text:
Hello everyone! It has been a bit I know but I had surgery in RL so that has kept me away from being able to spend too much time at once on the computer. I am getting better now and am able to be on longer, so bring on the posts! First, I want to show you this adorable MESH dress by Cracked Mirror called Resolution Dress which is available at FaMESHed, there are many amazing colors to choose from and in standard sizing. Second, LaRoo has these very cute Sparta Pumps also at FaMESHed in a variety in colors, or just get the fatpack and use the hud to switch between colors and also change that pedicure! Lastly but surely not least is this new hair from Exile called Little Talks, I am wearing the natural fusion color pack so the ends have a different color, kind of a dipped look, LOVE! Be sure to check out FaMESHed to get all the goods before next month when the event changes over. Read credits for other items that are currently at events around the grid! MUCH LOVE, ADDY!
Skin – Izzie's – Geanna Skin Bubblegum (Perfect Wardrobe)
Shape – Dani & Co. (Custom)
Eyes –Mayfly – Deep Sky Mesh Eyes (Capri Blue)
Eyelashes – ::BB:: Mesh Lashes V.01
Hair –::Exile:: LIttle Talks: Natural Fusion NEW
Lipstick-Pink Acid – Shiny Lip Gloss in Golden Red (Fi*Friday)
Earrings -LaGyo_Starla earrings silver (Collabor88)
Necklace -MG – Necklace – Erzulie's Love Charm (Collabor88)
Dress -(CM) Resolutions Dress Fuschia (FaMESHed)
Heels -(LaRoo) Sparta Pumps (FaMESHed)
Pose – Focus Poses


text:
Video games can be pretty silly when you think about it. Save systems, over-the-top fashion designs, even entire concepts that a game is based on can make no sense outside of the video game world we're familiar with.
What would happen if you made a video game real? Well, Final Fantasy VII's Cloud would probably not be able to lug his ridiculously proportioned accessories around, for one thing. Military personell would be overzealous and...not so well-behaved. So, basically, hilarity would ensue.
If Video Games Were Real 2 [Smosh]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|List of Area Codes in Georgia
|229 Area Code
|404 Area Code
|470 Area Code
|478 Area Code
|678 Area Code
|706 Area Code
|762 Area Code
|770 Area Code
Treutlen County Area Code, Georgia
Treutlen County Area Code, Georgia - 912
Search For US Area Code
|Description : Georgia area code map showing the counties of the state along with their area code.
Disclaimer : All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Compare Infobase Limited,its directors and employees do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same.


text:
Looking for a place to spend the last night on earth as we know it? You are in luck!
Funk-punk ska-rock masters Fishbone will grace San Francisco with their presence Friday night at Inner Mission, a club recently acquired by the masterminds behind the Vau de Vire Society in the former Cell Space location at 2050 Bryant Street.
Fishbone has played San Francisco countless times in their 25-year run, but a band playing SF for the first time will join Fishbone Friday night. TEN, a new group featuring Fishbone founding bassist Norwood Fisher, San Franciscan guitarist Eric McFadden, and Thomas Pridgen, former drummer of the Mars Volta, will make their Bay Area debut.
Also in the house, and on the stage, Friday night will be Heart Touch, The Coop singer Boots Riley, beatboxer Soulati, violinist Leif Karlstrom and DJ Toph One with Vau de Vire Society playing hosting duties.
Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. with $20 tickets expected to be available for purchase, but buy ahead to make sure. A $50 VIP package includes complimentary champagne (it is the end of the world after all), plush lounge seating, private bar access and artist meet-&-greet, plus a signed event poster.


text:
Whether you need a new pair of casual or dress shoes, athletic or therapeutic footwear, Drew Shoe has the men's shoes you're looking for – on clearance! To learn more about individual men's clearance shoes, simply click through the products below.
Expect all of the therapeutic and comfort benefits Drew Shoe is famous for in our men's clearance shoes. Our selection of men's clearance shoes includes over-stocked and discontinued styles.
To start shopping for clearance-priced men's shoes , click on the items above. You can place your order online or shop at a retailer near you. If you can't find the men's clearance shoes you're looking for or if you have any questions about our selection of men's shoes , feel free to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives are happy to assist you.


text:
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Quick thoughts on the 'pen
Perhaps Wilner's take has influenced my thoughts here, but it really is quite conceivable that the Jays head to spring with all the arms currently on the roster in tow, and let camp dictate the next course of action. I'll disagree slightly with Wilner in that it feels to me like Shawn Camp is far more entrenched than "being up against it", but what do I know? He gave the Jays 80 innings of serviceable relief in '09 - admittedly mostly low-leverage innings - but he pitched fairly well, posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
That's my way of saying I don't get the Shawn Camp Hate.
Think good thoughts for the 'Foose
The relief situation became a little less cloudy (unfortunately), as the Jays (and Hayhurst himself) announced the reliever will go under the knife for exploratory surgery on a troublesome shoulder.
Say what you will about Hayhurst's pitching ability, but Dirk seems to be good people, and you have to feel for a guy who has spent a career bouncing around baseball's minor leagues finding himself on the precipice of a major league job....only to face the uncertainty of shoulder surgery two weeks before camp.
The Garfoose's tweets admitting worry about his career (and mortgage payments, etc...) pull the covers back just enough to make you realize that the players we incessantly (obsessively?) discuss and analyze aren't all that different from you and I. Except for maybe a tad more athletic ability, of course.
Here's hoping all Hayhurst needs is a little nip & tuck.
18 comments:
- The Man With The Golden Arm said...
Camp is a decent long reliever and more importantly one of the Cito's favorites because he keeps the ball on the ground. He will have to lose his job in the spring if he is to be displaced. Plus he is out of options. So is Merkin Valdez. Throw in the Rule 5 guy ZZ and you have too many guys that need to stay on the 25 man roster. There must be another move coming.
- February 4, 2010 at 12:38 AM
purcey and mcgowan are out of options too, and may need to go to the BP.
i like a BP of
Frasor/downs/gregg/carlson/accardo/tallet/camp (or roenicke)
but i agree, there is a MAJOR trade coming soon. why else sign Zinicola and Valdez, who must make the team or be DFA/returned?
maybe AA is gonna trade downs frasor AND accardo....? add a young SP and tallet/richmond and we might be getting something GOOD back. who knows, maybe AA needed to be sure he could fill our needs after trading a ton of pitching for one TOP prospect or player. maybe Aybar? Angels do need pitching.
i would love to see a big, gutsy move. i just hope it isnt a salary dump in regards to frasor/downs. but that wouldnt make sense, because AA dished out 2.75 to gregg....hmmmmmm... something happening. i feel it.
btw, ack..... keep posting.... you are on fire. keeping the blog more than alive friend.
now all we need is handsome tony's take on this....
- February 4, 2010 at 3:19 AM
Hello everyone!
I would like to burn a theme at here. There is such a thing, called HYIP, or High Yield Investment Program. It reminds of financial piramyde, but in rare cases one may happen to meet a company that really pays up to 2% daily not on invested money, but from real profits.
For several years , I earn money with the help of these programs.
I'm with no money problems now, but there are heights that must be conquered . I get now up to 2G a day , and my first investment was 500 dollars only.
Right now, I managed to catch a guaranteed variant to make a sharp rise . Turn to my blog to get additional info.
http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]
- February 4, 2010 at 3:32 AM
Predilection casinos? grill this environmental [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] advisor and about up online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also suggest a obtain out settled our late [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] bid at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and overwhelm chief encyclopaedic currency !
another unsurpassed [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] lot is www.ttittancasino.com , in compensation german gamblers, get manumitted online casino bonus.
- February 4, 2010 at 6:46 AM
- dave57 said...
Any chance we can get rid of the spam guys? I surely want to invest with some dipshit commenter on a blog that can't spell Pyramid.
Otherwise good job, good post.
I am either excited for very scared for what the fall out of this signing will be.
- February 4, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Question close to Our Original Prices at www.Pharmashack.com, The Unequalled [b][url=http://www.pharmashack.com]Online Measure [/url][/b] To [url=http://www.pharmashack.com]Buy Viagra[/url] Online ! You Can also Learn up Eminent Deals When You [url=http://www.pharmashack.com/en/item/cialis.html]Buy Cialis[/url] and When You You [url=http://www.pharmashack.com/en/item/levitra.html]Buy Levitra[/url] Online. We Also Company a Signal Generic [url=http://www.pharmashack.com/en/item/phentermine.html]Phentermine[/url] In behalf of the benefit of Your Regimen ! We Manumit up Maker dignitary [url=http://www.pharmashack.com/en/item/viagra.html]Viagra[/url] and Also [url=http://www.pharmashack.com/en/item/generic_viagra.html]Generic Viagra[/url] !
- February 4, 2010 at 8:51 AM
- The Ack said...
What, you don't trust their investment advice?
Yeah, I know. Brutal. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for the Tao's return. I don't think I even have those admin rights to deal with it/delete comments.
To the topic at hand - yeah, I keep forgetting that Purcey needs to be dealt with somehow. I sense another organization in his future.
McGowan isn't going anywhere - smart money is he starts on the DL if the 'crowd' hasn't thinned by season's start, no?
- February 4, 2010 at 9:54 AM
- Darren Priest said...
Glad to see you're not on the Camp Hate Train. The guy just does his job. It's like hating, um, something else that should not be hated. Sorry, don't have my "A" game.
Yeah, Hayhurst seems to be a real nice guy. I hope it works out for him. If nothing else, his book proves he won't end up stacking shelves like Kurt Warner did before the power of Brenda's prayers made him a hall of famer. Still, if I could choose baseball over my desk job, I surely would.
- February 4, 2010 at 10:40 AM
- MJK said...
if you can get anything for Frasor now then you do it because he is just as likely to be a complete failure as he is a type B.
Downs has a chance of becoming a type A if he stays healthy, so you have to get something decent in order to part with him.
the rest of the BP is interchangeable with every other lousy one in baseball.
- February 4, 2010 at 11:48 AM
- dave57 said...
I would imagine that this could pave the way for the 5 or 6 player deal that AA mentioned during the state of franchise.
I am thinking some combination of Purcey, Mills, Accardo, Downs, Fraser, Overbay, Roenicke and Arencibia/other prospect
As a stand alone deal its a little ridiculous but in AA I trust.
- February 4, 2010 at 1:36 PM
- Mattt said...
So far I'm trusting AA. This Gregg thing has me scratching my head a little but there just has to be more to it.
- February 4, 2010 at 1:45 PM
- MelancholyInker said...
By the way, in case you guys haven't seen it, Big League Stew (Yahoo's MLB Blog), gave props and a story about Hayhurst. Check it out.
- February 4, 2010 at 2:07 PM
- Gil Fisher said...
Purcey has an option left.
- February 4, 2010 at 7:43 PM
no he doesn't
- February 4, 2010 at 8:00 PM
- Dan said...
You get three option years. Purcey was in the majors in 2008 and 2009. That's only two.
- February 4, 2010 at 8:53 PM
- Jawn said...
I like the Gregg signing for any of the possible reasons. When he joined the Cubs, just 1 year ago, it was big news down there.
He has got to be AA's most realistic reclamation project. Good signing, especially if he can be traded.
- February 5, 2010 at 8:13 AM
- Gil Fisher said...
Andy, if you read Cot's glossary page on options and apply it to the details under Purcey's contract on the Jays page, you should come to the conclusion that he has an option left.
What is your source? It better not be me, because I was set straight (probably by Torgen) months ago, but previously was spouting the Purcey out of options line.
- February 5, 2010 at 11:27 AM
[b]buy c++ software, [url=http://sopriventontes.net/]8 oem software[/url]
[url=http://tonoviergates.net/]windows vista theme download[/url] xp oem software buy dreamweaver 2004
you sell used software [url=http://tonoviergates.net/]car sale software[/url] sale my software
[url=http://sopriventontes.net/]free autocad[/url] buy photoshop cs2
[url=http://tonoviergates.net/]educational software purchase[/url] buy cheap computer software
game software store [url=http://sopriventontes.net/]office software price[/url][/b]
- February 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM


text:
The last time John Armato saw his friend and triathlon partner Job Price, the two men went on a training run through the forest, then jumped into a creek and continued to run until it got too deep and they shifted to swimming.
That day last summer in Pennsylvania, they ran and swam and ran and swam some more, having what Armato -- 23 years Price's senior -- called "a really good time challenging one another."
A week later, Price left on deployment to Uruzgan province in northern Afghanistan, where he was commanding a team of SEALs based in Virginia Beach.
"One of the last things we talked about had to do with how proud he was of the men he was leading," Armato said. "He had just a tremendous amount of admiration (for them)."
Price, 42, a Navy commander, died Saturday in what the Defense Department described as "a noncombat-related injury." The Associated Press and other news agencies reported that his death was being investigated as a possible suicide.
Famously secretive, the SEALs don't talk about their missions -- or their losses. But Armato, contacted in Price's hometown of Pottstown, Pa., where his parents still live, described watching a talented young man grow into a dedicated leader.
Price came into Armato's life as a boy on the wrestling team that Armato coached at Pottstown High School and quickly defined himself as a talented athlete who inspired his teammates with an unyielding will to succeed and an ability to make people laugh.
His friend remembers it as a magnetic combination.
"He was always the guy to come up with the words that would bring a smile to everyone's face regardless of what the situation was," Armato said.
"Some of the characteristics that made Job an outstanding athlete and someone his peers looked up to are the same qualities that led him to successfully complete the Air Force Academy and become a Navy SEAL and rise in the ranks of the military."
After Price left high school and went on to the Air Force Academy, he stayed in touch with his coach and visited him when he came back to town.
One summer, Price joined the coach on a running and swimming workout. During the run, Armato said, Price told him he planned to join the SEALs.
Then they jumped in the pool. Price could barely swim a 50-yard lap, Armato said.
"I said, 'You understand that if you want to be in the SEALs, this is something you will have to learn,' " Armato said. "He said, 'Coach, I will do that.' "
"Within a year, we swam competitions together, and he beat me out of the water," he said. "Wherever he encountered obstacles, he was determined and very focused.... He was always up for the next challenge."
Price became a Navy SEAL, graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 1993, according to his biography, posted by the Pottstown School District when he became an alumni Honor Roll member in 2011.
He got married. He deployed twice to Panama, then to Spain, Germany and Kosovo and several times to the Middle East after 9/11 in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He deployed in Bahrain. Most recently, he assumed command of members of SEAL Team 4.
He won numerous medals, including two Bronze Stars. He became a father.
Armato wouldn't ask him about his life with the SEALs. It was off-limits, and he respected that.
"I don't know what his life was like, or what a SEAL's life is like or a military person's life is like -- when you spend 20 years preparing to be deployed or being deployed where you spend every day in a place none of us would want to be in," Armato said.
"He was very clear about this with me: It was important to do something that was bigger than the person.... My perception is to do that for 20 years -- that's asking a lot from anyone, and only the most dedicated and most committed are doing that. That's who he was. From day one."
On Tuesday, Price came home for the last time. His wife, Stephanie, and his parents, Harry and Nancy Price, were at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the arrival.
"His mom and pop had to spend Christmas bringing their son's coffin home," Armato said.
"Losing him -- no matter how -- the end result is, he's still gone," he said. "The end result is: His wife no longer has a husband that's going to come home. His daughter no longer has a father that's going to help raise her. And I no longer have a companion that I could feel very closely connected to."


text:
How Does Paradise Valley Windshield Replacement Work?
Auto Glass Repairs Explained:
Broken windshields can be a major pain in Paradise Valley. From chips and cracks to complete spiderwebs, damaged auto glass is a serious issue no matter the extent of the problem. That's because even tiny dings and splits in your windshield can grow into vision-obscuring messes. However, windshield replacement in Paradise Valley isn't the only solution when you have damaged auto glass. Smaller flaws can actually be repaired invisibly to restore both strength and an unobstructed view to your windshield. Here's how it works.
The first step to any windshield repair is an evaluation of the damage. The chip or crack should be examined for size and depth as well as location to determine whether it is a candidate for repair. Most flaws up to 6 inches long can be fixed with the typical resin auto glass repair. However in Paradise Valley, keep in mind that this type of solution only works when just the top layer of glass is fractured. Modern windshields are composed of two layers of glass with a rubber membrane laminated in between; the repair can only resolve issues with the first layer of glass, so if both layers are damaged, or you have a hole that goes all the way through, it's time to start learning about windshield replacement, not repairs. Also, some cracks that are around the perimeter of the windscreen can be difficult or impossible to correct, so make sure that the damage is located in a repairable place.
Once you've determined that the window glass can be repaired, the fix itself is relatively easy. Taking approximately 30 minutes, windshield chip repair is both simple and affordable. Using a special, sunlight-cured resin, the auto glass shop technician will inject the epoxy directly into the chip or crack using specialized tools. This completely fills the damage and ensures a smooth finish. The resin dries completely clear, helping the repair blend in to the surrounding windshield and almost totally hiding where the problem was. Natural sunlight dries the windshield crack repair to a waterproof, strong state that reinforces the windscreen and dependably prevents the crack or chip from ever spreading. Windshield replacement offers a reliable solution for both sturdiness and aesthetics.
Windshield repairs are also super convenient, as most auto glass shops can actually come to you. Because the resin cures in sunlight and the special tools used to apply it are quite portable, you won't have to take your car or truck into the shop to have it fixed. Instead, technicians can be sent to you for mobile glass repair right in your driveway or even your workplace's parking lot.
The best time to get a cracked windshield repaired is right now. Substantial research data shows that warm temperatures, cold temperatures, temperature shifts, and even rough road surfaces and speed bumps are all likely to exacerbate your car window glass's damage. Remember, windshield crack repair only works for fissures up to 6 inches long, so if you put off calling the auto glass shop, the crack may grow to the point where windshield replacement is your only option. Save yourself the hassle and the money by bringing in an auto glass repair pro today to take a look. Providing structural support and practically invisible performance, resin car window repairs can help get your windshield back to first-class condition quickly and affordably.
Windshield Replacement - The Ultimate Guide
Automotive window replacement can be done by the novice if he or she takes their time and has some instruction. It doesn't require any special knowledge or expensive tools to replace car glass, but it does take patience! Here we will talk about replacing a fixed car glass that is bonded to the car body instead of being set into a removable frame.
If you are going to replace car glass that is not set in a frame, then you will basically have to "cut" the old glass out of the car. This procedure requires a few inexpensive tools that are often not in a common tool collection. You need a piece of piano wire to use as a saw, and a couple of inexpensive suction cup handles to lift out the old glass (if it is still in one piece) and to place the new glass into position without touching the edges of the glass.
The first step is to remove any molding that goes around the window. Molding can be attached in several different ways. It may be attached with some sort of clips, glued on, or may be just pushed onto a lip on the car body. This is one place where factory service information comes in handy! Some glass is flush-mounted with the exterior surface of the body and does not have any molding to remove. You also may need to remove one or more trim panels inside the car. Before starting to cut out the broken car window, apply tape to the car body all the way around the window to protect the paint. Next, use an awl to create a hole through the adhesive between the glass and the body. Then push a piece of piano wire through the hole, grab a helper to work the other end of the wire, and use a sawing motion to cut the adhesive all the way around the window. Once you have completely sawn all the way around the broken car window, use the suction cup handles to pull the glass out of the car body.
After the new adhesive has been applied and any recommended curing times have been observed, use the suction cup handles to install the new glass into position. Evenly press the glass into the adhesive until it is fully seated all the way around. Do not disturb the vehicle for several hours according to the adhesive instructions, and then be careful not to slam the doors and or drive on any excessively rough roads for several days until the adhesive has had time to fully bond with both surfaces.
That covers the general procedure for auto glass installation. Automotive window replacement can certainly be done by a driver that doesn't have any experience or training in this area, but some jobs are definitely easier than others! If this procedure doesn't sound like something you want to tackle yourself, there certainly isn't any shame in taking your car to an auto glass shop for a replacement, and most shops will even come to your home or workplace to do it for you.
Auto Glass For Classic Cars
Many people are capable of doing an auto glass replacement on their own, but don't even consider doing it themselves. If you have insurance that will pay for the replacement, great, but if you don't you can save some money by doing it yourself. Really, all it takes are some basic hand tools and a little patience and common sense. Having a factory service manual or a subscription to ALLDATAdiy certainly comes in handy, also. Having the right information that is specific to your vehicle can save a lot of head-scratching and possibly some unnecessary work or even broken parts!
There are different procedures to follow if you are working on a fixed window with a frame, a fixed glass without a frame, or a moving window. Here we are going to address a fixed glass with a frame. This type of auto glass replacement is usually the simplest, because you don't have to mess with adhesives and nasty chemicals.
At any rate, that is the basic procedure for auto glass replacement when you are dealing with a fixed window with a frame. Replacing car windows that have a frame really isn't terribly difficult and can usually be done with just a basic set of hand tools and no special knowledge or skills. If you don't have insurance to cover the repairs, you should really think about doing your automotive window replacement yourself.


text:
A United Express regional jet landing in Durango on Thursday afternoon ran through a sticky taxiway sealant that caused the return flight to be canceled.
Durango-La Plata County Airport maintenance workers were sealing cracks in the runway before the flight arrived from Denver. Ron Dent, director of aviation at the airport, was surprised that the sealant was wet enough to stick to the tire. It usually dries in 15 to 20 minutes, he said.
The outer tire on the left side of the landing gear rolled along a seam of rubber sealant used to patch cracks in the taxiway, Dent said.
The tire became coated with a layer of sealant and taxiway surface material.
Airport maintenance workers volunteered to clean the tire, Dent said on Friday. Their services were refused.
The plane was grounded after a pilot sent a cellphone photo showing the tire to the ExpressJet center in Houston. ExpressJet Airlines operates as United Express, Continental Express and Delta Connection, depending on the region.
A special flight brought a mechanic to Durango from Houston with a new tire, which was replaced Friday.
We were surprised, Dent said. But if pilots have any doubts, they will err on the side of safety.
A spokeswoman for ExpressJet Airlines confirmed the assessment.
I assume the decision was for the safety of passengers, Allison Curtin said Friday from Atlanta.
Curtin said no one else was available to comment, given the late hour and upcoming holiday.
The flight Thursday entered the taxiway from the lane farthest from the terminal building.
The 9,200-foot taxiway runs parallel to the runway of the same length, 400 feet away. Connecting lanes allow pilots to reach the taxiway at nine points.
The cancellation of the return flight to Denver, scheduled for 3:35 p.m., inconvenienced a number of passengers, Dent said.
It was a definite issue, Dent said.
The 3:35 p.m. flight and the last departure at 5:26 p.m. were full.
Flights also arrive in Durango from Denver at 9:51 p.m. and 11 p.m., but there are no corresponding return flights.
Dent didnt know if Frontier Airlines, which also flies between Durango and Denver, was able to absorb any of the overflow.


text:
Tagged: Justin Smoak
The Mariners' Net Gains from Cliff Lee
(Photo Cred: nydailynews.com)
The breaking news of the day is of course the first big trade of the season. The Seattle Mariners send Cliff Lee, Mark Lowe, and a chunk of cash to the Texas Rangers for Justin Smoak, Blake Beavan, Matthew Lawson, and Josh Lueke. The Rangers camp has to love this trade since Smoak has been disappointing so far, and they have the playoffs in their sights for the first time in over a decade. And the gravy is that Lee will most likely become a Type A free agent at the end of this season, meaning that if he is offered arbitration and he declines, the Rangers will obtain two top draft picks from whoever eventually signs him.
The Mariners, who have probably been the most disappointing team thus far this season, abandon ship on 2010 and stock up on prospects. Instead of looking at the value of this group and weighing it against Lee and Lowe to see if this was a fair deal, I'd like to weigh them against the group of guys Seattle traded to acquire Lee just a few months ago. I think this is more interesting because each team's needs already dictate that this was a win-win trade, the Mariners don't need Lee right now and the Rangers need a playoff push. The question I'd like to address is did the Mariners get more for Lee tonight than they gave up for him back in December?
The first trade was of course a blockbuster involving four teams. But here's how it breaks down from the Mariners' view with the two trades combined:
SEA receives:
Cliff Lee for 13 starts
Justin Smoak, 1B
Blake Beavan, RHP
Matthew Lawson, 2B
Josh Lueke, RHP
SEA gives up:
Mark Lowe, RHP
Juan Ramirez, RHP
Phillippe Aumont, RHP
Tyson Gillies, OF
So they trade 4 guys for 4 guys plus a couple intangibles that for the purposes of this analysis are probably a wash. Depending on how you want to value Lee's production so far this season (which has been stellar), it was probably worth more than $2.5MM. But not enough to worry about. As far as the prospects go, they have never been my area of expertise, but I'll do my best to collect data from people who know more than me…
Starting with the package that Seattle received, Smoak stands out as the only one with Major League service. He was rated #23 by Baseball America entering 2009 and #13 entering 2010. Those are some pretty big shoes, and he has not quite filled them just yet. Of course he has only been in the majors for less than half a season, so I'm not saying than anyone has or should be giving up on him. Scouts seem to believe that he has star potential, and the Mariners must agree.
Next up is the Rangers' 2007 1st round draft pick, Blake Beavan. He has been pretty impressive since then, especially this season. Through 17 starts in AA he has pitched to a 2.78 ERA and an impressive 5.67 K/BB. That kind of command for a young player is hard to find, and Baseball America rates him as a 4th or 5th starter now, even with no improvement.
Matthew Lawson is not as popular with the scouts, but he is hitting .277 with 7 HR for AA this year. The same goes for Josh Lueke, who was promoted to AA earlier this year after posting a dazzling 0.46 ERA and 7.20 K/BB for single-A. It seems the Rangers are trying to sell high here, and you bet they are expecting to get two guys just like these or better with those compensatory picks for Lee this winter.
And now for what Seattle surrendered in this pair of deals. Mark Lowe is a former 5th round pick who has been around the majors for a few years now. He will miss the rest of this season with a back injury and was not incredibly effective before that. He has kept his ERA down between 3.0-3.5 but has been plagued by control problems.
Juan or J.C. Ramirez has struggled a little in the minors so far. He has yet to finish a season with an ERA under 4, but teams are enticed by his high strikeout totals. 21-year olds who average 7.7 K/9 innings are not to be discarded. With some patience and some good coaching this kid definitely has some potential.
Phillippe Aumont has been ranked in Baseball America's top 100 prospects each year since 2008. But he too has struggled, accumulating a 4.58 ERA through 177 innings across A and AA. He is similar to Ramirez in that he wows teams with his strikeouts, sporting an 8.7 K/9 in his minor league career. He has struggled with walks mightily though, walking 4.8 per 9 innings.
Last but not least, Tyson Gillies is a speedy outfielder. He is currently hitting just .238 for AA, but last year he turned in a fantastic season in high-A ball, finishing with a .341/.430/.486 line and 44 stolen bases. He also had 18 outfield assists and just 2 errors. He was a 25th-round pick back in 2006 and seems to be playing above that level, but he still has a long way to go before he cracks the big leagues.
So what does all this mean? It sounds to me like the Mariners are coming away with a bit more than what they lost. I think the two best players of that group of eight may be Smoak and Beavan, and the worst has got to be Mark Lowe. When you add in the fact that they got to gamble with Lee for half a season, the Mariners are coming out of this looking pretty sharp. Well done, Jack Zduriencik and the rest of the front office.


text:
Event box
Crafters Group
For ages 18 & over
Do you like to do crafts?....Do you like making new friends?
Join us at the Aston Public Library every Thursday and bring your craft with you!! We have knitters, crocheters, cross stichers..etc,
We like to share patterns...stories... with the occasional potluck thrown in.
Click here to sign up for emails -https://groups.google.com/a/astonlibrary.org/forum/#!forum/chairyoga2011/join
- Date:
- Thursday, October 24, 2019 Show more dates
- Time:
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- Library:
- Aston Public Library
- Location:
- Adult Library
- Audience:
- Adults
- Categories:
- Arts & Crafts


text:
Why are we all trapped in this endless debate....There are apples, and there are oranges - and we are free to buy and use whatever is needed....Who cares! One is a fruit, another is a citrus, they both are tasty... If allergic - avoid, if not - enjoy.In photography the content matters at least 95%, the rest is technicalities... We should be mature enough to realize it and not be manipulated by marketing strategies...P.S. not targeting this post, but rather the subject matter
My first experience of Medium format was a fuji 6x4.5 and, compared to film, Digital backs are just epic jokes. I sold my S2 because of that. After realising it was just a plastic tool, with a tiny sensor and that a real MF, a good MF film, do far better in global rendering at an artistic level.The S2 is just a toy for rich in our actual world. The real soul is in film. Leica are just arrogant marketers, nothing more, aiming ppl who drive Hybrid cars and smoke up their a**.Those are my first MF shoots ever.
Both Hasselblad and Phase One have nothing else to sell to a broader market so they are fully dependent on their MF sales. (well maybe Capture One for Phase). We all know that MF sales are in decline. They have been for a long time. They may have leveledout, but that is not promising in this day and age. Tough future for MF only manufacturers.
...church attendance is in decline.
Is it???
It is in rational communities
To me, MF Digital is all about the camera, shooting experience and tools, which also product the highest quality result.For the viewer of the print, the results are all that matters.For the photographer, the process and tools can be equally as important.
It is in rational communities Here in Europe, religion is in desperate decline. Parts of the UK have church attendance at 1 - 2%. Those areas with large elderly populations might hit the high teens, but there it's also declining. Much of Europe is just the same.


text:
All About Baby
Twenty-four hours after conception, your baby-to-be exists as a cluster of rapidly growing cells. At this early stage, the clustered cells begin traveling from the point of fertilization in the fallopian tube to the final home in the uterus. At this point, your developing baby relies on nutrients stored within the egg cell to survive; it will still be a few days before it's implanted in the uterus and the placenta begins to form.
All About You
Am I Really Pregnant?
Some early pregnancy signs like bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings may feel more like those of your period. In fact, you may even think that you've had a light period — many women notice some blood when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. And soon you may have plenty more symptoms to confirm you're pregnant!
The Start of Pregnancy
Some moms-to-be swear they can tell from day one that they're pregnant, others may not feel any signs of impending motherhood for weeks. Either way, your body is working hard to make your baby-to-be at home.
- Increased hormone levels: After fertilization, the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) floods your system with estrogen and progesterone. These hormones spark reproductive organs to begin preparing for motherhood. HCG is the same hormone that at-home pregnancy tests detect. Although many tests claim 99 percent accuracy, hCG levels may be too low to pick up early in your pregnancy. Chances are, you'll need to take a pregnancy test more than once.
- Loosening ligaments: One pregnancy hormone, called relaxin, works on ligaments and muscles to — as the name implies — relax them, explains Dr. William Camann, coauthor of Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth. Your body will need to become more pliable to make room for your baby.
- Breast tenderness: Pregnancy hormones trigger the breasts to change in preparation for feeding your baby. At about the three-month mark in your pregnancy, you'll begin producing colostrum (some women experience some leaking at this time), and shortly after birth your milk will come in. But now, in the early stages of your pregnancy, milk-producing cells and milk ducts are beginning to form. This, along with the increased blood flow to your breasts (brought about by the sharp rise in pregnancy hormones), causes your breasts to grow and become sensitive. Extra layers of fat will also begin to develop underneath your breasts, contributing to size changes. (A supportive pregnancy or nursing bra can help alleviate breast tenderness.)
- Higher blood volume: Your body needs to provide oxygen and nutrients to support your baby-to-be. As a result, your blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy. Higher blood volume has several interesting side effects. "Increased blood volume may account for the pregnancy glow," says Dr. Camann. More blood is pulsing through your body, and your face, giving you more color. Also, more blood means you need to pee frequently, advises Dr. Camann. Your kidneys are working hard to filter your blood of any impurities, and as a by-product you have more urine — and more trips to the bathroom.
- Feeling tired: You may be fatigued for a variety of reasons. First, your heart is working harder to pump the increased blood throughout your body. Nausea may limit your food choices so that your energy is low. And, as Dr. Camann points out, "Progesterone has a sedative effect," meaning that the pregnancy hormones racing through your body make you sleepy.
Still, even with all these things going on inside of your body, you may be unaware of your pregnancy at 3 weeks. But if you are aware, find out your due date with our explanation of how the due date is calculated.
What's on your mind about Week 3? Other women have asked these questions …
Q: What does implantation pain feel like?
"As the fertilized embryo burrows itself into the wall of the uterus, many women experience some mild implantation pain or cramping. While your body is adjusting to your new pregnancy hormone levels and your uterus is turning into your baby's new home, it is natural for a little cramping or discomfort to occur …" Read more about implantation.
Q: Could not having a period mean I have secondary amenorrhea?
Yes. By definition, amenorrhea is the absence of your periods. It can be divided up into two categories. Primary amenorrhea is when a woman has never had a period and is past the age where periods would normally be expected to have begun. Read more about amenorrhea and other period problems.
Q: How do I know when I'm ovulating?
The only constant you can rely on is menstruation 14 days after an ovulation. Any delays could be the result of faulty ovulation. Read more about predicting ovulation.
Q: Can nausea be a side effect of Clomid?
Clomid works by stimulating estrogen in your system, so it's not unlike the 'morning sickness' of early gestation. Read more about Clomid and possible side effects.
Your Partner
This week, if it worked out, the sperm and egg got together and mixed your DNA with your partner's. You probably won't know it yet, though, unless she takes a pregnancy test every time she has sex.
Whether you were actively trying, and waiting for results, or just letting it happen when it comes, the first sign might be a missed period. But by that time, she may have conceived two weeks before, when she ovulated, and you'll have been parents for two weeks without knowing it. So sometimes there are other clues, and they're pretty obvious. Some moms take their first sip of wine and almost throw up. Others actually feel a slight pain at implantation. Weird behavior, whether it's food cravings, or their hormones dragging you onto an emotional roller coaster ride, is another good sign to look for.
Peeing on a stick is usually the next step. (How many times in life can you say that?) The stick is usually right, but to confirm it either way, you can move past peeing on things and get a blood test.


text:
As you probably know, ETS unveiled its Revised GRE yesterday. We wanted to find out just how "revised" it was, so we signed ourselves up, and I spent a solid 4 hours taking it yesterday (8/2/11). Fun times, let me tell you (and no, we're not masochists, just Test Prep dorks…er, studs). I got first crack at it, so here's my commentary. We'll have more to follow as others on the staff subject themselves to the same pain in the coming weeks.
Let's start with a few particulars:
Test Date: 8/2/11 (second day of Revised GRE testing)
Test Time: 1pm (my sweet spot; and yes, I started on time)
Location: 1 Penn Plaza (right across from "The Garden")
I arrived at the test center about 15 minutes before my scheduled test time. The dude checking people in was as surly as pretty much anyone I've ever encountered in these places. He says, "so all you have to do is follow all the instructions and you'll be fine. Keep your locker key and passport at all times." I ask, "At all times?" He gives me a withering look, sighs, and replies, "Didn't I just say all you had to do was follow the directions?" I was pleased to see we were getting off to the right foot here on test day. After that it was smooth sailing, apart from a security procedure I hadn't experienced before in all my times taking these tests (including the last time I took the GRE): a security check with a metal detector wand!
Happy to find that security hasn't yet reached the thoroughness-level of body cavity searches just yet, I went in, took my seat, and started jamming. Here's the breakdown:
Overall Impressions:
- The length of the Revised GRE is longer than the old one, which makes the testing experience more grueling. I was in and out in just under 4 hours. I had the two writing tasks (30 minutes each); two Quant sections (20Q-35 minutes); and three Verbal Sections (20Q-30minutes – one experimental). I had them in the order: Writing-Writing-Verbal-Quant-Verbal-Quant-Verbal.
- It doesn't seem to be discernibly more difficult than the previous version of the GRE. While the format of the questions changed, as did some of the question types, the level of difficulty seemed on par with the old version.
- The ability to skip questions (i.e. provide an answer and come back to change it at a later time in that section) is actually a pretty beneficial tool for pacing. I'm not sure how this impacts the CAT-nature of the test, but it seems to me the pool of questions would invariably be a lot more stagnant than that "other" CAT test sometimes is used for business school admissions. I noticed that the difficulty of my questions seemed pretty random, as opposed to generally getting harder as I got questions right and wrong.
- While I might risk the ire of ETS, in this humble blogger's opinion, the GRE, while more grueling than the previous GRE, still doesn't seem to me to be as rigorous or difficult a test as the GMAT. It is fair to say, however, that in my opinion the GRE has closed the gap considerably. There could be more of a debate over it in the Verbal (which we'll explore), but the Quant definitely seems to be a step below the GMAT rigor, and on the whole the GMAT seems a bit more arduous. Here's a couple reasons why:
- Timing was never really an issue on either Quant or Verbal – usually on GMAT Quant I answer, comfortably, about 33-35 questions and I end up guessing on the last couple. On the GRE, I found that I was never really pressed for time.
- The "stumped" factor – there are always 1 or 2 questions on GMAT Quant where I'm stumped at first. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I'm left thinking, "um, what?" But on both the PowerPrep II software (latest version of prep software for the Revised GRE) and the official test I didn't have a single "um, what?" moment. Subjective and anecdotal it may be, that's the impression I got.
- Scoring – ETS won't be able to calibrate the scoring scale for the Revised GRE for a few months (hence the disclaimer at registration that you WON'T be getting your scores until November if you test in August or September). As a consequence, I was left with rather imprecise score ranges from the old GRE scale: Verbal – 670-770; Quant – 750-800. A little dissatisfying to say the least…
A Penny for your Quant
As I mentioned above, the Quant really didn't present any surprises. Here are a few thoughts/impressions on it:
- The new question format – multiple response and self-response – only comprised about 4-5 of the total 20 questions per section. The new format didn't make them any easier or more difficult to solve.
- The most time consuming question types tended to be the Data Interpretation ones, which usually required doing math calculations based on data represented in chart/graph/figure form. They weren't necessarily difficult, just a bit more time consuming. My recommendation: make sure you understand what's going on in the data before working the first question. You'll be able to focus and process more efficiently.
- There wasn't really anything wacky or dumbfounding in the Quant. I tend to remember questions that were problematic or interesting, and to be honest I walked out of the test with a blank slate.
- One Quant section seemed noticeably harder than the other. It started out with several questions in a row that were more time-consuming than any others on the test. I don't know if this was by design or simply random, but overall the section seemed harder than the first.
- There was more Geometry on the test than I expected (about 3-4 in each section, perhaps a bit more), and even a couple hexagon-and-above polygon questions where you needed to figure out the measure of an angle or part of an angle. Hadn't had to do that in a while…
The verbal section is where differences between old and Revised GRE (henceforth just RGRE) were more apparent. Gone were the pesky analogy and antonym questions, in were more multiple response questions. Here are some thoughts:
- -GRE Verbal is still a significant part "vocab-test." While the RGRE did get rid of the aforementioned question types, a significant portion of the questions (about 1/2 in my estimation) were still vocab driven Sentence Completions. The form varied – from 1 to 3 blanks to fill out – but at the end of the day after you've reasoned out what should go there, it's still matter largely of whether you know the word(s) in the choices.
- Oddly, I felt like I saw several words more than once. Here are a few to chew on: lugubrious, opprobrious, platitudinous, acumen, salacious, sycophant. I see RGRE vocab lists in our immediate future…
- Twists – A twist on the Sentence Completions involved choosing phrases (usually verbs with prepositions) as opposed to single words. Also, they didn't really get rid of the antonyms, they just jazzed them up by creating a hybrid with sentence completion where you need to chose two words from a list of choices that would similarly complete the sentence.
- The rest of the test was Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, both of which (again in my estimation) were not as difficult as what you'd find on the GMAT.
- As with Quant, one of the Verbal sections felt a bit more difficult than the others, though this could have been a) my imagination, or b) the experimental verbal I had.
On the whole the verbal was also very manageable, but with the dependance on a partially capricious (RGRE word!!) question type based on vocab (those pesky Sentence Completions) the RGRE Verbal could be seen as being as difficult as GMAT Verbal, though for a different reason.
Analytical Writing
Standard fare: one Analysis of an Issue, one Analysis of an Argument. Nothing to fear here. For the AI one I actually amused myself a little by starting and ending the essay on task, but using the middle 3-4 paragraphs to rant on a) why the AW was a poor task to ask of people to sitting for a test used in graduate program admissions, and b) why that particular prompt was particularly appalling (the task was something to the effect of: "Do you agree that it is no longer possible for society to view any living person as a hero?" Really? That's what I'm writing on? Jeez).
Miscellaneous/Testing Environment
- They do a security check with a hand-held metal detector wand. No more need be said.
- The testing center at Penn Plaza doesn't offer earplugs, only noise-cancelling headphones. If those headphones give you headaches or are otherwise uncomfortable, bring your own earplugs.
- For those of you paying attention to this space in recent months, I didn't even have to try to escape the building on my solitary 10-minute break to smoke a cigarette. I learned my lesson from the last time I took the GMAT (read here for the full story) and brought some spit-less chewing tobacco pouches to get me through (bleech!) The lesson, as always, don't start smoking…or chewing tobacco. If anything, just go straight to the Nicorette. It's cheaper, and no one will give you flack for it. Heck, no one even has to know…
Last Words
The RGRE was definitely an upgrade from the previous GRE in so far as rigor is concerned. It is, despite my cynicism, a better and more consistent barometer of a test-taker's general ability (on the test). For those looking to take the RGRE for graduate school, there's nothing here that's so different from the old GRE that it should bother you or alter how you prepare. For those considering the RGRE in lieu of the GMAT for graduate business school admissions, the jury, unfortunately, is still out. I felt it was, in the main, a bit less strenuous than the GMAT. We'll have to see how the scores stack up and how business schools treat the RGRE in comparison to the GMAT.
As always, you should prep to the best of your ability to maximize your score. The RGRE is a test that you can most certainly prep for and improve your score on, and you should give yourself every opportunity to do so.
If you're planning to take the GRE or GMAT, let us help you maximize your score with innovative strategies, great teachers, and effective materials. Visit us at here for learn more about how Bell Curves could help you Get Ahead of the Curve!


text:
Now showing items 1-3 of 3
Estimating leptospirosis incidence using hospital-based surveillance and a population-based health care utilization survey in Tanzania.
(PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013)
BACKGROUND: The incidence of leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is uncertain in Tanzania and much of sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in scarce data on which to prioritize resources for public health interventions ...
Comparing actual and perceived causes of fever among community members in a low malaria transmission setting in northern Tanzania.
(Trop Med Int Health, 2013-11)
OBJECTIVE: To compare actual and perceived causes of fever in northern Tanzania. METHODS: In a standardised survey, heads of households in 30 wards in Moshi, Tanzania, were asked to identify the most common cause of fever ...
Chikungunya and dengue fever among hospitalized febrile patients in northern Tanzania.
(Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2012-01)
Consecutive febrile admissions were enrolled at two hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania. Confirmed acute Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Dengue virus (DENV), and flavivirus infection were defined as a positive polymerase chain reaction ...


text:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Any Way You Want Pouch
This bag is very simple and easy, with so many color combination possibilities.
I used an H hook and Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, but any hook and yarn size would work, it just alters the size of your bag. This is a little bit rough explanation. Beads are optional but add a nice touch.
Make 5 basic granny squares (you can find several styles all over the net) in any size you like, mine were only 3 rnds for this. Use one for the base and then attach one on each side of square ane then sew up sides.
For Top closure
RND 1) attach yarn in any spot of a square and DC evenly around each of 4 square tops, sl st to first dc
RND 2)ch3 (counts as first dc and ch1 space) skip next st,* dc in next st, ch1, skip next st, repeat from * around, sl st to second ch of beginning ch3
RND 3) DC in each st around, st st to first dc, fasten off and weave in ends.
I made two drawstrings of about 70chs long and weaved in and out of RND 2. I also added some beads to each end of drawstring.
2 comments:
very attractive and love the color.ReplyDelete
Great work on the solution. Keep it up! I'm really amazed by the quality of service that you have been providing through this blog.ReplyDelete
buy Lortab online
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
HAYWARD — A 58-year-old man was struck and killed by a car in Hayward on Saturday night, according to authorities.
Bradford Hardie, of San Lorenzo, was struck on Hesperian Boulevard at West Winton Avenue at 10:23 p.m. Saturday, Hayward police said. After the collision, the driver of the car stopped and cooperated with police. Alcohol and drugs are not considered a factor in the collision.
David DeBolt covers breaking news. Contact him at email@example.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/daviddebolt.


text:
Services on Demand
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in Google
South African Journal of Child Health
On-line version ISSN 1999-7671
Print version ISSN 1994-3032
S. Afr. j. child health vol.8 n.4 Cape Town Nov. 2014
Neonatal cleft lip repair in babies with breastfeeding difficulties at Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex
S MzezewaI; K HameseII; T A B MashegoIII
IMD, MMed (Surg) PhD; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
IIMB ChB, FCPaeds (SA); Department of Paediatrics, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
IIIBSc, MA, PhD; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
BACKGROUND: A cleft lip (CL) is a congenital abnormality resulting from failure of union of the medial and nasal prominences with the maxillary prominence during embryonic development. CL may be classified as incomplete, complete, unilateral, bilateral or median. It may be associated with a cleft alveolus or a cleft palate. Definitive correction of a cleft lip is by surgery. In most African settings, the birth of a cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP) baby is associated with witchcraft and ancestral spirits. The parents, particularly mothers, are stigmatised.
OBJECTIVE: To repair CLs in neonates with difficulties in breastfeeding.
METHODS: Non-syndromic term neonates referred to Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex (PMHC) from primary and secondary hospitals with CLP and difficulties in breastfeeding were prospectively admitted to the neonatal unit. Our breastfeeding team supervised and assisted them with breastfeeding. The neonates whose breastfeeding was found to be unsatisfactory were considered for neonatal CL repair. Those who breastfed adequately were booked for later lip repair as per the rule of tens and discharged.
RESULTS: From June 2009 to March 2012, 60 children with CLP were referred to PMHC, including 36 neonates. Of these, 23 neonates were unable to breastfeed satisfactorily and were operated at a median age of 9 (range 3 - 28) days. The median weight was 2.8 (1.8 - 3.7) kg. The median haemoglobin was 13.1 (11.5 - 16) g/dL.
CONCLUSION: Neonatal CL repair is an alternative for those with breastfeeding difficulties. Eagerness to breastfeed increased following the lip repair with subsequent improvement in maternal confidence and interaction with the baby. At follow up, weight gain was above the 50th centile on the road to health charts. Early surgery prevents exposure of CL to the public with highly positive possible outcome of decreasing the potential for stigmatisation.
A cleft lip (CL) is a congenital abnormality resulting from failure of union of the medial and nasal prominences with the maxillary prominence during embryonic development. CL may be classified as incomplete, complete, unilateral, bilateral or median. It may be associated with a cleft alveolus or a cleft palate (CLP). Definitive correction of a CL is by surgery.
The conventional timing of when to repair a CL is according to the rule of tens: when the CL baby is 10 weeks old, weighs 10 lb, has a haemoglobin of 10 g/dL and has a white cell count of 103 cells/L. In the interim period, the infant is assisted in feeding by the use of feeding appliances or by a specially designed feeding bottle. At Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex (PMHC), these appliances and special feeding bottles are not available.
In many African settings, the birth of a CL and CLP baby is attributed to witchcraft and ancestral spirits. The parents, particularly the mothers, are stigmatised or may be accused of infidelity during pregnancy.[1-3] We do not have CLP support bodies like the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in the UK.
Between January 2007 and May 2009, we successfully operated on 33 neonates with CLP that was causing difficulties with breastfeeding. These neonates were operated on our regular service delivery and teaching programmes. Thereafter, from June 2009 to March 2012, we operated on 23 neonates under a research protocol conducted by the departments of Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics and Plastic Surgery of the University of Limpopo at PMHC. These 23 neonates are the subject of this study, which was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Limpopo and supported by a Department of Higher Education clinical research grant for the University of Limpopo. Advances in neonatal anaesthesia, intensive care and surgical management have made it possible to operate on CL babies in the neonatal period. Neonatal CL repair is no longer an unusual procedure and several series have been published to date.[4-9] A Medline search did not reveal any published neonatal CL repair series from Africa.
Thirty-six neonates referred to PMHC with CLP and difficulties in breastfeeding were prospectively admitted to the neonatal unit (Fig. 1). Our breastfeeding team supervised and assisted them with breastfeeding. Neonates with difficulties in breastfeeding were prospectively included in this study (June 2009 - March 2012). Patients with congenital cardiac, renal and neurological anomalies, and premature and syndromic CLs were excluded.
A total of 23 neonates were included and treated. Those infants (13/36) who breastfed adequately were discharged and booked for later operation as per the rule of tens. Neonatologists cared for these neonates until discharge. The paediatrician/neonatologist, anaesthesiologist and the plastic surgeon evaluated the neonates pre-operatively, and if they concurred on fitness for surgery (patient was full term, not syndromic, free from congenital heart and neurological defects) the patient was prepared for neonatal CL repair.
Preparation for surgery included explaining the procedure to the parents and obtaining their informed consent, and obtaining blood for haematology and biochemistry as well as chest radiographs if required. Investigations such as genetics, heart and kidney sonography were done if indicated.
Patients were transported to the operating theatre in a warm incubator. Intravenous access was established on the ward or just before intubation. Peri-operative monitoring was with eletrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, precordial stethoscope and core temperature. Volatile induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was used on all patients. At the end of surgery, the oropharynx was inspected, and throat pack and any blood clots were removed. Blood loss was assessed. The patients were extubated when protective reflexes had returned and the neonate was fully awake.
In the operating theatre, the surgery was done in the incubator with a radiant heat of 36 - 36.50C. In winter, heating was supplemented by a Bair hugger warmer (Bair Hugger 505, Augustine Medical, USA), and the operating theatre was prewarmed with an oil heater that was run throughout the procedure. After oral intubation, the lips and the face were cleaned with warm saline and draped with sterile towels. A castro verge caliper was used for measuring and a marking pen was used to tattoo the operating field. After tattooing, the CLs were infiltrated with 5 IU ornipressin (PRO-8) diluted in 10 ml saline. Adrenaline in an appropriate dilution was an alternative. In unilateral clefts, a jelonet pack was placed in the affected nose to assist with moulding of the deformed cartilage. After operation, the neonates were nursed in a high-care ward attached to the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) overnight. The mothers were encouraged to breastfeed as soon as the babies were fully awake; analgesia was effected with valoron drops (tilidine hydrochloride), 2.5 mg every 4 - 6 h for 2 days. Babies whose mothers were taking antiretroviral drugs were fed with milk formulae when fully awake, using medicine cups, cups and spoons. On the second day after operation, the dressings were removed and lip care was initiated.
Data were expressed as median values and range using Epi-Info (CDC, USA).
From June 2009 to March 2012, 23 neonates were included and had neonatal cheilo-plasty. There were 11 male and 12 female patients. The median age was 9 (range 3 -28) days. The median weight was 2.8 (1.8 -3.7) kg. The median haemoglobin was 13.1 (11.5 - 16) g/dL. Median birth position was 2 (1 - 5). There were 14 CLP, 5 bilateral CLP, 3 CL and alveolus, and 1 midline CL.
Median age of the mothers was 21 (16 -38) years. Seventeen (72%) of the mothers were single and the rest were married.
Two patients had wound dehiscence. One was minor and did not require surgical intervention. The other was a major dehiscence that required revision.
Breastfeeding was restored to all 23 patients (Fig. 2). Mothers seemed very pleased at the sight of their repaired CL babies. There was increased potential for bonding as shown by the more natural cuddling, eagerness to engage the baby through increased baby talk and continuous eye contact. Early surgery prevented exposure of the CL baby to the public, decreasing the risk for stigmatisation. At follow up, weight gain was above the 50th centile on the road to health charts. All but two patients were discharged on day 4 after the operation.
The patients were referred to PMHC because they had difficulties in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding difficulties in CLP babies have been reported widely in the literature.[10,11] The difference in our study population was that we did not have access to special feeding bottles and palatal obturators. In addition we did not have CLP support groups, hence the mothers in our study lacked psychosocial support. Solnit[12] and Fajardo[13] described that during pregnancy, mothers create a mental picture of the infant (a normal and healthy infant). If the mother then delivers an abnormal child, such as a CLP baby, the mother can suffer from shock, disbelief/ denial, sadness, self-blame, anger and anxiety. She may go into a mourning reaction for the loss of the imagined infant before she can bond with her baby. Kalland[14] found that a child with a CLP could be terrifying for the mother. Could the difficulties in breastfeeding have been contributed by seeing a deformed baby (CLP)?
Although our main reason for operating on these neonates was difficulties in breastfeeding, we also considered the plight of the mother and baby. Waiting for the CL baby to be 10 weeks old before surgery, especially if the mother is terrified by the sight of the CLP, is associated with poor nutrition, failure to thrive and poor infant-maternal bonding.[5-7,15,16] Advances in neonatology, paediatric anaesthesia and surgery have made it possible to perform CL surgery in the neonatal period. Many centres in the developed world have published series of neonatal CL repair.[4] However, a Medline search did not show any publications on neonatal CL repair from Africa. We did not underestimate the complexity of neonatal cheiloplasty. In this study pre- and postoperative monitoring were done by the neonatologists. During the operation we minimised heat loss by operating in a warm incubator occasionally supplemented by a Bair hugger heating blanket..
Rapid induction and rapid-recovery anaesthetic was used on all our patients. This was to facilitate return of protective reflexes before a neonate was discharged from the recovery bay in theatre.
The technique of repairing CL is the same in the older child as it is in the neonate. The development of fine surgical instruments, small size sutures, loupes precision haemostasis (especially with the Colorado diathermy needle) and the use of vasoconstrictors have made CL repair in the neonate easier.
This study sample of 23 neonates without mortality and minimal morbidity has convinced us that neonatal cheiloplasty is safe;[8] although the smallest patient weighed only 1.8 kg, owing to advances in neonatology, paediatric anaesthesia and surgery, low weight was less of a contraindication to surgery. Postoperative breastfeeding was good, as has been observed in other studies.[9] Cuddling and eye-to-face interaction noticeably increased. Mothers showed more interest in their babies, a good sign of child maternal bonding.
Neonatal CL repair is an intervention for CL neonates with breastfeeding difficulties. Breastfeeding ability was restored, with subsequent improvement in maternal confidence and interaction with the baby. At follow up, weight gain was above the 50th centile on the road to health charts. Early surgery prevents exposure of a CL baby to the public, decreasing the potential for stigmatisation.
Acknowledgements. This study was supported by the Department of Higher Education via a clinical research grant of the University of Limpopo.
1. Dagher D, Ross E. Approaches of South African traditional healers regarding the treatment of cleft lips and palates. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2004;41(5):461-469. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1597/03-153.1] [ Links ]
2. Olasoji HO, Ugboko VI, Arotiba GT. Cultural and religious components in Nigerian parents' perceptions of the aetiology of cleft lip and palate: Implications for treatment and rehabilitation. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;45(4):302-305. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2006.09.005] [ Links ]
3. Mzezewa S, Muchemwa FC. The reaction to the birth of a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate in Zimbabwe. Trop Doct 2010;40(3):138-140. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/td.2010.090329] [ Links ]
4. Van Boven MJ, Pendeville PE, Veyckermans F, et al. Neonatal cleft lip repair: The anaesthesiologist's point of view. Celft Palate Craniofac J 1993;30(6):574-576. [ Links ]
5. Sandberg DJ, Magee WP, Denk MJ. Neonatal cleft lip and palate repair. AORN J 2002:75(3);490-498. [ Links ]
6. McHeik JN, Sfalli P, Bondonny JM, Levard G. Early repair for infants with cleft lip and nose. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2006;70(10):1785-1790. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2006.06.004] [ Links ]
7. Borsky J, Tvrdek M, Kozak J, Cerny M, Zach J. Our first experience with primary lip repair in newborns with cleft lip and palate. Acta Chir Plast 2007;49(4):83-87. [ Links ]
8. Harris PA, Oliver NK, Slater P, et al. Safety of neonatal cleft lip repair. J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2010;44(4-5):231-236. [http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/0284431L2010.499666] [ Links ]
9. Weatherley-White RC, Kuehn DP, Mirrett P, Gilman JI, Weatherley-White CC. Early repair and breastfeeding for infants with cleft lip. Plast Reconstr Surg 1987;79(6):879-887. [ Links ]
10. Reid J, Kilpatrick N, Reilly S. A prospective, longitudinal study of feeding skills in a cohort of babies with cleft conditions. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2006;43(6):702-709. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1597/05-172] [ Links ]
11. Clarren SK, Anderson B, Wolf LS. Feeding infants with cleft lips, cleft palates or cleft lips and palates. Cleft Palate J 1987;24(3):244-249. [ Links ]
12. Solnit A, Stark M. Mourning and the birth of a defective child. Psychoanal Study Child 1962;17:523-537. [ Links ]
13. Fajardo B. Parenting a damaged child: Mourning, regression and disappointment. Psychoanal Rev 1987;74(1):19-43. [ Links ]
14. Kalland M. Psychosocial aspects of cleft lip and palate. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, 1995. [ Links ]
15. Avedian LV, Ruberg RL. Impaired weight gain in cleft palate infants. Cleft palate J 1980;17:24. [ Links ]
16. Murray L, Hentges F, Hill J, et al. The effect of cleft lip and palate, and the timing of lip repair on mother-infant interactions and infant development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2008;49(2):115-123. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01833.x] [ Links ]
S Mzezewa


text:
Where we were
Compared to the identikit shiny, newness of the Asian cities we've visited so far, Phnom Penh was a bit of a shock. It seemed we were finally and definitely in 'foreignia'; no recognisable shops, no malls, alien aesthetics. Arriving at night after a surprisingly pleasant and comfortable coach journey from Siem Reap, the bus station was crowded with aggressive tuktuk drivers and unwelcoming stares. But, while it never quite lost its aggressive edge, over the week we started to see why so many people have fallen in love with this beautifully messy city and why you should always step outside the tourist traps.
Where we stayed
La Rose Boutique, a very new establishment towards the nicer end of town. Opened in November 2012, you're advised to get in quick while their prices are low, because this is definitely a place on the up and up. If you can't stay, you should at least go to the restaurant for some of the best food we've had all trip. The lovely hotel manager arranged a sampler of Cambodia's best dishes for our first night and oh my it was good. Seriously, seriously good.
On the receiving end of another free upgrade (thanks, universe), we found ourselves in a spa room - double bed, huge bath and separate waterfall shower and our very own massage table. The hotel has a gorgeously decorated spa on the first floor open to guests and non-guests alike.
Best of all though were the staff, an army of sweet, smiling and funny girls, some of whom were employed through a local charity helping former street children, all of whom were nothing but attentive and helpful. We didn't hardly have to ask for anything before it was done. After all my 'DIY is best' sentiment in former travel experiences, these guys made me realise how much nicer it is to ask for assistance when you need it.
What I read
'Wolf Hall' - Hilary Mantell. Finally got around to this award winning novel and I can safely assert that I see what all the fuss is about. The third person, present tense narrative from inside Cromwell's head is so clever. To take a tale for which we all know the end and make it seem like anything could happen is the sort of skill that makes me realise I will probably never write a novel, because there'd be no point if it couldn't be as good as this.
What I listened to
Nothing of note. A rare occurrence!
What we nommed
The aforementioned delicious 'Cambodian food for beginners' at La Rose's restaurant. Fish amok, crispy noodle salads and rice porridge were the highlights.
NYE drinks at the Foreign Correspondents Club, a bastion of colonial elegance along the Mekong River.
An excellent pizza with even more excellent company at Nike's Pizza, courtesy of the gorgeous Our Dear Lady Expatriate's Ashley and her lovely man, John. The pizza was yummy, but more importantly it gave us a chance to see the city through the eyes of people who live and work there. There was a whole side of town we never would've found without their input. Cheers guys!
Cocktails at the historically elegant Raffles Hotel Le Royal's Elephant Bar. Relaxed, welcoming and wildly expensive, it was worth the near-death-experience of crossing the road to get to it.
A fresh and zesty noodle salad at the Boddhi Tree, another charity run affair which helps street kids to learn to chef and waiter/ress.
Homemade ice cream at the Blue Pumpkin on the riverfront.
A green tea and banana smoothie concoction at Cafe Yejj.
What we did
Walked the main length of the Mekong riverfront. It's a bit of a tourist heavy area supposedly, but didn't feel it as we dodged exercise classes, barefoot football matches (ouch) and food carts. It was peaceful at sunset, at least compared to the other side of the street, and the photography exhibitions were really interesting.
Got buddha sculpture overload at the National Museum. Just as well they have a lush courtyard to recover you senses in then.
Spent lots of time pointing and gesturing at tuktuk drivers most of whom are out of towners and thus have no better idea where you're going than you do. In fact perhaps less, because you can read a map. Thankfully the western male reluctance to ask for directions doesn't exist and we got everywhere we wanted to eventually and in good humour.
Laughed at ourselves as, wanting to buy some kit for our upcoming Nepal trip, we asked to go to the only mall in the Lonely Planet, expecting something similar to KL and instead found a shiny building exterior full of market stalls, not glossy boutiques.
Were disappointed by the Russian Market. There was literally nothing there that we would ever want to buy. And it all looked like it needed a good clean.
Thankfully found the NGO run shops, like Friends, to be reasonably priced and full of innovative, desirable creations. Bought lots of gifts.
Wandered the lawn outside the Palace soaking up the boisterous evening atmosphere.
Got sickened and depressed at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a school where the Khmer Rouge tortured and killed an enormous number of people. They took photographs of every victim, now chillingly displayed on large boards in each room. I can't really articulate any more than that. My mind goes to blanks and whys and what the hell is wrong with people's. I had to go eat ice cream in the sunshine.
Cheered ourselves up with a half day couples spa treatment back at the hotel. Facial, lengthy full body massage, mani-pedi, foot bath... I'm going to be so sad when I get back to a land in which these things are prohibitively expensive.


text:
Technical Questions & Information
Use this forum for any technical information or questions you may have with regard to building, customizing, installation, repair etc.
Also feel free to pitch in with any helpful information you may have.
Dedicated to the memory of Jim Baumann (Xracer) and Bill Goforth (b.goforth) who so willingly shared their vast knowledge with us.
Page 1 of 518
Thread Display Options
Page 1 of 518


text:
Power Play
This story appears in the March 1997 issue of Business Start-Ups magazine. Subscribe »
Russ Leatherman had a great idea. Frustrated by calling movie theaters for show times only to get a busy signal, Leatherman conceived of an interactive telephone movie guide. The caller would have access to a complete listing of theaters and show times in his or her area, and could even pre-purchase tickets.
In 1989, while developing the concept from their base in Los Angeles, Leatherman and his partners, Douglas Hoitenga and Rob Gukeisen, met up with Andrew Jarecki and Adam Slutsky, who were working on a similar idea in New York. The five men became a team, and today MovieFone, as the partners dubbed the concept, handles calls from up to 2.5 million moviegoers per week in 28 cities across the country.
Theirs is the story of a company using existing technology and consumer demand to create a new invention, then using proactive strategies to block the competition and dominate the market. Read on . . . there are plenty of lessons to be learned.
First to Market
The idea for MovieFone was not about building a better mousetrap, but rather creating the first mousetrap. Having an original idea such as this--instead of an improvement on an existing product or service--almost guarantees you will be first to market. The company's idea was to eliminate one of life's inconveniences, a premise upon which most successful ideas are based--Liquid Paper, telephone calling cards and ATMs, to name just a few examples.
What also comes with being first to market, however, is the difficulty of going where no one has gone before. Finding financing for a new idea is tough. Development tends to take longer and be plagued with stumbling blocks. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty about whether a market even exists--and if it does, whether it's big enough to profit from.
Leatherman and his two original partners mortgaged their homes and maxed out their credit cards to raise initial funds. Though they had shown their idea to potential investors, they couldn't find anyone who would put up money to help develop it.
This is a very common problem for many entrepreneurs with new product ideas--even entrepreneurs with successful track records. It's easy to get money once you have a proven concept. The old adage that banks only loan you money when you don't need it is usually true, and the same holds true when seeking most investment capital.
Fortunately, with all five partners on board, the company had the resources to develop the first BODY system in the Los Angeles area. In addition to money, a lot of time and experimenting went into creating the technology for MovieFone. It was important that customers be charged for local, not long-distance, phone calls. Therefore, Los Angeles needed five data centers to accommodate the region's five area codes.
Another difficulty was obtaining accurate show times for all the theaters. At first, the company had theaters fax them the information--but even when the theater operators remembered to do this, the information was often inaccurate. The partners knew accurate information was essential; offering a "zero defects" service was critical to MovieFone's success. A system had to be developed to electronically transfer accurate data from the theaters into the MovieFone system.
Unfortunately, the company could not afford the advertising necessary to generate enough traffic to satisfy investors. In a final desperate attempt to keep the dream alive, Leatherman persuaded the Hollywood Reporter newspaper to write a small article about MovieFone. The article not only attracted callers but a New York City investment firm as well.
Six months later, there was a proven market for MovieFone. To date, the company has serviced more than 150 million calls.
Building Barriers
When a new concept is first in a market that didn't previously exist, the opportunity to build barriers to potential competition is one that smart entrepreneurs grab. MovieFone has created many barriers to competition by following these strategies:
Exclusivity: Exclusive barriers need not cost a lot. One important barrier MovieFone created was acquiring the most desirable local phone numbers in each area code the company planned to service. MovieFone uses local numbers such as 777-FILM, which are also registered trademarks. The barrier here is that it would be tough to find another phone number as easy to remember.
MovieFone also capitalized on the distinctive voice of Russ Leatherman, who records all the voice-overs on MovieFone. His voice has been described as an "exuberant used-car-salesman bellow," and its unique sound has been heard in parodies on TV shows including "The Simpsons," "Seinfeld, and "Saturday Night Live." Not only is his voice exclusive, but it has also become MovieFone's trademark.
Expertise: By focusing on their existing service, instead of branching out into other markets such as selling tickets to concerts or sporting events, the owners of MovieFone have become industry experts. They know the hardware, software, marketing and logistics of their field better than anyone else. They know their target customer's profile intimately and can even tell you that customer's average popcorn consumption. This expertise enables MovieFone to give advertisers and promoters the detailed demographic and marketing statistics they need to make the decision to advertise.
Having expertise requires knowing that your invention is more than it appears on the surface. Most people would define MovieFone the way consumers see it--as a movie information and ticketing service. Not co-owner Jarecki. He defines MovieFone as a media vehicle that earns revenues from ticket transactions and by selling movie studios the ability to advertise to its millions of users.
Expert systems: MovieFone has developed expert systems, including its hardware, software, and electronic "will call windows" in theaters where customers can pick up tickets, that make it nearly impossible for others to compete. The company was also first to offer online movie ticketing.
The goal of all the expert systems: to provide better customer service. As Leatherman points out, "If customers have a hard time picking up the tickets, they won't think it's the theater's fault; they'll think it's MovieFone's fault."
Trade secrets: Of course, the company can't tell us what its trade secrets are; that would eliminate the protection. The ways it acquires its phone numbers, electronically transfers information from theaters, and forms alliances with other companies are all trade secrets rather than patented processes and thus don't have to be disclosed.
Strategic alliances: Forming alliances with theaters to set up electronic "will call windows" benefits both MovieFone and the theaters by providing more convenience for customers. As MovieFone grows, opportunities for strategic alliances continue to appear. For example, on the company's online MovieLink service, users can access The New York Times review for the movie they are considering. Disney movie Web sites have hyperlinks to MovieLink. Many local radio stations sponsor the MovieFone in their area. And Samsung, which was seeking a target market of popcorn consumers, is running a microwave promotion on MovieLink. These valuable alliances with industry leaders are among MovieFone's strongest weapons for protection from the competition.
So far, MovieFone's strategies seem to be working. The company's largest potential competitor, TicketMaster, recently announced it will not go into the movie ticket business. Disney has begun trying to sell advance tickets to Disney movie events via a toll-free number; however, the tickets have a higher surcharge and are mailed to the customer, which takes at least two weeks. This system doesn't bode well for selling movie tickets, which are usually an impulse purchase.
For now, at least, MovieFone still has the competitive edge, thanks to the barriers to competition its owners wisely built along the way.
Tomima Edmark is the inventor of the TopsyTail, the Kissing Machine and several other products, and author of The American Dream Fact Pack ($49.95), available by calling (800) 558-6779.


text:
This started in 2004 as a diary of what happened as I was promoting the art of my aunt, Hannah Frank, b. 1908, a Glasgow artist and sculptor, who studied at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1920s and beyond. My aunt died at the age of 100 in December 2008 but there's still lots going on: she was given Glasgow University's only posthumous doctorate, and she has achieved her wish of her art becoming 'footsteps on the sands of time'. Enter your email address below to get updates from this blog.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Now he does it with his clothes off.
Alaskan teen dad Levi Johnston is reportedly beefing up his, er, resume in preparation to bare-it-all for Playgirl.
Johnston plans to hit the gym "six days a week for the next three weeks," a lawyer for the hunky, hockey star turned pistachio pitchman tells Usmagazine.com.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
Lawyer Rex Butler says Johnston's photos would likely appear in a Playgirl issue within the year.
Gossip site TMZ had reported that Johnston was still undecided on whether to go the full monty.
Either way, fans can get a glimpse of the almost son-in-law to former veep candidate Sarah Palin in a provocative new ad spot for pistachios.
The ad shows Johnston in a green Alaska T-shirt flanked by publicist and bodyguard Tank Jones as he walks toward a phalanx of off-camera paparazzi shouting his name.
"Now, Levi Johnston does it with protection," says a voiceover as Levi shoves a nut into his mouth, an allusion to his fathering a baby, Tripp, with Bristol Palin.


text:
Plea bargains and private prosecutors
On Wednesday in Robertson v. United States ex rel. Watson (08-6261), an engaged Court seemed troubled by a District of Columbia law under which a private party can bring an action for criminal contempt. (You can find my full summary of the case here, and its SCOTUSWiki page here.)
Jaclyn Frankfurt of the Public Defender Service, counsel for Robertson, began by arguing that Watson was bringing charges as a private citizen, in violation of the Constitution. After Justice Scalia questioned whether that argument had been preserved below, Justice Sotomayor inquired about the exact scope of the plea agreement, asking why the Court should assume that an agreement signed by the U.S. Attorney would bind anyone outside of that office. Frankfurt replied that some circuits regard an agreement signed by a U.S. Attorney as binding on the entire Justice Department, while others hold that it is binding only on that particular office. However she emphasized that because "only the United States Attorney prosecutes criminal offenses of the type that occurred here" in Washington, D.C., that line of questioning was "a bit of a red herring."
Justice Ginsburg then asked whether this law was unique to the District, or whether the states dealt similarly with domestic violence. Frankfurt replied that, although the procedural details varied, some states did allow a complainant to either file a request for an order to show cause or to actually prosecute as a private prosecutor. (Under Young v. United States ex rel. Vuitton Et Fils, S.A. (1987), a federal court can appoint a private attorney to prosecute a criminal contempt action if the executive refuses to prosecute. Young left open the question of whether a court may constitutionally appoint an attorney who represents the beneficiary of the violated court order.)
Justice Scalia noted that "the States don"™t have the same compulsion that the Federal Government has, which arises from the separation of powers. [T]hey can perhaps allow private individuals to prosecute, whereas the only exception we have made from the chief executive"™s authority to prosecute is Young, which is a very narrow exception." And after Justice Stevens pointed out that the District had used this procedure for quite some time, Justice Scalia returned to Young, which in his view should be read to bar the appointment of interested parties as prosecutors.
Representing Watson, Robert Long noted how many questions were not before the Court: the case caption was not a constitutional issue, and Robertson was not raising the question (left open by Young) of whether "a private interested individual can bring a criminal contempt proceeding" on behalf of the sovereign. The only question before the Court was whether such a person could bring the action on her own behalf.
Justice Scalia asked what was meant by someone bringing an action "in the interest of the sovereign." Long responded that he wished to argue that "the D.C. legislature and the D.C. courts are constitutionally permitted to determine that in this specific situation, the interests of the individual actually predominate over the interests of the government and there is not a constitutional problem" with the individual pressing an action on her own behalf. Justice Breyer asked Long to elaborate on this argument, and Justice Alito interjected a question about the plea bargain, but Long answered that this line of questioning was veering into statutory issues not presented in the case.
Chief Justice Roberts then pressed Long on the details of his position, asking what Brady obligations Watson would have as a private prosectuor. (Under Brady v. Maryland (1963), prosecutors are required to provide defendants with any exculpatory evidence in their possessesion.) Justices Sotomayor and Kennedy joined in this line of questioning.
Making reference to the Oresteia of Aeschylus, in which private vengeance (as embodied by the mythical Furies) gives way to the Athenian criminal justice system, Justice Breyer expressed his concern that he could not ignore the question of whether the government could appoint an interested private prosecutor.
Appearing as amicus curiae on behalf of Watson, Solicitor General Elena Kagan staked out a somewhat different position. General Kagan conceded that Robertson was "right that in this criminal contempt action, Ms. Watson . . . was and must have been exercising sovereign power." She elaborated that, as the government understood it, Watson "was exercising sovereign power on behalf of the Article I court, the D.C. court power whose initial source, original source, is Congress."
Justice Scalia suggested that only the government has the power to incarcerate people; "courts" do not. General Kagan accepted that "the court is surely part of the government, and in the end this is power of the United States." She went on to suggest that when a U.S. Attorney"™s Office signs a plea agreement, it binds only that office""a position that Chief Justice Roberts described as "absolutely startling."
Justice Scalia then asked whether, in order to agree with the government, he had "to accept this argument that the prosecutor here is an agent just of the court, just of the D.C. court, not an agent of the executive?" General Kagan asked, "Who would you like the person to be an agent of, Justice Scalia?" Chief Justice Roberts indicated that "[u]sually we have questions the other way." Justice Scalia doubted whether courts had "ever asserted that they themselves [as opposed to the executive or the government as a whole] have the power to prosecute." General Kagan suggested, however, that Young was such a case.
Chief Justice Roberts asked whether a Section 1983 action or a Bivens action could be brought against a private prosecutor who had abused her office. General Kagan replied that she had not thought about the question, but that a private prosecutor certainly had Brady obligations.
In rebuttal, Ms. Frankfurt suggested that the record below indicated that Watson had been understood to act in her private capacity, and not on behalf of the state.
Justice Alito again attempted to clarify the proper interpretation of the plea agreement, and to determine whether the constitutional issue had been preserved below. Frankfurt repeated that it absolutely had.


text:
Ekman Micro Expression Training Tool Profile (eMETT Profile) teaches you how to recognize micro expressions in profile view. This is a more advanced skill; thus eMETT Profile should be used AFTER training with eMETT 3.0. This profile (side-view) training is appropriate for people wishing to build on their frontal-view micro expression knowledge, and is appropriate for anybody who works in groups. Whenever two or more people are present in conferences, we often see only the profile view of some individuals. In addition, those working in surveillance can greatly benefit from this training.
Sections: Intro, Training, Practice, Review, Practice A, Practice B, Practice C
Language: English
Training Time: about 75 minutes
License: 1 year, single user, repeated access
Platform: Web browser (please see system requirements)
Certificate: No