text:
Synthesisers are complex, bulky and difficult instruments, but in musical circles, they're considered some of the most beautiful. Here's what it takes to build a behemoth.
Synthesiser is a divisive word. It can bring to mind great musical moments from Roots Manuva, Mantronix, Faithless and Herbie Hancock. Equally, it can bring to mind horrible pop songs, tuneless Casio keyboards or an entire decade – the 1980s – where it seemed to be absolutely inescapable. But whether you appreciate or despise the unmistakeable buzzes, whooshes and chords, the instruments that make them are often beautifully-made, highly prized objects. They are complex beasts, with spaghetti-wires for guts, knobs like scales and the potential to short out an entire city block if mishandled.
The basics of synthesisers run something like this: a very simple sound tone is produced by an electrical signal generator, referred to as an oscillator. Combine this tone with another, and you've got a multilayered sound. Now start throwing in filters, white noise and modulation. Adjust the tone's envelope – how quickly it starts, sustains and ends. Using a keyboard, you can now play the tone at different pitches. While most big synth units riff on this process by adding additional layers of complexity, that's the building block. Almost every synth sound you hear will come from that basic process – and it's a process that can produce almost infinite sounds.
And, like all instruments, synths have their resident grand master. Violins had Stradivarius and pianos had Steinway. Synths had Bob Moog. Moog (rhymes with "vogue") didn't invent the synth, but he was the first to make them commercially available. This happened in the 1960s, after the development of the transistor, an electrical component that allowed some miniaturisation of electronics. Moog, along with his colleague Herbert Deutsch, developed and marketed the Moog Synthesiser. It was beast of a machine, housed in a huge wooden cabinet, festooned with complex circuitry. The moment the Moog Synthesiser came on the market, everything changed. All modern electronic music – from Brian Eno to the Sugababes – can call that moment genesis.
Moog died in 2005. His company still makes synths, which combine the original blueprints and sounds of Moog's baby with streamlined designs and software-driven, rather than analogue, systems. One of their designers is Cyril Lance. He's all too aware of the challenges of building synths. More importantly, he knows how to meld the visual with the auditory: "There is a real difference between designing a circuit that 'works' in the strict technical [sense] and a circuit that is organic, which connects the musician with the listener. Technical skills can be learned and mastered, but it's the alchemy involved in this magical element that makes designing an instrument much more mysterious."
To actually build one of these beasts, you need a serious knowledge of electronics. Ian Bradshaw is a product manager at Moog's biggest rival: "Most of our products have CPU, and there are a lot of very small components. You need specialised equipment to assemble them. Sub-assemblies are manufactured separately and then brought together for assembly on the production line."
Take the Korg SV1 Stage Vintage Piano. A gorgeous, sleek synth, built in amber housing with a brightly-lit valve nestled in its top left corner; it has a truly incredible sound that is designed to resemble the sounds of classic instruments. Talking about it, Bradshaw says: "A lot of people like vintage pianos, and trying to maintain something like that and physically use it is a difficult thing to do. What we tried to do is to analyse the instruments it's trying to emulate and grab every single detail possible, and then try to put it into one package which was a faithful reproduction. The team that developed the SV1 tracked down these vintage instruments, and they could look at them, take them apart and see exactly how they're made, and why you get the sounds you do."
However, while synth-making is a tricky process dominated by big companies, that hasn't stopped several smaller outfits from giving it a go. Chris Kucinski and Owen Osborn are two college buddies who used their experience in architecture and electronics, and their love of music to begin designing their own instruments. Out of their east coast lab have come such whimsical animals as the single-string flash guitar and the video organ – and their most popular product, the Pocket Piano.
It's a very cute unit, worlds away from a bulky Korg or Moog. In keeping with recent developments, it's fairly small: a rectangular aluminium box with smooth hardwood keys. In their homely workspace, Critter and Guitari assemble each unit by hand, putting them together on paint-stained tables. They build the circuit boards, capping them with backing plates, and assemble the aluminium panels and the wooden buttons. "The car industry would call it the final mating," says Kucinski (Critter). "When they put the engine in the chassis. At that point, it's pretty much there – it might not have the tyres, but it looks like a car." It's ready to roll out once it's been tested and the final panel has been fitted to the bottom. The Pocket Piano's sound is absolutely remarkable – a huge, warm, fuzzy series of tones that would have Bob Moog nodding knowingly.
The idea was to build a synth that could be taken out of the studio and away from the computer. "A lot of what we do is about ease of use, although we never use those terms by ourselves, but we're interested in space," says Kucinski. "How sound changes in different environments … The Pocket Piano came about from thinking about this: how do we make a cool-sounding thing that we can take to the woods?"
Speaking of woods, he's enthusiastic about the role of natural materials in its construction. "Wood is a nice material, and in an instrument with a built-in speaker, it resonates in a nice way. There is a little bit of a tradition in including wood in electronic instruments, like in the older Moogs."
Materials like the wood and metal used in construction impart their own unique quality to the sound. Bradshaw calls it a grittiness and edginess, and it's almost impossible to pin down. The reason that vintage synths are so treasured, and the reason that many contemporary synth-builders put so much effort into copying them, is because of these flaws.
Despite only launching in September last year, the Pocket Piano has found an audience – Kucinski says it has sold upwards of 500 units, and at $175 a pop, it's a decent source of income. Other companies are more secretive: Korg won't reveal their exact sales figures, although they do say that their most popular unit is their smaller MicroKorg. Regardless, these are still expensive instruments – the SV1 can sell from upwards of £1000.
The synth business is still in fine fettle, with a consistent demand for new products. But in recent years, synth makers have had to compete against software versions: designed to be used entirely on computers, these programs have got just as much complexity and depth as the hardware units, with a fraction of the price tag. Of course, synth makers have one ace in their hand: although it hasn't stopped the software market from growing exponentially, it's awfully difficult to bootleg a hardware synth.
"Bob always said that he felt musicians really connected with their instruments in a way that is very difficult to do with software," says Mike Adams, Moog's President. "I believe that is very true. While the masses are happy with soft synths, musicians really want to connect to their instrument. We service that market." Lance agrees: "While software opens up incredible doors to musicians, I don't see anyone throwing away their Steinway Grand Pianos, their Fender Stratocasters, or their Minimoogs. Our goal is to build timeless instruments for musicians."
This is only part of the reason why hardware synths are so desirable. The other part is a little tougher to pin down. Kucinski gets close to it when he talks about the reactions to the Pocket Piano; once or twice, he says, someone who has bought one has come back to them to show off a sound that, as Kucinski puts it, he and Osborn "didn't think was possible."
Synths are pieces of art that reward constant exploration and repeated use. Like a photograph, a painting or a piece of writing, a synth reveals different levels each time you use it, but the difference is that it demands constant experimentation from the player, and those who explore it often surprise its creators. There's something beautiful about that.
For more information on Korg visit www.korg.co.uk. For Moog, go to www.moog.com. For Critter and Guitari, visit www.critterandguitari.com.
Rob Boffard


text:
Citronelle Motor Vehicle Injury Attorneys
Suffering from injuries caused by a severe motor vehicle accident can drastically change your life. You will have to deal with the pain, loss, and damages stemming from your injuries. Recovery will be long and challenging. That is why you need the legal expertise of Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers to ensure that you will receive the compensation that you will need for your healing and recovery. We will be right by your side to navigate through complex legal processes and protect your interests.
You will need legal guidance and support when dealing with insurance companies especially when you've been involved in a truck accident, car accident, motorcycle accident, or any type of motor vehicle accident. Recovering from serious injury or even loss will require time and compensation.
We at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers put your welfare and interests at the top of our priorities. As your trusted Citronelle personal injury law firm, our dedication and commitment to our clients are the foundation of our practice. We only offer the highest quality of service and support in and out of the court.
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers can help his clients find affordable medical care for their injuries if needed.
Our experts at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers are fearless in seeking justice and fair compensation that you genuinely deserve whether you are going against individuals, private corporations, insurance companies, or other entities.
Call the Personal Injury Attorneys of Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers at (205) 407-1695 for a Free Consultation!
Aggressive, Dedicated Accident Attorneys
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers's motor vehicle accident attorneys are ready to give you full support in your personal injury legal matters, and we do this with sound legal counsel, a detailed examination of your case to determine responsibility, and extensive research on local, state, as well as federal laws.
Quite a number of accidents have negligence as a contributor in one way or another. The most common types of accidents that involve the negligence of a person other than yourself include:
- Speeding/Reckless Driving Accidents – Recklessness on the road including speeding, ignorance of traffic laws, and aggressive driving is one of the leading root causes of car accidents every year. More than 9,000 deaths were recorded due to car accidents in 2017 alone. We at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers know very well the suffering and pain that victims go through due to car accidents that they did not cause. Our legal guidance and support will help you through each step of filing personal injury claims against responsible parties.
- Drunk Driving Accidents – More than 30 people are victims of drunk driving accidents every day in the United States. A person under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is a danger on the road not only to themselves but to everyone on the road. Controlling a piece of machinery like a car is more difficult with impaired senses and slow reaction which increases the possibility of fatal car accidents. When you file against drunk drivers, Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers will ensure that we examine every police and medical reports to analyze the event to build a strong case.
- Distracted Driver Accidents – Devices like mobile phones with their constant notifications are major causes of distraction for drivers. Calling, texting, and using social media while on the road increases the likelihood of car accidents. When you are in this situation, we at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers will investigate all aspects of the events including reviewing police records, eyewitness testimonies, phone records, and even social media activities.
- Automotive Defects – While not as common as the previous items on this list, defective cars contribute to many car accident injuries here in Citronelle, AL. Any defects like poor brakes, tires, and airbags can contribute to injuries sustained during a car accident. Our expert lawyers at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers will carefully examine the impact of defective car parts on the accident. We will hold the car manufacturer accountable if we find that issues with the car are major contributors to the crash.
- Dangerous Road Conditions – They may seem minor and negligible, but slippery roads, cracks, potholes, and uneven grading can cause serious car accidents especially on bad weather conditions. Victims of such accidents often find it hard to fight cases caused by private companies or government agencies who are responsible for road safety. Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers provides legal representation against these entities so they can be held accountable.
We at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated and committed to representing your interests against people, government agencies, private companies or other entities that caused your suffering and pain. Being involved in a hit-and-run accident, bicycle accident, car accident, etc., is a life-changing situation where you will need the best personal injury legal representative to seek justice and fair compensation that you deserve.
What To Do When You Are Injured
Our team of accomplished legal experts at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers has successfully handled legal matters involving personal injuries. We make every effort to get our clients the compensation that they require for medical expenses, family support, property loss, and damages.
As a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers has a tried-and-tested process when faced with motor vehicle accidents:
- Seek Medical Treatment – Prioritize your medical needs during accidents. Identify and describe each pain, ache, or symptoms whether you consider them irrelevant or minor. Provide as much detail as possible not only for your treatment but for your medical records as well.
- Hire an Attorney – Handling legal matters alone are stressful enough. Doing this while recovering from a serious injury is near impossible. Seek the expertise of Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers and participate in our Free Consultations and Free Case Reviews. Our personal injury attorneys will aggressively seek all means to protect your interests. Through our sound legal advice, expert insight, and detailed guidance, we will get you the justice and compensation that you need to begin your healing process.
- Build the Case – Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers will ensure that you have a strong case against the at-fault party. We will determine the best compensation that you need through detailed investigations, gathering police and medical reports, and analyzing relevant information related to the accident.
- Communication – Because you are our top priority, we will make sure that we are in contact through each step of the process. You will know precisely where we are in the case and its current status. Our legal experts will ensure that you understand each aspect of the case and what we can do to improve your chance of a successful resolution. Our monthly reviews will keep you updated and knowledgeable.
- Settlement – We will prepare the settlement demand by compiling all pertinent details and documents such as medical records, billing information, lost wages, and more. Our attorneys will discuss the request with you and ensure that all losses are accounted for. Once agreed, we will present this demand to the defense lawyer or claims adjuster. We will handle the negotiations until we can submit a final offer to you where you will decide to accept or reject it.
- Injury Lawsuit – Ideally, your claims should be settled outside the court to minimize the stress. However, in cases that we need to fight in the courtroom, our experienced lawyers at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers will aggressively defend you and your interests to maximize the compensation package and minimize the court time.
- Post-Settlement – Once the lawsuit is found in your favor or a settlement is reached, your funds will be settled according to the agreement. It will be deposited into a trust account before disbursement. Once all the bills have been paid at negotiated and reduced rates, you will receive the final settlement check.
If you, your family, or a loved one is a victim of a motorcycle accident, truck accident, car accident, or any other motor vehicle accident because of the negligence of another person or entity, Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers and our strong team of experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys are here for you.
Let's Talk Now- Free Consultation
Don't suffer any longer without seeking the support of a competent Citronelle automobile accident injury attorney! Our experienced legal experts are here to help you get your life back by fighting aggressively for your interests. We will help you focus on your recovery by supporting the legal battle that will get you the fair compensation that you deserve.
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers is the Citronelle automobile accident injury law firm that will finally put your mind at ease. We are ready to fight any individuals, corporations, companies, and even government bodies to get the compensation that you deserve. You cannot afford to wait.
Call Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers today at (205) 407-1695 your Free Consultation with a Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Attorney!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Advocates to NC gov: You live on $350 a week
Advocates challenge NC governor to live on $350 a week before approving it for the unemployed
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Before telling the unemployed that they must live on $350 a week, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory should try doing it himself, advocates for the jobless said at a news conference Monday.
Advocates challenged McCrory and legislators — who will soon consider a bill to lower the maximum unemployment benefit to $350 weekly from about $535 — to live on that amount themselves for one week.
"On behalf of the over 400,000 North Carolinians currently unemployed, we dare him to make the same sacrifice for one week that he is asking the rest of us to make until he can turn this economy around," said Kevin Rogers, policy director for Action NC, the challenge sponsor. "Governor, the ball is in your court. This is your challenge."
The bill is meant to pay off the $2.5 billion that North Carolina owes the federal government for money it borrowed to pay unemployment benefits three years earlier than would happen if legislators took no action. Legislators say it also would deposit $2 billion in a trust by the early part of the next decade — money that the state could use to pay benefits in the next recession.
The state shouldn't pay that bill on the backs of the unemployed, the advocates said, especially in a state where one job is available for every three people searching.
"There are not enough jobs in this state for all the people who want to work," said Bill Rowe, general counsel and director of advocacy for the N.C. Justice Center. "That's why we have people on unemployment benefits."
North Carolina's unemployment is consistently higher than the national average — 9.2 percent in December, compared with 7.8 percent for the country. As the rate increased, the number of people looking for jobs also increased.
For the week ended Jan. 12, the number of North Carolinians seeking unemployment benefits fell by 5,541, due to fewer layoffs in textiles, business services, construction and transportation and warehousing
In addition to the cuts in benefits, the legislative proposal also would eliminate eligibility for people who can't accept a shift with new hours because of personal issues such as day care or elder care, the advocates said.
"And that is eliminated not because it costs so much or there is some savings, but it appears to just be out of some mean-spiritedness, to be honest with you," Rowe said.
Another possible change deals with the timing of benefit cuts. McCrory told WRAL-TV that he would decide this week whether to make the changes in July, which would cut off federal benefits to those without jobs the longest, who total about 85,000 in North Carolina.
The jobless now get 26 weeks of state benefits, followed by extended benefits that the federal government pays. As part of the fiscal cliff deal, those federal benefits end if North Carolina changes its unemployment rules in 2013.
"I know the challenge is about living on $350 a week," Rowe said. "But the challenge for many people if this proposal is put through is having nothing, living on zero."
Those federal benefits bring about $25 million a week to the state economy, he said.
The proposed cuts are especially painful when compared with the 8 percent combined raises that McCrory gave to his Cabinet secretaries, advocates said. McCrory's Cabinet now makes $1.1 million altogether. Previous salaries were $121,807 for each of the eight; four now make $135,000, an 11 percent increase.
In an interview this month with The News & Observer of Raleigh, McCrory said he was "trying to make it at least where they can afford to live while running multibillion-dollar departments."
"Gov. McCrory: If your Cabinet secretaries can't live on more than $120,000 a year, how the heck are the rest of us supposed to live on less than $15,000?" Rogers asked.
Rogers, his staff and Rowe also will live on $350 for one week if McCrory agrees to do so, he said.
"Each and every one of us, every single day, is one day away from being unemployed," Rogers said. "Except, of course, for the governor. We want him to understand what he's asking this state to accept. ... We're asking him to take the 350 challenge."
A McCrory spokeswoman said she would have a response later.
Martha Waggoner can be reached at http://twitter.com/mjwaggonernc


text:
Drafted Players - E | |||||
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU | 1 | 32(32) | Kansas City |
AJ Epenesa | DE | Iowa | 2 | 22(54) | Buffalo |
Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina | 3 | 17(81) | Las Vegas |
Jordan Elliott | DT | Missouri | 3 | 24(88) | Cleveland |
Darrynton Evans | RB | Appalachian State | 3 | 29(93) | Tennessee |
Jacob Eason | QB | Washington | 4 | 16(122) | Indianapolis |
Players - E | ||||||||
Jacob Eason | QB | 6'5⅞" | 231 | Washington | E+ Only | |||
Bryan Edwards | WR | 6'2¾" | 212 | South Carolina | E+ Only | |||
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | 5'7¼" | 207 | LSU | E+ Only | |||
Jalen Elliott | S | 6'0⅜" | 205 | Notre Dame | E+ Only | |||
Jordan Elliott | DT | 6'3⅞" | 302 | Missouri | E+ Only | |||
AJ Epenesa | DE | 6'5⅛" | 275 | Iowa | E+ Only | |||
Darrynton Evans | RB | 5'10⅛" | 203 | Appalachian State | E+ Only |
Grading Scale
90-100 Rare Prospect
Player demonstrates rare abilities and can create mismatches that have an obvious impact on the game. Is a premier college player that has all the skill to take over a game and play at a championship level. He rates in the top 5 players in the nation at his position and is considered a first round draft prospect. -
80-89 Outstanding Prospect
Player has abilities to create mismatches versus most opponents in the NFL. A feature player that has an impact on the outcome of the game. Cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. He rates in the top 10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect. -
70-79 Solid Prospect
Still a standout player at the college level that is close to being an elite player. He has no glaring weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchups, but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the country. He will usually rate in the top third of players at his position and is considered a third round draft prospect. -
60-69 Good Prospect
This player is an good starter that will give a solid effort week in and week out, but he is overmatched versus the better players in the nation. His weaknesses will be exposed against top competition. He is usually a prospect that is missing something from his game. For example, he has the size and skills to be an outstanding prospect, but lacks the speed. He will usually rate in the top half of the players at his position and is considered a middle round draft choice. -
50-59 Adequate Prospect
These are usually players that play at a high level in college, but lack some measurables or skills to play at that same level in the NFL. He may be a player that has a lot of developmental qualities, or could be a player that will contribute right away on special teams or in a situational capacity. He will usually rate in the second-third at his position and is considered a fifth round draft choice. -
21-49 Borderline Draft Prospect
These are players that teams like something about, but certainly do not have the full package in terms of NFL talent. A lot of times, teams will take chances on character players or developmental type athletes with this grade. And often, these are players that come from smaller schools or did not standout at the college level. NFL teams are looking for 'diamonds in the rough' with this type of prospect. He will usually rate in the bottom third of players at his position and will be considered a late round draft choice or un-drafted free agent. -
20 Free Agent Prospect
These are players that did not make our original 'evaluation list' but are prospects that need to be monitored. Especially in the pre-season, these players will fluctuate up and down depending on performance in their final year of eligibility. -
10 Not a legitimate Prospect
These are players that lack NFL measurables and/or skills. They are players that we feel would not even make a solid contribution as a training camp body.
Analysis by ESPN Scouts Inc.
- Contact Us
- Corrections
- Daily Line


text:
Monday 21 October 2013
Sepia Saturday 200 : 26 October 2013
59 comments:
- Rosie said...
I have never republished a SepiaSaturday post before. Hope this works.
I am an amateur photographer who likes to take pictures of scenery, still life and some people some of the time. I mostly like the ordinary of life. - 22 October 2013 at 01:59
- Alan Burnett said...
Thanks Rosie. Just a general point about the potted biographies - could people give them a geoegraphical context (unless they would prefer not to) just so people get a flavour of the geographical diversity of Sepia Saturday contributions. Also could people make sure they let me know what form of name they would like to be known as if it is different to their blog id. Rosie, can I add that you are from the Miramichi area of Canada?
- 22 October 2013 at 08:02
- Rosie said...
Yes Alan, you can add my name Rose Theriault, Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. My question to you is: did my favorite post of the photo shoot my sister and I take at the beach the featured one for this anniversary prompt? If not, could you let me know, and also how to re-publish a former post? Thanks, Rosie.
- 22 October 2013 at 12:16
- Dee said...
Hi Alan, I'd like to offer my contribution to your book. I think this is a wonderful idea! Here's my short bio.
Dee Burris Blakley is a family historian and taphophile living in Arkansas, in the southeast United States. Since 1999, she has been pouring over the photos in the Williams family album, muttering to her great great grandmother about her failure to label them. Sometimes, her ancestors talk back. When not consumed by family history or photographing graves, Dee spends her time with three geriatric cats and a very energetic middle aged schnauzer. - 22 October 2013 at 14:12
- 21 Wits said...
Okay Alan and Marilyn, this is a first for me, just getting to repost it, (hence my early start) but I believe it's in. I am hereby giving you consent to repost it and include it in our Sepia Saturday book. Let me know if you need anything more from me. This is so very exciting, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
- 22 October 2013 at 18:02
- 21 Wits said...
I forget to leave a short bio for me.
Karen Sather, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a life long researcher, writer and dreamer. Living with an irresistible need to uncover my ancestor's stories but also, to unearth architectural and historical discoveries, as well.
- 22 October 2013 at 19:05
- Alan Burnett said...
Karen and Dee, thanks. Rosie I have corrected the link for you.
- 22 October 2013 at 19:16
- Rosie said...
Great, this is such a wonderful project, hats off to those who thought of it in the first place!! :)
- 22 October 2013 at 19:57
- tony said...
Hi Alan I will add the "West Yorkshire UK" geo-info
- 22 October 2013 at 21:54
- tony said...
Alan....out of interest,how will you be able to transfer from screen to book?given the various differences in dimensions between Screen & page? (eg you wont be able to screengrab to transfer it whole?)Also,I dont think i read the rules right! Is it a straight copy or can i do as I have done intially (copy+paste #102 into #200).If you just want the Original as a whole unedited thingy,let me know & I will do that instead/as well as what Ive published just now
- 22 October 2013 at 22:15
- Bob Scotney said...
I have chosen what was my post for SS54 on the basis that it has been the third most visited of my posts and that it connects where I live now to where I was born.
It still contains a link back to SS54 which would have to be edited out of any book. Incidentally SS54 has lost its photo.
Bio; Bob Scotney is a retired consultant from North Yorkshire whose articles and letters have appeared in The Lady, Ireland's Own, The Times, Best of British, ezines and local magazines - 23 October 2013 at 13:01
- Kat Mortensen said...
@Dee Burris - I commented twice (once anonymously without my name, and then again with it), but then couldn't find either. I hope YOU can.
- 23 October 2013 at 17:21
- Kat Mortensen said...
Tough decision, but I went something simple that I think encapsulates the whole notion of SS. Hope you like it!
- 23 October 2013 at 17:24
- Kat Mortensen said...
I cheated a bit and added something new at the end. Hope that's okay.
- 23 October 2013 at 20:52
- Postcardy said...
I would like to participate in the book project. I reposted a post with a real SEPIA postcard.
Postcardy is an avid postcard collector from Fridley, Minnesota. She enjoys blogging and maintaining personal websites about postcards. - 23 October 2013 at 23:14
- Sean Bentley said...
Reposting my favorite, from last fall - but with a shocker of an illustrated postscript! As far as a bio goes...
Sean Bentley was born in Seattle rather a long time ago. A recovering poet and power-pop guitarist, he is currently a technical writer/editor, obsessive genealogist, and eccentric flaneur with a Canon. - 24 October 2013 at 05:52
- Alan Burnett said...
Tony : The honest answer is that, as yet, I am not sure. I suspect what I will do is cut and paste from the blogs into a word document, convert to a PDF, and then import into something like a Lulu template. I think. It will be in that trusted method of trial and error.
As for the rules, as usual, there aren't any. Do whatever you are happy with and that will be reflected in the diversity of the publication which will, in turn, reflect the diversity of the group. - 24 October 2013 at 15:09
- Alan Burnett said...
Bob, Kat, Postcardy and Sean - thank you
- 24 October 2013 at 15:11
- Barbara Rogers said...
Yees, I would love to be included in The Book of Sepia Saturday. It has certainly been fun this year whenever I post, hearing from so many friendly people and looking at their blog posts also.
BIO: Barbara is retired from salaried work, and now overworks as a volunteer and diligent clay artist, publisher of 3 blogs, photographer, grandmother, and caregiver of 2 cats. My blog "When I was 69" started as a way to keep my friend's and my own stories alive, and morphed into keeping the lives of my ancestors available through their birthdays. - 24 October 2013 at 17:03
- La Nightingail said...
I'm happy to agree to my Sepia Saturday entry being reproduced for your book. Since I had deleted the original (which I will not do from now on!) I had to reconstruct it, but I think I got it fairly close to the original. "La Nightingail" is Gail Perlee from Soulsbyville, California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Yosemite National Park. Living in the mountains is heaven for me, and I'm rather into the arts as is probably evident from some of my posts. I sing, love making a fool of myself onstage, and still dance a little (tap shoes remain handy on a shelf in the closet). I sketch and write (novels & short stories – as yet unpublished, but hope survives.) For fun, I draw house plans, and I'm an avid reader – mostly of historical romance which is what I write. I also enjoy climbing our family tree, and I knit a bit – for KAS (Knit-A-Square). Look it up!
- 24 October 2013 at 17:22
- Kristin said...
I picked a rather long one, some autobiographic writing by my mother that ran in 2011 for Sepia Saturday #63. I made a few updates to acknowledge the former Sepia Saturday post as now also being a #200 post. Otherwise, I just am linking to the original page.I would like to be credited as:
Kristin Cleage, former revolutionary librarian, back to the lander, mother of many and family historian. I spend way too much time on the computer posting from Atlanta, GA at present but also from Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi and Missouri.
- 24 October 2013 at 17:56
- Howard said...
Difficult to choose a particular post but the one I've chosen of London Bridge was pretty popular. Alan, feel free to use any of my posts in your book, but contact me first so I can remove my watermark from the image.
- 24 October 2013 at 23:07
- Helen Killeen Bauch McHargue said...
I chose this post because I cried while I wrote it and it was the one that drew the most comment. I love your idea for the book and would love to participate. Here's a short bio.
Helen Bauch McHargue retired from the food consulting business, Food Smarts and now lives on an avocado grove in Fallbrook, California with her husband and two cats. She enjoys traveling, eating well, reading and writing about anything that interests her. - 25 October 2013 at 04:16
- Wendy said...
I'm definitely in!
As for a little bio, I wish I could sound more interesting, but here you go: Wendy Mathias is a retired teacher living in Chesapeake, Virginia. She has been a family history blogger for two years but a researcher of her various family lines much longer. When she's not trying to make sense of the many photos passed down to her, Wendy and her husband enjoy traveling, visiting wineries, and cruising around Smith Mountain Lake in their pontoon. - 25 October 2013 at 11:19
- Peter said...
Hi Alan, what a splendid idea to publish a book! I like to congratulate Kat, Marilyn and yourself on reaching this milestone. I would hope that you also allow SS renegades like myself to join your project. If so I like to offer my contribution for SS 164 http://patmcast.blogspot.nl/2013/02/sepia-saturday-watchman.html.
If it is of any help I can make my contribution available to you in either Word or PDF-format. In that case please send me an email and I will return the document to you. My email address is patmiebies at gmail dot com.
BIO: Peter Miebies is a retired airline employee (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines) living in Castricum, The Netherlands. Since the early eighties he takes an interest in genealogy and writing. Also history is one of his favorite subjects. He is particularly keen on family and airline history. Furthermore he collects Dutch Leerdam and Maastricht glass. Peter has an English language blog (http://www.patmcast.blogspot.nl/) dedicated to all of his interests. He uses Twitter (@patmcast) to collect all kinds of information. Peter is happily married to Jeanne for almost half a century and looking forward to the other half.
- 25 October 2013 at 12:08
- Sharon said...
I struggled to pick a post.
Sharon believes that it is important to record memories, events and details of our heritage for future generations, before it is too late and lost forever. It is her dream to retire early and spend her retirement travelling around Australia and overseas, visiting relatives, taking photos and researching her family history.
- 25 October 2013 at 12:18
- ScotSue said...
I would like to offer my contribution to your book - a great idea. Here is a biog.
ScotSue is Susan Donaldson from the beautiful Scottish Borders. She is a retired librarian with a varied career that has included work in tourist information centres, and local studies archives. Family history interests span her own family from Lancashire and Shropshire in England and her husband's maritime ancestors from Leith (Edinburgh) and South Shields in Tyne & Wear. Her other interests (besides family history and blogging) include classical music, photography and crafts. - 25 October 2013 at 12:31
- Postcardy said...
To Alan: I looked at Lulu and was going to try it out. I got as far as downloading their template which is a .docx that would probably be easy to paste into directly if you have a newer version of Word that uses .docx files. I couldn't use it because I still have an old version of Word that only uses .doc files.
- 25 October 2013 at 13:36
- Alan Burnett said...
Thanks to everyone for all the contributions, bios and information. My contribution is now up. I will wait until early next week and then start gathering things together into a first draft and let you know how things go on.
- 25 October 2013 at 14:20
- The Silver Fox said...
I definitely want this week's entry in the "Best of..." collection. Please copyright the material to David M. Lynch. And as for a short piece about myself...
David M. Lynch, a/k/a The Silver Fox, delivers an occasional blog post, short story, poem, song, or article from his home in Southern Massachusetts, USA. - 25 October 2013 at 14:59
This was such a difficult choice!! There have been so many posts inspired by great SS prompts, how can you select just one? Do what I did an have you Facebook friends vote lol.
Alan have you looked at blurb.com? They have a blog-to-book feature. I tried it for one of my sites and it didn't work for me but I know other Sepians have used it. Will you be including comments? Sometimes that is where some fantastic information sharing takes place!
My bio:
Martha Gibbons is a working mom and wife in Southern California USA who enjoys history, blogging, cooking, sewing and all things family. She loves digging into family archives and mysteries hoping to find the threads that tie everyone together. Her site Who Were They? was started as a means to find descendants of those pictured in old photographs to hopefully reunite photos with their kin. - 25 October 2013 at 16:06
- Martin said...
Count me in, Alan. Lift whatever you need from the short bio on my blog. Cheers!
- 25 October 2013 at 16:06
- Little Nell said...
I spent far too much time choosing the blogpost I wanted, but I've come up with one of my very favourites, because it's all pictures of my own family and in sepia, and also because it contains my parent's memories.
- 25 October 2013 at 16:26
- Éire Historian said...
Happy to participate in S.S.#200 with my favourite post, which features my mom and dad.
Jennifer - 25 October 2013 at 16:42
- DougVernX said...
I have chosen a very adventerous post and you have my permission to print it in the Sepia Saturday book.
My bio: Passionate organizer. Friendly entrepreneur. Hardcore social media enthusiast. Extreme, mainstream multisensory blogger. Bacon and TV fanatic.
I am developing a business plan that will take me into the ever changing world of social media management is something consuming a great deal of my time lately. I'm highly interested in digital branding, marketing strategy, and other edgy stuff. I am self taught and self made in this new industry where I will be responsible for the social marketing of any forward thinking industries that will have me! :)
- 25 October 2013 at 17:45
- Mike Brubaker said...
Thank you, Alan, for pursuing this great idea and especially for creating this terrific club. Congratulations to you and all your marvelous assistants for maintaining this lively virtual pub.
My brief bio:
Mike Brubaker is a professional musician who plays the horn in several orchestras and chamber groups in southeastern United States. He also collects antique photographs and postcards of musicians and musical groups, and writes stories and histories about them on his blog. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
- 25 October 2013 at 20:37
- DougVernX said...
Im from Salem, Massachusetts if you would like to add that to my bio.
- 25 October 2013 at 21:52
- Alex Daw said...
Happy Anniversary Sepia Saturday! As a Johnny come lately to Sepia Saturday I have chosen my first post with a couple of Johnnys celebrating the mystery of photos with no known story. I am from Brisbane Australia - a family historian and an L-Plate Librarian with a love of photography and blogging.
- 25 October 2013 at 22:03
- Tattered and Lost said...
Thank you Alan and Kat for creating this wonderful place for people from around the world to meet for a weekly show and tell.
- 25 October 2013 at 23:17
- North County Film Club said...
Nancy Javier - In the publishing business for the past few years. Author of 3 blogs - one on avocados, and 2 on film. Avid collector of old books and ephemera. Contributor to Sepia Saturday for the past 2 years. Resident of Fallbrook, California, the avocado capital of the world.
- 25 October 2013 at 23:21
- North County Film Club said...
Barbara Finwall-The book is a great idea. Would love to be included. I've been participating in Sepia Saturday for the last 3 years. I'm retired from the publishing business and before that the advertising biz. Now I live on a small avocado ranch in Fallbrook, CA. I enjoy watercolor, collages, art classes, the theater, reading, films, photography, genealogy and animals.
- 26 October 2013 at 00:39
- Jackie van Bergen said...
A picnic (or two) to celebrate 'the Australian way'!
Although a relative newcomer, and intermittent contributor, I would love to be included.
Jackie from Jax Trax is Jackie van Bergen, a family historian lucky enough to take up the habit while her parents and even grandparents were alive. I joined Sepia Saturday when a visit to my parents unearthed an enormous collection of old family photos dating back to even their great grandparents! My part time proof reading business helps fund my passion. Originally from country Victoria I now live in Sydney with my husband and step daughter. - 26 October 2013 at 01:40
- Unknown said...
I wouldn't have missed this for the world...I reached all the way back to posting for week 13! How far we have come indeed. Yes I want to participate in every way and look forward to buying said book. We celebrate in style this week. I will be up very soon.....it's still Friday here, and see I am at the end of the long list of celebrants, so far I am #34, going back to 13! Hooray for us.
- 26 October 2013 at 02:11
- Unknown said...
PS, Alan, I'm all in...I am retired, from a 34 year career in state government, yikes a bureaucrat. Today I am a dabbler at many things writing, quilting, stitchery, reading, gardening, physical activity and living well in Minnesota, where we moved to hubby's home town in retirement...We snowbird in the winter and journey south to warmer climates in our motor home. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, but lived in northern California for over 40 years.
- 26 October 2013 at 02:34
- Boobook said...
I've enjoyed contributing to the friendly and supportive Sepia Saturday group and reading members' contributions, so I couldn't let the 200th pass without joining in.
Bio: Lorraine Phelan (Boobook)is a retired teacher and lives in Victoria, Australia. She enjoys photography, family history, local history and natural history and unfortunately finds she has little time left for housework. - 26 October 2013 at 04:20
- Bruno Laliberté said...
Hi Alan!!
So, this is the Big Day, eh?!?
Bruno Laliberté, partly real, partly fictitious, a committed blogger/photographer from Montreal, by birth and by choice, an artist who worked in customer services, visual display and health care. You think this is complex, you should hear about my personal life!!!
HUGZ - 26 October 2013 at 05:57
- Nancy said...
Alan, if someone hasn't already mentioned it, you could try blurb.com instead of cutting and pasting into a word document. It may not work but it takes posts and puts them on pages so you can edit them. (But since we're not all on the same blog, maybe it won't work....) But maybe there is something we could do to make it easier for you. It just sounds like such a huge, huge project!
Nancy, living in central Ohio, spends too much time researching, thinking about, and writing about her ancestors. She also enjoys spending time with her living family members and her Airedale, Hannah. - 26 October 2013 at 07:26
- Caminante said...
At Little Nell's insistence I have helped to celebrate the 200th edition by reissuing my explanation for my blogging name.
- 26 October 2013 at 11:24
- Kat Mortensen said...
@Tattered and Lost - you've done what I have done many times, linked yourself back to the Sepia Saturday page. ;-)
- 26 October 2013 at 14:59
- L. D. said...
That was a tough feat to pick one as I have jumped around so much these years. The book idea is great for me. I am honored to be a part of people's work that I look up too.
Bio: He is originally a southern Iowa farm boy who has made his way in the world by teaching and learning from others. Art teacher was his main title for most of his life even though it extends into computer tech, carpenter,gardener and one obsessed blogger. He still lives on the prairie so to speak in central Iowa with his wife and dogs. - 26 October 2013 at 17:52
- Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...
Hi Alan and all, thanks for doing this!
I hope that this post will work out fine. If you want me to shrink the 3 pages of letters to extra large instead of original size, just let me know.
I miss you guys. I'll be by to visit everybody as soon as I can.
Kathy M. - 26 October 2013 at 19:04
- Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...
Welcome to "Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy". My name is Kathy Matthews and I live in Central Oregon with my best friend husband, Cary. I am a fifth generation Oregonian who loves to spotlight early Oregon history, take pictures, write, create, spend time with my large family, teach preschool and travel around the U.S. My main blog, Oregon Gifts, is an online journal, where I try my best to celebrate the positive portions of everyday life. My other blogs are off-shoots into particular interest areas. I began blogging in November 2008, and this is my 2008th post on this blog! Please enjoy your visit, and leave a comment if you feel led. If you would like to email me, here is my email address: oregongiftsofcomfortandjoy@ hotmail.com
- 26 October 2013 at 19:09
- Kat Mortensen said...
I've stopped in and commented on everyone here, I think. Would love for you to visit me and leave your thoughts too.
Kat - 26 October 2013 at 23:05
- Nigel Aspdin (Derby, UK) said...
I have been reprimanded by Little Nell for my poor attendance during the UK summer months, and received a big nudge to join in this week, which I am very happy to do. It took me sometime to even remember how to do it, I have got very rusty.
Yes...I will happily participate in the book project and all my images are fine to use
Do you really want a short biographical description of me? Oh dear ! Let us just say:
"Retired chartered accountant from Derby, UK, with as lovely wife and two lovely daughters both at university. Suffering from an obtuse sense of humour rarely understood by others." - 27 October 2013 at 12:04
- Little Nell said...
I don't think it was a reprimand Nigel! I said we'd love to have you!
- 27 October 2013 at 18:48
I've only been contributing for 3 months so was a bit hesitant about re-publishing but decided on one which relies on using the date of a photo.
- 27 October 2013 at 23:16
I had first decided to pass up this, but Nell convinced me to join anyway. I chose 'The mending workers in Scheveningen.
Something about me: I live in the city Arnhem (Netherlands) nowadays, but I was born in a family of fishermen in the village Scheveningen at the shore. - 29 October 2013 at 23:47
- Colleen G. Brown Pasquale said...
Happy Belated 200th! I was away on a cruise & had no internet but wanted to congratulate you. Thanks very much for hosting this wonderful venue for posting photographs & bringing together people. May you have at least 200 more posts ahead!
- 3 November 2013 at 11:23
- Colleen G. Brown Pasquale said...
Not sure if I am too late to add a post here; as I wrote I have been away, sailing through the Panama Canal.
Colleen G. Brown Pasquale, a retired elementary school teacher in New York State who enjoys putting together pieces, both of quilts and family information into something everyone can enjoy. - 3 November 2013 at 11:43


text:
A cool wee video from Gunaketu and the Norwegian Triratna community saying what the word 'sangha' (spiritual community in a Buddhist context) means to them as part of the Triratna@50 celebrations…
Gratulerer med dagen!
view our community guidelines for promoting good conversation
Here are key excerpts from our community content guidelines, which are designed to help create a positive environment for everyone:
1. Please be courteous at all times. If you're engaged in any kind of discussion, be as prepared to listen as you are to express yourself. Remember that there's always a real person behind a computer/device screen, and they are likely quite different from you.
2. Think twice before posting anything that's likely to give offence or be inflammatory. That doesn't promote good conversation. If you're upset at something you see here, perhaps let a little time pass before responding. Bear in mind this isn't a space to vent our views, it's about exploring respectfully with others what it means to be a Buddhist within our community and in the modern world generally.
3. We may remove posts or comments that are considered off-topic.
4. Everyone has off-moments, and we'll always try to be in friendly dialogue with you if a problem arises with one of your contributions. But we reserve the right to remove posts and comments (or even suspend user accounts) when we feel these guidelines are not observed.
5. Our current editorial policy around Safeguarding is aligned with the advice given by those tasked with developing Triratna's approach to this important area of ethical life. If anyone breaches current policy by posting in ways that mean The Buddhist Centre Online potentially break the law by hosting the material, then we will have to remove their posts or comments. We respectfully request that all users bear this in mind when posting. If in doubt, please feel free to ask first before posting. It will save time, energy, and lead to less potential polarisation in these spaces, even if there is disagreement.
Whatever you contribute we very much encourage you to think about it in the light of the Buddhist ethical precepts around 'Right Speech'. These encourage communication that is: truthful, kindly and gracious, helpful and harmonious. We look forward to all you have to bring to the site!
We try to keep things light when it comes to moderation of posts and comments within this shared space. And we ask the community itself to lead with this. If you have seen something that concerns you, please feel free to contact us. However, we do ask that you bear in mind the following guidelines, which will help preserve a harmonious atmosphere throughout the site:
Remember there is always a person behind the post or comment you're objecting to. They may just be having a bad day… If you're upset, perhaps let a little time pass before responding to them or us. Try contacting the person first in a spirit of open, courteous engagement to see if hearing their perspective changes your own view of things, or if hearing yours changes theirs. Take care to make sure what you are asking us to look at is actually against the spirit of the group or the site itself, rather than simply a difference of view or of personal taste. If in doubt, ask a friend and/or the administrator of the group.
The most important things about this is the first bit: we ask the community to lead with this. That means you! Thanks for helping us promote good conversations on The Buddhist Centre Online.
Read the full set of Community Guidelines


text:
A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting Children's Feeding Network. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation.
Don't donate your car or truck to some charity you have never heard of. Our trusted service makes sure your vehicle is properly handled so you get your tax deduction and your charity, Children's Feeding Network, gets the benefit of your donation.
Start now by clicking HERE. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site.
". . .when I heard that I could find a home for my old car and do some good at the same time, it seemed perfect. The process was quite efficient. I did it all online - it was a snap. The whole donation was done on my schedule and my charity received over $900 in donation proceeds. . ."


text:
Genoa's Funeral Homes Most Trusted Funeral Provider
- Family owned and operated for over two decades
- Compassionate community service close to home
- Heritage cremation serves all faiths
- Simple - Affordable - Dignified
- 24 hour-a-day availability
- Only $695 - $1395
Cremation Package Includes
- Transportation of the deceased to the crematory
- Obtaining certified copies of death certificate
- Assistance in filing for VA & Social Security Benefits
- Alternative container (the container the body is cremated in)
- Rigid container (for the return of the cremated remains)
Package Pricing does not include: cash advance items, state fees for permits, certified copies of the death certificates, sales tax or newspaper charges. You will be able to see final cost prior to payment.
Free Quote
Contact our cremation specialists:
1-800-972-2070Veteran's Benefits
If your loved one was in the military they may qualify for a burial with Military Funeral Honors or (MFH). This Veterans benefit includes an Honor Guard detail of not less than two Armed Services members at the burial or memorial, burial in a Government cemetery, and a grave marker.
Social Security Benefits
Family members of the deceased may be entitled to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased worked long enough and had Social Security taken out of their paycheck...


text:
Wellness tests are important to help the veterinarians create an overall portfolio of your pet's health. By including blood tests in your pet's routine exams, it is possible to create a wellness "baseline" for future testing to be compared to. This can help to make any potential abnormalities or concerns be more easily detected. Blood tests can be used to check for a number of problems, including organ function, blood sugar monitoring and heartworm disease.
Wellness testing may also include a urinalysis and intestinal parasites tests.


text:
Clinton Probes
Pat Bagley
Pat Bagley is the staff cartoonist for The Salt Lake Tribune in Salt Lake City, Utah, and an author and illustrator of several books. His cartoons are syndicated nationally by Cagle Cartoons.
Daily Newsletter
Sign up for FREE! Get Cartoons Daily!
Sign up for our free daily newsletter by entering your email and clicking on subscribe.


text:
School Cycle Shelters – UK Manufactured and Supplied in Armagh - Co. Armagh
Why choose us for your School Cycle Shelter, Entrance Canopy, or other School Structures in Armagh?
Look no further for your school cycle shelter or other structure for your school, college, university or nursery. We have installed thousands of structures in the education sector over the last 20 years. Our extensive range of off the shelf structures can also be customised to your exact requirements. Our systems can also be modular allowing you to expand at a later date. All our products are manufactured to conform to the latest engineering guidelines and standards.
We are specialists in Armagh - Co. Armagh for:
- School Cycle Shelters
- Parent Waiting Shelters
- School Play Area Canopies
- Outdoor Classrooms
- Buggy Parking
- Teenage Shelters
Deal Direct with the Manufacturer for installation in Armagh
Unlike some other companies who are just selling other people products in our case you are dealing direct with the manufacturer from start to finish. Not only does that provide a better services you will also find great savings on cost.
Free Quotes Throughout the UK
For further details or for a free, no obligation quote for cycle shelters or any of our other products in Armagh, simply contact us. One of our Technical Sales Engineers can discuss your requirements, offer expert advice or conduct a free site survey.
Full Installation and Maintenance of School Cycle Shelters and Entrance Canopies
As well as manufacturing our own cycle shelters canopies we can take care of everything from the ground up. Starting with a site survey if needed, drafting plans, fabrication in house, right through to the finishing touches on installation.
Massive Colour Choice
Unlike many other suppliers who typically offer a limited 8 – 12 colours, CAD Shelters supplies shelters in any RAL or BS colour and at no extra costs. Make your school cycle shelter match your school colours if required.
If requested, goods can be polyester powder coated on top of the galvanized finish to give a more durable resistance in extreme weather conditions. This does give the products a rougher texture than the standard powder coating due to the galvanized undercoat.


text:
Downloading movies, even DVD rips never really works out as planned. RatDVD helps.
RatDVD allows you to keep the full DVD feature set and watch it on any DVD player - without losing any features of the original DVD. That is what RatDVD can do for you.
RatDVD takes a full featured DVD-9 movie and puts it into a highly compressed .RatDVD container format file of about 1.x GB in size while preserving all the features of the original DVD such as:
- Full anamorphic picture, 16:9, 4:3, Pan/Scan, WideScreen, Lettorbox based on original DVD video content.
- Support for full seamless branching, 9 multiple video angles, 32 subpictures, 8 audio channels, etc.
- Keep movie versions (Directors Cut, Theatrical version, etc.), Alternate story endings, making of, visual commentary , cut scenes, animated anecdotes, etc.
- Keep or transcode multiple audio channels without detoriation loss by staying AC-3.
- Fully working original DVD menus, title navigation, quick seeking and bonus features.
- IMDB connected XML tagging scheme with automatic search for title, actors, directors, plot and DVD cover.
- RatDVD naming scheme automatically appends content based naming extensions to RatDVD files to allow for easy finding the content you want.
- Directly burn or create ISOs from the application.
- Reliable high quality, valid check-summed container.
- Display of tagging information in windows explorer
- Playback in the media centers, player of your choice
- High speed analyze mode with detailed information about DVD content for size prediction
- Optional, anonymous sharing of DVD analyze results
- Playback in wide variety of media centers and players