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|Wainwright M1,2,3*, Wickramasinghe NC2,3, Harris M4 and Omairi T1
|1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
|2Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology, University of Buckingham, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
|3Institute for the Study of Panspermia and Astroeconomics, Gifu, Japan
|4Formerly Cardiff University, UK
|Corresponding Author :
|Wainwright M
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Tel: 4401142224410
E-mail: [email protected]
|Received March 12, 2015; Accepted March 14, 2015; Published March 18, 2015
|Citation: Wainwright M, Wickramasinghe NC, Harris M, Omairi T (2015) Masses Staining Positive for DNA-Isolated from the Stratosphere at a Height of 41 km. Astrobiol Outreach 3:130. doi:10.4172/2332-2519.1000130
|Copyright: © 2015 Wainwright M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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Clumps of stratospheric material with individual diameters of 10-30 micrometers were isolated in a sterile manner from a height of 41 km. The masses showed no obvious morphology, but stained positive for DNA and are therefore considered to be unequivocally biological. We suggest that the masses are arriving to the stratosphere from space and not upcoming from Earth; evidence is provided to support this view.
|Membrane staining; Stratosphere sampling; Earth biology
|During the early years of this century, researchers at the University of Cardiff, working in collaboration with Indian workers, isolated from the stratosphere (at a height of 41 km) a particle mass which exceeded 10 micron in size and which stained positive for living matter (using a fluorescent carbocyanine stain) [1]; the particles were assumed to be bacteria. The senior author and co-workers, used Live/Dead stain to confirm the presence of such masses, and showed that they contain live and dead particles [2]. They also isolated, on growth media, bacteria and fungi from these stratosphere samples [2,3] and provided further evidence for the presence of bacteria in the stratosphere [2,4,5]. Confirmation of the presence of cultureable bacteria was then provided by a number of other workers [6-8].
|Some of the data from the above mentioned research was not evaluated at the time. Since recent studies have demonstrated the presence of unusual biological entities in the stratosphere [9-11] it appears an opportune moment to reassess some of this neglected data. The aim of the present paper is therefore to discuss some of this earlier data in relation to these new findings relating to the presence, and origin, of the biological entities currently being isolated from the stratosphere.
|Materials and Methods
|Stratosphere sampling
|The stratospheric air samples were obtained from a height of 40-41 km using a cryosampler attached to a balloon. Strenuous efforts were made to avoid contamination from the balloon and of the sampling probe during the balloon's ascent into space, further details of which are reported elsewhere. The balloon carrying a cryosampler payload was launched on 21 January, 2001 from Hyderabad, India. The cryogenic sampler comprised a 16-probe assembly. Each probe had a volume of 0.35 l and was made of high vacuum grade stainless steel. It was capable of holding a vacuum at 10-6 mb and a pressure of 600b. The temperature cycling ability of the probes was tested between –246°C and 140°C. To minimise contamination, only the minimum required electron-beam welds were made and the interior was electroplated. The probes and manifolds were cleaned with acetone and four washes of demineralised water; the complete assembly was steam baked and finally heated with infrared lamps to 140°C. To prevent collection of out gassed substances from the gondola, a 2 m intake tube (sterilised as above) formed a part of the payload assembly and the assembly was tethered to the balloon by a sterilised 100 m line. The probe mouth was covered during balloon assent and had a metallic (Nupro) valve, which could be remotely operated, from the ground.
|Membrane staining
|The micropore filters on which material from the stratosphere was deposited were aseptically cut in a Class 2 cabinet. Samples were then transferred onto new glass microscope slides which had been washed, and polished and then placed in a sterile petri dish. DAPI (10 μl, 0.1 mg/ml in SDW) was added to each sample. The stain was left to develop under low light for 15 min. A cover slip was then placed on the filter piece and the sample was observed using an epifluorecence microscope; images were captured using sigma scan software. Controls using known bacteria were also included in order to confirm that the staining process worked. In the case of For DIOC6 staining, 1 μl of a stock solution of 0.1 mg per ml in ethanol diluted with sdw to give a 1:100 solution.
|Results and Discussion
|Figures 1 and 2 show masses isolated from the stratosphere at a height of 41 km and associated images following staining with the DNA-specific stain DAPI. Both masses appear to be amorphous and do not possess evidence of cell walls or appendages which would aid their identification as individual organisms. DAPI staining shows that all of the masses contain uniformly-distributed DNA; as a result, we conclude that they are biological. Figure 2 shows the top part breaking down into particles. Another amorphous mass, isolated from 41 km, is shown in Figure 3; positive staining with DiOC6 shows this mass is also biological (DiOC6 is a fluorescent stain used to stain endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles, membranes and mitochondria). It is noticeable that the masses are not made up of individual components of the size of bacteria (around 1 micron) instead, the irregular, particulate edge of the masses (Figure 2) suggests that they are made up of nanoparticles, such as nanobacteria or even viruses. Unfortunately, the degree of magnification used and the resultant resolution does not allow us to provide any further information on this point. All of the biological masses shown exceed 10 microns in size, the largest, shown in Figure 1B exceeding 30 microns. These dimensions are significant because it is generally accepted that particles bigger than 5 microns cannot cross from the Earth through the tropopause and into the stratosphere [12,13], let alone be elevated to a height of 41 km. It is possible however, that larger particles could be elevated into the lower stratosphere, by a very large volcanic eruption. The sampling trip was however, made 2 years after the previous last volcanic eruption, so any particles from this source would have deposited back to Earth before they could be sampled by the cryosampler. It is highly significant that no pollen, grass, algae or fungal spores (some of which are similar in size to the observed masses) was seen on the membranes on which was deposited material from 41 km. It is impossible to believe that there exists a mechanism which could transfer the fluorescent-staining masses from Earth to 41 km without also delivering examples of such Earth biology.
|An alternative explanation is that the masses are made up of biological particles which are small enough to be carried in to the stratosphere at a height of 41 km or above, where they were reaggregated and compressed into the masses seen in Figures 1 and 2. Such masses comprised of terrestrial biological material might then be posited to have been sampled by the cryosampler on the journey back to Earth. Because of the exceedingly low ambient densities prevailing in the stratosphere the operation of such a particle-compression mechanism appears to be exceedingly unlikely. It is possible, however, that a much larger cometary bolide, containing both nanometre and micrometre-sized biological entities (viruses and bacteria), disintegrated in the upper stratosphere and recondensed into the amorphous DNA imbued structures shown in Figures 1-3. This could well be similar to the reconstitution of calcite and carbon dust from the material of an exploding meteorite described by Corte et al. [14].
|In the case of the samples discussed in the present paper care was taken at every stage of their collection and processing to avoid contamination. We also checked some possible, common contaminants, such as dandruff, skin and laboratory dust and none were similar in appearance to the masses shown in the above figures.
|On the balance of probabilities, we conclude therefore that the masses were sampled as they were incoming to Earth from space. Recent studies have shown that naked DNA can survive re-entry from space into the atmosphere of Earth [15,16]. It is probable however that, instead of travelling to Earth in a naked unprotected state, the incoming masses found here were shielded from UV and other extremes, by cosmic dust or by being embedded in small ice particles.
|The contributions of P. Rajaratnam and D.Loyd are gratefully acknowledged.
|Figure 1
|Figure 2
|Figure 3


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Made the New Orleans Way
SEC Nation looks back at the conference's success in the Big Easy.
News and Video
No. 5 Gamecocks shut out Cougars
No. 25 Tennessee tops George Mason 4-0
Who steps into the leadership role for Georgia?
No. 11 Texas A&M blanks Hawai'i 4-0
Odom looking to transform Missouri
SEC Inside Camp: Tennessee
Ole Miss dominates in season opener 6-0
Stidham: 'We're going to surprise some people'
No. 5 South Carolina opens season with win over Fordham
SEC streaks likely to end
Kentucky defeats SIU-Edwardsville 2-1

subset: commoncrawl


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Director Jorge Ali Triana attacks political corruption and historical accuracy in entertainment in his satirical 2002 film Bolivar Is Me. Actor Santiago Miranda (Robinson Diaz) is cast in a Latin American television miniseries chronicling the legendary revolutionary Simon Bolivar's life. The hyper-sensitive actor -- whose mental well-being was already questionable -- snaps when forced to perform a revisionist version of Santiago's death. As the actor angrily leaves the set, he also takes leave of his...more
All Bolivar I Am cast + crew photos
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Body and Styling
The body lines of the TR6 are fairly straight and classic. The exterior styling was done by Karmann, building off the successful looks of the TR4 and TR250/TR5. All TR6's have essentially identical body styling. The differences that crept in over the years are minor; post 1973 1/2, all cars exported to the United States have large, ugly black rubber-coated front bumper overriders (called 'tits' by aficionados) which were placed there to satisfy U.S. DOT import regulations regarding bumper height. As a result, the turn signals (heretofore just above the bumper) moved below it. Sometime around 1972, the air intake scuttle went from a moveable plate to a grille. That's really about it.
The TR6 is powered by a 2500cc steel head straight six motor. It is a short-stroke 'dry' engine, and is remarkably simple and durable. The Triumph 2500cc was used to power a number of cars, including the famed TVR sportscars. As shipped to the U.S. until 1974, it develops 112 BHP (or thereabouts) and redlines at 5,000 RPM. After 1974, the engine was detuned slightly, developing 106 HP, for emissions purposes. The California model contained an air pump and other smog-related paraphernalia that stole power. Those cars built for the home market (Britain) had, however, a higher-performance cam and Lucas Fuel Injection, making them one of the first sports cars sold with this technology. They developed over 150HP. The PI (Petrol Injection) system wasn't shipped to the U.S. due to emissions again.
Places to find info on the TR6
There's an excellent website at http://autox.team.net/triumph which is the home of the SOL, or Scions of Lucas, an internet Triumph club. One might also try the estimable Google. For an excellent brief introduction to the TR6 with classic dry British humor, look on youtube for 'Top Gear TR6' for a bit with James May.
These cars are wonderful for the beginning collector/tinkerer/restorer. Due to their long production run, parts are still readily available, with many being manufactured today by British Motor Heritage Industry Trust certified resellers. They are cheap, as well, with even excellent examples to be had for under $15K. They are simple, with no electronics, basic electrics and a lot of room under the bonnet to work. Most of all, they're pure unadulturated fun to drive - with the right exhaust note booming, wind blowing, and of course your electrics acting balky, they harken back to the glory days of motoring both in Britain and in the U.S. Those days have been mostly swallowed by hermetically-sealed cars, electronics, superhighways and the like, but can always be revived on a two-lane country road by the blare of a British convertible headed by with no destination in mind but the joy of the curves.
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Medications aren't always required in a fight against addiction. In fact, some people are adamantly opposed to the idea of using any medication at all as they attempt to live a sober life; these people view taking of any sort of medication as a violation of the ideals inherent in the new life they're trying to pull together. It's an understandable point of view, but this approach isn't right for everyone. There are times when medications can help to soothe symptoms of detox, allowing people to accomplish sobriety without enduring pain, and there are times when medications can ease mental distress, reducing cravings for drugs. Baclofen, sold under the brand names Lioresal and Gablofen, is designed to help in both these areas. For those in recovery from some kinds of addiction, this medication can provide vital support.
A Powerful Drug
Baclofen was originally developed to help people with pain due to spinal cord injuries or abnormalities. The medication can soothe tense and jumpy muscles by boosting the production of specific chemicals within the brain and spinal cord. These chemicals can slow out-of-control electrical activity within the nervous system, and while the drug may not feel sedating, it can help people to feel more relaxed, calm and at ease.
The unusual electrical activity produced by spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis can also be caused by specific addictive drugs. People who drink large amounts of alcohol for long periods of time, for example, can develop electrical storms during detox, and they may develop seizures as a result. Other people who use addictive drugs feel anxiety and cravings due to the chemical damage the drugs have caused, and they may also have unusual brain activity when they feel cravings. Both of these groups of people may benefit from baclofen therapy.
Detox Assistance
As the body adjusts to the lack of drugs in detox, the brain can interpret the lack of drugs as an alarming situation, and symptoms of physical pain or mental distress can follow. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain is sometimes to blame, and baclofen can assist with this issue. In a study of the efficacy of baclofen in helping people withdraw from opiates, published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, researchers found that baclofen was effective in treating the physical discomfort typically experienced during a "cold turkey" withdrawal, and the medication also helped to ameliorate the symptoms of depression and anxiety that can develop during withdrawal. For some people, this medication can be quite helpful during detox.
Ongoing Therapy
After detox, people are asked to access rehab programs, in which they're provided with:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Support groups
- Alternative medicine techniques
- Relapse prevention planning
Despite the intensive help these treatments can provide, some people feel an intense and overwhelming need to take substances. They simply cannot get through the day without wanting the substances they were once addicted to, and relapse remains a very real possibility as a result. There is some evidence that suggests that baclofen could help to soothe these cravings, allowing people to participate in therapy while feeling a little less anxious and upset.
In one study of people with cocaine dependence, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers found that people who took baclofen were able to reduce their cocaine use, even when they'd been chronic users in the past, and they were more likely to stay in therapy as a result. An article about baclofen in Forbes suggests that alcoholic people have had the same results with this medication, reducing their cravings for drinks and drinking less as a result.
It's possible that the soothing and calming aspects of baclofen make the drug a good partner for people with addictions. If they are using addictive substances in order to sedate minds that are already overactive, perhaps baclofen ameliorates the underlying condition that led to the addiction. It's also possible that the drug just makes the brain less excitable, so it doesn't respond so dramatically when it has access to drugs. This reduced ability to react might also make the drugs a little less attractive.
An Individual Choice
Baclofen therapy isn't right for everyone, and not everyone who has an addiction will be offered this medication as part of a healing program. Studies do seem to indicate, however, that some people find baclofen to be an important partner in the fight against addiction. For that reason, it's a good tool to have available when a person wants to achieve sobriety.
To find out more about baclofen therapy or to ask specific questions about how the therapy works, please call us here at Axis. We have counselors available to discuss your questions.


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Beyond The Third Dimension
About This Show
Show Info:
The term, "Theater of the Mind" may be the best description for this trip through the unknown, or as we like to call it, a walk "Beyond The Third Dimension." Madeline and Emily will explore the myths and realities of things that go bump in the night. You see, this will be great conversation as Madeline believes in ghosts and such and Emily does not. Our two hosts will also explore the most haunted places in their state and then broadcast their experiences live. Leave the light on when listening to "Beyond The Third Dimension" and thank us later. "Beyond The Third Dimension" is the scariest place of all, only here on Voice America Kids!Read more »


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1957 Ferrari 335 S is the direct descendant of 315 S series. This car is first launched in 1957 on Mille Miglia with Alfonso De Portago. He replaced Luigi Musso at that race. The car was on third place at that time. Ferrari brought this car in Le Mans 24 hour. It reaches the fastest lap at that time, at an average over 120 mph. This car also contributes to the Manufacturers' World Championship, and also take the first place for Venezuelan 1000 km. 1957 Ferrari 335 S Specifications Engine details: The 1957 Ferrari 335 S specs uses twelve cylinder engines. It also included the 290 S, 315 S, and also the 412 S. The 130 engine type is able to produce 320 horsepower. It is powerful enough to beat the Maserati 300 S. Yet, unfortunately, it is not strong enough to beat the Maserati 450 S, that is powered by 8-cylinder 4.5 liter engine, that is able to produce 400 horsepower. The type of the engine is front wheels, longitudinal. The stroke is 77 x 72 mm. The compression ratio is 9.2 : 1, while the maximum power is 287 kW or producing 390 hp at 7400 rpm. The features are able to produce 97 hp for a liter. The valve actuation is twin overhead camshaft per bank. It is two valves per cylinder. The fuel feed is six Weber 44 DCN carburettors. The ignition is twin plugs, four coils. 1957 Ferrari 335 S Price The price of 1957 Ferrari 335 S is only $1000 at first. Yet, to buy this series of car, you need to join an auction. It is estimated that it reaches more than $30 million for an item. That price is quite high, comparing to the items sold on its release date. You might also like 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor The auction will estimate the car to reach price around $34 million . It is true, that the price very high, but this price will not be the highest price for a car in auctions. In 2014, for instance, they sell Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for $40 million. They also sell 250 GTO with price $38 million. It is not only stop there, in 2013, Fangio's Mercedes W196 Silver Arrow is sold around $30 million.
Those prices are stunning. The auction house even say that the price they offer is not as high as the real value of the cars. With a great history and its experience in some famous championship, those prices will be worth to pay. Feel the classic touch.
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PBR: Professional Bull Riders
Price Chopper Family Series
For the fifth straight year, the PBR is bringing the pain, as the toughest cowboys and baddest bulls on the planet rock Sprint Center on Feb. 23 & 24. The Top 35 bull riders in the world risk it all for two unforgettable nights. Don't even think about calling it a rodeo…this is BULL RIDING! This is the PBR!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
at 8:00pm
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at 2:00pm
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- February 23 - 24, 2013
- View Seating Chart
Tickets for PBR are on sale now online at SprintCenter.com, in person at Sprint Center Box Office or charge-by-phone at 888.929.7849.
- $10, $25, $50, $75, $100
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Twister helps suction pool cleaners from getting stuck
Wahoo for above ground pools.. Quiet. Complete with hoses.
Baracuda Ranger Aboveground Pool Cleaner Easy install!
Zodiac Baracuda MX6 pool cleaner Comes complete with 32 ft. of hose. MX6 is Easy to install suction cleaner.
Baracuda T5 DUO Pool Cleaner - Only $299. After $100. Rebate
MX8 Only $399. After Rebate


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Published: 2009/04/06
Nate Wilson Joins moe. for Blue Jeans Pizza
moe. played two shows over the weekend at Bostons new House of Blues. Both performances also featured a special opening set by former Percy Hill and Assembly of Dust member Nate Wilsons new Nate Wilson group. After the hard-rocking jamband's short, spirited set Saturday, Wilson returned to play keyboards with moe. on Blue Jeans Pizza at the start of the groups second set. The Nate Wilson Group will appear at Narragansett, RIs Wheelhouse Tavern on May 8, while moe. is off until its Summer Camp festival Memorial Day Weekend.


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Visionary Songstress
Wild, passionate and empowering, Australian Visionary Songstress Wendy Rule, weaves together music, story and ritual to take her audience on an otherworldly journey of depth and passion. Drawing on her deep love of Nature and lifelong fascination with the worlds of mythology and Magic, Wendy's songs combine irresistible melodies with rich aural textures and a rare personal honesty to create spiritual music.
With the recent release of her 10th studio album Black Snake, Wendy has once again proven that she is one of Australia's most uniquely gifted and prolific artists. With an extraordinary voice that moves from soaring heights to intimate whispers, Wendy explores all facets of the emotional world. Darkness and light, night and day, life and death are equally honoured.
For the past 13 years Wendy has committed to an extensive international touring schedule, and now spends 6 months of each year in the USA. A fully independent artist, she has developed a loyal and dedicated international fanbase. The overwhelming success of her recent 'Pozible' Crowdfunding campaign for Black Snake, (which raised over $26,000 for the creation of the album and an accompanying film clip) is a clear indication of the level of genuine ground level support and appreciation for her work.
Written primarily in the wilderness of New Mexico, Black Snake is an album of transformation, of stripping back, of death and rebirth, and celebration of Life. Featuring gorgeous instrumentation – including cello by her long term collaborator Rachel Samuel, Native American Flute by her husband Timothy Van Diest, and ambient electric guitar, bass guitar and organ by her son Reuben George Bloxham – it highlights Wendy's maturity as a writer, and her willingness to continue to evolve and grow as an artist.
Dedicated to a life of spiritual growth and healing, Wendy shares her insights and wisdom through beautifully deep and visionary lyrics. Each of her albums is a transformational journey that weaves together ancient mythological themes and Wendy's own stories of love, loss, grief and joy. The results are epic, unique and powerful.
But it is in her live performances that we are fully able to experience the full power of Wendy's art. Every concert becomes a ritual, co-created by Wendy and her audience. From her intimate solo acoustic House Concerts, to her large scale events with a full band and string section, Wendy brings a unique magic to the stage.
Since she first graced her High School stage at the age of 15, Wendy has been passionately dedicated to wiccan music and live performance. After honing her craft as a singer in various jazz outfits in Melbourne in her early 20's, she went through a creative epiphany at the age of 25, after the birth of her son, and began writing prolifically. This led to her collaboration with long term musical partner and close friend, cellist Rachel Samuel. After various band incarnations and innumerable gigs in Melbourne's thriving live music scene, her first album Zero was released in 1996.
Alongside her music, Wendy is also celebrated as an international mentor and teacher of Spiritual Self Developement. Her online course, Living a Life of Magic, which she presents with her husband and Magical Partner Timothy Van Diest, is the culmination of her many years of Spiritual practice as a Witch.
Fiercely independent, Wendy has carved a unique path through the musical mainstream. Renowned for years amongst the world's alternative spiritual communities, she is now deservedly gaining a much broader following. Her unique live performances and her beautifully atmospheric and richly emotive songs continue to entice an ever growing audience into her magical realm.


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Temperature dependence of oxygen dynamics and community metabolism in a shallow Mediterranean macroalgal meadow (caulerpa prolifera)
Document Type
Publication details
Vaquer-Sunyer, R, Duarte, CM, Jorda, G & Ruiz-Halpern, S 2012, 'Temperature dependence of oxygen dynamics and community metabolism in a shallow Mediterranean macroalgal meadow (caulerpa prolifera)', Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 1182-1192.
Published version available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12237-012-9514-y
Peer Reviewed
Hypoxia is emerging as a major threat to marine coastal biota. Predicting its occurrence and elucidating the driving factors are essential to set successful management targets to avoid its occurrence. This study aims to elucidate the effects of warming on the likelihood of hypoxia. Highfrequency dissolved oxygen measurements have been used to estimate gross primary production (GPP), net ecosystem production (NEP) and community respiration (CR) in a shallow macroalgae (Caulerpa prolifera) ecosystem in a highly human-influenced closed Mediterranean bay. Daily averaged GPP and CR ranged from 0 to 1,240.9 and 51.4 to 1,297.3 mmol O2 m−2 day−1, respectively. The higher GPP and CRwere calculated for the same day, when daily averaged water temperature was 28.3 °C, and resulted in a negative NEP of −56.4 mmol O2 m−2 day−1. The ecosystem was net heterotrophic during the studied period, probably subsidized by allochthonous organic inputs from ground waters and from the surrounding town and boating activity. Oxygen dynamics and metabolic rates strongly depend on water temperature, with lower oxygen content at higher temperatures. The probability of hypoxic conditions increased at a rate of 0.39%°C−1 (±0.14 % °C−1). Global warming will increase the likelihood of hypoxia in the bay studied, as well as in other semienclosed bays.


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SPRINGFIELD – The first candidate seeking to succeed Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe drew a huge round of applause Wednesday by launching his campaign with a salute to Ashe's four decades of service.
"He set the bar that sheriffs and correctional experts around the country look to and try to emulate," said Nick Cocchi, 41, a Ludlow resident and deputy chief of security with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department.
"And now he has set the bar for anyone who seeks the office," he added.
The crowd of 1,200 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame responded with an even larger ovation for Ashe and his wife, Barbara, who attended the rally along with hundreds of employees from the sheriff's department.
In his debut as a candidate, Cocchi made a big impression.
More than an hour before the candidate began speaking, the parking lot at the Hall of Fame was jammed, every parking space on West Columbus Avenue was taken, and supporters were arriving on shuttle buses from the South End.
Indeed, his arrival in the ballroom - standing with his family on a moving platform, accompanied by pounding rock music - seemed more like a victory celebration than a political coming-out party.
When all the cheering subsided, Cocchi, a 21-year veteran at the sheriff's department, told the crowd he has the training, experience and values to continue Ashe's legacy as the county's next sheriff.
"The person who hopes to succeed as our next sheriff must know what it takes to continue his legacy of success," said Cocchi, one of Ashe's top lieutenants.
In January, Ashe announced he would not seek reelection in 2016, clearing the way for candidates to seek the post he has held without opposition since 1974.
Ashe, who was elected to the position after an early career in public service, transformed the county jail into one of the country's leading innovators in terms of stressing rehabilitation and education, and for preparing inmates for a successful return to society.
If elected, Cocchi promised to follow in his bosses footsteps and place "public service before self, before politics."
"For 21 years, half of the 42 years Sheriff Ashe has led us and served us … I have been preparing for this night," Cocchi said.
"But if (Ashe) were to come up here right now and say, 'Nickey, I'm going to give it one more term, there is nothing … I would do more proudly than to walk by his side again."
Before becoming deputy chief of security in 2011, Cocchi worked as assistant superintendent, assistant deputy superintendent for training, a sergeant of the special operations unit, among other positions.
He also serves as commander of the tactical response unit, a position he has held since 2001.
A graduate of Ludlow High School, he was a star soccer and hockey player and has coached hockey at the junior level and at Minnechaug High School.
Cocchi was joined on the stage by his wife, Wendi, and sons Owen, Max and Sam while his parents, brothers and other family members stood in front.
Ashe announced his intention to step down two years before the election to give candidates not only a chance to mount a campaign, but also learn the fundamentals of running a correctional department.
Likewise, Cocchi said he is starting his campaign early to give the public a chance to learn about him and understand the importance of the job he is seeking.
Cocchi told the crowd that he is ready for the challenge, and urged everyone in the ballroom to join his campaign.
"Our next sheriff must know how to do the job and what the job is: the real work, the hard work, the work that we are privileged and entrusted to do," he said.
"After 21 years of working for, and being mentored by, the greatest sheriff in America, I announce my candidacy – our candidacy – for sheriff of Hampden County."


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Last Saturday, September 27th, VFD Promo Model Ashley R worked with FreezeCrowd at the College Fest in Philadelphia. College Fest is the most attended back-to-school event in Boston and it attracts thousands of student this year. College Fest featured live music and free swag from local and national sponsors. This year FreezeCrowd was proud to be a sponsor of College Fest and offered students an opportunity to not only do good, but also win some money. FreezeCrowd offered to donate money to ALS research for every Ice Bucket Challenge posted to their site as well as give one lucky student a nice cash prize.
About VFD Models: VFD Models is a full service modeling agency that specializes in providing high-end models for all of your promotional, convention, trade show, event marketing and staffing needs. We represent the finest talent in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Houston with experience in working with the world's leading brands.


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Matthew McConaughey & 'Breaking Bad' Win Big at the TCA Awards!
Matthew McConaughey suits up for the 2014 Television Critics Association Awards on Saturday night (July 19) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The 44-year-old actor took home the Individual Drama Achievement award and his show True Detective received the award for Outstanding Miniseries.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Matthew McConaughey
The cast of Breaking Bad — Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, RJ Mitte and Betsy Brandt — scored the Program of the Year for their final season.
Also pictured inside: Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Terry Crews hosts the fun-filled awards.
FYI: Matthew is wearing Dolce&Gabbana.
15+ pictures inside of Matthew McConaughey and the Breaking Bad cast at the TCA awards…


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The History, the Players, the GameBook - 1999
Once a little known sport, played only in Scotland and Canada, curling has exploded onto the international sports scene, culminating in its debut as a full medal sport at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Each year millions of players in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan take to the ice to play this fascinating game -- now an Olympic sport. Curling is the ideal book for anyone interested in the sport.
Written by Warren Hansen, a Canadian Men's Curling Champion and authority on the game, Curling includes sections on: The History: The game's Scottish origins, and its migration to Canada and the United States. The Events: The history and highlights of the great tournaments; the Brier, Scott Tournament of Hearts, World Juniors and Curling Championships. Includes the exciting inside story of taking curling to the Olympics. The Players: Legends, players of the '90s and members of the Hall of Fame -- their stories and statistics.
In addition, sections on the basics of the game (equipment, objectives, rules and etiquette); as well as instructional sections on strategies and techniques make this the complete and essential book for curling fans, players and armchair enthusiasts.
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You know what's the best? The second season of One Tree Hill. But you know what else is the best? The end part of the third season. But you know what else-else is the best? Lots and lots of glorious sandwiches. And to celebrate that third fact, we present to you the top five sandwiches in all of Cap City. Eat your heart out, Chad Michael Murray:
This Tiny Kitchen Gadget Turns Radishes Into 'Super Mario' Mushrooms
Kingston, SUNdeVICH
Mount Vernon Square
This place. This freaking place. SUNdeVICH is the favorite sandwich shop you had growing up that your dad told you to NEVER mention to anyone. Well, sorry about that, Dad, but people need to know about the jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, spicy slaw Kingston. Oh, and this place wins "Best Sandwich Shop" in all the local publications you shouldn't be reading.
Suckling Pig, G
U Street
Mike Isabella: you may have heard of him from such awesome spots as Graffiato, Kapnos, G Sandwich shop, and Peach Pit: After Dark. So, outside of the last one that he's not actually associated with, you know the man does great food, like G's jaw-dropping hoagie packed with mustard greens, spicy apple mostarda, and suckling pig spit-roasted next door at Kapnos.
4 Meat Grinder, Stachowski's
"Hey, you. Yeah, the wise guy wearing several pastel polos. Ever had a real deli sandwich? Didn't think so. So take your mother's credit card over to this GT deli and grab the 4 Meat Grinder packed w/ salami, coppa, mortadella, soppressata, Provolone, hot peppers, and house vinaigrette. And then give me your mother's credit card."
Chick Chick, Woodward Takeout Food
Just blocks from our Commander-in-Chief, you, too, should throw a government-style meltdown if you don't get the Chick Chick: fried chicken breast, bread & butter pickles, bacon, Boston lettuce, cranberry relish, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun.
The Roast Beef, MGM Roast Beef
Their "about us" page on the website is completely empty, and here's why: no one's ever been on there, because people are too damn busy taking down the braised roast beef brisket on onion poppy bread w/ beef au jus, sautéed onions, and fresh horseradish.
Thinking about breakfast on your morning commute? Look no further than Woodward Takeout Food. Their food is so good it'll have you saying, "WTF, why haven't I been here before?"
Mike Isabella's grab 'n go sandwich shop "G" is doing up jaw-dropping meaty hoagies with most of the meat spit roasted next door at Kapnos.
Whether you're on the go with only time for a breakfast sammie or you want to tackle one of their hand-carved sandwiches topped with cranberry chutney, you can't go wrong with MGM.
A sandwich shop tucked behind Seasonal Pantry and Lamont Bishop Gallery, SUNdeVICH's got more plants than seats, and serves up nine sammies named after international cities, like the ground beef & lamb/ yogurt/ sumac onions Istanbul, the skirt steak/ fried onions/ chimichurri Buneos Aires, and the hummus/ cucumber/ brined veggies Cairo.
A farmer's market vet now has the meatiest corner store of them all, with a pig chalkboard displaying daily sandwiches, and deli cases rocking gourmet options like chicken bratwurst (w/ a cider-soaked apple/ sage/ nutmeg), port- & juniper-spiced duck, and a bay leaf/ toasted oats pork they're calling "Banger, English style", so you'll want to eat it with the lights off, try not to move around too much, and wish each other well afterward with a firm handshake.


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Gardeners who have shunned thick-skinned and seedy Florida grapes could soon be taste-testing new, more chewable seedless varieties.
Researchers setting their sights on a grape like the popular Thompson seedless report that a Florida variety is waiting in the wings. The variety research number BD8-77 already has inspired glowing reports from previous seasons and, with good yields this summer, could be ready for home sales during fall of 1986.


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|1,506 sq. ft.
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|4 - 7 nights
Luxury town house with private pool and garden located in the beautiful resort of CampoReal.
Canporeal is situated near the village of Turcifal about 25 km north of Lisbon. The area is full of hills most of them covered in vineyards. The area offers most something to do but will appeal in particular to those that like outdoor activities but want access to top quality facilities. The area is very genuinely Portuguese and not international
This Town house(140^2) is 2 story and sleeps up to 6 comfortably. A cot can be requested at time of booking to facilitate families with young children. The views from the house of the surrounding country side are breathtaking and any golf enthusiasts will feel right at home at this resort.
This town house is perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind and for anyone looking for an activity packed holiday. We find when travelling abroad the one thing that we always miss are our home comforts, so we have filled the town house with everything anyone could possibly need. We have boxes of toys, stuffed animals and pool toys to keep the children happy. In addition there are children DVD's. But children are not the only people we want to facilitate. We have 2 full sets of golf clubs available on request (set of Mens and set of Women's) for those who would love a round or two on the beautiful 18 hole golf course. There are also plenty of DVD's, cards, board games to suit our adults. The house is wifi enabled and has 80 tv stations available. Our kitchen is stocked with every appliance we think you will ever need while for your stay. There is also a lovely gas BBQ located on the terrace, with outdoor dining facilities to seat up to 6. Perfect for a delicious, easy meal in the beautiful Portuguese sun. Great way to spend an evening. Don't forget the wine!
There are 3 bedrooms. The master bedroom has a large king size bed, walk in wardrobe, and en suite with bath, shower & his and her sinks. The master bedroom also has a very large balcony facing out over the garden and has a beautiful view of the hotel, valley and vineyards.
The second bedroom upstairs also has a large double bed,walk in wardrobe, en suite with large beautifully tiled double head shower ( big enough to fit 3 people), toilet and bidet. The view from this bedroom is of the surrounding hills, equestrian centre and rural area.
The down stairs bedroom has 2 single beds, 2 large build in wardrobes and en suite with bath, toilet and bidet.
All bedrooms, other than the master bedroom, can be arrange for beds to become 2 single or one double bed ( request at time of booking).
The sitting room has a large bricked fireplace with an enclosed wood burning stove , Flat screen TV, with piped stations and a DVD player.
The kitchen has a full fan assisted oven, hob with extractor, microwave, dishwasher, fridge with ice compartment, toaster, kettle, coffee maker and a beautiful glass table that seats up to 6 comfortably.
There are air conditioning/heating units in all bedrooms, the kitchen and the living room.
Campo Real Resort is located 30mins north of Lisbon. Lisbon is a tremendous city to visit, with as many art galleries, historical building and of course shopping centers (reputed to be cheapest clothes prices in Europe), The many beautiful beaches are no more than a 20min drive, our favorite beach is at San Lourenco. There are a number of historical towns a short drive away, we recommend Obidos as a must with its beautiful white houses enclosed by it fortress walls.
Dolce, the hotel is located on the resort offers many facilities at additional costs such as:
- Tennis Courts- Driving Range- 18 hole Golf Course - Fitness Centre- Beauty Spa- Restaurants and Bars- Indoor&Outdoor Swimming Pools and Horse Riding nearby.
There is complementary WIFI in the hotel 24/7
Explore all these activities and more at www.dolcecamporeal.com
For those interested in the wines of Portugal, there are numerous wineries located nearby, for Ex:
- Quinta De Chocapalha- Quinta Dos Loridos- Quinta De Sant´Ana- Quinta Do Sanguinhal- Adegamae just beyond Turcifal and Quinta de Gradil for an great meal with excellent wines
Our luxurious town house has everything needed to make your stay in Portugal extremely comfortable and very enjoyable.
This partner has demonstrated and is committed to fast response times, the best rates, and a great guest experience.
My name is Cathal Drohan and i live in Dublin, Ireland. I am 64 years of age and a retired accountant. I live at home with my wife and daughter.
Cathal Drohan purchased this house in 2010
I had visited this area before and fell in love with the scenery and the kind and friendly people living there. I am interested in history and this area has many historical places to visit. It is also a short drive from Lisbon with all its attractions.
The house is very comfortable and you have a golf course and many other resort facilities at your doorstep
This is a very well appointed property with many personal touches added by us after visits to this region and other areas in Portugal.
We, a family of 6 stayed in this beautiful house for 9 days.. The photos do not do this amazing house justice! Loved the house loved the area, although a car is recommended we got everywhere we needed to go thanks to our wonderful taxi man John! Luisa the house manager gave us his number on our arrival and he was fantastic. The supermarket at the security entrance is closed so it meant a trip to Torres Vedras 6.6km away for shopping. There is a fantastic shopping centre called arena shopping which has everything u need.. Only downside was the house has no actual freezer just a very small icebox, which when you have to go 6.6 km for shopping was a bit of a pain but we managed fine! Kids just did without ice-cream! The pool was beautiful and perfect size and depth as our younger 2 kids are 5 and 6.. Lots of pool toys available and loads of information in the house.. Plus several novels of which I read 2!! Thank you so much... All in all I would recommend this beautiful house and place to anyone..
A lovely spacious home for a very enjoyable family holiday, pool & patio a bonus. This was our second year in a row staying in Cathal's house. Campo is a great destination to explore silver coast & Lisbon area. It's a short drive to lovely restaurants. Kids loved surfing in Santa Cruz & paddle boarding in Cascais. Golf course great. Highly recommend this house & location.
We were thrilled (after some substandard apartments on our vacation) to arrive and find such a wonderful, accurately described villa for our vacation near Lisbon. The home had a nicely stocked kitchen with essentials.............also there was plenty of soap,shampoo and toilet paper for our use..........everything in excellent shape, clean and neat. All the appliances were working............Air conditioning worked great, beds were comfortable. All 3 bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom, each a nice big size. There is a nice small size pool outside on the terrace, with a gorgeous view of the countryside.
The owner has all kinds of tourism literature available to plan your days touring the local area or driving to Lisbon, Sintra, taking drives in the mountains or to the beaches.
It was a perfect end to our vacation. We would highly recommend this home in the beautiful Portuguese area of Torres Vedras, about 45 minutes drive north of Lisbon.
I have stayed in the Camporeal resort twice. The first time I stayed in the hotel (which was then the Westin) and the second time I stayed in this beautiful property of Cathal's. I went in May and stayed for 10 days with two friends, after finding the property online. The property is only a 30 minute drive from Lisbon airport. The house itself is very spacious, and we all had a double bedroom and bathroom each. The kitchen is well equipped, the pool area is a great size, and the BBQ is a wonderful addition to the property. The property is a two minute walk from the superb hotel, which boasts restaurants, bars, a spa, fitness area and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. They also offer room service straight to your door which was great when we weren't in the mood for cooking! The staff were all very friendly, and happy to help us out with anything we needed. A car is optional during your stay. We chose not to rent a car, as we felt it wasn't necessary. We got the bus in to Lisbon one day, and the hotel are also happy to organise taxis for you. It's the perfect property for a relaxing holiday like we had, or a more adventurous one if you choose to rent a car. I would most definitely like to return in the near future! Thank you to Cathal and all of the staff at Camporeal.
I stayed at this house in campo real for 10 nights with 3 of my best friends.
we relaxed by the pool everyday, walked the grounds, enjoyed the hotel bars and spa and tested out the equestrian center. Overall we had a very relaxing holiday. The house was spacious, well equipped and extremely comfortable. It offered all the luxuries of a hotel as well as all the character of a homely home. I will definitely be returning in future as i loved the house, the resort and lisbon city itself. Definitely would recommend renting a car to really get to see and experience the beautiful area.
Heel mooi huis.Goede ligging. Je voelt je daar direct thuis. Dicht bij Lissabon en Sintra. Zeker de moeite waard om eens te bezoeken. Winkels zijn er niet in de buurt.
The hotel facilities are available for use at and additional cost. These include:
Indoor & outdoor swimming pools
18 Hole Championship Golf Course
Driving Range
Equestrian Centre
Tennis Courts.
The hotel also has 3 restaurants and 2 bars available to the public:
MANJAPÃO - Breakfast Buffet
GRANDE ESCOLHA - Mediterranean inspired dishes
SPORTS CLUB - More Casual Dining Experience
LOUNGE BAR - Enjoy drinks&cocktails in a tranquil atmosphere
POOL BAR - located at the outdoor pool
Arena (http://www.arenashopping.pt/) is a shopping centre located 10min drive away from the resort, it has a supermarket, clothes shops,household shops,sports shops, children shops and coffee shops and restaurants. Perfect for a family trip out or just for everyday groceries.
The local village of Torres Vedras is a 10 minute drive where you can find, a hospital, playground, restaurants and cafes.
|Rental Period
|Minimum Price
|Additional Nights
|Weekend Night
|Monthly *
|Event Price
High Season 18
23 Jun 2018 - 31 Aug 2018
7 night minimum stay
for 7 nights
Late Season 18
1 Sep 2018 - 28 Sep 2018
4 night minimum stay
for 4 nights
Autumn 18
29 Sep 2018 - 26 Oct 2018
4 night minimum stay
for 4 nights
Low Season 18.19
27 Oct 2018 - 29 Mar 2019
4 night minimum stay
for 4 nights
My Standard Rate
5 night minimum stay
for 5 nights
|No additional mandatory fees
|Refundable Damage Deposit
*****MAY & JUNE SPECIAL RATES. Book 1 week and get 2nd week half price****
* Approximate monthly price. Actual pricing will depend on the days of the month you stay.


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Emergency Operations Plan
Rogue Community College pursues a strong, ongoing program to provide a safe and healthful work and learning environment for all those that use the Campus. An important element of our health and safety program is the College's Emergency Operations Plan.
All faculty and staff members play a crucial role during emergency situations. This Emergency Operations Plan provides faculty, staff and students with guidelines to study and learn prior to an emergency so that each person is prepared to make decisions and take action as needed for the best safety of themselves and those around them.
Study the plan carefully. Know the emergency phone numbers to call. Follow the emergency evacuation routes posted in each building. Familiarize yourself with the location and use of emergency equipment, including familiarization of the "How To Respond to an Emergency" poster provided in each building near the evacuation routes map. Be sure you are prepared so that you can best keep yourself and others safe in the event that an emergency occurs on campus.


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About SERVPRO of Waterbury
As part of Team Randolph, SERVPRO of Waterbury has the resources to meet the most challenging commercial and residential clean up needs.
We understand that if you have water damage, smoke or fire damage or a sewage situation, you need quick response and excellent service. That is why we stand ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team of experienced managers and trained crews will quickly identify and explain to you what needs to be done to make your floor, fire or odor situation "Like it never even happened."
Whether you have a flooded basement; soaked walls and ceiling from a pipe burst; mold from a previous leak; or soot odor from a stove fire, Team Randolph has certified technicians and the latest equipment to quickly put your home back to pre-loss condition. If you require extensive repairs Team Randolph's restoration team, Connecticut Reconstruction Services www.crscrs.net, can begin preparing for repairs and replacement on day one, saving you from having to find a separate contractor for repair work.
The SERVPRO of Waterbury commercial team is trained and equipped to deal with the largest and most complicated commercial disasters. SERVPRO is the most recognized and trusted name for commercial work in the country. Team Randolph is part of the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team. We are faster, better trained and have local assets unsurpassed by any other mitigation company. Our team includes a former a financial analysts private equity professionals who understands the imperative of cash flow and getting a facility back in business quickly with as little distraction as possible.
We work with all insurance carriers and consistently rank among the best performers in the country for compliance with insurance industry expectations and speed.
Insurance and Payment Information
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork.
We also accept the following credit cards for your convenience:
- AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
- CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
- FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
- IICRC Certified Firm
- OCT - Odor Control Technician
- SMT - Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Regents Club


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Luke the Elf has been working very hard in the Spidel home.
He doesn't ask for much. Just for the kids to keeps their hands off him, and maybe a moment of peace?
HAHAHA. Your optimism is adorable, Luke.
So what's an elf to do when he's feeling overwhelmed?
I've heard the phrase "steal a moment" of peace.
I didn't think Luke would take it literally.
That son of a gun snuck into Meredith's essential oils stash, stole the doTERRA Serenity Calming Blend, and USED IT ALL UP.
How is MEREDITH supposed to stay calm now?
For her sake, let's hope that Luke talks the chubby fella in red into popping a new bottle into her stocking to make up for the thievery, for everyone knows that moms need serenity now way more than elves do during the holiday season.
Elf submitted by The Mom of the Year. Follow Meredith on Twitter!
Want your elf to be featured on ElfShaming? Here's how.
Like this? Follow ElfShaming on Facebook and Twitter.
For all the ElfShaming posts and more of what Kim Bongiorno writes, subscribe to her Sunday newsletter.


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These readers might have formed an opinion that I don't like theists, Christians in particular. Sure, there are some I don't like, but it would be inaccurate to say that I dislike all Christians, let alone all theists. It should also not be assumed that I like, or agree with, all other atheists.
I thought it would be helpful to identify just what it is about certain theists that really get my goat. I should also point out that it is particularly irritating when they get, then slaughter, then burn and then offer up my goat. If you want to sacrifice a goat … get your own goat for heaven's sake!
Anyway, here are the qualities of theists that I like:
· Mature
· Beset by doubt
· Thoughtful
· Consistent
· Humble
· Pro-science
· Tolerant
A mature (that is reserved, quiet and unassuming) theist is willing to discuss their faith if asked, but doesn't impose that faith on others.
I can't quite understand why some believers think that they have to convert others. There is plenty of opportunity for me to check out the various religions in my own time and to arrive at the best one, if there is a "best one". If a theist's personal religion is correct, then it should be abundantly clear that it's correct. With respect to the religion that I am most likely to be confronted with, Christianity, there is plenty of evidence that a large number of the practitioners of this religion believe that it's a personal relationship with their god that matters.
When people come knocking on my door trying to convert me this just seems like more evidence that the religion in question is a meme, an orally transmitted virus.
Beset by doubt
At least from my perspective, and that of Augustine, much of what a theist believes is impossible. If these things were not impossible, or at least vanishingly unlikely, they would not be miraculous. The scarce evidence that supports theistic belief is tenuous, generally inaccessible and inconsistent. The vast majority of theists believe that their god is omniscient, omnipotent and omnibenevolent, yet he allows the horrible suffering to continue day after day, year after year, century after century. Their god is usually considered to be omnipresent, or immanent, yet the vast majority of them rarely, if ever, feel his presence. Their god is inscrutable, or at the very least enigmatic, so even if he is there, a theist should have not the slightest clue as to what their god's true intentions are.
A theist who isn't struggling with doubts simply hasn't thought it through.
Some of my best friends are Christians who struggle mightily with their doubt.
Being thoughtful is closely related to being beset by doubt. Many people avoid ever having doubts by not thinking too hard. There is even a term for it: "over-intellectualisation" (note, this is not the same as the psychoanalytical term "intellectualisation").
The bar for some people is set very, very low so that if their train of though is approaching a problem, they simply shut down intellectually.
Avoiding hypocrisy is one aspect of consistency, but I do think you can be inconsistent without being hypocritical. An inconsistent, but not quite hypocritical, theist is one who espouses a belief but it really only manifests on Sunday mornings. While there are clearly issues with fundamentalists of whatever stripe, I can't personally get my head around the concept of Sunday theists. If someone believes in a god with all the omni-attributes, how can they reconcile that belief with their weekday behaviour? To me, a fundamentalist is a little more consistent on one level – especially if they live and breathe their faith. To have belief in a god and to spend most of your time ignoring that god just doesn't make any sense to me.
Hypocrisy applies to those who are stronger more consistent believers and who do things which are inconsistent with the teachings of their religion. Those who believe the Bible is inerrant but still cherry pick from it, ignoring the inconvenient parts. Those who ignore the words of their messiah while steadfastly refusing to turn the other cheek. Those who fail the humility challenge.
I guess it also applies to those who fail to stone unwed mothers, but I'll give them a pass on that if they struggle with doubts over some of the more difficult parts of the Bible.
As I understand it, included in the set of requirements to qualify for heaven is humility. You only get into heaven if you are humble. Being a theist who believes this but does so arrogantly is somewhat incautious, isn't it?
Note that as an atheist I am allowed to be arrogant since there is no punishment lined up for me. If I get punished eternally, it will be for failing to believe.
As I understand it, theists do not claim to know the mind of their god, or have a thorough understanding on the grand plan. Therefore, a theist doesn't really know what a universe that was made by God would look like. I know that theists are pretty sure that such a universe would look like our universe.
They have no reason to be anti-science because science just works out how the universe operates. They should see it as a glorious vindication of their god. But if they ignore how the universe operates, they are ignoring the wonder of their god's creation. That's surely got to be bad, right?
Perhaps being too focussed on things of the flesh, or worldly things, might be bad. Nevertheless, if such a fabulously intelligent being as a theist's god made this universe, then that god put a lot of intellectual effort into the enterprise and theists should be appreciating it! Implying that the creation methods brought to bear must have be simple enough for the average layperson to understand is seriously underselling their god.
If some sort of god exists then, for some reason unbeknownst to anyone else, that god put some effort into not making that fact inaccessible to us via the deductive capabilities that were (hypothetically) granted us. While the evidence for evolution is not 100% complete, it is more than sufficient to indicate that it is not necessary to have a supernatural creator of the life which teems on our planet. Our current understanding of the "natural laws" – meteorology, chemistry, physics, astrophysics, biology, and so on – is such that intervention by that (hypothetical) creator is not necessary to explain any of the multitude of mysteries that confounded our ancestors. Focussing on Christianity for a moment, it is a curious fact that throughout the first gospel (Mark, which the rest draw on) Jesus repeatedly compelled his followers, and others, to not speak of who he was or of the miracles he performed.
It seems pretty clear, at least to me, that if a god created the universe then that creator planted a lot of evidence during the creation process in order to lead us to think that the universe occurred naturally and therefore does not want us to know that the universe was created. If a hypothetical creator wanted us to know, we could have been created with that certain knowledge pre-inserted into our brains – a sort of theological homing instinct like a salmon or a pigeon allowing us to home in on precisely the right form of divinity. The theist generally argues for an omnipotent god, an omniscient god, who therefore not only can install a theological homing instinct but also knows that it's possible. But apparently the god chose not to.
An omniscient god must also realise that some people won't go along with the cosmic plan and it stands to reason that that must be acceptable. If it wasn't, being omnipotent and omniscient, the god could easily fix it.
But, ok – granted, there might be some inscrutable reason as to why fixing what should be a minor issue for an omnipotent and omniscient god isn't high on the agenda. And it might be true that a creator might be somewhat annoyed that creation is filled with people who are, generally, quite naughty. And it further might be true that certain types of naughty people (the disbelievers, apostates, blasphemers and so on who never get around to apologising in the right way to correct god) are going to be rather uncomfortable for eternity in a hell of some sort.
If this is the case, then the theist's god already has everything carefully planned out and does not need help.
Is there really a need to make the short period of not being tortured worse than it has to be? In the view of a theist, non-believers suffer even during their time on Earth due to their disconnect with god and have nothing to look forward to other than an eternity of knowing that they screwed up big-time.
The only logical conclusion I can draw about people who want to victimise other people who don't believe in their god correctly is that they don't believe in their god either (and hence cannot rely on their god adequately punishing people in the afterlife).
Focussing briefly on Christianity again, Jesus gave sage advice a few times about the need to avoid intolerance: something along the lines of "Judge not, lest thee be judged" and "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". As I understand it, it is up to god to judge, not humans. If a theist presumes to judge in the stead of god, then that is considered to be a sin.
Theists who manage, or even just aspire, to have these characteristics are fine by me.
Oh, and I have a special place in whatever organ is supposed to be the repository of contempt for Pascalian Gamblers. If you honestly believe purely because you think that it's the best return on your investment, then may the Grand Pixie have mercy on your soul.
And another thing ... Josh the Honest Searcher did have a thing about why being told that you are going to hell is not as bad as it might immediately appear. After all, if a guy in a white coat tells you that you are killing yourself with cheap scotch and cigarettes, you should not get upset - you should engage that person to work out if they are a doctor, if so if they are a doctor in a relevant field and work out if there is some good hard evidence to support the argument that you should move to more expensive scotch and cigars. This is fair enough, and the first time someone tells you that you are going to hell, you should perhaps engage with that person to see if they have evidence to back it up. And maybe even the second time. The third time, when the evidence is "this ancient book which is riddled with inconsistencies tells me it's so", then you perhaps should be slightly less accommodating.
When you get to the tenth time, or twentieth time, you are more than justified in gently shutting the door in their face with a quiet "thanks but I'm not interested".
When you get to the tenth time, or twentieth time, you are more than justified in gently shutting the door in their face with a quiet "thanks but I'm not interested".


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Friday, March 12, 2010
Amici - Over the Rainbow 3/6/10
Today was hard. It was my first day off with Aiden by myself. Usually it would be me, Aiden and Amici. We'd do the mundane things (eat, use bathroom, etc.) but then we'd have storytime (when I say "we" I mean the 3 of us), play, Aiden would nap and then I would spend time with Amici. There were times today that I felt like I was boring. I know Aiden can't talk but if he could, I would swear that he was looking for Amici today.
I miss Amici so much. He was such a good dog. He was a true friend and I did so many things with him. When I was pregnant he was so attentive and sweet. He used to kiss my stomach when I would get dressed in the mornings. When I threw up, Amici was by my side. I couldn't have asked for a better pup when Alan & I brought Aiden home. Amici was interested but gentle. He never reacted negatively to Aiden and I love him even more because of that. I really wanted Aiden to grow up with Amici.
Alan & I had previously discussed that when Amici did pass over the Rainbow Bridge, we would probably get a pup for our family soon after. People may be surprised that we are thinking of getting another dog so soon, but for us, it is just too difficult to have all of Amici's things around and not feel totally empty inside. I never thought I would see the day when I would cry when I vacuumed up husky hair.
We are having a female malamute puppy join our family the weekend of the 27th of March. We don't have a name picked out yet. We got to meet her Mom and Dad and liked them an awful lot. Aiden got to meet the little girl puppy and they seemed to like one another.
I hope that folks understand that by no means are we trying to replace Amici. He can't be replaced. There is a huge void in our family right now and the next step for us, is to add another pup to our family. As you know, I love dogs with all of my heart and my hope is that Aiden may share my passion some day (if not, I at least want to instill how important it is to be kind and respectful to dogs/animals). I hope we have your support and well wishes as we embark on a new journey.
Here are some precious pictures of Amici & Aiden:
Oct, 9, 2009 (Aiden isn't even a month old yet)
Aiden- 7 Weeks old Loving Amici
1 month & 1 day old Aiden with his pal Amici
Amici- counter part to Aiden's costume as a monkey. Amici had a banana on his back and he was carting around the chunky monkey ice cream. :)
3months & 2 weeks old Aiden. Amici & Aiden both look up when I snap my fingers. :)
Aiden's 1st Christmas Eve
Jan 23, 2010
First- Rice Cereal. Amici is there to cheer Aiden on (and catch any droppings of course....)
Valentine's Day- sharing secrets
Aiden- 5mths 4wks old. Last photo shoot of the two of them together. Amici loved to kiss Aiden. He even loved it without food involved (like in this shot). This was totally unrehearsed and it shows the kind of friendship they had.
21 comments:
- Khyra The Siberian Husky And Sometimes Her Mom said...
First off, you know how sorry we are for the loss of your special boy -
We've all lost special friends and we never know how their loss will impact us until it does happen -
He'll always be with you - you've not gotten ALL of his hair vacuumed up ;-)
Now, to the next importmant point: that is GREAT you are bringing another fuzzy heart into your family -
AND NO, you not replacing him - you are continuing his legacy - he's probably help guide her to you -
He knows you are ready to keep the love going -
We can't wait to meet her!
Khyra & Phyll
- Fri Mar 12, 10:37:00 PM
- Jan's Funny Farm said...
We used to enjoy reading Amici's posts and we were glad he was doing better -- at least the last we knew. We lost one of our own this year so we can imagine your pain. We are so sorry about Amici.
One good thing about the heart is that there is always room for more than one furry.
- Fri Mar 12, 11:09:00 PM
- Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...
What a great tribute to Amici. He was so lucky to have a great family like yours. You're not terrible at all for wanting another pup. No pup will replace Amici, but if you can offer a wonderful home to another pup, it's great that you are willing to do so. Aiden will have a buddy that's about the same age as he is!
We will miss Amici but will welcome the new gal with play bows and tail wags.
Steve, Kat, and family
- Fri Mar 12, 11:45:00 PM
- Holly and Khady said...
Amici was such a special part of your life. And then, Aiden's life too. It was wonderful to see how much they loved each other!
No, I don't think you are rushing things. Often the love you have to offer is so great, that adding a new pup to your life helps fill your heart and heal it at the same time. You are not "replacing" Amici. You are simply choosing to give your love to another who needs it.
I can't wait to see pics of your new girl! Malamute's are just like GIANT cuddly Sibes, only with brown eyes!
I'm sure Amici will be there watching over you all, and giving your new Malagal some pointers from the Rainbow Bridge!
Hugs to you!
Holly, Khady Lynn
and their mom Jan
- Sat Mar 13, 02:03:00 AM
- Turbo the Sibe said...
We will always be wooing to the northern sky for friends like Amici.
And now we look forward to a new Malgal friend.
- Sat Mar 13, 08:20:00 AM
- The Daily Echo said...
Your new girl will have big paws to fill. Amici was your special one but I suspect there room in your heart for more special-ness. We'll all miss Amici. We know he's at the bridge on a very special perch so he he can look down and watch over sweet Aiden.
- Sat Mar 13, 08:48:00 AM
- Cyber-sibes said...
(Did our post get to you? We got an error message, but with moderator comment on, I can't tell if the message got thru-- if it did, just ignore this)
We were heartbroken to hear that Amici had crossed the Bridge, he was one of the first blogs we followed. Those are really wonderful pictures of him with Aiden, mom got LES looking at them. Amici's spirit will always be just a thought away. Surely he guided this little malagal t you, as he knew that your heart needs her love, and that a loving home awaits this new pup.
You are in our hearts & prayers,
Jack, Moo, & Pat
- Sat Mar 13, 09:17:00 AM
- The OP Pack said...
We are so very sorry for your loss of Amici. He is in great company across the Rainbow Bridge.
And we think it is wonderful that you are ready to welcome a new furrie into your lives. Amici would have wanted it to be this way.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
- Sat Mar 13, 09:39:00 AM
- The Army of Four said...
We're so very sorry for your loss. You gave such love and care to Amici - you can see the gentleness in his eyes as he watched over Aiden. He's watching over all of you now - until you meet again.
Tail wags,
- Sat Mar 13, 04:56:00 PM
- Biloxi and Siber-sibs said...
We is so sorry fur your loss of your best bud Amici. Maw unnerstands how heartbroken woo kin be. But she also unnerstands how you need to fill dat emptiness. We is sure Amici is waggin' his tail knowin' woo is gonna give a nice home to anudder pup. His love continues inside of woo.
Amicia, dance among da stars in your bee-wootiful harness. And your paws will furever be upon your family's hearts.
Husky kisses,
- Sat Mar 13, 08:12:00 PM
- Joni said...
I am so sorry to hear of Amici's passing. The pictures of Aiden and Amici are lovely! Aiden will remember his very first best friend.
I love that you are bringing in another furry friend for him!
and from The Bridge, Dakota of the East
- Sun Mar 14, 11:23:00 AM
- Christine said...
Hey guys, Sparky's human Lizzy here. When I heard about Amici's passing a couple days ago, the very first word out of my mouth was... "CRAP!". And I just felt kind of in shock for a while. Amici was one of Sparky's first and favorite blogging friends, you've no idea how much we loved Amici, how much he meant to us. In fact, I still have his Christmas card sitting on the desk in front of me, I just love the picture so much. I am so, so sorry to hear this news. We are keeping you guys in our prayers.
Lizzy & Sparky
- Sun Mar 14, 07:34:00 PM
- Sparky said...
Oh, that last comment was us, we didn't realize we were logged into my sister-in-law's account!
Lizzy & Sparky
- Sun Mar 14, 07:35:00 PM
- Painter Pack said...
So sorry for this loss. But when woo has a big heart for furries, woo must keep it filled. I thinks woo getting a girl pup will be wonderful! And it will honor the wuv woo have for Amici.
- Sun Mar 14, 09:00:00 PM
- Ruby and Penny said...
We are so sorry for your loss of Amici. He was a very special guy!
Enjoy your new girl
Love Ruby, Penny & mom
- Mon Mar 15, 10:33:00 AM
- Tibby said...
So sorry to hear of Amici's passing. It's clear that he was a very special part of your family. We can't think of anything to better honor the memory of Amici than to share your love and family with a new puppy! We know Amici will be watching over you all!
With Love,
Tibby & Family
- Tue Mar 16, 09:56:00 PM
- Thor and Marco Polo and Mama Cat said...
We are so sorry to hear about Amici's passing! We know your heart is breaking and we think he would be honored for you to have a new puppy in the house! We know you have many many wonderful memories of Amici that will give you comfort and make you smile forever!
Hugs to you!
THor and Marco Polo
- Sat Mar 27, 09:47:00 PM
- The Brat Pack said...
Always thinking of you guys and keeping Amici in our hearts.
- Tue Mar 30, 04:22:00 PM
- -The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...
I am so sorry about losing your 4-legged furry boy! Don't feel bad about bringing into your home & family a new furball. You are not replacing or forgetting Amici - you are just opening up another portion of your heart to another furball that will grow up with Aiden. Can't wait to see pics of Aiden & the new puppy.
Take care,
Marlene, & the boyz, Cosi & Juni
- Thu Apr 01, 09:40:00 PM
- Jan's Funny Farm said...
We hope you are healing from your loss.
- Fri May 28, 10:55:00 PM
- ra husky said...
Soft husky woooooos,
- Thu Apr 05, 05:03:00 PM


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Saltz: Why New York Will Miss Jeffrey Deitch
What the Jeff Koons of art dealers gave the city.
Jeffrey Deitch is the Jeff Koons of art dealers. Not because he's the biggest, best, or the richest of his kind. But because in some ways he's the weirdest (which is saying a lot when you're talking about the wonderful, wicked, lovable, and annoying creatures known as art dealers). For the twenty years I've known him professionally, Deitch has always worn the same happy expression. He's donned the same snappy suits; is perpetually cheerful; is always ready with a sound bite; has few discouraging words to say about anyone; has his own unique point of view; and always finds a way to bring the conversation back to himself. I've called his gallery late at night on weekends in the middle of summer looking to leave a message. These are times when all other spaces are shut down. On more than one occasion, he's actually picked up the phone with a chipper, "Deitch Projects." After a pause, I'd say, "Jeffrey? Is that you?" And without missing a beat he'd say, "Hi, Jerry. Yes, yes, I'm working. What can I do for you?" And then he'd start talking about a show that he's seen that he's been thinking about.
I remember walking down to Canal and West Broadway on September 11, 2001, to where the police had put up barricades. I saw Deitch there looking at the hole in the sky and the smoke with tears in his eyes. It was the only time I've ever seen him break that strange, shiny façade. Whether you like the art that this one-of-a-kind party girl and mover-shaker showed in his galleries, now that he's closing them down to become the new director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, L.A.'s gain is New York's loss.
Related: How Jeffrey Deitch's MOCA Appointment Changes the Art World [NYM]
Many say an art dealer running a museum is a "conflict of interest." But maybe the art world has lived an artificial or unintentional lie all of these years when it comes to conflicts of interest. Of course art world ethics are important. But museums are no purer than any other institution or business. Academics aren't necessarily more high-minded than gallerists. (I give you Thomas Krens.) Deitch is one of very few outsiders who will be able to come in and immediately deal with — and hopefully fend off — rogue billionaire and MOCA-board chairman Eli Broad. Deitch also knows that curator Paul Schimmel, who has organized some of the greatest large-scale historical surveys of the last twenty years, has two or three great shows left in him. Deitch will be able to get Schimmel to make those shows. His acumen and ambition will provide a tremendous challenge to all other American museum directors, as well. Whatever happens, New York is going to miss the squirrelly circus master and semi-visionary known as Jeffrey Deitch.
Related: How Jeffrey Deitch's MOCA Appointment Changes the Art World [NYM]


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With just over a week until Christmas and the start of Hanukkah, the pressure to get a home ready for holiday gatherings is on. You may not have time to put up a tree or purchase new festive furniture, but by following these simple holiday home tips you can get your house ready in no time!
Deck the halls (with fresh greenery)
If you don't have the time or space for a full sized tree, garland and pine boughs can be just as festive! Drape garland across the mantle, wrap it around door and window frames, or twist it along a staircase. Place pine boughs in vases or other containers, or tie some together and hang them on the wall. You can even go a step further and hang lights and ornaments from the greens!
Make a mini tree
You can also opt to create your own non-traditional tree. Use washi tape or lights to create an abstract tree shape on an empty wall. Decorate your own tabletop tree by buying a foam or paper cone and covering it in whatever materials that suit your personal style. You can even make a stand alone tree using a camera tripod or a ladder!
Use ornaments in unique spaces
Ornaments can look festive on and off the tree. Hang inexpensive ornaments from light fixtures, arrange them on tabletops, or place them in a vase or container for a fun centerpiece. If you have valuable heirloom ornaments you want to show off, you can place them underneath a glass cloche.
Use lights to your advantage
You can hang lights just about anywhere to quite literally brighten up a room. Use string lights to wrap around windows or along a staircase, or opt for candlelight to create a cozy setting on a tabletop or mantle (just be careful with them!) If you celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, you can find creative ways to make your own menorah or kinara, using unconventional items like votives, books, or even toy dinosaurs!
These are just some ways to give your home holiday spirit. Find what works best for your lifestyle and personal taste!


text:
This limited edition Acrylic Glass Print, designed by DK Photography, comes with a numbered and signed certificate of authenticity. Printed on archival-quality photo paper mounted on the back of a 1/8" thick, clear acrylic substrate, this artwork comes ready to hang on a wire attached to a wooden frame fixed on the back.
Waffle street. Metropolitan photoshooting.
Brno, Czech Republic


text:
Product Description
Photos (Click Photos to Enlarge)
Color : Black
Product Features* A gorgeous classic turtleneck long sleeve top in simple elegant design. The upper part (back and front) and the sleeves are sheer looking.
* Smooth and stretchy polyester blend material for the upper part and cotton blend material for the bodice are comfy and flexible. Easy matching. A great item for creating layered looks. Won't get creases easily, perfect for travelling.
* For casual to occasions. Perfect to wear it under a formal jacket, or some fancy outerwears. This item is almost timeless, won't get outdated.
QualityWe guarantee the product to be in good quality and every product will go through strict quality control procedures to make sure the item to be in good condition before mailing out.
Important : We respect copyright and truly hate to sell any copy brand or fake products.
|approx. 13.5"
|Armpit to Armpit (across, one side)
|approx. 15"~17" (from unstretched to stretched)
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|approx. 21.5"
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text:
According to the council's latest press release, they inform us that Tameside was branded the "UK's heart disease capital" by The British Heart Foundation. And they go on to tell us that it's not just heart health that has come under scrutiny in the region. Life expectancy is worse than the UK average, because over 18% of children and 26% of adults are considered obese and there are 422 smoking-related deaths a year according to a recent Public Health report!
So, what do they do to put an end to this public health scandal?
Do they put a stop to the council's plans to introduce more drive-throughs? Close down all the fast food outlets, greasy spoon caravans, take-a-way chip shops, kebab shops and burger bars?
|to this...!
|From this...
They have set about trying to dramatically improve our health by changing the branding on the leisure centres, the swimming pools (including the two that they intend to close) give all the staff new uniforms and launch a new website!
And of course it wouldn't be the council if it was not introduced by some spokesperson engaging in 'council-speak' like – "Tameside is currently performing significantly below the UK average across a number of key indicators including physical activity and obesity!"
They also tell us that from September, they will be bringing a series of internationally-renowned Les Mills (2) group exercise classes to 'Active Tameside' for the first time.
Now for those, like me who've never heard of Les Mills, or his 'internationally known' group fitness classes, you'll be interested to learn that it was apparently founded in New Zealand and is allegedly the world's largest provider of choreographed fitness programmes, combining technology with music. – So, a bit like Jane Fonda's aerobics programme of the 80's or another form of Zumba.
Personally, I think they'd have been better off investing in a selection of Mrs Mills video's for all the use this poorly thought out, incredibly expensive, totally unnecessary re-branding exercise will be in re-invigorating interest in Tameside's sporting facilities.
Basic knowledge of marketing would have shown the Sports Trusts management that when customers buy your product or service, it's the experience they receive is what persuades them to buy from you again. Not the style of the logo over the entrance!
If Tameside Sports Trust wanted to increase their sales dramatically and encourage more participants from those who currently are happy living a more sedentary lifestyle, then they needed only to shift their sales focus from attracting new customers to enticing their proven customers to buy and buy again.
Anyone who has a passing knowledge of sales and marketing will confirm that the best sales prospect is a prospect that's already converted - in other words, one of your current customers.
So, more money wasted!


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(Editor's Note: The Grant County News publishes all items in police beat that are submitted from each individual police agency. The News does not omit names from police reports.)
Dry Ridge
Chief Rick Kells investigated an accident at noon March 2 on N. Main Street. The drivers involved were Nacy M. Martin, 54, of Lebanon, Ohio, driving a 1999 Lexus and Stephen D. Garrison, 27, of Dry Ridge, driving a 1999 Ford.
Grant County Sheriff's Office
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text:
The easiest way to remove algae from a saltwater pool is to shock the pool. Whether or not algae is present, the pool should be shock treated each week. Shock treatments are not the same as super chlorinating treatments.Continue Reading
A well-balanced pool will take the shock treatment much better than one in which the pH is off. Balance the pH level of the pool before beginning the shock treatment.
Use 3 pounds of shock treatment for pools containing 10,000 gallons or less. Follow the manufacturer's directions for best results.
Although a super chlorinator will not remove algae, it will keep it from building up in the first place. Be sure to use a super chlorinator every week.


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Academic Spotlight
Researcher Combats Hackers With Software Subterfuge
Story posted August 10, 2011
A decade ago, when cyber crime and remote attacks were practically nonexistent, Daniela Oliveira's research would have sounded farfetched. Terms like "malware" (malicious software), worms, Trojans and botnets weren't exactly household words.
These days, the Bowdoin assistant professor of computer science finds herself in the computer security fast lane with new research using virtual machines.
A virtual machine (VM) is a high-level software designed to emulate a computer's hardware. It tricks a computer's operating system, such as Windows or Mac or Linux, into believing the VM is the central processing unit, physical memory, hard disk, and network.
VMs can be used to run more than one operating system at once on a single computer—each believing it is the only resident, that it owns and controls the hardware underneath. This software subterfuge lets researchers add more functionality to the hardware without having to do a physical upgrade.
It also allows users to protect operating systems from attacks by malware by isolating the breached operating system from other operating systems running on the same computer.
"We have a legacy of software and hardware that never were designed with security in mind," says Oliveira. "It wasn't a problem 12 years ago. Hackers were kids, teenagers, they just did everything for fun, to make a point. Now we have actual criminal organizations, Tony Soprano stuff. No computer is safe."
With the support of Bowdoin IT, Oliveira has established her own secured network at the College where Bowdoin students can work with her on high-level protections issues, much of it centering on virtual machines.
"The people of this generation are going to be the ones who are rethinking the Internet architecture," notes Oliveira. " If we don't have brilliant minds looking at these problems ... what's going to happen?"
Much of her current research centers on the use of VMs to combat malware and attackers targeting operating systems. A prime example are "keyloggers," a type of malware an attacker can install on a computer that accesses and logs personal information a user types on a keyboard.
Oliveira explains: "Let's say you are in a cybercafe trying to access your bank account. A keylogger logs every key you type and can steal your Facebook password or email credentials. If you use a public computer, the chance there is software like that installed is high."
Oliveira is trying to expand the capabilities between VMs and operating systems so they can communicate about potentially sensitive information, thwarting malware attacks.
Her work gets more granular, personal even, in another project that centers on social media.Using her own Facebook site as a test model, Oliveira and student researcher John Coster '12 are working to develop new Internet security tools based on social trust.
"So far, security approaches consider all data coming from the Internet as suspicious," says Oliveira. "But this approach is too restrictive these days since users satisfy most of their computing needs using a browser connected to the Internet."
She and Coster are studying the Facebook platform to build a prototype where they can infer trust values between two connected users using machine learning techniques. Coster is logging every transaction on Oliveira's Facebook page, tracking events including the number of times she posts on friends' walls, whether her friends are in the same network, if they are relatives, or how many "likes" they have in common.
With this data, they are trying to develop a classifier that automatically assigns trust values to friends. Then they will use mathematical models to propagate these trust values between any two users— even if they are not directly connected. Depending on the trust value, a socially-aware operating system might restrict access to processes or any activity originating from these data.
A trust-rating security system is important, says Coster, as the roster of Facebook friends grows well beyond the circle of personal acquaintance: "Ideally, a user could manually assign values to friends, but in the case where folks have thousands of friends, we want a more automated way of going about it," he says.
With support from Maine Space Grant Consortium and the Gibbons Fellowship, Victor Wong '13 and Brian Jacobel '14 also are working with Daniela over the summer on a range of computer security projects.
"I see this as an opportunity for students who like computer science to make a positive impact in the world," says Oliveira. "Malicious hacking is an underground economy that is so powerful. It's like an arms race. We need to have people who will be able to join security researchers and professionals. Our students can make a real difference."
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Longtime innovation blogger and McCombs MBA alumnus Jeffrey Phillips, who also blogs here at Texas Enterprise, has just published Relentless Innovation, an addition to the growing library of books on the subject. Relentless Innovation also effectively debunks lesser efforts, particularly in the chapter "The Mythology of Innovation," in which Phillips takes on such enduring innovation myths as the success of the fast-follower strategy and the idea that sustained innovation is impossible for any firm. But the mythology chapter is just the warm-up for the book's very sharp point: The real barriers to innovation are "business as usual" and middle management, and in order to become more innovative, firms need to transform these from innovation barriers into innovation drivers. Phillips puts his money where his mouth is by spending the rest of the book showing exactly how that can be done.
I sent Jeffrey Phillips five questions about his new book and he kindly provided email answers:
Q: If you had to sum up the main point of your book in a sentence, what would it be?
A: For businesses to succeed in the future, their "operating models" must be rebalanced between efficiency and innovation.
Q: You talk a bit about how middle managers charged with innovation can succeed in the absence of a clear innovation strategy or creation of innovation competency within the company. Understanding that that is the ideal circumstance, what would you say is the best course of action for a middle manager who wants to try to innovate, or start the ball rolling to make his or her company more innovative?
A: I doubt that a middle manager, in isolation, can create an innovation discipline or competence. He or she simply won't have the attention and the authority to create the processes and rewards necessary to shift the culture. Individual managers can conduct innovation projects, but I doubt that by themselves they can fully engage the business.
That said, if I had to recommend an approach for an individual middle manager, I'd suggest starting with trend spotting and scenario planning exercises, leading to idea generation. In this manner the manager can get his or her team thinking about the future and how to be proactive, rather than reactive. As those becomes "standard" actions or functions, the team can build on this by adding other innovation tools and processes. The middle manager will also want to change or impact cultural perspectives and attitudes such as how the teams are evaluated, compensated and rewarded.
Q: Can you talk about how collaboration helps (or hurts) innovation efforts in corporations? Is internal collaboration more/less important than external collaboration (open innovation)? Why or why not?
A: Internal collaboration is important, because the number of people who review and comment on an idea can actually strengthen the idea and build an internal community, which is reinforcing. We recommend building an internal capability for managing ideas before opening up to external partners and customers, so that your firm can manage customer or partner ideas effectively. Eventually, we won't talk about "open" innovation, because all innovation will include a component of external collaboration.
Q: You say that companies need to create a "Cortez" moment, where they decide there's no turning back in their quest to be innovative. I'm wondering if the ongoing erosion of the American consumer market in the face of the recession and focus on growth of BRIC consumer markets has created such a moment for American companies. Do you agree or disagree, and why or why not?
A: The Cortez moment is the famous "burning of the boats" leaving no way to go back to the old ways of doing business. I don't think that many executives are ready to discredit their existing business processes; rather, I think we are in a blame game, blaming the rise of external and foreign competitors, taxation, open borders, etc. There are only a few visible Cortez moments, and we are aware of them because they are dramatic - A.G. Lafley declaring that 50 percent of products would originate from external ideas, or Jobs cutting over 80 percent of Apple's product line. These were acts of visionaries who were forcing a course change and creating specific barriers to returning to the old models. For other businesses to do that, they first have to realize that the old models no longer work. I doubt many firms have arrived at that conclusion yet. Rather, they are blaming externalities for problems in the model.
Q: P&G and 3M famously and publicly threw down gauntlets with strong innovation goals. What would you suggest a company focus on in creating such "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals" (BHAGs)? Percentage of collaboration with outsiders, like P&G? Percentage of profits from new products, like 3M? Or to your mind is there something better on which companies should put a proverbial stake in the innovation ground?
A: To create such a "stake in the ground," it is more important that the communication originate from a senior executive or the CEO, be explicit and quantifiable, easily measured and a significant change. Then, it will be important that the corporation commit resources to fulfilling that communication. The goal could be more external innovation resulting in new products, or it could be the revenue generated from new products, or it could result in the entry into a completely new market. The outcome is less important than the implementation.
I wrote recently about the statements of the new CEO of Yahoo. When asked how he intended to improve Yahoo and return it to former glory he stated "innovation", but didn't provide any strategy, any investment goals or resource commitments. So his statement appears to be a throwaway line, rather than something we observers can measure and evaluate over time.
Adapted from a version published on the blog Collaborative Innovation.