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This article is more than 1 year old
Suction cup fantasy
Photos Yes, you can open an iMac.
Yesterday, Apple announced a new iMac family, and by this morning the good folks at iFixit had already got their hands on a 20-incher, gutted it, and learned some interesting facts about the all-in-one desktop.
For one, although the processor "appears to be socketed," there's a warning printed on its heat sink that will discourage you from removing it to find out.
There's a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo beneath that warning
Also, although it only requires the removal of one Phillips-head screw to access its two SO-DIMM slots, which can accept up to 8GB of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM, it takes one hell of a lot more work - and tools - to upgrade your hard drive.
You'll need to suck the faceplate free from its 14 magnets
First you need a pair of dent-puller suction cups to remove the iMac's glass faceplate, which is held in place by 14 magnets. Then you'll need a T9 Torx driver to remove the 12 screws that secure the front bezel and the eight that hold the LCD panel, and a T6 to remove the display cable.
Without its front bezel, the iMac is less Apple-slick
Which all must be done before you get to the SATA hard drive - which is clipped rather than screwed in place, making swapping it out a snap. Literally.
The 20-incher comes with 320GB 7,200rpm SATA drive
If you want to remove the logic board - perhaps to ignore the aforementioned warranty warning - you'll also need a T10 (10 screws) and a T8 (two screws).
The logic board bears a passing resemblance to New Guinea
All this screwing around reveals that the iMac's display is an AU Optronics M201EW02 with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, that the 8x double-layer DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW drive - which Apple calls a SuperDrive - is for the first time a SATA and not a PATA model, and that the backlighting, as we already knew, uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), and not the LED backlighting used in Apple's MacBooks and its LED Cinema Display.
If you'd prefer a numeric keypad on your keyboard, Apple will oblige for free
Finally, after looking at these and more photos on the IFixit website, we gotta say that we agree with their conclusion that Apple's white-plastic Mighty Mouse looks mighty cheesy next to the aluminum iMac and Apple Keyboard. ®
Photos produced with permission from iFixit.


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This Hail Mary disposable vape device is pre-filled with 2ml of Vymto nicotine salt e-liquid, with a puff count of 600 puffs. It is non-refillable. Once depleted, simply dispose of the device and replace it with a new disposable device.
The Hail Mary Vymto disposable pod system has an in-built 500mAh battery. Combined with its slim dimensions of 80mm x 20mm x 8mm, this is perfect for vaping on the go for an all-day vape.
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subset: commoncrawl


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By Antonio Guerrero
Too strong: Authorities fret over appreciation of Brazilian real |
The Brazilian government took the controversial step of reintroducing a 2% financial transactions tax on purchases of stocks and bonds by foreign investors that had been eliminated in October 2008. Authorities say the tax aims to curb the real's appreciation on account of strong capital inflows, but critics charge it is meant to appease Brazilian exporters concerned with dwindling competitiveness. Others contend it incentivizes Brazilian ADR purchases in New York. The IMF argued the measure should not be used to postpone policy reforms. Deutsche Bank and Raymond James said the move will temporarily reduce trading volumes on the São Paulo exchange, but the longer-term outlook for IPOs remains strong. The tax will not be levied on FDI.
Brazilian securities clearinghouse and depository Cetip raised more than $576 million through an IPO on the BM&F; Bovespa exchange. The deal marked the country's third-largest IPO this year, after Santander Brasil's $8 billion IPO in early October and June's $4 billion offering by VisaNet. Rio de Janeiro-based Cetip had sold a 30% stake to private equity firm Advent International in May, with the shares later included in the IPO. Itaú BBA, the investment banking division of Itaú Unibanco, the country's largest private sector bank, was lead underwriter in the IPO.
As part of its economic stimulus plan, the Brazilian government extended its tax incentives for home appliance purchases through January but limited the program to only those appliances that meet certain energy efficiency standards. Authorities expect the measure to support increased industrial production and retail sales through the holiday shopping season.
The Brazilian central bank has drafted legislation that would help identify and tackle banking crises. Under the bill, the National Monetary Council would be granted authority to declare a banking sector "state of crisis," granting the central bank and several relevant agencies special powers to audit and assist affected financial institutions. Public hearings to discuss the proposed legislation are slated to be held on December 18.


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Helen Anstruther does not think highly of her Alabama relative, Flora. In Helen's opinion, Flora is simple-minded and prone to regrettable emotional outbursts. At ten, Helen feels more mature than the unrefined, twenty-two year old Flora. Helen's father Harry, an alcoholic and sharp-tongued high school principal, is no fonder of Flora than is his daughter. But after Nonie, Helen's grandmother and primary parental figure, passes away Harry has a problem. He intends to spend the summer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee working on a top secret military project and needs someone to watch over Helen during his absence. Flora is his deceased wife's cousin and his only viable choice left. Despite her perceived shortcomings, Harry asks Flora to spend the summer at their home in a fictional North Carolina mountain town during the close of World War II.
After a polio scare strikes the town, Flora and Helen remain shut away in the Anstruther house, Old One Thousand, which served previously as a convalescent home. The house is rich in material for Helen's busy imagination. In fact, Helen's curiosity often leads her into places she does not belong and to things that belong to others, like a series of letters exchanged between Nonie and Flora. Nonie and her father have raised Helen on a steady diet of sarcasm and disapproval. Helen finds fault after fault with Flora: her unflagging sincerity, her predilection for tears, her inability to drive. Fresh out of teachers' college, Flora hopes to become a teacher, however her childlike nature and seeming dependence undercuts this ambition. Often Helen feels like the adult, guiding Flora and even helping her practice her skills by creating an imaginary classroom. Helen is a precocious child and has an acute awareness that Flora longs for her approval. Although Helen expresses contempt toward Flora, the two develop a fast friendship with their Irish grocery boy, Finn, that creates an uneasy triangle. By the end of the summer, those tense relationships reach a breaking point.
Godwin situates the novel from Helen's perspective, as child and as adult. With the perspective of adult Helen, the book possesses an elegiac tone. The novel edges toward a coming-of-age story, except that the lessons come late to Helen, who mourns that as a child she missed the complexity of Flora's true character. Godwin creates vivid yet realistic characters shaded through the eyes of Helen. She also depicts how children are influenced and shaped by their elders, for better or for worse.
This book, like many of Godwin's novels, is set in Mountain City, which is widely thought to be modeled on the author's hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. There are some instances of racist language and dialogue in the book.
Check this title's availability in the UNC-Chapel Hill Library catalog.


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For much of the world, food is fuel. But far more than mere sustenance, food draws us together. It slows our pace and brightens each day. Calling upon all five senses, cusine reaches deep into our psyche and becomes woven into our memory. Futhermore, the art of preparing food is often an act of service, a vocation of creativity, or a labor of love. Each distinct culture draws upon its geographical pantry to afford the practical and please the pallate. Thus, it would be impossible for our global team of Kiva Fellows NOT to mention our experience with cuisine as we serve in the field.
Ten valiant Kiva fellows have taken to the streets in the pursuit of the perfect dish. Throwing caution to wind, we braved the sanitary violations to bring you our this month's collaborative blog post. Join us on a quick gastronomic tour as we bring to the table, a Potluck of sorts (pun intended), KF22's favorite Street Food from around the world.
Futchka- India
Futchka is a street food found throughout much of India. In Delhi it's called panipuri and in Mumbai it's golgappa, but the Bengalis refer to it as futchka. 10 rupees (about $.15) will get you five small pieces served one at a time in an environmentally-friendly leaf bowl. The base of futchka is made of wheat flour and deep fried until it puffs up. Then, the wallah, or stand-worker, punches a hole in the top and puts a mashed concoction of potatoes and spices inside. It is finally topped off with several different options including chopped, boiled chilies, black salt, cumin, chili flakes and more.
Grilled maize and sugar cane juice - Kenya
Food in Kenya is a beautiful reflection of its diverse population. It has been a joy to engage with the people and learn about their cuisine. For instance, maize is a staple here in Kenya. It is enjoyed in many different forms and recipes including 'ugali' and 'githeri.' Grilled maize is ubiquitous in Kenyan cuisine and can be found everywhere throughout Nairobi's streets. As seen in the picture below, you will find people keeping their coals hot in order to bring the maize to a dark, golden-brown crunchiness. It is a filling and portable snack available for just 40 Kenyan shillings. But no grilled maize snack is complete without a glass of fresh-squeezed sugar cane, with ginger and lime juice.
Fresh-squeezed sugar cane is the essence of coastal Kenya in a glass and is a perfectly refreshing drink for the humid climate of Mombasa. Also priced at 40 Kenyan shillings, it's worth every penny, or shilling for that matter. Watching the process was enthralling. A few pieces of ginger and lime are sandwiched between two short pieces of sugar cane and then forced through the hand-cranked press.
It is said that each ingredient represents a portion of Kenya's multicultural population. The sugar cane is grown all over Kenya much like the African population, the ginger is a deep spice representing the descendants of Indians (from southeast Asia), and the green color of the lime could symbolize fresh influence of the muslim religion introduced by Arab populations. As a whole the deep, colored juice is an image of the beautiful caramel and dark-olive skin blend of Kenya's diverse coast.
Arepa de Huevo - Colombia
Ayam Bakar - Indonesia
Translated as "grilled chicken," Ayam Bakar is one of the most common foods on the streets of Cilacap, Indonesia where I spent six weeks. I also found this finger-licking goodness on the streets of Jakarta while I was there. It seems like Ayam Bakar is a near national dish and is traditionally cooked by fanning coals of wood chips. The bright flames and rich smell bring flocks of locals. Here, the owner of a local stand allowed me to try my hand at keeping those coals hot.
Also from the same region, one can find a fantastic dish of BBQ chicken and pork on the streets of Cabanatuan, Philippines. Local and tourists alike have found the Filipino grill to be a haven of flavor especially on Burgos street, which has been lovingly dubbed 'chicken street'.
Schaafijs - Suriname
Չիր - Armenia
Outside of Amenia's capitol city, Yerevan, I found some local delicacies in the village of Gerhard. In the picture below, there are a variety of dried fruits displayed on strings: apricots, peaches, figs, and cherries. The dried fruit is called չիր (pronounced "cheer"). Next to this are strings of walnuts soaked in a cinnamon-sweet, fruit concoction and left to sun-dry. The platter on the right has the same walnut candy and some authentic fruit leather. The "cheer" and walnut candy are mainly saved for the 2-week long New Year's celebration, but I was lucky to find some on my visit!
Fritada - Ecuador
If you are hungry and looking for some great street food in Ecuador (and are not a vegetarian), 'fritada' is your best bet. You can find a good 'fritada' just about anywhere: in parks, roadside stands, nice restaurants, late night food carts outside bars, etc. It can come in various forms, but the essence of a 'fritada' is found in the fried chunks of pork meat, boiled hominy (large corn kernels), and a fried plantain companion.
The Vietnamese dish, "Bún măng vịt" is a very popular food that can be found in any of the provinces of North Vietnam. Served as breakfast or light meal, "Bún măng vịt" is translated as Vermicelli with bamboo shoots and duck. The ingredients are delightfully obvious. One can recognize a good "Bun Mang Vit," when you can taste the subtle fragrance of bamboo shoots from the soup base. Depending on the season, the bamboo shoots can be found fresh or dried. But most importantly, the duck meat should be tender and juicy with a bright ginger dipping sauce to elevate the complexity of your bowl.
Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake and the world's 2nd largest freshwater lake by surface area after Lake Superior. The lake is shared by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda with 49% of it being in Tanzania. It is inhabited by some of the world's largest Tilapia which are called Nile Perch in this area. A fresh fish is boiled or fried, served whole or in parts, and in stews or on sticks. It is so popular in Tanzania that I saw people check buckets of the fresh fish on my flight from Mwenza to Dar es Salaam to take back to friends and family.
Anticucho - Peru


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State-Level Reports
–Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Utah's economy is growing and outperforming the rest of the country.
This fact sheet summarizes Utah's recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income. It is part of a larger report — West is Best — that analyzes how and why the West is outperforming the nation, and the competitive advantage offered by its protected lands, which attract talent, investment, and businesses.
Utah vs Non-Western U.S.,
Percent Change, 2000-2011
From 2000 to 2011, Utah's rate of population, employment, and real personal income growth each outpaced the rest of the nation.
Higher-wage services industries lead Utah's growth.
Change in Employment by Industry, Utah, 2000-2011
From 2000 to 2011, Utah's economy created 279,927 net new jobs, with the great majority of this growth coming from services industries, many of them high-paying. The fastest growing sectors included real estate, health care, and finance and insurance.
Protected federal lands help create more jobs…
Utah has grown significantly during the past decade. From 2000 to 2011, Utah ranked 1st in the nation for employment growth, 3rd nationally for population growth, and 8th for personal income growth.
Percent Change in Employment,
Non-Metro West, 1970-2010
From 1970 to 2010, western non-metro counties with more than 30% of the county's land base in federal protected status increased jobs by 345%. As the share of federal lands in protected status goes down, the rate of job growth declines as well. Non-metro counties with no protected federal land increased jobs by 83%.
…and contribute to higher incomes.
Average Increase in Per-Capita Income from Protected Public Lands for Non-Metro West, 2010
On average, western non-metro counties have a per capita income that is $436 higher for every 10,000 acres of protected federal lands within their boundaries.
- The West is defined as the 11 public lands continental western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. "Protected" federal lands include areas such as National Parks, Wilderness, National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, National Recreation Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Wildlife Refuges. For more details, see: the full report.
- Non-Metropolitan counties are counties without an urbanized area of 50,000 or more population, or a high degree of social and economic integration with a Metropolitan Statistical Area as measured by commuting ties.
- Data in this publication are from: U.S. Department of Commerce. 2012. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Department of Commerce. 2012. Census Bureau, Population Division, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Department of Commerce. 2012. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Department of Commerce. 2011. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, Washington, D.C.; AZ Land Resources Information System, 2009; MT Natural Heritage Program, 2008; Conservation Biology Institute, 2008 (for CA); Conservation Biology Institute, 2006 (for remaining states).
- Details on the per-capita income study are in our Technical Report.
- Some industry categories have been modified from the original source to better illustrate employment in sub-sectors that are important to the western economy. Wood Products Manufacturing is a sub-set of total Manufacturing and consists of the wood product (NAICS 511) and paper (NAICS 537) manufacturing sectors. The Bureau of Economic Analysis does not report employment at this NAICS level (i.e., the 3-digit level), but does provide personal income at this level. To estimate employment for these sectors at the 3-digit level, we calculated a ratio consisting of personal income earned in these sectors divided by personal income earned in all manufacturing. We multiplied this ratio by total manufacturing employment to estimate the number of jobs in wood products and paper manufacturing. Manufacturing consists of total manufacturing minus Woods Products Manufacturing. Forestry is part of Forestry, Fishing, Related Activities, and Other and consists of the non-manufacturing components of the timber industry, such as growing and harvesting.


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Christopher Boyce
From WikiLeaks
Leaking CIA plans for Australian government, to the Russians.
Christopher Boyce, then a cipher clerk for defense contractor TRW , was jailed for treason for selling secrets to the Russians in the 1970s. Boyce relayed cables from the CIA discussing the CIA's desire to depose the Australian government of Gough Whitlam, which wanted to close U.S. military bases in Australia, including the Pine Gap secure communications facility, and withdraw Australian troops from Vietnam. Boyce considered going to the press, but believed this would be ineffectual. Instead he gathered classified documents and had his friend Andrew Daulton Lee, a cocaine and heroin dealer, deliver them to Soviet Embassy officials in Mexico City, returning with large sums of cash. Boyce was exposed after Lee was falsely arrested by Mexican police in front of the Soviet Embassy in December 1976 on suspicion of having killed a police officer. During his interrogation, Lee confessed to being a Soviet spy and implicated Boyce. Boyce was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 40 years in prison. After escaping in 1980, carrying out several bank robberies and being re-arrested in 1981, Boyce was eventually released from prison on parole in 2003. The story of their case was told in Robert Lindsey's best-selling 1979 novel The Falcon and the Snowman. The book was turned into a film of the same title in 1985 by director John Schlesinger starring actors Timothy Hutton as Boyce and Sean Penn as Lee.


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Quick Fix for Ever-Popping Pole Saw
April 25, 2013
I recently purchased a Ryobi nine-inch electric pole saw for trimming tree branches -- for a cool $89 plus tax. After years of either using a manual pole saw or a gasoline-powered chain saw, Ryobi probably didn't have a more satisfied customer than me. In only minutes, I had a lawn strewn with pruned vegetation. I was so happy, I was extolling the virtues of this new tool to anyone who would listen. A co-worker even bought the exact same model after hearing my glowing review.
My happiness was dulled before the chain needed its first sharpening. During my last monthly cut fest, the motor/saw head started popping out of the pole during use, leaving the motor and blade hanging from the umbilical power cord, which is internal to the pole. After the third time, I was starting to think something was wrong.
It turns out the clamping collet base was coming loose from the pole. The pole telescopes at both the saw and handle ends, so the middle part is a plastic extruded pole with an oval cross-section, sawn and drilled at both ends. The clamping collets are made from two molded plastic parts. One screws for tightening on the telescoping rods, while the other acts as an adapter to the extruded pole.
To simplify assembly, the collet base part has opposing leaf springs molded in with internally facing little circular nubs that pop into the mating drill holes on long pole. The designer probably intended for the pieces to snap together and never come out, eliminating screw fasteners. Each time the pole and collet base popped apart, material was gouged from the periphery of the drilled hole in the pole, creating a nice little ramp, which made it even easier to pop out the next time.
It is quite possible I abused the joint with overstress during the time or two I cut the branch from the wrong side and the weight of the branch pinched the chainsaw bar. This required a bit of wriggling down below. That movement could have easily exceeded the DFMA snap-together joints' strength. In light of my culpability and being beyond the time frame Home Depot might exchange the machine, I used an old hose clamp around the collet base to prevent the leaf springs from popping out. I finished another three hours of trimming without the popping problem. I guess I am happy again.
This entry was submitted by Kirk Miller and edited by Rob Spiegel.
Tell us your experiences with Monkey-designed products. Send stories to Rob Spiegel for Made by Monkeys.
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What if I told you that the most daring romantic comedy of the year wasn't Love Me If You Dare but Little Black Book? You might be a bit surprised. Rest assured, though: Little Black Book is still the crappy movie you thought it was. It's just a crappy movie that's on to something. Screenwriters Melissa Carter and Elisa Bell know that romantic comedies have been creatively stagnant in Hollywood for quite some time; their ironic solution languishes in conventional nonsense, then sits up for an oddball multiple climax. Little Black Book's slow collapse finally suggests an unfunny, confused hybrid of My Best Friend's Wedding, High Fidelity, and The Truman Show.
Brittany Murphy plays yuppie heroine Stacy Holt, an associate producer for a bizarrely unreal daytime TV talk show called Kippie Kann Do!!. The show's bread-and-circuses style resembles Jerry Springer, with topics like "I Model Then I Barf Quietly" and "Grandma's a Hooker So Handle It!", and yet Stacy—along, purportedly, with the staff of Oprah—professes inexplicable devotion to Kippie (played predictably by Kathy Bates). Stacy's mom (Sharon Lawrence, treated disposably) passes on her Carly Simon worship to Stacy, but Stacy's true idol is Diane Sawyer, with whom she intends to work one day; as such, she gazes dreamily at her poster of Working Girl (directed by Sawyer's husband, Mike Nichols) and plots career moves.
Egged on by a Kramer-haired colleague (Kevin Sussman) and her cavalier mentor Barb (Holly Hunter), Stacy works to unearth the secrets of her boyfriend Derek's past. The object of her obsession is Derek's Palm Pilot, a Pandora's Box guide to three ex-girlfriends: super-model Lulu (Josie Maran), gynecologist Rachel (Rashida Jones), and girl-next-door Joyce (Julianne Nicholson, who deserves better roles). Barb assures Stacy, "Look under the hood before you purchase the car," so the three stooges of the Kippie Kann office use the show as a pretext to interview the women. The first two are unthreateningly repulsive in character, but Joyce looks uncomfortably like Derek's soulmate, leading Stacy to plot, guiltily, against a woman she's pretending to befriend.
The horrible script flails with alien behaviors and happenstances, some of which come into focus in part one of that elaborate ending. The Tootsie-inspired, transparent clap-trap contrivance about a live broadcast would be forgivable in a better movie, but it's unearned and therefore incredible. Brittany Murphy can neither harm nor elevate the material, which relies on her character's distasteful immorality (scored triumphantly, at one point, to Carly Simon's "Let the River Run") before finally, unconvincingly rewarding her as she sees the light (to—you guessed it!—a reprise of "Let the River Run"). Hunter, incapable of a bad performance, rips her teeth into her goddess of chaos character. When she insists, "We're all swimming in the same cesspool," you know what she means.


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I would like to know everyone's opinion on the best tools for setting up a continuous integration, test and deploy infrastructure for a Ruby on Rails web application API in the Amazon EC2 cloud and any tips or best practices for Jenkins, JMeter, RubyMine, git ...
3This is a very broad question. Perhaps you could narrow it down by telling us what research you have already done on this subject and what specific issues arose from that research.– user246Oct 13, 2011 at 13:10
2 Answers
I think ci-infrastructure is what you are looking for. "Getting a fresh Jenkins server set up is kind of a pain and because of that, fewer projects have one than should. This project is designed to make it easy for people to fork and get set up with their very-own Jenkins server in the cloud because CI is awesome. "
You can try Railsonfire (Full disclosure I am one of the founders)
We provide Continuous integration and Deployment for Ruby apps as a Cloud Service. Simple setup in < 2 minutes. If you need any help setting it up write me an email to [email protected], a tweet to @Railsonfire or use the olark chat box at the bottom of our site.
If you do want to use your own EC2 instances I would recommend https://github.com/defunkt/cijoe
as it is easy to set up and run. Jenkins is imho bloated, especially if you want to run ruby builds


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A non-goal of the support is to remove the random nature Quickcheck. Values are still random to allow a good coverage but reproducibility is supported when needed. This way you have the best of both worlds.
Quickcheck uses internally the linear congruential random number generator (RNG) implemented in the Java's Random class. The interesting property of the RNG in the context of reproducible values is stated in the javadoc.
If two instances of Random are created with the same seed, and the same sequence of method calls is made for each, they will generate and return identical sequences of numbers.
You can configure the seed used by Quickcheck with the RandomConfiguration class. It's important to set the seed for every individual test method otherwise a RNG's return values are dependent on execution order of the test methods. If you run different tests, add a new tests or execute the tests in a different order other values will be generated.
The seed is generated randomly for the normal execution. This is the result of the RandomConfiguration.initSeed method call. This way Quickcheck still produces random values. Use the setSeed method to set the seed for a test method.
Instead of using the RandomConfiguration directly you should use the SeedInfo JUnit method rule that will run with every test method. Additionally, it adds the seed information, that is needed to reproduce the problem, into the AssertionError thrown.
The SeedInfo can be used like every other JUnit method rule. It's added as an member of the test class. The example generates values in a way that the assertion always fails.
@Rule public SeedInfo seed = new SeedInfo(); @Test public void run(){ Generator<Integer> unique = uniqueValues(integers()); assertEquals(unique.next(), unique.next()); }
An example error message is:
java.lang.AssertionError: expected:<243172514> but was:<-917691317> (Seed was 3084746326687106280L.)You can also use the SeedInfo instance to set the seed for a test method to reproduce the problem from the AssertError.
Rule public SeedInfo seed = new SeedInfo(); @Test public void restore(){ seed.restore(3084746326687106280L); Generator<Integer> unique = uniqueValues(integers()); assertEquals(unique.next(), unique.next()); }
Instead of setting the seed for individual tests you can also set the initial seed once for the random generator used by the JVM. If you run the test example from above (without the SeedInfo method rule member) and the configuration -Dnet.java.quickcheck.seed=42:
@Test public void run(){ Generator<Integer> unique = uniqueValues(integers()); assertEquals(unique.next(), unique.next()); }
You should get the result:
java.lang.AssertionError: expected:<977378563> but was:<786938819>
The configuration of seed values replaces the serialization and deserialization support of earlier Quickcheck versions. Setting the seed is a much simpler way to reproduce values over multiple JVM executions.


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Workshop on Geochemical Analytical Techniques: Goals, Schedule and Participants
Montana State University - March 1 - 4, 2007
This working group for this workshop have been invited because of their expertise in using specific analysis techniques. They have the best perspective on the type of information that is needed to help the larger geoscience community use these techniques. So, the scheduling and topics that are suggested in the following agenda can be modified to meet their needs. This page includes:
Workshop Goals
- Create a series of on-line "tutorials" to introduce each of the analytical techniques, the instrumentation, procedures (sample preparation to data acquisition), data representation and interpretation, and advice on how to critically evaluate these data
- Create related tutorials on applications (e.g. U-Pb zircon dating; whole-rock analysis), comparing the strengths and limitations of numerous analytical techniques, with "pointers" on how to critically evaluate the data and interpret results
- Create a collection of recommended teaching activities and related resources that address these techniques and applications
- Opportunity to interact and network with colleagues with similar interests in analytical geochemistry
Workshop Schedule
Thursday March 1
8:00am - 7:00pm - Travel to Bozeman (pick up or shuttle from airport)
7:00pm - Pickup at Holiday Inn for dinner at The Mint Restaurant
Friday March 2: Focus on Analytical Techniques
7:00am - 8:00am - Breakfast at Holiday Inn (charge to room)
8:00am - Van pickup at Holiday Inn
8:15am - 8:30am - Meet at Bozeman Public Library; Coffee
8:30am - 9:00am - Welcome and Introduction
- Examples of web-based tutorials as a guide to what we can create; upload from forms, create new pages, step-by-step tutorials
- Group discussion, questions, clarification
MSU staff will demonstrate some basic operations in using the Content Management System (from Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College); uploading forms; creating new text; uploading images; single-page editing functions.
10:00am - 10:30am - Break
10:30am - 12:00pm - Work Session I
- Write text to submit to form
- Upload form information
- Amend, append, and edit existing Technique Sheets
1:30pm - 3:30pm - Work Session II
- Continue to work on Technique Sheets
- Cross-talk between colleagues with similar interests
- Editing and reviewing
- Start work on applications for following day
4:00pm - 5:00pm - Live "Walk-Through" of Technique Sheets
- Whole group review of pages developed
- Suggestions for additional coverage
- Create "to-do" lists to finish these pages
- Report outs and demonstrations from work groups
Saturday March 3: Focus on Applications
7:00am - 8:00am - Breakfast at Holiday Inn (charge to room)
8:00am - Van pickup at Holiday Inn
8:15am - Meet at MSU in Traphagen Hall; Coffee
8:30am—9:00pm—Charge for the Day, Examples, Outcomes
9:00am - 11:30pm - Work Session III (Work in computer classrooms in TRAP Hall)
- Work in small groups to create Application Pages
- Self-organize by application (age dating, whole-rock, e-beam, etc.)
- MSU staff will help post materials in the CMS
12:00pm - 1:30pm - Lunch (walk to a local restaurant)
1:30pm - 3:30pm - Work Session IV
- Continue work on application pages
4:00pm - 5:00pm - Final Report Outs
- Brief demonstrations
- Create "to-do" list, next steps
- Further development of current pages
- Additional development of new pages; by whom...?
- Workshop Assessment
7:00pm - Dinner at Johnny Carino's
Sunday March 4
Shuttle to airport for departures
Recreational activity (To Be Determined - downhill or Nordic skiing, field trip to Yellowstone, other)
List of Participants
Christine Clark
Eastern Michigan University
christine.clark at emich.edu -
Barb Dutrow
Louisiana State University
dutrow at geol.lsu.edu -
John Goodge
University of Minnesota, Duluth
jgoodge at d.umn.edu -
Darrell Henry
Louisiana State University
dhenry at geol.lsu.edu -
Rich Ketcham
University of Texas, Austin
ketcham at mail.utexas.edu -
Dave Mogk - Workshop Convener
Montana State University
mogk at montana.edu -
Paul Mueller
University of Florida
mueller at geology.ufl.edu -
Susan Swapp
University of Wyoming
swapp at uwyo.edu -
Jeff Vervoort
Washington State University
vervoort at wsu.edu -
Karl Wirth
Macalester College
wirth at macalester.edu


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Greatest Game Cosplay Ever (This Week): Ms. Fortune, Commander Shepard, Angewomon + More
This week, we turn the spotlight on cool characters who wield awesome weapons. We've got characters from across the spectrum of gaming, all packing their preferred instruments of battle. And since a weapon is really just the extension of the character's own body and personality, we love seeing them recreated as props for cosplay, especially when they truly complement that specific character's style. Check out the gallery below for all of the weapon-wielding goodness. Spoiler alert: Ms. Fortune wields cuteness!
Are you a cosplayer or a cosplay photographer? Maybe you're both! If you have a particular cosplay or portfolio you'd like us to check out, please submit a link to John-at-ArcadeSushi.com. Additionally, if there are any cosplayers or photographers that we've highlighted that wish their works to be removed, please reach out to let us know.
All images were shot by the fantastic Joseph Chi Lin and Anna Fischer. Click on their names to visit their sites and check out the rest of their work.
Malindachan as Robed Figure (Journey)
KO Cosplay as X-23 (Marvel vs. Capcom 3)
Camille Petrai as Tryande Whisperwind (Warcraft)
Mark Meer as Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
Jennifer Barclay as Bunny Riven (League of Legends)
Yaya Han as Nightraven Fiora (League of Legends)
Xero Cosplay as High Inquisitor Whitemane (World of Warcraft)
Samm Mielach as Angewomon (Digimon)
Yuurisans Cosplay as Serah Farron (Final Fantasy XIII)
MeltingMirror Cosplay as Ms. Fortune (Skullgirls)


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Select the Check your Application Status . A form will appear asking for your contact information and the position or department you applied for. Enter the information in the blanks and the Human Resources Department will notify you by phone or email on where you stand in the application process.
Show All Answers
In order to receive email notifications for job openings that interest you, sign up for notifications, enter your contact information and check in the box next to each department you are interested in. The Human Resources Department will then send you email notifications for job openings that interest you. We also post new job openings on our Facebook page.
Selected applicants will be requested to successfully complete additional documents such as the Personal Information and History Packet. You will find a link to the Personal Information and History Packet in the job posting through the City of Victoria website. Once the link has been opened a blank fillable PDF version of the form will appear. We recommend you saving this blank document to your desktop and then re-opening it from your desktop. Enter your information into the document and save frequently to be sure no information is lost.
You will immediately receive a confirmation number upon successfully submitting your application. You will also receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Your application will be reviewed by Human Resources and released to the Hiring Manager(s) depending on qualifications.
No. Submit all documentation via the online application system and we will ensure that it gets to the Hiring Manager(s).
If you are unable to complete an application at any given time, you may save it and resume your session at a later time or date. Please note that you will not be considered for a position if your application is in a draft mode.
New job openings are updated through the Human Resources office daily.
The time that it takes to complete an online application depends on several factors, including the amount of work experience and education you have to enter, how fast you type, etc. You should allow 30 to 50 minutes for the total process. You can expedite the process by collecting important information (i.e. educational information and dates, work experience and dates, certifications, etc.) in advance before you start creating your application.
Email addresses are a required component of the online application system. If you do not have an email address, you may create one through one of the many free email providers
Yes. You may use these same documents to apply for other positions by clicking on the job posting that you want to apply for and logging into your account. Your past application will automatically populate. If you wish, you may also customize your application or resume at this time.
The Human Resources Department is committed to making the application process as quick and user friendly as possible. We have two computers in our office that are available for you to utilize in order to get your application submitted. Our friendly staff will assist you in getting your application started and will answer any questions you may have. If you forgot your password to your account, give us a call at 361-485-3500 and we will be happy to reset it for you.


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Step 1. Label
Register your book for FREE, and get a unique BookCrossing ID.
This BCID allows you to follow your specific book wherever it goes. Think of it as a passport enabling your book to travel the world without getting lost!
There are several ways you can label your book:
Download free BookCrossing labels and print them from your computer onto label stock.
Order labels from our bookplate collections (such as this one from our Artist Series).
Create custom labels with our Bookplate Creator using your own image and message (even in your own language!).


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(CNN) -- Attorneys on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate faced off Monday in a federal appeals court in California, as a panel of judges heard arguments about the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
In August, a federal judge ruled that the voter-approved measure, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman, violated the U.S. Constitution. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered an appeal of that judge's ruling Monday.
The three-judge panel opened Monday's hearing with tough questioning of parties seeking to appeal the decision, including ProtectMarriage.com and Isabel Vargas, who's a deputy clerk and deputy commissioner of civil marriages for Imperial County, California, where voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 8.
"What's your best case to allow for your standing in federal court?" one judge asked attorney Charles Cooper, representing ProtectMarriage.com.
"Your honor, I don't have a case," Cooper responded, referring to relevant court cases.
Cooper later urged the panel to consider how the California Supreme Court earlier ruled in favor of the voter-approved Proposition 8.
"If you don't agree with me that we have standing," Cooper told the court, "then I do urge you to answer the California Supreme Court decision."
Then Judge Stephen Reinhardt questioned attorney Robert Tyler, who represented Vargas, about how a deputy clerk, instead of the clerk, could have legal standing in the appeal.
After a lengthy exchange, Reinhardt appeared frustrated and stated: "If you don't know the answer, say so, as the prior attorney did."
In asserting that his client has standing in the appeal, Tyler told the court that the county clerks are local officers, but they perform state functions such as civil marriages.
Monday's arguments in San Francisco, California, were being divided into two hour-long sessions -- one over the legal standing of those appealing the decision, and one over the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Monday's hearing is the latest in a lengthy legal battle over same-sex marriage in California.
The state's high court had allowed same-sex marriage, but then the 2008 Proposition 8 voter referendum passed with 52 percent of the vote. The California Supreme Court subsequently allowed that initiative to stand, saying it represented the will of the people.
Two same-sex couples filed a federal challenge, saying the law violated 14th Amendment constitutional protections of due process and equal protection.
On August 4, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker agreed, ruling that the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," Walker, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President George H.W. Bush, wrote in his 136-page opinion. "Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples."
Same-sex marriage is currently legal in five states and in the District of Columbia. The five states are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and New Hampshire.
Walker's landmark ruling led to a swift federal appeal that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court.


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
A pre-trial hearing (or omnibus hearing) is the court proceeding where you and your lawyer will indicate whether you will either go to trial, settle the case with a plea of guilty, or ask for extra time. You may find that the courtroom is crowded when you arrive, and that you have to wait before you can meet with your court-appointed lawyer. However, no action will be taken on your case before you and your lawyer have talked. Your lawyer might have one or more legal forms for you to read and sign. You must attend your pre-trial hearing.
Show All Answers
Yes! Public defenders are just as "real" as private criminal defense lawyers and civil lawyers. All the attorneys at the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense graduated from college and law school and have met the same Washington State Bar Association requirements to practice law in the courts of this state.
Absolutely not. Although the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense is funded by county government, the office is an independent agency separate and apart from the prosecutor's office and the court. Our lawyers are loyal to their clients first and are bound by codes of professional conduct requiring that they provide zealous advocacy and protection to each client, the same as private lawyers.
Unfortunately, no. Our office is only authorized to give legal advice to clients whom the courts have assigned to us to represent. Unless you are a client, we cannot give legal advice or answer legal questions.
If formal charges are filed against you, an arraignment will be scheduled. The arraignment is not a trial and not a time when evidence can be presented. At most arraignments, a copy of the charges you will be provided to you, if you do not have a lawyer, the judge can determine if you are eligible for a public defender. Expect to have a plea of "not guilty" entered at your arraignment. Your case normally will be scheduled for a status hearing, omnibus hearing, and trial. You must attend your arraignment hearing.
The trial readiness is a hearing when we let the court know if you are ready for trial the following week. You must attend trial readiness hearing.
WA trial is the court proceeding where the prosecutor will present evidence and try to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of a crime. This is the hearing when witnesses testify. Through your lawyer, you will be able to question the witnesses against you and present witnesses on your own behalf. Most trials are decided by a jury, but some are decided by a judge alone. You have a right to a jury trial.
A sentencing hearing will take place only if you are found guilty at a trial or if you agree to plead guilty. The court proceeding is handled by the judge, who will use the recommendations of the prosecutor and your lawyer: sometimes the judge has input from other people such as a probation or DOC officer, the listed victim and people who support you. In felony cases the Sentencing Guidelines are used to determine your sentencing range. You always have the right to speak at your sentencing hearing. The judge will consider many things to determine your sentence.
The courts are working very hard to avoid having lots of people in a small place. Many court hearings are occurring via Zoom and you can log on to the Zoom link for your court appearance.
When using Zoom, be sure that you are muted and only speak when your case is called. You can press *67 to mute and unmute yourself.
A limited number of cases are occurring in person. For in person hearing you will need to wear a facemask in court, observe 6ft social distancing and may be required to take your temperature. If you cannot attend in person because you're running a fever or have been recently exposed to someone or diagnosed with COVID. Should that occur, you will need to call our office immediately!!
If you are in jail or juvenile detention, your attorney will come see you to discuss your case. If you are out of custody, your attorney will contact you to discuss your case. If you have not heard from your attorney, please call the office. Clients are seen by appointment only and phone contact is often the best way to reach your attorney. You can always email your attorney at the email listed in the staff directory.
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when a person with a pending criminal case violates the rules of the court. Sometimes a warrant is issued for violating pre-trial release conditions. Most often, people with bench warrants simply have failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance. Once a bench warrant is issued, the police can treat it like any other warrant and use it to arrest people and keep them in jail, until the appear back in front of a judge. If you have a bench warrant, you need to contact your attorney as soon as possible.
Based on the Washington State Supreme Court Ruling in State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 170, 481 P.3d 521 (2021), convictions for Possession of Controlled Substance, aka called Violation of Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA), were not lawful. Your conviction for that charge can be vacated. You should contact our office and our Blake support staff and Blake attorney can discuss your options for having that conviction vacated. You should contact our office and our Blake support staff and Blake resource attorney can discuss your options for having that conviction vacated and to assist if you need to be resentenced.
Only a prosecuting attorney or a judge can drop or dismiss a case. Your case has been filed in the name of the State of Washington, not the name of the complaining witnesses. Even if complaining witnesses say that they do not want to see you prosecuted, they don't have the power to get your case dismissed.
You can call the front desk and ask the receptionist or you can look on Find My Court Date.
Washington Courts provides information on how to clear your record. The paperwork is here: http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=38
Many concerns can be resolved by talking directly to your public defender. Call the office at 360-578-7430. All incoming calls go through the main phone line. The receptionist can tell you who your attorney is and connect you with your attorney or your attorney's voice mail. If you cannot discuss your concerns with your attorney, please email or send a letter. All the attorneys' email addresses are listed in the staff directory.
If you are unable to work out the issue with your attorney, you may contact the Director of the office, Ian Maher. Your written concerns may be sent to:
Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense1801 First Avenue, Suite 1ALongview, WA 98632
You may also send an email to email@example.com.
If your concern is urgent, you may call the office at 360-578-7430.
Please include the following information in your letter/email/phone call:
CCOPD reviews concerns raised by our clients. CCOPD does not accept complaints from family members or other third parties on behalf of the defendant. CCOPD does not accept anonymous complaints.
Please note that complaints submitted to OPD may be subject to disclosure as a public record.


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Sierra Club victory in Colorado a rebuke against coal leasing
Sunset Trails Roadless Area in Colorado. Photo courtesy of WildEarth Guardians.
By Nathaniel Shoaff, Sierra Club staff attorney
In a victory for wild lands and our climate, U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson last week rejected Arch Coal's plans to bulldoze six miles of roads through 1,700 acres of Colorado's wild and natural Sunset Roadless Area in order to expand its underground West Elk coal mine.
While the decision is an enormous victory for protecting these precious wild lands and halts Arch Coal's coal mining plans for now, Judge Jackson's ruling also represents the first time that a coal mine has been rejected because of the failure to adequately consider and disclose the impacts that a mine would have on climate disruption.
The landmark decision, affirming a challenge brought by the Sierra Club and allies at Earthjustice, WildEarth Guardians, and High Country Conservation Advocates, could have far-reaching implications for protecting our climate from the threat of mining and burning of coal, natural gas, tar sands, and other fossil fuels.
In addition to building on the Sierra Club's recent successes establishing legal standing to raise climate arguments (1) and telling the agencies that they cannot simply ignore the Social Cost of Carbon when weighing the impacts of coal leasing, Judge Jackson squarely rejected the notion that massive coal mines would have no impact on our climate.
For years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has used tortured economic logic to mask its willful ignorance of the tremendous harm done to our climate and people through federal leasing of more than five billions of tons of coal.
Spoiler alert: there's a direct connection between BLM's federal coal leasing program and the amount of carbon pollution disrupting our climate. Coal that's mined from federal lands is burned in coal-fired power plants; coal-fired power plants emit carbon pollution; and carbon pollution warms our planet and contributes to increasingly destructive weather events and other consequences of climate disruption (2).
Judge Jackson's ruling exposes the bogus economic assumptions underlying nearly all of BLM's coal leasing decisions, and it will help hold BLM accountable for the climate impacts of other decisions on coal and fossil fuel extraction. BLM continues to claim that if it were to deny a coal lease, that same amount of coal would just get mined from someplace else. The result, according to BLM, would be the same amount of coal mined, the same amount of coal burned, and the same amount of carbon pollution emitted from coal-fired power plants. And if the impacts to climate are the same no matter what, why deny a coal lease?
As recognized by Judge Jackson, that logic ignores basic principles of supply and demand. After summarizing BLM's economic assumption, Judge Jackson debunked it, stating:
"The production of coal in the North Fork exemption will increase the supply of cheap, low-sulfur coal. At some point this additional supply will impact the demand for coal relative to other fuel sources, and coal that would otherwise have been left in the ground will be burned." (Slip op. at 30) (emphasis added).
Judge Jackson's point is key. BLM's topsy-turvy approach on climate has brought us a federal coal binge that is indirectly subsidizing the coal industry and worsening climate disruption. The economic principles at play are not complicated. Broadly stated: if you reject a lease and take a large portion of a commodity (here coal, but it could have been natural gas, tar sands, etc.) off the market, you decrease the supply, increase the cost, and, over the long term, decrease the use of that commodity. Because switching from coal to cleaner and more affordable energy would result in less coal mined, less coal burned, and less carbon pollution emitted, BLM's decisions do have a climate impact -- and a big one at that.
In Wyoming's Powder River Basin, BLM has approved four mine expansions that alone would dig up 2.3 billion tons of coal. These "Wright Area" leases, which have been challenged by the Sierra Club and its allies, would dump more than 3.3 billion tons of carbon pollution into our atmosphere. There too, BLM continues to hold tight to its economic fiction as a way to deny the climate impacts of its decisions.
Meanwhile, through its Buffalo Resource Management Plant update, BLM has called for an additional 10 billion tons of coal to come out of the ground over the next 20 years, all while claiming the federal coal program has no impact on our climate. By preventing private companies from mining and burning coal from federal lands, BLM can better protect our climate and public health, the waters we use, the air we breathe, and the wild places we enjoy. We cannot ignore the enormous impact that mining and burning coal will have on our climate, and with last week's decision, it's clear that the BLM and Forest Service can't either.
(1) See WildEarth Guardians v. Jewell, 738 F.3d 298 (D.C. Cir. 2013); WildEarth Guardians v. BLM, Case No. 11-cv-1481-RJL (D.D.C. Mar. 30, 2014), 2014 WL 1285505.
(2) For underground mines like West Elk, the climate impact is compounded by companies venting methane directly into the atmosphere during mining. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with 86 times the heat trapping properties of carbon dioxide over 20 years. And while underground mines must remove methane to protect workers, there's no reason other than corporate profit margins that it can't be captured and used instead of vented into our atmosphere.


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(512) 926-8574
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Thursday, repeating until January 5, 2023
SAIL, Seniors Active In Life, is a vibrant gathering of older adults who come together at Hope Harbor on Thursday mornings for exercise, games and discussion, music, and seasonal celebrations. A dynamic mix of neighborhood residents and church members provides a welcoming and uplifting community of support and fun. Optional opening devotion at 9:30am.


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In the article below, I found myself pondering the question, "Can music lessons really reduce aggressions in individuals?"
Many of us enjoy reading or writing books, practicing and playing a given sport, or even mastering or inventing ideas you might have. In doing so, you are able to release the ability and the drive to move forward in life through the gift of creativity. This also releases..


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Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center, Public Building, Chinese Architecture Images
Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center Building
Visitors Experience Building, Southern China design by TengYuan Design Institute Co
14 Jun 2017
Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center News
Architects: TengYuan Design Institute Co. Ltd.
Location: Qixing District, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China
Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center Design
The connotative relationship between architecture and nature as well as architecture and culture always attracts the attention of the architects as a key focus. In this project, we hope to establish a linkage between architecture and nature as well as architecture and culture in a simple and plain way.
Just as art and literature both have sketches, this project is a construction sketch to some extent. It doesn't mean that the sketch has neither technical difficulty nor thought depth. Instead, it just doesn't need to spare no pains and give mature consideration to all aspects of a question.
Sketch is a flash in high spirits, which means without too much hesitation when selecting from big things through small ones. From landscape to architecture, we hope this house can express the scenery and breath of nature in an implicit way, which is complex but temperate, free but rhythmic. Thus, human, nature, architecture and scenery are connected together.
Poetic Landscape
The Origin of Concept: From Scene to Context with Landscape Sentiment
"Shan Shui"
"ShanShui" has special significance in the traditional Chinese culture. For example, traditional Chinese paintings are divided into figure paintings, bird-and-flower paintings and mountains-and-waters paintings. In traditional Chinese paintings, landscape painting is called mountains-and-waters painting, while in classical Chinese poems and lyrics, landscape poem takes a crucial splendid part. Dating back to Wei and Jin dynasties, landscape paintings entered a period of great prosperity in Tang and Song dynasties, which integrate universe, nature, humanity and art together in an abstract and enjoyable manner, thus forming unfailing interest.
Chinese literators abandon themselves to mountains and water, express their aspirations to mountain and pour out their feelings to water. There are not only natural scenery in landscape poems, but also view, emotion and feeling, which manifest the symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature with the union of mind as well as the interlink of breath.
The scenery of Guilin has been called the finest under heaven. There, typical karst topography constitutes peculiar scenery, and mountains rise out of the ground in different poses with different expressions; in the Lijiang River, twisting water is bright and clean as a mirror; besides, there are also many caves in the mountains with fantastic rock peaks, forming "Four Wonders of Guilin"——green mountains, clean water, strange caves and beautiful stones.
Thus, it is a natural selection to create a landscape theme for a display architecture located in Guilin, such a poetic city surrounded by mountains and water. We try to exclude "patterning" from this aesthetical landscape to some extent and make it shown by a kind of abstract line structure. The architecture in the plan is still a very simple cube without any shape or style change, which creates a "landscape cube" through the curtain wall structure. We hope the project can be derived from the scene, to form, through a pure glass box evoke people's inner feeling about nature and landscape Sentiment.
Tectonics & Context: Exquisite Skills Lie in Architecture
Compared with those projects with huge volume and complicated functions, this exhibition center is an undeniable architectural sketch. During the creating process, we want to make it simple and relaxing. We give more consideration to the pureness of concept and operability of implementation. At that time, what we considered is mainly shown as follows:
1. From shape to connotation: How to manifest the connotation of "landscape" in the traditional Chinese culture by simple architectural language?
2. The depth of space in external surface construction: How to express the stratification of landscape and depth of space by the surface treatment?
3. Scenery direction of the material composition: How to build an implicit object with fuzzy boundary and overlapped layer using different reflection, refraction and transmission performances of glass together with the digital-colored glaze glass in order to create an enshrouding natural landscape? In a word, the whole design starts from construction and context.
Mountains in Guilin are well-distributed far and near. In addition to the inverted reflections on the water, a rich gradation is formed accordingly. This architecture manifests the hillshapes up and down through the rising and falling vertical glass ribs and creates three hillshape levels of the facade through different densities and overhang scales of glass ribs, namely "nearby view", "medium view" and "distant view".
Thus, the gradation superposition caused by the transmission, reflection and refraction effect between different glass can form subtly changeable dramatic effect under different light conditions such as cloudy, sunny, raining and foggy. In the mottled shadows, the "boundary" becomes blurry and flowing. At a close look at the architecture, people feel like staying in the mountain range while steam flows above, and the architecture reflects the changes of the surrounding natural environment sensitively. Viewers, architecture and landscape of Guilin interact with each other, creating a wonderful and far-reaching prospect.
Unity of Landscape Language : Wander in Bamboo Forest and Think about Landscape
The landscape design of the Exhibition Center continues the theme of landscape and realizes the linkage and scaling of space by virtue of layered water surface, winding path and elegant bamboo gallery, which forms a delightful contrast and makes people stroll in it. As people move their steps, they will see different sceneries and go into a wonderful paradise from landscape.
Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center – Building Information
Constructed by: Wanda Group
Design Company: TengYuan Design Institute Co., Ltd. WAT Studio
Architects: TengYuan Design Institute co., LTD, WAT Studio
Design Team: Peng Wei, Guang jun Zhao, Zhen ming Wang,Bo Zhang, Wei Wang
Location: Qixing District, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China
Design date: May 2016
Completion date: September 2016
Site Area: 26,118 sqm
Building Area:4,800 sqm
Structural Engineer: Xing Xing
MEP Consultant: Zhiguang Qu, Juan Wang
Main contractor: Uashi Decoration Co. Ltd.
Selected subcontractors: SBG South Bright Glass Co. Ltd.
Facade Material: Digital-colored glaze-painted art glass curtain wall
Photographer: Yuanfu Ou
Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center images / information received 140617
Location: Qixing District, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China
China Architecture
China Architecture Design – chronological list
Chinese Architect – Design Practice Listings
Exhibition Center Nanning
Architect: ECS Engineering Consulting Services GmbH in Shanghai
image from architects
Chinese Architectural Designs
Xi'an International Football Centre, Xi'an
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects
render by Atchain
Xi'an International Football Centre
Wormhole Library, Haikou, Hainan Province
Design: MAD Architects
image courtesy of architects
Wormhole Library
Beihai Fake Hills, southern China
MAD Architects
Church of Seed, Huizhou, south east China
O Studio Architects
Huarong Hengqin Tower in Zhuhai, south east China
Swanke Hayden Connell Shanghai
Chinese Headquarters Buildings
CITIC Headquarters Tower, Hangzhou
Foster + Partners
image © Foster + Partners
CITIC Headquarters Building China
China World Trade Tower, Beijing
Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM)
China World Trade Tower
Comments / photos for the Guilin Wanda Cultural Tourism Exhibition Center Building page welcome
Website: TengYuan Design Institute Co


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Ken's Digifant Page
Digifant Tune-Up
(Note: External links will open in a new browser window)
First, a word about safety. I have become more aware over time of the need to protect myself from some of the nastier chemicals I encounter when working on cars. I have taken to wearing latex health-care type gloves. They are cheap and I'll go through two or three pairs doing brakes or a water pump. Its amazing to come out of the shed after working on cars all afternoon and only have to give my hands a quick rinse.In addition, a lot of the chemicals and solvents we use as a matter of course have turned out to be quite dangerous. Aerosol liquid brake cleaner, for example, was invented to replace the deadly shop practise of blowing asbestos dust out of brake assemblies with compressed air, thereby ensuring that everyone in the shop got a dose of asbestos. Asbestos causes lung cancer (remember Steve McQueen?). Anyway, the replacement is a liquid spray containing perchloroethylene -- which can cause liver cancer. Ouch.
Anyway, into every life a little risk must fall, but I also realize I don't need to be foolhardy with shop chemicals. Just as a little common sense often goes a long way, so too does just a little chemical, most of the time.
Now back to our story.
The Basics - Setting up your Digifant car
If you've just bought your Digifant car or even if you've had it for years, there's little to be gained by trying to shotgun performance problems by trying everything and replacing everything. For highest performance and greatest enjoyment, work through the following sections. The steps are easy, especially if you have a manual. At the end of this process you will have spent a little money, had some fun I hope, and, odds are, your Digifant car will be running better than ever.NOTE: All steps and suggestions in these pages assume that your engine is normally quiet-running, has good compression and is consuming virtually no oil or coolant. In other words, it is in good basic condition. You may however be experiencing hesitation, surge, erratic idle, bucking, low power, hard starts or any of a myriad of other symptoms.
Here's how to set up your Digifant car:
Ignition System
No car runs flawlessly forever. So before you begin blaming VW gremlins on Digifant design, start by examining and verifying all the traditional trouble spots you would suspect in any car. Start with the ignition system:Spark PlugsEmissions SystemsYour spark plugs should be of the correct type for your car. VW recommends Bosch WR7DS (S for Silver electrode) for the Digifant engines. There are plenty of arguments about silver and platinum electrodes. Call me a heretic, but I have found copper-electrode plugs (Bosch WR7DC) work just fine, give good life and are much cheaper.
Whatever plugs you choose, make sure they are gapped to 0.7 mm (~0.25 in.). Put a drop or two of engine oil on the threads (not on the electrodes!) before you install them and don't over-tighten them. Check your plugs a couple of time a year for gap and signs of wear or oil-fouling. Like all modern engines, spark plugs in a healthy Digifant engine should have a brownish-tan appearance.
Plug Wires
Worn out plug wires can reduce or interrupt spark delivery to the spark plugs. Insulation softened by temperature extremes, oil and grease, and time can allow arcing which causes misfiring.
If you suspect your plug wires are not up to the job, wait until after dark. Start the engine and using a common household pump bottle, lightly spray a mist of water over the plug wires. You may notice erratic engine operation right away, accompanied by sparks jumping from wire to wire or from wire to engine metal as the water spray conducts current away from its proper path. The solution here will be obvious.
Replace plug wires when they begin to look really grimy to eliminate this potential trouble spot.
Distributor Cap and Rotor
Over time, the interior of a distributor cap will build up deposits of carbon called "tracks". Carbon is an electrical conductor and will interfere with the orderly distribution of current to the spark plugs. Remove the cap and rotor and look inside. Any black, grimy substance in there is carbon tracking. In addition, the copper contacts inside the distributor cap should not appear burned or scorched. If the cap is relatively new, clean up the contacts with some fine sandpaper, then wash out the carbon tracks with hot soapy water, dry and re-use the cap.
Look at the rotor too. Burnt or scorched copper rotor contacts can also be cleaned with fine sandpaper, but if the cap and rotor appear to be in generally bad shape, or if you've done the hot water and sandpaper routine before, it's time to replace them.
While you're checking out the distributor, have a look at the Hall Sender plug on the front of the distributor. The insulation should be intact. Remove the boot and give the plug contacts a shot of contact cleaner and a dollop of Stabilant if you are feeling generous.
Setting the timing on a Digifant engine is slightly different than other systems. Whereas most cars have the timing set with the engine at idle, Digifant timing is accomplished with the engine turning between 2000 and 2500 rpm. This fools a lot of professional mechanics and hobbyists alike who are experienced with CIS and CIS-E systems which must be timed at idle.
Before you set the timing, disconnect the blue coolant temperature sensor in the cylinder head coolant neck. Rev the engine through 2500 rpm four times to clear the control unit's memory. Loosen the distributor hold-down bolt. Watch out for the radiator fan which can come on at any time during this procedure.
Set the timing to 6 degrees +/- 1 degree before top dead center at approximately 2250 rpm. Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt, and rev the engine through 3000 rpm three times.
Now you should check and reset your idle speed if necessary. The correct idle with the coolant temperature sensor disconnected is 900 to 1000 rpm. With the sensor connected normal idle should drop to 800 +/- 50 rpm.
For Digifant I cars only, you must reset the control unit to its base setting after adjusting the timing. See your factory manual.
Although some cars respond to advanced timing, Digifant does not and needs to be timed to the factory setting for peak performance and to avoid ping. Even with the correct timing, Digifant cars run best on 92 octane fuel or better and may still ping on hot days due to hot spots in the cylinder head.
Temporary solutions to hot weather ping include increasing the amount of water in your antifreeze mix, adding a surfactant (wetting agent) to the coolant such as Red Line's Water Wetter, installing a lower temperature thermostat.
The oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, PCV valve and fuel evaporation controls are the main emissions-related equipment on Digifant cars. Because of its role in controlling mixture, the ECU can also be considered part of the emissions control system.Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas flow signaling the ECU to lean or richen the mixture. VW recommends replacing the O2 sensor every 100,000 kilometers (60,000 miles).
Obvious symptoms of O2 sensor failure include black exhaust smoke, rough running and plummeting fuel economy. Not so obvious symptoms can include lean running which may cause backfiring in the intake, quirky throttle response, overheating and detonation.
See your Bentley manual for electrical procedures for testing an O2 sensor. A shade tree test is to simply disconnect the O2 sensor and go for a drive. If you notice a marked improvement in the way your car drives, install a new sensor. Although it is tempting to keep the sensor disconnected, without its input the ECU cannot control the mixture. The ECU will revert to a programmed-in rich mixture which will eventually destroy your catalytic converter.One other thing about oxygen sensors. If your symptoms go away once the car is warmed up, your oxygen sensor is not to blame. It does not function until it gets hot enough and that is not until the engine has been running for a while.
If you have never replaced the O2 sensor on your car, you may be surprised at the difference a new one can make. Lots of Digifant quirks can be tamed or eliminated with a new O2 sensor.
The factory Bosch oxygen sensor with a new connector is relatively expensive. You can buy a universal sensor and splice your old connector to it for a less expensive solution.
Catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are essential for cleaning the exhaust after the ECU and O2 sensor do their bit in creating the optimum conditions for maximum power, best fuel economy and cleanest exhaust.Given a failed oxygen sensor, the cat can plug up overtime creating back pressure and restricting power. Eventually it will overheat and the internal substrate will melt and break up.
If you hear a rattle like the sound of marbles in a can under your car with the engine running, first check for a loose heat shield, but then suspect a melted cat. Again, don't be tempted to "gut the cat". Without a catalytic converter, your car will pollute the atmosphere as much as 100 cars with good cats.
PCV Valve
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve is described below under the heading Vacuum Leaks.
Evaporative Emissions Controls
The Evaporative Emissions Control system keeps gasoline that vaporizes from the fuel system from escaping to the atmosphere. Vapor from the tank is fed to a carbon-filled canister under the right front fender. Vacuum hoses run to the canister and can be a source of vacuum leaks.
Fuel System
Fuel PumpsLike most A2s, Digifant cars have two fuel pumps: the transfer pump inside the fuel tank supplies fuel to the main pump reservoir. The transfer pump is identical to the CIS-E unit. The main pump and reservoir assembly is located under the car ahead of the right rear wheel.
Should you use Gas-Line Antifreeze?In the Canadian winter, water inexorably finds its way into gasoline. Any filler or opening that can be covered with snow, from the oil refinery to the car's filler cap is a potential point of entry for water in the fuel. In winter, symptoms such as hard starting and poor driveability can often be traced back to water-contaminated gas, especially if you have filled the tank during a snow storm. The cure is to pour a 250 ml bottle of gas-line antifreeze (often mis-named dry gas) into the tank before you begin to refuel (to ensure even mixing). Use gas-line antifreeze at every fill-up for the entire period of heavy snow.
Throttle SwitchesThe Digifant system uses a pair of throttle switches on the throttle body to report wide open throttle (WOT) and closed throttle conditions to the ECU. The WOT switch is easily seen on the rear top of the throttle body. As the throttle linkage achieves maximum travel, a cam on the linkage opens the WOT switch, signaling the ECU to richen the mixture for maximum power. The closed throttle switch is located underneath the throttle body. When the throttle closes It signals the ECU to run its idle program.
Failures here are very rare but both of these switches may fail or fall out of alignment. If the WOT switch is at fault, maximum power may not be available. If the closed throttle switch fails, the car may refuse to idle or may buck and jump at low throttle openings, regardless of speed.
Vacuum Leaks
VWs are not generally cursed with the spaghetti of vacuum lines found under the hoods of many other cars. Nevertheless, vacuum lines are used in VWs and can cause trouble from time to time - creating the so-called "false" air syndrome.Air entering the engine that is unmeasured by the fuel injection system's air flow sensor is known as "false" air and will tend to lean out the engine's carefully controlled air-fuel ratio. Symptoms may include hesitation, bucking, poor throttle response, surging at small throttle openings and power loss. Serious vacuum leaks will play havoc with driveability as well as the operation of vacuum operated devices including power brakes, air conditioning vent flaps and power locks.
A vacuum leak can occur anywhere there is a joint or fitting that connects directly to the intake air flow, along the length of any plastic or rubber vacuum hose, around a worn-out valve cover gasket or around the fuel injector seals. Especially look for hoses that may have chafed through from continually rubbing on something.
Air Flow Sensor
Start your hunt for vacuum leaks at the Digifant air flow sensor/air filter housing. Check the rubber duct between the air flow sensor and the throttle body for signs of splits or cracking. Cracks in the duct may only open up under acceleration when the engine torques rearward in its mounts.
Remove the duct and inspect it carefully, twisting it in your hands (remember your gloves) while you look for cracks or splits. Reinstall the duct, making sure it seats correctly on the air flow sensor and the throttle body and that the hose clamps are not cocked or pinching the rubber when you snug them down. A light smear of clean oil on the metal mating surfaces can ease the installation of the duct.
Temperature Regulator Valve
The temperature regulator (or preheat) valve is located in the air flow sensor box above the air filter. The regulator valve's purpose is to control the operation of a flap in the air box which diverts heated air from around the exhaust manifold to the intake during starting in cold ambient temperatures.
The regulator valve has two vacuum fittings which protrude through the side of the air box. A short vacuum line of white plastic runs from the lower fitting on the box to the diaphragm which controls the intake preheat valve. A longer vacuum supply hose runs from the upper fitting on the box to the throttle valve. A tee in this hose splits off to the fuel pressure regulator which is located at the right (passenger) end of the fuel rail. Check all of these lines for chafing, holes and snug connections.
PCV Valve
The positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) is another potential source of vacuum leaks. The PCV sits on the valve cover. The crankcase ventilation hose which connects to the PCV should be clean and free of cracks or splits. Follow the hose to where it connects to the throttle valve and make sure the connection is tight. The hose clamps should be in good condition and properly snugged down, but not so tight that they bite or cut into the rubber. Check the rubber grommet in the valve cover where the PCV mounts for a snug fit. The grommet should be free of cracks or other visible injury. See below for instructions on cleaning the PCV valve.
Power Brake Booster
With your engine off, step on the brake pedal eight or ten times to let air into the power brake vacuum booster. Now, hold down the brake pedal and start the engine. The pedal should drop slightly as vacuum builds in the brake booster. Vacuum leaks in the brake booster are exceedingly rare. Suspect other sources first.
Other Potential Vacuum Leaks
Evaporative Emissions Control Canister
Air Conditioning
Vacuum powered door locks
Just Plain Dirt
The inside of a Digifant engine, even a clean running one, will eventually be a pretty grimy place. Positive crankcase emission control virtually guarantees that a film of grease will eventually coat the PCV valve, the interior of the Idle Stabilizer Valve and the Throttle Body. Dirt in any number of places can cause driveability problems or make existing problems worse, so read on and make sure a thorough clean-up of the affected parts is on your troubleshooting list.Air FilterRemove your air filter from the air box and hold it up to the sun or other strong light. If light shines through the folds in the paper, the filter is OK. Replace it when it becomes opaque. While you have the filter out, check the air box for debris. Chipmunks are known to stash acorns and seeds in the air box if the car is parked for more than a few days (happened to me!).
A key element of any fuel injection system is the fuel filter. Unlike the A1 cars which had the fuel filter up in the engine compartment close to the fuel distributor, the Digifant fuel filter is attached to the fuel pump reservoir, under the car just ahead of the right rear wheel.
The Bentley manual specifies that the Digifant fuel filter should be replaced every 2 years or 48,000 kms (30,000 miles). According to Bentley, this is maintenance "recommended by the publisher which meets or exceeds Volkswagen requirements". By contrast, VW maintains that Digifant uses a "lifetime filter" that only needs to be replaced if it gets contaminated.
If the fuel filter does become contaminated by water, dirty gas etc., engine performance suffers. Flow restriction at the filter can overtax the fuel pumps possibly causing one of the pumps to seize. Replacing the fuel filter every two years is probably a good idea, despite VW's advice.
Be careful removing the filter. The Digifant fuel system is pressurized even with the ignition off. Loosen the gas cap, pinch off the hoses leading in and out of the filter and wrap a rag around the fittings before you loosen them. This will help avoid a high pressure jet of gasoline soaking your eyes or something flammable.
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Injectors can become restricted over time or after high mileage. If fouled with dirt, injectors can cause the engine to run either lean or rich. Save your injectors by changing your fuel filter as needed. In addition, run two 250 ml bottles of fuel injector cleaner through the system twice a year.
Idle Stabilizer Valve (ISV)
Dirt in the Idle Stabilizer Valve (ISV) is a likely cause of erratic idling and stalling, especially when the air conditioner compressor cuts in. A dirty ISV will cause the car to not idle at all, or may cause the idle to lope up and down between 700 and 1500 RPM.
The ISV sits on top of the engine just behind the valve cover and in front of the intake manifold. It is designed to allow a metered amount of air to bypass the throttle valves depending on engine load, temperature etc. to maintain an even idle speed.
To clean the ISV, remove the valve from the engine. Spray the ISV liberally with carburetor cleaner or throttle body cleaner. Use rubber gloves and work outdoors because this cleaner may contain toluene or xylene or both. These chemicals are extremely nasty.
Don't use brake cleaner - it can destroy plastics and rubber. Also, brake cleaner contains perchloroethylene, an even scarier chemical. Definitely try to avoid breathing any of this stuff.
After taking precautions, spray the cleaner into all three openings in the ISV and allow the black gunk inside to drain out. Carefully use a small piece of wood as a scraper to clean up the interior of the valve. Try to get the metal inside as clean as possible. Spray again and repeat until it sparkles inside.
ISVs do fail outright and then you are faced with an relatively expensive fix. At least the part is easy to replace. But before installing a new ISV, always try carefully cleaning the old one first.
A properly working Digifant idle stabilizer is effective enough to allow a manual transmission car to creep along at idle speed without stalling.
Throttle Body
Another place to spray cleaner is into the throttle body (TB). Remove the rubber intake boot from the TB and spray carburetor- or throttle body cleaner inside. A film of greasy black grime is normal after a year or so of driving. If the TB has never been cleaned, it could be really black with dirt.
Spray down both throttle butterflies and the walls of the TB. Make sure the inside of the TB is clean and shiny. Stuff a rag under the TB to keep the gunk that runs out from dripping onto the exhaust manifold. Don't worry if some of the spray goes in past the butterflies, it'll burn off.
Now look for the idle speed adjustment screw on the front of the throttle body. Using a small screwdriver, back the idle screw out. Carefully count the number of turns it takes to remove the screw and make a note of the number of turns. Now spray your cleaner into the machined orifice into which the screw fits. Carefully give the screw itself a shot of cleaner too. Make everything clean and shiny. Replace the screw in its orifice and turn it back in by the same number of turns it took to remove it. Don't worry about fine tuning right now, that will come later.
If the TB seems to be very greasy, or if there is oil pooling in the TB or the rubber intake duct, suspect a problem with crankcase ventilation. If large amounts of oil or blow-by gases are making it to the intake you probably should consider doing a compression check to see which cylinder is the culprit.
Take the opportunity to inspect the rubber intake boot for cracks, then carefully seat the rubber boot back onto the TB and snug down the clamp making sure it doesn't cock or bite into the rubber.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV)
The PCV valve sits in a rubber grommet in a hole in the valve cover on the driver's side of the engine. It is a flat plastic can with a rubber hose that connects it to the idle stabilizer valve. The PCV valve routes blow-by gases that get past the piston rings back into the intake where they are recycled for cleaner emissions performance.
Use carb cleaner on the PCV valve just as you did on the ISV. To avoid vacuum leaks, make sure the PCV seats snugly in its rubber grommet in the valve cover and make sure the hose to the throttle body is snug at both ends and free of cracks or holes.
Corrosion of Electrical Terminals
The ECU connectors are a first place to start when troubleshooting. Find the ECU under the left cowl. Remove the drip trays for access. With the ignition off, free the broad flat multiple-connectors from the ECU and the ignition control unit. Removing the connectors is easier if you unbolt the control units from their mounting brackets. Make sure the connections are dry.
Check the electrical connections of every sensor for tight fit and signs of corrosion. Gently clean the connectors with electrical contact cleaner from an electronic supply house.
Also do a visual check of all ground connections. Your battery light should go out immediately after starting. If not, check the negative wire connection at the battery. Grounds are located behind the battery, at the engine block and at a nut on the rear driver's-side valve cover, among other places. The ground at the valve cover is especially important for smooth Digifant operation.
Clean up all ground connections with a wire brush or sandpaper. Use VW-approved Stabilant 22A on the contacts for a long-lasting job.
A few notes about Stabilant 22A:Stabilant is a Canadian-made substance used to enhance conductivity while sealing out moisture. The VW part number is ZVW 186 001 STABILANT 22A. According to VW you should NOT apply Stabilant to oxygen sensor terminals.
- If you disconnect a connector you must reapply Stabilant.
- Stabilant conducts electricity as well as a soldered joint.
- Stabilant has the interesting property of enhancing conductivity between two connectors but remaining a non-conductor between adjacent terminals in a multi-pin connector.
- Stabilant's Web site is www.stabilant.com . (Their product is far superior to their Web presence.)
Ye Olde "Italian Tune Up"
(not for the faint-hearted)Consider the German heritage of your Volkswagen. Because of the high speed Autobahns, all VWs have been designed to run effortlessly at prolonged high speeds since Day One.
But today most owners trundle their VWs short distances through stop and go rush-hour traffic at low speeds. The opportunity to get the engine up on the cam and run it until good and hot is rare.
As a result, engine oil doesn't get hot enough to boil off moisture and burn off the deposits caused by low speeds and incomplete warm-ups. Even with a fresh cleaning and tune-up, these cars may still show poor idle step-off, hesitation and non-linear throttle response.
A cure can sometimes be to carefully run an otherwise good engine hard so it gets hot enough to burn the excess carbon deposits off the piston crowns, clean the valve faces and blast deposits off the spark plugs, fuel injector nozzles and oxygen sensor and at the same time boil any lingering water out of the oil.
Warning #1:Now. Assuming your car is otherwise in healthy condition already, and you have worked through the other steps on this site, let's begin.The following procedure can blow your engine to: smithereens, bits, pieces, orts, perdition and kingdom-come. If you own a high-mileage, low-compression, oil-swilling, rod-knocking, piece o' crap car (you know who you are, don't you), don't bother with the "Italian Tune Up" because you will end up walking home from what's left of your sorry pile of smoking and hissing ex-VW junk. OK? (I'm not kidding.)
The easiest way to "blow out the carbon" is to run the car under load at high engine speed. In other words, run the car right to the redline and hold it there in every gear. For decades, experienced drivers and mechanics have called this procedure the "Italian Tune Up".
Now this is a great trick on a race track, but hardly practical on the street.
The street alternative is to first check all fluids and top them up. Make sure you are running clean, high quality oil. I use regular dino-oil 20W50 in summer, 10W30 in winter. (A lot of experienced drivers swear by synthetic motor oils for high temperature running. The additional expense of synthetics may be offset by their longer drain intervals.)
Drive a while so that your oil and water temperatures rise into the normal zones, then head out to your local four-lane. In light or no traffic, try to run for one or two minutes at 90 to 100 kph (~ 55 to 60 mph) in second gear. The engine will be running (loudly) near the red line.
If you continue to push up into the red you will trigger the Digifant rev limiter which cuts the fuel supply in half. This will feel like a sudden roughness in the engine and a loss of power. The first time you experience this you may think you've blown something. Just back out of the throttle so you don't keep banging into the rev limiter. If your engine is in good shape, this is not dangerous, just disconcerting the first time you experience it.
Again, neglected engines will not be up to the strain. If you really don't know the maintenance history of your Digifant car, or if you've just bought it, do not attempt this!
WARNING #2:Now if you feather the throttle back just out of rev limiter range and hold it there for 60 seconds or so, the car will continue to cruise smoothly, albeit loudly. (If you are not used to driving your car at or near the redline, the noise can be disconcerting, especially to your passengers!)If you blow a head gasket or otherwise detonate your engine by following this procedure, don't say you weren't warned! Because you have been warned.
The point of holding the rpms steady under the red line is to get everything really hot from the piston tops and valve faces out to the catalytic converter. Under these conditions the engine will quickly reach peak operating temperatures.
I have this vision of four wonderfully hot whitish blue flames pouring out of each exhaust port into the downpipe. Sort of like getting the mixture just right on a Bunsen burner or an oxyacetylene torch, or how about on a 1650 hp Rolls Royce Merlin V12 at just under "war emergency" power? Nice!
If you have an oil temperature gauge, keep a close eye on it because depending on the ambient air temperature, this should be as high as it will ever get. In my Jetta on a warmish summer day, oil temperature peaks around 110°C (~230° F). That's hot!Remember, if your car is in basically good shape to begin the red line is fairly conservative. A kilometer (or mile) or two of this is all you need to burn off the harmful deposits from stop and go driving. At 100 kph (~62 mph) and 6,000 rpm, a 60 to 90 second burst should be all you need.
After one or two such treatments, the improvement in Digifant low speed driveability and throttle transitions may be quite noticeable, especially after a few months of winter or just city driving.
Remember, the famous "Italian Tune Up" is meant only for drivers who know their cars well and know that their cars are in good shape. If you don't know whether your car is up to this kind of treatment, or if you can't afford to fix it if it blows up, then don't risk it.
After all of this, your Digifant car should be running like a champ.
Simple, what?