NYT: Developer of the LP vinyl record dies at 92

New York Times

Howard H. Scott, right, with the composer Aaron Copland in 1974.

By Ben Sisario, New York Times

Howard H. Scott, who was part of the team at Columbia Records that introduced the long-playing vinyl record in 1948 before going on to produce albums with the New York Philharmonic, Glenn Gould, Isaac Stern and many other giants of classical music, died on Sept. 22 in Reading, Pa. He was 92.

The cause was cancer, said his daughter, Andrea K. Scott.

In 1946, Mr. Scott was 26 and just discharged from the Army when he got a job at Columbia Masterworks, the label?s classical division. He was soon assigned to Columbia?s top-secret project: developing a long-playing record to replace the 78 r.p.m. disc, which could hold only about four minutes of music on each brittle shellac side.

The project had begun in 1940 and was nearing completion. But its engineers needed someone with musical training ? particularly the ability to read orchestral scores ? to help transfer recordings from 78s to the new discs, which played at 331/3 r.p.m., could hold about 22 minutes a side and were made of more durable vinyl.

Howard Hillison Scott fit the bill.

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., on May 31, 1920, he graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 1941 and had just begun graduate piano studies at Juilliard when he was drafted the next year. Back in civilian life in July 1946, he was hired by Columbia as a trainee.

In the days before magnetic tape came into wide use, the process of transferring music to the new discs (soon to be known as LPs) was complex. Long pieces of music, split among multiple 78 r.p.m. records, needed to be stitched together on the new discs without interruption.

To do that, Mr. Scott and his colleagues lined up overlapping segments of music on 78s, and ? with Mr. Scott snapping his finger in coordination ? switched the audio signal at just the right moment from one turntable to the other. As the industry began to use magnetic tape, beginning in the late 1940s, such work was no longer necessary.

As a staff producer at Columbia, Mr. Scott worked on hundreds of recordings by most of the major orchestras of the United States, including those of Boston, Cleveland, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Cincinnati in addition to the New York Philharmonic. He had a particularly close association with Gould, beginning with his historic recording of Bach?s ?Goldberg? Variations in 1955.

Mr. Scott left Columbia in 1961 and worked at MGM Records, RCA Red Seal, the publisher G. Schirmer and the Rochester Philharmonic, where he was executive manager in the 1970s. He won a 1966?Grammy Award?as the producer of the classical album of the year: Charles Ives?s Symphony No. 1, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Morton Gould conducting, on RCA Red Seal.

From 1986 until his retirement in 1993, Mr. Scott worked for Sony, Columbia?s corporate successor, as a producer, once again transferring old albums to a new format: the CD.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Scott is survived by a son, Jon; two sisters, Carol Ruth Shepherd and Elaine Silver; and two granddaughters.

In a 1998 interview with The New York Times, on the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the LP, Mr. Scott remarked about the durability of the format, and took note of a small renaissance taking root at the time.

?They lived from 1948 to 1978, when the CD came in,? he said. ?Now they?re coming back. Small companies are issuing them. I?m still an LP fan.?

Do you still listen to vinyl records? What's your favorite musical format? Tell us on Facebook.

Source: http://entertainment.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/08/14297690-howard-h-scott-developer-of-the-long-playing-vinyl-record-dies-at-92?lite

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Chavez win in Venezuela creates new set of challenges

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) ? Venezuelans awakened on Monday to the prospect of another six years under President Hugo Chavez as the leftist president's supporters celebrated his victory against a youthful rival and a galvanized opposition pledged to build on its gains.

Chavez emerged from Sunday's vote both strengthened and sobered, having reconfirmed his masterful political touch but also winning by his tightest margin yet. Challenger Henrique Capriles said while conceding defeat that his campaign had launched a new political force and that he would keep working for change.

The 58-year-old leader now has a freer hand to push for an even bigger state role in the economy and deepen friendships with U.S. rivals. Meanwhile, he's under pressure to address nuts-and-bolts governance issues such as soaring crime rates, power blackouts and double-digit inflation.

With a turnout of 81 percent, Chavez only got 551,902 more votes this time around than he did six years ago, while the opposition boosted its tally by about 2.1 million. Chavez appeared to acknowledge the opposition's growing clout during a boisterous victory speech late Sunday night.

"I extend from here my recognition of all who voted against us, recognition of their democratic weight," he told thousands of cheering supporters from a balcony of the presidential palace after midnight.

Capriles, a former state governor, had accused the flamboyant incumbent of unfairly using Venezuela's oil wealth to finance his campaign as well as flaunting his near-total control of state institutions.

Still, he accepted defeat as Chavez swept to a 10-point victory margin. The former army paratroop commander won nearly 55 percent of the vote against 45 percent for Capriles with more than 95 percent of the vote counted.

"It was the perfect battle!" Chavez told his supporters. The crowd responded with chants of "Chavez won't go!"

Chavez spent heavily in the months before the vote, building public housing and bankrolling expanded social programs. With the largest proven oil reserves in the world, Venezuela has received hundreds of billions of petro-dollars over the past decade.

"I think he just cranked up the patronage machine and unleashed a spending orgy," said Michael Shifter, president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank.

But Shifter also noted the affinity and gratefulness Venezuela's poor feel for Chavez. "Despite his illness, I still think he retains a strong emotional connection with a lot of Venezuelans that I think were not prepared to vote against him."

Perhaps the top question facing Chavez now is whether he has truly beat cancer, after having two rounds of surgery since June 2011 to remove tumors from his pelvic region as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He has said his most recent tests showed no sign of illness.

Venezuela would have to hold a new election if Chavez were forced to step down during the first years of his term.

Without referring to his illness, Chavez said in his victory speech: "I ask God to give me life and health to keep serving the Venezuelan people, more and better every day!"

Both sides now turn to regional elections scheduled for December, in which Venezuelans will choose state and municipal leaders.

While fireworks exploded over downtown Caracas, Chavez supporters said Sunday night they were prepared to turn back local victories scored by the opposition in recent years.

"It's time now to sweep away the squalid ones," said Ignacio Gonzalez, using a description of the opposition Chavez employed during campaigning. The 25-year-old student wore a red shirt that wedded the images of Chavez, Jesus Christ and South American independence hero Simon Bolivar.

"It's time to get them out of governor's and mayor's offices," he said. "The next battle is in December."

Chavez opponents pointed out that they had posed the strongest challenge yet to Chavez, who won by a 27-point margin in 2006 and by 16 points when he was first elected in 1998.

"I will continue working to build one country," said Capriles, the wiry, 40-year-old grandson of Holocaust survivors, in his concession speech. He said he rejected the idea of two Venezuelas divided by ideology and class and asked Chavez to rule for all Venezuelans.

A Capriles victory would have brought a radical foreign policy shift, including a halt to preferential oil deals with allies such as Cuba, along with a loosening of state economic controls and an increase in private investment.

"We have planted many seeds across Venezuela," Capriles told his supporters, "and I know that these seeds are going to produce many trees."

Washington, which has often feuded with Chavez, declined to congratulate the president directly, but acknowledged the result.

"We congratulate the Venezuelan people for the high turnout and generally peaceful manner in which this election was carried out," said State Department spokesman William Ostick.

"We believe that the views of the more than 6 million people who voted for the opposition should be taken into account going forward," he added.

President Raul Castro of Cuba, which could have been badly hurt by a Chavez loss, was among Latin American leaders sending warm congratulations to the former paratrooper on his victory after nearly 14 years in office.

One pro-Chavez voter, private bodyguard Carlos Julio Silva, said that whatever his faults, Chavez deserved to win for spreading the nation's oil wealth to the poor.

"There is corruption, there's plenty of bureaucracy, but the people have never had a leader who cared about this country," Silva said after voting for Chavez in the Caracas slum of Petare. His daughter received an apartment from the state while the free medical care he gets included a recent operation to remove tissue that was clouding his vision.

First-time voter Brenda Aguirre said she was also willing to forgive "El Comandante" for his shortcomings. She said she was set to start totally subsidized legal studies at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela,

"Chavez isn't to blame for the people who surround him," she said.

___

Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez, Christopher Toothaker, Jorge Rueda and Vivian Sequera contributed to this report.

___

Ian James on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ianjamesap

Frank Bajak on Twitter: http://twitter.com/fbajak

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chavez-win-venezuela-sets-challenges-161433852.html

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Checklist for Sailing a Yacht Charter | Travel & Leisure - Cannon

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Source: http://roderick66.typepad.com/blog/2012/10/checklist-for-sailing-a-yacht-charter-travel-leisure.html

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Source: http://ineptitude-imbue.blogspot.com/2012/10/checklist-for-sailing-yacht-charter.html

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Take off the blue helmet: It may be time for Canada to leave UN and stop trying to please everyone

John Baird. (ANDRE FORGET/QMI AGENCY)

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Predictable elements are uneasy that Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird?s tough speech at the UN represents a shift away from Canada?s usual tiptoeing around sensitive issues.

Baird scolded the UN for its inability to resolve crises (e.g., Syria), and its reluctance to take decisive action when rogue regimes run amok or defy international opinion. That sort of thing.

In taking a tough stand, Baird undoubtedly reflected Prime Minister Stephen Harper?s attitude ? and Baird was filling in for Harper who, instead of addressing the General Assembly along with other heads of state, was accepting a ?Statesman of the Year? award.

Speaking for Canada, Baird essentially called the UN useless ? kissing the butts of every dictator who violates human rights, making speeches that are mere rhetoric and sanctioning any nonsense that is critical of the state of Israel.

To some, Baird?s speech was indication that Canada is abandoning its traditional support of the UN, signalling that it?s becoming more independent, dealing with friends and allies, and no longer bothering to appease or persuade enemies.

If this is the case ? maybe good, maybe not so good, depending on circumstances.

One thing Canada does not need to prove to the world is its good intentions.

More than most countries, Canada has opened its doors to the world. It is tolerant (sometimes to a ridiculous degree) of the social and cultural differences of others. We even adjust our own traditions, so as not to offend others. Again, sometimes foolishly.

The UN was set up after the Second World War to do what the old League of Nations was intended to do, but failed miserably: To resolve international disputes without recourse to war.

The League?s abject failure was apparent when Italy invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and Hitler made various land grabs with impunity ? until Britain drew the line when Poland was invaded in 1939.

The UN resorted to force when North Korea invaded the south, but that was only because the Soviet Union was pouting and boycotting the Security Council which OK?d military intervention.

(We forget that when Katanga legitimately sought independence around 1960, the UN used force to prevent secession from the Congo).

Canada financially supports various UN agencies, some of which seem bureaucratic nightmares more attuned to totalitarianism than democracy.

For more than 60 years the UN has had limited effect in making the world a better place. Perhaps Canada, which has been a loyal supporter of the UN, would have more influence if we sided and identified with countries that worked for the same values to which we subscribe.

We ? Canada ? can do this because we have proved that we threaten no one; we deal openly and courteously with all countries; we have no hidden agenda. This may sound patronizing, sanctimonious, even arrogant. But it?s true.

What upset some people in Baird?s speech ? and the PM?s recent pledge of friendship and support for Israel ? is that it?s something of a break from Canada?s past caution about possibly offending anyone.

Maybe it?s time we stopped trying to please everyone, and stood up for what we believe. If the UN is miffed, get used to it because we aren?t likely to change.

Perhaps it?s also time for the UN to change ? to develop a little backbone when confronting tyrants, even though it?s short of muscle to impose its will on anyone.

Source: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/10/05/take-off-the-blue-helmet-it-may-be-time-for-canada-to-leave-un-and-stop-trying-to-please-everyone

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1545 - X Shadyside | Pittsburgh Gym Yoga Cycling Group Fitness

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Robert Beahm is next up in our interview blog series with the X Shadyside personal trainers. Check out the interview below to learn more about his fitness philosophy, specialties, and background.

Exercise Philosophy:

Success is all about a lifestyle change. Committing to health and fitness will lead to goal achievement. Small short term goals will lead to the ultimate long term goals one sets for his or herself. When we find ourselves sidetracked from our goals, it is important to reorient ourselves towards that goal and keep moving. Hard work and dedication can lead to a happier and healthier life.

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Specialties:

• My Background in Exercise Science allows me to create individualized exercise prescriptions that are safe, creative and effective.
• With a strong interest in nutrition I can make healthy recommendations in diet and supplementation to help aid in reaching your health and fitness goals.
• I have a strength and conditioning background through a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) course which provides me with knowledge of resistance exercise training.

I have competed in multiple bodybuilding competitions, applying what I know to my life in order to reach my health and fitness goals. Having experienced success, I strive to help others reach their goals as well.

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Education & Certifications:

• Slipper Rock University- B.S. Exercise Science
• University of Pittsburgh- M.S. Health & Fitness (in progress)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)- Certified Health and Fitness Specialist

Source: http://www.xshadyside.com/2012/10/08/1545

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Nokia sells mapping services to Oracle

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia Oyj has agreed to give Oracle Corp's customers access to its mapping products, as the mobile phone company seeks to expand its location services business.

The Finnish company, which bought the world's largest digital mapping firm, Navteq, in 2008, has been looking for ways to boost the business and recently signed mapping deals with Groupon Inc and Amazon.Com Inc.

In stark contrast with Nokia's troubled mobile phone operation, sales at the location business grew last quarter, though it still generates only 4 percent of group revenue.

Oracle has developed a link between its own software and the Nokia Location Platform software, Nokia said on Monday. This enables the U.S. company's business users to access the mapping services through its products.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but Nokia said Oracle users would licence Location Platform from Nokia for use in Oracle applications.

"Nokia has been on a mission for the last 18 months to sign mapping and location deals with large internet players. The deal with Oracle extends this," CCS Insight analyst Martin Garner said.

Last week Apple publicly apologised after customer complaints about errors in its maps, which have been put on its latest phone operating system instead of Google Inc's mapping service.

Oracle is the world's third-biggest software firm but also sells hardware to corporate clients and in 2009 bought Sun Microsystems, the manufacturer of server computers and developer of Java and Solaris software.

(Additional reporting by Olivia Oran in New York; Editing by Dale Hudson and David Goodman)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nokia-announces-mapping-deal-oracle-131356348--sector.html

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Georgian opposition supporters flood capital

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) ? An estimated 100,000 opposition supporters thronged the center of Georgia's capital on Saturday in a show of strength days ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago.

The capital, Tbilisi, where a third of Georgia's population lives, long ago turned against Saakashvili. Many people here are disturbed by what they describe as his authoritarian rule, pointing to his control over parliament, the courts and the prosecutor's office.

"He created a system of oppression and covered it with the pretty facade of democracy," said Dali Dvalishvili, who attended the boisterous campaign rally. Although trained as a lawyer, the 28-year-old woman said she was unable to work in a system "where the prosecutor's office dictates everything."

Under Saakashvili, the former Soviet republic has become a U.S. ally and worked toward closer integration with NATO and the European Union. In Monday's election, the president is under pressure to prove his commitment to democracy by holding a free and fair vote.

The election has added significance because it ushers in a new political system that will give greater powers to the parliament and prime minister. After Saakashvili's second and last term ends next year, the party that has a majority in parliament will have the right to name the prime minister, who will acquire many of the powers now held by the president.

Saakashvili's United National Movement, which now holds nearly 80 percent of the seats in parliament, is up against Georgian Dream, a coalition formed by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire businessman who made his fortune in Russia.

Most observers see the race as too close to call, although they give the governing party the edge.

The mood was upbeat on Saturday as people of all ages gathered on Freedom Square for Ivanishvili's giant campaign rally. Many wore Georgian Dream T-shirts in blue, white or black.

"Saakashvili's system based on lawlessness and torture should be destroyed," Ivanishvili told the crowd.

Saakashvili's campaign was hit hard by the release two weeks ago of shocking videos showing prisoners in a Tbilisi jail being beaten and sodomized. The government moved quickly to stem the anger, replacing Cabinet ministers blamed for the abuse and arresting prison staff, but many saw the videos as illustrating the excesses of his government.

___

Lynn Berry contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/georgian-opposition-supporters-flood-capital-133038777.html

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