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Eight Acquisitions That Changed the Face of Computing
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Microsoft's $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype on Tuesday is easily the biggest in terms of dollar value in the software giant's storied history. Only the company's 2007 acquisition of digital marketing services firm aQuantive for $6.3 billion comes close.
The deal for the VoIP service provider is also one the average consumer can understand. The last time Microsoft brought an outside company into the fold that was as familiar was when the company acquired Hotmail way back in 1997.
What the acquisition will mean for Microsoft and Skype—and for the computing general public—obviously remains to be seen. Advice is already pouring in for how Microsoft should handle its new toy to avoid the less-than-happy ending experienced by Skype's former owner, eBay.
There are also questions that need to be answered. Millions of Skype users wonder whether the free service will thrive under Microsoft or if the software giant will ruin it. Some are less optimistic than others.
Only time will tell. Here's one thing we do know—most big acquisitions never live up to their initial billing. A good chunk actually diminish the value of both the acquirer and the acquired when all is said and done.
Here's a look at some of those rare acquisitions that not only changed the companies involved but changed the face of computing itself.
A couple caveats. First, we're looking at the personal computing era—IBM's 1930 acquisition of the Automatic Accounting Scale Company may have been really important, but we're leaving that discussion to others. Second, we want to focus on technology that touches end users directly—so we won't be talking about IBM's acquisitions of Tivoli Systems or PWC Consulting, either.
(And if you think we're being unkind to IBM, don't worry—Big Blue is well represented in this story.)


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December 04, 2010
The Wave That Keeps On Giving, Even In Deep Blue NY
Things got a little weird in the NY State Senate over the last year, even by the standards of NY politics. With a judge certifying a Long Island based race, it looks like the GOP has regained the majority they held for decades after losing it in 2008.
The final vote tally gave Republican Jack Martins a narrow win over Democratic Sen. Craig Johnson in the 7th Senate District in Nassau County.
Big deal, NY is a lost cause you might say. Well yes, that's the case on the statewide level for the foreseeable future. Right now Democrats control all statewide offices....both Senate seats, the Governor's Mansion, and the Attorney General and State Comptroller's offices. However, despite no support from the top of the ticket (remember crazy Carl Paladino?) the GOP managed to go from 2 seats to 8 and possibly 9 (NY-1 is still undecided).
Control of the state Senate means Republicans will have a seat at the redistricting table. With NY set to lose at least one and possibly two seats, drawing the new district lines is a big deal. If Democrats controlled the process entirely, you can be sure some of these new GOP Representatives would find themselves out in the cold and maybe fighting each other in newly created districts. Yes, those seats will go south and west to more reliably conservative areas but it still important that we have as many seats as possible and more importantly...maybe take out a reliably Democratic seat along the way.
Now, if the newly returned GOP majority can actually stand up to some of the Democrats more asinine proposals on the state level (I'm not holding my breath for that), that would just be gravy.
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"The Office" is about to open up a branch in China, the latest setting for a brand of cubicle humor that translates into any language.
"We are about to start work on developing a Chinese 'The Office.' How cool is that?" show co-creator Ricky Gervais wrote on his blog recently.
In addition to the original British program, there are versions in the U.S., France, Germany, Chile, Israel and Quebec.
U.S. & World
Gervais joked on his blog the show might not air if Beijing sees his latest project, "An Idiot Abroad," where he sends a culturally clueless friend on a trip around the world.
Gervais did not give any clues about the timing of the Chinese show but the project appeared to be in the early stages. A spokeswoman for BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster's commercial arm which licensed some international versions of the show, said there was "no deal in place, no broadcaster, no production company."
The 49-year-old is also working with long term collaborator Stephen Merchant on a new project - Life's Too Short - about the day-to-day frustrations of a dwarf.
Selected Reading: rickygervais.com, BBC, NBC.


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You can tell from the slowly rising temperatures that summer has arrived and that means some of our favorite events are going on now at EMCL.
First, let's talk about summer reading sign up. It's EASY this year! All you need to do is stop by the front desk and pick up a reading card and calendar. Turning in the first card counts as your registration.
We have programs for all ages, birth – Adult. Summer reading events are every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and will go on for the month of June and July.
Quilters: it's time to show off your handiwork. We are accepting quilts for our annual quilt show June 17-22. Drop your items off at the front desk. Then come by to appreciate all the quilts on display beginning June 26 and going through July 6. Quilt show hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days the library is open (Monday – Saturday). The quilt show will also be open on July 4 from 6:30 – 10 a.m and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With all of this going on, we will be taking a short break from computer classes. There will be a beginning computer class starting up on Thursday, July 11. If interested, or for more information, please contact the front desk.
Genealogy meetings are continuing through the summer. If you are interested in finding out about uncovering your family history, come to a meeting at the library on June 17 at 7 p.m. All are welcome! Come share success stories and learn tips and tricks on how to get started.
The Friends of the Library will have their meeting on June 20 at 9:30am. All members of the Friends organization are welcome to attend!
What's happening at the library…
You can tell from the slowly rising temperatures that summer has arrived and that means some of our favorite events are going on now at EMCL.


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I hope to persuade hard (absolute) determinists that their position is based on a false dichotomy. Determinism does not preclude free will. It's not either/or: there are other possibilities. I am presenting, here, one of those other possibilities. It's a model based on reciprocal causality. It doesn't claim to have proof: we know too little about the brain to prove how any high-order mental process works, so I'll be appealing to your experience and reason using common ideas and concepts we all understand. As I will explain, free will does not require mind/body dualism: it doesn't have to violate causality or determinism. The question of free will is a matter of opinion, hotly debated for centuries. I find it ridiculous when hard determinists write with authority about "the illusion of free will" as if they're discussing settled, factual, points. If they don't know the difference between a fact and an opinion, how do they know what they know? The pretense of certainty is foolhardy when dealing with a topic nobody can back up with evidence. I believe the main stumbling block for hard determinists is their tendency to material reductionism, driven by the misguided application of physics to things biological: a tendency that obfuscates the key differences between inanimate objects and animate beings.
Before beginning in earnest, I'd like you to consider this . . .
. . . If I were Magellan, trying to convince you that the Earth is spherical, I would point out how -- no matter in which direction you look -- the horizon advances as we advance toward it and how the arc of the horizon suggests a huge, round, planet, etc. If you adhered to conventional 15th century wisdom and held a contrary opinion, you would naturally react with skepticism and be inclined to resist my evidence and arguments.
However, if you sailed around the world with me, heading inexorably westward, you would be far more willing to accept the Earth as a globe once we arrive back where we started from. You might find fault with some of my ideas or metaphors but you would agree with my conclusion and, thus, would be more prone to seek clarification than to reject the theory outright.
Sometimes, we can't see the forest for the trees. If I had to respond to every possible objection to every interpretation of my assertions, we would get nowhere in a hurry. Let's not get bogged down in the minutiae: let's look at the question holistically before quibbling over details: we are, after all, dealing with hypotheticals here . . . namely that reciprocal causation, as a potential key to free will (self-determinism) without mind/body dualism, demonstrates that hard determinism is a false dichotomy: there are other possibilities.
So, what IS free will? People clearly don't agree on what it is. Philosophers can't figure it out. No matter what our opinions of the requirements for free will, they all include choice, so let's call choice a bare minimum requirement. But in what manner do we have choice? Certainly not the libertarian volition that denies determinism. That's just not workable – especially for atheists with a knee-jerk reaction against mind/body dualism. And certainly not at the other end of the spectrum: hard determinism. To hard determinists, there is no free will: just the illusion of it. So, if free will really exists, it exists somewhere between these two extremes.
The way I see it, we are self-aware, intelligent, human beings, with uniquely powerful mental faculties of memory and analysis that sets us apart from all other known entities. We specialize in abstractions. We understand, or can figure out, causal relationships and their effects on us and our environment. Not only are we self-aware – we are time-aware – something so intrinsic to our intelligence that we're inured to it, taking it for granted. To me, this time-awareness is an important key to the question of free will because it represents a temporal advantage over causality that allows us to anticipate and prepare for the future . . . whether that be 5 seconds or 50 years from now. Whether it's preparing a grocery list; or a career path; or writing a last will and testament: we plot our own paths into the future. And that, to me, is self-determinism: my idea of what free will actually is. Self-determinism means that, within the constraints of causality, we are the architects of our own lives and are thus responsible and accountable for our own actions. To me, this is what it means to have free will.
I'm a compatibilist. I believe free will (self-determinism) is compatible with determinism – but not the absolute determinism of hard determinists. Such absolute determinism is based on linear causality; the causality of physics: cause and effect that is fixed: linear, binary and inexorable, unfolding in a precisely predictable way. Yes, the causality of physics is linear, binary and inexorable. But only with inanimate objects. Everything in the universe was an inanimate object until the advent of life. Thanks to the introduction of life, the universe now also contains animate beings.
Inanimate objects and animate beings have different modes of response (reactive versus interactive) to causality because animate beings provide potentials for causality that aren't possible with inanimate objects.For brevity's sake, lets stick with human beings from here on out. Anyway, instead of the linear, reactive, relationship to causality found in the inanimate realm, human beings have a reciprocal, interactive, relationship with causality. This is one of the differences that distinguishes physics from biology. Physics deals with inanimate matter: its causality is simple and linear. Biology deals with animate beings: its causality is complex and reciprocal. Life makes all the difference.
We're evolved to recognize, analyze, understand and anticipate causality in highly complex ways. Think about it for a second. What are the properties of causality that make it so predictable in the inanimate realm?
Causality underpins all of nature. It's a basic assumption of physics. It's the first thing we need to master in order to understand the world around us. Intelligence can't develop – much less, evolve – without causality as its foundation. The properties of causality are the seeds of intelligence. Without causality, there is only chaos.
So causality is at the core of both determinism and intelligence. And when causality and intelligence interact, we have self-determinism. The key to that interaction is feedback. How do you have interaction without feedback? Feedback is common to emergent phenomena such as consciousness and intelligence, both of which are intimately bound up with free will (self-determinism). In contrast, inanimate matter is insensate. It has no memory, no intentions, no alternatives. It has no feedback: it is reactive, not interactive.
Although human intelligence endows us with a temporal advantage over causality that allows us to anticipate, prepare for and harness causality for our own purposes, that doesn't mean we're not subject to great influence from causality. We can do nothing about much of causality's influence over us. We have no causal control over our own genetics and very little over our physiology. We have no control over the weather or natural disasters. In the midst of a car crash, we have no control over the forces that violently toss us around. But we're not absolutely at the mercy of causality . . . we can drive defensively and use seat belts, air bags, padded dashboards, laminated windshields, crumple zone designs and side impact protection beams as well as systems for: collision avoidance, anti-lock braking, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control and obstacle detection. With self-determinism, feedback allows us to recursively modify our surroundings or even our own behavior to guarantee more beneficial consequences than would otherwise occur.
Feedback occurs between our brains and stimuli from our surroundings (causality). I think this feedback loop is where emergent phenomena such as intelligence and consciousness form. But how can free will (self-determinism) emerge from feedback? Well, of course, I don't really know. But when I think in terms of reciprocal causality, it's not difficult to explain how self-determinism could emerge from the feedback of reciprocal causation. It's easy to see how the human brain creates huge potentials for (reciprocal) causality that are way beyond anything possible in the inanimate realm. Here's just one way in which that could happen, explained with ideas and concepts we're all familiar with . . .
. . . Cause and effect from the past (experience) is stored in the brain as memories. Cause and effect are also projected into the future (anticipation) when we analyze or plan. As mental feedback, our brains integrate experience and anticipation with cause and effect in the present moment to synthesize perceptions, ideas, conclusions and decisions . . . which, in turn, are also stored in the brain. Now tell me, which of these causes and effects are important to this process?
I say all of them. This synthesis of multiple causal factors is impossible with the linear causality of inanimate objects. With human intelligence, causality has more "temporal potentials", thanks to memory (past) and the anticipation and projection of imagination (future). To us, causality isn't limited to the present. It's stored in the form of memories we can recall and is predicted in the form of anticipation and projection. Memory and imagination, as mental abstractions, are virtualized forms (past and future) of causality. Their synthesis with real-time causality (the present) is transformative and might well be integral to the emergence of free will (self-determinism).
So, if you're hung up on "uncaused causes", consider the mental synthesis of multiple causal factors and its implications for emergence. We don't operate on just the unfolding linear causality of the present. The past, present and future are homogenized and simultaneously incorporated into our thoughts and deeds.There is no "uncaused cause" -- no violation of determinism -- because there is no single cause but, rather, a synthesis of causal factors past, present and (virtual) future. I think this synthesis is exactly what is needed for the emergence of intelligence and free will (self-determinism) without mind/body dualism. When you stop to think about it, the human capacity for analysis is amazing. It's an exercise in abstraction. We draw feedback from experience (past) and imagination (future) to mentally evaluate hypothetical scenarios. They're not even real: just mental constructs! Reciprocal causation seems to have almost limitless potential. If reciprocal causation isn't the key to free will (self-determinism) as an emergent property of the brain, what else could be?
The whole point here is to show that hard determinism is a false dichotomy. It's not either/or. There are other possibilities. Emergence from reciprocal causation is one of those possibilities.
I believe that free will (self-determinism) is a prerequisite component of human intelligence in as much as it seems impossible to have human intelligence without it. What is human intelligence? Can we have it without the ability to make choices? Not to my way of thinking.
The ability to make choices, to me, implies an ability to anticipate causality. We make decisions based on expectations and pursue plans to usher those decisions to fruition. Planning would not work if choices were ephemeral. Clearly, we plan all the time, so part of intelligence must include keeping track of choices relative to our plans. This means that, at many points along the way, our choices are re-entrant or recursive; otherwise we could accomplish nothing.
If so, feedback is part of the causal stream of stimuli we're constantly responding to. It's internal instead of external but it joins the stream of stimuli by looping with it. After all, causality doesn't stop at the skull. If we interact with causality, then feedback must be the mechanism by which we direct that interaction. Feedback informs our decisions.
We're very good at analysis and executing plans. Sometimes we fail but usually, we're confident in the outcomes. The fact that we can make plans and execute them is proof that we anticipate the future and factor causality into every step along the way. We can engineer moon missions and scramble to avert disasters and land our astronauts back on Earth safe and sound.
If that isn't self-determinism . . . then what is it? I think it's the only form of free will we really have.
Reciprocal causation becomes easier to understand once you acknowledge that animate beings, through feedback, offer causality more potentials than can occur with inanimate matter. Thanks to our advanced intelligence, we virtually dance with causality. Innovation, invention, creativity . . . these all indicate that causality is a plaything to us.
The reductionist mindset of hard (absolute) determinism doesn't take reciprocal causation into consideration . . . and as long as you're dealing with inanimate matter, that shortcoming doesn't matter. The biggest mistake hard determinists make is treating animate beings like inanimate objects: applying linear causation instead of reciprocal causation. The brain is more than a collection of atoms: it's the most complex object in the known universe. Life, consciousness and intelligence are emergent phenomena. Why not free will (self-determinism)?
I find it curious that so many intelligent people are so quick to surrender their identity on the altar of ABSOLUTE determinism. Here's a few quotes that sum these folk up for me . . .
The Bergamin quote reminds us that certainty is a fool's game. Absolutism is the pretense of certainty. The anonymous quote reminds us that what we think we know is subject to new paradigms. The Einstein quote encapsulates hard determinism perfectly. By applying the linear causality of inanimate objects to animate beings – as if there's no difference between them – hard determinists are making things simpler than possible. Free will (self-determinism) is probably not even possible without the feedback of reciprocal causation: it's certainly unimaginable with just linear causation. Life, consciousness, intelligence and, yes, free will (self-determinism) are unthinkable without reciprocal causality.
We all live as if we have free will (self-determinism). Jurisprudence, competition, incentives, rewards, praise, blame, loyalty, betrayal . . . these all pay lip service to free will (self-determinism). We ponder our futures and evaluate our options for the best available opportunities that fit our priorities and abilities – then we set about to achieve them. There are constantly choices to be made. Free will (self-determinism) seems to be a fact of life.
The challenge is to explain it: NOT deny it.
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Views: 654
Okay, now you're not even making sense! The entirety of my recent post was aimed towards your "OP." It seems that you cannot come to terms with the fact that your model is malarkey, so now in order to cope, you respond in pure non sequitur!
All this wasted verbiage and you've YET to properly engage a single assertion from the OP.
Seems to me, you won't because you can't, Matt.
The problem I have is in the case of the Big Bang theory, Theory of Relativity, and the rest you've listed is that they're actually backed by scientific studies. The Big Bang theory is now hammering home as a very widely accepted theory among scientists due to the work done with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, Theory of Relativity is fiercely defended with mathematical hypothesis and numerous tests and experiments, quantum field theory likewise with the use of the LHC and also complex mathematical description, and so on for each "reputable scientific theory." Although these theories may not claim certainty, they are backed by experiment and very precise mathematical models, and they do not pile conjecture upon conjecture.
Consciousness, on the other hand, a very slippery topic even amongst neuroscience, there's no consensus whatsoever on an orthodox description of it, and you've come along with a model that isn't necessarily backed by any sort of evidence, any experiment, it's just basically how you feel about "animate beings." So, I wouldn't equate what you're saying in regards to your comment on how these fiercely defended scientific theories do not necessarily claim any certainty. You seem to have just pulled that card in order to keep your charade going on.
Now, on the other hand, if you presented a model that was backed by at least some sort of thought experiment or mathematical hypothesis, perhaps you'd be taken a bit more seriously, but as far as I can see, it's merely fanciful imagination placed on conjectures with no basis in reality nor any basis in some kind of factual evidence.
To All:
Some of your responses indicate that the OP wasn't read or wasn't understood. To avoid getting: sidetracked with related topics; derailed by unrelated topics; or hijacked by the free will versus determinism debate in general -- please cite relevant passages from the OP when replying. And please explain your assertions. Bald assertions are little more than pot shots and serve only to waste time and effort.
I'm exercising my right to have the OP define the scope of discussion. To make things easier, here's a summary of assertions from the OP. If you attack these -- or anything else from the OP that you want to cite -- I would appreciate it.
One more thing . . . for those of you demanding proof or leveling charges of conjecture, read the first paragraph. I'm presenting a model, using concepts we're all aware of, to provide an explanation of how free will (self-determinism) COULD arise as an emergent phenomena. Models, hypotheses and theories don't claim proof or certainty: they claim valid explanations. Scientists don't model ideas they already understand. They model theories. All we can do here is speculate because we know virtually nothing about mental processes of the human brain. Hell, until recently, most scientists considered consciousness and free will to be questions for philosophy, not science . . . many still do. So, anyway, as a model of self-determinism, the OP and its individual assertions should be examined on their merits: are they impossible, unlikely, possible, feasible, plausible or likely?
Do the following claim proof or certainty?
If you think they do or should, you're not clear on the concept of science.
I have to assume that section that you wrote...
It doesn't claim to have proof: we know too little about the brain to prove how any high-order mental process works, so I'll be appealing to your experience and reason using common ideas and concepts we all understand.
Is what you're referring to. If so, it doesn't directly address my question unless you're implying "high-order mental process" to somehow also include "consciousness emerging from the complexity of brain functioning." So, instead of going through several exchanges, you could have just said, "Yes, I'm basing my conjecture on a conjecture" instead of being vague about it and peddling your so-called "model." You're like a Christian who's peddling the love of Christ, except in your case, your peddling the "free will" as though that phrase has some kind of meaning!
Read the very first paragraph of my OP. It provides your answers.
-_- Smh. What do you think I'm doing? Would you answer the question? Aren't you basing your model on the conjecture that consciousness is an emergent property of physical activity of the brain? Why do you keep avoiding that statement? You want me to cite it? Here, I want you to hold Ctrl + F to bring up your "search on this page tool" a nd into that search, type "emergent" and all the areas in which you bring this up will be highlighted! And every single area in which this word is highlighted, you keep taking this CONJECTURE and running with it as though it's something that is scientifically proven when it is, in fact, not!
You can claim anything you want to. But until you cite MY words and how they are wrong, you're just blowing smoke.
What's wrong? Is that too difficult for you? Is it too much for the OP author to ask? Or are you afraid of truly engaging?
The record is only showing that you failed to address my main point! I'll repost it, as to "let the record show."
Re-post: I simply was pointing out that you're basing your entire model on the conjecture that consciousness is an emergent property of physical activity of the brain. So, you're basically piling a conjecture on a conjecture by saying that free will is also an 'emergent phenomena.'
Let the record show that Matt has not done anything but spout unsupported opinions. The only times he's actually cited any passages from the OP, he claimed they said what they did not say -- even though he chose the passages he cited!
Other than that, all we have from him is proclamations without explanations related to the OP.
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Cornhuckster Victoria Strauss Prose Repackaged Again: It's Still Un-Amazing Corn (Updated: 03.22.15)
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Writer Beware Continues to Drop in Alexa Rankings: 600,000
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Bird makes most of second act, ready for third
Bird makes most of second act, ready for third
Barbara Bird remembers her first sight of Penn State, and it felt a bit like a scene from a movie.
She was flying into Happy Valley for a job interview and looked out the airplane window. "You could just see this little patch of lights glimmering down there," Bird said. "It looked small and quaint. It looked nice."
Bird, taking a big step in her second career after 20 years as a nurse, was visiting central Pennsylvania for an interview for a full-time teaching position after completing her graduate work at Northwestern University.
Penn State was not the first choice for her academic career, but it turned out to be the right choice for her, hundreds of students through the years and a program that crafted a productive and respected role at the University.
"I think we've been successful together," Bird said. "We have this lovely jewel of a program that can give students a tremendous amount of personal attention, and I'm so proud to have been a part of its growth."
After 17 years at Penn State, Bird decided to retire, effective June 30. During her tenure, the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies was one of four created in the College of Communications. Bird quickly emerged as a leader within the department and the college. Along with her teaching and committee work, she has served at different times as acting head of the department and as director of international programs for the college.
Dean Doug Anderson arrived on campus two years after Bird and leaned on her early in his career.
"I knew back in 1999 that it was terribly unfair to expect a tenure-track assistant professor to assume service and administrative responsibilities, but, let's face it, anyone who had been a charge nurse in the operating room of a major hospital could handle the task," Anderson said. "Obviously, Barbara has made an enormous contribution to the college and its film-video students over the past 17 years."
And, as she envisions retirement, Bird does not foresee herself slowing down or stopping. She's just moving on to different challenges and opportunities. She plans on spending more time with her three grown children and five grandchildren in Chicago. She also has a few projects in mind. She's clearly looking forward -- although she did entertain a few sentimental moments.
"There were times during the final semester when I thought about the last time I'd be doing this or that, and I'll certainly miss the fall -- there's such a great energy on campus at that time of year," Bird said. "But, it's just time to do something different."
Bird is not one to shy away from an opportunity -- often parlaying her passion into productivity. Her career in higher education was one such opportunity. It seemed like a drastic change to some, but not Bird.
"It made perfect sense to me," she said of the transition from nursing. "It didn't seem the least bit odd, especially with the background my dad gave me."
Influenced by her father (with whom she made films that were much more than simple family narratives when she was a child) and filmmakers like Michael Moore, Bird found her voice in documentaries. Many of her film credits, as well as those on which she advised students or collaborated with community groups, were "cause" efforts -- things done to benefit and support others. She invariably encouraged her students as they did the same.
"I told my students that my work came from being ticked off," Bird said. "It's fabulous to be able to find a place to express that. I love to rock the boat. Plus, made up stories are not as interesting to me as real issues."
Bird's credits include: "No. 4 Street of Our Lady" (2009), which looks at the 60-year silence of some Holocaust survivors; "Album" (2002), which explores a family's struggles with addiction and dysfunction; and "Handmaidens" (1995), which looks at abuse and lack of power in the workplace.
The most recent film in that trio allowed Bird to help tell the personal story of another person's family while collaborating with fellow faculty members. Her skills were vital in helping convey the story for a film that earned numerous accolades, including a Silver Telly Award and was honored at an Academy Award-qualifying festival.
Her thesis documentary, "Handmaidens," was about nurses -- a personal story that also earned several awards. Bird's varied portfolio also ranges from a film made for a suicide survivor group to a 15-minute documentary titled "Ghosts of Carnegie." The latter was made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Carnegie Building, which serves as the on-campus home for the College.
She approached every project with the same focus on storytelling and level of professionalism. And, while she brings a passion to all her work she also brings important perspective -- an approach that works well on a busy campus and with varied audiences. That statesperson-like approach, albeit a bit vocal at times in her preferred rock-the-boat style, was important in the growth of the film program.
"We are supported and I think valued," Bird said. "I've always felt included."
During her final spring semester, a pair of 2001 film-video graduates (Tony Layser and Dave Leopold) with whom Bird had worked closely, were among the visitors to campus to share their expertise. "When something comes full circle like that it's really rewarding," Bird said. "That's just one of the things that made working here so special."


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Guillen to toss ceremonial first pitch before Game 3
OAKLAND -- While Detroit waits for Jhonny Peralta to work his way into left field, the Tigers will open the home portion of their postseason schedule by welcoming their last former shortstop to try playing in left.
Carlos Guillen, a two-time All-Star during his Detroit tenure, will return to Comerica Park to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 3 of the Tigers' American League Division Series against the A's Monday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, MLB Network).
It'll be Guillen's second trip to Comerica Park since his retirement after the 2011 season. He returned in the summer of 2012 for a ceremony honoring his Tigers tenure. However, he visited the team just last week in Miami during their series against the Marlins.
Guillen will go down in Tigers history as one of the key acquisitions of the team's turnaround from 119 losses in 2003 to the World Series in 2006. After the 2003 season, team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski went looking for a shortstop on the market, was rebuffed in early courtships of free agents Miguel Tejada and Rich Aurilia, then struck when the Mariners failed to trade Guillen to Cleveland for Omar Vizquel.
The Tigers acquired Guillen for infielders Juan Gonzalez and Ramon Santiago, the latter of whom ended up back with the Tigers a few years later. Guillen, meanwhile, emerged as an offensive player in Detroit, batting .318 with 20 homers and 97 RBIs in 2004 before hitting .320 with 19 homers and 85 RBIs for the World Series team a couple years later.
Guillen batted .297 with 95 home runs, 449 RBIs and an .842 OPS over eight seasons as a Tiger. The last four of them saw him move out from shortstop to play first base, then third base, then left field, then second base. All the while, injuries to his knee, back and shoulder wore him down in his early-to-mid-30s.
In addition to Guillen's return, the Tigers will feature local musicians performing the national anthem. Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott, two Detroit natives who are part of the band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., will perform ahead of the release of their new album on Tuesday.


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The pendulums and divining rods listed in our store catalog are created to give you the extra "edge" in your dowsing.
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Upon first glance, there's nothing remarkable about the LG Viper. It runs an old version of Android (2.3) and looks, well, a bit boring, but if you're a Sprint subscriber on a budget, this could be an affordable way to tap into some of Sprint's new offerings. Despite being only $100 with a two-year agreement, it has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, comes loaded with Google Wallet and NFC capabilities, and will be able to connect up to Sprint's upcoming 4G LTE network, which will eventually boost the carrier back onto a level playing field with Verizon and AT&T.
The rest is, well… what you see is what you get. This isn't a flashy phone. Nobody's going to think you're super cool for owning it, but it does get the job done. We wish it ran Android 4.0, but hopefully Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) won't be too cumbersome to use for another two years. Oh, and it does also come with a microSD slot and 50GB of free cloud storage on Box, which is guaranteed for the life of the device. Box is one of Dropbox's larger competitors.
The Viper's casing is made from 50 percent recycled plastic as well. You can pick up the phone starting today. It runs $100 with a two year contract, but has a $50 mail-in rebate.


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House passes comprehensive health insurance reform bill without taxing middle-class workers
NEA president: Senate must follow suit
WASHINGTON - November 07, 2009 -
In a rare Saturday vote, the House of Representatives passed historic health insurance reform legislation by a vote of 220 to 215. The Affordable Health Care for America Act will provide insurance for an estimated 36 million Americans who are currently without basic health care coverage. The House bill meets the goals set out by President Obama. The bill would extend coverage to uninsured Americans, curb the growth of health care costs and provide security and protection for people who already have insurance.
The following may be attributed to NEA President Dennis Van Roekel:
"NEA commends the House Leadership and the Members who voted for this groundbreaking legislation tonight. This bill is paid for without an excise tax -- a tax that would be devastating for America's middle-class workers. The eight million uninsured children in our country deserve affordable health coverage now. It is crucial that the Senate act swiftly to get a bill to conference so a comprehensive health insurance reform plan paid for without an excise tax can emerge."
For more information on NEA's positions on health insurance reform, please go to www.nea.org/healthcare.
# # #
The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization,
representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty,
education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators
and students preparing to become teachers.
CONTACT: Sara Robertson (202) 822-7823, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Samsung's South Korean headquarters has announced two new 840 SSDs, one of which uses three-level cell (TLC) technology , a first for the industry, and the other a more normal two bits per cell, the 840 Pro.
The 840 Pro is, according to one of several reports a SATA 6Gbit/s interface product, delivering 100,000 random read IOPS and 90,000 random write IOPS. AnandTech says the numbers are 100,000 and 78,000 respectively. Samsung Europe and America haven't announced anything yet; it seems the corporate marketing translation people are not quite as quick on their feet as Samsung's flash products.
The 840 Pro has 64GB, 18GB, 256GB and 512GB capacity points, with the TLC 840 having 120GB, 250GB and 500GB. The 840 uses 21nm toggle-mode NAND, like the 840 Pro, and does 540MB/sec sequentially reading, 330MB/sec sequentially writing, 98,000 random read IOPS and 70,000 random write IOPS. These are darn respectable numbers.
The thing uses an MDX controller, again like the 840 Pro. Samsung apparently claims the 840 isn't that bad at endurance, the traditional TLC bugbear, having, it claims, greater endurance than some MLC SSDs. It's not releasing actual program/erase cycle numbers though – or total PB written over the life of the drive, implying that endurance is not that great.
The 512GB 840 Pro costs $599.99 while the 500GB 840 costs $449.98. Availability is said to be from 15 October. With Samsung having relationships with Fusion-io and Seagate, we might expect TLC flash products to come from them as well. Seagate has said it views TLC NAND as a consumer-grade product and not something for enterprise use. That could be Fusion-io's thinking too.
With Samsung first off the blocks with TLC NAND product it's a racing certainty that Micron and Toshiba – and even Hynix – will follow suit. One of them could announce before the end of the year. Expect the TLC flash floodgates to start opening. ®


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Kinetics Database Resources
Rate Our Products and Services
Other Databases
NIST Standard Reference Data Program
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Administrative Links
Chemical and Biochemical Reference Data Division
Title: Kinetics of some reactions of vinyl and isopropyl radicals in the gas-phase
Journal: Int. J. Chem. Kinet.
Volume: 17
Year: 1985
Reference type: Journal article
Squib: 1985SZI117
CH2=CHCHO + iso-C3H7 → C3H8 + CH2=CHC(·)O
View full bibliographic record.
Rate constant values calculated from the Arrhenius expression:


text:
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Information Governance Policy Support Manager, Digital Information Policy Team.
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any changes to the IG Toolkit standards have been kept to a minimum, you can view these
changes in the Change Control Notice for Version 7 of the toolkit.
Download the Information Governance Assurance Framework briefing note.
Change Control Notice for Version 7.
This briefing note clarifies the main differences between the role of the SIRO
and the role of Caldicott Guardian in an NHS organisation.
Download the Role of the SIRO and Caldicott Guardian guidance.
The NHS Operating Framework for 2009/10 requires organisations to achieve level 2
performance against a number of key requirements in the Information Governance Toolkit.
The NHS Operating Framework 2009/10 key requirements are outlined in the following
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Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston attend the premiere of their film The Avengers held at the BMCC Performing Arts Center on Saturday (April 28) in New York City.
The premiere was held as the closing night gala of the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.
In case you missed them, check out some brand new stills of Chris and Tom in the highly anticipated film.
Make sure to catch The Avengers when it hits theaters on May 4!
20+ pictures inside of Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston at the Avengers premiere… More Here! »


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Rita Ora graces the cover of Elle UK's May 2013 Women In Music Issue and wears Chanel couture.
Chanel unveiled a newly revamped Bal Harbour boutique in Miami designed by Peter Marion. Architectural Digest
It seems like Rihanna is loving the Chanel Spring 2013 pearl accessories as much as me – except she can actually afford to buy them all! Rihanna's Instagram and Daily Mail.
I don't like to promote knock-offs but I'm making an exception here because I'm almost tempted to buy them! You see, I am deeply in love with all of the magnificent pearl accessories from the Chanel Spring 2013 collection but I cannot spend my life savings on Chanel. So what is a girl to do? This website has created some pearl accessories inspired by the Chanel Spring 2013 costume jewelry collection. Do what you will with that info. Pret a Portobello
Want to DIY your own pair of Chanel-inspired espadrilles? Learn how on Cocorosa.
Ever seen a Chanel coin? Well, you'll need one for the Chanel vending machine. Vogue UK
And a shout out to La Chanelphile reader Samantha Thompson who sent over a photo of the vending machine. Merci!
Like seeing celebrities in Chanel? Check out the red carpet arrivals from the 2013 Chanel Tribeca Film Festival Artists Dinner. Monsters and Critics
Chanel West Coast is releasing a track called "Karl Lagerfeld" – here's a shot from her video shoot – looks like she's channeling the 90s. MTV
Glamour magazine interviews Karl Lagefeld and Alice Dellal about working together on the second Chanel Boy Bag campaign.
Dying for a Chanel Boy Brick bag (the Lego-inspired one) but don't have 10K to pay for it? Make your own Lego-inspired bag. Learn how on Studs and Buttonholes
Learn how to make your own DIY Chanel-inspired pearl bracelets. Popsugar
Baselworld 2013 has come and gone but these beautiful Chanel Premiere Flying Tourbillon were on display – with a limited run of only five pieces each. Blouin Art Info
Chanel Beaute's research and development department has exclusively partnered with Plant Advanced Technologies to formulate new plant-based "pure active ingredients." Cosmetics Design Europe
Coco Chanel has inspired many things – and now you can add a one-of-a-kind $250,000 piano. Haute Living
Chanel's iconic location 31 Rue Cambon is set for expansion beginning in 2014. Chanel has purchased 19 Rue Cambon – also on the corner of the Rue Saint-Honoré another prestigious Parisian street. The project is scheduled from completion in 2016. WWD
Anne Hathaway wore Chanel Haute Couture from the Fall 2009 collection to the Les Miserable premiere at the 2013 Berlinale International Film Festival. Global Grind & Style
Chloe Moretz celebrated her Sweet 16 in Chanel – with a matching manicure of course. MTV Style
It doesn't seem like Chanel will sell fashion apparel or accessories online anytime soon. Bruno Pavlovsky stated "Fashion is about clothing, and clothing you need to see, to feel, to understand." Bloomberg
Learn how to make a DIY Chanel-inspired pearl bracelet. Popsugar
I love this photo of the Chanel Metiérs d'Art Paris-Edimbourg collection – it captures the mood perfectly. Vanity Fair
Ugh. I have so many more links on my list to get to so this is becoming a multi-part post. Back later this week with more links for you!


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The Regional Initiatives have been set up in a way which ensures that stakeholders are effectively engaged. They bring together regulators, the European Commission, Member State governments, companies and other relevant parties in the following way:
The ERGEG's RIs and other regional initiatives have delivered encouraging results in the electricity sector, with the creation of several regional wholesale markets (in the Nordic area, in Central- Western Europe, in the Iberian Peninsula, in Ireland, between Italy and Slovenia, between the Czech Republic and Slovakia). The commitment of all stakeholders and the engagement of Member States have proved critical in determining the success of these developments. The existence of a common vision – a Target Model – for the internal electricity market also served as a reference for the different regional initiatives.
Agency for the Cooperationof Energy Regulators
Trg republike 3
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
tel. +386 (0) 8 205 34 00fax +386 (0) 8 205 34 13
Comments and feedback
© Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, 2019.


text:
I'm working on another library history project and having fun reading through some old library literature. Here's a good example of librarians trying to predict the future, from a 1933 Jesse Shera article in the Library Quarterly, "Recent Social Trends and Future Library Policy."
With the older people constituting an increasingly larger percentage of our population, the demand for leisure-time activities and the services of the librarian should increase, while the children's librarians, relieved of the burden of ever increasing numbers to serve, can shift their attentions from quantity to quality. Further, the curtailing of immigration will not only be reflected in our rapidly falling birth-rate, but our population will more and more become racially homogeneous,* so that library work with the foreign born will become decreasingly important.
*T. J. Woofter, "The Status of racial and ethnic groups," Social trends, I, 553-60I.
He sure got that one wrong.


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Modern technology and the fountain of youth, could we be getting closer?
Sciton's Broadband Light Treatments (Forever Young BBL™) makes me think we just might be. Sciton has developed an aesthetic light therapy which uses a broad range of wavelengths allowing targeted treatment for many skin conditions. Their Forever Young BBL™delivers a broad light therapy which targets the signs of aging and sun damage leaving a refreshed, rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
BBL™ is a new technology that utilizes pulsed light to deliver photorejuvenation therapy. The light energy from BBL™ heats up the outer layers of skin and can target melanin and surface vessels. BBL™ is great for treatment of dyschromias (sun spots), hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles. It has also been shown to improve the overall skin tone of tissue treated The infrared light energy from BBL™ for skin tightening heats the collagen within the skin causing the skin to contract. Pigmented lesions will turn a darker color after treatment with BBL™, but will eventually flake off after approximately 2 weeks. There is little to no downtime with this treatment, but it can require multiple treatments to produce the desired effects.
Sciton conducted studies on their Forever Young BBL™ technology which yielded amazing results. Results that just might have us one step closer to that mythic youthful fountain. The studies were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. In the studies over 1,000 gene expressions became "rejuvenated" to be more like youthful skin resulting in decreased elastosis and more uniform collagen deposition; leading to improvements in fine wrinkles and pigmentation. Or as I understand it, in laymen's terms, the results of this study indicated actual genes changed their behavior and started operating as they did when they were younger. Oh, yeah!
Forever Young BBL™ you had me at gene expression changing and appearing younger. When I heard that I immediately wanted to know more and to experience it for myself. I made a call and got myself hooked up with one of NYC's top plastic surgeons. Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc.
Dr. Lorenc is a prominent Park Avenue plastic surgeon. He is well known worldwide as a recognized authority in facial anatomy as well as for his skills, and expertise as an aesthetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Lorenc is a leader in research, development and advancement of new aesthetic surgical and non-surgical techniques and procedures. He is internationally recognized for creating endoscopic techniques, most notably the endoscopic forehead lift. Dr. Lorenc holds numerous patents and is a pioneer in the development of the latest generation of dermal fillers and neurotoxins.
I ventured into his Park Avenue offices on one of our New York City - Polar Vortex days. Once safely tucked inside I was greeted with a cup of coffee to warm myself and introduced to Dr. Lorenc's medical aesthetician Carissa MCCormack who was set to be my BBL™ technician. Carissa has been a licensed medical aesthetician for over a decade; she specializes in cosmetic laser and customized medical aesthetic skincare treatments. She is an international clinical trainer for a laser company and has trained physicians in North, Central and South America on the uses of lasers. Like Dr. Lorenc, Carissa is at the top of her field. Both she and the Dr. have been featured quite regularly in the media as experts in their fields.
After our hellos Carissa whisked me away to an intimidating machine which took several pictures of what my skin really looked. Showing how much sun damage I had incurred, (a lot less than I thought). How much bacteria was present etc. This helped her to know what to target during my treatment.
After finishing we went into the treatment room. We took before pictures and then I was instructed to make myself comfortable under warm blankets on a plush memory foam treatment bed. The actual treatment for my part was easy I just closed my eyes and set about being a good patient. Carissa applied a topical anesthetic to my face and while it was taking effect ran the Forever Young BBL™ over my hands and décolletage. After she finished the hands and décolletage she moved onto the face.
Using the same machine, she did two different procedures. The first was a resurfacing procedure which she followed by a toning procedure. At every step Carissa kept me informed as to what she was doing, giving me a play by play of exactly what was happening as she went along. Warning me with a count of 1,2,3, and then zapping me with the laser. This part was for the resurfacing procedure used to improve brown spots, red veins and fine wrinkles and it felt like a slight zing or snapping sensation. It didn't hurt and felt like a mild zing to my skin, an interesting note when she passed the wand over my right check I could feel the zing in my dental fillings. It felt like when I was a kid and would get a piece of the aluminum wrapping from my chewing gum caught in my teeth. Remember that shock and zap when you bit down on the aluminum wrapping?
For the toning setting she warned me that I might feel a slight burning, like a sunburn feeling and to let her know if I was uncomfortable. The toning portion did feel quite warm, which I noticed the most on my hands. I guess there is less fat and muscle to buffer the heat. It got quite hot but never painful. I really liked the toning portion on my face which felt like a warm massage. Another surprise was how bright the light was. My eyes were closed and protected. And I still saw flashes of light like from the flash of a camera. There was red light, white light and even fractal's of light which looked like a kaleidoscope of lights. It was pretty.
I had a lovely time at Dr. Lorenc's office. The staff took great care of me and it was fun visiting with Carissa as she expertly light beamed my skin back into shape. The technology and procedures felt like a page out of a science fiction book, only better, because the results are real and not sci-fi.
As for the aftercare and downtime from the treatment, there really wasn't any. I could have put on makeup immediately, I choose not to. As I walked out of the treatment room into the lobby of the office, I looked a little red/blotchy, kind of like you do after a facial when all the blood is circulating in your face. It went away within the hour. I was warned I might feel like I had a sunburn immediately after and that some patients noticed a sun burning sensation a day or two later. Carissa said if I did get any kind of burning sensation and it was uncomfortable, I could use ice. I didn't have any burning sensations. I did walk outside into the Polar Vortex and walking to the subway, I felt like I had ice on my face. And I seriously wonder if the weather cooled my face for me. I never did need any actual ice. There was no extra aftercare. I did have one freckle on my hand feel itchy on and off for a couple of days, but that was it.
I am waiting to see the results kick in fully from the treatment. I think I see a slight lifting effect and an improvement in the overall texture of my skin. I will post back with results as more time goes by.
Are you curious to know a little more about that study, I mentioned earlier? Here's something I found exciting. During the study participants were given initial treatments and then maintenance treatments over the course of 9 years. At the end they appeared to look 10 years younger. And, I just have to mention again, that gene expression changed. I love that part.
You know what else? That's not all that BBL™ does. Besides skin rejuvenation, targeting and removing age spots, freckles, redness, and small vessels. BBL™ also can be used for hair removal and to control acne. Yes, Forever Young BBL™ is getting us closer to the fountain of youth.
If you would like more information on Forever Young BBL™.
For more on Dr. Lorenc.


text:
A few of these photos, from William Todd's "Port- How to Buy, Serve, Store, and Drink It" have been posted before but not, to my knowledge as a single group. Remember, when looking at the ox-carts, these were taken in 1926! Click on the pictures for larger versions.
A Bunch Of Tinta Cão Grapes.
This grape and other fine-quality grapes of the Upper Corgo vineyards such as the Tinta Francisca, Tinta da Barca, Tinta Carvalha, Tourigo, Mourisco and Souzão, are mixed together, heaped into the wine-presses and blended together by the treading and the subsequent fermentation. It is the judicious assortment of high-quality grapes in the quintas when planting that goes far to make wines of character and distinction when the grapes go to the presses.
View of the River Douro at Regoa.
The river is fordable in summer at two different places this side of the bridge, and empty bullock-carts can often be seen crossing to avoid the long round by the bridge, and, what is more important, the toll. Regoa is on the right bank of the river and is the most important, centre of the Douro wine country. The Government Wine Register Office is at Regoa, where the farmers, after the vintage is completed, must register (about the first week in November) the full amount of wine produced in each quinta, the names of the adegas where the wines are stored and the names of the people to whom sold. Officials from this office go to all the adegas to check the quantities, and no wine can be removed from one adega to another without a permit and no Port Wine from any part of the Douro wine country can go to Villa Nova de Gayo without a certificate being taken out at Regoa. A copy of this is sent to Oporto Custom House to be entered on the shipper's current account as having come into their lodges, and to be deducted from the same account when shipped over the Oporto Bar.
A Quinta in the Upper Cargo
situated on the right bank of the River Douro. Cachão is a little lower down the river, where a famous shipper, Baron Forrester, a great lighter for Port standards, was drowned nearly a century ago.
A Quinta in the Upper Corgo,
situated on the left bank of the river Douro. This quinta, like many other quintas in the Douro, was completely destroyed by phylloxera and abandoned for over thirty years. Replanting was begun in a small way at first, but this was pushed on faster later on under new ownership and came into bearing about twelve years ago, and now produces over 200 pipes of wine.
Memories of the phylloxera years are as poignant in the Douro as in France. This illustration shows well the character of the terracing of the hill-sides.
Artificial Manure
is often placed in shallow trenches round the vines in winter, that the rains may carry it down to the roots. Chemical or artificial manures are, however, much deprecated by the best farmers, who look more to the fine quality of their wines than to the increased quantity gained by forcing the vines too much.
Pruning and Cleaning Vines.
This operation is begun in December after the first frosts have deadened the vines. The best and strongest shoots are shortened back to bear, and part of the old wood is cut away to keep the vine shoot close to the ground. Weak and useless shoots are cut off and all old bark removed. In this way the stems are left clean and free from fungus of any sort. This refuse is cleared away at once from the well managed vineyard and burned.
Spraying the Vines.
Two kilos of sulphate of copper crystals are dissolved in one hundred litres of water, and lime added. This mixture is carefully tested with the Tornuzol Chemical Paper before spraying begins. The treatment usually starts in April, and is repeated three or four times during the early summer, and is a preventative against mildew but of no use as a cure once this has appeared.
Mildew is more prevalent in the Lower Corgo, where the soil is heavy and damp. The woman has the liquid in the picturesque wooden bucket. This liquid is poured into the spraying machine, which is closed down tight, and the man, by means of a handle attached to a machine, pumps air into the machine, which forces out a very fine spray, and this he plays on to the leaves and grapes.
The Vintage or Gathering of the Grapes.
This usually begins about the end of September. The grapes are cut from the vines with long, narrow, pointed scissors or knives. Unripe or defective grapes are removed from the bunches before these are placed in small baskets. The shipper, who has already purchased the product of the quinta, employs men to examine the grapes bunch by bunch before they are
passed from the small to the large baskets, which are then carried by men to the adega and passed through a machine to separate the grapes from the stalks. The grapes pass through the machine and drop into the wine press. It is found that the character of the wine is improved if a small proportion of the stalks is allowed to remain.
The Vintage.
Men carrying grapes from the quinta to the adegas, where a separate house contains the wine presses. These stone presses are built at a higher elevation than the vats, so that the must, when ready, is run off in iron tubes to the vats, A large quinta employs sixty women and girls to gather the grapes and twenty to thirty men to carry the large baskets, which each weigh 140 lb. when filled. Fifteen baskets full give one pipe of wine. The men are at this work all day long, often in scorching heat, and at night join the men in the presses to to assist at 'treading' the grapes until midnight. The vintage in all its phases lasts three or four weeks.
The Wine-Press.
The wine press is a large stone tank, and usually of sufficient dimensions to hold grapes to make fifteen to twenty pipes of wine. Forty men tread the grapes for twenty-four hours; afterwards the fermentation is evenly maintained by the use of churning sticks to keep the liquid in constant motion until the desired degree of fermentation is obtained. This is run off into vats, brandy is added to prevent any further fermentation and not to lose the sweetness. Two months later (December) the wine is drawn off the lees into other vats where it remains for two to four months, and is then measured and removed from the farmer's adegas.
Loading a Douro Boat.
This boat carries fifty pipes, and is being loaded on the left bank of the Douro at Pinhao. It is safely steered over rapids and shallow places by the use of the very long rudder, worked by three or four men on a raised platform at the stern of the boat, and rowed by twelve others. This boat puts in at Regoa, and an official checks the number of casks and gives the man in charge of the boat a certificate (or pass). At Barqueiros, a little below Regoa, the boat is again visited by a Government
official who examines the certificate, samples and tests the wine. If everything is in order, the certificate is returned to the boatman, and two days later the boat arrives at Villa Nova, where the same process of sampling, testing and weighing of casks to check contents is gone through. Should there be any discrepancy in the declarations made on the certificate, or the strength tests do not agree, the Oporto Customs take charge of the wine, which is put under arrest and, after much
delay and inconvenience, a heavy fine is imposed which the wine shipper has to pay if he has not been successful in contesting his case.
Douro Boat.
This boat has just left Villa Nova loaded with empty casks and shows a line spread of canvas which, with a strong and favourable wind, carries it to the wine country in three or four days.
A Villa Nova Wine Lodge
showing large blending vats, and pipes stacked on the scantling in three tiers.
Coopers Making a Cask.
This cask is being made from new Memel oaken staves, has just been taken out of the steaming press, and is having the iron hoop driven on to bring it into shape. It is then turned over on its other end and a strong iron hoop is forced on while the staves are still pliable, and the shape is complete in a few minutes. Fire is burned inside the cask to dry and harden the staves. The heads are put in by slackening the iron hoops a little and then re-tightening. A cooperage is attached to all the larger lodges.
Blending Vats in a Douro Lodge.
The wines are received from the farmers' adegas, are blended in the large vats, and afterwards run off into lodge casks to be stored away before shipment.
Loading Wine in the Farmer's Adega.
The wine is measured from the vats in the adega, and run into the cask which had already been placed on the cart. The wines are measured and taken out of farmers' adegas in March, April and May of each year, and sent down to the shipper's lodge. Carting is done by bullocks, which have to ford rivers in some parts of the country, and the roads to the best quintas are too narrow for any other kind of conveyance.
Bullock Cart with Cask of Wine.
Wine from farmer's adega in the Upper Corgo arriving at the river Douro for shipment to Villa Nova. This boat transport goes on from December to May when the river has sufficient water. During the summer and autumn, the Douro runs too shallow for safe navigation. The curious may note the heavily padded yoke which differs from that in use on the bullock carts of
the town.
[Edit to add two missing photos and to make sure the links point to the right place.]
Some historic photos of the Douro
Data, quotations, and other non-conversational posts containing reference materials.
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5 posts • Page 1 of 1
- JacobH
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
- Posts: 2344
- Joined: 16:37 Sat 03 May 2008
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Some historic photos of the Douro
Last edited by JacobH on 13:00 Thu 30 Jun 2011, edited 6 times in total.
Re: Some historic photos of the Douro
Could a kindly admin perhaps move these to the reference section - they are wonderful photos that have been beautifully scanned - thank you Jacob!
Is anyone able to name the two quintas that are in the photographs?
Is anyone able to name the two quintas that are in the photographs?
Top Ports in 2019: Niepoort VV (1960s bottling) and Quinta do Noval Nacional 2017
Top Ports in 2020 (so far): Croft 1945 and Niepoort VV (1960s bottling)
Top Ports in 2020 (so far): Croft 1945 and Niepoort VV (1960s bottling)
Re: Some historic photos of the Douro
If the author is happy for this to be placed in the reference section I will move it.AHB wrote:Could a kindly admin perhaps move these to the reference section - they are wonderful photos that have been beautifully scanned - thank you Jacob!
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Some historic photos of the Douro
Historic Douro is a fabulous place. Can't be compared to the modern exterior. Are all the photos/some of them available at a higher resolution? I'm willing to place some of them to my personal collection.
[Edited by jdaw1, as late as 6th July 2013, to remove spam link.]
[Edited by jdaw1, as late as 6th July 2013, to remove spam link.]
Last edited by indie05 on 07:45 Thu 26 Apr 2012, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Some historic photos of the Douro
you should probably reach out to the actual holders of these photos and ask specific permission if you wish to do anything commercial with themindie05 wrote:Historic Douro is a fabulous place. Can't be compared to the modern exterior. Are all the photos/some of them available at a higher resolution? I'm willing to place some of them to my personal collection.
Disclosure: Distributor of Quevedo wines and Quinta do Gomariz
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5 posts • Page 1 of 1


text:
"Pasteles" or "pastelitos" in El Salvador, may be different than what you're expecting.
In middle school Spanish class I learned that "pasteles" are "pastries", as in dessert – So years ago when my suegra told me she was making pasteles and then served meat-filled turnovers, I was perplexed.
As many of you know, (and as I found out), in El Salvador, pasteles can refer to savory empanada-like main dishes like the turnovers my suegra served, but it differs from country to country.
Served with curtido, Salvadoran pasteles easily became one of my favorite meals. Here's my recipe so you can make them, too!
Pasteles Salvadoreños
The filling:
1 lb. ground beef
2 cups potatoes, cooked and diced
1 cup green beans, cooked and chopped (optional)
1/4 cup onion, chopped fine
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped
1-2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. achiote molido (ground annatto)
reduced sodium Worcestershire sauce, to taste
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and raw carrot, stirring for about 2 minutes.
2. Season ground beef with oregano, salt, pepper and achiote and then add it to the pot, stirring occasionally until brown.
3. Drain the grease once the beef is cooked, and then return to heat. Add in potatoes (and green beans if using.) Stir to combine and remove from heat. Season with a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce and additional salt to taste. Set aside and allow to cool.
The Masa/Dough:
3 cups MASECA masa harina
1 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon achiote molido/ground annatto
3 cups water
1. Mix the dry ingredients and then add the water a cup at a time, mixing by hand until combined. Set aside. Keep a bowl of fresh water nearby for wetting your hands as you form the pasteles.
Forming the Pasteles:
1. With moist hands, take a handful of masa, slightly larger than a golf ball, and shape it into a tortilla.
2. Put a large spoonful of filling in the middle and then bring the sides of the tortilla together like a taco and seal by closing your hand gently to form the pastel into a half-moon shape as shown below.
3. Fry pasteles in a large, deep pan with plenty of canola oil over medium-high heat, flipping to slightly brown on each side. Remove to paper towel-lined pyrex or plate.
4. Serve pasteles with curtido and salsa. Makes approximately 18 with leftover filling (which is great the next day over rice as picadillo!)
Notes on Curtido and Salsa:
While I already have two curtido recipes (here and here) – as well as salsa recipes (here and here) – I'm always experimenting and I'd like to share new versions I have for each since both turned out great. The salsa recipe, while using canned tomatoes (which I know some are opposed to) actually tastes more authentically Salvadoran in flavor than previous salsas I've made – much closer to what you typically get with pupusas and other dishes at Salvadoran restaurants. The new curtido recipe is great because it minimizes chopping vegetables by hand if you're in a hurry, comes together quickly, and has a nice texture similar to coleslaw thanks to a little help from the food processor.
Salsa Roja Salvadoreña
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (and the liquid)
1/8 cup diced onion
1/8 cup diced green pepper
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
salt, pepper and oregano to taste
1. In a food processor set to mince, add tomatoes and liquid, onion and green pepper. Process until completely combined.
2. Pour tomato sauce into a pot on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and then simmer one minute. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Add salt, pepper and oregano to taste. Cool and serve or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Quick Curtido Salvadoreño
1/2 a small cabbage, washed and chopped in large pieces
2 large carrots, washed, peeled and chopped in large pieces
1/2 small onion, chopped
apple cider vinegar
warm water
oregano, salt and pepper
1. In a food processor set to chop, add cabbage, carrots and onion all at once. Process just until chopped. (The texture will resemble coleslaw for this curtido.)
2. Put cabbage mixture into a large bowl, add apple cider vinegar and a little warm water to taste. Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Serve or keep covered in the refrigerator.


text:
Remembering The Forgotten Vet's
Submitted by: Lawrence Elliott
Category: Stories
As a Vietnam Veteran I would like to propose that the American Legion National Commander issue a proclamation that the American Legion members both individuals and Post's use the United States Post Office "Purple Heart" stamp for all mailings. This would be a fitting tribute to celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday! The Purple Heart is the most recognizable award and an appropriate award for those wounded and deceased from wounds from wars both past and present. The "50th" Anniversary of the Vietnam War is coming up, this would be a fitting tribute in remembrance of that Anniversary. I would hope that our fellow brethren in the VFW and DAV would also adopt this stamp for their own use. Semper Fi !
Msgt (Ret.) USMC Lawrence P. Elliott
Adjutant Tanner-Paull Post 120
About the author:
Retired Marine Master Sargent (28 trs, 22 active duty) Served 2 tours in Vietnam. Retired from civilian life, currently serving as the Adjutant for American Legion Tanner-Paull Post 120 in West Allis Wisconsin.


text:
Apple's India Push May Be Paying Off
There's some evidence that Apple Inc.'s strategy to increase its share of the fast-growing smartphone market in India may be working.
Apple's shipped 252,000 iPhones to India in the last quarter of 2012, three times the number in the previous three months, according to new data by Singapore-based mobile research firm Canalys. The figure was more than double from the same quarter a year earlier, the data showed.
Apple launched the iPhone 5 in India in November to coincide with the Hindu festival of Diwali, when consumers usually splurge on lifestyle products. At the same time, Apple changed its distribution strategy for India, aiming to get its product to a wider range of customers.
Rachel Lashford, managing director for mobile at Canalys, says Apple's larger sales in India are down to brisk sales for the iPhone 5 and the decision to expand it distribution network. An official with Apple in India declined to comment.
In September last year, the Cupertino, Calif.-company tied up with specialized distribution companies such as Ingram Micro and Redington India to get its phones across to retailers. The strategy helped Apple expand into smaller Indian cities and towns.
Previously, Apple used to distribute its phones in India through a partnership with mobile phone carriers like Bharti Airtel and Aircel Ltd. This distribution model, in which the carriers bundled the phones with data services, didn't work well for Apple in India.
Despite the uptick in sales, Apple's got a long way to go to catch up with Samsung Electronics Ltd., the market leader in India. In the October-December period, Apple's share of the 5.2 million smartphones shipped to India was only 5%, data from Canalys showed. During this period, Samsung, the market leader, commanded 40% of the smartphone market in India, Canalys says.
The relatively high cost of the iPhone compared to Samsung's products is a major reason for the gap, Ms. Lashford says.
"Until Apple is able to reach lower price points, it will continue to be overtaken by competitors in India," she said.
The base price of a three-year old version of an iPhone in India is 26,500 ($493). The latest model iPhone 5 costs 45,500 rupees for the basic 16-gigabyte version. This compares with Samsung's portfolio range in cost between $130 and $700 in the Indian market.
To address the pricing concern, last month Apple started taking out advertisements in newspapers allowing customers to buy iPhones in interest-free installments. Consumers make a downpayment of 16,990 rupees and pay the remainder in six or 12 installments.
"What Apple is driving in India is something similar to what is happening in the U.S.," a person familiar with the matter told India Real Time. "In the U.S., a consumer can buy an iPhone which is bundled with a telecom service provider at $199 and pay the cost of the phone over two years," the person said.
"This is the only mechanism available for Apple to jumpstart volume in India," said Himanshu Chakrawarti, chief executive of mobile retailer The MobileStore Ltd., an Indian retailer. Without installments, iPhone sales will be limited to a niche segment that can afford top-end phones, he added.
The installments might help boosty Apple's sales further in the current quarter. Mr. Chakrawarti said January sales of iPhones at his company's stores jumped three times from December.
Satish Babu, founder and managing director of Chennai-based retailer UniverCell, said sales of iPhones jumped 20%-30% after it introduced the installment-plan earlier this month.
Still, some analysts aren't convinced about Apple's new strategy.
"Apple needs a good, but sub-$200 retail iPhone to grow in volumes in India's market at Samsung's pace," says Neil Shah, senior analyst with U.S.-based research firm Strategy Analytics.
To supplement its distribution strategy, Apple has also been increasing its headcount in India, with staff numbers jumping over 30% from six months ago to nearly 170 people, another person familiar with the matter said.
Follow India Real Time on Twitter @indiarealtime.


text:
Farmingdale State - 57, St. Joseph's - 44
Farmingdale, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State women's basketball team improved to 10-7, 9-1 in the Skyline with a 57-44 win over St. Joseph's (10-8, 5-5). Rams junior guard Baytania Newman (Brooklyn, N.Y.) finished with a game-high 19 points, while senior forward Dominique Cunningham (Amityville, N.Y.) scored the games only double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
With three ties in the first half, Farmingdale State pulled ahead with an eight point run at 11:56 and held a 24-18 lead at the break. St. Joe's cut the deficit to one, 25-24, over the first three minutes of the second half, before Farmingdale pushed the lead back up to seven, 31-24, with 15:54 remaining.
A quick layup and three-pointer would get the Golden Eagles close, 31-29, but Newman and senior forward Natasha Smalls (Harlem, N.Y.) combined for the next six points and Farmingdale would lead the rest of the way.
For the Rams, Cunningham also had five steals. Newman also had six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Junior guard Nikita Green (Roosevelt, N.Y.) finished the night with eight points, seven rebounds and six steals.
St. Joe's was led by junior forward Amanda Bender (East Northport, N.Y.) with 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Senior guard Nicole Redding (Smithtown, N.Y.) pulled down 10 boards and scored six points.
Farmingdale State will now host the College of Mount Saint Vincent on Saturday, February 4th for a conference doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m. The men's game will follow at 3:00 p.m.


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