text: In sci.psychology.theory article <Pine.LNX.4.30.0102030042230.25339-100000 at tux4.math.duke.edu> Kwok-Man Hui <kmhui at math.duke.edu> wrote: : In China, there are many Qi-Qong practioners can radiate intense heat from : their palms. There are well established scientific reports about these What is 'intense'? : facts. The lituratures are in Chinese. : They even have already used this kind of Qi to cure some diseases or : illness for people. This has been taken place at least for hundreds of : years according to Chinese medical history, BUT so far no satisfactory : scientific explanation is proposed. And needless to mention there is any : proper scientific testing of any theory. There are lot empirical data, but : no appealing understandable theory is made. : Don't be narrow minded. Science is not just composed of empirical : science only. Sorry, but it is. That is the whole point of science. -- John M. Price, PhD jmprice at calweb.com Life: Chemistry, but with feeling! | PGP Key on request or FTP! Email responses to my Usenet articles will be posted at my discretion. Comoderator: sci.psychology.psychotherapy.moderated Atheist# 683 "...you keep forgetting one very important thing. The same freedom of speech that lets you ramble on about everything under the sun as if you were really someone important with something worthwhile to say, lets the rest of us tell you that you are an egocentric blowhard with delusions of self- importance, a nazi-fetish, and all the social graces of a 2 year old." - D. Ratcliffe on Usenet


text:
Legal Status
Document Details
Document Statistics
Published Document
Proposed Projects
Title: Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Assessment.
OMB No.: New Collection.
Description: This data will be used to assess the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) delivery system. Data collected will provide Start Printed Page 6375information on the quality of services that Head Start Quality Improvement Centers (QICs) provide to Head Start grantees. Respondents will include QIC staff, collaborative partners of QIC organizations, and Head Start grantees. Specifically, site visit interviews will be conducted with QIC Directors and QIC Area Specialists, while telephone interviews will be conducted with QIC Directors, Grantee Directors, and Partner Agencies.
Training and technical assistance are critical in supporting the continuous improvement efforts of Head Start grantee and delegate agencies serving children birth to five and their families. The report of the Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and Expansion in December 1993 reaffirmed the importance of T/TA and recommended that the Head Start Bureau reassess and design the T/TA system to support program quality and expansion. The Head Start Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-252) also emphasized the importance of T/TA and stated that T/TA activities must ensure that needs of local Head Start agencies relating to improving program quality and expansion are addressed to the maximum extent feasible. The Advisory Committee on Services for Families with Infants and Toddlers also stressed the need for ongoing staff training and training programs to ensure that staff are "cross-trained" in the areas of child development, family development, and community building.
The assessment is designed to gather information for program management and planning purposes about the kind and quality of services provided by each QIC. Information collected will be used by the Bureau to: (1) Identify the quality of approaches undertaken in each phase of the strategic planning cycle; (2) identify any patterns or changes over time in the delivery of T/TA; and (3) determine the feasibility of future initiatives and funding decisions. The data collected will provide a means for the Head Start Bureau to carry out the Federal role outlined in the Cooperative Agreement establishing the QICs. These data also may be used, in part, to fulfill the Department's requirement to report to Congress on the Head Start program under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).
Respondents: Head Start Partner Agencies and Head Start Quality Improvement Centers.
|Number of respondents
|Number of responses per respondent
|Average burden hours per response
|Total burden hours
|QIC Director, Site Visit Interview
|QIC Area Specialist, Site Visit Interview
|QIC Director, Telephone Interview
|Head Start Partner, Agency Telephone Interview
|Grantee Director, Telephone Interview
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1103.
In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and Families is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above. Copies of the proposed collection of information can be obtained and comments may be forwarded by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Information Services, Division of Information Resource Management Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests should be identified by the Title of the information collection.
The Department specifically requests comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.Start Signature
Dated: February 1, 2000.
Bob Sargis,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-2663 Filed 2-8-00; 8:45 am]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This may be a bit deep, but I just finished folding laundry at a nearby laundromat whilst a group of over-caffeinated high-schoolers pretended it was audition night for "The Voice" and "Tosh.O" in the same place. After getting home and putting the goods away, I did dishes and consumed a tasty Dogfish Burton Baton and now my brain needs some playtime. You've been warned. Sit down. Strap in. Enjoy the ride....
To many folks, the term "NIH" means National Institutes of Health. But to many folks in the legal field, particularly those specializing in intellectual property issues ("IP" law, that is), it means "not invented here". It's a uniquely-American term, but the concept predates America itself actually. Allow me to digress...
I learned this while doing some contract work in that field a few years back; patent drawings and technical procedure writing actually. "NIH" refers to a policy some renown international corporate entities (I won't name any) have towards how they approach dealing with intellectual property. This encompasses copyright, patents and trademarks, obviously, but it also includes service marks and more.
In basic English: If the item was "not invented here" they don't want anything to do with it. In most cases, they mean "at all", as in "not in any respect whatsoever". For example, if you invent some cool toy, and approached some particularly HUGE toy manufacturing corporation to negotiate some kind of "deal" (I'll leave their actual name to your imagination), and they adhere to the NIH policy, and you are not a direct-employee of that company, they will very likely ask you to leave. If you continue to insist on a discussion, they may call security to help you find the door.
I am not joking.
So, during a recent discussion I had with some colleagues (past and present) about the subject of "why do so many IT organizations seem to abhor the idea of their own staff daring to develop their own tools for their own needs and then being so brazen as to ask their employers if they'd like to join in on the party?" Keep in mind that this is not about selling the invention to the employer. It's about asking the employer to put some elbow grease into it and help launch the airplane off the flight deck with a little more "umpf!". Of the six or so folks present, and their recollection of some two dozen secondary contacts and colleagues, not ONE of them could recall ever hearing of a successful effort in that regard.
Not one.
I am very familiar with this, as I have been, without planning or expectation, in the center of such situations, many times. At my last four employers in fact. I was present during the putting-out of some particular fires (metaphorically-speaking), in which there were NO available "off-the-shelf" solutions to be had. None. So we built our own (or I built my own). Like many contraptions, mechanical or otherwise, which are conceived to solve a "real" problem, they tend to gain a life of their own. Problems, it seems, tend to recur so having a tool which is custom-fit to solve it tends to be very appealing. Especially when that tool or solution was provided at no "additional" cost to the parties involved.
Yes. No additional cost. Translation: It was conceived, built, tested and applied using existing funding and task vehicles (that's beancounter speak for "it was part of my job duties, so I did it"). Even the technologies involved with building the tool were 100% "free". Things like built-in API's, and SQL Server Express, IIS, scripting, etc. Aside from the already-paid cost of the operating system license itself, there were no additional costs required or incurred.
So, why the fuss?
That's a good question. A lot of theories were discussed around this one key aspect. Everything from businesses shying away from stepping outside of their "core competencies" to "perceived risk" to "obligatory support liabilities" and so on. Blah blah blah. Fear. It's just fear. I add laziness to that, but fear and laziness go together like hookers and politicians.
Then it dawned on me that it's really about NIH. I realize that fear+laziness nearly equates to NIH in most respects, but it has a different sauce poured over it.
What's even more interesting about this entire mess is that in none of the examples we could cite were there any alterior motives on the part of the employee/developer. It was all above-board and in good faith, in which they not only accomplished the item in question, but in how they approached and engaged their employer. The employer however, no matter how the approach was toasted, garnished and served-up, consistently took a hostile, defensive stance in regards to their reaction to the employee. As if indicating their distrust in the employee; probably assuming the employee concocted the whole idea just to negotiate a deal in the same sense as a blackmail operation. Holding them hostage. Whatever that could mean.
But the question remains: why? Why not actually hold detailed, sincere discussions with the employee, rather than closing the gates and shooting arrows off the guard towers?
Legal risk. Once again, attorneys, and their corporate financial overlords (retainer clients, usually) have successfully cultivated an atmosphere of risk-avoidance. Risk avoidance is another name for "fear of innovation". Imagine if Henry Ford were told that challenging horses would land him in court? I'm sure someone tried it, but what if he actually caved in to that? Oh boy. You can argue that the environment would have fared better today than it has already, but think of the wider ramifications of that. Now, start that idea-clock in motion today and imaging where it will be in 50 or 100 years.
It's already too late to save our federal government system from the corruption of corporate PAC influences. Let's not let the rest of the baby go down the bathtub drain as well. There's a few companies and entrepreneurs out there still taking risks (Elon Musk, Richard Branson being just two of them), so maybe there's still hope things will turn around in favor of imagination and risk-taking. It can only work when it's cooked in the same pot as the money comes from though. It seems those of us stirring around in the bottom ranks of the IT world are going to have to fight our way out day by day, in spite of the risk-averse surroundings.
But I digress. Sweet dreams! :)


text:
- Online Digital NBCLA.com is the digital hub of what's happening locally. Our station website keeps viewers connected to their community. Join the Conversation
- Television Life Connected Celebrating the diversity of communities and embracing the triumphs of the Southland Join the Conversation
- Television Sunday Night Football From kickoff to the playoffs, NBC is home to America's favorite primetime show - Sunday Night Football. Join the Conversation
- Television COZI TV COZI TV offers advertisers fresh, unique ways to support their business goals. Join the Conversation
- Television Access Integrations Get in the mix of today's entertainment news with Access. Join the Conversation
- Television NBC 4 Sports Desk Grab this opportunity for local integration during the 6PM and 11PM sports segments. Join the Conversation
- Live Events Live Events When people gather and LA is buzzing, we're there. Be a presence at noteworthy sporting events, fairs, and expos and relate to the community at its most energized. Join the Conversation
- Television Primetime NBC Brings the Hits in Primetime! Join the Conversation
- Television Creative Solutions Our sales marketing and production teams partner with advertisers to make deep local impact. With massroots marketing we align grassroots strategy with the powerful reach and resources of NBC. Join the Conversation
NBC4 You, Your
Clients & Theirs
NBC4 Southern California
Southern California is a major economic force in the U.S. NBC's West Coast flagship, NBC4 champions the vast needs of commerce and attracts this diverse business community. We combine the power and influence of broadcast TV with digital and the #1 social media TV fan base in the world to maximize results for our clients. Join NBC4 and connect with So Cal's unique market landscape.
Make Authentic
We've always engaged locals with our broadcast channels, our video-centric city website, Facebook page, digital out-of-home and mobile, we exist wherever the conversation is – and where it's going. Learn More
Make Authentic
We serve up the compelling shows, sports, and events that attract a valuable local audience. Whether it's with a local sponsorship or a branded segment hosted by NBC4 station host Jessica Vilchis, we'll put your brand somewhere important -- in the middle of the conversation. Learn More
Conversation Starters
Meet The Community
An Affluent Los Angeles Audience% with a Household Income > $75k
KABC, KCBS, KTTV, KTLA, KCAL, KCOP Average46.40%
- Base: Adults 25-54
- NBC Markets: LA
- Source: Scarborough, 2017 Release 2
An Educated Los Angeles Audience% with a college degree or higher
KABC, KCBS, KTTV, KTLA, KCAL, KCOP Average
- Base: Adults 25-54
- NBC Markets: LA
- Source: Scarborough, 2017 Release 2
The Size of Our MarketADULTS AGE 18 AND OVER
12.55 Million
- Base: Adults 18+
- NBC Markets: LA
- Source: Nielsen Universe Estimates, Jan 2018


text:
As we celebrate our One Year Blogoversary, we're also celebrating the terrific tabby cat and the Pawesome Cats family who are all tabbies.
The History of the Tabby Cat
The birth of the domestic tabby cat is believed to have started thousands of years ago when Egyptian striped cats were smuggled to Greece and Rome. As the Roman Empire grew into Europe they took the Egyptian cats with them as pest control. Of course, their cats came into contact with European wild cats, and the kittens of these two types were born as tabbies.
Different Types of Tabby Cat
Did you know there are four main types of tabby cat?
- Mackerel Tabby – A mackerel tabby cat has vertical, usually non-broken, stripes that come out from the stripe that runs down the middle of the cat's back like a fishbone, hence the name mackerel.
- Classic Tabby – Also known as 'blotched' or 'marbled' tabbies, a classic tabby coat has circular swirls, usually with a 'bullseye' design on the cat's sides.
- Spotted Tabby – Spotted tabbies have similar markings to either the mackerel tabby or the classic tabby, but instead of having strong lines on their coast they have spots.
- Ticked Tabby – Ticked tabby cats will have the tabby markings on their faces, but at first glance you might not spot any tabby markings on their bodies. That's because ticked tabbies usually have agouti hairs, which have variable colours along the length of the hair. But look closely, and you'll probably be able to see the tell-tale stripes or swirls.
Image: Sebastian Tauchmann via Flickr
The Mystery of the Tabby "M"
One thing that all tabby cats have in common is a marking on their foreheads that looks like the letter M. Charlie and Max think the "M" on their foreheads stands for 'magnificent'. Of course, there are a number of legends about the reason for the M; which one do you prefer?
- Mau – In Ancient Egypt cats were called by the name Mau, probably because of the sound they made, so could it be that the M stands for Mau?
- Mary – Another legend tells of the baby Jesus being warmed by a tabby cat in the manger, because the other animals there were too big to snuggle up to him. As a sign of her gratitude, Mary gave her initial as the mark on the cat's forehead.
- Mohammed – Keeping with the religious theme, there are a number of well-known stories about the Prophet Mohammed's love of cats. For instance, his cat Muezza was once said to be sleeping on the sleeve of his robe, and rather than disturb his cat when he had to go to prayer, Mohammed cut off the sleeve. Many believe that that M on a tabby's head stands for Mohammed, protector of cats.
- Mother – A more recent story of how tabby cats came to have an M on their forehead comes from writer and animal welfare advocate Jim Willis, in his story 'Beloved of Bast'. The story tells of a cat named Mother who is visited by Bast, beloved cat of sun goddess Ra, who decrees that all tabby cats should have the letter M on their forehead to commemorate Mother's kindness.
Do you have a tabby cat in your life? Which legend do you think best explains the origin of the "M" on their foreheads?


text:
Here is the last post before the weekend. I think that's what I've decided to do with this project, by the way. I'll post during the week but break for the weekends since a million other things seem to capture my attention during the weekends.
Anyway, my last post has to do with an author I would like to check out. Stumbleupon, the great joy of the bored and procrastinating everywhere, brought me to CShayR's photostream which was filled with wonderful quotations. I always get excited when I find good quotations. I've kept a collection of them since I was very young. The one I happened upon was from John Green's book Looking For Alaska:
"I wanted so badly to lie down next to her on the couch, to wrap my arms around her and sleep. Not fuck, just like in those movies. Not even have sex. Just sleep together in the most innocent sense of the phrase. But I lacked the courage and she had a boyfriend and I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane."
In just a few short sentences Green captures perfectly every emotion wrapped up in the utterly confusing, exciting, and agonizing experience of teenage unrequited infatuation. I think I want to read this book now.


text:
Basic information about the Newton County
The Newton County is located in the state of Texas. This county occupies 941 square miles, with 7 square miles being water areas. There are 14.445 inhabitants living in the county according to the 2010 Census. As for the racial makeup of Newton County citizens, the 3 largest groups are White (76.88%), followed by Black or African American (20.08%) and Two or More races (1.45%). There are 5.476 households in the county, while 70,29% of them are family households and 29,71% represent non family households. There are 3 cities and towns in Newton County. The most populated city is Newton city and the smallest town or village is South Toledo Bend CDP.


text:
In reference to our previous post "LabCorp Locations in Northern California", a former LabCorp employee sent me an email that explains part of the problems at the LabCorp Patient Service Centers:
Sponsored links
Now I just wanted to say it is true that a location with low volume of patients only require one PST (Patient Service Tech), but what does low volume mean? 40-60 patients?
While being at LabCorp for a short time, I was told that one location received high volume (~300 patients) which required 6 PSTs. Now I worked at a hospital before and we each phlebotomist draws around 35-40 patients a day (about 300-400 patients a day) so does that mean 40-60 patients at a LabCorp PSC equals low volume?
Somehow, I think LabCorp PSTs forget that at a hospital outpatient blood draw room, there is a receptionist that processes all the requisitions, prints out labels, copies, fax, and handles inquiries. The phlebotomists at a hospital draw blood [and then maybe process specimens and paperwork on their next rotation]. LabCorp PSTs on the other hand have to also do the receptionist side of the work during their 8 hour shift. Having one PST at a "low volume" location is definitely understaffed when you think about the paperwork and LCM entries they have to also make just so that patients don't wait over 15 minutes.
And one more thing. There are a lot of grumpy PSTs that's been at LabCorp and say they love it there. Little do you know they put on a smiley face when dealing with patients (hence why patients love them) and when patients are gone, they complain and talk crap about them. Why do they love LabCorp? Because there's no supervisor or someone higher up on-site to watch mistakes going on. You can practically never ever wash your hands or wear gloves, stick a patient more than the allowed 2 times, and do manipulate the time clock system and get away with it. Me? I can't stand this sort of unprofessionalism hence why I left quick-fast.
Tags: Bad Service Centers, General Labcorp Stories, hospital, labcorp, labcorp centers, LabCorp Employees, patient service centers, patients, phlebotomists, specimens


text:
Most municipalities require you to have Liability Insurance before you can book their fields. Even if they don't, you should consider protecting yourself against lawsuits. If someone claims injury or damages as result of your activities, liability insurance will pay for legal costs as well as any costs awarded against you. Our current policy provides third-party and participant coverage for up to $5 million in damages.
Sports injuries can result in dental and medical expenses that may not be completely covered by MSP or your Extended Health Plan at work.
To purchase insurance:
- For leagues and teams, insurance is included with BCU Membership.
- For tournaments, BCU Members are covered as long as BCU approves the tournament, please email firstname.lastname@example.com to obtain approval or for more information.


text:
Civil War Money - 18 Notes
In stock
List Price $12.99 Special Price $11.99 You Save$1.00
Item Description
This Civil War currency is sold as a set of 18 different notes (12 CSA and 6 US). The notes are authentic reproductions of CSA and US currency of the time period. The replica money is not real money and cannot be redeemed.


text:
Defense News
China Ramps Up Missile Threat With DF-16
By WENDELL MINNICK
TAIPEI — China is developing a ballistic missile that will pose a "great threat" to Taiwan and regional neighbors and further complicate U.S. military action should it become involved in a confrontation with Beijing.
Tsai De-sheng, Taiwan's National Security Bureau director-general, revealed during a legislative hearing on March 16 that China was developing the Dong Feng 16 (DF-16) ballistic missile.
A Taiwan defense source said China has already fielded up to a dozen Dong Feng 21D anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province, and is preparing the groundwork for its first anti-satellite (ASAT) missile brigade in Hunan Province. News of the DF-16 and additional advancements in the DF-21D and ASAT programs increases the threat to regional and U.S. military forces. No technical details about the DF-16 were given, but the admission follows mainland Chinese media reports in mid-February that the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. was set "to complete research, production and delivery of this new generation of missile by 2015," said the statecontrolled Xinhua News Agency on Feb. 17.
China's Global Times subsequently reported the new missile was a medium-to long-range conventional missile with a strike range of 4,000 kilometers. Whether this is a reference to the DF-16 or another missile is uncertain.
"By deploying a new 4,000-kilometer-range, intermediate-range ballistic missile by 2015, the Chinese military is also trumping the U.S. Navy's early answer to the DF-21D ASBM — the UCAS-D unmanned combat air vehicle, which was expected to be deployed in the early 2020s," said Richard Fisher, senior fellow of the International Assessment and Strategy Center.
The DF-21D ASBM has been dubbed the "aircraft carrier killer" and considered a game-changer for U.S. military power in the region. Though skeptics have suggested China's ASBM efforts face technical hurdles that make it difficult to target a U.S. warship, others suggest China has made significant progress in deploying new communications and intelligencegathering satellites to facilitate the targeting of U.S. warships with ASBMs.
In 2009 and 2010, China deployed a record number of surveillance satellites into lower Earth orbit. These included seven Yaogan-class satellites, including the Yaogan 7 and 11 electro-optical imagine satellites. These satellites can electronically capture high-resolution digital images and transmit to ground stations via China's Tian-lian satellite network, said Ian Easton, a researcher with the Project 2049 Institute.
In 2010, China launched a threatsatellite Yaogan 9 constellation capable of triangulating and targeting radar-emitting aircraft carrier strike groups.
New Cruise Missile Threat
Besides the threat from the new DF-21D, China has begun fielding a new generation of anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM). These can be launched from submarines, surface warships, land-based mobile launchers and a new variant of the H-6K/M medium-range bomber. The new H-6K/M and submarines will allow China to hit targets as far way as Guam.
At the 2010 Zhuhai Airshow, several Chinese defense companies displayed how a combination of ASCMs launched simultaneously from a variety of platforms, aided by satellites and UAVs, could locate and destroy an aircraft carrier.
Chinese sources indicated operational tests have linked these satellites to anti-ship missiles for targeting U.S. warships, Easton said. The question for the U.S. is how to protect bases in the region now that Chinese missiles can reach Guam.
Roger Cliff, a China defense analyst, who co-authored the recent Rand report, "Shaking the Heavens and Splitting the Earth," said the U.S. must begin improving the survivability of air bases in the Western Pacific.
"This entails hardened runways, improved runway-repair capabilities, and hardened shelters for aircraft, including large aircraft such as AWACS, tankers, etc., as well as active missile defenses such as PAC-3 and THAAD." Cliff also recommends new systems to counter China's anti-access/area denial strategy, such as a long-range, stealthy cruise missile; a supersonic, anti-ship cruise missile; stealthy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft; high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs that can act as communications relays; long-range air-to-air missiles; truly mobile ground-based aircraft and cruise missile defense systems; and carrier-borne, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
STOVL Needed if Runways Destroyed
The F-35B short take-off and vertical landing aircraft will also become a necessity since Chinese missiles could destroy runways at Kadena and Anderson air force bases. Taiwan is also pushing for the release of retired AV-8 Harrier jump jets to compensate for what specialists expect will be the annihilation of Taiwan's air bases during a war.
China has about 1,300 DF-11/15 short-range ballistic missiles aimed at the island. Taiwan is pushing forward on the procurement of new F-16C/D fighters from the U.S., but critics are questioning their survivability during a war with China.


text:
Judge rules Alberta man was mentally ill when he attacked Didsbury RCMP
The central Alberta man who fired several shots at Mounties after ramming two RCMP cruisers was suffering from a mental disorder at the time and is not criminally responsible, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Justice Marsha Erb said Christopher Ryan Morrill could not appreciate the nature and consequences of his actions, nor understand they were wrong, when he engaged in an Aug. 19, 2010, standoff with Didsbury Mounties.
"Mr. Morrill had a mental disorder at the time of these offences," Erb said of the 13 charges he faces, including recklessly discharging a firearm, a crime that carries a minimum four-year jail term.
"I find that the mental illness deprived him of the capacity for rational perception," the Calgary Court of Queen's Bench judge said.
"He was not capable of appreciating his actions were wrong as a result of that mental disorder," Erb said.
During Morrill's trial, in which the only issue was whether he was not criminally responsible by reason of a mental disorder, court heard he had a history of psychiatric issues and suffered schizoaffective disorder.
Crown prosecutor Roy Smith had argued it was a drug- and alcohol-induced psychosis that triggered Morrill's criminal behaviour and therefore he could not rely on an NCR defence.
But Erb said even if Morrill had been consuming drugs and alcohol that day, it was his mental illness that caused him to attack the police.
In an agreed statement of facts, the former resident of Elkton Valley, about 100 kilometres northwest of Calgary, admitted he caused several Mounties to have to dive for cover when he shot at them.
Smith, reading from the statement, said Morrill fired several shots after his truck got stuck trying to cross a river.
The incident began with Didsbury RCMP responding to a report Morrill was threatening to kill his uncle, John Ross.
"The police were informed that the accused had decided he'd had enough of being mistreated by his uncle and he was going to end it by killing his uncle and then himself," Smith said.
But when police arrived and tried to talk Morrill into surrendering, he fled and was pursued by police, at one point ramming one cruiser and sending it spinning, then crashing into another and causing an officer minor injuries.
Morrill continued fleeing until getting stuck trying at a closed river crossing, Smith said.
Once he was stuck, Morrill pulled out a single shot .22-calibre rifle and fired two shots at police.
He then fired several more before officers retreated a kilometre away to set up a perimeter.
During the shooting, RCMP members could hear bullets zipping overhead, or striking the ground, rocks and even their cruisers.
Defence lawyer Adriano Iovinelli said even though his client will remain out of custody, as he has been since his release in January 2011, he still has to deal with the fact he suffers from a mental illness.
"He's very pleased that the court system regarding this matter is done, but we're still dealing with an individual that suffers from mental-health issues," Iovinelli said.
Morrill, who could have been ordered detained in a mental-health facility pending an Alberta Review Board hearing, is permitted to live at his mother's Westerose home and must continue taking medication and seeing his doctor.
It will be up to the Review Board to decide if those conditions are ever lifted.
On Twitter: @KMartinCourts


text: Please help. I have attempted to download "pages" to my ipad many times using both my husband's and my own itunes account. Each time it says it was unable to complete the download and yet I have paid for it twice. This is the process I've taken: In app store I click on "pages" app INSTALL. It tries to install and then tells me to go to itunes in downloads to complete installation. When I go to itunes there is nothing in "downloads." I go back to app store and click on Install again. I get the message " You've already purchased this but it hasn't been downloaded. If you're having trouble downloading it, select check for available downloads from itunes on your computer , then sync ...." then it pops up another message "Unable to download application. Pages will be available for download when you log in to the itunes store on your computer. Now I am in an infinite loop. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Sheryl


text:
Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College. He has conducted and published research in comparative, evolutionary, developmental, and educational psychology; published articles on innovative teaching methods and alternative approaches to education; and is author of Psychology (Worth Publishers), an introductory college textbook now in its 6th edition. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His current writing focuses primarily on the life-long value of play. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long distance bicycling, kayaking, and back-woods skiing.
His PT blog is Freedom to Learn.
Here is a link to a recent article he wrote for his blog -
Below is what I sent to Peter and his response regarding unschooling math -
Hi Peter! I will try to put some information below on how our family learns about math in our everyday life.
It would be truly difficult NOT to learn about math (or any of the traditional "subjects") by living a full, happy life. The various "subjects" are naturally part of life - they are part of our lives morning, noon, and night. Sometimes one person (or more) is very engrossed in one passion for a length of time (like my daughter Katie with dogsledding*, a certain novel or book she is writing or reading or my son Li with Magic The Gathering card game or Pokeman or creating his own bakery or something else).
* Dogsledding led to Katie writing to mushers, learning about mushing, geography of Alaska, watching the Iditarod and Yukon Quest online and following the mushers and figuring out distance and speed so we could guess who would come in first or next, having an Iditarod musher (Scott Smith) come to talk to our homeschool group, meeting some local mushers, going mushing, saving money to go mushing, having a bake sale to save money for mushing, becoming friends with mushers or musher enthusiasts on facebook and having conversations with them about the sport, etc
People can learn math and logic from so many things from reading to cooking to dividing up food or slices fairly to playing sports (figuring out the odds of winning or what angle to kick the ball, etc) to playing games (tic tac toe, sorry, connect four, tons of games...see Danielle Conger's "math" blog for some that she suggests to be related to "math"- http://danielleconger.organiclearning.org/math.html) to playing video games (yes, really!) to calculating how far it is to walk around the block or to figure out distance, rate and time when going somewhere or wanting to go somewhere and to see if you could actually do it...real life things. When you want to know something and it isn't drudgery, you just find it out. You learn. And most of all you understand concepts because they really mean something to you. For example, last night my son Li (age 8) asked me what 36 times 15 was. He knows how to do alot of calculations in his head already, but did not know how to do this one. And he doesn't know how to write out and calculate multiplication yet, so he asked me. I showed him how I do it, got the answer and asked him why he wanted to multiply those two numbers. He said it was because he wanted to buy a big pack of Magic The Gathering Booster Cards which had 36 packs of cards with 15 cards in each pack and he wanted to know how many cards he would get in all. This is just one example. Tonight we went grocery shopping and we calculated which Tropicana Orange Juice container(s) would be the cheapest - one big plastic bottle (which had twice the amount of ounces as the smaller one) or two smaller containers. We actually saved money by purchasing the two smaller containers of orange juice. (And I was glad we were not buying plastic - which made me feel like we made an environmentally friendly decision too!)
My daughter Katie is 12 1/2. Over the past year, Katie's schooled friends have told her they are learning algebra and that it is hard. A few months ago, she *asked* me to help her learn about algebra. One night, after the rest of the family was asleep, we sat on the bed and went over basic algebra together. I offerred to show her more in the morning, but she said that she had learned enough for now and that she knows if she wants to learn more in the future, she can.
When Katie was younger, she asked me to quiz her on multiplication or addition facts. We typically did this while traveling in the car or laying in bed late at night. We still do this sometimes with the other kids too, but only when it is played like a game, not to drill the kids on knowing the correct answers.
The kids and I love to play "Guess the number!" We do this whenever we are bored at the moment, waiting for an appointment, waiting in line, traveling in the car, etc. In this game, one person thinks of a number within a range of numbers and the rest of us guess. We are told higher or lower until we finally guess the right number. We take turns being the guesser or the person who thinks of the number. (When I am the guesser, I usually guess the middle number so I cut the range of possible numbers by 50%. ie..if the range is 0-100, I will guess 50. That is just the way I like to play the game for the first few guesses. I've talked to the kids about why I usually guess the middle number of the range, but they still just guess whatever number they think it is. I don't mind if they don't play it like me as it is just a game, but I do share why I do things with them sometimes. In any case, we all like that game - a favorite for sure!)
We do have a multiplication chart hanging up in the living room and we all enjoy finding out different patterns in it. (Someone once told me that an easy way to learn anything is to hang up whatever it is you wish to know (or others to know) on the wall in front of the potty! Well, our chart is not on the wall in front of the potty seat, but we do see it often by sitting or laying on the couch.) So far, Li, Katie, Jim (my dh) and I are the ones who enjoy looking at it the most.
We have these cool logic (math) books called "Math Perplexers." I love to do them and Katie and Li have enjoyed doing them with me. We also have Sudoku books and other things strewn around the house and in the bookshelves. We don't ever force the kids to do them, but they are there and sometimes come out for one reason or another. We have especially loved the Sir Cumference and other Charlesbridge math books - so clever and entertaining (http://www.charlesbridge.com/showproducts.cfm?FullCat=144)! Pattern blocks, tanagram puzzles, legos, wooden blocks, math manipulatives of various sorts (like cuisonnaire rods - which may only be used to *play* with or not....but either way it is a learning experience!)
When Li plays Magic The Gathering, he is constantly doing calculations of his life and figuring out which card would be best to attack an opponent or defend himself. There is strategy involved in it all. Many of the cards allow you to do a certain thing if you use x amounts of points or tap certain mana that you have already put down. Tokens can be used and dice is used to keep track of your life and for counters. Sometimes paper is used to keep track of each players life. I am surprised how complicated and strategic this game is.
http://joyful-abundance.blogspot.com/2009/12/december-happennings.html - Scroll to the bottom to see the Makana (age 4) and Li (age 8) playing Go Fish. Also, the two bottom pictures are things Li just made up on his own. I ask him about them and he describes them.
http://joyful-abundance.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-happennings.html - Below is from this blog post....(and there are a few other sort of math related things)
"I went shopping in Kana's store and wrote up the amount for each item I purchased. Li and I were showing each other how we added up the numbers. Me by carrying over. Li by adding up the cents first and then adding that amount to the dollar amount. The bottom was another game we were playing involving letters."
http://joyful-abundance.blogspot.com/2009/03/march-happennings.html - Below from this post - "Li explains time to Makana: I overheard Li explaining to Makana that there was 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, half of an hour was thirty minutes and half of half an hour was 15 minutes, which was how much time was left before the next hour."
I would write more, but I need to attend to my kiddos as it is getting late. I hope some of what I wrote is interesting or helpful. If there is anything specific you wish to ask, please write and I'll do my best to answer. I am sure I am leaving out loads of things, but this is the best I could do while my husband watched the kids so I could try to type!
Laurie Wolfrum 207-236-4275
His response -
Laurie, this is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time for typing it out; I really appreciate it. If I have any further questions as I work on my essay on this topic, I'll not hesitate to ask.
Best wishes,
Peter Gray


text:
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-size breed of dog originated in Tibet. Despite its name, it is not a member of the terrier group. The breed acquired its name from European travelers who first encountered the breed due to its resemblance to terriers. The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to "shaggy or bearded (apso) dog, from the province of Tsang". Some old travelers' accounts give the name Dokhi Apso or "outdoor" Apso, indicating a working dog which lives outdoors. Bred and raised in monasteries by lamas over 2000 years ago, Tibetan Terriers were kept as good luck charms, mascots, watchdogs, and companions. In addition to herding sheep, they were also used to retrieve articles that fell below mountain sides. Known as the "Holy Dogs of Tibet", they were never sold but only given as gifts by monks to promote good fortune. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs. Recent DNA analysis has concluded that the Tibetan Terrier is descended from the most ancient dog breeds.
Due to the geographically isolated location of Tibet, Tibetan Terriers were kept purebred for over 2000 years. Monks and families referred to the ancient breed as "the little people", for they were highly valued as companions who were eager to assist in protecting properties and flocks. Since the dog was considered a bringer of luck, mistreating or selling a Tibetan Terrier was believed to cause bad luck to both family and village. The first Tibetan Terrier to come to Europe came with Dr. A.R.H. Greig of England in 1922. She was given a gold and white female puppy "Bunti" for successfully performing an operation on a patient. After acquiring a second male "Rajah", Dr. Greig established a kennel and began to breed them. The first litter was born in 1924, registered as Lhasa Terriers. In 1930, the Kennel Club of India changed the breed's name to Tibetan Terrier. The first Tibetan Terriers in the USA were imported in 1956 by Dr. Henry and Mrs. Alice Murphy of Great Falls, Virginia. In 1973, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club and was classified into the non-sporting group. Tibetan Terriers are related to and have contributed to the development of other Tibetan breeds, including the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Tibetan Spaniel.
The Tibetan Terrier is a powerful, medium sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. They vary widely in height and weight, ranging from 14-16 in (35–41 cm) and is 18-30 lb (8–14 kg), with 20-24 lb (9.5–11 kg) preferred for either sex. All weights are acceptable if in proportion to the size. Fully grown, the Tibetan Terrier resembles a miniaturized Old English Sheepdog. The head is moderate, with a strong muzzle of medium length, and a skull neither rounded nor flat. The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. The V-shaped drop ears are well feathered, and should be set high on the sides of the skull. Although the preferred colour for the nose is black, in showdogs, they are also sometimes brown. The body is well muscled and compact. The length of the back should be equal to the height at the withers, giving the breed its typical square look. The tail is set high, well feathered, and carried in a curl over the back. One of the more unusual features of the Tibetan Terrier is the broad, flat feet with hair between the toes. They are ideal for climbing mountains and act as natural snow shoes.
The hair of Tibetans has a long growth cycle. As a result, their coat grows quite long and pet animals will require occasional trimming. They do not shed like dogs with shorter hair growth cycles, but rather slough hair at a rate similar to that of most humans. The exception is at approximately nine months when puppies slough their entire coat in advance of acquiring their adult coat. The double coat is profuse, with a warm undercoat and a topcoat which has the texture of human hair. It should not be silky or curled, but wavy is acceptable. Long and thick, it is shown natural, but should not be so long as to touch the floor, as is typical in breeds such as the Lhasa Apso or Maltese. A fall of hair covers the face and eyes, but long eyelashes generally prevent hair from getting in the Tibetan Terrier's eyes, and the breed has very good eyesight. The coat of the Tibetan Terrier requires regular and careful grooming to keep tangles from forming. This coat has been verified by canine experts to help the Tibetan Terrier withstand temperatures as low as -50 °C for prolonged periods of time.
Color All colors are permissible, barring liver and chocolate, and none are preferred. Gold is the rarest. Tibetan Terriers are available in any combination of solid, parti-color, tricolor, brindle or piebald, as long as the nose leather is black and the eyes and eye rims are dark.
The temperament has been one of the most attractive aspects of the breed since it was first established. They are amiable and affectionate family dogs, sensitive to their owners and gentle with older children if properly introduced. As is fitting for a dog formerly used as a watch dog, they tend to be reserved around strangers, but should never be aggressive nor shy with them. Though not prone to excessive barking, the Tibetan Terrier has an assertive bark. Suitable for apartment living, the Tibetan is still an energetic and surprisingly strong dog, and needs regular exercise. The energy level of the Tibetan is moderate to high and its general nature is happy, active, lively, intelligent and agile. As a result, they are well suited for dog sports such as agility. They are steadfast, determined, and clever, which can lead to them being stubborn. Tibetan Terriers are usually charming and loyal. Some dogs of this breed can often be jealous, which can make it hard to live with another pet.
Activities The Tibetan Terrier can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and even herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Tibetan Terriers that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Health A UK Kennel Club survey puts the average lifespan of the breed at 12 years. About one in five lives to 15 years or more, with the longest-lived Tibetan Terrier having lived to 18.25 years. Though an athletic breed that has been bred for a natural look, the Tibetan Terrier is still susceptible to a variety of health problems, especially those related to the eyes and joints. These health problems can include canine hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation, cataracts and heart murmurs. Tibetans also have a history of being somewhat allergic to dairy, wheat and grains. Because of these potential health conditions Tibetan Terrier clubs recommend purchasing from breeders who participate in eye and hip testing, such as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). In addition, Tibetan Terriers can carry the genetic disease canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, called Batten disease in humans. The first symptom of the disease is night blindness. Blindness and neurological signs such as epilepsy, motor abnormalities, dementia and unexpected aggression will follow some years later. The gene responsible for the disease in Tibetan Terriers was identified in 2009 and there is now a DNA test for it. A German study showed that about 1/3 of Tibetan Terriers are carriers, but no affected dogs has been produced since the introduction of the DNA test as the German breed club requirements forbid carriers from being bred together.


text:
01 Jun 2012
Fly roundtrip to Chengdu, Xi'an or Guilin starting at $1,125
June 1 (San Francisco, CA) - China, a country so vast with many unique offerings, can often overwhelm travelers seeking to visit; simply because they don't know where to begin. With Cathay Pacific's June fare sale featuring three of China's most enchanting cities, we've done the homework for you. Travel to and explore the depths of Chengdu, Xi'an or Guilin in China with roundtrip economy class fares starting at only $1,125 inclusive of taxes and fuel. What's more, travelers booking this deal online can enter a sweepstakes to win a three-night stay at the luxurious Shangri-La hotel in the city they're visiting.
"This month's deal will have something different that will appeal to every kind of traveler," said Eric Odone, vice president of sales and marketing, Americas for Cathay Pacific. "Whether you want to interact with pandas in Chengdu, unearth the history of the terra cotta warriors in Xi'an or absorb the breathtaking scenery in Guilin, there is a destination waiting for you to explore."
The fares start at $1,125 inclusive of taxes and fees for roundtrip economy class travel from New York JFK, Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific followed by convenient connections to China via the airline's sister carrier, Dragonair. The sale ends June 15 for travel between Sep 3 to Nov 30 inclusive. Fares are not eligible for frequent flier mileage. The sweepstakes runs through June 15 and winner must redeem the hotel stay by Sep 3, 2013. For full terms and conditions on the fare sale and sweepstakes, visit cathaypacific.com/us.
About Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways flies daily to Hong Kong and beyond from Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco and Chicago. More information, including current fares and availability, may be found by visiting the airline's website at cathaypacific.com/us or Facebook page at facebook.com/cathaypacificus.


text:
It's never my fault. Swear. It must be my cookware. My spatulas. My appliances. The lighting in the kitchen.
As terrible a cook as I am, I really do love trying to bake things. Brittany Angell's gluten-free lemon poppyseed bread from her book Every Last Crumb was the latest endeavor. And it was AMAZING – after I sliced off the burnt bottom and sides.
I followed instructions exactly. It was one of those easy recipes where, as long as you bother to measure, the only other thing you have to do is stir everything together. Nothing fancy. No "rising" or "folding." Just combining. Even for me, combining is usually pretty foolproof.
For Pete's sake, combining is just stirring. What the heck could go wrong.
Yet I still managed to burn 5 of 6 sides of the thing. I'm telling you. It's got to be my oven.
The center was absolutely perfect, though, and I'm not too proud to scoop out the good parts with a spoon and pretend the rest didn't happen. I'm not too proud to have my dinner guests do the same thing, either. (It's either that or takeout, since I forgot to thaw the roast.)+ Add to favorites
About Liz Wolfe
I'm an author (I wrote Eat the Yolks and the Skintervention Guide); a magazine columnist and podcaster; a blogger; and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP™) certified by the Nutritional Therapy Association! And, of course, I'm a really, REALLY bad cook.


text: Finally I get to post something! I know it's been a while, but I've been busy with a few projects that I can't display for the next few months. This is some fan art I did for Ark Survival Evolved. It is definitely my favorite video game of all time so this is way overdue. I'm sure my fellow Ark players can relate to this image, lol. My Argentavis 'War Bird' is my longest surviving dino yet so I decided he deserved a spot on here. Thanks for looking, and let me know what you think!


text:
IPMBA Conference Archives
2007 IPMBA Conference
For the first time in the history of IPMBA, the annual conference was hosted by an EMS agency. Our hosts, East Baton Rouge EMS, made a commitment to producing a well-orchestrated event. In the process, they clearly demonstrated that an EMS agency could do as well as a police department with hosting the event, if not better. It was an excellent event, demonstrating not only that an EMS agency could do the job, but also that IPMBA is not a police organization; it is an association of public safety cyclists.
Photo Gallery
Thanks to Our Hosts
The IPMBA board, staff, members, and conference attendees would like to extend their sincere thanks to East Baton Rouge EMS for hosting the conference, and to their partnering agencies for providing assistance. We truly appreciate the support of Mayor Kip Holden and the Metro Council; EMS Administrator Pam Porter; EMS Chief of Operations Tommy Loyacano; Chief Jeff Leduff of the Baton Rouge Police Department; Charles Mondrick, Uniform Patrol Commander, Baton Rouge Police Department; Col. Henry Whitehorn, Louisiana State Police; and the many residents and businesses of Baton Rouge who provided financial and in-kind support for the conference.
IPMBA would also like to recognize the staff of East Baton Rouge EMS and all those who have participated in the planning and implementation of this conference, especially Tom Harris. Tom first approached IPMBA about hosting a conference in 2001. After a two year military deployment, he returned and redoubled his effort to bring the conference to Baton Rouge. Since that time, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that conference attendees would experience nothing less than the ultimate in southern hospitality.
Of course, he was not able to accomplish this alone. He gathered a team of individuals who were equally dedicated to meeting this goal. This team includes East Baton Rouge EMS staff members Darryl Beard, Rachael Firmin, Chad Guillot, Brad Harris, Ann Lemoin, Mark Olson, Mary Prochaska, Lauri Scivicque, Christian True, and Joyce Walden Wales; Baton Rouge Police Department personnel Kenny Brown, Kyle Callihan, Don Coppola, Jeremy Stanley, and Mark Weber; and Patrick Washington and Robert Moruzzi of the DPS Capitol Detail.
Many other staff members and volunteers extended their hospitality to the IPMBA conference attendees in a variety of ways – at registration, in bike check, on the trails, in the hospitality suite. We couldn't possibly list them all!
In so many ways, the host committee for the 17th Annual Conference rolled out the "purple carpet" and showed the attendees the meaning of the word hospitality. As a result of their many hours of effort and dedication, all conference participants enjoyed on outstanding training experience, excellent riding, and remarkable food.
East Baton Rouge EMS really "let the good times roll" at the 17th Annual IPMBA Conference!
See you at the Speedway for the 18th Annual IPMBA Conference, April 19-26, 2008, in Indianapolis, Indiana.


text:
Get your FREE Summer Recipe Book!
This Recipe Book is packed full of amazing recipes that both your body and tastebuds will thank you for!
What do I need to do?
Simply complete this form and press the SUBMIT button. We'll send you an email straight away with your FREE Recipe Book. Bon appetit!


text:
I have to confess to never having read any of Moore's Swamp Thing until now. And in some ways I'm glad I waited, because it's always great to find a great comic that you've never read before even when it's 25 years old.
The book reprints Saga #20-27, and features a bunch of very cool bits. The coolest is the way Moore completely transforms the hero by revealing Swamp Thing to not be the transformed body of Alec Holland, but the transferred consciousness — meaning there is no chance Swamp Thing can ever become human again. This throws the series' very premise into doubt and runs counter to the conventions that ruled comic book storytelling and character motivation for the previous, say, two decades. That opens the door for this book to go somewhere completely different, and made for a tremendously interesting read.
That not much is immediately done with it is OK — we know there's more volumes to come. But there's also a lot of craft in this book, from Moore and artists Stephen Bissette and John Totleben. For one, everything is deliberate and with purpose — every caption and every panel seems to have been thought through rather well and there's little if any fat in the story telling.
The things that for me didn't work quite as well were the introduction of various DC Universe characters. The Justice League cameo was strange and thankfully short. The appearance of The Demon, however, was more annoying and seemed more gratuitous. Maybe some of that is every horror/mature reader series DC launched in these pre-Vertigo days seemed to have The Demon show up. (Even Neil Gaiman's Sandman had both the Justice League and The Demon show up in its early issues.) Plus, the only Demon comics I've ever read that I liked were the first few by Jack Kirby. Pretty much everything since has seemed contrived or just plain silly, so that part fell short.
These are minor complaints, however, since the overall experience of reading the book is a very pleasurable and intimate one. It's also a good reminder of what you can do with a comic book when you've got a writer with a vision and they're left largely to their own devices — no crossovers, no mega events, no storytelling by committee. As a latecomer to these stories, I think I like them more than I would have had I read them 10 or 20 years ago. Grade: A-


text:
By Seth Freilich | Industry | September 22, 2008 |
The fall season now feels official-like, with a whopping 41 shows premiering this week. Monday, Thursday and Sunday are the biggest days and although there are a few shows over the course of the week I'll be tuning in for, it's really all about next Sunday:"The Amazing Race," "Dexter," "Californication" and "The Unit," among others. Hell. Yes. And a friendly reminder about Sunday night — thanks to glorious, glorious football, your CBS and Fox shows may be off by up to an hour, so pad your DVRs accordingly.
Tonight (9/22) "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS, 8 pm), "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 8 pm), "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS, 8:30 pm), "Heroes" (NBC, 9 pm, with a countdown special airing before it at 8 pm), "Two and a Half Men" (CBS, 9 pm), "Worst Week" (CBS, 9:30 pm), "Boston Legal" (ABC, 10 pm) and "CSI: Miami" (CBS, 10 pm).
Tuesday (9/23): "NCIS" (CBS, 8 pm), "Oppotunity Knocks" (ABC, 8pm), "The Mentalist" (CBS, 9 pm), "Law & Order: SVU" (NBC, 10 pm) and "Without a Trace" (CBS, 10 pm).
Wednesday (9/24): "Knight Rider" (NBC, 8 pm), "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (CBS, 8 pm), "Gary Unmarried" (CBS, 8:30 pm), "Criminal Minds" (CBS, 9 pm), "CSI: NY" (CBS, 10 pm) and "Lipstick Jungle" (NBC, 10 pm).
Thursday (9/25): "My Name is Earl" (NBC, 8 pm, followed by a second new episode), "Survivor" (CBS, 8 pm), "Ugly Betty" (ABC, 8 pm), "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 9 pm), "The Office" (NBC, 9 pm, hour-long episode), "ER" (NBC, 10 pm)
Friday (9/26): A bit of a breather — nothing new to see here.
Saturday (9/27): "48 Hours Mystery" (CBS, 10 pm).
Sunday (9/28): "60 Minutes" (CBS, 7 pm), "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (ABC, 7 pm), "The Amazing Race" (CBS, 8 pm), "The Simpsons" (Fox, 8 pm), "King of the Hill" (Fox, 8:30 pm), "Cold Case" (CBS, 9 pm), "Desperate Housewives" (ABC, 9 pm), "Family Guy" (Fox, 9 pm), "Dexter" (Showtime, 9 pm), "American Dad" (Fox, 9:30 pm), "The Unit" (CBS, 10 pm), "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC, 10 pm), "Californication" (Showtime, 10 pm), "Little Britain" (HBO, 10:30 pm) and "The Life and Times of Time" (HBO, 11 pm).
Season Premieres / Seth Freilich
Industry | September 22, 2008 |


text:
Silicon Valley Meetup
The Silicon Valley Meetup brings together newly-trained Fellows and a small group of UIF faculty mentors for several days of immersive learning activities. This event takes place at Stanford University's d.school, with visits to Google, Microsoft and other Silicon Valley locations. During the event, Fellows participate in experiential workshops and exercises focused on topics that include creating and running student innovation spaces, leading through movement, designing learning experiences, and exploring new models of change in higher education. Attendees engage with leaders in academia and industry, and they collaborate and share knowledge with their peers. This event is held twice each year after each training cycle.
If you're a Fellow and would like information about an upcoming Silicon Valley Meetup, including registration, hotel information, schedule, etc, please click here (password required: Fellows should have received this password in an email about the Meetup).
March 2017 Silicon Valley Meetup
Event worksheets, photos, videos, agenda and more
March 2016 Silicon Valley Meetup
Event worksheets, resources, articles, agenda and photos
March 2015 Silicon Valley Meetup
Event resources, articles and photos


text:
The poll has closed for the question, "What was the best 20th Century Presidential Autobiography?" Thanks to all who participated by voting.
There was a tie for first place. The Autobiography of Harry Truman and The Memoirs of Richard Nixon each got 23% of the vote. My Life by Bill Clinton got 19%. An American Life by Ronald Reagan received 14% of the vote. Silent Cal (The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge) came in last with 9%.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Poll: What was the best 20th Century Presidential Autobiography?
Posted by M at 5:34 AM
1 comment:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Forces of Habit
Harvard University Press, Jun 30, 2009 - History - 288 pages
Offering a social and biological account of why psychoactive goods proved so seductive, David Courtwright tracks the intersecting paths by which popular drugs entered the stream of global commerce. He shows how the efforts of merchants and colonial planters expanded world supply, drove down prices, and drew millions of less affluent purchasers into the market, effectively democratizing drug consumption. He also shows how Europeans used alcohol as an inducement for native peoples to trade their furs, sell captives into slavery, and negotiate away their lands, and how monarchs taxed drugs to finance their wars and expanding empires. Forces of habit explains why such profitable exploitation has increasingly given way, over the last hundred years, to policies of restriction and prohibition--and how economic and cultural considerations have shaped those policies to determine which drugs are readily accessible, which strictly medicinal, and which forbidden altogether.
What people are saying - Write a review
Forces of habit: drugs and the making of the modern worldUser Review - Not Available - Book Verdict
Historian Courtwright (Violent Land) ranges widely across more than four centuries and the world to chart the "psychoactive revolution" that made ever more potent drugs available to all classes of ... Read full review
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
addiction advertising African �gure alcohol alkaloids American amphetamine �rm �rst became bene�ts betel beverages brand British cacao caffeine Cambridge cannabis chewing China Chinese chocolate ciga cigarettes coca cocaine coffee colonial con�ict consumers consumption crops cultivation Culture David distilling drinking Drug Abuse Duke early modern effects Europe European export ganja global hashish heroin History illicit drugs important increased Indian industry in�uence James Japanese John kava kola nuts labor Lester Grinspoon licit liquor London manufacturers marijuana Mass Medicine methamphetamine million morphine narcotics nations nicotine Nils Bejerot nineteenth century nonmedical of�cials �ourished opiates opium percent pharmaceutical physician Policy political popular pounds Press pro�table pro�ts problem production prohibition psychoactive drugs psychoactive revolution quotation revenue samogon scienti�c signi�cant slaves smuggling social Society spread sugar taxes tion tobacco trade traf�c trans twentieth century United users western wine World wrote York


text:
china reviews,
White Emoji Jogger Sweatpants Review!!!!
Hello beauties!!!i hope you are doing great.Today i am going to review this super cute emoji sweet pant.I got this from a online store wsdear. They sells beautiful women dresses,bags,shoes and much more.So let's start with the review....
My Thoughts:
I was looking for this type of pants for so long.I finally found it at wsdear and thought to place an order.The package arrived very soon and i was so impressed with the design and the quality was amazing.After opening the package this sweet pants with there.I was wondering how soft and warm this pant material is and it looks stylish as well.The size of this pants is totally fit on me.I am so loving the print which is our favorite emoji style and looks so cute.It also has a pocket at the back.The price of this item is much affordable and i am totally satisfied with the quality. It is super comfortable to wear and i really love this pant.
Price & Availability: You can check out the details of this item in the links below..
How do you think about my selection???Let me know in the comment box below..Xoxo Shiza


text:
Congratulations are in order for Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis.
The Her actress, 30, and the SNL alum, 38, welcomed their first child – son Otis Alexander – the proud new mom announced via Twitter Wednesday (April 23).
"Ladies and gentlemen, Otis Alexander Sudeikis has LEFT the building! (I'm the building)," the actress wrote, sharing a photo of herself cuddling her newborn.
Ladies and gentlemen, Otis Alexander Sudeikis has LEFT the building! (I'm the building) pic.twitter.com/uHfY3adroc
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) April 23, 2014
The Drinking Buddies star currently covers Lucky and opens up about embracing her baby bump.
"I just thought, 'Oh, I'm going to hide this forever.' But I ended up getting kind of excited to show the bump as a badge of pride," she said. "Like, 'I'm a woman! Look at me making a human! I am a goddess!'"
The new parents were engaged in January 2013, and announced that they were expecting last October.


text:
Lionel Messi v Maradona: Who is the greatest of them all ... the case for and against
WHETHER we like it or not club football has now left international football behind and, as a result, the Champions League is at least as important as the World Cup. That is why Leo Messi's domination of the European Cup is every bit as significant as the mark Diego Maradona left on Mexico 86.
Think about the image of that soaring header in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United, with Rio Ferdinand and an aghast Edwin van der Sar looking on. A moment preceded by the talk of him not being great in the air, and followed immediately by his boot falling off as – so the scientists tell us – his body shrunk for a split second as the super-human effort shot through his 5ft 7in frame.
Think about the same scenario two years later at Wembley as he lashed in Barcelona's second goal against Manchester United, putting his foot through the ball from the edge of the area and then racing across to do the same to the corner flag in uncharacteristic wild celebration.
Messi owns the Champions League, at the age of just 24.
That goal in last year's final was his 12th in last season's competition. This season he has 12 before the quarter-final stage. Injuries allowing, he will finish his career having won the Champions League, and scored in it, more often than any other player.
The World Cup question will have to wait until Brazil 2014 but, in the meantime, two myths about Messi, Maradona and World Cup finals needs debunking: one is that Messi did nothing in 2010 and the other is that Maradona won Mexico 86 on his own.
Brilliant individual efforts from Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga beat West Germany, albeit with the latter strike coming from a Maradona pass. Diego was for the most part nullified by Lothar Matthäus in the Azteca Stadium and without his team-mates he would not have lifted the trophy.
In 21 World Cup games, Maradona scored eight goals and he was 26 when he lifted the trophy – Messi will be 27 in Brazil in two years' time. In South Africa, Messi was unfortunate. On the pitch he hit the post more times than any other player and off it he had Maradona running the team – the great man's coaching shortcomings laid bare by Germany and that 4-0 defeat. Yet his overall performances were as good as Maradona's at the same age in Spain in 1982.
Maradona led his country in Mexico 86 but Messi leads his club every season in the Champions League. He may not puff his chest out Diego-style as he walks out on to the pitch but he is the quiet leader who always delivers.
Pep Guardiola says of Barcelona's No 10: "There are different types of leadership. When things get difficult, Messi steps up. He has done it right throughout the last four years. It is a silent leadership; in adversity he always comes forward."
Last season in the Champions League when Jose Mourinho's plan to smother Barcelona seemed to be working in the first home leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, it was Messi's brace that in the space of a few minutes put the tie beyond Real Madrid. His four goals against Arsenal two seasons ago led Arsène Wenger to label him the "playstation player", and having led his team to the final he always delivers in those final 90 minutes that decide who lifts the trophy.
He also chested the ball into the back of the net – scoring with the Barcelona badge as Barça supporters like to remember it – in the World Club championship in 2009 against Estudiantes, when the team won the tournament for the first time ever. Another big final, another match-deciding goal.
Separating them as players is difficult. It is true Maradona made Napoli champions and thrived in an era when flair players were largely unprotected. But Messi moving to a different country, aged 13, was a character test which Maradona never had to pass. And as the defenders bouncing off him every week prove, Messi hardly needs the match official protection he and all players now receive.
On his first day at Barcelona, remembers team-mate Marcos Alonso, Maradona kicked his rolled-up socks-off the bench in the dressing room and did 300 keepy-ups. The only Messi first- day anecdotes are of a shy boy in awe of his surroundings. Messi has never had that brash showmanship, but once he crosses the line and the whistle blows he matches the man he now looks like replacing as the greatest of all time.
If he holds the World Cup aloft in Rio, there really will be no debate but even without international glory his domination of the greatest club competition in the world, at a time when club football is so much in the ascendancy, has him as Guardiola says – sat on the throne, crowned football's greatest.
The case for Maradona, by Glenn Moore
ONE day, maybe, Lionel Messi will prove the global game's greatest player, but not yet, and certainly not just because he put five goals past a Bayer Leverkusen defence which had already been taken apart this season by Bundesliga relegation-strugglers Augsburg and Cologne.
Messi may be scoring goals at a rate rarely seen since Dixie Dean's heyday, but he does have the advantage of being at the sharp end of probably the greatest team of all time. Take Messi out of Barcelona and what do you have?
We already have an answer. In the last World Cup Messi failed to score in five matches as Argentina lost in the quarter-final to Germany. It is argued that the Champions League is now a higher standard than the World Cup (not that the presence of Apoel Nicosia in the quarter-finals adds much weight to that view).
Whether it is or not is irrelevant when judging Messi because he is playing for the best team in the competition, a team which even without him would be formidable. A truly great player is capable of turning a moderate team into a winning one. Like Diego Maradona.
English attitudes towards Maradona are understandably coloured by the "Hand of God" goal but his notoriety should not obscure his greatness. Maradona turned base materials into gold on both the club and international stage. Napoli were a shambles when they somehow found the cash to buy him in 1984. Fighting relegation had become a way of life with the club surviving by a point the previous season. Maradona turned them into title contenders and in 1986/87 they won the first scudetto in the club's history. A second Serie A title, and Napoli's first European prize, the Uefa Cup, followed. Since Maradona left, the club have not won a trophy.
Maradona was similarly central to Argentina's 1986 World Cup success. Ten of their 14 goals were scored or created by him, and his five goals included superb ones against England and Belgium of the type now associated with Messi. In the final, after West Germany had come back from 2-0 down to level, he supplied the pass for Jorge Burruchaga to score the winner. All this while carrying a knee injury which had threatened to rule him out of the tournament.
Brian Glanville, in The Story of the World Cup, his history of the competition since 1930, wrote: "It will always be remembered as Maradona's World Cup, seldom has a player, even Pele, so dominated the competition. In an era when individual talent was at a premium, defensive football more prevalent than ever, Maradona – squat, muscular, explosive, endlessly adroit – showed that a footballer of genius could still prevail."
This context is another factor in Maradona's primacy. He formerly played in an era when the tactics were negative and the tackling brutal. Maradona's relative lack of impact at Barcelona, and later decline, had much to do with the injuries he suffered including the notorious ankle-break by Andoni Goikoetxea, the "Butcher of Bilbao". Only after the 1990 World Cup, when Maradona carried to the final an Argentine team which was as guilty of these sins as any, did Fifa begin the crackdown which has allowed players like Messi to flourish.
While Maradona was by some distance the most notable player in the 1986 squad, Messi, in 2010, had the likes of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron for company. Yet still he was unable to inspire them, even to the last four. Messi was only 23, but Pele had been part of two World Cup-winning squads at that age, and had scored twice in the 1958 final at 17.
In Europe much of the blame for failure in 2010 was heaped on the fact that Maradona was manager, but in Argentina Messi has borne the brunt of criticism for the albiceleste's struggles. Playing in the Copa America last summer in his home province of Santa Fe, Messi was called "mercenary, Catalonian" (his nickname in Argentina where he is perceived as being more interested in club than his country), before being taunted with chants of "Maradona, Maradona". Maradona was no longer coach but hosts Argentina were still knocked out in the quarter-finals after one win in four matches.
There is, though, hope on the horizon. Under new coach Alex Sabella, Messi scored a hat-trick against Switzerland last month. Should this promise end in triumph in the 2014 World Cup, in Brazil, with Messi playing a prominent part, he will have earned the right to stand alongside Pele and Maradona in the game's pantheon.
Shoot-out: Stars in numbers
Age at club debut
17y 4m/15y 11m
Age at Argentina debut
18y 2m/16y 4m
Club games
Club goals
Club goals per game ave
Argentina caps
Argentina goals
Argentina gls per game ave
World Cups played (won)
2 (0)/4 (1)
European Cups won
League titles won


text:
My Favorite Flirts is a feature that lets you reach your favorite Flirts easily from My Account or on 1-800-TO-FLIRT.Manage My Favorites
(60 Reviews)
That is why you are reading this listing isn't it?
I can be your Mistress Daria or we can be like sisters or girlfriends.Together we will do all the girly things you want and need.
I will teach you all about hair, makeup, clothes, lingerie, feminine hygiene.... And what you REALLY want to talk about. You know what you want.And I know what you want!Shall I free the slut inside of you? Will it be willingly or by force?
Enjoy my pictures and imagine that you have tits like mine. Then sit back and let me take you to feminization heaven!Would you like to see more of me? For one Perfect Pussy picture click the "Buy Now" button and it will be emailed to you instantly!Breast lovers click this one for a spectacular set of Topless pictures of Me!! Or to see a Pin-Up collection of me in my vintage black bra, panties, seamed stockings and high ankle strap heels like the picture on the left then click this button! These are cheesecake, no nudity! This set I call "Peek-A-Boo" because you get sweet teasing pics of My pussy as I pull My panties aside and then slide them down. Panties, stockings, heels, clit-ring and more!Very Hot!Click here to buy! This set is for men who love a beautiful behind!Five glorious cheeky views, stockings and pussy peeks! I adore your feedback!


text:
In the News
Kress opening a milestone for Lower Dexter and Montgomery
MONTGOMERY – Thursday marked a milestone for a decade's worth of planning, development and investment in downtown Montgomery as community leaders and stakeholders gathered for the pre-opening celebration of Lower Dexter Avenue's cornerstone, the newly refurbished Kress Building at 39 Dexter. The Holiday Pop Up Market, presented by local events and production company Lightning Line, will make history as the first public event in the space with 45 local makers, artisans and performers Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"This is a pivotal moment in our community as we celebrate the revival of one of the most historic buildings on what is arguably the most historic street in America," Mayor Todd Strange said. "But what's most exciting is the potential for continued growth – growth in residential, retail and Montgomery's entrepreneurial spirit – thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Bullers and MontgomeryBUILDS. To do something of this stature takes tenacity, courage and vision."
The City of Montgomery closed on the sale of 39 Dexter on June 2, 2014. In the time since, Kress developer MontgomeryBUILDS invested more than $20 million into restoration of the building, which will offer mixed-use residential and retail space targeting local businesses and entrepreneurs – demonstrating the developer's commitment to the community. But the developer sees itself as more than an expert in restoring historic buildings; MontgomeryBUILDS founder Sarah Beatty Buller wants to help build community by finding and cultivating local entrepreneurs.
Lease agreements have been completed with local companies originally incubated at the developer's One Court Square property – located just across the historic Court Square Fountain – since Nov. 2015. Prevail Union Coffee, I AM MORE THAN Tours and James Barnum's Chop Shop will be among the first cohort of businesses scheduled to move in early 2018. All three businesses have contributed to the burgeoning growth and creative spirit on Lower Dexter.
"Those incubator spaces served as runway for these startups, and now we're excited to offer these and other local entrepreneurs a home at the Kress Building," said MontgomeryBUILDS' Zac Gibbs. "The ongoing collaboration and encouragement from Mayor Strange and his team has made a big difference."
Sarah Beatty Buller agrees, "It is exciting to be working with a city government that is forward thinking and flexible. We at MontgomeryBUILDS continue to use everything in our toolbox to clear pathways for entrepreneurs like Michelle, Wade and James. Their passion is infectious. It is people like them who will distinguish downtown Montgomery as a destination and home. I feel honored to be on this journey."
MontgomeryBUILDS founders, the Buller family, are not natives of Montgomery and reside in New York City, but saw opportunity in Montgomery when Mark Buller opened a branch of his building company, MarJam Supply, in 2012. Almost immediately, Mark and Sarah Beatty Buller, were struck by the extraordinary history on Dexter Avenue. They entered into an agreement with the city to purchase several blighted buildings on Dexter, including 39 Dexter (Kress), 61& 67 Dexter (the Concert Hall), 71 Dexter, 100 Dexter, 116 Dexter, 39 South Perry, 1 Court Square, 121 Montgomery Street, 129 Montgomery Street, 136 Montgomery Street, 801 North Perry – The Yards at Western Rail and some acreage along the Alabama River downtown. They considered the Kress Building their most ambitious and symbolic project, and therefore the ideal starting point to incubate and learn for all future projects. The mixed-use development's 28 luxury residential units were completed for occupancy in August 2017. Anchor retail tenants in Kress on Dexter will be open for business early 2018.


text:
Just how much power did Todd have to produce to lift the craft 3.3 meters 10 seconds?
P = mgh/t = (55 kg + 80 kg) (9.8 m/s2) (3.3 m) / (10 s) = 436 WTodd was able to output about 890 W during the first ten seconds of a power test. That means about half of the power went into lift, which is pretty impressive.
I would have expected more energy loss due to conversion along those long drive wires, and from air drag and turbulence.
Clearly, a lot of thought went into the design.
According to this graph, lighter "healthy men" stand a good chance to lift off with this vehicle.
Makes me want to give it a try!
Oh wait, I might not be light enough...


text:
- Description
Ideal for everything from backpacking to climbing to everyday wear the Patagonia Men's Nano-Air Jacket features innovative polyester stretch insulation to deliver exceptional breathability in a lightweight durable package that's supremely comfortable.
Wedged between the 30D nylon ripstop shell and a 50D plain weave nylon lining is 60 grams FullRange polyester insulation which retains warmth even if wet. The interior and exterior fabrics feel soft to the touch and the full mechanical stretch provides a trim athletic fit over top of baselayers so you enjoy an uninhibited range of motion.
Other features include a full-length front zipper snag-resistant cuffs a dual-adjustable hem drawcord high-set zippered handwarmer pockets that can be accessed even if you're wearing a pack or harness and a smaller zippered left chest pocket.
Available in your choice of size and color options the Patagonia Men's Nano-Air Hoody has a slim athletic fit that anticipates it being worn as an outer layer over top of baselayers or low-profile midlayers but also allows you to wear a protective hardshell over it.
- 100% nylon ripstop shell and plain-weave lining offer generous mechanical stretch and exceptional breathability, with improved durability and abrasion resistance; both fabrics feature a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Revolutionary 60-g FullRange insulation warms and stretches; combined with the shell and lining, this creates excellent mechanical stretch and unprecedented air permeability (40CFM)
- Articulated patterning and quilting improve shape, coverage and durability
- Center-front zipper has zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort
- Two handwarmer pockets and a left-chest pocket are zippered, welted and low-bulk to wear comfortably with a harness or pack
- Sleek, low-bulk, snag-resistant cuffs use stretch knit for versatile coverage and comfort; a dual-adjustable drawcord hem seals in warmth
- Specs
Best Use Hiking, Climbing, Snow Sports Jacket Back Length Hip-Length Insulation Type Synthetic Type Insulated Jacket Warranty Limited Lifetime Shell Material 30D 100% Nylon Ripstop Hood Yes Insulation Material FullRange 100% Polyester Stretch Insulation Number of Pockets 3 Fit Slim Fit Liner Material 50D 100% Nylon Plain Weave
- Reviews
Real Customer Reviews
Earn Gear Points for Reviewing Products
Join our FREE Inside Edge program and receive 20% off a full-price item. Earn discount points for reviewing items you purchase and receive exclusive discounts.
What are points?
As a member you can share reviews of items you purchase and we'll reward you with discount points valued at 5% of the item's original purchase price.
It's EASY and it's FREE.Sign Up Today »


text:
Greetings. It all starts here in the menu. Whether it's fate, a religious belief, or mere curiosity that brings you here, one constant remains: you have ended your current travels at Fred Turner's site.
Most of the content will be of course written by Fred, but as his contracted site designer and his son, I am obligated to insert my own commentary to add a bit of poetic license and "Webese". The end result of all this is that you will see an interesting and unique collaboration of our ideas and thoughts in one place. Author and designer, father and son.
It is predicted that most people visiting this site will be friends of his and will know a bit about what he does already. These people will find this site most useful.
Fred wants his site to be a source of information that's always available, where you can find past, present, and future projects he's worked on. For a little more description on what Fred expects to accomplish with this site, read the about page, which includes both explanations by Fred and me, his son. Curious as to who Fred Turner is? His biography is a rather concise description of what he's accomplished. (...although in mine, his son's, opinion, it doesn't describe what he's like out of a scholarly environment. I may have to add my own comments to complement his.) Are you interested in what Fred's published? Read the list of works he's completed. And finally, just about everything else fits nicely like the proverbial hand into the glove of the archives.
|designer | problems
where it all starts
|credits | your host
|[ index | biography | works | archives | about | genesis ]


text:
Photo from Splash News
The next natural reaction after shock, happiness, and wonder at reports that John Travolta's 47-year-old wife Kelly Preston is three months pregnant, assuming it really is true, is to ask a slew of big questions, the first of which is:
What is the chance a 47-year-old could even get pregnant!?
Women over 45 can and do, of course. There were 7,666 live births to women 45 to 54 in 2008 in the United States alone, and just days ago, news that a 54-year-old Italian woman who thought she was going through menopause discovered she had conceived naturally.
But that's really not a lot. No one has to tell us how rare it truly is, and that the odds of getting pregnant in your early 40s, let alone your late 40s, is difficult enough.
Women over 40 have just a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant each month -- and that includes both the natural way and through assisted reproduction, including artificial insemination and with in-vitro fertilization, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
They don't even track the stats for women over 45,but you can bet the chance of pregnancy dwindles even more.
So Preston really did defy the odds. Awesome for her. She gives so many other women hope. But the second big question with an older pregnancy is ...
What about birth defects?
Many moms have been through the horror of genetic blood testing and ultrasounds when the doctor gives the obligatory rundown of odds of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities based on the mother's age.
When I got pregnant with my children in my 30s, the risk of my baby being born with Down syndrome was 1 in 378 and 1 in 192 for Down and all other chromosomal problems lumped together. Those didn't sound like great odds to me. At all. I worried a lot, especially when I learned how much better it would have been had I conceived in my 20s: 1 in 1,250 for Down and 1 in 476 total chromosomal.
When Sarah Palin, another notable over-40 mom, got pregnant with son Trig at age 43, her risk of a Down syndrome baby was 1 in 49 and 1 in 43 total. Trig was born with Down syndrome.
IVF may help to control some abnormalities before implantation -- at Preston's age of 47, the risk of those kinds of birth defects rises to 1 in 18 and 1 in 14!
There's a very good chance Preston used an egg donor, an option that many other women choose to avoid the possibility of a baby born with birth defects. There really are so many variables, and until the Travolta-Prestons tell us more, all we can do is speculate.
Because the eggs of older women are less likely to develop, someone Preston's age is also more likely to miscarry -- a 53 percent chance of what is referred to as a spontaneous abortion -- than, say, a woman in her 20s to mid-30s who has a 10-12 percent chance.
This is not meant to be a downer, but an important reminder of how much harder it is to be a mom at an older age. I hope more than anything that Preston continues to defy all the odds and enjoys a complication-free pregnancy ending with a healthy and thriving baby. After all they've been through in the last year, she and her family deserve it.
Are you an older mom? Are you worried about the increased risks?


text:
Just a quick reminder that the user group session for this month is this coming Thursday (3rd October) at 5:30pm. We have a great line-up of panellists who are ready to talk about their experiences at TechEd AU including one who got to have dinner with Scott Guthrie! If you are going to come along please RSVP at https://teched2013perth.eventbrite.com/ so that I can get numbers for catering.
What: TechEd AU 2013 Debrief Panel
When: Thursday 3rd October, 5:30pm - 7pm
Where: Enex 100 Seminar Room, Level 3, 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Cost: Free. All welcome (but please RSVP)
Make sure you pass the event page around at work https://teched2013perth.eventbrite.com/ and I'll see you on Thursday.