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An incorrectly set up or unsuitable design of subwoofer can seriously compromise the accuracy of your monitoring environment. We outline the performance characteristics of the different types and show you how to incorporate a sub for optimum effect within your system.
Mallory Nicholls
In this article, I intend to look in detail at the way subwoofers should be used in the studio, and how you can go about choosing and configuring the necessary components. Installed and used correctly, systems incorporating subwoofers can perform extremely well, with the 'sub' being acoustically invisible. However, to many people involved in audio production, having a subwoofer implies having too much low end, or bass which is flabby and ill-defined.
Whatever your feelings, subwoofers are now an inescapable part of the audio reproduction chain, especially now that domestic multi-channel audio equipment is available for consumer DVD Video playback. The benefits of using smaller main speakers in conjunction with a subwoofer are, in theory at least, many and varied. This type of monitoring system can be an ideal solution in many situations where the size and weight of full-range monitors can be problematic, as is often the case in small mix rooms. There is also the advantage that sub and satellite systems usually give better imaging, due to the smaller monitors, and less mid-band intermodulation distortion, due to the lighter bass workload placed on the satellites. Unfortunately, the potential advantages are often not fully realised in practice.
When talking to recordists about subs, a common catalogue of dislikes usually emerges. People will often complain about lack of integration, lumpy or 'honky' bottom end, single-note bass, poor timing and lack of bass headroom. All of these complaints, and indeed many others, are valid and can easily be heard in poorly specified and configured systems. In many cases, a small misalignment or placement error renders an otherwise capable system completely unusable.
What Is A Subwoofer?
The term 'subwoofer' has two common interpretations. The first describes a low-frequency system that takes over below the cutoff of the main speaker's bass unit -- I shall refer to this as type A. The second, and perhaps more relevant in the professional audio arena, describes a low-frequency system that takes over below the main speaker's bass frequency limit, and continues down to at least the 20Hz hearing limit and preferably below (a type of signal content commonly referred to as sub-bass although, strictly speaking, signals below 20Hz should be called infra-bass or infra-sound.) -- I shall call this type B.
The vast majority of the subwoofers currently on sale are type A. This type encompasses the more dubious domestic hi-fi and home cinema units, as well as those found in some car audio applications. The specification for h
It is very easy to understand why this type of unit is commonplace. It is technically straightforward to produce units generating high SPLs above 40Hz or so. It is also easy to generate high levels over very small bandwidths. The real challenge is to produce a unit with high output over a broad bandwidth and in an acceptable size. Due to the laws of physics, this becomes increasingly difficult as frequency falls.
Speakers of type B are available by only a few manufacturers. To generate low-frequency audio at moderate-to-high SPLs, you need to move a lot of air. This requires large-surface-area drivers, large-displacement drivers, high power levels, or a combination of all of these. These factors combine to make true subwoofers one of the more expensive items in the audio chain.
Design Variations
The construction of subwoofers will usually follow one of three models, although there are notable exceptions. Each of these is a compromise, with a number of factors which must be juggled to achieve the required results. Designs of type A commonly use reflex or band-pass methods, while type B mainly use reflex or closed-box construction -- there are diagrams throughout this article to demonstrate the basic principles of these designs.
Although I do not have space within the framework of this article to examine the technical aspects of these construction types, it is useful to examine the typical response curves generated by them. The most efficient is the band-pass design, which gives the highest SPL for a given amount of input power. These units may be recognised as having one or more ports (holes in the cabinet) that are visible, whilst the driver is not.
With efficiency comes the small bandwidth and peaky response typical of domestic and car subs. It is possible to smooth out this response at the design stage, at the expense of some efficiency, but even this increased bandwidth cannot match that of other designs. Although this might suggest that the band-pass design would not be an ideal choice for a wide-bandwidth system, it can be used successfully when the main monitors already have a reasonable low-frequency response. Another point to note is that band-pass constructions are quite complex mechanically, and this can make the size, weight and manufacturing costs undesirably high.
The second basic subwoofer model, and perhaps the most common, is the reflex design. It gives reasonably good performance and offers the possibility of greater low bass output when compared with a similar size of closed box. The system is tuned by a port and may be optimised for good extension, as seen in type-B subs, or for g
Should A Larger Subwoofer Produce Much More Bass?
In my experience, most people expect a larger subwoofer to sound completely different from a smaller one. Most listeners seem not to expect large subs to perform to reference-monitor standards; rather they expect overblown 'club'-type bass from such units. This, of course, is totally wrong -- true subs will have very similar response curves, regardless of their box or driver dimensions. Where size actually makes a difference is in the amount of SPL the subwoofer can generate.
The third fundamental subwoofer design is the closed-box construction. This is the simplest and generates the least low bass output for a given size, but it can also offer the best phase characteristics and group delay (of which more later). In addition, the bass driver is very well controlled due to the air inside the box being trapped. This makes closed box designs quite rugged and tolerant of out-of-band audio signals. Various tricks may be applied to closed-box designs to extend the bottom-end frequency response. Used in this way, closed-box designs can be made to perform very well and certainly to type-B standards. In order to achieve a good low-frequency response in a moderate-sized closed box, great demands are placed on the driver unit and amplifier. Typically, drivers used in this application will have very large roll surrounds facilitating big cone excursions. From a cost perspective, the extra performance required from the driver and amplifier will tend to make this method the most expensive. Readers may be interested to know that this type is preferred by the author.
Choosing The Correct Frequency Response
It is tempting to purchase the subwoofer with the lowest -3dB frequency. However, in many rooms this will result in an elevated, boomy bottom end. This is because, unless your room has been designed and treated to give near anechoic results at low frequencies, the bass level will rise as frequency falls. This is known as room boost. When viewing subwoofer specifications, it is better to look at typical in-room response figures and choose an in-room figure of 15-20Hz. Many subs that are designed with truly flat responses will be totally unusable in an average listening room and will require further sloping equalisation to get them under control. If a manufacturer publishes a figure of 25Hz anechoic, don't think that his product is not as good as another specified as 18Hz without qualification. The chances are that the first manufacturer understands bass in the real world whereas the second may be playing the numbers game to sell product. When purchasing subs, it is vital to audition them in your own environment.
Bass Management
Unless the user chooses to use a subwoofer with each satellite speaker, rather defeating the object, some form of bass management will be needed. Bass management systems extract the low-frequency elements from each channel and pass the sum of them to the subwoofer. In a simple stereo monitoring setup, this may take the form of a simple crossover with two inputs, one each for left and right, and is normally built into the subwoofer. In a more complex system for multi-channel use, each of the full-range channels requires an input and filter, and an additional input is needed for the dedicated Low Frequency Effect (LFE) channel.
Many of the current domestic amplifiers intended for home cinema applications have good bass management facilities built in, but not all offer bass management when using the multi-channel inputs. If you intend to use such an amplifier in a small studio, it is advisable to check this detail carefully before purchase.
The topology of bass management systems varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is also fair to say that the effectiveness of these systems also varies. I have found one well-known manufacturer who likes to rely on the natural roll-off of the satellites rather than crossing them over electrically. After much experimentation and measurement, I decided that this method was unreliable -- low-frequency roll-off characteristics of satellites vary considerably according to their construction method and placement. Although the system allows the crossover point to be adjusted, no account is made for the slope of the roll-off. This oversight makes it impossible to achieve a flat system frequency response with many satellites. Rather than rely on the natural roll-off of the satellites, I have obtained much more reliable results by imposing a known
Subwoofer Headroom
When used in a system with satellites, great demands are made of the subwoofer. For a stereo music system, the sub will need to produce the bass that would normally be generated by two full-range loudspeaker channels. For most moderately proficient sub units this should not represent any real problem, even at higher sound pressure levels, as sensible music mixes will rarely contain peak-level extreme low frequencies. Consider, though, a multi-channel satellite/sub system. Now the sub has to handle not only the bass elements from five or six channels, but it also has to reproduce the demanding bass content of the LFE channel. Clearly, when such a system is also expected to deliver high SPLs, the subwoofer must be very capable and preferably protected from abuse. All too often subwoofers used in this way will be under-specified, resulting in the sub driver constantly banging it's end stops. This is clearly audible as a loud 'clack' on kick drums or sound effects. The only solution to this problem is to use more or bigger subs.
To obtain a flat frequency response, the subwoofer and satellites must be in phase at the crossover frequency (the frequency at which the satellites take over from the sub). If this is not the case, the resultant response will have a hump or dip -- for example, in the graph on this page you can see the response error from a 43-degree phase shift at 60Hz.
Phase errors originate from a number of sources:
the phase characteristics of the sub and satellite speakers with frequency.
the electrical phase characteristics of the crossovers.
the physical locations of the speakers.
Errors caused by the first two of these factors can be reduced or removed by the use of a variable-phase filter in the subwoofer feed. This usually offers a phase range of zero to 180 degrees. Unfortunately, due to cost considerations, many such filters produce their stated phase adjustment at only one, normally undocumented, frequency. This centre frequency will almost certainly not be that of your chosen crossover point. Some products offer filters with much broader operating bandwidths -- in other words the phase adjustment is constant over a broader frequency range -- and, in addition, may include a signal invert switch. These give much more flexible and reliable phase compensation.
The third type of phase error can be tricky to remedy. Typically a manufacturer will expect you to use the phase control to correct errors caused by placement difficulties. However, and this is a key point, although this type of difference can be described as a phase error, it is actually a time error. In larger rooms, it is possible to get errors of greater than one complete cycle. Although common phase controls will allow you to align the waveform such that the peaks and troughs coincide, they do not always allow you to align to the same peak and trough. In order to achieve this, a delay line must be inserted in the system, which then begins to make things unwieldy -- one reason why the placement of your sub is vitally important.
Placing Your Subwoofer
Many people who have never actually worked with subwoofers say that it doesn't really matter where you put the sub, because low frequencies are omnidirectional. However, this statement is very misleading, because the physical placement of the subwoofer has a huge effect on its frequency response. Also, the interaction between the sub, satellites and listening room will cause peaks and troughs in the frequency and time domains, the effects
The closed-box speaker construction, with its typical frequency response.
Conversely, and perhaps this is the root of the aforementioned incorrect advice, the ear cannot detect the physical location of a sub in a sensibly installed system. I was recently demonstrating two subs at a hi-fi show in London. One used a 15-inch driver and the other a 6.5-inch driver. The performance of the systems was such that, when operating within their relative capabilities, the only way to ascertain which unit was in use was to feel the bass driver by hand.
Given that the phase of the subwoofer needs to be matched to that of the satellites, it should be clear that the ideal position for the sub places it at the same distance from the listener as the satellites -- this yields the same physical delay for both. Also, as the brain is able to detect the phase errors caused by placing the sub and satellites at different directions relative to the listener, it is reasonable to suggest that the sub is placed in front of the listener along with the satellites. In theory the ideal placement for a stereo system would be centrally between the left and right satellites.
In a multi-channel system there must obviously be a compromise. I would suggest that placement with the front speakers is favoured, as they carry the most important audio information and, once again, a centre position is ideal. However, experimentation shows that any frontal position is workable. The sub should point, or 'fire', directly t
Placement with respect to walls and other large structural features should be considered next. The majority of smaller subs will be designed so that they can be used out of the way against a wall. If such a unit is used freestanding, the frequency response and output level will suffer. On the other hand, a number of companies produce subs which are designed to be used freestanding and give best results when moved away from walls or other hard surfaces. The rule here is to check with the manufacturer and experiment with placement and/or listening position when performing the system setup.
When choosing a frontal position, care has to be taken if the sub is placed in a corner, as two problems arise. Firstly, corner placement will increase the low bass output of the sub and will often make it boomy. Secondly, using only one subwoofer will encourage the formation of standing waves in the room. This effect is exaggerated with a sub placed in only one corner. The effect of this can be heard as uneven bass throughout the listening room with some areas being boomy and some being bass light. It is possible to minimise this problem by using two subs, along with a shelving filter that curtails the rise in low end -- an approach I use in my own listening room.
Group Delay
Loudspeakers, by their very nature, delay signals at certain frequencies more than at others, and thi
Group delay is the least-considered loudspeaker parameter, but it is important, because, in some loudspeaker designs, the delay can be very large (ie. greater than 50ms) in the low-frequency area. If the chosen crossover frequency coincides with a large delay, the placement and phase problems will be impossible to resolve successfully, and a bass manager will be vital in that case. Group delay is normally far larger in satellites with ports than with closed boxes, although the bass response of ported designs is normally better.
Group delay problems can be minimised by following these guidelines.
Choose satellites designed for low group delay.
Check the frequency of maximum delay with the manufacturer, and don't use it as the crossover point.
Set the crossover point at least 10-15Hz higher than the satellite -3dB frequency, if using bass management.
In order to obtain truly seamless integration of the sub, you should choose satellites that go down to at least 70Hz. I have listened to and tested many systems that are designed to cross over at between 100Hz and 250Hz. The results are always disappointing, and these systems tend to sound disjointed and separate and can certainly not, to my ears, be classed as monitor systems or even hi-fi.
What Crossover Frequency Should I Use?
The crossover frequency between the sub and the satellites will normally be in the region of 40Hz to 90Hz, and will be dictated mainly by the low-frequency performance of the satellites and the group delay at the crossover frequency. To find a good starting point, check the low-frequency response figures given by the manufacturer -- if using a bass manager, add 10-15Hz. This crossover point should be adjusted when performing the final setup.
In order to obtain truly seamless integration of the sub, you should choose satellites that go down to at least 70Hz. I have listened to and tested many systems that are designed to cross over at between 100Hz and 250Hz. The results are always disappointing, and these systems tend to sound disjointed and separate and can certainly not, to my ears, be classed as monitor systems or even hi-fi.
The Step-by-step Guide To Setting Up Your System
Advising people on the best way to set up a sub/satellite system is a thorny business and one that has led me to exchange heated emails with many 'professional' installers in the past. While, ideally, the setup method should certainly involve detailed measurement using high-resolution test
To help those of you who don't have access to the test equipment, here's my subjective adjustment method. First, place the sub and satellites, paying regard to the points raised above. Next, and this is a caveat, choose a recording with a wide-ranging and evenly recorded bass line. I would suggest that classical music is unsuitable for this, as I know of no piece which has a constant and consistent bass content. My business partner once observed that 'modern' music is more suitable for this because it emulates pink noise better! I use Robben Ford & The Blue Line's song 'You Cut Me To The Bone' as a starting point, for judging bass balance. Note that you should beware of most recordings made during the '70s and '80s as, almost without exception, they are bass-light by today's standards.
Set the crossover frequency, also known as frequency contour on some subs, following the guidelines I've given above. Set the phase control to zero degrees and the output level to minimum. Place yourself in the intended listening position and play the track. Spend some time listening carefully. Listen to the bass line and identify where the bass notes start to tail off.
Increase the sub output level slowly until you judge it to be roughly correct. Listen carefully again, and ask yourself whether the bass
Next, listen to the progression of the bass notes and check whether they are all even. If some frequency regions are more pronounced, you should try adjusting the crossover point slightly to improve the situation. If this doesn't help, reset the crossover point and vary the phase in small steps -- note that the most successful phase setting will not always give a bass maximum. If this also fails, try inverting the sub signal and then repeating the above steps. If you cannot get an even response using any of these methods, try siting the sub differently and then repeating all steps.
When you are happy with the results, play a range of music and make small adjustments if required. Finally you should remember that the extra octaves that the sub adds may excite your room in ways you have not previously heard. Although, without specialist acoustic treatments, there is little that you can do about this, usable results are normally obtainable by changing the positioning of either the sub or your listening position.
As long as you specify your speakers sensibly, you should be able to get good performance out of any sub and satellite system, especially if your funds allow use of a bass manager. Just be sure to take enough time to make the careful subjective judgments which will allow you to properly align the system.
2.1 Monitor System
This interesting monitor system uses the natural roll-off of the satellite speakers to provide the crossover with the subwoofer.
Studio Nearfield Reference Monitors
Building to a price inevitably entails compromises. The art is in choosing the right ones...
Three-way Active Monitors
Sometimes, a dose of old-fashioned good engineering delivers something well worth listening to...
Active Two-way Studio Monitors
Their A7 nearfield monitors received many plaudits, not least in the pages of SOS, but manufacturer Adam thought there was room for improvement.
Active Nearfield Monitors
PMC broke new ground a decade ago with their TB2 monitors, but the competition have been catching up. Does PMCs new activated design nudge them back to the front of the pack?
Secondary Reference Monitors
Avantone have added on-board amplification to their contemporary take on the classic Horrortone secondary monitor, and the result is something quite special...
Two-way Nearfield Active Monitors
India may be a growing force in most industries these days, but few Indian pro-audio companies have made it into Western markets. Can Sonodynes speakers change all that?
Monitor Speakers
The time-domain response of monitors is often sacrificed for level, but this sealed-cabinet design tackles that issue head-on...
Nearfield Monitor Speakers
With digital and analogue inputs, these small speakers from newcomers Infrasonic promise a lot for the money. Can they outperform their budget price tag?
2.1 Monitoring System
If you demand brutal and revealing precision from your monitors, read on...
Active Three-way Monitors
As well as a distinctive design, these huge nearfield monitors offer a frequency and time-domain performance that compares with the best.
Studio Reference Monitors
Adam make the leap to a three-way speaker design that seems to pay dividends in clarity and separation.
Monitor Speakers
JBL have a reputation for clinically precise monitors, but this time theyve come up with something a little smoother...
Active Monitors
Coaxially-mounted speakers may seem a bit old-school, but theres nothing wrong with the theory — and a touch of DSP can make them very modern indeed!
DSP Reference Monitors
Built-in DSP extends the flexibility and usefulness of these capable speakers.
Studio Monitors
Events new owners make some extravagant claims for these new high-end monitors, whose design is said to put quality first. Do they live up to the hype?
Studio Monitors & Subwoofer
Samsons new low-cost nearfields can produce a big sound, but do they measure up for serious mixing? We find out.
Active Monitors
Ribbon tweeters can yield a smooth sound, while still capably reproducing transient detail — and the Pro Ribbon range promises to do so for an attractive price.
Active Nearfield Monitors
Focal control everything from design to manufacture in their factory in France — and this approach appears to be paying off.
Active Midfield Monitors
Getting the balance right between the benefits and disadvantages of ported and non-ported speaker designs is a tricky job, and K+H do it better than most with this ported model.


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Director Stresses Intel at 2007 IACP
Director to Police Chiefs
Intelligence is Our Future
|Director Mueller speaks at the International
Association of Chiefs of Police conference
in San Diego, California.
Whether investigating a terrorist plot against the U.S. hatched overseas or combating gang-related violence on our city streets, intelligence is key to keeping Americans safe.
That was FBI Director Robert Mueller's main message as he spoke today in San Diego at the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference.
Americans, according to Mueller, look to law enforcement to carry out multiple missions—"to dismantle gangs openly wreaking havoc on the streets while also detecting terrorist cells operating in secret….to investigate white collar crimes on Wall Street while also nabbing bank robbers on Main Street." And regardless of jurisdiction, he said that "the reality for the FBI and for each of your departments is that we must accomplish all of these missions."
How we do that? By working cooperatively to gather, analyze, and share intelligence across geographic and agency lines. Mueller emphasized that we have to "determine what we know, what we don't know, and find ways to fill the gap."
He acknowledged that while countering terrorism is the FBI's top priority, it might not be the primary mission of some state and local law enforcement agencies, "especially those of you whose cities have experienced a spike in violent crime." So during his remarks he highlighted intelligence tools the FBI uses to combat terrorists and spies that we're also using to help fight crime at the local level.
For example:
- Project PinPoint, a geospatial mapping technology that allows us to "combine and visually map crime data from a multitude of agencies—everything from shootings to sources, and from outstanding warrants to open investigations," said Mueller. By merging the Bureau's intelligence with that of our state and local partners, we're better able to recognize crime problems and see patterns, as well as link crimes, develop additional tips and leads, and manage our resources.
- COMPSTAT (which stands for "comparative statistics"), a management tool pioneered by local law enforcement that uses computers, statistics, and mapping on a regular basis, generating intelligence to keep agencies abreast of current crimes and crime trends. The FBI has begun using it to help us chart key threats in different regions of the country—both national security-related and criminal. The intelligence gleaned from the process helps to "re-direct our resources, re-task our current sources, and recruit new ones," explained Mueller.
- Joint task forces, including three specific ones with the Chicago Police Department focusing on gangs. Two take a more traditional approach, which is to gather intelligence over time that targets group leaders and dismantles gangs from the top down. But to make the streets of Chicago safer for residents right now, the third task force works on short-term cases to get those directly responsible for the violence off the streets. Gang cases worked by all three task forces are driven by intelligence. "Short-term investigations turn up intelligence that informs our long-term investigations," said Mueller, "and vice versa."
In the end, the successful use of intelligence depends heavily on these kinds of cooperative relationships. Added Mueller, "When we all bring some pieces of the puzzle to the table, we can put the picture together much faster."
- Mueller's speech
- More intelligence stories

subset: commoncrawl


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After reading the rules for the Guinness record for cycling around the world on Mark Beaumont's site, I was wondering if there are any rules as to time discounted when it is necessary to travel by sea or air on a brevet or similar long distance ride. If a brevet took place on a small island and a boat ride was necessary to complete the trip, would the time spent on the boat be taken from the total ride time?
This doesn't have any real-life implications for me, I'm just bored and letting my mind wonder a little too much.


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The Les Mis cast from the Muni last year is reuniting for a concert version of the show. It happens this weekend at the Hoogland. Joey talks with Jack McLaughlin (Joey's son & Gavroche) and Gus Gordon (Thenardier) about the show. Get tickets for this weekends performances here.
Podcast (morning-newswatch-od): Play in new window | Download


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EUGENE, Ore. - The Oregon men's and women's cross country teams will open the 2012 season Saturday at the Pier Park Invitational in Portland, Ore. The men's 6,000 meter race opens the day at 10:30 a.m., followed by the women's 5,000 meter run at 11:15 a.m.
The Ducks will race against men's teams from Portland and Portland State, while the women will face the Pilots and Vikings as well as Oregon State. The meet will be scored as a three-way dual among the men's teams and a four-way dual for the women. Eugene's Northwest Christian University and Clark College will also send teams to Pier Park.
Several Ducks could see their first varsity cross country action for Oregon, including senior transfers Alexi Pappas and Katie Conlon for the women. Conversely a number of younger runners will debut for the men, including redshirt freshmen Chris Brewer and Matthew Melancon and true freshman Joe Holvey.
The meet in the Rose City will be a homecoming of sorts for sophomore Daniel Winn (Cleveland High School). Other state natives running for the Ducks this weekend include senior Taylor Wallace (Klamath Falls), junior Tim Costin (Springfield), sophomore Cole Watson (Rogue River) and freshmen Holvey and Melancon, both from Eugene.
The Oregon women opened the year at No. 1 in the USTFCCCA preseason poll, while the men were No. 22. Portland's men are No. 7, while the Pilot women are among the teams also receiving votes.
In the West Region rankings, the Duck women are No. 1 with UP sixth. Portland's men are No. 1 with the Ducks fourth.
PIER PARK INVITATIONAL MEET DETAILS - Pier Park, Portland, Ore.
Time: 10:30 a.m. PDT
Length: 6,000 Meters
Results: www.portlandpilots.com/www.goducks.com
Teams (5): Oregon, Portland, Portland State, Clark College, Northwest Christian.
Oregon Entries: Those making their debuts for the Ducks could include redshirt freshmen Chris Brewer and Matthew Melancon and true freshman Joe Holvey. Other tentative entries for the Ducks include juniors Ben DeJarnette, Tim Costin and Mitch Hunt and sophomores Colby Alexander, Cole Watson and Daniel Winn.
Time: 11:15 a.m. PDT
Length: 5,000 Meters
Results: www.portlandpilots.com/www.goducks.com
Teams (6): Oregon, Oregon State, Portland, Portland State, Clark College, Northwest Christian.
Oregon Entries: A pair of senior transfers may be donning the Oregon singlet for the first time - Alexi Pappas from Dartmouth and Katie Conlon from Jamestown (N.D.) College. The remainder of the entries are returning letterwinners including seniors Becca Friday, Anne Kesselring, Sarah Penney and Taylor Wallace, and sophomore Megan Patrignelli.
The top five finishers account for the team dual score and the next two may displace runners from opposing teams.
In the last half century, no other conference can match the league's combined 19 NCAA men's and women's team championships in cross country.
Combined NCAA Team Titles by Conference, 1958-present
19 Pacific-12 Conference
15 Big East Conference
13 Southeastern Conference
10 Big XII
9 Big Ten
9 Conference USA
The Ducks open the season in earnest with the seventh annual Bill Dellinger Invitational, Saturday, Sept., 29 at Springfield Golf Course.
On the heels of their third NCAA top-five finish in the last five years, the Women of Oregon figure to be one of the more seasoned and talented squads nationally in 2012.
Senior Jordan Hasay leads a host of upperclassmen rich with postseason experience, while newcomers Alexi Pappas and Allie Woodward could push the Ducks' depth and talent level up several notches this fall.
Hasay is one of seven seniors on the roster, and will undoubtedly be one to watch in 2012. The Arroyo Grande, Calif., native was the 2011 NCAA runner-up, won the NCAA West Regional title and was third at the Pac-12 meet.
She is now the most decorated runner in school history with 14 All-America awards combined between cross country and track and field.
Fortunately, she won't be alone when it comes to leadership. Fellow seniors Becca Friday, Anne Kesselring, Sarah Penney and Taylor Wallace all have run championship-level races.
Kesselring (Nurnberg, Germany) has three NCAA Championships appearances to her credit, while Friday (Bellingham, Wash.) has one, despite the fact that those two are more disposed to the middle distances during the track season.
Penny (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) made her Pac-12 and NCAA West Regional debut in 2012, while Wallace (Klamath Falls, Ore.) has three straight conference cross country appearances.
Junior Lanie Thompson emerged as a consistent fourth runner for the Ducks in 2011. The High Bridge, N.J., native has appeared in every championship level race for the Ducks each of the past two years to join Hasay and Kesselring on a very short list.
The sophomore class is loaded with potential. Molly Grabill (Poway, Calif.) was the only freshman to run in the NCAA Championships for the Ducks in 2011. Megan Patrignelli (Monroe, N.Y.) made her debut at the Pac-12 meet, while middle distance specialist Laura Roesler (Fargo, N.D.) also added depth.
The Ducks will need to replace their No. 2 and No. 3 runners following the graduation of Claire Michel and Bronwyn Crossman.
To that end, Oregon has a pair of transfers and a number of freshmen.
On of the most intriguing newcomers to cross country may already be on the team. Allie Woodward redshirted the 2011 season her first fall in Eugene, but the Green Bay, Wis., native impressed in the spring, taking third in the 10,000 at the Pac-12 championships, before finishing fifth at that distance at the NCAA Championships. She went on to win the U.S. junior title at 5,000 meters and placed eighth at the IAAF World Junior Championships.
She'll be joined by a pair of senior transfers - Alexi Pappas from Dartmouth and Katie Conlon from Jamestown (N.D.) College. Pappas is a talented veteran distance runner who finished third in the steeplechase at the 2012 NCAA Championships.
The Ducks also have a group of freshmen newcomers in Skylar Evans (Midlothian, Va.), Megan Fristoe (Bend, Ore.), Annie Leblanc (Repentigny, Quebec), Abbey Leonardi (Kenebunkport, Maine) and Ashley Maton (Bend, Ore.).
With only two seniors on the roster, Oregon will be a young, but talented team in 2012.
The Ducks graduated four-time All-American Luke Puskedra and fellow senior Chris Kwiatkowski from last season's squad, but return seven runners from the 2011 Pac-12 Championships, and four who appeared at the NCAA West Regional.
The team will be led by Parker Stinson, a junior from Austin, Texas, who was seventh at the Pac-12 meet a year ago and 17th at the Regional. He'll be joined by Jeramy Elkaim, a sophomore from Livingston, N.J., who impressed as a freshman with a 20th-place finish at the league championships and a 38th-place showing at the Regional.
Ryan Pickering also continued the youth movement; the sophomore from West Palm Beach, Fla., was 39th at the 2011 Pac-12 Championships and also qualified for the IAAF World Junior Championships in the 10,000 meters.
The experience on the Oregon squad is impressive.
Junior Ben DeJarnette, from Mechanicsville, Va., has appeared in every championship race for the Ducks over the last two seasons, while Oregon's underclassmen look to become the leaders of the future.
The 2011 season proved to be a great testing ground for sophomores Boru Guyota (Portland, Ore.), Matt Jablonski (Cockeysville, Md.) and Cole Watson (Rogue River, Ore.) who all ran at the Pac-12 Championships.
The Ducks also featured juniors Tim Costin (Springfield, Ore.), Mitch Hunt (Fremont, Neb.) and Hank Morrison (Carmel, Calif.) and sophomores Colby Alexander (Strongsville, Ohio) and Daniel Winn (Portland, Ore.) during the 2011 season.
Oregon had a number of freshmen redshirt the 2012 season, including Chris Brewer (Vista, Calif.), Russell Hornsby (Williamsburg, Va.), Matthew Melancon (Eugene, Ore.) and Chad Noelle (Greene, N.Y.).
The four newcomers for 2012 will make for some intriguing additions to the roster, especially Trevor Dunbar, who should have an immediate impact. The senior from Kodiak, Alaska, was a two-time cross country All-American for the University of Portland before transferring to Oregon in January.
Dunbar was 35th at the NCAA Championships in 2011 as a junior to help the Pilots take eighth in the team competition (30:05, 10,000 meters). He finished 25th as a sophomore at the NCAA meet in 2010 (30:21).
The Ducks have also brought in Freddy Ovett (Melbourne, Australia) from overseas, as well as Virginia transfer Patrick Todd.
In recent seasons, the men have experienced success on a national level rarely seen in TrackTown USA. Oregon won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2007 and 2008, and followed that with a runner-up finish in 2009. Those results harken back to the era of the legendary Steve Prefontaine, when the Ducks won national titles in 1971, 1973 and 1974, were second in 1970 and third in 1972.
The last four years have certainly lived up to the heritage established by the legends of TrackTown USA. In 24 NCAA championships and 16 Pac-10 championships, the Men and Women of Oregon have won 14 championships and another 13 silver medals. Here's the list from the last four years:
Gold - Champions Silver - Runners-up
2008 NCAA Men's Cross Country 2008 NCAA Women's Cross Country
2008 Pac-10 Men's Cross Country 2008 Pac-10 Women's Cross Country
2009 NCAA Men's Indoor Track & Field 2009 NCAA Women's Outdoor Track & Field
2009 Pac-10 Women's Track & Field 2009 NCAA Men's Outdoor Track & Field
2009 Pac-10 Men's Track & Field 2009 NCAA Women's Cross Country
2010 NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field 2009 NCAA Men's Cross Country
2010 Pac-10 Women's Track & Field 2009 Pac-10 Women's Cross Country
2010 Pac-10 Men's Track & Field 2009 Pac-10 Men's Cross Country
2011 NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field 2010 NCAA Men's Indoor Track & Field
2011 Pac-10 Women's Track & Field 2010 NCAA Women's Outdoor Track & Field
2011 Pac-10 Men's Track & Field 2010 Pac-10 Men's Cross Country
2012 NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field 2011 NCAA Women's Outdoor Track & Field
2012 Pac-10 Women's Track & Field 2012 NCAA Women's Outdoor Track & Field
2012 Pac-10 Men's Track & Field
- www.GoDucks.com -


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American Fidelity Assurance Co. has acquired JPMorgan Chase Bank Tower in Arlington. The 267,780-square-foot, 12-story office tower was sold by Brookfield Real Estate Opportunity Group for an undisclosed sum.
Gary Carr, Russell Ingrum, Eric Mackey, and Robert Hill of CBRE represented the seller in the deal.
The office building sits on 11 acres at 500 E. Border in Arlington, and is 95 percent occupied. Lead tenants include JPMorgan Chase, Texas Health Resources, and Trend Micro, a global technology firm.
Along with a recent $1.2 million upgrade, amenities at the property include an on-site bank, deli, conference center, and easy access to the University of Texas at Arlington's campus and Arlington's entertainment district, including Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Texas Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags over Texas, and the Arlington Convention Center.


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Treat Your Tinnitus with These Guidelines
Article by Douglas Ciricillo
Tinnitus, or the sensation of hearing sounds in your ear, is a difficult problem that can be hard to deal with. There are many possible treatments for tinnitus, which will vary depending on what's causing it.
The following are some treatments for tinnitus that often prove to be useful, though every case is a little different. Among these treatments may be one that is appropriate for your condition.
Certain drugs have been shown to decrease the symptoms associated with tinnitus which are available from your physician. If you suffer from hypertension, more than likely the same drug that you are taking to help you with that medical condition can help minimize the symptoms of tinnitus. There are many different diseases, such as depression and heart problems, that have drug treatments that can actually remove the ringing in your ears. Whether or not any of these medications will help relieve your tinnitus symptoms is something you can only find out by trying them. If your tinnitus symptoms begin to worsen, such as increased ringing or buzzing noises within the ears, you should contact your doctor immediately as this may be a side effect of the drug itself. Some people find information saying that tinnitus can't be cured so they don't even think about asking a doctor for help. This is a terrible choice to make because some medical conditions present first as tinnitus–conditions that need specific medical treatment. An example of this is hypertension–a serious and often life threatening condition that can cause tinnitus in some patients. It's also possible that through the course of treating your illness you'll both cure your tinnitus and build a happier and healthier body for yourself to live in. So though your physician might not have a cure for your tinnitus he is still worth visiting to make sure that the tinnitus isn't a symptom of something bigger.
Tinnitus can sometimes be relieved through hypnosis -either self-hypnosis using a program you've downloaded or going to a trained professional. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, and what kind of "subject" you are, this might or might not be the right treatment for you. If a doctor can tell you why you have tinnitus, you should focus on addressing the underlying problem; hypnosis, however, is a viable method when the cause can't be determined. The hypnotherapist, or even a good audio program with suggestions, can reprogram the subconscious mind into relaxing and perhaps even putting an end to your tinnitus symptoms. If you search, you can probably find an audio hypnosis program with spoken or perhaps subliminal suggestions that are aimed specifically at treating tinnitus. Tinnitus can be a difficult problem to treat, and hypnosis is a possible alternative when other tactics have failed.
The above tinnitus treatments may be helpful for you, but it's important to remember that each case is a little different so you may have to try more than one approach. No one wants to have to listen to constant ringing or buzzing in their ears, and in many cases even doctors aren't much help. Even if it takes some time to find the appropriate tinnitus treatment for you, rest assured that it exists.
Although the fact that there is no complete cure for tinnitus, there are several excellent guides which can reveal to you the best strategies to deal with this situation.
If you really wish to boost the odds to cure the tinnitus naturally and safely I will recommend checking this review on Tinnitus Miracle and to learn about one of the most recommended holistic systems to cure tinnitus in these days.
If you are also interested in a healthy diet plan to improve your overall health then you might also find The Diet Solution Program to be helpful for you.
About the Author
To help you find the right tinnitus treatment, we will be talking about a couple of different approaches that may work for you.


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The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed in the 19th century, predating even the concept of touchtyping. As such, it came with significant flaws: most obviously, the common Y and extremely common T were placed on awkward spots, while the uncommon K and very rare J were given privileged positions. Though the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout corrected some of these flaws, its large deviation from the, by then, de facto QWERTY standard made it difficult to adopt.
The Colemak Layout. Changes from QWERTY in bold.
Colemak is a modern alternative to the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts. It is designed for efficient and ergonomic touch typing in English, but in addition, it is designed to provide QWERTY users an easy transition:
Colemak is similar enough that QWERTY touchtypists can learn it 3-5 keys at a time, reducing both the effort and risk normally associated with switching layouts.
Unlike Dvorak, Colemak preserves most of QWERTY's left-side Ctrl- shortcuts, with ZXCV and destructive shortcuts such as Ctrl-Q, Ctrl-W generally unchanged, and some others (Ctrl-R) even improved. For more details, see Shortcuts.
Despite changing only 17 keys from QWERTY (compared to Dvorak's 33), Colemak stands on its own, beating Dvorak in the Carpalx and MTGAP analyses. Notably:
Colemak avoids upper-row pinkie usage: Q (0.11%) and :; (0.29%), compared to Dvorak's " ' (0.48%) and infamous L (3.22%).
The "annoying" QWERTY Y position is assigned the very rare J (0.13%), rather than Dvorak's F (1.71%).
Very low same-finger: Colemak scores 1.72% (once every 58 keys on average) under standard touchtyping, or 1.90% (once every 53 keys) if you hit C with your index finger. For comparison, Dvorak scores 2.36% (once every 42 keys) and QWERTY 4.95% (once every 20 keys).¹
Rare row-jumping: QWERTY requires your hand to jump directly between the top and bottom row once every 14 keys on average. By contrast, Colemak only does so every 155 keys, Dvorak every 156 keys on average.
This was a summary of what I feel to be Colemak's most important points. For more details, see the main website (including downloads). If you are a QWERTY touchtypist and interested in transitioning 3-5 keys at a time, see the post below for a brief summary of Tarmak, or this thread for more details and downloads.
Last edited by lalop (28-May-2014 19:50:20)
Of all the keyboard layouts currently in circulation, I believe Colemak to have the best shortcuts by far, surpassing even QWERTY's. Not only does it preserve most of QWERTY's left-side Ctrl- shortcuts; several important ones are actually moved closer, resulting in a left-side shortcut density of nearly 100%.
The following image assumes Ctrl has been moved to Caps Lock (rather than the Colemak default - IMNSHO, a mistake - of having it be an extra Backspace):
Green shortcuts are preserved on their QWERTY positions.
Blue shortcuts are improved from their QWERTY positions.
Ctrl-S is minutely worsened (though placed on a stronger finger). Ctrl-D and E are significantly worsened.
Destructive shortcuts (e.g. Ctrl-Q, Ctrl-W, Ctrl-X) tend to be preserved.
Emacs-users may find C-r/C-s (incremental reverse/forward search) amazing compared to their QWERTY positions.
Last edited by lalop (04-May-2014 12:32:59)
The Tarmak transitional layouts allow for Colemak to be learned 3-5 keys at a time, rather than all at once.
This allows not only for a more tractable transition (3-5 keys per stage vs. 33 keys (Dvorak) or 17 keys (Colemak) all at once), but for reduced risk while transitioning. The more gradual steps allow for shorter disruptions to one's work, while progression to the next stage can be scheduled for a convenient time. Even if one is unexpectedly stuck on a Tarmak stage, one would still retain its intermediate benefits.
Note that Tarmak is only really useful for QWERTY touchtypists (since it builds upon the muscle memory of QWERTY); otherwise, it may be easier just to learn Colemak from scratch.
For more information, analyses, testimonials, and downloads, see this thread.
Last edited by lalop (22-Jul-2014 05:28:38)
The content of this thread was originally a suggestion of how the colemak website might be updated. If you are able to put it to that purpose, that would be awesome!
Otherwise, it serves as a short summary of Colemak talking points. You may link to it, quote it, use the arguments as you please.
Unfortunately, I've seen enough misinformation going around about how QWERTY is "no worse" than the optimized layouts, that I thought I should immediately list some ways in which (if the reader takes even a moment to look) QWERTY is obviously flawed.
Make github version?
Pick a better title?
Find a way to fit an actual picture of colemak (and probably QWERTY/Dvorak, for comparison). When I tried putting one in the OP, it only made it look more cluttered. Perhaps in the second post? Help from UI-minded people appreciated. Done, though further proposals are always welcome.
Get values for same-finger that include punctuation. Probably make a new thread to avoid footnote clutter.
License: All of my own content of my posts in this thread is released under the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication.
The Colemak image in the first post, and Tarmak gif are by DreymaR.
Last edited by lalop (22-May-2014 13:35:35)
¹ Same-finger is defined here as the proportion of text for which the same finger has to immediately type two different keys. So, for example, having to type "QA" would be an instance of same-finger in QWERTY standard touchtyping, while having to type "QQ" would not be.
Standard touchtyping has artifacts unfavorable to Colemak; actual same-finger is probably better. For example, the model suggests that one would type '<Return>' (single-quotes before and after the Enter key) solely with the pinkie, moving it twice in the process! In reality, the pinkie and ring-finger would probably both be used in that case.
If <Return> is ommitted from the analysis, Colemak's same-finger improves to 1.27% (once every 79 keys on average), or 1.45% (once every 69 keys) if you hit C with the index finger. Dvorak's becomes 2.05% (once every 49 keys), and QWERTY's 4.50% (once every 22 keys).
Last edited by lalop (28-May-2014 19:34:35)
Less distinguished, but still noteworthy features include:
Note the most common English letters, ETAOINSHRD, on the home row.
Last edited by lalop (25-Jul-2014 19:04:41)
This is brilliant Lalop!
The Colemak images I've made are released freely; the "IBM-style" ones have their own CC license (CC 3.0 BY-NC-SA). So feel free to include the heat map one without further comment (unless the patorjk analyzer requires anything – which I'm pretty sure it doesn't). Also, let me know if you need any particular variants of my images. If you think my IBM-style images are too gaudy or something (they don't have to be you know), there's always the good old SEO one:
By the way, any feedback on my new Tarmak presentation topic? It was about time a new one was made and especially since it concerns the very first contact with Colemak! I just hope it's clear and attractive to the newcomers.
Last edited by DreymaR (05-May-2014 10:27:17)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
Here are a few more images I whipped up. Want anything like that?
CmkNew, ANSI "IBM" board, gray (blurred)
CmkNew, ISO "IBM" board, tinted
These are scaled down to 60 dpi. They look better at 90 dpi if you're okay with the size (812 vs 542 pixels wide).
Last edited by DreymaR (05-May-2014 12:34:30)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
I think an ideal might be a small, gray/tinted, non-distracting image showing colemak, qwerty, and dvorak next to each other for comparative purposes, between the first and second paragraphs.
I don't have a very good UI sense, however. If you have anything you think fits well somewhere in the first post, just tell me and I'll put it in.
I'll leave some feedback on the tarmak thread shortly.
Last edited by lalop (05-May-2014 12:41:37)
I've tried making such images, but showing all three side by side gets messy whenever I've tried it at least. Actually I don't think you need to show the Dvorak layout. Either people will be familiar with it already or they can easily look it up elsewhere. Also, most people will have a QWERTY right in front of them and/or a profound knowledge of its design.
I'm making a small Tarmak animation pic, as a result of me producing a set of help images for PKL. Maybe we can use that for something? :)
Here it is; let me know if you think anything should be different! I think it moves too fast now but I couldn't figure out how to set a different speed from the one the GIMP suggested (100 ms per frame) without manually editing all 32 frame descriptions.
Last edited by DreymaR (20-May-2014 11:39:59)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
That's awesome! I think it would be useful to put in sigs linking to this thread (slash website, if it ever gets that far).
convert -delay 35x100 Tarmak_SpectralAnimation_45d.gif Tarmak_SpectralAnimation_45d_slower.gif
from this recipe, I get:
I would also consider making J blue throughout. I think it'd be less confusing that way.
For the original post: I'm liking the look of the "small" tinted gif version (the freezeframe with all black letters). In particular, getting rid of the number row reduces distraction, though I'm not 100% sure about the punctuation on the right side; I might keep that. It also doesn't look as good as the higher dpi one, so maybe just keep that DPI or there's some smallest intermediate size that still looks okay? Use your discretion and I'll put that between the 1st and 2nd paragraphs I guess.
Edit: cropping the high DPI pic gets me:
(If I read correctly, these two are released under CC 3.0 BY-NC-SA and are modified from the original.)
Trying this on for size.
Is it possible/advisible to make it even darker? Say, the color of the shift key? Edit 5: Also, would it be possible to distinguish the home keys slightly? I've already had someone say they were confused of where the home row was supposed to be.
Edit 2: These are cropped from your "Space: The Final Frontier" one:
I reckon they don't look as good as partial images; perhaps if the letters were made bigger? This one is nice in showing the punctuation in more detail.
Edit 3: These are nice and small from a non-intrusiveness perspective... perhaps too small?
Cropped from the website:
Cropped from one of your images. Not sure if the colors help or are distracting in this case.
Edit 5: would it be possible to distinguish the home row keys (say in Edit 1?). I've already had someone say they were confused of where the home row was supposed to be.
Edit 6:
Found this. Currently I'm trying out the 500px rendering, but it's svg so if you want to resize/work any magic on it (tint it, distinguish the home keys?), that would be cool!
Edit 7: I still think the image is distracting. Suggestions (including "you're just imagining things") appreciated.
Last edited by lalop (06-May-2014 05:24:21)
Heh, let's see...
I don't think we can use sig pics in this forum, or a Tarmak transition animation might indeed happen there. I'll look into your tips which I think are good; I already thought of the J color and in addition I think I'll darken it or something to make it less obtrusive.
Ugh, I don't like the Wikipedia SVG images! They convey info, but that's all they do.
Thanks for looking into the GIF thing. But I had a delay at each completed transition which is lost using that ImageMagick trick. So I guess I'll just have another shot at GIMP; I have an idea now.
As you can see, the small (45 dpi) image is small enough and looks good. The 60 dpi image gets some problems which I've been unable to solve because the gutter lines between keys are 2 px at the native 90 dpi which means that some will be 1 and some 2 and that looks horrible. So it's either 90 or 45 dpi but I think 45 works well for our purposes!
Not sure exactly where you're going with the cropping examples (or with Edit 7?)? I think that the tightly cropped image is the best way of showing the Tarmak transitions at least, but maybe the whole main block is better for a generic Colemak image (like I've done in the Big Bag topics). I'd still drop the Space bar row, and probably leave out the markings for the modifier/special keys.
Since different people use different symbols, I try to leave them out of this when cropping so they don't confuse anyone. A Norwegian user might think that if the brackets have to be there on the right side that's a problem since he/she might want to keep the Norwegian ÆØÅ letters there as before! Also, cropping off the symbols makes the image more symmetric around the DH position which is the "typing origo" if you wish.
I've made homing nubs in the images, as a subtle home row indicator. I'll look into something more substantial.
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
People now don't trust in PR, but trust what their friends told them. A review of Colemak in Geekhack.org, Overclock.net, Deskthority, Facebook or reddit would be very good.
My fastest typing records http://hi-games.net/profile/4314
My switching experience http://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?id=970
True about those reviews, Tony. But people are a varied group. We've had people come in here and feel confused and put off since the info is badly organized, poorly graphically presented and (out)dated. Those people may or may not trust in PR, but they do want the info well presented! And that's what Lalop is working on here.
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
Removing the space from that particular image makes it look funny, I think:
I think there's something to be said for "full information" images like the wiki svg. It provides the most points of reference, with an instantly recognizable general shape. Were any part left ambiguous, people would tend to wonder what is there. The end result, I think, might even be less distracting: it's easy to pattern-match, and the reader can just skim it and move on. So, while I'm not particularly attached to any image, my current impression is that a variation of the svg (tinted, home-rowed, some of the more superfluous labels removed?) might be the best "first colemak image" overall.
Edit: updated OP with my attempt at tinting (including svg file if anyone wants to improve on it)
Edit 2: Alternate version with home row lighter than modifiers
Edit 3: Lighter version
Edit 4: Lightest version
Last edited by lalop (07-May-2014 06:51:46)
I've said it before and I'll repeat it ad nauseam: Sorry, but that wikipedia svg image looks horrible. Horrible, horrible, horrible. I honestly don't think anything can be done to redeem it. :(
tintingshading, unfortunately, doesn't add any clarity I believe. In fact, it lowers the image contrast so that the image becomes more confusing (and it was bad beforehand). The light version with only home row shading is the best, but since it's all in grays the home row emphasis doesn't quite work with the modifier key emphasis. I think you need a little color of sorts – but I'll repeat that this particular image can't be saved in my nsho. ;)
Last edited by DreymaR (07-May-2014 08:52:05)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
Even "horrible" (which I don't exactly see) does not preclude "best first colemak image". The priorities here are:
Pattern matching: the reader should be able to identify the shape of the layout at a glance
Non-distracting: ideally, the reader should be fine with just that one glance to acknowledge that "I'll come back to it later".
Inconspicuous: It should also not capture attention while the reader is reading nearby sections.
A notion of the home keys (doesn't have to be obvious, but should be effortlessly discernible if the reader wants to verify which key is pressed by which finger).
Stretch goal (not met with the current one): make it work well on a black background as well as a white one
As always, I'm open to alternatives.
The light version with only home row shading is the best, but since it's all in grays the home row emphasis doesn't quite work with the modifier key emphasis.
When I tried using the lightest image, it seemed... more painful. Just tried it again and similar result. Possibly the slight contrast with the forum background helps.
Last edited by lalop (07-May-2014 09:38:25)
1. Nope. The gaggle of patterns in that image preclude fast matching. And the stylized grid takes a little while to be recognized as a (paltry) attempt at looking as a keyboard.
2. No. The lack of visual guides and the many disturbing elements distract me to no end at least.
3. No. Too visually noisy, despite being monochrome.
4. Doesn't have that, and I don't think there's an easy way to bake it into that image.
5. Oo, that's tricky. In most cases people make two versions for that demand.
Yes, the lightest image is more painful. The others are just hopeless to look at. ;)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
Again, alternatives. Without them, my choices are limited even if, theoretically, you are correct.
Yes, the lightest image is more painful. The others are just hopeless to look at. ;)
I'm... going to avoid using the more painful one, regardless.
Something along these lines, maybe?
Maybe I was a bit heavy on the green, but I wanted it to stand out. The blurred green makes it seem "marked-up" which is what I was going for. What do you think?
I marked the primary home position keys in a bright green, and the FDHU keys which I consider "secondary home position" light green. I guess this might have to go in a "first encounter image" to prevent confusion, but I'm showing it here.
The image could also be half that size, and/or gray/untinted (I guess my fingering colors will only be confusing here!).
[edit: I removed the FDHU markings again, and lightened up the green.]
Last edited by DreymaR (07-May-2014 12:56:54)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
I like it, but it took me a couple of seconds to realise the scheme. The bold letters being those that change their Qwerty positions. The green I read firstly as English letter frequency/finger wear marks. But then I read your comment about them being your perceived home keys.
What I like is the contrast between Qwerty and Colemak. Perhaps the key changes would be better highlighted in the green. And not trying to put too much into the figure.
Last edited by pinkyache (08-May-2014 00:34:51)
Physicians deafen our ears with the Honorificabilitudinitatibus of their heavenly Panacaea, their sovereign Guiacum.
I was only intent on coloring the eight home keys (if it's not trouble, maybe make that as well for comparative purposes?), but this is interesting too, I guess!
As long as FU is included, I think WY should be as well (incidentally, avoiding unintentional gut reactions about how "is that image flipping me off and/or saying 'F U'?"). I also think DH should be made fainter for two distinct reasons:
Ergonomic perspective: Along with FU, the ring fingers are already "halfway to" WY, whereas DH is a bit more sideways.
Visual perspective: doing so would pretty clearly make the green refer to the two hands.
The image could also be half that size, and/or gray/untinted
I'm guessing 60 dpi (as before) might be best. I personally like this tint, but, as you say, the green is a bit heavy. I think I would prefer the more subdued green (the green currently at FUDH) as the main green, and the secondary greens (if any) even more subdued.
One consideration, though: I've had at least one person tell me they confused the embolded letters with colemak's intended home keys (by an awful coincidence, it's almost those keys but just slightly off). Whatever final color is picked ought to be clear enough to avoid that confusion at least.
Last edited by lalop (07-May-2014 11:45:10)
Done – update your browser window for the new version. I think we just drop the "secondary home" coloring.
You can try rescaling the image yourself, as that's a bit map issue pretty much. But unless you go all the way to 50 % there's usually resampling issues that detract from the image's quality. Too bad.
Not sure what you mean about confusing the bold keys with the home keys, or what final color needs to be picked? At any rate the image caption should specify what the image shows. While that's up, maybe you should mention that ETAOINSHRD are the most common letters in English (and even among the most common letters in most Western languages!). It's nice to look at the picture and see them all placed on the home row I think.
Last edited by DreymaR (07-May-2014 13:01:16)
*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for XKB (Linux) and PKL (Win)
Thanks. The confusion was between the emboldened middle-row letters and the colemak home keys. But it shouldn't be an issue with the new color scheme.
50% (think I'll go with this one to start with):
500px (approx the old size):
Last edited by lalop (07-May-2014 14:16:08)


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Senators Feinstein and Boxer stand up for clean water and river healthJune 7th, 2011

Amy Kober, 503-708-1145
Steve Rothert, 530-277-0448

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today applauded Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for their strong opposition to H.R. 1837, the "San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act," introduced by Congressman Devin Nunes, which would have devastating impacts on rivers, clean water, and communities.
The bill proposes to preempt California state environmental law, override clear scientific evidence and eliminate protections to prevent the extinction of endangered species, undermine a multi-stakeholder consensus agreement, unravel the historic San Joaquin River Settlement Agreement which ended nearly two decades of litigation, and guarantee sweetheart contracts for junior water rights holders.
"Congressman Nunes' bill is a direct assault on the health of the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta and the millions of people who depend on it. American Rivers applauds Senators Feinstein and Boxer for standing up to what the Senators aptly describe as 'dramatic overkill,'" said Andrew Fahlund, Senior Vice President for American Rivers.
The Senators' statement appropriately states, "The answers to California's water challenges lie not in radical proposals to eviscerate state and federal environmental laws and water rights, but rather through the development of balanced, consensus-based solutions that respect the interests of all stakeholders."
"We couldn't agree more with Senators Feinstein and Boxer. The answer to California's water woes lies in collaboration around long-term solutions. That is why American Rivers has invested in negotiations to achieve water security and environmental restoration," explained Fahlund.
"Congressman Nunes is turning his back on communities throughout the Delta and along the coast that depend on healthy rivers and fisheries. Rather than playing the blame game, he needs to roll up his sleeves and find solutions that will work for all Californians," said Fahlund.


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Yugoslavia/Serbia/Croatia: The issuance of Yugoslavian, Serbian and Croatian passports; specifically, eligibility for a Yugoslavian passport between 1989-1993; until when were Yugoslavian passports issued and what were they replaced with; the date Serbian and Croatian passports began to be issued and the requirements of entitlement
|Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
|Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa
|Publication Date
|9 January 2008
|Citation / Document Symbol
|Cite as
|Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Yugoslavia/Serbia/Croatia: The issuance of Yugoslavian, Serbian and Croatian passports; specifically, eligibility for a Yugoslavian passport between 1989-1993; until when were Yugoslavian passports issued and what were they replaced with; the date Serbian and Croatian passports began to be issued and the requirements of entitlement, 9 January 2008, ZZZ102713.E, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/47d6548523.html [accessed 24 May 2016]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), which began disintegrating in the 1990s, consisted of Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia (BBC 5 June 2006). By 1992, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had declared independence (US 1 Jan. 2002). The two remaining republics (Serbia and Montenegro)declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), although many in the international community refused to recognize the FRY (US Feb. 1993, 897).
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
With respect to the availability of passports within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), a 1989 report by the Helsinki Watch Committee states that ordinary Yugoslavs could obtain passports with ease, adding that about half the country's population held passports (1989, 43). However, the report further explains that citizens who had a record of being politically active were sometimes denied passports (Helsinki Watch Committee 1989, 43). The Helsinki Watch Committee report further adds that the SFRY security police could legally withhold a passport for any reason without having to justify their decision (1989, 43). The report goes on to list several cases in which dissidents, including Croatian dissidents, were denied passports (Helsinki Watch Committee, 43-44).
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1991 corroborates this information, indicating that "passports are routinely available to most Yugoslavs" (US Feb. 1992, 1319). However, the report also notes that draft-eligible men, particularly men from Serbia, were required to obtain special permits for travelling abroad (ibid.).
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
Country Reports for 1992 states that passports "are available to most citizens of Serbia and Montenegro" [Federal Republic of Yugoslavia] but adds that until May 1991, citizens "subject to mobilization" could not obtain a passport without first getting permission from military authorities (US Feb. 1993, 904). Country Reports for 1993 similarly states that "most citizens of Serbia/Montenegro" could obtain a passport, although some Kosovar Albanians faced travel restrictions (US Feb. 1994, 1046).
In 1992, the Consul at the Embassy of Yugoslavia stated in an interview conducted by the Research Directorate (then known as the Documentation, Information and Research Branch, DIRB) that the FRY honoured all passports issued by the former SFRY (Yugoslavia 13 May 1992). The Consul further stated that all Yugoslav passports could be renewed and could be used by the holder regardless of which republic he or she lived in (ibid.). In contrast, the Albanian Telegraph Agency (ATA) reported in 1993 that Serbian authorities were refusing to issue passports to "Albanian leaders and intellectuals" (9 Nov. 1993, 41). However, the ATA reports Albanians who seemed unlikely to return to Kosova (also known as Kosovo) could readily obtain passports (9 Nov. 1993, 41)
In a 1994 interview conducted by the Research Directorate, a representative of the FRY in Ottawa reiterated that all passports issued prior to 27 April 1992 – the date the FRY was declared – were still considered valid (Yugoslavia 4 Jan. 1994). The Representative stated that subsequent to 27 April 1992, Serbian authorities issued passports only to residents of Serbia and Montenegro (ibid.).
No information that would corroborate interviews conducted by the Research Directorate in the 1990s could be found among the sources consulted.
Information on the requirements for obtaining a passport between 1989 and 1993 was not found among the sources consulted. However, information pertaining to identity documents was found. In 1995, an official at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia commented in an interview conducted by the Research Directorate that in the SFRY, all citizens were issued an ID card, which was a standard identification document of Yugoslav citizens (Yugoslavia 15 Mar. 1995). The Official stated that SFRY citizens were also issued a certificate of citizenship (ibid.).
Country Reports for 1991 states that the Croatian government required all draft-age men to obtain permission before leaving the area where they live (US Feb. 1992, 1319). The report does not specify who they must obtain permission from (ibid.).
A Legal Affairs Counsellor for the Office of Croatia in Washington, DC informed the Research Directorate in a 1992 telephone interview that Croatia was issuing its own passports (12 June 1992). However, the Counsellor stated that Croatia was also recognizing passports issued by the Yugoslav republic (Croatia 12 June 1992). According to the Counsellor, those holding Yugoslav passports could enter Croatia without a visa, including for the purpose of residence, regardless of their ethnic group or republic of former residence (ibid.). The Counsellor further stated that Croatia was expected to accept Yugoslav passports until October 1992, although the Counsellor qualified this statement by saying no firm decision had yet been made in this regard (ibid.).
An Act Respecting the Travel Documents of Croatian Citizens was adopted in June 1991 (Croatia 26 June 1991). The Act addresses the following travel documents: passports, group passports, diplomatic passports, travel certificates and travel documents issued on the basis of an international agreement (ibid., Art. 4). Travel certificates are issued to citizens living abroad who wish to return to Croatia but lack appropriate travel documents (ibid., Art 9).
The Act states that both individual passports and group passports are issued by the police department or the police station of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that is nearest to the applicant's home (ibid., Art. 19). In an emergency – for example in the event of illness – the Act states that a passport could be issued by a different jurisdiction from the one closest to the applicant's home (ibid.). The number of years for which a passport is valid can vary, as outlined in Articles 13-18 (ibid., Art. 13-18).
The following articles of the Act are relevant to the procedures involved in issuing a passport [translation]:
Article 27
A request for the issue of a travel document shall be submitted on the prescribed form to the government body responsible for issuing travel documents.
A passport, group passport or travel certificate shall be issued at the request of an individual, but a diplomatic passport or an official passport shall be issued at the request of the appropriate government body.
... .
Article 30
A personal identity card or other document that can be used to establish the identity and citizenship of the applicant shall be submitted along with the request for the issue of a passport, group passport or travel certificate.
Article 31
Two photographs of the prescribed size that faithfully portray the applicant shall be submitted along with the request for the issue of a passport or travel certificate.
A passport of which the period of validity has expired or which can no longer serve its purpose shall also be submitted along with the request.... .
Article 32
A conscript (recruit) is also required to submit, along with his request for the issue of a travel document, written permission for travel as provided for in the Statutes on Conscription.
Article 33
The responsible body is required to decide on a request for the issue of a travel document within a period of 15 days from the date of its submission.
As an exception to the provision contained in Paragraph 1 of this Article, the responsible body is required to issue a passport immediately, at the latest within a period of 24 hours after the submission of a request, in emergencies (medical treatment abroad, the death or illness of a family member, an unpostponable business trip, or some other justifiable reason).
Article 34
An applicant shall be refused a request for the issue of a travel document or a visa if there are grounds for suspecting that said applicant:
1. may avoid being present at criminal proceedings or avoid carrying out a judgement that has sentenced said application to prison for a period of longer than three months or the cautionary action of obligatory psychiatric treatment or custody in a medical institution – at the request of the responsible court.
2. may avoid fulfilling a due property-rights obligation resulting from marriage or from the parent-child relationship, a tax obligation, or some other property rights obligation as determined by law and for which there exists an order of execution – at the request of the responsible court; or,
3. may avoid conscription or if there are other reasons provided for by the regulations governing military conscription or service in the armed forces – at the request of the responsible military body.
A request for the issue of a travel document may be refused:
1. if there are grounds for suspicion that the applicant will contravene regulations respecting the export, import, conveyance, or distribution of narcotic substances, or contravene regulations relating to customs or external trade; or,
2. if required by reason of national security or the maintenance of law and order.
A request for the issue of a visa shall also be refused in cases when there is an epidemic of a communicable disease in the country for which the visa is requested.... (Croatia 26 June 1991)
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Albanian Telegraph Agency (ATA) [Tirana]. 8 November 1993. "Prominent Ethnic Albanians Denied Passports." (FBIS-EEU-93-215 9 Nov. 1993, p. 41)
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 5 June 2006. "Profile: Serbia and Montengro."
Croatia. 12 June 1992. Office of Croatia, Washington DC. Telephone interview with a Legal Affairs Counsellor.
_____. 26 June 1991. An Act Respecting the Travel Documents of Croatian Citizens.
Helsinki Watch Committee. 1989. Human Rights Watch. As the Federation Disintegrates: Human Rights in Yugoslavia 1989.
United States (US). 1 January 2002. Central Intelligence Agency. "Yugoslavia." The World Factbook.
_____. Feburary 1994. Department of State."Serbia/Montengro." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1993.
_____. Feburary 1993. Department of State. "Serbia/Montengro." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992.
_____. Feburary 1992. Department of State. "Yugoslavia." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1991.
_____. Yugoslavia. 15 March 1995. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Ottawa. Telephone interview with an official.
_____. 4 January 1994. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Ottawa. Telephone interview with a representative.
_____. 13 May 1992. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Ottawa. Telephone interview with the Consul.
Additional Sources Consulted
Oral sources, including: representatives from the embassy of Croatia, and the embassy of Serbia were unable to provide information within the time constraints of this Response.
Publications, including: Amnesty International Report 1991, Amnesty International Report 1992, Amnesty International Report 1993, Breakdown: War & Reconstruction in Yugoslavia, Yugoslavia: a Country Study.
Internet sites, including: Amnesty International (AI), Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Freedom House, government of the United States, Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Crisis Group (ICG), International Heliniski Federation, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), United Nations (UN).


text:
St James' Park
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Saturday 24 August 2013, 3pm
Premier League
Dan Evans
(West Ham fan)
1. Why you
were looking forward to
going to the ground (or
not as the case may be):
Are you an away or general football fan who has visited St James' Park recently?
If so why not submit your own review of the ground and general day out?
Find out more about how to submit a review
to the Newcastle
United page
Football Ground Guide Index


text:
Redding firefighters extinguish four spot fires along Interstate 5 at Hilltop Drive, likely caused by vehicle
Firefighters in Redding have extinguished four spot fires along Interstate 5 near Hilltop Drive.
The fires were reported around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, along the northbound lanes.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fires in about 10 minutes.
One northbound lane of Interstate 5 was closed to allow fire crews to access the scene. Traffic was slowed in the area.
Initially there were reports of a suspicious person in the area.
A man was detained at the scene but investigators said he was cooperative and believe he was simply in the area at the time.
On Friday afternoon Redding Fire Prevention Division Chief Mike Bachmeyer said while they will never know the exact cause of the fire, they believe it might've been sparked by a vehicle.
A piece of a catalytic converter , part of the exhaust system, was found in the area.
At one point nine engines responded.
Copyright 2013 by KRCRTV.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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This topic is archived and can not be replied to any more.
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Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom StandProduct #449232 Tama 449232 LIQAA Cymbal Stands & Arms https://www.esnapw.com/rses/ESnapServlet?MerchantNumberSent=63655
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An all-new boom stand from Tama rich with new features for convenience and enchanced stability.
The Tama Roadpro Boom Stand has a 1-1/8"-diameter base section, 17-3/4" boom, double-braced legs, quick-set tilter, boom/straight convertible tilter, reversible bottom, Cymbal Mate wing nut, and die-cast connection joint.
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Reviewed by 8 customers
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
Such great stands! At one point in time, I owned 4 of these. However, I downsized, and reluctantly sold 2 of them. These stands are very easy to adjust. The wingnuts are solid and reliable. Everything is smooth and stable. The boom/straight conversion is very easy to do! Loosen a few bolts, adjust the tilters, drop the boom arm into the top tube, and it's all set. The gearless tilter is a definite plus. Adjust the cymbal to ANY angle, tighten it up, and it's SOLID. I haven't had a single problem with slipping at all. Once it's set, it's set, no matter what the angle. The boom arm DOES jiggle a little, when you have it extended farther than half-way. But there's nothing to worry about. I haven't heard any stories of them breaking. I've mounted a 12" tom, 18" crash, and a 10" splash on one stand with no problems whatsoever. Many people actually prefer these stands over the DW 9700 stands, costing twice as much! Very sturdy, especially if you have it straight. Overall, I highly recommend this stand. The feet are large and sturdy. The legs are solid and fold up easily. The entire stand folds up quite compactly. Worth every penny, and more!
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
A simply wonderful stand. I only own two but that's all I really need. The power these stands have is amazing since I have a floor tom and a 22" Ride cymbal on one. They sadly lack memory locks but I ordered some tama memory locks so not too much of a con. BUY THIS!!!
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
I have one of these for my 18" Sabian Crash, and let's just say the cymbal is always where I need it to be. Never moves or falls on me. Extends even more then I need it to (good thing). I suggest getting some of these for yourself. Strong, nice looking, and most of all, inexpensive
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
I'm not sure how the other reviewers stands are set up, however my experience with the road pro boom arm cymbal stand line is that they tend to jiggle up and down as you ride your cymbals or crash. The price is reasonable, but there just seems to be a little to much flex in the boom arm.
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
I purchased three of the cymbal stands and the hi-hat stand together. Two of the cymbal stands have a slight wobble in the leg attachment area - they are strong, but they jiggle back and forth slightly. The other cymbal and the hi-hat stand are both solid and do not jiggle. It seems like the rivets attaching the legs to the tube are not tight enough on half of the stands. Also, no memory locks are included which is a drag. They stand strong though, and they get nice and high.
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
This stand is probably one of the great stands to come out. I mean I have got at least 9 boom stands and this is the most stable, most reliable, and personally the coolest one. I mean I have a 18" AAXplosion crash on it and a Tama 14" by 11" floor tom on it too and does it wobble when I hit either. The only time it would probably fall down is if you purposely tried to push it down. Overall out of 10. 15!
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
Tama has really done it. A great stand for the money! I use this stand to mount a 10 inch tom, along with a 16 inch crash, and it is miles more stable than the Tama swingstar dx stands. This roadpro series stand's shafts are a noticeably bigger diameter than the dx series, which is added security for my expensive investment.
Comments about Tama HC73BWM Roadpro Boom Stand:
This stand is the perfect cymbal stand for any kind of situation. If you practice in a small area, or have limited stage space you can easily convert it to a straight stand, or if you have enough space you can have a boom stand. It's also very durable and doesn't wobble around from vibrations, like those given from the kick drum. I use two now and wouldn't hesitate to purchase a third and or fourth if I wanted to add more cymbals.


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Mar 18, 2014 8:35 AM
Time to add a little of the sweetness of summer to your home decor with the Chelli Pillow ($60). Each and every geometric pear on this is block-printed by hand with eco-friendly dyes in India (the ninth largest producer of the fruit, by the way), and would look great on your three-season porch this spring. Add Elephant Landing's watermelon and pineapple pillows if you really want to commit to the entire fruit salad theme.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Eddie Spaghetti Diagnosed with Cancer; Help Him Fight!
Supersuckers frontman Eddie Spaghetti has been diagnosed with stage 3 oropharynx cancer in his throat. He is finishing up a couple shows with Supersuckers and then will start intensive treatment. If you would like to contribute monetarily to his treatment (touring musicians don't get the high-end healthcare, folks), you can do so here. Every bit helps.
We have released two albums...Read more


text:
|Found 412 Recipes
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Apple Oat Barsby socrtwo 16 servings was assumed to calculate the nutrition information.
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Technology update
Jun 7, 2013
Metal nanotrough networks make good transparent electrodes
Stanford University researchers have succeeded in making a new type of highly flexible transparent electrode that could be ideal for replacing conventional indium tin oxide in high-performance next-generation optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, touch screens and displays, smart windows and skin-like sensors.
Indium tin oxide (ITO) is commonly used to make transparent electrodes today but it is unsuitable for flexible electronic applications because it loses its conductivity when folded. ITO is also brittle – and expensive – so researchers are busy looking for real alternatives. So far, they have put forward conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes and graphene as possible contenders, but while these materials are more flexible, their low conductivity remains a problem.
Metal nanowires are promising too, but to be of any real use, the wires must be made with fewer defects, have high conductivities, be as long as possible (to minimize the number of wire-to-wire contact junctions) and have small junction resistances to boot.
Yi Cui and colleagues are now saying that they have come up with an easy fabrication process that satisfies all of these criteria. Indeed, the team has succeeded in making a new kind of transparent electrode that has a sheet resistance of around just 2 ohms at 90% light transmittance. The electrode is also remarkably flexible and can be both stretched and bent at will without suffering much damage to its electronic properties.
Nanotrough networks
The Stanford researchers produced their electrode, which is made up of freestanding metallic nanotrough networks, using electospinning and metal deposition techniques. They used an electrostatic force to draw continuous polymer nanofibres from a viscous solution and then metallized the fibres to form a highly transparent and conducting network of long nanowires. The process can be used to make continuous nanotrough networks from a wide variety of functional materials, they say, including gold, copper platinum, aluminium, chromium, nickel and their alloys.
Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the networks are made of intertwined metal nanotroughs with widths of around 400 nm and lengths greater than 1 mm. The individual nanotroughs also appear to become naturally interconnected at their junctions during the metal deposition step. The networks can easily be attached to different substrates, such as glass slides, plastic, paper, textiles and even curved glass without any particular surface treatment, thus transforming these non-conducting substrates into highly conducting ones. What is more, the nanonetworks are firmly attached to the substrates and cannot be peeled off easily – even with sticky tape.
Highly transparent
Metal films that are thicker than 80 nm do not usually let light pass through, but the new metal nanowire networks made by Cui's team are highly transparent. Nanowire electrodes made from copper appear to be the best of all the metal electrodes tested with a sheet resistance of just 2 ohms at 90% optical transmittance, 10 ohms at 95% transmittance and 17 ohms at 97% transmittance. These values are comparable to those seen in state-of-the-art device-grade ITO and better than those of other transparent conducting electrodes, made from graphene, carbon-nanotube films and conducting polymers.
"This new type of transparent electrode can be made easily and cheaply," says Cui, "and we hope that it will replace ITO in next-generation, flexible and high-performance optoelectronics devices."
The team is now busy trying to improve the optical transmittance and electrical conductance of its electrodes. "We are also trying to produce very uniform nanotrough networks over a large area," Cui told nanotechweb.org.
The present work is reported in Nature Nanotechnology.
About the author
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org.


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California Home+Design
Submit Your Designs to California Home+Design's 2011 Hitlist!
Our sister mag California Home + Design is asking readers and the statewide design community to help round up and nominate the top 10 best California creations for a year-end feature they call their 'The Hit List." Hop on over to their submission page and send in 2011's most stunning and innovative products, places, websites and design. CH+D readers will then vote on which items will make the list and winners will be featured in their November/December 2011 issue. Good luck!
Sustainable Surfing: SF's Hess Surfboards Builds Better, Cleaner Boards
With all the "it's like being one with the ocean" talk, it's somehow a disconnect to view surfing as harmful to the environment. But the petrochemicals used in the foam of many boards can be nasty stuff. California Home+Design takes a look this month at San Francisco's Hess Surfboards and their mission to build better, cleaner and longer lasting boards.
Got a Dreamy Dining Room?
If so, Calfornia Home+Design Magazine wants to see it. Submit two to three pictures of your fabulous dining room online to chdmag.com with the name of the designer or homeowner to enter. Readers will then vote on whose space has the most style, with the winner getting supreme bragging rights and their dining room featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine.


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Fast, outfitted with ample comfort and storage, and shaped with streamlined lines, the Liquid Logic Inuit 12.5 Kayak treats you to a touring experience like none other. As the shortest of the Inuit Series, the 12.5 Kayak offers turn-on-a-dime maneuverability without sacrificing vital storage space for your camping kit. Liquid Logic's engineers cleverly designed the Tru-Track II Hull to track straight as an arrow and paddle so efficiently you'll wonder how you traveled so far, so fast.
- Tru Track hull design offers paddlers of all levels enhanced stability, near-effortless tracking, and easier turning with its layered construction technique (or hard-chine) and slightly wider stern
- The 5 Star Outfitting seat system cradles your lower body with extra-soft cushioning and breathable 3D mesh material over the adjustable seat back, hip pads, and thigh pads (which can be fitted with additional padding)
- Easy Foot system utilizes an easy-to-reach adjustment rod to quickly move the oversized foot pads along rails for ideal foot placement
- Large stern hatch with bulkhead is ideal for bigger, heavier items, and stern hatch accommodates smaller items as well as provides balance when the boat is packed full of gear on long tours
- Deck rigging (bungees) has reflective safety line and paddle holders, and it accommodates maps or a life jacket
- Bow and stern carry handles are connected to the deck rigging, which secures the handles to eliminate chattering during transport and when paddling
- Reviews
What do you think about this product?
Have questions about this product?
I WON a 12.5
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I PADDLE a BANGED up canoe. FIRST TIME I PUT THIS BOAT IN THE WATER...I CANNOT GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT IT...PADDLED IN SMALL TO BIG LAKES AND ONE STREAM..I WANT TO TAKE IT TO ISLE ROYALE AND PADDLE AROUND THE ISLANDS...THE BOAT CAN HANDLE IT...I NEED MORE EXPERIENCE. I WANT TO TRY IT ON SOME BREAKERS NEXT SUMMER AT THE BEACH IN LAKE MICHIGAN...IT IS A PRACTICAL BOAT FOR SOMEONE WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE.
Great ride!
This kayak is fast and easily maneuverable. I need a kayak to go in rivers, lakes, and sea and this one is perfect.
Awesome Kayak
Just bought this after looking at several manufacturers. Exilerating experience, easy to manuver, paddle and great tracking. Cant wait to take it out on the ocean.