text:
It Took 10 Years, But Dave Chappelle Finally Weeded Out All of His Terrible Fans
Of the 6,000 people at Radio City Music Hall last night, not one screamed, "I'm Rick James, bitch."
"When I'm onstage, I get real happy up there. Maybe that's the only time in my adult life that I feel like myself. You're standing up there — you know what I mean — like a gladiator, and them lights is on you, and you look down and everyone's looking up at you ... and it's all these smiles around you. And they get dressed and they put perfume on and stuff, and they're going to see your show. That feels good, man. These people, you know, they love you. Even if it's for a minute, they really do. They love you, man. You know, it's like a love-fest ... It's the best feeling, man. I love stand-up." – Dave Chappelle, Inside the Actor's Studio, 2006
The lights go dark. A giant silhouette of Dave Chappelle appears onstage. The curtain drops, and all you see is a puff of smoke. Wearing a slim black two-button suit, he tells the crowd, who collectively decided to giving him a standing ovation before he said a word, to sit down, to relax. "This is a very special night," he says before launching into his first joke. "You know what I feel like, being in New York this week? Like a motherfucker who's been locked up for a decade." He pauses there, puffs his American Spirit, and lets the laughter settle a little. "People see me like, 'Damn, nigga, you got swole. How have you been, baby boy?' Pretty good! Pretty fucking good." The crowd erupts in approval.
This is why he quit Chappelle's Show. This is why he walked away from $50 million nine years ago. This is why he went to Africa. This is why he went silent, kept silent, and lived on a farm in Ohio. This is why he'd only reappear occasionally to perform poorly reviewed, loose, meandering sets of essentially shooting the shit. This is why, ten months ago, he stopped a performance in Hartford and just quietly read his book onstage. It wasn't because he was crazy or on drugs or any of the myriad reasons people who aren't Dave Chappelle liked to say. He quit so he could eventually come back and perform a show like the one he did last night, at Radio City Music Hall, in front of 6,000 deferential, diverse, well-dressed fans.
When I enter, I'm instantly and surprisingly overwhelmed with emotion. With a jazz trio called Supa Lowery Bros at the top of the stairs, playing an instrumental version of Kendrick Lamar's oddly appropriate "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe," I'm taken by how incredibly eclectic and buzzing the crowd is. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is the most diverse room I've ever been in. It looks like the streets of New York City were moved inside. It looks like the cast of Orange Is the New Black if it were half male and everyone were allowed to wear their cutest outfits (and not just because I eventually sat two seats down from Natasha Lyonne). A young Asian guy wearing a hat with the New Yorker logo on it stands in line in front of a white guy in a Twiztid hat, an Indian guy in a suit, an African-American skater in a Obey hat, and a woman in dreads who was talking to a woman with a feather in her hair. This is why Chappelle's run of ten shows needed to be here, at Radio City. It's big enough that I could see how wide-reaching his fan base is, but not so big (like Madison Square Garden would've been) that we turned into a faceless blob just moving in and out of passageways. With the band now playing a jazzed-up version of a Kanye West song, it is all reminiscent of Dave Chappelle's Block Party, Chappelle's 2006 concert documentary, which the comedian called the "best day of my career."
The vibe continues inside Radio City's massive auditorium, where a DJ spins a mix of neo-soul, old-school hip-hop, and random nostalgia hat-tips. Everyone knows every word of Biggie's "Juicy" and the Cheers theme song. This is the first of the five shows Chappelle added after the first five sold out. Unlike on the previous nights, Chappelle splits the bill with a musician. In this case, Nas. Though Chappelle goes on first, don't be fooled. It is his show.
Because he has a musician follow him, Chappelle's one-hour-and-change set differs from the 90-minute ones that many publications reviewed last week. It's a tight set. It is hour-special tight, which doesn't come as too much of a surprise, considering all the signs in the lobby that said the entire night was being taped.
The show is comprised of four main chunks. He starts off with topical material, discussing the missing Malaysian plane (which he believes landed safely on "Tupac Island"), the Indian elections, Donald Sterling (pointing out that Sterling was so racist, he forgot Magic Johnson had AIDS), and Paula Deen (hilariously concluding with him hiring her and making her dress like Aunt Jemima), as if to say, "Don't worry, I've been here the whole time."
He then transitions to a section about race, asking, "Remember back in the '80s when only black people were mad?" In the past, Chappelle's material on race was contentious and pointed (think of his classic bit about calling the police after someone broke into his home, only for them to assume he was the robber when they saw a black guy in a nice apartment); it's now bordering on bemused. After years of being angry, he doesn't have time anymore. He captures this with an example that felt like it could've been a Chappelle's Show sketch: If he went into a KFC and all the employees were members of the KKK, he'd still order a two-piece. He laughs, "They're the ones that have to work at KFC."
Beyond Chappelle's belief that African-Americans are no longer on the "racial hot seat," it's clear that part of his focus has shifted to the gay-rights movement. But, unlike he does with material about race, Chappelle approaches it as a supportive yet curious outsider, joking that he just wants to ask gay African-Americans how they prioritize their rage and what they'd do if a gay-pride parade and the Million Man March fell on the same day. It is the weakest, and the shortest, portion of the set. However, the lull doesn't last long, as it leads into what is by far the strongest segment of his hour.
Chappelle started doing stand-up after reading a Time profile of Bill Cosby, and for the last 20 minutes or so of the set, it feels like he's doing a tribute to his idol, telling longer-form stories about his current position as a family man. He tells a story about how every night before she goes to sleep, his wife tells him not to eat the kids' lunches. It is such a Cosby premise, but then he makes it personal by adding, "You know how that goes: I might smoke some weed in the middle of the night, and she'll leave neatly wrapped sandwiches all over the kitchen. Why wouldn't I eat those sandwiches?" But he doesn't even do that anymore, he says. Instead, he'll just take small bites out of them. This is a tiny, pretty funny detail that doesn't actually pay off for 15 minutes, when it is one of many callbacks in the set's incredible last few minutes. This is a master at work. This is a comedian who has been doing stand-up for nearly three decades — three years longer than comedy wunderkind Bo Burnham has even been alive. This is Bobby Fischer (a figure Chappelle has often referenced, as Jason Zinoman points out in his fantastic Searching for Dave Chappelle) returning after years of isolation, when the hype has died down and he can just play chess.
He's in control, I kept thinking to myself. The meaning is twofold. First, in terms of the fact that Chappelle is one of the greatest stand-up comedians ever. Sure, his punch lines are funny, but more than that, Chappelle is incredible at setups. He can create elaborate settings, like spinning a vivid description of going on a winter walk with his sister in full Muslim garb, and he can slow down his cadence and trick the audience into buying into a moment of sincerity. By combining the two, he's able to say the absolute silliest things and have them kill. (The person behind me has a proclivity for saying "He's so stupid" at all such punch lines. I love it.) The best example is during the LGBT chunk: Chappelle talks about a documentary showing a transgender person playing all these disgusting, hateful messages that he received on his answering machine. He goes on and on about how hard they are to listen to. But then, "It made me feel sad. It made me feel sad. Because, first of all, he still had an answering machine."
It was more than the control of craft, however; it was control over how he's perceived. It is what he's been fighting for since he quit. Success brought Chappelle creative control in the sense that he and Chappelle's Show co-creator Neal Brennan had complete freedom to write and shoot whatever they wanted. Success, however, by creating a bigger and different audience than they ever expected, left them unable to control what people were laughing at. This is what he meant when Time interviewed him in Africa and he kept on repeating, "I've got to check my intentions." The example he brought up often after quitting came when shooting a sketch in which, in an attempt to skewer racism, Chappelle was performing in blackface. Chappelle says a white crew member laughed at the "wrong" part of the joke. As he explained on Oprah, it was the fundamental difference between an audience laughing with him and an audience laughing at him. This is a big difference for a comedian who famously will laugh at his own jokes.
Like many stand-ups and many other artists, Chappelle wants to be seen for who he really is, and comedy was his way of communicating that; but fame, which he always had difficulty with, obscured that to a point that made him feel it wasn't worth it. Chappelle didn't quit because he was crazy; he quit because he was sane, and he knew his audience was getting crazy. So, like a war of attrition, intentionally or not, Chappelle weeded the bad element out. After ten years, gone were the racists, the idiots, the bandwagon-jumpers, the people who shouted, "I'm Rick James, bitch" for no apparent reason. All the signs saying "NO heckling" weren't necessary at Radio City. After a privately "pretty fucking good" and publicly tumultuous decade, the audience was most definitely ready to laugh with him.


text:
DOVER — In Page A7 story in the Sept. 7 issue of Foster's the name of the shelter the Cocheco Valley Humane Society has been working with about a new building was incorrectly stated. CVHS has met with the NHSPCA in Laconia.
Choose the plan that's right for you. Digital access or digital and print delivery.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Every time I hear Kelly Clarkson's song "People Like Us," I don't hear it the way she sings it. I don't hear the line "We're all misfits living in a world on fire." I hear "We're all dipsticks living in a world on fire." There's a word for this phenomenon: it's called a "mondegreen," the mishearing or misinterpreting of something said or sung that gives it an entirely new meaning. (The title of this post is one.)
It seems like a lot of the best mondegreens come from the 60s and early 70s. The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" contains a line about "the girl with kaleidoscope eyes." People sometimes hear this as "the girl with colitis goes by." You'd rather have kaleidoscope eyes. When I was a kid first listening to "Get Back," I heard the line "Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner" as "Jojo was a man who thought he was a woman." The Creedence Clearwater Song "Bad Moon Rising" contains the line "There's a bad moon on the rise," which is often misheard as "There's a bathroom on the right." Elton John's "Your Song" does not go "I sat on the roof and kicked off the moths." It's AT THE MOSS. In his song "Purple Haze," rocker Jimi Hendrix sang "Scuse me while I kiss the sky," which somebody transformed into "Scuse me while I kiss this guy," which became the title of a book about musical mondegreens.
Something more recent? How about "There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do" from Toto's "Africa." It's been misheard as "There's nothing that a hundred men on Mars could ever do." Or Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," in which the real line "It really doesn't matter if we make it or not" is vastly different from the misheard "It doesn't really matter if we're naked or not." Because it clearly does matter.
You can browse a few hundred more of these (some rated PG-13) at KissThisGuy.com. I'm not sure all of them are real, though. It takes a pretty dim bulb to hear "Hold on to that feeling" in Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" as "Hold onto that fetus," but I suppose anything is possible.


text:
Walter Lapchynski
carsrcoffins23 at yahoo dot com
wxl on Freenode, OFTC, and elsewhere
Lubuntu Release Manager (et cetera)
About Me (and my relationship with Ubuntu)
I'm a lifelong geek, having delved deeply into the many intricacies of my first computer, a Commodore 128, at 8 years old. I taught myself how to program BASIC immediately. Eventually, armed with a little experience from the CP/M mode (read: PC emulation) on said computer, I upgraded to MS-DOS on a new PC.
As a pre-teen, I made good use out of my 1200 baud modem, calling all over Ohio, much to the chagrin of my father. Soon I found the Cleveland FreeNet, the first free network, and with it discovered gopher, telnet, ftp, IRC, and ultimately, FreeBSD.
Meanwhile I kept loading up Windows on to my PC for those rare cases I might need it. I lived in the shell. One day, after upgrading to Windows 95, I typed some normal command, and was faced with "wrong version." The VER command revealed that Windows had truly taken over DOS. At that point, our relationship was over.
So began a long search for a new love. After a positive experience with Red Hat on a work computer, I installed Slackware on a ThinkPad which was wrought with difficulty, but I made it work, until the hard drive failed. At the time, replacing hardware on a desktop was fine and dandy with me, but I wasn't comfortable opening up a laptop, so I gave it away.
Since I was in college (for a degree in biology), I got a great discount on an Apple PowerBook G4 PPC (New World) I couldn't pass up. For a while, I had quite the love affair with OS X, but the more I used it, the more I found myself in Terminal and the more I did, the more I longed for a UNIX-like experience that wasn't quite so proprietary and funky. I was exploring various and sundry areas of networking and wanted a platform that would require less effort to get things done. Meanwhile I cut my teeth upgrading hardware, getting over that fear of repairing smaller-scale hardware. I even did some repairs on a tiny Palm Pre phone.
After being blown away by the state of Ubuntu, but not entirely liking its bloat, I kept searching. Xubuntu was good but not enough, though I did find myself liking XFCE. I went through all sorts of things, including a rather good long run with Arch (mainly from the XFCE connection though I like their "keep it simple" philosophy).
Finally Lubuntu came out with a PPC release. I got it going on the PowerBook and loved it. When I again got a hold of a ThinkPad that needed a little hardware help, I immediately loaded it up with Lubuntu. I also have a PowerBook G3 PPC (Old World) that has proven quite challenging to get anything on easily. It will eventually be Lubuntized. Every machine in the house (and there are many, including a little mini-ITX server and a Raspberry Pi) has some Debian-based distro on it, mostly Lubuntu.
I guess at my core, I'm a hacker: always tinkering, trying to figure out what various pieces do, experimenting. Linux is, for sure, the perfect platform for me.
I've decided, thusly, to quit ignoring my calling and have went back to school to get my degree in IT, with an emphasis in software development. This way I can actually be getting paid for what I'll ultimately be doing on my own anyways. I've got experience with Bash, Java, C, C++, C#, Python, Lua (awesomewm!), Common Lisp, Clojure, to name a few.
I'm an everyday cyclist and bike commuter and my primary employment is selling handcrafted folding bicycles to an international audience at Bike Friday. I also do various and sundry information services tasks for them.
I'm also a music geek and a free culture junkie. These two often go hand in hand.
I host an electronic music radio show broadcast with my own Icecast server (called ∃ radio) using Mixxx to DJ exclusively free Creative Commons-licensed tunes.
Also, on the other end of the spectrum, I have two more avant-garde/experimental projects that work in the loosely described genre of noise, Brownian Motion and The ERNIE 4, the latter being a collaboration with Jon 7/President Blair. Previously, they have involved taking some source material and manipulating it with the Apple-specific product Audio Hijack Pro. Often, there's a subtle commentary on the nature of intellectual copyright and what exactly is "free" in not only the implementation but the selection of sources. It is ironic then, to not use free software. I'm proud to say current works use Lubuntu, JACK, Pure Data, FreqTweak, jack-rack, and a variety of other free softwares. It is also likely that some generative video will be created via either Pure Data or Processing. Much of my work is available through my label Brownian e/Motion(s). I have an interest in doing livecoding. My friend and I are working on a little project in Overtone (Clojure + supercollider). There is also a likelihood that an electronic music project (likely breakcore) will come into existence care of some tracker (lgpt or Buzztard).
My Contributions
My main focus is on Lubuntu in the following areas (not necessarily in order):
Bug reporting and triage on Launchpad and less so, on Sourceforge where the main LXDE tracker is. I am a member of Lubuntu Packages team, so I regularly get updates on bugs related to our project.
IRC support on #lubuntu on Freenode.
Testing/QA on both virtual and real hardware, with a particular focus on Lubuntu QA (I'm one of two current Release Managers), but also PowerPC/Mac (I'm the de facto Point Of Contact), Ubuntu server, and netboot. I recently was added as a testcase admin to help keep our procedures up to date. I'm proud to say that I was part of the team that kept PowerPC afloat for 12.10 by some very last minute testing.
Documentation on the Lubuntu Wiki but also general pages where relevant.
Facebook, where I helped create and help administer the official group.
I also serve as the Team Leader/Point Of Contact for Oregon LoCo.
My Teams
Future Goals
Short term, I've got some work ahead of me to unite and grow the beautiful State of Oregon's LoCo, spreading the word of Ubuntu throughout the land!
Long term, I want to learn Vala, Qt, and related languages, as well as packaging, so I can help with the development of Lubuntu and ultimately be able to do a better job in the areas I already contribute to.
If you have something nice to say about me, please add it below:
Walter is, as stated above, a very motivated and 'hands-on' person in all areas that he is involved in. For the testing cycle he went far beyond any call of duty. This continues apace with the chasing of outstanding bugs and the re-write of test cases for PPC. He is not limited to PPC and helps out on all areas. He is a wonderful example of the Ubuntu ethos, I strongly support his application for full Ubuntu membership. phillw 28th Oct 2012
update: I've had the extreme pleasure of working with wxl for several years now. He's very good at what he does, and is always willing to help and share his knowledge with others. He's been very helpful in many areas especially with the support and testing side. It is through his fantastic work that each cycle lubuntu has enough people to test PPC and AMD64+Mac images. His work with the Lubuntu Team has always been above and beyond the call of duty. He has now taken the mantle of TL for testing and is also now a release manager with duty of checking milestone ISO's are either a 'GO' or 'NO-GO' for acceptance. He's also always ready to answer any questions concerning where Lubuntu and F/OSS in general is heading. He is active with the areas of advocacy and being the Team Leader for lubuntu testing, liaises well with others and also with lubuntu's other sub-teams. I ask that you look favourably upon his application. phillw Sat 12th July 2014
Walter not only helped us with the testing task on QA Team. He spent hours trying to solve those called minor problems from unexperienced users on Lubuntu's IRC channel, editing and correcting wiki pages or even managing media resources like Facebook to spread the word. I highly recommend his membership application. -- rafaellaguna 2014-07-11 23:16:46
For me as CEO of Lubuntu marketing it's essential to have to have reliable sources that support me and my work. And for me, Walter is such a source. Whenever I need information or support on short notice, I can always count on Walter. He has the ability to make even the most difficult tech stuff understandable for Linux novices like me. And on top, he is patient... Someone willing to explain the same procedure 3 times in a row if necessary. And that's what the community really needs in my eyes. silverlion on Tue 5th August 2014
I've known wxl on IRC for a while now, and I'd say he is an intelligent, helpful person in terms of support and is the current release manager for Lubuntu. I fully support his application to become an Ubuntu member. -- unit193


text:
take lotsSaturday, August 08, 2009
I take a lot of photos. Mostly for this life of mine. Therefore, I have a bunch of out-takes. I could fill an album with just out-takes and maybe one day I will. A few out-takes from last week:
A jar of daisies left on the patio. We came back from our trip to find them in this state. I thought they were spectacular. Yes, I did.
A new skirt for Libby, handmade (by someone else) from vintage fabrics. Layered and embellished in just the right way.
A handmade cupcake to celebrate a little life. I wanted to celebrate the maker. She made thirty of these. Just because.
36 comments
Oh, how right you are! Imagine if we tried to put together a puzzle with the pieces missing. We'd get the gist of it but not the whole picture.ReplyDelete
Your outtakes are as beautiful as your uploads, and, yes, tell more of the story that is the moments and memories of this life of yours.ReplyDelete
The daisies are perfect. They speak how they missed you.
The skirt and cupcakes are artistic masterpieces, gifts of friendship in return for all the love and beauty you share with others, as does your dear family, each and every member.
Be well, dear friend, in all these days we know, one day at a time, step by step and hand in hand.
i could fill an album with out-takes too. do you print your 365 and put them in an album? i've been thinking about doing that.ReplyDelete
what a good reminder...to enjoy the outtakes in life. Thanks for that! your outtakes are great!ReplyDelete
that's good advice, leslie. thanks.ReplyDelete
I love all the bracelets!ReplyDelete
what a cupcake maker! too cute!
Even your outtakes are breathtaking!ReplyDelete
LOVE the skirt! (Well, I love everything - the cupcakes, the daisies - everything)
Yeah, cupcakes!ReplyDelete
I love baking, so the cupcakes drew me right in (I make my own as an exercise in delaying gratification. Doesn't work as well as it should).
I love, love, love that skirt!ReplyDelete
What a beautiful cupcake! I used to think decorating something that was just going to be eaten within a few hours was a complete waste of time- I don't think that way anymore! There is purpose and value in creating something beautiful, even if that beauty is fleeting...ReplyDelete
happy knitting-
- Anonymous8/20/2009
Your skirt is really cool, i like to have one of this for myself.ReplyDelete
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text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's strategist David Axelrod had his trademark mustache shaved Friday on MSNBC after the hosts of "Morning Joe" helped raise $1 million for his epilepsy charity.
Axelrod, and his facial hair, appear frequently on news shows.
He had said on "Morning Joe" he would shave the mustache he'd worn for 40 years on live TV if Obama lost Pennsylvania, Minnesota or Michigan in the Nov. 6 election. Host Joe Scarborough had agreed to grow a mustache if Obama won either Florida or North Carolina.
Obama won Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Florida, but Axelrod said he would still shave his mustache if his charity raised $1 million by Nov. 30. His daughter, Lauren, has epilepsy, and his wife, Susan, helped create the group.


text:
Mara- Crew Socks Multi Stripe Navy
Sock Details
- Made in Alabama, USA
- Seamless Toe Closure
- Reinforced Heel and Toe Construction for Extra Durability
- Knit with Combed Organic Cotton and Dyed with Low-Impact Dyes
- Foot Hugging Fit
- Retains Shape & Elasticity Over Time
- Comprised of 66% certified organic combed cotton, 32% nylon and 2% elastic
- Manufactured in small batches at our family mill in Fort Payne, Alabama from organic cotton grown on U.S. farms, spun and dyed with low-impact dyes in the Carolinas.
Quality Materials. Streamlined, Sustainable Process
We're very particular about what zkano socks are made of and how they are manufactured. Our organic cotton is grown on farms in the Southern U.S. by farmers we actually know. After harvest, cotton travels to the Carolinas where it is spun and dyed (with low-impact dyes) before arriving at our mill in Alabama.
We knit socks in very small batches at our family owned and operated mill. Our team of ten (including Mom and Dad) run the manufacturing process from start to finish. And, because our entire operation is under one roof, we're able to constantly monitor quality throughout each step of the process, minimize waste and deliver a stellar product.Additionally, our packaging, labels and marketing materials are printed within a 100-mile radius of our mill. That's our whole process, straightforward and simple!
Giving and Recycling: Our irregular socks are donated to the mOM doll Project and to homelessness shelters and community organizations in Alabama.
We have some socks that are not fit for donations. These are repurposed or recycled and if recycled, they are transformed back into yarn used to make socks.
|Women's U.S. Shoe Size
|Men's U.S. Shoe Size
|5.5 – 9.5
|4 – 7.5
|10 - 13
|8 – 13
Machine wash cold water with like colors. Tumble dry on low heat. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.
United States - $5.95 USPS Priority Mail / Free Shipping on Domestic Orders Over $75.
Canada - $14.95 Flat Rate USPS Priority Mail
Returns: We are happy to return any full price item that is unworn (not tried on the foot), unwashed and returned to us within 15 days from time of original receipt. Socks must be returned to us in the condition they were received, with labels fully intact. Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com within 15 days of receiving your order and we will issue a Return Authorization. Please include the original packing slip or your full name with your shipment so that we can process your refund quickly.
If the return meets the above requirements, we will refund your account within seven days of receipt of the returned items; you will be notified by email once your refund is issued. Please note that it can take up to seven additional days for the refund to appear on your account. Unfortunately, exchanges are not available.
Return shipping costs are at the customer's expense. The original shipping amount will be deducted from your refund. We do not take responsibility for any items lost during the return shipping.
All sales on sale items are final and therefore not returnable.
We reserve the right to reject any returns that do not meet these requirements. If your return is not accepted, it will be sent back to you and a refund will not be issued.
If you have any questions about returns, please contact us at email@example.com
Contact Us
Give Us A Shout
Customer service hours are Monday through Friday 9a.m. – 5p.m. Central time. For questions, concerns or comments, please email or give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!
Customer Service
Our Mill: 1-256-845-9801 ext. 4
*Please be sure to select ext. 4 for zkano customer service.
1715 Airport Road
Fort Payne, Alabama 35968


text:
Antiquarian Blank Book Journals
Quill not included
- These blank books look like really old books
- Each has lined, acid-free paper and unique closures
- Choose from one of two styles
There's nothing like an old book. It's delicate and distinctive. It's robust and full of history. It has a unique perfume of intelligence and wisdom and basement and magic. But you shouldn't write in old books and, unless you have a time machine, you can't write your own old books. Well, now at least you can write your own things in books that LOOK old with these Antiquarian Blank Book Journals.
There are two styles of Antiquarian Blank Book Journals for you to choose from. One looks like old tanned leather in a Renaissance-style binding. It closes with a magnetic flap and has an inside pocket. The other is more textured, closes with little metal clasps, and is patterned after a book from the early 1800s (The Poetical Works of Thomas Moore by publishers A. & W. Galignani (pub. 1829), to be exact). Both Antiquarian Blank Book Journals will fuel your imagination and be the perfect spot for your hopes, dreams, poems, fanfic, and other writings to reside. Nothing but class!
Product Specifications
- Compose your best thoughts in these glorious blank books
- Contains acid-free, sustainable forest paper and 100% recycled binder boards
- 144 lined pages
- Books are made to look like old leather tomes, without actually being leather
- Each has a ribbon marker
- Two styles to choose from: Metal Latches and Old Leather
- Style Features:
- Metal Latches (Noctournelle) - two latches hold this textured book closed. Designed to look like a book from the 1820s.
- Old Leather (Handtooled) - magnetic flap holds this textured book closed. Designed to look like a book capturing the flavor of Renaissance-style binding. Accordion pocket inside.
- Dimensions: 7" x 9"


text:
OIG Advisory Opinion 12-06: Insightful Guidance from the OIG For Structuring Company Model Arrangements
By Carey Kalmowitz, Abby Pendleton and Kathryn Hickner-Cruz, The Health Law Partners, PC, Southfield, MI
On June 1, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General ("OIG") issued its Advisory Opinion No. 12-06,1 which provides long-awaited guidance to the healthcare industry regarding the legal permissibility of an anesthesia delivery service model commonly referred to as the "company model." Insofar as Advisory Opinion No. 12-06 is the initial OIG guidance that specifically focuses on such an arrangement and determines that the factual paradigms presented implicate risks under the federal anti-kickback statute (the "AKS") (Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act), this Advisory Opinion understandably is capturing broad attention within the medical and legal communities. While OIG Advisory Opinion 12-06 clarifies the almost-axiomatic observation that company model arrangements, especially those that contain the indicia that the OIG historically has identified as problematic under the AKS, certainly have the potential to violate the AKS, the legal permissibility of each company model arrangement should continue to be analyzed based on each arrangement's unique facts and circumstances.
Broad Overview of Company Model Arrangements and Related Controversy
A significant percentage of ambulatory surgery center ("ASC") procedures involve anesthesia services provided by an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist ("CRNA"). Due to changes within the healthcare environment, including, in particular, changes in reimbursement and an increased emphasis on quality and efficiency of patient care, an increasing number of ASCs around the country have transformed their relationships with the anesthesia providers from the normative arrangement (under which an independent anesthesia group bills fee-for-service for the anesthesia services that it furnishes at the ASC) to a "company model" arrangement.2 Although there are a number of permutations of the structure, the company model generally involves the ASC or some or all of its physician owners (hereafter, in either case, the "ASC Physician Members") establishing a separate legal entity that will provide anesthesia services to the ASC by employing or contracting with anesthesia providers (the "New Company"). The New Company separately bills for the anesthesia services and then pays the anesthesia providers an agreed-upon rate (or contractual compensation in the case of employed anesthesiologists). As a result, the ASC Physician Members capture a portion of the anesthesia revenue generated from procedures furnished at the ASC (which, under the traditional paradigm, had been exclusively realized by the anesthesiologists).
The company model debate has prompted vigorous discussion within the healthcare bar and anesthesia industry. The legal dialogue, in particular, focuses upon the application of the AKS to the company model structure. In pertinent part, the AKS prohibits anyone from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, in cash or in kind, to induce or in return for referrals of items or services payable by any federal healthcare program. Liability is imposed on both parties to an impermissible transaction. The AKS has been interpreted to cover any arrangement where one purpose of the remuneration is to obtain money for referral of services or to induce further referrals, even if other salutary purposes exist.3 Violation of the AKS constitutes a felony punishable by a maximum fine of $25,000, imprisonment up to five years or both. Conviction will also lead to automatic exclusion from federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and may result in the imposition of civil monetary penalties.4
In the company model context, the profit that the ASC Physician Members derive from the anesthesia revenue at the ASC, in an improperly structured arrangement, potentially represents impermissible remuneration in the AKS context. In its most basic terms, the issue is whether, in substance, the ASC Physician Members are converting their referral stream into a revenue stream. The theory is that the anesthesiologists would essentially be required to forego the anesthesia profit (in favor of the New Company) in exchange for the ability to provide (or, in the case of a then-current anesthesia provider, continue providing) anesthesia services at the ASC, and the ASC Physician Members would earn such profit, based in part, on their referrals of such services to the anesthesiologists. As discussed below, the fact that the company model affords the ASC Physician Members the ability to capture anesthesia revenue, by itself, does not violate AKS insofar as the determinative element of any AKS violation is impermissible intent. Further, the federal government is particularly concerned with arrangements that have the ability to negatively affect patient care and/or to result in overutilization. OIG Advisory Opinion No. 12-06 states "[t]he anti-kickback statute seeks to ensure that referrals will be based on sound medical judgment,and that health care professionals will compete for business based on quality and convenience, instead of paying for referrals."5Any AKS analysis requires consideration of the aggregate facts and circumstances in light of available federal guidance.
OIG Advisory Opinion No. 12-06 should be seen as corroborative of the AKS principles that the OIG has articulated in prior joint venture guidance.6 To the extent that a company model arrangement contains the suspect indicia that the OIG has consistently identified, then such an arrangement will assume a higher level on the risk spectrum, whereas, by contrast, company models that both demonstrate a clearer nexus between the ASC Physician Members and New Company's business (especially in the form of active participation, particularly focused towards the elevation of clinical care), and which avoid correlations between distributions to the ASC Physician Members and their referrals, would appear to have comparatively lower risk.
OIG Advisory Opinion No. 12-06
In OIG Advisory Opinion No. 12-06, the OIG reviewed two proposals (i.e., Proposal A and B) (the "Proposed Arrangements") for modifying the relationship between certain ASCs and their exclusive provider of anesthesia services (the "Requestor") and determined that both of the Proposed Arrangements could potentially violate AKS and result in administrative sanctions.
At the outset, it should be noted that Proposal A itself is not truly a "company model" arrangement. Proposal A involved the Requestor continuing to serve as the exclusive provider of anesthesia services and to bill and retain collections for its services,subject, however, to the requirement that it would pay the ASCs a per-patient fee for certain "management services" with respect to non-federal healthcare program patients. The OIG clarified that the proposed "carve out" of federal healthcare program patients does not insulate the otherwise-defective structure from AKS scrutiny. The federal government would view the relationship between the Requestor and the ASCs (which also included the provision of services to federal healthcare program patients) as a whole. The OIG noted that the ASCs were already essentially paid for such management services through the facility fee that the ASCs receive from Medicare and therefore, under Proposal A, the ASCs would be paid twice fo rthe same services. Further, such management fee would have the potential to inappropriately dictate which anesthesia provider was selected by the ASC.
Under Proposal B, the ASC Physician Members would indirectly (through their professional entities or the ASC itself) own a new subsidiary entity (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary would engage the Requestor as an independent contractor to provide a broad (i.e., substantially the full spectrum of required) anesthesia-related administrative services through the new Subsidiary entity in return for a negotiated fee. Further, the Subsidiary would employ anesthesia providers (some or all of whom would be affiliated with Requestor) or contract with the Requestor's anesthesia providers on a contractor basis. The Subsidiary would furnish and bill for all anesthesia services provided at the ASC and pay the anesthesia providers agreed-upon compensation. Insofar as the ASC Physician Members would indirectly own the Subsidiary, there would be a correlation between the number of procedures performed at the ASC that require anesthesia and the profit distributions to the ASC Physician Members from the Subsidiary. (It should be noted, in the context of this discussion, that such correlation between referrals and profit distributions exists in legally permissible in-office ancillary service arrangements, even among single specialty group practices.) Among other factors, the OIG also found it significant that the ASC physicians would not be involved in the operations of the Subsidiary and that substantially all of the operations would be contracted out to Requestor. Further, it is noteworthy that the anesthesia services would be provided by the same provider that historically furnished the anesthesia services before entry into the company model arrangement. Relying heavily on its previously issued joint venture guidance, the OIG concluded that Proposal B would pose "more than a minimal risk of fraud and abuse."7
The OIG's conclusions with respect to Proposal B are consistent with previous guidance issued by the OIG in the joint venture context: if a company model arrangement (such as Proposal B or similar healthcare industry arrangement ) is implemented (or appears to be implemented) to convert referrals (by ASC physicians to anesthesiologists) to a revenue stream and to incentivize overutilization and undue influence over choice of anesthesia provider, such company model involves a high level of risk and is likely impermissible. Factors that increase the risk of inappropriate utilization through the ordering of unnecessary procedures and anesthesiology services to generate revenue have the ability to increase costs to the federal healthcare programs, interfere with clinical decision-making and raise patient safety or quality of care concerns. By contrast, if a company model arrangement is organized and operated for legally permissible goals (i.e., improving quality and efficiency of care), the ASC Physician Members participate actively in the business' conduct, and the profit distribution mechanism does not bear a connection between distributions and the ability to generate procedures, its legal risk should be significantly mitigated and the arrangement is in a far better position to withstand regulatory scrutiny, especially if all of the requisite structural safeguards are included.
Practical Take-Aways
OIG Advisory Opinion No. 12-06 should remind attorneys providing guidance in this area that company model arrangements must include meaningful safeguards to mitigate legal risk and to be defensible from an AKS perspective. That being said, the value of such safeguards depends on the manner in which they are implemented and the actual intent that underlies their inclusion.
Any company model arrangement must be structured, and most importantly, actually implemented in a good faith manner and involve circumstances that reflect good intent, such as improving quality, efficiency and coordination of care or other permissible purposes. Meaningful efforts to coordinate care through increased integration and alignment among providers is a favorable factor. Employment of the anesthesiologists and CRNAs by the new ASC or physician-owned anesthesia entity would promote such a nexus. Further, if the objective of the new entity is genuinely to improve quality and efficiency, all of the physician owners should be meaningfully engaged in the operations of the Company, especially with regard to the development and continuous refinement to policies and protocols (e.g., "best practices") designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of services furnished at the ASC.
Further, it is important to emphasize that distributions from the new company under a company model arrangement to the physician owners (directly or indirectly) should be made in accordance with such physicians' respective ownership interests (or some other factor unrelated to referrals) and certainly not based upon the number of procedures they perform at the ASC. Accordingly, it is imperative that such new company not determine the ownership interests of the physicians based on their anticipated referrals or business generated, not require or pressure physician investors to sell their ownership interest in the company if they fail to generate a certain level of referrals or business, and not track the source of referrals to or business generated for the company.
Advisory Opinion 12-06 provides insight into the OIG's analytical approach not solely for company model arrangements, but rather the reasoning applies with equal force to any joint venture between providers in a position to direct business to each other. While this Advisory Opinion provides guidance that is particularly instructive in the context of ASC owners establishing an anesthesia delivery entity, identifying the risks associated with physicians deriving a profit foremost from their ability to generate referrals in contrast to actively participating in the conduct of the business is a consistent theme throughout the OIG's advisory opinions. Thus, healthcare attorneys structuring any type of joint venture arrangement should review Advisory Opinion 12-06 in connection with structuring such an arrangement.
Accessed at http://www.oig.hhs.gov/compliance/advisory-opinions/index.asp.
See United States v. Kats , 871 F. 2d 105 (9 th Cir. 1989); United States v. Greber, 760 F.2d 68 (3d Cir. 1985), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 988 (1985) and cases that follow.
See further discussion at OIG Opinion No. 12-06 at page 5.
See further discussion at OIG Opinion No. 12-06 at page 7.
See, for example, OIG Special Fraud Alert on Joint Ventures (December 19, 1994), OIG Special Advisory Bulletin: Contractual Joint Ventures (April 23, 2003), OIG Opinion No. 11-15, 09-09,and 08-10. Accessed at http://oig.hhs.gov .
OIG Advisory Opinion 12-06 at page 9.
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Let Go, Draw Close
Daily Blessing
As you walk through your weekend, may you let go of any lies you pick up along the way. May you shake off any offenses that are still hanging on. May you instead wrap yourself up in the complete love and acceptance of Christ. May you forgive yourself and forgive others. May you believe that God's promises are more powerful than your blunders. May you embrace God's redemptive plan for your life with hope and expectancy. And, may precious sleep and sweet dreams be yours tonight!
Grit to Persevere
Daily Blessing
May Jesus give you the grit to persevere when your Promised Land depends on it. May He give you tenderness to forgive, when relationships are strained. May He give you compassion to lovingly see those whom He's given you to love. May He give you faith to believe that miracles still happen our day. May you refuse to run away just because something feels uncomfortable. May you refuse to dig in your heels just because risk feels too scary. There's a time to stay firmly planted and a time to step into the unknown. Both require faith. Your Good Shepherd will faithfully lead you every step of the way. Blessings on your day.
You both precede and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing upon my head (Psalm 139:5).
Someone God Loves
Daily Blessing
You are someone God loves. You're not your weaknesses. You're not your sins. You're not even your strengths. You're someone God loves, enjoys and redeems. In Christ Jesus, you're brand new, through and through. You don't have to look back in regret or look down in shame. You can look up and honor the Name of Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again so you could live powerfully, abundantly, and eternally. Refuse to let your setbacks or mess-ups define you. They don't. They can't. They won't. Be bold, be brave, and be happy in Jesus. He's thrilled to claim you as His own! Have a great day.
*Photo Credit: Unsplash.com, Francesco Gallarotti
When God Reduces You...
Daily Blessing
Every Christ follower goes through a season of reduction; a time when God "reduces" us, prunes us back, thins our lives, and reminds us once again that we are not what we do, we're someone He loves. Yet, so often, grief, disappointment, and disillusionment accompany us into this season. But they don't stay with us. Eventually the sharp pruned edges stop hurting and they actually heal. Our hearts start to beat again. Our souls start to thrive again. And we remember once again that any gift from God's hand pales in comparison to truly knowing His heart. If you're feeling reduced and cut back, don't panic; don't wonder about your worth (you're worth everything to Him). Remind your soul that God is with you here. He's doing a deep work in you. And soon you'll know wholeness and fruitfulness you never imagined possible. Rest in His care for now. He's got you.
Photo Credit: Daniel Sturgess, Unsplash.com
God's Masterpiece
Daily Blessing
You are God's masterpiece! You are His song in the night and His balm to a brokenhearted world. You are His trophy of grace and His anthem of peace. May Jesus so meet you and minister to you—right where you live—that you begin to shine like never before. May His peace so mark your life that others sense His loving care when they're around you. May He so strategically position you in the world so that those around you develop a thirst for the things of God. Daily the heavens pour forth speech. May Jesus speak volumes through your life! Blessings to you this
*Photo Credit: Rodrigo Soares, Unsplash.com
Time & Space to Heal
Daily Blessing
May Jesus give you time and space to feel your hurts, heal your wounds, and grieve your losses. May He lead you beside still waters and restore your soul. May He bring you friends who love you right where you are. May you refuse to be cynical or jaded; instead, may you dare to dream again, right in the midst of the pain you're in. Don't be afraid of lament. You can't sprint through grief. But avoid self-pity like the plague. You don't need pity. You have the promises of God! You have the presence of God. And He still has a powerful purpose for you. You won't stay in this valley. You're just passing through. One honest step at a time. You'll get through it, and you'll be stronger on the other side. You can do this. God bless you, dear one.
Rich Relationships, Fresh Opportunities
Daily Blessing
May God bless you with rich relationships and deep friendships. May He put people in your path who see what God sees in you. May God bring people of influence into your world; may they call out your gifts, encourage you onward, and even open doors for you. May those locked doors suddenly open. May those stubborn mountains finally move. May God usher in a new day for you where small steps become giant leaps forward, where small seeds produce a great harvest, and where childlike faith gives you victory while your giants fall. May God bless you with some amazing people and fresh opportunities. May it be so, Lord Jesus! Have a beautiful day and a blessed night.
Faith, Not Sight
Daily Blessing
May you begin to live more by faith than you do by sight. May you trust-with your whole heart-that God has already gone ahead of you, cleared the way, established grace, and answered prayers before you even fully understood just what you'd needed. Jesus is profoundly invested in your journey. He merely spoke, and the heavens came to be. He speaks now on your behalf because He loves you and is invested in you. Don't look around for signs. Look up and rejoice because He's got you. Live by faith today, because one day, your faith will become sight and you'll be glad you trusted Him. Have a sturdy-hearted day. You're mighty in God!
Get Back Up Again
Daily Blessing
Courage means you get back up again after you've been knocked down. Courage means you face your fears and move past them. Courage means you stand up and remain confident in the face of your bullies. Jesus was the King of Courage and He lives inside of you! Refuse to let your enemy kick dirt in your eyes or spew lies in your ears. YOU are a child of the Most High God. You are someone heaven knows. YOU are profoundly important to the greater Kingdom story. So rise up, wrap yourself up in courage, and face your day. God is with you!
Don't Panic, Follow Jesus
Daily Blessing
If you've been blindsided by life, this blessing is for you: God is with you in this place. Your best days are NOT behind you, in fact, they're right in front of you. Though the enemy knows how to wound us, God knows how to heal us. Though the enemy is a crafty liar, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and He's on your side! Yours is to rest in Him and remember His promises. Jesus will heal your heart and restore your soul. Don't panic; don't grab for quick solutions; just find your place of rest in Him. He will faithfully lead you onward and upward. His plans for you are good. I pray you sleep well tonight.
Here's What's True
Daily Blessing
Here's what's true: The enemy can't take your value, your voice, or your choice to follow Jesus. He can't diminish your worth, your calling, or your influence. He can't separate you from God's love, he can't take away God's promises, and can't stand that you're so dear to the Father's heart. In due time, he will get what is coming to him. So for now, stand strong, believe, and give thanks to the God who made you, trains you, and intends to use you beyond your wildest dreams. Look to Him today!
He's the Same Today
Daily Blessing
God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He's still a miracle-working God. He still responds to heartfelt, faith-filled prayers. He's still involved in your story. May you lift your eyes above your hurts, lift your heart from the heaviness that weighs it down, and breathe out a prayer that's bold, and fresh, and full of faith. He's the same today as He was when He parted the waters, made the sun stand still, and raised Jesus up from the grave. This is our God and He's crazy in love with you. May you reach out for Him and may He put hope in your heart today. Bless you.
The Appointed Time
Daily Blessing
There's an appointed time for every God-given breakthrough. Jesus knows when your accumulative prayers will make the most difference. He knows when your long-awaited breakthrough will bear the most fruit; He knows when your blessing will not be a burden. May you trust Him in the meantime. You've things to do in this season: Rest. Wait. Trust. Obey. Give thanks. Enjoy joy. And walk forward in faith. Breakthrough is on the horizon.
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted (John 15:7 NIV)!
May He Miraculously Deliver You
Daily Blessing
May Jesus miraculously deliver you from the fear and anxiety that threatens to overwhelm you. May He set you in a spacious place so you feel less pressed by the enemy of your soul. May He shore you up and strengthen you so you can clearly see things as they are, and not as they seem. May JOY fill your heart—right in the midst of your circumstances—and may PEACE flood your soul. Jesus will never change His mind about you. He loves you. He's tender with your weaknesses and fierce in your defense. You can rest in His presence. You can trust Him. So trust Him. Have a blessed day and a restful night.
May You Know Peace
Daily Blessing
If you're in an impossible situation and you don't know what to do, maybe it's time to rise up in faith and speak to the mountain that stands in your way. Maybe it's time to hold your ground and ask the Lord to fight for you. In fact, may you know PEACE in this place, like never before! May the JOY of the Lord strengthen you to stand and dream as you pray and contend for your breakthrough. You will get through this. You can count on the Lord to be faithful to His Word. Have a blessed day and a restful night.
Be Stouthearted and Believe
Daily Blessing
May you celebrate the invisible changes taking place in your soul. When you pray, when you trust, when you love and when you forgive, the soil changes, seeds break open, and eventually life springs forth. Don't underestimate the power of your obedience in this season. Don't let the enemy diminish your value simply because you've not yet seen the breakthrough. Things must grow beneath the surface before they spring forth in our lives. Walk in faith knowing that every little seed, every little deed, every act of faith, every song of praise makes a difference in your Kingdom story. Be stouthearted and believe. Because it's true. Soon, the harvest will come.
Detours and Opportunities
Daily Blessing
May you begin to see your setbacks as temporary, your delays as detours, and your heartbreaks as opportunities to experience God's precious, powerful healing. And in the meantime, may God give you glimpses of glory, insights into His good plan for you. Be assured that God has never left your side; He'll never let you go. May God help you see with supernatural insight so that you won't be deceived by the enemy of your soul, or by your past painful filters, or by your fears of the future. In fact, right here--in this place--may your divine perspective hugely inspire your faith steps. You are mighty in God and He is mighty in you.
"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" 17 Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:16-17 niv)
Ask For The Impossible
Daily Blessing
May you refuse to let your emotions dictate your perspective. You have Jesus. You have His presence. And you have His promises! When what your eyes see is different than what your heart deeply desires, look up and pray. He invites you to walk with Him, talk with Him, and involve Him in every detail of your life. If you're in the 'not-yet' season, take time to worship God because He's God; take time to thank Him too, because He's been good. And dare to ask for the impossible, because He's a wonder-working God. Your story is not over yet. Have a heart-at-rest kind of night. God bless you!
Weekend Blessing
Daily Blessing
By God's grace, may you eliminate hurry and worry from your life. May you instead slow your pace and turn your face to the One who loves, saves, redeems, and restores everything about you. Instead of grabbing for yourself, may you pause and wait and see how God provides and cares for you. May you enter into a new season where you know God's rest, His pace, and His provision like you've never know before. He's for you and with you, in ways, you can't even imagine!
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV).
A Sacred Journey
Daily Blessing
May you pause today to remember that your journey is as sacred as the destination. Whatever next place God has for you, He intends to meet you in this place, where you now stand. He's hidden treasures in the valleys and grace in the shadows. He offers rest amidst the chaos and peace in the middle of the storm. Instead of wishing your life away, pause today and pray, "Lord, open my eyes to see You here. Help me to extract the precious from the difficult. Help me embrace the everyday graces You've so richly provided." May you find joy today simply knowing that you belong to a loving, invested, attentive Savior and He intends to get you safely home. Have a blessed day.
Consider This Truth
Daily Blessing
May you step back today and give time and space to consider this truth: No circumstance, no enemy, no opposition can keep you from God's best purpose for you! Your unbelief is the only roadblock you have to deal with. God can do in a moment what takes us years to accomplish. Consider afresh what impossible things Jesus wants to do in and through you. Kneel, if you can. Open your hands. Look past your frustrations and consider His promises. Tonight, may Jesus find faith and expectancy in your heart. And may He download fresh insights while you sleep. Blessings on your day today!


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Vendavo Commits to Co-Innovation Road Map Based on SAP HANA®, Inks Agreement to Offer SAP HANA With Its Profitability Solutions
LAS VEGAS — SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) and Vendavo, the leading provider of enterprise solutions to analyze, negotiate and close profitable deals, today announced a significant expansion of the development road map and partnership based on the SAP HANA® platform aimed at providing customers with new real-time profit optimization solutions. The announcement was made at SAP® TechEd, being held October 21-25 in Las Vegas.
SAP HANA Powers Vendavo
Vendavo plans to run the next release of its Profit Analyzer application on the SAP HANA database. The solution will harness companies' enterprise Big Data to identify opportunities to help sell more profitably. The power of SAP HANA will help make the solution a more powerful margin analytics application designed to give pricing analysts guided insight into high value profit improvement opportunities and is planned to offer superior performance and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for both existing and new customers.
In this Profit Analyzer solution, planned for release in early 2014, use of SAP HANA is planned to replace Vendavo's current proprietary in-memory technology, which runs on a traditional Oracle or DB2 database. Vendavo's integration of SAP HANA has been facilitated by collaboration with the SAP® Co-Innovation Lab, where SAP and Vendavo have worked together to deliver the industry's first profit optimization solution integrated with SAP HANA. Vendavo Profit Analyzer joins previously released Profit Finder as the first two of Vendavo's profitable selling solutions to transition to run on the real-time SAP HANA platform.
"Our experience working with SAP and developing on the SAP HANA platform has greatly exceeded our expectations, giving us confidence in transitioning our whole enterprise product line to running on SAP HANA," said Neil Lustig, Chief Executive Officer and President, Vendavo. "Customer response has been unprecedented and we expect rapid uptake due to the benefits SAP HANA delivers, such as lower total cost of ownership, faster data uploads, greater accessibility to enterprise Big Data, lightning-fast performance and the ability to easily scale to billions of rows of data."
SAP to Update Portfolio of Vendavo Products it Resells, Including Support for SAP HANA
As further expansion of the existing solution extension partnership that began in 2005, SAP and Vendavo are updating the Vendavo-developed products on the SAP price list. This includes plans to add capabilities for running pricing dashboards and analytics in the SAP® Price and Margin Management application by Vendavo on SAP HANA to harness the added efficiency, speed, scale and data accessibility. SAP will also offer new flexibility and greater choice for customers in terms of when and how they choose to adopt functionality in SAP Price and Margin Management.
"We must continually renew our relationships with partners and look for new ways to deliver innovation," said Dr. Vishal Sikka, member of the Executive Board of SAP AG, Products & Innovation. "We look forward to building on an already successful relationship with Vendavo to deliver even more value to our customers."
Vendavo customers, representing over US$1.75 trillion in annual revenues, typically have realized margin improvement between 100 and 300 basis points.
For more information, including additional announcements and coverage from SAP TechEd Las Vegas, visit the SAP SAP Newsroom.
SAP® TechEd in 2013: Las Vegas, Amsterdam, and Bangalore
SAP customers, partners, and technical experts are expected to convene at SAP® TechEd in 2013, the company's premier technical conference. Hands-on workshops, demo-driven lectures, and Q&A sessions on the latest developments in analytics, mobile, cloud, database, and in-memory computing enable SAP TechEd attendees to enhance their skills while making valuable connections with peers and IT experts from the SAP community. SAP TechEd is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 21-25, and will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from November 5-7; and Bangalore, India, from December 11-13. Follow SAP TechEd on Twitter at @SAPTechEd and join the conversation at #SAPTechEd.
About Vendavo
Vendavo's profitable selling solutions help customers sell more profitably by empowering salespeople to negotiate confidently at the "Moment of Truth", delivering 10-30% incremental profit, while increasing front-line effectiveness, agility and responsiveness. Vendavo is the enterprise profitability solution of choice for more than 300 company divisions at some of the world's biggest names in Chemicals and Process Industries, Consumer Packaged Goods, Wholesale Distribution, Energy and Utilities, Technology, Industrial Manufacturing, and Medical Devices and Consumables.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 251,000 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
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A day-long conference in Dallas next month will feature seminars on biofuels, cloned livestock and other current topics in biotechnology.
The seventh annual Biotechnology Educators Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 14 at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in Dallas, 17360 Coit Road.
The seminars target science teachers, Extension agents and corporate and governmental professionals who work in the field, said Rebecca Parker, Extension's regional director of programs in agriculture and natural science.
Topics will include "biotechnology in today's chemistry," "gene therapy" and "transgenic crops," according to the conference itinerary.
"They're actually going to be teaching them how to do hands-on experiments," Parker said.
The conference will include two featured speakers: Dr. Fuller Bazer, associate vice president for research in the department of animal science at Texas A&M University, and Dr. Mona Khanna, medical reporter with KTVT television, a CBS affiliate in Dallas.
Bazer is scheduled to discuss cloned livestock in the food supply. Khanna will cover advances in medicine.
Registration is $10 and includes barbecue for lunch. For information, go online to http://region10.org/science/ or call Alana Williams, 972-952-9258.


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George H.W. Bush hospital discharge expected by Christmas
(CNN) – Former President George H.W. Bush remained in a Texas hospital Thursday, but the hospital said his condition was improving and he was expected to be home by Christmas.
"Given his current pace of progress, doctors expect that President Bush will be able to celebrate Christmas at home with his family – though no release date has been set at this time," a statement from Methodist Hospital in Houston read.
Bush, 88, was initially hospitalized on November 23 with bronchitis and remained there with what his spokesman described as a "lingering cough." His office originally expected a release in late November or early December.
"President Bush's condition has steadily improved to the point that, instead of battling the lingering effects of bronchitis, the focus of his treatment now centers on a physical therapy program designed to increase his strength in advance of his eventual discharge," the hospital said Thursday.
Bush has a form of Parkinson's disease that affects his legs and requires him to use a wheelchair.
He is the oldest living former president and a World War II veteran.
He was previously hospitalized overnight in 2007 after a fainting spell caused by dehydration and hot weather while golfing in California.


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Garrett Prejean, founder and artistic director of Elm Theatre, likes to produce plays that scare him — edgy, challenging shows that break the proverbial rules. That's exactly what Elm Theatre is doing with its production of "The Adventures of Buttboy and Tigger," which opens Friday.
"At first, I had no reservations about doing this play," Prejean said, while taking a break from rehearsals in Elm's Warehouse District space, along with his co-star, Chris Marroy, and director, Joe Funari. "You don't get scared until later."
The play, ostensibly about a flirtatious online dalliance between the two title characters, is deeper than its title might suggest.
"When you say it out loud, it sounds crazy," Funari said. "And on your first reading of the play, you're hit with the sexual content. But it's about so much more than that. The majority of the play is not sex. It's just a great play."
Added Marroy, "I saw the title and I was a little shocked. I said, 'You want me to play somebody called Buttboy?' But you delve in and see the real story, and you learn it's not as surface as you first thought."
Funari calls the show a raunchy romantic comedy. First and foremost, it's about relationships.
"It's kind of voyeuristic," Marroy said. "You hear about online sex, but you ask yourself, is this part of the culture at large? But more than anything, the show is about finding the genuineness between two people."
Elm Theatre has been about pushing boundaries since it was founded in 2010, after Prejean relocated from Chicago to New Orleans to be with his wife, who was attending school in the city.
"I was involved in theater in Chicago and wanted to continue that involvement in New Orleans," Prejean said. "So I started a company to teach and produce shows."
What he discovered in New Orleans was a theater world that he says is "like the Wild West," a community in which theater artists have the opportunity to create anything they can imagine.
"There's tons of talent coming here hungry to tell stories and take risks," he said.
"People are moving here to do theater. I ask where people come from, and they'll say Iowa, the Midwest, New York. 'Why move here?' I ask. They say, 'For theater.' And that's what we want."
Funari, who hails from New York and spent years as a working director in that city's dominant theater scene, compares theater today in New Orleans to Manhattan a few decades ago.
"Anything you want to try is acceptable and there's much experimentation," Funari said.
"The theater in New York in the 1970s and 1980s was edgy and alive. Here, now, there's wonderful experiences everywhere."
And that idea of theater as edgy and alive led them back to "The Adventures of Buttboy and Tigger."
"It was hard at first to say what it was really about," Marroy said.
The challenge was how to sum up the play for potential audiences in just a few words, Marroy said.
"Now I can say: It's a love story," Marroy said. "People will have some reservations about it before they see it, but I think people will be pleasantly surprised and absolutely moved and enthralled, just like we were."
"I want people to leave this show thinking about love," Prejean said. "When I choose a play, I don't think about themes. We want to find the love in this story, not beat people over the head with ideas."
"The Adventures of Buttboy and Tigger" opens Friday and runs until June 8. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at http://www.elmtheatre.org or at Elm Theatre, at 220 Julia St.
Elm also offers a series of acting classes for both beginners and experienced professionals.
For information, call Elm Theatre at (504) 218-0055.


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in this section
Choi and Clancy's work featured on cover of J. Mater. Chem. A
The discovery of a new high performing additive, tetrahydrothiopene oxide (THTO), to improve the solar cell efficiency of a lead halide perovskite material was featured on the cover of J. Mater. Chem. A in January 2017. This work featured an exciting collaboration between experimental research in Prof. Joshua Choi's group at U. Va (Cornell ChE PhD, Hanrath group) and computational work by the Clancy group. Clancy's computational screening guided the experimental selection of THTO as an additive with stronger solvation efficacy than all other commonly used solvents.
B.J. Foley, J. Girard, A. Z. Chen, M. R. Alpert, D. M. Smilgies, W. A. Saidi, B. Sorenson, A. Harper, P. Clancy and J. J. Choi, Controlling Nucleation, Growth, and Orientation of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films with a Sulfoxide Additive, J. Mater. Chem. A, DOI: 10.1039/C6TA07671H (2016).


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October 2007 - April 16, 2011
Our beautiful little girl, Athena, was taken from us prematurely. She was a loving, loyal, and treasured member of our family with a personality that was one of a kind. She will be deeply missed every second of every day. -- The Powers Family


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The hymn sing is back! Good old Gospel singing for all will be on Sunday evening, June 23, at 6:30 p.m.
The group will be singing favorite hymns in the café, but the special feature is not food but a special music group. Jim Bartel will be leading the signing and also bringing a men's quartet, accompanied by Julie Thiessen, who will bring special music. Come and bring your friends and neighbors.
The men's quartet also will be singing during the morning worship service June 23 at the 8:30 a.m. service. Koerner Heights Church is at 320 Meridian, Newton.


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Moderator: Cartographers
isaiah40 wrote:iancanton wrote:my previous comments on the undesirability of a 2-region islands bonus still stand, bruce! this is especially because this bonus is in the corner. if u feel that u really must have a 2-region bonus, then split the central latvia bonus, which i see anyone with any sense avoiding, and merge west estonia with islands estonia.
This I agree with. You can split Central Latvia at Cesis/Ogre and call them North/South Central Latvia. You could also switch Jelgava from West Latvia to South Central Latvia. As for the bonus values, both North and South Latvia could be +4, and West Latvia can remain at +4 as it will have the same number of bordering territories.
Bruceswar wrote:Why that connfirguration over the current configuration?
natty_dread wrote:I don't know if Estonia or Lithuania have similar names for the areas... maybe you should ask someone from the area if they have any ideas.
Bruceswar wrote:Right so if we go forward for those boundries then what shall we use for bonus values?
I was thinking
That is from west to east...
isaiah40 wrote:With this update comes the move back!!
thenobodies80 wrote:Bruceswar except the island, how many neutral you have on the map and where they are placed?
natty dread wrote:I don't know, the colours are pretty ok. I'd only suggest a few changes:
- west Estonia is way too dark. It needs to be lighter than the sea colour at least.
- West & North Lithuania are too similar. Furthermore, all of Lithuania looks like a bit drab. Maybe you could figure out some other colour for lithuania than a broken yellow - I think a warm green would work the best.
thenobodies80 wrote:I would suggest what Isaiah said. Percentages are not so high, but i think it's better to have a neutral in each 3 regions bonus to prevent a lucky drop.
You can have them with just 2 troops if you want, but it's really better to have them.
Bruceswar wrote:Now which territories would they be?
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This is the all-weather outdoor tennis table court that folds up and rolls away for easy storage. Its aluminum composite playing surface sheds water, unlike indoor-only surfaces that absorb moisture and warp, eliminating the need to stow it during rainy weather. The table is divided by a STIGA-rated all-weather net and posts, and bound on all four sides by regulation-style striping, allowing you to see balls that strike the top versus the side of the table. The table's corners are protected by molded plastic pads that guard against scuffs. Standing up to spirited play unlike lesser models, the table is supported by a heavy-duty steel frame with four 1 1/2"-diameter steel legs, rolling on four 4" casters mounted to a sturdy center beam with steel cross-beam supports. Also provides solo play when half-folded to 68" L x 60" W x 62" H. Assembly required. Paddles and balls not included. Open 108" L x 60" W x 30" H; folded 60" W x 62" H x 30" D. (170 lbs.)
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text: Is it OK to eMail a requester if they aren't approving my HITs? Can I turk from two computers? Can I turk from multiple IPs? If your question starts with "Will I get suspended for..." then it goes here. Also, questions like should I give my Worker ID? Is it OK to return HITs or will it hurt me down the road? Account safety and privacy questions are welcome.


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"Batman" No. 307, cover-dated January 1979, marked the first issue of writer Len Wein's run on the series -- and the debut of Bruce Wayne's trusted associate Lucius Fox (created by Wein and artist John Calnan). Cover art by Jim Aparo. (DC Entertainment)Link
Catwoman and Batman tussle in "Batman" No. 323, cover-dated May 1980. Len Wein played with the characters' relationship. Batman thinks Selina Kyle has resumed her Catwoman ways when museum items are stolen. One complication: Bruce Wayne and Selina have dated, and she comes to him for help. Cover by Dick Giordano. (DC Entertainment)Link
Batman is on his way to apprehend Catwoman on the first page of "Batman" No. 323. Art by Irv Novick and Bob Smith, with colors by Glynis Wein. (DC Entertainment)Link
The end of the issue reveals that the thief wasn't Catwoman after all -- but Catman (no relation). The story continues in "Batman" No. 324. This two-parter, No. 307, "The Untold Legend of the Batman" and many more stories will be included in the 560-page hardcover "Tales of the Batman: Len Wein," set for a Dec. 30 release. (DC Entertainment)Link
In 1980, Len Wein presented a new take on Batman's origin story with the three-issue limited series "The Untold Legend of the Batman," with artists John Byrne (first issue) and Jim Aparo (second and third). Cover by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. (DC Entertainment)Link
Len Wein became the regular series writer on "Batman" in the late 1970s and later edited the title. Here, he sports a Swamp Thing shirt -- he created the character with artist Bernie Wrightson. (DC Entertainment)Link
Do you think the Batman is psycho? You're wrong, Len Wein says.
The accomplished longtime comic book writer and editor, co-creator of such popular characters as Wolverine and Swamp Thing, argues that Bruce Wayne is neurotic, not psychotic. It's an idea he explored in his time writing "Batman" in the late 1970s and early 1980s — when he also had the billionaire dating Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman.
Yes, it seems crazy that a man would don a bat costume to fight crime. But in 1980's limited series "The Untold Legend of the Batman," Wein went into why Bruce chose vigilantism over law enforcement — and had the nascent hero's first costumed identity be Robin. That story, and many others he wrote, will be included in "Tales of the Batman: Len Wein," a 560-page hardcover scheduled for release Dec. 30, the tail end of the Dark Knight's 75th anniversary year.
Wein was at WonderCon last weekend, where he participated in events including "That '70s Panel," with lifelong friend and fellow former Marvel editor-in-chief Marv Wolfman and moderator Mark Evanier. Later Saturday afternoon, he sat down with Hero Complex at the DC booth — perched in a director's chair, resting his hands on a cane with an "Alien" head, and his hair springing out over his ears from under a black hat bearing Batman's symbol — to discuss his time writing about the Caped Crusader, the hero's "frenemies"-turned-romantic relationship with Catwoman, the first Batman stories he read and more.
Hero Complex: I caught some of your "That '70s Panel," and when Evanier asked what character you most wanted to write before getting into comics, you said Batman. What about the character grabbed you when you were young?
Len Wein: Apparently everybody on Earth is either a Superman fan or a Batman fan. I was the latter. I always said when I was younger it was because I didn't have a chance of being born on a foreign planet and rocketed to Earth as an infant. But they could knock off my folks any day … and that was really it. Anybody can be Batman. You can't really be most of the other characters.
HC: DC is releasing a hardcover collection of your Batman stories in December. Have you revisited that material recently? Anything you're particularly proud of?
LW: There's a lot of stuff I'm proud of from working on Batman – some of the short stories, some of the artists I've worked with. I did a couple with Walt Simonson which are just iconic. I love the character so much that anything I get to do with him always makes me happy. I'm still doing Batman stories. I did a "Batman Black and White" story about six months ago…. I will do anything Batman at any time.
HC: I've been thinking about Batman origin stories recently with "Zero Year" going on; I revisited Frank Miller's "Year One," saw Tim Burton's 1989 screen version again. Your take – the "Untold Legend" – really is quite different, with having Bruce be the first Robin. Can you think back to how you approached your telling of the origin story?
LW: There were a number of things that I just picked up from previous stories and tried to refold into the overall story – it's kind of the same thing I did with "Legacies." But there were things that had never been spoken about, about Bruce as he grew up that I wanted to address where I could – principally, the one: Why did he become the Batman? "OK, my parents have been murdered. I want to avenge their murder. I'll become a policeman. I'll become an attorney. I'll become something that fights crime." Where do you go and discover, "I'll put on a Batsuit and fight them" …
So I introduced the secret that he was taking law classes to become a cop or an attorney, and there's a case put forward to him as a student, "How do you deal with this?" (I actually had my wife, the attorney, help me with that) where somebody who's essentially innocent ends up getting sent to prison for a long time because of the legalese. There's a line which I always remember from an old episode of the "Naked City" TV show … "Is that justice? No, it's the law." And that's exactly what happens. He talks to his professor and says, "But this guy is innocent. Is that justice?" And the guy says, "No, it's the law." At which point Bruce realizes there's a big difference between justice and the law — and so decides he's going to fight for justice as opposed to upholding the law.
HC: You wrote some stories for "Detective Comics" in the early and mid-'70s, and then came on as the "Batman" writer in the late '70s. At that time, what was your idea of what the character's book should be, and has that changed over the years?
LW: I don't think it's changed. My idea of what it should be was – so many people talk about Batman the psychotic, and I've never believed him to be psychotic. I believe him as Batman the neurotic and compulsive.
In my very first issue when I took over the book on an ongoing basis, there's the scene that introduces Lucius Fox, where Lucius comes in at the end of the day to discuss some important business. And Bruce is talking to him but at the same time he's sitting at his desk with his back to Lucius, looking out the window, and he watches the sun go down. In the middle of the conversation, when the sun disappears, he says, "Sorry, I've got things to do. We'll talk tomorrow," and leaves. It's night. It's time for the Batman. He's compulsive. He's not crazy. Although I suppose compulsive's crazy too.
HC: What's the experience been of seeing Lucius Fox go on to be portrayed in other media, and do you have a favorite screen representation of him?
LW: Well, I mean, you're never going to beat Morgan Freeman, for God's sake. No matter who else they get. If he shows up in the next Batman / Superman movie, I'm very hopeful they'll get someone terrific. I've been extraordinarily fortunate that the actors who've played many of my characters over the years in film and television have been perfect for the roles.
HC: Looking at the Batman-Catwoman relationship, what do you think is the key to that, and what is the long-lasting appeal?
LW: They have been frenemies almost from the beginning. She's attracted to what he is and, despite himself, he's kind of attracted to what she is, the fact that she's as brave as he is, as ingenious in her own way. And I figured, what the heck, he had just been getting over Silver St. Cloud, and I thought, "Let's see if we can finally play it with the Batman-Catwoman – well, more the Bruce-Selina – relationship, and see what happens."
HC: What's the most memorable moment from your time as "Batman" writer and then editor?
LW: I actually don't have a moment I can think of. I love writing him so much. I was fortunate with some of the people I got to work with – Neal Adams on several stories, Walter Simonson and so many other great artists. Jim Aparo.
HC: Can you talk about a particular Batman story by someone other than yourself that you especially admire?
LW: Weirdly enough, the first two Batman stories I read as a kid both stick with me to this day. I don't know who wrote them – back then there were no credits. Everyone believed it was Bob Kane. But they both, remarkably enough, featured the villain Professor Milo, who had never been seen before or since. And one of the things I did when I was writing "Batman" was to bring back Professor Milo [in "Batman" No. 255] – I figured I owed him at least that much. The first was called "The Man Who Ended Batman's Career" ["Detective Comics" No. 247] and it was about Milo making Batman bat-phobic. So he becomes Starman, with a whole different set of – it's great being a billionaire, just build a whole new thing. Now it's the Starcave. We've got star equipment. And the other was called "Am I Really Batman?" ["Batman" No. 112], where Milo gives Batman amnesia and he has no idea who he is, and Robin has to reteach him how to be the Batman until he gets his memory back.
— Blake Hennon | @BlakeHennon | @LATHeroComplex
Wolverine: Len Wein on Hugh Jackman, comic book movies
Batman 75: Jim Lee, Kevin Conroy, Ralph Garman on their adventures chronicling Bruce Wayne
WonderCon: Batman 75 celebration includes Jim Lee, Kevin Smith, Bruce Timm
WonderCon: Francis Manapul on Batman, Bullock
'Robin Rises': Peter J. Tomasi on one-shot, 'Batman and Robin' 33
'Batman: Zero Year' 30: Scott Snyder opens the curtain on 'Savage City'
Batman 75th anniversary: Warner Bros., DC reveal Bat-logo, Bat-plans
'Batman: Death of the Family' graphic novel to come with Joker mask


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NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Sid Bernstein, a music promoter and agent who brought The Beatles to New York for landmark concerts, died Wednesday in New York, his publicist said. He was 95.
Merle Frimark confirmed Bernstein's death to CNN.
Bernstein is perhaps best known for bringing The Beatles to Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium for concerts in 1965 and 1966.
"I'm a hunch player, you see," Frimark's statement quoted Bernstein as saying. "I was just glad to get this group I had been reading about for months. It took eight months after I booked them for there to be any airplay of their records on the radio. I had to convince Carnegie Hall and my financial backers to take a chance on this then-unknown group. I had been reading about their progress in the European papers and was fascinated with the hysteria that surrounded them. I was the first to promote The Beatles in the States and Ed Sullivan called me first about them before he ever booked them on his television show."
The son of Russian immigrants also booked shows for music icons such as Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Judy Garland and the Rolling Stones, CNN said.
Bernstein is survived by Geraldine, his wife of 50 years, as well as six children and six grandchildren.


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Glasses Malone (Feat. Tin Beef, Tiny Doo & YG Soprano) – We On
The official music video for "We On" by Glasses Malone featuring Tiny Beef, Tiny Doo and YG Soprano off the upcoming street album, We-On dropping soon.
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Ukraine Offers Safe Passage for Civilians to Escape Fighting in East
Russian Foreign Minister Welcomes Move, but Sticks to Demand Kiev Stop Military Operation
Ukraine's new president on Tuesday ordered the creation of a corridor to allow civilians to leave eastern regions where government forces are battling pro-Russia rebels. Moscow praised the move even as it brushed off renewed Western appeals to help stop the fighting.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Ukraine against moving too fast to sign a sweeping trade deal with the European Union—one of the president's main campaign promises—saying such a deal would have consequences for economic ties with Moscow....


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David Duchovny & Tea Leoni Split
David Duchovny and actress wife Téa Leoni have been separated for some time.
"In light of continuous speculation over the lives and marriage of Tea Leoni and David Duchovny, the couple has confirmed that they have in fact been separated for several months," their publicists tell People in a statement. "The couple had hoped to keep this separation private for the sake of their children."
Duchovny, 48, recently left rehab for sex addiction. He has been married to Téa since 1997. They have two children, daughter Madelaine West, 9, and son Kyd, 6.


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MIDDLETOWN, OH (FOX19) - A 19-year-old man is facing aggravated vehicular homicide charges for a fatal Middletown crash.
Nicholas Powers, of Camden, Ohio, was indicted on Monday. Investigators say Powers was impaired when he ran a red light and slammed into a car in Middletown last June, just one hour after causing another wreck nearby.
According to the police report, Powers was driving a silver Honda Accord northbound on Towne Boulevard. He was speeding and ran a red light at the intersection of Pendleton Circle near Towne Mall, hitting a 2002 Grand Am.
The male driver of the Grand Am was killed in the crash. A female passenger was flown to Miami Valley Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Like Powers, both victims were also from Camden.
A juvenile female passenger was in Powers' car and was taken to Atrium Medical Center with non- life threatening injuries.
Police later discovered that Powers caused a crash at the intersection of Breiel Boulevard and Lefferson Road just an hour before the fatal accident. He reportedly fled the scene.
Only property damage was caused by Powers in the first crash.
Powers reportedly told investigators he had been huffing and didn't remember the crashes.
He now faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a motor vehicle under the influence for the crash near Towne Mall.
He was additionally charged with fleeing the scene of an accident and failure to control for the accident at Breiel Blvd. and Lefferson Rd.
Powers is being held at the Middletown City Jail on a $220,000 bond.
He faces 18 years in prison if convicted.
Copyright 2013 WXIX. All rights reserved.


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My Little Pony: Green Isn't Your Color
I'm a brony. And I don't care who knows it. But there are a lot of bronies around, and here three of 'em help you through all the episodes of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Not that you should need any help, because it's a great show and you can just start watching, but hey. Not everypony is ready to just jump straight into good things. So here we are to help, episode by episode, pony by pony.


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Obituary: Sandra May Chloupek
SandraMay Chloupek, 70, of Moberly, passed away Monday, October 1, 2012, at her home.
Sandra was born on December 30, 1941, in Thurston, NY, to Leo Alfred and Nora Ethel (Space) DuBois. She married Anton (Tony) Chloupek, Sr. in 1960, in Riverside, CA.
Sandra was a member of the West Park United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gaming at the Boonville casino and traveling. Sandra also loved spending time with her friends and family.
Survivors include sons, Anton "Buddy" Chloupek, Jr. and Nickey Chloupek of Moberly, MO; daughter, Tonnette Chloupek of Huntsville, MO; brother, Leo and Sharon DuBois; and sister, Charlotte and Glenn Loffer of Riverside, CA; sister-in-law, Priscilla Potter of Huntsville, MO; two grandchildren, Jackie Rodgers and Jimmy Rodgers of Paris, MO; and her other beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Chloupek was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a daughter, Nancy Rodgers.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home in Moberly. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 10, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. until time of service. A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 11, 2012, at noon at Memorial Park Cemetery in Moberly. Procession will leave the funeral home at 11:50 a.m. for those wishing to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to The Food Bank Buddy Pack Program, 2101 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, Mo 65202
Pathway Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.


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Beaumont/Port Arthur
The Rev. Mark Smith first met President Bill Clinton in the early '90s, when a group of youth led by the pastor performed a musical selection for a White House function while Clinton was still the leader of the Free World.
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For this week's New York Times crossword puzzle, pick up a copy of this week's The Examiner on newsstands now.