policy and quality assurance activities;
- Training initiatives, including the CIGIE Introductory Auditor Training provided to the IG Community;
- Technical support and advancement in the use OIG's audit documentation software;
- Audit reporting formats and style, report consistency and presentation;
- Strategic planning, including development and execution of the OIG Annual Work Plan and Recovery Act Work Plan;
- Reports such as the Semiannual Report to Congress and the annual Department of Education Management Challenges report.
- AS performance tracking;
- Budget development and execution; and
- Audit resolution activities.
Advisory and Assistance Teams
The Student Financial Assistance Programs and State and Local Programs Advisory and Assistance Teams, which report to the AIGA and DAIGA provide the means for OIG to build and maintain additional program or technical expertise and enhance its availability to provide such expertise to its work teams in headquarters and regional offices when planning and executing their assignments. The Advisory and Assistance Teams also provide staff to meet the requests for advice and assistance from the Department, such as serving in an advisory capacity on rule-making teams, on efforts to improve program monitoring, etc. The Advisory and Assistance Teams have an OIG-wide, Department-wide, nationwide focus. They have broad responsibilities for advice, assistance, communicating across organizational boundaries, planning, liaison, and representation of OIG positions to work teams, Department officials, and parties outside the Department who seek information about the efforts of the OIG to meet its improvement and integrity missions.
Teams are responsible for developing, maintaining, and communicating their expertise in program or technical areas to OIG work teams, providing knowledge of the current status of Department policy, or providing essential program information. In addition, the teams provide expertise to the Department by commenting on proposed legislation and regulations, or responding to inquiries about OIG positions or recommendations concerning the operations of the Department's programs.
In performing its responsibilities, the teams:
- Provide accurate and timely information about assigned programs and responds, as necessary, to special requests from the Congress, OIG, GAO, and principal Department officials.
- Provide technical guidance on areas assigned and assure timely exchange of information in conduct of the OIG's activities.
- Participate in nationwide and special audits, investigations, inspections, or other activities, providing technical guidance and expert assistance as necessary and appropriate.
- Function as liaison with Assistant Secretaries and other principal headquarters and regional officials to discuss problem areas and ascertain critical or sensitive areas.
- Propose audits and other activities in accordance with policies and procedures established by the OIG. Issue reports to advise appropriate officials of findings and recommendations on adequate financial accountability and reporting, efficient and effective use of resources, and effective achievement of desired results.
Non Federal Audits Team
The team is responsible for the guidance, training, and technical assistance of OIG and non-Federal auditors. It is also responsible for exercising oversight of non-Federal audits and liaison with the Department, and participation on in an advisory capacity on Departmental teams as appropriate.
In performing its responsibilities, the team:
- Develops policies, procedures, and guidance to assure that audits performed by non Federal auditors are carried out in consonance with standards established by the Comptroller General and the specific applicable audit requirements.
- Provides information to non-Federal auditors concerning audit requirements of Department of Education programs.
- Provides technical assistance to the Department and non-Federal auditors as necessary.
- Manages the process, which non-Federal auditors are referred to State licensing boards and professional organizations for disciplinary actions, including debarment and suspension if appropriate.
- Prepares reports for the IG on the Single Audit Act function, including the relevant portions of the Semi-Annual Report to Congress and the Department's Single Audit Act report to OMB.
- Coordinates with Federal, State, and local governments, or private audit organizations on the performance of audits and examinations carried out by such audit organizations.
- Evaluates the adequacy of audits performed by non-Federal organizations, including those conducted under OMB Circulars A-128 and A-133, to determine whether such audits are being conducted in accordance with standards established by the Comptroller General and the specific applicable audit requirements.
Financial Audit Team
The Financial Statement Internal Audit Team conducts audits of internal Departmental financial programs and activities. The team is responsible for liaison with the Department and participation in an advisory capacity on Departmental teams as appropriate. The team also participates on interagency work groups related to Federal financial statements.
In performing its functions, the team:
- Provides oversight of the performance of the annual Department-wide consolidated financial statement audit and the annual Federal Student Aid financial statement audit, which are performed by an outside firm under contract for OIG.
- Performs special studies of financial-related audit areas.
- Provides advice and assistance regarding financial-related issues.
- Provides quick-response work related to the Department financial issues.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships on matters relating to financial audits and review activities.
Operations Internal Operations Audit Team
The Operations Internal Audit Team conducts audits relating to the internal operations of the Department, mainly at the headquarters level, with the exception of financial-related and information technology audits. The team ensures that audit activities it performs are consistent with the Annual Work Plan and OIG priorities...
In performing its functions, the team:
- Conducts audits of the internal operations of the Department, to include activities performed by contractors, and advises appropriate officials of their findings and needed corrective actions regarding accountability, the efficient and economical use of resources, and the achievement of desired outcomes.
- Provides advice and assistance on issues involving internal Department operations.
- Coordinates planned activities with Evaluation, Inspection, and Management Services as needed.
- Provides quick-response work related to the Department's operations.
- Reviews proposed policy and procedures governing operational issues within the Department.
- Assures that matters needing investigative attention are promptly coordinated with Investigation Services.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships on matters relating to internal audit and review activities.
Regional Audit Teams:
OIG's regional audit teams are located in New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and Sacramento. Some audit regional offices have staff located in subsidiary field offices and flexi-place duty stations. The teams ensure that audit activities they perform are consistent with the Annual Work Plan and OIG priorities.
In performing their functions, the regional audit teams:
- Conduct audits, primarily of external entities who receive Departmental funding. These entities include State and local educational agencies and other grantees, post-secondary institutions, guaranty agencies, lenders, servicers, contractors, and other entities.
- May also conduct internal audits of aspects of the Department's programs and operations.
- Advise appropriate officials of their findings and needed corrective actions regarding accountability, the efficient and economical use of resources, and the achievement of desired outcomes.
- Assure that matters needing investigative attention are promptly coordinated with Investigation Services.


text:
its when you take a shit in the ocean. Usually after the doing the big brown water snake floats up next to you.
dude i was at the beach yesterday, and that mexican food fuckin' got to me. Thank god i was wearing bord shorts cuz i took the fattest fucking aqua turd in the world.
by kieran May 06, 2004
by Jim Deal July 05, 2005


text:
Jack White is hitting back at "tabloidesque drama baiting" reports claiming he insulted Lady Gaga.
In a recent interview with Esquire UK, the solo artist and former White Stripes frontman said Gaga was "all artifice".
"I don't think she lives it because it's all artifice. It's all image with no meaning behind it. You can't sink your teeth into it. It's a sound bite. It's very of this age, because that's what people want. They want a Twitter line, a jpeg, an MP3."
Music magazines including NME interpreted the quote as an attack on Lady Gaga and her music.
However, White has taken to his website to say he never meant to criticise the pop star's music.
He said the quote was taken out of context.
"I never said anything about her music, or questioned the authenticity of her songs in any way.
I was in a conversation about the drawbacks of image for the sake of image, and that it is popular nowadays to not question an image in front of you, but only to label it as 'cool' or 'weird' quickly and dispose of it. I don't like my comments about Lady Gaga's presentation being changed into some sort of negative critique of her music."
White also criticised press reporting on the issue.
"I also think that kind of tabloid drama encourages artists to not express their opinions in the press, and instead give polite sound bites that don't stimulate thought about creativity and the consumption of art in its many guises."
He went on to praise Gaga for championing gay rights issues.
Lady Gaga has not responded to White's comments.
- Herald Online


text:
Website set up for donations to Ind. blast victims
An Indianapolis church that's providing relief to victims of last weekend's deadly neighborhood explosion has created a centralized website where donations can be made to the disaster's victims.
Fire Capt. Rita Burris says Southport Presbyterian Church created the link "to allow donations to be distributed to those most in need, in a more timely manner."
The centralized donation site is http://www.southportpc.org/relief .
The church on Indianapolis' far south side and any Indianapolis BMO Harris Bank branch is still accepting in-person donations for the explosion's victims. The Nov. 10 suspected natural gas explosion killed two people, destroyed five homes and damaged about three dozen other homes.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


text:
Home › Forums › General Forums › Philosophy & Technique › I think I have a gear problem
Mar 13, 2013 at 2:44 pm #1300419
I buy to much!!
I have four sleeping bags looking at getting a 5th. four shelter setups hammock two bivys and a tarp. all types of stoves alchohol, wood burning, stand up and white gas and really intersted in the FMS300. the list goes on and on and im only 27.
My question is to the older members does this get any better or will I be obsessed with gear for the rest of my life wanting all the new inovative stuff.
And Im assuming from what ive read so far that a lot of you on here are exactly the same as me. and i would bet my FF sleeping bag(which I love) a lot of you have WAY more crap than meMar 13, 2013 at 2:49 pm #1965195
eric chanBPL Member
do you use all of it extensively … or is it still nice and shiny?
if you use it till it wears out, dont worry about it …
if theyre closet queens … stop BPLing and get out ;)Mar 13, 2013 at 2:50 pm #1965196
David UreMember
"My question is to the older members does this get any better or will I be obsessed with gear for the rest of my life wanting all the new inovative stuff."
Nope. You are completely screwed.Mar 13, 2013 at 2:53 pm #1965198
Elliott WolinBPL Member
@ewolinLocale: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Josh, repeat after me:
"My name is Josh, and I'm a gearoholic."Mar 13, 2013 at 2:57 pm #1965200
Nick GatelBPL Member
@ngatelLocale: Southern California
"My question is to the older members does this get any better or will I be obsessed with gear for the rest of my life wanting all the new inovative stuff."
Old is a state of mind.
Most of the gear bought during the 1960's was swap meet stuff. It is mostly gone.
I bought a lot of gear in 1971-72 (one of each) and used most of it until 2008.
During the 1980's I bought some better gear to replace some of the earlier generation of stuff and used most of it until 2008.
Since 2008 I have gotten really light with my gear and probably bought more gear than the previous 4 decades. However, when one starts to go really light, it seems the gear tends to get pretty specialized. On the other hand, my kids were grown and gone and my disposal income shot through the roof :)Mar 13, 2013 at 3:05 pm #1965203
I am josh and im a ……………gear aholic
Eric- I actually justify buying this stuff by getting different temp sleeping bags and different set ups but now im out of set up ideas and still buying stuff. my sleeping bags are 30F 20F 0F and -15 or -25F I forgot the last ones rating. All i know is i never go below -10.
and I use most of it. That doesnt include my 10 backpacks I think I only use 2-3.Mar 13, 2013 at 3:16 pm #1965213
Stephen MBPL Member
@stephen-mLocale: Way up North
10 packs, thats probably pushing it in to Imelda Marcos territory Josh :-)Mar 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm #1965235
Yeah I actually blame that on UL backpacking in general. First I thought I need to get a lighter pack so I found a UL pack big enough to throw my standard gear in(dumb I know) and then I would replace a sleeping bag then get a new pack to accomadate the less weight/volume. Then a shelter(first tarp tent was a footprint) and again another pack to accomodate the weight/volume and it keeps going.
The ones i use are an REI winter low volume (I forgot the model but its clearly geared toward winter use) then I use the REI Flash and a gossamer gear gorilla the others sit in a pile with the K2 external frame expidition pack on the bottom(I could park my car in that thing).
I have learned alot about what i need dont need, like and do not like.
but my shelter I use all of them just depends on the terrain and temps and how many people are going.Mar 13, 2013 at 4:03 pm #1965237
Nick GatelBPL Member
@ngatelLocale: Southern California
I bought a few UL backpacks and generally was unhappy with all of them, so I gave them away.
So now I have two packs I use all the time. I kept my GG Mariposa Plus as a loaner in case I ever go hiking with someone who does not have a pack. I am going to keep all my external frame packs. I think they can be handed down for several generations.Mar 13, 2013 at 4:19 pm #1965248
Hiking MaltoBPL Member
Once I thru hiked I stopped buying gear other than replacement items, worn out, and a couple of specialized winter items. I have a setup tat works, it's about hiking and the outdoors not gearing and hoarding.Mar 13, 2013 at 4:57 pm #1965267
I agree with you 100% it is about doing not hoarding the gear to do it. I plan on trying to hike the skyline to sea trail in a coupe weeks depends on the weather. and i have another one planed wit some other buddies for april, the lost coast trail. I get my lottery date for whitney soon and when the rest of the snow disapears I will start hiking the john muir trail a couple days at a time. I cant leave for much longer than 4 days at a time though. I have two kids, three dogs and a girl friend (soon to be more if i can stop buying gear long enough to get a ring). but hell Ive even got her in to buying technical clothing she now has better patagucci layers than me. And we were at REI looking at baby back packs so I can bring the family on day hikes(I decided to wait for my divedend which should be 2-300 dollars same as last year). But I still ended up leaving with some super light water bottles I dont need and new titanium spoon. Cause lord knows i needed another one of those to go with my other sets of silver wear. But again I justified it by telling myself its longer than your current titanium spoon and lighter than your long plastic one.
you see what im dealing with peopleMar 13, 2013 at 5:45 pm #1965280
Elliott WolinBPL Member
@ewolinLocale: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Ok, here I go…
My name is Elliott, and I'm a gearaholic!
I never throw anything away if it's got some life in it. I started backpacking in 1972 and I've got just about everything I ever purchased unless it broke or wore out. I outfitted myself and my wife through two gear revolutions: old-style traditional (external frame packs, double A-frame tent) to traditional (internal frame packs, dome tent), then to lightweight/UL (no-frame pack, tarp). I further outfitted three kids through the latter revolution.
I also like to sew, fabric is cheap, so I make lots of stuff. Finally a lot of the older stuff is fine for multi-day kayak trips where weight is not much of a concern.
I occasionally lend the older stuff to groups of friends, and I plan (hope) to have to take lots of grandkids camping. This is why I keep at all, at least this is what I tell my wife.Mar 13, 2013 at 6:12 pm #1965291
Brandon =ÞBPL Member
@stupendous-2Locale: California
"I plan on trying to hike the skyline to sea trail in a coupe weeks depends on the weather."
That's a fun trail in almost any weather the area can throw at you. If you haven't been, be aware that a good deal of the trail sign post have rotted through and they are laying on the ground. Also, I personally feel leaving from Castle Rock SP parking lot gives better views and experience than from Saratoga Gap. As well, be aware that cell service sucks from the beach and the payphone didn't work the last 3 times I've checked. If I do that trail again, I'm not going to bother with trying to coordinate rides and dropping cars off at one end or the other, but just leave from the "sea" and yo-yo back.
By the way, I think a long titanium spoon is a very responsible purchase. However, you should of bought two, because the girlfriend will probably be wanting one when she see's how much enjoyment you get out of yours.Mar 13, 2013 at 7:01 pm #1965310
daniel BBPL Member
@dbogeyLocale: East Coast
Your not alone. My list includes 3 shelters, 3 sleep bags (15 deg, 30 deg, and 40 deg quilt), 2 pairs trail runners, jetboil TI, lots of clothes…..and the list goes on. I look at it this way, if it makes you happy then keep going!Mar 13, 2013 at 7:24 pm #1965321
Stephen MBPL Member
@stephen-mLocale: Way up North
I am at 3 tents and 1 tarp, 2 sleeping bags and 1 quilt, 4 stoves and two sets of most clothes (3 season and winter)
Oh and 4 packs ranging from 25ltr to 62ltr.Mar 13, 2013 at 7:47 pm #1965328
Brandon- I've done the skyline to sea three times before and would do it solo in any weather(in that area anyway) but I have some newbs im bringing and would like to convert them into backpackers, so I was hoping not to drag them on a march throuh the rain. I do usually start close to castle rock hike down to wadel and camp at the camps site there and then hike back the next day. I think its 12 each way. Not bad I dont usually like to do more than 15 just cause I'm a weenie and I like to do things like photography, read and fish.Mar 14, 2013 at 9:47 am #1965507
Brandon =ÞBPL Member
@stupendous-2Locale: California
"I was hoping not to drag them on a march throuh the rain"
Understandable, although you never know, I think it was my second backpacking trip where it rained the entire time that really hooked me on the activity.
It's about 12 miles from Waddell Creek to Big Basin HQ (which is what I assume you were meaning), Castle Rock is the neighboring park and it is another 10 miles from Big Basin HQ to the eastern edge of Castle Rock (Waterman Gap), and it is maybe 9.5 miles from there to the Castle Rock SP parking lot. So, from Waddell Creek to Castle Rock would be like 31 miles or so.
Especially if taking people new to backpacking, I prefer hiking through Castle Rock SP, as I think it gives them a little more sense of an adventure, rather than starting at Saratoga Gap and hiking next to Highway 9 for what would likely be the entire first leg of the trip. Plus the scenery is just better.Mar 14, 2013 at 10:06 am #1965517
Brandon- You're right I'm confusing the two. I went bouldering in castle rock its a great place for rock climbing.
I'll have to check out the trail your talking about and maybe make it a one way. I love that area though and a light rain would make it more fun IMHO. Its a two day down pour I don't want. Bottom line is between the two of them one has a backpack so aside from that the rest of the gear is mine that they are borrowing. I guess I need to just get a couple extra pairs of frog togs and let them borrow them. (they do not have much extra money that doesn't go toward beer)Mar 17, 2013 at 11:02 am #1966673
Marko BotsarisBPL Member
@millonasLocale: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
"I love that area though and a light rain would make it more fun IMHO."
Personally I agree – with the right rain gear. The redwoods can be a wonderland during a downpour – especially if there is some fog. I'm thinking of a particular location which is now in Castle Rock (added about a decade ago) down in the San Lorenzo gorge – below the ridge you hike on the Skyline-to-Sea route. I was hiking there during a big winter storm, and there were all these intermittent stream-lets pouring through the forest, there was fog and steam rising from the rivulets and it was like something out of a fantasy novel.
Drifting way off topic but since the OP is involved guess I may have permission…LOL.
I cobbled together an "unofficial" very nice "Silicon-Valley-to-Sea" Route a few years back. Takes 4 days (+ late day start first night), very varied – plus there is more of a dramatic feeling of accomplishment crossing the whole mountain range to the sea. I have done all parts (and alternates) of the regular Skyline to sea route so many times as day hikes (I live in the SC mountains) that there has been no particular motivation to do the whole thing at once. Plus this route takes you a couple of places you can't easily go on day hikes – hard to say that about many places in the SC mountains.
Starts in Los Altos, first night after a few hours hike from Los Altos on Black Mountain, second in Portola trail camp, third in Big basin trail camp, next day to the sea. More varied than the Skyline to sea. A little more of an adventure. You will not see many people on this route – or any over parts of it.
If anyone in the area is interested would be happy to share more details.Mar 17, 2013 at 7:29 pm #1966827
d kBPL Member
I'm interested…but I see that you are not set up for PM. Not sure if you can PM me either, if you are not set up???Mar 17, 2013 at 10:16 pm #1966888
Marko BotsarisBPL Member
@millonasLocale: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
Yes, I have not "yet" set up my pm. I have only been a member for about 10 years so I thought I would wait a bit. LOL
I'll do it now.
If there is enough interest I will post a short trip post in a better spot. Otherwise PM me. The info is nothing you probably couldn't piece together from what I said, but I may be about to help you figure out it is might be your kind of trip.Mar 17, 2013 at 10:44 pm #1966893
Ben 2 WorldBPL Member
@ben2worldLocale: So Cal
That barely cover the seasons. What about positioning for different humidity and dew points? I can't see how just four can cover everything adequately.
The name escapes me at the moment, but I KNOW we had a poster here a few years back who had TWELVE sleeping bags! I ain't making this up!
The Gear Enabler.Mar 18, 2013 at 10:33 am #1966993
That is way more than me. I must catch up!!! Or risk not being as prepared as said member.Apr 21, 2013 at 4:27 pm #1979109
Edward JursekBPL Member
@nedjursekgmail-comLocale: Pacific Northwest
Recycle on the Gear Swap Forum and on Craigslist. I have ended up with a decent slush fund on Paypal from doing this. This keeps my wife from knowing the true amount of $ involved. In buying and selling I usually run at a small deficit as I am in it to cut my gear spending losses and keep up my habit. This keeps the true amount off the family books. Like a cross between a crack addict selling to support a habit and congress hiding the true deficit. BTW – I have an old Dana Designs ArcFlex Terraplane I will sell you :)Apr 21, 2013 at 6:06 pm #1979125
Jim ColtenBPL Member
@jcoltenLocale: MN
What was it that Dante wrote? …. Oh yeah, "Abandon hope all ye who enter here"
Too late, you're a goner.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


text:
Well it's day seven now since I hived my package of bees. I made a couple of mistakes in the process... namely when I put the queen cage in I forgot to take the cork out. And of course I didn't realize it until I had it all closed up again. So I opened it back up and got the queen cage out... and is there a special trick to getting the cork out? It sure seemed kind of hard to grab a hold of, since it didn't stick out any and was wedged in there nice and snug. I tried to take it out with some needle nose pliers which didn't really work to well. Trying to get a grip on the cork I ended up actually pushing it into the cage. At which point I realized I was opening the wrong end...
Well the damage had been done and since the package seemed to have already accepted the queen I went ahead and direct released her into the hive. I stuck the open queen cage between a couple of the top bars hanging down and closed it up again. Then later that night I started thinking that I should have let her crawl out into the hive and removed the queen cage right then so they didn't start building comb around it. So I went back out around 10:30pm and got the queen cage out. They seemed pretty docile at that time of night... guess maybe they were worn out from a long couple of days travel lol. I had a torch with me but alas I must have accidentally stepped on one of the girls because she stung me on the side of my foot. My first bee sting ever, and on the first day I got my bees!
I've been looking in on them from the observation port on the side and around day 3 I could see three fresh combs they were drawing out, two of them probably two thirds of the way to the bottom of the hive and the other one much smaller. The field bees have been bringing in loads of pollen... some of them coming back with bulging loads and some of them with little tiny loads. I've also noticed that the field bees are much more accurate and quick with landing and entering the hive.
I've been hesitant to open the hive and disturb them too much. They've stayed in a big ball around the combs they are drawing out and I feel like if I disturb them by pulling bars out it's just going to impede their progress. But I may pull a few bars tonight just to make sure everything is going well and also see if the queen is laying yet.
Here is the comb as of three days ago:
And this is the way they've been staying (and why I'm hesitant to start pulling up bars and disturbing them):
So far they don't seem to mind me getting up close (of course I haven't started digging into their home yet!)


text:
Studio + Balcony for 4
Size24 m²
Floor No.3(with elevator)
- Family/child friendly
- Kitchen
- Washer/dryer
- Elevator in building
- Pets allowed
- Internet/WiFi
Accommodation summary
|Avenue du Général Michel Bizot, 75012 Paris, France
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|6 days ago
Accommodating 4 guests, the studio consists of a fold-out double bed and 2 single beds. The fully equipped kitchenette features a breakfast bar for 4. The bathroom is elegantly tiled and laundry facilities are available.
Hosting sports events and concerts, the Palais de Bercy Stadium is a 20-minute walk from the apartment. Michel Bizot Metro Station is 5 minutes' walk away and provides a direct metro line to the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides Museum and Place de la Bastille Square.
The surrounding area offers a range of bars, restaurants and cafés and a Vélib bike hire station is within walking distance.
House rulesNo smoking.
A €20 optional fee can be paid for bed linen.
A €75 optional fee can be paid for a cleaning service.
A €300 security deposit is required.
|Weekly rate for up to 4 guests
|358 €
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Nice place and very kind owner. We enjoyed our stay.
To tell you the truth, we cleaned the place when we were leaving. However in one or two cabinets, there were still some dust. Mr. Zenouda was nice and didn't complain :-)
The apartment is ideal for a short and not very expensive stay in Paris. Located close to a metro station and a bus stop, which runs to the Eiffel Tower. Lots of bakeries, shops and restaurants nearby. Fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Nice balcony with a street view. The owner is also very friendly.
June and her husband were very helpful and friendly. The location is perfect: safe, quiet, close to the metro, you can get to the center within 15 minutes! Theres a checklist ready for things you should take care of before you leave the studio (in case you want to save the additional cleaning fee and clean yourself) so you won't miss any spot and be confident when checking out. Very nice stay overall!
The studio was good for us and it was equipped with everything. The host was very friendly and communicative.
I gladly recommend. Thank you.
We've booked this appartement because it was located near by the start of the semi-marathon de Paris. By metro you are in 5 minutes in the centre. The appartement was small but very nice and clean. Everything we needed was there (even a balcony!). With 3 persons it was perfect, maybe for 4 it is a bit small. Warranty in cash when you arrive (we forget to bring it, but there is a bank near by). Host was very friendly.
Functional apartment with balcony as small +! excellent location (metro and bus 2 steps), friendly owners. Very good stay
Appartement fonctionnel avec le balcon comme petit +! très bien situé (métro et bus à 2 pas), propriétaires chaleureux. Très bon séjour
All were very good. We have been a very pleasant time. The apartment has all the things that are necesary. It is close to a Metro station and a few minutes we are at the center of Paris. On enface there is a supermarket (and bakery). Thank you for all. Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Zeit! Das Apartment liegt nahe und einer Metro Station gegenüber ist ein Supermarkt (Bäcker und ein!). Sehr zu empfehlen! Wir kommen gerne wieder!
Toutes ont ete tres bon. Nous avons ete un temps tres agreable. L'apartement a tous les choses qui sont necesaire. Il est pres d'un Station de la Metro et en quelque minutes on est a la centre de Paris. D'enface il y a un supermarche (et une boulangerie). Merci pour tous.
Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Zeit! Das Appartement liegt nahe einer Metro Station und gegenüber ist ein Supermarkt (und ein Bäcker!). Sehr zu empfehlen! Wir kommen gerne wieder!
Apartment was very pleasant, well equipped and very well located. Near metro station and bus stop, baker, shops and interesting street market. Helpful and nice owner. I recommand this studio for 2 or max. 3 adult persons for longer then 2 nights staying :-)
Very nice apartment, with everything you need and close to the metro. In the area there are many shops and night parking are free.
Appartamento molto carino, dotato di tutto il necessario e vicino alla metro. In zona ci sono molti negozi e i parcheggi di notte sono gratuiti.
Good appartment to stay and explore Paris. The appartment is cosy and has sufficient space for two persons. Unfortunately, due to the weather we only could have breakfast at the small balcony two times, but those two times it was a lovely sunny start of the day.
The appartment was nice and clean and the owner was very helpful and flexibel Definitely a recommendable place to stay.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


text:
Gear designed for the most demanding rider!
Macna jackets, pants, and gloves are made to withstand the demands of serious motorcycle riders. Macna is known for their innovative features, attention to detail, excellent fit, superior comfort, stellar protection, and safety features that stand out from the crowd.
Macna Women's Summer Lane Leather Motorcycle GloveMacna's Lane motorcycle glove for women is a full-coverage summer glove made from soft goat leather. Learn More$89.99 $26.99
Macna Women's Summer Cata Waterproof Motorcycle GloveMacna's Cata motorcycle glove is a waterproof 3-season glove for women that features a combination of soft leather and man made materials, as well as semi-hard knuckle armor for exceptional comfort and protection. Learn More$94.00 $41.99
Macna Women's All-Season Nova Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket | Night Eye
The Nova is a waterproof all-season touring jacket best suited for moderate to colder climates. Detachable waterproof and thermal liners make the Nova warm and comfortable, and arm vents offer cooling on warm days. A back protector and SAS-Tec CE armor in the shoulders and elbows round out this versatile jacket.Learn More$459.99 $137.95
Macna Women's All-Season Candy Waterproof Motorcycle GloveMacna Women's "Candy" summer motorcycle soft goat leather riding gloves Learn More$99.99 $42.95
Macna Men's Summer Talik 2 Leather Motorcycle GloveMacna's Talik 2 summer motorcycle glove for men features soft, perforated leather and a mesh liner for warm weather comfort.
Learn More$96.99 $40.99
Macna Men's Summer Rush Mesh Motorcycle JacketIf you are looking for a jacket that's simple, functional, and stylish, look no further than the Rush Mesh Jacket. The Rush, with huge mesh panels, is your best bet for those hot city commutes. Learn More$197.50 $76.95
Macna Men's Summer Borasco Leather Motorcycle GloveMacna's Borasco summer motorcycle glove for men features soft leather and a Bemberg silk liner for warm weather comfort.
Learn More$122.50 $52.99
Macna Men's Rain Shelter Waterproof Softshell Motorcycle Jacket
The Macna Shelter Motorcycle Jacket is good looking, but more importantly, it will keep you dry even in a torrential downpour. Grab the Shelter rain pants for a complete suit.Learn More$107.50 $41.95
Macna Men's Rain Flight Waterproof Softshell Motorcycle Rain Jacket
This lightweight and compact waterproof softshell is destined to become a staff favorite! Wear the Flight under a mesh jacket for those damp, chilly mornings or mountaintop rainstorms. When you stop for the evening it's a perfect camp jacket. With its Side Eye reflective graphics or in the High-Viz color it would also be a great softshell for bicycling...or riding around town...well, you can see why we like it so much!Learn More$107.50 $35.95
Macna Men's Rain Alert Waterproof Softshell Motorcycle JacketThe Macna Alert Motorcycle Jacket is a waterproof and windproof jacket that was designed to to be worn over the Macna Chili motorcycle jacket. However, the Alert Jacket can be worn alone as a stylish waterproof shell. Learn More$199.99 $59.99
Macna Men's Cold Weather Electrically-Heated Proton Waterproof Leather & Textile Glove with Waterproof Adjustable ControllerWith an incredible fit, motorcycle specific features and build quality, the Electrically-Heated Proton Waterproof Leather & Textile Glove by Macna is a great motorcycle glove that is also heated. Learn More$289.99 $118.99
Macna Men's All-Season Savage Waterproof Motorcycle JacketThe Macna Savage motorcycle jacket for men is a waterproof all-season jacket that provides exceptional comfort and protection. Macna motorcycle jackets are known for their innovative features, attention to detail, excellent fit, superior comfort, stellar protection, and safety features that stand out from the crowd. Learn More$309.99 $139.95
Macna Men's All-Season Jumper Waterproof Motorcycle PantMacna Jumper motorcycle overpants for men provide all-season comfort and protection. Learn More$169.99 $65.95
Macna Men's All-Season Impact Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket
The Macna Impact jacket is a waterproof all-season jacket featuring a Direct Laminate waterproof outer shell and removable thermal liner. Adjustable waist and arm straps ensure a custom fit. Great for touring.Learn More$462.50 $179.99
Macna Men's All-Season GEO 2 Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket | On Sale Now!
Note: Arm vents are located under arm pit, not on upper arm as indicated in pictures. New pictures coming soon.
The Macna GEO 2 motorcycle jacket for men is an all-season jacket that provides exceptional comfort and protection. Macna motorcycle jackets are known for their innovative features, attention to detail, excellent fit, superior comfort, stellar protection, and safety features that stand out from the crowd.Learn More$492.50 $169.99
Macna Men's All-Season Escape Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket | Extended SizesStyle and protection from the brand that gives you both, Macna motorcycle jackets are designed to provide maximum protection while looking great. Learn More$247.50 $79.99
Macna Men's All-Season Command Waterproof Motorcycle JacketStyle and protection from the brand that gives you both, Macna motorcycle jackets are designed to provide maximum protection while looking great. Learn More$229.99 $89.99
Macna Men's All-Season Chameleon Waterproof Hybrid Leather & Textile Motorcycle JacketThe Macna Chameleon motorcycle jacket for men is an all-season jacket that is two jackets in one. Macna's Chameleon motorcycle jacket consists of a leather core jacket for maximum protection and a direct laminated outer shell for protection from wind and rain. The Macna Chameleon jacket is completely different from any other motorcycle jacket seen before. Learn More$699.99 $269.99
Macna Men's All-Season Alpine Waterproof Motorcycle PantMacna Alpine motorcycle pants for men provide all-season comfort and exceptional protection. Macna is known for their innovative features, attention to detail, excellent fit, superior comfort, stellar protection, and safety features that stand out from the crowd. Learn More$319.99 $144.95
Macna LeatherGelLeather Conditioner in 200ml tube. Learn More$18.25 $6.95
Macna FUEGO Men's Motorcycle Jacket | Black - XL
This summer weight Macna Men's "FUEGO" Textile Motorcycle Riding Jacket is well appointed with protection and comfort. For added visibility, the "FUEGO" jacket is trimmed with Side Eye reflectivity, and LED light prepared. Ventilation is achieved with generous use of 3D mesh panels in unlikely impact zones to provide maximum intake of fresh air and dissipation of body heat. Sturdy reinforced CE shoulder and elbow protection (protectors adhering to the EN-1621-2 regulations) with CE backprotector prepared pocket will make this jacket the optimum choice for hot summer months.
Learn More$264.99 $118.99
Macna Dry Cooling VestThe summer heat can finally be beat with Macna's new Dry Cooling Vest! Designed to keep you cool AND dry during hot weather or if you live in a hot climate, the process is simple - fill the vest with 500ml of tap water, wear it over a synthetic base layer, and prepare to be like Fonzie - COOL! Learn More$194.99 $89.99
Macna Cord Puller KitEasily operate your zippers while wearing gloves with Macna Cord Puller Kit Learn More$9.99 $4.95
Macna Connection Zipper AdapterConnection zipper adapter to connect a Macna Jacket to Macna Pants. Learn More$47.99 $18.95


text:
Classic Rolling Weekender
- Overview
This attractive carryall keeps family weekends rolling. Featuring leather trim and contrast handles, it has lots of room inside for both mom's and baby's essentials and can be carried over the shoulder or easily wheeled along.
- 20" wide x 11" deep x 11.5" high
- Made from pure cotton twill and trimmed with genuine chrome leather.
- Nylon lining with detachable woven shoulder strap and handles.
- Bottom features metal dome feet and unzips to reveal a separate compartment.
- Features two recessed wheels for easy rolling.
- Stands without support when propped up.
- Adjustable handle has three settings and a push-button mechanism.
- Polyurethane underside resists stains and easily wipes clean.
- Zipper closure.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 20" wide x 11" deep x 11.5" high
- Top Compartment: 20" wide x 10.75" deep x 7" high
- Bottom Compartment: 20" wide x 10.75" deep x 3.5" high
- Interior Pockets: 3
- Interior Mesh Zipper Pocket (3): 8" wide x 5" high
- Exterior Pocket: 1
- Exterior Pocket: 6.5" wide x 5.5" high
- Handles (2): 1.75" wide x 5.75" high
- Adjustable Shoulder Strap: 27.5–52.5" long
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth.
- Shipping & Return Info
Standard UPS can deliver most in-stock items within 4-5 business days.
Next Day Delivery and Processing
We can arrange for next day delivery to most destinations within the contiguous 48 states, for an extra charge of $17.50 per address. If we receive your order by 6pm PT Monday through Friday, you'll receive your order the next business day; orders placed on Friday after 6pm PT through Sunday will arrive on Tuesday. Note: Next Day Delivery service is not available for some oversized items, Premium In-Home White Glove Delivery, out of stock items, personalized items or for items shipped directly from the manufacturer.
Select oversized items have an additional delivery and processing surcharge; this charge is listed below the item price.
View the complete Shipping and Delivery Information page.
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
Delivery fees are non-refundable and prior purchases are not eligible for a price adjustment. The following items are non-eligible for returns or exchanges:
- Personalized/Monogrammed items
- Mattresses
- Gift cards
- Special-order items (including made-to-order upholstery and custom order rugs)
- Final Sale items (identified by a price ending in $.97 or $.99)
- Items damaged through normal wear and tear.
Questions? See our full Returns Policy.


text:
Notice: On March 31, it was announced that Statalist is moving from an email list to a forum. The old list will shut down on April 23, and its replacement, statalist.org is already up and running.
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
st: RE: RE: RE: FW: Using regex to identify strings with capital letters
"Nick Cox" <firstname.lastname@example.com>
st: RE: RE: RE: FW: Using regex to identify strings with capital letters
Thu, 27 May 2010 12:44:14 +0100
Martin is correct that -inrange("Er", "AA", "ZZ")- is true. Possibly
this is Erik's specific problem, namely that having the first capital
letter in "A" ... "Z" is necessary but not sufficient.
I offer as a stronger criterion
inrange(substr(myvar,1,1), "A", "Z") & inrange(substr(myvar,2,1), "A",
I continue to like regex solutions when they are the simplest available!
Martin Weiss
Erik does have a point, though, in that Nick`s -inrange()- proposal
seems to
check for the first character only:
di inrange(substr("erik in lower case",1,2) , "AA", "ZZ")
di inrange(substr("Erik in lower case",1,2) , "AA", "ZZ")
BTW, why was -di inrange("erik in lower case", "AA", "ZZ")- a good
earlier, even though the -substr()- part was missing?
Nick Cox
Not true of my Stata:
. di inrange("erik in lower case", "AA", "ZZ")
I think -- you've heard this before -- we need to see your code and some
your results, not your speculation about what might be happening.
Beecroft, Erik (VDSS)
I tried Nick's suggestion, pasted below, but inrange does not seem to
distinguish between lower and upper case. In other words, the statement
below keeps all observations that begin with two letters, whether
capital or lower case.
Nick Cox
You don't need regex for this.
... if inrange(substr(myvar,1,2), "AA", "ZZ")
should be enough, or even "AK" to "WY" or whatever it is. (Remember this
is an international list!)
From: Beecroft, Erik (VDSS)
I need to extract certain observations from a series of text files.
Each file contains only one variable, which is string. The
observations I want all begin with two capital letters. (They are state
abbreviations, such as VA or AK). The other observations do not begin
with two capital letters.
Is there a way to tell Stata to keep only observations for which the
variable begins with two capital letters?
It seems like the regex function might work, but I have never worked
with regular expression syntax before.
For example, a portion of a text file might look like:
VA department of Social Services
I want to keep only the third observation above.
I am using Stata for Windows 10.1.
* For searches and help try:
* http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
* http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
* http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/


text:
'Gradiant' exhibit Jan. 13 features art by UTSA students
By Tim Brownlee
Assistant Director of Public Affairs
(Jan. 12, 2006)--UTSA President Ricardo Romo and Dr. Harriett Romo will host an opening reception for the exhibit, "Gradiant," from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13 at the Radius Cafe, 106 Auditorium Circle, in downtown San Antonio. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through February.
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
Article tools
The exhibition features the work of UTSA graduate students Stacy Berlfein, Roberta Buckles, Derrick Durham, Melody Fernandez, Brian Jobe, Mimi Kato, Adrien Ryder, Julie Shipp and Russell Stephenson.
Joan Grona, local gallery owner, and Arturo Almeida, UTSA art specialist, with the support of Kent Rush, chair of the UTSA Department of Art and Art History, will judge the work. One artist will be selected to have a one-person show at the Joan Grona Gallery in the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center.
"This is a new annual event that Dr. Romo is very excited to sponsor," said Almeida. "He contacted Joan Grona to help establish the event because he feels it is very important for UTSA to work closely with the local art community."
According to Grona, "It is a great opportunity to share the art of UTSA students with the community. We're always so thrilled when we can encourage people to experience the art and music of our city, and I'm honored to be a part of it. I'm excited that the students can experience this part of the city and the Radius facility. I want to thank Arturo for helping me connect with Dr. Romo to plan the project, and also the owner of the Radius, Paul Carter, who is a big supporter of San Antonio art and artists. Whenever we can do things like this, the better off we all are."
For more information, visit the Radius Cafe Web site or call (210) 227-8111.


text:
Two emergencies received an American Public Works Association Project of the Year award in the Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair category. Click here to learn how to improve your operation's response to a tornado.
American Public Works Association
2013 Public Works Project of the Year
Award category:
Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair
Less than $5 million
Conventional material, unconventional application
Project: West Lake Sammamish Slide Repair
Managing agency: City of Bellevue, Wash.
Primary consultant: Tetra Tech
Primary contractor: Westwater Construction Inc.
In January 2012, a landslide slammed into a 35-by-60-foot roadway embankment that crossed a natural ravine draining into Washington State's Lake Sammamish. Damage included a ruptured asbestos concrete water main that unleashed 1,000 cubic yards of mud and debris, a natural gas service line, and four waterfront residential properties.
The City of Bellevue immediately shut the major arterial road serving the area to address instability of the hillside, road, and surrounding area. The goals were to:
- Quickly reopen West Lake Sammamish Parkway
- Minimize cost
- Create a permanent solution
- Restore homeowners' properties
- Minimize environmental impacts and disruptions to the neighborhood
Through close collaboration with impacted homeowners, the project team developed several designs using 3D CAD and photographic renderings to quickly communicate repair alternatives, obtain fast buy-in on wall and slope configurations, and expedite project delivery.
The design that was selected rebuilt the roadway embankment with a modular, concrete block, gravity wall system. The system includes two walls, each built as gravity block structures. These massive blocks created walls that require no reinforcement — an unconventional application using a conventional material.
Click here for the rest of the award-winning projects.
Next year's award deadline: March 4, 2014
The design also preserved the 24-inch culvert. The undisturbed culvert allowed for an accelerated design schedule, which was completed under a simplified permit process.
The speedy pace continued into the construction phase, with walls built in two short stages: five days for the lower wall and eight days for the upper wall.
Result: The team evaluated, surveyed, designed, and built a permanent solution in four months. The road reopened on April 10, 2012, one month after construction started.
The American Public Works Association presents Public Works Projects of the Year awards annually to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects, recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, contractor, consultant, and their cooperative achievements. APWA serves 28,500 members through education, advocacy, and knowledge exchange. It's headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and has an office in Washington, D.C., as well as 63 chapters in North America.


text:
The Real-Life James Bond
A behind-the-scenes look with former British operative and author Matthew Dunn on the real life of an agent, the intense training, and how James Bond has it easy.
For several generations, the legacy of noted author Sir Ian Fleming has captured our imaginations on page and screen with tantalizing tales of the life, adventures and carnal pursuits of British MI6 agent James Bond.
We've come to associate Bond, through his faithful portrayers from Connery to Craig, with an exceptionally dangerous and libertine lifestyle fueled by Kina Lillet Vesper martinis and exotic conquests. The great super spy escapades are mere entertainment of a much darker profession.
Behind every great story lies a grain or two of truth, in this case the secret world inhabited by members of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), also known as MI6, home to the double 0s, is a world as complex as it is dangerous. To glean the facts from the fiction, we sat down with former MI6 operative and spy novelist Matthew Dunn for a candid talk on the reality behind the legend. Though we can't comment on whether the SIS was listening in on our conversation, we can reveal that his novels must be submitted for SIS approval prior to publication.
Playboy.com: How did you come to join MI6?
Dunn: It was a very covert recruitment process; one of my university professors had a discussion with me in my third year. I had expressed I wanted to do something Foreign Service–related, and the conversation went from there to "Look, there might be something interesting."
It was a very cryptic discussion—I think we both knew exactly what we were talking about—and I went down for a discussion in London with some people. I was put through a series of cognitive tests that become increasingly harder, then a series of interviews, exercises and different programs, and after many months of those, I was offered a tentative offer with the Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as MI6. But even thereafter, the offer of employment was subject to passing security testing to make sure I didn't have any traits that could present themselves as a security risk, double agent or whatever, and that process takes several months of interviewing your friends, family, former employers—which then led to the MI6 training programs, which, without giving away too many details, [are] designed to really be as realistic as possible.
It's meant to test you for every conceivable situation based on what it's like being a spy overseas, to the point that during that program there are stages where you wonder if this is an exercise or if it's a situation where something has gone wrong.
Daniel Craig appears as James Bond in Skyfall. Courtesy of Sony Pictures/EON.
Playboy.com: What did your time with the service entail?
Dunn: I spent over five years specifically combatting the echelons of rogue states: states who were either presenting themselves to being problems in regional stability in certain parts of the world or possessed weapons programs or state-sponsored terrorism, those kind of issues. Within that, a large part of what I was doing was the recruitment and running of foreign spies, agents as we call them in the U.K.—assets as I believe they are referred to in the U.S. That process is very, very complicated. It involves identifying people who have access to secrets who are typically based in the target countries, trying to ascertain whether there is something in their character or past that could possibly make them amenable to work for Western intelligence, and then constructing a typically complex approach to that individual—getting them to be a spy—and that process could take months, if not years. Then once recruited, if successful, running those agents and getting secrets from them in relation to issues that are predetermined by the British government.
Playboy.com: So the government completely controls the agenda?
Dunn: There's a misconception about MI6 and the CIA that we decide what it is we want to spy on, but in reality our objectives are set down by cross-party committees; they decide our objectives, and while many will remain the same, new threats and issues present themselves and we agencies react accordingly.
Playboy.com: What's the view of an ex-MI6 agent on James Bond, do you think the films and novels over-glamorize the profession?
Dunn: I think James Bond is a larger-than-life character. Ian Fleming, his creator, worked in naval intelligence, which isn't much of a shock. My theory of what he wanted to write was very much larger-than-life for a 1950s impoverished audience who were rationing, et cetera, and put a smile back on their face, so he presented this character. As a former intelligence agent, is this realistic? Of course not! Certainly not in terms of the gadgets, the girls, the types of baddies. Is it enjoyable? Yes it is; myself and other intelligence officers enjoy a good thriller as much as anyone else. We don't look at it and think, "Well, this is totally unrealistic," because of course that wouldn't be entertaining. But in terms of "Does it encourage people's perception of MI6 in a positive way?" Right now I think people are starting to realize that we're not loose cannons; we are focused very clearly towards specific objectives, and the work is extremely serious, with high stakes. Celebrating that in a larger-than-life, enjoyable format is all well and good.
Playboy.com: James Bond throws accountability out the window; a "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality is widely perceived to be how agents operate.
Dunn: The whole 007 concept is that they have the license to kill. Logically it's meaningless because of course as an intelligence officer everything you do is illegal. As for shoot first, the work was typically more intelligent than that—pulling out a weapon means something has gone wrong.
Daniel Craig and Bérénice Lim Marlohe appear as James Bond and Séverine in Skyfall. Courtesy of Sony Pictures/EON.
Playboy.com: What attributes are most commonly desired to work in the profession?
Dunn: There are many quantifiable traits they are looking for: obviously intellect, lateral thinking, interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt and change one's persona. The ability—and I think this is crucial—to believe anything is possible. That really does set SIS officers [apart] from many others who operate on the sharp end. We look at a problem, look at a requirement, and absolutely this can be done. We will achieve this; it won't be "this is impossible." Those particular people are a different breed of animal.
Playboy.com: What was your biggest challenge working as a spy?
Dunn: The challenges I faced were manifold. Looking at it from the human angle, the agents—assets—I ran, these are foreign spies, people that you are recruiting for very serious and very delicate situations, like me asking them to spy to access those secrets. The reality is, and this is typically lost on discussions about the CIA and MI6, is that if these people were caught in their own country, they would be executed and their families could be executed. They really are putting their lives on the line.
As a case officer running those men and women, young or old, you develop an extremely close bond to them, possibly closer than family because you're both doing something highly unusual with a significant duty of care. I wasn't Matthew Dunn, I was someone completely different, and so I was using falsities to run someone who was putting their life on the line.
Playboy.com: Are you still hyperaware of your surroundings?
Dunn: I am, but not to the degree of paranoia. There are—and I'm upfront about these—habits I have which I joke about: be it restaurants or a café, I prefer to sit—and this sounds so cliché—with my back to the corner so I can observe people. But that is just habit, not because I'm worried about a hit man coming through the front door. Obviously, I do operate with caution, but my name and face are now public knowledge, so I'm aware of that and prepared for that. If I'm driving, I'm constantly aware of how to drive both aggressively and defensively and what to do in a situation. I will still, I admit, find myself looking down the last three numbers of a license plate or whatever. But that rather more amuses me than being some diehard operative who can't leave the life.
Playboy.com: Do new recruits come into the service with Bond-esque expectations?
Dunn: I think there's always going to be a margin of people who think it's going to be like James Bond, but naturally they are going to be weeded out in the recruitment process. But the difference between the Bond movies and what I was doing was that I could be doing that kind of lifestyle on certain occasions; it was a far darker existence in terms of the reality of what I was doing, and I would say probably much more dangerous.
Playboy.com: Is your goal with the Spycatcher novels more to entertain or to present a credible story? How do you strike the right balance between authenticity, fantasy and fiction?
Dunn: I think my writing is informed by two things. First, as a young man I was an absolutely voracious reader, and those secondhand book stores—I would spend great chunks of my time browsing the bookshelves, reading stories of early 20th century spies going around Eastern Europe; I loved all of that, it put a fire in my belly. Coupled with my experiences, and I think I mentioned something so pertinent, and that is the belief that even when faced with the most dangerous situation or complex or impossible, the operative will not back down from that and will confront it, get around it or combat it. Sometimes I'll put Will Cochrane into a situation where as a writer, I don't know how he's going to get himself out of a situation, and that's very much the theme I'd like to present. It's the mindset of "I've got to get this done." It's really a combination of drawing on my experience and showing the reality of the mindset of an operative and throwing it into a good story—hopefully. [laughs]
Playboy.com: How factual is your character, Will Cochrane? What have you taken from the field and put into his mindset?
Dunn: The situations he faces are fictitious. They sometimes comprise components of things that have happened. But now as a storyteller, I craft and I plot like other authors, but what I do in terms of writing is put in what I would have done in that situation. The life of an agent can be very unpredictable; you think something is going in one direction and it doesn't —you need to know how to act accordingly. One of the things that is often not shown in many of the espionage movies is the reality that as a field operative you typically operate on your own; you don't have the ability—as is sometimes portrayed—of calling up head office halfway through a mission and asking for help or further support or updated information or whatever. You have to be able to operate and to make decisions, and sometimes decisions could be the wrong ones—dealing with that and living with it. That informs my writing. In terms of his character, that is somewhat informed by the person who I used to be and partially still am. Will Cochrane's isolation, his fear, his loneliness—allowing people to get too close to him because of potential repercussions, his slight dislocation between him and humanity, what he does versus what the normal world does—those are real feelings and emotions that I had and have put into writing.
Dame Judy Dench appears as M in Skyfall. Courtesy of Sony Pictures/EON
Playboy.com: How has the rise of technology and cyber-terrorism affected how the industry operates? Where will it go from here?
Dunn: To take a step back from that, what is secret intelligence? Secret intelligence is information that is largely not known to other people, so in its truest sense secret. With the internet and the proliferation of information in other ways, [information] is anything but secret. What we now as intelligence officers are doing is going after information that is still not public. Do those secrets still exist? Yes, of course they do. My personal view, based on experience, is that as more things become publically available, more people are going back to the traditional method of keeping their secrets safe. In other words, you don't put your secrets on the internet, regardless if they're password protected, you put them into a steel safe in the basement behind grilles.
Skyfall hits theaters November 8th in the U.S. Check out our review: HERE.
Matthew Dunn was employed by the SIS between 1996 and 2001 where he conducted over 70 operations across the globe. His latest Spycatcher novel 'Sentinel' is available now nationwide.


text: I have a 1997 GMC Suburban K1500. It's been a great vehicle. Recently the power window motor went our on the driver's side rear door. I found a replacement motor at Auto zone and took apart the door and verified it is indeed the motor. My problem now is that I don't know how to install the new motor. It seems the regulator and everything associated with it is riveted to the door. I'm not sure whether or not I have to drill out all the rivets and replace the regulator/motor together, or if the motor is bolted to the regulator or what. Does anyone have any suggestions? Once I get this figured out I'll post pictures and a DIY howto since I have searched for hours and have not found one on the internet.