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Baucus will continue to push ACA
Sen. Max Baucus said Tuesday that he'll retire at the end of 2014, but he could still deepen his already considerable imprint on federal health policy through the rollout of the health reform law this fall and the entitlement battles likely to rage as the debt ceiling deadline approaches this summer.
And Baucus's departure could thrust the gavel of the Finance Committee into the hands of Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a sometimes-rebellious Democrat, just one year after the health care reform law's major programs go into effect.
Story Continued Below
The Montana Democrat surprised much of Washington when word spread that he plans to leave the Senate at the end of his sixth term. He'll depart with a health care legacy that includes writing much of the Affordable Care Act, having a significant role in creating the Medicare drug benefit and more than one confrontation with Democratic leadership.
( PHOTOS: Max Baucus's career)
Baucus told POLITICO in an interview Tuesday that he will "totally stand by" the health law.
"If we had not adopted the ACA, health care costs would be going up at a greater rate," Baucus said. "My basic view is you gotta do what's right."
He added that he still believes that if you do what's right, the public will eventually support you, even if it takes a long time. "That's my view of health care reform," he said.
The retirement announcement comes less than a week after Baucus got blowback from fellow Democrats after he said the health reform law risks becoming a "huge train wreck" if the Obama administration doesn't set it up and administer it properly.
Baucus told POLITICO that he "probably misspoke."
"That was interpreted as meaning I thought the bill was a train wreck. It's not a train wreck. I was not referring to the bill. I was referring to if we don't implement this thing correctly, then it's going to be a train wreck."
He said he spoke with Obama's chief of staff "a couple times" since then on implementation.
But the "train wreck" comment became news. Later that same day, he got another barrage of criticism for being one of four Senate Democrats who helped sink universal background checks on the gun bill, a priority of President Barack Obama.
"I think he was upset about the way he's been treated and frankly, he ought to be," Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, the top Republican on Finance, told reporters shortly after the news broke Tuesday morning. He declined to reveal specifics of his conversation with Baucus.
"He clearly has taken some heat," said Billy Wynne, a partner at Thorn Run Partners who worked for Baucus on Finance. "Washington has become increasingly hostile to moderates and deal makers. Sen. Baucus has been one of the most visible people in those areas."
The week served as a stark portrait of what the next one-and-a-half years might look like for Baucus if he sought reelection: frequent bouts with other Democrats in Washington as he tried to win a Western state that supported Republican Mitt Romney in 2012.
But on Tuesday, Baucus said he didn't want to have to focus exclusively on campaigning in the next year and a half.
"Deciding not to run for re-election was an extremely difficult decision," Baucus said in a statement. "After thinking long and hard, I decided I want to focus the next year and a half on serving Montana unconstrained by the demands of a campaign."


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Obama gets dubbed 'chief lunatic'
President's campaign acknowledges it's in trouble
PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the president's campaign acknowledges it's in trouble of losing the November election, radio giant Rush Limbaugh has dubbed Barack Obama "the chief lunatic" in Washington.
The Obama campaign is now using unflattering polling data in a plea for more donations.
Campaign manager Jim Messina sent out an e-mail last night saying, "According to the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, if the general election were held today, we would lose to Mitt Romney. Let me say that again: According to this poll, if the general election were today, we would lose."
"If the idea of a President Romney scares you, it's time to own a piece of this campaign – donate $3 or more today," he added.
Another poll by the New York Times and CBS has similar results showing Obama's approval rating dropping "substantially in recent weeks" down to 41 percent, and that has political analysts taking notice.
"Obama is in trouble, and there's no pretending he isn't," writes John Podhoretz at Commentary Magazine.
But Podhoretz says Obama's strategy to run against Washington lawmakers may backfire.
"This may be the worst possible time for such an effort," he writes. "Time and again during the past year, Obama has decided to go to the American people with this story to tell: I can't work with these lunatics. And every time he does – during and after the debt-ceiling debacle in particular – he and his supporters are surprised to find the public assigns him a considerable portion of the blame for the inability to strike deals and move forward."
The analysis caught the attention of radio host Rush Limbaugh this afternoon, who said of Obama, "He's the chief lunatic! He's the reason for most of the problems this country has encountered the last three years. Not George W. Bush. Not any predecessor.
"Barack Obama has a record. He's trying to run from that record and pretend that he hasn't been president for three years. If you listen to his campaign, you'll note that. You'll scratch your head and say, 'This guy sounds like he hasn't even been in town for three years.'"
Limbaugh continued: "Now Obama's wondering: 'Look, I'm out there telling everybody I can't work with these lunatics in Congress – Boehner's a nut, they're all nuts – so what do you mean they think I'm part of the problem?'
"Uh, you're president, Mr. Obama, and you are the definition of 'Washington.'"

subset: commoncrawl


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Avira Appoints Travis Witteveen as CEO
Founder Tjark Auerbach Remains Majority Shareholder
Tettnang, Germany --- June 12, 2013 – Cyber-security expert Avira announced today that Travis Witteveen has been promoted to CEO of the company, effective July 1, 2013. Witteveen, who has been with Avira since 2009, was formerly Chief Operating Officer. Company founder Tjark Auerbach, who started Avira more than 27 years ago in a garage in Germany, will remain the majority shareholder.
Since 1992, Witteveen's entire career has been in the security software industry. Prior to joining Avira, Witteveen distinguished himself as Senior Vice President of Sales and Global Operations at F-Secure (NASDAQ OMX: FSC1V) and Vice President of Global Sales at AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG). At both companies, Witteveen was responsible for internationalizing sales and distribution as well as driving global sales growth.
Avira has quietly become one of the largest antivirus software companies in the world with more than 100 million active users and 500 employees worldwide. Avira was recently ranked #1 in technology innovation according to ABI Research; recommended by Consumer Reports for its free antivirus software; cited by OPSWAT as the # 1 fastest-growing antivirus vendor in 2012 and the #2 largest vendor worldwide in 2011; and over the last decade has earned a nearly unbroken string of Virus Bulletin VB100 awards .
"Avira is a healthy growing company, firmly established in the security industry," said Tjark Auerbach, founder and majority shareholder of Avira. "With Travis, I have found a successor who shares my company vision and has the operational skills and industry connections to take Avira to the next level. He also possesses similar values as I do, and a relentless passion to build and do great things."
"For the last 27 years Tjark Auerbach has built a top-notch company with great employees, achieving a leadership position in the antivirus industry. I am honored he has chosen me to continue evolving Avira", said Travis Witteveen. "We have a solid pipeline of innovative technology and solutions, expanding our offering beyond just computers and devices. We have a great team with a strong commitment to the customer. It will be hard work, but we are going to have a lot of fun continuing the growth and success of Avira."
"In the coming months we will strengthen our leadership in the antivirus industry even more. We will expand our portfolio by providing more security and safety functionality across all our customers' internet-connected devices, as well as the services and activities they engage in. I'm excited."
- Sign up to receive news from Avira: http://www.avira.com/en/press-press-distribution-list
- Follow Avira's TechBlog: http://techblog.avira.com/en
- Join the Avira community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/avira
Media Contacts:
Rocket Science PR, for Avira
Rich Mullikin, APR
Tel: +1 415 464 8110 x216
Mobile: +1 925 354 7444
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Flutlicht GmbH, for Avira
Veit Kollera
Tel: +49-911-47495-17
Fax: +49-911-47495-55
Mobile: +49-170-2252603
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Acerca de Avira
Avira quiere que sus clientes "vivan libres" de spyware, phishing, virus y otras amenazas localizadas en internet. La empresa fue fundada hace 25 años con la promesa de Tjark Auerbach de "crear software que haga cosas buenas para mis amigos y familiares". Ahora, más de 100 millones de consumidores y pequeñas empresas confían en la experiencia en seguridad de Avira y su galardonado software antivirus, lo que convierte a la empresa en la segunda en importancia en cuota de mercado a nivel global. Avira proporciona seguridad informática para ordenadores, smartphones, servidores y redes, ofrecida como software o servicios situados en la nube.
Además de proteger en mundo en línea, el director ejecutivo de Avira promueve el bienestar en el mundo sin conexión a través de la Fundación Auerbach, que apoya proyectos de beneficencia y sociales. La filosofía de la fundación es ayudar a que la gente se ayude a sí misma.
Para más información, por favor visite www.avira.com o únase a la comunidad en www.facebook.com/avira.


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WEST CHESTER - Jonathan Lee Riches, a 36-year-old West Goshen man who violated his probation during a December trip to Sandy Hook, Conn., was sent back to state prison Thursday.
Riches appeared before Chester County Common Pleas Judge Jacqueline C. Cody for a probation violation hearing following a trip to Newtown just days after the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Detectives from the West Goshen Police Department notified Riches' probation officer of the violation after Riches posted a video of his trip on YouTube.
In the video, which was shown in court Thursday, Riches is seen attempting to reach the home of Sandy Hook gunman Adam Lanza, but is prevented by a police blockade. The video also shows Riches speaking to dolls with the faces of Adam Lanza and his brother Ryan attached. Early in the video, Riches refers to the dolls as his friends, Ryan and Adam Lanza.
'We are truth seekers, and we are going to find out why Adam was mind-controlled and manipulated to go in and allegedly shoot little kids in Sandy Hook Elementary School, and why this happened,' Riches said.
At that point in the video, Cody ordered a halt to the display, visibly disturbed by its content.
'We don't need to watch what he created,' Cody said. 'I don't need to see anymore.'
During his trip, Riches also showed up at a Newtown memorial claiming to be 'Jonathan Lanza,' an uncle of gunman Adam Lanza. Several media outlets, including the New York Daily News, published Riches' claims that Lanza was taking an anti-psychotic drug prescribed to treat schizophrenia. Several photographs showing Riches kneeling in prayer in front of a memorial were also published by various media outlets.
Riches' attorney, Robert J. Donatoni of West Chester, argued that Riches' videos were a product of an untreated mental illness, and asked Judge Cody to consider a sentence that would allow him to return to a federal facility where he could receive treatment.
'He is mentally ill. I don't say that as an excuse, I say that as a matter of fact,' Donatoni said, arguing Riches would receive better treatment at a federal facility. 'There is very little that can be done on a county level.'
Riches addressed the court and acknowledged his illness, explaining that he is prescribed several medications and that he was not taking them during his trip to Connecticut.
'I have been diagnosed with a mental illness for many years. It's something I struggle with and that I'm working on,' Riches told Judge Cody. 'I need treatment. I have mental issues, I need help.'
Cody listened to Riches' explanation, but in the end was not convinced that his illness was reason enough to excuse his actions.
'You seem like a nice person, but you've done a terrible thing that has affected a lot of people,' Cody said before revoking Riches' probation and sentencing him to 2½ to 5 years in state prison.
Afterward, Donatoni explained that he was disappointed in the decision and felt that Riches would be better served if he was sent to a federal prison with mental health facilities. 'It is not what I was hoping and arguing for. It was obviously significantly more than what the commonwealth asked for. Hopefully there will be some mechanism in the state system that treats the mental illness, because at some point in time he is going to get out again,' Donatoni said. 'I believe he would be better served in a prison setting that has psychological and psychiatric treatment abilities that are much better in the federal system.'
Riches was on probation for a 1997 conviction of wire fraud and identity theft. He has violated his probation at least four times since, according to court testimony Thursday.
Riches' trip also violated his supervised release that followed a 10-year stretch in federal prison for credit card fraud in a separate case. Officials said the federal government has been waiting to see the outcome of the local hearing to address the violation of Riches' supervised release. A federal hearing is now pending.
Riches previously gained national notoriety for his reputation as the federal prison system's most litigious inmate. He filed thousands of phony lawsuits that often named celebrities and other public figures as defendants.
In 2009, the Associated Press reported that Riches was suing the Guinness Book of World Records for attempting to name him as the world's 'most litigious' person. Guinness denied naming Riches as a record holder and the case was later dismissed.
Follow Michael N. Price on Twitter @MikePriceWrites and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michaelnprice
Information from the Daily Local News, www.dailylocal.com


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DJ typing style used to securely distribute music
Making a fist of DRM
A technique used by Bletchley Park cryptographers to identify operators is being applied to distribute musical recordings to DJs securely using the internet.
During World War II, code breakers found that they could identify particular German Enigma operators by their particular style of typing code or Fist. SRI International, a research spun out of Stanford University, found the same approach could you used to identify modern-day typists. US company BioPassword is attempting to commercialise the technology, creating a system that could uniquely identify individuals on the basis of how they type around nine samples of an eight to 16-keystroke password.
Online digital media distribution company, Musicrypt, has applied this technology to incoporate biometrics in its Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS). The first application of DMDS replaces the (expensive) physical distribution of new musical recordings by record companies internally and to radio stations by a secure online distribution system. Musicrypt picked the technology in preference to more recognised forms of biometric authentication - such as fingerprint readers - because it could be used from any computer without any additional hardware, Computerworld reports.
Musicrypt's technology is used to distribute approximately half of all new music releases to radio stations in Canada. Canada's three largest broadcasters, Corus Radio, Rogers Media Broadcasting, and Standard Radio, have adopted Musicrypt's Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS) as an exclusive means to distribute musical files electronically. Musicrypt expended into the US last year. Its technology has been installed at radio stations representing over 35 broadcast chains. In March the firm said its technology had delivered over 3,200 tracks to more than 2.5m destinations. ®


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Just completed a camping trip using several LED headlamps and wondered why there were no other campers using headlamps despite what I believed were clear advantages over flashlights, especially for hiking trails. With a headlamp, my hands were free. Also, the light was automatically pointed to where my eyes were looking at. Plus, the headlamp could be used as a flashlight, as well, anyway.
Why LED? For example, with only 2 AA rechargeable NiMH batteries, the 7-LED headlamp worked from 9PM to 8AM the next morning with power to spare. I brought along a portable Rayovac 1-Hour NiMH battery charger, IMHO the best NiMH/Nicad charger.
The Yukon's Xenon bulb produced a yellowish light that showed trail terrain and texture best. With a bluish LED light, we couldn't tell if the trail had changed from soil to sand.
FYI, here are my impressions of several brands/models of LED headlights for camping and hiking:
Princeton Tec Yukon (not HL): The yellowish Xenon bulb with adjustable angle was the best one for trail hiking, in our view. Also has a wide-angle mode with 3-LEDs for close/medium distance. Best for outhouse duties. Nice balance, with the 3 AA batteries in a rear carrier. The LED mode light was even and wide, best choice for reading. Well built and durable IMHO. Xenon bulb was useful up to 60 feet. LED light was useful to 6 feet.
Petzl Tikka Plus: Light was too bluish for reading trail terrain, and its wide-angle light was too disperesed for good trail definition. However, quite useful for setting up camp due to its wide-angle light. Changing batteries was difficult, even without gloves. Light had alternating blue/brown 'rings' which would be distracting for reading. Seems overpriced IMHO, but the garter of high quality and was very comfortable around the forehead. Plastic may not survive a concrete drop.
No-Name 7-LED headlight: Unusual, uses only 2-AA in a "front" battery carrier. Friend bought at eBay. Neutral white color was useful for seeing trails. Best angle/brightness among all the LED headlamps, but the "cheep" garters (compared to the name brands) made for slightly uncomfortable long-term use. Surprisingly, the two 1800 mAH NiMH AA's powered this light all night, until morning. Light was useful for up to 10 feet.
No-Name 8-LED headlight: Uses 4-AA batteries in a front battery compartment. My head felt unbalanced with this much weight in front. Slightly brighter than the 7-LED. Due to its weight, it was used mainly for stationary duty, and not as a headlamp. Plastic construction may not survive a concrete drop. Only slightly brighter than the 7 LED headlight.
Dorcy 3-LED headlight: This was relatively inexpensive, only
$12. Light output was the weakest among the ones we brought. Was too weak for trail walking or camp duties. No one wanted to use this Dorcy headlight. Useful light only up to 2 feet.
Review Anonymous Poster.


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Stevens Freshmen Jump Right In
The first year of study on any university campus is full of exciting challenges. You discover your passions, hone in on your strengths, find new friends and mentors, and experience tremendous personal and professional growth.
At Stevens, freshman students stand out from the start – intellectually, socially, in the arts and athletics, and within the Hoboken community itself.
Read on about first-year students who took special advantage of the tremendous opportunities at Stevens to excel in every aspect of university life and beyond.
The Leader
Matthew Hunt of Wall Township, N.J. didn't let his freshman status stop him from running for office. As just a freshman, the Mechanical Engineering major was elected by his fellow students to both the Student Government Association (he is a senator) and the Honor Board (he is co-chair of the Bylaw Committee).
Despite a rigorous academic workload – Hunt is in both the Cooperative Education program and the Stevens Scholars Research Program – he also is extremely active in campus life. He competes on the club volleyball team, serves as a member of the Entertainment Committee, and is rushing for Alpha Sigma Phi social fraternity and Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.
"Something I had decided going into college was that I did not want to look back on my graduation day and think, 'I could have done more,'" Hunt said. "At Stevens, becoming involved in campus life was not a difficult process at all. It has allowed me to not only make friends on campus, but also to make the most of my experience."
The Musician
Daniel Aleman of Kearny, N.J. is pursuing a double degree in Engineering Management and Music & Technology. In his free time, he pursues his passion for music by performing with the Stevens jazz and concert bands, working in the pit orchestra for musical theater, and volunteering for WCPR, Stevens' official radio station. Off campus, he moonlights as a live sound and recording engineer.
"I took the initiative to join things that piqued my interests, but advice from upperclassmen and faculty definitely helped," he said. "Joining one activity here starts a domino effect; you soon find yourself in a whole slew of stuff."
He said engaging fully in campus life was an easy way to make the successful transition from high school to college.
"The more you get involved and socialize, the more people you will meet and you'll begin to realize a college campus is more than just a set of buildings and students; it's another home for you," he said.
The Athletes
Elena Piper, a Quantitative Finance major from Chesapeake, Va., is on the varsity swimming team at Stevens, which helped her develop new friendships and balance her time between practice, meets, classes, studying, socializing, and a host of other activities, including the Honor Board, the business organization Phi Beta Lamda, and the environmental club S.A.V.E.
"Stevens is the perfect college if you're worried about the adjustment to a college campus," Piper said. "Most of my friends are on the varsity swim team but my involvement in the Honor Board as well as other clubs has allowed me to meet new people that I otherwise wouldn't have."
Business Technology Management major Gavriella Risman-Jones of New Boston, N.H. came to Stevens after being recruited to join the varsity softball team. In addition to softball, she also works in the Office of Residence Life, and is applying to be a Resident Assistant and tour guide.
"I love the community feel of Stevens," she said. "My professors and teaching assistants know me and make themselves readily available for extra help. Stevens challenges all students, which will only benefit us in the real world."
The Renaissance Men
Jacob Vanderbilt of Davis, Cali., a Chemical Engineering major, has a great many interests, and at Stevens he found a way to pursue them all. His charitable side finds ways to give back through the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. His inner-leader serves on the student-faculty alliance and organizes student activities through the Entertainment Committee. The athlete in him competes with the Stevens Club Baseball team.
"One of the great things about Stevens is that there are people here who will share your interests," Vanderbilt said. "I was surprised at how easy it was for me to adjust, especially living over 3,000 miles from home, but Stevens makes it easy. There is so much to do and so many terrific people to meet that you become comfortable quite quickly."
Charles Shotmeyer of Franklin Lakes, N.J., a Biomedical Engineering major, is also involved in array of groups and activities, including the Student Government Association, the Stevens Club Soccer Team, the Stevens Christian Fellowship, the Biomedical Engineering Society, the College Republicans, and the Stevens Health Professions Club.
"Due to the size and environment of the campus, I was able to find many people who shared the same interests that I have, while at the same time I was able to try things that were not offered at my high school," Shotmeyer said. "The possibilities are endless."
The Performers
Molly Dugan of Morris Plains, N.J. and Trevor Batchelder of Toms River, N.J. spent their freshman years near the stage. Both theater-lovers are members of the Stevens Dramatic Society (SDS), and they have already taken part in several productions.
Dugan, who was in charge of props for the spring musical, is a Mechanical Engineering major who committed to joining the performing arts community during Pre-Orientation, when she met many students who shared her interests, including upperclassmen who encouraged her to join SDS.
"Getting involved on campus exposed me to people I may not have been friendly with otherwise," Dugan said.
In addition to his involvement in SDS, Batchelder also participates in choir and the theater fraternity Theta Alphi Phi. He is also pledging to the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.
"The clubs cover a wide variety of interests and there truly is something for everyone," said Batchelder, a Chemical Engineering major. "On the off chance that there isn't, it is easy to create your own club."
What Can Stevens Be for You?
These Stevens students agree that the freshman experience at Stevens is unique. It is easy to become involved, and there are countless options and opportunities to participate in clubs, activities, sports, fraternities, sororities, academic research and must more. All freshmen need to do is decide what is the best fit for them and then dive right in and take advantage.
"Stevens really does a great job of offering a variety of options for student involvement including clubs, professional associations, volunteer opportunities, fraternities and sororities," said Holly Nelson, assistant director of Student Life. "As students get involved in one campus group, that one activity will usually lead to meeting other students, making friends, and getting involved with more activities they hear about through their friends. The best thing about being a student at Stevens is that if you can't find what you're looking for, you have the opportunity to start a new organization with your peers!"
The Stevens Club Fair – an event which occurs annually each fall semester at which every registered club on campus distributes information, meets with potential members, and answers questions – is one key reason.
"Seeing all of the different options was really the moment that I decided I wanted to be as involved as I could be," Hunt said.
"All of the clubs actively welcome new members so it's easy to join up," Batchelder said.
Participating in Pre-Orientation and Orientation also greatly assists freshmen in adjusting to college life.
"The Pre-Orientation experience made all the difference in the world," Aleman said. "It gave me a family away from home and was an amazing way to start college."
"I highly recommend doing pre-orientation," Risman-Jones added. "I made a lot of friends in those few days who I'm still close with now. I was able to get to know my roommates before classes started, and I was also able to familiarize myself with the school earlier."
They also credit Stevens' relatively small undergraduate population as a huge advantage for freshmen students.
"Stevens is just big enough that you are always meeting new people, which is great for a freshman, but it's small enough that you always run into friends," Dugan said.
"Being with students who are in the same classes, involved in the same things, and have the same struggles as you was truly what allowed me to persevere through my freshman year," added Hunt.
Piper said the physical size of the campus is another asset.
"I love already knowing where all the buildings are and really feeling like the whole campus is just my big home," she said.
Stevens hometown, Hoboken, has also been ranked as one of the nation's best college town, ensuring freshmen have the world at their fingertips.
"There is no better location than Hoboken, and having New York only ten minutes away gives you so many things to do," said Aleman.
"There is plenty to do on campus, in Hoboken, and across the river in New York City," added Batchelder.
And last, the great people at Stevens are perhaps its biggest advantage to first-year students.
"Everyone on campus is extremely friendly and inclusive so I was able to meet upperclassman and other freshman extremely easy," Shotmeyer said. "I was able to talk with upperclassman that had taken classes before and they were able to give me some pointers."
"The upperclassmen, and people in general at Stevens, are really friendly and want to get you on the right track both academically and socially," Vanderbilt said. "This friendliness is what made Stevens my first choice when I was looking at colleges, and it continues to reassure me that I made the right decision."
"The academics here are top-notch, but it's the people that make it really special," added Aleman.
What advice do these stand-out students have for incoming freshmen?
Jump right in and worry about the little things later.
"Keep in mind that the first few weeks of the year will be exciting and nerve-wracking and a little bit scary for everyone, but that's normal, and as the semester continues you'll find your niche," Risman-Jones said.
"Be as open as possible," Hunt added. "College is what you make it, and if you are open to everything happens, it can and will be one of the best experiences of your entire life."
"Your first year experience is really about casting a wide net, catching a lot, and keeping what you like," concluded Vanderbilt. "That way you can continue through your Stevens experience doing things you love with people you enjoy."


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You'd be amazed at the number of couples who get together after meeting up at the VMAs. And of course how many couples reveal their relationships there, doing it Britney & Justin style (although hopefully not in matching denim outfits).
With the show tonight looming, here are some predictions, speculations and out and out rumors about who might show up together, hook up or fall in love at tonight's VMAs.
It seems like they're trying to hide the relationship, with all the fake break up rumors and ducking paparazzi. And Katy Perry is currently scheduled to be seated next to her BFF Rihanna for the show with no loose seats in between. It would be a big surprise if they show up as a couple.
How the f**k am I supposed to concentrate on anything if we don't know for sure if John Mayer and Katy Perry are "on" or "off???"
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 5, 2012
Of course they'll show up together. Would be awesome if he leaves with Taylor Swift and she leaves with Harry Styles from One Direction though. Just saying.
(Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ESPN)
Jack Antonoff of fun. & Lena Dunham
The world has been abuzz that these two are a couple after Antonoff and his sister Rachel collaborated with Girls' writer/director/creator/star Dunham. Don't expect to see them walking a red carpet together, because fun. take that on like a band — it would be a shocker if they let girls invade. But…maybe she'll occupy the seat next to him tonight?
Unfortunately it's probably not going to happen as Ellie is in the Germany promoting her new album the last time we checked. But…anything could happen, right?
Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose
Could this couple stop Kanye & Kim from showing up to the show? Could it cause some kind of red carpet snub? Better yet, a brawl? Or a lady catwalk off? Fingers crossed.
No way will they show up as dates, especially since Brown still has a girlfriend, but they're known for sneaking off to hang out. Or hook up? One of the biggest questions of the night is swirling around if they'll give the world an on-camera together moment.
Carly Rae Jepsen and Max from The Wanted
They're both single and Max says she's a sweetheart. Although we think Jepsen is more of a "I do not hook up!" kind of girl.
*smashed I mean haha! @carlyraejepsen
— Max George (@MaxTheWanted) August 17, 2012
Calvin Harris and Rashida Jones
He's performing all night so if they get together at all it will have to be at an after party. We dig the low-key pair-up. And they're both really funny!
Niall Horan of One Direction & Demi Lovato
They swear they're just friends. Friends who hang out and sometimes Tweet each other. Friends who just happen to both be performing at the VMAs. Time to make it more than friends?
@ddlovato just seen the funniest clip from the new @thexfactorusa of you and simon!
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 6, 2012
@niallofficial thank you sweet stuff! 🙂
— demetria lovato (@ddlovato) August 21, 2012
Rihanna & Drake
JUST LET IT HAPPEN ALREADY. We wanna see RiRi back with Drake for some real life "Take Care."
(Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Nicki Minaj and Donald Gover of Childish Gambino
It would be a multi-colored make out and they both look like they smell really nice. They could totally be the next gen Jay-Z and Beyonce.
Think of the collaborations. The remixes. The perfect perfectness.
Just because it would make so many blogs so angry.
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Throwback Thurs! I Finally Get A Picture With Nicole Kidman! SO EXCITED! The Paperboy Q And A! Autographs! Photos! Swooning!
April 7, 2016 Fanboying!, Q and A, Reviews, Throwback Thursday
I've been in a Moulin Rouge mood as of late. In fact, I was just about to watch it last night when all the power went out. There was an explosion and almost 10,000 people were without power. Doh! I wasn't alone I guess. But it did


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Colonel Fred Johnson
Colonel Fred Johnson received his commission as an infantry officer from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1985. Colonel Johnson's first assignment was as a rifle platoon leader with 2-22 IN in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. He then served as Battalion S1 and commanded B/ 3-187 Infantry at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Colonel Johnson served as an Observer/Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, and later as an operation's officer for the Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon completion of the Command and General Staff College, Colonel Johnson served as the Battalion S3 and XO of the 1-314 IN (Training Support) and then again as the Battalion S3 and XO of 4-31 IN in the 10th Mountain Division. After an assignment as the senior training support advisor to the 3-124 Infantry of the Florida National Guard, Colonel Johnson commanded 2-39 Infantry at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He then served as the Deputy Brigade Commander and Commander of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Provisional) in the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Lewis, Washington. Colonel Johnson will take command of the Accession Support Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the summer of 2009. Colonel Johnson's operational deployments include Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, JOINT ENDEAVOR in Bosnia, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Colonel Johnson holds a B.A. in Sociology and Government from Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina, and a Masters Degree from the Command and General Staff College. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College Class of 2009.
*The above information may not be current. It was current at the time when the individual worked for SSI or was published by SSI.
SSI books and monographs by Colonel Fred Johnson
Arrowhead Ripper: Adaptive Leadership in Full Spectrum Operations
June 10, 2009
Authored by Colonel Fred Johnson.
The question of "whether formations and units organized, trained, and equipped to destroy enemies can be adapted well enough and fast enough to dissuade or co-opt them—or, more significantly, to build the capacity of local security forces to do the dissuading and destroying"--is central to the on-going debate over whether the Army has the proper structure and training to perform full spectrum operations.


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Eligibility for allowances, differentials, and transportation agreements is determined by the type of appointment and location of residence at the time of appointment. Selectees will be advised of their eligibility for allowances, transportation, and other benefits at the time an offer is extended.
Salaries are comparable to salaries for similar positions in urban school jurisdictions having a population of 100,000 or more in the United States. Teachers are paid on seven (7) different academic salary lanes (ASL) which reflect degrees and graduate course work completed after each degree. The current ASL's are bachelor's degree, bachelor's plus 15 semester hours, bachelor's plus 30 semester hours, master's degree, master's plus 15 semester hours, master's plus 30 semester hours, and doctorate degree. Service increments or steps are provided to recognize years of verified experience up to the allowed maximum. To access the most recent educator salary schedules, reference our compensation home page.
A voluntary health benefits program is available for all eligible government employees. The government shares the cost of the basic plan. For complete information about this program, reference the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) home page.
A low cost insurance plan with several options is available to eligible employees. The government shares the cost of the basic plan. For complete information about this program, reference the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) home page.
Eligible employees are covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-part retirement plan consisting of Social Security Benefits, FERS basic benefits, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). For complete information about FERS, reference the FERS home page.
For complete information about TSP, reference the TSP home page.
A Living Quarters Allowance is paid to eligible employees by the U.S. Government to help defray rental and utility charges when housing is rented on the local economy. Government housing may be provided in some overseas areas without charge. Unaccompanied personnel may be required to share government quarters. Extended stays in temporary housing may be necessary at some posts while awaiting suitable housing for the employee and family. Generally, only applicants hired while living in the United States are eligible for a Living Quarters Allowance.
Tours of duty are one or two school years depending on the area of assignment.
Selected applicants must sign a Transportation Agreement to commit to remain overseas for the tour of duty. Transportation is provided for eligible employees, their family members, and household goods to and from the overseas area. Upon successful completion of a tour of duty, employees may commit to another tour of duty and be granted travel to and from the United States at government expense.
Selected applicants are also required to sign a mobility certificate indicating that they understand and agree to be reassigned to other school positions, for which they are determined qualified, at any location within the DoDDS system.
Shipment and/or storage of household goods and personal effects are at government expense for eligible employees. The weight allowances vary according to location and will be determined at the time of processing.
The shipment of a privately owned automobile at government expense may be authorized in certain areas. There may be restrictions on model, size, year, and country of origin of the vehicle.
The shipment and quarantine of pets are at the expense of the selectee. These expenses can be quite high. Pets are not authorized entry into some areas. Some countries impose lengthy quarantines on pets.
Applicants should be prepared to use the medical and dental services of the host country. Military dispensaries may be available to provide emergency services in some locations, but the nearest military hospital facilities may be located some distance away. Medical care at overseas military treatment facilities is limited. Mental health care professionals are generally not available in the military medical units and host nation mental health professionals usually do not meet the needs of Americans. Individuals or family members with behavior disorders or requiring psychiatric or mental health care should not travel to overseas areas. Internal medicine practitioners and cardiologists are generally not available in military health care units. Military and foreign country pharmacies may not stock medicines or prescription drugs that are available in the U.S. Teachers must pay for all prescriptions filled at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). The MTFs pharmacy rates are comparable to rates in the United States. Applicants must determine whether adequate medical care is available in the country concerned prior to accepting an assignment if they or their family members have medical problems or require medication. Military dental clinics are usually only available to provide emergency services.
The Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) provides education including special education to the children of DoD civilians who are eligible for services from DoDDS. Students must meet DoDDS criteria for special education. Services are provided based on an Individualized Educational Program. Most schools are not staffed for all disabilities although DoDDS staffs schools in specific locations for a full range of disabilities. Prior to accepting a position, applicants who have children with significant disabilities (i.e., blindness, deafness, severe mental retardation, serious emotional impairments) should ensure that the child's educational need can be met at the location of the job. Applicants may review the DoDEA Special Education web page for more specific information on special education services overseas.


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College graduates may have $27,000 worth of student loans to worry about, but at least they have this small source of comfort: bigger paychecks for life.
But what about college dropouts? They're another story: Is it worth spending thousands of dollars on a degree you never actually finish?
In fact, new research shows that even getting half a degree may be better than none.
Students who don't finish their degrees still earn up to $8,000 more per year than those with just a high school diploma, according to a report by Washington, D.C.-based think tank, The Hamilton Project.
That adds an additional $100,000 worth of income over their lifetime -- for a total 9.1% return on investment. To put this in perspective, that's three points higher than the average annual stock market return and seven points higher than returns on U.S. Treasury bonds.
Not surprisingly, ROI only gets higher the farther students advance in school.
Bachelor's degree-holders earn about $30,000 more per year than high school graduates ($500,000 over a lifetime) and $32,000 more than individuals with only some college.
By The Hamilton Project's estimates, that adds up to a 15% annual return on investment.
To be fair, subject matter plays a big role in college ROI, whether you graduate or not.
Studying art history for a year and then dropping out likely won't net the same lucrative job prospects as, say, economics. And where you wind up working plays a huge role in determining whether you'll be able to pay down any debt incurred along the way.
According to Bankrate.com, advertising degree-holders need just six years to pay back their student loan debt, compared to teachers and librarians, who typically need more than 20 years.
If you're deciding whether to enroll in a higher education program, keep your future ROI in mind.


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FRIDAY, Oct. 14, 2011 (HealthDay News) -- Elevated blood levels of a central nervous system protein can help doctors identify newborns with brain injuries caused by a lack of oxygen, according to a new study.
Monitoring levels of "glial fibrillary acidic protein," or GFAP, can also help doctors assess the effectiveness of a body-cooling therapy meant to prevent permanent brain damage in these infants, Johns Hopkins researchers said.
GFAP is specific to central nervous system cells that are crucial to the brain's structure.
The Hopkins team examined GFAP levels in 23 newborns who were born between 36 and 41 weeks' gestation and diagnosed with clinical oxygen deficiency to the brain (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE), and compared them to babies without brain injury who were born at the same length of gestation.
HIE affects one to eight newborns per 1,000 U.S. births and can cause death, developmental delays, mental retardation or cerebral palsy.
The researchers found that GFAP levels were significantly higher in newborns with brain damage caused by oxygen deficiency during the first week of life.
"GFAP, a circulating brain-specific protein, is already measured in adult patients after stroke, cardiac arrest or traumatic brain injury in an effort to provide a prognosis for survival or brain damage," Dr. Ernest M. Graham, an associate professor of gynecology and obstetrics and a maternal-fetal medicine expert, noted in a Hopkins news release.
"Now we know this biomarker can serve as a valid predictor of disease, injury evolution and outcome in newborns," he added.
The highest GFAP levels were found in infants who had abnormal MRI brain scans and who underwent whole-body cooling, a three-day treatment that lowers the body temperature to 92.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Even though cooling therapy decreases the risk of death and neurological damage in newborns, it is far from perfect therapy, and its effectiveness varies from baby to baby," co-investigator Dr. Allen Everett, a pediatric cardiologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, said in the news release.
"We don't really know for sure if during the 72 hours of cooling the brain is actually recovering. Biomarkers like GFAP can remove that uncertainty by telling physicians how the brain is responding, allowing them to tailor treatments accordingly," Everett explained.
One expert agreed that it's often "difficult" to spot newborns at risk.
"Diagnosis of neonatal encephalopathy and identification of eligible patients for hypothermia therapy can be challenging," said Dr. Elena Wachtel, director of the Neonatal Comprehensive Care Program at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City.
Wachtel, who also directs the hospital's Hypothermia Program, said the new study results contain "very important and exciting data." She said it might "assist neonatologists to accurately identify eligible infants for hypothermia therapy, measure treatment efficacy and assist in providing prognostic information to the families." However, "further research is needed to determine if GFAP level can also predict the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome," Wachtel added.
The study was published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
More information
BirthInjury.org has more about hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.


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MS Tanzwerk
..."An explosive finale: The German-Swiss troupe MS-Tanzwerk enchanted the public with expressive choreography to close this years Schrittmacher /Pacemaker Festival."..."The piece called "Mental Maps & Patterns" ... a wonderfully irritating challenge to any and all festivals."..."This kind of well thought-out, sensuously consistent dance form is precious, as the randomness of dance everywhere else has made painfully clear."..."Mit der deutsch-schweizerischen Truppe ms-tanzwerk hatte der Veranstalter auch diesmal wieder das richtige Händchen bewiesen."..."Krönender Abschluss mit der faszinierenden Kompanie ms-tanzwerk im Ludwig-Forum."
...solche Art durchdachten, sinnlich-konsequenten Tanztheaters ist kostbar, wie die Beliebigkeit von Tanz allerorten schmerzhaft spürbar macht.
Since it was founded in 2000, the young and innovative dance troupe known as MS-Tanzwerk, whose artistic and production directors are Mario Heinemann and Sophie Jaillet, has presented three successful productions nationally and internationally. The uniqueness of Cie MS Tanzwerk lies in the combined work of the two gifted artists, who complement each other very well. This combination bears fruit in audacious and uncompromising productions of incredible precision, in sensuous sequences of movements, and extraordinary choreography. "Blind Date" was, for example, honored with the Excellence Award for Choreography at the New York Fringe Festival. "Mario Heinemann is a sensitive choreographer with a broad dynamic spectrum. His works are socially defined and for him art is bound up with societal accountability."
Fringe NYC has numerous dance events, but surely none will achieve the cool perfection of "Blind Date - Body Theater" (…).


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Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Cisco Wireless Network for the Apple iPhone 5 & Other Dual Band Smartphones
Last week Apple dominated tech headlines when it announced details of the iPhone 5. With its release today, thousands of fans will line up across the globe to be the first to try the new smartphone.
There have been a number of iPhone improvements, but the one I find significant is the fact that the iPhone 5 will have dual band Wi-Fi. This means that in addition to supporting the 2.4GHz band, it will now support the 5GHz band. Why is this significant? Well, the iPhone joins a number of other smartphone vendors who now have products capable of operating in both the 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz) and 802,11a/n (5GHz) Wi-Fi bands. Other vendors that stack up include Samsung's Galaxy S III and HTC's One X.
Why is this 5GHz important? There is certainly nothing wrong with the 2.4GHz band. Both bands are unlicensed in most regions of the world. However, with the proliferation of devices due to the growing BYOD trend, the 2.4GHz band is getting real crowded. Remember: the 2.4GHz band only has 3 non-overlapping channels available. Think about it: all these devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and access points are competing for the available bandwidth while interference increases. In short, the 2.4GHz band just doesn't have enough capacity for all these competing devices.
We've all read the recent articles written about the iPhone 5's improvements and new features; let's have a conversation around how the iPhone 5 will affect business users, and how the right network can improve the performance of the device.
With a predicted 27 million iPhone 5's expected to sell in September, we can expect the BYOD trend to continue. We know that come Monday September 24, there are going to be a lot of iPhone 5's walking through your office door.
With this in mind, I wanted to share how a Cisco wireless network will help your business get the most out of your new smartphones. Cisco technical marketing manager, Jameson Blandford, shares his top 5 reasons why an optimized Cisco network will allow your smartphone to work to its full potential.
Jameson's Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Cisco Wireless Network for the Apple iPhone 5 & and other dual-band smartphones:
1. BandSelect for Clean 5GHz Operation
The BandSelect feature keeps previous generation iPhones on the legacy 2.4GHz spectrum while enabling the new dual-band iPhone5 to utilize the cleaner and less crowded 5GHz spectrum, which has less interference, more available channels and higher speeds.
2. ClientLink Beamforming and Cisco CleanAir for High Data Rates
The ClientLink 2.0 feature on the Aironet Series Access Points utilizes per-subcarrier ODFM beam forming for any 802.11n client, which means that the iPhone5's 40MHz capable chipset can remain closer to its maximum data rate of 150Mbps. ClientLink 2.0 can also help when there is a mixed client network where legacy 802.11a/g devices can also benefit from a more efficient data rate. In addition to ClientLink 2.0, Cisco's CleanAir feature automatically detects and avoids devices like cordless phones, microwave ovens and video cameras that can cause interference and reduce data rates.
3. Airtime Efficiency for Multiple Clients
Cisco's custom packet scheduler allows the Access Point to serve multiple clients fairly using a round-robin algorithm. In order to ensure that airtime is used most efficiently, the system will maximize the number of packets that can be aggregated to each client.
4. 5GHz Dynamic Frequency Support for Capacity
Cisco allows the use of all possible 5GHz channels as permitted by the regulatory domain by supporting nine 40MHz-wide channels in the 5GHz spectrum. Without DFS (dynamic frequency selection), alternative WLAN infrastructures only support four 40MHz-wide channels
5. Bonjour Services Directory with Device Discovery*
Specifically for the Apple devices in your network, the Cisco Bonjour Services Directory functionality enables cross-subnet service discovery for devices like an Apple TV or AirPrint-capable printer. The feature also includes packet optimization capabilities that reduce Bonjour network traffic.
So if you are one of the many that will be lining up for the iPhone 5, consider how your network can affect the performance of your newest device. Given the sea of devices thanks to BYOD, it is increasingly important to remember that devices will only reap increased productivity if they are properly connected. Only the right network can optimize those benefits.
If you want to hear more, please visit us at Interop New York on October 1-5th.
To learn more about Cisco Wireless Networks follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
*Bonjour Services Directory to be release in Q1CY2013.
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.
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NOAA ARL (Air Resources Library)
Posted April 25, 2002,20:41
Institution: NOAA
The Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), conducts research on processes that relate to air quality and climate, concentrating on the transport, dispersion, transformation, and removal of trace gases and aerosols, their climatic and ecological influences, and exchange between the atmosphere and biological and non-biological surfaces. The time frame of interest ranges from minutes and hours to that of the global climate. Research in all of these areas involves physical and numerical studies, leading to the development of air quality simulation models. ARL provides scientific and technical advice to elements of NOAA and other Government agencies on atmospheric science, environmental problems, emergency assistance, and climate change. For more information about ARL see our Strategic Plan and our History Document.
Copyright ©2002-2007 Ocean-Modeling.org. All rights reserved. Webmaster


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Our land drilling rigs offer market-leading power, precision, and rig design. Our innovative technology packages, when integrated with our drilling equipment, drive significant performance improvements, giving you an edge in today's most challenging drilling environments.
Understanding that flexibility in the field is critical, our land rigs can be rigged up and down with ease and speed. We've designed our rigs to succeed in difficult drilling conditions, letting you drill for oil or gas when and where you need to with confidence. When you choose NOV, you're backed by an organization with more than 170 years of drilling experience, and as the OEM, we understand your needs and your equipment better than anyone else.
We integrate our advanced rig technology, such as the NOVOS process-automation platform, with rig equipment to ensure you can effectively manage hardware and software in a way that enables scalable control, monitoring, and optimization of drilling operations across your fleet. Using NOVOS allows your drillers to focus on what's really important rather than menial, repetitive tasks, making every driller the best driller.
If you need rig refurbishment or rig services, visit our rig upgrade page at www.nov.com/upgradepacks or www.nov.com/fleetcare
To view additional information on components of our land drilling rigs, visit these links and/or watch these animations:
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ShopPTA.com sells official PTA and PTSA logo apparel, membership items, awards, gifts and more. All products are offered through each of the participating State PTA organizations.
To start online shopping, please first CLICK ON your State PTA
Alabama - Alaska - Arizona - Arkansas - California - Colorado - Connecticut - Delaware - European PTA - Florida - Georgia - Hawaii - Idaho - Illinois -Indiana - Iowa - Kansas - Kentucky - Louisiana - Maine - Maryland - Massachusetts - Michigan - Minnesota - Mississippi - Missouri - Montana - Nebraska - Nevada - New Hampshire - New Jersey - New Mexico - New York - North Carolina - North Dakota - Ohio - Oklahoma - Oregon - Pennsylviania - Rhode Island - South Carolina - South Dakota - Tennessee - Texas - Utah - Virginia - Washington - West Virginia - Wisconsin - Wyoming
Whats new at ShopPTA.com
Promote Your PTA
We have made it even easier for you to advertise for new members. Our Promote Your PTA products have expanded in more items and more designs. If you have not seen all all of our coordinated membership marketing material - check them out now!
2018-19 Reflections Awards
Most of our PTA Reflections Awards change each year with the new theme. This year's theme HEROES AROUND ME is reflected on the trophies and certificates. This is a great way to ensure your students don't receive the same award year after year. All 2018-19 awards have just been added online, so check out this years new stuff.
Red Ribbon - Drug Prevention Signs & Supplies
We added several new drug prevention items with a new "Awareness Animal" line. We have posters, banners, lawn signs, bookmarks and stickers all printed with cute animal photos and important "Drug Free" messages. If your PTA or PTA celebrates Red Ribbon Week - then you need to check out all our new items.
Is your state not listed? - NO PROBLEM - just select a nearby state. You still can purchase anything from our site, but you can only order through a participating State PTA authorized store.
If you are part of the leadership in State PTA and you are not listed - we would love to add you! For more information to have your state be included, click here.
Love the Service!
I have been totally impressed with the professionalism and quick turn-around time I experienced with Kustom Imprints. We had a huge order of shirts, buttons and ribbons and everything was provided quickly, accurrately and at a reasonable cost. I would definitely use them again.


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Martha Rich may be new to the MFA faculty but she is no stranger to teaching, illustrating, exhibiting and inspiring others to create. Check out this great interview with Martha, where you can hear the love for being around and making art. http://kipiboo.blogspot.com/2013/01/liberating-rebel-interview-with-martha.html
Martha's energy is contagious, and we are so happy to have her with us. Welcome!


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Create an Enterprise account to access rich information on company shareholders, directors and beneficial owners.
Visit our plans page or contact us directly to learn more.
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DueDil provides access to company information via a Free Account, Enterprise package or the API.Sign up for a free account today.


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The Story So Far
For the benefit of those joining us, you are reading the second instalment of a six part blog which tracks the antics of a developer hoping to win a $10,000 prize by creating a Windows 8 Metro app from scratch to take full advantage of a technology-packed Ultrabook. Last time I introduced myself and the technology I would be using, leaving details about the app itself cloaked in mystery.
So What Exactly Is The App?
The Love Hearts® app makes it possible to quickly create media messages on your Ultrabook and send them to your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Email and App-To-App.
|A Love Hearts Sweet
The message can be tailored to include text, camera, photo album images and even your own doodles using the built-in art tool. The app then builds the message as a single image and sends it to your friend. If you send it to a friend who has the Ultrabook app installed, their device will notify them that they have a message and will present that message when they open their Ultrabook.
The App-to-App is an opportunity to experiment with a special feature of the Ultrabook called Always On Notifications. The idea is that when you close your Ultrabook, the app runs in low-power mode, and if someone sends you a new Love Hearts message, the Ultrabook will 'ping' you, even when closed. You can then open it up, and see the message running in the app.
|Send messages any way you like
In addition, the app has a collection of daily surprises. For each day you own this free app, you are awarded a 'surprise sweet' which when tapped will open up to reveal what it contains. If you don't like the wrapping, you can swipe it away and look at another one. When you see the one you like, you simply tap to unwrap.
|Some of the actual Love Hearts(r) sweets
The surprise can be any number of things, from simple games, to pieces of puzzle that you can later assemble, or additional gadgets and tools to improve the messages you can send. Messages sent direct to another Ultrabook will additionally include music, sound and animation effects, all to make that message that little bit more special. And to show you really care, you can include a sweet you have already unlocked in your message, which might be a game you quite like, or a vital piece of your friends puzzle.
So how does it make money?
No app is complete without a monetisation strategy, and no developer is complete without a freezer full of pizzas.
If you don't wish to wait and prefer to unlock more than one sweet per day, you can buy 'Love Credit' top-ups, allowing you to unlock as many sweets as you like. I am toying with the idea that the daily credit is cumulative to encourage repeat usage. How to make your app pay is a little bit like alchemy, knowledge only takes you so far.
So What Will Make It an Ultrabook App?
It's a great question and one that I will be wrestling with for the next few weeks. From using the Ultrabook over the last few days, I have gained a sense of what it does well and how it wants to deliver an app experience. Selecting tiles gracefully unfolds the app for you. Switching between Desktop and the Start page is slick and untroubled. I'm not left waiting for anything, and after an hour of playing I knew where everything was.
|The new Windows 8 start screen
My gut feel is that the app should be an extension of this experience. I should be able to operate the app entirely from the touch screen, swiping and touching my way through every feature. If my keyboard fell off tomorrow, my app should carry on regardless. In practise, the full range of the accelerometer can only be enjoyed by putting the Ultrabook on my lap, but I have noticed the Z axis works great when I lift the keyboard up from the front, something I would never have thought without playing with the device itself. As I continue using the Ultrabook, I am sure more insights will emerge, and I am keen to see how pre-installed apps are making use of other sensors like gyroscope and ambience.
And What Does It Do Right Now?
In anticipation of this question, I asked our tomb raiding, whip cracking coder Steve to knock up a version that I could demonstrate. Please excuse everything you see right now, and try to see past the app to a much better app buried deep within.
To protect ourselves from law suits, and to avoid strange looks in café's, we've decided to remove the requirement to pick-up and shake your Ultrabook. Instead, we've added a much nicer swipe gesture. In 3D, this will completely spin the packet in the direction and speed of your gesture so you get a real tactile experience right from the get-go. Your reward is a lovely wrapped sweet. The first one is by way of a tutorial and you are asked to 'tap to unwrap it'. This will open the sweet and it gets added to your collection which is displayed at the top of the screen.
|Sweets you own appear at the top
The tutorial continues into this freshly unlocked feature; a tool for designing and sending custom messages.
|Have fun creating a custom message
As you can see, you can make some crazy media messages very quickly and with a single touch, the app sends it to your friend. A friends list will be added in a week or so.
Back in the main screen, you are free of the initial tutorial and you can use the app as normal. Swiping the packet will again spin the 3D model and a new sweet will fall out and float to the foreground. The sweet is supposed to be wrapped so you don't see what's inside. If you don't like the shape, colour or style of the wrapping, you can swipe to fling the sweet away and it will curl its way back into the packet, and the packet will obligingly push out another sweet. It just so happens in this demo the next 'wrapped' sweet looks fine so I tap to open and it gets added to my collection. I now have access to this sweet any time I like, and tapping this one reveals a game menu, with the game I discovered highlighted as available. In this demo, I can also play a bare bones version of this side scrolling game of skill.
|An early screen shot of the game 'Wings Of Love'
Returning to the main screen, I can continue to swipe and spin the packet, and each time I do I am spending those most precious Love Credits. When I run out, I cannot have any more spins. The good news is that everything I unlocked I keep, so whether it's playing the game again for a better score or sending an amusing message to a loved one, the app will be there for you. Better than that, each day you visit you get a free spin and a surprise to brighten up your day. For a complete list of surprises we have in store for you, you'll have to play the app to find out!
Starting With Windows 8
Hopefully no-one has trademarked the word WINRT by the time this blog goes out, and I can explain what it is and how to use it before someone changes the name. Before I can present my app in all its glory, I first need to get to grips with the new programming paradigm of Windows 8. That is, try to get "Hello World" running on my Ultrabook.
|Windows 8 boot time is very quick
Writing an app from scratch using the templates provided by Visual Studio Express 2012 is simply a matter of studying how they work, and tweaking enough bits until you've got your own program. Trying to port a years' worth of Win32 C++ engine code and squeezing it into the template is going to be trickier. Step one is selecting the right template to start from.
|New Project:Visual C++:Windows Metro style:Direct3D App
I recommend starting with the Direct3DApp project, NOT the Blank App (XAML). Chose XAML, and by the time you've got through the layers of helpful abstraction, it will be time for you to retire! I am an old school coder which means I need a main(), a loop() and an exit(), preferably in the same function!
|Direct3D Application Template from VS Express 2012
You can compile and run this 3D demo and see a lovely spinning 3D cube, but the good stuff is the framework in which all that confusing 3D code sits. Look at the bottom of the "Direct3DApp1.cpp", and you will find main(). Place a breakpoint there, run the demo and step into the functions and you will find yourself a few lines up in the Run() function which creates a timer and establishes a main loop, where it will sit happily until the window is closed. Pop in some clean-up code after the loop and presto, you have the makings of a no-frills, super-fast Windows 8 application.
It is this stripped down template that I will be using as the basis of my Ultrabook application. I have added it to a newly created FTP Area we can use to share files and demos in the coming weeks:
WEBSITE: http://partners.thegamecreators.com/
USERNAME: ultimatecoder
PASSWORD: ultimatecoder
FILE: Direct3DApp1.zip
Veteran coders who report to a higher power may wonder why I have just thrown away all the bits that actually do something and produced an app that does absolutely nothing. The more observant will go one step further and ask, "where does it say Hello World?".
Essentially, I need to start from scratch to make room for my own C++ engine code. In theory, I should be able to drop it in, add some dependencies, click compile and go for an early lunch.
Researching Win32 vs. Metro Style
Before I commit to what in reality is a few days of work, I need to make certain of some basic requirements. Can I use standard C includes such as <stdio.h>, <malloc.h>. Secondly, can I use <gl\gl.h> to access my precious OpenGL calls? Already, I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck bristle. Is it me, or is that the sound of a thousand DirectX programmers laughing at me, surely not?
Two hours later, I arrived at the conclusion everyone reading this blog made right away and confirmed by a thousand DirectX programmers. A metro-style app is unable to include the OpenGL headers, and they are strictly for Desktop apps only. I can't even 'trick' a Metro style app to render an OpenGL context. Even hacked, the metro style app would not be a valid app within the Metro style store as it would break the second it hit a device that did not have those legacy Desktop APIs. So that's it friends, its metro style with no AGK graphics or desktop style with no access to WinRT. At least that's what I thought. During my research hope was restored by an article published recently by Intel which goes into great length on how to access WinRT sensors from a Windows 8 Desktop app. When you have a few hours to spare, check out the article: http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/ultrabook-and-tablet-windows-8-sensors-development-guide/
The limited WinRT desktop solution has enough COM code to put hairs on your chest, but it gets the job done and it will integrate instantly into my existing Win32 engine. I don't even need to use VS2012 or learn what those 'ref' and '^' symbols do, I can have sensors plugged in within the day.
Developer Dilemma
A question occurs. Is that the kind of thing the Ultimate Coder would do? Pick the easiest solution, slap in some cut and paste COM code then go for a little lie down somewhere. Fob off the judges with a desktop mode application that isn't a real metro style app? I don't think so.
The universe has put me in this challenge, and has just turned the heat up to see if I explode. I've looked at it from every angle, and there is only one way through. Write my own OpenGL library in DirectX 11.
Maybe not all of it, but enough bits that my AGK OpenGL routines compile normally, behave exactly as they would running under OpenGL but driven by DirectX. As luck would have it, a few months ago we started updating our fixed function OpenGL ES 1.1 code to use OpenGL ES 2.0 shaders in anticipation of adding 3D commands to AGK. It further transpires that DirectX 11 likes shaders too. It transpires yet further that a few years ago I created a product called FPS Creator X10. Its claim to fame was a tech demo, one of the first third party demos to exploit the DirectX 10 graphics API.
From further research, it gets worse! Not only do metro style apps limit developers to DirectX, they also remove certain other liberties such as relative paths, unlimited system access and a blanket eviction of anything that might remind it of Win32. AGK is a full programming language, which means I'll have to replace file, input and device code. The only things I think I can keep are physics, core logic and higher level graphics commands.
Don't think me crazy though; there is method behind the mission to cure metro style apps of their clear lack of Win32 and OpenGL. Once complete, AGK programs will be able to run as genuine metro style apps, which means they will run on Windows tablets, and possibly Windows phones and consoles in the future.
I invite you to check back next week to see whether (a) I have achieved a small measure of success or (b) gone completely loco.
The AGK Advantage
You might be wondering how I can be demonstrating a running Love Hearts® app and at the same time agonise over how to render even one pixel to the Ultrabook. The good news for me is that AGK, the programming language we are using to run the BASIC script, already runs fine on Windows and several other platforms. This means Steve, my back-up coder, can busy himself developing on Windows 7 while I set about making AGK work well with Windows 8. The magic happens in the next few weeks when I take the BASIC script that Steve has produced and drop it onto the new Ultrabook platform.
In addition, AGK has touch and sensor commands for many other platforms, so Steve will be able to add multi-touch and accelerometer functionality in his BASIC program long before I figure out how to do it on the Ultrabook.
What's Next?
Are you kidding! Next week we will find out whether I can pull off even half of what I've just blogged. Steve is taking a short holiday, and I'll be taking the opportunity to change all his code around and start the process of commissioning the artwork, so we might have some nice graphics to show. The real reveal will be a demo showing OpenGL calls that render to a metro style app context using DirectX as the underlying API. I've done some Googling, and there is not much on the subject, so it should be a good read!
More Information
Blog Videos
For everyone who likes videos, I have created two. One features the latest version of the Love Hearts® app, and a second takes a quick peek at my shiny new Ultrabook. Until next time, have an app-y day!


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Welcome to the New South Wales Division of the United Nations Association of Australia. We work to connect the NSW community, government and other stakeholders to the UN and the global network of UN Associations. We operate at a state level to achieve positive change in support of the charter, aims, and ideals of the United Nations.
Become a member to:
- Learn. Receive invitations to regular meetings, seminars, and discussions on current and important global issues.
- Meet. Attend networking opportunities with recognised leaders from government, community and the United Nations.
- Share. Obtain an opportunity to share your views with like-minded individuals in a non-partisan framework.
- Get informed. Glean regular UN news updates and materials on national and international affairs.
- Respect. Gain membership of an esteemed international organisation founded in 1946.
Help make the world a better place.


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Friends of Steven McClellan owes $400 in fines
A detailed look reveals the committee owes additional outstanding fines totaling $250 with Steven McClellan listed as the responsible officer.
ISBE Records dating back to 2003 show 172 area campaign committees owe a combined total of $995,091 in pending fines.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center, a leftist "civil rights" outfit that has been criticized and ridiculed from across the political spectrum, issued its latest "Intelligence Report" about the supposed threat posed by "Patriot" groups and other right-wing "extremists." Employing its usual deceptive tactics in a transparent but failed effort to lump Christians and constitutionalists in with racists and terrorists, the SPLC claimed the number of "anti-government extremist" organizations had reached "record" levels — and that the increase was due in large part to the fact that President Obama is half black.
As usual, the increasingly discredited "mainstream" media — recent polls show more than 60 percent of Americans have little to no trust in the establishment press, and ratings continue to plummet — dutifully reported the SPLC rants. However, this year, perhaps alarmed at the dramatic plunge in their audience sizes and credibility, several major media outlets did offer some uncharacteristic balance in their articles while reporting on the SPLC's latest fear-mongering campaign.
"Capping four years of explosive growth sparked by the election of America's first black president and anger over the economy, the number of conspiracy-minded antigovernment 'Patriot' groups reached an all-time high of 1,360 in 2012, while the number of hard-core hate groups remained above 1,000," claimed SPLC "Senior Fellow" Mark Potok in a statement about the group's widely ridiculed findings. "As President Obama enters his second term with an agenda of gun control and immigration reform, the rage on the right is likely to intensify."
According to Potok, a so-called "Patriot" group "generally believes that the federal government is conspiring to take Americans' guns and destroy their liberties as it paves the way for a global 'one-world government.'" Of course, as has been made clear on numerous occasions by top officials, including, for example, state governors and top U.S. lawmakers — even the SPLC admits that despite promising not to focus on firearms, Obama has since launched an attack on gun rights — the federal government really is assaulting fundamental liberties and gun rights. Indeed, it is happening out in the open.
The president and his disgraced attorney general have claimed, for example, that they can legally assassinate U.S. citizens without even charging them with a crime. The administration also purports to be able to use the military to detain Americans indefinitely under the NDAA without access to due process. Indeed, multiple unalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution have come under fierce assault from the Obama administration and its predecessors.
The brazen attack on the Second Amendment being led by Obama and some extremist Democrats, meanwhile, has been in the headlines for months. The president, posing with children as a propaganda stunt, has even been using unconstitutional so-called "executive orders" to advance his attack on gun rights. At the state level, the attack is advancing in some areas as well — this is all common knowledge.
The fact that the United Nations is gradually morphing into a global government is obvious to anyone who cares to investigate, too. As The New American magazine's Bill Jasper documented extensively in a recent cover story, the UN is on the brink of becoming a full-fledged global government. It already has military forces dubbed "peacekeeping troops," a global "law-enforcement agency" dubbed "Interpol," the self-styled "International Criminal Court," and much more.
Indeed, the UN openly calls for global governance in countless documents and reports. It brazenly demands everything from planetary wealth redistribution and policing to environmental regulations and taxes administered under UN authority. Virtually nobody questions Obama's fierce loyalty to the international organization's controversial agenda — in fact, the president has been one of the most vocal and open supporters of the UN to ever hold federal office.
So, in other words, "Patriot" groups, as defined by the SPLC, at least, are organizations concerned about the very real lawless government activities that violate the Constitution, which all elected officials swear an oath to uphold. According to the far-left attack group, the number of such groups increased by a whopping seven percent from 2011 to 2012, with the total figure now estimated by the SPLC at 1,360 — up from 1,274 that were active the year before. For the SPLC, that is cause for alarm.
On closer inspection, however, the organization's shrill alarmism implodes — almost to the point of absurdity. As CNN suggested in its own alarmist article regurgitating some talking points from the SPLC report, when scrutinized, the supposed "surge" in supposedly dangerous and extremist "Patriot" groups is largely a figment of the far-left group's imagination. Critics say it would be comical if not for the fact that a few extremists and well-intentioned but otherwise uninformed people still take the SPLC somewhat seriously.
Consider just one of the SPLC-designated "Patriot" groups cited by CNN, the North Carolina-based "Granny Warriors." The founder of the organization, Linda Hunnicutt, said she was proud to be on the SPLC list because it increases her organization's notoriety, but she also pointed out the obvious: "Granny Warriors," a coalition of patriotic grandmothers who support liberty, is really pretty harmless.
"I am deadly!" Hunnicutt joked in an interview with CNN. She added that, while her organization is no friend of the out-of-control federal government — indeed, Granny Warriors just want the feds to leave people alone — she wishes no harm on anyone. "I'm 74 years old. I have COPD. I have congestive heart failure," explained the elderly "Patriot," a potential menace according to the SPLC. "I'm sewing a quilt."
Hunnicutt did, however, criticize the current U.S. government — apparently something the SPLC considers a faux-pas. "All these people that want to bomb places and kill children, come on," she said of the politicians in Washington, D.C., who seem determined to defy the Constitution. "Who would be in sympathy with them?"
Still, when Hunnicutt found out that "Granny Warriors" had made the SPLC cut, she said she was thankful for the increased publicity. It did, however, make her wonder: "Is this all they have to do?" Countless other activists and organizations singled out by the SPLC have wondered the same thing, but still wear the SPLC "Patriot" label with pride.
Another "Patriot" group singled out by the SPLC in its report is known as the Oath Keepers, an organization of law enforcement and military personnel who pledge to stand by the oath they swore to the Constitution — a requirement for all military officers, politicians, and police. Why promising to obey a solemn, sworn, mandatory oath to uphold and defend the Supreme Law of the Land would be considered "extreme" remains unclear — unless, of course, the SPLC believes the Constitution and sworn oaths are to be disregarded.
The "Intelligence Report" statement issued by Potok goes on to quote a variety of groups and individuals who have issued warnings about Obama's plans on everything from gun control to expanding the size and scope of the federal government even farther outside the bounds of constitutional limitations. As is typical with the largely discredited organization's hysteria, the report is filled with wild accusations, essentially trying to label everyone to the right of Obama as potentially dangerous "far-right" extremists or members of the "radical" right-wing in need of discipline or perhaps "re-education."
The SPLC does make some of its own views clear, however, demonstrating its ideological bias very openly. Its report claimed, for example, that the "rapidly increasing acceptance" of "same-sex marriage" was an example of "broad social progress." The deeply controversial view that government should redefine the institution of marriage to include homosexual partnerships has led the SPLC to label a wide array of mainstream Christian and conservative organizations as so-called "hate" groups.
Today, most serious analysts recognize the SPLC smear tactics for what they are. However, some members of the establishment press and far-left fringe elements have seized on the SPLC's characterizations as proof of "hate" — even recently. The consequences of the malicious hate-mongering on the part of the SPLC, though, can have potentially deadly consequences, as was illustrated last August.
One important fact was omitted from most press of the recent reports about the SPLC's latest ramblings and fear mongering about "hate" and "extremism." As most conservatives know by now, the deranged homosexual activist who shot up the conservative-leaning Family Research Council (FRC) last year has publicly admitted he was influenced by SPLC propaganda, which maliciously labeled the FRC — along with numerous other mainstream Christian and pro-family organizations — as a "hate" group.
"Let me be clear that [attempted mass-murderer] Floyd Corkins was responsible for firing the shot yesterday," said FRC President Perkins after the shooting, which injured a security guard who promptly subdued the unhinged individual before he could go on his intended killing spree. "But Corkins was given a license to shoot an unarmed man by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center that have been reckless in labeling organizations hate groups because they disagree with them on public policy."
Instead of apologizing or reining in its wild and potentially dangerous rhetoric, the SPLC used its latest "findings" to demand federal investigations into the supposed surge in organizations and activists concerned about the direction America is heading. Fortunately for conservatives, libertarians, Christians, constitutionalists, and other targets of SPLC hate-mongering, however, the ultra-leftist attack group is becoming increasingly discredited and irrelevant with every new rant it issues.
Related articles:
Leftist SPLC Bemoans Growing Influence of The John Birch Society
Extremist Group Exposed Working With Obama's Justice Department
After D.C. Shooting, SPLC, Planned Parenthood, and the Feds Under Fire
Protecting Rights: Loyal Americans Targeted by the SPLC
Leftist SPLC Publishes Patriot Hit List
Pro-Family Group Warns of Agenda Behind SPLC's "Mix It Up" Day
Justice Department Trained Police to Link Political Activism With Terror
SPLC Targets 18 "Anti-Gay" Pro-family Groups
Profiling and Criminalizing Political Dissent
Real or Imagined? A Critical Review of the SPLC's List of Conspiracies
Sheriff Mack Announces Lawsuit Against SPLC, Run for Congress
Justice Dept. Memo Argues Killing Americans Overseas is Justified


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Well I'm not quite sure what happened, but it seems our DM has been missing for about two weeks, after saying he'd be gone a day or two. The first time it turned out to be a problem with TSA. No idea what happened the second.
Originally Posted by Roybut it seems our DM has been missing for about two weeks,
Which one ?
The DM's 'last activity'-statistic for both your games show as "Today".
|this game be changed to me. The current DM has not posted anything at all anywhere for one full month and has not logged on at all for nearly half that time. I have no idea what happened to him, but as no one else was willing to step up I am doing so.


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Ask a Book Store Employee: Mast Books' Robbie McDonald
By Lit Life | August 12, 2010
Mast Books
66 Ave A
New York, NY 10009
Tell me about the store. There are book people, writers, and East Village hermits who come in every day, and they buy something a few times a week. Of course, there are always weird characters that come in to sell books. They have mostly run-of-the-mill bad fiction, but they're just out of their heads.
What do you like to read? I read mostly philosophy. I just read Witold Gombrowicz's Pornografia and it made me laugh because it's really absurd. It's about two older men obsessed with creating a trsyt between two teens in the midst of the German occupation of Poland.
Do you have a favorite philosophy book? It changes from week to week—after all, there are a lot of books to read. I think more people should read Walter Benjamin and Georges Bataille. Benjamin's a precursor to the whole idea of post-modern thought. And everybody knows Bataille's literature, but he was also a Nietzsche philosopher and a surrealist.
Continue reading "Ask a Book Store Employee: Mast Books' Robbie McDonald" »


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Published Mar 23, 2017
Beer served in cans and peanut shells on the floor your thing? Where's your favorite dive?
Who pours the best Guiness and serves the best fish and chips? see the Top 5 →
Good acoustics, great bands and a rocking good time. What is the best... see the Top 5 →
Have a place where the bartenders know your face and drink? Name your... see the Top 5 →
Whether its the big game or just another game, what is your favorite... see the Top 5 →
For the best selection of sips, where do you go to enjoy the best of the... see the Top 5 →
Who walks your dog while you are at work? see the Top 5 →
The 2017 Bay Area A-List awards are based on more than 24,000 votes from local Bay Area-area experts.


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J.Crew Spring 2013 | Pictures
J.Crew Spring 2013
J.Crew Spring 2013
Bright colors, embellishments, and prints were in full effect at J.Crew's Spring presentation. Needless to say, we want every single piece. Head of women's design Tom Mora showed off the brand's usual penchant for bright colors, but this time added more dimension to the collection via strong embellishments and a mix of both bold and subdued patterns. The results? A mashup of perfectly styled looks like jacquard sheath dresses paired with neon yellow parkas, nautical pants with floral embellished oxford shirts, and green floral trouser with striped tees. There were also a heavy helping of shoes and adornments to fawn over — thick ankle-strap pumps, floral printed clutches, neon bags, colorful jeweled earrings, stacked bracelets are just a few of the highlights from their accessories lineup.
- Trends: Bold prints, neon, jacquard, embellishment, sportif.
- Colors: Citron, cobalt blue, pink, white, green, seafoam, navy.
- Key Piece: It's so hard to choose, but if we had to, the green floral print trousers – also worn by Jenna Lyons at the presentation — and striped tee combo.
- Accessories: Cap-toe pumps, floral printed pumps, leather ankle-strap pumps, neon and printed clutches and bags, geek glasses, statement jeweled earrings.
- Who Should Wear It: Who likes to mix and match prints? Solange Knowles, Alexa Chung, and Michelle Obama.


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Obamacare allies eye ballot initiatives
Obamacare backers stymied by conservative legislatures in red states may have a new approach: letting the voters break logjams with state ballot initiatives in 2014.
Frustrated by conservative opposition to extending Medicaid even in states where Republican governors have embraced it, the president's allies are strategizing about asking voters to do what their elected leaders have not: accept billions of federal dollars to cover millions of poor people under Obamacare.
Story Continued Below
Putting anything as volatile as President Barack Obama's health law on the 2014 ballot is risky — more so if the rollout of the law is rocky next year, less so if people start seeing tangible benefits. The health law, after all, was a big reason the Republicans captured the House and made gains in the Senate in the last midterms, in 2010. And ballot initiatives could stoke emotions and affect turnout in unpredictable ways in the 2014 midterms, when the health law is still likely to be a raw political issue.
"If Obamacare is on the ballot, people will line up to vote against it again," said Bowen Greenwood, executive director of the Montana Republican Party. "Historically, it's always a major turnout driver for us."
Nevertheless, local groups in Montana and Ohio that back the law say they've begun mobilizing for 2014. Florida stakeholders say a ballot initiative is "on the table" if a bitter standoff continues there. And there's some early-ballot talk among stakeholders and lawmakers in Arizona, too.
"I'm for it however we can get it," Ohio Gov. John Kasich told reporters after a pro-Medicaid expansion rally this month when asked whether he'd support a ballot initiative measure if his Legislature continued to balk.
Advocates in many stalemated states — from Michigan to Missouri — say they're not quite ready to commit to a ballot push, hoping lawmakers and governors can still strike an expansion deal in the next few months, even if that requires governors to convene special sessions. But they aren't ruling out the direct-to-the-voter option.
After all, the other side did it first. The health law's critics used voter initiatives effectively to mobilize and motivate voters since the law was enacted in 2010. Some of those state ballot wins were symbolic, like saying a state didn't have to recognize the individual mandate or declaring that state officials couldn't cooperate with the feds. Others, like a Missouri measure that blocked the Democratic governor from creating an insurance exchange unilaterally, crushed key elements of state implementation.
The advocates say Obamacare, as a whole, may still be unpopular, but many of its components — including the Medicaid piece — poll extremely well. Plus, the federal government is paying the Medicaid bill for the first three years, and even in the out years it will pay 90 percent. That's a good deal, Medicaid champions say, and if the legislatures won't take it, the voters should overrule them.
"If you're an opponent of Obamacare, opposing free money is not a place to make your stand," said Ethan Rome, executive director of Health Care for America Now.


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The Lavender Twin XL bedding Set By Ivy Union combines Ivy League elegance with an affordable price. Along with the the Lavender comforter set, you have your choice of 3 microfiber sheet set colors. Accent your bed with this designer style packed with vibrant colors that won't fade in the wash.This bedding set includes:
"Its hard to find good dorm bedding but the set I received is excellent. I have seen a lot of bedding on campus that looks poor and cheap. I am glad mine is not like the rest of them. I would recommend your site to my friends." - Jason, Gainesville FL
"Great comforter! I had been using a down comforter that was too hot, this one seems like just the right balance. Thanks." - Adam, Boston MA