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Do you really hear/read this fiction somewhere, or is it your own invention?
I would be interested to know where these fallacies originate.
Do you really hear/read this fiction somewhere, or is it your own invention?
I would be interested to know where these fallacies originate.
Yes I could but maybe some lazy spoon fed liberals should actually start doing some research on their own. That's what I did, read local newspapers here and in Michigan where I am from, saw a trend, started local in other places, the trend continued, looked further, etc.
You voted for a fallacy and it is rearing its ugly head and you have no answers I feel for you. Just don't say we didn't tell you so.
Source URL: http://www.freedomworks.org/publications/top-10-reasons-to-oppose-the-stimulus
[1] http://www.mackinac.org/archives/1998/sp1998-01.pdf
[2] http://mises.org/freemarket_detail.aspx?control=515
[3] http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/FDR-s-Policies-Prolonged-Depression-5409.aspx
[4] http://jim.com/econ/chap02p1.html
[5] http://bastiat.org/en/twisatwins.html
[6] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/09/AR2008120902785.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
[7] http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp-economy-gdp&date=1992
[8] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html
[9] http://www.propublica.org/special/stimulus-bill-treemap
[10] http://www.readthestimulus.org/
[11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_basketball
[12] http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/
[13] http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/economics/keynes/general-theory/
[14] http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/wm2242.cfm
[15] http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP.pdf
[16] http://www.econlib.org/library/Essays/hykKnw1.html
[17] http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0112/015.html
[18] http://republicanleader.house.gov/UploadedFiles/stimulusskeptics.pdf
[19] http://www.nowallstreetbailout.com/
[20] http://www.moneymuseum.com/standard_english/raeume/geld_machen/werkstatt/papiergeld/papierdruck/papierdruck_unten.html
[21] http://www.cat o.org/special/stimulus09/cato_stimulus.pdf
[22] http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/01/12/making-work-destroying-wealth/
[23] http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed011509a.cfm
[24] http://republicanleader.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=109402
[25] http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb_1208-51.pdf
Is this the 'if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull****' approach?
Last edited by backpasture; 02-05-2009 at 11:54 PM.
Oh, new cars, PELL grants (welfare), Food stamps (welfare), and on and on.
Refundable tax credits (welfare).
if you have evidence or citations, throw them out so we can see. if not, stop stating things as fact. i really am interested in where you are getting your numbers from. not disagreeing like stated before, but have not seen anything to substantiate what you are saying is fact.
Steroid Rehab Forum
Last edited by precisionlabradors; 04-26-2011 at 03:23 PM.
Interesting that what you focused on was a couple of your personal boogiemen in an attempt to discredit the entire list of links. The list contained links from a variety of sources both left, right .gov and .edu. It would have been just as easy to focus on the .gov. .edu, and left wing news sources.
I suppose if you dont want to discuss the merits with her that is a great tactic.
Your bias is showing.
Article [I.]
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article [II.]
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I'm afraid of widths.
Get rid of those welfare programs like giving $1,000 tax credits to people who have children. Why should people pay for other folks' children?
And free educations? PFFFFF--get rid of public schools. Why should taxpayers have to pay $6000 a year to educate some people's children?
Get rid of these welfare programs. Why do we have to pay for some woman having 8 kids in one shot? Or even pay for a person having one kid? Why do people who have kids get tax credits and free public education? If you have kids, that's your responsibility and none of us should have to pay for their education or anything else.


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Busy, busy, busy.
But not much to show for it. My wife and I are expecting our first child next Friday. This will be a nervous week indeed.
For my statistics project, I wrote a Python module to import SPSS files and was wondering whether anyone would be interested in it if I released it as open source. It's one piece of code that would greatly benefit from community testing. So far, it seems to work on the SPSS files I have without problem but SPSS have added extra things to the format. Cleverly (or rather obviously, but nice to know that they've done it), older versions of the software can still read the new formats, but they just ignore the extra bits that the new formats have. My software does just that: it ignores all the extra bits, though I suspect that there may be some cases where my software misses completely. For example, the architecture: I believe mine only reads one endian.
But it could be useful for some people. There are already FOSS versions in R and PSPP (I think the R version came from the PSPP code) but they are in C and a Python version might be useful. I wonder if SciPy has it? Currently, it can import via COM, but that is Windows only so of limited application. A pure Python module would have no such restrictions. Scientists using Python might appreciate being able to cut one more string to SPSS so I think I will release it. If anyone here is interested, let me know and it could be the spur that motivates me to release it!
I've started a usability consultancy officially instead of doing work ad hoc. This should be fun as I have to learn marketing very quickly indeed. In the Philippines, I think there is one independent consultant who is serious about the work (ie, has advertising) and a few others who seem to do it as a sideline. However, in nearby Hong Kong, there are two that I can find: Apogee and Customer Input. Looking through Google adwords shows that there is only a small market in HK compared to say the UK. However, we will be operating internationally so the location is of less importance. It does create some difficulties in terms of meeting the clients, but for general applications, I can easily get a good sample of users of varying abilities. It's also about time to put my remote testing experience to, erm, the test.
I'm also toying with the idea of joining the UPA whom I gave a talk for some while ago, but I need to check whether I will get my money's worth. It could be good for being noticed by potential customers.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Gist: In the pursuit of minimally interruptive, excellent CPR, there has an increasing interest in hands-on defibrillation. Mounting literature suggests that external, biphasic defibrillation, with a gloved individual providing chest compressions, is safe (but wear double gloves). The literature isn't conclusive in either direction and this practice hasn't been endorsed by the American Heart Association, allowing providers to make their own conclusions and practices.
The recent paper: Sullivan J, Chapman F. Will medical examination gloves protect rescuers from defibrillation voltages during hands-on defibrillation? Resuscitation. 2012 Aug 25.
I thought this was neat because last year I heard about hands-on defibrillation on this ERCAST episode. I gasped, as this opposed the "all clear" dogma I lapped up in BLS and ACLS. I found the following articles and a good LITFL post.
Why does this matter?
Weingart: hands on defibrillation with biphasic defib and wearing any exam gloves is perfectly safe. No idea w monophasic #ACEP12
— GruntDoc (@gruntdoc) October 10, 2012
The recent paper: Sullivan J, Chapman F. Will medical examination gloves protect rescuers from defibrillation voltages during hands-on defibrillation? Resuscitation. 2012 Aug 25.
- Simulated (lab) study evaluated the voltage needed to cause current flow and breakdown in various exam gloves (latex, nitrile, etc).
- Exam gloves performed differently based on composition (and variably within the composition group). Double nitrile, vinyl, and latex performed best.
- Some single gloves broke down in the biphasic defibrillator range.
- Double gloves leak within the biphasic defibrillator range but only broke down when the voltage exceeded this range.
- The leakage of current in these gloves often occurred at levels below 'the level of sensation.' I.e. a provider may not detect current when, in fact, it is passing through the glove.
- Clinical significance of this is unknown but the authors make interesting points in their discussion, emphasizing that there is likely no ill health effect, by examining the duration of shock, amplitude of the voltage, likelihood of the current's path including the heart, and intrinsic health characteristics of the health care provider.
- There are limitations: these gloves weren't soaked in ultrasound jelly/patient sweat/condensation from cooling packs, weren't stretched out because there were no appropriate sized gloves available in the room, and were likely evaluated for rents.
- Study performed by Physio-Control, producers of the LUCAS chest compression system (Read Dr. Weingart's comment below on this conflict of interest!).
I thought this was neat because last year I heard about hands-on defibrillation on this ERCAST episode. I gasped, as this opposed the "all clear" dogma I lapped up in BLS and ACLS. I found the following articles and a good LITFL post.
- Lloyd M, Heeke B, Walter P. Hands-on defibrillation: An analysis of electrical current flow through rescuers in direct contact with patients during biphasic external defibrillation. Circulation 2008;117:2510-2514 (free full text)
- Evaluated hands-on defibrillation during elective cardioversions/defibrillations.
- Of 43 shocks, none were perceived.
- Leakage current detected but less than the safe allowable leakage amount for hand-held devices
- Kerber R. "I'm clear, you're clear, everybody's clear:" a tradition no longer necessary for defibrillation? Circulation 2008;117:2435-2436
Why does this matter?
- "Good quality CPR" depends on constant, consistent, adequate compressions as well as early defibrillation. Guidelines, training programs, and leaders emphasize no interruptions while recommending defibrillation (a necessary interruption) - a somewhat contradictory set up.
- One of my favorite FOAM professors, Dr. Amal Mattu, brought the following to my attention in the following UMEM pearl: "For every 10 seconds of hands-off time during cardiac arrest, the patient's chances of successful return of spontaneous circulation decreases by 50% due to reductions in cerebral perfusion." (Edelson et al in Resuscitation 2010)
- Chest compression interruptions during CPR are more common than we think. This month's Resuscitation also ran a study by McInnis et al evaluating code leaders perception of error. The most commonly unidentified error? Interruptions in chest compressions (>10 sec), which occurred in 32/40 cases (pulse check and defibrillation were the most often cited reasons although, I think sometimes a lack of awareness/fatigue is more likely the culprit)
- Hands-on defibrillation could aid us in achieving interruption-less CPR! Even if you remove your hands for defibrillation, make an effort to minimize this.
Dr. Scott Weingart's experience: check out this article in Resuscitation, where Weingart discusses experiences with >20 hands-on defibrillations, including some cautionary stories. Pearls: possibly more safe with pads in anterior-posterior position, consider removing hands for brief instant at time of defibrillation.
Note: I recommend discussing hands-on defibrillation with others, particularly those who run codes or are often members of the code team. The middle of a resuscitation is probably not the time to surprise people with your plan to do hands-on defibrillation. Communication is key!


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Binghamton Science Cabaret hosts "Matters of Your Heart"
BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton Science Cabaret will host a discussion on "Matters of Your Heart," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in the Violet Room of the Lost Dog Café. This event is free and open to the public.
Focusing on education for women regarding female heart attack warning signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses, Matters of Your Heart is a program and area of collaborative research between Upstate Medical University, College of Nursing and the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University.
Guest speakers will include Binghamton University Professor Pam Stewart Fahs, along with fellow researchers and co-investigators from Upstate Medical University School of Nursing, Melanie Kalman and Margaret Wells.
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the United States. While overall mortality from cardiovascular disease has been steadily decreasing, heart attack deaths among women 35 to 55 years of age is one of the fastest growing mortality segments and a disparity in the identification of female heart attacks still exists.
Binghamton Science Cabaret offers an ongoing open forum for discussion and intellectual stimulation in an informal café setting. The doors open at 6 p.m. for dining and socializing before the event. For additional information, contact Patrick Lewis at email@example.com.


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Toggle: English / Spanish
Calcium carbonate is an ingredient that is commonly found in antacids (for heartburn) and some dietary supplements. Calcium carbonate overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a product containing this substance.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
See also: Calcium carbonate with magnesium overdose
Tums overdose; Calcium overdose
Products containing calcium carbonate, including
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.
Determine the following information:
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests may be done. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
Because calcium carbonate is considered fairly nontoxic, recovery is quite likely. Chronic overuse is more serious than a single overdose. Few patients die from an antacid overdose.
Keep all medications in child-proof bottles and out of the reach of children.
Raasch RH. Pharmacology of antimicrobials, antifungals, and antivirals. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 155.
Shoenberger,JM. Constipation. In: Marks, JA. ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine - Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2013: chap 32.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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NEWPORT BEACH – Newport Harbor High School officials reacted swiftly after seeing an online post on a student's Facebook page last month that implied a violent threat against the school.
Within hours, three police officers showed up at 17-year-old junior David Bejerano's home and found on his Facebook page a drawing depicting Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants holding a hand-written message: "Kill people. Burn (expletive). (Expletive) school."
Bejerano was immediately suspended for five days, and a school administrator that day urged a transfer to a continuation school, according to his mother, Laura Bejerano.
The only problem? David Bejerano, a special-education student diagnosed with Asperger's-like symptoms, wasn't responsible for the cartoon. A friend used Facebook's "Share" feature to post the image to Bejerano's page, just a week after the Dec. 14 school massacre in Newtown, Conn.
The case – coming at a time when school officials across the nation were on edge and dealing with swirling rumors of violence and threats – has raised tough questions about how schools should balance the rights of individual students against the threat of campus violence.
"It's a horrific accusation that was totally uncalled for and inappropriate," said Laura Bejerano, who works as a special-education student aide at a different school. "My son was blindsided."
David Bejerano said he wasn't even aware of the cartoon until police alerted him to it.
"Maybe 30 years ago, you wouldn't have been as cautious," said Ronald Wenkart, an attorney for the Orange County Department of Education, "but unfortunately in these times, school districts have to be very cautious about threats to schools. It does take a while to sort these things out."
David Bejerano began serving his five-day suspension Monday, the day students returned from winter break.
That same afternoon, Newport-Mesa Unified School District officials met with the Bejeranos and announced the district had wrapped up an investigation and the suspension would be reversed, said district spokeswoman Laura Boss. David Bejerano was retroactively issued an excused absence for Monday.
"The steps that were taken were completely in line with the district's practices and protocols," Boss said. "It's standard practice to implement a suspension when something of this nature occurs."
Laura Bejerano said she believes Newport-Mesa officials only reversed her son's suspension because she contacted district Superintendent Fred Navarro over winter break and forced school officials to reconsider the facts.
About two hours after the image was posted Dec. 20, police were at the Bejeranos' Costa Mesa home demanding that David Bejerano open up his Facebook account, she said.
David Bejerano's Facebook page – a copy of which was printed out by police and reviewed by the Register – shows that the SpongeBob image originated on the Facebook page of a rap group called Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, known for its vulgar lyrics.
The doctored cartoon was "shared" about 375 times, according to the social-networking giant's tally.
During the Dec. 20 visit to the Bejeranos' home, detectives concluded there was "nothing of a criminal nature" stemming from the post and informed the school of those findings, Newport Beach police Lt. John Lewis said.
Even so, Newport Harbor Vice Principal Jack Cusick called Laura Bejerano into his office the same day and issued the five-day suspension. The paperwork accused David Bejerano of having a "possibly threatening drawing" on his Facebook page that "disrupted school activities."
"Student is suspended pending further investigation," the suspension notice said.
Cusick did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Wenkart of the county education department said it is common for school districts to suspend students while they investigate a possible threat.
"I don't know that an apology is necessary afterward, because if there's some information at first indicating there's a threat, that's not the fault of the school district," Wenkart said.
Boss explained that the suspension was issued as school administrators also were dealing with "verbal reports of threats from the student" that had surfaced the day before, on Dec. 19.
"There were other concerns that had been shared that needed to be fully investigated," Boss said.
Laura Bejerano said unsubstantiated rumors had been spreading at the time that suggested her son was planning something sinister. But Laura Bejerano said the rumors originated from other students who regularly tease and pick on her son, and were so unfounded that the school did not even mention them in his suspension notice.
"Rumors shouldn't get him kicked out of school," Laura Bejerano said. "The school is feeding the paranoia – they're trying to point the finger back on David, trying to make it seem like David brought this upon himself."
David Bejerano took a simpler approach to explaining his predicament.
"We do have freedom of speech, do we not?" he said. "I wasn't concerned about getting in trouble for something I knew I didn't post."
Experts who were asked to review this case said the school had a difficult line to walk in responding appropriately.
"There is some stigma that goes with being special needs, that you're more volatile, more impulsive," said Roberto Flores de Apodaca, a psychology professor at Irvine's Concordia University. "We don't know if the school district here acted inappropriately or insensitively or was not well-informed. You can't blame them too much if they erred on the side of being overly cautious."
Laura Bejerano said school officials are intimately familiar with her son's diagnosis and the social challenges that stem from them. David Bejerano meets regularly with Newport Harbor's school psychologist, especially to help diffuse his anger toward students who pick on him, she said. He's also known for wearing a trench coat to school, she added.
"I usually shrug off" being picked on, David Bejerano said. "If they're insulting, I retaliate with words. I use mean words to try to deter them."
The best route that school administrators can take in uncertain situations is to work collaboratively with the parent, said Jim D'Agostino, principal at Orange's Santiago Charter Middle School.
"If I want to have a child removed from a situation, I ask the parent, 'Can you sign your child out?'" said D'Agostino, a former special-education teacher who is writing his doctoral dissertation on parent satisfaction with special-education services. "That's in the best interest of the student and the school."
Laura Bejerano said she would have voluntarily kept her son at home if asked. Indeed, she had pulled him out of school early Dec. 19 after the rumors surfaced about her son, and voluntarily kept him home the next day as well, she said.
Laura Bejerano said she believes the school was trying to force her son to leave Newport Harbor for good.
David Bejerano has received four suspensions since he enrolled at Newport Harbor three years ago, which means his fifth suspension automatically would have triggered a special-education meeting to discuss transferring him to an alternative school, Laura Bejerano said.
David Bejerano said he has a circle of friends at Newport Harbor and is trying hard to avoid altercations with his peers. Except for the Facebook flap, he hasn't received any suspensions this year, his mother said.
Boss declined to comment on Bejerano's standing at Newport Harbor, citing student confidentiality.
Newport Beach clinical psychologist Kate Mack said the school could have done a better job handling the matter. Special-needs students deserve extra consideration, specifically because of their disabilities, Mack said.
"Kids with special needs fall through the cracks with these issues all the time, simply because a school is following a set of rules without taking into consideration the special-needs student's rights to be treated differently," said Mack, who specializes in treating children and adolescents. "He deserved a lot more support than what he got."
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I found this on Perez and just HAD to repost it! It's one of the funniest videos I've watched in awhile (especially being a Twilight and Buffy the Vampire Slayer fanatic!) It's a great mashup … enjoy!
Also – with my friend Tabitha in mind I made a 100×100 graphic (for say, Livejournal) featuring Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). You can direct link it if you want (it's uploaded at Photobucket) or save it if you want to snag it.


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Pioneer DJE-1500-K Professional DJ In-Ear Headphones
"Over the years I have owned and reviewed a number of IEM's and headphones, being a positive person my reviews generally err on the side of generosity. This IEM forced me to go back through my reviews and adjust my ratings. The overall package and sound of the DJE1500 required it to be separated from everything else or I wouldn't be doing it justice. It is the first 5 star rating I have ever..." --dweaver
Comply Custom Wraps
"Comply foam tip should need no introduction at this point, as it has become a norm for many brand name IEM to include a pair of them. But what we are talking here is something new – or should I say something old that has been put to new use - Comply has been selling a special foam wraps called the 'Soft Wraps' for custom hearing aid for a while now. The idea is that, by sticking a piece of soft..." --ClieOS
Pioneer SE-CX8-T Headphone, Bright Copper
" It would be impossible to replicate my first impressions of the Pioneer Superior Club Sound in-ear headphone series. As such, if you'd like my initial reaction, check out myPioneer SE-CX9 review. The short version is that the Bass Exciter in these is clearly a gimmick, but it's a gimmick that works. No IEM comes remotely close to having as much bass impact as the Pioneer SE-CX8 or SE-CX9. If..." --Luckbad
Pioneer SE-CL721-K Headphones, Black/Red
"Overall I really like these IEM's, I purchased them after having tried out just about ever skull candy earbud (which are fine for the price you pay). But, I am an audiophile and my full sized gear and my car gear is just so far superior that I was really missing some decent sound where I could't use my other equipment. So, I decided to look for some good earbuds. After..." --tswmcello
Pioneer DJE-2000 In Ear Headphones Black
" Hi all, I just picked-up a pair of DJE-2000's (they are 30 Ohm) for 299€ in a local shop. I've had them for about 8 hours now ... Why did I pick-up these ... because they where the only nice, high quality and high-end in-ear phones they had in the shop. (I thought of purchasing the Shure SE535, but no shop had them ... maybe I'll get them later .... any input on that?) ..." --CasperBxl
Comply Ts-200 Comfort Earphone Tips (Black, 3 Pair, Medium)
Delivering amazing comfort through a spherical shape, Comfort Ts-200 tips are engineered with super soft memory foam that gently seals the ear canal, providing a superior audio experience and stay-in-ear fit — so you hear music the way it was meant to be heard.
Comply Ts-400
Delivering amazing comfort through its spherical shape, Comply™ Premium Tips Ts-Series are engineered with super soft memory foam that gently seals the ear canal, providing a superior audio experience and a customized stay-in-ear-fit… so you hear music the way it was meant to be heard.
Pioneer Core Audio SE-CL07-K Earphones (Black)
The SE-CL07s let you get closer to your music with high performance portable audio earbuds available in assorted colors to match your personality or lifestyle. This set comes with 4 different sleeve sizes, ensuring a perfect fit into any ear canal, a 10 mm large diameter driver for great bass and improved sound quality, and the reliable Pioneer brand, ensuring lasting quality and durability....
Comply Ts-500
Product Description Comply™ Foam Tips Ts-Series use specialized memory foam with a new spherical shape that allows earphones to comfortably rest in the ear. 30-times softer than the factory supplied silicone tips, Comply™ Foam conforms to the ear canal and remains secure, so active lifestyles won't miss a beat. Ts-Series Special Features: Spherical Shape: Provides improved...
Comply T-100 Standard Foam Tips - 3 Pair Pack
Comply Foam Tips are a premium earphone upgrade that comfortably seal the ear canal to provide high levels of noise isolation and retention. They are made from unique breathable memory foam that is activated by body heat and becomes ultra soft, reducing irritation and fatigue. Once inside the ear, this foam will expand to create a seal, funneling pure sound into the ear canal, enhancing the...


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By Ben Levisohn
Last week, ITT Educational Services (ESI) filed an 8-K disclosing that it was being investigated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to determine whether it broke any rules in how it marketed loans.
The filing, however, hasn't had much of an impact. Shares of ITT Educational Services have dropped just 3.4% this week but have gained 95% so far in 2013. Corinthian Colleges (COCO), on the other hand, has dropped 27% this year, while DeVry Education (DV) has gained 50% and Apollo Education (APOL) has advanced 30%.
So why don't investors care about the announcement? First of all, investors have known this was coming. Second, no one believes it will result in a damaging fine. William Blair's Timo Connor explains:
We view as unlikely a severely punitive settlement against ITT Education from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) related to its continuing investigation of marketing practices on third-party student lending programs, and we believe the risk is a manageable one for ITT. We continue to like the company's competitive positioning in capacity-constrained, growing educational markets like drafting, electronics, IT, and nursing, and believe the stock will distance itself from legacy student loan issues in the coming years…
Connor's optimism also stems from previous penalties assessed by the CFPB: The median fine has been $3.9 million, or just 0.4% of ITT Educational Services market cap, Connor says.
Shares of ITT Educational Services have gained 1.8% to $33.87 today at 1:09 p.m., while Corinthian Colleges has risen 1.7% to $1.79, DeVry Education advanced 0.6% to $35.48 and Apollo Education has ticked down 0.1% to $27.17.


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£121,2919.91 donated to charity in 2013
Raising money for charity while having fun. Dinner Dances, Golf Competitions and Lunches, Sunday Lunches, High Teas & Barbecues. With the value of the food at all events being donated back to the named charity. A large number of charities and local clubs have benefitted from the London Beach Charity Scheme in 2013. London Beach in association with the Savannah Charitable Trust is able to help worthy causes using this scheme and some other special offers such as the golf society day where all money is donated back see Society Golf Days.


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By Tiernan Ray
Shares of Big Data and analytics software vendor Splunk (SPLK) are down $8.14, over 16%, at $41.90, after the company yesterday afternoon beat fiscal Q1 expectations, and also topped consensus with its forecast for this quarter, but offered a revenue outlook for the year that was merely in line, to even a tad below, what the Street had been modeling.
There are no ratings changes today, that I can see, but there are price target cuts, large ones, despite estimates going up, and the bulls are pressed to defend what is clearly a disappointing outlook.
One, Bren Thill of UBS, calls this a "buyers strike" for high-multiple stocks, including Salesforce.com (CRM) and Workday (WDAY). Another bull, Richard Davis of Canaccord Genuity, confesses being "nervous as heck" about being long the name.
Bears point out the shifting nature of revenue, from up-front to "ratable," is a concern, if not a giant one.
All of this, moreover, comes against a background of the company having said earlier this month it would replace its head of sales, ad, Tom Schodorf, with Cisco Systems (CSCO) vet Doug Merritt, which could be a concern for some investors anticipating disruption in the sales effort at some point.
Richard Davis, Canaccord Genuity: Reiterates a Buy rating, and cuts his price target to $70 from $115. "So, put us in the camp of happy, but nervous as heck, bulls on SPLK. The firm continues to execute well and the stock is less epically valued – but it is still eye wateringly expensive on any metric you choose. [...] The reality is that it is quite challenging to predict mid-30's growth and generally deliver 40%. As a firm scales, hiring becomes the primary chokepoint; not because you can't find bodies, but because you end up hiring too many people who are unable to scale as expected. The challenge is that unless you're exceptionally ruthless and willing to fire some people who only started slowly but could have succeeded, you risk scuffling at few years down the road. This "too much sand in the gears" dynamic, at its core, is what caused the 2000 era Internet Bubble stocks to hit a glass ceiling of growth several years before anyone expected. These "wall splats" were particularly unnerving given the plethora of assurances from that era's industry analysts that gigantic TAMs were just five years away." Davis raised his estimates for this year to $412 million and a 1-cent loss from a prior $405 million and a 3-cent loss.
Brent Thill, UBS: Reiterates a Buy rating, but cuts his price target to $56 from $100. "SPLK posted a solid FQ1 beat and raise, but like CRM, WDAY and NOW, the positive news has not been rewarded in this new environment of multiple contraction for high growth software. Fundamentals are still strong, metrics were good for a FQ1, and the magnitude of the beat was slightly above its historical average. Plus, despite an increasing amount of competitive rhetoric from new vendors, SPLK is seeing the same competitors in the field today. SPLK should continue to see multiple years of high growth ahead as they added a proven head of field ops, accelerated quota rep hiring in FQ1 (40% y/y vs. 35% FY14), and the market is still large (SPLK market cap is 1/6 to 1/9 of industry analyst's Big Data TAMs) [...] The price target goes to $56 based on 10.5x EV/Sales in 5-8 Qs. Lower multiple reflects multiple compression in the high growth software comp group." Thill raised his revenue estimate for this year to $410 million from $400 million.
Ed Maguire, CLSA: Reiterates a Buy rating, and an $80 price target. "Splunk's 1QFY15 results were strong as anticipated, but revenue and guidance upside don't appear sufficient to assuage valuation skeptics at this point. What's important to us is that all metrics tracked well, execution is on point, strategy anticipates evolution of the business and emerging competitors more validate the market opportunity than pose disruptive threats. We'd note that a wide amplitude in the trajectory of Splunk's stock is inherent to high-growth companies at a similar stage, as recent pullbacks offer an attractive buying opportunity for long-term investment [...] Splunk's valuation has receded from insane to crazy to expensive as a more sober assessment has returned to the markets across high growth cloud and software names. We'd note that secular winners like Salesforce.com have never been cheap (historically trading in excess of 10X EV/sales in early years) and the lack of profitability reflects investment in sales, domain expertise and products. For management, margin leverage is an opportunity cost but investors need reassurance that long-term vision is intact." Maguire raised his year estimates to $09 million in revenue from a prior $400.6 million, while forecasting a deeper 3-cent loss versus his prior 1-cent estimate.
Shebly Seyrafi, FBN Securities: Reiterates an Outperform rating, but cuts his price target to $70 from $115. "There are a three key concerns that could pressure the stock today: 1.) FQ2/Jul. revenue guidance of $92-94M, with 60-62% coming from license, implies a license revenue deceleration to 28-35% Y/Y, down from 42% in FQ1 and 46% last year. We believe that SPLK (as usual) is being conservative. 2.) The number of deals over $100K was 167, up only 27% Y/Y (down from growth of 69% Y/Y in FQ4 and in F2014) as the company experienced many 5-figure deals partly due to the price change (lowering prices) at the beginning of the year. 3.) Current product billings growth decelerated to 41% Y/Y in FQ1 from 73% Y/Y in FQ4 and 60% Y/Y in F2014 (see Figure 4). We would note, however, that 41% growth is still strong [...] However, we would note that the stock has already experienced a significant correction and we now think that the reward/risk ratio is attractive." Seyrafi cut his year revenue estimate to $407 million from $413 million, but maintains an EPS view for break-even.
Bhavan Suri, William Blair & Co.: Reiterates a Market Perform rating. "Splunk reported solid fiscal first-quarter results, with revenue of $85.9 million and non-GAAP loss per share of $0.04 besting both our and the Street's expectations. We point out that around 25% of license bookings consisted of term and enterprise adoption agreements, versus 16% in the year-ago quarter and 43% last quarter—the revenue from these deals is recognized ratably rather than in period. Given the continued shift toward deals that drive more ratable recognition of revenue, we focus on the billings proxy, which accelerated to 46% growth (up from the year-ago period's growth of 37%) [...] We believe that the continued mix shift to a higher proportion of ratable deals was the key driver of any underperformance versus expectations—and not a change in the dynamics of the business—which gives us confidence that the company continues to witness robust demand. We view the shift to term and enterprise deals positively over the long term given that the transition increases revenue visibility and demonstrates that the company is gaining traction in the enterprise segment." Suri raises his full-year estimates to $406 million and a 1-cent loss per share from a prior $399 million and negative 2 cents per share.
Scott Zeller, Needham & Co.: Reiterates a Hold rating. "Shares of SPLK have reset from their late-Feb high of $95 to the current $50 level, yet are still at 9x EV/CY15 on our latest estimates. With billings growth of +46% y/y and revenue growth of +50% in AprQ, performance revenue growth "decelerated" from last year's +54% and also q/q. Investor expectations for secular favorites like SPLK often demand acceleration q/q and y/y in order to push up valuation, and we did not see a clear acceleration pattern in the AprQ, despite the "beat" and "guide up". Additionally, the uncertainty around license revenue as ratable and term was raised on the call, with management offering that the "mix" needs to be reviewed after F2Q to see if it will follow historical seasonal patterns of an acceleration in 2H. Investors may have been hoping for greater consistency and growth q/q of term/ratable, rather than seeing seasonality [...] The beat and raise for SPLK was notable, and the metrics of 167 deals 100k+, plus a "doubling" y/y of public sector revenue are some of the impressive metrics. We also note the adoption of entry level projects/deals accelerated (as hoped) with the early FY14 price change. Our belief is SPLK's position in Big Data is strong, and its partnerships in Hadoop with Cloudera and Hortonworks should build upon that leadership." Zeller raised his year estimates to $414.9 million in revenue from $400 million, but cut his EPS estimate to break-even from 1 cent per share.


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DIY Wedding Eye Candy + Instructions ♥ Make It Pretty, Make It Personal, Make It with Decorative Rubber Stamps
Lovely, right? This is a pretty stunning project, a GREAT WAY to save money, and in my opinion an even better way to make your wedding yours… not to mention get loads of compliments on your unique talents. You can stamp your monogram on a bag of cookies, or prettify a plain brown paper baggie with a flourish of your choosing. Personally, I think it would be great fun to get a personalized rubber stamp from Pretty Pen Jen for this project. (Below is one she made of a couple's return address.) I cannot WAIT to do something like this for my wedding.
{Pretty Pen Jen via littlewhitebook}
Don't have the stamps or ink? No problem, there are SO MANY PLACES to find exactly what you need, on the internet or in stores, like Michaels craft stores, for example. And various crafty things are on sale there all the time.
Etsy has everything you need to make your project the best project. And by the way, I'm sure you've noticed I mention etsy quite a bit on here, but it's not just because I'm obsessed; it's also because it's so incredibly awesome for finding and doing things like this!
And this, which you can use to embellish a brown paper favor bag, like the one up top:
And check this out – how about making personalized linen ties for your favors?
For a destination wedding, stamps with international themes like this Parisian set are oh so magnificent for adding a little flare to your correspondence:
So, if you're getting into this whole personalization-by-stamp idea, here's my advice on how to get the best results: get yourself some Staz-On stamping ink, a quick-drying ink for stamping projects on plastic, glass, paper, wax paper, porcelain, photographs, metal, vinyl, and more. Pretty amazing stuff. You'll also want the cleaning solution, for any accidents. Everybody makes mistakes, but not everybody can afford to replace whatever it is that's been stamped. Never fear; check it out, in action:
Awe. Some. Ness.
I love this play by play instructional by karaku on Etsy, where you'll find many of the stamps I've mentioned, as well as bushels and bushels of other fantastic eye candy. The steps pictured below are all you need to get started on a project of your own. Seriously, even though I often LOVE professionally done weddings and super pricey decor, when I see stuff like this, I just can't imagine spending bucketloads of dough for something I can make for pennies!!!
I totally encourage a project of this nature. It's EASY, fun and hard not to come out with something beautiful. Go forth and create, my pretties!
Oh, and don't forget the ink! :)


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MERCER -- Joseph Loughrey and his son Craig, 7, were in Twig's Reloading Den for less than a minute on Saturday morning. They turned around almost as quickly as they'd come in when owner Gladys Mohney told them she didn't want to buy the guns Mr. Loughrey was trying to sell.
He'd come to the East Lackawannock gun store to sell his Marlin rifle and 9 mm handgun. Craig, whose parents are divorced, was on a weekend visit with his dad.
Ms. Mohney hadn't even registered the boy, really, when he came in -- he wasn't tall enough to be seen over the counter.
Soon after they left, she heard a soft pop. Ms. Mohney assumed it was hunters in the forest for the last day of deer season. It was only five minutes later, when the store's gravel parking lot filled with ambulances and squad cars, that she knew something was wrong.
State police say Mr. Loughrey, 44, of Sharpsville was getting back inside his pickup truck when the 9 mm handgun went off, the bullet flying through Craig's chest as he sat in a booster seat on the passenger side. He died instantly.
No charges were filed against Mr. Loughrey, and state police Cpl. Douglas Maxwell said he doesn't anticipate doing so.
Mr. Loughrey didn't know there was a bullet in the handgun chamber.
After the shooting, Mr. Loughrey started driving toward the hospital, but he didn't leave the parking lot before realizing that help was needed right away, said Cpl. Maxwell.
Paramedics arrived and began working on Craig in the parking lot.
"All of a sudden they stopped and stood up," said Darrell Howard, watching next door at Howard and Son Meat Packing.
Shortly after the shooting, Amanda Loughrey -- Craig's mother and Mr. Loughrey's ex-wife -- was eating at a King's restaurant in New Castle with her partner, Heather Groeger. The two were taking a break from Christmas shopping for Ms. Loughrey's sons Paul and Jack. All of Craig's gifts had already been purchased.
Ms. Groeger received a voicemail message from state police telling them to report to Ms. Loughrey's parents' house immediately. The two women's first thought was that something had happened to Craig's grandparents, Ms. Groeger said.
Craig lived with his mother and Ms. Groeger in a red house a block away from the Fredonia town diamond, in a house overflowing with pets and Christmas decorations. His stocking hangs last on the staircase, resting against a tank with two turtles.
"He loved his mom more than anything," said Ms. Groeger. Craig would tell his mom, "When I turn 18, I'm going to move to China and become a ninja," she said. For practice, he'd dress up as Batman around the house.
Ms. Loughrey didn't like her son to be around guns, said Ms. Groeger. He was on the autism spectrum, and she worried that he'd confuse reality with his superhero fantasy.region - neigh_north
Erich Schwartzel: email@example.com or 412-263-1455.


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Out of the trailer and into the burbs again...in Plano, Texas. We've got a big house to fill up. Country music says it best: "We're two of a kind, working on a full house."
Married. 31 years old. Conservative Christian. Outgoing. Working to live, not living to work.
View my complete profile
posted by Cat @ 9/24/2004 07:51:00 AM
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Gerald W. Cook
Gerald W. Cook of Richland Center died on June 16, 2013, at Meriter Hospital in Madison following a brief illness.
He was born on May 31, 1926, at Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Fern Sylvia (Roach) Cook. On April 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, Bette Mae Wenholtz in Galena, Illinois, and shortly thereafter they moved to Richland Center where they raised their family and were active in community affairs.
Gerald was proud of his roots on the family farm located on the banks of the Mississippi River near Grand Rapids, not far from the headwaters of the Big River. He enjoyed telling stories about his boyhood and the adventures with his companions on and around the farm and the river. The Mississippi River always was an important part of his life and he and Bette Mae enjoyed traveling along the river to Red Wing and other communities as well as back to Grand Rapids to visit family and friends. Family was the most important part of his life and he dearly loved his wife, sons and daughter, grandchildren, brother and sisters, and extended members of the family. Gerald looked forward to family gatherings at holidays and the occasional reunion in Grand Rapids, Chicago, Madison, Spring Green or Richland Center.
Gerald was a World War II veteran, serving in the Navy from 1943-1947, mostly in the Pacific Theater, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW. After moving to Richland Center, he was a Sales Manager at WRCO AM-FM from 1951-1994. Gerald was active in the Town and Country Presbyterian Church, Masons, Jaycees, and PTA. He served on the Richland County Board of Supervisors and the Richland Center City Council and was active in economic development efforts for the region for many years, including multiple terms on the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. He served on many other boards and committees and was a recipient of awards for his community service.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and sister Connie (Kenneth) Mathew.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bette Mae; two sons, Donald Steven (Kathy) of Oregon, Michael (Linda) of Richland Center; daughter Elizabeth Cupp of Muscoda; as well as 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Gerald is further survive by a brother Dale (Marge) Cook of Rhinelander, a sister Donna (George) Barse of Minnesota, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
He will be missed for his sense of humor, deep affection for his family and inner circle of friends and for his fervent belief in the ideals of the United States of America. The little ones will miss hearing Bubby's woofer and funny stories about the crow and the stump and the older ones will miss the gleam in his eye as he told about a magical moment in the basement of the drug store in Grand Rapids.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 4:00 PM at the Pratt Memorial Chapel. Military rites will be provided by the Local Military Memorial Honors Unit following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Gerald's name be given to the American Legion Flag Park.
The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service of Richland Center is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at prattfuneralservice.com.


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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What's your carbon footprint?
6 comments:
- An Inconvenient Truth said...
Mine is 3.49 tonnes. I'm surprised that I'm still well below the national average since this includes my business consumption (I work from home) and my partner lives in Germany, so typically will fly there 3 times a year.
In fact, much of my footprint (2 tonnes for the home) is probably down to the age of the house, and lack of cavity wall insulation. But obviously it makes quite a difference using the bike for everyday travel.
- 2:46 pm, October 16, 2007
- miketually said...
I'm going to give it another go at home tonight, with gas and electric bills to hand.
- 2:51 pm, October 16, 2007
- eredux said...
Check out this US Carbon Footprint Map, an interactive United States Carbon Footprint Map, illustrating Greenest States to Cities. This site has all sorts of stats on individual State & City energy consumptions, demographics and much more down to your local US City level...
- 3:45 pm, October 16, 2007
- miketually said...
I've seen similar stats before. New York looks really green on those stats, but in reality it exports a lot of its energy production, etc to other states so it's actually much worse.
- 3:47 pm, October 16, 2007
- An Inconvenient Truth said...
In fact, I suspect carbon foot-printing requires more local knowledge than these "universal" tools offer.
The draft eco footprint report for Tees Valley cites food consumption as the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in the north east, no doubt due to our wonderfully healthy local diet. And I'm not just talking flatulance!
- 7:46 pm, October 16, 2007
- miketually said...
There's lots it doesn't ask about. For example, once you've put that you don't own a car, it assumes that your family hasn't used one this year.
- 7:51 pm, October 16, 2007


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"Hokey packaging and ancient gimmicks are no match for good detail on your figure, kid."
"I am a Klingot from Oklahoma in human boy form."
"We came, we saw, we conquered... We, woke up!"
I saw Lando, Cracken, and the pilot last week at Walmart.
Nowhere in your incoherent ramblings did you come anywhere close to the answer. Thanks to you, everyone in this room is now stupider having heard you. I award you no points and may God have mercy on your soul. -Billy Madison-
I found these awhile back, qty 1 of each at WalMart...and never again since. I grabbed all 5 in my excitement but ended up returning Cracken later. Had I not seen them that one time, I would have never seen them.
Plenty of Naboo Soldiers and Quinlan Vos figures to be found, though.
I finally saw them in a store, today... in the hands of some guy who just cleared out the pegs before me.
I predict that the upcoming Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi film will include the word "and." Multiple times.
I also found them today at a TRU, and saw a report of them being spotted at Target. They're really reaching into the backstock!
Got a question for Hasbro? Ask it here!
My Photos and Reviews: SSG Toy Guide
My Star Wars Fan Film: The Lazy Jedi


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Team Star-TREC
FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
About Us / History
Star-TREC is the TEC@LCC (The Early College at Lansing Community College) FIRST® Robotics team. Otherwise known as Team 4294, Star-TREC seeks to impact their team members, as well as the community, by cultivating important skills in engineering, programming, public relations and marketing, teamwork, and leadership through the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®).
Star-TREC (Star for LCC's mascot and The Robotics Early College) was founded on January 4th, 2012, exactly three days before the 2012 FRC kick-off, with only 7 team members. Helped in their rookie year by the Desperate Penguins team from Okemos, and mentors from LCC's main and west campuses, the team won their first district event at Kettering University, and eventually qualified for the State Championship in Ypsilanti and World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. In their second season, 2013, they traveled to three state district events, winning two awards for excellent engineering of a mechanism used to pull their 120 pound robot up a steel pyramid.
The team hopes that through the wonderful experience of FIRST Robotics, they can inspire students to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and introduce them to real-world application of those subjects.
Watch videos from some of our competitions
Achievement and Accolades
- Troy FRC 2013 Xerox Creativity Award Winner
- Bedord FRC 2013 Motorola Quality Award Winner
2012 (Rookie Year):
- Kettering FRC 2012 Winning Alliance
- Kettering FRC 2012 Rookie Inspiration Award
- Northville FRC 2012 Rookie Inspiration Award
- Northville FRC 2012 Highest Rookie Seed
- Northville FRC 2012 Top 9 Team and the Captain of the Seventh Alliance
- State of Michigan FRC 2012 Rookie Inspiration Award
- State of Michigan FRC 2012 Highest Rookie Seed
- State of Michigan FRC 2012 Top 7 Team and the Captain of the Fifth Alliance
- Qualified to compete in FIRST Championship 2012 in St. Louis, MO
- 2012 M.A.R.C Balancer of the Year
Star-TREC is open for all Early College students and is also seeking team mentors in any fields.
Current Sponsors (in alphabetical order):
Creative Synergies Group
FIRST Robotics
General Motors LLC
Holt Rotary Club
Lansing Community College
Zap! Creative Services
Sponsorship can be directed to:
Lansing Community College Foundation
(Star-TREC on memo line)
P.O. Box 40010
Lansing, MI 48981
LCC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization;
All payments/donations are tax-deductible.


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Taken during the WKU home opener against Indiana. 2nd highest crowd attendance in school history!
The WKU afternoon Spring Commencement at Diddle Arena. Colleges graduating from this ceremony include the Potter College of Arts & Letters, Gordon Ford Business College, University College and the Bowling Green Community College.
Western Kentucky University's 166th Commencement ceremony held Dec. 19, 2009 in E.A. Diddle Arena.
A view of the entire Hill, from Pearce-Ford Tower at the southern most tip of the main campus.
A higher vantage point of the newly renovated Hoouchens-Smith Stadium.
The newly renovated Houchens-Smith Stadium at WKU, home of the Hilltoppers
Another view of Big Red Way and the Downing University Center. This one was shot from the top of the old parking structure, and we had some passing clouds that caused the middle section to look dark.
A nice view of Bowling Green and WKU from the 9th floor of Cravens. From here you can see the lower end of campus with a couple of construction projects and a glimpse of the athletic facilities. You can also see South Campus in the distance which is about 2 miles away on 31-W.
Looking north along Big Red Way to the top of the hill.
Western Kentucky VS Miami Lady Toppers Hilltoppers Bowling Green KY View other WKU Panoramas gigapan.org/searchGigapansList.php?keywords=skirtley+WKU Taken with a 13 ft tripod. View more with this tripod: gigapan.org/searchGigapansList.php?keywords=skirtley+13 yeltrik.net Ste ...


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Main Content
- Super soft hunter orange jersey liner with antler Happy U logo
- Sanuk signature Happy U embossed outsole
- Sectioned Mossy Oak print on straps
- Vegan & vegetarian
- Imported
- Footbed made from yoga mat
- Made in the USA
- Brand: Sanuk
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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Web Stories
Rwandan president Kagame to speak, Sept. 21
Posted September 13, 2006; 04:27 p.m.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a central figure in ending the African country's 1994 genocide, will discuss Rwanda's progress in a lecture scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, in McCosh 50.
Kagame's address is titled "Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Africa: The Rwandan Experience."
In July 1994, Kagame led the guerrilla army Rwandan Patriotic Front in capturing the capital of Kigali and ousting the extremist Hutu government, which had organized the killing of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over 100 days. The tragedy recently was depicted in the film "Hotel Rwanda."
Kagame became Rwanda's vice president as part of an agreement ending the Rwandan strife in 1994, then became president in 2000 when Pasteur Bizimungu resigned the post. In 2003, Kagame won a seven-year term in Rwanda's first presidential election since the killings, running on a platform of national unity, economic growth and strengthened governance and justice.
Kagame was born in central Rwanda in 1957 but fled to Uganda in 1960. He became involved in the Ugandan army and received military training in the United States.
The event is being organized by Akwaaba, the African students assocation at Princeton, and is co-sponsored by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, Program in African Studies, International Center and Bobst Center for Peace and Justice.


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NASA STS-129 Shuttle Launch Tweetup: The Impact
My wife and I were 2 of 100 social media users chosen to participate in NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis TweetUp on 11/15/2009. This 2-day gathering of Twitter users began with presentations by NASA technical, media, and astronaut staff, a tour of the Kennedy Space Center property, and a visit to the shuttle from just 1/4 mile distance. The 2nd day we were set up with a private press tent near the giant countdown clock and Vehicle Assembly Building, and watched the shuttle launch from only 3.5 miles away — the closest people are allowed to be when it lifts off.
You can re-live NASA TV's entire 5 hour coverage of the event, including interviews with the TweetUp attendees and the launch.
For the attendees, the return on their investment (ROI) was obvious. Participating in Twitter (a free service) and registering on a web site (also free) resulted in a once- in-a-lifetime experience of being part of a select group allowed to view a launch on site, plus receive lots of press attention. It's safe to say that most of the people were excited just for the opportunity to see the launch up close. Some came from as far away as Britain and New Zealand.
What about NASA's ROI?
From a social media perspective
While the event was run by NASA public relations and social media groups, much of it was set up physically using volunteers and staff personally excited to be a part of it. There were actual costs obviously; the conference room, people's time, the shuttle buses, gasoline, the tent, press kits, etc. This was actually their 5th tweetup, but the first one centered around a shuttle launch. As a social media event it was done very well. They setup a special hashtag (#NASATweetUp), every table on both days had free Wi-Fi and AC power, the front of the room had large displays showing the Twitter feeds, the event was simultaneously streamed to the Internet, and there was an expectation by presenters that people would be actively involved but would be looking at their laptops most of the time. Attendees were treated like press; and received press kits with mission details, CDs of data, and more. More than once NASA made it a point that they were open and would discuss anything at all — after all, it's your space program. Your tax dollars paid for it.
Almost all of the people that participated were selected on a first-come, first-served basis, having little to do with their social media standing, number of followers, or areas of interest. It was driven by the passions of the people wanting to attend. The only exceptions were FOX News, Laughing Squid, and Space Tweep Society, who received specific invitations, which again NASA was very open about.
NASA estimates the 100 people represented over 150k of personal followers. Conversation was so active that #NASATweetUp became the 3rd most popular trending topic on Twitter during the first day of presentations, ahead of the press conference discussions about water being discovered on the moon. By the end of the first week the event had generated over 10.4k "tweet" postings referencing the #NASATweetUP, plus a lot of blog, podcasts, and main stream media content. Speaking for myself, I picked up about 40 additional Twitter followers because of it.
Twitter Traffic Rockets into Space Along With Shuttle Atlantis
Here is where the ROI becomes a bit more obvious
and interesting
First; there's little question whether this was reaching the target audience. While the group was a mixture of diverse people and interests, everyone that went to that web site to register and traveled at their own expense to be there was passionate enough to be the target audience. Also their friends and family would be included in this circle. They didn't have to be paid, so there little doubt to their motivation. Everyone was as excited to be there as the people at NASA were on their first day of employment.
Social Media is about sharing the experience, in whole. While the mainstream press frequently focuses on the downside of the news and mostly attends launches in case there is a "tragedy", the social media press had nothing but excitement and positive things to report. Every moment generated a Twitter/Facebook/FriendFeed/blog post. In fact the interaction with the TweetUp press was so much more involved and positive, that the monitors displaying the mainstream press conference were turned off after about 20 minutes of their depressing questions.
Unlike when the mainstream press posts a single story about a launch, and one about the landing, the social media continued to discuss the events every day for over 2 weeks. Furthermore, because the TweetUp itself was news, generating additional stories, and the people attending were interviewed by their own local press when they returned home, there was more mainstream coverage about this than would have otherwise occurred.
Some of the simplest things, like the massive eagles nest on property, or that an armadillo was spotted living at the Kennedy Space Center visitors complex, made social media news. The human experience, shared.
When the van carrying the astronauts stopped on route to the shuttle so the press area could to wave them off (a NASA tradition), because of the TweetUp it was the largest gathering of people there since Apollo 11 — NASA history in the making.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected ROI results was that in the wake of massive budget cuts and an ending shuttle program, a grassroots organization was created by some of the attendees to help save the NASA space programs. Their main point? With all the wasted government spending, and bailouts of deceptive financial institutions, why remove support from an organization that is actually working well?
There is also a documentary in progress concerning the event, again, being created by one of the attendees.
The TweetUp generated hundreds of additional photos and videos compared to the mainstream press. A large number of friendships also resulted, and I'm sure some NASA staff renewed their energy about working there.
NASA Pushes Social Media Experience to New Heights (press release), also published on RedOrbit
NASA Blogs: Tweet,two,one … Liftoff!
NASA considers the event a success and is planning on holding another one — pehapps larger this time. They are aware the general public views things they take for granted like seeing a rocket launch, talking with an Astronaut, or learning the complexities of putting it all together, as bottled-up treasure that should be shared.
Social Media Coverage
Many of the 100 TweetUp attendees posted blogs and podcasts of the event, relating in their own words their experience:
This is How NASA Will Win the Public Back
The Sociology of Tweeting and How It Affected a Space Launch: The Incalculable Benefits of Social Media on Geeks
STS-129 NASA Tweetup: Return on Investment
NASA Tweetup — Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch — Day 1 and Day 2
Attend a Shuttle Launch In Person — YES!
Birgit Pauli-Haack Photostream
NASA STS-129 TweetUp Photostream
There's also Space Tweep Society post listing many more sources
And there were some social media stories:
Houston, We Have a Tweet: NASA's Latest Social Media Launches
How to Launch an Effective Tweetup: Recent NASA Tweetup Offers Four Easy Lessons for PR
Mainstream Media Coverage
The presence of the TweetUp people was itself news, and caused the mainstream press to extend their coverage of this launch compared to others. CNN made a video and interviewed several of us:
And many media outlets ran stories containing interviews or tweets from our group:
Atlantis Blasts Off On Space Station Supply Mission
Tweeps come from around the world for NASA Tweetup at Kennedy Space Center
Amador County local 'twitters' from NASA space shuttle launch
WSJ: Space Shuttle Atlantis Lifts Off
From a Personal Perspective
I've already mentioned this event caused my Twitter followers to increase, as well as my making many new friends and renewing my interest in space science. I can't imagine not going to another one and doing an even better job of covering it for myself and others. One problem that became obvious to me was that I need to make a few changes to my blog and web site so I can more rapidly publish photo and video material. Things happened very fast.
My launch video was shown on CommandN as a video pick of the week, and my blog entry as a web pick. I also could not resist creating the following 2 photos:
Summing It All Up
The NASA TweetUp is a good example of how and why companies should embrace social media, instead of fearing a lack of control over it. Such control is mainly an illusion, since any employee or visitor with a cell phone in their pocket or eventual access to the Internet can publish a message or photo to thousands instantly. It's better for companies to allow access and address employee issues as they would with any other individual concerns. In many ways, Social Media is exactly what marketing has been complaining they've wanted for years — to be able to target the people most trusted to spread the word about their product to friends and families. The problem is that people are honest and direct about products. Social media is not compatible with deceptive advertising or spin. You have to actually have a great product and earn trust. By participating in social media and hosting events, companies become an active member of the conversation. NASA took shuttle mission #129 and made it as special as #1, generating weeks of positive press and excitement.
NASA is already planning to host another TweetUp. I will try my best to be a part of it!
Syndicated 2009-12-07 13:30:04 from Keith Barrett Online » Technology


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