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World's Oldest Dinosaur Fossil?
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *
A portion of a fossilized dinosaur upper arm bone from Tanzania, originally collected in the 1930s, spent many years nestled among thousands of dinosaur specimens housed at London's Natural History Museum. Re-examined, researchers now claim that it is the oldest dinosaur—or almost a dinosaur—in the world.
Well, was it a dinosaur or not?
The arm bone segment is associated with fossil vertebrae, or spinal bones, from the same species named Nyasasaurus parringtoni. The vertebrae were held in Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town while the arm bone was in London. Researchers published their analysis, which visualized bones under a microscope, in Biology Letters.1 Taken together, the arm and spine fossils convinced the team that they were looking at dinosaurian bones, and yet they hesitated to confidently identify them as dinosaur.
"It is possible that instead of being a true dinosaur, Nyasasaurus might have been a very close relative, lying just outside the dinosaur group," according to the Natural History Museum.2
Why are they unsure? After all, the bones show "very distinctive" dinosaur features, including a "prominent crest" on the arm bone where a strong muscle would have attached and spaces for large blood vessels in the vertebrae to facilitate the fast bone growth characteristic of dinosaurs.2 The identification problem is not in the fossils, so where is it?
The unique character combination of Nyasasaurus may represent the plesiomorphic states [similar traits shared among less similar kinds] present just outside or within Dinosauria given its age, but there are considerable uncertainties.2
Clearly, the uncertainties arise "given its age," but Nyasasurus' age is based on evolutionary belief, not science. Within this scheme, true dinosaurs should not be found this far below other fully formed dinosaurs because they were not yet supposed to have evolved.
The researchers are uncertain as to whether or not it is a dinosaur, what pre-dinosaurs may have looked like, or how this dinosaur—or most others found in congruent rock layers—relates to other dinosaur forms within evolutionary assumptions.
All these uncertainties arise from evolutionary doctrine, not from dinosaur data.
The study authors compared the humerus bone with others, finding that it best matches theropods—dinosaurs with lizard-like hips and three toes. According to the Natural History Museum, a well-known dinosaur that's attributed to much "younger" rock layers "is the early dinosaur Eoraptor, which Nyasasaurus may have looked like."2 If it looks like a theropod, why not just call it a theropod?
Clearly that would not fit evolutionary teaching, which predicts that pre-theropod ancestors (an uninhabited category) should be found below theropods, and that even more generalized pre-dinosaurs should be found below the pre-theropods in Nyasasaurus layers.
Instead, they got a well-formed theropod at the very bottom of the dinosaur fossil record.
So, to keep evolution's plausibility, the Current Biology authors nursed the idea that Nyasasaurus could have been almost a dinosaur despite its perfectly dinosaurian anatomy.
In contrast, how well would the creation and Flood model of earth history and rock layers explain Nyasasaurus?
First, as a beast of the earth created on Day Six of the world, it should already be in a recognizable dinosaur form—and it is.3
Second, as a creature that drowned in the Flood of unprecedented catastrophe, instead of scavenged or rotten on earth's surface, its remains had a chance to be fossilized—and they were.
Third, as a creature that may have lived in a swampy environment—not a sea creature nor a dry land walker—it was buried above layers that contain mostly sea creatures deposited earlier during the Flood.
All the "considerable uncertainties" in interpreting the Nyasasaurus find their source in the uncertain and untrue doctrines of evolution.4
- Nesbitt, S. J. et al. The oldest dinosaur? A Middle Triassic dinosauriform from Tanzania. Biology Letters. Published online before print, December 5, 2012.
- Fossils could be first dinosaur to roam planet. Natural History Museum News. Posted on nhm.ac.uk December 5, 2012, accessed December 6, 2012.
- This illustrates an irony. On the one hand, researchers were able to reconstruct the general theropod dinosaur form by making valid inferences from the shapes of a few of its bones, assuming that the bones would have fit in a proper and practical arrangement. But on the other hand, co-author Paul Barrett told the Natural History Museum, "Dinosaurs started as just one of a number of evolutionary experiments in reptile evolution."2 If Nyasasaurus was just an early evolutionary experiment, then why would Barrett expect its bones to be in any proper arrangement? Within the evolutionary worldview, there should be no reliable way to reconstruct ancient bones undergoing experimental size and proportion adjustments. Thus the irony: Researchers had to borrow from the creation worldview's idea of well-formed kinds in order to do their evolutionary research.
- Thomas, B. 2012. Four Scientific Reasons That Refute Evolution. Acts & Facts. 41 (5): 17.
Image credit: Copyright © 2001 Museum of Natural Sciences, National University of San Juan, Argentina. Adapted for use in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holders.
* Mr. Thomas is Science Writer at the Institute for Creation Research.
Article posted on December 14, 2012.
Evidence for Creation › Evidence from Science › Evidence from the Earth Sciences › Fossils Reflect Life's Original Diversity › Fossils Show Stasis and No Transitional Forms
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text: I don't know. I know he felt a bit stiffed on The Doctor's Wife by them using the Ood rather than a new creature he'd dreamt up, but on the whole I'd imagine Gaiman would have much more latitude than many of the other writers. In the same way RTD never meddled much with Moffat and Cornell's scripts I can't imagine Moffat would tinker much with Gaiman, or give him a really strict brief. As for the kids, well maybe that was Moffat's idea, or maybe Gaiman wanted children then Moffat suggested Clara's kids?

subset: commoncrawl


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News Posts
September 13–14: Fall Migration at the Museum
by AMNH on
The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, which means fall migration is officially underway. Spend your weekend at the Museum learning about flying animals of all shapes and sizes.
Fossils of New Squirrel-like Species Support Earlier Origin of Mammals
by AMNH on
A research team led by paleontologists at the American Museum of Natural History and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have described three new small squirrel-like species that place a poorly understood Mesozoic group of animals firmly in the mammal family tree.
New Research Identifies Drivers of Rich Bird Diversity in Neotropics
by AMNH on
An international team of researchers is challenging a commonly held view that explains how so many species of birds came to inhabit the Neotropics, an area rich in rain forest that extends from Mexico to the southernmost tip of South America.
Coming soon! 2014 Margaret Mead Film Festival
by AMNH on
Look over this year's roster of 44 films from over 50 countries and buy tickets before your film choices sell out.
#InsideAMNH Invites Instagram into the Museum
by AMNH on
The Museum recently launched #InsideAMNH, a collaboration featuring some of Instagram's most popular photographers.


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INTERPOL puts 21st century crime at forefront of international security agenda
LYON, France – Senior police officials from around the world are meeting at INTERPOL's seventh Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) conference to focus on INTERPOL initiatives aimed at meeting the emerging crime threats facing member countries.
The three-day (19-21 April) conference gathering some 250 delegates from almost 150 countries opened today with its focus set on the need for INTERPOL to continually adapt its resources and expertise to better address 21st Century crime and member countries' evolving security requirements.
INTERPOL President Khoo Boon Hui said that the world police body had 'to continue to grow and adapt to meet modern crime challenges and the needs of its 188 member countries', while remaining true to its central tenet of enhancing international police co-operation.
"To remain effective and relevant, INTERPOL must clearly understand the current global policing challenges, anticipate emerging security threats and develop innovative crime approaches to counter such threats," said INTERPOL's President.
Addressing the conference for the first time since his election to a third term as Secretary General at the 2010 General Assembly in Qatar, Ronald K. Noble emphasized the fundamental role played by INTERPOL's National Central Bureaus in extending law enforcement co-operation worldwide.
"As we speak, 34 countries participating in operation INFRA-SA, targeting more than 200 fugitives in South America, are receiving support from our Regional Bureau in Buenos Aires. To date, more than 30 subjects have either been located or arrested. This success was only made been possible with the strong support of our NCBs and close co-operation with INTERPOL's General Secretariat headquarters," said Mr Noble.
Addressing the implications for international policing brought by the changing security landscape, the head of INTERPOL said that the world police body had to look towards the future: "The establishment of the INTERPOL Global Complex in Singapore by 2014 will open the way towards the INTERPOL of tomorrow – an INTERPOL able to address cyber-crime and to satisfy the demand of our member countries for capacity building and training of police to meet the crime challenges of the 21st century."
"Every day, thousands of people around the world are becoming victims of a crime perpetrated via the Internet. Innovation is making it possible for people to have greater access to one another for good and for bad. To operate effectively in this landscape, INTERPOL must make research and innovation – particularly fighting digital crime and providing digital security – one of its best allies. Innovation and digital security must become the cornerstone of INTERPOL's future," concluded the head of INTERPOL.
The conference also heard how to meet today's security challenges, the adoption of the INTERPOL Travel Document initiative will also enable the Organization to provide faster on-site support to member countries requesting assistance, with countries granting special visa status to staff traveling on official business.


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- Q&A with Force India's Bob Fernley
'They're championship material'Laurence Edmondson February 4, 2012
ESPNF1 caught up with Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley at the launch of the new VJM05 to talk about targets for 2012, the team's financial future and Adrian Sutil
- Drivers:
- Paul di Resta
- |
- Nico Hülkenberg
- |
- Adrian Sutil
- Teams:
- Force India
You've targeted fifth in the constructors' championship, which will not be easy given the competition you're up against. How did you arrive at that target?
When we completed the reconstruction [of the team] in 2008 and 2009 we set out a very clear programme for ourselves and we're exactly where we wanted to be with that. It would have been nice to over-perform but Formula One doesn't usually allow you to do that. I think that fifth is realistic, but it's not going to be easy - there are six other teams that are also doing exactly what we're doing. They're talented and many of them have actually got better resources in terms of their factories and capabilities. So I don't underestimate for one minute how difficult and challenging it's going to be, but if we don't set our sights on doing that then we'd be doing a disservice to the whole team.
How about challenging the top four? Is that even possible with your current budget or would you need another level of investment to achieve that?
I think we're now at the stage where we've delivered the reconstruction plan to the shareholders' satisfaction and now we're obviously talking to the shareholders about how we become a podium-contending team. That's the next step for us, but that requires investment.
You've talked about your driver pairing as one of the best on the grid below the top four teams. Just how good do you think Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg are?
I believe that they are potentially both championship material - I am really excited about them both. Even the top four teams, pretty much across the board in those, you've got drivers that are coming towards the end of their career. Obviously they have great experience and stabilise the team, but we've got two youngsters that are charging forwards. So that's a difference in approach, but I think our line-up is as exciting as those top four teams.
With Paul there seems to be a rumour every week that he's going to Mercedes. How do you deal with that? Surely at some point you will have to let him go...
The first thing is that we've got to have strong contracts. But you have to be realistic as a team, especially as Force India, and if Paul or Nico came to us at the end of 2012 or 2013 and said 'I've been offered a drive at Ferrari, Red Bull or McLaren', how are you going to get in their way? You're going to have to release them. Obviously there would be financial discussions in that, but the whole point of Force India is to identify young drivers as they come through. We won't be able to afford Paul or Nico in years to come so we've got to be ahead of the game, and that's what we've done.
It was a very tough decision. First of all Adrian had been with us for a number of years, he probably had his best season in 2011 and we liked Adrian as a person - he's a very decent person. So to make that decision to bring Nico and Paul through was not easy and it took quite a lot of deliberation.
And what was the thinking behind it?
I think the thinking was predominantly that Adrian had only been with Force India through his career and you have to look at the whole package. It's not just about how quick they are - Adrian is incredibly quick - but it's about feedback, technical programmes and everything else we are doing and we just felt that perhaps Paul and Nico together gave us a better combination.
So Adrian's personal situation away from the track had nothing to do with it?
No, it never even featured into it. Even in China when everything blew up Force India stood by him totally. We would have done now [had he stayed], but what I don't understand at the moment is, from Adrian's point of view, where it leaves him from a legal element for joining a team. I've got great sympathy for him, he doesn't deserve what has happened.
Back to Force India, are you confident you can attract sponsors and are you confident you'll have enough investment to challenge the top teams in a few years?
I think we need more investment and that will be something we discuss with the shareholders this year, because obviously the infrastructure we have at Silverstone is not adequate to be a contender. I think Force India generally punches above its weight, but you can't continue to do that. You need to have the solid background to make it all work and that's the next step.
And the market for sponsorship, is it as hard as it looks?
It is hard, but we've got a new, relatively young and dynamic commercial team at Force India. We're very lucky because we've got Sahara and Vijay to support us, so we don't need external sponsorship. But that should never be stopping us from moving in that direction and we are having some successes.


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An Augusta firefighter's tweet questioning the citizenship of an 11-year-old singing the national anthem at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on Tuesday gained national attention – and controversy – after it was picked up by news Web sites and blogs.
"How you signing the anthem lookin like an illegal immigrant," tweeted Andre Lacey, who appeared to have since deleted his twitter account, @AndreLacey.
An Augusta firefighter since 2007, Lacey wasn't working at Fire Engine Co. 5 on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard mid-Thursday and couldn't be reached for comment.
Fire Chief Chris James said the department was aware of the tweet and taking a look at its options.
"I don't think he was on duty," James said. "If he was at home, as despicable as that comment that he made is … I don't think the actual tweet itself had anything to do with the fire department."
Regardless, the firefighter "will be counseled for sure," James said. "What he said by no means is reflective of our attitude. It's completely inappropriate and not acceptable."
The department continues to attempt to address social media issues as they arise but has no official policy.
James said some firefighters have voluntarily deleted their Facebook accounts after unrelated conversations have grown heated.


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Got everything put together, board, cpu, fans, vid, hdd, fdd, dvd, power, everything proper as far as I can tell.
Turn on the power and I get all the fans running. But nothing on the monitor. Not a thing. Can't tell if the hdd is running or not.
Am I missing something? Do I need to boot to a floppy? I was under the impression I didn't need to do that, but a friend brought it up. I was thinking I'd at least get bios or something on the monitor.
Manuals are poor.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Antec case w/400w, came with the underside of the front bezel cracked.
Chaintech vfn4 ultra, preinstalled chipset fan feels wobbly. Appears fine when running though.
Amd 64 3000
2x256 rosewill ram, one of which was dropped. It appeared ok, fell on vinyl, I stuck it in there anyway. Could be the probem? I'll get that cat of hers one of these days.
Hitachi sataII hdd
Crappy Asus pci-express vid card. Be great if this was the prob, I'd love to rma that mistake.
Power supply has 2 fans. Case has 120 mm fan, I added another. Got a giant arctic cooling sink and fan. It's not hot in there at all.
Had to get to work before I could do any more damage.
Help me out guys, what am I missing?


text:
It's rebuild now while the likely benefit from rebuilding (a higher draft pick) will have the maximum value. That isn't the same thing as Tank for 2014 to me.
All drafts aren't created equal. Raps fans know this more than most teams....
2002 - Yao Ming
2003 - LeBron James
2004 - Dwight Howard
2005 - Andrew Bogut
2006 - Andrea Bargnani
2007 - Greg Oden
2008 - Derrick Rose
2009 - Blake Griffin
2010 - John Wall
2011 - Kyrie Irving
...so why not time the necessary rebuild, over-haul, roster-cohesiveness-maximization or whatever you want to call it with one of the best drafts of all-time?


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Discussion in 'Pro Match Results and Discussion' started by OddJack, Feb 24, 2013.
Anyone watching this live on TC?
Me - but on tennistv.com
I like delish's game, hope he takes it
Voted Nishi in 3, he is craftier than Lopez, the only thing Lopez has better is the serve
Nishi breaks again
This is gonna be a slaughter. I don't understand how Lopez even made the final.
Lopi is running like a dog and still 2 breaks down
1st set Japan
1st set in the bag. Nishi won 64% of the points.
pretty boy is doing his best here now
He is playing like a hound dog so far
Tough to argue with moving the 500 tourney
Yep and his best is obviously not enough. Broken to start the 2nd.
Blew 3 bps, staring at the ball mark like an idiot
Lopez looks overmatched, but I enjoy watching him play. The serve and volley, the charging in during rally, the reaching, slice backhands. Fun game style. Not effective today, but he is in the final. Nikishori seems particularly "on" today. Lopez maybe could have got back into it if he could have converted here.
Kei is rock solid!
I lost my stream and I dont think I will even reboot it
You sort of forget what a fixture some guys have been on the tour. Commentators were saying that Lopez has been tour for 16 years:shock:
Sad to see the end of the Memphis event. Are the women staying?
Is this last year in Memphis?
I don't think so. It's just gonna become a 250. It's the end of San Jose.
Seems weird to end San Jose and not Memphis. Which event has better attendance?
They should try an event in Chicago if they can.
That would be nice. There used to be a great indoor event in Chicago. I remember McEnroe winning it. I'm gonna miss San Jose too, I agree I would have kept it over Memphis.
Oh, it's being downgraded. I thought the men's event was being eliminated completely. If that's the case, I honestly think they can still get pretty good fields. There's always going to be the players who don't want to play the pre-Indian Wells/Miami clay court events in Mexico and South America.
True, some of those players will just play indoors over in Europe. But, since Memphis is relatively close in time to IW and Miami, and players have to be over here anyway, I think they'll do okay. Plus, players seem to like the event.
Too bad. While tournaments like IW are getting bigger, others are shrinking. Poor management I guess.
Lopez just doesn't stand a chance in the rallies.
Edit: Nishikori wins 6-2, 6-3.
This final went so fast!! What an easy way to gain 500 points! Kei should say "thank you" for the gift. He's gonna be propelled to #6 or so in the race ranking with minimum effort
Fun match to watch. Lopez just seemed really overmatched in the rallies, but I love watching him play. That being said, Kei is really fun to watch, man he can hit that backhand and that forehand is a bomb.
I would like to see Kei move into the top ten, but wonder if he can hold up long enough to reach it, and then to stay there.
I actually hope I get a chance to see both in IW.
San Jose is the 2nd oldest run tennis tourniment in the US.
Kei is great. the only limit on how far he'll go is his ability to get and stay healthy. he is strong mentally too.
his knees gave him trouble at the Australian Open.
great win for kei !
(even if his tokyo title was more impressive, of course)
back to #16.
Separate names with a comma.


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End of Lease Cleaning MelbourneCleaning & Housekeeping Chimney Sweepers
Melbourne, VIC 2-5 km from St Kilda
This business can travel to you.
This business offers products or services online.
They really did the great job on our end of lease clean. The landlord was really happy now - even said ...
Moving from one house to another honestly is one of the most frustrating things anyone has to do in their lives and they made it so easy, Thank you very much.


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So is it like golf where the lowest score is good?
Didn't see this posted.
Then again I don't spend that much time here
2013 Cap Space
Team Carryover Total space
Arizona $3.6M -$723,000
Atlanta $307,000 $4.9M
Baltimore $1.2M $15.7M
Buffalo $9.8M $20.6M
Carolina $3.6M -$11.8M
Chicago $3.2M $13.3M
Cincinnati $8.5M $55.1M
Cleveland $14.3M $48.9M
Dallas $2.3M -$18.2M
Denver $11.5M $18.5M
Detroit $486,000 -$1.1M
Green Bay $7M $7.1M
Houston $2.4M $12.9M
Indianapolis $3.5M $46M
Jacksonville $19.5M $22.1M
Kansas City $14M $16.1M
Miami $5.3M $35.8M
Minnesota $8M $16.1M
New England $5.6M $18.6M
New Orleans $2.7M -$14.7M
NY Giants $1M -$4.7M
NY Jets $3.4M -$19.4M
Oakland $4.5M -$4.5M
Philadelphia $23M $5.2M
Pittsburgh $758,000 -$10.8M
San Diego $995,000 $8.7M
San Fran $859,000 $3.9M
Seattle $13.2M $18.6M
St. Louis $247,000 $1.8M
Tampa Bay $8.5M $31.3M
Tennessee $12.8M $19.4M
Washington $4.2M -$4M
So is it like golf where the lowest score is good?
hence the real reason why tannenbaum is gone. you can't spend a ton and get nothing in any business (except government) and keep your job.
Tannenbaum (AND LET'S NOT FORGET ARI NISSIM!!!) crippled the organization with bloated, top-heavy contracts that are killing us now. I understand Rex has personnel say, but he did not sign these guys to the ridiculous contracts.
The Jets will have 11 guys count at least $6.16 million toward the cap next season! 11! Granted, Pace, Scott, J. Smith and BT are four of them, but still. As a comparison, the Patriots have 3. And that is why they are good. Because they identify the guys they need to pay, give them smart contracts and use all that other $ for depth!
Tanny thought 10 massive contracts was a smarter idea than building depth. That's on Tanny, not Rex.
A lot of people think Rex is not good with personnel decisions, I disagree. It's just that there wasn't enough cap space to bring in the guys he likes.
The $19.4 mil Jets CAP space on that list is misleading. Cause Jets only have 10 of the 22 starters signed to contracts. So the cupboard is really bare, for the draft and filling out the 53 man roster.
This list is virtually useless as it doesnt take into account who are free agents and what money can be dumped from the cap.
For example, baltimore is in a very difficult spot and here they are listed as having $15.7 in room
These are just basic numbers, thats all
Are any Bengals under contract for 2013?Cincinnati $8.5M $55.1M
Why isn't anyone from the Bengal front office a candidate for GM? They've got one of the youngest teams in football, have been to the playoffs 2 straight seasons, and have a ton of cap space.
Its not rocket science people. You simply dump as many players as possible and acquire as many decent draft picks as possible for 3 straight years. Then you have a roster full of up and coming players with cheap contracts. If you can remain competitive during this process then you are way ahead of the game. The NFL is a young players league. Pick the right ones and you have a good team. Your the Patriots. Pick the wrong ones and your the Jags or the Raiders.
The Bengals and Colts are in great situations, IF the Jets are entertaining any ideas of trading Revis, they should call Cinnci. They have 2 second round picks this year and a ton of cap space. If they add Revis to that front 7 they could be nasty.
Um, it is more difficult than just dumping players. You have to field a team. If most of your players are free agents, you still have to sign replacements. You don't have enough draft picks and more than half won't hit anyway. You're going to have to go to the market and you get what you pay for and most times, you over pay for it.
The Jets do have some cap problems.
Again, they have a lot of holes to fill, and not a lot of money, but it's not quite as dire as it looks on paper.
The cap situation lightens considerably in 2014.


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In Comic Shops 1/30/2013: Justice League Volume 2 — The Villian's Journey HC
Jan 23, 2013
(W) Geoff Johns
(A) Jim Lee & Various
(Cover) Jim Lee, Scott Williams
Now that the team's origin story is complete, we shift to the present-day Justice League! What has changed? Who has joined the team since? And why does Green Arrow want to join those ranks so badly? Plus, someone is out to get the Justice League, and he is determined to show the world how mortal these godlike beings really are! Collects Justice League #7-12.
Item Code: SEP120233 In Shops: 1/30/2013 Price: $24.99
Are you following PREVIEWSWorld on Twitter yet? Follow @PREVIEWSworld


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The remains from the Neander Valley consist of 16 pieces, which were scientifically described shortly after their discovery. Immediately there was disagreement as to whether the bones represented an archaic and extinct human form or an abnormal modern human. The former view was shown to be correct in 1886, when two Neanderthal skeletons associated with Middle Paleolithic stone tools and bones of extinct animals were discovered in a cave at Spy, BelgBelgium.
From shortly after the Spy discovery to about 1910, a series of Neanderthal skeletons were discovered in western and central Europe. Using those skeletons as a basis, scholars reconstructed the Neanderthals as semi-human, lacking a full upright posture and being somewhat less intelligent than modern humans. According to that view, the Neanderthals were intermediate between modern humans and the apes, as no older human forms were then generally recognized. They were also considered to be too different from modern humans to be their ancestors. Only after World War II were the errors in this perception of Neanderthals recognized, and the Neanderthals have since come to be viewed as quite close evolutionarily to modern humans. This latter view has been reflected in the frequent inclusion of the Neanderthals within the species Homo sapiens, usually as a distinct subspecies, H. sapiens neanderthalensis; more recently they have often been classified as a different but closely related species, H. neanderthalensis. Neanderthal skeletons have been found in caves and shelters across Europe, in Southwest Asia, and eastward to Uzbekistan in Central Asia, providing abundant skeletal remains and associated archaeological material for understanding these prehistoric humans. The Neanderthals are now known from several hundred individuals, represented by remains varying from isolated teeth to virtually complete skeletons.
The fossil evidence for the few hundred thousand years leading up to the time of the Neanderthals shows a gradual decrease in the size and frequency of anatomic characteristics of H. erectus and an increase in features more representative of Neanderthals. A gradual emergence of the Neanderthals from earlier regional populations of archaic humans can be inferred, probably across their entire geographic range. The changes between Neanderthal ancestors and the Neanderthals themselves highlight their characteristics. Brain size gradually increased to reach modern human volumes relative to body mass, although Neanderthal brains and braincases tended to be somewhat longer and lower than those of modern humans. Neanderthal faces remained large and especially long, similar to those of their ancestors, and they retained browridges and projecting dentitions and noses and had receding chins. Their chewing teeth (premolars and molars) were small like those of early modern humans, and their chewing muscles and cheek regions had shrunk accordingly. Their incisor and canine teeth, however, remained large, like those of their ancestors, indicating continued use of the teeth as a vise or third hand.
The bodies of the Neanderthals changed little from those of their ancestors. They retained broad shoulders, extremely muscular upper limbs, large chests, strong and fatigue-resistant legs, and broad, strong feet. There is nothing in their limb anatomies to indicate less dexterity than modern humans or any inability to walk efficiently. The details of their hand bones, however, do suggest greater emphasis on power rather than precision grips. All these features appear to have been maintained from their ancestors.
The Neanderthals differed in facial appearance from other archaic humans of East Asia and Africa, primarily in their retention of large incisors and canines, large noses, and long faces to support those teeth. In all archaic populations, facial massiveness and the size of premolars and molars were diminishing.
The fate of the Neanderthals is closely related to the appearance of modern humans. Over the years, the Neanderthals have been portrayed as everything from an evolutionary dead end to the direct ancestors of modern European and western Asian populations. Fossil evidence indicates that modern humans first evolved in sub-Saharan Africa sometime before 100,000 years ago. Subsequently they spread northward after 40,000 years ago, displacing or absorbing local archaic human populations. As a result, the Southwest Asian, Central Asian, and central European Neanderthals were absorbed to varying degrees into those spreading modern human populations and may have contributed genetically to the subsequent early modern human populations of those regions. Even in western Europe—a cul-de-sac where the transition to modern humans took place relatively late—some researchers contend that there is fossil evidence for interbreeding between late Neanderthal and early modern humans.
The anatomic changes between Neanderthal fossil remains and the remains of early modern humans involved largely a loss of the sturdiness that was characteristic of all archaic humans. Upper limbs became more gracile, although they were still very muscular by the standards of today's humans. The hand anatomy shifted to emphasize precision grips. Leg strength remained high, reflecting the mobility that characterized all Pleistocene hunting-and-gathering human populations. Front teeth became smaller and faces shortened, producing full chins and brows without ridges. Braincases became more elevated and rounded but not larger. Tool use and culture became more elaborate, but there are no anatomic features directly indicating that Neanderthals were smarter or less smart than other humans living at the time.
The origins of Neanderthals were analyzed using genetic techniques. However, the conclusions reached through these methods bear much uncertainty. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is often used to track an animal's ancestry, because it is not recombined between generations, and it seems to accumulate evolutionary changes quite rapidly.
In 1997 a team of researchers led by German biologist Matthias Krings and colleagues announced that they had extracted a short segment of mtDNA from the arm bone belonging to H. neanderthalensis collected from Feldhofer Cave in the Neander Valley. With it they determined the entire sequence of a collection of genes known as hypervariable sequence 1 in the mtDNA control region, which allowed scientists to infer the individual's maternal genetic lineage. A comparison of the sample with a global reference sequence of H. sapiens demonstrated that the Neanderthal sequence falls outside the range of variation of the human mtDNA gene pool. This suggests that Neanderthals did not supply mtDNA to modern humans, and thus humans did not evolve from Neanderthal stock.
Accordingly, the age of the common ancestor between individuals with Neanderthal mtDNA and modern human mtDNA was dated to between 690,000 and 550,000 years ago. (Estimates of the emergence of modern human mtDNA fall between 120,000 and 200,000 years ago. This evidence suggests that after modern humans left Africa they likely replaced Neanderthals with little or no interbreeding. Subsequent studies of Neanderthal mtDNA collected from multiple sites where Neanderthal specimens were discovered strongly support the status of H. neanderthalensis as a separate species and the African replacement, or "out of Africa," evolutionary scenario (see human evolution). The results of the 1997 paper by Krings suggested that H. sapiens was reproductively isolated in Europe and Central Asia.
In 2009 a group of European researchers reported that they had assembled six complete mtDNA genomes from the Neanderthal specimens taken from El Sidrón (Spain), Feldhofer (Germany), Vindija (Croatia), and Mezmaiskaya Cave (Russia). Although the specimens spanned roughly 30,000 years and 4,200 km (2,600 miles), the mtDNA diversity in the overall sample was about one-third that of modern H. sapiens. The research supported earlier conclusions that the mtDNAs of Neanderthals and modern humans were derived from separate lineages. From the analysis of the complete mtDNA genomes, the research determined that the most recent common ancestor of Neanderthals and H. sapiens lived an estimated 136,100 years ago. In addition, partial mtDNA genomes taken from Teshik-Tash Cave in Uzbekistan and from Okladnikov Cave in the Altai Mountains, Russia, confirm that Neanderthals had moved some 2,000 km (about 1,240 miles) east of the Caucasus by 44,000 to 38,000 years ago.
The picture of the relationships between H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens grew more complex in 2010 after announcements that teams of researchers had produced a draft sequence of a Neanderthal nuclear DNA genome—that is, the genome derived from genetic material in the cell's nucleus. The genome was constructed from three samples collected from the Vindija site that probably spanned two individuals. The inferred nuclear DNA sequence indicated that there might have been some, albeit limited, interbreeding between Neanderthals and European and Asian H. sapiens. Such interbreeding probably did not occur with Africans, however. The most reasonable scenario hypothesizes gene flow from Neanderthals to H. sapiens, but it still allows that the reverse also might have occurred. Natural selection might have acted on the genes of ancestral H. sapiens, producing particular metabolic processes, cognition, and skeletal development. In addition, natural selection might have caused the expression of Neanderthal traits in H. sapiens to be eliminated or suppressed or both.
One of the more interesting findings from this research was the discovery that H. neanderthalensis, like H. sapiens, possessed the FOXP2 gene—the gene that some scientists believe bestows individuals with the capacity for speech and language. It is expected that the continued rapid advancement in DNA analysis, as well as the discovery of new Neanderthal specimens, will provide additional information on the genetic history of the species.
The idea that Neanderthals and H. sapiens interbred with one another received additional support in 2011. Research conducted by British biologist Peter Parham and colleagues uncovered evidence that certain alleles (differing forms of genes) of Neanderthals and other archaic human groups shaped the immune systems of modern humans with non-African ancestries. In addition, Polish-born Canadian biologist Damian Labuda and his team discovered that a region of the human X chromosome known as dys44 (part of the dystrophin gene) is present in 9 percent of all modern human populations outside of Africa and contains a haplotype, B006, that came from interbreeding with Neanderthals between 80,000 and 50,000 years ago (a haplotype is a set of alleles that occur close together on a single chromosome and tend to be inherited together).
The behavioral patterns of the Neanderthals can be inferred from their anatomy in combination with their archaeological record. From their fossil remains and the debris they left behind at hundreds of sites they created—in cave entrances, rock shelters, and the open air—an accurate view of their way of life can be put together.
The Neanderthals appear to have lived in relatively small groups, moving frequently on the landscape but reusing the same locations often. This is indicated by the small sizes of their sites and by the considerable depth of debris at a number of sites. The materials left behind show only minor variations among sites, suggesting that there was little planned differential use of the landscape—one site seemed to serve as well as another for most purposes.
Most of their early tool kits are described as those of a Paleolithic technological complex called the Mousterian industry (or Middle Paleolithic industry). They include carefully made chipped stone tools or broad flakes and simple spears made of wood. Although much of their stone technology was simple and crude, they occasionally made high-quality stone tools by first preparing the block of raw material so as to strike off symmetrical and relatively uniform stone flakes. They rarely used bone as a raw material, despite its abundance at their sites as kitchen debris, and few of their tools were hafted. The predominance of handheld thick stone flakes in their tool kits is associated with the strength of their arms and hands; such tools would have required great strength to perform the same tasks that modern humans accomplish with mechanically more-efficient implements and with less strength. It also fits with their tendency to use their front teeth as a vise, augmenting their hands and tools.
This pattern changes after about 40,000 years ago, when Neanderthals in Europe began making a variety of more-advanced (Upper Paleolithic) tools from bone and stone that were frequently hafted. They also made personal ornaments. Although such sophistication is a late phenomenon for this group of archaic humans, it nonetheless shows clearly that they were fully capable of complex technological and social behaviours. This is all the more important as the earliest modern humans in Southwest Asia left behind an archaeological record that is essentially indistinguishable from that of the Neanderthals.
Information about the Neanderthal diet consists mostly of the animal bones that they left behind, but there is rare evidence that they ate nuts, tubers, and other plant foods when available. The animal bones they abandoned indicate that they were able to hunt small and moderately large animals (goats, horses, and cattle) but were able to eat larger animals (e.g., rhinoceroses and mammoths) only by scavenging from natural deaths. The bone chemistry of European Neanderthals indicates that they were highly carnivorous and therefore must have been reasonably effective hunters. The animals exploited for food closely reflect what was available in the surrounding countryside. Consumption of fish, birds, or shellfish appears to have been rare. There is simply no evidence for any systematic harvesting of wild plant or animal resources—a characteristic of modern hunter-gatherers in similar environments.
Neanderthals were the first human group to survive in northern latitudes during the cold (glacial) phases of the Pleistocene. They had domesticated fire, as evidenced by concentrations of charcoal and reddened earth found at their sites. Their hearths were simple and shallow, however, and must have cooled off quickly, providing little warmth through the night. Not surprisingly, Neanderthals exhibited anatomic adaptations to cold conditions, especially in Europe. Such features included large torsos and relatively short limbs, both of which maximized heat production and minimized heat loss.
The Neanderthals exhibited some uniquely modern features despite their archaic anatomy and their less-efficient foraging systems (as compared with those of modern human hunter-gatherers). They were the first humans to bury their dead intentionally, usually in simple graves. This indicates social systems sufficiently elaborate to make some kind of formal disposal of the dead desirable. They also occasionally created simple forms of personal decoration such as pierced pendants. Creation of artistic objects became well developed among late Neanderthals associated with early Upper Paleolithic technologies.
The difficult existence of the Neanderthals is reflected in their high frequency of traumatic injury. The remains of all older individuals show signs of serious wounds, sprains, or breaks. There are abundant signs of nutritional deprivation during growth, more than 75 percent of individuals showing evidence of growth defects in their teeth. Life expectancy was low; few Neanderthals lived past 40 years of age, and almost none lived past 50. Still, they were able to keep severely injured individuals alive, in some cases for decades. This again reflects a more-advanced social organization.
The overall image of the Neanderthals, therefore, is one of archaic humans who shared a number of important characteristics with modern humans, including their large brains, manual dexterity and walking ability, and social sophistication. Like their archaic predecessors, however, their foraging systems were considerably less efficient than those of modern human hunter-gatherers, necessitating more-muscular limbs, greater endurance, and large front teeth. It was only with the emergence of modern humans that these archaic features disappeared, being superseded by more elaborate cultural behaviours and technologies.


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Location: Crop Genetics ResearchTitle: Evaluating soybean germplasm and commercial varieties for resistance to Phomopsis seed decay Author
|Li, Shuxian
|Rupe, John
|Holland, Robert
|Steger, Adele
|Chen, Pengyin
|Sun, Shi
|Sciumbato, Gabe
Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/2/2013
Publication Date: 6/1/2013
Citation: Li, S., Rupe, J., Holland, R., Steger, A., Chen, P., Sun, S., Sciumbato, G. 2013. Evaluating soybean germplasm and commercial varieties for resistance to Phomopsis seed decay. Phytopathology. 103:S2.80. Interpretive Summary:
Technical Abstract: Soybean Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) is the major cause of poor seed quality in most soybean production areas of the United States. Very few soybean cultivars currently available for planting in the US have resistance to PSD. To identify new sources of resistance to PSD, a multistate and multiyear research project funded by the United Soybean Board with support from the USDA-ARS was initiated in 2009. A total of 135 germplasm lines collected from 28 countries were field screened by natural infection in 2009 in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri. Based on the seed assay results in 2009, 42 lines with the most resistant or susceptible reactions were selected and evaluated in 2010, 2011, and 2012 with Phomopsis inoculated and non-inoculated treatments. Significant differences in seed infection by the causal pathogen Phomopsis longicolla were observed among soybean lines with some lines having no infection while others had levels as high as 85%. These differences between lines also were reflected in visual seed quality and seed germination. Soybean lines with low seed infection and high germination rate at all locations and in four years will be selected and used to develop breeding or mapping populations. Another study funded by the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board, evaluated commercial varieties for resistance to PSD with inoculated and non-inoculated treatments and two harvest times at R8 and R8+2 weeks stages (normal vs. delayed) in 2011 and 2012. Several varieties were identified with low disease incidence and good seed quality.


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Chef's Press
- Exclusive
Easy, hassle-free returns online and in-store for eligible items.Learn More
- Summary
Great for grilling meat, fish, vegetables and more, our stainless-steel presses top foods with extra weight for faster, more efficient cooking.
- Vented to release moisture during grilling.
- 9-oz. presses can be stacked to create extra weight.
- Easy to arrange in overlapping patterns to cover larger pieces of meat.
- Also handy for weighting foods for marinating.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Set of three.
- Dimensions & More Info
- 5" x 4" high.
- Made in China.
- Use & Care
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Shipping Information
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Next Day Delivery
For an additional charge of $17.50 per address, we can expedite delivery to most destinations. This service is not available for some oversize items, items shipped directly from the supplier (including perishable and custom-manufactured items), out-of-stock items and items to be shipped outside the contiguous 48 states.
Orders received by 9:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Thursday will arrive the next business day; orders placed Friday through Sunday will arrive on the following Tuesday.
Return Policy
At Williams Sonoma, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction are our priority. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement.
If within 30 days, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Returns with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a Merchandise Credit for the amount indicated on the gift receipt. Returns with original receipt will be refunded in the original form of payment, cash and check refunds over $100 will be issued as a company check (may take 14 business days from time of request).
For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners, and knife storage) please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
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Rated 5 out of 5 by AFarlington from Great design - easy to use and clean I was looking for a small bacon press, as I often cook small meals and my cast iron press was too big. I'm so glad I bought these -- the set lets me press at different weights and (best of all) these go right into the dishwasher. I like it so much that I bought another set to give as a gift.Date published: 2017-10-30Rated 4 out of 5 by GrannieJ from Great press for burgers Love the size, weight, and stack ability of these presses. So glad I saw and purchased.Date published: 2017-01-06Rated 5 out of 5 by Cantarinas from The most convenient press that I have found I found this at my WS store and I was concern about the weight of the pressers. I decided to try them with the condition that if it did not work as was expecting , I was going to return them ....... You know what? . It is what I was looking for. Very good for making the chicken breast sooner and gold, very good weight and easy to fit the pans .Thank WS for making me happy.Date published: 2016-08-08


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Baidu founder and CEO Robin Li has been at pains to downplay a recent challenge to his company's iron-clad grip on the Chinese search market from Internet upstart Qihoo 360. But when you're going up against one of the scrappiest members of China's contentious Internet entrepreneur club, it's hard to keep your name out of the headlines.
Baidu sued Qihoo in October, saying the antivirus company had made illicit use of Baidu content in the new search engine it launched in August. Qihoo founder Zhou Hongyi shot back, accusing Baidu of purposefully pushing negative articles about his company to the top of Baidu searches. The fight led to the two companies signing a fair-play code of conduct following intervention from a government-backed industry group — and helped propelling the reserved Mr. Li to the top of the China Power List, a ranking of top corporate newsmakers in the world's second-largest economy compiled using data from Dow Jones Insight.
Rounding out the top three this month were Power List regulars Jack Ma of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Pony Ma of Tencent Holdings Ltd., who finished second and third, respectively. Also notable is Liang Wengen, chairman of Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., who returned to the list at No. 7 after months of failing to make the top 10. Mr. Liang can thank Barack Obama for his most recent boost after the U.S. president issued an executive order in September blocking an affiliate of Sany from owning part of a wind farm located near military airspace in Oregon.
See the rest of the list here.


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EPA Encourages All to Vote in the Rachel Carson Contest
Rachel Carson is widely considered the founder of the modern environmental movement. Through her book, "Silent Spring," she opened the public's eyes to the damages caused by the pesticide DDT. From that point on, society realized they have a much greater influence on the environment than previously thought. Borrowing the title from another one of her books, "The Sense of Wonder," the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is holding its fourth annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest.
The EPA is asking citizens to vote for their favorite entries from five separate categories which include photography, essay, poetry, dance, and mixed media. A panel of judges has pre-selected the finalists for each category based on creativity, originality, and the ability to capture a sense of wonder for the environment. The judges also selected entries which incorporate an inter-generational team in their production.
The contest is meant to help bring forth the spirit felt by environmentalists like Rachel Carson. The entries selected by the judges "best express the 'Sense of Wonder' that you feel when observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes."
For example, one of the entries is a sentimental photograph of a father and daughter together in a backyard vegetable garden. Another entry is a moving poem about the sounds of the forest. Another is an essay written by young woman and her grandmother about their favorite tree near their house in Vermont.
The contest is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Rachel Carson, without whom, the EPA might not exist today. It is sponsored by the EPA in partnership with Generations United, the Rachel Carson Council Inc., and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.
The voting deadline for the public is November 1, and the winners will be announced later in that month. Those winners will be featured on the EPA website and receive a certificate for their accomplishment.
To check out the contest finalists and place your vote, go to: http://yosemite.epa.gov/oa/agingepa/rcvote.nsf/fmVote?OpenForm


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Tentative timeline for School Performance Index release announced
The Department of Education is looking ahead to the release of School Performance Index data and scores this summer and recently released a timeline of critical dates relating to the process.
Please keep in mind that the dates below are tentative.
TENTATIVE schedule for release of 2012-13 School Performance Index data, scores, classifications (i.e., annual Report Card process)
June 14 Last day for districts to make changes to SY 2012-13 data in Infinite Campus
July 8-12 Districts review and validate School Performance Index data. If errors in the data are discovered, this will be the time period to fix them. We recommend that you have appropriate staff available during this time to assist with the data review process.
July 17 Department offers session on School Performance Index and annual Report Card at Superintendents Conference, Pierre
July 25 Department provides districts with their schools School Performance Index data and scores prior to public release of Report Card on Tuesday, July 30
July 25-29 Districts use this time to share their local School Performance Index data and scores with key audiences, including Monday board meetings if applicable
July 30 Public release of statewide School Performance Index data and Report Card (results posted on DOEs website and media release sent out)
Aug. 15 Deadline for formal appeals to be submitted
Sept. 14 Deadline for department to make decisions on formal appeals


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Rain Dampens More than Turf in Loss
Rays 3, Red Sox 7
Rain can do a number on you mentally. It can make you get into your future situation and linger with positives and negatives. It can make you get edgy and feel confined and isolated. It can work to start early muscle fatique and mentally drain you of energy. Now, the Red Sox rain gods did not doom the teams to another day, but the game did get started at 9:30 last night and did make both teams a bit lackluster and dull until they mentally " woke up".
The result was a Rays loss.
Trivia Fact of the Night:
The average " in play" life expectancy of a major league baseball is 7 pitches.
The Good,The Bad,and the Ugly
The Good
The "Good" of last night's game is the fact we finally got to play it around 9:30-ish last night. On this roadtrip, the Rays have had a few incidents were the elements have been playing with them. In Baltimore, all three games had a hint of rain, with the shower gods letting only a few minutes of downpour ruin that series.
In Boston, the entire series has the chance of rain, with tonight's game also having a better than good chance of repeating a late start.
Honorable mention "Good" guys:
*** Rays first baseman Carlos Pena is finally coming out of his batting funk. Yesterday he got his first RBI in awhile, and today he went 2-4 to raise his average to .212 for the season. Carlos is stuck on 6 homers this year, but is looking more relaxed at the plate. He is a career .301 hitter at Fenway.
** Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett has been hitting and fielding better since his nagging shoulder has healed a bit. He also went 2-3 last night, with a double to raise his average to .240.
* Carl Crawford is riding another hitting streak and is hitting the ball alot better in the last few days. He also went 2-4 last night with a double and is hitting .299 for the year.
The Bad
Edwin Jackson looked out of sorts last night after the rain delay in Boston. He did not have his ususal control and seemed to rush his pitches to the plate.
Jackson did get his composure in gear late in the first innig, but the Red Sox bats came alive in the bottom of the 4th inning and put the game out of reach for the Rays. Edwin is now 2-3 and his ERA ballooned to 4.98 for the year. Jackson did get 4 strikeout, but also gave up 3 walks to the Red Sox.
I am going to review the MLB TV broadcast of the game and see if Rays rookie Evan Longoria ran threw a "stop sign" put up by Rays third base coach Tom Foley last night. The play could have beeen a ignitor to better things last night had Longoria not been tagged out by Jason Varitek at home. The slide was a bit weak, but Varitek is not your usual catcher, and made the play with ease.
The Ugly
The main ugly I want to address is why the Bosotn Red Sox, a two-time World Series Champion has not put money into their visiting clubhouse to upgrade, expand or even eliminate the cramped space with a MLB-worthy locker room.
Now the answer is actually pretty simple. but it is a bit sneaky. The cramped, century old style lockroom is designed to be a mental note to the unimportance of the visiting team. It is made to get into their heads and disrupt the process that this game is "in the bag", or that you do not have to earn your wins at Fenway.
The Red Sox have put in new batting cages under the stands for both teams, but at the expense of no new lockerroom expansion or even renewal. Mentally being cramped in that small space can be demeaning to the psyche and play on your thoughts at times.
When I was at Florida, we used to have to go up to Knoxville to play the University of Tennesse at their stadium. The visiting lockerroom was small, and the team pumped the song, "rocky Top" into the room through the speakers in the ceiling. there was no volume knob or way to shut it off to even talk to each other. That did play into our minds and did finally drive a few of us a bit batty before the game.
Never under estimate the little things that can defeat the mind in sports. It is a free advantage for your opponent, and will be used without recourse.
Former Rays Player of the Night:
The player of the night is former Rays Randy Winn who has been with the San Francisco giants for a few season. Winn went 3-5 last night to up his average to .261 for the year. Randy's team fell to the Philadelphia Philles in 10 innings last night, 6-5.
You might remember a few years ago when Winn won a car for his mother with a half court shot during a Golden State Warriors' NBA game. No word on if the car is still active and running.


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Suspect in home invasion, attempted armed robbery arraigned
PITTSFIELD -- A 22-year-old ex-convict, accused of breaking into a home and pistol-whipping one of the occupants, remains in jail without bail following his arraignment on Tuesday in Berkshire Superior Court.
Ansel "Yamean" Sparrow of Pittsfield, represented by attorney Colin Keefe, pleaded not guilty to five charges including single counts of armed home invasion, armed assault with the intent to rob and conspiracy to commit armed robbery while masked, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Sparrow denies the charges. His girlfriend has said that the defendant was with her during the time the crimes were supposed to have taken place.
On Tuesday, Assistant Berkshire District Attorney Marianne Shelvey asked the court for a dangerousness hearing, which would allow for the defendant to be held for up to 90 days without bail.
The prosecutor's move was similar to one she made in Central District Court at the defendant's original arraignment in October before his case was indicted by a grand jury.
Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini ordered Sparrow to jail without bail pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 14.
According to police and prosecutors, Sparrow and a codefendant, 18-year-old Steven T. Lesley of Pittsfield, broke into a West Housatonic Street apartment at about 2 a.m. on Oct. 2 and pistol-whipped a 25-year-old man and struck a 21-year-old woman in the head.
The man suffered lacerations to the face, while his girlfriend had scrapes and bruises, according to police.
The defendants were allege dly looking for money.
According to Shelvey, Spar row is a "validated Bloods gang member" who served three years for a house break-in which a gun was stolen.
Lesley was arraigned on Oct. 24 in Superior Court on similar charges and remains in jail in lieu of $200,000 bail.
According to a Pittsfield Police report, Lesley admitted being the driver in the crime, but said he was intimidated into the role. He denied being inside the apartment.
To reach Andrew Amelinckx:
or (413) 496-6249.
On Twitter: @BE_TheAmelinckx
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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MTV interviewed Jamie Campbell Bower at Comic-con, and Jamie is so much fun:
MTV: Tell us about your character in "New Moon."Read the rest here.
Bower: I play Caius, who is the leader of the Volturi. They are a coven and effectively run the vampire community. They make the laws up. It's me, Michael Sheen who plays Aro, and a guy called Christopher Heyerdahl who plays Marcus. We try to kill Bella and convince Edward to come and live with us — because Peter's character [Carlisle Cullen] had come and lived with us before — and we love the Cullens deeply.
MTV: Director Chris Weitz is new to most of these guys, but so are you. What kind of discussions did you two newbies have before filming began?
Bower: He gave us a lot of freedom. We sat down prior to it and just bounced ideas around. The backstory for Caius is already there, as it is for the Volturi. It's all fairly self-explanatory. We sat down and I said, "I think he's got this deep-rooted anger. He doesn't have a power, and he's pretty pissed off about that, because the rest of them have powers." And then, once we got on set, he was just like, "Go for it." We'd do a couple of takes of the same thing, and then we'd change it up and I'd do something crazy.
P.S. We already think RobWard is hot. How much hotter would he be if he was speaking with his British accent? Yeah, yeah, I know Edward's from Chicago... (Lorabell, who is from the UK, probably thinks I'm on crack now)
Don't worry, TCA, I get it - I suddently become much more attractive in NYC than London! Plus, Irish accents have the same effect on me and they're all about the "craic"... get it?!
- Lorabell ;)


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Halladay hot topic among Phils' All-Stars
Players discuss possibility of acquiring Blue Jays ace
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
The five Phillies All-Stars were there to talk about the All-Star Game.
And they did.
They just found Pedro Martinez and Roy Halladay to be hot topics, too.
A baseball source said Martinez, who pitched twice for the Phillies last week in the Dominican Republic, was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on Monday night and take a physical Tuesday morning. If Martinez passes the physical, the Phillies could introduce him at a news conference Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park.
Halladay is on the trade market, and the Phillies are interested. A baseball source said signing Martinez will not prevent the Phillies from pursuing Halladay. Halladay is signed through 2010, when he will make $15.75 million. But prospects -- who and how many? -- will determine whether or not the Phils get a deal done.
Halladay told reporters Monday that he considered his chances to be traded at 50-50. He also said he is open to pitching in the National League, which is noteworthy only because he has a complete no-trade clause, and without agreeing to a contract extension.
"I think as a player, there's that will to win and there's that will to do it in October," Halladay said. "And basically that's all this has been about is I would like the chance. And I'm not saying it won't happen in Toronto. It's just what's going to be best for the organization -- are we going to be able to do that, and how do we move forward?"
Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is walking a fine line between taking a shot at winning another World Series and mortgaging the future for a championship that is not guaranteed, even with the arrival of one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Obviously, Phillies players look at things differently.
"I understand all that," said Werth, who is signed with the Phils through 2010. "We won last year and we pretty much have the same team this year. If you were ever going to sell the farm, I think now would be the time. But that's just me speaking, who has a short window of a career. Ruben and those guys are going to be there for a long time. It's a lot to leverage, I know. But I think we're definitely in a situation where if we did go for it, it could pay off."
Ryan Howard echoed Werth's sentiments.
"I'm good with trying to win now," Howard said. "That's just me. Not to try to upstage anybody or anything in the front office. Obviously, they're going to make that decision. Whatever decision it is, when the dust settles, we live with it, we go on and we play. Hopefully, that's an addition we take. If not, we've still got to go out there and play. But I think if you ask everybody on this team right now, you would want to try to win now because you never know when you're going to get another chance.
"Last year, a guy like [Matt] Stairs, Geoff Jenkins and Jamie Moyer. Jamie has been in this league for 20-some-odd years now. And that was his first trip to the World Series. Not his first World Series win -- his first trip. So you never know. In this game, as a player, everybody's mind-set is trying to go out there and try to win now because you never know what's going to happen."
The Blue Jays certainly would ask a lot for Halladay, who many consider to be the best pitcher in baseball.
That could include rookie left-hander J.A. Happ, who is an NL Rookie of the Year candidate at 6-0 with a 2.90 ERA, and Double-A Reading right-hander Kyle Drabek, who one baseball official said Sunday was the best pitcher he watched at the All-Star Futures Game. It also could include one of the organization's top outfield prospects Class A Clearwater's Dominic Brown or Double-A Reading's Michael Taylor.
"As a player, you try not to play GM because you don't know exactly what's going on," Utley said. "Who's available? Who's not available? I do think we have something special going on right now in Philadelphia. We have a lot of players in their prime. So now is a good time to win."
The Phillies will see Halladay plenty Tuesday. He starts against the National League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Maybe they can convince him to push for Philadelphia.
"I don't do that," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I can't do that. I think that's kind of out of line."
His players might. They want Halladay.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Practica MusicaArs Nova Software - Ars Nova Software
Practica MusicaArs Nova Software - Ars Nova Software
This is an incredible theory program! "Practica Musica" could be used as a complete theory course if desired, and even comes with a textbook, "Exploring Theory with Practica Musica," that starts out with the basics and progresses all the way through college-level theory. The new version includes an exceptional feature that let's you design custom activities for your students building off of existing exercises in the program. And, you can upload your activities to the publisher's web site for others to use (and download new activities that others have posted). Starting with the basics of notation, interval recognition, pitch reading and more, the program can take you into serious music theory topics like four-part composition, hearing altered chords, complex dicatation, transposition and more. Student performance is tracked by the program, and recorded on either a separate student disk or on files within the computer (additional disks and/or files can be reordered if needed). The Site License edition can be launched from a file server if desired. "Practica Musica" has been called "A sensational learning program" by MacUser magazine!
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Aah, Texas Mental Health: "Just Go to the ER".
Some mental health patients to be diverted to ERs
State tells local mental health agency to stop overusing Austin State Hospital.
By Andrea Ball
Thursday, November 01, 2007
More people with mental illnesses could soon be sent to local emergency rooms instead of Austin State Hospital, and hospital officials say that could clog waiting rooms and cause longer waits for medical care throughout the Austin area.
On Nov. 8, the Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center will start reducing the number of people it sends to the state hospital by 43 percent — an estimated 600 to 900 people each year. Those people will be taken to emergency rooms, including ones at Brackenridge Hospital, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Heart Hospital of Austin and St. David's Medical Center, said Jim Van Norman, MHMR's medical director.
The only solution, Evans said, is to stabilize people in emergency rooms until a psychiatric hospital bed can be found.
"No one hates this more than we do," Evans said.
Oh, I'd bet you're wrong there, Mr. Evans. The patients will hate it, their families will hate it, the entire staff in the ED now caring for a patient they're not equipped to deal with and cannot disposition will hate it more, and longer, than you. (I keep deleting a really snarky line here: feel free to make your own).
The move has local emergency room doctors expressing concern.
"This is truly a disaster waiting to happen," said Pat Crocker, chief of Dell Children's emergency department. "It's going to affect medical care for every citizen in Travis County."
Dr. Chris Ziebell, medical director for the emergency department at Brackenridge Hospital, said the hospital isn't equipped to be a mental health crisis center. There is no secure place to keep patients who may be violent or disruptive, and medical staffers are not trained to provide the specialized mental health care, he said.
"I can knock them unconscious, but that isn't going to make the mental illness go away," Ziebell said.
Meanwhile, those patients can tie up emergency room beds for several days while waiting to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
It's a solution from the MHMR standpoint: patient not in their waiting room = problem solved! Except all you've done is shifted the responsibility from those whose it is, to those who aren't able to turn any patient away. Unconscionable.
[Really good background on the roots of the problem and Austin's reluctance to pay for what they use in the Texas Mental Health hospital system.]
Whatever the long-term solution, Ziebell hopes it doesn't involve leaving mental health care to emergency room staff.
"Sending someone to the ER when they're having a mental health crisis is like going to the proctologist when you have a heart problem," he said. "This is not the right place for them to get treated."
(All emphasis mine). This is not a solution to the problem, it's abdicating a responsibility. And it's shameful.
Best of luck, Austin ED's.


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Indian Peaks (CO) > Mount Bancroft > East Ridge Direct > Climber's Log
East Ridge Direct Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Ted Eliason
|Hot Sweaty One
Date Climbed: Jun 18, 2016
|Hauled and Alpine rack and only needed a single rap line.
|Posted Jun 21, 2016 11:22 am
|sweet spring ridge!
Date Climbed: May 18, 2014
|super rad climb with emily! the ridge is in pretty gnarly, technical condition. we roped for 5 pitches of 5.2, 4th-class ice, cornices above warming double couloirs and M-whatever the rating climbing. much more interesting than we had expected!
|Posted May 21, 2014 3:57 pm
|Sarah Simon
|Great spring climb
Date Climbed: Apr 9, 2011
|This is an outstanding spring route. On the way down, we saw the crater of some unfortunate who did a "full-body posthole" in the soft spring snow. Fun, aesthetic route!
|Posted May 27, 2013 12:02 pm
Date Climbed: Jan 26, 2013
|Amazing day on an amazing route. Snow conditions were challenging, with lots of rime snow on everything and filling all the cracks; but the weather was perfect. Pretty dry snow conditions overall but fantastic varied terrain.
|Posted Jan 27, 2013 9:01 am
|2nd succesful trip
|2nd time was still as much fun as the first. Snow wasn't in quiet as good of shape but still a fun day out.
|Posted Dec 11, 2011 11:38 pm
|east ridge
Date Climbed: Dec 8, 2010
|SPOR-TA.. this route with full winter conditions is def a little suntin suntin.. able to climb full ridge but had to forego the true summit because 80mph were trying to throw us off the mtn. getting down proved to be a hell of an adventure.. started backtracking on ridge but wind was so off the chain had to drop down.. many hours filled with raps off trees as big as sticks, crossing steep snow chutes, savage wind and cold. finally back to lake.. arrived truck 2am. quality day .. grateful for skilled, cool headed partner. i will walk away from this one with many lessons learned. thanks Steve.
|Posted Dec 9, 2010 1:30 pm
|East Ridge
Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2010
|Really nice climb. I enjoyed this more than Kelso Ridge, though I'm not sure carrying rope for the short technical section is worth it. We didn't see anyone from the lake all the way to the summit. Scree descent sucks.
|Posted Jul 18, 2010 10:48 am
|Eric Holle
|E Ridge Direct - CO Mines Pk
Date Climbed: Nov 25, 2008
|Ben and I did the East Ridge Direct with the exciting rappel then traversed Parry, Eva, Flora and CO Mines to Berthod Pass.
|Posted Nov 26, 2008 12:37 am
|Awesome Day
Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2006
|Great day, awesome route, great company, killer pizza and beer at Beaujos in Idaho Springs. Can't ask for much more...
|Posted Apr 24, 2006 9:28 pm
Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2006
|Amazing route with a little bit of everything. Climbed with a party of five including SPers ChrisGerber and Andy. Great weather and perfect snow conditions.
|Posted Apr 24, 2006 5:16 pm


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De La Rosa to test groin in 'pen session
Rockies' NLDS rotation beyond Jimenez hinges on lefty
By Steve Dilbeck / Special to MLB.com
Rockies manager Jim Tracy named Ubaldo Jimenez as his starter for Wednesday's 12:37 p.m. MT opener in Philadelphia, but the rest of his rotation is dependent upon the health of De La Rosa.
De La Rosa, who has won a Major League best 16 games since June 1, left Saturday's game against the Dodgers with left groin tightness after throwing a fastball to shortstop Rafael Furcal to lead off the bottom of the fourth.
"He's sore, but we're going to continue to treat him and see if he's able to throw a bullpen [session] on Tuesday," Tracy said. "Obviously, if he's able to do that, then there's a good chance he factors into the mix."
De La Rosa said Saturday he expected to be ready for the playoffs, though he suffered a similar injury last year and felt it for about week.
"We're going to play this out the right way and see where he's at as of Tuesday," Tracy said.
The Rockies' second game against the Phillies is scheduled for Thursday at 12:37 p.m., followed by an off-day on Friday.
That could give De La Rosa a week since injuring the groin before trying to start Game 3 in Colorado on Saturday.
Game 1 starter Jimenez is 15-12 this season with a 3.47 ERA.
"Ubaldo is going to pitch on Wednesday," Tracy said. "Where we go from there, I don't want to step out there any further."
Two other Colorado starters, Jason Marquis and Jason Hammel, got in work Sunday against the Dodgers.
Steve Dilbeck is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Mount Sinai Researchers Examine a New Antibody Used to Treat Both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
The new findings appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine on August 22.
Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recently published two manuscripts in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding a new antibody used to treat both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The journal published these findings on August 22.
Bruce Sands, MD, Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Chief of the Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology and Jean-Frédéric Colombel, MD, Director of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, led the team of researchers at Mount Sinai. In the first study they observed the intravenous use of the new therapy, named vedolizumab, in adults with active Crohn's disease. In beginning of the trial, 368 patients were randomly assigned to receive vedolizumab or placebo at weeks zero and two. During the same time frame, 747 patients received an open-label vedolizumab. Disease status was assessed at week six for all patients. After the six weeks, 461 patients who had had a response to vedolizumab were randomly assigned to receive placebo or vedolizumab every eight or four weeks for the remainder of the year-long trial.
"We discovered that the patients with active Crohn's disease that were treated with vedolizumab were more likely than patients receiving placebo to have a remission with a Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) <150 but not a (CDAI) 100 response at six weeks" said Dr. Sands. . The patients with a response to the initial therapy who continued to receive vedolizumab, rather than switching to placebo, were more likely to be in remission after the year-long trial."
In the second study, the researchers conducted two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of vedolizumab in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Initially, 374 patients received either vedolizumab or placebo intravenously at weeks zero and two, with an evaluation after six weeks. Additionally, 521 patients received open-label vedolizumab therapy during the same time period. Week six responders from both groups were randomized to continue vedolizumab every eight or four weeks or switch to placebo for up to a year.
The response rate after six weeks was nearly 50 percent for the vedolizumab treatment while only 25 percent for the placebo group. At one year, 42 percent and 45 percent of patients randomized to continue vedolizumab every eight weeks or every four weeks, respectively, were in clinical remission as compared with 15.9 percent with placebo.
"We found that treatment with vedolizumab was more effective than placebo during the initial and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis," said Dr. Colombel. "The drug was generally well tolerated with a slightly increased rate of side effects especially infections in Crohn's disease patients treated with vedolizumab as compared to placebo."
About The Mount Sinai Medical Center
The Mount Sinai Medical Center encompasses both The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Established in 1968, the Icahn School of Medicine is one of the leading medical schools in the United States, with more than 3,400 faculty in 32 departments and 14 research institutes. It ranks among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and by U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital, founded in 1852, is a 1,171-bed tertiary- and quaternary-care teaching facility and one of the nation's oldest, largest and most-respected voluntary hospitals. The Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 25 hospitals in 7 specialties based on reputation, safety, and other patient-care factors.
For more information, visit Mount Sinai on the web, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


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The 10 Best Hotels In Australia, New Zealand, And The South Pacific
Southern Ocean LodgeFrom the Great Barrier Reef to the limestone cliffs of Australia, the Southern Hemisphere has some of the world's most beautiful attractions.
Turns out it has some pretty spectacular hotels, too.
Travel + Leisure asked their readers to rate the World's Best Hotels, and properties in Australia, New Zealand, and the French Polynesia all received top-ranking scores.
And just looking at what the top 10 have to offer guests, it's easy to see why they made the cut.


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Marc By Marc Jacobs brown bracelet from Insidious: Chapter 3 seen with Stefanie Scott (Quinn Brenner)
As Seen on Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott) in Insidious: Chapter 3
TEEN SCREAMS: When a family becomes the target of evil supernatural forces, their domestic tranquility turns into a nightmare in the prequel to the chilling horror series. In Insidious: Chapter 3, Quinn Brenner (Stephanie Scott) might look like a normal teen in tailored frocks and tank tops, but when evil spirits try to take away everything she loves, her life becomes anything but typical.
Scroll down to see more clothes, outfits and products identified from Insidious: Chapter 3.
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In a very real sense, the bailout she addresses is costing our society much more than those that have been in the news, because they are more or less "one-time" bailouts. The parent bailout, however, is so pervasive that it goes on year after year. Dr. Green begins her discussion by dedicating her book to her parents, Carl and Icy Rainey, and then tells the reader why they were so special. She is one of 15 children and they are all productive citizens in our society. Her parents understood that although they had many responsibilities in life, none were greater than the responsibility of parenting.
Here are some qualities that are missing in many homes today. Her parents were able to instruct because they were at home, listening, feeding, teaching and giving their children what they needed emotionally so they did not need to get their physical and emotional needs met elsewhere. Many parents are feeding and clothing but not instructing. In addition to a hot breakfast, her parents made sure their children had what they needed before they went to school every morning. "My siblings and I were blessed; I was taught that your actions follow your beliefs."
Then she makes a statement that I wish every parent in America could make: "Thank you Mom and Dad for not just talking about what you believe. Thank you for living what you believe and honoring your responsibilities as parents. Your life serves as a model to your children and others, and the term 'parent bailout' would not exist if all parents were like you."
From this point forward, in the following 57 pages she really "cuts to the chase" and lays out the massive problem of too many parents depending on our schools to provide for the needs of their children rather than meeting their own responsibilities.
Today's school systems are required to implement various family programs to address issues that were once the responsibility of the family. Schools assist with children's personal care, meals, emotional support and supplies necessary for school.
Here is the real rub. School systems are not designed to handle the responsibilities for family support systems for an extended period, as it stretches their resources. Family structures become weaker as the dependency increases on school systems to provide various family services.
Here is why this problem must be addressed in coming years. Parent bailout exhausts government and school resources and lessens the responsibility on families. Public school systems were created with the goal of educating individuals to be productive citizens and contribute to society. They can't do that if they have to do the job of parenting, too. By all means, get Dr. Green's book and read it. We may be able to improve our public school system.
Contact Jim Davidson at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com.


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For most, the ring of the 2:30 bell at South Shore Vocational Technical High School signals the end of the school day. For graphics teacher Martha Paradis, though, that doesn't mean it's time to relax. It's time to sweat.
For most, the ring of the 2:30 bell at South Shore Vocational Technical High School signals the end of the school day. For graphics teacher Martha Paradis, though, it's not a signal to relax. It's time to sweat.
Paradis is among 49 staff members at South Shore Regional involved in a "Biggest Loser" weight-loss competition. As on the reality TV show, participants have been doing weekly weigh-ins on Fridays, and they encourage each other to eat healthy and exercise – something they often do so as a group.
"Group exercise works – it makes it easier with buddies," said Paradis, a Scituate resident. "They motivate you."
School nurse Colette Worrall started the program in January to help get staff members through the winter months and stick to the common New Year's resolutions of losing weight and getting in shape.
"It's been great to see how many people are trying it out," said Worrall, who helped spearhead a similar program at schools she worked at before joining the South Shore Regional staff. "The IT person has given us apps to track calories, the cafeteria has been giving low-calorie options, the front office is starting a Zumba class."
After the participants' weekly weigh-ins – a total of 289 pounds has been lost so far – Worrall posts the individual weight-loss percentages in the teacher's lounge, using aliases.
Each participant contributed $10 at the beginning of the competition, and the "Biggest Loser" at the final weigh-in, next Friday, will win the $490 jackpot. Things like small hand weights and water bottles are given to the weekly winners.
Physical education teacher Jen Demariano organizes after-school workouts for staff members. Paradis is one of the regulars.
"It's hard, but it's good," Paradis said, talking about the 20-minute workouts. "From a fitness point of view, skiing is easier, shoveling is easier – I have more endurance. I definitely feel healthier, and that's what's important."By the numbers
49: The number of staff members at South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School participating in their "Biggest Loser" competition.
289: The collective weight loss in pounds, so far, of those taking part in the competition.
March 22: The date of the final weigh-in.
Staff members who come to the daily workouts – the turnouts range from two people to a dozen – put common schoolroom objects to use. At one workout, participants used brooms to do shoulder stretching and desk chairs to help them do squats.
Sandy Baldner, an English teacher at the school, likes the friendly competition and the social aspect.
"It's the first thing in a long time that got (us staff members) excited about something. I like the good-natured competition with my colleagues," she said.
Beyond the obvious health and social benefits, the competition is setting a good example for the students at South Shore Regional, Worrall said.
Staff members said it's also helping them pursue their goals. They think success is more likely than if they were tackling weight-loss and exercise alone.
"You can see by the results," Worrall said. "It keeps you accountable. You're not going to get a burger when you go out; you're going to get a salad."
Eryn Carlson may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Courtesy: Forever21
Courtesy: Forever21
Let it snow, let it snow, Let it Glow?!
It's that time of year again and Forever 21 has just launched their 2012 Holiday campaign—Let it Glow—with supermodel Chanel Iman as the face of the festive fashion frenzy.
The ultra-feminine, baroque-inspired collection features a lot of silver, sparkles and stripes—which are perfect for any holiday party. From short-shorts to sequined-mini dresses and all the accessories to match, F21 has your back for every holiday bash.
And don't be fooled by the fact that Forever 21 scored a high-fashion runway model who's walked for Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana to rep the collection. True to the brand, these new winter pieces are also easy on your wallet. Prices range from $2.80 for a sparkly silver nail polish to $39.80 for a super-stylish peplum coat with a faux-fur trim.
The 2012 Holiday collection launched on Nov. 2 and is now available in all Forever 21 stores.
What do you think? Are you going to hit Forever 21 for your holiday wardrobe necessities?


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The science of DNA analysis and testing has advanced so far that confirming the existence of biological relationships is much easier and more certain than ever before.
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Advancing the Primary Spine Practitioner
By John Ventura, DC, DABCO
A large New York Blue Cross / Blue Shield plan hosted the formal inaugural training program for primary spine practitioners (PSP) on Sept. 28-29, 2013. Ninety-five health care providers participated in the program, which included DCs (70 percent of attendees), as well as DPTs (20 percent), PTs (8 percent) and MDs (2 percent). The program was taught by Donald R. Murphy, DC.
An understanding of the role of the primary spine practitioner is best understood from the following:
"This individual, the primary spine practitioner (PSP), is provided specific training, tools and support to augment existing attributes regardless of the provider's specific discipline. The PSP role allows for the existing professional workforce to be re-purposed and fill the need for first contact, best evidence, low cost management of all spine related disorders regardless of severity."1
Spine-related disorders are among the most debilitating and costliest health conditions our society faces. Over the past three decades, we have witnessed exponential growth of costs related to spine disorders, with current estimates approaching $90 billion a year. These direct costs of diagnosing and managing spine disorders include a 400 percent increase in opiate use, 200 percent increase in spine fusion surgery and 600 percent increase in use of epidural steroid injections. We have seen the indirect costs, those evidenced by disability / impairment / lost productivity, as also rising at an exponential rate, and currently may be 1-5 times as high as the direct costs.2-5
To solve this problem, a patient-centered, evidence-influenced model of care was developed that includes the PSP as the "quarterback" of spine care. Murphy, et al., have written about the specific skill set of the PSP.6 Fortunately for our profession, DCs require the least amount of additional training to meet these requirements compared to other professions involved in spine care.
The training program is unique and unprecedented in that it is currently being done through a large BC/BS insurance plan and implemented as a BC/BS community initiative to help reduce variation in spine care, reduce waste and increase the value of care delivered, where value is defined as quality outcomes / cost. The effort is to train the PSP to effectively and efficiently evaluate and manage the vast majority of spine-related disorders. Additionally, the PSP reaches out to all key stakeholders to bring them into the continuum-of-care pathway. The end result is a high-performance network of providers.
So, what is the significance of this event and program for the chiropractic profession?
If we consider that two of the chiropractic profession's greatest difficulties are a lack of trust by the public (three national surveys show DCs score the lowest on scale of public trust for all health professions) and a limited percent of the population utilizing DC services (consistently about 8 percent over the past 50 years), we can see how the DC functioning as a PSP helps to solve both problems. DCs functioning in the PSP role serve to enhance our cultural authority (perceived legitimacy and competency), and as the PSP helps to decrease the variation and costs associated with spine care, our value to employers, insurers, and all of society rises exponentially.
Increased trust will increase the percentage of the population that seeks our services. And once the public trusts the provider, the services they seek from this provider will expand.
The PSP role also serves to build bridges with the public, employer groups and other professions, in much the same way it serves to expand the chiropractic profession – we gain cultural authority and in so doing, gain trust; therefore, more people utilize our services.
Additionally, helping to solve the dilemma and cost of spine care ensures our participation in any future health system. The PSP meets the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) tri-mandate for better care, better outcomes and lower costs, as well as CMS requests to "repurpose" the existing workforce.
Whatever direction health care reform takes, we (DCs) want to be included. Helping health care to solve the spine dilemma increases the likelihood of our inclusion. This BC/BS program is a big step in ensuring chiropractic participation. (Becker's Spine Review, a widely read online magazine for those working in the field of spine care, recently interviewed the medical director of this BC/BS community initiative, Brian D. Justice, DC.8)
The fallout from embracing the PSP role will be that the entire chiropractic profession will benefit from the gained public trust. Chiropractors are perfectly suited to become PSPs, and long-overdue opportunities for professional growth and expansion are now possible because of this new role.
Dr. John Ventura has more than 30 years of clinical practice experience, for the past 22 years as co-owner of a five-doctor practice. He served 15 years as a clinical instructor in family medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and associate clinical professor at New York Chiropractic College. Dr. Ventura participated with the NCQA Back Pain Recognition Program pilot project, has NCQA recognized status and has worked with a large HMO plan to implement NCQA BPRP for its chiropractic providers. He is co-owner of Spine Care Partners, LLC, and Primary Spine Provider Network, LLC.