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There was little doubt that austerity – and opposition to it – would play a major role in Italy's national elections, and play a role austerity did. The campaign yielded results well beyond expectations for both of the parties that campaigned heavily against austerity measures: Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement and Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom.
But while ordinary citizens have been crying for help since immediately after austerity was first introduced, now experts are joining the chorus, and warning that the kind of austerity policies currently enacted in southern Europe may not be working.
The strength of the Italian opposition to austerity – backed by Europe and former technocrat Prime Minister Mario Monti – was underscored by the unexpected successes of Mr. Grillo and Mr. Berlusconi in the weekend's elections. The Five Star Movement, a protest party that in 2008 did not even exist, became the country's second largest. And the People of Freedom, despite being led by scandal-tainted ex-premier Berlusconi, made up a 10-plus percent gap in the elections final months to end up falling short of its rival Democratic Party by a half percentage point. Mr. Monti's party secured less than 10 percent of the vote. [Editor's note: The story has been updated to reflect the final results for the Five Star Movement.]
"Italian voters showed their opposition to this kind of austerity measures. They do not understand them, and honestly I cannot blame them," says Ugo Arrigo, a professor of government finance at the Bicocca University of Milan.
And experts say their opposition is born out by the measures' results.
"I think it is fairly safe to recognize that austerity policies have, at least so far, not worked," says Tim Vlandas, a political economy researcher at the London School of Economics. "This is especially true in Greece, where after significant overall reductions in fiscal spending, the debt level is as high and unsustainable as before."
Following in Greece's steps, where a depressed economy and worsening public finances are creating a vicious loop, is in fact the worst nightmare of most Italians. And while Italy is not in the same situation as its Mediterranean neighbor, "the austerity measures enacted by Italy have improved public finances only marginally, while contributing to a stubborn recession" according to Mr. Arrigo.
Data released last December by the Bank of Italy show in fact that, instead of contracting, the Italian government's shortfall had widened in the first 10 months of 2012 compared to previous years.
In 2012, the shortfall – the difference between how much the government spends and how much it receives from taxes and other sources – reached €75 billion ($98 billion). For the comparable periods in 2011 and 2010, instead, it stood at €65 billion ($85 billion) and €73 billion ($95 billion) respectively. And the debt to GDP ratio also grew under Monti's cabinet, going from 120 percent to a staggering 127 percent.
A large part of the problem is that Italian businesses and citizens reduced spending much more than was forecast when austerity measures were announced, a behavior that economic models failed to predict and that seems to have replicated in other EU countries.
"Cutting public spending in a downturn is always risky, but it is especially so when all of Europe is tightening fiscal policy at the same time. The principal reason why public deficits have risen across Europe is because private sector demand has contracted sharply," says Simon Tilford, chief economist at the Centre for European Reform, a London-based think tank.
"Put another way, fiscal deficits are the not the cause of the crisis but a consequence of it," he says, adding that "the European Commission grossly underestimated the impact of fiscal austerity programs of this magnitude."
And while Greece is currently going down a spiral dive of shrinking economic activity and increasing austerity, other countries have the opportunity to learn from such experience. Italian voters might have sensed that similar policies would have led the nation down a similar path, and have sent a clear message against it.


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Family Adventure is open to Scouts of any rank, as well as any family members who wish to attend with them. Family camping with fun, open format activities run by staff. No adventure pin work completed. Tent and food provided for a one night experience. Extended experiences available.
Cub Scout - $TBD.00Adult - $TBD.00Sibling (6-17) - $TBD.00Sibling (5 and under) - $0
Check Family Adventure available space.
For more information contact the Outdoor Adventure Department.

subset: commoncrawl


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Shell is getting ready to start exploratory oil drilling off the coast of Alaska. This week, activists all around the world are joining together to save the Arctic and tell the company to halt its dangerous plans. If you're on Twitter, you can help pressure Arctic oil drillers Shell and win a t-shirt at the same time. Here's the deal:
Take your battle for your collective beyond Twitter. Make sure you've joined our campaign to Save the Arctic and we'll send you an invite to join the Arctic Rising, where you can join your Polar Bear, Narwhal, Walrus, Snowy Owl or Arctic Fox collective and do much, much more.Good luck!The small print:


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I know that we "say it" all of the time, but it really is amazing to see how talented our Team of Seamstresses are. They make hundreds of custom drapery panels every month and they make each one by hand. Our Silk Hotel Drape is one of Decorators favorite styles and we love to watch them being made.
Our Seamstresses start by "Tabling" the drape, which means that they roll the fabric out onto a table and hand cut the the silk fabric to the correct length and width. Once the drapery fabrics are rolled out and cut, our Seamstresses will then have to cut the trim fabric that distinguishes the Hotel Drape. They cut yards of silk fabric into long strips…by hand. They then lay the strips of fabric onto the drapery fabric and pin it, by hand every few inches. They do this all the way around the perimeter of the drapery panel. Once they are satisfied with the position of the trim they will tack it down with a small amount of special fabric glue. The glue will hold the trim in place so that it can move through the sewing machines without moving. It takes us about 6-7 hours to make 1 pair of Silk Hotel Drapes or Linen Hotel Drapes. I know that they cost a little more than our standard silk or linen drapes but if you came and watched your draperies being made by these wonderful Seamstresses I promise you that you would think that they are a "bargain".
I know that today with all of our technology and almost everything that we have in our homes being imported from China it is hard to believe that there are still amazing and wonderful People who are making Products right here in America. At DrapeStyle we are all truly honored to be part of American Craftsmanship and Manufacturing.
We really, really hope that you enjoy your DrapeStyle Drapes.
One of our Amazing Seamstresses at work.


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For all the public scrutiny of military sexual assault this year — from hearings to heated Senate debates — congressional efforts are only just beginning to challenge the Pentagon's overarching strategy on the issue for the past 25 years: secrecy.
From tracking the extent of the problem to showing how cases are resolved, the military has consistently and forcefully resisted fully airing details.
Story Continued Below
And while it's no surprise that the Pentagon would rely on a covert system that wins wars to handle a sensitive and often embarrassing problem that has very real privacy concerns, advocates, lawmakers and even some military officials say the frequent lack of transparency has made the already complicated problem even worse.
( POLITICO's Chain of Command Series)
Take the survey that threw a spotlight on the problem — the recent finding that 26,000 service members said they faced an unwanted sexual encounter in the military last year. Critics said the number was inflated. Victim advocates said it under-reported the situation. The problem: The Pentagon made it almost impossible to tell. Critical information that could have helped Congress and the public better sift through the data landed on an obscure website for military document releases.
Situations like this make it difficult for congressional overseers, who officials say have the best shot at driving change at the Pentagon, to see the full extent of the problem. And it makes it that much harder for leaders like Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to get buy-in to enforce change.
"It's a closed system, and it's because of this closed system that this kind of outrageous conduct has gone on unabated for as long as it has," said Rep. Jackie Speier, a California Democrat pushing some of the most far-reaching Pentagon reforms, including removing the command chain from prosecution decisions.
( Also on POLITICO: Ex-generals back Gillibrand's bill)
There's also the case of a criminal database first ordered up by Congress in 1988 — but which didn't go fully live until 2012. The Pentagon didn't fear repercussions from Congress for the more than two-decade delay, since they weren't under the gun to explain themselves, according to a senior Defense Department lawyer.
"There's the sense that there may be some indignant members of Congress publicly, but there has not been federally the oversight on [the database] or any of the reporting that you would need to have to have the level of accountability where we are actually being held accountable for that data," said the lawyer.
Senior Pentagon officials publicly insist they are being transparent on sexual assault. They point to thousands of pages of public reports compiled over two decades to show they are proactively trying to define the problem and then solve it. Public affairs liaisons work with local and national press on the most high-profile court cases. Policymakers have been busy traveling the country, learning best practices from civilian experts, state and local police and college campus administrators. Hagel is also looking for advice on what else he should do from an outside panel of experts holding its latest public meeting, which began Tuesday and continues Wednesday in Washington.
( PHOTOS: Key players in military sexual assault fight)
"We want to be honest brokers. We want to be candid and transparent and we want to be frank about what's going on in our service and what's the nature of the problem," said Col. Alan Metzler, deputy director of the Pentagon's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. "Once you understand the scope and once you understand what's happening, then you can start moving out and solving the problem."
On Capitol Hill, many lawmakers welcome the Defense Department's recent overtures, including new rules released in August that give commanders more responsibility in monitoring the court process. But they're not taking the Pentagon's word either.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who previously worked on sexual assault cases as a county prosecutor, sees some critical information missing. She wants the Pentagon to overhaul its survey on sexual assault to get more accurate data. And McCaskill also wants the Pentagon to start tracking the complaints made every year that don't make it into the official court-martial system.
( WATCH: Obama AWOL on military assault? John Harris reports)
McCaskill's proposal for a new database — something she plans to offer as an amendment when the annual defense bill hits the Senate floor later this year — would compile all victims' reports and the accused service members' vital information to make it easier for military law enforcement and prosecutors to root out repeat offenders who many experts say account for more than 90 percent of sexual assaults. It could also help the military spot problem bases.


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Coastal style interior design can be defined diversely depending on where a person lives in the world. The Tropical coastal style emerged from "Hawaii, Polynesia, and many places near the Pacific" Ocean. It is decor style that is popular in homes across the world. Tropical coastal style, also known as 'Island style,' usually "reflects the customs, colors, and beliefs of a place's native peoples" such as in the Hawaiian islands. "Bright, tropical patterns, natural elements such as teak and other woods, and cultural and nautical decor," define this coastal style.
Moreover, Mediterranean Coastal style, in particular, is a home decor style with history going back for centuries. It has been used and adapted all the world but especially is found where it originated in Greece, as well as coastal towns in Spain and Italy. Mediaterrian coastal style includes a great deal of natural light, brilliant "sunbaked colors" with "terra cotta, heavy woods, black iron or metals, and carved detailing."
American coastal style or Florida style (which I am discussing in this post) is about "relaxation and comfort," at it's core. It is currently, "one of the most popular decorating styles" in the U.S and in Canada and is also "quickly growing and branching" out into "sub-styles such as 'Cottage Coastal style,' and 'Contemporary Coastal style.'" American coastal style as a whole may include aspects from these branches.
Florida style incorporates clean lines and materials that are natural with simple textures. A neutral background including smooth steel, wood, and woven materials are also key to achieving this look. Textiles and surface materials used in coastal style are durable and include colors such as "clear blues, sea greens, creamy whites, beiges," other tints and shades of white and even soft gray. While coastal style homes are usually warm and relaxed some people do prefer a cooler color pallet.
My preference for both paint colors and major living room furniture, especially pieces such as couches or large comfy chairs, would be to choose neutral colors in durable fabrics as a background for more colorful decor. Neutral furniture works well for indoor or outdoor living areas as brighter colours can always be added through decorative pillows, nautical or sea themed objects, (etc).
As well, paint colors could be a warm antique white or a clearer nautical white. Subtle tints of blue, sea green, and coral would also work well for paint colors that provide a soothing feeling as if you were in an elegant but comfortable cottage.
I have always found shades of light blue, turquoise, and soft green to be luxurious and peaceful so it is not surprising that these colors are especially found in coastal design. Despite the lakeside or seaside cottage ambience, this style is also uncluttered and decorative pieces and textures should be chosen carefully. As well, if colors of the sea in light blues and greens against neutrals are not your cup of tea, coral shades and tints can create an interesting Florida design style with a more brightness.
As well, coastal style often includes prints stripes and patterns that can be bold and large, based around navel and seaside themes as well as items synonymous with Florida, and other cottage decor. As in any living room or seating area, a chair or two that contrasts against neutral colors is key outside or inside. As well, decorative pillows in a range of the color pallet can provide a room with more vivacity, texture, and key focal points. A blue or gray rug on the floor can also add subtle color and pattern. Rugs in sand shades with a beachy texture like a beach mat or some a courser material are wonderful too.
My own preference for larger pieces of furniture in the Florida style that aren't coaches or chairs but actual wooden furniture, leans towards restored furniture or furniture that has the appearance of being restored. Colorful light blue and turquoise mid-century furniture made out of natural wood can pop against neutral walls and couches.
If you prefer, beach-like drift wood furniture works well and as does worn looking dark wood. Considering the flooring of a coastal home would also be important to determine what kind of larger cabinets, tables, (etc)., a person would choose. A darker stained wood floor for contrast with neutral walls would be anchoring. But a lighter floor that is more like a 'sea worn' wood would keep your home more peaceful. I enjoy painted wood furniture that has been repurposed or has that appearance myself, with darker wood floors.
Moreover, focal points or places that draw the eye to them can be created with statement art, special furniture pieces, and carefully chosen decorative ornaments. As well, nautical and beach accents such as shells, coral, sea creatures, and sea or cottage themed paintings or artwork, brighten up the laid back coastal style. I'll note again that an uncluttered appearance is key to the style so no hoarding ornaments or decorative items and placing them everywhere. A refined cottage style retaining a tranquil and relaxing environment with an elegant sense of design is the vital. Pops of color here and there are important; however, because they help to avoid manotomy and to provide visual appeal.
Light through large windows is also significant in the contemporary coastal look because we want to keep a house bright and airy so if you are designing a home or looking for a home to decorate in the Florida style, large windows would be a wise investment. Not to mention, new windows will save you money on your power and heating bills in places where the weather becomes colder.
As well, sufficient indoor lighting is beneficial to creating the perfect ambiance. A mix of elegant metal and nautical inspired chandeliers over the dining table and in various rooms, contrast with the laid back Florida or coastal style. Table lamps for lights near chairs to read as well as to provide more lighting at night are also essential.
When designing a coastal themed kitchen it is important to keep things light and airy, carrying in color schemes from other rooms in the house. The kitchen should feel open while maintaining a coastal themed color pallet such as light blue, coral, ocean-like colors, or nautical themed hues.
White or off-white is a great choice for cupboards perhaps some with some glass in the cupboard doors. Also kitchen paint colors in light tints of blue, green, coral, in sand, and white or off-white keep a room neutral in the background.
As well, having a kitchen bar enhances the refined cottage look providing a casual place eat, but also to incorporate bright pops of color on the bar stools or on the bar top. A backsplash is also a vital place to play around with brighter shades of light blue, turquoise, navy, or coral. Perhaps only certain tiles could be vivid acting as accents in the kitchen or in a bathroom.
As well, curtains or shades in the kitchen and everywhere in the house, can contribute to having a light airy feeling through out. Curtains should not be too heavy or dark but in lighter shades or tints of the colour scheme. Sheer curtains, cotton-like, or fabrics reminiscent of nautical sails and or other nautical materials, all contribute to the coastal style.
Also, a similar design in the kitchen can be followed in places such as the bathroom and laundry room, incorporating coastal colors, textures, and tones while keeping most of the space neutral. Remembers pops of color or accents are essential in neutral spaces but should not be overdone.
Florida or coastal themed bedrooms share similarities with the other rooms in the house creating more continuity of style. The key if you are decorating your entire home in coastal style is to keep the flow from room to room without overdoing the trend. Oceanlike, comfortable, and calm surrounding are essential to recreating the effect of the luxury or a refined cottage theme for the Florida style in your own home. Bedrooms in particular should be cozy, comfortable, yet stylish.
All in all the coastal or Florida style throughout a home should keep a color palette in mind, think about flow, and how certain Colorado and hues blend with each other and neutral walls and bigger pieces of furniture. As a whole coastal style seeks to be a place people can return home to and feel at rest as if they can relax and forget about their day in their own place of a seaside haven.
Whether you prefer coastal decor or the the use of tropical vibrant colors, you can find inspiration by checking out Florida real estate for more ideas of how to bring an outdoor feeling into your home.
© Mandibelle16. (2017) All Rights Reserved
— Cottage Home Furniture. "Beach House & Coastal Furniture." Www. cottagehomefurniture.com. 2017. Web 2 May 2017.
— Lee, Tonya. "Types of Coastal Decorating."Www.thespruce.com. The Spruce., 04 April. 2017. Web. 2 May 2017.


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So, just days before the inauguration, conservative talk show titan Rush Limbaugh responded on-air to a media inquiry over what his "hope" was for the Obama administration. Rush chose not to take the politically "expected" response:
If I wanted Obama to succeed, I'd be happy the Republicans have laid down. And I would be encouraging Republicans to lay down and support him. Look, what he's talking about is the absorption of as much of the private sector by the US government as possible, from the banking business, to the mortgage industry, the automobile business, to health care. I do not want the government in charge of all of these things. I don't want this to work. So I'm thinking of replying to the guy, "Okay, I'll send you a response, but I don't need 400 words, I need four: I hope he fails."
So, Rush ain't singing Kumbayah with official Washington. He's chosen where his battle line is and will go on to fight it.
Should anyone truly be surprised at this? Rush Limbaugh is not an elected official. He doesn't have the "responsibility" of being a member of Congress and thus a "leader" who is required to cooperate with the new president. Limbaugh has a self-contained constituency -- his weekly audience of at least 14 million (Limbaugh claims 20 million). With Howard Stern having decamped to satellite radio a few years ago, Limbaugh is the unchallenged King of Terrestrial Radio. Those listeners flock to his show to hear stuff that isn't said on regular media.
Besides, he's been there before: After Bill Clinton's 1992 election, Limbaugh went into overdrive, essentially declared war on the new Democratic administration (and Democratic congressional majority). Between Limbaugh's hectoring on the outside and an energized Republican minority on the inside (plus several self-inflicted wounds), both the Clinton administration and the congressional Democrats imploded. Result: Republicans captured Congress in 1994 -- and Limbaugh released a second #1 best-selling book, See I Told You So.
Of course, there are significant differences between 1993 and today. Bill Clinton came into office with reverse coattails: Democrats lost seats in the '92 election. Conservatism as a governing principle was at its high point; the Republican Party was on a roll.. Limbaugh was the leading edge of a force that would sweep the country in 1994.
That's different from today: Obama won states that Democrats hadn't been competitive in in decades; he increased Democrats in both the House and the Senate. The public seems to want greater government control in a host of private sector industries.
But, until the ratings tell him something different, Limbaugh's audience hasn't changed. And he won't either.
Limbaugh isn't praying for failure of such a level that the nation would be materially harmed by Obama policies -- though he fairly believes that liberalism has been a bad philosophy. He doesn't want the country to continue its apparent leftward drift -- and neither do his listeners. In that sense, they want Obama to "fail."
But they should realize that a president can lose major policy initiatives and still have a successful presidency. Look no further than the aforementioned Clinton administration: Health-care, which dominated headlines and administration energy for most of 1993 and 1994 collapsed. In short, Clinton failed -- and the election of a Republican Congress was the greatest evidence of that failure.
Yet, ironically, losing Congress allowed Clinton to pivot and bounce back to such a degree that he was able to win re-election in 1996 and, despite impeachment in 1998, leave office in 2000 as a very popular president. The Clinton years, oddly, turned out to be a "success" for all concerned -- Clinton, congressional Republicans, conservatives and, yes, especially, Rush Limbaugh.
So, Limbaugh is being himself in hoping that Obama fails -- just as the coach of one team can't hope that the opposing team "succeeds." But, as the Clinton precedent shows, there are many ways that a president can avoid failure -- whether every policy becomes the law of the land or not.
Robert A. George is a New York writer who blogs at Ragged Thots and dabbles in stand up comedy.


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From: "Simon Stavenuiter" <sjstav@x????xxx.xxx.xxx
Date: Wed Dec 15, 1999 12:34 pm
Subject: Studio Panel Fabric
I just wanted to know what is fabric is used for covering acoustic panels. I
have seen recommendations for Burlap but I am having trouble locating this
product in Australia. Maybe I not looking in the right places.
Anyway another studio which I have been to has the same material as what the
use on office wall partitions/notice boards called Frontrunner which is a
fine ribbed thermally bonded nylon and polyester, 3-4mm thick weighing
I have found another material which also may be suitable which is an open
weave non reflective ? material called bunting which is what they use to
make flags out of.
Any comments?
Regards Simon


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Maryland Biomechanics Expert Witnesses
Maryland Accident Reconstruction & Safety Expert Witness Listings
You may limit your search for Biomechanics expert witnesses to a specific area by selecting a state from the drop down box.
Expert Witnesses
List Your Qualifications by Clicking Here
Featured Experts
Keystone Engineering Consultants, Inc. is a multi-discipline, broad-spectrum firm providing comprehensive and qualified forensic engineering, architecture, scientific, biomechanics, and fire/arson investigation expert services to the legal community,... Learn More ›
($180ph review NY, NJ, MD, PA, DE, VA, DC, WV) • Accident Reconstruction: Car, Bus, Truck, Pedestrian, Bicycle, Motorcycle, Rollovers • Biomechanics,Occupant Injury • Safety Standards, Falls • Building Codes, Regulations, Standards & Compliance •... Learn More ›
Dr. Kent is a Kinesiologist and Certified Medical Investigator. He has provided consultation and expert witness services since 1983. His practice is devoted exclusively to consultation in injury biomechanics and pathomechanics with approximately 50%... Learn More ›
Dr. John Lloyd holds a PhD in Human Factors (Ergonomics), with specialization in Injury Biomechanics. He has served as a Board Certified expert in biomechanics, human factors and accident reconstruction for more than 25 years. Dr. Lloyd is also a Courtesy... Learn More ›
Dr. Vomhof is a ACTAR certified accident reconstructionist, with experience in auto, bicycle, pedestrian and motorcycle collisions, Human Factors, biomechanics, safety, labeling, product failure, and questioned documents. His mission is to provide an... Learn More ›
Consolidated Consultants
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Peter Chen, M.S.M.E, M.B.A., P.E., CFEI (ARCCA, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: PETER CHEN, M.S.M.E., M.B.A., P.E., CFEI, ACTAR, is a Mechanical Engineer specializing in Accident Reconstruction, Fire Cause/Origin, Product Failure/Liability, Car and Truck Failure Analysis, Industrial...
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Areas of Expertise: For over 20 years, ForensisGroup has provided the nation's top law firms, insurance agencies, government entities and many other industries with highly qualified expert witnesses and consultants. Experts...
Bradley W. Probst, M.S.B.M.E. (ARCCA, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Mr. Probst is a biomechanist specializing in the study of the forces and mechanics associated with human injury. Mr. Probst applies this work to all segments of the human body involved in collisions...
Carolyne I. Albert, Ph.D. (Robson Forensic)
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Areas of Expertise: Dr. Carolyne Albert is a mechanical engineer and biomechanics expert. She has specific expertise in orthopaedic biomechanics, and over 15 years of experience in biomedical and materials engineering research....
Angela (DiDomenico) Levitan, Ph.D. (ARCCA, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Dr. (DiDomenico) Levitan is a Senior Biomechanist and Certified Professional Ergonomist specializing in the study of human factors, workplace safety, human movement and biomechanics associated with human...
Michael L. Markushewski, B.S.M.E.T. (ARCCA, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Mr. Markushewski is a recognized leader in the field of occupant crash safety protection and is currently Chief Technical Officer for ARCCA Inc. He is a highly qualified expert witness with extensive...
Ruhi Arslanoglu, Ph.D. (Robson Forensic Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Ph.D. – Biomedical Engineering (Orthopaedic Biomechanics & Tissue Engineering), University of Texas at Austin M.Sc. – Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (Computational Mechanics), University...
CHRISTOPHER A. GAYNER (Expert Reconstruction Company LLC)
Location: Multiple Locations
Areas of Expertise: TRAFFIC ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION Analyses involving automobiles, trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Time-Speed-Position analyses, human factors, biomechanics, Delta-V, scene assessments,...
David Jamison, Ph.D. (Robson Forensic)
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Areas of Expertise: Dr. Jamison is a biomedical engineering expert specializing in orthopedics, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and injury causation. After earning his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University,...
Jamie R. Williams, PhD (Robson Forensic, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Jamie R. Williams, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineer / Biomechanics and Bioengineering Jamie's extensive research career in orthopedic and musculoskeletal biomechanics has provided her with in-depth knowledge...
Timothy Joganich, MSES, C.H.F.P. (ARCCA, Inc.)
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Areas of Expertise: Mr. Joganich is one of the nation's leading experts in bicycle accident investigations. He applies his over 25 years of experience in the sciences of engineering, human movement, biomechanics and human...
Valentina Ngai, Ph.D., P.Eng. (Robson Forensic Inc.)
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Opening and Closing Sessions
Opening and Closing Sessions
Opening: Saturday, July 11, 2009, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
The Opening General Session will include awards and the presentation of Honorary Life Memberships. The Session will then feature a keynote speaker. The speaker for the Opening General Session is still being finalized, but previous speakers have included Bill Bradley, Madeleine Albright, Barack Obama and Richard A. Clarke. Please check the Annual Conference website at www.ala.org/annual for details.
Closing: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 8 to 9 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W-375
The Closing Session will feature Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times columnist and author of "he Soloist,"recently adapted into a major motion picture. Lopez joined the staff of The Los Angeles Times in May 2001 after four years at Time Inc., where he wrote for Time, Sports Illustrated, Life, and Entertainment Weekly.
Prior to Time Inc., Lopez was a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Jose Mercury News, and The Oakland Tribune. His work has won numerous national awards for column writing and magazine reporting.
A California native, Lopez is the author of three novels and a book of non-fiction, "THE SOLOIST: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music." "The Soloist" is the moving story of a remarkable bond between a journalist in search of a story and a homeless musician struck down in his prime. It is a captivating true story of humanity and misfortune, courage and perseverance, the strength of art and music as a redemptive force, and the power of friendship to change lives.
When Lopez first saw a homeless violinist standing on a busy street corner in downtown Los Angeles, he was sure it could be good fodder for at least one column. Dressed in rags and clearly livingout of the shopping cart next to him piled high with belongings, thetousled vagrant was playing Beethoven on a battered two-string violin.
The music was a little scratchy and tentative, but even to Lopez's unpracticed ear it was clear he was no beginner. The man was suspicious of Lopez, and everything around him, and it took several weeks of encounters before he offered the reporter his name: Nathaniel Anthony Ayers.
In the 1970s, Ayers had been a promising classical bass student at one of this country's most prestigious music schools until he lost his ability to function. Overcome by schizophrenia, he dropped out and returned home to Cleveland. His family watched helplessly as the smart and smooth-talking man of the arts drifted in and out of treatment for years, trying medication, counseling and shock therapy, none of which helped for long. Ayers ended up in Los Angeles and had been wandering the streets for several years when his path crossed with Lopez in 2005.
Despite knowing little about Nathaniel's illness, Lopez was determined to help. Struggling to figure out an appropriate role in Nathaniel's life, he seeks out mental health professionals, advocates and activists. Virtually all the experts tell Lopez what he doesn't want to hear: there's no easy or quick fix. But they also tell him that if he sticks with it, he can make a meaningful difference in Nathaniel's life.
Besides the many difficulties and demands of helping Nathaniel, Lopez finds himself unable to walk away. And although Lopez holds on to the hope that Nathaniel might one day get past his fears, past the cyclical descents into paranoia and rage and give medication a try, Lopez comes to understand it's not that simple, that there are no magic pills. He learns to accept Nathaniel as he is, and to see hope in small steps. Filled with humor, pathos, and drama, The Soloist is a remarkable story about lifelong dreams and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.
Sponsored by Penguin


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Firefighters from several volunteer companies in Harford and Baltimore counties battled a woods fire in Fallston Tuesday afternoon. On Friday evening, another woods fire in Joppatowne required several area fire companies to control.
The Fallston fire was reported in the rear of Fallston Valley Drive at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association's media Facebook page.
Several dozen firefighters from volunteer companies in Fallston, Bel Air, Kingsville and Long Green responded to the blaze, which consumed several acres, association spokesman Rich Gardiner said. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forestry Service also had personnel on the scene. No injuries were reported.
Around 4:40 p.m. Rich Gardiner of the fire and EMS association said he expected fire personnel would be a the scene for a couple more hours.
Michael Euler Sr., who said the woods is on his property, said he believed between five and seven acres near Winters Run had been burned.
Joppatowne fire
Firefighters from three volunteer companies in Harford and Baltimore counties fought a woods and brush fire in the Rumsey Island area of Joppatowne early Friday evening.
The Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company said the blaze was contained to about a quarter of an acre.
At 6:18 p.m., someone called the Harford County 911 Center and reported seeing smoke in the woods, near the 700 block of Shore Drive, according to a media release from the fire company.
A total of 25 volunteer firefighters using eight pieces of apparatus responded to the scene and brought the fire under control in about 30 minutes, the fire company said. No injuries were reported.
Joining Joppa-Magnolia were firefighters and equipment from the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company and the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company.
Responding firefighters from Joppa-Magnolia determined standard fire equipment was too big to travel off the main road to the fire, so crews used four-wheel drive vehicles to travel approximately a mile into the woods, according to the fire company release.
Once in the woods, firefighters found about a quarter-acre of natural vegetation burning and requested additional four-wheel drive units from Abingdon and the White Marsh.
In addition to using water to extinguish the fire, crews used rakes to expose hidden fires or hazards, the fire company release continued. The fire was declared under control at 6:50 p.m. An officer from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources was on scene to provide assistance, the fire company said. The last unit cleared the scene at 7:23 p.m.
Shore Drive was shut down briefly at Joppa Farm Road because of the number of fire apparatus blocking the road.


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Triangle Shot Glass
Triangle Shot Glass
Hand-cut from rescued formica, aluminum, and laminate samples.
Our philosophy in every creation is to respect the environment and the fundamental principles of eco-design: reduce, reuse, recycle. Every piece has a history, a starting point. Each piece is individual with a unique past, present and a future story of its own.
Due to the unique nature of our handmade sustainable jewelry line, materials and color choices may vary slightly from our product images. If you have any questions or special requests please state so in your order.
"Our hope and dream is that our pieces can make simple changes in one's life, and help them move towards a more sustainable lifestyle " - Zulay & Stephanie Smith"


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When applied properly, the variable frequency drive (VFD) is the most effective motor controller in the industry today. Modern VFDs are affordable and reliable, have flexibility of control, and offer significant electrical energy savings through greatly reduced electric bills.
They are used in a wide variety of applications for various reasons. For example, they are the most effective energy savers in pump and fan applications; they enhance process operations, particularly where flow control is involved. VFDs provide soft-start capabilities, which decrease electrical stresses and line voltage sags associated with full voltage motor start-ups, especially when driving high-inertia loads.
To obtain a clear understanding of the proper and most effective application of VFDs, you first should gain a working knowledge of VFD basic theory as well as a strong familiarity with practical know-how.
Basic VFD Theory
Applying a VFD to a specific application is no mystery when you understand the requirements of the load. Simply put, the VFD must have ample current capability for the motor so that the motor can produce the required torque for the load. You must remember that machine torque is independent of motor speed and that load horsepower increases linearly with rpm.
VFD applications can be divided into the following individual load types.
Constant torque loads. These loads represent 90% of all general industrial machines (other than pumps and fans). Examples of these load types include general machinery, hoists, conveyors, printing presses, positive displacement pumps, some mixers and extruders, reciprocating compressors, as well as rotary compressors.
Constant horsepower loads. These loads are most often found in the machine-tool industry and center driven winder applications. Examples of constant horsepower loads include winders, core-driven reels, wheel grinders, large driller machines, lathes, planers, boring machines, and core extruders.
Traditionally, these loads were considered DC drive applications only. With high-performance flux vector VFD's now available, many DC drive applications of this type can be now handled by VFDs.
Variable torque loads. Variable torque loads are most often found in variable flow applications, such as fans and pumps. Examples of applications include fans, centrifugal blowers, centrifugal pumps, propeller pumps, turbine pumps, agitators, and axial compressors. VFDs offer the greatest opportunity for energy savings when driving these loads because horsepower varies as the cube of speed and torque varies as square of speed for these loads. For example, if the motor speed is reduced 20%, motor horsepower is reduced by a cubic relationship (.8 X .8 X .8), or 51%. As such, utilities often offer subsidies to customers investing in VFD technology for their applications. Many VFD manufactures have free software programs available for customers to calculate and document potential energy savings by using VFDs.
Sizing VFDs for the Load
How do you size a VFD drive for an application and feel confident it's going to work? First, you must understand the requirements of the load. It helps also if you understand the difference between horsepower and torque. As electrical people, we tend to think of loads in horsepower ratings instead of torque ratings. When was the last time you sized something based on torque? Thus, both torque and horsepower must be carefully examined.
Torque. Torque is an applied force that tends to produce rotation and is measured in lb-ft or lb-in. All loads have a torque requirement that must be met by the motor. The purpose of the motor is to develop enough torque to meet the requirements of the load.
Actually, torque can be thought of as "OOUMPH". The motor has to develop enough "OOUMPH" to get the load moving and keep it moving under all the conditions that may apply.
Horsepower. Horsepower (hp) is the time rate at which work is being done. One hp is the force required to lift 33,000 lbs 1 ft in 1 min. If you want to get the work done in less time, get yourself more horses!
Here are some basic equations that will help you understand the relationship between hp, torque, and speed.
hp = (Torque x Speed)/5250 (eq. 1)
Torque = (hp x 5250)/Speed (eq. 2)
As an example, a 1-hp motor operating at 1800 rpm will develop 2.92 lb-ft of torque.
Know your load torque requirements Every load has distinct torque requirements that vary with the load's operation; these torques must be supplied by the motor via the VFD. You should have a clear understanding of these torques.
- Break-away torque: torque required to start a load in motion (typically greater than the torque required to maintain motion).
- Accelerating torque: torque required to bring the load to operating speed within a given time.
- Running torque: torque required to keep the load moving at all speeds.
- Peak torque: occasional peak torque required by the load, such as a load being dropped on a conveyor.
- Holding torque: torque required by the motor when operating as a brake, such as down hill loads and high inertia machines.
Practical Knowhow Guidelines
The following guidelines will help ensure a correct match of VFD and motor.
- Define the operating profile of the load to which the VFD is to be applied. Include any or all of the "torques" discussed above. Using a recording true rms ammeter to record the motor's current draw under all operating conditions will help in doing this. Obtain the highest "peak" current readings under the worst conditions. Also, see if the motor has been working in an overloaded condition by checking the motor full-load amps (FLA). An overloaded motor operating at reduced speeds may not survive the increased temperatures as a result of the reduced cooling effects of the motor at these lower speeds.
- Determine why the load operation needs to be changed. Very often VFDs have been applied to applications where all that was required was a "soft start" reduced voltage controller. The need for the VFD should be based on the ability to change the load's speed as required. In those applications where only one speed change is required, a VFD may not be necessary or practical.
- Size the VFD to the motor based on the maximum current requirements under peak torque demands. Do not size the VFD based on horsepower ratings. Many applications have failed because of this. Remember, the maximum demands placed on the motor by the load must also be met by the VFD.
- Evaluate the possibility of required oversizing of the VFD. Be aware that motor performance (break-away torque, for example) is based upon the capability of the VFD used and the amount of current it can produce. Depending on the type of load and duty cycle expected, oversizing of the VFD may be required.
Key VFD Specifications
While there are many specifications associated with drives, the following are the most important.
- Continuous run current rating. This is the maximum rms current the VFD can safely handle under all operating conditions at a fixed ambient temperature (usually 40 [degrees] C). Motor ball load sine wave currents must be equal to or less than this rating.
- Overload current rating. This is an inverse time/current rating that is the maximum current the VFD can produce for a given time frame. Typical ratings are 110% to 150% overcurrent for 1 min, depending on the manufacturer. Higher current ratings can be obtained by oversizing the VFD. This rating is very important when sizing the VFD for the currents needed by the motor for break-away torque.
- Line voltage. As with any motor controller, an operating voltage must be specified. VFDs are designed to operate at some nominal voltage such as 240VAC or 480VAC, with an allowable voltage variation of plus or minus 10%. Most motor starters will operate beyond this 10% variation, but VFDs will not and will go into a protective trip. A recorded voltage reading of line power deviations is highly recommended for each application.
Applications to Watch Out For
If you answer any of the following questions with YES, be extra careful in your VFD selection and setup parameters of the VFD.
- Will the VFD operate more than one motor? The total peak currents of all motor loads under worst operating conditions must be calculated. The VFD must be sized based on this maximum current requirement. Additionally, individual motor protection must be provided here for each motor.
- Will the load be spinning or coasting when the VFD is started? This is very often the case with fan applications. When a VFD is first started, it begins to operate at a low frequency and voltage and gradually ramps up to a preset speed. If the load is already in motion, it will be out of sync with the VFD. The VFD will attempt to pull the motor down to the lower frequency, which may require high current levels, usually causing an overcurrent trip. Because of this, VFD manufacturers offer drives with an option for synchronization with a spinning load; this VFD ramps at a different frequency.
- Will the power supply source be switched while the VFD is running? This occurs in many buildings, such as hospitals, where loads are switched to standby generators in the event of a power outage. Some drives will ride through a brief power outage while others may not. If your application is of this type, it must be reviewed with the drive manufacturer for a final determination of drive capability.
- Is the load considered hard to start? These are the motors that dim the lights in the building when you hit the start button. Remember, the VFD is limited in the amount of overcurrent it can produce for a given period of time. These applications may require oversizing of the VFD for higher current demands.
- Are starting or stopping times critical? Some applications may require quick starting or emergency stopping of the load. In either case, high currents will be required of the drive. Again, oversizing of the VFD maybe required.
- Are external motor disconnects required between the motor and the VFD? Service disconnects at motor loads are very often used for maintenance purposes. Normally, removing a load from a VFD while operating does not pose a problem for the VFD. On the other hand, introducing a load to a VFD by closing a motor disconnect while the VFD is operational can be fatal to the VFD. When a motor is Started at full voltage, as would happen in this case, high currents are generated, usually about six times the full load amps of the motor current. The VFD would see these high currents as being well beyond its capabilities and would go into a protective trip or fail altogether. A simple solution for this condition is to interlock the VFD run permissive circuit with the service disconnects via an auxiliary contact at the service disconnect. When the disconnect is closed, a permissive run signal restarts the VFD at low voltage and frequency.
- Are there power factor correction capacitors being switched or existing on the intended motor loads? Switching of power factor capacitors usually generates power disturbances in the distribution system. Many VFDs can and will be affected by this. Isolation transformers or line reactors may be required for these applications.
Power factor correction at VFD-powered motor loads is not necessary as the VFD itself does this by using DC internally and then inverting it into an AC output to the motor. All VFD manufacturers warn against installing capacitors at the VFD output.
Solomon S. Turkel is Senior Instructor and Course Author for ATMS (Advanced Technologies Marketing and Service), Inc., Baltimore, Md.


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Warrandyte air conditioning, heating and cooling
There are many options when it comes to selecting the best system for your home..
With so many brands and models available on the market, it is sometimes impossible to choose the right heating or cooling solution for you. Fortunately, Aspen Air is here for your needs.
We at Aspen Air work with the most experienced professionals in the Melbourne area in order to help you find the best brands of heating and cooling systems for your needs. We offer a wide variety of heating and cooling systems from top brands such as Braemar, Brivis, Bonaire, Samsung, LG or Panasonic. Each of them caters to your unique needs and is specially designed to keep you warm during the cold winter months or cool during the hot summer months.
In addition to providing you with a comprehensive list of products from world-class brands, our experienced staff is keen on guiding you step by step through the best solutions available to you. Additionally, they are eager to explain you the difference between all the systems such as hydronic and gas ducted heating, respectively multi head, reverse cycle, splits or evaporative cooling. Our technicians are fully trained to teach you the basics of these installations and they are also well equipped to install these brands in your home.
Servicing, Repairs and Maintenance
Ideally your system should be serviced or maintained every 18-24 months. If you have an old system and you'd like us to check it for you then contact us today.
Call us now on 1300 661 861 for a free no obligation quote on a new heating system or repairs.
Click here to return to the home page.
Family Owned Company
Aspen Air is a family owned corporation whose aim is to treat its clients with an outstanding level of respect and care. We do value all our customers' needs and care for their wellbeing. When it comes to heating and cooling in Melbourne, we are the best.
We provide high-quality services at a very competitive price. However, that doesn't mean the lowest price on the market. Many so-called "businesses" simply enter the market with cheap quotes, but they go out of business even faster. This is quite an alarming trend in the Australian heating & cooling industry.
Personalised Services
Because your needs and preferences are super important to us, we strive to go above and beyond to provide you with the single best product for you. Whether it's a heater, a cooling system or an air conditioner, we can provide you a recommendation based on your needs. We will never sell you the most profitable cooler or heater, but we will adapt our offer to your specific needs. Additionally, we will continue to offer you precious advice even after the sale is completed.


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I now know that I don't follow the media so closely in Philly as perhaps I should. Recently, it's come to my attention of a flap between Howard Eskin, a Philly sports media legend, and the Phillies ace, Roy Halladay. Eskin had accused Halladay of not being available for media interviews recently and after the season ended.
Does, Eskin, who also goes by 'The King', in some circles, have a bona fide argument? I think you could answer: yes. Halladay has been given some 'hit them outta the park' interviews where all he does is basically comment on certain things that aren't that difficult to talk about. When it comes to tough questions I don't think he has been interviewed all that much really, but I don't think Eskin is talking about any tough questions, it's more like there can be no questions because he doesn't make himself available.
In a week, there will be the Philadelphia Sports Writers annual dinner in Philadelphia. Actually it is held in New Jersey, but for argument's sake, this dinner has been one of the longest fund raising events of it's kind for the media folks. Roy Halladay was invited, but didn't really jump at the chance to attend and mingle with the local writers. In fact, he had to be really convinced that he should be at this dinner. He will be, and that's a good thing. Let it be known though that he was kind of cool about the idea. The reasons could be many. An excuse for breaking a 'training regime' shouldn't be one of them. As a guy that is earning the kind of money that Halladay is, he should be more than happy to reach out to the community who supports him.
Whatever your opinions are about Howard Eskin is your own business. Some people like him, and some people don't. He isn't the guy that's going to just let you off the hook all of the time, and that's a little bit of what a free media in a free society should be like. An interview that looks like it's dreamed up from the Phillies PR department is not what the media should be. Be glad we have guys like Eskin around that care enough to say, "Excuse me, but something isn't right here."


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New Research Reveals Google Wallet Unsafe
It's been a bad week for Google. First, researcher Joshua Rubin from zvelo revealed a quick, simple brute force technique to extract the Google Wallet PIN from a rooted phone. Then a blog called The Smartphone Champ revealed that even if the phone isn't rooted, a thief could gain access to funds in the Google Wallet prepaid card by wiping Google Wallet settings and running setup again. Google responded by suspending new prepaid cards, but pointed out that rooting a phone capable of running Google Wallet will necessarily wipe all its data. Today Rubin demonstrated that it is in fact possible to achieve root privilege on such a phone without wiping the data. Sorry, Google!
I caught a subtle whiff of this possibility in a weekend post on the Google Commerce Blog by Osama Bedier, Vice President, Google Wallet and Payments. This post stated that "in most cases, rooting your phone will cause your Google Wallet data to be automatically wiped from the device." That's a slight step back from Google's earlier contention that there is no way to root a Wallet-compatible phone without wiping the data.
Escalation of Privilege
Rubin's latest post includes full details but remains understandable for any interested user. To start, he points out that there are different ways to attain root privilege on a smartphone. The most common technique involves unlocking the bootloader, but on the Nexus line of phones, unlocking the bootloader automatically wipes all data.
However, Rubin's Google Wallet Cracker doesn't require literally unlocking the bootloader. All it needs to do is break down the sandbox walls that keep one application from accessing another's data by elevating the current user's privilege level.
Rubin's post links to specific vulnerabilities that are present in the current operating system used by Nexus phones, along with a proof-of-concept hack based on one such vulnerability. He tested the exploit code and verified that it gave the current user root privilege without wiping the Google Wallet PIN or any other data. And, as he points out, it's quite likely that even after this vulnerability gets patched, others will surface.
What Does It Mean?
In response to the initial warning, Google (and Rubin) advised users to never, ever run Google Wallet on a rooted phone. This new evidence shows that even if you don't root your phone, a thief could root it ex post facto and steal your funds.
Google and Rubin also both advised users to employ a screen lock of some kind. A simple PIN may not be sufficient. At last summer's Black Hat conference, security expert Dino Dai Zovi offered a list of estimated times to guess different levels of PIN codes. The time to crack a 4-digit numeric pin? Eighteen minutes. Fortunately, as Rubin pointed out, after each handful of bad guesses Android inserts a delay before allowing any more.
There are other ways to gain access to a phone even when a screen lock is active. Rubin explained to me exactly how USB Debugging could be used to get shell access to the device. I'm not going print the details here—no need to make it easy for the bad guys—but trust me; you must turn off USB Debugging.
It's also true that if you inadvertently install a malicious app that includes a privilege escalation exploit, your PIN may have been cracked already. Fortunately that PIN does absolutely no good unless the malware coder somehow connects with the thief who has physical possession of the phone.
Musing on what it would take to gain access through varying levels of security, Rubin concluded that a full password lock and full encryption should be sufficient to keep out the toughest hacker.
Convenience Lost
Google touts Google Wallet as much more convenient than conventional credit cards. Just wave your phone near the PayPass reader and presto! You've paid the bill. Unfortunately, protection powerful enough to block any possibility of PIN cracking cuts down the convenience factor.
Rubin concludes that power users will continue to root their devices and software vulnerabilities aren't going away. Kernel based privilege isolation isn't secure enough to protect "extremely sensitive data like that contained in Google Wallet." Probably Google's best way out of this dilemma will involve navigating some thorny legal issues that currently prevent them from storing the PIN inside the inaccessible Secure Element that holds data like the full credit card number. Let's hope they succeed.
For more from Neil, follow him on Twitter @neiljrubenking.


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Throwback Clip Of The Week: Young Lil Wayne & Turk At Juvenile's "Ha" Video Shoot! + Weezy Having Only One Cash Money Tattoo On His Stomach
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update
26 November 2013 - WHO has been informed of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.
The first patient is a 73-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions from Riyadh who became ill on 12 November 2013, was hospitalized on 14 November 2013 and died on 18 November 2013. The second patient is a 65 year-old man with an underlying medical condition from Jawf region who became ill on 4 November 2013 and was hospitalized on 14 November 2013. The third patient is a 37-year-old man from Riyadh who became ill on 9 November 2013, was hospitalized on 13 November 2013 and died on 18 November 2013. None of the three patients had exposure to animals or contact to a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 160 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 68 deaths.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.
Health care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
Health care facilities are reminded of the importance of systematic implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC). Health care facilities that provide care for patients suspected or confirmed with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus to other patients, health care workers and visitors.
All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initiated to identify the mode of exposure, so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.
WHO has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO Regions, unanimously advised that, with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.


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Clisby is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Clisby family lived in Cleasby, a parish near Darlington in the North Riding of Yorkshire.
The surname Clisby was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, having prevailed over King Harold, granted most of Britain to his many victorious Barons. It was not uncommon to find a Baron, or a Bishop, with 60 or more Lordships scattered throughout the country. These he gave to his sons, nephews and other junior lines of his family and they became known as under-tenants. They adopted the Norman system of surnames which identified the under-tenant with his holdings so as to distinguish him from the senior stem of the family. After many rebellious wars between his Barons, Duke William, commissioned a census of all England to determine in 1086, settling once and for all, who held which land. He called the census the Domesday Book, [1] indicating that those holders registered would hold the land until the end of time. Hence, this large village of Cleasby (sometimes Clesby) in the North Riding of Yorkshire was held by Enisan, a Norman noble, who is the conjectural ancestor of the Cleasby surname.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clisby research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1202, 1273, 1300, 1379, 1416, 1587 and 1784 are included under the topic Early Clisby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Clisby family name include Clesby, Cleasby, Clisby, Clisbee, Clesbie, Clesebi, Cleseby, Clesby, Clesbe and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Clisby Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Clisby family to immigrate North America:


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SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean state media said Friday that the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, had ordered his missile units to be ready to strike the United States and South Korea, which South Korean officials said could signal either preparations for missile tests or just more blustering.
The United States criticized the North Korean threat, which came one day after American forces had carried out an unusual practice bombing exercise with advanced aircraft across South Korea.
"The United States is fully capable of defending itself and our allies," said Lt. Col. Catherine Wilkinson, a Pentagon spokeswoman in Washington."North Korea's bellicose rhetoric and threats follow a pattern designed to raise tensions and intimidate others."
The back-and-forth was viewed with worry by China and Russia. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its calls for restraint. Russia was more explicit, with its foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, telling reporters in Moscow that he was increasingly concerned about a situation that could "get out of control — it will descend into the spiral of a vicious cycle."
Mr. Kim's order, which North Korea said was given during an emergency meeting early Friday, was similar to the one issued Tuesday when the North's top military command told all its missile and artillery units to be on the "highest alert" and ready to strike the United States and South Korea in retaliation against their joint military exercises.
But by attributing such an order to its top leader, North Korea tried to add weight to its threat.
"We believe they are taking follow-up steps," said Kim Min-seok, spokesman of the South Korean Defense Ministry, referring to increased activities of the North Korean military units. "South Korean and American intelligence authorities are closely watching whether North Korea is preparing its short, medium, and long-range missiles, including its Scud, Rodong and Musudan."
He did not elaborate. But government officials and South Korean media said that there had been a surge in vehicle and troop movements at North Korean missile units in recent days as the United States and South Korea has been conducting joint military drills. The national news agency Yonhap quoted an anonymous military source as saying that North Korean vehicles had been moving to Tongchang-ri near the North's western border with China, where its Unha-3 rocket blasted off in December.
North Korea might be preparing for an engine test ahead of a long-range rocket test, the source was quoted as saying. Scud and Rodong are the North's mainstay short- and medium-range missiles. The Musudan, deployed around 2007 and displayed for the first time during a military parade in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, in 2010, is a road-mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of more than 1,900 miles, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry.
In an angry reaction to the sanctions that the United Nations imposed after North Korea's launching of a three-stage rocket in December and its third nuclear test last month, the North has repeatedly threatened to strike Washington, as well as the American military bases around the Pacific and in South Korea, with nuclear-armed long-range missiles.
A photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Friday showed Mr. Kim conferring with his top generals on what the agency called "plans to strike the mainland U.S." A military chart behind them showed what appeared to be trajectories of North Korean missiles hitting major cities in the United States.
North Korea also said its leader, Mr. Kim, "finally signed the plan on technical preparations of strategic rockets of the K.P.A., ordering them to be standby for fire so that they may strike any time the U.S. mainland, its military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in South Korea." K.P.A. stands for the Korean People's Army.
Kim Min-seok, the South Korean spokesman, said the North's "unusual" public announcement of such plans was partly "psychological." Many experts and South Korean officials doubted that North Korea has such long-range missiles, much less the know-how to make a nuclear warhead small enough to mount on such rockets.
But other analysts believed that the North's new KN-08 missiles, which were put on public display last April, were indeed intercontinental ballistic missiles, although they and Musudan have never been test-launched before. They wondered whether North Korea might use the current tensions as an excuse to launch them.
The country is barred from launching ballistic missiles under United Nations sanctions. North Korea's development of the KN-08 was one of the reasons the Pentagon cited last Friday when it announced a $1 billion plan to add more missile interceptors in Alaska to better protect the United States against a potential North Korean missile attack.
Although North Korea issued strident threats and stirred up fears of American invasion during previous joint American-South Korean military drills, Mr. Kim has been far more aggressive in issuing such threats personally than his late father, Kim Jong-il, was. Unlike his father, who had expanded his power base from his youth, Mr. Kim was catapulted into top leadership after his father's sudden death in 2011 and must build his credentials as head of his "military-first" government, South Korean analysts and officials said.
Hours after Mr. Kim's call to arms, thousands of North Koreans turned out for a 90-minute mass rally at the main square in Pyongyang, chanting "Death to the U.S. imperialists" and "Sweep away the U.S. aggressors," according to The Associated Press, which has a bureau in Pyongyang. Soldiers and students marched through downtown Pyongyang.
On Thursday, the American military carried out a rare long-range practice bombing run over the Korean Peninsula, sending two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers on a practice sortie over South Korea, underscoring Washington's commitment to defend its ally amid rising tensions with North Korea.
"The reaction to the B-2 that we're most concerned about is not necessarily the reaction it might elicit in North Korea, but rather among our Japanese and Korean allies," Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a news conference at the Pentagon. "Those exercises are mostly to assure our allies that they can count on us to be prepared and to help them deter conflict."


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If you have symptoms of preterm labor, your
doctor or nurse-midwife may examine you by feeling your
cervix. If your contractions continue over a period of
hours, you may be examined periodically to see whether your cervix is opening
(dilating) or thinning (effacing).
These exams allow your health
professional to:
Vaginal exams are done when a
pregnant woman has:
Preterm labor is diagnosed when a woman who
is 20 to 37 weeks pregnant has uterine contractions and her cervix has changed,
as seen with a vaginal exam.
Preterm labor is not diagnosed if
contractions are occurring but the cervix is not becoming thinner or more
dilated (open).
When the amniotic membranes rupture early (preterm premature rupture of membranes, or pPROM), sterile speculum exams are
kept to a minimum, and digital exams are avoided. This is meant to reduce the
risk of infecting the uterus and fetus.
When the placenta is known
to be overlapping or covering the cervix (placenta previa), vaginal exams are completely avoided. Disturbing the placenta
can trigger bleeding.
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Last Revised:
January 8, 2013
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
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Get-in-Shape Workout Plan
Try Lisa's Workout
1. Body-Weight Squats
Stand about a foot in front of a chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees until your butt taps the seat, then stand.
2. Lying Chest Flies
Holding light dumbbells (about 5 pounds) in each hand, lie on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your arms (slightly bent) so the weights are high above your chest. Slowly lower the dumbbells out to the sides so they're in line with your shoulders but not resting on the floor. Then gradually raise them back to starting position.
Tip: Don't have dumbbells? Large, unopened soup cans work just as well.
3. Stationary Lunges
Take a large step forward with your right foot and, keeping your head up and shoulders back, lower your body until your right knee bends 90 degrees (be sure your knee stays directly above your ankle). Push off your right foot and bring it back to your left. After finishing the first set of reps on that side, switch legs.
4. Bent-Over Rows
Stand holding a light dumbbell in each hand. Bend at the waist, keeping your back flat and eyes forward. Raise your elbows toward the ceiling until the weights line up with your chest. Lower arms and repeat.
5. Seated Crunches
Sit on the ground with your hands on the floor behind your butt, fingers facing forward, and your knees bent 90 degrees. Lift your feet off the floor and bring your knees to your chest. Return your feet to the floor; repeat.
Side-Stepping Squats
Step your right foot to the side so your feet are shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Stand up, then bring your left foot to your right. Repeat. After finishing all your reps, switch legs.
With your arms shoulder-width apart, lean onto your kitchen counter or a similarly high surface while keeping your belly sucked in and back flat. Bend your arms until your chest touches the counter, then push up. When you work up to 15 reps, move your hands to a lower surface like a chair or bench. Then move to the floor.
Bench Dips
Sit on a sturdy chair or bench with your hands gripping the seat, next to your sides. Slide off the bench, knees bent, so you're supporting yourself with your arms. Bend your arms to 90 degrees, then push back up.
Bent-Over Rows
Hold a heavy dumbbell (about 10 pounds) in your left hand, arm straight. Bend at the waist and rest your right hand on the seat of a chair. Raise your left elbow toward the ceiling until the dumbbell lines up with your chest. Complete the first set of reps, then switch arms.
Fit for Life
Robert Reames has whipped hundreds of fitness beginners into shape during his two-decade career as a strength and conditioning coach. He shares the secrets to his clients' success with FC readers.
Have fun. You're more likely to stay committed to exercise if you enjoy it. Try a beginner-friendly fitness class like yoga, indoor cycling, or group strength. If you'd rather not join a gym, you could also spend at least 30 minutes a day being active in other ways, such as walking briskly, riding your bike, gardening, or even running after your kids.
Ask for help. If you're new to the gym, or unsure of how to structure a workout, set up one session with a personal trainer. The trainer will give you a plan and teach you how to navigate the equipment on your own.
Just show up. It's a myth that you have to spend hours working out to get results. You benefit more from a short sweat session than none at all.
Think of your kids. Exercise is like health insurance—spend the time working out now to avoid being sick later. Plus, if you are active, you'll have more energy to do things with your children. Your kids will follow your lead and develop healthy habits early.
Stick with it. If you started exercising with a goal in mind, like weight loss or improved blood pressure, don't stop once you've achieved it. Instead, aim for something new, like walking your first 5k.
Fitness on the Go
Getting fit as a family, says Reames, doesn't mean you have to set aside regimented exercise time. "Just make physical activity a part of your everyday life, no matter where you are," he says. Here are some family-friendly ideas, with the number of calories you'd burn in an hour (based on a 150-pound person).
Originally published in the April 17, 2011 issue of Family Circle magazine.
All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.


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Wildfire destroys 5 homes near L.A.; 3 arrested
LOS ANGELES -- A wildfire fanned by extremely dry winds raced out of control through the foothills east of the city Thursday, destroying five homes, forcing thousands to evacuate and shutting down schools.
Firefighters said they had checked its spread by evening, aided by calmer winds, and some evacuees were allowed back to their home. Officials said the fire was 30% contained.
Three people were in custody, accused of accidentally sparking the blaze with a campfire that police said they had used for warmth overnight.
The fire, in the San Gabriel Mountains near Glendora about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, started early Thursday and quickly grew to more than 1,700 acres, authorities said.
Five homes were destroyed and 17 structures were damaged, Deputy Chief John Tripp of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.
"We were able to save hundreds if not thousands of homes," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said.
Glendora police Capt. Timothy Staab said three men were being held on $20,000 bail each. Clifford Henry, 22; Jonathan Jarrell, 23, and Steven Aguirre, 21 -- who described himself as homeless -- are accused of recklessly starting the fire. Staab said one of the men admitted they were tossing paper in a campfire when the wind kicked up. He did not say which one.
"One was very remorseful for starting this fire,'' Staab said.
The three could face additional federal charges, Staab said.
Two firefighters and a civilian were hospitalized with injuries, he said.
U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman L'Tanga Watson said damage assessment teams were working with Los Angeles County officials. "The good news is that the winds have eased and the fire is slowing down. We don't have it controlled or contained, but we are definitely getting a handle on it."
More than 550 firefighters, eight helicopters and seven planes were battling the blaze. Almost 100 firetrucks were being used, many of them to protect neighborhoods from sparks, Tripp said.
The Glendora school district closed five schools; Citrus College also canceled classes.
Helicopter TV footage showed an unknown number of homes burning. When local resident Rita Abouchedid went to bed Wednesday night, there was no fire. She told the Los Angeles Times she awoke Thursday morning to the sound of neighbors pounding on her door, warning her to leave.
She said she drove her three teenagers to their grandparents' house and then drove back to her home.
"I thought, 'I feel like an idiot, driving back up when everyone's leaving,'" she told the Times as she stood on her roof. Family members and friends helped the couple fight the approaching flames. "My husband didn't want to leave, we couldn't leave him alone."
Palm trees around her were catching fire, and electrical transformers were sparking. "It's like a dream, it isn't real," Abouchedid said.
Santa Ana winds, which often fan Southern California's worst wildfires, had picked up at daybreak. Temperatures were the 80s, warm for the season, as the winds sent dry and hot air across the region in a reversal of the normal flow of cool air from the Pacific.
By afternoon officials said winds had died down, leaving the fire still burning but lessening the threat of flames advancing on residential neighborhoods, at least until winds resume.
Tripp said fire engines would remain in the hillside neighborhoods overnight as a precaution, and that helicopters equipped for night flying would be available if needed to drop liquid on flare ups.
Relative humidity was just 8%, and red-flag warnings denoting extreme fire conditions were extended until Friday evening.
California has seen rainfall below normal levels for months. Red flag warnings for critical fire weather conditions were posted from Santa Barbara County south through Los Angeles to the U.S.-Mexico border, along the Sierra Nevada, and in areas east and north of San Francisco Bay.
Fires that struck windy areas of the state earlier in the week were quickly quashed by large deployments of firefighters, aircraft and other equipment before the flames could be stoked by gusts into major conflagrations.
Spawned by surface high pressure over the interior of the West, the Santa Anas form as the cold air flows toward Southern California, then speeds up and warms as it descends in a rush toward the coast. Some of the most extreme gusts reported by the National Weather Service topped 70 mph.
Contributing: Associated Press
Bacon reported from McLean, Va.


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2011 has definitely been the summer of big comic movies. Thor, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern, and of course Captain America. Next summer, we'll get The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers – something that I'd never think I'd ever see on the big screen. Comic book culture and superheroes are bigger than ever. To celebrate this and because I'm still coming off a high from covering the crazy Comic-Con costumes of 2011, I've put together an amazing list of 101 Superhero T-Shirts for the Ultimate Comic Book Mega Fan.
I'd love to hear which one of these are your favorites and whether or not you own any of these tees! And if you know of a superhero shirt not on this list then please tell me about it. Leave a comment below in the comments section and let me know!
If you enjoyed this post then please, please, please, tell you're friends about it! A simple Tweet or post on your Facebook page will help to get the word out, and a link back on your blog would be greatly appreciated!
If you stumbled on this blog via Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere then welcome! Please feel free to peruse the site and if you like what you see then I'd recommend adding Co-Tee TV as a friend on Facebook so that you can stay up-to-date on future posts!
1. Fighting Crime Doesn't Pay by Stef McFeters (Threadless), $20.
2. Light-Up LED Iron Man T-Shirt by Think Geek, $29.99.
3. Slice of Shell by 604Republic, $19.95.
4. The Joker by NerdyShirts, $14.99.
5. Superman by 80's Tees, $20.
6. Ironing Man vs. Washing Machine by Split Reason, $19.95.
7. Captain America's Shield by NerdyShirts, $19.99.
8. Masked Turtles by Snorg Tees, $19.95.
9. Captain Canada by Busted Teees, $20.
10. Sorry, Babe (4 Pack) by Threadless, $75.
10a. Sorry, Babe… Issue 2, Vol. 2 by Lee Bermejo (Threadless), $24.
10b. Sorry, Babe… Issue 1, Vol. 2 by Eduardo Risso (Threadlesss), $24.
10c. Sorry, Babe… Issue 4, Vol. 2 by Dave Johnson (Threadless), $24.
10d. Sorry, Babe… Issue 3, Vol. 2 by Matheus Lopes (Threadless), $24.


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text: Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) is one of the largest multi-specialty groups in North Georgia. NGPG brings together more than 350 talented physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, along with other clinical staff, at more than 65 locations. We ensure you always have access to exceptional health care, close to home.


text:
Haven't found anything yet?
Romantic vines, dreamy floral motifs and glamorous graphic patterns characterize the collection Voyage by Erismann. The wallpaper 5955-31 with a plain structure pattern in grey with metallic optics, emits a playful and elegant flair in your sleeping and living areas. The high-quality non-woven wallpaper has a good light fastness, is high washable and dry strippable whereby it can be removed easily if needed.


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Cowboys' Tony Romo has back surgery; Kyle Orton to start vs. Eagles
Tony Romo questions were laid to rest today, as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback had back surgery and is done for the season.
Coach Jason Garrett said Romo had surgery Friday after consultation with doctors during the week following his injury during a victory over the Washington Redskins.
Kyle Orton will start for the Cowboys on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
MORE: NFL Week 17 picks | Season's best coaches | All about Orton
"The procedure happened this morning," Garrett said. "We felt the surgery went well. Tony should be able to come home later today and start his rehabilitation.
"He'll start his road to recovery, sooner rather than later. We're completely confident he will rehab and come back at 100 percent."
The Cowboys face the Eagles in the NFL's 8:30 ET regular-season finale. The winner goes to the NFL playoffs as NFC East champion. The loser is done.
Romo was placed on injured reserve following his surgery. He injured himself when he tripped over his foot while trying to escape pressure earlier in the fourth quarter.
"He might have had his finest hour against the Redskins last week, what he did at the end of that ballgame under the circumstances," Garrett said. "Pretty special."
Romo lost the past two winner-take-all finales — to the New York Giants two years ago and Washington last season. He also lost to the Eagles in the same situation in 2008.
Philadelphia (9-6) is trying to complete a worst-to-first turnaround from a 4-12 season under first-year coach Chip Kelly. The Cowboys (8-7) want to end a three-year playoff drought.
Earlier this week the Cowboys brought Jon Kitna out of retirement to serve as backup quarterback.
Romo reportedly had a pain-relieving injection as treatment for a herniated disc.
Despite his injury, Romo last week delivered a brilliant fourth-quarter performance to turn a 23-14 deficit into a 24-23 victory.
During a conference call with the Philadelphia media on Thursday, Garrett said the Cowboys had to see how Romo would respond to treatment before a decision could be made. Now his attention turns to Orton running the offense.
Orton has thrown 15 passes in the regular season since signing with the Cowboys in March 2012. Romo passed for 3,828 yards, with 31 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. His 96.7 passer rating is the eighth-highest in the NFL, according to the Dallas Morning News.
He will make his first start since the finale in 2011, which he finished with the Kansas City Chiefs after getting replaced by Tim Tebow in Denver.
"We've been operating as if Kyle Orton is going to be our starting quarterback," Garrett said. "At the same time we were trying to do whatever we could to see if we could help Tony and get him back as quickly as possible. We just felt like this was the best course of action."
Orton is 1-1 against the Eagles in his career, throwing six touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging 194 passing yards per game.
MORE: NFL Week 17 picks | Video preview | Dallas Morning News: 10 things you should know about Orton
Contributing: Associated Press


text:
Subscribe To Attack The Block's John Boyega To Star As Jesse Owens In New Biopic 'Race' Updates
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There's something unique about the power of competitive sports that allows humanity to put their best foot forward. That was the case in 1936, when Adolf Hitler went back on his promise to exclude Blacks and Jews from the Berlin Games. Ultimately, Jesse Owens entered the games and proceeded to collect a spectacular four gold medals, changing history forever in the process. His story has been lost to the times among sports legends, though if there was an Athletic Mount Rushmore, you'd have to consider throwing Owens right on there.
Hopefully that recognition level will grow with Race, the (admittedly corny) title of the new Jesse Owens film, which is going out to buyers at the Berlin Film Market. The intention is to have the film ready for a spring 2015 release, with shooting to begin this May, and ccording to Variety, the leading man is John Boyega. The young British actor turned heads as the charismatic gang leader in Attack The Block, and while his Spike Lee pilot Da Brick was not picked up, Boyega remains in-demand, as his starring vehicle Imperial Dreams just premiered at Sundance. He's also pretty consistently linked to the role of Black Panther, though that project still seems a ways away, if it even ever happens.
Racewill be working from a script written by Anna Waterhouse and Joe Shrapnel, with direction provided by… whoa, wait, Stephen Hopkins? Where have you been, dude? Hopkins hasn't directed a theatrically-released film since 2007's The Reaping. This is a guy who has directed both a Predator (Predator 2) and Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child). His peak as a studio hand was in the nineties, when he was the guy productions pursued when there wasn't enough money to get Renny Harlin. His seedy underworld drama Judgment Night was a cult hit, and he followed that up with the mad bomber drama Blown Away, making perhaps the most nineties double feature of all time. He later directed the spooky The Ghost And The Darkness where Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer went on a supernatural safari.
Hopkins' presence in the director's chair is a little worrying, as The Reaping was bad enough to justifiably keep him working on television shows the last few years, but the medium has been the home to some of his biggest successes. He brought a blockbuster scope on FOX TV budgets working on shows like 24, adding to that show's action bonafides (in fact, he'd be a great choice to direct a 24 movie). His work on television has also earned him some of the best critical acclaim of his career, one of the most notable titles being HBO's The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers, where Geoffrey Rush acted up a storm. The one thing Hopkins never forgets in the midst of the action and suspense is that it's always about the actors. Witness Under Suspicion, which he made after licking his wounds following the failure of 1998's Lost In Space - a no-win proposition of a blockbuster. Under Suspicion features both Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman, and while Hopkins makes attempts to gussy up a straightforward narrative (the movie more or less takes place inside one room), the focus remains on the stars, two wily pros trying to outwit each other. Maybe Hopkins has a little bit of that still in him for Race. Our fingers are crossed.