text:
- 6,041 views12:00 ass, babe, big-cock, big-dick, butt, interracial, petite, small-tits, bangbros, cock, cock-sucking, monsters, monstersofcock, natural-tits, nice-ass, of, pawg, poolside, reid, riley, moc, mc11986
Get off to delicious interracial threesomes on Spankwire.com. We have unlimited free videos of white and black pornstars getting naked together and enjoying orgasm after orgasm in an dizzying array of hardcore sex. Watch big black cocks penetrate tight white pussy during intense doggystyle rammings that explode into messy creampies and massive facial cumshots. The fun goes both ways and we have plenty of white male pornstars prodding their thick dicks into ebony babes that love a little vanilla cream in their chocolate cookies. Dip your biscuits into the milk of indulgence and see interracial couples fuck hard in front of the their webcams in real amateur movies. From homemade porn to studio quality shoots, we have it all here in a wide selection of free adult films. Jungle fever is the name of the game so if you've ever wanted to taste ebony pussy or love watching 18+ teen white chicks take a throbbing black dick for the first time, then this is the place for you. Listen to those college teens scream as their assholes are torn apart during a gang bang with the school basketball team. Squirting orgasms are a plenty and there's no telling how much cum these girls will swallow because they love to give deepthroat blowjobs. Bring out the lube, smack that fine ass and squeeze those huge boobs because there's about to be a nonstop interracial fuck fest on Spankwire.com.


text:
Hotel del Coronado is an iconic destination at the Pacific's edge just minutes from downtown San Diego. Its Coronado Island setting captures the relaxed beauty and seaside charms of the quintessential Southern California coastal lifestyle.
The majestic Hotel del Coronado is an adventurous world all its own, where beach-lovers from near and far write their fondest stories on our glittering sands.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Twelve years after the release of their last album, Down On The Upside, Soundgarden will return with King Animal on November 13. A preview of one of the new songs, "Worse Dreams," is available at the band's website.
Soundgarden's reunion has been going on for a while: after frontman Chris Cornell tweeted "School's back in session" on January 1, 2010, the band headlined that summer's Lollapalooza. In 2011, they toured, and earlier this year, they released a brand new song, "Live To Rise" from the soundtrack to The Avengers.
Soundgarden doesn't have any upcoming dates planned, but you can catch their performance of "Fell On Black Days" from this summer's Hard Rock Calling Festival in London this weekend on VH1 and Palladia.
Meanwhile, on Labor Day weekend, half of Soundgarden will be at the Made In America Festival in Philadelphia. Chris Cornell is performing a solo acoustic set, while Pearl Jam (which shares drummer Matt Cameron with Soundgarden) will headline. Both acts perform on the festival's second day, Sunday September 2, leading fans to hope for a reunion of Temple Of The Dog, the supergroup featuring Cornell, Cameron, and Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Mike McCready.
— Brian Ives, CBS Local


text:
Love Triangle: Chris Brown, Rihanna & Karrueche's Best Instagram Moments
Hands down, our favorite trio of 2012 was Chris Brown, Rihanna and Karrueche Tran. Sometimes a couple, other times "just friends," it was hard to keep up with who was Chris' main chick this year. Were Chris and Rihanna on a Christmas date at the Laker game or maybe they both just like basketball? We'll never know. Here are some of our favorite Instagram moments this sizzling celebrity menagerie gave us.


text:
Most participants showed their best colors in the annual Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue, but a few may have dusted off their Halloween outfits.
One man — a Long Island lawyer — smoked a carrot, wrapped around a cigar, with carrot greens hanging from his jacket pockets Sunday.
And there were lots of bonnets piled high with bunny ears or eggs — made of silicone, polyester and felt.
The city's Easter weekend started Friday when New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan — bearing a wooden cross — led thousands of faithful across the Brooklyn Bridge.
The tradition of the New York parade began in the 1880s as a strolling display of Easter finery.


text:
Jim Kapperman was injured in a construction accident ten years ago. Because of his spinal cord injury he has limited use of his arms and legs.
"I have a C-3-4 injury," Kapperman explains. "I'm what they call a walking quad."
The accident left him in a wheel chair. His left hand is able to grip the toggle of his motorized wheel chair but his right hand is clutched in a permanent tight fist.
According to Dr. Peter Johnson, Kapperman's doctor, the nerves aren't telling the muscles to relax.
"(That's) Because the signal that comes from the brain can't get to nerves to tell them to relax," Johnson says. "That's a simplistic way of describing what we call spascisity - a kind of muscle spasm that occurs when there's not a lot of input from the brain telling it to stay relaxed."
New technology gives Johnson more options when prescribing therapy exercises, options that didn't exist even a year ago.
The Bioness device is one of those options. It's a plastic brace-like device that fits on the forearm. It's attached to a small black box that sends electronic signals directly to muscles to help them work again.
An occupational therapist places the Bioness on Jim Kapperman's right arm as Kapperman reflects on what it's like to be paralyzed.
"I miss reeling in a big fish, putting the boat in and fishing, hunting, anything to use both arms at the same time," he says. "You miss a lot. Even doing a little cooking is tough."
Kapperman tries to force his right side to relax while therapist Jay Clayton programs the first set of exercises.
Clayton explains what will happen next.
"(You) trigger it and the light will come on here and that means the extension part is on and that will help with the wrist and fingers."
Kapperman's fingers slowly unfold and his right hand opens. When the electric pulses stop, his hand becomes a tight fist again.
It takes almost the maximum amount of electricity allowed to open Kapperman's fist.
"It's just a little, not a jolt a little tingling and then it shuts off," Kapperman says as he describes the sensation he feels during the therapy session.
It'll take about 20 minutes before his hand relaxes enough to stay open and then the exercises focus on moving his thumb and forefinger to grip and pinch objects.
Kapperman is waiting on his insurance company to approve having one to use at home.
He'll be able to perform household tasks while wearing it several hours a day. South Dakota U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, who's a stroke victim, uses a similar device with his legs to help him walk.
It's not clear yet how these exercises will improve Kapperman's mobility - he says he's willing to try anything whenever it's available.
Changes in technology give all of Dr. Peter Johnson's patients more therapy choices. In fact, the latest one is a popular children's game the Nintendo Wii.
The kind of motions used playing with the Wii are exactly the kind of movement Peter Johnson wants for his patients.
"Anything that you can do to get patients to use an effected limb more increases the signal to the brain to say this is how I want you to work again," he says.
Anytime Johnson can make therapy fun the patient will want to work harder and recover faster. Johnson says changing technology makes his job easier and he predicts in another ten years there may be some kind of electronic stimulus patch implanted directly in a patient.


text:
Konerko stands alone in experience at Comerica Park
By Bobby Nightengale / MLB.com
DETROIT -- The Tigers moved from Tigers Stadium to Comerica Park in 2000, back when the average gallon of gas cost about $1.50 and the song "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child was at the top of music charts.
Amidst all the changes through the years, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is the only player who has played with the same team at Comerica Park for all 14 years of its existence.
"I do take pride in that, and in this day and age, it's rare for a guy to get up to 10-plus years with the same team," Konerko said. "It's just tough with the business side of it and all that to have that happen, so I feel lucky to be one of those guys that's had the chance to do that."
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and shortstop Derek Jeter both have been playing since the park's opening, but missed a trip to Detroit in the either of the last two years because of injuries. Konerko was a free agent following the 2005 and '10 seasons, but chose to stay with the White Sox each time.
"Really after 2005, that was the one where you're kind of in the middle of your career and right then you're going to make a choice whether you go somewhere else for probably six, seven years or you're going to play where you are, and you're kind of going to make your stand then," Konerko said. "I did, and I'm proud that I stayed.
"I think once those decisions were made, you come to those crossroads in your career, and you make your stand right then and once you make them it's over with. I haven't really thought about going or playing for another team since then."
Konerko only played five games at the old Tigers Stadium and said he doesn't remember much about the park besides it's short distances down the lines and the conditions of the visiting clubhouse.
"Obviously, the clubhouse was not good," Konerko said. "I don't remember too much. Whenever I think of Detroit, I think of this stadium now. For a while, they weren't drawing fans here, they weren't a good team and all that, so I've seen this change. It seems night and day compared to where it was in the early to mid-2000's."
Adjustments help Purcey regain big league success
DETROIT -- David Purcey is making the most of his latest opportunity in the big leagues this season after last pitching with the Tigers in 2011.
Purcey struggled with his command during his stint with Detroit, walking 20 batters over 18 2/3 innings while also giving up 15 runs.
"For me, when I was going bad, I was walking guys," Purcey said. "That just put extra guys on base, and you can't do that. It wasn't like I was inconsistent getting over the plate and guys were hitting me. In fact, ideally I wish I would have rather had that than walking guys because you're giving you're team a chance. With every struggle as pitcher you're going to grow.
Although the left-hander allowed three runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings on Friday, he's only given up six earned runs over 24 appearances. Between July 19 and Sept. 13, Purcey only allowed one earned run in 20 2/3 innings. While he's only made small changes from his time in Detroit to now with the White Sox, they've paid dividends for his success.
"A couple of changes where my hands are and just getting myself to be more comfortable on the mound, staying a little bit more natural throwing on the mound now," Purcey said. "Before, I was kind of fighting it here and there, and I would get out of it. Now, it just feels more natural to me being on the mound, and the way I go after hitters now just feels more comfortable to me."
Second-half strength shows Sale's progress as pitcher
DETROIT -- While Chris Sale has been dominant for the past two seasons, he wanted to finish this year stronger than he showed last September.
Sale posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 89 1/3 innings in the second half last year, and he's improved to a 3.19 ERA and 1.15 WHIP this season in 93 innings.
"I think he was able to manage it better this year," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Coming into the season, I think he had a better idea of what it took to get through a season, get deep into games and kind of stay stronger throughout the year, and it showed."
Sale, 24, set a franchise record for left-handers with 221 strikeouts in a single season on Saturday night. He only trails Ed Walsh, who recorded four seasons with at least 254 strikeouts before 1912, though Walsh pitched at least 368 innings in each season compared to Sale's 209 innings this year.
"He's good. You can say all the numbers you want and match them up. I think, for this day in age, what Chris has done this early just shows he's up there with the elite pitchers in the game," Ventura said. "Those are all nice things to have, but regardless of what the numbers are, you like him taking the mound every five days."
After Saturday's game, Sale held up one of the game balls to commemorate the strikeout record and joked that he was finally able to get out Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, who is batting .545 with a 1.383 OPS against him.
"Like I always say, I'd rather be lucky than good," Martinez said. "Sale is a tough man to face. For some reason, I've been able to put good swings on him and find holes. Honestly, those are not fun at-bats, trust me."
They haven't been fun at-bats for most Tigers hitters, as Sale went 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA in five starts against Detroit this season.
"He's able to throw a lot of those pitches for strikes," said Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson, who is 2-for-30 in his career against Sale. "That slider, it seems like he can throw that for a strike when he wants. He'll throw a really good slider for a strike first pitch, and it's like, 'That's the get-me-over slider right there? That looked like a two-strike one.' He's legit. He's good."
Semien makes good first impression at third
DETROIT -- Marcus Semien made his first Major League start at shortstop on Saturday, and proved it's a position that he will be able to play in the big leagues.
Semien was able to field six ground balls without an error, while also making three putouts. He moved back to third base for Sunday's game.
"He was good," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Even late in the game, he had some tough plays. He looked fine. He looked comfortable enough that you trust him being out there."
At the plate, Semien went 1-for-6 with a double on Saturday, but he is batting .293 with four RBIs in 13 games this season. Ventura said Semien has a simple approach at the plate, which leads to his success.
"He's not a wild swinger, he's pretty controlled," Ventura said. "It looks the same all the time, whether he's going to right field or left field. It's simple, not a lot of movement. That's the stuff that's easier to maintain than somebody that has a lot of movement as far as getting ready to hit and things like that."
Third to first
• Adam Dunn was out of Sunday's lineup for the second straight day, but Ventura said it's nothing more than a couple of days off.
"You can give him a rest, he'll probably play the rest of the way out," Ventura said. "He just looked a little tired and give him a couple of days."
• The White Sox are expecting Dayan Viciedo to return to the team in Toronto on Monday after he went to be with wife as she gave birth to their daughter, Dayana, on Friday.
• Ventura said he hasn't determined the team's rotation after Jose Quintana starts against the Blue Jays on Monday. While the hope is for Andre Rienzo to start on Tuesday, as the blister on his pitching hand is improving, it's still up in the air.
Left-hander Hector Santiago should also make another start this year after the team skipped his last turn in the rotation.
"[Santiago will] get another one here pretty soon," Ventura said. "We'll kind of look at it tomorrow and re-evaluate."
Bobby Nightengale is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
NVIDIA Tegra 4 gets benchmarked, running inside a Project Shield console
0. phoneArena posted on 08 May 2013, 03:30
One of the very first commercial devices to be powered by Tegra 4 will be NVIDIA's portable, Android-based video game console – a gadget that you may have heard about, currently known only by its Project Shield codename. And since gaming will be its primary purpose, it goes without saying that its maker will ensure that the device has the processing power required to run even the most demanding of Android video games. But just how powerful is Project Shield, and more importantly, how powerful is the Tegra 4 SoC inside it? Well, it's very capable indeed, if this alleged Project Shield benchmark is anything to go by...
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. hung2900 (Posts: 965; Member since: 02 Mar 2012)
Oh, another benchmark of the gs4 korean variant (1.8 GHz with full HD screen) also reach 32k5 in Antutu, so not surprise both are Cortex A15 and on par.
2. hung2900 (Posts: 965; Member since: 02 Mar 2012)
Image for the benchmark
attachmentid=1931630&d=1367565 823
3. _Bone_ (Posts: 2155; Member since: 29 Oct 2012)
Yup, plenty of performance in the Exynos 5.
9. darac (Posts: 2156; Member since: 17 Oct 2011)
Well, the Exynos seems to be superior if you count in the screen resolution
21. rd_nest (Posts: 1656; Member since: 06 Jun 2010)
Note that the nVidia Shield runs a heat sink. So it has much more thermal tolerance, which can never be expected in a smartphone.
Any device with a heat sink will be able to generate better benchmark results.
Comparing against smartphone is apples-to-orange comparison.
If Exynos is actually similar in benchmark, I would think that nvidia should be able to get better result. The thermal limits are so much higher compared to a smartphone. I expect better numbers.
27. Reverence (Posts: 224; Member since: 16 Jul 2012)
No one cares about the benchmarks.....we only need no lag, and even when you try to run android on and x86 processor, it lags.....hardware can bring about some difference but significant difference in performance can only be brought by google themselves...just like they did with project butter!
4. TylerGrunter (Posts: 1543; Member since: 16 Feb 2012)
NVDIA claims Tegra 4 can do 36000 on Antutu, so that result is line with what is expected (for tablets)
20. hung2900 (Posts: 965; Member since: 02 Mar 2012)
Inside this reference device is a NAND chip which is not expected to appear in a mobile handset in the near future. This one boost the benchmark significantly (like a high speed SSD in PC, even much more significantly coz the current NAND flash is miserably slow)
5. taikucing (unregistered)
1080p : 720p = 1 : 1.5
antutu score 25,000 : 32,000 = 1 : 1.28
well, nvidia tegra 4 should at least get 37,500 because its resolution is only 2/3 of SGS4. I wonder what will SGS4 get if it has 720p resolution and how much score the tegra 4 gets if it has 1080p resolution.
7. faisolbauuz (Posts: 121; Member since: 05 Jan 2013)
So the conclusion is tegra 4 is weaker than gs4 in benchmark and dont forget the snapdragon 800 is coming
23. taikucing (unregistered)
Perhaps you mean "tegra 4 is weaker than snapdragon", not weaker than SGS4.
12. taikucing (unregistered)
ooops, a typo here..
it should be:
720p : 1080 = 1 : 1.5
14. faisolbauuz (Posts: 121; Member since: 05 Jan 2013)
Haha ane baru nyadar
Btw i dont see any tegra4i version benchmark it should be slower cause of single channel memory and fewer gpu cores though
18. aditya.k (Posts: 496; Member since: 10 Mar 2013)
And Cortex A9 cores! People keep forgetting that! :/
6. shreehari (Posts: 45; Member since: 10 Mar 2013)
it not always display (although it matters) which matters there r other issues like reduging lag to max extent it brought a revolution in phones with quad core processors in htc one x now let it bring another one
8. yadu004 (Posts: 72; Member since: 26 Apr 2013)
not a fanboy here, but some exynos versions of galaxy s4 have scored above 29k and my gs4 (also exynos version)has scored 28k..my point being here is dat it is not the benchmark you should be concerned about, but the battery life. Which is average, which is sad as the so called "Big.little" architecture had the sole purpose of improving battery life along with performance (well that is what, the ARM guys bragged about in CES 2013) hasn't delivered. I think this will be the case with tegra 4 as well. Now,i just have to hope that there would be a software patch managing the CPUs efficiently and thus improving the battery life of the Exynos processor.
10. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Big.Little is working. If they hadn't have made big.Little, you wouldn't even have that Exynos chip in your GS4 because Samsung isn't stupid enough to put a lone quad A15 processor in a phone. Without those 4 battery saving cores, you're phone would only last a few hours on a charge, if that.
ARM advertised increased battery performance when compared to A15 processors without big.Little, not ARM based processors in general. The Exynos 5 Octa delivers 70% less battery consumption than the Exynos 5 Dual, which doesn't have big.Little. The entire point of big.Little was to make A15 usable for phones, which it has done; before, A15 could only be used in tablets because they needed the larger batteries to support them.
28. yadu004 (Posts: 72; Member since: 26 Apr 2013)
I Know the statistics as well, but that is just the theory. They have incorporated a good processor nonetheless but what i'm trying to say is that they need to manage it much more efficiently as i can't see any significant improvement in it compared to other high-end ones. Other day i was experiencing lags as well (opening gallery, camera etc..) but now they have rectified it with a software patch. Similarly they might do some improvements with the battery life down the road.
11. darac (Posts: 2156; Member since: 17 Oct 2011)
Have you turned off the sensors?
There's a pile of things working under the hood, that you can switch off.
The word is that Samsung's overdone and unoptimized software is the main cause of the battery drain
13. VJo003 (Posts: 360; Member since: 11 Mar 2012)
Agree with you
Lesser the gimmicky stuff better the performance
15. abate (Posts: 43; Member since: 19 Dec 2012)
Then why did they pile all those craps on S4? If you have to switch off all those stuffs, why can't you buy an alternate like HTC One or Xperia Z, and enjoy it?
I mean what's the advantage S4 has, if you have to switch off all those stuffs? Seriously...
No offence here though.. :D
17. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Because Samsung is all about marketing gimmicks rather than actual product quality.
We have all these cool features and gestures that will make your life easier!**
**These features must be turned off if you do not want to experience the following: lag, battery drain, and frustration of the features not working as well as we advertise them to.
25. Bluesky02 (Posts: 1439; Member since: 05 Dec 2011)
haha somehow true :D
24. Bluesky02 (Posts: 1439; Member since: 05 Dec 2011)
Interesting point of view from you. The Battery Life is something very important to consider. I guess Note 2 is still a good choice.
16. MC1123 (Posts: 1256; Member since: 12 Nov 2012)
pity, why there's no smartphone with nvidia chips yet... qualcomm enjoys monopoly!
broadcom and nvidia what are you doing?!
19. aditya.k (Posts: 496; Member since: 10 Mar 2013)
Cause they haven't even started production I guess? Not sure! So no one is going to use a Tegra 3. That's why people use S4 Pro or S600! :D
22. RaKithAPeiRiZ (Posts: 1488; Member since: 29 Dec 2011)
you mean Tegra 4 right ?
30. aditya.k (Posts: 496; Member since: 10 Mar 2013)
26. babyk (Posts: 323; Member since: 03 Nov 2011)
Keep in mind that benchmarks aren't always an accurate source of information as they can easily be faked. In other words, the device that has appeared on AnTuTu may not be a Shield console at all and its results may have been manipulated. STFU
AND STFU AGAIN ..we all have seen leaks the past months are very accurate with regards to benchmarks. Just trying to put Nvidia down. Nvidia will be king this year with that crap you heard from qualcomm
29. FlushGordon (unregistered)
Surprise surprise...Nvidia producing another INFERIOR chip yet again...Iol
I wonder how the Tegcrap4 will perform on a 1080p device
And the bronze goes to......hahaha


text:
When Mishkomekinaak Ikwe learned about the Idle No More movement exploding across Canada, and Attawapiskat First Nation chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike – now on its 21st day – she decided to do what she could on the U.S. side of the border to help.
Packing her five children into her pow wow van, the resident of Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa decided to take Spence's message more than 1,400 miles, all the way to President Barack Obama in Washington D.C.
As Spence's call for a substantial meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and a representative of the Queen continues to go unanswered, igniting warnings of "war drums" and upheaval, Ikwe hopes that Obama might put some pressure on him to concede.
Indian Country Today Media Network reached her on December 28th as she entered Virginia, Minnesota, on her way to International Falls to exchange traditional staffs with other Indigenous activists.
"We're taking donations, prayers, tobacco – everything given to us – and we're taking our message to Washington," she told ICTMN. "We're going to urge Obama to put the squeeze on Harper. It's not just the First Nations people, but it's a worldwide issue."
Spence, the chief of a remote First Nation in Ontario, first hit world headlines last winter when she declared a state of emergency over dismal housing and health conditions on her reserve. The federal government responded by seizing control over the band's finances, imposing an external manager on its activities. Spence took the matter to court – and won.
So when she announced her hunger strike on Ottawa's Parliament Hill on December 11 – the day after national Idle No More Indigenous rights protests took place in communities across the country – Spence vowed she was willing to die to right the broken relationship between Aboriginal people and Ottawa.
"She's a life-giver," Ikwe told ICTMN. "And she's giving her life for the next seven generations. That's a big deal; when a woman refuses to eat, it's really sad. It hurts. She's not fighting just for us, but so our great, great, great grandkids will have clean water. We all need that water – it's not specific to race, it's everyone. What happens in your neighbor's back yard will eventually come to your backyard."
High among the Idle No More movement's concerns are a litany of legislation and policies that analysts say facilitates the surrender of reserve lands, alters the controversial Indian Act without consulting First Nations, and guts environmental protection of waterways. Many are drawing attention to such changes in Bill C-45, the federal omnibus budget bill, which passed into law last recently.
"What's going to happen to our waters?" Ikwe asks. "How come First Nations people weren't brought to the table to discuss those issues? How come we don't know what's going on in our own lands?"
Joining her and her children for the first leg of the journey was Melvin Buckholtz.
"We're just trying to help our brothers and sisters up north," Buckholtz told ICTMN. "Theresa Spence's hunger strike is one of the biggest things – we want her to be noticed, so they can meet with her and try to solve their issues. We're trying to get Obama to meet with Harper, to kind of push him along to meet with this woman and help them out."
Initially planning to walk the entire way from International Falls to Washington D.C., Ikwe changed her plans as the urgency of Spence's hunger strike escalated.
"It's a long way!" she said, laughing. "Google maps says it will take us 20 hours, but Indian Time says it's going to take us 25 or 30! (…). We need recognition, and to let our president know how we feel. When we get there, I'm hoping that we're going to have a round dance flashmob (…). But I'm hoping Obama's just going to call me beforehand, and be like, 'Hey girl, don't worry – I got this.' (laughs). We've got to go the whole way. We have Indian families the whole way who are opening their doors and opening their arms – saying, 'Come on! We want to do this too. We want this to happen.'"
The Ojibwe mother and activist hopes other Indigenous people – in both the U.S. and Canada – continue to support her journey, and even join her. Issues that harm Indigenous people in Canada, she explained, by definition transcend the boundaries between countries because the environment, traditional territories and cultures don't stop at the border.
"That's the White Man's border," she said. "That's not our border."


text:
Chhattisgarh is located in the Chhattisgarh Plain, which forms the upper Mahanadi River basin. The basin proper lies at an elevation that ranges from about 800 to 950 feet (250 to 300 metres) above sea level. It is a structural plain with topographic variations resulting from extensive denudation (wearing away of the earth by such processes as weathering and erosion). Knolls, undulating interfluves (areas between adjacent watercourses), and valleys flanked by belts of clayey soils are characteristic of the region. About 100 miles (160 km) wide, the Chhattisgarh Plain is bounded by the Chota Nagpur plateau to the north, the Maikala Range to the west, the hills of Raigarh to the northeast, the Raipur upland to the southeast, and the Bastar plateau to the south. These highlands comprise mostly erosional plateau forms reaching an elevation of more than 2,300 feet (700 metres) in the Maikala Range and the Dandakaranya hills.
Earthquakes are relatively infrequent in Chhattisgarh, though seismic activity of mild intensity has been recorded in northern Chhattisgarh and along the border with Andhra Pradesh in the south. A few tremors also have been felt in the east and around Raigarh.
Chhattisgarh contains the source of one of the most important rivers of the South Asian peninsula—the Mahanadi. This river originates in a village near Raipur. It flows westward for about 125 miles (200 km) and meets the Shivnath River about 8 miles (13 km) from Bilaspur. Thereafter it flows toward the east and enters Orissa, ultimately emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Among the other rivers that drain Chhattisgarh are the Indravati, Arpa, and Pairi.
Various types of soils are found throughout the state. Two types predominate: the black, clayey soils and the red-to-yellow soils. The latter are less fertile and contain substantial amounts of sand.
The climate in Chhattisgarh is governed by a monsoon weather pattern. The distinct seasons are summer (March to May), winter (November to February), and the intervening rainy months of the southwest monsoon (June to September). The summer is hot, dry, and windy, with high temperatures typically reaching at least 85 °F (about 30 °C) in all parts of the state; in some areas temperatures regularly rise above 100 °F (upper 30s C). Winters are usually pleasant and dry, with high temperatures in the upper 70s F (mid-20s C). In December and January there is considerable rainfall over the northern part of the state, although the state as a whole receives most of its precipitation during the southwest monsoon. Rainfall usually ranges from 47 to 60 inches (1,200 to 1,500 mm) annually.
The eastern and southeastern borderlands of Chhattisgarh are characterized by moist deciduous plantlife, but toward the interior of the state this flora is replaced by dry deciduous vegetation, often degenerating locally into scrub. The most valuable hardwoods are teak and sal (Shorea robusta). A type of tree called salai yields a resin used for incense and medicine, while leaves from tendu trees are used for rolling bidi (Indian cigarettes). Bamboo is abundant and is harvested for many purposes.
The forests are home to a broad array of animals, including tigers, striped hyenas, and blackbucks. Other species include the chital (spotted deer), gaur (a type of wild buffalo), sambar deer, sloth bear, wild boar, and four-horned antelope, among others. The woodlands are also inhabited by many species of birds. Chhattisgarh has a number of national parks and many wildlife sanctuaries. The Indravati National Park contains a wildlife sanctuary for tigers.
Chhattisgarh supports a population of diverse ethnic, social, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. More than one-third of the state's residents officially belong to the Scheduled Castes (groups formerly called "untouchables" within the Indian caste system) or to the Scheduled Tribes (indigenous minority peoples who are not embraced by the caste hierarchy). Of the Scheduled Tribes, the Gond peoples are most prominent.
The vast majority of Chhattisgarh's people practice Hinduism, but there are sizable minorities of Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists. There also is a small community of Sikhs. Hindi, the official language of Chhattisgarh, is the most widely spoken language, followed by Chhattisgarhi. Many of the Gond speak Gondi. Marathi, Urdu, Oriya, Gujarati, and Punjabi are spoken by significant numbers.
Some three-fourths of Chhattisgarh's population is rural. The distribution of this population is uneven, however, with the far southern portion of the state having significantly fewer residents than its northern counterpart. The urban population of Chhattisgarh is concentrated mainly in the vicinity of Raipur and Bilaspur in the state's midsection and near Raigarh in the east. However, massive public-sector investment in mining has helped to spur growth around Durg and Bhilai Nagar to the west of Raipur, Korba in the north-central region, and Ambikapur in the northern part of the state. Raipur, Durg–Bhilai Nagar, and Bilaspur have become major urban agglomerations, each with a relatively well-developed industrial base.
Since the late 20th century the rate of population increase in Chhattisgarh has been somewhat below the national average, and men have continued to outnumber women but only slightly. Because it is predominantly agricultural, the state experiences seasonal fluctuations in population. When farming activities come to a virtual halt between January and June, there is mass migration of agricultural workers to Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and anywhere else where there are opportunities for daily wage labour.
The economy of Chhattisgarh is founded primarily on mining, agriculture, energy production, and manufacturing. The state has major deposits of coal, iron ore, dolomite, and other minerals. The central lowland is known especially for its abundant rice production, and the state as a whole provides the bulk of the country's tendu leaves for bidis. Chhattisgarh also is a significant regional supplier of electricity, from both thermal and hydroelectric generators. The state's manufacturing activities focus largely on metals production.
About half of Chhattisgarh's land is farmland, while most of the remainder is either under forest cover or is otherwise unsuitable for cultivation. Roughly three-fourths of the farmland is under cultivation. Often called the country's rice bowl, the central lowland plain supplies grain to hundreds of rice mills. Maize and millet dominate the highlands. Cotton and oilseeds are the important commercial crops of the region. Agriculture continues to be characterized in many areas by the use of manual methods of cultivation; farmers in the basin have been particularly slow to adopt mechanized agricultural techniques.
Livestock and poultry farming also are prominent. The state's livestock includes cows, buffalo, goats, sheep, and pigs. There are several centres for improving the quality of these animals, such as those for the artificial insemination and crossbreeding of goats in Bilaspur and Dhar.
Chhattisgarh is mineral-rich. Although many of the state's resources remain to be exploited fully, its major reserves of coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite, and dolomite, as well as its significant deposits of tin, manganese ore, gold, and copper, make the mining industry a major source of income. In fact, Chhattisgarh is one of the country's largest suppliers of dolomite. Its iron ore, which is of top quality, is found primarily in the south-central and southern parts of the state. Deposits of diamonds have been discovered near Raipur.
Chhattisgarh produces more power than it consumes. The bulk of the state's power comes from thermal power plants, several of which are near Korba. However, the state also is well endowed with potential sources of hydroelectric energy. Main hydroelectric projects (jointly developed with other states) are the Ban Sagar dam, with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and the Harked dam over the Mahanadi River. The Hasdeo Bango hydroelectric power project is near Korba.
Chhattisgarh has been industrializing—slowly but certainly—since the late 20th century. As part of this planned development, the government has established a number of industrial estates, notably at Raipur and Bhilai Nagar.
There now are dozens of large- and medium-scale steel industries producing hot metal, pig iron, sponge iron, rails, ingots, and plates; Bhilai Nagar is the site of an especially large iron-and-steel plant. Many of the metal industries, as well as other emergent enterprises such as the production of microelectronics and high-tech optical fibres, receive government support.
In the private sector there are cement works, as well as assorted mills producing paper, sugar, textiles (cotton, wool, silk, and jute), lumber, flour, and oil (from oilseeds). A number of factories manufacture fertilizer, synthetic fibres, and chemicals. Most small-scale industries of Chhattisgarh are centred on the production of traditional handiworks, including textiles (such as saris), carpets, pottery, and gold- and silver-thread embroidery.
Chhattisgarh is well connected to the rest of the country by road, rail, and air. The state is traversed by two of the national highways, as well as by some of the major rail routes. Most of Chhattisgarh's larger cities are the sites of important railway junctions. There are airports at Raipur and Bilaspur.
The structure of Chhattisgarh's government, like that of most other Indian states, is defined by the national constitution of 1950. The head of state—the governor—is appointed by the president of India. The governor is aided and advised by a chief minister, who heads the Council of Ministers, which is responsible to the elected Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). Although the political capital of Chhattisgarh is Raipur, the High Court is located in Bilaspur. A chief justice presides over the High Court.
Local government includes several divisions, which are subdivided further into districts. Each division is administered by a commissioner, while each is headed by a collector. Collectors exercise both executive and magisterial power.
A large area of Chhattisgarh is under the control of the Naxalites (Maoist guerrillas). Indeed, in several pockets of Bastar division in the south, state law has at times failed to function. The conflict ultimately has hampered the development of this fertile area.


text:
Whether you're running to the gym or dancing the night away, this wristlet phone case is the perfect accessory to have by your side. Keep your cell phone, credit cards and more at close reach so you're ready for anything.
Shipping Options:
Orders are shipped using the following rate scale:
|Shipping Method
|Delivery Times
|5-7 Business Days
|Second Day*
|2 Business Days
|Next Day*
|1 Business Day
*For Second Day and Next day shipping, orders must be placed before 2:00 P.M. PST to be shipped the same day. Packages will be shipped and delivered Monday - Friday (excluding holidays).
Business days are limited to Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PST. We do not ship on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays and we do not ship to P.O. Boxes. Please allow an average of one additional business day for processing and note that your order may be shipped in multiple packages at no extra charge to you.
For complete details, click here.
Return Options:
While we take pride in all our GUESS products, if you are not satisfied with your online purchase we are happy to assist you with a return by mail or at a store location closest to you.
Please view our Return & Exchange policy here.


text:
Dec. 13, 2013
Here is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on events at City Hall.
Several holiday shows are coming to the Eisemann Center this weekend, beginning with Dallas Repertoire Ballet's "The Nutcracker." The Christmas classic will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10 to $50. For more information, visit danceada.com.
RLB Productions will present "Joy to the World Jazz Concert" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. It will feature standard Christmas tunes performed as swing, bebop, funk and Latin jazz. Tickets cost $20. For more information, visit rlbproductions.com.
Two shows that were cancelled because of last week's ice storm have been rescheduled. The Vocal Majority will present "A VM Christmas Story" at 8 p.m. Dec. 28 and 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 29. The Richardson Symphony Orchestra's holiday concert is also expected to be rescheduled.
For more information, call 972-744-4650 or visit eisemanncenter.com.
UT Dallas to Host Free Computer Science Expo
UT Dallas is inviting the public to celebrate Computer Science Education Week at a free open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Families are encouraged to attend to learn about Computer Science education by reviewing demos, listening to presentations or completing a self-paced tutorial. Richardson Mayor Laura Maczka will help kick off the event with remarks at 10 a.m.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit utdallas.edu/k12/csedweek/.
Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the Week
Hello! My name is Chance, the Shelter staff found me when I was lost and took me in. They helped to get me vaccinated, bathed, and shaved since I was so matted and dirty. Now I am being cared for by a foster family and I would really like to have a family of my own this Christmas. I am a bit old, but that doesn't mean I have any less love to give. Would you please give me a chance?
For information about other animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's Facebook page at facebook.com/RichardsonAnimalShelter.
Related Links
City Council videos: http://bit.ly/LSHJzE
City Council agenda: http://bit.ly/QoOWF4
City Council meeting documents: http://bit.ly/OrSIQ2
Find Richardson Today on Facebook and Twitter.
411 W. Arapaho Rd. Richardson, TX 75080-4551 PH# 972 -744-4100 | Mailing Address P.O. Box 830309 Richardson, TX 75083-0309
© 2018 City of Richardson, TX | Privacy Policy
| Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities call, 972-744-0908 or Email email@example.com


text:
Reds' early outburst erased late in tie with Tribe
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds scored five first-inning runs Sunday, but the Indians scored three in the ninth, forcing a 7-7 tie after trailing all game in Cactus League action between the Ohio rivals.
Xavier Paul and Todd Frazier each homered in the first to give Reds starter Mat Latos a lead he protected over five innings, but Indians catcher Omir Santos hit a solo shot to lead off the ninth, and Carlos Moncrief followed with a two-run shot off right-hander Daniel Wolford.
Indians starter Justin Masterson gave up Cincinnati's first five runs on four hits over four innings, walking two and striking out six.
Paul hit a 2-2 pitch to center field for a three-run homer, his second long ball of spring, following back-to-back singles by Zack Cosart and Joey Votto. Jay Bruce followed with a walk before Frazier hit his second homer of the spring with a two-run shot to left field that made it a 5-0 game.
Reds starter Mat Latos pitched five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with no walks and three strikeouts. Latos, who had struggled in the early going of his earlier outings, retired six of the first seven batters he faced, allowing only a Matt Carson single in the second inning.
"It's just being comfortable in the first inning," Latos said. "It's Spring Training all over again -- you get anxious, nervous and excited all at once. Today I just tried to settle down and throw the baseball, hit my spots and locations. Everything worked really good today. My curveball felt really good coming out of my hand, and my changeup was something I've been working on."
Luis Hernandez led off the third with a single before Brian Jeroloman reached on first baseman a fielding error by Votto. After Michael Bourn grounded into a double play, Hernandez scored on Drew Stubbs' infield hit to shortstop.
The Indians scored twice in the fourth on an RBI double by Chris McGuiness that brought home Cord Phelps and a Juan Diaz groundout to shortstop that plated Carson. Diaz added another run in the sixth with a sacrifice fly against Pedro Villarreal.
Cincinnati padded its lead with back-to-back homers in the seventh from Chris Heisey and Dennis Phipps against reliever Cody Allen before the Indians launched their rally in the ninth.
Up next for the Reds: The Reds will head to Scottsdale on Monday for a 10:10 p.m. ET game against the Rockies, available on Gameday Audio. Bronson Arroyo will get the start and be followed by J.J. Hoover and Clay Hensley. It will be an opportunity for Frazier to continue his hot streak after homering against Cleveland to give himself four extra-base hits in his past six games.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Diego Garcia-Sayan will discuss "Current Challenges to Democracy and Human Rights in Latin America"
MEDIA CONTACT: Hilary Dickinson at email@example.com or 608-363-2849
Weissberg Chair in International Studies Diego Garcia-Sayan will give his keynote lecture tonight (Friday, April 12) at 8 p.m. in Eaton Chapel. Free and open to the public, the lecture is titled "Current Challenges to Democracy and Human Rights in Latin America."
Garcia-Sayan previews his lecture in a video interview here.
Garcia-Sayan also served as a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "At Issue" show on Wednesday when he discussed human rights and transitional justice in Latin America, as well as the prospects for democratic transition in the region. Click here to listen to the interview.
For more information on Garcia-Sayan and the Weissberg Chair in International Studies, click here.


text:
Ultra Blue 2
October 4th 2005
12,991 times
Submit vote:
Please register on the forums & login to vote.
Key Features:
System Specs:
Performed Mods:
Modified the liquid cooling system to fit my 9800 PRO and modified the radiator for optimal cooling power. Also, addes some UV lights to bring out the blue lights in the case.
7 Comments on Ultra Blue 2
nice rig!
not to shabby there
nice case i was going to get that case for my system
AWESOME DUDE! I love it, you got the same hardware as me (before I got the new graphics card, I had a 9800 Pro that hit 453/410). Oh, and never mind the sig (if it hasn't changed after I edit it), I can really only hit around 2.46ghz STABLE (so far, that's with a 448mhz fsb, but I've hit 452 and it's run for about 10 minutes stable), I tested it and my calculations were off. But nice dude.
I used to have that same case. NJ.
Looks good, I really like the all UV cables/tubes :)
Do you have a water block on the northbridge or have you volt modded your motherboard at all? My Deluxe only does 218 FSB with AS5 and stock cooling on the northbridge chip. RAM and proc. can take the speed, it's the NB that's holding me back. It doesn't seem to get that hot though, Asusprob reports the mobo at only 20 C most of the time under load (we keep it cold in the apt.).


text:
CPRE Norfolk Awards winners revealed
PUBLISHED: 15:31 22 November 2012
© Archant Norfolk 2012
Three special awards were made to leading Norfolk community projects and innovative and energy-efficient buildings in Norwich last night.
Award-winning projects
• The Little Ouse Headwaters Project
A community based project established by local residents to help protect and restore the unique landscape and wildlife at the headwaters of the Little Ouse River.
• The Norfolk Moths Website
A new website to record and study Norfolk moths.
• Wild About Hethersett,
An Almanac Of Biodiversity
A village biodiversity project in which local residents were encouraged to observe, record and publish information about the wildlife in their parish.
• Henry le Strange Community Orchard (Hunstanton)
The creation of a community orchard from an under-used piece of land.
• Boughton Fen Wildlife Walk
The regeneration of Boughton Fen, a 44 acre SSSI in rural west Norfolk and the creation of a circular wildlife walk.
• The Dersingham Bog Undergrounding Scheme
A project to remove the electricity power lines which stretched across one of the largest remaining areas of lowland heath left in Britain.
• The White Cottage, Fleggburgh
A two-storey cob and bale extension to a 400-year-old cottage, using traditional building techniques and local materials.
• Novus House, Hoe
A modern, sustainable home with a striking barrel-vaulted roof.
• Park Physiotherapy at Leys Farm
New purpose-built premises for a local physiotherapy practice, providing employment in a rural area and designed in sympathy with the Norfolk vernacular.
• Grove Barn, Upton
A new family home built from reclaimed materials where possible and incorporating a range of renewable technologies.
• Hall Farm Barn, Bergh Apton
The restoration and conversion of a Grade II-listed 17C threshing barn.
• The conversion of the Wash House at Walnut Farm
The sympathetic restoration and conversion of a Victorian washhouse.
• Moor Hall Farm, Briston
A project to save a group of dilapidated farm buildings and give them a new economic justification.
• Low House Barn, Hales Green
The reconversion of a previously converted barn, to make better use of the open spaces and character of an historic building.
• Kelling Heath Holiday Park – Trails and Acorn Events
A programme of trails and activities for residents of and visitors to north Norfolk, to widen understanding and appreciation of the local environment.
The annual Norfolk CPRE Awards were presented at the Assembly House before an invited audience as the winners of 15 projects were officially recognised.
For the first time, two new annual awards were made. The Boldero Award, in memory of the late Charles Boldero, recognised his efforts, with his wife Joy to widen access and improve understanding of the Norfolk countryside. They contributed regular walks to the EDP for a quarter of a century, having started writing the first of almost 1,500 articles in 1986.
A second annual award, named after the late Roger Askham, who was the co-ordinator of the successful and popular green buildings in Norfolk open days. He wanted people to reduce energy consumption as part of better building design. This award was made to a modest, energy-efficient refurbishment or new building, which has used local or recycled materials or employed local craftsmen and in which the owner has played a significant, hands-on role.
An award certificate was presented by his widow, Marie, to the White House, Fleggburgh, near Great Yarmouth, which is a two-storey cob and bale extension to a 400-year-old cottage used traditional building techniques and local materials.
The judges of the Boldero Award were so impressed by the two finalists that they were not able to choose an overall winner, so it was presented to the team which created the Boughton Fen wildlife walk, near Downham Market, and to the volunteers of the Little Ouse headwaters project on the Norfolk and Suffolk border, near Thetford.
The judges were so impressed by the efforts of Boughton, which has a population of about 200. Last winter, a dedicated group of up to 20 volunteers worked often in harsh weather to complete the new walk around the fen, which covers almost two miles. It has become a hugely popular feature for villagers, who can now get access to a special piece of the countryside, noted the judging panel.
James Parry, who is the chairman of CPRE Norfolk, who welcomed the prize winners and guests, said the award scheme was founded in 1979 to recognise significant achievements in buildings and landscape. "It is one of the longest running awards schemes in the county and over 300 projects have been awarded to date," he added.
"The awards are an opportunity to showcase the best examples of the projects we would like to see across the county. What is great about this year's winners is that there are some quite unusual projects including our first for an on-line project. I'm delighted the Norfolk Moths' website has been copied by other counties. Another example of where Norfolk leads, others follow," said Mr Parry.
The organisers welcome applications from all sections of the community and for projects of all types, big and small but normally outside the city boundary. Mr Parry said that landscape management, conservation schemes, and projects which encourage access to and understanding of the countryside were particularly welcome. Other projects including restoration and conversion projects of redundant as well as innovative buildings on brownfield land were also welcome, he said.
The CPRE Norfolk Awards scheme was not a competition and projects were not compared when judged. The judging panel of expert volunteers was chaired by Martin Walton, who is a trustee of CPRE Norfolk.


text: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]Jason Kidd of the New York Knicks is the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the 2012-13 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner, the NBA announced today. Kidd becomes the first back-to-back winner, having won the award last season as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, Kidd is only the second player to win multiple NBA Sportsmanship awards, joining Grant Hill, who has been honored three times.


text:
Summaries of EU Legislation
Summaries of EU legislation: direct access to the main summaries page.
Jurisdiction in criminal matters: first and third pillar
In Case C-176/03, the Court of Justice of the European Communities (ECJ) clarified the distribution of powers in criminal matters between the first and third pillars. The European Commission considers the conclusions to be drawn in this communication, which is designed to guide the future exercise of the Commission's right of initiative.
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implications of the Court's judgment of 13 September 2005 (Case C 176/03 Commission v Council) [COM(2005) 583 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
In this communication the European Commission analyses the scope and implications of the judgment given by the Court of Justice of the European Communities (ECJ) on 13 September 2005 in Case C-176/03. The Commission, supported by the European Parliament, had asked the ECJ to annul Council Framework Decision 2003/80/JHA of 27 January 2003 on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The ECJ accepted the request. The judgment clarifies the distribution of powers between the first and third pillars as regards provisions of criminal law even though, as a general rule, criminal law does not fall within the Community's competence.
Challenging the legal basis
On 15 April 2003, the Commission had brought an action for annulment in the ECJ concerning Council Framework Decision 2003/80/JHA of 27 January 2003. It considered that the legal basis taken by the Council - Articles 29 et seq. of the Treaty on European Union - to impose on Member States an obligation to prescribe criminal penalties against the authors of offences against the environment was incorrect. The Commission considered that the proper legal basis was Article 175(1) of the Treaty establishing the European Community.
It has presented a proposal for a Directive of the protection of the environment on that basis. The two different legal bases adopted by the Council (Union Treaty) and the Commission (EC Treaty) are within two different pillars:
- third pillar: Articles 29 et seq. used by the Council are within Title VI of the Union Treaty (provisions on police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters). Cooperation between Member States in justice and home affairs proceeds within the third pillar, where European integration is not as advanced as in the Community law field. In particular, the Member States themselves share the right of initiative with the Commission. Decisions are taken by unanimous vote in the Council; the European Parliament is only consulted, and there is only limited review by the Court of Justice (for instance, there is no provision for actions for failure to act);
- first pillar: Article 175, used by the Commission, is in Title XIX of the EC Treaty (the environment). In the first pillar, the Commission has the exclusive right of initiative in legislative matters. In the environment, legislation is adopted by the codecision procedure provided for by Article 251 of the EC Treaty.
The Court refers in its analysis to the traditional criterion of the aim and content of the act in order to establish whether the legal basis is correct. After ascertaining whether Articles 1 to 7 of the framework decision affect the powers of the Community under Article 175 EC, the Court further holds that:
- protection of the environment constitutes one of the essential objectives of the Community under the Treaty;
- Articles 174 to 176 EC comprise, as a general rule, the framework within which Community environmental policy must be carried out;
- the choice of the legal basis for a Community measure must rest on objective factors, which are amenable to judicial review, including in particular the aim and the content of the measure.
On account of both their aim and their content, Articles 1 to 7 of the framework decision had as their main purpose the protection of the environment and they could have been properly adopted on the basis of Article 175 EC. The ECJ accordingly annulled Framework Decision 2003/80/JHA as requested by the Commission.
Scope of the judgment
The clarification by the Court judgment of the distribution of powers between the first and the third pillar has led to the following situation:
The provisions of criminal law required for the effective implementation of Community law are a matter for the EC Treaty (first pillar): Where a criminal law provision specific to the matter in hand is needed to ensure the effectiveness of Community law, it is adopted under the first pillar only. But, where there does not appear to be a need to resort to the criminal law at Union level or where there are already adequate horizontal provisions, specific legislation is not introduced at European level. This system brings to an end the double-text mechanism (directive or regulation and framework decision), which has been used on several occasions in the past.
The horizontal criminal law provisions aimed at encouraging police and judicial cooperation fall within Title VI of the Union Treaty (third pillar): These provisions in the broad sense include measures on the mutual recognition of judicial decisions, measures based on the principle of availability and measures on the harmonisation of criminal law. Those aspects of criminal law and criminal procedure which require a horizontal approach do not, in principle, fall within the scope of Community law, examples being questions linked to general rules of criminal law and criminal procedure as well as those related to police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters.
This judgment concerns the Community's environment policy, but goes far beyond the case in question. The same arguments can be applied in their entirety to the other common policies and to the four freedoms (freedom of movement of persons, goods, services and capital), which involve binding legislation with which criminal penalties should be associated in order to ensure their effectiveness.
Criminal law as such does not constitute a Community policy since Community action in criminal matters may be based only on implicit powers associated with a specific legal basis. Appropriate measures of criminal law can be adopted on a Community basis only at sectoral level and only on condition that there is a clear need to combat serious shortcomings in the implementation of the Community's objectives. The Commission will have to determine, when submitting proposals, whether this test of necessity is met on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific needs of the Community policy or freedom in question, which constitutes the link with the legal basis of the EC Treaty. When, for a given sector, the Commission considers that criminal law measures are required in order to ensure that Community law is fully effective, these measures may include:
- the actual principle of resorting to criminal penalties;
- the definition of the offence - that is, the constituent element of the offence; and
- the nature and level of the criminal penalties applicable.
It is on a case by case basis, depending on necessity, that the Commission will determine the degree of Community involvement in the criminal field, whilst giving priority, as much as possible, to horizontal measures not specific to the relevant sector: where the effectiveness of Community law so requires, Member States' freedom to choose the penalties they apply may, where appropriate, be subject to the framework set forth by the Community legislature.
Conclusions to be drawn from the judgment
Although the Community legislature may use the criminal law to achieve its objectives, it may do so only if two conditions - necessity and consistency - are met:
- necessity: any use of measures of criminal law must be justified by the need to make the Community policy in question effective;
- consistency: the criminal law measures adopted at sectoral level on a Community basis must respect the overall consistency of the Union's system of criminal law, whether adopted on the basis of the first or the third pillar.
Apart from Framework Decision 2003/80/JHA, the Court's judgment affects several pieces of legislation, since all or some of their provisions were adopted on the wrong legal basis. There is a list in the Annex to the communication:
- Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro and Framework Decision 2001/888/JHA on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro;
- Framework Decision 2001/413/JHA combating fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment;
- Directive 91/308/EEC on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and Framework Decision 2001/500/JHA on money laundering, the identification, tracing, freezing, seizing and confiscation of instrumentalities and the proceeds of crime;
- the Directive 2002/90/EC defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence and the Framework Decision 2002/946/JHA of 28 November 2002 on the strengthening of the penal framework to prevent the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence;
- Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA on combating corruption in the private sector;
- Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA on attacks against information systems;
- Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements and Framework Decision 2005/667/JHA to strengthen the criminal law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution;
- Proposal for a Directive on the criminal law protection of the Community's financial interests;
- Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on criminal measures aimed at ensuring the enforcement of intellectual property rights and for a Council Framework Decision to strengthen the criminal law framework to combat intellectual property offences.
On 23 November 2005, the Commission further decided to bring an action in the ECJ for annulment of Council Framework Decision 2005/667/JHA of 12 July 2005 to strengthen the criminal-law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution.
Correcting existing legislation in the light of the judgment
In the Commission's view, there are several ways in which existing law can be rectified in the light of the judgment. One approach would be to review the existing instruments with the sole purpose of bringing them into line with the distribution of powers between the first and the third pillar. With such an approach, the Commission's proposals would not contain any provisions which differ in substance from those of the acts adopted. This option offers a quick and easy solution. It allows the substance of Community legislation to remain unchanged and ensures legal certainty. Such an approach, however, requires the prior agreement of the Commission, the Council and Parliament. If such an agreement could not be reached, the Commission would make use of its power of proposal in order not only to restore the correct legal bases to acts which have been adopted, but also to prioritise substantive solutions in line with what it judges the Community interest to be. This alternative is redundant in the case of pending proposals. The Commission will therefore make the necessary changes to its proposals as and when required. These proposals will then follow the full decision-making procedure applicable to their legal basis.
Last updated: 02.03.2011


text: We've updated our DECODED article library! Get answers to your research questions, with articles sorted by application. Try it now » DECODED Newsletter Categories Your Research Core Concepts Competitive Edge Pipet Tips Ask Alex Web Tools Product Spotlight Mixed Bases Calendar Did You Know? Cited Complementary Strands Archives Browse Issues: DECODED Online (Current) DECODED 4.2 qPCR (April 2014) DECODED 4.1 (January 2014) DECODED 3.4 (October 2013) DECODED 3.3 (July 2013) DECODED 3.2 (April 2013) DECODED 3.1 (January 2013) DECODED 2.4 (October 2012) DECODED 2.3 (July 2012) DECODED 2.2 (April 2012) DECODED 2.1 (January 2012) DECODED 1.3 (October 2011) DECODED 1.2 (July 2011) DECODED 1.1 (April 2011) Subscribe Complementary Strands Special, Online Only Articles from IDT Print Page All posts The HeLa Genome—The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks to Biomedical Research By virtue of a new NIH policy that is the result of negotiations between National Institutes of Health (NIH) leadership and members of the Lacks family, biomedical researchers have been granted controlled access to genomic data from the HeLa cell line. HeLa cells were derived from a cervical tumor biopsy taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. As was routine at the time, the cells were isolated and used in research without her knowledge or consent. Mrs Lacks, an African-American woman, who was 31 years old at the time of her death from cervical cancer, was being treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA. The cells collected from her tissue became the first "immortal" human cell line, surviving and replicating under laboratory conditions. Based on this landmark accomplishment of continuous human cell culture, the researchers published an article in a scientific journal in 1971 in which they revealed Mrs Lacks' identity. However, the Lacks family only learned about the cell line in 1973, and then struggled to understand how part of their mother could continue to exist despite her death decades before. HeLa cells are the most widely used human cell line in existence and have served as one of the truly important tools for scientists, critical for medical developments such as the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, and cancer treatments, among others. In March 2013 the Lacks family was thrust into the scientific spotlight again when scientists in Germany published the first sequence of the HeLa genome online, comparing the DNA of HeLa cell lines with that of cells from healthy human tissues. Objections were raised by researchers and bioethicists, among others, who were concerned that publication of the genome violated the privacy of the Lacks family because of the potential to obtain sensitive health information. As a result, the researchers removed the DNA sequence from the Web. However, access to this data would certainly provide researchers who use these cells with a valuable reference tool. The Lacks family is happy for the cells and their genomic data to be used to enable scientific progress, but want to ensure public acknowledgement of the immense contribution made by Henrietta Lacks. The HeLa Genome Data Access Working Group, an NIH committee that instituted the controlled access policy, includes two representatives from the Lacks family. Under the policy, the Lacks family will be involved in reviewing applications for access to the HeLa cell genome data. Researchers are also requested to disclose plans to develop intellectual property or commercial products from the data. NIH-funded researchers who generate full genome data from HeLa cells will be required to deposit the information into a single database that will be used for future sharing, accessible here. Scientists should not contact members of the Lacks family directly; they can request additional details through the working group. Publications that use HeLa genome data must now include the statement: "The genome sequence described/used in this research was derived from a HeLa cell line. Henrietta Lacks, and the HeLa cell line that was established from her tumor cells without her knowledge or consent in 1951, have made significant contributions to scientific progress and advances in human health. We are grateful to Henrietta Lacks, now deceased, and to her surviving family members for their contributions to biomedical research." The molecular genetics group at IDT has been continually growing HeLa cells for over 8 years and regularly uses them in experiments. The primary use of HeLa cells at IDT is for experimental design and testing of oligonucleotides, the hallmark product of IDT, as tools to alter gene expression. This work has led to the development of DsiRNA as well as miRNA inhibitors and miRNA mimics. IDT scientists continue to optimize antisense oligonucleotide designs using HeLa cells. Additionally, HeLa cells are used for testing potential nucleic acid–based therapeutics (antisense oligonucleotides, or ASOs; and anti-miRNA oligonucleotides, or AMOs) being developed at IDT for potency, longevity, specificity, toxicity, and optimal cell delivery methods (Figure 1). Other researchers have already identified AMOs that serve as effective therapeutic agents. For example, an AMO against miR-122 is currently in clinical trials being run by Santaris Pharma A/S, a Danish pharmaceutical company, to test its suitability as treatment for hepatitis C. miR-122 is a liver-specific miRNA that is required by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for replication. Progression to therapeutic use would be of immense benefit to the estimated 3% of the world's population infected with HCV. Figure 1. HeLa Cells Being Tested for Oligonucleotide Toxicity. The story of the Lacks family is told in the bestselling book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", by Rebecca Skloot, and brings to the forefront the complex ethical and policy issues surrounding the use of human tissue for scientific research. Author: Nicola Brookman-Amissah is a Scientific Writer at IDT.


text:
I've been refactoring that extension for a long time now (part of the reason being that I started without any clue about extension development). I kind of want to drop some features I don't particularly like, but I'm not sure how useful or not they are to others.
So I wonder, which parts of MozEX do you use?
I edit text areas with it all the time. I also use it to view the source with vim.
A while back I was also using it to send emails... and that's it
Editing a text area with vim can be really really helpful, you know?
Yeah, that's its primary functionality of course and that's what I use it for, all the time.
What I am thinking of getting rid of is all the link handling stuff; that can all be done without an extension, although it requires
about:config hacking and external glue scripts to make it work well.
I would like the extension to do one thing and do it well and I don't feel like supporting all that extraneous code for the link handlers. Plus it hugely complicates the configuration dialog and bleah.
Is there a guide of some sort about this?


text:
Astros hope to lock up high school Draft picks
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- The Astros signed top overall pick Mark Appel, a pitcher from Stanford, for about $1.5 million less than the assigned slot value of $7.8 million, which should allow Houston to make a run at some high school players they took later in the Draft who have college commitments.
Also unsigned are 10th-round pick Austin Nicely, a left-handed pitcher from Spotswood High School in Penn Laird, Va., and 11th-round pick Devonte German, a right-handed pitcher from Bishop Manogue High School in Reno, Nev.
Nicely is committed to Virginia and German to Nevada.
The top remaining unsigned picks are third-rounder Kent Emanuel, a left-handed pitcher from North Carolina, and his college teammate, Brian Holbertson, a catcher. The Tar Heels are participating in the College World Series, so the Astros can't sign them until their season is over.
"We're hoping to sign all of our top 10 picks, and we're actually hopeful we can sign some of the high school kids we drafted after the 10th around, potentially, as well," general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Our plan is to maximize what we get out of the Draft and have the recourse to sign most, if not all, the players we have an interest in signing."
Appel's childhood teammates show their support
HOUSTON -- Several of Mark Appel's former teammates from his days in the Post Oak Little League in Houston were at Minute Maid Park to greet him Wednesday after he signed a contract with the Astros, who selected him with the first overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft.
"I think he was happy to see all of us as we were to see him," said Jay Magness, who was a pitcher and third baseman on the Post Oak team that lost to eventual Little League World Series participant Richmond Lamar National in the Texas East Little League title game in 2003.
Appel was a 12-year-old pitcher on the team, but moved to California a year later, which cost him a chance to play for Astros manager Bo Porter. The Texas Hawkeyes, a travel team started by Porter following his playing career, featured several players from the Post Oak team.
"What made me start the program was several of the dads, who are good friends of mine, were coaching that team and they wanted them to go another level and play more competitive baseball and travel," Porter said. "I decided I wasn't going to play anymore and I took the year off to figure out exactly what it is I wanted to do, so the timing just happened to be right.
"I went ahead and coached the kids and started the program, and once I got back into coaching [in the Major Leagues] I hired other coaches to run the program."
In addition to Magness, second baseman William Duncan, shortstop/pitcher Matthew Bean, and catcher/pitcher Jimmy Burke greeted Appel, along with the father of left fielder Patrick Atwood. "We had a great Little League team," Appel said. "It means a lot they're actually out there. It's been a few years since we've seen each other with our busy schedules, high school and college and all that stuff. It's exciting that they're here."
Burke said Appel is the same down-to-earth kid he was as a 12-year-old.
"It's not like he's a big shot," he said. "He deserves this."
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Hike Photogenic Bartholomew's Cobble
April 28, 2014 by Corey A. Edwards
Bartholomew's Cobble is a 294-acre nature preserve and designated National Natural Landmark. It hosts one our continent's widest diversities of ferns and their kin, along with numerous kinds of colorful, woodland wildflowers, and serves as a stop-over or home for more than 200 different species of birds.
Read the rest of this page »


text:
I have found in over 150 bunions, that the Lapidus is not even comparable to the SCARF. When executed correctly, the SCARF has no comparison. And no joints are destroyed. I just don't get the whole thing with the Lapidus. I get plenty of stabilization with the SCARF, even with hypermobility pre-operatively. I stopped doing the Lapidus because I was getting too much post-op sesamoiditis (even 6 months post-op). The SCARF deserves much more attention and credit, and is very easy to perform through the medial incision. Just a thought. I love the Lapidus in some flatfoot corrections however.
Why The Lapidus Bunionectomy Is The Best Procedure For Severe Bunions
The potential for safe early weightbearing has made the Lapidus bunionectomy a viable choice for correction of severe hallux valgus. Accordingly, this author discusses eight key advantages of this procedure over other surgical options for this deformity.
Now that early weightbearing after the Lapidus procedure is a mainstream bunionectomy protocol, surgeons can more comfortably consider a Lapidus for severe bunions since they can mobilize the patient quicker.1-13
While the Lapidus is ideal for large bunions by correcting the entire alignment of the first ray, surgeons (and patients for that matter) have previously chosen other bunionectomies purely for the ability to mobilize postoperatively. In the past several years, literature has emerged that demonstrates that Lapidus bunionectomy patients can ambulate after their surgery while achieving healing rates equivalent (or superior) to other procedures.1-13
When it comes to large and severe bunions, the surgical procedure selection is actually the same as it would be for any bunion. The options include: fusion of the big toe joint, distal first metatarsal osteotomy, base wedge osteotomy, Lapidus procedure, Keller arthroplasty and big toe joint replacement. However, some procedures are more appropriate than others. Selecting the proper procedure for your patient is where the challenge lies with the large and severe bunion.
What Are The Advantages Of The Lapidus Procedure?
The Lapidus procedure is a highly versatile bunionectomy and has eight important advantages in comparison to a variety of other potential surgeries.14
1. Correction of the deformity at the apex. Realigning the structural deformity of the foot by physically placing the metatarsal into its native position (near parallel) to the second metatarsal restores the foot to a more "normal" anatomic alignment. This also allows for realignment of the big toe joint subluxation. While distal metatarsal osteotomies may improve big toe joint alignment, they are limited in that there is a physical limit of correction with a distal osteotomy. In comparison to a Lapidus procedure, there is no correction limit based on the intermetatarsal angle. Also, a distal osteotomy creates an intrinsic metatarsal deformity to correct a deformity whereas the Lapidus does not. A base wedge osteotomy also creates an intrinsic metatarsal deformity.
2. Preservation of big toe joint function. Sure, the Lapidus procedure involves sacrificing the first tarsometatarsal joint (through fusion) but it allows for big toe joint motion. Preservation of big toe joint motion is important as one considers patients with an active lifestyle and those who wish to wear specific shoe gear such as high heels. Obviously, fusion of a big toe joint eliminates this motion and fixes the toe position. A Keller arthroplasty does allow motion but this is "artificial" motion created by sacrificing a joint.
Implants also provide artificial motion and require resection of a mobile joint. They are probably better indicated for significant arthritis and are not purely for bunion severity.
3. Concomitant treatment of medial column hypermobility syndrome. If hypermobility is present (and deemed pathologic), then the Lapidus procedure offers the advantage of stabilizing the midfoot by decreasing midfoot motion. Some believe that severe bunions are the result of hypermobility and selecting procedures that do not address this may result in recurrence or secondary compensations. Though one may also address hypermobility with osteotomies, there is no current research to indicate the "best" method of surgical management. Nonetheless, the Lapidus procedure is indicated for the treatment of hypermobility.15
4. Concomitant treatment of lesser metatarsal overload. In many clinical situations, the severe bunion is associated with lesser metatarsal overload (metatarsalgia) through an inefficient medial column (first ray). Stabilizing and realigning the first ray through a Lapidus procedure provides a stable construct to the medial column and also improves the efficiency of the peroneus longus.16 It is important to inferiorly translate (or plantarflex) the first metatarsal as part of the surgery to restore the weightbearing presence of the first metatarsal head.
The Keller procedure is known to produce and exacerbate lesser metatarsal overload, and may be a poor procedure choice in patients who have metatarsalgia preoperatively. Implant arthroplasty carries a similar yet less infrequent postoperative lesser metatarsal overload risk, but one often must perform other procedures in conjunction to realign the first metatarsal.
5. Avoiding elevatus plastic deformation risk. Postoperative elevatus from early weightbearing is a real risk with base wedge osteotomies. Though this occurrence was more common when wire fixation was in use, the risk still remains with screw fixation. The plastic deformation of an osteotomy site is the result of premature weightbearing causing an intrinsic remodeling of the first metatarsal. With a Lapidus, however, elevation can occur but it may occur concomitantly with fixation failure and nonunion. The elevatus with a Lapidus is extrinsic to the metatarsal and the effect of the failed fusion elevating through the nonunion site.
6. Postoperative weightbearing. The ability for a patient to bear weight after a bunionectomy is often a deciding factor for procedure recommendation regardless of bunion size. Surgeons may make recommendations outside of specific intermetatarsal angle guidelines. Some doctors may even discourage bunion surgery altogether for the severe bunion because of a non-weightbearing protocol. Now that studies have emerged demonstrating that early weightbearing protocol healing rates are similar to that of non-weightbearing protocols, surgeons can consider the Lapidus as part of the potential surgeries when the post-op weightbearing is important.1-13
7. Lapidus failure is often less disruptive than failure from other bunionectomies. A failed bunionectomy is always a challenge for both the surgeon and the patient. With Lapidus, failures are typically in the realm of nonunion. I believe that that nonunion is not a failure but a known potential outcome in a certain percentage of people (but that is beyond the scope of this article). Nonetheless, a painful nonunion of Lapidus is typically focal to the first tarsometatarsal joint and one can rectify this with revision and grafting. Any recurrent angular deformity is through the first tarsometatarsal joint and also undergoes repair at the revision fusion site. A failed metatarsal bunionectomy often results in an intrinsic deformity, which requires metatarsal osteotomy or a revision Lapidus to correct.
Similarly, big toe joint fusions carry the risk of nonunion and malunion. In my experience, a nonunion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) is typically more symptomatic than a nonunion of the first tarsometatarsal joint. This seems to be due to the amount of load passing through the forefoot. Malunions of a first MPJ fusion can cause similar problems with that of a midfoot fusion and may require revision.
A failed Keller or implant procedure involves a revision fusion of the first MPJ with bone block grafting, a procedure that involves a prolonged period of convalescence and non-weightbearing. These reconstructions are challenging for both patient and surgeon.
8. Improving rearfoot alignment. Realigning and stabilizing the first ray has a realigning effect on the rearfoot as well. This is an advantage of the Lapidus. A retrospective radiographic study by Avino and collagues demonstrated radiographic improvement of the talo-first metatarsal angle.17
Key Preoperative Considerations
When considering the Lapidus bunionectomy for severe bunions, it is important to carefully evaluate the first MPJ for arthritis and the second MPJ for subluxation with overload symptoms. When these clinical conditions occur in conjunction with the severe bunion, other procedures may be needed in addition to the Lapidus to balance the foot. With end-stage problems, however, other bunionectomies may be better indicated.
Arthrosis of the first MPJ with severe bunions is often due to malalignment, wear and tear. Of course, several degrees of arthrosis may occur depending on the severity of the bunion, the duration of the bunion and the activity level. In my clinical experience, a long first metatarsal with massive subluxation of the big toe joint results in less destructive arthrosis. This is because the first metatarsal head of the joint is not articulating anymore and therefore gets spared from biomechanical "wear." The cartilage itself is of poorer quality because of the loss of normal mechanics of the big toe joint.
Significant arthrosis of the big toe joint may not respond well to realignment of the joint with reconstruction. In general, my experience has demonstrated that even with the best realignment/reconstruction, the first MPJ will lose a fair amount of motion with severe bunion reconstruction so the presence of some radiographic arthrosis does not become a functional limiting factor. The biggest issue is whether the joint is supple enough to be relocated. However, end-stage arthrosis of the big toe joint (Stage IV) is best served with a joint destructive procedure of the first MPJ and this may also require a Lapidus to treat concomitant hypermobility.
A severe subluxed second toe secondary to overload may present a challenge when considering Lapidus for the severe bunion. Lesser toe problems are well known to occur with severe bunion deformities and may originate from overload and the hallux under-riding the second toe. A severely dislocated second toe often requires a lesser metatarsal osteotomy with digital repair and, depending on the extent of the reconstruction, may require postoperative non-weightbearing. Since one can use the Lapidus with an early weightbearing program, the limiting factor for a patient to go forward with a reconstruction is the non-weightbearing component of the lesser toe reconstruction.
Initiating An Early Weightbearing Program With A Lapidus Bunionectomy
In regard to determining which patients you should allow to begin an early weightbearing program, exact guidelines have yet to be established. However, an early weightbearing program does not affect the indications for Lapidus arthrodesis.
Patients who have an increased risk for complications should avoid early weightbearing or bear weight cautiously. Patients (such as smokers) who have an increased risk for nonunion may not be good candidates for early weightbearing but this is not an absolute contraindication. Obese patients are not great candidates for early weightbearing due to the force that can pass through the fusion site and lead to fixation failure. Do not enroll neuropathic patients in an early weightbearing program for similar reasons. Osteopenic patients with poor bone stock are also poor candidates.
The fixation construct is extremely important when considering early weightbearing after a Lapidus bunionectomy. A construct that provides compression, resists rotation and counteracts the forces of weightbearing is important when considering the fixation method. When using screw fixation, it is best to use two screws. Surgeons have utilized a variety of techniques for screw fixation and these techniques can be categorized into long screw fixation or short screw fixation. Advocates of long screw fixation believe that longer screws provide resistance to cantilever forces. Plate fixation is also in use with a variety of plating systems. More contemporary options include specialized plating systems that are dedicated and contoured for the first tarsometatarsal joint.
Surgeons may initiate early weightbearing protocols immediately after surgery, at the two-week visit or at four weeks postoperatively. Of course, the fixation construct plays an important role when it comes to starting early weightbearing. An advantage to waiting until the two-week visit at suture removal is that it allows for surgeons to be confident that the soft tissue envelope is healed. Surgeons should be comfortable with the Lapidus arthrodesis before initiating an early weightbearing program.
Final Thoughts
The Lapidus bunionectomy has several advantages for severe bunions in comparison to other methods in that the surgeon can preserve the big toe joint and realign the first metatarsal at the apex of the deformity.
Since fixation techniques have improved and early weightbearing protocols have emerged, surgeons can utilize the Lapidus for severe bunions in cases in which they previously had to resort to joint destructive procedures.
Dr. Blitz is the Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopaedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in New York. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Blitz can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com, and @DrNealBlitz on Twitter.
Disclosure: Dr. Blitz is a consultant to Orthofix, Inc., and receives royalties for the Orthofix Contours Lapidus Plating System.
1. Blitz NM, Lee T, Williams K, Barkan H, DiDimenico LA. Early weight bearing after modified lapidus arthodesis: a multicenter review of 80 cases. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010; 49(4):357-62.
2. Basile P, Cook EA, Cook JJ. Immediate weight bearing following modified lapidus arthrodesis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010; 49(5):459-64.
3. Sorensen MD, Hyer CF, Berlet GC. Results of lapidus arthrodesis and locked plating with early weight bearing. Foot Ankle Spec. 2009; 2(5):227-33.
4. Menke CR, McGlamry MC, Camasta CA. Lapidus arthrodesis with a single lag screw and a locking H-plate. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2011; 50(4):377-82.
5. DeVries JG, Granata JD, Hyer CF. Fixation of first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis: a retrospective comparative cohort of two techniques. Foot Ankle Int. 2011; 32(2):158-62.
6. Klos K, Gueorguiev B, Muckley T, Frober R, Hofmann GO, Schwieger K, Windolf M. Stability of medial locking plate and compression screw versus two crossed screws for lapidus arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2010; 31(2):158-63.
7. Kazzaz S, Singh D. Postoperative cast necessity after a lapidus arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2009; 30(8):746-51.
8. Saxena A, Nguyen A, Nelsen E. Lapidus bunionectomy: Early evaluation of crossed lag screws versus locking plate with plantar lag screw. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2009; 48(2):170-9.
9. Blitz NM. Early weightbearing of the Lapidus: is it possible? Podiatry Today. 2004; 17(8):46-52.
10. Bednarz PA, Manoli A 2nd. Modified Lapidus procedure for the treatment of hypermobile hallux valgus. Foot Ankle Int. 21(10):816-21, 2000.
11. Myerson M, Allon S, McGarvey W. Metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis for management of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus. Foot Ankle. 1992; 13(3):107-115.
12. Sangeorzan B, Hansen, S. Modified Lapidus procedure for hallux valgus. Foot Ankle. 1989; 9(6):262-266.
13. Clark HR, Veith RG, Hansen ST Jr. Adolescent bunions treated by the modified Lapidus procedure. Bull Hosp Jt Dis Orthop Inst. 1987; 47(2):109-22.
14. Blitz NM. The versatility of the Lapidus arthrodesis. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2009; 26(3):427-41.
15. Blitz NM. Current concepts in medial column hypermobility. Podiatry Today. 2005; 18(6):68-79.
16. Bierman RA, Christensen JC, Johnson CH. Biomechanics of the first ray. Part III. Consequences of Lapidus arthrodesis on peroneus longus function: a three-dimensional kinematic analysis in a cadaver model. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2001; 40(3):125-31.
17. Avino A, Patel S, Hamilton GA, Ford LA. The effect of the Lapidus arthrodesis on the medial longitudinal arch: a radiographic review. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008; 47(6):510-4.
For further reading, see "Early Weightbearing Of The Lapidus: Is It Possible?" in the August 2004 issue of Podiatry Today.
Dr. Blitz also writes a blog for Podiatry Today. For recent blogs, visit http://bit.ly/rJ5nnq .
I have found in over 150
Before justifying Lapidus, it
Before justifying Lapidus, it would be prudent to answer one fundamental question: where is the primary pathology, the MPJ or MC joint? In most patients, it is the MPJ and proper MPJ rebalancing by various means will result in IM angle correction. For example, MPJ fusion will eliminate any need for Lapidus.


text:
Friday, May 06, 2011 - Suit Shoot - Igor Premsyl a Pavol Zbynek
Latest Updates at WilliamHiggins.com
Igor Premsyl and Pavol Zbynet feature in the great Suit Shoot. Igor is a realtor and Pavol arrives to enquire about properties. As they chat about the properties Igor turns to the computer to show some and indavertantly opens a pic he has been viewing, which is of two guys having fun. This sparks some interest in Pavol who unzips his pants and invites Igor to savor his meat. So starts the scene, and the two guys really look great in it. Igor is a great sucker and Pavol's dick gets rock hard very quickly. Pavol then gets to play with Igor's hole, first rimming and then using a dildo before, naked, he takes him from behind. Both guys do really well with Igor, a relative newcomer, showing us what a great bottom he has become.
Roman Stach is aged 23 and lives in Ostrava where he is a student of aviation. He enjoys playing the guitar and mountain climbing in his spare time. Judging by Roman's exceptional body I guess he also does a lot of work in the gym. He looks absolutely splendid in this shoot, with his good looks, fabulous build and rock hard dick. From the outset he looks great, as he is very smartly dressed and then loses the clothes to give us a view of his assets from every angle.
Ivan Pisecky lives in Slany and is 18 years old. He loves to play football in his leisure time. What a great looking guy Ivan is. He has a very handsome face and a nice swimmer's type build. In this erotic video he exposes that body slowly, as he firstly lifts his tee-shirt over his head and opens his jeans. Then he reclines on the sofa and begins to exhibit himself in all his naked glory, so we get to see his rather sweet pucker and his rock hard dick, before he gets down to the serious business of letting go a very nice money shot.
David Krumov is 19 years old and lives in Mlada Boleslav. He is a student and likes to dance and go cycling. His dancing extends to doing shows in Drakes on the weekend. David looks very good in this erotic video, with his slim build and rather large endowment, which gets very hard indeed. He is given a nice helping hand in this shoot, and those hands really get to work on his dick and elicit a splendid pop shot.


text:
I had a terrific time at the rally and met quite a few locals and every single person was helpful and welcoming.
It started at 10 PM on Sunday night as Don Friedwald and I pulled into the convenience store on Highway 65. A gentleman in his 60s approached us to talk about our bikes and invited us to his house for anything we might need during the rally. He lived across the street from gate 4. He also told me the only way to get into the fairgrounds at night was Gate 6A; the RV entrance.
I was offered coupons at Hardees Monday morning by a very nice lady and that was just the beginning of continued signs of welcome displayed towards me.
I organized a tour of one of the factories located in Sedalia, Sierra Bullets, and they rolled out the red carpet.
We were featured on their Facebook;
This was an incredible venue and we were surrounded by great local folks who made us all feel welcome.
Thanks to the selection committee.


text:
Halladay + Mets Defense = Win
For the second consecutive night, the first hit of the game for the Phillies came off the bat of the starting pitcher. Unlike last night, that hit by Roy Halladay was not the only hit of the night. Singles by Jimmy Rollins and then Placido Polanco scored Halladay, marking the first run in 38 2/3 innings for the Phillies at Citi Field in NY.
Halladay was on fire tonight. His dominance was very evident in the 4th inning when, after allowing a lead-off triple to Jose Reyes, Halladay buckled down and got the next 3 batters out without allowing Reyes to score. Halladay went 8 innings, allowing only 4 hits, no walks and he struck out 7.
And although the Phillies offense is still not quite clicking in NY, the Mets defense gave them a much needed boost. I was so moved by their play, I just had to write a love letter in their honor:
Dear Mets Defense,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your efforts tonight. Those three errors and three unearned runs for the Phillies truly exceeded my expectations.
Watching an easy grounder dribble through the legs of All-Star third baseman David Wright was inspiring. I nearly shed a happy tear.
Though you may sometimes feel underappreciated, do not fret. We, the Phillies fans, are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to mediocrity. And if you can repeat the same performance tomorrow night as well, I promise to be your best friend…for at least one day.
With Love,
Don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside now? I know I do.
So last night the Mets shut out the Phillies; tonight, the Phillies returned the favor with a 4-0 win behind the arm of Halladay. The final game of this series with the Mets is tomorrow night at 8:05pm.
Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin' Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*