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I have to admit, this is a review I've been looking forward to writing, for two different reasons. After being off work following an operation it's the first new camera I've had a chance to play with for more than two weeks. Also, I've managed to miss out on reviewing the previous two Sigma compacts. Jamie Harrison reviewed the original Sigma DP1 for me back in 2008, and Joanne Carter reviewed the DP2 while I was on holiday this time last year. Our two occasional freelancers had mixed opinions of those cameras, so I was understandably keen to test the new Sigma DP2s for myself.
As a company, Sigma is better known for its highly acclaimed and very popular range of digital SLR lenses, available with mounts to fit all the major DSLR brands. However it has also made a number of cameras under its own name, starting with 35mm film SLRs before moving on to digital SLRs, and launching the DP range of compacts two years ago. All of Sigma's digital cameras use the unique Foveon X3 sensor, a technology which the company now owns. The X3 sensor differs from conventional CCD and CMOS sensors because it captures full RGB colour at every photocell site on the chip, rather than using brightness sensors and a colour mask filter. There's a fuller explanation of the technology here, but suffice it to say that in theory at least the X3 sensor should be able to produce something like three times the level of detail and colour depth of a conventional sensor, and also has an advantage in dynamic range.
Like the DP1 and DP2, the DP2s uses a 20.7 x 13.8mm X3 sensor (slightly smaller than APS-C but larger than Four Thirds) producing a final image resolution of 2652 x 1768 pixels, with approximately 14 million photocells in three layers. Whether you call that a 14 megapixel sensor or 4.7 megapixels is largely a matter of semantics. As we'll see later, it's the results that count. What is indisputable is that the DP2s is a very expensive camera. It currently sells for £539.99, the same launch price as the DP2 and only £10 less than the original price of the DP1. Both of the earlier cameras are still available, with the DP1 currently selling for around £380 and the DP2 for £485, so don't expect the price of the DP2s to drop by much. There are a number of very good digital SLRs that cost less, so those results had better be worth it.
Excellent! Sigma DP2S 14MP X3 FOVEON CMOS Digital Camera - 1 year warranty$298.00 View Item
Sigma DP2s 14.0MP Digital SLR Camera Black Excellent from Japan Free Shipping$358.00 View Item
[EXC+] SIGMA DP2s 14.0 MP Digital SLR Camera from Japan #KS490$250.00 View Item
SIGMA DP2S 14.1MP Compact Camera with Lens Hood, Boxed 8 bids£17.00 View Item
Would you pick one of these up for yourself Cliff? Maybe if you saw it cheap?
Possibly, but with the state of my finances at the moment it would have to be very cheap. I'm hoping to have the new Sigma SD15 DSLR in for review soon; I'm keen to see what that can do.
I'd be interested to see how this compares to the sony nex-5 which comes with a 16mm pancake lens as part of the kit though it's focal length a wider angle equivalent to 24mm
I can understand if Sigma is wary of relinquishing any control but since their cameras are so unrefined apart from the fabled sensor and lens, I would say that their cameras are screaming for some kind of high-powered partnership with another big camera maker.
@Cliff - Know the feeling all too well..
@Hedgeporker - I'd love a Ricoh/Sigma mash up! :D
@Cliff - The SD15 needs to be really on the ball with the price they are after!
Does anybody know if Sigma will update the Foveon sensor at some point?
I love the sigma cameras and would dearly love to own one, but always felt it just needs a few more megapixels and that sensor would be truly great!
My personal camera fantasy would be a Pentax K7 with a full frame Foveon sensor. I would also like to stick one in a Leica but that's a different story. . . .
I agree with Hedgeporker, if Sigma is on the ball strategically they should be looking for a pertnership with one of the big dogs who could design and build a super compact around the sensor and lens.
Noise is one thing, but would anyone care to address the significant color shift between the ISO 100 and ISO 800 examples? If image quality is the DP2s' raison d'etre (and for me that includes glorious color rendition) then aren't situations that significantly compromise IQ worth special notice?
robert e - a loss of colour saturation at higher ISO settings is common to most digital cameras. It is a symptom of increasing noise, or rather a reducing signal to noise ratio.
@joose - Ricoh/Sigma mash up was also in my thoughts, but my feeling is that they will end up bickering about whose name gets to go on it precisely because they seem to be on rather similar frequencies. Or maybe Ricoh could just start knocking out a line called Ricoh Sigma with body and OS from the former, lens and sensor from the latter? I like the sound of this more and more . . . :D
@Hedgeporker - They could simply make a module for the GXR. Test the water so to speak.
GXR probably doesn't have the broad appeal that would make the water-testing commercially viable. A GR Ditital Foveon however . . .
Thanks, Cliff. It's not that the effect is unexpected, but that it shows dramatic in this sequence. Perhaps the jpeg engine is partly to blame and it is less apparent in the RAW workflow?
Hi Cliff,
Just a question... you're the same who made the dp1x review... they are supposed to be more or less the same stuff, apart from the lens (what you say about sensor it's true for one and the other, I guess)... but you are much more negative with the dp1x then with dp2s. I was wondering about buying the dp1x, cause of the wide angle, but actually I'm not so sure anymore. May you explain me better what are the differences you noticed that made you change your mind about sigma stuff in so short time? It seems dp1x has worst low light performance (Iso and focus), worst working speed... what more?
Thanks a lot,
PV, Italy
@PV: Well, for one thing Cliff didn't review both cameras. For another, they both get the same overall score. For a third, the dp2x has had two years worth of developments that have been added to it, so you'd expect it to be a better camera.
As to whether to buy a dp1x, I'd suggest it largely depends on whether you can get it at a good price.
@Ed: Cliff did review the DP1x in Nov 2010 - you are referring to the DP1 from 2008. The DP1x did much worse than the DP2s in Cliff's reviews. In particular, the key reason to buy the DP2s was its image quality, but Cliff seems to suggest the DP1x quality is more varied. I would be interested in knowing if there is a big difference between the two or if it is simply that the competition have improved quite a bit in 6 months.
A key consideration is that now the DP2s is available for £400 which is a bit more manageable, but the DP1x is about £500 - the same price as the Panasonic GF2 with lens.
More information -
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text:
When on a specific form Cntl N gives you the internal URL for any Dynamics CRM displayed form. You can then use this with variables in an iFrame to do some interesting things.
Mahender Pal: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Application Design
Nicolae Tarla: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Customization Essentials (Professional Expertise Distilled)
Mark Beckner and Triston Arisawa: Microsoft Dynamics CRM API Development for Online and On-Premise Environments
Alok Singh and Sandeep Chanda: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Marketing Automation
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subset: commoncrawl


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The British press (of which I am a fully paid up member) is not right about everything all of the time, but its not usually completely off the beam either.
So when they report that drivers in the South East of England are having problems with fuel they bought from Tesco and Morrisons because of ethanol contamination I take an interest.
What the National Press hasn't quite grasped is that some petrol from sold as 99 Octane gas on these supermarkets' forecourts, contains up to 5% ethanol anyway, and may contain a whole raft of other oxygenates. This is pretty typical of people who work in highly pressured environments to tight deadlines… try it yourself.
What the biofuel industry needs to be doing in the coming weeks and months is devising and implementing a public relations strategy to reassure consumers and sell them the benefits of using biofuels over conventional gasoline.
This is supplied to Tesco and Morrisons by Greenergy which said in a statement yesterday:
Greenergy is aware of the reports from drivers who are experiencing problems after filling up with fuel in the South East of England. We take quality very seriously and we are doing everything we possibly can to find out what the issue is and whether it is related to us. Over the last 3 years we have sold more than 8 billion liters of fuel into the UK market and have not had any problems. So far we have conducted extensive tests on the fuel supplied to Tesco and Morrisons. We have found it is fully compliant with BSEN 228 – the independent standard everyone works to. We are continuing our investigation and will update you as soon as we
have more information.
Obvious questions to ask are: was the gas contaminated with something else, where did this contamination happen and ultimately who's liable for the engine damage.
I'll be watching for developments


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So confident was LG of a joyous reception to its latest products that it launched them at a plush London event last week with Lily Allen on the mic and Primal Scream front man Bobbie Gillespie manning the decks. Well you'd be confident too if you had 'Full HD' 1080p plasmas and LCDs up your sleeve (you'd also have very big sleeves)...
Dealing with the plasmas first, the whopping great 'PF95' (top) steals the headlines. It is a 60 inch monster with a 1920 x 1080 native resolution and spearheads a new line which also includes the 50in 'PB65' and 'PC55' that – confusingly – comes in 42in and 50in sizes.
Looking at the PF95, to be honest, there isn't a wealth of info available. It uses LG's 'XD Engine Full HD Image Processor' while its 1080p display offers 1x1 pixel matching and at just 98.5mm thick it is one of the most eligible big screen TVs yet for wall hanging. Sadly, no figures have yet been made available for the brightness, contrast ratio and response time – along with that all important price and release date, but its Chocolate-esque styling and use of touch sensitive buttons certainly separates it (at least superficially) from the pack.
As for the PB65 and PC55, not even a screen resolution was given away (I suspect 1080i) but I do know both models are a mere 89.5mm thick and come with cracking 15,000:1 contrast ratios and LG's 'Clear Filter Pro' technology which replaces the traditional thick glass filter with a single thin film filter - something LG claims will eliminate reflection while improving brightness by 30 per cent.
As for the LCDs, we have the 'LY95' (above) and 'LF66' series which are both available in 37in, 42in, 47in and 52in sizes and will arrive in September. The LY95's will be the higher end of the two sporting a Wide Color Gamut and discretely encased ultra slim speakers, otherwise the two lines share 1080p native resolutions, a TruV ViewAngle (up to 178 degrees), LG's 'Simple Link' technology (all LG compatible equipment uses the same remote) and 'EIS' which automatically adjusts the picture for different light conditions.
No prices were given out, but we do know a two further lines, the 'LC55' and 'LC46' will appeal to more budget orientated customers. They will produce 'HD Ready' kicks at up to 42 inches and appear in the next few months.
LG... you've certainly got our attention.


text:
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Holiday #195— Celebrating their 195th consecutive holiday tests friends.
Discovering my Step-son— A 51-year-old wife is surprised by her 18-year-old stepson.
When the Levee Breaks— The story of my husband and his first threesome.
Showing Him The Ropes— Ave's first night with a real woman, and he learns quickly.
Jono's Journey Home Ch. 02— An Arab orphan returns home.
Jono's Journey Home Ch. 01— An Arab orphan returns home.
Chemistry of Love— Jealousy sets off a bad reaction.
Lost My Virginity to My Cousin— His unexpected first time.
Best Friend Turned Lover— Long time friend takes my virginity at my 19th birthday
My Birthday Present— Step sister arranges a birthday surprise.
It Started with Coffee— Two mothers discuss helping their sons become men.
In The Tutelage Of Ms. Kline— Ms. Kline has a special summer job for Kevin.
To Love and Be Loved Ch. 01— Seduction by an older woman leads to love.
How I Lost My Anal Virginity— My first time losing my anal virginity to a 9 in cock.
My Sex Life: School Play— I lose my virginity backstage in high school.
A Hand Down His Shorts— Widowed lady loves the delivery boy.
A Fond Farewell— Young man's first time with a beautiful colleague.
The Fallen Ch. 04— Erykah tries new things and gets a surprise or two.
Best Sex Ever— Sex at the beach with a stranger.
The Milf And The Nerd— A teenager's first sexual encounter with his friend's mum.
Sex Education with Lisa— A young man and his teacher become lovers and create life.
The Unexpected Loss of Virginity— My girlfriend and the weird girl from class help me out.
Practicum— You can only learn so much in the classroom...
Teacher Becomes The Student— Mid-20's virgin teacher gets schooled by sexy colleague
Terry Ch. 01: Losing Virginity— Losing my virginity to a mature foreign lady with piercings.
Gentle First Time— Whispered taking man's virginity. More for the girls soon! :)
Anal in Austin— 42 year old divorced Ami learns anal with younger man.
The Summer ABCs— She taught him the basics, they took it from there.
How Did You Learn To Love Fellatio? Ch. 04— Mark tells how it starts with Peggy, concluded in chapter 5.
College Try— Romantic first time - for both?
Beware the Quiet One— Two ugly ducklings are better than one!
Moans Veneris Ch. 01— Twins: He hears her jilling; she catches him jacking.
No Choice, Loses His Virginity— Field trip, with extras.
Something Lost— It should have been a gift, but it left him troubled.
New Adventures— A tale of first time, masturbation, voyeur.
Weekend Antics— A young man and woman have an enjoyable weekend alone.
Double Trouble— Dan loses his virginity.
My Sexual Awakening— A college couple's slow discovery of sex.
Yolanda goes to Jiffy Lube— After fixing her car, she takes his virginity.
The Birthday Blowjob— Girlfriend gives him the ultimate gift.
Paul Solves a Problem— College virgin who's horny all the time, so he solves it.
Seduced by Innocence— A psychopathic woman seduces a virgin and brags about it.
Alice Ch. 05— Alice begins teaching Charlie.
No Regrets Ch. 11— Ryan's Story – Liberation.
Streaks— He forgot the windows were being washed today.
Grand Island— A train ride to a new world and a new life.
The Summer of '47— First Time: A "Voluntary Rape".
Christmas Party Memories— Hotties convince him to recall when he lost his virginity.
Innocent— An innocent young couple explore.
First Resort— A young man comes of age with an older woman.
Karen's First Time— A shy virgin is aroused by a voyeuristic experience.
Rough Velvet: Alternative— Frustrations of a gay virgin man after hours.
No Regrets Ch. 03— Tommy's Story – Another Chance.
The Neighbour— A young man's first sexual adventure.
Jared Ch. 01— Jared meets a man from the Internet how will it end?
Female Orgasms— A young man learns patience from his hot dominant neighbor
New Teacher Bad Boy— Bad boys helps new teacher survive at rough school.
Homecoming— Rita meets him as he gets off the bus.
Jesse— Young male/older male first time oral anal.
The Good Girl— Two virgins find love.
My Sister's Friends— A young man with CP finds love through his sister's friends.
Some Help From Mom— Son gets a helping hand from his mother.
The Menu— Jeremy's sexuality is awakened.
Black Teacher— Lucky guy loses his virginity to his ebony English teacher.
Home Delivery— Beautiful MILF was my first lover.
Family Plays Together Ch. 01— Dad and Mom seduce their 18-year-old son into having bisex.
Their First Toys Ch. 06— They find him! A virgin! But he won't be after this day!
The Lesson— Young man gets seduced by 18-year-old for his first time.
Amanda's First Time— When Matt's parents go out of town they have birthday sex.
Good Boy Ch. 02— She takes him...
Losing It At The Pool Ch. 01— How I lost my virginity.
Smithson Ch. 01: The Forge— The son of a blacksmith must find his own path in the world.
A Night of Firsts— Birthday boy isn't the only one getting a gift.
The Cowboy— Call for help results in loss of his virginity.
Mom's Estranged Son Ch. 02— Mother and Son are reunited and cross the final line
Rent is Due— A college freshman deals with a very exacting landlord.
My Teacher Ms. Miller Ch. 03— Tony takes his teacher to prom. They play dressup.
Sara— Young man and his friend's mom.
First-Timer— Teacher takes her young student's virginity.
Grandma was a Teacher— A grandma/grandson story.
Aunt Helen— A chance encounter turns to extreme sexual delight.
Take My Advice— Young man seeks advise on losing his virginity.
Raven— A shy young man gets a lesson in loving from big sister.
An Unlikely Valentine— A slutty coed and a well hung virgin give in to lust.
Chad and Blaine Ch. 07— They got their happily ever after.
Chad and Blaine Ch. 06— Will Chad and Blaine get their happily ever after?
Warren Baker's Valentine— His rent is due and he gets a job offer of a different kind.
Adirondack Heatwave Ch. 01— Sometimes a boy's best friend is his mother's best friend.
Fireside First— College sweethearts lose virginity.
My First— Young couple attend a dude ranch.
Nurse's Aide— A disabled guy finally loses his virginity.
Friend's Hot Mom— He loses his virginity to his friend's hot mother.
Ridden with a Smile— A short haired beauty rides me, smiling all the while.
Joyce— Coming of Age.
Love On The Hill— He has a favorite pair of jeans locked up, unwashed!
Back for More— Kara takes Joe's virginity - but whose favor is it?
Jessica— Aunt introduces me to Jessica.
Losing It— Daryl feels the pressure of virginity at 18.
College Fun: Alexis— Some fun in Decatur, and a surprise confession!
Night-time Disturbance Ch. 02— Can we do it without a condom this time?
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3660 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV, 89121
Location: Boulder Hwy
Type: RV Parks And Campgrounds
(702) 457-3606
King's Row is 15 minutes from the Strip and seconds form the 93/95 exit. Amenities include free WIFI, pool, laundry, large pull-thru spaces, shade trees and dog run. Only $18 a day for any size unit. No hidden fees, no deposits. Come enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere just minutes from the city.


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Yesterday was my grandson Brian's 13th birthday.
For cake, I made a cherry cheesecake at his request. Since frosting one wouldn't do for decorations, I made some banners using specialty (scrapping) paper, straws, and baker's twine. You gotta love baker's twine!
He also asked me to make him some candied ginger. This time, I saved the ginger syrup. This syrup is good for iced or hot tea.
I have made candied ginger before. The recipe can be found here.
It seems like yesterday that this boy, at his 1st birthday,…
is this boy today.
Happy Birthday, Brian!
We are very proud of all of your accomplishments.


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The images, by Roberto Conte, are part of a much wider and long term photo project on Brutalist architecture all over the world, aiming to rediscover these structures and their influence.
In the last few years, the interest towards brutalism increased a lot, and the overall attitude about this architectural style became less prejudicial.
This interest has been nourished and supported by several information and cultural initiatives focused on brutalism, as different exhibitions or the publication of a number of books and in-depths articles on magazines as well as on daily newspapers. The pictures in this gallery are part of a much wider and long term photo project on Brutalist architecture all over the world, aiming to rediscover these structures and their influence even in most recent projects and to represent them highlighting their peculiar and silent solemnity.
Also because of the "ideal" origins of the housing complexes and the distance between intentions and reality, Brutalist buildings were often targeted by several critics. That said, and avoiding to enter one more time in this debate, when the Brutalist language has been used for buildings of public utility, as museums, schools or even car parkings, they do not appear outdated and controversial to our contemporary vision. Quite the opposite.
Cement and its properties are really important for this style, whose very first and recognisable feature is usually exposed concrete with no plaster. It is somehow a display of pure forms, sometimes impudently and provocatively exhibited. These architectures are usually massive, no matter their dimensions, and their surface as well as their overall appearance is rough and harsh. From a photographic and aesthetic point of view a peculiar and interesting feature of Brutalist-looking buildings, even with some stretches also including several examples of Socialist architectures, is the persistent repetition of patterns. Most of these buildings, in fact, are obsessively featuring geometrical schemes, no matter if there are pure structural forms as bearing walls or precast concrete modules. A kind of architectural mantra.
Roberto Conte (1980), based in Monza (Milan) started to take pictures in 2006, exploring abandoned places in Italy and abroad. During the years he increasingly focused on architecture photography, in particular on buildings inspired by Brutalism and Socialist modernism. He collaborates with architecture studios and his pictures have been published on several publications and books. In 2015, he won the II Eurostars Berlin Photography Competition.


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Triple-A International League
Willie Collazo picked up his first Triple-A victory Thursday, pitching 5 1/3 innings as the Norfolk Tides defeated the Columbus Clippers, 8-4.
Collazo (1-0), who was 6-5 with a 2.86 ERA at Double-A Binghamton before being promoted, allowed just one hit through the first five innings. Columbus touched Collazo for three runs and six hits in the sixth inning, chasing the 26-year-old lefty.
The Tides took an early lead in the first inning against Clippers starter Tommy Phelps, with Michael Tucker and Victor Diaz delivering run-scoring singles. Norfolk added three runs in the second inning and two more in the fifth to open up a 7-0 lead.
Notes: Jeff Keppinger had three of Norfolk's 11 hits, scoring two runs and stroking a double … Tagg Bozied had two doubles and two runs scored … Tucker, Diaz and Joe Hietpas also had two hits. … Tim LaVigne pitched 2 2/3 innings for his third hold and Juan Perez pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
Binghamton Mets
Double-A Eastern League
The Binghamton Mets split a doubleheader with the Reading Phillies on Thursday, winning the first game, 7-6, and losing the nightcap, 6-3, at NYSEG Stadium.
First baseman Michel Abreu hit two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the B-Mets past Reading in game one, improving his Eastern League-leading batting average to .338. Binghamton scored the decisive run in the fifth inning, when pinch-hitter Rashad Eldridge doubled home Jay Caligiuri with the B-Mets' seventh run.
In Game 2, the B-Mets managed just four hits to back Rich Rundles' debut in the Mets organization. Rundles – acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals system last week - allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out one.
Kevin Rios and Mike DiFelice drove in runs for Binghamton.
Notes: Miguel Perez was rocked in Game One, allowing six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Eddie Camacho (2-1) got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Henry Owens struck out two in a perfect ninth inning.
St. Lucie Mets
Single-A Florida State League
Alhaji Turay blasted a three-run homer, helping the St. Lucie Mets to a 7-2 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads Thursday.
Turay also had a run-scoring hit in St. Lucie's attack, with all seven runs being scored in the second and third innings.
Corey Coles also had two RBI for the Mets, backing starter Sal Aguilar (3-3), who allowed one run and eight hits over seven innings, walking none and striking out two for the victory.
Hagerstown Suns
Single-A South Atlantic League
Ryan Finan homered twice Thursday, powering the Delmarva Shorebirds past the Hagerstown Suns, 8-3.
Hagerstown starter Ryan Meyers (1-8) allowed seven runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, including Finan's first home run, a solo shot in the third inning. Finan victimized reliever Waner Mateo for a three-run blast in the fourth inning as Delmarva opened up an 8-0 advantage.
Leivi Ventura, Jose Castro and Rafael Arroyo had run-scoring hits for Hagerstown late in the game.
Brooklyn Cyclones
Single-A New York-Penn League
Even putting Cliff Floyd in the lineup didn't help the Brooklyn Cyclones, who dropped a 3-1 decision to the Aberdeen Ironbirds Thursday at KeySpan Park.
Floyd joined the Cyclones on a rehabilitation assignment and went 0-for-2 as Brooklyn's left fielder, eyeing a return to the major leagues for this weekend's Subway Series at Yankee Stadium.
Cyclones starter Tobi Stoner (0-1) allowed three runs and five hits over 5 2/3 innings, walking none and striking out seven. He allowed a solo home run to cleanup hitter Chris Vinyard in the second inning.
Brooklyn managed just five hits in the contest, one of them being Jonathan Sanchez's eighth-inning solo homer.
Kingsport Mets
Rookie Appalachian League
Thursday's game between the Kingsport Mets and the Bristol White Sox was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Monday, July 24 in Kingsport.
The K-Mets (5-2) open a four-game homestand Friday against the Pulaski Blue Jays.
Inside Pitch Magazine covers the entire New York Mets organization monthly in print, and every day on the Internet. Contact Inside Pitch Magazine's Bryan Hoch at email@example.com.


text:
Your all-time favorite game is back to entertain you.
DX Ball+ for iPhone is a game with complex levels to clear, many power-ups to collect and few hurdles to avoid. Bounce the ball to break the bricks and unravel the hidden power-ups and obstacles. Try clearing as many levels as you can.
DX Ball+ for iPhone is now available at Zero Cost. Enjoy breaking the bricks.
DX Ball+


text:
Pea Soup for a Crowd RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
- 1 pound dried navy beans or yellow split peas
- 3 cups (1-1/2 pounds) dried yellow split peas
- 2 pounds smoked pork shoulder or picnic ham
- 3-1/2 quarts water
- 4 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 large carrots, shredded
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Rinse and sort beans. Place in a large Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; let stand for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened. Drain beans and discard liquid. Rinse and sort split peas. Place beans in an 8-qt. roaster. Add remaining ingredients.
- Cover and bake at 350° for 5-7 hours or until peas are tender and soup is thick, stirring occasionally. Remove pork; allow to cool. Remove meat from bones and cut into bite-size pieces. Discard bones. Return meat to pan; heat through. Yield: 20-26 servings (6-1/2 quarts).
Originally published as Pea Soup for a Crowd in Home-Style Soups, Salad and Sandwiches Cookbook 1996, p13
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[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Author Index]
Re: Re: genetic algorithms
Hi friend. Sorry for my delay in replying your query, I've been ill these days.
The two main references I got are the following:
Christian Jacob: "Illustrating evolutionary computation with Mathematica", Morgan Kaufman, 2001
James Freeman: "Simulating neural networks with Mathematica", Addison & Wesley, 1994
Previously I had sent a concrete question about evolutionary computation, and got several excellent responses (among others, from Jean Marc Gulliet
--- On Sat, 8/30/08, ayottes at gmail.com <ayottes at gmail.com> wrote:
From: ayottes at gmail.com <ayottes at gmail.com>
Subject: [mg92239] [mg91632] Re: genetic algorithms
To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008, 12:50 AM
On 16 Jul, 06:30, Francisco Gutierrez <fgutiers2... at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Many thanks to all of you that sent me references about programing genetic
algorithms in Mathematica
> Francisco
Hi, would you mind sharing that list... I'm in the process of coding a
real coded genetic algorithm in Mathematica and I'd like to see those


text:
At one time or another, the law will touch your family's life, and it's important that you have swift access to the most up-to-date information available so that your family's interests are protected. From the rights of kids, to inheritance rules, find everything you need to deal with everyday legal issues in The Legal Answer Book for Families.
With this legal reference, you'll get:
- a clear overview of the laws that affect personal relationships and families of all kinds - reliable and concise answers to everyday legal questions - discussions of various legal documents relevant to your family, from marriage licenses to parenting agreements - a collection of Family Law Rules & Resources, with details for all 50 states
Easy-to-use, concise, and clear, The Legal Answer Book for Families is the perfect addition to any family's collection of practical reference books.
Format: ePUB
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 400
Published: 28th February 2014
Edition Number: 1


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The Leonard Lopate Show
Emily Dickinson's Family's Feuds
Lyndall Gordon reveals a new side of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most significant literary figures.
In Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family's Feuds, she tells the riveting story of the Dickinson family, and digs deep into the life and work of Emily Dickinson, using letters, diaries, and legal documents, to reveal the secret behind the poet's insistent seclusion. Gordon presents a woman beyond her time who found love, spiritual sustenance, and immortality on her own terms.


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Follow Harriet on Twitter
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- The Poetry Foundation's blog for poetry and related news.
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Poetry News
Katha Pollitt on Christopher Hitchens
Poet and critic Katha Pollitt remembers Poetry magazine contributor Christopher Hitchens in a recent post for the Nation, providing a balance to a lot of the misty-eyed eulogizing of the past few days. She allows that Hitchens' had many admirable qualities (he was, she reports, "clever, hilarious, generous to his friends, combative, prodigiously energetic and fantastically productive"), but she refuses to overlook his darker side. "So many people have praised Christopher so effusively," she writes, "I want to complicate the picture even at the risk of seeming churlish."
She reflects on his drinking, which "made him angry and combative and bullying, often toward people who were way out of his league — elderly guests on the Nation cruise, interns (especially female interns)." And while she allows that his writing was so strong that he could indeed write while "sozzled," it still hurt his logic: "those passages of pointless linguistic pirouetting? The arguments that don't track if you look beneath the bravura phrasing? Forgive the cliché: that was the booze talking."
Her most pointed words are reserved for Hitchens' writing about women:
So far, most of the eulogies of Christopher have come from men, and there's a reason for that. He moved in a masculine world, and for someone who prided himself on his wide-ranging interests, he had virtually no interest in women's writing or women's lives or perspectives. I never got the impression from anything he wrote about women that he had bothered to do the most basic kinds of reading and thinking, let alone interviewing or reporting—the sort of workup he would do before writing about, say, G.K. Chesterton, or Scientology or Kurdistan. It all came off the top of his head, or the depths of his id. Women aren't funny. Women shouldn't need to/want to/get to have a job. The Dixie Chicks were "fucking fat slags" (not "sluts," as he misremembered later). And then of course there was his 1989 column in which he attacked legal abortion and his cartoon version of feminism as "possessive individualism." I don't suppose I ever really forgave Christopher for that.
The whole thing is pretty unsparing (you can read it in its entirety here), but she does pull back a bit at the end:
A lot of writers, especially political writers, are rather boring as people, and some of the best writers are the most boring of all—they're saving themselves for the desk. Christopher was the opposite—an adventurer, a talker, a bon vivant, a tireless burner of both ends of the candle. He made a lot of enemies, but probably more friends. He made life more interesting for thousands and thousands of people and posed big questions for them—about justice, politics, religion, human folly. Of how many journalists can that be said?
Posted in Poetry News on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 by Harriet Staff.


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Experts claim that a bass is a bass, no matter where it lives, but tell that to a Michigan Yooper after he's cast around a muddy Louisiana bayou, or a Cajun who has spent a few days on Lake Michigan's crystal Grand Traverse Bay.
While bass living in those waters have the same basic needs, catching them requires an understanding of the differences in how fish live and feed in such dissimilar environments.
That goes for reservoirs, too, where the differences aren't as vast, yet certainly noteworthy. Whereas all impoundments began as dammed-up rivers and tributaries, there's a difference between basic watersheds and the lock-and-dam river lakes that offer excellent bass fisheries throughout the country.
Good examples would be the prolific flowage impoundments along the Tennessee, Coosa, Arkansas, Red, Cumberland and Mississippi rivers. The dams along those rivers create lakelike pools, some of which bear notable names (i.e., Guntersville, Old Hickory, Logan Martin, Pickwick), while others are simply known by their proximity to local towns or the river that feeds them.
Regardless of what you call them, these lock-and-dam river lakes have characteristics that must be considered when planning your attack.
"The thing that sets them apart from other reservoirs is they have a more dynamic biology about them," says Oklahoma pro O.T. Fears, one of the Tour's top river system anglers. "They are constantly changing because of the current, the washing of nutrients into the impoundment from upstream, and the fluctuation. While some sections may silt in over the years, others may develop new channels cut by the flowing water. Those changes make each system unique."
Like most pros, Fears prefers fishing river systems over stand-alone impoundments for a number of reasons. They produce hardy bass populations sustained by an abundance of food and excellent spawning habitat. Those facts, combined with current, provide a fishery in which bass live shallower most of the year.
"Anytime you have current, the fish are shallow most of the time," notes Fears. "They will move out to the river ledges and offshore structure during the summer, but there are always some fish shallow."
Alabamian Tim Horton, who has guided on Tennessee River lakes, says you rarely find largemouth bass deeper than 20 feet on the river lakes.
"Current, be it from a steady flow of fresh water coming in from upstream or because the dam is used to generate electricity, keeps fish shallower," he insists. "The current keeps the oxygen on top of the water column, which means the shallower water provides livable conditions for bass, even during the heat of the summer."
It's important to note that river lakes used for flood control will fluctuate often — and rapidly. Anglers must watch the rise and fall and move accordingly with the fish
"When the water falls, the fish pull off the bank," explains Horton. "When it rises, they move shallower. And that can change overnight."
Kentucky pro Mark Menendez believes river lakes are easier to pattern because the bass' position on the structure is more predictable, making it easier to present lures properly.
"Current-dwelling fish are nearly always faced with their noses upstream, so lures worked with the current tend to produce more strikes," he says.
However, notes Horton, you still have to be precise with your casts.
"The bass will school on the structure, but it may be in one little piece of that structure," he explains. "If you miss that spot by 10 feet, you may not catch a fish."
That's why Horton fancasts the primary area, picking it apart with an assortment of lures before giving up on a spot.
And what about smallmouth? Due to the influence of current and good habitat, some Southern river lakes yield quality smallmouth as well as largemouth. However, fishing for smallmouth in a river impoundment is different from tactics used in the Great Lakes region.
"The fish in the Great Lakes will get on huge flats, so you must cover a lot of water to catch them," notes Horton. "When fishing for smallmouth on a place like Pickwick, you can anchor and fish one spot."
There's another interesting difference, according to Horton. "For whatever reason, the smallmouth and spotted bass seem to grow bigger and faster in the river lakes, whereas largemouth seem to grow larger in highland reservoirs and natural lakes."
Seasonal patterns
Once winter rolls into spring, bass begin to gang up on structural changes on or near the main river. These prespawn areas may include humps, dips or ditches close to the channel. Offshore structure located between spawning bays and the main channel, such as long grassy points, stumpy creek channels or ditches, can be deadly.
"That's where they gang up while waiting for the right conditions and water temperature that will draw them to the bank to spawn," says Menendez.
Prespawn bass will attack a number of lures, although slow rolled spinnerbaits, crankbaits (especially lipless versions) and jigs may be best.
When the water warms, the bass migrate out of the current into the pockets and bays, where they spawn. You can save time by concentrating on the shorter pockets off the main river, says Menendez.
"There will be some fish up major creeks, but you can create a milk run of the shorter pockets and cover more productive water that way," he describes. "The fish are either going to be at the front of the pocket, in the middle or at the very back. That shortens your search time considerably."
Once Menendez has figured out that pattern, he will probe larger creeks, but only in the sections in which he found bass in the pockets.
"If I find them in the middle of the pockets, I'll concentrate on the middle of the creeks," he explains.
While many anglers opt for Carolina rigged or Texas rigged lizards to find spawning bass, Arkansas' Scott Rook employs spinnerbaits and tubes.
"Normally these waters are stained, so it's not easy to sight fish for bedding bass," Rook explains. "Once I catch a few on the spinnerbait, I slow down and flip a tube."
After the spawn, the bass move slowly back to the main river/lake areas, stopping on points of the pockets and some of the same areas they used when schooling during the prespawn. Carolina rigs and topwaters can be deadly during this period.
Oklahoma pro Kenyon Hill says postspawn bass also will suspend around standing timber close to spawning areas and adjacent to deep water. He casts shallow running balsa-body crankbaits, and isn't concerned that the lures don't get near the bottom because fish hang just below the surface around the wood.
"Balsa baits are buoyant, making it easier to maneuver them through the cover," he explains. "A lot of people use spinnerbaits, so the crankbaits offer a different look around heavy cover that gets a lot of pressure."
Summer bass offer anglers two options —: you can target the classic structure on the main lake or river, or work a shallower pattern around the banks and creeks.
"Because I'm a shallow water fisherman, I prefer to hit the brushpiles, weedbeds and logs around the bank and in the backwater areas," says Rook. "Or, I will hit the riprap areas of the main lake, especially along the outside river bends."
Whereas Horton prefers to look for big concentrations of bass on main lake structure, Rook likes a run-and-gun approach, hitting riprap, logs and brush on main lake banks and points.
"The key to my style is to move often," he remarks. "If you hit a lot of different spots, you're going to catch more fish."
Rook also believes smaller baits produce best on the river lakes. He opts for small, shallow running crankbaits, flipping tubes and 6- and 7-inch worms.
Like Rook, Fears concentrates on shallow water in river lakes. In fact, he heads upriver, where the impoundment is more fertile, shallower, and the water tends to be more stained.
"In that environment, the fish are used to feeding in muddy water; otherwise they would starve to death," he says. "The dirty water moves them shallow, and that's where I like to catch them."
His favorite lure for fishing shallow, muddy water is a Bulldog Lures' multicolored spinnerbait that has a red- or orange-colored blade, white/chartreuse skirt and gold blades.
When fishing structure, Horton leans toward Fat Free Shad crankbaits, but if the fish want soft plastics, a 4-inch grub is his favorite. Because the water is usually stained, he opts for bright colors.
Menendez also prefers deep running Fat Free Shads for cranking bars and points that run toward the river channel. When the current is running or the wind is creating a natural flow of water, the bass will stick to the structure and are more catchable; when it's calm, they tend to suspend and are more difficult to catch.
"During the hot periods of summer, start looking for corners, points, creek bends and changes in bottom contour," Menendez adds. "And if you can find a mussel bed out there, it's probably going to hold fish."
Mussels will create a hard bottom on a high spot near the river channel, where the current is a little stronger, he explains. If there's cover (stumps, brush, etc.) mixed in, it's much better.
The depth varies from lake to lake, but on Kentucky Lake, those areas may lie in 9 to 12 feet of water near the river ledge and may only cover a 50-foot stretch, Menendez adds.
"The deeper fish are just like the shallow fish —: they're going to set up on the best available cover," he says. "You've got to really hunt for the sweet spots, but when you find them, you can go back there day after day and catch fish."
If the crankbait isn't getting the job done, Menendez switches to a 3/4-ounce spinnerbait, which he slow rolls over the structure.
"If that doesn't work, I'll slack line a half-ounce black/blue jig tipped with a Beaver Tail Chunk," he offers. "By slack lining, I mean we jerk it far off the bottom and let it drop on a slack line. That's a good summer technique for the river lakes."
Carolina rigs are excellent choices, too, but Menendez prefers fishing Texas rigged 10-inch worms for probing channel ledge bass. He begins with a 1/2-ounce sinker, but if that's not producing, he'll reduce the weight to slow the fall.
"You catch more fish on a Carolina rig, but you'll get bigger bass on the Texas rigged worm," says Menendez.
The Texas rigged worm is one of Fears' favorites when fishing around heavy cover.
"It's a bait a lot of anglers have gotten away from, so the fish don't see it as much as they do other lures," he says. "I've gone back to using it more and more, and I've had a lot of success with it."
In the fall, bass will begin to pursue shad schools that move into the tributaries and bays or over shallow river flats.
"It's a time when you catch them just about everywhere," says Rook. "Again, you've got to move around a lot because the fish are moving, too. You can't rely on yesterday's information."
Topwaters, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits are reliable fall lures, but Arkansas pro Mike McClelland prefers to fish shallow crankbaits around isolated wood in the creeks and bays.
"Big bass relate to smaller clumps of cover more often than they do larger ones," he explains. "I've also noticed that you can go back to the same log several times a day and catch other fish from it. It may hold only one fish each time, but it's usually a good one."
There's no question that McClelland's tactic and the others mentioned here will catch bass from other bodies of water. But anglers who recognize the subtle differences in what bass do on river lakes and apply the appropriate measures are going to enjoy more success throughout the fishing season.
Experts claim that a bass is a bass, no matter where it lives, but tell that to a Michigan Yooper after he's cast around a muddy Louisiana bayou, or a Cajun who has spent a few days on Lake Michigan's crystal Grand Traverse Bay.


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Is there a possibility to make a link open in a new tab, something I can add to the link HTML? I cant seem to find anything about that…
Hi, You can try adding target="_blank" in your html, but I think AJ doesn't allow this. It just won't be taken into account.
Yep, thanks PurpleFog, it has no effect. Hmm, wondering what might be the reason, maybe saving traffic, but since everyone can do it themselves anyway by holding down 'Ctrl' I dont really see a reason.
I tried to fake out the parser with some quotes added in strategic places but it was a no-go
I agree that this would be a nice feature, since there are lots of reasons to link somewhere from the item page, and having a new tab appear allows the user to continue to listen to the song while browsing elsewhere. As it is the song will be interrupted as soon as the user clicks anywhere.


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Central Park at Night, New York City, Original Oil Painting
painting by artist Hall Groat II
10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
This painting is already sold. However, I may have other paintings available.
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Potential jurors in the upcoming trial of Karen Sypher, the women charged with trying to extort money from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, were given questionnaires asking them a plethora of questions, including whether they have attended a Cardinals basketball game in the last two year.
The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reports that the questionnaire also asks the potential jurors' about their views on Sypher and Pitino, as well as abortion:
The questionnaire asks prospective jurors "what kinds of things have you heard people in the community say" about Sypher and Pitino, and whether they have formed an opinion on whether she is guilty or not guilty.
It also asks whether they or their family are season-ticket holders for U of L athletics or have contributed to the university.
Potential jurors are also asked whether they or anyone they are close to have ever been a victim of a sexual assault or falsely accused of one, and how they feel about women who have abortions. They are told to pick from answers that range from "that person committed murder and should be treated like a criminal" to "abortion is legal and does not reflect upon a person's character."
The trial for Sypher is scheduled to begin on July 26, with jurors being picked starting on July 12.
First-place votes in parentheses.
Football coaches' poll
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BMW 5-Series E60 Sedan was first seen in the Unites States in the fall of 2003 with a 2004 Model Year designation. The E61 wagon followed shortly there after. The E60/E61 5 series is now available as a 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and a 535xi sports wagon! -- View the E60 Wiki
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Dependable & Reliable for Daily Driving?
I'm in search of a sporty 4-door vehicle along the lines of S4's, M5's (E60), C63's etc., but I'm really concerned about reliability & dependability. I'm coming from a nearly 10 year old Toyota that's only needed a clutch replacement (at around 81k) since I've had it. Its never given me any issues and I'm hoping to find something just as reliable. But I have serious, serious doubts now.
And that's just the BMW's! I haven't even hit up the Audi and Mercedes forums for their 'common issues'.
To be candid, it makes sense to me to have to pay a little more for a 'sports car' and, granted, every performance car is going to have its issues, but I'm not looking to sink thousands every year just to keep it running.
In my search for an M5, I've seen *lot* of SMG M5's up for sale, but only a few manual transmission M5's. The ratio is literally something like 1 MT for every 50-65 SMG's, at best. This, to me, gives credence to the idea that SMG's are either more problematic, or the manual transmissions are just so awesome, no one wants to let them go. (Of course, I'm also aware that many of these vehicles are ordered by middle aged men who don't want to be bothered by an MT, so there's that.)
Obviously, its one thing if I'm driving the car into the ground, and putting some serious load on it:
Is it wrong for me to want and expect
I'm really interested in the community feedback. I want to make as informed a decision as possible, even if its to say that that maybe an M5 isn't for me.
Last edited by Phylum; 09-19-2013 at 10:00 AM.
In an M5? No. It's an expensive toy to own. In exchange for 500+ HP, you pay a healthy amount per year to care for it. Great car, but hey, it's not intended to be a Toyota.
You want a daily driver with power, get a recent 335 or 535. Sport suspension. You'll have 80+% of a M3/5 for a whole lot less. And, maintenance is more "typical". If you do it yourself, maintenance isn't very expensive at all.
IMHO, of course.
2003 325XI (gone)
2004 530I (gone)
2001 530I (gone)
BMW CCA Member 12+ Years
IMHO your best bet from what it looks like you desire is a 2008 or newer e60 550i (DEFINITELY get the ZHP Sport/M Sport Package). If you're going to want to trick it out there is more hp available from the 535i but the low end torque and off the line acceleration from the n62b48 v8 motor in the 550i is intoxicating. It is far and away the most reliable motor in the lineup and is very easy to 'enjoy' during spirited driving.
I would suggest a Dinan Stage I computer update as the motor peps up a ton and the shift points, throttle response and ability for the driving to be 'spirited' increases 10 fold.
Best of luck!
2012 LCI X5 5.0i Sport - Black Sapphire Metallic
Shadowline trim, Nav, 8-speed Steptronic/flappy paddles, 20" Style 336 wheels, Premium Sound, Comfort Access, HUD, 20-way Seats, PDC, Rearview/Top View Cameras, Cold Weather Package, Active Steering, Panoramic Roof, ARS, Adaptive Drive, Tech Sport & Comfort Packages, Climate Controlled Seats, Rear Entertainment, etc. etc.
2008 e60 550i sport - carbon black mettalic
Last edited by NOTORIOUSe60; 09-19-2013 at 01:07 PM.
An M5 isnt a daily driver but if you want something clsoe to get get an 535i and mod it, you are able to get more power than a 550 but if you want a non turbo car go with the 550i. A stock 550i is fast and there a a few mods to add power but not as much as the 535i. I do love the low end torgue my 550i has and drive it as much as i can.
2008 BMW 550i Carbon Schwartz Metallic, 6 Speed Manual, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Logic 7, Comfort Access, Active Steering, Sat and HD Radio, Navigation, Comfort Seats and custom coding. Mods - 20 Watt AE, LED License plate lights and HID Fogs, StopTech drilled rotors.
You can read here about the experience people have had with their E60's. With time spent on preventative maintenance and keeping your service dates your BMW (or any car) can run for a very long time. Nip the problems as soon as you hear about them. I'm using mine as a daily driver until it starts to drop in temps
I have a Land Rover Discovery 2 (2003) with 111,000 miles, I've kept the service dates, replaced what I needed to (from reading) and have had zero issues minus a crank shaft sensor. Everyone told me not to buy that ride, however it's been one of the most reliable cars I have owned (almost one of the slowest).
If you are looking for Toyota's reliability, purchase a Toyota.
Dependable & Reliable for Daily Driving?
You'll never get Toyota reliability in any five series BMW -So forget about it!
You will get a much better driving experience so if this is your priority you have some options.
Buy a low mileage 5 series and then get an extended warranty such as route 66 that will cover the miles that you're doing for an additional five years with zero $ deductible. Even if something does break you're going to be covered.
Don't want to hear you complaining two years from now you got a "great deal" on a 5 series and have a $10,000 in repairs...
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2014 Audi A7 Prestige E61 SOLD 10/4/13! [/B]- 2008 E61/Monaco Blue/Natural Brown/Premium/Sport/Logic 7/Sirius. Escort 9500ci, Dinan S2 Tune (378HP, 417 ft/lb Torque), RD Sport Sway Bars. Conti DW and Michelin Xi3 snows. LED Angel Eyes, Matt Black Grill. Ext warranty until 2017!!!, 67K miles. Original owner. Fanatically Maintained, BMWCCA Member. Jersey
I see you are in the DMV. I live in MD and commute 30+ miles each way to work. You don't want a RWD daily driver in the winter my friend, even with snow tires. I know some guys around here swear by winter tires. I picked my 535i w/ X-Drive for a reason, safety in the winter and enough fun in the summer. Just my 2 cents, it's getting colder here...
BTW...in MD, the best dealer is in Rockville...
AJ - 2009 535xi
Last edited by TheGreatAJ; 09-19-2013 at 04:44 PM. Reason: Adding
I've had my 550 with manual transmission for four years and 47,000 miles (it had 24,000 on it when I bought it as a 3 year old CPO car, now showing around 71,000). So far, have only had to do normal maintenance, fluid / filter changes, new brakes, etc. Only breakdown was the rear window regulator quit, which was covered under warranty. The car is an absolute blast to drive, and I plan to run it as long as I can afford it. They are not cheap to maintain; an oil change is $80 to $100, and you can't (at least you shouldn't) just run down to Jiffy Lube. But, find a good indy that knows his way around BMWs, and the costs will be reasonable. As others have said, don't scrimp on the maintenance; do everything that's recommended.
The V8's seem to be having less problems than the turbo motors. But, the turbo motors are much easier to mod.
Another thing to be aware of is fuel mileage. Your Toyota or Nissan is going to get high 20's, whereas a 550 will only get 20 or so.
I came over from a Nissan Maxima, that I thought was one of the best cars around. My BMW cured me of that; now when I drive the Maxima, I think what a POS this thing is!
2008 550i, Carbon Black, Black Dakota, 6MT, Sport Package, Nav, Logic7, Comfort Access, Cold Weather, Folding Rear Seats, iPod SOLD, but not forgotten
There are far better dealers.....for sales and service on the MD side (Passport/BMW of Silver Spring).
As for the OP - I would not use an M5 as a daily driver and a used 535 xi might be okay if you want to roll the dice. I would look at other brands if you want more trouble free driving.
2008 535 xi, space grey, black dakota leather, premium package, sport package, cold weather package, nav, folding seats, PDC
BMW CCA Member
Re: Dependable & Reliable for Daily Driving?
I agree the service side could be better. I did have to fight for some things, but they bent pretty easy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using BimmerApp mobile app
AJ - 2009 535xi
Dependable & Reliable for Daily Driving?
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If you are ready to pay premium for maintenance get a low mileage 550i and start experience what you have been missing all along. Gas mileage on 550i is on pair with my Legend GS 95. I cannot see someone buying m5 as a daily driver unless you are 3 miles away from work.
Dependable and reliable? In an european car?
While possible i dont think it would come close to japanese cars.
If you plan to keep the car for a long time then i would say that you are better with a Honda or Toyota if reliability is your main concern (Unreliable = Costs Money).
These cars require some serious preventive maintenance after a couple years and considering you are looking for a used one, be ready to cash out for a couple repairs or at least buying a warranty.
Given your parameters and expectations, I do not think that a BMW is a good fit. The E36 that I have is quite reliable, as is my low mileage E60. However, I do know that any repairs on the E60 will be expensive.
X drive is imperative in Md. I am happy with the Silver Spring dealership.
I will never buy a BMW again. I am very careful on maintenance. I make sure to replace wear and tear items before failure and I get oil changes every 6,500 miles. The car is still a handful of problems, the only reason I keep it is it's paid off and has 80,000 miles. That said I haven't had anything blow up or leak in the last 9 months (knock on wood). My experience is Mercedes makes a much more reliable car. If you look at the AMG 6.3's make sure you look at 08+ as the 6.3 had some problems its first year.
'05 545i, Auto, Orient Blue, Beige Dakota,Bamboo Anthracite, Logic 7, Xenon, PDC, Premium Package, Mtec V2 AE, 19" E92 M3 Rep. Wheels, M5TEC Bumper , MTEC rear bumper, 70k miles as of 1/13.
Last edited by Bad Debt; 09-21-2013 at 06:09 PM.
I know the M5 is expensive to maintain, for example, just price out brake rotors and pads! I have a 2008 535xi manual trans with a Cobb tune, FMIC and B&B exhaust. It literally scares some people who drive it as they are totally unprepared for the rush of power in third gear. 74,000 miles and No problems whatsoever. I did look last year at an M5 with an auto, I passed because I suspected it was driven harder than they let on.
As far as the Mercedes go, I just can't stand the interiors, the seats are huge like you have a three hundred pound ass! The transmissions, all automatics just didn't suit me. I drove an Audi S6 with the V10, seemed slow revving, jerky jerky throttle and a real gas pig. Drove the S4 with the 4.2 V8, liked it but too damn small inside. The BMW drives unlike any other sedan, stops, steers and the comfort seats are the best car seat I have ever sat in.
Lots of good advice here, as you can see, OP. Don't let some of the more negative experiences scare you away...the driving experience of a BMW is honestly like no other. There are quirks for sure but try to take a corner at high speed in any other car after driving the BMW and you'll understand why folks put up with the problems.
As for an M5 as a daily driver...I would do it if I could find a 6speed manual and didn't live in your part of the country. Just getting the 6 speed eliminates 60% of your potential mechanical problems right there...
Audi S4? No fracking way. I say no to any Audi period if you're planning on keeping for a long time. S4 have notoriously poor timing chain tensioners and guides that will disintegrate and destroy the engine instantly. Did i mention that those timing chains are at the BACK of the engine next to the firewall? Engine's gotta come out...how's that for German design prowess? If the car is anywhere near 80K, it is probably due for replacement (which explains why the car is for sale). Worse than that, the car's fuel tank is too small and it sucks gas like a pig..range is less than 300 on the highway! Burns oil, too! Not mentioning the myriad of problems on other models like the A5/S5 with their constant clutch problems and the well known carbon buildup issues on all of the FSI engines, why even bother with Audi other than renting them?
Mercedes AMG anything, I'd be all over it...especially the later 6.3s (C63 or CLS63 would be awesome!). BMW has yet to produce anything V8 with the exhaust note of an AMG Merc....those things sound nasty!
But as others mentioned, as a daily driver I'd stick to 535i/550i (but you're still gonna pay!) for better yet, just swing for a new GS350 AWD since you live in the snowbelt. With the Lexus you get reliability, a fantastic interior (better by far than any E60), and good performance in the FSport.
2008 550i Sport-a.k.a. Hot Kraut Garbage
2006 Corvette Conv, Z51,6sp (wife)
2007 Honda CBR1000RR Sold
2005 Triumph Daytona 650 (wife) Sold
2008 535 xi, space grey, black dakota leather, premium package, sport package, cold weather package, nav, folding seats, PDC
BMW CCA Member
Prior to my current 535xi, I had a 06' Camry LE and put 30k miles in 2yrs, all I did was 3 oil changes and replaced brake pads, just amazing. An excellent daily driver. But I just couldn't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed the taut, sporting vs. luxury compromise, steering feedback, confidence and handling of my 03' BMW 530I. So I pulled the trigger and couldn't have been happier. Of course, it will cost more, but so does the hotter woman, McDonald's vs. organic burgers, Hugo Boss suits vs. Gap. You will pay more for better.
Test drive the 335, 535, 550, and other manufacturers for due diligence and see which one you connect with. Heck, you might even like a 528, that's a naturally aspirated inline 6 with good daily driver capabilities and still better performance than a Toyota. 535's have their share of problems, just take precautionary measures, get an extended warranty, a reliable/seasoned BMW Indy shop and a little more pampering. Don't drive like you're in the midst of a bank heist although that will be difficult with a BMW.
Good luck with your conquest
Car: 2010 BMW 535xi | Premium | Cold | Sport | Nav | Alpine White | Black
Mods: OEM MTech Kit | MTech V3 AE | RDash License Plate Lights | Interior LED lights | 6000k HIDs | Coded | 20% Tint | DWS Continental Non-Run Flats | SAT Retrofit | Gloss Black Vinyl Roof | Jehnert Flatline XE200 Speaker & JL Audio XD/600 Amp | Custom Amber Ambient LED Interior | Custom Magnaflow Dual Single Exhaust
Just went through this decision 3 weeks ago, M5 vs 550i for semi-DD. After driving both, I ended up with 550 6MT. It's not going to be as reliable as a Camry, parts cost more and BMWs require better maintenance but it's worth every penny. Plan on snow tires if in snow belt, this also extends the life of summer tires. My wife, who's not a car person, after driving the 550 today came back with a huge grin on her face saying "I love this car!".
p.s. I put about $10k over 10 years into my 540 including $3k into new timing chain because chain tensioner failed but I still ended up buying another one, I'm OK with averaging $1k/year in return for the driving experience.
07 550i Titan Gray/black Dakota leather/anthracite bamboo/6MT/Sport/CWP/Logic 7/Comfort Access/Active Steering/NAV
'00 540i 6MT/Sport 255k+ original clutch!
'74 911 Carrera Orange- for track
'95 911 Midnight Blue
'02 Yukon Gray - tow vehicle
2006 530xiT, Cold, Premium, Premium Sound, Steptronic, Comfort Seats, PDC, Active cruise, HUD, Nav
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This time, Odell victorious
Call her County Executive Mary Ellen Odell!
Odell defeated Alan Schneider by a 62 percent to 37 percent margin of victory Tuesday to become Putnam's first woman chief executive.
The tally for victory was 9,462 votes for Odell to 5,700 ballots for Schneider.
At her campaign headquarters in Carmel where some 200 supporters gathered to celebrate the victory, Odell first thanked County Executive Paul Eldridge for "keeping such stability and outstanding leadership. He was the perfect choice last January when our county experienced one of its darkest hours. Paul's leadership has been incredible this year."
Last November, former State Senator Vincent Leibell was elected county executive but never served a day in office after resigning. Leibell later pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and is currently serving time in federal prison.
Odell described herself as a county executive who "lives like the rest of us. I live paycheck to paycheck. I grocery shop at the local market. I send my kids off to schools that my husband and I can afford. I worry about the high cost of home fuel oil."
The new executive promised that she would be hands on: "I want my constituents to visit regularly. The door on the third floor of the County Office Building will always be open. Stop me in the grocery store or on the bike path and let me know what you think in order to make our county a better place in which to live, work and raise a family."
She thanked her parents, husband and children and "all the others who stuck by me last year and worked hard for my campaign this year. We were above board from Day One. No nastiness just a clean message that Putnam can be better and we will keep that promise."
Schneider described his entry into the race as a "learning experience. It was good getting out and meeting the people—people with all the same concerns—a safe place to live, good schools and low taxes. The campaign centered on philosophies of achieving those goals not on political beliefs of the Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties. I wish Mrs. Odell well."
The evening was extra special for the Odell family since the county executive's parents, Muriel and Ronald Hicks, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary Nov.8.
Ron Hicks called the day "our best anniversary present ever. This is a proud day for the Hicks family and a proud day for the Odell family. Today marks a new day for Mary Ellen and even a greater day for the people of Putnam County."
The new executive made her first appointment naming Bruce Walker as her Deputy County Executive.
Raising his fist in victory, Walker said he was thrilled for Odell and her team: "They have done a wonderful job and I look forward towards working with our constituents in the days, weeks, months and years to come."


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That's a new one on me. I've never heard of the light idea...
Has anyone put a florescent light in a safe to stop moisture, and if so how did it work out? Or is a goldenrod the way to go.
Any info would be appreciated.
That's a new one on me. I've never heard of the light idea...
I put a couple of Hydrosorbent Dehumdifer bricks in mine & I've never had a problem. I'm in Florida and it is pretty damp down here most of the time.
The "bricks" are 450 grams of Silica Gel each & is supposed to protect 33 square feet each. They can also be regenerated by warming them up in the oven. I got them at Bass Pro Shop if I remember correctly. Sounds funny but they're great. I have never had a problem with any corrosion or rust & it like a rain forest down here in the summer sometimes.
Just thought I throw that out there.
if your interested this is on the box www.dehumidify.com
I use the goldenrod and silica gel canister, just to be sure. The goldenrod is better than a light bulb for several reasons, it is cheaper to operate and it is designed to circulate warm air in your safe. Try here for a more complete answer to your questions http://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/index.htm
Thanks Rustycompass and hberttmank for the info on safes and moisture that sure does help.
I have a golden rod type heating rod in each safe and have never had a moisture problem. If it's humid where your safe is at, you might want to take extra precautions.


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Palmas USA Expands Coverage in U.S. Market
January 31, 2014
Palmas USA, a division of Palmas International, is expanding its coverage throughout the U.S. market. Palmas offers interior and exterior doors, stile-and-rail door components, and primed mouldings and jambs, among other products.
"Distributors are continually looking for new products, better pricing and people they can work with directly," says James Williams, managing partner. "We offer customized solutions based on product need. We also have a unique vertical alignment with our sister company Palmas International. They import the raw materials; we manufacture and ship the finished product."
Palmas reports that all specifications can be matched to fit a distributor's existing inventory, or new items can be designed to capitalize on market trends. "We will develop customized programs to help distributors minimize costs and maximize profits," says Eric Spence, vice president of sales.


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Petrol-guzzlers lose ground to smaller cars
Page Tools
THE heyday of the giant four-wheel-drive vehicle is fading as petrol prices loom larger.
In September, US sales of large four-wheel-drives were down 43 per cent from a year earlier particularly bad news for General Motors and Ford, which are dependent on the truck-based vehicles.
Last month, GM's overall sales in America fell 24.2 per cent and Ford's declined by 20.3 per cent, compared with September last year.
But in Japan, car makers reported increases last month, mainly in passenger cars and smaller four-wheel-drive vehicles. Toyota's sales rose 10.3 per cent, Honda's 11.7 per cent and Nissan's 16.4 per cent.
Overall car sales fell 7.9 per cent in the US last month, to a seasonally adjusted sales rate equivalent to 16.3 million vehicles if maintained for a year.
Contributing to the slump is the phasing out of employee discount offers by domestic car makers, used to clear out 2005 models.
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Message from Vikki Spruill on Public Policy
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing today to continue the Council on Foundation's ongoing effort to update you about our work on your behalf. Today's email is part one of a two part message on our public policy and legal affairs work. As part of our ongoing effort to remove a "silo" framework, our Public Policy and Legal Affairs will now house our work on legislative, executive branch, regulatory, and legal issues.
As we mentioned last week, our vision for the Council's transformation starts, but does not end, with providing a more persuasive and clear voice for philanthropy in Washington, D.C.. To that end, we have built a top-notch public policy team of issue experts and political strategists who know how to get the job done. Together with our members and partners, we are reframing how philanthropy is understood as a leader of strategy, innovation, and impact and not only about monetary contributions.
The Charitable Deduction
The Council on Foundations continues to be a vocal champion in support of preserving charitable giving incentives in the tax code. This has been a long and ongoing battle that began over five years ago when President Obama presented his first budget proposal. His proposed budget included a cap on itemized deductions which, of course, includes the charitable deduction. The issue reached a very public and vocal threshold last December during what we all came to know as the "fiscal cliff battle." While the deduction was again spared significant alteration in that skirmish, it remains a key issue in the Congressional debate over tax reform. The Council has worked extensively for the preservation of the charitable deduction, and we fully intend to continue our leadership role in that effort.
The Council continues to work as a leading partner in the Charitable Giving Coalition, which is dedicated to preserving a century-old American tradition that provides a tax deduction for taxpayers who give to charities. The coalition's more than 70 members represent a unified voice to raise awareness among lawmakers in Washington, D.C. about the value of the charitable deduction and its impact throughout America in providing essential community services. The Coalition is a unique effort that brings together a broad, diverse group of both grant making and grant receiving organizations. Last December, the Chronicle of Philanthropy named the Coalition one of the top five organizations that will influence policy in 2013. The Council has been active in debating and evolving coalition message and strategy as the path to protecting the deduction twists and new challenges are presented.
The Texas delegation meets with Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) during Foundations on the Hill (March 2012)
In March, the Council on Foundations, the Alliance for Charitable Reform, and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers teamed up to cohost Foundations on the Hill. Two hundred and eighty philanthropic leaders came to Washington, D.C., to speak with one voice and one message:
The charitable deduction is different and it works. It is a unique and effective incentive for individuals to invest in their communities.
This single voice/single message approach was a strong and successful departure from previous years when attendees were asked to pitch a list of priorities in their meetings with Members of Congress and staff. The Council and its cohosts received strong praise (read some thoughts from participants), but we are always looking to our members for new and ever more collaborative partnerships.
L-R: Chris Crothers, Jessie Ball duPont Fund; David Biemesderfer, Florida Philanthropic Network; Congressman Ted Yoho; Kiara Boone, Jessie Ball duPont Fund
At a time when both House and Senate leadership had announced a litany of activity related to comprehensive tax reform, Foundations on the Hill brought hundreds of philanthropic leaders from across the country to make sure elected officials clearly understood the inextricable link between charitable giving and thriving communities—from jobs and economic growth to spurring innovation and improving education, health care, human services, and more. The timing was key as Congress and the president tackle deficit reduction and tax reform.
Politico heralded the event's significance just prior, warning lawmakers that Foundations on the Hill was coming to talk about the charitable deduction:
Have you forgotten how intensely charitable organizations want to protect their favored tax break? Don't worry; they're coming to town to remind you. The Council on Foundations and the Alliance for Charitable Reform will storm D.C. next week to educate lawmakers on the "inextricable link between charitable giving and thriving communities — from jobs and human services." (Politico: The Charities Are Coming, March 15, 2013)
Tax Reform
Leaders of the tax writing committees in both the House and Senate committed last year to tackle comprehensive tax reform. At its very core, they defined tax reform as an effort to simplify the overly complicated, arcane tax code with the tagline goal of "broadening the base and lowering rates." While no one was quite certain what this actually meant, it was made very clear that provisions such as deductions and credits would be on the table. And, with our experience in the charitable deduction battle, the Council was keenly aware that an essential element of its strategy must be to illustrate, loud and clear, that American philanthropy and charity must not be categorized as mere "special interests." In fact, we aim to present a strong case for the philanthropic and charitable sector as being part of the solution to rebuild our nation's economy, not part of the problem.
The Council understood, of course, that the tax reform process would not only address the charitable deduction, it would also bring in a number of other issues that directly impact Council members – just as it has in tax reform efforts of the past. In response, the Council staff and our competent and connected team of consultants have been actively engaged in the process.
Council on Foundations Board Chair Kevin Murphy Testifies on the Importance of the Charitable Deduction
Earlier this spring, the House and Senate launched a number of information gathering activities including a Ways & Means (W&M) Committee hearing and a slate of eleven separate Tax Reform Working Groups charged with investigating specific areas of the code. And, we were part of those. In February, Council Board Chair and President of the Berks County Community Foundation Kevin Murphy testified in front of the Ways & Means Committee about the importance of the philanthropic sector.
Following that hearing, a number of workings groups were created within the W&M Committee to discuss specific parts of the tax code. One working group was specifically assigned to look at charitable and tax exempt organizations.
Committee staff reached out to the Council to identify foundation leaders who could participate in direct conversations with Congressman Reichert (R-Washington) and Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia), leaders of charitable organizations working group. As a result, two members of the Council were invited to speak to the working group about their work and how specific provisions of the code including the private foundation excise tax affect their work.
And, the Council has been actively engaging with the Senate as it has undertaken education and information gathering in preparation for tax reform. While the Committee did not convene any public forums this past spring, we connected with Members and staff through meetings, letters, and regular communication. Again we amplified our commitment to a number of key issues. Most importantly, we continue to be tapped as a resource for senior committee staff, providing us an opportunity to be part of the ongoing conversation and not just a reactionary player after decisions have been made.
Our work continues this summer. We're engaged with key Senators around the "blank slate" tax reform strategy announced in late June by Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) of the Senate Finance Committee. As part of that strategy, we're again asserting our strong justification for why charitable giving incentives should remain in the tax code and taking the opportunity to highlight other important provisions.
Mr. Baucus and Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Michigan) have announced a Tax Reform Tour, with a series of visits across the nation so the Chairmen can hear directly from Americans about how to spark a more prosperous economy and make today's broken tax code fairer for families and job creators. Although the tour has so far focused on corporate tax reform we have been informed by staff that future stops on the tour will highlight personal income tax. Whether the focus is corporate or personal income tax reform, the Council views this effort as a local opportunity to amplify a national message.
We're collaboratively engaging our Council members in regions around the Tour stops and offering assistance with outreach to Members and the media, emphasizing that this is a great opportunity to place an op-ed or to educate the media on the value of tax provisions that encourage charitable giving. The Tour's first stop was in St. Paul, Minn., and we launched a region-specific email campaign there. We're expanding that email blast campaign next week, in advance of the next scheduled tour stop in Philadelphia and in advance of the next Senate deadline related to the Chairmen's "blank slate" approach. And, we'll also launch a nationwide email blast that aligns with August recess when members of the House and Senate return to their home states for the month, which is also a great time to connect with your Congressional delegation and the media to highlight philanthropic efforts and key issues.
Mobilizing Foundations to Support America's Heroes
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Addresses the 2010 Annual Conference on Community Support for Veterans
A little over two years ago, the Council was invited to join stakeholder discussions hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs as their policy leadership grappled with how the fighting forces returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could be successfully reintegrated back into their communities and civilian lives -- a tall order, given the numbers and the diversity of the forces. In responding to the invitation, we began to probe the issue with Council members to identify the level of interest in this policy arena. We found a solid cadre of funders with histories of working on the issues and an interest in exploring new possibilities, particularly in communities with military installations.
With the Obama Administration's promise to end the wars by 2014, close to 1.5 million veterans are returning in a
compressed timeframe, and are likely to overwhelm the government's ability to serve them adequately. We have consistently heard concerns from federal officials about the capacity needed in communities as young veterans increasingly seek services from community providers and not from the federal government. Family needs have multiplied, especially in National Guard families, due to the protracted and multiple deployments of their family members over the past 12 years. Adding to the uniqueness of the times, an unprecedented number of women serving in war zones and an unprecedented number of wounded warriors with brain injuries and limb loss have intensified the challenges to traditional veterans service systems, since they require specialized services and community reintegration support.
Ultimately, the Council determined that community leadership and community support for these returning vets and their families was a "sweet spot" for foundation involvement. We knew that we could work with our members and partners to build thoughtful and strategic partnerships and find valuable roles for philanthropy in new federal initiatives addressing Iraq-Afghanistan veterans' needs.
In some instances, the Council has directly sponsored learning opportunities for federal officials wanting to connect with foundations, like our June 2102 veterans funders meeting with White House and federal VA and DOD officials and at our conferences; other times we have co-hosted with a partner organization, like the March 2103 veterans funders forum with the Philanthropy Roundtable.
We also established a small veterans funders' advisory group that functions as a "kitchen cabinet" to help plan funder learning and networking opportunities and provides a core group to tap for policy responses when those opportunities are identified at the national level, such as discussions with the Obama Administration's Joining Forces initiative or the Defense Department's Wounded Warrior and Family Support community outreach, or the National Guard's Joining Community Forces initiative.
L-R: Bess Bendet Director,
Most of the work the Council has done in this arena can be plotted across three categories:
1. Assisting the White House and policymakers in the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to identify potential foundations for their outreach purposes or policy input.
2. Responses to NGOs and veterans services organizations that are looking to engage the philanthropic sector as funders and partners in community engagement and direct service provision.
3. Responding to Council member requests to connect with other foundations having experience in the veterans services space or to identify new collaborative efforts.
Over the long term, the Council will be working to solidify a national leadership role for the philanthropic sector in this emergent national priority. We hope to augment this effort through a well networked funders' community of practice.
Our goal is to provide a central platform to facilitate people and organizations to find each other, not to drive a particular partnership or solution. By doing so, we can simultaneously support our public sector partnership objectives by enabling funders and policy makers to connect the dots more effectively around public resource gaps and innovation needs.
Building a More Inclusive Workforce
In the summer of 2012, the Disability Funders Network invited the Council to participate in a Capitol Hill forum for foundations and corporate funders with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to address the continuing employment challenges people with disabilities still face many years after the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Exacerbated by the loss of one million jobs for these workers during the Great Recession of 2008, Senator Harkin expressed a desire to engage the foundation sector around the need for more awareness and creative solutions to this aspect of post-recession unemployment.
Understanding that the issue of economic well-being of vulnerable populations is of great significance to many Council members, we agreed to continue a dialogue with Senator Harkin and helped his staff to gain a greater understanding of the issues of diversity and inclusiveness in foundation governance and grantmaking.
L-R: Gov. Jack Markell (D-Del.), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) Address Inclusive Workforce Summit
In the fall of 2012, the dialogue was expanded to include the National Governors Association (NGA), The Chicago Community Trust, and the U.S. Business Leadership Network, a corporate nonprofit, representing 5,000 businesses, that helps business drive performance by leveraging disability inclusion in the workplace, supply chain, and marketplace. Governor Jack Markell of Delaware, the 2013 Chair of the NGA, offered his signature initiative of employment of people with disabilities as an organizing framework for future collaborations between States, corporations and businesses, and the foundation sector.
After receiving positive feedback from several disability funders and regional associations, the Council committed:
- to work collaboratively toward a national summit on the employment of people with disabilities that would convene government, businesses, and foundations to increase the awareness of the depth of the disability unemployment problem and
- to create a venue for foundations to participate in the development of a set of cross-sector common priorities that could advance a renewed national vision of employment success for all people.
L-R: Lt. Col. Daniel Gade, US Army; Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa); Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.); Gov. Jack Markell (D-Del.); Terry Mazany, President and CEO, The Chicago Community Trust; Randy Lewis, Former Senior VP of Supply Chain and Logistics, Walgreens; Judy Woodruff, PBS Newshour
The National Summit on Building an Inclusive Workforce was held in May in Wilmington, Delaware. Led by Governor Jack Markell, the meeting was co-hosted by the Council and the US Business Leadership Network. The unprecedented convening of 170 people included representatives from 46 foundations, 26 corporations, and Administration officials from the US Departments of Education, Labor, Transportation and Defense, as well as the US Office of Personnel Management. The event offered a unique opportunity for foundations to engage with businesses and public sector officials in identifying strategies that would lead to significant positive impact on the workforce participation of people with disabilities in the next three years.
The focal point of the day long discussion was Governor Markell's proposed policy blueprint for states that he plans to disseminate at the NGA summer meeting in August 2013. Interim US Secretary of Labor Seth Harris who also spoke on private sector partnerships, Senator Harkin, and Governor Markell all expressed hope that significant progress could be made by the 25th anniversary of the passage of the ADA in 2015.
For more information on the Summit, see Stephanie Powers' blog post on the Summit here.
In Conclusion
Through our network approach, at the national level we can position the philanthropic sector as a critical stakeholder in emerging policy and federal program design. We can connect the innovative work of funders to national policy initiatives. And importantly, we can facilitate inclusion of foundations in collaborations across sectors that can leverage or align existing investments for greater collective impact in areas such as homelessness, employment, mental health services, community reintegration, family housing, environmental justice, and, of course, much more!
NEXT WEEK: We will send Part 2 of our message on public policy priorities – with a special focus on our global engagement efforts, legal advocacy, regulatory affairs, and federal liaison.
Vikki N. Spruill
President and CEO
Council on Foundations


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Publisher's Description+
CCTV Design Tool helps finding optimal positions for video surveillance cameras. The software helps to calculate the focal length for 3rd-party CCTV lens. Additionally it calculates disk the storage space required to store video archives in digital video surveillance systems. CCTV Design Tool helps you to save your time and to design video surveillance system more professionally.
What's new in this version:
Version 220.127.116.110 added possibility to set zero coordinate on Site Plan.


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Meet The Big Brother 15 Houseguests, Including Nick, Elissa and Spencer
Early Thursday morning, CBS released the cast for the 15th edition of their summer staple, Big Brother. Including a stunt Roller Blader from Ohio and a Big Brother alum sibling, the 16 houseguests will spend their summer in the Big Brother house battling it out for the top prize! As announced yesterday, this season will…Details


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Kate Walsh: Los Feliz Dog Walker
Tending to her pet-owning duties, Kate Walsh showed up at a Los Feliz, California park with her prized pooch last week.
The "Perks of Being a Wallflower" actress kept it casual in a black tank top with striped black stretch pants and sunglasses as she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.
In career news, Kate will appear in the forthcoming spoof flick "Scary Movie 5" when it hits theaters on April 12th, 2013.
Also on the star-packed cast are folks like Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Tisdale, Terry Crews, Heather Locklear, and Jerry O'Connell.