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Luffy Uses Ryuo For The First Time [One Piece]

In what episode does Luffy use Ryuo Haki for the first time?

See answer here

finding himself in a life and death situation, Luffy out of desperation, activates Ryūō for the first time and manages to free Hyogoro and himself from the explosive collars in episode 945 (in Season 13) of the Anime One Piece, with the title: “A Grudge Over Red Bean Soup! Luffy Gets into a Desperate Situation!”.

Episode Summary:

Big Mom invades the Prisoner Mine in search of Red-Bean Soup (or Oshiruko) but is challenged by Queen. Queen however got over powered by Big Mom. After finding the pot with the Red-Bean Soup, Big Mom realizes that it is empty, this sends her in rage ad attacks Luffy who unknowingly admitted he was the one that ate all the soup. With the fighting ring now destroyed they are now out of bounds and the timer for the collar to activate starts. finding himself in this desperate situation, Luffy attempts to remove the collars with Haki and manages to activate Ryuo for the first time. He crushes both his and Hyogoro collar and throws them away before they could explode. Wanting to further Luffy’s Ryūō training, Hyogoro forces Luffy to defend him from Big Mom. Luffy Ryuo first time

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “is going all-in to defend” Cindy Axne, according to an email from the vulnerable Iowa Democrats’ campaign.

Screenshot of Axne Email

And is it any wonder why?

After refusing to tell Iowans whether she would support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker during her first run for Congress, Axne has backed the California Congresswoman for Speaker in both 2019 and 2021.

Axne votes with Nancy Pelosi over 90 percent of the time and hasn’t broken with her on a single memorable vote since she arrived in Congress.

Where was Axne when Pelosi actually tried to steal an Iowa Congressional seat? SILENT.

At this point, can anyone believe Cindy Axne when she claims to be bipartisan?

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Subscription Service Prices Could Soon Rise as Ottawa Plans New Sales Taxes

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Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime or Disney+ subscription prices could soon rise as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to apply sales tax to the streaming services.

According to a new report from The Star, Ottawa will soon apply the GST/HST sales tax to foreign-based subscription services, like Netflix and Spotify, that are available in Canada. The government is applying the tax “to be fair to streaming services that are Canadian,” Trudeau said during a press conference on Tuesday.

“The world is changing,” Trudeau said. “The presence of online giants that haven’t paid their fair share of taxes in the countries where they are operating is something that needs to end.”

In addition to the GST/HST measures, Ottawa is also exploring the application of a three percent Digital Services Tax (DST) to companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook and Apple, the PM said.

“The DST is expected to bring in $3.4 billion over five years while the GST/HST measures, outlined in the fall economic statement, are expected to generate about $3 billion over five years for the federal government,” reads the report.

The DST tax is expected to launch on January 1, 2022, and will apply to businesses that bring in over $1 billion CAD in revenue annually and generates over $20 million in revenue from Canadian users. The GST/HST is expected this summer.

Moshe Lander, an economist at Concordia University, said the additional costs will likely get added to subscription fees. “It’s going to mean that some of it, most of it — probably close to all of it — is going to get passed on to consumers,” he said.

As such, we can expect price hikes from the aforementioned companies over the next years.

“The biggest thing, from an efficiency standpoint, is to make it as broad based as possible, and as low as you can get away with,” Lander added, “so, much better to tax everything seven per cent than only some things 10 per cent and some not at all.”

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Tag Archives | Salahaddin University

Uni Wins $300k Grant for Partnerships in Iraq

The University of Cincinnati was awarded a $300,000 grant through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program to build an alumni university program with Iraq, as the U.S. continues efforts to rebuild Iraq’s educational system and economy. The program is administered through the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The alumni university program will benefit educators in Iraq who […]

Salahaddin University Gets New German Dept

The head of Germany's academic exchange service this week signed an agreement in Erbil with Salahaddin University to establish a German Language Department at the university. Dr Dorothea Rüland, Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), came to Erbil to make the agreement and gave a keynote address at an academic conference attended […]

University of Cincinnati Partners With Salahaddin Uni.-Hawler

The University of Cincinnati is one of only a handful of American universities to be selected for an international partnership to rebuild Iraq’s educational system and its economy. UC President Gregory H. Williams and Salahaddin University-Hawler President Ahmed Anwar Dezaye celebrated the partnership in a formal Nov. 4 partnership-agreement-signing ceremony at the UC Teachers College. […]


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Disabled workers paid cents-per-hour for work at state-run homes

Clark Kauffman of the Des Moines Register reports that more than 300 mentally retarded wards of the state are being paid less than the minimum wage for work performed at two state-run homes for the disabled. Seventy-four of the workers are paid an average hourly wage of 60 cents or less, and some of the labor is performed for the benefit of various for-profit companies. One worker averages 11 cents an hour working for a company owned by one of the world's richest private equity firms, the Carlyle Group. The wages are legal under a 71-year-old federal law intended to promote job opportunities for the disabled.

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Hotel offers incentives for 2009 IRE Conference in Baltimore

The IRE Conference is quickly approaching! This year's program offers essential tips, advice and strategies for investigating the biggest stories of the day, and we want as many people as possible to be able to attend. The conference hotel is the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, and it's a great place to stay because you are able to attend the day's training and then meet with your colleagues for networking at night. The hotel is located in Harbor East on the Waterfront. The hotel has plenty of stores and restaurants all within walking distance.

If you reserve your room between now and May 15, then you'll be eligible for several incentives we have worked out with the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront:

  • Complimentary Internet in your room throughout your stay (they normally charge $12.95 per night).
  • Each attendee who books a room will receive three 20 percent discount coupons for any meal in Grille 700 - the hotel restaurant.
  • You will be entered into a raffle to be eligible to win a future one-night stay at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront hotel.  Two of these will be raffled after May 15 at which time winners will be notified.
  • By making your reservation you will be entered into a raffle for an upgrade to a larger room during your stay.  Three upgrades will be raffled after May 15 at which time winners will be notified.

To make a reservation at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, visit reservations.

By staying in the conference hotel, you'll have convenient access to all that the conference has to offer - and help support IRE's efforts to keep its conference registration fees among the lowest in the industry. IRE is obligated to fill a certain number of sleeping rooms to qualify for free or reduced rates on meeting rooms, and if we don't meet that minimum, we face penalties. Our deadline for attendees to fill our sleeping room block is May 15.

Early bird conference registration is also open. Register today to take advantage of the lower rate of $175. Early bird registration ends May 22.

Thank you again for your support and we look forward to seeing you in Baltimore.

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Resource ID: #16846
Subject: Abortion
Source: Time
Date: 9-Oct-00

After the FDA approval of sale of RU-486, the "abortion pill,' Time looks at how the pill will change the landscape of the abortion debate and abortion itself; also dealing with the newfound medical and ethical issues for doctors and pharmacists-Backup story on fetal rights.

This file is not available for digital download. IRE members may place an order by emailing

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Resource ID: #17737
Subject: Entertainment
Source: Spin Magazine

Spin looks at the strange celebrity world of Jonathan Taylor Spielberg. "How to find fame in America? If you're a 27-year-old immigrant, you could do a lot worse than pretending to be 14 years old, assuming the last name of a famous movie director, and allegedly getting involved in a couple of sex crimes. Introducing Jonathan Taylor Spielberg."

This file is not available for digital download. IRE members may place an order by emailing

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Resource ID: #26647
Subject: College
Source: Webster University's The Journal
Date: April 23, 2014, April 26, 2014

Did Webster University pay $1 million to bring an elite chess team from Texas Tech? The university declined to address that question, but documents obtained under Texas open records law reveal the stipulations the controversial chess coach was seeking prior to her departure from Texas Tech. After failing to negotiate her terms into a new Texas Tech contract, Polgar moved her program to Webster University. Amid back-to-back budget shortfalls, some questioned the administration's investment in an elite chess team. Webster derives 97 percent of its revenue from tuition payments, much of which is taxpayer-funded student loans and grants.

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Oasis Patches

$7.00 *

Prices do not include CO Sales Tax plus shipping costs

We're very sorry about the disappointment. This variety is no longer available this season.

Please save me to your Wish List for next year.
We will begin taking orders again in April 2022.

  • IGNr.302
Iris Stats for: "Oasis Patches"
Standards Color: Pink, Violet
Falls Color: Pink, Violet
Beards: Orange
Height: 91 cm / 36 inches
Season: Middle
Rebloomer: No - Blooms only once each year
Additional Details: Ruffled
Fragrance: Sweet Scent
Hybridizer: Chadwick
Introduced in: 2002
Awards: Honorable Mention
A-Z: O


text:
Rainy River

Rainy River
$7.00 *

Prices do not include CO Sales Tax plus shipping costs

We're very sorry about the disappointment. This variety is no longer available this season.

Please save me to your Wish List for next year.
We will begin taking orders again in April 2022.

  • IGNr.724
Iris Stats for: "Rainy River"
Standards Color: Light Blue
Falls Color: Blue, Violet
Beards: Purple
Height: 91 cm / 36 inches
Season: Late
Rebloomer: No - Blooms only once each year
Additional Details: Ruffled
Fragrance: Sweet Scent
Hybridizer: Painter
Introduced in: 2005
Awards: Honorable Mention
A-Z: R


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Every student, every day.

Learning Support

Guiding Principles

Educating students with special needs in inclusive settings is the first placement option.

Program planning and decision-making are based upon the Guiding Principles used to determine the most enabling environment for the student.

The most enabling environment is defined as one in which:

  • Parents are partners.
  • Students are not labeled or categorized, but viewed with individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • Physical and educational settings are appropriate to the age, ability and interest of all students.
  • Allowance is made for the dignity of risk in challenging situations.
  • Suitably timed and frequent feedback by the teacher promotes demonstrable outcomes.
  • School work is matched to student skills and interest through progress monitoring.
  • Continuous opportunity is provided for the student to have meaningful interactions with peers.
  • All students are treated fairly in providing responses in class.
  • Intensive instruction occurs.
  • The pupil-teacher ratio permits individualize programs and student portfolios.
  • Curriculum is not just content, but is based on principles of child development.  Context and process skills are also emphasized.
  • Inter-agency collaboration occurs.

Learning Support Team

ISS has an established Learning Support team consisting of our Learning Support Teacher, Meipsy Shackleford shacklefordm@lrsd.ab.ca, school administrator, Marnie Davidson davidsonm@lrsd.ab.ca FSLC, Karen Manzer manzerk@lrsd.ab.ca, and classroom teacher(s).

Our team meets on a regular basis to discuss current support programming, student growth and progress.  This team serves as an assessing, researching , and planning body to assist various student needs.  We also assist classroom teachers to plan and implement various programming.

Behavior Support

Our school based learning support team provides guidance and support for students, staff, and parents to ensure that student social, emotional, and behavioral needs are met.  Behavior support needs are met via the Learning Support team.


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Calif. Marcus Semien didn’t have much time to think after making a diving stop on Salvador Perez’s Authentic Riley Dixon Jersey sharp grounder in the eighth inning. With Kansas City’s Whit Merrifield off third base and breaking for home, the Oakland shortstop had no one choice but to throw to the plate.
Women's Christian Okoye Limited White Nike Jersey: NFL Kansas City Chiefs #35 Road Vapor Untouchable
It worked out perfectly for both Semien and the A’s.

Chapman made a great swing but that swing doesn’t get us the win if Marcus doesn’t make that play, Treinen said. We were trying to call a sinker there because (Perez) swung through a good one down the pitch before. High percentage groundball/swing-and-miss pitch and he put a pretty good swing on it. Marcus made a better play.

For the time being, the Angels are focusing on Ohtani’s treatment plan with the hope that he will be able to resume a throwing progression and return to action. How the organization decides to proceed if Ohtani struggles when he tries to throw is something that can wait.

Sure, Clayton Richard has thought about Eddie George Youth Jersey throwing the first no-hitter in Padres’ history.

He gave it good try Sunday.

Richard became the latest San Diego pitcher to flirt with a no-hitter, losing his bid with two outs in the seventh inning during a 3-1 win over the Miami Marlins.

You look at ifs, whats, and maybes, it’s not worth it, Richard said. It’s part of the game.

Phillies: Ace RHP Aaron Nola (7-2, 2.35) starts Tuesday night against Colorado RHP Jon Gray (6-6, 5.66) to start a three-game home series.How the Big Apple has treated its two rookie managers

As Mickey Callaway’s Mets meet Aaron Boone’s Yanks in Queens, both skippers have seen their share of back-page headlines for better and worse. Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

When assessing managers, I’m always reminded of a quote attributed to Yogi Berra: It ain’t like football. You can’t make up no trick plays. It does help, however, to make sure your team bats in the correct order.


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Inspiration Monday | i should be mopping the floor
Homepage Projects and Crafts Free Fonts Free Printables and SVG Files Printables Calendars and Planners Facebook Covers and Device Wallpapers Fall Projects and Printables

Inspiration Monday

Welcome back to Inspiration Monday, we're so glad your joining us today!

You only need to link up on one blog to have your project seen on 7 different blogs!
We feature lots of your projects during the duration of the party via social media.
To search for features, use #InspirationMonday.

There were so many great projects linked up last week,
 it was NOT easy to choose favorites...
{Jamie @ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom chose the features this week!}
Below are the top picks>>>
Mummy Hot Dogs from Frugal Coupon Living

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts from About a Mom

Herringbone Art from Polka Dots and Paisley

Pottery Barn Knock Off Diamond Art from  Simply Designing

Bag of Bones Snack Mix from  This Silly Girl's Life
(We're trying something a little different with the features this week...
 let us know what you think!)

Ready to Party? Please keep in mind: - Be sure to mingle with other party guests (It’s always fun to click on a few other links to see what fellow bloggers are up to.) – Link up all of your creative fun...including recipes, crafts, printables, DIY projects and other fabulous things you’ve been up to on YOUR blog. – Please do not link Etsy stores, giveaways, or other link parties. – By linking up to Inspiration Monday you are giving the seven blogs, listed above, permission to feature your project and/or photos on our social media outlets and blogs. Let's Link up!

  1. Thanks SO much for the party Kristi - hope you have a wonderful week

  2. Thanks for the party, Kristi ! Have an awesome week :-)

  3. Thank you so much for hosting, and have a fantastic week.

    Sarah @ Backwoods Babies

  4. Thanks for hosting! Have a fabulous week! xo

  5. Thanks for the party, kristi! Have a great week. Linda

  6. Thanks for hosting the fun party Kristi! I love the mummy hot dogs!
    Julie @ Sweet and Spicy Monkey

  7. Thank you for hosting, Kristi! I look forward to your party each week! Have a great day!

  8. Thanks for the party, happy Monday!

  9. Love the Halloween food! Thanks for the party!

  10. Hello cute lady! I love stopping by your party. Thank you! I hope you get a chance to swing by our party at 7 pm tonight. We always love having you!
    Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

  11. Those mummu hot dogs are genius and so cute! Thanks for hosting the linkup Kristi!

  12. goodness at the inspirations here, thanks for hosting girls, always seeing and finding new ideas here.

  13. The mummy dogs are soooo cute!! Thanks for hosting!

  14. Good Morning, Kristi! Thank you so much for your Awesome Party! It's been awhile since I've been lucky enough to join in, missed your beautiful smile! Happy First day of Autumn!
    Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance

  15. Thanks for hosting. Hope you have a fabulous week!

  16. Thanks for hosting and have a great week!

  17. Thanks for the party! Hope you all have a super week!


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Australia Post nears end of massive telco transformation

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Australia Post nears end of massive telco transformation
Image credit: Australia Post

Podcast: Multi-year, multi-stream effort pays off.

Australia Post is nearing the finish line for what was once billed as the ‘largest telecommunications transformation in the country’, and is now setting its sights on smart operations powered by connected devices.

In this week’s episode of the iTnews podcast, Australia Post’s head of technology for network and infrastructure engineering Shane Hazim provides an in-depth view of the four streams of work in the telecommunications transformation, and where the enterprise intends to go next.

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Australia Post’s environment is enormous, spanning up to 5000 sites, 80,000 connected endpoints and a workforce of more than 60,000.

It decided back in mid-2019 to transform its telecommunications foundations with best-of-breed technologies “to enable the business to be ‘always on’,” Hazim said.

“The aim was to support business growth for new products and services and really deliver resilient technology that would steadfast Australia Post in the modern digital age.”

The telecommunications transformation is split into four streams, some better known than others.

Network stream

The network technology stream has received the most attention, upgrading connectivity into all Australia Post sites nationwide and connecting them with a software-defined network.

“This is about the ‘always on’ central management and modern networks, which is putting us on a pathway to drive speed-to-market and launch products and services faster,” Hazim said.

Work in this stream is now 93 percent complete.

The organisation created several standard patterns for different types of sites to ensure that it could complete the transformation works at speed and at scale.

“We've got up to seven large sites left to do from a physical local network transition, from a hardware perspective and [installing] wi-fi technologies, as well as up to 200 smaller sites to go,” Hazim said.

Australia Post partnered with Comscentre (now part of Orro Group) on this stream.

“It's truly been an amazing collaborationbetween our partner Comscentre and the [internal] delivery team, as well as the business to push to really try and get it all done within time,” Hazim said.

“I've got to take my hat off to the Group as a whole because there have been some quite significantly hard-hitting sites in Australia Post when you think about the size of some of our delivery centres, and to see that going into its last final mile is quite a proud moment.”

The results in this space are already strong, with up to 80 percent of network incidents now identified proactively, and large-scale network incidents cut by over 30 percent.

Communications and collaboration

A second major effort went into communications and collaboration systems, in partnership with Cisco and Telstra.

Unsurprisingly, given the events of the past year-and-a-half, this work is complete and has been in business-as-usual mode for almost a year.

“This was about central communications platforms [WebEx] and centralising audiovisual technologies from our facilities partners into IT to standardise how we have collaboration spaces or workspace technology groups within our business and in our facilities,” Hazim said.

“The situation of Covid really forced us to accelerate and push that platform out to the business to get them to work remotely as quickly as possible.

“It also gave us the opportunity to refresh [physical] rooms as quickly as possible while no one was there [in the offices], so it was a bit opportunistic, but there were positives and negatives in that circumstance.”

Australia Post has now defined a standard pattern and ways to implement it “to reduce complexity” in any future site builds.

Collaboration across the Group is up by 40 percent, and this is leading to some novel coordination efforts, including to intercept money or assets that customers have unwittingly mailed to scammers.

“It's quite impressive as to how the team corrals together to actually accomplish that with some of these technologies,” Hazim said.

Engagement scores across the group are also up 10 percent, which is also attributed to work performed in this stream.

Contact centre transformation

The third stream was around Australia Post’s contact centre operations.

This involved standing up central “workforce management and optimisation platforms, an omnichannel routing platform and smart IVR technology.”

The intention was to enable Australia Post’s contact centre partners and business units “to have a view across the workforce.”

It was also intended to improve the customer experience, through better call handling and enablement of agents with access to knowledge articles and other systems.

Australia Post partnered with LivePerson and Genesys (for its Engage platform) on this stream of work.

“The contact centre stream is in its last mile, so that is closing out,” Hazim said.

“We're looking to finalise our transition from legacy telephony platforms in that space to a digital telephony platform.

“It's got some minor transition elements there to close out, so that stream will be finished over the next month or two.”

Mobility and endpoint management

The last stream was mobility and endpoint management, which had a goal to improve cellular communications across the Group.

Hazim said that Australia Post really just wanted to “move to a worry free platform in regards to how we leverage and consume services”, not having to be as worried - for example - about excess data usage fees.

With longer-term ambitions in the internet of things (IoT) space, Australia Post also wanted to prepare connectivity for applications such as machine-to-machine (M2M) and connected devices.

In addition, Australia Post wanted to centralise the management of its device fleet - whether llaptops, smartphones or tablets - “to enable us to get one step closer to Zero Trust as an environment and really steadfast how we actually manage our platforms or our devices in a consistent way based off user/job archetypes,” Hazim explained.

This stream involved Telstra on the mobility side and VMware on the endpoint management side, through its Workspace ONE platform.

Work in this stream “is almost closing out from a project perspective,” Hazim said.

“We've done up to 11,000 endpoints from a device aspect,” he said.

“Although it's closing out, it's now in a business-as-usual mechanism to actually continue that rollout as devices are coming from the factory or as we go through our [device] lifecycle management processes, as well as in a normal operational fashion.”

One of the benefits of this stream is that it has allowed Australia Post to more quickly stand up functional ‘pop up’ sites to handle large parcel volumes, in particular.

“It enabled an acceleration of pace by up to 50 percent to stand up new sites,” Hazim said.

“There's been some memorable moments over Covid, where we've had phone calls on a Saturday saying three sites are going to be stood up for storing additional packages.

“Watching the Group corral around it and be able to deliver it now with these technologies, which previously would have taken us over 12 weeks, in significantly under five was quite mesmerising to actually see.”

Minor movements

Given the multi-year nature of the transformation, and the challenges brought about by Covid that have been present for much of it, Hazim noted there had been some small changes in project timelines and delivery as priorities changed.

“From a perspective of the last few years, we've had to be realistic as a business and adapt to the environment that's around us,” he said.

“We’ve had to change to make sure that we get the best outcome for the business right now without overshooting for where we thought we'd want to be in certain streams.”

Hazim said the contact centre stream is a case in point.

Like others with large contact centre operations, Australia Post has needed to create an environment where it can onboard people quickly and train them to meet a rise in call volumes.

The organisation has been mindful not to overload people with too much change at one time, and in doing so has pushed some work originally scoped in the business case into the next financial year instead, where they will still be pursued but outside of this specific transformation effort.

“I think the important part is to make sure that when you do deliver technologies, that you're not creating a poor customer experience or user experience for the services that you're delivering,” Hazim said.

“If we're not ready to embrace a technology in the timeline that was set out by the program due to the environment that is around us, then it would be a smarter move to just push it out slightly into a different delivery mechanism to ensure that our customers get the right experience from our business.”

A connected future

Earlier this year, Australia Post unveiled ambitions to create a digital twin of its delivery network, essentially a working virtual replica that would enable it to model changes without causing any business impact.

Given that context, it is perhaps unsurprising that Australia Post also has some internet of things (IoT) ambitions that, given the late-stage status of the telecommunications transformation, it now has more time to explore.

The intention is that connected devices will be used to improve the experience of frontline workers at delivery centres or the customer experience when interacting with Australia Post.

Hazim said there are some existing connected devices already on Australia Post’s network that may be leveraged.

Internal talks with Australia Post’s technology groups are also underway to understand the full potential of IoT as well as map out some paths to reach it.

“Over the horizon is quite exciting at Australia Post,” Hazim said.

“We’re always investing in simplifying technology, and really striving to push the boundaries to drive a different type of experience for our customers.”

Subscribe to The iTnews Podcast at Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon Podcasts or wherever else good podcasts are found. New episodes will be released every Monday.

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Spectre returns as exploits for Windows and Linux devices found

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Golden Sikorka)

Remember Spectre, the infamous vulnerability that had all major chip manufacturers scrambling for a fix? Three years after its initial emergence, two new working exploits have been identified.

According to a report from Bleeping Computer, security researcher Julien Voisin has discovered a pair of exploits targeting unpatched Linux and Windows systems, on the VirusTotal platform. VirusTotal gathers all antivirus scans in one place and checks for potential malware missed by different solutions, and these exploits were uploaded a month ago.

The report claims unprivileged users can dump LM/NT hashes on Windows systems and the linux /etc/shadow file from the target device kernel memory, as well as Kerberos tickets that can be used with PsExec for local privilege escalation. Further, the exploit allows lateral movement through Windows systems.

Spectre is a (relatively) old vulnerability, with most operating systems and CPU manufacturers already supplying a fix. However, systems that have not been patched remain at risk, including older operating systems and computers with five-year-old silicon.

The latter group of devices are even more at risk, as many chip firms have consciously decided not to apply a fix, given the noticeable performance decrease involved.

Spectre was first spotted some three years ago, together with another major vulnerability known as Meltdown. When it was discovered, hardware manufacturers and software companies rushed to release a fix. Some of the fixes made the problem even worse, by slowing devices down and, in some cases, completely bricking them.

Intel was faced with a few dozen lawsuits, some of which dealt with the way the company attempted to fix its affected chips.


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PASIPHAE: a future stellar polarization survey of the high galactic latitude sky

We are preparing for a new, high-accuracy imaging polarimeter, WALOP (Wide-Angle Linear Optical Polarimeter). WALOP will be used to survey a large portion of the high latitude sky in optical polarization. You may read more about the survey (PASIPHAE: Polar-Area Stellar Imaging Polarization High-Accuracy Experiment) at pasiphae.science.

Related publications:

Towards the 3D structure of the magnetic field in the diffuse ISM

PASIPHAE's goal is to combine stellar polarization with distances from Gaia, to get a 3D view of the magnetic field in the diffuse ISM. We have demonstrated the potential of such a survey to tomographically map the magnetic field using data from the RoboPol polarimeter (RoboPol instrument paper).

Figure 1: The magnetic field orientation (black, red line segments) in two HI clouds (background: left - nearby cloud, right - far cloud) obtained after tomographic decomposition of starlight polarization as a function of distance.

Related publication:

Understanding ISM dust properties

Combining measurements of polarized dust emission with those of starlight polarization, we can learn about the physics of dust grains in the ISM.

Related publication:

Optopolarimetric mapping of molecular clouds

The ISM contains clouds, mainly made up of molecular hydrogen, that are the sites where stars form. The details of this formation process are a subject of active academic research. One aspect of this process is the influence of the magnetic field on the structure and evolution of these clouds. I study this by measuring the polarization of starlight, which reveals the orientation of the magnetic field in molecular clouds. With enough measurements, one can construct a map of the magnetic field as seen on the plane of the sky. Figure 1 shows a map of the magnetic field orientation (red lines) in the Polaris Flare molecular cloud, made using the RoboPol polarimeter at the Skinakas observatory in Greece. The magnetic field structure can be compared to the intricate filamentary morphology of the cloud, seen through the Herschel space telescope in the far infrared, to learn about the influence of the magnetic field on cloud structure. The Polaris Flare polarization data are publicly available.

Figure 2: Optical polarization segments from RoboPol overlaid on the Polaris Flare dust emission image (Herschel @ 250 microns).

Related publications:

Morphology & kinematics of filamentary structures in molecular clouds

Through observations of the emission from dust in molecular clouds, the Herschel Space Telescope revealed that cloud material is organized in a network of filamentary structures. The properties of these structures are very interesting, as they can help us understand how they form and evolve.

Another interesting aspect of the process leading to star formation is the manner in which gas moves inside a cloud, a motion that is highly complex (turbulent). One can use emission line data from molecules like CO, which exist in minuscule fractions in molecular clouds, to trace one of the 3 components of the gas velocity, the component that lies along the line of sight. I have used such radio data from the NRAO taken in the region of the Taurus molecular cloud, to study the kinematics of filamentary structures. I developed FilTER, a code for extracting the properties of these filaments.

Related publications:

The RoboPol optopolarimetric blazar monitoring campaign

I am part of the RoboPol collaboration, whose main goal is to characterize the polarimetric properties of blazars - energetic distant galaxies with central black-hole jets that are aligned with our line-of-sight. The goal of this study is to understand the mechanisms through which the relativistic jets of blazars are launched and accelerate particles, through the statistical characterization of a phenomenon that appears in their optical polarization properties, namely, polarization angle rotations. These changes in the polarization angle can reveal information about the magnetic field structure in the jet and the way that disturbances propagate along the jet. Read more about the project at robopol.org.

A list of related publications can be found on the NASA ADS webpage at this location.


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Can Cryptocurrency be considered as an asset class?

POSTED BY Jagoinvestor ON August 11, 2021 COMMENTS (25)

So the topic of debate today is “Is Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin be considered as an asset class?”

Till now we all know that there are many asset classes like Equity, Fixed Income, Real Estate, Cash and Commodities. Some people also argue if “Art” is an asset class or not.

And now, there is this new debate is crypto is the new asset class in itself or just an alternate currency or at best a speculative instrument?

Does Cryptocurrency fall under the definition of “Asset Class”?

Investopedia defines Asset Class as follows :

An asset class is a grouping of investments that exhibit similar characteristics and are subject to the same laws and regulations. Asset classes are made up of instruments which often behave similarly to one another in the marketplace.

If you look at “fixed income” asset class and see various instruments under it like Fixed Deposit, PPF, EPF, Senior Citizen Saving Scheme, NSC, Debt mutual funds etc. you will see that they have common characteristics (As they all are basically a loan given to someone) and various laws and regulations are similar across the country and globally (though the names of products can be different)

The same thing can be said to the Real estate asset class where Land, bungalow, REIT, Commercial shops all are physical spaces and their prices go up and down mainly due to similar reasons.

Can this be said for various cryptocurrencies also?

While all of the cryptocurrencies are basically a digital payment alternative based on blockchain technology, we are not very sure if it can also be considered a “store of value” unlike other asset classes. Also, there is no common agreement on how various countries want to see cryptocurrency? While there are various countries that have legalized crypto, there are many that have not done that.

At the same time, a large chunk of crypto investors is buying it mainly for speculative reasons and not as a fundamental investment instrument where they want it to grow in value due to some fundamental reason linked to the economy or its usage.

Here is an excerpt from a paper, which gives more idea on what I am saying!

crypto currency in various countries

Why I personally don’t want to consider Crypto as an asset class?

Cryptocurrencies have gained extreme popularity in the last 3-4 yrs and major crypto’s like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether etc has seen its market cap go into billions. It’s a complex world based on a very complex technology, which is again not like other asset classes which are quite easy to explain and understand for a common man.

Try explaining Real Estate or Equity to someone against the Crypto mining process and you will understand what I am trying to say.

Another reason why I personally don’t consider Crypto as an asset class is that cryptocurrency is in the end purely a software code. While it’s widely accepted and used, Are we saying that something which is so much dependent on a computer and electricity is considered as an asset class? What will happen if one day the world runs out of energy or all computers crash?

In the same case, things like equity, debt, real estate, cash (in any form), commodities, art all will survive and be there in some form.

When I asked this question on our telegram group and on Twitter, here were the responses.

Do you consider Crypto as another asset class or just a new-age online payment technology?

Coming to you, it’s also a matter of perception if you want to consider it as an asset class or not. Can you please share your thought process around it? What do you consider it?

Disclaimer: I am not saying that cryptocurrencies will not rise in value? All I am debating is if it shall fall under the definition of asset class or not?

25 replies on this article “Can Cryptocurrency be considered as an asset class?”

  1. Marsh N says:

    Bitcoin has already been accepted as digital asset and legal tender. Around the world companies are adding BTC in balance sheet instead of hoarding cash for better returns. You can watch interview of Michael Saylor and Sven Henrich to understand why Bitcoin is disruptive to existing monetary policies.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      No doubt on that.

      We are debating if it’s an asset class or not?

  2. kaleem says:

    i would consider crypto is future assest when everything becomes digital. such as banking and real estate handling in digital .digital means digital payment. one can become rich and poor same night. as it is non kyc it should be the future .govt already started digitalise and once digitalsing finishes . these digits will be handles by crypto. so future it will be sure an asset.

  3. Renjith Paramban says:

    I think it can be classed as an ASSET. But a very very risky asset. Of course the trend seems to be bend towards this new found gold, driven mostly by the younger crowd. But what value does it bring in an economic perspective? It is a speculative commodity. What are we able to gauge in the economy by it’s value? One person buys or mines it today hoping that more people will want it tomorrow. One can argue that it is the same with all assets out there. But we must also understand that there is only a predefined number of them that can be mined, beyond that the value of it is just hot air. This hot air ballon will burst one day and many people will loose. Then the next popular crypto becomes the hot cake and the cycle repeats. Then there is also the risk of electronic theft and pick pocketing, as many people will fail to understand it.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thanks for sharing your view on this Renjith

  4. Debraj says:

    At present, I do not consider crypto currency as an asset class. I agree with Mr Arun as he rightly pointed that as of now Crypto currency has no RBI/Govt. BACKING, from Indian context.
    Secondly, Crytpo currency cannot be considered as a Currency also since the fundamental characteristic of any currency shall be STABILITY. Unlike, a 10 rupees note retains its value of 10 though purchase power may reduce. Crypto currencies fluctuate so much that single tweet had eroded its value by many times.
    As of now I would better avoid considering Crypto as any Asset class.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thanks for sharing your view Mr. Debraj

    2. Shefali Das says:

      A 10 rupee note will always remain a 10 rupee note. It’s actual purchasing power reduces over time. Crypto is no different. 1 BTC will always remain 1 BTC. Only it’s purchasing power fluctuates over time. Most of the time purchasing power of BTC increases as opposed to fiat currencies whose purchasing power can never increase.

      No fiat currency in the world has any backing or value. The value of rupee is not backed by any hard asset like gold. So it’s absurd to claim that BTC is not a real currency when it’s value is actually decided by the market forces.

      1. Jagoinvestor says:

        There is no doubt that its a real currency. The only question was if its an asset class of its own like equity/real estate etc.

  5. M l prakash says:

    Cryptocurrency cannot be an asset at all because it does not generate income to the holder

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thanks for sharing your perspective

  6. Roger Bianca says:

    The operational model of BTC has been to safeguard interests of some, at the cost of others. The bigger holders enjoy whilst the smaller holders keep buying and selling to prop or reduce the price like mules. Regulatory oversight is a must, but given the disparity between countries to regulate it, there will be no concerted regulatory framework. FATF travel rule, etc that are still not fully implemented hamper recognition. In any case, the hype is due to the illicit trades on the dark net. It affords enough anonymity to misuse than for any use of value. If BTC is an asset class, then it is ether. Gold can be touched, but ether cannot.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thats an interesting perspective Roger !

  7. Harish says:

    We consider Gold as an asset but what gives Gold its value is limited supply and demand in the market, if I see from this point then crypto like Bitcoin can be considered an asset because of limited supply and demand in the market.
    The only doubt I have is what if demand goes down because of various or any reason, will it hold its value?

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      If you are judging it on just on parameter, then it can be termed as an asset class

  8. Mayur says:

    You can also explain why people trust US Dollar. US government is printing US Dollars whenever they want without backing it with equivalent gold. So why should we believe in existance of US Dollar?

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Its not about one person. If everyone does (majority) thats what matters!

  9. Sarfraas Sheikh says:

    I consider Jagoinvestor as very value adding site in terms of finance related site and one of my favourites. However this time the article is so poor without any content or value. It looks like the person who wrote the article has hardly any knowledge of crypto and is totally biased against it. And what is the argument ?

    What will happen is one day the world runs out of energy or all computers crash?
    Can the concerned answer me what will happen to all the electrical vehicles which is where we are heading too, If all computers crash will our banking sector and all finance related sectors stock markets , Mutual funds, Insurance survive ?

    This article is not to the standards of what jagoinvestor sets.

    Personally according to me accepting crypto as a legal tender isnt happening any time soon atleast in india but as a asset class it has already been accepted by the millenials.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Hi Sarfraas

      Thanks for sharing your view. I agree that article is written with limited understanding and is personal view (can be biased) . The article is not about crypto authenticity or usage, but if it shall be called an ASSET CLASS or not. Millenials and many more are investing heavily in it, agree but are they looking at it as an investment option, currency, digital currency or an asset class is the question. How are we sure that they consider it as an asset class or just another new type of investment?

  10. Shefali Das says:

    Crypto is definitely a new asset class. There is no denying it. The skeptics among us will take time to accept it just like anything new but they will come around eventually. Just because it’s computer code, doesn’t mean it can’t become an asset class. Today everything has gone digital starting from bank accounts to entire financial markets. All records are kept online on servers.

    If in the hypothetical scenario you presented, we run out of energy or all computers crash, the entire financial market will come tumbling down. There are no physical equity shares anymore. Real estate registration records are maintained online. Physical bond certificates are not issued anymore. Bank account balance is nothing but numbers on a screen. In the absence of energy, whole economy will collapse since everything around us need energy to run.

    I think posting theories about doomsday and zombie apocalypse to justify theories about why crypto is not an asset class is foolish in my opinion. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether anyone considers it an asset or not. It will continue to exist, make inroads and disrupt the old school financial system which is ripe for innovation.

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thanks for detailed comment Shefali

      I think you raised some good and valid points. I am not an expert on that and I gave my personal view as a person. If it is accepted as an asset class globally by everyone, who am I then 🙂 . Will have to accept it

      Will wait for it to happen. Atleast for now there is no concensus

      Thanks for taking time to share your view.. really appreciate it

      1. Atul Manohar Marathe says:

        I completely agree with Shefali Das. Crypto tokens – whether they are legally assets or not are going to change the way we run finance and NFTs (Non Fungible tokens) will digitize every physical thing that needs to be represented on computers to prove ownership, or transfer, lease the things to other human beings (or machines or Robots in future – who can be ‘legal’ owners of these things).
        I have studied this technology and find it holds a lot of promise to take computerization (now called Digitalization of almost everything that is represented on Computers. So best part for all investors would be to understand the impact of these digital tokens on existing assets and the way they are transacted – much more than just computerization of the banking system.
        Tokens will gain value over time, so its up to you to consider them as assets or otherwise.

        1. Jagoinvestor says:

          There is no debate on that and article is not even addressing that. It is only trying to ask “Is it an asset class or not” ..

          1. arun ramalingam says:

            In my opinion it is not a asset because
            1) no regulator- increase illegal funding (terrorism, drug dealing…) so governments will not encourage
            2) probable of hackers attack and theft. where to complain? to whom?
            3) it is based on technology after few years any technology superior than blockchain may make these currencies less secured or easily create able or …..
            4) environmental concern is there
            5) the purpose of asset is to generate an income that is it supposed to have an intrinsic value ( atleast for gold u can pledge…)

            1. Jagoinvestor says:

              Thanks for sharing your views

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Stereophile EMB-1200 Review

James Loudspeaker EMB-1200 subwoofer (LINK)

Harry Partch (1901-1974), composer and inventor of musical instruments, delighted in generating deep bass. Finding most standard orchestral instruments wanting in that department, he built the huge Marimba Eroica, which he described on his A Glimpse into the World of Harry Partch: 27 Unique Instruments (LP, Columbia MS-20576):

"In the right room acoustically, the Eroica is felt through the feet, against the belly, and, if one sits on the floor, it ripples through his bottom. It is very difficult to put on tape, and especially on records, with any fidelity. Adequate playback equipment is absolutely essential, which means that the poorer generally are not privileged to experience a rippling though their backsides by an art form."

Powerful deep-bass response means more than just pure tones. Rather, it requires raw power, tactile surges of air pressure, and a mix of the senses of hearing and touch. To move the amount of air required, subwoofer devotees have opted for large enclosures housing big drivers. When Mark Levinson set about creating the HQD—his ultimate, $80,000 two-channel audiophile system—he built two 24" Hartley drivers into huge credenzas. In my listening room, I've reviewed subwoofers whose large, dense, cubical cabinets weigh more than 150 lbs.

More recently, much smaller powered subwoofers have become popular for home theater systems. These use powerful internal amplifiers, lots of equalization, and servo correction to generate deep bass. When James Loudspeaker offered me a chance to review one of their bandpass subwoofers, I eagerly said yes.

Compact bandpass subwoofer
Although I began reviewing the smaller James EMB-1000 ($1595, see Sidebar, "The James Loudspeaker EMB-1000 subwoofer"), the EMB-1200 was made available to me in the middle of my auditioning. Because the larger sub seemed better at moving air in my large listening room, I decided to make it the subject of this report.

Measuring just over a foot wide and tall and a foot-and-a-half deep and weighing 75 lbs, the EMB-1200 ($2195) is about half the size and weight of the Velodyne DD-18 subwoofer, with which I compared it and which I reviewed in June. The EMB-1200's build quality is satisfyingly robust, and it's finished in a shiny black Piano Gloss or in Black Granite. A 12" passive-radiator diaphragm of spun aluminum sits in front, set off by 18k-gold hardware accents at each corner. The heavy passive diaphragm and the carefully sealed enclosure rule out the chuffing and wheezing noises that can be heard from some ported subs.

The interior of the EMB-1200 is divided into three chambers; between two of them is a long-throw 12" woofer with a 15-lb magnet. The central chamber creates critical damping of the powered internal driver, to deliver fast rise and decay times. The front chamber couples the woofer's output to the external aluminum diaphragm. The EMB-1200's 1200W amplifier has twice the output required for it to reach full volume. Internal equalization allows the system to reach down to about 20Hz.

The rear panel holds the line-level RCA input and output jacks, as well as high-level speaker binding posts when using the output of a power amplifier. A switch allows the use of a low-pass filter rotary control to diminish the subwoofer's upper-frequency output, or bypasses the crossover altogether. Other features on the rear panel include a phase switch (0 degrees or 180 degrees), and an IEC socket for the power cord.

Clever design
James Loudspeaker's goal for the EMB-1200 was to design a small, powered subwoofer that could handle, without huge amounts of distortion, the deep-bass pulses found on DVD soundtracks. Whether reproducing the thunderous avalanche in Ice Age, the hull rumblings in U-571, or the pulses of the torpedo motors in Pearl Harbor, today's subwoofers are challenged well beyond what they might encounter from a two-channel music system. Cost-effective servo systems will work up within their dynamic-range limitations, but peaks can be compressed. In addition, when the typical servo used in a small sub reaches its correction limit, this can produce odd noises that are much more disturbing than the usual types of distortion. James Loudspeaker set out to provide acoustic solutions that would minimize distortion while still allowing the subwoofer to clip gracefully when hit with an unmanageable sound effect.

Distortion in the EMB-1200 is controlled by the sub's bandpass design, which is similar to those of theIsophon Europa or KEF Reference 107 loudspeakers. The active woofer is mounted completely inside the enclosure. The diaphragm that communicates with the outside world is actually a passive radiator.

The passive woofer is not driven by an electrical signal but is air-coupled to the active woofer. The passive radiator's resonance frequency is designed to be in the middle of the system's passband, not at the bottom, as might be found in a bass-reflex system. For the EMB-1200, this resonance point is 45Hz, about the middle of its flat frequency-response range of 25-120Hz.

At the resonance frequency, the "lump of air" between the two diaphragms presents a stiff barrier to the active woofer, which will therefore appear to be standing still while the radiatior moves vigorously. This resonant point effect, which James describes as "energy multiplication," keeps the active woofer's excursion to a minimum in this region, limiting distortion not electrically but acoustically. At the resonant frequency, the driven woofer moves only about a tenth as far between 35 and 45Hz as it would at other frequencies. The result, says James, is lower distortion, greater output in the band where bass energy is concentrated, and increased dynamic headroom.

Wiring up the EMB-1200 was simple. No high-pass filter was involved, which meant that inserting the EMB-1200 in my system involved simply running an interconnect from my preamp's secondary Main Out jacks to the EMB-1200's line-level RCA inputs. Placement was also simple: I put the EMB-1200 where the Velodyne DD-18 had done best—in the right corner of my room, behind the two Quad ESL-989 loudspeakers I use for most of my music listening.

The Quads were positioned 5' from the rear wall, 8' apart, 3' 9" from the side walls, and slightly toed-in. My listening chair was 10' away, facing the Quads. This system sat near the short wall of my lightly damped, rectangular (26' long, 13' wide, and 12' high) listening room. Behind the listening chair, the other end of the room opens into a 25' by 15' kitchen. To match levels among the speakers and to choose filter frequencies that would give the smoothest overall response, I set the Velodyne DD-18 subwoofer's calibration microphone on the back of my listening chair at my ear level: 37" from the floor.

I adjusted the EMB-1200 using the Velodyne DD-18's built-in signal generator, microphone, and onscreen spectrum analyzer. (The DD-18's woofer was shut off by setting its volume to "0.") I fed a small TV set from the DD-18's Video Out jack to display the DD-18's System Response screen. The DD-18's signal generator repeatedly sweeps a test tone from 20Hz to 200Hz; I fed this into my preamp's tape input to drive my overall audio system. The sweep signal reproduced by the James subwoofer was picked up by a microphone placed on the back of my listening chair.

With the sweep signal running the full 20-200Hz spectrum every three seconds, I set the EMB-1200's gain control to provide the best match with the Quads. This was found at about +4, or 10 o'clock on the EMB-1200's gain dial. I then adjusted the phase and low-pass filter points to achieve the flattest frequency response at my listening chair. Without the subwoofer, the Quads' frequency response showed a dip at 60Hz and a peak at 40Hz, with rapidly declining response below 40Hz (fig.1). I found the flattest response by setting the EMB-1200's Phase control to 180 degrees and its low-pass filter to 85Hz. The overall system frequency response was then 20-200Hz, ±4dB (fig.2).

Fig.1 Quad ESL-989, in-room response without subwoofer.

Fig.2 Quad ESL-989, in-room response with James EMB-1200 subwoofer.

The EMB-1200 blended well with the Quad ESL-989s, yielding a seamless integration of the midbass and lower bass. For example, the bass notes on Mary Gauthier's Filth and Fire (CD, SIG 1273) were more taut and solid with the EMB-1200 in the system. The dreaded midbass emphasis produced by poor subwoofers was totally absent with the EMB-1200, which rendered a cleaner, bettre defined impression of the midbass and up. In addition, the EMB-1200 had the muscle to move lots of air in my large listening room when the occasion demanded it.

This was proven time and again. Track 7 of the Patriot Games soundtrack (CD, RCA 66051-2), "Assault on Ryan's House," is a torture test for subs as it contains an overabundance of unusually thick bottom-end information. But the EMB-1200 was unperturbed and uncovered quite a bit of music down there, which added immeasurably to the realism of the sound. The EMB-1200 played the passage with no sign of distortion or stress. The bass remained clean, deep, and solid, with no spurious noises to indicate that the woofer was in difficulty.

The EMB's speed and agility rendered dynamics with suddenness and explosiveness. The churning electric bass, drums, and synthesizer opening to Emmylou Harris' "Deeper Wells," from her Spyboy(CD, Eminent EM-25001-2), was delivered in full fury, each instrument clearly differentiated, while Harris' delicate soprano was clear and undisturbed. This selection overwhelmed the smaller EMB-1000, as it does many subwoofers. Not the EMB-1200.

The EMB-1200's power handling and excellent pitch definition really paid off when reproducing film soundtracks—the sub generated the ambience and atmosphere the filmmakers were attempting to convey. For example, the EMB-1200 captured the dense, sodden synthesizer, otherworldly Tibetan temple horns, and the deep, hallucinogenic chants of the Gyuto Monks in "Sand Mandala," the opening of Philip Glass's soundtrack for Kundun (CD, Nonesuch 79460-2). In "Caravan Moves Out" on the same disc, delicate plucked harp notes and Tibetan temple cymbals were contrasted with powerful churning Tibetan horns, synthesizer, and double bass to convey the glacial progress of the plodding caravan.

Similarly, the EMB-1200 reproduced the thunderous, deep, massive synthesizer notes that open the "The Carnotaur Attack," from the Dinosaur soundtrack (CD, Walt Disney 50086 06727). It also captured the subtle but tuneful repeated bass-drum strokes in "Cosmos...Old Friend," from theSneakers soundtrack (Columbia CK 53146).

The deepest notes of the pipe organ, its pedal pipes, were reproduced with pitch-perfect weight and authority. The EMB-1200 revealed the characteristic sounds of the large pipes of different organs. There was soft, blurry power in Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius (Test CD 2, Stereophile STPH004-2); the final, thunderous chord of "Lord, Make Me an Instrument," from John Rutter's Requiem (CD, Reference RR-38CD); the violent pulses during Gnomus, from Jean Guillou's transcription for organ of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (CD, Dorian DOR-90117); and the stair-step pedal scales of organist E. Power Biggs with the Philadelphia Orchestra in Saint-Saëns' Symphony 3, "Organ Symphony" (LP, Columbia MS 6469).

In addition to its ability to generate bass, the James EMB-1200 enhanced the Quad's imaging and portrayal of space. It was more than just adding bass extension—it increased my system's transparency from top to bottom.

The lack of a high-pass filter had audible effects in my system. During setup, I had to tune the EMB-1200's low-pass filter to a high 85Hz to get it to blend with the Quad ESL-989s. Other satellite speakers might work better with a lower low-pass filter point. In my room, the higher filter point made the EMB-1200's bass directional and localizable. By contrast, the Velodyne DD-18's ability to blend with the Quads at a low-pass filter point of 40Hz made its position less detectable sonically. The DD-18 had slightly more pitch definition in some selections, perhaps because its high-pass section filtered out demanding bass signals from the Quads, while its built-in parametric equalizer meant it could be more closely tailored to my room.

The effect of this directionality was best heard on single struck bass notes, such as: the concussive drum whack at the end of John Williams' Liberty Fanfare on Winds of War and Peace (CD, Wilson Audiophile WCD-8823); during the explosive bass blips that churn out of Morton Subotnik's Wild Bull, composed for synthesizer (LP, Nonesuch H-71208); and during the frenzied, explosive timpani strokes of Yoshihisa Taira's Hierophonie V, from The Kroumata Percussion Ensemble (CD, BIS CD-232).

Orchestral bass was less directional. The EMB-1200 did a masterful job of reproducing the powerful, throbbing mix of bass drum and timpani in Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (CD, Reference RR-70CD), as performed by the Minnesota Orchestra under Eiji Oue.

Despite my caveats, I greatly enjoyed the EMB-1200's ability to deliver the sock, slam, drive, and pulse of percussive bass—these were second to none. The EMB-1200 demonstrated transient fidelity and an absence of overhang in Michael Arnopol's standup bass introduction to Patricia Barber's "Use Me," from her Companion (CD, Premonition/Blue Note 5 22963 2). The EMB-1200 emitted not a scintilla of boom or bloat, but a lean, driving power. I heard the same characteristic punch of plucked double bass in a close-miked recording of bassist Charlie Haden and harpist Alice Coltrane, playing "For Turiya" on Haden's Closeness (LP, A&M SP-710). David Hudson's massive didgeridoo throbbed and burned during the first track, "Rainforest Wonder," of his Didgeridoo Spirit (CD, Indigenous Australia IA2003 D).

And what of Harry Partch's volcanic Marimba Eroica? That old vinyl recording delivered the deepest, most solid bass sounds heard during my reviewing sessions, and rattled loose objects all over my listening room. Sitting 1m away from the EMB-1200 on my wooden floor, it rattled me, too—my backside was rippled through by Partch's art form. Well done, Harry!

The James Loudspeaker EMB-1200 subwoofer has great build quality, and is priced right at $2195. Better yet, it's not just another "wonder cube." Acoustical theory has been implemented so well in this relatively small subwoofer that its bass output and dynamics rival those of subs with larger, more expensive enclosures—even without servo correction. In my system, the EMB-1200 delivered ample deep bass while widening and deepening the soundstage. It moved lots of air in my large listening room, played a wide range of music without favoring any part of the bass region, and stayed out of the way of the midbass and midrange.

The EMB-1200 was too directional with percussive music when its crossover was set to the frequency where it best blended with my Quads, although adding a high-pass filter would have minimally raised its cost and would not have altered the James' compact cabinet size. I'd wager its ability to play taut deep bass with good pitch definition will make it a welcome addition to most high-end two-channel music or multichannel home theater systems.

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The JVM Programming Advent Calendar

Dynamic casting in Java

I’m a big fan of Baeldung’s blog. One of his previous post is about casting in Java. Unfortunately, I feel it misses one important point: dynamic casting. Since that’s is (very) relatively new, this post will try to fill that gap.

Do not use casting

The first thing is that it should be relatively easy to avoid casting.

Using polymorphism

Polymorphism is a great way not to cast. Consider the following code:

List animals = new ArrayList();
animals.add(new Cat());
animals.add(new Dog());
for (Animal animal: animals) {
    if (animal instanceof Cat) {
        ((Cat) animal).mew();
    } else if (animal instanceof Dog) {
        ((Dog) animal).bark();
    } else if (animal instanceof Snake) {
        ((Snake) animal).hiss();

If all object types in the collection inherit from a single type, it’s possible to use polymorphism. Just add one method in this single type and override it in the subtypes.

public abstract class Animal {
    public abstract void makeSound();

public class Dog {
    @Override public void makeSound() {

public class Cat {
    @Override public void makeSound() {

Using generics

Polymorphism cannot be always applied. For example, this is the case when:

  • Items are not instances of related type
  • The parent type is not within our control sphere
  • etc.

In those cases, generics is another way to avoid casting.

Before Java 5, the following code would be the norm:

List dates = new ArrayList();
dates.add(new Date());
Object object = dates.get(0);
Date date = (Date) object;

On line 4, casting required. Though the runtime type is Date, the compiler has no way to know about it.

With generics, the above code can be rewritten:

List<Date> dates = new ArrayList<>();
dates.add(new Date());
Date date = dates.get(0);

On line 3, no casting is required: the compiler has enough information thanks to generics.

When casting is mandatory

Despite to what some fanatics think, it happens that sometimes casting cannot be ignored.

One such use-case is the Servlet API. Map storing objects in servlet context/request/session do not use generics. And even if they did, they would be using Object.

// In a servlet
ServletContext context = getServletContext();
context.put("date", new Date());

// Somewhere else
ServletContext context = getServletContext();
Object object = context.get("date");
Date date = (Date) object;

Dynamic casting

The only form of casting originally available was static casting. Which means the casting type needs to be known at compile time. For example, let’s imagine a method that accepts a Stream<Object>, filters all element of a certain type and returns those elements in the right type. This is an example of the usage:

List<?> items = ...
List dates = filter(Date.class, items);

There’s no way to implement the filter method with static casting. There are actually two issues:

  1. The instanceof operator requires a type, not a Class instance e.g. item instanceof Date
  2. The cast syntax as well e.g. (Date) item

The instanceof operator can be replaced with a call to Class.isInstance(Object)(since JDK 1.1). This is quite well-known, if not widely used.

The API to replace the cast syntax, however, is much more “recent”. There’s a Class.cast(Object) method since JDK 1.5 It is a simple wrapper around the legacy syntax.

Using both methods, it’s finally possible to implement the filter method above.

static  List filter(Class clazz, List<?> items) {
    return items.stream()

Using the casting API allows dynamic casting. Without it, it’s not possible to implement the above method.

Despite what many people outside the ecosystem think, Java evolves, even if not very fast. However, developers needs to be acquainted with the new capabilities offered by each version.

To go further:

Author: Nicolas Fränkel

Nicolas Fränkel is a Developer Advocate with 15+ years experience consulting for many different customers, in a wide range of contexts (such as telecoms, banking, insurances, large retail and public sector). Usually working on Java/Java EE and Spring technologies, but with focused interests like Rich Internet Applications, Testing, CI/CD and DevOps. Currently working for Hazelcast. Also double as a teacher in universities and higher education schools, a trainer and triples as a book author.

You can find Nicolas’ weekly post on his blog.

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Friday, August 4, 2017

The Biggest Jays Misfits

Damn, Cito was looking slim and trim back in 1997!

Over the years we have seen more than a few free agents (most past their prime) come to our Jays and look entirely out of place in our uniforms. Roger Clemens came in for two glorious seasons 20 years ago and won back to back Cy Young awards! But he just didn't look right...On the other more unceremonious hand we had Jarrod Saltalamacchia join us for a cup of coffee and 1 hit in 25AB. Never felt right.

Check out a few of the biggest misfits, or guys who just look all wrong in a Jays uniform, below:

Slashed .266 / .369 / .465 for your TBJs.

Frank Thomas: The Big Hurt was really hurtin' to begin his second season with the Jays. After a pretty solid first year (.277, 26HR, 95 RBI) Frank was once again starting very slow in 2008 before Gibby benched him for super utilityman Joe Inglett. The Jays released Frank soon after, saving the team 10MM. Fellow Maritimer and Fastball-Smashin' Legend Matt Stairs finished the year as DH. Love that dude!

Jayson Werth: Most savvy Jays fans know that he started with the Jays. He became the misfit who got away. The Jays traded Werth for Jason Frasor, who must have added about 100 hours of baseball to our lives. Man that guy was a slow worker! Werth went on to become a 30 WAR career player, about equal to Jose Bautista. I had never seen him in an actual Jays uniform. Quite the difference!

Just look at those PED biceps!
Jose Canseco: What a badass! I loved it when the Jays brought in Jose. He last just 1 full season before departing for Boston. He claims it was the only season he did not use steroids, citing depression from a divorce. While researching Canseco I found the following amazing facts:

- has an identical twin brother, Ozzie, who played 23 games in the bigs and is known to impersonate his brother at baseball card and book signings (and a full season of The Surreal Life!)

- unknowingly became the first member of the 40/40 club (HR/SB), a club which now includes Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano (?)

- had Tommy John surgery after demanding to pitch just 3 days after this infamous incident...

- won a Silver Slugger award for the Jays in 1998, the same year of Dave Steib's ill-fated comeback attempt, which is a great read, check out that article right here.

- retired in 2002 after being signed but cut by the Montreal Expos, and has been playing in independent leagues ever since.

- "claims" to have a black belt in karate and taekwondo, and has fought in a few hysterical matches, including a draw with Danny Bonaduce and this MMA first round knockout loss

I could go on, and on, Jose Canseco is quite a character.

Who do you think was the biggest Blue Jays misfit of all-time?


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Leaked Cables on Iran: Oman Wary of Iranian Expansionism

(August 7, 2008)

Classified U.S. diplomatic cables, leaked by the whistleblower site WikiLeaks, contain accounts of the Omani Minister of the Royal Office and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ali bin Majid al-Ma'amari, telling U.S. Admiral William Gortney about Oman's concerns over Iran's "deceptive tactics and expansionist ideological desires" in the region.

Thursday, 07 August 2008, 07:43
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 MUSCAT 000565
EO 12958 DECL: 08/07/2018
Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo per 1.4 (B and D).

1. (S/NF) Minister of the Royal Office and head of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ali bin Majid al-Ma'amari, reviewed Oman's view on Iran from a security perspective, highlighting Omani awareness of Iran's deceptive tactics and expansionist ideological desires in the region. During an introductory meeting with NAVCENT commander VADM William Gortney, accompanied by the Ambassador, General Ali addressed the Iranian nuclear file, security in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian interference in the region. Ali Majid's suspicious view of Iran stands in stark contrast to conciliatory if not obsequious public comments of Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin 'Alawi regarding Iran and its role in the region. End summary.

Won't Oppose Further Sanctions on Iran

2. (S/NF) Characterizing Oman's preference for "frankness and clarity," General Ali began his comments on Iran by noting the reality of Iran as a nearby neighbor, which influenced Oman's relations with Iran. Toward the end of the discussion, he compared Oman's normal relations with Iran to the relations of other GCC members with Iran. Throughout the meeting, he frequently touched on the theme of how different Oman was from other GCC member states, whose real intentions and positions often eluded Omani comprehension.

3. (S/NF) The Iranian nuclear issue stood at the forefront of the General's mind. He described the nuclear file as an international issue, noting that resolution of this issue should be dealt with through international bodies such as the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Oman would respect decisions of these groups and play its role in the international community. Oman would not oppose imposition of further measures against Iran by the international bodies; however, Oman did not want to play an active role in advocating for such measures itself.

Iranian Intentions Clear: Stall for Time

4. (S/NF) Ali Majid stated that Oman was aware of Iranian stall tactics in the talks over the nuclear issue. Instead of responding by the August 5 deadline, the Iranian side offered a new initiative for talks, confirming reports from the U.S. and others that Iran indeed is trying merely to buy time. Letting the 5 August deadline pass in responding positively to the P5 1 proposal made the Iranian intention to stall "very clear to Oman." The Ambassador noted that the U.S. has been working with allies around the world, and especially within the EU, to further restrict Iranian economic activity in an effort to influence Iran's position on the nuclear file. General Ali agreed that sanctions to date were having an impact on the Iranian economy, despite Iran's public denials. Moreover, he said, Iran believed the U.S. would never attack Iran, a belief that encouraged Iran to persist in its stall tactics. Nevertheless, he advocated a non-military solution as the best option for the U.S., and suggested that over the long term, establishment of U.S. relations at some level with the Iranian government might enable the U.S. to better influence the Iranian government and people.

Empty Threats Against the Strait

5. (S/NF) Responding to the Ambassador's question about recent Iranian statements threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Ali Majid dismissed the threats as "empty words" and perhaps a feeble attempt to up its bargaining leverage vis a vis the P5 1. VADM Gortney echoed the Ambassador's comments that such rhetoric negatively impacted the world's view of Iran and ultimately would undermine Iran's standing in the international community. On this same issue, the General expressed his pleasure with the White House press statement on August 5 responding to the IRGC commander's comments regarding closure of the Strait, agreeing that Iranian closure of the strait would be suicide (i.e., more harmful to Iran's own economic interests). He also commended the U.S. for not escalating the rhetoric but instead putting Iran's comments into proper perspective.

Iraq and Iranian Expansionism

MUSCAT 00000565 002 OF 003

6. (S/NF) Prior to delving into the nuclear issues, Ali Majid acknowledged that Iranian interference in Iraq prevented achievement of a stable security environment there. He allowed that, at a minimum, Iran indirectly supported Shi'a militia in Iraq. Elaborating on his theme of "Iranian expansionist" ideology, he noted that the Iranian national radio broadcast commenced with the prelude "the voice of the Islamic Republic from Tehran." Focusing on "from Tehran," he astutely raised Omani concerns that such language revealed Iran's true intentions: a "greater Islamic Republic" with Tehran at its center. He further speculated that Iran wanted to give the impression that the Islamic Republic might already encompass "Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and even the Gulf."

7. (S/NF) Ali Majid linked the nuclear issue and the interference in Iraq by speculating that a resolution might entice Iran into ceasing its interference in Iraq. He offered a rhetorical question on whether Iran was serious about challenging the major powers or is it posturing in the media for domestic consumption. He conceded that he truly did not know the answer, but that with Iran's continued attitude on the nuclear issue, the security situation in Iraq would remain unresolved. Citing Oman's preference for a non-military solution, he nevertheless acknowledged that a nuclear-armed Iran as opposed to war with Iran posed "an extremely difficult dilemma for all of us."

Playing to Their Domestic Audience

8. (S/NF) Acknowledging Iran's revolutionary zeal, the General attempted to put Iranian public statements in perspective when he described as exaggerations those comments by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmed-I Nejad or other Iranian figures, particularly regarding military capabilities. "Countries that believe they have some specific military weapons advantages usually keep them secret," he averred. He asserted that in the end, all power resided with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

9. (S/NF) Ali Majid portrayed Shi'a ideology as another factor complicating possible military conflict with Iran. Iranian leaders would not balk at sacrificing a quarter of their 60 million citizens in a military conflict. The Shi'a tradition of martyrdom spanned 14 centuries. The annual self-flagellation of Shi'a over 1,400 years served as an example of this martyr psychology. Beyond its Shi'a ideology, pride in its Persian national identity compelled Iran to demand international recognition and respect.

10. (S/NF) Returning back to comments about GCC countries, General Ali singled out Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar as three Gulf countries that probably would want the U.S. to strike Iran. However, he urged the U.S. to determine whether such voices were speaking on the basis of logic or emotion. He likened private entreaties of these countries to the U.S. for military action on Iran to the Iraqi opposition in exile providing the U.S. false information on Iraq that led to the invasion of Iraq. At the beginning of the meeting, Ali Majid had noted that, in contrast to Oman, other GCC members did not always speak with candor or clarity, leaving Oman to question the real motivations or intentions of its GCC brethren.

11. (S/NF) Punctuating his comments about Iran's irrationality, Ali Majid pointed to Libyan leader Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi's recent comment that "Iran is crazy" not to pay attention to the history of Yugoslavia and Iraq, whose ignoring of U.S. pressure resulted in their collapse. Interestingly, he referred to Qadhafi's transformation from pariah to emerging member of the international community by noting that Qadhafi had once been "our enemy."

Oman in a "Strategic Relationship" with the U.S.

--------------------------------------------- ---

12. (S) Shifting from Iran, Ali Majid underscored Oman's "strategic relationship" with the U.S. and highlighted Oman's cooperation with the U.S. on counterterrorism issues. He described Oman's zero tolerance for extremism and refusal to negotiate with terrorists as a policy established at least since 1970 (the year of the Sultan's assumed power). Oman has been and continues to prepare itself to confront terrorism, he said, as it is not exempt from the plotting of terrorists. While Oman is "encircled by problems" -- specifically mentioning Yemen, Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan --

MUSCAT 00000565 003 OF 003

Oman remains vigilant in preventing such problems from reaching the Sultanate. On the topic of Oman's partnership with the U.S., he harkened back to when the Soviets had sought a warm water port during the time of their invasion of Afghanistan and were rebuffed by Muscat as an example of how "Oman has stood at the side of the U.S." He also highlighted the irony that now the world faced "not the Soviets but the Taliban." He quickly followed this by noting that the U.S. would be wise to support talks with moderate members of the Taliban, which Oman encouraged as a way toward achieving security in Afghanistan.

13. (S/NF) Participants in the meeting included VADM Gortney, the Ambassador, the admiral's executive officer, Embassy Muscat's OMC Chief, and GRPO (notetaker). Sayyid Munthir bin Majid al-Sa'id, head of the Royal Office Liaison and Coordination Service participated as notetaker and translator for General Ali.

14. (S/NF) In light of recent, more conciliatory statements by Minister Responsible for foreign Affairs Yusuf bin 'Alawi, Ali Majid's blunt assessment of Iranian intentions comes as refreshing reassurance of the official Omani position on Iran. While careful to flag Oman's longstanding preference for a non-military solution to the Iran question and, less directly, Oman's inability to actively confront Iranian obstinacy, the Sultanate nevertheless maintains a clear-eyed view of Iran, its increasingly threatening behavior and the potential repercussions for the region. His comments regarding attitudes and perceptions of fellow GCC members were startling as they would appear to confirm oft stated views of GCC counterparts of Oman as the sometimes "odd man out" in the GCC. Ali Majid's comments suggest that while not entirely comfortable with this, the Omanis acknowledge it. Ali Majid, as the Sultan's top security official and advisor, is known for taking a more hard-line view of matters relating to regional security. However, given his closeness to the Sultan and his status as a member of the inner-most circle of the Sultan's confidants, such views to a senior U.S. officer can be assumed to accord with those of Qaboos. GRAPPO

Sources: Wikileaks