text:
Stage Fright
by Laura Picken
Summary: Sequel to Date with Destiny. The Commissioner has an interesting assignment for Jim and Blair.
2012 Update: Be warned that this is probably the only story where I've ever been accused of creating a Mary Sue character. If you know what that means (and some of you do) and you don't like those kind of characters, don't read it. One day I might edit this story to make her less of a Mary Sue, but until then...
On a timeline scale, this follows "Pennies from Heaven", and has one slight reference to it. This story has a very high SPF (Shameless Personal Fantasy) factor, with some romance, sense work, (hopefully) humor, and even a case thrown in for good measure. Many thanks to JR (a.k.a. Rene de Pree) for her help beta-reading this story, and to Yvonne McCool who's been an invaluable resource, critic, and help for mega-drooling suggestions for this story. The final scene in this story (when you see it) was almost entirely inspired by her. I owe you both big for this!
Humor me for a minute here guys - I just wanted to say to those writers whose stories I've read and I've never gotten a chance to e-mail a reply to (and believe me, the only things I _don't_ read are NC-17 or slash, so I've probably read any other Sentinel stuff that's been put up anywhere on the web), thanks for inspiring me. If I wrote thank yous to all you wonderful people for all the great fanfic you've written, I'd never have gotten around to writing stuff of my own, so just let it be known that if it weren't for you guys having the guts to post first, I wouldn't be here. So, thank you. I try not to rip off concepts without saluting the author first, so if I've ripped off anyone's story idea without permission, I apologize in advance. E-mail me and we'll try to work something out.
Disclaimer: All must sing the official anthem...(tap baton on keyboard-start official fanfic theme music). Jim, Blair, Simon and Cascade do not belong to me, but to Pet Fly Productions and Paramount. Chorus: Please don't sue! Please don't sue! I'm only doing this for fun. I may throw in references to other shows, songs, etc., and if I do, they belong to whomever they belong to. (repeat chorus) The other characters belong to me... I didn't research the theories on the science of sound that are used in this story-I just made them up off the top of my head to fit my own warped concepts.
One punctuation note: anything in brackets([ ]) is a thought.
"Thank you, Commissioner. I trust that you will handle this unfortunate situation with the utmost discretion."
"I will do my very best, Sir."
As the mayor left her office for the third time in a week, Cascade Police Commissioner Diane McPherson sat down at her desk, pulled out her homeopathic headache remedy, and stuffed 10 of the sweet pellets under her tongue. She then tried to take a long drink of water, and almost choked on 5 of the pellets that came up from under her tongue. [That's what I get for trying to take a double dose,] she thought. She prided herself on being able to handle just about any possible situation, but this was definitely a new one for her, even after more than 15 years in police work. She needed some advice on this one, so she turned to the one person that she knew she could talk to about anything-"Julia, could you come in here for a moment please?"
Her administrative assistant, Julia, casually walked in, pen and legal pad in hand, and asked, "Yes, Commissioner?"
"Julia, when we're alone, you could call me Diane, you know? After all, you are dating my kid brother."
Julia knew she was on a first-name basis with Diane, she just liked giving her (hopefully) future sister-in-law a hard time about her 'prestigious' position. "Whatever you say, Commissioner."
Diane glared at her assistant, then decided to get straight to the point. "Diane, do you know anyone on the force who can sing?"
Julia had always felt confident that she knew everything that someone in her position could know about the Cascade PD. But this was definitely a new one. She had to be hearing her wrong, "Sing?"
Diane nodded. "Apparently someone is calling in threats to the mayor's office about planting a bomb at the Cascade of Stars Festival. The mayor's been able to keep a lid on it so far, but he'd like me to send in a few undercover people to be safe. According to him, he 'doesn't want another Atlanta' on his hands."
"So he thinks the threats are legitimate?"
"Legitimate or not, he has a valid point. I know we can find people to work concessions, administration, and security pretty easily. I could even talk to my nephew Tom about bringing someone into the tech unions. But, I would also like to put someone in with the performers. Can never be too careful, after all. So, any ideas?"
"None that I can think of."
Both women sat in silence for a minute, thinking over all the contacts they had within the department who could discretely handle a situation like this one. Suddenly, Diane's eyes widened in realization. [ I have no idea if he could sing,] she thought, [but a guy like him could probably learn faster than anybody else on the force, and we -do- have a week before the Festival...]
Julia couldn't help but notice the look on Diane's face. Half the time, it meant that she needed to send her boyfriend home to pick up a change of clothes for her, because she would be working with Diane late into the night. She winced, and asked, "Do I need to call Chris?"
Diane smiled, "Not this time. Get Captain Banks on the phone, and tell him I'm going to need to borrow his best detective for a while. Then call Detective Ellison and ask him and his partner to meet me here in about an hour. And get my friend Sharon on the phone - I need to talk to her about training someone for me. If she can, have her come to the same meeting. I'm going to work out some of the details with regard to the other members of the team. They will meet us here in an hour and a half."
Julia nodded, and got up to get back to her phone. "Yes ma'am."
Blair had just finished his report and was about to grab Jim and head out the door for the day when Simon waved them over. Jim made it to his office, but before he could sit down, Simon had grabbed his coat and was ushering him back out again. "Grab your coat, Jim, we have another meeting with the Commissioner." Blair barely had enough time to grab the printed report from his desk before the quick-moving (and much bigger) men almost left without him.
As the three men walked into the (now very familiar) Commissioner's office, Julia waved them quickly into Commissioner McPherson's office while she was talking on the phone. "Go on in, gentlemen-she's expecting you." She then quickly resumed her conversation with whoever it was she was talking to.
The three men nodded their acknowledgment and walked into the office. Diane quickly cut off her phone call, with "All right, I'll see you in about ten minutes or so. Gotta go-they're here. Bye!" She then turned to her guests and extended her greetings. That last call did leave her time to exchange a few pleasantries. "Good evening, gentlemen. It's good to see you again."
The three men said a polite "Good evening" to the Commissioner, where Blair chimed in with "I have the report on our latest case," as he handed Diane the report he had so hastily grabbed from his desk.
Diane received the report from Blair, stapled it, and briefly skimmed the pages. As she was reading a part that caught her eye about the building explosion, she commented, "I always find your reports such interesting reading, Professor Sandburg. Apparently, you two seem to be able to validate forensic evidence in a fraction of the time it takes our entire division, if they catch the evidence at all. Amazing."
She put the report down, and got down to business. "Gentlemen, I'm sure you're all familiar with the Cascade of Stars Festival that is coming up next week." Jim and Simon both nodded, but Blair looked slightly confused. Sensing his partner's confusion, Jim explained, "It's a big party that the city throws about once every four or five years or so. There are concerts and a film festival, but the big event is a $1,000,000 talent show. People from all over the Northwest are auditioning for this. The grand prize in each category is $100,000 and a contract with William Morris. Even for the people who don't win the grand prize, it could be their big break. Talent scouts from all over the country are coming out for this-rumor has it this festival is where Nirvana debuted just before they made it big."
Diane chimed in, "Well, this year it seems we may be getting an uninvited guest. There have been several anonymous bomb tips phoned in to the mayor's office. There hasn't been anything confirmed yet, but the mayor doesn't want to take any chances, so he's asked me to assign a task force to go undercover during the event. Simon, if you don't mind, I'd like you to head up the group. I'd do it myself, but I've been asked to be one of the judges for the talent show, so I'm going to be stuck in a lot of social functions during the Festival. I need someone I can trust to man command central effectively. Will you be able to do it?" Simon nodded.
Diane continued, "Good. That takes a big load off my mind. I've got people who are working undercover with the technical unions, the concessionaires, and the cleanup crew. Simon, they'll report back to you, and you, in turn, will report back to me. I'll inform Chief Warren of this arrangement. There will be an independent security force there, but they'll all be screened thoroughly and half of them will be Cascade PD anyway, so I'll let the Chief handle them. That leaves one group that I need help with. Unfortunately, I think this will be the toughest place to find someone to go undercover."
Simon chimed in, "The performers, right?"
Diane nodded. "They're the most high profile group, unfortunately, they also have unrestricted access to all sites at the festival. Our guy could very well either be a performer or be working in cahoots with one of them in order to get his access. I need someone there who can pick up on the slightest little detail. Unfortunately, I also need someone who could go on stage if necessary and not make a fool of himself."
Jim groaned, but Blair still didn't understand. "So where do we come in?"
Jim looked at the Commissioner with a look of bewildered amazement on his face. "How did you find out about that?"
Diane replied, confused, "Find out about what?"
In unison, Diane and Jim then asked each other, "You mean- ", and before they could complete the sentence, both burst out laughing.
Simon and Blair looked at the two of them, understandably confused, and Simon, who hated total confusion much more than Blair did, declared, "Will someone _please_ tell me what is going on here?"
Diane, who by now had stopped laughing, explained, "I think the Detective and I were thinking of two different things. Detective, I'd like the you and your partner to go undercover with the performers. Professor, your cover is pretty simple-you'll be Jim's manager. Detective, I figured you'd be the best to go undercover as a performer because, with your hyperactive senses and excellent track record, you'd probably be able to pick up on something faster than anyone else in the department. I also figured that if you couldn't sing now, it would be easier to train you than anyone else. That was the call that the three of you walked in on-a very good friend of mine is a vocal coach, and I asked if she'd be willing to give you lessons to prepare for this. She agreed, and she should be here any minute. You don't happen to have any musical background, Detective?"
Jim replied, "Actually, I do, but it's been so long that I've forgotten almost all of it. If I tried to sing now, I'd probably screech so badly I'd kill every plant in this office. It would be interesting to try and learn it again."
Diane sighed in relief. Just then, Julia knocked discretely on the door, and Diane invited her in. "Commissioner, Sharon Driver is here."
"Excellent, Julia. Please show her in. Gentlemen, Sharon is the vocal coach I just told you about. Jim, I'll give the two of you a few minutes to get acquainted before the rest of the task force comes in and we have to start the briefing. If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I'm going to make sure Julia has the conference room ready." She then got up and quickly excused herself from the room. As she grabbed the door to leave, Julia let Sharon into the room.
Blair took one look at Sharon and had trouble keeping his jaw from dragging on the floor. His choir teacher from his high school days was so old and strict that she completely turned him off to anything remotely connected to music for most of his undergraduate years. But one look at Sharon's big blue eyes, long blond hair and killer smile, and he knew he'd be willing to sing for this woman anytime. The three men got up as Sharon entered the room, and Jim, sensing his partner's reaction to the lovely young lady who just walked in, decided to take care of the introductions. "Miss Driver? I'm Jim Ellison, this is my partner, Blair Sandburg, and Simon Banks, who is the head of the task force."
Sharon shook hands with the three men and motioned for them to sit around the table. Her eyes seemed to linger on Blair for a moment before addressing the group, "It's good to meet you, gentlemen. I look forward to working with you."
As the group settled in around the table, Sharon pulled a small notebook and a pen out of her purse so that she could take notes. She addressed the group, "Forgive me, gentlemen, but Diane has told me very little about this case. Which one of you is going to be undercover with the performers?" Jim hesitantly nodded.
Sharon smiled her most reassuring smile. "Why Detective, you look nervous. Have you ever sang in public before?"
Jim replied, "Actually, I have, but it was a long time ago and an experience I would rather not repeat."
Blair looked at his partner, stunned. He had never seen Jim so on edge. He thought, [I have _got_ to find out what happened.]
Sharon, meanwhile, wrote down in her notebook, "definite baritone-no tenor, slight bass undertone to voice, might have trouble singing low or too high-very street-smart voice", and continued to reassure her client. "You'll do fine. For one thing, my philosophy is that everyone can sing. The vocal chords are an instrument, and God never made an instrument that is completely out of tune. You just need to learn how to play that instrument properly. Besides, you may not even have to go in front of a large audience. The first three stages of the competition are before the judges in a closed-door panel. The only people who will hear you in there are the judges, your manager-I assume Mr. Sandburg will play that role?" Blair nodded. "And anyone with all-area access. Most of them won't care what you sound like, anyway - they'll be too worried about their own performances to be critical of yours. Also, I'll be available to you at every stage of the competition, so if you need any extra help or coaching during the festival, just ask."
Simon was intrigued-as far as he knew, the number of people with all-area access was to be limited to the performers, with Blair being the only exception-he knew Diane would figure out a way to squeeze him in. He asked Sharon, "You'll have all-area access?"
Sharon nodded, "In addition to helping Detective Ellison here, I'm also competing in the female vocalist category. You think I'd pass up a shot at a hundred thousand dollars?"
In spite of himself, Blair let out a small chuckle, and Jim and Simon glared at him. Sharon, for her part, ignored the exchange between the three men. She turned to Simon and asked, "I take it that we'll be able to start first thing in the morning?" As he nodded, she opened her notebook to a blank sheet of paper and wrote down an address. "Very well, then, gentlemen. I expect to see you both promptly at 9 a.m. In case there's any problems, I gave you a phone number where I can be reached." Julia took advantage of the opportunity to quickly step into the office and inform the group, "The briefing is going to start in a few minutes, everyone. If you'll follow me to the conference room."
"Careful, careful!" called the voice from inside the rehearsal space. "The door's not going to open all the way. If you keep shoving at it like that, you're -going- to break my equipment."
Confused, Jim nevertheless complied with Sharon's request, and squeezed inside past the doorway, barely fitting into the entryspace for the too-small recording studio. Once inside, he was amazed not only at the amount of highly specialized technical equipment now crammed into the small room, but at the fact that Sharon had obviously carried in every piece of equipment earlier that morning. In a bizarre way, the technical setup was almost comforting, reminding him not of the showbiz nature of their assignment so much as one of Blair's Sentinel experiments.
Jim's musings were interrupted by the sounds of his partner clearing his throat behind him. "Uh, big guy, would you mind-?"
Jim suddenly realized that he had been blocking the door, completely preventing Blair from getting in. Moving forward into the wider area of the room, he allowed the younger man to squeeze his way into the room. "Sorry about that, Chief."
Blair sighed. "Next time, Jim, if you want to do some philosophical thinking when you enter a room, at least let -me- go in first?"
Jim smiled. Apparently all was forgiven, as always. "Sure Chief, whatever you say."
Finally able to get a good look at the room, Blair whistled at the impressive, although highly intrusive technical setup. The only thing in the room that didn't seem to be made of metal and plastic was the baby grand piano crammed into a corner at the far end of the room. Looking over the amplifiers, microphones, printers and spectrographs that were scattered around the room, Blair made a mental note to see if he could borrow some of this stuff in the near future. "Pretty impressive stuff, eh Jim?"
Jim nodded. "Yeah, it's impressive." Jim was barely focused on his guide's musings as he continued to examine the equipment in the room. Blair's borrowed equipment usually had 'property of Rainier University' stenciled in conspicuous places all over each piece, to protect the equipment from those who would want to keep it permanently. But this equipment was in showroom condition-not what you would normally expect from your average vocal coach. [Something about this isn't quite right...]
As Sharon turned around from adjusting one of the monitors, she noticed her student and his friend studying the equipment. She asked Jim, "I'll bet you're wondering what a vocal coach is doing with such highly specialized equipment, right?" Ignoring any possible response from the two men, Sharon was all business, positioning both men next to the piano. As she worked she continued to explain, "The equipment has to do with several theories I have about training people to sing. Jim, I need you to stand right here." She moved Jim gently over to her left, opposite the equipment, and handed him a wireless microphone. She then directed Blair, "Blair, it would be best if you could stand behind me. That way, you can see everything that's going on without getting in the way of my view of the equipment." She then gently directed Blair to a safe point behind the piano bench, and returned to her spot at the piano.
"Jim, put your hand on the piano for a minute." He put his hand on the piano as Sharon directed, and she played a middle C. She asked, "Did you feel the vibrations as I played the note?" Jim nodded. She then took the hand that Jim had on the piano and placed it carefully at his throat in a light choke hold. She directed him, "Okay, now try and sing 'oh' on this note." She played C one octave lower, and Jim mimicked the sound exactly as she directed. She asked Jim, "Did you feel a difference in the vibrations that you felt from the piano when I played middle C as opposed to the vibrations you felt from your throat when you sang the lower note?"
Fascinated, Jim nodded, then paused, thinking. He asked Sharon, "Can we try that again?"
She shrugged and replied, "Sure." He placed his hand on the piano, and focused on his sense of touch as Sharon played middle C again, using the sound of the note to keep from zoning out. The vibrations at his fingertips felt to him like a vibrating massage tool. He then placed his hand at his throat and sang the low C again. The vibrations were there again, strong, but much less frequent - like the massager had been switched from a high setting to a low setting. He explained to Sharon, "The vibrations feel similar, but it's like one set was faster than the other."
"Which one was faster?"
"The note that you played."
Sharon clapped her hands together in excitement. "Exactly! Each note on the musical scale had a different wavelength signature. As you go up or down octaves, the frequency changes, but not the wavelength. Now, I'm going to play the low C again, but this time, put one hand on the piano, and one hand to your throat as you're singing." She played the note, and he sang along, following her instructions. "The vibrations are identical to each other."
"Right! Blair, could you turn on the spectrograph for me?" Blair reached around the piano, and turned on the each of the three spectrograph monitors, which automatically registered a blank line.
Sharon then explained, "Jim, although you seem to be able to distinguish the sounds pretty accurately by touch, I also use the spectrograph to give people a visual impression of the notes they're singing that will help them to gain control over their tone."
Blair chimed in, "Kind of like the way biofeedback is used to control pain?"
Sharon agreed, "Exactly. One of these monitors is connected directly to the computer, one is tuned in to the frequency of my voice, and the third one is connected directly to the wireless microphone you hold in your hands." As she spoke, the line on the top monitor moved in synch with her voice. She directed Jim, "Let's try that last note again." She played the note, and Jim sang into the microphone, trying to match his voice as closely as possible to the note coming from the piano. The middle monitor registered the frequency of the piano perfectly, but the bottom monitor still registered a blank line.
Realizing her mistake, Sharon apologized, "Oops - sorry guys. Jim, your mike isn't on. Flip the switch on the side and the switch on the bottom of the mike." She repeated the note, and Jim followed her lead. Sharon watched the monitors intently, and noticed that while the top monitor registered a blank line, the middle and bottom monitors were registering almost identical wavelengths. She praised her student, "All right Jim, that's perfect! Two problems are typical in people who think they either can't sing or don't sing well: one is that they simply haven't learned the ability to recognize the note in the music and copy the necessary sound, and the other is that they can't control the sound for a lengthy period of time, which is what causes people to 'warble', sending them completely out of tune. At this point, you have three ways to be able to mentally process the sounds that you hear: first audibly, then through touch, and finally visually through the spectrograph. We'll keep the spectrograph on for the first couple of days, until you get used to feeling for the changes in notes. After that, I'll continue to encourage you to feel the vibrations in rehearsal, but since you can't exactly have your hand to your throat while you're performing, by the time of the show you should be confident enough to go entirely by what you hear. Now, let's go through a simple scale, so you can see the differences between the wavelengths of the different notes..."
Blair watched Sharon work with Jim, fascinated. It seemed like the teacher's young age apparently belied an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom, a comment that was often made about Blair as well. He couldn't tell whether or not Sharon knew about the Sentinel's abilities, although he trusted the Commissioner enough to know that she would not have been the one to tell Sharon if Sharon did know. Yet, her theories on voice training seemed tailor-made for someone with Jim's enhanced senses. He was practically chomping at the bit to talk to her about his research. But, to do that would probably mean revealing Jim's Sentinel abilities, and he would _never_ do that. [Not even for someone like her,] he thought, [although _man_ it's tempting.]
They had finished the scale, and Sharon looked approvingly at Jim, praising him. "Jim, you have a great voice. Why haven't you done more with it?"
Blair worked very hard to suppress his laughter, and failed miserably. He had tried for three hours the night to get Jim to tell him about his last 'musical experience', but Jim wouldn't budge. So Blair wasn't surprised when Jim simply shrugged off the compliment, replying, "Never needed to."


text:
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) June 05, 2014
Medgate, the leading global provider of Enterprise Environmental, Health & Safety Data Management Solutions, is delighted to announce that it has appointed a new Vice President Global Sales, Greg Durand.
Greg brings to Medgate over 20 years of Sales, Business Development and Marketing Management in the finance, technology and medical sectors, with experience in North American, European, Latin American and Asia Pacific markets. He has extensive experience within growing organizations in both mature and early-stage environments, with consistently high achievement in leading firms including PriceMetrix, Algorithmics (now IBM), INEA (now SAP), 724 Solutions and Johnson and Johnson.
Greg's early career included time at Johnson and Johnson Surgical group in sales and product management. He ran North American buy-side sales at Algorithmics, a leading Risk Management firm, during a period of growth which saw that firm grow from 350 people to over 700.
Greg has completed various professional development programs and holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of British Columbia.
Medgate President, Mark Wallace welcomed Greg to the company, saying "We are pleased to have attracted someone of Greg's experience and talent to the Medgate team. His track record of leading operational improvements and revenue growth will help us to meet the objectives of our growth strategy."
About Medgate
Medgate™ (http://www.medgate.com) is the leading global provider of software for environmental, health, and safety data management. Available in multiple languages, Medgate software is used across the globe in hundreds of the best known corporations and government entities.
Developed by certified EHS professionals, the Medgate software supports a safety / environmental management system approach. Using the robust software application, EHS professionals can manage incidents, mitigate risks, satisfy compliance requirements, identify problem areas, and measure performance.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I think I failed
First let me appologize. I'm typing this through many tears and will probably ramble.
Things have not been very good here with the Dragons. I have recently discovered that I am controlling and have major depression issues that might very well stem back to my childhood. In short it has made me codependent.
On top of this, I don't want Dragonfly to be "IN" love with DragonBorn. When we first discused having anyone joining us it was mostly just sexual. When anything was brought up more it was ok for feelings to develop, but I don't think we thought ever feelings like this were possible. All we said to each other was, "You're mine!" I never would have thought DF would be "IN" love with anyone else other then me. And god damn, not in less then 2 months. Anyways... you have all heard that before.
Well now, DF is out talking with DB somewhere. She doesn't know what she's going to do. With either of us. She might stay with me and not him. She might stay with both. She might stay with him and not me.
How did I fail? Did I fail as a husband that cause a void in her heart that DB was able to fill? Did I fail as a human being? I love her so much that it feels like a HUGE sword is stabbed me right through the heart. It hurts so bad, and all I want to do is die so the pain stops. But I can't do that. I just today come to understand that I am included in the equation of her happiness. That I am at least part of what makes her complete. I hate that I have to share in "completing" my wife with DB.
On top of this I no longer feel complete. And so the pain continues and grows, turning and turning in a viscious cycle feeding it self in misery. All I can think of is maybe this would have been different if we would have discussed this possiblity? Would it be different if me and DB were bi? Would it be different if DB was a woman? Does any of this even matter if I'm going to loose my wife, the greatest thing that has ever come into my life?
Please someone I need answers! I need to know what to do!!! We have been comunicating. OMG, it feels like that's all we do is fucking talk! I'm so sick of talking! How do I get rid of this pain?!?!? What do I do to save my marriage? What do "I" do to be able to deal with her being "IN" love with another man? How do I not go completly fucking crazy when they are going to be alone, doing god knows fucking what let alone falling more and more in love with each other?!?!
Please... please... please...
|Thread Tools
|Display Modes
Threaded Mode


text:
Family Tree (Yearling)
Eleven-year-old Tyler Stoudt starts sixth grade off on the wrong foot. She has Ms. Custer, the toughest teacher in school, who has announced that the schoolwork for the year will revolve around one project: a family tree. Tyler doesn't have a family tree--she has only Papa. As Papa said, her family tree was "chop down and burnt up. " But Tyler decides to do her best on the family tree project. Does she have grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles? Tyler wants to know, but she is afraid of what she might find out.
Please visit Help Page for Questions
regarding ISBN / ISBN-10 / ISBN10, ISBN-13 / ISBN13, EAN / EAN-13, and Amazon
Home | ISBN Directory | Affiliate
Program | Contact
Copyright © 2003-2014 AllDiscountBooks.net All rights reserved.


text:
|Home | About | Journals | Submit | Contact Us | Français
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Information about web-based education outcomes in comparison with a face-to-face format can help researchers and tutors prepare and deliver future web-based or face-to-face courses more efficiently. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of web-based and face-to-face continuing education methods in improving nurses' knowledge about AIDS.
A quasi-experimental method was used with a pre-test and post-test design. In this study 140 nurses with BSc degrees were chosen through a random sampling method and divided into a web-based and a face-to-face group by random allocation. For the former group the intervention consisted of a web-based course on AIDS; the latter received a 3-hour lecture course on the same subject. At the beginning and end of the course in both groups, the nurses' knowledge was measured by a questionnaire. Pre- and post-test scores were compared within and between the groups.
The results show that there was no significant difference between the groups in either the pre-test (t(138) = -1.7, p = 0.096) nor the post-test (t(138) = -1.4, p = 0.163) scores in the knowledge test. However, there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores within each group (web-based, t(69) = 26, p < .001; face-to-face, t(69) = 24.3, p < .001).
The web-based method seems to be as effective as the face-to-face method in the continuing education of nurses. Therefore, the web-based method is recommended, as complementary to the face-to-face method, for designing and delivering some topics of continuing education programs for nurses.
Continuing education programmes have an important role in staff development [1,2]. In the nursing profession the most common aims of these programmes are to enable nurses to continue their professional growth, deliver safe and efficient care, appraise clinical practice in an innovative way and identify their own educational needs [2]. Research shows that continuing education leads to increased productivity, fewer occupational accidents, an improved organizational atmosphere and enhanced quality care [3]. Descriptive studies have also emphasized the importance of access to continuing education as an effective factor in reducing professional isolation, increasing the willingness to work in remote locations and improving staff performance in these areas [4].
Studies show that nurses strongly desire to participate in continuing education programs and the number of requests for participation is increasing [2,5]. Currently the most frequently used continuing education method in Iran is the face-to-face method. However, studies show that this method has several limitations; it does not recognize personal differences and learners' needs, and in some cases disregards problem-solving, creative thinking and other high-level cognitive skills[6]. On the other hand, Fordis (2005) criticized continuing education for being episodic and producing a "one-size-fits-all" format. He believed that improving the effectiveness of current continuing education delivering methods is crucial [7]. Many scholars have also emphasized the necessity of changing or complementing face-to-face methods for continuing education [8]. New advances in information technology provide improved opportunities for continuing education for nurses particularly via the web [6]. Teaching through the web can overcome some of the limitations of face-to-face teaching methods and provides easy and adaptable access to learning [9]. A web-based method can be used as an alternate mode of teaching and learning and as a substantial supplement to traditional teaching methods [6].
By using the web, different learning styles can be taken into consideration, distance learning becomes possible, more time is saved, and information and skills can be shared [6,7]. Studies of nurses' experiences of web-based learning have shown increased learner satisfaction, activeness in learning, ease of access, as well as a desire to use technology for learning [9-11].
Academic curriculum planners in Iran have paid attention to the issue of information technology and its application in different aspects of education in recent years. One example is the establishment of an electronic education center in Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2002 to develop and evaluate electronic courses in order to improve education quality, promote the application of new educational technologies, offer tele-education courses and conduct research regarding e-learning [12].
Although many web-based programs have been developed in recent years for academic education in Iran (e.g. Distance Learning Network in Tehran University of Medical Sciences [DLN-TUMS] and Continuing Medical Education in Tehran University of Medical Sciences [CME-TUMS]), their quality and effectiveness have not been thoroughly and extensively evaluated [13,14]. Thus, little knowledge exists concerning web-based continuing education outcomes in Iran, and more research is clearly necessary. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of web-based and face-to-face methods in continuing education about AIDS for nurses. Information about web-based education outcomes in comparison with face-to-face format can help researchers and tutors prepare and deliver future web-based or face-to-face courses more efficiently.
The research questions were:
• How much did the nurses know about AIDS before and after participating in the courses?
• Is there any difference in the effectiveness of web-based instruction and face-to-face instruction in terms of the nurses' learning outcomes?
Of 2391 nurses affiliated to the Tehran Medical University who were working in different hospitals, 140 eligible nurses were selected by the systematic random sampling method. To ensure equal numbers of patients in each group, the blocking random allocation method was used. The inclusion criteria were access to the Internet and having the necessary skills to use it, as reported by the subjects. The study was conducted in winter 2007.
Data were collected via two questionnaires drawn up by the researchers concerning demographic information and knowledge about AIDS. The demographic questionnaire included questions about age, gender, years of working, the current working ward, and marital status. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 24 multiple choice questions. Correct answers scored 1 and incorrect or no-response answers scored 0. The total score of knowledge ranged from 0 to 24, which was categorized into good, moderate and poor categories on the following basis: nurses who answered fewer than 11 items correctly were classified into the "poor knowledge" class, those who answered 12 to 18 items correctly into the "moderate knowledge" class, and those who answered more than 19 items correctly into the "good knowledge" class.
The content and face validity of the knowledge questionnaire were established by a panel of experts in the field of medical-surgical nursing education. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by the test-retest method with a 2-week interval. Twenty nurses were recruited for this purpose, who were excluded from the final analysis. Finally, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient of 0.90 was obtained.
A quasi-experimental method was used with a pre-test and post-test design. In both groups the key learning outcomes included the following.
On completion, the learner will be able to:
1. Describe the transmission routes of HIV infection
2. Explain the clinical manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS
3. Describe the diagnostic tests for detecting HIV infection
4. Describe the management of patients with HIV infection and AIDS
5. Describe the precautionary measures against the transmission of HIV infection
6. explain the nursing care of patients with HIV infection and AIDS
The contents of the learning materials were the same for both groups and were reviewed prior to use by a panel of medical-surgical nursing instructors who were not involved in the study. The course material was the same for both groups, and consisted of information about AIDS pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, transmission routes, preventive measures, medical management, and nursing care. The online course consisted of a self-study text and some interactive multiple choice questions about an HIV-positive case. The participants were asked to study the online educational materials and use the interactive questions for better understanding. If they gave wrong answers to the interactive questions, a warning message led them to another one. However, if the participants selected the right answer, they received detailed information about that question. Before starting the online course, a 1-day workshop about using on-line programs and how to enter and work with the online system and chat rooms was held for the web-based group. At the beginning of the workshop, participants completed the demographic and knowledge questionnaires and each one was given a username and password. Participants were allowed to access the educational material for one week and study it at their own pace any time during day or night. In order to have interaction between the tutor and learners, and between the learners themselves, a chat room was used for synchronous and asynchronous discussion. E-mailing, telephone, and chat rooms were also used for answering questions. After one week, the passwords were expired and the online course material was not accessible anymore. Then, the knowledge questionnaire was emailed to the participants, who were asked to complete and deliver it via e-mail or in printed format. We also included these two questions in the post-test questionnaire: "how many hours did it take you to complete the online course?" and "which educational method do you prefer for future continuing education programs, a traditional face-to-face method or a web-based one?" The role of the tutor in the web-based program was managing the aforementioned workshop, preparing the course material and making it available online, receiving and answering the participants' questions via email, telephone or chat rooms, and finally sending and receiving the knowledge questionnaire.
The face-to-face group attended an interactive 3-hour lecture about AIDS given by a tutor who was also responsible for the web-based group. The participants were able to actively participate in the emerging discussions and ask their questions about the course materials and also make their class notes during the lecture. The course resources were also not available for this group after the lecture session. Then, the participants were asked to complete the post-test knowledge questionnaire. Again, we included the aforementioned question: "which educational method do you prefer for future continuing education programs a traditional face-to-face method or a web-based one?" The post-test was not open-book. Here, the tutor was responsible for preparing and presenting the course material to the participants, answering their questions, managing the lecture session, and also giving the pre- and post-tests.
Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11. Descriptive statistics involving tables of frequencies, percentages and appropriate summary statistics were used to asses the nurses' knowledge in both groups about AIDS. The independent t test was used to compare the means of knowledge in the pre- and post tests between groups. The paired t test was used to compare the means of knowledge in the pre- and post test within groups. The independent t tests and Chi-square analysis were used to compare the two groups regarding demographic characteristics. For establishing the test-retest reliability of the knowledge questionnaire, the Pearson product moment correlation test was used. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Tehran Medical Sciences University in spring 2007. Detailed information on the purpose of the study and guarantees of anonymity and confidentiality were explicitly explained to each enrollee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
The average age of nurses was 33 ± 6 years in the web-base group and 33 ± 5.4 years in the face-to-face group. Most of the nurses (86.6%, n = 62, in the web-based group and 81.4%, n = 63 in the face-to-face group) were women. Most of the nurses in both groups had been working for 5–10 years and worked in internal medicine wards such as oncology or haematology. There were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics (p > 0.05) (Table (Table11).
Half (50%, n = 35) of the web-based group and 53% (n = 37) of the face-to-face group had cared for HIV patients. In the web-based group about half (n = 35) of the nurses evaluated their computer skills as moderate, 33 as good, and 3 as poor. In this group 42 nurses connected to the internet at home, 20 nurses connected at their workplace, and eight used both.
In the web-based group, more than two thirds (70%, n = 49) of the nurses reported that they spent 5–8 hours to complete the course, compared with less than one third (30%, n = 21) who reported spending less than 5 hours. In the face-to-face group, the time spent was 4 hours. Nurses in the web-based group, on average, spent more time completing the course than those in the face-to-face group.
Forty percent of the nurses in the web-based group and 54.3% in the face-to-face group had poor knowledge about AIDS before the course, whereas most of the nurses in both groups (98.6% for the web-based and 97.1% for the face-to-face groups) had good knowledge after completing the courses.
The results show that there was no significant difference between the groups in either the pre-test (t(138) = -1.7, p = 0.096) nor the post-test (t(138) = -1.4, p = 0.163) scores in the knowledge test. However, there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores within each group (Table (Table2).2). This means that web-based and face-to-face teaching methods were equally efficient in promoting the nurses' knowledge about AIDS. The mean of knowledge gain was 9.5 in the web-base group and 9.9 in the face-to-face group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard (t(138) = 0.706, p = 0.481).
As mentioned, we included a question in the post-test questionnaire regarding the participants' preference about the teaching method to be used in future continuing education programs. An interesting finding regarding this question was that all (100%) of the nurses in the web-based and 97% in the face-to-face groups reported that they would like to take part in more continuing education using the same method.
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of web-based and face-to-face continuing education methods in increasing nurses' knowledge about AIDS. Results suggest that these methods were equally effective: the knowledge of the nurses in both courses increased between the pre-test and the post-test, most of them scoring 'good' in the post-test. Our results are consistent with those of most other studies in finding no differences between web-based and face-to-face teaching methods regarding learning outcomes [15-19].
We also found that nurses in the web-based group, on average, spent more time completing the course than those in the face-to-face group. One possible reason for this is that the online method of instruction places more responsibility for learning on the learners[20]. Another reason may be that online learning is a new experience for many nurses in Iran. This issue could be resolved by longer training programs to give learners the opportunity to adapt to the technology[21].
Another finding was that all of the nurses in the web-based and most in the face-to-face groups reported they would like to take part in more continuing education using the same method. In the web-based group this may be related to features of web-based learning such as being self-paced and letting learners review topics when they want to[22]. But the willingness of learners in the face-to-face group to take part in continuing education using the same method may be due to the fact that they did not have much experience of web-based learning and were afraid of technology [23].
Nearly half of the nurses in each group had poor knowledge of AIDS in the pre-test, which shows that there is a need to improve the AIDS content in the nursing curriculum and to deliver continuing education about AIDS to nurses in the workplace.
There are some limitations in this study. First, although the participants in the web-based group were required to answer the post-test questions in less than 30 minutes, it was not possible to monitor the exact amount of time that they spent on completing the post-test. Moreover, as a result of technical problems we could not verify the amount of time that the nurses devoted to studying the course. We therefore had to rely on self reports of the logged-on time. Secondly, we used the same knowledge questionnaire for the pre-test and post-test, which might have caused a subject sensitization bias especially in the face-to-face group. Thirdly, as the time interval between pre-test and post-test for the face-to-face and web-based groups was not equal, bias is possible. Fourthly, the participants in the web-based group might have had access to additional educational resources about the course material. Last but not least, we also had a slow internet speed, so the nurses could not study at their desired speed, which may have meant that they would have completed the course in less time with a faster connection. A few system crashes on the first day of the course delivery were also happened, but these were quickly fixed so the nurses did not lose much time.
This study found that the web-based method is as effective as the face-to-face method. This suggests that some topics in continuing education can be effectively taught via web-based courses. The web-based method is flexible, accessible (24-hour access to courses), as effective as traditional modes of teaching, convenient, self-paced and interactive. Also, developers can revise web-based course whenever the content is out-of-date, and there is no need to purchase upgrades to access web-based instruction. For these reasons, the modality will become increasingly useful to organizers of continuing education as the number of nursing staff increases. Further research should focus on the factors that contribute to optimal web-based learning. Future studies should also examine the benefits of web-based method in teaching other topics in nursing.
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
ARK: designed the study, collected and analyzed the data and wrote the paper. NDN: was the corresponding author and the chief supervisor of the project; she co-analyzed the data and revised the drafts. FA: was a co- supervised the project and revised the drafts. HH: participated in the statistical analysis. KVJ: revised the paper, and read and commented on the drafts. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:
We thank all the nurses who participated in the study. We are also grateful to Dr. Reza Negarandeh, Dean of Tehran School of Nursing and Midwifery, for his kind support. The authors would like to thank Mr. Vivian Paganuzzi, MA, from the University of Kuopio, Finland, and also Mr. Morteza Rezaei-Adaryani, PhD student in Nursing from Tehran University of Medical Sciences for their help with the language of the manuscript. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Rita Mojtahedzadeh, director of distance leaning office, and Mrs. Khorshid Vaskoey from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, for their kind help.
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's national science library in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


text:
PF 1.01: Question Preview (ID: 15008)
Below is a preview of the questions contained within the game titled PF 1.01: Earning, Spending, Saving, And Borrowing .To play games using this data set, follow the directions below. Good luck and have fun. Enjoy! [print these questions]
Play games to reveal the correct answers. Click here to play a game and get the answers.
Sharon paid for an unexpected trip to the emergency room instead of paying her car payment. This illustrates:
a) a high standard of living
b) an opportunity cost
c) the cost of credit
d) workplace trends and opportunities
Tom borrowed $100 from a friend to buy items he needed for work with a retail value of $300. When he gets his paycheck, he will have enough money to pay his debt. This illustrates:
a) enabling people to earn more and raise their standard of living
b) encouraging people to spend less and save more.
c) use of borrowing to place oneself in great debt
d) wise use of credit to extend a person's buying power
Which is an example of earning?
a) Ed asked his mother for a loan
b) Evan bought a coat with a debit card
c) Mary loaned her credit card to a friend
d) Sam sold things he made at a flea market
Which is an example of responsible borrowing?
a) Barry asked his mother for an advance on his allowance so he could buy another CD.
b) Ed accepted a loan from his uncle because he knew he could pay it back.
c) Fran borrowed her mother's credit card without permission to use at a big sale.
d) Greg spent all of his paycheck before he remembered he had a debt to repay.
Which is an example of responsible earning?
a) Dorothy kept her part-time job until she could find another so she could meet her monthly expenses
b) Josh did not use his car,he did not know if his friend's insurance would cover him
c) Kate compared costs of school supplies in several stores before deciding where to shop
d) Larry set aside $30 from his part-time job earnings each month to help pay his senior expenses
Nancy works in a restaurant where she receives tips. Receiving tips is an example of which economic activity?
a) borrowing
b) saving
c) spending
d) earning
Which is an example of saving?
a) Ben took out a loan to buy a car.
b) Kay wrote a check for a CD at a store.
c) Mary put money in a bank account.
d) Sara used her debit card to make a purchase
Rick cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts for everyone in his family. This illustrates
a) a benefit of saving
b) an opportunity cost
c) a trade-off
d) the Law of Scarcity
Jim decided to save his money for his senior expenses rather than spending it at the mall. This illustrates
a) considering lifetime earnings when making career choices
b) making wise choices in light of trade-offs
c) worrying about today instead of planning ahead
d) using one's knowledge to increase earnings
Susan is going to obtain a loan to buy a stereo system. This is an example of which economic activity?
a) borrowing
b) earning
c) saving
d) spending
Play Games with the Questions above at ReviewGameZone.com
To play games using the questions from the data set above, visit ReviewGameZone.com and enter game ID number: 15008 in the upper right hand corner at ReviewGameZone.com or simply click on the link above this text.
To play games using the questions from the data set above, visit ReviewGameZone.com and enter game ID number: 15008 in the upper right hand corner at ReviewGameZone.com or simply click on the link above this text.
Log In | Sign Up / Register
Log In | Sign Up / Register


text:
Displaying photo 16 of 146
Steam Loco Information for LMS/BR Class Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44852 on the Thame Clyde at Holbeck Junction Leeds 1956
Steam Loco Class Information for LMS/BR Class Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44852 on the Thame Clyde at Holbeck Junction Leeds 1956
|Robert Thorp Sheffield S Yorks said on the 17/05/2013:
Thanks for this picture.My brother David and myself had a footplate ride on the way back from Leeds to Sheffield on this locomotive. This was arranged with the Driver by our late father Basil who was the guard on the train. An unforgetable experience - Happy Days.
A picture might tell 1000 words, but there's always a good comment that will enhance a picture. We would appreciate any feedback and/or comments you may have regarding any aspects of this photo; locos, location, buildings, trainspotters, people and accompanying text, especially any errors you may find. If you find this picture brings back memories, reminds you of when you were younger or too adorable to leave without acknowledgement, click on the link below and enter your thoughts
Displaying photo 16 of 146


text:
The Future of Learning Institutions in a Digital Age
In this report, Cathy Davidson and David Theo Goldberg focus on the potential for shared and interactive learning made possible by the Internet. They argue that the single most important characteristic of the Internet is its capacity for world-wide community and the limitless exchange of ideas. The Internet brings about a way of learning that is not new or revolutionary but is now the norm for today's graduating high school and college classes. It is for this reason that Davidson and Goldberg call on us to examine potential new models of digital learning and rethink our virtually enabled and enhanced learning institutions.
About the Authors
Cathy N. Davidson is the John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Ruth F. Devarney Professor of English at Duke University.
David Theo Goldberg is Director of the University of California Humanities Research Institute at the University of California, Irvine.


text:
Equipment Leasing
Top 10 reasons to lease medical equipment or any other versus purchasing equipment:
- Save money on buying equipment. Money you can use on marketing and sales.
- Gain faster access to the latest equipment without a large out of pocket payment.
- Have better control of negotiating prices for the equipment through lenders. Read more →
Alec Baldwin Dead – Died from falling 60 feet in New Zealand
Early reports are saying that Alec Baldwin has fallen during the filming of a new movie in New Zealand. The Alec Baldwin camp has not yet confirmed his death but there is at least one video on the incident. His last tweet on Twitter reads, "I want a Grammy. I just want it". This was 15 minutes before the report was released by local news media but has still not been confirmed that Alec Baldwin has died. Read more →
Foamposite Galaxy Air Jordan's
Nike and the Jordan camp tend to keep Air Jordan's Release Dates a great secret when they have new shoes to release publicly. We have been waiting for the Air Jordan Foamposite Galazy shoes to be released. We haven't even seen photos for these Air Jordans or know the release dates are, until today!
Free Online Raffle Software
After watching the Volcom Pipe Pro and seeing them run a content for raising money for the "Live like Sion" fund I thought, "is there any good online raffle software or application. I first found the random hacked up junk sites offering scripts that have oviously not been well thought our or even marketed. Only one looked okay but it was almost $300 to setup and then $3 month or even higher for a more advanced plan.
Computer Equipment Leasing for Small Businesses
Computers are essential to businesses of all sizes. But it is most critical to lease computers when your business is small and needs to pay close attention to your cash flow. Freeing up capital to use for marketing, advertising and other areas are a business owner's key function while growing. Read more →
Internet Marketing Success
Many website owners who are looking for internet marketing success, consult companies who promise them top ten placing with little or no effort, and then end up disappointed.
Internet marketing success requires a different approach today, due to the sheer size of the net.
What Worked a Few Years Ago does not Work Today Read more →
Search Engine Marketing: The Race for Popularity and Profit
Search engine marketing (SEM) can deliver large numbers of qualified prospects and the most cost-effective marketing vehicle for driving qualified traffic to your website. Search Engine Marketing is the first solution in the industry, helping you to optimize your site'Äôs relevancy and visibility to improve your search ranking options. Read more →
How to get referrals and gain credibility on the Web
s your goal to get more traffic on your Website without spending a lot of money? Is it important that your Website is easy for your prospects to find on the Web? Though there are many things that contribute to a quality, well-positioned Website, increased link popularity – done properly – will establish your business as trustworthy on the Internet and bring more referrals. Read more →
The 8 Golden Rules to Web Site Optimization
There are several reasons why you should make web site optimization one of your main priorities and why you should make sure to take this serious. A web site which takes ages to load for example will make your visitors leave before they even had the change to see what you've got to offer.
That's why I want you to take some of your valuable time and check out the 8 golden rules to web site optimization which I have listed here. Read more →


text:
Mobile phone users take note. You are at a high risk of developing a new condition, coined as "text neck", due to the amount of time you spend hunched over your gadgets.
Health experts in the UK have warned that the affliction, caused by flexing the neck for extended periods of time, can be a forerunner of permanent arthritic damage if it goes without treatment.
They said cases of the repetitive strain injury are on the rise as smartphones and tablet computers such as the iPad become increasingly popular, the Telegraph reported.
In severe cases, the muscles can eventually adapt to fit the flexed position, making it painful to straighten the neck out properly.
One chiropractor said her company had treated thousands of patients for the condition, which can also result in headaches and shoulder, arm and wrist pain.
"Text neck is caused by the neck being flexed for a prolonged period of time. Sufferers are increasing as the use of smart phones and tablet computers become more popular," said Rachael Lancaster, of Freedom Back Clinics in Leeds.
The condition occurs because the joints and tissue in the neck are not built to withstand being flexed for long periods, and spending hours peering down at a screen puts them under too much stress, she added.
The condition can be avoided by taking regular screen breaks, and looking straight ahead while tucking the chin back towards the neck every few minutes.
Rotating the shoulders with your arms by your sides, sitting up straight while texting and holding the phone a little higher can also help maintain a healthy posture.
Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association, said doctors were seeing a rising number of patients with similar neck problems but that getting regular exercise could help ward of symptoms.
Children are most at risk because their heads are larger in relation to their body size than adults, and women with slender necks should also take extra care to maintain a good posture, he added.


text:
We are currently undergoing MAJOR reconstruction....the only links that will initially work are those for rescue. We will (hopefully) move quickly to resurecting the ACD breeder pages.
Fun ACD Stuff:
Cattledog.com Links:
- Home
- Introduction to ACDS
- Breed History
- ACD Breeders
- Classified Ads
- ACD Breed Clubs
- Cattledog Chat List
- The ACD Bookshelf
- The ACD FAQ
- ACD Rescue
- ACD Health Information
- Breed Standards
- ACD Activities
- Life with ACDs
- Training Your ACD
- Breeding Your ACD
- Just for Fun
- The ACD Gallery
- Lost & Found
- Advertising at Cattledog.com
Search Box
Australian Cattle Dog Fun Stuff


text:
Are People With Parkinson's at Higher Risk for Melanoma?
Quick Links
Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are typically linked to a lower risk of getting cancer, but a new study shows there are exceptions to this rule. Researchers led by Honglei Chen at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, report in the June Neurology that people with PD have about double the chance of having melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It is unclear why this might be, but Chen and colleagues suggest the two disorders may share common pathways, and that further research into the phenomenon might yield clues to the causes of both diseases.
Previous studies have found a higher occurrence of melanoma among people with PD, and vice versa (see, e.g., Inzelberg and Israeli-Korn, 2009; Ferreira et al., 2010). They were small, however, usually including fewer than 10 participants who had both conditions, and the results were not conclusive. To overcome this limitation, Chen and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of 12 publications. The combined data showed that melanoma cases were about twice as common among PD patients as in the control population. The researchers saw no clear temporal relationship, finding that melanomas occurred before PD diagnosis as well as after. The increased occurrence was specific to melanoma, with no consistent association between PD and other types of skin cancer. The PD-melanoma link occurred in both men and women, although the data were stronger for men.
Earlier case reports had suggested that people with PD might be more vulnerable to melanoma because they receive the drug levodopa, which can stimulate the production of melanin. However, later studies have not supported this idea (see Fiala et al., 2003), and the finding that many melanomas form before Parkinson's is diagnosed, as well as in patients who do not take levodopa, suggests the drug cannot explain the association, the authors note.
Instead, Chen and colleagues suggest that Parkinson's and melanoma may share some biological pathways, a hypothesis also proposed by others (see, e.g., Herrero Hernández, 2009; Paisán-Ruiz and Houlden, 2010). The authors point out that neurons and melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanoma, have a common embryonic origin. Both dopamine and melanin pigments are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, although by separate enzymatic routes. Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra produce a form of melanin, neuromelanin, which gives the cells their dark color. The main protein in Parkinson's deposits, α-synuclein, also appears in melanocytic lesions (see Matsuo and Kamitani, 2010). Perhaps most tellingly, a genetic variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor is linked both to red hair and to a two- to threefold higher risk of PD (see Gao et al., 2009).
Chen and colleagues plan to use clinical and epidemiological studies to explore whether genetic and environmental factors can explain the relationship between PD and melanoma. "We need to understand why and how these two conditions are correlated; this may eventually help us understand the etiologies of both," he wrote. He would also like to see larger epidemiological studies that include more women and better-defined dates of PD onset to help tease out temporal and gender relationships between the disorders. Animal research will also be needed to dissect the biological mechanisms, Chen added.
The populations included in this meta-analysis were predominantly light-skinned, all from Europe or North America. Melanoma risk is about 20 times lower in dark-skinned populations, as their high levels of melanin protect them from the ultraviolet radiation damage that promotes melanoma. "We need more research among minorities, particularly in African-Americans," Chen wrote to ARF, but he noted that such studies will be difficult because of the lower incidence of PD among this population.
In terms of public health, Chen noted that clinicians should be alerted to watch for melanoma in PD patients, "but as both PD and melanoma are relatively rare, no one should be alarmed." When caught early, the survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent, according to figures from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
It is not clear why people with PD have a low risk for most other forms of cancer (see review from Bajaj et al., 2010). AD patients are also less likely to get cancer. One proposed explanation is that the AD brain creates an anti-angiogenic environment (see ARF related news story). Cathy Roe at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Missouri, who studies the AD-cancer connection, notes that it is hard to get good datasets for examining the associations between specific types of cancer and AD, but adds that such studies will be important for identifying common pathways that might help researchers tackle the disorders.—Madolyn Bowman Rogers
It was exciting to read the paper by Liu and colleagues, one for which I had been waiting. When researching the literature for the meta-analysis I wrote on PD and non-melanoma cancers (showing reduced cancer risk ratios with relative risk of 0.73 and a 95 percent confidence interval of 0.63-0.83; referenced by Liu et al.), I came across many studies that individually showed an increased risk of melanoma in PD patients. By summing the studies available on the subject, the work by Liu et al. affirms the idea that an association between melanoma and PD exists. It is unclear why there is a reduced risk of some cancers (e.g., lung cancer, leukemias and lymphomas, colorectal cancer) and an increased risk of melanoma, and how these cancers are linked to PD. Certainly, future studies attempting to delineate the biological mechanism underlying these questions are warranted.View all comments by Archna Bajaj
I would note that since the overall prevalence of melanoma in Parkinson's disease (PD) is pretty low, it is difficult to see a large role for melanoma-related mechanisms in PD, or vice versa.
Also, the extra medical attention that a subject gets after being diagnosed with a disease like PD may lead to increased detection of melanoma.
Finally, the PD cases in these clinical epidemiological studies were not verified neuropathologically, so there is an approximate 15-35 percent error rate built into the classification of PD versus non-PD (see Hughes et al., 2001 for clinical diagnostic accuracy rate).
In our Banner Sun Health Research Institute Brain and Body Donation Program, we have 121 neuropathologically verified cases of PD, of which three had a history of melanoma. Of the 750 subjects without neuropathologically verified PD, 23 subjects had melanoma. This comes out to a rate of 2.36 cases of melanoma to 100 PD subjects and 3.07 cases of melanoma per 100 cases of non-PD.
Hughes AJ, Ben-Shlomo Y, Daniel SE, Lees AJ. What features improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis in Parkinson's disease: a clinicopathologic study. 1992. Neurology. 2001 Nov;57(10 Suppl 3):S34-8. PubMed.View all comments by Thomas Beach
Make a Comment
News Citations
Paper Citations
- Inzelberg R, Israeli-Korn SD. The particular relationship between Parkinson's disease and malignancy: a focus on skin cancers. J Neural Transm. 2009 Nov;116(11):1503-7. PubMed.
- Ferreira JJ, Neutel D, Mestre T, Coelho M, Rosa MM, Rascol O, Sampaio C. Skin cancer and Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2010 Jan 30;25(2):139-48. PubMed.
- Fiala KH, Whetteckey J, Manyam BV. Malignant melanoma and levodopa in Parkinson's disease: causality or coincidence?. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2003 Aug;9(6):321-7. PubMed.
- Herrero Hernández E. Pigmentation genes link Parkinson's disease to melanoma, opening a window on both etiologies. Med Hypotheses. 2009 Mar;72(3):280-4. PubMed.
- Paisán-Ruiz C, Houlden H. Common pathogenic pathways in melanoma and Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2010 Nov 2;75(18):1653-5. PubMed.
- Matsuo Y, Kamitani T. Parkinson's disease-related protein, alpha-synuclein, in malignant melanoma. PLoS One. 2010;5(5):e10481. PubMed.
- Bajaj A, Driver JA, Schernhammer ES. Parkinson's disease and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Causes Control. 2010 May;21(5):697-707. PubMed.
External Citations
Further Reading
Primary Papers
- Liu R, Gao X, Lu Y, Chen H. Meta-analysis of the relationship between Parkinson disease and melanoma. Neurology. 2011 Jun 7;76(23):2002-9. PubMed.
To make an annotation you must Login or Register.


text:
Other Projects
We are doing a number of other projects in the Shreveport area. Including:
- Allendale Grocery Store – The store will supply the local residents of Allendale with good healthy food and supplies. No alcohol or tobacco products will be sold at the store.
- Fuller Surplus Store and Offices – A building materials store stocked with donated and recycled building products. We are just starting this project and looking for donated materials. And the building will house the Fuller Center for Housing NWLA offices.
- Handicapped Ramps – We install handicap accessible ramps to homes of people in need. With this program we keep people in their homes and in the community.


text:
Public child welfare agencies need to be prepared for unexpected events including disasters such as a flood, earthquake,
epidemic, prolonged power failure, or fire that either affects the agency itself, service provider or providers in its network, or the community itself. An agency may even be called upon to assist agencies in contiguous communities with their disaster responses. Agencies should prepare and keep current a flexible Disaster Communication Plan. This plan parallels the overarching Agency Disaster Plan. The communications plan should consider: how the agency will keep lines of communication open with families, staff, providers, media, emergency management personnel and other important stakeholders; staff/volunteer coordination; and communications support for preservation of information systems and service delivery continuity. Disaster drills should be planned as part of the overarching agency disaster preparedness with Communications included as its role is a critical one.


text:
From Minneapolis
To get to Camp Victory from Minneapolis, take US Hwy 52 south. Take the Mazeppa exit (Route 60). Turn left on Rt. 60 and continue past Mazeppa to County Road 7 (about 6 miles). Turn RIGHT on County Rd 7 for 4 miles. Arrive at Camp Victory on RIGHT. Watch closely as the entrance comes up quickly.
From Rochester
Highway 52 North
- Take 52 north to exit 64
- Turn right on Cty 112/18
- Take 1st left onto Minnesota Ave (Cty 18)
- Turn right on Cty 247
- Left on Powerdam Road (Cty 27/21)
- Right on Cty Road 7
- Camp Victory Entrance is on the right
Highway 63 North
- Take Hwy 63 north out of Rochester to South Troy (approx. 13 miles).
- Just past South Troy turn left onto Hwy 7 and travel about 3 miles.
- As you near the bottom of a long, steep hill you will see Camp Victory on your left...be careful, the entrance comes up quickly.
View Google Map
Camp Map
Clink Here to view camp map.


text:
About Us
Our Mission
Bio-Medic Appliances designs medical devices. Our focus is not only on the device; it's on the patient.
Our mission is to make people more comfortable and more functional in their everyday lives. To accomplish this, we begin every new relationship with a thorough initial evaluation. This includes a detailed medical history, a biomechanical analysis of the patient's physical characteristics and a detailed understanding of the patient's functional environment. All three evaluation steps above are critical to the design of a custom device that will not only fit the patient, but will also fit the patients's lifestyle.
At every step, we listen and we involve the patient as much as possible in the design of their device which, helps ensure that the device truly works for them.
Our involvement does not stop when the device is delivered. Our partnership continues with a thorough level of follow-up care, to adjust or modify your device as needed. We provide follow-up care to ensure that the device keeps up with the patients changing needs, or with changing technology. We constantly re-evaluate fit, function and design.


text:
Fairly Symmetrical
Weekend update and random thoughts
The snow this weekend reminded me what it must have been like for people in ages past in the winter—stuck inside all day with no way to go anywhere interesting. Of course, they didn't have the Internet (not even the sad, fitful remnants of the Internet that DirecTV DSL's decomposing network can bring us, one heroic packet at a time), or electric lighting, or cable TV, so it's not like we were suffering exorbitantly or anything.
Sunday we performed our monthly clean-the-apartment ritual. It always looks very nice for all of about two hours, and then inevitably someone makes food and it's all over but the crying.
On the plus side, the food that "someone" made turned out really well: homemade oven fries (a.k.a. potato wedges) and grilled veggie dogs. They were so good I had the rest of the oven fries as a late-night snack. :) I must remember that recipe. Maybe I'll even write it down. :-P
About that whole Internet thing: I want to lay this all out so that if some future potential exploiteecustomer of Charter happens to check Google, maybe they'll be forewarned. We called Charter perhaps a half-dozen times over the last two weeks (after being assured that someone would figure out what was going on and call us back, and failing to do that for ten days or so). Each time we were told a supervisor would call us back. A couple of times they even did, but they never had any new information. Finally we started "getting hostile". This is a fairly time-honored tradition in my family; we tend to be pretty mild over the phone, but at some point we start getting irritated. After being told three times in two days that a manager would call us back within 2 hours (this after being told no, of course we couldn't just call up and expect to get a supervisor on the line, what did we think we were, valued customers?) and having them call back not once, I got a little testy on the phone. (I don't like to do this, because I worked with tech support guys for a while, and they're just some poor fucker sitting in a chair reading from a set of scripts for $5 an hour. But Charter earned it. Having been directly lied to, in person and on the phone, multiple times annoys me.) So I asked to verify that we owed Charter no money (we did at some point manage to get them to admit that if some other assholecustomer on their network was currently using the modem we were alleged to have, we couldn't very well have it and ought not be charged for it), I asked (well, demanded) that our account be terminated. The tech told me the single most astonishing thing in this entire parade of astonishing idiocy: he told me our account had already been terminated. So instead of actually trying to figure out why one of their alleged $250 cable modems was not where they thought it was, and instead of just giving us another goddamn modem and making $35 a month off us, and rather than just calling us back the first time and telling us to kiss off, they made us call them a rough total of twenty times and spend hours on the phone and in person harassing them. Charter Pipeline has got to be the most incompetently, amorally run enterprise I've ever heard of—Enron at least was halfway clever about stealing from their customers! So the short end of the story is this: Charter Pipeline sucks, and we're getting Earthlink DSL instead.
I was reading Penny Arcade and something Tycho said made me laugh in appreciation:
She might vote pro-geek in an election, but she's not a member of the party. It is as though she's come to terms with some disease I have.
This pretty much describes Jen's stance on the matter as well. :)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.


text:
Espresso Machine - Powered by BMW
Well, more like designed by BMW. We are all for good coffee, and because an espresso machine tends to sit out on your counter top, we are even more interested in a good looking espresso machine.
Click here to learn more about the Sirena. Hopefully the coffee is in line with the industrial design.
-via Core77


text:
Want to save time? Sign up with your facebook account now
Or complete the form below
Sign in with your facebook account
Or with mangahere account Don't have an account?
If you find there are broken links, misssing pages, wrong chapters or any other problems in a manga/manhwa, please comment here. We will try to solve them the first time.
Please enter the email.
Milky Boy 8 released in mangahere fastest, recommend your friends to read Milky Boy 8 now!
Tags: read Milky Boy 8 english, Milky Boy 8 raw manga, Milky Boy 8 online, Milky Boy 8 chap, Milky Boy 8 chapter, Milky Boy 8 high quality, Milky Boy 8 manga scan
Milky Boy 9 is coming next...
Previous Chapter: Milky Boy 7


text:
I hadn't been to Weeki Wachee since I was a child, or so I thought, but nothing looked familiar and I think I might be remembering Silver Springs instead. Located on the corner of US 19 and SR 52, we headed north, over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
I booked a room for two nights at the Spring Hill Marriott. Or so I thought. Turns out I booked a hotel room in Tampa, NOT Spring Hill…the name of the hotel was "Spring Hill Suites at Marriott". We were about 45-60 minutes away. The hotel service was excellent, the room modern and comfortable, and it was a non-refundable deal, so we decided to stay.
Well, wouldn't you know it? I should have. Our weekend getaway to Weeki Wachee coincided with a major bike rally. For some reason, bikers decided that the land of mermaids was the place to display their colors and tattoos. I was extremely uncomfortable having to walk through a crowd of at least 1,000 bikers to get to the entrance. I found out later that the rally was for a police officer dying of a tumor. Police! Dressed up like thugs! Later, inside the park, they held a raffle. For guns. In a kids' park. It just seemed bizarre to me.
The park's entrance fees were reasonable, I thought: $13 for adults, $5 for kids. We headed right, toward the swimming area, which turned out to be very nice, with picnic areas, a white sand beach, two large water slides, and lots of room for swimming and tubing down the inlets.
The spring is shallow, the water a constant 74 degrees. There are several concession stands, a shop that offers swimsuits, sunscreen, etc., restrooms and volleyball courts. There is also a fenced off pool for toddlers.
We explored the other side of the park after that. The Wilderness River Cruise does not last 25 minutes as advertised. It's more like ten minutes. We did not find King Neptune's daughter, Princess Wonderous, or her home.
The space is shared by canoes and kayaks, so it was crowded during our visit. Any wildlife had long been scared off, save for the fish.
The Underwater Theater show was cute. We watched the "Fish Tails" program.
"The Little Mermaid" show is offered twice a day, as well. The young people who perform are very talented.
This young woman dove 117 feet down to the source of the spring, against currents strong enough to push her face mask off, holding her breath for over 2 ½ minutes.
We also saw mermaid try-outs and according to the two middle-aged women who sat beside us, there are mermaid camps for girls of all ages. They were participating in one.
Water ballet used to be popular back in the 1940s, when Weeki Wachee was first developed. Back then, the women would line up in bathing suits beside the highway, waving in the cars that passed. Even if the audience only had one person in it, they performed.
The grounds are well manicured and peacocks and pea hens roam freely.
We skipped the Wildlife show. We were at the wrong end of the park and missed it, but did enjoy the short Tranquility Trail.
The park is an excellent choice for families, particularly those with young children, and most definitely for families with little girls who dream of a life "under the sea". We thought the value was excellent. For around $50, a family of four can spend the entire day swimming and tubing in the spring (a triple tube is $15, less for singles and doubles) and ride the wilderness cruise and/or catch a free underwater or wildlife show when they need to escape the sun.


text:
Every dollar spent online on participating brands earns you one point. Every time you shop.
Earn points by writing product reviews, participating in Q&A, and following us on social media.
Start earning Pit Pass Rewards the moment you join. Every 250 points earns a $5 reward voucher.
Earning points is easy. After receiving your sign up bonus, there are several ways to earn points. Read the summary of rules.


text:
Re: relational databases vs. not-so relational databases
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 19:29:04 +0100
Message-ID: <3c505261$1_at_news.uia.ac.be>
"Mike Preece" <michael_at_preece.net> wrote in message
> Interesting views Jan - and so much at variance with mine. Funny old
> world isn't it?
Well, it is a *discussion* forum, isn't it? :-) And opinions are nice, good arguments are better.
> I've been working with nested relational databases for years and have
> never yet encountered a DBA - there's simply no need for them.
The question is if that is because of the type of database you are using or because of the types of applications that you have experience with. The need for a DBA can arise when you have different groups of users with conflicting requirements. Do you have experience with such applications?
> I can
> testify that the claims made regarding simplicity and ease of use are
> merited.
I didn't deny them. I'm quite sure that for a system where all users are in agreement about how the data should be nested things become a lot simpler. But I'm also quite sure that for many companies with large amounts of data and many different types of users with different views upon this data this is not the case. So the claims by the authors are not completely false, but are also not true *in general*, and therefore should be qualified, i.e., it should be indicated under which circumstances they hold and under which circumstance they do not hold.
> Nested relational databases are also extremely flexible. We
> can easily extend the database, adding new fields on to records whilst
> the database is in use.
This is neither an inherent nor a unique property of the nested relational model.
> Typically there are certain data structures that are naturally nested.
> I can think of orders with one or more line-items, products with one
> or more parts, news groups with one or more threads, etc., etc.. It
> makes perfect sense to me for this nesting to be reflected in the
> database design. I don't accept that it is preferable to explicitly
> maintain the relationship. Why bother?
Because some users may want to nest the employees per department, whilst others would like to group them by type of function, and a third group of users would like a mixture of these two.
Kind regards,
- Jan Hidders


text:
Attention © All videos embedded from YouTube
(This site does not store videos!!!)
This user has restricted access to this page by security settings.
Last visit: 375 days ago
If you need to make a professional fithess video or any commercial video in Miami , wedding video in Miami, you can use Artsingle Productions services Miami videography and Miami Photographer : any type of Miami video production, family, portrait wedding photography in Miami, studio photography and much more. Please visit their website to learn more : artsingle.com


text:
Scrumptious dog hoodie! The Aaron Hoodie by Ruff Ruff Couture features a furry attached hood and ultrasoft blue sleeveless sweatshirt. A rhinestone decorated cupcake adorns the back pocket. See the matching pink Haley Hoodie.
Size chart applies to this dog hoodie only.
Share your knowledge of this product: Be the first to write a review


text:
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to heaven,
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say goodbye.
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you,
the world will never know.
But now I know you want me
to mourn for you nomore.
To remember all the happy times,
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today.
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
To:Gregory Dawson
The bestfriend i've ever had
i loved you like a brother
and you will never be forgotten.
This poem was written/submitted by Erin.
Email this poem to your friend
Related Poems
- Forget the times
- When tomorrow starts without me
- You Can Go Your Own Way
- How many times have you thought in a day
- Inner Life's Eyes
- Loving Pain
- Time
- Saying Goodbye To A Friend


text:
Catholic World News
50 Anglican clergy to enter Catholic Church: report
November 15, 2010
Fifty clergy of the Church of England will enter the Catholic Church as part of the Anglican ordinariate that is taking shape, according to The Telegraph. Last week, five Anglican bishops announced that they would leave the Church of England and enter the ordinariate envisioned by Pope Benedict's apostolic constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus.
Further information:
- Catholic Church to welcome 50 Anglican clergy (The Telegraph)
- 5 Anglican bishops to enter Catholic Church (CWN, 11/8)
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
Posted by: -
Nov. 15, 2010 6:35 PM ET USA
This is just such hopeful, wonderful news!


text: Product DescriptionWould you like to be shaken and stirred! Cocktales is a fabulous new series from Xcite Books that offers a quality selection of erotic stories with mixed themes. They are the perfect dip in and out books that will get you out of 'day mode' and into 'play mode'! If you are looking for variety and the very best erotic writing then you will love these especially selected stories… Read More »


text:
Thumb Runabouts host race
Published 8:00 pm, Monday, May 31, 2004
The first race was hosted in 1981 in conjunction with the Memorial Day Festival which was started in Bad Axe.
This year's 10K winners were Len Block and Beverly Ginther. The 5K winners were Garrett Jurges and Katie Kelly. Kelly set the course record which had stood since 1983. The first place walker was Rod Craig.
First-place finishers receive a trophy. First-, second-, and third-place finishers in each age group receive medals. Many area businesses contributed to the race, including Peppermill Restaurant, China King, Pizza Hut, Hungry Howies, Wendy's Burger King, McDonald's, Smith Distributing and Thumb Runabouts.
The race started at the junior high and ran through the edge of town, finishing at the fairgrounds.
Record holders include: 5K - Tim Brown, 15:34 in 1983; Katie Kelly, 18:55 in 2004. 10 K - Chris Daniels (1983) and Pat McGinnis (1984), 32:45; Georgeann Haviland, 38:25 in 1985.
Here are the the top finishers in each age division:
5K Male - 20-24: Garrett Jurges, 18:43; 30-34: Rich Klosowski, 35:22; 45-49: Jim Zulauf, 26:57; 55-59: Robert Harris, 22:57; 70 and over: Carl Yaroch, 27:45; 5K Female - 18-19: Katie Kelly, 18:55 (RECORD); 20-24: Gabrielle Rooney, 25:55; 40-44: Janet Rooney, 31:28; 60-64: Betsy Light, 35:09; 10K Male - 25-29: Matt Brickel, 54:30; 50-54: Robert Majeski, 1:00.26; 60-64: Leonard Block, 51:04; 10K Female - 30-34: Marcie McNeill, 52:39; 35-39: Beverly Ginther, 50:51; 5K Walkers - Rod Craig, 24:29
Red Hawks sweeps Redskins
SANDUSKY - Cass City moved to 19-13 overall on the year with a 7-2 and 7-2 sweep of Sandusky.
Game 1 saw Cass City score three times in the seventh inning to break open the contest.
Renee Czekai and Kristina Spaulding each had two hits while Megan Toner added a two-run double.
Mallory Powell tossed a six-hitter with three Ks to earn the win.
Game 2 saw the Red Hawks score five times in the opening inning.
Czekai and Delores Rabideau had two hits while Ashley Hendrick had one hit and four RBI.
Rabideau picked up the win on the mound for Cass City.
Cass City tops Sandusky
SANDUSKY - Cass City earned a 12-6 and 10-0 doubleheader sweep of Sandusky.
The Red Hawks improve to 24-7-1 overall. They are rated 10th in the state in Division 3.
Nick Stoutenburg had two homers and six RBI for the Red Hawks in the opener.
The Red Hawks have earned at least a share of the Greater Thumb West title. Bay City All Saints and Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port have to finish a 10-10 extra inning game.


text:
A Warm On-Line Greeting
As a long time Orcas Island resident, I am grateful for my steadfast friends and our strong community. For many years designing and constructing fine custom masonry continues to be creative enjoyable work for me. Carpentry, tree work, variety of property maintenance or landscaping fits the multiple trade experience I have.
- Typical or unusual handyman projects from your design concept to completion.
- Farm, ranch or residential property landscape maintenance, tree felling, wildfire protection, animal handling, gardening upkeep.
- Large and small equipment operation & maintenance: excavator, bobcat, gator, truck, tractor, mowing, tilling, weed-eating, chainsaw, power tools, and more.
- Marine related typical service maintenance including boat, dock, and mooring maintenance & upgrades (diving).
- Stone masonry design and build of walls, fireplaces, patios, walkways, outdoor barbecue, and more such as: Surrounds, walkways, patios, retaining walls, wainscot applications, steps, planters, chimneys, custom mailboxes utilizing natural stone, cultured stone, sandstone, concrete aggregate, brick or block. I will match an existing style, but I prefer to create and deliver a finished result that exceeds the customer's imagination.
I have great integrity in maintaining my reputation of being dependable, honest, hard working and straightforward.


text:
Time to get your mitts on that Milani Baked Blush in Corallina that I was raving about!
Cherry Culture has 20% off your entire purchase using promo code M20. You can advantage of the new Milani Baked Blushes or the new NYX HD Collection, or any other of numerous beauty budget cosmetics at www.cherryculture.com
Happy Haulin'!


text:
Welcome To The Makers Guide
Welcome to The Makers Guide
Welcome to The Makers Guide. This is where you can find useful tools to help you make your creativity blossom. Whether you are working with a CNC router table, 3D printer, Vacuum forming plastic or CNC Foam cutters the Makers Guide can help you. You'll find lots of resources to help you start learning how you can get work smarter and faster.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or on Twitter.
With the Makers Guide Triple Edge Guide you will be able to accurately set up a workpiece on your CNC Router table faster than ever before. Set your Z height precisely to under .001″ (as verified by C.M.M. machine). You now have the ability to reset your workpiece even in the middle of a job with no more mistakes. Increase the value of store bought
Mach3 CNC Controller Software
Mach3 CNC Controller software will convert your PC into a fully functional 6 axis CNC Controller. Mach3 is one of the most popular CNC Controllers for both DIY and Industrial machines. Import DXF, generate G-Code, fully customizable. Works with CNC Routers, milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters and lasers.
The Warp Drive Project Rack & Pinion Z axis system for CNC Router tables which will provide faster Z axis travel and all weather operation while using fewer parts than conventional Leadscrew machine. The Warp Drive is a new way to make a CNC Z Axis and is adaptable to many CNC Router table designs such as the Joe's CNC 4×4 Hybrid and the CastCNC machines.
If you would like a custom carved CNC project there is an easy way for you to get one. Just select the type of 3D artwork you are interested in, add a brief description of what you want and we will provide you with a free, no obligation quote. We have many types of materials available including Wood, Corian, Sign foam and plastic. We will work hard to make your dream custom carved CNC project a reality. Check out our gallery page.


text:
We offer several different chocolate workshops, each one has his own specifications and highlights.
Our mission is to teach the participants on a fun way how to use different kinds of chocolates
- degustation of dark and milk chocolate
- Explenation about how chocolate is made and how we should treath them
- Making of student chocolates in dark and milk chocolates
- Making of a chocolate lollipop
- 'The ultimate chocolate experience'
- Each participant can take their own made chocolates home
Short Version Workshop
Mini Chocolade Workshop
- Degustation of dark and milk chocolate
-Explenation about how chocoklate is made and how whe should treath them correctly
- Making of Rice Poppers on a base of hazelnutpaste and milk chocolate, to finish them up we make decorations with pure chocolate
- Every participant can take his Rice Poppers home to show to their loved ones
- Degustation of dark and milk chocolate
- Making of 'Truffels'
- Chocolates with a mix of nuts
- Crispy Rice Poppers
- Marzipan with a dark chocolat coat
Duration : +/- 2,5 hours
Chocolate workshop
Chocolate studio
Make your own chocolate figur, by using half chocolate easter eggs.
After the workshop we wrap your own creation so you can take it with you and show of to your colleagues and friends
Duration: +/- 2,5 h
Build a Atomium
This is a workshop for real teamplayers!
If you like a challenge and you have a passion for chocolate.
You can build a chocolate atomium togheter with your friends or colleagues.
We can split you up in 2 teams, so that there is a competition between the 2 teams.
The team who wins get's a bottle of champaigne.
Create and throw Cream Pies
Did you always dreamed of throwing a cream pie? This is your chance .
First we start making our own cream pies, and the contestant with the best pie wins a bottle of champaigne.
After the pie making, we put on a suit so that we can go out and throw the pies to each other.
Chocolate Paintings
A steady hand and a high concentration are required for this workshop.
We make a real chocolate artwork, a painting from 20 on 30 cm.
Major painting and custumization can also be developed bij size.
Each participant can send his own picture, painting,... to us, so we can make a print that each person can copy in Chocolate
Duration: +/- 2,5 h
Chocolate and taste explosion
Taste chocolate with different flavours, like pepper, balsamico, Whisky, Wine, Olive oils,...
And experience our 'Ultimate chocolate Experience'
In this workshop you go from the one surpising taste to the other.
Duration: +/- 1,5 h
If you have specific idea's of what you want for a chocolate workshop, you can always make your own workshop toghether with us.
We will put your creatif idea's into a workshop just for you.
Present Remotely
Send the link below via email or IMCopy
Present to your audienceStart remote presentation
- Invited audience members will follow you as you navigate and present
- People invited to a presentation do not need a Prezi account
- This link expires 10 minutes after you close the presentation
- A maximum of 30 users can follow your presentation
- Learn more about this feature in our knowledge base article
No description
Peter Messelyon 6 November 2013
Comments (0)
Please log in to add your comment.