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Personal Tech
Thursday, October 2, 2008; 2:00 PM
The Washington Post's Rob Pegoraro was online Thursday, Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. ET to discuss recent reviews and answer your personal tech questions.
Read Rob's latest tech tips in his blog, Faster Forward.
A transcript follows.
Rob Pegoraro: Good afternoon! If you've got a question about how you can cut your telecom bills, get ready for the digital-TV transition, shop for a digital camera or fix your PC, you've come to the right place.
If, on the other hand, you're curious about Gov. Palin's background, you must be looking for Sally Jenkins' chat--first door on the right. Thanks!
Rockville: Rob, this is Washington D.C., where the economy is much more stable than the country as a whole, not going either up or down as much as other people's.
For those of us who are proud to act counter-cyclical from the rest of America, are there any real deals out there?
Rob Pegoraro: We'll start on an optimistic note, crappy economy notwithstanding. I think that if you've got the money to spend, you should see some decent deals--retailers are going to need to do something extra to get people into their stores and onto their sites. But it's a little too soon to see what these promotions might be like; wait until we're a little closer to the holiday shopping season.
Falls Church, Va.: Rob,
Thanks for all your help in the past. I have two computers and they are both getting loaded up with pictures and video. The computers work well so I don't want to replace them and I was thinking of getting a harddrive to both back up the computers and hold all our pictures. I seen some very cheap harddrives, even portable ones at Costco with anything from a 100 to 500 gigabytes for anything from $100 to $200. I need your help in deciding what to buy. Is it a mistake to get one of these portable hard drives even if I don't plan to move them. Should I be worried because they are "too cheap" and, therefore, are unreliable. I am going to have pictures on them that I don't want to lose.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide in buying a backup hard drive.
Rob Pegoraro: Buying an external hard drive would not be a bad idea at all--you'll still need it to back up your next computer. Making it a portable drive, meaning one that's "bus powered" (it gets all the electricity it needs over a USB or FireWire cable, not a wall outlet), means you will also have fewer wires to mess with. So, yes, I endorse this move. It's exactly what I did two years ago.
Beltsville, Md.: When Isabel came through a few years ago, I was without electricity for 3 days. (Many were far worse off than me.) However, since I had the old-fashioned landline telephone service, I could make and receive phone calls during all of that time. If I had one of the VoIP services, my phone service would have only lasted as long as the battery backup that came with it.
Rob Pegoraro: That's one vote in favor of maintaining a landline phone. But: How often are you in this position? I wouldn't keep a landline phone just for this situation; you could buy a solar charger for your cell phone with the savings gained from just a few months' worth of landline bills.
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Why do you poo-poo VOIP such as Vonage as "I tried to stick with advice that wouldn't be too difficult or expensive to follow." When I setup Vonage, it was dead-simple. I'd think it would be harder to explain to a non-techy spouse how to use Skype or something similar.
Rob Pegoraro: Setting up Vonage requires moving over your entire phone service to that company; you also have to buy the phone adapter and hook that up to your router. Those things do constitute a mental obstacle to some people.
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Is there a way to turn off my ability to receive text-messages? I have T-Mobile and no texting plan, so a few texts from friends (who don't realize I don't have a text plan) can add up each month.
Rob Pegoraro: Depends on your carrier. See this Help File item from several months back: http:/
Arlington, Va.: MobileMe continues to be a cypher. It is S-L-O-W on all browsers on all platforms. And I have one issue that is very odd.
One thing that has started working pretty well is the push synching. I am able to add/delete/edit calendar and contact entries anywhere (desktop Mac, PowerBook, iPhone, browser on Windows) and the changes are propagating out quickly and accurately.
There is however one more thing. I have a recurring event that has been on my home iCal for a while. It occurs every other Friday. It shows up perfectly everywhere except on MobileMe via a browser, where it is always off a week. For instance this month it should be on the 10th and 24th but shows up on the 17th and 31st. I worked with Apple's online support and they came up with the following idea, delete the event entirely and re-add it in.
Man, that sounds like a solution to a Microsoft problem. I really can't believe how not ready for prime time MobileMe was at its launch. Shame on Apple!
Rob Pegoraro: I've found MobileMe's Web site to be more reliable lately--I haven't had the calendar fail to load or seen address-book entries appear with only the person's name in the last month. But I'm not going to say this service is close to living up to Apple's promises for it, or its broader potential.
For instance, will other developers be able to write MobileMe sync plug-ins? I don't know why Apple would want to limit Windows MobileMe users to apps developed by Microsoft, but the current closed system imposes that limit.
Counter-Cyclical Purchases: Buy a car if sales are really down 27%.
Rob Pegoraro: They're down even more than that in the SUV segment of the market... but, y'know, I wouldn't rush out and make that purchase, even with gas at a "low" $3.60 or so (Va. pricing).
Los Angeles, Calif.: As a fellow reporter who sometimes needs to record phone interviews, I was hoping the iPhone might have a conversation-recording capacity. Apparently the recording apps don't work for conversations. Any alternative ideas? A way to run a line out to my digital recorder, perhaps? Last resort, of course, is just recording off the speaker phone. But surely there is a better way.
Rob Pegoraro: I think you're stuck with that last resort. If you only need to record in-person conversations, you've got plenty of options (even if you only own an iPod nano), but phone calls are a different issue.
Washington, D.C.: Could you please tell me what's the best way to move my 2,000+ collection of iTunes songs from one computer to another? Thank you.
Rob Pegoraro: See the prior answer about an external hard drive: Buy one, copy your entire iTunes Music folder onto it, then copy the folder from the drive to the new computer. Authorize your iTunes Store account on the new computer--that's it.
(If you don't buy at the iTunes Store, you can skip the last step.)
Chicago, Ill.: Have you ever hunted wolves out of a plane? It's quite a thrill!
Rob Pegoraro: Every time I try to do that around D.C., some F-16 scrambles out of Andrews AFB and forces me to land. It's getting kinda frustrating...
Denver: Do you know a good application (preferably free) to use for video chats between a Mac and PC? We use Windows live messenger for PC-PC chats and it works great, but my aunt has a Mac and wants to join in.
Rob Pegoraro: Skype will do that just fine--they did a good job with their Mac app.
DTV reception: Rob, just tried to pull in digital TV signals with an indoor amplified antenna through a converter box in Rockville, and was not impressed. Lots of drop outs. Are the major DC broadcasters using full power for their digital signals yet? In other words, will my reception get better in February once they turn off the analog signals?
Rob Pegoraro: Most of them should be at full power by now, unless they've gotten a waiver from the FCC. But in Rockville, you might need a bigger antenna than an indoor model.
Richmond, Va.: Hi Rob - I'm interested in converting old VHS tapes to DVD (home movies type tapes, no copyright infringement!) Have you reviewed any of the hardware and/or software packages for this?
Rob Pegoraro: Get a DVD recorder with a built-in VCR. That is, by far, your easiest way to archive your tapes (and you also get a DVD player in the bargain).
Arlington, Va.: After buying a new Vista laptop, what is the first thing I should configure? I am concerned about security, viruses and my wireless connection.
Rob Pegoraro: Anti-virus software: It's not included in Vista, and you do still need it. The firewall should be on automatically, and Vista will also check for updates for you.
wash dc: Channel 4 is broadcasting its ATSC signal on channel 37 (I think). Channels 5, 7 and 9 are also broadcasting ATSC signals on UHF channels. Will these channel assignments change after next February so that Channel 4 will broadcast ATSC on Channel 4 and the other channels on the their current VHF channels?
Rob Pegoraro: The digital channel assignments are invisible in practice--on a digital set or a digital converter box, you just tune to 4.1 to get WRC's digital signal, not 37.
Washington, D.C.: Rob, I want to watch television on my Mac. I know there is a product called Eye TV Hybrid, and it has some good reviews on the Apple website. Do you know anything about it, or any other software that would enable me to watch tv on a Mac?
Rob Pegoraro: I do know of it, and I've heard good things about it. However, I have yet to try it out. Can anybody here testify to their own experience with eyeTV's tuners?
Alexandria, Va.: Help! My iPod is dying (it's a second generation iPod, so really I am just thankful, amazed it lasted this long). Not only do I have an old iPod but I have an old operating system on my iMac. I can't use a new iPod on my computer without updating the OS. Can I make the jump from OS 10.2.8 to the new OS 10.5 without any major glitches? Or do I need to get my hands on 10.3 and 10.4? If it's the latter, any advice on how to do this cheaply?
Rob Pegoraro: If your Mac shipped with 10.2, it may not be able to run 10.5 at all. It may be due for replacement in its own right--um, yeah, we're talking about a five or six-year-old machine, right?
You could probably pick up a copy on eBay, but you really have to think about the economics of sinking more money into a computer this old. You might be better off getting a used iPod that can still work with Jaguar.
Arlington, Va.: Rob, I have a Pioneer 5080 50" Plasma screen TV that I love. I notice that on some stations the station logo and some other text at the edges of the screen are often cut off. I have repeatedly adjusted the size of the screen to try to get everything on the screen which seems to work only in 4:3 mode. Is this an artifact of older programs that were originally rendered in 4:3 format being shown on the 16:9 format?
Rob Pegoraro: This sounds like a screen-formatting issue: HDTVs usually offer a few different options to display a 4:3-formatted program on their wider screens, and some (like the "zoom" option) will always cut off some of the picture. But if the logo is still missing when you show the 4:3 content in letterbox mode--with black bars on either side--then you've got some other problem that I don't know what to do about.
Tina in Falls Church: I have FIOS and a word to pass on to others. The OEM battery for the back up system is made by Eagle Picher. Mine lasted 5+years. I bought an aftermarket replacement and it only lasted 7 mos. I have another Eagle Picher on order. Stick with the original brand, it seems to be better
Rob Pegoraro: Thanks! You're the first Fios user to mention this detail to me.
Washington, D.C.: How many tabs should you be able to have open at one time in the Explorer or Firefox browsers? I have a 6 or 7 year old laptop, not a whole lot of memory, and lately find that the fans start blowing at a high rate if "too many" tabs are open, or if running a youtube video. Sometimes it even shuts off the computer. It seems that the machine is getting so hot doing all this "work" that the fans can't cool it and it shuts off, rather than overheat. I'm guessing that more and more pages have ads that increase this problem. I switched over to Firefox and the problem is mostly gone, but still, I'm curious. Is the computer actually in danger of getting too hot and burning up a chip?
Rob Pegoraro: No, but IE 7 is a memory hog, so I'm not surprised that it would start eating processor cycles as well.
In any case, however, you face no risk of any kind of Computing China Syndrome. The machine will shut down if its innards get too hot--instantly, and without warning.
Steubenville, Ohio: Rob, last time I had asked you about programs that "steal focus." I am using vista Home Premium and IE7. I have to use IE7 because of the web site (Washington State site so it figures they would be biased to Microsoft). I have a pdf in the browser, hit print, switch to Wordpad to paste the url from the browser page into a doc and many times the browser/print spooler steal the focus -- aggravating to put it politely. I did a search and found this link ( http:/
Rob Pegoraro: I can't say that any form of registry editing makes much sense to me, but as this kind of tinkering does, the one you describe seems fairly straightforward.
Do realize, however, that if your IT department gets word that you've been editing the registry on your work machine, they may freak out.
Washington, D.C.: OK I can't take it anymore I've been dying sticking with this Verizon 8703e blackberry when are they going to finally announce the blackberry storm!! Have you heard anything about this device and if it is going to live up to the hype?
Rob Pegoraro: Welcome to Verizon Wireless. This company has a long and consistent history of taking its time to introduce some of the more-hyped new smartphones.
Northern Virginia: My computer wants me to install Service Pack 3 but I'm afraid that it will mess everything up. How can I tell it not to install Service Pack 3 but to install other updates? It's Windows XP.
Rob Pegoraro: If your computer is in good shape, you shouldn't have any problems with SP3. If it isn't, it could get sunk by any other update.
I recommend proceeding with SP3 after (of course) backing up your data, just in case.
Brooklyn, N.Y.: Hi Rob,
I recently bought a Samsung Instinct and I've been pretty mixed on it. On the plus side, the navigation is pretty cool, but I live in NYC where the Google Map blackberry app would suffice. The visual interface is pretty nice, but little touches (like the web browser not limiting text to the screen width so you have to scroll in two directions) are missing. And last, there are no applications being built that provide any of the inane fun or functionality that Android phones or iPhones have.
Sprint offers a one month trial period where you can return your phone. I'm thinking about doing it. What say you?
Rob Pegoraro: I tried the Instinct myself and wasn't too impressed either: http:/
I mean, it can work pretty well as just a basic phone, but then you're paying a bit much for something to use as just a basic phone.
At a conference, DC: Have you seen the new Dell Mini 9? What are your thoughts compared to other minis for road warriors? Windows XP with 1 GB memory and 16 GB solid state drive for $450 seems like a good deal. For the Linux version, how much memory is reasonable for web surfing, email, word processing? Thanks.
Rob Pegoraro: I'm waiting for Dell to send me a review unit, so I can give you a proper answer (hey, Dell PR--see this? Serious reader interest here! :)
Silver Spring, Md.: It seems that installing Windows Service Pack 3 (for XP) prevents me from connecting to the internet (I use IE 7.0). I removed Service Pack 3 and now the internet works. What can I do to be able to install the service pack and still have functioning internet service? Thanks.
Rob Pegoraro: In the interest of balance, here's somebody who had an inexplicable SP3 malfunction. Dude, I have no idea what went wrong here. I've now upgraded every XP machine I use to SP3 and haven't seen any damage from it on any of them. (One was already mortally wounded from earlier software malfunctions; it's still mortally wounded.)
Washington, D.C.: I'm trying to pick my next Verizon cellphone - all I ask is that it get good reception and take ok pictures and not weigh more than a paperback. And preferably not die within two years. So I'm not aiming super-high on the cellphone food chain. I'm down to three models - a Nokia, an LG, and a Motorola, all basically free with the various discounts.
Are there general differences in reliability between them? Is it true that Motorola batteries give up the ghost after a few months? My last phone was an LG but I kind of like this Motorola option because it can take a SIM card for overseas use. Not that I travel overseas that often. But when I do, I always want a cell phone.
Rob Pegoraro: Anybody want to take this one? I haven't owned a phone by any of these manufacturers since 2003 (a Motorola flip-phone that saw one hinge break 22 or so months after I bought it).
Washington, D.C.: Speaking of SP3, any thoughts on results of updating to SP3 with Windows XP on a MacBook (10.5) running Parallels? I haven't updated yet, and would hope it'll be fine, but hadn't heard feedback from any others who have done so.
Rob Pegoraro: Go right ahead--just record a snapshop of the current install, load SP3, and if it doesn't work you can revert to that snapshot.
Arlington: Some TV switchover questions. Many of us have tiny-screen, battery-powered black and white TVs that we take with us boating, camping and even to Redskins games. Obviously these become doorstops in February. But I haven't seen any digital equivalents. Will there be small-screen portable digital TVs (I'm hoping for something in the 5-to-7 inch screen range)? Or are there Ipods or superphones with TV tuners? Also, analog-tuner VCRs won't record after February. But will VHS tapes still be viewable on digital TVs? Do digital TVs even have the inputs to connect old VCRs? Thanks.
Rob Pegoraro: There's at least one portable DTV out there--the Radio Shack at the corner of 15th & L has been selling this LCD-equipped model since this spring.
Columbus, Ohio: This has nothing specific to do with my area's recent and massive power outages from the remnants of Ike. However, outages where I live are frequent, most lasting 1-10 seconds. Even the briefest usually knocks out my V-Tech cordless phones (one base/answering machine, two handsets). The manufacturer's resetting procedure calls for disconnection from all power (batteries included) for about a minute in order to reset the phones. However, my phones must remain disconnected for 4-5 hours before they will successfully reset and communicate with the base. The batteries are new enough, the phones less than 3 years old, and they have always been surge-protected. They used to reset quickly, per the manual. Is their inability to do so now the cumulative result of stress on their innards from dozens of power interruptions?
Rob Pegoraro: I suppose all those outages could have an effect on your phone. What kind of electrical utility do you have there that keeps running into these micro-outages?
Vienna, Va.: Every other new update of the ZoneAlarm Security Suite causes my PC to take three and a half minutes from the time I click on the "Switch User" button on the Log Off screen until I can enter a password for another user. With the help of a knowledgeable ZoneAlarm tech support member, it became clear than their On-Access file scanning was the culprit in the latest version, so I have reverted to the previous version until they fix the problem (again).
My questions are: why does this occur over and over again? Does Microsoft do things to the Windows operating systems which affect ZoneAlarm, or does ZoneAlarm make boo-boos? In the past I have experienced similar symptoms with other security suites hogging resources, so I am inclined to suspect that Microsoft is the problem.
Rob Pegoraro: This is why I don't recommend third-party security suites. They have very high odds of gumming up the works like this, they largely duplicate what Windows already includes and, of course, they're not free. ZoneAlarm seems particularly ugly in this respect (speaking as somebody who's had to take a few tech-support calls from his brother about ZA problems).
RE: Low-tech Cells, Motorola : For the low-tech cell seeker... I can't vouch for its ease of international usage (yet...upcoming trip to India in the fall may change that), but I've been pleased with the Motorola z7c world phone since I bought last July. Nothing too fancy, but no complaints.
Rob Pegoraro: Thanks!
Arlington, Va.: question about digital TV transition. Will buy a LCD TV and want to maintain cable-less. So 1- does new LCD TV usually should have the convert box built in? 2- If yes, digital antenna is still needed. sorry being so clueless. Thanks
Rob Pegoraro: Any TV set that has a tuner at all *must* include a digital tuner--the FCC has fined retailers for breaking this rule. So as long as the TV isn't labeled explicitly as a monitor, you've got a digital tuner in there.
Try your existing antenna first--in Arlington, that ought to be enough unless you're at the bottom of a valley somewhere. There's no such thing as a "digital antenna."
KGDave: Rob, for wash dc to be able to tune in WRC's ATSC (digital) signal by punching in 4 or 4.1, he needs to have his tuner scan for channels and learn the channel mappings first. It is true that all the full-power DTV channels are on UHF now. However, WJLA and WUSA will move their DTV broadcasts to 7 and 9 when analog shuts down in February. Plus, WPXW will move to 34 and WETA may move to 51 then, too. No matter where the DTV broadcasts end up physically, we will still be able to use the old analog channel numbers to find them thanks to data embedded in the signals and FCC regulations.
Rob Pegoraro: Bingo. Thanks! (I'd been meaning to look up the post-2/17/09 channel reassignments, but the FCC has one of the worst-designed Web sites in the entire federal government.)
Richmond, Va.: A possible solution to the SP3 loss of internet issue.
Rob Pegoraro: And thank you as well! The link details a bad interaction between SP3 and Symantec's security suite, for which first Symantec and now Microsoft have posted fixes.
(Hey, wasn't I just now talking about the evils of security suites?)
Stockton, Calif.: Why would anyone bother getting an Apple iTouch? (vs a full phone w/Internet capabilities?)
Rob Pegoraro: If AT&T's coverage doesn't work for you, but you like everything else the iPhone does as a music player/movie viewer/handheld organizer, the iPod touch can make some sense. See the next question...
Lawrence, Kan.: Rob, I'm one of those on the fence about getting an iPhone (which I crave except for the pricetag of monthly service) or the iPOD Touch. I work on a college campus, so there is WiFi, but I'm worried that I will miss the GPS aspect of the iPhone if I buy the Touch. Any thoughts? Also, why did Apple go away from the chrome back, flat surface for the iPhone--it is not as sleek, smooth or nifty? Lastly, any great or inventive ways for a woman to carry this tool without a purse and without a beltclip that is huge? From, KU Fan
Rob Pegoraro: And here we are, one possible case for the iPod touch. The WiFi-autolocate on the Touch can work pretty well if, of course, you've got enough hot spots near you. Then again, how often will you need it when you're on campus? I wouldn't consider this too heavily either way.
Winnipeg, Canada: For the VHS-to-DVD transfers, I second your suggestion. I got a VHS/DVD recorder combination machine for about $200 (in Canada). Other options I considered were taking it to a store to do it for me (would have cost a fortune), and some kind of software/hardware package that was supposed to run on my computer (but needed a machine with a LOT of juice, according to the specs).
Rob Pegoraro: Thanks for sharing your experience, Winnipeg.
Silver Spring, Md.: Re: hot PCs Someone commented that the cooling fan(s) on their PC crank up when they open a lot of browser tabs. Since this PC more than a year old, it's probably a dirty PC! Dust can really make a computer run hot.
Open up that PC case and do some cleaning and don't forget the air inlet panel (often on the front). Not sure how? Just ask Mr. Google "how to clean dust from my PC."
Rob Pegoraro: Hint: Your garden hose, dish detergent or sandpaper should not factor into this process in any way.
Any suggestions for a rolling, portable laptop desk?: I hope this gets in under the wire. I have been searching and searching and searching for a laptop desk. I am tired (literally) of sitting on the couch and I want to use my computer standing up, so I can move around and stretch my legs.
I have looked at Staples/Office Depot/Best Buy/Circuit City, etc., but none of those stores seems to have what I want. I realize that part of my problem is that I have some specific elements I am looking for:
- I want it to roll around so I can move it easily
- I want it to be light weight, but also sturdy
- Finally, it would be ideal if I could break it down easily and put it behind the couch when I am not using it
I'm willing to buy online, but I'd prefer to look at something in a store. Please, readers, any tips would be greatly appreciated! I will love you forever!
Rob Pegoraro: I have no idea. Maybe one of those folding TV-dinner trays? Except you want to use the thing standing up... nope, no idea here. Can anybody help out Asfarpld?
Mountain View, Calif.: Hi, Rob - this isn't really an on-line question, but a request for a column. This made me think that a column de-mystifying the registry and how to recognize and troubleshoot registry problems would be timely. Thanks. Judith
Rob Pegoraro: I disagree. Editing the registry has a high chance of breaking Windows outright, and the directions on how to do it right would take up an extraordinary amount of space.
BD in Loudoun, VA: I have two 8 hour airplane trips ahead of me. I want to watch my own movies. What is the best way to do that? What player would you recommend? Thanks.
Rob Pegoraro: Assuming you're not bringing a laptop, you could bring one of those portable DVD players. But even then, you're looking at a couple of pounds of fragile electronics that you may never turn on outside of the plane. I wouldn't do that.
You could use an iPod with a big-enough screen--a classic or touch would do--and avoid the weight penalty. A Sony PSP would work for that too.
EyeTV review: I've had my EyeTV for a few months now, and haven't had any serious glitches with it. The remote that came with mine doesn't work all that well unless I'm within about 6 feet and pointed right at the sensor. However, since I generally just use it to watch recorded shows, and not channel surfing, it's not that big of a deal to start the show from the main application interface.
Setting up recordings is a little non-intuitive to me, but I have managed to have it record most of the shows that I want it to. I'm just not a fan of how they use smart guides and smart playlists. That doesn't seem like the division I would want to see. Also, the search logic on the smart guides isn't all that flexible: you either set it to ALL of the options (Title contains "House" AND repeat = no AND channel = 5) or ANY of the options (Title contains "How I met your mother" OR Title contains "The Big Bang Theory" OR Title contains "Two and a Half Men"). I'd prefer being able to do something like Title contains "met your mother" OR Title contains "big bang" AND channel = 9 AND repeat = no. Haven't found a good way to do that though.
But overall, barring power outages, it's recorded well, and I haven't had any problems with playback, even with HD recordings on an external hard drive. I'm happy with it.
Rob Pegoraro: And here we have a first-hand account of the EyeTV tuner. Much appreciated!
Capitol Hill, D.C.: Do I have to switch any settings on my iPhone 3G when going to Canada next week? I don't want it to look for signals that will be costly. But Canada, eh? I know I will have to change some settings when I go to Japan next year.
Rob Pegoraro: Yup, you will want to turn off data roaming, which I believe is done by going to the Settings screen, then choosing General, then Network, then Data Roaming. (Note: Don't have an iPhone in front of me, so I'm going off somebody else's cheat sheet.)
Alexandria, Va.: Hi Rob! Well, it doesn't look like FIOS is coming to my neighborhood before the TV switch and I'm still using an antenna (I have tree blockage and a bias against cable). Which digital converter box do you recommend?
Rob Pegoraro: I've only tried two myself, but of those two I preferred LG's Zenith box. I'm told that the Insignia converter Best Buy sells is the same device on the inside.
Boston, Mass.: Rob,
Is there a reason why system restore, does not automatically create a restore point on a daily basis. I am running Windows XP Home Edition
I know that I can manually create a daily restore point. Thanks, Tom
Rob Pegoraro: Because with a restore point a day, you'd either run out of disk space or be stuck with only a limited set of them; if you had a problem that had materialized more than a week or so back, that restore point would have already been wiped out by newer points.
You should probably take a moment to ask if an operating system that requires so much daily maintenance is the right fit for you.
Rockville, MD: We just bought our daughter an iBook because her laptop PC died. She wants to add her iTunes from her iPod to the new computer. How do you di this without losing all the data from the iPod, which is what the software seems to want to do.
Rob Pegoraro: For the 5,632nd time, here's my Help File about copying music from an iPod to a Mac or PC:
(You can also just Google "copy from iPod pegoraro")
Madison, WI: For Arlington: All digital sets should have standard composite video and analog L/R audio inputs for VCRs. Some will have antenna inputs with analog tuners for the VCR RF out as well. You can still record digital broadcasts on a VCR using a coupon eligible converter box, although you may have to manually tune the box for each recording event.
Rob Pegoraro: Thanks, Madison. And thanks for noting the problems of keeping an analog VCR; unless you're flat broke, you'll be better off getting a DVD recorder or DVD recorder/VCR combo with a digital tuner, which will be able to change channels on its own.
Tired of my current provider: Who is the best all-in-one (TV, interwebs, phone) provider in DC? Dependable and fast internet connection more important than TV channel choices. I just need what seems to be referred to as basic cable, not interested in all the fancy stuff (HBO et al).
Rob Pegoraro: In the District proper, you're limited to Comcast and RCN. From what I hear, people seem to like RCN better than Comcast. Testimonials for/against either provider welcome...
McLean, Va.: I need a portable computer to supplement a desktop iMac. (It will replace a ThinkPad X that's reached the end of its natural lifespan.)
My first choice would be a low-end MacBook, if Apple will put it in something other than that terrible white plastic case. Have you all in the personal tech writing community received demos in advance of Apple's 10/14 news conference, or does Apple ship to you when they ship to the public?
If the MacBook isn't redesigned, I'm torn between getting a super-portable netbook (like the Dell Mini) or a cheap but heavy full-size notebook (like a low-end Inspiron).
I may occasionally take it on personal travel, but mostly it will serve as a portable in-the-house computer for web surfing/e-mail while I "multi-task" by watching TV/listening to music.
Do you have any views on whether the netbooks' screens are large enough not to be a constant source of frustration? Do any of the netbooks impress you more than others?
Rob Pegoraro: A very select few journalists get Apple hardware before its public announcement, but I am not one of them. I think you're correct in thinking that we'll see a new model in the next few weeks--it would be almost marketing malpractice for Apple not to update the MacBook before the Xmas shopping season--but I don't know what the new version might have.
I'm working on lining up a few different netbooks, the Inspiron Mini included, but I've only had one (the Acer Aspire One) show up so far.
In general, though, you need to check out the resolution of their screens, not just the size. Some, like the original Asus EEE PC, don't have enough to accommodate most Web pages without scrolling, which is a huge pain. I'd be wary of screens below 1024 x 768, though on a sufficiently small display that may lead to constant squinting as you try to read microscopic type.
Rockville, MD:"It seems that installing Windows Service Pack 3 (for XP) prevents me from connecting to the internet (I use IE 7.0). I removed Service Pack 3 and now the internet works. What can I do to be able to install the service pack and still have functioning internet service? Thanks."
A while ago, a security update for Windows conflicted with ZoneAlarm firewall. You need to download the latest version of ZoneAlarm before installing the update.
Rob Pegoraro: So it's not just Symantec. See, if y'all would stop buying third-party firewall apps, my job would be so much easier :)
KGDave: Rob, the best site outside of the FCC for TV technical information is http:/
Rob Pegoraro: Thanks - I'll have a look.
Rockville, MD: I have had nothing but problems with Comcast internet over the past year. I recently tried Verizon DSL (no FIOS in my area yet) and found that the speed was not sufficient for some of the video uses I make of it (they tell me that my area in Rockville cannot get the highest speeds they offer). My question is, are there alternatives to Comcast and Verizon in my area? What are they?
I appreciate your help.
Rob Pegoraro: Maybe RCN? Also, try third-party DSL providers, which sometimes offer better coverage than Verizon (though at a higher cost). Broadbandreports.com should get you started with that.
KGDave: For computer desks and carts, Anthro (http:/
Rob Pegoraro: Man, you are just a font of info today, KGDave...
Warner Robins, GA: Hello Rob, Good info. If I have a VCR connected to my cable provider, will the VCR still record?
Rob Pegoraro: This is really making me think that I need to write Yet Another "everything you need to know about digital TV" column. Yes, your VCR will work with your cable just as it does today. The digital transition ONLY AFFECTS OVER-THE-AIR BROADCASTS. Period, full stop. If your cable provider moves some channels to a digital tier, that has zip, zero, nada to do with the DTV switch; it's just trying to make more efficient use of its own bandwidth.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Rob -- Thanks for taking my question. I have an odd security problem in that someone else's email account keeps showing up on my Macbook. I'll put the computer to sleep overnight, and in the morning this other person's yahoo email account is on my screen (and it's always the same person's email). I have my firewall turned on, and can't for the life of my understand how this is happening. Are there other security precautions I should take? Thanks so much!
Rob Pegoraro: This makes very little sense. The whole point of having the computer asleep is that it's, y'know, not awake--it's not doing anything. It could be that you've got some weird cookie or cache corruption that causes this other person's account to get reloaded. Have you tried deleting Safari's cache and cookies?
Answers to iPod questions: Hope I'm not too late to get in on this. For the person with the old computer who wants a new iPod, call Apple Retail sales (I don't have the number handy -- it's an 800 number you should be able to find online). They still sell discs for Tiger, in case your computer can't handle Leopard (and their salespeople can check that for you). I found them really helpful. Buying from eBay or other places can be risky because you might get the wrong discs for your computer.
As for why to buy the Touch -- I got one when they first came out because I wanted to watch videos on a larger screen than the Classic offered. (And I didn't want AT&T.) But the wifi and now 3rd party apps have made it a really useful all-around device.
Rob Pegoraro: Very interesting... thanks!
Madison, WI: Possible laptop stand solution.
Rob Pegoraro: Hope the original poster sees this...
Bethesda, Md.: I was a relatively early HDTV adaptor (2004).
I had planned to use a TV (an "HDTV") on my TV stand, but am only able to get 480p resolution via a set of adapters to component video, which works out to roughly 640x480.
Now we've banished the old set to the basement, and I'm planning to buy a new set (at least 720p, maybe 1080p) with a VGA input. What sort of resolution can I reasonably expect? Alternatively, my video card has a built-in DVI output. What's the chance that one of the HDMI inputs on the TV will accept that, and will it produce better resolution that the VGA input?
Rob Pegoraro: VGA, DVI, component and HDMI all pass long an incoming signal in its original resolution. It sounds like your old set might have only been "enhanced definition" (ever wonder why the TV industry didn't try to popularize the abbreviation "ED" instead of HD?), because component is perfectly capable of 720p by itself.
Also, unless you're buying an under-20-inch set or an "SDTV" tube set, I don't think you can find a new TV that can't handle at least 720p resolution.
Silver Spring: Rob - love these chats. I use itunes and have it set to save automatically onto my external drive. I actually save everything there. That way when I need a new computer I won't lose anything and it will be easy to set the new one up to save to it. I do have a quick question about Vista. When I first turn it on I can scroll up and down a page quickly. When I wake it up from hibernation it is slow. I talked to the company and they supposedly downloaded a fix but alas - still slow. Any ideas?
Rob Pegoraro: Try putting the computer in sleep mode, not hibernation (which it should do by default).
About your iTunes setup... um, what's your backup? External hard drives can crash just like internal ones.
Marietta, Ga.: What do we need to do to boost your esteem in Apple's eyes? I trust you more than those other guys.
Rob Pegoraro: You could bribe all the Pulitzer judges... oops, they don't really have a category for "cranky consumer-tech column."
I wish I did get an earlier crack at Apple's hardware, but if Apple feels vaguely worried about what I might write, I suppose that means I'm doing my job right. If I can paraphrase that line in Swingers: You don't want to the consumer-tech columnist in the PG-13 movie, you want to be the tech columnist in the rated-R movie, the guy you're not sure whether or not you like yet.
Washington, DC: I just got my "coupons" (actually, they look like credit cards) for my DTV converters. Could you provide (or point me to) a primer on what features I should be looking for when I go shopping? Thanks.
Rob Pegoraro: There aren't that many to consider--these converters are, by design, pretty simple. The only big feature to consider is "analog pass-through," the ability to tune into analog as well as digital broadcasts; you might need that if some low-powered stations have a waiver to keep analog signals on the air after 2/17/09, but that's a pretty rare situation.
Centennial, Colo.: Read your Slingbox review recently and thought I'd mention the very similar HAVA box. I can't comment on HD quality; personally I think that's probably asking too much of any device like this. The HAVA was extremely easy to setup, perhaps 10 min with the supplied wizard and can use Windows MCE for recording/playback or its own basic record/timeshift/playback software. The best part of the HAVA software is its ability to stream to three computers on a LAN and one to the Internet at the same time (Slingbox can't). Watched Olympic swimming from my daughter's dorm at AU being streamed from CO with excellent quality.
Rob Pegoraro: Haven't checked out this device, but thanks for the report...
Virginia Beach, Va.: On my MacBook, when I delete files from my thumbdrive I won't get my space back until I empty the trashcan. Is there a way to get the space instantly without having to take that extra step?
Rob Pegoraro: Here's a relatively simple way to do that, if you're comfortable with copying a couple of commands into the Terminal app:
Note: If you e-mail me later on to complain that you lost an important file because of this change, I'm not going to reply to your message.
itunes-ville: Hi Rob
So I put some music videos in my itunes library and converted them to be transferred to my iphone. One video worked but for the rest, there was no sound on the iphone copy after I transferred them. Any suggestions?
Rob Pegoraro: It's a format or codec problem: iTunes can play some files that an iPod or iPhone can't. You need to crack this file open in an application that can do this conversion; iMovie should suffice, or you can also try the free HandBrake (handbrake.fr)
Rob Pegoraro: That's gonna do it for today--I've got e-mail to answer, a Help File to write, and apparently some wolves to hunt. Thanks for all the questions; I should be back here in a couple of weeks.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.


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Our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is one of the ways we seek to attract, develop and train high-quality, entry-level talent. If you have a passion for the financial services industry and you're a high performer with a history of academic excellence and extracurricular achievements, you'll find that BNY Mellon offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity in which to start your career.
Functional Tracks:
Program Eligibility:
Candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.2 (U.S.), or a 2:1 (UK or local equivalent) minimum, are encouraged to apply.
BNY Mellon was again recognized in Bloomberg's Financial Services Gender-Equality Index for 2017. The index establishes a global benchmark, reflecting disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and gender-equality policies.
BNY Mellon was awarded a Candidates' Choice Award in Glassdoor's 2016 Best Places to Interview in recognition of our transparent and comfortable interview process. BNY Mellon also ranked in the top three among finance companies for interview experience in 2015.
See the experience and impact of an internship through the eyes of our Summer Analysts.
National Business Inclusion Consortium Award recognizes company's best practices in the advancement of workplace, marketplace and suppler diversity programs.
BNY Mellon complies with all U.S. Federal and State employment posting requirements. Our eLabor Poster & Information Center provides access to all labor law ePosters.
Says Gerald Hassell, BNY Mellon's success depends on employees. "Talents are maximized in an environment where every person is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect."
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to assist you in navigating this career site, let us know.
Through the Corporate Covenant, BNY Mellon has pledged to support service leavers in a number of ways during their transition from the services to civilian life.

subset: commoncrawl


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New rules from April 2015 render non-residents who dispose of UK land liable to UK capital gains tax (CGT).
Off-plan purchases are included in the definition of dwelling.
Calculating the chargeable gain may require an April 2015 valuation of the land.
Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) must be notified of a disposal within 30 days of the conveyance.
The new rules introduced in April 2015 catch disposals of UK residential property by non-resident companies and individuals.
Regime pre 6 April 2015
The general rule was that non-UK residents are not subject to UK CGT on the disposal of UK or foreign assets.
Rules post 6 April 2015
The old rules applied to any asset, but the new rules are only relevant to the disposal of residential property.
The rules cover every non-resident person, company, trust, partners and members of an LLP, or personal representative of a non-resident deceased person, disposing of a UK residential property.
The rules are not intended to be punitive, but rather to put non-residents on an equal footing with residents in relation to the disposal of residential properties. Therefore personal allowances, annual exemptions and other reliefs are available to non-residents.
Where property is let on a commercial basis, or is no longer used as the individual's principal private residence, these reliefs may diminish over time.
Advice should be taken on the most appropriate time to divest of UK property in order to maximise reliefs, although it is understood that tax may not be the only determining factor.
If a property has been owned since 5 April 2015, only the portion of the gain falling after that date will be subject to UK tax.
Meaning of dwelling
Residential property is defined as a dwelling. It is a building that is used, or is suitable for use as a dwelling, or is being constructed or adapted for such use.
Calculating the chargeable portion
There are three routes of calculating the tax:
Default method.
Straight line time-apportionment.
Election for retrospective basis.
Where a period of property ownership straddles April 2015, the taxpayer can choose which method of calculating the post-April 2015 portion of gain gives the best result. Care therefore needs to be taken to choose the correct method.
When a change of use occurs over the period of ownership, an adjustment will be made to reflect the time that the building was not used as a dwelling.
Non-resident companies
The new rules apply to closely-held companies. A closely-held company is one under the control of five or fewer participators.
Institutional investors are outside the scope of these rules if their funds are widely marketed to investors.
Individual cells within a protected cell company are specifically within the new rules, if the cell is equivalent to a closely-held company and the gain is primarily or wholly attributable to that cell.
There is the potential for interaction with Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) related CGT, and "where part of the gain could be subject to both ATED-related CGT and the new CGT charge, the ATED-related CGT charge will take precedence".
Notifying HMRC
HMRC will need to be notified of a property disposal within 30 days from the day after the conveyance in all cases.
If the non-resident is in income tax or corporation tax self-assessment or ATED, these liabilities can be paid through the normal filing process.
Otherwise the vendor will need to make an advance self-assessment and pay their tax to HMRC within 30 days.
The conveyancing solicitor is not required to deduct withholding tax and only the person liable to CGT is responsible for delivering a return to HMRC.
Interaction with overseas taxes
If you are required to pay tax on the same gains in your country of residence, you may be entitled to make a claim for double tax relief to reduce your local tax liability.
Written by Anthony Davies ACA CTA
Tax Director
[email protected]
Hilton Sharp & Clarke can help advise on the correct tax to pay, the preparing and filing of tax returns and advise on exit strategy and the tax implications of holding assets as a non-UK resident.
Offices in Brighton (00 44 1273 324163), Haywards Heath (00 44 1403 786788) and Billingshurst (00 44 1444 416416)


text:
How I can Contribute for the Development of Bangladesh
Hello everyone we are BusinessHabit team. We are trying to develop Bangladeshi economy and social condition. BusinessHabit.com is Bangladeshi website who is thinking about economical and social development of Bangladesh and along with international positive development. We are some friends from Bangladesh have developed BusinessHabit.com to represent Bangladesh across the world. Our main objective to development a business platform for Bangladeshi and all business minded people.
If you have any business idea, business concept and any social economic development idea, just let us know for your support. We will help our self as our level best. You can be from any other country but love Bangladesh and its economic development you can contact with us with your idea or any business plan. We will give you all information and support.
Jut visit www.businesshabit.com and be with us for a better future for Bangladeshi people and for all people across the world. You can also be with us at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessHabit explore and let us know whatever you want for the development of Bangladesh.
BusinessHabit Team
Preveius Address: How I can Contribute for the Development of Bangladesh


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Hawaii Warriors vs. California Golden Bears - 3/18/16 College Basketball Pick, Odds, and Prediction
California Golden Bears (23-10) vs. Hawaii Warriors (27-5)
College Basketball: Friday, March 18, 2016 at 1:30 pm (Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena)
The Line: California Golden Bears -7 See the Latest Odds
The California Golden Bears will play the Hawaii Warriors in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Hawaii Warriors are 27-5 (13-3) and are the #13 seed in the South Region. Hawaii was able to win the Big West Conference Tournament by defeating Cal State Fullerton (75-44), UC Santa Barbara (88-76), and Long Beach State (64-60). Before the conference tournament, Hawaii finished the regular season by winning 2 of their last 3 games. Hawaii is averaging 77.6 points per game while giving up 66.5 points per game. Hawaii is also averaging 37.4 rebounds per game and 15.8 assists per game. Stefan Jankovic is averaging 15.7 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game for Hawaii. Aaron Valdes is averaging 14.6 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Warriors. Hawaii is shooting 68.1% on free throws, 32.7% on three-pointers, and 46.2% on all field goal attempts.
USA TODAY Sports
The California Golden Bears are 23-10 (12-6) and are the #4 seed in the South Region. California lost to Utah in the semi-finals of the PAC-12 tournament by a score of 82-78. California was able to defeat Oregon State by a score of 76-68 in their first game of the conference tournament. Before the conference tournament, California finished the regular season by winning 8 of their last 9 games. California is averaging 75.1 points per game while giving up 67 points per game. California is also averaging 40 rebounds per game and 13 assists per game. Tyrone Wallace is averaging 15.3 points per game and 4.4 assists per game for California. Jaylen Brown is averaging 15 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Golden Bears. California is shooting 65.6% on free throws, 36.9% on three-pointers, and 46.1% on all field goal attempts.
Hawaii is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games. Hawaii is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games. The under is 5-1 in Hawaii's last 6 neutral site games. California is 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games. California is 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games. The under is 5-0 in California's last 5 non-conference games.
Hawaii had a very good season and was able to win the Big West Conference tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament. California ended the regular season playing very well and has a very talented roster. Both teams are similar in points against, while California has the rebounding advantage in this matchup. I think this has the potential to be an upset, so I am going to take the points with Hawaii.
Click Here For FREE $50.00 Bet OFFER with a 200% CASH BONUS!!!


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Single Level Large!522 Strathnaver Avenue -
1344 sq. ft. Three Bedroom home with 4 Pc Bath features Large Family room with wood burning Fireplace, spacious kitchen and Main Floor laundry. Needs some minor TLC and cosmetics to elevate it to a great living space. South Facing Private yard and deck backs onto greenspace and features an older but solid single car garage. 2x6 construction in more recent rear addition. see it at 522 Strathnaver Ave. 24 Hr notice for showings preferred.
To see homes similar to 522 Strathnaver Avenue click on this MLS Link
Property Details
- Beds: 3
- Fireplaces: 1
- Living Area: 1,344 Square Feet
- High School: Lsrcss
- Neighbourhood: R14
- Property ID: 101006935
- Baths: 1 (Full: 1 3/4: 0 1/2: 0 Other: 0)
- Parking Type Description: Detached 1 car
- Estimated Annual Taxes: $2,184
- Middle School: Esjh
- School District: Lord Selkirk
- Style: Bungalow
- Status: Sold on 12/16/2014
- New Construction: No
- County: City of Selkirk
- Elementary School: Daerwood
Air Conditioning Central
Appliances Included "Washer", "Stove", "Refrigerator", "Dryer"
Basement Crawl Space
Exterior Wood, Stucco
Features for Disabled Yes (See Remarks)
Fencing Back
Fireplace Wood Burning
Flooring Vinyl, Carpet
Foundation Description "Poured Concrete"
Fronting On North
Fuel Natural Gas, Electric
Garage Detached, 1 Car
Heat Forced Air, Baseboard
Neighbourhood Influences "Shopping Nearby", "Recreation Nearby", "Public Transit Nearby", "Playground Nearby", "Paved Road", "Highspeed Available", "Cable Available"
Patio Deck
Road Surface "Asphalt"
Roof Shingle
Bedroom 1 Main Level 11.42 x 8.98
Bedroom 2 Main Level 12.32 x 11.02
Family Room Main Level 17.45 x 15
Four Piece Bath Main Level 8.07 x 5.04
Kitchen with Eating Space Main Level 13.55 x 11.58
Laundry Room Main Level 13.48 x 5.28
Living Room Main Level 19.58 x 11.38
Master Bedroom Main Level 12.62 x 10.34
Storage Main Level 7.09 x 5.03
Listed By George Hacking of CENTURY 21 Advanced Realty


text:
Boston bad guys, you've been warned: TNT's lady cop/medical examiner duo Rizzoli & Isles will be back to solve more gruesome murders next year.
The network has ordered a fourth season of the drama, which stars Angie Harmon as tough Det. Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as the M.E. who's her refined partner in crime-solving. The summertime series' next 15-episode outing is scheduled to bow in 2013.
RELATED | Matt's Inside Line: Scoop on Girls, Fringe, Suits, Once Upon a Time, Diva, Rizzoli & Isles and More
The current season airs Tuesdays at 9/8c.
Related stories
Rizzoli & Isles Rewarded With Season 4 Pickup
TVLine Items: Secret Circle Stud to Horror Story, Exclusive Liars Casting, Idol News and More!
USA Network Gives Series Order to Graceland, from White Collar Creator Jeff Eastin
Get more from TVLine.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter


text:
Picture the most successful meeting you ever attended. You read about the education and the venue, and decided that the program would be a worthwhile investment. On site, you caught up with some old friends, met new ones, learned a lot, and felt inspired. You returned home energized, with a pocket full of business cards. But pretty soon you were back to your normal routine, as if you'd never left.
Sound familiar?
When you use social media to support meetings,
Register to view the full article
Register for MeetingsNet.com and gain access to premium content including the CMI 25 Listing, our monthly digital edition, the MeetingsNet app, live and on-demand webinars, and much more.
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Meet Nancy
Nancy HC Ward
Nancy Ward is a convert, journalist, blogger, published author and speaker on her conversion, Catholicism and Christian community in Texas. She loves to share her faith story and help others share theirs through her Sharing Your Faith Stories seminars and DVD. She contributed four chapters to The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion. JoyAlive.net and NancyHCWard.com
Need a Speaker?Bring "Sharing Your Faith Story" to your Catholic group. Nancy tells her faith story and 10 on how to effectively evangelize through personal witness.
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Tag Archives: Covenant
Friar's Corner: The Mystery of the Holy Trinity
Proverbs 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 Last week we celebrated the third major element of our faith, Pentecost, the coming and empowerment of God's Holy Spirit to continue his salvation work. This Spirit guides us to Jesus, … Continue reading
Posted in Catechism, Catholic, Communion of Saints, Community, Fr. Bob Hilz, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mary, Parenting, Prayer, Quotes, Sacraments, Saints, Scriptures Tagged Apostles Creed, Covenant, NIcene Creed, Trinity Comments Off on Friar's Corner: The Mystery of the Holy Trinity


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"Say what?!?!!? Heck yeah! I'm down for that!"
Those are the exact words I said to myself when I found out that there was a group of artists putting together this themed shoot! Now normally i don't pay to be a part of a photo shoot, but as the moneys went to help pay for the makeup props and the fact that I could have free reign to shoot what ever I wanted, HOWEVER I wanted was all I needed for motivation to jump right in!
The entire time I was shooting I was telling the models that my images were going to be over the top with in camera bending, posing and of course color! After all, this was a shoot based after a dream themed story line!
Talk about AWESOMENESS!
Here's a few of my faves from that day! Hope you love them as much as I loved taking them. And please be sure to come back becasue rummor has it that there is a Circus themed shoot in the works real soon!!!!! Yippieeeeeeee!!!!!!


text:
China denies arresting bishops
Following the release of a Vatican statement complaining about the arrests of three bishops in China - the authorities there have denied the claims, saying they are "totally groundless". A spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry said: "The Chinese constitution guarantees that citizens have the right to religious freedom." In a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday the Vatican said the bishops of Xuanhua and Zhending, and the assistant bishop of Xiwanzi, had recently been detained. It said that while the Zhending and Xiwanzi prelates were released within days, Bishop Zhao, the bishop of Xuanhua, who is 84, had not been heard from since 27 May. "These measures are inconceivable in a country with rule of law, and infringe upon human rights, in particular that of religious freedom," he said. An official at China's Religious and Ethical Affairs Bureau explained the disappearance of the elderly bishop of Xuanhua by saying he had voluntarily attended a course on religious policy which lasted until mid-June. The Agence France Presse news agency was told: "Mr Zhao is now performing services in his own church."


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-- Breakthrough A/V Receiver Features Unprecedented 16-Channel Multi-Zone Audio & Video --
Contact: Sara Trujillo
(212) 388 -1400
E -mail: strujillo@dba -pr.com
Pine Brook, NJ, September 8, 2004 - Denon Electronics, the industry's leading manufacturer of high -quality home theater receivers, today introduced the AVR -5805 audio/video receiver, an unprecedented single -component solution that lets users enjoy a distributed four -zone home theater entertainment experience. Featuring 16 -channels of output capability and fully assignable 10 discrete amplifiers, the AVR -5805 is the world's first A/V receiver capable of providing multi -zone 5.1 system capability. Denon will be exhibiting the AVR -5805 in Booth #351.
Multi -Source, Multi -Zone Flexibility
The AVR -5805 offers custom installers and home entertainment enthusiasts the first -ever high -performance alternative to multi -component distributed audio/video systems. The AVR -5805 can accommodate both audio and video from up to four independent sources and distribute them to four separate zones in the home. Through its ten fully discrete 170 -watt amplifiers and comprehensive processing capabilities, the AVR -5805 provides integrators and end users with outstanding setup and operation options, such as:
� One full 9.1 -channel surround sound system in a single room;
� Two discrete 5.1 -channel systems in different rooms;
� One 7.1 -channel system in the main zone, with a 2.1 -channel system in a second room and a mono system in a third room;
� An audiophile -oriented "bi -amp" mode, with two amplifiers used for each front, left, right and center speaker or for a full 5 -channel system, delivering maximum power and performance.
Adding convenience and flexibility to multi -zone operation, the AVR -5805 features independent volume control of each zone, as well as discrete selection. In addition, power to any or all of the zones can be turned on or shut off independently to conserve power consumption if a zone is not in use.
Advanced Video Conversion and Scaling
The AVR -5805 features a host of today's most advanced video conversion and scaling technologies, including the world's first discrete 2 -zone video conversion capability and HDTV switching. Component video up -conversion automatically converts S -video or composite video input signals from sources such as DVD players, VCRs or camcorders, to a high -quality component video signal. In addition, Time Based Correction is employed in the video conversion circuitry to permit better compatibility and performance from all video sources. The AVR -5805 also includes built -in video scaling using a Faroudja integrated processor with DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) technology and 12 bit/216 MHz video DACs to up convert interlaced 480i sources to 480p, 720p and 1080i.
Uncompromised Audio Performance
The AVR -5805 features an Equal Power amplifier section that delivers a massive 170 watts of high -current power into each of its ten channels, and is compatible with every popular 6.1 - and 5.1 -channel surround sound format, from Dolby, dts and Dolby Pro Logic IIx to THX Ultra2 Cinema and Music, and THX Surround EX decoding. It also features THX 4.0/5.1/6.1 post processing, and offers additional and useful DSP modes. Audio performance is maximized through Denon's newly improved DDSC -D (Dynamic Discrete Surround Decoder -Digital) and Advanced AL24 Processing circuitry, which utilizes the use of advanced Texas Instruments and Analog Devices 32 -bit floating point processors and Burr -Brown 24 -bit/192kHz audio DACs.
In addition, the AVR -5805 offers the most extensive complement of connection options of any receiver in the industry, including 3 HDMI and 1 DVI -D digital video ports; 6 high -bandwidth (100 MHz), HDTV -compatible component video inputs (including dual component video monitoring for the main zone), IEEE -1394, a total of 14 audio/video inputs, connections for 2 high -resolution audio sources, such as DVD -A or SACD, multiple RS -232C ports, Ethernet and much more.
New Auto Set -Up/Room EQ: A `Sweet Spot` For Every Listener
The AVR -5805`s state -of -the -art Auto Set -Up and Room Correction feature go well beyond conventional room calibration methods, and makes it possible to completely customize the listening experience for any room. The AVR -5805 incorporates a new room correction and calibration technology called Audyssey
MultEQ™ XT from Audyssey Laboratories. It is the first such technology capable of minimizing the effects of room acoustics for multiple listeners. During Auto Set -Up MultEQ XT automatically determines how many loudspeakers are connected, whether they are connected in phase, and whether they are satellites or subwoofers. It then analyzes and calibrates speaker level, size, and distance. In addition, MultEQ XT detects the proper crossover point and determines correct frequency response for up to eight listener positions simultaneously. It creates an optimized soundfield and compensates for speaker and room capabilities. So there is a "sweet spot" for every listener or viewer, no matter where in the room they`re sitting.
Denon's implementation of MultEQ XT utilizes multiple Aureus high -performance DSP processors from Texas Instruments, along with the finest Digital to Analog converters, to define optimum sound quality. Additionally, both the Room EQ and Auto Set -Up features can be disabled for installers and consumers who prefer to calibrate their receivers in the traditional manner.
New Advanced Video and Audio Circuitry
Key to the AVR -5805's superlative video and audio performance is the inclusion of several new and/or improved Denon technologies. For example, the receiver features the newest version of Denon's Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit (DDSC), which features a 192 kHz processing circuit and the latest 32 -bit floating point DSPs for both the main and second zones, resulting in the highest level of audio accuracy. The receiver's remarkable surround sound capabilities are further enhanced by innovations such as Burr -Brown PCM -1792 24 -bit/192kHz audio DACs for all 16 channels. Yet another Denon exclusive adds to the AVR -5805's exquisite sound reproduction capabilities, namely Advanced AL24 Processing on all channels. Advanced AL24 maximizes all source signals so that the high -resolution DA converters work at their highest capacity.
Custom Installation -Friendly Features, Plus Upgradeability
In addition to its extensive complement of digital and analog audio and video connections, the AVR -5805 also includes a full array of custom installation A/V receiver features, such as assignable high current DC trigger outputs (4) and a pair of RS -232C ports to facilitate not only integrated system operation, but for PC connectivity for system setup. Also included is the latest version of Denon Link 3, which allows the receiver to receive high -resolution, multi -channel digital audio data directly from the Denon DVD -5900 and DVD -3910 DVD players (and future Denon products) for the ultimate level of sonic performance.
Denon Link 3 is compatible with all previously released Denon Link products, but is now ready to accept digital SACD data from future Denon source units, if and when formal approval is granted. Finally, thanks to its built -in Ethernet port, the receiver offers TCP/IP control capability, and can accommodate any future software/firmware upgrades. The AVR -5805 is also supplied with a new, improved EL programmable remote control.
The Denon AVR -5805 will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $6,000.
About Denon Electronics
From its beginning in the 1930s as a supplier of professional recording studio and broadcast equipment, Denon has become a world leader in the manufacture of the highest quality home theater, audio and software products. Denon is recognized internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and first commercialization of PCM digital audio. Denon Electronics is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.
About D&M Holdings Inc.
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text:
Tiled 0.15.0 is out, so let's talk about what's new!
Those who remember the Tiled 0.14 release announcement may remember that I wanted the next release to be Tiled 1.0. We're not entirely there yet, but Tiled took a big step towards being more functionally complete.
The most important changes regarding this made sure that you can now load maps that refer to files that are for whatever reason no longer accessible. Previously, you'd then have to fall back to correcting the map file by hand. Now Tiled will tell you about the problems it found and allows you to fix them:
In addition, you can change any of these references through the Properties view after clicking the relevant items. And when changing a tileset image, you can also change its parameters like tile size, margin and spacing.
Another important bit of functionality is that you can now choose which plugins are enabled. By default, only the generic plugins for exporting to Lua, JSON, CSV and for enabling Python import/export scripts are loaded. The project-specific plugins were often leading to confusion and now need to be explicitly enabled.
Plugins can be enabled and disabled without restarting Tiled.
The status bar got a little more useful, since it now allows you to quickly switch the current layer. If you're not actively changing around your layer stack, this can entirely replace the Layers view:
If you're using an image collection tileset, you can now choose how many tile columns it should have. Eventually I'd also like to add a dynamic wrapping display mode, but this should help in the meantime.
A Terrain Generator tool was added, which helps a lot with generating a certain type of terrain tileset. But, I still need to write the usage instructions and I forgot to include it in the binary packages.
You can now go past the edges of the map when panning with the space bar, middle mouse button or the mini-map. This can be really helpful when you're editing things on the edge of the map.
Many thanks to all who contributed!
With many of the issues on the Tiled 1.0 milestone resolved, I am confident that the next feature release will be 1.0. The most difficult issue still on the list there is to support editing of external tilesets, which is currently not possible due to the way Tiled is internally focused around map files.
Part of reaching 1.0 is also to finally get around to writing a manual, which is something I've long wanted to get around to, but for some reason improving Tiled itself has always felt more important.
Finally, it means to reach a stable basis upon which more cool functionality can be implemented. I want to add support for projects, simplifying tileset management, defining custom object types, make it possible to extend/automate Tiled with scripts, and many other things.
Thanks to the support from over 120 patrons, 3 sponsors and the occasional donation, I can currently afford to spend little over a day/week on Tiled development. If you're enjoying Tiled, please consider to support me with a small recurring donation to help things go much faster!
this made my day. thank you so much for this!!!
best regards


text: I have adobe pdf files that contain hyperlinks. Basically it lists numbers and each number has a hyperlink to a definition. I can get the pdf file to open but the links are not clickable. It seems the app does not understand the hyperlink. I tried Adobe Reader and pdf viewer. Others have run into the same problem on other android phones and an iphone. So I can't think of a solution. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.


text:
Website presentation EMILY MIDWINTER(5119524). Design & Planning. When designing and planning my website I decided to use colours that are interesting and have not seen on many websites before, because of this it will make my website innovative . These colours are: #7b0046, #959595 and #ffffff
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.
This webpage is the main page for my website and is all about Gloucestershire College (GC)
This webpage is my second page and is all about the media course at Gloucestershire College (GC)
This webpage is my third page and is showcasing the work of students on the media course at Gloucestershire College (GC)


text:
We sent the sail for the Iain Oughtred designed Elfyn double ender off a few days ago. All up cost was USD306.88 (July '16) including freight to Indiana USA from Philippines.
Cloth is 4oz Challenge dacron. We discussed colour options – whether blue stripes or tanbark, but simplest ended up being best.
Received this from the builder Sanders just now.
I received my new sail for my Iain Oughtred designed Elfyn today.
I am very happy with it. I am impressed that the reefing line was included. Being inexperienced,
I am curious if the strap resembling a dog leash and wrapped around the sail has some special function?
The Really Simple Sails logo will be proudly flown as soon as the boat is finished.
Please thank everyone involved.
And a couple of days earlier than promised!
It is always a struggle to get everything done in time. But happy to get things where they ought be going a few days early.
(The "dog leash" is a sail tie. We sometimes put them in)
Here are the sail dimensions if you think the sail might fit your project for a balance or standing lug.


text:
Tax deductions for childcare
The government spends billions of dollars on childcare but earlier this year Liberal backbencher Jackie Kelly called the system a 'shambles'.
She was one of a group of Liberal women campaigning for childcare reform, prior to the May budget.
She favoured a greater focus on work-based childcare and tax concessions for employers and employees.
So would making childcare a tax deduction encourage more women to enter the workforce?
- Annette Tranent
- Aegis Consulting,advising business on child-care.
- Scott Erwin
- Regional Human Resources Manager, Accor Hotels, Queensland
- Presenter
- Richard Aedy
- Producer
- Amanda Armstrong
- Researcher
- Lindy Raine


text:
Over 1.8 million nonprofits and charities for donors, volunteers and funders
Mission: The aclu of kentucky works in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people by the constitution of the united states and the commonwealth of kentucky.
Programs: Educational programs on first amendment law, reproductive health care, voting rights, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, immigrants rights, privacy rights and law enforcement. Aclu of kentucky program efforts serve to inform our membership and lay participants on pressing civil liberties issues and to educate them on their constitutional rights. Accomplishments are not quantifiable in terms of clients served, etc. We measure success by creating an informed environment so that civil liberties violations are few. The activity's objective is to educate and inform kentuckians on their individual rights as defined by the u. S. And kentucky constitutions. Statistical information; descriptions of activities- coordinated journey of hope, a 7-college tour with individuals directly affected by the death penalty, with attendance reaching over 650 folks. - coordinated speaking engagements with local advocates featured as speakers at 5 colleges- engaged in outreach efforts at events like rally for recovery, singing for democracy louisville and lexington, at regional meetings and in classrooms and local coffee shops- coordinated voting rights canvassing (neighborhood stomp) pulling together multiple organizations and over 40 volunteers to collect over 250 signatures supporting voting rights, registered folks to vote as well- canvassed basketball tournaments in georgetown, got folks to fill out post cards and register to vote- coordinated and facilitated coalition meetings-identified and recruited new coalition partners- worked with local youth to coordinate youth rights conference focused on hate crimes hosted by ky state university- supervised central high school (chs) kentucky youth assembly team- supervised kent school masters intern and 2 chs students in addition to other student volunteers- worked with hispanic latino coalition and lmpd to put together session on "know your rights"- assisted in coordination of social justice mayoral forum- established new relationships with kentucky teen pregnancy coalition, kentucky hiv/aids planning and advisory council, the kentucky cabinet of health and family services hiv/aids department and women's health department, the kentucky department of education's hiv/aids personnel, junior and senior policy advisors for governor beshear, the kentucky commission on women, the lexington and louisville chapters of now, the louisville chapter of the national council of jewish women, the center for adolescent pregnancy prevention, and the kentucky foundation for women. 1 strengthened existing relationships with wenches, the clinic escorts, the a-fund, the kentucky health justice network, planned parenthood of kentucky and vox. - provided a variety of educational sessions for the following groups: the clinic escorts, the kentucky health justice network, planned parenthood of kentucky, vox, the kentucky commission on women, the lexington and louisville chapters of now, the louisville chapter of the national council of jewish women, the kentucky social forum, jctc, the central chapter of the aclu of kentucky, and georgetown college. - organized a vigil for slain abortion doctor, dr. Tiller. - participated in strategic planning process with kcadp- met with numerous members and ally organizations re: potential involvement around various issues including:- ky alliance and allies re: conviction integrity units- actors theatre education dept. - various immigrants rights advocates- members re: military recruitment in schools- members re: church-state issues- girl scouts- various college students and groups- ky commission on human rights- social justice sisters- various univ. Of louisville departments- key player in developing successful fairness coalition of groups working on lgbt rights in ky- worked with wku students to obtain domestic partner benefits at wku- worked with author mary gray re: lgbt outreach and research in rural ky- participated on numerous panels throughout the year- planned 2nd fairness summit- worked with national funders and research groups on framing and messaging re: lgbt rights to moveable middle audience; led workshops on framing and messaging
litigation of cases involving first amendment, privacy, reproductive freedom and other constitutional rights. The aclu of kentucky litigates a limited number of cases that will have a far-reaching impact on civil liberties and constitutional issues. Reviewed and responded to approximately 550 intake letters and emails. Continued work on 21 cases, closed 11 cases and opened 11 cases.


text:
Your cooking deserves more than run-of-the-mill, dull serviceware. With Maxwell & Williams, you can continue to show your cuisine love and attention all the way to the dinner table.
Their 5 Piece Pasta Set features a generous serving bowl and 4 individual bowls, all in the clean, classic coupe shape. Serve your hot and cold pasta and spaghetti dishes in style! Also great for serving salads of all types.
This item is gift boxed and makes a great bridal and housewarming gift.
Set includes one serving bowl and 4 matching pasta bowls
Serving bowl is 11" diameter and 1.3L or 54 oz. capacity
Individual bowls are 8" diameter and 16 oz. capacity each
Use to serve fresh salads or warm pastas recipes
Dishwasher and microwave safe
Alfresco = Vegetable Motif
Tattoria = "Pasts" Script
Ancona = Hen Motif


text:
I figure it would behoove me, as I set on the creation of Space Available, to lay some ground rules, some parameters as I embark on this experiment. Just a little something to make the challenge more challenging and to make sure I stick to my vision. It's always a good idea, when writing, to place some accountability out there, to let others know what you're doing, how you plan on doing it, and when you plan on having it done. Trust me, writers: this is to your advantage. It's far too easy just to waste time when you sit down to write, deceiving yourself into thinking you're using your time well ("I really SHOULD check my Facebook homepage again, even though I just checked it two minutes ago; what if someone made a status update I can use in my book?!"). Having some accountability keeps you honest.
Okay, so the rules. There aren't many, but here's what I have so far:
Writing. Writing must be done using only the Twitter interface. Writing it beforehand in Microsoft Word or any other program, and then copying and pasting it into Twitter is cheating and counter to the whole experiment. I'm not using Twitter to transmit my novel; I'm using it to create it.
Format. Since I'm writing it specifically in Twitter, I'm going to attempt to incorporate the methodology of Twitter into the story. I don't know exactly yet how this will happen, but it's a goal and something I want to let you all know about ahead of time so I don't get cold feet and bail on this particular challenge.
The Account Itself. Starting January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, my Twitter account of @AdamAuthor will be used exclusively and solely for writing Space Available. In other words, I will not coexist on Twitter with my book. I will not respond to "at" tweets and I will not retweet anything. If you want to communicate with me, you can do it the old-fashioned way: through Facebook or by sending an email to adampalmer 75 [at] gmail (dot) com.
Perspective. The reader must remain in the main character's head at all times. In other words, no switching around through multiple characters' points of view. I did this already in Knuckle Sandwich, and it was a conscious choice. In one respect it's limiting, in that it takes away the omniscience many authors enjoy, but on the other hand, it gives a concrete platform to work from. Also, on a completely practical level, I'm going to write it in first-person, a first for me. Why first-person? Because I have so few letters in each tweet, I don't want to waste any of them by constantly typing my main character's name over and over when I can just type "I."
Editing. For the time being, what's there is what's there. Obviously, I can't go back and edit previous tweets, but I'm also not going to go back and edit by selectively deleting any previous tweets either. For better or for worse, the book, in 2011, will be what I tweet as I tweet it. Now, when it comes time to go to press, I'm 100% certain my publisher will want to edit it (and I'm also certain it will need it), which makes it all the more important for you to follow along in 2011. The published version will differ, I'm sure, from the tweeted version. And besides, you only live once, right?
Blogging. I intend to write a semi-weekly-or-so post here on Dregs explaining some of my thoughts as I continue on with Space Available, just to keep track of my headspace throughout the year, and hopefully answer any questions you may have. You're welcome to ask those via the comments section here or by shooting me an email at adampalmer75 [at] gmail [dot] com. Hopefully these posts will be insightful as to the writing process and stuff like that. Maybe not.
Well, that's all I can think of rules-wise for now. It's going to be a grand experiment, for sure, and I'm humbled that so many of you are heading down this road with me. As I told someone else, I'm equal parts pants-wetting excited and pants-soiling frightened. And I think that's a good thing.
See you in 2011. I should probably think of a first sentence now.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Space Available: Parameters.
I figure it would behoove me, as I set on the creation of Space Available, to lay some ground rules, some parameters as I embark on this experiment. Just a little something to make the challenge more challenging and to make sure I stick to my vision. It's always a good idea, when writing, to place some accountability out there, to let others know what you're doing, how you plan on doing it, and when you plan on having it done. Trust me, writers: this is to your advantage. It's far too easy just to waste time when you sit down to write, deceiving yourself into thinking you're using your time well ("I really SHOULD check my Facebook homepage again, even though I just checked it two minutes ago; what if someone made a status update I can use in my book?!"). Having some accountability keeps you honest.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Space Available: The Cover.
[Many thanks to my good friend Sean Lorenz for his most excellent cover.]
Monday, December 27, 2010
Space Available: My Expectations.
So, now that I've announced my upcoming Twitter novel, Space Available, I thought it'd be a good idea to lay down some expectations both for myself and for whomever winds up reading the thing. Just some thoughts and ideas, some of the ways I see it going and some of the ways I can foresee it changing. That sort of thing. Oh, and maybe some preemptive answers to possible questions about the writing process in general. So. Here goes.
Plot. I've written two other novels, and with both of those, I had a plot in mind before I began, but nothing really set in stone. With Mooch, I knew I wanted to write a heist caper, and I had the setup pretty firmly established (rich guy dies/ buried with fortune/ our heroes want to steal it), but I didn't really know how deviously mooch-y Jake would wind up being. And I had absolutely no intention of making it as much of a love story as it became--that just happened as I was writing it. I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic and couldn't help putting that stuff into it.
Knuckle Sandwich was a different bird altogether. Here's how I originally pitched it to NavPress:
A local Christian rock band known as Knuckle Sandwich is doing their best to make it to the big time. They work hard, rehearse three times a week, play any and every show they can, and save up their money to record a demo. Then they finally get a gig opening for a major Christian act, and everything changes.
This one's been percolating for some time, and it would ideally be a blistering (but loving) satire of the entire Christian subculture. Topics examined/lampooned: Christian music vs. secular music, bumper-sticker-deep faith, the recent explosion of selfish and self-centered Christianity, and the galling idea of the Christian celebrity.
What the book actually became was a coming-of-age/faith story about a college kid who realized that his idea of Jesus had been too small all along. Yes, some of the Christian subculture satire is in there, but the book became much less about that and much more of an examination of a kid who'd grown up in that subculture and who therefore had only an intellectual relationship with God.
Looking back at my original pitch, I can see that there wasn't a lot of plot to begin with--it was really just a kernel of an idea that lent itself well to becoming a character study, which it did. As I got deeper into the writing, I began to realize more and more the trajectory my characters were headed on, and I started to see some plot machinations I wanted to throw at them to see how they'd handle it. I didn't have a plot outline, but I did create a sort of timeline to keep track of the two years or so that the novel encompasses.
As far as this pertains to Space Available, I've decided it would be a good idea to outline as much of a plot as I can, while still allowing breathing room. My other novels I wrote in a month--they consumed all my time for thirty straight days. This time around, I'm writing it in small bursts over the course of an entire year, and that's a recipe for an extremely wandering and unfocused plot. So I'm mitigating that as much as possible by creating an overarching outline.
I've actually started to think of this almost episodically, not unlike my favorite television show of the past few years, "LOST." Once they got to season three and negotiated an end date with ABC, the creators outlined the entire arc of the rest of the series, episode by episode, to make sure they doled out the necessary information in a smart and satisfying way, and to make sure they treated all their characters fairly. I'm thinking along those same lines.
Characters. In both my previous novels, the characters sprang into my mind almost as I started writing. For example, with Mooch, I based Jake (loosely) on myself and Louisa (not-so-loosely) on my wife, and then added the other characters as I needed them. Jake needed a boss, so here comes Del. All good heist capers need a team of crack experts that each bring their own special skill, so here come Jeremy and Chiffon. In fact, I based Chiffon on a reality show personality who just happened to be on the television as I wrote her first scene.
Sometimes characters change the entire course of a book. The first time I thought through Knuckle Sandwich, I thought it'd be an interesting dynamic to have Matt and Jeremiah both be vying for Liz's affections. But when it came time to introduce Liz, I decided to do it at Club David, the Christian dance club they happened to be visiting, and I realized that this cool girl Liz would not be there by herself. That would be out of character for her. So I invented her friend Amanda, and adding just that one character changed not just that situation but the story itself. (And changed it for the better, I might add.)
The problem with Space Available is that I've locked myself into a certain plot structure, so what happens if I introduce a character who can make the story better in a direction I didn't foresee? I'm sure I'll have to balance out sticking to my outline and exploring more interesting avenues that crop up as I write. I anticipate this will be my most difficult challenge.
Plus, I abhor having the plot dictate the characters. That's really a backward way of writing, and a great way to write something completely boring. It's really fascinating to get to know your characters and let them take over your story. Fascinating both to you as the writer and to your eventual readers. I really hope to be able to let this happen as I create Space Available.
Again, I think of "LOST." While they had their overall plot planned out years in advance, they also built in room to adjust (or perhaps they'd say "course-correct") to the many, many different trials and challenges of producing a network television show. For example, they'd written a multi-season arc for one character, but the actor who played that character hated being in Hawaii away from his friends and family and wanted off the show. His arc was important to the mythology of the show, though, so they had to give his entire arc to a different character and find a way to make it work. That's sort of thing I'm anticipating needing to do, and I'm trying not to soil myself with anxiety thinking about it.
Medium. My previous two novels were written with the vomit-it-into-your-computer-and-clean-it-up-later method endorsed by the folks at National Novel Writing Month. I've had a blast writing like that, just pounding the coffee and then pounding the keys, letting whatever hops into my brain leak out onto the page, knowing that I'll go through with a big, fat, red pen and fix it all later on. It's freeing.
That obviously isn't going to work here. For starters, this is for keeps. Everyone is reading along, as I write it. I can't go back. There are no do-overs. Every tweet is final.
So how can I write with abandon while knowing that I can't go back and edit? I'll let you know once I do it. If I do it.
Next post: The rules of the game. What impositions and boundaries I'm setting up for myself as I write Space Available. Should be fun.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Announcing: Space Available.
It's official. The papers have been signed and countersigned and my next novel, Space Available, will be published with Marcher Lord Press.
What will it be? Perhaps this handy checklist will pique your interest:
__Science fiction.
__On Twitter.
Hopefully I can hit at least two of those.
Watch this space for more info! I'll be jotting down some thoughts and expectations as I head into bold unknown of writing a novel on Twitter.
Monday, December 13, 2010
A New Project.
So, I signed up for Twitter a couple of months ago as a means of using yet another social media platform to market my writing services. When I first started using it, I assumed it was a narcissistic way to vomit your immediate thoughts onto the internet, but as I began to navigate Twitter's waters, I began to realize: this is a marvelous construct to hone the craft of writing.
I began to "follow" (oh, how it galls me to use that word in this context) people who I knew to be good writers, mostly comedians, and began to gape in awe at their ability to fashion perfect zingers. The character limitation forces out every unnecessary word and distills the thoughts down to their powerful essence. Maybe Shakespeare was right when he wrote that "brevity is the soul of wit" (Or the Reduced Shakespeare Company when they wrote in their play The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged): "brevity is... wit").
And in my mind began to form a challenge. One I would give to myself. And the more I thought about it, the more insanely fun and difficult it sounded. And so, I am proud to announce, in conjunction with Marcher Lord Press, that I am going to spend the calendar year of 2011 writing my next novel...
...using only Twitter.
Okay, I'm positive this has been done before, but not by me, and so therefore I'm also positive that it's going to be a blast. A challenging blast, but a blast nonetheless.
Keep an eye on this space in the coming days as I expand on the challenge with format announcements, self-imposed limitations, expectations, extra stuff with Marcher Lord Press (so excited about them!) and more. And as I continue on with the project, I'll be offering a running commentary here on Dregs with my thoughts about the novel as it's taking shape.
In the meantime, click here to visit my Twitter page and, if you're so inclined, follow along on this wild, wacky ride into the abyss of... I can't think of a way to finish that sentence.
Write on!


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Goudy Catalogue family (Linotype library) contains 2 fonts.
Over the course of fifty years, the charismatic and enterprising Frederic W. Goudy designed more than one hundred typefaces; he was the American master of type design in the first half of the twentieth century.
Goudy Old Style, designed for American Type Founders in 1915–1916, is the best known of his designs, and forms the basis for a large family of variants. Goudy said he was initially inspired by the cap lettering on a Renaissance painting, but most of the flavor of this design reflects Goudy's own individualistic style. Recognizable Goudy-isms include the upward pointing ear of the g, the diamond-shaped dots over the i and j, and the roundish upward swelling of the horizontal strokes at the base of the E and L. The italic was completed by Goudy in 1918, and is notable for its minimal slope.
Goudy Catalogue was drawn not by Goudy, but by Morris Fuller Benton (ATF's skillful in-house designer) in 1919–1921 and was meant to be a medium weight of Goudy Old Style.
The Goudy faces continue to pop up all over the world, and still look reassuring to our modern eyes.
Goudy Catalogue
Goudy Catalogue Italic
Font collection on Fonts-online.com
Alphabet font list


text:
You are getting lowest possible rate for this hotel
- About Hotel
- Reviews
About Chunda Palace
Hotel Chunda Palace is a four star property which is situated at Haridas Ji Ki Magri, Udaipur. The hotel is 6 km away from Udaipur railway station and 27 km from Udaipur airport. The property offers the beautiful view of the City Palace and Lake Pichola. Hotel Chunda Palace offers 47 rooms with all the modern amenities. Each room features spacious and luxurious interiors with flat screen TV and a personal safe. 'Terrace Restaurant' serves International dishes with a view of Lake Pichola and Palace of the King of Mewar.
No of rooms: 46
Checkin Time: 1:00 pm
Checkout Time: 12:00 pm
Hotel Amenities
- Bar
- Business Center
- Gym
- Laundry Service
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Parking Facility
- Lawn/garden
- Safety Locker
- Buffet Breakfast
- Additional Pillow/blanket On Request
- Air-conditioning


text:
3DOcean High-poly Piston & Rod 10841319
3DOcean High-poly Piston & Rod 10841319
3D Model \ Engines and Parts
Engine \ Part \ Parts \ Piston \ Engineering \ Cinema \ Model \ Cinema
3D Model - High-poly Piston & Rod 10841319 by mvanhemert @ 3DOcean
3D Model \ Engines and Parts
Animated: No; Low-poly: No; Materials: Yes; Rigged: No; Textured: Yes; UV Layout: No; 3D File Formats Included: .c4d (cinema 4d), .fbx (multi format), .obj (multi format); Created In: cinema 4d r15; Geometry: Polygons; Poly Count: 1.4 million.
High poly piston + rod including materials.
Piston is created with Cinema 4D R16. The materials are created with the new reflectance channel within Cinema 4D R16 material system. Subdivision surface is collapse due the workflow (so high poly count !). The piston can be used for animation however its not included. This piston is static.
- Cinema 4d file (R16) + materials
Not Included.
- Lighting setup (due to copyrights)
- Render setup
- Rigging (animation)
- Preview renders
Keywords: 3d model, c4d, cinema 4d, cinema4d, engine, engine part, engine parts, engineering, piston, rod.
Download Link