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Table of Contents
> Marfan syndrome
Marfan syndrome
Related terms
Signs and symptoms
Integrative therapies
Author information
Risk factors
Related Terms
Aneurysm, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, aortic rupture, arachnodactyly, autosomal dominant disorder, autosomal dominant trait, cataract, connective tissue, connective tissue disorder, detached retina, dural ectasia, endocarditis, fibrillin, Ghent criteria, glaucoma, heart surgery, mitral valve prolapse, retinal tears, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, stretch marks.
Marfan syndrome, also called arachnodactyly, is a genetic disorder that causes the connective tissues to become weak and dysfunctional. These tissues, which include tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone, are important because they support the body and provide a framework for growth and development. Because connective tissues are found throughout the body, symptoms may develop in many body organs, including the eyes, bones, heart, blood vessels, skin, lungs, and nervous system.
The severity of disease symptoms varies from mild to severe. For instance, Marfan syndrome can be life threatening if it affects the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In such cases, the disorder causes the walls of the aorta to become weak, increasing the chance that the artery will enlarge, tear, or rupture (break open). In other cases, patients may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Physical characteristics commonly associated with Marfan syndrome include a slender and tall body, loose joints, narrow face, and spinal or chest wall abnormalities, such as scoliosis. Some medical historians believe that Abraham Lincoln may have had Marfan syndrome, because he had many of these traits. However, Lincoln's physical features alone are not enough to determine whether he had the disorder.
Researchers estimate that Marfan syndrome affects at least one out of 5,000 people in the United States.
Although Marfan syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, patients are able to live long, healthy lives with proper treatment. There is currently no cure for the disorder. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Most people with Marfan syndrome are able to have children, although complications may occur during pregnancy, and parents may pass on the condition to their children.
Signs and symptoms
: Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, there are many possible signs and symptoms of the disorder, which range from mild to severe. Symptoms may vary even among members of the same family. Some people may not notice symptoms or may not develop symptoms until adulthood, while others experience more serious symptoms at an early age. In most cases, symptoms worsen with age.
The heart and arteries are most commonly affected by Marfan syndrome. Symptoms affecting the heart and arteries are usually the most severe and account for most of the deaths related to the disorder. Vision and skeletal problems are also common, because the eyes and bones are made up of connective tissue. Below are some of the most common symptoms of Marfan syndrome.
Physical characteristics
: Many people with Marfan syndrome have distinct physical features. They are often slender and tall, with exceptionally long spider-like fingers and toes (called arachnodactyly). Their arms and legs are often disproportionately long in relation to their bodies. People may also have excessively flexible or loose joints, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), a narrow face, a high and arched palate, crowded teeth, flat feet, and a chest that is either concave or protrudes outward. This is because connective tissue supports the body and provides a framework for growth and development.
Aortic aneurysm
: Aortic aneurysms may occur in patients with Marfan syndrome, because the connective tissues in the arteries are weaker than normal. An aortic aneurysm occurs when the large artery in the heart, called the aorta, has a bulge. Some patients may have no symptoms, while others may experience shortness of breath. Over time, the aorta may continue to bulge even more. This increases the risk of complications, such as a ruptured artery or aortic dissection.
Mitral valve prolapse
: A mitral valve prolapse may also occur. This happens when the valve that separates the left and right side of the heart bulges backward into the left side of the heart, also called the left atrium. This prevents the valve from closing properly and allows blood to leak from the ventricle back into the atrium. In milder cases, a mitral valve prolapse does not cause symptoms and is not cause for concern. However, if the valve leaks a lot of blood, it may cause irregular heartbeats and increase the risk of heart infection. In severe cases, a person may have difficulty breathing.
Vision problems
: Individuals with Marfan syndrome may experience several eye-related symptoms. The lens may become dislocated in one or both eyes. This can happen if the ligaments that hold the lens in place are weaker than normal. Some individuals with Marfan syndrome may experience extreme nearsightedness.
Some individuals may develop glaucoma, an increased pressure inside the eyeball that is caused by many factors. Left untreated, this increase in pressure may cause permanent damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers, which may in turn lead to progressive and permanent loss of vision. Symptoms range from glare and light sensitivity to severe eye pain, blurred vision, and blindness.
Some patients with Marfan syndrome may develop cataracts, in which the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Retinal tears or detachments may also occur. The retina, located at the back of the eye, sends visual images to the brain for interpretation. Tears often develop before the retina starts to detach from the back of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the connective tissue at the back of the eyeball.
: About 50% of individuals with Marfan syndrome develop scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Only about 33% of people with Marfan syndrome and scoliosis require treatment for back problems.
: Some people develop spondylolisthesis, a condition that occurs when one vertebra slips over another. Although spondylolisthesis does not usually cause permanent damage, it may lead to back pain and stiffness.
Foot pain
: Many people with Marfan syndrome have long, slender feet that are flatter than normal. These physical features may lead to long-term foot pain.
Stretch marks
: People with Marfan syndrome may develop stretch marks on their skin. This is because they lack fibrillin, which helps the skin stay firm. Stretch marks are most common on the hips, lower back, and shoulders. Stretch marks often fade over time.
Dural ectasia
: The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by fluid that is enclosed in a tough membrane called the dura. In people with Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue of the dura may weaken and start to expand. This condition, which is called dural ectasia, is most common in older adults. The risk of developing this condition increases with age. Without treatment, the membrane may press on the vertebrae in the lower back. Symptoms typically range from a mild ache or soreness in the lower back to headache, abdominal pain, and pain or numbness in the legs.
: Marfan syndrome is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary widely, even among members of the same family. Guidelines, known as the Ghent criteria, have been developed to help doctors diagnose the disorder.
Ghent criteria
: If a person has a family history of Marfan syndrome, he or she must have one of the major criteria in one organ system and the involvement of another organ system in order to be diagnosed with the disorder. If an individual is suspected of having Marfan syndrome, but he or she does not have a family history of the disorder, two major criteria affecting different organs and the involvement of another organ are required for a diagnosis.
These criteria are as follows: (1) aortic dissection of the ascending aorta, (2) an enlarged aorta, (3) dislocation of the lens of one or both eyes, (4) dural ectasia, (5) at least four abnormalities in the bones (such as chest deformities; abnormally long arms, legs, fingers, or toes; flat-footedness; or scoliosis), (6) a family history of Marfan syndrome, and (7) having the mutated gene associated with Marfan syndrome.
Genetic testing
: No currently used diagnostic test can rule out Marfan syndrome. For example, some tests may not find the genetic mutation even if it is present. Others may confuse Marfan syndrome with another connective tissue disorder. Furthermore, if the genetic mutation is detected, this test cannot predict how severe the disorder will be.
However, genetic testing may be helpful for some people. For instance, if a prospective parent has Marfan syndrome, genetic testing may be used during pregnancy to determine whether a developing fetus may have the disorder. Patients should thoroughly discuss the potential health risks and benefits of prenatal testing with their doctors or genetic counselors before making any health-related decisions.
: In order to avoid complications, people with Marfan syndrome should visit their doctors regularly. Doctors usually check for signs of complications, especially in the heart.
Aortic dissection
: Marfan syndrome causes the aortic walls to be weaker than normal. People with Marfan syndrome may therefore develop an aortic dissection or rupture. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the wall of the aorta. If the tear goes all the way through the aortic wall, it is called a rupture. A dissection or rupture may block blood flow to other arteries that branch off from the aorta. Blood may leak and accumulate in the chest, pericardial sac, or the space between the two membranes that surround the heart. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Fewer than 50% of people with aortic dissections survive.
: People with a heart defect called a mitral valve prolapse have an increased risk of acquiring endocarditis, or heart valve infection. This happens when microorganisms, usually bacteria, enter the bloodstream, travel to the heart, and infect heart valves. Some doctors prescribe antibiotics before dental and surgical procedures to help reduce this risk.
Enlarged heart
: The heart may become enlarged if a person has a severe mitral valve prolapse. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This may lead to irregular heartbeats and congestive heart failure.
Lung problems
: Because people with Marfan syndrome have connective tissue deficiencies, they have an increased risk of developing lung problems. For instance, scoliosis or problems with the structure of the chest wall may restrict a person's breathing. In addition, changes in lung tissue may increase a person's risk of developing asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, or a collapsed lung. Some people may also develop sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing periodically during sleep.
Problems during pregnancy
: Women with Marfan syndrome may face complications during pregnancy. The main threat is a rapid enlargement of the aorta, which may lead to life-threatening aortic dissection or rupture. Although the risk of dissection in pregnant women is unpredictable, it is generally low if the aorta is not enlarged before pregnancy. If the aorta is even slightly enlarged in prospective mothers, however, the risk of dissection increases greatly. Pregnancy is therefore discouraged for women with enlarged aortas.
Before becoming pregnant, women with Marfan syndrome are encouraged to visit their doctors for a complete physical evaluation. Those women who do become pregnant require close monitoring throughout pregnancy. If a woman develops an enlarged aorta during pregnancy, she may need to be hospitalized or prescribed bed rest to help to reduce her blood pressure.
: Although Marfan syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, it can be managed with treatment, which varies depending on individual signs and symptoms. With proper treatment, most people are able to live long, healthy lives.
Patients should be seen regularly by their doctors, including cardiologists (heart doctors), ophthalmologists (eye doctors), and primary physicians. Regular checkups are needed to monitor the patient's condition and to help prevent complications.
Back brace
: Patients with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) may benefit from back braces. Although these braces do not cure scoliosis, they have been shown to prevent the condition from worsening. A brace is typically worn continuously until the patient is completely grown. During treatment, the curve may improve by as much as 50%. However, once the brace is discontinued, the spine will go back to its original curve. Children and adults who wear braces can move without much restriction.
Blood pressure-lowering drugs
: A doctor may prescribe blood pressure-lowering drugs even if a person's blood pressure is normal. These medications may help to prevent the enlargement of the aorta and associated complications, which may include life-threatening aortic dissection or rupture. The most commonly prescribed drugs are called beta-blockers. They cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which decreases the pressure inside the blood vessels. Side effects may include fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea.
Other blood pressure-lowering medications, such as calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may also be prescribed. Children as young as two years of age who have Marfan syndrome typically take the same medications as adults under the supervision of their doctors.
Eye surgery
: The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove and replace the clouded lens with a clear lens implant. However, in some cases, cataracts are removed without inserting implant lenses. In such instances, eyeglasses or contact lenses can improve impaired vision.
Glasses or contact lenses
: Many of the vision problems associated with Marfan syndrome can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. As an alternative to lens replacement surgery, patients with dislocated lenses can wear aphakic eyeglasses and use atropine sulfate 1% ophthalmic drops, which enlarge the pupil.
Heart surgery
: Some people with enlarged aortas may need to undergo surgery. If the aorta enlarges suddenly or becomes extremely large, part of the aorta and possibly the aortic valve may be surgically removed and replaced with a mechanical device or biological tissue. Tissue valves may need to be replaced after several years. If the aorta tears (called an aortic dissection) or ruptures, emergency heart surgery is needed.
Oral medications for glaucoma
: If eyedrops alone do not decrease the intraocular pressure to the desired level, oral medications may also be prescribed, including the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (Diamox®). Taking these medications with meals may reduce the side effects of nausea and vomiting. When an individual begins treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, he or she may frequently need to urinate and may feel a tingling sensation in the fingers and toes. After several days, these symptoms usually disappear. Other possible side effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include rashes, depression, fatigue, kidney stones, lethargy, stomach upset, a metallic taste in carbonated beverages, impotence, potassium loss, and weight loss. A doctor may instruct the patient to eat bananas to help minimize the potassium deficiency that these medications can cause.
Orthopedic surgery
: Orthopedic surgery may be needed for patients who develop musculoskeletal problems, such as scoliosis or a concave chest. Surgery is performed if the patient's curve is greater than a 40- to 50-degree angle. During surgery, the vertebrae along the curve are fused, or joined, together in order to straighten the spine. After surgery, the patient will remain hospitalized for several days and will spend several months in recovery. Complications may include bleeding, infection, pain, nerve damage, arthritis, and disk degeneration. If the surgery is unsuccessful, another surgery may be necessary.
If a person's chest is concave and this makes breathing difficult, surgery to raise the sternum and ribs may be recommended. This allows the lungs to expand normally and helps improve breathing.
Although a convex, or protruding, chest does not usually cause medical problems, it may be a cosmetic concern for some. Surgery is available to correct an abnormally shaped chest.
Physical activity
: Depending on a person's risk of developing heart, skeletal, or eye complications, a doctor may ask a person with Marfan syndrome to avoid contact sports, such as football, field hockey, and soccer. Physical activity that puts strain on the muscles, ligaments, and heart, such as weightlifting, may also need to be avoided or limited.
However, physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and to improve muscle tone, which may help prevent some of the complications of Marfan syndrome. Patients should talk to their doctors to find out what exercises and activities are recommended.
Prescription eyedrops
: The first line of treatment for most cases of glaucoma, except in emergency situations, is medication in the form of eyedrops. All antiglaucoma drugs work to reduce intraocular pressure. Eyedrops, such as dipivefrin (Propine®), apraclonidine (Iopidine®), and brimonidine (Alphagan®), are frequently prescribed because they tend to have fewer side effects than oral medications. Side effects vary depending on the specific medication used but may include eye redness or irritation, a change in eye color (mostly in hazel or green eyes), an increase in the thickness and number of eyelashes, headache, blurred vision, darkening of vision, joint aches, or flu-like symptoms. Eyedrops should be used as prescribed.
Shoe inserts
: People with Marfan syndrome who have flat feet may benefit from shoe inserts or orthotics. These provide the feet with support and may help improve symptoms of foot pain. In addition, people are encouraged to wear comfortable, flat shoes that offer support.
Integrative therapies
Currently, there are limited scientific data on the use of integrative therapies for the treatment or prevention of Marfan syndrome.
There is currently no known method of preventing Marfan syndrome. Although most cases are inherited, some occur randomly.
Prenatal DNA testing may be performed if a prospective parent has Marfan syndrome. However, there are serious risks associated with prenatal testing, including miscarriage, so patients should discuss the potential health risks and benefits before making any health-related decisions.
Prospective parents with family histories of Marfan syndrome can meet with a genetic counselor to help them understanding the risks of having a child with Marfan syndrome. A genetic counselor can also explain the different types of genetic tests, including their potential risks and benefits. These counselors can also help patients understanding the results of their tests.
People who are diagnosed with Marfan syndrome should be seen regularly by their doctors, including their cardiologists (heart doctors), ophthalmologists (eye doctors), and primary physicians. Regular checkups are needed to monitor the patient's condition and to help preventing complications.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Dean JC. Marfan syndrome: clinical diagnosis and management. Eur J Hum Genet. 2007 Jul;15(7):724-33.
Demetracopoulos CA, Sponseller PD. Spinal deformities in Marfan syndrome. Orthop Clin North Am. 2007 Oct;38(4):563-72. .
Judge DP, Dietz HC. Therapy of Marfan syndrome. Annu Rev Med. 2007 Sep 10.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). .
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). .
National Institutes of Health (NIH). .
National Marfan Foundation. .
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. .
[No authors listed.] Health supervision for children with Marfan syndrome. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Genetics. Pediatrics. 1996 Nov;98(5):978-82.
Peters KF, Kong F, Hanslow M, et al. Living with Marfan syndrome III. Quality of life and reproductive planning. Clin Genet. 2002 Aug;62(2):110-20.
Stadie R, Geipel A, Heep A, et al. Prenatal diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Jul;30(1):119-21.
: Marfan syndrome is a disorder that causes the connective tissues to become weak and dysfunctional. These tissues, which include tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone, are found throughout the body. They are important because they support the body and provide a framework for growth and development. In healthy individuals, the connective tissues are made up of proteins, including the structural proteins collagen and elastin and specialized proteins such as fibrillin and proteoglycans.
People with Marfan syndrome are born with a mutated, or abnormal, fibrillin gene. This gene normally produces fibrillin, a vital component of healthy connective tissues. Mutations in this gene may lead to deficient levels of fibrillin in connective tissues. As a result, the connective tissues may stretch abnormally when they are subjected to stress or physical strain.
: Most cases of Marfan syndrome are inherited, or passed down from a parent, as an autosomal dominant trait. This means that only one copy of the defective gene must be inherited for the disease to appear. If one parent has Marfan syndrome, there is a 50% chance that his or her child will have Marfan syndrome. If both parents have Marfan syndrome, there is a 75% chance that their child will inherit the condition.
Random mutation
: About 25% of patients with Marfan syndrome did not inherit the condition from their parents. Instead, the genetic mutation occurs randomly during the development of the egg cells, sperm cells, or embryo. It is theoretically possible for a person who randomly acquires this mutation to pass on the disorder to his or her children.
Risk factors
The only known risk factor for Marfan syndrome is a family history. If one parent has Marfan syndrome, there is a 50% chance that his or her child will have Marfan syndrome. If both parents have Marfan syndrome, there is a 75% chance that their child will inherit the condition.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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Practical information and tips from the experts to help you and your family stay food safe.
Countdown to Thanksgiving: Plan Ahead
Thanksgiving is closer than you think. If you're thinking about having a traditional turkey dinner, now is the time to begin planning the big meal. Planning ahead can help ensure that the special meal is successful, safe, and stress-free.
Thanksgiving Planning Checklist
- Select the guests: Decide how many people will be eating, plan your menu, and gather your recipes.
- Clear the fridge: Start using foods that are taking up space in your refrigerator and freezer to make sure you have plenty of room for your turkey, ham, or roast and other dishes.
- Start shopping now: Check your pantry to see what you already have and make a shopping list of needed ingredients. Shopping early for pantry items will reduce stress later.
- Get the thermometers ready: Buy a food thermometer if you don't already have one. A cooked whole turkey is safe at a minimum internal temperature of 165 F throughout the bird and stuffing. If you're thawing the turkey in the refrigerator, we also recommend using a refrigerator thermometer to make sure the temperature is no higher than 40 F.
Answers to Your Turkey Questions
Here are some of the top turkey questions that we answer at the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline:
Q. I have a turkey in the freezer from last year. Can I still use it?
A. Yes, go ahead and use it! Because food poisoning bacteria cannot grow in the freezer, so your frozen turkey will be safe to eat. A turkey will keep its top quality a full year in the freezer.
Q. What size bird should I buy?
A. Estimate one pound of turkey for each person. That's enough for ample portions and leftovers. If you're having a large party, don't worry: larger turkeys (over 16 pounds) have more meat per pound. A larger turkey will feed two people per pound.
Q. How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?
A. If you want to buy a fresh turkey, wait until the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Some grocery stores will let you 'reserve' a fresh turkey.
Q. How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
The safest way to thaw a turkey is to put it in the refrigerator at a safe temperature (40 F) during thawing. Allow one day for each 5 lbs of weight to thaw the turkey, plus an extra day or two. A twenty pound turkey will take about 4 days to thaw. After it has thawed, it is safe for another two days.
For more information on turkeys, check out these resources on FoodSafety.gov:
If you have any questions about turkeys and Thanksgiving, feel free to contact us at the Hotline (1-888-674-6854 toll-free) or online at AskKaren.gov.

subset: commoncrawl


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Cookeville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech tennis team knocked off Ohio Valley Conference opponent SIU Edwardsville Saturday afternoon 5-1, extending its conference winning streak to 14 and improving to a 6-0 league record this season.
Tech captured its sixth consecutive doubles point of the season when they won the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.
Duo Syrym Abdukhalikov and Alejandro Augusto defeated Cougars Marten Jonsson and Nico Kuehn, 9-7, keeping their own streak alive of 6-0 in doubles play this season.
Junior Vasily Eremeev and sophomore Artem Tarasov also have a streak of their own, with their 8-6 win today, they are 5-0 in doubles play this season and one unfinished.
In singles play, Abdukhalikov defeated Jonsson in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, in the No. 1 spot and is 6-0 in conference singles matches.
In the No. 2 spot, Augusto defeated Nicolas Vincent, 6-3, 6-2, and is also 6-0 in OVC singles matches.
Eremeev won the No. 4 spot in the third set after downing Jacob Tanulanond, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.
Tech faces visiting Eastern Illinois Sunday at 12 p.m. at the Tech Tennis Courts. Admission is free to all Tech home matches.
Tennessee Tech 5, SIU Edwardsville
Apr 06, 2013 at Cookeville, Tenn. (Tech Tennis Courts)
|Singles competition
|1. Syrym Abdukhalikov (TTU) def. Marten Jonsson (SIUE) 7-5, 6-3
|2. Alejandro Augusto (TTU) def. Nicolas Vincent (SIUE) 6-3, 6-2
|3. Jacob Perkins (SIUE) def. Artem Tarasov (TTU) 6-1, 6-1
|4. Vasily Eremeev (TTU) def. Jacob Tanulanond (SIUE) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
|5. Alvaro Cintas (TTU) vs. Nico Kuehn (SIUE) 6-3, 2-6, 2-1, unfinished
|6. Othon Lima (TTU) def. Stephen Washuta (SIUE) 6-4, 6-4
|Doubles competition
|1. Syrym Abdukhalikov/Alejandro Augusto (TTU) def. Marten Jonsson/Nico Kuehn (SIUE) 9-7
|2. Artem Tarasov/Vasily Eremeev (TTU) def. Patrick Gaffigan/Jacob Tanulanond (SIUE) 8-6
|3. Alvaro Cintas/Othon Lima (TTU) vs. Stephen Washuta/Jacob Perkins (SIUE) 7-7, unfinished
|Match Notes
|SIU Edwardsville 8-6 (3-3)
|Tennessee Tech 6-9 (6-0)


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Mikhail Vekua graduated from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire
in 2004 and completed a postgraduate study there in 2007
(supervised by Professor Alexei Martynov). From 2002-2011 he was
a soloist with the Moscow Academic Stanislavsky and
Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre. Mariinsky Theatre soloist since 2013.
Repertoire at the Mariinsky Theatre: RadamĶs
(Aida) Loge (Das Rheingold)
Repertoire includes: Sinodal (The Demon), Levko (May
Night), Tsarevich Gvidon (The Tale of Tsar Saltan), Mozart
(Mozart and Salieri), Herman (The Queen of Spades),
Vaudķmont (Iolanta), Alexei (The Gambler), Andrei
(Mazepa), Pollione (Norma), Erik (Der fliegende
Hollõnder), Orest (Sergei TaneevÆs Orestheia), Edgardo (Lucia
di Lammermoor), Ismaele (Nabucco), Alfredo
(La traviata), Alvaro (La forza del destino),
Rodolfo (La bohĶme), Cavaradossi (Tosca), Pinkerton
(Madama Butterfly), Don Josķ (Carmen), Werther
(Werther), Alfred (Die Fledermaus) and the tenor
roles in BeethovenÆs Ninth Symphony, PucciniÆs Messa di Gloria, VerdiÆs
Requiem and RachmaninoffÆs The Bells. In 2010 he sang
the role of Siegmund in a concert performance of WagnerÆs opera
Die Walk³re under the baton of Kent Nagano.
Frequently performs in recitals. Has appeared at the Great and
Small Halls of the Moscow Conservatoire, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall,
the Great and Small Halls of the St Petersburg Shostakovich
Philharmonic and the Armorial Hall of the State Hermitage. Has
performed at the Chaliapin Festival in Kazan. As a soloist
he has appeared in Spain (Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona), Italy,
France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia,
Lithuania, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, North and South Korea and China.
In 2011 he became a guest soloist with the Metropolitan Opera.
Diploma-recipient at the International Glinka Competition (2001).
Recipient of the Grand-Prix and Republic of Kazakhstan Presidential Cup at
the IV Shabyt-2003 International Creative Youth Festival
in Astana (Kazakhstan).


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AMSTERDAM (AP) — Japan's benchmark stock index hit a 32-month high Friday as the yen continued to retreat against the dollar and investors cheered the new government's plans to boost the economy. Other stock markets edged up, notably in Germany where a survey showed growing business confidence.
Evan Lucas, analyst at IG Markets in Melbourne, said he expected to see further surges in Japan's Nikkei 225 index after a Japanese government official indicated that the yen would fall further, helping the company's big exporters. The Nikkei surged 2.9 percent to 10,926.67, its highest close since April 30, 2010.
In Germany, the Ifo index of business sentiment rose to its highest level since last June, with order backlogs growing.
The report "nicely illustrates the green shoots in the German economy," said ING senior economist Carsten Brzeski in Brussels.
"Even if the current harsh winter weather might delay the blossoming somewhat, growth should return, leaving the contraction of the fourth quarter quickly behind."
Germany's DAX rose 1 percent to 7,827.69 points, by far the strongest performer in Europe. France's CAC-40 was up 0.6 percent to 3,773.63.
But Britain's FTSE 100 edged up only 0.1 percent, to 6,273.21, after official figures showed the U.K. economy contracted 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter. If it shrinks for another quarter, it would be back in a technical recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction.
The fourth quarter drop was worse than expected and shows the economy is struggling to make any lasting recovery.
Meanwhile, Wall Street appeared headed for gains, with Dow Jones industrial futures 0.2 percent higher at 13,806 and S&P 500 futures gaining 0.2 percent to 1,494.20.
Looking ahead investors will keep an eye out for new data showing how much of the the European Central Bank's emergency loans to banks are being repaid early. The figure will provide a gauge of the health of banks in Europe — if many of them repay a lot of those loans early, markets will take that as a sign that they are now healthy enough to rely less on the ECB.
Earlier in Asia, South Korea's Kospi fell amid fears that the country's exporters could be slammed by Japan's dropping yen. The benchmark fell 1 percent to 1,943.97.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 0.1 percent to 23,580.43 while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.5 percent to 4,835.20.
In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.5 percent to 2,291.30 and the smaller Shenzhen Composite Index lost 0.2 percent at 909.52.
Benchmark oil for March delivery was up 39 cents to $96.34 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
In currencies, the euro fell to $1.34233 from $1.3371 late Thursday in New York. The dollar rose to 90.77 yen from 89.96 yen.
Pamela Sampson contributed to this story from Bangkok.


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Traverse City National Writers Series: Featuring Maggie Stiefvater
Traverse City National Writers Series: Maggie Stiefvater is a critically acclaimed and best-selling author, known for her Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy, which has been receiving attention similar to The Hunger Games and Twilight franchises. Wildly popular with teens and families, Stiefvater is also a much-followed Bookends blogger and reviewer of books for youth for Booklist. Most recently, she was featured in an interview with NPR for her novel, The Raven Boys. And she's coming to Traverse City for the National Writiers Series!
See Stiefvater speak with guest host Lynn Rutan at City Opera House in Traverse City, September 27, 2012. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the event begins at 7:00 p.m. This is a rare opportunity for kids and families to attend the Traverse City National Writers Series together, so make sure to get your tickets, starting at just $15, and secure your seats.
Stiefvater's books have premiered to overwhelming critical and commercial success, and garnered special attention from the movie industry hoping to replicate the box office triumphs of The Hunger Games and the Twilight franchise. Warner Brothers is now producing The Scorpio Races, a thrilling adventure story that follows a young woman who enters her first horse race on the tiny island of Thisby. The twist? The heroine's big challenge is to finish the race alive. Booklist hailed this utterly original novel as a "YA (young adult) blockbuster."
Warner Brothers has also optioned Stiefvater's best-selling Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, which includes Shiver, Linger and Forever. The trilogy is a darkly compelling Romeo and Juliet love story between a young girl and a boy hiding a terrible secret.
All three books debuted as New York Times best-sellers and were named as Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association.
At this special event, Stiefvater will sit down with renowned book reviewer Lynn Rutan to discuss her work and unusual path to success, which included stints as a musician, calligraphy instructor, waitress and technical editor before breaking through as a novelist. She'll also debut her highly anticipated new series, The Raven Boys (published September 18, 2012), a supernatural romance about a boy on the hunt for a vanished Welsh king.
Stiefvater writes her young adult books with a sophistication that appeals to teens and adults alike. Her imaginative wit, intelligence and daring style are guaranteed to make her a hit with audiences of all ages!
Listen to the 9/16/12 NPR Sunday Weekend Edition interview with Maggie Stiefvater
For tickets to see Maggie Stiefvater at the Traverse City National Writers Series, call the City Opera House box office at 231.941.8082 or click here to visit their online box office.
Visit the National Writers Series website to learn more about this unique year-round book festival.


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Endangered Species Program
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species program is conserving and restoring threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems.
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Lake Erie Watersnake
Lake Erie Watersnake Post-Delisting Guidelines for Construction, Development, and Land Management
August 2011
The Lake Erie Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum) was listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act in 1999, but in August of 2011 was removed from the list due to recovery. Lake Erie Watersnake populations will continue to be monitored for 5 years to ensure the population persists at a stable level. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed the following voluntary guidelines to assist island landowners in avoiding and minimizing impacts to Lake Erie Watersnakes during typical land management and construction activities. The Service strongly encourages island residents to follow these guidelines to protect watersnake habitat, ensure population persistence, and prevent re-listing of the subspecies. Intentional killing of Lake Erie Watersnakes is still prohibited by State law.
The Lake Erie Watersnake occurs on the islands in the western basin of Lake Erie. Summer habitat includes cliffs with crevices, rocky shorelines, and rock-filled structures such as docks, breakwalls, and shoreline erosion control structures. Lake Erie Watersnakes forage in Lake Erie for small fish, primarily round goby. Suitable winter hibernation sites include cracks and crevices in bedrock, rocky soils, animal burrows, tree root masses, and human-made structures such as foundations, drainage tiles, and building pads.
Shoreline Management
The island shoreline including areas adjacent to interior island ponds, inlets, bays, and marinas, are important habitat for Lake Erie Watersnakes as well as native birds, fish, amphibians, and mammals. Shoreline vegetation also helps to stabilize banks, prevent erosion, and promote water quality. Landowners are encouraged to avoid mowing within 69 feet (21 m) of the shoreline to protect these important habitat and water quality functions.
If shoreline mowing is necessary, mowing between April 15 and September 15 should be completed at dusk, when watersnakes will have taken cover for the night. Mowers should utilize a high setting, and the area to be mowed should be actively monitored for watersnakes. If Lake Erie Watersnakes are encountered during mowing, activities can cease until the snake has left the area on its own, or the snake can be removed to a location outside of the mowing area and near the shoreline.
Excavation or removal of shrubs, standing or downed trees, root masses, animal burrows, piled rocks, cliffs, or bedrock within 69 feet (21 m) of the shoreline, ponds, inlets, bays, and marinas should be avoided. If necessary, excavation of these features should only occur after April 15 and before October 15, when temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Within 69 feet (21 m) of shore, heavy machinery should be limited to paved areas so as not to harm watersnakes that may have retreated under rocks, logs, and other material.
The Service encourages preservation and construction of shoreline structures with designs beneficial to watersnakes. These include timber or steel crib docks and riprap erosion control structures instead of concrete or sheet steel. Any project that will impact the shoreline or waters of Lake Erie must be coordinated with the Buffalo District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. The Corps can be contacted at (716) 879-4330.
During hibernation, Lake Erie Watersnakes are unable to move and are vulnerable to any disturbance of their hibernation sites. Excavation of any kind in potential suitable winter hibernation habitat within 528 ft (161 m) of shore should be avoided between October 15 and April 15. Activities to be avoided include, but are not limited to, digging foundations, burying utility lines, removing tree roots or hollow tree bases, and destroying human-made structures such as foundations or drainage tiles.
Excavation activities occurring between April 16 and May 31, or between September 15 and October 14 should only be conducted when air temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The area should be actively monitored for snakes before and during excavation and any watersnakes found should be carefully removed to a location outside of the construction area and near the shoreline.
Any holes or trenches that are dug should be filled in as soon as possible to prevent watersnakes from
inadvertently falling into them and becoming trapped. Holes or trenches should be inspected for
Lake Erie Watersnakes before being filled.
Erosion Control
Mesh or woven erosion control fabrics or blankets should NOT be used to stabilize disturbed areas, as they have been document to entangle and kill Lake Erie Watersnakes and other snake species. Loose straw or mulch can be used as an alternative.
Tree Removal
Tree root masses may provide suitable hibernation habitat for the Lake Erie Watersnake. If you plan to remove trees on your property, the Service recommends that only the above-ground portion of the tree be removed. The root mass should be left underground.
|Summary of habitat management practices, timing, and location where applicable.
Oct 15-April 15
Within 528 feet (161 m) of
No Excavation.
April 16-May 31
Within 528 feet (161 m) of
Excavation only when temperature above
Mow at dusk, on high setting.
June 1-Sept 14
Within 69 feet (21 m) of
Mow at dusk, on high setting.
Sept 15-Oct 14
Within 528 feet (161 m) of
Excavation only when temperature above
Mow at dusk, on high setting.
Further Information
The Service is available to provide technical assistance regarding the Lake Erie Watersnake,
proposed development projects, and land management activities. Questions should be directed to
the Service at (614)416-8993. Additional information about the Lake Erie Watersnake is also
available at our website: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Ohio/endangered_LEWS.html and at
Return to Lake Erie Watersnake Home
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B&W Photography by Yoon Sul
Color Photography by Carleton Curtis
[WILMINGTON, CA] If I told you the City of Los Angeles didn't boast a 100% skate plaza, would you believe me? Well up until yesterday, the so-called skate mecca of the world didn't have one. I know, poor Los Angeles, right? Nevertheless, the grand opening of the brand-spankin'-new Ambassador Skate Plaza in Wilmington yesterday was a monumental occasion. Technically, the park opened six years ago but its design just wasn't cutting it anymore by today's standards. As demonstrated by any recent contest and of course, the DC Skate Plaza project, it's all about mimicking the streets. So Maxwell Billieon of the Ambassador Series approached councilwoman Janice Hahn and the LA Department of Recreation and Parks with the idea of revamping the park… and the rest, as you'll soon see, is history. Big ups to co-designer Paul Rodriguez, Daewon Song, and the City of LA for creating an amazing (and free!) concrete and granite wonderland. Plus, no pads!!!—Carleton Curtis
325 N Neptune Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744


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Director Fred Savage is a new dad.
The former "Wonder Years" actor's wife Jennifer has given birth to the couple's third child, a little boy.
His name and birth date have not yet been announced.
Savage revealed the news on Monday by uploading a picture of his baby son's hand in a post on Twitter.com, alongside a simple caption which read, "He's here."
The Savages are also parents to Oliver, 6, and daughter Lily, 4.


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Alabama is the favorite of 22 out of 23 state editors and college football writers heading into Saturday's game with Auburn.
Alabama is the favorite of 22 out of 23 state editors and college football writers heading into Saturday's game with Auburn. The average score from their annual Iron Bowl predictions: Alabama 40.6, Auburn 8.7.
Here are their comments and picks:Kim Craft, The Gadsden Times:
Auburn's defense has allowed an average of 445 total yards in its seven Southeastern Conference games this season, and the Tigers will struggle early and often against Alabama's balanced offense, regardless of whether AJ McCarron passes the ball or hands off to Eddie Lacy or T.J. Yeldon. Given its BCS life back after losses by Kansas State and Oregon, Alabama plays focused knowing a win in the Iron Bowl is another step in attaining the ultimate goal of playing in Miami for the national title. This year's rivalry game comes down to talent. No. 2 Alabama simply has more of it and proves it Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama 42, Auburn 7.Aaron Brenner, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer:
I could actually see the Tigers hanging around ... for about seven or eight minutes. But even though Jonathan Wallace has given himself a fighter's chance at the starting job in 2013, that's one ticked-off defense he'll face that won't let him anywhere near the end zone more than once or twice. Alabama 48, Auburn 6.James Crepea, Montgomery Advertiser:
Alabama's defense is tailor-made to stop Auburn's offense all game long. The Crimson Tide offense, particularly the running game, is built to plow through a dreadfully poor Auburn rush defense which is worst in the SEC. Alabama 52, Auburn 7.Tommy Deas, Tuscaloosa News:
The rivalry is still special, but this game won't be. Alabama is far better than Auburn and has more on the line. Alabama 42, Auburn 6.Gregg Dewalt, TimesDaily:
No matter how you try to hype it, this is a dog of an Iron Bowl. That's unfortunate because it's a great rivalry, especially when both teams are good. I just don't see a way for Auburn to even make it a competitive game. Alabama 45, Auburn 7.Mark Edwards, Decatur Daily:
I predict most of Alabama's players will party waaaay too hard over Oregon and Kansas State losing, miss practice and cause Nick Saban to suspend all but 11 players. C.J. Mosley, quarterbacking Alabama from the spread, will rush for 120 yards and throw two touchdown passes to Vinnie Sunseri. Barrett Jones will prove he can play each defensive line position, too, and make 14 tackles. D.J. Fluker will kick a couple of field goals. Alabama 34, Auburn 12.Joel Erickson, Alabama Media Group:
You can say "throw out the records" in a rivalry game all you want, but Auburn hasn't been competitive in its last two matchups against the SEC's top tier, and Alabama under Nick Saban hasn't been the type of team that loses games to heavy underdogs. Alabama 42, Auburn 6.Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa News:
If both teams were only playing for pride, the intensity of the rivalry would be more likely to keep things tight early. Unfortunately for Auburn, Alabama is playing for far more than pride. If the way raw talent stacks up on both sides means anything, UA should have game in hand by the half. Alabama 41, Auburn 9.Andrew Gribble, Alabama Media Group:
The Crimson Tide hasn't messed around in games it's supposed to dominate this season, often taking big first-quarter leads and eliminating any chance for drama. The 2012 Iron Bowl won't be any different. Alabama 45, Auburn 7.Mike Herndon, Alabama Media Group:
This is one of the biggest mismatches in the history of the series - a national championship-caliber team against one that has already packed its bags for the offseason. Even if all the planets aligned, Nick Saban got stuck in traffic and couldn't make it to the game, AJ McCarron threw five interceptions, both Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon got hurt and Onterio McCalebb returned two kicks for touchdowns, Alabama would still win by double digits. Alabama 35, Auburn 7.Jon Johnson, Dothan Eagle:
This may be the biggest Iron Bowl mismatch in the past 50 years. The score will likely reflect it. Alabama 41, Auburn 10.Don Kausler, Alabama Media Group:
The team that blocks and tackles better will run again to a 24-0 lead in the first half, and because of its meltdown two years ago and because it has everything to play for, Alabama won't let up until the fourth quarter. Alabama 38, Auburn 10.Rob Ketcham, Cullman Times:
Defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker says Auburn isn't scared of second-ranked Alabama, but it should be. The Tide aren't Louisiana-Monroe. They aren't New Mexico State. They aren't Alabama A&M. With the Tigers as the only obstacle standing between it and a berth in the SEC Championship game, don't expect Bama to ease off the throttle, especially after allowing Auburn's historic comeback the last time the Iron Bowl was in Tuscaloosa. Alabama 48, Auburn 10.Brent Maze, Hartselle Enquirer:
Gene Chizik has only one chance to save his job and that's by playing the ultimate role of spoiler for Alabama, knocking the Crimson Tide out of the SEC title game, the BCS title hunt and a BCS game. And while Alabama says the right things at press conferences, it is in fact looking ahead to Georgia. The Tigers will need Cody Parkey to hit a last-second field goal to help Auburn get the upset. Auburn 22, Alabama 21.Joe Medley, The Anniston Star:
It's hard to find one position where Auburn, circa 2012, is better. Look for Alabama to get out to a big lead and rest its starters for bigger fish fries to come. Alabama 38, Auburn 7.Kirk McNair, 'BAMA Magazine:
Who would have dreamed that "looking ahead" would be a factor in the Alabama-Auburn game, but the Crimson Tide must guard against championship game possibilities and what has been a surprisingly disappointing Auburn team. Bama can expect to get the best the Tigers have, but that's not enough. Alabama 35, Auburn 10.Ken Rogers, Dothan Eagle:
After last week's craziness, things should calm down a bit. The rest of college football has given Nick Saban's team a second chance. Auburn is going to play hard, but the Crimson Tide should at least be able to take advantage of its opportunity and clinch the West. Tide fans won't have to wait for late-night results to celebrate this week. Alabama 38, Auburn 17.Jon Solomon, Alabama Media Group:
Pick a score, any score. The teams are separated by seven wins for good reason. The past nine times Alabama or Auburn entered the Iron Bowl separated by at least five wins, the more successful team won in a shutout. Average score: 27-0. Auburn's collapse has been so historical, surely it's worth another two touchdowns at the Iron Bowl. Alabama 41, Auburn 0.Bran Strickland, Anniston Star:
There's part of me that believes the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. I also think there's intelligent life on other planets, and maybe even Bigfoot in the Talladega National Forest. However, there is not one single fiber of my being that thinks Auburn has a chance on Saturday. And I think it's going to be ugly, too. End-of-the-world ugly. Alabama 47, Auburn 6.Mike Szvetitz, Opelika-Auburn News:
You can hold on to the record books this year, no need to throw them out when Auburn travels to Alabama on Saturday for their annual rivalry. The Tigers are about to wrap up the program's worst season in 60 years, while the Crimson Tide is right back in the middle of the BCS title race. The programs are going in opposite directions and that will be made apparent in the 77th Iron Bowl. Alabama 42, Auburn 10.Christopher Walsh, Bamaonline.com:
It's just hard to imagine that Auburn, which didn't score a touchdown in last year's game, will be able to do much offensively. The Tigers rank worse than 100th nationally in passing offense, scoring offense, total offense, turnover margin and sacks allowed. Also, Alabama controlling its own destiny again for the national championship will have the Crimson Tide fired up. Alabama 42, Auburn 10.Ryan Wood, Opelika-Auburn News:
Something fluky could happen for Auburn to get a field goal. Beyond that, it will be all Bama. The Tide will start preparing for Georgia at halftime. Alabama 38, Auburn 3.John Zenor, Associated Press:
Auburn hasn't given many signs of life against the best SEC competition this season. Alabama unquestionably has the edge in every matchup except perhaps special teams, but the Tigers at least should put up a fight with pride on the line. Alabama 38, Auburn 10.


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Bates Nut Farm started with walnuts, but now purchases nuts from all over the world. Pistachios, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pignolias, sunflower seeds and much more can be purchased on the farm. The nuts come raw, roasted, some spiced up and unsalted. To ensure quality and freshness we roast and package our nuts on the farm. The Bates family takes pride in providing a quality product at a fair price. It's part of the tradition.
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A fairly self-explanatory thread. Tell us the worst book you've ever had the misfortune to read, and what made it so bad.I didn't actually read this book, it was a book on tape CD. I was helping take my aunt and younger cousins back to the airport, and they insisted on listening to these books in a series about a mouse called Geronimo Stilton. Granted, it was supposed to be a silly little chapter book for young readers, but it was the most condescending, painful tripe I've ever heard. Every sentence made at least two bad cheese-based puns, the main character was pitiful, cowardly, and had absolutely no redeeming value, and it was just poorly written in general. I gave myself a headache on the ride to the airport by cranking my mp3 player up as loud as possible in a vain attempt to drown it out.But enough about that, what's your worst book?
I do believe I have a problem. The worst books I've ever read, are ones I never completely read.If the first chapter of a book is horrible I put it right down, so I've never had to read a bad book.Just a bad chapter
The best person ever. She should have won the Peace Prize.
What? No full control over children? You do realize that some of us have particular plans for those children.
PALM: Oh face, come closer. I've needed your touch since I heard that fundamentalist Christians were being stupid again.FACE: Not again! Quickly Palm, come to me!
Don't kill me, but I really hated Dune. The characters were two dimensional, each playing the archetype of their person. Either the jedi-like good guy, the strong woman who sticks by his side, or the child-molesting fatass bad guy. I just read it last year, and I can barely remember what happened. Spoilers: As far as I recall, Paul began superman training when he was a kid, their family moved to mine spice from an f-ed up planet, Paul's father was murdered and he was forced to flee. He became a Freman and had to live off the desert, all while Baron Von Harkenin is trying to hunt him down for a reason that I forgot. At the end, I think there's a battle between the Fremen and the henchmen and I'm pretty sure everyone dies and Paul starts crying. End Spoilers I'm sorry, but this book is one overused cliche after another, just put together in a different way.Overall, I'd give it a C, only because its big fanbase might mean that there's something I missed
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Home » Step Stools » Wooden Step Stools for Girls
Step Stools forGirls by GiggleBrush Designs -
One of GiggleBrush Design's favorite things - our children's personalized step stools! Choose from one of our designs, or help us create a special stool just for you. All of our wooden step stools are primed, painted and sealed to ensure durability.
Children are excited to see their name on these child's step stools. Choose one that reflects their interests - the Garden Step Stools for your little girl that loves butterflies and ladybugs or the Neapolitan step stool for the one that loves pink and chocolate.
Our step stools measure 16" x 12.75" x 10"H and have a hinged lid for little treasures.
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The Silver Screen: Theories and Histories of Cinematic Color
The 10th University of Chicago Cinema and Media Studies Graduate Student Conference
April 4th and 5th, 2014
Keynote Speaker: Edward Branigan, Professor of Film and Media Studies at the University of California – Santa Barbara and author of Projecting a Camera: Language-Games in Film Theory (Routledge, 2006), Narrative Comprehension and Film (Routledge, 1992), Point of View in the Cinema: A Theory of Narration and Subjectivity in Classical Film (New York: Mouton, 1984), and Color in Cinema: Language, Memory, Commerce (forthcoming)
"Imagine a world alive with incomprehensible objects and shimmering with an endless variety of movement," Stan Brakhage wrote, "and innumerable gradations of color." This conference seeks to re-imagine the innumerable gradations of color in the history and theory of cinema: from the spectral sensations of light at play in Maxim Gorky's "Kingdom of Shadows" and Loïe Fuller's serpentine dances to those of J. J. Abrams's Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and its countless lens flares; from the blacks and whites of Italian neorealism to the blacks and whites of Frankenweenie (2012), Tim Burton's digital 3D stop-motion animated film; from works that explore the synthesis of color and music like Léopold Survage's studies for Colored Rhythm (1913) and Columbia Pictures' Color Rhapsodies cartoon series (1934-49) to Mary Ellen Bute's Color Rhapsody (1951) and Paul Sharits's Color Sound Frames (1974); from early film processes like Lumière Autochrome and Kinemacolor to color-correction suites like Pandora Pogle and DaVinci Resolve. Like sound, to which it is so often linked synaesthetically, color challenges our basic vocabulary as film scholars. But "are we," as Roland Barthes asked of the voice, "condemned to the adjective? Are we reduced to the dilemma of either the predicable or the ineffable?" Scott Higgins's Harnessing the Technicolor Rainbow (University of Texas, 2007), for one, uses the Pantone Color Matching System as a standardized lexicon, while Joshua Yumibe's Moving Color: Early Film, Mass Culture, Modernism (Rutgers, 2012) offers a historical account of the sensuous and somatic richness of cinematic color.
Yet when films as canonical as Hitchcock's Vertigo circulate in formats as varied as faded 16mm prints, pan-and-scan VHS tapes, pristine 70mm prints, 360p YouTube clips, and Blu-ray discs, which version do we select as the object of our analysis, and how do we make such a choice without losing sight of the work's ever-unfolding critical and popular reception? Colors can be "preserved," "restored," and "corrected," but can their cultural meanings? Can we fix color as readily as we can calibrate our television set's brightness and contrast? After all, color is permanently enmeshed in questions of realism, of spectacle, of film as art and film as industry—questions that this conference regards as catalysts for conversation. Color invites renewed consideration of hitherto understudied participants in film production, such as cinematographers, art directors, special-effects technicians, and costume designers, not to mention the thousands of women responsible for stenciling, tinting, and toning films of the silent era, as well as the women who posed as "China Girls" for film laboratories. It also reminds us of cinema's relationship to other technologies of reproduction (e.g., xylography, lithography, halftone printing, and xerography) and visual media (e.g., picture postcards, lantern slides, children's books, television, comic books, and video games), and opens up the discipline of film studies to parallel debates in art history, cognitive science, psychology, comparative literature, musicology, cultural studies, and philosophy.
With these problems in mind, our conference welcomes presentations by graduate students who, like Walter Benjamin, wish to penetrate "the riotous colors of the world of pictures." Possible topics include (but are by no means limited to):
- analyses of individual films or bodies of films by a single director, cinematographer, or production designer
- histories of technologies, exhibition formats, broadcasting standards, industrial and corporate regulations, craft and technical discourses, etc. (e.g., additive color processes, color film stocks, colorization techniques, NTSC/PAL, computer and video game graphics, digital cameras)
- color's role in generic construction (e.g., melodrama, science fiction, noir)
- cinematic lighting techniques and art design
- the technical and ideological problems posed by the reproduction of non-"white" skin tones
- visual music and synaesthesia
- color's affective properties
- color and allegory
- color's place in classical film theory (e.g., the writings of Eisenstein, Arnheim, Balázs, Bazin)
- the theory and philosophy of color (e.g., Albers, Kandinsky, Wittgenstein, Goethe, Schopenhauer) as applied to cinema
- reappraisals of the historiographical models advanced in Edward Branigan's "Color and Cinema: Problems in the Writing of History" (1979) ("the adventure of color," "the technology of color," "the industrial exploitation of color," "the ideology of color")
- color and memory/historicity
- contemporary artistic, avant-garde, and popular appropriations of cinematic color (e.g., Jason Salavon's The Top 25 Grossing Films of All Time, 2 x 2 (2001) and Emblem series (2003), Les LeVeque's Red Green Blue Gone with the Wind (2001), Cory Arcangel's Colors (2005), Julie Buck and Karin Segal's Girls on Film (2005), the Movie Barcode Tumblr, John LaRue's "Colorizing Walter White's Decay" infographic)
- the aesthetics of black-and-white film and video
- the theory and practice of film restoration
- color motifs and narrative structure
- historical trends in color design
Interested graduate students should submit abstracts of 250-300 words (along with institutional/departmental affiliations and current email) to email@example.com by January 10, 2014.


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Hubble Space Telescope Image of NGC 4710
The magnificent galaxy NGC 4710 is tilted nearly edge-on to our view from Earth. This perspective allows astronomers to easily distinguish the central bulge of stars from its pancake-flat disk of stars, dust, and gas. Like the yellow yolk on a fried egg, the central bulge extends outside of the central disk. Dark dust lanes – raw material for future generations of stars and planets – also appear confined to the central disk. What's striking in the image is a ghostly "X" pattern of stars. This is due to the inclined orbits of the stars in the galaxy's central bar-like structure. Located 65 million light-years away, NGC 4710 is a member of the giant Virgo Cluster of galaxies. It can be seen as a dim, 11th-magnitude, spindle-like smudge in a medium-sized amateur telescope. This natural-color photo was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys on January 15, 2006.
For additional information, contact:
Colleen Sharkey
Hubble/ESA, Garching, Germany


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Undergraduate Programs in Political Science
The programs in political science offer the student an understanding of the basic issues in government and politics from the local to the global level, as well as an acquaintance with the methods by which we study the subject. A political science major prepares the student for careers in government service, teaching, law, business, the mass media, international affairs, and organizations advocating public policy. The study of political science may also be of value to many students interested in informed participation in the public life of their society.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
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- Bachelor of Science Degree (Secondary Education)
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Rams Advance to Finals for 6th Straight Season
#2 Farmingdale State - 83, #3 Mount Saint Vincent - 71
Farmingdale, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State women's basketball team defeated Mount Saint Vincent tonight, 83-71, in the Skyline Semifinals and advance to the Finals for the sixth straight season. The Rams will face top-seed Mount Saint Mary College, marking the sixth consecutive time these two teams have met in the Championship game.
Farmingdale State jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead over the first four minutes played, followed by an 11-2 Dolphins run over a two minute span to make it 12-11 Rams. Farmingdale kept scoring to increase the lead back up to 12 points, 30-18, with 7:55 left to play in the first half, but Mount Saint Vincent kept chipping away and would eventually grab their first lead of the game with 1:30 remaining, 37-36, and went into the locker room leading 39-36.
The second half featured five lead changes and neither team led by more than five points, before a three-pointer by junior guard Kim Blakney (Brooklyn, N.Y./Benjamin Banneker) sparked the Rams, as they ran away with the 12 point victory and a chance at the Skyline Championship.
Blakney led for Farmingdale State with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman forward Dominique Cunningham (Amityville, N.Y./Copiague) finished with 16 points (8-10) and grabbed six boards. Junior guard Kamaya Miller (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood) totaled 14 points and six assists. Junior guard Tiffara Steward (Elmont, N.Y./Sewanhaka) scored 13 points and five rebounds.
For Mount Saint Vincent, junior center Courtney Heeseman (New Hyde Park, N.Y./New Hyde Park) led with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Jen Macanu (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) had 20 points and junior guard Lauren Percodani (Staten Island, N.Y./St. Joseph by the Sea) had 15 points.
The Rams will face #1 Mount Saint Mary on Saturday, February 28th at 1:00 p.m.


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Texas Cop Gets Ticketed For Parking in Fire Lane [VIDEO]
A 14-year old girl in Baytown, Texas, showed that just because you're a cop, doesn't mean you get to park wherever you want.
Annie James noticed the cop car parked near the leasing office of the apartment manager's office. The curb is a designated fire lane and when James noticed the car parked there, she decided to write him a ticket for a violation.
The car belonged to one Officer Tommy King, who at the time of the citation was out making his daily foot patrol around the area.
"I came to get my car and I saw a piece of paper on my windshield," King said to KPRC-TV. "I took it off, read it and started laughing."
The violation read that King must pay $10 to the office manager for parking on a fire lane. Not only did King pay the ten dollars to the office, but he also gave his 'citation officer' a $40 gift card to Toys R' Us.
"I would say the lesson is not to be afraid of law enforcement, we're here to help," he said. "From the officer's side of things, we learn not to take ourselves so seriously. There's a lot of responsibility and power that comes with a badge but every once in a while we can step back and say, 'You know what, a lot of these people we're protecting, not everyone is a bad guy.'"


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Checking the vitals of health reform
You can hear the volume of partisan rhetoric increase in Washington as public confidence in its ability to resolve any complex issue declines. It's both dumbfounding and discouraging when you consider how prepared Americans really are to embrace real reform if only the people they've elected to leadership would level with them — and with each other.
Take health care as an example. We live in a nation in which the cost of coverage has doubled every nine or 10 years while a family's average real income and buying power has stagnated. The good news is that in the past three years, the health care cost increases have averaged a record low 3.9 percent per year. So something is going on to which policymakers need to pay attention.
Story Continued Below
Most stakeholders in our $2.7 billion health care industry have decided that enough is enough and got on board the train of systemic health care reform. Their hoped-for destination is an affordable, accessible, high-quality health care system for all Americans. And they have concluded that the only way to get there is for everyone to work to flatten the trajectory of health care spending.
Three years ago, Congress provided a policy blueprint for the journey. Despite all the argument over other aspects of the Affordable Care Act, its systemic reform provisions were built around broadly accepted concepts: rewarding efficient and accountable providers, engaging empowered consumers, promoting a healthier population and rapidly identifying and applying health and health care delivery innovations.
While this blueprint may need significant improvement, there isn't a community in America today where health care providers and insurers and consumers are not doing the work of cost-saving, value-raising reform.
That is as it should be. As Americans, we are always looking to do better, to unite around common cause and to back leaders who show us a way forward. That is who we are.
But in Washington, political polarization now stands in the way of what must be the next leg of the health care journey: making improved health and reduced health spending part of our nation's fiscal strategy.
I am not talking about balancing federal budgets by shifting costs to consumers, providers or the private sector.
I am talking about real reform.
Real reform means replacing the Sustainable Growth Rate payment formula and transitioning Medicare away from fee-for-service toward value-based payment. After all, if Medicare, the largest payer, continues to reimburse most providers for quantity not quality, there is little hope that federal accountable care initiatives or private-sector innovators can successfully tame cost growth.


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Montezuma Valley Irrigation Co.s board of directors attempted to alleviate stockholders fears regarding a proposed water lease at a meeting Monday night at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center.
More than 100 stockholders gathered at the rural community center to hear from a panel of experts gathered by the companys board and MaryLou Smith, a policy and collaboration specialist with the Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University. Smith was brought in by the board of directors to facilitate a series of conversations after a stockholders meeting in May when the proposed lease was voted down.
The MVI board had proposed leasing 6,000 acre feet of water from Groundhog Reservoir to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to bolster the flow of the Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir. An acre-foot is equal to 325,829 gallons of water, enough to fill an entire football field to the depth of 1 foot.
The lease was proposed by The Nature Conservancy, San Juan Citizens Alliance and Trout Unlimited, all of whom would have put money toward the purchase. The three-year lease would have flooded MVIs coffers with nearly $1.5 million, money the company intended to use to support improvements in the water delivery system.
Mondays meeting was designed to gather stockholders together and gain understanding as to why the lease failed.
The board felt they needed an opportunity to find out what the stockholders concerns were, said Smith, opening the meeting. They made a recommendation that didnt sit well with the stockholders and they wanted to know what the basis was so they could understand and do a better job.
Board President Randy Carver addressed the stockholders, noting the board didnt initially know how to respond to the vote in May since stockholders had directed the governing body to find lease options to increase revenue for the company.
From the May meeting, the board realized that we left some things undone and that we need to bring our shareholders along with us, Carver said. After that May meeting we were really pretty hurt and scared and not knowing exactly what direction to take.
In nine meetings held throughout Montezuma and Dolores counties in August, September and October, board members gathered information from stockholders to narrow down the concerns over the lease. Mondays meeting was an opportunity for the board to address those concerns.
Panelists at the meeting included John Porter, president of the Southwest Water Conservation District, Ted Kowalski, from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, John Sanderson, co-director of The Nature Conservancys Colorado Center for Conservation Science and Strategy and Carver. Each addressed the primary stockholder concerns which were identified as a mistrust of government and regulation as applied to MVIs water rights, mismanagement of water that is released below McPhee Reservoir and a fear of a water taking.
Porter attempted to lessen fears of a taking by noting water law in Colorado would prohibit such an action.
I think there would certainly be pressure at the end of the three years to maintain the flow but that doesnt mean there would be taking, Porter said. Our laws would really have to change for that to be a possibility.
Another concern addressed at the meeting was the possibility of federal action if the three native fish species located in the Lower Dolores are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The ESA is one of the key environmental laws out there with real teeth, Kowalski said. If those species are listed it could really hurt water users and development if you cant figure out a way to maneuver through.
Kowalski encouraged stockholders to consider a partnership with environmental organizations, such as the proposed leases. A partnership could preempt federal action, he said.
To the extent you can focus on factors that may be threatening to those species, you may be better off as a whole, Kowalski said.
Stockholders addressed the panel with a range of questions, including how a 6,000 acre foot water lease would impact area farmers and ranchers should Southwest Colorado face extreme drought conditions.
If the lease was to go forward, and we entered into the drought years, how would the citizens of MVI be protected of running short of water, said Dolores County Commissioner Ernie Williams. No one here wants to run short and have water going down the river on a drought year.
Carver said risk is part of agriculture.
Inherently with farming you have a risk, Carver said. The drought was an expected risk going into the lease. At most it would be two-tenths per share less of water if the lease went through and we had maximum exposure. One watering is two-tenths or three-tenths. So, on my farm, that would probably be an eight-day set.
Carver also said MVI learned management lessons from the 2002 drought, which left reservoir levels precariously low.
In 2002 we all got caught unaware. It was bad with the management in place, he said. We got hit by a Mack truck and with proper management you can overcome a large part of that fear. If we are in a drought situation, the lease is not the problem, the drought is the problem.
At the end of the evening, stockholders still seemed leery about leasing water for anything other than agricultural needs.
A lot of people have a lot of fear, said local rancher Drew Gordanier. My direction to the board would be to lease this water to agriculture within our own community. That will create more income in the long run and further economically benefit this community rather than a little bit of water going south. It is a safer lease and a better alternative.
The MVI board will host another stockholders meeting in December to discuss the needs of the company and whether or not to put the proposed lease to vote again. A date has not yet been set.
For more information, contact the MVI office at 565-3332 or visit the website at www.mvic.info.
Reach Kimberly Benedict at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Volume 7 Number 42 October 15, 2010
Dear Floridian:
This week, my Department released the audit I called for of the Department of Management Services' construction of the new 1st District Court of Appeal building in Tallahassee. Anticipating that the project was a large abuse of taxpayer dollars, the audit confirms that this project was a perfect storm of lack of appropriate oversight, abdication of responsibility, no-bid contracting and conflicts of interest.
What disappoints me most – especially after I spent four years calling for contracting reform until it finally passed the Legislature this session – is that at no time was the best interest of Florida's taxpayers at the center of these decisions. And when I think of how strained our court system is in Florida, and how cash-strapped our state's financial situation is, I am offended for every taxpayer.
Read the full audit here.
Alex Sink
State of Florida
Florida CFO Alex Sink on Tuesday released the results of an audit of the Department of Management Services (DMS) construction project to build the new First District Court of Appeal (DCA) in a letter to Governor Charlie Crist and Chief Justice Charles Canady.
The audit shows that DMS lost control of the project and spent millions more of taxpayer dollars than was necessary to build this courthouse. Outlined within the audit are 17 findings that appear to be inconsistent with Florida statutes, the Florida Administrative Code or generally acceptable internal control practices. Read the letter from CFO Sink.
Florida laws provide common sense internal controls to ensure that state-owned buildings are constructed in the most cost-effective manner possible. In the case of this courthouse, our audit shows that these controls were circumvented and the interests of the state and the taxpayer were not protected.
The audit clearly shows that without compromising in any way the functional aspects of the new courthouse facility, this project could have been – and should have been – constructed within the budget of the original Legislative appropriation.
Taxpayers can expect that officials responsible for construction of new state-owned facilities exercise proper stewardship of funding, and as this audit shows, that due measure of stewardship was absent here.
At Tuesday's meeting of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Alex Sink sponsored a resolution recognizing October 17 – 23 as City Government Week in the State of Florida. CFO Sink was joined at the presentation by Joy Cooper, Mayor of the City of Hallandale and president of the Florida League of Cities, in addition to students, teachers and advisors from Leon County public schools.
City Government Week offers an important opportunity to spread the word to all the citizens of Florida that they can shape and influence this hometown branch of government. It is important to recognize the role played by city governments, dealing with local issues that are the foundation for our diverse Florida cities.
The students in attendance were there to observe how government works and to prepare for a "brain bowl" competition, which was designed to engage students in learning about the function and purpose of municipal government. The Florida League of Cities and its member cities have joined together to teach students and other citizens about municipal government through a variety of different projects and information.
Read the City Government Week Resolution.
Last week, State Fire Marshal Director Julius Halas presented a memorial flag and medallion to each family member attending on behalf of their lost loved ones at the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. The prayer breakfast and memorial service recognized five Florida firefighters who lost their lives in the past year in the line of duty.
The families of Richard Rhea (Crawfordville Fire Department), Nolen Sauls (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department), Robert Strang (Melbourne Fire Department), Neal Tarkington (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department) and Roger Taylor (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department) were recognized for their supreme sacrifice during the service. In addition to Director Halas, Director John Corbett, Bureau Chief Barry Baker, Bureau Chief Carl Chasteen, Bureau Chief Jim Goodloe, numerous firefighters from across the state, and a statewide Honor Guard participated in the ceremony.
In recognition of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate would like to provide consumers with information regarding child-only insurance policies.
Down Syndrome is the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. Individuals with Down syndrome tend to have a lower-than-average cognitive ability, often ranging from mild to moderate disabilities. A small number have severe to profound mental disability. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1,000 births, although it is statistically much more common with older mothers.
The condition can produce costly medical complications over an individual's life span, and thus extensive medical treatment may be needed.
In an effort to encourage insurance companies to offer child-only policies for sick or medically needy children, insurers have been able to charge higher rates for children. However, insurers in Florida have recently decided to no longer offer policies for children only because they can no longer deny coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. Therefore, consumers should make note of child-only health care options available to Floridians through state programs.
Floridians with medically needy children are able to take advantage of Florida's public insurance programs.
Consumers with additional questions regarding child-only insurance policies or coverage for individuals with disabilities should contact the Division of Consumer Services within the Department of Financial Services on-line at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/ or by phone at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236), toll-free in Florida, and (850) 413-3089 from out of state.
The Insurance Consumer Advocate is appointed by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and is committed to finding solutions to insurance issues facing Floridians, calling attention to questionable insurance practices, promoting a viable insurance market responsive to the needs of Florida's diverse population and assuring that rates are fair and justified.
Florida CFO Alex Sink and the Department of Financial Services are hosting a series of small business forums as part of Women's Small Business Month in October.
These forums are open to any business owner seeking to grow and protect their business and will address the insurance and financial needs of small businesses as well as how to access capital and how to make the best use of available technology resources.
Forum participants include Small Business Development Centers, the Internal Revenue Service, local chambers of commerce, and banking and insurance specialists, along with others. Forums will be held in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Stuart, and North Cape Coral.
Visit http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/OutReach/EventsbyRegion.asp for a full list of events in your area, or call (850) 413-3089 or toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
As Tropical Storm Paula moves away from the United States mainland, sighs of relief can be heard across the state once again. But it isn't too late - a storm could still show up and threaten Florida this hurricane season. Not over till November 30, storms can show up in December, too. So here is a reminder to be prepared for a late season storm.
From the Fort Myers News-Press comes a helpful saying from Cape Coral Fire Chief Bill van Helden, "Hide from the wind and run from the water." Make sure wind can't find you and water can't catch you!
If you live on the water, evacuate when the order comes from the authorities. If you are in a manufactured home in the path of the storm, evacuate.
If you are inland and decide to stay home, assess your dwelling before you decide to ride out the storm. Stay away from windows - find protection in a room with no windows such as a hallway or closet. Once the storm winds begin, stay inside. Flying debris, falling trees or downed power lines can cause injury or death.
If you evacuate or stay home, you need to be prepared for the few days after the storm passes. Electricity may be out and bottled water will be needed. The timing of getting everyday services back depends on the severity of the storm and the preparedness of your community. Electricity could be out a few days or more. The following list of items will make sure that you and your family are prepared for what the storm situation or any emergency may bring.
There has been a lot of information in the news recently about banks temporarily halting foreclosures. Although this gives homeowners a short reprieve from the foreclosure process, homeowners need to continue to work with their lenders to find possible options or solutions. Struggling homeowners need to remember that lenders are temporarily halting foreclosures and, at some point, they will restart the foreclosure process and you should be prepared to provide updated documentation and information.
In an effort to assist struggling homeowners, CFO Sink and the Department of Financial Services host Florida Housing Help (FHH) workshops where lenders, counselors and other community resources come together to help homeowners navigate through their housing difficulties.
Upcoming FHH events:
Saturday, October 16 City of Lauderhill's newly constructed City Hall, 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd; Lauderhill, FL 33311, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19 Wakulla Chamber of Commerce, 23 High Drive Crawfordville FL 32326, 5:50 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 21 Central Florida Community College, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474-4415, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 28 Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 30 Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The FHH website can help connect struggling Floridians who may be at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure or may be facing mortgage fraud issues with assistance. For a schedule of workshops, visit the Florida Housing Help Calendar.
Stranger-Owned or Stranger-Originated Life Insurance (STOLI) transactions are usually pitched with offers of cash or free insurance, but read on to determine if they are the right deal for you.
In STOLI transactions, a buyer, often a senior, is offered incentives to purchase a life insurance policy for the benefit of investors seeking to profit on the insured's death. In many cases, the purchaser is encouraged to establish a trust, and the trust is named as the beneficiary and policy owner. At that point, the purchaser cannot change the beneficiary or cancel the policy after it has been issued because they are not the owner; the owner is the trust. The individual named as trustee for the trust is normally a "stranger" to the insured but has complete control over all decisions regarding the policy.
Some STOLI transactions involve annuities, which are normally sold by insurance companies as investments. Annuities are appealing because they typically include a "death benefit" that amounts to a money-back guarantee on the principal amount invested, sometimes including interest. Seniors may be targeted as purchasers due to their shorter life expectancy.
STOLIs are purchased in a manner that allows persons with no insurable interest in the life of the insured to obtain a policy they otherwise could not obtain. In any financial transaction, individuals should be alert for fraud such as misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts in the application.
Facts to consider:
For more information on this and other insurance issues, visit the department's Insurance Library.
Extending the life of the oil in your car is an economical move that is also good for the environment. The question to answer is when to actually change the oil. These days, experts can give some guidance on this issue, but not a firm answer and there are many different opinions on the subject. Your oil change interval depends on the owner's manual recommendation for your specific model car and your everyday driving habits.
For a long time the general guideline for an oil change has been every 3,000 miles. But if you have a car bought in the last seven or eight years, this guideline is outdated. Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved so that most cars can go several thousand more miles before changing the oil. A better average would be 5,000 miles between oil changes for severe driving conditions, and 7,500 miles for mild or normal driving. Not only is money saved by not changing the oil so often, but the environment gains when good oil is not thrown away.
Determine if your typical driving includes stop-and-go, short distances or extended idling. If you often take trips of less than 10 miles, the engine and the oil are not completely warmed up and cool oil cannot deal with the contaminants that come from internal combustion as efficiently. Short trips around town with frequent stops would be harder on your oil and considered severe driving conditions, warranting more frequent oil changes.
Newer model cars have an oil maintenance reminder where the engine control module/computer uses engine temperature, engine speed, and other factors to determine when the engine oil needs changing. Thus if you drive stop-and-go or low speed trips then the interval will be shorter; drive high-speed or longer duration trips then the interval will be longer.
After many years of recommending three thousand miles between oil changes, some of the quick oil change franchises are now suggesting that mechanics tell customers what the manufacturer recommends as the oil change interval under mild or severe driving conditions, which will extend the oil change timing in most cases.


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Dear friends, Barcelona Hostal Australia today´s recommendation is to visit , nice gastronomic and funny Barcelona area, next to" Marina Port Vell" near the see.. enjoy !
Food and drink
The diverse neighbourhoods offer an array of local and international cuisine. In close proximity to Marina Port Vell, you encounter the Gothic Quarter, where medieval streets reveal traditional taverns and contemporary tapas bars infused with Catalan charm. A brief stroll in the opposite direction and you'll discover Barceloneta, lined with sandy beaches and seafront restaurants. Barcelona also has more than its fair share of Michelin awarded restaurants located throughout the city, many of which can be found a taxi ride away in the trendy neighbourhood of Eixample.
For further information:


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Find the perfect hotel in Harper Woods using our hotel guide provided below. Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in or close to Harper Woods, MI for your business or personal leisure travel. Explore the most favored Harper Woods, Michigan motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Harper Woods area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Harper Woods hotels.
The Harper Woods center point is about 2 miles southwest of Downtown Saint Clair Shores and 2 miles north of The Village / Downtown Grosse Pointe.
How should we direct your call?


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Fusion Science and Technology / Volume 61 / Number 2T / February 2012 / Pages 39-45
Fusion Machines / Proceedings of the Tenth Carolus Magnus Summer School on Plasma and Fusion Energy Physics / dx.doi.org/10.13182/FST12-A13491
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A concise overview is given of the principles of inertial and magnetic fusion, with an emphasis on the latter in view of the aim of this summer school. The basis of magnetic confinement in mirror and toroidal geometry is discussed and applied to the tokamak concept. A brief discussion of the reactor prospects of this configuration identifies which future developments are crucial and where alternative concepts might help in optimising the reactor design. The text also aims at introducing the main concepts encountered in tokamak research that will be studied and used in the subsequent lectures.