text:
I often see statements written in requirements documents, such as "we require the servers to have 99.999% uptime". And then I will see people fall over themselves setting up expensive technology to meet this criterion. The truth of the matter is the percentage is meaningless unless you know precisely how 'Uptime' is defined.
Let's examine the opposite of Uptime, its evil twin called Downtime. Downtime is simply the amount of time that something is not available. It means that the user cannot access the resource they want. So, if it is a file on a network share somewhere and they cannot access that share, then the system is "down". Of course, the file server could be up and running, but that is little consolation to the end user trying to access the file.
What is this 99.999% number that gets bandied about? Here are some numbers that give the reality behind the high percentage commonly referred to as "five-nines".
Figure 1 show a table that helps to explain the amount of Downtime that is represented by various percentages of Uptime, assuming a 365 day year.
Downtime (as HH:MM:SS)
Per day
Per week
Per Month
Per Year
So, given sixty seconds in a minute, and sixty minutes in an hour, and twenty-four hours in a day, and 365 days in a year (let's keep this simple, shall we?), we arrive at a total of 31,536,000 seconds in a year. That means "five-nines" of Uptime represents the same as 00.001% Downtime, which is 315.36 seconds, or approximately five minutes fifteen seconds (plus a fraction). The chart above simply lists this in the HH:MM:SS format so you see 00:05:15. That means your system needs to be available for all but slightly more than five minutes for the entire year in order to meet a 99.999% uptime.
Impossible? Probably not. But is it practical to think that your system is truly available for all of that time? For example, when it comes to database servers, I could leave the server up and running for a year, never reboot the thing, but how do I know that the instance has been accessible throughout? How exactly do you measure periods of uptime and downtime in your shop?
Operations Manager Availability Reporting
Assuming you have been able to define what it means for your servers to be "up" or "down", you must be able to report those metrics periodically. When I give presentations on Operations Manager I am often asked about reporting. I am usually embarrassed to tell people that I do not use the reporting functionality in Operations Manager. In my present position I have never been asked to provide regular reports. This is quite a relief as I have always found the reports in Operations Manager to be difficult to work with.
I decided to use Operations Manager to report Uptime so as to become familiar with the reporting function and to get an idea of how well the systems are performing.
To access the Operations Manager reports, you need to open up the Operations Manager console and navigate to the Reporting tab. Select the 'Microsoft Generic Reporting Library' on the left, then on the right double-click to open the 'Availability' report (Figure 2).
You will then be presented with the report parameters screen (Figure 3). Here is the first problem I always encounter whenever running a report in Operations Manager, what object is my target? If you select the 'Add Object' button you will be presented with a myriad of objects, but in this particular example we are looking to focus on the database engine. But it could be the case that you want the database engine and the SQL Server Agent to be represented in your availability report. You are given a lot of available options to choose from, and there advantages and drawbacks to this. Once you become familiar with the reports it becomes easier to understand, but until then, it can be daunting.
I found that, when running reports from this library, I either need to manually select the database engine target(s), or select a group of SQL Servers that I want to run the report against. Note how I am only focusing on the database engine and not anything else as I am only concerned with knowing about any issues with only the engine. In general this report itself takes a few seconds to run. If you decide to run against several servers you can expect the running time to last more than just a few seconds.
If you did not want to select objects or groups manually for this type of report then go back and start the process from the Database State view on the monitoring tab. Select the server name you want and, on the right hand side, you should see a list of available reports that can be run against the database engine (Figure 4). When you run the 'Availability' report you will notice that the object target is selected for you. At this point you can make modifications to the number of objects or groups if you need to. I prefer this method for executing the reports because it requires fewer clicks to be up and running against an individual server.
The time parameters selections shown in Figure 5 are sufficient, as many quick selections are available. But the results can be deceiving. For example, the total number of minutes shown as 'Uptime' might list the amount of time possible rather than the actual amount of uptime. As an example, if your server was built one month ago, but you run a default report going against the past year, you will see the total number of available minutes for the year as your possible uptime (Figure 7).
The options listed on the far right in Figure 3 are interesting, they are:
- Warning
- Monitoring unavailable
- Planned maintenance
- Unplanned maintenance
- Monitor disabled
- Unmonitored
Be careful here, because you are specifying your criteria for Uptime or Downtime. The default choice is to enable only the option for 'Unplanned Maintenance', which may not be the your only criterion for Downtime. My own choice would be to select every option except for 'Warning' as my set of criteria for Downtime.
And how does Operations Manager determine whether maintenance is 'Planned' or 'Unplanned'? Well, you specify that whenever you set a server to be in 'Maintenance Mode'. There is a checkbox for you to enable (Figure 6), and this is how Operations Manager then reports back to you later if the maintenance was planned or unplanned.
The way I define Downtime may be stricter than most. I understand that the Operations Manager agent may have been unavailable, but the database instance was available to handle requests. Nonetheless, I expect to have more than just the instance available; I expect to have the Operations Manager agent up and running as well. Some people tell me that planned maintenance should not count as downtime, but I disagree.
The above report was run against one database engine, for a period of time including the entire previous year, and with the default 'Unplanned Maintenance' checkbox enabled. These setting could lead to the conclusion that the instance was up 100% of the time, a span of 9,528 minutes. In reality, out of the 9,528 minutes, the server was only running during a fraction of the time which can be seen by the little green bar all the way to the right of what is labeled 'Availability Tracker'.
You need to click on the Availability Tracker and drill-into the report to understand fully what the report is trying to tell you. In this case the report will tell me that the server has only been running since last month. Now, look at the difference if I select all options other than 'Warning' (Figure 8).
That is a big difference in uptime, isn't it? The Availability Tracker tells me that the server has not been monitored for most of 2008, so if I decide to include that as downtime then my report output is much different. Essentially Operation manager thinks the server was up for 2008, but the agent was disabled. It would be nice if there was a way for Operations Manager to know when the agent was installed, in order to avoid this reporting issue.
Figure 4 also shows a few of the other reports available and there are many more to choose from. I would encourage you to experiment with the reports and play with a lot of the options. One report that I want to point out is the Health report, as it ties into the Availability report.
The Health report is intended to display the 'Entity Health'. What's that you say? Is that not part of 'Availability' for your instance? Yes it is. Actually the 'Availability' report rolls up into the 'Entity Health', so be mindful of this (Figure 9). When you are running the 'Availability' report, you are running a report that only checks the entities that are currently a part of the Availability aggregate monitor for the database engine. The 'Entity Health' encompasses a handful of aggregate monitors, which means you could have very different results.
So, how best to decide which one to use? Well, it all depends on what you have defined for your Uptime (and conversely, your Downtime) continuums. If you want everything that could possibly affect your instance then it may be better for you to examine the Health report. You might, for example, even consider your server to be 'down' if it was not compliant with the service pack compliance monitor.
If you go looking to find your true Uptime, you should
- Ensure that you have properly defined what Uptime (or Downtime) means in your enterprise.
- Examine the options that are available in the Operations Manager reports and decide what works best for you,
- Let the reports run and see how your shop fares against the mythical "five-nines".
I don't think that you should be discouraged if you come up short, as most servers need more than five minutes of love per year.
Operations Manager offers a myriad of reports. The information is there, but reporting can be difficult until you understand all the different options, the different parameters possible, and the way the Operations Manager health model is structured. It takes time to run reports with various options in order to understand exactly what the report is telling you. To make things easier on yourself, start your reports from the database state view, or any other views in the Monitoring tab. This will allow you to only see the reports that are relevant for the objects you are viewing, and will even pre-fill the object selection in the report parameters. From there it makes it easier for you to add or remove objects because you have an example to work with.


text:
Bacteria are widely used as hosts for the production of recombinant proteins that do not require posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation for bioactivity. In this section, we describe the purification of a Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin protein from E. coli. This protein is a 293-amino-acid toxin that is not easily purified. Here, we describe a single-step protocol used to purify and refold α-hemolysin that is produced as inclusion bodies in E. coli. Other methods of protein purification rely on multiple steps for the recovery of bioactive proteins from inclusion bodies, where the most important step is the refolding of the protein into a bioactive form. Protein expression in the form of inclusion bodies is often considered undesirable because the protein is insoluble. To solubilize proteins from inclusion bodies, the proteins must be dissolved and unfolded, thereby incurring the risk of destroying the activity of the protein. In this application, we describe how denaturation is minimized through controlled on-column refolding.
Related Topics: Antibody Purification, Disease Diagnosis Using Chromatography, Chromatography in Food Production, Analysis of Wine Fermentation Using Chromatography, and Protein Purification and Isolation.
In contrast to the risk of denaturation during solubilization, protein expression as inclusion bodies presents several advantages:
After pelleting cells by centrifugation, the membrane proteins are solubilized, and the inclusion bodies are recovered by further centrifugation and solubilization. The final soluble fraction is clarified by a third centrifugation spin before loading onto a Bio-Scale™ Mini Profinity™ IMAC column, where refolding occurs during an integrated washing step. The protein of interest is then eluted and subsequently desalted by passage through a second column, a Bio-Scale™ Mini Bio-Gel® P-6 column (figure 1).
Fig. 1. SDS-PAGE gel showing the production and purification of refolded His-αHA using the native IMAC + desalting method on the Profinia™ system. Lane M, molecular weight markers; lane 1, E. coli total extracts containing overexpressed insoluble His-αHA; lane 2, extracted and urea-solubilized inclusion bodies; lane 3, purified and refolded His-αHA. Only one-third of the sample that is equivalent to lane 2 was loaded. (Rhazi et al. 2009).
This method allows the user to rapidly obtain purified bioactive staphylococcal α-hemolysin toxin in a single step, saving significant time over other methods, which can require up to 60 hours. Because the protein contains a polyhistidine tag, it is amenable to on-column refolding and purification in a single step. The unfolded protein binds to the column due to the presence of denaturant in the binding buffer. Subsequent washing and elution steps use buffers that do not contain urea, the denaturant, which allows the protein to refold on the column. Refolding proteins on the column is efficient because it minimizes intermolecular interactions that can lead to protein aggregation. The proper folding of the protein is confirmed using a functional assay, wherein the α-hemolysin is tested for hemolytic activity against erythrocytes (figure 2). Using this method, 3.5 mg of histidine-tagged α-hemolysin can be purified and refolded in less than one hour and the purified protein is free of precipitate, indicating that no aggregation occurs.
Fig. 2. Hemolytic activity of His-αHA. 1, hemolytic assay performed with the His-aHA prepared using a drop-wise dilution method. 2, hemolytic assay with refolded His-αHA purified with the Profinia protein purification system. The assays were performed by incubation of the toxin (20 µg/ml) with 1 ml of a 5% defibrinated rRBC suspension in PBS, pH 7.3, for 30 min at 37°C. The hemoglobin release was calculated from absorbance measurements at 540 nm. (Rhazi et al. 2009).
Rhazi N et al. (2009). Purification and on-column refolding of polyhistidine-tagged Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin inclusion bodies on the Profinia™ protein purification system. Bio-Rad Bulletin 5870.
Call us at 1-800-4-BIORAD (1-800-424-6723)
Please reenter your email address in the correct format.
Please enter your email address.
Your subscription information already exists, we will send you an email with specific instructions to manage your existing subscription profile.
To receive the latest news, promotions, and more, sign up for Bio-Rad updates by entering your email address below. You can elect to receive only the types of Bio-Rad communications that are of interest to you..
Home |
Copyright © 2017 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hi all. I'm noob in POCO so I have a number of questions
But this is the first one:
I want to make a server for webapp. This will be a flash game. And what you can advice me to use: HTTPServer or SocketReactor. I am asking about performance, 'cos I think many users want to play my game (ok, I hope ) and thats why I need for realy good server app.
PS. Sorry for bad english


text:
RIM's former Co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, has resigned from his role as a Director on the Company board. "As I complete my retirement from RIM, I'm grateful for this remarkable experience and for the opportunity to have worked with outstanding professionals who helped turn a Canadian idea into a global success," said Jim Balsillie.
Along with Jim, David Yach will be retiring from his role as CTO Software after 13 years with the Company and after 4 years with RIM and Jim Rowan, COO, Global Operations, has decided to look for other opportunities… RIM is looking to hire one COO to run their operations.


text:
NZ health groups call for reduced salt in junk food
Stroke Foundation and the National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI) called on fast food companies this week to reduce salt levels citing studies that pointed to a 6% reduction in strokes if the average Kiwi's current salt intake could be reduced to recommended levels.
This would equate to over one stroke prevented each day, or over 500 each year, the health groups said.
In a joint statement, they pointed out that the World Health Organisation recommends a maximum of 6g of salt per day for good health, while the average Kiwi currently consumes far more than this at around 9g per day.
Research from NIHI revealed that burgers are the single fast food item with the highest average salt content per serve, while some of the most popular burger combo meals were also found to contribute 80% of the recommended daily salt intake.
"Reducing salt in processed foods has been identified by the WHO as one of the most cost-effective things we can do to reduce the burden of nutrition-related disease," said Dr Helen Eyles, nutritionist and research fellow at NIHI.
"As people become busier fast food is making up a larger proportion of people's diets. Therefore, reducing salt in fast food is a no-brainer and will make an important contribution to the health of New Zealanders," she said.
According to the WHO, New Zealand has had one of the sharpest increases in fast food consumption, coming fourth behind Canada, Australia and Ireland.
"Around 75% of the salt we eat comes hidden in processed food such as fast foods," said Julia Rout, dietitian and national health promotion manager at the Stroke Foundation.
"A diet high in salt increases the risk of high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of stroke. Some fast food companies have already reduced the salt content of their menu items but far more can and needs to be done," said Rout.
"In line with previous research, we also found in our recent study that the salt content of similar fast food items [such as two types of burgers] varied heavily, showing it is possible to reduce salt," said Dr Wilma Waterlander, health scientist and research fellow at NIHI.


text:
294 Followers
228 Following
I definitely oversteeped this one, but it was very forgiving! I like this one a lot but I think I might like the s'mores slightly more. It is basically a good genmaicha with a hint of marshmallowey sweetness :)
sign up
to leave a comment.
Graphic artist, printmaker, lover of tea.
I love pretty much every type of tea camellia sinensis can produce. I like herbal teas sometimes but I can't stand rooibos. I'm recently becoming a puerh addict.
Southern Indiana


text:
- News
- Obituaries
- Opinion
- Sports
- Outdoors
- Arts & Entertainment
- Lifestyle
- Photo and Video
Dear Editor:
Peter Adams is a fine example of why a lot of people get involved with the government. They do it to manipulate rules and regulations to suit their desires. I for one, would rather see a public bike/foot trail on the ridge overlooking the river rather than Peter Adams' vision of what the skyline should be. Many areas around the country have moved to ban ridge-line development because of the blighted view it creates.
The April 29 planning commission meeting, at which, Peter Adams requested vacating the town right of way, overlooking the river, was properly noticed and attended by many of my neighbors, including Franklin Anderson a true native of the neighborhood. Peter Adams for whatever reason changed the scope of his request and the planning commission tabled the issue for further research into the issue. When the new request was brought back to the planning commission, that meeting was not properly noticed and that is why no one in the neighborhood attended said meeting.
I for one, as a member of the Pagosa Springs community, do not believe Peter Adams honors any oath, to "We the People," as a public servant. I do agree with Franklin Anderson, that since the view of the river is very unique and the property already belongs to the town, it should not be given to Peter Adams like a gift from all of the rest of us. I do believe in private property rights and if Peter Adams actually owns that property outright without any mortgage, he is free to do with his property as he sees fit. If he does not own the property free and clear, he is just another developer out to make a quick buck, and as such should have to jump through all the hoops just like Wal-Mart did.
Greg Giehl
Follow these topics: Letters to the Editor, Opinion


text:
GPC and Other Scholarships
A number of merit-based, need-based, skilled ability and participation scholarships are available to students at Georgia Perimeter College. Scholarships are funds awarded to students that do not require repayment. The Georgia Perimeter College Foundation makes these scholarships possible.
- Information on GPC Scholarships
- Information on more scholarships can be found at FastWeb. Many scholarships have very early deadlines for applications. Begin looking at scholarships for which you may be eligible as soon as you are considering college. Be sure to follow all the specific directions for each application.
You must report all Financial Aid
Students who receive financial aid (HOPE, Pell Grant, FSEOG, ACG, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loan, and FWS) are required to report all outside aid to the Financial Aid Office. GPC must review these forms of aid and adjust awards to avoid an "over-award" situation.
How to Apply for GPC Scholarships


text:
Small hands, smart phones
WORTHINGTON -- Eric Murray, the manager of Cellular Only in Worthington, has noticed a rise in parents buying cellphones for children, which he attributes to people getting rid of land lines.
"We see a lot of 8- and 9-year-olds coming in and getting cellphones," Murray said. "What one person might think is too young, another person doesn't think that."
The choice when to buy a child a cellphone should be determined on an individual basis, Murray said.
"If the kid is responsible, then I think it's an OK idea," he added.
"Some parents come in and get them for a 5- or 6-year-old, and I think that's way too young," Murray said. "But I think by 11 and 12, most kids have them."
Worthington resident Scott Gundermann, the father of three children ages 13, 10 and 7, said there are pros and cons to letting children have cell phones.
"My 13-year-old has had a phone for two years," Gundermann said. "At times it's very useful, especially when traveling with sporting events."
He said it allows him to communicate with his daughter easier when not at home.
Cellphones provide an easy way to keep in touch with kids when are involved in multiple activities, Murray agreed.
"There's no excuse not to know where they are and what they are doing," Gundermann said. "It's not a bad thing, but you have to be responsible in how you use it."
Murray said his 16-year-old daughter got a phone when she was 9, because they didn't have a home phone. She was mature enough to have it, and it's worked out well for the family, he said.
"We put restrictions on it, and she followed them very well," Murray said, adding he doesn't think his other daughter, now 9 years old, is ready for a cellphone just yet.
Worthington Middle School fifth-grade teacher Hollie Hibma said cellphones can be a good idea for safety reasons.
If kids are in a situation where they feel uncomfortable, Hibma said it's good to have a cellphone handy.
The decision to buy a child a cellphone should also depend on the amount of activities that child is involved in, Hibma said, noting that her sixth-grade son has yet to get one.
To prevent from becoming a distraction, cellphones at the middle school must be turned off and kept inside lockers, Hibma explained.
Some parents don't realize cellphone privileges can be abused in different ways, such as the child using it more than they should, sharing it with people they shouldn't be and going above the allowed number of texts, Murray said.
One of the main risks with allowing children to have cellphones is cyberbullying, Hibma said, but noted this isn't much of a problem at her school.
"I think the parents are doing a good job monitoring," Hibma said. "It also helps that the kids are more educated on the fact that adults can be shown (cyberbullying) and action can be taken."
While Verizon Wireless doesn't market phones specifically for children, Murray said parental controls can be set on any phone.
Most parents purchase a basic phone to get their kids started, he said. After about 11 or 12 years old, they start getting smart phones.
A basic phone is about $10 more a month, and a smart phone is about $40 more a month, Murray said.
Gundermann's daughter has a smart phone with texting enabled, but no web access. Once she reaches high school, Gundermann said he may reconsider her web access, but for now she uses the home computer.
He pays about $10 a month for the extra line. The schools regulate cellphone use, so his daughter can't use hers until after school.
"I tell my kids they are lucky," Gundermann said. "I didn't get a cellphone until I was in college."
Hibma said cellphones can be an interruption to family time if not controlled. For example, some family members may text each other while in the same house, instead of communicating face to face.
"In my house we don't let our daughter have her phone when it's family time," Murray said. "She's not on her phone day and night."
"The downside to any technology is people in general are losing that personal contact," Hibma said. "Some of those social skills get lost in the shuffle because of cellphones and other technology."
Daily Globe Reporter Kayla Strayer may be reached at 376-7322.


text:
Available in shapes other than rectangle.
BRAND: Liora Manne
COLLECTION: Petra
STYLE: Agra
COLOR: Mandarin (9054-17)
MADE IN: India
CONSTRUCTION: Hand-Tufted
MATERIAL: 100% Wool
THICKNESS: 1⁄2" (approx.)
WARRANTY: 1 year - manufacturer
These 100% wool, hand-tufted rugs offer elegant, traditional designs rendered in updated colors. This collection is designed by Liora Manne and made in India. Easy care and maintenance.
The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen....
Rugs Direct recommends you avoid using your vacuum's beater bar on any area rug. For complete information on area rug care and cleaning, please click here.
Rugs Direct in-home delivery is available for selected rugs in this collection.
Standard curb-side delivery of oversized rugs is free on most purchases from Rugs Direct.
However, special "white glove" delivery is available for selected rugs in this collection at additional cost. If you select this option, we will make an appointment to deliver your purchase at a time convenient for you and place the rug in...
I love it - it is perfect! Waited two months from another online rug company for the exact same rug. Shipping company lost it, found it and then delivered with a big hole in it so I refused. Then I found same rug with Rugs Direct and received in less than two weeks!
We are very pleased with our recent rug selection . The colors are as vibrant as shown on the site, very true representation. The wool is very thick and soft which makes these rugs very inviting to walk upon. A superb value.
The color is true to the depiction, and it has a very luxurious texture. A great addition to a mid-century house that brings warmth to our living room. The rug was promptly delivered, but the only odd thing is that it was left on the front porch with no one home. Fortunately it all worked out.
Rugs Direct says: We will have words with the delivery service. That's not supposed to happen!
I ordered the 2'x 3' for my powder room. Very hard to find that size. Rug is beautiful. Thick rich pile. Woven through the back - not glued to a backing. Colors are beautiful and match the photo. I have ordered from Rugs Direct in the past and highly recommend them.
I have been looking at this rug online for quite a while and finally ordered it. It is even better than I imagined! I love the colors, so rich and resonant. It is also so thick and luscious. I am so happy I finally got around to ordering it! Thanks!
Disappointed to have to wait for rug to get in stock to deliver. However, it shipped & delivered before the back order indicated. Love the rug. It is the quality as advertised & the colors are as in the picture. I'll definitely order from Rugs Direct again.
Absolutely beautiful - the colors are even better in person! I am so pleased with the quality.
I am very happy with this rug. The picture on the website was a good representation of the true colors. I love the contemporary colors contrasted with the traditional pattern and material. Just great!
Rug was a bit damp and smelly when it arrive; but after removing the plastic wrap and airing it, everything has been fine. Beautiful colors, great quality. We love it!
Love the rug, but hate that now wherever I go on the web, I am inundated with ads from Rugs Direct. How many rugs do you think I want to buy?
Rugs Direct says: Obviously, Linda, we hope you want to buy many, many rugs!
I ordered the 8x10 & it's perfect for our dining room. The colors are perfect with our maple floors & creamy yellow walls. A rich, fun & thick rug. Very pleased with our purchase!
I love this rug and if possible would purchase another just like it for my study!
I bought the 9x12 of this rug. I was looking for something in an unexpected color but traditional style. The rug is thick and high caliber compared to ones I have seen for more money. The rug in person doesn't' have quite as much contrast as in the online picture. That may be due to the lighting in my home. The only drawback is that when I vacuum it it sheds a lot and fills up the vacuum. Though it still sheds a year later, it doesn't look worn at all. I would by this rug again.
The colors are fluorescent. Sale item that cannot be returned. Will contact customer service for suggestions to hopefully subdue the brightness.
The rug seems substantial and of good quality.
I have wanted this rug for so long, and it is absolutely beautiful. I did not rate the rug except overall, because the value of this rug is very subjective. I feel the cost for a rug was higher than I preferred, however it was worth it to me. I am unsure how to measure the quality- it sheds, as all rugs do. In any case, this rug is so fresh but still traditional and we adore it in our home.


text:
If you need a mid-week, mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try this: Wednesdays are now Whittard Wednesdays on our Facebook page! For 125 years, Whittard of Chelsea has been supplying the best fine teas, coffees and hot chocolate. Every Wednesday afternoon we'll be giving away a £20 voucher to be used in Whittard stores, where you can buy over 130 varieties of tea, along with great coffees and luxurious hot chocolate.
On the Go Tours has several itineraries that cater for the tea-lovers out there. For tea-lovers' holidays to India, take a look at the itineraries for Delhi to Darjeeling, Plantations and Hill Stations, Darjeeling High Tea and Adventures in Assam. All our tours that pass through Beijing, China stop at a traditional tea-house, where we learn the rituals that accompany the brewing and preparing of traditional Chinese tea.
While you look forward to exploring these exotic lands, put the kettle on, stop in at the On the Go Tours Facebook page every Wednesday, answer a simple question about our tours and holidays to the great tea-producing regions of the world and stand a chance of winning a Whittard voucher.


text:
- Record Label: Astralwerks
- Release Date: Nov 6, 2012
User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings
User score distribution:
Positive: 40 out of 44
Mixed: 0 out of 44
Negative: 4 out of 44
Review this album
- User score
- By date
- Most helpful
May 23, 2013Sorry Kylie, but your voice just isn't interesting enough (or good enough) for this over the top orchestral treatment of bubble gum pop and dance songs. It's just a tad self-indulgent as well.
...still love the originals though.
Nov 30, 2012Re-recording one's old songs in an older style isn't a revolutionary manoeuvre.... Kylie's addition to the tradition is also a fairly mixed bag.
Q MagazineNov 21, 2012As a singer, Kylie still sounds about 15 and her voice sometimes struggles not to be engulfed by the swells of strings and legions of backing singers. Nevertheless, for the most part, this is quality stuff. [Dec 2012, p.101]
Nov 13, 2012In some cases, that sugary voice which works so well as a pop vehicle lacks the full-bodied character to carry a big ballad.


text:
This product is no longer available.
You can try these similar gifts instead.
JR Motorsports Endurance Fleece Pullover Hoodie
He'll be the talk of the race day action when he dons this handsome fleece pullover hoodie. This eye-catching pullover hoodie features the JR Motorsports logo and will keep him warm even on the coolest days.


text:
Free safety Kareem Moore has come a long way and now is making quite an impression on the Redskins
Wednesday, August 11, 2010; 11:18 PM
His path has been untraditional, if not unlikely, but when Washington Redskins safety Kareem Moore takes the field Friday night, fans will get a chance to see something players and coaches have been noticing in practice for a couple of years now.
"We've been seeing it. We're used to it," fellow safety LaRon Landry said. "For everyone that's hasn't, though, now's the time."
Moore, who has been a breakout performer in the early days of training camp, is slated to start at free safety when the Redskins open their preseason schedule against Buffalo on Friday. It has been a long climb for a player who was lost on the depth chart since joining the Redskins, hopped around between colleges before that, and almost bypassed football altogether in high school.
Moore was a basketball player at Okolona (Miss.) High and didn't put on a pair of pads until the football coach begged him prior to his senior year.
"I always loved football," Moore said. "I used to always watch it. But I never really wanted to play it seriously. But when I finally did, I just fell in love. It felt like second nature to me."
Said Bobby Ford, Moore's high school coach and Okolona's athletic director: "He's a fast learner. It just never took him long to pick up on things."
And it didn't take long for others to notice either. Playing just one year of high school football, Moore accepted a scholarship to the University of Mississippi. But after two seasons, Ole Miss overhauled its coaching staff, and Moore saw his playing time shrink. He transferred to Itawamba (Miss.) Community College, which is where Steve Ellis, the former defensive coordinator at Nicholls State, spotted him. But Ellis noticed him on the basketball court, not a football field.
"I was probably there for like five minutes, and he must've had 20 dunks," says Ellis, now the cornerbacks coach at Middle Tennessee State. "This guy was above the rim the whole time. He was physical and just incredibly athletic and competitive."
Ellis saw tape of Moore playing safety and tried to persuade Moore that Nicholls State was his best option. Other area programs were also making their pitches, including bigger schools such as Mississippi State. Moore had NFL aspirations, though, and wasn't sure a bigger school wouldn't be the better option. So he called his cousin, Tim Bowens, who also started at Itawamba and eventually enjoyed a 11-year career with the Miami Dolphins that included two Pro Bowls.
"I just told him, it's all about what you do on the field. It doesn't matter what school you're in; it matters what you do on that field," said the former defensive tackle, who retired from the NFL in 2004.
While Moore enjoyed an impressive two years at Nicholls State - in one 2007 game, he and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb each returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a half - NFL scouts weren't quite drooling. Moore didn't receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine and had to beg his way into the Texas vs. the Nation annual all-star game. But in the days leading up to the game, he tore a knee ligament and over the course of further pre-draft workouts, the pain grew until he finally opted for surgery.
In the 2008 NFL draft, Moore, who had been told he had late second- or early third-round talent, didn't hear his name called until the sixth round. Then-Washington defensive coordinator Greg Blache called to share the good news.
"And then 10 minutes later," Moore said, "they called back and said, 'You're gonna be on a plane to Alabama to have surgery in the morning.' "
James Andrews performed a second arthroscopic knee surgery, and Moore began his Redskins' career on crutches. When he was finally getting steady repetitions midway through his first training camp, he was stuck playing behind Landry, who had a firm grip on the starting job.
With Landry playing free safety, Moore had little opportunity to showcase his skills. Last season, for example, he averaged fewer than 10 plays per game, not earning a start until the inconsequential season finale at San Diego.
"I was just trying to be patient, working on my craft," Moore said. "You know, if you're not getting better, you're getting worse. So I just kept trying to get better."
When the new coaching staff took over this year, they were immediately taken with the third-year safety. When they moved Landry to strong safety, it created a big opportunity for Moore.
Moore's the only true free safety on the roster, and he made his mark quickly in the team's offseason organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps.
"The guy's got great body control," said Steve Atwater, the former free safety who played in eight Pro Bowls as a Denver Bronco and is currently serving as a coaching intern on Mike Shanahan's staff. "He has great ball skills in terms of accelerating to the ball. He's made some great plays here in camp."
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett wants a unit that will wreak more havoc and cause more turnovers. Moore fits right into that plan. Haslett calls him a "ball magnet" and compares him with O.J. Atogwe, a safety Haslett coached in St. Louis. With the Rams, Atogwe's career also was slow to start, but he has had 18 interceptions in the past four years.
"[Moore's] always around the ball," Haslett said. "That's the kind of guy you like around the back end: guys who make interceptions."
Moore has shown that during practice - last week, he intercepted quarterback Donovan McNabb twice in three plays - but starting Friday night, coaches want to see it translate to games.
"I do love the ball," said Moore, who turns 26 years old Friday. "I like to catch it, and I want to score with it every time."


text: > (...) I don't recall where I found the following example, but copied > it locally as compelling evidence that the functional solution can be > much clearer and shorter than the same solution modeled with objects > and inheritance. Greg, I desagree with you. Bjarne Stroustrup, the original creator of C++, is a sensible person and I share his peacefull opinion in this matter: http://www.research.att.com/~bs/bs_faq.html#compare Even with good intentions, I've never seen such kind of comparison not to fall into religious fights. (Although I'm not more than just a humble language user.) > -- Arithmetic expression forms data Expr = Num Int | Add Expr Expr > > -- Evaluate expressions > eval :: Expr -> Int > (...) > public abstract class Expr { > public abstract int eval (); > public abstract void modn(int v); Although I'm not good enough to judge anyone's Haskell code, the Haskell version seems nice. I don't know how someone who understands well object-oriented code would do that. But I did C++ until around 1998, when the first standard was set, and I can tell you for sure that, even at that time, no one who knows at least the basics of C++ would ever write that problem like this. Best, Maurício


text:
Way back in 2011, when most of us were scratching our heads about software-defined networking, security architect Chris Hoff had already pegged security as SDN's killer app.
As Hoff, known to many of you as @Beaker, wrote in his blog, "The more programmatic and instrumented the network becomes, the more capable our security options will become." In a world of SDN, DevOps, and cloud computing, does network security continue to be the bane of enterprise IT? Or do we have the ability to overcome it completely?
Join Network Computing Radio on Friday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, to discuss these issues and more with Chris Hoff.
Interviewing Chris will be our very own "man-with-the-golden-voice" Curtis Franklin. Curt will direct the first part of the conversation, then open the floor to allow the audience to interact with Chris in our live text session. So get those questions ready -- you can even start entering them now to be sure you're first in line.
The show promises to be informative and entertaining. Chris has 20 years of experience in high-profile global roles in network and information security architecture, engineering, operations, product management, and marketing, with a passion for virtualization and all things cloud. He is currently Vice President of Strategy and Planning at Juniper Networks, after serving as the company's Chief Security Architect.
He has held similar roles at Cisco, Unisys, and Crossbeam Systems. Chris is also a founding member and technical advisor to the Cloud Security Alliance, founder of the CloudAudit project and HacKid Technology conference, and writes the Rational Survivability blog.
Register and join us this Friday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m. EDT (10:00 a.m. PDT) to hear all about some of the most important technologies in IT today -- including SDN, DevOps, cloud, and security -- from one of its brightest and most respected minds.


text:
Marty in the Morning Thursday 6 February 2014
Marty takes the chill out of your early Winter mornings with music, news, weather and travel updates.
What our listeners think. 'You make us what we are',.. click here!
An exclusive look behind the scenes with Marty in the Morning. Click here to watch now and stay tuned!
Title: By The Sleepy Lagoon
Performer(s): Coates, Eric
Duration: 4:24
Title: Aisling
Performer(s): Mcglynn, Michael
Duration: 3:27
Title: Down By The Salley Gardens
Performer(s): Yeats, W.B./Arr Patrick Hawes
Duration: 4:16
Title: Oh, Lady Be Good!
Performer(s): Gershwin, George
Duration: 3:18
Title: Be Still My Soul
Performer(s): Sibelius, Jean
Duration: 4:13
Title: Enough To Be On Your Way
Performer(s): Taylor, James
Duration: 5:41
Title: Walking My Baby Back Home
Performer(s): Fred. E Ahlert, Roy Turk
Duration: 3:14
Title: Flute Quartet In G Major (3rd Movement) Allegro
Performer(s): Telemann, Georg Philipp
Duration: 3:00
Title: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici, From La Traviata
Performer(s): Verdi, Giuseppe
Duration: 3:35
Title: You Make Me Feel So Young
Performer(s): Myrow, Josef/Gordon, Mack
Duration: 3:12
Title: The Gadfly - Romance
Performer(s): Shostakovich, Dmitri
Duration: 4:05
Title: Love Theme From The Godfather
Performer(s): Rota, Nino
Duration: 3:13
Title: Russian Sailor's Dance
Performer(s): Gliere, Reinhold
Duration: 3:57
Title: Bright Eyes
Performer(s): Batt
Duration: 4:32
Title: The Avengers
Performer(s): Dankworth, Johnny
Duration: 2:10
Title: Nice 'N' Easy
Performer(s): Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Lew Spence
Duration: 3:46
Title: Parlami D'Amore, Mariu
Performer(s): Bixio/Neri
Duration: 3:54
Title: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Performer(s): Morricone, Ennio
Duration: 2:57
Title: Squilli, Echeggi La Tromba Guerriera
Performer(s): Verdi
Duration: 2:36
Title: The Harry Lime Theme (From The Third Man )
Performer(s): Karas, Anton
Duration: 3:24
Title: Hard Shoulder
Performer(s): Knopfler, Mark
Duration: 4:48
Title: Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
Performer(s): Mascagni, Pietro
Duration: 3:54
Title: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
Performer(s): The Hollies
Album: Super Hits
Duration: 4:25
Title: Russian March Op.426
Performer(s): Strauss, Johann Ii
Duration: 3:44
Title: Song Without Words Op102 No.5
Performer(s): Mendelssohn, Felix
Duration: 1:19
Title: When You Wish Upon A Star
Performer(s): Harline/Washington
Duration: 2:24
Title: Fields Of Gold
Composer: STING
Performer(s): Sting
Album: Fields of Gold - The Best of Sting (1984-1994) / 5308069
Duration: 3:35
Title: Karol E L'Amour
Performer(s): Morricone, Ennio
Duration: 2:26
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Text: '51554'
We welcome your comments and requests.
Presenter: Marty Whelan
Producer: Sinead Wylde
Production Co-ordinator: Michael O' Kane


text:
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) are hotter than ever, with the technology being integrated into consumer electronics applications, automotive applications and alternative energy products. At the electronica 2008 World of MEMS event, held on Nov. 11-13 in Munich, Germany, Jérémie Bouchaud, director and principal analyst for MEMS at iSuppli, and Richard Dixon, Senior Analyst, MEMS, will be hosting five panel discussions covering the changing shape of the MEMS market and analyzing how influential these devices are becoming in the electronics industry.
For information on Electronica 2008 and the World of MEMS 2008 event, please visit: electronica.de/en/home/congress-events/forums#20445157
While attending the World of MEMS 2008 event, be sure and stop by iSuppli's booth in the MEMS Pavilion, located at Hall A2, Stand M12.
Next big thing
"Nintendo's Wii system and Apple's iPhone are two successful and widely known applications where MEMS motion sensors have taken off," Bouchaud said. "But can suppliers be successful in other areas, especially given the time-sensitive nature and pricing pressures? If so, what is the next big thing for MEMS?"
Bouchaud will discuss this topic along with representatives from STMicroelectronics, Analog Devices and Freescale Semiconductor on the opening day of the show on Nov. 11.
MEMS power
Could your next mobile device be powered by a MEMS-based technology? Alternatives are arising to batteries in portable devices, including micro-fuel cells using MEMS valves, micro-pumps and microfluidics devices and energy scavengers that convert ambient energy like vibration and heat into electricity. Beyond portable devices, such battery alternatives have strong potential as the power source in wireless sensors for automotive applications. Bouchaud along with Varta Microbatteries, EnOcean and Franhofer IIS will examine the exciting technology and market potential in these areas on the first day of this event.
Automotive growth
On Nov. 12, Dixon — along with Delphi Delco Electronics Europe, Infineon Technologies, Robert Bosch GmbH Automotive Electronics and Freescale Semiconductor — will examine the growing presence of MEMS in automobiles. Some modern cars have as many as 30 MEMS and the number is growing every year. How will India and China play a role in this market? What are the opportunities for newcomers in this market?
The next killer app for MEMS
More than 300 million MEMS microphones will ship in 2008. This is huge growth, considering the devices were introduced just five short years ago. RF MEMS are still going strong in the mobile market, but what's the next application to take off? Micro-projectors in cell phones? MEMS oscillators? On day two of the event, Bouchaud, Photonic Microsystems IPMS, Infineon Technologies, Epcos and Silicon Clocks will uncover what opportunities are available and where this market is headed.
Mindful merging
On day three of the event, Bouchaud, Tronics Microsystems, Silex Microsystems and Philips Research will uncover how mergers, alliances and acquisitions are likely to impact the MEMS market in the next five years and what strategies will allow for companies to be better positioned in the future and to gain the most opportunity.
About iSuppli Corporation
iSuppli Corporation is the global leader in technology value chain research and advisory services. iSuppli provides market intelligence services for the EMS, OEM and supplier communities in addition to servicing consumer electronics and media concerns. Services afforded by iSuppli range from electronic component research to device-specific application market forecasts, from teardown analysis to consumer electronics and from display device and systems research to multimedia content and services.


text:
Home Buyers to face Mortgage cap and 'stress test'
HOME buyers face a new cap on mortgages and an interest rate "stress test" to make sure they can afford repayments, the Bank of England said yesterday.
Its Financial Policy Committee said loans of 4.5 times a borrower's income or higher should account for no more than 15 per cent of mortgages issued by lenders.
The "stress test" will ensure that borrowers can keep up their repayments in the event of a rise of up to three per cent on interest rates during the first five years.
Currently, the average monthly repayment on the typical home loan of £111,000 is around £300 with an interest rate of 3.25 per cent. A three per cent increase to 6.25 per cent would see payments rise to £575 – and extra £275 a month or £3,300 a year.
However, Bank governor Mark Carney has signalled that any rise in the base interest rate from its record low of 0.5 per cent would be gradual and no draconian measures to cool the housing market will be imposed unless house prices rise by more than 20 per cent in the next three years.
While property experts claimed the new rules were not needed to calm the UK's soaring market, they were relieved the moves were not tougher.
They described the announcements as an insurance policy to prevent the housing market from overheating in the future rather than a fire extinguisher to put out all the flames of activity now.
Andrew Montlake, of broker Coreco, said: "Restrictions on lenders allowing only 15 per cent of their mortgage book to be above 4.5 times income multiples is a case of future proofing."
The Council of Mortgage Lenders say that, nationally, just nine per cent of new mortgages are for 4.5 times income, although this figure is 19 per cent in London.
The rules – which will cover the Government's Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme – come into force on October 1.
But lenders will have to take them into account on new offers made before then.


text:
By Rickey McCoy on Tue, 03/30/2010
If you haven't heard, movie cinemas have begun increasing their prices to view 3D movies! Some theaters have begun raising their prices on all movies viewed in their cinema. What happened to the good old days of living vicariously through Hollywood actors without spending a whole week's check? Well, due to the state of our economy, affordable living has become a spark that most households are eagerly looking for. Welcome the redbox iPhone app! Great for affordable date nights, family time, and just wanting to see the latest release without spending $5 to watch it once.
Tons of cable networks offer On-Demand viewing for all new releases that come out on Tuesdays but the downside is that you're going to spend at least $4.99 per movie. If you order a movie each week, that turns out to be around $20 tacked on to your cable bill that you may have forgotten about because some of the movies were horrible. If you're not familiar with redbox, it is a new phenomenon in the movie industry. Redbox has over 20,000 'vending-machine like' kiosks dispersed in the US. You can find them at local grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacy stores, etc. You are able to view the list of movies available in the 'redbox', make your decision and pay only $.99, well $1.08 with tax. Yes, that include the latest releases as well.
Master your iPhone in one minute a day:
Sign up to iPhone Life's Tip of the Day Newsletter and we'll send you a tip each day to save time and get the most out of your iPhone or iPad.
iPhone Features
Normally when you reserve a movie at redbox, you have to cross your fingers that the person ahead of you doesn't 'jack' your movie. With the new redbox app, you can reserve your movie on the go with Wi-Fi, 3G, or EDGE connections. You can even search for movies at your favorite redbox or other locations in your area. The search functionality is awesome because it is synced real-time to individual locations. The app does not display any movies that have been reserved so you are certain that your movie is locked in for your pick-up. You can't be certain of your movies if you just walk up to the redbox and search for a title. Now you can simply wait patiently in your car and not feel worried someone is going to snatch your new release! The iPhone app also syncs with your online redbox account if you reserve online as well. Your account is free, you are only charged per movie reservation which last up to 9pm the following day. So, instead of paying $20 dollars to your cable provider for 4 movies, now you can actually watch 20 movies; well maybe that's a little overboard. You can at least afford the expensive popcorn now! This app is great, along with the redbox service. Download today, you won't be disappointed!


text:
DC/DCs get down for low-power industrial apps
Post a comment
Exeter, NH—Only a third of an inch high, Wall Industries' new JF series of low-power DC/DC converters, in eight models, is suited to low-profile applications in telecom, networking, and industrial controls. These single-output converters, with a footprint of 1.1-by-0.94 inches and available in surface-mount or through-hole versions, deliver up to 15 watts at 3.3, 5, 12, or 15 VDC from an 18-36 or 36-75 VDC input.
Features include 0.2 percent line regulation, 0.2 percent load regulation, ripple and noise of 100 mV p-p (12- and 15-volt models, 75 mV p-p for 3.3 and 5-volt models), ±1 percent voltage accuracy, ±10 percent voltage trimming, and operating efficiency as high as 88 percent. Input-to-output isolation is 2250 VDC. The converters provide short-circuit protection with auto-recovery, output load protection, and have no minimum load requirements. MTBF is 810 khours.
The product specification sheet can be secured by clicking here. The JF series priced at $14.49 in OEM quantities.
Wall Industries, 1-603-778-2300, www.wallindustries.com


text:
Pepper - Hot Chenzo
Chenzo is a compact branching Chilli that has a very attractive habit producing a heavy crop of 3-4inch black peppers that matures through green to bright red all over the plant. The compact open branching habit of Chenzo plants make it a very attractive plant in the garden. The fruits are a little Pungent measuring 45,000shu (Scoville heat units) which is similar to Jalapeono type. The habit of Chenzo makes it a superb choice for pots and containers as well as open ground.
The plant bears fruits from mid summer onwards and can be harvested as required (red fruits are most pungent).
Tips and Uses
Chenzo with it's compact habit, is ideal for pots and containers as well as on a warm sunny windowsill or of course in the garden border. Traditional Chilli plants are usually tall and top heavy requiring staking and protection from even light wind. Chenzo remains compact and only requires at most a little support.
Dietary Information
Fresh chilli peppers, red or green, are rich source of vitamin-C. 100gm fresh chilli provides approx.143.7mcg - about 240% of RDA.They are also good in other antioxidants like vitamin A, and flvonoids like beta carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthins. These antioxidant substances in capsicum helps to protect the body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during stress and disease conditions. Chillies contain good amounts of minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron and magnesium. Chillies are also good in B-complex groups of vitamins, such as niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamine (B-1).
Technical Information
Fruit Colour
Black maturing through green to bright red.
Fruits In
80 Days.
Not hardy; grow as an annual.
12 inches (30cm apart).
Garden borders, pots and containers.
Compact relaxed habit.
Daily during dry spells.
Preferred Light
Full sun to light shade.
Growing Advice
Chilli Peppers prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.0 (you can buy simple test kits from most garden centres). Mixing organic matter (compost or well rotted manure) into the soil helps the soil retain moisture which is perfect for healthy plants. Chillies are happiest planted in a bright sunny spot or light shade which is sheltered from strong wind.
Plant the Chillies at the same depth as the existing soil level in the pot and tease the roots out a little to encourage quick establishment don't forget to water the plant in well when you are finished. After planting, if possible, mulch each plant to keep the soil temperature constant and moist.
After around 4 weeks Chillies begin flowering and setting fruit, when this happens for best crops it is advisable to start feeding on a weekly basis, this will encourage healthy plant growth and good fruit size and quality.
Avoid, where possible, allowing the plants to wilt by watering regularly. Use of mulches will help retain the moisture in the soil. Erratic watering can cause fruits to suffer.
Growing Tips
The first flowers will appear when the plants are quite small. When this happens feed weekly with a liquid feed high in potash, such as tomato fertiliser but at about half the rate of that recommended for tomatoes
Ideal container size is at least 1 gallon (3-4 litres), remember too small a container will stunt the plants development and cause them to dry out very quickly.
Misting the plants daily with a water spray will help to encourage fruit set.
Support the plants with a cane to avoid them falling over in breezy conditions or when the fruits form.
Avoid overwatering, as well as being detrimental to the plant it will also make the fruits less pungent.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest the fruits when they become mature and store in a cool environment. Regular harvesting will encourage the plants to be more productive throughout the season. Fruits can be dried in a warm space for long term storage.


text: Hello Bulat, On Wed, Dec 03, 2008 at 07:26:39PM +0300, Bulat Ziganshin wrote: > either some error in the code (i neevr used this feature) or stdout > may be defile by a macro. the second you said: /* C89/C99 say they're macros. Make them happy. */ (from stdio.h) > can you try to define function for it: > > FILE *out() {return stdout;} This does the trick. Thank you once again. Andrea


text:
Hamilton delighted to beat Vettel to victory
|L. Hamilton
|S. Vettel
|F. Alonso
18 November 2012 – Lewis Hamilton clinched his 21st victory with an impressive drive to beat Sebastian Vettel in the United States Grand Prix. Starting from the dirty side of the grid, the McLaren was passed by Mark Webber, but soon re-took second position before charging up to Vettel. The overtake for the lead came following the sole pit-stops.
As Vettel claimed to have been delayed by the lapped HRT of Narain Karthikeyan, Hamilton seized the moment to grab the top spot.
"Traffic usually catches me out, so I was glad it worked in my favour today," continued the 2008 Champion, who is now ahead of Webber for fourth in the championship. "It's a great feeling to win this first race back in the States and to compete with these guys."
The win is Hamilton's first since Monza, having broken down while in the lead in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The feat marks his second consecutive victory in the USA, as the Englishman also won the last US Grand Prix - staged at Indianapolis in 2007.


text:
All quotes by Maggie Mitchell
(5 quotes found)
"I think there's a mystique about polo. People have these assumptions of what the experience is going to be like. We're more down to earth. You won't see anyone dressed to the nines on game day."
"It's just one of the things we're trying to do to make this day more fun. There's going to be other things that people can go do and see other than the polo tournament."


text:
The following is a transcription of the interview that was done with Dominic Daniels prior to the launch of his book The Real Orgasm and the launch of this website.
As hard as we tried to articulate something that would describe his motives and intentions better than what he had described himself, we couldn't. When asked the questions, "Why did you start this project? Why did you write this book?" Dominic gave the most complete and genuine response that we could've asked for.
His response gives you great insight as to who he is, where he came from, and what events led him to want to create this book.
" Why did I start this project? You know… I think because of certain things that I've seen in my life, and the way my mind developed, it was kind of inevitable for me to take on this project.
I'll try to condense it all in the interest of time and hopefully I won't go on too many tangents.
I was born in Iran in the mid-80's right when the Islamic revolution was really 'taking off'… and from about as early as I can remember, women were treated horribly by men. Not only were they disrespected and discriminated against, but many men beat their wives and basically treated them like dirt.
And even though back then I hadn't developed enough to know much about human sexuality, it was very obvious that the satisfaction or fulfillment of a woman was pretty much non-existent in the average male's mind.
My father was constantly abusing my mother and there were many fights… more than I'd care to remember. And every time I tried to defend or protect her, he would lash out against me and beat me.
In that environment, women were more worried about not getting beaten than they were about their orgasms. So it wasn't really even an issue.
At about 10 years old, my mother packed our bags and her, my younger sister, and I fled Iran to come to the United States… the land of equality and opportunity. And at first, I saw a huge difference between society in the Middle East and Western culture.
The women in Iran were fully covered with only their hands and faces showing; where as in the U.S. – specifically in Los Angeles, where we moved to – women were running around skin-clad without a care in the world.
The police weren't harassing them for showing skin and on the surface it looked like they were much happier than the women in Iran.
As I grew, I began to notice all of the things that were happening "below the surface."
Yes, women were allowed to be independent and go after their own careers but there was still much harassment coming from male coworkers and bosses. Not to mention the lower pay.
But the Westernized female didn't give in and through pure accomplishment, made it clear that women were intellectually not only just equals, but in many cases superior to men.
That's when more and more female CEO's, media moguls, entertainers, and politicians began to stamp the world with their ideas and beliefs. And even though the traditional man's man wasn't comfortable with his wife outperforming him economically, it was a fact that he had gotten used to.
Now what does all of this have to do with the female orgasm, right?
Even after all of this progression… after all of this growth… there is STILL one area in the human condition where there is much inequality… and that is the orgasm.
You see, in many households across the United States and other westernized countries, men view sex as a means to an end… as a way for them to "get one off." And they view their girlfriends/wives as a… means to an end… for a lack of a better phrase.
While countries like Iran are still stuck in the way olden days, we have evolved passed the using-sex-as-a-means-to-procreate era. Women don't need men to make babies anymore. They don't need men to provide income for the family anymore. And it's gotten to the point that they don't need men for their orgasms anymore.
So in order for men to stay useful in the eyes of the female species… we need to seriously reprioritize what our values are and what we consider to be important.
And in my personal opinion, the ability to consistently satisfy your woman sexually is just as important if not MORE important than being able to provide for her financially.
And so that's why I started this project. That's why I began the interviews.
Because I genuinely want to provide men across the world with a legitimate educational resource… so that they can better understand and more consistently help manifest the female orgasm.
And I sincerely believe that if more women across the world were satisfied, the world would be a better place.
There is nothing more powerful than a satisfied and empowered woman. And for a man, there is no better support than that of the woman he has satisfied."
Hopefully that helped you get a better understanding of what goes on in the mind of Dominic Daniels.
Get instant access to free videos that answer the question, "how to make a woman orgasm."
Read about the myths of the female orgasm, and the tell-tale signs of a female orgasm.
Find out what went into the creation of this project.


text:
WEATHER experts have warned people to prepare for periods of torrential rain this weekend after upgrading a severe weather warning.
The Met Office has today increased its alert to amber with heavy rainfall expects across much of the region.
It comes as the organisation issued a yellow alert warning the south of the UK to brace itself for a heatwave today.
It predicts significant flooding, thunderstorms, torrential downpours, frequent lightening, large hail and locally strong gusts of wind tomorrow.
A forecaster said: "Several areas of heavy, thundery showers will develop over England and Wales from Friday night before moving northwards during Saturday.
"Not everywhere within the warning area will see thunderstorms, and indeed some spells of warm sunshine are expected at times, but where thunderstorms do form, some torrential downpours are likely with frequent lightning, large hail and locally strong gusts.
"Significant flooding is possible where these do occur from surface water as well as from small, fast-responding watercourses.
"The public should be prepared for the risk of disruption from any of these elements."


text:
The directions say:
"factor the trinomial r^2-r-56."
The directions say:
"factor the trinomial r^2-r-56."
In factoring a trinomial, we know that the terms will appear as:
(?r +/- ?)(?r +/- ?)
Because there iskno written coefficient in front of the r2, we understand that the coefficient is 1. Since the only way to factor 1 is 1X1, we know the coefficient of each of the r's is (understood) 1.
(r +/- ?)(r +/- ?)
By looking at the sign on the last term (56), we can determine if the signs in the factors will be the same or opposite. Since the sign on the last term is negative, one of the signs will be plus and the other will be minus.
Also, since the sign of the last term is negative, we know that we will be looking for the factors of the last term that produce a difference of 1 (the coefficient on the second term).
The factors of 56 are: 1X56, 2X28, 4X14, 7X8.
Since the difference of 7 and 8 is 1, those of the factors we need.
(r +/- 7)(r +/- 8)
Now, we need to determine which factor gets the + sign and which factor gets the - sign. Since the sign on the second term (r) is negative, the larger number gets the negative. 8 is larger than 7, so 8 gets the negative sign.
(r + 7)(r - 8)
to factor this type of polynomial, you need to consider what it looks like. First, look for any common factors, which this one doesn't have. Then, you need to look at it's form. This trinomial is a standard quadratic where you have: ax^2+bx+c, where a=1, b=-1, and c=-56. From this, you need to find a pair of numbers that multiply to c and add to b. You don't have to consider a here because it is 1. Any other time, you would need to. So, a pair that multiply to -56 and add to -1. That pair is -8 and 7. Once you have those, you create your binomial factors. In this case, (r-8)(r+7). If a were something other than 1, that would not be the next step. Hope this helps you out.
thank you very much! this did help


text:
The state's Division of Oil and Gas at Department of Natural Resources has taken to heart the comments concerning the Susitna Basin Exploration Licenses. The area, west of the Susitna River and south of Petersville Road, including the Yentna and Kahiltna Rivers came under scrutiny for possible gas exploration.The final and most recent findings don't mean a stop to exploration, it just means an addendum to all the original information released several years ago.
In 2003, DNR released their final finding which stated that oil and gas exploration in the Susitna Basin area was in the best interest of the state. In April of last year, the division of oil and gas received a proposal for an exploration license in the Susitna basin area. When DOG issued a call for any possible NEW information regarding that proposal, they received comments from the Talkeetna Community Council, the non-profit Talkeetna based-group called Alaska Survival and the Mat Su Borough. The different entities questioned wildlife habitat, trails, as well as future potential hazards and disasters such as those that happened with the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico.
The comments that were received prodded officials to find there was substantial new information – enough to justify an addendum to the finding, which includes information from the Deepwater Horizon disaster last year as well as the Alaska Risk Assessment Project.
The licensing WILL move forward, but Saree Timmons, the leasing section manager at the division of oil and gas, cautions people to realize that the exploration license is just that. A license to explore, and that it is only the first step in obtaining the numerous permits required.


text:
My name is Chris Fenton, and I'm an electrical engineer living in NYC. I help design supercomputers to pay the bills, and I build stuff for fun in my free time. Welcome to my page of wonderfully random projects I've worked on over the years. Feel free to look around, stay awhile, and make yourself comfortable =)
If anyone would like to contact me about any of my projects, email me at chris (AT) chrisfenton (DOT) com. Just put the project in the subject line.


text:
A song for Ascents.
I turn my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot give way; your guardian will not slumber;
See, the guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps!
The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your protection at your right hand.
The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord guard you from all harm; He will guard your life.
The Lord will guard your going and your coming your coming now and forever.


text:
WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- President Obama meets with advisers and Cabinet members Wednesday, the White House said.
The daily agenda indicates Obama will:
-- Receive, with Vice President Joe Biden, the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.
-- Meet with senior advisers in the Oval Office.
-- Meet with Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.
-- Meet with Biden and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.


text:
Trident Solicitors have a wealth of experience in both the prosecution and defence of motoring offences.
Here at Trident Solicitors, our years of knowledge and experience allow us to provide you with specialist expert advice and representation, with the sole aim of achieving the best possible result for you.
The company was formed by Carl Codd who qualified as a solicitor in 2002. Carl has been commended by many clients on his honest and straightforward approach in dealing with their case, together with being thanked on many occasions for the results achieved.
Working with Trident Solicitors, you will be treated as an individual and will receive a high standard of consumer service which focuses on you and your requirements. Every case we work with receives specialist attention that is specifically tailored to you. You will be given clear information about our fees, many of which are fixed and you will also be provided with a free initial consultation, whether it be in person, over the phone or via e-mail.
We cover the courts in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, as well as further afield, including areas such as Lincoln, Doncaster and York.
If you have been charged or summonsed to court, then you will need to contact us to discuss your requirements and location.
To discuss your requirements, call us today on 01482 227669


text:
free venue listing, Help Center, venue directory, venue listings, Venue Management, venue manager, Venue Rental
Got a fun, funky space that sits empty on weeknights and weekends? Then we want you!
We are currently looking to feature far-out, fabulous venues on Froomz, a new online marketplace that connects customers with spaces for meetings and events in real-time. And we need swanky spaces like yours.
Let your space work for you! Rent it by the hour, or by the day. You choose the time of day, and the day of week. Discover new uses for your venue and earn extra cash!
No space is too big or too small. If you're interested making extra money by hosting photo shoots, private parties, corporate off-sites or special events during your downtime, then follow this link to learn more or to sign up today!
This is more than just a venue directory listing or feature page on our site. You'll get promotional exposure, targeted inquiries and booking requests directly from customers. Our basic subscription is FREE with no limit to the number of listings.
Get started now with creating your FREE listing or take advantage of our free listing set-up assistance today!
*Booking fees are calculated at 6% of the total amount due. Because our service is on a pay per use basis, you only pay a fee if we send you a confirmed booking through our marketplace. There is no fee for bookings made in-house and manually entered into the Venue Manager. More information on service fees can be found here


text:
Forgot your password? Enter the email address you signed up with and we will send you a link to create a new password.
Your password reset has been submitted to the address provided.
Words, letters, and/or numbers in stylized form
Magazines featuring articles, advertising photos, customized advertising content and advertising pertaining to regional upscale purveyors of goods and services
Business in Jacksonville, FL


text:
The Catt Box
Voodoo Doll
Click here to see dolls that are ready for immediate sale!!
The only dolls for sale on my website are the ones marked FOR SALE.
Introducing: The Creepy HooDoo Spooky VooDoo Doll.
This spooky Halloween VooDoo Doll is about 16½ inches tall, give or take, from the top of her flat head to the bottom of her 'aged', textured, cotton dress. And the bottom of her dress has been gathered and tied securely with black and natural Raffia.
Also, I bound the Voodoo doll's waist with rusted wire. And on her chest sets a rusty heart, and the other side of her chest there's a rusty safety pin with two REAL bone skulls.
And as you can see, her arms are made of full length Cinnamon sticks. This will keep her smelling fresh and homey.
Voodoo's hair is made of black Raffia. Her nose is made of a bamboo clip, and her mouth and eyes are made of stitching of heavy 'aged' thread.
Copyright © June 16, 2010 Catt Alexander
If you would like more than one doll from my website please email me and let me know so I can send you an invoice for reduced and combined shipping.
Back to the Ugly Baby Index Page
My dolls are not for everyone, they are my art. If you are offended, I suggest you hit the back button. It will not do you any good to write me 'hate mail'.
In spite of the dolls I create and the stories I write, I do not use recreational drugs, I don't smoke cigarettes, and I don't even drink alcoholic beverages.


text:
Mundo Unico Geofono T Thong 12300143
Sorry, no other customer-recommended styles found.
This product was discontinued January, 2014 and is no longer available. Please consider one of the Customer-Recommended Replacements above, or try a new search.
This solid silky soft microfiber thong is sexy and comfortable. Features the Mundo Unico print at the top center back. Made of Polyamide/Elastane.
Try these keyword searches with similar features:


text:
The inquests into the deaths of 52 people in the 7 July bombings in London will examine the roles of the police and intelligence service MI5 before the attack.
Coroner Lady Justice Hallett said it was 'not too remote' to investigate what was known in the years before the atrocities took place.
Lady Hallett also told the Royal Courts of Justice that inquests into the deaths of the four suicide bombers will be held separately from those of the victims and that she will sit without a jury.
She said: 'The scope of the inquest into the 52 deaths will include the alleged intelligence failings and the immediate aftermath of the bombings.
'To my mind it is not too remote to investigate what was known in the year or two before the alleged bombings. Plots of this kind are not developed overnight.'
Lawyers for the bereaved families wanted the upcoming hearings to include a broad-ranging investigation into whether police and the intelligence services could have prevented the attack.
The inquests have been delayed by court cases connected to the 2005 bombings.
Suicide bombers Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, Hasib Hussain, 18, and Jermaine Lindsay, 19, met at Luton station on the morning of 7 July.
They took a train to King's Cross in London, before separating to carry out their deadly attacks.
Within three minutes of 8.50am, Tanweer detonated his bomb at Aldgate, Khan set his device off at Edgware Road and Lindsay blew himself up between King's Cross and Russell Square.
Hussain detonated his device on board a bus at Tavistock Square at 9.47am.
As well as killing themselves and 52 others, the bombers injured more than 700 people.
The 7 July inquests are expected to take place in a courtroom at the Royal Courts of Justice, starting in October.


text:
Authorities have recovered the body of a woman found floating in a San Jose creek.
Police say the body was found around 6 p.m. Saturday in Guadalupe Creek, near Highway 87.
The San Jose Mercury News says police believe the unidentified woman was a transient, in her 40s.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's office is expected to investigate the cause of death to help determine if foul play was the cause of the woman's death.
Information from: San Jose Mercury News, http://www.sjmercury.com


text:
The End of Analog As We Knew It?
Wadia has been in the digital audio business just about as long as anyone, and says that its digital amplifier approach, known as the PowerDAC, was part of its original business plan from eight years ago. Peter Bohacek of Wadia says that "It was viewed at the time as a natural outgrowth of the Wadia philosophy of digital audio, namely that the best way to process and convert a digital audio signal is to have the digital-to-analog conversion be the very last step before the loudspeakers.
"For years, work continued on the PowerDAC as we waited for transistor and IC technology to improve, but the turning point came in 1997 with the arrival of the Wadia Swift Current circuit. The Swift Current is a patented, custom integrated circuit that performs high-output current-to-voltage conversion without negative feedback. At that point, it became possible to build a very simple circuit that fulfilled our sonic requirements, plus offered reliable performance into any high-end loudspeaker."
According to Bohacek, the PowerDAC replaces a conventional system's D/A converter, preamplifier, interconnect cables, and power amp with a far simpler signal path. "It is a D/A converter whose output can drive loudspeakers directly. The PowerDAC has a high-voltage current-to-voltage stage and high-current output stage that together are capable of driving even the most demanding loudspeakers. The PowerDAC's number of circuit stages is comparable to that of a conventional D/A converter; they are simply higher-powered stages."
Wadia says that the first PowerDAC system is a no-compromise "statement product" designed to go head-to-head with the "best-respected, most expensive DAC/preamp/power amp combinations on the market." The PowerDAC system comprises two types of components: a digital controller called the 390, and a 790 PowerDAC mono tower for each channel. The 390 Digital Controller is an interface between the digital sources and the 790 PowerDAC towers.
In the initial version, the 390 controller accepts a wide variety of digital formats, up to 24-bit/96kHz. In addition, Wadia claims that the 390 is designed to be expandable and upgradeable to accept future formats by using modular input cards (including real estate for new connector types, and decoding/decrypting circuitry that may be required for new digital formats), along with configurable digital output (the eight outputs can be clock, data, or both). "With the 390 Digital Controller as the interface to digital sources," says Bohacek, "the 790 PowerDAC towers are independent of changes in the digital audio format. Even if a new format is introduced, such as multichannel DVD-Audio with MLP, or SACD, the Wadia 390 controller could be upgraded to accept these signals and transmit them to multiple 790 PowerDAC towers."
In another break with power-amplifier tradition, the PowerDAC will not have a conventional power rating. Wadia feels that, because the PowerDAC has a digital input, it is not possible to drive it into clipping with traditional methods used for testing power. This makes it tough for Wadia to publish a power specification that adheres to the time-honored method. Bohacek says that "we can make the assertion that the 790 PowerDAC towers have sufficient power to drive any high-end loudspeaker---even those with low impedance or efficiency, such as the Thiel CS5---to satisfying levels." A meaningful maximum output specification would be the 790's peak-peak voltage swing into an 8 ohm load at 0dBFS, but when John Atkinson asked this question of Wadia personnel at the recent CES, no answer was forthcoming.
The company has not announced a final price for the PowerDAC 790, but says it will be comparable in price to functionally equivalent reference-level systems (DAC, preamp, and power amps) from other high-end companies. Bohacek states that "we plan to introduce less expensive versions as quickly as they can be developed. Like the 790 PowerDAC, they will be cost-effective, sonically superior alternatives to conventional amplifiers. We do not have target dates or prices yet, but some of these products will be aimed at the mid-priced home-theater market."
Not shy about what Wadia has achieved, Bohacek concludes that "after 10 years of business, we have enough understanding of the high-end market to realize that no one is going to buy a product like the PowerDAC unless they are convinced that it sounds better than the alternatives from established amplifier companies. If we were not completely convinced that the 790 PowerDAC outperforms every DAC, preamp, and power amp on the market regardless of price, we simply would not introduce it. But we are."


text:
As I was sitting earlier in the week looking at my seed catalogs eyeing what I want to buy and plant in my garden. I was wondering who has cabin fever and is ready for Spring ? I am so ready for Spring to be here the bitter cold has lasted long enough and record low temperatures have been made; so let's warm up!! LOL Then we went grocery shopping and everyone was getting snacks for the Big Bronco game; rushing hastily. being rude. I thought wow; maybe they are having Cabin fever as well as Spring fever, I just have Spring fever .
I also want to get some roses; put in some more roses, maybe a shrub or two in the backyard. Get the flower pots dusted off and put some petunias, pansies, grow some herbs.
So how about you ? Are you ready for some gardening? planting ? or just some warm weather ?


text:
You can't watch movies and TV shows on your device just yet
But you can still browse and buy
Sorry, but TalkTalk TV Store movies and TV shows are currently only available in the UK
Rent, buy and watch the latest movies and TV shows online
How it works
Browse the latest movies and TV
TalkTalk TV Store has more of the latest movies and TV shows than our competitors.
Pay for what you want to watch
No subscription, so you only pay when you rent or buy a movie or TV show, from just 99p.
Enjoy on a range of devices
TalkTalk TV Store is available on PC, Mac, mobile, tablets and Chromecast.
Walt Disney Pictures presents The Odd Life of Timothy Green, an inspiring and magical story for the whole family. Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) are a happily married couple who can't wait to start a family, but can only dream about what their child might be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) miraculously appears on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim – and their small town of Stanleyville – learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts, as Timothy's presence begins to have a profound effect on everyone he meets.
Asset Details
- Genre
Comedy, Drama, Family, Sci-Fi
- Certificate U
Contains no material likely to offend or harm
- Run Time
1 hour 45 minutes
- Released
Viewing options
- Watch online
PC, Mac, Chromecast, iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, Windows phones and tablets, Xbox smart TVs, set-top boxes and Blu-ray players.
- Find out more
- Download
Download on iOS 8+, Android 4.0+ and Windows 8.1+ in app. Includes rentals.
- Find out more


text:
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
Tools & Resources
Speech Therapists evaluate and treat individuals with communicative, voice, cognitive, or swallowing disorders. Our staff works closely with all health care providers working with you during your inpatient stay to provide the best positive outcomes.
Some of the activities that we do are:
Inpatient and outpatient instrumental/objective swallowing studies, including Videoflouroscopic Swallowing Studies and Clinical Swallowing Bedside Evaluations.
Communication and swallowing services for tracheostomized/ventilator dependent patients
Laryngectomy Rehabilitation
Neurologic rehabilitation of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders
Additional information on Speech Therapy can be found at American Speech and Hearing Association
© St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY. All rights reserved.
Web Design & Digital Marketing by TRAINOR


text:
Annette Bening will receive the American Riviera Award at this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival, it was announced this week. Bening received widespread acclaim for her roles in The Kids Are All Right and Mother and Child and will be given the award—which recognizes a performer who has had a big impact on American cinema—at the Arlington Theatre on 1/28. The actress has been nominated for an Academy Award three times and is known for displaying an impressive range in her work, starring in romantic comedies such as The American President as well as compelling dramas like American Beauty.
Article ToolsPrint friendly
E-mail story
Tip Us Off


text:
Edmonton Foreclosures
I recieved a memo today from the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) which was syndicated to licensed REALTORS® noting concerns consumers who are facing foreclosure. If you are falling behind on mortgage payments, first thing to do is to talk with your bank. And if you have any doubts about the banks practices, contact another well known bank and discuss your situation with them. PLEASE do research! Banks understand that we are in tough times and will accomodate you as much as they possibly can. Rule of thumb: If it seems too true to be real, it usually is. Don't be left homeless!. If you are choosing to sell your property to avoid foreclosure, check out your REALTOR® before signing any contracts!
"Our concern is that consumers facing foreclosure will look for any help they can get," says Charles Stevenson, Director of Professional Standards at RECA. "Fraudsters will promise to stop the foreclosure and keep you in your home. Unfortunately, instead of being rescued, fraudsters take your money, and you end up further in debt and possibly homeless."
Search Foreclosed Properties & Estate Sales in Edmonton & Area


text:
Two people are dead after two fires - that are unrelated - ripped through homes in Delaware Thursday.
Firefighters pulled a resident from a home along the 1100 block of Artwin Road near Foulk Road in Chatham, Del., but it was too late.
Officials identified the victim as 78-year-old Lorene Russo, but are still determining her cause of death.
The blaze broke out just after 4 a.m. Thursday and when firefighters arrived heavy flames could be seen coming from the back of the home, according to New Castle County Fire Marshal Mike Chionchio.
Firefighters battled back flames and pulled Russo from the fire but, according to Talleyville Fire Company officials, she died at the scene from smoke inhalation and burns.
As SkyForce10 hovered overhead you could see the smoking remains of the brick home as investigators tried to figure out what happened.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. About $300,000 in damage was done to the home, said Chionchio.
Another fire, unrelated from the first, left one person dead after ripping through a home on the 300 block of Tamara Circle in Newark, Del.
Officials identified the victim as 94-year-old Mary Nelson. A cause of death is pending.
Mill Creek Fire Company responded to the blaze, which broke out shortly before 2 p.m., according to officials.
Two family members survived the fire, which caused an estimated $100,000 in damages. An investigation is underway and the American Red Cross is assisting the survivors.


text:
Westlake Audio Lc5.75F loudspeaker Page 3
Charlie Haden's Nocturne (CD, Verve 440 013 611-2), Classic's recent reissue of Holly Cole's Temptation (two LPs, Blue Note/Classic JP500 3), and the late Harold Land's (with the late Billy Higgins) Promised Land, on the new audiophile label Audiophonic, are the kind of recordings I could sit down with, listen to, and find myself asking, What more could I want?—even though I knew the answer. Ditto Sundazed's absolutely essential mono LP of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' (Columbia/Sundazed LP5108). The Dylan really shone through the pint-sized Lc5.75Fs: his voice properly sized, three-dimensional and detailed, with a palpable sensation of a non-electronic fleshy entity singing and plucking wirewound strings. That's a record you need to own even if you haven't yet bought a turntable.
With these types of discs, the Westlakes seemed to depart the room, leaving a satisfying, credible sonic picture in every sense of the word, as long as I didn't crank them beyond levels appropriate to the music. While not the last word in upper-octave extension, detail, or air, the Lc5.75F delivered enough to satisfy without turning the balance bright and calling my attention to their lack of deep bass.
Once I'd gotten a handle on the Lc5.75F, I decided to hear if the Audio Physic Rhea subwoofer (with the Westlakes still running full-range) could integrate with them. With a minimum amount of fuss—dialing up the Rhea's low-pass rolloff to coincide with the Rc5.75F's 60Hz low-frequency response limit—I was able to achieve a superbly coherent full-range picture. The result was a much bigger soundstage, with greater depth and image dimensionality.
Westlake insisted that I listen to the Lc5.75Fs driven by a Westlake-modified Boulder amplifier and Westlake's own cables, and I obliged. The combination of the unusually supple twisted-pair cables, the modified amp, and the Lc5.75Fs performed as promised: there seemed to be a bit more extension and detail on top, better overall focus and immediacy, and, generally, a greater sense of musical control. Given that the powerful Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300 also exhibits these characteristics and is capable of delivering huge amounts of power at very low impedances (1000W into 2 ohms), I have no explanation for the differences I heard—unless the Boulder amp's high-frequency characteristics are somewhat more in-your-face than the MF's, and thus were a better match for the Westlake's top end.
But the Boulder is a Westlake-modified amp and not for sale as such, so I'm not sure my experience with it is of any value to you. Still, I concluded that this warmish-sounding speaker will sound most immediate and involving when partnered by a powerful solid-state amplifier that's comfortable driving low-impedance loads.
I was also sent a pair of gray foam Speaker Muffs ($112/pair), which fit over and frame the Lc5.75F's baffle. They're designed to improve imaging and soundstaging and increase "apparent" bass response, but in my well-treated room I heard no difference with the Muffs on or off. In more "live" rooms, I have no doubt that they'd be an effective if ugly accessory.
The Westlake Audio Lc5.75F was a very pleasant surprise—not at all what I expected, whether from a pro audio company or from a tiny vented box. Clearly, Glenn Phoenix used listening to music as a foundation for his work, along with measured performance. He's designed a small, well-balanced speaker that delivers an impressive amount of music from a compact, very-well-built, reasonably priced package.
It will be interesting to see how kind John Atkinson's test bench is to a system whose woofer extends to 5kHz—well into the upper midrange. Whatever measurable problems might be caused by pushing a woofer that high seemed more than offset by a coherent midrange—which was perhaps achieved by not handing off the music to the tweeter somewhere in the more usual 2.2-2.5kHz range.
In the end, of course, a speaker is meant to be listened to, not measured, and the Lc5.75F was an enjoyable performer. The key to its success was a balance of strengths unmarred by such serious deficiencies (for a very small vented box) as consistently audible frequency blemishes (nasality, chestiness, sibilance, "hoot," grain, etc.), doubling or other gross forms of distortion at high SPLs, or dynamic compression. Whatever deficiencies the measurements might show, they were cannily hidden.
As long as you don't press the Lc5.75Fs beyond reasonable limits (you can probably push them harder than you might think), you'll be amazed by what these well-engineered little speakers can do—so long as you provide them with a clean environment and appropriate associated equipment, including the right stands. (Your ears must be level with the area between the port and woofer or there will be considerable high-frequency rolloff.)
The Lc5.75Fs combine a pleasing, open frequency balance, fine low-level resolution, an authoritative and coherent rhythmic presentation, and superb imaging and soundstaging. They can't fill a large room the way the $3500/pair dipolar Red Rose Music R3 can, or go as low as either the R3 or the $2000/pair powered-woofer Infinity Intermezzo 2.6. But these $1699 speakers did fill my room when I listened in the nearfield, and were more reminiscent of the $8000 Merlin VSMs in their overall supple, lucid presentation than the Red Roses or Intermezzos. That makes them a very attractive choice if you're strapped for room or cash or both. Don't let Westlake's pro-audio heritage stop you from checking out the Lc5.75F.