text:
History of the Cigar
When Marco Polo, Vasco de Gama, Cortes, Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Columbus roamed the high seas, the European sailing ships made Puerto Rico the expected supply stop. Here, among other things, the sailors and traders found fresh water, fruits, vegetables, tobacco and sugar.
The early explorers found the indigenous population cultivating, blending, rolling and smoking tobacco. Europeans had never seen tobacco rolled into tubes for smoking. The natives of the region called the whole process sik'ar, which was then taken immediately into the Spanish Language as cigarro. Snuff was all the rage in Europe in the 1450's. With the arrival of cigarros, Puerto Rican tobacco became the ultimate luxury of the royalty in Europe for almost two hundred years! More than half the shipping tonnage between 1460 and 1660 contained cigars from Puerto Rico.
As cigarros made their way through the castles and courtyards of Europe, the beggars in Seville began the practice of taking up the discarded cigar butts, stripping them down and rolling the remnant tobacco in small pieces of paper calling the result papaletas. The pitifully poor French population copied the practice, calling their end product cigarettes. You should know that cigars can not be made from modern cigarette tobacco.
Sir Walter Raleigh brought back tobacco from Puerto Rico to London where he began the famous company which still bears his name. The luxurious tradition of cigar smoking was brought to North America with the arrival of some of the first European settlers in approximately 1650. Since then, the smoking of cigars has evolved a global sense of tradition. Last year in the U.S. alone, 13.4 billion cigars were sold at an average price of seven dollars each.
From 1900 until 1927 Puerto Rico produced around 35 million tons of tobacco a year. The Hoja Prieto has always been the most important of the plants grown here. It is primarily the most flavorful wrapper leaf grown in the world. The Hoja Prieto was used exclusively on the best premium cigars made in the world. Record exports were made as late as 1957 to North America, England, Spain, France, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and other main cigar making areas of the world. Until that time, Puerto Rico was the fifth largest exporter of tobacco in the world after the U.S., Mexico, Venezuela and Africa.
Porto Rico American Tobacco Corporation (now Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation)
Porto Rico Leaf Company was organized and chartered by Spain around 1506, this became Porto Rico Tobaco Company and later Porto Rico American Tobacco Corporation, in 1898 which in turn became Puerto Rico Tobacco Coropration in the 1920's and has operated until today. PRTC started making Don Collins Cigars in 1991.
In the year 1899 and thereafter, either the American or Continental Companies, for cash or stock, at an aggregate cost of fifty millions of dollars ($50,000,000), bought and closed up some thirty competing corporations and partnerships theretofore engaged in interstate and foreign commerce as manufacturers, sellers, and distributers of tobacco and related commodities, the interested parties covenanting not to engage in the business. Likewise the two corporations acquired for cash, by issuing stock, **642 and otherwise, control of many competing corporations, now going concerns, with plants in various states, Cuba and Porto Rico, which manufactured, bought, sold, and distributed tobacco products or related articles throughout the United States and foreign countries, and took from the parties in interest covenants not to engage in the tobacco business.
The Porto Rican-American Tobacco Company (Porto Rico)-Capital $1,799,600. In 1899 the American Company caused the organization of the Porto Rican-American Tobacco Company, which took over the partnership business Rucabado y Portela,-manufacturer of cigars and cigarettes,-with covenants not to compete. These companies became consolidated in the late 1800's as Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation, our company name today.
The most reputed tobacco growing district of Cuba, Vuelta Abajo, became the major theater of operations during the 1897 and 1898 campaigns of the second war for Cuban independence (1895-1898). The conflict dislocated production and the relocation policies of the Spanish regime severely constrained the time that growers and work hands could dedicate to the plantations.
At the end of the war, large areas of the heavy and sandy clay soils were barren and laid to waste. Seed for the 1898-99 harvest was scarce and needed to be imported from other areas as corporate and individual planters required excellent seed to maintain the markets and international reputation of their leaf. According to the authoritative Angel González del Valle growers generally imported it from Puerto Rico. Tobacco leaf was the third leading export before the U.S. invasion and, soon after, it would be second only to sugar.Tobacco cultivation and growing in Puerto Rico experienced three major changes during the second half of the nineteenth century. The first refers to the nature of the commodity produced in the mountainsides and the narrow river-valleys of the eastern highlands identified in Map 1. The leaf that slowly ascended and spread to the Cordillera Central was not the leaf consumed domestically as chaws of tobacco and the inferior grades exported for the inexpensive markets in Europe; it was a superior leaf, if employed, in the manufacture of cigars. For instance, a nineteenth-century observer considered the leaf from Cidra excellent and, as early as 1878, merchants and manufacturers, who were then called fabricants, identified the tobacco of the highland municipality of Sabana del Palmar by the trade name of Comerío and considered it the best in the island.
By 1888 the men and women from the highlands had gained considerable experience with different varieties and growing and harvesting methods that their agricultural practices were clearly distinct from the traditional ones:31
Havana seed has been taken to Puerto Rico several times, and it has not kept its superior qualities; on the other hand, an indigenous seed provides the exquisite tobacco of Cayey, Caguas, Comerío and Morovis. By 1895, merchants and smokers alike associated the tobacco of the highlands rather than that from the northern plain or the hills to the southeast with the best Cuban tobacco. For instance, La Flor de Cayey factory: established, as it is, in one municipality of the island that enjoys the most legitimate fame due to its extensive tobacco plantations, bordering Caguas and Aibonito . . .it has become the Vuelta Abajo of Puerto Rico, it uses superb leaf. In [the 1888 Universal Exposition of] Barcelona it summoned much attention and attained, in justice, a gold medal. From that time [1860s] the intervention of some intelligent manufacturers and the increase of domestic demand, because of the shortage of Havana leaf, insured more attention on cultivation. Nowadays, the improvement is such that nobody seeks tobacco from Havana. The wrapper harvested summons prices ranging from $50 to $100 per hundredweight in their [Puerto Rican] factories. The Cuban wars for independence and the intervention of the United States in the second conflict disrupted planting, manufacturing, and commerce which resulted in benefits for Puerto Rican growers and exporters and markedly so during the secondwar. These fluctuations did not go unnoticed as Miguel Meléndez Muñoz, a sociologist and acute observer, held that the local economy became a thriving beneficiary of the paralyzation and ruin of Cuban industry and agriculture.
Again, Puerto Rican leaf exports present a steep rise during the second Cuban war for independence (1895-1898). In 1896, the Spanish authorities established that tobacco production in western Cuba was destined to supply the Spanish monopoly and colonial manufacture. However, as war continued to ravage the tobacco growing areas, Cuban merchants and manufacturers increased their dependency on Puerto Rican leaf44 to the extent that Cuba became the leading market for Puerto Rican leaf exports. The Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation, maker of Don Collins Cigars has been the leader, without question, in the production of the best quality leaves then and now.
In summary, domestic growers expanded and transformed tobacco agriculture along three dimensions by the end of the century. First, highland planters shifted to a leaf that fitted the model of the Havana cigar. Second, such leaf began to substitute imports from Cuba and Virginia to the extent that domestic production supplied local demand. Lastly, domestic leaf exports increased across the board but, significantly, Cuba itself became a major recipient of wrapper and filler forHavana cigars.
1. González Fernández (1996), pp. 310-312.
2. Lestina (1940), p. 45-46.
3. González del Valle (1929), pp. 61-62.
4. Ceballos (1899).
5. Abad (1888), p. 318; Kimm (1964), p. ix.
6. Sonesson (2000), pp. 172-173, 209-210
7.. Aguayo (1876), p. 58. Van Leenhoff (1905), p. 12. The twentieth century witnessed, still, a
third harvesting technique called deshojado or primed where the leaves were picked one by one as
they matured individually.
8. Abad (1888), p. 353.
9. Infiesta (1895), p. 214. Atienza Sirvent (1890), p. 11. Atienza Sirvent, an authority on
tobacco, was less generous. He placed Vuelta Abajo, naturally, first followed by the Philippines
on nearly an equal footing. On a second tier came the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico, in this
order, which competed favorably with Cuban leaf planted in Partido.
10. Journal of Economic Literature CUBA REPLANTED WITH PUERTO RICAN TOBACCO 1899
Classification System: N16, N36, N56, N66
11. Memoria (1877); Villa (1876); Porto Rico tobacco (1877), p. 1.
12. Delgado y Martín (1892), pp. 64-65; Hernández (2005), pp. 15, 25-26.
13. Baldrich (1994), pp. 20-23.
14. González Fernández (1996), p. 310.
15. Rivero Muñiz (1965), p. 316.
16. del Valle (1969), p. 568.
P.O. Box 9022651
We use MailChimp for our newsletter service; you can unsubscribe or resubscribe at any time.
© 2019 Don Collins


WELCOME to the Jefferson Ultrasound Radiology and Education Institute Portal!
The Jefferson Ultrasound Radiology and Education Institute (JUREI) is dedicated to advancing research and education activities in the field of diagnostic ultrasound on a national and international level, in keeping with the University's increased emphasis on global involvement.
The well established international reputation of the division, its director, Levon Nazarian, MD, and his colleagues provide Jefferson with a firm base from which to promote our capabilities in ultrasound research and education, while forging stronger ties with healthcare facilities and organizations around the world that share an interest in diagnostic ultrasound.
For information regarding the programs offered by the Jefferson Ultrasound Radiology and Education Institute (JUREI), please click HERE.
Should you have any questions regarding your CE credits, please contact the Jefferson Office of CME at (215) 955-6992.
All other questions, please direct them to the Jefferson Ultrasound Department at (215) 955-8533.


For the first time in Singapore kids and birds interacted with each other in a shopping mall during which these birds taught these kids a thing or two about virtues like saving money through the tricks they performed. There were also lighter moments like the birds playing basketball and a kid-and-bird wefie session. The event took flight to a full house of 30 kids.


Walk down along the river banks (in the direction of the Caledonian Canal) and you'll find the Ness Islands where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on the little bridges and you can visit Bught Park. Close by you will find the Floral Hall - a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with small waterfall, fish and alsorts of plants/trees (open all year round). Small admission charge. I particularly like the cactus hall - quite a surprise!
• Inverness-shire contains another county called Nairnshire, or more accurately, a part of Nairnshire. A neighbouring Scottish county lies right in the middle of Inverness-shire.
• Inverness-shire is home to Loch Ness, 24 miles long, and 1 mile wide, in places it is 700 feet deep. It is of course the legendary home of the Loch Ness monster. The area is also a flight path for birds migrating between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. You might spot a buzzard or even an eagle while in Inverness-shire.
• The Caledonian Canal was planned and built at the beginning of the 19th century by Thomas Telford. The idea was to connect the east and west coasts of Scotland, so save ships a lengthy detour round the north of the country. Running from Inverness in the east to near Fort William, the canal is about 60 miles long. It's 28 locks include Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks at Corpach in Inverness-shire, which has a total lift of 64 feet.
• Inverness is Scotland's 2nd newest city, it was granted as a city in 2000. But even as a town, it was a winner, Inverness received the 1996 Award for Best Large Town in the annual 'Bloom of Britain' competition.
• Fort William grew from a settlement next to a fortified barracks, named after William of Orange. It was built to control the local population after Oliver Cromwell's invasion during the English Civil War.
• At 4,406 feet, Inverness-shire's Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. The simplest and most popular ascent to the summit is the 1883 Pony Track also known as the Ben Path, Mountain Path or Tourist Route, that begins at Achintee near Fort William in Inverness-shire. During a clean up of the peak in 2006, a piano was found buried under one of the many cairns. It's thought it was carried up there in a charity stunt 20 years earlier.
• Shinty, a variant of the Irish game of hurling, is now played almost exclusively in the Highlands. Inverness-shire's shinty team 'Kingussie Camanachd' has featured in the Guinness World Records as the world's most successful sporting team of all time. It won 20 consecutive league championships and went unbeaten for four years in the early 1990's.


text:
Archives|Munich Journal; Lindbergh the Family Man: Tales From Germany
Archives | 2003
Munich Journal; Lindbergh the Family Man: Tales From Germany
By MARK LANDLER AUG. 29, 2003
When Astrid Bouteuil recalls her childhood in Germany, her fondest memories are of a tall, graying American who swooped into her life, as if from the heavens, once or twice a year.
He made Texas-size breakfasts, grilling sausages and flipping banana pancakes with aplomb. Later, he told riveting tales of his travels, giving young Astrid a glimpse of a world beyond the confines of Bavaria.
The one thing the dashing stranger never told Mrs. Bouteuil was his real name, though she and her two brothers had been told by their mother that he was their father. After his death in 1974, Mrs. Bouteuil pieced together the mystery: her father, she says, was Charles A. Lindbergh.
Earlier this month, Mrs. Bouteuil staked her claim to the Lindbergh legacy, going public with some 150 letters that she says prove the pilot conducted a 17-year love affair with her mother, Brigitte Hesshaimer.
Mrs. Bouteuil, now 42 and married to a Frenchman, said she was driven to tell this family secret to ''liberate'' her children. They have the right, she said, to speak openly of their famous grandfather.
''For the world, Lindbergh is the story of a hero,'' Mrs. Bouteuil said. ''For us, this is the story of a family.''
The Lindbergh family has said nothing publicly about these claims. But they are taking it seriously. A lawyer for the family, Patton Hyman, said they had contacted the Hesshaimers and plan an investigation. Mrs. Bouteuil and her brothers, Dyrk and David, have volunteered to take DNA tests.
''This is a difficult thing,'' said A. Scott Berg, Lindbergh's biographer. ''It's a titillating story in Germany. But for four people named Lindbergh on this side of the ocean, it's a deeply troubling personal story.''
Mrs. Bouteuil's goal may have been liberation. But in the tumultuous month since her claims were published in a Munich newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, she has learned, as Lindbergh did during a life of triumph and tragedy, that enormous celebrity can be a kind of prison.
Television crews have swarmed her secluded family home in Utting, a lakeside village south of here. Elderly residents of the Munich apartment house where Mrs. Hesshaimer lived when she first met Lindbergh have been asked to conjure up decades-old memories of their long-departed neighbor.
''A mother without a husband was fairly unusual in those days,'' said Angelika Koschel. ''But she seemed to be a tough woman.''
Inevitably, some suspect the Hess-haimers want to exploit their story for financial gain. Mrs. Bouteuil's brothers have hired a media adviser to manage the torrent of press calls. He staged a photograph of the three siblings in front of a vintage airplane and is shopping a book proposal.
The trouble is, the Hesshaimers' story is going in unpredictable directions. The German news magazine, Focus, reported this week that in the same years Lindbergh was involved with Brigitte Hesshaimer, he had an affair with her older sister, Marietta, that produced two other children.
Marietta Hesshaimer and her children, who live in Switzerland, have declined to comment. Her niece, Astrid, insists she did not want to drag them into the story, though it might be too late: photographers have staked out the chalet that Lindbergh supposedly built for them near the Alpine resort of Crans Montana.
''I can't say whether they are Lindbergh's children because they haven't said it,'' Mrs. Bouteuil said by telephone from Paris. ''I would be happy for them if it were true because I love them.''
Mr. Berg, the biographer, professes to be stumped. The letters from Lindbergh presented by Mrs. Bouteuil seem genuine, he said. His restless travels and lengthy absences from his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, also make it possible that he could have had a secret life in Germany and Switzerland. (Mrs. Lindbergh strayed as well, according to Mr. Berg's biography, beginning an affair with her doctor in 1956, a year before her husband is said to have met the Hesshaimer sisters.)
While Mr. Berg said he was persuaded Lindbergh knew the sisters, he questions whether a man known as a stickler for family values would have fathered children with two women out of wedlock.
''It is just not like him, at least as he appeared to me,'' Mr. Berg said. ''But maybe he had entered a new phase of his life. I've long been of a mind that anything is possible with Charles Lindbergh.''
Whatever his motives, Lindbergh was careful to cover his tracks. His letters to Brigitte are affectionate but short on telltale facts. The children knew him by the name Careu Kent, and were warned by their mother that if they talked about him outside the family, they risked losing him.
When Mrs. Bouteuil discovered the letters in the late 1990's, while cleaning out a storeroom, her mother demanded that she return them. Mrs. Bouteuil refused, provoking a bitter clash. Brigitte extracted a promise that her daughter would do nothing with them while she was alive. She died in 2001.
Lindbergh, of course, is hardly an unambiguous figure. Historians, including Mr. Berg, have documented his respect for the Nazis in prewar Germany, as well as his Jew-baiting statements.
Mrs. Bouteuil said she felt a sense of betrayal that her father never acknowledged his German children. Over time, however, she said she came to accept his decision and cherish her memories of him.
''It was the way he chose to live,'' she said. ''I don't want to say whether it's good or bad. It's just life.''
We are continually improving the quality of our text archives. Please send feedback, error reports, and suggestions to archive_feedback@nytimes.com.
A version of this article appears in print on August 29, 2003, on Page A00004 of the National edition with the headline: Munich Journal; Lindbergh the Family Man: Tales From Germany. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Snowden says NSA also spies on industry, German TV reports
by Kirsten Grieshaber
Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden claimed in a new interview that the U.S. agency is involved in industrial espionage.
In the interview aired Sunday night on German public television broadcaster ARD, Snowden said if German engineering company Siemens had information that would benefit the U.S., but had nothing to do with national security needs, the National Security Agency would still use it.
It wasn't clear what exactly Snowden accused the NSA of doing with such information—he only said he didn't want to reveal the details before journalists did.
Snowden also told ARD television that he was no longer in possession of any NSA documents, because he had passed them all on to a few selected journalists and that he had no further influence on the release of the files.
He also said U.S. government representatives wanted to kill him, according to a simultaneous German translation by the station. Snowden referred to an article he had read on Buzzfeed in which U.S. government representatives had told a reporter that they wanted to kill him.
Snowden, wearing a white shirt and black jacket, also chatted about his childhood and said he'd always been fascinated by computers and was one of those kids whose parents would tell him late at night to finally turn it off.
Hubert Seipel, the reporter who talked to Snowden, said he first met him in Moscow at the end of December and conducted the interview on Thursday.
Seipel described Snowden, 30, as "worried, but relaxed at the same time." He said Snowden was studying Russian, but that he couldn't confirm any further details about where exactly he met Snowden or whether he is working for a Russian Internet company, as some media have previously reported.
Snowden faces felony charges in the U.S. after revealing the NSA's mass surveillance program. He is living under temporary asylum in Russia, which has no extradition treaty with the U.S.
The revelations about U.S. surveillance programs have damaged Washington's relations with key allies, including Germany following reports that the NSA had monitored communications of European citizens—even listening in on Chancellor Angela Merkel's cellphone.
Report: Snowden gets tech support job in Russia
© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Citation: Snowden says NSA also spies on industry, German TV reports (2014, January 27) retrieved 18 July 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2014-01-snowden-nsa-spies-industry-german.html
Snowden 'an indoor cat' in Moscow, says he's 'won' (Update)
US spy agency broke encryption on UN communications, report says
Snowden seeks the world's help against US charges (Update)
Academics petition for end to 'blanket surveillance'
eBay: We don't share customer data with NSA (Update)
Malicious apps infect 25 million Android devices with 'Agent Smith' malware
Apps send intimate user data to Facebook: report
Marriott security breach exposed data of up to 500M guests (Update)
Google accused of manipulation to track users
Facial recognition touted as 'user friendly' system for airports
Hackers target smartphones to mine cryptocurrencies


text:
10 Best Treadmill For CrossFit (Running Machines) In 2022 Reviews
January 15, 2022 November 29, 2021 by John
Are you seeking for a treadmill that can handle your rigorous workouts? Then a CrossFit treadmill is what you're looking for.
In this post, I'll show you a couple of CrossFit treadmills that are perfect for individuals who train regularly or for those who need to prepare for actual CrossFit contests. Furthermore, I will highlight the most essential features of each model so that you can compare them and determine which one is best for you.
NordicTrack Commercial Series Treadmills + 30-Day iFIT Family membership 3,010 Reviews Buy on Amazon
WalkingPad R2 Treadmill Running and Walking Folding Treadmill Manual Automatic Modes Foldable... 17 Reviews Buy on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill, Gray 4,664 Reviews Buy on Amazon
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill 12,757 Reviews Buy on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill for Home Exercise with 265 LB Capacity, Device Holder,... 497 Reviews Buy on Amazon
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill Folding Portable Walking Treadmill with Wide Tread Belt... 633 Reviews Buy on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Treadmills, Motorized Running Machine for Home with Folding, Easy... 1,532 Reviews Buy on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb Weight Capacity and LCD... 3,657 Reviews Buy on Amazon
LifePlus Electric Folding Treadmill Run, Portable Fitness Motorized Jogging for Home Use with 12... 79 Reviews Buy on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna High Performance Manual Treadmill with Heavy Duty Dual Flywheels,... 55 Reviews Buy on Amazon
10 Best Treadmill For CrossFit - 2022 Reviews
TRUE PERFORMANCE 300 TREADMILL
TRUE PS300 treadmills have one of the largest running belts in the fitness market. The belt is also orthopedic, meaning it protects the runner's body (legs, knees, and joints) from impact throughout the workout. TRUE PS300 is large enough to accommodate the surface, measuring 7931.555.9 inches in length and width.
The treadmill is made of commercial-grade materials that will last a long time. Every component of the treadmill is built to last, ensuring a high level of performance. The best thing is that it may be used by everyone in the family, from children to parents and grandparents. All you have to do is change the speed according to the person who is using it.
The main digital function is TRUE HRC Cruise Control. It enables the user to train at a specific heart rate. Once you've set your ideal heart rate on your TRUE PS300, the treadmill will automatically adapt the workload while training to keep your heart rate consistent. You can choose from 9 Preset or 2 Saved Workouts for a more enticing workout.
-It's great for people who want to work out at home
-It's a great workout and helps tone your body
-It has a large variety of workout programs for all fitness levels
-It helps develop muscle strength, stamina, and endurance
-It provides the same cardiovascular benefits as other treadmills
-You can use it for cardio, weight loss, and even general conditioning
-It has a large display that makes it easy to keep track of your workout
-It's a great investment if you have the space
-It's not a good option for people who do not like working out at home
-It can be expensive if you need to buy extra accessories
XTREME MONKEY FITNESS CURVE RACER TREADMILL
The XM treadmill employs a rubber and synthetic substance to eliminate any joint troubles that can occur when jogging on a traditional treadmill. The unique curved shape allows you to burn more calories while also allowing you to quickly modify the treadmill beneath your feet to your specific needs.
The handles are additionally bent for added safety, which is especially important for walkers and elderly. You can hold on to it in a variety of ways. If you don't have a lot of experience, you can grip it on the side or in front of you to feel safe. If you need to transfer your XM treadmill, the transportation wheels make it simple to do so.
The XM Fitness Curve Racer comes with a Bluetooth console that allows you to track your progress. Time, distance, speed, calorie loss, pace, wattage, and heart rate are all displayed on the console. You must, however, provide the transmitter in order for the heart rate to be displayed on the monitor.
-It's easy to use, very compact, and durable.
-It comes in multiple colors so that it is easy to match any room.
-It's light weight and easy to maneuver.
-It's easy to assemble and disassemble.
-It has a remote control so that you can operate it from the comfort of your own home.
-The machine is equipped with an electronic speedometer, which is great because you don't have to be a math whiz to figure out how fast you're going.
-It comes with a 2.5 MPH speed adjustment knob and a power indicator light.
-The running belt is strong and durable.
-It has a variable incline which is perfect for runners of all ages and fitness levels.
-It comes with a dual shock absorber for smooth operation.
-The unit is very loud when running
ASSAULT FITNESS AIRRUNNER
The CrossFit AirRunner program does not require any energy to run. This means that the treadmill moves with you, which means that it not only gives you the sensation of running on air, but it also burns 30% more calories than a standard treadmill. It should fit in your home gym with measurements of 69.733.64.2 inches and a weight of 280 pounds.
Fitness for Assault The AirRunner is constructed of corrosion-resistant solid steel and can support persons weighing up to 350 pounds. It has a 150,000-mile running surface. Furthermore, there is no speed limit; you can run as fast as you like, and AirRunner will keep up with you.
AirRunner allows for interval training because the only speed modification is made by your running stride. As a result, whether you're an amateur or a professional athlete like Ron Ortiz, you can use this running machine (CrossFit Games Champion). AirRunner is ideal for environmental protection because it does not consume power.
-It's quiet
-It's safe and easy to use
-It's inexpensive
-It's light weight
-It has a wide variety of functions and programs
- It has bad customer service
- There is no customer support
- It is heavy
- It is loud
IN10CT Health Runner
This brilliantly titled curved treadmill, which is pronouned "intensity," focuses on precisely that. The Health Runner has a dual bearing system that allows you to quickly transition from walking to running. It also has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, which is rather astounding. This allows for smooth belt movement, making your jogging feel more natural.
It is the most highly regarded, while not being as popular as the AirRunner. Reviewers rave about how quiet the belt is, how smooth it feels, and how easy it is to put together. It's also dependable, with a five-year frame warranty and a three-year warranty on the components. The Health Runner is a terrific pick for a great overall experience.
Smooth running experience in a quiet environment
Heavy at 341 pounds, controls can take some getting accustomed to.
To keep track of simple things like distance and time, most manual treadmills come with a simple, battery-powered display. The Sprintbok, on the other hand, is a full-fledged tablet that puts you at the cutting edge of technology.
You won't be squinting at a tiny smartphone to see how far you've gone because the screen is a gigantic 17.3 inches. If you like treadmills with TVs at the gym, this one has its own app, which includes a library of scenic runs!
The wooden structure is strong and durable. The belt is made out of 62 wooden flexi-slats with a linoleum surface for long-term durability. With good stress absorption, these slats minimize the pressure on your joints to a minimum.
The Sprintbok is without a doubt the most attractive machine on this list. That is also one of the reasons why it is the most expensive. You're paying for genuine quality with high-grade materials and a modern design.
The design is stunning.
17.3-inch tablet with its own app
Materials that are extremely durable
It's not cheap.
SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL
The ProXL is the second generation of the SpeedBoard range, and it has been significantly improved. This model is quieter, more durable, and more shock-absorbing than the previous one.
The nicest element is the ability to customize the pre-programmed routines. While most treadmills have a limited number of presets, the Speedfit has over 5,000 treadmill routines to pick from.
If that sounds daunting, it also contains a ten-minute in-depth introductory test. It's ideal for novices because it allows you to assess your performance and determine where to begin.
It's a bit on the heavy side at 308 pounds, but there's a reason for that. It can support up to 400 pounds at a time. Overall, it's a good machine with all the features you'll need to maximize your workout.
Quiet and very personalized
Getting started is simple.
a little too heavy
There is no heart rate monitor in the package.
DKC Folding Treadmill
When compared to flat manual treadmills, curved treadmills can be rather large. Handrails that fold all the way down solve this difficulty in this DKC design. When not in use, the machine is only 12 inches tall, making it easy to store under a bed or in a closet.
It's also a lot lighter than the rest of the items on the list. DKC's treadmill is only 81 pounds, however it can support a maximum weight of 330 pounds. This is an excellent alternative for those who live in studios or apartments with little rooms. It's also designed to be quiet and smooth, so it won't annoy your neighbors.
For those who want a gentler incline, there is a smaller curve.
The least expensive option
The presentation is straightforward.
A brand that isn't as well-known as the others.
Assault Fitness AirRunner
By far the most popular curved treadmill on Amazon is the AirRunner. It's extremely popular in the CrossFit community. Ron Ortiz, a CrossFit champion, swears by its efficacy.
The 280-pound AirRunner was created with HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions in mind. It's a tough beast of a machine, with a steel frame that can support up to 350 pounds and a 150,000-mile slat belt. This is the product to use if you're willing to put any product through the wringer with rigorous training.
With a five-year warranty, Assault proves their faith in the product's longevity.
Transport wheels built-in
Construction is robust.
Warranty of five years
There is no way to store your workouts on the display.
FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT CROSSFIT TREADMILLS
What Is the Difference Between CrossFit Treadmills and Regular Treadmills?
Crossfit is a sort of high-intensity workout that is gaining in popularity by the day. Crossfit is not a form of bodybuilding training; it comprises of motions that individuals do every day, but at a higher level of difficulty. Crossfit treadmills are curved treadmills that adapt to your body effortlessly, but they take more strength from the runner.
Types of CrossFit Treadmill Workouts
CrossFit treadmills are not just curved, but they are also usually self-propelled. As a result, you can experience the natural sensation of running while also using more muscles than with a traditional running machine. Crossfit running machines combine aerobic, interval, and speed training into a single workout. It can be used by everyone, but it is especially beneficial to individuals who require medical rehabilitation.
Curved Treadmills: What Are They?
Because users can get on and off the treadmill whenever they want, curved treadmills are popular for group training. When the runner comes to a halt, the treadmill begins to slow down. There is little impact on the legs because the running surface is curved. Running on a curved treadmill, on the other hand, can be difficult due to the huge and flat force plates.
The pricing range is $500 to $3,000 dollars. Naturally, the final cost will be determined by the condition and brand of the CrossFit treadmill. If you want to save money, used treadmills are the way to go. CrossFit treadmills that are custom built for the person are the most expensive. CrossFit running machines may be found on the Internet, and if you're interested in purchasing one, I recommend checking out online merchants like Amazon.
Fitness for Assault Because it is a curved and self-propelled treadmill, the AirRunner is a wonderful example of a CrossFit running machine. The aforementioned machine's speed is determined by your own, allowing you to go as fast as you like without any restrictions or limits.
Because the AirRunner is composed of strong steel with integrated materials to prevent corrosion, you can exercise as long as you want because the belt of this CrossFit treadmill is expected to endure 150,000 miles. TRUE Performance 300 Treadmill, on the other hand, is a cross between a CrossFit and a regular treadmill.
Because the treadmill is composed of materials that are designed to last, you can run without fear. Furthermore, you have lots of room on the belt and can choose from a variety of training regimens or create your own.
Search for a self-powered treadmill to learn more about CrossFit treadmills. Try a non-electric treadmill if you're seeking for a running machine that doesn't require electricity. Go to the best selling treadmill to learn more about treadmills in general.
Categories Treadmill Reviews Post navigation
Things to know to train well on the treadmill
How fast can I run on a treadmill?


text:
Faus reveals Barca summer spending
By RSN Admin - 8 March 2014, 10:44
Barcelona's economic Vice-President Javier Faus has revealed that the club will set aside €50m-€60m for new players this summer.
Reports in the Spanish Press on Friday revealed that the Blaugrana were looking to bring in at least four new names at the end of the current campaign.
And the board member at Camp Nou has confirmed that sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has that figure to spend.
"We have between 50 and 60 million euros," he told Radio Catalunya.
"And that will be spent on four reinforcements."
Faus then commented on the club's economic prowess, compared to rivals Real Madrid.
"Barça sell two and a half shirts for every one Real Madrid sells," he boasted.
RSN Admin
Tags Faus
Faus: 'Neymar truth will come out'
Bartomeu awaits judge's ruling
Report: Bartomeu included in Neymar case


text:
By Chris Chase and Rebecca Edwards
At the end of September, we are walking 13 miles across ten of San Francisco's steepest peaks. Why are we undertaking such a challenge?
We are walking because Braid started five years ago this month as a challenge.
As we celebrate this milestone, this walk is symbolic of Braid's earliest days, when we were new to the city of San Francisco and new to this work and totally unprepared for how steep the hills would be (literally and figuratively).
But we climbed them anyway, taking one step at a time to gain the trust of social services agencies, other nonprofit partners working with youth, prospective volunteers, and the youth and families we work with.
There are still struggles, but we are stronger and just as stubborn!
We are walking in honor of our volunteers, who give so generously of themselves and their resources every single week.
In five years, we have welcomed almost 300 people to Braid trainings, and over half of them have gone on to complete the process of becoming a volunteer. Today there are 74 active Braid volunteers, with more joining every week.
These volunteers have walked their youth through school transitions, home transitions, exploring identity, self-doubt, and all the normal throes of adolescence. By showing up every week, they help our youth truly begin to believe in their dignity and worth and rise above the wounds of abuse and abandonment they carry.
We never want our amazing volunteers to feel a financial burden because of their service.
Your support helps us host All-Braid events and thank-you dinners for volunteers so they can connect and be part of a larger community, and it helps us cover the costs of transportation and special outings.
We are walking to help Braid grow into its next five years.
Across the board, we hear that Braid's unique mentoring model works, providing steady support for youth who haven't had enough long-term positive adult relationships.
Whereas the average tenure of most social services providers can be just a few months, we have ten youth who have been matched with a Braid team for two years or longer, and 80% of the mentors on those teams have been active for more than a year of that time.
Our volunteers are able to make this commitment because Braid's team model ensures that they never feel alone in this work.
And our model is effective because we are able to tell youth that their mentors are not paid to spend time with them. Braid is never paid for its services, and we are able to stay with youth long-term because we are not dependent on government funding.
As our program spreads throughout the Bay Area and more and more volunteers find their way to this mission, we want to be able to provide the tools to help them succeed.
You can lend your support via our Facebook fundraiser or donate through our website.
Thank you for your generosity in helping us move Braid forward!
Change a life. Take action today.
Subscribe to news and updates from Braid!
Newsletter Sign Up First Name: Last Name:
About Braid Mission
Braid Mission believes in the power of meaningful relationships to heal the wounds of foster care. We build community around youth whose life experience has included time in foster care, by training and supporting teams of caring mentors. We also provide resources about the needs of foster youth in the Bay Area and beyond.
Communion Has No Expiration
Featured Facilitator: Allegra
Transforming Pain
With Gratitude for the Caregiver
Finding the Forest
Witnessing Joy
312 Georgia St., Suite 235
Copyright © 2015–2020 Braid Mission. All rights reserved.
Made in Nashville by Louder.
Why Foster Youth?
Cards of Hope


text:
International Trade and Commercial Law - LLM
Going to NLS was a wise decision, I had a great time there and learned a lot from both my tutors and classmates.
More about Xu
"I started to look for jobs whilst I was studying the LLM International Trade Law at Nottingham Law School (NLS) and after graduation I took up a position managing an overseas investment case for a law firm. Currently I am working as a Business Development Manager for the HWL group in China and my career has really progressed since graduation.
"I have been at HWL for about three years now. In the beginning I did not have much work experience but now I manage an independent sector in the branch company. My work is divided into two main parts as I am in charge of contract legal review as well as HR and general administration. In the future I will also integrate overseas market development into my role.
"I always wanted to be a person who understood both Chinese and International Law really well, which is why I chose to study the LLM in International Trade Law. Going to NLS was a wise decision, I had a great time there and learned a lot from both my tutors and classmates. The experience has given me a lot of ideas which I have been able to put into practice. I have also used my knowledge to communicate with overseas partners and to handle international cases.
"I loved Nottingham, it is a beautiful and lively city and I'm really grateful for my time there. The tutors at NLS are very supportive and if you work hard you will be able to achieve your goals."


20 years of Brazilian Real – why do countries launch new currencies?
Brazil introduced the real two decades ago as part of a bid to beat inflation. But, why do countries launch new currencies?
On 1 July, Brazil celebrated the 20th anniversary of introducing a new currency. The real made a massive difference to the nation's economy, and it is not surprising that many Brazilians look back negatively on the time before the currency was in use.
But why do countries introduce new currencies, and does it make a difference?
Roaming fees around the European Union are set to fall as new price caps take effect.
European Union (EU) price caps have now come into force that could cut data roaming fees in half.
Phone users travelling around the bloc often disable their mobile data to minimise costs, or even invest in a smaller, cheaper feature phone that they can take with them and only pay for what they use. But the European Commission is planning to eventually phase out the high costs associated with roaming.
The first staging post was a 1 July move to reduce the existing price cap for downloading data from 45 cents (36p) per megabyte to 20 cents, while the maximum fee for making calls has dropped from 24 to 19 cents.
French bank BNP Paribas has been fined $8.9 billion after it admitted helping clients to breach global sanctions.
French banking giant BNP Paribas has agreed a huge settlement that will see it pay a record $8.9 billion (£5.2 billion) fine, after it admitted helping clients to violate economic sanctions.
The bank has acknowledged widespread wrongdoing which saw the bank disguising transactions for clients in Sudan, Iran and Cuba, even though those countries are subject to sanctions. Prosecutors said that executives in some of the most senior levels of the bank had been aware of the practice, but it continued from 2004 to as late as 2012.
Every employee in the UK now has the right to request flexible working, and staff and businesses alike are having to adapt.
As workforce demographics change and technology makes it easier to work in different ways, more and more employers have allowed some level of flexibility for their staff.
But on 30 June, the right to formally request flexible working was extended to every employee in the UK, instead of just those with caring responsibilities. That means 20 million more people can now ask for the opportunity to work flexibly, and their request must be considered in a "reasonable" manner. Only one request can be made in any 12-month period.
Barclays will be subject to a fraud lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general.
New York's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Barclays over alleged fraud related to "dark pool" operations – where clients trade big blocks of shares while keeping prices private.
According to a statement from Eric Schneiderman's office, Barclays is accused of boosting its dark pool's market share by making false claims about its operations. Rather than safeguarding clients from "aggressive" high-speed traders as it has claimed, the bank allegedly ran its dark pool so that it favoured them. The rest of the charges also look very serious.
Mergers and acquisitions deals volumes at a global level are at a seven-year peak.
Appetite for striking huge corporate deals is returning, as it has emerged that international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals are at their highest level for seven years.
The value of M&A deals around the world in the first half of 2014 stood at $1.75 trillion – an impressive 75 per cent increase on the same period last year, and the highest level in seven years. Yet the actual number of deals actually fell slightly, indicating a rise in the prices being set on target companies.
Here's our guide to all the major business news from June.
Welcome to our business news round-up for June 2014. In this round-up of the most important business news stories from around the world, we point you to some of the biggest news stories that have had people talking during the past month.
An increasing number of entrepreneurs in India are acting as angel investors for new companies.
India's recent emergence as a major economic power has been accompanied by the success of a number of exciting startups that are now worth billions. But the entrepreneurs behind these firms are now using their success to give a boost to younger businesses and talent.
Glencore has become the last FTSE 100 company to finally add a woman to its board.
Patrice Merrin's appointment to the board of Glencore Plc may not have meant much on its own, but in the wider context of the struggle to improve female representation in the business world, it marks a watershed moment.
On 26 June, the mining company finally bowed to years of pressure when it appointed Ms Merrin, who becomes the first woman to sit on the company's board. In doing so, it brought in a new era in which every single company in the FTSE 100 now has at least one woman at the top.
It says something about how far the campaign for female representation has come that Glencore had acquired a bad reputation for its male-dominated management structure.
Russell Investments is about to be acquired by the London Stock Exchange for $2.7 billion.
The London Stock Exchange Group has finally agreed to acquire Russell Investments in a huge $2.7 billion (£1.59 billion) deal, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
On 26 June, the exchange said it was planning to carry out the major deal with assistance from a $1.6 billion rights issue as part of a plan to break into the huge US capital markets, taking over Russell from life insurer Northwestern Mutual.
Morale among UK consumers is at a new record high, according to a GfK poll.
Consumer morale in the UK is at its highest level in nine years, a new poll from research company GfK has found.
Its monthly consumer confidence index rose to +1 in June, up from zero in in the previous month and the highest rate since March 2005. A Reuters poll forecast suggested the figure could have been as high as +2, but the figures continue an upward trend that points towards growing confidence in the UK economy.
Businesses need to form relationships effectively if they are to succeed, according to a new report.
Strong links between organisations have often been seen as an important element of successful partnerships. But according to a new report, effective relationships between individuals within companies are a vital element of success in modern business.
The Tomorrow's Relationships report has been compiled by business thinktank Tomorrow's Company in partnership with KPMG, Linklaters, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).
A brief flurry of concern emerged when rumours suggested that Warren Buffett could buy out Coca-Cola, but he claims not to be interested.
Warren Buffett has an established reputation as a major investor, and he isn't new to going after large targets. But when Coca-Cola shareholder David Winters said last week that he was concerned Mr Buffett would mount a takeover bid for the giant company, more than a few eyebrows were raised among analysts.
The rumours emerged last week when Mr Winters told Fox Business Network that he suspected Mr Buffett, whose investment company Berkshire Hathaway owns nine per cent of the drinks giant, and 3G Capital might work together to take Coca-Cola private. He added that he had written a letter to the board warning them off such a move, reminding them that they have a "duty to all shareholders".
A new report has set out the potential negative business consequences of climate change in the US.
Climate change has been a difficult issue for many businesses, caught between a dependence on fossil fuels and the demand for more sustainable ways of operating. A new report compiled by political and business figures from the US has highlighted the potential cost to companies of failing to take action.
The bipartisan Risky Business report uses what it describes as a "standard risk-assessment approach" to identify the potential consequences of inaction on key areas. It focuses on damage to coastal areas from increased storm surge and rising sea levels, changes to agricultural production that will come from an altered climate, and how higher temperatures will affect public health and the productivity of the US workforce.
With a new chief executive and profit in mind, Islamic Bank of Britain is looking to expand its products and services to attract new customers.
Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB) is the only sharia-compliant retail bank in the UK, and with over 50,000 customers, it has enjoyed a level of success. But with a new chief executive on board, it is seeking to broaden its target audience by expanding the products and services it is owed.
Sultan Choudhury, who was announced as the new chief executive on 23 June, told Reuters that the bank is planning to grow its commercial property business as part of a plan to increase its profitability.
The Green Investment Bank plans to launch £1 billion to encourage private investors to support UK offshore wind farms.
The UK's state-funded Green Investment Bank (GIB) has said that it plans to raise £1 billion for a fund that will encourage private investors to back offshore wind farms around the UK.
GIB says that it is looking for strategic investors to work with on a long-term basis to participate in the capital raising exercise, with the proceeds being used to purchase stakes in a number of operational offshore wind projects. The new fund will be managed by a subsidiary of GIB that will seek permission from the Financial Conduct Authority to be considered a regulated fund manager.
The bidding war for Alstom's energy assets appears to be over, and General Electric is the winner.
The long-running bidding war to take control of French industrial giant Alstom's energy assets has ended – and General Electric (GE) is the winner.
On 22 June, BBC News reported that Alstom's board had voted unanimously to accept an offer from the US firm worth as much as $16.8 billion (£9.9 billion). Although it still needs to be approved by both Alstom's employee representatives and regulatory bodies, it certainly looks as though the bid will go through.
A number of big companies are competing to take over French firm Alstom's energy assets.
Alstom is one of France's top industrial companies, so the idea of a foreign takeover was always going to be sensitive for both the government and large sections of the public. But as the fierce bidding war to acquire it has heated up, even president François Hollande has found himself getting more closely involved.
The French government is expected to decide on its preferred bidder at some point this weekend, and executives at the company have until Monday to decide between the competing bids of US firm General Electric (GE) and the joint bid of German giant Siemens and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The tech and creative industries will be crucial to London's future growth, according to a new CBI report.
Businesses are optimistic about London's growth prospects over the next five years, saying that the key industries to keep the city thriving will be technology, the creative industries and the city's ever-popular professional services and finance sectors.
The latest London Business Survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that nearly seven out of ten firms said the technology and creative industries would be key to the continued economic growth of the capital in the next five years. Another 65 per cent said that professional services would be an important driver of growth, while 62 per cent said the same of the financial services industry.
China and the UK have signed trade deals worth billions during the Chinese premier Li Keqiang's visit to Britain.
The UK has been anxious to tap into China as a crucial export market in recent years, and trade between Britain and the world's second-largest economy has been building on its existing strengths.
During the visit of Chinese premier Li Keqiang to the UK this week, the two nations have signed a succession of trade deals with a collective value of more than £14 billion.


My casual Friday uniform consists of a crisp white button up paired with kelly green high-waisted shorts. This outfit kept me nice and cool on a hot day in LA, happy first day of June everyone.
I LOVE those shorts!! and I want your legs!!
Thank you all for your lovely comments, I love reading them. Come back and visit soon.
very cute and chic! great color shorts and i LOVE your bag!
I love this Elizabeth! I need those shorts!
Those shorts are fabulous, your makeup is perfect and the pictures are great!
Thank you Martha, that's such a wonderful compliment. I use a Canon Rebel T3 with a standard lens, it's my first SLR camera and I love it!


text:
Q: Designing a State Machine for a UART Module I'm trying to work with a UART AT COMMAND 4G Module and I'm trying to design a work flow diagram as a state machine for it.
I have a problem of

*

*processing the incoming messages and sending the commands

*How to move and change the states bewteen each other ?

Here is my initial States:
#define STATE_INIT 0
#define STATE_CONNECTED 1
#define STATE_DISCONNECTED 2
#define STATE_RETRY_CONNECT 3
#define STATE_FAILURE 4
#define STATE_HTTP_POST 5
#define STATE_HTTP_GET 6
#define STATE_HTTP_POST_RETRY 7
#define STATE_HTTP_POST_SUCCESS 8
#define STATE_HTTP_GET_RETRY 9
#define STATE_HTTP_GET_SUCCESS 10
#define STATE_CHECK_CONNECTIVITY 11
#define SIM_STATUS_ERROR 12
#define SIM_STATUS_READY 13
#define SIM_STATUS_LOCKED 14
#define REG_STATUS_UNREGISTERED 15
#define REG_STATUS_SEARCHING 16
#define REG_STATUS_DENIED 17
#define REG_STATUS_OK 18
#define REG_STATUS_HOME 19
#define REG_STATUS_ROAMING 20
#define REG_STATUS_UNKNOWN 21
uint8_t current_state;

void processMessage(char *msg) {

}

void sendCmd(char *cmd) {
    strcpy(UART_Out_Buffer, cmd);
    UART_Out_Cnt = strlen(cmd);
}

void Init_State(void) {

     current_state = STATE_INIT;
     sendCmd("AT+CGSOCKCONT=1,""\"IP""\",""\"A1.net""\"");
     sendCmd("AT+CSOCKAUTH=1,1,""\"ppp""\",""\"ppp@a1plus.at""\"");
     sendCmd("AT+CHTTPSOPSE=""\"ipdb-eu1.com""\",443""\"");

}

Here when we send a command the response should be processed.
void process_uart(void)
{
    uint16_t uartBufPos = 0;
    char line[UART_BUFFER_SIZE];
    line[0] = '\0';
    uint16_t linePos = 0;

    while (UART_Buffer[uartBufPos] != '\0')
    {
        if (UART_Buffer[uartBufPos] == '\n')
        {
            line[linePos] = '\0';
            processMessage(line);
            linePos = 0;
        }
        else
        {
            line[linePos] = UART_Buffer[uartBufPos];
            linePos++;
            if (linePos == UART_BUFFER_SIZE)
            {
                linePos = 0;
            }
        }
        uartBufPos++;
        if (uartBufPos == UART_BUFFER_SIZE)
        {
            uartBufPos = 0;
        }
    }

    if (UART_Out_Cnt > 0)
    {
        HAL_UART_Transmit(&huart2, (uint8_t *)UART_Out_Buffer, UART_Out_Cnt, 100);
        UART_Out_Cnt = 0;
    }
}

Following up with the answer: I have done this:
void HAL_TIM_PeriodElapsedCallback(TIM_HandleTypeDef *htim)
{
  if (htim->Instance == TIM2)
  {
      start_processing = true;
      isSynced = true;

      if (waitreply > 1)
      {
        waitreply--;

        HAL_UART_Receive_DMA(&huart2, DMA_RX_Buffer, DMA_RX_BUFFER_SIZE);

        uint16_t uartBufPos = 0;
        uint16_t linePos = 0;

        while (DMA_RX_Buffer[uartBufPos] != '\0')
        {
          if (DMA_RX_Buffer[uartBufPos] == '\n')
          {
            wait_reply = -1;
          }
          else
          {
            if (uartBufPos == DMA_RX_BUFFER_SIZE)
            {
              uartBufPos = 0;
            }

            uartBufPos++;
          }
        }
      }
  }
}

process state machine:
void process_state_machine()
{

    uint8_t timeout = 0;
    switch (current_state)
    {
    case STATE_INIT:
        if (wait_reply == 0)
        {
            // just entered this state, send command
            HAL_UART_Transmit(&huart2, "AT+CGSOCKCONT=1,"
                                       "\"IP"
                                       "\","
                                       "\"A1.net"
                                       "\"\r\n",
                              strlen("AT+CGSOCKCONT=1,"
                                     "\"IP"
                                     "\","
                                     "\"A1.net"
                                     "\"\r\n"),
                              100);
            wait_reply = 2;
        }
        else
        {
            // reply, or timeout
            if (wait_reply == 1)
            {
                // timeout, retry
                timeout = 0; // this will re-enter this state
            }
            if (wait_reply == -1)
            {
                // analyze reply, may be change state
                wait_reply = 0;
                timeout = 1;
                current_state = STATE_CONNECTED;
            }
        }
        break;

A: It is not easy, but you can do it with a state machine; but that state machine must have at least two levels. This is because when you send a command to the modem, it takes time; still more time is needed to wait for the response. It can be done with a single timer (a simple variable), provided that you have two circular buffers, or at least one, for the modem communication.
The state machine is called in a timely manner, say every 1/100 of second. The timer variable is called waitreply. Pseudo code is something like this:
statemachine:
  if (waitreply > 1):
    waitreply--;
  read characters from modem (from circular buffer)
  is the read message complete? (ends with CR-LF?)
    no:
      (fall to the rest of the routine)

    yes:
      is this out-of-band data?
        yes:
          put it aside and ignore
        no:
          waitreply = -1;

The remaining part is a switch statement, one case for every state. Every state is divided in two:
case SEND_AT:
  if (waitreply == 0) {
    // just entered this state, send command
    send command
    waitreply = some_timeout
  } else {
    // reply, or timeout
    if (waitreply == 1) {
      // timeout, retry
      waitreply = 0;  // this will re-enter this state
    }
    if (waitreply == -1) {
      // analyze reply, may be change state
      waitreply = 0;
      STATE = SEND_ATI;
    }
  }
  break;

This is just an idea, hope it helps in some way.
===== EDIT after comments =====
As seen in the code above, the waitreply variable implements a second-level state machine. If waitreply==0, no transaction is in progress: a command can be sent; if ==-1, then a reply from the modem is ready to be read by the current "state"; otherwise, the state machine is just waiting. Thus, the test for (waitreply > 0) could be moved to the beginning of the function and, if satisfied, simply exit the function prematurely. But this doesn't seem a big improvement.
About the questions from the OP:

*

*Yes, a timer calls the state machine every 1/100 of second. The variable waitreply is initialized to zero.

*There is no "thread", this is a simple routine called from the main

A C program skeleton is as follow:
int waitreply;
enum blahblah state;
void statemachine(void);

void main(void) {
  waitreply = 0;    // already zeroed by C runtime
  state=ST_SENDAT;  // see if the modem is alive
  do {
    if (timer_expired) {
      // 1/100 sec elapsed
      statemachine();
      start_timer();
    }
  }
}

void statemachine(void) {
  // prologue... modem_replay will contain the reply from modem
  switch (state) {
    case ST_SENDAT:
      if (waitreply == 0) {
        // just entered this state, send command
        send_to_modem("AT" CR LF);
        waitreply = 200;   // 2 seconds
      } else {
        // reply, or timeout
        if (waitreply == 1) {
          // timeout, retry
          waitreply = 0;  // this will re-enter this state
        }
        if (waitreply == -1) {
          // analyze reply, may be change state
          waitreply = 0;
          if (0 == strcmp(modem_reply, "OK"))
              STATE = SEND_ATI;   // another state, to get info from modem
              // else will re-enter this same state, for ever
        }
      }
      break;
  }  // end of switch
} // func statemachine

I repeat, this is just an idea which grants fine control, but nothing more.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Home > Environmental Regulations > CARB Proposes New Diesel Emission Regulations (13 CCR SEC. 2449)
CARB Proposes New Diesel Emission Regulations (13 CCR SEC. 2449)
By Sheppard Mullin on June 15, 2007 Posted in Environmental Regulations
Recognizing that many industrial businesses in California operate using older, and thus more polluting, off-road diesel vehicle fleets, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed new regulations intended to reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrous oxide (NOx) from such vehicles and require businesses to retrofit or "turn over" their fleets over time.
In brief the proposed regulations:
Apply to any diesel-powered off-road engine with 25 or greater horsepower.
Establish emission reduction standards by year, with declining emissions over time, that vary whether the diesel fleet is considered large, medium or small, as measured by the fleet's total horsepower (for most private businesses under the current iteration of the rule, a "small fleet" is total HP below 1,500, a medium fleet between 1,501 and 5,000, with anything over 5,000 considered a "large fleet").
Under the current version of the rule, large fleets must meet both NOx and PM emissions reductions starting in 2010 (with reporting starting in 2009). Medium fleets by 2013 (reporting in 2009). Small fleets are exempt from NOx emission rules, but must meet PM standards by 2015 (reporting 2009).
The proposed rule requires the use of retrofit technology, and the "turn over" of vehicles to cleaner engines over time, with reference to a percentage formula.
The rule allows for certain case-by-case exemptions, such as for very new vehicles and specialty vehicles under various conditions. Other types of vehicles, such as stationary equipment, generators, locomotives and marine vehicles, are categorically exempt from the regulations, as are "low use" vehicles (less than 100 hours of operation yearly).
CARB estimates the total cumulative cost of the regulations to be between $3.0 – $3.4 billion, with the majority of the costs occurring between 2010 and 2021.
The regulations are still under consideration, and CARB is scheduled to make its final decision on these regulations on July 26, 2007. Until then, the proposed regulations remain open for public comment. To comment or obtain more information, please visit www.arb.ca.gov, or call 1-866-6DIESEL. Once CARB issues the new regulations, Sheppard Mullin will provide an update to this article and will summarize the relevant modifications.
Impetus for Proposed Regulations
The primary justifications for the new rules are (1) the negative health effects of PM and NOx, and (2) the need to meet federal clean air standards in order to avoid sanctions. Regarding health, CARB estimates the new regulations will prevent 4,000 premature deaths and save $18-26 billion in health care costs. Regarding emissions, CARB expects the new regulations will reduce 33,000 tons of PM (a 92% reduction from 2000 emissions) and 187,000 tons of NOx (a 32% reduction from 2000 emissions) between 2009 and 2030.
Scope of the Regulations
The proposed regulations apply to any person, business or government agency that owns or operates any diesel-powered off-road vehicle in California with 25 or greater horsepower.
The regulation applies to any self-propelled diesel vehicle that cannot be licensed to drive on- road. The types of vehicles subject to regulation include: vehicles used in construction (i.e. backhoes, tractors), mining, rental, landscaping, recycling, landfilling, manufacturing, warehousing (i.e. forklifts), airport ground support, skiing (i.e. snowmobiles), composting, and other vehicles in various industrial operations.
Categorically exempted from regulation are (1) personal use vehicles, and (2) stationary equipment or portable equipment such as generators. Also exempted are locomotives, marine vessels and marine engines, recreational vehicles, combat or tactical support vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and equipment at ports and railyards.
The emission requirements are intended to require fleets to apply exhaust retrofits that capture pollutants before they are emitted, and to accelerate turn over of fleets to newer, less-polluting engines.
Owners are subject to different requirements depending on the size of their vehicle fleet, measured by horsepower. In general, total fleet horsepower of less than 1,500 is considered a "small fleet." Total fleet horsepower between 1,501 and 5,000 is considered a "medium fleet," and total fleet horsepower over 5,000 is a "large fleet." State and federally owned fleets are considered "large fleets" without regard to total horsepower.
Small, medium and large fleets all must meet the yearly fleet average emission rate targets for PM or apply the highest level verified diesel emission control system to 20% of its horsepower. Large and medium fleets (but not small fleets) must also be required to meet the yearly fleet average emission rate targets for NOx or to turn over a percentage of their horsepower (8% in early years, 10% in later years).
"Turn over" means retrofitting an engine to capture pollutants, replacing a dirty engine with a clean engine, retiring a dirty vehicle, replacing a vehicle with a new or used piece, or re-designating a vehicle as "low-use." "Low-use" vehicles (which operate for less than 100 hours per year) are exempt from emission requirements, but still must be properly labeled and reported to CARB.
Large and Medium Fleets
Large fleets must start meeting certain targets by 2010 and must begin reporting on April 1, 2009. Medium fleets must start meeting certain targets by 2013 and reporting by June 1, 2009. Annual reporting of fleet changes is also required. CARB estimates a yearly compliance cost of 0-$180 per horsepower.
Below are the most recent emission targets by fleet and year. These are expected to change before adoption of the final rule in July 2007:
Table 1 – Large and Medium Fleet NOx Targets
For Use in Calculating Fleet Target Rates [g/bhp-hr]
NOx Targets for each Max Hp Group
Compliance Date:
March 1 of
2009 (large fleets only)
Table 2 – Large and Medium Fleet PM Targets
PM Targets for each Max Hp Group
Exemptions to Turnover Requirements for Large and Medium Fleets
The following vehicles would be exempt from turnover requirements:
Vehicles less than 10 years old
Certain specialty vehicles (such as snow removal vehicles or emergency vehicles) if conditions are satisfied
Engines installed with the best available PM exhaust retrofit, if installed within the past 6 years
Engines meeting the Tier 4 or interim Tier 4 standards
If NOx retrofits become available and approved, they could be used in lieu of turnover requirements so long as they achieve equivalent emission reductions.
Exemptions from Mandatory Retrofit Requirements in Large and Medium Fleets
Engines in vehicles less than 5 years old
Engines for which there is no retrofit available or for which the retrofit cannot be safely installed
New engines with a particulate diesel filter
Engines already retrofit with best available PM retrofit that achieves at least 50% PM reduction at the time of installation
Engines retrofit with an experimental diesel emission control system approved by CARB
Small Fleets
Small fleets must begin complying with the new regulations by 2015, and begin annual reporting of their fleet by April 1, 2009. Small fleets are entirely exempt from the NOx emission rules. CARB estimates that a typical business with 1,000 total horsepower will pay about $73,000 total to comply with the new regulations, with average annual costs of about $6,000 from 2009 to 2030.
Below are the most recent emission targets for small fleets, which may change upon adoption of the final rule:
Table 3 –Small Fleet PM Targets
0.12/p>
Exemption to Retrofit Requirements for Small Fleets
The following engines are exempt from retrofit requirements:
Engines retrofit with an experimental diesel emission control system approved by CARB.
Limits on Idling
The rule requires operators not to idle their vehicles for more than 5 minutes. The idling limit does not apply to idling while queuing, idling necessary for vehicle maintenance or service and idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
Incentive Funding
Business can obtain funds from the Carl Moyer Program, which provides $140 million yearly through local air districts. Because medium and small fleets have several years before having to meet emission requirements, businesses with such fleets have an opportunity to apply for these funds. CARB is also planning to offer a one-time $25 million grant program for public agencies to purchase new vehicles.
For more information please contact Randolph C. Visser and Olivier F. Theard. Randy Visser is a partner in the Construction, Environmental, Real Estate and Land Use Litigation Practice Group in the firm's Los Angeles office. Olivier Theard is an associate in the Business Trial Practice Group and the Environmental and Construction Practice Group in the firm's Los Angeles office.
Tags: Environmental Regulations
This alert is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to form an attorney client relationship. Please contact your Sheppard Mullin attorney contact for additional information.


text:
The 1983 Dwars door België was the 38th edition of the Dwars door Vlaanderen cycle race and was held on 24 March 1983. The race started and finished in Waregem. The race was won by Etienne De Wilde.

Gerrie Knetemann hit a parked car during the race, and was sent to hospital with serious injuries, that took him out of race for a good part of the rest of the season.

General classification

References

1983
1983 in road cycling
1983 in Belgian sport
March 1983 sports events in Europe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: dynamically changing the values of database system variables set in an option file In MySQL SET syntax page it says following: "To make a global system variable setting permanent, you should set it in an option file". Does this mean that I will not be able to dynamically change the values of variables set in the option file? (I want to change them iteratively via some script).

A: No, it simply means you are setting a global default value that will survive restarts of the service. The SET command will still override any defaults in the scope specified (global, session, etc.).
If you are using SET GLOBALs, you have probably already overridden option file defaults.


text:
Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown miss recent OTAs
Updated: May 31, 2018 at 10:13 am
How big of a deal is it that Big Ben, AB are sitting out OTAs?
It turns out Le'Veon Bell isn't the only high-profile Pittsburgh Steelers player to exercise his right to skip voluntary organized team activities.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown have missed the past four and three practices, respectively, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Multiple players confirmed the duo's absence.
"It's tough, you wish they were here," guard David DeCastro said. "It's a team event, but it's not real football yet. It's one of those things, you just look at it as an older guy, just get in shape.
"It would be great if they were out here, but at the same time we'll be all right. I think they'll definitely be all right."
Maurkice Pouncey told NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala on Thursday that Roethlisberger wasn't at OTAs because of a family vacation, which prompted Brown to stay away since he prefers to work with Big Ben.
It's within a player's right to skip voluntary workouts. The Steelers' absences, however, are especially notable after Brown suggested last week that Bell should be at OTAs.
"The first rule of getting better is showing up," Brown told reporters at the time. "You can't make anything better without showing up."
Big Ben's absence is also interesting after the hullabaloo regarding how much he'd help mentor rookie quarterback Mason Rudolph.
In the grand scheme, the absences likely will mean very little. Skipping OTAs has opened opportunities for younger players to get more reps before training camp.
By skipping OTA sessions, Big Ben and Brown also mitigate their risk to injuries -- something that the Steelers weren't immune to during Wednesday's practice. Offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins went down with a knee injury, per reporters on the scene. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo then reported that tight end Jake McGee suffered what is believed to be a torn Achilles tendon, per sources informed of the injury.


text:
Mehrīān-e 'Olyā o Mehrīān (farsi مِهريانِ عُليا) è una città dello shahrestān di Boyer Ahmad, circoscrizione di Centrale, nella provincia di Kohgiluyeh e Buyer Ahmad. Aveva, nel 2006, 4.857 abitanti.

Note

Collegamenti esterni

Centri abitati del Kohgiluyeh e Buyer Ahmad


New WMUG NL Event: All About SCOM!
This session is presented by the Dutch PowerShell Guru himself, Stefan Stranger. This man eats, drinks, breathes and speaks PowerShell. So you want to learn about PS? Simply go to this session.
Presented by Dieter Wijckmans from Belgium. Has a lot of knowledge and presents his sessions with a touch of humor. Always much to learn from his sessions.
Presented by Dennis Rietvink, co-founder of Savision. Has a lot of knowledge of SCOM and not only a technical level but also on the business processes side of things.
So for anyone living in the Netherlands and interested to learn something about SCOM, this is THE event to attend. Go here to learn more and register yourself.
And a BIG word of thanks to VX Company for hosting this event.
Got this great advice when looking for some good resources on exam 74-409, Server Virtualization with Hyper-V and System Center which I want to share with you all.
Corry Hynes (President & Lead Architect).
Corry (on the right) is the one doing the most talking here and he knows his stuff inside and out.
Where some MVA courses are nothing but commercials (and a waste of your time), this course really stands out since it contains real life information and not too much marketing mumbo jumbo.
Anyone involved with Hyper-V and looking for ways to obtain more information about Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2, this course is a MUST see and a MUST do.
And of course, a very thorough introduction to the related exam.
Last but not least, this course is FREE!!!
When connecting SCVMM with SCOM there are certain requirements to be met. On the SCOM side of things for instance you need the SQL, IIS and Server OS MPs to be in place. Otherwise the SCVMM MP – imported when integrating SCVMM with SCOM – won't fly because of their references.
My test lab however runs for now only the 'Latest & Greatest'. So it's Windows Server 2012 R2 and all the SC 2012 R2 components. So why import MPs referring to older technologies? Let's keep it lean & mean.
Yes, ALL the required MPs themselves were already imported. Only the parts referring to older technologies (IIS 2003 and IIS 2008) weren't imported simply because they're not present in the test lab.
However, the SCVMM MP refers to these older MP components and when missing it results in a failure of their import which bombs the fist integration attempt.
Until the SCVMM MP uses references to newer versions of the IIS MP, you'll have to import these older IIS MPs. Otherwise the integration between SCVMM 2012 R2 and SCOM 2012 R2 won't fly at all.
Quick Trick: Where Is SQL Server Configuration Manager After Updating To WS2012 R2?
A SQL 2012 Server running Windows Server 2012 RTM was successfully upgraded to Windows Server 2012 R2. All was well after the upgrade. SQL Server functioned just fine. But at a certain moment I required SQL Server Configuration Manager for some additional configuration tasks.
However, it turned out SQL Server Configuration Manager was missing!
SQL Server Configuration Manager is nothing but a snap-in for the MMC, residing in the ~\Windows\System32 folder. Even though the file itself (SQLServerManager11.msc) is still present, the registration was gone during the upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2.
Copied the folder Configuration Tools to the same folder on the SQL Server with the missing link to SQL Server Configuration Manager.
After this all was fine again and all the correct links (with the correct icons!) were back again.
I installed an Enterprise CA on a Windows 2012 R2 Server. But when I tried to start the MMC for it I got this error message: Cannot manage active directory certificate services. The system cannot find the file specified: 0x800700002 (WIN32: 2 ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND).
Click on the link of that message and follow the required steps in the Wizard. Afterwards your CA will be up and running.
Microsoft has published new posters which provide a visual reference for understanding key private cloud storage and virtualization technologies in Windows Server 2012 R2. They focus on understanding storage architecture, virtual hard disks, cluster shared volumes, scale-out file servers, storage spaces, data deduplication, Hyper-V, Failover Clustering, and virtual hard disk sharing.
Go get them from here.
Some days ago Microsoft released a new MP for monitoring SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services, version 1.0.5.0. This MP runs from OM12 RTM and higher versions.
Microsoft released Update Rollup #5 for System Center 2012 SP1, to be found here.
However, BE CAREFUL with applying this update rollup package since Microsoft's track record for the quality of these updates – like the patches released per month – isn't that rock solid anymore.
Operations Manager (8 issues fixed).
I advise you all strongly to be careful with this update rollup package. Read all the available documentation twice and install it in lab environments FIRST before moving to production. With this I would wait at least 4 weeks in order to see there aren't any hidden 'features' which cause serious issues in your production environment.
Microsoft released Update Rollup #1 for System Center 2012 R2, to be found here.
Operations Manager (10 issues fixed).
When you install App Controller 2012 R2 and refer to a SQL Server instance that hosted a previous version of the App Controller SQL database you'll get this error during the installation phase where you to configure the SQL Server database: App Controller SQL Agent jobs installed. App Controller instances cannot share SQL Server instance.
This issue – and other caveats where you might bump into – are described in the Release Notes of App Controller. The cause for this particular error message is that both SQL Agent Jobs (CloudManagerDailyJobGroomer and CloudManagerOrphanedJobMarker) belonging to the previous installation of App Controller are still in place.
Simply remove those two SQL Agent Jobs and you're fine.
Right click them and select Delete. Repeat this step for the other job as well.
Now the installation of App Controller will run just fine.
When installing SCVMM 2012x it's simply Best Practice to use Distributed Key Management (DKM) to store the encryption keys, even when SCVMM is installed on a single server.
Why? Simply because AD is a wonderful robust mechanism you already have so why not use it to store the required encryption keys for SCVMM? And many times later on it's decided that SCVMM is way to critical to have it running on a single server. In situations like these it's better to have those encryption keys stored in AD since it makes it far more easier to cluster SCVMM.
Even when the container is present and the required permissions properly configured as described by this TechNet article, it looks like the installer doesn't work. Many times this error occurs because the entered Distinguished Name (DN) is incorrect.
Now you know you've got the correct DN value. So when the SCVMM returns an error again at least you know you've entered the correct value for the DN which makes troubleshooting (incorrect permissions on that container) far more easy .
Get Your Microsoft Virtualization Certification For FREE!!!
For a limited time Microsoft offers a LIMITED set of FREE vouchers to take exam 74-409, which gets you a certification in Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center.
For what I've heard this exam is a tough one but doable when you are an IT professional who is responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining a virtualization infrastructure.
GET YOUR FREE VOUCHER TODAY AND REGISTER FOR THE EXAM!!!
In the old days, being single and not having to care for anyone but myself, I had many computers running. Yes, the bill I paid to the company delivering the so much required juice for all those machines was happy with me being their customer. I ran almost all the software published by Microsoft back in those days, allowing me to learn a lot and also to know what I didn't like at all.
Yes, that happened to me. And I am happy with it. But something had to give. So the Omni presence of the computers was reduced. Step by step it happened. First the computers retreated to the dedicated computer room.
When that was done, it wasn't the end of it all but the start of the second phase. So soon the number of computers was reduced to only a few, stripping down the labs I had running to the bare essentials and sometimes even less.
Back in those days multiple computers were required in order to build yourself a proper test lab. But now, thanks to the ever speeding developments (hard- and software wise) this isn't needed anymore.
Powerful processors have become cheap, same goes for high speed memory and SSD drives. So even for a relatively small budget one can build him/herself a very decent test lab running on a single computer. Combined with a proper hyper visor and you're in business.
Some time ago I purchased myself a powerful computer running a good CPU, 32 GBs of high speed RAM and two 256 GB super fast SSD drives. This PC became my test lab, running Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 with Hyper-V, allowing me to run many VMs.
WS 2012 > WS 2012 R2 and no network!
Soon the upgrade to Windows Server 2012 happened and some time ago, the upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2. Even though Windows Server installs great on a huge set of different hardware, I had issues.
Actually, the same issue I experienced when installing Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and upgrading it to Windows Server 2012 RTM.
And now, upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2 I was bitten by the same issue again: the NIC didn't install!
However, as it turned out, it's not a Windows issue at all. The system I use is meant to be a desktop. The Intel mobo has an onboard NIC, the Intel 82579 V Gigabit LAN. Even though the drivers are updated to support Windows 8.1 x64, these drivers DO NOT work with any Windows Server OS version. Simply because the driver blocks it!
However, I am not the only one, 'pushing' desktop systems to their limits and even beyond. So soon I found this posting by Ivo Beerens – which aided me in the past – all about getting this NIC to work on Windows Server 2012 RTM.
However, for Windows Server 2012 R2 things have changed slightly. I have adjusted the required steps in order to get it working for Windows Server 2012 R2. None the less, without Ivo's posting I couldn't have ake it work, so a BIG thanks to Ivo Beerens!
Device Manager > select the disfunctional network device > Properties > Driver > Update Driver > choose Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer > Have disk > Browse > and select now the modified file (e1d64x64.inf).
And now your poor man's lab is ready to ROCK!!!
Again, all credits go to Ivo Beerens since his posting pointed me in the right direction.
What Do YOU Think About The Exchange 2013 MP?
Talking about bad luck. As it turns out there were some issues with SkyDrive preventing people to access/modify the file. However, SkyDrive is back online now and fully functional. So to all the people out there, please submit your comments and I'll see to it that it's send to the proper people at Microsoft.
Hi all. Just wondering whether I can get good feedback from the community about the Exchange Server 2013 MP.
For myself I have an opinion about this MP. But this time I want to know what YOU think about it, based on personal real life experiences and not because someone else says/thinks so.
What's good about it and why?
What's not so good about it and why?
Rating from 1 to 5 (1 = bad, 5 = excellent).
I tried to create a OneNote notebook on my SkyDrive but all I got were errors. Therefore I have created a Word document on my SkyDrive which you can use to enter your information and – when applicable – screenshots.
Since this document is open to anyone I hope all goes well and the document won't be misused. Also remember when using screenshots to cover sensitive information like server names and so on.
Looking forward to receive some valuable feedback.
Thanks to the blog of Thomas Lee I found a very interesting document, a FULL PDF of all the Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 documentation as found on the Microsoft TechNet Library.
I have downloaded this file and I am happy to have all this information in a SINGLE document. Considering the wealth of information it contains it isn't that big actually but still takes up 110 MBs. And be careful with printing it since it contains 7970(!) pages .
File can be downloaded from here.
Last Friday Microsoft published a new set of documents all about Getting Started with System Center 2012 R2.
This documentation is mainly targeted at audience who is new to System Center 2012 R2 and want to know more about it. It's a good stepping stone to the more technical documentation found in the TechNet Library.
Documentation to be found here.
Last Friday Microsoft made the new PREVIEW version of the Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA) available for download, version 1.60.1.
As you already know, MMA is capable of functioning WITHOUT a SCOM Management Group to report to. In that case it's used as a part of Application Insights for Visual Studio Online, as a stand-alone monitoring tool.
Some years ago when I started working with SCOM 2007 RTM it was a bumpy ride. Many 'undocumented features' were present in the RTM version of SCOM 2007, resulting in strange behavior of the SCOM environment.
So I needed information. Badly. But where to start since we're talking about the undocumented features here. So Google became my best friend and soon I found some places on the web which contained really good information.
Blogs run by people like Anders Bengtsson, Cameron Fuller, Stefan Stranger, Kevin Holman, Pete Zerger and David Allen. Back then those were only names to me, now I consider them as friends . Also their blogs helped me to get my own blog on track.
As time moved on, the list of good blogs changed. Some were added where others were removed. But one blog stayed for me on top of my personal list since it contained really helpful information. Deep technological understanding of the inner workings of SCOM combined with a rock solid explanation, and that for every posting, made this blog so special and really stand out. Also the pace of the postings being pumped out was amazing.
Since some blogs – which were good as well - were removed from the internet, I went to certain lengths to preserve the postings from that blog in particular and others in general.
Whenever a new and interesting posting was added, I copied the contents into a Word document, gave it a proper title and saved it locally on my notebook. Later on I moved all those documents to my SkyDrive account so I could access that information from anywhere.
And man, those documents have really helped me on numerous occasions!
However, as time moves on things tend to change. So that particular blog which really rocked, became a bit silent because of a career move of the author of that blog. Other blogs took over but never got to that level in a consistent manner.
Even though new postings were added, the pace had grown less regular and the content was missing out on the deep technological level. Which was totally understandable since the author had moved from a deep technical approach to a more sales driven one.
The first days of this year really started well for me. First I got my MVP award for the fifth year and on the second day of 2014 I read a posting on this particular blog stating the author is back in his old role, Premier Field Engineering!
The same posting also stated that his blog would reflect that career change as well. And until now he has kept his word. Five postings have been added all on the same level like they were before!
Ladies and gentleman, the KING OF SCOM is BACK!!! Let's rock this joint!!!
System Center Universe 2014 – Europe: Confirmed Speaker!
Even though the SCU events aren't as big in size as a former MMS event, the content rocks! So content wise they really measure up against the former MMS. Simply because the speakers who present there are among the best we know, and they share their knowledge and experience openly with the audience.
With some help (THANK YOU!) I have done my best to board that train as a speaker for SCU Europe 2014 and it hasn't been in vain! Just about an hour ago I got the e-mail telling me I am one of the confirmed speakers for SCU 2014 Europe!
This is AWESOME news. And no, I don't consider myself being a super speaker or to be one of the best out there. But I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share and I'll do my UTMOST best to present a session that's SCU 2014 worthy!
Hope to see many of you at SCU 2014 Europe in September.
For a day now a new FREE MP Authoring tool for IT Pros is available for download. This will be the tool recommended by Microsoft since they partnered with Silect in order to build this new tool.
Basically it means it will replace VAT (Visio Authoring Tool) which won't be recommended anymore nor supported. I don't regret it since VAT wasn't a good tool at all. It forced me to use other MP authoring tooling, so I am happy about the demise of it.
Simply click on No Thanks. This will bring you back to the main screen where you started. But now you've received an e-mail message containing the download link for the tool.
A colleague of mine – Peter Smit – has decided to start blogging as well. His first posting is out there right now, all about a commercial Management Pack he wrote by himself.
This is MP is aimed at monitoring Derdack Enterprise Alert and is already sold to quite a lot of customers running SCOM and Derdack Enterprise Alert.
Peter Smit is a real crack when it comes down to MP authoring. Already I have learned tons of new tricks from him. Somehow he makes MP authoring looking simple, while it's a challenge to get it right. But he knows it inside and out, so I am happy to have him as a colleague, awesome!
I am convinced he'll be posting interesting articles about SCOM and MP authoring. So stay tuned and follow his blog, to be found here.
2014 is going to be an exciting year for WMUG Netherlands.
Why? Glad you ask, so let me tell you a bit more.
First of all, just before the end of 2013, WMUG Netherlands got two new active members on board: Adnan Hendricks and Guido van Brakel. These are two serious IT Pro's with a lot of knowledge and experience. So it's an honor and a privilege to have these two onboard.
For 2014 we have many new topics on our agenda. So many new meetings will be organized. Some of these meetings will be presented as online webinars and others will be in the more traditional format, one where you have to travel and be able to meet with your fellow peers.
The first event is already open for registration! On the 22nd of January Microsoft Virtual Machine MVP Didier van Hoye will present a demo heavy webcast about Troubleshooting Hyper-V Live Migration performance issues. Didier will explain the options you can configure and optimize when Live Migration performance is slow, also features like VMQ an RSS will be covered.
And believe me, there's much more in the pipeline, so stay tuned!
The BizTalk MPs for BizTalk 2006/2009 and 2010 do have serious issues, causing Alert storms. Which is really bad.
BizTalk 2010 MP? Problem already solved!
Gladly for the BizTalk 2010 MP my fellow MVP buddy Bob Cornelissen has built an add-on MP for the BizTalk 2010 MP which addresses this issue, to be found here. What is does, is disabling the Rules which cause the Alert Storms, and replace them by new ones which don't create Alert Storms. This MP works awesome.
However, for the earlier versions of BizTalk (2006 and 2009) the same issue is at hand. And for this MP there wasn't (until now ) a MP which reduces the noise. However, a customer of mine has to monitor an application environment, running different versions of BizTalk, among them older versions.
And yes, their SCOM environment was hammered down because of the Alert storms caused by the buggy Rules present in the BizTalk 2006/2009 MP.
Gladly I know Bob on a personal level as well so I contacted him and asked him for the 'recipe' of his BizTalk 2010 Noise Reduction MP. Which he shared with me. Based on that information I made a new MP (using Notepad ++), which disables18 Rules which are potential candidates to create Alert Storms, and recreates them WITHOUT the 'feature' which are the culprit for those very same Alert storms. Took me some time since I had to recreate the Rules one by one in order to remove the part which create the Alert storms.
But the result is very good. The Alert storms are gone while the rest of the BizTalk MP is maintained.
A BIG thanks to Bob for providing me the information how he built the noise reduction MP for BizTalk 2010.
Always test MPs in a non-production environment in order to see whether they work as expected. This MP is made available as-is for the community, so I don't provide special support for it. Just make sure to test it yourself.
Yesterday was a special day. Not only the first day of 2014 but also the day I got my fifth MVP Award!
It even surprised me since in 2013 I've been criticizing Microsoft in some postings and tweets. Never aimed at persons but more at the way processes are executed. Never meant to flame or bash but to point out the weaker spots, hoping that it will land and – finally – will result in better services and products.
Yet Microsoft showed to have a big heart and to look at the bigger picture here, which I really appreciate. So I am a MVP again!
And of course, a BIG word of thanks to all the readers of my blog. Without your comments, feedback and remarks this blog would be nothing but an empty shell.
Last but not least even BIGGER words of thanks and appreciation for my wife since she enables me to grow and excel. Without her aid I wouldn't be in this spot at all.


When will your fresh morel mushrooms be in stock, and how long will you be selling them?
Because fresh morels are a wild product, we really can't be sure of the answer to either question. Our best guess is that we'll have them from sometime in April to sometime in July, but that's a rough average of past years rather than any firm prediction. We've had morels show up earlier, and/or leave earlier.
Wild mushrooms grow when, where, and how they will. Changing weather patterns can have a huge impact on morel arrival, departure, and yield.
What we can offer you now is to let you know as soon as we get them. Just contact us and tell us how'd you like us to get in touch.
– Question Submitted by Rita P.