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On the Wing
The 2011 spring and summer birding calendar.
By Shelly Plante
In addition to the events listed below, Texas state parks host frequent birding activities. A regularly updated calendar of all events at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department facilities can be found online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/. Search this calendar by "Events and Activities" to find more outdoor adventures for you and your family year-round!
Recurring events
Laguna Atascosa Bird Walks and Tours — Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Los Fresnos. Discover the South Texas specialties at this birders' paradise. Contact refuge for dates and times. Entry fee of $3 per vehicle. 956-748-3607; www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walks — Alamo. Join knowledgeable guides and explore this jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Contact refuge for dates and times. Entry fee of $3 per vehicle. 956-784-7500; www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org
Every Wednesday
Birding on the Boardwalk — Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas. The boardwalk is home to a variety of wetland species — cinnamon teal, black-bellied whistling-ducks, least grebes, cormorants, roseate spoonbills and a variety of herons and egrets. 9 a.m. Free. 800-45-COAST or 361-749-5919; www.portaransas.org
Second Saturday of each month
Bird and Nature Walk — Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens. Join a monthly bird walk on an interpretive wetland trail and other areas around the hatchery. Plan to see 30 to 40 species on any given morning. Bring binoculars and field guide (not required). 9 to 11 a.m. Free with regular admission. 903-670-2266; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc
Beginners' Birdwalk — Alamo Heights. For beginners and newcomers to the San Antonio area. Site is next to swimming pool on Viesca Street. Some binoculars will be available. 8 a.m. (7:30 a.m. in June and July). Free. 210-308-6788; www.saaudubon.org
Second Saturday of most months (May 14 and June 11)
Guided Bird Walk — Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, Lewisville. More than 270 species of birds have been documented on the learning area's 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, river and wetland habitat. The guided tour takes birders to some of the best locations, many of them not regularly open to the public. Birders of all skill levels are welcome, ages 10 and up. $7 per person. Reservations are requested but not required. 972-219-3930; www.ias.unt.edu/llela
Third Saturday of the month
Bird Walk and Talk — Sheldon Lake State Park, Houston. This monthly event includes a stroll around the park's many trails seeking spring neotropical migrants and other resident birds. Great for beginning birders and many opportunities for photographers. Free with park entry. 8:30 a.m.
Birding Tours — Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, El Paso. Observe some of the more than 200 species of birds that visit the park with a well-informed guide to help you identify them. 7 to 9 a.m. $5 entry fee for participants 13 and older, plus $1 activity fee for participants 5 and older. Reservations required. 915-857-1135 or 915-849-6684; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huecotanks
Every Sunday
Blucher Park Bird Walks — Corpus Christi. Participants will bird Blucher Park and the expansive lawn behind the home of the Nature Conservancy across the street from the park. If needed, participants will be guided through the park and assisted with bird identification. Free. 361-443-0744.
April 9–17
Great Texas Birding Classic — Texas coast. Register your team and attempt to identify the most species in order to win prizes and select and fund important habitat protection efforts. Various prices for team entry; see website for details. 979-480-0999; www.birdingclassic.org
April 16 and 23
Spring Migration Tour — Fennessey Ranch, Refugio. Tally more than 100 species of birds while birding on a private coastal ranch. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $71 per person; lunch provided. 361-529-6600; www.fennesseyranch.com
April 22–24
Bird Migration Weekend — Brazos Bend State Park, Needville. Join the park staff for programs, guided hikes and demonstrations that explore the remarkable lives of birds and other wildlife that can be found in the area. Free with park admission. 979-553-5101; www.brazosbend.org
April 23
Monthly Birding Excursion — Weslaco. The Valley Nature Center is offering an informally organized birding trip to Port Mansfield, FM 186 and Coastal Flats. For more information, please contact the center. 7 a.m. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. 956-969-2475; www.valleynaturecenter.org
April 24
Spring Family Fun Day — Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission. Visit the park for a variety of family games and activities to celebrate springtime. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free with park entry. 956-584-9156; www.worldbirdingcenter.org
April 25–29
Birding Tour of the Texas Hill Country — Concan area. The Texas Hill Country, famous for its golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos, cave swallow colonies and beautiful scenery, is often acclaimed to be one of the most beautiful parts of the state. $1,675 per person based on double occupancy. 717-548-3303; www.birdtreks.com
April 29–May 1
Wings Over the Hills, a Celebration of Natural Flight — Fredericksburg. Enjoy guided half- and full-day field trips to view endangered species (such as black-capped vireos and golden-cheeked warblers), dragonflies and local butterflies. Plus, visit a local bat colony and attend lectures and presentations by renowned birders and naturalists. See website for times and fees. www.wingsoverthehills.org
April 29–May 2
Balcones Songbird Festival — Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Lago Vista. Located 35 miles northwest of Austin, this refuge offers excellent habitat for two Texas native endangered birds, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
Festival includes opportunities to view both species as well as butterflies and wildflowers, along with reptile exhibits and family events. 512-965-2473; www.balconessongbirdfestival.org
May 6–8
Birds of Prey and Wildlife Tour — Fennessey Ranch, Refugio. Work with pro photographer and biologist Todd Steele to capture images of birds of prey and other wildlife. Dawn to dusk. Half-day for $200, one day for $300, two days for $400, three days for $500, with group discounts available. 361-529-6600 or 281-398-7100, www.fennesseyranch.com
Brazos River Canoe Trip — Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney. Spend two days paddling and one night camping as your guides share facts about the flora, fauna and geology of this scenic river. Paddling equipment and meals included. $250 for members, $300 for nonmembers. 972-562-5566; www.heardmuseum.org
WildFest San Antonio — San Antonio. Learn about the unique natural and historical environments while increasing your awareness of nature around San Antonio. Events will focus on birds, plants, bats, history, art, archaeology, geology, water and other nature topics, held at venues throughout the county including natural areas, museums, gardens and city, county, state and federal parks. Cost varies. 210-212-8423; www.wildfestsanantonio.org
May 14
International Migratory Bird Day: Go Wild, Go Birding — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Roma. Event theme this year is especially for children, so get your kids involved in learning to bird. 8:30 a.m. Free. 956-849-4930; www.worldbirdingcenter.org/Roma.html
Migratory Bird Day — Tyler State Park, Tyler. Guided bird tours of Tyler State Park and Birding 101 classes are offered in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy family-friendly activities including backyard birding and attracting birds to your yard. Free with park admission. 903-597-5338; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tyler
May 28
Monthly Birding Excursion — Weslaco. The Valley Nature Center is offering an informally organized birding trip to the Nature Conservancy's Southmost Preserve and Old Port Isabel Road. For more information, contact the center. 7 a.m. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. 956-969-2475; www.valleynaturecenter.org
June 23
Heard Night Hikes — Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney. Sneak a peek into the nocturnal world and experience nature in a whole new way! A trail that's familiar by day becomes a whole new experience at night. Registration required. $12 for nonmembers, $10 for members. 972-562-5566; www.heardmuseum.org
June 25
Monthly Birding Excursion — Weslaco. The Valley Nature Center is offering an informally organized birding trip to Wallace Road and Monte Cristo Lower Rio Grande Valley Tract. For more information, contact the center. 7 a.m. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. 956-969-2475; www.valleynaturecenter.org
July 13
Raptors — Friedrich Wilderness Park, San Antonio. Learn about hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures and owls, including their feeding habits and their behavior. Dissect an owl pellet. $5 suggested donation, maximum of $10 per family. 9:30–11:30 a.m. 210-372-9124; www.sanaturalareas.org
Laguna Madre Kayak Tours — Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Los Fresnos. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of birds while learning basic kayak skills. Contact the refuge for reservations. Entry fee of $3 per vehicle plus $30 per-person program fee. 956-748-3607; www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org
Heard Summer Nature Camps — Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney. The days of kids enjoying their summers outdoors are not lost to the past. Kids will enjoy the summer months as they get an in-depth education on the 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. See website for camp descriptions, dates and pricing. 972-562-5566; www.heardmuseum.org


text:
1 Cup Dry Italian Bread Crumbs
1/3 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp. pepper
Salt to taste
1 clove minced garlic
¾ cup melted butter, divided
3 or 4 lb. chicken, cut up OR 3 or 4 boneless chicken breasts
I covered my chicken for the first 30 minutes, then removed the foil for the last half of cooking.)I doubled the recipe. With the leftover chicken – I cooked yellow rice. Then I added a can of chicken broth. I cut up the leftover chicken and put it in the rice. I also added sautéed onions and
cooked green beans to the rice. It made a great one-dish meal.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Myillz (3.5e Deity)
From D&D Wiki
|Greater Deity
|A simple mask on a shield.
|Home Plane:
|Nymnelia, Mountain's Core
|Lawful Neutral
|honor, order, study, perseverance, loyalty
|Clergy Alignments:
|Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral
|Law, Strength, War
|Favored Weapon:
|Spears and swords.
|This page needs an image. If you are an artist, or know of any image that would fit this page, please upload a picture and add it.
- \'mI-ilz\
Second in power to Rejik among the Sosha Genia. He appeals with reason to sway the wills of the other Sosha Genia, but they rarely heed His words. He has long relied upon His followers to carry out His will. His loyal and dedicated followers target and strike at forces that would unravel the order of the cosmos, forever attempting to maintain justice and order among the planes. He prefers the exemplary weapons of warriors, such as spears and swords. Spyglasses are common among his affluent followers, as to spot approaching enemy forces. Myillz's omnipotence as a Sosha Genia grants him the skill to peer into the souls of all things. It is His insight into others that enables him to judge earnestly.
He resides within the Mountain's Core of Nymnelia, a deep stronghold city tasked with the responsibility for many celestial machinations.
He is also known as The Soldier, and Brigandine.
He has reason to take form on occasion, usually when conducting meetings with other Sosha Genia. Commonly, He takes the form of His Ephemeral Avatar when conducting business in the Mountain's Core.
- True Avatar: He is known to appear as a huge swirling phantom of light with a simple mask in the place of a head. He summons weapons and shields made of his divine essences and marches forward, unerringly and unflinchingly toward his enemies' defeat.
- Ephemeral Avatars: His ephemeral avatar is often an unusually tall, pale and lithe man with shining white wings and white monk's clothes. He wields a great sword in His left hand and a tower shield in His right hand. His pale hair waves gently even when there is no breeze.
Myillz teaches that from all things, it is order that holds the greatest power. Order runs the world, often hidden. With order, Myillz can see through the near infinite complexity of existence and view it as it truly is, a complex and organized system bound by laws and causality. For all His strength as a soldier, Myillz is quite learned, and demands that those who look to Him for guidance learn as best they can, as the best lesson learned is the one learned through personal trial.
Clergy and Temples[edit]
Many of Myillz's temples are also schools for training elite soldiers as well as monks. In the tradition of order, his clergy have well defined titles.
- Elar: Elars are knights that lead battalions of troops against forces of destruction.
- Soldan: Soldans are captains that give orders to Elars.
- Vick: Vicks are generals who command Soldans and Elars and troops. Vicks promote Elars to Soldans. Heralds of Myillz promote Soldans to Vicks. Though, more commonly, all the Vicks in an army will elect a new Vick to join their ranks.
- Adar: are elite knights who travel in special companies on missions of high importance.
- Cray: Cray guard Myillz's temples and teach young and promising students.
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Deities → Greater
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Deities → Pantheons → Deities of Rom


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December 13, 2011
Eight Steps Toward Healing a Hurting World
In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established to reduce, by the year 2015, the number of people who live in extreme poverty. Developed by the international community including leaders from 191 countries, the eight goals were endorsed by development institutions and religious bodies, and have galvanized unprecedented energy and effort.
Each goal works toward alleviating poverty and disease by establishing targets that will directly improve people's lives.
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Challenge: One billion people live on less than USD $1 per day. 854 million people are chronically hungry and one child dies from hunger every 5 seconds
- Target: Cut in half the number of people who live on less than $1 per day. Cut in half the number of hungry people
2. Achieve universal primary education
- Challenge: Approximately 77 million children do not attend primary school.
- Target: Ensure that girls and boys everywhere are able to complete primary school
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
- Challenge: 96 million young women aged 15-24 in developing countries cannot read or write.
- Target: Eliminate discrimination against women in education.
4. Reduce child mortality
- Challenge: 26,000 children under 5 die every day, many from preventable illnesses.
- Target: Reduce by two-thirds the number of children who die before age 5.
5. Improve maternal health
- Challenge: Approximately 500,000 women die every year from complications due to pregnancy and childbirth.
- Target: Reduce by 75% the number of women who die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
- Challenge: One million people die each year from malaria — an easily preventable disease. 14,000 new HIV/AIDS infections are diagnosed every day.
- Target: Stop the spread of these diseases and see a decline in death rates.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
- Challenge: 1 billion people — one-fifth of the world's population— do not have access to clean water within a 15-minute walk from their home. Forests worldwide are shrinking at an unprecedented rate
- Target: Cut in half the number of people without access to safe drinking water. Reverse the loss of natural resources by practicing sustainable development
8. Develop a global partnership for development
- Challenge: Unfair trade systems, crippling debt and limited access to markets prevent growth and opportunity for all people
- Target: Improve levels of development assistance, promote good governance, provide access to markets, offer solutions for indebted countries


text: When it comes to photography and video shooting, on camera lights are to the video shooter what the speed light is to the still photographer. Its essential during your shoots and can really make a difference on your final product. Take incredible shots and better-looking videos in low light with


text: Brewed up a first runnings Quad with 90%pils/10% Munich only. Added 1lb of D2 yesterday to it. Happily chugging along at 68F on a repitch of Westmalle yeast. Debating adding another pound of D2 versus the dark candi sugar?Topped up the mash with pils, munich, vienna, caramunich, and carafa II for a Dusseldorf Alt for the second runnings. Fermenting along well at 58F with WY1007.


text:
The next release of Minecraft—the so-called "Adventure" update, AKA Minecraft 1.8—is now, somewhat unexpectedly, in the wild. And its creator is perfectly fine if you go ahead and grab the leaked release.
"Ooh, looks like 1.8 has leaked, not that I'd ever admit that," writes Marcus "Notch" Persson on his Twitter account, winking coyly and offering the following reminder. "Be careful when installing software you don't trust though."
"Make sure you get it from the leaked url we are hosting," he adds. That would be this JAR file.
So, go on. Get your low polygon adventure on, but heed Persson's other decree: "If you do use it, remember to report bugs, and to feel slightly bad."
Done. ._.
You can contact Michael McWhertor, the author of this post, at email@example.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.


text:
Find Travel Buddies - Meet Local Singles & Single Solo Travelers - 100% Free Travel Dating App
Now you don't have to worry to travel solo or push your travel plans because your travel friends are not free. Just sign up on Xoxo Tours - a travel dating app to chat, connect and meet Sachin to further go on a trip together. You never know that He might just be your perfect travel buddy to fill your trips with excitement and fun. Well, it's high time to experience solo travel (but not solo) and create a traveler's profile on Xoxo Tours, the best online travel dating site, which will let you connect with thousands of like-minded local singles or solo travelers around the world like Sachin (to further travel together). A simple traveler's dating profile will allow you to get in contact with single locals and single solo travelers from worldwide. However, if you have decided to create a travel dating profile for yourself, it is advisable to go for a social travel site which is authentic and has best rankings & ratings to get you the best chatting & meeting experience with strangers of the world. So, sign up for free, create your profile on Xoxo Tours, it's 100% free and kickstart your traveler's journey.


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Throughout its history of more than 60 years, CONSULMAR has been in the forefront of specialized marine activities provided to the worldwide maritime industry including Shipping Agency, Boat Services, Crew Management and other maritime services.
CONSULMAR always acts in the best interest of our clients by providing a thorough and comprehensive service as a symbol of quality, dedicated mainly to tramp and special purpose vessels, operating throughout Spain, North and West Africa with an experienced network of its own offices and subagents, and own fleet of workboats and barges for port services.
Own Offices or sub-Agents at all Spanish Ports. Owners protecting agents. Ship repairs and new buildings. Own workboats at Algeciras, Ceuta, Strait of Gibraltar and Castellón.
CONSULMAR operates launches and workboats from Algeciras, Ceuta and Castellón ports for ship supply and Crew transfers and other operations like Off Port Limits (OPL) services for vessels in transit through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Selection and management of crew for all types of vessels on Spanish or foreign flag registers with more than 50.000 seafarers managed since 1956.
Inspections and Surveys
Oil Spill Services
Marpol Services
Luboil Supplies
Boatmen & Mooring
Bilbao +34 944 800 375
Algeciras +34 956 572 545
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Tánger +212 666967548
Bissau +245 969025555
We use our own and third party cookies, for the analysis of user navigation. If you continue browsing, we consider that you accept the use.You can change the settings or get more information here.


text:
BalticClimate videos and photos
Tools for Soil Movements (Landslides and Erosion)
"Report: Tools for Soil Movements (Landslides and Erosion)"
is a thematic complement to the more general BalticClimate Toolkit.
One cornerstone to reach a sustainable development is to take natural hazards into account. Therefore a survey has been made based on a literature study and a questionnaire answered by the BalticClimate partners, member states of the "International Strategy for Disaster Reduction" and partners cooperating with the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI). The investigation shows that there is a general lack of tools for soil movements in the countries in the Baltic Sea Region and that most of the existing ones do not take climate change into consideration.
Models or methods, used in the Baltic Sea region countries, are described. When and how to use them depends on the specific situation and soil conditions for the actual site. A Swedish tool for managing and assessing the risk related to soil movements is described in more detail and with practical examples. A short introduction is given to the method for risk analysis and risk management for road owners in Europe, with regard to climate change. In addition some examples of general methods for climate adaptation are provided.
The presented tools/models/methods are intended to give information for policy makers, spatial-planners and business people that there are such tools that can be used to consider soil movements like landslides and erosion for spatial-planning, and for measures in already built areas. The decision on which tool or combination of tools to use for the actual site, is intended to be done together with experts in the geotechnical field.
The complete report (82 pages) is available for
download (3,9 MB).


text:
Let's face it: when it comes to jaw-dropping video footage, it's hard to compete with live coverage of the world's first supersonic dive from the edge of space. But Felix Baumgartner's spacejump was just cancelled, which makes this video of a levitating sheet of piping-hot metal (the equivalent of a floating, aluminum griddle) the most awesome thing you'll witness today, by default.
Oh, and did we mention the floating metal sheet can also support a wirelessly powered lamp? Yeah. There's that, too. Let the folks at Veritasium blow your mind with the wild physical properties of electromagnetic induction.
Forget hoverboards — where the hell are our maglev griddles?
[Veritasium via Henry Reich]


text:
Rate This MovieSYNOPSIS: Someone is killing off the female students who are taking night classes at a local college. Each victim is decapitated and has her head thrown into the nearest body of water for some unknown reason. The detectives working the case discover a connection between the victims and a certain professor at the college, which makes him their …Read More »
Home | Tag Archives: Drew Snyder


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China must be part of long-term Australian political narrative
26 July 2013
Most Chinese would be amazed at the image their country has in Australia. To many people living here, China is a wealthy, powerful, dominant country, poised to be the major power in the next few decades.
Australia is about to go through a national election in September. Almost certainly, one of the key issues for the country in the coming years will be the management of its relationship with China.
Despite this, there is little sign as yet that this topic is going to be very prominent in the election campaigns. The main issues will be how the local economy is likely to do, and the management of migration.
It is a pity that discussion of Sino-Australian relations isn't going to get more attention over the election period. Now might be a good time to address some of the ambiguities that seem to exist in the public perception of China.
When you argue that China is collectively wealthy but in per capita terms still very poor, and that its major challenges in coming years are likely to be infrastructure, the environment and living standards instead of global domination, most Australians might be puzzled.
There are two clashing mind-sets here. Most Chinese think of their country as still poor and developing. They would look at the relative levels of equality in Australia, and its world-class health and education systems with envy. The lifestyle of Australians is among the best in the world. If Chinese were able to enjoy this even in two to three decades' time, that would be a wonderful outcome.
But Australians see their country as small - not in terms of size, but population.
They would look at their military with only 60,000 people, and the vast unprotected beach lines along their coast, and feel vulnerable and exposed.
The tyranny of distance is less than it used to be, but for many Australians who still trace their roots back to Europe or the US, they are isolated and need to work hard to maintain these cultural, political and security links.
Europeans and Americans are criticized for being too certain as to who they are, and always asserting their values and their beliefs. They are regarded by many in China as trying to impose their convictions as absolutes.
In an odd way, Australians being more uncertain about identity issues is both a weakness - because it leads to these feelings of vulnerability - and a strength.
In the end, they can work toward a new understanding, and adapt to new circumstances quicker than those with more entrenched ideas.
The possible outcomes of the upcoming Australian election, at least for China, encapsulate this flexibility.
On the one hand, there is the current Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd - a man who has lived in China, speaks Putonghua and prides himself on his knowledge of the country. But he seems to have very set ideas about how China should be treated, and who the Chinese are, ideas which come across as preachy and rigid.
On the other hand, is the opposition led by Tony Abbott. They are inexperienced, and none has the qualifications of someone like Rudd in engaging with China.
Even so, they might use their inexperience to their advantage if they are elected, and canvas from a wider constituency of people to craft a more pragmatic and collaborative policy toward China.
In Australia, the current ambiguity toward China needs to be fixed. At some point in the next few years, a significant investment or event will mean Australians have to come down from the fence and make a commitment, either to have closer relations with China, or to take a step back. The likelihood is they will want to be closer. Politicians need to take the lead in this public debate.
Professor Kerry Brown is Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
|Follow University of Sydney Media on Twitter
Media enquiries: Verity Leatherdale, 02 9351 4312, 0403 067 342, email@example.com


text:
Lily and Gabriela aren't getting along, on- or offline. Will their decisions lead to common ground or digital drama?
Five teens find out how much information an Internet researcher is able to find out about them online.
Eduardo learns that posting inappropriate pictures online is two kinds of
Keyan's new online friend wants to meet face-to-face, but is this is a good idea? Tad and Slick don't think so!
Everything on your profile represents who you are. What does yours say about you?
Some teens say and do terrible things to each other online because they don't see the direct effects of their actions. So what should you do if you're cyberbullied?
Ryan and Noah share their stories to show that online victimization can
happen to boys too.
Setting your page to private is smart and a step in the right direction -- but who's on your friends list? Don't give just anyone access to your world.
A friendship is broken when a teen gives her best friend's password to some other girls at school.
Julie talks about when she left home for three weeks with a convicted
murderer she had developed a relationship with online.
Hear the true story of a 15-year-old girl who left home to meet in person with a man she first "met" online.


text:
Many sources scampering around Bristol have relayed that, for all that careful hedging. ESPN's own Chris Broussard claims he's "99% positive" LeBron will sign with the Miami WadeBosh. And if he's wrong? Well, ESPN has boots on the ground.
Here's the list of reporters sent out to convey the mood in various cities around the country, according to ESPN:
NY Knicks: Rachel Nichols: has been tasked with standing outside MSG to snag joyful Amar'e or a mirthful Jim Dolan strumming a Springsteen tune outside Mustang Sally's (should Chris Broussard's report be wrong).
NJ Nets: David Amber: will confront Jay-Z in his limo outside of East Rutherford, N.J., to talk positively about the LeBron-Lopez-Drago era (should Chris Broussard's report be wrong).
Cleveland: Shelley Smith: has been ordered to hunt down all those Clevelanders who have stopped masturbating and crying for one night to celebrate (should Chris Broussard's report be wrong).
Chicago: George Smith: is in the city of big shoulders, big dreams, ready to ask why Carlos Boozer's courtship techniques were so effective (should Chris Broussard's report be wrong).
Miami: Bob Holtzman: will just be chilling in one of the 26 cabanas, ready to bust out the ya-yo (whether or not Chris Broussard's report is wrong).
BUT. If Chris Broussard's report is correct — which, according to sources who know sources who ride white horses, it is — here's the big question: Will ESPN have to give partial credit to Stephen A. Smith?


text:
FindGraph 2.59
This program helps you with the task of curve fitting and regression analysis.
The program offers 10 generic fits, including linear regression, logistic functions, Fourier approximations, rationals, non-linear fitting and neural networks. A library of 800 industry-specific formulas is included. The software also enables users to smooth, apply FFT filters, subtract, differentiate, integrate, transform data and curves, and apply Procrustes analysis.Software includes the peak fitting features. It is possible to apply SSA, to apply GMDH neural network, and to extract cyclic to reconstruct and to forecast data series. Autoregression (ARMA) model is included. There is a feature to fit and smooth parametric or periodic curves. Several algorithms are applied for reducing the number of points and smoothing data. Built-in Wizard of Digitization will help you to digitize the data with the feature to use not orthogonally positioned calibration points when digitizing. The program supports automation and can be built-in to Excel applications.


text:
McAwesome™ Burger With McValue Lunch™
On behalf of McDonald's, my friends and I would like to ask you a simple question…
Now that I've gotten your attention, let's start.
Here in Nilai, as for now, there's only one available McDonald's Restaurant. The outlet is never far away from my university – I could actually walk there if I want to.
Well, McDonald's has come out with a great promotion during lunch hours, which is the McValue Lunch™.
It's totally HOTTER than Jessica Alba!
Well, today I'm gonna demonstrate you how to make my very own McAwesome™ Burger from all four of the available McValue Lunch™ sets.
Before starting, gather all four McValue Lunch™ burgers.
McStep 1: Get the burger buns ready.
McStep 2: Put the Filet-O-Fish patty first.
McStep 3: The McChicken patty goes next.
McStep 4: Place the Spicy Chicken McDeluxe patty.
McStep 5: The Big Mac's patty after that.
McStep 6: Finally, top on a few French Fries on it.
McStep 7: Set the top half bun over the patties.
And with only 7 Simple McSteps, I'll present to you…
Kenwooi's very own McDonald's innovation:
McDonald's McAwesome™ Burger!
It certainly looks tempting after I made that. The burger is so awesome, it makes you feel awesome just by holding it!
Take a look at its delicious layers. Total thickness. Just so awesome!
P/S: Playing with burger patties was fun! =D
But be warned, you might need a super big mouth to take a bite off McAwesome™ Burger.
Unfortunately, I have a small mouth.
Oh yeah, after my friends and I finished our McValue Lunch™ outing, the McDonald's staffs gave me a total shock!
I never knew that blogs can be McD-fied! That's just so awesome!
So what are you waiting for? Get your McValue Lunch™ today! =)


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Nestled in Red Mill Commons shopping center of Virginia Beach, Masala Bites is rapidly becoming an Indian culinary hotspot. With its inviting atmosphere, ethnic yet refreshing modern décor, and comfortable setting, the restaurant is bound to please all.
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm


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Tonga is one of only a few places in the world you can swim with Humpback whales. And the regulations state clearly that only 4 people and a licensed guide can be in the water with the whales at any one time. We don't scuba dive with the whales, only snorkel and practice a soft approach to interactions with these amazing mammals.


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Kingdoms Rise is a Competitive Multiplayer Sword Fighting Game set in a fantasy world. Players build a hand-crafted fighter, choosing their look, their armor, their weapons and spells. Every battle is something unique and something to be talked about!
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.
new disposable weapons for KR!


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Baltimore: Iggies
A Conversation, A New Oven in the Works and Pizza Eating in Mount Vernon
818 N Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (map); 410-528-0818 iggiespizza.com
Pizza Style: Thin crust, somewhat similar to Roman style
Oven Type: Gas-fired deck oven
The Skinny: Thin crust avoids becoming entirely crackery, and pizzas are topped with well-executed combinations of high-quality ingredients. Mozzarella is made in-house. This is one of the best pizzerias in Baltimore
Price: 14-inch pizzas, $11.50 to $16.95; 8-inch pizzas, $7.50 to $9.95
Slices?: No
Alcohol/BYOB?: BYOB
Delivery: No. Take-out is available. Both fully cooked and "take and bake" available for pick up
It's 10 a.m. on a gray, damp Saturday morning and inside the doors of 818 North Calvert Street, tea has been brewed. The steam from the tea drifts up from a cup, placed at arm's reach from owner Lisa Heckman, who is weighing out flour, water, salt, and fresh cake yeast to mix the dough which will be used the following day. In two hours, the doors will open and one of Baltimore's busiest and most popular pizzerias will crank out a few hundred thin-crust pizzas by closing time at 10 p.m.
Before opening Iggies in Baltimore, Heckman had already established her food notoriety by running the ship at chef Edward Kim's Soigné, in South Baltimore, where she was the managing partner. After her stint at the upscale Pacific Rim–Mediterranean fusion restaurant, she spent a short time at Mount Vernon's Ixia before turning her focus toward pizza and Iggies.
However, the journey toward pizza really started years ago and 90 miles north in Philadelphia. Heckman grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, and moved to Philadelphia to attend graduate school at Drexel. She would stay in Philadelphia for 15 years and owned a catering company there. During those years in Philadelphia, she discovered Tocconelli's, which was where the seeds for pizza inspiration were sown. Heckman would eventually focus her pizza enthusiasm on making pizzas at home and from there, well, you can go to Iggies to see and taste where the road eventually led.
Before opening at noon, I had the pleasure of talking with Lisa and her husband, Peter Wood, who before Iggies was with the Wine Source in Hampden and is the oven master at Iggies. My chat with the "Heckwoods" would take place around Lisa mixing the dough and Lisa and Peter making pignoli cookies while Jorge and the rest of the Iggies crew handled food-prep and cleaned in preparation for another busy Saturday. Lisa also typically makes fresh mozzarella at this time of the day, but had taken care of it the previous night as she knew I was coming.
So, without further ado, some tidbits from our conversation and some pizza eating:
Pizzablogger: As a business owner, not as a pizza maker, what is the most challenging aspect about operating a pizzeria?
Lisa: (immediately) Staff. Nearly everyone has been here since day one and they are great. Our biggest challenge has been in finding someone for the front of the house. The cashier has been a constant turnover position and we are looking for a person who will take on more responsibility than just working the register, like taking on some managerial duties. But, you know, there really aren't too many. Compared to having done fine dining, staff is really the only issue.
Pizzablogger: Now as a pizza maker, what is the biggest challenge?
Lisa: They've evolved, changed over time. Right now our biggest challenge is the oven. We need another oven. Last night we were really slammed for two straight hours and the oven can't handle it.
Pizzablogger: You need a new one because it loses a lot of heat?
Lisa: Yeah. The recovery time is too long. Peter: It just can't maintain temperature at our busiest times. Lisa: So the five and a half minute pizza turns into the seven or eight minute pizza. So it's recovery time and turnover.
Pizzablogger: What type of an oven are you looking for? Are you looking to change the fuel source?
Peter: It depends on when you ask me! A deck oven is efficient and we're used to it. Sometimes I think let's not get another deck oven. That may be the most expeditious method, but we really need to focus on upgrading and I really like higher temperatures, but the problem with higher temperatures is you may have unforeseen changes down the road. Lisa: And I have no intention of changing our pizza. I really like our pizza....I know it's not Neapolitan, but for me it's my kind of dough, it's what I like.
Pizzablogger: Lisa, do you let anyone else measure and mix the dough...and don't worry, I won't give out your exact recipe [Lisa showed me the mix chart]
Lisa: I used to let other people measure it out, but they needed to realize that an eighth of an ounce is an eighth of an ounce, that 5°F is 5°F. It's hard to instill that attentiveness. And Peter's position, and he's right, is that you can have the exact recipe, but can you consistently duplicate that recipe, will you really put the care, the effort and the attention into the product? That's what matters.
Then there are things to account for like today...the dough will be a lot moister. A rainy day like today is my favorite kind of dough day. I need to adjust and add more water on dry days.
Pizzablogger: Do you make adjustments to the amount of salt you add depending on hot and cold days?
Lisa: No, I prefer to make adjustments to the initial water temperature when mixing to account for the [ambient] temperature.
Pizzablogger: I never noticed before, but it appears that after bulk fermentation you add olive oil to the individual panetti. Is this added after forming the panetti/doughballs or is additional olive oil added to the bulk dough just before forming the panetti?
Lisa You are correct. After a tray of dough balls are formed they get a "rub" of EVOO with our hands before they go in the fridge. Originally, four years ago, I made dough balls as soon as the dough was made, then criss-crossed the trays in the walk-in to cool them down faster for a few hours.... the EVOO prevented any 'skin' or drying of the dough. A couple of years ago I switched to our present protocol of bulk fermenting [at ambient temperature] first and the practice of rubbing the dough just never died. I have tried eliminating this step and occasionally would still get a 'skin' formation. Remember, we are at a lower hydration than most.
Pizzablogger: I think, when talking with other home pizza makers who think they are hotshots, they have no friggen' clue about the difference in a retail shop. Most of the time we concentrating on a pizza in an oven...and that takes enough focus right there to nail it. I don't think enough home pizza makers fully realize that what you're doing, sometimes there's eight pizzas in their at once, that's just a whole different level.
Peter: And on Friday and Saturday nights, from about 6 until 9pm, there are always eight pizzas in there.
Pizzablogger: That takes focus and I can tell when you get into it, you just get a look on your face and are locked in. That's why that damned sign is there (laughing).
Lisa: It's tough. People want to immediately walk in and stand there and chat with Peter. Peter: And like at 8pm on a Friday night. Lisa: He's really juggling and focusing on a lot, so I have to sometimes tell people to step away.
Pizzablogger: Before you opened Iggies, there was nowhere in Baltimore, at least that I know of, that was using San Marzano tomatoes and Tipo 00 Italian flour (Caputo). When and how did you decide to start using these?
Lisa: At home, when I was making pizza, I used AP (all purpose) flour and then I was thinking about doing this and then I started reading. I went to Washington DC and to 2Amys, [Pizzeria] Paradiso and other pizzerias. Then I got a bunch of friends to come over, long before we opened, and did blind taste tests with them, with different tomatoes and flours. And to me, hands down, there's no comparison.
Pizzablogger: I imagine when you opened that some people in Baltimore just didn't "get it"?
Lisa: Oh yeah. Some people still don't. People sometimes come to me and say their experience was awful. And I say, I'm sorry, what was wrong? And they will often say it's too loud in here. I just have to say I'm really sorry, but this is a pizzeria, it's not for everyone.
Pizzablogger: If you could change one thing about your pizzeria, what would it be?
Lisa: The oven. Peter: Or a PA system! I mean, yeah, do we want a 60 quart mixer? Sure. But hopefully next year we will be able to get one.
Pizzablogger: I spent a lot of time on pizzamaking.com to help speed up my learning curve, have you ever seen that site?
Lisa: Yes! I almost lived on it for a year before I opened. I read and learned so much from that site.
Pizzablogger: As someone who loves to make pizza and has dreams of opening my own place, what advice would you give to someone looking to make that happen?
Lisa: Stick with what you want to do. Don't let anyone tell you what needs to be done if you have a clear vision of your pizza....focus on the pizza and delivering a quality product and the people will come.
Pizzablogger: What is your favorite pizza on your menu?
Lisa: You know that's hard and I've been saying the Alice for so long....it's the one I made at home for a couple of years myself, but now I would say the Margherita.
Pizzablogger: How does the pizza of the month come into being? Do you have recipes on file or does one of you typically come up with it each month?
Lisa: It's mostly all in our heads as the month goes on. Sometimes they come together only a couple of days beforehand, but we usually play with it a week before. Peter always has something in the back of his head.
Pizzablogger: Lisa, we spoke previously about the article in the NY Times about Nick Lessins [of Great Lake] and about how from a high level the customer is not always right. Now, I never put too much into reviews on places like Yelp or Urbanspoon because you never know who is a shill or who has an agenda, but the most common complaint I have heard about Iggies, both on line and from talking to people, is people say there is an "attitude" or occasional rudeness from the staff. What is your take on that?
Lisa: If it boils down to one word, I would say respect. [Lisa then tells me several specific tales of people taking other people's tables, silverware, jumping line, etc].
And the customer is not always right. You can't eat an entire Alice and then come up and say, "I don't like this pizza, what are you going to do about it?" Or even if you eat one slice and say, "I don't like my pizza, what are you going to do about it?" I'm going to take an honest look at it and if it's made right, I have to say I'm sorry, but I can't help if you don't like the taste. If it's burnt or not made right, I'll make another pizza.
Pizzablogger: To me that's a lot like ordering wine in a restaurant. There is a big difference between a wine actually being faulty and a person not liking it...a huge difference.
Lisa: That's exactly it.
Pizzablogger: Peter, what's most important, the oven or the person cooking the pizza?
Peter: You know, I often contemplate whether the oven is doing the work or if I am doing the work. But it's really like cooking an egg. Nearly anyone can drop some eggs into a skillet and wind up with something edible, so the pan is doing a lot of the work. But it really takes a person that cares enough about that egg to turn it into something that is not just edible, but something that people will look forward to eating and appreciate.
And with that, from behind Lisa and I, Peter's voice chimed "Showtime" and this portion of the review had come to a close. So, enough with the back and forth. They do make some pizzas at this place, right, you skinny, big nosed pizzablogger wanna be? So on with it already!
Going to see a show at nearby Center Stage? Want someplace which allows you to bring your own tipple of choice? Want a good space to hunker down with friends and catch-up while eating some good pizza together? Iggies is a good bet to satisfy all of those needs.
The gig at Iggies is thin crust, so if you like thin crust pizza, or any style of pizza which is of good quality and is topped with excellent combinations of ingredients which are prepared fresh daily, then this is as good a bet as you will find in Charm City. In addition, fresh mozzarella is made in house as well.
In Baltimore, Iggies is probably my favorite space to sit down with a bottle of wine and/or some beer and dig into a few pizzas. Brightly colored walls enclose the casual space at Iggies, which is a nickname for Italian Greyhound(s). The space contains smaller two and four top tables and also has two larger communal tables which make it easy to talk to a neighbor, if that's your thing, or to grab enough space to seat you and your larger crew of pizza vagabonds. Iggies gets very busy at nights from Thursday through Sunday, so plan on a wait if arriving during those times.
Iggies is BYOB and also self-service, which means there is no wait or bus staff. You get your own plates and get to clean-up after yourself when done. There is no tipping at Iggies, although Iggies does have a donation box at the register where any donations will go towards a new charity each month. Everything you need is provided for you at the table under the artwork of the owner's dogs making pizzas; napkins, silverware, glasses for your wine, wine keys to open those corks, paper cups and clearly marked recepticles for your dirty plates, recyclibles and such. Iggie's also sells a variety of sodas and bottled waters in the cooler up front. Damn, did you forget to bring that tipple of choice? Fortunately, a quick five minute walk around the corner will bring you to Sprits of Mount Vernon, so you've got no excuses, capisce?
Basically, the drill is you wait in line to place your order, go find yourself a table, get whatever dining accoutramants you need, plop your toosh down and wait to hear Peter Wood's voice boom out your name and order number, which you will hear over the din of a packed house. Metal pizza plates are stacked at the area where you pick up your pies, so don't forget to grab a couple of them up when your order is ready. If you have never been to Iggies before, I suggest you look over the "Helpful Hints" on their web page to get a better scoop on how Iggies works. Basically, treat your table and neighbors with a little respect and you'll be okay.
The end stage of a dough ball at Iggies begins with the dough ball being opened up by hand and then aggressively rolled into a round, or "skin". The skins get a coating of olive oil painted onto them and then are staged for the make table. After being topped at the make table with your vittles of choice, they are once again staged closer to the oven, which handles a pretty heavy workload. On many evenings, the oven is filled with eight pizzas for hours on end. After a five and a half to six minute bake, the cooked pizzas are finished, your name and number is called out and it's chow time. This process is shown in the following video and Peter can be seen firing out pizzas, some onto the counter for in store patrons and others go into boxes for take out. Iggies usually runs like a well oiled machine.
The thin crust at Iggies and is somewhat similar to Roman style pizza. Some bites of the crust at Iggies result with a loudish snap and the crust cracking into pieces. But unlike other pizzerias employing a very thin style where the crust is entirely crackery, even bordering on being almost like a lavash, there is still some softness and chew to some parts of the Iggies crust. It never gets completely lost or relegated to the sole position of a support structure. Lately, this softness has been somewhat exacerbated and often the entire top portion of the endcrust is soft and a little undercooked compared to pies in the past, as evidenced by the mostly whitish tone of the upper crust in many of the pictures accompanying this article. But as previously mentioned, Iggies is in the market for a new oven.
Fourteen pizzas are featured on the menu at Iggies and are available in 8" and 14" sizes. Topping combinations run the gambit from more California style combinations like the Anatra (roasted duck, blue cheese, asparagus, red onions, mozzarella) to more familiar stalwarts like the Margherita.
Being ultimately a traditionalist at heart, the margherita is definitely my favorite pizza at Iggies. To start, it is one of the few places in Baltimore that serves a margherita which uses an actual tomato sauce, or "ragu" as Iggies lists, instead of sliced tomatoes. The sauce at Iggies is always bright, fresh and has a good note of acidity to it. It's high quality tomatoes that have been drained and strained to get to the tomatoey heart of the matter and it's one of the best schmears of sauce in the city. Mozzarella is made in house and arrives out of the oven with some texture to it and still "alive", as some Italians refer to it, instead of completely melted into the pizza. I definitely like my basil whole or roughly torn, as opposed to julienned, and the Iggies margherita delivers this as well. Some bites deliver just sauce and cheese, others just sauce and basil and others that delicious amalgamation of sauce, cheese and basil. Part of the simple beauty of the margherita is that is can be a changing tapestry of flavors as various combinations of ingredients get scarfed down on any given bite.
The Alice is one of the original pizzas from back when Lisa was cooking in her oven at home and is, according to Heckman, the most popular seller at Iggies "by far". I have never had an affinity for sliced tomatoes on pizza. To start, the tomatoes are usually not of a good quality and tend to have a dried out texture which detracts from the pizza. The Alice pizza at Iggies is the only pie I can recall where I not only can tolerate the sliced tomatoes, I actually like them. The combination of the fleshy tomatoes, garlic spinach, pesto, goat cheese and parmesan seem naturally tailored to fit together.
Where Iggies can really shine is the pizza of the month. Each month a new pizza is released and the highest selling pizza of the month out of any calendar year is permanently added to the menu. Last year's pizza of the year, the Diavola, features spicy Italian sausage, tomato sauce, black olives, hot peppers and a quartet of mozzarella, asiago, Romano and Parmesan cheeses. Occasionally the pizza of the month can push the envelope of having the crust lost under too many ingredients, but usually these pizzas are a combination of excellent flavors and should be looked for when eating at Iggies.
Over the years I have had every pie on the Iggies menu more than once and what stands out about Iggies is its consistency. Like any pizzeria, it has the occasional off night, but this is a seldom encountered event at Iggies. The consistency of the quality here is to be commended and is likely due in large part to the fact that the "Heckwoods" are in house almost every night Iggies is open.
Iggies may not be the full-on, completely hand-crafted artisanal pizza that drives many hardcore pizza enthusiasts crazy late in the night....and that's OK. What Iggies offers is one of the finer examples of really thin-crust pizza I have tried. These thin disks of pizza topped with good combinations of fresh, bright flavors, which are accomplished more competently than most of the other Baltimore pizzerias offering the same style, are examples of what can happen when quality ingredients, pride, and care are put into a pizza.
With a new oven set to debut at Iggies in the future, I'm looking forward to whatever Lisa, Peter and the Iggies crew will come up with next. To use one of Iggies slogans, this is indeed "pizza with a purpose".
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Note: an earlier version of this text was first published as «The DDDAC1794 is no (ordinary) DAC!» on Computeraudiophile.
Why the heck would anyone buy and build a DDDAC1794? This thing seems very much out of place in the arena USB and FireWire DACs out there, it costs a lot of money, and it requires an intimate relationshop with a soldering iron, too. However, I have been in the DIY world long enough to know that nothing beats a good DIY system.
I had many and very different DACs in the past. My beloved Stokes DIY Tube DAC was restricted to S/PDIF and red-book 44/16 audio. I plunged into computer audio with a not-so-great Headroom USB DAC. Then I hot rodded an Apogee Mini FireWire DAC with a hefty DIY power supply. I use an Audiolab M-DAC in our living-room system (and it tends to break from time to time). My main system had a Linnenberg UDC1. And I've listened to the Weiss and many other cost-a-lot stuff. However, while some of those DACs sound pretty good compared to others, they all screw up the music in the same way. And I don't mean the painful "S" sounds and similar boorishness from crummy DACs. Even the «good» DACs take away the life, flesh and breath from the music, very much in contrast my trusted vinyl rig (Scheu platter and bearing, Teres motor, and Schröder arm). The Stokes Tube DAC and the Audiolab M-DAC both allow using different built-in digital filters with different characteristics. The different filters usually sound slightly different, and some sound «better» than others, but they never get rid of the artificial sound completely. But, maybe unfortunately, the filters cannot be turned off completely.
When I «stumbled» over Doede Douma's description of his DDDAC1794 that does away with digital filters I knew I had to try a non-oversampling (NOS) DAC sooner or later. Why not just skip the digital oversampling/filter, if it affects the sound by inventing new sound data that never existed in the first place?
Doedes technical description and documentation is very comprehensive and makes a lot of sense. My only hesitation was that I didn't want to start yet another DIY project that I'd never finish, because time is limited (there's a family, work, and too many other hobbies). But Doede sells completely assembled and tested DACs modules, power supplies, and USB interfaces. He even gave me a copy of the files needed to order a very nice custom-made chassis for the DDDAC1794 at Schaeffer AG. And when I asked him about the specifics of the additional bits and pieces needed to build a complete DAC, he simply included these in the package. For example, when I asked about which power switch would fit in the chassis, Doede just put the switch in the package (three switches, to be precise. Just in case I'd break the first and loose the second one). All this allowed me to build the DDDAC1794 in no time. The only gripe was when the Schaeffer chassis was a wee to too small to fit the power-supply heat sinks, but there was an easy fix (just a little side note to illustrate how smooth building the DDDAC1794 was: before I found the DDDAC1794 on the net, I asked the local Bryston distributor if I could borrow one of their DACs to give it a try. They keep promising I could have one once they receive one. In the meantime, I am playing my music using the DDDAC1794).
How does it sound? Spectacular? Phantastic? Superb? Damn good? Fucking great? Yes, all of this. But that's all secondary with the DDDAC1794. The really important thing is that the DDDAC1794 doesen't sound like a DAC at all. It's a bit like a vinyl rig on steroids, but without the pops, clicks, and rumble (and I don't mean the old record player your dad had when he was a boy, but the freaky good 2013 stuff). The music and all the little details are just there in a very relaxed way. Ry Cooder is having a party in my house, Phil Collins' (yes!) drumsticks are flying in front of me, Sophie Hunger has moved to my house (was close anyway), Willy DeVille has risen from the dead, no more doubts about No Doubt, Timber Timbre is timber timbered, Mark Knopfler is in Dire Straits, Marianne Faithfull finally confessed her love for Bruce Springsteen, Jeff's Wine is as Lilac as it gets, Glen Hansard got a shave, Depeche Mode are Exit(er)ing, Lou Reed made me a Perfect Day, and Giant Sand and Marla Glen just called to be the next acts in my listening room. In short: I hear the music, not a DAC. In contrast to oversampling and digial filters, the NOS concept not only works, but also sounds good!
As a final and very important comment, I'd like to congratulate Doede not only for designing the DDDAC1794, but also for documenting everything in full detail. The deep insight into how the DDDAC1794 works provided a lot of confidence that convinced me to try Doede's design and to buy his stuff. One can only guess why others don't do that.
Update 11.3.2013: Doede sent me two Sowter 1298 transformers, which he designed as an alternative to the standard coupling capacitor in the analog out line. Apart from avoiding the coupling capacitor in the signal, the transformers also allow using the inverted output of the DAC chips, thus cancelling out even-order distortion. I immediately noticed the sound improvement with the transformers. The music sounded as if the musicians just got a pay increase! The transformers were expensive, but the money was well spent in my case.


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photographby Dana Marie
Photograph taken at the Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.
I look forward to your paintings!
All artwork should be sent to me at email@example.com, and should consist of an attachment of a good quality jpg image, cropped to show nothing but the artwork. I will not post out of focus, poor quality photographs. Make sure your name and website/blog address are included with your submission. Also be sure to include "Artistic Sentiments" in the subject line. No large file sizes please. Do not exceed 1000 pixels on the widest side. Please keep the resolution to 72 also. Thanks.
Three pieces of artwork per artist per art challenge will be allowed.
Happy Painting!
~ Dana Marie


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2018 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Special
Want top-end touring technology, infotainment, and unruly stripped-down bagger style? We vote yes.Features may include:
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Cast aluminium Talon wheels featuring spokes that extend all the way to the edge of the rim, creating the illusion of a larger wheel diameter.
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Designed to accentuate the long and low profile for an iconic, custom look.
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A stylish 6.5-inch full-colour touch screen display with hands-free mobile phone, media, and navigation. Delivers powerful, pure sound and dynamic full-range audio
- Responsive Suspension
High-performing front and rear suspension with easily hand-adjustable rear shocks put you in control of a plush ride.


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Microsoft's Windows XP OS will be on a version of Asustek Computer's ultra-low cost laptop, Eee PC, by the end of this year, the companies announced this week.
The Eee PC is a laptop designed for children and emerging markets that weighs less than one kilogram and has a 7-inch LCD screen. Asustek officially put the first version of the Eee PC, costing US$340, on sale this week in Taiwain at the popular 3C store, run by Tsann Kuen Enterprise.
Asustek announced three other configurations of the Eee PC that it will release by the end of November. All four versions of the Eee PC will run a Linux OS from Xandros of New York.
The Eee PC won praise earlier this year as another low-cost alternative to laptops such as the XO developed by the One Laptop Per Child Project (OLPC). OLPC hopes to someday whittle down the price of its laptop design to US$100 from around double that currently. The cheapest Eee PC announced this week, the "Surf" with a 2G byte flash memory drive, will retail for US$245 when it comes out around the end of November.
Microsoft hopes to tap into the growing excitement in the ultra-low cost laptop space, but Asustek won't launch an Eee PC with Windows XP on board until the end of this year.
"XP fits the low-cost segment," said Davis Tsai, general manager of Microsoft Taiwan.
But the trouble with the OS is that Microsoft is trying to retire it in favor of its new OS, Vista. Microsoft has already agreed to extend sales of XP through June 2008, Tsai said. Beyond that, the future is unclear for the OS.
The groups making low-cost laptops would likely not take well to using Vista since the OS requires more hardware, including more RAM and much larger hard disk space. The configurations would make a laptop far more expensive than the components required for XP.
When asked if Microsoft will continue to sell XP to the low-cost segment of the PC industry, Tsai said the company will work with partners on the issue. He declined further comment.
Asustek showed off one Eee PC running Microsoft Windows XP Professional, version 2002, service pack 2. The hardware on board was the same as for the Linux-based Eee PCs the company had displayed, a 900MHz Intel Celeron M processor, 512M-bytes of DDR2 DRAM (double data rate, generation two dynamic RAM) and 4G byte flash drives.
The Windows Eee PC included Office 2003 versions of Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
The Linux Eee PCs on display contained over 40 applications, including Skype's popular Internet telephony software, the Firefox Web browser from Mozilla, and quick links to Google's Documents and other services. The laptops also included on-board word processing software and several educational tools and games designed for kids.
The two lower-cost Eee PCs announced were both nicknamed Surf. The US$245 version included 256M bytes of DDR2 DRAM. The more expensive Surf included a 4G byte flash drive, 512M bytes of DDR2 DRAM and will cost US$306 when it comes out in mid-November.
It is unclear what microprocessors the two Surf models contained, because Asustek did not supply spec sheets and the laptops' system information only said that they were Intel processors.
The more expensive Eee PCs were not given nicknames. The US$340 version included a built-in camera and speakers, and could carry out simple voice commands such as "computer, access the Internet," or "computer, make a phone call." The more expensive version, US$425 and due out at the end of November, carries an 8G byte flash drive and 1G byte of DDR2 DRAM in addition to features similar to the US$340 version.
Asustek has already received orders for 1 million Eee PCs from a government interested in using them in schools, said Jonathan Tsang, president of sales at the company. He declined to name the customer.
The Eee PCs ship with support for two languages, Chinese and English. Asustek plans to market the Eee PCs in Taiwan initially, and will sell to English-speaking countries and Internet e-commerce Web sites next, a spokeswoman said.


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As with any drug rehabilitation programme, individual results will vary.
|What Graduates Say
|What Families of Graduates Say
|Public Service Announcements
Overcoming Alcohol
Narconon Graduate
Jessica P.
Growing up I was always told that I had anxiety or depression. I told the doctor that I couldn't sleep, so he gave me Trazodone. I was eight years old.
There was always something, whether it was Wellbutrin, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, you know, there was something wrong with me.
So it got to a point that alcohol was the only way that numbed it all. I was living around the bottle. And I never could come to terms with admitting that I had an alcohol problem or a pill problem, or any problem.
I could never just say, "Please help me. I don't know what to do."
My parents found Narconon. At Narconon, nobody was calling me an alcoholic, nobody was calling me a drug addict. That's one of the things that I had problems with, like, other programmes where you have to say that you're powerless to something. But I didn't feel that here.
And taking responsibility for my actions, of what I had done in the past, I could ultimately find my happiness.
Now I'm supporting myself, working for myself.
Coming to Narconon was the best thing of my life.


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Help > Introduction to ebooks and e-reading devices
Introduction to ebooks and e-reading devices
What is an ebook?
An ebook is a file that can contain text, images, or both. It can be read on a computer and on a number of other devices. Although ebooks are often the equivalent of print books, some books are only published in digital format.
What are the different formats of ebooks?
The two most commonly used ebook formats are Adobe PDF and EPUB. Not all books are available in both formats: some books are only available in PDF, others only in EPUB, and some are available in both formats.
Adobe PDF
Adobe created the PDF format as a way to preserve a uniform appearance (fonts, images, layout, etc.) regardless of the device used to read the file. This format can be read comfortably on a computer screen and on most multi-function tablets. However, PDF files are not recommended for e-readers or smart phones, because the text will often be too small. Almost all computers and reading devices support PDF files.
The EPUB format is designed for on-screen reading. Its main advantage is reflowable content, which means that the layout of the text and images will adjust automatically when the font size changes. This format is well suited for on-screen reading on devices such as e-readers and smart phones. However, the EPUB format is not advisable for fixed-layout content, such as comic books.
The vast majority of computers and reading devices support EPUB files, with the notable exception of the Amazon Kindle.
What is DRM?
Digital rights management (DRM), sometimes called a digital lock, is a protection technology integrated into an ebook. It controls the various uses of the book, including the download, the lending period and the transfer of the book to a reading device.
DRM is intended to protect the file against copyright infringement, for example the unauthorized copying of the ebook. The type of DRM that Yellowhead Regional Library files are equipped with also manage the automatic return of the book at the end of the load period. All books available for lending on Yellowhead Regional Library are equipped with a digital lock, the Adobe DRM.
I don't own a reading device such as an e-reader or a tablet. Do I need one to read ebooks?
No. ebooks can be read on a number of devices, including:
- a computer (PC or Mac)
- an e-reader (e.g., Sony Reader, Kobo)
- a touchscreen tablet (e.g., iPad, Samsung GalaxyTab)
- a smart phone.
However, it is more pleasant to read ebooks on a portable device with a screen adapted for reading, such as an e-reader or a tablet.
Digital Readers Buying Guide
Tablet or e-reader?
You first have to determine which type of device will suit your needs. There are currently two types of e-reading devices on the market: tablets and e-readers.
Tablets, the most widely known probably being the Apple iPad, are multimedia devices that provide most of the same functions as laptops. E-readers, on the other hand, are intended mostly for reading, and offer far fewer functions.
The following chart summarizes the main differences between tablets and e-readers.
|7 to 10 inches diagonally
|Approximately 6 inches diagonally
|Approximately 600g
|From 150 to 200g
|Battery life
|Up to 10 hours
|Several days, even weeks (Approximately 7,000 pages)
|From $400 to $900
|From $100 to $200
The second factor that should guide your choice is compatibility. There are many ebook formats currently available, and not all e-readers and tablets can read all formats.
Yellowhead Regional Library offers books in EPUB and PDF format. Most e-readers and tablets support these two formats. EPUB et PDF books are also sold by most online bookstores.
However, some e-readers are more compatible with proprietary, less common formats, one case being the Amazon Kindle, which only reads AZW and KF8 files (sold only by Amazon) and PDFs. The Kindle does not support EPUB files.
If you want to read files borrowed from Yellowhead Regional Library, make sure your reading device is compatible with the EPUB and PDF format, as well as with Adobe's DRM.
For the complete list of e-readers and tablets compatible with ebooks available on Yellowhead Regional Library, refer to our chart of compatible devices and applications.
Reading experience
Finally, you must also to consider the technical differences between the devices available on the market. Each device offers a different reading experience. Some are very fast, while others can be slower when flipping pages. Some offer a 6-inch screen, while others come with a 10-inch screen. The battery life of some devices can last a few weeks; for others, it will run flat after one day.
Nothing beats hands-on experience to help you make the right choice. We recommend that you go to a department store or a bookstore to try different devices. You will then be able to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Also, some libraries lend reading devices. Find out if your library provides this kind of service.


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SIGGRAPH ASIA 2010's host city is a fascinating, cosmopolitan metropolis of ancient culture, hidden secrets, adventurous energy, and advanced technology.
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Metropolitan Community College-Business & Technology Stats, Info and Facts
|Institution Type:
|Campus Setting:
|Plains Large City
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Associate's degree
|Level of Institution:
|At least 2 but less than 4 years
I attended a couple computer classes when i was in high school and the professors were very nice and worked well with me on anything that i didn't understand.…
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text:
Opinion: Conflict Dimon
Assistant editorial page editor James Freeman on J.P. Morgan's possible $11 billion settlement to end regulatory probes. Photos: Associated Press
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the tube Jamie diamonds ... this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder ... in what looks to be another big government shakedown of another ... big bank when is this going to end ... this is the editorial page editor James Freeman is here to talk to me about this ... I once commanded ... the NT was JPMorgan accused of actually doing wrong ... well there are a number things that are being pulled into the settlement but it basically is related to mortgage backed securities now as you ... peel back the layers ... one of these weren't parts of these big settlement talks ... more deals done by Bear Stearns ... which are a number into thousandeight the government said David I'm giving Orange a spare Stearns is failing isn't at all those mortgage mistakes please bought it ... and he said well is lot more interest there out of the doubt that they said well will help you ... will get the Fed to take some of the risk and I'll what he learned later it is ... they were going off road back to JP Morgan by sewing JPMorgan for things that Bear Stearns did ... before the government they JPMorgan them ... by Bear Stearns because it was in trouble they need I say the deal say I mean scientists JPMorgan paying each JPMorgan shareholders who are I may need the tens of ... hundreds of thousands if not millions of their business it's applauded by Washington and its ire of shareholders but lost in these London whale trades ... than they were punished again almost a billion dollars fine by the government for the ... crime of losing in the trading markets as men justice as full of the people who work with a call to arms here in the get the money ... any reason to believe them ... well we look in the past some of course you've read about them in foreclosure Settlement twenty five billion dollars on anonymously ... the area ... how many of these ... settlements the Does a Big Bank after item especially this big bank ... obviously Mr Diamond has said things that ... the ball off of Washington narrative about regulation and other things ... but it is amazing that big but guy who stay around the crisis to ... be ignored all the government incentives to get into housing didn't ignore all of them but but wisely managed bank so that it wasn't in trouble has now become the number one target in Washington ... for ... the problems of that era it's just it's terrible the other stunning thing is that the guys out on top of the big Citigroup unit that will lock ... Jacqueline who is now our Treasury secretary ... of thirty seconds left um ... how how long can this continue ... government plundering ... big banks like this I think this could go on for F and JPMorgan because the consensus is and I don't have a strategy that we're starting to settle a patent on ... but I don't think that's the isthe big continue to be successful and profitable this is going to be a ... irresistible honey pot for Washington I think it's all this and of ... public backlash saying this is not how we operate in the United States Cantwell who knew that it business of the worst that typically the banks are bad according to the White House and the rest of the


text:
Hostess Brands, the bankrupt maker of cream-filled pastries like Twinkies and Ho Hos, said Friday that it plans to wind down its operations. The decision comes a week after one of the company's biggest unions went on strike to protest a labor contract.
Friday's decision spells the end of Hostess, an 82-year-old company that has endured wars, countless diet fads and even an earlier Chapter 11 filing. But the liquidation may not mean the end of Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Wonder Bread. Such sweet treats could find new life under a different owner, once the company begins an auction of its brands and assets.
As the national appetite for the junk food waned, the baked-goods maker fell on hard times. In January, Hostess Brands filed again for Chapter 11, just three years after emerging from the previous restructuring. The company originally hoped to reorganize its finances, principally by cutting labor costs.
But those plans were stymied by the recent labor dispute. The work stoppage by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union affected nearly two-thirds of Hostess' factories. The company first responded by closing three factories, then gave union members until 5 p.m. on Thursday to return to work.
''We deeply regret the necessity of today's decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike," Gregory F. Rayburn, Hostess' chief executive, said in a statement.
The unions are laying the blame on the company, saying Hostess Brands has suffered from financial and operational management. According to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union, top executives at the firm received significant pay bumps, while at the same time asking for concessions from workers.
''What's happening with Hostess Brands is a microcosm of what's wrong with America, as Bain-style Wall Street vultures make themselves rich by making America poor," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement, referring to Bain Capital, the firm run by presidential candidate Mitt Romney. "Crony capitalism and consistently poor management drove Hostess into the ground, but its workers are paying the price."
Hostess' advisers will soon begin to shut down the company's 33 bakeries and 565 distribution centers. The vast majority of its 18,500 employees will be laid off, according to the company.


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Your Way. Your Style. Pick It Up!
The band name made for lots of speculation, the most popular being "Knights In Satan's Service." The truth is much more mundane: Paul Stanley came up with the name and the others loved it.
"When you're in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back." ~Paul Stanley
High quality, limited edition rock photography, hand printed on the finest paper available. Rock, indie, and country western musicians captured in concert by professional photographers from across the U.S. Stunning images of rock and roll, country, and hall of fame members, available only from the Songbird Fine Art Gallery. Unique, limited, classic, and original in-concert fine art prints. Get yours now.


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|Pentewan Road
St Austell
|Website URL:
A luxury four star hotel, with five star standard woodland holiday homes to buy or rent and a stunning Spa set in 43 acres of Victorian wooded parkland. Within touching distance of many of the most popular beaches and attractions in Cornwall, The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate, is the natural place to stay, play, meet, eat and relax.
At the heart of The Cornwall Estate is The Clearing Spa, an ultimate destination for beauty, health, fitness and relaxation. Our guests can also enjoy superb food in the AA Rosette Restaurant for a hearty breakfast or lighter evening meal. For al fresco dining The Parkland Terrace, overlooking the Pentewan Valley, provides a beautiful setting for a light lunch, Cornish Afternoon Tea or pre-dinner cocktails


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U.S. President Barack Obama will go before a joint session of Congress Thursday night to unveil his ideas for creating jobs and boosting the nation?s stagnant economy.
President Obama?s American Jobs Act is estimated to cost at least $300 billion. It is intended to help people who are looking for jobs, people trying to keep their jobs and businesses trying to create jobs.
It might also affect whether Obama keeps his job after next year's presidential election.
White House Chief of Staff William Daley says the plan includes new ideas and can help relieve the country?s economic pain, if lawmakers will approve it. He was interviewed by Matt Lauer on NBC television?s Today program.
?These ideas, some of them, have been talked about," said Daley. "But they are, as a package, as an act, if Congress will act now, a way to help people. That is what the president is committed to do.?
Daley said the plan would not require more government borrowing. He suggested that some of the money would come from more taxes on wealthier Americans.
Republicans, who hold a majority in the House of Representatives and a sizeable minority in the Senate, have rejected almost all of Obama?s previous economic initiatives.
The top Senate Republican, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, says the initiative will simply reintroduce the president?s failed economic policies.
?By any measure, including his own, the stimulus and the economic principles it was built on have been a failure," said McConnell. "And that is the reason so many people are skeptical of the president?s economic proposals. They do not work as advertised.?
But House of Representatives Speaker, Republican John Boehner says he will listen to the president?s speech with an open mind.
?I am hopeful that after the president gives his speech, we will be able to sit down in a bipartisan way and find common ground that will help improve our economy and improve the job picture for the American people,? he said.
The Jobs Act is said to include renewed financial help for long-term unemployed workers. Other provisions reportedly include tax cuts for workers and employers as well as a tax break for businesses that hire more workers.
Obama is also expected to propose more spending to repair the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and schools.
With about 14 million Americans unemployed and the U.S. economy barely growing, the president?s approval ratings have sunk to the lowest point of his tenure.
The number of jobless people seeking government financial assistance was slightly higher last week than the week before. The government said 414,000 people sought their first unemployment compensation, suggesting that hiring has stalled.
Obama to Propose American Jobs Act
U.S. President Barack Obama will go before a joint session of Congress Thursday night to unveil his ideas for creating jobs and boosting the nation?s stagnant economy.