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Home » Law
Category Archives: Law
The Next Big Thing? (Elyn Saks)
People like to talk about transformative social change, but almost everyone gets it wrong. When I was a teenager, for example, there was much talk about the pressing challenges of finding meaningful ways to fill the bourgeoning amount of free time that our rapidly improving technology would inevitably bring. These days, such talk produces the same sort of whistful smile as the flying cars that futurologists confidently told us that we'd be piloting, Jetson-like, to our personal helipods.
Meanwhile, gay marriage is now largely accepted throughout most Western countries, and recreational marijuana use is legal in no less than 8 American states. Maybe somebody saw that coming, but nobody I know did (myself most definitely included).
When it comes to mental illness, on the other hand, the record is much more mixed. As neuroscience strides ahead at stunning speed and psychologists rush to embrace the likes of fMRI and other real-time imaging tools, it's difficult to say whether or not, when all is said and done, we live in a more or less tolerant society than when I was in high school. (more…)
Reasons For Optimism (Frans de Waal)
There are plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about our fellow humans these days, but starting a new year is as good a reason as any to embrace a little bit of optimism.
An obvious way to proceed is by appreciating the progress recently made that, due to its gradual pace, has been largely imperceptible. A noted example involves Frans de Waal, the noted primatologist and writer.
Frans has been urging us to focus our attention on the animal kingdom for years now, through such books as Chimpanzee Politics, The Age of Empathy, The Bonobo and the Atheist and, most recently, Are We Smart Enough To Know How Smart Animals Are?
These books, I must confess, hardly produce unequivocally positive sentiments, filled as they are with untold examples of our collective sense of grandiosity and hubris as we continue to dogmatically maintain our own superiority – emotionally, intellectually and ethically – to the other nonhuman life that surrounds us, often in the face of much concrete evidence to the contrary. (more…)
What Memories Are Made Of (Elizabeth Loftus)
The holiday season, for better or worse, is a time of year richly associated with memories: sometimes good, sometimes bad, but nearly always formative. Or so we all believe.
We usher in the new year with Auld Lang Syne, the Robert Burns poem that begins Should old (auld) acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind and continues for a further five verses or so that most of us have, rather ironically, either resoundingly forgotten or never bothered to learn.
In short, memory is the vital human ingredient for reflection, taking stock, and – hopefully – making progress.
But what if memory itself is far more tenuous, very far from the reliably objective record of the past that we all believe? What if, instead, they are foggy, unreliable accounts that can be fairly easily manipulated? (more…)
The Relevance of Human Wrongs (Emilie Hafner-Burton)
There's a growing tendency these days for academics to justify the relevance of their work. To my mind, that's certainly not without its dangers, often leading otherwise boldly idealistic researchers to publicly shy away from their true motivations as they desperately try to demonstrate how current interpretations of Renaissance humanism, say, can positively affect our GDP.
I've done my share of this sort of silliness myself. Years ago, when running a physics institute and lobbying hard for government funding, I'd frequently cite how Einstein's general theory of relativity – once considered impossible to even conceive of applying to everyday human life – was now actively used in GPS devices. This is the sort of story that academic administrators and government officials love: a tangible "you never know" example of how supporting basic research might one day help give us a better widget. There is something pretty loathsome about the whole business, I must admit: "justifying" general relativity through GPS technology is pretty much like "vindicating" the collected works of Shakespeare by its effectiveness as a paperweight. After all, if revolutionizing our understanding of space and time only counts if it can be used to assist us in finding the right highway exit, that's pretty good evidence that we've well and truly lost the plot on what the human enterprise should be all about.
But there are many areas of scholarship when the "relevance" shoe is very much on the other foot, when burying oneself in detached theoretical frameworks turns out to be just as counterproductive as groping for vacuous "applied rationalizations."
Take human rights research. It's pretty hard to imagine studying human rights without tangibly grappling with the horrors of what's actually happening on the ground, and why. And yet, to a very real extent, that seems to be what many human rights experts actually do. (more…)
Neurorelevance (Nita Farahany)
When someone starts talking about free will, I normally look searchingly for the exits.
I've read enough to know that philosophers, as they are wont to do, have created all sorts of categories over the years to describe different intellectual positions: compatibilists and incompatibilists, soft determinists and hard determinists, radical libertarians and modest libertarians. But I can't shake the feeling that all of these categorizations, and many more besides, often end up obscuring the issues much more than clarifying them. Frankly, the only philosopher who makes any sense to me on this issue is John Searle, who has a refreshing ability to pare away all the silly jargon and simply get right to the heart of the matter.
Which is this: every serious scientist these days believes that the world around us is made of material stuff – atoms and molecules. This naturally applies not only to tables and chairs, but to ourselves too – and, equally obviously, not just to our legs and fingernails, but to our brains as well.
This is hardly a very surprising insight, given how our brains respond to LSD, alcohol or even headache medication. Moreover, since our brains seem to be located very much in the natural world, it's pretty hard to imagine how they could somehow consist of non-material stuff at all.
Situation Rooms (Philip Zimbardo)
When I sat down with famed psychologist Philip Zimbardo, I had a pretty good sense of the main topics we'd be focusing on during our discussion: his notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, a detailed explanation of how situational factors affect our behavior, and his present work on the Heroic Imagination Project and how we might be able to "prime" people for acts of heroism.
What I certainly hadn't expected was to spend more than an hour talking to Phil about his childhood, starting with being diagnosed with whooping cough at the age of 5 and his long quarantine in Manhattan's Willard Parker Hospital with other children suffering from contagious diseases in a pre-antibiotic era.
As he watched many of his childhood comrades die around him, Phil developed various survival tactics: praying to both God and the Devil to live to fight another day while routinely ingratiating himself with the surrounding nurses to procure at least some small measure of preferential treatment.
But perhaps the most significant thing the young Phil learned from his hospital experience was the value of being a leader by inventing games and stories for the other boys in the ward. At first, this was simply a way to relieve the omnipresent boredom. But slowly, other benefits began to impress themselves upon him.
"Essentially, from age five on, I began to take a leadership role, not because I wanted to be a leader, but because I was bored out of my mind and I wanted something to do. (more…)


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William M. Foiles, Oct 1862 - 08 Oct 1916, born in IN; died in Dermott, Chicot Co., AR. He was the son of Clement C. "Clem" and Amanda Foiles. He married Mary Alice Johnson 18 Dec 1883 in Davies Co., IN. She was born 06 Nov 1862 in IN, and died 16 Jun 1944 in Baptist Hospital, Little Rock, Pulaski Co., AR. She was the daughter of WILLIAM and Elizabeth Johnson.
Contributed on 12/18/07 by GAkins2
Email This Contributor
Record #: 6050
On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 12/18/07 • Approved: 1/1/08 • Last Updated: 9/13/12 • R6050-G0-S3

subset: commoncrawl


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The most important part of a space filling representation is the way in which the abutment of occupied space regions against empty regions is described. The refinements of space filling methods in the previous section all involve ways of economically improving accuracy along this boundary. A common technique in shape representation for robots is therefore to describe this boundary explicitly, rather than as an implicit line between occupied and unoccupied regions.
Explicit boundary representation provides important benefits both in pure vision systems, and in systems where a robot arm is controlled using a visually acquired shape representation. An example of the former, developed for industrial applications, is quality control and sorting of objects lying flat on a conveyor belt, where boundary shape is the criterion used for sorting. Typical examples are quality control which checks that biscuits are round (no pieces broken off), or a sorting machine for fancy chocolates [Cro82], which stores mathematical models of the curved boundaries of each type of chocolate.
The boundaries of a workpiece are very important in controlling a robot arm, since it interacts with the workpiece only along those boundaries. A good example of this is Trevylan's robot sheep shearer [TKO82], which constructs a mathematical model of the boundary of each sheep. This model is used to guide the shearing arm over the sheep's skin.
Both recognition and robot handling using a simple boundary description are described as goals of a system which, among other tasks, identifies and handles kiwifruit [FA86]. This system describes the ``silhouette polygon'' of the kiwifruit in terms of a series of vectors around the boundary.
In each of the above cases, the shape boundary is the only information which is relevant to the robot task, so the best shape representation is to make explicit those parts of the boundary which the robot must operate with.


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Legal Status
Document Details
Published Document
Federal Communications Commission.
Notice and request for comments.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. Comments are requested concerning (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before August 1, 2011. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.
Direct all PRA comments to the Federal Communications Commission via e-mail to email@example.com and email@example.com Further Info
For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information
OMB Control No.: 3060-1039.
Title: Nationwide Programmatic Agreement Regarding the Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act—Review Process, WT Docket No. 03-128.
Form No.: FCC Forms 620 and FCC 621.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business or other for-profit; not-for-profit institutions; and state, local or Tribal government.
Number of Responses and Respondents: 12,000 respondents and 12,000 responses.
Estimated Time per Response: .5-2 hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement, record keeping requirement and third party disclosure requirement.
Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 303(q), 303(r), 309(a), 309(j) and 319, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, 16 U.S.C. 470f, and Section 800.14(b) of the rules of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 36 CFR 800.14(b).
Total Annual Burden: 49,848 hours.
Total Annual Cost: $10,038,600.
Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: In general there is no need for confidentiality. On a case by case basis, the Commission may be required to withhold from disclosure certain information about the location, character, or ownership of a historic property, including traditional religious sites.
Needs and Uses: The Commission is seeking OMB approval for a three year extension for the information collection requirements contained in collection 3060-1039. This data is used by the FCC staff, State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO), Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) and the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation (ACHP) to take such action as may be necessary to ascertain whether a proposed action may affect historic properties that are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register as directed by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Commission's rules.
FCC Form 620, New Tower (NT) Submission Packet is to be completed by or on behalf of applicants to construct new antenna support structures by or for the use of licensees of the FCC. The form is to be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office ("SHPO") or to the Tribal Historic Preservation Office ("THPO"), as appropriate, and the Commission before any construction or other installation activities on the site begins. Failure to provide the form and complete the review process under Section 106 of the NHPA prior to beginning construction may violate Section 110(k) of the NHPA and the Commission's rules.
FCC Form 621, Collocation (CO) Submission Packet is to be completed by or on behalf of applicants who wish to collocate an antenna or antennas on an existing communications tower or non-tower structure by or for the use of licensees of the FCC. The form is to be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office ("SHPO") or to the Tribal Historic Preservation Office ("THPO"), as appropriate, and the Commission before any construction or other installation activities on the site begins. Failure to provide the form and complete the review process under Section 106 of the NHPA prior to beginning construction or other installation activities may violate Section 110(k) of the NHPA and the Commission's rules.Start Signature
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Office of Managing Director.
[FR Doc. 2011-13661 Filed 6-1-11; 8:45 am]


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Design Studio
Establishing her eponymous studio in 2008, commercially successful design collaborations are at the heart of the Bethan Gray Design business. The studio has a history of commercial success, from bespoke to retail, producing many best sellers. With a deep understanding of the needs of retail and an extensive knowledge of craftsmanship and cutting- edge manufacturing technologies, Bethan Gray Design is committed to delivering outstanding products and projects.


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My phone (Galaxy ACE) is vibrating as soon as the battery inserted .
I tried below steps to get into recovery mode to do the factory reset
1. vol up + power + home
2. vol down + vol up + power + home
but no luck on the above steps .
anyone has encountered this problem.
Guys , help me to get out of this .
NOTE : SIM , SD cards are removed.
and I have browsed some links , but everyone has encountered the different problem.
if anyone find the relevant link, pls share.


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Scientists from the University of Minnesota recently discovered that the transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein in HIV infections changes neural networks so the neurons adjust to the toxic presence of Tat in the body. Read More »
The U.S. Agency for International Development recently granted three new awards to India as its government strives to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from the nation. Read More »
The Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Kazakhstan recently announced that there has been steady progress made in decreasing tuberculosis (TB) mortality and incidence rates throughout the last decade. Read More »
Scientists from Tulane University recently conducted a study showing that Super Bowl celebrations in cities that have teams in the Super Bowl led to more flu deaths among seniors than in other cities. Read More »
UNITAID and the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) recently developed a new $65.1 million initiative that is designed to improve malaria control while fighting insecticide resistance. Read More »
Scientists recently conducted a study that demonstrates that pregnant women have different T-follicular helper (Thf) cell expansion according to their trimester, which affects the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. Read More »
Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen recently conducted a study that shows extracts from Cistus incanus (Ci), a medicinal plant, may be able to protect cells from being infected with HIV. Read More »
A recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that adenosine deaminase (ADA) can heighten the immune response against HIV by decreasing cellular action that inhibit defenses. Read More »
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have detected a new way to use RNA-based drug 5-aza-C to stop HIV infections from spreading throughout the body. Read More »
Now that Iraq has added the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to its national immunization program, children throughout the nation will receive vaccinations against six significant childhood diseases. Read More »
New research from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark shows that innate lymphoid cells (ILC) may have an important part in better understanding how HIV spreads through the body. Read More »
Uganda's Ministry of Health recently sent 374 health workers to the nation's northern area to fight an ongoing malaria epidemic. Read More »
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently confirmed its first four influenza cases for the 2015-16 influenza season. Read More »
People who have HIV and tuberculosis (TB) infections while residing in Eastern Europe have a higher chance of death than similar patients living in Latin America and Western Europe. Read More »
Officials at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) recently submitted the paperwork for a supplement Biologics License Application for the Flulaval Quadrivalent influenza vaccine to the Food and Drug Administration. Read More »
Bavarian Nordic recently became part of a joint collaboration involving the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Evaxion Biotech -- a Danish biotechnology company -- to develop a vaccine for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Read More »
A recent report issued from the London Assembly shows there are specific boroughs within London that have significantly high tuberculosis rates, despite the nation's efforts to eliminate the disease. Read More »
A recent study shows a new antiviral drug may help protect people from a wide variety of influenza strains, as the compound works independently from the immune system. Read More »
Researchers recently created a genome sequencing laboratory that can be transported in a suitcase, giving areas with limited resources access to real-time outbreak surveillance for diseases in their regions. Read More »
GenScript, a global supplier of gene-synthesis services, is rushing to develop and deliver DNA constructs as part of the response against the recent outbreak of Zika virus. Read More »


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NEW YORK (April 3, 2012) -- Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) said he will step up efforts to build support in the U.S. Senate for the ABLE bill during a Light It Up Blue ceremony at the Empire State Building. Senator Casey, the prime Senate sponsor of ABLE (S.1872), joined with Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright at the event.
ABLE has 14 Senate sponsors and over 125 House sponsors. The bill would establish tax-advantaged accounts for families to save for the future needs of their children with disabilities, including autism.


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From LifeNews!
LifeNews.com is an independent news agency devoted to reporting news that affects the pro-life community. With a team of experienced journalists and bloggers, LifeNews.com reaches more than 750,000 pro-life advocates each week via our web site, email news reports, social networking outreach and weekday radio program.
With the new year here it's that time of the year where we typically look back and see what happened over the past 12 months.
For the pro-life movement it was definitely one of the most interesting years ever. There were incredible highs and overwhelming defeats.
But no matter what happened in our fight to protect unborn children from the evil of abortion, the pro-life movement had one thing you could count on for the truth each and every day. That's LifeNews.
Whether it was taking on Hillary Clinton and her pro-abortion supporters, exposing the ways in which the Planned Parenthood abortion business sells the body parts of aborted babies, or rejoicing in their collective defeat on Election Day, LifeNews was with you every step of the way.
The following is a list of our top -10 most-read news stories for 2016:
Hillary Clinton: An Unborn Child Just Hours Before Delivery Has No Constitutional Rights
Remembering When Mother Teresa Left Hillary Clinton in Stunned Silence on Abortion
Chelsea Clinton: I Left the Church When I Was 6 Because It Opposed Abortion
High Court in Ireland Rules an Unborn Baby Has a Right to Life
Nurse Says Baby Who Survived Abortion Cried While Left Alone in a Steel Pan to Die
Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Ban All Abortions After an Unborn Baby's Heartbeat Begins
After Abstaining Until Marriage, NFL Star Russell Wilson and Ciara Get Married: "We Did It Jesus' Way"
Priest to Christians: "You Might Not Have a Church to Go to If You Don't Vote Right in November"
Donald Trump Calls for Permanently Banning Taxpayer Funding of Abortions
First Child Dies After Belgium Approves Measure Allowing Doctors to Euthanize Children
PDF Brochure | Islam - An Overview
Other Articles by Dan Wolf
Of Governance, Healthcare, and Refugees
About that 1% on Extremists
Extremism, Islam, and Politics
Extremism and Islam - Law and Culture
Sanctity of Human Life
Religious Denominations Pro-Life Ministries
Adoption Services
Post Abortion


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Sermons are listed below by date order, use the filter to help find a specific sermon, change the date order or just browse them all by scrolling down the page.
Please note: For Sermons listed that are more than two years old; the MP3 may no longer be available for download online, but may be obtained by contacting the St Marks Berowra office.
(new sermons that match this search)
(all new sermons)
Sermons (1)
|Conversion of Rome
|(Part of the The Church and the World Seminars series).
|Preached by Stewart Randall on October 23, 2013 (Event).


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Shipping is free within England, Wales and parts of Scotland. Due to the size and weight of most bikes however, a charge would apply to shipping remote regions, offshore UK and Ireland.
The courier will require a signature for your delivery. If no one is available to sign for your goods, the courier will leave a card with instruction of where you can collect it.
Working days are Monday to Friday. However, there may be circumstances beyond our control which cause delay and in such circumstances we will endeavour to deliver the goods within 7 days of the date the order was made.
Our flexible finance options mean you can purchase this product with a minimal deposit (or call us and arrange a deposit that suits you). Before applying for finance, please ensure you have read the information on eligability.
The SCOTT Contessa Spark 700 RC boasts a super light Carbon Fiber mainframe with an Alloy swingarm. The 700 RC comes equipped with a custom FOX Nude shock, and our Patented TwinLoc technology, in combination with Traction Control, allowing for three travel/geometry settings to always optimize your ride. It's the perfect partner for marathons, stage races, and all day fun. Available in the 27.5" wheel size.MPN: 249710
|FOX 32 SC Float Performance Elite Air#FIT4 3-Modes with low speed adj.#Kabolt 15x110mm QR axle#tapered steerer - Lockout - Reb. Adj.#100mm travel
|FOX NUDE Trunnion#Contessa Custom Tune - w. travel geo adj.#3 modes: Lockout - Traction Control -Descend#DPS - Reb. Adj.- Travel
|Full Suspension
|Brand new
|In stock
|| Damian Harris Cycles |
A family run business since 1956, we look after our customers every step of the way. Almost 60 years selling bicycles, means our expertise and knowledge is second-to-none.
Message us directly about this product.
Click here to view finance options. Alternatively call 029 2052 9955 or email us and this bike could be yours today!
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Links below don't belong? CONTACT US!
by Joseph Heller
articles on Catch-22 (may not be full text):Google Scholar | Microsoft Live Search |
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find online version of Catch-22
(recent authors' works generally not available for free):Univ. of Va.'s eBook Library |
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We ship from our New Delhi office via Bluedart and shipping is free within India. Once your item has been processed & dispatched it is usually delivered within 3-7 days*.
*Shipping times are to be used as a guide only and are based on time from order. www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com cannot take responsibility for delays due to customs clearance or payment transaction.
Shipping Processing Time
On the product page for each item, you'll see a dispatch estimate. E.g. 4-6 weeks. Some of the items are already in stock and they ship much quicker.
However some items are made to order & are manufactured based on your measurements, which takes a longer time. In case you have questions regarding the shipment time please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
Orders Multiple Objects
If your order has multiple products with different dispatch dates, all the products are shipped as one shipment, once all products in your order are ready.
However, if you wish to receive some products earlier, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com with your order number, we shall do the needful.
Shipment Tracking
After placing an order, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment. This will be followed by another e-mail once we have verified your payment details and approved your order for shipping. In the event of a problem in processing your order, you will receive an e-mail detailing the issue and possibly requesting further information. You will receive regular e-mail updates on the delivery status of your order. You can also check the status in the My Account section of www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com or on www.ups.com by inserting the tracking number supplied.
Order Delays
Firstly, we'd like to apologize. We work hard to reduce lead times and avoid delays, which we let you know about if & when they arise. If you've been waiting longer than you should have and you haven't heard from us, please email us at email@example.com & we will get back to you within 48 hours.
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If you have any questions or estimates of duty charges* please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
*Estimated Duty Charges are to be used as a guide only and are based on time from order. www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com cannot take responsibility for inaccuracies."
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At this time, www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com is unable to accept returns. Obviously, if your item arrives damaged or incorrect, we will make every effort to remedy the situation. Please contact email@example.com for more details.
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For returns/ alterations please send the product(s) back to our below mentioned address through courier.
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A cancelled order will result in a credit to the users credit card/account. Refunds will be processed in a form of credit to their Credit Card / Net Banking / Debit Card Account within 7 business days.
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www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com takes 4 days to confirm the alteration after receiving a request. An alteration request is considered confirmed only when www.rimpleandharpreetnarula.com approves it.
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Best Brands
In this feature, we take shoppers through the grocery store, aisle by aisle, in search of the healthiest brands – and we're naming names!
Our experts focus on a single food category (i.e., high fiber cereals, low-carb breads, vitamin-fortified water). Then, we provide a no-fail set of guidelines so that you'll be able to choose the healthiest brands for the specific food category. And since we've already done all the legwork by reading labels and tasting the products, we always serve up on a silver platter our list of brands that have earned the Brand Doctor's Best Brands Stamp of Approval.
By the way – you might be happy to know that we don't promote complete abstinence from your favorite less-than-healthy foods, mainly because it's unrealistic, inflexible, and frankly no fun. We're talking instead about the big picture, making better brand choices and eating in moderation. In addition, we recognize that sometimes the healthiest choice might contain one of our least favorite ingredients. While not one of the Best Brands, we offer products in this group – our Silver Medal distinction.
We're convinced shoppers can become confident they're making the best food choices by learning to use their gut while armed with a little BrandAid know-how. It's worked for us!
BestBrands Juice List: We Name Names
No matter how you squeeze it, choosing a healthy juice is a tough proposition. For starters, there are several juice sections throughout most grocery stores. You'll find juices with the frozen foods, the packaged foods, and the refrigerated foods. And, to complicate things further, there are oceans of brands and assorted varieties to pick from. [...]
The 11 Best Breakfast Bars
Last week's Label Lesson unwrapped the dark side of breakfast bars. This week we want you to take an oath: I swear I will NEVER touch another Healthy Food Imposter breakfast bar again. I will ONLY eat breakfast foods that provide my body with whole grains and other natural, healthful ingredients – no matter how [...]


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Pace's technology programs are designed to take your technical career to the next level. Whether you are interested in the systems administration process of conceptualizing, planning, and building a collection of electronic files, developing software for mobile handheld devices, gaining valuable knowledge and exposure in key functional areas like web design and development, or earning a certificate in technology, we have the course for you! Explore our exciting array of technical classes from Microsoft Office courses to advanced classes in Adobe, Mobile Application Development, Red Hat, Digital Graphic Design, and much more!
Learn about the certificate programs in graphic and web design. You will get to check out our curriculum, see some student projects and learn about the instructor.


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Stained Glass
One Inconvenient Location Since 1851
When you visit Story, you will see some lovely old stained glass windows in the General Store. Despite the fact that these windows match the vintage of the building, they were not originally part of it.
At the entrance, you will find three panels, the center panel having a Gothic style top, flanked by two rectangular panels. These windows were acquired in the 1970's by Benjamin and Cynthia Schultz, who successfully converted the building from a country store into an inn. They purchased all three windows upon the demolition of St. John's Evangelical and Reform Church at Sanders Street and Leonard Street in Indianapolis during construction at Southport Road and 31st Street. The left panel (as viewed from inside the restaurant) reads "Y. P. L. 1918" and the right panel reads "Geo. Burck, Family" in apparent reference to the church's benefactors.
To the left of the three-panel entrance, suspended from the ceiling, you will see two lovely rectangular windows with no markings. These windows were originally in the Central Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Yellow Springs, Ohio, near Dayton. The congregation was founded in 1866 by Reverend Charley Jones. Yellow Springs had a vibrant African-American community and was a stop on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War. To the best of our knowledge, the windows were installed in 1911, fifteen years after the construction of the new church at Davis and High Streets in 1896. One of our patrons rescued four large windows when that historic edifice fell victim to the wrecking ball in 1972.
The windows were in rough shape, but a local artist, Rob Rogers, took the lead in cleaning and restoring all four panels. The first two went on display in the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, 2005. These elegant windows are of great significance to the African-American community in the Midwest. Our deepest thanks to Professor Nick Crome for sharing them with us and our guests.


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Hike through Holmen's Deerwood Park
How is it January already? December seems to have vanished in a swirl of snow. While we freeze our tushies here in Wisconsin's coldest days so far this year, let's look back on a much warmer day in November...
From the start, it was a race to keep up with these two fun kids! Like butterflies, they would flit from place to place, barely alighting long enough for me to get focus before we were off again. Luckily their mom knew how to keep them hanging around for a shot...
After the playground, we headed for the trail where R. had a ball.
Up and around the trail we went.
Until we finally came to a balance beam cleverly disguised as a log.
After a brief stop to do some yardwork...
We headed inside for some yummy hot chocolate.
We had a blast but it was time for R & M to take a nap so I slipped out while they had storytime. Thanks for a fun afternoon, kids! Hope you slept well. :)
hi mom this is josh
No comments posted.
January February March April May June July August September October November December


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Photoresistor LDR 5mm Light Dependent Resistor Sensor Arduino PIC
We believe to create great products we have to start with a simple idea and then craft around that intention. We obsessively try to keep it as simple as possible, while trying to make each part as good as possible.
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Wynn Las Vegas Ranked as the No. 1 Large Employer in Las Vegas
Resort leads the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Top Workplaces Survey
Feb 27, 2013, 11:00 EST
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wynn Las Vegas has received first place in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Top Workplaces survey. Employees voted the resort as the no. 1 large employer in Las Vegas in the results released this week. The survey evaluated how employees feel about their managers, compensation, work/life balance and opportunities for career development. The survey was open to all companies in Las Vegas.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111101/LA97761LOGO-b)
"The independent study, commissioned by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and conducted by Workplace Dynamics of Exton, Pennsylvania, is very significant in today's world," said Steve Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts. "The culture of a business, that core relationship between management and the myriad of individuals who comprise its staff of workers, is the most critical measurement of a company's vitality and competitive strength. It is no secret that companies with the happiest workers invariably have the most productivity.
"In the case of the hospitality industry, of which we are a part, the only real measurement of success is customer satisfaction. Our mantra is clear: only people make people happy. In every program that we implement, at the root of every idea that we attempt to leverage, the simple concept of our company as a family predominates. So, therefore, we are delighted with findings of this independent study, but not entirely surprised.
"Between the 40 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Stars we received yesterday and the Review-Journal workplace evaluation; it has been a very good week for Wynn Resorts."
In addition to the accolade of being the no. 1 large employer in Las Vegas, it was announced yesterday that Wynn and Encore Las Vegas Tower Suites, The Spa at Wynn, The Spa at Encore, Wynn and Encore Macau, The Spa at Wynn Macau and The Spa at Encore Macau all received the coveted Forbes Five-Star awards for 2013.
Employees who participated in the Review-Journal's Top Workplaces survey were quoted as saying:
"I am given the necessary tools to be successful and the entrepreneurial freedom to make business decisions. Our Executive team has an open door policy and gives great guidance and support."
"Wynn Resorts is the best company to work for. As for anything in life, you always want to be the best. Working at Wynn makes you feel like you have arrived at that."
The top workplaces survey was conducted through a partnership with the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Workplace Dynamics. Forty-two area companies participated in the survey. Workplace Dynamics ranked the companies based upon the responses employees gave to the survey.
For more information on the survey, visit http://www.lvrj.com/business/workplaces2013.html.
For additional information on Wynn Las Vegas' survey results, visit: http://www.lvrj.com/business/wynn-las-vegas-challenges-and-rewards-workers-to-do-their-best-192831391.html
About Wynn Las Vegas
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas feature two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,750 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas, approximately 186,000 square feet of casino space, 32 food and beverage outlets featuring signature chefs, two award-winning spas, an on-site 18-hole golf course, meeting space, a Ferrari and Maserati dealership, approximately 94,000 square feet of retail space as well as two showrooms; three nightclubs and a beach club.
Wynn Macau is a destination casino located in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with two luxury hotel towers with a total of 1,008 spacious rooms and suites, approximately 265,000 square feet of casino space, casual and fine dining in eight restaurants, approximately 54,600 square feet of retail space, recreation and leisure facilities, including two health clubs, two spas and a pool.
SOURCE Wynn Las Vegas


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Here is installment number two of the Mob Street showcase. For a chance to be featured, join the Mob Street Flickr Group and add your favorite street photo each week taken with a mobile device.
"All the technique in the world doesn't compensate for the inability to notice." – Elliott Erwitt
|"All I can do is be me...whoever that is" Bob Dylan © AJ vdHorst
|© Beezzz_
|the peacemaker © dr pajchiwo
|In Shade © Bruno Ribeiro
|Formes humaines © Nicolas Xanthos
|New tunnel, Kings Cross © Dani Salvadori
|© Anthony Files
|Serie Cerdeña. Iglesias y sus gentes © Montse Abad
|Focus © Anne-Martine Parent
|© tayfun öztürk
|LAX Waiting Game © Geri Centonze
|© えんぞう aka enzo
|Calle La Torre © Jesus Arboleya
|Waiting for bus...© Cecily Mariece Caceu
|Time to leave © Karen Axelrad
|© unaisa momoitio
|Bikes © Adam Oczkoś
|Chill © Richard Pilon
|© Stefanie Le Pape
|At Edgartown 2 © Diana Nicholette Jeon
|Journey of the White Hat © Michael Manza
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The past couple days we've been preparing to feed the white haired, big belly, red cheeked, jolly old man. I feel like we're having just as much fun as the kids are this year, reliving our childhood dreams of catching Santa in the act and waking up to oodles of gifts under the tree.
The best part is eating them. For me and the boys! I was almost sugar shocked and sick after eating a little too much cookie dough and frosting. I had no self control and it's always like this for me these last couple weeks of pregnancy. Weak I am!! So Weak... to sugar and excess of carbs! They are my best friends right now.
6:45 am Santa has left his gifts, eaten our cookies, drank our milk and left a sweet note.
A box of kleenex moment!
The boys listening to a book that was pre-recorded and read by Great Grandma Julia! Yes, a Sob-fest!
It was so sweet! I'm sure we'll be listening to grandma read this every night to all of us.
Miss all of our family and friends and hope everyone had a great Christmas!
Big Hugs and Kisses!!!


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Eastwood Hopes to Pair DiCaprio With Beyoncé for A Star Is Born
Yes, Clint Eastwood still plans to direct Beyoncé in his remake of A Star Is Born. What's more, he's got a male lead in mind: Leonardo DiCaprio, who stars in his current project, J. Edgar. Deadline reports that Eastwood has been in talks with DiCaprio to come onboard, though all principals are rather busy at the moment: As Eastwood finishes J. Edgar, Beyoncé is busy promoting her new album, 4, and DiCaprio is preparing to play the villain in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming Django Unchained. Rumors had flown that Eastwood might pair Beyoncé with Will Smith for Star, but is DiCaprio a better bet? [Deadline]


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168 pages
Sep 2003
Regal Books
Review | Author Bio | Read an Excerpt
John Wooden is revered as one of basketball's most successful and most esteemed coaches. This book shows that his philosophy of coaching can extend beyond the hardwood court. In Coach Wooden: One on One readers will discover a side to the coach that, despite all the media attention and hype, proves him to be serene, spiritual, and very insightful about the deep concerns of people and the highest callings in life. Separated into 60 two-page chapters, this book is more along the format of a devotional collection. Each chapter features advice, experience, wisdom and perspectives from the coach, followed by suggested Bible readings that relate to the topic of the day.
Unlike his two previous books that were life stories, Wooden and They Call Me Coach, this book is more on the order of a half-time pep talk or private motivational counseling sessions. To that end, it isn't a sports book. No one will learn how to shoot a three-pointer or how to grab rebounds by studying these pages. However, anyone needing his or her spirits lifted or a daily dose of genuine encouragement will find confidence-building words herein. -- Jason Bilbrey, Christian Book Previews.com
Book Jacket:
This book of 60 daily readings is the result of one-on-one conversations between basketballs legendary coach and teacher, John Wooden, and Jay Carty, former Laker and one-time Wooden assistant. Each of the two-page readings contains life wisdom from the Coach, application and reflection from Jay and a daily Scripture reading and prayer.


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A simple yet amazing puzzle map designed to melt your brain. Lots of twisted illogical yet real stuff and amazing (and fun) auto reset so you can finish the map? twice? or more! And with one unique and epic boss battle! This map is for Single Player only.
For 1.8.x
Credits: Taikeb0


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February 07, 2013 16:03 ET
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 7, 2013) - Encana Corporation (TSX:ECA) (NYSE:ECA) will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2012 results on Thursday, February 14, 2013. The news release will provide fourth quarter and year-end operating and financial information. Financial statements will be available on the company's website.
A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for the investment community the same day beginning at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET). To participate, please dial (888) 231-8191 (toll-free in North America) or (647) 427-7450 approximately 10 minutes prior to the conference call. An archived recording of the call will be available from approximately 4:00 p.m. ET on February 14 until midnight February 21, 2013 by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (416) 849-0833 and entering passcode 89434629.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available via Encana's website, www.encana.com, under Investors/Presentations & events. The webcast will be archived for approximately 90 days.
Encana Corporation
Encana is a leading North American energy producer that is focused on growing its strong portfolio of diverse resource plays producing natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids. By partnering with employees, community organizations and other businesses, Encana contributes to the strength and sustainability of the communities where it operates. Encana common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ECA.
Further information on Encana Corporation is available on the company's website, www.encana.com, or by contacting:
Source: Encana Corporation
Encana CorporationRyder McRitchieVice-President, Investor Relations & Communications(403) 645-2007Encana CorporationLorna KloseManager, Investor Relations(403) 645-6977Encana CorporationJay AverillMedia Relations(403) 645-4747www.encana.com
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My Little Smith & Wesson
David Novotny can bring the sights on his Smith & Wesson 1911PD on target with the speed of a sonic rainboom, thanks to his new custom grips. They're inscribed with the cutie mark of My Little Pony's Rainbow Dash.
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This has been around for a long time, Methods to prevent people from playing without a purchase. With newer modes of payment and distribution there had been many efforts to cut piracy, but like a hydra it just continued to evolve with 2 new heads to replace the last one. Recently a new form of DRM emerges like Hercules and finds. This hero is an always online method of DRM to authenticate each copy of the game on the games official servers. Following suite to a typical MMORPG's like the famous World of Warcraft or the original Everquest.
It doesn't work. It punishes the consumer. Buy it, then download the crack.
i think it makes sense for some games, but the big thing is that it has to work. If you ask me to be connected all the time, you better have something for me to connect to that works.


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Some volcanos that have erupted since 2010 include Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, which erupted in 2010 and Mount Merapi in Indonesia, which erupted between October and November of 2010. Other volcanoes that have erupted since 2010 include Nabro in Eritrea, which erupted on June 12, 2011, and Calbuco in Chile, which erupted on April 22, 2015, after being quiet for over 40 years.Continue Reading
Eyjafjallajökull was a fairly small eruption but ejected so much ash into the air that it disrupted air traffic across Europe for weeks.
The Mount Merapi eruption also sent plumes of ash into the air and caused lahars and pyroclastic flows. Lahars are slurries of mud and rock that rush down the sides of a volcano during an eruption, and pyroclastic flows are avalanches of hot ash, gas and rocks. Dangerous sulfur dioxide was one gas that was produced during the Mount Merapi eruption. Clouds of sulfur dioxide were seen over the Indian Ocean at heights of 40,000 to 50,000 feet after the eruption.
Nabro, a stratovolcano in east Africa, erupted in June 2011 after a swarm of earthquakes. This was the first time the volcano had erupted. Calbuco, another stratovolcano, also sent an ash plume 33,000 feet into the atmosphere, which like the eruption at Eyjafjallajökull, disrupted airlines. This eruption was followed by two smaller eruptions on April 24 and April 30.Learn more about Volcanoes


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bright white nails.
bright white nails have been popping up as the perfect compliment to black outfits -- and i think i'm in love.
in the past couple weeks, white nails were featured on the fingers of models' in the chanel runway show, it was hayden panettiere's look for the golden globes and kate winslet rocked it oprah (pictured above).
i've learned the shade gracing kate's tips is rhapsody in white by deborah lippmann, and wouldn't you know it, after learning this i just had to have a bottle rushed to my apartment. i have it in my hands right now - it's a snowy, metallic, intense white. i'm hoping i'll get a few minutes to paint my nails with it by the weekend! $15 at http://lippmanncollection.stores.yahoo.net.


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Putting together a funeral or memorial service program can feel really daunting. Below you'll find a simple and straight-forward template that will help you create a program that integrates all the points covered in most memorial services while making sure you create a program that really honors a person's life.
Is the link not working for you? The file below is in a pdf format. To open it, you will need to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, which is free and safe software for your Mac or PC.
Front cover
In Memory of [complete name of the deceased]
[Dates of birth and death]
[Insert picture or image]
[Insert poem or quote]
Inside pages
Obituary of [name of deceased]
[Add brief biography or obituary here.]
[Funeral] or [Memorial] Service
[Date and time]
[Location, including address]
Order of Service
[Insert here]
Possible Additional Information
[Insert additional poems or quotes]
Remembering [first name of deceased]
[Add quotes or recollections from family members and friends]
Survivors include [add names of spouse or partner, close relatives, close friends, or others who had a close relationship with the deceased].
Flower bearers are [list names and their relationship to the deceased].
Pallbearers are [list names and their relationship to the deceased].
Final page
[Name of deceased] will be buried [or interred] at [name and address of the place of burial or interment; date and time of any service held there to which the public is invited].
Funeral arrangements were provided by [include the name, address, and telephone number of any funeral home handling final arrangements].
Memorial contributions are welcome at [name of group or fund, with contact information, including mailing address].
In Appreciation
[Insert statement of thanks from survivors]


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Research June 2011 | Volume 119 | Issue 6
Environmental Chemicals in Pregnant Women in the United States: NHANES 2003–2004
PDF Version (464 KB)
Background: Exposure to chemicals during fetal development can increase the risk of adverse health effects, and while biomonitoring studies suggest pregnant women are exposed to chemicals, little is known about the extent of multiple chemicals exposures among pregnant women in the United States.
Objective: We analyzed biomonitoring data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to characterize both individual and multiple chemical exposures in U.S. pregnant women.
Methods: We analyzed data for 163 chemical analytes in 12 chemical classes for subsamples of 268 pregnant women from NHANES 2003–2004, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. For each chemical analyte, we calculated descriptive statistics. We calculated the number of chemicals detected within the following chemical classes: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), organochlorine pesticides, and phthalates and across multiple chemical classes. We compared chemical analyte concentrations for pregnant and nonpregnant women using least-squares geometric means, adjusting for demographic and physiological covariates.
Results: The percentage of pregnant women with detectable levels of an individual chemical ranged from 0 to 100%. Certain polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, PFCs, phenols, PBDEs, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and perchlorate were detected in 99–100% of pregnant women. The median number of detected chemicals by chemical class ranged from 4 of 12 PFCs to 9 of 13 phthalates. Across chemical classes, median number ranged from 8 of 17 chemical analytes to 50 of 71 chemical analytes. We found, generally, that levels in pregnant women were similar to or lower than levels in nonpregnant women; adjustment for covariates tended to increase levels in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women.
Conclusions: Pregnant women in the U.S. are exposed to multiple chemicals. Further efforts are warranted to understand sources of exposure and implications for policy making.
Key words: chemicals, environmental exposures, NHANES, pregnancy
Address correspondence to T.J. Woodruff, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California–San Francisco, 1330 Broadway St., Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 USA. Telephone: (510) 986-8942. Fax: (510) 986-8960. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Funding was provided by Pew Charitable Trusts and a grant from the Passport Science Innovation Fund, which provides research grants to increase understanding of environmental health that supports effective public health policies and clinical care.
The authors declare they have no actual or potential competing financial interests.
Received 05 July 2010; accepted 10 January 2011; online 14 January 2011.
Note to readers with disabilities: EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact email@example.com. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.
Supplemental Material PDF (180 KB)
Note to readers with disabilities: EHP has provided a 508-conformant table of contents summarizing the Supplemental Material for this article (see below) so readers with disabilities may determine whether they wish to access the full, nonconformant Supplemental Material. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact email@example.com. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.
Exposure to chemicals during fetal development can increase the risk of adverse health consequences, including adverse birth outcomes (e.g., preterm birth and birth defects), childhood morbidity (e.g., neurodevelopmental effects and childhood cancer), and adult disease and mortality (e.g., cancer and cardiovascular effects) (Gluckman and Hanson 2004; Stillerman et al. 2008). Biomonitoring studies report nearly ubiquitous exposure to many chemicals in the U.S. population—for example, bisphenol A (BPA), perchlorate, and certain phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2009a]. These studies, along with more geographically targeted studies of pregnant women, show that pregnant women are also exposed to many chemicals (Bradman et al. 2003; Swan et al. 2005). Chemicals can cross the placenta and enter the fetus, and a number of chemicals measured in maternal urine and serum have also been found in amniotic fluid, cord blood, and meconium (Barr et al. 2007). In some cases, such as for mercury, fetal exposures may be higher than maternal exposure (Barr et al. 2007).
Multiple chemical exposures are of increasing concern. Studies show that exposure to multiple chemicals that act on the same adverse outcome can have a greater effect than exposure to an individual chemical. This has been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), which recommends that future efforts accounting for risks from multiple chemical exposures combine effects from chemicals acting on the same adverse health outcome (National Research Council 2008a). Subsequently, assessment of exposure to multiple chemicals has been identified as an important future research area (Kortenkamp 2007).
Because few data are available on levels of individual or multiple chemicals in pregnant women, levels in reproductive-age women have often been used as an indicator of chemical levels in pregnant women (Blount et al. 2000). Some studies have directly compared pregnant women in their cohort and reproductive-age women from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. For example, phthalates measured in pregnant women from three U.S. locations were lower than those measured in reproductive-age women from NHANES (Swan et al. 2005). Numerous physiological changes occur during pregnancy, including weight gain and increases in blood and plasma volume, which can affect concentrations of chemicals (Chesley 1972; Pirani and Campbell 1973). Chemicals may also concentrate in the fetus, which could influence maternal concentrations (Takahashi and Oishi 2000). Further, behavioral changes occurring during pregnancy, such as diet modification (e.g., quantity and food type), may also influence chemical body burdens in pregnant women (Mirel et al. 2009). Understanding whether some of these factors can influence maternal concentrations of chemicals helps inform our ability to use measurements of chemicals in nonpregnant women as a surrogate for pregnant women.
We analyzed biomonitoring data for pregnant women from NHANES to characterize exposure to individual and multiple chemicals and their metabolites in pregnant women. Additionally, we evaluated the extent to which levels measured in nonpregnant women are representative of levels in pregnant women, and what factors may explain observed differences.
Study population. NHANES, conducted by the CDC, is a nationally representative survey and physical examination assessing the health and nutritional status of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. The survey also includes measurement of chemicals and their metabolites in blood and urine (for more information, see CDC 2010). We use the term "chemical analyte" here to describe both chemicals and their metabolites. Because of the complex stratified survey design in NHANES, separate sample weights are assigned to each survey respondent; each participant represents approximately 50,000 other U.S. residents. Pregnant women were oversampled in the NHANES survey from 2001 to 2006 (CDC 2009b). [Protocols for oversampling pregnant women are described in Supplemental Material (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727) and in detail elsewhere (Mirel et al. 2009).] We classified pregnancy status according to the results of the urine pregnancy test administered as part of NHANES protocols.
Most chemical analytes were measured in subsets of the total NHANES sample. Each subset included about one-third the total number of participants, so not all chemical analytes were measured in each participant. Further, not every group of chemical analytes was measured in each cycle. Therefore, we analyzed the 2003–2004 cycle, because it represents the cycle with the highest number of chemical analytes measured across the sample of pregnant women. We limited our study population to those 15–44 years of age to be consistent with the definition used by the National Center for Health Statistics for women of childbearing age (Chandra et al. 2005). Therefore, our study population includes 268 pregnant women and 1,489 nonpregnant women 15–44 years of age included in at least one subsample for chemical analyte analysis.
Environmental chemical analyte analyses. Chemical analyte analyses were conducted at the National Center for Environmental Health laboratories (CDC, Atlanta, GA). Analytical procedures and summary statistics for the general population have been described in the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals and in the peer-reviewed literature (Calafat et al. 2008; Caldwell et al. 2009; CDC 2009a; Sjodin et al. 2008). We assessed 163 chemical analytes across 12 chemical classes (Table 1), measured in blood, urine, and serum.
Chemical classes measured in biological tissue of pregnant women, NHANES 2003–2004.
Data analysis. We conducted analyses in SUDAAN (version 10.0; Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC) and SAS (version 9.2; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). SUDAAN calculates variance estimates after incorporating the nonrandom sampling design and the sample population weights, which account for oversampling of certain subgroups.
We examined summary statistics and distributional plots for each chemical analyte. We calculated the following descriptive statistics [for further details on analysis, see Supplemental Material (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727)]: percentage of women with levels greater than the limit of detection (LOD), geometric mean (GM), geometric standard error (GSE), median and 95th percentile estimates, and the coefficient of variation (CV; defined as the GSE divided by the GM). The GM, GSE, and CV were calculated only for chemical analytes with > 60% detection frequency. The median and 95th percentile were calculated for all chemical analytes. Concentrations below the LOD were substituted by the CDC with LOD/√–2. We present statistical results for individual chemical analytes in the main text that are representative of each chemical class [for descriptive statistics and LODs for all 163 chemical analytes, see Supplemental Material, Table 1 (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727)]. Representative chemical analytes were chosen based on public health relevance and expectation of relatively widespread exposure.
To assess extent of multiple exposures within a chemical class, we evaluated the number of individual PBDEs, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), organochlorine pesticides, and phthalates detected in each pregnant woman. We chose these chemical classes to represent banned persistent chemicals (organochlorine pesticides), persistent chemicals (PBDEs and PFCs), and currently used nonpersistent chemicals (phthalates).
We then evaluated the extent of multiple chemical exposures across chemical classes in three different subsamples. These three subsamples were the primary subsamples of the pregnant women. Pregnant women in subsample A were assessed for metals, cotinine, and PFCs (17 chemical analytes in 76 women); in subsample B, for metals, cotinine, organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (52 chemical analytes in 54 women); and in subsample C, for metals, phenols, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphate insecticide metabolites, perchlorate, and cotinine (71 chemical analytes in 59 women) [for subsample composition, see Supplemental Material, Table 2 (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727)]. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured only in a subsample of pregnant women that partially overlapped with subsamples A, B, and C. Consequently, we did not include VOCs in analyses of multiple chemical exposures.
Characteristics of reproductive-age women by pregnancy status, NHANES 2003–2004.
To compare chemical analyte concentrations between pregnant and nonpregnant women, we constructed multivariate regression models, which included our main effect (binary pregnancy status variable) along with covariates. We log-transformed chemical analytes before regression analysis to account for the nonnormal distributions. From these models, we calculated the least-squares geometric means (LSGMs), which provide GM estimates after adjustment for other covariates. For every chemical analyte in the main analysis, we used the same set of covariates. Covariates were included if they were significant predictors of more than one chemical analyte or if their inclusion in the model changed the β-coefficient for the main effect by > 20%. The following covariates were evaluated: age (continuous), race/ethnicity (Mexican American, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or other), education (high school diploma or less vs. more than high school diploma), marital status (married/living with a partner, divorced/separated, or never married), parity (number of pregnancies resulting in live births, nulliparous vs. one or more child), current body mass index (BMI; continuous), smoking status (never, former, or current), serum albumin (continuous), length of food and drink fasting before blood collection (0–4.5 hr, 4.5–8.5 hr, or 8.5–24 hr), and urinary creatinine (continuous). All regression models were adjusted for the same covariates except for creatinine (included in models for urinary chemicals only). We excluded 12 nonpregnant women who reported fasting times > 24 hr. We defined statistical significance as p < 0.10 for all analyses because of relatively small number of pregnant women sampled for each chemical analyte and, consequently, small degrees of freedom.
As a sensitivity analysis, we performed multivariate regression in women < 35 years of age, because the age distribution differed between the two groups. For this analysis, we selected model covariates separately for each individual chemical analyte using the covariate selection method described above. Thus, the covariates in the sensitivity analysis may differ from that used in the main analysis. We conducted sensitivity analyses for lead (n = 215 pregnant; n = 885 nonpregnant), BPA (n = 63 pregnant; n = 275 nonpregnant), and p,p´-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE) (n = 65 pregnant; n = 380 nonpregnant).
Although most pregnant and nonpregnant women were white, there was a higher percentage of Mexican-American pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women, reflecting higher birth rates among Hispanic women in the United States (Table 2) (Martin et al. 2007). Nonpregnant women were older, less likely to be married or with a partner, and more likely to smoke than were pregnant women (Table 2). In addition, pregnant women had lower levels of albumin and shorter fasting times before blood collection than did nonpregnant women.
Table 3 summarizes statistics for pregnant and nonpregnant women for select chemical analytes [for all 163 chemical analytes in pregnant women, see Supplemental Material, Table 1 (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727)]. We found that 0–100% of pregnant women had a detectable level across the individual chemical analytes. Eight of 12 classes of chemicals included individual chemical analytes detected in 99–100% of pregnant women (PFCs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, phenols, phthalates, PAHs, and perchlorate). Four classes (VOCs, PFCs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides) included at least one individual chemical analyte not detected in any pregnant women [see Supplemental Material, Table 1 (doi:10.1289/ehp.1002727)]. In general, organophosphate metabolites, VOCs, and dioxins and furans were less frequently detected in pregnant women than were the other chemical classes except for dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), toluene, m– and p-xylene, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
Descriptive statistics for chemical analytes in pregnant and nonpregnant women, NHANES 2003–2004.a
Among pregnant women, DDE had the highest GM concentration (140.4 ng/g lipid) of the persistent, lipophilic compounds measured in serum (PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides), whereas concentrations of most of the other measured chemical analytes in these classes were an order of magnitude lower (PCBs, 4–8 ng/g lipid; PBDEs, 5–23 ng/g lipid). Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) had the highest GM among the persistent chemical analytes that do not accumulate in lipids (e.g., lead, cadmium, and PFCs). Of the nonpersistent chemical analytes measured in urine (organophosphate metabolites, phenols, phthalates, PAHs, and perchlorate), triclosan, benzophenone-3, and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) had the highest GMs (17.00, 25.49, and 226.53 μg/L, respectively).
Although the GM for cotinine was < 1 μg/L, the range of concentrations spanned three orders of magnitude (CV = 0.31). Variability in other chemical analyte levels measured in pregnant women was generally low (CV < 0.25), except for some phenols (CV = 0.25–0.51), phthalates (CV = 0.22–0.35), MTBE (CV = 0.40), triclosan (CV = 0.51), and PBDE-153 (CV = 0.31).
Figure 1 shows the numbers of individual PFC, PBDE, organochlorine pesticide, and phthalate chemical analytes detected in individual pregnant women. At least two organochlorine pesticides, one PBDE, two PFCs, and four phthalates were measured in each pregnant woman. The median number of chemicals detected for organochlorine pesticides, PBDEs, PFCs, and phthalates were 6, 6, 4, and 9, respectively. For PBDEs and phthalates, 7% and 2%, respectively, had detectable levels of ≥ 90% of the chemical analytes in the class.
Distribution of the number of chemicals detected in U.S. pregnant women for four chemical classes: organochlorine pesticides (A; n = 71), PBDEs (B; n = 75), PFCs (C; n = 76), and phthalates (D; n = 91).
The median number of chemical analytes detected among women in subsamples A, B, and C were 8 (range, 4–12), 37 (range, 28–45), and 50 (range, 35–60), respectively (Figure 2). We found generally that the overall number of chemicals detected was not dominated by detects within a particular chemical class (Figure 3). For example, several participants in subsample B at the median detected level (37 chemicals) had 10 phthalates, 10 PAHs, 7 PBDEs, 6 organochlorine pesticides, 3 metals, and cotinine detected.
Distribution of the number of chemicals detected in U.S. pregnant women across multiple chemical classes. (A) Subsample A (metals, cotinine, and PFCs). (B) Subsample B (metals, cotinine, organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, PBDEs, and PAHs). (C) Subsample C (metals, phenols, PCBs, organophosphate insecticide metabolites, perchlorate, and cotinine).
Number of chemicals detected by chemical class in U.S. pregnant women, NHANES subsample B [metals, cotinine, organochlorine (OC) pesticides, phthalates, brominated flame retardants (PBDEs), and PAHs], 2003–2004 (n = 54). Each vertical bar represents one study participant. Other subsamples showed similar results.
GM and median levels for most chemicals were similar to or lower than those in pregnant than in nonpregnant women, except for PBDEs, DMTP, triclosan, and perchlorate (Table 3). About half the LSGM estimates for pregnant women (Table 4) increased after adjusting for covariates (Tables 3 and 4). For a few chemicals, the LSGM estimates for pregnant women decreased after adjustment, such as PBDEs, some phthalates, perchlorate, and BPA. In general, adjusted LSGMs were comparable between pregnant and nonpregnant women (Table 4). Nonpregnant women had significantly higher levels of cadmium, lead, PFOS, BPA, and cotinine, but pregnant women had significantly higher levels of DDE, DMTP, MTBE, and perchlorate (Table 4). The most pronounced differences between pregnant and nonpregnant women were for MTBE and DMTP (levels in pregnant women were about two times those of nonpregnant women) and cotinine (levels in pregnant women were about half those of nonpregnant women).
Comparison of chemical analyte concentrations between pregnant and nonpregnant women after adjustment for covariates,a calculated from multivariate regression models.
Serum albumin influenced the comparison between pregnant and nonpregnant women for 28 of the 32 compounds evaluated in regression analyses (the β-coefficient changed by > 20%); however, direction of the effect varied by type of compound. In general, for chemical analytes measured in blood, effect estimates for albumin were positive, and their inclusion increased the LSGMs for pregnant women; in contrast, for nonpersistent urinary chemical analytes, the albumin effect estimates were more often negative, and their inclusion decreased the LSGMs for pregnant women (data not shown). Smoking influenced comparison of LSGMs between pregnant and nonpregnant women for 75% of chemicals. Maternal age and BMI changed the LSGMs for persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs, and creatinine influenced LSGMs for most chemical analytes measured in urine. Other variables, such as race/ethnicity and education, were often significant predictors of chemical analyte concentrations but generally did not change LSGM comparisons in Table 4.
Compared with estimates based on women of all ages, LSGMs for lead and DDE for both pregnant and nonpregnant women were reduced when we restricted analyses to younger women (< 35 years of age). However, relative differences in adjusted estimates between pregnant and nonpregnant women were not substantially affected. LSGMs for BPA increased for both groups in the restricted analysis, and the differences in LSGM estimates between pregnant and nonpregnant women were no longer statistically significant [LSGM = 2.16 (pregnant) vs. 3.03 μg/L (nonpregnant), p = 0.24].
We found widespread exposure to pregnant women in the United States to multiple chemical analytes, including both banned and contemporary contaminants. Although we did not make any direct connection to potential adverse health consequences, levels of many of these chemical analytes were similar to those measured in epidemiologic studies finding an association between prenatal chemicals exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes. These include phthalates and increased risk of adverse male reproductive outcomes (Swan et al. 2005), mercury and developmental neurological outcomes (Lederman et al. 2008), PBDEs and neurodevelopmental outcomes (Herbstman et al. 2010), and PCBs and maternal thyroid hormone disruption during pregnancy (Chevrier et al. 2008).
Additionally, pregnant women were exposed to multiple chemical analytes at one time, many of which can affect the same adverse outcomes. Examples include maternal thyroid hormone disruption [e.g., perchlorate, PCBs, PBDEs, and triclosan (Crofton 2008)], male reproductive development (multiple phthalates), and the developing brain (mercury, lead, PCBs) (National Research Council 2008a). The NAS has recommended risk assessment of multiple chemicals expand to account for chemicals acting on a common adverse outcome (National Research Council 2008a). Although the NAS focused on grouping chemicals contributing to disturbances of androgen action, they also proposed this approach for chemicals affecting brain development (National Research Council 2008a).
Levels of chemicals measured during pregnancy can be influenced by physiological (e.g., changes in BMI, plasma volume expansion, and bone mobilization) and behavioral factors. For example, previous research has found an inverse relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and levels of persistent organic pollutants in pregnant women (Bradman et al. 2006). We found that plasma volume expansion, using the level of albumin as a surrogate, may also influence chemical levels measured in pregnant women. Plasma volume begins to expand in pregnant women at around 8 weeks of gestation and increases progressively until 30–34 weeks gestation, when it plateaus. This expansion may dilute environmental chemical concentrations in blood (Faupel-Badger et al. 2007). Accurately measuring plasma volume expansion is expensive and ideally requires multiple measurements throughout pregnancy (Faupel-Badger et al. 2007). However, albumin measurements may provide a reasonable surrogate because previous studies suggest that blood volume expansion dilutes circulating levels of albumin during pregnancy (Honger 1968). We found that, in general, adjusting for albumin increased GM estimates of persistent compounds, such as DDE, in pregnant women, suggesting that the concentration is diluted by increased plasma volume. However, adjustment for albumin generally decreased estimates for nonpersistent compounds, such as BPA, in pregnant women, suggesting that lower albumin may be associated with an increased clearance of environmental contaminants. Albumin may affect metabolism and transport of chemicals by mechanisms other than plasma volume expansion. For example, previous research has shown that PFCs actually bind to albumin in the blood (Jones et al. 2003). BPA also binds to plasma proteins, such as albumin, in humans (Teeguarden et al. 2005), so reduced albumin during pregnancy may influence the amount of BPA that undergoes phase II conjugation and subsequent elimination through urine. The role of albumin, and other transport proteins, in the transport and metabolism of environmental chemicals, particularly during pregnancy, is an important topic and requires further research.
We found that, generally, the levels in pregnant women were similar to or lower than levels measured in nonpregnant women. Adjusting for physiological factors that may influence levels of chemicals in pregnant women tended to increase the levels in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women. This suggests that generally levels of chemicals in nonpregnant reproductive-age women are reasonably representative of levels found in pregnant women. However, for several chemicals, levels in pregnant women remain lower than those in nonpregnant women. Behavioral factors may explain this difference (e.g., cotinine and smoking), or other physiological factors may be important [e.g., chemical levels concentrating in the fetus such as for BPA (Takahashi and Oishi 2000)].
The NHANES study design, where groups of chemicals were analyzed in approximate one-third–sized subsamples, meant that we could not evaluate more than 71 chemical analytes in any individual pregnant women, or about 44% of chemical analytes measured during 2003–2004. This also limited our ability to assess exposures to multiple chemical analytes that may be acting on the same adverse outcome (e.g., PBDEs and PCBs, which can affect neurodevelopment, were not measured in the same women). Given that several chemical analytes within each of the classes were detected almost ubiquitously, pregnant women have more detectable chemical analytes than we could assess in any individual participant in this analysis.
Other methodological changes between cycles make it challenging to compare data across NHANES cycles. For example, the number and types of chemicals sampled changes by cycle. Another challenge is that LODs vary among the cycles. Mostly they decreased, such as with PCBs, which can increase the number of chemicals detected. However, a few LODs increased; for example, certain urinary phthalate esters, such as mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and MEP, increased between 2003–2004 and 2005–2006.
Chemical analyte concentrations in NHANES participants should be representative of typical U.S. concentrations. Thus, highly exposed subpopulations may be underrepresented. For example, women living in the agricultural Salinas Valley of California had higher measurable levels of several pesticides than did NHANES pregnant women (Castorina et al. 2010). Other subpopulations may have nonrepresentative exposure patterns, such as high fish consumption or higher use of certain personal care products.
Our analysis indicates high variability in exposures for some chemical analytes, shown by the relatively high CV for phenols, phthalates, cotinine, and MTBE. For some of these analytes, with almost an order of magnitude difference between the median and the 95th percentile, variation may reflect geographic variability in exposure sources. For example, MTBE was used in reformulated gasoline starting in 1995. Reformulated gasoline was required for use year-round in cities with significant smog problems (Energy Information Administration 2008), so it was not used in every U.S. location. Thus, the geographic variation in MTBE use may play a role in the wide exposure variability (Energy Information Administration 2008). PBDE-153 is another example of how geographic use variation can influence exposures levels. The 95th percentile of PBDE-153 levels is 15 times greater than the median, and previous research has found PBDE concentrations to be around two times higher in Californians than in others in the United States, likely because of California's unique flammability standard (Zota et al. 2008). Variation in exposure to chemical analytes used in consumer and personal care products (e.g., triclosan, where the 95th percentile is 35 times greater than the median) could be driven by unique product uses (Allmyr et al. 2009). Although biomonitoring studies can demonstrate variation in exposures within populations, they generally are limited in their ability to identify sources of exposures. Consequently, additional exposure assessment research is needed to identify the dominant sources of exposure among pregnant women and the general population.
Our analysis of the NHANES pregnancy data shows ubiquitous exposure to multiple chemicals during a sensitive period of fetal development. The NAS recommends accounting for both multiple exposures and exposures that occur during vulnerable developmental periods in improved approaches for assessing chemical risks across the population, which includes shifting to a risk assessment approach that presumes no threshold of effect among the population unless shown otherwise (National Research Council 2008b). Data, such as from NHANES, should be used to enhance our understanding of risks among the U.S. population and to inform further policy and research activities.
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No, being a stay-at-home mom is not a 'real' job
It's an ongoing argument that goes beyond semantics. Some argue that being a stay-at-home parent is a "real" job, while others are adamant that it's not a "real" job. As for me and the lukewarm coffee I'm drinking right now? I'm here to say that I'm well aware that staying home with my four kiddos (aged 1 to 7) is not a "real" job. And that's exactly why I love it.
Like many middle-class moms, I've been (mostly) a stay-at-home mom for the entire duration of my parenting career. Aside from a full-time stint as a nurse putting my husband through school for our first year of marriage, I've considered myself a stay-at-home mom first and a part-time nurse second. Last year, I made the leap to quit the hospital work completely and now stay home 100 percent of the time.
And whether it's because I'm just getting older or I'm just more secure in my parenting, I've realized something: I don't care if anyone sees my stay-at-home parenting as a "job."
There's been much hullabaloo in the online parenting world about if staying at home with children is a "real" job. Stay-at-home parents feel the need to defend their roles, and working parents often dish out niceties like, "I don't know how you do it, I'd go crazy!" which are always kind of awkward because, how do you really respond to that either way? Like, "Don't worry, I am going crazy!" or "Well, I'd go crazy doing what you do!" and then `round and `round on the mommy-merry-go-round-to-nowhere we go.
More: What working moms have that stay-at-home moms want
Why anyone cares whether the job is "real" or not is beyond me, but if we're getting technical, then no. No, being a stay-at-home mom is not a "real" job, and frankly I'm glad it's not.
Here's the thing: I feel like we are a tad too intent on equating "jobs" with, essentially, work that kind of makes us miserable. Because if we don't hate it and it doesn't make us count down the hours until it's done, it's not a "real" job, right?
I will happily and freely admit to all the world that staying at home isn't as hard as a "real" job would be, because I have a lot of freedoms that simply wouldn't be possible in a "real," out-of-the-home, bring-home-a-check job. But you know what? I'm proud of that. Sometimes I feel like stay-at-home moms are so focused on proving that staying home is a "real" job that we hold up proof of all of the hard aspects of it like validation. I never get a break, I eat crumbs off the floor for lunch, I'm exhausted and I don't remember the last time I showered, see I'm just as miserable as the rest of you office slaves!
But what good is that doing? Why not stand proudly in our yoga pants at home and shrug our shoulders at those who even debate if staying home is a "real" job. Because really, it doesn't matter if it's a "real" job, a privilege beyond all belief or something that we just kind of fell into on accident, if it's working for our families.
Because I know a lot of stay-at-home moms and I happen to be one, I'm well familiar with that lingering sense of inadequacy that we all seem to have and portray, almost like we're apologizing to the world for being stay-at-home moms. We rush to talk about how busy we are and how much the kids have going on, like we need to justify our mere existence.
More: Stay-at-home moms are dragging women backwards
And honestly, I'm tired of the charade. You want to know the truth? I don't think staying home is a "real" job. I think it's vital for a lot of families, I think it's very real work and I think it's invaluable in a strict economic sense, but I don't think it's a "real" job if the definition of a job is just soul-sucking work. I like staying home and being free of the pressures of a "real" job and bosses and schedules and working on holidays. I don't miss any of that.
More: Working moms could use a little help — from stay-at-home moms
So, really, I don't need anyone else to call being a stay-at-home mom a "job." Because having that kind of job is frankly not my ideal anyway. I've had "real" jobs and they kind of suck. There is absolutely no point in all of us stay-at-home parents commiserating about how hard it is do what we do, as if misery is proof of a "real" job.
I'm quite happy if you want to scoff at me and my messy bun or shake your head at the thought of being home all day making cookies. That's cool with me. Because while some days are harder than heck, some days I really do bake cookies all day. Some days as a stay-at-home mom really are your everyday, run-of-the-mill clichés of watching snowflakes and drinking hot chocolate and playing with my kids.
So you can call staying home whatever the heck you want, because either way, I'm pretty darn happy to have the chance to do it.


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Advanced Sugar Flowers With Buttercream & Whipped Cream Icings
Course Description:
How to create superb flowers – whether for hobby or preparing commercial cakes – is a skill that every cake designer should continually refine and expand throughout their careers. As one of the most basic, yet dramatic, of cake design features, the true professional – or even the dedicated hobbyist – can never learn enough about how to design and create elegant flowers and floral arrangements. More particularly, the art of using cream icings to create outstanding cake florals is a unique skill that will be explored in this course. Accenting your flowers with lifelike colors and exploring the dramatic effect they have on a cake design – students will also learn the botanically-correct methods of creating some of the more advanced flower designs out of icing. Scaling your floral creations to your cake design is also explored, as well as differing methods of creating borders and frames with your beautifully fashioned flowers. Students will practice their flower designs and techniques primarily on flower nails and sample boards. However, a two-tier buttercream-iced cake will be provided for students to decorate with the flower designs they choose.
Course Prerequisite:
Students taking this course should possess intermediate skills and proficiency in creating icing flowers.
Course Objectives
- Training will be provided for a number of advanced icing flower designs and techniques, and will be tailored for each student's skill level and for the specific flowers they wish to focus upon. Some of all or the following items will be taught in this course as time allows:
- Proper base, structure, and multi-layers for flower types
- Complex rose, calyx, orchid, lily, chrysanthemum, hibiscus , carnation, and variant flower designs
- Flower buds
- Foliage
- Appliqué flowers and floral plaques
- Guidelines for arranging icing flowers
- Botanically Correct Flower Designs, Techniques and Colors
- Proper Spray/Display Development, Balance, and Accents/Detail
- Placement of Flower Displays, Creating Frames and Borders With Flowers
- Use of Dusts, Colors, Lusters
Lesson Plan
This 3-hour course will cover the course objectives as outlined above
Course Completion
Students will take their completed, self-designed cake as decorated in this course.
Please Note: The class outline as described above is general in nature to the skills taught and includes different items and techniques that are planned for this course. However, please keep in mind that due to small size of our classes, the differing skill levels of each student, and the intimate teaching methods utilized – some of the above-described items may not be taught in every class. If there are items listed above that are of specific interest to you, please be sure to advise the instructor or notify us with a note in your registration documents so that we can be certain to accommodate you with training on your requested topics. All tools, supplies and equipment will be provided by Pastry Palace for participation in this course.