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Enabling Postfix on OSX as a Relay: RevisitedPosted: December 22, 2013 Filed under: Mac, OSX | Tags: howto, OSX, postfix, setup 11 Comments
Postfix on OSX: Revisited
A few years back, I had written a post on enabling the Postfix MTA as a relay server on OSX, which was quite well received. The article was originally written for OS X Lion, though it remained valid for OSX Mountain Lion, and more recently on
OSX Mavericks as well.
However, things have changed on the OS since the last two versions, which warrants a revisit of the instructions, and a refresh of some of the steps. While the old set of instructions still work, there are changes needed that will keep the configuration future-proof.
The key changes since the article was posted (in February 2012) are:
- The launchd configuration has changed somewhat, and a few elements of the launchctl plist file are now deprecated. The old configuration in the
org.postfix.master.plistneeds to be refreshed
- The old configuration depended on local mail-drop in the Postfix queues for the MTA daemon to be started. While this is quite correct (this is Unix, after all), there is another common scenario where the daemon is launched when a client connects to the SMTP ports (default port 25) on the
local machine.
The Updated launchd Configuration
We would like to retain running the daemon on a mail-drop in the queue, but also enable running the MTA when a connection is made to the SMTP port (default 25). The updated
org.postfix.master.plist configuration file listed below does this for us.
In addition, the redundant and deprecated plist tags have also been removed.
You can replace the existing copy with this version as a drop-in replacement at
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ by using the following shell commands in Terminal.app (assuming you have downloaded the new version at
$ cd /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ $ sudo cp org.postfix.master.plist org.postfix.master.plist.old $ sudo cp ~/Desktop/org.postfix.master.plist .
The actual configuration file:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd"> <plist version="1.0"> <dict> <key>Label</key> <string>org.postfix.master</string> <key>ProgramArguments</key> <array> <string>/usr/libexec/postfix/master</string> <string>-e</string> <string>60</string> </array> <key>Sockets</key> <dict> <key>Listeners</key> <dict> <key>SockServiceName</key> <string>smtp</string> <key>SockType</key> <string>stream</string> </dict> </dict> <key>QueueDirectories</key> <array> <string>/var/spool/postfix/maildrop</string> </array> <key>AbandonProcessGroup</key> <true/> </dict> </plist>
Once the file has been copied into the correct location (perhaps by using
sudo), we need to reload the configuration into
$ cd /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ $ sudo launchctl unload org.postfix.master.plist $ sudo launchctl load -w org.postfix.master.plist
This should be sufficient to reload the new configuration.
Testing out the configuration
We can test the changes via the shell itself by trying to connect via telnet to the smtp port and trying out a few basic SMTP commands (
HELO for checking a response, and
QUIT to logout of the SMTP session):
$ cd ~ # Lets get back to $HOME directory $ mail <your_id> # Send yourself an email to check mail-drop $ telnet localhost smtp # Now lets telnet into the server Trying ::1... Connected to localhost. Escape character is '^]'. 220 localhost.local ESMTP Postfix HELO 501 Syntax: HELO hostname QUIT 221 2.0.0 Bye Connection closed by foreign host.
In the sample SMTP session above, the third line (starting with "220" response) indicates that the Postfix MTA is running, and is ready for accepting mail drops via the SMTP port (as opposed to the mail-drop via the
OS X Mountain Lion: Need to reinstall Xcode command line toolsPosted: July 27, 2012 Filed under: Mac, OSX | Tags: howto, OSX, tip, tool, Unix 13 Comments
So I upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion yesterday. The install was pretty smooth (though had a tough time with the redeem code for the upgrade, worked on the third code that Apple sent across).
Most of the software is working fine. However, I found that my existing Xcode installation needed an upgrade (via a Xcode install from the App Store).
The problem is that any new Xcode install seems to nuke the command line development tools (think make, autoconf, etc.). The solution is pretty simple though. Once Xcode has been installed, run Xcode and then open the preferences. There is a section on downloads, which lists installing the command line tools as an option.
Voila! Issue resolved.
Enabling postfix for outbound relay via Gmail on OS X Lion (and newer OSX versions)Posted: February 14, 2012 Filed under: OSX | Tags: howto, mail servers, OSX, sendmail program 116 Comments
Update on Oct 25, 2014: Updated For OS X Yosemite.
Update on Dec 21, 2013: I have posted an update to the launchd setup for postfix. You should still read through this post, as most of the setup remains common to both posts.
The background
Mac OSX comes with the postfix MTA, which is a fully featured SMTP server. Under normal circumstances, there is usually no need to enable or configure this software, as most email access is usually done via GUI clients such as the Mail.app – which uses the POP/IMAP and SMTP settings to connect with the email service provider.
However, there are certain circumstances in which having a local SMTP server is very useful, such as:
- Allowing the batch logs and output from the cron daemon or other scripts to be sent via Internet email (this is otherwise delivered locally)
- Testing email based code; which requires a local sendmail like SMTP server to be present
For such use cases, the postfix server is ideal, as it provides all the features needed (and much more), and is also a nice drop-in replacement for the sendmail program.
While postfix can be used as a full-fledged SMTP server that connects directly to the mail-servers on the Internet, for the use cases above, it is usually better to redirect (i.e., relay) the emails via an authenticated and known server (such as Gmail), as this helps avoid a lot of constraints around open-relays, which are mostly blocked these days to prevent email spam.
Note that configuration of postfix does require dropping down to the command-line, and fiddling with system files. While not complicated, it is definitely not for faint of the heart (though much easier than configuring sendmail).
What you need to know (pre-requisites)
Some of the basic pre-requisites are:
- Understanding of the shell prompt and the Terminal.app program
- Usage of the sudo program (all the configuration files are owned by root, and hence usage of sudo is essential)
- Usage of any command line editor such as vim, Emacs, nano, or any other editor of your choice, that can be invoked with super-user rights (usually via sudo)
- A basic understanding of the Apple launchd service manager
- The configuration files
- A Gmail email ID (actually, any SMTP server credentials will do)
While this article will go step-by-step with the configuration process, knowledge of the above will allow a deeper understanding of the "why" for the changes done.
In the steps below. the $ character before any command represents the shell prompt. Also, I will assume usage of the vim editor in the steps below.
The configuration Files
The configuration files that will be changed are:
|launchd Configuration for postfix
|The main postfix configuration
|Local recipient aliases
|Sender aliases (for external mail)
|Relay host authentication
Note that the "/etc/postfix/sasl" directory might not exist, in which case, we will need to create it from the shell prompt:
$ sudo mkdir /etc/postfix/sasl
Step 1: Update the launchd configuration
Update Dec 21, 2013 : While this setup still works, you might want to also see an alternate configuration of postfix's launchd setup, which I have documented in a follow-up article. The new configuration also allows postfix to be launched when network activity happens on the local SMTP port 25.
The org.postfix.master.plist file located at /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ is used to start or stop the postfix program on demand, as and when any email is submitted to the mail system for processing. The basic Apple setup is fine, but may need a little tweaking (in my case, the file had a couple of tags which prevented postfix from being started.)
We need to edit the file (as a super user) to match the following content:
$ sudo vim /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/org.postfix.master.plist
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd"> <plist version="1.0"> <dict> <key>Label</key> <string>org.postfix.master</string> <key>Program</key> <string>/usr/libexec/postfix/master</string> <key>ProgramArguments</key> <array> <string>master</string> <string>-e</string> <string>60</string> </array> <key>QueueDirectories</key> <array> <string>/var/spool/postfix/maildrop</string> </array> <key>AbandonProcessGroup</key> <true/> <key>OnDemand</key> <true/> </dict> </plist>
Step 2: Edit the /etc/postfix/main.cf file
The next step is to edit the main configuration file for postfix. Do make a backup of the current file before editing.
$ cd /etc/postfix $ sudo cp main.cf main.cf.orig $ sudo vim main.cf
Note that the main.cf file is a pretty large one, and has a lot of commented out sections, which should be left as is. Please add the following lines at end of the file.
# Set the relayhost to the Gmail Server. Replace with your SMTP server as needed relayhost = [smtp.gmail.com]:587 # Postfix 2.2 uses the generic(5) address mapping to replace local fantasy email # addresses by valid Internet addresses. This mapping happens ONLY when mail # leaves the machine; not when you send mail between users on the same machine. smtp_generic_maps = hash:/etc/postfix/generic # These settings (along with the relayhost setting above) will make # postfix relay all outbound non-local email via Gmail using an # authenticated TLS/SASL session. smtp_tls_loglevel=1 smtp_tls_security_level=encrypt smtp_sasl_auth_enable=yes smtp_sasl_password_maps=hash:/etc/postfix/sasl/passwd smtp_sasl_security_options = noanonymous smtp_sasl_mechanism_filter = plain
Step 3: Edit the /etc/postfix/aliases file
We need to make a minor edit here, to allow mails sent to the root ID to your local user mailbox.
$ cd /etc/postfix $ whoami # This will provide your local user name $ sudo cp aliases aliases.orig $ sudo vim aliases $ sudo newaliases
Find the line in the file which is:
#root: you
and replace the "you" with the username provided by the whoami command above. Also, remove the "#" from beginning of the line.
Remember to run the newaliases command (the last command above), or else changes will not take effect!
Step 4: Edit the /etc/postfix/generic file
This file maps the local user address (usually of the form firstname.lastname@example.com) to a valid Internet email address you would like to use when sending mails to the outside world. In our case, it would basically map your Unix user name to the Gmail ID.
$ cd /etc/postfix $ whoami # This will provide your local user name $ hostname # This will provide your machine name $ sudo cp generic generic.orig $ sudo vim generic $ sudo postmap generic
In the file, add the following lines at the end of the file (replacing the <username> with the output of the whoami command, and <machinename> with output of the hostname command):
# Translate my primary email address to the Gmail address # This is ONLY for the outbound email, and does not apply to # local email. <yourusername>@<machinename> <your gmail ID, e.g. firstname.lastname@example.com> @<machinename> <your gmail ID, e.g. firstname.lastname@example.com>
Remember to run the last command (postmap) as otherwise the changes will not be picked up!
Step 5: Edit/Create the /etc/postfix/sasl/passwd file
In this step, we store the SMTP authentication (user ID and password) for Gmail, so that postfix can connect as any other SMTP client to Gmail via an authenticated session.
Note that the file may not exist prior to this step, in which case we will create it.
$ sudo mkdir -p /etc/postfix/sasl # In case the directory does not exist $ cd /etc/postfix/sasl $ sudo vim passwd $ sudo postmap passwd
Create the following file, replacing <gmailusername> with the ID you use for Gmail (with the "@gmail.com" added at the end), and <gmailpassword> with the password you use to login to Gmail.
[smtp.gmail.com]:587 <gmailusername>:<gmailpassword>
Note that if you use two-factor authenication with Google, then the password to use will be a new application specific password generated via Google's account settings.
Final Step: Test the settings
We are now good to go. Lets test our settings from the terminal:
$ cd /System/Library/LaunchDaemons $ sudo launchctl load -w org.postfix.master.plist $ cd ~ # Just to be safe, move to your home directory $ mail <your_id> # Output of the `whoami' command # Type in a test email and hit Control-D on a new line $ mail # Check whether the email has arrived. Hit 'q' on the '?' prompt to quit $ mail <your gmail ID> # Lets now try to send an external mail. # Type in a test email and hit Control-D on a new line
After the second step above, check your Gmail account for the test mail. If it has arrived, then we have a good configuration.
Setting up the postfix system on OSX is not particularly hard, but does require some steps. Also, this is just the basic setup to get things up and running. Postfix is an industrial strength mail server has a lot of features (and a corresponding number of configurations). Thankfully, the documentation at http://www.postfix.org/documentation.html is pretty good.
For more details on this specific setup, additional documentation is available at http://www.postfix.org/SOHOREADME.html.
[Updated on 19th Feb 2012]: Corrected a typo. Thanks to jamrok for pointing it out.
The Missing iSync in OS X Lion (and what to do about it)Posted: July 22, 2011 Filed under: Mac, OSX | Tags: howto, Mac, OSX, tip 44 Comments
The short answer to someone looking for a solution: just copy over iSync from your Snow Leopard installation back to the /Applications folder in Lion, and also copy the phone plugin you need back into /Library/PhonePlugins folder. Everything will be as it was. Enjoy.
The longer story requires more explanation …
The Problem
I have been looking forward to upgrading to the latest version of OSX (Lion) ever since the announcements were made in the WWDC earlier this year.
However, in the middle of the whole slew of new functions and features ("250+"), Lion is also leaving behind a few things – notably Rosetta (the PowerPC translation layer) – and the iSync and FrontRow applications.
The demise of PowerPC emulation has been long in coming, and was not really a surprise, given that it has been 6 years since Intel became the official CPU for Apple machines. The main impact really seems to be for Quicken users, which might actually be a blessing in disguise, given how pathetic Quicken really was on the Mac.
iSync has been removed presumably because it has been one of the "low usage" applications on the platform. iTunes is the center of most of the Mac based synchronization these days, along with MobileMe for the cloud side of things.
However, iSync has been a key feature of the OS for me, as I carry a non-iOS phone (a Nokia E71 actually), and being able to seamlessly synchronize my contacts and calendars with the phone using iSync made it a key part of my workflow (I even have some Automator scripts to make this easier). And iSync has been able to synchronize over Bluetooth, unlike the tethered experience with the iOS devices so far (though OTA sync is on the way with iOS 5 later this fall).
Alas, OS X Lion removes the iSync application from the hard disk once it is installed, and for a time I thought that this was end of the line for the convenience I had with the E71, and would need to go back to the darks days of manual data entry for the addresses (manual entry of calendar entries is too much of a hassle on the phone, and would need to be dropped all together).
The Solution
Before installation of Lion, I had taken a full disk image of my previous Snow Leopard installation using the excellent SuperDuper! Disk cloner.
This was more from a backup and recovery perspective, but allowed me an unexpected solution to the iSync quandary – on a whim, I attached the Snow Leopard disk to the Mac running Lion, and clicked on the iSync application. Voila! iSync works exactly as it should!
In hindsight, this is not really surprising, since iSync really has been a front end for the underlying sync services (which are still around in Lion), and for managing phone and device specific plugins.
All that was needed was to just copy over iSync back into the "/Applications" folder, and also copy the phone plugins (just one in my case) to the "/Library/PhonePlugins" folder.
In summary, while Apple in its immense wisdom took out a feature that was useful to some (albeit a minority), getting it to work again was surprisingly easy. Will need to check out the situation with FrontRow next time.
[Update on July 22, 2011]
Looks like a similar recovery process exists for FrontRow as well. See this article at Macworld.
How I Learned to stop using Firefox and love the ChromePosted: June 10, 2010 Filed under: Firefox, OSX | Tags: app, comparision, Firefox, google, Mac, opinion, OSX, review 7 Comments
One word: SPEED.
Seriously. I have been a long proponent and user of Firefox, having been lured into it by its relative elegance and the extension framework many moons back. Also, the web development support has always been far better than its competition, with Firebug and Web Developer to name just two great reasons for it being the developer's browser of choice.
The sheer number of Firefox add-ons and extensions (about 13,000 in the last count) is staggering – and list absolute essentials such as Adblock Plus, XMarks and DownThemAll! This combined with the themes (I suggest GrApple Yummy on the Mac) has been making the web browsing experience a far better one for me than Safari.
But the problem with Firefox is … it is SLOW.
With just seven add-ons (Adblock Plus, XMarks, DownThemAll!, 1Password, LastPass, FlashBlock and Firefox PDF Plugin for Mac OS X) it takes about 3-4 seconds to launch the application opening a blank home page on an OS X 10.6.3 MacBook. Another 2-3 seconds before any reasonable page is fully rendered. This becomes excruciatingly slow when I am busily opening tabs from a RSS reader or another application – and frustrating when it has to launch the first time I click on a link in another application.
Also, while a custom theme does look pretty – it sometimes does expose artifacts in the chrome (no pun intended) when rendering new pages – especially in the "awesome bar".
All in all, while the experience is nice, it certainly is not perfect. Speed of launch and rendering are the main gripes.
I have been toying with Google Chrome ever since the beta for OS X came out. I was initially put off by the inverted tabs as well as lack of extensions (hey, a 21st century browser with no extensions, come on!) Also, the single URL bar/search bar UI seemed … odd. So while the beta version did stay on the HDD, it did not see much use, and Firefox remained the work horse for daily use.
However, with the recent launch of the stable OS X version, I became interested again. And this time Chrome did have a pretty mature extensions ecosystem, some of which seemed to be reasonable replacements for the Firefox equivalents. Time for a spin!
The first thing which struck me was the speed of launch as well as page renders, and the UI feels much more "fluid". The Inverted tabs still look odd and out of place, but I understand the need to squeeze the additional 20-30 pixels for actual page use.
Actual page rendering in terms of quality is more or less at par with Firefox, though a few oddball sites (especially the work related sites) sometimes get weird effects. I blame it on the IE centric development though. 🙂
The unified bar is also starting to make sense, as it actually helps in not having to remember one extra key short cut for searching. It has good support for Firefox like keyword searches as well (example, 'wk' for Wikipedia searches) provided you set them up.
I also found more or less feature equivalent extensions:
Xmarks is available for Chrome
Lastpass is available for Chrome
AdThwart in replacement of AdBlock Plus
I found that FlashBlock does exist for Chrome, but I don't really need it anymore.
The one big hole in the extensions/add-on replacement is DownThem All! There are quite a few download managers, but none can match the Firefox one in terms of features (I am still looking).
The extension manager is also pretty nice, and arguably better than the Firefox one (at least for FF 3.6.3). However, the actual extensions gallery on Google is not quite as user friendly as the Firefox one. The extensions are not categorized completely, which makes it somewhat of a pain to search and find the right one.
All in all, the Chrome experience has been a refreshing one so far, and Firefox has not seen much use of late – except where I needed to use DownThem All! (simultaneously downloading all chapters of the free audiobooks from www.librivox.org is one example). If anyone has recommendation for a good replacement, let me know.
So there you have it. My infatuation with Chrome has already lasted more than a week, and I still find it a pleasure to use. Have not really dabbled much with the extensions (and themes – Chrome does have support for these as well) – but am finding that I don't really need to.
Converting from TaskPaper to Emacs Org-ModePosted: March 30, 2010 Filed under: Emacs, Mac, OSX | Tags: Emacs, GTD, howto, Mac, OSX, Ruby, script, tool 14 Comments
TaskPaper is a simple and elegant task management software for the OSX platform. It combines the simplicity of a text micro-format to mark the tasks, and the elegance of a Mac UI. It also provides a quick launch time and a nice system-wide quick entry window that is accessible with a single shortcut key.
I have been a heavy user of Emacs' Org-Mode for some years now, and love the power and flexibility it offers for tracking not just outlines and tasks, but any text based item, including notes and calendar entries. In fact Org-Mode has become one of the primary software that I use regularly, every day.
So where does the link between TaskPaper and Org-Mode come in? Both are text based, and have their own light-weight formats to define outlines and tasks. The underlying files are plain text with the meaning readable even when not viewed by the appropriate software. Org-Mode is obviously much more feature rich than TaskPaper, which by design keeps things simple.
However, there is one big difference that has led me to looking at integration: Org-Mode is Emacs based and hence takes ages to launch. TaskPaper on the other hand launches in under a second, and also offers a nice quick entry form that is available system-wide via a a global short-cut key.
Emacs aficionados will protest now – after all – Emacs is meant to be launched and never shutdown! This is true, but in my usage patterns, Emacs does get closed once in a while and having to launch it just to make a few quick Org-Mode entries (even with the excellent remember mode) becomes a pain.
My usage has now become more of the following:
- Use TaskPaper as an initial capture mechanism (sort of as a pre-Inbox store). I make heavy use of the quick entry window here
- Use a script to collect the TaskPaper entries and reformat them into a Org-Mode compatible file
- Append the converted entries into my primary Org-Mode Inbox whenever I have Emacs open
This (for me) provides best of both worlds – quick and ubiquitous data capture, and the power and flexibility of Org-Mode.
The Ruby Conversion Script
Without further ado, the script to convert from TaskPaper to Org-mode is:
#!/usr/bin/env ruby # # Converts Taskpaper files to Emacs org-mode files. # # Author: Anupam Sengupta, 2010 # # Distributed under the BSD license (<a href="http://www.opensource.org/licenses/bsd-license.php">http://www.opensource.org/licenses/bsd-license.php</a>) # # Usage: From the command line, enter the command: # # ./tpaper2org.rb <taskpaperfilename> # # The output is on STDOUT, which can be redirected to an Org-mode file. # Whether the generated org-mode file should use odd-level prefix stars # See <a href="http://orgmode.org/manual/Clean-view.html">http://orgmode.org/manual/Clean-view.html</a> for details. ORG_USES_ODD_LEVELS = false LINE_PATTERN = /^(\t*) # Leading tabs - # Followed by a dash (the taskpaper task identifier) (.*?) # The task description ((@\w+\s*)*) # The tags, if any $/x all_tags = Hash.new(0) Shiftlvl = ORG_USES_ODD_LEVELS ? 2 : 1 # Determine the number of stars to use in Org-mode entries while (line = gets()): line.chomp! md = LINE_PATTERN.match(line) # Match and extract each line if md then # ................ A Task line tags = md[3].split(/ +/).reject {|tag| "@done" == tag } # get the tags, except @done tags tags = ['', tags, ''].flatten unless tags.empty? puts '*' * (1 + Shiftlvl * (md[1].length + 1)) + (line =~ /@done/ ? " DONE" : " TODO") + md[2] + tags.join(':') tags.each { |tag| all_tags[tag] += 1} if tags # Keep a list of all tags elsif line =~/:$/ # ................ A project line print "* " puts line.chomp(":") else # ................ Any other line puts line end end # Lets do a summary of the tags used. puts <<END # The tags used till now. #+TAGS:#{all_tags.keys.sort.join(' ')} END
Note that Org-mode supports multiple prefix styles with '*'. In particular, the odd-levels versus the odd-even levels is interesting and useful. The script has a 'ORG_USES_ODD_LEVELS' global variable that can be set to true if this is the desired export format.
In addition, the script also adds the tags used in the TaskPaper file as a '#+TAGS' entry in the exported org-mode file. You can comment this if this is not required.
The TaskPaper format
The TaskPaper format is simple, and the file (which by default ends with the extension '.taskpaper') is essentially a plain text file that can be opened and edited in any text editor.
The format can be summarized as (from the TaskPaper User's Guide):
A project is a line ending with a colon:
A Project:
A task is a line starting with a dash followed by a space:
- My First Task
A Note is any line that is NOT a project or a task (i.e., does not start with a dash or end with a colon):
Notes for a task
A tag is any word prefixed with the @ symbol. The tag can optionally have a value in parentheses after the tag name:
- My First Task @atag @another_tag(1)
Outlining is done by indenting the tasks with tabs:
- My First Task @atag - My sub-level task
Using the script is simple. Assuming that TaskPaper's file is named tasks.taskpaper, from the OS X terminal, run the following command:
$ tpaper2org.rb tasks.taskpaper >> tinbox.org
Where tinbox.org is the destination org-mode file.
This shell command can be put into a cron job or invoked from within Emacs to pull in the tasks as required. You may also want to delete the TaskPaper file (or empty its contents) after this is done, to prevent duplicate entries being imported the next time the Ruby Script is run.
taskpaper.el is an Emacs mode for emulating the TaskPaper interface with support for projects and tasks. The tags support seems to be missing.
Discussion on the Org-Mode mailing list about Taskpaper and Org-Mode.
Firefox 3.6 finally allows true Fullscreen mode on Mac OSXPosted: January 26, 2010 Filed under: Firefox, Mac, OSX | Tags: app, application, Firefox, Mac, OSX, tip 2 Comments
Updated to Firefox 3.6 today. As usual, a very solid update, and was pleasantly surprised by the full-screen mode (finally!) that works exactly as you would want it. This was one of the few areas where Firefox on OSX was lagging behind as compared to other platforms.
There were a few plugins that claimed to enable this in prior versions, but never worked very well.
The option is available under the "View"menu and has a standard Apple-Shift-F shortcut as well.


text:
Originally Posted by sakichop
That is probably the best way to look at da2 as it is a totally different game, had they named it Dragon age: the hawke chronicles. An exciting arpg set in the dragon age universe then I would look at it totally different and check it out for what it is. the problem is, they didn't the named it dragon age 2 which makes it part of a series and it's only human nature then to compare it to the first. Everybody and everything sets a level of expectation. If you have an employee that does excellent work for you , you grow to expect that and if it doesn't happen you say what the heck. If you follow an athlete or sports team that has a great year. You expect the next year to be equal or greater and yes if you go to a restaurant and the food is great you are disappointed if it's worse the next visit. (but don't stop eating all together that would be bad.). So I think judging things totally independent of each other in a series is unrealistic, but in this case probably the best idea. In the end i'm hoping it turns out to be great and rids me of any buyers remorse.

subset: commoncrawl


text: SourceLEICESTER, ENGLAND, October 21, 2013 (Leicester Mercury): One of the most spectacular and colorful celebrations in Leicester kicked off tonight, as thousands of light bulbs illuminated the Golden Mile to mark the start of Diwali.Tens of thousands of people cheered and celebrated the switch-on, which marks the beginning of the religious festival of lights but has become an annual party for all Leicester's communities.The party started in Belgrave Road at 5.30pm and was due to carry on until gone 11pm with dancing, Indian drumming groups, a lantern procession and an elaborate shadow play with fireworks.The entire length of the Golden Mile was closed to traffic and shops stayed open late while revelers of all ages and cultures strolled up and down the street, many waving glow sticks or playing with "fun snaps" -- tiny fireworks that pop when thrown on the ground.This year the big finale was a performance of the touring stage show Spellbound on Cossington Street Recreation Ground, which featured dancers from Leicester taking part in a show that has toured Mela events and Diwali celebrations in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester and London. There will be more celebrations along the Golden Mile on Sunday, November 3, to mark Diwali Day.(Slideshow is included in article)


text:
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The Mexican brigand hoped to take the "cow boys" unawares—surprise them—kill them, and drive away their herds.
I had no doubt at all I was in the company of a smuggler, and possibly of a brigand.
A brigand was crouching at a front corner of the main building!
I went to meet them, and told them the brigand had fled over two hours previously.
Need we tell with what triumphant success the "brigand's Bride" was received?
This peasant had an unusually energetic countenance, almost like some brigand.
The oracle replied to his question that Adrastus was king of the Sicyonians and Cleisthenes was a brigand.
And there springs Radicofani, the eagle's eyrie of a brigand brood.
With his black felt hat and his old brown coat, discoloured by long usage, he looked like a kind of brigand.
Every one to his calling, friend Isaachar, said the brigand chief.
c.1400, "lightly armed foot soldier," from Old French brigand (14c.), from Italian brigante "trooper, skirmisher, foot soldier," from brigare (see brigade). Sense of "one who lives by pillaging" is from early 15c., reflecting the lack of distinction between professional mercenary armies and armed, organized criminals.


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Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Hendrik Brushed Nickel Wall Sconce The stylish wall sconce features a brushed nickel finish complimented by a satin-etched cased opal glass shade. This fixture may be installed with glass up or down. The height of the piece, from the center of wall opening with the glass up, measures 6".Named after renowned Dutch architect, Hendrik Berlage, the Hendrik Collection is a gorgeous family of contemporary fixtures that honor the man who was regarded by many as the "Father of Modern architecture". Much like Berlage himself, The Hendrik Collection is regarded as an intermediary between modern and traditional styles. Classic lines are enhanced with a soft touch of current style cues to work in a number of aesthetic environments. The clean look provided by our Brushed Nickel finish is partnered with the Satin-etched cased opal glass for a fantastic pure and frosted color palate. The 1-light Hendrik Wall Sconce uses a 100-watt (max) bulb, measures 5 ?" wide with a body height of 12". It is UL listed for damp location.


text: To get from Trentola-Ducenta to Alcamo by train you can catch one of the 4 trains that everyday travel between these two cities. The first train to Alcamo leaves from Trentola-Ducenta at 08:12 and the last train departs at 22:23. If you choose a local train the trip lasts on average 13:16 hours. For your trip from Trentola-Ducenta to Alcamo by train you can choose to leave from one of Trentola-Ducenta main stations: S. Marcellino-Frignano On Wanderio you can compare all schedules, fares and railway companies to Alcamo and book the best itinerary starting from Trentola-Ducenta.


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Review: Newfangled Nest thermostat is hot
"You're reviewing a thermostat?"
That pretty much sums up the incredulous reactions I received when I mentioned the topic of this week's column. After all, the thermostat on your wall is probably a blah-looking controller you face only when it's time to warm or cool the house.
Unless heating or cooling is on your mind, there isn't much reason you'd turn to the digital Nest Learning Thermostat, either. Except that this is the coolest thermostat I've ever come across. Nest smashes any preconceived notions of what a thermostat ought to look like and how it should operate, whether you're in front of it or accessing it remotely from an iPhone or iPad. It takes advantage of cloud computing, and it learns from your behavior.
Controlling the temperature and helping you save energy is Nest's primary aim. But you can't help but be drawn to it: The $249 Nest is a thermostat with sex appeal — and a high price. Nest becomes available in mid-November, though you can preorder a unit now at BestBuy.com or Nest.com.
The thermostat was created by Silicon Valley start-up Nest Labs, whose co-founder Tony Fadell used to be in charge of iPods at Apple. Fadell brings the Apple aesthetic to Nest.
(Disclaimer: I haven't had a test unit long enough to measure any true energy savings. Nor can I independently verify that the temperature the thermostat is reporting is as accurate as Nest claims.)
That said, the thermostat is extremely simple to use and is one beautiful hockey puck of a device with a silver ring and a reflective dark surface that wakes up as you come near. There is a proximity sensor along with other sensors for temperature, humidity and ambient light.
To raise or lower the temperature, rotate the ring in either direction. Click the entire display to access menu choices.
The display turns orange when the heat is on and blue during cooling. Your target temperature is shown in the middle of the screen, along with the time it will take to reach that temperature. Nest advises users to avoid cranking the temperature to extremes to try to heat or cool your home more quickly. Current temperature is shown at the top of the screen.
Nest adjust to patterns
Nest gets smarter over time based on the way you raise or lower the temperature when you come or go at different times. In a week's time, Nest will automatically turn down heating or cooling when you're not around. As part of the setup, you can select the high and low temperatures that your heating and cooling system will deliver when you're away. And if you're leaving for vacation, you can manually choose an "Away" setting.
Of course, other programmable thermostats are sold by Honeywell, Lux, Hunter and other brands — some for as little as $20 (though they can easily surpass $100 for touch-screen models with more features). But the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says 89% of respondents to an online survey indicated that they rarely or never use such a thermostat to set a weekend or weekday program. And Nest cites Environmental Protection Agency statistics that estimate that properly programmed thermostats can generate energy savings of 20%.
If your thermostat is operating at what Nest considers to be an ideal energy-saving temperature, a green leaf appears on the screen. Nest says that changing the room temperature even a single degree can cut energy costs by 5%.
You can track your energy use from the device, and view a chart that shows the temperature at a particular time of day.
During setup, you can connect Nest to your Wi-Fi network, then change your settings remotely — from the Web or via an app on an iPhone or iPad. (An Android app is due in December.) The iPhone app was a breeze to use, although I got a little confused initially setting it up. I wrongly thought I had to enter a special code to have the phone communicate with the thermostat.
If you're a little handy, you can install Nest yourself in about 20 minutes. It comes with an installation guide, mounting screens, wall anchors and even a screwdriver. Nest recommends taking a picture of your old thermostat wiring just in case and turning off the power before you proceed.
Be prepared for what may be underneath your old thermostat: a nasty hole in the wall, in my case.
If you're uncomfortable messing with wires and holes, Nest will sell you installation service for $119 (plus an additional $25 for any extra thermostats you want to employ).
Nest works with most heating and cooling systems: forced air, radiant, heat pump, oil, gas and electric systems. It won't work with some proprietary systems, line-voltage systems or certain other systems. It uses a lithium-ion battery that I'm told will last at least as long as the device's five-year warranty.
If you need a new thermostat, consider warming up to Nest. It is the Nest Best Thing.
Nest Learning Thermostat
$249; www.nest.com
Pro. Beautiful and simple to use digital thermostat learns from your behavior. Remote access via iPhone, iPad or Web.
Con. Expensive. Works with most but not all heating or cooling systems
E-mail: email@example.com. Follow on Twitter: @edbaig.
Posted | Updated


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ByTom Perrotta
If your objective is to watch the best tennis possible on the first day of the U.S. Open: go to Court 17. The opening match at 11 a.m. ET features Nick Kyrgios, the 19-year-old who beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon, against two-time U.S. Open semifinalist Mikhail Youzhny.
After that, check out what should be an old-timers match between 34-year-old Venus Williams and 43-year-old Kimiko Data-Krumm inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, or watch Andy Murray, the 2012 champion, start his tournament inside Louis Armstrong Stadium against Robin Haase.
Grandstand lovers will get a chance to see Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Donald Young and Caroline Wozniacki.
For a close look at a women's tennis star of the future, head over to Court 7 for Garbine Muguruza's match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. The 20-year-old Muguruza beat Serena Williams at this year's French Open.
The night session will be headlined by Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic. Sharapova takes on Maria Kirilenko, while Djokovic plays Diego Schwartzman in the nightcap.


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The balance of probabilities for today's outstanding Royal Randwick meeting, particularly the Randwick Guineas, rests on the under hoof conditions.
Heavy rain during the week could count against Atlante and particularly favour Eurozone while other strong fancies, too, could rely on the drying factor.
"The good news is it rained pretty heavy and we verti-drained the track straight after our last meeting a few weeks ago so the water has gone right through the profile," Nevesh Rhamdhani, the Randwick racecourse manager explained, regarding the surface described as a slow 6 yesterday afternoon.
Atlante's trainer told Racing and Sports the colt is "right on top of his game."
"It's not very often you get New Zealand horses that need rock and that's what he performs best on".
However James Cummings, co-trainer of Eurozone, is confident his change is suited by the wet but the 1600 metre distance is a challenge.
"I'd rather 1500m and with moisture in the track it will be a little more testing," he commented. "Plenty of contenders in this race also have not won over a mile.
"Only two weeks between runs, being a three-year-old colt early in his preparation, is going to be a key attribute."
Eurozone was weak over the latter stages when fourth to Shamus Award in the Australian Guineas (1660m) at Flemington on March 1 but had a minor problem described as a "manageable" by Cummings but has benefited from being back at Randwick back under his home farrier.
Apart from Eurozone the best rated on slow and heavy are Dissident, and Bull Point.
Favourite El Roca hasn't raced on worse than dead so his supporters would feel safer if the going improves.
Eurozone and Bull Point are the two suggestions from Betfair's Dom Beirne because he assesses them at $6 and they were trading at longer odds yesterday.
I've stuck with Atlante due to his strong first-up second to Dissident in the Hobartville (1400m) on a bad, slow track that many on the program didn't handle.
Unless there is tsunami Randwick will be better.
Verdict: Atlante 1, Eurozone 2, Savvy Nature, Woodbine 4.
No buffer for superstar
"He has a fantastic record first-up but he is vulnerable over 1000 metres," trainer Rob Heathcote warned on Racenet regarding the great sprinter Buffering in the Challenge.
Still Buffering has been very good in the wet but Heathcote is concerned about the tempo in the sprint because the gelding is "at his best when in front.
"I've got enormous respect for Snitzerland," he added. "She's the rightful favourite."
Perhaps a two-horse war making the pace could set the finish up for a backmarker, possibly Sessions, a strong half-length third to Buffering in the Manikato at Moonee Valley in October.
Beirne has Buffering on top as his computer produced him a half-length in front of Snitzerland. Incidentally Buffering will carry winkers, advertised incorrectly as being dropped.
Buffering was $3.65 to $3 with Betfair yesterday, and gets my support performing at a high standard in a dynamic period for sprinters.
Verdict: Buffering 1, Sessions 2, Snitzerland 3, Bel Sprinter 4.
Zoustar to pass tough test
The prospects of boom colt Zoustar are clouded in the Canterbury Stakes, mainly on distance and fitness grounds.
"He's first-up over 1300 metres and it's going to be hard," Waller told Racing and Sports.
"I haven't wanted to flatten him on the training tracks; I want to have a horse for the T J Smith.
"It's a juggling act. I'm banking on the horse's ability."
If the track is slow or worse Beirne recommends scouting wide of the favourites by investing win and place on outsiders Speediness, Rain Affair, and Streama.
Beirne has evaluated the wet credentials in stars and while stablemates Sacred Falls and Red Tracer get three stars, Zoustar has none plus his form "improves significantly after his first-up run".
Zoustar eased yesterday with Betfair from $2.82 to $3.90.
Another three-year-old, Not Listenin'tome, has the benefit of a recent race but only gets one star for the wet but a bucketful for being trained by the Hawkes family, headed by John, because the team has is sprouted a wing on every hoof.
My head says Zoustar can't win but my heart, supported by untapped potential, is with him. The colt has won on slow and has the services of Jim Cassidy, a champion.
Verdict: Zoustar 1, Red Tracer 2, Not Listenin'tome 3, Sacred Falls 4.


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All Properties Are Not Equal: Orlando Real Estate Investments
Five years ago, single-family homes were a sure-fire moneymaker. In stark contrast, today's real estate market calls for a savvy investor. Now that single-family homes constitute a buyer's market in many major cities in the U.S., it pays to think outside the box and embrace new investment opportunities in locations that will pay returns. Orlando, Florida real estate investments constitute one such opportunity.
It's no surprise that Orlando, Florida is such a desirable destination. After all, there are 95 family-friendly attractions (think Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, for starters), 4,500 restaurants, and over 200 golf courses. Over three-quarters of visitors to Orlando cite leisure activities as their primary reason for visiting. So, when it comes to Orlando real estate investments, the fruit is ripe for picking.
The Best Orlando Properties
When it comes to Orlando real estate investments, all properties are not equal. Homes, town homes, and condos are akin to Real Estate 1.0. The latest version - Real Estate 2.0, if you will - is the condo hotel resort. For investors, the condo hotel resort is the best of all worlds, in that it allows you to generate rental income from your unit when you are not using it. Plus, a condo hotel resort has many desirable features beyond living space, such as retail stores, restaurants, pools, and so forth.
A perfect example is Orlando's Blue Rose condo hotel, set to break ground in late 2007 and be completed in 2009. With pre-construction investments already underway, the Blue Rose plans over 250 condominiums and over 1,200 designer-furnished condo hotel suites. These include high-end luxury studio lofts, one- and two-bedroom units, and penthouse suites that will range from 570 to 3,000 square feet.
The Blue Rose will be a full resort, complete with a Swan Lake Promenade, European cafes, themed restaurants, private pool cabanas, and a 1,000-seat theater with two productions daily.
Investors in condo hotel resorts can use them as a straightforward investment property, or can enjoy them as a vacation home. Condo hotel resorts typically assume responsibility for rentals, management, and maintenance, removing the headaches and hassles often associated with buying rental investment property.
In sum, Orlando real estate investments are wise in the current real estate market, but some investments will bring a greater return on investment than others. Condo hotel resorts, such as the Blue Rose, are the new wave of real estate investment opportunities.
To learn more about subjects like Orlando Real Estate Investments please visit the web site at: http://www.BlueRoseResort.info
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Real Estate | Properties | Land directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/real-estate-properties-land.
About the Author
+Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2014 (Fri Mar 09 2007) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com


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In order to meet increased passenger demand and
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Mises Wire
Mises, Rothbard, and Hayek in the WSJ
In the Wall Street Journal editorial ("How the Fed Favors the 1%") Doug French pointed out last week, the author, hedge fund CIO Mark Spitznagel, draws on Hume, Mises, Rothbard, and Hayek. He doesn't cite Richard Cantillon, although he might well have, as he is touching on "Cantillon effects" in the following passage:
David Hume, the 18th-century Scottish philosopher, pointed out that when money is inserted into the economy (from a government printing press or, as in Hume's time, the importation of gold and silver), it is not distributed evenly but "confined to the coffers of a few persons, who immediately seek to employ it to advantage." In the 20th century, the economists of the Austrian school built upon this fact as their central monetary tenet. Ludwig von Mises and his students demonstrated how an increase in money supply is beneficial to those who get it first and is detrimental to those who get it last. Monetary inflation is a process, not a static effect. To think of it only in terms of aggregate price levels (which is all Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke seems capable of) is to ignore this pernicious process and the imbalance and economic dislocation that it creates. As Mises protégé Murray Rothbard explained, monetary inflation is akin to counterfeiting, which necessitates that some benefit and others don't. After all, if everyone counterfeited in proportion to their wealth, there would be no real economic benefit to anyone. Similarly, the expansion of credit is uneven in the economy, which results in wealth redistribution. To borrow a visual from another Mises student, Friedrich von Hayek, the Fed's money creation does not flow evenly like water into a tank, but rather oozes like honey into a saucer, dolloping one area first and only then very slowly dribbling to the rest.


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Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 Printing Enhancements
As we move closer to a paperless world, with almost all of our data stored and accessed electronically, it might seem strange to write about new print features in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7—like I might as well write an article about why the Internet will be a big deal or whether slates will catch on. However, if you ask the person who sits next to the printer in your office whether we're really printing less, he'll probably tell you No (as he gasps for clean air in his ozone-swamped work area).
Considering the mobility of today's workforce and the myriad of devices employees are using, it's more important than ever that print options keep pace. In addition, users and organizations must enable the necessary features for a smooth and consistent print experience. Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 offer several features that enhance the overall print experience.
To learn more and to read the entire article at its source, please refer to the following page, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 Printing Enhancements – Windows IT Pro-
Follow @DABCC Follow @douglasabrown


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Macho Urinal Game Makes A Splash In Japan
Three years ago the "Toylet" was just a pipe-dream for developers at Japanese video game maker Sega, but now the urinal video game has been rolled out at pubs across the nation.
Users target their urine at a sensor inside the toilet which measures volume and speed, with software then matching that to progress in a selection of five video games in a console mounted at the top of the urinal.
"At first, we thought it would really be only young people who would like this kind of game. But … we're seeing this phenomenon where people are enjoying playing with it, regardless of age," said Hirotaka Machida, the console's lead producer. Read more …


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The BMW M5 6 Speed Manual - When Truth Crushes Our Enthusiast Souls
Bimmerfest's very own enthusiast and moderator Emission had a chance to review the 2013 BMW M5 with the standard 7 speed M DCT and the optional 6 speed manual transmission. Emission is an enthusiast at heart with many year of manual transmission driving to his name, this isn't someone who is going to give up on rowing his own gears without a fight. That being said having driven the 2012 M6 convertible with the 7 speed M DCT I know just how good the semi-automatic transmission is. I was rooting for the 6 speed manual transmission on the M5 to come through for the enthusiasts, unfortunately it does not.
Read Emission's complete review of the BMW M5 with the optional 6 speed manual at AutoBlog.
As hard as it is to admit I have to concede that the M5 is a better car with the DCT transmission, but would I buy one with it over the manual? That isn't so easy to say. What transmission would you get in your M5?
Watch a few hot laps of the 2013 at Laguna Seca Race Track
I got 6MT, My E92 M3 was DCT... Its not a matter of faster as much what you want to feel...
Video game or real mechanical car... I personally missed the Manual.
If you got the car to drag race.....You started with the wrong chassis. 4,300LB's is pretty heavy..
I am not sure if you really read thru auto blog review.
The DCT is faster and allows driver to simply just watch out for speed and turns. But that is not what I was looking for.
I like to shift and decide what i wanted to do. Its more engaging drive.
Like masterdank said. If i want a fast track car, M5 wouldn't be on my list. I would take a 991.
The bottom line if you want a lighting fast artificial driving experience, buy the Dct. If you want a fast engaging fun driving experience be a real driving enthusiasists and buy the 6 speed manual.
P.S. - anybody can be fast and look good driving a Dct on a track.
I guess the new f80 m3 should be purchased with the Dct as well ? 3600 lbs. and only 430 hp, but oh my god we need to buy it in the Dct ? Why ? Because we are lazy ! And most people are not the driving enthusiasists they thought they were. It takes a lot more skill to "drive" 4300 lbs. and 600 hp around a track with a third pedal as opposed to only having two pedals to navigate.
NASCAR drivers are considered the best and most skilled race car drivers in the world, and it's not because they drive tricked out computerized automated F1 transmissions, and that is a fact !
If you don't like the DCT, drive the manual. If you don't like the manual, drive the DCT. Someone gives their opinion and people... sad.
All this anger (passion?) over an opinion when you should be happy there is still a choice.
Feel free to continue to vent, I'm out.
When it comes to this age old discussion, opinion gets touted as fact pretty quickly, which is why it's futile to engage. "I prefer driving a manual, thus, it is the most engaging and the most fun and there is no possible way you can have as much fun with the automatic." Same old song.
In a Sports Car or Sedan or GT these days.... DCT all day everyday. There's a reason why the likes of Porsche Turbo S, GT-R, etc go this route... It's simply better all around.
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Social Circle: Are you appreciative of or annoyed by the Yellow Pages?
The Social Circle almost unanimously agrees that the yellow books need to stop arriving on their doorsteps.
A few people, however, say they find them useful and a couple others brought up the fact that not everyone has internet access and therefore maybe, for some, they still serve a purpose.
What are your thoughts? Do you appreciate the Yellow Pages or do you believe they have become obsolete?
William Bunyan: "I hate the automatic drop off of the Yellow Pages, and never use it. There has to be a better way, like maybe they first go around with a doorknob flyer that you leave on your door if you actually want them to deliver the book?"
Teresa Snyder Colloton: "I whole-heartedly agree with the comments, however, when the power went down, as well as my Internet service, I found the phone book a handy backup. Weighing the frequency of losing power and all the waste, I say ditch the phone book and proactively write down important numbers. Now where did I put those darn numbers?"
Laury Corrao: "Irritating. They're like little squatters that keep showing up."
Frank Datzer: "Don't use them. They go right from the curb to the recycling bin."
Ted Dargis: "Just last night I went through my apartment building and collected all the lonely and unwanted Yellow Pages in front of people's doors and threw them in the recycle bin. There were about a dozen. I think it's a waste and too expensive to advertise in."
Liz Dupee-Schafer: "They should be delivered only by request. Or perhaps a better solution, so that people that don't use the Internet much would still get delivery, to be able to opt out. I haven't used one in years. Goes right to recycling."
Jessica Halverson Foor: "I do from time to time want to look up my options in the Yellow Pages without all the other distractions that come with looking it up online, but I think we should have to call and request a new one if we want one. Not every one wants or needs one, so it is a huge waste of resources and money. But it does provide jobs, I suppose."
Tina Hulen: "I still use it. My ex and I used to race to see who could find a phone number faster, me with the book, and him on the computer. I always won."
Jennifer Janviere: "Yellow Pages are quickly becoming a relic as more people use online searches to find the same info more quickly and easily. YP online comes in handy, though. Maybe they should go completely digital."
William Ivy Jenkins III: "They make awesome paper weights."
Shannon Knapp: "Hate it! And now that they have shrunk them to reduce costs, the only people who want them need a magnifying glass to read them."
Sue Knight: "It is a huge waste of paper and it always goes straight to the recycle bin at our house. I also refuse to advertise my two small businesses in the Yellow Pages due to the horrific level of customer service when dealing with them in the past. I agree, some people do not have access to technology, and may need a physical phone book, but then take the time to set up a system for people to get off the list."
Dan Krass: "They are immediately recycled. The web is a more efficient resource for finding business listings."
Lisa Krolasik: "I know a lady whose parrots like to chew them so they go to her. Have not looked at one since I was last looking for a job nine years ago."
Jessica Laub: "Hell no. Sick of it!"
Amy Nemson Lacinak: "They should be available for pick up at the post office only."
Denise Lubotsky: "I think it is criminal behavior – organized litter."
Jason McDowell: "Sometimes I keep them around if they arrive near Halloween they make a good source of papier mache. If I'm out in the rain, I use them to stuff my shoes so they don't smell bad. If I can't reach the top shelf I drag them out of the cabinet instead of dragging the step ladder out of the basement."
Dave Mikolajek: "Just had two dropped off at the restaurant. One will stay behind the bar and the other above the coat rack. As for at home, they go straight to the garbage."
Lisa Malmarowski: "They get immediately recycled and I stopped advertising our business in them years ago."
Richard Menning: "I still put the new one on a shelf, recycling the one from last year, which I never used."
Teri Peterson: "I use it to elevate my dog's water bowl."
Sonia Maria Simões: "I used the Yellow Pages for the first time in a decade last week (at my dad's) to find out how many George Webb's are left in Milwaukee."
Jen Skladanek: "I use the paper version once in a while, but I have to recycle all the books they drop off at my house which is a four-family unit because no one else uses them. Wasteful if you ask me."
Trevor Smith: "Yellow Pages? I thought those where analog versions of Facebook that Mark Zuckerberg dropped off at my apartment complex."
Michael Stodola: "Stupid, stupid, stupid. Immediate recycling."
Annie Wiedert: "It goes straight into the recycling. I resent that they continue dropping them at buildings that have been vacant for years, especially retail storefronts that are very obviously vacant."
Ruth Weill: "Almost never and I am guessing for folks without Internet access the answer might be different."
Christopher Wilde: "They should be delivered only by request. I manage a small number of apartments, (and) no tenant ever takes them in and I end up recycling the soggy messes they become, even in those spiffy plastic bags."
Trevor Williams: "The pages are great for getting the wood started in the fireplace throughout winter."
Kera Zbichorski: "Yep. I use it. To put down on the floor and let my rabbits destroy it instead of destroying my carpet. They love it."
Myke | Nov. 25, 2012 at 10:19 p.m. (report)
I appreciate them, as I'm sure many who don't read OnMke.com do also.
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blurondo | Nov. 25, 2012 at 1:14 p.m. (report)
I use mine every week. It's valuable reference book that catagorizes businesses and services. Also, I'm not sending any money to WE energies when I use it. " My ex and I used to race to see who could find a phone number faster, me with the book, and him on the computer. I always won." Not only that, every business in the catagory along with their phone number and address is right there; you don't have to search individual business names.
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Bank of Ireland (UK) loans are provided by NIIB Group Limited. NIIB Group Limited trading as Northridge Finance is a member of the Bank of Ireland Group. In this statement, 'our group' means the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland and any of our subsidiary or associated companies.
For a full list of our group, write to us at the address below. We may hold your information and it may be used by any other member of our group.
To help us decide whether to enter into this and any future agreement with you, we may use: any information you have given us; information we already hold about you; information we receive from enquiries we make about you; and information we get from other dealings with us or our
We may make and keep copies of your passport, driving licence or other proof of your identity that you provide.
We may also search your record held by credit reference agencies or ask them to make enquiries for us. We may give credit reference agencies the information they need to make their enquiries. The credit reference agencies will keep a record of our search, whether or not your application goes ahead.
This record will be available to other organisations that make similar searches and could affect your ability to get credit elsewhere.
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Pretty in Pink
Cheers to Breast Cancer Awareness!
Pretty in Pink is a collaboration brew from Lost Rhino Brewing, Vintage 50, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, and Bluejacket. Using the finest malts, two strains of hops, and an Ardennes yeast, then adding flavor, aroma, and hue with hibiscus and pomegranate, the all female brewers produced a brisk Saison. Slightly tart with subtle fruit-esters, hints of spice, and pink.
The brewsters present this beer as a salute to the memory and bravery of those women and men fighting breast cancer, and as a toast to the day when we find the cure.
A portion of sales will be dedicated to breast cancer research at VCU Massey Cancer Center.
Check out our events page to see where you might experience the Pink in person.
If you can't wait, try Pretty in Pink yourself and find out what hope in a bottle tastes like!
Pretty in Pink can be found here.


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Hilton Short Hills41 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, New Jersey, 07078, USA TEL: +1-973-379-0100 FAX: +1-973-379-1153 Email us
Book this special now for double Hilton Honors points, and earn your next getaway twice as fast!
Upgrade your experience with breakfast for two and premium WiFi
Rooms & Suites
Among New Jersey hotels, our rooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind; providing a place to unwind or to catch up on work. Explore the different room types, the various amenities and choose the space that's right for you. Feel at home in any of our deluxe guest rooms or spacious suites.
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All deluxe guest rooms ensure a truly restful stay. These spacious accommodations represent a world-renowned brand of hospitality at an exceptional value.View All Guest Rooms
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Located on the 6th & 7th floors, Executive Level guests enjoy access to the Executive Lounge which includes continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres.
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Monday - Thursday: 6:30am – 10:00pm
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Continental Breakfast: 6:30am – 10:30amView All Executive Rooms
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Here is an FAQ for this class:
Q. How do I get into WebAssign?
A. You can go to http://www.webassign.net/ and you will need this document:
Webassign registration code
Q. What is the story with the Written Homework list? Do we need to turn those in?
A. Those are homework problems from the book and are for extra practice. Only the Webassign homework is graded.
Q. What are the due dates for the homework?
A. The homework is due the day before the test. The sections that are covered for the test should be done before you take the test for best results. I will open those up a second time for everyone on the last weekend before the final. Due dates can be found here: https://www.nr.edu/chalmeta/classpage_163DE.html and in Blackboard.
Q. Do I have to come to campus for the WebAssign homework?
A. You DO NOT need to come to campus to complete the homework. The homework is done through the WebAssign software and you can complete them anywhere you would like. They are open book, open note and untimed.
Q. Where can I take the test?
A. The test can be taken at either of our testing centers. (Dublin library or the Mall in Christiansburg) Be sure to show up at least two (2) hours before they close or they won't give you the test.
Q. Can I take the tests early?
A. You can always take the test as early as you would like. The dates on the schedule are the LAST day to take the test. The test can be taken at either of our testing centers. (Dublin library or the Mall in Christiansburg) Be sure to show up at least two (2) hours before they close or they won't give you the test.
Q. What do I do if I live too far to take the tests in one of your testing centers?
A. You can request a proctor from the Distance Education department. Proctor Request Form: This form is date sensitive. Applicable students will need to complete the form and submit it within the first week of the semester.
Q. Do you have lectures I can see online? A. I do. You can find them here: The lectures are available on video (click).
Q. If I have problems with the material will you answer my questions?
A. I answer questions in my office, by email (email@example.com) and on the phone (phone should be your last resort). You only need to make an appointment if you can't make my office hours.
Q What textbook do you use for this class?
A. Calculus I With Precalculus
Author: Larson, Ron/ Hostetler, Robert P./ Edwards, Bruce
Edition: 3rd, 2012
Bundle With My WebAssign ISBN 978-1-1335-0149-7


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T's and P's please
Needing some positive vibes for my granddaddy who is suffering and my nan who is just so exhausted and having a hard time coping. Thanks curlies :(
Lots of good vibes coming your and their way (((((hugs)))))
Of Course.....(((((HUGS)))))
They'll be in my thoughts, and my heart goes out to you.
Definitely thoughts and prayers!
((Narnia)) You have them.
I'll be thinking of your family and keeping you in my prayers!
Thank you ladies.
My grandad is quickly declining and it came out of NOWHERE. It started with "where is my apartment" and in a matter of 5 weeks has gone to him flooding the bathroom as he can't remember how to turn off the taps, thinking the elevator is the bathroom, shooting shaving cream all over the bedroom, running into the street, forgetting the year and the list goes on and on. My grandmother cannot cope and passed out yesterday while at her haircut appointment because she is sleeping 1 hour a night if that due to him waking her up at all hours and her fear of what he will do next. I just spoke to her and she is exhausted and defeated. She wants to put him in a home but my auntie (who is a daddy's girl) says absolutely not. I see her point but my Nan is the one who has to do this care taking and at 80 (albeit a very spry 80) she cannot keep this up.
I am very close with him and this has been very hard, but I feel so much for my Nan.
At the end of August I decided to spend money that I shouldn't have and went over to the UK to visit them for two weeks. I just had a feeling and literally booked it 6 days before I went. I am very glad that I did.
I'm so sorry Narnia. That's heartbreaking. My friend's dad is going through the same thing. I just can't imagine what it's like seeing someone you've loved for so long "disappear" right before your eyes.
I'm so sorry. Definitely sending lots of Ts and Ps to you and your family.
Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk
I'm sorry and am sending you hugs.
Your aunt means well but she should either step up and offer to help look after him or back off.
I spoke to my grandma today and told her that it is up to her and we support whatever decision she makes and are behind her 100%.
The GP is going to see my grandad tomorrow and my aunt will be present. My grandma said she is going to bring up the idea of a home or some 24 hour care and hopefully my aunt can see some reason at that point.
Oh, Narnia, I'm so sorry. What a horror. I agree with Dedachan. The situation is extreme and your grandmother can't cope.
ETA: I'm glad you visited when you did. Take care of yourself. We are thinking of you.
Positive curly vibes to you and your family. (((Narnia)))
Ts and Ps for your family. That's hard all the way around.
I am so sorry. It can be so difficult on the caregivers. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
T's & P's to your family. {{{HUGS}}} to you all.
He has been given a diagnosis finally. It looks very grim - Dr gave about a month.
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Christine Lacy tots up the fees.
Bill Average can forget about getting his foot on a bit of John Roberts's $1.2 billion Multiplex, but the float prospectus (set for launch on November 7) shows underwriter UBS is still putting its hand out for a fat slice of the fee pie.
The Swiss have carved out a 2.45 per cent underwriting fee amounting to $29.4 million, plus up to $2 million for its advice and book-running skills.
The Warburglars will trickle some of that down to co-lead-managers Citigroup, CSFB and Macquarie.
Spreading the joy, PwC got $600,000 for whipping up a tax report, while KPMG got a total of $1.5 million for a little number-crunching and tax work. The legal eagles at Mallesons are taking out $2.8 million, while Colliers as property valuers have tallied up almost $700,000.
Multiplex execs aren't missing out either. Deputy MD Ross McDiven, chief numbers man John Corcoran, COO Noel Henderson and investment management boss Ian O'Toole will share in a $5 million interest-free loan with which to buy Multiplex shares.
And patriarch John Roberts is doing OK too. He's buying back $16.6 million worth of "non-core assets" ahead of the float and will continue to enjoy the delights of Multiplex's Egerton in the Swan Valley - but at a price.
He'll be charged $103,500 a year rent on the swank stud, the venue for his only daughter Denby's wedding early last year.
A nice little trap
The Sun King's seneschal down-under, Peter Macourt, will be focusing a little more closely on the fine print next time he finds himself driving the bus on pay negotiations with a key manager.
Onetime Fox Sports boss David Dodds has taken News right to the wire in the NSW Supreme Court over a $5.4 million termination payment he had expected.
Seems the minions of Rupert's local empire, which over the '90s slowly built a 100 per cent interest in the operation (originally the Pub Channel business), buying out Liberty Sports and the failed Australis, didn't know about a special little clause in Dodds' contract.
The clause meant that on termination he was entitled to 200 per cent of the gross pre-tax profits earned by the channel in its last full financial year.
"When the COO of News Ltd, Mr PJ Macourt, was told of Mr Dodds's claim he was outraged . . . neither Mr Macourt nor any other officer of News Ltd and its subsidiaries had known," the court judgement goes.
Dodds, who got $300,000 a year plus a car, had even been previously asked by Macourt to stay on for another year but with no mention of the termination clause.
"When Mr Macourt saw the size of the claimed termination payment he became irate and told Mr Dodds to 'go on holidays'," Justice Palmer writes. That was just before he was formally terminated in October 1999.
Alas for Dodds, his claim to the court for his $5.4 million failed, with the judge coming down on the side of News, and the likes of Macourt breathing sighs of relief.
Tahmoor sale
After 33 years of ownership, Jay-R Stud businessman and former NSW TAB chairman Ross Cribb has thrown sentiment to the wind and sold his Tahmoor property.
Listed developer Sunland Group, which made its first splash in Sydney just a few months ago with a $16.5 million purchase on Birchgrove's Louisa Rd with plans for an upmarket apartment development, has snapped up the rural site for around $14.5 million.
Sunland was introduced to the property, which Cribb put on the market about a month ago, by agent Bill Bridges and has plans to redevelop the 107ha site into rural residential housing comprising up to 150 lots.
The property has been Cribb's retreat from business since the 1970s, when he was head man at Sir Peter Abeles's TNT.
While in the medium term the sale will mean one less horse stud on Sydney's outskirts, for the time being Cribb - who lives at Cronulla - will lease back the farm from Sunland as the developer seeks official acceptance of its plans for the site.
No forceps delivery
Any wonder it was all smiles around the table at Walsh Bay's Wharf Restaurant yesterday lunchtime after the red hot debut of Canberra medical instruments outfit ITL Ltd.
Floated by MacBank with the financial advice of boutique corporate finance shop ECM, which is led by ex-Merrills boss Greg Bundy with partners Tim Knapton and Victor Rudenno, investors were blessed with a 40 per cent stag profit when the stock came on at 70c compared with a 50c issue price.
Enjoying the water views and their new-found wealth were the usually landlocked vendors, William Mobbs and Dr Jag Dillon, who now control a combined 40 per cent of ITL.
At its 66c close Mobbs' stake is worth $14.5 million (day one paper profit of $3.5 million) and Dillion's share $11.9 million (paper profit of $2.9 million).
Such lush resources make you wonder who paid for lunch, the newly flush owners or their well-remunerated team of advisers.
Also celebrating was ITL chairman Richard England, who also sits at the top of the board table at Peter Lehmann Wines. England looked relaxed and happy now that the stoush with Allied is over and he's set to step down from the PLW board at tomorrow's annual meeting in Tanunda.
Had the Richards Bay
You could almost hear the giggles from Sydney to London and back as The Thundering Herd's expert on holes in the ground, Vicky Binns, decided to call a spade a spade.
The setting was yesterday's BHP's quarterly results and Binns wanted to quiz head number-cruncher Chris Lynch, commenting down the line from the Old Dart, about the health of the Big Pom's troubled Richards Bay mineral sands joint venture (Rio is operator) in South Africa.
The operation's earnings are not separated from BHP's more successful diamond business so it's always a bit of a guess for analysts.
Binns: "Is it fair to say, and I know there's only so much you can tell us, that Richards Bay had an absolute shocker and may have recorded a loss?"
Lynch: "That's fairly colourful language, Vicky, but . . . Richards Bay didn't have a good quarter."
After wrapping up the hook-up for Australian and South African analysts at about midnight London time, he was back up at nine in the morning to talk to their European equivalents.
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"It had to do with Cuba and missiles, I'm pretty sure"
Research ››› ››› MEDIA MATTERS STAFF
I'm not sure whether this tells us something we didn't know or need to know -- and again, the thing about this administration is that it's impossible to separate their mendacity from their extremism, from their arrogance, from their incompetence, from their ... well, you know, evilness. Anyway, even with everything that's happened, it's still hard to believe that the president's press secretary never heard of the Cuban missile crisis:
Appearing on National Public Radio's light-hearted quiz show "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" which aired over the weekend, Perino got into the spirit of things and told a story about herself that she had previously shared only in private: During a White House briefing, a reporter referred to the Cuban missile crisis -- and she didn't know what it was. "I was panicked a bit because I really don't know about -- nothing about the Cuban missile crisis," said Perino, who at 35 was born about a decade after the 1962 U.S.-Soviet nuclear showdown. "It had to do with Cuba and missiles, I'm pretty sure."
So she consulted her best source: "I came home and I asked my husband," she recalled. "I said, 'Wasn't that like the Bay of Pigs thing?' And he said, 'Oh, Dana.' "
So what, you say? That kind of thing leads to this kind of thing:
Censoring Climate Scientists
11 Dec 2007 09:52 am
It's difficult to know how to maintain one's sense of outrage these days. Am I surprised to learn that the House Govern Reform Committee says that its "16-month investigation reveals a systematic White House effort to censor climate scientists by controlling their access to the press and editing testimony to Congress." Well, no, I'm not surprised. So am I shocked by the revelation? I guess I'm not. But is it shocking that this sort of thing has become par for the course? Well, yes it is. After all, this isn't some trivial little thing being kept under the rug; it's probably the most important issue facing the country.
So does this kind of thing. Really, what is scariest about this is how little shame appears to be involved. Maybe the Washington press corps would be happiest if Bush would read The Pet Goat to them. Listen, bub, how about you buy a dog to be his friend and instead ask the president to talk about FISA instead...
Hey, look here: "The LAT gets word that the Iraqi government has ordered all [Iraqi] policewomen to turn over their guns so that they can be given out to men. Women who don't return their guns risk losing their paychecks. This is a huge blow to US efforts to recruit female officers, who had already been mostly relegated to desk jobs, and some see it as a sign of the increasing religious fervor of Iraq's politicians." Did you happen to notice, by the way, that the Iraqis stayed away from Annapolis?
What is one to say: Want more? Now we've got an administration with James Glassman in it. Hooray from us.
From Wikipedia:
He is a long-term optimist and is quick to point out positive developments, which is clearly typified in his book Dow 36,000. In this book, published near the peak of the late 1990s stock market bubble, Glassman declared that the Dow Jones Industrial Average was undervalued and would rise to 36,000. In its introduction, Glassman and his co-author wrote that the book "will convince you of the single most important fact about stocks at the dawn of the twenty-first century: They are cheap. ... If you are worried about missing the market's big move upward, you will discover that it is not too late. Stocks are now in the midst of a one-time-only rise to much higher ground -- to the neighborhood of 36,000 on the Dow Jones industrial average."[1] At the time the book was released (October 1, 1999) the average stood at 10,273. During the next three years the index declined by over 30%, bottoming at under 7,200 in the fall of 2002.[2]
I also love this absolutely true sentence: "Glassman grounded himself in conservative ideology whilst Publisher of The New Republic (1981-84)."
Alternative Universe Quote of the Day: What if Marty Peretz had been born a Muslim?
Marty Peretz, 9/17/06:
Is there anything the Jews don't like to which they fail to react with violence?
Posted by M. Duss
Marty's imaginary friend, "James 'sprezzatura' Kirchick" comes to the poor, friendless fellow's rescue, yet again. The piece that set him off on Dan Levy is here. Chris Matthews' best friend is on the case...
We are now in the midst of a controversy over the CIA's destruction of "hundreds of hours" of videotape of its "extreme techniques" of interrogation, otherwise known as "torture." In response, Greg Grandin, author of Empire's Workshop: Latin America, the United States, and the Rise of the New Imperialism, offers us all a riveting history lesson in how, from John F. Kennedy's moment on, Washington helped create an "unholy trinity" of death squads, disappearances, and torture in Latin America and finally, in the Bush era, globalized the formula on a planetary scale.
Beginning with a Graham Greene quote about those who consider themselves "torturable" and those who don't, Grandin explores the "rendition[s]" of our era and the "disappearances" of a previous one. He writes, "Like rendition, disappearances can't be carried out without a synchronized, sophisticated, and increasingly transnational infrastructure, which, back in the 1960s and 1970s, the United States was instrumental in creating. In fact, it was in Latin America that the CIA and U.S. military intelligence agents, working closely with local allies, first helped put into place the unholy trinity of government-sponsored terrorism now on display in Iraq and elsewhere: death squads, disappearances, and torture."
He considers the origins of each grim part of his "unholy trinity" from the 1960s through the 1980s and the reign of terror, as well as slaughter, that they brought to Latin America. Then he discusses our own "anything goes" moment, when it comes to rendition and torture. He concludes: "Over the next two and a half decades, U.S.-funded and trained Central American security forces would disappear tens of thousands of citizens and execute hundreds of thousands more. When supporters of the 'War on Terror' advocated the exercise of the 'Salvador Option,' it was this slaughter they were talking about."
Finally, he holds out hope that someday "the world-wide network of repression assembled by the Bush administration will be as discredited as Operation Condor" -- the CIA-supported transnational intelligence consortium in Latin America that carried out a continent-wide campaign of terror and murder -- is today.
Ethics and Character in the U.S. Presidency:
Is Ethical Leadership Possible in the 21st Century?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at the Center for Jewish History -- this is actually a really good line-up of people, yours truly notwithstanding. There's more info, here.
Name: Kurt Sims
Hometown: Middletown, CT
Please, for the love of God, if you're going to link to a picture of a Podhoretz, especially one of them in a pool, put a warning in for us.
Name: J. R. Taylor
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Wilfrid Sheed is entitled to his nostalgia, as are we all. Mine includes Sheed's novels of 40 years ago, such as Office Politics and especially Max Jamison ("The Critic," in its U.K. edition), his sharply observed summoning of the free-lance "public intellectual" life in 1960s NYC. Deservedly revived five years ago by a small (and now defunct) publisher, it can be had for as little as $4 at used book sites all over the web.
Instructions for signing up and claiming your comment history are located here.
Updated rules for commenting are here.


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Condo Rentals
Area Info
Blue Angels perform a maneuver called the 'Fan,'
in which the aircraft maintain just 12 to 18 inches
of separation.
Pensacola Blue Angels, National Museum of Naval Aviation
The Pensacola Naval Air Station is home two of the
areas most dynamic and popular attractions the
U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Blue Angels aerobatic
flight team, and the fabulous National Museum of
Naval Aviation.
The West Wing of the National Museum of Naval
Aviation is devoted to World War II flight and
showcases a full-size replica of USS Cabot's aircraft
carrier island and flight deck. Photographs: Blue
Angels Public Affairs Office; National Museum
of Naval Aviation.
National Museum of Naval Aviation
1750 Radford Blvd.
Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 32508
(850) 452-3604 or (850) 452-3606
Web site: www.naval-air.org
e-mail: email@example.com
With 291,000 square-feet of museum space on 37 acres,
this is one of the world's largest aviation museums.
Over 140 aircraft, from fabric-and-wood biplanes to
modern jets are on display. See an exact, full size
replica of a WW II light aircraft carrier. A 15-passenger,
full motion flight simulator lets you experience the
thrill of flying, and breathtaking IMAX® films,
including The Magic of Flight, are projected
onto a seven-story high screen. Open 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
The best part: the museum admission is free.
back to top
U.S. Navy & Marines Blue Angels (viewing area)
1750 Radford Blvd.
Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 32508
Web site: www.navy.com - blue angels schedule
Established in 1946, just after World War II, the Blue
Angels also are based at Pensacola. The squadron consists
of 16 of the Navy and Marine Corps' best officers and
pilots and a ground crew of 110 specialists. When not
performing death defying stunts at hundreds of miles
per hour in national air shows, the pilots regularly
practice maneuvers in their McDonnell Douglas F/A-18
Hornets over the Gulf Coast, including Pleasure Island. These sessions can be viewed from the National
Museum of Naval Aviation grounds at the Pensacola base.
On select days, the
team holds an autograph session afterwards.
from Perdido Key,
Orange Beach,
Gulf Shores
Pensacola Naval Air Station is about a 30-minute drive from
the island, but allow 45 for traffic.
Travel east on Alabama 182 (Perdido Beach Blvd.)
Cross the Alabama-Florida state
line, continue on Florida 292 for 5 miles.
Cross Perdido Key Bridge, turn
right at first light onto Gulf Beach Highway (292A)
Continue 4 miles
to next light
Turn right onto
Blue Angel Parkway
Continue and enter
back (west) gate of
the Pensacola N.A.S.
Continue 3 miles.
Museum will be on left


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The Deal
- $19 for one ticket to see Tony Kenny's Christmastime in Ireland (up to $34 value)
- When: Thursday, December 5, at 8 p.m.
- Where: Newberry Opera House
- Seating: best available
- Door time: 7 p.m.
- Ticket values include all fees.
Tony Kenny's Christmastime in Ireland
One of Ireland's most treasured vocalists ushers in yuletide cheer with some of the Emerald Isle's traditional holiday songs as well as Celtic-tinged takes on international Christmas standards. From "Christmas in Killarney," made famous on Bing Crosby's 1995 release, Merry Christmas, to the singer's own "Come Home to Ireland for Christmas," Kenny sonically replicates a roaring hearth, a sparkling blanket of snow, and the decoy children that convince Santa to leave extra presents. Other seasonal tunes that might fill the air include "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "Mrs. Fogarty's Christmas Cake," and "Silent Night." Kenny has also been known to slip a stirring rendition of "O Danny Boy" into his repertoire, as well as welcome on stage an Irish comedian and a troupe of young dancers to perform tradition step-dance routines.
Newberry Opera House
Evincing a history that dates back to 1881 and includes stints as a city jail and a silent-film palace, the 426-seat Newberry Opera House is a spectacle in itself. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation project modernized the institution's eclectic Victorian craftwork by adding state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and removing the horse-drawn curtain-raising system.