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|Home | About | Donate/Volunteer | Contact | Jobs| Early Schizophrenia Screening Test
To continue: the one time I don't live in the present is when I know that I have to do something in the future, something I don't have the freedom to change or cancel at the last moment. THEN I worry, and worry, and worry. Because I might not feel up to it, or it might go badly, or they might not like me, or they might talk about me, or they might sneer at me, or I might look wrong, or I might walk wrong or or or...You get my drift, I'm sure. I can't help this. Try as I might I can't stop the obsessive ruminations about what will go wrong and how I won't be able to handle things, all because I must do something in the future and have no choice about it. I know that this is merely an exaggerated form of a normal concern most people have, but it is excruciating, because it happens even when the future event is supposed to be fun or exciting or happy...I can't even bear to think of celebrating Christmas or my birthday because of it!Posted by pamwagg at April 17, 2005 06:09 PM


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Being a Mom can be hard work…really hard!
But if we stick together, we can ROCK this Mom?thing!
Enjoy access to tons of Parenting Tips, Easy Recipes, Do-It-Yourself Ideas, Money Management Tips, and of course lots of open and honest Mom Talk!
Join me?on a journey to take daily life, and Rock It Like A Mom!

subset: commoncrawl


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|Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, will participate in the National Education Summit and Call to Action in Washington, D.C.
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) president Dr. Ray Keck has been asked to participate in the National Education Summit and Call to Action next week in Washington, DC.
The two-day event is hosted by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
Invited participants will attend an all-day meeting Monday, Oct. 18 at the Organization of American States with key Education Department and Obama administration leaders.
Tuesday, participants will proceed to the White House for additional meetings focused on a call to action.
Dr. Keck's invitation to attend the event was extended by Juan Sepúlveda, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
Keck said he was looking forward to an opportunity to be part of a group addressing the importance of higher education, the challenges colleges and universities face and the remarkable success stories that occur daily on campuses like TAMIU.
"Higher education remains the single most important catalyst to personal success. We build and change lives daily. That said, like many institutions across the state and nation, we do have some pressing challenges, some especially unique to border communities, that threaten to reduce access, services and the quality of life of our communities. I'm looking forward to being part of this national conversation,"
Keck said.
For the past 18 months, the Initiative has visited 20 states and more than 90 communities, including a town meeting on the TAMIU campus, to engage citizens concerned with improving the lives of Latinos.
Next week's meeting is designed to mark the next step in connecting communities nationwide with information, resources and people to improve the academic achievement of Latino students and the lives of Hispanics.
Keck has been president of TAMIU since 2001. Previously, he was a member of the faculty and served as department chair and Provost. He holds an AB and Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literature from Princeton University and has studied at Harvard Divinity School, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Estudios Hispánicos en Madrid (Bryn Mawr College), and the Deutsche Somerschule am Atlantik.
For additional information, contact the University's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
Additional information is available @txamiu on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at email@example.com


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The year: 2072
The place: Seattle
Welcome to the shadows chummer! Hope you brought enough ammo cause your going to need it!
The beautiful Mrs. Smith; fixer, blues conasseur and all around good ol' southern gal. Has brought 5 mages together to make a unique team of runners the world will not soon forget.


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Slopes with their sparse green bushes and the black
asphalt of the freeway funnel me southward
so that I slide into a space between:
I'm on the road, in transit, transitory,
an atom moving with the other atoms.
Enclosure and exposure. Air is big
above me, clouds are moored up there
like great flat-bottomed barges. The smooth road
rises and falls, curves round, and then
on the horizon there's that line of hills
inscribed against the pallor of the sky.
I'm not a Chinese sage on Thatch-Hut Mountain
but in my hidden heart I'm bowing now
before these things, before this passing world.
Helen Parsons
The Ten Thousand Things
1 May 2015
This entry was posted in 50.0: NO THEME IV and tagged Helen Parsons. Bookmark the permalink.
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via CAAI
Reuters - Wednesday, December 29
By Prak Chan Thul
PHNOM PENH, Dec 28 - Cambodia's economy grew 5 percent this year thanks in large part to a recovery in garment exports, a deputy prime minister said on Tuesday, and an industry official forecast further growth in garment shipments in 2011.
"Our economy grew more than 5 percent in 2010 due to more exports of garments and the increase in tourists, following GDP growth of 0.1 percent in 2009," Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly said at a ceremony at the Rural Development Ministry.
The contruction sector was still in the doldrums, however. It contracted 42 percent in 2009 and Yim Chhay Ly said it had still not recovered, citing delays to big projects in the capital, Phnom Penh.
Ken Loo, secretary general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia , told Reuters that garment exports had risen about 20 percent this year, helped by the economic recovery in Europe and the United States.
"The outlook for next year, I think, remains positive overall," he said, adding that Cambodia would benefit from the European Union's Everything But Arms initiative, which lets some poor countries ship certain products tariff-free to the EU.
According to data from the GMAC, the country exported garments, textiles and shoes to the value of $2.3 billion in 2009, down from $2.9 billion in 2008. More than half of its exports go to the United States.
Kong Sopheareak, director of statistics at the Tourism Ministry, said 2.5 million tourists visited Cambodia this year, an increase of 16 percent from 2009.
"They have spent about $1.7 billion on food, accommodation, local transport and souvenirs," Kong Sopheareak said.
Yim Chhay Ly said economic growth had helped reduce the poverty rate to 26 percent of the population this year from 27.4 percent in 2009. email@example.com; +855 2 399 2102; Reuters Messaging: email@example.com))


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Member Area Login
Please click below to be taken to the Member Login screen.
Not a member yet? Click here to join
Follow Us
ASCE SB/V Presidents Message
Greetings Branch Fellows, Members, Associates, YMF, and those of us working hard to stay on top of membership renewals –
It is so exciting to be addressing you as the 2016-2017 Santa Barbara / Ventura Branch incoming president. My adventure with ASCE began slowly in the late 90's with the occasional "SCE college pizza party" in San Luis Obispo (GO 'STANGS). Over the years with steadily increased participation, my experience has grown into a regular network with an incredible range of Civil and Environmental Engineers across public, private, and institutional sectors. ASCE has proved to be a rock for my career, and I look forward to contributing what I can to pass these immeasurable benefits on to others.
We've got a stellar 2016-17 year planned while riding on the momentum and achievements under our outgoing president, Autumn Glaeser, P.E., M. ASCE. Many thanks to Autumn and the previous Board for their efforts and contributions to a successful tenure.
I have the utmost confidence in this year's new Board (increased in size) while we look forward to some of the highlights in the coming year:
Bridging geographic constraints for Santa Barbara and Ventura County region general meetings
NEW Monthly Member and Project Spotlights
Spring training (professional development opportunities)
New member mailing distribution system and website with enhanced membership function
Second annual SB/V Branch ASCE Civil Engineering Scholarship Award
Support of the Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties National Engineers Week Banquet and Scholarship Fund
Public and Educational Outreach (who wants to use our new shake table?)
Ongoing networking and social gathering opportunities
Support of our Younger Members Forum
Please feel obliged to reach out to me at any time to share your support or suggestions for our Branch activities and benefits. I hold our Branch membership paramount and hope your ASCE engagements are as equally fulfilling.
Ben Fischetti, P.E., M. ASCE


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How to get the best price on the Amazon Echo, this years hottest tech gift. (just wait, I'll be right)
The Amazon Echo is a decent sounding bluetooth speaker with extraordinary powers beyond playing music. You can ask it the weather, the news, sports scores and more. Add home control of smart devices and you have a really cool device that keeps on growing in it's capabilities.
Best prices on Amazon Echo
Almost everyone has it today for $149. The question is how to you get the Echo for less than $149?
There are two ways we found to cut the price of this cool device down by at least $60.
- Go to Bed Bath & Beyond and sign up for their online newsletter. This will get you a 20% off coupon bringing the price down to $119.20
- Go to Amazon, at checkout take advantage of their credit card offer and get the Echo for $69.
That's it. $69 with a Amazon credit card or $119.20 at Bed Bath & Beyond. Either way a great deal on a cool tech item that is also a pretty decent bluetooth speaker.


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During the week, Judge J. Kent Adams presides over the bench of the Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct four, Position One for Harris County. His docket of cases include assaults, criminal cases, evictions, traffic tickets and more. Everyday he makes tough decisions that will-in some cases-forever contour the future of young lives.
In the evenings, he uses his steely fortitude to shape iron at Lone Star College-North Harris.
For the past two semesters Judge Adams has been enrolled in welding classes at the campus through the college's continuing education program. "While the general population thinks that welding classes are only taken by students who want to move into a full-time career, there are quite a few number of students who enroll in our welding classes for their personal goals and enjoyment like repairing farm equipment, working on cars, and building whatever they want," says Russell McDonald, LSC-North Harris welding professor.
According to Judge Adams, learning to weld has always been a desire of his for many years.
"As a lawyer I represented several welding shops, fabrication facilities and ship yards and always wondered how the welding process was accomplished," says Adams. "Welding involves metallurgy, heat control, and technique that are best learned by formal training. Trial and error can be time consuming and expensive to say nothing of the frustration levels experienced. The luxury of having a well experienced teacher or professor to trouble shoot your errors and make helpful suggestions is invaluable. I have also had the advantage of using the best of equipment and consumables all for a very nominal expense."
Adams has been busy exercising his new skills. "I have already put my Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding class training taken last fall to valuable use," says Adams.
His list of finished projects include a custom-made welding table, three new six foot by six foot welding screens to protect people and animals from flash burns to eyes and to protect from fire exposure, and a large steel storage bin that is used to organize his metal inventories. "I have also completed various repairs to a tractor, a trailer and I am designing a customized fire place for one of my children's home," explains Adams.
As word gets out about his newly garnered skill in welding, other family members are also placing orders. One of his son's has recently asked Dad to create two iron baby beds-as the son and his wife are expecting a second set of twins. According to Adams, "There is no shortage for projects. I am now in my second class involving Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) welding, which I plan to use in welded sculpture projects that are really fascinating."
What does the Judge think has been the most interesting part of learning to weld?
"Being involved with a group of very interesting and dedicated teachers and students has been very satisfying. I have so much enjoyed meeting and observing young men who are dedicated to their training and advancement for a better position in life. Unfortunately as a judge I see all too many rudderless youth that possess no compass in their life to advance and better themselves. It is a blessing to associate with these task oriented young men who have a mission and are willing to sweat and try again to improve their skills," says Adams.
Adams states that he is also very impressed with the cadre of professors and instructors and their gusto for teaching.
"Professor Russell McDonald is a prize of experience and gentle instruction. James Childs is an unflappable instructor that is so willing to share his extensive experience-no matter how bad you are performing that evening. Lucky (I have never known any other name) is a real magician with a welding torch. He is so willing to show you the procedure again and again without judgmental comments," says Adams. "I have even had help from another instructor that is not connected with my regular class, but answered the call for help just because."
Adams relationship with Lone Star College-North Harris goes back to the early days when his friend W.W. Thorne was President of North Harris County College in the 1970s. "I wouldn't think of another teaching facility," Adams elaborates. "The location is convenient and people like CeCe Sutphen, the college's media relations manager, who found me wandering around the campus last fall found a class for me that had closed and again this summer assisted in getting me enrolled. Her kind assistance made my welding training possible. And now, my number 11th and 12th grandchildren will have iron baby beds to sleep in."
To date, Adams has completed three welding courses and plans to build on his skills and enroll in a basic arc welding (stick welding) this fall.
For more information about LSC-North Harris welding courses call, Russell McDonald at 281.618.5517.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
For Media Inquiries Contact:
C.C. Sutphen
281.618.5425, desk
281.639.6381, cell


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If you hit Safeway today, you can take advantage of 3 different sales: Feb. 1-8, Feb. 3-9 & Feb. 8-15 (which is listed here). Remember to use your $10/$50 coupon from Tuesday's Food Day.
The Super Coupons are on the back page of the ad. There are only a coupon of deals with coupon match-ups, but some of the other coupons are pretty good. Check those out.
Signature Cafe Sandwich on sale $3.99 with weekly ad coupon
Use $1/1 coupon
$2.99 after coupons
These are both Safeway store coupons, so your cashier may not stack them. I would check with customer service before you have the sandwich made.
Craisins on sale $.99 with weekly ad coupon (min $10 purchase)
Use $.55/1 coupon from 12/7 RP insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
FREE with $.05 overage after coupons & Safeway double
Did I miss anything?
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.


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- This event has passed.
Latinos in Action Fundraiser
November 19, 2016 @ 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm$10 – $60
Latinos in Action Celebration
Join us on November 19th at Latinos in Action's benefit event to raise money for the Surrey Christmas Bureau! Your ticket purchase at the door includes a night of live Latin music, food, a complimentary drink, and that warm fuzzy feeling from contributing to a wonderful cause.
Latin Music
Expect to move, with live music by Rhythm & Cello and the Rio Samaya Band, followed by a DJ spinning Caribbean Latino dance music!
About Rhythm and Cello
Rhythm and Cello is a Vancouver music duo
About the Rio Samaya Band (from panchoandsal.com):
Based in Vancouver, the Rio Samaya Band is made up of Pancho and Sal, partners in life as well as in music, which is full of wonderfully enchanting latin rhythms and romantic melodies in Spanish including some Italian, English and French folk songs. With a style that flows through the folkloric traditions of Central and South America, Rio Samaya music beats to the natural pulse of our planet, writing and blending it with elements of folk, country, and reggae, as well as the rhythms from Gypsies in the south of France.
Sal grew up playing accordion in Vancouver but has roots in Argentina, sings ethereal harmonies and plays hand percussion instruments. They have a unique style of translating simultaneously from Spanish to English. Guitar, bombo, chachas, accordion, quena, flute, harmonica, piano, charango and ukulele are just some of the instruments they play. Together they create a gentle and compelling sound.
Buffet Dinner
Prepare for a fantastic dinner – the buffet will be provided by Di Reggae Cafe and Chef Daniel Restaurant. Have a peek at their respective menus to get an idea about what you're in for, but don't blame us if your mouth starts to water!
The Cause
Partial proceeds go to support the Surrey Christmas Bureau, a volunteer-run non-profit, charitable organization.
When you choose to support the Surrey Christmas Bureau, your contribution is used to purchase and distribute age-appropriate toys. Parents can pick out toys, games, stuffed animals, sports equipment and winter clothing for their children at our central depot. Grocery cards are also distributed according to family size to be used for nutritious food. Make someone's holiday season better – what's not to love?
More information
Tickets can be purchased at the door:$10/kids, $45/seniors, $60/adults.
Contact firstname.lastname@example.com 604-593-2448 for more information about this event, or read more about Latinos in Action and their annual Latin Summer Fest here!
We hope to see you there!
-Stephanie & John
Rhythm and Cello


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How to optimize your webpage for Yahoo
Yahoo is the second biggest search engine after Google. However SEO experts and webmasters tend to ignore it. My interest was only piqued when I discovered that whenever I had a surge of traffic from Yahoo, the number of ad clicks I got increased. This might be because Yahoo attracts a different demographic from Google and their audience is less hostile to advertising.
I decided to see what I could do to increase my traffic from Yahoo, but there isn't much information online on how to do this - much of the information was written a good five years ago, back in the day when SEO guys still thought it was worth considering Yahoo. However, since then, the SEO community switched to focusing on Google only, and information on Yahoo's search engine has dried up. Yet Yahoo has updated and tweaked it's algorithm several times in the last five years.
The information on this page is based on my own research and on trial and error experiments I have been making.
Update: Yahoo now displays Bing's search results, so please see the following page on how to rank in Bing.
What sort of person uses Yahoo?
According to Quantcast's demographics summary for Yahoo, Yahoo's search engine atrracts a lot of young adults, with a high number of graduates and post-graduates, but they are not very affluent, possibly because they are at the start of their careers. Yahoo also attracts a higher number of Asian visitors than other search engines (they are the number one search engine in Japan).
Quantcast's lifestyle profile of Yahoo users shows a big interest in job search, career resources, music, fashion and cosmetics, shopping and cars.
It's well worth using Quantcast to compare and contrast the Google and Yahoo audiences (Google's is more affluent and is tech obsessed and interested in politics).
SEO techniques to optimise your website for Yahoo
1. On page optimization
On page optimization is very important for Yahoo, (far more than backlinks). In particular, Yahoo is very keen on titles and headers. Therefore make your titles long (up to ten words if you can manage it) and try to include several search phrases in the title. Use the words "How to" or "What to do". Think of what a user will type into the engine. If your title is long enough, every single combination of the words you have used will be given weight by Yahoo in it's search results. Do the same thing for headers. Yahoo also picks up keywords that have been picked out in bold lettering.
Yahoo also looks at the meta summary, whereas Google ignores it. When creating a hubpage, click the tab labeled "summary" and make sure you complete it ensuring that all the keywords you are targetting are in your summary.
The same thing applies to meta tags. Yahoo loves them, Google ignores them.
2. Keyword density.
Yahoo's search engine is language based - they will recognise synonyms and will serve them up to the searcher. For example if your webpage uses the term "Do it Yourself" and the user types "DIY" into the search engine, Yahoo will serve up your page. Google won't unless you have the word "DIY" in an anchored backlink.
Yahoo will also tolerate a higher keyword density than Google (never go higher than 2% for Google). The way to make this work for both search engines is to use synonyms in your text. Say your text uses the phrases "he married her" and "he wed her". Google will consider the words "married" and "wed" to be two separate words used once each. Yahoo will consider them to be synonyms and interchangable, and you will get a double weight for each.
Yahoo's search engine is also more sensitive to "stemming". This is the use of a different form of a word eg plurals, or verb changes such as "have" and "had". Therefore the more natural language you write, the better Yahoo likes it as they will pick up all the variants without you having to make your text unreadable by keyword stuffing.
To check the keyword density of your text, use this free keyword density checker.
3. Content
Some studies have shown that Yahoo likes long pages (a study showed that the pages on Yahoo's first results page had 28% more content than the content on Google's first sERPS page for the same search term). Therefore try to aim for 1500 words when writing for Yahoo.
4. Backlinks
Internal backlinks work really well for Yahoo. I managed to get a blog post ranking very high on Yahoo by simply putting a link to it into the sidebar of my blog. Thereafter everytime a new blog post was published, that page got a new backlink, and it appeared on Yahoo, despite no external links to that post. If you have a blog, do put links in the sidebar for your best blogposts. Put links to related blog posts at the bottom of your posts (if you use Wordpress, there is a plug-in for this, if you use Blogger, you will have to do this manually). As time goes on and you publish more blog posts, it will push these pages higher on Yahoo.
While anchored backlinks are very important for Google, they are less important in Yahoo. Yahoo simply wants you to have links, anchored or not. They also seem to reward the sheer quantity of backlinks. They do check however whether the link is do-follow or no-follow, and ignore no-follow links. They also pay attention to the quality of the site providing the backlinks.
5. Keyword in the URL
This didn't used to be very important for Yahoo, but some evidence has emerged that the 2009 Yahoo update placed more emphasis on keywords in the URL.
6. Clickthroughs
Yahoo monitors clickthroughs. If your site is listed on their search results page, but no one has clicked it, they conclude it's not what the user wanted, and will drop you. Therefore make sure your meta summary is a good one so that the user browsing the search results says "aha, that's what I'm looking for" and clicks.
7. Finally there is some evidence that older pages rank better on Yahoo (I had two pages on my blog on a similar topic - the older page ranks higher in Yahoo, despite the newer page having longer better content and more backlinks).
Hi Silver Rose! I thought I would check out this Hub before heading over to the one on Bing. I know that this one was written two years ago, but I wonder whether all of the distinctions between Yahoo! and Google are still valid? I would be interested in reading an update of this. Still, I do appreciate all of the valuable information in it!
Excellent research Rose! I should have seen this article a little earlier! I always seo my article for google and you have opened my eyes!
Thanks a lot
Thx for this. I've been wondering about Yahoo for a while now. It might even prompt someone to do some more research.


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The Nazis once put wires around the Jews to keep them in, now they do it to keep the world out. Hyperbolic I admit but the point of the wires in both these places are to mark the people on the other side of said wires as different, as others, as undesirable. Religious rights are fine and dandy until they impose of my right to be free of them.
If someone wants to hang a wire in their own back yard that's fine by me, but rules apply to public places which all should respect. This wire could create unsafe situations and it could create precedence for other groups to create boundaries of their own.
There is no need for religious boundaries in public areas as everybody is free to behave as they want respecting the local rules and regulations.
I do not think it is acceptable in the United States to have physical boundaries of this nature. The United States does not have a formal religion, and I do not believe that it should be permitted to erect physical boundaries that keep people in or out, based on their religions choices.
The Jewish eruv wire in Manhattan should not be removed because it is an expression of religion and we are all entitled to Freedom of religion. The eruv wire is no more an expression of religion than Johavah's Witnesses going from door to door and soliciting individuals to learn about their religious beliefs. We as a country need to work towards being more tolerant of diversity.
Visible boundary markings inform outsiders that they'll encounter others with different views and/or customs, and to adjust behavior accordingly. While outsiders may bristle, calling the boundary "special treatment" or a "privilege", it protects members of the religion. Since outsiders can choose to stay on their own side of the boundary to avoid contact, members can engage in their practices without fear.
As long as it is not hurting anyone I do not see why they wouldn't be able to follow their religious right in this country. Although it is in a public space, it is something small and most people would not even think about it or might not even see it. We have religious symbols all over the place.


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Jeremy Corbyn revealed to Michael Eavis that he will scrap Trident as soon as he could
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis has said Jeremy Corbyn told him he will get rid of Trident "as soon as I can". Quotes via Somerset Live:
When asked about the Labour leader's appearance, Michael Eavis said: "Wasn't he fantastic?"
"I said to when are you going to be prime minister? He said: 'In six months'."
Eavis said he asked Corbyn: "When are you going to get rid of Trident?"
"He said: 'as soon as I can'."
Corbyn was blasted throughout the referendum campaign for having a weak stance on Trident.
Many viewed him as a danger to national security and rightly so.
Regarding nuclear weapons Mr Corbyn has been on record saying:
Mr Corbyn said: "There are five declared nuclear weapon states in the world, there are three others that have nuclear weapons.
"That is eight countries out of 192. 187 countries don't feel the need to have a nuclear weapon to protect their security. Why should those five need it themselves?
"We are not in the era of the Cold War anymore. It finished a long time ago."
He also told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I do not think we should be renewing Trident. I think we should fulfil our obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
"We should be promoting an international nuclear weapons convention which would lead to a nuclear-free world and I do not believe therefore we should be spending £100 billion on renewing Trident.
"There are many in the military who don't want Trident renewed because they see it as an obsolete thing that they don't need.
"They would much rather see spending on conventional weapons and conventional forces and I would like to see that money also used to invest in manufacturing, industry and protect those very high-skilled jobs that at the moment are used making the weaponry and the vessels that go with them."


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I was recently asked to participate in a panel on BIM implementation and experience for the Global Design Alliance (GDA), an "international network of dynamic design, planning and construction firms who are committed to growth and change." Our panel consisted of experts from Zetlin & De Chiara, Marsh, Lexington Insurance, Turner Construction, Beck and KPF along with me from SOM. So what do lawyers, risk advisors and insurance companies have to do with BIM implementation? Plenty.One of the major factors in collaboration with building information modeling is risk management. As I see it, there are two basic methods of categorizing these types of risk - design/build consortia and design-bid-build. If a single company operates in design/build, risk management from data collaboration is minimal; however, when design firms and construction companies work together to deliver a project, risk management is critical. In many countries around the world, different approaches to project delivery such as the "Project Alliance" are being used to acheive goals and avoid litigation. You can read more about Project Alliances in Lachmi Khemlani's article on the 2006 AIA Integrated Practice Convention. This type of delivery approach is different than design-bid-build and can be described in a simple way.
I've always heard the expression, "throwing drawings over the fence," when referring to collaboration between design team, bidders and contractors. With BIM tools, we are now able to throw a complete (but scaled) model of the building over the fence. Hopefully, the receiving parties will have a much better understanding of the design intent with the model instead of a bunch of 2D drawings. Does BIM eliminate the fence? No. The fence remains and can be seen as a safety barrier if you equate the fence with your Digital Data Disclaimer. A properly written disclaimer ensures that the design team is merely sending a better and more complete representation of the design intent. The BIM data does not imply means and methods of construction and is being shared as a courtesy to the other project team constituents. Results of estimates, schedules and analyses derived from the Architect's or Engineer's 3D model are still the responsibility of the contractors, fabricators and estimators. The design/build or Project Alliance approach eliminates the fence, thus the data is more closely integrated.While companies such as Lexington Insurance offer coverage for project teams such as "cyber risk insurance," the insurance industry is taking a 'wait and see' approach to BIM. This is not unexpected because new types of insurance seem to appear only after something bad happens. An interesting summary of the most common claims in building project lawsuits include the following:
- Deficiencies in detail
- Inadequate coordination
- Deviations in submittals
- Excessive changes
- Failure to meet requirements
Some other important tidbits and open questions from the discussion:
- Michael Zetlin Esq. reminds us that "standard of care" is not defined by the client, rather by similarly practicing professionals. Use of BIM does not require architects and engineers to address means and methods of construction.
- How 'front-loaded' should the BIM process be? Is the design team responsible for coordination? This must be defined in the scope of work!
- Should risk be allocated across the entire project team including the owner who may have required BIM data delivery in the first place?
- Is open sharing of model data the best risk management task as is distributes risk?
- Under BIM, are deliverables now considered 'products,' not 'services' thus exposing the design team to additional risk?
- Building information modeling is not a standardized process yet. All project teams handle it in different ways.
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Pesticides in urban and agricultural streams, 1993-95
- Document: Report (1.0 MB pdf)
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Nonpoint sources of pesticides are a national issue and are a major interest in the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program because of their potential toxicity to humans and aquatic life. Using the water-quality data collected by the Trinity River Basin NAWQA study-unit team, an analysis of pesticides in urban and agricultural streams was made by aggregating and grouping data from several networks. The samples were collected during March 1993 through September 1995. About 70 samples were collected from urban streams and 70 from agricultural streams. The urban dataset consists of sampling sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area where more than 3.5 million people lived in 1990. Land use in the sampled urban watersheds is primarily residential, but there are commercial areas, such as shopping centers and office complexes along major highways and streets. The agricultural dataset consists of sampling sites in the watershed of Richland-Chambers Reservoir, an area in the west-central part of the Trinity River Basin where fertile soils are extensively cultivated. The land use is mostly cropland and pasture with some rangeland. In the cultivated areas, the major crops are corn, cotton, and sorghum. In the rangeland areas, cattle are the dominant livestock. In the pasture areas, hay is grown along with grass for cattle feed. None of the crops are irrigated.
The material in this fact sheet is condensed from a report by Land and Brown (1996) where the study is presented in greater detail.
Study Area
Additional publication details
|Publication type
|Publication Subtype
|USGS Numbered Series
|Pesticides in urban and agricultural streams, 1993-95
|Series title
|Fact Sheet
|Series number
|Year Published
|U.S. Geological Survey
|Contributing office(s)
|Texas Water Science Center
|2 p.
|United States
|Other Geospatial
|Richland-Chambers Reservoir, Trinity River Basin
|Online Only (Y/N)
|Additional Online Files (Y/N)


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Order Your Test
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Renal (Kidney) Function Test Panel Popular
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About Our Renal (Kidney) Function Test Panel
The Renal Function Test Panel is used to determine overall kidney health and function. The kidneys filter all of the body's blood and they keep important molecules in your blood, like proteins, and filter out what your body does not need, like excess water or waste products.
The Renal Function Test Panel of tests measure the following 12 levels in the blood:
- Albumin - Albumin is a protein found in the blood. If the kidneys are healthy, there should be very little protein in your urine – if any. However, if the kidneys are damaged, albumin may leak out of the kidneys and into your urine.
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) - Urea nitrogen is a byproduct from the breakdown of food proteins. A normal BUN level is between 7 and 20. As kidney function decreases, the BUN level rises.
- BUN-to-Creatinine Ratio - The ratio of BUN to creatinine (BUN:creatinine) is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys.
- Calcium - Measuring urine calcium can help determine whether the kidneys are excreting the proper amount of calcium and can also help diagnose kidney stones.
- Carbon Dioxide - Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in the blood. Carbon dioxide levels can be used to help diagnose kidney disease.
- Chloride - Chloride is an electrolyte. An increased level of blood chloride may indicate kidney disease.
- Creatinine - A waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. Creatinine levels in the blood can vary depending on age, race and body size, but a creatinine level greater than 1.2 for women or greater than 1.4 for men may be an indicator that the kidneys are not working properly. The level of creatinine in the blood rises as kidney disease progresses.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - This test is a measure of how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood. The normal value for GFR is 90 or above, but may decrease with age. A GFR below 60 is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. A GFR below 15 indicates kidney failure.
- Glucose - Levels of glucose in the urine indicate glycosuria. Renal glycosuria occurs when the renal tubules fail to reabsorb all glucose at a level that is normal.
- Phosphorus - Kidneys that are functioning normally can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. Individuals with chronic kidney disease often cannot remove phosphorus from the blood very well. High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body.
- Potassium - Kidney disease is the most common cause of high blood potassium.
- Sodium - Abnormal levels of sodium help to determine if the kidneys are properly removing sodium from the body.
Fasting Instructions:
Fasting is required for the blood glucose test. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverages other than water for at least 8 hours before testing.
© 2018 HealthLabs.com All rights reserved.


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- SpecsConvert Specs to MetricCapacity4.409 T
- About Company
EVER-ETERNAL (hereinafter EE) was established in Shanghai in 2003, which is specialized in designing and manufacturing of all kinds of vehicle lifts. On account of the leading designing concept and the customer network we achieved globally, we are titled as "China Top Ten Garage Equipment Brand" , "Enterprising Company " , " Top Five Fine Products in 2010". EE has particular insight into vehicle lift and serve "car, man, safety" as its philosophy in terms of designing, selecting material and manufacturing. EE has a team of experienced designers and technical personnel, most of them have over 20 years research and developing experience and are persons who pay much attention to the integration and unification of design and market demand. They visit customers all over the world every year so as to meet their requirement while summarizing and improving from time to time. We are devoted to research and developing to meet various market demands. We produce all kinds of vehicle lifts ranging from two post lift, four post lift, manual or electrical, to the general scissor lift, wheel alignment scissor lift, low profile scissor lift, and the home-pioneered ATL series that perfectly integrated play detector with four post lift & scissor lift. All of these products are authenticated by EU, GOST Russia and the Australian government. A handy tool makes a handy man. EE Wujiang factory, with an area of 35000 sq meters, has the professional equipment ranging from plate shearing, bending, plasma cutting, welding, powder coating, assembling to testing machines. The first-class 6M plate shearing & bending machine, automatic plasma cutting, automatic powder coating and assembly lines enable us to offer our customers high end products. We keep alert to the market changes and cooperate closely with partners and dealers around the world in a win-win situation. Quick development of new products, professional marketing, high-class services and enterprising spirit make it possible to provide safe and stable car lifts to customers. At present, EE's lifts are widely used by Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Toyota and Ford. It is worth mentioning that our products ranks first as to export volume to Europe due to the high end products positioning. EVER-ETERNAL is dedicated to the specialization strategy in its stable and fast developing process all the time and we are determined to become a world class vehicle lift manufacturer in the future.


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What do you do when you wake up one morning to find that the whole country is mocking a body like yours? If you're Shane Brodie, you tell people how hurt you are. And then you do something about it. Shane Brodie is a fat trans man who lives a quiet life as an artist


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Networks Urged to Diversify Sunday Shows
A Media Matters study found that white men dominated the Sunday political talk shows in 2013, inspiring a letter from a national coalition of women leaders and organizations, a call to action from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and a 54,000-signature CREDO Mobilize petition calling on the networks to diversify their guest lists.
The study found that ABC's This Week, CBS' Face the Nation, Fox Broadcasting Co.'s Fox News Sunday, NBC's Meet the Press, and CNN's State of the Union were dominated by white males in 2013. They represented a majority of all guests and the largest proportion of solo interviews.
In response, advocates called on the networks to do better.
The heads of 24 organizations which advocate for women and women's representation in media wrote to the presidents and chairs of the broadcast and cable networks, expressing "deep concern" for the lack of diversity and telling them to take action to ensure the morning political talk shows "more accurately reflect the demographics of our diverse nation."
The National Hispanic Media Coalition issued a call to action urging the networks to book more Hispanic guests.
Karoli Kuns, a blogger at Crooks and Liars, gathered over 54,000 signatures on a CREDO Mobilize petition asking the networks to diversify their guest lists.


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Interesting Bimini
The bimini is over the tower, doesn't look like you can even wakeboard with it up.
1 Attachment(s)
2 Attachment(s)
I have modified the biminis on my last two boats to go over the tower. I am a tall guy so I prefer it up there so I am not constantly ducking under it. I will say I think mine look a little cleaner than the one above. It looks like it sticks up a little too high.
No problems pulling off the tower either. On the Supra I cut a hole for the tow point to stick through but on the Tige I just slide my hand under there to attach the rope and let it pull from under the bimini.
Ah... yours look more functional since they don't have the supports behind the tow point on the tower to interfere with the rope. But cool anyway, I guess I've just never seen one like that and was taken by surprise.
How do you block any sun when those are so tall and small. Over the tower is to high to be effective.
|All times are GMT -7. The time now is 5:27 PM.


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Main DMCA Supporter To Lecture Elementary School Kids On Copyrights
from the sounds-insanely-boring dept
As a sixth grader, there's probably nothing more boring than being lectured by the director of the US Patent and Trademark Office about evils of downloading music. Don't expect a "balanced" presentation either. Jon Dudas is the same guy who was a big part of getting the DMCA law passed, and his big contribution at the USPTO so far has been to come up with plans for reform that are only likely to make the patent system worse. Oh well. At least when the kids are done hearing him speak, they can go back to their MPAA sponsored lectures. Whatever happened to critical thinking, where kids are taught multiple sides of an issue and taught to think for themselves?


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The Teen Associate Board of Infant Crisis Services is made up of more than 35 area high schoolers dedicated to raising awareness and funds for needy babies and toddlers. This year will mark the 14th annual auction hosted by the Teen Associate Board. Join us in supporting the hard work of our teen board members!


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Condor Ferries charters freight boat to replace Clipper
A cargo-only boat will start operating on Tuesday to replace the damaged Commodore Clipper.
Condor Ferries said it would make a "substantial contribution" to freight services for the Channel Islands.
The Clipper is being repaired in dry dock in Falmouth after it scraped the seabed off Guernsey on 14 July.
The charter makes no change to passengers due to travel on the Clipper, which is expected to be out of the water until 26 August.
Where available, they have been offered alternative transport on the company's fast ferries.
James Fulford, CEO, said: "It has not been possible to secure a direct replacement for Clipper which combines passengers and freight.
"However, three extra fast ferry services have been scheduled to provide extra capacity."
The MN Toucan is due to start operating from Guernsey on Tuesday, while the company's other freight vessel, the Commodore Goodwill, will focus on Jersey's freight shipping.
Mr Fulford said: "Over and above this initial solution, we will work with our freight customers to review the arrangements we have in place to protect the supply chain capacity to our islands."


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I tried acorn squash tonight - thank you Chelsea! - and it was something completely different! It was similar in texture to a sweet potato. I added butter, and the scoring let it soak in....mmm it was tasty. I could only eat half, it fills you up!
Try an acorn squash, it's worth it. Easy way to get veggie servings and a medium squash only has 172 calories! O.O
Acorn Squash:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the squash head to bottom, when you get it, the inside will look like a pumpkin. Using a spoon, make sure to scoop out all the seeds and strings. Take a knife and score the squash, making cuts vertical and horizontal. Place squash in a pan, and add about 1/4 inch of water to prevent the squash's skin from burning and drying out. Here is where you can get creative - try adding butter, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, whatever you like. Place in the over for about an hour to hour and 15 minutes. Better to over cook than undercook. Remove and allow to cool (these babies get HOT!)....enjoy with a big glass of milk or water!
What did you think?


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The average personal training client, in the US, pays over $378 per month (plus a gym membership).
A price that simply isn't affordable to the overwhelming amount of people.
Ladder offers the majority of the existing personal trainer/client relationship, at a fraction of the price. Furthermore, Ladder drives engagement during the 99% of the time when the current model does not, enabling a level of accountability that has never been seen before!


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Did you know?
Replacing a boiler requires building regulation approval.
The new standards apply only if you decide to change your existing hot-water central-heating boiler or if you decide to change to one of these boilers from another form of heating system.
Work to install a new boiler (or a cooker that also supplies central heating – Aga, Raeburn etc) needs Building Regulations approval because of the safety issues and the need for energy efficiency. This is generally achieved by employing an installer who is registered under an approved scheme.
- Gas Boiler – An installer should be Gas Safe Registered from 1 April 2009
- Oil fired Boiler – An installer should be registered with one of the relevant Competent Person Schemes
- Solid fuel fired boiler – An installer should be registered with one of the relevant Competent Person Schemes
Replacing glazing/window and doors requires building regulation approval
Replacing windows and doors now needs to meet certain standards in the Building Regulations to reduce energy loss. This means that you need to comply with the Building Regulations when installing replacement windows, doors, or rooflights in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. The Building Regulations have controlled glazing in new buildings for many years but it is now a requirement to improve the performance of existing buildings so as to achieve national energy saving targets.
When selling property, surveyors will ask for evidence that replacement glazing installed after April 2002 complies with the new Building Regulations. There are two ways to prove compliance:-
1. a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered under the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme by Fensa Ltd, or a Person registered by BM Trada Certification Limited, the British Standards Institution or CERTASS Limited or Network VEKA Limited.
2. a certificate from the local authority saying that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.
DIY projects or installations by non-registered firms need Council approval under the Building Regulations and ultimately this may be your responsibility. Therefore be sure to ask whether an installer is able to self-certify. If not, either they, or you, will need to make an application to the Council for approval under the Building Regulations and pay the current Building Regulation charge payment.
You must tell your neighbours if you want to carry out any building work near or on your shared property boundary, or 'party wall', in England and Wales.
Party walls are those that stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:
- form part of a building
- don't form part of a building, such as a garden wall (not wooden fences)
- A party wall is also a wall that is on 1 owner's land but is used by 2 or more owners to separate their buildings.
You can also have a 'party structure'. This could be a floor or other structure that separates buildings or parts of buildings with different owners, eg flats.
The law says that if you want to put your property on the market you must either have an energy performance certificate ((epc) (often called an "epc certificate")) in place or you must have ordered one.
If you've ordered one you're allowed to market your property for up to 7 days before receiving it. Since it only takes a few days to get an EPC done this should be plenty of time.
Electrical works within the home may require building regulation approval.
If you are carrying out electrical work in your home or garden in England and Wales, you will have to follow new rules in the Building Regulations.
You should use an installer who is registered with a competent person scheme to seek approval from a Building Control body. This is true for most work. However, you do not need to tell them about repairs, replacements and maintenance work or extra power points or lighting points or other alterations to existing circuits (except in a kitchen or bathroom, or outdoors).
The Building Regulations set out overall criteria and requirements to ensure electrical safety. Approved Document P provides further practical guidance for undertaking this type of work. You should bear in mind that any electrical work you carry out within your home, garden, garage shed and other storage buildings may need to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations. If you are unsure about whether you are required to comply you may wish to contact your local authorities building regulations department
You should make a Building Regulations application to Building Control if the electrician you employ to carry out the works is not registered as a competent person under one of the relevant Competent Person Schemes for electrical installations or if you do the work yourself. You should contact your local authority building control department before you start the work. They will explain the requisite procedures to you.
It is also best to discuss with Building Control how they wish to inspect and check the works you are carrying out.
It is good construction practise to position the damp proof course within an external wall a minimum distance of 150mm above the finished, external ground level. This detail helps prevent moisture bouncing over the damp proof course where it could penetrate internally. It is therefore imperative that this distance is maintained on completion of garden landscaping works. Quite often it is not.
Due to their size and location, most house extensions to properties require both Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval
Condensation within the home can be alleviated by adhering to a strict regime of heating and ventilation.
When intending to demolish a building, official notice must be given to Building Control, usually a minimum of six weeks prior to the intended start date.
If you want to carry out repairs on or re-cover less than 25 per cent of the area of a pitch or flat roof, you will not normally need to submit a building regulations application. You will need approval, however, if:
- You carry out structural alterations
- The performance of the new covering will be significantly different to that of the existing covering in the event of a fire
- You are replacing/ repairing more than 25 per cent of the roof area, in which case, the roof thermal insulation would normally have to be improved.
The removal or alteration to any roof elements could affect how the roof works and cause movement to occur. Movement could cause cracks to occur in the walls and, possibly, the eventual collapse of the roof. When performing work on any roof, care should be taken to ensure the roof will continue to perform effectively and without any movement.
Existing Pitched Roofs
The existing roof structure that forms the loft space has a number of timber elements that make the overall pitch. Each element enables the roof to span across the building and support the tiles/covering on top as well as being able to transfer the loads (weight) created by any wind and snow down to the walls.
Listed below are the typical elements of a pitched roof:
- Ridge Board – This forms the apex of the roof and is where the rafters are fixed to both sides.
- Rafters – These are the timbers that form the main pitch to the roof and support the tiles and battens.
- Purlins – These are long pieces of timbers that are normally seen half way along the rafters and act like beams to reduce the span (unsupported length) of the rafters.
- Struts – These support the purlins. They are fixed at an angle with one end connected to the purlin and the other on to a load bearing wall or a timber spread across ceiling joists. These are the diagonal timbers seen in the roof.
- Ties – These are timbers which stop the roof from spreading and form an A-frame shape. They can either be the ceiling joists (as described below) or can be fixed half way up usually above the purlin and are fixed horizontally from front to back. (Common in terraced houses).
- Ceiling Joists – These can act as ties, but mainly support the ceiling below. Their sizes are usually relatively small and will not be able to take the load of any typical room used in a house.
Existing Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are more simple and generally consist of joists that span the gap between two walls. These are covered by panels which, in turn, are covered in felting or other such coatings as required.
After a period of time the roof on existing buildings will need to be replaced. In most situations, this work will need Building Regulations approval.
Some repairs to flats roofs will not require an application for approval under the Building Regulations. However, if the roof with integral insulation is to be replaced then you may be required to upgrade this 'thermal element' of the structure and reduce the amount of heat that was originally lost, by upgrading the insulation.
If the existing roof covering is to be replaced with a different material to its original for example, slate to tiles, then approval under the Building Regulations is likely to be needed to ensure the roof will be adequate in terms of structural stability (applicable where the replacement tile will be significantly heavier or lighter than the existing), and also meets requirements in respect of fire safety and energy efficiency (see above).
If the new roof covering is significantly heavier or lighter than the existing one, the roof structure may need modifying and/or strengthening, and you are advised to check with a structural engineer or surveyor before commencing with works.
As a roof is defined as a thermal element, the work to re-cover a roof should also include for improving the thermal insulation properties of the roof.
A rooflight is a window that is installed within a pitched roof or flat roof normally to give more light to rooms or spaces within the home. Approval under the Building Regulations will generally be needed for the installation of a new rooflight for the following reasons:
- To install a rooflight, the roof structure will generally need to be altered to create the opening.
- The roof will have to be able to carry the load (weight) of the new rooflight. If the roof can not do this then it will need to be strengthened.
- Any rooflight that is installed will need to prove that it has sufficient insulation against heat loss i.e. is energy efficient.
- If the rooflight is in close proximity to a boundary, the fire performance of the rooflight will need to be considered.
To install a rooflight in a roof generally entails cutting part of one or more of the roof's rafters or joists away. The cut ends of the rafter/joist will need to have new support introduced – usually achieved by fixing two pieces of timber together which span across the new opening on either side. These double timbers are called 'trimmers'.
The adjacent rafters or joists to which these trimmers are fixed may also need to be strengthened as they will be supporting the load transferred from the cut rafters or joists. This strengthening can be achieved by fixing a new rafter or joist to them which must also run the full length.


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Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there was a college-football team that was pristine.
Players graduated. Big games were won.
Nobody broke the law, or the rules, or even curfew.
It was BS.
The end. Move along. Nothing to see here.
The fairy tale of TCU as one of the cleanest programs in big-time college football got an alternate ending this week. Now it looks like TCU is dirty just like everybody else — not filthy, not caked in muck, just not as squeaky clean as previously advertised.
We were sold the clean BS by Sports Illustrated in an article a year ago about teams like Pitt and Boise State, with criminals and thugs, and how TCU had none — a concept Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson happily bought into and sold to recruits, by the way.Read Full Article »


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6.7.11 : 158/365
This is just proof that I spent a good chunk of time sorting and editing what felt like approximately one million vacation pictures... I'm a big cry baby! At least it's a good reason for it having taken me so long!!
What's my excuse for taking so long with these posts, you ask? Hmmm... I'll have to get back to you!


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Meow Mix Cling Set
Code: 1397QCL
Price: $14.95
Quantity in Basket: None
7 cling stamp verses for all you cat lovers out there! Range in size from "Don't Be Fooled" at 1.25" x 1.9" to "Meow's It Going: at .5" x 2.25". These stamps go great with Tim Holtz' Crazy Cats. You can find them at your local stamp store or call the store Impressive Ideas at 678-352-0575.


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Who Can Participate in Synchronized Swimming?
Anyone, regardless of age and ability level, can become a synchro athlete. Sometimes friendship, fitness and fun attract young people to join a synchro program, while other times the desire to compete in the Olympic Games serves as motivation. Masters synchro appeals to older people who have no prior experience as well as those who are returning to the sport for the health benefits and camaraderie. No matter what your goals and motives, you can find a place in synchro!
How Do I Become a Member of USA Synchro?
Register online to become a member! To receive the benefits that USA Synchro provides its members, all athletes, coaches and competition volunteers must be registered. As members, your club will be insured through USA Synchro and will be officially eligible to participate in all sanctioned events.
What Is Included in My Membership?
Athletes' memberships are based upon the programs in which they participate, such as regular, collegiate, master or novice. For individuals who do not compete, membership categories such as Professional, Instructor, Friend of Synchro, Official and Life are available.
Membership Service Hours
For questions regarding membership, please contact the USA Synchro Office, at (719) 866-2219.


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K's last day of school was yesterday. If you don't think that we're having what my friend refers to as a "Super Nothing Day," you have another thing coming. M has been downstairs playing guitar. K has been binging on TV. I have watched TV, read more about our loss of Chris Cornell, sent a few e-mails and watched The Village.
We needed a SND. 7th grade took everything we had.
K had projects and papers, tests and exams. This is all pretty typical. This year was her first year for exams. Prior to exams, she had two A's, three B's and one C. After exams, she had two A's, one B and three C's. You know what? That is fabulous. Exams for a kiddo who has severe test taking anxiety are pretty rough. I will give credit to her social studies teacher though. Not only did he tell the kids and parents from day one that there would be a final exam, but he had them save every paper from the entire year and helped to prepare them for their first exam.
I would love to say that the math teacher did the same, but not so much.
Mr. Math Teacher decided to tell them of the exam on 5/15. He told them that this exam would cover the entire year and it would begin on 5/17. It started on 5/16. It was a group exam and despite her being grouped with some super smart kids, their grade was a 48%, which dropped her 85.5% down to a 71.4%. Gee, Mr. Math Teacher, thanks for that kick in the gut.
She had an A or a B in math all quarter long. If she would have ended up with a D or an F for the final quarter, she wouldn't have been in trouble. Why? Because she tried her best and she could only study for what she could. You can't cram studying over an entire year just overnight.
Her social studies grade was a B, dropped less than a percentage point, but that kicked her .22% into a C. Some teachers have kicked the teetering grades up. If he doesn't, I certainly won't ague. The final report card isn't posted yet. That will be this afternoon. Still, she rocked it out. The 7th grade social studies curriculum that they used he referred to as "the equivalent of the pass/fail course of Ancient Civilizations that all of you parents may have taken in college." Sweet love, he didn't lie. I never studied the Peloponnesian War, The Roman Crusades . . . in school or in college. It was some rough stuff to wade through. Yet, as the teacher guaranteed, they would make it through.
There were nights I was up studying for tests with K until 12:30 AM. There were times I had her back up at 5:45 AM studying for the same test. John Calvin, Sir Francis Drake and others, you arrived to me in my nightmares.
Flash cards.
Chapter reviews and the 30 question kid written quiz.
Last year was rough. Super rough. Transition to a different school where the kids didn't really accept her all that well didn't go over particularly well. She found a place for herself this year. Middle school rocked for her. She participated in Solo & Ensemble, Music in the Parks and other orchestra performances this year. She participated in book club, she was a library helper, a class lunch time assistant, and though orthodontia made perfect attendance impossible-- the child never missed one single day of school this year. There were a handful of days where K was late because of bracket appointments . . . nothing we could do. (The orthodontist isn't very accommodating in regard to certain appointments. Otherwise, they are spectacular.)
K rocked it out. The year wasn't without a catch or a hitch. There were certainly times I would have loved to sling her over my shoulder and haul her to the car. (She's over 5'8" and there will be none of me doing that.) Some mornings, girlie fell a bit behind. Last week, I asked her if she thought that my car had wings because it certainly does not.
But . . . summer. :sigh: We have arrived. 😀


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What's so great about a Beanbag?
Bean bags are Versatile.
A high quality bean bag can offer you home style like never before. A high quality bean bag offers you so much. First of all, it is wonderful option for just about any room in your home, whatever your style may be.
A high quality bean bag is great for the casual family room where movies are watched and video games are often playing. With a high quality bean bag you can literally cuddle up with a kiddo or the love of your life and enjoy talking, laughing or watching your favorite television sitcom.
But a high quality bean bag is also a great option for a child's bedroom. Kids of all ages will love having a huge beanbag to relax in while reading a good book. These beanbags also make great solutions for friend sleep-over. They serve as great pillows or pseudo beds. These wonderful inventions are so comfortable.
And if the family room or bedroom isn't an option what about your home office? A high quality bean bag comes in all sorts of textures and styles. A lot of people tend to think of a bean bag as a child's inexpensive toy. But a high quality bean bag can reflect an image you choose to create.
High Quality Beanbags are Well Made
High quality bean bags can make any room look rich. Many bags are made from bonded leather or a strong canvas. They are of the highest quality and will last for many years to come. The "filling" or "beans" of these high quality bean bags are tucked safely inside your bag usually with a well-made locking zipper or tough Velcro. These high quality beanbags are made to last.
Many high quality bean bags also repel water with ease. This is great news for people with little ones. No longer will bottles or Sippy cups or drinks outside of the kitchen be an issue.
Beanbags are Stylish and Fun
High Quality bean bags are versatile. You can move them from room to room at your leisure. And what's really fun is that you can add a splash of color to a room in style by adding a high quality bean bag. Some people love to mix several colored bean bags together. Instant style and color are possible when adding a few comfy high quality bean bags to your décor.


text: On Sat, 9 Dec 1995, Bill Mitchell wrote: > > On Sun, 10 Dec 1995, roro wrote: > > > And how to elegantly get rid of the huge /usr/lib/terminfo database > > w/o installing and purging? > > Good point. This sounds like a serious user-upgrade issue. This looks > like a dpkg-guru question. > On second thought -- not really. The old ncurses-developer, and ncurses-runtime are not automatically superceded. I could remove developer. dpkg stopped me on removing runtime, because dependencies to dialog and miscutils. I compliled a new miscutils and kicked dialog. Then I removed ncurses-runtime. Now /use/lib/terminfo is no more. Looks pretty cool. OTOH, I should go to bed ... mfg Rolf Rossius


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Welcome to Serbia, World Prayer Team! As our journey through Central Europe continues this week, we are realizing the power of God's Word to change lives. Here's a story we recently received from a listener named Jovica.
"I've always been pretty confident; I believed I could do anything in my own strength. I thought that people who complain or who have problems were pathetic. I enjoyed life, sins, and vices. I've always dated a few women at a time and had a private business that brought me a lot of money which I spent on myself.
"I looked with disdain on the weak and the poor … until one day I began to feel intense pain in my abdomen. When I went to the doctor he told me that I need to change my lifestyle and unhealthy habits. I was very worried about death. Then a friend gave me a Bible and told me about your programs.
"The more I listened, the more I felt that I was missing the point of life. At your urging and through your explanation, I invited Christ into my life. My whole life has changed. The old man is dead! I am completely new! I'm so very grateful that God has revealed Himself through His Word."
Wow! Praise God for His work in Jovica's life and in lives of so many others around the world— including our own. Today let's pray that more hearts and minds will be open to God's Word in Serbia.
Pray with us tomorrow as we lift up God's people in Poland.
I'd also like to know how to pray along with TTB. Sign me up for the World Prayer Team!
Also sign me up to receive Thru the Bible's monthly newsletter by email
Sign Up


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Hoooray for new cuttlebug folders!! There are soooo many that I would like to get.
So...on a stampin excursion to Stampalicious (see links) this weekend with some of my Stampin Canada buddies I bought a few more, what did I buy you ask???
Let's see, the argyle folder, a Christmas ornament folder, a distressed lines folder and five borders! Woo Woo, will post some samples as I use them all :)
On another happy note, the Simpson family will be welcoming a new baby in December!! A baby sister (we think) for Peyton and Brydon! Here's a congrats card I made for the Simpson family using the argyle folder:


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- Services
- We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
Microchipping at Centennial Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs
At Centennial Animal Hospital, we work hard to protect pets from unnecessary pain and suffering. Our mission is to help you and your pet enjoy many years of memories together, and our preventative services make that possible for families throughout Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, one of the biggest risks for pets isn't medical. Almost a third of all pets are lost or separated from their owners at some point, so we offer microchipping in addition to our other preventative products and services.
Microchipping is a quick procedure that could save your pet's life. Learn how easy it is to microchip your pet, and why we recommend this basic benefit for every dog and cat in Colorado Springs.
Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet
Microchipping pets is one of the many ways we minimize risks for our patients and their families. But what, exactly, does a microchip do for pets? Well, a microchip is essentially a tiny, scannable computer chip that has a unique serial number. This serial number is linked to your pet's name and description, as well as your name and contact information. Because a microchip will stay under your pet's skin forever, it's much more reliable than collars and ID tags, which may fall off or get stolen.
After a dog or cat microchip is in place, veterinarians and shelters throughout the country will be able to scan your pet's neck and identify his or her owner. This is true no matter where your pet gets lost, or how far they travel! Missing pet posters only reach so many eyes, and they don't work if your pet gets lost on vacation or reaches a different neighborhood, city, or state. Microchips, however, last forever and always keep your pet linked to you.
Get a Microchip from Our Colorado Springs Veterinarian
Our Colorado Springs veterinarian knows how important it is to keep your family together. We microchip dog and cat patients at Centennial Animal Hospital and we recommend this basic procedure for every new patient. During the procedure, we simply use a needle to inject the tiny microchip between your pet's shoulder blades. Your vet may apply local anesthetic first to numb the area, but it's relatively painless and quick.
In fact, microchipping is so simple that we can combine it with other procedures. If you need a cat or dog microchip for an unaltered pet, we will wait and do it during the spay or neuter surgery. After the microchip is in place, there's no need for rest or recovery. We use Microfindr microchips which are connected to online registries, so your pet's tag number will be linked to their name and your contact information. We will go over the registration process with you, however you will need to update your pet's microchip registry anytime you move.Get Your Pet Microchipped in Colorado Springs Today!
Does your pet still need a microchip? Contact online or call 719-528-1693 Centennial Animal Hospital today to make an appointment with our veterinarian in Colorado Springs.


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Week 3
so i guess its been pretty chill this week. tbh we do the exact same thing every day so its like being in school all over again but we try to make it fun. its weird because here you feel a weird sense of loneliness even though you are stuck in such a small area with 900 missionaries in a city of 8 million people. no one really knows who you are and so it can be weird at times. it also feels like a definite brainwashing. we do TALL which is just language learning on the computers and even when you have to put sentences together and whatnot your sentence will have to say something like "i can be a better missionary if i follow the white handbook exactly." so that gets old too.
but i am definitely making strides in the language. i am working on preterite vs. imperfect tenses right now and that is kinda hard. thanks goodness for mom and a big shoutout to my guy Marty Reeder for giving me a huge headstart in the language. i was trying to look at ways that the lord has blessed me in my calling and that is definitely one of them. also i hear that Lima West and North are really sketch and my mission has one of the nicest areas of La Molina so that is cool. i cant wait to get there and have a hobby at least. it will be nice to be able to collect ties and souvenirs and stuff lol i bought 2 today in the temple store and they are dope.
i had a thought the other day while we were talking about movies in the house. i thought about adam sandlers line in the longest yard when he turns down the wardens offer to coach the guards team and he says "i just want to do my 4 years and go home." and i think that is exactly how it is with the mish haha jk but not really.
if you guys want to send me packages in Lima i hear there is a website online that gives you sic ways to smuggle things into south america in packages without everything being stolen so go check that out.
i have been lifting everyday with the other ballers in my district and it is nice. i have shed all of the fat i got before i came out and im not in too bad of shape but that wont last long. i think ive lost like 5 or 6 pounds so far just from stress and this crap mexican cafeteria food.
|Haircuts Today Hmmm
i remembered that i brought my horcrux book which none of you will understand what that is but it has a bunch of quotes and poems in it. i have been reading my poems and forget how much i love poetry so feel free to send me some. like "footsteps in the sand" and for mom, that one russian poem about missionaries would me nice.
it is weird being kind of alone here now. all of the SV kids bounced. i havent seen nathan anderson in a week and elder willmore bounced on monday night so it is sad. but we are like one of the oldest districts now so we kind of get to pick on the noob missionaries ahaha and we have a fun time with that.
Brett isnt allowed to get married while im gone because i want to meet the lucky chica before it happens.
thanks for all of the love and whatnot.
Much Love,
Elder Mortenson


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MORE than 100 people attended a community event held to raise awareness of the risks of travelling to war-torn Syria.
It was held at Southsea's Friendship Centre in Elm Grove.
Those attending wanted to find out how to help people in their community who may be affected by the crisis in Syria.
City resident Shefali Uddin said: 'We all need to learn how to talk about these issues especially with young people. My best friend's cousin went to Syria and was killed out there recently, his family are devastated. I feel really sad for them, especially for his parents who have lost their son.'
Steve Hawkins, from Hampshire police, said: 'Travelling to Syria is extremely dangerous. Many young people have been killed or injured. Fighters who return are likely to face prosecution under UK law.'
The event was organised by the Safer Portsmouth Partnership.


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Appetizer Recipe: Garlic & Coriander Quick-Pickled Baby Carrots
We've all encountered, and possibly even served, a boring crudité platter. As a vegetarian and gluten-free guest and host, I've had my fair share of raw broccoli and carrot sticks while other party guests indulged in more interesting hors d'oeuvres. But these pickled baby carrots? These ones with the zingy bite that will be ready in just a couple of hours? You might want to double the recipe.
When making refrigerator pickles, the longer they marinate, the more the flavors will develop. In reality, however, one doesn't always plan ahead. Perhaps you're throwing a last-minute party, or you've been busy all week, or you suddenly realize your relish tray needs a little something else. That's okay in the case of these carrots, which have a flavorful brine with toasted spices and fresh garlic. Even if you only have an hour to let the carrots marinate, they will still be delicious — crisp and tangy with a hint of sweetness. (Of course, if you want to make them ahead, that's fine. They'll last a month or longer in the fridge.)
Note that the baby carrots I'm referring to are the young carrots often sold with greens still attached — not the bite-size packaged kind. Using slender carrots with a little bit of the green on top is an easy way to add elegance to your hors d'oeuvres tray, and the flavor is usually sweeter, too.
Quick-Pickled Baby Carrots
Serves 8 to 10
Trim and peel the carrots and cut them in half lengthwise.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the carrots and blanch until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Immediately drain and run under cold water. Transfer the carrots to a bowl (or jars if you plan to keep the carrots for longer).
Combine 1 cup of water with the vinegar, salt, honey, bay leaf, garlic, coriander, and mustard seeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the salt and honey. Pour over the carrots.
Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate in an airtight container for at least an hour and up to a month.
Recipe Notes
Substituting regular carrots: To use regular-size carrots, cut them into sticks about 3 to 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
Substituting spices: Feel free to substitute an equal amount of other toasted spices such as cumin seeds, dill seeds, fennel seeds, anise seeds, or celery seeds. Add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few bruised ginger slices.
To make a side dish: For a side dish, toss the pickled carrots with extra virgin olive oil and fresh chopped herbs such as dill, fennel, mint, parsley, or thyme.
(Images: Emily Han)


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The Brenton Arboretum The Brenton Arboretum
Here's a sample of our volunteer opportunities:VIEW AS
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Mission Statement
The Mission of The Brenton Arboretum is to bring joy to all through the beauty and knowledge of the natural world of trees.
The arboretum is a place where trees and shrubs are grown for scientific and educational purposes. It is a living museum.
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Would you recommend The Brenton Arboretum?
by Leland S. (2012-10-17 07:22:24.0)
The Arboretum is situated in an area of rolling hills near the southern edge of the Des Moines Lobe glacial field. Its goals include preservation of local and global biodiversity, and so it is an ideal place for education about all kinds of natural history topics: biological communities, ecological functions, seasonal changes, and human attempts to preserve and restore habitat. It's a great place to bring children and "lose" them in the outdoors with a kid-friendly guide and mentor.


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Winnebago Towables Unit Launches RAVEN
June 29, 2011 by RVBusiness Comments Off on Winnebago Towables Unit Launches RAVEN
Forest City, Iowa-based Winnebago Industries Inc. announced today (June 29) the launch of a new 2012 RAVEN towable line as part of the company's SunnyBrook brand.
According to a press release, the RAVEN is in full production and will initially be available in five fifth-wheel and three travel trailer floorplans.
"Dealer response to RAVEN has been outstanding," said Fred Hershberger, national sales manager for Winnebago Industries Towables. "Every dealer has been impressed with the look that has been achieved and the price point that we've hit. Within the mid-profile fifth-wheel market, there will not be a more competitive brand.
He added, "Ron DeHaven, who is product manager for RAVEN, knows fifth-wheels and nailed this one."
The newly designed RAVEN includes a high-end, gel coat fiberglass exterior, increased turning radius front cap, slam-latch baggage doors, storm door, glazed cherry cabinetry, designer furniture, 30-inch deep bedroom slideouts for increased floor space and flat "no step" floors in the bedroom. In addition, the RAVEN has been designed with a maximum height of 11-feet, 11-inches with standard wheels.
"I've managed numerous products over my 20-plus years in the RV industry and I can state that without a doubt this is the most exciting product that I've been associated with," said DeHaven. "We are excited to sign new dealers and show retail customers a product that is focused on them."


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Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Car Dealer Near Canonsburg PA
The newest of Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM's models can be found in our stock at Three Rivers. We know folks in Canonsburg deserve the best, and we hope you'll give us the opportunity to provide you with it.
About Canonsburg Pennsylvania
The town of Canonsburg is in Pennsylvania's Washington County. The town is eighteen miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Colonel John Canon laid out the town in 1789, and the town was officially incorporated in 1802. The town is a coal district. Route 19 and Interstate 79 pass through Canonsburg. Singers Bobby Vinton and Perry Como have had ties to Canonsburg. An Oktoberfest takes place in Canonsburg annually, and so does a Fourth of July Parade that some people reserve their seats at a week in advance. The Canon-McMillan School District serves Canonsburg. Canonsburg Lake is directly east of the town. Canonsburg is in the Eastern time zone.
Directions to Three Rivers
New Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Inventory
Our online site hosts our inventory of quality new and used vehicles for buyers in the Canonsburg area to browse at their leisure. For daily errands or long road trips, Three Rivers is sure to have something in stock to meet your goals.
Certified Pre-Owned Inventory
Have you been searching Pennsylvania for a pre-owned vehicle? Start and end your search with us and save thousands. Our pre-owned inventory has an extensive variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs by many of today's top automakers.
Car & Auto Loans near Canonsburg PA
Our variety of resources are here to be put to work finding you a financial solution that assures you can get an affordable rate for your dream car. With friendly qualified experts on hand to aid you, we at Three Rivers can get you a loan that fits your budget without the hassle. When we receive your application, we'll look it over and one of our friendly staff will contact you as soon as possible.
Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Parts & Car Repair Service Center near Canonsburg PA
Three Rivers's Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM car repair center located near Canonsburg Pennsylvania has the resources to make your vehicle run as well as it did the day you drove it off the lot. All the parts and resources you need to keep your Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM vehicle maintained can also be found at Three Rivers's repair center. If you're interested in our service then please schedule an appointment for your vehicle.
Canonsburg Resources
Canonsburg has a variety of useful sites and locations for residents to take advantage of. Here are a few of them:


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About OmBase
Welcome Om!
We are a yoga studio accessible to people of all experience and activity levels. We offer a variety of yoga classes, workshops, events and many forms of healing modalities.
Our yoga classes are an eclectic mix born out of each yoga teacher's experience and style. Our teachers are trained not only in the yoga tradition, but in life. We like to think we combine yoga poses with a sprinkling of love and compassion, so your experience at Om Base might be slightly different….
We believe you will find within our doors a class that suits YOU.
You can read the front page of our blog here for current information as well as read more about how & when OmBase came into existence. For more information regarding our classes and events we list the most current events & class schedule on our calendar.
Come visit us:
6357 SW Capitol Hwy,
Portland, OR 97239
Call Us:
Or send us an email:
We Are OPEN:
Mon/Wed: 11-5:30 pm
Tue/Thu/Fri: 9-5:30 pm
Sat & Sun: before and after classes (varies)


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Hendricks Regional Health is extending its reach farther west via a collaboration with Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle. On July 10, the two hospitals will open a new obstetrics clinic, called Partners in Care, to provide prenatal care for low-income pregnant women. The clinic will be staffed by a Hendricks Regional Health nurse midwife, and two physicians from the Hendricks Regional Health Medical Group. Patients of Partners in Care will receive prenatal services at Putnam County Hospital, while deliveries will take place at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville. The idea of starting a clinic was boosted by a needs assessment conducted by DePauw University in Greencastle, which confirmed a shortage of prenatal care in Putnam County.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that closely held corporations can hold religious objections that allow them to opt out of Obamacare's requirement that they cover contraceptives for women at no charge. According to the Associated Press, the justices' 5-4 decision is the first time the high court has ruled that profit-seeking businesses can hold religious views under federal law. And it means the Obama administration must search for a different way of providing free contraception to women who are covered under objecting companies' health insurance plans. Contraception is among a range of preventive services that must be provided at no extra charge under the health care law that President Barack Obama signed in 2010 and the Supreme Court upheld two years later. Justice Samuel Alito wrote the majority opinion, which stressed that the ruling applies only to corporations that are under the control of just a few people in which there is no essential difference between the business and its owners.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence hired Carmel psychiatrist Dr. John Wernert to take over the state's Family and Social Services Administration and tapped former FSSA Secretary Michael Gargano to oversee Pence's Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0. Wernert is the medical director of medical management at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis and was the medical director for behavioral health integration for the Franciscan Alliance health system. He'll replace outgoing Secretary Debra Minott, who unexpectedly announced her resignation in June; neither Pence nor Minott have explained her sudden departure. Gargano, who led the agency until Pence took office last January, is returning in the new role overseeing Pence's insurance expansion plan. The Pence administration is in the middle of pitching the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Indiana's proposal to use the state-run Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 to expand Medicaid. If the application is approved, residents earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level would be allowed to enroll in a hybrid-health savings account plan. The state estimates that more than 457,000 low-income residents could enroll in the program by 2020.
Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. received European backing for a biosimilar version of Lantus insulin, a mega-blockbuster made by France-based Sanofi that has never faced generic competition. According to Bloomberg News, Lilly's Abasria insulin was recommended by the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the treatment of diabetes. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, usually follows the panel's recommendation. Lantus, which garnered $7.8 billion in sales for Paris-based Sanofi in 2013, loses patent protection in Europe in May next year. The U.S. patent on Lantus expires in February, but generic competition there may be delayed after Sanofi in January said it was suing Indianapolis-based Lilly over its plans to introduce a version in the U.S. Sales of the drug in Europe were less than 15 percent of the total in 2013, because the price of the drug is far lower than in the United States, which accounted for almost two-thirds of total Lantus sales, said Mark Clark, an analyst at Deutsche Bank AG in London. That may limit the erosion of Lantus sales in Europe, he said. Lilly is also trying to introduce a brand-name drug that would compete with Lantus. Last month, it released study results suggesting its once-a-day insulin injection, Peglispro, was better than Lantus in controlling patients' blood sugar. Lilly has said it will file for U.S. approval to sell that drug in the first quarter of next year.


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Good nutrition is one of the critical components to student learning readiness, from getting the nutrients to support cognitive development and reducing distractions due to an empty stomach to preventing chronic diseases and being physically able to participate throughout the school day.
Healthy eating at school addresses hunger and obesity, while influencing life-long habits.
More than 31 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and over 11 million participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP), along with other federal programs. Today, many children are consuming most of their daily calories at school. With 1 in 5 US children managing hunger, food served at school may be the only food they eat regularly. Ensuring lots of fruit, vegetable and whole grain school meal options and limiting competitive foods high in sugar and fat also combat obesity, which impacts the 31% of US children who are overweight or obese and others at-risk in adulthood.
MyPlate explains nutrition needs at every age and provides lesson plans and games for educators and parents.
Check out NEA Healthy Futures' resources for tackling hunger and obesity in your school, and contact us with your school food experiences.


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Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Resmed Consultant Behind Home Testing Movement
At the 2004 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation in New York, Terence Davidson, an Otolaryngologist (ENT) and Dean of Continuing Education at the University of California, San Diego, was invited to give a "mini seminar" entitled "Thinking of Opening a Sleep Lab?" Dr. Davidson could also be called the "father" of the current attempt to get Medicare to approve unattended home testing for sleep apnea. It was his Jan. 29, 2004 letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that argued that the current policy is inhibiting the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because the nation's 692 sleep labs are simply too full.
During Dr. Davidson's presentation in New York, he had some interesting opinions and comments and also seemed to have some conflicts of interest and an astounding degree of arrogance towards the Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine professions.
Although he has claimed to have no conflicts of interest, Dr. Davidson is on the Medical Advisory Board of Directors of ResMed, Inc. as a paid consultant. ResMed and their auto titration CPAP units stand to benefit substantially from gaining Medicare's approval of in-home, unattended testing.
As to Dr. Davidson's assertion that the current policy for our Medicare population is inhibiting the diagnosis of OSA because the nation's sleep labs are simply too full, recent data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that the availability of sleep laboratories across the United States based on a 2001 study of 2001 data estimates that 427 PSG were performed per year per 100,000 population. (5) Since 2001, the number of sleep laboratories accredited by the AASM has more than doubled to 1,169, with 129 applications having been received in just the first three months of 2007, alone.
In a 2004 AASM survey, there was an average wait of about three weeks for a sleep study or sleep consultation. An independent survey in 2004 by Shariq estimated there were more than 2,500 accredited and non-accredited sleep laboratories in the US with an average wait time for a PSG between two and three weeks.
I encourage you to read the full post.
5 comments:
- LaRPSGT said...
I have followed your last two blogs without comment. I cant stay quiet any longer. As a RPSGT, a person that has spent hours with the patient, attempting to make them feel comfortable, and at home. I have heard the stories about their grandchildren, current drug use, stresses in their lives or just the things that make them happy. We sleep techs tend to receive much more patient information, that they have not had the opportunity to disclose in a short doctor's visit. Then as the PSG begins, and problems arise many of which are'nt just OSA. Alpha intrusion, PLMs, RLS, Seizures,undiagnosed heart arrhythmias that seem to only appear in REM, along with countless other health risk that a home test would not pick up. Arousals are not limited to being caused by OSA. Not to mention the countless low scores on epworth and Berlin scales Ive seen, from patient's with severe OSA! Not all patient's have the same perception of how "tired" feels. How can any health professional say home test are in the best interest of the patient? It's all about cutting corners and saving dollars. It all saddens me greatly. At a time when I was becoming so excited that more physicians and patients are becoming more educated of the effects of sleep disorder on overall health. I am worried about those patients that a sleep tech. like me, will not get the chance to know.
- Michael Rack, MD said...
I agree with you. Thanks for posting
- Steve Gardner said...
Dr. Rack: I'd like to make an update on our original blog post on home testing. Dr. Davidson is no longer on ResMed's medical advisor board, which was dissolved in 2006. He was, however, a member of the board from 2004 to 2006.
Thank you.
Steve Gardner
Sleep Wellness Institute
- Sovann Pen said...
Well said!
I cringe when I hear about patients having UARS/OSA ruled out based on overnight oximetry or being titrated (first time) on an autoPAP.
On the other hand it's frustrating when patients have to wait 3-4 months for a PSG.
- Lorre said...
It would be nice if this would provide access to testing for those who currently cannot afford it or have no medical insurance. With the seriousness of sleep apnea it seems that this is better than no testing at all.My grown son has no medical insurance and I worry about him all the time because of what I hear when he's sleeping-snoring-and not breathing. He has a very large neck (offensive lineman) and I would be happy for now to just to get a CPAP mask put on his face!!!!


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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Della Notte
801 Eastern Ave. (President St.) Send to Phone
410-837-5500 | Make Restaurant Reservations
OpenLunch & Dinner daily
- Parking lot
- Dress code: Business casual
- Entertainment: Piano bar nightly
- Full bar
- Kid-friendly
- Private room(s)
- Reservations suggested
* Click here for rating key
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Della Notte Restaurant Review: You can dine with the Roman emperors at Della Notte: owner Ted Julio purchased the marble busts from the defunct Haussner's. They do look impressive in the main dining area, a round room edged in comfortable banquettes. The food gets better all the time, from the simplest linguine with white clam sauce to the more lavish pan-seared duck breast with risotto to handsomely turned-out veal dishes, like the picatta with capers and lemon-white wine sauce. The crusts on the individual pizzas are crisp and satisfying. An in-house bakery turns out heaps of temptation, from tartufo to tiramisu. And the reserve wine list is notable as well. In its friendly, upscale-casual way, Della Notte is playing a starring role on the edge of Little Italy.
GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Awards honor America's best chefs, as well as promising newcomers and a top restaurateur.