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DVD Players
Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray Player
- Written by Kris Deering
- Published on 01 February 2008
A few years ago, Panasonic released a batch of progressive scan DVD players that took everyone by surprise, offering unsurpassed 480p performance at a price that was almost too good to be true. Unfortunately this trend didn't last long. Panasonic later went on to release some decent upscaling and progressive scan DVD players, but they relied on some Genesis/Faroudja chips that had inconsistent performance with displays and never quite lived up to the bar set by their earlier players.
The DMP-BD30 (MSRP $499.95 USA) is the second Blu-ray player we've evaluated from Panasonic. The BD10 before it was an interesting design, incorporating separate video decoders for DVD and Blu-ray playback, and used a video processing chip we'd only seen one time before (National Semiconducter). The BD30 is a far more streamlined design that makes use of the Sigma Design decoder for both Blu-ray and DVD and uses some of Panasonic's proprietary video processing techniques.
As a standard DVD player, the BD30 is slightly below average. It is disappointing that we've seen so many HD players hit the market with poor SD DVD video performance. While both HD camps tout upconverting ability for DVDs, with some even boasting upscaling that brings DVDs to near HD quality, I've yet to be highly impressed with the majority of the designs. And even the ones with decent SD video performance usually suffer from issues in other areas. Hopefully, as more designs are released over this next year, we'll see an increase in performance on the SD side. This goes a long way in alleviating the need for two players on the rack.
The BD30 reminded me of the Sony Playstation 3 in its performance and had nearly identical results in our DVD benchmark. This player could not pass any of our high detail cadence tests and never locked on once to our resolution wedges. This is surprising considering I've never tested a Panasonic player before that couldn't at least pass our standard 2-3 de-interlacing test.
This player stays in a constant video mode regardless of what you select in the progressive mode menu. This allows it to pass some of the video based material in our testing. Thankfully, this also includes our motion adaptive testing. So if you were strictly watching video based material or anything mastered with a 2-2 cadence, this wouldn't be a bad solution.
On the core side, the BD30 did quite well. The player retains full head and toe room in the video signal and is only cropping one pixel from the bottom of the image. Y/C delay was not a problem. The Sigma Chip did not fare very well in our chroma testing though. So far the performance of the Sigma chip has been consistent in our tests for the "chroma bug" and constantly fails our test for 2-3 alternating flags as seen in most Disney DVDs, and the chip does not incorporate any type of filtering for 4:2:0 interlaced chroma artifacts.
As far as operability goes, the Panasonic DMP-BD30 is a bit of a mixed bag. Load times are decent, and once a disc is playing, general navigation and chapter skips are quite fast. Layer change times are very poor though and clocked in at a sluggish 1.75 seconds. The remote is also on the poor side, with an unusual button layout and a strange menu access system that has you press Menu then select which menu you want rather than just having a title menu and standard menu button. Responsiveness rates a value of 4.
Here is the Video Frequency Response graph.
In the graphs below are shown the Benchmark scores. 3 is a Pass, 2 is Borderline, 1 is Fail, and 0 is Not Tested.
Like most HD players on the market, the Panasonic DMP-BD30 delivers poor standard DVD playback that is not indicative of its price point. While I was more than happy with its Blu-ray playback capabilities, I would still suggest looking elsewhere for high end DVD playback or keeping your dedicated DVD player if you already have one.


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10 most snubbed Olympic cities
POSTED: 08:52 AM PDT Jul 31, 2012 UPDATED: 10:00 PM PST Feb 18, 2014
These cities have tried for years to host the Olympics, but to no avail. Find out if yours is one of the most snubbed Olympic cities.
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subset: commoncrawl


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A look at the bookings in the Jan. 29, 2015, edition of the Siskiyou Daily News.
Yreka High School freshman Blake Shepard has his plate full with sports year-round.This past fall, Shepard was a member of the Yreka High freshman football team and is currently hard at work getting ready for the upcoming...
Attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch won two key Republican endorsements Thursday en route to likely confirmation as the first black woman in the nation's top law enforcement job.
Rachael Taylor is the latest name to be added to the cast of Netflix's
Rice is a big part of the culinary world, and California farmers turn out a big portion of that rice for export besides keeping us in rice at home.
We can call off television after tonight. All of it. The entire medium. I say this because no future broadcast will ever be able to eclipse the visual ambrosia that is Marshawn Lynch and Rob Gronkowski palling around and making Viagra jokes on...
Fish Mooney has been run out of Gotham City, but there's at least one person who probably isn't happy about that.On last week's
An armed man who stormed into the Dutch national broadcaster's headquarters demanding airtime claimed to be from a "hackers' collective," according to a reporter from the broadcaster who spoke to the man.
The Arab Spring opened a window of opportunity for activists seeking to modernize Saudi Arabia. The rise of Islamic State has slammed it shut again, leaving little expectation of progress under a new monarch.
- Events Calendar


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Donna Karan
"I wondered, How can I bring Bali three and a half hours away?" says fashion mogul Donna Karan (inset, with daughter Gabrielle), who envisioned a simple, modern beach house on Parrot Cay, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Architects and interior designers Enrico Bonetti and Dominic Kozerski collaborated with architect Cheong Yew Kuan to create the complex—"a marriage of East and West," Karan says—which includes three villas and three open-air pavilions. "It's a sanctuary where I go to create awareness. Three hours from New York, I have this amazing cocoon of serenity that reminds me of the two places on the planet where I feel happiest: Africa and Bali." Pictured: In a pavilion, as throughout, sliding doors and glazed walls minimize the boundaries between the interiors and the landscape. "Just being a part of nature, a guest of nature, was the most important key," remarks Karan. (December 2009)
Photo: Durston Saylor


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|News » Archives
Women's Tennis Falls to Appalachian State, 5-2
Thursday, April 18, 2002Johnson City, Tenn. (Apr. 18, 2002) � The No. 10-seeded East Tennessee State women's tennis team fell to No. 7-seeded Appalachian State, 5-2, in the first round of the Southern Conference Championships from the City of Charleston Farmfield Courts in Charleston, S.C. The Mountaineers (8-12) won the doubles point after winning two of three doubles matches. The ETSU (1-21, 0-9 SoCon) team of freshman Gemma Halim (Jakarta, Indonesia) and sophomore Jessica Irey (Clewiston, Fla.) defeated ASU's Tammy Beaulieu and Jennifer Fayad, 8-4, at the No. 1 seed. Appalachian State's Donna Altenberger and Kasia Finkowski earned an 8-2 victory over ETSU sophomores Tatiana Arriaran (Cochabamba, Colombia) and Aimee Villaviencio (Louisville, Ky.) in the two spot. At No. 3, the Mountaineer team of Melissa Burgette and Elena Berger won by default. In singles play, the Bucs started out well as ETSU's Halim won over Appalachian State's Beaulieu, 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1. ETSU won their second singles point as Buccaneer Irey defeated ASU's Berger, 6-1, 6-3 in the two slot. Appalachian State then caught fire as they won the remaining four singles matches to win the contest. ETSU's Arriaran fell to Appalachian State's Finkowski at No. 3 singles, 6-3, 6-1. Mountaineer Fayad won at No. 4, 3-6, 6-2 (DNF) after Villavicencio suffered an injury. Appalachian State's Altenberger defeated Buccaneer sophomore Heather Jones (Elizabethton, Tenn.), 6-4, 6-4 in the five slot. ASU's Burgette won by default at No. 6 singles. The Buccaneers conclude their season with a 1-21 record, 0-9 in Southern Conference matches. Match Results Singles #1 Gemma Halim (ETSU) def. Tammy Beaulieu (ASU), 6-1, 6-2 #2 Jessica Irey (ETSU) def. Elena Berger (ASU), 6-1, 6-3 #3 Kasia Finkowski (ASU) def. Tatiana Arriaran (ETSU), 6-3, 6-1 #4 Jennifer Fayad (ASU) def. Aimee Villavicencio (ETSU), 3-6, 6-2 (DNF) #5 Donna Altenberger (ASU) def. Heather Jones (ETSU), 6-4, 6-4 #6 Melissa Burgette (ASU) won by default. Doubles #1 Halim/Irey (ETSU) def. Beaulieu/Fayad (ASU), 8-4 #2 Altenberger/Finkowski (ASU) def. Arriaran/Villavicencio (ETSU), 8-2 #3 Burgette/Berger (ASU) won by default.


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The East Coast and Midwest are at the front end of an aggressive two weeks in terms of weather. Winter Storm Hercules, the first storm of 2014, crippled the region with up to two feet of snow on the third day of the year, with an arctic blast hot on its tail and another winter storm, Ion, close behind that. From the Midwest to the Northeast, snow, sleet, and bitterly cold temperatures will all be experienced within a matter of days. With these dangerous conditions presenting themselves so early in the year, it is important to be careful if and when you and your fleet drivers are behind the wheel. Remain cognizant of the following winter driving tips and your entire fleet will manage to avoid the snowbanks and other cars this winter!
Far too many drivers are under the impression that the posted speed limit is what they should be cruising at, no matter the conditions. Unfortunately, it is a stated limit that should not be exceeded and there are three factors that need to be taken into consideration to determine if that speed should be attained; traffic, visibility, and traction.
If there is heavy traffic, then it is important to keep a safe distance from the cars in front of and behind your vehicle. This is important because the winter driving capabilities of the other drivers around you cannot be controlled, so it is always best to maintain safe distances between bumpers.
When visibility is low due to a heavy snow storm, freezing fog, or a wintry mix, it is crucial that you stay below the posted speed limit. With minimal visibility, it is difficult to discern road conditions, road shape, and especially other drivers around your vehicle.
Traction is the third and one of the most important factors to consider when driving. Since patches of white ice, snow, slush and black ice fluctuate as the road progresses, it is imperative to keep your speed slow enough so as to maintain traction at all times.
In questionable driving conditions, having your vehicle's tires perform more than one duty can spell disaster. Most spinouts and uncontrolled slides occur when a driver attempts to do two actions at once – steer while braking, or turn while accelerating. This is demanding too much of the already limited traction that the tires are given in wintry road conditions; even if they are high-traction winter tires. To overcome this risk, come to a complete stop before turning the wheel around a corner, and apply light, consistent pressure to the throttle when making a turn from a complete stop.
Many winter driving accidents can be completely avoided if the driver maintains an air of calm, cool, and collected thinking. While it is terrifying to have the realization that you are no longer in control of your vehicle, it is likely that there is more control available than you are lead to believe. Panicking when behind the wheel in icy conditions is the root cause of many accidents. As stated in the previous tip, forcing the tires to find more traction than is available will lead to an inevitable loss of control. Unfortunately, that is the gut reaction of inexperienced winter drivers; slam on the brakes and sharply turn the wheel to avoid the seemingly imminent collision. Those of you whom have been in an icy slide and tried to force the brakes and twist the wheel are aware that you will get literally no response from the tires; this is because too much is being asked of them.
The best solution when first feeling a slide – no matter if there is a car in front of you or if you are in the midst of a turn – is to take your foot of the accelerator and lightly turn into the slide. Turning against the slide will incur a more aggressive slide in the opposite direction. While slamming on the brakes will cause your tail end to slip out even further.
These are important tips that you and your team of fleet drivers need to be aware of for safe driving in icy, winter conditions. Stay safe, stay warm, and Happy New Year!
Everyday across the country, millions of Americans have to drive on congested roadways. Traffic has become the bane of existence for many nine-to-fivers whose commute involves the phenomenon. However, for fleet businesses whom generate revenue from driving, traffic jams cost them billions of dollars annually due to delays, wasted fuel and unproductive hours.
For the average driver in America's busiest cities, an hour of their day is lost to traffic. TomTom's Traffic Index reports the most congested city as Los Angeles with a 24 hour congestion rate of 35%. This means that L.A. drivers are on the road a third more throughout the day than is designated by routes and speed limits. For rush hours, however, this number peaks at 55% in the morning and 78% in the evening. While the least congested city as reported by TomTom is Cleveland with a 24 hour congestion rate of 10%. The average congestion rate is 25% throughout the week. This much additional time on the road has an enormous impact on businesses relying on transportation for profit.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute researched the impact of traffic throughout the country in 2011 and the results are staggering:
~ 5.5 billion extra hours of time is due to traffic
~ There are 2.9 billion gallons of fuel wasted due to idling in traffic
~ 56 billion pounds of carbon dioxide are released into the air due to congested conditions
~ $27 billion caused for truck operations which was primarily passed onto consumers as higher retail prices
This $27 billion from trucking operations in congestion has an even greater impact upon subsequent links of the supply chain. Across the 15 most congested urban areas, the average commodity value transported was $208.9 million in 2011. However, with an average 12.3 million hours of truck delay, this $200 million was increased to a value of $933 million due to the negative repercussions of congestion.
Intermodal terminals, warehouse districts and urban or rural corridors are the heaviest cause of truck congestion. Unfortunately, until definitive plans for an upgraded interstate system and road surface network are produced by congress, there are few opportunities for businesses to reduce these costs of traffic. Technology utilization and scheduling or regulation enhancements can levy some of the burden congestion has on the bottom line, but the biggest relief will come from an updated national highway system.
While discussion of fuel consumption has always been a topic of concern, the most prevalent issue that is currently swirling through the transportation industry is the FMCSA's recent adjustment to the hours-of-service regulation. Safety administrators are praising the policy change for its structured increase of off-duty time requirements. However, Fleet managers, drivers, and business owners alike are up in arms about the massive reduction of available working hours. In our last article on the topic, which summarized the full policy, we calculated that each individual driver is having 624 hours cut annually due to the change. To put that into greater perspective, if driving at an average pace of 60 MPH for 624 hours, 37440 miles will be traversed; equivalent to starting in Seattle, WA and circling the contiguous United States 4 times. If this reduction was spread across a fleet of drivers, the business would feel the repercussions. However, this is for each of the nearly 6 million Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers in the United States, so "it's only a matter of time before these impacts ripple throughout the nation's economy." (K. Burch)
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released a 60-pg, thorough analysis of the "Operational and Economic Impacts of the New Hours-of-Service". Utilizing results from a 2300 driver survey and 40,000 commercial driver logbooks, the research established a few noteworthy operational and economic impacts from the HOS update.
~ Greater than 80% of motor carriers are in the midst of a quantifiable productivity loss since July.
~ Nearly half of the businesses surveyed have had to employ more drivers to deliver the same amount of inventory.
~ Even though the updated HOS policy reduced a driver's weekly hours from 82 to 70, 66% of the drivers are experienced greater levels of fatigue while just over 82% of commercial drivers have had their quality of life negatively affected.
~ Unchanged deadlines have required drivers to operate at more time periods of greater traffic a financial risk to fleets that we discussed last week.
~ Annualized loss of wages is around $2 billion due to the drop in hours
The research also provided the key outcomes related to productivity which are as follows:
~ More Drivers are now Required to Move the Same Amount of Freight: To comply with the HOS rules carriers have shifted driver schedules. Many of these new schedules have resulted in a decrease in the number of weekly miles a driver can log. Due to the decrease in miles, carriers have a choice of turning down freight or making up the miles by incorporating additional drivers and/or equipment into their operations. These options are less efficient than operations prior to the new HOS rules, and are a central component of the productivity loss.
~ Driver Shortage and Turnover: Prior to the July 1st HOS rules, qualified drivers were scarce with an estimated shortage of 20,000 to 25,000 for-hire truckload drivers.7 As a result of the changes more drivers are required and the level of scarcity has increased. To attract drivers after the HOS change, some carriers have opted to increase pay8 and some may increase rates for shippers. Rate hikes are challenging, however, due to strong competition among industry participants. If rate increases do not fully compensate for driver pay increases then carriers raising pay will assume an additional financial burden.
~ Decreased Flexibility to Meet Customer Requirements: Meeting customer requirements is more difficult under the new HOS rules. In particular, drivers are limited to one restart per week and must take those restarts across two nighttime periods. Shippers, however, may require delivery at any point on a given day, and with little notice. The data show, particularly those data describing the variability in driver weekly work time, that flexibility has decreased. As a result, drivers are less able to accumulate hours for unanticipated shipper requests via the 34-hour restart. In many instances carriers must either turn down business or increase driver capacity.
This valuable research will likely be presented in some form at the subcommittee hearing on Thursday, November, 21. Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY) stated that the hearing will "examine the economic and operational impact of the FMCSA new Hours of Service regulation on small businesses". Hanna went on to add that he "looks forward to learning from the witnesses how they are operating under this rule and examining how we can better balance the needs of our economy and the important goal of highway safety." These witnesses will represent both sides of the argument as Anne Ferro of the FMCSA is scheduled to be heard alongside carrier executives from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the American Trucking Association.
It will be interesting to see the outcome of this hearing, so stay tuned to FleetCardsUSA.com for all your industry updates.
As colder weather approaches the farmlands spread across the bread-basket of America, Farmers begin the routine of harvesting and drying grains to prep for distribution. This process is a simplified chain of order that begins with the planting season, and ends in the grain elevators. Unfortunately, there have been three events this year which have disrupted the supply chain and are now a cause for concern throughout the Midwest.
There was a delayed start to the planting season, which pushed back harvest from the get-go, while heavy rains in September and October have increased the moisture in the corn harvest by as much as 7% (source: INFORUM). This increase in harvest moisture is the generation of most worry.
A propane shortage has swept through the region with many crops' harvests occurring at the same time. Being the primary medium for drying crops in preparation for storage and distribution, this shortage has put many farmers between a rock and a hard place; store moist grain over the winter in hopes that it won't spoil, or leave crops in the field with fingers crossed that the weather won't shift to winter cold to early and freeze the grains.
Major propane distributor, Kinder Morgan Company, has stated that they are reaching out nationwide for truckers to assist in distribution to minimize the impacts of this drought. With a three-fold increase of propane through its Cochin Pipeline, Kinder called upon the state governing bodies of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana and other Midwest states to relax the recently stringent hours-of-service regulation for truckers. The propane is available, but because of the high demand throughout the region, in addition to the new hours-of-service policy enacted in July, it is proving difficult to get the propane from the pipeline to the grain elevators.
Many mountain ranges throughout the country are already capped with snow; resorts in Colorado and Vermont are already open for the snowsports season. With the heart of winter right around the corner, is your fleet ready to transition from the summer heat to the coldest months ahead? Fleet managers should use the following AAA Winter Care Checklist to prepare all vehicles for the winter months:
Winter Care Checklist
Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
Battery Cables and Terminals – Check the condition of the battery cables and terminals. Make sure all connections are secure and remove any corrosion from the terminals and posts.
Drive Belts – Inspect belts for cracks or fraying as these issues will compound from the cold contracting the material. If your fleet has utilized multi-rib belts, replace them every 60,000 miles because they will not display obvious signs of wear.
Engine Hoses – Observe all hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps, as well as squeezing various points along each hose to check for any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.
Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, changing to snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires will work well in light to moderate snow conditions, providing they have adequate tread depth. If any tire has less than 3/32-inches of tread, it should be replaced. Uneven wear on the tires can indicate alignment, suspension or wheel balance problems that should be addressed to prevent further damage to the tires.
Tire Pressure – Due to the cold, it is necessary to check tire inflation more frequently in the winter. Generally tire pressure will drop 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. For proper tire pressure, refer to the vehicle owner's manual or this can be typically found on the inside of the driver side door.
Air Filter – If light can be seen through the filter, when held up to a 60-watt bulb, it is still in working order. If the light is blocked from shining through, though, make sure to install a replacement.
Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Check the protection level with a test kit that can be purchased from any auto parts store.
Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, emergency flashers, turn signals, brake lights and back-up lights. Replace any dead bulbs.
Wiper Blades – Blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace blades that leave streaks or miss spots. In areas with consistently snowy conditions, there are winter wiper blades available which have a rubber boot wrapping the frame to prevent ice buildup.
Washer Fluid – For the winter months, fill the washer fluid reservoir with a solution of cleaning agent and antifreeze to enhance function during freezing days.
Brakes – Ensure that brakes are manually inspected and that fleet drivers note when there is any issues present with braking.
Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Verify that all fluids are at or above minimum safe operational levels.
Emergency Road Kit – In case any unforeseen breakdowns or impassable natural disasters occur, it is important to carry an emergency kit that is equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:
In addition to the above the checklist, if there are vehicles in your fleet that are not regularly in use, be sure to swap out the fuel as the chemical make up of summer fuel is different from winter fuel.
Protecting your fleet for the winter ahead will not increase the longevity of fleet vehicles but will also act as general maintenance to improve fuel efficiency.
In late December, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published its new hours-of-service rule. While this policy was formed nearly two years ago, compliance was split between two deadlines: the effective date of February 27, 2012 which applied to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and, more recently, July 1 of this year which dictates policy only for property-carrying CMVs.
Earlier this week, in Florida, the American Transportation Research Institute revealed the top ten issues that are facing the North American trucking industry as the new year approaches. With the full extent of the new hours-of-service policy having started July, 2013, and the ripples this has been sending through the industry, it is no surprise that this concern tops the list followed, respectively, by: the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, driver shortage, the economy, and the recent electronic logging mandate.
The reasoning behind the mounted concern of this new policy is due to provisions that place limits on 34-hour restarts and rest breaks. In the prior policy, there was no ruling on 34-hour restarts. However, as of summer 2013, there must be two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and can only be utilized once in a 168 hour period; i.e. 7 days. This new ruling effectively reduces possible driving hours in a week from an average of 82 down to a maximum of 70. While safety advocates are lauding this new rule for the possibility of safer roadways, fleet managers and operators are worried about the annual reduction of 624 hours per driver (for the sake of comparison, there are 730 hours on average, per month). A decrease in available hours means that fleets will have to offset the impact by either increasing payload size or hiring more drivers. Unfortunately, both of these options are costly; heavier payload will result in higher fuel costs, and on-boarding new drivers will create an additional salary, add the expenses of on-boarding, and additionally increase fleet fuel consumption. In addition to this, the new hours-of-service policy stipulates that a driver rest for at least 30 minutes every 8 hours of driving.
Even though this hours-of-service policy was fully effective July 1, 2013, legal proceedings began months prior and have reached federal appeals court to nix several provisions, including the aforementioned 34-hour restart restriction, and 30-minute break requirements. A summary of the hours-of-service rules for both property- and passenger-carrying drivers are as follows:
Property-Carrying Drivers:
11-Hour Driving Limit
Fleet drivers are allowed a maximum 11 hours behind the wheel only after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour Limit
The 11 hours of driving must be completed in a 14 hour window.
Rest Breaks
A 30 minute rest must be taken after 8 consecutive hours of driving.
60/70-Hour Limit
A maximum 60/70 hours of driving in a 7/8 day period. Upon reaching the limit, drivers are required to take at least 34 hours off duty. These 34 hours must include the 28 hours from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. the following day and can only be used once every 168 hours. Passenger-Carrying Drivers:
10-Hour Driving Limit
Drivers have a maximum of 10 hours of driving after 8 consecutive off duty hours.
15-Hour Limit
This is the same as the Property-Carrying Drivers' 14-Hour Limit, but with an additional hour.
Fleet Operators can only drive for 60/70 hours in a consecutive 7/8 day period.
Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers operating vehicles with an equipped sleeper berth may accumulate 8 consecutive hours in the berth to satisfy the off duty hours requirement or can split into two periods of rest provided that neither period is less than two hours and that driving time surrounding each period does not exceed both the 10-hour driving limit and 15-Hour Limit rules.
Read the full hours-of-service policy to become familiar with how regulations have changed for the transportation industry.
Just hours after the 2013 government shutdown ended last week, President Barack Obama signed into law a succinct sleep apnea bill. While only three sentences in length, the bill sets forth legislation which has been desired by all those invested in and employed by the trucking industry. In the past, the issues of sleep apnea impacting the safety of fleet operators have only been addressed by regulatory guidance. However, after unanimously passing through both the House of Representatives and Senate, it is now law that:
"a requirement providing for the screening, testing, or treatment (including consideration of all possible treatment alternatives) of individuals operating commercial motor vehicles for sleep disorders only if the requirement is adopted pursuant to a rule-making proceeding."
This piece of legislation (Public Law #113-45) is so highly touted throughout the industry because it requires that the FMCSA must execute a full cost-benefit and regulatory impact analysis before setting policy regarding sleep apnea as opposed to the loosely adhered to 'guidance'.
Prior to this bill being signed into law, the FMCSA could set policy without taking into account the high costs to the industry (estimated to be greater than $1 billion) – which would most likely fall on the shoulders of the safer fleets controlled by small businesses. Now, with the law passed, Todd Spencer of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has thanked Representatives Bucshon and Lipinski for their efforts and stated that this law "is common sense legislation that has the support of the entire industry." Spencer went on to say that "anything FMCSA does regarding sleep apnea should absolutely consider the costs such a policy will pass on to truckers."
While it was explicitly announced that a rulemaking process will be followed, the FMCSA stated to the press that "Congress should still weigh in by passing legislation and guaranteeing that a transparent and sound process is used."
While this Sleep Apnea bill is important for the costs imposed on the industry and passed through Congress in record time, don't expect the same ease of passage to be seen next year as the Highway Trust Fund reaches its limit.
Think your fleet is one of the best in the trucking industry? The Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) 6th annual Best Fleets to Drive For® award is right around the corner, so now is the time to see how your fleet stacks up against the rest.
Best Fleets to Drive For® is an annual evaluation of North American for-hire trucking companies that provide an exceptional workplace environment for drivers and owner-operators. Conducted by CarriersEdge in partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the Best Fleets to Drive For® award highlights the best employers in the trucking industry.
This annual contest and survey promotes positive elements and great opportunities within the trucking industry. In addition to these accolades, this award sets higher employer standards for companies to follow through the documentation of success stories and showcase of fleets providing exceptional workplace environments.
"This program publicly recognizes and celebrates the fleets that are working to provide exceptional workplace environments," said Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge. "As we survey the participants, we're documenting a series of success stories that model best practices for other companies to adopt or follow. It's good for the carriers, the drivers, and the image of trucking, which is why the number of nominations seems to double every year. As we head into the next round, I have no doubt that this trend will continue."
The contest guidelines are straightforward for drivers or owner-operators: nominate your fleet for the award and complete the driver survey which is conducted to gain deeper feedback. In addition to the operator submitted metrics, company safety and driver retention data are collected, as well as corporate interviews of each nominated company. After data is compiled of all applicable fleets, it is reviewed to determine the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For®. Before voting, read the full list of evaluation metrics.
There is no fee to nominate a company and the Best Fleets to Drive For® 2013 survey is open to all North American, for-hire trucking companies with 10 vehicles or more. Since this is a vote of the best fleets to drive for, only those employees that operate the vehicles can complete a nomination; i.e. office staff, management, and company owners cannot nominate their fleet.
To nominate a fleet, drivers can fill out the nomination form or send an email to email@example.com, and include the full name and contact info for both the nominated fleet and the individual submitting the nomination. Nomination deadline is 5:00 pm EST November 1st, 2013.
On October 1, 2013 the government figuratively "shutdown" due to bipartisan disagreement in regards to the proposed budget. This inability of Congress to provide a federal budget has impacted millions of Americans in a myriad of federally funded industries. Is the transportation industry, a staple in the American economy, going to come to a halt because of this shutdown?
According to the Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx, the trucking industry will not be directly affected. In a statement to Department of Transportation (DOT) employees, Foxx mentions that "some employees will be excepted [from the shutdown] because their work directly addresses emergency circumstances". He goes on to address that in addition to these "emergency circumstance" employees, there is another segment of employees whom are not "subject to furlough because their positions are not supported by annual appropriations". While the DOT employs 58,000 people within varied sectors of the transportation industry, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, agencies regarding trucking and safety programs are funded by the Highway Trust Fund and not the Federal budget.
With funding being provided in grants from the Highway Trust Fund, and state agencies, these safety programs that appear in the form of roadside trucking enforcement, weigh stations and inspection stations will not be affected by the shutdown. However, there are agencies that conduct business in tandem with the trucking industry that are impacted by the impasse that is seen in Washington, D.C. this week; most notably the Federal Railroad Administration and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The effect that this halt in production has on the shipping and logistics firms of the country has yet to be seen due to the shutdown still being in its infancy.
Americans have numerous questions regarding the 2013 Government Shutdown. USA Today is a great reference and has provided access to a slew of questions and answers regarding the 2013 Shutdown. CNN also provides a list of agencies being affected the shutdown and to what degree.
In a recent study by Robert Poole, revealing information was brought to light on the status of the United States National Highway System (NHS). Most notably of which is the lack of inflation indexing for the current pre-gallon fuel taxes. This is an issue for the interstate infrastructure due to the road surfaces reaching the effective lifetime of 50 years, thus providing a need of modernization and replacement. Unfortunately, the national average fuel tax of forty-six cents per gallon of gasoline or fifty-two cents per gallon of diesel (Source) in conjunction with the state and federal highway trust funds is not nearly enough to adequately finance the near one trillion dollar project; aptly named "Interstate 2.0". According to Poole "reconstruction is estimated at $589 billion, in 2010 dollars, and lane additions at $394 billion, for a total 2010 cost of $983 billion." For sufficient funding of this project, Poole has proposed a per-mile tolling system which will garner enough revenue to provide 99% of the net present value of the project's proposed cost.
Included within these costs is the estimate for executing the tolling system. One of the overt drawbacks of the current toll booth/ toll plaza system is the traffic congestion that builds up behind the checkpoint. Within the proposal for 'Interstate 2.0' adjustments to this antiquated process have been delineated. State-of-the-art All-Electronic Tolling (AET) equipment will allow fleet operators to travel throughout the United States with a single transponder linked to the fleet's account without having to reduce speed for a toll plaza.
Value-Added Tolling
Recognizing that regular interstate users would be more than perturbed at the concept of being tolled on a surface that was already paid for with fuel taxes, Poole has proposed that the practice of per-mile tolling "be implemented on the principle of 'value-added tolling." This principle means that tolling would only begin after a corridor has been brought up to 'Interstate 2.0' standards. In addition to quelling the population's nerves, this will effectively limit the risk of redundant taxation that has the possibility to occur if states are slow to remove the gas tax currently in place. However, if there is an event of double taxation, the system permits "rebates of fuel taxes generated by the miles driven on the tolled Interstates".
Advantages of Per-Mile Tolling
Since the current system of fuel taxes supports the funding of all roadways at an average rate, light passenger vehicles and long-haul tractor trailers all pay the same average price to utilize the entire nationwide transportation surface. In this outdated system of taxation, a fleet that operates primarily on inexpensive local streets pays the same fuel tax as the fleet of long-haul tractor trailers that spend a majority of its miles on multi-billion dollar bridges, interchanges and expressways. However, with the per-mile based AET proposed for Interstate 2.0, toll rates will be "tailored to the cost of each highway."
Cost dependent toll rates is just one of the advantages of per-mile tolling, in addition to this, Poole describes six other reasons for per-mile tolling creating greater benefit than per-gallon taxation:
Per-mile tolling reflects greater fairness, since those who drive mostly on Interstates will pay higher rates than those who drive mostly on local streets.
If per-mile tolling is implemented as a true user fee, it will be self-limiting, dedicated solely to the purpose for which it was implemented (and enforceable via bond covenants with those who buy toll revenue bonds).
Per-mile tolling will guarantee proper ongoing maintenance of the tolled corridors, since bond-buyers and other investors legally require this as a condition of providing the funds.
Per-mile tolling also provides a ready source of funding for future improvements to the tolled corridor.
Toll financing means needed projects, such as reconstruction and widening, can be done when they are needed, and paid for over several decades as highway users enjoy the benefits of the improved facilities.
Finally, a per-mile tolling system using AET can easily implement variable pricing on urban expressways to reduce and manage traffic congestion.
Roadblocks to Interstate 2.0
For the wheels to be set in motion on modernizing the NHS, Congress needs to provide permission due to current federal law prohibiting tolling of existing lanes on Interstate highways. In the
current pilot program, only three states – Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia - have the opportunity to implement tolls on interstates for funding of reconstruction. Local politics for each of these states has created a stalemate in the process which is inhibiting the system from being tested. Fortunately, the Federal Surface Transportation Program is up for reauthorization in 2014 which would expand the immobile pilot program from Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia nationwide. This expansion could be the necessary catalyst for both individual states and the federal government to realize the benefits of 'value-added tolling'.
Impact for Fleet Owners
Like all political decisions, Interstate 2.0 will have a ripple effect throughout the transportation industry. Whether this will be a positive reaction from small fleets or large has yet to be evaluated. Fleetcards USA has reason to believe that fleet owners and fleet managers will look upon this favorably after open-mindedly reviewing the study. With fuel taxes being removed, the cost of fuel will be reduced while the tailoring of toll rates will create an ecosystem of fairness for fleets that travel hundreds of thousands of miles annually. Fleet Owners should approach the study with objectivity rather than stubborn bias for the long-standing system of per-gallon fuel taxes.


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#12 - Katie Muey
|2012-13 Volleyball
Alexandria, Ind.
Alexandria Monroe HS
Early Childhood Development
2013 Season
Named Second Team All-Atlantic Sun … played in all 31 matches for the Bucs, while leading the team with 458 digs … set career highs in service aces (4, vs. Austin Peay, Sept. 13) and assists (9, at Mercer, Sept. 20) … tied a career high with 22 digs at Marshall on Sept. 10 … posted double-digit digs in 27 matches, while having five matches with 20-plus digs … recorded double-digit digs in 18 straight matches from Sept. 13-Nov. 9.
2012 Season
Atlantic Sun All-Academic member … Played in all 36 matches … Ranked second on the team in digs (436) and service aces (37), while ranking seventh in the conference in service aces per set (0.27) … Recorded double-digit digs in 26 matches, including a stretch of 15 consecutive matches from Sept. 29-Nov. 10 … Led the Blue and Gold with 23 service aces in 18 conference matches … Tied a career high with 22 digs in the five-set win at Northern Kentucky on Oct. 27 … Set career highs in service aces (3, 2x, last vs. North Florida, Oct. 13) and assists (7, 2x, last vs. Akron, Aug. 25).
2011 Season
Selected to the Atlantic Sun All-Academic List … played in all 31 matches, while making her collegiate debut on Aug. 26 vs. Evansville … posted her first collegiate kill in the sweep over North Carolina A&T (8/27) … finished with a season-high 22 digs in the 3-2 victory vs. Coastal Carolina (8/27).
About Muey
Was a four-year letterwinner for head coach Ashley Pierce at Alexandria Monroe High School... Earned all-conference and all-county honors in 2008, 2009, and 2010, while also being named The Herald Bulletin Volleyball Player of the Year in 2010…She was also on the Indiana All-Star Volleyball team following her senior year and an AAU All-American in 2008… Finished her senior season with 234 kills, 621 digs, 45 assists, 30 aces, and 14 blocks… Earned three letters in track, two in swimming, and one in cheerleading during her high school career... She was on the conference champion 4x100m relay team in 2009, while also earning a sectional championship in the long jump in 2009.
Daughter of David Muey and Mike and Bretta Hull…born on April 19, 1993…majoring in early childhood development while minoring in psychology.
|Copyright ©2015 East Tennessee State Athletics. All Rights Reserved.


text: Walden reconnects with Kate and is sure she's "The One" until he meets Vivian and becomes convinced she's "The One." Meanwhile, Alan and Gretchen grow closer, on TWO AND A HALF MEN, Thursday, April 10 (9:01-9:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured L-R: Jon Cryer as Alan Harper and Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Gretchen Photo: Robert Voets/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. ©2014 WBEI. All rights reserved


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How Good Design and Building Codes Saved Lives During Chile's Earthquake
This past Saturday, the world awoke to yet another horrific natural disaster, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake right off the coast of Chile near Concepcion. It's only been 2 days since the deadly quake and the death toll has already risen to over 700. However in comparison, the Haiti earthquake (which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale) was 500 times less powerful than the one last Saturday but over 250,000 people were killed. Based on magnitude alone, the death toll from Chile should be much higher and the devastation much more complete – but that's not the case. Chile can thank foresight and smart planning for that, and its situation is a testament to what a huge life-or-death difference smart building codes and well designed architecture can make.
Chile has been decimated by earthquakes before. In fact, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded was a 9.5 in 1960 in close proximity to the epicenter of Saturday's quake. Since Chile has seen its fair share of earthquakes it has worked hard to prepare and protect against others. The country's building codes, are recognized as some of the best in the world, and the country has implemented many quake-resistant building techniques to stem future disasters. Since the 1960's, seismic codes have been enforced for all new construction based on what they call the "strong columns weak beam" system. As BBC describes it:
"The idea is that buildings are held up by reinforced concrete columns, which are strengthened by a steel frame. Reinforced concrete beams are joined onto the columns to make floors and the roof. If there is an earthquake, the idea is that the concrete on the beams should break near the end, which dissipates a lot of the energy of the earthquake, but that the steel reinforcement should survive and the columns should stay standing, which means the building will stay upright."
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3 Comments
March 3, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I'm writing from Concepción right now, since electricity is coming back to the city i'm now able to have a glimpse on what the world is saying about our country.
In relation to this article, i agree. Architecture did save a lot of lives, but what really did cause most of the devastation was not the earthquake, but the lack of good decisions and the centralization in our government. Many lives would have been saved if our president would have reacted immediately right after the disaster, but she decided to wait a whole day. Architecture is important, but what what really failed here were the authorities.
That said i have to say that i'm very impressed by the speed on which we are coming back to normal. Most of the city now has electricity and water, and food is coming from every corner of the world. The streets are being cleaned and trash is being recollected. All that and it's only been 4 days.
We now have a long way to go to rebuild the country and our city, i only hope that in the future good decisions are taken.
ps. the earhquake was just about 100 kms from Concepción, which is very very close to the city. But if by urban area you mean Santiago, then it was far from it.
March 1, 2010 at 5:51 pm
In Chile the main damages was caused by tsunami besides oldest buildings, most of them at down-towns of the cities, fortunately many buildings have resisted 8.8 earthquake like the bottom pictures. Does not meant inside of the buildings furnitures are in their right place, buildings are designed to absorb the earthquake energy, that means, depending of their tall the displacement of the top of the building can varies 20-30cm. or more as a part of the designing criteria.
I am sure most of newest buildings/highways that has been collapsed, is due to a bad construction/design practices.
Luis Poblete.
Civil Engineer, University of Chile.
March 1, 2010 at 3:10 pm
yes, design and standards helped, but the epicenter of the Chilean earthquake was much farther away from the urban area. Thus the energy release was significantly attenuated by the mass between the epicenter and the structures.
good design and building codes definitely help, but getting them implemented and getting property registered in a proper cadastral database is a first start. We have to hack the bureaucracy for land registration for real impact.
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Insulated Highlander Boot
Water-repellent, wool insulated leather boots with cork insole
To order by phone, please call 1-866-860-8906
These rugged leather boots are made with full-grain, heavyweight, oil-tanned leather. Removable foot-conforming cork insole and moisture-wicking virgin wool lining provide all-day comfort. The Vibram rubber sole provides no-slip grip and cushioned comfort.
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Made with heavyweight, full-grain, oil-tanned leather from the USA


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Welcome to the September issue of the NAMI FaithNet Newsletter.
In This Issue:
Learn how you can use the resources available in the new NAMI FaithNet Mental Illness Awareness Toolkit (www.nami.org/faithnet) to engage faith communities during MIAW and in the months ahead.
Read More
Rabbi Richard F. Address, D.Min, of the Union for Reform Judaism shares how congregations, Jewish Family Services and Jewish Federations are creating more opportunities to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the Jewish community.
At the 2010 NAMI national convention in Washington, D.C., NAMI FaithNet advisory group members shared two training modules that are designed to help NAMI affiliates and others connect their local faith communities to mental health resources and NAMI.
National Public Radio (NPR) reports that in India most people seek help for mental illness from faith healers and temple doctors, rather than psychiatrists, who are scarcely available.
While some don't believe in using both approaches, others are more open to adapting medical treatment that incorporates elements of cultural practices.
In Latino Perspectives, Rosa Cays discusses mental illness stigma within the Latino community.
The first national Conference jointly hosted by the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries (UCC DM) and the United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network (UCC MIN) will take place at the Drury Plaza Hotel in St. Louis.
Conference goals include:
To learn more or register, visit www.wideningthewelcome.com


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We're Only Human
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 6
Mind & Brain
Finding Self-Discipline in OthersPeople who lack restraint seek out colleagues and friends who are not impulsive
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 5
Mind & Brain
Troubled Childhood May Predict PTSDMany soldiers' cases of post-traumatic stress disorder may in fact stem from troubled civilian life
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 4
Mind & Brain
How to Spot a ScoundrelCertain types of fidgeting give away a person's trustworthiness
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 3
Mind & Brain
Bad Habits May Cause Older Drivers' MistakesHow we can train elderly drivers to be safer
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 2
Mind & Brain
Imagining the Future Invokes Your MemoryWhy we tend to predict rosy times ahead
Scientific American Mind Volume 23, Issue 1
Mind & Brain
The Nuts and Bolts of Emotional SobrietyWhen to engage with negative feelings and when to ignore them
January/February 2012
Mind & Brain
Thinking about Mortality Changes How We ActOur dueling existential minds influence our beliefs and behaviors in different ways
November/December 2011
More Science
On the Trail of the Orchid ChildOne genetic variant leads to the best and worst outcomes in kids
September / October 2011
Mind & Brain
The Burden of LyingFibbing is tough on the brain. New strategies expose liars by adding to the load
July / August 2011
Mind & Brain
The Partner Paradox: Why Buddying Up to Achieve Goals May Backfire
May / June 2011
Mind & Brain
Deadline Pressure Distorts Our Sense of TimeThe difficulty of a task stretches out our perception of time
March / April 2011
Mind & Brain
Border Bias and Our Perception of RiskOur mental maps of risk and safety rely too heavily on imaginary boundaries
January / February 2011
Mind & Brain
The Midnight Ride EffectHow imagining a different past increases our appreciation for the present
November / December 2010
Mind & Brain
Dog Tired: What Mutts Can Teach Us about Self-ControlScientists have long thought that delayed gratification requires a sense of self, but experiments with dogs show otherwise
September / October 2010
Mind & Brain
Faking It: Why Wearing Designer Knockoffs May Have Hidden Psychological CostsPolishing your self-image with counterfeit goods may lead to lying, cheating and cynicism
July / August 2010
Mind & Brain
The Willpower ParadoxSetting your mind on a goal may be counterproductive. Instead think of the future as an open question
May / June 2010
More Science
Changing the Dating GameWhen women approach men instead of vice versa, the gender difference in selectivity disappears
March / April 2010
Extraordinary PerceptionWe think of people with autism as having a deficit in cognitive processing--but their distractibility could also result from having enhanced perceptual capabilities
January / February 2010
More Science
I Learned It at the Movies--Hollywood as a TeacherEven films that are historically inaccurate can be a valuable teaching tool
November / December 2009
The Color of Sin--Why the Good Guys Wear WhiteAncient fears of filth and contagion may explain why we think of morality in black and white
Show More


text:
Uncut (2003)
Three gay characters named Peter drive this story set in Ottawa during 1979. One is a student working on a book on male circumcision. His transcriber is another Peter who is oddly obsessed with Pierre Trudeau which inspires surveillance from the police force. The last Peter seduces the other two and appropriates their work as his own. Eventually, the three are thrown in prison where a surreal sequence of events proves both tragic and miraculous.
Cast: Cristina Mazzuzzi, Franco Trentalance, Morena Ciotoli
Produced by: Beppe Attene
Directed by: Gionata Zarantonello
Written by: Gionata Zarantonello
Running time: 1hr 18min
Opens: Jun 09, 2006 NY
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Mountfield SP22101 Cart
This Mountfield SP22101 cart is ideal for moving heavy or bulky items around your garden.
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|News » Archives
Saturday, September 11, 2010
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 10, 2010) - The ETSU men's soccer team picked up a 2-1 win over regionally ranked Bradley Friday night at the ProRehab Aces Soccer Classic hosted by the University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind.
"This was a very difficult test for our team tonight," said head coach Scott Calabrese. "We struggled with a slow start and conceded some early chances. However, the second half was a different story, and the players were able to improve their focus and get a grip on the game. I am very proud of the way the team responded in the second half. This was a well deserved win against a very strong opponent. We need to build on this as we now must face an exceptional Evansville squad."
The Bucs (2-1-0) handed Bradley (2-1-1) its first loss of the season as ETSU outshot the Braves 15-10 in the contest, while BU had a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Junior goalkeeper James Holt (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) picked up his first win of the season as he had four saves on the night.
The first half was scoreless despite both teams having good looks in the half.
Sophomore David Haba gave ETSU a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute as Mario Sempario (Guatemala City, Guatemala) and Itode Fubara (Ogbema, Nigeria) combined to find Haba free as he tapped the ball inside the near post past the Bradley keeper for a goal.
In the 56th minute, Fubara increased the Buccaneer lead to 2-0 as he blasted a shot from 15-yards out into the back of the net off of a Blaike Woodruff (Georgetown, Texas) corner kick.
The Braves cut the ETSU lead to 2-1 in the 58th minute on a Bryan Gual goal, but the ETSU defense stepped up and played tough to close out the match.
The Bucs are back in action on Sunday at 3:30 pm as they face the host Evansville Purple Aces in the ProRehab Aces Soccer Classic. For more information on ETSU men's soccer and all other Buccaneer athletic news please visit www.ETSUBucs.com.


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Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (Evangerion shin gekijôban: Ha)
Action/Adventure, Animation
In an explosive new story full of brutal action and primal emotion, a group of young pilots maneuver their towering, cyborg Eva Units into combat against a deadly and disturbing enemy. In the battle to prevent the apocalyptic Third Impact, Shinji and Rei were forced to carry humanity's hopes on their shoulders. Now, as the onslaught of the bizarre, monstrous Angels escalates, they find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots: the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. In this thrilling new experience for fans of giant robot action, the young pilots fight desperately to save mankind - and struggle to save themselves.
Cast: Megumi Hayashibara, Kôichi Yamadera, Megumi Ogata, Tomokazu Seki, Maaya Sakamoto
Produced by:
Directed by: Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki
Written by: Hideaki Anno
Running time: 1hr 48min
Opens: Jan 21, 2011 Limited
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- Attorney General Brad D. Schimel
- Fighting Crime
- Victim Assistance
- Consumer Protection
- Media Center
- About Department of Justice
- Topical Index
This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only.
The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool.
Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business.Contact the Department of Justice
MILWAUKEE - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced the Wisconsin Department of Justice has awarded $112,000 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Kids Matter, Inc. program.
"I am pleased that agencies that serve victims will receive additional support," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "With this funding, Kids Matter, Inc. will provide crisis counseling and personal advocacy services to child crime victims in the greater Milwaukee area."
Kids Matter, Inc. is one of 16 programs that Van Hollen has chosen for more than $900,000 in funding to help crime victims under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Attorney General said this money reflects his desire to improve the quality of life for innocent crime victims of all ages who live in communities across Wisconsin. Trauma counseling, crises intervention and other advocacy services are essential to restoring victims to a sense of wellness.
Enacted in 1984, VOCA is administered by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law on February 17, 2009. The law provides funding to assist victim service programs create and retain direct victim services positions.


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18 Oct 2007
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|Vermont Sports and Recreation Expo Oct 20 and 21
I am often asked by visitors what there is to do here in Vermont. The first things that comes to mind are outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, sailing, skating, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing, dog sled rides, and so on. Vermont is blessed with beautiful scenery and clean air that visitors can enjoy outdoors year around.
There is a great showcase for all these activities at the All Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo this weekend at the Champlain Valley Expo center near Burlington in the northern part of the state.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Division of State Parks, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing have partnered to put on this event and create a Vermont Village where visitors can sign up for their hunting license, book campsites at state parks and participate in a 3-D laser shoot. The Expo will feature commercial exhibits, interactive activities, demonstrations, clinics, seminars, sports celebrities, product/service sales."
One hundred exhibitors and 60 demonstrations will cover a wide variety of activities for people of all ages including golf, yoga, rock climbing wall, extreme sports, hockey on a plastic ice surface, children's activities team sports, dog agility trials, nutrition, skiing, U.S.A Luge track, etc. There will almost certainly be several things you will be interested in.
Here is a link to a $2 discount coupon you can print and bring with you.
(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
|posted by grunhaus at 11:24


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Breast Cancer Helpline
Talk to someone who cares and knows what you're feeling.
Call today or when you're ready.
We can help.
Call the Breast Cancer Helpline to speak with a person* who has been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Our trained Helpline volunteers offer peer and emotional support and practical information in a confidential setting. Your call will be answered by a person who knows what you're feeling – a person who has experienced breast cancer.
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Tony and Candice Glossary of Terms
The Tony & Candice Morning Show Glossary of Terms
We understand that we have new listeners that may be listening for the first time. You may hear us say something that may sound a little off. It probably is. We will do our best to clarify those terms right here on the internet machine.
angst - One of our favorite words. You can often hear this emotion in a Keith Urban song. Think "You'll Think of Me". That song is filled with angst. You can also hear angst in Tony's voice when some KSUX caller talks negatively about Tony's beloved Huskers. This happens daily.
Brucie - Our pal Bruce Miller who joins us every Friday morning. He is one of the best writers ever to look here grace the pages at The Sioux City Journal.
Doc Benzoni - Tony's favorite tv segment of the week on KCAU. Dr. Oz has nothing on this guy. If you have gout, lupus or any unexplained itch...e-mail this guy. It airs on Wednesday nights.
Fake Bald Guy - Bald guy that always "covers up" with a cap or cowboy hat.
Hump Day - Candice uses this lame identifier to describe Wednesday. It drives Tony nuts!
Lovely Wife - Tony uses this term to refer to Shana Lynn...the saint of online cialis sales a woman that puts up with him.
manpoints - Something Tony loses daily when he watches "the Bachelor", and "DWTS".
manscaper - This was once uttered on "The Bachelor" to describe one of the worst occupations on Planet Earth. Tony is in dire need of one.
pec implants - We've heard rumors about a famous dude that may have had this procedure done. Oh, who are we kidding? You know who it is. It's Jackson - the afternoon huy on www.greenchicafe.com KSUX. Ask him. He might be viagra cheapest online sellers a little shy about it at first, but he will come clean eventually.
Plastic Minivan - Candice's mode of transportation. She had a green one. Now, it's a blune one with 210,000 miles on it.
Pompous jerkward - Candice uses this term to lovingly describe Tony when he uses a word that's probably made up or used incorrectly.
Pooky Bear - See Travis Morgan description
Rando - Randy Rey Renshaw. Our KSUX news guru with the "golden pipes". He also hosts a well respected talk show on our sister staion (KSCJ) where he talks news events, politics and heavy hitters call the show daily. With us, he usually chats about stupid criminals, funny animals and naked newsmakers.
"Suicidal Six" - a good night of sleep for us - 6 hours. We take naps during long songs.
TEC Center - Misnomer uttered by Candice. It's The TEC....or... The Tyson Events Center, but never the viagra tablets Tyson Events Center Center. Ugh.
thigh high boots - This term is often used in conjunction with the lovely Carrie Underwood. She sported this hot fashion accessory at The Tyson Events Center. Tony has never been the same ever since. There is also an awkward backstage story that accompanies this term, but due to possible litigation, it is where to buy cialis best we don't bring that up.
Travis Morgan - Former KMEG sports guy now entertaining legions of Husker fans at KMTV in Omaha. He outkicked his coverage and married Sarah Te Slaa. We're not sure how that happened either. Travee likes to talk about Spanx, sports and famous bald dudes in broadcasting like Dick Vitale, Terry Bradshaw and
Pat Sajak Tony Kornheiser.
uber - This was used in a Bruce Miller concert review about 6 years ago in The Sioux City Journal. We think it means very...or maybe a goober. It's hard to tell. Go ask Bruce. Example: Candice is an uber fan of county fairs.


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Interpretive Handbook
8972 :
Isoagglutinin Titer, Anti-B, Serum
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Isoagglutinins are antibodies produced by an individual that cause agglutination of red blood cells in other individuals. People possess isoagglutinins directed toward the A or B antigen absent from their own RBCs. For example, type A or O individuals will usually possess anti-B. The anti-B is formed in response to exposure to B-like antigenic structures found in ubiquitous non-red cell biologic entities (eg, bacteria).
Isoagglutinins present in the newborn are passively acquired from maternal circulation. Such passively acquired isoagglutinins will gradually disappear, and the infant will begin to produce isoagglutinins at 3 to 6 months of age.
Isoagglutinin production may vary in patients with certain pathologic conditions. Decreased levels of isoagglutinins may be associated with acquired and congenital hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluation of individuals with possible hypogammaglobulinemia
Investigation of suspected roundworm infections
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
The result is reported as antiglobulin phase, in general representing IgG antibody. The result is the reciprocal of the highest dilution up to 1:2048 at which macroscopic agglutination (1+) is observed. Dilutions >1:2048 are reported as >2048.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Decreased isoagglutinin titers may be seen in normal elderly individuals and in children < or =12 months.
This test is not useful for individuals with blood type B or AB.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Interpretation depends on clinical setting.
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Technical Manual. 15th edition. Arlington, VA, American Association of Blood Banks, 2005


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Today's 31 Day of New Uses for Old Things comes from Pinterest yet again. If you want to see a list of my 31 Days, I have links posted on my sidebar! These 31 Days are definitely a challenge, especially since I took a 4 day winiversary (wine anniversary) in the middle!! (Post on that to come.) Anyway….
I've started freezing produce more and more often to keep it from going bad. I LOVE produce and I love to menu plan, but I don't always stick to my menu (especially lately), so my produce starts to ripen a little too much before I get to the recipe!
I've been able to freeze green onions in an old water bottle:
At first, I froze the green onions in an old yogurt container, but it was only halfway full and taking up space. I decided to switch to using a water bottle like I had really seen on Pinterest and LOVE it. This is so much slimmer and easy to fit in the freezer.
No more green onions going bad!!
This summer, I also froze a lot of fruit to use in smoothies:
I also found this excellent list of foods you can freeze. Freezing cheese = brilliant! Thanks to my new freezer, which I love, I can freeze a lot more!!
What kinds of things have you found helps to freeze?
© 2011 – 2014, Betsy Pool. All rights reserved.


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The Community of Disc Golfers and About All Things Disc Golf
playing in my first pdga tourney this weekend. a spyke hyzer tournement. pretty excited and will be nervous as time gets closer. any tips for this newbie?
Views: 208
I started playing last year and have gotten into a few tournaments this year. I think the biggest thing is to have fun. I have thrown some of my career low shots during tournament rounds. I try to focus more on learning something new instead of what I think my score should be at. I think its more about getting acclimated to performing in a tournament atmosphere that is going to help the most.
Home course advantage is always nice.Enjoy your first and all that follow.Good advice from those who posted.Keep hydrated,eat breakfast for nourishment,snack for carbs.Drink beer AFTER to celebrate.
mentally rehearse the round the night before, what discs you might use, check the weather for wind and temperature reports.
So,one curious mind would like to know how your 1st was.We've all been there,in fact I'm there alot. ;>} lol
Ended up not too bad, 6th overall in rec out of 11, last spot to get a payout. Messed up a bunch of pars, but overall shot good. Cant wait for the next one, but also good to go play now off the clock and relax!
congrats on your 1st tourney.broke the ice and now it's even more fun/challenging.practice putting.
© 2015 Created by Terry "the Pirate" Calhoun.


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Jesus Musik
A blog about Christian hip-hop with Sketch the Journalist
Posts filtered on Tag
Gifted da Flamethrowa explains his 'response record' to Rick Ross' 'Holy Ghost'
When I saw that popular secular rapper Rick Ross dropped a free mixtape last week with the first song's title being "Holy Ghost" I knew a vocal member of our Christian hip hop community would probably respond. Houston's Gifted da Flamethrowa didn't let me down. Late Monday, January 9 he released his own version of […] [Read More]


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Kosher Salads & Salad Dressings
|Quinoa Tabouli
Adapted from Ancient Harvest Quinoa
We think that this is a lovely summer luncheon salad or side dish. Serve at room temperature or cool.
2 cups Ancient Harvest quinoa, cooked a/drained
Cook quinoa according to directions on box.
Place all ingredients, except lettuce and olives, in a mixing bowl and toss together lightly. Chill for 1 hour or more to allow flavors to blend. Line a salad plate with lettuce . Top with Tabouli salad and garnish with olives.
Yield: Serves 4
Optional suggestions from KosherEye – Top with boneless grilled chicken or salmon, or kosher faux shrimp such as Dyna-Sea brand.
Recipes:Salad, Quinoa, Parve, Kosher


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Midway through the third quarter of his team's game against Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School on Saturday, Walt Whitman coach Jim Kuhn could be heard screaming following yet another penalty call on the Vikings' offense.
While penalties did slow Whitman a little, turnovers stopped the Barons cold.
Senior running back Zac Morton rushed for 121 yards and Whitman scored 18 points following B-CC miscues as they rolled to a 24-0 win on a rainy afternoon at Whitman in Bethesda.
Evan Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Anton Casey and Zach Snyder added three field goals for the Vikings (2-1), who overcame 10 offensive penalties.
"We shot ourselves in the foot. We can't do that against teams that could take advantage of it more," Kuhn said.
"But we played well. We executed our game plan, both offensively and defensively. Came up with two huge turnovers on special teams. Got nine points out of field goals, and that's big."
B-CC (1-2), which lost two fumbles and two interceptions, got 118 yards on 17 carries from Nana Yaw Amankwah Ayeh.
"We tried to establish our game early," Bethesda-Chevy Chase coach Josh Singer said, "and had a few mistakes and they were able to capitalize on those mistakes and got ahead. Unfortunately we're a team that once you're behind, it makes it difficult for us to catch up."
The Barons first turnover came midway through the opening quarter when they faced third and 12 at midfield. Quarterback Jack Hanifee's pass was intercepted by free safety Nabril Ibrahim, who returned it to the 9-yard line.
A penalty nullified a run inside the five by Morton, but on third and goal from the 14, Smith found Casey crossing the back of the end zone for the touchdown.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase couldn't generate offense and the Vikings added a pair of field goals for a 13-0 halftime lead.
"Defensively I felt like we game-planned well," Kuhn said. "They're an option team and we really worked hard against the option. We practiced most of the week without a ball just to make sure all our responsibilities were taken care of."
Whitman took the second half kickoff and marched into B-CC territory before 10- and 15-yard penalties left them with a third and 24. The next play was a fumble.
The Barons then put together their best drive of the day, but turned it over on downs at the Vikings' 26.
"We weren't making the reads we usually make," Singer said. "We weren't getting the blocks we usually make, and they did a very nice job of stopping our running back and stopping our running game and put us in situations that we struggled to convert."
Whitman was forced to punt, but B-CC's Keen McUmber didn't field the kick cleanly and the Vikings recovered.
On the first play Evans faked the end around to Nick Newsham (four carries for 55 yards) and gave it to Morton, who went up the middle, cut left and scampered down the sideline for a 29-yard touchdown.
"We were creating some mismatches, some seams for Zach," Kuhn said. "He's got great feet, quick feet. He's going to make that first guy miss. You get him to the second level, he's hard to handle."
The two-point conversion made it 21-0 with 1:40 left in the third quarter.
Walt Whitman 24 Bethesda-Chevy Chase 0
Bethesda-Chevy Chase (1-2) 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Walt Whitman (2-1) 7 6 8 3 -- 24
WW – Anton Casey 14-yard pass from Evan Smith (Zach Snyder kick)
WW – Zach Snyder 36-yard field goal
WW – Zach Snyder 25-yard field goal
WW – Zac Morton 29-yard run (Zac Morton 2-pt. conversion)
WW – Zach Snyder 22-yard field goal
Bethesda-Chevy Chase - Nana Yaw Amankwah Ayeh 17-118, Jack Hanifee 5-(-10), Keenan Jeremiah Preddi 2-(-12), Jordan Miller 2-(-5), McUmber 1-3, Max Tran 1-2.
Walt Whitman – Zac Morton 23-121, Nick Newsham 4-55, Evan Smith 3-9.
Bethesda_Chevy Chase – Jack Hanifee 3-7-24-2.
Walt Whitman- Evan Smith – 10-14-101.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase – Jordan Miller 2-21, Jeremiah Preddie 1-3.
Walt Whitman – Anton Casey 3-52, Zac Morton 2-16, Nick Newsham 2-14, Matt Howell 2-12, Nolan Hanessian 1-7.


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I'm interested in learning about how to formulate claims. Can people suggest books? Preferably with examples related to questions within the chemical sciences and for the european area.
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Ask Patents is a question and answer site for people interested in improving and participating in the patent system. It's 100% free, no registration required.
One of the best books about (U.S.) claims is Invention Analysis and Claiming: A Patent Lawyer's Guide. It does not use chemistry examples. Chemical patent claiming is definitely a specialty within a specialty.
Landis (now Faber) Faber on Mechanics Patent Claim 6th Ed has a chapter on chemical claims. It is over $350 but you might find a copy at a specialized law library.
Someone else may be able to recommend references on European patent law.


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Corie and Michael Goldman had a plan. It wasn't
particularly complicated or extraordinary. In fact,
it was the plan of many recently married couples:
have children within five years.
But a few years into their plan, things weren't progressing as
expected. First they had trouble conceiving…followed by
trouble staying pregnant. Life suddenly became an
emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of elation
and stretches of profound pain. "I always imagined myself
getting married, then getting pregnant. I assumed everything
would fall into place as easily as I had pictured it.
The dreams I had for us were crushed," remembers Corie.
Then, in 2009, came the news they had been waiting to
hear: Corie and Michael were expecting. "We were
beyond elated—it seemed like a miracle—but we were
still very nervous," Corie says. "During the first few
weeks, I was doubtful. I didn't want to get my hopes up
in case it didn't work out."
But it did. And just six weeks into the pregnancy, an ultrasound
detected two heartbeats. Twins. Healthy, thriving,
fabulous, perfect twins!
"We were excited and grateful,
crying and cheering at the same
time! And, according to the doctors,
everything seemed to be
moving along as it should," says
Corie. "Best of all, I felt fine." Her
full-term due date was Feb. 27,
2010, "but I knew that with multiples
I would likely deliver before
40 weeks, a full-term pregnancy.
I thought, maybe, 38 weeks."
Soon after, Corie met with
Bridgeport Hospital's Chief of
Obstetrics, Steven Laifer, MD, a
perinatologist who specializes in
high-risk pregnancies. (A woman
who has a medical condition
and/or who is pregnant with more
than one baby is considered high-risk.) Dr. Laifer reviewed
Corie's medical history and developed a plan for watching
the twins carefully using ultrasounds.
Corie and Michael were excited to find out that they were
expecting two boys. "We named them Samuel and Noah,
after grandparents on either side of the family," Corie
explains. Throughout her pregnancy, Corie made several
visits to Bridgeport Hospital's Antenatal Testing Unit
(ante=before, natal=birth) for ultrasound tests and other
important screenings. "There are many risks that come
with carrying more than one baby," says Bridgeport Hospital's Chief of Maternal-
Fetal Medicine, Robert Stiller,
MD. "Therefore, mothers pregnant
with twins generally need
additional ultrasounds to follow
the growth of both babies
and to check for signs of
preterm labor through measurements
of the length of the
cervix, as well as screenings for
other medical problems such as
high blood pressure or high
blood glucose levels."
During an appointment in
December 2009, while Corie
was on winter break from her
job at a school in Trumbull,
Dr. Stiller expressed concern
about a new issue: the ultrasound at 25 weeks' gestation
showed a decreased level of amniotic fluid (fluid that
surrounds a baby during pregnancy) around Samuel.
"This was worrisome because it indicated the possibility
that her placenta was not working as well as expected,"
says Dr. Stiller.
Dr. Stiller advised Corie not to return to work after winter
break. "I wanted Corie to rest, given that she had such
an active life and many responsibilities," he says.
"Dr. Stiller's recommendation really caught me off guard,
because I was looking forward to returning to work at the
end of the week," says Corie. "But he explained that I
needed to take it easy and rest in order to maintain my
health, so I prepared to concentrate on doing just that."
On December 30, Corie, accompanied by grandparentsto-
be, went to Bridgeport Hospital for a scheduled test.
"Dr. Stiller measured the growth of both babies and the
blood flow from the placenta to the boys," she explains.
"To my surprise, it indicated that Samuel wasn't growing
as well as Noah, and that he might be under stress." She
was given a steroid injection to speed up the twins' lung
development just in case the babies had to be delivered
before their due date—and Dr. Stiller advised her to
return the next day.
By December 31, Samuel's condition had worsened and,
without delay, Dr. Laifer admitted Corie to the hospital. "I
was concerned. The fluid appeared more decreased and the
blood flow pattern in the umbilical cord was indicating
that Samuel was receiving less oxygen," says Dr. Laifer. "It
was in the babies' and Corie's best interest to be admitted
for continuous monitoring. If anything further changed,
the boys could be delivered immediately."
"Everything happened so fast," Corie remembers. "I called
my husband, Michael, at work to tell him I was being
admitted. Then I was given a second steroid shot to speed
up the twins' lung development. Thank God my family
was already with me. I was so worried—I had come in for
a simple test!—and couldn't have handled the serious
possibilities of that situation on my own."
After the initial hustle and bustle subsided, Corie slipped
into denial, hiding her profound fear of not having the
children she always wanted. "Deep down, I was terrified.
We had come so far in this pregnancy and I didn't want
to entertain the 'what ifs'. I was physically and emotionally
unable to face what could be around the corner," she
says. The nurses helped keep her spirits up. "My nurses
were so warm, encouraging and supportive, and I really
appreciated that."
But just a few hours later, Noah's heart rate suddenly
dropped and Women's Health Care of Trumbull OB/GYN
Donna Sinclair, MD, arrived to check Corie and the
babies. Corie wondered, Is it time? "Thankfully, it wasn't,"
she says. "Dr. Sinclair told me that the heart rates looked
normal and she wanted to wait for the steroids to take
effect. So it wasn't time to deliver yet. It was more of a
Hours passed and the babies were doing well. Corie and
Michael settled in for the night. "We cuddled up, watched
the ball drop on TV and welcomed in 2010, just as we
would have done at home," remembers Corie. After riding
an emotional rollercoaster for two days, the couple finally
relaxed enough to drift off to sleep…
But not for long! "Suddenly, all these people—nurses, doctors—
ran into the room to wake me up," remembers Corie.
"They were saying that their monitors showed that
Samuel's heart rate had dropped and that it was time to
deliver. I was sound asleep and had no idea that Samuel
was in distress. Thank goodness they were monitoring him
and me. When they said it was time, I couldn't believe it."
Within 15 minutes, Corie was in the operating room where
Dr. Sinclair and a team of doctors, anthesthesiologists,
nurses and technicians were waiting to welcome the babies
into the world.
The Antenatal Testing Unit (ATU) at Bridgeport Hospital and the Section of Maternal-Fetal
Medicine provide specialized services for both normal and high-risk pregnancies. Services
include ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, preconceptual (before pregnancy)
and prenatal (before birth) consultation, fetal monitoring, diabetes education and management,
prematurity prevention and nutrition counseling. For information about the ATU's
services, please visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/ATU/.
Just after 2:00 a.m., Corie and Michael celebrated the
births of Noah, who weighed 3 lbs., 15 oz., and Samuel,
weighing 2 lbs., 15 oz.—the first twins born in Connecticut
in 2010! These tiny brothers arrived nearly two months
ahead of schedule, but were, thankfully, strong and relatively
The boys were transported to the Newborn Intensive
Care Unit (NBICU) at Bridgeport Hospital, which provides
the highest and most comprehensive level of care
available in Fairfield County to premature and critically
ill newborns. "The fact that they were born so early was
frightening to both of us," says Corie. "We were very
worried. But when I saw the doctors and nurses jump
into action, I relaxed."
"We immediately fitted the twins with nasal prongs to
provide oxygen and pressure to their lungs to relieve
their respiratory distress," explains Bridgeport Hospital's
Chief of Neonatology Robert Herzlinger, MD. A team
of specialists took care of the twins for the two weeks
they were in the NBICU. "And Michael and I were at
their side practically 24/7," Corie says. Noah grew strong
quickly and came home first. Samuel came home the
following day.
When picking an obstetrician for expert care, be sure to select one who chooses to
deliver at Bridgeport Hospital:
The boys continue to thrive. "They have done great with
excellent 'catch up growth,' which means they are growing
faster than usual to catch up for their premature birth," says
their pediatrician, Richard Freedman, MD. "They are
developing as they should, and we expect them to be
perfectly normal little boys."
"We have so many people to thank at Bridgeport Hospital.
We couldn't have gotten through this without them," Corie
continues. "From the compassionate care Michael and I
received before the boys were born to the supportive
Newborn ICU team of specialists. They cared about all of
us individually and as a family. They loved our baby boys;
we felt it. We are so thankful to everyone at Bridgeport
Hospital who helped our dream come true."
Established in 1973, the Bridgeport Hospital
Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NBICU) was the
first of its kind in Fairfield County. Today, the
NBICU continues to provide the highest and most
comprehensive level of care to premature and critically
ill newborns available in Fairfield County.
Was your child or grandchild treated in the
Newborn Intensive Care Unit? Tell us about
your experience in our online forum.
Post a Comment on this story


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