text:
The CM-VHF-UHF-NJ range is housed in impact resistant, UV stabilised and flame retardant plastic. The antenna is sealed to be weatherproof and features a heavy duty N female connector making it ideal for indoor and outdoor deployment, including InBuilding coverage or network infill applications.
Request Quotation
Download Catalogue
Join Mailing List
UK Head Office:
Tel: +44 (0) 2088774444
Email: email@example.com
USA Office:
Tel: +1 817-539-1888
Email: email@example.com
Australia Office:
Tel: +61 1300 859 833
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
France Office:
Tel: +33 554 070 436
Email: email@example.com
Singapore Office:
Email: email@example.com
The WM-VHF-UHF-NJ is a dual band VHF/UHF wall mounted antenna designed for inbuilding, DAS and netwo..


text:
Showing 25–42 of 42 results
View 24/48/All
iLok is an industry standard used to manage software licenses. There are two different types of iLok protection available:
MACHINE LICENSE: This activation option is FREE. You can deposit the software license on the computer where you're running the software. You don't need an additional iLok USB device. All you need is a valid account on www.ilok.com and the free iLok license manager software.
USB-DONGLE: If you already own a 2nd generation or newer portable iLok USB device, you can deposit the license on the device instead of your computer. Please note that a lot of software plug in creators use the iLok system, so if you already own a 2nd generation (or newer) iLok USB device, you don't need to purchase another one and if you purchase an iLok USB device now you can use it with software from other manufacturers (one iLok to rule them all).
An iLok device can be purchased directly at ilok.com or – if you want to purchase from outside the USA – here. Additionally, you can get an iLok device from the most music or audio software retailers.
This website uses cookies: Cookies help us to provide our services. By using our services, you agree that we may set cookies. Learn more
By clicking the button, your email address will be added to our newsletter list and you will receive an email with free instruments as well as emails with the latest news and product releases. Each email contains an unsubscribe link so you can opt-out from this list at any time. Read more about how we take care of your personal data in our Privacy Policy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Become a genetically enhanced super-soldier in this slick first person action shooter from Eidos and Crystal Dynamics.
Employ futuristic weapons and high-tech gadgetry as you attempt to destroy the militia's secret weapon in Project: Snowblind's varied 11 single player missions, or join in the intense action online with a variety of modes for up to 16 players.
Set in the not-too-distant future, Project: Snowblind enlists you as 2nd Lieutenant Nathan Frost, who goes from low-ranking nobody to elite super-soldier after he volunteers himself for an 'upgrade' with the international army known as the Liberty Coalition.
Nathan's high risk missions range from infiltration (the term 'Snowblind' refers to a complete shutdown of electrical and bio-mechanical systems after an EMP blast or similar electrical disturbance) to full blown combat scenarios. Along the way, he can enhance his extraordinary abilities further still using a variety of bio-mods.
Unique futuristic weapons and secondary items, such as the 'Kicker' physics gun and the Riot Wall, add unprecedented depth to Project: Snowblind, particularly in the multiplayer arena.
Up to 16 players can take part in all new modes (as well as perennial favourites like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag) across 16 of the game's maps, including a delapidated Opera House, a dense jungle and a converted Buddhist Temple.
1-16 Players
Network Play
See it in action


text:
Boulder, Colo., USA - A Canadian team lead by Stephen Grasby reports the discovery of the highest latitude perennial spring known in the world. This high-volume spring demonstrates that deep groundwater circulation through the cryosphere occurs, and can form gullies in a region of extreme low temperatures and with morphology remarkably similar to those on Mars. The 2009 discovery raises many new questions because it remains uncertain how such a high-volume spring can originate in a polar desert environment.
Grasby and colleagues encountered the northernmost perennial spring in the world, which they have dubbed the Ice River Spring, on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canadian High Arctic. The specific study area is north of Otto Fiord in a mountainous region underlain by carbonates of the Nansen Formation. The spring discharges at 300 m elevation from colluvium on a south-facing (21° incline) mountain slope. The unnamed mountain rises 800 m above sea level. Detailed recordings show that this spring flows year-round, even during 24 hours of darkness in the winter months, when air temperatures are as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.
Detailed geochemistry shows that the waters originate from the surface and circulate down as deep as 3 km before returning through thick permafrost as a spring. This points to a much more active hydrogeological system in polar regions than previously thought possible, which is perhaps driven by glacial meltwater.
Another intriguing feature of the Ice River site is the remarkable similarity to mid-latitude gullies observed on Mars. The discovery of these features on Mars has led to suggestions that recent groundwater discharge has occurred from confined aquifers.
Deep groundwater circulation through the High Arctic cryosphere forms Mars-like gullies
Stephen E. Grasby et al., Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 3303 33rd Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7, Canada, and Dept. of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
Other Geology articles (see below) cover such topics as
- The anatomy of an active submarine volcano;
- Great tsunami-causing earthquakes in Alaska over past 100 years;
- Reef mound in the Great Australian Bight; and
- Evolution of lumpy glacial landscapes.
Geology articles published online ahead of print can be accessed online at http://geology.
Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to Geology in articles published. Contact Kea Giles for additional information or assistance.
Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Anatomy of an active submarine volcano
A.F. Arnulf et al., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
Geophysicists are always looking for new ways to study the internal workings of volcanoes. On land, obtaining decent coverage with active source seismology is challenging because of the inhospitable terrain, but with modern marine seismology acquisition and processing methods, Earth processes can be visualized with unprecedented fidelity, resolving features on the order of tens of meters. In their study published online for Geology on 9 June 2014, A.F. Arnulf and colleagues applied innovative methods to image the thickest magma reservoir observed, to date, beneath any ocean spreading center. Their results for Axial Volcano, a submarine volcano offshore of the Pacific Northwest, reveal a complex melt body beneath the summit caldera that is approx. 14 km long, 3 km wide, and up to 1 km thick. This 18- to 30-cubic-kilometer magma reservoir is comparable in size and volume with a famous California landmark: the Yosemite Valley. Previous studies imaged upper crustal melt lenses that are ~50-100 m thick and 1-2 km wide, which lie above a partially molten lower crust where magma cools and crystallizes to form the gabbroic lower crust. The larger magma chamber, greater size, and activity of Axial Volcano arise from the intersection of the Juan de Fuca Ridge with the Cobb hotspot chain.
Great tsunamigenic earthquakes during the past 1000 yr on the Alaska megathrust
Ian Shennan et al., Sea Level Research Unit, Dept. of Geography, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
This paper by Ian Shennan and colleagues uses evidence from sediments preserved in coastal marshes from the Kodiak archipelago, the fossils contained within the sediments, and radiocarbon dating to demonstrate that rupture patterns along the Alaska megathrust in the last few centuries differ to those observed during the 20th century. They have a much shorter recurrence interval than those used in current seismic hazard assessment maps. Shennan and colleagues combine new observations with previous geological, historical, and archaeological investigations. They suggest that in addition to multi-segment ruptures (Prince William Sound and Kodiak segments rupturing together) in 1964 and AD 1020 to 1150 (95% age estimate), a single segment rupture (Kodiak segment alone) occurred in 1788, with earthquake-induced land surface subsidence across much of Kodiak Island and a tsunami that is recorded in historical documents and in sediment sequences, and another, similar rupture of the same Kodiak segment AD 1440 to 1620. These indicate shorter intervals between ruptures of the Kodiak segment than previously thought, and are more frequent than for the Prince William Sound segment.
Giant middle Eocene bryozoan reef mounds in the Great Australian Bight
Alexander G.W.D Sharples et al., School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
A series of mid-Eocene reef mound complexes have been discovered in the Great Australian Bight, some 100 miles south of Australia. The greater than 500-km-long reef mound complexes are composed of bryozoan build ups and herald the birth of the largest cool-water carbonate province in the southern hemisphere. The reef mounds formed due to a complete shut-down of clastic sediment input from Australia and rising sea level caused by accelerated separation of Australia and Antarctica. The reef mounds were discovered some 500 m beneath the seafloor and mapped utilizing oil-industry and academic two-dimensional seismic profiles. Calibration was given by cuttings samples from an exploration borehole, Potoroo-1, which directly penetrates a mounded complex. Further insights regarding the growth and demise of the reef mound complexes and their paleo-biological and -oceanographic significance will require targeted seismic profiling and, ultimately, coring to retrieve continuous recovery.
Evolution of lumpy glacial landscapes
Robert S. Anderson, Dept. of Geological Sciences, and Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
At small scales, glaciated valleys are lumpy. They sport rocky knobs with smooth abraded up-valley surfaces and sharp, quarried down-valley edges. Using numerical models, I address the evolution of glacial landforms in order to explore the dependence of bed topography on both glacier and rock properties. Sliding of a glacier against its rocky bed, a prerequisite for both erosion processes of abrasion and quarrying, is governed by water pressures at the glacier bed. On daily timescales, variations in water pressure associated with snow and ice melt cycles result in expansion and collapse of water-filled cavities at the bed that in turn repetitively stress corners in the bed. Numerical models of glacial bed evolution at longer timescales incorporate both abrasion and quarrying of fracture-bound blocks. Using a rule in which the probability of block quarrying during a stress event depends inversely upon both block size and the depth of the niche in which it sits, up-glacier migrating rocky bumps inevitably emerge, reflecting efficient quarrying of blocks from down-valley facing steps in the bed. The relative importance of abrasion and quarrying is controlled by fracture spacing, and major steps in the valley floor are attributable to transitions in fracture spacing.
Dramatic effects of stress on metamorphic reactions
John Wheeler, Dept. of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
A new analysis of how mineral growth is controlled in the Earth shows that stresses may have an effect far larger than hitherto expected. This means that the ways we interpret the minerals observed in once deeply buried rocks require reappraisal. Stress in the Earth is a key aspect of its behavior and this theory paves the way for how ancient stress levels might be deduced from rocks in new ways. In the Earth, stresses result from, for example, movement of tectonic plates. As stress is applied slowly over time, rocks deform and change shape forming aligned mineral textures which are very common. Despite this it has previously been assumed the effects of stress on new mineral growth are small. New calculations show the effects of stress are much bigger and this means that current interpretations of mineral growth require modification; the theory presents a new quantitative way to think about mineral growth during deformation in rocks. It may also be of interest in metallurgy. Metals, like rocks, are actually interlocked crystals of different chemistries and are often processed by deformation which occurs in parallel with chemical change.
Rapid magma evolution constrained by zircon petrochronology and 40Ar/39Ar sanidine ages for the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, Yellowstone, USA
Tiffany A. Rivera et al., Quaternary Dating Laboratory, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
The Huckleberry Ridge Tuff is the product of the largest eruption at Yellowstone. The mineral zircon, present within this volcanic deposit, has been analyzed for its chemical composition and crystallization temperature in order to deduce the path of magmatic evolution prior to eruption. Additionally, uranium-lead dating on the same zircon crystals allows for a time-stamp of the evolutionary process. Within the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, zircon analyses demonstrate that some of the crystal cargo was derived from previously erupted volcanic deposits, and the remaining crystals formed over a period of about 10,000 years. To complement the zircon findings, 40Ar/39Ar age data on sanidine crystals from the same rock show similar evidence for recycling of previously formed crystals, and provide an eruption age of 2.079 million years. The findings of this study show that, despite the large volume of magma (~2500 cubic kilometers), differentiation and cooling is geologically rapid, with most crystals forming several millennia prior to eruption.
740 Ma vase-shaped microfossils from Yukon, Canada: Implications for Neoproterozoic chronology and biostratigraphy
Justin V. Strauss et al., Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
Biostratigraphy, or the use of fossils to help constrain time in ancient sedimentary rocks, underpins the more recent geological time scale, but its application to pre-Ediacaran (> ~541 million years old) strata has remained limited because older fossil taxa commonly have poorly understood preservational biases and/or inadequate geological or geochronological context. Here, we report the discovery of abundant and well-preserved vase-shaped microfossils from a Neoproterozoic carbonate deposit in Yukon, Canada, that highlight the potential for biostratigraphic correlation of Proterozoic sedimentary successions. The fossiliferous horizon, dated here with Re-Os geochronology at 739.9 plus or minus 6.1 million years, shares multiple species-level taxa with a well-characterized assemblage from the Chuar Group, Grand Canyon, Arizona, dated with U-Pb on zircon from an interbedded tuff at 742 plus or minus 6 million years. The overlapping age and species assemblages from these two deposits suggests biostratigraphic utility, at least within Neoproterozoic basins of ancient North America, or Laurentia, and perhaps globally. The new Re-Os age also confirms the timing of a large negative carbonate carbon isotopic anomaly, which predates the onset of the Sturtian "Snowball Earth" glaciation by >15 million years. Together, these data provide global calibration of Neoproterozoic sedimentary, paleontological, and geochemical records.
Southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone due to Northern Hemisphere cooling at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary
Kiseong Hyeong et al. (Boo-Keun Khim [corresponding]), Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 878 Haean-ro, Ansan 426-744, Republic of Korea (Khim: Dept. of Oceanography, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea). Published online 9 June 2014; http://dx.
The Mi-1 glaciation (approx. 23 million years ago), which marks the Oligocene-Miocene boundary, was an aberrant cooling event that led to a build-up of Antarctic ice sheet reaching the near-modern volume or larger from its ephemeral or partial existence. In contrast, Northern Hemisphere (NH) glaciation has not been considered as a consequence of the event due to lack of definitive evidence. Here, we investigated the inter-hemispheric temperature contrast during Mi-1, by tracing the movement of the tropical maximum rainfall belt (TMRB) at a site (10°31'N) in the East Pacific (IODP Site U1333), to understand NH cooling and possibility of NH glaciation. Our dust data indicate the southward displacement of the TMRB over Site U1333 during Mi-1 (~4°N at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary). The TMRB shifts toward the warmer hemisphere. Thus our results suggest that the cooling during Mi-1 was more significant in the NH than the Southern Hemisphere which underwent the sudden expansion of its continental ice sheets. The published data suggest two possible mechanisms for NH cooling during the brief time interval: the extensive growth of NH ice sheets and/or changes in the production of North Atlantic-origin deep water.


text:
- 1–2 Meyer lemons (2 teaspoons finely grated zest, 3 tablespoons juice, plus thin slices for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Sherry
- 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold Pure Irish), room temperature
- 1 teaspoon harissa paste or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- Buttered toast points
Recipe Preparation
Bring juice and Sherry to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until reduced to 1 Tbsp., about 3 minutes. Transfer to a mini-processor; let cool. Add butter, lemon zest, and harissa; purée until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently fold crabmeat into butter (keep crab pieces intact). Pack crab butter into a crock, smoothing top with a butter knife. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.
Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Let stand until room temperature, about 1 hour, and serve with buttered toast points.


text:
Search Fr. Z's Blog
SHOPPING ONLINE? Please, come here first!Your use of my Amazon affiliate link is a major part of my income. It helps to pay for insurance, groceries, everything. Please remember me when shopping online. Thanks in advance. Try AmazonFresh Free Trial
Up to 15% off New Products from AmazonBasics
Shop Amazon Gold Box - New Deals. Everyday
Shop Amazon Gift Cards - Instant Delivery or Free One-Day Shipping
Try Prime Discounted Monthly Offering
And you do need a Kindle! - HERE
Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans
About this blog…
"This blog is like a fusion of the Baroque 'salon' with its well-tuned harpsichord around which polite society gathered for entertainment and edification and, on the other hand, a Wild West "saloon" with its out-of-tune piano and swinging doors, where everyone has a gun and something to say. Nevertheless, we try to point our discussions back to what it is to be Catholic in this increasingly difficult age, to love God, and how to get to heaven." – Fr. Z
Coat of Arms by D Burkart
CLICK and say your daily offerings!
Do you want to show some appreciation?
Do you have a faithful Catholic website that needs competent and reliable tech support?
Fr. Z's VOICEMAIL
Nota bene: I do not answer these numbers or this Skype address. You won't get me "live". I check for messages regularly.
020 8133 4535
- Semper Gumby on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.Grumpy Beggar: Dolce & Gabbana made a good point. David Spaulding: Regarding Francis' anti-Americanism: https://wdtprs.com/2020/02/why-does-francis-partner-with-jeffrey-sachs/ "It is an honor for...
- mddelala on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.Just a quick note on the subtitles. Francis's words are "lo que tenemos que hacer es una ley de convivencia...
- robtbrown on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettBefore I buy in to the climate change hysteria, someone has to explain what happened to the New Ice Age...
- KateD on 22 October: Sts. Nunilo and Alodia! Virgins and MartyrsPerhaps all the suffering of 2020 thus far will deliver a blessing on November 3rd? One may hope.....
- JonPatrick on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettIt seems as they are throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks which suggests desperation. If you don't...
- Adelle Cecilia on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.This priest's homily is very straight forward and helpful: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=LV5Fb4Gi3yY#dialog Though, I felt bad for the teary-eyed thought of, "here...
- JoHNewman on Francis has openly called for civil unions for homosexuals. Wherein Fr. Z rants.Current issue = one of the multitude of reasons why a Jesuit should never (ever) become pope. @elaine sharpling -...
- KateD on Francis has openly called for civil unions for homosexuals. Wherein Fr. Z rants.Civil unions and gay marriage help absolutely no one. Differentiating between the two is splitting hairs and condoning sin either...
- Senor Quixana on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettThat is an embarrassing piece. Forget whether you or disagree or not, the logic just does not follow and displays...
- Markus on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney Barrett"The devil feeds upon the ignorance of man." Read this the other day-cannot remember source. Quite fitting, I think.
- Padre Pio Devotee on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney Barrett"The only thing I fear is bad Catholics."-St. Bernadette This statement is truer with each passing day
- mlmc on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettAs noted above, not only were none of the Notre Dame faculty members of the law school-but NO ND law...
- Charles E Flynn on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.From Statement on the Declarations of Pope Francis Regarding Civil Unions ON OCT 22, 2020 It is a source of...
- iamlucky13 on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettThe article is nonsense. They wouldn't know moral relativism if it bit them in the face and rationalized the injury...
- Semper Gumby on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.Acton Institute is helpful regarding the topic of "papal infallibility": When most folks (Catholic and non-Catholic alike) hear "papal infallibility",...
- JMody on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettSo, her personal beliefs and knowledge in re abortion are too decided, too strong for her to be a judge,...
- NOCatholic on For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.@astronomer: Thanks for the post. I have to point out that the "spirit of Vatican II" (better named the zeitgeist...
- NOCatholic on Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney BarrettSo a SCOTUS nominee is not supposed to show gratitude to the President who nominated her (the "adoring" look)? Really....
- maternalView on Francis has openly called for civil unions for homosexuals. Wherein Fr. Z rants.Too many of us have been seduced into believing the way to understanding and maybe even finding truth is to...
- Marc in Eugene on Francis has openly called for civil unions for homosexuals. Wherein Fr. Z rants."Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They're children of God and have a right to...
Books which you must have.
Don't rely on popes, bishops and priests.
"Who is going to save our Church? Not our bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to you, the people. You have the minds, the eyes, and the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops."
- Fulton Sheen
Therefore, ACTIVATE YOUR CONFIRMATION and get to work!
Send Snail Mail to Fr. Z
Fr John Zuhlsdorf
Tridentine Mass Society of Madison
733 Struck St.
Madison, WI 53744-4603
For email HERE
"The modern habit of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously is no proof of humility; rather it proves the offender's inability to forget himself in the rite, and his readiness to spoil for every one else the proper pleasure of ritual."
- C.S. Lewis
This blog has to earn its keep!
PLEASE subscribe if it is useful.
That way I have steady income I can plan on, and you wind up regularly on my list of benefactors for whom I pray and for whom I periodically say Holy Mass.
For a one time donation...
I set up a
account, which functions rather like PayPal. Some of you use it. Here is a QCode you can use with your smart phones. Try it!
Also, to receive a link to donate via Continue To Give using your smart phone SEND MESSAGE:
Some donations also come through CHASE. That works well. I don't think they take any percentage as fees.
As for Latin…
"But if, in any layman who is indeed imbued with literature, ignorance of the Latin language, which we can truly call the 'catholic' language, indicates a certain sluggishness in his love toward the Church, how much more fitting it is that each and every cleric should be adequately practiced and skilled in that language!" - Pius XI
"Let us realize that this remark of Cicero (Brutus 37, 140) can be in a certain way referred to [young lay people]: 'It is not so much a matter of distinction to know Latin as it is disgraceful not to know it.'" - St. John Paul II
Recent Posts
- LIVE VIDEO – 23 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – St Anthony Maria Claret (& Feast of the Holy Redeemer)
- #ASonnetADay – 70. "That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect…"
- LIVE VIDEO – 22 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – Sts Nunilo & Alodia – St. John Paul
- Fishwrap's whining attack on Amy Coney Barrett
- 22 October: Sts. Nunilo and Alodia! Virgins and Martyrs
- #ASonnetADay – 69. "Those parts of thee that the world's eye doth view…" (With advice!)
- For those who don't believe that Francis said that there should be legal same-sex unions.
- They just need to keep doing what they're doing!
- ASK FATHER: Prayers "for the gift of tears"
- Francis has openly called for civil unions for homosexuals. Wherein Fr. Z rants.
- LIVE VIDEO – 21 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – Votive Mass of St. Joseph
- #ASonnetADay – 68. "Thus is his cheek the map of days outworn…"
- LIVE VIDEO – 20 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – St John Cantius
- #ASonnetADay – 67. "Ah! wherefore with infection should you live…"
- PREVIEW: London Oratory Schola – Sacred Treasures of Christmas
- LIVE VIDEO – 19 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – St Peter Alcantara
- #ASonnetADay – 66. "Tired with all these, for restful death I cry…"
- LIVE VIDEO – Sunday 18 Oct. 1200h CDT – NOON Traditional Latin Mass – 20th Sunday after Pentecost
- #ASonnetADay – 65. "Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea…"
- IRELAND: The longings and the lessons in the Mass Rocks
- VIDEO: "Come Hell Or High Water"
- LIVE VIDEO – SATURDAY 17 October 1200h CDT Traditional Latin Mass – St Margaret Mary Alacoque & Exorcism against Satan and Fallen Angels
- The 16th of the month, is a very lean day.
- #ASonnetADay – 64. "When I have seen by Time's fell hand defaced…"
- Hilarious screenshot from HARRIS.. no… BIDEN campaign Health Care ad
- Of Latin, Papa Ganganelli, and the suppression of the Jesuits
- Cocktail suggestion: "Stare Decisis"
- Jesuits PROMOTE "Pachamama Day". I am not making this up. Vatican "Earth Mother" coin.
- LIVE VIDEO – 15 October 1200h CDT (GMT/UTC -5) – St. Teresa of Avila – INTENTION: In reparation for JESUIT BLASPHEMY and SACRILEGE in promoting Pachamama.
- #ASonnetADay – 63. "Against my love shall be as I am now…"
Let us pray…
Grant unto thy Church, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, that She, being gathered together by the Holy Ghost, may be in no wise troubled by attack from her foes. O God, who by sin art offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication unto Thee,and turn away the scourges of Thine anger which we deserve for our sins. Almighty and Everlasting God, in whose Hand are the power and the government of every realm: look down upon and help the Christian people that the heathen nations who trust in the fierceness of their own might may be crushed by the power of thine Arm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Yes, Fr. Z is taking ads…
Because it matters what children read…
Be a "Zed-Head"!
I carry one of these super-strong rosaries in my spare mag pouch! The Swiss Guards have them too!
My "challenge coin" for my 25th anniversary of ordination in 2016.
Want one? I do exchanges with military and LEOs, etc. and you can make a donation.
PLEASE RESPOND. Pretty pleeeease?Loading ...
This is really useful when travelling… and also when you aren't and you need backup internet NOW! I use this for my DMR "Zednet" hotspot when I'm mobile. It's a ham radio thing.
If you travel internationally, this is a super useful gizmo for your mobile internet data. I use one. If you get one through my link, I get data rewards.
Please use my links when shopping! I depend on your help.
WDTPRS POLLLoading ...
"Rigid"? Pfffft. "Faithful!" No priest's desk or kitchen is complete without one, for young, old, and priests in general.
Fr. Z's stuff is everywhere
Help support Fr. Z's Gospel of Life work at no cost to you. Do you need a Real Estate Agent? Calling these people is the FIRST thing you should do!
GREAT causes to support
Tag Archives: 1905
PODCAzT 151: Pius X's encyclical On Teaching Christian Doctrine
Today we are going to hear St. Pope Pius X's encyclical letter of 1905 on Catechetics, On Teaching Christian Doctrine, Acerbo nimis. This could have been offered to us today. As you listen, tune your ear for how Pius talks about … Continue reading


text:
The LG Flatron E2350V is essentially LG's version of the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370: a thin, 23-inch monitor, with an LED backlight and a minimalist aesthetic design. The E2350V is sleek, although not quite as stylish or unique-looking as the XL2370 or its updated version, the Samsung PX2370, which both stand out thanks to their transparent necks. The E2350V has great games performance, on par with the XL2370 and PX2370; however, the PX2370 has a slight performance edge in movies, because of a seemingly deeper color gamut. Thanks to its black-level control feature, the E2350V has a lower black level than either Samsung monitor, but unfortunately, it also has a dimmer screen than the two.
The E2350V's trump card is its lower, $280 price. That's $20 less than the XL2370 and $30 less than the PX2370. The E2350V also has unique features like an ambient light sensor and a headphone jack. If you're looking for an LED monitor, go with the PX2370 because of its superior performance. If price is a concern, however, you can't go wrong with the E2350V. It has the performance, features, and the looks to make it well worth its price.
Design and features
The 23-inch LG Flatron E2350V looks like it was modeled directly after the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370. Both monitors have similarly thin profiles, with virtually the same physical dimensions; however, with its transparent neck and edges the XL2370 has an aesthetic flare the E2350V can't match. The Flatron E2350V's panel depth measures 0.65 inch, which is slightly more than the XL2370's considerably thin 0.6-inch depth. The Flatron E2350V's bezel measures 0.9 inch, which is shorter than the XL2370's 1.1-inch. The full width of the Flatron E2350V is 22 inches, and that's about the same as most 23-inch monitors. The Flatron E2350V's screen has a matte finish and its glossy, black neck is similarly curved like the XL2370's. The oval-shaped footstand measures 9.9 inches wide and 8.4 inches deep. Although the display wobbles considerably when knocked from the sides, we don't think it's in any great danger of toppling over, given the well-designed distribution of its light, 7.38-pound weight. The bottom of the bezel sits 2.8 inches from the desktop, about the same as the XL2370.
Like the XL2370, the screen height isn't adjustable and there aren't screen-rotation or pivot options for portrait mode. The capability to tilt the screen back 10 or 90 degrees is its only included ergonomic feature. The Flatron E2350V's connection options include DVI-D, HDMI, and VGA, and a headphone jack. All connections sit on the back in the lower midsection of the panel and face backward, instead of down like on most monitors, making them easy to access.
The Flatron E2350V includes an onscreen display (OSD) array in the lower-right-hand side of the bezel, with the power button to the right of the array. The power button resides above a cool-looking grayish-white LED stripe, and each OSD button is denoted with a small LED dot of the same color. Touching any of the dots brings up the OSD, with each dot perfectly aligned to the onscreen option of the OSD. The array consists of six different buttons: Menu, Smart+, F Engine, Auto, Input, and Exit. With each new menu screen, the buttons alter their function, acting instead as the "up," "down," or "previous menu" buttons, making navigating the menu a simple endeavor.
Pressing the Menu button allows you to navigate through Brightness, Contrast, and Sharpness controls. LG also includes a Black Level control--which includes two settings: low and bright--that affords the E2350V a lower black level than most monitors have. The OSD also includes controls for color temperature--including individual RGB controls--gamma control, a volume control for the headphone jack, and an ambient light feature called Auto Bright that adjusts the display's brightness depending on the amount of ambient light in the room. Presets include Standard, Movie, Game, and Sports. Each preset provides a preview of its settings, by dividing the screen in half: on the left is what it's currently set to, and on the right is what it could look like with the preset.
The LG Flatron E2350V's 16:9 aspect ratio supports a "Full HD" native resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels. This continues the trend of more and more monitor vendors moving toward 16:9 from 16:10 because high-definition content--in particular 1080p movies--can fit onto a 1,920x1,080-pixel screen in full-screen mode without stretching the image.
We tested the LG Flatron E2350V with its DVI connection. The display posted a composite score of 94 on CNET Labs' DisplayMate-based performance tests, just below the XL2370's 96, and the PX2370's 97. Thanks to its black-level control feature, the LG Flatron E2350V demonstrated a low black level in our grayscale tests; lower even than the PX2370. However, the E2350V and the PX2370 allowed virtually the same amount of light through their respective screens in our dark-screen test. The PX2370 seemed to have a larger color gamut as evidenced by our color scales test, where the LG Flatron E2350V didn't distinguish between similar colors as well as the PX2370 did. Overall, the two monitors performed similarly in DisplayMate, with the PX2370 getting a slight edge, especially in color tests.
The LG Flatron E2350V achieved a brightness score of 197 candelas per square meter (cd/M2), much lower than the XL2370's 344 cd/M2 and still lower than the PX2370's 246 cd/M2. However, thanks to its low black level, the Flatron E2350V had a much higher tested contrast ratio of 1,355:1, compared with the 1,008:1 and 948:1 of the XL2370 and PX2370, respectively.
We used the LG Flatron E2350V's movie preset to check out "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" on DVD and a number of 1080p movie files from Microsoft's WMV HD Showcase. In both "Kill Bill" and the 1080p movies, we found that the PX2370's more accurate and vibrant color surpassed the LG Flatron E2350V's color quality. In a side-by-side comparison, red on the LG Flatron E2350V looked closer to orange when compared with the deeper red we saw on the PX2370 in the same scene.


text:
Typesafe has announced the Scala Language Integrated Connection Kit (Slick). Slick provides a framework for Scala programmers to connect to databases (both relational and NoSQL) and other data sources. It integrates databases into Scala, allowing stored and remote data to be queried and processed in the same way as in-memory data using ordinary Scala classes and collections. This enables full control of database access and data transfer.
NOTE: As an aide-mémoir for those not using the Scala general-purpose programming language, Scala seeks to integrate features of object-oriented and functional languages, so that code sizes are typically reduced by a factor of two to three when compared to an equivalent Java application.
Slick provides a front-end layer that integrates queries using ordinary Scala types. As a result, queries can be processed and validated at compile time, even in user-provided database backends. Using Slick, programmers can directly write database queries in Scala, benefitting from the static checking, compile-time safety, and compositionality of Scala. Slick also allows for writing SQL queries and executing them with an API optimized for Scala instead of using JDBC.
Key features of the Slick database connector include support for nested tuples to overcome the limitation of 22 columns per query, enabling better structuring of query results; updated query syntax tree for better compositionality; and separate layers for the AST and the front-end for simpler code generation.
"Slick, the database connector, will enhance the capabilities of Scala in multiple dimensions including web, parallel scalability across multiple cores, and horizontal scalability across multiple machines," said Michael Azoff, principal analyst with Ovum. "Typesafe's roadmap indicates the maturing of Scala."
Slick features an extensible query compiler that can generate code for different backends. The following database systems are directly supported for type-safe queries (using the query language or Scala code lifted to database queries):
- Derby/JavaDB
- HSQLDB/HyperSQL
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- SQLite
"With more modern, efficient database query and access capabilities, Slick delivers a powerful framework for Scala programmers," said Mark Brewer, CEO of Typesafe. "With the introduction of our new database connector, we are making it even easier for developers to build next-generation distributed applications using Scala."


text:
The José Joaquín de Olmedo International airport in Guayaquil (GYE), Ecuador is located in the city, 5 kilometres from the centre
The official currency is el dólar estadounidense (USD). and the official time is 6 hour(s) behind Spain
If you need information on visas go to en http://www.iberia.com/gb/fly-with-iberia/documents/ .
If you need a hotel ...
We use our own and third party cookies to improve your experience and our services. If you continue, we consider that you accept their use. You can get more information on our website at cookies policy[Open in a new window].


text:
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — If going from being a Columbus Blue Jacket to a Broadway Blueshirt carries a whole lot of pressure, Rick Nash isn't feeling it on his broad shoulders.
Welcome to New York, Rick. You're not in Ohio anymore.
The long sought-after Nash finally was corralled by the Rangers in a big offseason trade. New York is coming off a season in which it finished first in the Eastern Conference, but the Rangers fell short of the Stanley Cup Finals with a conference finals loss to the rival New Jersey Devils.
Expectations were already high for this season, which will finally get going Saturday night when the Rangers visit the Bruins in Boston.
Throw the 6-foot-4 Nash into a forward mix that also features high-scorers Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards, and it's hard not to view the Rangers as being as serious a Stanley Cup threat as there is out there.
"I couldn't think of a better situation than to come here for my career," said Nash, who spent his first nine NHL seasons with Columbus. "I'm looking at it now and I'm happy I got the chance to do it, and I didn't spend the time in one place my whole career."
Especially in the shadows of Columbus.
During his time with the Blue Jackets, Nash reached the playoffs only once — a quick, four-game appearance in 2009 when he put up one goal and two assists in a sweep at the hands of the eventual Western Conference-champion Detroit Red Wings.
Nash can hardly be blamed for the Blue Jackets' failures. He put up 289 goals and 547 points in 674 games — including two 40-goal seasons and five others in which he netted at least 30.
Nash scored 30 goals and dished out 29 assists last season.
New York gave up key forwards Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, two other players and a first-round pick to bring the five-time All-Star to the Rangers.
The move from Columbus to the spotlight of the Big Apple hasn't rattled the Ontario native a bit during the abbreviated one-week training camp.
"This is great," Nash said. "This is what I grew up with in Toronto, where hockey is a big deal. It's a top-four major sport, and this is what I love. This is what I dreamed of when I dreamed of playing in the NHL. The only time I got that was when I went back to Canada six times to play those teams, or play in the Olympics.
"I'm embracing it all. This is what I feel is hockey. This is part of it. It makes the game that much more special."
That is exactly what the Rangers are counting on.
Certainly Nash is looked upon as a missing piece to a club that also boasts Henrik Lundqvist, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's top goalie last season, but he doesn't have to carry the burden of success alone.
That wasn't the case when he was captain of the Blue Jackets.
"As a Ranger you don't have to worry about 22 other guys," Nash said. "I felt like I had a lot of weight on my shoulders to do that. Here, there are so many leaders, so many guys who have been captains or assistant captains with other clubs, and young guys who are respected in the dressing room."
Throw in Richards' readying for his second season with the Rangers, a healthy Gaborik and defenseman Marc Staal and solid captain Ryan Callahan, and New York seemingly has the pieces for another deep playoff run.
The trick is maneuvering through the lockout-shortened 48-game season over 99 days and being in prime shape once the postseason arrives.
Richards is expected to center a line between Nash and speedy Carl Hagelin.
"I think it's a good pressure for us to realize that we have some things to accomplish," said Richards, who missed the first three days of training camp because of the flu. "We're not just out here to try to make the playoffs or stay in the middle of the pack. We do want to push ourselves to be up top again.
"We have to realize everybody knows who we are and knows the expectations. We're not surprising anybody. We're going to have to play better than we did last year to even have a chance to have that record."
New York went 51-24-7 last season, finishing just two points shy of Vancouver, which held the league's best record.
Lundqvist was stellar in going 39-18-5 with a minuscule 1.97 goals-against average in 62 regular-season games and then 10-10 with a 1.82 GAA in the Rangers' run to the NHL's final four.
While the Rangers have a strong backup goalie in veteran Martin Biron, clearly their fortunes rest on Lundqvist's shoulders more than anyone. The plan is for Lundqvist to again start about 75 percent of this season's games.
The Rangers are scheduled to have six sets of games on back-to-back days.
"It's back to routine," said Lundqvist, who didn't play in Europe during the lockout. "It's almost like your life slowly starts to come back to you. It's been missing for a long time, but it's fun to be back and start to feel the adrenaline, and start to feel the pressure of performing and go out and try to reach your top level. It's a great challenge.
"I think everybody is enjoying themselves. We all missed this, you know? It's our lives. I miss everything about it. Not only being on the ice. I miss being here, I miss being on the road, getting ready for games. It's just a big part of my life that's been missing. Now it's back."
Every team will face the challenge of how to play a condensed season, one of which hasn't been seen since 1995 after another long lockout.
"To me there's no blueprint," Rangers coach John Tortorella said. "I think the most important thing for the coaches is to have a really good pulse of the team and how they feel. Recovery is huge, and we've gone through the schedule three separate times as far as recovery time. So I'm going to take it day-by-day and see how our team is."
The 30-year-old Gaborik could be primed for a big year after surgery to repair a tear in his right shoulder that hindered him during last season's playoffs. Gaborik played all 82 regular-season games last season — his third with New York — and scored 41 goals.
"I haven't been in a game situation, but it feels good," Gaborik said. "This contact should get me ready. I don't have any hesitation; I'm not scared to get into battles or anything like that. Every year is different, but it's a short season, so you really have to start right from the blocks and maintain your body and focus in preparation for games and after games to recover yourself."
The Rangers made other offseason moves in addition to Nash, losing rugged forward Brandon Prust but adding physical forward Arron Asham, along with Micheal Haley, Taylor Pyatt and Jeff Halpern.
"They're going to add a lot to this team in a lot of key areas," forward Derek Stepan said.
None more important than landing the super prize of Nash.
"The big kid on the block," Stepan said, "he brings so much to the table."
What kind of numbers are you looking for out of Nash this season, Rangers fans? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below…
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


text:
"Once again our stay at the Vee Bar Guest Ranch was nothing but spectacular!"
--Elaine MacIntosh Minneapolis, Minnesota
Welcome to the Wyoming Vee Bar Guest Ranch
The Vee Bar guest and dude ranch located near Laramie Wyoming is a family-friendly vacation destination that is sure to please the horse loving cowboy or cowgirl in you.
A Vee Bar Guest Ranch vacation emphasizes horseback riding, but that is only the beginning of your Wyoming family vacation. The ranch activities you will experience at the Vee Bar Dude Ranch include hiking, fishing, river tubing, trap shooting, camping, herding cattle, hayrides and more!
This historical dude ranch prides itself on providing True Western Hospitality, and when you have to leave your vacation of a lifetime, you will realize you just acquired a new group of friends that you will miss dearly. Check out our guest comments!
Vacation activities center around western horseback riding and the Vee Bar has one of the best horseback riding programs to be found at any guest ranch. Your experience will range from riding in the Vee Bar meadows to riding in the mountains. Guests also have the opportunity to do cattle work and team-penning with cattle.
"You really have a beautiful family. They were very warm in welcoming us and so easy to talk to. We all just had so much fun! It was my best vacation ever & I'm sure I can speak for my sisters and niece also. We will definitely be back – hopefully in the near future. Thanks once again."
–Anita Hofstetter
This Wyoming dude ranch is a great vacation place for kids. The terrain is gentle and safe with plenty of room to run and play. Children six and older are eligible for horseback riding activities with parents or other children. All children can work on their horsemanship skills safely by riding the trails and moving cattle while receiving pointers and coaching from our family-friendly wranglers.


text:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8cKOgBiKOk?rel=0%5D
Ronda Rousey's nearly nonstop mainstream media blitz continued earlier this week with an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show."
The UFC's women's bantamweight champion talked with Patrick about her rise to superstardom, dating, pressure, the potential for her to one day have a movie career and how her she is "refreshingly unfiltered" when it comes to the things she says and does.
Rousey (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is coming off an historic fight, headlining UFC 157 as the first women's fight in UFC history. She stopped Liz Carmouche (8-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with yet another first-round armbar, but not before a slightly harrowing moment early in the fight that had Carmouche on her back looking for a choke.
Outside the UFC, Rousey's rise to fame since beating Miesha Tate for the Strikeforce title a year ago has included an appearance on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue," stories in mainstream magazines like Time and Rolling Stone, Showtime specials, HBO appearances, guest-hosting on TMZ, an appearance on Conan O'Brien's show and much more.
As for her next fight, Rousey very likely will meet the winner of next month's fight between Tate and Cat Zingano, which will be the second women's fight in UFC history.
Check out the Dan Patrick interview in the video above.
For more on the UFC's upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.


text:
Hunt Sabs to disinfect the countryside!
Despite being completely overlooked by the government's veterinary risk assessment (to allow hunting to restart), Hunt Saboteurs are to offer their experience and knowledge of the countryside to help disinfect areas where hunts will be chasing the nation's wildlife to exhaustion and death.
The HSA's press officer, Dawn Preston explained: "we know from nearly 40 years of hunt sabotage that hunts follow virtually the same routes year after year from the same meets, so we thought 'why don't we use our knowledge and experience in the hunting field to disinfect their path for them?'. This would help hunts stay in line with the DEFRA rules that permit hunting under restriction, and provide a service to the farmer by decreasing the risk of FMD spreading due to hounds and riders charging around his/her land."
She continued "the fact that disinfectant is also known to be a very effective scent duller and would mask the scent of the fox or hare they were chasing couldn't be helped! Our tactical approach to hunt sabotage needs little amendment, as the disinfectant would simply replace the harmless citronella oil or garlic mix spray that we normally use - and we already have the people to deal with its application!"
The HSA believes that DEFRA have chosen to ignore the presence of anti-hunt protestors at hunt meets, failed completely to consult with the HSA on the matter of the resumption of hunting, and have as yet failed to respond to our letter setting out our real concerns on the matter. Despite this failure on behalf of the Government, hunters now seem intent on blaming hunt saboteurs for any problems once hunting does resume. Funny how they spend the rest of the year saying how ineffectual we are.
On her website, fanatical Australian hunter Janet George who claims to 'speak for the countryside' is now openly advocating violence towards Hunt Saboteurs. In her latest rant against the government, sabs (and basically anyone who doesn't kill things 6 days a week) she encourages 'farmers' and 'stewards' to hold down and spray sabs with disinfectant 'from head to toe' .
If this does happen, we doubt sabs will take it lying down. Still, we are sure the hunt officials will note it (as they are required to) as an 'unusual event during the hunt' and it will make an interesting report for DEFRA on what hunters are really like.


text:
Homework #10 CD-R (H2D#70) Indie American experimental, postpunk and No Wave from the letters A, B & C: 1979-89.
Enjoy a[nother] spectacular survey of the artistic and the accidental, the homely and the home-made, the involuntary and the visionary, the unselfconscious and the unbelievably cool... with the Adults, B People, Cardboards, Carsickness, China Shop, Culturcide, Bound & Gagged, Band of Susans, Arms of Someone New, Bomis Prendin, Black Cat Bone, Brain People, Blue Trapeze, Robin Crutchfield's Dark Day, Chemicals Made from Dirt, Crash Course in Science and the August Sons. 20 tracks. $9.00
Adults - 'Call on Me'
China Shop - 'Kowtow'
The Arms of Someone New - 'Left to Right'
Carsickness - 'Falling'
Bound and Gagged - 'Chains and Polymers'
Brain People - 'Strange Things to Come'


text:
James and Abba's Amazing Race came to an end Sunday after two of the unluckiest legs in Race history. A week after Natalie and Nadiya kept their dropped $100, the rockers' cabbie in Moscow drove off with their bags and Abba's passport. They were saved by a non-elimination, but ultimately couldn't recover the lost passport. "We did everything we could," Abba tells TVGuide.com. "We went to all the police stations in the area with the hope that someone might have found it. We spent a long time inside Interpol. There was nothing else we could've done." So why did they leave their bags in the cab in the first place? Do they hold a grudge against the twins for keeping their money? Find out below.
Amazing Race's Rob and Kelley: We would've given the money backWhat was it like being dead men walking in Moscow?
Abba: You're asking all these happy questions! [Laughs] Obviously, it wasn't the situation we wished we were in, but every problem poses the opportunity to find a solution. That was really it. As soon as the cabbie took off with our stuff, we realized the grimness of the situation, but at the same time, we knew we were not dead yet. I think that was something that came across. Did you do any of the tasks? We just saw you in what looked like a hearse with a priest. Was that the Speed Bump?
James: [Laughs] Yeah, we did. We actually went to Interpol and a bunch of police stations. They only showed us at one. After we exhausted everything we could possible do — basically what it boiled down to was putting in a police report and hoping that someone would turn it in — we picked up back in the Race. Abba did the time zone Roadblock. He ripped through in about 20 minutes. We did the Speed Bump, which involved the priest.Abba: That was our last rites.James: [Laughs] Yeah, we had to get him to a church. We found him his way home before we found ours. Those are the ones we did.Abba: A lot of people think, "Go to the embassy." But this happened on a Friday and a Saturday, and that Tuesday was the Russian Independence Day, so for the whole week, all the government places were closed, so it took a while before anyone could do anything for us. I don't think viewers realized that it was during the weekend and it was also a national holiday. ... After we reported to every place we could, you just realize there's nothing else you can do, so let's just move forward and do the tasks and have some fun. That's how we ended the day.One of the top two Race rules is to always have your passport on you. Why did you leave it in the cab?
James: What's funny is, throughout the Race, I had told the twins at least twice, quite vehemently, "That's crazy! Never leave your bags in the cab." They were doing it with reckless abandon. In this case, when we got to the Trees of Love, we could see the cluebox from where we were parked. It was maybe 50 feet away. We figured, let's get out, get the clue and see if we still need the cab or if we need to go by foot or something. This was one of those things where it seemed to make sense to hold the driver, which we had been doing through the Race, since he was in our eyeshot. But when we got the clue, it was like, "You have to start the challenge." Abba started it and the rules say you can't be apart from your partner past a certain distance unless otherwise noted, so I couldn't go back to the cab by myself. We both had to go back. This probably transpired in five minutes. But it is always your responsibility to keep your stuff with you.You only lost one passport along with your bags, right?
Abba: Yeah, it was all our bags, but my passport was in the backpack because when we came out of the pool, I didn't have a towel, so my clothes got wet. Because of that, I took my passport out of my pocket and put it in the backpack. It was just odd circumstances that had never happened to me before, and I hope to God never happens again. I'm going to have some synchronized swimming lessons this summer. I'm gonna sign up all the kids in my neighborhood now that I'm an experienced Russian Olympic synchronized swimmer. [Laughs] It just shows that no matter how prepared you are, not even going into the Race, but just daily life, you never know what's going to happen to you. This was catastrophic, but this experience also gave us something no one else on the Race experienced. No one else spent hours in police stations and saw what Russian jail cells looked like.
Losties? Trekkies? Which TV show has the best fans? Vote now!None of the past three teams who lost their passports went through anything like this.
Abba: Yeah, and they lost theirs. I think there is a difference and I want it on the record that ours was stolen. This was theft. Should we have left our bags in cab? In retrospect, no, but we knew we left them there, so we didn't lose anything. This guy just drove away with our stuff. We didn't even pay him.Why did he drive off when you didn't pay him?
Abba: I think he realized that the bags were more expensive than whatever few dollars the fare was. The other thing is how the cabs work there. You're not allowed to get into gypsy cabs anywhere else, but Russia is set up where everybody is a gypsy cab. There are very, very few official cabs. These are just people who if you wave down, they'll come and pick you up, and that's their culture. This was just a private person who picked us up and gypped us. We couldn't call Black and White Cab Company or whatever and say, "Your cab took off with our stuff." It's not like that. He just got us. I just wonder what he was thinking. I have no idea what he did with our stuff. I'd love to know! I mean, he has no idea how he impacted our lives that day. It'll be interesting to know if he ever finds out what he did.How surprised were you that it was a non-elimination leg and you were still in the Race, even though you're supposed to have your passport when you check in?
James: That was strange because on one hand, you're elated, and the other, you realize how hopeless the situation is. We got lucky that the next leg was still in Moscow and we didn't have to fly. It felt good to grasp onto that for a moment. We had conquered something similarly when we lost our money on the last leg in Bangladesh. It was like, "Well, can we do this twice?" [Laughs]Did you not know the twins took your money until the episode aired?
Abba: Yup. I saw it when I saw the commercial. It was news to me. Until we saw the episode, we didn't know what happened. We don't see it until the public sees it. It's interesting because people ask, "What's your favorite part of the Race?" And they don't realize that, quite honestly, it's not over for us yet. Although we know the ending and what we did, we don't know what anybody else did or said. Seeing even the Russian dancing Detour last night — we had no idea what that was. That was the first time we saw it. Each week as you watch, it opens a new experience for yourself. I got some e-mails from some of the other teams this morning, saying, "We had no idea that happened to you guys."They just saw that you had a Speed Bump.
Abba: Yeah, and one of the Chippendales was talking about it in a deleted scene, where they commented on our picture on the Speed Bump. "How did they come in last when we left them at the first clue?" And they thought we must've spent 12 hours in the pool. [Laughs] They had no idea.
Photos: Everybody's posing nude! Check out stars who've bared allAre you upset the twins didn't give the money back to you?
James: I can't really fault them for not giving it back to us. We thought we lost it, which we did, but we didn't know it was found until the episode. They didn't steal it from our bags. We accidentally lost it, had no idea where we lost it, and they found it. There's no rule about finding money and having to give it back to people. It was unpleasant for us, but they didn't violate any rules. [Laughs] The thing that amazes me about The Amazing Race, for lack of a better word, is what you see is what you get. When [Kaylani lost her] passport at a gas station one season and some good Samaritan returned it to her, I thought, "Oh, come on! The producers set that up." I can tell you firsthand that there is no interference. The producers do a great job with the show because they really pull the story together as it happens. They don't interfere, but just monitor the rules, which is a great thing for the audience because the show has a lot of integrity. I'd like to think that comes through when you watch it. Abba: If you want to move forward in your life, you don't drive just looking through the rearview mirror. As far as the money, we didn't know what happened at the time. I think we did a commendable job keeping our wits. I was really proud of how James dealt with me. I was ashamed and embarrassed and guilty. I thought I lost the money and I did drop it. I was really surprised he didn't blast into me because I thought I deserved it. I think a lot of it had to do with our friendship. He said to me, "What am I going to do? Yell at you? Is that going to make you feel better? We have a problem, so let's figure it out." I think our friendship and support was apparent. I take pride that he's my friend and my partner on this. What happened happened.What are you up to now?
James: Up to no good!Abba: James shaved his head.James: [Laughs] Yeah, we thought we'd shave our heads in solidarity for all those who had to do it on the show.Abba: Well, there were only two. And both teams already had a bald person on the team. That's not fair.That's why they did it. It's half a Fast Forward.
Abba: Yeah, it's half a challenge! We're enjoying the rest of the season. We've got Thanksgiving coming up and there's sort of a transition of coming back. We've both got families and children, and some other teams don't, so I think for us going away might've been a different emotional kind of thing, saying goodbye to our wives and children for a month. I'm very thankful to my family for doing all the things that they did to allow this to happen in my life and I really appreciate it. We won two trips. When I left, my son said, "Daddy, I just want you to win a trip." And when we won, I was like, "Dude, I got one for ya!" There are so many people who are involved in this that you don't see on TV.
The Amazing Race airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS.


text:
Buying Expired Domains: What's the Best Strategy?Blog Post: April 22, 2009
No, no, no. ToysRUs made a perfectly logical decison that most any business would do and Google tanked them for it. ToysRUs wanted the url toys.com to direct to their site. They're all about toys and they simply bought a url that described their business and told the url where to take people. Google tanked them in the rankings because Toys.com came with link juice. Google assumed that Toys.com was doing this to manipulate the search engines but there is just, to my knowledge, ZERO evidence of this. This is another case of Google caring more about the possible spam threat than the actual rankings for searchers.


text:
Another day, another big name enters the scramble to replace Simon Cowell.
Rap mogul Diddy told George Lopez, he'd be more than happy to judge new talent on "American Idol" if he can get paid like Cowell.
"At first when people were asking me if I was interested in the job I was like no … that's not my style," Diddy told George Lopez on Wednesday's "Lopez Tonight." "But once I heard what Simon makes … [I] would love the job. I've got six kids. If I would get the same check Simon gets … we would have a ball."
U.S. & World
That puts Diddy in company with Justin Timberlake, Donald Trump, Elton John, Brett Michaels, Harry Connick Jr., Shania Twain, Chris Isaak, Courtney Love
It's unknown exactly how much Cowell earned as judge on the hit Fox show, but it was a reported $36 million in 2009 and he was reportedly offered as much as $144 million per year to stay on for the upcoming season, according to the New York Post. If he turned down that kind of money, others surely wouldn't.


text:
Housing upheaval: a tale of two homes
Just when it was looking like things couldn't get any worse in the housing market, government officials announced Tuesday that home prices had their biggest fourth-quarter drop in 17 years.
At the same time, foreclosure filings in California soared 120% in January from a year earlier to 57,158, according to Irvine-based market researcher RealtyTrac. California's foreclosure rate was second only to Nevada nationwide.
And this was good news for Dan Porcupile, a 40-year-old San Diego resident and a full-time member of the Army National Guard.
Not that he's rooting for anyone to lose their home. Rather, he's looking for a little plot of land to call his own.
The topsy-turvy housing market is a blessing in disguise for people who never imagined they'd have a shot at owning property in Southern California, where prices are so ridiculously high that many recent college grads are forced to live with their parents.
The median home price in the state last month was $430,370, according to the California Assn. of Realtors. The median household income in California as of 2006 was $64,563, according to Census figures.
It's a cruel imbalance that keeps the American dream out of reach for far too many people.
On the other hand, for those trying to sell a house or condominium, or those (like me) who look on their home as the bedrock of their retirement plans, you can almost feel the money slipping between your fingers as prices keep plunging.
"People who are selling now are really feeling it," said Doug Willis, a Pasadena real estate broker. "After taking money out of their homes for years, they're realizing they might have a significant loss on their property compared to what they owe for it."
In San Diego, Porcupile moved into his rental house in late 2006. He immediately set about sprucing the place up -- painting, landscaping, replastering the ceiling. He didn't own the house, but he still wanted it looking good.
"It's my home," Porcupile said. "I live here. I take pride in my home."
The housing slump came knocking a few weeks ago when Porcupile found a foreclosure notice on his door. (As I wrote earlier this month, renters are increasingly getting blindsided as landlords miss payments and foreclosure proceedings begin.)
Porcupile worked out terms on Monday to vacate the property and will move into another rental house within the next couple of weeks.
But he's also looking around his current digs and wondering if he might not want to make an offer when the house hits the market.
"I've invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears in this house," he said.
As a member of the military, who saw action in Desert Storm, Porcupile said he always figured his annual pay of less than $50,000 and uncertain life would preclude home ownership.
Now he's thinking otherwise.
"I'm paying $2,000 a month in rent," Porcupile said. "If I could pay about the same amount in mortgage, absolutely I'd do it."
It would all depend on how low the price goes. An index of home prices nationwide compiled by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight found that prices had their biggest fourth-quarter drop since 1991. Home prices were down in every state except Maine.
Porcupile is thinking that the price of his house could be as much as 50% below what it was worth when he moved in. Even so, he'd still have to cut a doable deal with a lender.
At the moment, most lenders are raising the bar for new loans as they continue reeling from the meltdown of the sub-prime mortgage market.
But Porcupile knows that his steady government paycheck should count for something if he decides to take the plunge.
On the other side of the housing divide is Effie Micheals, 45, who placed her three-bedroom, three-bath South Pasadena condo on the market last August for $750,000. Great neighborhood, great school district. She figured she'd get top dollar.
And why not? The Southern California property market had been minting money for years. Buy a home, sit back and let the dollars pour in. It was as close as you could get to a sure thing.
Kind of like buying tech stocks in the late 1990s. But the thing about bubbles is, they have a habit of popping.
A few months after Micheals' condo was listed, it was reduced in price to $725,000. When that didn't work, it was knocked down again several weeks ago to $679,000.
Micheals bought the nearly 1,700-square-foot condo for $675,000 in 2005. She saw it as a steppingstone to another home in the vicinity, and planned to use the cash from its appreciated value to buy something even nicer.
"There was no way I thought I'd ever let my home go for less than $800,000," Micheals said. "Everyone wants to live in South Pasadena."
Now she figures she'll take a loss once all the fees are taken into account when the condo's sold at its current bargain-basement price -- if it's sold, that is.
"It's very disheartening," Micheals said. "I'm very upset."
On Monday, the California Assn. of Realtors reported that home sales statewide fell about 30% in January from a year earlier and that the median price of an existing home was down 22%.
If things get any worse, I may have to introduce Porcupile to Micheals. They have a lot in common.
Consumer Confidential runs Wednesdays and Sundays. Send your tips or feedback to email@example.com.


text:
31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
Dazzle them with big words and techniques I say, and most importantly have fun with what you do.
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Love what you do and it will show in your art and your life.
Jen's blog is called A Mark in Time and I think that is the perfect name. Her artwork conjures up a sense of history, mystery and intrigue. Each and every piece seems to have its own story to tell and seems to capture a moment in time. Her list of ingredients include pieces of metal, sometimes rusted and sometimes etched by hand, vintage tintypes, assorted found objects, and the like. Her creations, whether miniature books, assemblages or jewelry all call my name.
Timing is everything and with Jen, her timing couldn't have been better. She is from Australia and one of her goals and dreams has been to teach a workshop in the USA. Earlier this month her dream came true. And I was able to meet up with her for a few hours when she passed through NYC. I showed her the book, and her published artwork, for the first time. Priceless. Jen couldn't have been any nicer, any more generous, or any more gracious. And she assured me that when she called me a dag, she meant it in the most endearing of ways. Thanks Jen...you're a dinkum cobber!