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Court takes up standard of patent validity
Microsoft v. i4i Limited Partnership, No. 10-290, is unquestionably the showcase intellectual property case of the year. [Disclosure: Goldstein, Howe & Russell, which sponsors the blog, filed an amicus brief in support of the respondents in the case. However, the author of this post was not involved in the case.] The case pushes almost all of the buttons that have made patents controversial in the last few decades. It involves a claim against a flagship product of the new economy (Microsoft Word). It involves a vigorous pro-patent result from the Federal Circuit, which enjoined further sales of Microsoft Word (as it then existed) and affirmed a damage award of $290 million. All on the basis of a patent for a technology (html markup language) that ordinary users of the product have no occasion to use. The echoes of the Blackberry case that lurked behind the Court's eBay decision (on patent remedies) a few years ago could not be clearer.
The legal question that the Court agreed to review relates to the standard of proof when the parties dispute the validity of the patent. In this case, for example, Microsoft argued that the patent on which i4i relies is invalid because of prior art using the technology before the application was filed with the Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO"). Microsoft's proof centers on an early version of software developed and distributed by i4i, which no longer exists. Section 282 of the Patent Act states that a "patent shall be presumed valid" and that the "burden of establishing invalidity of a patent . . . shall rest on the party asserting such invalidity." Under the Federal Circuit's long-standing doctrine, which gives great deference to the PTO, the challenger must establish that the patent is invalid by "clear and convincing evidence." However, Microsoft argued that the standard in this case should be instead be "preponderance of the evidence," because the PTO did not consider the software in question when it issued the patent. Given the Court's suggestion in 2007 in KSR that "the rationale underlying [that] presumption * * * seems much diminished" when the PTO never considered the alleged prior art, it was not surprising that the Court granted review.
Microsoft is represented by former Solicitor General Ted Olson. He explicitly situates this case as the third in a hoped-for trilogy of Supreme Court decisions reining in the Federal Circuit's excessive pro-patent bias. First there was eBay v. MercExchange in 2006 (cutting back on the uniquely easy rules for obtaining injunctions in patent cases). Then there was KSR v. Teleflex in 2007 (cutting back on the standard for invalidating an invention as obvious). Finally, Microsoft hopes, there is this case, cutting back on what it depicts as an odd rule of deference to a decision that the PTO has never made. The most surprising thing is the absence of any reference to Jaffe and Lerner's prominent 2007 monograph "Innovation and Its Discontents," which presents the general theme of pro-patent excess, with supporting empirical evidence in provocative detail.
The argument Microsoft presents is elegant in its simplicity: deference to agencies is appropriate because of their expert decision making. Patentability decisions by federal district courts have none of the traditional hallmarks of agency review under the APA. The review is not based on the agency record, but rather considers any prior art the challenger adduces. Moreover, because the agency's decision is reflected only in the issuance of the patent (rather than any narrative explanation of the relation between the invention and prior art), the court has no occasion to consider the quality of any determinations made by the agency. This is particularly true, Microsoft argues, if the agency never considered the prior art.
Tying that argument back to its bash-the-Federal-Circuit theme, Microsoft argues that the broad "clear and convincing evidence" standard is a creation of the Federal Circuit, built by that court to replace a morass of conflicting decisions by other regional circuits during the years before the Federal Circuit's creation. Microsoft argues that the "clear and convincing" standard normally is used only with regard to issues that involve infringement of personal liberty (such as terminating parental rights or involuntary civil commitment) and that the Court should return to the baseline preponderance standard. Recognizing that the Supreme Court clearly articulated the "clear and convincing" standard in a number of cases that predate the Patent Act, Microsoft argues that all the cases fall into two narrow categories not relevant here.
i4i, represented by former Solicitor General Seth Waxman, provides a powerful counterpoint, emphasizing two deep flaws in Microsoft's presentation. The most problematic aspect is that the logic of Microsoft's administrative law argument, powerful as it is, compels the conclusion that the clear and convincing standard should be abandoned completely, even with regard to art that was before the agency. Because this would reduce the reliability of patents to a "wafer-thin" preponderance, i4i argues, such a rule would undermine, rather than strengthen, incentives for innovation. Responding to the heart of Microsoft's administrative law argument, i4i articulates a theory (not presented nearly so clearly at any prior stage of the briefing) that the Court commonly has required "clear evidence" to rebut the presumption of regularity in official conduct. The idea here is that a presumption that a patent has issued properly should be rebutted only by "clear evidence."
i4i also provides a devastating critique of Microsoft's analysis of the Supreme Court's pre-Patent Act cases, which demonstrates that the categories into which Microsoft tries to confine the cases are not a fair description of the breadth of contexts in which the Court has assumed that the "clear and convincing" standard was the correct one.
The most interesting thing about the briefing is the narrow difference between the parties at the end of the day. Although much of Microsoft's brief is designed to demonstrate that the clear and convincing standard for assessing patent validity is inconsistent with general principles of administrative review, it does limit its argument in the last few pages to the question presented "" what to do in cases in which the relevant prior art was not before the agency. Similarly, after forty-five pages of arguments justifying the "clear and convincing" standard, i4i acknowledges in the closing section of the brief that the Federal Circuit has tempered that standard with a "more-easily-satisfied" doctrine: when the case involves prior art not before the PTO, the burden of proof is "more easily satisfied" than when it involves prior art that was before the PTO. In practice, if the Federal Circuit emphasized the importance of such an instruction, there would be little difference from the rule Microsoft seeks.
As far as choosing between those standards, the Court well might look to an amicus brief from IBM, which has a uniquely balanced perspective because it is both the nation's largest patenter (surely receiving more royalties from patents each year than any other company) and one of the most frequent defendants in patent infringement litigation. IBM's brief (filed "in support of neither party") provides a powerful critique of the impracticalities of defining a burden of proof that shifts depending on the characteristics of the evidence at hand. Among other things, such a rule immediately raises difficult problems in cases in which the claimant presents both evidence that was before the PTO and evidence that was not. The brief also presents a compelling argument about the difficulties of having a rule turn on whether art was before the PTO. Among other things, it is not at all clear how to be sure the PTO had occasion to consider art that might be buried in an extensive record. Also, the rule Microsoft seeks well might lead to an undue incentive to "dump" massive amounts of irrelevant art on the PTO as it considers an important application.
* * * * *
One of the reasons this is such an interesting case is that the considerations seem so closely balanced that the Justices' predilections are certain to come in to play in the act of decision making. Will the Justices be more concerned about the Federal Circuit having "run amok" in its tolerance for high-cost litigation about ridiculous patents? Or will it be concerned about preserving the stability of the patents that have come to present such a major part of the balance sheet of the nation's largest firms. Only June will tell!
Recommended Citation: Ronald Mann, Court takes up standard of patent validity, SCOTUSblog (Apr. 12, 2011, 5:22 PM), https://www.scotusblog.com/2011/04/court-takes-up-standard-of-patent-validity/


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Bentley Continental GT3 Debuts At Goodwood
Bentley goes racing.
Bentley took advantage of this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed to reveal the Continental GT3 race car, which will compete in the FIA Blancpain Series from 2014. Bentley previewed the race car with a concept at last year's Paris Motor Show.
The race-ready Bentley Continental is based on the 500-hp Continental GT V8 road car, albeit with extensive modifications. The 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine has a dry-sump oiling system and several other motorsport upgrades, and produces 600 hp. A carbon-fiber propshaft sends power to the new six-speed sequential race transaxle, which is mounted at the rear axle. A limited-slip differential helps deliver power to the 18-inch diameter, 13-inch-wide OZ Racing wheels.
Instead of the air springs found on the standard Bentley Continental, the GT3 car has four-way adjustable coilovers at each corner. The front brakes have six-piston Brembo calipers, while the rear axle has four-piston brake calipers. An extensive body kit comprises a rear wing and front splitter made from carbon fiber, along with extra vents and air intakes for the hood and front fascia. Inside, the Bentley Continental trades wood and leather for a fire extinguisher system, steel roll cage, and racing seat with six-point harness. Not that craftsmanship has been totally forgotten: Bentley asserts that the door pulls, steering wheel, and seat were all hand-trimmed at the company's workshop in Crewe. All told, the GT3 is said to weigh less than 2866 pounds. A standard Bentley Continental tips the scales at 5060 pounds.
This year, the car will be used for track development work to prepare it for its racing debut in early 2014. Visitors to the Goodwood Festival of Speed will see the GT3 in motion this weekend, as Bentley driver and 2003 Le Mans winner Guy Smith drives it up the venue's famous hill climb.
Source: Bentley

subset: commoncrawl


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BACKGROUND IMAGE: iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Next-gen switches
You can move intelligence to a storage network using intelligent switches or appliances. How the alternatives work, and the pros and cons of each are described.
- Arun Taneja, Taneja Group
|Where to start
A switch is labeled "intelligent" when it can run applications that generally run on hosts or storage devices. These applications are built on a foundation layer of virtualization, such as volume management, replication, mirroring, snapshots, logical unit number (LUN) masking, backup and restore. But just because an application runs in the fabric doesn't necessarily make it better.
A typical enterprise may have storage and storage applications from a variety of vendors, all managed by an army of specialists. But consider how much simpler and less costly it would be to manage this diverse storage if it were available in a uniform fashion across all storage devices and hosts.
Different ways to embed intelligence
There are three broad platform categories for delivering storage applications from the storage area network (SAN) fabric: intelligent switches, general-purpose appliances and purpose-built appliances (PBA). The intelligent switches (or directors) share the common characteristic that there's processing power associated with each port, in addition to normal layer-2 switching functionality. This is generally provided by an additional ASIC or network processor at each port. In a director-class product, these intelligent ports are generally delivered on a blade with eight, 16 or 32 ports. In addition to the intelligent ports, the architecture generally calls for an additional blade where the application runs. This "application blade" may be as simple as a bladed version of a standard Intel processor, memory, cache, I/O, running Linux or it may be a specialty processor designed to run specific applications efficiently.
An application works with the intelligent ports to direct I/O traffic to the appropriate storage system, host or to another switch. Another crucial activity that takes place at the port level is frame termination and regeneration, or frame cracking. This essentially means that the FC frame (a multiprotocol port could also handle iSCSI, FCIP or iFCP traffic) is cracked open to obtain relevant information about the content so it can be manipulated, reformatted if necessary and then pushed off to its destination. What manipulation occurs depends on the application and could be as simple as discarding a frame not authorized to be sent to the specified destination or automatically replicating a frame for data protection depending on defined policies. Policy information is generally held in the application blade. Terminating FC traffic, cracking open FC frames and performing virtualization table look-ups require lots of processing power, so most intelligent switches add an ASIC to each port.
The level of processing power added to each port determines how much work can be done at the port level and how much must be done in the application blade. This clearly has implications for performance and scalability. So while implementations of intelligent switches vary in this dimension, fundamentally they operate the same way. Latencies incurred by applications (wherever they are hosted) will show up as switch latencies when pushing application functionality into intelligent switches. Whereas a typical FC switch adds about five microseconds of latency, an intelligent switch will add about 25 microseconds of delay.
|Strengths and weaknesses of intelligent fabric products
Virtualization processing
Virtualization processing can reside outside of the switch, either in a standard Intel processor or in a PBA. While they don't perform switching functions, PBAs aren't conceptually different from an intelligent switch; there's a massive amount of processing power available to run applications and to perform virtualization. As opposed to switches, PBAs:
- Can be deployed in existing SANs
- Cost less because they don't have intelligence on every port
- Run multiple applications in one device
In an intelligent switch, at least the first-generation variety, only one application can run on a blade. With PBAs, you buy only the number of intelligent ports you need for the size of the SAN; additional appliances can be added as needed. The logical data path is from the host initiator to the FC switch to the PBA, and then back to the switch for transmittal to the target destination. The appliance basically runs everything on the Intel server and leaves the switching environment as is.
The players
Cisco, Maranti Networks and Maxxan Systems Inc. are shipping intelligent switches. Brocade, CNT and McData are planning on shipping theirs soon. In the general-appliance category, some of the pioneers of virtualization are DataCore Software Corp., FalconStor Software Inc., IBM Corp., Sanrad Ltd., Softek Storage Solutions Corp. and StoreAge Networking Technologies. All use an Intel server for all application processing. DataCore and Softek (based upon DataCore's source code) are the only ones that use Microsoft's NT operating system; the others use Linux.
The purpose-built category includes shipping products from Candera Inc. and Troika Networks. These typically come in a 16- or 32-port format. The primary difference between these two is that Candera delivers all foundation layer applications as an integrated suite, whereas Troika has designed its controller as a platform that can run a wide variety of third-party applications.
Recently, a number of applications originally designed for hosts (Veritas Volume Manager) or appliances (StoreAge, FalconStor and IBM SVC) have been ported to either intelligent switches (for example, FalconStor on Maxxan, Veritas VM and IBM SVC on Cisco) or purpose-built platforms (StoreAge on Troika). The replication functionality embodied in EMC Corp.'s Symmetrix Remote Data Facility and the virtualization functionality in Symmetrix will be ported to several, perhaps all, intelligent switches in the near future.
Applications that work best in a central location and those that require significant movement of data from one type of storage device to another should be moved to the fabric. The biggest advantage that fabric has over other methods is that it sees everything connected to it.
Those applications include mirroring, replication (synchronous, semisynchronous and asynchronous), snapshots, storage virtualization and volume management, including LUN masking. In addition, many backup and restore and archive applications will gain from being in the fabric. It's best not to provide network-attached storage (NAS) file services from the fabric because of their reliance on a local file system; NAS heads can be connected to the fabric that delivers virtualized storage to them. The movement of applications to the fabric can be a big step toward implementing information lifecycle management (ILM).
An intelligent switch from Cisco may not interoperate with one from Brocade, except in a rudimentary fashion. The Fabric Application Interface Standard (FAIS) is a developing standard that will make interoperability a reality, but don't expect compliant products for at least another year (see "The state of standards"). Whatever product you pick, it must be able to interoperate fully with your existing SAN(s). In that regard, appliances and PBAs have a big advantage over intelligent switches: They work with all popular layer-2 switches and also bring applications to heterogeneous islands of SANs.
|How intelligent switches can improve virtualization
In-band, out-of-band and SPAID
In a virtualized SAN fabric, there are three ways to deliver applications: in-band, out-of-band or split path architecture for intelligent devices (SPAID). To understand the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, you need to be familiar with how the metadata server, control path software and data path software operate in those three architectures:
Metadata server. This server maintains the configuration database for the storage services provided. For virtualization services, this database contains the entire mapping between virtual volumes and physical devices.
Control path software. This software provides the interface between the metadata server and the data path software. It also performs background I/O tasks for applications, such as copying data from a snapshot to a remote location (data replication), resynchronizing a broken/restored mirror (virtualization) and third-party copy functions (backup).
Data path software. This moves the data from servers to storage and vice versa. It also performs the actual translation from virtual to physical addresses using mapping tables passed to it from the metadata server.
In-band and out-of-band describe where the metadata server and the control path software reside in the network. It's important to understand that in all cases, the data path software resides in the data path.
In the case of in-band, the metadata management, the control path processing and the data path processing are all performed by the same computing elements. In other words, all three are "in the path." For out-of-band implementations, the metadata management and the control path processing are both performed by a separate compute engine other than the data path software. Given that the majority (more than 95%) of the transfers are data transfers, a fast and efficient data path results in excellent performance and better scalability.
In-band products have been typically represented by Intel server-based appliances such as IBM's SVC, DataCore and FalconStor where the appliance provides all the computing power. These products are relatively simple to deploy, but suffer from performance bottlenecks and scalability issues as workloads increase. This is why these appliances have not made serious inroads in enterprise environments.
Out-of-band solutions, represented by StoreAge's SAN management applications, run the metadata server and the control path software in an Intel server appliance connected to the FC SAN and deploy data path software as an agent on each of the application servers. This results in excellent transfer speed and scalability. The biggest negative for out-of-band solutions is the need to place agents in each host. These agents are operating system- and platform-specific, making them impractical for many enterprise environments.
|Pros and cons: Appliances, PBAs and intelligent switches
Introducing SPAID
An intelligent switch is typically characterized by specialized hardware and processing capability at the port level. This makes the data path processing highly distributed and therefore efficient and scalable. In concept, the agent code that resides in the host in an out-of-band solution, now can reside on or near these ports, eliminating the need for code on the hosts. The amount of processing power placed at the port level, and whether the metadata is placed in one location or another, determines the architectural differences of various intelligent switches. Depending on the implementation, the control path software can be installed on a blade inside the switch or externally on a separate piece of hardware.
In a nutshell, an intelligent switch can offer in-band simplicity and out-of-band scalability. It splits the data path from the control path and eliminates the requirement for host-level code. This is called SPAID, an architecture that will become the most popular way to deliver high-performance storage services from the fabric.
The SPAID architecture:
- Separates the control path from the data path.
- Possesses an independent metadata server.
- Leverages port-level processing capabilities of intelligent switches or purpose-built controllers.
- Allows for independent scaling of the control and data path processing.
EMC is expected to deliver a software product code-named Storage Router. It will leverage the SPAID concept on multiple intelligent switch and director platforms, including those from Brocade, Cisco and McData. It's fundamentally a virtualization application at the foundation layer, with a variety of other applications built on top of it, most notably heterogeneous data migration.
In Cisco terminology, the application would run on a service module inside a Cisco MDS 9000, and the control path/metadata server functions would be provided by an appliance outside the switch, or as a blade inside the switch. Both can be scaled independently for exceptional performance. Vendor implementations
Despite the hype created by the pioneers of intelligent switches such as Rhapsody (now Brocade) and Sanera (now McData), there aren't many products available. Brocade's intelligent switch should ship soon, with McData's coming in nine or more months.
Maxxan is currently the clear intelligent switch leader, followed closely by Cisco. Maxxan has implemented significant computational performance at the port level by using an off-the-shelf Intel network processor rather than designing an ASIC.
Cisco based its MDS 9000 family on an in-house- developed ASIC that's implemented at every port. In addition, Cisco offers a series of service modules (application blades) where the application runs. For IBM Storage Virtualization Controller, Cisco implemented a Cache Services Module. For Veritas Volume Manager's port (called Veritas Storage Foundation for Networks) they implemented an Advanced Services Module (ASM). It's noteworthy that each application requires its own unique Service Module. Cisco has also created an innovative software product called the MDS 9000 Data Tap Service that runs on an ASM inside the switch and allows a regular appliance-based application (e.g., FalconStor IPStor) to run significantly faster.
In the purpose-built category, Troika and Candera both have ASIC-based, high-performance platforms designed to run applications in the fabric. Not being switch vendors, they can focus on working with all legacy switch vendors equally well and stay focused on application integration.
The movement of intelligence to the fabric is a given because the benefits are apparent. This is a great time to start planning for the movement of intelligence into your storage fabric.


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For all those arguing against the future viability of the hybrid (as well a plug-in hybrid and all electric cars) READ and LEARN!
The lesson is dont let your rigid right wing ideology get in the way of the facts.
That's you JOHN, RMAN, BEACH GAMBLER and all the rest.


text:
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Notation basée sur
44 Avis
5 sur août 04, 2017
It is with great pleasure that I write this review for my stay at McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast. The MO BandB was the perfect location and venue for a very peaceful celebration of my birthday. The accommodations were exceptional. Our room was big enough for 3 adults and I particularly appreciated the fact that there were no tv's in the rooms. The dining and living rooms (which were always open and available to us) overlooked a very large open area with the beautiful McKenzie River running right at the edge of the property. The proprietors were most gracious and provided a unique atmosphere for this special celebration. We were invited into a very professionally designed and equipped kitchen to watch them prepare our dinner. Both Karen and Tom are gourmet cooks who were eager to share their excitement for preparing and cooking our extraordinary dinner, which was delicious and prepared to perfection. My sister ordered a special cake for the occasion which was created by Karen's sister, Orah, a fabulous baker. Absolutely delicious and it received rave reviews by all. The next morning breakfast was served with homemade scones, raspberries, whipped cream, lots of fresh fruit, eggs (to order), meat if desired, homemade multigrain bread and raspberry jam. Tom and Karen made our stay at McKenzie Oaks relaxing and peaceful. They are wonderful folks... kind and generous.The goodness of the proprietors, the incredible meals, and the peaceful setting made for a wonderful experience.
5 sur août 02, 2017
What a fantastic place! We celebrated a birthday but really no reason is needed to get away and visit Mekenzie Orchards. The food was yummy, the environment calm and relaxing, the rooms were clean and updated. We truly felt part of the family. A return visit is a guarantee.
4,8 sur juillet 24, 2017
We stayed at McKenzie Orchards for a family reunion. After the first night, I got up late because I wasn't feeling well; I missed the main breakfast. Tom kindly offered to make me a separate breakfast. Well I was there, I lost one of my favorite earrings and let Karen know before I left. Three weeks later, Karen called me and told me she found it and was mailing it to me, free of charge! The house is beautiful, we got one of the biggest, best rooms in the house, and Tom graciously set up an extra air bed on the floor for one of my sons. Well I was thrilled to be staying with my extended family, the house was quite loud and I found myself wanting a little more peace. It's quieter if the house is not full or if you go outside. that's the only reason I didn't give McKenzie orchards a five star review – that and the tiny detail of the bathroom door not quite closing all the way. Fortunately, I was sharing a room with close family so it didn't bother me much! I would totally go back.
5 sur juillet 23, 2017
My husband and I stayed two nights and this is a hidden gem in the country. Quiet, close to the river and very relaxing. Tom and Karen are great cooks and hosts. Our room was spacious and clean. The bathroom is large and the double head shower was a added bonus. We definitely will return.
4,8 sur avril 21, 2017
Great food. Great service. Great location.
5 sur juillet 05, 2015
My husband and I stayed at the McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast for two nights, along with my 2 siblings and their spouses, for my nephew's wedding in late June. My husband found it online and we couldn't have been happier!! We stayed in the Paradise Room and it was a huge room (about 650 square feet) and clean as could be! The bed was comfy and the bedding and towels were luxurious. We enjoyed the TV room downstairs after the wedding to just hang out and enjoy our time together. Tom is a great cook and is extremely personable, as is Karen his wife. They compliment each other and take great pride in their Bed and Breakfast. If you are looking for a place to stay in this area, this is the place for you!! You will not regret your choice of accommodations. We will certainly stay here again, when we are back in the Eugene/Springfield area. Thank you Tom and Karen for a wonderful visit!! The Brady's, Wards and Yassemedis'
5 sur mars 22, 2015
The hosts were very welcoming. We learned a lot about bees and building your dreams!
5 sur mars 21, 2015
We spent one night at the McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast as part of a several-days-long trip from California to Washington. It was, by far, our favorite stop (before reaching our other favorite B&B, the Green Cat in Poulsbo, WA)...if only ALL B&Bs could be like this! The attention to detail, cleanliness, and quality of every aspect of this operation is top notch. Tim & Karen Anderson
5 sur septembre 25, 2014
We rolled into the Eugene area on the third week of our USA, road trip, & let me say we had stayed at many Bed & Breakfast properties along the way. This one was the Best! The first place to start is feeling welcome & wanted at a property, which Karen did so well. Tom was out of town, but we would like to return and meet him someday. We drove down the driveway to a beautifully designed home sitting in paradise-quiet along the McKenzie River. When you walk into the home it is large, warm and inviting. Our room was spacious, in fact every room was spacious with good use of space and ease of use. The bed and all the furniture is super comfortable. A highlight is the artwork throughout available for purchase from local artists and Karen! We were welcomed with a glass of wine and this wicked good appetizer featuring Tom's homemade bread and vegetables from the property cooked up by Karen into a delish ratatouille. The next morning's breakfast was perfection, starting with an apple pastry & the freshest fruit. Eggs and way you want.....I ordered poached, a little runny....they were spot on, and more of Tom's whole wheat bread! with a butter bell. :) Last, I would like to thank Karen and Tom for the cleanest B & B I have ever stayed. The bathroom was spotless, in fact, the entire property is very well taken care of. In summary, I give McK O B&B an A+ in every area. We will return.
4,6 sur septembre 23, 2014
Arriving from the Netherlands after a long flight and a two hour drive, we immediately fell in love with McKenzie Orchards B&B . Spacious, clean rooms, the best beds you can imagine and wonderful breakfast. We stayed for 6 nights and still felt sorry we had to leave... Hosts Karen and Tom gave us great suggestions for day trips in the area and beyond. We would love to come back one day...!
5 sur septembre 05, 2014
My girlfriend and I traveled to Eugene from Boston for her job interview and we had the great pleasure of staying four nights at the McKenzie Orchards Bed & Breakfast Inn (in the Paradise Bedroom). It was a joy getting to know our hosts Tom and Karen, who provided incredible hospitality, a wealth of information, excellent food, great conversation and laughs. They are truly warm and caring people who love what they do, and we were so happy that we chose to stay here. A wonderful time! Tom not only had great directions for us (around town and the state), but also was so knowledgeable and helpful with information about activities, events, restaurants, neighborhoods, and the local community. The beautiful home is a quiet and relaxing place to stay, and we found it very easy to get comfortable. Our room offered a nice level of privacy, great comfort and space. The spacious grounds gave us a nice chance to get an up-close look at turkeys, deer, lots of birds and hawks, and even a chance to feed apples to the horse next door! The serene location seems perfect for a bed and breakfast, surprisingly close to Eugene, but with the feeling of being "away from it all". We would highly recommend staying here and will gladly tell friends about it. No complaints at all! We especially loved the delicious and creative breakfasts (with fresh locally-grown fruit, home-baked muffins, waffles, omelets, and quesadillas), the night-time snacks (with vegetables straight from their personal garden, cheese and great local wines), and especially the conversation. Tom and Karen were wonderful, and we cannot thank them enough for their generosity and hospitality and for making our time in Eugene so enjoyable. We greatly look forward to attending some cooking classes here after our relocation to the area!
5 sur juillet 26, 2014
On short notice, my wife and I planned a short trip to Eugene, OR to get a feel for the area as we search for that ultimate retirement location. Wouldn't you know, we picked the week of both the NCAA Track and Field Championships and graduation at the University of Oregon. But luck was on our side as we were able to get the last remaining room at McKenzie Orchards. What a Find! You can tell this is a home built to be a B&B and not a home converted to a B&B. Every detail is designed with the guest in mind, from the gentle rise of the stairs, to the convenience of an elevator, to the strategically placed outlets for the oh so necessary charging of gadgets, to the layout and location of the rooms so that you feel as if you are the only guest at the Inn. To say the food was very good is an understatement. Tom handmakes the breads and pastries from scratch every morning with something new each day. They even make their own jams/jellies from the fruits grown in their orchards. And while you eat in the spacious common area, you are treated to the works of local artists which hang throughout the Inn. As a matter of fact, we loved one so much it is now hanging in our home as a constant reminder of how special our stay was at this scenic and classy location. As for our hosts, Tom and Karen were the perfect mix of cordiality and helpfulness without being overwhelming. Want directions to anyplace, they get it for you with background info on your destination. If you want company as you feast on their great food and wine, you can't ask for better than these two. Intelligent, witty and very unassuming. Add to all of the above the stunningly beautiful and peaceful location and the convenience of being within a few minutes of Eugene, and you have the perfect formula for a fun, relaxing and memorable travel experience. I repeat….What a Find! David and Patti Smith Altadena, CA
4,8 sur juin 23, 2014
We originally discovered McKenzie Orchards while searching for a dog-friendly BnB near Eugene while our son was attending UO. Although this is a few miles out from campus, the setting is lovely and the property is wonderful. We enjoyed our stays there so much that we booked the entire property (more than a year in advance) for our son's UO graduation this June. We had family members driving in and flying in from all over the country for the event. Karen and Tom went way above and beyond the call of duty to host all of us for a memorable weekend, including catered meals for as many as 22 (more than just our overnight guests). Although our son has now graduated and left the area, we will find an excuse to head up that way again, to a place we now think of as one of many homes away from home.
5 sur juillet 22, 2013
Karen and Tom were our host and hostess on the final night of our high school girlfriend reunion. It took some convincing to let us rent the guest cottage for one night, but they finally agreed. My four closest friends and I were exhausted from our travels through Oregon upon arrival at McKenzie Orchards B&B. We were also awe struck at the beauty of Oregon, but our final night in the guest cottage was the topper. We were able to sit out on the second floor veranda overlooking the McKenzie River and backdrop of mountains to the west while we enjoyed our last night close friendship while laughing and joking. All I can say is thank you Karen and Tom for helping me to give my friends one of the best memories we have made together. God Bless and God Speed.
5 sur avril 30, 2013
What a find! The location of this B&B is absolutely beautiful, and the accommodations are upscale, comfortable and very reasonable. We are pissy travelers, and are too often disappointed with properties that are overpriced or otherwise are not as advertised. Not so with MacKenzie Orchards! If you are prone to dog-cations like we are, this B&B could not be more perfect with a couple of rooms that have easy access to the outdoors, and a huge field/meadow where the dogs can romp, play and run. We plan to visit Eugene more often now that we've found MacKenzie.
5 sur janvier 23, 2013
The McKenzie Orchards B&B is a delightful, relaxing get-away. I really loved soaking in the jacquzzi. We spent 3 days at the B&B, and supprised our hosts with an impromptu family party on Friday night. The Reid's were gracious and made everyone feel welcome and at home. If we are ever anywhere nearby, we will defineitly book another stay.
5 sur octobre 02, 2012
More pluses to this place than the brochure states! Owners have thought this place out and attention to detail makes the stay great.
5 sur septembre 29, 2012
We had an extraordinary weekend at the McKenzie Orchards B&B. Our room was beautiful, spacious and had all the comforts of home, plus a wonderful patio and view of the property. We were treated to a leisurely, sumptuous breakfast each morning, prepared with many homegrown fruits and vegetables. The hosts were very attentive to all of our needs. We will be returning next spring and plan to stay at the B&B again. Our highest recommendation to anyone looking for a quiet and pampered get-away.
5 sur juillet 20, 2012
My husband and I stayed at McKenzie Orchards in July 2012 touring wineries. Our room, on the first floor, was roomy enough for additional people. The bathroom was large also. It was peaceful and comfortable. The next morning we were treated to a fritata made by Tom that was delicious. They also recommended a great Italian restaurant for dinner.
5 sur mai 16, 2012
We stayed at the McKenzie Orchards B&B while we were in Eugene for a bike ride fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. A very bike friendly place, and happened to be right on our bike route. We loved the calming, open, airy ambiance of the very modern house and grounds and clean, simple but extremely comfortable and aesthetic appeal of the large, beautiful rooms. The food was fun, delicious and filling, we were lucky enough to have breakfast and dinner on Saturday which was a special treat, as Karen and Tom are excellent culinary artists and made us a fresh, mouthwatering dinner that was the perfect way to celebrate spring and end a long day playing in the sun! If we return to Eugene for a weekend getaway we hope we can get a room at this lovely B&B again!
5 sur décembre 07, 2011
This is the second time that my wife and I have stayed at the McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast and the results were the same both times- Outstanding. Our first trip was for a long weekend while the owners were in Europe and the Inn Keeper was fantastic in her hospitality as well as cooking some unbelievable gourmet breakfasts. Our second trip was this last weekend and the owners, Karen and Tom had returned from Europe. They were as wonderful as Sherry the Innkeeper. The rooms are huge and have a sitting area as well as a spacious bathroom. The inn living room is large, warm and picturesque. The B and B is right off of the McKenzie River and the view of the river from the living room makes for a wonderful sight in the mornings and evenings. I would highly recommend the McKenzie Orchard B and B. My only concern being that a lot of people will be wanting to stay there as I cherish my quiet time. Thanks Karen and Tom, it is our pleasure to stay at your wonderful home.
5 sur novembre 27, 2011
This bed and breakfast was perfect. The stting, the room, the food and the wonderful gracious owners. This was a sanctuary to me. I will stay again.
5 sur novembre 10, 2011
We had the most amazing night at Mckenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast. Karen and Tom prepared a lovely dinner with tons of veggies from their garden and grilled steak. We had driven from San Francisco and had planned to arrive around 6 for dinner - we didn't make it until after 8 pm. Tom and Karen welcomed us without hesitation. Our room was contempary, spacious, peaceful and romantic. We had a lovely breeze and the music of crickets. The artwork throughout the house was unexpected. Gallery - like. We also enjoyed the family room on the main floor and the cozy fireplace. Outside, for those that enjoy wandering, we took a relaxing stroll to the river and enjoyed the sun and the views. Tom also encouraged us to take a peak at their huge garden and an interesting tree. It was delightful to take an adventure on the grounds. Our only disappointment, we didn't have time to stay another night. We look forward to returning with friends for a cooking party! They deserve to be treated to the same relaxed, peaceful and quiet night, served with a little gourmet food and wonderful hosts.
5 sur octobre 02, 2011
Tom and Karen Reid understand the concept of hospitality extremely well. They know what guests need and when. They provide a very private and peaceful setting for any length of stay. The Reids serve a very ample and delicious breakfast as well as a tasty evening appetizer in their home's beautiful setting over looking a meadow leading to the Mckenzie River. The details in allthe attractive rooms are well taken care of and one cannot help but come away very refreshed from McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast. p.s. We expected to stay only one night, but on our return travel through Springfield we couldn't think of a better place to spend the last three days of our vacation. It was a wonderful and unexpected blessing.
5 sur août 09, 2011
We had the opportunity to visit the beautiful state of Oregon in July. After traveling down the coast, we crossed over to visit the Eugene/Springfield area. In our research we came across the McKenzie Orchards B & B in Springfield and made reservations for a one night stay. This was our very first experience with a bed and breakfast….it was AWESOME! Tom and Karen gave us such a warm welcome and our accommodations were fabulous. This is such a quite, peaceful environment and the inn is just gorgeous. A fireplace in each room, beautiful hardwood floors with the luxury of area rugs. Thought was given to every convenience imaginable. Throughout the inn you will find beautiful paintings from local artists…truly a treat. After getting settled, we were served complimentary wine and delicious appetizers out on the deck over looking the McKenzie River. Before leaving the next morning, we enjoyed a delightful, healthy breakfast (yummy breakfast casserole). Tom and Karen offer their guests such warm hospitality as well as privacy. This was such a wonderful, rejuvenating experience for us after several days on the road. We look forward to a return visit and yes, we will enjoy a longer stay.
5 sur juillet 11, 2011
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place to rejuvinate and be surrounded by the beautiful countryside, than this is the place to go. The rooms are all exquisitely decorated and the food, well the food is unforgettable in taste and presentation. A lot of love and care has gone into making this place special and Karen and Tom are very proud of what they have to offer folks in hospitality. I was traveling with a small well behaved sheltie and truely appreciated having such a wonderful place welcome us. We already have our next reservations booked.
5 sur juillet 03, 2011
Tom and Karen are warm and delightful hosts! The property is beautiful and the B and B is very clean and welcoming. It felt very private even though they were full. The food was very good, lots of thoughtful touches. I look forward to staying there again!
2,8 sur juin 13, 2011
My husband and I stayed just one night here as we needed to fly out of the Eugene airport the next morning after traveling to southern Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. The inn is spotless, new, spacious, easy parking, and a good location. I rated the room below average, not because it was tacky or anything, but rather it was VERY noisy from the party going on upstairs right above us the night we were there. We felt like we were just in a spare room in someone's home rather than a professionally run B&B. There was no TV in our room but rather there is a TV for everyone's use in a common lounge/kitchen area down the hall. Everything is also on a timer in the room--we had to get up numerous times to turn the gas fireplace back on since the longest the timer would allow was 30 minutes. When there is no TV and the only thing to do really is to read a book by the fireplace, jumping up every half an hour to keep the fireplace going was an annoyance. Plus the noise from upstairs made for not so pleasant an evening. The bed was very comfortable and we had a good nights sleep once the party unstairs quited down about 10:30 PM. Breakfast in the morning was rather ordinary in comparison to other B&B's we have stayed in, but plentiful. Our only complaint at breakfast is that the owners argued with each other throughout about a reservation they were taking over the phone. The bickering between the owners should have been behind closed doors rather than well within earshot of thier guests. Nice place, but needs the finishing professional touches to be the fine bed and breakfast inn found at other properties on this website.
Réponse du propriétaire
We are sorry that this guest did not experience the hospitality we intended and regret that they did not discuss their issues with us while they were here. We would have explained: 1) As can be seen from other reviews of our inn, we strive for a peaceful environment. This is the main reason we did not install TV in the individual rooms: it is very hard to limit private space noise, but we can ask card-playing guests in the great room to "turn the volume down", as we did in this case. The vast majority of our guests are grateful there is not a TV in every room; instead they enjoy the large plasma panel in the shared lounge. 2) The guest-room fireplaces do put out quite a bit of heat, but are secondary to central heating and are not intended to be on continually. The silent, electronic fireplace timer is a compromise of safety and convenience: giving the guest direct control (unlike a thermostat) yet minimizing the time it would run unattended. 3)We call our breakfast style "traditional". We take great care to offer a variety of excellent but not too heavy breakfasts, emphasizing quality ingredients, homebaked goods, several choices of fruit, with meat optional. Many guests have told us they appreciate this healthy and tasty approach to B&B fare. Another guest staying the same night said in her review, "the food is unforgettable in taste and presentation."
- Tom and Karen Reid (Owner/Innkeeper)
5 sur mars 27, 2011
We enjoyed a quiet evening watching and helping Karen cook a wonderful dinner which we shared with them. Breakfast next morning, made by Tom, was also excellent. We want to take some friends down next time and share the experience.
5 sur novembre 26, 2010
As fellow innkeepers we know what we don't want when we travel. We don't want noise, we don't want 'doily pink lacy museum' style and we don't want a queen bed. So we searched the area and stumbled across this place. Well Tom is a people person, who gets irony (we are Brits...) and also can cook a breakfast full of taste and flavour (including home grown tomatoes) with not a hint of French toast in sight. DEEP JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The home is modern and new, has an elevator (!) and no creaking floor boards, and if you want quaint nostalgia don't come here. The Sahalie bedroom was HUGE with a great bed, and the bathroom had a Ban-Ultra airbath...very impressed. He had designed the house with Karen his wife, and had included small touches like a 12volt lighting system that works at night and when there is a power cut...very clever uses hardly any power but is really useful. The fireplace was lit in the common, the view of the river reminded us of mid France and a trip around the wineries (King estate for lunch/dinner a MUST!) can all be easily organised from the inn. One night we had complimentary wine and the next a tasty choice of deserts..... A real find......and in our professional opinion better than anything else in the area and it was also very reasonably priced.
5 sur septembre 27, 2010
We stopped for one night on our way home from northern Oregon. Karen and Tom have done a superb job of creating a beautiful and romantic Inn. If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the quiet beauty of the McKenzie river, yet still be close to Eugene and the quaint antique shops of Springfield, this B&B is not far off Hwy 5. EVERY detail has been carefully thought out, and our hosts made us feel like welcomed houseguests. Don't miss out on dinner at the Inn. Tom makes homemade bread and serves local wines and Karen is a gourmet chef and uses her garden produce when in season. Even though we were the only guests eating "inn" that night, they prepared and served us a four course meal that surpassed any of our expectations. We didn't want to leave and would highly recommend the McKenzie Orchards as a true destination experience. If you like the B & B experience in a modern Inn, with hosts that truly care about their guests then don't miss this pampering place. We would go back in a minute and would give it the highest recommendation possible. Thank you both for creating an environment of peace and rejuvenating luxury. G & K from California
4,6 sur août 31, 2010
Lodging at the McKenzie Orchards B&B is a not-to-be-missed opportunity! The accommodations and hospitality are stellar in all respects. The location is gorgeous, serene countryside with the beautiful McKenzie River flowing by to the south of the B&B. Yet it's a relatively short drive to town – either Eugene or Springfield. Tom and Karen Reid have put extraordinary time, thought , energy and love into creating this lodging haven and architectural masterpiece. No details have been overlooked. Three hardwood floor rooms are on the 1st floor, 1 carpeted room is on the main floor, and one carpeted room is on the third floor. The common areas for guests to "hang out" are outstanding (both inside and outside). The ambience of the B&B is open, spacious, light-filled, uplifting. Paintings from local artists grace the walls on every floor. The food is divine and the wine choices are plentiful and delightful. The hosts, Tom and Karen, are excellent at making their guests feel comfortable while at the same time allowing for all the privacy you need. It has to be the Eugene area's best value and most pristinely cared for location. I can't wait to visit this B&B again!
5 sur août 23, 2010
McKenzie Orchards B&B was the first stop out of the 4 we had during our family roadtrip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our stay at McKenzie exceeded my expectations from beginning to end with all aspects of our stay. Those who know me well...know that I do my research and very particular with sleeping accommodations. So much so that warm memories continue to linger in my mind now that I am back to reality. First of all, Karen and Tom were so wonderful from the very start by making it even possible for us to be guest at their B&B. They accommodated our family within only a few days of notice. They had a full house just before our arrival and welcomed another full house when we arrived. But you would have never known as I felt like we had the estate all to ourselves even with so many other guests on/off site doing many things throughout the day. The space really afforded everyone privacy and peaceful escape. The entire estate and our room was very generous with size, comfort, light, cleanliness and views. The bed guaranteed us a restful and most comfortable experience. Breakfast and afternoon snacks were plentiful, thoughtful and delicious! McKenzie was conveniently located to every place we needed to visit while we were in Oregon. We very much look forward to returning and spending more time in Springfield at McKenzie Orchards. I could go on and on with praise but words are inadequate to sum up our experience. One would have to just go to know what I speak of. Thank you Karen and Tom for a most wonderful and comfortable time. We truly envy the beauty and peace that you wake to everyday!
5 sur août 22, 2010
Newly built in 2009 from the ground up as a B&B. Five unique guest rooms in this three-floor modern country farmhouse, on the McKenzie River. The guest rooms are very large and very comfortable, most with views and decks. Local artwork enhances the walls throughout. Large dining/living room with views of the meadow and river, library, and even an auxiliary guest kitchen/den. On the night of our arrival, we were offered a bistro dinner, including a salmon appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Instead of the customary anonymous carafe of wine, we were offered a choice of wines from a two page wine list. All food and beverage focus on local vendors. A full American breakfast is offered, changing every day. Waffles one day, bacon and eggs another, breakfast burritos another. The food is excellent: Karen also offers a cooking school. River access is easy. The B&B even has inflatable kayaks for your use. Tom will come pick you up downriver. Karen and Tom are wonderful hosts, and we're looking forward to our next visit. We are frequent visitors to Eugene, and have decided this is the place to stay. Don't be fooled by the Springfield mailing address. This is in the countryside, not in Springfield, and is close to Eugene.
5 sur juin 20, 2010
I really like McKenzie Orchards Bed & Breakfast because it is right on the McKenzie River for fly fishing, and the accommodations are new and clean. As a man travelling on my own I have to say that I don't like stuffy old B&B's full of pillows and knick-knacks. The McKenzie Orchards B&B house is brand new and very well designed with lots of natural light, stone and wood. Karen and Tom the innkeepers are excellent cooks. The best part of my stay was the fly fishing. A guide (Aaron Helfrich of Helfrich Outfitter) picked me up at the B&B and drove me to the launch point up-river. We floated down the McKenzie River in a drift boat and I caught dozens of trout and steelhead. At the end of the day he dropped me on the river-bank right in front of the B&B! It doesn't get much better than that. I will definitely be going back.
5 sur mai 26, 2010
Tom and Karen made us feel very comfortable and welcome during our stay. The meals they prepared were fantastic! The Inn layout and features have been very well thought out. The local wines were fabulous. I would highly recommend this Inn. We will definitely stay there again.
5 sur mai 17, 2010
Great, relaxing place to stay. The beds were some of the most comfortable I've ever slept in. Food was great. The Innkeepers were friendly but respected our privacy. We had a great stay.
4,0 sur novembre 23, 2009
My husband and I spent a weekend in Eugene recently to do some wine tasting. We discovered the McKenzie Orchards B&B and were so glad we did! The innkeepers, Karen and Tom, were gracious and friendly, the room was very nice and the bed was really comfortable! The grounds were secluded and right on the river - very nice. Not only do they do breakfast but also will offer a dinner option (extra $$ - not included in your room). We decided to accept the offer for the dinner and it was fabulous! Another couple staying at the inn was also there and it was great food, great conversation and a fun time. I highly recommend this inn!!
5 sur septembre 18, 2009
My husband & I were weary travelers from a long day in the car when we arrived at McKenzie Orchards. We called ahead, and even tho' it was already evening - Karen prepared us a light dinner that was delicious. The house is lovely and both Tom & Karen made us feel very welcome and comfortable. We would love to come again and bring friends for one of Karen's classes. We have stayed at many B&B's - this has got to be one of the best.
4,6 sur septembre 13, 2009
Karen & Tom have clearly thought out the best layout, the best food and the most amazing decor that allows the view to be part of the living space. Kudos to the Reids. This was a great weekend away thanks to their hospitality and flexibility. I only wish it could have lasted longer. Nicolle, Lebanon, OR
5 sur septembre 11, 2009
We arrived tired, stressed and achy. Luckily, we had booked the Sahalie Room. This room is on the 3rd floor; it overlooks a 80 yr old black walnut tree. The room includes a huge bathroom with a wonderful jacuzzi. Karen even provides the bubble bath! The B & B is gorgeous with high vaulted, angled celings; light streaming in from the many windows. It is very clean and relaxing. Daily healthy breakfasts and evening appetizers with wine are served. Tom and Karen are wonderful hosts. I took a cooking class from Karen. A spacious retreat. We would highly recommend.
4,0 sur septembre 03, 2009
This B&B is set on the beautiful McKenzie river with lots of lawn for the dogs to run and play on. The buildings are all new, lovely and lavishly roomy. The Innkeepers are helpful, courteous and friendly while leaving plenty of space to get away. The breakfasts were exactly what we asked for and decidedly tasty and healthy. All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better experience especially since we had a somewhat sickly dog with us.
5 sur juillet 30, 2009
We arrived tired, and then we dined on Karen's delicious food, we rested and we rejuvinated in a most divine way at the McKenzie Orchards B&B. I felt taken care of and attended to, but also given time to just take in the beauty of our surroundings. A float down the river was just beautiful. Tom and Karen are supreme hosts, and the house is spectacular. We can't wait to come back!
5 sur juillet 20, 2009
I recently had the pleasure of staying five nights at the brand-new McKenzie Orchards Bed & Breakfast, and had a wonderful experience there. The place itself is beautiful, both inside and out, and this is a testimonial to the Reids for their skill in first finding an exquisite site and then building a B&B that matches the aesthetic of the natural setting. Tom and Karen Reid are wonderful hosts, which made for much good conversation and good cheer. Karen's cooking is great. I told her that I didn't know how I was going to go back to my own cooking after five days there! I'm recommending the B&B to my friends and am looking forward to a return visit soon.


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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Annapolis Council has rejected a proposal to eliminate political party affiliations from city elections.
In a 7-2 vote Monday night, city officials upheld the current system. Candidates will continue to vie for party nominations through Republican and Democratic primaries. Only voters registered in one of the two major political parties can participate.
The Capital reports the Charter Revision Commission had recommended switching to a nonpartisan election to lessen political polarization and create new openings for third-party candidates. The commission is a panel of seven citizens.
Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson says most of the push for nonpartisan elections was coming from Republicans because they are the minority in Annapolis.
Others said city politics don't usually have much to do with the national platforms of the two major parties.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Auction of the first F.P. Journe Centigraphe SportOne of the most important names in watchmaking and one of the leading names in art auctions are working together to bring aid to Japan following the devastating Match 11th earthquake and subsequent tsunami which continues to present formidable problems for Japan.
Christies, Hong Kong Watch Auction, May 30th 2011
Christies, Hong Kong Watch Auction, May 30th 2011
Christie's and F.P. Journe have entered into an unprecedented collaboration to unveil the first of F.P. Journe's new Centigraphe Sport wristwatches from its brand new "Sport Line" collection at Christie's Hong Kong Watch Auction on May 30th.
All aluminium
This all-aluminium mechanical chronograph watch (numbered 001) will be auctioned at Christie's Hong Kong Watch Sale (Lot 2192A), with proceeds and buyers' premium to be donated to the relief efforts.
The watch case, bracelet and movement have a combined weight of only 55g. The crown, pushers and sides of the bracelet are coated in rubber to absorb shock.
According to Journe, the aluminium alloy used is scratch resistant with anti-corrosive and anti-allergic properties. This is good news as past attempts to use aluminium for watch cases, by IWC and Bulgari for example, were not notably successful given the softness of aluminium.
F.P.Journe has chosen the Centigraphe as its first timepiece to introduce its new collection, the Sport Line.
Inspired by a customer
The inspiration for the collection stems from a request from an important collector, an aficionado of F.P.Journe watches, who has competed in numerous marathon and triathlon competitions and wished to have an ultra light sports watch coupled with a movement of authentic high horology.
With its ability to measure in 100ths of a second, the Centigraphe Sport is the perfect watch to help him excel in activities where every second counts.
Preview and official launch
In advance of the May 30th sale in Hong Kong, the watch will be on view from May 28th till the morning of May 29th at the Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
The official launch of the Centigraphe Sport and donation of the auction proceeds will take place at The Swiss Embassy in Tokyo on 3 June 2011, and will then become available exclusively in the F.P. Journe Boutiques in Hong Kong, Beijing, Paris, Geneva and New York.
Click on images to view at higher resolution


text: Florida Georgia Line (Georgia's Tyler Hubbard and Florida's Brian Kelley) broke onto the contemporary country scene in the spring of 2012 with the infectious summer single "Cruise," a song that blended cruising country back roads and farm towns with ragged drums and layers of rock guitar, and sounded a bit like an amped-up, next-generation Brooks & Dunn. The duo seems poised for stardom going into the second decade of the 21st century, a time when country seems to be as much AC/DC as it is George Strait or George Jones (although both Georges get name-checked a lot these days in country songs one can hardly imagine either of them singing). Florida Georgia Line released a five-song EP, It'z Just What We Do, produced by Joey Moi, behind "Cruise," and Here's to the Good Times, the group's first official full-length album, contains all five of those songs, plus six more, which were also produced by Moi. It's an aptly named album, because good times are at the heart of everything here, with songs like "Cruise," "Tip It Back," and "Party People" pretty much summing up Florida Georgia Line's philosophy. This is an album based on summer energy, drinking beer, taking shots, driving back roads, and the romantic glories and possibilities of Friday and Saturday nights with nothing to do but look for those good times. Fair enough. This kind of pop/rocked-up version of country is obviously here to stay, and is probably the commercial future of the whole franchise. Florida Georgia Line are pretty good at it, even if someone like Keith Urban actually does it better. ~ Steve Leggett


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David Langner, Auburn's hero in the famous "Punt, Bama, Punt" game against Alabama, has died after battling cancer. Langner was 62 years old.
Decades before Chris Davis returned a missed field goal attempt for a touchdown to clinch the SEC West on the final play of the game, it was Langner who authored one of the most improbable victories in Auburn history. In the fourth quarter of the 1972 Iron Bowl against Alabama, Langner returned two blocked punts for touchdowns as the Tigers stunned the Crimson Tide, 17-16.
"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," said Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs, according to Auburn. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."
Langnard got into the car business after his playing days and retired just last year, according to the Opelika-Auburn News.


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Coventry Carpets is a family-owned and operated referral-based company built on developing relationships with our customers by revolutionizing the way they experience flooring. Scot Johnson and Tom Burns created the company in response to over 40 years of combined service in the industry. They began with carpet and transformed it into not just a material but to a product that includes not only the carpet itself but also the installation of that carpet.
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TRENTON, N.J. — Paul Kamienski's legal team has filed a First Amended Complaint in his federal lawsuit, within the 30-day deadline granted by U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in rulings last month. When Judge Sheridan allowed Kamienski's civil rights allegations to move forward against the defendants, personally, he also granted leave for attorney Timothy J. McInnis, of McInnis Law in New York City, to engage in limited discovery and file the amended Complaint which could allow additional allegations of withholding and fabricating evidence, witness coercion and malicious prosecution to be added against the defendants. For more information read the First Amended Complaint.
TRENTON, N.J. — More than three years after a federal appeals court freed north Jersey businessman Paul Kamienski after 20 years of unjust imprisonment in New Jersey's highest and medium security prisons, and two years after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Ocean County Prosecutor's appeal of that insufficient evidence ruling, Kamienski's federal lawsuit has taken center stage.
U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan has allowed Kamienski's federal civil rights lawsuit to advance against certain law enforcement and prosecution invididuals, and with more specifity may allow other damage claims to move forward after Timothy J. McInnis, of McInnis Law in New York City, who heads Kamienski's legal team, files an amended Complaint.
In his order, Judge Sheridan permitted limited discovery and 30 days leave to file the more specific amended Complaint that could include allegations of withholding and fabricating evidence, witness corecion and malicious prosecution.
Among individuals named in the original Complaint, which is expected to be amended and filed by October 13th, are: Attorney General For The State Of New Jersey, Marlene Lynch Ford, Thomas F. Kelaher, James W. Holzapfel, Ronald Deligny, John Mercun, Samuel J. Marzarella, E. David Millard, James A. Churchill, Daniel Mahoney, Jeffrey P. Thompson, John Does 1-10, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office And County Of Ocean.
More than three years afer the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ordered the State of New Jersey to expunge Kamienski's murder conviction and all records associated with it the New Jersey Attorney General's Office has voluntarily filed an applicaton with the New Jersey Superior Court application seeking that statewide records erasure. He had been serving two life sentences for a double homicide he did not commit or aid, and had professed his innocence from the moment he was first questioned by the prosecutor's office until his releasse from South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey on June 16, 2009.
If signed by a New Jersey Superior Court judge, the expungement order will direct all courts, detention or correctional facilities, and law enforcement or criminal justice agencies to expunge any records it held on Paul Kamienski relating to the 1987 murders in Toms River, according to McInnis, a former federal prosecutor who has represented Kamienski for more than a decade.
Earlier, a Mercer County Superior Court Judge in New Jersey, acting on Kamienski's state lawsuit brought under the Garden State's Mistaken Inprisonment Act, issued a summary judgment ruling in favor of Kamienski, ordering the state to pay $344,000 to the former businessman for his unjust imprisonment, as well as attorney's fees. Notices of appeal have been filed by both sides in this case and attorney's fees continue to be litigated.
Under state law, the amount of compensation allowed for prisoners who are unjusted incarcerated is based on the income the convicted person earned prior to being taken into custody and the years in which he was held. Kamienski, who had business interests in New Jersey and Florida, reported more than $143,000 in total income the year before he was arrested.
The news release prepared in connection with the federal and state lawsuits is listed in the filed dociments section, along with the filed State of New Jersey Complaint, Answer and Ruling; and the federal Complaint and three decisions. Use the "Documents" link in the top navigation to read these documents.
The U.S. Supreme Court this morning removed the final obstacle to complete freedom for a New Jersey businessman unlawfully convicted as an accomplice in a 1983 double homicide, a crime for which he always maintained innocence.
The highest court in the land summarily "denied" the Ocean County New Jersey Prosecutor's attempt to overturn a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit habeas corpus decision. The Philadelphia-based appellate court, citing insufficiency of evidence among other things, ruled in Paul Kamienski's favor after more than 20 years' imprisonment, most of that time in New Jersey State Prison in maximum security.
Attorney Timothy J. McInnis of New York City has represented Kamienski since early 1999, including during Kamienski's federal habeas petition and appeal. A former federal prosecutor in New Jersey, McInnis moved today in the U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey to remove all bail restrictions. A $1 million personal recognizance bond and travel restrictions among New Jersey, New York and Florida was set in July 2009 when Kamienski was released following his successful appeal.
"For the first time in more than two decades Paul Kamienski can begin the long process of getting his life back. I spoke with Paul moments after the Supreme Court decision and shared the high emotion of this bittersweet moment. A man who had been unfairly imprisoned for more than 20 years -- during which his parents, family and close friends passed away -- finally can breathe the sweet air of freedom he was denied for so long," McInnis said.
"Paul wanted me to convey his deepest appreciation to the friends (and others who learned of his plight from http://www.ReleasePaulNow.com) who stood by him all these years, knowing he was innocent of the murder charges," McInnis added.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- Ocean County, New Jersey Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford, as she had vowed after the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Paul Kamienski's release on a writ of habeas corpus last May, on September 30 asked the U.S. Supreme court to reverse the Circuit's order and return the businessman to a New Jersey prison to finish two 30-to-life sentences for crimes for which he always has maintained innocence.
Attorney Timothy J. McInnis of the McInnis Law Firm in New York City confirmed that the prosecutor had filed a petition for certiorari, or review of the lower court opinion, with the Supreme Court on September 30th, the absolute deadline to seek the highest court's review of the case.
McInnis's insufficiency of evidence arguments prevailed at the Circuit Court and helped win Kamienski's habeas writ and subsequent release on bond on June 16, 2009, pending appeal. A businessman with interests in New Jersey and Florida at the time of his arrest, Kamienski had spent more than 20 years behind bars -- as a model prisoner -- before his June release.
McInnis, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey before launching his private practice, noted that the certiorari petition was expected and that he will begin to carefully study the prosecutor's filing to determine what response, if any, Kamienski would be making.
The New York Times, in an article published September 29, noted that the Supreme Court receives approximately 8,000 petitions for writ of certiorari each year and now hears just 80 of those cases.
In its unanimous decision to release Kamienski the Circuit Court ruled primarily on insufficiency of evidence. And its decision was re-affirmed by the three-judge panel and the entire court. No major issues of law, conflict among Circuits or other precedential issues were involved, according to the Circuit Court, which designated its opinion as "non-precedential," McInnis explained. Under these circumstances in the past, the Supreme Court almost always denies review of the lower court's ruling, he added.
On July 31, 2009 a New Jersey District Court issued Kamienski's writ of habeas of corpus as ordered by the Third Circuit and Kamienski's federal court file was officially closed.
U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler's writ of habeas corpus vacated Paul's judgment of conviction for the two murders in which he has always maintained his innocence. Equally important, Judge Chesler also ordered the State of New Jersey to expunge Kamienski's conviction from all of its records.
Now absolute freedom will not be Paul's until the Supreme Court rejects the prosecutor's attempt to reinstate the conviction.
Paul remains free on bail pending the Supreme Court's decision, bail that had been significantly liberalized from its original conditions.
On July 24, 2009 over Ocean County Prosecutor's Office ("OCPO") objections, Judge Chesler ruled in Paul's favor on a motion to modify his bail. The original terms limited his travel to New Jersey, where he has a residence and businesses; to New York, where attorney Timothy J. McInnis maintains his Manhattan offices; or to Florida where Paul also has property and interests.
Judge Chesler's original June 15 order also had required Paul to report weekly in person to Ocean County authorities and to post a $1 million personal recognizance bond.
The revised bail conditions set by the District Court before closing Paul's case continue until the Supreme Court rules. Paul is allowed to travel anywhere in the continental United States to be able to continue to thank loyal friends, family and interested others from coast-to-coast who knew he was innocent from the moment of his arrest. He also needs only to phone authorities to advise the state to which he will be traveling and is allowed to report weekly by telephone – not in person. His $1 million personal recognizance bond continues.
On July 10 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued its mandate, affirming its unanimous May 28 decision that the OCPO had insufficient evidence to convict Paul. The appeals court had rejected in a one-word, "DENIED" order on July 2 the OCPO's motion for reconsideration.
Then, on July 24th the Third Circuit rejected a new motion by the OCPO to recall and stay its mandate issued two weeks before. Among other things, Attorney McInnis argued in response for Kamienski, the OCPO missed the deadline to request such a stay under the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. The appeals court issued another one-word, "DENIED" ruling. By doing so it closed out the case at the appeals court and remanded it back to the district court for all further proceedings.
Attorney McInnis has handled Paul's appeal for a decade in the Third Circuit and District Courts. In motions and responses filed in association with the bail reduction, mandate and habeas corpus motions, all of which Paul Kamienski won, McInnis has repeatedly noted that the OCPO imprisoned Paul by misstating facts and misrepresenting the record in its appellate briefs.
In his reply letter to Judge Chesler regarding language in Kamienski's proposed writ attorney McInnis wrote, "Given that the State here secured the reinstatement of Kamienski's murder convictions that had been dismissed by a judgment N.O.V. by perpetrating a fraud on the State Appellate Division and this Court by submitting materially false and misleading briefs (and sought unsuccessfully to repeat this at the Third Circuit), "law and justice" require that Kamienski's unconditional habeas judgment be given full effect. This is particularly appropriate here in light of the State's inability to re-prosecute him because of the Double Jeopardy Clause."
In a one-word, "DENIED" decision the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit rejected the OCPO's request for reconsideration by the unanimous three-judge panel and the whole 12-judge court of its May 28 decision overturning Paul's double homicide conviction. He had spent more than 20 years in New Jersey prisons, innocent and unfairly convicted, until his June 16th release on bail pending further review.
Read the July 3rd News Alert for the media and comments by New York City attorney Timothy J. McInnis regarding this development on Paul's case.
A white New Jersey Department of Corrections van transporting just one passenger leaves the grounds of South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The van turns right onto Burlington Road South and after traveling less than a tenth of a mile turns left onto Industrial Drive North, slowing just past the stone and dirt lot with State of New Jersey gas pumps and other infrastructure.
It's late afternoon, June 16, 2009. New York attorney Timothy J. McInnis has waited 10 years for this moment. His client, Paul Kamienski, is being released on bail, pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus ordered by a federal appeals court that found his convictions on murder charges 20 years previous had been based on "speculation."
Legal media relations expert Richard Lavinthal of PRforLAW, LLC waits with the reporters, photographers and two TV crews who have camped out on Industrial Drive North for hours, waiting for the van and its passenger.
The van stops in the middle of the road; a corrections sergeant opens the side doors and Paul Kamienski takes one step down onto the tarmac and into the crisp, cool air of freedom.
After a few private minutes with attorney McInnis, Paul Kamienski speaks briefly with reporters.
The day before, June 15, U.S. District Judge Stanley J. Chesler in Newark ordered Paul released on bail, setting a $1 million personal recognizance bond, establishing weekly reporting requirements with New Jersey authorities and allowing him to travel to Florida where Kamienski also has a residence, and New York City to McInnis' law office.
Paul's nightmare is not yet over. His release is on bail because his case is continuing. On June 11th the Ocean County, New Jersey, Prosecutor filed a motion for reconsideration by the three-judge panel and the entire U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Circuit Court Judges McKee, Smith and Van Antwerpen had unanimously ordered Kamienski's writ of habeas corpus in their May 28, 2009 ruling.
The prosecutor has been quoted as stating that her office will take Kamienski's case to the U.S. Supreme Court should the motion for reconsideration be denied by the Third Circuit.
"The behavior of the prosecutors was reprehensible," McInnis told the Asbury Park Press on June 16.
The Appellate Division had reversed the trial judge, reinstated Kamienski's murder convictions and sent him to prison with a double-life sentence for murders he did not commit or aid.
The prosecutor's office's Appellate Division briefs contained misstatements and conclusions that courts above accepted and adopted without scrutiny, McInnis argued in the federal appeal to the three-judge Circuit Court of Appeals panel in Philadelphia on April 16, 2009.
An Ocean County jury had found Kamienski guilty of both drug and murder charges but trial judge Stephen P. Perskie dismissed the murder convictions, ruling that they had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Twenty years later the federal appeals court reached the exact same conclusion.
Paul Kamienski's case represented an unusual situation for federal and state authorities in that a federal court ordered a habeas corpus for a state prisoner.
The novelty of the case delayed Kamienski's release by the New Jersey Department of Corrections which could not automatically accept the June 15th order by U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark setting bail and reporting conditions to state authorities.
After Chesler set bail Monday morning McInnis began driving to the prison in Bridgeton, approximately two-and-a-half hours from Newark. With just 30 minutes left before arrival McInnis learned from the county prosecutor's office that a writ from the Ocean County Court and two additional documents would be needed in order for the New Jersey Department of Corrections to release Paul. McInnis stayed overnight in Toms River, the county seat where the prosecutor's office is located. He expected the prosecutor's office to file the three documents with the Department of Corrections, after which Kamienski would be released from the prison and brought up by the county sheriff.
McInnis waited in vain in Toms River for a response from the prosecutor's office until approximately 11:30 a.m. when N.J. Attorney General Anne Milgram and the administrator of South Woods State Prison interceded to arrange Paul Kamienski's release without the three documents.
When the Third Circuit ordered the writ of habeas corpus May 28, McInnis hailed the victory as the first habeas of its kind in the Circuit, made even more rare since the imposition of tough new federal appeal standards requiring deference to be given to state courts under the pre-911 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act ("AEDPA").
In its May 28th opinion the unanimous three-judge Circuit Court panel sternly criticized the N.J. (State) Appellate Division of Superior Court for failing to understand Kamienski's case to begin with.
Audio transcripts of the April 16, 2009 oral arguments before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, all filed documents up to this moment and the news release issued on May 29th are uploaded and linked in the Documents section of this Web site.
Every news report on Kamienski's case is also available in the "News" section of this Web site.
All filed state and federal court documents, beginning with the 1988 New Jersey trial transcript and ending with the Third Circuit's bail order, are available from the "Documents" section of this Web site.
This reference Web site went live April 16, 2009, immediately following McInnis' oral arguments before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The copy that follows has since been slightly edited from its original version to reflect Kamienski's current status.
If you assume someone with money can't be convicted of a crime he didn't commit you don't know the story of Paul Kamienski, a respected businessman with interests in three New Jersey cities and an auto business in Florida who believes he has been unfairly prosecuted by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office as a supposed accomplice in the double homicide of two of his friends during a drug deal gone bad in Toms River, NJ in 1983.
Far from being poor and disadvantaged, Paul, an only child, came from a great, loving and successful family. Like his grandparents and parents before him, he was a respected member of the Polish communities of Passaic, Garfield and Wallington and a former Pulaski Day Parade grand marshal who led his three-city contingent down New York City's Fifth Avenue in 1979. That all was to change a few years later.
In 1983 Henry ("Nick") and Barbara DeTournay, married acquaintances of Kamienski from Florida, were killed delivering three kilos of cocaine to two Toms River men. Kamienski, in his mid-30s at the time, had only recently met the men and introduced them to the DeTournays. Unbeknownst to Kamienski, one or both of these men schemed to murder the couple instead of paying for the drugs they were delivering, which at the time had a wholesale value of $150,000.
In 1988, a N.J. Superior Court jury convicted all three men of murder and drug charges, saying that one of the men was the actual killer, while Kamienski and the remaining defendant were accomplices. In Kamienski's case, he was charged with allegedly helping to dispose of the victims' bodies after the fact.
At trial Assistant Prosecutor E. David Millard told the jury during closing argument that Kamienski had no foreknowledge of the drug robbery and murders and had done nothing to help plan them. Post trial, New Jersey Superior Court trial judge Steven P. Perskie ruled that the Prosecutor's Office failed to produce sufficient evidence of Kamienski's guilt on the murder charges and dismissed them all together.
The Ocean County Prosecutor then appealed that decision and the New Jersey Appellate Division of Superior Court reinstated the murder convictions against him. Kamienski says the state appellate court came to this mistaken conclusion because it was influenced by a false and misleading brief by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office which mislead the court into believing certain things had been proven at trial that in fact had not been proven at all.
Kamienski appealed to the N.J. Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court, but each merely adopted the earlier Appellate Division ruling. On April 16, 2009 Kamienski's last chance at regaining his freedom and restoring his innocence culminated with oral argument before three federal judges at The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia.
Attorney Timothy J. McInnis, Esq. from the McInnis Law firm in Manhattan, has waged a battle in the federal courts on Paul's behalf for a decade. To prove Kamienski's innocence, McInnis said, among other things, that the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office had filed briefs that did not accurately reflect the trial record, and which muddied the waters by incorrectly lumping Kamienski in with his co-defendants.
According to McInnis, a fair reading of the actual record fails to show any evidence that Kamienski did anything before or during the killings to assist the other defendants in the murders and therefore he must be exonerated of those charges.
If the prosecutor's office is unable to reverse the habeas decision in the Third Circuit or U.S. Supreme Court the State would be precluded from re-trying Kamienski on double jeopardy grounds and at that moment Paul Kamienski would be free.
The ReleasePaulNow.com Web site includes Paul's own written story; four videos shot days before his 61st birthday in South Woods State prison; more than 50 photos from Paul's youth up through his June 16th release from prison; all the filed court documents; and audio from the oral arguments before the Third Circuit in April 2009.
This reference Web site clearly explains Kamienski's plight and how using illegal drugs recreationally, perhaps compulsively, put him near the wrong people at the wrong time. He has paid a heavy price for that error in judgment and personal drug use during the early 1980s.
It has been 26 years since the DeTournays were murdered by Joseph Marzeno, a self-confessed killer with a lengthy federal and state rap sheet. He died of natural causes while in maximum security Trenton State Prison in 1991.
The other co-defendant, Anthony Alongi, also had a long stint in Rahway State prison in the 1970s where he helped found the "Scared Straight" program. Alongi still is incarcerated in Trenton State Prison and is appealing his case on grounds of ineffective assistance of counsel and the right to represent himself at trial.
Do you have first-hand information about this crime, its investigation, prosecution or appeal which has not faded over the years?
Are you someone with first-hand knowledge about the crime who feared retribution by Marzeno, who is now dead?
Are you someone who can shed light on the drafting of the initial appeal to the Appellate Division of Superior Court?
Were you affiliated with law enforcement or the prosecutor's office and now free to speak? Please provide your information or just your contact information and we'll forward it to Kamienski's defense team.
It's time to correct a terrible injustice.
P.S.When Paul stepped from the van early Tuesday evening he told reporters that there are others in prison who are innocent, and many that are guilty. Once his nightmare is behind him Kamienski hopes to use his education, business acumen and personal experience in state prisons to help both the innocent and the guilty.


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Hacktivism, the hacking of information systems to advance a social or political agenda, was clearly a major trend in 2011, which is why hactivism was noted several times in our cyberthreat predictions for 2012 (in other words, we think you're going to see more of it). That prediction was underlined by the news on Christmas Day that Anonymous had hacked Strafor Global Intelligence, a think tank in Austin, Texas.
You are likely to see more than one post on this blog about that incident and its lingering aftermath, the phased release of data obtained by the hackers. So far, according to independent analysis performed by identity theft prevention service Identity Finder and published by VentureBeat, some 9,651 active credit cards, 47,680 unique e-mail addresses, 25,680 unique phone numbers and 44,188 encrypted passwords were hacked from the A through M name list published by Anonymous (we may see the N through Z portion of the list exposed in the next few days).
What strikes me about this incident is the spotlight it shines on questions as old as hacking itself, most notably: Do the ends justify the means? I engaged in a lively discussion of this and related questions with a large congregation of hackers at DefCon III, held at the old Tropicana in Las Vegas, in 1995. The session, which The Dark Tangent invited me to present, was titled "Why Hacking Sucks" but it quickly morphed into a consideration of "When does hacking suck?" Unlike sessions at more recent and more expensive information security conferences, this one was recorded in high quality audio and made available free on iTunes (obviously some time after iTunes was invented, and yes, it is weird to hear yourself speaking 16 years ago).
What I took away from that session, and the whole DefCon III experience, was that most hackers are not "amoral, sociopathic scum." That phrase was erroneously attributed to a friend and colleague, Mich Kabay, because what he actually said, to the best of my recollection, was: "criminal hackers are amoral, sociopathic scum." But even with that "criminal" qualification I would argue with the term "amoral" and suggest, perhaps, "differently moralled."
Indeed, there was a lot of righteous indignation in hacking circles circa 1995. People who thought of themselves as hackers bent on improving technology by exposing flawed implemenations had watched in mounting frustration as the media began demonizing "hacking" without any real understanding of what it was. I know because a journalist writing for a well-known magazine called me that summer looking for cases of "hackers causing bloodshed." He got quite testy when I could offer no examples and he ended the call when I suggested he write about the technical failure of the London Ambulance Service Computer-Aided Despatch system in 1992, to which dozens of avoidable deaths had been attributed. My advice to hackers at DefCon III was to better articulate their moral perspective and be sure they were clear about any equations involving righteous ends and illegal means.
Some 16 years later it seems clear that, if you're going to break the law to break into a computer system, you should have clear and well-articulated reasons for doing so. After all, illegal acts of this nature carry risks for you and, potentially, unhappy consequences for thousands of innocent people. While most reports of the Stratfor incident have focused on the company's big name corporate clients the company had a lot of paying customers who were private citizens entirely lacking in nefarious agendas.
Many of us may feel compelled to call out those with whom we disagree and we may choose to break laws which we feel are deeply unjust. The peaceful exercise of civil disobedience has a proven ability to overthrow cruel oppression and strike down illegitimate regimes. So perhaps the question today is: How far can you extrapolate the principles that inform civil disobedience before you risk losing the support of those you seek to liberate or empower? That, and Why would you not encrypt your customers' credit card numbers?
Stephen Cobb
Security Expert for ESET


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LG will be the firm behind the next and upcoming Google Nexus smartphone.
Multiple sources have told Androidandme that LG is the manufacturer working on the next Google Nexus smartphone. The device, called the LG Optimus G Nexus, will succeed the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and will be revealed next month with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Visit Group test: what's the best Android phone?
The source said: "I can confirm the next nexus is LG Optimus based. The phone looks surprisingly like the Galaxy Nexus and does not have sharp corners like the LG Optimus we already know. It has a silver ring like the iPhone 3G around the outer edge of the screen which seemed to be similar to the Galaxy Nexus in size but was much better in brightness."
Group test: what's the best smartphone?
They also confirmed the device had the Nexus logo with the X in four colours alongside an LG logo. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean will be the operating system rather than 5.0 Key Lime Pie which is expected in 2013.
Little is known about the specification of the LG Optimus G. It will supposedly come in two models, one with a 13Mp camera and one with an 8Mp camera. The Nexus model is likely to be the latter.
Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.


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Jeremy Liebman
Use this zesty spice mix for sprinkling over the shellfish, corn, and potatoes.
- Yield
- About 1/4 cup
- Active Time
- 5 minutes
- Total Time
- 5 minutes
- 2 dried chiles de árbol, stemmed
- 4 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Ingredient Info: Chiles de árbol are available at better supermarkets and at Latin markets.
- Pulse chiles in a spice grinder until coarsely ground. Transfer ground chiles to a small bowl and add salt. Scatter lemon zest on a 6x6" piece of parchment paper and microwave on high for 1 minute. Add thyme to parchment and microwave until dry, about 1 minute 30 seconds (time will vary). Let cool and lightly crush zest and thyme; combine with ground chiles and salt. DO AHEAD: Spice mix may be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
Per serving (One tablespoon): 4.6 calories, 0% calories from fat, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1.0 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g dietary fiber, 0.2 g total sugars, 0.5 g net carbohydrates, 0.2 g protein, 1163.2 mg sodium


text: ChiefStudly 1 Posted July 3, 2012 (edited) New and improved TY thread. Now with 80% less browser lag. ================================================================================= HOW TO POST YOUTUBE VIDEOS ================================================================================= http://youtu.be/FcjNucPmLjo Edited November 7, 2012 by TN added fucking picture tutorial how to post youtube videos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites