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2009 Acura TSX - Body
Torrance, Calif. - Mar 19
The 2009 TSX reflects and reinforces Acura's advanced design direction. Forceful and muscular but at the same time sleek and elegant, the styling clearly sets the tone for the new TSX's driving dynamics - agile and invigorating for performance oriented drivers, and quiet and comfortable for those with luxury intentions. The new model introduces several body advancements and improvements, including:
Firsts for TSX model
Firsts for Acura Division
The 2009 Acura TSX body design represents a new direction in Acura styling. The TSX was styled in Acura's Wako design studio (located just outside Tokyo) and is assembled at the Sayama Factory in Japan. With a wider body that provides more agile handling and greater interior roominess - along with a lower seating position - the new TSX aims to be the best handling front-wheel-drive vehicle in its segment.
Inside, the new TSX is significantly quieter and more refined than the previous-generation TSX and its European competitors. Advanced aerodynamic treatments such as inside frame rails, underbody air deflectors, and a chiseled aerodynamic body shape help the TSX move through the atmosphere with a minimum of drag - thereby reducing fuel usage and lowering emissions, while enhancing quietness and high-speed dynamic stability.
Carefully styled to provide equal measures of aggressiveness and luxury, the 2009 TSX reestablishes the previous model's relationship with image-seeking successful educated young professionals. The TSX's dynamic styling is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers. These customers are active, regularly hitting the gym and participating in outdoor activities. Thus, they want a vehicle that reflects their passion for performance and athleticism while also supporting their active social lifestyle with roomy, comfortable seating for five and ample storage space.
The 2009 TSX represents the second generation for Acura's entry-level sedan. In evolving the first-generation vehicle into the new TSX, Acura designers sought to retain its crisp, dynamic design elements and enhance them by projecting the wheels outwards to achieve more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. The key focal point for designers was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair - as if a solid piece of billet material was shaped with a sharp knife.
In front, the strong grille is new for Acura, and advances the strong, emphatic appearance that the current design direction of Acura vehicles. Inside the grille's bold, chamfered chromed surround trim is a satin-black parallelogram "honeycomb" mesh that adds a look of power and performance. The headlight arrays, containing reflectors on the outside edges, piercing projector-style low-beam headlights, and sculpted halogen high-beam headlights, all reside behind a smooth contoured lens. Standard fog lamps are located in the outer edges of the front fascia.
Sharp contour lines run alongside the body and connect the front and rear of the new car together in a strong, windswept line that promises both agility and performance. Bold wheel arches that frame the big 5-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels and 50-series tires emphasize strength and muscularity. Chrome door handles and chrome trim surrounding the side windows adds a look of substance and quality.
In back, sculptured taillights compliment large turn signals at the outside edges of the trunk lid. Twin reflectors are low-mounted on the rear fascia near the 3.2-inch diameter exhaust finishers.
The body width for the 2009 TSX is a full three inches wider than was the previous-generation model. This increase, along with the 2.6-inch wider track and the 1.4-inch longer wheelbase, considerably improves interior roominess. There's a dynamic upside to the wider track: enhanced handling agility and stability. The seating position is also 0.4-inch lower than in the previous generation TSX, helping to create a sportier driving experience.
To improve the field of view for the driver, the 2009 TSX has thinner A-pillars, which permit a broader field of forward view without compromising structural strength. While a robust interior structure helps ensure the necessary structural rigidity, at 4.2 inches wide in their interior dimension, the new pillars are an inch narrower than the previous TSX A-pillars. The outside of the pillar is just slightly (2 mm) wider than before at about 2.9 inches wide. Importantly, the difference in the inner dimension means that from the driver's point of view, the overall width of the pillar is now 0.9 inches thinner. This change in A-pillar width increases outside visibility by a significant 4.3 degrees overall and becomes one of the best in class for outward frontal field of view.
In another important first for the Acura division, the 2009 TSX uses a strengthened roof section designed to significantly reduce flexing and vibration, resulting in less noise in the passenger compartment. Whereas the roof section on the previous TSX used open-channel stiffeners, the new TSX's roof section uses two closed-channel crossbeams that help create a structure that is highly resistant to flexing and vibration.
The installation method of the roof structure is also revised. With the previous TSX, the roof panel and its open-channel stiffeners were welded onto the rest of the unit body as a unit. For the 2009 TSX, the new roof frame assembly is first welded in place without the roof panel, allowing full access to the ideal welding locations. The roof panel itself is then attached. This process creates stronger joints and a stiffer overall roof and body structure - 35 percent greater rigidity in front and 20 percent greater rigidity in back. The end result for the TSX owner is markedly decreased noise and vibration inside the car.
The 2009 TSX's internal frame rail system is a first for Acura. By positioning the stamped steel frame rails above the floor of the passenger compartment - instead of below it - the bottom of the vehicle can be made much flatter. The result is lower aerodynamic turbulence and drag, a quieter ride at highway speeds, and enhanced crash safety (please see Safety section).
A new circular-type rear bulkhead structure significantly improves structural rigidity of the rear area of the passenger compartment, measurably reducing noise and vibration experienced by passengers.
Careful attention to airflow management helps increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and improve stability at higher speeds and in crosswinds. Visible elements of the aerodynamically efficient body design include flush headlights, hidden windshield wipers, flush side and rear glass, and a tail that cuts off airflow abruptly instead of inducing drag. The aero improvements continue under the vehicle with a series of plastic moldings that redirect air to reduce turbulence underneath the car.
Underbody aerodynamic aids include:
The 2009 TSX make use of extensive insulation features to reduce the interior sound level. Four separate strategies are employed:
In vehicles, generally the A, B and C-pillars that extend vertically from the floor of the vehicle to the roofline are hollow, which can transmit road and wind noise into the passenger compartment. In a first for Acura, with the 2009 TSX these pillars are sealed internally, dramatically reducing the transmission of noise and vibration.
A comprehensive series of features dramatically reduces audible wind noise inside the TSX - even at higher speeds or in windy conditions.
Wind noise reduction measures include:
The TSX uses projector-style Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beam headlights and 60-watt halogen high beams, plus a bright incandescent taillight array and bright Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL). Bumper-integrated fog lamps are standard and bright backup lights are incorporated into the edges of the trunk lid.
A range of new exterior colors (including a choice of four pearl and four metallic colors) are designed to compliment the TSX's new styling. Body colors are applied with a waterborne paint process to reduce environmental impact and waste.
The 2009 TSX features a power sliding moonroof that provides more open area than that of the previous generation TSX. Flush mounted to reduce wind noise, it also features an inner panel that further reduces noise from entering the passenger compartment when the moonroof is closed. A pop-up wind deflector reduces turbulence and noise when the moonroof is open.
For ease of operation, a one-touch switch is now located ahead of the moonroof on the ceiling, instead of located near the driver's door as in the previous TSX. The switch controls open/close as well as tilt functions. The moonroof also features an auto-reverse, anti-pinch feature for safety and may be operated after the ignition is turned off (until the driver's door is opened).
In the 2009 TSX, both the driver and passenger-side front power windows now have an auto up/down feature. With one light touch of the window switch the windows will either lower all the way or rise all the way. A pinch-protection feature reduces the likelihood of injury in the event that a passenger's hand or arm is extended out the window while it is closing.
For the first time on the Acura TSX, the passenger's power exterior rearview mirror features a reverse gear tilt-down feature. At the driver's discretion (the feature may be switched off), when Reverse gear is engaged, the passenger side mirror automatically tilts downward to provide an improved view of curbs or painted lines. The mirrors are also heated to improve rear visibility in foggy or icy conditions, and feature a special blue tint to reduce glare. The mirror housings are redesigned and incorporate turn indicators at the outer edges of the housings.
In another first for Acura, the 2009 TSX's fuel-filler door locks and unlocks automatically along with the doors. By eliminating the need to reach for the traditional floor-mounted cable release, the new system simplifies the process of refueling the car. As long as the driver's door is unlocked, opening the fuel-filler door is as simple as gently pushing on the rear edge of the door to release its latch. Latching the door closed requires only a gentle push.
All exterior window glass on the 2009 TSX, including the laminated front windshield, safety-glass side and rear windows, have a special UV-resistant coating that helps reduce interior temperatures, lessens glare, and helps protect the leather and other surfaces inside the vehicle from fading.
To provide a more finished interior appearance, an attractive metal garnish covers the inside edges of front and rear door ends except for the door latch (and the child safety locks on the rear doors). This improves the visual appeal of the doors when they are open.
Despite the slightly reduced trunk cargo volume (of 12.6 cu. ft. is slightly reduced from 13.2 cu. ft. in the previous-generation TSX when equipped with navigation system), utility is improved with a larger trunk opening (measured front to rear). The wider opening and reduced lift-over height (3.1 inches lower at 26.7 in.) make loading bulky or heavy items significantly easier.
More widely spaced trunk lid hinges provide greater clearance, and when closed, the hinges disappear into slots in the finished trunk lining and do not intrude on cargo space. Plus, the hidden hinge design improves trunk aesthetics and gives a more high-quality feel. The fully lined and illuminated trunk can accommodate a wide range of cargo, including four golf bags or four Pullman cases.
The trunk lid can be opened anytime the doors are unlocked by pressing a hidden electric switch located on the rear fascia, via a switch in the driver's door panel, or with the ignition key remote.
Trunk Opener
The TSX's trunk latch may be unlatched with the remote transmitter built into the folding ignition key, via a pushbutton on the rear fascia when the doors are unlocked or by pushing a button on the driver's inside door panel. The door-mounted release button replaces the floor-mounted cable release in the previous TSX, improving convenience and simplicity at the same time. An emergency cable release is still available in case the TSX battery should ever run down.
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Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model. NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- HollyFrontier (NYSE: HFC) hit a new 52-week high Friday as it is currently trading at $57.15, above its previous 52-week high of $57.07 with 3.2 million shares traded as of 2:21 p.m. ET. Average volume has been 3.1 million shares over the past 30 days. HollyFrontier has a market cap of $11.31 billion and is part of the basic materials sector and energy industry. Shares are up 19.6% year to date as of the close of trading on Thursday. HollyFrontier Corporation operates as an independent petroleum refiner and marketer in the United States. It produces light products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, specialty lubricant products, liquefied petroleum gas, fuel oil, and specialty and modified asphalt. The company has a P/E ratio of 6.6, below the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7.
- EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Jim Cramer's Protégé, Dave Peltier, only buys Stocks Under $10 that he thinks could potentially double. See what he's trading today with a 14-day FREE pass.

subset: commoncrawl


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Day 3 of the Kentucky adventure (see: Kentucky Trails, part 1) was a day off from research. DH had spent 3 days driving and sitting (and driving and sitting), so we planned a visit to Mammoth Cave, about 2 hours south of where we were in Frankfort. Lots of hiking, impressive cave formations, truly a welcome change of pace.
The plan for our last day was to spend two or three hours at the Kentucky Historical Society library, and then drive two or three hours toward home. I was still hoping for something "special" to take home from this trip. I had collected documentation for several marriages, a couple of wills, sorted through the surname folders, and started on county histories. My plan was to make copies of some land records to take home and study later, and look through the online card catalogue for anything I might have missed.
At about 1:30, while waiting for my DH to return from a tour of the old capitol building, I began to browse through the Bourbon County shelf. One book caught my eye. It was produced by the Bourbon County Genealogy Society and was a record of old graves, many of which were on private land.
There was a listing for 4g-grandfather David Jameson, not a picture, but a transcription of who was with him, his wife Hannah, a previously unknown daughter Susanna, a John Jameson SR, and 3 infant children of his son Wesley that were also previously unknown to me. The grave was located on a farm in Paris, KY, and the address was also noted.
Here was a find! I wondered if I could locate the grave. Paris was (more or less) on the way home. We packed ourselves up and headed for the car and the GPS. An hour and a half later we were watching a threatening sky and making our way down one of those 2 lane, 55 mph, ditches on both sides country roads, looking for the farm.
We had no trouble finding the address, a lovely farmhouse surrounded by acres of pasture, some with cows grazing in the late afternoon. I knocked on the farmhouse door, but no one was home. In fact, it looked from the cobwebs as if no one really lived there. Maybe you could see the graves from the road? No luck here. I really didn't want to trespass on someone's land, besides there was just too much land there.
I was pretty disappointed, and not quite sure what to do next. DH pointed out that there was a little bobcat tractor on the property, and it was almost 5:00, maybe someone might come home from work. He tilted his seat back to take a nap, but I wasn't very hopeful.
Not 10 minutes later, a truck turned into the driveway. Oh my goodness, maybe we would have some luck after all! A wonderful gentleman, Mr. Clemmons, with two kids in the back, rolled down his window. I told him why we were here and asked if he knew of any graves on the property. It turned out he did! It wasn't his land, but he took care of it for the owner. Bless his heart, he offered to unhook the trailer from the back, let us pile in the truck and ride out where the tombstone was! It was a good thing he did…we went through several gates and fields before reaching the right one. We would never have found it without him.
And there they were, just as described. Behind a barbed wire fence,next to a stout young tree, amongst a lot of brush, the final resting place for David and Hannah Jameson. The inscriptions on the 4-sided obelisk were:
David Jameson,died Jun 23, 1833, Aged 76 yrs.
Hannah,wife of David,died Aug 19, 1814, Aged 52 yrs
John Jameson Sen.,died Jan 5, 1824, aged 72 years
Susannah Jameson,died Apr 1, 1820, aged 24 years; daughter of David and Hannah
At thy feet lieth these three children of Wesley and Mary Jameson
David T. Jameson,died May 30, 1831, aged 2 months
Azubah K. Jameson,died Aug 12, 1833, aged 5 months
Jonathan R. Jameson,died Oct 11, 1834, aged 2 days
This was the prize. This made the trip special, one of those moments when I am sure the ancestors are leading me. David and Hannah had been whispering this whole trip… in the records that I found….in the decision to spend half of the last day back at the library….in the last source checked that identified the grave….in Mr. Clemmons' decision to bring the mower to the farm at exactly that moment.
Maybe it is all in my imagination. Then again, maybe it's not….


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Cover for MELLBY Armchair
Gaja Blizzard Blue Wool designed by Gabriel A/S
About the product
Cover for IKEA MELLBY armchair - Gaja Blizzard Blue. Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Be careful, however: a pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly when it is on the walls and furnishings, especially in a room that receives little natural light. If you opt for a light blue as the primary color in a room, balance it with warm hues for the furnishings and fabrics. To encourage relaxation in the social areas ( family rooms, living rooms, large kitchens) consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. It is often used to make smaller rooms look more airy and larger. Blue is the color of Peace in Feng Shui. The fifth state is blue.
Please note this custom cover is tailored by CoverCouch to fit the IKEA MELLBY armchair model. Armchair is not included and is available at IKEA.
Please note this custom cover is tailored by CoverCouch to fit the IKEA MELLBY armchair model. Armchair is not included and is available at IKEA.
Fabric key facts
- 100% Pure New Wool from New Zealand
- A modern classic
- Anti-slip
- Crepe without stripes
- Wide range of colours
- Environmentally friendly
- Oeko-Tex 100 certified
- Labeled with the Ecolabel Flower
- CoverCouch
About the fabric
Gaja Blizzard Blue belongs to the Gaja family - a modern classic for interior design and has been our most popular upholstery fabric in pure wool. Gaja is available in an immense colour range. Wool is naturally resistant to dirt and fire. It is anti-static and it does not burst into flames if you drop an ember, a cigarette or a match. Stains can be removed from wool fabric by lightly brushing. This material is extremely durable and resistant to piling, rubbing and light.
A sample of this fabric was added to your shopping cart
Fabric details
|100% Pure New Wool
|Width, cm
|Weight, g/m2
|Colour fastness to light
|Colour fastness to rubbing
|4-5/4-5 (EN ISO 105x12, wet/dry)
|Abrasion resistance
|50 000 cycles (Martindale EN ISO 12947-2)
|Cigarette and match tests (EN 1021 1&2)
|Dorte Bo Bojesen
|Production / Supplier
|Gabriel A/S
Care instructions
Don't wash. Don't use chlorine bleach. Dry clean. Don't iron.
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Event Turquoise Blue
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Ektorp Two Seater sofa cover
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Perfect pop of colour
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I got the Stocksund two seater cover in velvet Petrol, and I genuinely think it fits the sofa better than the IKEA zone. It looks so nice against white walls.
New covers in red
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Excellent colour as expected and quick delivery.
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Couldn't be happier with our new cover for the Ektorp sofa bed. Fits amazing and looks like brand new. I had to change the delivery address and customer service was super helpful. Can't recommend enough!
SAHARA granite Grey MIA
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Unfortunately, the Sahara granite grey sample that we ordered never arrived. We DID however, receive the Sahara in Onyx. The fabric, texture and appearance, is coarser than I would have imagined it to be, sort of like a tough tweed. This is NOT a style we'll choose for the look we're hoping to achieve, but the Lido in granite grey, grey, and light grey, are all good possibilities. We also like the step melange and the boss style fabrics.
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Karlstad couch covers
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Worth the Wait
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I ordered the wrong size cover the first time. Shipping to return it was going to be more than the cover cost so I kept it, and ordered another in the correct size. The cover is very well made. Dog hair brushes off easily. I have not tried to wash it yet, but very pleased with the the quality so far. Pay close attention to the sofa model when ordering!


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Newport, R.I. - Following a strong performance against Ancient Eight rivals Harvard and Princeton in last weekend's season-opening win, the men's golf team travels to Newport, R.I. for the 75th Adams Cup, a 17-team tournament which features some of the best teams on the Eastern Seaboard.
The Bulldogs, led by captain and reigning Ivy League Player of the Year Tom McCarthy, showed they are the cream of the Ivy League crop yet again this year as they handled the Crimson and Tigers last weekend at Sebonack in Southampton, N.Y. Sophomore Bradley Kushner won his two matches, picking up right where he left off from a strong debut campaign last season, and freshman Sam Bernstein, whose preseason tournament win made him the first freshman in 25 years to win such an event, also established himself as a go-to player for the Elis, taking both of his matches, as well.
Coach Colin Sheehan's '97 squad will need McCarthy, Kushner, Bernstein, and the rest of the Elis to continue their hot play this weekend in Newport, as they will be teeing off with the likes of Central Florida, UConn, Michigan State, Boston College, and Villanova. Also in the field are Ivy League rivals Brown and in-state competition Hartford and Central Connecticut.
The Elis will tee off Monday morning for the first of two days of the competition hosted by the University of Rhode Island.
Report filed by Chelsea Janes '12, Yale Sports Publicity.


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Microsoft's Merry-Making MS-DOS Code Caper
Mar 31, 2014 10:56 AM PT
Well it's the end of another March here in the Linux blogosphere, and that can mean only one thing: the arrival of another April Fools' Day.
As if on cue, Microsoft recently made an eminently Fools' Day-worthy move.
"On Tuesday, we dusted off the source code for early versions of MS-DOS and Word for Windows," wrote Roy Levin, distinguished engineer and managing director for Microsoft Research Silicon Valley, in a blog post last week. "With the help of the Computer History Museum, we are making this code available to the public for the first time."
Microsoft? Opening up code? Hah, yeah right -- nice one.
Well, it may seem like an April Fools' Day joke, but the move was genuine -- sort of.
"Psych! Microsoft didn't really open-source MS-DOS" was a headline that followed soon thereafter, and bloggers have been debating what actually happened ever since.
'It Has No Actual Value'
"Well, they really did 'Open Source' it, since that only means you get to see the source code and hopefully make changes to it," Hyperlogos blogger Martin Espinoza told Linux Girl. "What they didn't do is 'Free' it, or arguably, give it away, since it's license-encumbered."
That said, "you're supposed to be able to use it for your own amusement, and it has no actual value aside from seeing what's actually in there," Espinoza added.
"I can think of several old-time nerds of the type that knew every line of their BIOS -- back when you could reasonably do that -- who are probably chuckling and shaking their heads right now over its contents," he said. "Seriously, who is going to try to use code from DOS 1.0 to try to get work done? Are they going to use the original PC-1 BIOS as well?
"I hope they enjoy their 64KB of memory, which of course really ought to be enough for anyone," Espinoza concluded. "To run CP/M, or DOS 1.0."
'Accept No Substitutes'
The move "illustrates something very important: that 'Open Source' is not the same thing as 'Free,'" Google+ blogger Kevin O'Brien agreed.
"Free Software puts the emphasis on protecting the rights of the user above everything else, which means it has always been seen as subversive by the people who want to restrict what users can do," O'Brien explained. "But because so many users and developers are seeing the advantages of more free software, companies are always trying to get the benefit without accepting the responsibilities, and Microsoft is in this respect probably now worse than a lot of other companies.
"That is why I always start with the four freedoms and talk about 'Free Software' (which protects the four freedoms) vs. 'Non-Free Software' (which may be in some sense Open Source, but which does not protect the four freedoms)," he concluded. "Accept no substitutes."
'A Monument to Stupid Restrictions'
And again: "That's not open source," blogger Robert Pogson said. "That's yet another NDA from M$. If we needed drivers from the 1990s, Red Hat and kernel.org have good archives."
Real free and open source software is "software you can run, examine, modify and distribute on the basis of a license you obtain with the software -- no NDA required, no restrictions on who you are or what you do," Pogson pointed out. "FLOSS is a vibrant dynamic ecosystem of intelligent people building on the ideas of others."
The source code of DOS, on the other hand, "is a monument to stupid restrictions on what you can do with the hardware you own," he said. "I remember DOS. I used to cross my fingers before printing/saving because those actions often triggered crashes. I saved often because the OS crashed often. That was DOS 5. What horrors were in DOS 1?"
GNU/Linux "made all that obsolete, and it's just silly to even look at the code unless you think M$ left some footprints in there of its theft from the ecosystem," Pogson asserted.
'The NIH Syndrome'
Google+ blogger Rodolfo Saenz chose to take a more optimistic view.
"Microsoft is finally starting to learn that open source is a not a choice anymore but a survival strategy," Saenz told Linux Girl.
The company still suffers from "the NIH (Not Invented Here) syndrome -- that is, 'If it's not made by us, we do not want to do anything with it,'" he added. "They think becoming open source software would contaminate the purity of their products' design and they are afraid of losing control."
However, "if they want to survive they will have to do it sooner or later," Saenz said.
'This Changes Nothing'
Others weren't so sure about the move's significance.
"This is not a sign that Microsoft is changing its ways -- it's a session of show and tell," Linux Rants blogger Mike Stone suggested.
"It's not licensed to use for anything, so really it's only one step better than being absolutely closed," Stone explained. "It makes for an interesting tidbit of news, and I'd love to review the code just for my own personal edification, but this changes nothing about anything in the long run."
Similarly, "this really doesn't change anything," agreed consultant and Slashdot blogger Gerhard Mack. "Both are so old that we honestly don't have any reason to care about them even if they were properly open sourced."
The net effect of the move is "nothing, absolutely nothing," Slashdot blogger hairyfeet echoed. "It's an OS that is older than dirt and frankly better alternatives to DOS have been around for ages."
FreeDOS and DOSBox, in particular "make MS-DOS completely worthless for anything but a curiosity for old programmers," hairyfeet added. "I seriously doubt anybody else would care. Its just a relic of the past, and once the buzz dies down I doubt anybody will even touch the thing."
'So Generous!'
In fact, it's a "clueless" move, and "with FreeDOS, no one wants (or needs) that ancient piece of c____," Google+ blogger Alessandro Ebersol concurred. "It's suitable for museums, and that's about it.
"That's corporate good will in America," Ebersol added. "Give away something that is aged, useless and no one can do anything with it."
Indeed, several years ago Microsoft was asked to release the code for Windows 98, "but of course they didn't because it would jeopardize the selling of XP or other versions," Google+ blogger Gonzalo Velasco C. pointed out. "Now, they say they have released DOS!!??
"Thanks, M$! You are so generous!!" he added.
'Very Little Practical Relevance'
"I have trouble seeing this as having any impact whatsoever," agreed Chris Travers, a blogger who works on the LedgerSMB project.
"FreeDOS people can't use the code, not only because of licensing reasons but also because their own implementations likely differ in important ways, making transplanting the code undesirable even in the absence of licensing issues," Travers explained.
"However, what Microsoft has done is take a piece of computing history and make it available for study," he concluded. "This will thus likely be of interest to historians of software, academics, and the like, but of very little practical relevance."


text: Power Hour: Cash Rents Eclipse Early '80s March 1, 2013 08:30 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Ed Clark Top Producer Business and Issues Editor Email Despite skyrocketing farmland rents, they continue to lag behind the growth in farmland values in the heart of the Corn Belt. As early as 2007, land values rose above their previous peak in 1979 in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago district. But only last year did cash rents reach the high levels last seen in the early 1980s, in real terms. The Chicago Fed, or the Seventh District, includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. This shift to cash rents, the most dominant form of leasing, has been driven by the rise of larger farms with multiple landlords, complex record-keeping requirements, large equipment needs, and less labor per acre. The March Letter reports on a recent farmland leasing trend conference. The distribution of farms under management by the Farmers National Company (one of the nation's largest firms servicing farmland owners) breaks out this way: 44% cash rent; 36% crop share, and 20% on custom or blended arrangements. Many farmland investors find custom farming an attractive avenue, since it offers the best possible returns, the Fed says. In addition, blends of various types of leases have become more popular as farmland owners and operators attempt to tailor the risk and reward profiles of their particular interests. Farmers in the Chicago Fed district own 49% of acres in production, while they lease 38% of them and farm 13% on a sharecropping basis, according to a 2011 USDA survey. Large commercial farms tend to lease land more than intermediate and small farms, especially in the Chicago Fed district. Commercial farms averaged four leases per farm in the district. To gain from higher crop prices of recent years, farmland owners have increasingly used cash leases with bonus payments when certain crop price and output conditions are met, the publication says. According to Illinois Farm Business Management Association data, cash rents account for 55% of acres farmed in the state; the data also reveal that Illinois has a larger proportion of crop share rents, 27%, than found nationwide. Cash rental agreements in Illinois tend to be for one year, with fewer longer-term leases being granted than in the past. Another trend for cash rents, the Chicago Fed says, is to require a single upfront payment, instead of one payment in the fall and another payment in the spring. Leases increasingly have requirements for soil testing or fertilizer applications. For More Information Read more Power Hour news, blogs and videos. Back to news


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Peer-Reviewed Publications
Found 2 resultsTitle
Filters: First Letter Of Title is D and Author is Nancy Kassam-Adams [Clear All Filters]
Design, delivery, and evaluation of early interventions for children exposed to acute trauma." Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2014;5."
Development and psychometric evaluation of child acute stress measures in spanish and english." J Trauma Stress. 2013;26(1):19-27."


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Robert Pattinson 'Still Loves' Kristen Stewart: Will Use Dogs To See Her
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder — and that certainly seems to be the case for Rob, who is so eager to see his ex Kristen again that he's looking for any excuse to meet up with her!
It may have been Robert Pattinson's idea to cut off all communication with Kristen Stewart after they went their separate ways, but he "still loves" and "misses" her desperately, a source tells HollywoodLife.com. Luckily, Rob has come up with the perfect plan to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend after all these months — arranging a "playdate" with their dogs Bear and Bernie! Read on for all the EXCLUSIVE details!
Robert Pattinson Making Excuses To See Kristen Stewart — Still Loves Her
Even though Rob, 27, has been romantically linked to Sean Penn's daughter, Dylan Penn, 22, he is still enamored of Kristen, 23.
Watch: Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson Set To Reunite
"Rob is clearly not over Kristen. When he saw a recent photograph of Kristen, he smiled and said she was wearing his baseball hat. It's just so obvious," a friend of Rob's tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. "He will ask about her, but really nonchalantly because he doesn't want anyone to know he still has strong feelings for her. Rob still loves Kristen."
We thought so! Hopefully these two will work out their differences and get back together.
Robert Pattinson — His Plan To Reconnect With Kristen
Rob feels like he needs a reason to reach out to Kristen, so what better way than to involve their two furry friends?
"He for sure wants to see her and will use Bear and Bernie as an excuse to see her," the friend reveals. "He wants to have a playdate. They used to take long walks in Griffith Park with the dogs when they were together. He wants to do that with her. He will make it seem like the dogs miss Kristen, which I am sure they do, but Rob is the one who really misses her."
That is so cute! We hope Rob's plan works.
What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Should Rob and Kristen reunite and have a playdate with their dogs? Let us know!
— Reporting by Sandra Clark


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If for some strange reason none of the sports at the 2012 London Olympic Games interests you, please meet Wenlock and Mandeville.
Two alien-looking characters (representing the Olympic and Paralympic Games, respectively), each with a single massive eye made of a camera lens, the pair is likely to fascinate fans far more than the mascots of Olympics past, simply by virtue of their appearance.
Add in the ability for anyone to make fully customizable versions of them, or read their engaging back story, and you've got a pretty good diversion to check out between events.
"At our heart, we're quite a challenging agency, and we wanted to make something a bit different," says Sean Reynolds, the global creative director of Iris, the agency that developed the mascots.
Iris was one of a multitude of agencies, companies, and even studios (including Pixar, among others) that responded to the Olympic committee's call for mascot submissions, and made it through a grueling 18-month process -- which was also highly secretive -- before finally winning the commission.
True to Olympic tradition, the characters have characteristics that pay homage their native country: The mascots are made of steel ("representing the steel and mining industries in the U.K.," says Reynolds), sport a London taxi light on each of their heads, and have Olympic rings around their wrists.
The characters also come complete with a fully-realized origin story -- which "War Horse" author Michael Morpugo formally fleshed out -- in which Wenlock and Mandeville, who are forged from the steel from the last girder to go up in London's Olympic stadium by a soon-to-retire steel worker, and then brought to life by a rainbow.
"I wanted to involve all generations in my story as the Olympics appeal to everyone," says Morpugo. "I liked the idea that the last two drops of steel used to make the Olympic stadium could be the start of a life for the two characters."
(The legacy of the Olympic venues is also a big theme this year, with plans for many of them to be disassmbled and taken to locales around the world after the Games.)
The most note-worthy element of the mascots' visual look, the camera eye, is meant to represent the idea of the world watching the games, and, of course, taps into the potentials of viral platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, encouraging young folks to capture their own moments.
"We went in with a clear point of view," said Reynolds. "Why have one mascot when you can have millions?"
The real appeal of Wenlock and Mandeville, as it turns out, isn't necessarily their look, it's their ability to be customized online on a digital platform that Iris also helped create.
"It was about creating a customizable character that the community could make their own," says Reynolds. "The more you interact with them, the more you appreciate them," says Reynolds.
The reaction to the characters, of course, has been a bit all over the place. (The Guardian described the crowd at the unveiling, for example, as "mostly baffled.") But that doesn't faze Reynolds and the Iris team.
"I think that's because it is quite challenging and polarizing," he says. "We didn't create them to be accepted initially -- you kind of get to know them and get to love them, and customize and make your own. Then it becomes your own. But it wasn't about loving or loathing a mascot, it's about getting involved."
Despite the hard work involved in the project (Reynolds was quick to joke that Iris isn't getting any money off the Olympics' heavy merchandizing of the characters), the company would do the exact same thing all over again if given a second chance. "We're a British company originally, and we were really honored to do it," Reynolds says. "There's three or four guys that spent every waking moment working on it -- it's a 'tell your grandchildren' type of project."


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How to make money off of the HPSP program
The military's HPSP scholarship program pays for all expenses related to medical school training including tuition, books, and necessary supplies such as a stethoscope. The scholarship fund also provides money for room and board in the form of an annual salary. Currently, the military pays us just over $21,000 a year. While this amount sounds like a lot for a student, it is hardly enough to get by when attending a school in a major urban area. A few weeks ago I had a realization that military students can use the HPSP program to their benefit and generate additional income through investing.
The Department of Education currently allows graduate and professional students to take out federally subsidized loans up to $8,500 each academic year. That's a free loan. And for students who can invest the money, all of the profits made off of the interest is theirs to keep.
Let's say I withdraw $8,500 annually and invest the money, for a grand total of $34,000 borrowed over the course of four years. For this scenario, I will pay back all of my student loans the day I graduate medical school. I started running some numbers and here's what I found:
If I invest in a relatively safe mutual fund that has a 7% gain each year, I'll graduate with just over $40,000. That's $6,000 for free. Now that may not sound like a lot, but six grand can pay for quite a few toys leading up to residency.
If I invest in a high yield mutual fund and it brings in 20% a year (and there are quite a few of those), I'll finish with $54,000-a total profit of $20,000! Now that's a new car.
I wish I had thought of this scheme when I first started medical school. I've already filed my FAFSA and am waiting to hear back on withdrawing a lone starting in the spring semester. If my calculations are correct, I might be able to pull in between $1,000-$5,000.
I wonder if anyone else has thought up this idea. I haven't seen it online anywhere, but I'm sure that other students have tried it before.
8 Comments
Chris said,
This is an example of arbitrage, and yes it's been around for ages. One common variant is to take a cash advance, transfer the balance to a card with a low-interest teaser, and then put the cash into a savings account. Once the teaser is up, unwind the positions and profit from the levered spread.
The risk of throwing money into an aggressive mutual fund, as you advise above, is that the principle decreases, which leaves the would-be arbitrageur owing money! The only mutual funds worth going with are index-tracking funds, and given that the US economy will most likely enter a recession next year, it is quite likely that someone could lose lots of money in the end. (There are index funds that double-short the market, plus there are foreign-focused funds that can make money from the falling dollar, but these are a whole different discussion.)
CHenry said,
The Department of Education may allow up to that limit, but your particular school has to certify the amount you are eligible to borrow. If your school likes to post low graduating debt stats, they might say that HPSP adequately funds you and certify that you are entitled to borrow much less than the maximum allowed by the Department of Education. So your investment fund could end up much smaller. And of course, if you go to school in NYC or DC, yo might actually need that money to live on.
jeff said,
if you got money, u should invest in hedge funds, like http://quantedge.com/
my bro's really smart with 3.97 GPA from UC berkeley. 😉
that will do.
Visish said,
This is exactly what I was planning on doing! I'm starting med school next year with HPSP (hopefully).
Xavier said,
Ha, I did that throughout my undergraduate career, throwing all my federal loans that I didn't actually need into high interest online savings accounts. Came out ahead by a few grand, was nice. Of course, with the federal rate at an all-time low as of this week, that won't work so well anymore…
adam said,
That sounds like a great idea buddy, but…
it's not gonna work. Once you get your military money coming in the
financial aid office looks at it and says, "the guy doesn't need the federal money cause he's getting military money." Then, the nice 6 or 7 grand that you were getting per semester for living expenses goes to zero!
It happened to me.
Half M.D.: My school must be more generous than yours. Because our tuition is so high, many HPSP students are on loans in addition to the scholarship.
Everything Finance said,
Great Article. Nice Work.
Elaine said,
I wonder how this actually went for you, as you posted right before the huge stock market drop, and the interest rates going down to, like, 1%.


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The students were colleagues of mine and some graduate students. Since the audience had different levels of knowledge about Python and programming in general, the first day was spent getting everybody at the same level about Python. Then we proceeded to explore the potential of Python to improve the productivity of scientists, through a series of examples. Given the limited amount of time, we explored topics which were of most interest to everybody:
- Manipulating data stored in text files;
- Interacting with databases;
- Contructing a simple epidemiological model and implementing it using multiple threads;
- A bit of graph theory using NetworkX;
- A bit of bioinformatics using Bio-Python;
- Integration of Python programs with C and Fortran (we didn't have time to explore Jython);
- Plus many other bit and pieces such as basic numpy, Pylab, Gui design using Wxglade, etc.
One thing that surprised me was the excitement that Crunchy caused on everybody. I used crunchy mostly to facilitate my explanation of code snippets found on the web, but the students demanded to know how to install Crunchy on their computers so they could use it on their own.
I enjoyed very much giving this course. If anyone wants to sponsor a similar course on their institutions, just contact me, I'll be glad to give it again, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.


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The Smart, Modular and Automated Plant
Conveyor and robotic material handling answer the call for high productivity in challenging applications.
Conveyors are no longer mere material handlers. Modular, flexible units wired for the computer age can connect to a plant's network, talk to machinery in front and in back of the conveyors, flip switches to turn themselves off and wake up when a signal comes down that dinner's coming -- and needs to be sent to the wrapper.
Both the mechanical and the electrical worlds collide in modern conveyors. They're no longer passive chunks of steel, but active participants in productivity, quality and compliance with management initiatives, standards and regulations.
Mechanically, conveyors are always getting better at shuttling around and manipulating products so Machine B can use Machine A's output. They're getting better at conserving floor space and energy, too. And when traditional conveyors won't work, robots are also coming of age as a significant product-handling solution. Controls become more miniaturized and capable, ushering-in "smart" conveyors for integrated automation.
The first step in any decision, of course, is to figure out what kind of machinery is needed to keep product flowing and organized at high speeds.
Hard-to-handle products
Some of the most challenging applications involve products whose sanitary guidelines prevent conveyors from direct product contact. That was the challenge a Wisconsin meat plant issued to Dorner Manufacturing (www.dornerconveyors.com), Hartland, Wis., when four lanes of unwrapped sausage in trays needed to be transferred into a single packaging machine's infeed conveyor.
Hytrol conveyors form a sortation and accumulation loop in a large meat processing facility.
"We used a system of servomotors, conveyors and other control system elements to gently accelerate and decelerate the trays to keep the line moving, without jarring product out of the tray," says Mike Hosch, director of product development. To keep high-speed plastic chain-belting running smoothly, nose-rollers were used. Nose rollers help reduce the gap at product transfer points, and are especially useful on curves, which helped to "transfer the product gently from one conveyor to the next without jostling the product," he adds.
Additionally, sensors, vision technology and stainless steel-enclosed servomotor and control equipment provided the tools to monitor the line and control speed, spacing and other parameters. "On this line, the conveyor looks like one, but actually it uses four individual belts on one conveyor, with each controlled by an independent servomotor control loop," Hosch says.
Elsewhere, processors have a hard time getting loose, processed products into the infeed line of equipment that will put them in trays, packages or lugs used for intermediate steps. Examples include frozen meat patties, breakfast foods and products in the sandwich category, including pocket-type products.
What looks like one conveyor is actually five. Successively faster conveyor modules from Kleenline divert and "chicane" a random product flow from processing into a higher-speed, singulated flow for packaging.
For example, it's a challenge to handle 900 pieces of a product coming off a spiral freezer belt, spread 10 or 20 pieces across. But by splitting that flow into five smaller conveyors running 180 pieces/min. gives a processor a chance. A series of smaller belts can split the flow into separate, successive conveyors that put the product into single-file for delivery to the packaging machine infeed. Such a "smart-belt distribution chicaning system" has been implemented by Kleenline (www.kleenline.com), Newburyport, Mass.
How smart are today's conveyors? Kleenline is now installing a system in a major processor's frozen meals plant that automatically changes configurations -- down to the servomotor-controlled rails that change their width based on product recipes stored in plant computers.
"You press a button for the meal you want to pack, and the rails across the plant -- it could be a mile's worth of conveyors elevated 25 ft. -- will all start changing," says Jim Laverdiere, CEO of Kleenline. Additionally, standard automation hardware and software monitors equipment to track a machine's hours of operation, scheduled maintenance needs and the full range of data needed for Optimal Equipment Effectiveness, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing and other programs.
Rise of the robots
Once a stream is split into a manageable and organized flow, it can be handed-off to robots as well as conveyors feeding directly into wrappers, cartons or just bulk packs. Robots have proven reliable for decades, mainly in downstream material handling and palletizing applications. But "some processed foods are very difficult to handle with robots," continues Laverdiere. "It's all depends on the end-of-arm tooling."
Just like conveyors, robots are getting faster, smarter and more robust for upstream processes. One or more well-positioned small robots, for example, can transfer products from one conveyor to another when traditional conveyor transfers can't. This is sometimes the case for products or packages with odd shapes or loose components (meats and cheeses) that are likely to topple over in handling.
Laverdiere introduced robots into hard-to-convey applications roughly a decade ago when the parent of bakery cafe Panera Bread bought a machine to fill 300-400 2-oz. cups of cream cheese per minute -- but didn't have an efficient way to pack them into cases. A heavy manual labor operation wasn't an option, while conveyors alone wouldn't work because "They would shingle-up on one another and cause a lot of jamming," Laverdiere says.
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Experience has shown that after a disaster, it may take three or more days for emergency services to reach many of the neighbourhoods and individuals.
The NEPP program is designed to provide information, training and skills necessary for individuals and neighbourhoods to be self-sufficient after a disaster.
Free NEPP two-hour sessions are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on Feb. 16, March 23, April 12 and May 17. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register.
Recognizing and responding quickly to someone having a heart attack or choking can mean the difference between life and death. Comox Fire Rescue is also offering a free CPR (A) course. CPR A, AED covers the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for people age eight and over including performing one person adult CPR. Sessions also covers the use of public access Automatic External Defibrillators (AED).
CPR (A) programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on Feb. 16, March 23, April 12 and May 17. Sessions start at 1 p.m. and are three hours long.
Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register.
Comox Fire Gord Schreiner states: "I am so pleased that we are able to offer this important training to our citizens. Having more people training can save lives and make us a safer community."
— Comox Community Centre


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Digital Struct needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 145 designs submitted by 39 freelance designers.
I am looking for a logo to help with my personal branding. I am a software engineer with a blog mainly around php programming and performance. The logo should be in a web 2.0 style with a graphical illustration. The font should state my name "Mike Willbanks" and the illustration should not be a play on letters or anything such as a globe, keyboard or keyboard equipment. Read the full description for details and samples of what I like.
Mike Willbanks
The design should be a web 2.0 looking design, the colors can be whatever the designer might want to utilize. The coloring of my current blog will be changing based on the logo design. The logo design will also be utilized for powerpoint templates and business cards. The logo should be able to work on both light and dark backgrounds. The graphical illustration should have some form of representation that can relate to the programming, architectual, performance terms. These could be things like a light bulb, coffee, a monkey, etc. Please be creative as it is really hard to explain an illustration (please look at samples in 'what i want'). Some of my hobbies are snowboarding, guitar and programming (which all could potentially be choices).
- Web 2.0 Style Logo
- Font should be smooth and not blocky
- Graphical Illustration
- Logo to work on both light and dark backgrounds
- Logo should be in vector format
- Logo should utilize compatible colors for print
- Examples:- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/45934
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/43099
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/43187
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/43142
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/39634
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/33182
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/32991
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/32803
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/32333
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/31689
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/30166
- http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/9465
- No blocky fonts
- Illustration should not be computer equipment, globes, ethernet cables, etc.
- The logo should consist of a few colors (no rainbows)
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Quality Product
Order On-line Tracking
Timely Delivery
Credit Rating
Credit Services
Credit Purchasing
1. Product overview for QJ Vertical Deep Well Submersible Centrifugal Water Pump:
QJ series deep well submersible waterpumps are widely used in farm irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, getting water from well, water supply and drainage system for industrial and civil building, water diversion project in hilly and mountain areas water drainage project in at low-lying areas, water supply and drainage in urban and rural's mining enterprisesand various ther kinds of water conservancy facilities. Its features are that the Motor and pump are assembled into a whole, so that it is simple in structure, convenient to assemble and disassemble, easy to use and maintain safe to operate. Otherwise, it covers an small area and does not pollute water.
2. Operation parameters for QJ Vertical Deep Well Submersible Centrifugal Water Pump:
(1). Flow range : 10-500 m3/h
(2). Lift range : 10-600m
(3). Applicable well diameter : φ175-φ400mm
(4). Diameter scope:φ32—φ203mm;
(5).Temperature range: -15—100°C.
3. QJ using condition:
(1) 380V voltage deviation is no more than ±5%,frequency is 50HZ, three-phase power deviation is no more than ±1%.
(2) Motor cavity must be filled with water.
(3) The first stage impeller of the pump should be more than 2mm below the moving water surface, pump unit should be less than 70m below the static water level.
(4) The distance from the motor bottom to well bottom must be more than 3m.
(5) Water temperature should be no more than 20°C.
(6) Sand content of the water ( by mass) should be no more than 0.01%.
(7) PH value of water 6.5-8.5.
(8) Hydrogen sulfide content of the water should be no more than 1.5mg/L.
(9). Chloride ion content of the water should be no more than 400mg/L.
(10). Water yield of water source should ensure the requirements of pump continuous working.
4. Material for QJ Vertical Deep Well Submersible Centrifugal Water Pump:
Impeller: Cast iron HT200,or stainless steel
Pump bowl: Cast iron HT200,or stainless steel,such as ss304 ss3016
Pump shaft : Cold-drawn steel with chrome plating,or stainless steel SS304 SS316
Motor Seal: Rubber O-ring seal,mechanical seal
Motor regulating sleeve: Rubber
(1). Can I get trained on CNBM products?
Yes, we provide training courses in our factory (products, general and specific pump technology, hydraulics, and practical applications). Please consult your sales manager or get in touch with our headquarters for more information.
(2). Are your pumps cheaper than those of your competitors?
CNBM aims to give its customers the highest standards of quality and service and delivery times, all at a reasonable price.
(3). How long is your warranty?
Unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing, by specifying a longer period or different conditions, CNBM states that, for a period of twelve (12) months from delivery date, all Products supplied are free from defects in materials and workmanship, and conform to the applicable specifications. Either the delivery documentation or the invoice must be provided to prove delivery date. In absence of such documents, the production date appearing on the product label may suffice.
1. Manufacturer Overview
|Year Established
|Annual Output Value
|Main Markets
|Company Certifications
2. Manufacturer Certificates
|a) Certification Name
|Validity Period
3. Manufacturer Capability
|a)Trade Capacity
|Nearest Port
|Export Percentage
|No.of Employees in Trade Department
|Language Spoken:
|b)Factory Information
|Factory Size:
|No. of Production Lines
|Contract Manufacturing
|Product Price Range


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I had saved the most challenging container for last. (As an Archivist, I always do the hardest first; makes the rest a breeze). I had one large plastic (yes, I admit it, plastic) container full of old greeting cards, ticket stubs, school work, and manuals.
I was doing OK until I came across a random loose photo of me with my kitteh Butch. I was lying in the grass holding his tail as he strained to get away. It was a weird game he'd started and it was something he loved to do: have me 'pull' his tail. The picture was taken about four years before he died. Interspersed between a few of the pages below it were a few more pics: one of him with my husband and one of him walking toward the camera. *sigh*
I was fairly certain that the rest would be innocuous, but I was wrong. Suddenly, staring me in the face was the manual for a light weight stroller and a booster seat. It's really a struggle to even begin to put into words the feeling that these two ordinary pieces of paper evoke. They represent something lost, something found, and something lost again, forever.
|Photo courtesy of Laura Cosgrove Lorenzana 2012


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THREE men seen taking photographs of children at a Blackburn primary school have sparked a warning to parents.
Meadowhead Community Junior and Infant Schools, in Anglesey Street, issued a letter to parents after the men were noticed outside acting suspiciously.
Headteacher Allison Chadwick said, in the letter, 'three men were seen at the infant school behaving in a suspicious manner'.
She said: "They were seen walking up and down the path between the two schools and also trying to take photographs of children."
The head goes on to describe how a member of the school staff approached the men, and reported the matter to the police.
Last week, Blackburn police issued a warning to parents in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn to rem-ain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity, after a man driving a red van was reported to have approached two girls, aged nine and six.
Meadowhead Junior and Infant Schools have now requested that children are picked up at school by 'responsible adults', and that pupils are no longer encouraged to walk home alone.
Kelly Willoughby, a mum who lives in the area, said: "It is messed up. You expect your children to be safe at school. I just don't know what's happening to this town. You're frightened to take your eyes off your child for one second."
The school has asked for parents and carers to be 'extra vigilant' and report any suspicious activity to them, and to call the police.
Nearby St Peters RC Primary School, in Hawkins Avenue, said it had not received any similar rep-orts at the school, but had been alerted about the incid- ent and were 'on guard.' A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The school reported this incident at 9.20am on Monday, and we are investigating. We are checking CCTV from some nearby properties, and have spoken to staff at the school.
"The men are described as Asian males in their early 20s, and all were wearing hoodies.
"One of them was seen taking photographs of the children with a silver digital camera."


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Double click on above image to view full picture
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Biggest Range in the World
We have the biggest range of aromas in the world and are always adding to our catalogue. We also stock brands not available elsewhere.
All shipments are fully insured. If you don't receive your order for whatever reason or any bottles arrive damaged, we will send replacements at no extra cost to you.


text:
Posted by Joab Jackson on Jan 22, 2008 at 9:39 AM
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A two-year campaign that prompted the Department of Homeland Security to issue its first-ever emergency directive to agencies to shore up cyber defenses appears in part to have been an attempt to spy on U.S. government internet traffic.
A rule change allows furloughed feds and those working without pay to take out loans against their retirement during shutdowns.
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Back to BIS UKSA Releases homepage
BIS MTC Updating Percentages Online
The latest MTC Updating Percentages were released on 19th October
2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics
|The monthly Updating Percentages may be used as a contractual basis for the reimbursement of increased costs on measured term contracts let on all PSA Schedules of Rates or other forms of maintenance contracts as well as assisting in updating estimates.
|Available from BCIS, 12 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AD. Tel. 020 7695 1500, email email@example.com or order online from BCIS. £85 + VAT (annual subscription)
|To access the latest release click here
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text:
General notes:
Copies of the papers presented at, or published for DCC are available in various ways. A paper printed in the proceedings will be available for purchase in most cases in hard copy as the DCC proceedings. It will in most cases also be available as an individual paper in PDF format as a free download via a link below the abstract (where available) It may also be available on CD-ROM. A paper printed in the proceedings may not have been presented at the conference. Also a presentation at DCC may not be in the printed proceedings. In those cases it may be available on DVD, CD-ROM or as a MP3 download. Links to what is available will be on the page specific to the particular year's DCC.
- Location:
- Hartford, CT
Read the conference story with audio and photos.
22nd ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference
September 19-21, 2003
- Solving Noise Problems in Modern Radio Systems
by Bryan Ackerly, VK3YNG
- Abstract:
In recent times there has been a substantial increase in the use of
technology in radio systems. This sort of technology has been slow to
on in amateur circles due partially to the fear and misunderstanding of
noise problems associated with mixing RF systems with digital
Many amateurs to date have avoided the mixture ofthese technologies. In
contrast survival in the commercial world requires it to battle with
issues on a regular basis.
This paper draws on knowledge gained on both commercial and amateur projects that successfully combine these technologies and indicates methods that can be used to produce working designs.
- PMap...New Windows Based APRS Client Software
by John Blowsky, KB2SCS
- Abstract:
Why was PMmap created? The software was created to fill the perceived
need for APRS client software
that not only follows the APRS spec. to the letter but also does APRS
like APRSdos. The software was
developed on a 133 MHz PC with 64 meg ofRam. PMmap has run also run on a
120 MHz Laptop with
16 Meg ofRam. The running on lesser computers fills the need for "Come
as you are" emergency
communications. Yes the software runs slow on the Laptop but not so slow
as to be unacceptable.
- AMSAT Oscar-Echo, SDR-1000, and Higher Speed
by Frank Brickle, AB2KT and Bob McGwier, N4HY
- Abstract:
If all goes well, in May 2004 AMSAT-NA will launch its newest satellite
on the Dnepr LV (a converted SS-18) from a Russian launch site. The
satellite has the ability to support several digital modes. They will
be difficult to support using offthe shelf conventional transceivers.
Recently, a realistic candidate has emerged in the form of an affordable
and easily usable software defined radio (SDR). In this paper we will
describe the digital capabilities of AMSAT-ECHO, the new satellite, and
the software defined radio can be the ideal terrestrial station for
exploiting those modes. We will discuss the changes and upgrades to the
to be provided by the manufacturer, that will be necessary for this
added functionality.
- Overview of Dynamic Forward Routing
by Edwin Brownrigg
- Abstract:
Dynamic Forward Routing (DFR) is a software implementation of two
U.S. patents (USPTO 6,044,062, March 28,2000; 6,249.516, June 19,2001)
that express the invention of a software defined Mesh Protocol. DFR,
in combination with Internet Protocol (IP), enables a metropolitan area
network to configure itself dynamically. In a multi-radio wireless
there are no pre-determined fixed paths. All routes are indeterminate.
Worse, there can be many indeterminate paths, which if taken without
can congest the network to the point of guaranteed failure.
- Exploiting the Dynamic Flexibility of Software
Radio in FM Broadcast Receivers
by Declan Flood, Linda Doyle, Philip Mackenzie, Keith Nolan, and Donal O'Mahony
- Abstract:
This paper demonstrates how the flexibility of software radio may be
to optimise radio communications systems. It describes our
implementation of a
software radio RDS (Radio Data System) receiver. Most FM stations
transmit a RDS
signal in addition to their audio output. RDS provides information about
current FM broadcast such as the program name etc. RDS is very similar
to the
North American RBDS (Radio Broadcast Data System). Our implementation of
receiver uses high level RDS information to adapt itself. The objective
is to
improve the receiver's functionality for the user and to reduce the
computational load.
- TNC-X: An Expandable Microcontroller-Based Terminal
Node Controller
by John Hansen, W2FS
- Abstract:
TNC-X is a new Terminal Node Controller design based on the
Chepponis/Karn KISS protocol.]
It is implemented using a Microchip PIC 16F628 microcontroller, a CML
MX614 Bell 202 modem
chip, an 8K Ramtron FRAM, a Maxim MAX232A level converter chip, and a
dual op-amp which
provides active audio filtering for the modem. From the beginning, this
TNC was designed
to be small, have low power consumption, and, most importantly, be
Expandability stems from two sources. First there is an on board socket
for a DLP-USB232M
USB module which provides the TNC with a USB port. Drivers that are
shipped with the module
make it appear to the host PC as a standard serial port. Thus PC
software that expects to
see a serial port on the computer will interpret the TNC-X as being
connected to such a
port, even when the PC has no serial ports, or they are all used by
other applications.
In addition, when the USB option is used, the TNC can be powered from
the USB port of the
computer; no other power supply is needed.
- Real-Time Speech with AX.25 - An Evaluation of the
Possibilities and Restrictions
by Nicolai Heilemann, DL9TS
- Abstract:
A study about the possibilities of real-time speech transmission using
amateur packet radio
is presented. In this study it is shown, that a common 9600
Bitjs-channel has the
theoretical possibility of transmitting speech data with only short
The restrictions of the AX.25 protocol for real-time transmission are
discussed, showing
that an appropriate setting of the transmission parameters still allows
real-time transmission. A hybrid emulation system using traces from a
real wireless
channel as well as coded speech gives an estimation of the expected
speech quality and
an implementation of a real-time transmission tool allows first
experiments. Preliminary
results of these experiments show the possibility to use AX.25 for
real-time speech
transmission even if the resulting speech quality is not yet satisfying.
However the
tolerance of listeners towards distortions has been much higher than
expected and there
are possibilities to improve the system with respect to the user
perceived speech quality.
- GPS Solutions for Tracking Applications in Steel
by R.K. Jha, K.K. Mallik, S. Jha, S.M. Mohanty, M.S. Sharma, and T Ravindra
- Abstract:
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite based radio navigation
system. The unique
feature of this system is that it allows users to determine their three
position, velocity and time anywhere in the world: be it land, sea or
air. Like
many other applications initially developed for military purpose, it is
now being
increasingly used for civilian purposes. GPS based vehicle tracking
system can have
various interesting and extremely useful applications in steel industry
raw material handling, hot metal and steel ladle movement, dispatch of
products etc.
- The DSPx: An Experimenter's Module for Digital
Signal Processings
by Lyle Johnson, KK7P
- Abstract:
There has been interest in applying digital signal processing (DSP)
techniques to
Amateur radio for more than a decade.
In the early 90's, AMSAT and TAPR teamed to produce a standalone external unit, the DSP-93. This kit provided advanced filtering and modems. Its cost was high, and a later effort was made to incorporate the Motorola DSP56002 Evaluation Module (EVM) into a similar enclosure. This was lower in cost and fairly popular, but Motorola soon discontinued the EVM.
In 1999, Bob Larkin, W7PUA published his DSP-lO Software Defined Radio articles in QST. This was built around an Analog Devices development board, which sold for only $89. This same board was the basis for all of the DSP experiments in the latest ARRL publication, Experimental Methods in Radio Frequency Design. Alas! Analog Devices increased the price of the evaluation board from $89 to $245, and has all but discontinued it in favor of more current technology. During the late 90's, soundcards began to appear in personal computers. Today, it is difficult to find a PC without a soundcard. And modem PC processors include DSP instructions which execute at incredibly fast rates. This has resulted in an explosion of available software to use the soundcard in conjunction with a radio to perfonn DSP tasks. Witness the explosion in popularity of "soundcard modes" such as PSK31.
What's an experimenter to do?
- SDR and VLF Time Signals
by Poul-Henning Kamp
- Abstract:
VLF signals have been used to transmit precise time and frequency
signals since roughly
the second world war and even in these GPS days, DCF77 and WWVB signals
are probably
still responsible for getting more people out of bed in time than any
other time and
frequency distribution method.
This paper outlines some experiments on receiving a decoding these signals using a software defined radio, and the results obtained. For illustrations and data please see the URL in the paper.
- ERMTP: An Eventually-Reliable Message Transmission
Protocol for a Low-Bandwith HF Environment
by Huilong Huang, KD7YCO and Stephen Pink, KF1Y
- Abstract:
Why Low-Bandwidth Reliability?
PSK31 has developed into one of the most popular digital modes of the last few years with its relatively easy to use software combined with a very efficient use of amateur spectrum. Another reason for PSK31's popularity is that all an amateur needs to have is a general purpose computer running the PSK31 software; i.e., no special hardware is required. The limiting factor, however, in PSK31 communication is that this mode supports only unreliable communication, making keyboard-to-keyboard chat about the only feasible application. Other services besides chat such as file transfer, email, etc. need support from the underlying channel that corrects for all (or most) errors in the communication. It seems impossible to support reliable communication with the kind of coded, lowbandwidth, simplex channel provided in PSK31. For such reliable communication support, one has had to resort to modes such as Pactor II, which uses many times more bandwidth and needs specialized hardware to provide a reliable and reasonably efficient channel of communication.
The purpose of this paper is to present a new protocol, the Eventually-Reliable Message Transport Protocol (ERMTP), that can provide reliable communications over low-bandwidth noisy radio channels such as HF. We envision this protocol to support such applications as email and file transfer and their variations such as world wide web communication. ERMTP uses a half-duplex channel that delivers packets or cells of data to the application that has been checked for accuracy by the sender and receiver. Our current implementation of ERMTP is based on PSKCore and, with some modification, can be used with current PSK31 user applications. Our intention is to create a reliable message service for the support of traditional data applications, yet retain the low-bandwidth quality of PSK31 as well as the reliance on PC sound-card-only hardware technology.
- Off the Shelf Digital Radio
by Victor Kean, K1LT
- Abstract:
Need for Complex Antennas
I have been an avid 160-meter contester for a number of years. The 160-meter band interests me because the long wavelength makes antenna design a challenge not easily solved by the mere application of money. Furthermore, receiving antenna design becomes the focal point of station performance because of the nature of 160-meter propagation.
The standard approach to 160-meter receive antenna systems uses the Beverage Wave antenna. One strings a long wire, low to the ground (about 10 feet) for several hundred feet in the direction of the desired signal. A contest station typically uses 8 of these antennas to cover 8 compass points. The clever use of transformers allows one to use a parallel pair of wires to cover two opposite directions. A high performance-receiving array consists of 4 pairs of wires, about 800 feet long each laid out like a + and an X superimposed. Thus, the high-end station requires about 15 acres of land.
An array of verticals requires considerably less real estate for comparable directivity.
- The Future of ARQ in Congested HF Bands
by Peter Martinez, G3PLX
- Abstract:
It is almost exactly 25 years to the day since the writer conducted the
first experiments
in the use of Automatic Request (ARQ) techniques, introducing for the
first time the
concept of error-free delivery of messages over the error-prone HF
amateur bands,
following this with the first experiments with automated
store-and-forward techniques
using ARQ links. This paper looks at the way in which ARQ techniques
have been used within
amateur radio since that time and attempts to extrapolate into the
future. The conclusions
reached are that current ARQ techniques have major flaws within the
context of today's
amateur radio community, and will have to undergo changes if the demand
for error-free
message-handling is to continue as part of amateur radio into the next
25 years.
- Telpac and Paclink - Streamlined AX.25 Packet
Server and Client for a Full Service Ham Radio Messaging Network
by Rick Muethng, KN6KB and Vic Poor, W5SMM
- Abstract:
Ham radio's love affair with surplus hardware, budget software and a
volunteer spirit has served us well by keeping our hobby affordable
fostering many significant innovations. But the reality of high quality
modem software
is that it takes real programming skills and significant development
time to build
a worthwhile and reliable program. On-going enhancements and support
also pose tough
challenges when hams have come to expect free cradle-to-grave program
To manage development and maintenance efforts, a new approach had to be
found for
writing next generation packet servers and clients. These programs must
be easy for
sysops and users to setup, provide intuitive familiar user interfaces
(e.g. Outlook,
Netscape, Eudora) and reliably support both new and legacy BBS message
systems and TNCs.
This paper describes two examples of modem amateur packet programs
along with implementation approaches that minimized the development
effort and
provided solid foundations for future contributions and easy
- Direction Finding Abducted Children: Proposal for
a New Amateur Radio Emergency Service
by Brian Neill, VA3BPN
- Abstract:
This paper is a proposal for a system that would enable amateur radio
operators to
pinpoint the location of an abducted child. Where possible the system
uses equipment
and protocol that is pervasive throughout the amateur radio community
such as 2-m
equipment, digital communications, direction finding equipment, APRS and
ham emergency
This system does require that the abducted child be carrying a special device. While this paper does not provide specifications for the actual device, a set of functional requirements are proposed in the hope that some qualified amateur will attempt to prototype and build a child location device (CLO).
Parent's and children's privacy are given due consideration throughout this paper. A number of security controls and mechanisms are included to ensure that police are the only party that is able to activate a child's device; and they must obtain key information from the parent before they are able to activate. The security oontrols aim to reduce the possibility of abuse, protecting the system and ultimately the child carrying a device (CLO).
Finally, the appendix suggests an operations framework to be used in a DF enabled search for an abducted child. This framework example is provided, as a means to describe how the ham community can respond to this class of emergency, should police ask their local amateur radio club for assistance.
- WAPaprs: APRS on a Cell Phone
by Richard Parry, W9IF
- Abstract:
WAPaprs is an application to display APRS information on a cell phone
supports the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). It was written to
useful APRS data within the size, memory, color, and bandwidth
of a wireless handheld device. The paper includes a description ofall
options and example displays.
- DSP Programming Using DirectSound and MFC/VC++
by Frank Perkins, WB5IPM
- Abstract:
This paper discusses DSP programming using Microsoft DirectSound
and MFCNC++. Topics covered include an overview of Microsoft Windows
programming, the MFCNC++ framework, DirectSound, AX.25 demodulation and
packet decoding, and simple TCP/IP Winsock communications. A packet
monitoring program is used as an example. The link to the VC++ folder
for this program can be found at www.tapr.org in the "Conferences"
- A Digital PSK31 Meter
by George Rothbart, KF6VSG
- Abstract:
Building a digital field strength meter for your PSK31 station.
See more details at www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter
- HSMM - High Speed Multi-Media
by Neil Sablatzky, K8IT and Mark Williams, AB8LN
- Abstract:
HSMM -High Speed Multi-Media is focused on using IEEE 802.11b Standard
and adapting it to Part 97 Operation on 2.4 GHz.
- Southern California Coastal Propagation
by Ed Sack, W3NRG
- Abstract:
During the Summer of2001, W3NRG set up a PSK1 BEACONet station1 on
28.131 MHz at his QTH
in Coronado, California. Almost immediately, the station began to record
the BEACONet
signals of KF6XA whose Maidenhead locator code placed that station in
Temecula, California.
What made this reception interesting was that the distance between the
two stations,
63 miles, is not characteristic of 10 meter ground wave propagation and
there are at
least three "mountains" in the path that obscure the simple line of
The BEACONet PSK31 signal protocol includes a preamble of approximately 30 characters followed by a "payload" consisting of station call letters, number of times per hour the beacon is being transmitted, a station configuration code, the Maidenhead locator and a cyclical redundancy check signature (CRC.) Stations are or have been active in various parts of the United States and in Europe and Australia. The recommended transmission timing is between six and twelve times per hour. Software is available to record the reception of signals which pass the cyclical redundancy test and, in certain cases, even send reports over the internet automatically at menu selectable times.
Early on in the KF6XA to W3NRG data collection process we recognized a definite time dependency on the number of confirmed reports received by W3NRG. We published our early data in a QST article in June 2002 A profile of the terrain between the two stations is shown in that article. The reviewers of the article provided various explanations for the propagation that was being observed.
- Speech Synthesis Added to PSK31
by Ed Sack, W3NRG
- Abstract:
Radio Amateurs are well known for their keen interest in combining
several technologies to provide new features for the hobby. One such
combination is the use of computer speech synthesis to monitor PSK31
Thanks to the availability of an inexpensive speech synthesis program
freeware written by amateur N7YG it is now possible to listen to the
of a PSK31 stream rather than watching the text develop on the computer
- Vocoder Redux: The AMBE-2020
by Dennis Silage, K3DS
- Abstract:
A Digital Voice Systems AMBE-2020 voice coder (vocoder) has been
as a functional replacement for the obsolete AMBE-IOOO. The effort, in
was a capstone senior design project in Electrical and Computer
Engineering at
Temple University, which fosters advanced technical topics in
education using amateur radio. The implementation is open-source and
with the data communication protocol ofthe original G4GUO AMBE-IOOO
design. This AMBE-2020 vocoder is offered as a reasonable standard for
radio digital voice experimentation. Further documentation for the
vocoder is available at www.temple.edu/k3tu.
- Legal Rules and Regulations in the Amateur Radio
Computer Networks
by Miroslav "Misko" Skoric, YT7MPB
- Abstract:
This paper analyzes some elements in domestic and international
regulatory principles
that govern the use of the amateur radio service, as an embryo of the
official educational,
professional and scientific activities in the ICT areas. After the
global and local
situation being carefully analyzed, the paper suggests some rules and
improvements, according to the actual state of the modern wireless and
- APRS IP Moblie in a Non-Dynamic Wireless
Environment or 802.11 APRS
by Darryl Smith, VK2TDS
- Abstract:
The APRS Internet Service is a wonderful concept for a highly
distributed GIS system
for connecting hardwired users to the worldwide collection of APRS
gateways. However,
the world is moving away from the idea of hardwired connections, and
moving towards
the situation where users are wishing to access the data of the iGate
system whilst mobile.
While services such as FINDU.COM have the capability to send data to mobile devices such as laptops, PDA's and cell phones, this transmission of data is not necessarily bandwidth efficient -particularly when the maps are available already on the mobile device. Once colleague received a bill for about US$300 for his PDA for the month, with the majority from when he left FindU.COM running one night.
Whilst many of these devices allow a TCP/IP connection from the mobile device direct to the APRS Internet System (APRS-IS), the user is left with intermittent connections to the server -connections that are re-made when each new base station is encountered.
- Bazaar Ham Publicity: Applying the Bazaar Approach
to Ham Radio
by Darryl Smith, VK2TDS
- Abstract:
Amateur Radio is not a hobby that has a single central controlling body,
like the
Catholic Church. Yet many people think ofthe hobby as if it did have a
single body with the
will and resources to publicize the hobby. This paper describes some new
ways to think
of the hobby, and presents some ideas to publicize it.
This is NOT a technical paper. It is intended to provide ideas on how other technical concepts can be marketed to the world.
- SDR Update
by Gerald Youngblood, AD5OG
- Abstract:
SDR-1000 Overview on the PC Based, Software Defined Radio
with Open Software - GNU Public License, including the full


text:
Chris Chaberski
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