text:
BERLIN – More details emerged this week in the beating death of a Berlin teen last Thursday including the arrests of three local teens allegedly involved in the murder.
According to police reports, a group of individuals including the victim, Michael Harry Mitchell, 19, of Berlin, and Daniel Edward Riley were sitting on a porch at a residence on President Circle in the Decatur Farms community drinking beer and smoking cigarettes early last Thursday morning when a 1990 Oldsmobile sedan carrying another group drove up and asked them if there was a party going on. When told there was not, the group in the car got out and approached the group on the porch and the conversation turned from questioning to a verbal altercation, which soon turned physical, according to police reports.
The driver of the Oldsmobile, identified as Angelo Fernando Musiani, 19, of Berlin, allegedly popped the trunk of his car to allow one of the other combatants, identified as Dominic Richard Canale, to get a baseball bat. Canale allegedly began swinging the bat wildly at the other group, striking Riley and knocking him to the ground.
When Mitchell came to the aid of his friend, he was allegedly struck by Canale in the right temple area, which knocked him to the ground unconscious and causing him to bleed profusely from the head, according to police reports. Musiani, Canale and another suspect, identified as Eric Ronald Hewitt, 19, of Ocean City, got back in the car and sped off. According to police reports, members of the group inside the vehicle were heard yelling "Dom Dom, get in the vehicle."
Around 4:30 a.m., a 911 call was received in reference to an unconscious, unresponsive subject at President Circle and Dueling Way in Decatur Farms, and when paramedics arrived, they discovered Mitchell lying in the street and bleeding profusely from the head while others were administering CPR. The paramedics took over the care of Mitchell and continued to administer CPR as the victim was loaded into an ambulance and transported to Atlantic General Hospital.
Mitchell was later pronounced dead from his injuries at AGH. Riley was also transported to AGH where he was treated for a broken nose, which he sustained from being hit in the face with a baseball bat, allegedly by Canale.
Meanwhile, Berlin Police in the area observed the Oldsmobile driving erratically and were about to pull the vehicle over when they got the call about an unconscious man lying in the street in Decatur Farms. Not knowing at the time the vehicle contained the possible suspects, Berlin Police abandoned the traffic stop and responded immediately to the crime scene.
The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) arrived on the scene and took over the investigation. After interviewing witnesses, WCBI detectives received numerous tips and leads about who was involved in the incident, but had exhausted many of the leads and were coming up empty, according to police reports. Early on, the investigation focused on Musiani, who was identified as the driver of the car, and Hewitt, whose direct involvement in the attack was not known, and they were soon taken into custody.
Detectives still did not know who the assailant who fatally swung the bat was, but eventually learned from witnesses it was Canale. Not long after identifying Canale as the alleged assailant, detectives got a call from the Maryland State Police that private investigator Doug Cymek had an individual in his presence that wanted to turn himself in for the incident at Decatur Farms.
While at the Ocean City District Court Commissioner's office with Musiani and Hewitt, detectives observed the private detective enter the courtroom with Canale and a state trooper. Cymek told detectives he was there to make sure Canale was not interviewed as he was acting on behalf of an attorney representing the suspect.
As a result of the investigation, a photo line-up was prepared and Canale was positively identified by all witnesses as the person responsible for striking and killing Mitchell and striking Riley with the bat. Canale has been charged with first-degree murder and first- and second-degree assault and is being held without bond. Musiani has also been charged with first-degree murder and first- and second-degree assault and was first ordered held without bond, but his bail was set at $1 million later this week.
Hewitt, whose exact role in the attack is not known, has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault and is being held on a $75,000 bond. Each of the three suspects has a preliminary hearing set for June 27 in District Court in Snow Hill.
Hewitt is no stranger to the local court system. In fact, next week he is scheduled to appear for trial in Circuit Court for his involvement in a burglary in Ocean City last May. In that case, resort police rounded up four suspects in the break-in and one of them later entered a plea bargain, exchanging a softer sentence for information about the other three including Hewitt.


text:
Brite-Strike® Tactical Announces New Products to Commence Shipping
"Consumers may be not aware," said Mr. Glenn Bushee, President of Brite-Strike "but professionals in law-enforcement and the military are blown away by these products. The Duty Light Camera will cost less, approximately one-tenth the cost of competing models, while having dramatically better performance at a fraction of the weight and size. The DLC will allow law enforcement to have a 200 Lumen Duty-Light, which also has a G3 VID, digital video camera with 2GB of internal memory, allowing 2.4 hours of audio and video recording time. It allows law enforcement to provide video evidence of virtually every traffic stop or call at night that cannot be captured by a cruiser dashcam. The numerous pre-orders we have received from police departments from across the country leads us to believe this product could become standard issue for police departments around the world," said Mr. Bushee. "The rechargeable Tactical Blue-Dot provides a blistering 220 lumens of brilliant white light, using a new 3.7 volt rechargeable cell. All future rechargeable lights from BSTK will use this cell, which is a major advantage over competitors, one of which has over 12 different cells for their different models. With our lights, this cell can be used with any of our rechargeable models, and a lithium 123A 3.0 volt battery can be used as a backup. This is what the military and law enforcement told us what they needed, and we've given it to them. 'Designed by police officers for police officers' is not just a slogan at BSTK," said Mr. Bushee.
The Company expects these two new products, as well as two other new products, the BTL Basic Tactical Light and the TOC Tactical Observation Camera, to drive significant new business for the fourth quarter of 2009 and the full year 2010. The Company also expects to become Pink-Sheet reporting in the coming months, and expects to apply for OTC BB in the first-half of 2010. Anyone wishing to find out more information on the Company or its products is invited to visit the Company's website at www.brite-strike.com.
Brite-Strike is also the principal corporate sponsor of STOP AOW, Stop Assaults on Women, www.stopaow.org.
About Brite-Strike Tactical Illumination Products, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BSTK)
Brite-Strike Tactical Illumination Products, Inc. was developed by two police officers to create world-class tactical LED flashlights with features that police officers and citizens can use as a non-lethal means of defense. These lights utilize intense, white light, in a high, low or strobe setting, which can distract, and disorient attackers, while causing no harmful side-effects. Brite-Strike is committed to using the latest technology, world-class components, and highest design and manufacturing standards, so that consumers can rely on Brite-Strike products when they are needed. The company's Tactical Blue-Dot Series meets or exceeds military specs of armed forces around the globe and are deemed almost indestructible. For more information on the Brite-Strike product line, please visit: http://www.brite-strike.com. Law Enforcement and military personnel are eligible for discount pricing. Contact Customer Service at email@example.com or (781)585-5509 for further details.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's playtime: Agent Provocateur lands in Australia
Kylie Minogue has ridden a bull for it, it's a feature in Kate Moss' darkest fantasies, and now kinky British lingerie purveyor Agent Provocateur is coming down under.
Partnering with David Jones, the high-end underwear label is now available in Melbourne and Sydney. Australia is Agent Provocateur's fourth largest market for online sales, and it is this healthy digital appetite that has driven the brand's bricks-and-mortar entry into the market.
Founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré (son of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren) and his wife at the time, Serena Rees, Agent Provocateur is known for its fetishist campaign imagery, famous fans, very high price points and elaborate boutiques. So embedded in British culture is the Agent Provocateur sales assistant, with her pink robe-like uniform, that Kate Winslet even portrayed one in 2005's Romance and Cigarettes.
"We have been looking into expanding into Australia for several years and didn't find the right stand alone property," Agent Provocateur CEO Garry Hogarth told Fairfax Media. "Australia is a key market for Agent Provocateur and we are very excited to be opening our first boutique here. David Jones is the perfect partner for us and we look forward to a successful collaboration."
The brand launches in Australia with a party on Tuesday at David Jones Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
According to Tiah Eckhardt, who has modelled for both Agent Provocateur and David Jones and now runs successful lingerie blog The Daily Knicker, lingerie shopping in Australia has traditionally been lacklustre. "I've always been amazed that AP wasn't stocked in Australia," she told us. "We have a strong dollar but that's not often passed on to retail prices - meaning it's often cheaper to buy things online from overseas, and there's far more variety."
"The only way bricks-and-mortar stores are going to lure customers from online is to offer them a shopping 'experience', to draw customers into a whole little world created by them... Agent Provocateur most definitely does this overseas and if they recreate it here, I think they'll do very well."
Eckhardt believes that Agent Provocateur's image is a departure from Australia's typical notion of sexy. "We're more about wearing flip-flops and a bikini rather than pom-pom mules with a riding crop in hand", she said. "I can tell you, girls willing to drop $500 on a set of lingerie exist here."
Agent Provocateur's best selling piece in Australia is the £95 ($145) Fifi Bra, online.
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text:
Balmain Fall 2009: More of the Same May Not Be Enough
>> Christophe Decarnin has launched the fashion set into Balmania in just a few short seasons with his ripped jeans, strong shoulders, and trashy chic approach, and with Fall 2009, he's not ready to change the formula. Apparently, the big shoulders were so prevalent in the front row that it caused a squishy situation — and on the runway, two models almost got gridlocked due to their hulking shoulder pads. Christophe, who stopped by the Prada party last night, admitted he was "a bit nervous," and rightly so — all eyes are on him.
He worked with a simple color palette — black, silver, and white, with a few pops of electric blue — placing the attention on the short, short skirts and the rhinestoned everything. Erin Wasson, Angela Lindvall, and Carmen Kass all made appearances on the runway, and Giuseppe Zanotti did the shoes again, but was it enough? I'm hearing a lot of disappointment and frustration with Decarnin's decision to stay so formulaic; as Suzy Menkes put it, the "show looked very familiar — not least because new ideas were as short as the models' brief, buttock-grazing hemlines. Since every other house copies his approach, Decarnin will have to find a way to move Balmain forward. But for now he remains, at this sobering-up moment, the last designer to leave the party."
*image: source


text:
As expected, the New Orleans Saints have hired Rob Ryan to improve their woeful defense. Ryan interviewed for the defensive coordinator job on Friday, and the team announced the hiring on Saturday.
Ryan will carry out coach Sean Payton's plan to switch the Saints' defense from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4. The Saints yielded 7,042 yards last season, the worst single-season total in NFL history.
Ryan was fired after two years as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator and was reportedly close to getting the Rams' defensive coordinator job last month. But the Rams run a 4-3 and couldn't work things out with him.
Payton said the Saints have found Ryan's defenses difficult to solve in past matchups. In 2010, Ryan was Cleveland's defensive coordinator when the Browns beat the Saints in the Superdome, 30-17, intercepting four Drew Brees passes.
"We have experience in preparing and playing against his defenses, and they've always been challenging in terms of the different looks and pressures that they feature," Payton said.
Ryan says joining the Saints is a "great opportunity." The team also hired Stan Kwan as assistant special teams coach.
In 2011, Ryan's first year in Dallas, the Cowboys improved to 14th overall from 23rd and ranked seventh against the run.
In 2012, Cowboys opponents were held to a third-down conversion rate of 43.9 percent, which ranked 10th. However, Ryan's injury-ravaged defense finished 19th in yards allowed (355.4) and 24th in points allowed (25.0). Dallas had 16 takeaways, which tied for 29th.
Ryan's defenses have finished in the top 10 only once in his nine seasons as a coordinator in Dallas, Cleveland and Oakland.
Payton also interviewed Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Thursday. But Grantham announced on Friday he had withdrawn from consideration for the job.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


text:
Astros pleased with surplus of starting pitchers
By Andrew Simon / MLB.com
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Astros are holding a healthy competition for spots in their starting rotation this spring, and that's just fine with manager Bo Porter. Even though only five pitchers can win those jobs out of camp, he knows more will be needed over the course of the season.
"I'm a firm believer, especially when it comes to the pitching, if we have nine starters competing for five spots, I pray for all nine of them to go out and just absolutely deal, because nine in March is just right in August," Porter said. "You find someplace for good pitchers to pitch. That's a good problem to have."
Teams across the Majors have seen that point driven home yet again in recent days, as the injury bug has struck in both Florida and Arizona. The Braves, for example, have lost Kris Medlen to Tommy John surgery, and Brandon Beachy could be facing the same fate, pending a second opinion on his right elbow. The procedure also is in the cards for the Athletics' Jarrod Parker, while teammate A.J. Griffin (muscle strain) will miss at least the first month of the season.
Porter pointed out the rarity of a team making it through a season with only five starters. No club did so in 2013, although the Tigers needed just six. The Astros used 10 last season, and they haven't deployed fewer than nine since '05, when they made the World Series.
"You never know," Porter said. "Pitching is one of those things where you can never have too much. You can start the season and go, 'We have 12 guys,' and before you know it, an ankle [injury] there, an elbow here, a stiff neck there, and you look and you're like, 'Hold up, time out. We had a good surplus here just two weeks ago.'"
Astros begrudgingly send first pitcher to plate
JUPITER, Fla. -- For the first time this spring, an Astros pitcher found himself in the batting lineup on Tuesday, when the club traveled to Roger Dean Stadium to take on the Marlins. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel got the honor, occupying the No. 9 spot against Miami's Jacob Turner.
"Our offense will probably get going because Keuchel may go deep, so we're really looking forward to having him hit," Astros manager Bo Porter deadpanned. "To get that bat in the lineup, for a struggling lineup, Keuchel is definitely the guy we need to have going tonight."
Keuchel is a career .100 hitter (2-for-20), with most of those chances coming in 2012, Houston's last season in the National League. Astros pitchers combined for only 25 plate appearances in the club's first American League season, going 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts, two walks and three sacrifices.
When the Astros play in an NL team's park during Spring Training, they call ahead and find out whether the opponent wants to have the pitchers hit or use a designated hitter. Now that the regular season is drawing close, Porter expects most of them to select the first option the rest of the way.
However, there is no sense of urgency for the Astros to get their pitchers ready to take swings. Their first of 10 road Interleague contests won't arrive until June 9, when they face the D-backs in Phoenix.
"At this stage, one, I don't even want them swinging, and two, I don't really want them on the bases either," Porter said. "This time of year, the last thing you want to do is just to lose someone doing something other than pitching."
Therefore, Porter gave Keuchel some strict instructions.
"Bunt him over, or take four balls or three strikes, whichever comes first."
Sure enough, in the third inning, Keuchel took three straight strikes without swinging the bat.
Patience the key to heating up at the plate
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Astros endured plenty of difficult stretches at the plate last season, en route to finishing last in the American League in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
They've been going through another one recently in Grapefruit League play. During the club's five-game losing streak, extended with an 8-1 defeat to the Marlins on Tuesday, the Astros have scored a total of 11 runs.
Four Marlins pitchers, beginning with starter Jacob Turner, shut down the Houston offense, which managed just three singles. The Astros managed to push across one run in the first inning on a walk, an error, a single and a sacrifice fly.
Over the course of the losing streak, Houston hitters have gone 28-for-149 (.188) with 11 walks and 43 strikeouts. On the positive side, five of those free passes came on Tuesday.
"I felt like the at-bats were good at times," manager Bo Porter said. "There were some at-bats where we really expanded the zone, and others where it seemed like we just weren't patient enough to get a good pitch to hit, given the situation."
Andrew Simon is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewSimonMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Dame Vera ponders fate of soldiers
Dame Vera Lynn has told how she still thinks about the soldiers she met during the Second World War and whether they returned home safely.
The Forces' Sweetheart, 97, who volunteered to sing to the troops fighting in Egypt, India and Burma in 1944, said that these days she cannot attend commemorations, such as the 70th anniversary of D-Day, as she can no longer get around easily.
But talking about the soldiers she met in Burma, when she was just 27, she told Radio Times magazine: "I always wonder how many of these boys came back.
"What I really liked was just having a chat with them after I sang. I wasn't separate to them. I lived in a tent like they did, with one bucket for washing and one for the toilet. I was one of them. They knew me.
"I'd go round the casualty tents where the wounded were brought in before they'd go to a proper hospital. I'd sit on one of the beds and hold their hands. They'd ask me how everyone was coping at home. I'd always say, 'We're fine'.
"They'd ask me to sing to them, and I would. I could see they were badly injured but we never spoke of that. I tried not to show my emotions but it was very moving."
The star, who is releasing a new album, National Treasure, to mark the anniversary of the D-Day landings in June, added: "I wanted to go where no-one else went, where it was most needed."
She said: "I never thought the Forces' Sweetheart tag would stay with me, but it has, hasn't it?
"I thought it would last for the war period, then I'd just be another singer. Of course I've never minded that everybody always connects me with that time. It was so important."
Five years ago, Dame Vera was still living independently, travelled regularly, and enjoyed cooking, gardening and driving, but t oday she struggles with deafness and is less mobile.
"I can't get to the commemorations any more as it's not easy for me to get around, but I'll watch them all on television," she said.
"My thoughts will be with the families of the boys who didn't come back. I was so lucky not to lose those closest to me."
This year, Dame Vera also celebrates 90 years as a performer, having delivered her first song on stage at the age of seven.
I n 2009 she became the oldest living artist to have a No 1 album.
Asked whether she was glad to have reached 97 when many people fear old age, she replied. "Of course. Why would I not be? I never dwelt on it. You are what you are. You're thankful you have survived."
She added: "I'm not really frightened of anything. I've always been very optimistic and forward-looking. I still am."
She said of being sent to Germany to play for the troops liberating the death camps: "Yes, it was demanding, but you overcome these things. I could be tough, if it was necessary."
Dame Vera said of coping without her husband Harry Lewis, who died in 1998: "Nobody gets through life without sadness. Naturally you lose people along the way. He wasn't ill for long. He had a heart attack. I think of him every day. He was the love of my life."


text:
I can't quite see the leaves well enough, but have a look at Ulmus parvifolia
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Elm
Dear Mike
Thank you for the suggestion but I don't think it's that. It's a shrub about 4feet six inches high and slow growing .I have had it about 7 years and I think it was quite well established before I inherited it. It has several stems rather than a single trunk. Produces no flowers ,fruits,catkins etc.
Sorry the leaves weren't clear enough.I have attached a crop of the image which may help
Many thanks
Mike's right that it's an elm but I'd go for the dwarf cultivar "Jacqueline Hillier" of Ulmus x hollandica.
Best wishes
Hi DrFred
I have looked up images on-line and it looks very like Ulmus x hollandica "Jaqueline Hillier" although that was described as having glossy leaves which mine are not.
I also looked up Zelkova as suggested by Mike but they looked different to mine except for one image of a Bonsai tree which looked similar.
Many thanks to both of you for solving a long term puzzle. I am both amazed and impressed by the rapid responses to my enquiry.
Best wishes
OK, still looks somewhat Ulmaceae, however, and probably Ulmus (there are dwarf ones), but I can't rule out Zelkova.
(Just passing comments at the moment, as seeing to other business; sorry to be brief.)
Thanks for stepping in.
You're welcome; always up for a challenge.


text:
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text:
Yay Jen!
You're reviews are amazing - I love it when I get one.
And yay for Nikki (...and, er, me, I guess)!
I need to do more reviews, now...hmm
Yay Jen!
You're reviews are amazing - I love it when I get one.
And yay for Nikki (...and, er, me, I guess)!
I need to do more reviews, now...hmm
Yay! Congratulations, Jen! You do write some pretty fabulous reviews.
And, yay! for Nikki and Kelly and Britt and Haylee!
Another review period has come and gone, and we in the RAC are super psyched more than anything that, not only are we seeing a steady increase in SPEWers fulfilling their monthly review quotas, everyone is improving significantly in their QUALITY of reviews each month! It's wonderful to see scores improving across the board, because it just means that you are all getting more awesome. -grin- Seriously, the majority of SPEW now scores in our 'above average' range, and it's freaking awesome. So I just wanted to say that just because you may not have been a finalist yet, it doesn't mean we don't see how great you are.
Right, now that I've bragged on all of you (because you seriously deserve it!), it's time to announce our finalists for the February review period. These three SPEWers turned in all of their reviews and monthly requirements on time, and they went the distance with the thoughtful feedback, which was diverse and helpful, making for some very constructive reviews. Your finalists for Febuary are:
HJ/Hermione Jean Granger
And the winner is....
Bine made it!
photos from flickr.com
brush from hawksmont.com
Congratulations, dear Kelly! Your reviews have consistently been noteworthy every month, and you truly deserve this award. -beams and throws confetti-
Notes on Kelly's reviews for fuzzy/warm commemoration purposes (our reviews of your reviews, if you will):
Right, SPEWers, we'll be back later tonight with this month's treats and tips for your information and consideration and our recommendation as we've been watching the trends.-The reviewer was very direct and clear with their feedback. The reasoning provided for the suggestions was sound, and there wasn't any waffling. It touched on various aspects of the story and was very solid.
-Reviewer gives concrit in a helpful manner and covers various aspects of the story without sounding unprofessional or hurtful at any time.
-The reviewer gave very good feedback in a professional, but still friendly way. The reviewer also pointed out a couple weaknesses in the story, but provided an explanation and an alternative, which was really helpful.
Yay! Congratulations, Kelly! And Haylee and HJ! You guys are awesome.
Oh, congrats, all of you! You're all wonderful reviewers! YAY Kelly for winning! [hugs]
"Through literacy you can begin to see the universe.
Through music you can reach anybody.
Between the two there is you, unstoppable."
--grace slick♥avvie: julia/the_opaleye
Oh goodness!
I didn't expect that at all. Thank you so much you guys! And congrats to Haylee and HJ for their excellent reviews as well!
-sneaks in-
Apologies for the absolute lateness, but here I am with the results for the March review period!
We have a lot of new faces, so how about just a refresher on the qualifications for Review Award elligibility? These three SPEWers turned in all of their reviews and monthly requirements on time, and they put effort into giving thoughtful feedback, which was diverse and helpful, making for some very constructive reviews. Your finalists for March are:
HJ/Hermione Jean Granger
And the winner is....
Pictures from flickr
Brush from hawksmont
Texture from hybrid genesis
Fonts from dafont.com
So, yes, to make up for the lateness, our awesome Leanne gets a choice from two banners by our own Bine/luinrina.
And we'll be back with an edition of monthly tips for you, and we've got a couple of new people on the committee to get straight to evaluating all of the reviews for April, which I'm sure are all wonderful. -hugs spew-
Squee, thank you! I've never won before, so this is pretty awesome.
-snags lovely banner and squishes Bine for it-


text:
It has been suggested for some time that the bite force mechanics for at least the most derived, latest (but, alas, still extinct) sabercats was less than modern cats. Specifically, this means that when the jaw and the maxilla are brought together by the major muscles that operate this system, the force of the bite is less in the sabercats. Another thing that has been suggested for some time is that among living (modern) cats, there is a fundamental difference in bite mechanics between the smaller cats (who have round heads) and the larger cats such as lions, who have squarer heads with more snouty faces.
A recent paper, "Evolution of Skull and Mandible Shape in Cats (Carnivora: Felidae)," by Per Christiansen published in PLoS One gives us a new perspective on this. He has applied the morphometrics and come to some interesting conclusions regarding the evolution of bite force mechanics in cats.
This is pretty straight forward, so I'm going to bullet point it for you:
~ Repost from one year ago this month ~
- Brain size varies allometrically (non in a one-to-one relationship) with body size that is different than the allometeric relationship of other featrues of the skull in the feline cats. This accounts for the difference in head shape between little kitties and big tigers and lions. The bite force dynamics and the overall strength of the bite force are not different (scaled to body size) across the feline cats. So we can throw that out.
- Sabercats are fundamentally different from feline (modern) cats. Instead of having a strong bite force, they have the capacity to deliver a slashing, shearing force with their saber-like teeth. They were probably adapted to rip the prey's throat out with one slice, or (though not suggested by Christiansen) to eviscerate smaller to medium sized prey.
- The ancestral cats were probably more similar to each other, as this shift away from bite force and towards shearing action occurs during sabercat evolution and is seen in its most extreme form in the later forms.
- This might have been an adaptation to needing to dispatch prey very quickly because of a predator rich environment (of, say, tyhe Miocene and early Pleistocene).
- It is further suggested that this degree of specialization of the sabercats may have also made these species more vulnerable to extinction as conditions changed.
Christiansen, P. (2008). Evolution of Skull and Mandible Shape in Cats (Carnivora: Felidae)
. PLoS One, 3(7)


text: The second annual Student Research Symposium will be all day in the third-floor ballrooms of the Fidel Center. Students from all academic departments will present their research. The poster sessions will be in the morning, with oral presentations in the afternoon. A guest speaker will be scheduled for the lunch hour.


text:
Another in a series of neighborhood update meetings on progress of the new high school will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerset Berkley Regional High School auditorium.
Another in a series of neighborhood update meetings on progress of the new high school will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerset Berkley Regional High School auditorium.
Project team members, that include representatives of the 21-member school building committee, the contractor and architect will show a brief presentation showing progress to date, said Julie Ramos-Gagliardi, a member of the regional School Committee and building committee.
The 222,850 square foot, $82.4 million regional high school, being built next to the existing school, is scheduled to open in September 2014.
Officials have maintained construction is on time and on budget.
At what will be the fifth neighborhood meeting since construction began — the last one was held in the early spring — the slideshow program will address progress of construction and the budget, Ramos-Gagliardi said.
Other important information to be shared one week before students return to school, the day after Labor Day, will be a review of parking for visitors and students, along with school bus drop-offs for Somerset and Berkley students during construction.
While portions of Grandview Avenue will remain blocked off, school officials expect there will be slightly more parking area available than during the past school year and will delineate those areas, Ramos-Gagliardi said.
Their building committee met a week ago to review the progress and plan for this session.
Richard Fenstermaker is the chairman. Ample time will be reserved at this neighborhood meeting for parents and residents to ask questions.
After the new regional high school for grades 9-12 opens in September 2014, the existing building will be demolished and remaining athletic fields will be completed for the 2015/2016 school year, said Ramos-Gagliardi, who is in charge of publicity for the building committee.
Email Michael Holtzman at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Harvard Law School
Harvard College
BA, 1970, cum laude
"pragmatic judgment; strong strategic positions and calm demeanor in negotiations; dependable and technically excellent; wise counsel; represents his clients incredibly ably"
Chambers USA
Bill Asher has more than 30 years of experience in corporate finance and securities law, venture capital, M&A and corporate governance. He was one of only 15 lawyers nationwide recognized by The Legal 500 as an elite "Leading Lawyer" in Middle-Market M&A (sub $500 million) and was also listed for Life Sciences. Mr. Asher was named the 2016 Boston "Lawyer of the Year" for Corporate Compliance by Best Lawyers. He has been listed for many years in Chambers USA and Massachusetts Super Lawyers.
Practice Focus
Growth Companies: advises growth companies, from start-up and early-stage through public offering or acquisition, on corporate formation, financing, strategic transactions, buy- and sell-side M&A, equity and executive compensation arrangements, corporate governance and other matters.
Public Companies & Capital Markets: initial public offerings and follow-on capital markets transactions representing both companies and underwriters, as well as disclosure and securities law compliance for public companies.
Corporate Governance: represents boards of directors, special committees and senior management teams in matters involving sensitive corporate governance issues, including M&A transactions, corporate aspects of internal investigations, related party transactions and management transition.
Representative Clients and Transactions: practice focus in technology and life sciences, including representation of private and public companies, entrepreneurs and senior management, underwriters and investors.
Representative Engagements
Technology Companies
- Initial public offerings and follow-on transactions for companies in software-as-a-service, networking and communications, internet and digital media, computer graphics and speech recognition.
- Representation of publicly-traded video delivery company in general corporate and securities matters, corporate governance, strategic investments and acquisitions.
- Representation of e-learning company from initial venture financing through $160 million sale to strategic buyer.
- Advise special board committee of human resource management company in $1.7 billion sale to private equity buyer.
- Representation of management team of network equipment company in $530 million sale to private equity buyers.
- Corporate representation of serial start-ups by MIT professor in organizational, financing, strategic and general corporate matters.
Life Sciences
- $65 million initial public offering of novel antibiotic drug development company.
- Registered direct and confidentially marketed public offerings by life sciences companies on behalf of underwriter ranging in size from $5 million to $100 million.
- Representation of publicly-traded cancer vaccine company in securities and financing matters.
- $80 million sale of venture-backed orphan drug development company to public company.
- Organization, $20 million venture financing and in-licensing for cancer therapeutics company.
- Organization and angel financing for cancer drug development company in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Publications and Presentations
Mr. Asher is a frequent speaker on matters relating to venture capital and entrepreneurship, public offerings and executive compensation. He has co-authored a chapter on equity compensation in Massachusetts Business Lawyering.
- "New Opportunities for VC-Backed Life Sciences Companies," co-author, Life Sciences Law360, June 2013.
- "Venture Capital: Nuts & Bolts," speaker, Practising Law Institute's Annual Venture Capital Seminar, 2008-2013.
- "Look Before You Leap into a Securities Litigation Trap," co-author, Securities Law360, October 2012.
- "Raising US Venture Capital in 2012," panel moderator, BioFinance, Toronto, May 2012.
- "Q&A With Choate's Bill Asher," featured, Life Sciences Law360, May 2012.
- "Venture Capital: Nuts & Bolts," speaker, Practising Law Institute's Annual Venture Capital Seminar, 2008-2012.
- "The Role of Board of Directors in Risk Oversight in a Post-Crisis Economy," co-author, Bloomberg Corporate Law Reports, June 2010.
- "Boardroom Dynamics in 2010: Changing Roles for Management, Independent and Investor Directors," panelist, Association of Corporate Counsel Conference - Northeast Chapter, Boston, January 2010.
- "Anticipating New Exec Compensation, Disclosure Rules," co-author, Law360, October 2009.
- Speaker, DolmatConnell & Partners Fall Conference on Executive Compensation, Waltham, October 2009.
- "More Venture Capital Firms Halt Their Fund Raising," quoted, Mass High Tech, June 2009.
- Moderator, Executive and Board Breakfast Forum, December 2008.
- "Internal Risk Management," panelist, Periscopes Up: Managing Your Company in Turbulent Economic Waters, Waltham, November 2008.
- Speaker, Cluster Theory and Practice: The Massachusetts Life Sciences Industry, Cambridge, January 2007.
- "Funding Conundrum: Investing in Early Stage Technologies," panelist, Massachusetts Biotech Council's Mass Opportunities: A Biotechnology Investment Conference, Boston, November 2006.
Professional Involvement
Mr. Asher serves on the Board of Directors of MassVentures and is a former member of the firm's Executive Committee. He has also served as a member of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy, an annual report on key technology industry clusters in Massachusetts.


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Peugeot 207
Most people buy the Peugeot 207 for its looks, but it's more than just a pretty face. …
It sounds like a cup of coffee but, as the name suggests, this is a larger supermini with space for up to four adults, and a good-sized boot. It's also got a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating and every model, except the entry-level Active, comes with side and curtain airbags.
The Grande Punto handles well, with good body control and ample grip though corners. The ride is a little too firm at low speeds, and can cause the car to fidget over poorly surfaced roads. However, at higher speeds the ride does improve.
Fiat has equipped the Grande Punto well, with electric front windows, remote central locking, a CD player, ABS and ISOFIX child seat mounting points as standard. The driving position isn't perfect, but the controls are well laid out and the cabin has a durable feel. Unfortunately, owners don't rate the car's reliability very highly, and it has performed badly in previous JD Power satisfaction surveys.
Obtain a FREE used car valuation for any vehicle.
Save time, money and hassle - check out the best new car deals from local dealers here.
Get an up-to-date value for any used car.
Check out the best new car leasing deals direct from franchised dealerships around the UK.
Most people buy the Peugeot 207 for its looks, but it's more than just a pretty face. …
It's good, but it's little better than the cheaper Altea XL that the Seat Toledo is based on …
The Seat Arosa offers decent quality and a strong image at a decent price …
The Saab 9-3 is a cost-effective way into a classy small executive car; just don't expect fireworks …


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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
LEADERS: Azerane Bam BinkyBunny JerseyGirl LBJ10 LittlePuffyTail LongEaredLions RabbitPam
What are the best bunny-safe veggies to grow in the yard? I'm trying to be a cost cutter and grow some of my own vegetables. They'd have to be grown in plant pots, though inside or out I don't mind. It's just, in our new house, there is no proper soil in the garden, it's all paved apart from where my mum wants a lemon tree! (Yay for lemon twigs for my bun! I'd make sure she didn't use pesticides or sprays!) What do you grow for your buns?
All of the herbs can be grown in pots starting from seed as well. Some will live over winter (thyme often does) and some only like hot weather (like basil) so you can grow a variety that will do well at different times. Parsley and cilantro are especially easy.
I agree with Beka though that it would be extremely hard to grow enough to feed a bunny without a lot of land. My pair go through 5 large heads of romaine and 4 bunches of parsley a week. Even with a couple 4x8 beds in the garden I can't keep up with that demand. It is definitely fun to give home grown veggies as a treat though! I especially like planting herbs because I use them in cooking all the time. Instead of buying a huge batch at the store, I can rip a bit off of my plants and give some to the bunnies while putting some in my dinner.


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2013 Halloween Classic is in the history books
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 29 October 2013 11:32
The Quick Fuel Technology Halloween Classic presented by Harland Sharp was 8 days of fun, fellowship and racing. Mother Nature brought us sunshine, rain, wind and snow. And since the "Sunshine Flag" was flying high atop race control, there was no way the event would be cancelled 'due to weather'. Flying the Sunshine Flag was a tradition started many years ago and was made by Pat Varner specifically for this event. This year, she gave the flag a make-over.
Sunday evening the 40th Halloween Classic Grand Champion was crowned, Jono Gerber from Shreve Oh. Gerber (Mallory Super Pro) was a firs time Halloween Classic Class Champion. In fact, all four of our class winners, Sean Dornan (Mr. Gasket Pro), Roy Safreed II (Wiseco/Cylce Tech Super Bike) and Nick Hastings (Accel Sportsman presented on time by TFC Transportation) were first time Classic winners.
The Grand Champion has four prize packages to choose from, a home cinema, a Hawaiian Vacation, a Disney Vacation or a Dream Cruise. Gerber was asked in the Winner's Circle which prize package he wanted and he stated that it was Tara's (his wife) birthday and he wanted to share his prize package with her. Since she was not present he said he needed to consult with her first before making any kind of decision. But none-the-less he was very excited in winning his first Halloween Classic!
Sean Dornan our runner-up didn't go home empty handed as he won a very nice prize package that consisted of four Mickey Thompson ET drag tires, a set of Roller Rocker Arms from Harland Sharp, 40 gallons of racing fuel from Sunoco and a $200 Gift Certificate to RJS Racing Equipment.
Some interesting tidbits from the race, Kayla Young was our youngest and last female racer left in competition. She made it to the semi-final round of Accel Sportsman delivered on time by TFC Transportion. Two-time Halloween Classic Grand Champion who did his best in trying to make it three, Mark Fulk also competing in the Sportsman category made it to the ¼ finals. Randy Scheuer Jr former Halloween Classic class champion was hoping for the opportunity to compete in the run-off, as his last opportunity in 2008 was denied due to extreme high winds, but Rex Burnett took him out in the semi-finals.
Earlier in the day, the ever so popular Trick Flow 'Air Show' was ran after being postpone due to snow and rain from the night before. There were some pretty awesome wheel stands and couple that needed more 'practice'! "Stunt Man Steve" Kull's 64 Wagon traveled the furthest with his wheel stand, making it almost to the 300' mark. Tom Evans driving the orange 71 Nova with big ugly spiders crawling all over it was awarded the highest, as he was able to get the entire car off the ground!
Complete results from the 40th Annivesary of the Quick Fuel Technology Halloween Classic presented by Harland Sharp can be found here.
Event photos were taken by Moto Lenz Photos and can be viewed at www.MotoLenzPhotos.com.


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. . . . the LEFT Washington.
Looks like I'll be retiring for the second time in the next month or so. Looking forward to leaving the right coast and living on the left. Just e-mailed the rally chairs volunteering to help out next summer in Salem--went to college in Eugene a couple of centuries ago.
Born in the little town of John Day, joined the Navy after college, and hardly ever returned. But now I will!!
And very much looking forward to doing some PNW and intermountain west riding.


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Saturday, May 26, 2012, 5:59 PM
Town Square
Police use stun gun in Mountain View brawl
Original post made on May 26, 2012
Read the full story here Web Link posted Saturday, May 26, 2012, 5:59 PM
Comments (3)
a resident of East Palo Alto
on May 26, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Bummer. Sounds like they should rename this club - doesn't sound very zen to me!
a resident of Downtown North
on May 27, 2012 at 5:59 am
realpa is a registered user.
First off I just want to say that mountain view police took things way to far. I was right there and it started off by a man telling a officer to leave him alone because he wasnt drunk and saying that if he didnt leave the area he would be arrested. the man told him f u im not drunk. The officer then went up to him and what looked like he whispered something in the mans ear and then grabbed him and threw him against a car with a lot of force smashing him into the trunk of a small red car. he began to resist arrest by yelling an trying to keep his hands away from his back. It took a while to get him down because he wouldnt fall to the ground but then 5 officers fell on top of him and began tazering him. First was a tazer that shoots which they used 2-3 times and THEN AFTER THEY HANDCUFFED HIM THEY TAZED HIM IN THE BACK OF THE NECK WITH A HAND HELD TAZER!!!! this is a discrace to the MVPD. they man from work of mouth ended up with burn marks for them tazering him so long on his neck. when I was watching this the man sounded like he was screaming for his life to stop and they wouldnt. When witnesses pulled out there cameras they stopped and put him in the police car. They knew they were in the wrong and I hope that young man files a huge lawsuit because I will be happy to be a witness. Also there was about 50 people not 200 Zen dosent even have that amount of people in there club on thursdays. To mountain view police department its funny how everyone was asking for your officers badge numbers on scene and NONE of them would give it there answer would be get the F back or ill will arrest you for being drunk!
a resident of Crescent Park
on May 28, 2012 at 9:32 am
bru is a registered user.
In the evening, especially on weekends Mountain View is getting to be as unpleasant and rowdy as San Jose.
When people get out of line officers need to do something, and they do not need to spend a lot of time or go back and forth with drunks who will blabber all night long.
And by the way drunks looking for attention can whine and scream very loud - as can legimate victims of police brutality - and it is often hard to tell the difference, but other bar patrons are maybe not the best judges or reporters of what happened.
The first knee-jerk reaction of some is to always blame the police, but on the other hand it is a badge of courage for some drunks to make a big show and give the bar patrons who have nothing better to do something to talk about for years.
That said, I do not agree with Police tasering people when they have been subdued - IF that is what actually happened, which I doubt, because people are so quick with their cellphones today if the Police had been tazing the subdued suspect it would likely have been on video or would have been very quick.
But also, when a Police Officer is talking to you, or asks you to do something - you do not tell them to leave you alone. How stupid, bad attitude right from the start. What ought to be happening is that these people's parents should teach them when they are kids so the cops do not have to clean up for people who do not have the sense to live in a society with other people.
I don't blame the Police. Who would want to have to do this for a job, and then have a bunch of drunk bar patrons blowing bad breath at you demanding your badge number, when it is on their badges?
-- By the way, why do I have to type in that irritating verification code when I am already logged in Palo Alto Online ?
Coffeebar opens in Menlo Park
By Elena Kadvany | 2 comments | 5,215 views
Couples: So You Married Mom or Dad . . .
By Chandrama Anderson | 0 comments | 815 views
Spring College Fairs
By John Raftrey and Lori McCormick | 0 comments | 774 views
The Cost of Service
By Aldis Petriceks | 0 comments | 295 views


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, August 19, 2013, 6:59 AM
Town Square
New homes vs. old house on Council's agenda tonight
Original post made on Aug 21, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, August 19, 2013, 6:59 AM
Comments (4)
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 21, 2013 at 12:44 pm
I rent near downtown and would have loved to buy that hold house. I see people living in it now and it works just fine. I am amazed that I never knew it was available to buy, bet the price was low too.
These old homes are loved by most of us in the downtown. They are valuable to us and almost everyone that lives here.
Ponderosa is just another big business out for their own profit, they don't care about our town.
a resident of California Reflections
on Aug 21, 2013 at 12:53 pm
I would not buy a house from Ponderosa. No way.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 23, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Gene, wake up. Most of the old houses look pretty or charming to people that simply drive by, but go inside one of them and they are small, dark, no storage, funky plumbing, drafty and smelly. It takes alot of money to make them liveable and bring them into current codes regulations. But it sounds like the property owner had someone interested and willing to do it. I have lived here for thirty years and like old houses too in the downtown but I still dont think government has a right to require an owner to fix up a old house if they want to sell their land.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 23, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Old vintage houses are not for everyone, but I love my 100 year old downtown house.
The church owns the house, and through their property rights they can sell it to anyone they want to, but who ever buys it takes on the responsibility to do right with the old house.
Actually Ponderosa is trying to build faux old houses, and this the real thing- it's genuine!
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 29 comments | 850 views
Dublin recall unlikely to make June ballot
By Tim Hunt | 0 comments | 529 views
Holiday Fund raises $70,000 for 12 Tri-Valley nonprofits
By Jeb Bing | 0 comments | 149 views


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Ok, hasn't been anything new on this thread for awhile and the subject on Sam and Emily's wedding was brought up on the Leah thread. So I have a new question:
Did Emily ask Leah to be her bridesmaid? And does that mean Emily and Leah are back on good terms, since Leah agreed to be a part of the ceremony?


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An artist from Mancos will be spending some time in Breckenridge this month, showing and demonstrating how she creates.
Janice Reich, a gourd artist for over 10 years, will have a reception on Thursday, March 21 (4 to 6 p.m.) at the Tin Shop in the Breckenridge Arts District. The Tin Shop is a guest artist facility there, with a studio on the first level and a furnished studio apartment for the artist to use on the second level. Reich will be there from now until March 31.
"My husband and I were in Breckenridge, looking around, and discovered this beautiful spot," she said.
Her love of gourds, those funny-looking and odd-shaped dried plants, began in 2002 when, in San Francisco, Calif., she saw a Mayan drum. From that point, she took classes and read books about wood burning, carving and designing. "I wanted to learn all I could about gourds," she said.
Gourds have been around for thousand of years, and are still used in other countries for making musical instruments, she said. They are made not only into drums, but a variety of stringed instruments as well.
Gourds, she found, are a versatile art form. "You can be very creative with them," she said. "Like people, they come in all different shapes and sizes!"
Out of the gourds, she creates bowls, dolls and masks.
The process of creating with a gourd begins when Reich looks at the gourd. "I know it sounds weird, but I wait till the gourd kind of tells me what it wants to become." Since they are all different, they can be so many different things. She might cut it to create a specific shape. Or she might leave it in the shape it's in, and just paint on it. Usually it's cut, though, and the flesh is cleaned out of the inside.
"They are a 'cousin' to the pumpkin," she said. So there is plenty of stuff to be cleaned out.
After the gourd is cleaned out, she paints the inside. Then, she might paint the outside, depending on what she wants to do with it. Or a gourd is good to do her woodburning on, affording her even more creativity.
After she has finished with the gourd, she will sand it and spray it with varnish. And then she might put feathers, stones or other decorations on it.
Masks, another thing she makes with gourds, is an art form on its own, she said. "They are really fun; you can put all different expressions into them," she said.
She is influenced by Southwest art and the tribal customs around here. Gourd art has opened the doors for her to meet many other artists and use their art to embellish her gourds. She likes to make much of her art affordable. "I think art belongs in homes . to remind people of their trip."
Reich's source for most of her gourds is Wuertz Gourd Farm in Casa Grande, Ariz. Although the Wuertz family has been farming since 1929, Waylon Wuertz has been growing gourds as a business since 2002. It was an idea that grew out of a request from a hay customer and this year he has planted 27 acres.
Reich will be working in the Tin Shop studio from Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. There will also be a demonstration and experimentation of her gourd-making on March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m., which is free.
"You don't get bored with gourds," Reich said. "You can do anything with them!"


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U.S. Job Openings Climb to Highest Level in Seven Years
The number of job openings in the U.S. economy climbed to the highest level in seven years, becoming the latest gauge in the labor market to recover the ground its lost during the recession.
Job openings climbed to 4.5 million in April, according to the Labor Department's report on job openings and labor turnover, or JOLTS. The rate of job openings climbed to 3.1% in April from 2.9% in March, also near a seven-year high. In this month's report the hiring and layoff rates were little changed.
During the 18-month recession, which ran from December 2007 to June 2009, the rate of hiring and job openings collapsed while the rate of layoffs surged. The rate of layoffs declined during 2009 and 2010 as the economy regained its footing and has recovered to its pre-recession levels.
Though layoffs have slowed, the rate of hiring in the economy has yet to recover. In April, 4.7 million workers were hired on to new jobs, the same number as in March. Prior to the recession, the level of hiring was often over 5 million a month.


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Winooski, VT - American Woolen Mills Flag Raising
- Item 9 of 13 in Collection: Louis L. McAllister Photographs
- | Return to collection
Item Description
Title: Winooski, VT - American Woolen Mills Flag Raising
- McAllister, L. L. (Louis L.), 1877-1963
Source Document
Extent: 1 image
Publisher: University of Vermont, Bailey/Howe Library, Special Collections
April 14, 1917 flag raising at the American Woolen Mills in Winooski, Vermont. A large crowd is gathered for the event. On the left side is the speakers' stand. Several speakers addressed the crowd that day, no doubt praising the patriotism of the mill workers who raised money to purchase 3 American flags, but also trying to create enthusiasm for the war effort (the U.S. entered World War I on April 6, 1917). The 3 flags (very likely not those seen at the speakers' platform) were raised in front of the Champlain Mill, Mill No. 3, and the mill's main office. In the distance one can see the Winooski bridge, and the street corner is West Canal and Follett. (Photo 4 of five images that create a panoramic view when placed together.)
Genre(s): photographs, black-and-white photographs
Type of Resource: still image
Parent Collections
Access Conditions
For usage rights related to this resource please visit: http://cdi.uvm.edu/rights/
More information.
Permanent Link:
Preferred citation
Winooski, VT - American Woolen Mills Flag Raising, Special Collections, University of Vermont Library, http://cdi.uvm.edu/collections/item/mcalB22F29i04 (accessed January 17, 2018)
- Normal
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Business plan competition deadline set for Feb. 5
To enter, contestants should register by Feb. 5 at www.strollingoftheheifers.com.
The competition, a collaboration of Vermont Technical College and Strolling of the Heifers, seeks to encourage farm, food and forestry business development throughout Vermont. All entries must involve some aspect of farming, forestry, food processing, food distribution, food packaging or food retailing (including restaurants).Full information and rules may be found at that site as well.
After registering, contestants must attend a Feb. 5 an interactive video presentation provided via Vermont Interactive Technologies at 13 locations throughout the state. They will then prepare a three-page business prospectus due March 8, from which finalists will be selected.
Finalists will make presentations to the judges at Marlboro College Graduate Center in Brattleboro on the morning of June 5, and awards will be announced that afternoon as the kickoff of the Strolling of the Heifers Slow Living Summit which begins that day.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
This product does not contain animal products of any kind.
This product does not contain animal products of any kind.
Buy one get one!
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Aiming to take control? Wear our deep, navy blue liquid eyeliner to stay on course. Its soothing rose petal infusion, almond and jojoba oil base cares for the sensitive area around your eyes. It takes a few moments to set, so you can smudge or blend to get just the right look. Wear it however dark and dramatic, or subtle and blended as you want. The color will stay put all day, without creasing.
How to use: Start at the inner corner of the eyelid and draw the eyeliner close to the lashes.
Featured ingredientOpens in new Window Rose Petal Infusion
Fresh ingredientsRose Petal Infusion (Rosa centifolia) Water (Aqua) Glycerine Stearic Acid (Stearic acid) Talc Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) Cupuaçu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter) Triethanolamine Corn Starch (Zea mays) Cetearyl Alcohol D&C Blue No. 1 Aluminium Lake (D&C Blue No.1) Ferric Ferrocyanide Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide Methylparaben Propylparaben *Occurs naturally in essential oils
Natural ingredients
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text:
But it wants to be full. Fill it with MultiTracks, CustomMixes®, RehearsalMixes and more
Verse 1
Are you hurting and broken withinOverwhelmed by the weight of your sinJesus is calling
Verse 2
Have you come to the end of yourselfDo you thirst for a drink from the wellJesus is calling
O come to the altarThe Father's arms are open wideForgiveness was bought withThe precious blood of Jesus Christ
Verse 3
Leave behind your regrets and mistakesCome today there's no reason to waitJesus is calling
Verse 4
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joyFrom the ashes a new life is bornJesus is calling
Oh what a SaviorIsn't He wonderfulSing alleluia Christ is risenBow down before HimFor He is Lord of allSing alleluia Christ is risen
Bear your cross as you wait for the crownTell the world of the treasure you've found
Patches makes it easier than ever to find great keyboard sounds. We've partnered with the original patch producers to provide the sounds that were used on the original recording. You can search by song and purchase the patches used on that song, find patches based on tones, and buy bundles from your favorite patch producers. Patches are available in multiple types of software and plugins. With patches you can stop guessing what patch was used on your favorite song, and stop digging through hundreds of presets to find a great sound.
We're sorry but it looks like your browser doesn't support CustomMix®. Please try upgrading your browser to the most recent version. If you have questions about which browsers would work, please send us a note to email@example.com.
MultiTracks are all of the individual parts or "stems" that make up an Original Master Recording. 8 keys included, engineered for live performance. Learn More
MultiTracks you purchase are available in our free app for live performance, Playback.
Rent this MultiTrack exclusively in Playback. Rental subscriptions start from /mo.
MultiTracks are all of the individual parts or "stems" that make up a song. Master stems are made from the original master recording. Available in 8 keys and engineered for live performance, MultiTracks are available for download in WAV or M4A format to use in any DAW. You can rent MultiTracks in Playback with a Playback Rentals Subscription. Each MultiTrack includes a click and guide track and you can adjust levels and mute and un-mute any track to enhance the sound of your team.
Customize and export your own stereo mix from the stems. Create an Accompaniment track from the original stems or a stereo track for live performance. No software required.
MultiTracks you purchase are available in our free app for live performance, Playback.
Mixes created from the Original Master Recording. Available in 8 keys with Up and Minus mixes for each part plus the original song. Learn More
Customize charts for your entire team. Purchase this chart for and unlock 12 keys and MD notes.
Please try again later. If the problem continues, please contact customer support.
In addition to mixes for every part, listen and learn from the original song.
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Difference between revisions of "User:Ana Miguel Fernandes"
From OpenWetWare
(→Previous Projects)
(→Current Project)
|Line 22:
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==Current Project==
==Current Project==
<!-- Feel free to add brief descriptions to your research interests as well -->
<!-- Feel free to add brief descriptions to your research interests as well -->
Post transcriptional control of SMN2 expression.
Posttranscriptional control of SMN2 expression.
Latest revision as of 10:28, 29 December 2012
I am a new member of OpenWetWare!
Contact Info
- Ana Miguel Fernandes
- BioFIG - Center for Functional and Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Sciences,Lisbon University, Campo Grande, Building C8,1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Email me through OpenWetWare
I work in the Gama Lab at Lisbon University.
- 2012, MS in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal
- 2009, BS in Biology - specialization in Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal
2010 - 2011, Erasmus Student at Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Aarhus University, Denmark
Current Project
Post-transcriptional control of SMN2 expression.
Previous Projects
- Master thesis entitled 'MicroRNA regulation by the DNA and RNA binding proteins EWS and FUS' supervised by Prof. Dr. Anders Lade Nielsen.
- Molecular Biology Project entitled 'Decoupling between mRNA and protein expression due to retroviral insertion in the 3' untranslated region of JDP2' supervised by Prof. Dr. Finn Skou Pedersen.
Research interests
- Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression (microRNAs and RNA Binding Proteins)
- Epigenetics


text:
The Child First and Always
Our hospital motto, The Child First and Always® gives us a visible, concise statement of our philosophy. It informs and reassures those who seek our services, and serves as a daily reminder to employees of our commitment to children. This phrase originated from the Hospital for Sick Children in London, England, where it has been used as a motto since the hospital's beginning in 1852.
For over 20 years, Primary Children's Hospital has ranked among the best children's hospitals in the United States on various national surveys.
Primary Children's Hospital has more than a century of experience caring for children.
Get Care Now
Get care for low-level urgent conditions through a video chat with a provider, 24/7, on your computer or mobile device.Learn More.
View wait times and save your place in line at an Intermountain InstaCare location near you.
If this is an emergency please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, a Medical Group with more than 1,600 physicians and advanced practice clinicians at about 180 clinics, a health plans division called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in clinical quality improvement and in efficient healthcare delivery.
Still not finding what you are looking for?
Copyright ©2018, Intermountain Healthcare, All rights reserved.


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Lloyd Williams, 28, of Russellville was arrested by Pope County deputies at about 5:18 p.m. Tuesday at an RV park, according to Sheriff Aaron DuVall.
District Judge Don Bourne ordered Williams held in lieu of a $1 million bond on charges of aggravated assault, fleeing, making a terrorist threat, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Duvall said four deputies went in search of Williams after he had made threats against the life of a deputy to a 911 operator.
The deputies arrived at the RV park to arrest Williams on outstanding warrants. DuVall said Williams then nearly ran over three deputies while trying to escape. He then collided with a patrol car another deputy was driving.
DuVall said the patrol car had more than $6,500 in damages. None of the deputies were hurt in the episode.
After he was arrested, deputies found the drugs in the vehicle, DuVall said.
DuVall thanked Arkansas State Police officers who served as a backup to the deputies.


text: This idea that Sanchez was a bust for the Jets is lame. Did Ryan Leaf or Tim Couch lead their teams to 4 playoff wins and deep playoff runs their first 2 seasons in the league? Don't give me the "Mark had the greatest ever team surrounding him" argument that is nonsense. Sanchez had good teams surrounding him in '09 and '10 not great in any way.


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Yorkshire is enjoying the Tour de France Grand Depart passing round the country this weekend – and health experts are hoping Doncaster people will be inspired to get on their bikes and give cycling a go as a result.
"Regular physical activity is a key part of achieving energy balance - helping to prevent obesity and excess weight," said Dr Cathy Read, a Consultant in Public Health specialising in Health and Well-being with the Public Health England (PHE) Centre in Yorkshire and the Humber. "It also reduces the risk of many chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health problems and muscle, bone and joint conditions."
The Department of Health (DH) recommends that adults take at least 150 minutes – two and a half hours - of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. Children over five should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day.
"Physical activity that can be incorporated into everyday life, such as brisk walking and cycling, has been found to be as effective for weight loss as supervised exercise programmes," Dr Read said. "As a form of exercise, cycling has broad appeal and is an activity the whole family can do together. The younger members can join in and age is not necessarily a barrier – cycling is easy on the joints so grandparents can come along too!"
Cycling is a low-impact type of exercise, so it's easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities, but it still helps you get fit.
"Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases," Dr Read said. "For example, someone who weighs 80kg (12st 9lb) could burn more than 650 calories with an hour's riding.
"Cycling really is good for your all-round health - mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the both the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring," Dr Read added.
Public Health England nationally is committed to working with national and local partners to promote increased physical activity. For example, this summer PHE's Change4Life campaign will help families to keep their children active through ideas about how they can get going every day.
"We know there are often legitimate concerns about the risks of cycling in heavy traffic and on busy roads and so we are working with our partner organisations too on what can be done to make cycling – and other sorts of active travel like walking – safer," Dr Read said.
PHE and the Local Government Association have produced a briefing document for local authorities on taking action to create environments where people are more likely to walk or cycle for short journeys


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Marlins want to raise level of expectations
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
MIAMI -- Early signs of the expected "Marlins Way" is coming into focus.
The club is instituting a team mentality and taking the necessary steps to reach a championship level.
Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill made it clear from the outset the expectation is to win.
"That's our goal," Hill said. "I actually like it when people don't pick us. I like flying under the radar. I know the 25 guys in that clubhouse believe in one another. I believe in the talent in that clubhouse. Anything can happen when you have good pitching and timely hitting. That's our expectations."
When you endure three straight last-place finishes and are coming off a 100-loss campaign, the subject of winning doesn't always carry much weight.
"We say winning, but it's still playing the game the right way," Hill said. "It's playing championship-style baseball. More so than saying winning, it's how do you win? And the components that go into winning.
"It's not so much speaking about winning. It's just about raising the level of expectation of what is acceptable to be a big leaguer and to win championships."
Tough opener doesn't dampen Jones' optimism
MIAMI -- Bottom-line results don't always tell the full story.
Garrett Jones, for instance, went hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts and a walk in the Marlins' 10-1 win over the Rockies on Opening Day at Marlins Park.
The left-handed-hitting first baseman, who was used mostly in platoon situations in previous seasons with the Pirates, is getting a chance to face southpaw starters. He got his first taste on Monday against Jorge De La Rosa.
Jones struck out twice and walked against the Rockies' starter, and he was hitless in two at-bats against right-handed pitchers to finish up the game.
"I felt good [Monday], despite the results," Jones said. "I saw the ball well, but it's a rough game in the books. But as the year goes on, I will feel more comfortable and I'll make my adjustments. It's going to keep getting better."
Marlins manager Mike Redmond plans on batting Jones cleanup against right-handers, but the slugger has slid to fifth against lefties. Casey McGehee batted fourth in the first two games.
Jones has a track record of being a 20-plus home run hitter, and the Marlins feel he can best reach those numbers by getting as many at-bats as possible. Staying in the lineup as much as possible should obviously benefit.
"When you see a tough lefty and you see a righty, it helps you see the ball better," Jones said. "Obviously, the season is going, so you have to produce. But the more at-bats I get, the better I'm going to get. It's just seeing the ball, seeing release points, it's only going to get better as the season goes on."
Tack on another week as Lucas to have surgery
MIAMI -- Marlins infielder Ed Lucas will undergo surgery to his left hand on Wednesday, and the procedure likely will push his recovery time back another week.
The procedure will be to insert a pin in Lucas' third metacarpal.
"They are putting a pin in to make sure it heals straight," Lucas said.
Instead of missing four to six weeks as initially projected, the 31-year-old says to tack on another week. So the new timeline is roughly five to seven weeks.
Lucas suffered a non-displaced fracture to the back of his left hand on Thursday in a Spring Training game against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
The break occurred literally hours after Lucas was told he had made the team as the primary utility player. Donovan Solano was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans, replacing Lucas in the role.
Lucas and second baseman Rafael Furcal (left hamstring) are the two Marlins to start off the season on the 15-day disabled list. Both were at Marlins Park on Tuesday, getting in some conditioning.
Furcal took ground balls at second base and did some hitting. The team still is being cautious, and he isn't expected to be back until at least the middle of April.
Lucas was running the ballpark steps and doing his conditioning.
Worth noting
• The fact the Rockies started left-handed pitchers the first two games actually wasn't a bad thing for Derek Dietrich. The left-handed-hitting Dietrich was out of the lineup again on Tuesday, as Jeff Baker got the starting nod at second base.
The couple of days allows the fracture at the top of Dietrich's nose to heal. Dietrich broke his nose on March 20, and he had been wearing a protective mask in the field. The mask is no longer required.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Jan 30 (Reuters) - Ferrari's new Formula One car will be called the F138 with the name reflecting the year and the eighth and final season of V8 engines, the Italian team said on Wednesday.
Ferrari, runners-up to Red Bull last season, will unveil the car at their Maranello factory on Friday before testing it in Spain next week.
The V8 engine, used in Formula One since 2006, will be replaced next year by a 1.6-litre V6 turbo power unit with energy recovery systems. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Clare Fallon)


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Photo gallery: A look back at Norwich City's success in the league cup
PUBLISHED: 11:22 10 December 2012
Sports editor Chris Lakey looks back on the club's history of success in league cup competition.
Norwich City have had more than a passing interest in the League Cup over the years – a tradition they will be hoping to maintain this week.
Success in knockout competitions has sadly becoming something of a rarity in recent years, but the League Cup was in only its second season when City made it their own.
Ironically, the first winners were Aston Villa, in 1961.
City's mark was left on the trophy 12 months later, when they beat Rochdale 4-0 on aggregate – two goals by Derek Lythgoe and one from Bill Punton earned City a 3-0 away win, with Jimmy Hill scoring the only goal of the game in the second leg, at Carrow Road.
Their grip was loosened in the following year's quarter-finals – against Villa, who beat the Canaries 4-1 in the Midlands. Another quarter-final appearance the following year ended in defeat to Leicester, at the second attempt, and it wasn't until the early 70s that City really made an impression on the competition.
In 1971-72 they lost to Chelsea in the quarter-finals, but the following season they were back in the final, beating Leicester, Hull and Stockport on the way before facing a trio of big London clubs.
Arsenal were seen off 3-0 at Highbury in the quarters, and Chelsea went by the same scoreline, albeit over two legs, in the semis, before City headed for Wembley to face Tottenham. But there was to be no fairytale ending, as they went down 1-0 in front of a 100,000 full house, Ralph Coates scoring for Spurs.
Yet another semi-final appearance followed in 1973-74, with City losing out to Wolves 2-1 on aggregate. Twelve months later, Bolton, West Brom and, most satisfyingly, Ipswich Town were all beaten – amazingly, all matches which went to replays – before Tommy Docherty's Manchester United were disposed of in the semi-finals, 3-2 on aggregate.
But once again Wembley wasn't a happy hunting ground, with Villa's Ray Graydon ending the City dream with the only goal of the game. It was the third successive League Cup final for Villa boss Ron Saunders, who had been Norwich boss in 1973 and a year later took Manchester City to the final, where they lost to Wolves.
There followed some barren years, until the glory of March 24,1985. Ipswich were beaten in the semi-finals, 2-1 on aggregate, earning City a Wembley trip to face Sunderland. The final was decided by an own goal by Gordon Chisholm, who deflected Asa Hartford's shot past his own keeper. Sunderland had a chance to level, but Clive Walker missed a penalty after Dennis van Wijk had handled.
The closest City have come since has been the quarter-finals, the last appearance back in 1996 when City were beaten 2-1 at Birmingham, having drawn the first match 1-1.


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Rabies Vaccination Revisited
- Aug 23, 2005
- Topics:
Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases a comprehensive report detailing the number of reported rabies cases in 49 states and Puerto Rico. The most up-to-date report, which details 2003 cases, reveals that more than 7,000 cases were reported in a variety of wild and domestic animal species across the country. (Researchers currently are compiling 2004 data, and scientists say it's too early to speculate on reported U.S. rabies cases in 2004 or 2005.)
Eighteen states reported rabies cases in horses and mules, with seven of these states reporting more cases than the previous year.
No one knows for sure why there was an increase in some areas and a decrease in others, say the researchers, who report their results annually in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. They add that rabies vaccinations are the best insurance that a horse (or other animals that can be vaccinated for rabies) will not develop the disease.
Lead author on the 2004 study covering 2003 rabies cases was John Krebs, MS, a public health scientist at the CDC cautions that many cases of rabies remain unreported, and the number of cases is actually greater than the reported amount. He says that while dogs, cats, and cattle are generally the domestic animals most "frequently reported rabid," State Health Departments report around "50 plus or minus 10" equine rabies cases per year. "Scanning previous years of horses, I can see back in 1994, for example, that it was down in the 40s," says Krebs. "We had a banner year in 1998 with 82 horses (an exception to the prior 50 +/- 10 rule). I can't really say why, but looking at the broad span, probably the highest numbers are usually from the Western states, and that's primarily skunk rabies habitat, and there could have been just more infection due to interaction with rabid skunks during that period of time."
Rabies control programs were first put in place in the United States more than 60 years ago, with one key feature being massive vaccination of domestic animals, particularly pet dogs. The idea was to prevent dog transmission of the canine rabies variant, says Krebs. The role of wildlife as a reservoir for other rabies variants was not yet known. While livestock and other large animals can become infected with rabies, it has never been economically feasible or particularly important from a public health standpoint to require vaccination in this group of animals. However, the CDC recommends that all animals, including horses, that have "regular contact with human beings," be considered for vaccination (all mammals are susceptible to rabies).
Rabies virus variants can periodically shift in their distribution and the wildlife reservoirs that keep rabies circulating in an area can change from year to year. For example, states that primarily report bat rabies might have an increase in reported terrestrial animal cases, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Some states experience cases sporadically, while other states experience such heavy wildlife infection that the virus is considered enzootic, or affecting animals in the state year after year. In 2003, 20 states and the District of Columbia were designated as enzootic in their raccoon population. In some states, rabies infections will probably never go away, but they might dip below detectable limits.
The CDC report is a wake-up call to horse owners that the rabies virus is alive and on the move in the United States. While it is second-nature to most dog and cat owners to have their pets vaccinated for rabies, the horse is sometimes overlooked. It only takes a single bite from an infected animal to kill a valuable and beloved performance horse and put in jeopardy the health of everyone who comes in contact with that horse. As the CDC continues to monitor the shifting patterns of this deadly virus, horse owners should discuss rabies vaccination with their veterinarian and consider adding this important vaccine to their horse's wellness program.
"People develop a great attachment to their domestic livestock, especially horses, and it would seem a shame for a valuable companion animal such as a horse to get rabies if it could have been prevented," adds Krebs.--Sue Piscopo, DVM and Stephanie L. Church
About the Author
Multiple Authors
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This month I'm going in a little different direction from my usual Sony Vegas Tips & Tricks columns. Since most Vegas users work with the companion DVD Architect program to author DVD and Blu-ray Discs, I thought it would be a nice change of pace to showcase some snazzy motion menus. We'll be working with Sony DVD Architect 5, Adobe After Effects CS3, and Pro Motion Menu Kits from Precomposed. Precomposed (www.precomposed.com) offers a variety of motion-menu templates for After Effects. While you do need After Effects to use the menus (versions CS3, CS4, and CS5 are supported), you don't need to be a competent After Effects user. I can attest to this, as I am as green as can be when it comes to After Effects. While the pairing of After Effects and DVD Architect isn't exactly drag and drop, it isn't too bad. And it results in some really slick menus for your DVD and Blu-ray projects.
Getting StartedThe Pro Motion Menu Kit comes as a download weighing in at about 18MB. Once unzipped, you have access to the After Effects project file, DVD disc and cover insert Photoshop files, and a host of other graphics files, some of which are optimized for use with Adobe Encore. (Encore is Adobe's DVD authoring program; it shares tight integration with After Effects via Adobe Dynamic Link.)
First up in the list of files is a Getting Started HTML file. When you open this file, it takes you to the Precomposed website and immediately launches a tutorial movie to teach you, step by step, the basics of using Pro Motion menus in After Effects. I recommend you go through this tutorial as it does a great job of explaining how all this works in After Effects. Let me reiterate that I had no experience with After Effects prior to writing this article. It had always been one of those programs that I would "get to eventually," but "eventually" really didn't come until I started working with Precomposed menus. That said, this online tutorial gave me everything I needed to know to create great-looking motion menus from After Effects.
Customizing Your Menus in After EffectsThe Precomposed project I'm working with for this article is the White Wedding motion menu, designed by Miami's own Ray Roman, a 2009 EventDV 25 all-star. You'll need a few assets before you get started, including a logo file and a 50-second piece of footage or single graphic image for the looping menu. I started with a transparent image of simple text for my logo and a 50-second quick highlight for the main menu (Figure 1, below).
Figure 1. My logo in After Effects in Ray Roman's White Wedding menu template
You can adjust every component of the Precomposed motion menu; text, fonts, positioning, and extra menus are all completely customizable (Figure 2, below). You can choose to render out of After Effects in either SD or HD video for DVD or Blu-ray delivery.
Figure 2. Customizing menu elements in Adobe After Effects
When you've completed the main steps of the Precomposed tutorial for After Effects, you'll be left with several QuickTime movie files. These include the opening animation, each menu's animation, and transitions from one menu to another. The transitions even include appropriate "whoosh" sound effects as the motion unfolds.
Back in DVD ArchitectOpen DVD Architect and drag these files into a new project. These come out of After Effects as high-quality QuickTime MOV files; this is what you want. Since these files act as menus, DVD Architect will always recompress them, so you don't want to start with highly compressed MPEG-2 files. Also at this time you'll need to include your actual video and audio files for the DVD. In most cases, these will be one or more MPEG-2 files with the same-named Dolby AC3 files (Figure 3, below).
Figure 3. My Precomposed menu elements imported into DVD Architect
Delete the default Menu 1 (Page 1) item, and the standard blue menu will disappear. Right-click on Intro Sequence and choose Set Start Item (Figure 4, below).
Figure 4. Choosing a Start item
This is the first clip that will play when the DVD is inserted in the DVD player. Double-click this clip so that it appears on the DVD Architect timeline. From here, we're going to set the End Action so that once this intro plays, the Main DVD menu appears. Only our Main Menu is actually going to be a video clip.
Ensure that the Properties window is open by choosing View > Properties from the main menu. Click the End Action button, and choose Main Menu under Destination (this is one of the clips created for you during the After Effects render), as shown in Figure 5 (below).
Figure 5. Choosing Main Menu as Destination
Back under the DVD Architect Project Overview, double-click the Main Menu clip to bring it up in the timeline. You want this menu to loop over and over, so set it to loop in the Properties by choosing End Action > Destination > Main Menu. You have three button choices on the DVD's Main Menu: Play Movie, Scene Selection, and Bonus Features. Normally, you would work with your main content at this point. But instead, we're going to first play a transition and then get into the movie. Drag the Transition Main Menu to Video file onto the menu screen (Figure 6, below).
Figure 6. Adding a transition to the menu
Creating Custom Masks (Without Creating Mask Files)You can create custom masks for DVD Architect in Photoshop or other graphics programs. This technique is described in the manual and illustrated in Vol. 6 of VASST's Absolute Training for Vegas+DVD: Going Deeper in DVD Architect (www.vasst.com).
What I'm going to explain here is a simple way to do this without creating mask files. Right-click the "button" you just created when you dragged the transition file over and choose Button Style-Text Only from the pop-up menu. The default text in this button is simply "Text." Position this button directly over the "Play Movie" text on the motion menu (Figure 7, below).
Figure 7. Positioning the text
Resize the button to better match the "Play Movie" text on the menu. Press F2 to enter text editing, and delete the text of this button. In Properties > Button Properties, click Highlight; for Style, choose Underline. Select Color Sets > Color Set 1 > Fill Color. This will be the color of the Underline for this button. Choose any color that complements the menu. I usually use black or, by using the eyedropper tool, I sample the background menu item color and use that (pink in this case), as shown in Figure 8 (below).
Figure 8. Choosing a Fill Color in Button Properties
Double-click this button, and the transition video will load into the timeline. Set its End Action Destination to be your main video. Double-click the main video to load it in the timeline, and set its End Action Destination back to the Main Menu item.
Continue on in this way by creating buttons that link to transitions. Each subsequent button will keep the same Fill Color you defined in the first button. The Scene Selection Menu button links to the Transition Main Menu to Scenes file, whose End Action Destination is then set to the Scene Selection Menu clip; the process repeats until all menu items have buttons and End Action Destinations. Here's one very useful tip: Click the Toggle Display of End Actions button in the Project Overview window so you can keep track of what happens at the end of each file or transition (Figure 9, below).
Figure 9. The handy Toggle Display of End Actions feature in the project Overview window
Previewing the DVDCheck your work as you go. When you click Preview Disc (Ctrl+F9), you will see the Precomposed motion menus in action, starting with your logo, followed by the Main Menu looping movie and the button we created previously, which is Play Movie. Select that button and the transition plays, followed by the video you linked to.
When you've successfully linked all buttons to their transition videos, those videos to your content, and that content back to the Precomposed menu, you're just about done. Don't forget that Precomposed has included disc label and case-wrap graphics in Photoshop format for a unified presentation.
You can purchase the Precomposed menus and see demos at www.precomposed.com, with individual menu pricing starting at $89. In my opinion, these menus are worth the cost. In the few days I spent working with them, it was obvious that anyone can get immediate results by following along with the online tutorials. Anyone who knows even the basics of After Effects can fully customize the menus to their liking. These menus are very cool, very well-designed, and not the least bit cheesy. So whether you deliver on DVD or Blu-ray, use these motion menus and DVD Architect (or any other pro Mac or Windows DVD authoring app of your choice) to raise the bar and exceed your clients' expectations.
David McKnight (david at mcknightvideo.com) is half of McKnight Video of Houston. He is vice president of the Houston Professional Videographers Association (HPVA), has Sony Vegas and HDV certification, is the technical editor of Vegas Pro 9 Editing Workshop (Focal Press), and is a contributor to TheFullHD Book (VASST). He and his wife, Christie, are winners of multiple HPVA awards.


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Commercial, Personal/Corporate, Training
By R&W Staff | June 1, 2008
Safety experts are fascinated by helicopter collisions with terrain, water and obstacles.
They study these types of accidents continually. In the past four years, groups of accidents involving what is called controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) alone have been the subject of studies by the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the International Helicopter Safety Team, the International Assn of Oil and Gas Producers' aviation subcommittee and the U.S. aviation standards advisory group RTCA.
Their findings have spurred development and testing of advanced avionics and other systems to alert pilots to collision hazards. But the experts who performed those studies generally agree that no black box inside a helicopter or warning system is a substitute for a pilot who stays keenly aware of the environment in which he or she flies and makes sound judgments about how safe it is to keep flying in that environment.
"A terrain awareness and warning system or a powerline detection system or any avionics is just a tool for a pilot," said Dave Downey, manager of the FAA's Rotorcraft Directorate. Also co-chairman of the International Helicopter Safety Team, Downey served as a flight test pilot for the FAA and the U.S. Army, including a tour as chief test pilot for the Army Aviation Airworthiness Qualification Test Directorate at Edwards AFB, Calif. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School.
He and other experts offered several tips to help pilots new and old maintain that situational awareness and lay the foundation for sound decision-making. The need for them is urgent.
In offshore operations, for instance, about half of the 151 accidents that occurred in the decade ending in 2004 involved pilot procedural errors, according to the oil and gas producers' group. Of that half, 30 percent alone involved controlled flight into terrain/water (CFITW), and 24 percent involved striking obstacles (with 21 percent striking a helideck). The 151 accidents included 55 fatal ones that claimed 213 lives.
According to Greg Wyght, vice president of safety and quality for CHC Helicopter Corp, CFIT is the No. 1 cause of helicopter accidents and has been so for seven years. It is a threat that doesn't discriminate.
"The CFIT risk is actually everywhere," said Yasuo Ishihara, the Honeywell engineer who tailored that company's Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System for use on helicopters. "It occurs day and night, in VFR and IFR flight, in flat terrain and mountains, and it occurs regardless of the experience level of the pilot."
Take, for example, the Jan. 10, 2005 crash of an emergency medical service Eurocopter EC135P2 in the Potomac River just south of Washington. The commercial pilot of the LifeNet VFR positioning flight was southbound over the Potomac, crossing over a major, lighted bridge at about 200 ft msl, when air traffic control called traffic. The pilot acknowledged the traffic in sight. It was about 2311 local time on a moonless night. The NTSB said the helicopter then started a gradual, right, descending turn that continued for 14 sec until it struck the water. The pilot and flight paramedic were killed; the flight nurse survived.
Other professional pilots familiar with the route "described the area near the accident site as a 'black void' because the shoreline there lacked physical lighting," said the NTSB. Some said "flying that route at night was like flying into instrument meteorological conditions."
All of the experts with which Rotor & Wing spoke to stressed the need for a good reconnaissance of the route you will fly. That includes reviewing charts and notices to airmen, and talking about the route with pilots familiar with it. Don't just look for hazards, they said. Look for landmarks that will tip you off that you are approaching the hazard.
That is especially true if you intend to fly below 500 ft agl, said Bob Feerst, president of Utilities/Aviation Specialists, a Crown Point, Ind. consulting firm that has trained more than 15,000 pilots around the world on flying at that altitude around power lines.
"You have to understand the dynamics of flying in that environment," he said, adding that he teaches a set of 12 different "awarenesses" that a pilot must maintain to fly safely in that environment. For one thing, he said, wires may be nearly impossible to see. When copper wires oxidize, for instance, they acquire a green coating just right for blending in to a tree- covered background.
The priority before flying below 500 ft, the experts said, is to ask yourself why you are doing that in the first place.
"There's no good reason to be flying that low unless you're on a job that requires it," said Gary Campbell, director of operations for EMS Air Services of Canandaigua, N.Y. "If you're scud-running for no good reason, you've already made the decision to have an accident."