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Top 5 Feminist Fantasy Choices for Your Summer Reading
Our Book Hipsters are hard at work putting together their Top 5 lists for the Teen Summer Newsletter. Want a sneak peek? Read on for the expanded version of one of our own AWPL Book Hipsters. Lauranne's Top 5 Feminist Fantasy Books is below! If you like her style, be sure to check out her own blog. And be sure to look out for the annual Summer Newsletter, where you'll find all of our summer programs and events, as well as great suggestions for your summer reading.
Feminist Fantasy by Lauranne, 16
1. Tamora Pierce is an excellent author of many series about strong, female characters, including lady nights, magicians, spies, and members of a city's guard. My favorite setting is her kingdom of Tortall. This world has several series, The Song of the Lioness, The Immortals, Protector of the Small, the Trickster's books, and the Beka Cooper series (each containing two to four books), set in it. Younger YA readers may be interested in her Winding Circle Universe, which also has several series set in it.
2. The Throne of Glass Series, by Sarah J. Mass, is set in a world where magic has died. In the first book, the imprisoned and most feared assassin in the world, Celaena Sardothien enters a contest to win her freedom. In the palace of the tyrannical king who rules the world, however, there is something stalking her and her fellow competitors. The sequel, Crown of Midnight, as well as The Assassin's Blade, a collection of novellas describing Celaena's past, are out. The third book, Heir of Fire, is expected to come out in September.
3. A Widdershins Adventure, by Ari Marmell, is about a witty thief named Widdershins, hiding from a dark past. Her closest ally is a god named Olgun, who rides in her mind. Unfortunately, something horrible is haunting her city, and she is in mortal danger. There are several books out in this series, the first one being Thief's Covenant.
4. Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen is good for the lovers of old legend. Robin Hood is recreated in this story following his fellow outlaw, Will Scarlet- who happens to be a girl in disguise and is on the run from her past. The band of thieves, who are trying to protect Nottingham, are further endangered by the arrival of the thief-taker, Guy of Gisbourne, who is connected to Scarlet's past. The second book in this series is Lady Thief.
5. Foiled, by Jane Yolen, is an urban fantasy graphic novel, which is a change of pace from the other books listed. Aliera Castairs loves to fence, but is a social outcast. She is beginning to wonder where she fits in, but her strange fencing foil, and a boy in her class who may be a troll- literally, might be the answers to her question. This light read is continued in Curses, Foiled Again!


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My Ghoul Friday
I don't know how I come across on the blog, but I generally feel fairly insignificant in my role as artist in the world. No, this isn't a "woe as me" statement. It's actually not even a classically Canadian self-deprecating statement. It's a simple fact. I mean, you folks know me, but it's not like I'm being stopped as I walk the streets of Toronto by people saying "Aren't you Ghoul Friday?". Halloween lovers and fellow haunters know my blog and my handle, but that's different. I'm part of an online community.
I'm talking about my presence amongst the masses, the folks I see in 3-D. The ones who can actually pick up my pieces, turning them in their hands, and not just rely on images I've uploaded.
And I always think I'll never see the people who buy from me ever again. Even if I did, I imagined it would be a passing "Hey, I know you. You're the eyeball lady".
Robert Genn was asked what his advice would be for someone who wanted to make a decent living as an artist. Here are the ideas he offered as an answer:
Thriving is all about self-education. 'Go to your room,' is my advice that has had the most significant effect. Funnily, all kinds of would-be lifers somehow neglect to do just that.
I thought I would share these for people who simply want to know how they can become a better artist. Many of the points ring true for me, and also reinforced my own beliefs on the subject.
This post is late in the day not only because I've been running around, but because I couldn't decide which Kathy Staico Schorr piece was my favourite.
I still can't decide, but I chose this one for the post.
Check out her wonderful blend of surreal art with a vintage Halloween flair, all waiting for you on her website.
The best place to find current art and WIPs is Instagram
I'm also on Twitter but be prepared for political commentary
My self-published book is still available!
Craving more Halloween goodness?
Here are some sites to satisfy the hunger.
All content copyright © 2007-2017 GhoulFriday.com (unless otherwise noted). And remember, safety first! Please read and understand our full disclaimer.

subset: commoncrawl


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1.9.4 Type of tablet coating process
18.104.22.168 Sugar coating (1,3,5)
Compressed tablets may be coated with coloured or uncoloured sugar layer. The coating is water soluble and quickly dissolves after swallowing. The sugarcoat protects the enclosed drug from the environment and provides a barrier to objectionable taste or order. The sugar coat also enhances the appearance of the compressed tablet and permit imprinting manufacturing's information. Sugar coating provides a combination of insulation, taste masking, smoothing the tablet core, colouring and modified release. The disadvantages of sugar coating are the time and expertise required in the coating process and thus increases size, weight and shipping costs.
Sugar coating process involves five separate operations:
I. Sealing/Water proofing: provides a moisture barrier and harden the tablet surface.
II. Subcoating: causes a rapid buildup to round off the tablet edges.
III. Grossing/Smoothing: smoothes out the subcoated surface and increases the tablet size to predetermine dimension.
IV. Colouring: gives the tablet its colour and finished size.
V. Polishing: produces the characteristics gloss.
I. Sealing/Water proofing
Prior to applying any sugar/water syrup, the tablet cores must be sealed, thoroughly dried and free of all residual solvents.
The seal coat provides a moisture barrier and hardness the surface of the tablet in order to minimize attritional effects. Core tablets having very rapid disintegration rates conceivably could start the disintegration process during the initial phase of sugar coating. The sealants are generally water-insoluble polymers/film formers applied from an organic solvent solution. The quantities of material applied as a sealing coat will depend primarily on the tablet porosity, since highly porous tablets will tend to soak up the first application of solution, thus preventing it from spreading uniformly across the surface of every tablet in the batch. Hence, one or more further application of resin solution may be required to ensure that the tablet cores are sealed effectively.
Common materials used as a sealant include Shellac, Zine, Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), Polyvinylacetate phthalate, Hyroxylpropylcellulose, Hyroxypropylmethylcellulose etc.
II. Subcoating
Subcoating is the actual start of the sugar coating process and provides the rapid buildup necessary to round up the tablet edge. It also acts as the foundation for the smoothing and colour coats.
Generally two methods are used for subcoating:
i) The application of gum based solution followed by dusting with powder and then drying. This routine is repeated until the desired shape is achieved.
ii) The application of a suspension of dry powder in gum/sucrose solution followed by drying.
Thus subcoating is a sandwich of alternate layer of gum and powder. It is necessary to remove the bulk o the water after each application of coating syrup.
Table.23. Typical Binder Solution Formulation For Subcoating(1)
Gum acacia (powdered)
Sucrose (powdered)
Distilled water
to 100
to 100
Table.24. Typical Dusting Powder Formulation For Subcoating(1)
Calcium carbonate
Titanium dioxide
Talc, asbestos free
Sucrose( powdered )
Gum acacia (powdered)
Table.25. Typical Suspension Subcoating Formulation(1)
Calcium carbonate
Talc, asbestos free
Gum acacia(powdered)
Titanium dioxide
Distilled water
III. Grossing/ smoothing
The grossing/smoothing process is specifically for smoothing and filing the irregularity on the surface generated during subcoating. It also increases the tablet size to a predetermined dimension.
If the subcoating is rough with high amount of irregularities then the use of grossing syrup containing suspended solids will provide more rapid buildup and better filling qualities. Smoothing usually can be accomplished by the application of a simple syrup solution (approximately 60-70 % sugar solid). This syrup generally contains pigments, starch, gelatin, acacia or opacifier if required.
Small quantities of colour suspension can be applied to impart a tint of the desired colour when there are irregularities in coating.
IV.Colour coating
This stage is often critical in the successful completion of a sugar coating process and involves the multiple application of syrup solution (60-70 % sugar solid) containing the requisite colouring matter. Mainly soluble dyes were used in the sugar coating to achieve the desired colour, since the soluble dye will migrate to the surface during drying. But now a days the insoluble certified lakes have virtually replaced the soluble dyes in pharmaceutical tablet coating. The most efficient process for colour coating involves the use of a predispersed opacified lake suspension.
V. Polishing
Sugar-coated tablets needs to be polished to achieve a final elegance. Polishing is achieved by applying the mixture of waxes like beeswax, carnubawax, candelila wax or hard paraffin wax to tablets in polishing pan.
126.96.36.199 Film Coating
Film coating is more favored over sugar coating.
Table.26. Comparison Between Film Coating And Sugar Coating(1)
Weight increase because of coating material
Logo or 'break lines'
Retain contour of original core. Usually not as shiny as sugar coat type
Rounded with high degree of polish
Not possible
Operator training required
Adaptability to GMP
Process stages
Functional coatings
Process tends itself to automation and easy training of operator
Usually single stage
Easily adaptable for controlled release
Difficulty may arise
Multistage process
Not usually possible apart from enteric coating
Process description (1)
Film coating is deposition of a thin film of polymer surrounding the tablet core. Conventional pan equipments may be used but now a day's more sophisticated equipments are employed to have a high degree of automation and coating time. The polymer is solubilized into solvent. Other additives like plasticizers and pigments are added. Resulting solution is sprayed onto a rotated tablet bed. The drying conditions cause removal of the solvent, giving thin deposition of coating material around each tablet core.
Process details (1)
Usually spray process is employed in preparation of film coated tablets. Accela cota is the prototype of perforated cylindrical drum providing high drying air capacity. Fluidized bed equipment has made considerable impact where tablets are moving in a stream of air passing through the perforated bottom of a cylindrical column. With a smaller cylindrical insert, the stream of cores is rising in the center of the device together with a spray mist applied in the middle of the bottom. For fluidized bed coating, very hard tablets (hardness > 20 N) have to be used.
Basic process requirements for film coating (2)
The fundamental requirements are independent of the actual type of equipments being used and include adequate means of atomizing the spray liquid for application to the tablet core, adequate mixing and agitation of tablet bed, sufficient heat input in the form of drying air to provide the latent heat of evaporation of the solvent. This is particularly important with aqueous-based spraying and good exhaust facilities to remove dust and solvent laden air.
Development of film coating formulations (1)
If the following questions are answered concomitantly then one can go for film coating:
i) Is it necessary to mask objectionable taste, colour and odor?
ii) Is it necessary to control drug release?
iii) What tablets size, shape, or colour constrains must be placed on the developmental work?
Colour, shape and size of final coated tablet are important for marketing and these properties have a significant influence on the marketing strategies. An experienced formulator usually takes the pragmatic approach and develops a coating formulations modification of one that has performed well in the past. Spraying or casting films can preliminarily screen film formulations. Cast films cab is prepared by spreading the coating composition on teflon, glass or aluminum foil surface using a spreading bar to get a uniform film thickness. Sprayed films can be obtained by mounting a plastic-coated surface in a spray hood or coating pan.
Coating formula optimization (1)
Basic formula is obtained from past experience or from various sources in the literature. Modifications are required to improve adhesion of the coating to the core, to decrease bridging of installations, to increase coating hardness, etc. Usually concentration of colorant and opaquant are fixed to get predetermined shade. Common modification is to alter polymer-to-plasticizer ratio or addition of different plasticizer/ polymer. Experimentation of this type can be best achieved by fractional
Materials used in film coating (1,13)
I. Film formers, which may be enteric or nonenteric
II. Solvents
III. Plasticizers
IV. Colourants
V. Opaquant-Extenders
VI. Miscellaneous coating solution components
I. Film formers (1)
Ideal requirements of film coating materials are summarized below:
i) Solubility in solvent of choice for coating preparation
ii) Solubility requirement for the intended use e.g. free water-solubility, slow water-solubility or pH -dependent solubility
iii) Capacity to produce an elegant looking product
iv) High stability against heat, light, moisture, air and the substrate being coated
v) No inherent colour, taste or odor
vi) High compatibility with other coating solution additives
vii) Nontoxic with no pharmacological activity
viii) High resistance to cracking
ix) Film former should not give bridging or filling of the debossed tablet
x) Compatible to printing procedure
Commonly used film formers are as follow
i. Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
It is available in different viscosity grades. It is a polymer of choice for air suspension and pan spray coating systems because of solubility characteristic in gastric fluid, organic and aqueous solvent system.
Advantages include: it does not affect tablet disintegration and drug availability, it is cheap, flexible, highly resistant to heat, light and moisture, it has no taste and odor, colour and other additives can be easily incorporated.
Disadvantage includes: when it is used alone, the polymer has tendency to bridge or fill the debossed tablet surfaces. So mixture of HPMC and other polymers/ plasticizers is used.
ii. Methyl Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (MHEC)
It is available in wide variety of viscosity grades. It is not frequently used as HPMC because soluble in fewer organic solvents.
iii. Ethyl Cellulose (EC)
Depending on the degree of ethoxy substitution, different viscosity grades are available. It is completely insoluble in water and gastric fluids. Hence it is used in combination with water-soluble additives like HPMC and not alone. Unplasticized ethyl cellulose films are brittle and require film modifiers to obtain an acceptable film formulation. Aqua coat is aqueous polymeric dispersion utilizing ethyl cellulose. These pseudolatex systems contain high solids, low viscosity compositions that have coating properties quite different from regular ethyl cellulose solution.
iv. Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC)
It is soluble in water below 40oc (insoluble above 45 oC), gastric fluid and many polar organic solvents. HPC is extremely tacky as it dries from solution system. It is used for sub coat and not for colour or glass coat. It gives very flexible film.
v. Povidone
Degree of polymerization decides molecular weight of material. It is available in four viscosity grades i.e. K-15, K-30, K-60 and K-90. Average molecular weight of these grades is 10000, 40000, 160000 and 360000 respectively. K-30 is widely used as tablet binder and in tablet coating. It has excellent solubility in wide variety of organic solvents, water, gastric and intestinal fluids. Povidone can be cross-linked with other materials to produce films with enteric properties. It is used to improve dispersion of colourants in coating solution.
vi. Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose
It is available in medium, high and extra high viscosity grades. It is easily dispersed in water to form colloidal solutions but it is insoluble in most organic solvents and hence not a material of choice for coating solution based on organic solvents. Films prepared by it are brittle but adhere well to tablets. Partially dried films of are tacky. So coating compositions must be modified with additives.
viii. Polyethylene glycols (PEG)
Lower molecular weights PEG (200-600) are liquid at room temperature and are used as plasticizers. High molecular weights PEG (900-8000series) are white, waxy solids at room temperature. Combination of PEG waxes with CAP gives films that are soluble in gastric fluids.
ix. Acrylate polymers
It is marketed under the name of EudragitO. EudragitOE is cationic co-polymer. Only EudragitOE is freely soluble in gastric fluid up to pH 5 and expandable and permeable above pH 5. This material is available as organic solution (12.5% in isopropanol/acetone), solid material or 30% aqueous dispersion. EudragitORL & RS are co-polymers with low content of quaternary ammonium groups. These are available only as organic solutions and solid materials. They produce films for delayed action (pH dependent).
II. Solvents(1)
Solvents are used to dissolve or disperse the polymers and other additives and convey them to substrate surface.
Ideal requirement are summarized below:
i) Should be either dissolve/disperse polymer system
ii) Should easily disperse other additives into solvent system
iii) Small concentration of polymers (2-10%) should not in an extremely viscous solution system creating processing problems
iv) Should be colourless, tasteless, odorless, inexpensive, inert, nontoxic and nonflammable
v) Rapid drying rate
vi) No environmental pollution
Mostly solvents are used either alone or in combination with water, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, chloroform, acetone, methylene chloride, etc. Water is more used because no environmental and economic considerations. For drugs that readily hydrolyze in presence of water, non aqueous solvents are used.
III. Plasticizers(1)
As solvent is removed, most polymeric materials tend to pack together in 3-D honey comb arrangement. "Internal" or "External" plasticizing technique is used to modify quality of film. Combination of plasticizer may be used to get desired effect. Concentration of plasticizer is expressed in relation to the polymer being plasticized. Recommended levels of plasticizers range from 1-50 % by weight of the film former. Commonly used plasticizers are castor oil, PG, glycerin, lower molecular weight (200-400 series), PEG, surfactants, etc. For aqueous coating PEG and PG are more used while castor oil and spans are primarily used for organic-solvent based coating solution. External plasticizer should be soluble in the solvent system used for dissolving the film former and plasticizer. The plasticizer and the film former must be at least partially soluble or miscible in each other.
IV. Colourants(1)
Colourants can be used in solution form or in suspension form. To achieve proper distribution of suspended colourants in the coating solution requires the use of the powdered colourants (<10 microns). Most common colourants in use are certified FD & C or D & C colourants. These are synthetic dyes or lakes. Lakes are choice for sugar or film coating as they give reproducible results. Concentration of colourants in the coating solutions depends on the colour shade desired, the type of dye, and the concentration of opaquant-extenders. If very light shade is desired, concentration of less than 0.01 % may be adequate on the other hand, if a dark colour is desired a concentration of more than 2.0 % may be required. The inorganic materials (e.g. iron oxide) and the natural colouring materials (e.g. anthrocyanins, carotenoids, etc) are also used to prepare coating solution. Magenta red dye is non absorbable in biologic system and resistant to degradation in the gastro intestinal track. OpasrayO (opaque colour concentrate for film coating) and OpadryO (complete film coating concentrate) are promoted as achieving less lot-to-lot colour variation.
V. Opaquant-Extenders(1)
These are very fine inorganic powder used to provide more pastel colours and increase film coverage. These inorganic materials provide white coat or mask colour of the tablet core. Colourants are very expensive and higher concentration is required. These inorganic materials are cheap. In presence of these inorganic materials, amount of colourants required decreases. Most commonly used materials are titanium dioxide, silicate (talc &aluminum silicates), carbonates (magnesium carbonates), oxides (magnesium oxide) & hydroxides (aluminum hydroxides). Pigments were investigated in the production of opaque films and it was found that they have good hiding power and film-coated tablets have highlighted intagliations.
VI. Miscellaneous coating solution component (1)
Flavors, sweeteners, surfactants, antioxidants, antimicrobials, etc. may be incorporated into the coating solution.
126.96.36.199 Enteric coating (1, 2, 13)
This type of coating is used to protect tablet core from disintegration in the acid environment of the stomach for one or more of the following reasons:
i) To prevent degradation of acid sensitive API
ii) To prevent irritation of stomach by certain drugs like sodium salicylate
iii) Delivery of API into intestine
iv) To provide a delayed release component for repeat action tablet
Several kinds of enteric layer systems are now available
One layer system - The coating formulation is applied in one homogeneous layer, which can be whites-opaque or coloured. Benefit is only one application needed.
Two layer system - To prepare enteric tablets of high quality and pleasing appearance the enteric formulation is applied first, followed by coloured film. Both layers can be of enteric polymer or only the basic layer contains enteric polymer while top layer is fast disintegrating & water-soluble polymer
Ideal properties of enteric coating material are summarized as below
i) Resistance to gastric fluids
ii) Susceptible/permeable to intestinal fluid
iii) Compatibility with most coating solution components and the drug substrate
iv) Formation of continuous film
v) Nontoxic, cheap and ease of application
vi) Ability to be readily printed
Polymers used for enteric coating are as follow
i. Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)
It is widely used in industry. Aquateric is reconstituted colloidal dispersion of latex particles. It is composed of solid or semisolid polymer spheres of CAP ranging in size from 0.05 - 3 microns. Cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT) developed as an ammoniated aqueous formulation showed faster dissolution than a similar formulation of CAP.
Disadvantages include: It dissolves above pH 6 only, delays absorption of drugs, it is hygroscopic and permeable to moisture in comparison with other enteric polymer, it is susceptible to hydrolytic removal of phthalic and acetic acid changing film properties. CAP films are brittle and usually used with other hydrophobic film forming materials.
ii. Acrylate polymers
Eudragit(r)L & Eudragit(r)S are two forms of commercially available enteric acrylic resins. Both of them produce films resistant to gastric fluid. Eudragit(r)L & S are soluble in intestinal fluid at pH 6 & 7 respectively. Eudragit(r)L is available as an organic solution (Isopropanol), solid or aqueous dispersion. Eudragit(r)S is available only as an organic solution (Isopropanol) and solid.
iii Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose phthalate
HPMCP 50, 55 & 55-s (also called HP-50, HP-55 & HP-55-s) is widely used. HP-55 is recommended for general enteric preparation while HP-50 & HP-55-s for special cases. These polymers dissolve at a pH 5-5.5.
iii. Polyvinyl acetate phthalate
It is similar to HP-55 in stability and pH dependent solubility.
184.108.40.206.1 Enteric sugar coating (2)
Here the sealing coat is tailored to include one of the enteric polymers in sufficient quantity to pass the enteric test for disintegration. The sub coating and subsequent coating steps are then as for conventional sugar coating.
188.8.131.52.2 Enteric film coating (2)
Enteric polymers are capable of forming a direct film in a film coating process. Sufficient weight of enteric polymer has to be used to ensure an efficient enteric effect. Enteric coating can be combined with polysaccharides, which are enzyme degraded in colon e.g. Cyclodextrin & galactomannan.
220.127.116.11.3 Controlled release coating (2)
Polymers like modified acrylates, water insoluble cellulose (ethyl cellulose), etc. used for control release coating.
126.96.36.199 Specialized coating (1)
22.214.171.124.1 Compressed coating
This type of coating requires a specialization tablet machine. Compression coating is not widely used but it has advantages in some cases in which the tablet core cannot tolerate organic solvent or water and yet needs to be coated for taste masking or to provide delayed or enteric properties to the finished product and also to avoid incompatibility by separating incompatible ingredients.
18.104.22.168.2 Electrostatic coating
Electrostatic coating is an efficient method of applying coating to conductive substrates. A strong electrostatic charge is applied to the substrate. The coating material containing conductive ionic species of opposite charge is sprayed onto the charged substrate. Complete and uniform coating of corners and adaptability of this method to such relatively nonconductive substrate as pharmaceutical is limited.
126.96.36.199.3 Dip coating
Coating is applied to the tablet cores by dipping them into the coating liquid. The wet tablets are dried in a conventional manner in coating pan. Alternative dipping and drying steps may be repeated several times to obtain the desired coating. This process lacks the speed, versatility, and reliability of spray-coating techniques. Specialized equipment has been developed to dip-coat tablets, but no commercial pharmaceutical application has been obtained.
126.96.36.199.4 Vacuum film coating
Vacuum film coating is a new coating procedure that employs a specially designed baffled pan. The pan is hot water jacketed, and it can be sealed to achieve a vacuum system. The tablets are placed in the sealed pan, and the air in the pan is displaced by nitrogen before the desired vacuum level is obtained. The coating solution is then applied with airless spray system. The evaporation is caused by the heated pan, and the vapour is removed by the vacuum system. Because there is no high-velocity heated air, the energy requirement is low and coating efficiency is high. Organic solvent can be effectively used with this coating system with minimum environmental or safety concerns.
1.9.5 Equipments
Three general types of equipments are available
1. Standard coating pan
e.g., Pellegrin pan system
Immersion sword system
Immersion tube system
2. Perforated pan system
e.g., Accela cota system
Hicoater system
Glattcoater system
Driacoated system
3. Fluidized bed coater
1.9.6 Process parameters
Air capacity: This value represents the quantity of water or solvent that can be removed during the coating process which depends on the quantity of air flowing through the tablet bed, temperature of the air and quantity of water that the inlet air contains.
Coating composition: The coating contains the ingredients that are to be applied on the tablet surface and solvents which act as carrier for the ingredients.
Tablet surface area: It plays an important role for uniform coating. The total surface area for unit weight decreases significantly from smaller to larger tablets. Application of a film with the same thickness requires less coating composition. In the coating process only a portion of the total surface is coated. Continuous partial coating and recycling eventually results in fully coated tablets.
Equipment efficiency: Tablet coaters use the expression "coating efficiency" a value obtained by dividing the net increase in coated tablet weight by the total nonvolatile coating weight applied to the tablet. Ideally 90-95 % of the applied film coating should be on the tablet surface. Coating efficiency for conventional sugar coating is much less and 60% would be acceptable. The significant difference in coating efficiency between film and sugar coating relates to the quantity of coating material that collects on the wall.
Key Phrases
O The sugar coating involves several steps like, sealing, subcoating, colour coating and printing.
O Sugar coating process yields elegant and highly glossed tablet.
O Newer techniques utilize spraying systems and varying degree of automation to improve coating efficiency and product uniformity.
O Film coating is deposition of a thin film of polymer surrounding the tablet core.
O Film coating is more favored than sugar coating because weight increase is 2-3%, single stage process, easily adaptable to controlled release, it retains colour of original core, high adaptability to GMP, automation is possible, etc.
O Accela cota and fluidized bed equipments are widely used for film coating
O Basic formula is obtained from past experience or from literature and modifications are made accordingly. Common modifications are to alter polymer-to-plasticizer ratio or addition of different plasticizer/polymer. Experimentation of this type can be best achieved by fractional factorial study.
O Materials used in film coating include film formers, solvents, plasticizers, colourants, opaquant-extenders, surfactant, anti oxidant, etc.
O Widely used film formers are Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC),Methyl Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (MHEC), Ethyl Cellulose (EC), Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC), PovidoneO (four grades available i.e. K-15, K-30, K-60and K-90), Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, Polyethylene glycols (PEG) and Acrylate polymers (EudragitO, EudragitORL, EudragitORS, EudragitOE) are used for film coating. Eudragit(r)L & S are used for enteric coating. Eudragit(r)RL, Eudragit(r)RS, Eudragit(r)S are available as organic solution and solid while Eudragit(r)L and Eudragit(r)E are available as organic, solid or aqueous dispersion.
O Quality of film can be modified by plasticizer. Commonly used plasticizers include PG, glycerin, low molecular weight PEG, castor oils, etc. Castor oil and spans are more used for organic-solvent based coating solution while PE and PEG are used for aqueous coating.
O FD & C or D & C certified colourants are used. Lakes are choice for film coating as they give reproducible results. Opaspray(r) (opaque colour concentrate for film coating) and Opadry(r) (complete film coating concentrate) are promoted as achieving less lot-to-lot variation.
O Colourants are expensive and higher concentration is required. So materials like titanium dioxides, silicates, and carbonates are used to provide more pastel colours and increase film coverage.
Enteric Coating:
O Enteric coating is used to protect tablet core from disintegration in the acid environment of stomach to prevent degradation of acid sensitive API, prevent irritation to stomach by certain drugs, delivery of API into intestine, to provide a delayed release components for repeat action, etc.
O Several kinds of enteric layer systems are available like one layer system and two-layer system. Polymers used for enteric coating are cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP), Acrylates (Eudragit(r)L and Eudragit(r)S, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose Phthalate (HPMCP50, HPMCP55 & HPMCP 55s) and polyvinyl acetate phthalate
Enteric sugar coating:
O Here sealing coat is modified to comprise one of the enteric polymers in sufficient quantity to pass the enteric test for disintegration. The sub coating and subsequent coating steps are then as for conventional sugar coating.
O Enteric polymers are capable of forming a direct film in a film coating process. Sufficient weight of enteric polymer has to be used to ensure an efficient enteric effect.
O Enteric coating can be combined with polysaccharides, which are enzymatically degraded in colon. For example, Cyclodextrin & Galactomannan.
Controlled release coating:
O Polymers like modified acrylates, ethyl cellulose, etc are used for the same.


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If the first week of July was a rough week in terms of workouts, then the second week was absolutely horrible. For some reason, the excuses came way to easily for me last. I was exhausted. I stayed at work too late. I had too much to do at home. My boyfriend came home from work super late. There just wasn't enough time. It is really disheartening to think that I so easily give myself a pass to skip my workouts. Last year, I felt like I was in such a massive slump all year long and it certainly didn't help me move forward towards my ultimate goals. I was hoping that I was done with the slump for at least a year but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I am the only one that can get me out of my training slump and I know that I just have to push through. I can see the improvements that my weight lifting has given me so far. I can feel that my running pace is getting faster. I know that I am doing is exactly what I should be doing but I need to be more consistent with actually doing it. I am really hoping for a much better week.
Last Week's Workouts:
- Monday, 7/8/2013 – Cross Training + Strength Training
- Elliptical – 1.90 miles, 20 minutes
- Strength Training – NROLFW Workout 1A #9 (17 minutes)
I was not in the mood to wake up early on Monday morning so I decided to wait until after work to go to the gym. My boyfriend needed to extra sleep since it was going to be a really long week of work for him. One good thing about going to the gym after work is that I don't have to worry about getting ready for work afterwards. One really bad thing about it is that I can't stay too late at work even if I need to. My NROLFW workout was the second to last one for Stage 1 and I knew that it wouldn't take me very. It only involved one set but I had to do as many reps as possible with the same weights that I started with. I can honestly say that I am really pleased with the progress I have made so far.
- Tuesday, 7/9/2013 – Rest
The excuses started on Tuesday. I came home work later than I wanted to (of course) and get tied up doing some work around the house and on blog. By the time my boyfriend got home from work, I was too exhausted to go for the planned 2 mile run. I was so frustrated and annoyed with myself.
- Wednesday, 7/10/2013 – Cross Training + Strength Training
- Elliptical – 2.42 miles, 30 minutes
- Strength Training – NROLFW Workout 1B #9 (19 minutes)
On Wednesday morning, we decided to wake up early and go to the gym. My boyfriend was craving a workout and I wasn't sure I would be able to make after work. The NROLFW workout was the last one in Stage 1. It was a bittersweet moment to know that I was finished with the first stage {again} but I also feel like I really pushed myself this time around. I will be posting a recap with my current measurements and new pictures later this week.
- Thursday, 7/11/2013 – Rest
- Friday, 7/12/2013 – Rest
- Saturday, 7/13/2013 – Rest
- Sunday, 7/14/2013 – Rest
The rest of the week I spent making more excuses. I realize that it doesn't make for a great blog post but that is the truth. I am really hoping that this week will be much better for me. I am seriously going to STOP MAKING EXCUSES!
How did your workouts go last week? How do you get through an exercise slump?


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The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), a voluntary conservation program that helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture.
Eligible entities can apply at any time, but must submit applications on or before June 1, 2009, to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2009.
FRPP provides funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farmland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, the NRCS joins State, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements.
Only eligible entities may submit applications of eligible farm and ranch land. Eligible entities are State, tribal or local governments and non-governmental organizations that meet specific requirements. The entities must have an established farm and ranch land protection program.
The FRPP can provide up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the easement on the farm or ranch. At least 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the easement must be provided by the eligible entity.
Land proposed for funding in FRPP must meet one of three eligibility categories:
• contain at least fifty percent prime and unique farmland soils and soils of statewide and local importance
• contain historic or archeological resources
• contain land that supports the farm and ranch land protection policies of state or local programs
FRPP has enrolled over 620,000 acres on 3,100 farms and ranches since Congress first authorized the program in 1996. More information, including the application forms and ranking criteria, can be found at Texas NRCS website.


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Meet Douglas!
Douglas, a technical analyst, came to me having gained extensive experience within a niche market, seeking to transition into an analyst or market research role. He had developed a two-page resume which he felt could be improved on significantly. After seeing one of his coworker's resumes, also developed by Ladybug Design, he contacted me to get the process started.
Original strategy...
Douglas' original resume consisted of a basic list of job duties. His resume opened with his education section, despite not being a very recent graduate, and followed with his professional experience. In the professional experience section, he listed all of his duties in bullet points with very little white space to differentiate positions, promotions, or priorities. Page one of Douglas' resume consisted of 18 bullet points with absolutely no spacing between any section, and page two followed with two additional roles (6 bullet points), a skills section, and a table of relevant courses.
New strategy...
Given Douglas was coming into the market having amassed some very specific types of experience with an organization unique in its industry, it was imperative that we present the value of his experience along with the transferability of the functions he had performed. During my discussion with Douglas--which focused on how he contributed "value" to his past employers by doing things outside of his "duties"--I took eight pages of notes, and perhaps even more important, gained the insight I needed to really focus his background in the direction needed to secure a target position.
I created a unique design for Douglas' new resume, ensuring a clean, modern, and technical feel to reinforce the candidate I was presenting on paper. Imperative to positioning Douglas, I opened the resume with a qualifications summary reflecting the core skills and experience that would be sought by the hiring managers he was trying to attract. Through a brief paragraph overview of his background and a list of strengths, Douglas is now promoting how he is qualified for his target positions rather than expecting a hiring manager to "figure out" how he fits within the organization.
Perhaps most dramatic was the transformation of the professional experience section. From what was a never-ending list of bullet points came a prioritized, aesthetically pleasing and engaging presentation of Douglas' positions and the value he contributed. Gleaned mostly from our conversation and my probing of key areas where I knew he would have made an impact based on the details contained in his job descriptions and original resume, his new resume focuses on his key differentiating factors. You will notice that this section presents a brief paragraph overview of his "job" followed by bulleted achievements with bold formatting highlighting the results of his actions. This best practices-based approach ensures the reader can glean as much value as possible during the ever-so-brief seven-second screening process.
Douglas' new resume, as mentioned above, does not open with his education section as it did in his original version. Often not understood by candidates -- but a good point to note -- is that rarely can candidates differentiate themselves based on education alone. Therefore, opening a resume with an education section versus a qualifications summary is never the best presentation of your candidacy. While a degree can be very important, you need to remember that hundreds, if not thousands of candidates also possess that same degree; what is actually unique about candidates is based on the experience they have acquired throughout their career, however brief. Presenting education as a bonus to that experience is typically the best approach as candidates can rarely -- unless graduating from a particularly noteworthy institution or aggressive and/or unique program -- sell themselves based on education alone as Douglas was attempting to do.
Through strategic positioning, prioritization of content and additional exploration of Douglas' value, he emerged with a strong resume that differentiates him in a saturated market.
Douglas' success...
Douglas was kind enough to think of me when he landed his new position, telling me, "I would just like to drop you a line to thank you for the exceptional resume and cover letter you developed for me. Your service has helped me land a job with a Fortune 500 company."
View Douglas' before and after resumes at ladybug-design.com.
Samantha Nolan is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and owner of Ladybug Design, a full-service resume-writing firm. Do you have a resume or job search question for Dear Sam? Reach Samantha at email@example.com or watch her weekly 'Dear Sam Live' session on Ladybug Design's Facebook page. For more about Sam's resume writing services, visit www.ladybug-design.com or call 614-570-3442 or 1-888-952-3928.


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Shopping for groceries, food and drinks online might be something you never considered doing. After all, you grew up going along with mom and dad to the grocery store, and that may feel like the only way to stock your home with food. That simply is not true anymore. Many of you are already buying you supplements online but what about your groceries? Many websites offer groceries, food and drink with price comparisons, shipping deals and other incentives.
1. Buying online in bulk is one major way that consumers, especially families, can save a lot of money. Now with gas prices going up, you can save a trip to the store. Websites that sell in bulk often offer deals on their shipping if you spend enough money. This is a great way for large families to stock up on non perishable goods without having to truck around to wholesale marts and pay exorbitant membership fees, only to wind up still overpaying for their bulk food items.
2. Though most of us think of Amazon.com as a source for books and products, Amazon has an entire selection of grocery products at prices that are very reasonable. They carry a lot of gourmet and hard to find items at reasonable rates. They also sell bulk foods. With their Amazon Prime system, some grocery items will qualify for free shipping, which should knock a decent amount of shipping cost off an order if decisions are made carefully.
3. We all know that Wal-Mart has expanded into Super Centers in recent years which include grocery stores, but did you know you can buy groceries from Wal-Mart online, too? They have some of the best prices around on basic staple items and will deliver right to your door. Much like Amazon, some of their items will qualify for free shipping.
4. Even if you are not specifically ordering your food from the Internet, your local supermarket will generally have a circular available on their website which will tell you what is on sale from week to week and what is available. These websites generally also have coupons that you can load onto your store rewards card or print out to use in-store. By planning meals around sales and using coupons, you can save on groceries using the Internet.
5. Last but not least, comparison shopping using the Internet is a way that you can shop around to see what store has the best price on what items. Look at the circulars of the stores in your neighborhood. See which stores have which sales and which websites have which coupons, and plan your shopping trip accordingly. If you can save significant money by making two trips, then the research you just did on the Internet will keep cash in your wallet!
Author Bio:
Frank Conley is an advocate for healthy lifestyle choices and beastin in the gym. Saving money is also a huge priority, because eating healthy isn't cheap. If you live in a rural area and have crappy internet, check out high speed satellite internet at a great price.


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Just want to wrap up my Palm Springs, CA trip with you all on the blog today! Since I've started to travel more, I definitely plan on sharing in-depth reviews about my lodging accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Today I want to talk about my quick stay at a Palm Springs hotspot--The Saguaro.
Cost will always be a huge factor for me when it comes to finding a hotel room during my travels. I try my hardest to spend money wisely and there's just no way I can afford more of the chic hotel accommodations at this point in life. With that said, I would not have been able to stay at The Saguaro during the New Year festivities if I had not found a Groupon deal for it! I snagged my room for a few cents under $140+hotel incidentals fee+resort fee. After all fees combined, my one night totaled out to be just under $170 compared to the then cost of $225+.
I checked-in to my room around 11:30pm after a full day in Los Angeles and was so happy to end up in a nice, spacious, clean room! The pictures above are from the morning I check-out. I promise my bed was made when I arrived! Whenever I arrive at my lodging accommodation I give the space a little walk through just to make sure everything is clean and whatever is promised on the property's site to be in the room is actually there.
I had the Mountain View King room and this was the view I woke up to!
Besides the price, the reputation of The Saguaro caught my eye. It's probably by far the most recognizable hotel in the area du Reading other blogs, scrolling through my Instagram feed, or even clicking around on Pinterest, I always saw pictures of this place. So when I decided to head out to the area I knew I had to someway, somehow stay here even if it was for just one night!
The Saguaro also has great amenities. It was too cold to take a dip in the pool and I was far to exhausted to get a work out in, but I did wake up the next morning to grab breakfast at El Jefe. El Jefe is right next to the concierge desk and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I chose a classic breakfast and was highly impressed. I never really eat butter on my toast but I ate ALL of the butter this time. It was so whipped and creamy! I highly recommend grabbing breakfast during your stay! You won't regret it.
All in all, my night at The Saguaro was wonderful. From the moment I checked in to the time I checked out, I had an amazing experience. Be sure to check out the property's website if you're thinking about spending time out there!
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Hello, I'm Margo.
25 year old laid-back lady currently pursuing my MBA in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Just using my blog to share my growing faith, evolving style, favorite recipes, and exciting travels with you!
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Blog Archives
January 2018


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UPDATES with McGinn challenging Conlin to a debate
Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin on Tuesday posted a blog post accusing Mayor Mike McGinn of stretching the truth to make people afraid about the tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
In response, McGinn challenged Conlin to a debate.
The deep-bored tunnel would replace the downtown section of the aging, earthquake-damaged viaduct. McGinn said in a recent letter to Gov. Chris Gregoire that he would ask the City Council to reconsider its commitment to a tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct if the controversial law requiring Seattle to pay cost overruns on the $4.2 billion project remained in place.
"The claim that Seattle is 'on the hook' for AWV replacement project cost overruns is an exaggeration and serves solely to instill fear and doubt," Conlin wrote. "It's time for Seattle's Mayor and those opposed to the regionally approved replacement alternative to face facts; the primary cause of potential cost overruns is intentional delay. Delaying the project only increases the danger of a catastrophe and hurts the economy and Seattle taxpayers."
McGinn told the governor that city officials will work in good faith with the state to deal with cost overruns and other design issues. McGinn has opposed the tunnel project, favoring an option that would tear down the waterfront bridge and disperse traffic on surface streets. City Council members and labor leaders have said McGinn is making cost overruns more likely by trying to delay the project.
The cost overrun provision has been controversial ever since state lawmakers approved the legislation authorizing the tunnel in April 2009. Tunnel supporters say the provision was included to get necessary votes and the clause that a municipality pay cost overruns – unprecedented in any state transportation project – would not withstand legal scrutiny.
But since then some lawmakers have said they will not allocate any more than the state's $2.8 billion share for the project. Seattle has agreed to pay for $900 million in related tunnel costs.
Conlin said "…while no one can promise that cost overruns will not occur, they are not 'inevitable' as Mayor McGinn has repeatedly suggested. The most unpredictable element of the project that is likely to escalate in cost is the boring of the tunnel itself. That portion of the project is priced at approximately $350 million. The $2.8 billion estimate for the state's construction projects around the Viaduct replacement includes $415 million in unallocated funds to cover unanticipated risks. So even if the tunnel boring were to double in cost, there would still be nearly $65 million available for additional cost increases before any overruns would be incurred by anyone."
In a statement late Tuesday, McGinn said: "I think it is time that Richard and I air these issues and talk them through in a public forum. A debate like this between us will give the public a chance to decide for themselves whether or not we should worry about cost overruns."
Conlin staffer Rob Gala says in an e-mail "Richard is on vacation and I can't speak to his interest in a debate….The Council is focused on reviewing the various elements of the project and the associated agreements with the state, assessing risk and determining how best to move forward. The bi-weekly Council committee meetings are open to the public and provide ample opportunity for discussion and comment."


text: The Whistle Bar, the Bull and the Garden of Eden are all located in the same building. Not really sure why the Whistle Bar and Bull are different bars, they seem more like the same bar on two floors but whatever. There is a great balcony at the Whistle Bar where you can look out […]Read More


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From Homer, Alaska, USA:
My 12-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes two years ago, controls her blood sugars with the use of an insulin pump. A year ago, I read about the possible benefits of Vitamin D so her physician put her on Vitamin D 1000 IU daily. One year later, her Vitamin D level is 30 with a recommended level of 50 to 55. We crush the pill and give it to her every morning with breakfast. What is a safe amount of Vitamin D for a 12-year-old? Should we be giving it differently to increase absorption? Are there other tests into which we should be looking?
First of all, the issue with Vitamin D and type 1 diabetes is not clear cut. Therefore, the optimal dosing is not known. The current recommendations for Vitamin D (25-hydroxy Vitamin D) concentrations in serum is more than 30 ng/mL. But, these are values to optimize calcium absorption and prevent thinned out bones. It is NOT based on any sort of treatment for type 1 diabetes.
The previously touted (and still current) Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D has been about 400 units. This is probably too small, especially in a society that drinks less milk, etc.
Your doctor might want to consider increasing the dose to 2000 units daily (I would not recommend more without more testing), but the serum calcium (and Vitamin D) and urine calcium and creatinine values should be assessed periodically so as to look for side effects such as kidney stones. But, again, this has essentially no basis in regards to her type 1 diabetes.
Original posting 13 Nov 2007
Posted to Other Medications
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Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:10:14
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.
This site is published by T-1 Today, Inc. (d/b/a Children with Diabetes), a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which is responsible for its contents. Our mission is to provide education and support to families living with type 1 diabetes.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Legal Notice, and Privacy Policy.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2018. Comments and Feedback.


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Sports Medicine
Once perceived as discipline concerned only with repairing athletes' traumatic injuries, sports medicine is now recognized as a medical science that is expanding the understanding of the body's integrated response to all forms of physical activity. Our Surgeons can help you prevent and recover from injuries, whether you are a world class athlete or just slightly active.
Acute sports injuries include:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Sprains
- Strains
- ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation


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Beatles muse Lucy Vodden dies
Lucy Voden, the inspiration for the classic Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, has died.
The 46-year-old British housewife succumbed to the autoimmune disease lupus, announced the St Thomas' Lupus Trust charity.
Vodden was a schoolmate of John Lennon's son Julian, who drew the titular picture of the girl in 1966. When Julian's famous father asked him about the artwork, Julian replied, "That's Lucy in the sky with diamonds."
The actual drawing:
Vodden told BBC radio her story two years ago, saying, "I remember Julian and I both doing pictures on a double-sided easel, throwing paint at each other, much to the horror of the classroom
attendant... Julian had painted a picture and on that particular day his father turned up with the chauffeur to pick him up from school."
Julian Lennon recently reached out to Vodden and is "shocked and saddened" by the death of his school chum.
Now Lucy truly is in her own sky of diamonds.
Recent Beatles news
Beatles breaking international sales records
The Beatles: Rock Band debuts
What happened when American Idol tackled The Beatles?


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63244 10440654191
Problem: Decorative candles can also be fire hazards.
This Three-Candle Halloween Candelabra and Set of 2 Replacement Bulbs uses LEDs instead of real flames to create a fun, festive, but also safe decoration.
Mimicking realistic flames, this unique, Halloween candelabra uses three LED light bulbs to create a flickering, candle-like effect in any window—without the fire hazard. Its unique, candelabra design houses three orange Halloween candlesticks and is made of ABS plastic with a plated steel base that mounts easily. Cast an eerie, seasonally appropriate glow with this fun, orange accessory, while minimizing the risk of fire—safe, smart and fun! Be sure to purchase our set of 2 Replacement Flicker LED Light Bulbs to keep the "candles" burning.
• Three candlestick Halloween candelabra and replacement flicker LED light bulbs
• Adds an eerie glow to any window—a fun, safe way to decorate for Halloween!
• No-flame design uses long-lasting LED light bulbs; replacement bulbs available
• Made of ABS plastic and plated steel; easy to mount
• Eliminates the need for open flames or other potential fire hazards
Candelabra: 9½"L x 3"W x 12"H
Problem Solvers offers innovative products to solve life's everyday problems. Explore home organization and storage solutions for any room, including kitchen and dining, bed and bath, laundry room, basement, entryway—even yard and garden. Our unique range of problem-solving products also solves dilemmas related to pest control, pet care, health and well being, travel and more. Our Blog offers valuable tips, tricks and inspiration for simplifying your home and garden needs or finding that perfect gift.


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After growing up in the state of Washington, Jeff attended Concordia University, Portland with a BA in Business and Pre-Seminary studies. He then went on to receive his M.Div from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
Jeff and his wife, Cindy, were married in 1988. Jeff, Cindy, and their three boys joined Redeemer's Family in the fall of 2002.
Hebrews 12:2, "Fix your eyes upon Jesus who for the Joy set before Him endured the Cross for You!
Pastor Andrew Bartholomew is a pastor's kid (PK) who is also from Minnesota, but as a PK, has grown up in many different places. Andrew graduated in 1997 while in Akron, OH. After graduating from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul in 2004, Andrew headed to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to become a second career pastor. In 2014, Andrew accepted his first call to a congregation in West Texas.
Andrew and Jennifer were married in November 2007. The couple and their four children have been with Redeemer since January 1, 2017.


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No, there is no distinguishable difference between the capabilities of a Sig Sauer MCX and an AR-15. Both of these machines are incredibly powerful rifles, capable of causing extreme amounts of harm. Though they are logically two different guns, there is a larger problem being avoided when the debate is centered around things as irrelevant as the difference between two rifles, rather than the problem there is with these rifles being accessible to civilians.
Calling these weapons the same because they both are chambered with the same diminutive .223 round is like saying a Toyota Prius and a Lamborghini are the same because they both run on gasoline. The only thing they both have in common is the need for a human being to operate them. In both the case of the car and the rifle, the user determines use for malice or recreation
Despite both guns being considered "assault weapons," there is a difference between the Sig Sauer MCX and AR-15. The Sig Sauer MCX is considered to be an automatic weapon, meaning that you don't have to pull the trigger again in order to fire. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic weapon that has to be pulled again and again.
The MCX uses a gas 2 piston drive to cycle the bolt. Most AR-15s have a DI (direct impingement) gas system to cycle the bolt. The MCX does not have a buffer tube and spring in the stock. The MXC also has a side folding stock. They look similar but a very different firearms.
The MCX uses a gas 2 piston drive to cycle the bolt. Most AR-15s have a DI (direct impingement) gas system to cycle the bolt. The MCX does not have a buffer tube and spring in the stock. The MXC also has a side folding stock. They look similar but a very different firearms.
The Sig Sauer MCX that Mateen bought was a .223 (5.56mm) semi-automatic rifle: stress on semi-automatic. Can fire once per finger pull.
The majority of AR-15s sold in the US are also .223 caliber semi-automatic.
Where these weapons get their bad reputation from the Left is the "ugly gun" connotation; they aren't as pretty as say a Remington 750 Woodsman or a Ruger All-weather Ranch Rifle, both semi-automatic
rifles. The Ruger can also be configured to fire the 5.56 round.
If the next mass murderer uses one of these weapons, along with a bunch of spare magazines for fast reloading, would anti-firearms types launch a campaign to ban these?
The Sig Sauer MCX and the AR-!5 are both semi-automatic rifles with the only differences being manufacturer specific details. Both rifles fire the .223 or 5.56 nato round, but can also come in a variety of other calibers and capacities. Neither weapon is fully automatic, firing only one round per trigger pull, although both weapons do have the capability of being made fully automatic providing the proper licences and federal background checks are obtained.
No, there is no difference between the Sig Sauer MCX and an AR-15. Both have been used in terrorist attacks, so both have the potential for mass murder. These guns in particular should be regulating by the United States government to protect innocent citizens from future attacks like the hundreds occurring in 2016 alone.


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ARTIST: Spectrum-X
ALBUM: Darkest Night Ever
LABEL: Darkest Labyrinth
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
Italian duo Spectrum-X, now teamed up with guitarist Kiwamu of Japanese gothic rock band Blood, have crafted a concept album so over-the-top in its theatricality that fans will undoubtedly either love it or hate it. Between the unusual vocal styles, metal-inspired guitars, and an aesthetic that combines the malevolent child imagery of early Marilyn Manson, the science fiction horror of White Zombie, and the decadent Victorian fashion of the Japanese visual kei scene, there's little room for much of a middle ground. Creepy keyboards and church bells quickly establish a mood of old-fashioned spookiness on intro track "Darkest Night Ever," a mood that's continued on the Halloween-themed "Trick or Treat (We're Coming to Your Town)," which also uses the childlike vocals of keyboardist and singer CandyBones to add to the fairytale-gone-wrong atmosphere. More puzzling is "Gnomes Bones," an infectious if bizarre mixture of jackhammer beats, crunchy guitar chords, and vocals that alternate between CandyBones' nervous falsetto and drummer/vocalist Nullifer's bellowing. With its deceptively playful lyrics of pony-stealing imps combined with the sheer brutality of the music, it's hard to parse whether the song is laughable or legitimately frightening, nor is it ever quite clear which direction the band was even aiming for in the first place. Nullifer certainly sounds serious enough, adopting a baritone rasp that recalls Dave Mustaine, right down to the extended drawls that give two or three extra syllables to each vowel sound. About halfway through the album, instrumental track "Passage into the Future" signifies the transition between scary fairytale metal and futuristic horror film themes, starting off with violins and then bursting into techno beats and rapid synthesizer sequences. From here on out, the album is more of a straightforward industrial offering, with tracks like "Electrostatic Forms" and "Holograms of Sorrow" recalling Rob Zombie's work in both their imagery and their usage of heavy metal guitars riding a wave of jagged keyboards and programmed rhythms. With dual voices and a tendency to pair the most violent vocal moments with unexpectedly perky keyboard lines, though, Spectrum-X definitely manage their own unique take on the genre. Whether they'll gain a large following remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that once you've heard Spectrum-X, you won't soon forget them.
Visit the band's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/spectrumx for more information.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, mix egg, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, rhubarb, blueberries and 2 tablespoons flour. Pour mixture into a prepared, unbaked pie shell (8-inch).
In a small bowl, cut 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, and butter together until pea-size clumps are formed. Sprinkle above mixture on top of pie filling.
Bake pie for 10 minutes. Lower heat to 350 degrees F and bake another 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
A viewer or guest of the show, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. It has not been tested for home use.
Recipe courtesy Deb Perry 2002 for FoodNetwork.com's Perfect Pie Championship Cook-Off Competition
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So we are happily ensconced in our new town and settled into our little rental house, as it turns out, for another two years. Since we had to short sell our house upon leaving L.A., we can't get another mortgage for three years after the sell of the house. Bummer. But really fine. It gives us more time to save and find the right house for us.
So in the meantime, our rental house is darling and in a neighborhood that we love, and our landlords are actual wonderful, nice people (as opposed to some cold rental management company). And while the house is old and has suffered some wear over the years from past renters, there were a few cosmetic things that were starting to bother me about living here. But as a renter, there's only so much you can do that is not a big expenditure and that will be removable upon vacating the premises.
The door in my bathroom was one such irk. The bathroom is a thoroughfare room so it has two doors. The bothersome door leads to another room, which leads to the backyard. The door has window panes to keep the light flowing through the windowless bathroom, and had a sad kind of blue gingham check curtain covering the panes to protect the privacy of the person using the bathroom. It collects dust and makes the room seem more closed in than it actually is.
I had bought these interesting ephemera papers involving birds and butterflies from a frame store in town months ago, not having any idea what I was going to do with them, just that they looked old and beautiful. And then it dawned on me that I could decoupage the glass. It's only paper -- it will be removable when we leave if the new tenants or owners desire, or can be covered up with the crappy curtain again.
And so I got the Mod Podge and got to work.
Next decoupage project: Superhero comic book dresser for the boys' room!


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The Master of Arts in Christian Practice (M.A.C.P.) degree is designed for students to engage in disciplined theological reflection to enrich their Christian service in the church and world. The degree, which combines intensive on-campus sessions with online learning, offers students the opportunity to reflect theologically on practices of lay professional ministry or other Christian service. This program is designed primarily for those seeking to enhance lay vocations while remaining in full-time ministry or in other professional positions.
M.A.C.P. students include youth and young adult ministers from North Carolina and around the country; business people, lawyers and other professions, and those preparing for ordination as deacons in the United Methodist Church.
Fulfill Deacon's Requirements
The M.A.C.P. degree is designed to meet the course requirements for United Methodists seeking certification studies (in, for example, children's or youth ministry) and fulfills the Basic Graduate Theological Studies requirements for ordination as a deacon.
Scholarship Support
All admitted students receive an Engaged Leaders Scholarship, a merit-based award covering 25% of tuition costs for the duration of the program. Certified candidates for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church may also be eligible for Ministerial Education Fund support. Contact the Ministerial Education Fund coordinator of the Board of Ordained Ministry in your conference for more information.
The hybrid learning environment offers M.A.C.P. students the best of both worlds. Six one-week intensive residential sessions scheduled over the course of two years take place at Duke Divinity School's campus in Durham, N.C. Students also participate in online learning that includes scheduled online classes and self-paced learning. In this way, students are able to remain in ministry while also engaging in rigorous theological reflection.
The program's core course sequence is designed to deepen students' knowledge and appreciation of the Bible and Christian theological tradition.
Year 1
- Term 1 (Fall)
- Parish 705 (Introduction to Mission and Ministry)
- Old Testament 706 (Intro to Old Testament)
- Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)
- Term 2 (Spring)
- New Testament 707 (Intro to New Testament)
- Church History 708 (Intro to Church History)
- Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)
- Term 3 (Summer)
- Christian Theology 705 (Intro to Christian Theology)
- Liturgical Studies 709 (Intro to Christian Worship)
- Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)
Year 2
- Term 4 (Fall)
- Program track elective
- Program track elective
- Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)
- Term 5 (Spring)
- Program track elective
- Program track elective
- Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)
- Term 6 (Summer)
- Program track elective
- Program track elective
- Christian Practice 701 (Capstone Course)
Program courses, both online and on campus, are taught by regular Duke faculty and give students the opportunity to engage in a world-class education no matter where they are located. In addition to their classes, students participate in an ongoing seminar in Christian formation that seeks to integrate learning with spiritual practice.
M.A.C.P. intensive residential seminars typically occur at the following times:
- Term 1 and Term 4 - Mid-August
- Term 2 and Term 5 - First week of January
- Term 3 and Term 6 - Third or fourth week of May
- Degrees are conferred at the end of Term 6 in late August. Students participate in commencement in May of the following year.
Degree concentrations build upon the core curriculum, engaging students in contemporary practices of ministry. Concentrations include:
Serving Congregations
Engage in specialized training for students interested in serving congregations in positions such as youth and children's ministers, pastoral caregivers, mission and outreach directors, and church business administrators. This track enables United Methodist students to fulfill requirements for ordination as a deacon.
Engaging the World
Study practices of reconciliation, Christian responses to poverty and injustice, and ministry in intercultural contexts.
Forming Scriptural Imagination
Reflect deeper on Christian practice within the context of your current vocation (law, medicine, and more).
Application Information
Duke Divinity School accepts applications for the Master of Arts in Christian Practices program beginning in September and concluding with the application deadline in April.
Requirements include:
- Currently employed/aspire to be employed in a congregation or in a profession and committed to lay ministry, ordination as a deacon, or to professional service as a lay vocation
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 in a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university prior to the intended date of enrollment
Application Deadline
- Early deadline: November 1
- Priority deadline (to be considered for merit scholarships): January 15
- Final deadline: April 15
1. Application currently offline
We are currently making changes to the Application in preparation for the 2019 season. Please check back in mid-September to create an account and begin applying.
Directions listed below will be largely unchanged for the upcoming season.
2. Work on your application form
The system requires you to submit information in 3 sections in order to complete your application. The first step is to answer all required questions and to submit the application form.
Please upload .pdf documents
3. Add your recommender information
- Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted through the online application system are required: 1 academic, 1 church, and 1 personal/character or additional academic or church.
All applicants will be asked to provide recommenders' contact information as part of the online application. After you enter your recommender's information, the system will automatically send an email request to your recommender. The email will contain instructions guiding your recommender through the process of submitting a recommendation via our secure form.
Please ask your recommenders to upload .pdf files.
4. Pay the fee and submit your application
A $55 non-refundable application fee is collected by credit card when you submit the online application. The online application must be submitted before you can upload required supplemental materials. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that you have adequate time to upload all required supplemental materials by the final program deadline.
5. Submit required supplemental documents by deadline
The online application and fee must be submitted before you can upload required supplemental materials. Supplemental materials such as unofficial transcripts, essays, resume, and any writing samples can only be uploaded once your application and fee are submitted.
- Unofficial Transcripts
- All applicants must have, at minimum, an unofficial copy of their transcript from the college or university that granted or will grant their bachelor's level degree. Additional coursework or degree information from previous colleges, universities, graduate schools, study abroad institutions, and seminaries may also be uploaded as part of the application. Transcripts may be submitted regardless of when you attended, how many hours you earned, or whether you earned a degree or not.
- Transcripts must be uploaded as part of your online application. Do not send paper or electronic copies directly to us.
- All students who are admitted and matriculate at Duke Divinity School must submit final transcripts showing that the minimally required degree has been granted before enrollment.
- The file limit size is 2.5 MB, so please compress files that are over this size.
- Submit .pdf files only
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
You will upload your resume as part of the online application process. The resume should provide an overview of your life and experiences — educational background, work experience, church or vocational preparation, leadership roles, professional affiliations, honors and awards, community service, skills, and interests and hobbies.
- Recommendations
- Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted through the online application system are required: 1 academic, 1 church, and 1 personal/character or additional academic or church.
- All applicants will be asked to provide recommenders' contact information as part of the online application. After you enter your recommender's information, the system will automatically send an email request to your recommender. The email will contain instructions guiding your recommender through the process of submitting a recommendation via our secure form.
- Please ask your recommenders to upload .pdf files.
- Statement of Purpose
A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Duke Divinity School to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
Applications must be complete in order to be considered by the Admissions Committee. All supporting documents (e.g., transcripts and reference letters not submitted online) must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on the stated deadline date. If the application deadline date falls on a weekend, all applications and supporting documents must be received in the Admissions Office by 5:00 p.m. EST on the Monday after the deadline date.
All non-U.S. citizens must review the application requirements for international applicants.
Note: International applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that the visa process is complete before the June residency. The Duke Visa application process takes between 1-2 months to complete.
- Endorsement Letter
One letter of recommendation must be from a church official affirming support of your pursuit of theological education in the United States. Please ask your recommender to upload .pdf files.
- TOEFL Scores for International Applicants
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of the application process. Official TOEFL scores must be transmitted electronically from the Educational Testing Services (E.T.S.) to Duke (institution code 5156). Personal copies are not accepted and must be less than two years old.
A TOEFL waiver question is included in the online application form. You do not need to contact us in advance if you meet the criteria for a TOEFL waiver. No exceptions will be made if you do not meet the criteria:
- Received or will receive by the time of enrollment an undergraduate degree where the language of instruction was English only (the official language of the country is English)
- Earned or will earn by the time of enrollment an undergraduate degree from a college or university in the United States
Financial Certification
Unlike many schools, Duke does not require financial support documents as part of the application; instead, students submit this information after they have been admitted and are enrolled in the program.
Duke does not automatically issue I-20s to students upon admission. Instead, students work with the department to submit information and supporting documents to Duke's Visa Services Office. The process is described below.
- Upon accepting the offer of admission, a student will receive an email from our office with a User Name and password in order to complete the online Request for Temporary Visa Form - Part II.
- The student completes the online form, prints it off, signs it, and returns it to our office, along with the appropriate supporting documents.
- Students must show liquid funds in the total amount listed in the PDF document available on our Tuition page.
- Financial documents must be less than four months old.
- Only after we receive everything from the student will our office complete Part I of the Request for Temporary Visa Form. At that time, the student's entire packet will be sent to Duke Visa Services for processing.
- Visa documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are usually issued within 2 calendar weeks from the date that Duke Visa Services received the completed packet.
- Register for your visa appointment only after you receive your visa documents.
Those on non-Duke visas complete a modified process during the enrollment period.
Graduation Requirements
The Master of Arts in Christian Practice is normally completed in two years. Requirements for graduation are:
- Twelve courses completed in no less than two academic years, plus satisfactory participation in an ongoing spiritual formation seminar
- Student portfolio: compile a portfolio to be reviewed by a faculty advisor
- The maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0
- Completion of all degree requirements for the degree within a four-year period
Please note that students enrolled in the M.A.C.P. cannot apply transfer credits from another institution to their program.
We're available to answer any questions you might have. Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or (919) 660-3436 or toll-free: (888) GO-2-DUKE. The resources below will also help you learn more about our programs


text:
Japanese for Mirror Room. On the Noh Stage this is where the actors prepare themselves. It is called the Mirror room beacuse of the large mirror that the actors use to prepare their mask.
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Aurora borealis
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text:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Trim the Tree
26 comments:
Ah you're too cute! I don't get to decorate my apartment this year but my fingers are crossed that I'll have free reign over my tree choices next christmas! I will definitely be using that shade of pink and hopefully have a white or silver tree :)ReplyDelete
So cute. We have never used ribbon in my house to decorate a tree but I have seen so many people with it. So cuteReplyDelete
Oh my gosh you should have lived with my roommate and me last year! your tree is a perfect interpretation of everything that we had to decorate our room! Clearly, I love your tree :)ReplyDelete
What an adorable tree! You'll have to show us all of your decorations when you're finished!ReplyDelete
Yes, our house is mostly decorated. I had to buy a lot this year too since it's a new place and has different areas to decorate. So fun though!
Love the leopard ribbon!!ReplyDelete
This is adorable! You probably have the most fashionable Christmas tree out there!ReplyDelete
Life Unsweetened
so cute! and i got to see it in person last night. :)ReplyDelete
Oh my gosh, SO cute! Love it!ReplyDelete
How adorable! We're all decked out for Christmas, though these Abu Dhabi houses are a little trickier to make festive. No fireplace!ReplyDelete
You are officially the person I aspire to be. Leopard. Gold. and glitter. Amazing.ReplyDelete
I love that wreath! Such a fun idea using the animal print ribbon :)ReplyDelete
Love your decorations! So you!ReplyDelete
This is so adorable! I love the wreath especially! I will have a post about my decor coming up soon on my blog! Stay tuned!ReplyDelete
What a cute and girly way to decorate your tree! I have 2 trees, one has decorations on it that all have special meaning, and one is all sparkly snowflakes. And the leopard ribbon on the wreath is perfect!ReplyDelete
love the pink ornamentReplyDelete
so cute! I hope your enjoying getting to decorate your own place!!ReplyDelete
I've started decorating, but I don't think that a Xmas tree is going to happen this year because of the puppy. I love how you incorporated both pink sparkles AND leopard! Looks great together :)ReplyDelete
such a fasionable tree!ReplyDelete
So pretty! Love the fun touches of leopard, and great idea to use the ribbon for the wreath!ReplyDelete
A leopard Christas tree, I love! The wreath addition turned out great too!ReplyDelete
I LOVE the leopard ornament, so so cute!ReplyDelete
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
ob. sessed. badly. I like your theme... a lot! go figure!ReplyDelete
Love the pics of your tree and decorations. ANything glittery is fabulous in my book!ReplyDelete
Haha I'm embarrassed to say that my tree has been up since October 28th.. wish my husband would let me get away with covering out tree in leopard print! So cute! :)ReplyDelete
lynette marie
never thought of leopard and Christmas. great tree!ReplyDelete
xoxo navy & orange
I love your christmas decorations Caitlin! My mom, sisters and I went with an animal print theme this year too and even though at first I wasn't sure about it with Christmas, now I love it!ReplyDelete


text:
This Is Not Your Mother's Book-of-the-Month Club
JibJab, the company best known for the political satire "This Land" and for developing OfficeMax's justifiablly popular ElfYourself Christmas promotion, wants you to read to your child.
Not surprisingly, JibJab has something rather specific in mind: its own new children's picture story offering, The Biggest Pizza Ever. With this free download from the iTunes App store, you paste your own child's face into the space provided, specify name, gender, and skin tone, and are instantly presented with a series of JibJab's patently clever Photoshop-style animations: your child in the role of the merry pizza chef whose pizza creation is so large and ambitious that it threatens to take over the whole town. Each page of rhyming text includes an active illustration of the child-chef, rolling, kneading, using a helicopter to scatter the increasingly ridiculous toppings. It's a simple story, fun, a little bit derivative—even my children instantly recognized echoes of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Giant Jam Sandwich. But it doesn't matter.
Because that's your child there, under the chef's hat! Your child's name right there in the text, in the right font and everything! And that child is going to be thrilled. Thrilled, I tell you. So thrilled that he or she will want The Biggest Pizza Ever over and over again. But will you be thrilled, when you reach the end and it's very clear to your child that there is another story—in fact two more stories—that do the same thing? And they are available for $7.99 or, if you join JibJab's monthly e-book club, $3.99, with another $3.99 charged to your iTunes account if you choose to buy each month's offering.
Apparently plenty of parents are thrilled; JibJab's Gregg Spiridellis says the book-of-the-month option is outselling the "a la carte" option, and the app was in the top ten grossing apps for iPad books last week. If you do read to your child from your iPad, The Biggest Pizza ever and its companion volumes will surely be frequently enjoyed additions to your "collection." (And as a business idea, the book-of-the-month option is a brilliant example of taking the old and making it new again.)
But do you really want to read to your child from your iPad?
To its credit, JibJabJr.'s e-books are, as they themselves say in their press release, "not hyper-clickable toys." You or your child must read the words if they are to be read; the app does not talk or play an annoyingly repetitive ditty while it runs. The figures do what they do on the screen; they don't interact, and a poke or a swipe will not change the story or the experience. There's no question that this is an e-book, and not a game, even with its (very entertaining) gimmick.
But it's still an e-book, not a book. The Biggest Pizza Ever exists only within your iPad's screen; your child can not carry it in the stroller or turn its pages under the swingset, unless you are a far more tolerant iPad owner than most. And even if your $499 (minimum) gadget is fair game and freely available to sticky fingers at every moment, it probably won't be brought to school for sharing time (and what a disaster that would be in any case). It won't create in your child's mind the association of bedtime with a book, that disconnected, singular experience with a magic that lies, at least in part, in ithe fact that you alter it only by the way you experience it. The problem lies not in the story but in the medium. No matter how quietly we're reading on it, my children know the iPad for what it is: a portal to a world of videos, games, and endless entertainment. Its very presence changes the tenor of the moment. It's nice that it morphs into something like a book once in a while, but it can really never do more than mimic the book experience.
So while the JibJab app is more than welcome on my iPad, it won't find its virtual way into the basket of books by the couch where we do our nightly reading. It's a very cool app. But in my book, an app is still an app.