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Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
On-line version ISSN 2224-9435
Print version ISSN 1019-9128
J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. vol.83 n.1 Pretoria Jan. 2012
Morbidity and mortality following envenomation by the common night adder (Causus rhombeatus) in three dogs
Kurt G.M. de Cramer; Garreth A. van Bart; Freek Huberts
Rant en Dal Animal Hospital, Mogale City, South Africa
In South Africa dogs are frequently presented to veterinarians following snakebite. The offending snakes are usually puff adders (Bitis arietans), cobras (Naja spp.) and mambas (Dendroaspis spp.). Night adder (Causus rhombeatus) bites in dogs have not yet been reported in South Africa. This article deals with three cases of dogs bitten by night adders in which extensive tissue damage was noted and one fatality occurred. Night adder bites may be indistinguishable from puff adder bites. Non-specific treatment included addressing the hypovolaemia and swelling. Specific treatment involving immunotherapy using the South African polyvalent antivenom would be ineffective as it does not contain immunoglobulins against night adder venom. Veterinarians should also include night adders as the possible cause of dogs suffering from severe and painful swellings suspected to be due to snakebites.
The incidence of snakebites in human patients in Africa constitutes a public health problem (Chaari et al. 2010), with some 600 000 envenomations and 20 000 estimated deaths per year (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005; Chippaux 2005). The true global incidence of envenomation is probably under-reported in developing countries (Chippaux 1998). In South Africa dogs are frequently presented to veterinarians for snakebite (Hoole & Goddard 2007; Leisewitz et al. 2004; Lobetti & Joubert 2004), as they are in other parts of the world (Najman & Seshadri 2007). The type of snakebite encountered varies according to the geographic location and distribution of the various snakes. In South Africa the most common reports of snakebite in humans requiring medical attention involve puff adders (Bitis arietans), cobras (Naja spp.) and mambas (Dendroaspis spp.) (Blaylock 2005; Hodgson & Davidson 1996; Lavonas et al. 2002; McNally & Reitz 1987; Ogunbanjo & Kyeyune 2009). In dogs the offending snakes are the same species (Leisewitz et al. 2004; Lobetti & Joubert 2004).
In humans snakebites by the common night adder (Causus rhombeatus) are referred to in a popular book as being feebly cytotoxic and generally not dangerous, causing pain and swelling (Marais 1992). Examination of the live caught or dead snake enables positive identification. The common night adder, average length 40 cm - 60 cm, is grey-brown dorsally with a series of rhombic markings and a distinctive brown or black forward-directed V-shaped marking on the head, the apex of which extends to between the eyes. It should not be confused with the harmless egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra), which has similar markings but on the neck, and does not have a flat head (Marais 1992).
Proteomic characterisation of venom can be employed as a taxonomic signature for unambiguous species identification, independently of geographic origin and morphological characteristics, and may in future become valuable in identification of venom antigens specific to certain snake species (Tashima et al. 2008).
The most common and logical approach to treating snakebite without knowing the species of snake concerned is to follow the syndromic management of snakebite (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005; Berkman et al. 2003; Blaylock 2005; Wood, Webb & Demeyer 2009). This entails identifying three syndromes: painful progressive swelling (PPS), progressive weakness and bleeding (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005). Non-specific treatment includes addressing the hypovolaemia, consumptive coagulopathy, tissue necrosis and respiratory failure (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005).
Complications of snakebite associated with PPS are bite-site infections, necrosis, compartment syndrome from femoral vessel entrapment, deep vein thrombosis, and respiratory complications (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005). Antibiotic therapy is indicated for snakebite victims with tissue necrosis and should cover Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive aerobic cocci (Blaylock 1999). Specific treatment involves immunotherapy by administering intravenous injection of polyvalent or monovalent purified immunoglobulin fragments against the venom (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005). In severe cases antivenom is the only effective treatment (Brown & Landon 2010; Dzikouk et al. 2002; Stock et al. 2007; Warrell 1993).
This report deals with three cases of dogs bitten by night adders, in which extensive tissue damage was noted and one fatality occurred.
Case selection
Three cases of snakebite were selected out of 22 that presented to a private animal clinic over a 3-year period (2009-2011). The selected cases all had at least two or more visible snake fang marks and showed clinical signs of PPS. In all three the owner had witnessed the snakebite, and the offending snake was presented to the clinic for identification and positively identified by the authors as the common night adder.
Clinical progress of the cases
Severe PPS was the most obvious presenting clinical sign at the site of the bite. The lips, tongue, intermandibular area and ventral aspect of the neck were most severely affected. Shaving of affected areas revealed large suggillations covering lips, face and neck. Respiratory distress was noted in one case, caused by swelling of the tongue, pharynx and ventral neck. In this case an intermandibular incision was made in an attempt to reduce complications caused by the severe swelling, facilitate drainage of fluids and attempt to improve breathing, but the dog died within 36 hours of the bite. The remaining two cases revealed necrosis surrounding the area of the bite by the second day, which required surgical debridement. The resulting wounds were left open to heal by second intention and the dogs made an uneventful recovery.
Ethical considerations
Potential benefits and hazards
No animals were harmed and no specific procedure or intervention was performed on these animals other than treatment intervention that would normally have take place in the handling of these cases during clinical practice. No protocol was submitted as the article merely describes treatment and outcome of clinical cases which presented to private practice.
Recruitment procedures
No specific recruitment procedures were used in any of the cases, as the owners presented their pets at random to the veterinary practice out of free choice after the animals had suffered snakebite.
Informed consent
Standard informed consent was obtained in writing for all the cases, in accordance with the custom of the veterinary hospital. This consent obtains permission by the hospital and its staff members to perform all the necessary procedures and treatments deemed necessary for the pet presented.
Data protection
All data collected remain confidential and remain the property of the veterinary hospital; they will be kept for a minimum of five years and are available for inspection on request.
There are no previous reports of night adder bites in dogs in South Africa. In this study none of the humans frequenting the same premises where the dogs were bitten had ever themselves been bitten. It is quite possible that because of the inquisitive nature of dogs the incidence of snakebite is higher in them than in humans (who generally fear snakes).
It is well documented that children suffer more serious complications (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005) and have a less favourable outcome following snakebite (Fourn et al. 2005; Hadley, McGarr & Mars 1999; Ogunbanjo & Kyeyune 2009; Wilkinson 1994; Wood et al. 2009). It may be speculated that body weight, tissue mass at the bite site and amount of toxin to weight ratio may play a role here. Since dogs generally weigh substantially less than humans, it could be speculated that they are likely to be more severely affected. Although no comparative study has been reported, the data from two reports suggest a higher fatality rate in dog victims of snakebite than human victims (Chippaux 1998; Lobetti & Joubert 2004).
It is fair to speculate that since the dogs in this report all suffered from more than one bite, they may have received a larger volume of venom than would normally be the case in humans, where single bites are the rule. It is also likely that snakes that are being bitten by dogs and are in mortal danger are more likely to bite the dog repeatedly and deliver larger volumes of venom to their victim. The investigative and persistent nature of dogs may perhaps also explain why they are more often bitten by back-fanged snakes like the boomslang (Dispholidus typus) (Hoole & Goddard 2007; Vaughan-Scott & Lobetti 1995) than humans are (Leisewitz et al. 2004). Partial consumption of the snake was noticed in some of the cases in this study. One interesting report described a human patient who presented authentic systemic signs of snake poisoning after ingesting a whole raw viper (Chaari et al. 2010). From this it must be deduced that this mode of envenomation is also possible in dogs.
Considerable intraspecies venom variability has also been reported (Gutirrez et al. 2009). This variation in snake venom composition in the same species is thought to be subject to strong natural selection as a result of adaptation to regional differences in specific diets available to the snake (Casewell et al. 2009). This has important implications, and strongly advocates further investigations into the medical significance of venom variation within certain snake species and its impact on antivenom therapy (Casewell et al. 2009).
Antivenomics is the study involving immunoreactivity of antivenom to the venoms of snakes (Gutirrez et al. 2009). This proteomic approach is based on the ability of antivenom to immunodeplete homologous or heterologous venom proteins (Calvete et al. 2010). This field of study supports the hypothesis that antevenoms prepared from the venom of some snakes may be partially or fully effective against snakes in the same genera but from different species (Calvete et al. 2010). This hypothesis is supported by the observation that some antivenoms proved effective against the venom of Echis leucogaster and Echis ocellatus although no venom of the genus Echis was used to immunise the horses during preparation of the antivenom (Dzikouk et al. 2002).
Paraspecificity of snake antivenoms must be proven and not assumed in selecting immunotherapy for snakebite victims (Dzikouk et al. 2002). In another study it was proven that there is cross-neutralisation between two Australian elapid venoms, tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) and brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) venoms, by their respective monovalent antivenoms (O'Leary & Isbister 2009). Paraspecificity of the polyvalent antivenoms has been raised by increasing the number of immunising antigens, to allow treatment against the bite of the many species of viperid and elapid snakes in Southern and Equatorial Africa (Hawgood 2001).
There is no antivenom available for treating bites from vine snakes (Thelotornis capensis), berg adders (Bitis atropos), and night adders (Causus spp.) (Leisewitz et al. 2004). It is not known whether the local antivenom shows paraspecificity against night adder bites. Although of interest, these tests are unlikely to be conducted because of the generally benign nature of night adder bites in humans, as well as dangers associated with antivenom reactions in humans. However, in dogs this might be of future interest. Since antisera-related reactions in humans are frequent and may be fatal (Bellefleur & Le Dantec 2005; Ogunbanjo & Kyeyune 2009; White 1977), indiscriminate use of antivenom by lay people outside the hospital away from high-care facilities should be strongly discouraged (Moran et al. 1998; Wood et al. 2009).
It is uncertain whether the same incidence of serious anaphylactoid reaction occurs in dogs following antivenom administration, but the paucity of reports suggests that they are rare in dogs. A mild reaction was reported in a dog after administration of boomslang antivenom (Hoole & Goddard 2007). Considering the apparent low incidence of antivenom reactions in dogs, a case can be made for its administration in dogs with suspected snakebite. In one study 36 dogs were treated with polyvalent antiserum, and none showed reactions to it. Considerable progress has been made in antivenomics and immunotherapy, which has led to a canine rattlesnake vaccine (Najman & Seshadri 2007).
From the three selected cases it is clear that envenomation by a common night adder may be serious and result in death in dogs. The PPS noticed in this report and associated necrosis is perhaps more akin to what is seen with puff adder bites in humans. Dogs bitten by puff adders show mostly local haemorrhage, severe swelling and occasionally tissue loss. The observations in these cases do not imply that night adder bites in dogs will always lead to severe PPS, require hospitalisation or lead to death. It remains unknown what percentage of night adder bites in dogs are associated with severe complications, and what other factors may be involved in clinical manifestations of these bites in dogs. It is hypothesised that large volumes of night adder venom may be required to bring about the severe complications described in the three selected cases reported here.
Extrapolating from human medicine, veterinarians have always assumed that night adder bites in dogs will also be benign. This report confirms that veterinarians should also include night adders as possible culpable snakes in cases of dogs suffering from PPS following confirmed snakebites.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this paper.
Authors' contributions
K.d.C. (Rant en Dal Animal Hospital) was the project leader, first author, and wrote the manuscript and revisions. G.A.v.B. (Rant en Dal Animal Hospital) and F.H. (Rant en Dal Animal Hospital) assisted with data collection and made conceptual contributions.
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Dzikouk, G.D., Etoundi Ngoa, L.S., Thonnon, J., Dongmo, A.B., Rakotonirina, V.S., Rakotonirina, A. et al., 2002, 'Titration of three antivenoms used against subSaharan African snake venoms', Bulletin de la Societé de Pathologie Exotique 95, 144-147. PMid:12404855 [ Links ]
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Correspondence to:
Kurt de Cramer
PO Box 704, Rant en Dal
Mogale City
South Africa
Received: 06 July 2011
Accepted: 22 May 2012
Published: 12 Oct. 2012


text:
You may operate bulldozing and excavating equipment or drive coal-ore trucks that are as large as a small house! You actually move and cut-through mountains and plains extracting soft coal (known as bituminous) from surface mines in states such as Colorado, Montana, or Wyoming.
Maybe instead you work underground to bring to the surface the hard coal (known as anthracite) found in states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. Or perhaps you sort and process mined-coal, load it onto waiting railroad gondolas, or coordinate shipment to local and regional electric utilities or for overseas export.
Then again, maybe you go for a degree in mine engineering to advance clean coal technologies that improve burning efficiency while also reducing emissions.
Both surface and underground mining operations will continue to need management and administrative support workers as well as skilled engineers who can make mining operations safer, more efficient, and more environmentally protective. Surface mining generally requires workers who are skilled in the operation and maintenance of heavy machinery, while underground mining tends to need more workers per ton of coal produced.
With about 105,000 workers employed in the U.S Coal industry, new employees will continue to be needed to meet new challenges and replace those who retire.
(Source: National Mining Association and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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subset: commoncrawl


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Wallace helped spark Harvard to its first win of the season Friday (OAC).
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Senior captain Taylor Docter recorded her second double-double of the season on a match-high 13 kills and 10 digs as the Harvard women's volleyball team bested Manhattan, 25-18, 25-14, 25-14, on day one of the Harvard Invitational.
Freshman Kathleen Wallace added to the offense with 11 kills while hitting .500 for the match. Junior Teresa Skelly had five total blocks, and sophomore Kristen Casey added ten digs to pace the Harvard (1-3) defense. Senior Beth Kinsella and freshman Hannah Schmidt split the setting duties, dishing out 24 assists and 12 assists a piece.
The Manhattan (1-6) offense was led by junior Mariana Furquim, who notched a team-high six kills.
A kill by junior Erin Cooney gave the Crimson the lead, 11-10, in the first set. Harvard never looked back, outscoring the Jaspers 14-8 to take the frame. Kinsella had eight assists in the set, and Wallace recorded four kills on five attempts.
Harvard never trailed in the second set, as they rolled to the 25-14 victory. Docter's seven kills and Kinsella's seven assists helped pace the offense, while the team also registered a match-high four blocks.
The Jaspers kept the score close in the early moments of the final set, which featured three ties and two lead changes. Harvard called timeout after Furquim closed the gap to 10-9, leading to a Docter kill which sparked a 15-5 run to seal the victory.
The Crimson continues play in the Harvard Invitational tomorrow as it takes on Providence at 1 p.m. and Northern Kentucky at 7 p.m. Northern Kentucky swept Providence, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13, earlier Friday evening.


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Is Driving with a Full Bladder More Dangerous Than Driving Drunk?
If you like to keep up to date with the latest research in peeing, well, urine luck. We've got news. According to an award-winning study, having to really pee can be a worse impairment than drinking while driving.
The study called 'The Effect of Acute Increase in Urge to Void on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults' (aka 'How Pee-Pee Makes the Brain Turn to Poopie') was published in 'Neurourology and Urodynamics' and its lead researcher, Dr. Peter Snyder, explained in a recent interview with Jalopnik just how the need for
speed effects the decisions we make behind the wheel of an automobile.
"In the case of the urge to urinate," Snyder explained "we found when people are at their top threshold of pain, when they can't stand it anymore, the level of impairment on reason and problem solving is equivalent to about a 0.05 blood alcohol level."
Snyder also explain that the urge to empty the bladder has nothing to do with concentration and the mind. You can't "think about something else" like your father told you every car ride because the jerk just didn't want to stop.
So what is the best prevention to driving with a full tank? Peeing before you hit the road, and not letting it get to the point where it's an emergency. Another good idea is avoiding the extra large sizes of coffee, soda and Pabst Blue Ribbon.


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text: Upon entering John Winer's blacksmith studio located on his beautiful mountain property in East Tennessee, you may immediately notice that it all seems to be varying shades of grey. His tools are grey, his anvil is grey, the stacked metal rods waiting forging and even the coal used to heat the forge are all grey. In contrast, two things stand out as colorful, the red flame and glowing embers from the hot forge, and John himself. John is a colorful character and anyone who knows him will testify to that. He has a bright personality, marvelous positive energy and in a very vibrant way, submerged in this world of grey, he stands out.


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A small town in England is being terrorised by a talking, lady-like toilet. Men in the town are complaining that a GLaDOS-like woman's voice in public restrooms is disconcerting, presumably leaving them too shaken to do their business. We think.
We're actually not really sure who's doing the complaining. Not the residents the local news team ran into, who all seemed rather amused by the voice. A town official, who described the bathroom as "one of these all singing, all dancing toilets", explained that the town has been getting complaints about the woman's voice, including one from a vicar. Presumably, the cobbler and tanner were unavailable for comment. [Shropshire Star via Arbroath]


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One year ago, Danica Patrick won the pole at Daytona for the lesser circuit Nationwide Series. Today she won the pole at NASCAR's most prestigious race—scheduled next Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m.—with a lap of 196.434 mph.
Patrick finished 38th last year at the Nationwide Series Daytona, after crashing into the wall and spending 30 minutes in the garage for repairs.
Danica Patrick first woman to win Daytona 500 pole [USA Today]


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Acerca de Pixton Comics (Inglés)
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Pixton introduces the world to Click-n-Drag Comics™, a revolutionary new patented technology that gives anyone the power to create amazing comics on the web.
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An expert in the full spectrum of interactive technologies, Clive has a M.Sc. degree from the University of British Columbia and over a decade's experience building interactive content for some of Canada's leading brands and design agencies. Originally from England, Clive loves listening to and playing music, word games, and the right brand of chocolate-mint ice cream.
Daina Goodinson, Director
Daina is an integral part of Pixton's ongoing development, focussing on business development, marketing, and customer support. With an English-Sociology degree from UBC Okanagan, Daina draws on her varied background in graphic design, freelance photography, and office management.
Always thinking outside the box, she is continually inspired to propel Pixton's evolution, as both a creative tool and a new medium of visual communication. Daina loves to be challenged and to discover the extraordinary in every aspect of life – art, food, culture, and comics too!
- HAZ TU PROPIO CóMIC EN PIXTON.COM


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bqdirect.com needed a new print or packaging design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 13 designs submitted by 9 freelance designers.
I am a Printing Distributor with an in-house digital color shop.
Residential Homeowner's & Commercial Property Owners/Occupants
My client has a Marketing Flyer that he feels looks dated (see attached sample). He would like it to look more contemporary & appealing. The content is fine. I need your Professional Design skills to make this Flyer really pop and get someone to take a 2nd look instead of tossing it in the garbage. He needs to stand out in this lousy economic climate.
His Company offers General Contracting & Handyman type services.
There are no restrictions so please be creative. Current Specs are 8.5x11. It is OK to modify size and add bleeds.
The original art file is available upon request as are the pics and logo.
Thank you in advance & Good Luck!
Brian McHugh


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Unique nature in the Canary Islands: El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and La Palma
©Turismo de Tenerife
Teide National Park in Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Garajonay National Park, in La Gomera (Canary Islands)
Savin tree in El Hierro. El Hierro Biosphere Reserve in the Canary Islands
Turismo de Canarias
Monte de las Mercedes, Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife (Canary Islands)
The Canary Islands are a natural paradise with unique locations. We'll show you some of them in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, so that you can make the most of your visit.
These are some of the most amazing places on the islands of El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and La Palma, which make up the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They provide a good chance to enjoy up to three national parks.El HierroThe landscape will impress you both because of its volcanic origin and the effects of the wind. You'll see them clearly in El Sabinar, a place populated by one-hundred-year-old savin trees which have strange shapes formed by the strong wind. The Garoé tree, known by many as the sacred tree of the old inhabitants of the island, can also be found here. The surroundings are especially beautiful and hold many magical legends. The horizontal rain phenomenon also takes place here, because of the condensation from the clouds on the branches of the trees.Also in the north we find El Mocanal, where there is a town in its original condition, with houses built with stone walls and rye straw roofs. Take into account that the village is only occupied in summer and at weekends.La GomeraEspecially outstanding is its Garajonay National Park, which has the UNESCO World Heritage designation. It is an enormous unspoilt and humid laurisilva forest. One of its most visited areas is La Laguna Grande, where the rain forms a small lake. On the island there are also several viewpoints affording spectacular views, like those of Igualero, César Manrique and Los Roques. They are three essential places to get to know the inland landscape of La Gomera. La Punta viewpoint, on the other hand, overlooks the coast. The island also has many marked hiking routes.If you want to discover the coast, we recommend a boat trip. That way you'll be able to see the "organs", a natural volcanic monument that can only be observed at sea, and which looks like a giant organ with large pipes.
TenerifeTeide National Park clearly shows the volcanic origins of the island. Awarded the UNESCO World Heritage designation, here we can find the highest summit in Spain - the Teide - which is a unique nature area.There are other interesting spots on the island. For example, the Teno Rural Park, with limited and difficult access, but affording some of the most spectacular views in Tenerife. Here you'll find wooded areas and many birds, such as ospreys.At the other side of northern part of the island we find the Anaga Rural Park, near the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is a vast rugged area which also has the so-called "path of the senses" (marked routes that take visitors to the world of laurisilva through its different textures, colours, aroma and sound of the woods).La PalmaIt is the greenest island in the archipelago, known as the "isla bonita" (beautiful island). One of the reasons for that is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. It is a large area shaped as an enormous crater with a diameter of eight kilometres, and great difference in level that causes the formation of low cloud. As well as the feeling of walking above the clouds, you'll also be able to enjoy the sky like never before, thanks to the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory, one of the most important in the world.Other places not to be missed are the so-called Volcanoes Route, a 24-kilometre hiking route to enjoy the landscape; and Bosque de los Tilos, one of the most important laurisilva forests in the Canary Islands and centre of La Palma Biosphere Reserve, a designation awarded by UNESCO. On the coast, the most spectacular beach is probably Nogales, situated next to an enormous cliff.
Have you found this information useful?


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http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/morg...ESkycDitD0#_=_A few weeks ago, a disturbing story broke that Morgan Freeman was maintaining a 10-year relationship with his step-granddaughter with whom he had a questionable sexual encounter when she was young. Yes, they are not related through blood, but Freeman is 72 and E'Dena Hines is now 27, which means she would have been 17 when they first... um... got together. Once Freeman's wife found out about their secret affair she filed for divorce, and now the Enquirer is claiming that once proceedings go through, he and Hines are set to wed.
"Morgan has led her to believe that he wants to marry her," says a family insider. Another source says, "Becoming Mrs. Morgan Freeman has been E'Dena's goal."
Consider us creeped out. Morgan Freeman is giving Woody Allen a run for his money!


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Audrey Hepburn Remembered (1993 TV Movie)
- Summaries (1)
Audrey Hepburn was one of movies best-loved stars, blessed with beauty, talent, an elegant sophistication, and an enduring aura of youthful innocence. As Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, she spoke for the world's suffering children and families, earning an affection and admiration that only increased with news of her untimely death. From the star herself we learn of her career, and the family and friendships that were her priority. Directors Billy Wilder, Blake Edwards and Stanley Donen, composer Henry Mancini, actors Gregory Peck, Mel Ferrer, George Peppard and Roger Moore, fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy and others, join Rob Wolders and Sean Ferrer to help complete this loving portrait. With clips from Roman Holiday, Sabrina, War And Peace, Funny Face, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Charade, My Fair Lady, Two For the Road, Robin And Marian and more.
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Be the first to contribute! Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide.


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The Journal of Creative Library Practice (JCLP) is accepting papers and manuscripts concerning library instruction. We know that many librarians employ creative techniques to teach library instruction sessions, so if you have had success implementing a new method or idea, we would love to hear about it. Below are some other topic ideas. Did you:
- Teach elementary school students how to code?
- Demonstrate how to use a 3D printer?
- Implement board game concepts into a session?
- Create a new way to assess learning outcomes?
- Teach a class using an established technique but with a twist?
- Have students use a unique piece of software?
JCLP is an open access journal that publishes articles, opinion pieces, and peer-reviewed research upon acceptance. We encourage submissions about creative practices in all kinds of libraries. For more about the journal, see http://creativelibrarypractice.org/.


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Charity - The Trenton Sun
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Hollywood Legends Recruit Military Caregiver Champions
Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is rallying the nation behind America's military caregivers with help from the legacy of a legend, Bob Hope.
Sisters Reunited After 72 Years Apart
The world's largest humanitarian network helps reconnect families separated by international crises.
Connecting Veterans And Volunteers Nationwide
A new, nationwide resource makes it easy to match civic-minded individuals with veterans who may need a little assistance.
Veterans Commemorate 50th Anniversary Of Vietnam War With 'Alive Day' Stories
"Alive Days" for veterans mark the anniversary when they almost died serving their country.
5 Foster Care Facts
When a #child or youth is placed into #foster care, their safety and well-being become the shared responsibility of the whole community.
Separated by Crisis, Reunited by Volunteers
A worldwide organization is working to reconnect families that have been separated by international crises.
Home Fire Risks Increase As Weather Cools
You may keep the home fires from burning if you take proper precautions at your houseand volunteer to help others.
Helping Children Reach Their Potential
Steps that parents and others can take to keep kids in school.
Celebrity Chef Mentors 4 Youth
Noted Chef Tom Douglas cooked up a way to mentor youth exploring culinary careers.
Helping Heroes
Military personnel and their families have a new place to turn to for support.
Bringing Families Together Around The World
Happy examples of loved ones reunited.
Innovative School Is A Training Ground For Artists
Art students can refine their talents in a master-apprentice community while receiving nationally recognized academic education.
YA Author Meyer Mentors Young Writer
An intriguing job shadow program.
Be A HeroMentor A Child
Helping to turn a young life around may be simpler than many people realize.
Girls: Our Time Is Now
Girl Scouts do much more than sell cookies.
Together, We Can (And Must) End Family Fire
With a few simple steps, America can save hundreds of young lives.
A Lasting Tribute To American Soldiers
Over 30 million men and women have served in the U.S. Army. If someone you care about is among them, you can now forever honor their service.
What You Can Do About 'Education Deserts'
Some of America's 57 million schoolchildren live in what are known as "education deserts."
'Hamilton' Inspires Youth In Foster Care
A generous donor recently helped deserving young people, especially picked for their passion and involvement in
How Families And States Help Kids Succeed In School
If a child you care about is ever struggling in school, unhappy, unchallenged, unable to get the help he or she needs, four stories could inspire you to find an answer.
Girl Scout Cookies: A Delicious Way to Help Girls Grow and Learn
Girl Scouts try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and simply be themselves.
Overcoming Isolation And Loneliness
If you've ever felt lonely—you're not alone.
PSAT/NMSQT Gives Students Learning Tools And Opportunities
One test can show students their best road to higher education.
Older People Improve Life For Others And Themselves
Many older Americans have discovered sharing their accumulated wisdom with others who need help can be a big win all around.
Gifts That Matter
Your donation can help foster kids have happier holidays.
Gen Z And The Bees
Many in Gen Z are as much into nature as they are into technology.
Holiday Cards With A Difference
Sending greetings cards has been an integral part of the Christmas tradition for generations.
Helping Kids Succeed
The next time you see kids going to their high school graduation, you're looking at money in the bank for all Americans.
What To Expect When You're Expecting...A Teenager
Here's good news for parents and people who'd like to be parents: You don't have to be perfect.
Helping The Helpers
The 5.5 million caregivers of ill or injured veterans can get some help themselves.
Have A Hand In Fighting AIDS
Soothing rough hands can be a way to help soothe hearts and minds concerned about AIDS.
Join Fujitsu In Supporting Military Families
A new way to honor America's veterans and military families can be at your fingertips.
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VIR Season Finale Event Notice
- 18 September 2016
Its that time once more and the last time in 2016. The VIR make-up date is less than two weeks away. The schedule will look a little different this time because of the total mount of time available on the weekend. Everybody will get a full compliment of practice, qualifying and races to conclude the championships. F1600 will get two qualifying attempts Friday with the first one determining the pole position and points.
As always, if you are coming, please register on DLBRacing.com. Because of the schedule change and as a year end bonus, we have reduced the entry fee in all classes for this race.
Load in is officially 5 PM but most likely we will be able to get in a bit earlier. The season end awards party will be a brunch held at the track after the end of racing Sunday morning. All are welcome.
We are hard at work on 2017. With the renewal of the Hoosier tire contract and its new promotion/branding/social media component, you will see some changes coming to our entry costs, prize money and class formatting. The 2017 schedule is partially done and should be complete within a month.
Look for our annual participant questionnaire to be send this week as well. Please take a few minutes to respond- we really do read them all.


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Old Blake/New Blake
So many of you yelled at me the other day after I posted this article of Blake Lively bike riding with Leonardo DiCaprio in New York for not pointing out her allegedly fake tits. Then even more of you started yelling about all the work she's had done to get herself to this level. You're right. But her nose, it's much more interesting than her breasts - thanks Kristy!
First though I'm attaching new shots of Blake in LA yesterday on a yacht shooting Gossip Girl with Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford. What do you think she says when Chace asks her to introduce him to Leo? How do you think Leo and his boys would behave if they lowered themselves to attend a Gossip Girl party? Would they meangirl the boy side of the cast and swing their big famous movie star dicks around? I need to watch this happen.
Remember when naked photos of Blake Lively hit the internet?
You don't!!!
Your reaction just now was...
Oh yeah. That.
Because she made you forget with these brilliant moves she's been making with Leo. See? How did she DO that?
Well, some people are convinced she did it with a few modifications. To be honest, unless it's egregious, like Nicole Kidman, I never really notice these things. And especially when they're so young. I mean, I'm a firm believer in the fact that people's faces change between teen and 20s. You lose a layer of baby-ness all over. Cheeks, jaw, yes, even nose. And sometimes the before and after shots those sites use are unfair too. In one shot the person will be smiling, in the next they are frowning. It may surprise you then that I'm less quick to monkey jump all over a bitch on a plastic surgery accusation than the next gossip blogger. Which is why I always get Jacek to eyeball these things for me just in case. In this case, we both see it. Which means...it's pretty obvious.
Check out Blake back in 2005 promoting Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Please pause to enjoy the AMAZINGNESS of these images. The "after" pictures are from the Green Lantern premiere just a few weeks ago. There's a point at the end of her nose, I think, were there didn't used to be one.
A new nose doesn't define a playbook. There's a lot more going on than a few cuts and tweaks. Blake is a baller. This is what I learned this summer.
Photos from Flynetonline.com and Frazer Harrison/Jason Merritt/Matthew Simmons/Gettyimages.com


text: There are many things that describe an oxford shirt: breathable, approachable, perfect for summer. A classic even, with a little texture that looks fantastic under an unlined jacket, or worn more casually on the weekend. It's a staple. And any man's closet can benefit from having a few options when it comes to this more rumpled take on the cotton work shirt. To help, we've rounded up ten favorites — for every budget and personal style — in the slideshow below. Find the ones you love, then keep wearing and washing them until they look even better.


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fsboology necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 41 diseños de 18 diseñadores freelance.
Book Cover design
NOTE: The #1 objective of this cover is to SELL the book off bookstore shelves! Attract attention, stop them in their tracks as they walk down the bookstore aisle, jump off the shelf at potential buyers, grab their attention, and make them think "I MUST HAVE this book".
"Demystifing the FSBO selling process"
Desired Color Scheme:
Artist discretion, have fun with the name!
Desired Style:
Desired finished size of cover: 8.5" W x 11" H
Accepted File Formats:
Print, and hi-res (300 dpi) TIF, EPS or PDF
The book name:
FSBOology (could be hyphenated FSBO-ology)
FSBO is an acronym for For Sale By Owner
ology is a suffix that implies the study of a specific topic in this case, the study of selling your house yourself, with no agent.
The following must be included in the cover design to make the above point:
FS-BO-ol-o-gy Show Spelled Pronunciation [fiz-bow-ol-uh-jee]
The copyright for the winning book cover design once paid for will be wholly owned and all rights reserved by the company sponsoring this contest.
Book Name: FSBOology
-- Potential Buyers of the book ---
Book is written for, and targets people thinking about selling their real estate without hiring an expensive real estate agent.
Book is NOT currently for sale, release date: early 2007


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by The Staff of the Glass Art Society
The Glass Art Society (GAS) honored two artists this year at the organization's Creative Crossroads conference in Seattle, Washington. Ann Wolff, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, continues to explore the ephemeral character of glass in her sculptures. Scott Benefield, recipient of the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, has served on the GAS board and as GAS President and helped to found the New Orleans School of GlassWorks.
This article was originally published on page 34 of the May/June 2011 issue of Glass Art.


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Brothers in arms, DU and CC never considered going separate ways
COLORADO SPRINGS — From the beginning, the University of Denver and Colorado College were on the same page with regards to leaving the Denver-based Western Collegiate Hockey Association and becoming founding members of a star-studded start-up league.
At today's news conference at the Penrose House on the grounds of the Broadmoor Hotel, Tigers athletic director Ken Ralph and Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky said one program would not have joined the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference without the other. Thus, they will continue playing a four-game regular-season series and compete for a conference title when the NCHC begins for the 2013-14 season.
"What a lot of people don't realize is CC and DU actually work incredibly well together. I really enjoy working with (DU athletic director) Peg (Bradley-Doppes) and I know George and (CC coach) Scott (Owens) have a spirited rivalry but there is also a significant amount of mutual respect there," Ralph said. "I think for our fan bases and college hockey along the Front Range, it was really important for us to stay aligned. I personally would never have considered an option that didn't include Denver. The games are too much fun, too much about the real spirit of college hockey, and something that the two cities can rally around. It's a happening, an event, and something we wanted to continue."
Said Gwozdecky: "As your No. 1 rival, you beat each other up, try to beat them any way you can, but at the end of the day, you're tied to the hip because of the great rivalry, and that's what makes it special. To be able to maintain that rivarly in the same conference was a no-brainer."


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Monday, 27 January 2014
Why do people think suicide is morally wrong?
Joshua Rottman and his colleagues presented 174 US participants (114 women; average age 21) online with eight fabricated obituaries that had the appearance of a real obituary published in a paper. The participants were mostly non-religious liberals. Half of them read obituaries about people killed by murder; the other half read obituaries for people killed by suicide. The wording for the obituaries began with a simple statement (e.g. "Louise Parker, who was 68 years old, died on January 11, 2008 due to [suicide/homicide]"). Apart from that single word difference at the end of the opening statement, the remainder of each obituary - a respectful description of the deceased - was the same for participants in the two conditions.
After reading each obituary, the participants were asked to rate the death according to how morally wrong it was; how angry it made them feel; how disgusted it made them feel; how much harm had been done; and whether the victim's soul had been tainted. The order of the questions was randomised. The participants were also asked to state explicitly why each suicide/homicide is morally wrong.
Overall, homicides were judged more morally wrong than suicides, as you'd expect. However, on average the suicides were also rated as morally wrong, consistent with previous public surveys. The most revelatory finding is that the participants' ratings for the moral wrongness of suicides was not correlated with their ratings of the harm caused. Rather, their judgment of moral wrongness was correlated with their ratings of how much the victim's soul was tainted. Consistent with this, the participants' feelings of disgust predicted their ratings for the moral wrongness of suicide, but their feelings of anger did not.
In contrast, to the findings for suicide, ratings for the moral wrongness of homicide were associated with judgments about harm, but not ratings about the tainting of victims' souls. "These results support our principal hypothesis," the researchers said, "suicide, but not homicide, is considered immoral when there are elevated concerns about spiritual taint (impurity), while the same is not true for concerns about harm." Intriguingly, this result was at odds with the participants' explicitly stated reasons for finding suicide morally wrong, which tended to focus on harm caused.
What about the participants' religious and political beliefs? As you might expect, those who were more conservative and religious tended to judge suicide as more morally wrong. But perhaps the most astonishing result from this research is that the link between seeing the victim's soul as tainted and seeing a suicide as morally wrong was just as strong for the non-religious and liberal as for the religious and conservative.
"These results suggest that even if people explicitly deny the existence of religious phenomena, natural tendencies to at least implicitly believe in souls can underlie intuitive moral judgments", the researchers said. The research has some limitations, as the researchers acknowledged - for example, all the participants were from the US, and there's a need to examine other forms of suicide, such as suicide bombers. Also, the causal role of beliefs about purity has not yet been proven.
However, the authors are to be credited for publishing several replications of their main finding (not detailed here). "A greater understanding of the processes that are relevant to the condemnation of suicide victims may prove useful for the millions worldwide who are affected by this widespread tragedy", the researchers concluded.
Rottman J, Kelemen D, and Young L (2014). Tainting the soul: Purity concerns predict moral judgments of suicide. Cognition, 130 (2), 217-26 PMID: 24333538
Post written by Christian Jarrett (@psych_writer) for the BPS Research Digest.
9 comments:
- Rachel said...
Intriguing. I'm surprised enough by the lack of relationship with religion to wonder whether the measure of religiosity was inadequate (I don't have access to the full text). Given the prevalence (at least in the UK) of "spiritual but not religious," I wonder whether people with quite strong religious tendencies were classified as non-religious.
I must also pick you up on a small slip towards tabloidism: "The Real Reason"? Surely this is likely to be just one of several reasons. For example, a widow of my acquaintance heard about a suicide and said, "How could he do that when other people fight so hard for life?" To her, exercising the choice to die was disrespectful to those who didn't have that choice.
- 11:23 am
- Unknown said...
hi Rachel - re measuring religiosity, the paper just says this: "At the conclusion of the study, participants completed a brief demographic survey measuring political and religious beliefs." Note that people who were more religious were more likely to judge suicides as morally wrong. However, religiosity made no difference to the strength of the correlation between judgments of tainted soul and moral wrongness of suicide.
Sorry if the headline is misleading - I will give it a tweak. I was meaning this is the real reason, as opposed to perceived harm, which is the reason that people usually give.
- 12:21 pm
- Rachel said...
Hm, yes I guess the correlation between religiosity and judgement of suicide as wrong does lend weight to the validity of the measure.
I hope you don't take my criticisms too seriously, I mean it only as a friendly nudge. I think your blog is excellent, which is why I keep reading and commenting.
- 6:37 pm
- Unknown said...
thanks Rachel! Please keep commenting - I really enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing a new perspective on things.
- 10:33 am
- C Williams said...
Interesting. Maybe the unreligious were thinking of movies. Goings on with the soul are popular in film right now - just think of the new movie "I, Frankenstein" in which the main character (Adam Frankenstein) searches for the existence of his own soul.
- 3:25 pm
Suicide not only morally wrong but you are erasing all future possibilities of your life.In suicide you finish your life on particular point and finish there your future,who know how your future will take turn?What may be worse happened your life you to endure it for your future.Suicide is greatest crime against nature,for future generation if you live possibilities that you may contribute some very valuable for future generation
- 4:06 am
- Lindsay said...
Average age 21? Pffft. What do they know?
- 9:45 pm
- Lindsay said...
I've been suicidal, so I get very angry at people who think they have the right to judge someone who acts on it. Get back to me when you've experienced pain so bad you would annihilate yourself to make it end, you sanctimonious fuckwit.
(Not you, Christian --- the generic "you." Also sorry about the cussing, but that is how strongly this makes me feel.)
- 9:48 pm
I'm with Lindsay on this.
Most of the time, I wish I were dead. I don't commit suicide because of the very real possibility, through any method that's highly lethal, that I might fail to kill myself but instead cripple myself (not highly lethal would be written off as parasuicide). I know that nothing that would make my life worth living could possibly happen, because I have a pretty narrow view of what would.
I really believe there should legally exist assisted suicide centers, where with a 60 day cooling off period anyone could have themselves put to sleep (making sure the person actually dies and does not maim himself). When dogs or cats are constantly suffering, we generally consider it the most humane action to put them to sleep, and I believe that with a human (who asks for it with a 60 day cooling off period) it is also the most humane.
I'm very surprised about the "tainting of the soul" belief even among the non-religious, because non-religious people have no reason to believe that souls exist. I'm even in the "spiritual, not religious" camp (NOT an atheist) and I don't believe in souls.
- 4:03 pm


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ROME (Reuters) - Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti said on Monday he was aiming to win a majority in a parliamentary election in February and would seek alliances with parties agreeing with his pro-Europe agenda.
While not explicitly saying so, Monti appeared to indicate he was open to an alliance with the centre left - led by Pier Luigi Bersani, who polls say is on track to win the election - although not until after the vote.
The statement came a day after Bersani pressured Monti to choose sides. Silvio Berlusconi, the conservative businessman who is seeking his fifth term as premier, has accused Monti of striking a hidden deal to favor the left.
Due to the complexities of the electoral law, Bersani's two-party coalition could win a comfortable majority in the lower house without taking a secure command of the Senate, possibly making an alliance with Monti's bloc crucial to creating a stable parliamentary majority.
"The new movement is born with the aim of gathering the consensus of the majority of Italians," Monti said on his website.
"Whether this objective is fully achieved, or whether that is not the case, we will seek convergence with political forces that adopt a line of action that is compatible with our European strategy."
A former European Commissioner, Monti was appointed a year ago to lead an unelected government of experts to save Italy from financial crisis after Berlusconi stepped down. He announced his bid for a second term last week.
Monti said Italy must remain a central player in European politics and integration and that his goal was to stem the rise of populist and anti-European parties, which he felt were growing at an alarming rate in Italy.
His views were echoed by President Giorgio Napolitano, who said in his end-of-year address that Italy would return to growth only if it worked closely with its European partners, and that it must remain a strong protagonist in Europe.
Monti said on Friday he would lead a centrist alliance in the election and wanted to go beyond the traditional left-right split to unite a coalition of factions around a reform agenda aimed at tackling Italy's deep recession and economic woes.
Bersani has pledged to stick to the pro-European stance of Monti's unelected technocrat government and to continue on the course of economic reform.
Berlusconi has blamed Germany for the austerity measures Italy has had to pass to cut its huge debt, and blasted Monti as Germany's puppet.
Beppe Grillo's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, likely to pose a serious threat to traditional parties in the election, has called for a referendum on membership of Europe's single currency and attacked Monti for his tax hikes and spending cuts.
Whoever wins the February 24-25 election will have to tackle the recession and rising unemployment in the euro zone's third largest economy as well as keeping strained public finances under control.
In a separate statement, Monti's office rebuffed criticism of his reforms, which have also included deregulation and an overhaul of the pension and labor system, and said that Italy's economic outlook had improved "significantly" since he took over.
In an 18-page document entitled "An Analysis of a Year in Government", the administration said its actions had convinced foreign investors to resume buying Italian bonds and the prospect of new budget adjustments had been "strongly reduced".
But it also stressed that the path of reform was just beginning and must be pursued by the next government, and added that the new goal would be to reduce tax pressure, especially on poorer people.
It said public spending would have to be cut further through measures such as the streamlining and closure of some public institutions, and through more efforts to reduce waste and corruption.
President Napolitano acknowledged in his address that Italians had made difficult sacrifices this year but they had been necessary. He said efforts should be made to ease the fiscal burden on vulnerable people.
An opinion poll on Sunday showed that 34 percent of Italians thought the most important initiative for the next government will be adjusting public spending so that taxes can be cut.
The survey, published in financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore, showed that about 36 percent of Italians would vote for Bersani to become the next prime minister, while about 23 percent would choose Monti, and around 22 percent would opt for Berlusconi.
Editing by Michael Roddy


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FREE SHIPPING to USA Contiguous 48 States
Stock OEM seats are notorious for feeling good when you sit on them for one minute in the showroom but becoming a literal pain in the butt after hours on the road. Saddlemen has been making comfortable, high-quality seats for cruisers and touring bikes right here in the United States for more than 20 years, and their front seat for the BMW R1200GS and R1200GSA are a big step up from stock in terms of comfort, quality, sturdiness and intelligent design.
The Saddlemen R1200GS/A seat is a innovative design that combines a gel comfort layer and progressive density foam with a unique channel design in the center of the seat to reduce pressure and allow airflow. Men, if you've ridden a motorcycle with a forward-sloping seat that tends to push you into the gas tank, you know the sort of annoying discomfort we're talking about. In addition to the channel design, the Saddlemen R1200GS/A seat is built to be more flat, so it won't cause you to slip forward under braking, and the marine-grade synthetic suede material provides just the right amount of grip to keep you from sliding around.
The Saddlemen seat is built on a seat pan made of high-strength resin and uses flange mounts and fasteners made of metal, not plastic like the ones on the stock seat. For more comfortable cold-weather riding, order the optional heated version (rider's section only) that provides five levels of heat you select using a remote control. You can also choose from a standard or low version of the seat to fit your height.
Like most quality seats, your Saddlemen seat will need a break-in period of about 500 to 1,500 miles. But once you've put a few miles on it, you'll find that you have a whole new appreciation for the mile-munching capabilities of your BMW R1200GS/A.
- Hybrid design combines exclusive saddlebag interior, progressive density foam and a Gel Channel saddle to provide adventure and dual sport riders with unparalleled comfort and control.
- Vinyl and rugged microfiber suede cover holds up to hard use while providing outstanding comfort and a secure, comfortable ride
- The seat pan is made of high strength resin that is much stronger than the OEM stock seat which is plastic
- All seat flange mounts and fasteners are metal compared to the OEM stock plastic mounts that are very fragile
- Includes a innovative space cut-out in the middle of the seat for increased space, comfort and airflow in your "man part" area. Greatly releases pressure and increases blood flow between the legs.
- Includes adjustable seat mounts which raise or lower the seat by approximately 1 inch to provide your with 2 height options for various riding situations.
- Like all quality aftermarket seats, Saddlemen seats have break in period of approximately 500 to 1500 miles. During this break in period your seat will form to your unique body shape and get even more comfortable.
- The rider seat is designed specifically to have a more neutral, flat, and balanced seating position so that the rider is not continuously sliding forward like is often common on OEM stock seats.
- Made in the USA
Customer Feedback
We and our customers have been very pleased with the Saddlemen seats. One customer purchased the low version seat set for his 2012 R1200GSA and immediately set our for a 2800 mile ride including the Continental Divide (approx. 1800 of dirt) Canada and then back to California. He and his girlfriend (who joined him for approx. 1000 miles) were thoroughly impressed with the performance, comfort and aesthetics of the Saddlemen seats.


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About Facilities Scheduling and Services
Facilities Scheduling and Services consists of Classroom Scheduling, Conference Services, Campus Moves and Campus Recycling.
- Classroom Scheduling: responsible for the Campus Master Calendar as well as scheduling all classroom spaces.
- Conference Services: manages the UIS Conference Center, providing and coordinating services needed for each event in the conference center, including event management services.
- Campus Moves: performs all campus moves/surplus. See Equipment Management
- Campus Recycling: responsible for recycling on campus.


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The Lincoln Movie
by Mark Thornton
*** begin quote ***
Steven Spielberg's epic movie Lincoln is truly a masterpiece. As an historical drama it portrays Lincoln in the final months of his life and the final months of the Civil War. More than anything, it shows Lincoln attempting – against all odds – to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery.
*** and ***
With Lincoln, of course Abraham Lincoln was president during the American Civil War, Mary Todd Lincoln was the first lady, they had sons, etc. All the supporting cast did exist including all the politicians, cabinet members, generals, etc. The 13th amendment to the Constitution banning slavery did pass, Lincoln was assassinated, and the Union did defeat the Confederacy.
It is also true that Lincoln did work to promote the passage of the 13th amendment. However, as Thomas DiLorenzo has shown, Lincoln worked for the passage of the 13th amendment in 1861 That 13th amendment would have banned the federal government from interfering with states that permitted slavery if it has been ratified. Furthermore, he shows that there is no hard evidence that Lincoln worked for the passage of the 13th amendment in 1865 which prohibited slavery in all states.
As you can see, the real version of events would not have made for a good movie. In fact, the real Lincoln would not make for any kind of pleasant movie. He was a loser politician married to a crazy woman, who unexpectedly found success because the nation splintered into four political parties, handing him the election.
Lincoln was famous for telling people what they wanted to hear. He would often claim to support one position on an issue to one group of people and claim to support the opposite position to another group of people. He was the classic flip-flopper often supporting numerous positions on an issue over his political career. No good material for a movie here.
*** end quote ***
Wow, who would have thought a politician is a flip flopper telling people what they want to hear?
Lincoln is far and away on the top of my worst President list. No one in the second tier is even close.
He was the ultimate crony capitalist as a "railroad lawyer".
I find it bemusing that the Black Community reveres him.
Not that I'm a proponent of slavery, Jim Crow, or racism, but he was the opposite of their image.
Toss in on top that the rest of the world was able to eliminate slavery without a war. Slavery was uneconomic and, ten more so, when the mechanization of America. Human labor is too valuable to waste in slavery. (Ever try and get a human to do something that they don't want to do? As children, we learn at an early age that no one can make us do ANYTHING ever. Even poop!)
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The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) will honor 18 RV brands built by eight manufacturers with its Quality Circle Award just prior to the opening of the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 30.
These brands/manufacturers received at least 15 dealer responses and scored 80% or above in overall dealer satisfaction in the association's 16th Annual Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey, according to a news release.
"Dealers believe the DSI is a tool to help improve communication and the overall relationship with their manufacturers," said Debbie Brunoforte, RVDA chairman of the board. "The survey measures dealer attitudes in key policy, product, and procedure areas that dealers say are the most important elements in their business partnerships with manufacturers."
The towable RV brands/manufacturers receiving awards are (in alphabetical order):
- Forest River Inc.– Rockwood/Roo & Rockwood folding camping trailers.
- Jayco Inc. –Designer, Eagle, Jay Feather, Jay Flight, folding camping trailers and SUTs.
- Keystone RV Co. –Fuzion/Passport/Springdale; Montana/Cougar; and Sprinter/Bullet/Outback.
- KZRV LP –Coyote/Spree, Inferno/MXT and Sportsmen.
- Open Range.
- Palomino travel trailers and fifth-wheels.
The three motorized RV brands/manufacturers receiving awards are (in alphabetical order):
- Jayco
- Tiffin Motor Homes Inc.
- Winnebago Industries Inc.
Additionally, two manufacturers of two towable brands, and one motorized brand received DSI Honorable Mention awards for receiving scores of 80% or above in overall dealer satisfaction from 10 to 14 responding dealers. They are (in alphabetical order): Airstream Inc. and EverGreen Recreational Vehicles in the towable category and Itasca in the motorized category.
When rating their brands/manufacturers, RVDA asks dealers to express, confidentially, their level of satisfaction on eight core issues:
- Sales support
- Sales territory
- Vehicle design
- Vehicle reliability/quality
- Competitive price/value
- Parts support
- Dealership warranty support
- Overall dealer communications
The 16th Annual DSI survey was conducted between August and October. Three hundred and twenty-two (322) dealers responded to the DSI this year, and provided 1,644 brand ratings, an average of almost five per dealer.


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I will never forget her. I was inside the Java U when a crunchy-haired brunette with oversized sunglasses waltzed up and ordered herself a café concoction.
The silver reflective logo on her Lululemon yoga pants caught my eye, and then I noticed she was wearing high heels. High heels! With boot cut sweats!
This woman was obviously not heading to the gym. Nay, she was wearing yoga pants as real pants, complete with a blouse and heels.
It was a fashion faux pas that's becoming all too common these days. The yoga-pant revolution has created mass confusion about where or where not to don casual dress — let alone how to wear it. And the bar of what's acceptable is threatening to get lower and lower.
As we peel off our winterwear this spring, "pyjama dressing" is rolling in as the latest casual-dressing craze. As in, floral motif PJ-style pants and onesies for the teens. For a more mature look, there's boudoir-inspired Hugh Hefner silks, which capture a vacationing-in-Bali sort of glamour.
We've seen the look for evening, but during the day the look can appear, well, very breakfast style.
There's no telling whether or not PJ dressing will become the next big thing among Canadians. But one thing is for sure: Throughout the eras, we've traipsed around in our snowflake-patterned long-johns, lumberjack shirts, woolly Hudson Bay coats, Roots sweatsuits (which are increasingly popular among teens), and Gore-Tex. We are certainly not beyond PJs.
Whether we're ready to move beyond the yoga pant is yet to be seen.
"Don't say you've become a mother and then have to conform to this Lululemon mantra," says Valerie Grove, a new mother who has witnessed many of her friends quickly convert from fashion vixens into leisure-suit loyalists.
"Just because you want to feel comfortable, and are shlepping around a kid doesn't mean you have to look like you're wearing your PJs."
Grove holds a weekly playgroup at her house. Of the 10 moms who attend, about half are in yoga pants (Lululemons specifically). The rest are in jeans and possibly leggings with stylish sweaters.Turns out, Grove does not consider leggings a fashion faux pas like yoga pants. In fact, she considers them an ideal way to be comfortable and look fashionable, especially when paired with boots or a long sweater.
"They could be velvet, denim or even nicer fabrics," she says. But she hesitates to say leggings look appropriate for a night out on the town.
As for wearing yoga pants anywhere beyond the house, the gym or out for a power walk, Grove believes that "it's like telling the world you haven't showered. 'Hello, I haven't showered.' That's what it is."
For many Canadians, the look is all about comfort Tina Fargnoli is a yoga-trained, certified Pilates instructor in Toronto. She reports having at least 25 pairs of yoga pants, again, specifically Lululemons. Other pairs seem cheap to her, and the fabric all wrong. When I asked her to name the styles, her reply was: "Oh gosh. Well, there's the crop, the regular long ones with a flare, the regular straight leg ones, which are not flared, the hip hugger ones. Some are more formal ones that are three-quarter-length culottes."
Fargnoli says lately she's more into the company's running pants, which look a lot like conventional leggings. She wears them with leg warmers.
"My friend even said to me at one point — and this is like four or five years ago — 'Seriously Tina, I've never seen anyone wear so much Lululemon in my life," she said.
"I wear them all the time, not just to work."
This, and the fact that her mom once nicknamed her 'Lulu-Tina', just makes her laugh.
Fargnoli has Lululemons that she considers "too nice" for yoga, which she proudly wears out to dinner and for a night on the town. These include pinstripe yoga pants with built-in belts, which she wears with blazers, and a number of the company's sundresses. She says she wears the skorts out a lot, too, pairing them with nice tops. Many of these items have similar fabrics to the company's yoga pants.
"Sometimes, I dress up and feel awkward. I think, 'I'd rather be in my sweats now,'" she said.
"I'm comfortable and happy with it."
Would she wear yoga pants — or sweats as she calls them — with heels?
"Funny. Just yesterday I saw someone in really high heels with cropped Lululemons," she said. "And I can now say that I would absolutely never."
Fargnoli has worn her yoga pants with wedge sandals, but typically she wears them with her Pajar boots in the winter and her Etinies sneakers or flip-flops in the summer.
Thanks to active moms and yoga babes like Fargnoli, not to mention those Sunday strollers, the leisure wear business is booming. According to a recent New York Times article, sales at Lululemon increased 56 per cent in the third quarter last year. The story also went on to report how women in New York City are donning elastic waistband pants to work — at offices, not just yoga studios. Will Canadians be joining the elastic waistband office-gear trend?
"Our reality as Canadians is not there," says Lindy Omassi, director of fashion and sourcing at Smart Set, a division of Reitmans.
"I work with all fashion people, and nobody wears yoga pants to work."
She also speculates that no matter how trendy leisure wear may be in the future, with Alexander Wang showing uber-hip versions, or however popular Juicy Couture once was at a point in time, she highly doubts anyone would walk into a downtown office wearing anything close to active or leisure wear. Though, Omassi does believe the look can appear very cool on some people, particularly those "with a body from heaven."
And ultimately, people should wear what suits them.
"The reality is to dress to please yourself," she said.
But as far as the office or out to dinner, she would not recommend yoga pants. Like Grove, she believes active or leisure wear is for brunch, around the house and for the gym.
Smart Set's MUV activewear line features yoga pants and leggings at about $30 to $35 apiece.
Omassi and her colleagues have endlessly debated where these clothes would be worn, and how. They concluded that what Smart Set customers really care about is looking polished in their leisure suits.
"We don't do schlump," Omassi said.
Even the latest retro-cool elastic ankle sweat pants by MUV are streamlined, sans excess bouffant. Then there are those who believe the schlumpier the better.
"I see the most fashionable pant nowadays as the pyjama pants," says designer Andy The-Anh, who has started to design for activewear company Lole.
"With the draw string, and big wide leg."
He says fashion needs to go to extremes to work — as in go skinny with leggings or go wide with pyjama pants, but stay home in your boot-cut pants.
"A boot cut, that's a no-no," he said for fashionable looks.
However, The-Anh says he won't be designing pyjama-style yoga pants for Lole, and probably will stick to legging types.
The company has a "studio to the streets" product mantra, which features a strong activewear component.
"All the [aerobics] instructors prefer a more tapered legging look, so you can see the lines of your body," he said.
As such, for his Lole designs, The-Anh is working with new colours, such as orange, to spice things up.
In terms of dressing up leggings, he says, "when you have leggings covering the feet — I think it's beautiful with four-inch heels!"
For a more causal daytime look, a big sweater or sweater dress can do the trick. But The-Anh also says there are different types of leggings, or running pants, as they're called in activewear circles.
Those with seams that define the muscles tend to be more sporty, while plainer styles are more fashion-friendly.
Again, as far as boot cut sweats or yoga pants go, "Even for a coffee — I don't think so," he said.


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Mayor John DeStefano, an outspoken political survivor and the longest-serving leader in the city's history, smiled Tuesday as he reflected on his 10 terms leading the Elm City and seemed at peace with his decision against trying to make it to 11.
"You leave when they want you to stay," DeStefano said in his spacious city hall office.
In an interview with The Courant shortly before formally announcing that he would not run for re-election this November, DeStefano talked about his achievements over the past 20 years in public education and job creation, along with his regret over being unable to build a coalition over property tax reform.
"We have more jobs and more people than when I became mayor," DeStefano said. "The state can't say that."
New Haven now has 80,000 jobs, including new ones at Ikea, Pfizer and a series of downtown shops that did not exist when DeStefano took over in January 1994.
One thing he would not talk about, however, was his plans. DeStefano twice refused to say what he would do next, including whether he would consider a position with nearby Yale University.
"Whatever I do is a story for another day," he said.
In the late afternoon, DeStefano stood on the stage at a packed downtown nightclub and received two standing ovations from supporters. The room had the feel of an election night victory party — at the exact place where those parties had been held in the past. He appeared struck by the enthusiasm of the standing-room-only crowd.
"You know, if you all really feel this way … I can change my mind," DeStefano told his supporters. "This isn't a goodbye. … If I have a wish for everyone in this room, it's that someday that you get a chance to walk into a room like this. You will never feel warmer, and there is no treasure — financial or otherwise — that you could have. For me to have it in my hometown is extraordinary and wonderful."
The bipartisan crowd included Yale University President Richard Levin, longtime Democrat Ned Lamont, former state House Speaker Chris Donovan and former Republican legislators Chris DePino and Sid Holbrook. State Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor was there in a nod to his past and present work with the mayor on education in New Haven, where test scores and graduation rates have increased.
"I was at school here in 1979, and this city is a lot better than it was then," Lamont said. "New Haven mayors didn't talk to Yale in 1979. A lot of politicians don't leave footprints, but John DeStefano leaves big shoes to fill."
Levin and DeStefano have been credited with making a personal and professional partnership that has led to a major transformation of the downtown over the past 20 years in a city that had been known for town-and-gown clashes.
"There were only 200 or 300 people who lived downtown. Now, there are 3,000 or 4,000," Levin said in an interview. "It's a vibrant, small city today, and it was a dying, small city 20 years ago."
Longtime Mayor
The 57-year-old mayor has outlasted his fellow big-city mayors through the years, including colleagues who ran into criminal trouble: Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, and Waterbury Mayors Joseph Santopietro and Phil Giordano. All four were convicted, although Perez is appealing his conviction.
DeStefano raised his statewide exposure in 2006 with an unsuccessful run for governor. In a Courant interview at the time, he explained his candidacy: "Not everybody gets to get up in the morning and love their job. But I think there comes a time, both personally and for the community, that you need to move on. No matter how well you do a job, you're going to leave it someday and there's going to be plenty left for someone else to do."
He defeated then-Stamford Mayor Dannel P. Malloy in the Democratic gubernatorial primary but, having spent virtually all his money on the primary, started from far behind in the general election and lost to the popular incumbent, Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
Rell did not seek re-election in 2010, and Malloy succeeded her. Although DeStefano and Malloy clashed sharply during the primary, they have appeared together at various events since then.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Malloy praised his onetime primary challenger.
"As mayor for 20 years, John DeStefano has left an indelible mark on New Haven, one that helped transform the city and reinvigorate its character," Malloy said in a statement. "His legacy of making New Haven a center of innovation and economic growth and ensuring the city's schools provide every child with an opportunity to succeed is something for which he and the entire city should be proud. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors, and hope that no matter what comes next, Connecticut will continue to benefit from his energy and expertise."
DeStefano, a liberal policy wonk who rarely backs away from a challenge, faced a potentially difficult primary this year against state Rep. Gary A. Holder-Winfield, who first won a seat in the legislature in 2008 and is expected to announce his candidacy soon. Another challenger, Alderman Justin Elicker of the city's East Rock section, has already announced his candidacy.
Some New Haven Democrats sensed a political weakness in DeStefano this year, after nearly two decades, because he won a closer-than-expected re-election two years ago against an underfunded, independent candidate with relatively little name recognition. It was DeStefano's closest race since becoming mayor.
On Tuesday, however, he declined to talk about his potential opponents this year if he had stayed in the race, saying, "After 20 years, you're running against yourself."
He knew that another race would be a referendum on his two decades in office in the same way that once-popular politicians like U.S. Sens. Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman both decided to retire instead of facing one last electoral battle.
Elected 10 Times
DeStefano, who first took office in 1994, survived many elections through the years, winning numerous primaries in Democratic-dominated New Haven.
On Sept. 11, 2001, the day of the terrorist attacks, DeStefano defeated longtime state legislator Martin Looney after a bitter primary battle, with about 60 percent of the vote. Looney is now the state Senate majority leader, one of the most powerful posts at the state Capitol.
"We've had some very good mayors, but his depth, his longevity and his constant push for new, progressive urban policies stands out in the group of great mayors we've had in this state," said Matthew Hennessy, the former longtime chief of staff to Hartford's Perez. "Eddie clearly was his own man with his own agenda, but at every mayor's meeting, you could rely on DeStefano's experience and expertise. He was the backbone of the urban mayors who were trying to get things done. He provided a lot of bandwidth."
He added: "These are jobs that are tough. They're demanding. There's a shelf life to everybody. But what he has done for two decades, he's kept himself relevant at home, but also relevant on the state and national level."
Quinnipiac University Professor Scott McLean, who has followed DeStefano's career closely, said in a statement: "Like most urban mayors, John DeStefano's achievements were mixed with controversy. In the '90s, he made use of federal grants and a partnership with Yale to make New Haven into a cultural, technological and academic center in Connecticut. He led a huge effort to rebuild schools and to create New Haven Promise, giving more hope to working-class kids in the city."
McLean, a New Haven resident, added, "He pushed for better police protection and city services for undocumented immigrants, provoking outrage from anti-immigration groups nationally. Yet New Haven is still dependent on federal and state grants and continually on the brink of fiscal crisis. Insider deals continue to be the norm. He allowed community policing to wither until the murder wave of 2011, and even after reviving community policing, a few neighborhoods still suffer an epidemic of violent crime."
DeStefano has been seen by some as prickly and, at times, arrogant. He made his share of political enemies among fellow Democrats and unions that sometimes endorsed his primary opponents.
As a policy specialist, DeStefano was heavily involved in issues like "smart growth" and was chairman of a statewide commission looking at the problems of rising property taxes and suburban sprawl.
In 2006, DeStefano had a ready-made issue to build his campaign around. Local reliance on property taxes, he said at the time, was threatening the quality of life in Connecticut as revenue-starved municipal officials ceded hundreds of acres of open space to developers.
His Blue Ribbon Commission on Property Tax Burdens and Smart Growth Incentives proposed a massive overhaul of the state's tax and land-use policies to combat sprawl. The changes, he said, would allow communities to preserve their characters while steering development to areas where roads and other infrastructure already existed — a win for everyone.
But in a state where home rule is an article of faith for most politicians, not everyone agreed with DeStefano. Rell, near the peak of her popularity, won the 2006 race by a wide margin.