text:
New federal maps for Boston significantly expand the number of homes and businesses in areas considered at high risk of flooding, a change that could force thousands of property owners to purchase expensive insurance and complicate redevelopment along the city's waterfront.
The proposed maps, released Friday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, could more than double the number of residences considered in danger of flooding to about 18,000 from 8,000. The number of businesses affected would also balloon from 250 located primarily along the city's wharfs to nearly 4,000 stretching as far inland as downtown Boston and encompassing much of the new development along the South Boston Waterfront.
"There are some significant changes," said Kerry Bogdan, a senior FEMA engineer for New England. "People need to be aware of it, for development reasons. For insurance purposes. And, first and foremost, for what their risk is for their safety."
This is the first significant change to Boston's flood maps in decades, and it is expected to draw the ire of homeowners, developers, and business owners across the city. Similar changes to maps in coastal Massachusetts communities have spurred protests, and towns in Plymouth, Essex, and Barnstable counties have appealed the new flood designations.
Boston is planning to hold public meetings on the draft maps, which would likely take effect in early 2015. The city will hire a consultant to review FEMA's data and ensure its accuracy, said Brian Swett, the city's chief of environment and energy.
FEMA is updating flood maps nationwide using new technology and more precise engineering modeling. That refined assessment has found that more low-lying and flat areas are at risk of flooding during major storms. Historically, FEMA has made tweaks to flood maps after receiving appeals and hearing community concerns, Bogdan said.
In Boston, FEMA's proposed changes would expand flood zones in East Boston, the Seaport and Financial districts, and parts of Dorchester. Properties designated in flood zones are usually required by lenders to carry additional insurance.
About 1,000 Boston property owners now carry flood insurance policies, paying an average annual premium of $911, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.
In East Boston, one of the city's poorest neighborhoods, having to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in flood insurance could force working-class residents and immigrants from their homes, said Kim Foltz, the director of community building and environment for the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc., a community development organization.
East Boston residents understand they are vulnerable to flooding, Foltz said, but the city should provide subsidies or other aid to help cover increased insurance costs. The flood zone would expand from piers jutting into the harbor to areas northeast of Maverick Square.
"Protecting the neighborhood includes affordability," Foltz said, "and making sure residents aren't displaced by rising costs."
The new maps could further raise the city's already high construction costs. New buildings and existing properties undergoing major renovations would have to meet stricter requirements and incorporate flood protection measures. It's unclear how much these requirements would increase costs.
The change could also complicate development in the Seaport District, which is undergoing a building boom. Mayor Thomas M. Menino has reimagined the neighborhood as the Innovation District and encouraged developers to transform it from empty warehouses and piers to a hub for technology companies, restaurants, and towering office and residential buildings.
Swett said developers would have to put electrical systems on roofs, instead of in basements, and make sure that the lowest floors are above flood level. But, he added, "I don't anticipate any slowdown in construction."
Rick Dimino, chief executive of A Better City, an organization of business leaders, said he is withholding judgment on the maps for now. He wants to know how FEMA determined which neighborhoods to include and whether the agency's methodology was accurate.
The final map will put "new lines in the sand," Dimino said, and "inevitably have an impact on construction."
With all the redevelopment happening in Boston, this is a good time for residents, developers, and city officials to look at the flood areas and try to protect lives and property, said Bogdan. The new flood zones take into account rising water levels in Boston Harbor.
In drawing the maps, FEMA did not consider the impact of recent storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast last year, Bogdan said. Predictions of rising sea levels due to climate change did not play a role in determining the new flood zones, she added.Deirdre Fernandes can be reached at deirdre.fernandes @globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @fernandesglobe.


text:
U Just Got Life: Cuban Inmate Sounding A Bit Like Tony Montana Threatens To Kill The Judge In A Court Room! "Whats Your Pleasure"
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text:
This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Yield
- Serves 8
- 1 5-pound flat-cut beef brisket, fat trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 7 cups finely chopped onions
- 1 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 2 750-ml bottles dry red wine
- 8 large fresh thyme sprigs plus1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
- 1 pound baby carrots, peeled
- 12 ounces pearl onions, blanched, peeled
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Sprinkle brisket with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Brown brisket, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to large roasting pan. Add chopped onions, chopped carrot, celery and garlic to pot; sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add wine, thyme sprigs and bay leaves; boil until liquid is reduced to 5 cups, about 10 minutes. Add stock to pot; bring to boil. Pour wine mixture over brisket to fill 2/3 of pan; reserve remaining wine mixture.
- Roast brisket uncovered until very tender, turning and basting occasionally and adding more wine mixture as necessary to keep pan 2/3 full, about 3 1/2 hours.
- Transfer meat to platter. Strain pan juices into 4-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids; add enough wine mixture to measure 3 1/2 cups. Season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice meat across grain. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover meat and sauce separately; chill. Arrange meat in baking dish. Cover with foil; rewarm in 350°F oven about 40 minutes. Rewarm sauce.)
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add baby carrots, pearl onions and 1 tablespoon thyme; sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Cover and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve meat with sauce and vegetables.
Related Video
Nutritional Info
- Calories1181
- Carbohydrates39 g(13%)
- Fat71 g(110%)
- Protein60 g(119%)
- Saturated Fat27 g(135%)
- Sodium588 mg(25%)
- Polyunsaturated Fat4 g
- Fiber6 g(24%)
- Monounsaturated Fat32 g
- Cholesterol274 mg(91%)


text:
After hearing dueling opinions from two doctors on whether Donald Rudolph of Weymouth is competent to stand trial, it's now up to a judge to decide whether Rudolph should go to trial or be committed to a psychiatric hospital long-term. Rudolph is charged with killing his mother, his sister and his mother's boyfriend in November 2011.
DEDHAM – A psychiatrist testified Friday that a Weymouth man charged with killing his mother, his sister and his mother's boyfriend is faking symptoms of mental illness and that he is competent to go to trial on murder charges.Dr. Martin Kelly, a Brookline psychiatrist, testified in Norfolk Superior Court during a hearing being held to determine whether Donald Rudolph, 21, is mentally competent to stand trial. The hearing was continued from last week.
A forensic psychologist called to testify by Rudolph's defense attorney last week said he first thought Rudolph could be faking but now believes he has schizophrenia and is not competent.
Now it's up to a judge to make the final determination as to whether Rudolph should go to trial or be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital on a long-term basis.
Assistant District Attorney Craig Kowalski said Friday that Rudolph's apparent symptoms are an elaborate act and that he should go to trial.
"He's continued to choose not to cooperate. It's a conscious decision on his part," Kowalski said. "He absolutely has the capacity to understand what's going on here."
Rudolph is charged with murdering his mother, Paula Rudolph, 50; his sister, Caylin Rudolph, 24; and his mother's boyfriend, Frederick Medina, 52; in their Upland Road home in November 2011.
All three were bludgeoned with a hammer. Medina and Caylin Rudolph were also stabbed. Police found Rudolph in the home covered in blood on the night of the killings.
Kelly testified that Rudolph's apparent symptoms don't fit the diagnosis for schizophrenia or any other mental illness. Kelly said he believes Rudolph is capable of understanding the charges against him and assisting his attorney in his own defense.
"He is malingering mental illness," Kelly said. "It's a conscious pattern of behavior on his part to present himself as mentally ill when he's not."
Malingering refers to faking or exaggerating symptoms of mental illness.
Kelly said Rudolph doesn't hear voices telling him to do things or have delusions, two of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. He said Rudolph's records show that he follows football, reads the "Game of Thrones" book series and at times has coherent conversations with doctors and corrections officers, all of which indicate he should be able to understand the charges against him and the court process.
But Rudolph's attorney, John Darrell, said Rudolph is mentally ill and has been unable to communicate even with him or to understand the court process.
"If he was trying to pretend something that would help his trial, he'd give the doctor delusions and hallucinations, and he doesn't," Darrell said. "He has absolutely no idea what's going on."
Rudolph sat handcuffed and shackled during the hearing, holding several handwritten pages torn from a yellow legal pad. He stared at the floor or the ceiling through much of the hearing, and several times could be seen speaking softly to his attorney.
Judge Thomas Connors said he will review testimony and the doctors' reports before ruling on Rudolph's competency. Rudolph is due back in court March 12.
Dr. Charles Carroll, a forensic psychologist at Bridgewater State Hospital, testified Jan. 24 that Rudolph speaks incoherently to his doctors or not at all. Rudolph keeps a journal that is written in rambling stream-of-consciousness style and that he complains of hearing yelling, gunshots and lawnmowers when there are none around.
Carroll did court-ordered evaluations of Rudolph in 2011 and 2013.
Darrell said Rudolph wrote letters to his mother and sister in the weeks after prosecutors say he killed them.
Reach Christian Schiavone at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @CSchiavo_Ledger.
READ MORE about this issue.


text:
Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are conditions in which blood supply to the back of the brain is disrupted.
Alternative Names
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency; Posterior circulation ischemia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Three main blood vessels provide blood flow to the back of the brain:
- One basilar artery
- Two vertebral arteries
This part of the brain contains structures that are crucial for keeping a person alive, such as breathing, heart rate, swallowing, vision, movement, and posture or balance.
Many different conditions may cause blood flow in the back part of the brain to be reduced or stopped. The most common are smoking, highblood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. These are similar to the
Vertebrobasilar vascular disorders may also be caused by a tear (dissection) in an artery wall.
Other less common causes of vertebrobasilar vascular disorders include connective tissue diseases and vasculitis.
Most common symptoms may include:
- Difficulty saying words
- Difficulty swallowing
- Double vision or vision loss
- Numbness or tingling most often on the face or scalp
- Slurred speech
- Sudden falls (drop attacks)
- Vertigo (sensation of things spinning around)
- Memory loss
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Bladder or bowel control problems
- Difficulty walking (unsteady gait)
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck ache
- Pain in one or more parts of the body, which gets worse with touch and cold temperatures
Poor coordination
- Sleepiness or even apparent sleep from which the person cannot be awakened
- Sudden, uncoordinated movements
- Sweating on the face, arms, or legs
Signs and tests
Tests depend on the possible underlying cause, but may include:
- CT or
MRIof the brain
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or
ultrasoundto look at blood vessels in the brain
- Blood tests, including blood clotting studies
Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram(ECG) and Holter monitor
- X-rays of the arteries (
Sudden onset of vertebrobasilar symptoms is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment is similar to that for
Treatment and
- Blood-thinning medications to lower your risk of stroke, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Diet changes and medication to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure
- Exercise
- Losing weight
- Stopping smoking
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on:
- The type of stroke
- The amount of brain damage
- What body functions have been affected
- How quickly you get treatment
- How quickly you recover
Each person has a different recovery time and need forlong-term care. Problems with moving, thinking, and talking often improve in the first weeks or months after a stroke. Some people will keep improving months or years after a stroke.
Complications of vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are stroke and its complications. The complications of stroke include:
- Respiratory (breathing) failure (which may require use of a machine to help the patient breathe)
- Lung problems (especially lung infections)
- Heart attack
- Dehydration and swallowing problems (sometimes leading to the placement of tubes in the stomach for artificial feeding)
- Problems with movement or sensation, including paralysis and numbness
- Formation of clots in the legs
Patients may have vision loss in one eye.
Complications caused by medications or surgery may also occur.
Calling your health care provider
Call 911 or your local emergency number, or get to the emergency room if you have any symptoms that may suggest a vertebrobasilar circulatory disorder.
Furie KL, Kasner SE, Adams RJ, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42:227-276.
Goldstein LB, Bushnell CD, Adams RJ,et al. Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42:517-584.
Adams RJ, Albers G, Alberts MJ, Benavente O, Furie K, Goldstein LB, et al. Update to the AHA/ASA recommendations for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack. Stroke. 2008 May;39(5):1647-52. Epub 2008 Mar 5.
Biller J, Love BB, Schneck MJ. Vascular Diseases of the Nervous System. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2008:chap 55.
Review Date:
Reviewed By:
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.


text:
I recognize the historical and geographical notions of the ancients in
the scriptures. They do not match what we learn from the Book of Nature,
which has its source in the same deity as scripture. There is an obvious
point here, which Augustine recognized on different grounds.
I do not understand quantum mechanics or string theory, which seems to be
a minimum requirement to get into cosmology. It is obvious that Moses had
not even heard of these disciplines. Given the number of times I
encounter indications that scientists still do not know how some things
happened, I doubt that the most advanced science today could make out the
full understanding of the universe and the rest of reality were it
spelled out totally. The ultimate is beyond communication unless God has
other creatures endowed with immeasurably greater intelligence than
All the confessions from the time of the Reformation except the Lutheran
specify that scripture speaks to faith and practice, how to be saved and
how to behave. The Lutherans, like the ecumenical creeds, simply assume
biblical authority. They, like the other groups that have a catechism,
are clear on the two purposes of scripture. Why did they not specify the
inerrancy of scripture on history and science?
Unless God is kidding us and the fathers and divines never caught on, I
think the answer to the professor is clear.
Dave (ASA)
On Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:47:46 -0700 "Dehler, Bernie"
<firstname.lastname@example.com> writes:
Professor at Southern Evangelical Seminary "First, how does he know what
God "did not plan the Bible to be"?"
Yes- I think it is interesting how maybe most of us understand the Bible
to be "accommodating" the ancient 'science of the day' to reveal a
theological message. But if the Bible is accommodating to the ancients,
yet it is from God; why wasn't it written to accommodate everyone, even
modern readers? Why is it only accommodating to ancient science, but not
specifying that or accommodating to people in the modern world? It is as
if it was written to and only for the ancients, and we have to interpret
it (whereas the ancients didn't have to interpret, since it aligned with
their history and science).
From: firstname.lastname@example.com [mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com] On
Behalf Of John Walley
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 1:12 AM
To: AmericanScientificAffiliation; Randy Isaac
Subject: Fw: [asa] Olasky on Collins
I took the liberty of forwarding your response to a friend of mine who is
a philosopher and also a professor at Southern Evangelical Seminary and
this was his response. This guy is a really smart but he is one of the
the fundamentalist types I mentioned in my other thread and we have
debated endlessly about TE/ID for several years. He does at least
occasionally maintain the dialogue like here so I have hope that I may
still be able to reach him one day. I have put George in touch with him
before. He is definitely convinced that he has the correct theology
These questions are typical of a philosopher but valid. This appears to
be an interesting opportunity for us to explain how we know what is true
and the role of science in establishing what we know. If anyone on the
list cares to respond to him I would be happy to forward the comments.
----- Forwarded Message ----
Thanks for the email. It is very interesting. I do have a few questions
regarding number five (which I've pasted for convenience with emphasis
5."The basic problem may be that Collins believes in Christ's
resurrection but doesn't seem to have a high view of Scripture, which is
where we primarily learn about Christ's resurrection."
No, that is mistaking a "high view of Scripture" for a particular
interpretation of Scripture. Collins is committed to the inspiration of
the Bible which to him means understanding it for what God is teaching,
not defining "high view" to be a certain human interpretation of what God
might be teaching. Specifically, God did not plan the Bible to be a
textbook on modern science or to reveal scientific mysteries such as what
sort of particle causes gravitational attraction or the exact processes
of biological development. Rather, God meant it to reveal his
sovereignty and plan of salvation. Is it proper exegesis to force the
Bible to answer the sort of scientific questions we feel are important,
rather than recognizing what message God intended the text to speak?
First, how does he know what God "did not plan the Bible to be"? Where
does he get this knowledge?
Second, how does he know what God meant it to reveal?
Third, why is it that when he tells us what he thinks God meant, this is
not (presumably) "a certain human interpretation" but when others say
what they think God or the Bible means, it might be "a certain human
Fourth, how can he know what message God has intended for the text? Where
does he get this knowledge?
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Randy Isaac <email@example.com>
To: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2009 9:12:51 PM
Subject: Re: [asa] Olasky on Collins
Dear Mr. Olasky,
The American Scientific Affiliation is a Fellowship of Christians in
science. We are committed to a statement of faith based on the Apostles'
and the Nicene creeds and to integrity in science. We were founded in
1941 at the instigation of the president of Moody Bible Institute. We are
not an advocacy group and do not take positions in areas of honest
disagreement among Christians but encourage dialog in a spirit of
Christian love. See www.asa3.org.
Francis Collins is one of our members who was elected a Fellow in
2006. Though I cannot speak for him and our organization does not take
sides, we do want to ensure that there is a clarity of dialog with
accurate and fair analysis of all sides. In that spirit, may I offer the
following comments, compiled with edits from several of our members, in
response to your recent column titled "An Hour, Sir, Please".
1. "Collins recently set up the BioLogos Foundation: Its website defines
BioLogos as "the belief that Darwinism is a correct science." This is
confusing: Darwinism means unguided evolution, right?"
No, Darwinism means different things to different people and is used in
different ways. In Collins's statement he is simply talking about the
predominant role of descent with modification and natural selection in
the development of species.
2. "Does Collins mean by "theistic evolution" the concept that God is
guiding the evolutionary process?"
Yes, Collins does mean God guiding the evolutionary process just as he
guides the gravitational process, the electromagnetic process, and other
processes in nature. God insures the continued functioning of the laws of
nature he created, and scientists study the ways in which they are
manifest in nature. This is consistent with the Christian belief in God
as both creator and sustainer of his creation.
3. "If so, isn't that a version of ID?"
No, not ID as usually described by its advocates. Yes, as Christians we
all believe that our Creator is an intelligent designer and we believe
that the awesome world around us declares the existence of this
intelligent designer. But ID generally refers to the belief that a)
evolution is not an adequate scientific explanation of the origin of
species, and b) that there is a specific logical argument based on
DNA-information being specified complex information for which the best
explanation is an indeterminate intelligent designer. That is the
position with which Collins disagrees.
4."On the other hand, if Collins believes that God passively watches
evolution unfold, isn't that deistic evolution? "
No, if by deistic evolution you mean that God starts the evolution going,
and no longer has any role in his creation. In Collins's views, God
guides evolution and is intimately involved in sustaining his creation at
every instant--the same for evolution as for gravity and for
5."The basic problem may be that Collins believes in Christ's
resurrection but doesn't seem to have a high view of Scripture, which is
where we primarily learn about Christ's resurrection."
No, that is mistaking a "high view of Scripture" for a particular
interpretation of Scripture. Collins is committed to the inspiration of
the Bible which
to him means understanding it for what God is teaching, not defining
"high view" to be a certain human interpretation of what God might be
teaching. Specifically, God did not plan the Bible to be a textbook on
modern science or to reveal scientific mysteries such as what sort of
particle causes gravitational attraction or the exact processes of
biological development. Rather, God meant it to reveal his sovereignty
and plan of salvation. Is it proper exegesis to force the Bible to
answer the sort of scientific questions we feel are important, rather
than recognizing what message God intended the text to speak?
6. "For example, Collins' BioLogos website declares, "It seems likely
that Adam and Eve were not individual historical characters, but
represented a larger population of first humans who bore the image of
Yes, that is a likely scientific interpretation and an appropriate
biblical interpretation as well. There are many well-respected
theologians and Bible-believing scientists and philosophers, dating back
at least to St. Augustine , who have differed over the specific
scientific relevance of various portions of scripture, yet have held an
authentically Christian theology.
7."Many subsequent figures in the Bible, preeminently Jesus, referred to
Adam as an individual: Were they deluded? "
No, they were not deluded but neither were they modern scientists or
historians trying to document a historical event. This was the
conventional populist belief at the time and the messages Jesus and Paul
were giving were not science lessons but deeper theological lessons. This
isn't delusion, but speaking in the language of the people.
8."Still, I'm not so worried about Collins' theological statements: Many
readers can exegete them and come to their own conclusions. What I and
many others need help with is the science. I'll put it simply and
personally: I like Collins and find him convincing as he attacks ID. But
when I hear Steve Meyer, author of Signature in the Cell, a major new
book published by HarperCollins and reviewed positively by many
scientists, expound the flaws in Darwinism, I find him utterly
It is true that Stephen Meyer is a very convincing writer. I recently
obtained this book and am partially through reading it. It is indeed a
well written manifesto—perhaps a definitive ID scientific apologetic. The
arguments are not convincing to most scientists, including Christians in
science, but the case is made in such a persuasive style that many people
will be impressed.
9."I don't understand the science well enough to ask Collins intelligent
follow-up questions, so I'd love to see a discussion between Collins and
Meyer. Earlier this year I asked Collins personally if he'd come to The
King's College in the Empire State Building sometime and spend an hour
before faculty and students discussing the issues with Meyer: We'd tape
it and put excerpts in WORLD. Collins said no, and he has since said no
to other entreaties."
Collins has the right to be selective of the many requests he has
received. It is understandable that he would prefer to engage a
biochemist regarding topics in biology.
10."Of course, he was busy earlier this year and he'll be even busier
now. Collins may also be averse to sharing a platform with someone below
his status, but Meyer has a Cambridge University Ph.D. and, as of 10:49
p.m. on July 6, had the No. 1 best-seller in Amazon's Kindle store in the
"science and religion" category; Collins' book, The Language of God, was
No. 3. (Note: Collins' has been out for a couple of years and has sold
widely-but Meyer is a worthy challenger.)"
Truth is not based on best-selling book volumes.
11."I still want to hear two intelligent, influential guys discussing
design, so I'm asking Collins publicly: Please, sir, busy senators and
governors and major authors are coming to King's these days, and I
suspect you too will be coming to Manhattan sometime. Whenever you do,
can you spare an hour?"
If you had come to the ASA meeting last weekend, that's exactly what you
would have heard. http://www.asa3.org/ASA/meetingASA.html There are
advocates on both sides of the ID debate among ASA members, and we
encourage dialog in a spirit of Christian love.
Psychology Programs
Official Site. Univ. of Phoenix. Get Info on Psychology Degrees Now.
To unsubscribe, send a message to firstname.lastname@example.com with
"unsubscribe asa" (no quotes) as the body of the message.
Received on Thu Aug 13 14:57:37 2009
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text:
Serves 1/20th of a person.
You must become pubis-savvy to understand Archaeopteryx. The pubic bone commands the guts – and gut evolution was huge in bird origins.
1) Check out an allosaur, a typical big meat-eating dinosaur. Note that the pubic bone points down. This position limits the size of the guts because the intestines must stop in front of the pubis.
2) Check out a chicken, a typical modern bird. The pubis has been pulled way back so it points backwards. Now the guts can expand all the way to the rear of the bird.*
3) Now examine Archaeopteryx. If it were a typical bird with a big gut, the pubis should point backward. It doesn't. It points down, like in an allosaur.
4) So……Archaeopteryx was a gut-less wonder, compared to a modern bird. The space for the intestines was still small. It couldn't digest food as fast as a modern bird can and it couldn't digest tough food items.
5) Modern-style bird guts didn't evolve until the Cretaceous.
* that's why we can stuff a bird with so much stuffing on Thanksgiving.
How To Get Your T.rex to Perch on Your Finger
Evolution of the Back-Grabber Toe in Birds
Here is our Archaeopteryx hind foot. Note that it's got a "back-grabber toe," an inner toe that points inwards and a little backwards.
Modern birds usually have an even bigger back-grabber toe that points further backwards. This inner toe lets the bird grab a branch or a finger and hold on.
(The toe is equivalent to our human big toe).
The other three toes in Archaeopteryx point forward and attach to three long ankle bones that are bound together tightly by ligaments. The inner toe has just a stub of an ankle bone.
Look at a primitive dinosaur, like Anchisaurus. No back-grabber. Instead the inner toe is thick and long and points forward. The toes attach to four long ankle bones that are loose and can spread.
Here's the key step:
Meat-eating dinosaurs evolved an inner toe that pointed inwards – like a bird's. Its ankle bone is a stub – just like a bird's.
The three main toes have ankle bones tightly bound together – like birds'.
Raptor-type dinosaurs were even more bird-like, with thin, long ankle bones.
Archaeopteryx evolved from a raptor-type dinosaur by enlargement of the inner toe.


text:
A jury of high-rise design and construction professionals has selected four regional winners in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's 2013 Best Tall Building Awards, which honor the world's best new skyscrapers each year. One of the four projects will be named "Best Tall Building Worldwide" at the CTBUH 12th Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner, November 7 in Chicago.
The four regional winners are: The Bow in Calgary, Canada (Americas); CCTV in Beijing, China (Asia and Australia); The Shard in London, United Kingdom (Europe); and Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Middle East and Africa). The winners were selected from a pool of 60-plus entries.
"The winners and finalists include some of the most striking buildings on the global landscape," said Jeanne Gang, awards jury chair and Principal of Studio Gang Architects. "They represent resolutions to a huge range of contemporary issues, from energy consumption to integration with the urban realm on the ground."
Here's a look at the four regional winners (images and descriptions courtesy CTBUH):
The Bow
Location: Calgary
Height: 779 feet; 58 stories
Function: Office
Completed: 2012
Building Team
Owner/Developer: H+R Reit
Design Architect: Foster + Partners
Associate Architect: Zeidler Partnership Architects
Structural Engineer: Halcrow Yolles
MEP Engineer: Cosentini
Project Manager: Matthews Southwest Canada
Main Contractor: Ledcor Construction Ltd.
Other Consultants: RWDI; Otis Elevator Company
CCTV Headquarters
Location: Beijing
Height: 768 feet; 54 stories
Function: Office
Completed: 2012
Building Team
Owner: China Central Television
Developer: General Office of CCTV New Site Construction & Development Program
Design Architect: Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Associate Architect: ECADI
Structural Engineers: Ove Arup & Partners; East China Architectural Design and Research
MEP Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners
Project Manager: Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Main Contractor: China State Construction
Other Consultants: RWDI
Al Khatem Tower
Location: Abu Dhabi
Height: 509 feet
Function: Office
Completed: 2012
Building Team
Owner/Developer: Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure
Design Architect: Goettsch Partners
Structural Engineer: Oger International
MEP Engineer: Oger International
Project Manager: Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure
Main Contractor: Oger Abu Dhabi
The Shard
Location: London
Height: 1004 feet
Function: Mixed use (residential, office, hotel)
Completed: 2013
Building Team
Owner: London Bridge Quarter Ltd
Developer: Sellar Property Group
Design Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Associate Architect: Adamson Associates
Structural Engineer: WSP Group
MEP Engineer: Arup
Project Manager: Turner & Townsend
Main Contractor: Mace
Material Suppliers: Permasteelisa Group
Other Consultants: RWDI, KONE, Dow Corning Corporation, AECOM


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J., East Dean
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text:
|2008-03-17, 11:37
|Link #1002
Utu Class Planetoid
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Reading, UK
If the majority of the Federation had been in favor of the Titans behaviour and attitude they wouldn't have worried about Cha addressing the Federation Council for example.
And the AEUG and Karaba would never have found the support from civilian subscriptions to enable them to oppose the Federation's elite special forces on relativily even terms.
Gundam X is similar. There are all of 4 characters that want a war between Earth and the colonies and two of them get talked out of it.
|2008-03-17, 15:16
|Link #1003
Holy Beast ~Wuff!~
Watched all the way to the end, and i can't for the life of me remember a single memorable music score, even from some of the scenes i can remember (i.e. the fight between kira and what-is-best-friend-name, robot bird flying in space etc etc)
Dunno what ears you have, but they certainly not the same as mine, as i can confidently say i was very underwhelmed by the soundtracks.
Well, except for the ending theme song, seem to remember that, especially when that mobile armour pilot sacrifice himself for his lover-captain, then the credits came after that, sort of made me blink my eyes.
as for "Ai Oboete Imasuka", after all these years, i can still bring up the memories of her singing on that transparent bridge, the explosions lighting her up, and the valkyries flashing and dying around her, as the song reach the chorus one on the many break though the stunned zentradi's, blows a hole in the mothership, the valkyrie flowing on the song itself, before reaching the big-head, pull out the bazooka and nails the bugger! god.
that song will remain with me forever.
Just the same as i can remember the chasing and quicken pace of the notes as gauld and dyson settle their rivalry amongst the test city, trading punches and tactics. it was beautiful.
As for GiTS, well maybe because i'm a Shirow Masumune Fan and love GiTS, Appleseed, Tank Police etc etc. That i really like the OST from them?
well maybe not Appleseed, the original nor the new ones. for some reason not really connecting to me on those remakes/adaptations.
Cowboy Bebop was a good OST too, i think yoko kanno did great on that too, and i watched that on the same channel as Gundam Seed was on, so maybe that's why i never noticed it's OST? drowned out by a superior one.
|2008-03-17, 17:55
|Link #1004
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 32
|2008-03-17, 18:00
|Link #1005
Holy Beast ~Wuff!~
its makes everything else seem several shades pale in comparison.
Pity me.
|2008-03-18, 01:51
|Link #1006
Anime Hobbyist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Also, I think Toshihiko Sahashi isn't credited enough because he worked mostly with a lot of otherwise unimpressive manga ports and smaller works. Even shows like Gunslinger Girls was a relatively minor show compared to other shows in its time. A yet another great Toshihiko OST in that one.
Last edited by SuperKnuckles; 2008-03-18 at 02:11.
|2008-03-18, 04:39
|Link #1007
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Age: 32
While for Kanno, she's way more adaptable than anything else, and she carves up a niche of her own with her very distinctive melding of different styles and genres. While her brass work is IMHO inferior to Sahashi's, she's way more adaptable than he is when it comes to things like OP/ED/Insert song composing , which is precisely what a franchise like Macross needs, what with the singing already being a standard trademark of this franchise. And since this isn't a purely military series with all bugles and trumpets, we'll be needing much more of a balanced soundtrack to complement all types of scenes properly.
And yes, Turn A Gundam OST FTW. Let's hear if Kanno can repeat that kind of performance in Frontier.
|2008-03-18, 06:15
|Link #1008
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 32
|2008-03-18, 10:17
|Link #1009
User of the "Fast Draw"
Well can't say I'm the best at judging different series music. Though I played tough to really put something I heard a while ago into a comparison.
At least the thread has done a good thing. Thought at least I could check out Macross Plus to try and get a look at things. Obviously a ton of things that are out there to watch. Really is something to see how much music had a role to play in that one.
|2008-03-18, 10:35
|Link #1010
Lets be reality
Join Date: May 2007
The lack of talk about Sahashi Toshihiko's Simoun score makes me sad, I'll rate OST 1 from Simoun as his best OST ever with Gundam SEED OST III being #2. If you liked his work on the SEED series than you should definately check out his Simoun score... Also while I really, really liked Yoko Kanno's TAG score I thought she did a better job with Brain Powered which imo is her best obscure work. *plays Power of Light*.
Sahashi Toshihiko for instance did an amazing job with the SEED scores but Yuki Kajiura had to handle every insert song as well as a fair portion of the ED themes. That's why Kanno is perfect for the job and so far she seems to be doing a great job, the two insert songs I really like and the BGM played from 19:30 onwards is just awesome.
Kanno did a fantastic job in Macross Plus, musically and vocally as Gabrielle Robins, in addition to every insert song which she knocked out the park, stuff like Dogfight was just amazing, the way that track is layered and built up is just perfect.
Last edited by Westlo; 2008-03-18 at 10:47.
|2008-03-18, 16:43
|Link #1011
Holy Beast ~Wuff!~
we really need a sub-forum.
so we can separate the many interesting topics here:
* Macross Music
* Enemy Speculation
* 25th Colony Fleet Discussion
* Macross Q&A
* Macross Universe Timeline speculation
* UN Spacy Armament Discussion
* Singing Seiyuu Discussion
Dammn, got enough here already.
|2008-03-18, 21:37
|Link #1012
The only tracks from Brain Powerd I actually like were Ark, Ground Zero and the opener and ending. The rest of it just didn't do anything for me. For me her strongest OST is probably Turn A Gundam with Escaflowne a close second.
|2008-03-18, 22:32
|Link #1013
Lets be reality
Join Date: May 2007
I'm sure 4tran will be trying to get us a Macross sub forum Onizuka-GTO, heck I don't think he will have to try that hard since this thread is already over 1000 posts.... without a sub forum this thread will smash whatever record Kimikiss Pure Rogue sets for most posts in a single thread in this forum. I don't see anything else being more popular next season than Code Geass R2, Macross Frontier and Soul Eater.
|2008-03-18, 22:54
|Link #1014
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 32
|2008-03-18, 23:22
|Link #1015
|2008-03-19, 01:53
|Link #1016
Anime Hobbyist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Even the Mai Otome OVAs and Macross Plus, as great as they were, really didn't need to hinge on too many pieces compared to the typical 26-50 episode shows. I think the trend is definitely there when listening to the actual OSTs. The actual number of the tracks is obviously higher in 2 cour+ shows. Also in general experience, I think the actual themery of the music tends to be more ambitious, such as having remixes of the same theme to various effect and so forth.
Last edited by SuperKnuckles; 2008-03-19 at 04:28.
|2008-03-22, 00:11
|Link #1017
Join Date: Jan 2008
Age: 30
If Kanno did the actual OST and Kajiura did the inserts/EDs, Frontier would be absolute gold from the music itself. i'm a few days late to the discussion, but Kanno's best OST was definitely Escaflowne. The few songs from Turn A i heard were good, but not as good in my ears as Escaflowne. As for Kajiura, her inserts for SEED speak volumes about her ability.
|2008-03-22, 06:56
|Link #1019
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 32
|action, romance
|Thread Tools


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The N'DIGO Foundation Gala was a Tribute to Men and featured a powerful concert by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds at Symphony Center. The 10-time Grammy winner, along with a four-piece band that included his brother Kevon Edmonds, brought the crowd to its feet.
This 16th annual event was attended by 1,200 people. The foundation has awarded 250 college scholarships to top-performing students over the years. It also recognizes leaders excelling in their careers. Honorees this year included Robert Michael Franklin, Morehouse College president; the Rev. Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church; Les Coney, Mesirow Financial executive; ABC-Ch. 7's Charles Thomas (introduced by emcee Art Norman); eta Creative Arts Foundation's Runako Jahi (who mentored Jennifer Hudson's acting career); and Northeastern University professor Conrad Worrill.
N'DIGO magazine Publisher Hermene Hartman said, "We have three generations of students who have received scholarships and have graduated to make a positive impact on the world."
Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama is one of the most anticipated fashion shows of the year, and I was the host of its launch party on June 16, with almost 300 guests. This event, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, is the precursor to Glamorama's Artrageous, set for Aug. 12 at the Chicago Theatre.
Click here to see photos of the N'DIGO and Glamorama parties.
Find Candace Jordan's blog at candidcandace.com.


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'Eating Out' Star Ryan Carnes Checking Into 'General Hospital' For Gay Role
It feels like it's been a while since Eating Out star Ryan Carnes has been on our radar, but it looks like we'll be getting a daily dose of the studly actor now that he's making a return to the role that he briefly played from 2004 to 2005, Lucas Jones on ABC's General Hospital.
Since Ryan last appeared on the show, his character came out of the closet and attended medical school in Seattle.
We'd say Lucas's return to the hospital-based soap is just what the doctor ordered!
Soaps In Depth spoke with GH's executive producer who says:
"Yes, he's coming back," executive producer Frank Valentini shares. "I got to meet him the other day. I like him a lot." Carnes, who is the second-to-last actor to have played the part, appeared on the soap in 2004-'05. There's no official word yet as to when Carnes will first air."
Hopefully we'll get an air date soon. We'll definitely tune in on the off chance that Ryan/Dr. Lucas Jones will fill out our prescription!
Yes, indeed.
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2007-12-26 / Obituaries
Paul Anglim, AMHS graduate, at 45
Former Massapequa resident and father of three sons, Paul A. Anglim died Nov. 26, 2007 at TideWell Hospice in Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 45 years old. Born on January 28, 1962 in Selden, he graduated from Amityville schools and moved from Massapequa to Florida in his 20s. For many years he worked as a truck driver for Atlas Lines in Tampa, Florida.
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Itching, redness, and swelling of the skin of the
Alternative Names
Pruritus vulvae; Itching - vaginal area; Vulvar itching
Common causes of vaginal itching and discharge in young girls include:
- Chemicals such as perfumes and dyes in detergents, fabric softeners, creams, ointments, and sprays may irritate the vagina or the skin around the vagina.
Vaginal yeast infection Vaginitisin girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.
- A foreign body such as toilet paper or a crayon a young girl may place in the vagina. An infection with a discharge may occur if the foreign object remains in the vagina.
Pinworms(a parasite infection mainly affecting children)
Home Care
To prevent and treat vaginal irritation, your child should:
- Avoid colored or perfumed toilet tissue and bubble bath.
- Use plain, unscented soap.
- Limit bath time to 15 minutes or less. Ask your child to urinate right after the bath.
- Use only plain warm water. Do not add baking soda, oatmeal bath treatments, or anything else to the bathwater.
- Do not let soap float in the bathwater. If you need to shampoo, do so at the end of the bath.
Teach your child to keep the genital area clean and dry. She should:
- Pat the outer vagina and vulva dry rather than rubbing it with tissue. Doing so will help prevent small balls of tissue from breaking off.
- Wipetoilet tissue from front to back (vagina to anus) after urinating or having a bowel movement.
Your child also should:
- Wear cotton panties. Avoid underwear made from synthetic or man-made materials.
- Have your child change underwear every day.
- Avoid tight pants or shorts.
- Change out of wet clothing, especially wet bathing suits or exercise clothing, as soon as possible.
- Do not try to remove any foreign object from a childs vagina. You may push the object back farther or injure your child by mistake. Take the child to a health care provider right away for removal.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your call your childs health care provider right away if:
- Your child complains of pelvic or lower abdominal pain or has a fever.
- You suspect sexual abuse.
Also call if:
- There are blisters or ulcers on the vagina or vulva.
- Your child has burning with urination or other problems urinating.
- You child has
vaginal bleeding, swelling, or discharge.
- Your childs symptoms get worse, last longer than 1 week, or keep coming back.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care provider will examine your child and may do a pelvic exam. You will be asked questions to help diagnose the cause of your vaginal itching. Tests may be done to find the cause.
Your health care provider may recommend drugs, such as:
- Cream or lotion for yeast infections
- Certain allergy medicines (antihistamines) for relief of itching
- Hydrocortisone creams or lotions which you can buy at the store (always talk to your healthcare provider first)
Margesson LJ. Pediatric vulvar disorders. In: Black M, Ambros-Rudolf CM, Edwards L, Lynch PJ, eds. Obstetric and Gynecologic Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 26.
Davis AJ, Katz VL. Pediatric and adolescent gynecology: Gynecologic examination, infections, trauma, pelvic mass, precocious puberty. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 12.
Review Date:
Reviewed By:
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


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Item Description
A collection of intimate jazz tracks played by small jazz ensembles; triplets and quintets. Imagine you and a date sitting in a high-end New York restaurant or bar overlooking the city and this classy ensemble playing in the background.
Tracks Included:
Upper East Side (1:54) – http://audiojungle.net/item/upper-east-side/4815196
Dinner for Two (3:02) – http://audiojungle.net/item/dinner-for-two/5887886
New York Quays (2:09) – http://audiojungle.net/item/new-york-quays/6858354


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Siretta M2M 2G/3G/4G modems bring reliable GSM communications to a diverse range of applications, connecting equipment / assets worldwide. The quikCONNECT modem range is now the popular choice for GSM data connectivity with many customers specifying the quikCONNECT range because of its proven reliability, quality build and at great pricepoint.
The routeCONNECT range of 3G and 4G routers are high performance industrial routers at a great price point. The high quality build and robust metal enclosures ensure routeCONNECT routers will be at home in any environment. Reliability of connection and network keep alive features are also a strong point of routeCONNECT routers
SNYPER is hand held and battery operated and assesses and analyses all cellular signals from any network at any particular site being surveyed. The SNYPER will give a summary of all networks found and their absolute and relative strengths after a few minutes of scanning. The information is shown directly on the LCD screen. For 3G models, the Snyper will show all 3G networks and, separately, all 2G networks.
What we do
We make M2M and IoT applications easy using our trusted cellular product range and our CloudAXS connectivity platform.
Siretta develops remote monitoring, control and asset tracking technologies which connect over mobile cellular networks using advanced modems and cloud connectivity. A leading designer and manufacturer of cellular modems and routers, signal testers, and antennas used for Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Siretta products are available via local distributors
Latest news
Get the latest news from Siretta
©Siretta Ltd 2018


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Contact Us P: 920.336.1190 F: 920.336.2970 | Email:
Cheese Making Machinery
Blue Cheese
Custom Cheese Machinery
Machinery and Fabrication
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Our reputation rests upon the products we build. So whether we work from one of our designs or from plans that you provide, we manufacture and assemble each product under tough standards. Here in De Pere, our machines are approved by the USDA before leaving our facility.
We have the staff and equipment to do virtually all of the manufacturing work in-house. Our people are experienced in all facets of the manufacturing process and are encouraged to operate a variety of machines to expand their machining knowledge. This capability allows us more control over the quality of the final product and more flexibility in scheduling to meet your delivery needs. This also keeps your cost down.
Equipment supplier to the champion cheese makers. Learn more about our machinery by clicking on the links below.
Cheese Making Machinery
Blue Cheese
Custom Cheese Machinery
It is Viking's policy that the design staff have "hand's on" experience in both manufacturing and assembly.
Machinery and Fabrication
Sheet Follower
Paper Roll Saw
There may be situations when you need a special part for your machine and the machine manufacturer no longer exists or has no stock available. You need a custom tool design, a special bracket fabricated or repairs made on your existing equipment but you don't know where to turn. Simply put, Viking is the answer.
Our manufacturing facility is equipped with a variety of metal working machinery, making our capability listing quite comprehensive:
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on Vacuum Wrapping Equipment ,Cryovac Valves
back to top
Viking Machine & Design, Inc. |
1408 Viking Lane De Pere, WI 54115 | P:920-336-1190 |


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Given the volume of data that all organizations must manage now to compete, it's not surprising that the vast majority are planning to expand their data-center space this year, according to an annual survey of the North American data-center market from Digital Realty Trust Inc. The biggest trends? Leasing out space, instead of buying, and taking a do-it-yourself approach, according to the report "What's Driving the U.S. Data Center Market, 2011 ." "Increasingly, enterprises appear to be favoring the lease model, as fewer companies are choosing to go it alone on these capital-intensive projects," says Michael F. Foust, CEO and director at Digital Realty Trust. "Unlike many of the large Internet companies, many enterprises that participated in the survey are choosing to lower costs and minimize development risks by working with a data-center specialist." Meanwhile, CIOs are finding more budget room for data-center operations than in the past, according to the research results. Approximately 300 IT decision makers at large corporations in North America took part in the research. Here are 10 selected highlights:
85% of survey respondents say they will "definitely" or "probably" expand usage of data-center space this year, up 4% over last year.
IT Solutions Builder TOP IT RESOURCES TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD
Which topic are you interested in?
Data Storage
IT Management
What is your company size?
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Searching our resource database to find your matches...


text:
March 21, 2007
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Poised to make a sixth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and defend the program's first national championship, the UC Santa Barbara men's soccer team released its schedule for the 2007 season Wednesday. After winning 11 of their final 12 games in 2006, culminating in a 2-1 victory over UCLA in the championship match and a No. 1 final national ranking, the Gauchos' slate is highlighted with three games against teams who made last year's tournament field.
UCSB will once again open 2007 with a preseason scrimmage against cross-town rival Westmont, looking to capture a seventh straight Bryant & Sons Cup Saturday, August 25. The Gauchos will celebrate their 2006 national title with a ring presentation ceremony before the game.
For the third time in the last four years Santa Barbara will open the regular season on the road when the Gauchos take on Pac-10 power Stanford Friday, September 1. UCSB returns to Harder Stadium two days later for two straight home matches with Gonzaga September 3 and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee September 7.
The Gauchos hit the road again in week two, heading to Albuquerque for the University of New Mexico Tournament September 14-16, where they will face two teams that finished 2006 with an RPI of 40 or better. UCSB will square off with Southern Methodist University for the first time since defeating the top-ranked and third-seeded Mustangs 3-1 on their home field in the second round of last year's tourney and then face the host Lobos, the 2005 National Runners-Up on the tournament's final day.
UCSB will then return home to host back-to-back Ivy League opponents in Columbia and defending league champion Harvard to wrap up their non-conference slate. The Gauchos' September 21 bout with the Lions will mark the return of former assistant coach Leo Chappel to Harder Stadium for the first time since he was named head coach at Columbia in February 2006. The former NSCAA Regional Assistant Coach of the Year, Chappel spent five successful seasons on the Santa Barbara staff and helped guide the program to a school-record 21 wins and first-ever College Cup appearance in 2004. The game is also scheduled to be broadcast live nationally by the Fox Soccer Channel in its NSCAA College Match of the Week.
The Gauchos will open Big West Conference play against first-year member UC Davis Saturday, September 29, looking to avenge a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Aggies in Davis, Calif. last season. UCSB will then come home for two straight, hosting UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton before taking on rival Cal State Northridge in the first of two meetings Wednesday, October 10 at Matador Field. CSUN will visit Harder Stadium Saturday, October 27, as the two teams will square off in a CSTV nationally televised match in Santa Barbara for the third year in a row. The Gauchos have won four of the last six Big West titles, while the Matadors have claimed the other two.
Welcoming back all but five letterwinners from last year's national championship squad, including All-Americans Andy Iro and Eric Avila, UCSB finishes the regular season with eight Big West matches, closing the schedule at home against UC Riverside November 17.
Santa Barbara's 2007 schedule features games against three teams that finished the 2006 season ranked in the nation's Top 25 after qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.
The Gauchos, who have already played three matches in preparation for 2007 this spring, will play in a benefit match at Cal State Bakersfield Friday, April 27th before concluding their spring schedule Tuesday, May 1 with a scrimmage against Mexico's Necaxa Under-21 squad at Harder Stadium. Kickoff for both contests is slated for 7:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds of UCSB's game with the Roadrunners will benefit the American Cancer Society.


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Extra cables for your Knitter's Pride needles. Resilient, flexible cords that lay flat with no kink or twist. They have a smooth join that enables stitches to slide around the needles effortlessly. The long threaded screw-in "join" ensures that the cords and needles stay connected. There is a tightening hole provided in the metal join for extra secure tightening and the specially designed "key" facilitates effortless tightening. The end caps easily fit on the cord and keep your knitting safe. **PLEASE NOTE:
The "Gold" cords feature connectors plated with 24 Karat gold and are designed to be used with Knitter's Pride Bamboo needles.You can also view all Knitter's Pride Cords Needles.
We provide endless possibilities for you including yarn, knitting gifts, needles, kits, sale yarn, free knitting patterns, and more!Jimmy Beans Wool is Your Local Yarn Store... Online!


text:
Travel restrictions on ex-Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. were loosened Monday after he told a judge that the rules limited him to taking his children to see their imprisoned mother only about once a month.
Their mother — and Jackson's wife — is Sandi Jackson, a former Chicago alderman who is serving a one-year sentence in a federal prison camp in Alderson, W.Va.
She is scheduled to be released Oct. 18, according to the Bureau of Prisons.
Jackson Jr., 51, entered prison in October 2013 to begin a 30-month term. He served time in two federal correctional facilities and a halfway house and was on home detention until last September.
He is now on supervised release,...


text:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Senior Matthew Skalak (Croton-on-Hudson) and junior Edwin Zhang (Falls Church, Va.) were named the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) men's tennis Doubles Team of the Week on Monday afternoon. The duo paired up for the third time this season to defeat Wheaton College's Jonah Feit and Will White at No. 1 with a score of 8-3.
MIT opened NEWMAC play in their first away match of the spring season against Wheaton on Saturday, defeating the Lyons, 8-1. In singles, Zhang fell to Feit at No. 1, winning the first set, 6-3, but dropping the final two, 6-2, 10-8. Skalak defeated Dan Sharon with a score of 6-3, 6-1 at No. 4.
Junior Curtis Wu (Yorba Linda, Calif.) and freshman Kevin Wang (Havertown, Pa.) paired up for the first time at No. 2 doubles to defeat Sharon and Ned Terrace, 8-5. At No. 2 singles, senior Larry Pang (Torrance, Calif.) defeated David Gassen, 6-1, 6-4.
The undefeated Engineers, who have a record of 11-0 for the season and 1-0 for conference play, will return to action on Wednesday, April 3 when they host NEWMAC foe Babson College at 3:30 p.m.


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|Episode Description
|Friday, Oct 26, 2012 - 5:00 PM
"Scent of a Human"
On the day he is supposed to star in his own rap video, Hector is hypnotized into thinking he's a dog. Can The Electric Company train Hector to use his human instincts, or will he have to rap with a doggie brain?. D
|More on LEARN/CREATE (MT)
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Articles by Chu-Joe Hsia
Tensions in Taiwan
NLR 28, July-August 2004, pp. 19-42in
Subjects: China, Cinema, Taiwan
Taiwanese artists, activists and intellectuals organize against the fanning of ethnic differences by DPP Greens and KMT Blues during the island's 2004 election. Cultural identity and official 'de-Sinicization' in a fast-expanding East Asian context.Read this article or download a PDF file
Also available in Spanish,


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Do you want to remodel your house because you are just bored with it? Even the most beautiful home can seem dull after a while. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but just because you are used to seeing the same scenery every day. Well, instead of spending a ton of money on a remodel, why not opt for new window shutters instead? You may be quite surprised at how they can completely transform the look of your home.
Make Your Home Cozier with Window Shutters
Does your space feel more like a house than a home? Do you just feel like something is missing? Window shutters may be your answer. They have a way of making a house feel more inviting and warm.
Now, this does not mean to go to the store and buy cheap blinds to toss up there either. This will do nothing for your home, but diminish the appearance and value. Quality, sturdy and attractive shutters may cost a little more, but they are well worth any money spent.


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Check out Jim Cramer's latest trading recommendations on "Action Alerts Plus".
(Updates from 10:29 a.m. ET with closing information.) NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Here's what Jim Cramer had to say on CNBC's "Squawk On The Street" Wednesday: Cramer believes a number of investors don't like Synovus Financial ( SNV), but they're wrong and this bank will go higher. That compares to Texas Instruments ( TXN), which told investors things weren't so bad, then guided below Street estimates. Investors continued to disagree, sending SNV down 4.1% Wednesday. TXN was off 1.1%. Cramer was upbeat on Unilever ( UL) because that company is a great consumer packaged-goods play, and Cree ( CREE), a company that is finally delivering new energy-efficient LED light bulbs. UL was up 2.6% but CREE jumped 22.1%. Rounding out the group, Cramer urged investors to use caution with Map Pharmaceuticals ( MAPP), saying that Allergan ( AGN) is plotting to own the migraine market. He also says be careful about KB Homes ( KBH) because there's a secondary offering coming soon for the stock. Investors ignored the caution, pushing MAP up 58.6% Wednesday. KBH ended the day 8.9% higher. To sign up for Jim Cramer's free Booyah! newsletter, with all of his latest articles and videos, please click here. -- Written by Scott Rutt in Washington. To email Scott about this article, click here: Scott Rutt Follow Scott on Twitter @ScottRutt or get updates on Facebook, ScottRuttDC


text: Testing/Assessments and Learning Standards, Professional Development May 03, 2012 Educator's Voice V: Using Formative Assessment to Improve Instruction Source: Research and Educational Services Authors present a range of approaches to day-to-day assessment of students' progress. Teaching teams assess academic and social skills while students are engaged in producing exciting displays and books which will be shared with the wider school community of friends and families. We learn how middle school students are taught to analyze high quality writing, determine criteria for success, and use rubrics to assess their works in progress. DOWNLOAD COMPLETE JOURNAL (PDF) Other authors focus on systematic ways to determine student objectives, take baseline data, and graph student performance. Teachers examine students' understandings of science concepts through the use of Lesson Study, and explore the insights gained from science notebooks. The importance of ongoing daily assessments is highlighted by authors - whether using a structured partner approach to ensure frequent feedback or describing how assessment is interwoven into the fabric of math instruction. The International Baccalaureate approach to assessment is discussed as a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills. What each of these descriptions has in common is frequent and meaningful data collection, and changing teaching practice as an immediate outcome of data analysis. These authors give us greater insight into the cycles of the teaching process, and the fundamental importance of using varied assessment practices. Table of Contents "Wow!" - Project-Based Assessment This writing team describes a project for which the activities as well as the assessments are inherently differentiated - that is, designed to challenge students with a range of learner characteristics. Using both individual and cooperative group structures, students make progress in ELA, science and social studies through a long-term project on Animals in the Brazilian Ecosystem. This project highlights the power of teacher collaboration and culminates for the students in a presentation to family and friends at a Science and Literacy Fair. Amy Shaw Elsworth teaches third grade at Lake Avenue Elementary School in Saratoga Springs City School District. She is a member of the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association. Colleen Carroll is director of assessment and staff development in Saratoga Springs City School District. She has been an elementary principal as well as a teacher. Collecting Practice-Based Evidence to Support Teaching and Learning Collecting systematic data on student progress is the optimal way to match instructional approaches to individual students as effectively and efficiently as possible. These authors discuss their use of mastery measurement - a method teachers can use to monitor their students' progress with specific skills. In this example, authors describe a process for collecting and analyzing data to monitor student learning and offer specific questions that guide instructional decisions. A former teacher in the New York City school system, Spencer J. Salend is a professor in the Department of Educational Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He is the author of Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices (Pearson, 2011) and Classroom Testing and Assessment for All Students (Corwin, 2009). Arleigh Baker is a graduate student at the State University of New York at New Paltz and a substitute teacher in the Arlington Central School District. Amanda Gardner holds teaching certificates in Childhood Education and Literacy Education. She is currently a substitute teacher in several school districts in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Using Lesson Study to Assess Student Thinking in Science Teachers examine fourth-grade students' understandings of magnetism through the use of science notebooks. Decisions about student learning outcomes, lesson design, and assessments are derived from the use of a Japanese lesson study approach. Lesson study leads the team through a process which includes a live research lesson with observers who gather extensive data on the lesson and outcomes. This forms a cycle of continuous improvement in all aspects of teaching. Sharon Dotger is an assistant professor of science education at Syracuse University, teaching pre-service teachers. F. Kevin Moquin is a fourth-grade teacher at Willow Field Elementary School in the Liverpool Central School District and a doctoral student at Syracuse University. Kathleen Hammond is a fourth-level teacher at Willow Field Elementary School in the Liverpool Central School District. A Method for All High School Students: The IB Model With the introduction of Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy, there is a renewed emphasis on critical thinking and analyzing texts. An educator who teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) classes describes a model of assessment based on a long-term project of the student's choice, and systematic instruction in the skills of judging sources and synthesizing information. He argues that projects of this nature can be used across the content areas and across the high school years - and can be beneficial for all students. Michael A. Jeziorski is a social studies teacher at Commack High School. Beyond "I Give Myself an A" Students take responsibility for improving their academic skills by analyzing models, developing criteria for success and using rubrics to create, assess and revise their work - whether it be a persuasive essay or a mathematics challenge. In this way, students learn how to recognize and define excellence and use tools to achieve it. Heidi L. Andrade is an associate professor and the associate dean of academic affairs at the University at Albany, SUNY. Zachary B. Warner is a research assistant and an advanced doctoral student in educational psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY. Ongoing Student Assessment: Approaches in Mathematics The importance of continuous assessment using varied methods is described by this middle school mathematics teacher. She advocates for a flexible approach - particularly for students with unique needs. Martha M. Strever is an eighth-grade mathematics teacher as well as mathematics/computer instruction department chairperson in the Red Hook Central School District. She is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State and the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors. Daily Formative Assessments in Second Language Acquisition Brief partner activities are not only a great way to increase student engagement, but can also be a valuable strategy for providing students and teachers with frequent feedback on student growth. This author advocates a partner approach for daily speaking assessments to provide focused practice and ongoing information on skill development.Harry Grover Tuttle taught English and Spanish and was a district technology coordinator. A member of NYSUT Retiree Council 45, he has published three books on Formative Assessment (http://is.gd/tbook). See also: Glossary & Resources


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It's getting warmer outside, and it looks like that weather may actually be here to stay. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about summer barbecues and entertaining outside. Charred meat isn't exactly a form of entertainment, but there are ways to extend your home theater system to the great outdoors.
Our friends at Audioholics recently took the Visual Apex ProjectoScreen120 Outdoor Projector Screen out for a spin. This screen is specifically made for outdoor use, so you can bring the party outside. It also works really well, according to writer Berta DellaSalla.
"The Projectoscreen120 screen was very taut. We almost felt like we were projecting images on an upscale fixed frame screen used in a home theater environment. The attendees at our event were impressed with the presentation and the event was kicked off with great success."
Even better, this outdoor solution sells for a mere $199. To read the entire review on Audioholics.com, go here. You can also share your thoughts on the product and the review in the Audioholics forum.


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PEP Guardiola's father says his son will not look to take any Barcelona stars to Bayern Munich.
The former Blaugrana boss will take over from Jupp Heynckes in the Allianz Arena hot seat as of this summer, following an announcement earlier this week.
Since then, rumors have linked Guardiola with a number of his former players after he admitted he would look to replicate the style of football he implemented at Camp Nou with his new club.
"Barça is his home. He's not going to pull it apart, how would his home end up then?", Valentí Guardiola told Deportes Cuatro.
He then gave his thoughts on a possible language barrier stalling his son's progress at Bayern and whether or not he will be able to enjoy the same success in Germany as he did in Spain.
"Only time will tell. He'll put everything into his job and he will be able to defend himself in German," he added.


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Honda Demonstrates FCX Clarity at European Youth Parliament's International Session - VIDEO ENHANCED
FRANKFURT - August 7, 2010:Honda is working with the European Youth Parliament to support its 64th International Session, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany between 30th July and 8th August. On Tuesday, a representative from Honda Motor Europe took part in an "expert hearing", giving members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) a chance to learn about Honda's environmental technology and to discuss the subject of sustainable mobility.
Members of TRAN were also offered the unique opportunity to ride in the FCX Clarity, Honda's zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity emits no CO2, nor any other harmful emissions…the only emission is water. This experience provided the delegates of the European Youth Parliament a chance to see this revolutionary vehicle in action and to encourage them to consider the potential that fuel cell technology has to become a personal mobility solution in the post-petrol era.
Presenting to TRAN, Jane Gordon, European Public Affairs, Honda Motor Europe commented, "Today's event highlighted the many challenges society faces across the globe to achieve sustainable mobility. Honda is keen to work with organisations such as the European Youth Parliament, to demonstrate the active part that our new technologies can play in providing solutions to these issues."
Click PLAY to watch Honda FCX Clarity technology video
About the FCX Clarity & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric VehiclesOver one hundred years have passed since the birth of the automobile. As we look for better ways to create and harness energy for transportation, Honda remains focused on creating sustainable mobility. We are looking toward the next hundred years and exploring the challenge of new fuels and powerplants. We're working to keep the dream of personal mobility alive for generations yet to come. Fuel cell electric vehicles, which run on hydrogen and emit no CO2 or other harmful emissions, may be the key to securing a bright future for the automobile in society.
A fuel cell vehicle has a hydrogen tank instead of a petrol tank. In the fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with atmospheric oxygen to generate electricity. No CO2 or other pollutants are emitted in this process. The only emission is water. A compact and efficient lithium ion battery stores electricity generated during braking and deceleration in regenerative braking. The battery works in concert with the fuel cell stack to power the vehicle. Because the vehicle is propelled by an electric motor, it delivers smooth, powerful acceleration and quiet operation, without the noise and vibration associated with an internal combustion engine. It is the ultimate in clean performance.
In an ideal hydrogen cycle, hydrogen produced from water via electrolysis using solar, wind, hydroelectric and other renewable energy sources would be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for use in cars and to meet other energy needs. The water produced as a by-product of this process would then return to the rivers and oceans before once again being converted into hydrogen via electrolysis. By realising such a renewable, water-to-water energy cycle, it may be possible one day to create truly sustainable energy supplies, freeing society from dependence on non-renewable and carbon-based energy sources.
About the European Youth Parliament
The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a unique forum with the aim of involving young people to actively take part in Europe's development. Every year, thousands of people from over thirty different European countries gather to discuss global issues. While developing their inter-personal, analytical and language skills the delegates are also introduced to the vast cultural diversity of Europe.
Today, EYP is one of the largest European platforms for intercultural exchange as well as debate and education.
Every year, three International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament take place in different European countries. The 64th International Session will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. 250 teenagers, aged between16 and 20 years old, from 33 European countries will take part. The young delegates will exchange ideas and visions of Europe's future and make friends across borders. They will discuss current topics of European politics and draft resolutions, which will then be debated according to the rules of the European Parliament.


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Megan Fox has been largely out of the limelight since the birth of her son Noah, but she bounced has bounced back this week when footage of her shooting her new movie caught the attention of the Internet.
Fox was spotted jumping on a trampoline in character as reporter April O'Neil in a new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie.
Will Arnett, who plays cameraman Vernon Fenwick, was also on set in Midtown Manhattan.
The live action-CGI blend movie is produced by Michael Bay, with whom Fox had a public falling-out while shooting the "Transformers" franchise, but the two seem to have put aside their differences.


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NHL Capsules: Rangers' new players help surprise Penguins in 6-1 winNHL.com @NHLdotcom
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Ryane Clowe, Derick Brassard and John Moore injected instant offence just hours after being acquired by the Rangers, and New York scored a season-high three power-play goals in a surprisingly dominant 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night.
Clowe came to New York on Tuesday night in a trade with San Jose, and Brassard was part of the package New York received on Wednesday in the deal that sent star forward Marian Gaborik to Columbus right before the NHL trade deadline.
Clowe scored two goals ? after netting none for the Sharks in 28 games this season ? and added an assist, and Brassard had a goal and three assists for the Rangers, who scored three times in the first period and never looked back. Brian Boyle and defenceman Ryan McDonagh added goals, and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 26 shots in the Rangers' highest-scoring game of the season.
The Rangers won their second straight home game, scoring a combined 10 goals in the victories after a pair of shutout losses, and moved into a tie with the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders with 39 points at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Pascal Dupuis scored in the second period for the Penguins, who lost for the second consecutive night after 15 consecutive victories, two shy of tying the NHL record for longest winning streak
PHILADELPHIA (AP) ??? Wayne Simmonds and Erik Gustafsson scored goals late in the third period and Philadelphia won a third straight game for the first time this season as it makes a push for a playoff spot.
The Flyers had been 1-11 when trailing after two periods.
With the Flyers trailing 3-2, Simmonds tipped in the puck from the crease for the tying goal. Less than 2 minutes later, Gustafsson's pass for Matt Read went off a defenceman and into the net past a stunned Carey Price for his 10th goal and a 4-3 lead.
Jakub Voracek scored an empty-netter with 39 seconds left.
Sean Couturier and Simon Gagne also scored for the Flyers. Alexei Emelin, Brandon Prust and David Desharnais scored for Montreal.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) ??? Captain Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and two assists, and Teemu Selanne scored his 673rd career goal in Anaheim's victory over Dallas.
Viktor Fasth made 23 saves and Radek Dvorak scored his first goal for Anaheim in the second of three straight meetings in five days between the Pacific Division-leading Ducks and the last-place Stars, who lost 4-0 in Dallas on Monday.
Lane MacDermid scored his first NHL goal in his Dallas debut, and Kari Lehtonen stopped 22 shots in the Stars' first game since trading Jaromir Jagr to Boston and Derek Roy to Vancouver. Erik Cole also scored for the Stars.
Kyle Palmieri snapped a 13-game goal drought and Andrew Cogliano scored an empty-net goal as the Pacific Division-leading Ducks improved the NHL's third-best record to 25-7-5.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) ??? Dan Boyle scored on a spectacular end-to-end rush with a two-man advantage to help San Jose win its sixth straight game.
Marty Havlat got the scoring started for San Jose and Joe Thornton broke a tie with a goal off the skate of a Minnesota defender late in the second period. TJ Galiardi also scored and Antti Niemi made 31 saves to help the Sharks move into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference.
Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley scored for the Wild, who lost for the third time in four games following a seven-game winning streak. Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves as Minnesota lost consecutive games for the first time since Feb. 12-14 to fall into a tie for the Northwest Division lead with Vancouver.
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) ????????? Taylor Hall had a goal and four assists in helping Edmonton win its fifth straight with the rout of reeling Calgary.
With 12 games to go, Edmonton sits eighth in the West, one point up on the St. Louis Blues and the Nashville Predators. The Columbus Blue Jackets are two points back.
Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov scored two goals apiece, and Sam Gagner, Ryan Whitney and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had one goal each for Edmonton.
Matt Stajan had both goals for Calgary. The Flames have lost seven of their last nine to remain second from the bottom in the West and 28th overall. Winless in its last 11 road games, Calgary begins a three-game road trip Friday in San Jose.


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This was originally posted over at Suture for a Living on December 12, 2008.
Here is the second quilt for Sterile Eye. It goes to his youngest daughter. It is crazy quilt pieces cut into diamonds and then sewn together with sashes and smaller diamonds. It is machine pieced and quilted. It is 38.5 in X 52 in.
Here are a couple of detail photos to show some of the fabric interest. I hope the little girl will enjoy finding things in her quilt. In this photo you can find a car, skiers, carolers, birds, and more.
In this one you can find a lion, butterfly, Tinker Bell, a tulip, and many different colors.
Her is a photo (which doesn't do it justice) of the back which is a coral pink fabric. I hope you can see some of the quilting detail. Each large diamond was quilted in a cross-hatch manner that broke it (the diamond) into sixteen smaller diamonds. The two border strips were quilted using a simple cable.


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Does gun control equal crime control?
By Jeremy D. Blanks, Ph.D.
When one asks a gun control supporter why they support additional gun laws they will undeniably answer that they do so to stop violence, crime, and to "save the children." The same thing can be said for gun control groups like Handgun Control, Inc. and the Violence Policy Center. Obviously, these are positive goals, which are shared by this author and essentially every law-abiding citizen in the United States. However, the problem with this position by gun control supporters is that there is no evidence to show that any of their proposed gun control laws have ever reduced crime or violence. Hence, the question must be asked; does gun control equal crime control?
A review of the areas in the U.S. with the most restrictive firearm laws, including such areas as Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, New York, NY, and the state of California, shows that these areas have some of the highest crime and especially violent crime rates in the U.S. The crime rates in all of these areas exceeds the national average and they all have enacted in depth restrictions on firearm ownership that includes licensing and registration schemes, various taxes, testing, and even bans on firearms. In essence, these areas have become a gun control supporters Utopia. Yet, even with all of these gun laws and the high praise from gun control groups like Handgun Control, Inc., crime and particularly violent crime has continued to be a serious problem.
The issue of continued high crime in the aforementioned areas is especially disconcerting when one compares the crime rates in these gun control Utopias to the crime rates in areas that have not gone the route of extreme gun control. In almost all cases, the areas in the U.S. with the fewest gun control laws and also the highest gun ownership rates also have the lowest crime levels. One of the most interesting comparisons is that of Washington, D.C. with its gun bans since the 1970s and the D.C. suburbs in Virginia, which has very little gun control. Even though gun ownership is at a high rate and there are few gun control laws in the Virginia suburbs of D.C., just across the state line where gun ownership is almost non-existent and gun control has reached extreme levels the crime rate is many multiples higher. Some try to turn this argument around in an attempt to blame the crime problems in Washington, D.C. on weak gun laws in Virginia, but the reality is that Virginia with all of its guns and few laws does not have the crime problem that plagues Washington, D.C. and its gun bans. If guns are the problem, then why is it that those areas with the most guns have the lowest crime levels?
If one believes that gun control lowers crime and violence and thus guns are responsible, then these aforementioned facts are counterintuitive to the logic of gun control. This is especially true of the 31 states that have enacted concealed carry laws. Even though groups like Handgun Control, Inc. continually attacked such measures in saying that they will lead to higher crime, "blood on our streets," and "wild west shootouts," just the opposite has occurred. Those states that have enacted concealed carry measures have seen their crime rates immediately fall and continue to do so at rates in most cases faster than the national average. One of the best examples is Florida. Prior to their enactment of concealed carry laws in the late 1980s, the crime rate in Florida was higher than the national average.
However, following the enactment of the concealed carry law their crime immediately began to drop and has continued to do so today. In fact, today the crime levels in Florida are considerably lower than the national average. Additionally, the U.S. state with the lowest crime rate, Vermont, also happens to be the state with the fewest gun control laws and they allow all law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons. The simple fact is that those areas in the U.S. with the fewest gun restrictions and highest gun ownership rates also have the lowest crime rates.
Even a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is well known for its anti-gun bias, reported that the 1994 Brady Law has not had a discernable impact on homicide or suicide rates. The results from this study are completely counter to claims by gun control groups, like Handgun Control, Inc., which have repeatedly claimed that such laws have saved thousands of lives. This aforementioned study also pointed out that crime has been falling for a decade now and it began to fall over three years prior to the passage of the Brady Law. Furthermore, there was no increase in the rate of crime reduction after passage of the Brady Law. In essence, the Brady Law has done nothing to lower crime or violence. Again, this is a continuation of mounting evidence that gun control schemes that are pushed by the anti-gun movement have no relation to crime or violence prevention.
Based on the crime rates in areas with the most and fewest gun control laws, one could logically argue that gun control schemes contribute to higher crime rates. There is much evidence to support this hypothesis and similar results can be found in international examples. Just recently, the violent crime levels in England have risen during the past year by more than 15%. These results represent a continuation of crime problems in England that have been encountered since their gun bans took affect in the mid 1990s. The home invasion, burglary, robbery, and a wide range of other crime rates in England now exceed that of the U.S. Only murder and rape remain higher in the U.S., with the difference now being relatively minor and the gap is steadily closing. Even staunchly anti-gun journalist Dan Rather of CBS called England "one the most violent urban societies in the Western world." As many people are aware, England has long been an example cited by gun control supporters as having good gun control laws and a role model for the U.S.
Having gone through the facts around crime and gun control, one can only come to the conclusion that gun control does not equal crime control in any regard. In fact, there is significant evidence that gun control can and more than likely already has contributed to increased crime levels in areas that enacted measures such as licensing, registration, various bans, and other laws meant to harass, discourage, and prevent law abiding citizens from owning a firearm.
If the above is true, and it certainly is based on the facts, then one must ask why gun control supporters believe that gun control equals crime control? One of the more obvious reasons is that from a naive standpoint, one could see how a gun control law might reduce crime. However, to do so one would have to dismiss the complexity of crime and especially that which is related to drug and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, one would have to place blame on an inanimate object, instead of the individual that carries out a crime. Such a simplistic view would also have to make the ludicrous assumption that criminals will give up their already illegal guns. Another motivation that is common is the "feel good" factor. I have encountered many gun control supporters that have their hearts in the right place. Unfortunately, they either don't understand the reasons behind crime, they do not want to face the true causes of crime, or they feel helpless in their ability to respond. Therefore, they support unsophisticated gun control laws that have nothing to do with the criminals, but are instead focused on gun ownership, which few such gun control supporters can understand or comprehend. In doing so, they feel good about themselves and their one-dimensional accomplishments, but the reality is that such measures do not reduce crime and in fact probably causes an increase. The last reason is possibly the most concerning for firearm and self-defense supporters. There is a significant group of gun control supporters that have the only goal of banning all private ownership of firearms. This final rationale is rooted in the belief that the average U.S. citizen cannot be trusted on a variety of issues and especially gun ownership. Furthermore, this group does not believe the average citizen is of sufficient intelligence to be responsible for himself or herself. Thus, this final faction believes that only the government and a few select elitists of certain political influence should have a right to self-defense.
In the end, there is really only one approach that has been found to significantly reduce crime and violence in the U.S. That method is based on enforcing our current laws against the violent felons that illegally possess firearms. It is those individuals, who have shown themselves incapable of responsibly owning a firearm, which should be the focus. Efforts in a number of U.S. cities and states have already begun using this tactic and the crime levels have immediately begun to fall. If one is truly interested in a reduction in violence and crime, then logic demands that our efforts be focused on those that commit the crimes.
Dr. Jeremy Blanks is a Senior Research Scientist with the leading R&D company in the world. In the past, Dr. Blanks was supportive of many of the current proposals offered by gun control groups. However, through research into the effectiveness of such measures and the value of firearm ownership in the prevention of millions of crimes each year, Dr. Blanks is now an advocate for self defense and firearm ownership rights. He is a board member of Doctor's for Sensible Gun Laws. Dr. Blanks can be reached at email@example.com.
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