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Original URL: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/29/foundem_fcc_filing_on_google/
Why the Google antitrust complaint is not about Microsoft
It's about 'bundling' services with a search monopoly
Posted in Policy, 29th March 2010 06:02 GMT
Google should spend an afternoon with Shivaun and Adam Raff, the two very real people behind a recent EU antitrust complaint against its web search monopoly. To meet the pair - co-founders of the British price comparison site Foundem - is to know you would never describe them as Microsoft mouthpieces. They're computer scientists by training and search engineers by trade, and with their European complaint - echoed stateside with an FCC filing - they've made a case that deserves a level of attention denied by Google's remarkably successful efforts to paint them as Redmondian sockpuppets.
In their complaint, the Raffs make a pair of arguments. One concerns penalties and whitelists on the world's largest search engine, issues we examined at length in a feature story late last year. But the other details an issue the media has largely ignored. The Raffs also argue that with its so-called Universal Search setup, Google is using its search engine monopoly - which controls an estimated 85 per cent of the global market - to unfairly favor its own services over those of its competitors.
Universal Search is, by definition, a means by which Google inserts links from other Google services into prominent positions on its search results pages.
The EU complaint is under seal, but the meat of this argument can be found in the Raffs' filing (pdf) with the US Federal Communications Commission. "Universal Search transforms Google's ostensibly neutral search engine into an immensely powerful marketing channel for Google's other services," the filing reads.
"[It] allows Google to leverage its search engine monopoly into virtually any field it chooses. Wherever it does so, competitors will be harmed, new entrants will be discouraged, and innovation will inevitably be suppressed."
With help from data compiled by market-research outfits HitWise and comScore, the filing makes the case that in the three years since the debut of Universal Search Google has used it to harm competitors in two separate markets: online mapping and price comparisons. In providing Google Maps and Google Product Search (formerly Froogle) with prime placement on its own search engine, the Raffs argue, Mountain View has exerted discriminatory market power to squeeze out the likes of MapQuest and Pricegrabber.
Unique monthly US visitors to Google Maps and MapQuest between January 2007 and November 2009 (Source: ComScore)
Google Maps' rise at the expense of former market leader MapQuest is well-documented, and the filing argues it would be unwise to say this can be attributed to the superior design of Google's mapping service. The Raffs cite data from HitWise showing that around the time Google Maps traffic first exceeded MapQuest's, more netizens were actively searching for MapQuest - ie specifically keying its name into search boxes. In a blog post from February 2009, HitWise said that 62 per cent of MapQuest's traffic came from searches for its particular brand name, compared to only 4.2 per cent with Google Maps.
Universal Google Product Search
But the filing's most compelling data concerns the price-comparison market. According to a Foundem study, more than 270 sample searches across what the Raffs call a broad sample of product- and price-comparison–related terms indicate that Google Product Search is far more likely to appear at the top of Google's search pages than competitors such as Shopping.com, Pricegrabber, Nextag, and the Raffs' own Foundem:
Google ranking of leading UK price comparison sites across a broad sample of product- and price-comparison-related search terms, as of 29 January 2010. Google Product Search results are shown in red. Other price comparison service results are shown in shades of green (source: Foundem)
What's more, according to a study that Foundem commissioned from comScore, the steep rise in the popularity of Google Product Search coincided with the introduction of Universal Search:
Unique monthly US visitors to Google Product Search between January 2007 and November 2009 (source: comScore)
The study also indicates that the rise of Google Product Search came at the expense of several Google competitors:
Percentage change in number of unique monthly visitors to US Price Comparison sites (including Google Product Search) from October 2007 to October 2009 (source: comScore)
The filing stops at the two examples: mapping and price comparison. But it warns that Google could apply Universal Search to, well, almost anything. "The two examples considered here illustrate the discriminatory market power of an overwhelmingly dominant search engine allowed to systematically favor its own services," it says.
"But these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Similar harm to competition and innovation is inevitable when Google extends this strategy into new domains, such as financial search, travel search, property search, job search, social networking, browsers, operating systems, mobile, and so on."
Foundem is not an American software giant based in Redmond
The Raffs filed with the FCC on February 23, hastily pushing their Universal Search argument into the public domain after someone - apparently, Google - outed the existence of their EU complaint to the press. Not that this did the Raffs much good. When Google publicly revealed the complaint with a blog post early the next day, Google seemed to convince the world that the antitrust action didn't deserve much attention because Foundem belongs to ICOMP, an online-competition organization partly funded by Microsoft.
Microsoft isn't shy about its belief that Google deserves antitrust scrutiny. Steve Ballmer said as much during an appearance this month a search trade show in Silicon Valley, and as Google also revealed with its blog post, a complaint from the Microsoft-owned vertical search engine Ciao has found its way to the European Commission (it was originally filed with antitrust regulators in Germany). But Foundem's argument is their own - and they approached ICOMP on their own. Shivaun and Adam Raff first contacted ICOMP in April 2009 after Adam's brother-in-law heard tell of the organization.
The Raffs wrote every word of their FCC filing, and they penned the meat of the EU complaint, with certain "legal bits" authored by ICOMP legal director David Wood. "Substantial sections are basically us explaining our story and going through the Universal Search data," Shivaun Raff tells The Register. "That comprises a majority of the filing, and that we wrote."
And just for the record: Foundem has never received money from Microsoft or ICOMP. It is not a Microsoft shareholder, and Microsoft holds no stake in Foundem.
Even as it painted Foundem as a Microsoft pawn, Google's blog post discussed the company's EU complaint as if it were a case of sour grapes, indicating it was nothing more than an attempt to show that Google's algorithms discriminate against Foundem's site because it's a vertical search competitor. But this too is patently misleading.
The truth is that the Raffs have never argued against Google's algorithmic decisions. Their concern is that Universal Search favors Google's service over everyone else's and that thanks to Google's whitelists, certain sites aren't subject to the same algorithmic treatment as others. That Google blog post steered clear of these issues, and it seemed that as a result the world almost completely ignored them. Google's talent for search and advertising is matched only by its talent for PR.
Yes, in 2006, an algorithmic change effectively removed Foundem from Google's search engine and all but prevented the company from purchasing placement via Google AdWords. This three-and-a-half year saga plays into the EU complaint and deserves its own attention. It shows not only that Google uses whitelists to exempt certain sites from automated algorithms, but that the web giant isn't nearly as open as it should be about search penalties. But this is quite different from an argument against the design of the algorithms, and in any event, the scope of Foundem's EU complaint extends well beyond its own story.
Shivaun Raff sums up the complaint like this: "You have an overwhelmingly dominant search engine. If you add to that that search engine's ability to apply discriminatory penalties - they're discriminatory because some services are manually rendered immune through white lists - and you add the ability of that search engine to preferentially insert its own services at or near the top of the search results, all of that adds up to an unparalleled and unassailable competitive advantage."
The complaint, she says, is in two halves - the first half detailing search penalties and whitelists, and the second half dealing with the problem of Universal Search. The Universal Search discussion is similar to the FCC filing, and the first half of the complaint covers much of the same ground as our original story on the company and Foundem's December op-ed piece in The New York Times. "What we have written [in the complaint] is our experience, but also a lot of additional supporting information supporting the existence of Google penalties and whitelists," Shivaun Raff explains.
Blending or bundling?
Google may paint this kerfuffle as Foundem struggling to come to terms with its algorithms, but Google whitelisted Foundem back into AdWords in 2007, and on December 1, after our original story ran, restored the site to its unpaid results. The EU complaint is not an effort to somehow change Google's algorithms or expose them. It asks that Google opens up about how it handles penalties and introduce some fair play to Universal Search.
On the penalty front, Foundem is asking that Google come clean on the existence of search penalties, the criteria for applying the penalties, and the rationale behind them. Plus, it wants a formal appeals process. "They need to be much more transparent and effective with appeals so that no other company takes three and half years to get fixed," Shivaun Raff says.
Separately, the Raffs have called for a complete overhaul of Universal Search. "Google should not discriminate - at all - not even in favor of Google's own services," she continues, accusing Google of using completely different algorithms to rank results for its own services. The complaint also argues that when Google inserts its own services, it should clearly label them - just as it labels advertising on its search engine.
As the Raffs point out in their FCC filing, Google has said that Universal Search is a way of "blending" its own services into web results. But the filing also points out that others have called it "bundling". The onus is now on the European Commission to decide whether it should launch a formal probe that will settle these semantic differences.
Shivaun Raff is confident that a probe will indeed be launched. That's her opinion, incidentally, not Microsoft's. She is clearly someone who can speak for herself - and does. Google doesn't seem to realize this. But that's part of the problem. Human interaction is not its strong suit. ®


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WASHINGTON - The presidential inauguration is a monumental day for President Barack Obama, but Monday is also a memorable day for some Tri-State residents who are performing during the ceremony or assisting with security.
The Miami University Marching Band, selected from more than 2,800 applicants across the country, is preparing to perform for President Barack Obama.
The band did a final warm-up Friday before heading to Washington, D.C., as one of bands in the Inauguration Parade Monday. The parade is set to begin its path down Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday at 2:30 pm.
Adam Green, a member of one of the premier military concert bands in Washington, D.C.. will be performing at the inauguration. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shane Clare, a member of the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own," has been selected to participate in the parade. Both are Cincinnati natives.
Also, Anderson woman Kristen Hollowood is one of 200 students in Lee University's Festival Choir, which will perform immediately before President Barack Obama is publicly sworn in at the United States Capitol.
Security at the event comes with a price tag of $120 million. Police officers from 60 departments around the country will help with security. Among them are 40 police officers from Cincinnati. It is the third time the department has been invited to work the parade route.
Several Ohioans will contribute to the day's events as well.
Toledo autoworker Kenyetta Jones is one of eight "citizen co-chairs" who've been selected to highlight Obama's first-term accomplishments. Jones spoke at last year's Democratic National Convention about Obama's work to bailout the auto industry. She'll ride on an inaugural parade float after Obama's swearing-in Monday.
Also, the former band director at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School near Cleveland wrote musical arrangements for the inauguration.
The inauguration ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m. with the parade following at 2:30 p.m.

subset: commoncrawl


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20150806 - SYDNEY STORY FACTORY Creative Writing for Upper Primary 1/3 Workshops TEACHER PD SESSION - 06 August 2015 - 15:00 - Stream 1
SYDNEY STORY FACTORY Creative Writing for Upper Primary 1/3 Workshops TEACHER PD SESSION//
Provider: EDTV
Presenter: Richard Short
Contact Email:
Date: 06 August 2015
Start Time: 15:00
End Time: 16
Duration: 1 hour
Closing Date: Bookings Close 5-Aug-15
Availability: DEC and Non-DEC
DEC Positions: 20
Non-DEC Positions: 5
Price: $200.00 per school NB:FREE for Distance Education and Access Program Schools
KLA Syllabus: Primary
KLA Stage/s:
KLA Year/s:
Key Learning Area/s:
KLA Topic/s:
KLA Keyword/s: literacy, creative writing, professional learning, professional development, poetry,
Event Overview: This series of 3 workshops for upper primary students will be presented by the Sydney Story Factory's Storyteller-in-Chief, Richard Short.
WORKSHOP 1: Teacher PD - Divergent to Convergent Thinking - the Robot Bird Approach to Creative Writing
6 August 2015
3.00pm - 4.00pm
N.B Prerequisite for participation in the series.
First PD Workshop is for all schools who wish to participate in the series (free for DE and AP Schools)
WORKSHOP 2 Student Workshop #1 Robot Bird- Poetry BOOK SEPARATELY
13 August 2015
9.30am - 10.30am for DE and AP SCHOOLS ONLY (FREE))
11.00am-12.00pm OPEN for all other schools ($125.00 per 30 students)
WORKSHOP 3 Student Workshop #2 Robot Bird - The Story BOOK SEPARATELY
20 August 2015
9.30am - 10.30am for DE and AP SCHOOLS ONLY (FREE)
11.00am-12.00pm OPEN for all other schools ($125.00 per 30 students)
NB Following the second student writing workshop, all DE and AP school students will be allocated a Sydney Story Factory 'Pen-Pal' mentor who will provide specific feedback on their written work for a period of 3 weeks.
Booking Instructions:
Additional Booking Instructions:
Further Information: The Sydney Story Factory (SSF) is a not-for-profit creative writing centre for young people based in Redfern, Sydney. They offer writing programs to develop students' use of expressive language and improve their ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Each workshop aims to increase enthusiasm for writing and boost confidence, allowing students to find their own voice.
If your school is not eligible for this workshop but you and your school would like to participate in a similar workshop, please contact Trish Hurley at EDTV to register your interest: firstname.lastname@example.com or call 0415 795 757 to discuss your school's requirements.
Cancellation Policy:


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The ferry crossing from Charlotte to Essex, New York, will be closed for nearly two weeks starting Monday. The Lake Champlain Transportation Company says the Essex ramp needs maintenance repair work. The ferry will stop from Jan. 9 to Jan. 21, depending on the weather. If it's too icy to do the work, it will be postponed until spring and the ferry will continue on, weather permitting. (Source: "Charlotte-Essex Ferry to Close for Repairs" via WCAX) … [Read more...]
Vintage Artifact: 1951 Ferry Brochure
Every Monday we share an image on the Essex on Lake Champlain Facebook page and invite our viewers to play some Vintage Essex Trivia. Last Monday we shared the cropped version of the vintage ferry brochure cover seen above. We asked if anyone had seen this brochure and if they had any guesses as to the year it dated to. It's actually from 1951 as you can see on the full size version of the cover page. Below are all the pages of the brochure. Click on any image to enlarge it. The Cover The … [Read more...]
Saw Blade Driven Ice Sled: Viable Midwinter Ferry Alternative?
I doff my wooly cap to Mark Engelhardt for sharing this creative concept for how to cross the lake if/when the ice tightens from shore-to-shore. A Lake Champlain saw blade driven ice sled ferry service?!?! (Learn more about this unique ice transportation solution below.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrG13DAGA3s Winter Ferry Worries As we lumber into midwinter and temperatures drift colder, many friends and neighbors begin to worry aloud about uninterrupted Essex-Charlotte ferry … [Read more...]
Ferry Service Discontinued Until Ice Clear
Essex-Charlotte ferry service discontinued as of 9:52 am today. LCT ferry/ies serving Essex, New York and Charlotte, Vermont have been indefinitely suspended until Lake Champlain is "clear of ice". Yesterday's announcement that ferry service had been temporarily suspended was followed this morning with news that reopening would be delayed. CHARLOTTE, VT / ESSEX, NY CROSSING February 16 2015 Charlotte- Essex Ferry Crossing: Delayed opening. Need more time to check ice in channel. Next … [Read more...]
Essex-Whallonsburg Entrepreneurs Meeting
Wow! I am thrilled with the great feedback and a flurry of new additions to the growing list of people doing business in Essex, who'da thunk? I believe we are an Entrepreneurial Magnet. (Just check out the tags listed below to see our large group of local entrepreneurs, and the list is probably missing some!) We will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, December 10th at 6:00pm at the Essex Town Hall to discuss how we as a part of the community can come together to promote Essex, on and off Main … [Read more...]
Essex Charlotte Ferry Schedule Late Fall 2013
On November 4th the Essex-Charlotte ferry crossing will soon shift to its late fall schedule. The ferry will arrive on the hour all day. Late Fall Schedule Operates: November 4-December 30 Departs NY: 6:30 am-8:30 pm Departs VT: 6:00 am-8:00 pm You can see the complete schedule and ticket prices on the Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) website. There may be delays due to weather conditions. If you depend the ferry for your transportation needs and want up to date information you can text … [Read more...]
Essex Charlotte Ferry Schedule Early Fall 2013
Lake Champlain ferries are shifting their schedules along with the season. The Essex-Charlotte ferry crossing has begun operating on its early fall hours as of September 3. Our Essex ferry schedule is as follows: The early fall schedule has begun. Running hours are from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on the Charlotte, Vermont side, and from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm in Essex, NY. The ferry will arrive every half hour from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the Vermont side and from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on the New York … [Read more...]
Ferry Commuter Card Update
With the discontinuation of the round trip tickets commuters on Lake Champlain's ferries might be interested to know they have an option other than buying a one way ticket every trip. How would you like to have a handy little card you can just give to the teller and swipe when you want to cross the lake? Well, LCT calls it the commuter card! You may be asking what is the big benefit to this card? Besides not having to dig around for enough change to buy a ticket every time you go to the ferry … [Read more...]
The Old Dock Restaurant
The Old Dock Restaurant in Essex, NY is open for the season, and there are several exciting changes to the menu. The Old Dock Restaurant is a seasonal restaurant and bar... [accessible] by automobile, private boat [and ferry]... Slips are available for our guests who arrive by boat. Passengers on the Charlotte-Essex ferry have the option to leave their automobiles in the free parking lot at Charlotte and when they arrive in Essex stroll a few feet to the Old Dock. Parking is available on site … [Read more...]
Ferry Commuter Card Rate Increase
For those who take frequent trips across Lake Champlain on the Essex-Charlotte ferry, you may be interested in acquiring the LCT commuter card to save some money. This card is especially useful since the discontinuation of the round trip tickets. There is a 30% discount on one-way tickets with the card! Learn more about how the commuter card works here. However, there is an upcoming monetary change that commuter card holders must be aware of! As of May 1, 2013, the minimum purchase and … [Read more...]


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Featured in Powder Coating Magazine
Written by: Craig Martin
The last edition of this column highlighted six common misconceptions of powder coated medium density fiberboard (MDF). One of the misconceptions revealed the fact that powder coated MDF finishes are not all the same. The truth is that the quality of finish varies across manufacturers and can be manifested visually or beneath the surface. A quality powder coated MDF finish is beautiful, durable, and consistent. The good news for end users is that the quality traits can easily be identified through visual examination, testing, or simply by asking the right questions. This installment of the column is meant to describe a quality powder coated wood finish, to help prospective buyers identify the differences, and to explain why these quality differences matter.
It is relatively straightforward to produce a flawless finish on a single mockup part, whereas accomplishing the same finish throughout a large run (or runs separated by periods of time) is a challenge that requires expertise and tight controls. Consistency is a trait that separates quality manufacturers when it really counts: during production runs. Several aspects make up the concept of a consistent finish on powder coated wood. The main aspects discussed here are color, gloss, and smoothness.
The final color of a powder coated MDF part can be affected by environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity. Experienced and knowledgeable manufacturers will be able to compensate for these environmental effects by making system adjustments. The end result is a more consistent output throughout the year. An added step employed by some wood powder coaters is the use of a photospectrometer. Although expensive to purchase, these devices measure light intensity in order to convert colors to a set of digits, removing the subjectivity of color matches. For example, regular use of a photospectrometer ensures that new batches of powder combined with environmental variations won't result in a color different from the customer's expectation. As a result, some manufacturers are able to guarantee color consistency within predefined parameters. Gloss consistency is similar to color consistency: it can be affected by a variety of controllable factors and should be measured by a gloss meter to ensure consistent output.
Consistency of smoothness can be affected by such elements as powder formulation and heat and cure temperatures. The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) maintains an objective numerical standard for finish smoothness in powder coated surfaces. Insufficient process controls can result in the same powder having a different PCI smoothness when applied on different days. It is a simple but important step to determine acceptable smoothness parameters prior to production.
Insufficient board preparation, be it improper sanding, obsolete manufacturing equipment, or surface contaminants, can result in "fiber pop" on a coated product and affect the consistency of smoothness levels. Fiber pop occurs when a fiber from the board pops up when heated, leaving a raised dimple on the surface. Fiber pop can be common in heavily machined areas, so be sure to feel the smoothness of integrated pulls, rounded edges, and other similarly machined details.
Mil thickness
Two powder coated MDF parts may initially look the same but have a very different powder coverage thickness. Coat thickness can affect the longevity and durability of the part; some manufacturers apply 2-3 mils of coverage, while others apply 5-8 mils of coverage. Thicker coatings wear better over time, and testing equipment is readily available to evaluate mil coverage. An easy first step when comparing wood powder coaters is to ask the representative about standard mil thickness. All manufacturers should know the answer to this question, and some can adjust for your specific needs. Many manufacturers also have the capability of applying different thicknesses to critical and noncritical faces, saving cost.
Aside from the mil thickness on the face of a powder coated MDF part, the edges should also be evaluated. A quality finish will have the same mil coverage on the edges, corners, and face. Thin coverage on the edges will impact durability and can be identified in various ways. The most obvious manifestation is color variation on the edges, sometimes accompanied by surface roughness. Of course, it is also possible to use a mil thickness test to obtain a definitive answer.
Fatty edges
One of the more colorful powder coating industry terms is "fatty edges." Cheap powder coated MDF finishes are prone to fatty edges, manifested when powder gathers toward the outside edges of a part's face. It creates a picture frame effect, with slightly raised accumulations near the edges. Fatty edges can be identified through visual inspection and are a result of inferior processes and equipment. Proper heating and curing of the part will ensure fatty edges are not present.
A quality powder coated MDF finish must be cured properly before shipment. Proper cure is important because it ensures the finish is completely bonded to the substrate and has all of the expected performance characteristics. An uncured finish might look good but is less durable. A standard MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) solvent rub test will confirm cure quality, since a cured finish will not rub off during the test. A side benefit of this test is that it will also identify whether liquid paint has been used to touch up any flaws. Liquid paint rubs off readily in the MEK rub test, while a good powder coated finish will stand up to the solvent.
As mentioned above, a quality wood powder coater will be able to produce a consistently high quality product. When working with company representatives, confirm mutual expectations for finish and machining tolerance. Robust process controls and quality inspections maintain tolerance ranges that are acceptable to both parties. A quality wood powder coater will be able to conform to specific PCI smoothness, CIELAB/ASTM color match guidelines, gloss ranges, and machining dimensional tolerances.
Powder formulation
Powder formulation is a non-obvious variation that can be examined through research and testing. Knowledgeable wood powder coaters work with a variety of powder manufacturers and have established relationships to vary formulation based upon application and customer need. Powder can be formulated specifically for ultraviolet (UV) resistance, chemical resistance, or resistance to cracking. Performance characteristics of a coated part are directly affected by the powder formulation used; the best wood powder coaters will be able to understand the application (lab benches, drawer fronts, etc.) and recommend the most suitable formulation.
The most advanced wood powder coaters are constantly pushing the boundaries of smoothness. The good news is that smoothness is easy to identify with a simple visual inspection. Running a hand across the finish, when combined with visual examination, makes it easy to determine a smooth finish. The PCI smoothness scale is great for establishing production tolerances, but visual and tactile examination is sufficient to evaluate quality differences across single parts. Even if your plans call for a textured finish, evaluate the company's smooth finishes as part of the selection process. Smooth finishes expose any flaws and will help determine if you are working with an advanced wood powder coater.
It is important to note that smooth finishes are somewhat straightforward to achieve on a single part, especially on a small sample. Small samples allow powder coaters to apply a thicker coat than normal, making the finish look smoother than could be achieved in production. Be sure to examine the company's larger parts to ensure that they are producing a consistent finish beyond the small sample.
Key Takeaways
Much like any other product on the market, there are quality variations across providers and this article is intended to help identify those differences. Because wood powder coating is an evolving technology, there can be disparities in quality of finish from manufacturer to manufacturer. Like any advancement, every end user is not yet familiar with steps that can be taken to evaluate quality. Small samples can be made to give the appearance of a high-end finish, but lasting quality of a production run requires greater scrutiny before engaging a manufacturer. If you ask the right questions and know what to look for, you'll find a quality wood powder coater.
About the Authors
Craig Martin is president of BTD Wood Powder Coating, Brainerd, Minn. He received his MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He has worked extensively in the wood and metal manufacturing industries; during the growth period of metal powder coating in the 1980s, he learned firsthand the benefits of metal powder coating over liquid paint in the store fixture industry. He is now an innovator of powder on wood.
Clint Ellenberg, who works in Business Development at BTD Wood Powder Coating, collaborates with Craig on the column. Clint received his MBA from the University of Texas and his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. Clint's background is in consulting, where he focused on project management and process improvement in healthcare facilities.
With all operations in Minnesota, BTD is a technology leader and manufacturer of high-quality powder coated wood components. The company's website is www.btdwoodpowdercoating.com and representatives can be contacted at firstname.lastname@example.com or 855/272-1002.


text: Imagine the possibility of fulfilling your life long dreams through a simple wish. The all-powerful Beherit stone is capable of such power. The price is simple...a trade of flesh and blood. All you have to do is ask what is more important: flesh or fantasy? And you can do so with your own Beherit Pendant!


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The Trouble With Girls
Honeyglazed were three guys and two girls. More significantly, Honeyglazed were vocals, keys and two bass guitars. They used both configurations to their advantage on The Trouble With Girls. Honeyglazed were peddlers of fuzzed-out bliss.
There are ultra-chic back and forth, harmony, and unison boy-girl vocals all over this record. "Under The Boot" and the horn-augmented "Milk And Morality" are prime examples. With Tim Catz going all out on his heavily distorted lead bass, the absence of guitars becomes a non-issue. The dual bass setup never feels like a gimmick. The unique instrumentation also leaves plenty of room for the keyboards to add to the sonic landscape.
Stand outs? "True In Tokyo" puts forth a vibe that is indescribably cool. Yes, they misspell Tokyo as T-O-Y-K-O. Yes, it's awesome. The more atmospheric "747's" is beautifully crafted and executed. It's the type of song that transcends its genre and stands alone as a classic.
Where to get it:


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FortiFlora For Cats · Feline Probiotics from Purina
Where Can I Buy FortiFlora For Cats?
You can buy FortiFlora for cats right here at the best prices online. Guaranteed! Each package of FortiFlora for cats comes in either in a 90 or 30 day pack.
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FortiFlora For Cats
FortiFlora probiotics for cats is made by Purina, and is becoming very popular in animal and human health and nutrition circles. Many cat owners are finding that FortiFlora Feline really helps to settle their pets GI tract.
A pet probiotic, FortiFlora works by repopulating the intestine with healthy bacteria, which can help with digestion and digestive tract complaints such as diarrhea and IBS.
FortiFlora Feline
A healthy digestive tract and an abundant friendly bacteria population can help promote a strong immune system, leading to fewer infections and illnesses. Probiotics are widely recognized to help people who have food allergies and intolerances. The benefits of better health are obvious.
Purina FortiFlora
FortiFlora Probiotics can also help after a course of antibiotics, which can deplete the friendly flora in the gut. A depleted friendly bacteria population can allow unfriendly competitors to flourish to the detriment of the host's health.
A healthy immune system also requires good diet too, so any course of probiotics should be supported by the intake of good, wholesome food and ideally a daily probiotic supplement, like FortiFlora Feline.
FortiFlora Feline Nutritional Supplement
Purina Veterinary Diets Forti Flora Feline Supplement for Cats is a specially developed supplement containing live active cultures. If your cat has certain food intolerances, has diarrhea or is suffering from bowel disease probiotics may be a wise thing to introduce.
Your vet will be able to tell you more so don't be afraid to ask. FortiFlora for cats comes with the recommendation of vets, especially for cats which are suffering from diarrhea.
FortiFlora Probiotic Powder
The active bacteria in FortiFlora for cats is Enterococcus which is a vital component in helping to restore normality to stools. Fortified with protein, vitamins and minerals, you just mix it into your cat's food, making it easier to administer than a pill.
The FortiFlora probiotic for pets has excellent palatability which means your cat will welcome this healthy addition to her food. With antioxidant Vitamins A, E, C to add to the health equation, your cat's immune system will be in top form and any intestinal problems will be given the best chance to clear up.
Of course you should seek the opinion of a vet if symptoms persist. Ensure you feed your cat a good diet of healthy, nutritious cat food in addition to the FortiFlora probiotic treatment. A low fat diet is arguably the best course to follow as rich food may add to the issue.
Buy FortiFlora Feline
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To buy FortiFlora probiotics for your cats, simply click here.
See also: Purina FortiFlora for Dogs
Tags: cats, fortiflora feline, probiotics


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Situated in the heart of the typical bocage Vendeen, at the border of the Château du Paligny, calm and tranquility are guaranted. This farm unit was built in the 17th century.
This property was entireley refurbished with quality, taste and high standard equipement.
Our Gite is certified by l'A.N.C.V., Clévacances Vendée et Clévacances France.


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Lorraine Neisen, 85
Lorraine A. Neisen, 85, of Jordan, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at Auburn Manor in Chaska.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, and also one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday.
Lorraine was born August 21, 1922, in New Prague, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Senkyr.


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Do you think you are getting screwed? 128 People
Obama CareIt seems that Americans are really full of ****. This has caused a rise in health care costs that if not controlled will bankrupt the country in a decade. There is a solution!
JennaTalia 18-21, F 5 Responses 1 Aug 4, 2009


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"Get With The Programming."
the {c}0dEd
Month One
Introduction to the DOM, HTML vs. HTML5, CSS vs. CSS3, Responsive Web Applications, Javascript and jQuery
Week One
Using Facebook's Javascript API to get and display users' Facebook data using "Connect w/Facebook" login
Basics of creating a responsive website for Desktop and Mobile using HTML and CSS
Week Two
Week Three
Using jQuery and jQuery UI to do amazing things like drag-and-drop, calendars, collapsible menu bars, sliders, and more.
Using Bootstrap to make any website look stunning
Week Four
Class project to build the front-end portion of a responsive website for a client
Week One
Introduction to PHP, Python, and Ruby
Creating a simple registration page and saving registration information to a database
Month Two
Week Two
MYSQL for SELECTing, UPDATing, and INSERTing records
Creating a simple log-in page and a session for your user
Week Three
Sessions, cookies, and hacking
Review of PHP, Python, Ruby and MYSQL basics
Week Four
Class project to connect the login and registration pages to our Month 1 project using
Using jQueryMobile and Phonegap to create stunning mobile applications that take advantage of native phone features like geolocation, the compass, the camera, the file system, the contact directory, the accelerometer, and more.
Week One
The Basics of Game Design and Object-Oriented Programming
How to make a simple 2-player game for the web
Week Two
Using 3rd Party APIs like Foursquare, Facebook, and Twitter
OAuth and logging in a user with Facebook or Twitter
Week Three
Week Four
Class project to create a simple, social mobile application
Holiday Break
Week One
Introduction to Git and Version Control
Introduction to Agile Development and App Development Management
Using Git and the Agile Development process to create a mobile game
Month Three
Month Four
Week Two
Course Timeline
{the end}
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Join us in celebrating Northeast Ohio's active community of book and paper innovators and our magnificent library and museum collections of fine and rare books during Octavofest 2017! Learn about our rich local resources and the exciting world of contemporary book and paper arts. Visit venues where printmakers, paper sculptors, conservators, book artists, and bookbinders are exploring, creating, preserving, and exhibiting works that use two of humankind's greatest technologies: books and paper. Plan to join us for one of the many Octavofest events that honor the wonderful, indomitable book—please peruse our list of events to select those that you must attend!
Program information for Octavofest 2017 is now available!
Octavofest draws its name from the "Octavo," a traditional book format in which a large sheet of paper or parchment is folded three times to produce eight leaves. Antiquarian octavo format books include many rare, valuable, and beautiful objects.
Visit our Website, octavofest.org or "Like" us on Facebook or "Follow" us on Twitter.


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Good news if you're struggling to catch that aerodactyl. Pokemon Go is adding a new 'capture bonus' feature to make it easier to nab rarer creatures.
The new system uses the medals you earn for catching certain types of Pokemon, so Kindler, Psychic, Gardener and so on. As you gain these you'll get a better chance of capturing related Pokemon.
The example given is that levelling up your kindler medal (fire types) means you'll get better at trapping Charmander, Vulpixe and Ponyta. It's basically a levelling up system that improves your capture skills the more you get a certain kind of Pokemon. If you have 'mon that combine several types then the bonus will be averaged out across them all.
Seen something newsworthy?


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Thanks to technology, dating has literally turned into a game exploding with emoticons, selfies, and exclamation points. Relationships today are consumed with flirty text messages and awkward emails – where did face-to-face interaction even go? But let's be honest…if you're looking for a long-term relationship, you're not interested in playing games. Right?
Remember the old fashioned way of meeting someone? And the time and effort you had to actually invest in dating?
There were awkward formal introductions, sweet smiles across the table, and actual conversations to learn about one another – rather than just an impersonal Google or Facebook search. As daunting as it may seem, there's still a certain thrill to the magical simplicity of real dating.
Simple, real-life connections is what Misty River Introductions is all about!
Feel Free to Contact Us
Who do people turn to in Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph when they need a Matchmaker? Misty River Introductions have been matching people in the Tri-Cities for the last 20 years with tremendous success. Thousands of people have been matched and many married though our introduction service.
Linda Miller of Misty River Introductions interviews people personally in Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph to determine their requirements in a life partner. With complete confidentiality she matches her clients with people who fulfill their desires in a life mate.
Our trained matchmakers work with each client to find them suitable matches in the Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph areas. Current photos of prospective matches are used to ensure that each client is getting the type of person they would be attracted to. As much as our clients don't want to waste their time meeting people who "aren't their type" our matchmakers don't want to waste their time and our clients time and money either with inappropriate matches. We allow our clients to talk on the phone first before their match is considered an introduction. Sometimes you can determine after speaking that the match is not suitable whether due to interests, personality or simply world view. These matches do not count as introductions.
Instead of your time and energy being wasted on bad matches our matchmakers spend countless hours pouring over files to determine a match is as close to the clients requirements as possible. One of the things people tell us over and over again is that they love having us as their advocate so they can sit back and enjoy the rest of their life while we do the looking. Stop telling yourself the right person will come along if you are just patient. Time that could be spent travelling, cooking, socializing and just cuddling on the couch with that special someone is possible! Call Misty River Introductions today and start your love story.


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The j661 project provides a generic CDS (or ARINC 661 Server) in order to facilitate the understanding of the ARINC 661 standard, prototype ARINC 661 concepts and architectures, and facilitate the reuse of ARINC 661 specifications and artefacts between projects. The CDS architecture is designed to allow defining the Server behavior to be easily modified or extended. This is achieved by a modular plug-in architecture, allowing customization at runtime without changing anything in the Server core itself.
This is the first version supporting both the Swing and JavaFX UI frameworks. Note that this version requires at least JDK 7 update 6 to work. The JavaFX rendering implementation works in the Server as well as the Editor (though it is still not possible to select JavaFX-built widgets in the Editor with the pointer). Of course, as it is built on JavaFX, it can use multitouch gestures, animations, etc
j661 â Freecode
Attachment 5318


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Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, President
Robin Kaplan is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), owner of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, founding host of the Boob Group podcast, and founder of the San Diego Nursing in Public Task Force.
Robin completed her lactation consultant training and certification at University of California, San Diego in 2009. She also holds a Masters in Education from UCLA, a multiple-subjects teaching credential from UCLA, and a BA in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.
Robin offers in-person lactation consultations, teaches prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding classes, and supervises lactation interns. She also has presented on a wide-variety of breastfeeding topics at national breastfeeding workshops and conventions.
Tiffany Kyle, Treasurer
Tiffany is a Dona trained birth doula and a CBWS trained baby wearing educator. She supports mothers all over the county through baby wearing and breastfeeding support groups both online and in person.
Stacy Clifford, MPH, IBCLC, ICCE, CEIM, CHES Secretary
Stacy Clifford is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Childbirth Educator (ICCE), Certified Infant Massage Educator (CEIM), Certified Health Educator (CHES), and Public Health professional.
Stacy completed her lactation consultant training and certification at the University California, San Diego. In addition, she has expertise in maternal-child health and infant development, with a Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University and ten years experience working at non-profit and grant funded health programs.
Stacy offers in-person lactation consultations for mothers in San Diego, teaches prenatal breastfeeding and newborn care classes, provides lactation support in the post-partum and neonatal intensive care units in the hospital setting, and has provided lactation support at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Stacy is passionate about working with mothers and babies during their breastfeeding journey and committed to helping them reach their breastfeeding goals.
Dania Lindenberg, MD, Board Member
Dania J. Lindenberg is a board certified Pediatrician (M.D.) and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP). She currently works as a primary pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center in Hillcrest.
Dr. Lindenberg obtained her B.A. in Chemistry at Amherst College. She earned her M.D. at Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan, and completed her pediatrics residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. She has been working at Scripps since 2008. Dr. Lindenberg has nursed her own 3 children, obtaining help from lactation consultants each time, and is a strong advocate for breastfeeding for her patients.
Anna Choi, IBCLC, Board Member
Anna Choi is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), writer on the topic of breastfeeding, and advocate for breastfeeding families.
Anna completed her lactation consultant training and certification at University of California, San Diego, including clinical training at the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns and the outpatient clinic at Kaiser Family Health Services. She also holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from University of California, San Diego.
Anna offers in-person office and home visit lactation consultations, teaches prenatal breastfeeding classes, and facilitates two breastfeeding support groups.


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CDP1802 wrote:It would be correcter to call the computers Commodore ST and Atari Amiga
CDP1802 wrote:The 8 bit Ataris had a great chipset for their time with many neat capabilities, yet the simpler and slower C64 was built and sold in far greater numbers
CDP1802 wrote:Later, the Amiga was built by Commodore and was a huge success - because of the great chipset from the same team that once designed the 8 bit Ataris
CDP1802 wrote:At the same time the Atari ST was designed by the guys who previously designed the C64, but this time the more spartan design did not win.
Eddy Vluggen wrote:The price-argument, and the fact that a cheap C64 could control machinery. Compare it to a Raspberri Pi.
Eddy Vluggen wrote:There were more gamers than musicians.
The report of my death was an exaggeration - Mark Twain
Simply Elegant Designs JimmyRopes DesignsThink inside the box! ProActive Secure Systems
I'm on-line therefore I am.
Dalek Dave wrote:Just opened my second bottle of wine.
Michael Martin wrote:been drinking
 ProgramFOX
ProgramFOX wrote:CTRL+ALT+DOWN rotates my screen 180°
Michael Martin wrote:Intel graphics driver
OriginalGriff wrote:You have an Intel Graphics chipset.
OriginalGriff wrote:cr@p
OriginalGriff wrote:DontSendMeAnyCrap@s[CENSORED]s.com
Michael Martin wrote:Sheepman
General News Suggestion Question Bug Answer Joke Praise Rant Admin
Use Ctrl+Left/Right to switch messages, Ctrl+Up/Down to switch threads, Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right to switch pages.


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What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is Google's new local listing platform; replacing Google+ Local and Google Places.
This brand new system is a useful local business marketing strategy that makes it easier for local businesses and brands to update and manage their business information across Google Search, Google Maps, and Google+.
As a result, they can connect with more consumers who are looking for their product, service, or company.
What Should You Do Now?
Already Have a Verified Google+ Local or Google Places Account? Your Information Should Have Automatically Transferred Over. Login to Review the Information and Make Sure it is Correct.
Never Claimed or Verified Your Google Listing Before? It's Time to Setup a Page Using Google My Listing.
10 Tips for an Effective Google My Business Listing
• Complete Your Profile 100%
• Choose the Proper Categories
• Add All of Your Locations
• Correct Any Duplicate or Inaccurate Information
• Get Local Citations
• Post Content, Photos, and Images
• Optimize & Verify Your Page
• Utilize the Insights Feature
• Monitor & Respond to Customer Reviews
• Encourage Reviews from Customers
What Can You Do on Google My Business?
• Upload More Photos and Virtual Tours
• Sharing Content and Interacting with Your Google+ Followers
• See Insights on How Google+ Users Find & Interact With Your Page
• See Analytics About Your YouTube Channel
• Read and Respond to Customer Reviews
• Create and Track AdWords Express Campaigns
Need help utilizing Google My Business? Contact us to learn more firstname.lastname@example.com or call 858-442-3131


text: "Steinar H. Gunderson" <firstname.lastname@example.com> writes: > On Sun, Apr 27, 2008 at 07:17:14AM +0200, Bernd Eckenfels wrote: >> If it probes, it is most likely loading an optimized asm module, and >> you dont need the SSE switch at all. > If you use gcc inline assembler and want to use SSE registers in > constraints (or use SSE intrinsics), you'll need -msse even if you write > all the SSE code yourself. It's not an unusual situation. After further investigation, it looks like gnubg does runtime probing, but if you tell it to use SSE, it also adds -msse to the build flags. Will building with -msse break the binaries on i386 chips without SSE all by itself, even if gnubg doesn't run any of its SSE code unless SSE is actually detected? -- Russ Allbery (email@example.com) <http://www.eyrie.org/~eagle/>


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Lighthouses of Australia, Images from the End of an Era
John Ibbotson. Published in 2002, this oversized hard cover book contains over 500 photos of 220 lighthouses including Australia's classical lights. As well as a history, there is a chronological list of 400 lights. Hard cover with dust jacket, 12"x10.5", 288 full-color glossy pages.


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Affluent Lifestyle Guide
The heart of the Maremma countryside, set amidst Etruscan ruins, is the perfect place to let Cupid's dart land this Valentine's Day. The jewel of this local, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, is sure to help as well, offering a romantic 3-night Tuscan experience for two from February 14 ? 17.


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The organization overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons said Wednesday that it is on track to remove the most dangerous toxins from Syrian soil early in the new year, despite struggles in finding countries willing to accept them.
Ahmet Uzumcu, the director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said the group has finalized plans for destroying the chemicals at sea, with the assistance of the United States and other countries.
The plan envisions a complex operation that would quickly remove an estimated 1,000 metric tons of toxic liquids from Syria and then, in a series of handoffs, transfer them to a U.S. vessel equipped with machines that will convert them into less-toxic compounds.
"The major elements of such a transportation and destruction plan are in place," Uzumcu told OPCW officials meeting at the group's headquarters in The Hague.
Uzumcu acknowledged the possibility of further delays to a project that has been plagued by security concerns, bad weather and an inability to find a country willing to host a decontamination facility.
"We must, however, remember that the mission in the Syrian Arab Republic is making progress against heavy odds," he said.
Although some details of the OPCW's plan are being kept secret, Uzumcu confirmed that the organization has accepted an offer by the United States to destroy the bulk of Syria's liquid toxins on a specially modified cargo ship, the MV Cape Ray. Russia has agreed to supply trucks to haul the chemicals to Syria's Latakia port, where they will be loaded onto Danish and Norwegian ships. Italy has offered the use of a port — yet to be identified — for transferring the liquids to Cape Ray, OPCW officials said.
The toxins are to be chemically neutralized aboard the U.S. ship in a process that should be completed by late March, the organization said. Syria's entire arsenal — including a small number of artillery shells and rockets loaded with sarin — is set to be eliminated by June 30.
Independent experts said the process of destroying Syria's stockpile appears to have regained momentum after suffering a major blow last month, when Albania backed away from a commitment to host the decontamination facility. U.S. and Russian officials who initially brokered the agreement to destroy the arsenal had set ambitious deadlines, due in part to worries that Syria could change its mind, or that weapons could be lost or stolen as fighting between government troops and rebel militias spread.
"The deadlines give the necessary urgency to the undertaking, but ultimately they represent political compromises," said Jean Pascal Zanders, a Paris-based chemical weapons expert who runs a blog on chemical weapons. In the coming weeks, "some shifts are possible, provided there are objective reasons to justify them," he said.
Syria agreed to surrender its arsenal of nerve and mustard agents after the Obama administration threatened a military strike over President Bashar al-Assad's alleged used of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians. More than 1,000 Syrians were killed in August after rockets containing sarin gas landed in villages east of Damascus.


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The concerning attitude of Google+ to the use of pseudonymous online identities (not to mention legal names which don't conform to a narrow western standard of normality) has been raging across the internet all week. A couple of great posts summing up the problems and fears associated with this, from Tiger Beatdown and Feminist SF – the Blog!
I've been following with great interest the 'Batgirl asks DC where the women are' story that emerged from Comicon, and it's very cool to see issues like this making mainstream news. It's absolutely worth reading the substantial Interview With Batgirl which discusses the conversations that happened across several panels at the convention, with many personal observations from the caped crusader in question.
Meanwhile, Jim C Hines discusses the arrival of a black/Hispanic Spiderman in the Marvel Ultimates series, and some of the awful racist comments which sprang up in response to the announcement. (I particularly like the comment thread to this post where someone referred to this as a publicity stunt comparable to DC's lesbian Batwoman, and someone else points out how awesome that character turned out to be, proving that an active push towards diversity in comics can in fact have fabulous results that are enjoyed by a wide range of readers… not ALL the comments are that enlightening, though, of course)
Sarah Rees Brennan follows up on some insightful Twitter discussions about how worrying it is that it's not seen as appropriate or acceptable for female fictional characters (especially in YA) to have confidence in themselves (and of course that this reflects social attitudes in real life). Ladies, Don't Let Anyone Tell You You're Not Awesome.
Speaking of women who are awesome, Tamora Pierce has produced one of her occasional splendid rants, this one about some truly awful TV programs, and how the phrase 'female empowerment' is often used by men to justify quite insulting and degrading sexism.
Cecil Castellucci wrote an inspiring and revealing essay about her life as a Star Wars obsessive, and how even the gradual and dramatic betrayals of George Lucas over the years have not (entirely) taken that away from her.
Blue Milk wrote an account of a workshop she did with her daughters 5 & 6 year old classmates on sexism and gender assumptions – this is a fascinating piece, and I was particularly taken with the idea of teaching them to analyse what toy catalogues are really trying to sell them. It's never too early to start Media Studies!!
The Angriest reviews Mary Shelley's Mathilda, which sounds very cool – and it serves as a reminder (we need these a lot, apparently) that so many famous women writers of the past wrote more than one book. Really, truly.
Mari Ness, who impressed me so much with her epic readthrough of all the Oz books on Tor.com, is now turning her attention to Edith Nesbit, one of the most important British children's authors and fantasists of all time. The first two posts are up, on The Treasure-Seekers and The Would-be-goods. No fantasy yet, but she'll get there.
Dropping back to Comicon briefly, check out this gallery of cosplay highlights, including my old favourites, the genderbending Justice League.
Meanwhile, over at Body Impolitic, we have a very cute drawn tutorial on How To Draw Realistic Tits, for those comic artists who might want to include some realism in their work. It's an elegant little piece which shows through line art and minimal text how physics, gravity and reality actually affect breasts, and it speaks of many many years of ranting at power cleavage.
A little personal plug: Last Friday, there was a brilliant, lengthy and dare I say crunchy review of Galactic Suburbia up at Hoyden About Town. We're so proud to be Friday Hoydens!
Also don't forget the World SF Travel Fund is still open to donations – over $4000 raised! Just a little under $2000 to go…
While I'm plugging away, the much-anticipated Ood Cast second album, Dirty Little Geeks, is available now for free download. It contains 27 trock songs of awesomeness, written and performed on their podcast over the last year, all about Doctor Who and fandom. These people are crazy talented, the music has been filked from a variety of contemporary & classic songs with great skill, and nothing is too irreverent when it comes to the Whoverse.
Listen to track 17, Dirty little Geeks
And while we're talking trock, Chameleon Circuit also have their even-longer-awaited second album of original trock songs out, Still Got Legs (available from iTunes), and it was worth the wait!


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Article Side
Online Article Directory!
Visit the Land of Alps with Europe Holidays Packages
What are the words which will define Europe appropriately? Is it enough to say that excitement, entertainment and fun never end in this continent? Do you call it as the most romantic destination in the world, the perfect place for a vacation or honeymoon? Whatever words and phrases you use, you will still be unable to rightly define the beauty and magnificence of Europe. This is the reason why Europe holiday packages are the most sorted after among the packages of various international holiday destinations.
Europe tourism has always enthralled the vacationers who come here for vacation, honeymoon, to shop or to visit the various landmarks. Where the "city of lights", Paris fascinates people, Switzerland transports them to a whole new world.
Be a part of the unlimited scenic beauty
Switzerland always tops the priority list of the vacationers. Surrounded by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, "The land of Alps" is situated in the South of Central Europe. The world of beauty and wonder, mountains and serenity and the promises of unlimited memories make the Europe holiday packages all the more alluring for the vacationers and honeymooners.
Europe tourism and government maintains the small country in such a way that it never fails to win the hearts of tourists and makes them their own. It is highly rich country due to its flourishing tourism. The scenic Alps, neat and pure ambience and beauty lures tourists from all across the world who specially take the time off from their busy schedule to book Europe holiday packages and include a trip to Switzerland as well.
Enjoy the colorful Carnivals
If you love color, pomp and show and fascinated to see world renowned carnival, then you need to visit Switzerland during the month of February or March. Here, you can be a part of the enticing carnivals wherein delightful music, trumpets, parades, colorful dances and fascinating colors will offer unlimited entertainment. You will find yourself dancing to the tunes to the beats of the music and enjoying immensely.
Whatever reason leads you to the place where entertainment and fun never ends, you will find yourself enjoying every moment. Your face will radiate with glory and you will simply fall in love with the place. When you return back to your country, you will find yourself recounting your exotic experience and urging your friends and colleagues to book Europe holiday packages to get the glimpse of the fun you had!
Emma Dsuza - About Author:
Emma D'suza is an expert author for travel articles who provides information about international holidays including Europe Holiday Packages. Get all exclusive information about Europe Tour Packages and International Travel Packages.
Article Source:
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text: Image gallery (0) Add an image Contribute freeware Rate 1 2 3 4 5 Total votes: 14 100 January 4, 2007 - 9:00pm This game and entry has been taken offline due to user complaints. Add new comment Add new comment Your name (Login to post using username, leave blank to post as Anonymous) Your name Subject Comment * username user name SHOW COMMENTS (2) HIDE COMMENTS (2) Super Columbine Massacre RPG I´m sure all the 238 ETA victims (Spanish terrorist organization) thanks you for your decision.Happy new year. 0 yes no 0 reply report  Super Columbine Massacre RPG Im,hero 0 yes no 2 reply report  Add new comment


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LIHI HOD Lihi Hod Madison wedding dress
Price available on request
Long sleeved elastic bodice, covered with floral soutage lace and drop shoulder neckline. Rich silk organza skirt and train, features pockets and deep pleating at back. Dotted tulle lining with floral soutage lace pleated freely on top of the skirt. This is finished off with a sash that is attached to the dress.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post2425646726903740723..comments2017-12-12T01:12:44.286+02:00Comments on Yaacov Lozowick's Ruminations: A Current American Frame of MindYaacovhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-41613764548171561352010-11-24T21:47:21.901+02:002010-11-24T21:47:21.901+02:00The principal of the school then spoke up. "I...The principal of the school then spoke up. "In our school, we teach the children from their first year about their country and how it was stolen from them. I tell my son of seven. You will see: one day a man of eighty and a child so high, all, all will go home with arms in their hands and take back their country by force."
Martha Gelhorn October 1961
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1969/12/the-arabs-of-palestine/4203/

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-4649676603110234152010-11-24T17:05:41.421+02:002010-11-24T17:05:41.421+02:00Anonymous November 23, 2010 5:10 AM is to accuse ...Anonymous November 23, 2010 5:10 AM

is to accuse Arabs of a complete dis-ingenuousness when it comes to the Israel-Palestine issue and to ignore the fact that many, if not most, Arabs are motivated primarily by an identification with Palestinian suffering

From the early 1950s when the British general Galloway in charge of UNWRA noted, as quoted by an American Congressional report
 It is perfectly clear than the Arab nations do not want to solve the Arab refugee problem. They want to keep it as an open sore, as an affront against the United Nations, and as a weapon against Israel.
 Then, by way of emphasis he said: Arab leaders don't give a damn whether the refugees live or die.
A Tale of Two Galloways
The congressional reference id included in the above.

 To the many UN resolutions against Israel's attempts at constructing decent housing and infrastructure in the Gaza strip after 1967 for example,

 to the "Three Nos" of Khartoum

 to the current situation where the PA keeps the "Refugees" confined to a squalid camp in Nablus, West Bank, with no rights

is indicative that vocal identification of suffering is either taqiya or plain crocodile tears.
The plight of those refugees could have been resolved years ago as has that of the millions of other refugees around the world, but as it involves Jews it has been allowed to fester and email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-64279770827793786112010-11-24T14:48:20.574+02:002010-11-24T14:48:20.574+02:00André if a lot is due to Palestinian leadership, w...André
if a lot is due to Palestinian leadership, what then about the time between 1948 and your first example in 1970, that's 22 years

what was it due to in those 22 years?
which is a whole generation, isn't it?
Was that time span used to increase numbers with the help or compliance of UNRWA (see Martha Gelhorn on it) so they could become a more impressive lever?

Was there a consensus that if one left the problem to fester and multiply, it might come in useful one day? and if there was who agreed to this "rosy" prospect?

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-73957686663214648982010-11-24T08:35:32.545+02:002010-11-24T08:35:32.545+02:00Anon/André, The difficulty with your argument is ...Anon/André,

The difficulty with your argument is that Arabs seem to be "motivated primarily by an identification with Palestinian suffering" only to the extent that it can be blamed on Jews. It could be that the Lebanese neglect and abuse the Palestinians in Lebanon as a side effect of Lebanese sectarianism — but that doesn't explain why Egyptians or Jordanians, say, aren't incensed by the foul conditions in the Lebanese camps. Jordanians may be down on Palestinians in their country due to memories of Black September — but why aren't concerned Syrians and Saudis screaming bloody murder about Jordan rescinding their citizenship? To say nothing of the general lack of empathy for other Arabs and other Muslims suffering throughout the Middle East and Maghreb. Saying that Arabs have tender feelings for the treatment of Palestinians by Israelis begs the question why, when it is so out of general character.Paul email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-69139586841374345462010-11-23T15:43:49.036+02:002010-11-23T15:43:49.036+02:00David a great part of Arab antipalestinian sentim...David

a great part of Arab antipalestinian sentiments was caused by political errors from Palestinian leaders.

1970's: "Black September" Arafat trying to usurp the throne of the Hashemite King.
Abu Nidal kills a minister of Egypt.

1980's Arafat destabilizes Lebanon

1990's Arafat supports Saddam Hussein

2000's Hamas offends Egypt by stopping reconcilation with Fatah.

Who had to deal with the cosequences? The Palestinians, of course.

300.000 were thrown out of Kuwait,
several thousands were shot by Jordan. Egypt's accusation of Palestinian treachery led to massive discrimination.

Regards, AndréAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-44852440458421806402010-11-23T15:00:01.401+02:002010-11-23T15:00:01.401+02:00I think that in spite of all, one should be sensit...I think that in spite of all, one should be sensitive regarding the Palestian tragedy: that they have failed, alas, to push the Jews into the sea.

That they have continued to fail.

An unmitigated tragedy.

To their credit, their Arab brothers (not to mention so, so many others) feel their pain, feel their indignity, feel their failure, wish them every success.

But faith. The Palestinians are still trying; and who knows? Maybe Obama will be their Great Enabler?Barry Meislinhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-56359471848230258242010-11-23T14:34:33.586+02:002010-11-23T14:34:33.586+02:00Anonymous What did I write that made you imagine ...Anonymous

What did I write that made you imagine that I dismiss Arab behavior as antiSemitic? I asked a serious question and your answer was not responsive.

I think that the Palestinians are the Jews of Araby. A very talented people who have contributed significantly to Arab countries when they have been so allowed, but dispensable a a moments notice. The sympathy on the Arab street does not extend very well to action.

You should explain to me, slowly and with simple words, why Palestinians in camps in Lebanon are not allowed to emigrate? why Jordan, with a Palestinian queen, is canceling Palestinian citizenship? why the Palestinians were persecuted in Iraq after the downfall of Sadam? why the Palestinians have done nothing to empty the camps in the West Bank and Gaza, even though lots of money is available.

Even more, you should persuade me that I must care more than a horse's patootie about opinions in the Arab streets while knaves do their best to separate me from the living.David firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-57845133804194701812010-11-23T14:31:18.064+02:002010-11-23T14:31:18.064+02:00I happen not to care what "they" feel or...I happen not to care what "they" feel or not feel.

I happen to be interested in their actions.

and I seem to remember numbers and numbers of actions which ever so vaguely point in the direction of highly discriminatory anti-Jewish feelings. i.e. "they" behave in a way that were I a Jew I wouldn't trust them for one second.

and no it is not their regimes - when the world came to visit Germany for the Olympics in 1936 they probably made similar claims about all the "normal" Germans which one shouldn't mix with their regime.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-42943069761324107622010-11-23T07:32:21.084+02:002010-11-23T07:32:21.084+02:00....Which of course is why the Palestinians have b.......Which of course is why the Palestinians have bent over backwards, have tried their absolute hardest---and then some, have done more than is humanly possible, have pulled out all the stops to stop being oppressed, to end the oppression, to avoid being oppressed, to free themselves of their oppressor.

To find a solution to their problem.

And, it barely needs saying, to pursue Truth to the four corners of the earth.Barry Meislinhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-54639377946692993032010-11-23T07:09:40.989+02:002010-11-23T07:09:40.989+02:00@David This is exactly what I mean when I say an ...@David

This is exactly what I mean when I say an utter unwillingness to grant that any expressions of sympathy or outrage on the part of the Arabs is genuine. Are there cynical manipulations of the Palestinian situation (mostly by regimes)? Yes. Do Palestinians get caught up in intra-Arab politics and get the short end of the stick? Yes. Do their Arab benefactors sometimes lose patience with their antics? Sure. But first, some Arab countries do treat them with a modicum of respect (Syria, for example). Where they're treated like total shit (Lebanon), they're caught up in a struggle that's bigger than them (the sectarian make-up of Lebanon) or have stiffed their hosts (Kuwait).

But to conclude that the vast majority of Arabs don't identify and sympathize with Palestinians on a visceral level just shows you've never spoken with an Arab, engaged with Arab culture, or observed the Arab media.

So, to be a bit childish: No, David, I think you are insulating yourself from the uncomfortable thought that a lot of Arabs, under the influence of a significant amount of propaganda and lacking a nuanced, balanced perspective on the conflict though they may be, are genuinely pained by the situation of the Palestinians. And you are insulating yourself by dismissing it as nothing more than firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-20501594064724424302010-11-23T06:32:30.964+02:002010-11-23T06:32:30.964+02:00anonymous at 5:10 am If it were true that "....anonymous at 5:10 am

If it were true that "... many, if not most, Arabs are motivated primarily by an identification with Palestinian suffering." Would they not do something about it. I mean simple things such as grant them the right to work, to live outside UN camps, etc?

I think you are projecting.David email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-90732600703022571062010-11-23T05:10:29.075+02:002010-11-23T05:10:29.075+02:00Drawing an analogy between the anti-Semitic drawin...Drawing an analogy between the anti-Semitic drawings General Dayton saw and the prevailing anti-Semitism in Europe from 400-1800 demonstrates, once again demonstrates a complete unwillingness to take any grievances against Israel seriously. Were those specific drawings seen by Dayton inspired by anti-Jewish animus? Seems like it. Do a non-negligible number of Arabs hold anti-Semitic views? Most certainly. But to use those posters as a proxy for Arab opinion writ large is to accuse Arabs of a complete dis-ingenuousness when it comes to the Israel-Palestine issue and to ignore the fact that many, if not most, Arabs are motivated primarily by an identification with Palestinian suffering. So while some plenty of the anti-Israel animus in the Middle East is anti-Jew, not all or even most of it is. There's no comparable dual nature to the European anti-Semitism referenced by firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-11364720151462857972010-11-23T04:56:03.621+02:002010-11-23T04:56:03.621+02:00I think Jews should care less about what their ene...I think Jews should care less about what their enemies think of them. There is no reason in the world they have to give up what is near and dear to them to be liked - and they shouldn't.NormanFhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-49798095333317624922010-11-23T00:55:11.027+02:002010-11-23T00:55:11.027+02:00And why would people all over Europe have been exp...And why would people all over Europe have been expressing that view? Because they had previously heard, and accepted, precisely that view, in just that way, from others.

Antisemitism, in some powerful and ill-understood way, is uniquely good at getting itself propagated in that manner. (It is, to use Dawkins' term, a meme whose fecundity, resilience and fidelity have few rivals.)

General Dayton was not just mistaken about the cause of those drawings, he was recruited by them and now believes their message and is propagating it exactly as though The Jews had harmed him personally, just as the authors of the cartoons and the medieval blood libels had expressed them exactly as if The Jews had harmed them personally, and so on right back to the dawn of this arch-calumny of human email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-10730937556689375512010-11-23T00:45:51.656+02:002010-11-23T00:45:51.656+02:00Sergio I read Giora Eiland's piece on the sec...Sergio

I read Giora Eiland's piece on the second intifada last night -
and more often than not I hear smart men's lectures at the Pritzker Military Library - in fact Military Historians seem to have a lot to say that is worthwhile to listen to, especially if they are of the kind who has seen combat himself.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-24647568203760765622010-11-23T00:42:10.470+02:002010-11-23T00:42:10.470+02:00commnter Jack Schwartz at Elder of Ziyon asked thi...commnter Jack Schwartz at Elder of Ziyon asked this interesting question:

good post, Elder -- the only question I have is whether the West itself really wants peace between Israel and the Arabs.
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2010/11/ifthen-fallacy.html

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-79548281701441500142010-11-22T23:48:27.478+02:002010-11-22T23:48:27.478+02:00I think this gen. is a little narrow-minded (well,...I think this gen. is a little narrow-minded (well, he´s a military guy) and trying to shift to Israel only, the hate muslims have of the West, particularly the US. And to narrow simple-mindedness one should add a dint of magical thinking (well, he serves the current US administration) as if the so-called peace process was key to the problem.

How can someone be so naive??Sérgionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008006782907969381.post-20550946884005724382010-11-22T23:21:45.763+02:002010-11-22T23:21:45.763+02:00The opinions of Iraqis and Pakistanis aren't p...The opinions of Iraqis and Pakistanis aren't part of the equation.

Except that the opinions of Iraqis and Pakistanis, insofar as they match the opinions of Palestinians (and they do), are precisely part of the equation.

Um, no, wrong, sorry: They are precisely the equation.Barry Meislinhttps://email@example.com


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In 1972 architect Simon Nicholson, the son of artists Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth, presented the proposition that young children's creative empowerment comes from the presence of open-ended materials that can be constructed, manipulated and transformed through self-directed play. These 'loose parts' permit children to become co-producers of art, space and culture alongside adult artists and architects.
According to Nicholson, the cultural elite have created and maintained a social lie. They have convinced us that the construction of any part of an environment or artwork is so complex and difficult that it can only be undertaken by a gifted few people who have university degrees and highly specialised artistic expertise. This misconception has led people to believe that creativity is for a select few 'geniuses' and the rest of us are compelled to be mere consumers of the music, art, poems, buildings and ideas that these people create. This is particularly prevalent in the lives of young children.
This idea defies itself in two ways. Firstly, there is no evidence that says that some humans are born creative and some not. Secondly, there is a huge body of evidence that supports the idea that all children enjoy experimenting, discovering and playing with materials. Therefore all humans are creative and are able to be creatively empowered through their connection with open-ended and flexible variables such as clay, blocks, rocks and flowers. These materials can be adapted, moved, designed, recombined, tinkered with and taken apart allowing for children to partake in the construction of the spaces and activities in which they live and play. The more flexible the materials are, the more scope for deep creative exploration by children and the more likely they will remain absorbed in creative play. Similar to the Reggio Emilia and Steiner early childhood philosophies, Nicholson's theory is founded on the belief that children are competent, creative and capable beings who are able to participate in the construction of the ideas, believes and spaces they inhabit.
Children are able to select what materials they use and how they are appropriated, allowing for the development of their own hypothesis around their play which can be tested through self-assessed means, for example when building a robot a child may assess its success against whether or not the robot moves. The crucial element within the environments is the user's ability to adapt the materials in a large variety of ways, allowing for deep creative experimentation. The emphasis then moves to a more discovery-based learning experience in which inquiry and children's self-led research are valued over more transmission forms of learning. It is through this that the environment takes on the form of a science laboratory.
'In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it." Simon Nicholson
The focus of the theory of loose parts is on the material and spatial qualities of space. A crucial aspect of children's learning which Nicholson does not cover is the social milieu needed to support and deepen creative play. It is not merely a matter of putting a large volume of 'loose parts' in a room and letting children go wild, the social system put in place by adults is fundamental in creating successful children's learning experiences. Educators must guide and challenge children's thinking and be responsive to new discoveries, new ideas and new collaborative thinking strategies developed by children.
Whilst Nicholson discusses loose parts predominantly in relation to the construction of playgrounds and school environments, this theory can also be applied to the construction of artworks and immersive environments in art galleries. When doing so, it raises fundamental questions about how culture and cultural values are constructed in art galleries. For example, what parts of an environment or an artwork can be done by an artist or curator and what parts can be done by children? Nicholson's believed that this balance needs to be tipped towards the child however in doing so, is it then undermining the role and expertise of the artist and curator? Does this then also undermine the artist's 'authorship' of the artwork? These key ethical considerations are deserving of critical reflection and debate when developing early years gallery practice. If we forego the presence of loose parts in order to stay true to an artists already developed artist's process, will this then come at the compromise of meaningful experiences for children?
The beautiful Roma Patel and I have constructed a giant 'Ball Run' play space that we will present at the Lakeside International Children's Theatre and Dance Festival (June 4 & 5 2016). Drawing upon Nicholson's theory, children will design and construct their own runs using quirky and recycled materials (prototype video below). The space will also feature a dedicated baby and toddler area. Lakeside Arts Centre, University of Nottingham. FREE, recommended for 0-15 year olds, 12.00pm – 5.00pm. Further details here.
Want to read more about loose parts and materials in learning? Check out my latest post on the role of materials in children's learning through art!
Nicholson, S. (1971). How NOT to cheat children – The theory of loose parts. Landscape Architecture, 62, 30-34.


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"It was also a tribute to the career of one of the most important filmmakers alive. It is, after all, impossible to conceive of the landscape of contemporary American cinema without Lynch. If he didn't exist we would have to invent him."
A mountain of lime green Jell-O shots greeted theatergoers in the lobby of the Windy City Playhouse on Saint Patrick's Day. A brash, acerbic, overly sweet welcome, and yet a relatively tame prelude to a bold production of Bootycandy, written and directed by Robert O'Hara.
The play contains what at first appear to be a series of vignettes linked, if narrowly, by common thematics: the expression of desire and the negotiation of gender and class identities in primarily black settings. Concluding the first act is a conference panel at which four exasperated African American playwrights indulge an exasperating white moderator by describing current works in progress—works that we, the audience, have just witnessed. If this mise en abyme comes across as somewhat of a gimmick, the second act cleverly mashes up the different storylines, in addition to abolishing the boundary between said storylines and the brand of meta-commentary on display in the conference scene. What emerges from this creative chaos is an impressionistic epic that covers the journey from childhood to adulthood of Sutter, a black gay man.
Read more in Chicago


text:
UnitedHealth Group's stock gained 3% on Monday after peer Humana announced that the government's cuts to the Medicare program would not have as severe an effect as earlier estimated. Humana's stock surged 11% following the announcement while Aetna gained 2%.
The Medicare program provides healthcare services to individuals aged 65 or older and younger people with disabilities. It is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with companies like UnitedHealth assuming health care insurance coverage in return for a fixed monthly premium per member served from CMS. There are close to 50 million Americans enrolled in the Medicare program, of which around 21% are enrolled through UnitedHealth, making it the largest provider in the country. More than 30% of the company's revenues and EBITDA come from this division.
Our $74 price estimate for UnitedHealth's stock is in line with the current market price.
See Full Analysis For UnitedHealth Group Here
Medicare funding comes from the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, held by the U.S. Treasury. The funds utilize payroll taxes paid by employees and employers as well as other sources such as income taxes paid on Social Security benefits and premiums from people who aren't eligible for premium-free Medicare coverage. Total government expenditures on the Medicare program are around $550 billion per year.
However, following the implementation of the Protection and Affordable Care Act and the online health insurance exchanges, the government has decided to cut Medicare payments to insurance companies by nearly 30% in the next 10 years. UnitedHealth has been preparing for the rate reductions and has resorted to cost cutting and fraud prevention measures in the past, but its bottom line has been affected by the government funding cuts; the United HealthCare division's EBITDA margin dropped from 9% in 2012 to 7.6% in 2013, partly because of the aforementioned cuts.
Humana has announced that the proposed funding cuts will lead to a funding decline of 3.5% to 4% instead of the 6% to 7% range it had earlier expected. This will also have a positive impact on UnitedHealth, which has a share of more than 20% in the U.S. Medicare market. However, we still expect a slight decline in margins in the coming years. More than 80% of UnitedHealth's operating expenses are medical costs, and the company has maintained a medical care ratio of 80% for the last few years. However, the PPACA mandates a minimum medical care ratio (medical costs divided by premiums) of 80% for individual and small group plans, and 85% for large group plans. The impact of this was observed in 2013 earnings, as the medical care ratio increased from 80% in 2012 to 82% and could still increase further.
Other Factors
Another mitigating factor is the so-called "adverse selection death spiral." The PPACA requires policies to be issued regardless of community rating or medical condition, with insurers offering the same premium to all insured parties of the same age and location, regardless of gender or pre-existing condition. The act also offers subsidies to low income individuals and families with income below the federal poverty level. This means that the cost of health insurance will increase for young and healthy citizens who might be disinclined to opt for the plans. Younger and healthier citizens are likely to visit medical providers less frequently, which could benefit health insurers.
We expect UnitedHealth's margins to fall to around 6.7% by the end of the decade, but there is a 10% upside to our price estimate if the company can maintain its current EBITDA margin of 7.6%. The potential upside is around 20% if the company can maintain an EBITDA margin close to the historical average (from 2010 to 2012) of 9%, though that is unlikely.
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  MULTIMEDIA: Little Swimmers
  VIDEO: Little Swimmers
Swimsuit season is here, and Gavin Holmes looks good in his green Hawaiian-print trunks.
Never mind that he's only 7 months old. Or that he doesn't know how to swim.
He's learning. That's why he's here. That's why they're all here.
Sort of.
Several times a week, the indoor pool at the Francis Family YMCA in Temperance is sprinkled with water babies. They float around and splash while their parents carefully hold them in the pool, comfortably heated to 89 degrees.
It would be a big stretch to call it swimming, but that doesn't matter to Gavin.
"He loves it," says his mom, Amy, of West Toledo. "He is a fish in the pool, just an absolute fish."
The YMCA is one of several area facilities offering infant aquatics classes for young children and their parents, starting with kids as young as 6 months.
"Basically, all we're trying to do with the parent-child class is get the child used to the water so that they won't be scared when they get older," explains Ashley Williams, 20, an instructor at the Francis Family YMCA.
The idea is to get the kids used to being underwater, floating, jumping in from the side of the pool, kicking, things like that. During a recent YMCA class, nine children did their best impressions of motorboats as they flailed their legs in the water and their parents kept them afloat.
"At first, most of the time the parents have to actually take their arms and move them around or take their feet and really kick them, but by the end of the lessons, they're really doing them by themselves," Ms. Williams says.
Many parents say they come to the class because they care about water safety. They believe the sooner their kids learn to swim, the safer they'll be. The sight of their kids' mouths gaping wide with joy as they jump into the pool is just a bonus.
"We feel it's so important for kids to have water safety ... The earlier you start them, the less afraid they are of the water," says one mom, Jennifer Hemry, of Temperance. "If you wait longer, I've seen children, they're 2 or 3 years old and they scream because they just don't understand what the water's all about."
Her son Zachary is only 17 months old, but he was first exposed to the water more than a year ago. He takes part in one of the YMCA classes.
Statistics show that there is much to worry about when it comes to kids and water. In 2004, drowning was the cause of death for 26 percent of the children ages 1 to 4 who died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of course, there are limits to how much about swimming one can teach the youngest infants.
"Anybody that you put in the water will automatically hold their breath, but to teach them some of the skills [for swimming], you need to have some gross motor skills," says Jim Beeson, who directs the parent-child swim programs at the Collingwood Center in the Old West End.
The optimum age for starting the center's 30-minute lessons is 18 months, he said.
"They're more responsive to requests," he said.
Even for the youngest water babies, though, there are reasons to try these kinds of classes. Some of them aren't even related to the water.
"I think that the main benefit is the bonding experience between the parent and the child. ... They're exploring new things and discovering new things and the parent is right with them," says Jeff Witt, assistant director of the Student Recreation Center at the University of Toledo, which has fall and spring classes at its Health Education Center.
Bill Hayes, of Point Place, says infant aquatics classes give him valuable time with his son Christopher, 2 1/2, who enjoys them greatly.
"He likes to play a lot more than actually take time learning to swim, so it's a bit of a struggle, but he's done well, and he's getting more and more comfortable jumping in and practicing kicking and reaching," Mr. Hayes says.
And just as importantly, it usually comes with a smile.
"Most of the time, the kids really do have a good time in the water," Ms. Williams says. "I have more kids that have fun than kids that sit and scream."
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Italy's Euro 2012 Group C opponents Croatia were pegged back in a disappointing 1-1 friendly draw with Norway.
The Azzurri are set to face Croatia in their second game on June 14 in Poznan, sharing the group with Spain and the Republic of Ireland.
Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka were rested due to fitness worries, then Ivica Olic requested a substitution after 71 minutes with a muscle strain
It was goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa who was kept busy by the Norwegian attack throughout the game, although Croatia did break the deadlock.
Eduardo nodded in a cross from Darijo Srna with 10 minutes left on the clock, but deep into stoppages Norway equalised thanks to Tarik Elyounoussi from a corner.
Croatia's other friendlies leading into Euro 2012 were a 3-1 home defeat to Sweden on February 29 and a 3-1 win over Estonia on May 25.
See the latest Serie A predictions and betting tips with Eurotips.co.uk