text:
Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford has found herself in the middle of a gut-wrenching and unexpected custody ruling, which has declared that her two tots, Hermes and Helena, are to reside with their father, Daniel Giersch, in France while he attempts to reinstate his US visa.
It is unknown as to why Rutherford's ex-husband's visa was revoked and also unclear as to how long he has to reinstate it.
Rutherford talked to TODAY's Savannah Guthrie and Star Jones to discuss how the ruling happened, and what the future holds. The court told Giersch that he has to make a "good faith effort" in getting the visa, and as Star Jones explained, "Good faith efforts are extremely subjective. Americans have rights of due process and equal protection, and her children are also American citizens and they've been effectively deported to another country."
"He has no motivation to get back in the country," says Ruthorford. "They're living in his mother's boyfriend's home in France, it's not even in his name."
With no resolution in sight, Rutherford has had to cope with being away from her young children. Her contract with Gossip Girl restricts her from flying to Europe to be with them full-time, so she has to settle for frequent visits overseas and early morning Skype calls.
PLUS: Divorced Mom with Cancer Loses Custody of Kids
The most upsetting part for Rutherford seems to be that the judge declared both Rutherford and Giersch to be good parents, "If I'm an excellent parent, and I'm the mother and I've been the primary caregiver of these children ... I've followed every court order, everything this judge has asked me to do, what happened?"
Can you imagine having your kids taken away from you through no fault of your own? Do you think the judge made a mistake? Leave a comment.


text:
There has been an increase in the number of iPhone users searching for pornography that can be viewed on the device.
According to Google, the number of searches for the phrase 'iPhone Porn' have rocketed in the past six months while Nielsen Mobile reports that that around one-third of iPhone owners use the device to watch videos, that's 10 times more than those who watch video on other brands of mobile handset.
"It's by far the porn-friendliest phone," Devan Cypher from adult movie makers Sin City Entertainment told Time magazine.
Farley Cahen, vice president of business development for AVN Media Network, the adult industry's trade body added: "There are a few hundred iPhone porn sites now in use".
Apple has banned all pornographic material from its store and maintains it will do what it can to stop the content being accessed by those under the appropriate age.
"Our iPhone 2.0 software will give customers the opportunity to turn on parental controls," said Jennifer Bowcock from Apple.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Two Simple words in the English Language: I Forgot
Steve Martin
In the movie "A guide for the married man" there is a famous exchange between Walter Mathew and Robert Morse when Matthau's character is advised what to do in case his wife gets suspicious in the event of an affair:
Mosre: Deny Deny Deny, no matter what she knows or thinks she knows, Deny it!
Matthau: But what if she really knows…
Mosre: Deny it
Mosre: but what if she really
Mosre: Deny
Mosre: but what if she
Mosre: Deny Deny DENY!
I suspect this was the strategy of Senator Robert Melendez as he appeared on ABC's THIS WEEK two days after news of the FBI investigation of a sexual scandal involving underage Dominican Hookers broke.
Alas for the Senator ABC News' Martha Raddatz totally foiled that strategy by cleverly choosing to refuse to ask a single question on the subject provoking this comment from Jim Hoft
That's outrageous. You could imagine the grilling this man would have taken if he had an "R" behind his name instead of a "D". Instead, ABC willfully keeps the public in the dark on this horrific scandal.
and this from Glenn Reynolds
That's what media apparatchiks do.
I'd say that Senator Menendez should think his lucky starts, but as this story actually broke before the election and no member of the mainstream media had bothered to touch it, perhaps Martha Raddatz thought it would be unfair for them to start now.
Of course, now we have two scandals. Senator Menendez's scandal now being investigated by the FBI and the scandal of Martha (of course I'm not too Biased for the VP debate) Raddatz deciding that a senator being investigated by the FBI for banging underage hookers isn't newsworthy.
Naturally the new media and Radio Hosts will have a field day with it tomorrow, in fact I'll certainly mention it in Under the Fedora and on next week's show. That being so the real question becomes: How will Martha the unbiased choose to answer these questions?
Well, if I may be so bold as to suggest the Morse/Matthew strategy is still tanned rested and ready for use….


text:
Councilor Jeff Gudman
Jeff Gudman
PO Box 369
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Email Jeff Gudman
Term 2 Expires 12-31-2018
Term 2 Began 1-1-2015
Term 1 Expired 12-31-2014
Term 1 Began 1-1-2011
Jeff Gudman is a local businessman, investor, active volunteer and 40-year resident of Lake Oswego. He has served on numerous City committees including West End Building Task Force, Chair of Lake Oswego Neighborhood Action Coalition, Chair of Lake Oswego Shuttle Transit Advisory Committee and Chair of the City of Lake Oswego Budget Committee.
Councilor Gudman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Pomona College and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.


text:
Environmental Law Capstone Course: Brownfields Redevelopment and Litigation – 6403
This 4-credit "capstone" course will provide an in-depth treatment of the legal and practical issues surrounding the redevelopment of, and litigation over underutilized real property that has been subject to environmental contamination (called "brownfield" properties). Each section of the course will include simulated exercises, drafting exercises, and guest speakers in addition to the coverage of basic legal doctrine. Moreover, through reflection papers, a longer research paper, a field trip, the use of case studies, and a mentorship program (where students are assigned an attorney mentor and environmental consultant mentor), this course will immerse students in the actual practice of environmental law in general and the law governing brownfields in particular.
The first section of the course addresses the role of brownfields development in today's urban and suburban life. This section studies demographics, development patterns, environmental justice, regional land use planning, and regional governance. The second section of the course introduces and applies the law and policy of real estate transactions, real estate development, and land use to the issue of brownfields. This section includes basic real estate and development law, the creation of tax-increment financing districts, insurance coverage for contamination, government funding for redevelopment, eminent domain, the law relating to environmental review (NEPA and MEPA) and basic zoning and land use law. The last section covers the primary laws that govern the regulation of and litigation over contaminated property, namely the Superfund laws (CERCLA and, in Minnesota, MERLA) and the common law torts of trespass, nuisance, negligence, and strict liability. Actual court documents and case studies will be used to analyze initial pleadings, discovery, dispositive motion practice, working with environmental and appraisal experts, and general trial tactics.
There are no prerequisites for this course. All substantive environmental law necessary for the capstone will be taught as part of the course.


text:
Supreme Court Seems Skeptical As Myriad Claims Gene Patents Should Exist, Because It Put A Lot Of Work Into Finding Them
from the sweat-of-the-brow dept
With the big caveat that oral hearings are often meaningless in terms of how the Supreme Court eventually rules, the transcript and the various reports from those who were there suggest that there is at least some good skepticism about patenting genes. First off, we should point out that Myriad's CEO, Peter Meldrum posted a ridiculous op-ed at USA Today over the weekend, in which he argued that Myriad should be allowed to get patents because it worked hard to get them.
To create tests for hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer, our company and its investors spent more than $500 million over 17 years before we were able to recoup this investment.Except, of course, patents aren't about the sweat of your brow and how much work you put into something. Nor -- despite Meldrum's silly claims -- are they about letting companies "own" their findings:
We think it is right for a company to be able to own its findings, just as pharmaceutical and other companies do all the time.Except, of course, that's wrong. Because Meldrum does not want any other companies, who came up with the same thing independently, to "own" their "findings." Instead, he wants them to pay up or go out of business. For all of those companies, who may have spent even more money, that, apparently, doesn't matter at all, which highlights the complete hypocrisy of Meldrum's position. His argument only applies to his company, and not any other.
Furthermore, Myriad's critics made clear to point out that other labs were working on the same thing and were happily foregoing patent protection. The clear suggestion: it wasn't the patent that created the incentive, and the end result was that all of those other businesses were harmed. So Myriad's argument that it's helping researchers is doubtful.
We know that there were other labs looking for the BRCA genes and they had announced that they would not patent them if they were the first to find it. We also know that prior to the patent actually being issued, there were other labs doing BRCA testing and Myriad shut all that testing down. So we know in this particular case that problem would not have arisen.Justice Scalia followed that up by asking why would anyone invent anything if they can't get a patent. Of course, he might want to ask all of those labs that invested in the same process, but can't do anything about it. It seems they lose out, too.
But the point of the whole -- the whole point of the product of nature doctrine is that when you lock up a product of nature, it prevents industry from innovating and -- and making new discoveries. That's the reason we have the product of nature doctrine, is because there may be a million things you can do with the BRCA gene, but nobody but Myriad is allowed to look at it and that is impeding science rather than advancing it.
In the end, there was clear skepticism from the Justices, but also a suggestion that they might try to punt the issue (again!) by ruling narrowly on particular issues, rather than by taking on the big question. We'll see how it all comes out in a few months...


text:
Ryder System Truck Driver, Class A - Full Time in SPRING HILL, Tennessee
Position Description
HOURLY PAY: $19.05 HOURLY per UAW contract. Overtime after 40 weekly hours.
Benefits : Full, Comprehensive Benefit Package Available. Health, Dental, Vision, Prescription, 401k, Employee Stock Purchase Program & much more!
Benefits available after 30 days!
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE WWW.RYDER.JOBS - requisition 2018-62972
Call Stan @ : (913) 291-4967
· List a complete 3 years of residence.
· Make sure you are accurate with your Employment Dates , DOB, Social, & License numbers – our system runs the MVR based on those personal ID numbers.
· List a complete 10 years of (ALL) work history – back to October 2008 . Make sure there are NO GAPS in time on the work history. If you were not working (in school, on leave, etc.) at any time within the 10 years, list that time in the Employment Gaps section below the Employment History section and simply list month/year to month/year for that time.
· Complete All Release Forms
As a driver , you're important everywhere you go. Businesses and customers are excited to see you. You help companies get their products to the people who need them. And, when you drive a Ryder Truck, you play an important part in keeping the economy moving. People around the world rely on you everyday to keep their businesses running smoothly. Ryder drivers earn excellent money, get paid weekly and enjoy a great benefits package which includes medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, 401(k), discount employee stock purchase program, credit union and much more. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to apply today.
Minimum 22 years of age
Pass a Ryder Drug Test
Pass a Ryder Background and Motor vehicle check including Drug and alcohol verification from previous employers for the last 3 years
Pass a DOT physical
Pass a Ryder road test
Provide appropriate CDL and endorsements for the position
Must have Class A verifiable experience in a tractor trailer or comparable vehicle:
12 months experience within the past 3 years, OR
2 years' experience within the last 5 years, OR
5 years' experience within the last 10 years
Ability to follow written and/or oral instructions
Ability to read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations policies and/or procedures
Important Note: Additional requirements may be required in different locations and/or accounts.
This position is primarily responsible for safely driving a commercial vehicle and requires compliance with safety & DOT Regulations, continuous training and customer service.
Additional Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Ensuring compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines
Detecting and eliminating or minimizing safety hazards Maintaining accurate records and logs
Loading/Unloading freight or assisting in the loading/unloading of freight if required by customer
Other tasks as assigned
Ryder is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Requisition ID 2018-62972
Primary State/Province TN
Primary City SPRING HILL
Category Drivers
Employment Type Regular - Full Time (4)
Travel Requirements Driver
Position Code 0601


text:
- Admissions
- Departments
- Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
- Computer Science
- Earth and Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering Program
- Materials Science Program
- Research
- Campus Life
- About
- Contact Us
Room Reservation
Please read the following terms carefully before entering your reservation:
Guidelines & Procedures
Davis Auditorium
Location: 412 CEPSR
Occupancy: 200
Rate: $400/hr
183 fixed seats, 5 wheelchair / portable seats. This room has an e-podium, For support email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 4-3633 Pick up wireless mic at the Dean's Office.
Carleton Commons
Location: 4th floor Mudd
Occupancy: See full policy
Rate: See full policy
Sindeband East 414
Location: 414 CEPSR
Occupancy: 70
Rate: $150/hr
45 chairs; 4 oblong tables. DVD, VCR, SPEAKERS, ETHERNET, WIFI
Costa Engineering Commons (formerly Interschool Lab)
Location: 750 CEPSR
Occupancy: 70
Rate: SEAS internal use only. Do not book without prior approval. 65 chairs; 14 jacks; LCD Display, DVD, VCR, MIC, SPEAKERS, ETHERNET, WIFI.
Friedman Conference Room
Location: Private
Occupancy: 20
Rate: Private
Private conference room
Usage Restrictions
The use of meeting space is restricted to Columbia University schools and departments for academic and administrative purposes only.
CEPSR is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and holidays.
Off-Hours Access
Events scheduled out of CEPSR building hours (see above), require contact with Security for special access arrangement and coverage. These measures are organized through John Murolo (212) 854-6797.
Space Use Fees
For Engineering School events, there is no charge for the usage of space. For other CU departments, the hourly charges (with a minimum of a 2 hour charge) breakdown as follows: Davis Auditorium - $400/hr; Room 414 - $150/hr.
Columbia organizations and students are required to go through an academic or administrative department and sponsor in order to reserve our rooms.
The Dean's Office must be notified of any cancellations at least one week in advance. Failure to do so will result in a 20% charge of the total cost of the reservation for fee-paying users and a warning for non-fee paying departments and organizations. To cancel room reservations please call the Dean's office. 212-854-2993
After three such incidents both fee-paying and non fee-paying users will lose the privilege of reserving space for 10 academic weeks.
The keys to the reserved space should be picked up prior to the event from the Dean's Office, 510 Mudd. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keys will only be provided in exchange for a valid I.D.
Food & Beverage
Any event involving the service of beverages or food MUST be filed with Facilities, for clean-up purposes, at least two weeks prior to the event. Housekeeping service can be arranged with special events/facilities (212) 854-8607. A copy of this completed facilities request, which can be obtained through their office, must also be supplied to the Dean's Office.
Audio Visual Services
Please arrange A/V through Columbia University's A/V Services at (212) 854-0657 or email@example.com.
See also: How to Use the ePodium For questions or inquires, call: 212-854-2993
Place a reservation
To place a reservation, you must now login with your UNI.
Once you have read the terms above carefully, click here to login and create a reservaton.


text:
BBC News
- Theresa May calls off MPs' vote on her Brexit deal
- Russell Bishop: Paedophile guilty of 1986 Babes in Wood murders
- Grenfell Tower inquiry: Victims' lawyer attacks fire brigade
- Pound falls further after Brexit vote delayed
- Foreign Office probes Russia campaign over 'anti-Labour retweets'
- Crossrail delay: £1.4bn bailout as autumn 2019 launch delayed
- Darnall crash: Man admits killing four people in smash
- Muckamore Abbey seclusion room was 'dark dungeon'
- Grace Millane: Man appears in court charged with backpacker's murder
- 'Stansted 15': Protesters who locked themselves to plane guilty
- Teenager denies Bute child rape and murder
- Ant McPartlin set to return to TV hosting in January for BGT
- Iran's migrants trying to get from Serbia to the UK
- Christmas lights 'magical' at Bude supermarket tunnel
- The former soldier who's now a blind boxer
- Has Northern Ireland hit peak Brexit?
- Bionic 3D-printed arm 'gives confidence' to young amputees
- Sterling abuse: Racism in football 'not improved' says John Barnes
- How to be a spy in the digital age
- BBC News Channel
- Watership Down: Critics welcome 'toned-down' version of Richard Adams novel
- Hundreds of Santas take to motorbikes
- Justice after 32 years for 'babes in the wood'
- 'Cowardly' killer's decades of lies
- Brexit: Does Brussels blink?
- The last man standing on the Calf of Man
- Called the wrong name at work? Awkward...
- Does the UK lead on climate change action?
- Should homeless people be expected to live in a box?
- Rental fashion: How luxury streetwear is changing the industry
- 'I was divorced and missed having company'
- Who was the 'Thai bride' dumped in the hills?
- 'I've got two months to find a donor'
- Football team for grieving dads wins top award
- Why I'm scared of Christmas as a single mum
- Love Island: How we made our love last
- Radio Times front covers of the 1940s
- Triple child murders: The lodger who destroyed a family
- Alternative ways to break Brexit impasse
- Children tell of life in a warzone
- Greenham Common pictures highlight life in the peace camps
Is it time to find a new partner? See here who is looking in your area:
Why join?
- Free to join
- Send a free 'Ice Breaker' message to hundreds of local people
- Personalised recommended members
- All members' profiles checked
Sign up now. It's free!
Or join using your Facebook account
Old Site: ANY-Village.com Dating
Region: 53


text:
NFX ISO-NE Massachusetts Hub Day-Ahead Off-Peak Financial Futures - NOPQ
System Status Alert
NFX News & Alerts Feed
Recent posts{{catTitle ? " in " + catTitle : ""}}
NFX Daily Market Statistics
Approved Vendors
"Societe Generale looks forward to working with Nasdaq Futures to continue to expand our global market access offering."
-Robert Vujtech, Managing Director and Global Head of Agency Energy, Societe Generale
"We are thrilled with the moves Nasdaq is making to provide our customers another channel to manage their energy exposure."
-Gregory Greves, Managing Director of CES of INTL FCStone Financial Inc.'s FCM Division


text:
Positive Choice: Prevention for Positive Health
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00447707
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : March 15, 2007
Last Update Posted : January 12, 2017
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|HIV Infections Sexual Risk Behavior Substance Use Risks
|Behavioral: Positive Choice
|Not Applicable
A preliminary analysis of baseline data was conducted in January 2006, which indicated that the Positive Choice intervention achieved significant reductions in drug use. These findings were reported in a poster presentation at the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada, in August 2006. A final analysis of outcomes data was conducted in fall 2006 (September - December). Aggregate results from all five study sites are summarized below.
We found a high prevalence of risky behaviors in our sample (497/918, or 54%) and achieved high retention for follow-up in both groups (>80%). We found significant elimination of any drug use in the intervention group at both follow-ups. Among all participants who reported drug use at baseline, 66% of intervention participants continued their drug use at 3-month follow-up compared to 85% of control participants (OR 0.356, p<0.01). At 6-month follow-up, 59% of intervention participants continued their drug use compared to 88% of the control group (<0.001). Among participants who reported methamphetamine use at baseline, 58% continued their methamphetamine use at 3-month follow-up compared to 83% of control participants (OR 0.285, p=0.02). At 6-month follow-up, 53% of intervention participants continued their methamphetamine use compared to 73% of the control group (OR 0.344, p=0.03). We also found significantly less unprotected sex with casual partners by intervention participants at 3-month follow up (69% vs. 87%, OR 0.313, p=0.04), and fewer intervention participants who exceeded the recommended number of drinks per week at 3-months (53% vs. 78%, OR 0.310, p=0.02) Our findings indicate that the Positive Choice program was effective at reducing important behavioral risks among HIV-positive adults in care. Positive Choice is an appropriate and effective adjunct to routine medical care for HIV-positive adults.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Enrollment :
|497 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Official Title:
|Positive Choice: Prevention for Positive Health
|Study Start Date :
|December 2003
|Study Completion Date :
|September 2006
- Elimination of risky drinking, illicit alcohol use, unprotected sex, and non-disclosure of HIV status to sex partners.
- Measures of change in risky alcohol use, illicit drug use, unprotected sex, and non-disclosure of HIV status to sex partners.
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years or older,
- HIV-positive 3 months or longer,
- English speaking; and
- Receiving medical care at a participating clinic.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Less than 18 years old,
- HIV-positive less than 3 months,
- Non-English speaking; and
- Not receiving medical care at a participating clinic.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00447707
|United States, California
|Adult Immunology Clinic, Highland Hospital
|Oakland, California, United States, 94602
|AIDS Project East Bay (APEB)
|Oakland, California, United States, 94607
|East Bay AIDS Center (EBAC), Alta Bates Hospital
|Oakland, California, United States, 94609
|Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
|San Francisco, California, United States, 94115
|Adult Immunology Clinic, Fairmont Hospital
|San Leandro, California, United States, 94578
|Principal Investigator:
|Barbara Gerbert, PhD
|University of California, San Francisco
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00447707 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
R01DA015016 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )
|First Posted:
|March 15, 2007 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|January 12, 2017
|Last Verified:
|March 2007
Keywords provided by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
Substance use
Unprotected sex
Behavioral intervention
HIV care
Prevention with Positives
HIV seronegativity
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
HIV Infections
Lentivirus Infections
Retroviridae Infections
RNA Virus Infections
Virus Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral
Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
Immune System Diseases


text:
1150 El Camino Real # 141 San Bruno, CA 94066Tel. (650) 952-2297 Email: email@example.com
1150 El Camino RealStore # 141San Bruno, CA 94066ph: firstname.lastname@example.com
NOW ON OUR 8th YEAR!
DART OPS is the first-of-its-kind sports arena for shooting air-blasted foam darts! Using popular toy guns, DART OPS created an awesome combination of gadgets and sound, to deliver a gaming experience unlike any other.
Visit us at The Tanforan Shopping Mall in San Bruno, California to enjoy engaging game modes that provide kinetic shooting fun and playful violence!
You must be 6 to 88 years old to play in the Arena. All players must sign parental consent and waiver, onsite or by printing the form.
Mall Hours
Mon - Saturday - 10am to 9pm
Sunday - 11am to 7pm
Copyright 2011-2018 Dart Ops. All rights reserved.


text:
JUMPS: to images on this page
Images of Real Cars
Hauler Images
Terry Labonte ran at Indy for FAS Lane Racing / Frank Stoddard.
Taken at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July by Larry Scavnicky of Front Stretch Photos [Willowick, OH](8-9-2011)
Terry Labonte in the car at Indy in July a one race deal.
A 2nd car at Indy for FAS Lane Racing.
Thanks to FAS Lane Racing for the image.(7-30-2011)
for news and links, see the #32 [and #23] Team & Driver News and Links page
(didn't start separate team scheme pages until the 2004 season)
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997
Main NASCAR Paint Scheme Gallery and Chart
Image Site Links
Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site Sprint Cup News Page
Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site Main Page
the Jayski site is owned and served by:
Paint Scheme Gallery Born On Date: Thursday, November 21, 1996
please do not to link the images directly [hot link] but save them to your PC/server
but can't stop everyone or worry about folks who steal stuff on the internet and message boards
would apprecaite it that if you wish to use them, copy them to your PC/server and give due credit
Some of these images were 'borrowed' from many other web pages,
or emailed directly to me, thanks.
I give credit to the site where the image is from, not the person who sends it in
folks who send in personal images of schemes will get credit
do not post images with a fan posed in them
Some I have scanned in myself or had someone scan in for me.
If you do not SEE a image here....I do not have it
the AP (Associated Press)
or Action Sports Photography(ASP)


text:
10 August 2007
Way back when, TWL happily chuntered away, moaning about general fuck-wittery in the tech PR industry. Over time some like minded old codgers and a few bright young sparks joined the ramblings, and we all hung out together in the lower rungs of humour such as sarcasm, irony and innuendo.
Doubtless some pedant will argue the toss, but it was more of a community than a blog and everything felt very special.
The stat counter crept steadily upwards and, suddenly, TWL hit a tipping point. In bell-end curve terms, the early adopters were joined by the early majority. Or, if you'd prefer, the clock struck 11:00pm on a Saturday night and the nice people sat chatting in a decent curry house were suddenly joined by a bunch of gobby pissheads desperate to be heard but with nothing of any value to say.
We think it started with the RSS feed. Think about RSS. Doesn't it seem a bit Jabba the Hut? Some fat lazy bastard who simply sets up their PC to suck information into their consume-everything lifestyle. Forget a meander down to the local pub for a chat with some old friends. Give me drip-feed Slug & Lettuce, All Bar One, Rat & Parrot, O'Neill's and carte blanche to argue. Why have 4% bitter when you can have 6% super lager? Why have a conversation when you can have automated opportunities to spout opinion? Why use subtlety when you can shout?
All too often, in a very English way, we simply find a different local. But this is our pub and we're going to make a stand.
So don't be surprised if the RSS feed goes. It seems to have the same effect as bouncers; repelling intelligent people while attracting sink estate vermin donning black slip-on shoes and gelled hair. We're thinking fuck RSS, fuck Technorati and fuck all those two-bob 'influence surveys.' We'd lose points for not having RSS, but perhaps we'll lose the undesirables too?
To date TWL has only rejected a handful of comments. From now on, in an effort to rid TWL of the Sovereign ring brigade, future comments will be moderated not only for anything approaching libel, but for stupidity and any clear lack of humour. TWL takes up enough time as it is, without having to point out to idiots that they just aren't getting it. It's quicker to hit the 'reject comment' button.
We may end up with a smaller audience, but, it'll be one with which we're happy to have a conversation...
32 comments:
- Andrew Smith said...
Where's the Chasm?
And who has upset you?
- 10:27 am
- ....the world's leading.... said...
Andrew, dear friend. While the TWL audience has broadened, it also seems to have thickened. It's a quality over quantity thing.
- 10:38 am
Yeah baby!
I'm currently having the same thoughts about Fakebook. I'm thinking of removing my profile. The people that I want to speak to (my mates, and some work folks I actually like) I talk to all the time, in the pub or on the phone. A few other "friends" I like to see, enjoy an occasional mail chat or pint now & then when we can. So why do I need Fakebook? When I first used it, I added friends, applications, slapped people with fish...but in the last month I think I've been on there twice. If I want to talk to a friend I don't go on Fakebook, I give them a call and say "mate, fancy a pint"?
RSS is great for news / work blah. Fakebook is great for ...er ...teenagers keen to show they really do have lots of friends.
Turn 'em all off brother! I'll see you down The Bull for a pint of Best & a natter.
- 10:43 am
I'm glad you are taking a stand TWL. I'm always up for a heated debate, but some of the comments recently have neither been insightful of witty, just plain abusive.
The less time I spend reading pointless comments, the easier it will be to bill this "research" time to my clients...
- 11:05 am
and there was me about to suggest a TWL 'flash mob'.
- 11:25 am
- figgis said...
I think I'm a laggard. Nurse, could you please go and prepare my handgun as I shouldn't have been here in the first place.
Best of luck all
- 11:26 am
sounds a bit like the emporor's new clothes: if you can't see them, then you must be stupid.
As far as I can tell, the quality of the original post usually dictates the quality of comments received.
- 11:36 am
- ....the world's leading.... said...
I'm not sure I agree with that. I mean, after all, I don't think our post contained any spelling mistakes, but your comment does. So there's already a quality gap there.
- 11:59 am
>>I'm not sure I agree with that. I mean, after all, I don't think our post contained any spelling mistakes, but your comment does. So there's already a quality gap there.<<
yeah, I realise now I spelt 'emporor' incorrectly - in mitigation, it is not a word I use regularly.
If I remember my history correctly, didn't Hitler end up surrounding himself with a group of like-minded 'yes men' shortly before his demise..?? Apparently, nobody else 'understood' him like they did....
- 12:14 pm
- ....the world's leading.... said...
Who said anything about 'yes men'?
All we said was that we were going to moderate comments for:
'stupidity and any clear lack of humour'
We just want to make sure the quality of the discussion in our comments is a high as it should be. We're not saying that all comments need to agree with us! That would make for a very dull blog.
Indeed, this little chat is a case in point.
- 12:23 pm
- ....the world's leading.... said...
I might need to clarify that, having just read it back.
This little chat is a good example of a discussion from opposing viewpoints...not of the blog becoming dull.
Though I do seem to be going on a bit now, don't I?
- 12:25 pm
>>This little chat is a good example of a discussion from opposing viewpoints...not of the blog becoming dull.
Though I do seem to be going on a bit now, don't I?<<
Thanks for the clarification ;)
My biggest problem with this blog is that fact that it is (still) a blog. It has more comments on it than any other blog I read and in general, the comments section usually seems to contain a full-on debate in itself.
So, why not ditch the blog and move to a forum? That way, you can moderate comments, users can register and the format would better suit what most people seem to 'use' this blog for anyway...
Just a thought.
- 12:38 pm
- ....the world's leading.... said...
Sounds a bit technical...
- 12:45 pm
Hey ...TWL... it's your blog, do what you like. I just hope I'm allowed to stay.
- 1:13 pm
- Sarah Sherman said...
I use a Creative ZEN player, not an iPOD. So can I still be an Early Adopter, or am I being too literal, which would classify me as Early Majority? This British class structure always vexes me so. What's a Facebook?
Not Sent via BlackBerry (the devil's instrument) from T-Mobile
- 1:35 pm
A forum is much different to a blog and a blog is much better for this kind of chat.
TWL makes a witty blog post and people comment on it. A forum is much more 'democratic' in the fact that anyone can make a 'post'.
Not to say that TWL couldn't have a forum as an extension of the blog though.
- 1:40 pm
TWL - any chance you may have misunderstood some of the blog comments, in the same way as they may have misunderstood yours..??
Or is the problem definitely only with the 'commenters' - not the blogger himself..??
- 1:49 pm
- ....the world's leading.... said...
We'll do what we can to ensure that the quality of the blog posts is up to scratch - we're quite self-critical.
If people put as much thought into their comments, then everything should be fine and dandy, yes?
- 1:55 pm
>>"If people put as much thought into their comments, then everything should be fine and dandy, yes?"<<
Couldn't agree more dear chap. The number of fuckwits on here seems to have leapt in recent weeks.
- 1:58 pm
Isn't this just a rather long-winded way of saying: "If people don't think this blog is spectacularly witty, they must *clearly* be too stupid to understand it, so I'll delete their posts"?
I've read the blog since a month or so after it launched. In the last couple of months, the tone has changed and become quite spiteful and needlessly unpleasant in some instances. I don't think it's funny.
What's more likely? You posted a couple of shit posts or I (and a few others, by the looks of it) suddenly dropped 50 IQ points?
- 2:23 pm
- Duncan Chapple said...
Andrew, it seem that 'the Chasm' is somewhere around the Marianas Trench.
- 2:39 pm
Why can't we all go down the pub for a beer and a friendly chat on a Friday afternoon... face-to-face is so much better than fakebook and email, and there might be some lovely ladies about as well to oggle at if the conversation does get a little stilted... mine's an alabama slammer.. meet me at the bar
- 2:42 pm
- Danny said...
Aww, don't do that. TWL is one of the first things I read in my RSS feed. I like it there. I'd personally rather just have the feed there, and just filter the comment noise out myself.
You could also look into Slashdot's system, which promotes good comments and hides silly ones. It's based on a voting mechanism, I think?
If TWL became an online forum without an RSS feed, rather than a straight blog, I'm not sure I'd have the time to go in and navigate the various threads, even though I'd like to. But it's a fun, quick, early morning read for me before I get into the day.
There's also the risk that eliminating the RSS feed might have a limited effect. Now World + Dog knows you're there, a large proportion of the same noise generating contingent might keep surfing in and making irrelevant comments anyway. I vote that you keep the RSS feed.
I do like your graph, though. Perhaps you've generated a new chart type. Gartner has the hype cycle, TWL has the pillock cycle.
Anyway, whatever you decide, keep up the good work...
- 2:53 pm
- ....the world's leading.... said...
"In the last couple of months, the tone has changed and become quite spiteful and needlessly unpleasant in some instances."
You see I don't think the tone of the posts has changed very much in the last couple of months. That's not to say that we haven't been a bit spiteful...I'd suggest that we've always had an element of that (read the third and fourth posts we ever published for the evidence!)
However, the tone of some comments has changed - and that then impacts the overall tone of the blog. And that's what we're trying to address.
Frankly, though, as we've always said, the choice of whether to read TWL or not is yours. Exercise it.
- 3:12 pm
I almost daren't post in case I get edited out... but I think I agree. And it will hopefully mean fewer amonymous posters. Even if you use a silly made up name like me at least we can build personalities from recurring names. Makes it more like that community of old.
- 3:18 pm
That's why I've adopted a silly made up name...personalities that come across in comments are important, and help give context - so sure you may well have a bitter old vicious commenter, but at least you know it's the same old fool, rather than seeming to be a multitude of anonymous twisted posts...
(Prem - I too live in fear of being edited...I will be more cautious)
- 3:41 pm
- figgis said...
> I've read the blog since a month or so after it launched <
That's nothing I've read this blog since a couple of months before it started. That's the only way to be properly old school.
- 4:06 pm
TWL, you've spent too much time listening to Gartner, its a common mistake in the tech press and tech PR world, believe me, I've been there.
- 10:02 pm
Toys on floor. Dummy Spat. Feel better?
- 12:32 pm
Baby and bathwater spring to mind a little...
I have to admit I was a bit surprised by this. One of the things I like most about TWL is that it DOESNT seem to be plagued by as many idiots as the other blogs out there. While there has certainly been an increase in the amount of comments due to the increasing popularity doesnt this mean that there will always be a corresponding increase in shit comments? The only logical thing to do therefore is to decrease the popularity (will removing the RSS really do this?!). Clearly the best way to do this is to start posting shit yourself but of course then you will have become exactly what you are trying to avoid.
Whilst not being privvy to all of the comments you receive I would suggest that you perhaps take some time to reflect after getting a few more comments in this thread.
I for one would not stop reading but I would be left with a starngely uncomfortable feeling that it was 'different from how it used to be'. Note I said different, not worse.
I'd suggest that you don't let a (potentially temporary) spate of idiot posts change what has become a winning formula. You might just kill the formula also!
You could always post some of the crap posts and give us all a bit of a self righteous giggle. That would also show future posters what is and is not expected here at TWL.
- 5:55 am
A beautiful gaussian curve you have there TWL. I remember the good ol' days when we posted about Chris Green and how shite in-house PRs were....oh nothing's changed
- 9:38 am
i'd start by getting rid of those f*cking annoying people who feel they have something to say but are too scared to actually put their name to said 'important' comment.
i'm all for pr people being the 'comment behind the throne', but not on a pr blog. if you have something to say, put your name to it, stand by it and be prepared to defend it... yeah, right on!
- 6:56 pm


text:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The list of the individuals who will be competing in the 2013 NCAA Division III Tennis Tournament were released on Wednesday afternoon, revealing the names of two MIT athletes. Junior Lauren Quisenberry (Corpus Christi, Texas) will represent the MIT women's tennis team for the second time in her career, the last of which was in 2011, while junior Edwin Zhang (Falls Church, Va.) will be making his first nationals appearance. The last MIT men's tennis player to make it to NCAAs was Tom Dohlman in 2007.
The individual championships that are set to take place from Thursday through Saturday, May 23-25 at Stowe Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich., will consist of 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams.
So far this season, Quisenberry is 18-2 in singles play, with every match being played at No. 1. At NEWMACs, she was selected as the conference's Women's Tennis Athlete of the Year for the second time in her three years at MIT after winning both doubles and singles in the top spot against Wellesley College in the championship final.
Zhang has compiled a record of 12-5, all of which have been played in the No. 1 spot. At NEWMACs late last month, he was not only named to the All-Conference team but was also selected as the Athlete of the Year for his performances so far this season. He wrapped up the championship this year with two doubles wins at No. 1.
This information was released just two days after the announcement that both the women's and men's tennis teams at MIT had made it to the NCAA tournament. After winning its first conference title since 2002 back in October, the women's team received an automatic bid to the national tournament. This will be just the third in the history of the women's program that the Engineers have been invited to nationals, the last time being in 2000. MIT are 1-3 in NCAA play.
The men will be making their eighth consecutive trip to NCAAs. The Engineers are fresh off winning their 15th consecutive New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) title after defeating Babson College with a score of 5-1 at home two weeks ago. Last year at NCAAs, after receiving a first round bye, the Cardinal and Gray defeated Stevens Institute of Technology with a score of 5-1 in the second round before falling to Williams College in the third with a score of 5-0. Overall, MIT are 11-19 in NCAA action.
First to play are the men, who will face the winner of the UMass-Boston vs. Skidmore in the second round at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10 at Williams. If victorious, the Engineers will enter the third round on Saturday morning.
The No. 20 nationally-ranked women's program will open the tournament by battling Simmons College in the first round on Thursday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. The winner of that round will go on to face Middlebury College at 2:30 p.m. the following day. The quarterfinals, semifinals and finals for both the men and the women will be played from Monday through Wednesday, May 20-22 in Kalamazoo.


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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
New Mexico Arts was awarded $297,000 in arts recovery funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Governor's Office, the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment and the New Mexico Arts Commission approved $250,350 in Arts Jobs Grants to 17 organizations across New Mexico following a competitive application process. New Mexico Arts also received approval from the NEA and the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment to spend $2,650 in administrative costs to administer our Arts Jobs program and $44,000 to hire a public art contractor to temporarily fill an important public art position lost due to state budget cuts. The contractor will administer our Acclaimed Artist Series to facilitate $400,000 in arts purchases to directly benefit New Mexico artists and galleries.
Under the terms of ARRA, stimulus funds were appropriated to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to distribute to State Arts Agencies for projects that focus on the preservation of jobs in the arts.
- ARRA Arts Jobs Recipients
- New Mexico Arts ARRA Guidelines
- Memo to the field
- ARRA AIPP Contractor RFP
- ARRA AIPP Contractor Scope of Services


text:
May 3, 1963
May 4, 1865
May 5, 1799
May 5, 1910
May 8, 1820
This Week in Alabama History
May 3 - 9
Featured Event:
Peaceful African American demonstrators, many of them teenagers, are beaten back in downtown Birmingham by fire hoses and police dogs. The extreme tactics, ordered by police commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor brought international attention to Project C, the name given to civil rights demonstrations in the city led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Fred Shuttlesworth.
Other Events this Week
At Citronelle, Alabama, three and a half weeks after Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the last major Confederate force east of the Mississippi surrenders. Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor surrendered the 12,000 troops of the Department of East Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby of the U.S. Army.
U.S. Army Lieutenant John McClary takes possession of Fort St. Stephens from the Spanish and the United States flag is raised for the first time on soil that would eventually belong to Alabama.
An explosion at Palos Coal Mine No. 3 in Jefferson County kills 84 miners. At the time it was the second-worst mine disaster in Alabama history, and it followed on the heels of a mine explosion at nearby Mulga that killed 40 miners. The Palos tragedy also marked the first time that the Red Cross led a disaster relief effort in Alabama.
The Alabama Supreme Court convenes for the first time. The court, meeting in the capital of Cahaba, was composed of Alabama's circuit court judges. Clement C. Clay, who later served in Congress and as governor, was appointed Chief Justice.
Listen: Click the play button below to hear Archives Staff discuss this event on Alabama Public Radio.


text:
Small Cool 2010: Grace's Sunny View
Who Lives Here: Grace
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Size: 590 square feet
What is your favorite element of your Small & Cool home? The windows. I have at least one facing every direction. They're tiny, but they're pretty bright- especially the one that aims the sun directly into my face every morning. As an added bonus, the neighboring houses are single story, so my views are mostly just trees.
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your Small Cool home? Oddly enough, it wasn't the ceiling that posed the biggest challenge, but the size of the doorways and the angle of the ground floor entry to the stairs (not included in diagram, since it also opens into my neighbors' kitchen). Once things were actually squeezed in and shoved up the stairs, it wasn't too hard to find a spot for them. In order to work through that, I made sure to measure things before I bought them, and to have enough friends who owed me favors when move-in day arrived.
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
Check out all the entries on our contest page.


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Westfield-based Atlantic Container Line announced today the official steel-cutting ceremony took place this week in Shanghai for its five container ships, marking the start of actual construction.
According to the announcement, ACL has appointed Registro Italiano Navale and the American Bureau of Shipping to provide statutory classification services for the G4 ship construction which provides periodic survey activities, certification, testing and inspection during the vessel's assembly. ABS will also be the site manager, overseeing construction activities and ensuring quality control on behalf of ACL.


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Puno - Lake Titicaca
By the southeast side of Lake Titicaca , 2860 meters above sea level, an attractive and entertaining city.
The characteristics of Puno is that you get a feeling of a magnetism coming from the surrounding mountins, its lake who looks more like an ocean, and their people, descendants from the Aymara-culture, a strong people who once ruled the highlands.
The myths said that the first inca Manco Capac rised up from the surface of Lake Titicaca , by orders from the God of the sun to establish the inca-empire.
Puno is most famous for its coloful folkloric traditions, and it hosts the most livelytraditonal parties on this part of the continent.
The most important one is the celebration of Virgen de Candelaria , held in Februar.
On the Island Taquile , there is a culture where everybody work for the community, and they have socialistic rules and laws, that in some cases are different than the national peruvian laws. On most islands the tourists are not allowed, but on some of them it´s perimitted for the tourists to stay overnight to get to know the indigenous cultures that barely has changed the last centuries. We can promise you a cultural experience totally different, and most people do not want to return to our globalized world after the stay.


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JEFFERSON - Era Terry Perry, 91, passed away Monday, March 5, 2012.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Rufus and Annie Terry. She was a homemaker and a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Mrs. Perry was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Albert Perry; son, Gene Perry; and a sister, Arie Collins.
Survivors include ten children, Peggy Maxwell (Dwaine), Auburn, L.B. Perry (Paralee), Jefferson, Bobby Perry, Commerce, Dorothy Nix (William), Johns Creek, Shirley Pearson (David), Athens, Charles Perry (Connie), Oakwood, Judy Perry, Jefferson, Kathy Branyon (Ken), Hull, Douglas Perry, Bristol, Tenn.; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jesse Mealor officiating. Burial to follow in Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Winder. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 6, from 5 from 8 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Union Baptist Church Building Fund or the Jackson County Senior Citizens Center.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Era Terry Perry (3-5-12)
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Rainy afternoon at the junk store
This Old Place is located on College Street in Clarksville, TN. The large brick building with full-front dock looks like it was once a feed and seed store.
An amusing summary of the flea market biz is posted near the door: "We buy junk & sell antiques." It's amazing how junk is improved by a price sticker!
After Isaac and I looked at the antiques, collectibles, and junk on the first floor, we climbed the stairs to the loft and wandered through even more booths. The photo at the end of this post was taken from the loft, looking down onto the first floor.
While we were upstairs, the skies opened, and rain pounded down onto the building's metal roof. It reminded me of being in a barn. It was a pleasant place to wait out the storm .
I didn't find anything to buy, though. Knick-knacks and dust-catchers don't really tempt me. I don't need any more of them -- I have plenty already. My main weakness is books, but I didn't happen to find any that I liked, despite searching high and low.
Isaac is on spring break from college this week, so I have been running around with him. This was just one of our stops on Thursday afternoon. We visited several flea markets, thrifts, and antique shops in Clarksville and then went to the mall. I did find a good old book at another antique shop -- a history of Cairo, Illinois.


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— From NBC's Chuck Todd
Big night for Mike Huckabee. On a night when many voters were looking at
him in a different light thanks to the dramatic increase in attention the media's been giving him, he delivered big time. Unlike previous debates, he didn't open with a joke but instead sounded very presidential in his first answer; He had his share of one-liners, but he seemed to balance the funny with more presidential rhetoric.
Huckabee stepped up his game tonight. The rest of the field better be glad that the GOP debates end on Dec. 12, a full three weeks before the Iowa caucuses and that's enough time for his potentially dominant debate performances to fade from voter memories. Surprisingly, he didn't get attacked too much. Romney took a shot, but nothing too harsh (Iowa nice, right?). Most importantly for Huckabee, he'll likely be declared the winner of this debate by every member of the Amtrak Corridor media elite and that should get him some serious buzz. The question for the rest of the field: when will others begin to take him as a more serious threat.
Two other candidates stood out simply because they seemed to dominate most of the conversation: Romney and Rudy. If someone was watching this debate without knowing the standing of the candidates in the polls, one would easily assume the two frontrunners were Romney and Rudy with no one else really a close third.
Giuliani was not at his best, really started off slow as his "santuary mansion" line was not delivered very well; Al,so, someone in his campaign should help him learn to give a MUCH shorter answer when talking about guns. The best part of Giuliani's performance was his YouTube video; it was the funniest of the bunch.
Romney had an uneven night as well, at some moments, he was outstanding
and at other times, just awful. It was THAT uneven of a performance. He seems to be struggling with getting very aggressive against Giuliani and trying to softly jab at Huckabee. He's not in an easy position.
The other candidate that certainly made an impression was McCain, thanks to his sobriety. It's interesting, Huckabee-McCain would be a fascinating ticket because Huckabee likes to be the sunny good cop while McCain seems to be getting comfortable becoming the (sometimes) pessimistic bad cop. McCain was strong but bordered on angry too many times to make me think he's going to play well in Iowa (a place that he needs to start getting some traction).
The other major candidate, Fred Thompson, seemed more comfortable in this debate than in his first two outings but just because he was comfortable doesn't mean he enough great moments. He seemed like a supporting member of the cast rather than a centerpiece of the debate. His shots at Giuliani and Romney were probably lines that sounded better in his head than when he delivered them.
As for the rest of the field: Paul does a pretty good job of sounding rational when posed with somewhat irrational questions. His trilateral commission answer didn't sound conspiratorial even though the whole premise of the question is just that: conspiratorial.
And Hunter and Tancredo really don't belong on stage anymore. Guys, it's time to go; the other six have proven viability; the two of you haven't and if it wasn't for the debates, you'd have no platform. Frankly, many people probably forgot the two men were still running since it had been so long since the Republicans last debated.
A final thought on the editorial content of the debate. CNN probably didn't win over any conservative viewers who tuned in to find out if the network was friendly toward conservatives. The abortion questions were questions that Planned Parenthood and NARAL would have posed to pro-life candidates, not what Republican voters would have posed to these Republican candidates. Ditto with some of the gun question and the gay rights questions. The candidates probably weren't happy that CNN chose to linger on the retired general who asked about gays in the military.


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Egreavy needed a new stationery design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 51 designs submitted by 7 freelance designers.
ThreeSquare Accounting
ThreeSquare Accounting is different. We believe the days of the old school accountancy practice are well and truly over. We believe compliance is no longer enough - business owners need proactive, forward thinking advice.
They need someone who is on their side, willing to fight their corner. At ThreeSquare we welcome this challenge!
Additionally they need someone with their finger on the pulse of their business, who is available to them and who is willing to become integrated into their business. Most importantly business owners can no longer afford to pay the inflated fees not so long ago commanded by fat cat accountants.
Our slogan is 'Your Success is Our Success'. We generally work on a 'fee ladder' system whereby when we assist clients to achieve predefined profitabiility levels then our fee will also increase. We therefore have an inherent interest in the overall success of each of our clients.
We believe in adding value and in achieving results through action. We will get involved in your business. From participating in and even facilitating monthly and quarterly meetings; driving strategic planning and goal setting; as well as offering marketing assistance, family business mediation and more.
Or, if you simply can no longer justify the costs of maintaining an in house financial function, we can offer a cost effective, on site alternative.
Our slogan is 'Your Success is Our Success'. Our target audience is business owners who are looking for a trusted, yet dynamic financial and business advisor who is not simply your average compliant accountant but someone who is willing to think outside the box for them.
Small and Medium Sized Businesses who are hungry for success and are focused on growth, new opportunities and new markets.
New and dynamic businesses who are looking for financial and strategic advisors who will become trusted partners.
Family businesses who due to the dynamics of integrating family relationships and business decisions need a trusted advisor to steer them through the muddle to achieve monthly, annual and longer term strategic objectives.
This card should be designed according to European Business Card sizes (if different from US)
Our logo is quite conservative - we wanted a logo that still says 'we are trusted financial and business advisors'.
However through our marketing materials it is important that we communicate that we offer are a modern day, dynamic company. For this reason I want a business card (and headed paper) design that is both smart with a little bit of wow and that doesn't just scream 'boring accountant'! In saying that I don't want anything that is too 'out there' either as it may be off putting to some clients.
I like the idea of using financial ledger lines as the background but I'm very open to ideas.
Details which I'd like built into the design which will not change include the website, locations served and our slogan;
Dublin . Sligo . Donegal . Mayo
Your Success Is Our Success
For the sample logo you can use the following details;
Thomas Greavy FCCA AITI
Managing Partner
E: email@example.com
Return address for headed paper -
39 The Dickens
The Gasworks
Dublin 4
I have attached our logo as well as some randomly saved business cards which I like but please don't be 100% influenced by these


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In a meeting with agricultural editors prior to a company field day, RiceTec officials said they intend to change the company's packaging from 45-pound bags to bags that contain a standard 900,000 seeds.
"Historically, people have talked about the seeding rate for rice in terms of pounds per acre," said Federico Cuevas, vice-president of development and technical services for RiceTec.
"While this recommendation is easy to communicate, it fails to take into account the wide range of seed sizes that exist between different hybrids and varieties. Even the same hybrid or variety can have a wide range of seed sizes. We have seen as much as a 20 percent difference within the same product, produced in the same year."
This difference can represent a 20 percent swing in seeding rates and cost per acre to farmers who plant their seed based on pounds per acre without making adjustments for size.
"As an example," says Cuevas, "XL7, XL8 and Clearfield XL8 (all RiceTec hybrids) have average seed sizes for a hybrid. Yet, our XP710 – an advanced experimental hybrid in 2003 - has large-size seeds."
RiceTec's new 900,000-seed packaging will eliminate seed-size variables from the planting and pricing equations, enhancing growers' planning and management accuracy, he says.
The packaging change and new seeding recommendation will ensure that customers clearly understand how best to optimize the performance of RiceTec hybrids, according to Jim Thompson, seed sales and marketing manager.
"By establishing an assigned number of seeds per bag – and a standard seeding rate recommendation based on seeds per acre (600,000) for our hybrid rice products – equity is maintained regardless of the hybrid being planted and the seed size for a given seed lot," Thompson notes.
"We feel an obligation to deliver an improved seeding recommendation for our hybrids - one that offers producers the utmost in clarity, pricing fairness and cost efficiency."
The new recommendation, however, would not work as well without the change to 900,000-seed bags. "They are completely compatible with the seeding rate of 600,000 seeds per acre," says Thompson. "This combination means one bag of RiceTec hybrid rice seed will plant 1.5 acres."
Based on extensive testing with commercial producers, drills can be accurately calibrated to plant 600,000 seeds per acre, regardless of seed size. RiceTec will provide information and support to assist customers and local outlets with the transition from 45-pound bags to seed-count packaging, as well as assistance with the new seeding recommendation and information on adjusting drills for the correct number of seeds per acre.
Seed-count packaging and precise planting recommendations are techniques whose time has come in high-value seed products like hybrid rice, according to Thompson.
"We are very confident in the equipment and procedures being put in place that will allow us to do precision seed-count packaging," he says. "Hybrid rice seed offers growers increased yield and stronger disease resistance.
"Our new seed-count packaging and seed-per-acre seeding-rate recommendation enhances the value of RiceTec hybrid rice seed by offering producers greater efficiency and accuracy at planting, giving them more profit potential."
RiceTec, Inc. is an integrated rice company specializing in the breeding, development and marketing of high-value rice products. Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, the company operates the primary research center of RiceTec AG, an international rice technology venture.
RiceTec, Inc. is the first company to commercialize hybrid rice seed in the United States. It is also a leading producer and marketer of specialty rice products, which are sold under RiceSelect brands in over 20,000 supermarkets throughout North America. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.ricetec.com.


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KCBS BOD MINUTES FROM MARCH 2012April 9, 2012
Board of Director's Meeting
March 21, 2012
There were no member requests to speak.
Members Calling In: Don Harwell, Vickie Payton, Dale Newstrom
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Executive Director Carolyn Wells, Candy Weaver, Mike Budai, Mark Simmons, Tana Shupe, Randy Bigler, Mike Lake, Paul Kirk, Arlie Bragg, Jeff Stith, Steve Farrin, George Mullins, and Dave Compton.
President Candy Weaver called the meeting to order at 7:03 central time.
The board recited the KCBS Mission and Board Pledge.
MINUTES: Tana Shupe requests that the Board approve the attached Minutes of the meeting held on February 10-11, 2012 as presented. Seconded by Dave Compton the Minutes were approved by a vote of 10 ayes and one abstaining. (For KCBS Members: The February Minutes can be viewed within this website.)
MARKETING COMMITTEE REPORT: Jeff Stith & Mike McCloud
- Total January Sales: $1283
- Advertising sold for January: $975
- Uploaded March Bullsheet
- Uploaded MP3 of February's BOD meeting
- KCBS Master CBJ Exam Online is now Live
- Partner Programs Previews and Microsites are now Live:
- Kingsford 40k Challenge
- Tyson Best Wing on the Planet
- Smithfield Rib Super Series
- GABT 2012 Schedule Complete and announced
- GABT branding complete (using a funny political theme this year)
- GABT Coordination and Logistics for 2012 Tour in full swing to prepare for first event in Vegas (ACM/BBQ Throwdown)
Sam's Tour
- Coordination and Logistics for 2012 Tour underway
- Two successful events already conducted (in Florida)
- As of press time, we had 37 spots still available for teams in 5 cities
- judges positions are full except for 18 in Salt Lake City and 6 in Tucson
- Social Media, using MMA, KCBS, and GABT Facebook and Twitter pages to promote KCBS-related events/promotion
- GABT: 1779 Twitter Followers / 1415 FB post views
- KCBS: 1322 Twitter Followers / 38,468 FB post views
- Updated News section of KCBS website as necessary
- Bullsheet Content: Sam's Club National BBQ Tour Preview
Sponsorship Activities
- 2012 Planning/ Mike will update the board on current sponsorship activities
- Now offering "activation" only packages for GABT for smaller company participation
- MMA is reviewing a couple of trade show opportunities to be considered for KCBS presence / promotion
- Mike reported that the Great American BBQ Tour is now fully funded, with additional sponsorships being negotiated and they are ready to kick off the 5th season.
He reported that Rancher's Reserve will not renew the beef cup.
MMA has agreed to help out with database transfer of internet information.
The Sam's Club tour is going well and they are working on a new logistics program to keep the contests running smoothly. There are still 35 spots open for teams
For year and a half, folks have been working on a "super bowl" of food to be held in Las Vegas on November 1-4, 2012. MMA will be working the World Food Championships in 2012 using the KCBS Competitor Series as a format for the BBQ division. He will share additional information as it becomes available..
Additionally, current members of the Marketing Committee are Jeff Stith, Tana Shupe, Arlie Bragg and from members, Sylvie Curry (California) and April Hepko (Missouri).
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Mark Simmons
The Finance Committee moves the adoption of the February Financials as sent to board members on March 11, 2012. Seconded by Mike Budai, the report was unanimously accepted as presented.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: Steve Farrin
I would like to begin this report with the current membership numbers of the KCBS which were provided by Karrin Murphy in the office .
Number of Total Members -15175
Number of New Members -626
Number of Renewed Members -2566
Number of non-renewals(or pending renewals) -702
Number of members who signed up via the website -449 (only 1 was an international. Of the 449, 60 of them were for Family memberships)
Number of New Members from judging classes 405
The goal of our committee is to improve the benefits of all KCBS members. Find ways to attract new members. Find ways to retain our current members.
The members of our committee are:
Steve Farrin Chairman from Massachusetts
Arlie Bragg Co-Chair from Tennessee
Stephanie Wilson from Missouri
Mike Richter from Maryland
Ryan Newstrom from Iowa
Gene Goycochea from California
President Candy Weaver and Executive Director Carolyn Wells
Steve moved that the report be accepted as presented. Seconded by Tana Shupe, the report was unanimously accepted.
CBJ COMMITTEE REPORT: Mike Lake
The previous CBJ power point presentation was reviewed by the CBJ instructors, appropriate changes were suggested. Those changes have been implemented by Stephen Smith (CBJ Instructor)' and revised editions have been sent to all CBJ Instructors and are now in use.
All instructors have been advised to follow the presentation as it is presented in the Power Point presentation. This will help insure consistency in instruction and interpretation of the rules as they pertain to judging.
It is the committee's recommendation that no additional CBJ instructors be added at this time and that additional instructors will be considered on a regional basis. At this time the only area under consideration would be the Pacific Northwest. It was also suggested that a set of qualifying criteria be established to determine eligibility of candidates for instructors. The committee will use a similar approach to that of selecting contest reps with the additional qualification that the candidate be a Master Judge.
Committee members include all CBJ Instructors, Dave Compton (Judges Advocate), Dennis Polson, and Ed Hartman. Ed is currently working on some ideas for a judges article in the "Bullsheet" and the feasibility of a mentoring program for new or first time judges.
The newly revised CBJ PowerPoint presentation will be in all Instructors hands on Monday, 19 Mar 2012. It has a slide dedicated to the judges comment card; this will insure that all instructors adhere to discussing this facet of judging.
From T.Shupe: Figures for CBJ classes held through 2/18/2012 are as follows: 10 classes, 576 participants, 171 KCBS members, 402 new members, 3 media comps. For more detailed information, please refer to Mike's spreadsheet attached to his email to BOD members on February 11, 2012.
Mike Lake recommended that this report be accepted as presented; seconded by Randy Bigler, the report was unanimously accepted.
PHILANTHROPY REPORT: Arlie Bragg
Philanthropy-Report Had a request for funds that was withdrawn. Other than that we are now receiving apps for Grants and Grants in Aid.
Arlie's request to discuss reps asking for contests when other reps were appointed was not mentioned and has been added to the Agenda for April.
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT: Mark Simmons
The Strategic Planning Committee now consists of Mark Simmons, Paul Kirk and Wayne Lohman.
Minutes from the Strategic Planning session on February 11, 2012 have been sent to all board members. (Thanks Randy Bigler for taking these notes that day.) The notes are just a reminder to all the committees of the various items that came up related to your particular committee for your consideration.
It is the desire of the committee that there will be ongoing discussions on your committee considering everything that you can think of as part of your committee strategic plan based on the assumptions discussed at the beginning of the meeting and on the first section of the attachment. We would like to work toward a 5 year strategic plan ... with the 30,000 foot view by the June BOD meeting as our committee strategic plan target to be reviewed and approved by the BOD. Thereafter it is our goal that all the committees can provide for the BOD's discussion a more detailed 2012-2013 plan by the September meeting for discussion and adoption.
No motions at this time.
SANCTIONING COMMITTEE REPORT: George Mullins
Location Change:
June 1-2 Beltway BBQ Showdown Upper Marlboro MD
Existing/Date Change:
Oct. 12-13 to Oct. 19-20 7th Annual Barn Burner BBQ Libertyville IL
Sanctioning Change:
May 4-5 Truman Heritage Festival Grandview MO
June 29-30 The Algood "Cruzin-Blazin & Backyard BBQ'N Contest Algood TN
July 3-4 Liberty Area of Chamber Liberty MO
New Contests:
May 25-27 BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay North Bend OR
June 1-3 Lake Ozark Smokefest Lake Ozark MO
June 8-10 Firin' up the Fox St. Charles IL
June 8-9 Bridge City BBQ Fest Ottumwa IA
June 15-16 Mr. BBQ Barbeque Challenge Davenport IA
June 21-24 The Colorado Experience Denver CO
July 6-7 Kings of BBQ 2012 Des Moines IA
July 20-21 American Barbecue Championship Syracuse NY
July 20-21 Kampeska Wing Fling & BBQ Sting Watertown SD
Jul 27-28 Siskiyou Beef County Cook-Off Montague CA
Aug. 3-4 United Wireless, Seward County Five State Fair
BBQ Cook-off Liberal KS
Aug. 17-18 Ribs, Pig & Watermelons Westminster CA
Sept. 1-2 Valley BBQ & Music Fest Harrisonburg VA
Sept. 1-2 Barbecue on the Bow Calgary, Alberta CN
Sept. 7-8 Smoke on the Water Barbecue Competition
& Music Festival Coquille OR
Sept. 7-8 Puckaway Pigfest Montello WI
Sept. 7-8 Leavenworth's Hog Wild West BBQ Contest Leavenworth KS
Sept. 22-23 Telluride Pig & Whiskey BBQ Festival Telluride CO
Sept. 28-29 Downtown Danville Fall Tastings Danville IL
Sept. 28-29 Ohio Veteran Barbecue Battle Xenia OH
Oct. 5-6 Needles Rt. 66 Music, Brews and BBQ Champ. Needles CA
Oct. 6-7 TBA El Paso TX
Oct. 12-13 Chillin and Grillin Sand Springs OK
Oct. 19-21 Cowboy Up at the PRCA Rodeo and BBQ Lancaster CA
May 19-20 Lexington Battle Green BBQ Festival Lexington MA
June 23-24 Smokin' @ the Ballpark BBQ Festival Old Orchard Beach ME
July 13-15 New Jersey State Barbecue Championship North Wildwood NJ
July 13-14 Ohio Veterans Barbecue Cookoff Kettering OH
July 27-28 Ribs and Kids Tuscumbia MO
Aug. 17-18 Flint Hills Beef Fest BBQ Emporia KS
Existing (2013):
June 7-8 Canterbury Park Blazing Belmont BBQ Weekend Shakopee MN
June 28-29 Super City Blues & Ques Metropolis IL
George made a motion that the board approve the contests as presented, with the exception of Des Moines, IA. Seconded by Randy Bigler, the contests were approved by a vote of 9 ayes, one opposed and one abstaining.
George made a motion that the board approve the contest in Des Moines, IA as long as all requirements are realized in a timely manner. Seconded by Randy Bigler, the motion passed unanimously.
The last month has been spent developing a new committee structure that will be comprised of multiple regional committees to deal with possible conflicts within their own regions to take advantage of local knowledge and contacts. Over time, I believe this structure will prove to be more efficient and beneficial. The drawback is that it has taken more time than anticipated to fully staff each committee. That should be resolved shortly.
New Sanctioning Documents: Dawn and I have spent some time in the last month talking about some issues with our sanctioning documents. On March 16, Dawn attached the proposed new versions for our Master's and Competitor Series events to her email containing the sanctioning report. Both documents contain a new clause requiring contest organizers to disclose any deviation from suggesting Quiet Time hours, prior to accepting registration and payment for their contest. As the rules currently exist they may make changes any time they like. In the case of the Competitor Series event we have combined the existing Master's Series document, and the addendum the board voted to use, in the past, into one document after consulting with the Executive Director and President. The purpose is to insure that a complete document goes out, is returned, and is on file at the time the board approves sanctioning to prevent any possible question about what type of event was sanctioned.
Sanctioning Procedure: It has come to my attention that we have at least one contest that was sanctioned, without a new organizer meeting the requirement for completing their training or providing KCBS with a detailed plan. I've discussed it with Dawn and she can add additional fields to the Sanctioning Report to indicate whether a proposed contest has met those requirements at the time the board considers it for sanctioning.
George made a motion that the board approve the revised sanctioning documents, for them to be sent to legal for review to insure that they accomplish our intent, and that we review them after they are returned and revise as needed prior to final approval by the board. Seconded by Arlie, the motion passed unanimously.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE REPORT: George Mullins
I've spent the last month, looking at past proposals the board has considered as well as talking to members in various regions to try and gather a sense of what sort of plan would be the most attractive as well as the least objectionable. Consensus is difficult to find. Based on those conversations I've identified several members that I'd like to invite to join the committee, and that representation will be regional if they are willing to serve. I'm hopeful that next month we can bring the board a couple of proposals that we will be working on to bring forward to the membership.
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE REPORT: Mike Budai
Current members of the Technology Committee are: Carolyn Wells, Candy Weaver, George Mullins and Mike Budai.
Activity since February 10 BOD meeting:
- Posted MP3 recording of the February 10 BOD meeting to the KCBS website.
- Setup telephone conference accounts in AccuConference for all committees that have requested one.
- Completed updating all KCBS email/email groups for all committees and updated the corresponding "contact" information pages on our website.
- Downloaded and transferred all KCBS board meeting MP3 recordings from MMA's backups (since we started placing them on our website)to the KCBS USendit file transfer site for board members to download and review. This covers the 2 year period from March 2010 till February 2012.
- Began the process of transferring hosting services for the KCBS websites.
Mike made a motion that this report be accepted as presented. Seconded by Tana Shupe, the report was accepted unanimously.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: Tana Shupe
Members are Tana Shupe, Paul Kirk, Mark Davis and Tim Owings in addition to Carolyn Wells and Candy Weaver. There is no further report at this time.
KCBScore COMMITTEE REPORT: Mike Budai
The current members of the Contest Program Committee (KCBScore Committee) are: Carolyn Wells, Candy Weaver, Stephen Smith, Kevin Keeling, Steve Grinstead, Scott Grinstead and Mike Budai
Mike reported that the committee received the third draft of the program on March 21st and that the update will be provided at the next meeting.
RULES COMMITTEE REPORT: Dave Compton
We've spent the past month getting our committee put together, choosing members and getting a sense of where we want to go with our committee this year. We have tried to get a geographical balance on the committee and for the most part I think that we've succeeded. We have also opened up the committee membership beyond just the Board, we have four Board members and four regular KCBS members along with Carolyn and Candy.
Our major goal this year is to simplify and clarify our rules. We want everyone to be on the same page when it comes to the rules, their meaning and what happens when they are violated. We intend to examine each rule to see if it can be made more plain, more fair and if it can realistically be enforced.
We would also like to have the general membership contact us with their ideas on rule changes, clarifications or additions. They can send an e-mail to: firstname.lastname@example.com and it will go to all of the Rules Committee members.
The current Rules Committee membership is:
Dave Compton, Chair, Iowa
Jeff Stith, Co-Chair, Missouri
George Mullins, Co-Chair, Texas
Steve Farrin, Co-Chair, Massachusetts
Carolyn Wells, Executive Director & Candy Weaver, President
Neil Strawder, California
Phil Rizzardi, New York
Mike Wozniak, Illinois
Bill Moon, North Carolina
Rules will be brought before the BOD as they are reviewed, rather than presenting all in one meeting.
Dave made a motion that the names of all members of all the committees be posted on the KCBS website. Seconded by Paul Kirk, the motion passed unanimously.
Dave made a motion that the names of all members of all the committees be posted in the Bullsheet in May and November of each year. Seconded by Paul Kirk, the motion passed unanimously.
REP COMMITTEE REPORT: Mark Simmons
The Rep committee now consists of Mark Simmons(chair), Tana Shupe (Co-Chair) (welcome to the committee), Randy Bigler, Bunny Tuttle, Larry King, Ken Dakai, Candy Weaver and Carolyn Wells.
The committee continues to receive rep in training applications and nominations. The nomination, application and code of conduct documents have been reviewed and should now be at legal for their approval.
One rep in training has completed training; the seven reps in training approved at the last meeting have started their training to become a rep. We have additional reps in training for the consideration of the BOD.
The Rep committee is working now to keep communcations open between reps in training and the committee and contest reps with the committee. The committee is also reviewing the input from the strategic planning session and beginning the development of their 30,000 foot 5 year strategic plan.
Arlie Bragg made a motion that recommendations, including their application, for any person that applies for a Rep in Training or a Certified Barbeque Judge Instructor be sent to the entire board a minimum of 72 hours prior to the upcoming board meeting. Seconded by Dave Compton, a roll call vote was requested, with the results as follows: (9) Ayes - Arlie Bragg, Mike Lake, Tana Shupe, Randy Bigler, Mark Simmons, Steve Farrin, Dave Compton, George Mullins and Jeff Stith; (2) Nays - Paul Kirk, Mike Budai. The motion passed.
Steve Farrin made a motion that a comprehensive policy be established describing what types of issues can and should be discussed in executive session; the motion was seconded by Jeff Stith. After a lengthy discussion, Arlie Bragg called for the vote. Seconded by Paul Kirk, the call for the vote was unanimous. The vote on the motion was 10 ayes and one opposed. The motion passed. Steve asked that an Ad Hoc committee be established to start formulating a policy. President Weaver said she would take the suggestion under consideration and would appoint one if deemed necessary..
Steve Farrin made a motion that, pending legal counsel, Minutes be kept for all executive session meetings and that those Minutes be sent confidentially to entire BOD; the motion was seconded by Arlie Bragg. After additional discussion, Mark Simmons called for the vote; seconded by Paul Kirk, the call for the vote was unanimous. The vote on the motion was 9 ayes and 2 nays. The motion passed.
Steve Farrin's motion that all committee reports be made available to the membership on the website was tabled until the April meeting.
Dave Compton's motion that a detailed synopsis of the executive session be read into the minutes of the open meeting, excluding legal and disciplinary issues, and proprietary information was tabled pending input from legal counsel.
From Candy Weaver: Please see the legal opinion following. Carolyn's questions were:
(1) should we be recording closed session at all?
(2) May we delete/destroy after the minutes are approved. Don't want to violate any sunshine laws or act improperly, but do not want discoverable issues on sensitive matters left laying about. Based on this opinion, I make the following motions:
Candy Weaver tabled the following two motions.
MOTION: Candy Weaver - I move that the Accuconference recording of closed session meetings be discontinued and all past recordings of all KCBS meetings be discarded.
MOTION: Candy Weaver - Further, I moved that all future AccuConference recording of board meetings made be eliminated after the completion and posting of the MP3 recording of the meeting on kcbs.us. Two motions tabled.
MOTION: Jeff Stith - Motion that the members of the board must be given the opportunity for 24 hours to review and informally approve what's been placed into Quick Notes before they are released to membership via the Web site. Seconded by Dave Comption, the motion passed by a vote of 10 ayes with 1 abstaining.
Arlie Bragg withdrew his motion that the board not approve any new reps until we see the applications to qualify and the board has 5 days to review.
Arlie Bragg withdrew his motion that the board not approve any reps unless there is a region open and the board has been notified of that region.
MOTION: Arlie Bragg - I move that we don't approve any contracts etc till the bod has had at least 5 days to review; the motion was seconded by Steve Farrin. After discussion, a call for the vote was made by Jeff and seconded by Candy. The call for the vote passed unanimously, and a roll call vote was requested, with the following results: (3) Ayes: Steve Farrin, Arlie Bragg, Jeff Stith; (8) Nays: Paul Kirk, Mike Budai, Mike Lake, George Mullins, Randy Bigler, Dave Compton, Tana Shupe, Mark Simmons. The motion failed.
Arlie Bragg withdrew his motion that the President require all members of the board to follow the rules to furnish info from other board members.
At 9:25 p.m., Paul Kirk made a motion to go into Executive Session. Seconded by Randy Bigler, the motion passed with a vote of 10 ayes and 1 opposing.
1. Discussion of new copier contract.
2. Discussion of contests in Surprise, AZ and Staten Island, NY
3. TOY payout for 2012 season
4. One rep in training
5. Applications for reps in training
6. Approval for rep
7. Discussion regarding approval for a certified barbeque judge instructor.
8. Discussion from the Technology Committee
At 10:45 p.m., Paul Kirk made a motion to come out of Executive Session; seconded by Jeff Stith, ayes were unanimous.
MOTION: The Technology and Finance Committees recommended board approval to purchase the new copier detailed in the analysis supplied by Mike Budai. Mike made a motion to accept the recommendation; seconded by Randy Bigler, ayes were unanimous.
MOTION: Mark Simmons made a motion for the schedule of TOY payout for the 2012 season, as submitted to the board on March 11, 2012, be paid out in January 2013 at the Annual Meeting. Seconded by Paul Kirk, the motion passed unanimously.
Mark Simmons tabled his motions regarding approval of a rep and of potential reps in training.
MOTION: Mike Lake made a motion that the board approve an additional $25.00 for the assistants at all CBJ classes to be effective 1 April 2012. Seconded by Tana Shupe, ayes were unanimous.
At 10:58 p.m., Paul Kirk made a motion to adjourn; sseconded by Mike Budai, the ayes were unanimous.


text:
Conference Reports for NATAP
19th Conference on Retroviruses and
Opportunistic Infections
Seattle, WA March 5 - 8, 2012
-- Quad Currently Under Review for Marketing Approval by U.S. and European Regulatory Agencies --
Seattle, March 7, 2012 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced full Phase 3 clinical trial results from pivotal Study 102 demonstrating that the Quad, a once-daily single tablet regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, is non-inferior to Atripla®(efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) after 48 weeks of therapy in treatment-na•ve adults. Atripla is currently the most-prescribed HIV treatment regimen in the United States. The Study 102 findings were presented today in an oral session (Abstract #101) at the 19th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2012) taking place in Seattle.
"These data show that the Quad is as effective as a current standard of care in HIV therapy. The safety profile of Quad was also comparable to that of Atripla, and was better tolerated in terms of key neurological side effects," said Paul Sax, MD, Clinical Director of the HIV Program and Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, and principal investigator of Study 102. "Based on these results, I believe the Quad could represent a potentially important new treatment regimen for a wide range of HIV patients initiating therapy."
The study found that at 48 weeks of treatment, 88 percent of Quad patients compared to 84 percent of Atripla patients achieved HIV RNA (viral load) less than 50 copies/mL, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) snapshot algorithm (95 percent CI for the difference: -1.6 percent to +8.8 percent; predefined criterion for non-inferiority was a lower bound of a two sided 95 percent CI of -12 percent). While the frequency of grade 3-4 adverse events and laboratory abnormalities were comparable between study arms, the Quad demonstrated a lower incidence than Atripla with regard to central nervous system (CNS) side effects, lipids and rash. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were comparable in both arms of the study.
The Phase 3 clinical program for Quad includes two studies (Studies 102 and 103) that each evaluate the Quad regimen versus a standard of care among HIV-1 infected antiretroviral treatment-na•ve adults. Gilead announced topline results for Studies 102 and 103 on August 15, 2011 and September 19, 2011, respectively. Gilead submitted a U.S. New Drug Application for Quad on October 27, 2011, and the FDA has set a target review date under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act of August 27, 2012. On November 24, 2011, the company submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application for the product to the European Medicines Agency, whose review may be complete by the end of 2012.
Study 102
Study 102 is a randomized (1:1), double-blind Phase 3 clinical trial comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the Quad (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) (n=348) versus Atripla (efavirenz 600 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) (n=352) among HIV-infected treatment-na•ve adults with HIV RNA levels greater than or equal to 5,000 copies/mL. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients achieving HIV RNA levels less than 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks of treatment, per the FDA snapshot algorithm. Secondary objectives will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the treatment regimens through 192 weeks of treatment.
At baseline, patients in the Quad arm had a median HIV RNA of 4.75 log10 copies/mL and mean CD4 cell count of 391 cells/mm3. Patients in the Atripla arm had a median HIV RNA of 4.78 log10 copies/mL and mean CD4 cell count of 382 cells/mm3. Across both arms, 33 percent of patients had HIV RNA greater than 100,000 copies/mL, and 13 percent of patients had CD4 counts less than or equal to 200 cells/mm3.
Among patients with baseline HIV RNA greater than 100,000 copies/mL, 84 percent and 82 percent of Quad and Atripla patients, respectively, achieved viral load less than 50 copies/mL based on the FDA snapshot algorithm. Mean increases in CD4 cell counts were 239 cells/mm3 for Quad patients and 206 cells/mm3 for Atripla patients (p=0.009). Virologic failure rates were equal (7 percent) in both arms.
Four percent of Quad patients and 5 percent of Atripla patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. The most common adverse events occurring in greater than 10 percent of patients in either treatment arm included diarrhea, nausea, abnormal dreams, upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, insomnia, depression, dizziness and rash. Among adverse events occurring in at least 10 percent of patients, neuropsychiatric side effects were less common among Quad patients, including abnormal dreams (15 percent for Quad vs. 27 percent for Atripla), dizziness (7 vs. 24 percent) and insomnia (9 vs. 14 percent). Rash was also less likely to occur among Quad patients (6 percent for the Quad vs. 12 percent for Atripla). Nausea (mostly grade 1) was more frequent among Quad patients compared to Atripla (21 percent vs. 14 percent, respectively).
There was a similar incidence of laboratory abnormalities (grades 3-4) across both arms of the study. Laboratory abnormalities (grades 3-4) occurring in greater than five patients in either treatment arm included creatine kinase, AST, ALT, GGT, neutrophils, amylase and hematuria. Increases in total cholesterol and LDL were lower for the Quad (+10 mg/dL total cholesterol and +10 mg/dL LDL) compared to Atripla (+19 mg/dL total cholesterol and +17 mg/dL LDL) at week 48(total cholesterol, p<0.001; LDL, p=0.001). The median increases in serum creatinine were 0.14 mg/dL for Quad and 0.01 mg/dL for Atripla.
Study 102 is ongoing in a blinded fashion. After week 192, subjects will continue to take their blinded study drug until treatment assignments have been unblinded, at which point all subjects will be given the option to participate in an open-label rollover extension and receive the Quad single tablet regimen. Additional information about the study can be found at
About the Quad
The Quad contains four Gilead compounds in a complete once-daily, single tablet regimen: elvitegravir; cobicistat, a "boosting" agent that enables elvitegravir once-daily dosing; and Truvada®, which is a fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Elvitegravir is an integrase inhibitor. Unlike other classes of antiretroviral agents, integrase inhibitors interfere with HIV replication by blocking the ability of the virus to integrate into the genetic material of human cells. Elvitegravir was licensed by Gilead from Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) in March 2005. Under the terms of Gilead's agreement with JT, Gilead has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize elvitegravir in all countries of the world, excluding Japan, where JT retains rights.
Cobicistat is Gilead's proprietary potent mechanism-based inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), an enzyme that metabolizes drugs in the body. In addition to studying the agent as part of the Quad, Gilead is also examining cobicistat's potential in boosting commercially available HIV protease inhibitors.
The Quad, elvitegravir and cobicistat are investigational products and their safety and efficacy have not yet been established.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company's mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead has operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risk that the FDA, the European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies may not approve the Quad and risks related to the anticipated timelines for any regulatory review and approval. In addition, any marketing approval, if granted, may have significant limitations on its use. Further, even if approved, physicians may not see advantages of the Quad over other therapies and may therefore be reluctant to prescribe the product. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
U.S. full prescribing information for Atripla is available at
U.S. full prescribing information for Truvada is available at
Truvada is a registered trademark of Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Atripla is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC.
For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company's website at
or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.


text:
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