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Lewsey had a glittering nineteen year long career as a player for Bristol, Wasps, England and the British & Irish Lions before retiring in 2009 to take up a career in management in the City and later become the Cornish Pirates Chief Executive.
Having experience from business, the military and sport has given him a unique skillset primarily aimed at strategy, systems and organisational performance.
He graduated from Bristol University with a BSc (honours) in Physiology and later achieved a second degree from the College of Law in London.
In 2001 he was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and ultimately qualified as a Troop Commander in the Royal Artillery.
From the age of eighteen Lewsey spent most of his playing career at London Wasps and ironically could have qualified to play for Wales through parentage as his mother is originally from Cwmllynfell in South Wales.
He left the game with the deliberate intention of broadening his skills and experiences by entering the world of business in order to differentiate himself and ultimately earn the right to return to sport to make a professional, moral and caring difference.
In his new role with the WRU the 36 year old joins the Executive Board of the WRU and will take operational and strategic management of the whole of the game in Wales from community to elite level outside Warren Gatland's senior international squad.
His experience playing at the highest level with players still active in the current era is seen as a clear advantage in his new role.
Lewsey has previously worked extremely closely with Warren Gatland and many of his backroom staff throughout at London Wasps winning two European Cups and four National Championships.
Although still a young man his qualifications, achievements and professional experience in his non playing career so far have set him apart as a highly skilled and focused leader.
The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said: "We are delighted to have been able to secure someone of the calibre of Josh as our new Head of Rugby.
"He is passionate about the game and undoubtedly has the experience and determination to make a huge and positive difference for Welsh rugby.
"We carried out a thorough search of the available candidates and Josh won through from an extremely strong group of final candidates.
"He joins us at a time when the international game in Wales is extremely successful and he knows we are determined to cascade that strength throughout the whole of Welsh rugby.
"Josh is particularly committed to making a significant difference within grassroots rugby across Wales, both within clubs and schools. He has
experience driving initiatives within the community game which will be a clear advantage in his new role.
"Our goal is to continue to build and develop the strength of the elite game and focus hard on making Welsh rugby a sport everyone wants to participate in either as a player, official, volunteer or fan at all levels.
"We have built a strong team of rugby staff and have clear goals based on our rolling five year financial strategy so Josh will have a roadmap to follow in the months and years ahead.
"I know he will bring his own vision and goals to the role and that is an exciting prospect for the whole of Welsh rugby."
Josh Lewsey said: "I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring the strength and wellbeing of the national sport of Wales.
"Everyone involved in rugby knows how passionate the whole of Wales is about the sport so I am fully aware of the huge responsibility I am accepting.
"This a challenge and an opportunity I am determined to seize with total commitment and I promise everyone in Wales I will give my all to the task ahead.
"A key driver for me is to balance the focus between the elite and community games in a way which establishes a long term sustainable platform for rugby in Wales."
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland added: "I look forward to working with Josh in his new role as Head of Rugby for the Welsh Rugby Union.
"I know Josh well from his playing days at Wasps and he is a determined and focused individual who will bring immense passion, energy and rugby knowledge to the role.
"Josh will understand the strategies and procedures we have put in place at a senior national level and he will play a pivotal role in ensuring the whole of Welsh rugby operates in a joined up structure."
The Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, said: "Josh Lewsey is an excellent addition to our executive team and is ideally qualified to develop Welsh rugby at all levels and throughout Wales.
"His rugby, education and business record speak for themselves and he will bring enormous energy and passion to his role as Head of Rugby.
"He has strong family ties to Wales and undoubtedly shares our passion for achieving excellence across our remit as a governing body.
"He knows a lot of hard work lies ahead but he has all the skills to make a difference in his exciting and challenging role."
Lewsey has been the acting Chief Executive of the Cornish Pirates in a temporary role he took on early in 2013.
He will continue in his senior role with the Cornish Pirates until the end of his agreed contract which terminates at the end of the month and will then immediately begin work with the WRU in his new role.
As a player he was part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup squad for England and played fullback in their final victory against Australia.
He also played for England Sevens at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and won three caps for the British & Irish Lions on their 2005 tour of New Zealand.
Away from rugby he has climbed in the Himalayas and in 2010 got within 500 feet of scaling Mount Everest before breathing apparatus failure intervened.
As a management consultant he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and then led an operational and systems review while on the trading floor at Citibank.
He is also one of the founding directors of the Foundation for Leadership Through Sport which works with governing bodies, businesses, sports clubs and academics to galvanise the focus on high performance and leadership through sport.


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Support PDF,DOC,DOCX,TXT,XLS,WPD,HTM,HTML fils up to 5MB
Company name
Organization TypeGovernment
Job Type
Date Last Verified
Posted on
ProfileTelecommunications Specialist (Combat Crew Comm) Duties: The candidate will serve as a Telecommunications Specialist in the performance of mobility/war-time readiness support operations including planning, coordinating, and/or evaluating the unit's ability to support a specified mission. Work duties involve reviewing the technical completeness of assigned deployable electronic equipment; identifying logistical support requirements; ensuring those requirements are identified in program contingency/mobility plans. Mange all deployable communications equipment issues to ensure each tasked component is technically and operationally ready to meet Agency tasked missions. Develop, prepare, coordinate, and consolidate annexes for deployable communications operational plans. Determine, coordinate and validate the provision of all logistical support required for deployable communications/mobility missions. Plan, develop, direct and conduct all mobility training for the unit. Serve as the Equipment Custodian Officer (ECO) for Automated Data Processing Equipment (A DPE) in AFRC units at designated tenant location, redistributing and replacing IT assets among users as needed in support of requirements.
Qualification and Experience
Qualifications: The candidate must have 1+ year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or equivalent in the Federal service that has given particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized Experience: that is typically in or related to the position to be filled, which includes practical knowledge of commonly applied telecommunications principles, concepts, and methodologies in independently performing work assignments and other projects requiring a knowledge of standardized telecommunications approaches, methods, and techniques. Knowledge of standards, criteria, equipment, or techniques to resolve questions or conditions, and applies this knowledge in managing and directing the combat crew communications operations function.
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. degree, Major study - electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position.
Application Deadline: January 3, 2019.
Additional info
Announcement Number: SEU-SR-Telecom Spec. Apply online. No emails. Visit website for more information.
Company info
Hiring Coordinator
Department Of The Air Force, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command
155 Richard Ray Blvd
Warner Robins, GA 31098-1601
Phone: 478-327-0113
Fax: 478-757-3144

subset: commoncrawl


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Back in Time @ RomanceClass
We all make mistakes as we grow up, and do things that seemed wise at the time ... but later in life we realize they were extremely foolish. If you could send a message back to a younger version of you, what would the message say? How would you inspire yourself to make better choices?
If you have a message to share, Submit your own story!
Recent Tales:
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A Samsung Galaxy Nexus, I like it, it's by far the best smartphone I have used and I'm probably going to keep going with this one rather than upgrading to another ridiculously overpriced 2 year contract when my current one is up.
A crap phone that's worth less than it's price. I'm going to get a new one soon.
I hate Crunchyroll.
An Xperia Play, just to emulate dem GBA/SNES games on the go with proper controls ^^
I went outside once. The graphics were good, but the story was shit.
hickory wood chips, flint, small hand hewn log wedges, small logs, and a well woven blanket
for wintry days I like the expedite the lighting up procedure with "emergency use" only matches, butane lighter, sometimes some swatches of gasoline
message sent is subject to forces not always within my control be it prevailing winds, local politics, gas rationing, ten foot high surges from the local ocean view, perfect strikes from seagulls practicing their winged low-level poop attacks on unsuspecting scroungy-looking tourists or hippies
a county social worker happened by my space a few months ago and suggested that I could get aid if I chose to get out of my hovel or off my figurative high horse level of thinking. Eh what the heck? To placate her sense of do-gooderism I splashed on some ode to saltwater taffy cologne mixed with 6-12 insect spray (they're really bad this time of year) and went to some alphabet lettered government agency to fill out the requisite number of state, local, and federal forms
that was 9 months ago. I knew it was a false sense of hope, reaching out beyond my constrained comfort zone trying to rely upon others for subsidy and access into the ephemeral friend zone of the connected. I recall 1 of the forms being emphatic about party affiliation and ethnicity. Gee, that's easy enough: I'll have a Tea Party to meet and greet; and ethnicity will be choices: herbal, sweetened, unsweetened.
Hmmm, better not hold my breath expecting any positive responses from those overburdened form readers should I? And what am I gonna do with all this tea. I'm a Pepsi Max dude as it is.
MYTH: the universal language. Always question AUTHORITY.
A Samsung, but I don't even remember the name. It's a smartphone, but I don't do many smart things with it. I check my work email on it, and play Solitaire.
I probably overpay for the very small functionality past calling and texting I do. I think I average maybe half a gig of data a month.
If the stars are eternal, so are you and I.
Samsung ace
it sucks
iPhone 4S.
Had an Xperia play, also known as the PSP phone. It was my first smartphone and it was awesome, until it just broke itself 3 days ago.
( I ain't did nuthin!)
but thanks to insurance i got an Xperia T coming in to replace it. looked it up and its seems like a great upgrade. as long as I can get music on it and watch CR and Youtube I'm good.
iPhone 4, but I cancelled my plan since I don't have a job anymore. So I'm just using my iPod with a free text/calling app.
I had a raZor since 2009 and just about four months ago switch to the Iphone 5. The Att sales Rep, couldn't believe how long my Motorola Razor lasted. My Iphone is amazing, I really enjoy it. Thanks to my dad!!!
Samsung Intensity 2..
Does anyone here still exist?
An iPhone 4 that I hate to death because it's outdated for my type of usage, but I plan on getting an LG Nexus 4 as soon as I have the funds for it, since it's the best, cheapest unlocked phone out there
A dumb phone
aka HTC Wildfire S
I apologize in advance for late responses and dropped conversations.
Iphone 4g xD its stil working fine and i dont mind keeping it xD
An iPhone 5. It's so glorious <3


text:
product description
Related Products:
Arbuckle, Jim, J.S.
Fixed Blade Knives
Work by Journeyman Smiths
Artisan Made
Finish - Satin
Stainless - ATS-34
Stainless Steel
Utility and Fruit Knives
Kitchen Knives
Maker: Jim Arbuckle, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89139
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***Blade length: 4.25 in.Total length: 8.50 in.Blade height (at heel): 1.40 in.Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.09 in.Item weight: 3.44 oz.Blade: ATS-34 stainless steel with a hand-rubbed satin finish, Hrc 59-60Handle: Contoured stabilized spalted sycamore scales set on a full tang
Description: Handmade by Jim Arbuckle, this utility knife is an excellent choice for the chef that wants a knife that is as attractive as it is useful. This piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind - there's not another one like it in the world!
It utilizes a very deep choil, or semi-circular cut-out, in which the forefinger rests comfortably. This makes the knife easy to hold -- even in the demanding environment of a home or commercial kitchen. The blade is made from high performing, low care ATS-34 stainless steel and has a hand-rubbed satin finish. It was hardened and double tempered to Rc 59-60 for excellent edge retention. The smooth spine moves into a serpentine fileworked tang. Spalted sycamore scales have a beautiful contrast of black spalting against pale wood, and are shaped to ensure a comfortable grip. Excellent fit and finish throughout!
Availability: Not currently available


text:
Graduation Application Form
Questions regarding the application for graduation may be directed to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Tips for completing the Application for Graduation:
- Select Semester for Graduation - Even though PRCC only has one official graduation ceremony, graduation for students can be processed three times a year: Summer, Fall, and Spring.
- Select Type of Degree - Students planning to transfer to a four-year university or college will be earning an AA degree. Those in technical programs are earning an AAS degree. Students earning a one-year diploma are earning a certificate.
- Year of Graduation - Type in the actual year you plan to graduate.
- Phi Theta Kappa - If you are a member of Phi Theta Kapp, select Yes.
- Major - Type in your specific major. If you are still undecided, type in General Studies.
- Military Hours - Students who have been in the military should select Yes.
- Baccalaureate Program of Study - If you have been using a catalog from a university in order to determine what you should be taking for your two years at PRCC, select Yes.
- Which University or College - Indicate which university or college catalog you have been using.
- Location of Classes - Indicate at which campus you have taken most of your classes.
- Full Name - Type your full name as you want it to appear on your diploma.
- Student ID - Type your PRCC Student ID.
- E-mail - Type a personal email address where you can be reached after graduation.
- Phone Number - Enter a phone number where you can be reached after graduation
- Address - Enter the address where your diploma will be mailed.
- Hat size in inches - Use the paper ruler to measure the size of your head in inches. You may also use a regular tape measure.
- Chest size in inches - Enter your chest size in inches. Women, your chest size is your bra size without the cup measurements. Men, your chest size is your coat size (example - 40Regular means your chest size is 40).
- Height - Enter your height in feet and inches.
- Weight - Enter your weight in pounds.
- Graduation information - Answer the same as you did on the Graduation Application.


text:
Topeak's DeFender M1/M2 fender set offers durable rain and mud protection on wet and sloppy rides. They're incredibly light and easy-to-use, too. The front installs easily to any standard fork and the rear connects to most seat posts. Their quick-release attachments allow the DeFenders to be installed and removed in seconds.
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The front fender is excellent. It stays in place, covers a good bit of the down tube, and keeps the front 'drippies' from flying up into your path. the rear fender, in my opinion, is worthless. I purchased multiples, thinking perhaps I got a 'lemon' the first time, and that wasn't the case. The rear fender twists side to side far too easily while riding. I ended up buying a totally different rear fender after going through 3 between my wife's bike and mine, none of which would stay properly at all. I'd recommend the front fender without question. I'd absolutely NOT recommend the rear fender, at all.
Best Uses
Just bought this today and had them on the bike in 20 mins. Instructions were a bit confusing, but I managed to figure it out. The front fender has 2 sizes which took the longest to figure out. Front fender install instructions: 1. Remove front and back rear from front fender. 2. Flip bike. 3. Test large widget set in fork. Note: If the widget set is too large, remove the two outside pieces and install small one in. 4. Tighten screw. 5. Flip bike. 6. Add front and rear pieces (front and rear are labeled F and R, respectively on each part of the front fender.
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2013 Lexus LS 460 Values
Select a 2013 Lexus LS 460 trim level
2013 model year changes
Featuring a bold new look, Lexus's flagship luxury sedan has been given a major redesign. Increased body rigidity and chassis refinement mean that the newest LS handles and rides better than last year's model, while a new F Sport trim adds excitement to the lineup. Various technological advancements have also made their way into the redesigned LS including Lexus' latest version of Remote Touch and an available Climate Concierge system for the ultimate in individualized comfort for drivers and passengers.
Competitive comparison
Ultra-luxurious; quick; quiet; plenty of gadgets; Lexus reputation for reliability and resale value
Special features for 2013
The LS is Lexus' most luxurious sedan and is their most expensive car other than the limited edition LF A. However it still costs less than its competitors from BMW and Mercedes. Shoppers looking for large luxury cars expect the best in technology and comfort and the Lexus doesn't disappoint, offering lots of the latest interior amenities. With plenty of different trim levels in the lineup and even a hybrid version, the 2013 LS has a lot of flexibility for tailoring its luxury experience to a wide range of potential buyers.
Completely redesigned for 2013, the Lexus LS 460 is a full-size luxury sedan with seating for five. The LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 357 hp and 344 lb-ft of torque, for a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. The 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission can be paired with either RWD or full time AWD. An extended length L trim is available in both drivetrains. Fuel mileage falls within an EPA estimated range of 16 mpg city to 24 mpg highway, depending on drivetrain selection. Features include advanced parking guidance system, 19-inch wheels, adaptive front lighting system, intuitive parking assist, dynamic radar cruise control, backup camera, power trunk closer, and power door closer. Safety is comprised of advanced airbags, electronic controlled braking, pre-collision system, driver attention monitor, vehicle stability features, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. The LS 460 is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.


text:
Brief SummaryRead full entry
BiologyThis hawk is an active and versatile predator, feeding on invertebrates, small lizards, snakes, rodents, hatchling tortoises and sea turtles as well as the marine iguanas found on the Galapagos Islands. It also takes carrion and is often associated with human camps, where it takes food scraps (5). There are no natural predators of this species on the Galapagos, and they show very little fear of humans (3). Breeding may occur at any time of year (2). This species tends to form long-term groups consisting of one female and several males. The female mates with all of the males, and they all assist in chick rearing. This type of social structure is known as 'co-operative polyandry', polyandry meaning 'many males' (6). Nests are constructed in low branches, on an outcrop of larva or on the ground from sticks, and are lined with grass, bark, leaves and other available soft materials. They are used repeatedly for several years and become increasingly large, often up to 1.2 metres in diameter and three metres in height (3) (5). During courtship, pairs often rise to great heights and descend in criss-crossing flights (5). Mating occurs repeatedly during the day. Although up to two greenish-white eggs are laid, just one chick is usually reared (5). The incubation period lasts 37 to 38 days and the young are fully fledged at 50 to 60 days of age (3).


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Robert Fripp plays Barcelona on 19 April
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Honorary Collaborator
Joined: April 30 2004
Location: United Kingdom
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Points: 1835
Topic: Robert Fripp plays Barcelona on 19 April
Posted: April 17 2007 at 13:41
Firstly, my apologies if this has already been posted on the site. If it hasn't, my apologies also for posting this so late.
Robert Fripp Soundscapes & The League of Crafty Guitarists is playing this Thursday, 19 April at 21:00 at the Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona.
If you can grab a cheap flight to Barcelona for this concert it is worth it just to be in the Palau de la Música Catalana, which is stunning. It's one of the most amazing Art Nouveau buildings in the world and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IYou can book online at http://www.telentrada.com/ or book by telephone +34 902 10 12 12. I have not checked availability of tickets, but the Palau has around 2,200 seats so I doubt there will be a problem.
The weather is great in Barcelona at the moment too, warm and sunny. Pity I'm going to miss the concert myself.
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Joined: September 06 2005
Location: Spain
Status: Offline
Points: 356
|Posted: April 17 2007 at 16:53
I'm in Barcelona right now and I'm going to the Marillion concert on friday but you should have posted this earlier and I would have gone to Fripp's show as well!!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!
By the way: yes, the weather IS GOOD here right now! Too bad it rained all through my easter break....
Edited by Tasartir - April 17 2007 at 16:55
...Histoires Sans Paroles...
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Joined: June 16 2005
Status: Offline
Points: 294
|Posted: April 18 2007 at 05:33
Hi, I will be at Fripp's and also at Marillion's gigs; and I will also be at Roger Waters' at Palau San Jordi saturday night... so this is really the prog weekend in Catalunya.
May I remind the local friends and occasional tourists, the Tiana prog festival is also approaching (5 May): with Pure Reason Revolution, Magenta and IQ.
If you'd like to meet up, you may call me at the Spanish mobile before the gig, especially Marillion's because I will be there alone... it's (+34) 666665264
May I disagree with you Tasartir, the weather is TOO HOT.... I just can't work this morning....
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Joined: June 07 2005
Location: In transition
Status: Offline
Points: 2765
|Posted: April 18 2007 at 05:41
I think Barcelona's attack might be too powerful. I predict a 3 - 0 victory.
Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005
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I have the power!!
The 19th century was a difficult one. France started the century off with a good
deal of bloodshed thanks to a short fellow named Napoleon. The United States had
a civil war. Japan was forced to open itself up to the outside world. China and
Britain clashed in the Opium War. And somewhere, hidden on the secret isle of
Avalon (Mystical resting place of King Arthur), lay the Powerstone, a precious
jewel that had the ability to grant one wish. Fighters from around the world were
given a taste of the Powerstone and felt drawn to battle each other in
order to control its power. I wonder if you can wish for more wishes?
Capcom, the father of fighting games, has made its debut on the Dreamcast with
a fighting game unlike its very popular Street Fighter series. Instead
of the typical two dimensional side view fare that we've come to expect from
a Capcom fighter, Powerstone takes advantage of the Dreamcast's amazing
polygonal engine to bring you a fighting game where the environment is as important
as the fighters themselves. With numerous characters, fast-paced action, and
a variety of weapons to choose from, Powerstone is a strong title for
the new system.
As you might expect from a Dreamcast game, the graphics are smooth and crisp.
Though Capcom decided to still use two dimensional anime-style pictures of the
characters for the opening movie, there isn't a sprite to be found once you
start the game. Everything is polygonal, including the characters, arenas, and
all the different weapons. And for good reason, too . . .
Powerstone can best be compared to Super
Smash Bros. for the N64. Instead of relying on a ton of individual moves
for each character, the focus is shifted to how the characters interact with
the environment. Each arena has a number of weapons laying around, but don't
think you're limited to just using those. Anything can be a weapon, from the
pillar in the middle of the room to the ceiling fan on the roof above.
The arenas themselves are unlike anything you've seen before. Where Super
Smash Bros. presented polygonal characters fighting in a two dimensional
field, Powerstone uses an isometric vantage point. You can not only jump
on platforms to get the vertical drop on your opponent, but also move in and
out of the screen attacking from odd angles. Worried you're going to get beaten?
Try climbing up a tree to escape your opponent's flying fists.
Battles are most often decided,
however, by the person who controls the Powerstone. Each round, each
character starts with one colored Powerstone, while a third appears in
the arena about 10 seconds into the round. Characters can steal each other's
stones by beating each other up. Once a character collects all three stones,
they transform into a more powerful being. When your opponent transforms, there's
only one thing to do . . . run. With some epic, over-the-top moves that utterly
devastate the enemy, the use of the Powerstone is a neat new addition
that makes think while you're playing.
While the weapon and object interaction is neat, the basic moves of the characters
leave a little to be desired. The moves are so simplistic that anyone can pick
up the game and kick some butt without much practice. While fine for beginners,
it lacks the depth that most fighting games have. Very few gamers are going
to spend hours upon hours playing it (*cough* Soul
Calibur *cough*).
Powerstone is a fast-paced fighting game that's sure to entertain almost
every gamer. With plenty of weapons, well-designed arenas, and the excellent
implementation of the Powerstone during the battles, this is a refreshing
new game from Capcom. Though more advanced gamers might wish that there were
some more complicated moves, the ease of Powerstone makes it great for
multi-player. This is a strong title and a great addition to the launch


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Some of us use our camera phones to take photos and edit them on the fly. Some others prefer to use a real camera and edit them professionally, using a photography software on their computers. Whoever you are, there is a solution out there for you, but this special giveaway I'm running today is specifically for PC users -- a free copy of Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3. What does it do? Well, good question - as the software title states, it puts you in the director chair and helps you manage your photos, edit, enhance and so much more.
Rated 4.5 stars by CNET, Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3 is an easy-to-use photography software for beginners and intermediate users alike. From the moment you import your photos - whether that be via your camera phone or an SD card, you can easily transform your photos into professional-looking photos in just a few clicks. Do you have facial blemishes you want to cover up? This software can do that for you and make those imperfections disappear - just like how they do it for celebrities in magazines.
Best of all, it's free for a limited time only. The product is normally priced at $149.95, but for 48 hours only, I'm bringing you an exclusive giveaway of Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3, so make sure you grab a free copy for yourself and see how this software can help you easily manage and edit your photos. Just a few housekeeping notes here -- this product only works on a PC and as always, you need to submit your email address in order to receive the instructions and the license key. Once you receive this confirmation email, you will need to download the file and enter in the license key you received in that same email. It will then unlock the full features of Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3 for you. Grab a copy for yourself, share it with your friends, and feel free to send me all the amazing photos you've created with this software. I'd love to see the before and after pictures if you don't mind sharing them with me.
This offer is exclusively available on CNET for 48 hours only or whenever we run out. Offer ends at 11:59pm PT on Friday, February 1, 2013.


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Browse by Medical Category
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Researchers identify genetic markers of drug sensitivity in cancer cells
In the largest study of its kind, researchers have profiled genetic changes in cancer with drug sensitivity in order to develop a personalized approach to cancer treatments. The study will be published in March 29, 2012 issue of Nature.The team uncovered hundreds of associations between mutations in cancer genes and sensitivity to anticancer drugs. One of the key responses the team found was that cells from a childhood bone cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, respond to a drug that is currently used in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers. The lowered toxicity of this treatment may mean it is a safer alternative therapy for children and young adults with this aggressive cancer.There is an intimate relationship between the way a drug works and the genetic changes present in cancers. This study found that sensitivity to most anticancer drugs is influenced by mutations in cancer genes and establishes the utility of using large-scale studies to identify these associations and build them into improved patient treatment."Our key focus is to find how to use cancer therapeutics in the most effective way by correctly targeting patients that are most likely to respond to a specific therapy," explains Mathew Garnett, PhD, first author from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. "We studied how genetic changes in a panel of more than 600 cancer cell lines affect responses to 130 anticancer drugs, making it the largest study of this type to date."The team identified biological markers of drug sensitivity to a broad range of cancer drugs. Most of the cancer genes analyzed, including those not known to be direct targets of the drugs tested, were associated with either sensitivity or resistance to at least one of the drugs analysed."Our research has taken us down unknown paths to find associations that are completely novel," says Cyril Benes, PhD, senior author from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center. "We have identified hundreds of associations, many of which we still don't fully understand. We identified a novel indication for the use of PARP inhibitors – anticancer drugs currently used to treat breast and ovarian cancers – for the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma."Ewing's sarcoma is a cancer of children and young adults with a 15 percent five-year survival rate in patients where the cancer has spread or who have relapsed after chemotherapy. The use of PARP inhibitors could represent a new treatment option for Ewing's sarcoma patients, and these compounds will now be tested in clinical trials to assess their therapeutic benefit. "Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies are already being translated into the large-scale detection of cancer gene mutations in the clinic," says Ultan McDermott, MD, PhD, senior author from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. "There is a compelling need to identify, in a systematic fashion, whether observed mutations affect the likelihood of a patient's response to a given drug treatment. We have therefore developed a unique online open-access resource for the research and medical community that can be used to optimize the clinical application of cancer drugs as well as the design of clinical trials of investigational compounds being developed as treatments."The team hopes their open-access database will be an important resource for the cancer research community and will ultimately lead to improved treatments for patients. This research program is a unique Wellcome Trust-funded 5-year collaboration between The Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center."Our work is helping to move cancer therapeutics away from the conventional tissue-based treatment to a more molecular-based treatment," says Daniel Haber, MD, PhD, senior author, MGH Cancer Center. "The next steps for this collaborative project are to evaluate some of the key findings using tumor samples and test new candidate therapeutic strategies in clinical trials so we can hopefully improve the way we treat cancer patients. We are continuing our screening effort, in particular using drug combinations to discover innovative and better therapeutic options."This work was supported by a grant from the WellcomeTrust and by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and a Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist Fellowship.Massachusetts General Hospital founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $750 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine. The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world's leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease.
Katie Marquedant, (617) 726-0337, email@example.com
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Don Powell, (44) 122-349-6928, firstname.lastname@example.com
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Comedians can be as offensive as they want, because they're comedians. Unlike news organizations or politicians, comedians don't have an obligation to serve a public or a citizenry. Their primary function is to entertain -- and sometimes that means turning a few people off.
Still, that doesn't mean that their words don't shape the way we think. That's why I want to take a moment to talk about how often the phrase "illegal immigrant" has been used in recent comedic bits, despite the fact that about half of American Latinos find the term offensive.
A number of comedians (including some I really love!), like Jimmy Fallon and Ricky Gervais, have used the term "illegal immigrant" as shorthand for immigrants without authorization, in recent weeks. Jimmy Fallon has used the term at least four times (five times if you count using it twice in one sentence) in the past couple of months in his opening monologue.
Here's the rundown:
On January 15th, he joked: "The president will push for a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. Obama says it's all part of his plan to give every man, woman, and child the chance to pay more taxes."
On January 31st he said, "A bipartisan group of senators has unveiled a plan that would create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Or as immigrants call that, 'a tunnel.'"
On March 1st he used the following joke in his opening monologue: "New spending cuts allowed 300 illegal immigrants to be released from jail in Arizona. Or as officials put it, 'Catch ya later.'"
And on March 19th, he opened with, "Today Kentucky Senator Rand Paul announced that he supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, or as illegal immigrants put it 'Who do you think is gonna build that path?"
It's not just Fallon, though.
Last month, on Valentine's Day, Ricky Gervais tweeted "Guys, show how much you love you [sic] wife tonight in the restaurant by buying a dead rose from the illegal immigrant who pops in." The tweet, which went out to over 4 million Twitter followers, got thousands of retweets, but was soon deleted. Latino Rebels blog was none too happy, and tweeted, "Dear @rickygervais we captured your original "illegal immigrant" tweet. Why did you delete it from your stream?" They never got a response.
I've never really wanted to play the role of humor police. But to me, it doesn't seem "illegal immigrant" is being used deliberately in the place of other phrases like "unauthorized immigrants" or "undocumented immigrants" in the aforementioned instances. Rather, it seems Fallon and friends simply don't know -- they don't know that the term is off-putting to many people because it demeans and dehumanizes. Whereas comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart ironically use phrases like "the illegals" and "illegal aliens" to satirize the Republican party's stance on immigration, Fallon's use of "illegal immigrant" in context doesn't seem to be satire, but only part of a setup for his punchlines.
This is why I conclude that, maybe Fallon's writers room just doesn't know. Maybe they don't know that a coalition of linguists have come out against the word because it is neither neutral nor accurate. Or perhaps they haven't heard of the growing Drop The I-Word campaign, hosted by the ColorLines blog, and championed by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jose Antonio Vargas.
In recent years, many journalists, linguists, politicians,and activists have stood up against the term, vowing to ensure that their own outlets stop using it.
Last year, we wrote about how major news outlets, including CNN, NBC News (the same station which airs Fallon's show), ABC, Univision, Fox News Latino, and the Huffington Post, among others, have vowed to drop the term due to its demeaning undertones. We have also written about how many of the newsrooms that still use the term (like the Associated Press and the New York Times) lack Hi ic leadership and/or newsroom diversity. We've too have written about how most of the nation's top college newspapers have banned the term 'illegal immigrant' from their pages.
Still, the word has persisted in the realm of comedy, especially on Fallon's show. It's hard for me to imagine that if half of Caucasian Americans were offended by the phrase that it would still be used casually by mainstream media outlets and comedians on popular late night talk shows.
So, Jimmy Fallon, I love you, but please -- drop the term?


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It's Product Review Friday again and this is Week 2 of our 3rd annual Holiday Gift Giving Guide.
This week we welcome back two manufacturers we've reviewed before — Digital Playground and System JO. To view the previous reviews for these two companies, just search for their names using the search function in the header.
JO H2O Flavored Sweet Pomegranate —— $15.07
JO H2O Flavored Tangerine Dream —— $15.07
Gina & Kevin
Gina: "Gosh, it's been a whole month since Kevin and I posted a review. Where does the time go?"
Kevin: "And we've back at it with a bang too, because we have a couple of nice personal lubes to tell you about. They are flavored water-based lubes from System JO. I have no idea what that name means, but the lubes we have are great."
Gina: "I can't figure out the name either, nor have I ever heard of this company before. But it is clear that they know what they are doing, both in terms of product development and packaging."
Kevin: "The two flavors we have to show you today are — H2O Flavored Sweet Pomegranate and H2O Flavored Tangerine Dream. They are just two of the half dozen or so flavors available."
Gina: "These fruity flavored lubes are all latex safe (think condoms) and non-staining. They hold up really well in terms of consistency, even with vigorous use. I didn't notice any stickiness or tackiness, which is often the downfall of other water-based lubes we've tried. You should also know that both of these products contain parabens and glycerin. Now, that's not a problem for me necessarily, but I know that a lot of other people want, and often must, avoid these dubious ingredients. If you are one such person, you'll need to avoid these products."
Kevin: "I was impressed with the taste of each, which kind of surprised me. I'm not one for flavored stuff that masks the raw taste of sex. But, like I said, these were fine; although the Sweet Pomegranate is really sweet. There wasn't any cloying after taste though. Maybe that's because these products don't contain artificial sweeteners."
Gina: "Yeah, sweeteners in a lube would be a disaster. Just think of the yeast infections. Like I said above, I really like the packaging. It's playful and stylish all at the same time. And the packages are color-coded to match the flavor."
Kevin: "I liked the unique pop-top lid. It makes for easy one-handed use. That probably doesn't sound like a big thing, but it is. I hate having to totally interrupt the action just to handle a bottle of lube."
Full Review HERE!
JO Premium Women —— $22.39
JO H2O Women —— $11.66
Joy & Dixie
Joy: "We're back with two more amazing products from the System JO people. You probably saw the reviews we did just a couple of weeks ago for their Clitoral Gel, right?"
Dixie: "I should mention from the start of this review that both Joy and I are total lube snobs. I figure ya gotta be since there is so much questionable stuff on the market these days."
Joy: "Absolutely! Listen, folks you need some standards when it comes to products that you will use on and IN your body. You certainly don't want to be at the mercy of unscrupulous manufacturers. Be informed and choose your products wisely; it's the only way to protect yourself."
Dixie: "The two products we have today are very similar. The JO Premium Women is a silicone-based lubricant; the JO H2O Women is the water-based product. Both were developed for women by women and contain vegetable-based glycerin as opposed to animal-based glycerin. This should waylay any concerns some might have about yeast infections associated with animal-based glycerin."
Joy: "While we're on the topic of ingredients, I should point out that the JO H2O Women product contains parabens. Again, some women may be sensitive to that. Parabens, as you may know, are preservatives and you can't have a water-based lube without some kind of preservative, because it will go bad."
Dixie: "What's so remarkable about both the JO Premium Women and the JO H2O Women is that they both feel so much alike. Both are very slick and slippery. Both feel like silicone. The JO Premium Women for obvious reasons, it is silicone-based after all. But the JO H2O Women is nearly identical in its consistency. And both last and last."
Full Review HERE!
Pirates Pendant Vibe – Black —— $19.99
When I got home from Dr Dick's with our monthly allotment of review products I was arranging the booty on the dining room table when my partner, Jack, came in the room. "Look what we scored this time," I proudly announced as I waved my hand over all the goodies. The only thing I was unclear on was the Pirates Pendant Vibe. I mean, I understood the pendant vibe part; I just couldn't figure out the pirate part. Jack had to tell me about the Digital Playground movie series, Pirates."
Ok, I confess, porn is not my thing; I've never really been interested. But that's fine, because Jack consumes enough porn for the both of us. And apparently, from the way he went on and on about Pirates, it's one of his favorites.
While I can't be accused of being a fan of the movies, I do count myself among the fans of the Pirates Pendant Vibe. It's a kicky little bullet vibe that doubles as a pendent jewelry. Once Jack filled me in on the theme of the movies, I understood the fun pirate designs that decorate the vibe.
It is remarkably quiet, very discreet and attractive in its own way. The vibe has multiple vibration patterns, five to be precise. And you cycle through them with the one-touch button situated at the top of the vibe. It is amazing on my clit.
Full Review HERE!
Janine's Pirates Cove Rocket —— $34.99
I've never seen any of the Digital Playground Pirates movies, so the packaging for Janine's Pirates Cove Rocket was pretty much lost on me. Don't get me wrong; it's stylish and the model on the cover, Janine, in her pirate rig is very sexy and not in an off-putting way either.
The Pirates Cove Rocket is also attractive. It's molded from what appears to be hard plastic, but it has a cream-colored coating on it that makes it pleasantly soft to the touch. I couldn't find any information on the materials used in this product either on the package or the Digital Playground website. However, the package does say that it is phthalate free.
In keeping with the theme, the Pirates Cove Rocket is decorated with an abundance of what looks like those temporary tattoos you sometimes see in the stores. Of course, the images include a traditional scull and crossbones, an anchor and crossed pirate sabers, but there's also hearts, a fish, flowers and stars. It's a very busy design that will, no doubt, appeal to some. The base of the vibe is encrusted with rhinestones to further the pirate treasure theme, I guess.
The Pirates Cove Rocket is powered by two C-batteries, which are not included in the package. This adds a nice heft to the vibe and also makes for a more powerful vibration that lasts for a longer time than what smaller sized batteries could offer. The Pirates Cove Rocket also has three speeds and two variable vibrations. I confess to being impressed with the level of vibration, but the one button operation, at the base of the vibe, leaves a great deal to be desired. They've thoughtfully included a black satin storage/travel pouch too. It's the kind of special touch you'd find with a more expensive vibrator, so I thought it was interesting that the manufacturer decided to go the distance with this product.
Full Review HERE!


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How to change the line colour of a digital image
Brought to you by our lovely Navy Wife - Leesa.. :)
Please click on the pictures to bring them up larger...
1.Insert your picture into you software program – I am using Microsoft Word 2007 and for this tutorial and I am using the border from The Crafty Pad Designs - Butterfly and Verse set.
2. Place the mouse cursor over the picture and right click. This will bring up a side toolbar as shown in picture 1. Click on the 'FORMAT' option as red circle highlighted in picture 1.
3. This will then display the formatting toolbox as shown in picture 2. From the selection menu on the left, select 'PICTURE' and left mouse click to show the editing toolbar as shown in Picture 2.
4. Select the colour you would like from the selections under the 'LIGHT VARIATIONS' – this will change the line colour to the colour you have chosen. The 'Dark Variations' selections will change the background, white space and the image to the chosen colour. As you can see in Picture 3, I have chosen to change my image lines to red.
5. You can also manually adjust the colour of the lines more by adjusting the settings on the brightness and contrast settings using the arrows. As you can see in picture 4 my image is now a more vibrate red.
6. Once you have your preferred colour, 'CLOSE' the dialog box and you are ready to re-size and print your image.


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This web page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being updated. Newer data is available on the STD Data and Statistics page.
Syphilis, a genital ulcerative disease, causes significant complications if untreated and facilitates the transmission of HIV. Untreated early syphilis in pregnant women results in perinatal death in up to 40% of cases and, if acquired during the four years preceding pregnancy, may lead to infection of the fetus in 80% of cases.1
The rate of P&S syphilis reported in the United States decreased during the 1990s; in 2000, the rate was the lowest since reporting began in 1941 (Figure 30). The low rate of infectious syphilis and the concentration of the majority of syphilis cases in a small number of geographic areas in the United States led to the development of the CDC's National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis, which was announced by Surgeon General David Satcher in October 1999 and revised in May 2006.2
Although the rate of P&S syphilis in the United States declined 89.7% between 1990 and 2000, the rate of P&S syphilis increased annually between 2001 and 2008. Overall increases in rates between 2001 and 2008 were observed primarily among men (increasing from 3.0 cases per 100,000 population to 7.6 cases per 100,000 population). After persistent declines from 1992 to 2003, the rate of P&S syphilis among women increased from 0.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2004 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2008.
Syphilis remains an important problem in the South and in urban areas in other regions of the country. Increases in cases among MSM (including men who have sex with women and men) have occurred and have been characterized by high rates of HIV co-infection and high-risk sexual behaviors.3-7 The estimated proportion of P&S syphilis cases attributable to MSM increased from 4% in 2000 to 62% in 2004.8, 9 In 2005, CDC requested that all state health departments report sex of sex partners for persons with syphilis. In 2008, 63% of those P&S syphilis cases in 44 states and Washington, D.C. with available information were among MSM. Of reported male cases with P&S syphilis, sex of partner information in 2008 was available for 80%.
Syphilis—All Stages (P&S, Early Latent, Late, Late Latent, Congenital)
Between 2007 and 2008, the number of cases of early latent syphilis reported to CDC increased 15.2% (from 10,768 to 12,401), while the number of cases of late and late latent syphilis increased 9.3% (from 18,256 to 19,945) (Table 1). The total number of cases of syphilis (all stages: P&S, early latent, late, late latent, and congenital syphilis) reported to CDC increased 13.1% (from 40,921 to 46,277) between 2007 and 2008 (Table 1).
P&S Syphilis—United States
In 2008, P&S syphilis cases reported to CDC increased to 13,500 from 11,466 in 2007, an increase of 17.7%. The rate of P&S syphilis in the United States in 2008 (4.5 cases per 100,000 population) was 18.4% higher than the rate in 2007 (3.8 cases per 100,000 population) (Figure 30, Table 1).
P&S Syphilis by Region
The South accounted for 49.7% of the P&S syphilis cases in 2008 and 48.8% in 2007. Between 2007 and 2008, rates increased 19.6% in the South (from 5.1 to 6.1 cases per 100,000 population), 8.8% in the Northeast (from 3.4 to 3.7), 7.5% in the West (from 4.0 to 4.3) and 36.8% in the Midwest (from 1.9 to 2.6) (Figure 32, Table 25).
P&S Syphilis by State
In 2008, P&S syphilis rates in three states were less than or equal to the HP 2010 target of 0.2 case per 100,000 population (Figure 33, Table 24). Four states reported five or fewer cases of P&S syphilis in 2008 (Table 24) (See the Appendix [Interpreting STD Surveillance Data section] for an explanation of HP2010 target setting methods).
P&S Syphilis by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
The rate of P&S syphilis in 2008 for the 50 most populous MSAs (6.2) exceeded the HP 2010 target of 0.2 case per 100,000 population (Table 28).
P&S Syphilis by County
In 2008, 2,180 of 3,141 counties (69.3%) in the United States reported no cases of P&S syphilis compared with 2,275 (72.4%) in 2007. Of 966 counties reporting at least one case of P&S syphilis in 2008, four (0.4%) had rates at or below the HP2010 target of 0.2 cases per 100,000 population. Rates of P&S syphilis were above the HP2010 target for 962 counties in 2008 (Figure 34). These 962 counties (30.6% of the total number of counties in the United States) accounted for over 99.9% of the total P&S syphilis cases reported in 2008. In 2008, half of the total number of P&S syphilis cases were reported from 26 counties and two cities (Table 31).
P&S Syphilis by Sex
The rate of P&S syphilis increased 15.2% among men (from 6.6 cases to 7.6 cases per 100,000 men) between 2007 and 2008 (Figure 31, Table 27). During this time, the rate increased 36.4% among women from 1.1 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 women (Figure 31, Table 26).
P&S Syphilis by Age
In 2008, the rate of P&S syphilis was highest in persons in the 20- to 24-year-old and 25- to 29-year-old age groups (11.4 and 10.7 cases per 100,000 population, respectively) (Table 33 and Figure 35–37).
Between 2007 and 2008, P&S syphilis rates in most age groups among men and women increased (Table 33 and Figures 35–37).
P&S Syphilis by Race/Ethnicity
From 2007 to 2008, the rate of P&S syphilis increased in all racial and ethnic groups except American Indian/Alaska Natives (Figure 38). The rate increased 10.0% among non-Hispanic whites (from 2.0 to 2.2 cases per 100,000 population), 25.4% among blacks (from 13.8 to 17.3), 11.9% among Hispanics (from 4.2 to 4.7), and 25.0% among Asian/Pacific Islanders (from 1.2 to 1.5). The rate decreased 32.4% (from 3.4 to 2.3 cases per 100,000 population) among American Indian/Alaska Natives (Table 34B).
P&S Syphilis by Sex and Sex Behavior
The male-to-female rate ratio for P&S syphilis has risen steadily since 1996, when it was 1.2, consistent with an increase in MSM (Figure 31). In 2008, however, the rate of P&S syphilis in males was 5.1 times that in females, a small decrease from 6.0 in 2007.
In 2005, CDC began collecting information on sex partners of patients with P&S syphilis. In 2008, this information was available for 80% of male cases.
In 2008, the stage of disease was reported as follows: among heterosexual men (men who have sex with women exclusively) with P&S syphilis, 41.6% had primary syphilis and 58.4% had secondary syphilis. Among female patients, 16.6% had primary syphilis and 83.4% had secondary syphilis. Among MSM with P&S syphilis, 24.5% had primary syphilis and 75.5% had secondary syphilis (Figure 39).
Of females with P&S syphilis, 22.4% were white, 64.4% were black, 9.7% were Hispanic, and 3.6% were of other races/ethnicities. Of heterosexual men, 16.9% were white, 65.8% were black, 13.4% were Hispanic, and 3.9% were of other races/ethnicities. Of MSM, 41.2% were white, 33.6% were black, 18.8% were Hispanic, and 6.4% were of other races/ethnicities (Figure 40).
P&S Syphilis by Race/Ethnicity and Sex
From 2007 to 2008, the P&S syphilis rate among non-Hispanic white males increased 8.1% (from 3.7 to 4.0), and increased among non-Hispanic white females as well (from 0.4 to 0.5). The rate increased 22.3% among black males (from 22.9 to 28.0) and 38.2% among black females (from 5.5 to 7.6). The rate increased 12.3% among Hispanic males (from 7.3 to 8.2), and 25.0% among Hispanic females (from 0.8 to 1.0). The rate increased 25.0% for Asian/Pacific Island males (from 2.4 to 3.0), but remained unchanged for Asian/Pacific Island females (0.1). The rate decreased 23.8% among American Indian/Alaska Native males (from 4.2 to 3.2) and decreased 46.2% among American Indian/Alaska Native females (from 2.6 to 1.4) (Table 34B).
P&S Syphilis by Race/Ethnicity, Age, and Sex
In 2008, the rate of P&S syphilis among blacks was highest among women 20 to 24 years of age (25.3–a 59.1% increase from 15.3 in 2007) and among men 20 to 24 years of age (75.1–a 31% increase from 57.2 in 2007) and 25 to 29 years of age (65.6–an 18% increase from 55.5 in 2007). For non-Hispanic whites, the rate was highest among women 20 to 24 years of age (1.4) and among men 40 to 44 years of age (9.8). For Hispanics, the rate was highest among women 20 to 24 years of age (2.8) and among men 35 to 39 years of age (16.3). For Asian/Pacific Islanders, the rate was highest among women 25 to 29 years of age (0.7) and among men 30 to 34 years of age (7.5). For American Indian/Alaska Natives, the rate was highest among women 30 to 34 years of age (4.0) and among men 25 to 29 years of age (11.7) (Table 34B).
P&S Syphilis by Reporting Source
In 1990, 25.6% of P&S syphilis cases were reported from sources other than STD clinics; this figure increased to 39.2% in 1998. Between 1998 and 2008, the proportion of P&S syphilis cases reported from sources other than STD clinics increased from 39.2% to 66.0% (Figure 41 and Table A2). Between 2001 and 2008, the number of cases among males reported from non-STD clinic sources increased sharply while the number from STD clinics increased only slightly (Figure 41 ).
During 2008, patients with P&S syphilis primarily sought care with private physicians or STD clinics. More cases of syphilis among MSM were reported from private physicians (36.9%) than STD clinics (30.2%) (Figure 42). More cases among women and heterosexual men were reported from STD clinics than private physicians.
Congenital Syphilis—United States
The rate of congenital syphilis remained unchanged between 2007 and 2008 (10.1 cases per 100,000 live births) although there was a 16% rate increase between 2006 and 2007 (Table 40). In 2008, 431 cases were reported (the same number reported in 2007), an increase from 372 in 2006. The increase in the rate of congenital syphilis since 2005 when the rate reached a nadir at 8.2 cases per 100,000 live births may relate to the increase in the rate of P&S syphilis among women that has occurred since 2004 (Figure 43).
In 2008, 27 states and one outlying area had one or more cases of congenital syphilis (Tables 39 and 40).
Syphilis among Special Populations
Additional information about syphilis and congenital syphilis in racial and ethnic minority populations, adolescents, MSM, and other at-risk populations is found in the Special Focus Profiles.
Syphilis Summary
In recent years, MSM have accounted for an increasing number of syphilis cases in the United States;9 63% of reported P&S syphilis cases in the United States are among MSM, based on information from 44 states and Washington, D.C. Although the majority of U.S. syphilis cases have occurred among MSM, syphilis among heterosexuals is an emerging problem.10
1 Ingraham NR. The value of penicillin alone in the prevention and treatment of congenital syphilis. Acta Derm Venereol 1951, 31 (suppl 24):60–88.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the United States. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; May 2006
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Resurgent bacterial sexually transmitted disease among men who have sex with men–King County, Washington, 1997–1999. MMWR 1999;48:773–777
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreak of syphilis among men who have sex with men–Southern California, 2000. MMWR 2001;50(7):117–20.
5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Primary and secondary syphilis among men who have sex with men–New York City, 2001. MMWR 2002;51:853–6.
6 Chen SY, Gibson S, Katz MH, Klausner JD, Dilley JW, Schwarcz SK, Kellogg TA, McFarland W. Continuing increases in sexual risk behavior and sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men: San Francisco, California, 1999–2001 [Letter]. Am J Public Health 2002;92:1387–8.
7 D'Souza G, Lee JH, Paffel JM. Outbreak of syphilis among men who have sex with men in Houston, Texas. Sex Transm Dis 2003;30:872–3.
8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Primary and secondary syphilis–United States, 2003–2004. MMWR 2006;55:269–73.
9 Heffelfinger JD, Swint EB, Berman SM, Weinstock HS. Trends in primary and secondary syphilis among men who have sex with men in the United States. Am J Public Health 2007;97:1076–1083.
10 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Primary and secondary syphilis—Jefferson County, Alabama, 2002–2007. MMWR 2009;58:463–467.
- Page last reviewed: November 16, 2009 (archived document)
- Content source:


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Is there any correlation between total dissolved solids and water hardness?
Two atoms were sitting in a bar, talking over a beer. One atom says to the other, "How's it going?"The other atom replies, "Not so good, I'm afraid.""Oh yeah, what seems to be the problem?""I lost an electron the other day.""Oh man, that's not good at all! Are you sure?""Yep, I'm positive."


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Printing & Scanning
Public printing is available to self-service black-and-white or color laser printers near the information desk. Print jobs are held in the print queue for 24 hours. All campus printing is on 100% recycled paper and defaults to double-sided. (Users may also select single sided printing.)
Printing From Your Laptop
Users may download a print driver from Dawg Prints to print directly from their own laptops.
Paying for Printing
- Black-and-white prints are 12¢ for a single-sided page and 23¢ for a double-sided page.
- Color prints are 50¢ for a single-sided page and $1.00 for a double-sided page.
- UW students, faculty, or staff pay with your UW Husky Card. Add funds to your account on the Husky Card Account website, at add-value stations located at Suzzallo/Allen Library, Odegaard Library, Health Sciences Library, and William H. Gates Hall, at the Husky Card Account office below the Odegaard Library,or at any residence hall front desk.
- Non-UW users may purchase a $5 Dawg Prints Card that may be used for campus printing, photocopying, campus food services and more.
Paperless Options
The Access+ workstations (limited to current University of Washington students, faculty and staff) have CD burners and USB ports. All public workstations have the same options. We have four small scanners attached to Access+ computers. Our new book scanner is larger and does not require a UW login. It will send scans to an e-mail you supply, save them to a USB drive, or send them to the printer.
We no longer have a photocopy machine. You can use our new book scanning station to send scans directly to the printer, no UW login required.


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Skip to comments.U.S. prison frees terrorist who plotted to kill Golda Meir
Posted on 02/20/2009 10:14:00 PM PST by Cindy
SNIPPET: "A Black September terrorist who served only about half his 30-year sentence for planting three car bombs in New York City in 1973 was released Thursday into the custody of immigration officials to be deported.
Khalid Al-Jawary, 63, was released from the Supermax maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado, said Carl Rusnok, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman. Rusnok said a federal immigration judge had signed a deportation order for Al-Jawary."
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
I guess he claims asylum next? The evil Jews and all..
The False Messiah has his new Ambassador to Israel right here.
"At the time of the failed hit, he was working for Abu Iyad, a top commander in Fatah, the Palestine Liberation Organization's military wing.
Iyad was killed in Tunisia by a rival Palestinian faction in 1991. Al-Jawary was apprehended passing through Rome in January 1991 to attend Iyad's funeral. Iyad was believed to have helped plan the Munich murders.
Retired FBI agents John Syron and Jim Phelan, who worked the case in 1973, said freeing Al-Jawary was a mistake. The bombs would have killed many people if they had gone off, they said."
So everytime I feel sad it is the jews fault. Just like mohammed the pig fu**** said. My how enlightened I feel now. Show me some more you infidel whore...
Mohammadanism is a mental disease.
Wow! Not the kind of guy I want roaming around my neighborhood.
I feel sorry for people who suffer from mental diseases for the most part. I feel nothing for muslims. Human wise it simply isn't there.
Always a hope one can get to their children and turn them away from the hate, but it will take a very long time and too many lack the courage to take a stand against this evil.
I can't begin to speculate on the denazification after WWII. Multiplying it, the social and the physical, by 30 sounds about correct when applied to islam in it's current state.
Yup. And, of course, Naziism was just repackaged Mohammadanism for the Germans. Now they're not even bothering with the pretty Aryan wrapping paper.
Thanks very much for posting and for the link at #7.
You're welcome PGalt.
BLACK SEPTEMBER!!?? (...you know, behind the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre?)
He forgot to mention who it is who would be *shifting* the political winds.
But then, you don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows, do you Barry?
(...and how clever of the annointed one to chose *this* group to start, so he can play the Race card at any squawks, and the inbred mouth-breathers in the press and the Ivy League will report the racism charge as gospel. "Rich, ignorant, and easily led.")
I smell the hand of Ayers. Have you heard the joke?
Of course they have the 'cover' of the poor economic conditions in the US.
"G'tmo Alleged Terror Planner Released, All Charges Dropped. Don't You Feel Safer?"
Vocal Minority ^ | 2/23/09 | EricTheRed_VocalMinority
Posted on February 23, 2009 5:51:33 PM PST by EricTheRed_VocalMinority
"Mystery terrorist in NYC plot deported to Sudan"
By ADAM GOLDMAN and RANDY HERSCHAFT, Associated Press Writers 2 hrs
SNIPPET: "NEW YORK A recently released Black September terrorist convicted of placing three powerful car bombs in New York City in 1973 has been deported to Sudan, an African nation that once sheltered Osama bin Laden and other terrorists.
Khalid Al-Jawary, 63, was flown out of Denver International Airport on Thursday and arrived Tuesday in Khartoum, said Carl Rusnok, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman."
Note: The following text is a quote:
ICE deports convicted terrorist to Sudan after he serves 15 years in prison
DENVER - Deportation officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported convicted terrorist Khalid Dahham Al-Jawary, 61, to Khartoum, Sudan, via Denver International Airport. He arrived in Sudan, under ICE escort, about 2 p.m. (MST) on Tuesday.
Al-Jawary, a native of the Palestinian Territories, possesses dual citizenship with Iraq and Jordan. As a convicted terrorist, who tried to bomb three buildings in New York City in 1973, he served 15 years at the U.S. Prison (USP), Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX), Florence, Colo. After completing about half of his 30-year awarded sentence, Al-Jawary was transferred to ICE custody Feb. 19 to await his deportation.
Al-Jawary entered the United States in 1973 with a visa obtained using a fraudulent Iraqi passport. Soon after arriving, he attempted to bomb three New York City buildings using a large car bomb at each location. His targets included: the Israel Discount Bank, the Israeli Bank and Trust Company, and the El Al Airlines cargo facility at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The timing of the planned explosions coincided with the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to the United States on March 4, 1973. The bombs, however, inexplicably failed to detonate.
Al-Jawary fled the United States before authorities discovered the car bombs. He was indicted in absentia in the Eastern District of New York on May 17 and 23, 1973. He evaded prosecution for nearly two decades until he was detained in 1991 by Italian authorities while attempting to transit through Rome using a fraudulent Jordanian passport. The FBI transported Al-Jawary back to the United States in April 1992 to face trial. He was convicted by jury on April 16, 1993 on three counts of attempting to destroy property with an explosive device.
Al-Jawary is also suspected of having ties to Black September's letter-bombing campaign targeting world leaders in the 1970s, as well as the 1974 bombing of a TWA flight that killed 88 people.
In a sworn statement to the then Immigration and Naturalization Service in December 2000, Al-Jawary admitted his membership in the PLO and Hamas. A federal immigration judge ordered Al-Jawary's deportation on Jan. 24, 2001. Al-Jawary waived appeal of his deportation order.
As circumstances dictate, with the concurrence and coordination with the individual country, ICE routinely deports aliens to locations other than their country of origin.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Conway Files Suit against Daymar College
Attorney General Jack Conway today filed suit in Daviess County against the owners and operators of Daymar College over allegations the for-profit college violated Kentucky's Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit alleges that Daymar Learning, Inc., Daymar Learning of Paducah, Inc., Draughons Junior College, Inc., Daymar Colleges Group LLC, Daymar Holdings, Inc. and the president of these companies, Mark Gabis, violated the Consumer Protection Act by engaging in unfair, false, misleading, and deceptive trade practices.
The Attorney General's investigation of Daymar College predates the announced investigation into six other for-profit colleges in December of 2010. General Conway's concerns about the for-profit college industry stem in-part from his investigation into Daymar College and investigations of Decker College and the American Justice School of Law. He also continues to lead a national bipartisan effort, which now includes 19 states, to examine potential abuses within the industry.
"As Attorney General, it is my job to ensure that businesses operating in Kentucky are following our Consumer Protection laws," General Conway said. "It is also my duty to ensure that consumers are not being taken advantage of as a result of unfair or false business practices."
The Office of Attorney General received information in 2008 that Daymar College was preventing students from buying their textbooks and supplies cheaper from other sources. The allegation prompted the Attorney General's office to issue subpoenas and civil investigative demands (CIDs) to Daymar College in 2009 and 2010. The Attorney General's investigation concluded that Daymar College had been engaged in a sophisticated practice of deceiving and misleading students about their textbooks and financial aid so that students would be forced into purchasing books and supplies from Daymar College at prices substantially higher than other vendors. The complaint alleges that the defendants' actions also amount to an unlawful restraint on trade.
Additionally, the Attorney General alleges that the defendants provide false and misleading information to students about the transferability of credits earned at Daymar College. In addition to telling students their credits will transfer, the complaint alleges that the written information Daymar College provides to students about the transferability of credits omits the material information that credits are not likely to transfer to other schools.
The complaint further alleges that some of the programs offered at Daymar College do not meet the standards of its institutional accrediting organization and that Daymar has enrolled some students who do not meet the school's criteria for admission or general standards for admission to career colleges. This increases the likelihood that a student will withdraw from the program, be unable to pay the debt they incurred while attending Daymar and be unable to get a job in their career field.
According to information available from the U.S. Department of Education, Daymar Learning, Inc., with the exception of one other school, currently has the highest default rate of any Kentucky-based school.
Daymar College campuses or learning sites in Kentucky are located in Owensboro, Louisville, Albany, Bellevue, Madisonville, Scottsville, Paducah, Bowling Green, Russellville, and Clinton. There also is a Daymar College online program. A Daymar College campus was previously located in Newport, Kentucky.
Persons who have information about Daymar College are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257 or by e-mail email@example.com.
Link to a copy of the complaint: http://goo.gl/0I25FS


text:
Video: Gay U.S. Reporter Kicked Off Russian-Funded Network After Blasting Country's Anti-Gay Laws
When reporter James Kirchick joined a panel of guests on Russian TV (which is funded by the Russian government), it was originally believed that Kirchick would be providing insight into the Bradley Manning WikiLeaks case and his sentencing, but Kirchick had other ideas!
Kirchick can immediately be seen at the top of the segment putting on a pair of rainbow "gay Pride" suspenders and he quickly launched into a denouncement of Russia's anti-gay laws, saying, "Being here on a Kremlin-funded propaganda network, I'm going to wear my gay pride suspenders and speak out against the horrific, anti-gay legislation that Vladimir Putin has signed into law."
It's pretty awesome.
Kirchick also slammed the journalists, questioning how they could sleep at night while ignoring what's happening to the LGBT community.
"You have 24 hours a day to lie about America, I am going to tell the truth with my two minutes," Kirkchick continued after RT hosts tried to cut him off.
Kirchick was subsequently removed from the segment, which the RT host explained was because he refused to stay on topic.
Kirchick later Tweeted that RT halted his car service, he wrote:
"True fact: (RT) just called taxi company that took me to studio to drop me off on the side of the highway on way to Stockholm
We guess Putin's not happy!
What do you think of Kirchick speaking out in support of the LGBT community on the Russian airwaves, Instincters?
Image Source (H/T: Free Beacon)


text:
Rich Guy Who Stole Millions Told to Go Wait in Luxury Condo
Ivy League-educated attorney Marc Dreier pleaded guilty yesterday to scamming various investors out of "at least" $400 million. Then he left court and returned to his $10 million condo. Being rich is nice!
Dreier was an incredibly brazen con artist who sold "promissory notes" backed up by nothing to hedge funds and other unsympathetic victims and then took the millions he made and lived like a generally rich, happy motherfucker. He pleaded guilty to stealing—stealing!—hundreds of millions of dollars. Which if you're a rich guy like this guy, or Madoff, for example, gets you sent back home, because you hired guards there and you won't escape so hey why send you to jail with the poors to await sentencing?
Manhattan federal Judge Jed Rakoff said he was bound by law to ignore his "repugnance" for the fraudster — who gets to celebrate his 59th birthday at home today — because "there is no likelihood" that Dreier would get past the armed guards keeping him in his $10 million pad.
But that's just till July when he could be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. So crime pays for only a few decades, max.
[Pic via]


text:
The KDE Manifesto
Since it began more than 15 years ago, the international KDE community has grown bigger and more diverse than could have been imagined at the beginning. These forces created a need for clarity about what pulls us together as a community. Over the last six months or so, we have examined this critical issue, moving beyond assumptions and what has been taken for granted. In a rigorous project led by Kévin Ottens, many thoughts were distilled down to essentials. Today, we present the result of that effort: the KDE Manifesto.
What is KDE?
A community effort like ours, with such a size and history, is unusual, important and exemplary in today's competitive world. Clarity about who we are and what binds us together establishes an identity that can be preserved and built upon. But we have never been much for formality, writing things down and creating processes. So having a written Manifesto is a big deal.
Organization and Being KDE
KDE has a flat organizational structure with largely self-directed teams. Teams are created by the people who want to do the work, and are rarely endorsed in a formal way. Being KDE is mostly self-selecting¸ based on a shared understanding built through direct interaction with other people and working together with them. KDE sysadmins decide on allowing access to infrastructure, and the KDE e.V. board makes specific funding decisions. But, aside from those, there are few rules or formal processes outside of some technical requirements.
The KDE Manifesto is not intended to change the organization or the way it works. Its aim is only to describe how the KDE Community sees itself. What binds us together are certain values and their practical implications, without regard for who a person is or what background and skills they bring. It is a living document, so it will change over time as KDE continues to grow and mature. We are sharing the Manifesto to help people understand what KDE is all about, what we want to accomplish and why we do what we do.
The Manifesto
The Manifesto begins with an overarching declaration:
It continues by laying out KDE shared values as they have developed over the last 15 years, along with a brief description of each:
Two supporting pages present the benefits and principles of being associated with KDE. More so than the Manifesto itself, they are living documents, although we expect little changes to be needed in the coming years.
You are invited
We invite you to read the KDE Manifesto and find out what it is to be in KDE!
awesome + 2 questions
Awesome manifesto! It really clarifies what KDE stands for.
There are two parts I didn't understand:
By vdboor at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 7:10am
No contradiction
It is not a contradiction, is just narrowing the phrase so that it becomes VERY exact. This is probably one of the most controversial things put to print in the Manifesto, but also how KDE has always worked.
By carewolf at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 5:56pm
"KDE" doesn't "stand" in
"KDE" doesn't "stand" in this. Qt's CFA is for individual contributors.
I think KDE benefits from good collaboration with Qt.
By Sebastian Kügler at Wed, 2012/10/10 - 12:19pm
clap clap
really good idea, I support this excellent initiative
By Nef at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 7:10am
Missing a link to KDE home page
Congrats, it's a really great manifesto! Love it!
By gerlos at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 10:13am
Link to kde.org added
Thank you.
Link added.
By Carl Symons at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 2:51pm
Extension needed
In my opinion the Manifesto should be in short time extended for non-human beings, for example aliens and centaurs. When we find them they also ought to be able to participate in community and use KDE software.
By nikoś at Tue, 2012/10/09 - 2:35pm
The Manifesto
It's amazing to see one's own feelings and perceptions shared by people who one doesn't know written down with such clarity.
By martinc at Thu, 2012/10/11 - 7:23am
Manifesto background...
By Carl Symons at Fri, 2012/10/12 - 8:32pm


text:
Unit C: Earth, Our Home
Why do rocks have different colors?
1. Get Set to Explore
- mineral: A nonliving thing found in nature.
- rock: A nonliving thing made of one or more minerals.
Building Background
- Review the definitions of the vocabulary words. Write the definitions on the board. You may wish to refer to the pictures on Student Edition pages, C14–15 for examples of both minerals and rocks.
- Lead children on a brief rock-and-mineral hunt in or around your school. For each rock and mineral children find, ask them to name the color or colors that they notice.
- Present the Discover! question: Why do rocks have different colors? Let children predict the answer. If you want to give them a hint, refer back to the definition of the word rock and to the different minerals they found on the rock and mineral hunt or to other experiences children have had examining rocks and minerals. Write children's answers on the board.
2. Guide the Exploration
- Tell children to launch the Discover! Simulation and to listen closely to the question and the directions.
- You may wish to demonstrate how to drag the magnifying glass over one of the rocks. Let children talk about how the rock looks different when they view it through the magnifying glass. Elicit the idea that the tiny grains and specks that make up the rock look bigger under the magnifying glass.
- Give children the KWL Chart to use to describe the different rocks they examine in this simulation. Prompt them to record the name of the rock, its colors, and anything else about it they find interesting.
- Make a KWL Chart on the board and ask children to share what they observed and learned about each of the three rock samples. Use the chart to record what children say about the different rocks.
3. Review/Assess
- Go over Step 3's Wrap-Up text with the class. Make sure that children understand that the tiny specks of color and grains of material that they find inside the rocks are minerals. Point out that rocks look different because they are made up of different combinations of minerals.
- Replay the simulation's descriptions of the different rocks. Work with the class to list different minerals mentioned along with the color or colors of each mineral.
- Challenge children with the Extension question. You may wish to ask them to imagine that they could create their own special rock. Ask: What colors would your special rock be? What minerals could you use to give your rock these colors? Let children pair up to answer the questions. Remind them to look at the list on the board to
figure out the colors of different minerals. Children's answers may incorporate any
of the following minerals and others:
- white–limestone, chalk, feldspar, quartz (clear)
- red–hematite, feldspar, quartz (clear)
- pink–quartz (clear); green–serpentine, feldspar
- blue–diopside; yellow–feldspar
- black–diopside, mica (shiny)
If time permits, present children with the following questions:
- Inquiry Skill Classify Look at real rocks or pictures of rocks. Based on the colors you see, what minerals do you think are in the rocks? Try to classify your rocks based on the minerals you think they contain. Answer: Classification will depend on the types of rocks or pictures of rocks you provide the children. Accept any classification children defend by correctly referring to colors and minerals.
- Critical Thinking Evaluate Which rock do you think is the prettiest? Which mineral or minerals give this rock its beauty? Answer: Answers will vary. Accept any answer that children defend by correctly referring to minerals and their colors.
4. Reaching All Learners
English Language Learners
Before assigning the simulation, explain that the simulation includes some difficult names of minerals. Write some of these on the board and pronounce them for children. (You can refer to the list given above for the different minerals mentioned.) Reassure children that they do not need to learn how to write these words, and they do not need to memorize the color of these minerals. Explain that you are introducing and pronouncing these words to make it easier for them to understand the simulation.


text:
ICD-10 Diagnosis Code M12.872
Oth specific arthropathies, NEC, left ankle and foot
Diagnosis Code M12.872
Short Description: Oth specific arthropathies, NEC, left ankle and foot
Long Description: Other specific arthropathies, not elsewhere classified, left ankle and foot
This is the 2019 version of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code M12.872
Valid for Submission
The code M12.872 is valid for submission for HIPAA-covered transactions.
Code Classification
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00–M99)
Inflammatory polyarthropathies (M05-M14)
- Other and unspecified arthropathy (M12)
- Inflammatory polyarthropathies (M05-M14)
Information for Medical Professionals
The diagnosis code M12.872 is grouped in the following Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG V35.0)
Convert to ICD-9 General Equivalence Map
The ICD-10 and ICD-9 GEMs are used to facilitate linking between the diagnosis codes in ICD-9-CM and the new ICD-10-CM code set. The GEMs are the raw material from which providers, health information vendors and payers can derive specific applied mappings to meet their needs.
- 716.47 - Trans arthropathy-ankle (approximate) Approximate Flag
The approximate flag is on, indicating that the relationship between the code in the source system and the code in the target system is an approximate equivalent.
- 716.87 - Arthropathy NEC-ankle (approximate) Approximate Flag
The approximate flag is on, indicating that the relationship between the code in the source system and the code in the target system is an approximate equivalent.
- Arthropathy of left foot
- Bilateral foot arthropathy
Information for Patients
Ankle Injuries and Disorders
Your ankle bone and the ends of your two lower leg bones make up the ankle joint. Your ligaments, which connect bones to one another, stabilize and support it. Your muscles and tendons move it.
The most common ankle problems are sprains and fractures. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments. It may take a few weeks to many months to heal completely. A fracture is a break in a bone. You can also injure other parts of the ankle such as tendons, which join muscles to bone, and cartilage, which cushions your joints. Ankle sprains and fractures are common sports injuries.
- Ankle arthroscopy (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Ankle fracture - aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Ankle pain (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Ankle replacement (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Ankle sprain - aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Foot, leg, and ankle swelling (Medical Encyclopedia)
[Read More]
Foot Injuries and Disorders
Each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. No wonder a lot of things can go wrong. Here are a few common problems:
- Bunions - hard, painful bumps on the big toe joint
- Corns and calluses - thickened skin from friction or pressure
- Plantar warts - warts on the soles of your feet
- Fallen arches - also called flat feet
Ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot problems.
- Claw foot (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Clubfoot (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Common peroneal nerve dysfunction (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Extremity x-ray (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Flat feet (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Foot pain (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Foot sprain - aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Foot, leg, and ankle swelling (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Hand or foot spasms (Medical Encyclopedia)
- High arch (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Metatarsal fracture (acute) - aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Metatarsal stress fractures - aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Metatarsus adductus (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Morton neuroma (Medical Encyclopedia)
[Read More]


text:
RALEIGH (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory's administration revealed Thursday it expects this year's Medicaid shortfall to be more than double what was previously estimated. A legislative budget-writer said tax collections should help fill the immediate gap but the disclosure accentuates long-term challenges for the health insurance program.
The Department of Health and Human Services and state budget office announced the shortfall through June 30 is now estimated at $248 million, or $135 million more than what the agencies said was previously expected.
The agencies attributed the difference to a forecasting model error that overestimated the amount of federal money coming to the state. A statement said the mistake was made in May 2012 during the administration of Gov. Beverly Perdue.
The Medicaid program spends about $13 billion annually, of which $3.1 billion this year comes from the state to serve 1.5 million North Carolina residents, most of them poor children, older adults and the disabled.
The shortfall means higher-than-expected April 15 tax collections will likely have to go to narrow the gap before the fiscal year ends. Data on those revenue levels are expected soon. The forecast mistake also means higher estimates for Medicaid spending for the next two years as legislators draw up a new state government budget.
The two agencies calculate Medicaid needs $434 million more during new fiscal year starting July 1 to meet current needs, compared to $185 million in McCrory's two-year budget released last month. The Medicaid "rebase" also must be $587 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year, compared to $390 million in McCrory's spending plan.
Sen. Pete Brunstetter, R-Forsyth and co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said he and other budget-writers have anticipated the need for more Medicaid money this year and already have a bill ready to address the issue. The measure would allow McCrory to tap into the extra collections and pool unspent funds from state agencies to pay Medicaid bills to providers. McCrory already directed agencies under his authority last month to trim costs to cover Medicaid.
The size of the shortfall is a little higher than senators anticipated, "but not anything that's going to throw us off at any great degree," Brunstetter said. The Senate will roll out its budget version in the next couple of weeks.
Health and Human Services Secretary Aldona Wos said her agency has recently brought in outside consultant to help Medicaid evaluation methodologies and retained former State Auditor Les Merritt for assistance on financial issues for mental health, which also receives Medicaid funds.
A recent state audit found the state Medicaid division used flawed or incomplete budget forecasting methods, helping contribute to a $418 million shortfall last year. The report said Medicaid had annual shortfalls going back to 2009.
"We have been taking a close look at previous Medicaid forecasting practices in order to create a more transparent and accurate process going forward," Wos said in a prepared statement.
However, long-term concerns remain with annual spending increases in Medicaid approaching $500 million annually, according to Brunstetter. A state audit found
"Medicaid eats up every bit of revenue growth that the tax system creates, and takes away money from every other priority in state government," he said. "It continues to be a problem that we have to wrestle to the ground."
Brunstetter said state policymakers can change Medicaid reimbursement rates or scale back services.
McCrory also has proposed long-term cost savings by shifting patient management and risk of the Medicaid system to a few managed-care organizations, which would specific monthly allotments from the state for each patient it serves. Legislators, however, have expressed skepticism about the proposal, as have doctors and hospital groups.
NC Medicaid shortfall now $248M this year
RALEIGH (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory's administration revealed Thursday it expects this year's Medicaid shortfall to be more than double what was previously estimated. A legislative budget-writer said tax collections should help fill the immediate gap but the disclosure accentuates long-term challenges for the health insurance program.


text:
Johannes Kalitzke
Johannes Kalitzke is a much sought-after conductor, particularly of contemporary repertoire, thus conducting and composing become "mutually dependent", a process felt by the composer to be an "extremely constructive force" * Seeks to combine instruments and electronics and achieves a high level of amalgamation of real and electronic sounds * Approximates historical and contemporary worlds of sounds, as in Schuberts Traum (Schubert's Dream, 1999), where the personal level – a diary entry of Schubert which is quoted in the work – is confronted with a sociological issue – the role of the artist in his environment * Kalitzke's modern language of sound is intense and at the same time surprisingly accessible as the artist integrates lively experience into his music * An initial idea, ie from literature as in the Kafka Complex (1989–2006) unfold in a dense, highly expressive way
Works by Johannes Kalitzke include:
Wind Stille Zeit (Wind Silence Time, 2001) for chorus, ensemble and electronics
Six Covered Settings (1999/2000) for string quartet
Vier Toteninseln (2002/03) (Eine Überfahrt mit J. Brahms) for baritone and orchestra
Inferno (2004) opera based on the piece by Peter Weiss
Looking Ahead: Swiss premiere of his music for the silent film classic Schatten (Mar 19)
"Kalitzke's scores are transparent in sound, well-articulated, its instrumentation showing a sense of new colours. What at first sight looks rather sophisticated, turns out to be unusually concentrated and expressive with respect to the initial idea." – Hartmut Lück, Klassik heute