text:
Cybersecurity Bill Backers Insist This Isn't SOPA... But Is It Needed?
from the think-they're-scared? deptLots of folks have been waiting on the Senate's version of the cybersecurity bill that's been talked about for a while, and what's clear from the details and the press release put out by the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee is that the folks behind this bill are bending over backwards to point out that this bill is not like SOPA:
The Senators stressed that the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 in no way resembles the Stop Online Piracy Act or the Protect Intellectual Property Act, which involved the piracy of copyrighted information on the internet. The Cybersecurity Act involves the security of systems that control the essential services that keep our nation running—for instance, power, water, and transportation.Indeed, the details make it clear that the bill is much more limited than previous versions (or suggestions). For example it has dropped the idea of a "kill switch" (which was already exaggerated) and made it clear that private companies could appeal any security regulations that they fall under. It certainly appears that the bill is designed to be limited by focusing on core "critical infrastructure" -- such that it only will apply to those facilities where a disruption "would cause mass death, evacuation, or major damage to the economy, national security, or daily life." Of course, that could be interpreted broadly. Hell, the MPAA would argue that file sharing created "major damage to the economy," even if there's little to no evidence to support that.
A bigger question, however, should be whether there is any empirical evidence that we need this cybersecurity bill. I'm not saying that it's absolutely not needed -- and I'm glad that it appears the backers of the bill are trying to bend over backwards to hear from all concerned parties (and to avoid a SOPA-like situation). But one of the key things that we learned from SOPA is that Congress needs to stop pushing legislation without real evidence of the nature of the problem, and the evidence here remains lacking. The article linked above, by Jerry Brito and Tate Watkins, highlights all of the hype around cybersecurity and the near total lack of evidence of a problem, other than ominous "trust us, it's a problem!" scare-mongering. They have three suggestions before moving forward with cybersecurity legislation:
- Stop the apocalyptic rhetoric. The alarmist scenarios dominating policy discourse may be good for the cybersecurity-industrial complex, but they aren't doing real security any favors.
- Declassify evidence relating to cyber threats. Overclassification is a widely acknowledged problem, and declassification would allow the public to verify the threats rather than blindly trusting self-interested officials.
- Disentangle the disparate dangers that have been lumped together under the "cybersecurity" label. This must be done to determine who is best suited to address which threats. In cases of cybercrime and cyberespionage, for instance, private network owners may be best suited and have the best incentives to protect their own valuable data, information, and reputations.
Of course, who knows if this bill will ever actually get anywhere. Already, many in the Senate are pushing back and asking Senator Harry Reid to slow down with the bill.
Filed Under: cybersecurity, fear, hype, laws, online security, regulations, sopa


text:
Lifelike Marissa May "Sweet Miracles Of Life" Poseable Dolls
True-to-life So Truly Real® baby dolls by artist Marissa May feature RealTouch® vinyl skin, are poseable and dressed in darling outfits.
Measure 45.7 cm L
- Price:
- s&s◇
There's nothing more delightful and absolutely adorable than a newborn baby to have and to hold. Now you can cherish this moment forever with the So Truly Real® Sweet Miracles of Life Baby Doll Collection by award-winning doll artist Marissa May. Your newborn baby doll collection begins with Issue One, Abby Rose. Soon the Sweet Miracles of Life Baby Doll Collection will continue with Issue Two and additional So Truly Real® baby dolls, each a separate issue to follow.
Available exclusively from The Ashton-Drake Galleries, each baby doll in the collection is created by Marissa May, and handcrafted in baby soft RealTouch® vinyl skin and is fully poseable. Created to look and feel like precious newborns, each So Truly Real® baby doll arrives wearing a darling outfit and a melt-your-heart expression. Demand is expected to be high, so don't delay. Open your heart and arms to the Sweet Miracles of Life Baby Doll Collection and order now!
- Cherish the delight of holding a newborn in your arms forever with the So Truly Real® Sweet Miracles of Life Baby Doll Collection by award-winning doll artist Marissa May, available only from The Ashton-Drake Galleries
- Each newborn in this baby doll collection has realistic wisps of hair and is handcrafted in RealTouch® vinyl skin that is baby soft and each doll is fully poseable
- Every baby doll in the collection arrives wearing a specially designed darling outfit and a melt-your-heart expression
- Certificates of Authenticity
- Measure 45.7 cm L
- Reserves the entire collectible Sweet Miracles of Life Baby Doll Collection from The Ashton-Drake Galleries in your name so you never risk an increase on the price of other collectibles in this collection, or miss a single issue of this collection
- Each issue will be shipped to you for your review, about one every month or two (pending availability), at the same low issue price and charged to the credit card on which your order was placed. No need to order each one separately
- You may cancel your collection at any time with no obligation
- "Issue One - Abby Rose," will be followed by "Issue Two" and additional baby dolls as they become available
©2013 The Ashton-Drake Galleries

subset: commoncrawl


text:
UH Health Services to host "Great American Smokeout" health fair on Nov. 16
Event coincides with Hawaii's new smoking banUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Health Promotion Office
HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Health Services Office will host a health fair on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the UH Campus Center Mall in recognition of the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" and the new Smoke Free Hawaiʻi law, which takes effect on this day.
Volunteers and staff from the Health Promotion Office will promote healthy lifestyles and encourage people to take advantage of University Health Services' free tobacco cessation program. In addition, members from the community will offer free frozen yogurt, massages, fitness training and other healthy alternatives to smoking.
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the number one preventable cause of death and illness in the United States and in Hawaiʻi, claiming more lives than car crashes, homicides, suicides, fires, AIDS and alcohol and other drug use combined. In addition, many college age students have smoked for years because they started as teenagers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each day more than 6,000 persons under the age of 18 years try their first cigarette and more than 3,000 persons in this age group become daily smokers. Secondhand smoke is also the third leading cause of preventable death in the country, killing 53,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. each year.
To help curb secondhand smoke in Hawaiʻi, Gov. Linda Lingle approved Senate Bill 3262, banning smoking in all public places, including bars, restaurants, office buildings, and work places beginning on Nov. 16. Hawaiʻi is one of 13 states to become smoke-free.
For more information about the health fair, contact Dana McCurdy at 956-3574.


text:
Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.Add your Review
Reggie from Grifton, NC
Reviewer is A current student here.
1 of 2
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students
do come to lcc.
In three sentences
its whack i'm in a block class and wont receive no help till DEC. i stay by myself and unemployed and i'm not receiving no help from my school. i fell like they want me to drop out.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
Jesica from Seven Springs, NC
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 2 of 2
Categories Comments Bang for the buck
I know I will get back the money I put into LCC through my grades and hard work.
Will enjoy being here
I know i will enjoy Lcc because it's a small college with a few familiar faces.
Will learn a lot
I have to go to this college to get my prerequisites completed. Then I plan to transfer to Wayne because Lenoir does not offer the dental hygiene program.
Login to rate or flag the reviews


text:
Digital Archiving: Where the Past Lives Again
Kevin B. Paxson
20219 Eden Pines, Spring, TX 77379
Presented at the 100th Annual Meeting of the AAVSO, October 8, 2011; received October 21, 2011; revised February 2, 2012; accepted February 14, 2012
The process of digital archiving for variable star data by manual entry with an Excel spreadsheet is described. Excel-based tools including a Step Magnitude Calculator and a Julian Date Calculator for variable star observations where magnitudes and Julian dates have not been reduced are presented. Variable star data in the literature and the AAVSO International Database prior to 1911 are presented and reviewed, with recent archiving work being highlighted. Digitization using optical character recognition software conversion is also demonstrated, with editing and formatting suggestions for the OCR-converted text.


text:
Crutsinger's Crud, Part 2: AP Reporter Again Erroneously Cites Cost of Wars As 'Major' Deficit Factor
Does the Associated Press's Martin Crutsinger moonlight as a Code Pink operative?
There has to be something that explains what I'll call his Iraqnaphobia.
Last month (at NewsBusters; at BizzyBlog), the AP reporter erroneously cited the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as a "major factor" explaining why "the deficit has widened." In a quick review of the related June 2009 Monthly Treasury Statement, I cited three examples of higher spending in other areas of government that were larger than last year, both in dollar and percentage terms, than the $33 billion, 7% increase in total defense spending. NB commenter Arminius further pointed out that "Our military spending amounts to 5 percent of GDP. Iraq and Afghanistan amount to 15 percent of that 5 percent. Obviously, as Tom notes, larger culprits are responsible for the massive deficit."
It's simply not possible that the two wars could be a "major factor." No matter – This month, in an otherwise fairly decent report, Crutsinger did it again (bold after title is mine):
Federal deficit higher in July, $1.27T this year
The federal deficit climbed higher into record territory in July, hitting $1.27 trillion with two months remaining in the budget year.
The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the July deficit totaled $180.7 billion, slightly more than the $177.5 billion economists had expected.
The Obama administration is projecting that when the current budget year ends on Sept. 30, the imbalance will total $1.84 trillion, more than four times last year's record-high.
The soaring deficits have raised worries among foreign owners of U.S. Treasury securities including the Chinese, the largest holder of such debt.
Massive amounts of government spending to combat the recession and stabilize the U.S. financial system have pushed the deficit higher. The cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with depleted government tax revenues, also are major factors.
This time, referring to Table 3 the July Monthly Treasury Statement, total defense spending through ten months of the fiscal year has been $531 billion, up 8.1% from $491 billion at the same time last year. That $40 billion difference hardly is "major" in the context of a total deficit increase so far this year of almost $900 billion ($1.266 trillion through July 31, compared to $377 billion last year). If Arminius's 15% estimate for the cost of the two wars as a percentage of the total defense budget is accurate (that would annualize out to about $100 billion, which seems about right based on information I have seen in previous years), you could zero out the entire war effort and not even make a 10% dent in the projected year-over-year deficit increase of almost $1.4 trillion ($1.84 trillion this year vs. $455 billion last year).
Bigger contributors to the enlarged deficit on the spending side Crutsinger should have individually cited, instead of lumping them all into a "spending to combat the recession" catch-all, include:
- HHS, up $95 billion, or 16.3%.
- Department of Labor, up $62 billion, or 131% (you read that right).
- Social Security Administration (mostly not a recession-related increase), up $62 billion, or 11.4%.
- "Other" (all within Treasury Department itself, not described in detail anywhere else), up $232 billion, or 228% (you read that right).
On the collections side, the roughly $550 billion decline in receipts through 10 months ($1.74 trillion this year vs. $2.29 trillion last year, before other adjustments I would normally make, but won't now in the interest of space) is almost 14 times bigger than the total increase in defense spending, and totally dwarfs whatever miniscule increases might have occurred in the Iraq and Afghan theaters of the War on Terror (am I allowed to say that?).
On this one, Crutsinger is clearly cracked. The AP is pathetically ignorant and/or deeply negligent in allowing his Iraqnaphobia to stand uncorrected, as it almost surely will.
Cross-posted at NewsBusters.org.


text:
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas' support for backup quarterback AJ Derby has been evident since he replaced injured starter Brandon Allen last Saturday.
One of the best examples was its explanation for Derby's struggles handling shotgun snaps in the 24-3 win against Southern Miss.
Fourth-year starter Travis Swanson, who has seldom had a problem with quarterback-center exchanges throughout his career, took "100 percent" responsibility for the troubles after the game. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney wouldn't let Swanson shoulder the blame alone, either, saying it was his fault for not having Derby prepared for the velocity of Swanson's snaps.
"I'll take the blame for that," Chaney said. "I was unaware of the differences and the level of the snap from the No. 2 center to Travis. I didn't really have AJ ready to go."
The response isn't unusual from a team captain and offensive coordinator. The rest of the Razorbacks have shown similar support, too, as they prepare for the realistic possibility that Allen won't play at Rutgers because of a shoulder injury.
Coach Bret Bielema has not publicly ruled Allen out, saying Monday his availability depends on how quickly the shoulder heals. But it's clear players and coaches have rallied around Derby as they prepare for the road trip to Piscataway, N.J.
"It's next man in," Arkansas receivers coach Michael Smith said after Tuesday's practice, which was held inside the Walker Pavilion. "We're ready for AJ to come in and pick up where Brandon left off. We are going to do everything we can to try to support him and make him feel as comfortable as we can out there on the field."
Derby's debut wasn't impressive statistically. He completed 4 of 6 passes for 36 yards in relief of Allen against Southern Miss, spending most of his time on the field handing the ball to running backs Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins and Kiero Small.
The conservative approach produced Arkansas' lowest single-game passing total since 2006, when the Hogs had 62 yards in a 31-26 loss to LSU. But it was more than enough to help the Razorbacks grind their way to a victory in Derby's first game.
Chaney said Derby's execution in the offense was an important part of the win.
"I think AJ's got a wonderful feel for the game of football," Chaney said. "He gets it. He understands if there are 10 guys over here and one guy over there, let's run over there. He's got some common sense about him when it comes to playing football and he's really improved his throwing motion to be able to throw the ball more accurately than he ever has. I'm happy for him because he's worked really hard."
Bielema didn't recruit Derby as a quarterback out of high school when he was coaching Wisconsin. Instead, the Badgers saw him as a linebacker or tight end.
But Bielema — who played at Iowa with Derby's father — said he has plenty of confidence that the Iowa City native can make plays with his arm now.
"I think a quarterback, obviously, a lot goes into how well you throw the football," Bielema said. "But a lot goes into how well you can read defenses. How well you can read coverages. Make the right decisions. I think AJ's personality, he's got a little bit of that confidence, swagger. The kids like him and are engaged with him.
"But, obviously, he believes he's a quarterback, which, to me, is everything."
Derby's teammates believe it, too, after working with him since the spring.
Derby — who went to Iowa but transferred after being moved to linebacker late in the 2011 season — walked on at Arkansas after playing one season at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. He spent spring practice third on the depth chart and moved up to No. 2 after Brandon Mitchell transferred to North Carolina State.
"He's a good quarterback," Small said last Saturday. "He makes all the checks and things in practice. The same ones BA does. I knew that he had a grip on the game plan and things of that sort. Just getting his nerves, first time in there for a long period of time, so just helping him with his nerves and things.
"He did a pretty good job of leading this team (Saturday)."
Chaney said the biggest key was simply getting Derby to calm down after working his way through a few series in the first half.
He showed more confidence after halftime, completing two passes on a drive that ended with Jonathan Williams' touchdown run. Williams said Derby has shown the same control in practice as Arkansas' preparation for Rutgers began Tuesday.
"Just like every week," Williams said when asked how Derby is preparing for a potential start. "Before he was a starter he came out and worked hard every day at practice and took the field as if he was a starter and it hasn't changed."
Derby and the rest of the quarterbacks have been placed off limits for interviews this week. But the junior said after Saturday's game the support from coaches and players "made the adjustment" from backup to starter easy against Southern Miss.
It's clear the Razorbacks have continued to rally around him this week as well.
"I think he handled (Saturday) pretty well and I know he's taking this week serious," Arkansas receiver Julian Horton said. "Very serious because (it's) his first start probably - his first start – and just to get prepared for it. He's getting ready for it."


text:
Coenzyme Q-10
What is coenzyme Q-10?
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10, CoQ10 or ubiquinone) exists in abundance in every human and animal body. It is an essential component of the mitochondria, which are the parts of the cell that produce energy from oxygen. It is thus especially important to the function of organs with a high demand for oxygen, including the heart and the brain, resulting in coenzyme Q-10 being studied as a treatment for heart disease and Parkinson's disease in humans. Because Coenzyme Q-10 has a natural affinity for oxygen and other oxidizing compounds, it binds to them and serves also as an antioxidant.
Why recommend administration of coenzyme Q-10 to my pet?
Coenzyme Q-10 is potentially useful to support the function of any organ with a very high energy requirement, including the heart muscle. Not surprisingly, then, research has shown a significant correlation between reduced levels of CoQ-10 and the incidence of heart disease. Coenzyme Q-10 thus is a standard inclusion in many supplements designed to improve heart function.
"Coenzyme Q-10 is potentially useful to support the function of any organ with a very high energy requirement..."
As an antioxidant CoQ-10 is used where oxidizing chemicals are causing significant cell damage, leading to the
formation of cancer cells and chronic inflammatory changes.
How much experience is there with the use of coenzyme Q-10 in pets?
Coenzyme Q-10 has been used in people and pets for several years for the treatment of heart disease. Double blinded studies of CoQ-10 show a clear improvement in heart function in patients with chronic heart disease. Recently it has been recommended for treating cancer and gingivitis, although research evidence is lacking. Improved outcomes have been reported in patients receiving both CoQ-10 and chemotherapy for cervical cancer.
What species of animals are being treated regularly with coenzyme Q-10?
Dogs and cats are the pets most commonly prescribed coenzyme Q-10.
How much research has been conducted on this supplement?
Coenzyme Q-10 has shown effectiveness in research studies conducted on dogs with heart disease and heart failure. Clinical experience suggests its effectiveness for pets with periodontal disease and as part of a cancer protocol. Coenzyme Q-10 has been shown to protect against heart damage caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy (such as Adriamycin).
How can my pet benefit from coenzyme Q-10?
For pets with heart disease, coenzyme Q-10 can help the heart function as optimally as possible. Effects of CoQ-10 alone are probably only mild to moderate, but research suggests there may be a synergistic (complementary) interaction between CoQ-10 and other cardiac medications. A reduction in heart muscle pathology (abnormality) has been demonstrated in dogs with heart disease receiving CoQ-10, and a slowing of the progression of clinical signs has been observed clinically.
How successful is coenzyme Q-10?
CoQ-10 appears very successful in helping pets with mild cardiac disease. It can be used as an adjunctive therapy along with conventional medications for pets with more severe heart disease. Many holistic veterinarians recommend using 1 mg per pound of body weight daily, which is much higher than the typical recommended dose of 15-30 mg per pet per day. CoQ-10 is an expensive supplement for larger dogs when used at the dosage of 1 mg per pound per day.
"CoQ-10 appears very successful in helping pets with mild cardiac disease."
Based on the small amount of research that has been conducted in humans, coenzyme Q-10 may be helpful for pets with elevated blood pressure, diabetes, immune problems, and decreased physical performance.
"Coenzyme Q-10 levels decrease in people and pets as they age..."
Since coenzyme Q-10 levels decrease in people and pets as they age, supplementation of older pets may be warranted.
How safe is coenzyme Q-10?
CoQ-10 appears to be extremely safe. No significant side effects have been found. Veterinary supervision is advised, however, to ensure that pets with severe heart disease are improving and that any declines in function are addressed. The maximum safe dosages of CoQ-10 for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined; the same is true for pets of similar circumstances.
Where do I obtain coenzyme Q-10 and do I need a prescription?
Pet owners are cautioned against buying supplements without knowledge of the manufacturer, as supplements are not highly regulated and some supplements may not contain the labeled amount of coenzyme Q-10. Your veterinarian may have preferred brands of supplements that he or she will recommend. A prescription is not needed for coenzyme Q-10 supplements.
This client information sheet is based on material written by:
© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.


text:
Hats off to Apple, BootCamp is a nicely wrought utility. It's delivered through BootCamp Assistant (BCA), which does its level best to make the Windows XP installation process as smooth as possible. The download incorporates almost all of the drivers you'll need for Apple's hardware, and BCA makes an installer disc for you. Once that's done, the utility dynamically repartitions your hard drive without forcing your Mac OS X partition to be reformatted, saving you (hopefully) from having to back up your data and applications, then reinstalling them again after you're reinstalled Mac OS X. As ever, Apple's UI is simple and easy to grasp: just drag the boundary between the two partitions to set it. As you go, the window always tells you how much free space you have.
If you tire of Windows, BCA will also remove the Windows partition, destroying all your Windows apps and data. Back to the install, once BCA has repartitioned your hard drive, it asks you to insert your Windows XP disc - Home Edition or Professional, but they must both be Service Pack 2 - and then restarts our machine from the CD.
Sponsored: Webcast: Ransomware has gone nuclear


text:
Register and save time!
Register with us for future convenience:
- Fast and easy check out
- Easy access to your order history and status
Filter by:Clear All
The Marketo ODBC Driver is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with live Marketo data, directly from any applications that support ODBC connectivity.
Access Marketo like you would a database - read, write, and update Leads, Opportunities, Channels, Campaigns, etc. through a standard ODBC Driver interface.
Powerful SSIS Source & Destination Components that allows you to easily connect SQL Server with live Marketo data through SSIS Workflows.
Use the Marketo Data Flow Components to synchronize with Leads, Opportunities, Channels, Campaigns, etc. Perfect for data synchronization, local back-ups, workflow automation, and more!


text:
Here is another to dream about.
This is a subject that has always interested me, however, like many people, income and hobbies do not always co-exist. This has never quelled my interest and "one day" it may all happen. [i'm a glass half full person].
This particular video is more towards the expensive area of the hobby but is worth a look.
I'm still dreaming.
Here is another to dream about.
But I never wanted to go this far lol
Well Ranald,
Here is something more affordable [maybe], the sound capability adds to the realism.
I like this one, slow speed running looks good.
Well if all that work laying railway lines is too much, then, why not try independent rail free recreation??????
A steam engine rally at Exbury gardens, with full size and scale model traction engines clunking around the pathways.
Thank you Gordon for the link(s).......
I had all the castings for the Stuart Beam engine, but when the family cleared the attic, out went the lot.....
I still have an old Myford 3.5 lathe in the attic and it still works.
Ah me...... where does all the time go that was planned for retirement ? I rather think computing too over.... !
Here are some smaller model railway setups that may interest you, also all the hints you need on various aspects of the hobby,
It's all part of the "Model-Railways-Live" experience which is set up by [I think} "British Railway Modelling" magazine. They have quite a few [66] videos on Youtube .... this is their site http://www.youtube.com/user/ModelRai...e?feature=mhee
Now here is just one of the videos................
I added one more..............just for interest.....it is featured in the June 2012 issue of the magazine [first time I have purchased it'
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
Brittle Torte
This was my mom's favorite special-occasion cake. When I was in high school, she often asked me to make it for her. The homemade brittle gives it a satisfying crunch. —Phyllis Murphey, Lower Lake, California
Total TimePrep: 50 min. Bake: 50 min. + cooling
Makes12 servings
- 8 eggs, separated
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Let eggs stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
- Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 325°. Combine flour, sugar and salt. Whisk egg yolks, water, lemon juice and vanilla; add to flour mixture. Beat until blended.
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form; fold into batter. Spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake 50-60 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely.
- For topping, grease a 15x10x1-in. pan. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water and coffee granules. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
- Remove from heat; stir in baking soda. Immediately pour into prepared pan. Stretch brittle in pan with two forks; cool. Break into pieces. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.
- Unmold cake; cut horizontally into four layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with 1/2 cup whipped cream. Repeat layers twice; top with remaining layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining cream. Sprinkle with brittle.
Nutrition Facts1 slice: 465 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
Recommended Video
Jan 11, 2011
I made this over the holidays for a celebration with friends. The cake was good with a vanilla flavor and more of a angel food texture. The brittle did not turn out. I have made peanut brittle many times and I am familiar with the process. On both attempts at making the brittle it burned. Once you got to the step where it said not to stir, it burnt. I had to run to the store at the last minute and get toffee pieces.


text:
Registration and Title Bulletin - #018-11
Date: April 21, 2011
All County Tax Assessor-Collectors
Subject: CORRECTED COPY: Capture of Vehicle Color in the Registration and Title System
These documents contain text of correspondence sent by TxDMV to the county tax assessor-collectors, statutory agents who provide vehicle registration and titling services for citizens in Texas. This information is provided to apprise the general public of issues affecting the state's vehicle titling and registration process.
This RTB rescinds RTB#017-11
To inform you that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division will begin capturing vehicle color through the Title Event in the Registration and Title Systems (RTS)
The functionality to capture vehicle color will be available in RTS Version 6.7.0 which is set for statewide release on May 2, 2011 and pilot release (i.e.: Hays County, Montgomery County, and Smith County) on April 20, 2011. The entry of the Major Vehicle Color will be mandatory on all new and used vehicle title transactions starting July 2, 2011; more information will follow in RTS Release Notes. The grace period from May 2 to July 1 allows counties to complete any pending dealer title transactions.
The Form 130-U, Application for Texas Certificate of Title, has been updated with two new form fields: "13. Major Vehicle Color" and "13a. Minor Vehicle Color (two-colored)." A Vehicle Color Chart has also been created. The revised Form 130-U and a Vehicle Color Chart will be distributed to all county tax offices and posted to the TxDMV website. Attached for your convenience is a sample of the new Form 130-U and the Vehicle Color Chart. Please note the vehicle color choices must be completed by dealers, in dealer sales, or customers in a private sale. Dealers and customers must select the color(s) from the list below that best resembles the vehicle color of the vehicle being titled
There are 16 vehicle color choices in RTS based on the National Crime Information Center standard:
The Major Vehicle Color is the primary color that covers most, if not all, of the vehicle. The Minor Vehicle Color is the secondary color that covers less of the vehicle (e.g. standard two-toned vehicles, custom paint job, etc.), and is only required to be entered into RTS if the customer has indicated two colors on the application. If the vehicle has two colors, the predominant color must be shown as the Major Color and the secondary color as the Minor Color. For camouflaged or multi-colored vehicles the two most predominant colors should be shown as Major and Minor Vehicle Colors.
Please distribute this information to your staff as appropriate.
- Any existing Form 130-U's may be used to capture vehicle color by having customers write in the vehicle color in the shaded box after bo x "12. Vehicle Unit No."
- Automated versions of the Form 130-U, Application for Texas Certificate of Title, created by the counties must be updated with the new fields listed above.
- RTS will not support the last two versions of DTA software on July 2, 2011.
- If a customer (private sale) presents an old Form 130-U, they may write in the vehicle color in the shaded colored box after box "12. Vehicle Unit No." This will preclude the buyer from completing sa "Statement of Fact" as previously mentioned.
If you have any questions, please contact your local VTR Regional Office.


text:
Chefs' Secrets: Picnikins' Lemon Posset
Dear Pat: My husband and I had dinner at Picnikins, a wonderful restaurant that we have recently discovered. On previous visits, we had enjoyed their lunch items — soups (love their Roasted Poblano) and fabulous gourmet sandwiches — but the evening menu was even more impressive.
We had their "signature dish" called Cape Malay Beef Curry (amazing!), and then ordered an unbelievable dessert called Lemon Posset. I'll leave the main course up to the chef (and come back for it again soon), but I'm so enthralled with the dessert that I'm hoping they will share that recipe. Thank you.
Dear Gail: The term posset may be new to you, but once tasted, you'll place it firmly in your vocabulary and your recipe file. Picnikins owners André and Cheryl Bezuidenhout have been in the business since 1988, running their lunch spot in the Medical Center, doing full-service catering, special events and corporate luncheons. As if they weren't busy enough, they've now opened Picnikins, serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. André keeps his eagle eye on the dining room, and Cheryl is the executive chef.
Chef Bezuidenhout avows the Lemon Posset recipe is "so simple" and calls it "kitchen magic — but the best kind." She is so right. It contains only three ingredients that literally take three minutes to cook. The results are ethereal — creamy beyond belief, with the clean, tangy note of lemon. She serves the posset with thin, crisp ginger cookies, noting "lemon and ginger — marriage made in heaven." Bezuidenhout tells us "this is a very old British dessert that was originally made using ale and milk — supposed to help when one was feeling a little 'under the weather.' — It has since evolved." What could be better? Delicious, and restorative to boot!
Picnikins is at 6901 Blanco Road, just inside Loop 410.
Pat Mozersky is a freelance writer for the Express-News. Contact her at email@example.com.


text:
smar necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 49 diseños de 14 diseñadores freelance.
We are developers of open source rich internet application framework aiming to popularize and spread adoption of Open Standards in web application development. Currently working on several, web based WYSIWYG tools for rapid creation of web application interfaces and other interactive content without coding.
- web developers
- graphical designers
- business users
We need sleek and clean design for our Interface Builder project. It should appeal to not just developers, but also web designers and general, not so tech savvy users. While containing standard components and functionality interface should be intuitive and creative, probably more Mac style then MS, or could even use some web 2.0 styling.
This is just a one page design contest, but please keep attention to initial details and icons, we'd like to work with the winner until end of the project and order rest of the icons and components designs.
Link to the flash based interactive mockup (very draft):
Link to the brief user requirements which may help to understand our needs from design better:
UI structure is as following:
- Menu and Toolbar in the Header.
- Left Column with States Pane and Layers Pane
- Right Column with Library Pane and Configuration Pane which have 3 views for now, probably more in the future, so its better if icons are used instead of texts
- Designer Area in the middle with Tabs and Timelines Pane at the bottom
The default resolution for the design is 1024x768, but should fit nicely in 800x600 or 1280x1024 as well.


text:
PALM BAY - Arcadio Santiago-Rodriguez spent 20 years quietly driving school buses in Brevard County and proudly flying the American flag on a tall pole in his front yard.
Rarely did he say anything about a remarkable military career that included multiple commendations and a promise from his commander that he would recommend him for a Medal of Honor for heroics in Korea.
It has taken a neighbor and his youngest son to encourage him to talk about his military service that spanned World War II, Korea and Vietnam, for which he earned two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.
Santiago-Rodriguez, who turned 89 on Saturday, served with the Army's 65th Infantry Regiment - nicknamed The Borinqueneers, a Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army. Segregated from other American troops, the unit saw action in Germany during World War II and distinguished themselves in Korea.
"They told us we were not allowed on the front lines," he said smiling. "We fought as much as the people on the front lines. Later we went to the front lines."
Santiago-Rodriguez thinks he was discriminated against and was not awarded the Medal of Honor because he is Puerto Rican, the same attitude that kept his unit from joining the rest of the infantrymen on the front line.
World War II was the beginning of his combat duty that spanned decades. By 1951, Santiago-Rodriguez and the 65th Infantry were in the middle of the conflict in Korea.
Santiago-Rodriguez and his company were near Hongbok, Korea, when they got into a firefight with an enemy battalion. When his squad leader was killed, Private Santiago-Rodriguez assumed command of the squad. During a later assault to drive the enemy from a ridge, he volunteered to carry a wounded comrade to safety. In doing so, he encountered five enemy soldiers. He placed his wounded comrade on the ground, and opened fire on the enemy, killing four of them and capturing the fifth. He forced his prisoner to carry the wounded man to the battalion aid station, according to a citation for the medal.
He later visited the soldier and his grateful family in Guaynilla, Puerto Rico.
Santiago-Rodriguez said there was no explanation as to why he received the Silver Star instead of the Medal of Honor.
"My commander told me I will recommend you for the the Medal of Honor," Santiago-Rodriguez said. "A few months later I got the Silver Star."
Richard Santiago, 43, of Palm Bay said his father had spoken little about his service until recent years. And even then, the stories were slow in coming.
"I sit down and listen," he said.
Santiago-Rodriguez's neighbor, John Hardesty, lives in Dallas but spends at least one weekend a month in Palm Bay.
"I feel very fortunate he opened up to me," Hardesty said. "One thing that bothers me, and I know our country has changed since then, is that his commander nominated him for the Medal of Honor and he didn't get it."
It is not known how many people have been nominated for the Medal of Honor.
The first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal of Honor was Marine Pfc. Fernando L. Garcia, who when an enemy grenade landed nearby, endangering another Marine and himself, chose to sacrifice himself, throwing himself on the grenade in the Korean War.
Four other Puerto Ricans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States, for heroics in Vietnam.
A total of 135 Medals of Honor were awarded for action in the Korean War.
Doug Sterner, military historian and curator for Military Times Hall of Valor, said Santiago-Rodriguez' nomination may have been downgraded.
"It's not uncommon that they downgrade," Sterner said. "That happens with frequency."
Sterner said that there is no list exists of people nominated for the Medal of Honor.
Hardesty, 61, said he met Santiago-Rodriguez about three years ago and thought his story should be told.
"He is just a great man who served his country long," he said. "He's a humble man."
Santiago-Rodriguez received the Purple Heart for an incident in Korea. His gun jammed, and before he could take out his pistol, a Chinese fighter tried to take him prisoner and the two got into hand-to-hand combat. During the fight, the Chinese man bit him in the hand before Santiago-Rodriguez killed him with a knife.
After the Korean war, Santiago-Rodriguez served in Panama before being sent to Vietnam, where he served three tours and earned a second Silver Star.
Santiago-Rodriguez was leading a squad of 12 soldiers near Xuan Loc when they were ambushed, close to Thanksgiving 1969. He threw a grenade in the middle of enemy troops and opened fire with and M-16 rifle. When he ceased firing, 19 Viet Cong were dead. One U.S. soldier was killed and two wounded in the battle.
Santiago-Rodriguez served in North Africa, Germany, Korea, Vietnam and was stationed in Panama after returning from Korea. In 1969, he was named soldier of the year at Fort Bragg, N.C. and said he was surprised when he was chosen. "I was 45 and I thought I couldn't compete with the young soldiers," he said.
Assigned to Patrick Air Force Base in 1977, Santiago-Rodriguez retired about two years later, after 30 years of service in the Army, and settled in Brevard County.
Korea was the most difficult of his 30 years of service, though there were many difficult times, he said.
"I have it all up here," he said pointing to his head. "I can't forget it."


text:
"Stop Working and Start Living with Derek Overstreet"
June 1, 2019
"Stop Working and Start Living with Derek Overstreet"
Tune in to Derek Overstreet and Alex Kirry as they share their thoughts about securing financial independence in this weekly radio broadcast, "Stop Working and Start Living". For nearly twenty-seven years, Derek and his staff have been helping families live out the retirement that they deserve by giving them experienced, common-sense advice. It's never been easier to get Derek's insights and stories about successful retirement, just click on any of Derek's shows to listen on-demand or listen live on KSL News Radio Saturdays 11pm-12am & 4pm-5pm, and Sundays 1-2 pm.
You may also listen to the shows at your leisure by visiting our archives page.


text:
Accordance 9.5.3 Enhances Typography and More
Exactly one month ago, a user posted a request on our forums for several minute typography enhancements. He wanted (1) some finer steps in choosing a font size, (2) support for ligatures, and (3) better hiding of superscripts in the text. In spite of his admission that he may be the "only OCD-type Accordance user who is bothered by these minutia," he's getting all of these typography enhancements in Accordance 9.5.3, a free update which is available now.
In addition to answering this user's typography concerns, this latest update offers some other nice enhancements—most of which are the direct result of user feedback. When a text pane is selected, you can now press the space bar to page down (or shift-spacebar to page up), just as you can in popular web browsers.
If you discover a typo or other problem in a module, you can now select the problem text and choose Report a Correction from the Help menu. The selected text and location will automatically be copied into an email with a place to add your comments on the nature of the error.
Syntax elements which are not tagged to specific words, such as the NULL tag, are now represented in search results by a graphical marker rather than by highlighting an adjacent word. You can also use the LINK command with two different key numbered Bibles of different languages, such as the ESVS and GNT-TRS.
There are other enhancements and bug fixes as well, so be sure to download this latest update today.
Archived Comments
I was interested in your app, but you are just too greedy. No way you can justify the prices.
It's greedy to want to get paid for your hard work? I'm sorry, but I disagree... and I'm afraid the Scriptures aren't on your side there, either, brother.
You *have* read the Scriptures, haven't you Rod?
You know... the parts where it says "The laborer is worthy of his wages" and "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."
I honestly don't know what the Accordance folks would say to something like this... but rather than accuse them of greed, why don't you ask them if they have a way of working with you on purchasing the product?
Since you're looking at Accordance, it's probably safe to assume you're a Mac user already. And if you compare the price of Accordance to that of their familiar competition... I think it's *very* reasonably priced for a comparable package.
It just seems very unnecessary, and mean, to say what you've said. I hope you get things figured out.
Darin Allen
Hi Rod,
We do try to price our products competitively, but I realize that we won't be able to meet everyone's needs. We are not trying to compete on the same level as an e-bookstore or free Bible software programs. Our developers spend a considerable amount of time adding multiple search layers and advanced tagging to our resources. As a result, Accordance modules offer much more functionality than a simple ebook, and they are priced to reflect the amount of time and resources that went into creating them.
If you are looking for lower-priced options, it doesn't get any better than free, and we do offer a free app for the iPone and iPad that includes a tagged ESV Bible and many other free resources. We also offer a free trial of our Mac program at http://accordancebible.com/trial. I hope you'll give us further consideration, and wish you all the best in your studies.


text:
Personalised Bracelet | Gift ideas for her | Personalized Stretch Bracelet | Personalised Gifts for her | Gifts for Women | WB041
This personalized stretch bracelet has been designed with many different quotations, however you can use your own quote, or one that we have provided in the drop down box at checkout. You can also have your own quotation using this design of font and bracelet, please simply add your custom details in the "notes to seller" section at checkout.
Please note in the "notes to seller" section at checkout whether you would like use of a # or a heart, if no notes are added we will make the bracelet as per the image listed above.
This Listing includes:
❤ Stretch Band Bracelet
❤ Supplied in an organza bag ready to be gifted.
If you would like to upgrade to Luxury Gift Packaging CLICK HERE http://etsy.me/2kUy5U0
❤ 2 1/4" plate x 1/2"
❤ Custom title available (approx 15 characters)
❤ Personalised quote available (approx 15 characters)
❤ Choice of many colour options
❤ Also available with a faux suede wrap or a cotton floral wrap
Please click HERE for different colour options! http://etsy.me/2mb3ylZ
Product Information:
★ Aluminium: Silver in colour
★ Elasticated stretch band (can be re-tied to make a smaller or larger size).
Care Instructions & further product info can be found under the SHIPPING & POLICIES section http://etsy.me/2l9vcPV or at the bottom of the page under "Frequently asked questions about GlamAndCoJewellery"
How to order:
1. Change quantity to the amount of pieces that you would like to order
2. Select the drop down menu, and select your quote and colour choice
3. Click "add to cart"
4. Please include any personalised details in the notes to seller section during checkout and complete your purchase
❤ Shipping & Production can be found under the Shipping & Policies tab just below the product image.
❤ Want this in another style? CLICK HERE http://etsy.me/2mb3ylZ
❤ Upgrade to luxury packaging? CLICK HERE http://etsy.me/2kUy5U0
❤ Shop more Bracelets? CLICK HERE http://etsy.me/2mb3ylZ
❤ Keep shopping!!! CLICK HERE http://etsy.me/2kqJCH4
> Photos are meant for examples and inspiration only. Your custom gift will be made to order based on the specifications you provide during checkout. As each item is unique and made for you, refunds and exchanges are not available unless an error was made by Glam & Co.
> Once your item has gone into production we are unable to accept cancellation requests or changes to fonts or designs.
> Please ensure that your dispatch address is up to date and correct, as returned items will be charged if they need to be re-sent.
> Please check the shop announcements page for current promotions, and shipping information.
Thank you for visiting our shop, we hope you enjoy our products as much as we enjoy making them for you
We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have, please convo us directly through Etsy.
You can view our full shop H E R E: http://etsy.me/2lDsz9M
Our jewellery and gifts are perfect for so many occasions including: Weddings ∙ Birthdays ∙ Christenings ∙ Baptism ∙ Baptizm ∙ Christmas ∙ Mothers Day ∙ Fathers Day ∙ Valentines Day ∙ Anniversary ∙ Engagement ∙ Graduation ∙ New Baby ∙ Retirement ∙ Sympathy ∙ In Memory Of ∙ Teachers ∙ and so many more.
Although we specialise in: bridesmaid gifts ∙ maid of honor gifts ∙ maid of honour gifts ∙ flower girl gifts ∙ mother in law gifts ∙ birthday gift ideas ∙ engraved gifts ∙ thank you gifts ∙ mothers day gifts ∙ gifts for mom ∙ gifts for mum ∙ gift ideas for mum ∙ godmother gift ∙ godparent gifts ∙ christening gifts ∙ engagement gifts ∙ gifts for girlfriend ∙ anniversary gifts ∙ gifts for boyfriend ∙ gift for a friend ∙ friends birthday ∙ sister gifts ∙ gifts for teachers ∙ teacher gifts ∙ nanny gifts ∙ nan gifts ∙ nannie gifts ∙ gift for wife ∙ wedding gifts ∙ wedding gift ideas ∙ bridal party gifts ∙ bridesmaid jewelry ∙ In memory of gifts ∙ graduation gifts ∙ cousin gifts ∙ gifts for daughter ∙ daughter gifts ∙ gifts for grandmothers ∙ gifts for grandads ∙ grandfather gifts ∙ gifts for grandma ∙ goddaughter gifts ∙ godson gifts ∙ gifts for god parents ∙ gifts for mom ∙ gifts for dad ∙ gifts for uncles ∙ gifts for aunty ∙ gifts for aunts ∙ gifts for aunties ∙ sister gifts ∙ brother gifts ∙ wedding gift ideas ∙ usher gifts ∙ best man gifts ∙ groomsman gifts ∙ mother of the bride gifts ∙ mother of the groom gifts ∙ father of the bride gifts ∙ father of the groom gifts


text:
Fidelity Investor Center in Scarsdale, New York
Your Investor Center can help with everything from building a plan to selecting the accounts that are right for you. Come visit us today.
799 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale, NY 10583
Branch phone number
Mon: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tue: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wed: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thu: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Also by appointment
Additional branch info
Location: Located in Greenville Shopping Center.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Investor Center.
About our branch leadership
Robert Dazi, VP, Senior Branch Manager
Responsible for leading Fidelity's local Investor Center, offering financial and investment guidance to our customers including one-on-one retirement planning, wealth management, income strategies, and college planning services, as well as integrated employee benefits solutions.
Services offered at this branch
Annuities can help increase your savings, protect what you've saved, or generate a stream of income.
College planning
Let's help you plan for your child's future educational costs.
Estate planning
We can create a plan to help you pass assets on to your loved ones.
Investment guidance
Our award-winning research tools can help you become a more powerful investor.
Life insurance
Life insurance can help you protect your family while helping you meet your financial goals.
Retirement planning
No matter where you are in life, we can help you prepare for retirement on your terms.
Browse our seminars
We offer a wide selection of seminars. Please contact your local investor center for details on how to attend one near you.
Need help with an existing account?
Please call us at 800-544-6666.


text:
Messrs. Freeman and Almy archives, Series I, Box 1, Folder 5: Correspondence -- To Freeman and Almy -- From James G. Ramsay, September-November 1864
1864-09-1864-11 ‧ monochrome ‧ Jump to full details ‧ Request from Special Collections
|Messrs. Freeman and Almy operated a shipping company in New York City in the mid-nineteenth century. They had representatives in Baltimore, Maryland,who acted for them securing ships and cargo for their business. The Messrs. Freeman and Almy archives encompass the months June through November 1864. The bulk of the correspondence is from Captain Daniel C. Childs to Messrs. Freeman and Almy and concerns Captain Childs's purchase, repair,and outfitting of the brig Gertrude in Baltimore, Maryland. Complete information may be found in the finding aid to the collection at: http://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/1465.
|Ramsay, James G.
|Place of origin – Continent:
|North America
|Place of origin – Country:
|United States of America
|Place of origin – Region:
|Place of origin – Settlement:
|Temporal subject:
|Geographical subject – Continent:
|North America
|Geographical subject – Country:
|United States of America
|Geographical subject – Region:
|Geographical subject – Settlement:
|Topical subjects:
|Childs, Daniel C.
|Ship captains -- Correspondence
|Freeman and Almy -- Archives
|Gertrude (Brig)
|ArchivesUM location:
|Messrs. Freeman and Almy archives
|Historical Manuscripts
|Browse terms:
|Economics, Business, Commerce, Labor
|Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the University of Maryland Libraries at http://digital.lib.umd.edu/archivesum/contact.jsp.


text:
Your log in and password to enter League InfoSight is the same as the one you use to log into the Cornerstone Credit Union League's website. If you have any log in questions, please call the League at (800) 442-5762, ext. 6680 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
If you do not have a Cornerstone Credit Union League log in or you have forgotten your password, click here. YOU MUST log in to the Cornerstone Credit Union League website before accessing InfoSight.


text:
A week after we posted shocking new photos of Bristol Palin, which showed what appeared to be major plastic surgery on her face, the 20-year-old is now coming clean on her surgery.
In an exclusive interview with UsWeekly magazine, Bristol admits to having
plastic surgery on her face, most notably her chin, but denies it was done for vanity reasons.
"It's not plastic surgery," she tells UsWeekly, explaining: "I had corrective jaw surgery" back in December 2010.
Bristol goes on to claim the
chin implant corrective jaw surgery was needed for medical reasons. "Yes," Bristol admits, "It improved the way I look, but this surgery was necessary for medical reasons…so my jaw and teeth could properly realign…I don't obsess over my face."
And how does Bristol feel about her new look today? "I am absolutely thrilled with the results," she gushes. "I look older, more mature, and don't have as much of a chubby little baby face!" Bristol also attributes a 5-pound weight loss to the drastic change in her looks.
New Jersey board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Glatt told Reality Tea that not only did Bristol appear to have gotten a chin implant, but she also likely "had some liposuction of her neck area under her chin which has produced a much more defined jawline and lower facial area."
As we reported yesterday, Bristol is currently gearing up to appear on a new reality show at the end of this year with fellow DWTS alum Kyle Massey.


text:
The random number generators presented in this article are simple, fast, and suitable for 32-bit and 64-bit software and hardware. They are also parallelizable, improving performance significantly in existing CPUs using existing compilers. They consist of a combination of primitive generators, each of which outputs a cycle of numbers with a period of less than 232 or 264. Such below-maximum-period cycles are called "subcycles," and they provide good randomness. When used in combination, the resulting random number generator passes the most stringent tests. Portable examples are provided in ANSI C. Testing was done under Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Primitive Subcycle Generators
Computers don't have a true source of randomness in them, so randomness must be synthesized with arithmetic. Only a few methods exist to do this. Simple and fast combinations of a few arithmetic operations produce quasi-random sequences of numbers. For example, the following rotation and subtraction is a primitive random number generator:
#define rotl(r,n) (((r)<<(n)) | ((r)>>((8*sizeof(r))-(n)))) x -= rotl(x,21); // RS: rotate-subtract generator
If you set x to 6247 initially (called the "seed"), and repeatedly execute the line of code above, the value of x will transition through a cycle of 615,434 values. That cycle-length is called the "period." Most generators like this one have many unique cycles, and every possible 32-bit or 64-bit seed-value will enter one of these cycles. For best randomness, you want to select a long cycle, and the only way to select a cycle is by using a seed that's in (or leads to) the desired cycle. The aforementioned seed of 6247 is the minimum value in the longest cycle, but any value in that cycle can be used as a seed.
Because a primitive generator has multiple cycles, I call each such cycle a "subcycle." The literature about random number generators refers to 2w (where w is the number of bits in the CPU's word) as the "full cycle" (where all possible numbers are generated). The term "subcycle" makes it clear that not all possible numbers are output by that cycle. Lest you think that these shorter cycles are a problem, reversible subcycle generators (described below) have periods very close to 2w.
Note the previous rotl macro, which performs a left rotation. Because of the sizeof operator, it works with either 32-bit or 64-bit operands. Modern compilers such as gcc and Visual Studio are smart enough to convert this expression into a single rotate instruction that consumes one clock cycle in the CPU, so rotations are as fast as shifts, adds, subtracts, and exclusive-ors (XORs). Most subcycle generators rely on rotations because they do a good job of mixing bits.
The period of a subcycle generator mostly depends on whether it's reversible or irreversible. Reversible means that the calculation can be undone starting with only the result. An example is x = C – rotl(x,12), where C is a constant. You can reverse this calculation by doing an add followed by the opposite rotation. Based on theory beyond the scope of this article (see Bob Jenkins [1] and Knuth [2]), the consequences are:
- Reversible generators have periods around 2w-1. In fact, through careful selection of constants, most of the reversible generators given in this article have periods within one percent of 2w, and thus the loss of period from using such a subcycle generator (versus a full cycle one) is negligible. Reversible generators are well suited for 32-bit processors because they maximize the period of the combination generator (described below).
- Irreversible generators have periods around 2w/2, and somewhat higher for selected values of constants. For 64-bit generators, periods of 235 to 242 are common. A greater variety of irreversible generators are available, and they generally provide more randomness (as measured by tests) for a given number of clock cycles than reversible generators. An example is the rotate-subtract generator introduced above. Subtracting rotl(x) from x cannot be reversed, but it does a better job of mixing bits than C-rotl(x). Both consume two clock cycles of arithmetic. Irreversible generators can be used in combination with reversible generators in 32-bit applications, and they are superb for 64-bit generators where their shorter periods are not an issue because the combined period is over 2100 anyway.
Naming Subcycle Generators
There are so many kinds of subcycle generators that a naming scheme is needed for them. I chose to name them after the order of operations you'd do on a calculator. For example, the aforementioned primitive generator is named "RS" for "rotate" (assumed to be left) and "subtract." The "R" is first because you must do the rotate first. More precisely, I mimicked a traditional HP calculator, which is stack based, so there are also two stack operators: "E" is "exchange top two elements of stack," and "D" is "duplicate top of stack." The whole stack is initially assumed to be set to the generator's value. An example is C-rotl(x), which is named "CERS," where "C" means "enter a constant." The "E" makes the operand order of the subtraction correct, because the top of stack is subtracted from the second-to-top. The only non-obvious letter is "I" for "right shift." This naming convention has the advantage of exactly encoding the formula, so you can write down the C code knowing only the name.
The randomness of a subcycle generator is largely a function of how many positions of the input bits it uses. Each shift or rotate moves the bits to a new position. For example, CERS (C-rotl(x)) uses one position of its input bits, whereas RS (x-rotl(x)) uses two positions the original position and a rotation. As a result, RS mixes bits better and thus produces more randomness. For generators using a multiply, each "1" bit in the multiplier yields a different position, so multiplication-based generators have around w/2 positions, making them superior to the others.
You'll be meeting more subcycle generators later, such as RERS, LESR, and CMRES. They all have interesting personalities.
Combination Generators
The problem with a primitive generator such as RS is that it's not random enough for most uses. Even a generator with a multiply is often not random enough. Such a one-line generator could be used for hardware tests or games, especially if extremely high speed were needed; but applications such as simulations need better randomness. The solution is to combine two to four such primitive subcycle-based generators together. The resulting combination generator will pass stringent tests. Here's a complete example in ANSI C:
typedef unsigned uint32_t; // or use <stdint.h> if available uint32_t x, y, z; void Seed2CmrRsr(uint32_t seed) { x = (seed >> 16) + 4125832013u; // upper 16 bits + offset y = (seed & 0xffff) + 814584116u; // lower 16 bits + offset z = 542; } uint32_t Rand2CmrRsr() { // Combined period = 2^81.95 x *= 255519323u; x = rotl(x,13); // CMR, period = 4294785923 (prime) y *= 3166389663u; y = rotl(y,17); // CMR, period = 4294315741 (prime) z -= rotl(z,11); z = rotl(z,27); // RSR, period = 253691 = 2^3*3^2*71*557 return x ^ y ^ z; }
This combination generator executes only nine arithmetic operations per number output. Multiplications are fast in modern CPUs (typically 3-4 clock cycles), and they are pipelined (overlapped), so the second and following multiplies only consume one extra clock cycle each. The remaining operations (rotates, subtracts, and XORs) take one clock cycle each, and they'll also be pipelined some, making this generator very fast.
This generator has a period of about 282, which is far more numbers than anyone can use. The period of any combination generator is the product of the periods of its primitive generators. But this is true only if those primitive periods have no prime factors in common; If they do, those common factors must be divided out of the product.
Where did all the magic constants used in those subcycle generators come from? They were carefully selected after weeks of exhaustive computer search on multiple computers for numbers that gave large periods. Each type of subcycle generator has a table of its cycles (for 32-bit and 64-bit), which you can download here.
Note that the standard type uint32_t used in the code above is not supported by all compilers, so you might need to use the typedef. The same is true for uint64_t (which is unsigned long long) if you need a 64-bit random number generator (which will be described shortly).
By way of convention, "subcycle generator" refers to a primitive generator. "Combination generator" always refers to two or more subcycle generators that are combined (usually with adds or XORs) to form the returned random number.
Testing Random Number Generators
It's important that random number generators be tested thoroughly, and several suites of tests have been published. Marsaglia published his "Diehard Battery" of tests in 1995 [3]. While fine in its day, today's faster computers allow applications to consume more random numbers, thus better tests are needed. Pierre L'Ecuyer and Richard Simard implemented the TestU01 software library [4], and their excellent work has become the standard test suite for random number generators. Users may define their own batteries of tests, but the three predefined batteries contained in this library (SmallCrush, Crush, and BigCrush) provide successively increasing levels of thoroughness for testing. SmallCrush is roughly equivalent to the Diehard Battery, and provides only a basic level of testing by today's standards. Crush is more severe, and BigCrush is the most thorough of all, consuming several hours of CPU time. It is so severe that no well-known linear congruential generator (LCG) passes it. In fact, few popular LCGs pass all the tests even in SmallCrush, much less the stricter batteries.
Only the most robust generators can pass BigCrush, yet all the simple subcycle-based combination generators discussed in this article pass it. The reason that subcycle generators do so well is that they can mix bits better because they are not restricted to outputting the "full cycle" of 2w. This freedom from the full cycle also allows us to use rotations, which excel at mixing bits. Yet combination generators, which contain several subcycle generators, generally can output all 2w numbers, and their periods are large, so nothing has been lost by using subcycle generators in combination.
As mentioned previously, you cannot seed a primitive generator with arbitrary values because it's not possible to determine beforehand which of its many cycles will be entered. It must be seeded with a value that's known to be in (or lead to) the desired cycle. In our ANSI C code sample, Rand2CmrRsr ranges of numbers encompassing 16 bits are known to be in the desired cycles of its two CMR generators. In the following code, the seeding function uses bits from the seed and maps them into the appropriate number ranges:
x = (seed >> 16) + 4125832013u; // upper 16 bits + offset y = (seed & 0xffff) + 814584116u; // lower 16 bits + offset
Reversible generators have large seed ranges, which are usually 10-20 bits wide. Thus, if you're using three subcycle generators (the usual number), a 32-bit seed can be split into three pieces, each used to seed one generator. The example above shows a seed being split into two pieces.
Also, the subcycle generators together will generally total more than 32-bits of seed range. For example, the two CMR generators in our code sample have seed ranges of 18 and 16 bits, totaling 34. In such cases, it's helpful to overlap the pieces of seed, so that some bits will seed two generators. Doing so will cause seeds to create more divergent number sequences.
Unfortunately, irreversible generators don't have large seed ranges, so this method won't work for them. But because multiple primitive generators are used in combination, a simple method of seeding them is:
- Set each generator to a known value in its desired cycle.
- Split the seed into pieces (as was done in our code sample).
- Treating its piece of seed as an integer, advance each generator by that number of steps.
Here's a complete combination generator that shows this method of seeding:
void SeedRsResCers (uint32_t seed) { uint32_t n; x = 6247; y = 3848; z = 0; for (n=((seed>>22)&0x3ff)+20; n>0; n--) x -= rotl(x,21); for (n=((seed>>11)&0x7ff)+20; n>0; n--) y = rotl(y,11) - y; for (n=((seed )&0x7ff)+20; n>0; n--) z = 3286325185u – rotl(z,19); } uint32_t RandRsResCers() { // Combined period = 2^70.9 x -= rotl(x,21); // RS, period = 615434 y = rotl(y,11) – y; // RES, period = 1703271 z = 3286325185u – rotl(z,19); // CERS, period = 4294921861 return x ^ y ^ z; }
Note that x, y, and z are initialized to 6247, 3848, and 0. These are the minimum values in the selected cycles of the corresponding subcycle generators. Any other values in those cycles could have been used equally well. Each subcycle generator is advanced by a number of steps obtained from some bits in the seed. 10 bits are used for x (the 0x3ff mask), and 11 for y and z (the 0x7ff mask), consuming all 32 bits in the seed. In the worst case, the for loops above will execute about 5000 times, taking approximately 30 microseconds on a 1 GHz processor. Because this initialization is only done once per job, this time is insignificant. Notice the +20 in each seeding loop: It ensures that the loop causes the generator to be at least that many steps away from its minimum value. This is prudent, but not essential.
If only two subcycle generators are used, they can be initialized with the following for loops:
for (n=((seed>>16)&0xffff)+20; n>0; n--) ... for (n=((seed )&0xffff)+20; n>0; n--) ...
These loops iterate about 130,000 times in the worst case, consuming around 1 millisecond on a 1 GHz processor. Like the case above, this once-per-job time is typically not significant.
If for some reason these times are a problem, one solution is to use a look-up table of known in-cycle values for each subcycle generator. In the first example, a table of 2048 (211) values can be used instead of the for loops for y and z, and a 1024-value table for x. These tables would total 12 Kbytes, and would result in the following fast initialization function:
void SeedRsResCers (uint32_t seed) { x = x_table[(seed>>22) & 0x3ff]; y = y_table[(seed>>11) & 0x7ff]; z = z_table[(seed ) & 0x7ff]; }
A combination of these two approaches could also be used, with some bits selecting a table entry and some more bits selecting the loop count for advancing that generator. In conclusion, seeding irreversible subcycle generators should not be an issue in any system, including those with tight time requirements.
Take another look at RandRsResCers. It performs only eight fast arithmetic operations for each number it outputs. Despite its simplicity, it passes all the tests in the severe BigCrush test battery. This example is a combination of three subcycle generators: RS, RES, and CERS. Each of them consists of one rotation and one subtraction, which are combined using XOR operations. The periods of the primitive generators x, y, and z are 615434, 1703271, and 4294921861, respectively. These periods have no common factors, so the period of the resulting combination generator is the product of these periods, which is 271.93. A mixture of reversible (CERS) and irreversible (RS, RES) generators is used. RS and RES provide most of the randomness, and the main purpose of CERS is to boost the period (while adding a little randomness).
Finally, the reversible generator CERS in RandRsResCers can accept 19 bits of seed directly, so the code above could have given 19 bits to CERS, and used loops (or arrays) to seed RS and RES with the other 13 bits, split as 6 and 7 bits each. Using a reversible generator in a combination makes seeding the irreversible generators easier.
Large Periods?
How large of a period is needed in a combination generator? It appears that a common rule of thumb is to not consume over ,b>sqrt(p) values from a generator having period p, thus requiring that p be at least the square of the number of values consumed. I call this the "square-root rule." Long-running Monte Carlo simulations might consume O(235) random numbers, requiring that the period of the generator be at least 270. Is such a large period actually necessary? Knuth mentioned that LCGs can experience poor "accuracy" in two dimensions when exceeding the square root of the period [5]. But what about subcycle generators?
To determine adequate period length for 32-bit generators, I created combination generators having periods in the range 231 to 248, each composed of three subcycle generators, and ran them through the BigCrush test suite. The results are summarized in the table below.
Some generators with a period of 235 passed BigCrush. Knowing that BigCrush consumes approximately 235 random numbers, I believe that these results indicate that the best of the subcycle-based combination generators can deliver good results over their entire period. Unfortunately, it's not practical to test periods much over 240, so it's impossible to determine by testing whether such a generator is among the best (I believe it's prudent to have a period of at least 248). I also conclude that the square-root rule does not apply to subcycle generators; but the combination generators presented in this article have periods of at least 270, so you should be in good shape even if you follow the square-root rule.
Parallelizable in Software and Hardware
Manufacturers cannot boost CPU speed because doing so increases heat too much. This is why CPU clock rates have stayed flat at around 3 GHz since 2002. So the only way to improve performance is by parallelizing calculations, which is why "parallelizability" of algorithms is important nowadays.
A combination of subcycle generators is easily parallelizable, because the subcycle generators are independent of each other. In fact, modern compilers for general-purpose processors place instructions in an order that causes the processor to pipeline the computation of the generators. As a result of this parallelizing, these "fast" generators execute even faster than expected. As mentioned for our Rand2CmrRsr example, the second multiply only adds one more clock cycle. In RandRsResCers, the rotations and adds/subtracts can (and typically will) be pipelined so that several of those calculations will be performed in parallel. In the future, such parallelizing in software and CPUs will result in all subcycle generators being computed at the same time, resulting in maximum possible speed.
In a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), all three primitive generators in RandRsResCers can be computed in parallel, and their outputs directed to the XOR gates that combine them. The result is a flat combinational circuit that can operate at a high clock rate, and yet consumes little die space. Given that rotations and shifts are virtually free in hardware, the only substantial die space consumed by RandRsResCers are three 32-bit adders and 64 XOR gates.
Comparison with Existing Generators
Why not simply call rand() and be done with it? Because you don't know what you're getting. You don't know how random it is, nor how fast it runs. It's fine for casual use, but for important work, you need to know what's in there. That's why most experts advise using a generator that you understand and have tested. Most random number generators these days are one of the following:
- LCGs: An LCG consists of a multiply followed by an add. The theory behind LCGs is well developed, and they were adequate when developed in the 1960s, but the results are poor by today's standards. They are still the most popular generator in use, and your library's rand() function is probably an LCG. As mentioned previously, they don't even pass SmallCrush. A multiply is, by definition, repeated additions; and the carries from those additions propagate only to the left. In an LCG, this results in uneven mixing of bits, so the bits on the right always have poor randomness. Interestingly, the CMR's multiplies in Rand2CmrRsr are similar to an LCG, but their products are rotated, which causes the carries to affect bits on the right. As a result, a primitive CMR used by itself is superior to an LCG, which is verified by my test results.
- Xorshift: This is a clever sequence of shifts and XORs invented by Marsaglia [6]. My tests show that it is about as random as one CMR generator. Unfortunately, it's not parallelizable, because its six arithmetic steps rely on prior values, and thus are not independent. It is slower than the various subcycle generators that perform only 2 or 3 arithmetic steps.
- Lagged Fibonacci: Often abbreviated "LagFib," this generator adds two prior values fetched from an array. If the array is large (hundreds or thousands of values), LagFib has good randomness and is at least as fast as the fastest combinations of subcycle generators. But it has some drawbacks. It needs to be seeded with random numbers, so you'll need another random number generator. Although some theory can tell you its minimum period, you don't know the exact period you're getting. With a large array, that theoretical minimum is large enough, but the large array causes an increase of cache misses, which in turn, reduces the performance of the system. These issues are minor compared to the Achilles' heel of LagFib, which is its two lags. If an application happens to have some kind of internal rate or cycle matching either of those lags, the results will be poor. And given that the lags are on the order of hundreds, there's too high a chance of a destructive rate match. So LagFib is not suitable for general use. A combination of subcycle generators has a similar weakness: If an application has a rate matching the period of one of the subcycle generators, then randomness will be reduced. This will not be an issue if subcycle generators with large periods are selected because the probability of a rate match will be infinitesimal and the consequences will be less severe.


text:
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm and is filed under What's So Funny.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)
bonecollector is proudly powered by
Entries (RSS)
and Comments (RSS).


text:
The most popular virtualization tool distributed by Sun Microsystems - and one whose future as an Oracle product is in question - is VirtualBox, and the software was just updated with a new 3.0.8 release.
Version 3.0 of VirtualBox - which is a type 2 or hosted hypervisor that runs atop an operating system such as Solaris, Linux, Mac OS, and Windows, providing a virtualization layer that supports multiple virtual machines each with their own operating systems - was announced at the end of June. Since that time, Sun's VirtualBox project has cranked out a new release with bug fixes and new features every month or so. Just as if nothing like a $7.4bn acquisition by Oracle was under way, Oracle had a strong desire to build a virtualization business based on the Xen hypervisor and some goodies it picked from the carcass of Virtual Iron.
As you can see from the changelog, the 3.0.8 release has a bunch of tweaks to clean up a lot of different bugs in the virtual machine monitor as it is interfacing with the VT-x and AMD-V virtualization features that Intel and Advanced Micro Devices have cooked into their latest generations of 64-bit chips. There are also a number of bug fixes relating to Linux, Solaris, Mac OS, and Windows host environments.
The big new feature is that virtual disks inside of the VirtualBox hypervisor can now be based on SCSI disk with larger than 2 TB of capacity. A bug was also fixed concerning VirtualBox when it stores virtual machines on NetApp iSCSI disk arrays. Neither of these features is useful for desktop environments, and points to the fact that even though one part of Sun didn't really want to talk about it, VirtualBox can be - and often is - used in server environments. Like the commercial xVM Server was supposed to be in relation to commercial Solaris 10. And before you send comments to El Reg, I know that xVM has been embedded in the latter releases of OpenSolaris and that technically you can get tech support for OpenSolaris.
But for the vast majority of Solaris shops, OpenSolaris is not deployed in production and commercial-grade applications have not been put through the same rigorous testing that those apps get on Solaris. So, xVM inside of OpenSolaris is not all that interesting. Sun was supposed to ship a commercial-grade Xen hypervisor embedded inside of Solaris, and OpenSolaris doesn't count until it frozen, hardened, stress-tested, and rolled out as Solaris 11, maybe sometime next year.
Which brings up a point that neither Sun nor Oracle has addressed since the takeover of Sun by Oracle was announced in April: what happens to VirtualBox? The code is available as an open source project, so no matter what, VirtualBox can live even if Oracle decides to abandon it.
Another question: will someone pick up VirtualBox and take it the next step and create a type 1, or bare metal, hypervisor based on VirtualBox? Oracle has created a bare metal hypervisor based on Xen called Oracle VM Server, and VMware of course has ESX Server and Citrix Systems has XenServer, which are both bare metal as well. Red Hat is working on a bare metal version of KVM, which will come to market as Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, and is continuing to support its embedded version of Xen with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 releases. Parallels has just put out its first bare metal hypervisor, too, and then there Microsoft's Hyper-V as well.
Does the world need another bare metal hypervisor? IBM certainly needs one for the X64 platforms it sells, and so does Hewlett-Packard, which has software aspirations. Dell doesn't seem to want a software business, but having its own low-cost (or free) hypervisor and services to sell might be an attractive idea. Novell needs a free-standing and open source hypervisor that is not Xen or KVM. Maybe Oracle can sell it for a few bucks? Or maybe Sun can sell it before the Oracle acquisition even closes to get a few bucks to boost its quarterly figures. More likely, Oracle will just sit on it and hope no one notices that they can pull a Larry Ellison and make their own VirtualBox clone. ®
Sponsored: Practical tips for Office 365 tenant-to-tenant migration


text:
IUCN's Director General joined United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this week to outline his Sustainable Energy for All initiative to the media.
Energy enables social and economic development from basic needs to advanced industrial activity. At a time when 1.3 billion people do not have access to electricity, when 2.7 billion do not have access to safe cooking facilities, and when a shift to productive, sustainable energy use is imperative to protect the Earth's climate, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative launched last year, is closely linked to all of the key concerns facing humanity.
To help him drive this Initiative, the Secretary General established a High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All in September 2011. Members of the group are 32 individuals drawn from government, business, the intergovernmental system, and civil society. The Group is assisted by technical advisers and IUCN is represented on this group by its Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre. IUCN is the only body on the group comprising government and NGO members, and representing the importance of considering nature-based solutions to energy issues.
With 2012 being the International Year of Sustainable Energy (2012), the initiative aims to serve as an important input to the Rio+20 Summit that takes place in June and to achieve specific objectives by 2030. These include: universal access to modern energy services; doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.


text:
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
More budget cuts are coming
With his plan to sell 2,000 new yellow-taxi medallions still in doubt, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has proposed slashing money for libraries and after-school programs and increasing fees on school lunches and parking meters to compensate for more than $600 million in lost medallion revenue.
Mr. Bloomberg's budget proposal does not reflect additional costs related to Hurricane Sandy, disaster relief or the storm's effect on the local economy. Yet the storm will no doubt loom large when the mayor releases his budget plan in January or February for the 2014 fiscal year.
Instead, the new proposal — which, in an unusual move, was posted to the city's Web site late Friday night but not announced until Sunday — represents a contingency plan to cope with a budget shortfall that must be addressed before the end of the fiscal year, on June 30.
Among other proposals, the Bloomberg administration plans to increase school-lunch fees to $2.50 from $1.50, bringing in $4.4 million. The administration plans to establish new parking meter areas in Lower Manhattan, while installing 428 new multi-space parking meters, to gain an extra $2.2 million.
But libraries across the city are slated to lose $8.3 million.
12 comments:
Hey no problem - the Queensboro Library board of developers (you read that right) should cut into the lavish capital funds and use it to pay salaries and keep the buildings open longer hours.
They should dig into their personal pockets just like ol Andie Carnegie.
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I think its time that New Yorkers should start to expect that 1% that has dropped anchor here to start to give something back to all those people that serve them hand and foot.
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Yum, yum, yum!
I can't wait to see an increase in my property taxes!
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
- Suzannah B. Troy artist said...
Google my name 911 CityTime NYCAPS NYCWiNS Seedco countless board of ed tech scandals and how many consultants we paid mega bucks -- that would be about 10 billion or more for the city of NY we could use that Bloomberg flushed down the toilet ....if he did this in his private empire he would be poverty level in a homeless shelter he had the audacity to call luxurious
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
- Suzannah B. Troy artist said...
Bloomberg is a Tsunami of Destruction for the middle class and poor.
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Mostly on the middle class. The poor have welfare to fall back upon.
Us midlers got nothing!
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I know how the city can save $1/year...if ya catch my meaning!!!
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Bloomie has finally figured out where the big bucks are hiding-- piggy banks! Hit those kids hard for all you can get, Bloomie! We need a balance budget, so why shouldn't it be on the backs of kids? Time to start pulling your weight, kiddies!
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
less private sector tax revenue....less public servant union $$$$$ and benefits...less union control over d.i.n.o.politicians.....
the chickens are coming home to roost.....
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Mayor Bloomberg should put a tax on sodas 20over oz or larger, for additional revenue.
Oh, I forgot you cant buy sodas 2020over oz or larger in nyc.
It really was worth the time and money worrying about soda, instead of silly and trivial things like the budget.
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
We have a lot of very rich folks living it up in the city. Head downtown to Soho or Noho or the lower east side or the west village or the upper west side or williamsburg or, well you get the picture. NOTE TO BUMBERG, THIS WHOLE IDEA OF SOAKING THE WORKING CLASS AND GIVING A FREE RIDE TO THE RICH JUST LOST BIG TIME IN THIS THING CALLED AN ELECTION. It's time to impose that millionaire, and even billionaire tax, and for the city to start collecting business taxes from the huge mega corporations getting a free ride and YES revoke those tax incentives at the Billionaire Hilton otherwise known as One57 W.57th st home to the busted crane that cause millions of dollars of lost revenues.
- Wednesday, November 14, 2012
"..the chickens are coming home to roost....."
As usual you have it ass backwards.
What actually happened was that the City sold it's soul to the R.E. industry during the Pataki adm.
Housing costs have exploded since the late 90's and the City is even more reliant on the high incomes of s shrinking number of Wallstreet types to feed the leeches who own those buildings.
We have become a one-industry town at it's core...and that industry is downsizing and moving parts of it's operations out of town to secure itself from terrorist attack and pay it's workers lower wages in less expensive areas.
- Wednesday, November 14, 2012


text:
How to repair Epson D78 printers error messages: A printer error has occured Printer's ink pads are at the end of their service life.
Waste ink pad in the printer is saturated, Parts have come to the end of their life
Or Epson D78 shows an error on pc like this:
Epson D78 printer Waste Ink Counter was overflowed & You could fix this error by using WICReset & Reset Key to Reset Waste Ink Counters
Epson D78 printer Waste Ink Counter overflow
Waste ink counter Full counter is 100%. Overflow means that Waste ink pad counters values are more then 100%.
It is very easy to check Epson waste ink counters with Wic Reset utility tool [Download here].
Click on READ WASTE INK COUNTERS button:
If one and also two counters are overflow – you may perhaps not print with your personal Epson D78 printer – you have to RESET Epson D78's WASTE INK COUNTERS
Solution to repair Epson D78 ink pads are at the end of their service life error:
How to deal with this issue? Don't worry you could possibly still use your current Epson D78 printer by reset your own waste ink counter.
Download Epson D78 WIC Reset Utility Tools & reset your company printer
WIC Reset Utility is used to Reset the Waste Ink Counters in the Epson D78 printers.
You could reset your current waste ink counter yourself by using WicReset tool. This software is easy to use with full instruction. With only two clicks, your own Epson D78 printer problems solved and you can get back to business.
+ Download Epson D78 WIC Reset Utility for Windows
+ Download Epson D78 WIC Reset Utility for Mac OS
WIC Reset Utility Tool detail:
Supported languages: English, Spanish, Japaneese, Chineese, Turkish, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Arabic, French etc
License: FreeWare
Operation Systems: Windows XP, Windows OS 7, 8, 8.1, Microsoft Windows 10 and Mac OS
The One Time RESET KEY is required for RESET FUNCTION in the WIC Reset utility.
You can Reset Epson D78 printer by Yourself!
Get Reset Key NOW and Save Your Epson D78 Printer
DONT BUY A NEW PRINTER! DONT TAKE YOUR Epson D78 PRINTER TO A SERVICE CENTER AS YOU JUST NEED TO RESET THE INTERNAL WASTE INK COUNTERS INSIDE YOUR Epson D78 PRINTER AND THEN IT WILL WORK PERFECTLY AGAIN!


text:
Columnist Mike Parker shares his views on the state's proposal to repay unemployment compensation debt owned to the federal government
A bill moving through the North Carolina General Assembly is seeking a remedy to this state�s unemployment insurance problems.
Right now, North Carolina owes the federal government $2.8 billion for loans from the federal government to help the state cope with a shortfall of funds during �The Great Recession.�
The Revenue Laws Study Committee crafted a proposal to enable the state to repay the federal government loans by the end of 2015, be solvent in the future, and build a reserve of $2 billion to prepare for the next economic downturn.
In addition, the proposal strives to restore the North Carolina Employment Security System to its role as employment agency instead of benefit agency, according to proponents.
The current shortfall and debt stems from two basic problems. In the 1990s, when the economy was booming along most of the time, North Carolina cut the amount of unemployment insurance taxes employers had to pay into the system.
North Carolina had built a healthy reserve fund, and lawmakers decided the reduction of this particular tax would help stimulate job growth.
Please keep in mind that employers pay 100 percent of the unemployment insurance taxes. Employees themselves contribute nothing from their paychecks.
Since unemployment was low, the General Assembly thought its reserve fund was sufficient to handle an upswing in unemployment. However, since the recession has afflicted the state economy for more than four years, unemployment benefits paid outstripped revenue. Benefit payments also exhausted the reserve fund � and then some.
To remedy this situation, employers faced a $21 increase per full-time employee in the unemployment tax in 2012 and will face another $21 increase in 2013.
For an employer with 50 employees, that figure amounts to $2,100 in extra taxes � just for unemployment insurance.
This same tax is set to increase another $21 in both 2013 and 2014. In 2014, the same employer will see unemployment taxes cost an additional $4,200 over the 2011 rates.
The most surprising bit of information I learned while researching this issue was generosity of unemployment benefits this state paid compared to surrounding states.
The maximum weekly benefit payment North Carolina provides is $506, some sources even say $525. Virginia�s max is $378, Georgia�s max is $330, and South Carolina�s maximum weekly benefit is $326.
Florida and Tennessee offer a $275 maximum weekly benefit, a little more than half of North Carolina�s.
For many people receiving unemployment, $506 a week may be far below what they earned when working, but $506 a week translates to $26,000 over a year. Of course, our state pays benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. But other states in this region average a maximum benefit of $348 for only 23 weeks.
Senate Bill 99 has already passed the state Senate and is in committee in the state House. Under this bill, the maximum benefit would fall to $350 per week.
The bill also reduces the benefit period from 26 weeks to 20 weeks in times of high unemployment and restricts benefit payments to between five and 12 weeks in times of low unemployment.
If this bill becomes law, the debt to the federal government for unemployment insurance would be paid in full by 2015. Without this plan, or some other plan, by 2019 unemployment insurance rates would increase by 56 percent over current rates.
Critics on one side contend employers do not need to pay higher taxes in a period of recession and slow recovery � during a time we need to be stimulating job growth. Critics on the other side allege the state is trying to pay this debt by placing a disproportionate burden on the backs of the unemployed.
Both sides have raised good arguments, but our state, unlike the federal government, must often make tough decisions in order to keep its programs solvent.
Mike Parker is a columnist for The Free Press. You can reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com or in care of this newspaper.


text:
Growing family trees from leaves and branches. Finding lost relatives. Solving family mysteries. Concentrating in New Jersey and New York.
- Home
- Surnames and Locations of My GGG Grandparents
- DURYEA New Jersey Births
- DURYEA New Jersey Marriages
- DURYEA New Jersey Deaths
- DURYEA New York State Marriage Index
- DURYEA New York State Death Index 1881-1950
- Pictures by Clifford Lutter 1930s-1960s New Jersey
- ODonnell- New Jersey Records
- Hit or Miss Records
- DNA Comparisons
- Genealogy Humor
- Bayonne Neighbors
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
DNA Tutorial for Genealogy
The testing that I write about from 23andMe is autosomal. The kit that I ordered from Ancestry a few days ago is autosomal testing. The surname projects at FamilyTreeDNA (which I have not done yet) are Y chromosome DNA testing.
2 comments:
Hi Jody,ReplyDelete
nice series of articles about DNA testing. I'm interested in doing the same testing myself but haven't quite pulled the trigger yet. I've probably missed it in the blog entries but can you share what led you to pick Ancestry.com for your DNA testing? I'm curious if there are other DNA testing services that you would recommend.
For my first round of DNA testing, I chose Ancestry.com because I use the site daily and figured that they would be best positioned to combine DNA testing with genealogy. As detailed here, the results were disappointing in that only the Y-DNA and mtDNA was tested and the results were confusing with no hope of identifying who, if anybody, actually was a match.ReplyDelete
The next round was autosomal DNA testing at 23andMe during a sale. My results triggered the need/interest in testing additional family members. Having everybody's results in one spot makes comparisons easier. I also uploaded these results to FamilyTreeDNA when they offered a sale on transfers.
I have an autosomal kit pending at Ancestry.com, so I can't comment yet on how Ancestry's new DNA testing works out. Again, this kit was acquired through an introductory sale. I am reading good things about the results that Ancestry produces, including side-by-side comparison of family trees with suggestions regarding the common ancestor. The specimen I used is from someone who is adopted, so I have no family tree to post for this person, so I may miss out on this aspect.
The database size at23andMe appears to be several times larger than FamilyTreeDNA. This is not necessarily useful. Most matches at 23andMe are anonymous and do not respond to inquiries. This is very frustrating. Both companies need to employ the comparison utilities used at the free site GedMatch.com. Until then, I am using manual data entry methods to compare and categorize the matches at both sites. I do not know about the ability to compare matches at Ancestry yet.
I'd like to see how Ancestry's autosomal DNA services work out before I decide which site I like best.