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Venom - Review
Second Chance: Buried
Patrick Taylor
Features, Nostalgia, Second Chance
Rewinding Time: The Rise of the Small Screen
Olivia Luder
Best Films Never Made #43: The Beatles and Joe Orton's Up Against It
Best Films Never Made #37: Neill Blomkamp's Alien 5
Scene Stealers: Spike Milligan in Monty Python's Life of Brian
A Beginner's Guide to... Rock Docs
Tagged Channing Tatum
Cel Mates: The Book of Life
CEL Mates, Features, Independent
The Book of Life bears more than a passing resemblance to Pixar's Coco, out this week. Obviously, both are based around the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, and involve protagonists going on a...
Logan Lucky – Review
At a time when white supremacists are marching in the streets, "Ocean's Eleven in Trump's America" could have easily become a two-hour middle finger to the Bible Belt. So perhaps the most surprising...
How Jupiter Ascending Set a New High Bar for Trashy Sci-Fi
While the Wachowskis have previously found success with films like The Matrix and V for Vendetta (and an arguable, if baffling, masterpiece in Cloud Atlas), Jupiter Ascending garnered lukewarm reviews at best...
Magic Mike XXL – Review
Magic Mike XXL's scenes hang adequately in sequence: some uninteresting, some entertaining, and all of them tongue-in-cheek. It is unfortunate (depending on your point of view) that the film is consistently...
The ORWAV Playlist – July 2015
Calum Baker
Behind The Curtain, Features, Music of the Movies
Every four weeks, ORWAV explores the movie month ahead through the medium of song! Upcoming releases, notable births and anniversaries and a general celebration of the films, directors, technicians and...
COMPETITION – Win Jupiter Ascending on Blu-ray!
To celebrate the release of the stunning space epic Jupiter Ascending, out now on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & DVD, we're giving you the amazing chance to win a copy on Blu-ray! Here's the plot: Mila Kunis...
Second Chance: She's the Man
Love, scandal, epic bloodshed: there's a reason that Shakespeare adapts so well into the teen movie genre. One overlooked gem is 2006's Twelfth Night adaptation, She's the Man, starring the...
COMPETITION – Win FOXCATCHER on DVD!
Thanks to the extremely brilliant people at Organic Publicity and Sony Classics, we've got TWO DVDs of one of the most talked about films this past awards season, FOXCATCHER! Here's the film's...
Jupiter Ascending – Review
Jupiter Ascending is simply disappointing. The Wachowskis' latest film is confused, creative, crazed, colourful and contradictory, the original promise squandered by schlocky rehashes of the directors'...
The Book of Life – Review
The Book of Life makes an intriguing attempt at exploring gender stereotypes, but often ends up reinforcing them. Maria (Saldana) ticks a few painfully clichéd feminist heroine boxes, but mostly she is never...
Foxcatcher – LFF Review
Foxcatcher is a fascinating study of dedication, loneliness and power. In many ways it's a tonally opposite companion to Whiplash. Sadly, it's also nowhere near as good. Fry and Futterman's script...
Hollywood's Brightest Star: Channing Tatum
He weighs in at 83kg, 185cm tall and he's the male acting equivalent of Anne Hathaway. A figure that's often derided by critics for his apparent absence of talent, Channing Tatum is a by-word for "tries...
22 Jump Street – Review
22 Jump Street is belly-aching, mickey-taking, cinema-shaking summer comedy at its very best. Phil Lord and Chris Miller's follow up to their 2012 reboot does not shy away from its bigger sequel status....
Impossibly Early Predictions: The 87th Academy Awards
We've had a week to come down. A week to talk about how great Cate Blanchett and Lupita Nyong'o were, how, er, unique Kim Novak's presentational style was, and how incredibly predictable the Academy Awards...


Wonderful sheep photos, but I am more drawn to your cow pictures. It is just me. I like cows.
I like cows, too! :-) I took around 300 cow photos ... so .. more to come ;-).
I am looking forward to seeing more of your cow photos. With 300 from which to choose you must have some great ones. The picture of cows you posted of 25 September showed some really sweet looking ones.


Subutex is a product of Buprenorphine, a narcotic similar to Morphine, Codeine, and Heroin. Overcoming an Opioid addiction can be extremely difficult. Prolonged Opiate abuse can develop a dependency and tolerance, increasing frequency and dosage is expected from an Opioid addiction.
As Opioid addiction progresses the withdrawal symptoms become more aggressive as well. The withdrawals can be so overwhelming that many fail to quit using. Additionally the health risks of withdrawals from Opioids are extremely dangerous. Prolonged Opioid abuse damages the brain significantly. When using Heroin or other strong Opioids the brain has an overwhelming rush of chemicals causing a euphoric sensation. The long-term damage inhibits the brain from producing the natural chemicals that promote pleasure. As a result the user becomes dependent to the drug to avoid extreme lows and physical withdrawals.
Subutex was manufactured specifically to relieve withdrawals for recovering Opioid addicts. Subutex is the trade name for Buprenorphine, a semi-synthetic Opioid. The main function of Subutex is to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal from Opioids, to avoid a relapse. As many can find the withdrawal from Opioids so overwhelming they relapse by defeat. Because Subutex is Opioid based it has the same characteristics as Morphine or Heroin. Not only does it resolve withdrawal symptoms, additionally it relieves mild to moderate pain for patience not tolerant to opiates. Because Subutex is an Opioid based drug the risk of a dependency to Subutex is probable if it is abused.
Subutex is administered only by being placed under the tongue which its then absorbed into the bloodstream. The drug takes 5-10 minutes to fully dissolve and start to take effect. Subutex is ineffective if chewed or swallowed. It is imperative to use Subutex only as prescribed, the drug is addictive and abuse can result in death. Subutex is not formulated to be injected and could potentially result in death. As with all Opioids a tolerance can result from prolonged use, which gives potential for an overdose if the prescription is abused. Subutex should be used in moderation and the doses should gradually decline. Depending on dose and frequency withdrawal symptoms can be expected.
Overdose of Subutex can result from increasing dose against doctor's order. Prolonged use of Subutex can build a tolerance and dependence. The goal of taking Subutex is to wean off of Opioids by gradually decreasing the dose and frequency of Subutex a safe comfortable detox can be achieved. This is if Subutex is taken strictly by doctor's order. Combining substances puts the patient at a high risk of complications that could result in death. It is not recommended to take Subutex with alcohol, anti-depressants, and other prescription or non-prescription drugs. Subutex abuse can lead to another addiction, and is increasingly being abused. The cost and availability of Subutex can lead to an alternative addiction.
Subutex, if used properly, can open the door to recovery for many suffering from opiate addiction.


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JOEL KATZ – The Best of Joel Katz & The Dymensions CD
The Best of Joel Katz & the Dymensions, highlights 21 of the most beloved and long out-of-print songs from New Jersey doo-wop singer, Joel Katz and his super group, The Dymensions.
JOEL KATZ - The Best of Joel Katz & The Dymensions CD quantity
SKU: OK 90167-2 Category: CDs Tags: cd, CDs, Joel Katz, The Best of, The Dymensions
The Voice of New Jersey Doo-Wop Groups, Joel Katz, has been keeping the spirit of the 50's alive for years, through his work as both a performer and an engineer. He has fronted groups such as the Wizards, the Platinums, the Connotations, Twilight and Ronnie I's Cliftonaires, and has worked with some of the most iconic names in doo wop, including Johnny Maestro (Crests & Brooklyn Bridge), Bobby Jay (Laddins), and Eugene Pitt (Jive Five), among many others.
While Joel has undeniably made himself a recognizable name throughout the industry as one of the best, and underrated voices in Doo Wop, his career has been shrouded in anonymity. "The Best of Joel Katz & the Dymensions", released by OK!Good Records on October 4th, 2019, is meant to not only highlight the most beloved songs to have been recorded by Joel, and his super group, but to showcase Joel and place him in the well-deserved spotlight.
The album features 21 tracks from the original Joel & the Dymensions albums, which are no longer in print, as well as "All I Want For Christmas Is You", all of which never before been released before on digital streaming platforms. It features renditions of well-known Doo Wop songs such as "Earth Angel" by The Penguines, "Heart and Soul" by The Cleftones, and "Sixteen Candles" by The Crests, as well as rare songs sought out by collectors. The tracks were arranged and produced by Joel Katz, Johnny Maestro, Bobby Jay, and Eugene Pitt.
Chapel Bells
Dance Girl
My Love is Real
Please Remember My Heart
Darling Little Angel
The Girl of My Dreams
Waited So Long
Love Bound
Little Did I Dream
I'll Be Forever Loving You
That's My Desire
Devil or Angel
Story Untold
Earth Angel
A Thousand Miles Away
I Do Love You (Bonus Track)
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JOEL KATZ & THE DYMENSIONS – I Do Love You / Ooh Child 7″ Vinyl
SCHILLER – Timeline: The Very Best of 1998-2011 CD
CHROMATIC BLACK – chromatic BLaCK CD
DONOTS – The Long Way Home CD

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Phorus products are built to deliver a wonderful audio listening experience at home using Play-Fi, on a personal Wi-Fi network. Offices and other corporate networks like hotels, airports, and areas with "guest" Wi-Fi networks are almost always set up to disable media streaming products. This is done for security reasons, and to preserve bandwidth. Regardless of the reason, these environments are not suitable for use of your Phorus products.
If for some reason you do need to use your Phorus products in an office environment, work with your IT department or network administrator on set up.
Our team is constantly testing for Wi-Fi compatibility. This table shows a list of Wi-Fi hardware that can cause issues for your Phorus products, along with our suggested solutions for the problem.
Your Phorus product may not connect to the network, or it may connect, but not be visible in your Phorus app. This is due to the router not assigning an IP address.
A manual update will allow your speakers to be discovered on the network.
AirPort routers are not Wi-Fi certified, and sometimes don't handle media streaming the way certified routers do. This can lead to a poor Play-Fi streaming experience.
Use another Wi-Fi access point instead, like one of these recommended options.
The Wi-Fi network may fail to forward broadcasts from one device to another. This can cause connection and performance issues for Phorus products.
A manual update of your speakers may resolve the issue. Otherwise, use another Wi-Fi access point, like one of these recommended options.
This router is not 802.11n certified, and when WMM (an advanced media management mode) is enabled, performance of Phorus products can be impaired.
Disable WMM, and performance should improve. You will find instructions for how to do this in the router's user manual or in their online support tools.
Your Phorus product may connect, but the Wi-Fi network may fail to forward broadcasts, making it difficult for your speakers to be discovered and used.
A manual update of your speakers should resolve the issue. Otherwise, use another Wi-Fi access point, like one of these recommended options.
These routers have an isolation mode. If this mode is enabled, the router is not forwarding broadcasts between devices. Your Phorus product may connect, but it will be difficult for your speakers to be discovered and used.
Disable isolation mode in the router settings, and the Phorus products will now be discoverable. You will find instructions on how to disable isolation mode in the router user manual or in their online support tools.
Certain streaming services in your Phorus app may not work.
Update the app to the latest version and the issue should be resolved.
If you are experiencing one of the issues listed above, but with a different router model, often the related solution listed here will resolve the problem for you. You can always contact customer support for help and suggestions on Wi-Fi networking issues.
For a general performance improvement suggestions, click here.


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The real problem with the Pfizer supply model is the fact that they have taken their business from the pharmacy wholesalers, this business being amongst the most profitable for those wholesalers.
The last data I saw showed numbers where something like 90% of all dispensed PBS medicines are only 11% of the total number of drugs listed on the PBS. The fast movers move very fast and there is a long, long tail of slow movers. Anybody shipping the 11% of fast movers can make money. Volumes are high so the profit margins easily exceed the costs of maintaining the small infrastructure investment required.
This is the issue. Pfizer's success will encourage other manufacturers of high volume drugs to emulate their model. These other suppliers could simply piggy-back on Pfizer's distribution model once it is fine-tuned. More PBS drugs re-channelled through exclusive distribution channels.
The question the Government is being asked should this scenario eventuate is, Who is going to be able to commercially distribute that long, long tail of slow moving drugs? Previously, the wholesalers could average their costs and their profits across the total list of PBS drugs. This is not the case now and will not be the case going forward. The wholesalers will be left with the long, long list of slow movers that require a massive infrastructure investment. The sustainability of the wholesalers is put at risk by the direct supply model.
It's not as if the wholesalers are asking for exorbitant support from the Government. Let the wholesalers also stock the Pfizer medicines and let the market decide which logistics model they prefer. If community pharmacies continue to support Pfizer, then the point is proved and nothing changes from today. If, however, pharmacies shift their ordering back to the wholesalers then the question that arises is, Why did community pharmacy/the Government/the average Australian need the direct model in the first place? If community pharmacy/the Government/ the average Australian didn't, then why did Pfizer need it? Is it coincidental that this drive to lower the overall cost of the PBS (Pfizer don't take the CSO payments) is happening as the date for patent expiry of Lipitor approaches?
I do not have all the answers to these questions, but I believe the Government needs to. The direct supply model is a game-changing strategy and the Government needs to ensure the average Australian is not the loser.


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Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva In New Money Laundering Accusation
On: 28 November, 2018
Tagged: Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Money Laundering
Brazil's jailed ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's legal troubles mounted Monday as he was accused by the Sao Paulo public prosecutor's office of money laundering in his dealings with Equatorial Guinea.
"Lula used his international prestige to influence decisions made by Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang (Nguema) to benefit Brazilian group ARG in the African country," the public prosecutor's office said in a statement.
In return, Lula is believed to have received one million reais ($250,000) in bribes from September 2011 to July 2012 under the guise of donations to his charitable Lula Institute.
The alleged events happened after his 2003-10 presidency.
The Lula Institute rejected the accusations saying all its "donations received… are legal, duly declared… and used for the institute's activities, without any compensation."
According to the prosecutor, an executive at civil construction company ARG "asked the ex-president to play the role of intermediary" with Obiang to facilitate the company's business dealings in Equatorial Guinea, notably road construction.
Lula is already serving a 12-year corruption sentence for having accepted a seaside apartment as a bribe from another Brazilian company, BTP, in return for public works contracts.
The 73-year-old is the subject of five other corruption and money laundering investigations but insists he is innocent of all charges.
On Friday, he and his successor as president, and fellow Workers Party member, Dilma Rousseff, were accused of receiving bribes with money diverted from state-owned oil giant Petrobras.
They have been accused of conspiring to form a de facto criminal organization.
Lula's lawyers branded the charges as "unprecedented political persecution."
Obiang, 76, has been accused of brutal repression of his opponents as well as election fraud and corruption.
He seized power from his uncle in a 1979 military coup and has ruled the country ever since.
In 2016, he won a fifth seven-year presidential term with nearly 94 percent of the vote.
Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Saharan Africa's biggest oil producers, but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.
Two months ago, Brazilian police seized more than $16 million in cash and luxury items from a delegation accompanying Obiang's son, Teodorin Nguema Obiang, as he arrived in Brazil to undergo a medical procedure.
Stay up to date on news for: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva In New Money Laundering Accusation
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God wants us to know the love that He has for us. Teaching the truth of God's Word will enable us to develop a deep personal relationship with Him. Once we begin to understand who Jesus is and what He has provided for us as a finished work of the cross, then the rest is easy. It is knowing this truth that will set us free.
Not only did Jesus take the worlds sins upon Himself, He also took all our sickness and disease upon His own body; it is part of the atonement. We don't need to beg God for our healing, it's already ours!
Jesus came to not only restore our relationship with God the Father but also to restore the authority that God gave us here on earth that Adam and Eve lost to the devil. We as believers have authority over the devil and sickness in Jesus name.
God's will and design for us is that we all be part of His kingdom. Jesus said, "Go therefore and teach all nations," Mathew 28:19. In order for us to do this we need your help. By donating to this ministry you are sowing seed into God's kingdom. Finished Works Ministry is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry and your donation is tax deductable. Our goal is to make disciples who will go out and train and equip others. If you would like to donate and help us spread the gospel it will be greatly appreciated.
Chris has learned to live a life of continuous peace and joy through the relationship he now has with God and he wants to see others experience this same life of freedom. Chris is an ordained minister and currently teaches the truth of God's Word.
Susan has written and illustrated five Christian children's books and illustrates her own greeting cards. Susan is an ordained minister and ministers healing and encouragement wherever God leads her.


Gardai in Kilkenny are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to a stabbing incident in the city on Wednesday of last week.
Garda Inspector Liam Connolly told Kilkenny District Court Judge Colin Daly yesterday (Tuesday) that he had asked the DPP's office for a decision on how to proceed in the case and was awaiting a response.
Inspector Connolly said that further charges and possibly more serious charges were being considered and might be brought forward against the accused and he asked for an adjournment pending a decision.
Judge Daly agreed and adjourned the matter to the August 2 sitting of the district court.
Mr Dowling's solicitor, Mr Con McDonnell of Con McDonnell and Company solicitors, Patrick Street, Kilkenny also agreed to the adjournment.
Judge Daly expressed his dissatisfaction that the van bringing Mr Dowling from Cloverhill Prison to the court yesterday had not arrived on time for the beginning of the court.
Mr Dowling's case was heard at 11.42am well over an hour after he arrived. He was kept in the detention cells under the court before his case was called and he was brought into the court room by a prison officer.
Ger Dowling (39), with an address at No. 120 The Sycamores, Freshford Road, Kilkenny City, was charged with Assault Causing Harm and Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, Market Cross Shopping Centre on Wednesday, July 13.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit bottoms, off-white top and white runners, the defendant did not speak during either of his two court appearances.
At an earlier hearing of the court, Garda Paul Coleman said he had arrested Mr Dowling on July 13, and charged him with the offences the following day at 5.58pm. Mr Dowling made no reply to the charges.
Mr Dowling's solicitor Con McDonnell told the court at the first hearing, that they would be reserving their position on bail for the present time.
He said that Mr Dowling had a 20-year history of mental illness, and had been a regular user of psychiatric services. He asked that he be psychiatrically assessed. Mr Dowling was remanded to Cloverhill Prison, Dublin with a psychiatric assessment to take place on his arrival and was granted free legal aid.


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Home Sports Soccer Holy Cross Martinized in Hounds' 4-2 win
Holy Cross Martinized in Hounds' 4-2 win
Naugy's Tiago Martins fires a shot against Holy Cross Wednesday night. The Greyhounds star recorded his third hat trick in four games in a 4-2 victory.
NAUGATUCK — It was billed as the first big-time battle of the season. Undefeated Holy Cross (3-0) taking on undefeated Naugatuck (3-0) in a boys' soccer shootout in the borough Wednesday night.
A good-sized but relatively quiet crowd was on hand to watch two of the best in the Naugatuck Valley League go toe-to-toe. In the end, Cross got Martinized, as the Greyhounds remained perfect in a 4-2 victory. Junior forward Tiago Martins ripped off his third hat trick in four games to spark the offense and assisted on a goal by Nolan Kinne as Naugatuck improved to 4-0 on the season.
In four games, the junior captain has scored 11 of the Greyhounds' 16 goals, but in Martins' words, this was a total team effort, as always.
"This is hardly a one-man team," Martins said. "It takes all 11 of us out there giving it our all in order to be successful. I may be scoring goals, but it's my teammates that create those opportunities. We work together as a unit out there, and we are picking each other up."
Junior goalkeeper Dan Bronko came in with three straight shutouts and held Holy Cross at bay until the game was well in hand, spelled in net by Charlie Morrill. The Crusaders managed to get on the scoreboard with 10:19 to play, but Naugatuck was already out in front by a commanding, 3-0 margin.
Both teams scored late goals with less than two minutes to play to account for the 4-2 final margin. Naugatuck drew first blood when a hand ball in the box created a penalty kick opportunity, and Martins pounded it into the back of the net with 22:08 to play in the first half.
Ralph Roper muscled his way past a defender and got an open shot for Martins on the right side with 6:47 left before the half, as the Hounds upped their advantage to 2-0.
With 14:30 on the clock in the second half, Naugatuck had the game well in hand when Martins dished it off to Nolan Kinne, who took it to the near post to open up a 3-0 lead.
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BEGUILING BEAUTY SALON


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Pictures of Saint Germain's Embodiments
Time: Approximately 10 – 12 minutes, depending on the children's responses
Click here for a printable Spanish version of the story.
Good morning and welcome. And we welcome all the children and families who are joining us on the broadcast. Today we are going to hear about a very special soul who loved freedom. Do you have any ideas of who that could be? (Allow children to answer.) Yes, our beloved ascended master Saint Germain. (GO TO SLIDE ONE)
Saint Germain carried the torch of freedom throughout his many lifetimes and continues to carry that torch today. He is the chohan, or Lord of the seventh ray of the violet flame, freedom, justice and technology. He IS the God of Freedom to the earth.
Saint Germain founded the United States of America and inspired her Constitution to enshrine the flame of freedom in the hearts of a people. These people were chosen to bear that flame in Christ's name to the nations of the earth. However, America is not just the name of a nation but is defined as spiritually meaning 'the Lightbearers of Sanat Kumara' (The Responsibility of Freedom Mother July 1, 1976).
Do you know what word is created when you respell America? (Allow children to answer.) I AM Race. This stands for every race of people, from all nations and religions, who have come together under God's name, I AM THAT I AM. All of you, no matter what country you are from are considered a part of the I AM Race as sons and daughters of God (Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Class Lecture "Only Love" June 30, 1977).
This story of Saint Germain's history is something like a short mystery. As we travel through time, listen for clues about our freedom-loving brother as to how some of his embodiments link to one another.
A Soul of Freedom
Let's begin by going all the way back to the time of Atlantis. (GO TO SLIDE TWO) Saint Germain lived as the high priest of the violet temple. He was schooled in at Archangel Zadkiel's retreat, which stood where the island of Cuba now stands. This fact is like a clue. You will hear it later as the story continues.
But the continent of Atlantis was about to sink due to people turning away from God. The Great Divine Director entrusted Saint Germain and a few other faithful priests with a most important task. (GO TO SLIDE THREE) They were to transport the flame of freedom to a place of safety in Transylvania. What do you think? Could this be another link? (Pause.)
Now, let's jump ahead all the way to the 1200's, when Saint Germain was embodied as Roger Bacon. (GO TO SLIDE FOUR) Bacon predicted that "the sea between the end of Spain on the west and the beginning of India on the east is navigable in a very few days if the wind is favorable." This statement was not completely correct. Do you know why? (Allow children to answer.) Yes, the land discovered would not be India, but the New World. Yet, the statement was important because it played a role later in Columbus' discovery. What part did it play? Aaah, you'll find out along the way.
Now, we skip two hundred years ahead to 1492, to Saint Germain's embodiment as Christopher Columbus. (GO TO SLIDE FIVE) Columbus loved the ocean. It was a time that explorers were sailing the seas and Columbus began to think about a voyage of his own. He wanted to carry the message of the Christ to the new world. That message, as we know it today, is that the Christ lives in each of our hearts as the freedom flame. What is this freedom flame's other name? (Pause.) Yes, the threefold flame! (GO TO SLIDE SIX)
Columbus wrote a letter to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain requesting their sponsorship for his voyage. In the letter he used the quote from his previous incarnation of Roger Bacon, "the sea between the end of Spain on the west and the beginning of India on the east…." Of course, we know the king and queen agreed to sponsor his mission.
For weeks and weeks Columbus and his crew sailed the ocean. Then on one special day, October 12, one of the men pointed and said, "Look, land ahead."
But this was not just any land. Do you know where it was? (Allow children to answer.) Not in North America as many think and not in the Far East. The flame of freedom at Lord Zadkiel's retreat in Cuba magnetized Columbus to this island, once part of Atlantis. So, on that famous day, he landed right back where he started as the high priest. (GO TO SLIDE SEVEN)
Let's fast forward to the 1600's, the time of Saint Germain's embodiment as Francis Bacon. (GO TO SLIDE EIGHT) At the end of this life on May 1, 1684, the soul of Saint Germain entered the ritual of the ascension from the Rakoczy Mansion in Transylvania, the retreat of the Great Divine Director. Was this place mentioned previously in our story? (Pause.) Yes, it's where the flame of freedom had been transported from Atlantis, blazing in all its glory.
Even though Saint Germain made his ascension, he was not finished with establishing freedom on earth. He requested a dispensation from the Lords of Karma to return to earth, however, not to be born, but to "appear" in a physical body. The Karmic Board granted his request.
He was called the Wonderman of Europe. Mystery surrounded him. (GO TO SLIDE NINE) He appeared here, he appeared there, he seemed to appear everywhere. One thing is certain – he was highly visible in the royal courts—AND invisible!
He visited kings and queens. He would disappear and reappear unpredictably all over Europe. He spoke at least twelve languages so fluently that everywhere he went he was accepted as a native. "Bonjour," he'd say in France and "Buon giorno," in Italy.
Who was this mystery man? He was le Comte de Saint Germain. (GO TO SLIDE TEN)
It is said that the Comte de Saint Germain appeared here and there for over a hundred years old. He wanted to unite Europe but the leaders there did not respond to him. So he turned his attention toward the United States.
In 1776 in America, the writers of the Declaration of Independence were debating whether or not to sign this document. For to sign it meant that England would declare these men as traitors and their lives would be at risk. At a key moment, a "mystery" man appeared and shouted, "Sign that document!" (GO TO SLIDE ELEVEN) They did and America went on to become a free nation.
By now you can probably guess this mystery man's name. (Pause.) Yes, our beloved Saint Germain! (GO TO SLIDE TWELVE) Today we know that Saint Germain sponsored America to focus freedom for the nations of the world. America is not just a place; it is the focus for the entire I AM Race.
We're not quite finished with our mystery game. What gift of freedom do we have today from our beloved Saint Germain? (Pause.) Right the violet flame! (GO TO SLIDE THIRTEEN)
Let's stand and show our gratitude to this remarkable ascended master who loves the flame of freedom. Let's stand and say 3x, "Hail Saint Germain!" (You might choose to sing a song here also.)
Thank you for sharing in our story. Have a wonderful day.
Click on Saint Germain link to download power point presentation. Saint Germain


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) � State officials say the cost of a gallon of home heating oil in Maine has dropped six cents in the past week to an average of $3.70.
The Governor's Energy Office reported Monday that the drop in heating oil and kerosene prices may be due to a projected surplus in global oil output for the last quarter of 2012. Decreased turmoil in the Middle East, combined with fewer transportation and production problems in some parts of the world, are considered to be factors.


text:
import * as React from 'react';
import createSvgIcon from './utils/createSvgIcon';

export default createSvgIcon(
  <path d="M16 13h-3V3h-2v10H8l4 4 4-4zM4 19v2h16v-2H4z" />
, 'VerticalAlignBottomOutlined');

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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EnglishEnglish, BritishFrançaisDeutsch
Meet 4-time Moorings catamaran owner Rob Engelke
It's always a treat when our yacht owners come by the corporate headquarters. Our base managers and staff get face time with owners often, but we don't as much here in the office. Rob Engelke, who was visiting the Tampa Bay area from Madison, WI, came by and allowed us to indulge in some swapping of sea stories.
Rob has been a member of the Moorings family since 1999. At that time he owned a private boat in the Abacos and kept it on the dock that was about to host the new Moorings base. "Shortly after Moorings arrived on the dock, I had been talked into buying the 45," he explained.
Later, Rob traded his Moorings 4500 in for a Moorings 4700, then a Moorings 4600, and finally, a Moorings 4800, the last three boats all based in Tortola. What an experience to go through the entire progression of catamarans as they came out of the Robertson and Caine factory!
Rob recognizes that being a boat owner means he's invested in the company. "I'm really glad that whoever was running the Moorings [during the transition years] was smart enough to make sure that this company had the kinds of long term big time backing that this company needs. There will be hard times, and we went through 2009, but with the Moorings you're going to be fine because you've got the backing behind you."
Throughout the years, Rob has taken family and friends to St. Martin, Grenada, Tonga, and of course the BVI and the Bahamas. He normally sails his own boat about 2-3 weeks per year. He's also gifted a good amount of time to others. "I've had friends who've taken weeks of time in Turkey," he explained. I asked how many people have been lucky enough to use his owner time, and he replied, "My brother, my friend Kevin," then he added with a grin, "others have asked and I've sort of politely put it off." But Rob's son is the next likely recipient. "My son Tim is now qualified. He's already skippered a trip, with me on board, but he had to do everything." When Rob first joined the program, Tim was 8 years old.
One of my favorite questions for sailors is always "what's the most memorable thing you've seen on the water?" It's often a tough one for our owners who have logged many miles and seen countless sunrises and sunsets on the water. Rob shared a handful of entertaining stories about adventures aboard Moorings boats and other boats throughout the years in a conversation that could have gone on for hours. Like many avid sailors, both his sense of humor and sense of adventure are healthfully above average. Rob had a hard time picking one thing, but eventually decided on wildlife: "Whales, tons of dolphins, sharks of every description. I think seeing a 12' or longer hammerhead shark swimming under our boat in the Abacos was exciting, especially since we'd just been in the water."
What's next for the Engelkes? Probably another Moorings boat. "We still want to do Tahiti..." says Rob.
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The Moorings Yacht Ownership 3-5 Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina School Lane, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4NB Phone: +44 (0)2392 222 225
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Another design, but still three wooden 'Merry Christmas' signs with snowflake decorations. Great quality and affordable wood craft shapes for Christmas crafting.
A set of three Merry Christmas design wooden signs or plaques with snowflake decoration. Made from high quality MDF. Don't be fooled by cheap quality MDF cutouts from some sellers. These have a fantastic smooth finish, lovely crisp, dark edges and will take paint without swelling or furring. They are pre-drilled and ready to hang.


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Histological evaluation of ureteral involvement in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis: analysis of a large series.
STUDY QUESTION: In women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) what is the prevalence of involvement of endometriotic tissue and fibrosis in ureteral endometriosis (UE), as assessed by histological staining? SUMMARY ANSWER: In women with DIE, ureteral involvement is more often due to endometriotic tissue rather than fibrosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In the current literature, histological evaluation of ureteral endometriosis is mainly based on the degree of wall infiltration by endometriosis instead of the tissue composition. A few studies reported ill-defined and contradictory histological data on the tissue composition of UE. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective observational study based on clinical records of women affected by DIE, laparoscopically treated for UE at a tertiary referral center, between January 2010 and March 2013. All cases of ureteral nodule excision or ureterectomy with histological examination of the specimens were included. Exclusion criteria were other identified causes of hydroureteronephrosis, medical therapy for a period of at least 3 months before surgery and previous surgery for DIE. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 77 patients were included in the study and among them seven (9%) presented with bilateral ureteral involvement, giving a total of 84 cases of UE available for analysis. All patients had stage IV endometriosis. According, respectively, to the presence of endometrial glands and/or stroma cells or of fibrotic tissue only, the endometriotic UE and fibrotic UE groups were compared with regard to hydroureteronephrosis at pre-operative urinary tract computerized tomography scan, type of surgical procedure performed to treat UE (nodule removal or ureterectomy), association with other locations of the disease and post-operative complications (ureteral fistula or stenosis). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: For the 84 cases of UE, 65 (77%) and 19 (23%), respectively, showed endometriotic tissue and fibrotic tissue only. Presence of hydroureteronephrosis and endometriotic pattern of UE showed a significant association [endometriotic UE 44/65 (68%) versus fibrotic UE 8/19 (42%); P = 0.04]. Fibrotic pattern of UE and presence of concomitant recto-vaginal endometriosis showed a significant association [endometriotic group: 29/65 (45%) versus fibrotic group 18/19 (95%); P < 0.001]. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The retrospective and monocentric (tertiary referral center) study design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Besides the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic UE based on the degree of wall infiltration by endometriosis, a new classification according to the histological pattern of UE could be useful for clinicians, both in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields.
Titolo: Histological evaluation of ureteral involvement in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis: analysis of a large series.
Autore/i: SERACCHIOLI, RENATO; RAIMONDO, DIEGO; DI DONATO, NADINE; LEONARDI, DEBORAH; SPAGNOLO, EMANUELA; PARADISI, ROBERTO; MONTANARI, GIULIA; CAPRARA, GIACOMO; ZANNONI, LETIZIA
SERACCHIOLI, RENATO
RAIMONDO, DIEGO
DI DONATO, NADINE
LEONARDI, DEBORAH
SPAGNOLO, EMANUELA
PARADISI, ROBERTO
MONTANARI, GIULIA
CAPRARA, GIACOMO
ZANNONI, LETIZIA
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deu360
Abstract: STUDY QUESTION: In women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) what is the prevalence of involvement of endometriotic tissue and fibrosis in ureteral endometriosis (UE), as assessed by histological staining? SUMMARY ANSWER: In women with DIE, ureteral involvement is more often due to endometriotic tissue rather than fibrosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In the current literature, histological evaluation of ureteral endometriosis is mainly based on the degree of wall infiltration by endometriosis instead of the tissue composition. A few studies reported ill-defined and contradictory histological data on the tissue composition of UE. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective observational study based on clinical records of women affected by DIE, laparoscopically treated for UE at a tertiary referral center, between January 2010 and March 2013. All cases of ureteral nodule excision or ureterectomy with histological examination of the specimens were included. Exclusion criteria were other identified causes of hydroureteronephrosis, medical therapy for a period of at least 3 months before surgery and previous surgery for DIE. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 77 patients were included in the study and among them seven (9%) presented with bilateral ureteral involvement, giving a total of 84 cases of UE available for analysis. All patients had stage IV endometriosis. According, respectively, to the presence of endometrial glands and/or stroma cells or of fibrotic tissue only, the endometriotic UE and fibrotic UE groups were compared with regard to hydroureteronephrosis at pre-operative urinary tract computerized tomography scan, type of surgical procedure performed to treat UE (nodule removal or ureterectomy), association with other locations of the disease and post-operative complications (ureteral fistula or stenosis). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: For the 84 cases of UE, 65 (77%) and 19 (23%), respectively, showed endometriotic tissue and fibrotic tissue only. Presence of hydroureteronephrosis and endometriotic pattern of UE showed a significant association [endometriotic UE 44/65 (68%) versus fibrotic UE 8/19 (42%); P = 0.04]. Fibrotic pattern of UE and presence of concomitant recto-vaginal endometriosis showed a significant association [endometriotic group: 29/65 (45%) versus fibrotic group 18/19 (95%); P < 0.001]. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The retrospective and monocentric (tertiary referral center) study design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Besides the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic UE based on the degree of wall infiltration by endometriosis, a new classification according to the histological pattern of UE could be useful for clinicians, both in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields.
Data stato definitivo: 2016-07-12T17:18:12Z


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Interiors & Furniture, Urban Design
Alphabet by Kellenberger–White
Finsbury Avenue Square
3 Finsbury Avenue, Broadgate
Known for their playful approach to typefaces, Kellenberger–White designed a new series of alphabet chairs as a Landmark Project at Broadgate, supported by Festival Headline Partner British Land.
Visitors were encouraged to explore, interact, move, and make words with the letters, which consist of 26 bespoke colourful alphabet chairs popping up in Finsbury Avenue Square. The result of an experiment in folding metal to create a typographic system, the chairs were informed by research into László Moholy-Nagy, Marianne Brandt and Wilhelm Wagenfeld. The result is an alphabet of 26 chairs. Other influences for this usable typeface include Bruno Munari's photos 'Seeking Comfort in an Uncomfortable Chair' (1944), Max Bill and Hans Gugelot's Ulm Stool (1955), as well as Bruce McLean's 'pose' works of the 1970s. Each chair was a different colour, chosen from a specialist paint manufacturer used for industrial metalwork – from International Orange (used for San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge) to Cornflower Blue (the colour of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge). British Land Chief Executive, Chris Grigg, said: "Design is integral to everything we do at British Land. Our partnership with London Design Festival celebrates the world's leading designers and we are delighted to once again support the Festival." Supported by British Land. Hosted by Broadgate.
By VELUX
BE OPEN Sound Portal by Arup
Designposts: Daegyu Kim | the Design Museum
Designposts: Alba Elezi | King's Cross Design District


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Community heritage grants now open
The National Library of Australia has announced the 2018 Community Heritage Grants Program which is providing grants of up to $15,000 to assist in the preservation of cultural heritage collections of national significance.
Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the program comes with the acknowledgement that all over the country significant traces of the nation's history are deteriorating despite the best efforts of local communities to preserve them.
"The program is very broad and is focusing on not for profit organisations holding documentary heritage collections of national significance such as historical societies, regional museums, public libraries and indigenous and migrant community groups," Mr McCurdy said.
A wide range of activities are covered by the grants including:
Significant assessments of collections
Preservation needs assessments of collections
Purchase of archival quality storage materials
Preservation training projects
Conservation activities including cleaning, treatment or rebinding
Purchase and installation of environmental control and monitoring equipment
Copying of material once originals have been preserved
Cataloguing or collection management software.
Applications close 7 May, 2018. Guidelines and the application form are available at nla.gov.au/chg/guidelines. For further information or to discuss your application email: [email protected] or phone 02 6262 1147.


After his dramatic hat-trick against the Jets on Tuesday, make it 102 points in his first 115 NHL games for Johnny Gaudreau. If that is not impressive enough, what if I told you he actually surpassed the 100 point plateau in just 67 games?
Don't measure him by his size -- barely 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds with his skates on.
Don't assess him by how high he was drafted -- 103 players selected ahead of him in 2011.
It's time to add a third rule.
Don't compare his stats to guys that played in the 80s.
In racking up a ridiculous 20 points (13 goals, 7 assists) during this Flames franchise record-tying 10-game home winning streak (and becoming the first Calgary player to record two hat-tricks in the same season since Jarome Iginla in 2010-11), Gaudreau has repeatedly demonstrated his innate ability to come through with the big goal in the clutch.
However, despite the hype, he was not the fastest player to reach 100 points. Not even close. Dating back to when the Flames franchise relocated from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980, Joe Nieuwendyk -- also a former NCAA star -- owns that distinction by hitting the century mark in just 87 games. Doing it 115 games ties Gaudreau for fifth with Al MacInnis.
However, if you take a close look at this list, you'll notice a trend. Eleven of the top 12 played all or at least a large majority of their games in the high-scoring 80s where the 3-2 games of today finished 5-4. Add in four additional goals every game and what you get is a completely different era in the history of the NHL from what we're watching today. It's these significant differences that makes historical player comparisons difficult as you're not comparing apples to apples -- so-to-speak.
However, there are ways you can balance the eras and take away the advantage players in the 80s had and I've done so below. But first, let's begin with the easy stuff and the conventional numbers.
By "Team History" (versus "Franchise History"), this means since Calgary entered the NHL in 1980. The list excludes players that began their NHL career in Atlanta. In addition to the number of games each player took to record their 100th point, also listed for reference is the date on which that player recorded his milestone point. Current Flames are listed in red.
There are two reasons why I'm using team history and not franchise history.
One is personal preference. For most fans in Calgary, 1980 and beyond is the only history they care about. Those eight seasons the team spent prior to that in Atlanta are rarely referenced.
Second is from a practical perspective. It's difficult enough to research and log this kind of stuff from the early 80s (e.g. You need to pour over newspaper archives). Once you get into the 70s, digging up game-by-game NHL stats is impossible.
That said, in the spirit of filling out the whole picture as best I can and including the years in Atlanta for those that are curious, here are eight additional players that would factor into the above list. In red are players whose game totals are accurate. All three began their careers in Atlanta but reached the 100-point mark while playing for Calgary. For the others, the game total is estimated based on their points-per-game rate in the season they reached the milestone.
From a 'franchise history' perspective, you'll see that the fastest to 100 points was not Nieuwendyk but instead was the 'Magic Man' -- Kent Nilsson. After a 93-point rookie season in Atlanta in 1979-80, the then 24-year-old recorded his 100th NHL point in his fifth game wearing the Flaming 'C'. That first season in Calgary, Nilsson would amass 131 points to finish third in NHL scoring behind Wayne Gretzky (164) and Marcel Dionne (135).
Each season was viewed separately and weighted based on the number of games the player appeared in that season. e.g. If the person played 10 games in a season in which the Flames averaged five goals per game and played 70 games in a season in which the Flames averaged three goals per game, then the average goals per game for the team during that player's era would be just above three.
Only Calgary's annual scoring totals were factored in and not league-wide scoring as this is strictly an exercise of comparing Flames players to Flames players. The intention is to not just put Gaudreau in the context of the 1988-89 NHL season, but to put him specifically on the 1988-89 Flames team.
This is the average goals per game scored by the Flames team during the time period (spanning at least two seasons in all cases) in which it took players to reach 100 NHL points.
The Flames team record for most goals was 397 in the 80-game 1987-88 season. That's nearly an average of five goals per game and is a mind-boggling number to today's standards. For Nieuwendyk, in getting to 100 points in 87 games, 75 of the games came that particular year when he had 92 points (51 goals, 41 assists) as a rookie. As a result, his goals-per-game is considerably higher than anybody else.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is defenceman Derek Morris, whose first three seasons (of which it took him almost that entire time frame to reach 100 points) came during the Flames dead puck/Young Guns era in the late 90s where beginning in 1997-98, Calgary scored a meager 217, 211 and 211 goals respectively.
It's no surprise that it's on this list that you find all five active members of the Flames.
I took every player and inserted them into Nieuwendyk's era with the Flames so all the players would have a common denominator and one can more easily do a historical comparison.
The result is a much different but more fair list with more recent players climbing way up and bumping other players down. Now we can compare the impact players from different eras have had offensively.
In particular, you get a more true sense of how staggering the start to Gaudreau's career has been and you also get a new appreciation for what Sean Monahan has accomplished early in his career. Monahan hit the 100-point mark two months ago.
Listed is the spreadsheet-driven projected number of games it would have taken each player to reach 100 points had they joined the Flames for the 1987-88 season like Nieuwendyk did and enjoyed the luxury of being on a team that scored an average of 4.84 goals per game.
Again, make it 'franchise history' instead of 'team history' and the list changes including the name at the top. Insert Nilsson into Nieuwendyk's era and the crafty Swede climbs to the top of the list. Mind you, worth pointing out is Nilsson had already played two full seasons in the World Hockey Association prior to coming over to the NHL so he was older and more experienced than Gaudreau. Honourable mention also to Tom Lysiak and the 'Big Train' -- Eric Vail, who were both huge parts of those early Atlanta teams and rank high on this era-adjusted list.
Again, in red are players whose adjusted game totals are accurate per the same formula used in the era-adjusted numbers above. For the others, the projected adjusted game total is estimated based on their points-per-game rate in the season they reached the milestone.
The hot topic these days is Gaudreau's contract and what's it going to be worth and for how long. As you know, he is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
One look at the historical comparisons above and where he fits in over the 36 years the Flames have been in Calgary tells you all you need to know about the kind of impact Gaudreau has had just a year-and-a-half into his NHL career. There's a whopping 16-game gap between him and the next guy on the list, Sergei Makarov, who came to Calgary when he was 31 years old and was already one of the best players in the world having played 11 seasons in Russia.
Of course, right after Makarov is Nieuwendyk, who is in the NHL Hall-of-Fame. That's pretty good company.
Gaudreau is going to get paid and he's going to make a lot of money and when it happens, it will also be one of the best investments this team has ever made and should be one of the safest also. He's competitive, he's driven, he's passionate and he's only getting better.
"He's pretty special. You look at that second goal. Pickpockets in New York City are not that quick," said Flames coach Bob Hartley after Tuesday's game. "He came from behind (in stealing the puck from Mark Scheifele) on two tries and never quit. He must have liked that wallet."
Hartley gets excited when he talks about Gaudreau's skill.
"He's so slick around the net and in tight areas. He's just like a magician out there," said Hartley. "I enjoy coaching him so much because not only he's skilled and a great scorer but he's a competitor. Second, third, fourth effort, it doesn't bother him. He gets on the ice, he's on a mission out there.
"He doesn't want free points. He doesn't want to float at the back and collect the easy goals. He's ready to pay the price, he's ready to go in the dirty areas to make plays and he's doing that."
Calgary has three more home games over the Christmas holidays. Do yourself a favour and get out and catch a glimpse of this kid live if you haven't yet had the chance. Sure, he's fun to watch on television but he's a real treat to see up close and and is well worth the price of admission.
Oh, and when you do head to the Saddledome, make sure you bring a hat and not one you're too attached to because the way it's going lately (Gaudreau is the first Flames player to record two hat-tricks in the same calendar month since Jarome Iginla in February 2003), you may be leaving the arena without it.
The Question for the Flames Should Not Be Why Jonathan Bernier? It Should Be Why Not?
Rumblings have surfaced that the Flames have had internal discussions about taking on Jonathan Bernier's contract, which has one year remaining at $4.15 million.
Given how poorly things have gone for him this season in Toronto – an 0-8-3 record and an .883 save percentage, it seems reasonable to assume the Leafs would be open to an opportunity to get out from underneath what's left on that deal. And given how poorly things have gone between the pipes this season for Calgary, it also seems reasonable that the Flames should have some genuine interest in Bernier.
College standout Jon Gillies will not be ready for the NHL next year. In fact, a conservative estimate would put him two years away. Most NCAA graduates in the NHL today spent three or more seasons in the minors.
As for Joni Ortio, an RFA next summer, he can't be all that enamored with how he's been treated this year so will he even want to come back, should the Flames try to re-sign him? I don't think it's a slam-dunk.
So unless you include November desperation pick-up Kevin Poulin, you're potentially talking about an empty nest for the organization next summer when it comes to established NHL goalies under contract.
So, what does the free agent market look like next summer? Well, it looks a lot like the contents of my fridge when it's time for a major cleaning. The 2016 UFA market is seriously underwhelming so you'll probably end up paying a lot for not very much – James Reimer, Cam Ward, Anton Khudobin, Alex Stalock, Cam Talbot, Chad Johnson, Jhonas Enroth, Al Montoya, Justin Peters, Anders Lindback, Antti Raanta. Looking at that list, there's a lot of expired sour cream and stale pizza in there.
It means if the organization wants a legitimate No. 1 goaltender, they're going to have to go the trade route to land one and that will cost one or more significant assets. When that time comes, the question becomes who are you willing to part with?
My contention is with a trade being the inevitable route you'll have to go anyway, why not bring in Bernier right now -- if you can get him for a reasonable price -- and try him out. If he doesn't pan out, then you can go the trade route.
Bernier is 27 years old. At that age, most goalies haven't yet hit their prime.
For example, in the last 18 seasons, only three winners of the Vezina have been younger than 27 – Tuukka Rask (26, 2013-14), Sergei Bobrovsky (24, 2012-13) and Jose Theodore (25, 2001-02).
Two years ago, Bernier went 26-19-7 and was 10th in the NHL with a .922 save percentage. Last year, his puck stopping rate fell to .912 but that was still top 30. There's reason to believe there is still lots of potential to be untapped.
Most see the one year remaining as a financial burden and that is a fair concern. However, there's an alternate way to view it. When you talk to GM Brad Treliving, he often uses the word runway when referring to prospects. He'll talk about young players needing lots of runway (i.e. time) to develop before they take off. The runway in this context is that additional year that would give Bernier time to settle into the organization, a new goalie coach, new surroundings, and not be pressured to instantly be the No. 1 starter.
It also gives the Flames ample opportunity to evaluate Bernier and determine if he's someone they want to move forward with and if it is, voila -- they have that option.
At the money Bernier is making and with the god-awful numbers he's put up, the Leafs aren't exactly in a position of power when it comes to asking price.
Could the Flames talk Toronto into retaining some salary? They would have to in some form -- that or take salary back in the form of a player with a hefty price tag like Mason Raymond, Ladislav Smid or Dennis Wideman as Calgary doesn't have the cap space to just absorb Bernier for a draft pick.
On the other hand, the Leafs do have cap space so the makings of a deal are there.
Considering the caliber of goaltending the Flames have received so far this season from Ramo (.907), Ortio (.868) and Hiller (.862), who have all been below average with the latter two well below average, it's hard to imagine Bernier being much worse. His save percentage is quite a bit higher than Hiller and given the hot streak Ramo is on right now, that's probably the fit anyway, replacing Hiller as the No. 2. In such a scenario, Hiller would be waived and shipped to Stockton if he is not included in the deal and sent to Toronto.
For Bernier, reduced expectations as would be the case at this point could be the best thing for the native of Laval, Quebec. Assuming the price tag is minimal, it's a little-to-no risk gamble with a potential high reward and for the Flames, at least they're trying to address their season-long struggles at this critical position. That in itself would be applauded by a sympathetic and hungry-for-change fan base.
Bernier was selected by Los Angeles 11th overall in 2006. He was the first goalie off the board, much like Carey Price (5th overall) was in 2005. Going in the first dozen picks carries no guarantee of success as Al Montoya (6th overall in 2004) will attest but Kari Lehtonen (2nd overall in 2002) and Marc-Andre Fleury (1st overall in 2003) have worked out not bad.
More than anything, it means there was once a lot of potential there. Six years ago in the AHL, he dominated with a .936 save percentage, which propelled him to the NHL, where he ended up as the understudy to Jonathan Quick. So there's talent there, it's just a matter of whether it can be extracted.
The scrutiny players face in an educated and passionate hockey market like Calgary may seem intense at times but former NHL players will tell you that it is nothing compared to the intensity of the spotlight when you're playing in Toronto or Montreal.
Now being under that microscope can be a wonderful thing if you're successful. You'll get the star treatment everywhere you go. But if you struggle, it can be brutal.
Add in that Bernier plays hockey's most important and most-critiqued position and you get a recipe for failure if things go sour. Getting called out publicly by the coach doesn't help matters either. A change of scenery sometimes works for players and that seems like a very real possibility with Bernier.
Remember, he just reeled off three straight AHL shutouts two weeks ago when he was shipped to the AHL team on a conditioning stint. While that team still played in Toronto, the Marlies are no comparison to the Leafs and it supports the notion that maybe a fresh start in a new environment would make a difference.
Minnesota struck gold last year when they picked up Devan Dubnyk from Arizona in January for a third round draft pick and he went on a three-month tear where he played like one of the NHL's elite goalies.
Dubnyk was 28 years old when the Wild acquired him and was coming off a 2013-14 season that was awful and included time in the AHL. One could argue that the depths to which Bernier has sunk is not unlike where Dubnyk's career had fallen to at the same age before he turned it around.
If you can make the money work and you can alleviate a bad contract of your own in the process, it sure seems like a worthwhile gamble to me.
Treliving and Flames President of Hockey Operations, Brian Burke, were both in Toronto Tuesday night when Tampa Bay was in town and they watched Bernier -- fresh from his conditioning stint -- give up five goals on 27 shots in an overtime loss.
Did that sap their interest or did they see someone that perhaps could be picked up at a bargain price? Someone that may still have some game buried under that beaten-up exterior. We'll wait and see although after the lower body injury to Leafs goaltender Garrett Sparks on Thursday, it might be a longer wait now. With James Reimer (groin) also injured in Toronto, Bernier's availability probably has to wait until Reimer returns as he's now the No. 1 guy there.
Something to watch for now is does Bernier take advantage of this opportunity to bolster his value or does he does end up further diminishing it? His track record this year would suggest the latter but if he's still got game like we're speculating, don't rule out a turnaround either.
Either way, Ramo's .966 save percentage his past two starts suggests the urgency from Calgary's end might not be what it was a week ago. So if you were hoping to find a Bernier under your tree this Christmas, you may have to settle for Star Wars stuff instead.


The New Year is out of the starting blocks, and I've already checked several of my January goals off my list.
Identified the coolest web gallery software EVER where you can "sticky" images and put several up at a time to compare images. Go look at a sample gallery! (Just click on any image to make it big, then drag it around.) I'll be redoing my Fun Prints Web Site from the ground up starting next week.
I hereby resolve, on this 1 January 2008, to make my youngest child, Elizabeth, age 5, eat one vegetable every single day, no matter what it takes.
But she's eating green things. For the first time since she was TWO.
Your resolution may involve eating less. Mine–eating MORE!


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Where to Stay in Lefkada: 10 Best Areas
Are you thinking about where to stay in Lefkada? To help you choose where to stay in Lefkada, we've put together this list of 10 of the best areas to stay in Lefkada.
Compared to its sisters, the island of Lefkada only just squeezes into the category of 'Island'. Situated a few hundred metres off the west coast of Greece, it is the only island that can be reached by road, via a floating bridge and long causeway.
Considering the island has suffered five earthquakes dating back BC, with the latest in 2015, Lefkada has managed to retain more of its island architectural history than you would expect.
The interior is made up of rich Mediterranean vegetation, interspersed with sleepy Greek villages and groves of wild olive trees. Colourful areas of native flowers, and forests of pine and cypress trees stretch up the hillsides.
With its vineyards, and olive and citrus groves, it is a paradise for those wishing to explore the flora and fauna during their holiday stay in Lefkada.
For the sea and sand lovers, Lefkada offers some of the most idyllic beaches and coves you will find on any of the islands.
1. Lefkada Town, capital of the island
2. Ligia, small resort where to stay in Lefkada for families
3. Nikiana, very un-commercialised base for island touring
4. Nidri, where to stay in Lefkada for all ages and tastes
5. Yenion (Geni) – Vlycho, popular with the boating fraternity
6. Mikros Gialos, one of the most picture-postcard resorts to relax and enjoy life
7. Sivota, popular place to stay in Lefkada with the sailing set
8. Vassiliki, Lefkada's water-sports mecca
9. Athani, for those with a preference for the countryside
10. Agios Nikitas, one of the best places to stay in Lefkada
To help you decide where to stay in Lefkada, have a glance through these 10 popular Lefkada tourist resorts.
As you drive across the causeway, the island's administrative capital, Lefkada Town, sits on the north-east tip.
Having been hard hit by the earthquakes, many of the town's properties were rebuilt using frames of timber and corrugated-tin roof sheeting, to minimise casualties should another quake strike.
Nonetheless, it's colourfully painted buildings, narrow streets, pots and baskets of colourful plants, and friendly residents, provide that typical Greek village appeal.
Considering its proximity to the local airport (a 20 minute drive), Lefkada town is in the main, pleasantly un-touristy, and could be considered more of a working town, although in recent years greater efforts have been made to grab some of the tourist euros.
The town's working harbour has been complimented by a large marina, providing mooring and servicing facilities for over 600 private pleasure craft. New apartments, shops, bars, and restaurants have also been built, to cater for the increased number of visitors.
As you would expect from the island's capital, there is an excellent selection of retail shops, mini-marts, coffee shops, bars, and tavernas to choose from, with many hostelries open till past midnight
Most of the town's main shopping area is pedestrianised, and the town square is the hub of activity both day and night.
Local attractions include four museums, one of which tells the history of the gramophone, the Castle of Agia Mavra and the Faneromeni Monastery, built in the 17th century.
Although there is no beach in Lefkada Town, just across the lagoon at Gyra, there is a popular 4km length of sand and shingle beach, while arranged tours or frequent public transport, can get you to several other pretty beaches along the coast.
Down by the harbour, the wide concourse is decked with tables, chairs, and sunshades from the bars and restaurants that run round the marina's quayside, making it a great area for a little souvenir hunting, retail therapy, or somewhere to spend a pleasant couple of hours, watching the yachts and motor boats come and go from the marina.
If Lefkada Town sounds like your place to stay in Lefkada, it has an excellent selection of apartments, villas, and friendly boutique hotels to choose from.
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Turning left onto the main north-south coast road as you reach the island, will get you to the small coastal village and harbour of Ligia, around six kilometres south of Lefkada Town.
The village stretches along and behind the main road. On the coast side, various pathways or the narrow country lane will lead you down to the pebble and sand beach and working harbour.
Popular with those looking for traditional resorts in Lefkada, during summer the village is brightened up by residents' colourful gardens, trailing pot plants, and bougainvillea cascading over walls and fences.
Most of the taverns, tavernas, coffee shops, mini-marts, and souvenir shops are found along the main village road, but don't expect international eateries or fast-food chains.
The beach area, although quite narrow, shelves gently into the sea, making it safe for young children.
There are a couple of tavernas along the beach, while you can find others around the harbour quayside, along with bars and a couple of excellent fish restaurants.
At least one evening dining al fresco on the quayside, as the lights from bars and tavernas dance on the water's surface, should be pencilled into your holiday itinerary.
Although local attractions are thin on the ground, there are some well-established hiking trails available, including one to the interestingly named 'Valley of Love' (Kilada tou Erota).
If you want to explore further afield, local public transport is pretty reliable or, if you have a hire car, Lefkada Town is just a 15 minute drive north, and the resort of Nidri a 20 minute drive south.
If Ligia sounds like your place to stay in Lefkada, there are several private self-catering apartments and villas available, as well as a few boutique hotels.
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If you're wondering where to stay in Lefkada for a totally away-from-it-all, tranquil relaxing Greek island holiday, Nikiana may just fit the bill.
A pleasant, typically Ionian fishing village with a small harbour, Nikiana is pretty much a one street village on the east coast, 10km south of Lefkada Town, and 10km north of Nidri.
Being almost halfway down the coast, it is also popular with visitors who plan to spend one day relaxing on the beach, and the next exploring the surrounding areas, or hiking the hillsides and countryside.
Facilities around the village are pretty sparse except for a few taverns, tavernas, and local shops along the roadway. The beach area also is very un-commercialised compared to many.
Sunbeds and parasols are in short supply except outside the odd tavern, apartment complex, or taverna. Instead, you can find shade under the pine and cypress trees that stretch down the hillsides almost to the water's edge.
Nikiana is also very popular with sailing holiday makers and weekend sailors. Enjoy a stroll along the beach to the harbour, and the area comes to life.
Find a terrace table at one of the waterside bars, and enjoy a drink while watching the fishermen mending their nets, visiting charter yachts and cabin cruisers swaying gently in the swell, and dingy sailors out in force, making the most of the warm breeze that sweeps in from the Greek mainland.
From here you can also book trips to other coves, beaches, and bays of Lefkada, as well as visit other islands.
Although Nikiana is much less commercialised than the larger tourist resorts, through the months of June to August it is a popular resort with the Italians, and can get very busy during this period.
If Nikiana sounds like the place you want to relax in during your stay in Lefkada, it has a selection of studios and one and two bed apartments, self-catering villas, and pretty boutique hotels.
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Although Nidri is still classified a village, it is Lefkada's busiest holiday resort, and popular with all age groups, families, and couples.
Situated on the east coast, around 20km from Lefkada Town in the north, and the same from Vassiliki on the south-west coast, nidri gives the impression of a ramshackle village, which has had different bits added over the years and decades.
This very cosmopolitan village has everything you will need for your stay in Lefkada including shops of all kinds, mini-marts, supermarkets, ATMs, and car hire offices.
International restaurants offer Chinese, Italian, English, and Indian menus, while local tavernas and taverns offer traditional Greek cuisine and local beers, wines, and spirits.
No time to eat? You can grab a take-away from one of the fast-food outlets.
Beautiful blue flag sandy beaches served by a wide, palm tree planted promenade stretch around the bay, while the walkway has enough bars, restaurants, and shops to keep everyone happy.
Nidri's harbour also has grown from a small local fishing port, to a major port/marina, with large ferries sailing daily to other islands including Meganisi, Ithaca, and Kefalonia.
Sizeable motor cruisers and charter yachts lay tied up alongside local fishing boats, while around the quayside there are plenty of the usual facilities, including most of the late-night drinking and music bars.
Sailing is popular around all the Greek Islands, but in Nidri, with the natural Bay of Nidri, it is a particularly popular pastime. If you are a yachting fan, the Ionian Yachting Regatta, the largest in the Med, is held every year during late September, and attracts upwards of 800 entries.
The backdrop to all this is magnificent verdant countryside of high volcanic hillsides covered in pine and cypress woods, and lush valleys of dark Mediterranean vegetation mixed with cultivated olive groves and tilled agricultural land.
Other places of interest around the area are the four islets sitting off the coast, one of which is the islet of Scorpios, prior to his death owned by the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
A closer look can be had from the tour boats, although you're not allowed to land on the islets.
The village itself has a small but interesting Folklore Museum, while in the countryside you can visit the ruins of a prehistoric settlement, and the impressive waterfalls at Dimosari Gorge.
If Nidri sounds like your place where to stay in Lefkada, it has a large selection of all types of accommodation to suit all budgets, but be warned. If you intend to visit in high season, July-August, early booking is advised if you want to be close to the action.
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Read also: Where to stay in Santorini, where to stay in Corfu, where to stay in Kefalonia, where to stay in Zakhyntos
Yenion is more popularly known as Geni or Genion, and lies on a peninsular of the same name, on the island's east side, and a little further around the coast than Nidri. The two however, couldn't be more diverse.
Geni is very much a quiet sailing resort, popular with those who prefer to spend their time on the water – rather than in it. The large Vlycho Bay creates a magnificent natural harbour and marina.
With a backdrop of high hillsides covered in lush vegetation and pine and cypress forests on both the island and peninsula, the whole area is one of total natural beauty.
The narrow coastal village of Vlycho stretches for 2km along the seafront, with bars, tavernas, and small boat-repair workshops, jetties, and launching ramps spread along the waterfront, but there is no beach.
During the summer, the large marina attracts everything from large yachts from across the Mediterranean, to hobbyist weekend and holiday sailors in their small sailboats and motor launches, while the modest harbour still retains its little fleet of fishing boats.
Although there are no beaches at Geni or Vlycho villages, hiring a boat gives you the option of exploring the many pretty coves dotted around the bay which are only accessible from the sea.
If a little sailing is not your thing, then you are not far from Desimi beach, which is closer to Nidri and has a couple of bars, a few shops for the basic necessities, and a popular campsite used by touring travellers and backpackers.
Although having an interest in boats helps if you choose to stay in Geni or Vlycho, it is not a necessity. The peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of the area, the feel of being at one with nature, and the ease by which you can explore further afield, has visitors returning year on year.
If Geni or Vlycho meet the requirements for your stay in Lefkada, there is an excellent range of guest houses, small apartments, boutique hotels and sumptuous villas available.
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If you're wondering where to stay in Lefkada for that relaxing sunbed, sea, and souvenir hunting holiday, Mikros Gialos could be just the venue.
Mikros Gialos beach resort sits on the south-east coast of Lefkada, below the inland village of Poros, and is often referred to as 'Poros Beach.'
It wasn't so many years ago, that this beautiful little fishing village was just that – a little fishing village. But then somebody mentioned tourism.
However, don't let that put you off. It is still one of the most picture-postcard resorts you could stay on the island of Lefkada.
Situated in Rouda Bay, the small blue flag beach, bends around the coastline to the small harbour. To cater for its increasing number of visitors, sunbeds and parasols are spread along the beach, as are bars, shops, and tavernas spread along the front.
A good selection of water-sports is also available, and a children's playground keeps the youngsters busy. There is also a small camp site by the village with its own parking, swimming pool, and taverna.
Even after all this expansion, and with the low rise apartment blocks and chic hotels that have sprung up, Mikros Gialos still retains that quintessential Greek fishing village charm.
With the sun reflecting off the white pebbles, and sparkling on the calm, crystal clear water, the backdrop of dark forest covered hills, and deep green vegetation, compliments the beachfront vista perfectly.
For evening entertainment, don't expect loud music and karaoke bars. Taverna menus offer a varied selection of dishes, while the bars tend to rely on their friendly Greek service and convivial atmosphere for visitor enjoyment.
If you enjoy trips out and about during your stay in Lefkada, even down south of the island you are only 30km from Lefkada Town in the north. Should the 45 minute drive sound a little too much, there are plenty of interesting little beaches and villages to be visited closer to home.
If Mikros Gialos sounds like your place where to stay in Lefkada, it has a good selection of self-catering apartments, small hotels, and comfortable villas.
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Sitting in a sheltered bay, and surrounded by abundant green foliage and wooded hillsides, Sivota is another village popular with visiting yachts and charter boats due to its deep harbour entrance.
Just 15km from Mikros Gialos on the south coast, and 33km from Lefkada Town, the village is popular with those visitors who just want that laid-back, old-style Greek village ambiance from their holiday destination.
During the summer the village is decked with flowering pots, tubs, and hanging baskets. While olive and cypress trees, bougainvillea, wisteria, and succulents brighten up the gardens and walkways.
Sivota has a pretty pebble/sand beach at the end of the breakwater, and the colourful harbour is full of visiting boats coming and going, with others moored up alongside the small fishing fleet.
The promenade wends its way along the front and harbour, with bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and shops to be explored.
You will also find bakeries, mini-markets, and general stores around the village. And along the quayside, some of the best fish restaurants in Lefkada.
Evenings in Sivota can come as a bit of a surprise if it's your first visit. While pleasantly quiet may seem the order of the day; during the evening crowd numbers increase, as boat crews and passengers leave their yachts to eat and drink around the quayside tavernas until the early hours.
Don't let that put you off. Like all good places to stay in Lefkada, you will find quiet bars, and not so quiet bars, the choice is yours.
If you think Sivota might be your choice of where to stay in Lefkada, the village has a good selection of self-catering apartments, boutique hotels, and de-luxe villas to choose from.
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If you're contemplating where to stay in Lefkada for the best water-sport facilities on the island, look no further. On any afternoon through the high season, you can sit on the terrace of a local beach bar, and watch kite and wind-surfers skimming across the bay.
Vassiliki lays in the south of the island, just off centre in the large bay of the same name, and an hour's drive from Preveza airport.
It is Lefkada's second busiest tourist resort, and many young, and young at heart visitors come for the large selection of water-sports, especially wind and kite surfing.
Fortunately, for those not so bothered about all this energy- sapping activity, Vassiliki's beach is long and wide, providing plenty of clear beach to be able to get your sunbed or towel down without getting tangled up with sails or cables.
The beach shelves gently into the sea, making it a safer bet for young children, but flip-flops or beach sandals are recommended, as some of the larger pebbles can be quite painful under bare feet.
The view from the beach as you look round this large bay is breathtaking, and further out to sea the outlines of Kefalonia and Athaka can be seen in the distance.
Around the pretty harbour, with its fishing fleet tied up for the day, regular ferries ply their trade to the aforementioned islands.
Tour boats take visitors for trips around the bay and beaches further afield, and you can hire motor boats, sail boats, pedalos, or kayaks, to do a little exploring of your own.
The port area and promenade has plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and souvenir shops, and it is this area that sees most activity in the evenings.
If you prefer quieter, seek out the taverns around the village, where you can enjoy a couple of drinks on a terrace, and watch the world go by.
If you fancy a change from Vassiliki beach for a day or just a few hours, the much quieter coastal village of Ponti is just a pleasant, relatively flat, two kilometre walk, or two minutes away in your hire car.
There are also some pretty countryside trails to be explored.
If you think Vassiliki sounds like the best place to stay in Lefkada for your water-sports activities, the village has an excellent selection of apartments, villas, boutique hotels, and a pretty campsite with all amenities.
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If your choice of where to stay in Lefkada is more countryside than coast, then beautiful Athani is worth a second look. Situated on a hillside on the south-west of the island, the village dates back to the 15th century, and was originally established by Venetian Italians.
On the main road running from Porto Katsiki on the west coast, to Lefkada Town in the north, the drive time from the Island's capital is around 45 minutes.
It is only in recent years that this picture perfect village has been found by European visitors. Many of them now book long term lets, to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, warm sunshine, and fresh mountain air through the summer months.
Even today, permanent residents of the village number less than 250, and much of it closes during the winter.
Surrounded by olive green forests of pine and cypress, in summer locals brighten up the area with myriad pots of bright, colourful shrubs and flowers outside houses and businesses, and alongside village streets. In fact, anywhere a planted pot, tub, or hanging basket can be fitted in, it is.
Although it is very much a country village rather than a coastal village, the views over the Ionian Sea are magnificent, and the village is just 3.5km from three of the island's most attractive beaches, Gialos (the closest), Egremni, and Porto Katsiki.
Any walking in the area can be quite arduous due to Athani's location, so to make the most of this beautiful area car-hire is advised.
Other places of interest include the 16th century monastery Agios Nikolaos, around a 15 minute drive, and the remains of the ancient temple of Apollo, close to the island headland.
Around the village there are enough local shops and cafes to keep you well supplied with your day to day needs. Try a pot of Athani's local honey, it is famous throughout the island.
During the evening there are bars and restaurants to be enjoyed, where pleasant evenings can be spent dining, drinking, and discussing the day's activities.
If Athani sounds the sort of place you'd like to stay in Lefkada, it has a good selection of private houses, apartments, villas, and boutique hotels available to let.
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Whatever your priorities for choosing where to stay in Lefkada, the beautiful resort of Agios Nikitas will meet them all.
Located just 12km from Lefkada Town, and a 40 minute drive from the airport, the village sits on the west coast, amid some of the island's most attractive beaches.
Built in a rich organic valley, where local farmers cultivate olives and citrus fruits, the village drops terrace-style to the promenade and sea wall, while the surrounding hillsides rise steeply, clad in groves of cypress and forests of pine.
The pretty beach is a mix of white pebbles and sand, with large boulders hundreds of years old, lying where they fell along the beach.
Great for keeping the kids amused. If you arrive in high season, and your intention is to explore the rest of the island by car, parking could be problematic.
Except for the main incoming road, most of the village is pedestrianised, with windy lanes and alleyways. Great for exploring, but not so for motor cars.
The village has a good selection of shops, ATMs, car-hire, mini-marts, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Spend a couple of hours browsing the village when you first arrive.
Stop off for some light refreshment at a bar or coffee shop, and feel the tension start to disappear.
There is a pleasant beach-front walkway which will lead to the small harbour with its fishing boats tied up and visiting small yachts anchored off.
Along the front you will find more souvenir and nick-knack shops, bars and fish restaurants, so you're never short of somewhere to take the weight off tired feet.
When staying at Agios Nikitas, not only do you have a beautiful village beach to enjoy, but some of Lefkada's favourite sandy beaches such as Mylos, Kathisma, and Pefkoulia are just a short distance away by foot, cycle, hire car or water taxi.
Don't expect Agios Nikitas to break into party mode after dark, it won't. There are however, plenty of bars and tavernas where you can enjoy an excellent evening meal, rounded off with a stroll around the harbour and a nightcap on the terrace of a friendly tavern.
If you think Agios Nikitas might be your choice of where to stay in Lefkada, the village has a good selection of luxury villas, boutique hotels, and self-catering apartments to let.
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Categories Greece


Joel Hruska V3 Voltair The V3 Voltair is the highest-performing cooler we've ever tested—and the heaviest.
The best air cooler we've ever tested. Incorporates the Peltier effect to boost performance.
The V3 Voltair is the highest-performing cooler we've ever tested—and the heaviest.
The V3 Voltair ($134.99) is a high-end CPU cooler with an innovative design and some of the best performance we've ever seen. But while it offers the best air-cooling you can currently buy for a PC, its weight and size will restrict it to users with large tower cases who rarely move the system chassis.
Typically, a high-end CPU cooler is a large block of copper with a finned radiator and attached heatpipes to transfer heat more effectively between the attach point and the radiator block. The Voltair incorporates these features, but it has another trick up its sleeve: It's what's known as a Thermo-Electric Cooler (TEC). This type of heatsink exploits the Peltier effect to help cool a CPU.
Here's how the effect works: Two different semiconductor materials are joined in a metal plate and electrified. This creates a great deal of heat on one side (which builds up at the points where the two semiconductors are joined) and stays cold on the other, where the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature of the surrounding air. TEC coolers are often combined with home-built water coolers, since a water block can do an extremely effective job of removing heat from the hot side of the TEC.
The Voltair, however, isn't a full TEC cooler—it just uses the Peltier effect to assist conventional fans in cooling the CPU. That means that the hot/cold plate isn't robust enough (and doesn't pull enough electricity) to cool the CPU to sub-zero temperatures—but shouldn't become so hot that the air cooler can't handle the load. In a way, that's a positive; as the Peltier cooler plate temperature approaches zero, the chance of condensation steadily increases. The Voltair's design avoids this problem.
The first thing you'll notice about the Voltair cooler is that it's absolutely enormous. Fully kitted out, this heatsink-and-fan combination weighs more than three pounds (3.28 to be exact). Intel's recommended maximum cooler weight for an LGA1150 socket is just about 1.1 pounds. Obviously, there are manufacturers that exceed this, but 3.28 pounds may be a record.
Here's why that matters—the heatsink mounts to the motherboard using four connection points. The motherboard has a small socket-reinforcing backplate, and the Voltair contains an additional backplate of its own, but you're still hanging a 3.28-pound chunk of copper vertically off the side of a slab of Printed Circuit Board. The good news about the Voltair is that it provides adequate room on both sides to install RAM, but you'll want to insert the RAM before you actually mount the cooler—the overhang from the cooler head is considerable.
If you're going to install the Voltair in a vertically standing case, you'll need to make sure the motherboard is fully screwed into the case at every attach point. We don't recommend moving the system while this cooler is installed. Putting additional lateral stress on the Voltair could be extremely damaging.
Cooler installation is fairly standardized; the Voltair ships with its own backplate and installation guide. The install kit also includes a fan controller, but on our review unit (either faulty wiring or a bad controller card) we weren't able to test the shipped backplate. Instead, we substituted the fan controller on the Rosewill Thor, our test case for this unit. This doesn't impact final results; basic fan controllers all work on the same principles.
We tested the Voltair against the Noctua NH-L12 (stay tuned for the full review). At 3.5 inches tall (compared with the Voltair's height of 6 inches), the Noctua NH-L12 is a lower-profile cooler that's designed to fit into any type of desktop, including small HTPC cases. Like the V3 Voltair, it uses a pair of fans on either side of the heatsink, but total weight is far lower, at just 1.5 pounds. It's worth noting that RAM installation is slightly more problematic for the Noctua cooler (not all RAM heatsinks fit cleanly underneath its low-profile clearance). It's also nearly half the price of the V3 Voltair, at $70.
We tested both coolers using the Rosewill Thor enclosure with its integrated fan controller. An Intel's Core i7-4770K CPU was installed to a Gigabyte Z87X-D3H motherboard. We measured the CPU temperature using Real Temp RC6. Measurements were taken while the system was idling at desktop 10 to 15 minutes after I booted up the system, and again after a 45-minute run of Prime95's Stress Test option. The Core i7-4770K CPU runs at relatively high temperatures, thanks to its on-die voltage regulators.
Our results show that these aftermarket coolers handled the heat quite well. All three coolers (if you include the Rosewill Thor chassis's built-in cooler) kept the chip cool at idle, but the Voltair allowed a maximum temperature of just 65 degrees Celsius, compared with 75 degrees Celsius for the low-profile Noctua NH-L12. There was a significant difference, however, between the Voltair's performance at maximum fan speed versus minimum fan speed.
At full fan speed, the V3 Voltair outperformed the Noctua NH-L12, but was significantly louder. At minimal fan speed, it was nearly silent, but ran significantly hotter. This is partly due to the Peltier plate, which generates its own additional heat. Most users will want to use the included fan controller to find a happy medium between the two.
The V3 Voltair is easily the largest, heaviest air cooler we've ever reviewed, and clearly one of the most powerful cooling solutions you can buy. At full speed, it can handle a top-end Intel Core i7-4770K CPU without even breaking 70 degrees Celsius when this CPU can push its own stock cooler up to 90 degrees Celsius.
But there's the cooler's price, and its weight—we don't recommend moving your case if you have this beast installed. At $134.99 list, the Voltair is priced against the closed-loop liquid coolers that AMD and Intel have both adopted for their highest-end processors. Such systems use liquid cooling (which may make some buyers nervous, even enthusiasts), but they also typically hang much less weight off the CPU socket, and the radiator is often bolted directly to the case.
If you want the highest-performing air cooler, the V3 Voltair is worth consideration. But if you move your tower frequently or don't have a full-size ATX enclosure, other cooling solutions will suit your needs better.
Bottom Line: The V3 Voltair is the highest-performing cooler we've ever tested—and the heaviest.