Correct Trayakshar Mrityunjaya mantra

Question: Which is the correct Trayakshar Mrityunjaya Mantra- Om Haum Joom Sah OR Om Joom Sah
Comment: @Rickross the first one is not three lettered but I read in one book that it is Trayakshar Mrityunjaya mantra. Maybe Om is put because in every mantra Om is put to increase its power. The second mantra I found on internet which they say is the Trayakshar Mrityunjaya mantra. So not sure which is the true Trayakshar Mrityunjaya mantra
Comment: Although u hv asked only abt the 3-lettered Mrityunjaya mantra I hv also given the long version (12-lettered) of the same
Comment: @Rickross ok thanks. The answer looks correct to me. I don't understand why people put wrong mantras in book. I don't want to name the book. But it has rishi name, Dhyan mantra of the mantra Om Haum Joom Sah.
Comment: Okay u can come to our chat room whn u hv spare time
Answer: The correct Tryakshara Mrityunjaya Mantra is Om jum sah, the 2nd one you gave.
Sarva Devadevi Mantra Koshah (Mantras collected from Tantras for all deities-complied by Upendranath Mukhopadhyaya) gives the following Mantra:

Atha mrityunjaya mantrah:
TAram sthirA sakarnendu bhriguhusarga samnvitah | TryakshAratmA
  nigadito mrityunjaytmakah ||
Om jum sah || (1)

The Mantra first is given in a code (as is usual in Tantras).
Some hints to decode it are as follows:
TAram - TAraka Mantra or Om.
Sthira - referring to the letter Ja.
Bhrighu - referring to the letter Sa.
Sarga - Visarga (:)
The 1st Mantra that you gave is not given in the book under Shiva Mantras. So, it may or may not be a valid Mantra. But, whatever might be the case, it is not a 3-lettered Mantra. It is 4-lettered as you can see.
The text also gives another form of the Mrityunjaya Mantra which is not 3 but 12-lettered:

Mrityunjayam samucchArya pAlaya dvitayam vadet | Mrityunjayam
  samucchArya punareva vilomatah || DwAdashAksharam mantrohayam
  mrityunjayAbhidhoparah ||
Om jum sah pAlaya pAlaya sah jum Om || (2)

Correct Trayakshar Mrityunjaya mantra


Accuracy for GARCH models

Question: How does one calculate the accuracy of forecasts given by GARCH models considering GARCH is run on returns. Assuming GARCH is a derivative of a regression based prediction model, would regular statistics like R squared, MAPE/ SMAPE etc be the right indicator for the performance?  Unlike ARIMA where the predictive power just dies down after a forecast interval, I experience GARCH forecasting values of almost any time period specified. How would one be able to identify if there is any randomness in the forecasted values?
Comment: Compare forecast vs actual observations, check Q-Q plots to see if forecasts are biased?
Answer: The best way to check the accuracy of a Garch model is to use the methodology of Hansen and Lunde (2005). In this paper they actually compared the accuracy of 330 Arch-type models and concluded that Garch(1,1) was superior in their sample.
The paper describes at great length the way to do it. But in a nutshell:

Estimate arch-type your model in monthly data using a window from $[t_{start}, t_{end}$. Compute volatility forecast for month $t_{end+1}$.
Compute realized volatility during month $t_{end+1}$ using daily data (e.g. sum of squared returns).
Subtract your forecasted volatility from realized volatility and square it. Do this for several months and check the sum of squared residuals.

You can do this exercise using many frequencies. My example above is for monthly frequency. Just replace the appropriate definitions.

Accuracy for GARCH models


MAVEN / Eclipse TargetPlatform

Question: We are building an Eclipse RCP plugin that is based on an Eclipse target platform (also developed internally in our company, by a different department). We would like to compile the plugin using MAVEN2 (we also use NEXUS for repository management).
The target platform consists of about 130 JARs (most of them org.eclipse.*). One way to perform the build would be to add 130 references into the  tag of the POM file. Not only is this a lot of effort, but the target platform occasionally changes, so a new target platform would mean a lot of modifications.
Is there a better way to deal with a lot of dependencies in MAVEN?
Answer: Take a look at All Client jBoss artifact. They have solved the same problem using POM artifact.

MAVEN / Eclipse TargetPlatform


how to publish custom JSON file from tridion Sites 9 DXA 2.1 and publish to File system

Question: Just wanted to check, if we have any out of box features like any existing TBBs or CTs to publish or Do I need to create a new one and update the storage configuration to point to File system
Comment: Can you explain why you want to publish these things directly to file system rather than to database (in combination with a file system cache), as DXA supports OOTB?
Comment: DXA, by default, publishes binaries to the broker but are downloaded to the BinaryData folder in the webserver. Are you looking for something different? Also, DXA has configurations as JSON and hence storage configuration based on JSON mimetype will not render the site correctly.
Comment: Please explain a bit more detailed about your implementation?
Comment: We wanted to publish few json and html pages to File system rather than broker DB. I saw few TBBs like Publish resources, Publish configuration etc which publishes the config and resource components as json and store them in binary data. So, just wanted to check if we have any other default TBB which publishes other components as JSON
Comment: We will be just maintaining some labels(key-value) pairs translated into different languages using Mantra from sites and the application team needs to output them as json in a file system, without any dependencies of APIs or querying the broker DB.
Comment: There's a slight difference between a resource on the file system and a response from a site that appears as if it's a "file." Is the application team expecting a physical file in their environment, outside of DXA, or a URL/path that returns JSON?
Answer: Based on your above comments, I still feel that you can use DXA to push out the JSON files. JSON files do not get refreshed until app pool recycles and is dependent on your cache settings and timeouts.Based on your frequency of publishing, you can build a custom controller to force retrieving the JSON from the database. In older versions of DXA, we had a hidden /admin/refresh to be able to do something similar to the above but will have to be disabled in a production like environment for application stability and security purposes. Now answering your questions, I see 2 options.
Option 1 - Use a new site for your custom JSON files
If you do not want any DXA and CIL dependency, you can create a storage extension to copy the JSON files published from SDL to a separate static website. You would need a new website and replication softwares to ensure that all your webservers have the JSON files, once they are published from SDL (if you do not have shared storage).
Option 2 - Use your DXA site for your custom JSON files
If you want to use the DXA website but want to avoid any DXA and CIL dependencies, you can create your HTTPHandler (.NET) for your JSON files and retrieve them from the filesystem before DXA is handling the request.
<code><add name="CUSTOMJSONContentModule" type="YOURCUSTOMJSONContentModule" />
<add name="DxaStaticContentModule" type="Sdl.Web.Mvc.Statics.StaticContentModule" />
</code>
If you like additional inputs from the community, please update your question! Hope it helps.
Comment: Thank you. This helps.
Comment: @Developer, please consider accepting this answer if it addresses your question and be sure to vote if you didn't already. Thanks!


Can I charge the seeker missile without wasting a missile in Metroid Prime 3?

Question: In order to lock on to targets with the seeker missile in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, I have to press and hold the down button on the D-Pad. However doing so fires a single missile, which is wasted. With only ~100 missiles this can be a big waste! Is theer a way to charge up the seeker missiles and lock on to targets without wasting this first missile?
Answer: If you fire a regular beam charge shot and then immediately hold down the missile button, you should be able to start charging the seeker missile without having to "waste" a shot.
The key is to begin holding down the missile button during the "cooldown" period of the charge shot animation (when you are unable to fire anything, beam or missile).
Answer: Go into Scan Visor. Press and hold d-pad down. While holding d-pad down, tap (A) to return to Combat Visor. You are now in Seeker missile lock-on mode without having fired a missile.


How to apply selenium webdriver automation to a real time project?

Question: I want to know about the actual automation process in a real time project.
I want to apply selenium webdriver automation in my project.
I am new in the testing field and have the basic knowledge of selenium webdriver. but i am confused how to apply it in a  real time project. I am the only tester in my company. Nobody knows about testing. Can anyone explain  how should I first start my selenium webdriver project.
Comment: **It depends**

Which kind of project is that which you are going to automate explain about the project please.
Answer: An easy way to get started is to pick old and stable features of your project to automate first.  Consider the critical paths that users will travel most often.  Automate broadly at first, only narrowing down to less common and more specific variations of your workflows afterwards.  Keep your test cases small and focused where you're able to.  Isolating tests to specific features or aspects of a feature is a good way to reduce the occurrence of peripheral factors being the cause of failures.
If you're not familiar with a programming language that has Selenium bindings, I'd first learn the basic fundamentals of whichever language you choose.  Common choices are Java, Ruby, or Python.  Consider how your organization wants selenium to exist in relation to the app it tests.  There could be reasons to match the technology they're using, or not.
Every single app out there on the net behaves differently, so automating a new project always starts off more challenging as you learn the specific behaviors and traits your project has.  The bigger and more complicated your tests are, as in the more it checks and touches, the more you'll have to consider and develop solutions to deal with the nuances of your project.
One concept you can look into as a way to design your tests and the code that drives the browser is the Page Object Model (POM).  This model encourages writing re-usable code, and when done well, you end up with very modular pieces that many tests can re-use in whatever order they require.
Answer: There are two broad phases: Writing the tests & Scheduling the tests
Writing the tests
This means writing the actual test code in the language that you select so that you can run them.  The tests also get shared with other developers who can run the tests locally while they are making changes to ensure they don't break anything.  The tests can also be used against a staging server set up specifically for that purpose.  High level tests ('smoke tests') can also be run against production if appropriate for the organization.  Be sure to use a Page Object approach for readable tests.
Scheduling the tests
As soon as you have tests written you'll want to consider how to bake these into your software development process which usually means considering:

A version control system such as git
A server to store and share code, e.g. github
A Continuous Integration system such as Jenkins / CircleCI with remote servers to run the code
A deployment process for managing change


Cut plaster hole, without hole saw, options?

Question: I need to cut one 6" hole for a can light into a plaster ceiling and don't want to spend the money on a hole saw. What are my best options?
Comment: I would really "not" recommend a spiral saw (dremel) for this. Its actually more work and (a lot) more mess compared to a simple hand saw.
Comment: lot of dremel bits will work to "cut" drywall. i think they even make a specific drywall bit. You can use the bit in a non-dremel drill, it's just a bit slower. a rat-tail file can also work in a pinch.
Answer: Your best option is a jab saw and a steady hand.

If your question is how to do it while spending no money the answer is substituting the saw blade in a multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife. Failing that, scoring the plaster with a utility or X-acto and carefully breaking it out.
Comment: Note: Most cans come with a template. Note, note: Be aware of the location of your ceiling joists.
Comment: Draw a circle, punch the saw through and follow the line, should take about a minute , ok for a novice DIY, maybe 3 minutes.
Comment: Is a jab saw the same as a drywall saw? Or is a jab saw stronger to punch through the plaster?
Comment: Same thing. You can jab through most plasters, some exotic ones you may need to drill a hole for the saw.
Answer: Although it's not the cheapest option, it's only $20. A jab saw may be half the price but with this drill bit you will make a precise circular cut. AND it's adjustable and allows you to cut anywhere from 1-3/4 to 7-7/8" circular holes. So it gives you a lot of versatility.
This one is on amazon but you can buy it online through the Home Depot website:
Heavy Duty Circle Cutter
enter image description here

I'm glad you started this thread because I am going to buy one for myself.
Comment: ^^^ this... if you're not experienced, you run the risk of making a mess of the plaster when this cutter catches and twists away while you're atop a ladder. Strongly recommend a jab saw.
Comment: This type of tool should never be used in a hand drill, only in a drill press and only with the work piece securely clamped. This caution will be printed on the package.
Comment: also, if not properly secured, the cutter can fly off. seen it happen.


Why did Lord Baelish betray Eddard Stark?

Question: In season 1 of Game of Thrones, Lord Baelish sets up Lord Stark when he helps set up the fake coup.  After watching season 1 and most of season 2, I still don't understand why Lord Baelish did this.  What was his reasoning for setting up Eddard Stark instead of helping him protect the throne?
Comment: Because he's a conniving prick?
Answer: Petyr Baelish wants one thing: power. He is the son of a very minor lord with very poor holdings. He grew up seeing the love of his life get married to someone else with a more powerful family name. He knows that he can never actually rule in name, but he wants to be at least the real power behind the throne. For that to happen he needs to setup a puppet king that he can control.
So Lord Baelish's plan was to back Joffrey's claim to the throne and isolate him from his mother (and the Lannisters) with Lord Stark serving as Joffrey's regent since he is under-aged. In return for this he expected to become Lord Stark's right hand man, giving him a great amount of power especially given Stark's limited political skills.
But Lord Stark had other ideas. He wanted to expose Joffrey's parentage and install Stannis Baratheon and the new king of Westeros. Lord Baelish knew Stannis very well from serving with him in the Small Council. Stannis is a humorless man who had no patience for his scheming and was someone he could not easily manipulate, thus costing him a great amount of power and influence. This was, to him, unacceptable.
So Lord Baelish sided with the Lannisters and helped them foil Stark's plan. Now he has the trust of the Lannisters with all the influence that gives him. The Lannisters are nothing if not generous to those loyal to them, and through further services to the Lannisters he is awarded with the lordship of Harrenhal.
Comment: There are of course other reasons to want Stannis off the throne.

Mainly: Stannis is an insane religious extremist who burns people alive. While Joffrey enjoyed killing the innocent as a matter of sport, the bloodthirsty religious inquisition that Stannis could have brought with him would be viewed by many as the greater of two evils.

Indubitably, Beaelish acts according to the Objectivist principle (capital O), but it's not hard to see that not-living-under-a-brutal-theocracy would be in most people's self-interest (especially bordello owners), regardless of political ambition.
Comment: Don'f forget he loved/loves Cat and getting the chance to remove the man that took him from her, when there was no chance he could have done it one on one, he seized on that. Mixing business with pleasure was Littlefinger
Comment: @MarcelTuring Is there evidence that Stannis burned anyone alive at the time of this betrayal?
Answer: Littlefinger cares about Littlefinger and absolutely nothing else.  There is a conversation he has with Ned Stark about their plan.  Ned insists on bringing in Robert's brother once Joffrey is dethroned.  Littlefinger points out that the new king would probably replace everyone at court but Ned does not care.
This is where Littlefinger tipped the other way.
If he had supported Ned he would have done himself out of a very nice job with little chance of progression.
Answer: Baelish betrays Stark because Eddard was going to go against his wishes to have Joffery be the successor.  While as insane a plan as it seemed, it was Littlefinger's best chance to retain what power he had as Head of Coin.
Should Joffery be proven to be an illegitimate child and not heir to the throne, Littlefinger has a high chance that he'd lose his position and could not allow Eddard, the man of honour, take that away from him.
This resulted in turning the City Guard against Ned, instead of in his favour.
Answer: Good answers so far, I wanted to add another factor that may have contributed to Littlefinger's (Baelish's) betrayal of Ned Stark.
It is revealed later that Littlefinger has been in love with Catelyn since they were kids.  So, when Catelyn married Ned Stark, rather than Baelish, this instilled in him a powerful jealousy of Ned Stark.  Littlefinger even attempts to pursue her romantically after Ned's death! (Talk about awkward!)
Comment: Not as creepy as his pursuit of Sansa
Comment: True, but I think it's revealed in the very beginning that he always had a crush on her, even though not directly.
Answer: All these responses are valid, but in Season 5 there is a huge reveal that is another reason Baelish betrayed Ned Stark. Stop reading now if you don't want a spoiler:

 After Baelish marries Lysa Arryn and becomes defacto Lord of the Vale (thanks to Cersei), it is revealed that Baelish has been involved with Lysa since the beginning and they poisoned her husband (Lord Arryn, Hand of the King) together. Lysa also reveals that Baelish is the one who convinced her to send Catelyn Stark the secret message fingering the Lannisters for his death. Lord Arryn's is the event that sends King Robert Baratheon to Winterfell to ask Ned to be his Hand, thus kicking off all subsequent events in the Game of Thrones.
Comment: "fingering the Lannisters" ew!
Answer: Further reasons that impressed me when reading:
King Stannis would also have not forgotten being cruelly besieged at Storm's End by Mace Tyrell or the rebellion of the Iron Islands. King Robert forgave both these things, perhaps too easily, for peace. But Stannis is all justice, not mercy. He does not forgive the treachery of the Iron born; he wants to behead Balon Greyjoy for treason. Plus, his wife's family (House Florent) are dynastic rivals to the Tyrells, which would increase the chance of him getting revenge on them. Further, having been satisfied that the royal children were incestuous, that would mean certain conflict with the powerful Lannisters, who would seek to rally the realm to their cause.
Plus, there were a few throw-away lines indicating that Stannis would enact puritanical reforms, such as outlawing prostitution. That would not only hurt trade and potentially foment unrest, but it would directly harm Baelish's financial/intelligence-gathering interests.
Furthermore, Baelish most likely has wind of Renly Baratheon's unwillingness to serve under his brother. Renly is charismatic, with many loyal followers and he holds the vast bulk of Baratheon power from Storm's End - so even setting aside the line of succession, most men of the Storm Lands are unwilling to follow Stannis, their rightful Lord after Robert's death. How could he keep the kingdoms united if he can't unite his own lands?
So a friendless King Stannis, however rightful an heir and righteous in his cause, would bring certain civil war, social unrest and unquestionable harm to Baelish's interests. The choice was easy for him; little did he know that Ned Stark's pardon and release would be bungled...
Answer: Littlefinger wanted power. Ned holds the north. It is impossible to take the north while Ned is at Winterfell. He killed Jon Arryn with the help of Lysa so that he hoped King Robert would reach out for Ned to serve as Hand of the King. That way Ned is out of Winterfell and also at Kings Landing where it is easier for him to get rid of Ned with his schemes. He cleverly bought Ned's confidence and betrayed him when the time is right. Now he turned the Lannisters against the Boltons and in return he wanted to become the Warden of the North. If anyone in the game of thrones is more dangerous it is Littlefinger.
Answer: Being the Master of Coin, Littlefinger knew the financial position of the kingdom. He knew that without the money of the Lannisters it would be difficult to run the kingdom. Had he assisted Ned Stark in stopping Joffrey from becoming king, he would have made himself an enemy of the Lannisters (apparently stronger than the Starks both militarily and financially). So that's the main reason which, coupled with other personal reasons, made him betray Ned Stark.
Answer: No matter how many times I replay this series from the very beginning, there is always something I missed first time round which explains subsequent events. For what its worth, I think jealousy is the primary motive for Baelish betraying Stark - and the l-o-n-g memory of a love lost to a better man.
I think the political schemes are all bound up in the jealousy thing.


Rescue system running TFS that BSODs, into vmware esxi

Question: After moving to new facilities, one of our old Dell servers running Windows Server 2003 R2 on PowerEdge 2650 HW BSODs with 0x8e. The server runs Team Foundation Server, so we have a few guys dependent on it.
No one here knows TFS, so we have no idea how difficult it would be to setup from scratch.
We have the MSSQL database(s) backed up, recent and fresh copy.
Tried removing/refitting memory modules, but with no success. The system boots into safe mode but hangs occasionally. I booted a linux livecd and did a dd of both c: and d:, so I have all the data in compressed images on a vmware machine.
For the guest, I created a 38G (actually it became 40GB) partition to act as C:, and booted a live cd. I then uncompressed the compressed disk image of c: and dd'd it to the new c: using 'gunzip -dc c.img.gz | dd of=/dev/sda1 bs=1M'.
The operation ran for about 1000 seconds, and completed successfully. I assumed it would at least try to boot windows (but most likely BSOD due to not having correct drivers), but the Vmware ESXi guest does not seem to recognize it as a bootable disk.
We don't have the vmware enterprise license, so the vmware converter cold cloning is not an option. Did I do something wrong in my dd's etc with the ISOs, or why would it not (try to) boot?
Am I wasting my time? What other approach is there?
Will continue to try to remove services and drivers to make the physical machine at least work reasonably well in safe mode.
What do you suggest?
1. Continue to get the dd'd images to the virtual disk and get it to boot.
2. Install a new windows server, get team foundation server and restore from backup.
3. Focus on the old problematic hardware
Any help appreciated
Answer: You should probably start with vCenter converter if you try to import a physical machine into ESXi. The path using DD might work, but it seems like a hack to me. Converter will do most of the work for you, including ensuring the image are in the right format. It would be my first approach, as it can solve your problem outright.
I personally would not spend time on old hardware. If you still have support send it back to DELL, if not it is probably time to buy new hardware anyway.
I have no experience recovering TFS, but I am sure somebody else can inform you how hard the recovery would be.
Comment: vmware converter will not work as the machine does not work, it BSODs or hangs. The server is old and no support. We are ordering a dell blade chassi and an equallogic, it's just that it'll take some time migrating some 30 physical servers. Plus, we didnt actually place the order yet.


Does the eternal flame reanimate only evil people?

Question: In Thor: Ragnarok, we learn that the eternal flame of Asgard could re-animate people then why wouldn't they use it to bring back people close to Thor? Does the eternal flame reanimate only evil people?
Comment: **Spoilers incoming** After watching the movie, I reckon that the eternal flame only reanimates someone's body alone - not what makes them who they are (their soul, if you believe in that). So when the Goddess of Death used the eternal flame to reanimate the army of dead warriors and her wolf, it was so that she would have an army under her complete influence (soul not included). I feel that if this is the case, why would Thor or Loki have any motives for "resurrecting" their dead parents? Besides, Odin doesn't exactly have a body to reanimate anyway, so yeah...
Comment: **Spoiler** "not what makes them who they are (their soul, if you believe in that)" although when the fire guy came back he remember what his purpose in life was ... to destroy Asgard
Comment: Yes, I was thinking along those lines too but the 'dog' just seemed back to life in a soul having, free minded but loyal to Hela way. The skeletal warriors definitely weren't back in 'living' way :D
Comment: Actually I got the impression it was the missing infinity stone. Its the right colour after all. Nobody really tried to use it as such.
Comment: Except we already know Odin doesn't want to keep two stones so close together.
Comment: And yet if they are going to introduce a soul stone before war, would you go with the goddess of death and her duty to ferry souls to the underworld or Black Panther? But to stay on topic no one really tried to use the flame, possibly it could bring back people for Thor. However they are at heart Vikings who want to go to Valhalla, would they want to bring back someone who achieved this state?
Comment: That's the Valkyries' job, not Hela's. The flame is not the stone. Just wait for the next film.
Comment: I assumed the missing stone was the Melt Stick
Answer: During Thor : Ragnarok, the Eternal Flame is explained to be the true power of Surtur, along with his crown. When you combine Surtur's crown with the Eternal Flame, you are able to resurrect Surtur and bring out his true form, which is able to destroy Asgard singlehandedly.
Conversely, we've seen Hela resurrect Fenrir and her army through use of the Eternal Flame... albeit it took on a distinctly green color, which is associated with Hela, never with Surtur. Here's my guesses :

Only Surtur can fully resurrect through the Eternal Flame. Hela was only able to twist the artefact through her own magic so she could summon her army from the dead. They all have a limited, animalistic level of conscience with absolute loyalty to Hela. I don't believe Fenrir being seemingly "intelligent" is a plot-hole, as he's roughly as smart as the average zombie soldier from what we've seen.
The Eternal Flame can resurrect any and all dead creatures, though it only gives them a limited amount of intelligence. Basically the same as before, but anyone can wield it.

Personally, I believe guess number 1 to be true. We've seen Loki's illusion and various magic spells to often devolve into or stem from green arcanic energy, which when combined with Hela's own emerald color, would mean Asgardian magic (shared by both Hela and Loki, although on differing scales) is simply green.
Now Hela is an uber-powerful warlock on par with Odin, which indicates a very high level of power is needed to trifle with the Eternal Flame. Hela openly dissing the Space Stone also confirms the Eternal Flame's power is far higher. Given that Odin is the only other individual who could have wielded that flame, and given he is an irrational racist certainly unwilling to manipulate Surtur's magic + the Eternal Flame does not seem to grant sentience, it's pretty obvious why they never used it on Thor's mother.
They didn't want a zombie grandma lying around.
Comment: Sorry, Odin's an irrational racist?


Can we remove impacted teeth by key hole surgery?

Question: Can we remove impacted teeth by key hole surgery, rather than an open technique, like lithotripsy?
Comment: Could you add some additional context to your question, such as what you know, why you are interested, etc.? It's not clear what you are seeking beyond a yes or no answer.
Answer: The impacted tooth is partially or fully enclosed in the bone. Even if accessed by a drill hole to reach the tooth. The tooth is too hard to be cut up into smaller sections with any of the conventional equipments available through an endoscope.
Tooth is a composite of three highly organized, mineralised tissues. The bulk of the tooth is formed by dentin and has around 30% organic content almost similar to that of bone. A large part of the organic content is collagen a tough fibre. Where as kidney stones etc are aggregates of minerals etc and are much more susceptible for pulverisation by shock waves from a lithotripter.
Besides an impacted tooth is either partially of fully inclosed in bone. So that too rules out the use of a lithotripter.


What special requirements need to be considered for outdoor banners?

Question: I am wondering where to even begin to find a place that could print something durable like a 13' x 30' banner to go on the side of a building. Is this even possible? Is a vinyl banner the best option? What medium should I choose to cover the side of a 2 story building?
Comment: Check Google for a local sign and banner company. They'll set you up.
Answer: How long are you planning on having it up? If it's going to be permanent you're going to want to consider something that will hold up to wind and UV long-term better than vinyl (e.g., plastic / metal / wood). If the side of the building has windows you might consider vinyl graphics (of course, the people sitting in the rooms with the windows might not appreciate having their view partially blocked). There are also graphic options that cover windows but are transparent from the inside (you see these on buses a lot).
Vinyl is great if you are only going to have it up for short-term; you can roll it up and store it when you don't need it (don't forget to unroll it from time to time so the ink doesn't stick to the back of the sign) or if you're looking for portability. As far as printers, a quick google search yielded:
http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=large+format+vinyl+printing
13' x 30' is pretty big - I wonder if there would be problems with the weight of the material pulling on the sign, particularly in a bad wind. Having never printed on something this scale I don't know if they would have to join several narrower printouts (I've seen 4' wide printers that print off a roll). I can't imagine this would be cheap, either.
Answer: Pressprintpro.com is a site that specializes in this type of printing. This is definitely possible. There are vinyl solutions and other ones made out of a mesh material that should hold up fine outside.
**This answer is not meant as business promotion.


Gtk skip_taskbar_hint (seen in Glade-ui-Designer) equivalent in Qt

Question: With Glade Designer that lets you set up Gtk-Ui's you can check the option that windows are not shown in the launcher. If I take a look at the ui-file generated by Glade, it says <property name="skip_taskbar_hint">True</property>. In gtk code this hint is  window.set_property('skip-taskbar-hint', True). However I believe that this option is not exclusively Gtk-specific, and want to apply this one on my PyQt4-app. The Ubuntu window manager must be able to receive that hint, otherwise I would see the window of a gtk-application i use (stickynotes-indicator). So there MUST be a way of doing this in Qt or any other language, right?
Does anybody know such an option? Python or Qt syntax, doesn't matter!
Answer: This does the trick:
object.setWindowFlags(QtCore.Qt.SplashScreen)


How personality view disappears?

Question: Personality view disappears at once at the stage of stream entry or is it gradual ?
Comment: See also [How are 'conceit' and 'identity-view' not the same?](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/9415/254)
Answer: I guess you mean identity view (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) - please see this question for examples.
Eradicating identity view is different from eradicating all traces of self - please see this question.
A view is a kind of belief. For example, a person may have the view that the Earth is flat. However, this person may change his view, based on the opinion of trusted credible scientists, without making a direct scientific validation of his view.
Views may affect one's behavior and in turn result in particular outcomes. For example, if you have the view that you don't have to clean yourself when you get dirty and before you eat, this may cause you to contract diseases due to lack of hygiene. By changing your view from the wrong view to the right view, you can reduce your suffering.
But you don't have to change your views on hygiene after experiencing disease. You can adopt the right view on hygiene, after listening to trusted credible sources.
Similarly, the Buddha is the trusted credible source who taught us that all phenomena is not self. He also taught us that eradicating self view will reduce suffering. For example, when someone insults you as being fat, you may become angry and experience agony due to the fetter of conceit, but you can snap out of it quickly and not dwell on it, due to your not having the view that your body is your self. By snapping out of anger quickly, your suffering will be reduced. And that's how not having identity view will result in the reduction of suffering.
You don't lose your identity view after stream entry. Rather, you have to overcome identity view in order to reach stream entry. You don't lose the wrong hygiene view after becoming hygienic. You have to lose the wrong hygiene view and gain the right hygiene view, in order to achieve a good state of hygiene.
A stream winner could become angry due to clinging and conceit (tanha-mana), when someone insults him as being fat or stupid. But he would snap out of it quickly, due to not having identity view. Conceit is a deep-seated tendency that is hard to uproot. But a view can be changed through learning, reflection and understanding. A fully enlightened arahant has uprooted all the deep-seated fetters. Please also see this answer.
Gaining the Right View is always the first step on the Noble Eightfold Path.
Answer: Eradication of self leads to perfection which is nothing but Nirvana. Continuos meditation on five grasping aggregates leads to the fruit of stream enterer, once returner, non returner and perfection.Continous meditation on five grasping aggregates leads to utter realisation of Anatta. I quote the following from sutta SN 22.122 which says that even the perfect ones meditate over the five aggregates:

But Reverend Sāriputta, what things should a perfected one properly
  attend to?" "Reverend Koṭṭhita, a perfected one should properly attend
  to the five grasping aggregates as impermanent, as suffering, as
  diseased, as an abscess, as a dart, as misery, as an affliction, as
  alien, as falling apart, as empty, as not-self. A perfected one has
  nothing more to do, and nothing that needs improvement. Still, these
  things, when developed and cultivated, lead to blissful meditation in
  the present life, and also to mindfulness and situational awareness."

This question investigates whether Nirvana means utter realisation of Anatta. My opinion remains that Nirvana means Anatta. However from what I have quoted above ,the answer must be clear to you that meditation over the aggregates (which denies existence of any self) is continuos meditation. It should never end.

How personality view disappears?


How to press several piano keys with one hand simultaneously?

Question: I'm learning piano, and I have a hard time to use two or more fingers together on one hand at the same time - there is a slight interval, e.g. when I play the first and third finger, there is a slight difference in when the two fingers hit the keys.  Any help would be appreciated.
Answer: My professor had me slow practice four-note chords in each hand to fix this.  For example: CEGC, EGCE, GCEG, CEGC (an octave higher than the first one), GCEG, EGCE, CEGC.  Together with both hands, each hand an octave apart.  Make sure that the notes all fall together, do it with all the keys.  It's also a great exercise for pedaling; see if you can make the chords come out legato by use of the pedal.  That should keep you busy for a couple of years.  :)
The thing to strive for is, as you say, to hit all the notes at once with no uneven ones.  Best way to do this is form all fingers on the keys, touching the keys.  Then put the notes down by leaning into your hand.  You'll start to see very quickly what the problem is.  If the fingers aren't holding their weight, you'll have to work on strengthening them.  However, the problem is just as often improper placement of the hands before you hit the keys.  Try curving the middle finger more, flattening all the fingers, different things like that, with the idea that all the fingers drop with equal force and at the same time.
A more advanced exercise is to try to make different notes stand out in the chord, once you can hit them all evenly.  Very often in music, you'll have chord passages where the melody is in the little finger of the right hand, and you'll need to make the top note of the chord a little louder than the other notes.  That's an ability that you'll need to develop eventually.  Bringing notes out of the middle of the chord is harder, but also important to be able to do.
Answer: Don't press the keys; place your hand in position, touching the keys and then drop the weight of your hand into the keys.
Answer: It's really just a matter of practice. Without seeing what's going on I would think that your fingers aren't as strong as they could be and some fingers are stronger then others. In this case just simple exercises like scales and arpeggios should be able to help.
If it's just a coordination problem then you can practice that by just practicing putting your fingers down at the same time. Just use the first 5 notes of the C major scale (C, D, E, F, and G) and practice playing two of the notes on the same hand at the same time. Once you get that down I suggest you move on to practice playing 3 notes at a time as chord will typically be composed of at least 3 notes and it is pretty common to play 3 notes on one hand.
Answer: If you have a MIDI keyboard and some MIDI recording software, you could use it as a feedback tool.   Play some chords or intervals while the software records, and then analyze the MIDI data to see which note is being played first and by how much.
If the thumb is coming down first, try focusing on getting the third finger down earlier.   Record your efforts and look at the results.   It might be more helpful than trying to do it by ear or feel.   As you repetitively get it "perfect", your muscles will remember how it feels and will do it naturally.


Task workflow not firing on task created by information management policy

Question: I have a requirement to send out a custom notification email whenever a new task is assigned to a user. To achieve this I have turned off the standard notification on the Tasks list and attached a simple SP Designer workflow to send out notification emails instead. This works properly when I add a task to the list via the front end but not when one is added by an information management policy
I'm guessing this is because of the "workflows won't run on tasks created by the system account" issue as seen on SO here:
Workflow on tasks list will not run on items created by a workflow
here:
Secondary workflow on task list not working
and here:
https://sharepoint.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/task-created-by-sharepoint-designer-workflow-not-firing-a-workflow
I've tried possible fix of deploying the "task creation" workflow using a different account and also my own recipe of doing the actual task creation using an impersonation step but sadly both options still create tasks using the system account and the notification workflow does not run.
Does anyone know of a way that I can either
1. get the information management policy to create tasks as something other than the system account
or
2. change the default task notification text by some other means then replacing it with a workflow
More background:
This is a SharePoint 2010 designer workflow running on a 2013 installation and the information management policy I refer to is a retention policy to create a reminder task when a review date field on a document is reached.
Edit - even more background - the task type I'm using is "Collect Data from a User" which pauses workflow execution until it is completed, hence I can't just create the task and then send an email as the email wouldn't be sent until the task was already complete!
Thanks!
Answer: Is it not possible to run a workflow as Information Management Policy action, get that workflow to create the task and change notification text as required ?
When you create a new task, you get a "created" variable returned, ID/GUID of the task created. This allows you to make further modifications on newly created tasks.
Comment: Hi Charles. That would be possible, however I would prefer to run the workflow in the context of the Task list so can access the related item information. Thanks Tim


Complications in Migrating DB from Sql Server 2000 to 2008

Question: Hi I'm planning to upgrade DB from Sql Server 2000 to SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edn but confused with the choice of OS? SQL server 2000 is running on Win 2000 Server and I'm setting up a new machine with either Win 2003 or Win 2008R2 standard edition in which I'll install SQl server 2008 Ent Edn and migrate the SQL2000 db to sql 2008. So what will be the best Windows OS for this machine? Any suggestion regarding what problems I can face from SQL server upgradation?
Answer: Few things come to my mind but not as a complete list though.
Memory management is much better between OS & SQL Server in Win 2008 R2.
Disk alignment is much better when compared to windows 2000/2003 where you have to manually check and very careful with boundary alignment. Windows 2008 R2 takes care of that stuff for you.
PS: I haven't done any migrations using Windows 2008 R2 yet.


beelinereader patent coverage

Question: I am a fan of beelinereader, I want to use same idea to implement a reader app,in their website it is written that their technology is patented as here https://patents.google.com/patent/US20150234788A1/en?oq=20150234788
Does using gradient in the text(possibly any other color combination that beelinereader doesnt show in their list),which also means using different color for each letter, violate their patent coverage ?
It sounds little weird the idea that typing letters in different colors violates a patent.
Comment: Please be advised that the linked document is an application, not a patent. Claims in applications are usually broader than the resulting patent (which may never be granted).
Answer: It appears that the patent application was granted.  You may want to read the claims carefully to see if the claims that you were worried about were allowed by the examiner.
Your use of different colors for each letter and the claimed use of color gradients for each letter may only be an obvious use.
US9026907B2
Comment: This could be a good answer with more content. Explain that to infringe you need to implement each and every aspect of a claim. You could try reading claim 1 and actually answer the question. Also your second paragraph seems to relate to patentability which isn't asked.
Comment: "obvious use" is not a patent infringement related concept.

beelinereader patent coverage


What did women wear during the Rashidun era?

Question: What did women wear during the Rashidun caliphate?
Answer:
Each major grouping and sect of Islam relies on its own Hadith compilation for legal guidance, and over time and in response to regional requirements historic judgements were clarified or superseded. So there is no universal ruling regarding the nature and character of "proper" dress, including female veiling. Fashion History

also,

However, meanings are imprecise and, until recently, many scholars assumed that repetition of a specific garment term over centuries and across regions signified that its meaning and appearance remained unchanged and universal; this assumption has not fostered academic interest in the subject.
Comment: It would have been courteous to document your prior research in the question so I didn't waste my time.
Comment: I found the same info myself but I am looking for something more.
Comment: Sorry. I will keep that in mind.
Answer: One addendum to Mark's answer, from the same source,concerning the time just after the Rashidun era, in the section on Umayyad and Abbasid Dress:

Chroniclers wrote extensively about such conquests, but little on
  dress matters...

and

With the establishment of the Islamic state, there was no immediate
  change in dress if only because non-Muslims, then the majority of the
  population, were required not to dress like Arab Muslims

So the majority of the population dressed in whatever regional dress they wore before.


Windows Snipping Tool Replacement?

Question: Does anyone know of a good Windows Snipping Tool Replacement? I changed my programs file to a different drive and it hasn't worked since. lil help :)
Comment: We will need much more information to give good recommendations here – asking for "a tool like X" is never giving enough details, even if linked. You should always list your requirements explicitly. Please see [How to ask for an alternative to some software](http://meta.softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/q/48/185) and the questions linked to it for details.
Answer: Check out GreenShot. It's free and much more featured than the snipping tool
Answer: Why not just copy that one program back to your C: Drive? Its location on my machine is <code>%windir%\system32\SnippingTool.exe</code>
Alternatively, press the Windows key to show the menu, and in the search box type "snipping". When it appears, right click on the icon, select "properties" and change the location to wherever you copied it to.
Answer: Windows XP Snipping Tool
I use this program because there is no Snipping Tool preinstalled on Windows XP.
Although designed for Windows XP, this application will run on any Windows that has .NET 4.
It's Compatible With:
Windows XP
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1 Preview
Answer: As per my answer to this previous question:
For screen capture, I don't think that you can beat FastStone Capture. It does what you want and sooooo much more.
It has become commercial, but the last free version is still available.
That should do it, and it's the one that I use & recommend, but you will find other options at http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-screen-capture-tool.htm and you can record video with one of these http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-screen-session-recorder.htm

Windows Snipping Tool Replacement?


Which is a better print resolution 2400 x 2400 DPI or 1200 X 4800 DPI

Question: What is the difference in print resolution 2400 X 2400 DPI and 1200 X 4800 DPI. Is on better than the other if so how do you measure it
Comment: So you **really** mean "DPI" or are you asking about pixels and on-screen resolutions as they relate to printed images?
Answer: It is hard to tell. In the end, theoretically, they both print a dot of the same area, but different shape.
There could be some additional aspects like paper absorption that could make a difference in how the dots are perceived. But this is just an assumption.
If you are choosing between two printers with the exact same specs except for this resolution, I would go for the 2400x2400 DPI, because, potentially the higher 4800 injectors can be blocked more easily.
But I would look for different parameters to choose from, like color, the number of inks, the overall look of the print, cost.
Answer: The first value is usually Dots Per Inch in the X axis, and the second is amount in the Y axis (but I've seen someone stating the first value is vertical and second is horizontal but I guess it depend on position of paper[?]).
So in the printing process the 2,4k x 2,4k would have same amount of dots in the "rows" and "columns".
In the second case (I assume it's laser printer) there could be visible lines. Lines that are created form the fact the rows line would be created by software (so how much ink can stick to paper) while the column would be technical dependant on how precise the roller can move the paper for next row to be "inked".
Regarding the question "is one better than the other" is fall down to use. For printing photos, pictures the firs one would be better. The ink and dots placement would be more unified on the whole piece of paper.
The second printer would be better for printing technical stuff (I think) like plans or maps (maybe text) that require to be more consistent in one "longer" axis of the print.
Answer: Technically, 4800 dots translates to more detail, but there will probably not be a noticeable difference unless you're doing microprinting. 1200 dpi provides a lot of printed detail, and 2400 is probably above the threshold of what the human eye can detect. Printing at 4800 dpi is probably overkill in that regard. If you don't notice a visible difference, you will probably save RIP time (and have better quality gradients) with a lower dpi.
Answer: There is no comparison.
2400x2400px @ 300dpi = 8x8 inch print image
1200x4800px @ 300dpi = 4x16 inch print image
Neither is "better". They are completely different proportioned images.
Which one may work better for your needs, only you can determine.

To see print sizes..
Just do the math...

2400px ÷ 300ppi = 8 (8 inches)
1200px ÷ 300ppi = 4 (4 inches)
4800px ÷ 300pi = 16 (16 inches)

Or, if you avoid math....

open a new document in Photoshop at 2400x2400px and 72ppi
Once the new document is created chose Image > Image size from the menu
When the Image Size dialog appears uncheck Resample and enter 300 into the Resolution field
The width and height fields will update to show the new dimensions at that resolution.

You could possibly get a 10x10" and a 5x20" image if you use 240ppi. 240ppi is sometimes acceptable for print projects. Check with the print provider first though.
Comment: It looks like you're confusing DPI and PPI. Some printers have mismatched X-to-Y dpi output capabilities.
Comment: Or I'm correct and the question is incorrectly using "DPI" when it should be using "PPI". While imagesetters can easily hit 2400 or 4800 DPI.. it's *exceptionally rare* for the average user to ask about those. I merely chose to believe DPI was being used incorrectly in the question.


Learn about your users

Question: Our users use the app in a very private and natural context that is not really reproducible in a lab. What is the best way to learn about our users and how they use our app? Invite them for interviews? Cultural probes? In-app surveys?
Comment: It's porn, isn't it....
Answer: Self-reporting methods (interviews, surveys) usually give less-accurate information than direct observation in users' own context. But, as you point out, you don't always have access to that context.
Diary studies involve self reporting too, but it happens more in the moment than surveys and interviews. In some studies, you specify that users write an entry at pre-set times (e.g., every Mon, Wed, Fri at noon), and in some users create entries on the fly (e.g., every time they use your app).
Check out YouTube for some overview videos about diary studies. See also Nielsen/Norman, UXPA, and visit the Googles. It's a really cool research method that's not performed very often. It takes some effort to plan and execute, but it gives a unique look into users' lives.
Answer: There is no specific method to test what is the best way to learn from your users.
What you can do is test various methods and see which ones provide better results.
Whatever you do, start with small samples so you keep the focus and the impact to your users (eg: requesting attention and time to your users to fill a survey) is minor.
And, above all, setup a criteria and see which methods are used to reach that criteria (some Google search will help on this).
You can check more info about this here and I quote:

List some characteristics of the target users you want to obtain
  information from. This can be things that you know off the top of your
  head like "active app users." For example, when my team wanted to
  validate whether or not a feature should be worked on higher in the
  priority list, I translated that into screening only users who had
  touched that feature within the previous 30 days. They were the most
  relevant and highly active users to gather insights and feedback from.
If the pool was too small, I would expand the criteria to include a
  larger date range of activity or include broader criteria. I don't
  recommend trying to broaden your scope too large, though, because
  you'll start interacting with people who do not have much to say about
  what you're trying to discover.
Comment: For example I would like to find out where people are when they use our app. We think that they are often commuting but they could as well be on their couch at home. What is the best way to find out?
Comment: For that, I believe requesting permissions to gather and store user location will work and if you want specifically to know if they are at home, request them to fill their Home location but prepare to give some benefit for the user on why he/she should include his/her Home location
Comment: This would be only one question. Another would be whether they like our app to browse content or to search for specific content. It's not something I can find out in interviews according to https://www.nngroup.com/articles/first-rule-of-usability-dont-listen-to-users/

Learn about your users


Edit question to add correct tags

Question: I have asked a question about (field) hockey. But the tags hockey and [tag:field hockey] does not exist currently. And since I don't have enough reputation on the site to create new tags, I have currently tagged it as general. Could some one with enough rep edit the question and add appropriate tags.
Comment: On a related note, the tag [tag:general] shouldn't exist at all. Only one locked question still has the tag; I've flagged it to request a moderator to remove the tag.
Answer: I added the field-hockey tag. (Note that tags are single words, so they use dashes, not spaces.
Pursuant to this question which brings up an excellent point, and this question which contains the discussion for the first, I have not added the hockey tag. I see you've already had some input on the discussion thread, so I won't rehash the situation here as well.

Edit question to add correct tags


Security for 3G/Wireless Broadband connection

Question: How secure do we think broadband wireless is?  Should I be willing to do online banking over a mobile connection?  I assume that it's more secure than, say, WEP, but I'd love to be pointed towards any information about how easy cellular connections are to crack.
Answer: I'd say it doesn't matter how easy cell. connections are to crack because you are always using SSL/TLS encryption over that, and that hasn't been cracked yet. Somebody might be able to do a man in the middle attack with SSL but then you would get an invalid certificate warning, so you wouldn't continue with the session anyway.
Answer: I wouldn't do online banking over a mobile phone connection because there's other possible attacks that aren't specific to the 3G/carrier connection itself.
For example, Bluetooth on many mobile phones can be used for connection sharing with computers, and is not exactly known to be a secure protocol itself.
With the recent release of 'fuzzing' tools for mobile phones, exploitation through SMS may become a common attack vector. See this Blackhat whitepaper for more information.
(Note on that paper, a lot of sensationalist coverage focuses on iPhone, but the vulnerabilities are possible on Android and Windows Mobile)


Non-profit organization, IRB Approval, and publishing?

Question: I'm working with a non-profit organization at the moment and we're planning to conduct a survey on ~93,000 to find certain attitudes and the correlation associated with them.
We're hoping on having our results being published in a reputable journal if possible, because we've done a lot of research and background reading to have a pretty solid study design written down.
Is it necessary for us to have IRB approval to publish in a reputable Psychology/Educational academic journal?
Additionally, even if it's not explicitly stated in the manuscript guidelines, are there "unspoken" rules about stating IRB approval before submission?
Answer: Most reputable journals in fields that involve human subjects research require that authors state (often in the article itself) that the study received approval from an IRB or the national equivalent in some other country.
As researchers that aren't affiliated with an organization that has its own IRB, you're in a bit of a bind.  There are independent Review Boards that can be contracted to provide oversight of research conducted outside of a normal institutional setting.  These are used for example in some drug company sponsored clinical trials.  You would have to contract with such an IRB to have your project reviewed and supervised.
Comment: Super thanks for the response!

I've been exploring online and found that some Independent researchers can obtain IRB approval by "borrowing" another institution's IRB?

Is that a recommended course of action, or just plane crazy complicated?

Thanks again!
Comment: Most institutions have policies that they won't handle proposals from researchers with no affiliation to the institution.  This would be a waste of institutional resources and also the IRB would have no effective way of stopping research that went beyond what the IRB approved.  The IRB couldn't effectively supervise the research.  My own institution refuses to review proposals unless some faculty or staff member (or student under faculty supervision) is conducting the research.


Is this set closed under addition or multiplication or both and why?

Question: $\{-1,0,1\}$
Please give an explanation and also tell me what does closed under addition and multiplication mean.
Different definitions are given everywhere.
Comment: Could you mention some of those definitions? I only know one, but it seems like it would not help you to just state that if it happens to coincide with one of the ones you have already seen.
Comment: How are you defining addition and multiplication here?  I could interpret the set as being the integers mod 3 and then it would be closed since 1+1=-1.  However, this may not be what others would infer at first glance.
Comment: 1+1=2            ${}{}{}{}{}{}{}$
Answer: It means that if $a$ and $b$ are elements of the set, possibly equal, the sum $a+b$ and the product $ab$ are in the set.
Answer: A set $X$ is closed under addition if $x+y\in X$ for any $x,y\in X$. It is closed under multiplication if $x\times y\in X$ for any $x,y\in X$. Note that $x$ and $y$ may or may not be equal.
The set $\{-1,0,1\}$ is closed under multiplication but not addition (if we take usual addition and multiplication between real numbers). Simply verify the definitions by taking elements from the set two at a time, possibly the same.
Answer: A set $A$ is closed under a binary operation $\star: A \times A \longrightarrow A$ if for all $a, b \in A$, $a \star b \in A$. In other words, performing the binary operation on any two elements of the set always gives you back something that is also in the set.
So in this case, closure under addition means $a + b \in \{-1, 0, 1\}$ for all $a, b \in \{-1, 0, 1\}$. This set isn't closed under addition; consider $1 + 1$.
Closure under multiplication in this case means $ab \in \{-1, 0, 1\}$ for all $a, b \in \{-1, 0, 1\}$. This set is closed under multiplication; simply write out all possible products of elements.
Answer: Let's go through 2 examples here and I'll show you how that set could be considered closed or not closed depending on the definition of the operations:
Integer mod 3 example:
In this case, there is {1,0,-1} which is equivalent to {1,0,2} mod 3 as 2=-1 in this case.  In this case, the set is closed as all the operations stay in the field.  In this case, 1+1=2 which is still in the field. 2+2 =4= 1 as remember that the equivalence here is mod 3, so a=b if there exists an integer k such that a = 3k+b.
Natural numbers case:
In this case, it isn't closed as 1+1=2 which isn't in the set.
This is why defining the operations is rather important as while most people can infer what addition and multiplication mean, they can be redefined in some cases.


Hard drive's life

Question: my Apple OSX server RAID 14x750TB is running from January 2008 and until now I've changed 4 hard drives. Can anyone suggest how long hard drives can work before failing?
Thank for your opinion,
Mario
Answer: Well, the life of hard drive depends on the usage. Main factors that decide the hard drive life are:

Number of read and writes
Temperature (Heat) condition
Random read/writes, searches
How many times you touch the boot record.

The last factor on the hard drive that can affect is the file system used and the operating system used and how it is parking the heads when shutting down or when hard drive is in ideal state.
Disk can last from 3 to 7 years on an average but exceptions are there.
Answer: Do you mean you have had four HD failures in couple of years in that 14 disk setup? That can be normal, depending on the usage pattern of your hard drives and other conditions.
Hard drives are like humans - some die sooner, some live longer. I have couple of hard drives from the 90's still working (my old beloved Amiga 1200 just won't die... knocks on wood), but on the other hand I've seen some very new HD's failing.
And then there are those sad failure stories from the past, such as IBM's Deskstar, or better known has Deathstar, series, which had some very severe reliability issues around ten years ago.
So, with hard drives, always prepare for the worst and HAVE BACKUPS. Do not trust the drives.
Answer: Who knows best how long hard drives will hold? Probably the manufacturers. Look at the warranty offered and use that as a rule of thumb for when the disks are "expected" to stop working. The manufacturers have big money to earn on offering the customers a reasonably long warranty, but not too long.
In small-time use, the statistics of this really doesn't come close to any certain outcomes, but it's the best bet you have. If you're running a big server farm and keep statistics of your disks, you can probably see a very sharp increase in drive failures after the warranty lifetime.
Thus, with common consumer disks, I would say the lifetime to be a bit more than three years. Since the disk prices per storage unit drop significantly during this period, I rotate my disks to never have any disks out of warranty in my main workstation, where a failure would be the most time and work consuming for me.
(Backups is fundamental to data security in all cases, that is not discussable.)
Google released a study in 2007 on their experiences on hard drives: http://labs.google.com/papers/disk_failures.pdf - see figure 2 for drive failures contra lifetime. Read the entire article for more clarity.
Answer: Same estimation here with TusharG's answer, 5~7 years and can goes down to 3 years with intensive use.
Figure 2: Lifecycle failure pattern for hard drives [33].

Source: Research Paper, Disk failures in the real world: What does an MTTF of 1,000,000 hours mean to you? by Bianca Schroeder & Garth A. Gibson from Carnegie Mellon University, Feb. 14-16, 2007.

Hard drive's life


How do I force the ICS browser to finish syncing bookmarks?

Question: I have a brand new Acer A200, and I upgraded it to ICS (4.0.3). I set up sync with my Chrome bookmarks, but it's been a few hours now and it doesn't seem to be finishing the sync - I've got the complete folder structure of the bookmarks on my PCs, but most of the folders are empty. Is there anything that I can do to force it to finish the job?
Comment: I seem to recall that taking a long time, too.  Eventually it worked; but then it started showing a "sync error".  I simply disabled Browser, and am instead using https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome which works surprisingly well. It also seems to sync _more_ bookmarks than the stock Browser did.
Answer: Well, for the moment I'm not coming up with any solution, so I've up and bought ChromeMarks. I went for the pay version because I REALLY wanted to manipulate the bookmarks on the device. If you just need to see them on the device, then the free version (ChromeMarks Lite) does a fine job.
I have no idea what the real problem was, but it was worth $1.99 to me to have it solved immediately (especially since the Browser's built-in bookmarks can't be viewed in any kind of list mode - just the icon view).


copy text in froyo from web page including newlines?

Question: I have just bought a new HTC Desire HD running Android 2.2 (Froyo).
I am trying to copy text from a rather vast archive of notes which I had built up on my old phone, which was running Symbian. The notes were saved using the ActiveNotes application, which is not available on Android, only on Symbian. ActiveNotes saves the notes as HTML files, which I can easily view on Android using the HTML viewer or web browser, or any other html reader (such as Dolphin).
I have tried to use the built-in copy/paste functionality by touch-and-hold then "select all" and copy. This does not seem to work in HTML viewer, but does work in the browser or Dolphin. However, ActiveNotes stores the newlines in my notes using paragraph tags (HTML
 tags) and these are not correctly copied by the built-in text copier. Because of this, all the text appears as one long string, without any line breaks, when I paste it into my Android notes application (or indeed any Android notes application such as Messaging). This is very annoying as many of my notes are in excess of 100 lines long.
A number of copy/paste apps seem to be available which use the "Share Page" option on the menu. I use this when accessing my page through a URL through Astro, so the URL looks something like "content://com.metago.astro.filesystem/mnt/sdcard/Activenotes/NoteNameHere.html?text/plain". The two copy/paste apps I tried were "Any Web Copy" and "Copy To Clipboard". The latter seems to always copy just the URL (rather than the page content) to the clipboard. The former copies the web page text to the clipboard for "http://" links but refuses to for these "content://" links. Even when the web page text is copied to the clipboard (e.g. from an internet page), it still seems to be devoid of any newlines for much of the page.
Since the source of these files is actually viewable (e.g. in the plain text editor) there MUST be a way to copy the content of the pages including newlines. I could do this conversion myself on PC manually for every single file, but this would take a very long time and I would much rather be able to convert files on-demand on my phone using the above method. However, I am at a bit of a loss as to how to preserve the newlines. I hope that someone more experienced might be able to help or recommend an application that could help.
Answer: While I can't help you with the copy-paste, I do recommend using an automatic solution to convert the files.  Conversion to PDF might help if Adobe Reader for Android will let you copy newlines, or you could have a
 tag inserted after every paragraph, etc.


How does ReadCube compare to Mendeley?

Question: Currently I use Mendeley. I have heard some stuff about ReadCube, but they don't have a Mendeley quick import tool, so… before I go through the hassle of resetting up my library with them, I wondered how it compared to Mendeley. What are its extra features? What is missing? How smooth is it to use, how widely adopted is it, that sort of things…
Comment: Hi Keevs, and welcome to Academia Stack Exchange! *"Is X better than Y questions"* are frowned upon around here, as they are quite subjective (different people want different things in a reference manager). I've edited your question a bit in order to make it more objective, I hope you don't mind! (and if I lost any of the original meaning, please feel free to edit it back in)
Comment: @fileunderwater many questions are localized in time (policies change, application procedures evolve)… that doesn't necessarily make them bad fit for the site. Answers have a date on them, and can be edited (or new answers posted) if things change drastically.
Comment: I think this Q is a poor fit for SE, since program features change over time (ie the Q is localized in time and answers may quickly become obsolete) and answers are likley to be based on personal preferences.
Comment: @F'x true that the problem of "too localized" depends on the question. However, I dont see how this question differs from a shopping question, also program features can change very rapidly.
Answer: From a short comparison of the features listed on the website here is list of Mendeley features that ReadCube doesnt have:

In-text citation insertion and formation: Mendeley has Word and other plugins, ReadCube only exports to Endnote and "your favorite citation software"
Sharing and collaboration features
ReadCube is only a desktop app (no web app), and it doesn't work on Linux
Mendeley has an open API to query its huge database

On the other hand:

ReadCube is used as the online reader for a few publishers: Nature, Frontiers and Wiley.
ReadCube suggests personalized article recommendations (dont know if they're good, though)
Comment: Mendeley also suggests article recommendations based on my library via email. For me they are quite relevant, albeit a bit old.
Answer: Note that when getting articles via Readcube from the journals that support it, you don't actually get a copy of the article. It seems Readcube is one way big publishers are trying to "contain" their copyrighted articles and prevent readers from having a true copy. This article explains some of that:
http://rossmounce.co.uk/2015/03/19/how-to-block-readcube-and-why/
Answer: So I'm a ReadCube user who was a Mendeley user -
ReadCube does have a citation tool for Word and their apps make articles interactive - things like references, authors, figures are clickable - which is pretty neat. Their recommendations are pretty good too if you have enough in your library - otherwise the results can be pretty generic. I guess that makes sense.
I personally prefer it to Mendeley - though I do miss Mendeley's web access part of it. ReadCube has a much better interface. It's like what you'd expect for mainstream tools - intuitive, slick, streamlined. I find the other tools in comparison "science functional" - they work - but look cludgy.
Answer: As of now, one feature that has kept me in Mendeley is that, unlike ReadCube, Mendeley can can keep a bibtex file with all your library references. This file is updated automatically. Readcube requires manual export of selected references.

How does ReadCube compare to Mendeley?


What are the sources concerning the deaths of Peter and Paul

Question: Where do we learn that the deaths of Peter and Paul were during the Neronic persecutions of 64 - 68 AD?  What is the source of this information and is it considered valid?
Comment: Possible duplicate of [How did the Apostles die?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/23853/how-did-the-apostles-die)
Comment: Considered valid by whom?
Answer: John Foxe, in his 'Book of Martyrs', 1563, catalogues his sources regarding the martyrdom of Paul and Peter.
Of the recorded history of Paul's death, Foxe quotes :

Eusebius, Hierom, Maximus, and other authors do but briefly pass it over; so Abdias, (if his book be of any substantial authority,). . . .

Of the sources of the record of Peter's death, he says . . .

Hierom, Egesippus, Eusebius, Abdias, and others, although they do not all precisely agree in the time.

So it would seem that there are limitations in the availability of verifiable historic material.
Comment: I'm not sure Foxe is the best of sources.
Comment: @bradimus I don't have an opinion, myself. He is just a source.
Answer: The first mention is from the Epistle of Clement written circa 96 CE.  It mentions that both Peter and Paul were martyred.  Though not specifying clearly that it was during Nero's reign, it may be inferred (see footnote 31 below).

Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity,28 compelled29 to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west,30 and suffered martyrdom under the prefects.31
footnote 31:  31    That is, under Tigellinus and Sabinus, in the last year of the Emperor Nero; but some think Helius and Polycletus are referred to; and others, both here and in the preceding sentence, regard the words as denoting simply the witness borne by Peter and Paul to the truth of the gospel before the rulers of the earth.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.ii.ii.v.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_of_Clement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero
Answer: Origen (quoted by Eusebius) declared that Paul was beheaded in Rome under the reign of Nero. Although Clement of Rome writes about the martyrdom of Peter, he does not mention Rome.  There does not appear to be any dispute about the time, the place and the manner of Paul's beheading, but not everyone accepts the Church tradition that Peter was martyred in Rome.  Here is a partial quote from an article on the subject:

541    This tradition, that Paul suffered martyrdom in Rome, is early and universal, and disputed by no counter-tradition and may be accepted as the one certain historical fact known about Paul outside of the New Testament accounts. Clement (Ad. Cor. chap. 5) is the first to mention the death of Paul, and seems to imply, though he does not directly state, that his death took place in Rome during the persecution of Nero. Caius (quoted below, §7), a writer of the first quarter of the third century, is another witness to his death in Rome, as is also Dionysius of Corinth (quoted below, §8) of the second century. Origen (quoted by Euseb. III. 1) states that he was martyred in Rome under Nero. Tertullian (at the end of the second century), in his De præscriptione Hær. chap. 36, is still more distinct, recording that Paul was beheaded in Rome. Eusebius and Jerome accept this tradition unhesitatingly, and we may do likewise. As a Roman citizen, we should expect him to meet death by the sword.
542    The tradition that Peter suffered martyrdom in Rome is as old and as universal as that in regard to Paul, but owing to a great amount of falsehood which became mixed with the original tradition by the end of the second century the whole has been rejected as untrue by some modern critics, who go so far as to deny that Peter was ever at Rome. (See especially Lipsius' Die Quellen der römischen Petrus-Sage, Kiel, 1872; a summary of his view is given by Jackson in the Presbyterian Quarterly and Princeton Review, 1876, p. 265 sq. In Lipsius' latest work upon this subject, Die Acta Pauli und Petri, 1887, he makes important concessions.) The tradition is, however, too strong to be set aside, and there is absolutely no trace of any conflicting tradition. We may therefore assume it as overwhelmingly probable that Peter was in Rome and suffered martyrdom there. His martyrdom is plainly referred to in John xxi. 10, though the place of it is not given. The first extra-biblical witness to it is Clement of Rome. He also leaves the place of the martyrdom unspecified (Ad Cor. 5), but he evidently assumes the place as well known, and indeed it is impossible that the early Church could have known of the death of Peter and Paul without knowing where they died, and there is in neither case a single opposing tradition.

Source: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.vii.xxvi.html
Comment: "_His martyrdom is plainly referred to in John xxi. 10, though the place of it is not given._", but John 21:10 says "_Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught._"?
Comment: I only copied and pasted from the article in the link I found, and it said John xxi. 10.  However, the relevant Bible verses are Jesus' prophecy in John 21:18–19. "'Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.' Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God."


Should I use 14/2 Romex or Armored Cable between plaster attic ceiling and exterior roof?

Question: I am running wire for some recessed lights in my finished attic. It is a typical gable roof; the interior is plastered with 2x6 joists. Im curious to know if running Romex in the ceiling between the joists is ok. There is the occasional nail coming through the roof and wondering if this could be an issue. Also, if we ever put a new roof on the house, there could be a stray nail that nicks the Romex. The other alternative is Armored Cable which would be a huge pain...
Answer: The National Electrical Code requires you to maintain 1 ¼" spacing back from the edges of framing members.

*300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage. Where sub-
  ject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables
  shall be protected.
(A) Cables and Raceways Through Wood Members.
(1) Bored Holes. In both exposed and concealed locations,
  where a cable or raceway-type wiring method is installed
  through bored holes in joists, rafters, or wood members,
  holes shall be bored so that the edge of the hole is not less
  than 32 mm (1 ¼") from the nearest edge of the wood
  member. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the
  cable or raceway shall be protected from penetration by
  screws or nails by a steel plate(s) or bushing(s), at least
  1.6 mm (1/16" in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width
  installed to cover the area of the wiring.
Exception No. 1: Steel plates shall not be required to
  protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit,
  rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.
Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plate less than
  1.6 mm (1/16" in.) thick that provides equal or better protec-
  tion against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

So if you drill through the center of your 2x6" rafters you are complying with the NEC.
However, if you are worried about future damage to your wiring from roofers, you could use armored cable. But if a responsible, licensed, insured roofer is hired they should use the proper length nails and there shouldn't be any threat to you cables.
If you really want to overbuild it use rigid pipe and wire and rest easy when the roofers come.
Comment: It's finished space, i don't think the walls would be finished but not the ceiling.  Normally in "old work" you're fishing the walls, possibly making small holes in the plaster in places but not removing much.  You don't have to secure the cable along the rafters if you're fishing it in finished walls / ceilings, certainly isn't subject to physical damage.
Comment: The question was about wiring behind finished plaster on the walls, not subject to physical damage.
Comment: Uhh actually he said ceiling not walls and he is talking about wiring between the rafters so I assume he is removing some of the plaster to accomplish this. The code reference still stands you need to maintain a 1 ¼" clearance from the edge of the rafters even if you run parallel to them.
Comment: Ok yeah I see what you are saying. If he is fishing it then I don't why he's worried about roofing nails. But I guess he will have to figure that part out.
Comment: Actually thought of one more thing though. To get from the wall to the ceiling he will have to remove plaster at the top plate and drill through it. It sounds like it will be a lot of remodel unless he already has lights in the ceiling to run out of.
Comment: You're right, fishing from wall to ceiling is usually a lot of trouble.  You use a flex bit and drill the hole from below (maybe removing an outlet box or switch box) and make a small handhole in the plaster below the top plate.  Repairing the handhole is  not that bad.
Answer: You can argue that NM is less likely to get damaged in old work where you're fishing it unsupported behind an existing wall.  Since it isn't stapled down inside the wall, a nail is more likely to push it around than penetrate it.
Personally I'd use MC cable for the reasons you mention.  I think anyone would agree that there's less chance of dangerous arcing than with NM, even if it's a longshot with NM.
MC isn't really so hard to work with.  Hardest part might be upgrading to metal boxes where it ties in to existing cabling, if you have plastic boxes.
There's always wiremold...
Answer: When I add lights like this it depends on the insulation , if it is insulated and I have to remove plaster I will staple NM on the side in the middle of the rafters
even older 2x4" construction this meets code if I have to drill I use the center in most cases or a steel plate to protect the wires if less than 1-1/4" from either edge of the 2x4 / 2x6 with the wires centered I have never put a nail through NM or been called back when contractors did the finish work for a dammaged wire. no insulation we usually punch holes and use old work boxes wire is free to move arround this is not as good of an install as the wire is not stapled and the boxes are only held in with "wings" to the sheetrock/ plaster but on remodels they have never red tagged a job like this
Answer: unless he is talking about running romex above the trusses in between batting, like if the roof isnt sheeted, then as long as he nails it 1&1/4" away from any surface that will get nailed: use romex! i wouldn't even run mc cable up above the trusses, if that's even what he's talking about. who knows. i can't think of any reason whatsoever to use mc cable up there. mc cable isn't even rated for being subject to physical damage, like flex is.


What is the best way to improve your skills in BJJ (gi and no-gi) and become a black belt in short period?

Question: There are many fighters like BJ PENN and Demian Maia that got their BJJ black belt in short period. Many say BJ Penn received it after 3 years of training - on Wikipedia they mention Demian Maia got his black belt after training 4 years and 7 months. What are their training schedule and how did they manage to receive their black belts in such a short period?
Comment: @slugster You seem to be using standards for Japanese arts to measure how normal 3-5 years to black belt is. A black belt in BJJ usually takes 8-10 years. BJ Penn and Demian Maia advanced to the highest levels in an incredibly short period of time.
Comment: That's not really a short period of time, especially when training three or four times a week. And arguably it would be made easier if they had experience in other martial arts before starting BJJ.
Answer: BJ Penn and Demian Maia
The training results of BJ Penn and Demian Maia cannot be replicated at will. Some people just have natural gifts. Luck also plays a factor, as does physicality, especially as relates to avoiding injury.
Without discounting the tremendous amount of hard work that he put into training, BJ Penn was bestowed with natural physical talent. Combining that with full time training, as in multiple times a day for at least five days a week, he was able to advance quickly. Note that BJ also had a little haphazard BJJ training from a TKD instructor who was also a BJJ blue belt. I believe that TKD instructor is current BJJ black belt competitive monster Keenan Cornelius' father, Tom Callos, who has talked in interviews about training with BJ in the early days.
Demian Maia had some early exposure to judo, but it's unclear what exactly made him able to advance so quickly. Some people just do.
Advancing Quickly
The best way to advance quickly in BJJ, as with any skill, is to train frequently. The top players in the art today train full time: multiple times a day, at least five days a week. They train at schools with world champions and copious sparring partners. They sacrifice many other elements of their life. They train hard, they spar with everybody, they think about the sport constantly, they analyze top-level matches, and many of them do strength and conditioning to keep themselves injury-free and in top condition.
Comment: @BadaBoom Gianni Grippo, newly promoted black belt, says at about [4:00 of this video](http://youtu.be/6_IEg-qbdZg?t=4m) that during his early days of training as an adolescent, he'd train an hour of gi and an hour of no-gi, 6 days a week. I think if anything he does more now as an elite adult competitor.
Comment: Can you provide sources of how they train. Do they roll every day? How do they manage to train multiple times in a day? As a working person is it realizable?
Comment: @BadaBoom I have no sources, it's just what is commonly recognized and stated casually. Yes they roll 5-6 days a week, though perhaps not in every workout. They manage it with a lot of effort, sacrifice, and tradeoffs. Every person's situation is different but it is very difficult to train 10+ times a week if you have a job...but I hear of people that manage it.
Answer: Train More.
The only real way to get better at anything, and especially Brazillian Jiujitsu, is to train more. That's the only answer.
The reason Demian Maia, BJ Penn, Kid Dale etc got their black belts in a few years, is because they trained 2 or 3 sessions a day, 6 days a week at their prime for competitions etc. You can not only pack a lot of years of training into your time that way, but this constant, intense focus, can really help you see.
The other reason they advanced quickly is the quality of instruction and training partners they had. It is much easier to get better quickly at Brazillian Jiujitsu when all your training partners are really good black belts. White belts spazz, they're not very good to train with because they don't know what they're doing; that's okay, they're whitebelts, they're in survival-mode, but when you constantly have to worry about not getting accidentally elbowed, or somebody cranking an arm because they have no clue, you cannot train properly. Black belts who can tell you exactly when to move where at every position are much more useful training partners.
They also likely made sacrifices in their daily life to train so much; after 3 trainings a day, you don't want to do social things with all your non training friends. Sometimes they won't understand and you'll drift apart. Those are sacrifices you might have to make.
And no doubt they were a little talented to boot.
But the key here is, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get a black belt; if you do it right you're going to be grappling for the rest of your life; what does the color of the belt you wear right now matter? It doesn't, just focus on being a better training partner, competitor, student and person, be diligent and study at home.
Comment: Last paragraph says it all. Very good answer
Answer: I wouldn't compare yourself with BJ Penn unless you're a kid who can train several hours every day without fail. I think you need to evaluate why you are training in BJJ. If you are training to get your belts as quick as possible then I suggest you stop training as this is not the best mentality to have. BJJ is not something you will get instant gratification from, you will not learn everything in 3 years, you will not get your black belt in that time either.
The average time scale for someone to attain the black belt level is 7/8 years of consistent training. However, even at that level I know guys who feel they have just started learning.
I should point out here there are no quick fixes for BJJ, you can't download a video or buy a box set that will tell you the secrets to getting a black belt.
The formula for getting a black belt is to train consistently every week and have fun. Those guys who train just to get belts and win medals are the ones who drop off very quickly.
If all you care about is belts then I would give up now. It's the man not the belt that matters.
Comment: Ok, you want Black belt level skills in as fast a time as possible! Ask yourself this: How long does it take to learn a language? Probably about 5/10 years unless you're a kid who can absorb everything super quick just like BJ Penn did in 3 years with his black belt. My advice to you is forget about trying to be the best and having the best skills as quick as possible and just have fun. The more you enjoy it the quicker you will progress. If you're THAT guy at the gym who only cares about being the best as quick as possible you're going to progress very slowly.
Answer: A quick way to gain a blackbelt in BJJ is

basically to train in you Dojo at least 4 times a week with your sensei(the one awarding the belt) present.
Compete in events representing your school/dojo and win
Pay for it

Ok now i will explain why.
1 and 2 is self explanatory. It is important the you train hard and be seen training hard. In the end when you are up for evaluation, it will all come down to how often you are seen participating. Bringing pride to the school will further increase your chances.
And as for 3,rare cases, where progression can be achieved with donation. If this is the case, I would advise you not to continue there.
So yeah, in a nutshell, train hard / compete hard and be seen doing it.
Getting a black belt in BJJ within 4 -5 years is basically a rare thing. Most ppl get it around 10 yrs if they are consistent.
Answer: If you want to advance quickly, train six days per week. That's all I have to say. And practice at home whenever you can't train. Find ways of training in impossible places, even on vacation in hotels, just for an hour a day. Constantly training will ENSURE you advance at MAXIMUM speed. That doesn't mean however, that you need to be a world champion. Plus, if you advance too quickly, you might not master the moves you are currently learning.
It's better to master your current moves first. THEN move on to the next thing.
If you train six days a week though, you may not have the body type or build to train that much. Some people don't. Train as much as you can, given whatever your medical condition is. If you can train six days a week, train six days a week. If you have slightly lower muscle tone, that's fine. You don't have to be a world champion to do well with martial arts. Then just train four days a week instead.
Just DON'T try to find an excuse to train ONE day a week and never practice. Then you'll NEVER get good.


How do I cast my 31st vote?

Question: I just cast 30 votes, all on answers.  I then tried to vote on some questions, and was denied, with the message "Daily vote limit reached".  I thought I was allowed an additional 10 votes on questions only, after I had cast my limit of 30 votes on answers.
Answer: The additional 10 votes on questions comes into play if you've distributed your votes to questions and answers prior to the 30-vote limit, instead of just answers.
In a nutshell:

Cast 30 votes to all answers: you get 30 votes
Cast 30 votes to questions and answers(roughly 1 question vote for every 3 votes), you get 40.
Comment: This Q/A is a bit old... perhaps it's still handled the same. So, should @Scott have cast his (up to) 10 votes for questions first, then would he have been able to cast 30 votes for Answers? Or, would they need to be more evenly distributed? In any case, this sounds a bit "counter-intuitive" since after casting 30 votes: a mixture of 10-Questions, and 20-Answers, you would be allowed up to an add'l 10 votes for **Answers** (probably actually 10 add'l votes for Q's OR A's), which sounds opposite. Perhaps a better way to look at it: your FIRST 10 question votes don't count in the 30 vote limit.

How do I cast my 31st vote?


Remove duplicate labels between two identical points

Question: I have two spatially identical points that represent two apartments in one building under one address. I only need to label the address, not the apartment number, and the client does not want me to merge the points into one. So, I'm now left with two identical labels for one building. Is there an easy way to remove duplicate labels that exist between two separate features? I just need to show the address once.
Comment: Take a look at this existing [gis stack exchange answer](https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/164519/removing-duplicate-labels-in-arcmap).
Comment: @GeoSharp none of those solutions work for my problem. I can't make any invisible feature layers or buffers etc, because this is a feature class that is used to query addresses on a map service. "Remove duplicate labels" also, for some reason, does not actually remove the duplicated labels.
Comment: Are you able to add field to this layer?
Answer: You need to use Maplex labeling. The Remove Duplicate option in Label Density works there. In the linked example, they were not using Maplex. Set the distance to a big distance because it sounds like you'll never want to label the same address twice.


Pleiades atmospheric correction

Question: I have phr1a and phr1b images (Pleiades) and I need to make atmospheric correction. First, I tried to do this by using Envi FLAASH. by the way, I tried also ERDAS atcor but there was also same conversion problem. I did radiometric correction but I couldn't do atmospheric correction because every time the software has the error of  ACC error:convert7. Does anybody have any idea how to overcome this problem?
Answer: FLAASH in envi is very sensitive.
1) your result must be saved in other drives (not drive C).
2) you should make a folder for saving FLAASH result specifically.
3) you should enter any name as root name, because the root name box in empty.
4) you should enter a single address for output reflectance file and output directories.
good luck,
Comment: Why can't it be saved to a location on C?, seems a major drawback if your PC only has a C: drive.  Perhaps it can only be save to drives that have public write?

Pleiades atmospheric correction