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CONTRACT NEWS IN BRIEF
16 Mar 07. Saab Training Systems have been awarded a contract by the UK MoD to deliver a Deployable Tactical Engagement Simulation (DTES) capability in support of British Army Overseas Training Exercises up to March 2009. DTES is initially planned for use at the British Army training areas in Belize and Kenya with the first exercise commencing in the autumn of 2007. Saab will supply the training equipment and all technical and logistic support required to perform the planned exercises. This is the second interesting project regarding future training solutions that we have won in UK during 2007, says Par Arvidson Account Manager, Saab Training Systems. Working closely with the UK MoD, we create innovative training solutions which provides the UK's Armed Forces state of the art capabilities. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Mar 07. Thales has signed a contract with ESL Advanced Information Technology of Austria to supply the TRC 4000 34 Mbps line-of-sight (LOS) radio for the Point To Point Radio System* (PTPRS) for the Austrian armed forces. Deliveries will begin in mid-2007 and will continue through to 2008. The PTPRS system is designed to provide the increased bandwidth required by the Austrian armed forces for high-speed data transmission and will be integrated with their existing systems. The Thales TRC 4000 radio offers data rates from 64 kbps to 34 Mbps duplex to support C4ISR and other bandwidth-intensive applications. As a component of the PTPRS data network, the TRC 4000 radio will provide secure high-performance communications for tactical units and operational bases.
20 Mar 07. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to Thales for the development and manufacture of the new Mode 5 NATO standard encrypted IFF* , to equip the French Armed Forces. The Mode 5 will provide the French Army, Air Force and Navy with a new high-performance identification capability, providing higher levels of communication security than the legacy Mode 4. With this new mode, that will further minimise the possibility of friendly fire on an aircraft or a ship, the IFF equipment will guarantee for the coming decades the interoperability of the French Forces with the NATO allied Forces. According to the contract, Thales will add the Mode 5 to the Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) of the Rafale aircraft and to the multiplatform Transponder** (TAR). The Mode S capability of these equipments, used for military and civil air surveillance, will also be upgraded to be compliant with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Thus, the Rafale and the other aircraft equipped with these latest generation IFF systems will be able to fly into the general airspace without any specific restriction.
21 Mar 07. McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis Mo., is being awarded a $17,695,105 cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This action provides for a joint capabilities technology demonstration (JCTD) contract to demonstrate the military utility of a low collateral damage warhead comprised of a composite case and multi-phase blast explosive fill integrated onto a small diameter bomb (SDB-I) weapon. This new weapon variant is designated the Focused Lethality Munitions (FLM).The 918th Armament Systems Group plans to exercise an option on the JCTD contract for continued integration and testing of the FLM and engineering support for a military utility assessment/extended user evaluation. Deliverables are 50 residual FLM assets. Residual assets are flight worthy assets delivered as all-up rounds to the warfighter for the extended user evaluation. The residual assets will be delivered no later than 16 months after the contract modification is awarded. At this time, $3,329,298 has been
obligated. This work will be complete December 2008.918th Armament Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0228/P00003).
19 Mar 07. Orbital Sciences Corp.
Previous PostTAILPIECENext PostDEFENCE GOES GREEN


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The Music Court
Write for the Music Court.
Tag Archives: Symphonic Rock
Art Decade Transforms Symphonic Rock
Whenever I first hear a band that does not conform to the bromidic classifications of a normal rock genre, I immediately explore some category to place the band in, although such a fastidious task is often misguided. Not all bands fit any category though. Such is the case for Boston-based Art Decade, the spawn of the Berklee School of Music mixed with pop overtones.
Art Decade is different, and I like change. Different, though, is only one part of new, exciting music. The tunes need to be good. Fortunately, Art Decade has this covered. On my first listen through their debut album, Western Sunrise, I was immediately shocked by the maturity and complexity of the compositions, but this confusion was satisfied when I observed the talent producing the music (more on this later).
Art Decade is to the 21st century what Electric Light Orchestra/Queen was to the Classic Rock genre. ELO and Queen were some of the pioneers of Symphonic Rock bands of the 1970s. This sub-genre evolved from the Progressive Rock movement (encompassing such bands at the Moody Blues and Emerson Lake & Palmer). Symphonic rock, though, took the sound of Prog/Rock and focused attention to modeling classical compositions and instrumentation and musical complexity. ELO, led by the venerable Jeff Lynne, took this concept and added pop melodies. Thus, the music was intelligent and accessible. Queen also emerged from Prog/Rock and added its own flavor on Symphonic Rock.
Flash forward to the late 20th century and early 21st century, and power/pop bands like Fun, Muse, Guided By Voices, Fountains of Wayne, and Keane bathe listeners with a wall of pop rhythms. Fun, specifically, focuses on creating a world of theatrical pop, an ode to the upbeat sounds of ELO and Queen.
Art Decade has combined Symphonic Rock and Power Pop into an amalgamated super genre of Classical Rock/Pop, which, although some may label it as Indie, is far more compound. The music is multifaceted and intelligent. It is effervescent and enjoyable. It has elements of hard rock, classical music, pop, and a whole lot more pushed into tracks, like a clown car of material – 15 clowns get out and you are wondering how the band fit so many elements into their music. And its clean. It is so tight and well manufactured. It is skillful.
It also makes sense considering that Art Decade's guitarist/vocalist/arranger Ben Talmi grew up on a diet of classical music and attended Berklee School of Music.
"A strong musical education can do many things to a musician, oftentimes people become jaded with their acquired musical knowledge, becoming frustrated with the state of popular music and its general lack of musical depth," said Talmi in a press release for Art Decade's debut release. "Others are unable to escape the education and end up producing very indulgent and selfish music. I truly hope to take what I have learned and apply it in a very mature way."
"Western Sunrise" is a multifarious piece that implements several classical elements into waves of remarkable instrumentation and mellifluous sounds culminating in a repeated diapason; all wrapped up neatly by a powerful vocal and music video that plays with the ocean motif and a colorful, pointillism-like construction. Oh, and it's accessible for all ears. The song features so many elements that at some points I think I am listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and at other points I think I am listening to Keane. The music oscillates with such precision. I must credit the entire band for this magical composition.
Here is the Pt. 2 of "Western Sunrise," another sprawling symphonic piece that flows with creative strings, vocals, piano, and other instrumentation. In some ways I am reminded a bit of Paul McCartney's work with Wings.
I am excited to hear more from Art Decade, a band that I'm sure you all will be hearing more about in the future.
Check out their website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Tags: Art Decade, Berklee College of Music, Boston, classical music, Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne, Keane, Music, New Music, Paul McCartney, Pop, Power Pop, Symphonic Rock
Categories Musical Interludes (Melodic thoughts from the Jester)
Author Matthew Coleman
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


While walking the show floor at Affiliate Summit West in Las Vegas, we came across something I haven't seen in a long time. A cash money machine!
The money machine was at The Hoth booth. It was filled with $1 and $2 bills. There were also some fake bills that you can cash in for a The Hoth t-shirt. You are given 15 seconds to grab as much money as possible. I managed to grab $38, which is not bad for 15 seconds of work! Check out the video.


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Q: Arch Linux Laravel not found I installed Laravel via composer
composer global require "laravel/installer=~1.1"

But when i try to create laravel app
laravel new app

I get error message
bash: laravel: command not found

I tried to set $PATH in bash_profile, but it is not working.
Composer location: composer: /usr/bin/composer

A: So when i deleted composer path from bashrc, i created project with
    composer create-project laravel/laravel {directory} 4.2 --prefer-dist
and then i needed to install mcrypt and enable it in php.ini with
extension=mcrypt.so

Now everything works.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Preliminary estimates from the Central Energy Fund suggest that petrol (95 ULP Inland) and diesel (0.05% Wholesale Inland) prices could decline by 45 cents per litre (c/l) and 39 c/l, respectively, on 07 December 2016. This could bring the retail price of petrol down to R12.60 per litre from the current level of R13.05 per litre. At the same time, diesel price could drop to R10.96 per litre from the current level of R11.35 per litre (see Chart 1).
This expected fuel price decrease is mainly underpinned by the recent fall in Brent crude oil prices, which have been trading below the US$50 per barrel mark for the past 11 days. Brent crude oil price has largely been underpinned by large global supplies, as well as uncertainty regarding OPEC's planned production freeze. This month, Brent crude oil price averaged US$46.09 a barrel, down by 10% from October 2016 average price of US$51.44 a barrel. Moreover, the strengthening of the ZAR/US$ exchange also played a positive role on the expected fuel decrease. This month, the Rand slightly strengthened by 1% against the US Dollar, averaging at R13.75 (This compared to an average of R13.94 in October 2016).
This relief is set to come at a time when most summer crops farmers will already be towards the final stages of plantings. That said, producers in the western regions of the country will still be within the optimal planting window, therefore in a better position to possibly benefit from the expected price decrease (see Chart 2). Overall, the agricultural sector is in the summer crop growing season, therefore, fuel consumption is likely to remain at relatively higher levels over the coming months. Given the expected fuel price decrease, it would be ideal for farmers and agribusinesses to slow down on fuel purchases this month and only start re-stocking up next month. In doing that, they could potentially save 3% for every litre of petrol and diesel purchased, respectively. This could come handy given the current economic environment.
Disclaimer: Everything has been done to ensure the accuracy of this information, however Agbiz takes no responsibility for any losses or damage incurred due to the usage of this information.


Offering a terrace and views of the city, Aspira G Sukhumvit 33 is set in the Wattana district in Bangkok.Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Aspira G Sukhumvit 33 features free WiFi throughout the property.You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.Emporium Shopping Mall is 600 m from Aspira G Sukhumvit 33, while Soi Cowboy is 700 m away. Suvarnabhumi Airport is 20 km from the property.


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AB-InBev buys UK's Camden Town Brewery, crowdfunding investors score big
January 14, 2016 Keith Gribbins
Camden Town Brewery joins the mighty beer slayer, and its investors make a killing.
We always assumed Beer Voltron spoke with a diabolical English accent. Now, it's been confirmed. In December, Anheuser Busch-InBev (Code Name: Beer Voltron) added another craft brewery to its global beer rollup — London-based Camden Town Brewery. According to this Fortune article:
With the Camden Town deal, AB InBev gets a European craft brewer that started full production in 2010. It has grown to a team of 95 and sold 12 million pints this year, with the beers sold in over 1,000 pubs and bars.
Same old story, right? Macro beverage giant eats up small, fan-driven beer brand.
Well, Camden Town Brewery is somewhat unique in that it actually has to pay out to some of its biggest fans — crowdfunding investors. Jasper Cuppaidge started the brewery in the basement of his small pub but to make it a success Cuppaidge sold fans shares in the brewery through the equity crowdfunding portal Crowdcube. All of those investors are looking at some serious cash. According to this article and Crowdfund Insider, one crowdfund investor is seeing an 88 percent return. We quote the American Spectator:
This sounds like an American success story, except that outdated laws combined with new regulatory burdens have made such an event all but impossible in the U.S. in the past few years. Equity crowdfunding, in which entrepreneurs offer ordinary folks in the crowd any type of monetary reward or share of potential profits (as opposed to trinkets like T-shirts), has been considered a "securities offering" subject to the same red tape as that which governs companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. So an entrepreneur trying to raise $50,000 for a new venture may be subject to $1 million in compliance costs from the onerous mandates of laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank, thus making equity crowdfunding a nonstarter in this country so far.
The article (nicely written by John Berlau) goes on to state that new business formation in the United States has plunged 30 percent since 2008, and business deaths now outpace business births for the first time since the 1970s (Berlau cites the Kauffman Foundation). That has a lot to do with America's antiquated business laws, including the ability for ordinary Americans to start and invest in a new business without over-the-top government interference. The article goes on to discuss the efforts of Obama, Bernie Sanders and JOBS Act 2.0, as well as the smothering structure that is the current state of American venture capitalism. Read the whole piece right over here.
Global mega brewers are embracing ultra-light, 'healthier' beer brands; it's something to consider
Brewers Association gets gimmicky, wants to crowdfund the purchase of Anheuser-Busch InBev
Anheuser-Busch lays off 380 employees from its craft, imports High End division
The Miller Lite vs. Bud Light taste challenge, this summer's blandest competition
crsimp01 says
AB-InBev buys UK's Camden Town Brewery, crowdfunding investors score big https://t.co/FMANRQDtkJ via @craftbrewingbiz


Everything from cars to home appliances, watches and even children's toys are being connected online. As a result, anything connected to the Internet can be hacked and so is the Internet of Things (IoT). Due to poor security measures implemented by their vendors, the market fragmentation of IoT devices is a security nightmare. Also, malware targeting IoT devices is becoming more and more widespread, with new families discovered every month, all working in the same way.
Typically targeting various Linux flavors used to power these devices, IoT malware is seldom seen as danger to the people or companies behind these devices, but everyone else.
In the past two years, all IoT malware discovered have been found to be doing the same thing. The infection begins with a cybercriminal or automated service trying to guess thousands of username-password combinations to get into the IoT device's admin password by using brute-force attacks.
Cybercriminals usually get access to the device after a few seconds when the users haven't changed their device's default credentials. At this instant, the malware makes changes to the device by adding special code to converse with one of its command and control servers, trapping it into a worldwide botnet, mainly used to execute DDoS attacks, transmit proxy traffic for cybercriminals, and brute-force other IoT devices.
In August, Kaspersky had found out that Linux-based botnets had become the most popular DDoS botnets on the market.
You will notice someone using an IoT device as a pivot point inside a network only in targeted attacks. But, in general, IoT devices are used as bots for DDoS attacks in most of the cases.
This is further made simple by device owners who do not protect their devices with custom passwords. According to Symantec, the table below shows the most encountered passwords in IoT devices worldwide.
As one can see from above, many of them are easy guesses and standard passwords for equipment running on Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi platforms or others.
According to Symantec, several IoT malware that are found today comes with cross-platform support, and can target all major IoT hardware platforms such as x86, ARM, MIPS, and MIPSEL platforms. In some cases, there were malware families that went further than these popular platforms and also targeted PowerPC, SuperH and SPARC architectures.
Attackers using tools like Shodan and automated brute-forcing scripts seldom have to infect IoT devices manually anymore, even though there are cases where this is still required. Latest malware such as the Ubiquiti worm has wormable features that allow it to spread to other devices.
IoT malware with self-replication features can help cybercriminals develop huge botnets, some going over 25,000 bots, and in some cases attaining over 120,000 infected devices. There are over one million compromised IoT devices available online, as indicated by Level 3 estimates.
In order to launch various types of DDoS attacks on their targets, these botnets are often combined. Brian Krebs, infosec journalist reported a DDoS attack this week that clocked at 620 Gbps after revealing a DDoS-for-Hire service. Early pointers indicate this was the work of a huge botnet of IoT devices, Krebs said.
The most popular IoT malware families, according to Symantec are, Linux.Aidra (Linux.Lightaidra), Linux.Ballpit (aka LizardStresser), Linux.Darlloz (aka Zollard), Linux.Dofloo (aka AES.DDoS, Mr. Black), Linux.Gafgyt (aka GayFgt, Bashlite), Linux.Kaiten / Linux.Kaiten.B (aka Tsunami), Linux.LuaBot, Linux.Moose, Linux.Pinscan / Linux.Pinscan.B (aka PNScan), Linux.Routrem (aka Remainten, KTN-Remastered, KTN-RM), Linux.Xorddos (aka XOR.DDos), and Linux.Wifatch (aka Ifwatch). Besides the aforementioned, you can also add Linux.BillGates, Linux.BackDoor.Irc, Mirai, and Rex.
Several devices are located in the U.S. (28 percent) and China (34 percent), according to the telemetry data. In most cases, the blame usually depends upon one company.
For instance, the 25,000-strong botnet mentioned earlier was triggered by a Chinese company that sold white label DVRs, for which it failed to issue a firmware update.
The DVRs were bought and sold by 70 other companies, who put their own logo on top. When the users found out that their DVR was not safe and wanted to patch their devices, they couldn't do so, as their seller was and is still waiting on the Chinese company to fix its errors.


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Dublin's first parking-protected cycle route won't be built without support, warns campaigners
October 10, 2018 October 9, 2018 by Cian Ginty
The Fitzwilliam cycle route may not be built if members of the public don't support it by this Friday, cycling campaigners have warned.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign have asked people to support the route by taking Dublin City Council's online survey, which should "only takes two minutes to do".
The group said: "Dublin Cycling Campaign needs you to support the proposed FitzWilliam cycle route. Dublin City Council is proposing to build the FitzWilliam cycle route from Leeson Street bridge to Holles Street Hospital. It will be a route that is safe to cycle for people of all ages and abilities."
The campaign said: "This is a 'parking-protected' cycle lane, where parking bays are used to keep cyclists segregated from general motor traffic. There is a raised kerb between the cycle track and the footpath, keeping pedestrians and cyclists separated from each other."
"There is currently some vocal opposition to the proposed route. There's more objectors than supporters for the scheme. Cyclists need to show their support for this new route or it may not be built."
MORE:Fitzwilliam Cycle Route Non-Statutory Public Consultation
MORE:Dublin Cycling Campaign page on the route
Dublin-based bicycle share firm Urbo not responding to UK councils after failing to re-launch
City council yet to get report on Liffey Cycle Route
I look forward to the complaints about the secretive and powerful cycling lobby trying to destroy democracy.
Just made my submission! Thanks for the heads up.
I live relatively close to Fitzwlliam Place. This proposal is such clear improvement on the current situation that it would be a real shame if it didn't go ahead. It would be a set back for cycling and pedestrian improvement works across the city.
I've made a submission and everyone should, it takes two minutes.
But isn't this a non statutory public consultation? I don't think local councilors have any say in whether or not it goes ahead. Isn't it likely to go ahead even if there is opposition during the consultation?
My understanding was the point of this consultation was to find what adjustments might need to be made to the designs, more so than to see if it will go ahead or not.
@e_slat — other projects subject to non-statutory consultations have delayed for years (Liffey Cycle Route etc) or watered down (ie the bus priority on the quays) when there was push back from some of the public / some councillors.
@Cian Ginty – I think the Liffey cycle route required a vote by the councillors? The only reason I made that comment, was because at the presentation to the transport SPC, the council staff seemed to be fairly confident it would be done in time for Velo conference, and said that the councillors didn't have any say in it.
Either way, people should definitely make submissions.
@e_slat take which ever example you want — they watered down the bus priority on the quays and that did not need councillors to agree on it.
My only point is that things can go against projects if there's not strong support.
@Cian Ginty – fair point.
John Power
I made my Submission today 10/10/october. I also said we need segregated Cycleways in our Cities and Towns all over Ireland if the Government is really serious about putting in Cycling Infrastructure.


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A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
Hurricane Research Division
Physical Oceanography Division
Ocean Chemistry & Ecosystems Division
QOSAP Program
Quantitative Observing System Assessment Program
Smart Instrument Integration for Observing Systems
SCROLL TO LEARN MORE
Optimizing Observing Systems
The QOSAP program evaluates both new and proposed observing systems by conducting experiments to determine the impact of observational data on models (existing or proposed). The QOSAP program has two primary evaluations: Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). Together, these experiments can help managers make decisions about the effectiveness, impact, and viability of new and proposed observing systems.
Increasing the Length of a Reliable Forecast
The QOSAP program conducted comprehensive experiments with a previously existing global OSSE system to determine the potential value of Radio Occultation constellations for current operational numerical weather prediction.
Radio Occultation (COSMIC-2) observations increased the length of the reliable forecast 28.4% in the tropics with further improvements in both Northern and Southern hemisphere extra-tropics.
Percent Improvement
Increasing Visibility
The QOSAP program performed experiments to determine the benefits, trade offs, sampling strategies, and ideal configuration for Doppler Wind Lidar instrumentation aboard NOAA's Hurricane Hunter Aircraft for the purpose of improving Hurricane Forecasts.
A comparison of the assimilated observations (in the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model) revealed that the Doppler Wind Lidar provided better coverage of the wind field, more accurate wind field analysis (increased speed up to 8 kts in the Boundary Layer, and observational capacity measuring 10x closer to the surface than currently installed instrumentation (an improvement from 250-500 meters to 25 meters above the surface).
Closer to the Surface
Supporting the Weather Research & Forecasting Act of 2017
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 specifically mandates NOAA to perform OSSEs to quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems.
AOML conducts Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) to assess the impact of large and expensive observing systems prior to deployment.
AOML completed OSSE experiments required by the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 on Radial Occultation Satellites.
AOML will conduct OSSEs for all proposed satellite systems in NOAA and optimize the use of NOAA's reconnaissance aircraft.
The Weather Law H.R. 353 mandates NOAA to perform OSSEs to quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems. In particular, OSSEs shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of major Government-owned or Government-leased operational observing systems which a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000, and prior to the purchase of any major new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000.
About the QOSAP Program
The QOSAP improves existing atmospheric, oceanic, and coupled models by performing simulation experiments to evaluate the tradeoffs and impacts of different observation types across NOAA Line Offices. These studies aid NOAA management by determining accuracy, cost-efficiency, and viability of observations within various model designs.
See Org Chart
Improve quantitative and objective assessment capabilities to evaluate operational and future observation system impacts and trade-offs to assess and to prioritize NOAA's observing system architecture.
Increase NOAA's capacity to conduct quantitative observing system assessments.
Develop and use appropriate quantitative assessment methodologies.
Inform major decisions on the design and implementation of optimal composite observing systems.
Economic Viability
Observing systems are more cost effective and allow for strategic evolution of emerging technology.
Quantitative Improvements
Effectiveness of new instrumentation is assessed. Integration response is predicted for various instrument configurations, and impacts of data assimilation are diagnosed.
Time lags between instrument deployment and operational integration are reduced with OSSE integration.
Key Differences Between OSSEs and OSEs
Which experiment is right for my project? When to use an OSE, an OSSE, or both. Rollover and Click the button on the image for more.
Observing System Experiments (OSEs) evaluate the impact of real data from deployed instruments on a particular model. OSEs can help scientists determine the most effective way to use instrumentation for a model.
Image: Methodology for an OSE. First, a real atmosphere environment is selected, then observations are assimilated. Next, analysis is conducted and a model forecast created with subsequent analysis on success. The model is verified through analysis and forecasting.
Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) assess the impact of a potential observing system by testing a potential dataset from the proposed instrumentation on a simulated natural environment (called a Nature Run).
Image: Methodology for an OSSE. First, Nature run with simulated truth, then synthetic observations, then analysis, then model forecast and further analysis. The model is verified by the nature run.
Key OSSE Results
Pioneer Technology
Developed First Regional Ocean OSSE for the Gulf of Mexico.
Utilized OSSEs for GNSS Radio Occultation and Geostationary Hyperspectral sounders.
Integration of both manned and unmanned aircraft improving hurricane track and intensity forecasts.
Global Possibilities
Developed and validated a new global OSSE system.
Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs)
Fiscal Year 2018 Accomplishments
Impact of GEOstationary hyperspectral sounders (GeoHSS) on numerical weather prediction
Radio Occultation observations (COSMIC-2, refractivity and bending angle retrievals)
Global and regional impacts of Cubesats
Ocean OSSEs related to the role of ocean observations in hurricane prediction
Ocean & Ecosystem OSSE System Development
Initial development of a global ocean OSSE system
Progress on developing OSE and OSSE capabilities for ecosystem and fisheries monitoring, prediction and management
Progress on regional OSEs and OSSEs for evaluation of shelf to coastal observing system components
Progress on regional biophysical OSEs and OSSEs for improved management of locally and remotely stressed coastal habitats
Atmospheric OSSE System Development
Improvement of the simulation of conventional and satellite observations
Development and evaluation of new NOAA basin scale nature run
Acquisition and initial evaluation of new ECMWF global nature run
Initial development of the 4DEnVAR OSSE system
Implementation and initial testing of EFSO in OSSE framework
Revised verification metrics for atmospheric assessments
Initial discussions and research to develop capabilities to assess non-model applications
The OSSE Checklist
The Observing System Simulation Experiment or OSSE checklist presented here is meant to be a detailed guide to OSSE practitioners and OSSE consumers to evaluate the design of an OSSE system and OSSE experiments. It provides a step-by-step process to encourage the user to consider all aspects of good OSSE design principles. The current version of the OSSE checklist is directly applicable to weather-related observing, modeling and data assimilation (DA) systems. But very similar issues and concerns apply to OSSEs that would be used across a diverse range of geophysical domains and the user of the OSSE checklist should be able to translate the discussion presented here to these domains fairly directly.
Use this checklist to determine if an OSSE is right for your project.
Is the System Realistic?
Is the OSSE system Appropriate for the Impacts of Interest?
Are the Caveats Associated with the OSSE System Well-Known?
Will the OSSE be Completed Quickly?
These are just a few of the questions sampled from the comprehensive checklist for OSSEs. To visit the checklist and take the quiz, click the button below.
OSSE Checklist
Hoffman, R. N., & Atlas, R. (2016). Future observing system simulation experiments. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 97(9), 1601-1616.
Abstract: An additional set of challenges will arise when future DA systems strongly couple the different Earth system components. As operational forecast and data assimilation (DA) systems evolve, observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) systems must evolve in parallel. Expected development of operational systems—especially the use of data that are currently not used or are just beginning to be used, such as all-sky and surface-affected microwave radiances—will greatly challenge our ability to construct realistic OSSE systems.In response, future OSSE systems will require coupled models to simulate nature and coupled observation simulators. The requirements for future evolving OSSE systems and potential solutions to satisfy these requirements are discussed. It is anticipated that in the future the OSSE technique will be applied to…
Future Observing System Simulation Experiments
Click to See OSSE Related Refereed Publications
Hoffman, R.N., J.V. Ardizzone, S.M. Leidner, D.K. Smith, and R.M. Atlas. Error estimates for ocean surface winds: Applying Desroziers diagnostics to the cross-calibrated, multiplatform analysis of wind speed. Journal of Oceanic and Atmospheric Technology, 30(11):2596-2603 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-13-00018.1) (2013).
Nolan, D.S., R. Atlas, K.T. Bhatia, and L.R. Bucci. Development and validation of a hurricane nature run using the Joint OSSE nature run and the WRF model. Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, 5(2):382-405 (doi:10.1002/jame.20031) (2013).
Privé, N.C., Y. Xie, J.S. Woollen, S.E. Koch, R. Atlas, and R.E. Hood. Evaluation of the Earth Systems Research Laboratory's global Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) system. Tellus A, 65:19011 (doi:10.3402/ tellusa.v65i0.19011), 22 pp. (2013).
Ralph, F.M., J. Intrieri, D. Andra, R. ATLAS, S. Boukabara, D. Bright, P. Davidson, B. Entwistle, J. Gaynor, S. Goodman, J.-G. Jiing, A. Harless, J. Huang, G. Jedlovec, J. Kain, S. Koch, B. Kuo, J. Levit, S. MURILLO, L.P. Riishojgaard, T. Schneider, R. Schneider, T. Smith, and S. Weiss. The emergence of weather-related testbeds linking research and forecasting operations. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 94(8):1187-1211 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-12-00080) (2013).
Baker, W.E., R. Atlas, C. Cardinali, A. Clement, G.D. Emmitt, B.M. Gentry, R.M. Hardesty, E. Kallen, M.J. Kavaya, R. Langland, Z. Ma, M. Masutani, W. McCarty, R.B. Pierce, Z. Pu, L.P. Riishojgaard, J. Ryan, S. Tucker, M. Weissmann, and J.G. Yoe. Lidar-measured wind profiles: The missing link in the global observing system. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 95(4):543-564 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-12-00164.1) (2014).
Halliwell, G.R., A. Srinivasan, V. Kourafalou, H. Yang, D. Willey, M. Le Henaff, and R. Atlas. Rigorous evaluation of a fraternal twin ocean OSSE system for the open Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Oceanic and Atmospheric Technology, 31(1):105-130 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-13-00011.1) (2014).
Nolan, D.S., J.A. Zhang, and E.W. Uhlhorn. On the limits of estimating the maximum wind speeds in hurricanes. Monthly Weather Review, 142(8):2814-2837 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-13-00337.1) (2014). [first sentence of abstract states: "This study uses an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) approach to test the limitations…"
Privé, N.C., Y. Xie, S. Koch, R. Atlas, S.J. Majumdar, and R.N. Hoffman. An observing system simulation experiment for the unmanned aircraft system data impact on tropical cyclone track forecasts. Monthly Weather Review, 142(11):4357-4363 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-14-00197.1) (2014).
Atlas, R., V. Tallapragada, and S. Gopalakrishnan. Advances in tropical cyclone intensity forecasts. Marine Technology Society Journal, 49(6):149-160 (doi:10.4031/MTSJ.49.6.2) (2015).
Atlas, R., L. Bucci, B. Annane, R. Hoffman, and S. Murillo. Observing System Simulation Experiments to assess the potential impact of new observing systems on hurricane forecasting. Marine Technology Society Journal, 49(6):140-148 (doi:10.4031/MTSJ.49.6.3) (2015).
Atlas, R., R.N. Hoffman, Z. Ma, G.D. Emmitt, S.A. Wood, S. Greco, S. Tucker, L. Bucci, B. Annane, R.M. Hardesty, and S. Murillo. Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to evaluate the potential impact of an optical autocovariance wind lidar (OAWL) on numerical weather prediction. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 32(9):1593-1613 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-15-0038.1) (2015).
Cucurull, L., and R.A. Anthes. Impact of loss of U.S. microwave and radio occultation observations in operational numerical weather prediction in support of the U.S. data gap mitigation activities. Weather and Forecasting, 30(2):255-269 (doi:10.1175/WAF-D-14-00077.1) (2015).
Halliwell, G.R., V. Kourafalou, M. Le Henaff, L.K. Shay, and R. Atlas. OSSE impact analysis of airborne ocean surveys for improving upper-ocean dynamical and thermodynamical forecasts in the Gulf of Mexico. Progress in Oceanography, 130:32-46 (doi:10.1016/j.pocean.2014.09.004) (2015).
Oke, P.R., G. Larnicol, E.M. Jones, V. Kourafalou, A.K. Sperrevik, F. Carse, C.A.S. Tanajura, B. Mourre, M. Tonani, G.B. Brassington, M. Le Hénaff, G.R. Halliwell, R. Atlas, A.M. Moore, C.A. Edwards, M.J. Martin, A.A. Sellar, A. Alvarez, P. De Mey, and M. Iskandarani. Assessing the impact of observations on ocean forecasts and reanalyses: Part 2, Regional applications. Journal of Operational Oceanography, 8(S1):s63-s79 (doi:10.1080/ 1755876X.2015.1022080) (2015).
Androulidakis, Y.S., V.H. Kourafalou, G.R. Halliwell, M. Le Henaff, H.S. Kang, M. Mehari, and R. Atlas. Hurricane interaction with the upper ocean in the Amazon-Orinoco plume region. Ocean Dynamics, 66(12):1559-1588 (doi:10.1007/s10236-016-0997-0) (2016).
Boukabara, S.A., I. Moradi, R. Atlas, S.P.F. Casey, L. Cucurull, R.N. Hoffman, K. Ide, V.K. Kumar, R. Li, Z. Li, M. Masutani, N. Shahroudi, J. Woollen, and Y. Zhou. Community global Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) package: CGOP—Description and usage. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 33(8):1759-1777 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-16-0012.1) (2016).
Boukabara, S.A., T. Zhu, H.L. Tolman, S. Lord, S. Goodman, R. Atlas, M. Goldberg, T. Auligne, B. Pierce, L. Cucurull, M. Zupanski, M. Zhang, I. Moradi, J. Otkin, D. Santek, B. Hoover, Z. Pu, X. Zhan, C. Hain, E. Kalnay, D. Hotta, S. Nolin, E. Bayler, A. Mehra, S.P.F. Casey, D. Lindsey, L. Grasso, K. Kumar, A. Powell, J. Xu, T. Greenwald, J. Zajic, J. Li, J. Li, B. Li, J. Liu, L. Fang, P. Wang, and T.-C. Chen. S4: An O2R/R2O infrastructure for optimizing satellite data utilization in NOAA numerical modeling systems: A step toward bridging the gap between research and operations. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 97(12):2359-2378 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-14-00188.1) (2016).
Hoffman, R.N., and R. Atlas. Future observing system simulation experiments. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 97(9):1601-1616 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-15-00200.1) (2016).
Kourafalou, V.H., Y.S. Androulidakis, G.R. Halliwell, H.-S. Kang, M. Mehari, M. Le Henaff, R. Atlas, and R. Lumpkin. North Atlantic Ocean OSSE system development: Nature Run evaluation and application to hurricane interaction with the Gulf Stream. Progress in Oceanography, 148:1-25 (doi:10.1016/ j.pocean.2016.09.001) (2016).
Lee, P., R. Atlas, G. Carmichael, Y. Tang, B. Pierce, A.P. Biazar, L. Pan, H. Kim, D. Tong, and W. Chen. Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) using a regional air quality application for evaluation. In Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXIV, D.G. Steyn and N. Chaumerliac (eds.). Springer International Publishing, 599-605 (doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24478-5_97) (2016).
Ruf, C.S., R. Atlas, P.S. Chang, M.P. Clarizia, J.L. Garrison, S. Gleason, S.J. Katzberg, Z. Jelenak, J.T. Johnson, S.J. Majumdar, A. O'Brien, D.J. Posselt, A.J. Ridley, R.J. Rose, and V.U. Zavorotny. New ocean winds satellite mission to probe hurricanes and tropical convection. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 97(3):385-395 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-14-00218.1) (2016).
Cucurull, L., R. Li, and T.R. Peevey. Assessment of radio occultation observations from the COSMIC-2 mission with a simplified Observing System Simulation Experiment configuration. Monthly Weather Review, 145(9):3581-3597 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-16-0475.1) (2017).
Halliwell, G.R., M. Mehari, M. Le Henaff, V. Kourafalou, I. Androulidakis, H. Kang, and R. Atlas. North Atlantic Ocean OSSE system: Evaluation of operational ocean observing system components and supplemental seasonal observations for improving coupled tropical cyclone prediction. Journal of Operational Oceanography, 10(2):154-175 (doi:10.1080/1755876X.2017. 1322770) (2017).
Halliwell, G.R., M. Mehari, L.K. Shay, V.H. Kourafalou, H. Kang, H.-S. Kim, J. Dong, and R. Atlas. OSSE quantitative assessment of rapid-response prestorm ocean surveys to improve coupled tropical cyclone prediction. Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, 122(7):5729-5748 (doi:10.1002/ 2017JC012760) (2017).
Hoffman, R.N., N. Prive, and M. Bourassa. Comments on "Reanalysis and observations: What's the difference?" Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 98(11):2455-2459 (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-17-0008.1) (2017).
Hoffman, R.N., S.-A. Boukabara, V.K. Kumar, K. Garrett, S.P.F. Casey, and R. Atlas. An empirical cumulative density function approach to defining summary NWP forecast assessment metrics. Monthly Weather Review, 145(4):1427-1435 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-16-0271.1) (2017).
Leidner, S.M., T. Nehrkorn, J. Henderson, M. Mountain, T. Yunck, and R.N. Hoffman. A severe weather quick observing system simulation experiment (QuickOSSE) of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) superconstellations. Monthly Weather Review, 145(2):637-651 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-16-0212.1) (2017).
Li, J., Z. Li, P. Wang, T.J. Schmit, W. Bai, and R. Atlas. An efficient radiative transfer model for hyperspectral IR radiance simulation and applications under cloudy-sky conditions. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, 122(14):7600-7613 (doi:10.1002/2016JD026273) (2017).
McNoldy, B., Annane, S. Majumdar, J. Delgado L. Bucci, and R. Atlas. Impact of assimilating CYGNSS data on tropical cyclone analyses and forecasts in a regional OSSE framework. Marine Technology Society Journal, 51(1):7-15 (doi:10.4031/MTSJ.51.1.1) (2017).
Pu, Z., L. Zhang, S. Zhang, B. Gentry, D. Emmitt, B. Demoz, and R. Atlas. The impact of Doppler wind lidar measurements on high-impact weather forecasting: Regional OSSE and data assimilation studies. In Data Assimilation for Atmospheric, Oceanic and Hydrological Applications, Volume 3, S.K. Park and L. Xu (eds.). Springer International (doi:10.1007/978-3-319-43415-5) (2017).
Wentz, F.J., L. Ricciardulli, E. Rodriguez, B.W. Stiles, M.A. Bourassa, D.G. Long, R.N. Hoffman, A. Stoffelen, A. Verhoef, L.W. O'Neill, J.T. Farrar, D. Vandemark, A.G. Fore, S.M. Hristova-Veleva, F.J. Turk, R. Gaston, and D. Tyler. Evaluating and extending the ocean wind climate data record. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, 10(5):2165-2185 (doi:10.1109/JSTARS. 2016.2643641) (2017).
Zhang, S., Z. Pu, D.J. Posselt, and R. Atlas. Impact of CYGNSS ocean surface wind speeds on numerical simulations of a hurricane in observing system simulation experiments. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 34(2):375-383 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-16-0144.1) (2017).
Annane, B., B. McNoldy, S.M. Leidner, R. Hoffman, R. Atlas, and S.J. Majumdar. A study of the HWRF analysis and forecast impact of realistically simulated CYGNSS observations assimilated as scalar wind speeds and as VAM wind vectors. Monthly Weather Review (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-17-0240.1), in press.
Blackwell, W.J., S. Braun, R. Bennartz, C. Velden, M. DeMaria, R. Atlas, J. Dunion, F. Marks, R. Rogers, B. Annane, and R.V. Leslie. An overview of the TROPICS NASA Earth Venture mission. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society (doi:10.1002/qj.3290), in press.
Boukabara, S.-A., K. Ide, N. Shahroudi, Y. Zhou, T. Zhu, R. Li, L. Cucurull, R. Atlas, S.P.F. Casey, and R.N. Hoffman. Community global Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) package (CGOP): Perfect observations simulation validation. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 35(1):207-226 (doi:10.1175/JTECH-D-17-00771) (2018).
Boukabara, S.-A., K. Ide, Y. Zhou, N. Shahroudi, R.N. Hoffman, K. Garrett, V. Krishna Kumar, T. Zhu, and R. Atlas. Community global OSSE package (CGOP). Part III: Calibration assessment and validation using an OSSE/OSE intercomparison of summary assessment metrics. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, submitted.
Christophersen, H., R. Atlas, A. Aksoy, and J. Dunion. Combined use of satellite observations and Global Hawk unmanned aircraft dropwindsondes for improved tropical cyclone analyses and forecasts. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, accepted.
Cucurull, L., R. Atlas, R. Li, M.J. Mueller, and R.N. Hoffman. An observing system simulation experiment with a constellation of radio occultation satellites. Monthly Weather Review, submitted.
Haddad, Z., R. Atlas, G.S. Bhat, D. Bouniol, S. Brown, L. Callahan, P. Chambon, T. Fiolleau, K. Furukawa, C. Goldstein, G. Heymsfield, S. Hristova-Veleva, E. Im, R. Kakar, M.C. Kalapureddy, H. Kim, C. Kishtawal, T. L'Ecuyer, L. Li, Z.J. Luo, G. Mace, P. Mukhopadhyay, T.N. Rao, D. Posselt, A. Protat, R. Roca, G. Skofronick-Jackson, R. Storer, O. Sy, P. Tabary, S. Tanelli, W.-K. Tao, F.J. Turk, S. van den Heever, D. Vane, D. Waliser, D. Wu, and G. Stephens. Distributed satellite microwave observation strategies for cloud and precipitation dynamics. Journal of Earth System Science, submitted.
Hoffman, R.N. The effect of thinning and superobservations in a simple one-dimensional data analysis with mischaracterized error. Monthly Weather Review, 146(4):1181-1195 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-17-0363.1) (2018).
Leidner, S.M., B. Annane, B. McNoldy, R. Hoffman, and R. Atlas. Variational analysis of simulated ocean surface winds from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) and evaluation using a regional OSSE. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, accepted.
Li, Z., W.P. Menzel, J. Li, T. Schmit, and R.M. Atlas. What is an infrared cloud top height? Geophysical Research Letters, submitted.
Peevey, T.R., J.M. English, L. CucurulL, H. Wang, and A.C. Kren. Improving winter storm forecasts with Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSEs). Part 1: An idealized case study of three US storms. Monthly Weather Review, 146(5):1341-1366 (doi:10.1175/MWR-D-17-0160.1) (2018).
Tratt, D.M., J.A. Hackwell, B.L. Valant-Spaight, R.L. Walterscheid, L.J. Gelinas, J.H. Hecht, C.M. Swenson, C.P. Lampen, M.J. Alexander, L. Hoffman, D.S. Nolan, S.D. Miller, J.L. Hall, R. Atlas, F.D. Marks, and P.T. Partain. GHOST: A satellite mission concept for persistent monitoring of stratospheric gravity waves induced by severe storms. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-17-0064.1), in press.
Weatherhead, E.C., B.A. Wielicki, V. Ramaswamy, M. Abbott, T.P. Ackerman, R. Atlas, G. Brasseur, L. Bruhwiler, A.J. Busalacchi, J.H. Butler, C.T.M. Clack, R. Cooke, L. Cucurull, S.M. Davis, J.M. English, D.W. Fahey, S.S. Fine, J.K. Lazo, S. Liang, N.G. Loeb, E. Rignot, B. Soden, D. Stanitski, G. Stephens, B.D. Tapley, A.M. Thompson, K.E. Trenberth, and D. Wuebbles. Designing the climate observing system of the future. Earth's Future, 6(1):80-102 (doi:10.1002/2017EF000627) (2018).
Zhang, J.A., R. Atlas, G.D. Emmitt, L. Bucci, and K. Ryan. Airborne Doppler wind lidar observations of the tropical cyclone boundary layer. Remote Sensing, 10(6):825 (doi:10.3390/rs10060825) (2018).
Looking for scientific literature? Visit our Publication Database.
Observing System Experiments (OSEs)
Global experiments to quantify impacts of Radio Occultation, MW, IR and AMV in current operational global NWP/DA
Regional experiments to evaluate impact of CYGNSS
Impact of airborne Doppler Wind Lidar on hurricane analysis and prediction
Impact of current Radio Occultation on hurricane prediction
Ocean experiments to quantify impact of ocean observations in hurricane prediction
Testing of new lightning data assimilation algorithms
Recent OSEs Conducted
Advancing In-Situ Observations
Wind lidar onboard the P3 aircraft.
Continuing Improvements
Radio Occultation from COSMIC.
Closing Data Gaps
Data gap mitigation strategies.
Assimilation Strategies
Advanced assimilation algorithms for Radio Occultation observations.
Assimilation Algorithms
Advanced assimilation algorithms for GOES-R lightning data.
Lidia Cucurull
| Lidia Cucurull, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist and Deputy Director, QOSAP Program
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Ontario schools ramp up measles immunization programs after high-profile outbreak
A day after Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott declared measles had "passed its peak," the Toronto District School Board announced it would ramp up immunization programs for young children. Ontario's vaccination rates have been on the decline since 2016, according to the Toronto Star, and Elliott has said that the government does not have the authority to mandate the shot.
Schools have reported measles outbreaks in Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, and Guelph, Ont., since January 2018. In the most recent outbreak, 15 people have been confirmed with the disease in Toronto. Although all of the patients have been vaccinated, officials are concerned that other people who don't have the vaccine may not be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the illness. There has been a decrease in the vaccination rate of infants younger than two years old, and a rise in cases of vaccination refusal among adults.
"We are all concerned about measles, and we are all focused on ensuring the outbreak in Toronto is contained," said Mayor John Tory, according to CNN. "We know that schools are a major location for this outbreak — if the vaccination rate isn't there, then you could have an increase in the spread of this disease."
The Toronto District School Board hopes to respond to this situation by expanding its immunization program and offering new vaccinations at 25 more schools. Children will still have to be checked by a nurse before they start school, but the school board has added 25 schools to its list of preschool and kindergarten facilities where they have recommended immunizations. On Friday, they followed up with additional vaccination recommendations for people ages six months to five years of age.
The measles virus is airborne and can live in the air for up to two hours. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching an infected surface, and people usually develop cold symptoms three to four days after becoming infected. Symptoms may begin as fever, cough, and runny nose, and then turn into a blotchy rash that spreads from the face, down the body, and over the body.
Some people have argued that vaccines are bad for children and are linked to increased autism, but many have dismissed this claim, saying that autism has been associated with childhood diseases like measles and polio.
Read the full story at CNN.
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FC Barcelona took another win this past Sunday, beating Real Zaragoza 4-2. The victory ties BarA- – a with Real Madrid in points for the top spot; however, with goal differences, the Meringues are still in first place. Lionel Messi was, yet again, the star of the game. The Argentine scored 3 goals and led the 4th with a penalty aE" in short, he gave even more proof that he is the best player on the planet. Messi has scored 11 of Barcelona's last 13 goals and now has 25 goals for the season, making him the best scorer in La Liga. Barcelona entered the game determined to control the ball and attack; Zaragoza focused on counterattacks and managing the movement of BarA- – a's strikers. But Zaragoza's game plan couldn't have been worse. At minute 5, Messi scored the first goal, sending a header to open the score in favor of Barcelona, 1-0. From then on, Barcelona took control of the game, trying to maintain possession of the ball as long as possible against a rival that consistently ran behind the sphere.
And, already ahead in the score, Barcelona players were able to proceed calmly. For both teams, the only other approaches in the first half occurred on personal fouls and corner, but none afforded a clear shot. Zaragoza's best aE" and only aE" opportunity to tie the game came at minute 17, when the Portuguese aEoeEliseuaE- – Pereira stepped into the area and finished off with a great shot. However, the ball was narrowly thwarted by Daniel Alves. In the last minutes of the first half, Zaragoza managed to gain control of the ball, but possession didn't translate into any opportunities for the team. The half ended 1-0, in favor of the Azulgranas. In the second half, Zaragoza brought speed to the game, creating a greater sense of danger in Barcelona's area with several corners. At the same time, however, the team left space open in the back, and BarA- – a, led by the spectacular Messi, took advantage.
At minute 66, the Argentine superstar was able to score a second time with an impressive play that beat the local goalkeeper and put the scoreboard to 2-0. Just twelve minutes later, Messi created yet another ingenious play, adding his third goal in the game, also the third goal for his team. At 3-0, victory was nearly guaranteed for the Azulgranas. But then appeared the figure of recent substitute Adrian Colunga to score two goals in just four minutes for Zaragoza; with only two minutes left, the score was at 3-2. But Messi then gained a penalty for BarA- – a after he was fouled in the area. The penalty was executed by the Swedish Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who closed the scoring and ended Zaragoza's illusions by ending the game at 4-2. At the end of the match, Barcelona's coach, Pep Guardiola, stated that Messi's performance has surged recently, defined by remarkable passing and brilliant timing. BarA- – a has been struggling in the last few games, but Messi brought the skill needed to win the last few games, scoring impressive goals. aEoeWith the team spirit we have got, maybe we would not be so brilliant without Messi, but we would respond as a squad. The secret is in him. He is happy and comfortable here and that is the success,aE- – said Guardiola.
All the success that the team has experienced in the last three seasons, where ten titles have been won, has supposed a strong financial effort from the club's arcs, as they have spent E 277.5 millions just in transfers.
Football is a team sport, and as a team sport everyone involved in it needs to work as hard to make things happen. If the players, along with their coach and assistants, as well as the administrative staff don't move at the same pace, it is very unlikely to see success happen. This formula is one that in Barcelona they don't just fully understand, but practice as well. In the last three seasons they have been living their golden years, but not much is said about what lies behind that success: a multimillionaire investment that easily surpasses the E 300-million fee in concept of transfers and incentives.
Since Coach Joseph Guardiola began his cycle in the summer of 2008 ten titles have been won, representing an investment of E 277.5 millions to the club, just in matter of transfers. If we split that amount into ten we will get the sum of money that Barcelona had to invest to win each title is of: E 27.8 millions, which for the fans have been worth every single cent.
If to that investment we add the money invested in terms of incentives, for this season aloneE 45 millions more came out from the arcs of the club: E 20 millions for wining La Liga and E 25 millions approximately for the UEFA Champions League.
With a debt that rises to E 483 millions, the economic situation is not the best for Barcelona, becoming the antithesis of their present on the pitch, where they are writing the golden pages of their history with three la Liga championships in a row and two UEFA Champions League titles as their most prestigious feats.
Aware of this issue before even taking charge of the club the last summer, now President Sandro Rossell and his men began to work in a plan to heal the economy of the club, a plan that has been able to reduce E 49 millions from a debt that prior to their mandate was of E 532 millions.
To do so the club has decided to adopt new policy in terms of the budget assigned to each sport, for besides football Barcelona also participates professionally in basketball, handball, hockey, indoor soccer, and the other eight amateur sections. Since the recent contract renewals of the football team represented an increase of E 28 millions in the bills of the club, it was decided to reduce the budget assigned to every sport, but football, in order to afford the investment.
In the only aspect that the football team is going to be limited is in the budget for transfers, for which the club has reserved only E 45 millions, five less than last summer. Of course that these amount could be increased if the team trades some of their players, for their income would be then be reinvested to sign reinforcements.
Admired by millions for its classy and flashy game that has become a role model in the 21st century, Barcelona is now focused in becoming a financial role model, and seems to be in the right track.
Are you amongst the millions of people who want to watch this years FIFA soccer world? Then start celebrating! You no longer have to juggle schedules or cancel appointments to be in front of your cable TV to watch any of the matches of the one-month long soccer fiesta. You can watch the world cup live online wherever you are. Whether you are at work, on the road or at home, you can join the millions of people who will be watching South Africa 2010 live on their desktop or laptop computers. Watching the world cup live online as been made possible by the latest in mobile digital streaming technology that gives you direct satellite signals to your pc. The process is very simple. All you have you to do is to pay for the software, download it, follow the simple installation steps and within minutes you are watching twenty-four hour satellite quality images on your pc. This year's world cup promises to be great. Being the first to be hosted in Africa, the seeded teams Brazil, Argentina, Germany etc are already struggling to see who will be the first country to lift the cup in Africa. Now you don't have to miss your favorite team or star as the actions unfold. Every one of the 64 matches is going to be available live online. Watch the world cup online gives you HD quality video to your pc and is very cheap. At less than $50, cable TV has lost the competition. You only pay once for the service and there are no hidden charges or access fees. There are over three thousand five hundred channels that you can choose from and several radio stations. Once you have paid and set it up, you have unlimited access. Subscribing to this service might be the end of your monthly cable TV payments. The ease of use, mobility and cheap one time payment cannot be rivaled. And what more, after the world cup you can be watching other sporting events without any hitch.
Throughout the history of rugby, two nations have consistently stood head and shoulders above the rest – New Zealand and South Africa.
Number one spot should probably go to New Zealand. New Zealand's national side, the All Blacks, is the most revered side in the world of rugby. Any New Zealander, who pulls on the famous black rugby jersey, will take the field with the backing and expectations of the whole country. Failure is not an option.
The All Blacks consistently field world-class players, who achieve results that other nations can only envy. Since their first test match in 1903, the All Blacks have played 487 tests, winning a staggering 75%, winning two Rugby World Cups and are the current World Champions.
The All Blacks have a long rivalry with the South African Springboks. Rugby in South Africa almost has the status of a religion and the supporters are fanatical. The country has a reputation for producing big, uncompromising players with immense skill and, before the introduction of professional rugby and neutral referees, the South Africans were almost impossible to defeat in a test series on home soil.
The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup twice, in 1995 and 2007. Since their first international against a British Isles side in 1891, the Springboks have played 407 tests with a win ratio of 63%.
Although they are currently listed just above the Springboks, at second in the IRB rankings, the Australian Wallabies fall behind them if history is taken into account. As rugby is not Australia's most popular game, support there is less fanatical than in New Zealand and South Africa. Expectations, however, are just as high and the Wallabies usually deliver.
The Wallabies have played the majority of their rugby against the All Blacks and Springboks, which has greatly affected their win-loss ratio. However, this still stands at 52% from 507 matches. They have won the Rugby World Cup twice, 1991 and 1999, and are a force to be reckoned with whenever they play.
Currently ranked fourth in the world by the IRB are England. This is probably a fair reflection of their rugby history. England played their first, and incidentally the world's first ever international, against Scotland in 1871 – and lost. Since then, however, they have been the most successful of the European sides.
Overall, England has played 654 internationals with a win rate of 57%. Although this is better than Australia's, it must be remembered that the Wallabies have played the top two sides far more often. England's record is affected by the side's inconsistent performances on tour, some of which have been very poor, in the modern era mainly due to the unavailability of first choice players. At present, England remains the only northern hemisphere side to have won the Rugby World Cup (2003).
Rounding out the best five rugby nations is the rugby-mad Welsh. Although ranked at 6 on the IRB rankings list, one place below France, Wales' proud rugby history gives them fifth spot on this most successful nations list. The Welsh are passionate about their rugby but the national side has seen periods of greatness and gloom. The brightest period of Welsh rugby was probably the period from 1969 to 1979, when the Welsh side was considered to be one of the finest sides of all time. Almost impossible to beat at home, the team provided the majority of players for the successful British Lions tours of New Zealand (1971) and South Africa (1974).
Welsh rugby then fell into the doldrums until around 2006, when the national side won the six nations Grand slam. Although Wales have never won the Rugby World Cup, the future is looking brighter.
I don't know a thing about you, but I'll bet that there are many coaches out there struggling to find effective and free soccer drills for their players. What it means is that they are looking for drills which the kids can practice by themselves.
The best way to kick-start the training sessions are to use soccer drills that do not require any equipment. It is so because these soccer exercises are designed to suit the player's age, learning potential, and the skills specific to his role in the team.
One must teach this drill to the players: To dribble the ball and at the same time, be conscious of what is going on around them. This drill is used by many coaches and it is far better than asking your players to dribble through cones.
This drill may demand more from players but it assures the player's conscious participation in soccer practice.
Let me tell you how to organize this drill.
Start with marking out a square of about 20 yards by 20 yards. The number of players and their age decides the size of this square.
The same number of players should be positioned evenly alongside the square. All the players should face inwards and every player should have a ball of their own.
When the whistle is blown, each player should dribble the ball to the opposite side and stop on it. Of all the free soccer drills, this drill coaches the players to dribble across the square with their heads up and and do not interfere in each others' path and thats why this is effective.
When this is repeated to make the players to turn 180 degrees, it definitely adds more fun. The number of times the players have to dribble the ball need not be constant and that can be varying. Let them compete where the final player is eliminated until there is only one player left.
Its good not to ask the players to dribble the ball but to run with the ball , when the players are only a few.
It is possible to have good fun teaching the vital techniques of ball dribbling to the kids. To make the players like the training, one can mix tough and light drills in the training. Nevertheless, some drills are added just for fun.
In soccer coaching, it is also important to realize that kids should not do too much of anything.
Believe me! Once you start to apply these free soccer drills in your training programs, you will be amazed to see how quickly the kids learn the essential elements of the game.
Also, our youth soccer coaching community is full of such knowledge in the form of articles, newsletters, videos etc. Become a member today and get the leading edge.


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NJ football: Vera's FG as time expires lifts Old Bridge to dramatic win
Greg Tufaro
Andrew Vera's 25-yard field goal as time expired ended a seesaw affair and lifted the Old Bridge High School football team to a trilling 25-23 comeback victory over defending sectional champion Sayreville at Lombardi Field on Friday night.
Old Bridge improved its record to 6-0 and extended its winning streak, which dates back to last season, to seven games.
Four of Old Bridge's victories this season have come by a total of 11 points.
Sophomore quarterback Owen Haughney threw a career-high three touchdown passes.
Sayreville, which dropped its first three games of the year, came into the matchup having won its last two outings over Edison and New Brunswick, opponents against which the Bombers allowed a total of just six points.
After Jayvis Rayside's 1-yard touchdown run with 7:05 remaining gave Sayreville a 23-22 lead, the Knights took the ensuing kickoff and drove from their own 32 to the Bombers' 8-yard line, setting up a fourth and goal with three seconds remaining.
After calling a time out, during which the Old Bridge coaching staff opted to attempt a field goal, Vera split the uprights.
Old Bridge opened the scoring when Haughney connected with Eddie Nugent on a 45-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
The Knights doubled their lead to 14-0 on Haughney's 68-yard touchdown pass to Sergino Donou on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter.
Javiion Simmon returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown as Sayreville trimmed the deficit in half.
The Bombers recorded a safety to make the score 14-9 when the snap on an Old Bridge punt sailed into the end zone.
Sayreville quarterback Mark Whitford gave his team a 16-14 lead, its first of the game, on a 1-yard run at the end of the third quarter.
Haughney answered with a 1-yard scoring strike to Bryson Corbett and an ensuing two-point conversion pass to Davion Fields to give the Knights a 22-16 lead.
Sayreville head coach Chris Beagan and his wife Laurie were recognized during pregame.
A 1990 graduate of Madison Central, which merged with Cedar Ridge to form Old Bridge High School 25 years ago, Laurie made a life-saving kidney donation to her husband several months ago.
The Beagans walked onto the field to participate as honorary captains in the opening coin toss.
Old Bridge distributed information about organ donation, as well as bracelets and other items from the NJ Sharing Network, to spectators at the game.
The Beagans have become advocates for organ donation, encouraging all to register through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commissions as organ and tissue donors.


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Saudi Arabia Plans to Build 'Riviera of the Middle East' in Ambitious New Project
Saudi Arabia has dazzled investors with plans for a series of "giga projects", funded in part by its sovereign wealth fund, but sceptics question their viability.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced plans on Wednesday for a luxury tourism destination on its northwestern coast, the latest in a series of mega projects as the oil-reliant kingdom seeks to diversify. The project called "Amaala" would be "a natural extension of the Mediterranean Sea, and dubbed the Riviera of the Middle East", the country's top sovereign wealth fund said in a statement released by the information ministry.
The development will feature hotels, private villas, an arts academy and a yacht club, PIF added. It did not reveal any timeframe or the size of the investment, saying only that the "initial funding for the project will be provided by PIF".
Saudi Arabia has dazzled investors with plans for a series of "giga projects", funded in part by its sovereign wealth fund, but sceptics question their viability. The kingdom has already unveiled blueprints to build NEOM, a mega project billed as a regional Silicon Valley, in addition to the Red Sea project, a reef-fringed resort destination -- both worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
"Amaala will sit alongside NEOM and the Red Sea project as part of the giga-projects investment portfolio, helping to... (support) economic diversification," PIF said. Such projects are the brainchild of Prince Mohammed, architect of a sweeping reform programme dubbed "Vision 2030".
The reforms stem partly from a motivation to boost domestic spending and attract foreign investment as the kingdom reels from an economic slowdown. Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Vision 2030. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia said it will begin issuing visas to visitors to attend sporting and cultural events from December, a first for the kingdom as it seeks to lure international tourists.
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Final concord between William Shakespeare, gent. and Hercules Underhill, gent.
Title: Final concord between William Shakespeare and Hercules Underhill, Gent. [manuscript], 1602 Michaelmas.
Final concord between William Shakespeare and Hercules Underhill, Gent. [manuscript], 1602 Michaelmas.
These two documents are the buyer's and vendor's copies of the 1602 final concord for Shakespeare's purchase of New Place. Shakespeare purchased New Place, one of the largest houses in Stratford-upon-Avon, from William Underhill in 1597. Shortly after the sale, Underhill died, apparently poisoned by his eldest son, Fulke, who was prosecuted for the crime and hanged in 1599. Fulke's other estates reverted to the crown until his younger brother, Hercules, came of legal age in 1602. In that year, Hercules confirmed the sale of New Place to Shakespeare, probably arising out of Shakespeare's concern to protect his investment.
Most legal documents that transferred property consisted of three copies: one for the buyer, one for the vendor, and one for the court. For final concords such as this one, the agreement was copied out three times on a single membrane of parchment, which was then "indented," or cut apart along wavy lines. In case of future disputes, they could be fitted together again to prove their authenticity.
The court's copy, known as the foot of fine, has been filed with other "feet" among the records of the Court of Common Pleas since 1602. Archivists believe that Shakespeare retained both of the other two copies himself, since they have remained together over the years.
Marsden J. Perry, a prolific collector of rare Shakespeare materials, obtained the two copies of this engrossed triplicate of the final concord when he bought the collections of the well-known Shakespeare scholar J.O. Halliwell-Phillipps in the late 19th century. In 1908, Henry Clay Folger approached Perry privately about purchasing the entirety of the "J.O. Halliwell-Phillipps Collection," ultimately succeeding for the sum of $69,000 (nearly $1.8 million in today's currency).
This is the final agreement made in the court of her majesty the Queen at Westminster, on the day of Saint Michael in one month in the reign of Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the faith, etc., from the Conquest, forty-four, in the presence of Edmund Anderson, Thomas Walmysley, George Kingesmyll, & Peter Warburton, Justices, and others, to her majesty the Queen, loyal, then present there, between William Shakespeare, gentleman, plaintiff, and Hercules Underhill, gentleman, deforciant, concerning one messuage, two barns, two gardens, and two orchards, with appurtenances, in Stratford-upon-Avon from which place a plea of agreement had been summoned between them in the same Court. To wit that the aforesaid Hercules recognized the aforesaid tenement with appurtenances to be the right of William himself and those which the same William holds by gift of aforesaid Hercules, and that one hath remised and quitclaimed for himself and his heirs to the aforesaid William and his heirs in perpetuity. And besides, the same Hercules has conceded for himself and his heirs that they themselves warranted to the aforesaid William and his heirs the aforesaid tenements with appurtenances against the aforesaid Hercules and his heirs in perpetuity. And for this recognition, remission, quitclaim, warranty, fine, and agreement, the same William has given to the aforesaid Hercules sixty pounds sterling.
English translation adapted from B. Roland Lewis, The Shakespeare Documents, p. 356.


14 "You are the light of the world.v A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.w 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others,x that they may see your good deedsy and glorifyz your Father in heaven.
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'e j 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.k 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble,l gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble,m cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.


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Carrie Underwood helps Utah woman with surprise reveal during concert
A mom-to-be in Utah managed to get Carrie Underwood to help with a surprise reveal earlier this month at a concert in Salt Lake City.
Sydni Ledbetter had planned to "ask" Carrie Underwood for her help during her Nov. 17 tour stop at the Vivint Arena. She even made a sign to hold up during the show, reading, "Carrie, help me announce my gender reveal."
But while waiting in line, Ledbetter realized signs weren't allowed inside the venue.
"I was like, 'Ah, [but] we came too far.' Like, you know, we made this cute sign. You can't just throw it away," Ledbetter said.
Instead, Ledbetter folded up the sign and tucked it into the back of her jacket.
"So, yeah, I kind of broke the rules there a little bit," she said.
Shortly after the concert started, a security guard caught Ledbetter and made her get rid of the sign, but not before Underwood managed to see it. Ledbetter was also able to give Underwood a sealed envelope given to her by a nurse, which listed the baby's sex.
"Congratulations, you are having a girl," Underwood announced from the stage.
The day after the concert, however, Ledbetter and her husband Josh found out that the nurse had gotten the paperwork wrong. They were actually having a boy.
Ledbetter said she was disappointed about the mix-up, but now says it makes for an even better story.
The concept of a "gender reveal," meanwhile, has been criticized in recent years for being outdated and inaccurate, as these ceremonies reveal only the baby's sex — male or female — and not the baby's gender identity, which may not be reflective of its sex upon birth.
In fact, the woman credited with popularizing gender-reveal parties has since come to regret it, telling NPR that her own views on gender had changed since her own viral 2008 gender-reveal party.
"I know it's been harmful to some individuals … we don't need to get our joy by giving others pain," Jenna Karvunidis told the outlet in 2019.
Karvunidis also slammed the trend of over-the-top gender-reveal parties, like the one that sparked a wildfire that burned over 46,000 acres in Arizona in 2017, calling them "a bit of a nightmare."
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