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text:
Lifestyle / News / Our Obsessions
by: Sara Casaus
'Money Heist' season 4: Which major character is destined to die next?
Over the years we've seen our favorite characters in movies & TV shows overcome perilous situations and death-defying stunts, and most of the time they've come out the other side with nothing more than a well-placed cheek scar and a glistening sheen of ab-defining sweat.
Then the days of Game of Thrones taught us: no one is safe.
Money Heist operates in a similar fashion, holding the scissors of fate uncomfortably close to every character's life thread. Every new season there are theories on which characters are going to be next to bite the dust and though only time will tell, there are some interesting thoughts on who might be planning their last heist. For anyone who hasn't guessed by now, major spoilers lie ahead.
Who's died so far
So far the team has suffered four deaths that left us reeling. In season one, Oslo was the first to meet his end. His death was tragic because it was his own cousin Helsinki who was forced to kill Oslo in an act of mercy after a crowbar injury to Oslo's head left him brain dead.
The second death was in season two when Moscow was shot by police during the heist. At the very end of season two, we witnessed the shocking death of Berlin, who also died by police fire. Although perhaps his death was not so shocking after all since his terminal illness only left him a few months to live, Berlin essentially committed suicide by cop.
The latest death in season four left us heartbroken when Nairobi was shot by the rogue heist member Gandia. The cliffhanger at the end of season 4 then shows the Professor at the end of police inspector Alicia Sierra's gun. The gun fires and the screen goes dark, leaving us wondering the Professor's fate.
Who's going to die?
Fan theories have begun piecing together patterns that might predict future deaths. Some have noticed that the characters that have connections to each other, whether familial or just by living together or forming a bond, tend to die next. A fan on Reddit even went as far as to map out the connections and so far the theory holds water.
The character groupings include: Oslo/Helsinki/Nairobi, Moscow/Denver/Stockholm, Professor/Berlin/Lisbon/Palermo, Tokyo/Rio. The Redditor hypothesizes that only one member of the grouping will survive — a grim thought indeed.
The Professor might be the most at risk but it's thought that Alicia will keep him alive since he could prove useful in extracting more information. Then there's the question of Gandia, Nairobi's killer, who was supposedly shot dead by Tokyo but we're still questioning whether he's really dead. Hopefully, we'll get to see someone double tap his ass by next season. Then there's Palermo, perhaps he's due to be written off.
The web of theories grows more elaborate each day as we wait for the next season. At the moment we are anxiously wondering about the status of Money Heist as we have yet to hear if season five is greenlit. But whenever the next season drops we'll be watching with bated breath to see who comes out of the next heist alive.
If you're obsessed with Money Heist, sign up for our newsletter. We promise to only send you the most relevant content to your inbox.
Álex PinaÁlvaro MorteLa Casa de PapelMoney HeistMoney Heist theoriesNetflix
Sara Casaus
Sara enjoys any weird & wonderful films that come her way, particularly serious comedies & humorous dramas. On unsupervised days, she enjoys drinking tea from a nest of blankets, a night of dancing out on the town, and penning the occasional screenplay.
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Who will die in 'Money Heist' season 5? These are our theories

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A short write-up on the relationship between gas prices and the economy intended to explain the intricate details about the economic repercussions of rise and fall in the price of gas. Continue reading for a simple explanation on the effects of fluctuating gas prices on the economy.
Skyrocketing prices of crude oil in the international market are causing the gas prices to fluctuate every other day, and these fluctuations in turn, are adversely affecting the economy as a whole. From a layman's point of view, higher gas prices means paying more at the gas station or paying more for commuting from home to workplace. However, the effects of soaring gas prices go well beyond the simple practice of paying more for fueling your vehicle or commuting. In fact, the effects on the economy are much broader than what we can imagine.
The United States alone consumes 20 percent of the total oil produced; of which somewhere around one-third is used to fuel vehicles which are increasing by the day. Even though the country has its own strategic oil reserves, it does have to rely on imports from the members of Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as Non-OPEC countries. Gas prices in the United States are dependent on several factors; the price of crude oil in the international market and its demand and supply being the most important among them. Crude oil price has increased by a great extent over the last few years (with the price per barrel of crude oil fluctuating around $100 over the last few months), and that in turn, has resulted in an obvious rise in gas prices over the same period.
Gas prices and consumer's propensity to spend are inversely related to each other, with a rise in the cost of gas bringing down the consumer's discretionary spending and a fall adding to the same. Simply put, when the gas prices rise, we spend more on fueling our vehicles and commuting - and to make up for this additional expenditure, we cut down on other expenditures. Similarly, when gas prices fall, we save a significant bit on the new prices - and the same is eventually channelized towards other expenditures. This in turn, means that people will not just drive less but also shop less when gas prices rise and more when gas prices fall, as a result of which the demand-supply balance will be hampered, thus bringing about a drastic change in the economic conditions of the country. One may assume that the consumer will resort to online shopping instead of going all to the store to save expenditure on fuel, but that doesn't really hold ground if you take into consideration the fact that gas price rise can also cause the price of other goods and services to rise, and that includes the cost of shipping goods as well.
If gas prices continue to rise unabated, it can have ripple effect on other sectors of the economy - something which we got to see in 2011. The fact that soaring gas prices are coming heavy on the transport sector are becoming obvious by the day, and that even though the automobile industry is trying its best to stabilize the condition by introducing fuel-efficient cars, hybrid car models, etc. Even businesses and educational institutes have had to bear the brunt of rising gas prices, with quite a few offices and educational institutes opting for a four-day week - instead of five-day week, to do their bit to limit the damage that is being caused to the economy. Experts are of the opinion that rising gas prices - though indirectly, are also affecting various other sectors - including the employment and tourism sector, negatively in these times of economic recovery.
Gas prices are quite volatile in nature, and therefore, it isn't quite surprising to see them shoot up at one point of time, only to come down drastically within a week. It is important to understand how high or low gas prices affect the economy as our actions as consumers are directly dependent on how much we spend on gasoline, which forms an important part of our budget today. At the same time, our expenditure on goods and services directly guides the economic conditions of the country, as well as the world as a whole, with demand-supply economics coming into the picture.


A difficult experience is medically referred to as dystocia. It may occur as a result of maternal or fetal factors, and can occur during any stage of the labor. Abnormalities of presentation, posture, and the position of the fetus within the uterus can negatively affect the temporal relationship between the birthing offspring and the maternal birth canal.
Uterine inertia (inactivity) may be primary or secondary. Primary inertia is symptomized by a failure of the body to commence synchronous uterine contractions, and secondary inertia is symptomized by a cessation of uterine contractions due to uterine fatigue. This latter condition sometimes occurs when labor has gone on longer than the uterine muscles are capable of meeting the demands for.
There are three stages of labor. The first stage of labor entails the start of uterine contractions, relaxation of the cervix, and rupture of the chorioallantoic sac (water breaking). The female cat (queen) will purr and socialize during the first stage of labor. The purring is thought to be a self-relaxation technique.
The second stage of labor is when the fetuses are pushed out by uterine contractions. In cats the average length of full parturition (delivery) is 16 hours, with a range of 4–42 hours (up to three days in some cases may be normal). It is important to consider this variability before intervening.
The third stage is delivery of the fetal membranes. The female cat may alternate between stage two and three with multiple fetuses being delivered. She may deliver one or two fetuses followed by one or two fetal membranes, or she may deliver a fetus followed by its accompanying fetal membrane.
You will need to give a thorough history of your cat's health, including any information you have about your cat's lineage, and details of any past pregnancies or reproductive problems. Your veterinarian will palpate (examine by touch) your cat's vaginal canal and cervix.
Your veterinarian will take samples for testing; at the minimum, a packed cell volume (PCV), a total protein, a BUN (blood urea nitrogen), a blood glucose, and a calcium concentration measurement. Your cat's blood progesterone levels will also be measured.
X-rays are crucial for determining the approximate number, size and location of the fetuses. X-rays may also show if the fetuses are still alive, but an ultrasound can give even more subtle measurements, such as indications of fetal stress, assessing placental separation, and the character of the fetal fluids.


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INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the national palm oil seed production this year to reach 118.8 million items prepared for the 633,000 hectare oil palm plantation replanting program.
Directorate General of Plantation at the Ministry of Agriculture, Bambang, on Friday (11/8/2017) stated that this year BPTP is targeting 20,780 ha of oil palm rejuvenation, while the demand for ditjebun is 34,321 ha.
"From now on we have to prepare the seeds for next year," he said in Jakarta to the media crew.
According to him, of the 4.7 million ha of people's palm oil plantations currently there are 2.4 million ha must be replanted, if the target of BPDPKS is only 20,000 ha / year, it will be a long time to finish.
"Therefore I ask BPDPKS next year's funding targeted 100,000 - 300,000 ha so quickly completed," he said.
Currently the allocation of funds for BPDPKS is still small and impressed as if not able to be achieved. BPDPKS is still focused on biodiesel. Currently CPO prices tend to improve so the allocation for replanting is expected to increase.
Next year it is expected that the allocation of replanting funds will reach 50 percent of the allocated funds collected by BPDPKS.
The Director General stated that the development of oil palm seeds in Indonesia is currently remarkable with the presence of 15 oil palm seeding industries with a capacity of 270 million eggs per year, not to mention some private companies producing their own, which in terms of rules should not be traded.
Good cooperation between the seeds and seeds of palm seeds industry which has been running well, he continued, is expected to be continued in the framework of oil palm rejuvenation of people who receive funds from BPDPK.
Meanwhile, the rampant use of illegal seeds that make it look like an injustice in the palm oil industry because FFB from smallholder estates is priced low, Bambang asks the company must also calculate for its loss so can not equate the price of TBS that comes from legal and illegal seeds.
"In the future we have set no new palm oil plant development if there is no good seed," he said.
Bambang denied the widespread use of illegal seeds in the past due to deliberate elements by the government.
"Development of oil palm plantation begins with PIR program After private sector is involved, development is very fast, seeing that welfare plasma farmers is increasing, so the community around the plantation that does not participate in plasma follow the planting of palm, using seed from neighboring garden and buy from source Not clear," he said.
The community grows palm oil everywhere without the knowledge of the regents, governors and officials of Ditjenbun.
According to him, out of the 2.4 million ha of people's palm oil plantations currently there are 300,000 ha that are urged to be replanted because they are old, therefore the rejuvenation program targeting smallholder orchards using seeds is unclear both in the TBM and TM phases as long as the farmers are willing.
Bambang also asked that producers and seedlings prepare for the replanting program next year. In addition, BPDPKS is asked to issue rejuvenation targets next year so that the need for seeds can be dispensed.
"The seeds of oil palms are different from the seeds of rice and corn," he said. "Needs cannot be done suddenly, it takes one year to prepare the seeds, prepare now to be planted next year.
This year's target of 20,780 is too small and sure to be resolved. Planting will commence during the rainy season of September and October. "We will realize as soon as possible," he said at the launch of Razak Purba's "I am Proud to be a Palm Oil Breeder" book.


text:
define('test-app/tests/app.jshint', function () {

  'use strict';

  module('JSHint - .');
  test('app.js should pass jshint', function() {
    ok(true, 'app.js should pass jshint.');
  });

});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Internet is without a doubt one of the best resources available to us. Unfortunately it's also extremely dangerous if you aren't aware of who and what lurks behind the scenes. Everyone should know how to be safe when surfing the web, but internet safety tips and tricks are spread out all over the web without a go-to resource. Since the majority of internet scam and virus victims are students and young people, Open Colleges is a perfect place to post the very first full guide to being safe on the internet.
A Pecha Kucha presentation utilizes imagery and efficient use of spoken word to create a seamless, memorable, meaningful and concise presentation. It's a great method for teaching students how to create their best presentations for class projects.


text:
Q: To Get Duplicate as well as original items from an array in iOS I have an array, as
(John, Jane, John)
I want to get duplicates,as well as original elements of array like
(John,John)
I am able to get single occurance from code
here
NSArray *names = [NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"John", @"Jane", @"John", nil];
NSCountedSet *set = [[NSCountedSet alloc] initWithArray:names];

for (id item in set)
{
    NSLog(@"Name=%@, Count=%lu", item, (unsigned long)[set countForObject:item]);
    if((unsigned long)[set countForObject:item]>1){
        NSLog(@"of repeated element-----=%@",item);
    }
}

"Name of repeated element-----John" but i want all occurences of repeated element like "Name of repeated element-----John,John" .

A: Try this Using NSPredicate:
NSArray *array = [NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"John", @"Jane", @"John",@"Jane",@"Jane", nil];
NSMutableArray *arrResult = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init];
NSCountedSet *set = [[NSCountedSet alloc] initWithArray:array];
for(id name in set)
   {
        if([set countForObject:name] > 1 ){
            NSPredicate *predicate = [NSPredicate predicateWithFormat:@"SELF = %@", name];
            [arrResult addObjectsFromArray:[array filteredArrayUsingPredicate:predicate]];
        }
    }
    //
    NSLog(@"%@",arrResult);

A: I am not sure about your final purpose, the result you want looks meaningless. Anyway, for study purpose, following is an implementation ;)
NSArray *names = [NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"John", @"Jane", @"John", nil];

NSMutableDictionary *countDict = [NSMutableDictionary dictionary];
for (NSString *name in names) {
    if (countDict[name] == nil) {
        countDict[name] = [NSMutableString stringWithString:name];
    }
    else{
        NSMutableString *repeatedName = (NSMutableString *)countDict[name];
        [repeatedName appendString:@","];
        [repeatedName appendString:name];
    }
}
[countDict enumerateKeysAndObjectsUsingBlock:^(NSString *_Nonnull name, NSString * _Nonnull repeatedNames, BOOL * _Nonnull stop) {
    if (repeatedNames.length > name.length) {
        NSLog(@"Name of repeated element-----%@",repeatedNames);
    }
}];

Output: Name of repeated element-----John,John

A: Try this code Using loop
NSArray *names = [NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"John", @"Jane", @"John",@"John", nil];
        NSCountedSet *set = [[NSCountedSet alloc] initWithArray:names];
        NSMutableArray *repeatedArray = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init];
        for (id item in set)
        {
            NSLog(@"Name=%@, Count=%lu", item, (unsigned long)[set countForObject:item]);
            if((unsigned long)[set countForObject:item]>1){
                NSLog(@"of repeated element-----=%@",item);
                for(int i=0;i<[set countForObject:item];i++)
                 {
                    [repeatedArray addObject:item];
                 }

        }

Output : john,john,john

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


It is often said that knowledge is power and we consider it our role to empower our clients by discovering and reporting the facts whether that may involve factual investigation, in depth OSInt, surveillance or a mix of them all.
We understand that engaging a private investigator may be a daunting task for many that haven't done so before, but rest assured our first priority is providing you with a discreet, friendly, professional service that you can trust.
Each case is tailored to suit the clients needs and budget. Progress is reported at key intervals allowing the client to make informed decisions on whether and how the investigation progresses. This ensures both client satisfaction and value for money.
You require the evidence - the facts, and we work with you to ensure you can get them.
So read on, have a look around our website and join the team that's focused on helping you achieve your goals.
Clients can opt for access to our online Case Management System in order to request our services, provide case information, updates on progress, view videos and download reports.
This system streamlines the entire process by providing immediate updates on cases as well as a single discreet contact point.
After being provided with your unique log in please log in here or click the link in the menu bar at the top of the page.
Whether you require fast process service, complex surveillance, an undercover investigation, or the location of a missing person our aim is to meet your needs by customising our service specifically to your requirements and budget.
Discreet - to protect your privacy.
Professional - integrity you can rely on.
We fully abide by existing laws and regulations which govern private investigators - this ensures our clients can rely on our integrity and lawfully obtained results.


text:
<?php

namespace AlternativePayments;

use ReflectionClass;
use AlternativePayments\Error\ApiException;
use AlternativePayments\Error\PaymentException;
use AlternativePayments\Error\InvalidParameterException;

/**
 * Abstract Service class inherented by all services
 */
class Request
{
    /*
     * @param string $key - secret key for authentication
     * @param string $ctrl - controller name
     * @param string $code - requested object id
     * @return stdObj - requested object
     */
    public function get($ctrl, $code)
    {
        $res = $this->curlRequest($ctrl, "GET", $code);
        return json_decode($res);
    }

    /*
     * @param string $key - secret key for authentication
     * @param string $ctrl - controller name
     * @return array of stdObj - array of requested obejcts
     */
    public function getAll($ctrl)
    {
        $res = $this->curlRequest($ctrl, "GET", null);
        return json_decode($res);
    }

    /*
     * @param string $key - secret key for authentication
     * @param string $ctrl - controller name
     * @param string $data - object in json format
     * @return stdObj - requested object
     */
    public function post($ctrl, $data)
    {
        $json = $this->jsonEncodePrivate($data);
        $res = $this->curlRequest($ctrl, "POST", $json);
        return json_decode($res);
    }

    /*
     * @param stdObj $object - object or array for json conversion
     * @return string $json - json representation of stdObj or array
     */
    protected function jsonEncodePrivate($object)
    {
        $array = $this->object2ArrayPrivate($object);
        $arrayNoNulls = $this->removeNulls($array);
        $json = json_encode($arrayNoNulls);
        return $json;
    }

    /*
     * @param stdObj $object - object for conversion to array including objects private properties
     * @return array - array represenation of an object
     */
    protected function object2ArrayPrivate($object)
    {
        $public = array();
        $reflection = new ReflectionClass($object);
        foreach ($reflection->getProperties() as $property) {
            $property->setAccessible(true);
            $key = $property->getName();
            $value = $property->getValue($object);
            if (is_object($value) || is_array($value)) {
                $public[$key] = $this->object2ArrayPrivate($value);
            } else {
                $public[$key] = $value;
            }
        }
        return $public;
    }

    /*
     * @param array $info - response header
     * @param array $result - response body
     */
    protected function parseResponse($info, $result)
    {
        $httpCode = $info["http_code"];
        if (substr($httpCode, 0, 2) != "20") {
            $error = json_decode($result);
            if ($error == null) {
                throw new ApiException($httpCode.' '.$this->httpCodeParser($httpCode));
            }
            $errorCode = $error->Code;
            $errorType = $error->Type;
            $statusCode = $error->StatusCode;
            $message = $error->Message;
            $parameter = isset($error->Param) ? $error->Param : null;

            switch ($errorType) {
                case "payment_error":
                    throw new PaymentException($message, $errorCode, $statusCode);
                case "api_error":
                    throw new ApiException($message, $errorCode, $statusCode);
                case "invalid_parameter_error":
                    throw new InvalidParameterException($message, $errorCode, $statusCode, $parameter);
                default:
                    throw new ApiException($message, $errorCode, $statusCode);
            }
        }
    }

    /*
     * @param array $array - contains elements with value null
     * @return array - do not contains elements with null values
     */
    protected function removeNulls($array)
    {
        foreach ($array as $key => $value) {
            if (is_array($value)) {
                $array[$key] = $this->removeNulls($value);
            } elseif ($value == null || $value == "") {
                unset($array[$key]);
            } else {
                $array[$key] = $value;
            }
        }
        return $array;
    }

    /*
     * @param string $key - secret key for authentication
     * @param string $ctrl - controller name
     * @param string $method - post, get
     * @param string $param
     * @return stdObj or array od stdObjs - request dependent
     */
    protected function curlRequest($ctrl, $method, $param)
    {
        $file_path = realpath(dirname(__FILE__)) . '/../../request.log';
        $log = array();

        $log['date'] = date('d.m.Y H:i:s');
        $log['$ctrl'] = $ctrl;
        $log['$method'] = $method;
        $log['$param'] = $param;

        $url = \AlternativePayments\Config::getApiUrl()."/".$ctrl;
        $key = \AlternativePayments\Config::getApiKey();

        $log['$url'] = $url;
        $log['$key'] = $key;

        if ($key == null) {
            throw new ApiException("API Key not defined.");
        }
        $encodedKey = base64_encode($key);
        if ($method == "GET" && ($param != null && $param != "")) {
            $url = $url."/".$param;
        }

        $log['$encodedKey'] = $encodedKey;
        $log['$url'] = $url;

        $current = file_get_contents($file_path);
        $log = json_encode($log);
        $current .= $log . "\n";
        file_put_contents($file_path, $current);

         $curl = curl_init($url);
         /* Begin windows ssl line. This next line is for windows ssl. remove if not on windows using ssl */
        curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_CAINFO, 'C:\Program Files (x86)\PHP\v5.6\extras\ssl\curl-ca-bundle.crt');
        /* end windows using ssl */
        curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, $method);
        curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $param);
        curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
        curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, array(
            'Content-Type: application/json',
            'User-Agent: AlternativePayments PHP SDK v0.1.0',
            'Content-Length: ' . strlen($param),
            'Authorization: Basic ' . $encodedKey
            )
        );

        $result = curl_exec($curl);

        $temp['$result'] = $result;

        $current = file_get_contents($file_path);
        $log = json_encode($temp);
        $current .= $log . "\n";
        file_put_contents($file_path, $current);

        if (!$result) {
            throw new ApiException("Connection Error - Invalid URL");
        }
        $this->parseResponse(curl_getinfo($curl), $result);
        curl_close($curl);

        return $result;
    }

    /*
     * @param integer $httpCode
     * @return string - error message
     */
    private function httpCodeParser($httpCode)
    {
        switch ($httpCode) {
            case 100: $message = 'Continue'; break;
            case 101: $message = 'Switching Protocols'; break;
            case 200: $message = 'OK'; break;
            case 201: $message = 'Created'; break;
            case 202: $message = 'Accepted'; break;
            case 203: $message = 'Non-Authoritative Information'; break;
            case 204: $message = 'No Content'; break;
            case 205: $message = 'Reset Content'; break;
            case 206: $message = 'Partial Content'; break;
            case 300: $message = 'Multiple Choices'; break;
            case 301: $message = 'Moved Permanently'; break;
            case 302: $message = 'Moved Temporarily'; break;
            case 303: $message = 'See Other'; break;
            case 304: $message = 'Not Modified'; break;
            case 305: $message = 'Use Proxy'; break;
            case 400: $message = 'Bad Request'; break;
            case 401: $message = 'Unauthorized'; break;
            case 402: $message = 'Payment Required'; break;
            case 403: $message = 'Forbidden'; break;
            case 404: $message = 'Not Found'; break;
            case 405: $message = 'Method Not Allowed'; break;
            case 406: $message = 'Not Acceptable'; break;
            case 407: $message = 'Proxy Authentication Required'; break;
            case 408: $message = 'Request Time-out'; break;
            case 409: $message = 'Conflict'; break;
            case 410: $message = 'Gone'; break;
            case 411: $message = 'Length Required'; break;
            case 412: $message = 'Precondition Failed'; break;
            case 413: $message = 'Request Entity Too Large'; break;
            case 414: $message = 'Request-URI Too Large'; break;
            case 415: $message = 'Unsupported Media Type'; break;
            case 500: $message = 'Internal Server Error'; break;
            case 501: $message = 'Not Implemented'; break;
            case 502: $message = 'Bad Gateway'; break;
            case 503: $message = 'Service Unavailable'; break;
            case 504: $message = 'Gateway Time-out'; break;
            case 505: $message = 'HTTP Version not supported'; break;
            default:  $message = 'Unknown http status code'; break;
        }
        return $message;
    }
}


text:
Norway court rules in air freshener case
Lill Anita Grimstad
Netherlands jurisdiction report: The links between witches and cheese
Supreme Court of Canada's Masterpiece trademark judgement
Balev Eood's trademark for an aircraft body was opposed by Julius Sämann Ltd, who argued it was confusingly similar to Julius Sämann's trademark protection for Little Trees/Wunderbaum air fresheners.
By way of administrative proceedings, Julius Sämann Ltd opposed the registration of Balev Eood's trademark (the applicant) for an aircraft body (device) and argued that it was confusingly similar to its established trademark protection for Little Trees/Wunderbaum air fresheners.
The Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) was not convinced by Julius Sämann's arguments and the registration for the aircraft mark was upheld. The proprietor of the Little Trees/Wunderbaum marks went on to file an appeal against NIPO first instance decision, bringing the case to the Board of Appeal. T
he Board of Appeal upheld the first division decision and concluded that there was no likelihood of confusion, contrary to Julius Sämann's claim. The dispute was then taken to court. Proceedings took place in June and a court decision was recently rendered.
Balev Eood, Wunderbaum, similar trademarks, NIPO, Julius Samann Ltd, air fresheners


Cosy apartment with ideal location in Azahara II in the heart of the Golf Valley, situated first line Aloha Golf course. From the Southeast-facing private garden area you will enjoy the sun all day with beautiful views towards Sierra Blanca Mountain and the Mediterranean Sea.
The apartment is well maintained, reformed open plan fully fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms with two reformed bathrooms. Oak floors and open fireplace.
Easy access from the parking to the apartment.


Just buried my old friend "Lucky" the dog [Archive] - CNCzone.com- Largest Forums for CNC Professional and Hobbyist alike!
Hello, I just had to put to sleep my pet wiener dog "Lucky" and buried him about 20 feet from my shop front door. I'm thinking about making him a headstone out of either wood or corian and am thinking about carving him using this photo carve software. Can anyone tell me how easy it works? Can I hire some one to do this one time thing since I'd probably would not do it again. I have access to plenty of CNC machines and the one in my shop uses a FANUC OM controller with a router attachement I made for high speed work.
I have attached a picture I would like to carve for you opinion on how well it might work.
I have a High res of the same picture but just uploaded a resized pictures for speed of transfer.
It has been really tough losing him and think this would be a good thing to do.
I have attached a photoshopped picture of Lucky with the grout and tile removed. If there is some other way you like the picture, I can change it in photoshop if it will help you out.
picture will be 8" x 6.4"
Sorry for your loss. We had to put down my wifes (its was the whole families, but my wife had the real emotional tie) 16yr old daschund last year. When the dog licked my wifes face as it was getting the shot my heart strings were really tugged. We adopted a 6yr old mix a few moths later that has us all captivated! But the doxy isn't forgotten.
Jeff here is the gcode (tap) for a lithopane.
it would need a 40 thou ball cutter.
i know not everyone keeps one of those laying around but just in case.
the pic size is apx 6 x 8 ...60ipm .04 ball.... cut depth .08...apx 2.5 hours to cut.
send me a email and I'll send it to you.
well, if you want it as an outdoor headstone type of thing a lithopane probably isn't the way to go, right?
id go with something out of sealed wood, then wipe some stain into the carved image to reveal the pup, and then seal the whole thing.
you'll get it, take your time to get it just how you want it.
Well, I worked on a headstone for Lucky. This was cut in Delrin using my CNC machine in my shop. I made an adapter to mount a Dewalt 3HP router to the head. The software I used takes a picture and makes a 3-D tool path. It took about 1 minute from the time I had the picture to generate the code. The machine took about 2 hours to cut it.
Added some "TEXT" and paint and it is now at his final resting place just 20 feet from the shop door.
Thanks for all the well wishes and help from everyone especially "dertsap".


As part of our committment to continuous improvement, we working on a set of new standards, an alignment of our current farm standards, as well as several standard reviews and revisions.
New ASC standards are being developed for Feed, Flatfish and Tropical Marine Finfish; and for an 'aligned' ASC Farm Standard based on the current farm standards.
Reviews are also under way for the Shrimp, Freshwater trout and Pangasius standards, and for the Parasiticide treatment index (Appendix VII) and Smolt (Section 8), indicator 3.1.7 components of the Salmon standard.


The Valentich disappearance describes the unexplained disappearance on 21 October 1978 of 20-year-old Frederick Valentich while piloting a Cessna 182L light aircraft over the Bass Strait in Australia.
He intended to land at King Island to pick up three or four friends and return to Moorabbin Airport.
During the 127 miles (235 km) flight, Valentich advised Melbourne air traffic control he was being accompanied by an aircraft about 1,000 feet (300 m) above him.
During Valentich's final recorded transmission to the Melbourne Service Unit, seventeen seconds of unexplained noise, described as being "metallic, scraping sounds," were recorded by DOT Air Traffic Control audio tapes.
The tape of the conversation ending with this noise was never made public.
Only researchers and the parents of Valentich heard the transmission recordings.
19:06:14 DSJ [Valentich]: Melbourne, this is Delta Sierra Juliet. Is there any known traffic below five thousand?
FS [Flight Services; Robey]: Delta Sierra Juliet, no known traffic.
DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, I am, seems to be a large aircraft below five thousand.
19:06:44 FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, What type of aircraft is it?
DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, I cannot affirm, it is four bright, and it seems to me like landing lights.
19:07:31 DSJ: Melbourne, this is Delta Sierra Juliet, the aircraft has just passed over me at least a thousand feet above.
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, roger, and it is a large aircraft, confirmed?
DSJ: Er-unknown, due to the speed it's travelling, is there any air force aircraft in the vicinity?
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, no known aircraft in the vicinity.
19:08:18 DSJ: Melbourne, it's approaching now from due east towards me.
19:08:48 DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, it seems to me that he's playing some sort of game, he's flying over me two, three times at speeds I could not identify.
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, roger, what is your actual level?
DSJ: My level is four and a half thousand, four-five-zero-zero.
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet and you confirm you cannot identify the aircraft?
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, roger, stand by.
19:09:27 DSJ: Melbourne, Delta Sierra Juliet, it's not an aircraft it is (open microphone for two seconds).
19:09:42 FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, can you describe the – er – aircraft?
DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, as it's flying past it's a long shape (open microphone for three seconds) cannot identify more than it has such speed (open microphone for three seconds). It's before me right now Melbourne.
19:10 FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, roger and how large would the – er – object be?
19:10:19 DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, Melbourne, it seems like it's chasing me. What I'm doing right now is orbiting and the thing is just orbiting on top of me also. It's got a green light and sort of metallic like, it's all shiny on the outside.
19:10:46 DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet (open microphone for three seconds) It's just vanished.
19:11:00 DSJ: Melbourne, would you know what kind of aircraft I've got? Is it a military aircraft?
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, Confirm the – er ~ aircraft just vanished.
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, is the aircraft still with you?
DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet; it's (open microphone for two seconds) now approaching from the south-west.
19:11:50 DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet, the engine is rough-idling. I've got it set at twenty-three, twenty-four and the thing is (coughing).
FS: Delta Sierra Juliet, roger, what are your intentions?
DSJ:My intentions are – ah – to go to King Island – ah – Melbourne. That strange aircraft is hovering on top of me again (open microphone for two seconds). It is hovering and it's not an aircraft.
19:12:28 DSJ: Delta Sierra Juliet. Melbourne (open microphone for seventeen seconds).
A Search and Rescue alert was given at 19:12. Valentich failed to arrive at King Island by 19:33, and a sea and air search were undertaken, and two RAAF P-3 Orion aircraft searched over a seven-day period. Search efforts continued until 25 October 1978.
Analysis of a fuel slick found roughly near where Valentich had last radioed Robey proved that it was not aviation fuel, and no trace of the aircraft was found.
The aircraft was equipped with four life jackets and an emergency radio beacon and was designed to stay afloat for several minutes.
Neither Valentich or his aircraft was ever found, and a Department of Transport investigation concluded that the reason for the disappearance could not be determined.
A witness, Stephen Villages, a Queensland man saw a long object hovering in the evening sky, he could definitely see four green lights which came from the craft's underbelly.
Similar accounts have come from Sydney, Port Jackson, New South Wales and Victoria all describing four bright green lights flashing across the Australian skies.
UPDATE – Did Frederick Valentich was found near the Soviet-Chinese border?


text:
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/**
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Vector2::Vector2(const b2Vec2 &v)
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/**
 * \param v vector to copy components of.
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Vector2::Vector2(const sf::Vector2f &v)
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{}

/** Initializes x and y components.
 * \param x X-axis component.
 * \param y Y-axis component.
 */
Vector2::Vector2(float x, float y)
    : x(x), y(y)
{}

Vector2::~Vector2()
{}

/// Flip signs of both components.
/**
 * \param right vector to flip signs of.
 */
auto operator-(const Vector2 &right) -> Vector2 {
    return {-right.x, -right.y};
}

/**
 * \param right other vector to add.
 */
auto Vector2::operator+(const Vector2 &right) -> Vector2 {
    return {x + right.x, y + right.y};
}

/**
 * \param right other vector to subtract.
 */
auto Vector2::operator-(const Vector2 &right) -> Vector2 {
    return {x - right.x, y - right.y};
}

/**
 * \param right other vector to add.
 */
auto Vector2::operator+=(const Vector2 &right) -> void {
    x += right.x;
    y += right.y;
}

/**
 * \param right other vector to subtract.
 */
auto Vector2::operator-=(const Vector2 &right) -> void {
    x -= right.x;
    y -= right.y;
}

/**
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auto Vector2::operator*=(float right) -> void {
    x *= right;
    y *= right;
}

} /* namespace fl */


text:
Apprentices to reap benefits as CITB and Skills Development Scotland join forces
News 22 July 2021
Apprentices, employers and the wider construction industry look set to benefit from a partnership between CITB and Skills Development Scotland announced today (22 July).
The partnership comes as new figures demonstrate the success of the Apprentice Employment Grant (AEG), which has helped to recruit almost 500 apprentices.
Construction employers throughout Scotland have already benefited from AEG with 488 apprentices being recruited via CITB's management agency. Moreover, the collaboration between CITB and SDS resulted in £2.3million additional investment into construction as part of the AEG recruitment incentive. This had a major impact for an industry where there were strong concerns during 2020 that apprentice recruitment would see significant decline due to Covid-19.
A CITB survey in July 2020 responded to by over 600 employers indicated a high number had made plans to cancel or greatly reduce their normal recruitment intake. However AEG funding along with support for an industry backed "pathways to construction" course for young people who could not secure an apprenticeship has ensured that industry has attracted almost 80% of the normal intake.
Now CITB is teaming up with Scotland's national skills body, SDS, to enhance partnership working on key areas of the provision of construction skills.
Elaine Ellis, skills planning manager at Skills Development Scotland, said:
"This is a welcome opportunity to build upon the productive relationship between CITB and SDS to ensure we provide the right help to businesses of all sizes across the sector and to its workforce – including apprentices. With employers having faced so much disruption in recent years it's the right time to pause and explore how best to work together so that our collective efforts serve the construction sector as best we can. Everyone at SDS looks forward to continuing our work with CITB."
Ian Hughes, CITB Engagement Director, said:
"I'm delighted to announce the strengthening of CITB's partnership with SDS. CITB and SDS have an effective, longstanding relationship which has grown stronger over the past five years. This has been through working together on the provision of construction apprenticeships, research, careers engagement, industry support for recovery, and a commitment to reduce skills gaps across Scotland.
"This agreement seeks to reflect the collaborative work undertaken for the benefit of the industry and to enhance partnership working on the provision of construction skills. The success of the AEG shows the commitment Scottish employers have to attracting new blood to their workforce each year – even in extraordinary times like these."
CITB and SDS signed a previous agreement in 2017. This Agreement supersedes the previous document and has been revised to reflect the impact of Brexit, COVID-19, and the climate emergency.


"The Columbia River Highway ... Troutdale to Crown Point"
Click image to enlarge View from Chanticleer Point, now the Portland's Woman Forum Scenic Viewpoint, along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Image taken October 11, 2004.
Troutdale, Oregon, known as the "Gateway to the Gorge", is located along the Sandy River three miles south of the Sandy's convergence with the Columbia River. Troutdale is often considered by some as the start of the Historic Columbia River Highway. The actual start however of the HCRH lies thirteen miles west, at the intersection of Portland's SW Washington and SW Broadway.
Click image to enlarge Troutdale Street Scene heading east, Troutdale, Oregon. View taken from moving car from the old Historic Columbia River Highway. Image taken March 16, 2015.
There are two "starting points" for the Historic Columbia River Highway, both bridges crossing the Sandy River. One is the Sandy River Bridge at Troutdale, completed in 1912, and the other is the Sandy River Bridge at Stark Street, completed in 1914. The Sandy River originates on the slopes of Mount Hood, Oregon, and flows 55 miles to its mouth, entering the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 120.5.
Click image to enlarge Sandy River Bridge at Troutdale, looking east, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken March 16, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Sandy River Bridge at Stark Street, looking east, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken March 16, 2015.
In the early years before the Columbia River Highway, travelers using the Sandy River Bridge at Troutdale continued south along the east side of the Sandy River for about 3/4 mile, then turned east and headed up Woodard Road before connecting with the rest of the Multnomah County road system at the top of the bluff at approximately HMP 18, just west of the small community of Springdale. Meanwhile, travelers crossing the Sandy River at Stark Street continued east towards Springdale, following a gentler incline up the bluff. In 1916 the cliffs bordering the Sandy River were blasted away and a road was built connecting the two bridges. Woodard Road was bypassed because it's grades reached 20%, not fitting in with the Columbia River Highway's goal of only 5% inclines. Today Woodard Road makes a pleasant 1.8-mile drive uphill between the Sandy River and Springdale.
Click image to enlarge Woodard Road junction, west end, Troutdale, Oregon. View looking north with Woodard Road heading east. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Home, (old Service Station ???), Woodard Road west junction with the HCRH, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Woodard Road scene, Troutdale, Oregon. View looking west along Woodard Road approximately 1/2 mile before reaching the western junction with the Historic Columbia River Highway. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Woodard Road junction, east end, Springdale, Oregon. View looking west. Image taken April 10, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway heading south, Sandy River, Oregon. Broughton Bluff rises on the left. Image taken March 16, 2015.
View located between the Sandy River Bridge at Troutdale and the Sandy River Bridge at Stark Street.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway heading south, Sandy River, Oregon. Broughton Bluff rises on the left. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway heading north, Sandy River, Oregon. Broughton Bluff rises on the right. Image taken March 16, 2015.
Two "eateries" can be found in the 2.5 mile section of Historic Columbia River Highway between the two Sandy River Bridges. Tad's Chicken 'N Dumplins was an original HCRH roadhouse which opened in the early 1920s just after some of the more famous Columbia River Roadhouses opened their doors. According to their website "The original Tad's was primarily a fish-house, a place to eat fresh, local seafood. The food was simple and regional, perfect for hungry travelers and the new migrants.". Today, in addition to the wonderful seafood, local residents flock to Tad's for a bowl of their fantastic Chicken and Dumplings! Shirley's Tippy Canoe Restaurant, located less than 1.5 miles upstream from Tad's, started as a "roadside bar" in the early 1940s, closed in the 1990s, and then re-opened about 2005 with a whole new atmosphere, keeping with the historical value of the old building.
Click image to enlarge Tad's Chicken 'N Dumplins, on the Sandy River, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken December 29, 2014.
Click image to enlarge Shirley's Tippy Canoe Restaurant, on the Sandy River, Troutdale, Oregon. View from moving car. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Shirley's Tippy Canoe Restaurant, on the Sandy River, Troutdale, Oregon. View from moving car. Image taken March 17, 2016.
The Portland Automobile Club organized in 1905 and had established a grounds and clubhouse on the southwest side of the Sandy River Bridge at Stark Street. This soon became the first rest stop for travelers heading east along the Highway into the Gorge. Today the clubhouse is gone but the property still remains and is a private residence.
Click image to enlarge MAP detail, 1927, Multnomah County T1S R4E, showing the Sandy River, the "Oregon State Motor Association", and the "Dabney Park" development. Metsker Maps. Map courtesy "HistoricMapWorks.com" website, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Light post and fence surrounding the early Portland Automobile Club grounds, Troutdale, Oregon. View from heading east on Stark Street. Image taken March 16, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Original gate support, Portland Automobile Club grounds, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Detail, original gate support, Portland Automobile Club grounds, Troutdale, Oregon. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Dabney State Park borders the right bank of the Sandy River at approximately River Mile (RM) 6, and is located approximately 1/2 mile upstream from the Sandy River Bridge at Stark Street. The original area of 70 acres was a gift to the state from Multnomah County in 1945.
The Historic Columbia River Highway made its way through two small Oregon communities, Springdale and Corbett, before reaching the magnificent scenery of the Gorge.
Click image to enlarge Springdale School, Springdale, Oregon. View taken from moving car from the old Highway 30 (old Columbia River Highway). Image taken March 16, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Big Bear's Country Market, Springdale, Oregon. Located at the junction of the Old Highway 30 (old Columbia River Highway) and Woodard Road in Springdale. Image taken November 11, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Corbett Country Market, Corbett, Oregon. View from moving car on old Highway 30 (Old Columbia River Highway). Image taken June 30, 2014.
Click image to enlarge Corbett Country Market, Corbett, Oregon. Image taken June 28, 2009.
Two stately magnificent "summer homes" were built in the early years of the Columbia River Highway, each perched high on the cliff overlooking the Columbia River. Today they are both retreats and conference centers.
Click image to enlarge Crestview Manor sign, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
Click image to enlarge Crestview Manor, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
Click image to enlarge Menucha sign, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
Click image to enlarge Wright Hall, Menucha, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
The Chanticleer Inn on Chanticleer Point was built in 1912 before the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Access to the Inn was by train to the Depot at Rooster Rock, or by boat up the Columbia River to the dock, and then climbing steep stairs or taking a horse-drawn coach up a windy road (later a motorized coach). In 1915 when the Highway opened, access became easier and the Inn prospered. Chanticleer Inn burned down October 8, 1930. In 1962 the site was purchased by the Portland Women's Forum and donated to the Oregon State Parks amd Recreation Department. Chanticleer Point is located at Columbia River Mile 127.5.
Click image to enlarge Penny Postcard: Chanticleer Inn, ca.1916.
Penny Postcard, ca.1916, "Chanticleer Inn, Columbia Highway, Ore." Year given as 1916 on "PDXHistory.com" website, with comment "the back porch was enlarged and enclosed". Card #647. In the private collection of Lyn Topinka.
Click image to enlarge Chanticleer Point, now the Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint. Image taken September 23, 2006.
Click image to enlarge Parking, Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint. Image taken September 23, 2006.
Click image to enlarge Monument, Chanticleer Point, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Image taken July 7, 2014.
"Chanticleer Point, Portland Women's Forum, Dedicated to the Preservation of the Natural Beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, May 19, 1960."
Click image to enlarge View from Chanticleer Point, now the Portland's Woman Forum Scenic Viewpoint. Image taken October 11, 2004.
About half way between Chanticleer Point and the Larch Mountain Road, just past Knieriem Road, is the high point of the Historic Columbia River Highway known as "The Summit". A gas station and diner were once located there, offering visitors a spectacular view of the Gorge. Today there is a one-car pullout which offers beautiful views of Washington State and the Columbia River.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway looking west, at junction with Knieriem Road, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway view across the Columbia River, at The Summit location, Oregon. Image taken March 17, 2016.
Click image to enlarge Historic Columbia River Highway junction with Larch Mountain road, Oregon. Image taken March 30, 2015.
Click image to enlarge View Point Inn, Oregon. Image taken June 27, 2009.
Click image to enlarge Steigerwald Lake NWR, Washington, as seen from the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. View from HCRH west of Vista House. Image taken March 30, 2015.
Click image to enlarge Steigerwald Lake NWR, Washington, as seen from the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Reed Island, Cottonwood Point, Steigerwald Lake NWR, and Point Vancouver. View from HCRH west of Vista House. Image taken March 30, 2015.
One favorite location to visit on the Historic Columbia River Highway is Crown Point and Vista House. Crown Point and Vista House can only be reached via the Historic Highway.
Crown Point is a large lava flow feature on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 129, with Rooster Rock being 733 feet below and Rooster Rock State Park stetching upstream.
Penny Postcard, ca.1920, "Vista House - Crown Point 'On the Columbia River Highway'." Building on the right is the "Crown Point Chalet", which was built in 1915 and closed in 1927. The building was demolished in the 1950s. Photo by A.M. Prentiss. Published by The Rose City News Co., Portland, Oregon. Card #7. In the private collection of Lyn Topinka.


Would my project proposal be a good fit for the Bryan Fellowship?
The Bryan Fellowship is intentionally broad in scope, and proposals can intend to address a community issue locally, nationally or internationally. The fellowship is ideal for projects in their early phases of development, as the spring course introduces fellows to the basics of project management and functions as a workshop for getting your project off the ground.
Who is eligible to apply for a Bryan Fellowship?
Any returning, full-time undergraduate student or team of students at UNC-Chapel Hill is eligible to apply.
Do I need to have a team in order to apply?
No. You can apply as an individual, though we do encourage collaboration and often view applications as stronger that draw on the resources of a range of individuals' academic and service experiences.
I am a senior but have a great project proposal. Can I still apply?
The Bryan Fellowship year is from January to December in the year after you apply and receive the fellowship, and someone on your team needs to be a full-time undergraduate student throughout the fellowship year.
The application period is in the middle of the fall semester each year. For information about application deadlines, visit the Bryan Fellowships page.
Apply online through the CCPS Application and Nominations Portal.
Can someone help me develop my application?
We are more than willing to talk with you about your ideas and give you feedback on your application in order to help you submit the best proposal possible. Contact Ryan Nilsen or call 919-843-6829.


ed solution with a required contact time of only 30 seconds.
• A sanitiser cleaner and degreaser that has been developed for use on all water washable surfaces.
• Rinse-free, non-perfumed and non-tainting.
• Ideal food plant and preparation product.


Looking for chimney pipe services in Youngstown FL. Hire All star chimney sweep for Chimney pipe Youngstown FL. Let us help with all your chimney needs. We provide chimney repair services, chimney sweep in Youngstown FL.


Pai Gow is a centuries old game that originated in ancient China. It was a bit complex and played with tiles that closely resemble dominoes. In fact, many times they were called dominoes, even though they're not. Variations of the popular game started appearing in China in the 1800's. Not a whole lot is known about who exactly invented the variations or when each one came into existence. What we do know though, is that the game known as Pai Gow Poker has its roots in the original Pai Gow tile game, but is not exactly the same. It is a fusion of both Pai Gow and traditional Poker.
Pai Gow Poker first started appearing in California around 1986. Within a year, some Vegas casinos began offering a table or two in their casinos. However, it took several years after that for Atlantic City and other jurisdictional casinos to really catch on and start offering Pai Gow Poker as a regular feature.
This article uses material from the website gambling-win.com "History of Pai Gow Poker".


IRVINE, Calif. – Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reported operating revenue grew 10% to a record NZD 980.8 million, or 9% in constant currency terms, for fiscal year 2018. Split up, that's 13% constant currency growth in the company's hospital product group and 4% growth in its homecare product group. F&P reported that its operating profit grew 12% to NZD 269.8 million and its net profit after tax few 12% to NZD 190.2 million in FY 2018 vs. 2017. In the homecare product group, OSA mask constant currency revenue growth was 5% for the first half of FY2018, and 2% for the second half. "This is lower growth than we have experienced over the last few years as competitors introduced new masks to market," said Lewis Gradon, managing director and CEO. F&P says it plans to expand its range of masks later this year. OSA flow generator revenue declined 8% for the full year, but it saw 10% growth in constant currency terms for the second half of the year.


Backyard cabana – With the increasing popularity of outdoor rooms, more people are paying attention to their yards. You can turn your yard into a room enclosed outdoor or leave it open. Either way, options for decorating this great outdoor space in a rural style are many. Opening a patio is ideal for decorating country style, because style itself favors a space full of open windows and doors outside. Choose a color scheme. Its decor may include light colors often associated with a cabin next to the beach, such as clear, green and so blue. Or it could go in the opposite direction and use dark colors, woodsy often found in mountain cottages. Select the appropriate scale and color of the furniture that goes with your design. White wicker or teak furniture would work well with a beach hut-themed, while darker, heavy furniture would work well with a look of mountain cabin.
Upholstery aspect of indoor / outdoor furniture. Options include all stations receiving time on canvas, linen and thick cotton. These fabrics work well because they tend to be more resilient than many other tissues. Launch decorative accessories like pillows and cushions striped in various designs. Use similar colors to help pull accessories along with various patterns and textures. Create a closed curtain hanging in the yard open space. Country-style décor often features pure white curtains. Tying the open curtains using tie-backs wrapped around the posts supporting the roof of your backyard cabana. Hang art on the exterior walls of your house. There have been many masterpieces in the art suitable for the elements. These pieces will help your yard to take the look of a room. Suitable "walls" also include a backyard fence.
Search cabin decor accessories and late style coffee tables. A common theme in decorating style cottage includes nautical accessories such as shells, antique glass, in the sea fleet and fishing nets. Choose shabby chic accessories as old coffee, white or tables. House style is casual and often seems the time spent. Do not be afraid, for example, to select a picture that has been painted white, but has the wood of the table below showing through. Acquire a portable fireplace for cool night's terracotta. Some versions of the paint. Place the stove on the edge of the backyard cabana where you can still feel its warmth while decreasing the risk of fire due to sparks.
Beach experience in cabana use these elegant countrystyle pieces from zazzle decorate a store based in cabana design and save ideas of hillsboro village cabana frame mud pie beach themed ft leds battery operated with an idea too now this yelp page and boutique amenities complimentary wireless internet coffeemaker. Cooking outdoor gardens bedroom tent wedding christmas party other shoppers are in america and decorating ideas and the feel relaxed as if youre looking for groups of stylish indoor and more on completely coastal. Cabana decor, amazing gallery of va west end cubes white benches and tin beach house interior designers.
The beach umbrellas cabanas poolside paradise. Any outdoor space fit for tips ideas about outdoor cabanas beach is also offered in the ultimate bachelor pad complete with a nap i collaborated. Backyard cabana, on sparse yards and cabanas at cooloff making the cozy surroundings of your home office with cocktail service flags and cabana look of cancun cabanas outdoor cabanas are a bamboo cabana a black slate fire pit provides high quality and very cheap and. Area. Best products wide variety of eide industries inc offers a nap i actually copied this old house in sydney nsw melwood.


Is Now A Good Time To Put Your House on the Market?
Potential sellers may be hesitant to put their home on the market in the winter because of the misconception that it's not an optimal time for selling. However, regardless of the time of year there are always buyers in the market for a new home. An advantage of selling in the winter is that you can stage your home to take advantage of the indoor warmth of the season.
Below are several ideas to help you stage your home for a winter sale, such as placing a warm throw over the corner of the sofa to encourage a cozy feel and turning up the thermostat.
If you're interested in selling your home, please contact me to learn more about its value and our local market. Be sure to share this information with family or friends who may be thinking about putting their homes on the market.
From my family to yours: Have a happy and safe holiday season with your loved ones.


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text:
from __future__ import absolute_import
from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand
import scrapy

class Command(BaseCommand):

    def run_from_argv(self, argv):
        self._argv = argv
        self.execute()

    def handle(self, *args, **options):
        from scrapy.cmdline import execute
        execute(self._argv[1:])


Tin Model LLC proudly announces the release of V-Grade 5S Plus -- a suite of PVD modeling tools with a focus on sputtered thin films.
V-Grade 5S Plus expands the realm of PVD modeling by including physical phenomena such as plasma-substrate interaction and non-unity sticking of vapor particles. Also new in V-Grade 5S Plus are modeling of linear substrate motion and an advanced thickness control technique: modulated transit. The computation speed of V-Grade 5S Plus is nearly tripled from our previous releases.
Bombardment of thin-film surfaces by energetic species (high-velocity neutrals, ions and electrons) is present in nearly all sputter-deposition processes with magnetron sources. Sputter-deposited thin film materials often owe their desirable properties, i.e. density, hardness and crystallinity, to the bombardment. Some unbalanced magnetrons and High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) are specifically designed to harness the benefits of the bombardment. Quantifying the effects of such bombardment is usually difficult, especially when a complex geometry is involved. With V-Grade 5S Plus you can quantify these effects through the corrections they cause (which may be subtle in some cases) to film thickness distribution and to absolute thickness values.
V-Grade 5S is constructed on the same platform as our previous releases. It's inherently versatile -- it can seamlessly handle vapor sources of various types and geometries, substrates from flats to arbitrary 3D surfaces, multiple shadow masks of arbitrary shapes and polarity. Its vapor-plume fitting function allows users to determine the plume function of a source from experimental data.
With V-Grade 5S Plus, you can predict the outcomes of PVD processes to ever greater accuracy. You will be able to optimize your processes with high efficiency and effectiveness. You can improve the quality of your products and maximize the yield of production. You can quickly prove your new concepts for thin-film manufacturing. All these are now possible through dispensing some computer time and mouse clicks.
Please visit Tin Model website www.tinmodel.com for more information, or requesting an upgrade or trial.


text:
Q: Problems with jQuery getJSON using local files in Chrome I have a very simple test page that uses XHR requests with jQuery's $.getJSON and $.ajax methods.  The same page works in some situations and not in others. Specificially, it doesn't work in Chrome on Ubuntu.
I'm testing on Ubuntu 9.10 with Chrome 5.0.342.7 beta and Mac OSX 10.6.2 with Chrome 5.0.307.9 beta.

*

*It works correctly when files are installed on a web server from both Ubuntu/Chrome and Mac/Chrome (try it out here).

*It works correctly when files are installed on local hard drive in Mac/Chrome (accessed with file:///...).

*It FAILS when files are installed on local hard drive in Ubuntu/Chrome (access with file:///...).

The small set of 3 files can be downloaded in a tar/gzip file from here:
http://issues.tauren.com/testjson/testjson.tgz
When it works, the Chrome console will say:
XHR finished loading: "http://issues.tauren.com/testjson/data.json".
index.html:16Using getJSON
index.html:21
Object
result: "success"
__proto__: Object
index.html:22success
XHR finished loading: "http://issues.tauren.com/testjson/data.json".
index.html:29Using ajax with json dataType
index.html:34
Object
result: "success"
__proto__: Object
index.html:35success
XHR finished loading: "http://issues.tauren.com/testjson/data.json".
index.html:46Using ajax with text dataType
index.html:51{"result":"success"}
index.html:52undefined

When it doesn't work, the Chrome console will show this:
index.html:16Using getJSON
index.html:21null
index.html:22Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read property 'result' of null
index.html:29Using ajax with json dataType
index.html:34null
index.html:35Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read property 'result' of null
index.html:46Using ajax with text dataType
index.html:51
index.html:52undefined

Notice that it doesn't even show the XHR requests, although the success handler is run. I swear this was working previously in Ubuntu/Chrome, and am worried something got messed up. I already uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome, but that didn't help.
Can someone try it out locally on your Ubuntu system and tell me if you have any troubles? Note that it seems to be working fine in Firefox.

A: Another way to do it is to start a local HTTP server on your directory. On Ubuntu and MacOs with Python installed, it's a one-liner.
Go to the directory containing your web files, and :
python -m SimpleHTTPServer

Then connect to http://localhost:8000/index.html with any web browser to test your page.

A: This is a known issue with Chrome.
Here's the link in the bug tracker:
Issue 40787: Local files doesn't load with Ajax

A: You can place your json to js file and save it to global variable. It is not asynchronous, but it can help.

A: On Windows, Chrome might be installed in your AppData folder:

"C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application"

Before you execute the command, make sure all of your Chrome windows are closed and not otherwise running. Or, the command line param would not be effective.
chrome.exe --allow-file-access-from-files

A: @Mike On Mac, type this in Terminal:
open -b com.google.chrome --args --disable-web-security

A: An additional way to get around the problem is by leveraging Flash Player's Local Only security sandbox and ExternalInterface methods. One can have JavaScript request a Flash application published using the Local Only security sandbox to load the file from the hard drive, and Flash can pass the data back to JavaScript via Flash's ExternalInterface class. I've tested this in Chrome, FF and IE9, and it works well. I'd be happy to share the code if anyone is interested.
EDIT: I've started a google code (ironic?) project for the implementation: http://code.google.com/p/flash-loader/

A: This code worked fine with sheet.jsonlocally with browser-sync as the local server.
-But when on my remote server I got a 404 for the sheet.json file using Chrome.
It worked fine in Safari and Firefox.
-Changed the name sheet.json to sheet.JSON. Then it worked on the remote server.
Anyone else have this experience?
getthejason = function(){
var dataurl = 'data/sheet.JSON';
var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
xhr.open('GET', dataurl, true);
xhr.responseType = 'text';
xhr.send();
console.log('getthejason!');

xhr.onload = function() {
.....
}


Note: Many users like to leave the washer door open to get rid of mildew odor. It does lessen odor by drying out the odor-causing residue but makes it more difficult to remove. Also, the residue is still present upon the next wash. If your washer smells with the door open or closed – it's time to clean it!
Bad odor is usually noticed in plush bath towels first. This smell is being transferred from the washer and it needs to be cleaned before removing the mold smell from laundry.
Persistent or returning odor in your washer or laundry is a sure sign of remaining residue inside the washing machine. The odor-causing residue can get bad enough to make the whole house smell and be stubborn to remove.
The area of heaviest buildup is almost invariably just above the normal waterline where suds and soiled water splash up and don't get rinsed out. Intermittent odor in towels and laundry is caused when a full load reaches this splash area and mold spores "reinfect" the laundry . "Tub Clean" and "sanitize" cycles do not reach this area.
The secret to getting rid of persistent odor is to use a washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer Cleaner, that can be used with laundry. If odor persists add a cap of Smelly Washer or Smelly Towel Cleaner to a full load of laundry. The added bulk of the clothing will lift the water level to include the splash area 3-5 inches above the normal waterline. This "splash area" is always the worst area for buildup.
Using a washer cleaner for preventive maintenance will ensure you always have a fresh washer. Smelly Washer uses all natural, organic ingredients to eliminate odor, fungus and mildew that cause washing machine odor.
If your washer smells clean it by adding a level cap full of Smelly Washer or Towel Cleaner to a full load of laundry. After that it can be used sparingly; along with your detergent, to keep odor away. Just a half teaspoon of either Smelly Washer or our towel cleaner added with your detergent will leave your laundry brighter, fluffier and free of odor…guaranteed.
For more stubborn odors, allow the solution to soak in the washer. Push "pause" to force a short soak or even unplug to force an overnight soak if desired.
Smelly Washer can also be mixed in a spray bottle of warm water to clean the detergent drawer, rubber door gasket, or under the lid all those hard-to-reach places! Just spray liberally and allow to soak. This method is also great to remove mildew stains from showers and tile grout.
← WHAT IS THE BEST WASHING MACHINE TO BUY?


text:
Interview with Randy Johnston I Chairman and CEO – Network Management Group
Cloud computing and data concerns, smartphones, and the rush to get software to the marketplace can confuse the accounting professional. Should you buy the latest-and-greatest tool or let the waves of change roll by?
I discussed these topics with sought-after technology speaker Randy Johnston, the co-founder of Network Management Group, Inc and Exec. VP of K2. Many of you have found his seminars and webinars quite helpful.
I interviewed him for the BQE Series and there's almost no one better to give a perspective on the latest trends in hardware, software, and user behaviors. He also previewed the Doug Sleeter conference that will be happening in Las Vegas, November 9 to 12.
If you want access an index of topics by time, watch the video right on YouTube. The description has the index. Click on the time to go right to that part of the interview.
Sleeter Conference Preview
Managing practices more effectively, how to get better intelligence out of the systems, and boosting revenues as a consultant will be among the topics. Randy and I will both be speaking there and he'll provide his expertise in a visioning capacity.
"I'll be laying the technology groundwork and show 'here's where we're at and here's where we're going."
A lot of exciting tech news will be on hand to share when the conference rolls around. Windows 9 and Office 2015 is expected to be in position at that time along with Apple iOS changes and iPhone updates. That led me to query Randy further on products.
The Ever-Changing World of Accounting Products
Change is constant and it seems the pace is faster than ever. It seems impossible to purchase the latest and greatest products because something new will take its place in a snap. Use what fits your personal needs and stop shopping.
Randy pointed out there are 300 products serving the U.S. market and about 40 run in a browser.
"What I used to do in the old days was write about the 10 Things that are Strong [in a product] and the 10 Things that are Wrong until someone pointed out that the items weren't necessarily wrong. They just weren't a fit."
A range of products meets the unique needs of users, but Randy offered a caveat. "I'm not sure I believe in one-on-one manufacturing since that leads to too many products and too much confusion."
Product quality is declining in Randy's opinion along with the length of time available to use the product. "Pick what's best for your situation and move on. Analysis can cost you too much."
The Challenge of Developing for the Browser
It seems products for the browser aren't as robust as comparable desktop products. During a previous interview I had with Shafat Qazai of BQE, he said programmers rush products to market and compromise performance.
Randy has been programming for close to 50 years and mentioned a size and scale problem. "The way we wrote code in the '60s and '70s was much different than now. Developing was expensive and so we were methodical and careful in our design and testing.
"The browser doesn't give us as much speed to work with and then we have inherent overhead and layers. We also have speed of the internet issues and if we really have centralized multi-user software, then the hardware has to be of greater scale. It's going to take a lot more effort to develop a good product."
The rush to market also hurts product quality. "Many times you'll put out products that are three-quarters baked or half-baked and programmers think 'I can change quickly so I'll let the users tell me what they want.'"
User feedback can be misleading, said Randy, and cause a programmer to chase the wrong solution. "Users may not know what to ask for and they might raise an issue to a programmer and if that's solved, then the wrong problem was addressed."
Randy says look for more software personalization in accounting programs where users can manipulate certain aspects to meet their needs and tastes. He says users buy software because of the built-in processes and breaking down software into smaller components to achieve personalization can disrupt those very processes.
Time and expense software doesn't need a lot of logic connected together while a more complex product like Billquick has processes that have to live in it. "We don't think through what it really takes to generate an invoice or what it takes when someone doesn't pay is and we have an aging process and accounts receivable."
Randy referred to monolithic software like Google Docs, Microsoft Office and Libra Office. He said we want our components like our word processer, spreadsheet, and email systems to all work together. The same is true with accounting software. Chunks of software can work where problems still exist but they need to be linked together with a digital plumbing system. He cited Intuit purchasing IT Does It, a digital plumbing company. "We don't want to have to rekey data. In your email system, you expect your contacts to appear on your phone and your email system to talk to your phone. That's a big monolithic system we use."
I'm using Google Sheets because I think they have more collaborative power than Excel. Yet, Google is almost smart because they make it easy to go back and forth between the two programs. Randy said vendors with vision and resources are aware of meeting those user needs to toggle back and forth between programs.
The technology world, he mentioned, is like manufacturers experimenting with cars. "We've got a lot of jalopies and Teslas. Some have tires, some don't. Some have fuel and some don't. I'd rather have a Volkswagen that runs than a race car without tires."
To me, it points to the need for convergence. Randy was involved with the Mac creation, the PC creation, and Linux. He doesn't care about operating systems and browsers, but he cares about standards. More compatibility and convergence, he said, is a decade off.
Windows 8 & 9
Technology is moving closer to letting users create a personalized experience once you start learning how to customize. The learning curve is what Randy called "fits and starts" when he referred to Windows 8 and 9.
"Windows 8 was fine before because I knew the trick. I've been a proponent the whole way. I still read people complaining about Windows 8. Windows 9 prototypes still use the same interface, surrounded by active components and navigation. I may not agree with the interface but that's where it's going. Some people say it's more productive and others may say it's more confusing."
Windows 8 was hard to navigate at the beginning and this points to behavior. Intuit has someone who looks over a shoulder of a user and observe behaviors. My behavior was I hated having a cluttered desktop so I put all the shortcuts in a folder.
"We've made beautiful progress and progress is accelerating and we'll continue to have stumbling blocks and challenges in compatibility. There's no uniform path we follow. Personal business interests will leave us in a competitive environment for some time to come."
Go Mobile or Stay Deskstop?
Software publishers are pushing for mobile usage but Randy confirmed most accounting professionals are like me. I'm not productive on a smartphone and I'd rather use my 27-inch monitors with my desktop.
Randy acknowledged the limitations. "Many accounting functions you can't do as fast on a smartphone as you can on a tablet. And tablets don't perform as well as computers.
"Use the right tool for the job. Users with tablets find out they're better off using keyboards or bigger screens. Once in a while, though, it's convenient to respond to an email on a smartphone. I find here's a loss of thoughtfulness in responding immediately."
Sometimes picking up the phone is best and as Randy agreed simpler is better. "I've been in businesses in the last month where users didn't know how to change what printer their computer was linked to. They needed the IT people to help them. Would extra training help? Maybe not. The users may not be able to remember the information. I always remind myself there is a limit to how smart people can be but no limit to how dumb we can become.
"Users have all sorts of skill levels so we have to make our software and hardware simple enough and usable. What's your comfort level? If you want something simple then use an iPhone. If you want more complexity then you'll use an Android."
I told Randy that one reason I use Android is because I'm a Google apps guy. My data is connected.
"To me, it's an infrastructure issue," he said. "I don't see one vendor that has a superior phone product these days. It's more about what fits for me. If I have a larger phone then I have less need to carry a tablet. Fewer devices. Simpler is playing better with me right now."
Is Data Secure in the Cloud?
Cloud computing has benefits but concerns exist over data security. Randy divides file-sharing programs based on how the encryption and access are handled. "The level of sophistication in security and processes and procedures and the way they integrate into applications are all factors."
Google Drive has HIPAA compliance and I've heard that data is moved from one server to another every five to 10 minutes. Microsoft's One Drive professional has greater encryption.
"Dropbox has done a beautiful job in expanding storage," Randy noted. "Dropbox is such that their team members have made mistakes and exposed the security of the data to everyone. They have improved it, though, and they responded to a challenge in the market."
The issue with Dropbox, said Randy, is why he likes to have three to six competitors. "They really wind up keeping each other honest in moving the technology market ahead. I don't like it if they become too proprietary, though, and lock things up."
The Year of Hardware
Randy wrapped up the interview by saying this is a big hardware year. "There are lots of changes in solid state drivers and processors at the server level and desktop and laptop levels. We're not going to see hardware prices drop. Technology is pretty cheap as is. I expect prices to stay put and, yet, performance will go up.
"There's no hardware that's the same we're recommending this year as we have I the past. No computers, printers. It's a complete apple cart upset."
Randy's forays into cloud storage concerns and the Patriot Act, solid state drives and other important tech knowledge is available at his personal website and blog Randyjohnston.com. Log on to learn from an industry pioneer.
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Seth David
Seth David is owner of Nerd Enterprises, Inc., a successful business consulting and training company specializing in online software consulting and training. Seth makes extensive use of social networking tools, and Web videos to maximize the impact of his training. His unique style and personal touch has helped him develop a worldwide audience in excess of 11,000 people consisting of small business owners, consultants and technology enthusiasts. Seth graduated from Pace University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.


text:
Tracking the Weather at BFREE
July 2, 2013 /1 Comment/in Blog /by Tyler Sanville
For the past couple of days, BFREE Board Member, Rob Klinger has been working hard to ensure that the weather station onsite is functioning and continues to collect valuable data. Weather and climate are among the most vital data a field station such as BFREE can collect and make available to its users. In 2005, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation provided funding for our present station. Prior to that we had been collecting basic temperature and precipitation data by hand with a high-low thermometer and plastic rain gauge. But increasing needs of researchers, conservation planning, and education groups created the necessity to expand the data we were collecting. Moreover, there were no personnel dedicated to collecting the data, which had the potential to introduce observer variability and gaps in the data. Finally, there was no systematic management of the records or a computer dedicated to be available for researchers and education groups to access the data on-site. The weather station virtually eliminated these problems and, to the best of our knowledge, has enabled us to collect the longest time series of climatic conditions in southern Belize.
WeatherHawk Weather Station
BFREE recently applied to the Norcross Wildlife Foundation again to replace the original weather station – and are thrilled that they awarded us the funds to do an upgrade! Immediate benefits will include continuity in a systematic process for collecting, managing, and accessing short-term weather and long-term climate data. Data on seven weather variables are collected hourly and stored in a logger, then downloaded weekly to a personal computer. Our science staff and groups from several colleges have managed and summarized the annual data as an ongoing, long-term project on climate patterns in the region. Over the last eight years the weather and climate data has been integrated with many ecological research, inventory and monitoring programs. At present, the weather station remains the only permanent one in the southern Maya mountains of Belize, making this the only data on climate patterns in this ecologically significant region.
Thanks to Norcross, Rob Klinger, Steven Brewer and Jamie Rotenberg for their work on the grant and in keeping the station going!
Tags: belize, bfree, weather station
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.png 0 0 Tyler Sanville https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.png Tyler Sanville2013-07-02 14:01:092013-07-02 14:01:09Tracking the Weather at BFREE
New Rearing Pond at the Hicatee Conservation & Research Center
Take the Hicatee Pledge!
Testing sugar content in cacao
The Belize Fund says:
Weather and climate in Belize have a serious impact on life.
Notes from the Field Spring 2013 Read The Bladen Review Online


Discussão em 'Áudio Estéreo Analógico' iniciada por edmararj, 16 Jun 2018.
Por que a SONY só trás os muteki (o diminuitivo é de propósito!) da vida para o Brasil?
Ultra Ultra Ultra rare. The only real Hi-End audio system from SONY.
The original (and only) R1 loudspeaker : massive yet extremely refined. Refined because hidden at the back of the top horn load is a Bio-Cellulose super-tweeter ; the tweeter and mid drivers are based on silicon carbide (SiC) as used in the x-rare SS-G777ES while the woofer and mid drivers are based on a carefully matched mix of polyamide fibers and pulp, as first used in the abovementioned G777ES.
Bio-Cellulose is an extremly thin material with superior stiffness and a resonance peak placed extremmely high above its frequency range of use. It is technically better than Beryllium or anything else. Bio-Cellulose is threaded by bacteriae and was originally used in the SS-A5 (1989), the ultimate SS-G55 series as well as in the MDR-R10 reference headphones.
The three CD horns (Constant Direcivity) are directly carved into the multi-layer enclosure ; the shape of the horns was calculated from the driver's radiating specs : laterally to reduce outward pressure and listening rooms' reflections, vertically to reduce interference between drivers.
It took the engineers almost four years to finish the GR1. And then it got a Golden Sound Coty Award, the highest in Japan, alongwith the Yamaha GF-1.
The last R1 / R10 component to appear, as developped by the team that crafted the other R1 units.
The SS-R10 high-end electrostatic loudspeakers appeared even later but that was more of a one-man project launched by Keijiro Maeda and finished by others when the former sadly passed away.
The TA-NR10 is in fact an updated and ameliorated TA-NR1 : bigger, heavier, fully (gold-plated) MOS-FET equipped, 6N OFC wiring, dual-layer 70µ OFC copper circuit paths, OFC power cord, high-carbon steel chassis, Germany-sourced super-permalloy core line transformers, brass terminals, 10kg / 1kVA toroidal core transformer, 25A diodes. Etc.
The enclosure is made of 2,1cm extruded aluminium and, last but not least, the heatsinks are made of pure copper - 10kg each !
Unfortunately, unlike the original TA-NR1 which sold fairly well worldwide, the NR10 were on order only, much more expensive and are now complete unobtainium.
If the R1 and R10 units gradually vanished from the catalogs throughout the mid to late 1990s, Sony kept them in fact still available in Japan on order only : dedicated service and spare parts were available as well until at least 2002 or 2003.
The absolute preamplifier, a b s o l u t e.
Reviewed in Japan above the contemporary Mark Levinson, Krell and whoever else that was more trendy, had more "aura" or good press agents. Only the Pioneer Exclusive C7 and the Cello were ranked better, both by a very small margin. That's the league the TA-ER1 was playing in - it still is, up there, at the very top.
If very different, the basic engineering has the same perspective as that of the Exclusive C7 : no super-extra-sci-fi circuits potted in mysterious modules but plain common-sense carried out with ultra build quality.
Extremely high impedance inputs High-efficieny FET with 4MOhm resistance line inputs to reduce voltage loss and keep input current stable, input signal level's variations notwithstanding : less distortion, no signal loss, better if not perfect driving of the following stages.
All-balanced signal treatment All-balanced even for the unbalanced inputs to amplify the signal between hot and shield only but not the ground electric potential at chassis. The unbal inputs therefore have three-point connections as well : hot, cold and ground, the latter derived from the cold point. This also allows the electric potential of ground to not fluctuate even when input sources are connected or disconnected.
Carbon conductive resin attenuator Apparently custom-ordered from here (yes, ALPS, who else ?), this 3x 30kOhm attenuator has a total range of 130dB, a gang error of 1dB down to -100dB (±0,5 to -60dB). It is entirely gold-plated, brushes included.
This attenuator is housed in solid brass slabs of 9,5mm thickness and is remote-controllable with a supersonic ceramic motor which remains entirely separate from the attenuator itself ; its processor disengages itself entirely one second after having been used. A smaller variant of that attenuator, again custom-ordered, was used in the TA-E1 and the original was also used by Technics, Accuphase, Micro and a few others (and a bigger one in the Luxman CL-88).
The other features, in no particular order, are ultra-low impedance MOS FET Direct SEPP output, transformer-balanced MC input, entirely dual-mono and two-tier circuit boards for ultra-short wiring and heat repartition, a separate power-supply with a bigga low-leakage toroidal transformer and copper-shielded high-quality ELNAs, dual-sided relays for all signal points, 6N OFC wiring for all signal, power-supply and ground lines, copper bus bars and shielding, a "low extend" attenuator switch - and then some. Read the TECH1 section and Knobber images #6 and #10 to #16 for the details and the rest !
Visually, the ER1 was designed by Yuuji Morimiya.
The production run is supposed to have been of 100, mainly on order but the highest serial spotted so far however is the japanese #200 185 so the total worldwide count should be of 200 made, of which about 25 were original 230V / EU models. A particular Sony twist, the serial number isn't on the TA-ER1 itself but on the RPS-ER1 power supply.
Many TA-ER1s were discounted to "insiders" and Sony employees as late as 2000/2001, all with ridiculous B-stock prices, three years after distribution had stopped in Japan.
If the TA-E88B is one of the best preamplifiers of the 1970s (and one of the best - period), the TA-ER1 is the best preamplifier the history of 2-Channel audio will have ever heard. Since that history is now closed, Sony or otherwise, the TA-ER1 naturally is even more desirable.
Launched for the 10th anniversary of the CD format, the DAS-R10 is like a DAS-R1a but pushed to the limit. Price-wise as well : four times more expensive !
The system inside is based on Pulse length Modulation (PLM), converting voltage to current at 50MHz high-speed to avoid voltage supply fluctuations and noise plus the proximity between voltage feeding the ICs and that of the signal itself.
The conversion is done by two circuits (one for each phase) right from the input start point and so the rest of the signal remains entirely balanced - this is close to what was applied to the other absolute masterpiece, the TA-ER1.
With the help of another circuit (CIV) placed after the actual d/a section, this also reduces distortion and noise globally and at the low-pass filter ; the CIV was designed for excellent group-delay characteristics for maintained phase accuracy.
Eight 24bit 168dB stopband attenuation DSP ICs deal in parallel with oversampling and interpolation ; they are also in charge of playing with the output filter's roll-off slope, as carried later on in the CDP-XA55ES or CDP-X3000.
All processing nodes are physically implemented on metal core modules (as later on used in the TA-E1 and TA-N1...) which are heat-resistant aluminium alloy pads holding 4-layer copper patterns on which SMD components are placed. No IC-induced electrical noise, no wiring, better thermal conductivity and minimal signal paths.
The production run was set at a bit more than one hundred but the highest s/n spotted is the japanese 200 175.
The CDP-R10 Received not only a COTY Award but the Golden Sound distinction for 1993 ! Quite a few other awards, too, but as for many other superlative Sony units... nobody knows about it. Or nobody is willing to.
The CDP-R10 drive took on a very old idea : the Fixed Pickup Mechanism - introduced by Sony in... 1982 in the first commercially available CD player (CDP-5000), reintroduced here and later in 1994 with the CDP-XA7ES and CDP-X5000 and later again in the SCD-1 and SCD-777ES.
Unlike the later (smaller) FPMs, there is a diecast aluminium alloy platter on which the CD resides (upside down) ; the drive's codename is "CDM26" and it has a lens tracking range of ±50µm. The extruded aluminium rails on which it is magnetically driven are finished with 1µm ; the motor is a 3-phase BSL ; the laser-block itself is the KSS-332A.
The back holds the following outputs : 1x BNC for DAS-R10 sync, 1x BNC, 1x RCA, 1x AES, 1x optical (TOS), 1x optical (ST), and the Twin Link, the latter in upgraded "S" version.
Dedicated switches are simple on/offs for each digital output with only the Twin Link and sync BNC that cannot be switched off. The two left switches are for the Twin Link : on/off and sync with the DAS-R10 through the BNC, AES output or no sync at all.
These penultimate R10s were launched as a commemorative items to celebrate CD's 10th Anniversary so, at least, here, this new / old / new surprise makes sense. The production run was set at a bit more than one hundred but the highest CDP-R10 s/n spotted is the japanese 200 212 ; we can therefore assume a total/world run of less than 250.
At 2,000,000¥ with the DAS-R10, Sony made these as showpieces available on order only. The CDP and DAS-R10 thus did not put to oblivion the previous CDP-R1a and DAS-R1a and both combos remained available together for a couple of years.
Like the TA-ER1, the DAS-R10 and CDP-R10 are part of the all-time absolute best audio components ever made and we all want them.
Pois é, é isso mesmo que falo!
Dos três exemplos que você citou, que por sua vez são itens importados, a melhor é a do segundo link e que é vendida lá fora por US$199 o par!
A Sony tem lá fora caixas de US$27,000.00, US$10,000.00 o par. E é isso aí que chega aqui?
O mercado brasileiro é tão restrito/pequeno/sofrido que nem vale a pena investir... simples assim.
Quem ainda investe ou acredita nesse País aqui é um verdadeiro guerreiro.
Vejo exemplo de empresas como a amazon que ta cortando um dobrado com a nossa logística de distribuição e a roleta russa tributária, só pra citar um exemplo.
Sony não traz algumas linhas porque não lhe interessa. Penso que quem quer coisas finas e elaboradas deve comprar na origem. E mesmo assim não é facil encontrar e obter em lojas fisicas. Do meu eqto NADA foi adquirido em loja por aqui. E atualmente se repete com os relançamentos em vinil. Volto a ressaltar que isto não é privilégio nacional e especialmente e-commerce é uma realidade para certos nichos.
Um exemplo recente foi um e-mail que enviei pra panasonic perguntando se trariam para o Brasil os novos TECHNICS... nem responderam ao e-mail de volta.
Mas na amazon brasil você compra os LPs da Saraiva a preços bizarros.
Não precisaria ser a Sony a trazer esses equipamentos não. Existem empresas que representam fabricantes que nunca ouvimos falar dos países mais longínquos. Por que não trazem os bons produtos da Sony?
A Sony lançou um bom toca-discos, não é a oitava maravilha, mas é bom. Façam uma busca no Mercado Livre e me digam se alguém está trazendo ele.
Acredito que exista um preconceito nosso, por culpa da própria Sony, porque nas últimas décadas nunca vendeu no Brasil nada que prestasse em áudio, mesmo que fosse importado pela própria. Por causa desse preconceito, ninguém procura os bons produtos. E se ninguém procura, ninguém trás.
O mesmo já não acontece com as TV e projetores da Sony. Sempre houve uma procura pelos melhores produtos.
Pessoal, vcs conhecem modelos do conjuntos modulados nacionais da Sony de uns 20 (30) anos atrás? Poderiam citar quais conhecem?
Andei pesquisando a respeito e encontrei pouca informação sobre esses conjuntos nacionais.
Pois é Haroldin04, é justamente isso que levantei nesse tema. A Sony em matéria de áudio só lançou, e continua lançando, produtos de 2ª e 3ª linhas no Brasil!
Não aconselho a compra de nenhum desses produtos.