Bing maps

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327838532 96 Bing maps

Users сan browse аnd search topographically-shaded street maps for mаnу cities worldwide. Maps include cеrtaіn points of interest built-in, such aѕ metro stations, stadiums, hospitals, аnd other facilities. It iѕ alѕo рossiblе tо browse public user-created points of interest. Searches сan cover public collections, businesses оr types of business, locations, or people. There аre 5 primary types of street map views avаіlаblе tо users: Road View, Aerial View, Bird’s Eye View, StreetSide View, аnd 3D View

Road view іs thе default map view and displays vector imagery оf roads, buildings, аnd geography. The data from whіch the default road map is rendered іs licensed from Navteq. In certaіn parts оf the world, road view maps from alternative data providers are аlѕо available. For example, when viewing a map of London, уou саn display road data from the Collins Bartholomew London Street Map. In all parts оf thе UK, yоu сan display road data from the Ordnance Survey. A Bing Maps app іѕ аvаilаblе thаt wіll display road data frоm Open Street Map.Aerial View:

Aerial view overlays satellite imagery оntо thе map аnd highlights roads аnd major landmarks to bе easily identifiable аmongѕt the satellite images.

Bird’s Eye View:

Bird’s-eye view displays aerial imagery captured frоm low-flying aircraft. Unlike the top-down aerial view captured by satellite, Bird’s-eye images аrе tаken at an oblique, 45-degree angle, whіch give thе user bettеr depth perception for buildings аnd geography. Bird’s-eye view іѕ availаblе in selected locations acrosѕ thе globe, including major cities in the United States, Canada, Japan аnd іn оver 80 European locations. Bird’s-Eye images fоr a location mау bе viewed from all fоur cardinal directions. These images аre typically muсh mоrе detailed thаn thе aerial views takеn from directly above. Signs, advertisements, pedestrians, аnd оthеr objects аre clеarlу visible іn mаnу Bird’s Eye views.

StreetSide view рrovіdеs immersive, panoramic (360 degree) imagery of street-level scenes tаken frоm special cameras mounted on moving vehicles. Launched іn December 2009[3] it сontaіns imagery fоr selected metro areas іn thе United States аs well аѕ selected areas in Vancouver аnd Whistler, British Columbia aѕѕосіаtеd with thе 2010 Winter Olympic Games (example: Richmond Olympic Oval). Microsoft plans tо make selected cities in Europe аvаіlable by end оf 2011. From August tо September 2011, German customers wеrе allowed tо appeal integration оf thеir house of flat іn Bing StreetSide until end оf September.[4] According to sоmе officials, the number of appeals was significantly lower thаn wіth Google Maps Street View. Only 40,000 request were sent to Microsoft.

The 3D maps feature lets user sее buildings in 3D, with the added ability tо rotate and tilt thе angle іn addition tо panning аnd zooming. To attempt tо achieve near-photorealism, all 3D buildings аrе textured uѕing composites оf aerial photography. To view thе 3D maps, users must install a plugin, thеn enable the “3D” option оn “Bing Maps”. In addition tо exploring thе maps using a mouse and keyboard, іt іѕ poѕsible tо navigate thе 3D environment using аn Xbox 360 controller or аnоthеr game controller іn Windows 7 , Windows Vista оr Windows XP.

Currently, roughly 68 cities worldwide mау be viewed іn 3D, including most оf thе major cities іn thе United States and а few cities іn Canada, thе United Kingdom, and France. Some additional cities havе had a select fеw important landmarks modelled іn 3D, suсh аs thе Colosseum in Rome. Terrain data іѕ аvaіlablе for thе entire world. It iѕ alsо рoѕsiblе tо use a 3D modelling program called 3DVIA Shape fоr Maps to add one’s оwn models to thе 3D map. As оf November 2010, Microsoft decided tо drop their 3D feature to focus оn othеr aspects of Bing Maps.  Driving, walking, аnd transit directionsUsers cаn gеt directions bеtwеen twо or mоre locations. In September 2010, Bing Maps added public transit directions (bus, subway, and local rail) tо іtѕ аvailablе direction options. Currently transit directions аre only аvaіlablе in 11 cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark Metro Area, New York Metro Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver BC, and Washington DC.

Bing Map Apps is а collection оf 1st аnd 3rd party applications thаt add additional functionality and content to Bing Maps. Examples оf map apps include a parking finder, а taxi fare calculator, аn app thаt maps оut Facebook friends, and an app which lets users explore thе day’s newspaper front pages from аrоund the world. These apps аrе оnly accessible through Bing Maps Silverlight.

Traffic information аnd ClearFlowBing Maps shows users current traffic information fоr major highways аnd roads. The feature users 4 color codes (black, red, yellow, green) to indісаte traffic volume, from heaviest traffic tо lightest traffic. Microsoft announced іn March 2008 that іt will bе releasing іtѕ latest software technology called “ClearFlow”.

It iѕ a Web-based service fоr traffic-based driving directions avaіlable оn Bing.com іn 72 cities аcross the U.S.The tool tоok fivе years for Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence team to develop. ClearFlow prоvidеs real-time traffic data tо helр drivers avoid traffic congestion. ClearFlow gіvеѕ information for alternative routes аnd supplies traffic conditions on city streets adjacent to highways.Clearflow anticipates traffic patterns, whіlе taking іnto account sporting/arena events, time оf day and weather conditions, and then reflects the back ups and thеіr consequential spill оvеr оnto city streets. Often, ClearFlow found іt mау be faster to stay оn thе highway іnstеad оf seeking alternative side street routes, whісh involve traffic lights аnd congestion as well.

Sharing аnd embedding mapsBing Maps аllоwѕ users tо share maps аnd embed maps into theіr websites. By clicking thе e-mail icon іn the bottom-left corner of Bing Maps, a window will open thаt displays а shareable URL so оtherѕ саn access the map currеntly bеіng viewed. This window аlso prоvіdеѕ HTML code tо embed a small version of thе map ontо аnу web page.

Designed In August 2010, Bing Maps launched аn overhauled design for itѕ default view. The new colors create а mоrе visually appealing backdrop fоr information delivery thаt helps content ‘pop’ on thе map. The backdrop рrovіdeѕ clear differentiation fоr pushpins, labels аnd red, yellow аnd green traffic overlays. These design principles аlѕо works wеll in black and white аnd creates differentiation for thosе with thе most common forms оf color blindness. Also, larger fonts correspond to larger roads to help customers mоre easily identify main roads in cities. More readable labels eliminate thе need fоr bolding аnd less-attractive glows. The inclusion of neighborhood labels аllowѕ users to quickly find оr convey locations іn a commonly uѕed and highly relevant format.

Other features[edit] People, business, and location searchThe search box аt the top of Bing Maps саn be uѕed to locate places, businesses аnd landmarks, and people. Search results арреar bоth on а left-side rail аnd аs pushpins оn thе map (linked tоgethеr bу numbers). Search results oftеn include addresses, contact information, and reviews fоr businesses аnd landmarks. For relevant searches, the user will alѕo ѕee a description оf thе landmark or place (powered bу Wikipedia) іf а Wikipedia article exists. The search process can аlsо be guided usіng local directories for numerous categories (restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, retail stores, etc.).

ser contributions: Bing Maps users саn аlѕо view and add “user contributed” entries to the map. These user-contributions must be toggled on by users. These user-contributed items can include businesses, landmarks, buildings, locations, aѕ well аs Microsoft [Photosynth]s. Users сan browse user-contributions bу tags and subscribe tо RSS feeds to receive updates of new user-contributions to а specific area.

In August 2010, Bing Maps added dynamic labels to іtѕ Silverlight experience (bing.com/maps/explore). Turn оn the dynamic labels beta frоm thе map style selector on bing.com/maps/explore and thе labels bеcоme clickable. This аllowѕ users to quickly zoom down to a region оr location anywherе on the map wіth just a few clicks. Zooming back out іn а single click is аlso рosѕible bу usіng thе ‘breadcrumb’ trail аt the top left оf the map.

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Test 4 Forza Motorsport on Xbox 360

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327836132 53 Test 4 Forza Motorsport on Xbox 360

Modeled on a steady pace of one event every two years, the Forza Motorsport series delivers a fourth component. Under the sign of continuity but not devoid of the exotic (Kinect compatibility), this album has all the cards to become self reference simulation on consoles after quack Gran Turismo and face competition tasteless. So Forza 4 it is the best racing game of the year?

Forza Motorsport assumes all four of his heritage and, despite Kinect, it is not the episode that will revolutionize the franchise simply because Turn 10, the developer, do not want and did nothing. Menus always classy and refined to grip, hyper-flexible, there is the elegance and accessibility that make this all the salt in the series since its debut on Xbox first name. Thus, the plebiscite of fans of Forza is already acquired and between disappointment GT 5 and the proliferation of hybrid securities (PGR 4, GRID, NFS Shift …), the other should logically follow. Indeed, on consoles, no racing game offers more guarantees in terms of realism, driving pleasure and completeness. If it does not reach the credibility of a GTR on PC and if everything is done to gather purists and neophytes, the result is nevertheless convincing, thanks in part to a classic but exhilarating gameplay, and a content simply Pharaohs. If the number of cars already impressive (500 cars, which is still well below the Gran Turismo 5), it is especially amazing screen races. Although it is difficult to accurately estimate its lifetime, expect to almost 100 hours of play!

Each interior has been modeled. If you have Kinect, you can look around the cockpit!

The career mode in Forza Motorsport is composed of four successive races on the one hand, adopting a style quite linear and progressive, and an array of unique events on the other, immensely rich and let’s face it, a little messy. The first part you easily occupy between 10 and 15h before the second takes more sustainably. Thus, where other titles would be satisfied with the first phase already exciting and diverse Forza 4 drown the player in a multitude of events dedicated to specific engines, forcing him to drive all sorts of cars from 80 manufacturers different, sweeping every period of 60 years and beyond. Of course, a lot of cars today is the appointment: M X5, Z4 sDrive, Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, CTS-V Coupe, 599 GTO, FF, ix20, Sesto Elemento, SLS AMG and many more .. . The garage is of high quality, we only regret that Autovista, which can move freely around a parked car and got behind the wheel, as in a car dealership, can only be used for a number of vehicles to unlock. A form of discrimination in favor of the most prestigious, while a good old Toyota Aygo deserves as much admiration from near and far! Note that the Autovista works equally well with an Xbox 360 with Kinect, your hands while allowing you to operate the doors open, the hood or trunk. Fun.

Spread the word, a real Ferrari is a Ferrari yellow!

Ten divisions, more athletic and faster and less focused on production models are waiting in the category World Tour career mode. Throughout the classes, the number of strokes increases but each event is independent of other formulas and “championship” are quite rare and often limited to a few rounds. If the operation is quite agreed, Forza 4 is much of interest in embedding mode. Because while being relatively linear progression may be very different from one player to another, your garages will testify, probably trimmed some of the same awards with four wheels. At each step of his ascent to the heights, the player is indeed proposing three separate tests. If the basic monetary remuneration will not change at its option, the small bonus it will not be the same. Thus, when it is announced, it may be a gain or level of experience or discounts on parts manufacturers. It is your responsibility, therefore, depending on how your profile to opt for the testing of your choice, knowing that the accepted models will differ from one race to another, hence the importance of having a garage as eclectic as possible. In any case, it is always possible to go through the box for “improvements” to install the right parts to upgrade one of your models.

We regret that no sheet is available when choosing his reward.

As in the previous aspects, the stores are of paramount importance. To the extent that cars are essential to the progress you are offered free to every level reached, it is in these places you spend the thousands of credits. Credits that increase faster if you deign to disable maximum driving aids (brake assist and management, stability control and traction, transmission, suggestion of the trajectory, damage, fuel, tire option and “rewind”) and if you chain overtaking and cornering without perfect boho during races. In short, the store serves to boost the characteristics of your car, either a block or piece by piece. If completeness is not to prove, we must admit that the time spent to install individual pieces is very small. In most cases you will need a car at the height of his abilities in the category that is his, the store will then propose to improve it “block” for you, which will save you considerable time. Especially it must be said that using the loyalty bonus (each race won entitles you to discounts from the manufacturer in question), prices are rapidly becoming very attractive, until you have access altogether parts to the eye! Mechanical adjustments to meet a different logic: complete but not necessarily influential on the game. In parallel, do not forget Forza 4 lovers visual customization with a bunch of décalcos, vinyl and paint, what then take pretty pictures in the manner provided for this purpose.

The damage modeling is very thorough and above all, very localized. Contact = a big scratch.

In-game, Forza Motorsport 4 is an example of balance. Whatever the configuration for which you choose (assisted or not), the experience will suit you naturally. The title excels set to arcade or simulation, but its primary purpose is to be realistic, it can not be too advise you to aim high and to remove a maximum of driving aids. Set as is, it is remarkable in every respect except for one very important and the RNs. By itself, it succeeded in stopping some races by its rigidity and propensity to ignore your tracks left to play the stock car. There are countless clashes illegitimate, caused by doors inexplicably closed or some abrupt changes of trajectories without any logic. In this sense, the game of Turn 10 a few years of delay, especially as this problem could have Forza 3. Also, we regret that artificial intelligence is always a tendency to grind close to curves that do not absolutely need, causing contacts idiots if you take the suction. Under these conditions, it is impossible to trust the IA and persist in following the ideal line is not really safe. However, if the picture is painted of it is black, do not worry, this does not mean a title Forza 4 unstable. Despite this, the car physics, behavior, and driving pleasure are strengths that make it as famous in many ways.

Duels on mountain road are often very intense and are reminiscent of the drift racing in Japan.

The gameplay is flawless, the feeling is roughly the same as in Forza 3, both in terms of mass transfer or distinctions between traction and propulsion, primarily to inner. The cockpit has been carefully modeled, the immersion is total and if you have Kinect, you can watch anywhere inside the car in the rearview mirror and turns on the horizon by simply turning the head. Of course, you can always push the experience even further by using a steering wheel, whose CSR Elite we tested and is compatible, and why not, to enable the multi-screen which allows play on three screens to enjoy a viewing angle much wider. It is a habit in the series Forza, the fourth installment is probably the most customizable of the history of the franchise, either in terms of difficulty, gameplay or gaming devices There are for all world and there’s something for everyone, unless they are allergic to any kind of simulation. In addition, anti-cheat which such default in Gran Turismo 5, are numerous and intelligently integrated. Cut a curve is impossible since the car is significantly slowed, while the differences beyond the curbs them, are not logically punished. However, what about the function to rewind at will in order to correct a mistake? While being deactivated, the option serves as intruders in a simulation. Another option is crazy, the “recruitment”, which can let the AI ​​play for you, your credit is less appropriate.

Here are all the events of the game! Knowing that each square can contain up to 12 races!

Forget the multiplayer side of his person as split screen and online gambling are waiting for you. The first allows two players to compete on the same machine while the latter is able to accommodate up to 16 players online or two times more than in Forza 3. As host, the user has the choice of 12 different game from some very original as Elimination, the Hare and the Tortoise, Cat and Mouse, the Drift or stage races to do among others. The possibilities are truly impressive and any race can have a huge classical interest. But the most interesting mode is the Club that gives the right to create a group for you and your friends, so you can share between members cars in the garage of the club and members to challenge or even other clubs. And if you wish, an auction house to buy and sell any car to other players online, the opportunity to boost your credit or invest in a fireball specific cost, unless the auction do not exceed. Operation with the Ebay auctions and immediate purchase gives special interest to trade online. Certainly, Forza 4 is rich in many ways!

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U.K. could send more navy assets to Strait of Hormuz

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

800 persian gulf oil tankers ap file 1202232 U.K. could send more navy assets to Strait of Hormuz 800 EU irna oil enbargo ap 120123 U.K. could send more navy assets to Strait of Hormuz

Date: Tuesday Jan. 24, 2012 4:10 PM ET

TEHRAN — Military power near the strategic Strait of Hormuz could be bolstered by additional British forces, the country’s defence secretary said Tuesday, as a defiant Iran shrugged off Europe’s oil embargo and moved ahead with plans to hold naval exercises alongside the oil tanker shipping lanes it has threatened to block.

Tehran’s bravado was in sharp contrast to the widening international pressures seeking to curb its nuclear program.

Australia became the latest country to shun Iranian oil, and the European Union’s foreign policy chief travelled to Israel for talks certain to convey the West’s belief that increasing economic isolation, rather than a push toward military action, is the most effective tool against Iran’s leadership.

Iran also has accused Israel of masterminding a series of covert attacks such as a malicious computer virus designed to infiltrate uranium enrichment labs and targeted slayings of members of Iran’s scientific community. Israel has made no direct comments on the claims, but dangled hints that clandestine operations are possible by Iran’s many foes.

The EU on Monday joined Washington in backing sanctions targeting Iran’s vital oil industry, which accounts for about 80 per cent of its foreign currency revenues. The vote in Brussels came a day after a Western flotilla — two British and French warships and the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s battle group — entered the Gulf in a show of force against any Iranian attempts to disrupt the route for one-fifth of the world’s oil.

Iran’s commanders, meanwhile, are preparing their own message. Plans remain in place for the powerful Revolutionary Guard to send its maritime forces for manoeuvrs next month in the Strait, which is jointly controlled by Iran and Oman and has become the latest flashpoint for a potential military confrontation.

“Elements within the European Union, by pursuing the policies of the U.S. and adopting a hostile approach, are seeking to create tensions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Ali Asghar Khaji, a senior foreign ministry official, as saying. He called the EU decision “irrational.”

But other Iranian officials claimed the sanctions would not work — and could even benefit OPEC giant Iran by driving up crude prices.

“The oil embargo will lead to higher prices. Europe will be the loser and Iran will earn more because of high prices,” Iran’s oil ministry spokesman, Alireza Nikzad Rahbar, told state TV.

Iran also summoned the Danish ambassador in Tehran over the EU’s oil embargo. Denmark currently holds the EU presidency.

In London, Britain’s Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said his country was ready to strengthen its military presence in the Gulf if needed.

The U.S.-led convoy of warships now in the Gulf — which included Britain’s HMS Argyll frigate and France’s frigate La Motte Picquet — sent “a clear signal about the resolve of the international community to defend the right of free passage through international waters,” Hammond told reporters.

“We also maintain mine-counter measures vessels in the Gulf, which are an important part of the overall allied presence there, and of course the U.K. has a contingent capability to reinforce that presence should at any time it be considered necessary to do so,” he added, accusing Iran of working “flat out” to produce a nuclear weapon.

Iran insists its atomic program is only aimed at producing energy and research, but has repeatedly refused to consider giving up its ability to enrich uranium. The U.S. and allies fear it could use its stockpile to one day produce weapons-grade material.

Hammond declined to offer specific details on what forces are currently in the Gulf, but said it had about 1,500 Navy personnel in the region east of Suez, which includes the Middle East and Indian Ocean, and a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.

Four anti-mine vessels are based out of Bahrain, which is also the base for the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Britain also has two frigates — including HMS Argyll — three support ships, a survey vessel and one hunter-killer nuclear submarine in the region, the ministry said.

Last year, the U.K. created a Response Force Task Group — drawn from a pool of warships and marines — that can be deployed at short notice.

In Paris, French military spokesman Col. Thierry Burkhard said the French warship, which specializes in countering submarine attacks, has since separated from the British and American vessels, but remains on a “presence mission” in the Gulf.

France doesn’t have plans to deploy more forces to the zone, said Burkhard, noting that France has a small base in the United Arab Emirates, which currently houses six Rafale warplanes and about 650 troops, including an infantry battalion.

The United States and allies already have warned they would take swift action against any Iranian moves to choke off the 30-mile (50-kilometre) wide Strait of Hormuz. The foreign minister from the wealthy Gulf state of Qatar — which has close ties with the West and Iran — called the waterway an international corridor that “belongs to the world.”

“We hope the tensions over Hormuz disappear,” Hamad bin Jassim told the Qatari newspaper Al-Arab.

But the primary objective of Western leaders appears to be waging an economic battle to weaken Iran’s resolve.

In Israel, the EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton began a three-day visit with a public agenda dominated by the stalled peace effort with Palestinians. The Western efforts to squeeze Iran, however, could overshadow the talks.

Washington and its European allies appear to strongly favour the path of tighter sanctions and diplomatic pressures on Iran. Evidence of its impact — a plummeting Iranian currency and Iran’s Asian oil customers considering looking elsewhere — are used to counter calls by Israeli hard-liners and others for possible military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Ashton urged Iran to resume negotiations with world powers that broke off last year. Israel’s Defence Minister Ehud Barak lauded the tighter European sanctions but appealed for even harsher measures.

“We think these are decisions in the right direction,” he told reporters. “But it is very important to tighten them even more and add steps against the central bank and additional steps in order to force the Iranians to quickly reach a decision point of are they going to stop the military nuclear program or face the consequences of not stopping it.”

In London, Australia’s foreign minister, Kevin Rudd, said his country would join the EU’s oil embargo though it was mostly a symbolic act since Australia imports very little Iranian oil. The 27-nation EU had been importing about 450,000 barrels of oil per day from Iran, making up 18 per cent of Iran’s oil exports.

Iran’s Oil Ministry said the country can find new markets, though U.S. officials have been pressing Tehran’s main Asian oil markets to turn away from Iran.

China — which counts on Iran as its third-biggest oil supplier — has rejected sanctions and called for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. South Korea, which relies on Iran for up to 10 per cent of its oil supplies, also has been noncommittal on sanctions.

Japan, which imports about 9 per cent of its oil from Iran, has not made a decision on whether to reduce its imports. Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba told parliament Tuesday that Japan hoped to co-operate with the international community, but stressed the need to keep oil prices stable while making sanctions effective.

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Delhi Govt to instil civility in babudom

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327831336 45 Delhi Govt to instil civility in babudomIn a step towards image makeover of the babudom, the Delhi Government has decided to impart a one-day crash course on ‘Etiquettes and personality development’ to officers belonging to IAS, DANICS (State civil service and subordinate services) and DASS (subordinate services).

The step is being undertaken after feedback was received about the (mis)behavior by officials. They were reportedly rude towards their sub-ordinates and in public dealings. The first of its kind course will be held on March 5, 2012.

Insiders say that adverse findings by the VK Shunglu Committee and CAG regarding Commonwealth Games mess have dented the public image of Government officials. “To improve its image in public, the Delhi Government has decided to conduct a crash course on ‘Etiquettes and personality development’ for its officials,” said insiders.

When asked, Delhi Chief Secretary Pravin Kumar Tripathi said, “This is the part of the training module for civil services officials and such trainings will help them overcome their shortcomings while dealing with administrative works and public. According a circular, a copy of which is with The Pioneer, issued to all Delhi Government departments, the course has been designed to benefit all functionaries in the Government, its local bodies/autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings. The course is being organised by Directorate of Training and Union Territories Civil Services department of the Delhi Government.

The training module offers 75-minute class of etiquettes, society, culture and customs while the second session of 75-minute course will be on etiquettes and individual. The third session of 75 minutes will offer a lecture on etiquettes and organisation, while and the fourth session course will offer how to develop etiquettes and personality. The course would be conducted by experts. At the end of the course, the participants will be able to understand the need for etiquettes in the organisation, according to the module.

“Good manners and professional etiquette are essential to civil services officials. Historically, good manners evolved from common-sense and respect for others. In civil services examination, there is no test for etiquettes or personality development.

Recalling an episode at the Player’s Building, a senior official said that a former chief secretary who superseded many colleagues had to face a precarious situation when senior-most officials of certain authorities did not attend the meetings called by Chief Secretary at his office.

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ad tag news local-mjx

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327830132 55 ad tag news local mjx

When newcomers and visitors drive into Longview, findingdowntown or other places of interest without a map or mappingdevice can be daunting.

As Longview Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President PaulAnderson noted Thursday, roadways change names from oneintersection to the next.

Since no state highways traverse downtown Longview, finding thecity’s business district or recreational destinations can bechallenging.

After three years of research and collaboration, the city andchamber are solving the problem with signs.

Blue-and-white directional signs, each topped with the city ofLongview logo, have appeared on Texas 149/322, U.S. 259, Loop 281and other thoroughfares during the past three weeks.

The signs direct motorists to downtown, Heritage Plaza, LearPark and other destinations. This is the first step of a masterplan to add signage throughout Longview that will point the way toparks, hospitals, city hall, the Maude Cobb Convention and ActivityCenter and other places.

“We needed way-finding in Longview to help visitors find keydestinations that don’t show up on the state signs,” Anderson said.“I particularly have a good head for directions, (but) not everyonedoes. (When driving through an unfamiliar city) I do look for thesigns for the convention center or city hall, and when they arethere, it is a whole lot easier to drive and be alert. Withoutthem, you are looking at a map, and that is dangerous anyway.”

The city contributed $15,000 toward consultant fees that led tothe creation of a master plan, and about $4,800 for installation ofthe signs, so far, said city spokesman Shawn Hara. The chamber paidfor the poles and curved upper portion of most of the way-findingsigns, while the city’s Public Works Department constructed thesigns’ main rectangular portion and provided installation. Athird-party contractor created the more detailed pedestrian signsfound in the city’s 100 Acres of Heritage.

Longview has several paths that change names through town. WhenPegues Place crosses Judson Road to the west, it becomes JohnstonStreet for three blocks and, later, Woodcrest Lane. Spur 502 ismostly Judson Road, except for a four-block section near MarshallAvenue that is a portion of High Street. Though Spur 502 ends atMarshall Avenue, it remains High Street for about three miles inSouth Longview before it joins with South Mobberly Avenue andbecomes Estes Parkway, along with Loop 281, Texas 322 and Texas149.

The north terminus of Mobberly Avenue becomes Fifth Street. And,Loop 281 is named Tomlinson Parkway, Standard Street, Karnes Roadand Harrison Road at various points within the city.

“It is confusing to motorists in that streets frequently changetheir name … Both the layout and the names are troublesome evenwhen they are reading a map,” Anderson said.

Elaine Reynolds, vice president of downtown development for theLongview Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative is “fund-driven”but has had good response from the community. The Main StreetAdvisory Board chaired by Kim Droege has led the way.

Board members wanted to direct motorists into downtown and otherLongview areas through the “best, easiest, most aesthetic” routes,Reynolds said. Visitors driving in from U.S. 259 who might beconfused can find the bright blue signs and easily see thedirection to downtown. New residents who might live in Spring Hillor areas north of town can use the signs to find downtowndestinations such as city hall and the courthouse.

Three years ago, the chamber and city joined to determine a planto have way-finding signs installed throughout town. The chamberhired Dallas-based Babendure Design Group to develop an UrbanGraphics Master Plan for new signage that met staterequirements.

Am I forgiving? The secondary responsibilities of a CEO largely depend on the size and sector in which a particular organization works in. Using Your Cell Phone in an Emergency When you are on the road during an emergency, use your cell phone to its full advantage. But aside from the typical Audi Quatrro produced during these years, Audi also released its A1 and A2 evolutions used for motorsports. People who are fond of water sports like boating and Jet Skiing must learn how to drive these sports safely after gaining license. Yes, you should be using mirrors as well, but you actually want to see out of the back window if that the direction you are going in. Here are a few ways to deal with aggressive drivers: If someone is tailgating you, simply change lanes and allow them to pass. I really need driving and it is highly addicting. Also, it can lead to jail time and almost always gives you a criminal record. Interior: The spacious interior with its cocooning twist dash panel combines the newest Audi design words with the most salient technical advances and the premium materials constructed to the very maximum of principles in time-honored Audi style. I?e received telephone calls and personal visits from clients that we helped transition to a non-driving way of life, reporting that although one of their biggest concerns early on was that they would become isolated and disconnected from the world as they knew it, only to find that they are busier now than they have been in years.
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The Daily Bruin :: _Talk over tech_

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327827730 24 The Daily Bruin :: Talk over tech

We have come to exist in a society and culture that is rapidly changing through technological innovation.

This innovation, which has left its mark on medicine and labor, has now moved on to the educational frontier.

Yet technology can either raise the educational standard in this country, or destroy it completely.

Technology has become more and more prevalent in college classrooms nationwide. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 98 percent of all classrooms had internet availability in 2008, compared to the 77 percent that had internet access in 2000. The once highly confusing PowerPoint presentation has now become a staple of nearly every lecture.

Newer gadgets such as interactive white boards, Kindles and iPads are impressive technological feats, but they steal the role of educator away from the teacher.

A distinction must be drawn between technology that is used to aid an instructor in teaching, and technology that essentially takes the place of a teacher. The increasing reliance on technology will inevitably replace the teacher as the main educational facilitator.

What was once a tool used by teachers to supplement lesson plans is now being used as a crutch. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it should never substitute personal connection between teacher and student.

Ancient Greeks defined this sentiment – some of the wisest philosophers emerged from an age of solely teacher and student interaction. Computers can only teach in one way, and are unable to adapt to a student’s strengths and weaknesses.

This is what makes teachers invaluable – their capability to help a student reach their full potential through a human relationship.

We must also examine a second issue, whether or not these technologies are actually aiding students in understanding the material better than a teacher alone. Just because new advancements are available does not mean we need to utilize all of them, and it does not mean all of them are beneficial to our education.

At UCLA, professors have been known for posting questions on their PowerPoint slides that can be answered with clickers, posting review questions during class and even providing students a video podcast to review lectures. This type of technology allows for interactive learning, yet does not minimize the role of the professor.

At institutions with large lecture courses, technology can serve as a bridge between educator and pupil. Robert Gould, professor of statistics at UCLA, said that clickers are very useful in large lectures and have the ability to more efficiently allow every student to participate during lecture.

The clickers also lead to lively class discussion and have students feel more involved in the lesson.

Introducing technology to the classroom also runs the risk of taking the attention away from a teacher’s presentation. Allowing students to bring laptops to class because of a new technological implement can lead to numerous distractions – in this case technology would only serve to hinder a student’s education.

In 2010, a University of Colorado professor examined the test scores of her students who used laptops in class against those students who do not; the result, students who used laptops during class performed an average of 11 percent lower on the test.

Yet, all technological advancement is not detrimental to education. The most effective way to handle this conundrum is to limit the amount of technology that students are exposed to in the classroom.

Simply put, the teacher should always be the central focus for all educational learning.

This same principle is the reason why websites such as Khan Academy and other online tutorials have become so popular – they create a one-on-one feeling between student and instructor.

While universities will continue to provide degrees, students are beginning to turn to other sources, such as the Khan Academy, for an education.

Students’ increasing trust in technology has convinced many they can succeed with technology alone, and without any help from educators.

I do not believe the advent of technology is proof of the devil, but I do believe technology if used correctly can serve to perfect a teacher’s message.

We should embrace technology, but we must be vigilant of how it will be used for educational purposes. Computers cannot teach students, no matter how ardently we wish to believe so.

Teachers are the principal driving force behind a student’s education, and a teacher must learn to balance technology with their own methods in order to educate. If not, then technology threatens to corrupt and destroy education, just as it has destroyed so many other things when utilized incorrectly and lazily.

Do you think technology is becoming too prominent in the classroom? Email Viswanathan at edu. Send general comments to edu.

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Haledon police blotter

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327826528 12 Haledon police blotter

On Dec. 17, Arturo Martinez, 26, of Paterson, was arrested on charges of drug possession in a motor vehicle after police ran a check of a 2000 Ford Taurus with tinted windows, revealing a suspended license. After stopping the vehicle, Martinez was unable to produce documents for the car and the officer detected the smell of burnt marijuana. The officer discovered a bag of suspected marijuana in plain view on the driver’s side while conducting a search of the vehicle. Police also determined Martinez had an active warrant out of Paterson for $750. He was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, driving without an inspection sticker, failure to produce documents and operating a vehicle with tinted windows.

On Dec. 18, police stopped red 2001 Ford Mustang traveling on Burhans Avenue with a headlight out. After running a check on the vehicle, police discovered the driver, Joel Batista, 21, of Haledon, had an active warrant out of Elmwood Park for $254. Officer George Kelly also noted the smell of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a small black back pack in the possession of the passenger, Eliazer Santiago, 21, of Shelby, N.C., containing a bag of suspected marijuana and a metal grinder. Santiago was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana under 50 grams and drug paraphernalia. He was later released on his own recognizance. The driver was released with a new court date. He was issued a summons for failing to maintain his head lamps.

On Dec. 22, police are investigating the theft of various power tolls from a Zabriskie Street residence currently under renovation. The victim reported two Dewalt screw guns and chargers, a sawzall and a 12-inch compound power miter saw were missing from the site, with an estimated value of $900.

On Dec. 25, Richardo Williamson, 54, of Paterson, was arrested on charges of attempting to steal a last-minute Christmas gift from a local store. A security officer stopped the individual after the merchandise security sensor sounded. Williamson immediately surrendered two perfume gift sets. A search of his person also yielded a pair of the store’s sunglasses. The total cost of the items was $60.63. Williamson was charged with shoplifting under $200, a disorderly person offence. He was issued a civil liability notification from the store with an order to pay the store $150 within the next 20 days. He was later released.

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GPS Technology

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327825331 44 GPS Technology

What Is GPS and How Does It Work?

GPS is an acronym standing for Global Positioning System. It’s a house age know-how based on radio communications with multiple satellites in a geo-synchronous orbits. A GPS Receiver picks up a signal from as many satellites as possible and calculates its distance from every of these satellites. Utilizing a fancy algorithm it could possibly then pinpoint the situation, altitude, and other information of the receiver.

GPS was initially designed by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1973 for navy applications, however has since been declassified for civilian uses. The US system consists of 27 satellites in orbit 12,000 miles above the earth. Twenty-4 of those are in orbits calculated to provide coverage of a minimum of four satellites to any level on earth at any given time, and the other three are reserves to be flown into place to exchange any malfunctioning unit. It’s a very subtle system. The Russian government also has its personal independent GPS system, and a number of other European States are collaborating to launch a third.

The satellites ship out radio indicators which might be received and timed by floor tools (which has now reached the scale of a small handheld gadget due to micro-circuitry). The time it takes the sign, which is a radio wave traveling at the speed of light, to succeed in the receiver tells the pc the gap from every of the satellites. By triangulating these distances it may determine precise data on the situation of the receiver.

By imposing the latitude, longitude, and different data obtained from the satellites on a map stored in its memory the average handheld receiver of at the moment can show its location on maps, even street maps full with what shops or different companies had been there when it was programmed or updated. It’s the navigation software of the 21st Century, and as long as the receiver has a source of electric energy, and the orbits of the photo voltaic powered satellites do not decay and send them burning back through the ambiance with out being replaced it’s the greatest system ever devised. Good navigators are still, however, aware of older strategies based on the compass and sextant, as a result of there may be always a chance of electric power failure on a ship or vehicle. This low tech backup is essential for solo and household sailors on lengthy voyages.

It is a enormous leap forward in navigation know-how, and promises to change our world but again. With computers that know precisely the place they are at all times to inside inches there’s a tremendous alternative for implementing robotic applied sciences that had been previously solely science fiction. Only time well inform how much it should change our world, and what form these changes will take. But I predict that if I dwell to see the year 2050 that there might be buses, trains, trucks, and lots of different autos working completely autonomously on set programs with varied sensors added for human security and convenience.

This post is written by James Anderson, he is a web enthusiast and ingenious blogger who loves to write about many different topics, such as thompson cigar coupon code. His educational background in journalism and family science has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics, including 6pm codeand many others. He enjoys experimenting with various techniques and topics like netfirms coupon and has a love for creativity. He has a really strong passion for scouring the internet in search of inspirational topics.

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Apps4Android Expands Mobile Offerings with the Launch of Five Free Accessibility Sprint ID Packs

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327824133 76 Apps4Android Expands Mobile Offerings with the Launch of Five Free Accessibility Sprint ID Packs

HILLIARD, Ohio, Jan 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Apps4Android, the world’s largest developer of accessibility-focused Android applications, has joined with Sprint to offer five accessibility-themed Sprint ID packs. The ID packs — available for download next week — were developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Wireless Technologies.

The five ID packs are loaded with applications designed to accommodate the access needs of Sprint subscribers with print disabilities — people who are unable to read standard printed material, including on their smartphone, because of blindness, visual disability, physical limitations, organic dysfunction or dyslexia. Apps4Android designed the following Sprint ID packs, which are free to download with an Everything Data plan from Sprint on select Sprint ID-capable Android(TM) devices.

1. Accessibility ID from Apps4Android This ID pack installs all the applications necessary to operate a smartphone without the need to see or read what is being displayed on the screen. It does so through the use of spoken, auditory and vibrational feedback. Applications include:

— Eyes-Free Shell: Turns a user’s smartphone into an eyes-free communication device by providing one-touch access to Android applications. Users can move their finger over the screen to explore and lift their finger up to run what they stopped on.

— Keyboard Tutor: Enables user to understand the layout of the buttons and keyboards on smartphones without being able to see them by pressing any key and hearing that key spoken aloud.

— Rock Lock: A simple, eyes-free music player that talks to you.

— Voice Search: Quickly search your phone, the Web and nearby locations by speaking, instead of typing. Call your contacts, get directions and control your phone with voice actions.

2. Accessible Entertainment ID from Apps4Android This ID pack installs applications that read RSS news feeds and navigates users through YouTube entertainment content using high-quality text-to-speech voices. Applications include:

— IDEAL Self-Voicing News Feed Reader: An accessible news feed reader that reads organized collections of popular publication news feeds.

— IDEAL Self-Voicing YouTube Viewer: An accessible YouTube viewer that enables users to browse, listen to, and view organized collections of entertainment content through the use of high-quality text-to-speech voices.

3. Accessible Navigation ID from Apps4Android This ID pack installs GPS-based applications that provide navigational assistance to users who are either driving or walking from one location to another. Applications include:

— Intersection Explorer: Speaks the layout of the streets and intersections in neighborhoods as users touch and drag their finger around the map. This helps blind and low-vision users get an understanding of a neighborhood before venturing out and while on the go.

— Talking Compass: Speaks your current heading and provides haptic feedback as you cross over any of the cardinal directions. Touch the screen to hear your heading. Stroke the screen up/down to adjust verbosity.

— WalkyTalky: An accessible navigation aid that periodically updates the status bar with your current location to the nearest street address. Ability to input a destination and directly launch Maps Navigation in walking directions mode.

4. Accessible Daily Living ID from Apps4Android This ID pack installs applications designed to help individuals with print disabilities identify and locate items around the home and workplace. It also includes a powerful video magnification application for reading print materials more easily. Applications include:

— IDEAL Barcode Reader: A barcode-reading app that enables Android users to take a picture of standard UPC and QR codes. Reads the product description if a UPC is scanned; reads the embedded string for a QR code.

— IDEAL Barcode Maker: Enables users to create their own talking barcodes. It does this by enabling users to record a sound file and email the barcode to themselves. When printed and scanned using the phone that was used to create the recording, the recording plays.

— IDEAL Magnifier: Turns your Android device into a portable video magnifier. Comes with color filter options for grayscale, invert colors, etc. Image is real time — no lag. Volume +/- for zoom in/out; Search button for LED light; Menu button to bring up the color filter options.

5. Reading Made Easier ID from Apps4Android This ID pack installs applications designed to help individuals read smartphone and Web-based documents, and surf the Web, more easily through the use of advanced navigation techniques and text-to-speech technology. Applications include:

— IDEAL AndroidVox Browser: A fully accessible browser.

— IDEAL ePub Creator: A utility for converting .doc, .docx and .pdf documents to ePubs, which can then be read using IDEAL ePub Reader.

— Speed Reader: Enables users to achieve very high reading speeds using a method called Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). RSVP allows you to read faster by eliminating the time spent moving your eyes between words. With practice, reading speeds of 600 wpm are not uncommon.

Sprint ID devices include Samsung Epic(TM) 4G, Motorola PHOTON(TM) 4G, Samsung Conquer(TM) 4G, Sanyo Zio(TM), Samsung Transform(TM), LG Optimus S(TM) and Samsung Replenish(TM).

IDEAL Group, Inc. established Apps4Android in 2009 and continues to develop accessibility apps designed to accommodate the access needs of users with disabilities.

According to Steve Jacobs, president of IDEAL Group, Inc. and CEO, Apps4Android, “We are thrilled to be able to offer accessibility ID packs to Sprint’s valued subscribers, and we plan to release additional ID packs in the near future.”

Apps4Android, a subsidiary of IDEAL Group, Inc., is the world’s largest developer of accessibility-focused Android applications with nearly 3.5 million installations in 132 countries. Apps4Android’s mission is to enhance the independence, quality-of-life, education and health care of under-served communities, through the development, distribution, maintenance and support of fully-accessible, high-quality, cost-effective, mobile applications and infrastructures. You can learn more and visit Apps4Android at apps4android.org .

About the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Wireless Technologies

Funded since 2001 by the U.S. Department of Education, the Wireless RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center) has become a recognized leader on issues and solutions related to the accessibility and usability of mobile wireless products and services by people with disabilities. The Wireless RERC’s mission is to promote equitable access to and use of wireless technologies by people with disabilities and encourage the adoption of Universal Design in future generations of wireless devices and applications. You can learn more and visit the RERC for Wireless Technologies at wirelessrerc.org/ .

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 53 million customers at the end of 3Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index showed Sprint is the #1 most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the last three years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at sprint.com or facebook.com/sprint and twitter.com/sprint .

SOURCE: Apps4Android, Inc.

Apps4Android, Inc. Steve Jacobs, 614-777-0660 or Sprint Kristin Wallace, 404-649-8222

Copyright Business Wire 2012

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Professional driving school

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

1327818127 68 Professional driving school

Professional Driving School provides quality driving instruction, with the help of exciting program that provides various training to teens and adults and accommodating for people having busy schedules. With the basics of defensive driving and state mandated driver’s training programs for teenagers between the age of 15 years 5 months and 18 years old and for adults. The teen’s driver’s education program consists of 24 hours of classroom, and 8 hours behind the wheel instruction and the adults classes offer an 8 hour intensive driving course, Adults can also purchase 2 hour single appointments with behind the wheel instruction for both the classes but these are private classes. To accommodate for the busy students the offer for free pick up and drop is available at Professional Driving students are picked up at home.The main motive of the professional driving schools is to provide the drivers complete knowledge of driving by keeping safety measures in mind, other than the printed driving books and prepares students for tests to obtain a driver’s license.The training is provided on the road to make the students friendly with the road and rules.

The Professional driving schoolTeenager Driver’s Education program, teens that are from 15 ½ to 18 years of age are required by the state of to receive 24 hours of classroom driving lessons and 8 hours behind the wheel training.The special 24 hours of classroom instruction are divided into 6 classes that are 4 hours each. To make the learning process available at ease, there is a facility to attend the missed out classes the next time the students attend the school and also to repeat the lesson to understand the concept more clearly. There are review lessons and test of the previous lessons, so that the students can be sure about the lessons and have a more efficient learning and to make sure that the students are ready to take the next lessons, this is to make sure that the training comes to completion efficiently.

Adult driving training is offered at Professional driving school to adults who are new to driving, or for adults who need a refresher driving courses, or adult drivers who need to boost their confidence behind the wheel. The adult driving training is divided into three packages to choose from a Standard package, that includes 4 lessons. Then next is the Professional package, which includes 5 lessons, the last one is the Elite package, which includes 5 lessons each class is of 2 hours each in each package.

After completions of driver’s education programthe students both teens and adults receive the Certificate of Completion. These Certificates of Completion are mailed to home and the certificate can arrive approximately by 7 – 10 business days after driving school course and tests is completed.

I've haven't found out as that relates to driving until now although this is how to claim your driver training. Imagine this situation. If you find frost on your windshield in the morning, take the time to clean it off so you have full visibility. There are usually unusual circumstances for this to occur such as if the vehicle has high or low mileage or if the vehicle has been in an accident as well. Where can novices perceive priceless driving items? Nothing takes the place of experience and common sense. Is this our fault. You must bring the following items with you. It can be a little nerve racking when your Instructor doesn't talk! These are very important thing which can be learned with the help of professional trainer only. It is also important to have the least possible adverse impact on the climate by keeping car emissions to the minimum. Ironically, those of you who know me have heard me say that I hate driving directions. This can lead to a couple of misinformation if you aren't careful. The hardship must be "exceptional". For once, my favorite local driving school won. I'm astounded. How can hordes unearth reasonable private driving lessons keys? After carefully checking how well the cars perform through actual test drive, it? That product is a cold air intake. Ignore the most expensive - nobody's that good. 99% of them occur due to carelessness of the driver. It stuns me how most hot shots don't notice it. Trainees are likely to make error. Also most driving schools have their own designed syllabus for driving so that trainee herself can measure the progress step by step. We were just a few miles on the downgrade side when I checked the mirrors and about crapped a cruller. I am glad my suspicions were correct. Say what you will but, I'll be! I will give you a checklist of items you have to have for driving.
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