text:
Search Press Releases
Subscribe to News Updates
Media and Press Information
Other News & information
Workshop explores how to create a vibrant, next-generation Internet of Things ecosystem
Shuang Yu, Senior Manager, Solutions Marketing
+1 732 981 3424; email@example.com
PISCATAWAY, N.J., 7 November 2012 - The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) today announced it is hosting a free, one-day workshop: IEEE-SA Internet of Things, in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, 13 November 2012. The workshop will be held at the Milan Marriott Hotel from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn about and explore the evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT).
"It is predicted that 50 to 100 billion things will be electronically connected by 2020. But the success of Internet of Things depends greatly upon standardization, which in turn provides interoperability, compatibility, reliability and effective operations on a global scale," said Mary Lynne Nielsen, director of corporate programs, IEEE-SA. "This Internet of Things workshop will bring together global industry experts to discuss the importance of creating a vibrant IoT ecosystem through consensus-based collaboration."
Presenters will discuss opportunities and applications in fields such as medicine, e-health, augmented reality, wearable computing and smart grid, smart energy and communications evolution. The workshop also will showcase a variety of Internet of Things-related products presented by industry leaders in a complimentary exhibition space.
Keynote presentations and speakers include:
- The IoT in Households, Buildings and Cities: The Telco & Construction Company Point of View – Hubert Cariou, new technologies director, and Etienne Gaudin, head of e-Lab, Bouygues Telecom
- Key Trends in the Connected Smart Home: How Telcos, Cable Operators, Utilities and Security Companies are Approaching the Market – Craig Foster, principal analyst - navigation, telematics & M2M, ABI Research
- End-to-End System Security for IoT – Michele Scarlatella, board director, SIM Alliance, and Olivier Rousseau, product marketing manager for CDS, STMicroelectronics
- IEEE-SA The Perfect Platform for the New Millennium – Chuck Adams, distinguished standards strategist, corporate standards, Huawei Technologies (USA), and past president of IEEE-SA, and Noelle Humenick, senior manager, professional services, IEEE-SA
The IEEE Standards Association is providing registration and exhibition space at no cost. For information about exhibiting at the workshop, please contact, Mary Lynne Nielsen.
To learn more about IEEE-SA, visit us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn or on the Standards Insight Blog.
About the IEEE Standards Association
The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 900 active standards and more than 500 standards under development. For more information visit the IEEE-SA Web site.
About IEEE
IEEE, a large, global technical professional organization, is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at the IEEE Web site.


text:
Oracle Customer Experience Summit @ OpenWorld challenges conventional thinking on how to achieve sustainable business growth and profit by focusing on the experience needs of your customers. This is your chance to learn about the latest trends in customer behaviors and expectations that are having an impact on your industry, your business, and your role. Discover approaches to designing, justifying, and measuring investments in customer experience initiatives. Understand how to leverage people, processes, and technology to deliver on your brand promise and achieve the excellence that differentiates your brand. Learn best practices, strategy, and practical tips and tricks from passionate, expert speakers, including customer experience industry thought leaders and technology experts.
Choose from more than 40 sessions in the four tracks described below.
The emerging and evolving role of the person leading customer experience strategies within an organization has become critical to the operational success of initiatives that drive growth and profit. By working across lines of business to strengthen relationships with customers, Chief Experience Officers/Chief Customer Officers become empowered to lead the transformation and realign competing priorities that are preventing their organizations from delivering on customer's needs and company business goals. This track covers topics that will help you successfully build a customer experience culture, design experiences that truly set your company apart, and measure the business value delivered. You'll come away energized, informed, and ready to design, implement, and lead customer experience initiatives that delight customers as well as stockholders.
The explosion in mobile, social, and local technology is transforming the world of marketing and sales. Business customers have begun to demand the personalized, relevant customer experience expected by today's consumers. Delivering a cohesive experience across channels and meeting these changing expectations requires revolutionary methods if you want to stand out from the crowd. This track highlights the tools and strategies available to help you successfully engage with customers consistently across channels, including sales representatives, partners, mobile, and social. Session leaders also discuss how to meet customers' changing expectations by designing and executing unique, customer-focused initiatives that help you create relevant interactions that increase sales opportunities and business growth.
Service and support agents are more challenged than ever before at the moment when their company's brand promise gets realized and customer transactions evolve into relationships. Demands posed by new channels of communication, increased requirements for availability and interaction, and more-complex products and services are compounded by customers' rising, competitor-driven expectations regarding service and support. This track covers strategies for service and support excellence including moving conversations between channels of communications, nurturing customer-friendly environments, and delivering and collaborating around knowledge at the point of need. You'll leave sessions armed with new information and expertise to help you deliver the kind of service and support experience that strengthens relationships with customers and drives greater lifetime value.
Staying relevant and engaged throughout the selling process at any point of interaction is critical to the success of the opportunity. Abandonment is easy in an age where alternative options and constant distractions are abundant at every turn, and loyalty must be earned at every phase. Explore how you can use customer experience to grow your opportunities, conversion rates, and revenues in a fragile economy. This track covers essential topics such as personalizing experiences, building advocacy and loyalty, and increasing conversion rates. You'll gain a fresh perspective and new ways of approaching customer experience strategies that build relationships and achieve sustainable profit and growth.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fiifi Kwetey (left) in a chat with a member of Solidaridad
Fiifi Kwetey, outgoing Minister of State in-charge of Finance and Allied Institutions, has disclosed that Ghana has an unmet demand of 35,000 tons of palm oil.
He said currently the country produces about 243,852 tons of palm oil and stressed the need for government to put adequate measures in place to meet the deficit.
Mr. Kwetey, who was speaking at the launch of Solidaridad West Africa SWAPP Incubator and Access to Finance (SIAF) in Accra, said the estimated unmet demand in the ECOWAS sub-region alone is 850,000 tons.
'This is a huge opportunity for Ghana to develop the sector and take advantage of the deficit in production,' he said.
Mr Kwetey said that there were many challenges in the sector that must be addressed.
He said many smallholder farmers lack professional farming and organizational skills, adding that some of them were not aware of best practices.
Mr Kwetey said other farmers do not know how to use a variety of seedlings to increase their productivity.
The output per hectare of farms is low resulting in poor returns and limited investments, thereby impacting marginally on the overall economic situation of producers, he said.
These challenges, he said, also affect farmers' ability to access financing.
'The private and public sectors must develop models that engender sustainability.'
By Cephas Larbi
[email protected]
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.


text:
Convert from Atahualpa to Montezuma?
How compatible is a Atahualpa themed site with plugins compatible to move to Montezuma? What are the known problems with these transfer?
I've converted one site from Atahualpa to Montezuma, and it took me about three days, but it helped that I had set up another Montezuma site before so I was familiar with how the theme works. I also set up a sandbox site so I could play around with making changes before actually implementing them on the production site. Plus, the way that WordPress makes it easy to switch back & forth between themes, what I did was install Montezuma, make changes to the theme during "off hours" when there would be little traffic (i.e., in the middle of the night), then switch back to Atahualpa when I wasn't working on Montezuma, until everything was done.
As far as plugins go, I didn't find anything that I used with Atahualpa that didn't work on Montezuma, although I did decide to drop a couple of plugins, not because they didn't work, but because they didn't fit with how I wanted the re-designed site to look. The one feature of Atahualpa that doesn't come built-in with Montezuma is the rotating header images, but I was able to mimic that by using a slider plugin called Meta Slider and drop a slider into a widget area that I created in the header (easy to do with Montezuma).
One of the challenges that I found with learning how to use Montezuma is that unlike most themes, including Atahualpa, you don't get a bunch of option pages where you change the values of different elements. Instead, you have to learn how to use the virtual templates (both Main Templates and Sub Templates) and the virtual CSS files. For example, if you wanted to change the background color of the main menu (menu 1), in Atahualpa you would go to Appearance > Atahualpa Theme Options > Header Area > Menu 1 > Background color and setting the option value to #ffffff. In Montezuma, you would go into the virtual CSS file Appearance > Montezuma Options > CSS Files > menus_menu1.css and make a change to the CSS rule for the #menu1-wrapper selector. This works a lot like the way a traditional web developer works, so it helps if you know some basic HTML and CSS. It's also helpful to learn how to use a web debugging tool like Firebug or Chrome Developer Tools, although this is true for any theme and not just Montezuma.
The virtual templates and CSS files really allow you to make more changes to the appearance to your site than any other theme, including Atahualpa (plus you get the advantage of responsiveness). Take a look at the showcase thread on the BytesForAll support forum to get an idea as to how customizable the theme is. I'm pretty confident that Montezuma (with some additional plugins) can be configured to look like just about any site out there without resorting to creating a child theme.naomi360
Another question about Montezuma.
I have a website created with Mac iWeb (about 50 posts mostly text, images and links, nothing fancy). It's time to convert it to WP.
I was told to download the html files to FileZilla. Then to use a converter plugin from Stephanie Leary to move the html in bulk to WP. Does anyone have experience on doing this? What will be the known problems moving this to Montezuma?
Convert Post Types:
This is a utility for converting lots of posts or pages to a custom post type (or vice versa). You can limit the conversion to posts in a single category or children of specific page. You can also assign new taxonomy terms, which will be added to the posts' existing terms.
This plugin is useful for converting many posts at once. If you'd rather do one at a time, use Post Type Switcher instead.CrouchingBruin
I think you actually want HTML Import 2, also by Stephanie Leary. There shouldn't be any problems with Montezuma, since it uses the same standard WordPress posts as all other themes. I'm not sure how it would work in your particular case, but it looks like you should have a pretty good understanding of the HTML structure of the pages that you have saved. If you have questions about how to convert your iWeb site, you may want to post them on the plugin's support page.
Convert Post Types would be used for posts which have already been loaded. You can read about Post Types here.
- The topic 'Convert from Atahualpa to Montezuma?' is closed to new replies.


text:
What is it?
The Compass Curriculum is the campus-wide undergraduate, general education program at UCCS. This program was created to give you the right tools, knowledge, and experience for success in today's world after you graduate.
Why are we doing this?
College prepares you to build a successful, sustainable career and to succeed in life. Long gone are the days when a person worked for one company or job for the bulk of his or her working life. Today, most people have multiple careers over their lifetimes. Breadth, adaptability, creativity, and ingenuity are vital and we have built a program to help you be successful regardless of where life takes you. You need to be prepared for careers that haven't even been thought of yet! In 1990 were people preparing to develop new phone apps?
Does this matter to employers?
We have used input from employers regarding what they want to see in our graduating students to develop the program. What will give you a competitive edge?
We found employers of all kinds look for graduates who...
How do we know it will work?
This program is built around the American Association of Colleges and Universities Liberal Education and America's Promise (AAC&U LEAP) research and recommendations for successful graduation of undergraduate students. The program is intentionally developed to be centered around High Impact Practices (HIPs) for retention, graduation, and professional development. That means that students should stay in college, graduate, and be prepared for their future professional endeavors.
How does it work?
Students will take first-year writing courses and a quantitative-reasoning course and will be expected to submit a writing portfolio. Here is an explanation of each component of our signature program:
Where can you go for help?
Student Success! UCCS has Student Success advisors with whom you should meet once a year, or even once a semester to help plan out your courses before graduation. Go to //www.uccs.edu/~ssc/ for more information.


text:
Turtle Island String Quartet has stretched classical forms far enough to make connections with jazz, rock, even the music of India.
So why not head for the bayou?
The group's current tour links Turtle Island with Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet, leader of the acclaimed band Beausoleil.
Mark Summer, cellist with Turtle Island, said he and fellow founding member David Balakrishnan have known Doucet since 1988 when he invited the quartet to play the Festival International De Louisiane in Doucet's hometown of Lafayette. They share friendship and mutual respect. Still, finding a common musical thread in such collaborations isn't always easy.


text:
Well, as reported, I drove through Miami on the way the Glades in Everglades City. The weather sucked. It was blustery, thundering and blowing like hell, so I used the ultralight spinning rod as the wind was unmanageabel for a five weight. For purists, I do tie my own jigs. :
Anyway, I caught some small bass, some oscars and mayans and some bluegills. I also hooked into a nice small tarpon. Range report: four pound test line on a cheap Shackspeare ultralight is not going to cut it on a fifteen pound tarpon. :-) Still, I got three jumps out of him so it was cool. No peacocks or snakeheads though.
I got tired of the rain and drove west on the Tamiami Trail. Near Ochoppee, home of Joannies blue crab, a dive biker bar that's been there since the forties, I stopped to fish. I got out the fly rod and hooked a nice chicilcid. Not being born yesterday, I don't play the gentle release game practiced on trout streams. Instead I use the Florida "chuck and dunk". This consists of holding the fish at a forty five degree downward angle and propelling it into the water. This forces water into the gills, and according to FWC, gives a good survival rate. Now, why not just release the fish the normal way you might ask? Here's the answer. I was on a little bridge leading to a private house over the canal. I unhooked the fish, chunked it in and the water exploded. There was a six foot gator lying under a weed bed I'never seen. If I'd been more genteel with that fish, I'd have been short an arm. That scared the **** out of me. One minute its a calm canal, the next a six foot alpha predator is reminding me that shark week is for sissies. You gotta love the glades!
I apologize for the typos, but I'm on my tablet. I'll post as events warrant with snook and tarpon.


text:
Add some style to your casual wardrobe with these Slim Fit Cotton Chinos from Gibson. The slim tapered style is right on trend and for an ultra preppy style. Wear with an oversized tee and espadrilles for the perfect preppy look.
Size & Fit:
Size photographed: 32"
Rise: 10" (inches)
Inseam: 32.5" (inches)
UK Mainland Next Day Delivery Via FedEx
DPD UK Next Working Day Delivery
DPD Saturday Delivery
DPD 2-Day International
Royal Mail 3-5 Day Tracked (Mon-Fri)
£1.99 (FREE on Orders over £80)
Delivery Info
Orders placed before 3pm (Monday to Friday) will be dispatched the same day. All orders placed after 3pm will be sent out the next business day.We will send you an email with a unique tracking number and a link for you to trace your order.
Please note that same day dispatch is not always possible during busy periods or the early days of a sale or promotion or should your order be delayed due to further security checks. Once your order has been despatched we cannot be responsible for delivery days and times unless you have selected a guaranteed service. In a small minority of cases for various reasons beyond our control your parcel may not arrive in the timescales published. We always do our utmost to escalate and resolve as quickly as possible on your behalf. We are unable to re-send items that are in transit. Undelivered items must be received back before we can resend or refund. Lost in transit parcels are escalated to our courier partners and refunds or replacements are processed once the case can be closed which is usually 15 working days for UK and 30 days for rest of world.
International Delivery Via FedEx International Priority
|USA & Canada
|Western Europe
|From £14.99
|Eastern Europe, Cyprus & Greece
|New Zealand
|Hong Kong
|United Arab Emirates
|Rest of the World
|From £20.99


text:
SiliconBlue rolls evaluation kit, peripheral daughter modules
Post a comment
SAN FRANCISCOStartup SRAM FPGA vendor SiliconBlue Technologies Monday (March 30) announced the immediate availability of iCEman65, an evaluation and development kit for low-power designs based on the company's iCE65 FPGA.
SiliconBlue (Santa Clara, Calif.) also announced two new peripheral daughter modules, PDM1 and PDM2.
ICE65 ultra low-power FPGAs are intended for consumer, battery-based applications with short development and product life cycles, such as smart phones, portable media players, digital still cameras, netbooks, mobile internet devices, hand-held point-of-sale systems, medical instruments, eBooks/ePaper and flash camcorders.
The PDM1 and PDM2 modules provide designers with the hardware and IP necessary to develop and test a complete, turn-key solution, according to Silicon Blue. PDM1 showcases applications such as light and temperature sensing and Querty keypad, both based on SiliconBlue-developed IP, the company said. PDM2 functions as touch-screen controller, the company said.
The iCEman65 evaluation kit includes an iCE65L04 ultra-low power FPGA with 3520 logic cells, 80,000 bits of RAM and 176 programmable I/O pins, SiliconBlue said.. When used with the SiliconBlue iCEcube VHDL and Verilog-based development software designers can create applications using the on-board USB-based configuration solution, according to the company.
The kit also includes I/O expandability, supporting four different I/O banks with multiple I/O standards, and a full line of affordable third-party accessories, SiliconBlue said. Board test points provide access to all iCE65 voltage rails for power measurements, the company said. Board schematics, Gerber files and a complete user guide complete the kit, the company said.
The iCEman65 evaluation kit is available immediately for $299, SiliconBlue said. The PDM1 is priced at $399 and the PDM2 is priced at $499, the company said.


text:
Karndean Designflooring unveils Flotex Vision
Karndean Designflooring has unveiled its latest Flotex collection, Flotex Vision - a revolution in flooring customisation and design.
Ranging from abstracts with an intricate colour spectrum to highly realistic imagery such as grass and cobblestone, the collection features over 500 individual items to match every design brief.
Flotex Vision can create the illusion of depth and texture, whether that's the detail of a Persian rug, a woven tartan or any other classic textile designs. Alternatively it can be used to create some truly unique three dimensional effects that really make a design statement on the floor.
With over 70 million fibres per square metre, Flotex Sheet provides a high density matt substrate for printing, enabling vibrant designs and true to life visuals that can be produced in high level photographic resolutions. All colours, tones and hues are achievable with Flotex Vision.
With over 500 individual items to choose form, a sample book is never able to capture all the options that are available. Therefore Flotex Vision is available in a flexible and always up to date online digital library.
The unrivalled durability and clean-ability that has seen Flotex Sheet serve as a staple product in such demanding sectors as aged care, education and public transportation for 30 years, remains unchanged. This has now been enhanced with superior design choice and flexibility which increases its relevance to hospitality, retail and general commercial environments.
For more information visit www.karndean.com/textile.
Karndean Designflooring are market leaders in flooring design and innovation. Known for luxury vinyl designflooring and Flotex Sheet Floorcoverings, they've used the most durable materials to bring you floors that excel in design and performance.Learn more


text: A few announcements that might interest you as a SendGrid user or follower: TechCrunch Disrupt We are sponsoring Disrupt in San Francisco from September 25 to 29. First, we will be at the Hackathon this weekend, Saturday Sept 25 – Sunday Sept 26. We will have four of our team members there ready to help all the hackers learn more about using the SendGrid APIs. This is an awesome chance to work closely with our developers and discover all the cool stuff you can do with email by integrating with our Parse and Event APIs, for example. Plus, you just might get a sneak peek into some of the new stuff that we are working to roll out soon. If you happen to be going to the Hackathon, check out the resources page beforehand and take a peak at what SendGrid and other participating companies have to offer. Second, we will have several people at the Disrupt conference Monday Sept 27 – Wednesday, Sept 29. If you're attending, we'd love for you to stop by our booth and chat. We will be located close to the Hackday area for the entire conference. So feel free to stop by, get a cool new SendGrid t-shirt and meet our team. Hope to see you there! Heroku Success Story Back in the fall of 2009, we partnered with Heroku to bring SendGrid to their Add-ons library. As a result, we have attracted many awesome new SendGrid users, and Heroku has been able to offer its customers a way to send email from their apps much more easily. Since the initial integration, Heroku has done a lot to develop this effort, and many other companies have added their cloud services to the collection. If you would like to learn more about our experience with Heroku or get info on how to "make your cloud service available to tens of thousands of Heroku developers with one-click", visit their new add-on provider program page. Or, if you would like to share your personal success story as a SendGrid/Heroku user, please leave a comment! Image credits: TechCrunch, Heroku


text:
2012-13 Northwest Division Preview
2011-12 Record & Division Standing: 47-19 (1st)
Key Off-Season Additions: Kevin Martin, Jeremey Lamb (rookie) and Hasheem Thabeet
Key Off-Season Losses: James Harden and Derek Fisher
Outlook: With the departure of James Harden, the Thunder will have to recalibrate their strategy to integrate Kevin Marin into their attack. And with another year of experience for young stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder expect an NBA title.
On the Bright Side: They're young, athletic, explosive and added NBA Finals experience last year.
Be Concerned: Are the Thunder good enough to get by the Lakers with Kobe/Nash/Howard? Will they be able to beat the Heat if they meet in the NBA Finals?
Key Off-Season Additions: Andre Iguodala and Anthony Randolph
Key Off-Season Losses: Aaron Afflalo, Rudy Fernandez and Al Harrington
Outlook: Exciting and primed to challenge in the West. The Nuggets have added Iguodala to a young core of Kenneth Faried, Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson, JaVale McGee.
On the Bright Side: They're going to be fun to watch with explosive players at almost every position.
Be Concerned: Who's going to lead this team- newcomer Iguodala, floor general Ty Lawson, or by committee? Athletic and explosive can translate into erratic & turnover prone.
Key Off-Season Additions: Marvin Williams, Mo Williams and Randy Foye
Key Off-Season Losses: Devin Harris, Josh Howard and C.J. Miles
Outlook: With some stability and production at the guard positions, the Jazz can make the playoffs for the second year in a row.
On the Bright Side: The Jazz have one of the more imposing frontcourts in the NBA: Derrick Favors, Al Jefferson, Enes Kanter, and Paul Millsap. Rebounding should not be a problem. The Jazz also have good depth at guard and wing positions with the additions of Foye, Marvin Williams and Mo Williams.
Be Concerned: How will the Jazz compete against teams with superstars? Uncertainty with a roster that includes: Marvin Williams, Gordon Hayward, Jeremy Evans and DeMarre Carroll. The Jazz guards- Mo Williams, Randy Foye and Hayward- are comparatively untalented compared to other playoff-bound teams.
Key Off-Season Additions: Chase Budinger, Andrei Kirilenko, Brandon Roy, Greg Stiemsma, and Alexey Shved (rookie)
Key Off-Season Losses: Michael Beasley, Darko Milicic, Wesley Johnson and Anthony Randolph
Outlook: A healthy Timberwolves team with Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams should be in the mix for the final playoff spot.
On the Bright Side: The Timberwolves have all-star talent in Love, Rubio and Williams and a good supporting cast in Jose Barea, Nikola Pekovic, and Luke Ridnour. Intriguing newcomers Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved make it hard to predict how high they'll finish.
Be Concerned: The Timberwolves start the season with plenty of injury concerns. Most notably, Kevin Love will miss the first 6-8 weeks with a hand injury while Ricky Rubio recovers from a torn ACL. Not a lot of good defensive players on this roster.
2011-12 Record & Division Standing: 28-38 (4th)
Key Off-Season Additions: Damian Lillard, Jared Jeffires and Terry Stotts (head coach)
Key Off-Season Losses: Jamal Crawford, Raymond Felton and Joel Przybilla
Outlook: How far can LaMarcus Aldridge take the take Blazers and how good is Nicolas Batum?
On the Bright Side: The Blazers have a bonefide All-Star in LaMarcus Aldridge that they can build around.
Be Concerned: With the loss of Joel Pryzbilla the Blazers don't really have a center. Will they go small with JJ Hickson? The Blazers may also have some challenges with a rookie point guard and little experience on the bench.
Written by Arun and Coach Nick


text:
From the Archives: Mr. Reas
Artist Mr. Reas talks to us about his beginnings, his influences, and what's on deck.
Mass Appeal's had a long relationship with issue #52's back cover artist, Todd "Reas" James. Because Thursdays are apparently for throwbacks we're going way back in time to issue #9 to revisit an early encounter with the accomplished artist. Enjoy the article and some images of Reas's masterpieces from back in the day below:
Todd James wears Stan Smiths or Rod Lavers. His other kicks get the shine of maybe a tenth of those two pair combined. It's not that he only wears Adidas, but they are an extension and reflection of who he is, a NY Classic. The shit hop stores on Broadway are stocked to the ceiling with snazzy sneaks maxed out of air and moola. You can always find though, down low and to the left, the Smiths and Lavers. They hold it down like a couple of blue chips stocks laughing at all the dot coms on the dick. So does Reas increase while other brands are up for lease. His work wears well, matches material from khaki to cashmere, looks good on the young bucks and old fucks, and does not need a pump or gas like some art does. So in art or shoes, when you get tired of the techno kicks, get yourself some classic sole. Tell em' Captain Makeithappen sent you. — Mark Surface
How did you break into the game, who were your first clients?
My first client was a friend in junior high named Bert. I painted his jacket for fifteen dollars. It was a character with his name above it. It's funny because a lot of the work I do now is essentially the same thing: Identity branding and cartoon design. Dave Scilken was the first person who really put me on to making money with graphics. He hired me to draw an elephant for Brooklyn Dust Music logo, which was the Beastie Boys Production Company. I was eighteen and I wasn't really thinking about a career, It just happened. Dave was the art director at Jive Records, and he hired me for projects there: Kid Rock, A Tribe Called Quest, Fresh Prince, D-Nice, and some others. We began to do freelance projects together. Perhaps the most recognizable icon we created was the logo for The Source. With a good number of record packages and a few good logos we were ready to start our own company. Cey and Haze were doing the same thing, but they were fully established. I had minimal Mac skills and was totally under Dave's wing. Just as things seemed to take off, Dave who was my roommate at the time, died. I tried to move forward with what he had taught me. I worked a bit with Cey and I did a lot of work for The Source. From writing I met a lot of graphic designers, and two of them were Chris Capuzzo (sub5/lawe) and Peter Girardi (Eros) who were part of a new wave crew. I work with them now at their company, Funny Garbage. We do web design and animation.
Who influenced you?
I went to Art and Design in '84. When you apply for enrollment you have to list your influences and I named Picasso because I thought it sounded good to me, and I named Tack FBA because it was true.
Half of my work is cartooning and character design and the other half is general design and ideas. I learned by sketching in my note-book, watching the trains after school. There was nowhere else to see this type of art, period. No school taught it, no comic book looked like it, there were no magazines featuring it, and I had no camera. So I sat in the stations and watched. Skeme and Tack were the writers I really wanted to emulate. They put heavier line of black on parts of their characters outline to make them more graphic and readable. Typical images from their wide-ranging repertoire included; kids wearing big exaggerated sneakers, big ski goggles, hoodies, Kangols, holding joints or big radios, with gold chains and sharks with shotguns. In 1989, at the age of 12, it was hip hop that was speaking to me in a major way. The graffiti characters of this time period forecasted a lot of trends that people use as reference points today, especially in the sportswear industry. Doze's characters, for example, were infused with a lot of his attitude and personal style. Jay Ward who created Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Captain Crunch which is a great cereal. He made a lot happen with really minimal animation and simple design. UPA is a big influence, they did Gerald McBoing and Mr. Magoo with a similar method. The strength was in the cartoon design, which looked a lot like modern art.
What are you working on now?
I'm creating and designing some short animation for cartoonnetwork.com here at Funny Garbage. The first one is called Zoo Force, it's about superhero animals with the powers of the other animals, who fight domesticated animals named the human league, who have the manipulative powers of humans and want to dominate the world Zooforce fights them in the name of freedom.


text:
Results 1 to 1 of 1
02-04-02, 12:43 #1Registered User
- Join Date
- Feb 2002
- Posts
- 1
Unanswered: Linked Server - Poor performance?
We're currently testing whether a linked server is the right way to go for accessing .dbf files from within a SQL environment... It all works well however the performance seems poor. When performing a basic select * from <table> we are looking at 7 seconds for a 250 record table and 10 seconds for a 12000 record table. It appears as though it is taking about 5-6 seconds to establish the connection.
The files that the linked server is accessing are on the local machine (ie the SQL Server). THe server is also idle (its a new Compaq 370 with 1GB ram).
Can anybody shed some light on ways to improve performance or alternatives as this will not be acceptable?
We will need to run a number of batches accessing about 20-30 dbfs. One thought that came to mind was to run 4-5 tables in parallel thereby decreasing the overall job time. However when using a linked server we have found the following:
Both of these were run separately:
'select * from table a' - 15 seconds
'select * from table b' - 15 seconds
when running these two in parallel (ie with 2 separate connections) I would expect each statement to take slightly longer than when they ran independantly. However this is not the case - when running these 2 concurrently they take a combined time of 30 seconds to complete. Any ideas why? If anybody has any links to some real documentation about how linked servers work please would you enlighten me.


text:
Need help? Advice?
10-6 EST, m-f
Kids love to build. Not only are building toys great for fine motor skills and dexterity, they help children to explore basic geometry and understand shapes. Build It Up by ELC USA is a fun and colorful construction set for kids ages two to six years old.
Including chunky shapes, perfect for little hands, as well as nuts, bolts, and tools, your kiddo will manipulate this construction toy with ease. Let your imagination be your guide- build robots, vehicles, and other unique inventions with the Build It Up construction set. We love Early Learning Centre because they make fantastic toys that help to develop vital skills while being fun at the same time. Learning will be exciting and interesting with the Build It Up set and it will facilitate children to explore the boundaries of their imaginations. The Build It Up set encourages creativity in kids while at the same time enhancing fine motor skills. As always, this set is safe and phthalate free.
Features and Benefits:
Build It Up by ELC
Chunky shapes for little hands
Includes shapes, nuts, bolts, and tools
Encourages creativity while enhancing fine motor skills
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
This product has no reviews...yet.
Help your fellow shoppers and


text:
Car won from casino still undelivered
Woman claims she was taxed $134,000 for Aston Martin she never got
Don Bauder 3 p.m., Nov. 23
(Page 2 of 2)
In the movie, she handed me some popcorn. I found that more of it was landing on my lap and chest than in my mouth. I realized I was still holding the bag of Tostitos I took from the party.
When I had to go to the bathroom, I could barely walk. The usher cleaning the hallway looked at me as if I was one of those dizzy people who barfed during The Blair Witch Project.
The movie was horrible.
I remembered Howard Stern saying he saw 2001 while on acid, and he thought the computer was talking to him. I would think that being drunk would make a silly comedy like this funnier. The opposite happened.
Those are My girls....How I miss them. Much Love from NYC!!!! And you should go to one of their parties at the beach! Slip and Slide, twister, inflatable palm tree, Blinged out Beer Funnel, kiddie pool full of beer, jello shots....lots and lots of jello shots, and BBQ.


text:
Physicians for Human RightsThrough evidence, change is possible.
Press Room
Human Rights Doctor in Congo Eludes Gunmen
A leading human rights activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo narrowly escaped what appeared to be an assassination attempt when gunmen infiltrated his home, took his children hostage and killed a security guard in a spray of bullets before fleeing in a stolen vehicle, humanitarian advocates said Friday.
Congo: 1 killed in attack on renowned doctor
Gunmen killed a guard and fired at a renowned Congolese doctor who has helped thousands of women recover from violent rapes.
An Attack on One of My Heroes, Dr. Denis Mukwege
In the New York Times, Nicholas Kristof writes, "One of my heroes is Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Congolese doctor who repairs fistulas and is a ferocious advocate for women and for his country. I've suggested that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize—and I was horrified to learn that tonight four armed gunmen attacked him at his home, murdered his guard and shot at him. He seems to have narrowly escaped death."
DRC Government Must Protect Hospital Director after Violent Attack
PHR has been shocked to learn of a violent attack today at the home of our close colleague and friend, Dr. Denis Mukwege, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We fear for the safety of Dr. Mukwege, a world-renowned obstetric surgeon who is founder and medical director of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where he and his staff have helped treat over 30,000 survivors of sexual violence.
Forensic Nursing and the Law
The International Association of Forensic Nurses recently profiled PHR's program on sexual violence in conflict zones in their newsletter, "On the Edge".


text:
Published on February 22nd, 2012 | by Jules Yap18
Ivar library and storage
Materials: IVAR shelving units
Description: We wanted to build a library in the short part of our L-shaped living room. We decided to build storage space in the lower part (for which we used the IVAR units that are 50 cm deep) and build bookshelves on top that (30 cm deep).
The lower shelves were covered with sliding doors, for which a railing system was installed, and this part was covered with large MDF counter tops. On top we built the bookshelves which were attached to the wall. Because of the electric circuit board in the corner we built a cabinet there.
~ Geert, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
18 Responses to Ivar library and storage
Hi, Which Ivar side unit did you use for the bottom 50cm deep cabinets? The shortest side unit I can find seems too tall (124cm high). Did you cut it down? This looks awesome and I'd really like to make one too! Thanks!
Looking through both the online catalogue and old paper catalogues, it appears that, since a couple of years back, the 73cm tall side units don't exist any more. However, it has happened that I have found things in the stores which can't be found in any catalogue (the space-saving 40cm deep wardrobe system being one).
but the lower element is large 80cm and the top element is large 89cm. how can you combine them? :-/
They're both 89cm including side units.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that …
Very impressive! This looks like custom built-ins. Kudos and thanks for the great idea! Alana
great work!!!
It is admirable to see custom or DIY storage projects like this. It is true that not all storage needs can be purchased especially if the house already exists and the areas have set storing units like shelves or cabinets. Planning is an essential part of a successful project as well as choosing a design that will be suitable and doable for the area. Good job on your accomplished storage!
Good job!
For future reference (and other readers) I've used a sanding sealer on my Ivar painting and staining projects to reduce paint and stain absorption. Produces evener results.
A very good idea, I needed to fix in my country house that corner in the library, I liked the idea and I do reform with the items you've suggested. congratulations.
WOW! This is truly beautiful and I would never guess made from Ivars. I would not be able to do this hack, probably most of us would not, but you did an amazing job on it. The Ivar units look so eh and this looks so grand and beautiful. Seriously, WOW!
THIS. IS. AMAZING! This is surely a contender for Hack of the year. I love the fact you have covered storage underneath. Have been thinking of something like this for years.
What did you use for the sliding door compartment??
Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks! The sliding doors use a railing system that is hung underneath the counter top overhanging, and attached to the floor.
The corner between the two halves hides the electronic circuit board and gas meter, that were in a closet in the living room (very inconvenient but to much of a hassle to move).
Although it looks like a lot of work it really is not:
- build a 50 cm deep ivar
- put a flat wooden surface on top
- build a 30 cm deep ivar on top (attach to wall!!)
- attach wooden panels to the colums of the 30 cm part, and make cabinet doors or sliding doors in front of the 50 cm (lower) part
- paint everything in the colour you like (or not)
The last one is really the most work because this wood absorbs a lot of paint, so you might end up doing that 2 or 3 times.
Hi! This is exactly what I was looking for. You say you used a 50cm Ivar for the bottom, but the Ivar shelving units are very high. Did you have to cut them down? How high did you make them?
@Anonymous – IVAR comes in various heights. The lowest is 73cm. It's not found in online catalogue, apparently, but I got plenty of them, both in 30cm and 50cm depth.
OP: This is an excellent hack!
It's so beautiful, I'd never guess that is built with Ivar Shelves (which are not nice looking at all). The only problem, is that you have to be very talented, and probably have lots of equipment to built it, I alone would not be able, and my dear husband simply hates hand-work.
Well done
Well done! I love Ivar's functionality, but it's look… not so much. Your library looks both beautiful and sturdy. Congrats!
Looks AMAZING! This is one of the nicest hacks I've seen. It's very professional looking. Great job!


text:
Pokémon Adventures (manga)
Go back to Pokémon Adventures main page
All of the Pokedex Holders are named after one of the Pokemon games.
Yellow and Emerald are the only Pokedex Holders that do not have game counterparts.
All of the main characters that are based on game characters also have anime counterparts: Red = Ash, Blue = Gary, Green = Mariah (Opening 1 cameo), Gold = Jimmy, Crystal = Marina, Silver = Silver (Legend of Thunder Opening), Sapphire = May, Ruby = Brendan (movie 6 cameo), Platnium = Dawn, Diamond = Lucas (movie 11 cameo), Pearl = Jun.
If you look closely, different Nintendo systems including a Game Boy and Nintendo DS can be seen in same of the panels.
During the series, there are three different people that are considered the leader of Team Rocket during some point of time: Giovanni, Pryce, and Silver.
Wally was originally thought to be the third Pokedex Holder of Hoenn until Emerald appeared after the FireRed LeafGreen saga.
Yellow's real name is Amarillo del Bosque Verde (Yellow of the Viridian Forest).
Although Viz media only dudded the first seven books, all of the books have been translated into English by the Singapore publisher, Chuang Yi.
Despite Yellow being a girl, many people first believe her to be a boy because of the straw hat that she wears over her pony tail. Infact, it took Red about a year to realize that Yellow was a girl.
The series is divided into eight "chapters". The Red/Green/Blue chapter runs from volumes 1-3, the Yellow chapter runs from volumes 4-7, the Gold/Silver/Crystal chapter runs from volumes 8-14 (with one chapter in volume 15), the Ruby/Sapphire chapter runs from volume 15-22, the FireRed/LeafGreen chapter runs from volumes 22-26, the Emerald chapter runs from volumes 26-29, and the most recent chapters, Diamond/Pearl/Platinum and HeartGold/SoulSilver are ongoing.
As of 2009, Viz is rereleasing Pokemon Adventures starting from volume 1. They released two "best of" compilations for Red and Yellow in 2006, and when those sold well, they decided to restart the series, much to the delight of fans.
|You can contribute information to this page, but first you must login or register
|add information
|report an error
|lookup sources


text:
Hey there, so i've been searching around the net for a while trying to find all the different backup methods there are, and sadly about the only ones i have came across is using the dvd dumper program that comes on the wiikey v1.3 disc (i think thats what it was) using a SD gecko and then the LG drive method.
sooo i decided to finally post, and i do apologize if this is discussed elsewhere, if it is just direct me to it please, i couldn't find anything.
anyways what are some homebrew applications that allow you to backup your wii games. like say to the internal sd slot. or to a SD gecko. or whatever.
i guess the better question would be to ask
what program/homebrew do YOU guys/girls use to backup your wii and gamecube games using just your console (im not about to go and track down and pay for a LG drive xD haha)
please respond to this, again sorry if this is posted elsewhere, Thanks in advance.


text:
specialty care
Diagnosing Keratoconus Without a Topographer
You can achieve it by following these five steps.
Imagine not being able to see clearly and, after having visited multiple eye doctors through several years, still not having a solution — or even a proper diagnosis. This is what life is like for undiagnosed keratoconus (KC) patients.
The condition, which affects 1 in 1,500 to 2,000 individuals, is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as "normal" astigmatism, according to the National Keratoconus Foundation, negatively affecting these patients' quality of life.
Some of these patients go through life with non-progressive keratoconus — still a burden if not identified — while in others the condition advances significantly, prompting the eventual correct diagnosis and, often, subsequent corneal transplantation. Advanced keratoconus does not discriminate.
As optometrists, we have an obligation to diagnose keratoconus as early as possible so these patients can achieve optimum vision through spectacles or contact lenses. Also, early diagnosis is in their best interest because corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) (vitamin B2 drops with UV-A radiation used to increase the biomechanical and biochemical stability of the stromal collagen fibers to improve corneal rigidity) has been proven to arrest keratoconus progression and will soon be FDA-approved. Something else to consider: Corneal transplantation doesn't guarantee a lifetime free from contact lens wear, and it doesn't always last forever. If CXL can help delay or prevent corneal transplantation, it's a procedure worth performing.
We, and other optometrists, utilize corneal topography to facilitate the keratoconus diagnosis. If, however, you don't own topographer or a wavefront analyzer — both beneficial instruments — you can still diagnose the condition early and improve your patients' quality of life.
Here, we explain how.
"Three-point-touch" fluorescein pattern with a GP lens on a keratoconic eye.
1 Ask about family history/eye-rubbing.
Research has shown a definite genetic predisposition to the condition. Question the patient whether they have a family history of keratoconus. Keep in mind that keratoconus is diagnosed most often between puberty and age 30 (but can also be diagnosed in older patients), according to Survey of Ophthalmology. Also, many hereditary conditions are related to keratoconus, says Contemporary Optometry. (See "Hereditary and Other Conditions Found in Keratoconus Patients," page 50.)
Further, ask whether the patient rubs their eyes often. Although some debate exists regarding eye-rubbing's contribution to the origin and progression of the condition, most keratoconus patients rub their eyes vigorously, reveals the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Some may not even realize they do it, until asked.
2 Listen for visual complaints.
Listen for complaints of blurred vision and/or distortion of images, which are common symptoms of keratoconus. Here are telling patient complaints:
▸ "I have never been able to see correctly out of my glasses."
▸ "Lately, I haven't been able to see the 20/20 row at my doctor's office, even with my soft toric contact lenses on."
▸ "My doctor has changed my soft toric lenses several times, and I still can't see clearly."
▸ "I have seen several eye doctors, and no one can get my vision clear."
▸ "I see ghosted double or multiple images."
▸ "I always have a headache in or around my eyes."
Even just one of these statements should raise your suspicion for keratoconus.
3 Be aware of testing oddities.
The patient who has keratoconus may tell you they prefer to read the chart from right to left, based on our personal experiences. In addition, they may be able to read the letters, but state, "nothing is sharp."
For example, if the patient achieves 20/50 visual acuity in either eye, they may report that even the 20/100 row is blurry. Also, they may achieve better acuity if a line or letter is isolated.
4 Look for refraction anomalies.
Regarding autorefraction, keratoconus patients frequently demonstrate a distortion of the mires while the device acquires the reading. In addition, the autorefractor may show either an error message or a low-confidence score. If it does give you a reading, it will likely reveal a high amount of astigmatism, possibly at an oblique axis.
Refraction itself is difficult in these patients. First, the autorefraction result may not be accurate due to the shape and histological composition of the cornea.
In addition, because KC patients' vision is so poor, 0.25D changes in power during the refraction may not be enough for them to notice a difference.
We recommend using at least 0.50D variations in power when refracting. Then, your final refraction may be quite different from the patient's current glasses or soft toric contact lens prescription.
Through time, keratoconus patients may demonstrate frequent changes in their spectacle prescription, with alterations in sphere, cylinder and/or axis.
Most keratoconus patients do not correct to 20/20 with a spectacle refraction.
5 Assess four more diagnostic tests.
To determine whether the patient has keratoconus, evaluate the results of four additional diagnostic tests:
1. Manual keratometry. This is quite diagnostic, in that it shows distorted mires in keratoconus patients and, in advanced cases, corneal steepening that often exceeds the upper limit of the instrument.
2. Retinoscopy. This will show a scissors reflex.
3. Direct ophthalmoscopy. This often reveals a circular dark red-brown shadow surrounded by the red fundus reflex typical of all patients.
4. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy. In keratoconus patients, this shows one or more of the following characteristics:
▸ Cone-shaped protrusion.
▸ Stromal thinning at the cone apex.
▸ Fleischer ring (epithelial iron ring at the base of the cone).
▸ Sub-epithelial fibrillary lines.
▸ Prominent corneal nerves.
▸ "Three-point-touch" fluorescein pattern with a standard GP lens.
▸ Vogt striae (vertical stress lines in the deep stroma or Descemet membrane).
▸ Scarring at the level of Bowman membrane or anterior stroma.
The latter is indicative of advancing keratoconus, as is a Munson sign: the bulging of the lower eyelid with down gaze. Not all keratoconus patients exhibit these signs, particularly early in the disease. The Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus study found 86% of its 1,209 subjects with a Fleischer ring, 65% with Vogt striae and 53% with corneal scarring, according to Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.
Providing an answer
Many undiagnosed keratoconus patients may seek care less frequently than routine patients because they think, "no one can help me." By following the five outlined tips, you can intervene early and offer them the best vision with spectacles or specialty contact lenses so they do not suffer decreased productivity at work or school. Also, you can recommend procedures such as CXL. Ultimately, our actions make a positive impact on our patients' quality of life. OM
Hereditary and Other Conditions Found in Keratoconus Patients
▸ Addison disease
▸ Aniridia
▸ Atopic disease
▸ Blue sclera
▸ Down syndrome
▸ Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
▸ Marfan syndrome
▸ Osteogenesis imperfecta
Dr. Gromacki is a diplomate in the Cornea, Contact Lens, and Refractive Technologies section of the American Academy of Optometry. She lectures internationally on the topics of cornea and contact lenses. E-mail her at email@example.com, or send comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Dr. Seligson practices at the Wilmer Eye Institute, where she has a particular interest in fitting complex contact lenses and performing consultations for LASIK patients.


text:
2003 Toyota RAV4 - Consumer Review
Average Consumer Rating
Total Reviews
Base 4dr SUV (2.0L 4-cyl. 4-speed Automatic)
Build Quality
Reliability Value
Build Quality
Reliability Value
Great Car!
By allysonb on
Vehicle2003 Toyota RAV4 Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
ReviewJust traded in my 2007 Ford F-150 for the Rav4 to get better fuel economy. I was a little hesitant going from a v8 to a 4 cyl., but this car did not dissapoint! I recently had a spinal fusion and I can drive this car all day without it bothering my back. I am also a single mom of a two year old, this car has room enough for him and all of his "gear" as well as another friend. The gas mileage is great(especialy compared to my F-150).
Best FeaturesAs a single mom as well as full time nursing student and part time worker all I was concerned with was practicality and safety...you moms know how it is! not only was this car spacious and has a great safe feeling, it looks cute too. I have no problem accelerating and it stops on a dime. My two year old is over 3 feet and about 50lbs and he is more than comfortable in the back. loading groceries is a dream with the side opening rear end. Stock stereo is amazing. I got the sport edition and LOVE my sunroof!
Worst FeaturesI wish it had some "newer" features such as thermometer, compass, and aux port. The visor mirrors are a little small, and my break peddle shakes a bit while driving. other than a few minor improvements, this car is awesome!
Recommend (0) (0)
Are you the author of this review?Update Your Review
Comments (0) Post a Comment
You must be signed in to post a comment.


text:
This product is no longer available.
You can try these similar gifts instead.
DJ's Wireless Handheld MIDI Controller
This awesome MIDI controller is for the musician who wants to create music that has that perfect modern sheen that makes their favorite songs sound so powerful. They'll love how easy it is to use.


text:
Weight Lifting Doesn't Need to Take ALL DAY
Weight Lifting Doesn't Need to Take ALL DAY
I hear people complain and I have said it myself, "Weight lifting takes too long - I don't have time for 3 sets of 10." This then evolves from a complaint into an excuse, and no strength training happens at all.
Well, here's a new technique to try and I think it is virtually excuse proof. You let me know about that below in the comments section - OK?
Research shows that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as can three sets of the same exercise. The trick is you need to be using a weight that really challenges your muscles in those dozen reps. You need to feel like you really couldn't lift the weight again for a thirteenth repetition. Less reps will cut down on your lifting time tremendously.
Fit's tip: If you are just beginning with weight lifting, start slowly and find a weight that you can lift 12 times. Once you can easily do 12 repetitions with a particular weight, increase the weight by up to 10 percent at a time.


text:
FinFET structure design and variability analysis enabled by TCAD
3 comments
Geometric considerations in FinFETs
FinFETs effectively surround the silicon channel with gates on three sides (left, right and top of the fin). When the fin is thin enough, the short-channel effects responsible for the leakage current become much easier to mitigate under the tighter control of the three-sided gate.
In practice, the design of a FinFET structure is a fairly complicated process as it must contend with such diverse aspects as the integration of high-k metal gates and stress engineering with the incorporation of SiGe and Si:C source/drain regions for PMOS and NMOS, respectively. The structural complexity of FinFETs is clearly seen in Figure 1. For the remainder of this section we will focus on the aspects governing the shape of the fin.
One of the most interesting considerations in designing a FinFET is whether to use sloped fin sidewalls. Stress simulations indicate that sloped sidewalls are mechanically sturdier than vertical ones while impacting electrical performance only minimally. Figure 2 shows a FinFET structure stripped of its source and drain regions and gate electrode. Though the FinFETs shown here are generic, their dimensions and design criteria are representative of current technology. The shallow trench isolation (STI) is filled with silicon dioxide up to a certain level that is below the fin top by the fin height (that is, the geometric parameter H). The high-k gate dielectric contains two monolayers of oxide interlayer sandwiched between the high-k material (HfO2) and the fin.
The Synopsys TCAD simulators Sentaurus Process and Sentaurus Device are used to simulate the fabrication process and transistor electrical performance. The fin channels have moderate doping, somewhat lower than the planar MOSFET. The source and drain are doped with in situ epitaxy doping. The stress engineering, which includes the strained source/drain and stress induced by the strained replacement metal gate, is used to boost the on-state current. Here we contrast the performance difference between rectangular and triangular fin cross sections.
Figure 3 depicts electron distributions across the fin of NMOS FinFET in the off-state and on-state. In the off-state, the leakage happens in the middle of the fin regardless of the fin shape. This is because the gate controls the currents in the fin periphery that is close to the gate. The middle of the fin is the most remote from the gate and the gate has less leakage control over there. The leakage in the tapered fin is 17% lower than in the rectangular fin with the same fin width at the fin bottom due to the better gate control of the mid-fin.
The on-state current follows the fin perimeter for all FinFET shapes. The 15 nm wide rectangular fin has 24% higher on-current than for the tapered fin. This is due to the combination of several factors, with 14% coming from the larger perimeter length, and the remaining 10% due to no overlapping electron distributions, and no thin-layer induced mobility degradation that hamper the 5 nm wide fin top of the tapered FinFET.
The better gate control of the tapered fin improves the drain-induced barrier lowering effect (DIBL) and reduces subthreshold slope (SS) from 85 mV/dec down to a respectable 77 mV/dec.
Similar analysis for the PMOS is shown on Figure 4. What is different here is that the off-state leakage happens mainly at the top of the fin rather than at mid-fin. This is caused by the stress engineering being much stronger in the PMOS FinFET than in the NMOS FinFET.
Specifically, the SiGe source/drain epitaxy with over 50% Ge content introduces a huge stress in the PMOS fin, illustrated by Figure 5. The SiGe-induced stress level is almost three times higher than the NMOS fin stress. The goal of having such high channel stress is to increase the hole mobility, which is achieved. There's also a side effect of stress-induced bandgap narrowing, with the bandgap shrinking by about 200 mV at the fin top according to Figure 5. Such severe bandgap narrowing at the fin top triggers increased hole leakage there.
The main reason that stress distribution in the fin is so non-uniform is the replacement metal gate (RMG) process. As long as the dummy poly gate is in place, the fin stress is fairly uniform. However, once the dummy poly is removed and its resistance to the SiGe squeeze is gone, the PMOS fin gets the full force of the SiGe source pushing from one side and the SiGe drain from the other. Stress at the fin bottom barely changes, because it is still supported by the adjacent STI, but stress at the fin top more than doubles because it is narrow, exposed, and far away from the STI and the Si wafer below it.
Getting back to Figure 4, the off-state current of the tapered PMOS FinFET is 9% lower than for the rectangular one. The difference is so small because the RMG stress-induced bandgap narrowing and the subsequent leakage are stronger in the tapered fin with narrow, more vulnerable fin top.
The on-state current of the tapered PMOS FinFET is only 5% lower than for the rectangular one, with the respective subthreshold slopes of 66 mV/dec and 73 mV/dec. The difference in subthreshold slopes mainly indicates the DIBL control, and it is interesting to observe that the DIBL and the SS numbers are better for the PMOS compared to the NMOS. The reason is the smaller quantum separation of the holes relative to the electrons.
The holes on the on-state current patterns on Figures 3 and 4 hug the fin perimeter closer to the fin surface than the electrons and therefore experience tighter capacitance effective thickness (CET) and better gate control.


text:
Post kicks off annual fundraising effort for Children's National Medical Center
Sunday, November 14, 2010; 4:42 PM
Most twins have nine months alone together before they have to make their debut before an expectant public. Jordan and Gabriella Williamowsky had only 61/2 months. The sisters were born one minute apart and 21/2 months early.
If they thought they'd have plenty of time outside the womb to get to know each other, fate had other plans.
"Our census is 46 today," Tara Taylor tells me as we walk through the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's National Medical Center. These 46 patients are some of the most fragile babies you'll ever meet. Some rest in Omni beds - high-tech cribs that warm the infants. Some are under special lights used to treat the build-up of bilirubin - jaundice.
Many are in their mothers' arms. Tiny, tightly wrapped bundles are at the end of tubes that provide oxygen and medicine and wires that monitor heartbeats.
Technically, a neonate is a baby 30 days old or younger. "We don't hew to that here," says Tara, director of neonatal intensive care nursing. "We can have extended time" - time for the babies to get better.
The unit is quiet. No babies cry here.
Light spills through the window of Jordan Williamowsky's room. She's cradled in the arms of her mother, Jackie, and sucking at a bottle. Dad Adam hovers nearby.
When the twins were born Sept. 19 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Jordan was the bigger girl, weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces to Gabriella's 2 pounds 4 ounces. (Jordan had been hogging the placenta.) They spent two weeks fattening up at Holy Cross, then Jordan got sick.
"I'd always heard that the lungs were the things you needed to worry about with preemies," Adam says. "Now most people say the most important thing is their gut."
Jordan had developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous inflammation of the small intestine that occurs in about three live births per 1,000 and can strike preemies especially hard.
"At 9 p.m. she was okay, no tubes in her, taking a bottle," Adam says. "It went from seeming like a perfectly healthy baby to 'What in the world is going on?' "


text:
Best Cheap TVs
Published on By Michael Sweet
TCL 50UP130 Review
From $472 Best
Despite some disappointment from reviewers with the overall picture quality of this ultra-HD TV, the 50-inch TCL50UP130 still wins praise as one of the best budget choices among Roku TVs.
Pros: A PCMag reviewer, and many consumers, as well, laud TCL for incorporating Roku's smart TV platform right into the 50-inch 50UP130 (starting at $472; available on Amazon). It's easy to use and offers a ton of streaming options. Even better, the included "Enhanced" remote enables voice search and even has a headphone jack. Users can also download a Roku smartphone app to control the TV. An expert from Reviewed.com points out that this TV includes four HDMI ports that allow for connection to 4K content from external devices like Blu-ray players. The color accuracy is also very good, and the overall picture quality is satisfactory, although it's not perfect, according to this review.
Cons: Experts say the black levels and contrast are a bit disappointing -- easily the biggest drawback of this TV. Apart from that, the Roku system doesn't include many controls to fine-tune the picture, although the color on this set is good enough out of the box that this isn't a serious issue. The uniformity could be better, according to testing by Reviewed.com, and users can expect some blurring. Finally, the input lag on the TCL 50UP130 is decent, at just under 46 milliseconds, but still slightly higher than some of its competitors in this price range. Serious gamers might consider going with a different model.
Features: The TCL 50UP130 is a 4K LED TV with a 120 Hz (effective) refresh rate. In addition to the four HDMI ports, it has a composite port, a USB port, and an Ethernet port. It also supports Wi-Fi, including fast 802.11ac connections. The Roku platform provides access to a host of popular streaming apps, including Vudu, Netflix, Amazon, and HBO. The TV has two 8-watt speakers.
Takeaway: The Achilles' heel of the TCL 50UP130 is its overall picture quality. Expect less-than-impressive black levels and so-so contrast. The trade-off is that buyers get a 4K set with very good color accuracy and built-in Roku, which most experts say is the best smart TV platform out there. This model's strengths will likely outweigh its weaknesses for many consumers.
Where to buy
Vizio E50u-D2 Review
From $498 Best
With 4K ultra-HD clarity, accurate color, solid black levels, local dimming support, and a user-friendly smart TV interface, the 50-inch Vizio E50u-D2 feels like a more expensive model.
Pros: The greatest strength of the 50-inch Vizio E50u-D2 (starting at $498; available on Amazon) is its use of local dimming, according to an expert from CNET. This feature can significantly improve the TV's picture quality, with deeper black levels and greater contrast. It has 12 local dimming zones, which isn't a lot -- top-of-the-line models can have more than 300 zones -- but it's certainly better than none, and most budget TVs don't boast this function at all. Beyond that, the E50u-D2 is lauded for color accuracy, minimal motion blur, and little lag (about 37 milliseconds on its gaming setting). A Reviewed.com expert reports that the TV is easy to set up and use. The white balance is very accurate out of the box, and any colors that are a little off can easily be fixed with only slight adjustments.
Cons: Reviewers have few complaints about the Vizio E50u-D2. They note that the set doesn't support HDR, but this feature is not expected in a TV in this price range. More important to some, the Reviewed.com expert found the viewing angle to be pretty narrow. The Google Cast platform, though a boon, requires an app on a smartphone or tablet to navigate the TV's smart features. This won't appeal to everyone, but users can connect an external streaming device such as a Roku box or Amazon Fire TV stick if desired. Finally, Vizio's E-Series 4K TVs do not have a built-in tuner, so buyers who get local stations via an antenna would need to purchase an add-on -- or they might consider an alternative such as the Vizio D50u-D1 instead.
Features: The Vizio E50u-D2 is a 4K LED TV with four HDMI ports, a component port, an Ethernet port, and two USB ports. The TV supports Wi-Fi connections, including 802.11ac, the latest standard. The TV has a 120 Hz (effective) refresh rate, and uses a pair of 10-watt speakers.
Takeaway: The lack of a tuner will deter a few potential buyers, and some may fumble with the Google Cast setup. Overall, however, most experts consider the Vizio E50u-D2, with its superior 4K picture quality, one of the best deals among budget TVs.
Insignia NS-50DR710NA17 Review
From $400 Good
Don't expect amazing contrast from the 50-inch Insignia NS-50DR710NA17, but the colors on this ultra-HD, Roku-equipped Best Buy set are said to be almost perfectly accurate sans adjustment.
Pros: Despite some shortcomings, there's a lot to like about the Insignia NS-50DR7NA17 (starting at $400; available on Amazon), a 50-inch 4K set from Best Buy's house-brand lineup. A PCMag expert found the colors to be bright and almost perfectly accurate without tweaking. This TV is also pretty fast, with a low response time. The Roku smart TV platform earns raves for its wealth of streaming content (including 4K menu offerings) and its simple-to-use remote and interface. A reviewer from CNET adds that the new Roku app offers more fine-tuning options to improve picture quality, which is a nice plus.
Cons: Like many TVs in this price range, the NS-50DR710NA17 has somewhat mediocre black levels, and the contrast leaves a bit to be desired, according to the CNET and PCMag reviewers. While the CNET expert considers this model on par with similar sets like the TCL P-Series Roku TV we picked, its overall picture quality certainly doesn't measure up to Vizio's budget lines. The screen uniformity is also a bit off, although the expert says most viewers won't notice. Consumers should note that this TV's standard infrared Roku remote lacks voice search and headphone jack; it also doesn't have the "point anywhere" capabilities of upgraded versions.
Features: The Insignia NS-50DR710NA17 is an LED TV with a 60 Hz screen. It has four HDMI inputs, an Ethernet port, a composite input, and a USB port. It also supports Wi-Fi, including speedy 802.11ac connections. The Roku smart TV platform allows access to just about every streaming app there is. The TV has two 10-watt speakers.
Takeaway: The Insignia NS-50DR710NA17 is a good option for shoppers seeking a budget 4K TV with Roku's powerful streaming platform built in. Like many cheap TVs, it struggles somewhat with black levels and contrast, but it excels in other respects. Holdouts might prefer to wait on soon-to-be-released models with possible upgrades.
Where to buy
TCL 55FS3750 Review
From $448 Good
Springing for ultra HD may not always be worth the added expense. The 1080p TCL 55FS3750 is a lower-res model that delivers a decent picture on a 55-inch screen alongside the popular Roku platform.
Pros: Ultra-HD video is an attractive feature for many buyers that's only recently found its way into the ranks of affordable TVs. But not everyone sees the value in it. The TCL 55FS3750 (starting at $448; available on Amazon) is a 1080p HDTV that experts say performs well. A reviewer from Rtings.com says it delivers solid picture quality, with sharp, detailed images and respectable black levels and contrast. This expert also notes that the color accuracy is very good, and the TV handles fast-moving content without motion blur. A CNET reviewer echoes most of these assessments and notes that, although some competing TVs have better image quality, they're also pricier. The picture on this low-priced line is "good enough" and, at 55 inches, this particular model throws a bit more screen into the bargain than our other picks. The Roku platform built into this set is the best smart TV option available, reviewers say, due to its excellent user interface and wide array of apps.
Cons: Experts don't have a lot of complaints about the TCL 55FS3750, but the Rtings.com reviewer does say this TV's audio is pretty bad even by budget TV standards. Distortion is apparent even at medium volumes. This TV also has a pretty narrow viewing angle, though that's also common among budget TVs. The CNET reviewer points out that the 55FS3750 doesn't have an Ethernet port, which may irk some buyers, but the Wi-Fi works well. This TV lacks some desirable features that are just starting to break into the budget TV range, such as local dimming and, of course, 4K resolution. The Roku TV remote is the standard version, as opposed to the "Enhanced" controller that includes voice search and a headphone jack. Despite all that, the CNET expert says the price is impressively low given the features this TV does have.
Features: The TCL 55FS3750 is an LED TV that claims a 120 Hz (effective) refresh rate. It supports Wi-Fi (802.11n) and has three HDMI ports, a composite port, and a USB port. The TV has two 8-watt speakers.
Takeaway: Shoppers looking for a cheap TV who aren't committed to a 4K screen will want to consider the TCL 55FS3750. It doesn't have the best picture quality, but this 55-inch Roku TV offers a lot of value for the buck.
Where to buy
Sony KDL-48W650D Review
From $448 Think Twice
This 1080p TV is a budget option from a top brand, but critics say the 48-inch Sony KDL-48W650D suffers from issues with screen uniformity, brightness, and color accuracy, in addition to limited app choices.
Pros: Sony's W650D lineup is geared toward shoppers looking for a smaller TV at a budget price, and the 48-inch model (starting at $448; available on Amazon) is an affordable 1080p set that garners its share of supporters. Buyers who have reviewed this TV on Best Buy.com appreciate how easy it is to stream content through the TV, which can also mirror the screens on linked mobile devices. They're fans of the color and picture quality, as well, and say the TV is simple to set up and use. A reviewer from Rtings.com says the black levels are okay, if not overly impressive, and show pretty good contrast. The audio is said to be a little better than average, and also louder than most. The smart TV features are fairly limited but include the most popular apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
Cons: The Rtings.com expert found a few problems with the picture quality on the Sony KDL-48W650D that some Best Buy shoppers didn't pick up on. The gray screen uniformity is uneven, with overly dark corners. The screen isn't particularly bright, either. The reviewer says the color accuracy is a bit off, and there are few picture controls to fine-tune it. There is some motion blur, and input lag is average, but the reviewer suggests this TV still could work for gamers. This expert also dings the KDL-48W650D for having a pretty narrow viewing angle, something Best Buy customers noticed as well. The most common complaints from those reviewers were that they'd prefer more inputs and a wider selection of smart TV apps.
Features: The Sony KDL-48W650D TV is a 1080p LED model. It supports 802.11n Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct and also includes an Ethernet port. There are two HDMI ports, two USB ports, and a component/composite input. The TV has two 5-watt speakers. The display is 60 Hz (although Sony's enhances this refresh rate with Motionflow XR 240).
Takeaway: The low price of the Sony KDL-48W650D isn't enough to offset its mediocre picture quality when there are plenty of better budget options available. The TV may be fast enough for gamers, but gamers also appreciate video that looks good. The limited inputs and smart TV apps also make this TV hard to recommend.
Buying Guide
This buying guide features a lineup of affordable TVs for buyers on a budget. We've tapped expert and consumer reviews to put together a list of top picks that includes a range of models, from 4K ultra-HD TVs to lower resolution 1080p TVs that offer a bevy of sought-after features -- including smart TV functionality -- at a bargain price.
Choosing a Cheap TV
In recent years, TVs have become more packed with features and less expensive than ever. Not only are 4K TVs with ultra-high-definition screens now available at prices that will appeal to even the most frugal buyers, but consumers searching for a TV fully loaded with streaming options and mobile-device compatibility can find many such models on a budget. Cheapism's research has turned up several truly "smart" choices among the current TVs on the market -- both ultra HD and 1080p -- at prices that won't break the bank.
Manufacturers of cheap TVs include well-known brands, such as Sony, LG, and Samsung, that automatically spring to mind when thinking of consumer electronics in general. However, our 2017 recommendations suggest that buyers may get more value for their money with a name such as Vizio, the Chinese company TCL, or Best Buy's in-house Insignia brand. Expect more screen when moving beyond the mainstream, too: Whereas a 43-inch model from a big-name brand can easily push the $500 price ceiling, all our top picks deliver a minimum of 50 inches on the diagonal.
The 50-inch Vizio E50u-D2 (starting at $498) is a 4K TV outfitted with Google Cast that reviewers say ranks among the very best in the budget realm and provides truly outstanding image quality. Those willing to scrimp a bit on picture quality in favor of a wealth of streaming content might set their sights on a TV equipped with the widely popular Roku smart TV platform. The 50-inch ultra-HD TCL 50UP130 (starting at $472) is a top performer that sports the added perk of an Enhanced Roku remote with voice search and a built-in headphone jack. More price-conscious Roku TV fans might consider the 50-inch Insignia NS-50DR710NA17 (starting at $400), the cheapest 4K model in our lineup. The TCL 55FS3750 (starting at $448) has slightly downgraded 1080p resolution but boasts a 55-inch screen. While Sony's budget line of TVs has produced some strong players in the past, consumers might want to steer clear of the Sony KDL-48W650D (starting at $448). Reviewers say the picture and performance of this 48-inch, 1080p model leave a lot to be desired.
4K vs. 1080p Resolution.TVs with 4K technology (also known as ultra-high definition or UHD) promise amazingly sharp images with four times as many pixels as 1080p "full-HD" TVs. This technology is now available on many budget TVs -- the majority of our choices are ultra-HD models -- but there's no reason to be wedded to this image upgrade. The fact is that 4K TVs don't boost picture quality as much as consumers might expect. Many experts maintain that it's hard to tell the difference between 4K and 1080p TVs. While some improvements might be noted on a large screen (say, 65 inches and up), in UHD TVs from 50 to 65 inches, gains over 1080p sets are hardly obvious, and in TVs 48 inches and smaller, they're pretty much undetectable. That said, 4K TVs have dropped so much in price that they barely cost more than 1080p TVs. Ultra-HD resolution is often one of many attractive features on a bargain buy that's just too good to pass up.
HDR, or high dynamic range technology, on the other hand, is an enhancement that certainly merits the extra outlay for some buyers. Unlike UHD, this feature noticeably improves color, brightness, and contrast, creating a beautiful, more realistic image, reviewers say. Alas, HDR hasn't yet drifted down to the realm of truly "cheap" TVs, although TCL claims it will be releasing some inexpensive options in the very near future. For now, be prepared to pay well over $500 for a high-end TV with that feature, or perhaps consider the more affordable, although not impeccable, LG 49UH6100 (starting at $547).
Features Comparison Buying Guide continues below table
TV Reviews: What We Considered
To evaluate the performance of models in our price range, we pored over TV reviews on sites such as Reviewed.com and Rtings.com, which conduct extensive testing. LCD TV Buying Guide similarly reviews and recommends models based on editors' firsthand experience. It compares many different models and often goes into great technical detail. High-profile technology sites such as CNET and PCMag have also tested and reviewed some of the TVs on our list.
We gave much greater weight to these expert takes than to online reviews from consumers, most of whom have limited knowledge of or access to TVs apart from the models they've purchased. Expert reviewers have the advantage of comparing many TVs side by side, which makes subtle differences in between sets more readily apparent. Not surprisingly, picture quality -- particularly color accuracy, black levels, and contrast -- is paramount in reviewers' minds, but the interface used to control the TV and its smart functions are also very important.
Meeting all the standards imposed by critics is more of a challenge for entry-level TVs. Although the picture quality is better than ever, it's important to keep expectations at realistic levels. The images, though sharp and rich on the best cheap models, simply aren't what you'd see on a TV costing well above the $500 mark. Nevertheless, while the current crop of cheap TVs tend to be slightly flawed in one way or another, the best ones hold their own in terms of features and performance. Overall our top picks garner relatively positive appraisals in reviews.
Color Accuracy.Color accuracy is a critical element of picture quality. The colors on the screen should be vibrant, not under-saturated, and neither too warm or too cool; skin tones should look natural. Perfect color accuracy is hard to find even in pricier TVs, and many cheap models struggle on this front, reviewers say. Luckily, most of the budget TVs we recommend have very good color accuracy from the get-go, and many require very little fine-tuning. The Insignia NS-50DR710NA17, despite its incredibly low price, proves to have especially accurate color, according to an expert from PCMag, requiring almost no tweaking of the settings. The Sony KDL-48W650D, on the other hand, receives poor marks on this front from Rtings.com, and the reviewer says sparse calibration controls compound the problem.
Black Levels.Ideally, black levels should be deep and dark -- truly jet black, never gray --without losing detail in the shadows. This is one area where budget TVs underperform nearly universally, although the 1080p TCL 55FS3750, which falters somewhat on color accuracy, is said to have very respectable black levels.
The best cheap TV for black levels is the Vizio E50u-D2. This set uses a feature called local dimming that helps improve a TV's black levels, and reviewers from both CNET and Reviewed.com rave about the difference this technology makes. Although it's usually confined to more expensive sets, local dimming makes different portions of the screen brighter and darker as needed to improve contrast. While pricey TVs have hundreds of different zones that can be manipulated for ultimate picture quality, even the paltry 12-zone dimming capabilities of the Vizio E50u-D2 produce noticeable results. The same local dimming can be found in the Vizio D50u-D1 (starting at $498), a close cousin of our top pick and a solid alternative for those who receive local broadcasts with a TV antenna, as the E50u-D2 lacks a built-in tuner.
Screen Uniformity.This is another steep challenge for cheap TVs. Most budget models have at least a little inconsistency, meaning that some parts of the screen, usually around the edges or corners, appear just a little brighter or darker than other parts of the screen. This can obviously be distracting. It's a weakness of our "Think Twice" pick, the Sony KDL-48W650D. That model's gray uniformity is particularly poor, according to Rtings.com. Reviewers also knock the screen uniformity of the more expensive, HDR-enhanced LG 49UH6100. Experts and several unhappy buyers complain of light bleeding on the screen.
Motion Blur.Reviewers look for on-screen movement to be fluid and free of lag, particularly in sports and video games. To ensure good performance in this area, experts generally recommend looking for a high refresh rate, which indicates how often the TV redraws the image on the screen. Refresh rates of 120 Hz or higher improve the fluidity of movement onscreen and reduce the likelihood that blur will become an issue, but TVs with 60 Hz refresh rates may suffer from occasional motion blur. Some manufacturers use digital processing techniques to reduce or eliminate motion blur on 60 Hz screens, so they become, as a TV maker might say, "effective 120 Hz" displays. The success of these kinds of processing tricks varies, however, and some of the claims made by manufacturers are pure marketing gimmicks, so we relied heavily on expert reviews for feedback on this aspect of performance.
Reports of noticeable motion blur were few in reviews of our Cheapism picks. The TCL 50UP130 could be better in this arena, according to an expert at Reviewed.com but those who don't watch a lot of action films, sports, and other fast-paced programming should be content with this pick. The TCL 55FS3750 manages fast-moving content particularly well, says a Rtings.com reviewer, and the Vizio E50u-D2 and LG 49UH6100 also proved to be fast TVs in testing.
Smart TV Features.Smart TV support is now firmly entrenched in the budget TV landscape. All the TVs we reviewed are smart TVs, although the smart TV experience varies depending on the brand purchased. Roku-based TVs, such as those from TCL and Insignia, provide the best overall smart TV experience, according to experts. The simple and responsive interface allows users to control the TV's settings and manage thousands of apps and streaming channels with ease. The Vizio E50u-D2 uses Google Cast for its TV platform (and requires purchasers to download an app to a mobile device to control these functions) while the other Vizio model we mentioned relies upon the brand's proprietary VIA platform. Some other manufacturers, such as Sony and LG, also use their own smart TV platform. With most of these smart TVs, all that's needed is a wireless internet connection to stream video and audio directly to the TV from online sources such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, and Pandora.
Connections.The whole point of buying an HDTV, even a budget model, is to get top-drawer picture quality. HD inputs are required when transferring video signals to the set from other devices, like a Blu-ray player or video game system. Most cheap TVs feature several types of inputs and outputs. The highest quality input supported by budget TVs is HDMI, which supports high-definition video and audio signals (including 4K signals via the relatively new HDMI 2.0 specification). The better low-cost models, including the Vizio E50u-D2 and D50u-D1, as well as both TCL sets we picked, have at least three HDMI connectors. The Sony KDL-48W650D, on the other hand, has only two.
Wi-Fi connection is also important. Some TVs support newer 802.11ac connections while others are limited to 802.11n. Our picks vary on this front, but all of our 4K top choices include 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The Sony and LG models we researched have 802.11n Wi-Fi connections, but they also support Wi-Fi Direct, which allows for quick and easy sharing of content between devices.
Sound.Don't expect too much from any budget TV's audio system. The audio quality is usually middling, and in some cases it's simply not good at all. Regardless, no one will mistake TV speakers for a home theater system. Any cheap TV will benefit from the addition of a good sound bar, and reviewers suggest that even the mid-range LG 49UH6100 could use some help.
Additional Products We Considered
Vizio D50u-D1 Review
From $498
Pros: PCMag named the Vizio D-Series an Editors' Choice for entry-level 4K TVs. The 50-inch Vizio D50u-D1 (starting at $498; available on Amazon) is a slight downgrade from our top pick, the Vizio E50u-D2, but it boasts the same local dimming capability and premium picture quality as the E-Series, according to reviews. The Vizio D50u-D1 is said to have impressive black levels and contrast, as well as excellent color accuracy. A Reviewed.com expert enthuses that the colors are bright and vivid, with no adjustments necessary, although a bit of tweaking can make them look even better. In tests conducted by Rtings.com, testers claim to have been able to get the D-Series TVs' response time down to a mere 13.4 milliseconds, meaning they're good sets for gamers that need fast performance. The Vizio D50u-D1 supports a number of popular streaming apps on its smart TV platform, including Amazon, Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, and so on. Unlike Vizio's E-Series TVs, this model includes a built-in tuner for over-the-air signals via antenna, a major boon for some.
Cons: There's not a lot to complain about with this TV, the PCMag reviewer says. The smart features might be a bit rudimentary compared with Vizio's E-Series, which uses Google Cast; the D50u-D1 comes with Vizio's more basic proprietary smart platform. The Reviewed.com expert also found that the viewing angle is pretty narrow, so it's best to position the TV so it can be seen straight on, or nearly so.
Features: The Vizio D50u-D1 is a 4K LED TV with 12 active LED zones. This TV has a 120 Hz (effective) refresh rate. It has five HDMI ports, a combined composite/component port, an Ethernet port, and a USB port. It supports Wi-Fi, including 802.11ac connections. The TV is outfitted with a pair of 10-watt speakers.
Takeaway: The Vizio D50u-D1 is loaded with features and connection options, and it delivers excellent picture quality, with black levels and a contrast ratio that are superior to similarly priced competition. Though the smart platform might be a bit clunkier than some, this is a very fast TV for gamers.
LG 49UH6100 Review
From $547
Pros: LG is one of the best-known names in consumer electronics, and the company has several TVs to choose from. The budget 49UH6100 (starting at $547; available on Amazon), is one of the few affordable 4K TVs that supports HDR. According to user reviews on Amazon, the high dynamic range technology does, indeed, make for a sharp, clear picture, and this 49-inch TV delivers nice-looking color. Consumers also like the smart features of the LG 49UH6100. They say the interface is simple and the TV is easy to set up and use. According to an expert from Rtings.com, the LG 49UH6100 is speedy, with a fast response time and few issues with motion blur.
Cons: The Rtings.com reviewer notes a few important shortcomings with the LG 49UH6100. Its black levels and contrast are pretty poor, resulting in blacks that look more gray. The TV's uniformity is also not very smooth, with fluctuations in both black and gray. The colors are close to accurate out of the box but need a little calibration. Finally, this expert says the sound quality is pretty bad, even for a flat-screen TV; a soundbar is strongly recommended. Amazon customers don't have a lot of complaints about the LG 49UH6100 in reviews, but a few shoppers are disappointed by the limited app availability (especially compared with a Roku TV), and some complain of noticeable light bleed.
Features: The LG 49UH6100 is a 4K LED TV with a 120 Hz (effective) refresh rate. It has three HDMI ports, a USB port, a component/composite port, and an Ethernet port. The TV also supports Wi-Fi connections (802.11n and Wi-Fi Direct). There are a pair of 10-watt speakers built into the display.
Takeaway: It's hard to find an HDR 4K TV at this price, and although the smart TV system may not be on Roku's level, it's certainly good enough to satisfy most reviewers. It's disappointing that the the LG 49UH6100 struggles so much with black levels, contrast, and sound quality, but many buyers still consider it a good value, particularly for an entry-level TV.


text:
Maggie has declared March the Month of Macrobiotics. I've always been intrigued by the Macrobiotic lifestyle, and although it's never something I could do 100%, I do like many of the principles. So, I decided to partake and make more of an effort when it comes to meal preparation. We still keep meals pretty simple around here, but lately, I've been spending more time in the kitchen. All three kiddos now go down at the same time for their afternoon naps, and I have a couple hours to get things done around the house, including sitting down to lunch and doing dinner prep.
Lunch: salmon, quinoa, and sauteed veggies.
The above bowl took very little time to prepare. Quinoa went into rice cooker along with a few chopped carrots in the steamer basket. I cooked the frozen stir-fry veggies in a bit of butter and chicken stock for 5 minutes. I then removed them from the heat and covered the pan until steamed cooked to my liking. For the salmon, I removed the cooked veggies from the pan, added a bit more chicken stock, and sauteed the salmon until cooked through. PS I LOVE my rice cooker!
Dinner: red quinoa, steamed carrots, and this kale (my new favorite kale recipe!), all with a drizzle of tahini.
A really ugly iPhone photo of a yummy dinner consisting of the same kale recipe from above, quinoa, and roasted kabocha squash…with more tahini.
Basically, I'm enjoying plenty of whole grains and more veggies. Again, I could never go 100% percent macrobiotic as I love red meat and butter. However, I do love the thought of eating simple whole foods, and I'm also working on eating more slowly. Too often, I find myself scarfing down whatever I can get my hands on while trying to multi-task my to-do list. It's also nice for our children to see me eating something other than tortilla chips dipped in the cottage cheese container. 😉


text:
HP unveils new Envy 15 and Envy 17 notebooks
Working For Notebookcheck
Are you a loyal reader of notebookcheck? Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team!
Especially wanted:
English-Swedish-Translator - Details here
Review Editor - Details here
News Editor - Details here
HP's popular Envy notebook line began back in 2009 with the Envy 13 and Envy 15, but over the past year HP has paid more attention to its Envy 14 and Envy 17/17 3D models. However, things appear to be changing, as HP is bringing back the Envy 15 with an all new design that also making its way to the Envy 17 and 17 3D.
Upon their release, the Envys were branded as MacBook lookalikes, and sadly the new design doesn't do much to dispel that notion. The notebooks now feature the same silver scheme as Apple's flagship computers, and a depressed keyboard as well. On the other hand, the laptops come with a black lid that matches nicely with the silver palmrests and a red border offers some nice contrast. In addition, HP is updating the backlight on the chiclet keyboard, as the new models now feature individual LEDs for each key along with a proximity sensor that illuminates the keyboard as soon someone approaches.
One of the biggest selling points for the Envy notebooks was the optional high-res Radiance display, a feature that was discontinued for the Envy 14 after demand exceeded supply. Thankfully, the displays are now making a reappearance, as the 1920x1080 panels will now come optional for the 15.6" Envy 15 and standard for the 17.3" Envy 17 and 17 3D.
Of course, HP isn't standing pat on the hardware, as the 3 models now come stock with a Core i5-2430M processor, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 7,200 RPM 500GB HDD and an unspecified 1GB AMD Radeon graphics card. Unfortunately, there is no word as to what the highest end machines can be customized with, but Quad-Core i7 CPUs will definitely be available. The battery life appears to have been improved as well, with promises of 9 hours of life for the Envy 15 and 9.5 hours for the Envy 17.
Though HP's latest refresh is sure to draw even more comparisons to Apple's MacBook Pros, the Radiance displays and upgraded hardware are most welcome. Just in time for the holidays, the new notebooks should ship on the 7th of December, with the Envy 15 starting at $1,099, the Envy 17 at $1,249 and the Envy 17 3D at $1,599.
See our Top 10 Notebooks:
» Multimedia, » Gaming, » Lightweight Gaming
» Budget Office, » Business, » Workstations
» Subnotebooks, » Ultrabooks, » Convertibles
» Top 10 under 300 Euros, » under 500 Euros
» Best Notebooks for University Students
» Top Windows alternatives to Apple's MacBook series
» Best Notebook Displays
Top 10 Tablets / Smartphones: