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palm tree arch elopement: via tumblr // draped arch elopement: photography Elizabeth Messina planning Imagine Weddings & Special Events // lantern elopement: photography Asia Pimental Photography // driftwood arch elopement: Lauren Fair Photography flowers Wildflowers by Design // rocky beach elopement: via 100layercake // palm tree elopement: photography Melanie Gabrielle flowers Ever After Floral Design
Barbados makes the perfect destination to elope in an intimate ceremony! We wanted to compile inspiration to inspire you as you beginning the process of planning your extraordinary, intimate nuptials. Fabulous décor for a perfect ceremony on the beach is what we all dream of when we think of jetting off to elope in the Caribbean. Here are a few things we love that make up a romantic beach elopement in Barbados:
- Floral: An abundance of flowers for your beach nuptials takes our top spot in creating a unique environment for a beach elopement. Flowers can carry your color scheme! They can be simple and elegant or full and luscious. Flowers are a wow factor in pictures and make everything look even more romantic and beautiful.
- Linens: We love great flowey linen that blows so perfectly in the ocean breeze at sunset. Tied back with flowers or ribbon or rope, looped and draped in the exact spots adds some great detail to your elopement. Of course you need an archway for all this, and that's the next piece of our beach elopement décor.
- Archway/Chuppa: It's always nice to have something to stand under as you profess your love to one another. Since it's just the two of you, the archway plays a role in pulling your elopement ceremony together and makes for a beautiful photo backdrop; it's the perfect chance to add that luxurious personal touch to your elopement.
- Lanterns: When there's no guest, there's no aisle. Lanterns are a great way to set a path. Since elopements on the beach are usually at sunset, the lanterns with a flickering candles in them adds the perfect romantic touch for when the sun is setting.
Looking to plan a unique, one of a kind elopement? Check out our elopement services. Happy planning!


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Career Path Schools & Training
Some Popular Bay Area Career Training, Technical & Vocational Schools/Programs
* DeVry University– Daly City, Fremont, Oakland, San José http://www.devry.edu/ AA, BA & MA programs.
AA: Accounting, Electronics & Computer Technology, Health Information Technology, Network Systems Administration, Web Graphic Design
*Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)- San Francisco http://fidm.edu 2-year & 4-year degree programs
Business Management, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Merchandise Marketing, Visual Communications, and more
*Heald College – Concord, Hayward, San Francisco, San José http://www.heald.edu 6-12 month Certification & 12-24 month AA programs
Healthcare, Business, Legal, Technology
*Marinello Schools of Beauty– San Francisco, San José http://www.marinello.com Program Certificates
Hair Care, Nail Care, Skin Care, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training
*Western Career College– Emeryville, Pleasant Hill, San José, San Leandro http://www.westerncollege.edu/ (888) 203-9947 Certificate & AS Programs
Dental, Fitness, Medical, Legal, Nursing, Pharmacy, Technical, Veterinary
*WorldSchool of Massage– Corte Madera, Pleasanton, San Francisco http://www.worldschoolmassage.com/ (415) 221-2533
Certification Programs
*Wyotech– Fremont www.wyotech.edu/campus/fremont (888) 577-7559 Diploma & Certificate Programs
Automotive Technology, Electrician, HVAC, Motorcycle Technology, Plumbing
**NOTE: Several local community colleges and some 4-year colleges also offer various career diplomas/certificates and Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. For more info go to:
www.ccsf.edu, www.skylinecollege.edu, www.collegeofsanmateo.edu, www.cccapply.org
Consumer Affair's Beauty School Guide
Career/Interest Resources and Assessment Links
CA Career Zone: http://www.cacareerzone.org/index.html - Self Assessments, Explore Career Industries, get a Reality Check....
California Colleges Career Planning: http://californiacolleges.edu/career/career.asp - General Info, Self Assessments, Career Matching Assisstant, Career Lists, and more!
Myers Briggs Personality Test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

subset: commoncrawl


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When a melody or line strikes you, record it asap!
I have dozens of garage band recordings that are nothing but a few lines here and there that come to me throughout the day.
You never know which one will turn into your next hit!
Same thing with lyrics.
Always have a notepad on hand so you can jot down words or ideas that might come while running errands or working.
I have found that you can't turn creativity on or off, it will come whenever it feels like it, so be prepared!


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FDNY Calendar of Heroes features 12 months of women for first time ever
NEW YORK (PIX) – FDNY's annual Calendar of Heroes is hotter than ever – and historic.
This year's two-in-one calendar features 12 months of men and 12 months of women and includes FDNY EMTs and paramedics for the first time.
Last year marked the first time a female firefighter graced the calendar's laminated pages, notorious for highlighting hard-bodied first responders. Now, there are 12 months celebrating the city's Bravest women.
See the calendar photos:
See Gallery
And they're not the only newcomers.
FDNY EMTs and paramedics were invited this year, too.
"I'm proud that the 2017 is the first calendar the Department has produced which truly represents all of our heroes – the men and women who risk their lives as Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics every day to keep New York City safe," Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement.
All proceeds from the calendar go to the FDNY Foundation, the department's non-profit arm that promotes fire safety education for New Yorkers and training for FDNY members.
To get a copy of your calendar for $17.95, visit fdnyshop.com.


text:
Our financial services team advise both lenders and borrowers participating in a wide variety of financing transactions.
Lender clients include banks, finance companies, brokers and leasing companies, equipment vendors and goods suppliers, high net worth individuals and registered clubs. Borrower clients include small and large private companies, registered clubs and private individuals.
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In particular, we offer a range of services to assist clients coming to grips with the dramatic changes affecting all business transactions by the Personal Property and Securities Act (PPSA). The new Act has transformed the law and practice for secured financing involving personal property. We offer free seminars and/or group or private briefings to acquaint clients with the risks inherent in the PPSA.
Our team can help you with:


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Field Trip # 10 with the Arnhem based, North American musician, educator, certified deep listening trainer and Associate Editor of The Journal of Sonic Studies Sharon Renee Stewart (USA)
The focus of Field Trip #10, Mother's Day Listening Walk was on how listening to our (natural) environment can influence our perception of the world and our own perception of ourselves as a sensitive, vibrating body in the world.
After a group picnic, we divided into two groups and set off across the sands of the Veluwezoom park. Gathering in a circle (including trees) we entered more nonverbal space, quietening and turning our attention to the 'five gates' (crown of head, palms, balls of feet), allowing an openness to the environment to spread and expand from there. After some simple body awareness, softening and opening exercises, we set off slowly on the path, with the intention of turning our attention toward feeling the earth holding, supporting and sustaining us with each step, and allowing the breath to slow.(1)
Once at the bottom of the hill we did a Qigong (Chi Kung) exercise and then found our own spot to practice nonjudgmental, full-body listening, allowing the sounds to pass freely through our perceptual space, picking up the vibrational energy with our ears, skin and the fluids of the body, welcoming them and letting them flow away again. Our next walk was with an awareness of flow, how every step we take leads to the next step, noticing the flow of the breath.(1)
The last spot was on the side of a hill, tucked beneath the pine trees, where the ants roam freely. We chose a partner and did a windbreath duo, sitting back to back, breathing and sounding with the breath of our partner and in close listening to the sounds of the wind. We rose like young sprouting plants and began our walk back to the picnic spot, where we joined the partner's and children's listening club.
The children had also led each other in listening games and exercises. One highlight was lying on their stomachs in front of an ant heap and listening to the sounds of the ants. Inspiring! There is so much to listen to.
(1) In addition to the training received at the Deep Listening intensive retreats (2008, 2009 and 2010) and during my certification process with Pauline Oliveros, IONE, and Heloise Gold, I am greatly indebted to Heloise for the body awareness exercises. The themes of the Walking Sessions were taken from her book Deeply Listening Body, (c) 2008, Deep Listening Publications, p.6.
Sharon Stewart | Deep Listening


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You are hereCrappie Forums / Crappie Fishing Reports / Mississippi / Grenada Lake Crappie Fishing Reports / Grenada Lake crappie fishing with Showdown Guide Service
Grenada Lake crappie fishing with Showdown Guide Service
ShowDown Guide service Earl Brink took out Guy Williams and friend Mark on Saturday 4/30 they caught this limit on Granada lake using showdown rubber body jigs Deep South rods water temp. Was 56.9 fish were in 6 to 8 ft of water.
Thanks for stopping by www.crappie101.com. We are the site dedicated to crappie fishingi. We bring you tips and techniques from crappie country's top pros and the everyday fisherman not to mention the most complete information on crappie lakes from all around the country.


text: Dr. Jeffrey Roberts attended Mary Washington College for his undergraduate degree. He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia and completed a family practice residency and sports medicine fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, where he worked in the Sports Medicine Department and Urgent Care. Dr. Roberts is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. He is the program director for Bon Secours' St. Francis Sports Medicine Fellowship Program.


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Site Accommodation
Providing good quality practical space, our temporary site accommodation fits the bill when choosing the right environment for your workforce.
Integra temporary site accommodation units are available as either :-
- Jackleg timber framed
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Our range of units include offices, toilets, self-contained welfare units, canteens and more - all of which can be designed to suit individual requirements.
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Fitted out to your unique specification, these models have been used to create gatehouses, weigh bridges, food serveries, test laboratories, rail depots and club rooms to name a few.


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50 Cent
[50 Cent talking]
Is this mic on, ladys and gently men
I like to thank you all for coming out tonight
For the screening of my new film
Im Not Rich, and Still Lying
Its 50 cent starring as Game
Sort of biographic, I hope you enjoy yourself
[Verse 1 - 50 Cent]
50 calling me crazy, I may be just maybe
Im gangster, Im kreping, Im move to Im tripping
Fuck 50, fuck Dre, fuck NWA
Man Im hurricane Game (EM this nigga changed)
I brought the west back, I write the best raps
(but what about Snoop), Snoop shit aint all that
Man I get bad bitches, now I even fuck Mya
(I fucked the first Game), 50 you a liar
See thats why I hate you, you think you know me
Im tell everybody, you shot my homie
I hope the police get you and you go to jail
The Feds freeze your accounts, and you cant make bail
I hope everybody on G-Unit goes to hell
With Eminem, Obie, Stat-quo, and D12
So what I was in change of heart, so what I was a stripper
So what I never banged, I from Compton nigga
Now horror films, they scare me
I watch action films vary rarely
When its comedy or its drama
Its starring me, no problem
[Verse 2 - 50 Cent]
GGGGGGUnot I got my own shoe (game that shit aint go sale)
So the ads in the magazine, nobody cant tell
(good luck with your next album man, I hope it does well)
You trying to be funny, D-Mack got all my money
And Jimmy robbing me, they listening probably
Me and face had a fall out, he really not my brother
We got the same father, but we got different mothers
Now Suge punk Dre, but he dont punk me
I won a Vibe Awards this year, nobody punch me
(Game you know I write that hook, for hate it or love it)
So what, it still on my trophy case I think nothin of it
Now horror films, they scare me (yeah)
I watch action films vary rarely (its 50)
When its comedy or its drama (new album, July 18)
Its starring me, no problem
Now horror films, they scare me (cause I cant stay away)
I watch action films vary rarely
(Yall thought I was gonna let yall eat ha, ha, ha)
When its comedy or its drama
Its starring me, no problem (naw nigga)
[50 cent talking]
Ha, ha, ha, this is too much fun man
Ay, ay nigga I seen your little DVD nigga
Ha, ha, ha, it that all you got
I mean, I mean news flash, nobody believes you
Ha, ha, ha, didn't you say you wake up out the coma 2001
Well your brothers says, you were never in a coma
Didn't you say, you were in a gang
Well your brothers says, you were never in a gang
Now you can get your records together
And you can submit, to me
I mean you can send the records you have
To me so I can open your album budget
Your recording budget, you got to send the music to the boss
Ha, ha, ha, ha, thats me the boss
Yeah its G-Unit, G-Unit
Thats it that all, I rule with a iron fist
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Football finally is here.
The 2014 NFL season officially begins Thursday night, when the Seattle Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers. The following week, CBS and NFL Network will begin their new 16-game slate of "Thursday Night Football," when the Pittsburgh Steelers battle the Baltimore Ravens.
Each Thursday night game will kick off in style, as CBS Sports and NFL Network announced that the opening theme song will be a star-studded performance that features musical artists Jay-Z and Rihanna and actor Don Cheadle.
As Jay-Z and Rihanna perform their award-winning song, "Run This Town," Cheadle will narrate a customized preview of that night's game.
"This open combines one of music's biggest stars with one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood," said CBS Sports creative director Pete Radovich, who directed and produced the theme, via the NFL. "The energy that both talents provide gives the opening to every Thursday night the big-game, primetime feel it deserves. It is a dream scenario for any director."
CBS will broadcast the first seven games of the 16-game slate, including an Oct. 16 matchup between the New England Patriots and New York Jets.
NFL Network will show all "Thursday Night Football" games starting Oct. 30, with the exception of a Thanksgiving Day contest between the Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, which will be shown on NBC.
Photo via Twitter/@InsideNFLMedia


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This blog is about fairness; about looking at objects from multiple perspectives. Stable transformation comes only slowly; and only if the environment is free of sporadic jitters of passion and anger that destabilize growth. I strongly believe that the path to peace crosses through the battle with self.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Iranian Experience (4)
To be able to go to Tehran's International book fair, after 15 years, was not a dream I could let get spoiled by controversies about relocation from Tehran Expo to Tehran Mosalla, or about important publishers boycotting the event. After all, I wasn't going to buy any books; I was going to pay homage to a nostalgia; and perhaps to seek traces of when I was younger in the crowds. But I discovered new things!
I discovered Tehran's Grand Mosalla! Once finished, it will become a major monument! It is still under construction. Serious construction. So much so that the unusually wet end of April, left many books soaking, and further embarrassed the organizers--who were already criticized by the publishers community that threatened to boycott the exhibition.
Mosalla was a discovery because like may other new constructions of the IRI, it is under heavy surveillance and photography is forbidden. (I have taken a few timid snapshots.) The other reason why it is not iconized (like Milad tower--or Iran's CN tower, if you like--or like Rasalat Tunnel--made in style of Pantheon) is that it is perhaps an executive embarrassment! The Mosalla project has been in making for at least 15 years. It is a formidable structure; and I cannot blame a government hampered by economic volatility to have left it unfinished. But there may be other politics involved. Once finished, the Friday prayers will have to move from Tehran University (the symbolic heart of nations intellect) to this new ground. And Mosalla, at its present state lacks that distinct identity that distinguished Tehran University. I am personally excited to see the Mosalla construction come to an end. It architecturally appeals to me.
I also discovered Tehran's subway. I am going to credit its cleanliness to its newness. But I am going to credit the stylized interiors to Iranian's flair for architectural ornamentation. I haven't seen such superfluous usage of marble and granite in public places as I saw in Iran. I was in rush so I saw only two stations, positioned on each side of Mosalla. Again, I was forbidden to take photos.
But did I recover my nostalgia? I would say no. I visited the exhibition on Thursday (right after the opening) and on Friday (which is a holiday). The first day let me take a good look at all different (Iranian) publishers. The number of titles published (52200 titles in the past year) was impressive. I was rather bored with the number of "how to live/cook/fix-a-computer/make-baby" titles. I was also bored with the number of Saa'di, Hafiz and Korans on display. By and large, the titles gave me the impression they were prepared for a non-reader crowd. Those who buy pretty books to decorate their houses with.
But there were publishers with translations of every major and minor work of philosophy in the West.
To my pleasure, I found Margaret Atwood's work translated to Persian. That was one of the things I always wanted to do; now one less duty on my to do list!
There were plenty of new novelists and new poets, that I wished to discover.
There was a fair bit of political history on display.
To find entire Sadegh Hedayat's work republished was something I never dreamed to see in the Islamic Republic of Iran!
To find Abbas Maarofi (whose literary magazine, Gardoon, was shut down many years ago) had become a prolific author made me happy. I also found new works by Mahmood Dolat Abadi. Ali-Ashraf Darvishian too had undertaken a few compilation projects, as well as publishing his new novels.
I brought home newly published the love letters of Jalal Al-Ahmad and Simin Daneshvar.
To find the books of Ramin Jahanbegloo (the Iranian/Canadian philosopher who was last year arrested in Iran on some bizarre charge of spying or being anti-regime) openly displayed made me scratch my head about the nature of "censorship" that the Islamic Republic is accused of!
Long time ago, I drooled over a copy of Shamlou , if it existed in a basement bookstore in front of Tehran University. This time around, with the exception of "The Book of Week" (ketabe hafte), I could almost find anything I wished by Shamloo.
This book expo, with all its short comings, exceeded my expectations in comparison to my past experience.
15 years ago, a book fair was not a place filled with young and old, rich and poor, literate and illiterate! This one, looked like an amusement park of some sort. It surely annoys some high brow intellectuals. But to be surrounded by books, regardless of the depth of their content, cannot be a bad thing. The mischievous kids who cluttered the corridors of the book fair, will grow to read.
26 comments:
Moscow's underground alos uses marble and crystal rather lavishly; it was a show case for the Stalinist state.
I like the tehran subway mostly for its murals; they are pretty aren't they. In an otherwise artistically dreary city - specially because the hyper religious people are against women's beautification too.
pen Name
- Monday, May 14, 2007 7:20:00 PM
- Naj said...
"show case for the Stalinist state"
I often think the same about huge and rapid constrction projects in Iran these days ;)
I haven't been to Moscow.
Tehran, Ugly??? Nooooo!
How could Tehran be ugly! How can any city with running water in every street of it be ugly? I even feel more alive in Tehran's pollution than in my placid and environmentally controlled North American home!
Theran's expressive! That's all! And it is expressive of its population's individual tastes. Discordant at times, yes! But that is the beauty of any juvenile city! Give it 200 more years and it will mature like Ispahan and Shiraz!
And yes, the murals are beautiful! (So are Tehran's women, even in the "national outfit") I think super-religious people's opposition to women beauty comes from their lack of self control! Beauty must threaten their faith! ;)
Or it may be the case of "gorbeh dastesh be goosht nemirese migeh pif pif boo mideh" :)
(translation: the cat who can't reach the meat complains that it stinks!)
Next time I am in Iran, I will discover ALL of the stations. People found me silly to be getting so giddy riding the bus and running after public Taxis instead of hiring private ones!
I think this time around, I wasn't a guest in my home, and so I had the liberty of doing things like going to raah-ahan ... and my optimism is really fed well!
- Monday, May 14, 2007 7:51:00 PM
Hello Naj,
Great post, thanks.
I've heard and read a lot about Teheran's beautiful subway/metro network (the only city in the entire middle-east with underground transportation system).
They have an extensive web site with nice photos in both English and Persian:
- Monday, May 14, 2007 7:55:00 PM
- Naj said...
Thank you Anonymous withut a pen name! :)
I linked to it!
Wasn't aware of the web site!
- Monday, May 14, 2007 8:01:00 PM
I think what you mean is that Tehran is alive with raw energy.
Years ago I used to go to Vahdat Hall when it was Rudaki Hall for concerts. I very much enjoyed its urbane & sophisticated atmosphere, the elegant gowns & dresses of the Iranian and Foreign women, their perfume, and their make-up.
Alas! It is all gone and replaced by a ra'ayat's view of how women & men should behave. Je deteste les paysans!
There is a Hadith, no doubt a fake one from Abu Hurrairah, that God gave 8 parts of Desire, out of total of 9 parts, to Eve and only one part to Adam. Thus the need to keep those insatiable women in check!
As I said, I cannot credit that Hadith since there is another Hadith in which Prophet says: "O People, there are 3 things that I love among you: perfume, your women, and the Light of my eyes is prayers!".
Prophet would certainly have enjoyed being with us in Rudaki Hall.
pen Name
- Monday, May 14, 2007 8:38:00 PM
- Naj said...
You hate peasants? Why?
I hate peasant's forcing their style of life on urbanism. I also hate urbane people transmogrifying peasants into proxi-urbans!
I don't know how things are changing for worse in Iran. Unfortunately, I left Iran in the darkest of times; and so anything I see now seems like improvement to me.
I have a habit of dressing myself somewhat "unusually" when I go to Iran. I try to apply some style to the way I wear my scarf or the way I coordinate colors. Frankly, I want to try the limits on women dress. (I do not wear makeup though!)
In the book fair, I was curious to see who will object to my outfit! Only one person did! Even he passed by me rapidly and said "wear your scarf properly!" To me it wasn't even an "ideological utterance"; more like a "matalak!" maybe. I had prepared to challenge anyone who objected to my outfit. Luckily for this person, he passed by me too fast. I made a point of going to all "religious" booths! No one treated me with disrespect or contempt! I also made a point of standing close to clergymen and sneaking a look over books tehy were browsing ;) And I didn't wear my scarf properly! ... they didn't even notice me!
I keep hearing from people that things are changing for worse. And I keep thinking that it is perhaps the "reformist's" election campaign already starting!
Anyways, the stories of me and my scarf are quite humorous! I must tell you that my large silk scarf managed to fall off of my head at least 4 times on a windy day that I was strolling around Tehran U! As you see, I am not in Evin!
Maybe the peasants are given an illusion of things changing in their favor?
After all the "Year of National Unity" cannot be only serving the old- and the new-rich of Northern Tehran, right?
- Monday, May 14, 2007 9:00:00 PM
- Aardvark EF-111B said...
I always wanted some one to describe Sheraz, Asfahan or Tabriz to me, have you ever visited them, can you recommend a link?
- Monday, May 14, 2007 9:14:00 PM
I agree with your points.
I try to see progress here and there but then I get confronted by the foolishness & stupdity of these types of policies that interferes with the domestic and internal life of Muslims. That's why no Muslim wants to live in Iran except Afghans and Iraqis.
The Iranian government with its misguided peasant-inspired policies has taken away the shine & the popularity from being a Muslim.
Their envy knows no bounds - they want to humiliate people from backgrounds such as myself.
Of course, most thinking religious people also are against all of this Nikba; but are powerless to make changes. Look at how Ahmadinejad tried to get women into sports stadia and was thwarted by the obscurantist ayatullahs.
We have to wait for this group of people to die for things to change.
pen Name
- Monday, May 14, 2007 9:15:00 PM
- Naj said...
I have seen those cities but a looooong time ago! They are just pretty, clean, poetic, historic, mythical cities that swell my heart with their memories. One day, when I live in Iran for good, I will tour them again.
Others, please feel free to tell aardvark about Esfahan, shiraz and Tabiz, Kerman and Yazd, Mashhad and Hamadan ... aardvark, you can also dig in my archives. I have a link to all of them actually!
Pen name,
The obscurantists are dying of old age! And they are the minorities! aaand: key shavad darya ze pooze sag najes?! Of course they cannot appropriate our country!
No matter what they have done to me and my family, they CANNOT humiliate us! It's logically impossible!
- Monday, May 14, 2007 9:22:00 PM
- David said...
Naj, I am scratching my head too! From what I have been hearing, there is a new push by the IRI thought and behavior police to get people to tow the party line, so to speak. Well, I hope that the various "dissident" publications that you found at the book fair were there with the full approval of government officials, and not merely present because of ignorance on the part of the censors. Maybe this is a small sign of increased freedom in Iran.
I just read through the comments so far. I am interested to hear more about your scarf story. It sounds like you were going out of your way to get your improper scarf noticed, but almost no one cared. That is also a good thing, it sounds like. Maybe some Iranian psychology students should expand on your experiment and report on the responses they get. It might be funny to do some Candid Camera videos of women's scarves blowing off their heads, but attached with strings to make kites, for example. ;)
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 3:10:00 AM
- Naj said...
The government of Iran doesn't have the resources to be cracking down on an urban population of at least 50 million people.
A lot of these "crack-down" stories are blown out of proportion by the government itself, to create a sense that the big brother's watching!
Also, most Iranians know that when then start getting tough on Immigrants, or women, or teachers, for example; it is to satisfy the fundamentalist supporters of the IRI, while dining with the Rice pudding!
Iranians inside Iran are far more clever in negotiating terms of power with the government, than we are abroad! Trust me ;)
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 3:20:00 AM
- Naj said...
Oh and regarding books ... who cares if they were there with official stamp of approval or not! What was important was that there were Ganji books and Mokhtari books on display!
Keep in mind again, controversy is the best marketer! Consider Tahmineh Milani's record breaking box office sales, after she was detained for a couple of hours, days or seconds! If there was a woman filmmaker to be ARRESTED for endangering national security, it would have been Rakhshan Bani Etemaad; who still lags in sales behing the jolly architect, Miss Milani ;)
The IRI has learned the science of communication very well and I won't be surprised if they have psychologist field workers on streets already!
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 3:26:00 AM
- Daniel said...
I have visited Iran. Long ago. It has obviously changed. That they have embellished the stations like Russia is interesting though a little bizarre.
A book fair? That it happens there when, in the West, freedom of speech is shrinking is also bizarre.
Take care!
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 7:53:00 AM
- Naj said...
Hi Daniel,
You visited Iran when? Just curious.
I didn't suggest that the metro stations are embellished like Russia. I just said that they are marble walled, marble floored and glass ceilinged.
On the concept of freedom, I have always been of the opinion that freedom is not an absolute value. And Iranians are masters of dissent, thus they "obtain" freedom in many creative ways that are more often than not in opposition to legislated norms. And this is not necessarily considered anarchic, rather heroic :)
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 1:31:00 PM
- betmo said...
hi naj- everytime i visit your blog- i take away something that i have learned. perhaps not what you intended i learn- but that's ok :) folks here in the states- as i am sure that you are aware- view your land as rigid and backwards- and the only thing that they focus on is the religion and the fact that your government doesn't like ours. although if you live in north america- it isn't your government- but you get the drift.
i find it ironic that the forces here who condemn iran for the way it treats its citizens- especially women- and it's hard line approach to handling things- do the same thing. they don't see it- but i do. it is a wonderful thing that you do here- bringing these human snapshots of iran to the world's public. it helps to remind us that underneath the burqas or the bibles- we are all the same.
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:06:00 PM
- Naj said...
Hi Betmo, thanks for encouraging words.
I think the real irony is that Iranian people think Americans are very informed about Iran!
It is sad that the real voices of Iranian women is NOT heard by Americans. Iranians do not wear Burka, and burka is NOT the most critical aspect of Iranian's life!
For every Iranian woman who hates covering their hair, their is 1.5 women who cannot fathom the idea of going out without a head cover! Some Iranian pseudo-modernists just tend to ignore that fact and become the voices of VICTIMHOOD or Iranian women!
Iran is a country under as much traditionalist's influence; as under religious influence exerted by the government. I just wish the world let Iranians to their own (de)vices and accepted them as they were: by and large peace loving and stoic people with a greater flair for spirituality than biblical divinity!
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:37:00 PM
- David said...
"Iranians inside Iran are far more clever in negotiating terms of power with the government, than we are abroad! Trust me ;)"
Naj, I do not doubt this at all! From what I have learned about Iran's history, todays Iranians are the decendents of ancestors who have survived dozens of invasions and changes of government across thousands of years. Of the Iranians that I have gotten to know, they are all very clever people.
- Wednesday, May 16, 2007 5:35:00 AM
looking to last photo, looks that stare in the roof like some thing similar to Israeli flag stare?
- Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:54:00 PM
- Naj said...
Well I think the "David's Star" is something Iranian Muslims respect as well!
But geometric ornamentation is very common in Islamic architecture.
- Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:16:00 AM
But geometric ornamentation is very common in Islamic architecture.
If you talking about Islamic architecture and geometric ornamentation David Start never been of Islamic architecture!
- Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:06:00 PM
"The six-pointed star sometimes occurred in pre-Islamic floor mosaics but mainly as an isolated motif. In some mosaics, the star was used as a frame for large compositions, or as a dominant subject, while in others it is just an isolated detail among a great variety of other geometric motifs."
Lets not forgot that Israelis keep trying links and some times related some Arabic/Islamic things to them (Israelis history" there are many things Israelis tried to markets in the west as an Israeli heritage, like Palistinias food also Israeli Airline "El Al" early 70's (correct me if wrong) used the Palestinians head cover cloth tattoo to use to tattoo the El Al
Crews dress.
- Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:38:00 PM
- Naj said...
"Isreali Herritage"!
I am not sure if Israel is old-enough to have an "entity" yet; but if you are refering to "Jewish Entity" I am of the opinion that Islam OWES plenty to Judaism!
(That is not to say that is a good/bad thing though)
- Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:09:00 PM
"Iranian Experience (4)"??
اعتراض بيش از 550 تن از فعالان جنبش هاي اجتماعي و شخصيت هاي فرهنگي-اجتماعي به بازداشت زينب پيغمبرزاده
- Friday, May 18, 2007 1:38:00 AM
- Naj said...
man dar jahaye digar, mokhalefatam ro ba campaign yek million emza ebraz kardam.
- Friday, May 18, 2007 3:07:00 AM
- Aardvark EF-111B said...
HA! Ha!
- Friday, May 18, 2007 4:28:00 PM
- Naj said...
LOL ... good one aardvark good one
- Friday, May 18, 2007 4:44:00 PM


text:
Special Hobby 48116 Seafire Mk.XV "Far East Service" 1/48
The kit contains three sprues with grey plastic parts, one sprue
with clear parts, decals and photo-etched parts. The included
plastic parts will allow building either version equipped with "A"
hook or with later "Stinger" arrestor hook. The fuselage
features both finely engraved panel lines and over plating.
Decals included offer four machines with later arrestor hook
version. The machines sport the so-called Pacific insignias
and differ from each other mainly in camouflages.
Special Hobby 48125 Seafire Mk.15 "Aéronavale
Service" 1/48
The plastic and photo-etched parts are the same to previous kit
but as the name says the decals are different.
Decals included offer three machines with earlier "A" arrestor
hook version. All machines feature newer version of British
naval camouflage. The combination of this camouflage and
French national insignias creates fancy, colorful machines.
Special Hobby 72206 TT-1 Pinto "US Navy Trainer"1/72
The kit contains two sprues with plastic parts and
injected canopy. Decals included offer four US Navy
overall orange machines with different markings
specifically if the machine served for service or flight
Special Hobby 72220 TT-1 Pinto "Civilian Service" 1/72
Civilian Service box offers same plastic parts with different
decals. The latter offers four markings - machines with
Silvester cat or Tweety bird on the fin, overall blue machine
with smoke discharger on the wingtips and white machine
with color stripes.


text:
January 24, 2018
Ben Eimer and Julie Kang
November 10, 2017
Filed under Sports
Growing up, South senior Lizzy Shaw always had a basketball in her hands. Friends and family found her on the sidelines of her sister's practices mimicking the players. She dreamed of playing, dribbling right, cutting to th...
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text:
Strategies for Phonological Difficulties
Some children, whether they are born preemie or not, have difficulties with some aspects of thinking. This section provides some recommendations for specific skills that are important for learning.
Preemies and Phonological Skills
When attempting to intervene or accommodate for a students' difficulties in the classroom, whether it is memory, attention, or executive functions, it is important to consider the classroom culture as well as teaching style. Ideas that will benefit more students have a better chance of success.
Quick links to the contents of this article:
Strategies for Phonological Difficulties
Phonological processing is an auditory processing ability. It is related to words that are spoken rather than the written word. In other words it's about detecting and differentiating between differences in phonemes or speech sounds.
Difficulties with phonological processing may result in a number of errors of speech and or misunderstanding of other people's spoken language, difficulties include:
- Omitting a sound or sounds in spoken words
- Develop an inconsistent speech pattern
- Problems rhyming words
- Mispronouncing words and making articulation mistakes while speaking
- Mistaking a word to be a similar sounding word to that which was spoken
- Sounding out unfamiliar words
- Omitting vowels when spelling
The following details some ideas to help children with phonological difficulties
Strategies at Home and School
- Work on phonetics by practising rhyming words. Try having the student rhyme words with pictures or have them identify an incorrect word in a rhyme, for example look, book, tool, cook.
- Break down words into syllables. Then progress to have students blend syllables, for example Mar-ket.
- Help the child identify initial and final sounds on words.
- Break down words into component sounds
Use manipulation tasks, such as;
- deleting phonemes, for example say "mat" without the "m"
- adding phonemes, for example say "gree" and "t"
- substitution phonemes, for example say put "r" for "h" in "hat"
Technical Reference List
Bryant, P. E., Maclean, M., Bradley, L. L., & Crossland, J. (1990). Rhyme and alliteration, phoneme detection, and learning to read. Developmental Psychology, 26(3), 429-438.
Byrne, B., & Fieldingbarnsley, R. (1995). Evaluation of a program to teach phonemic awareness to young-children - a 2-year and 3-year follow-up and a new preschool trial. Journal of Educational Psychology, 87(3), 488-503.
Chard, D. J., & Dickson, S. V. (1999). Phonological awareness: Instructional and assessment guidelines. Intervention in School and Clinic, 34(5), 261-270.
Macdonald, G. W., & Cornwall, A. (1995). The relationship between phonological awareness and reading and spelling achievement 11 years later. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28(8), 523-527.


text:
- Research article
- Open Access
- Open Peer Review
Golgi protein 73 versus alpha-fetoprotein as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma: a diagnostic meta- analysis
- Ying Zhou1,
- Xin Yin1,
- Jun Ying2 and
- BoHeng Zhang1Email author
© Zhou et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011
- Received: 6 July 2011
- Accepted: 16 January 2012
- Published: 16 January 2012
There have been conflicting reports about serum golgi protein 73 (GP73) as one of the most promising serum markers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was to make a systematic review about the diagnostic accuracy of serum GP73 versus alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for HCC.
After a systematic review of related studies, sensitivity, specificity and other measures about the accuracy of serum GP73 and AFP in the diagnosis of HCC were pooled using random-effects models. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to summarize the overall test performance.
Eight studies were included in our meta-analysis. The summary estimates for serum GP73 and AFP in diagnosing HCC in the studies included were as follows: sensitivity, 76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51-91%) vs. 70% (47-86%); specificity, 86% (95%CI 65-95%) vs. 89% (69-96%); diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), 18.59 (95%CI 5.33-64.91) vs. 18.00(9.41-34.46); and area under sROC, 0.88 (95%CI 0.77-0.99) vs. 0.86 (95%CI 0.84-0.87).
The current evidence indicates that serum GP73 has a comparable accuracy to AFP for the diagnosis of HCC, while the value of serum GP73 in combination with AFP for HCC detection deserves further investigation.
- Diagnostic Odds Ratio
- Golgi Protein
- Liver Cirrhosis Group
- SROC Curve
- Chinese BioMedical Literature Database
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There were estimated 748,000 new cases of liver cancer worldwide in 2008, causing 696,000 deaths [1]. As most patients with HCC are diagnosed at an advanced stage with underlying liver dysfunction [2], the mortality rate of HCC is similar to the incidence rate. Early detection of HCC is therefore extremely important in improving the survival of patients. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), together with hepatic ultrasonography, is the most common marker used in clinical practice to detect HCC in cirrhotic patients, and has been considered the gold-standard serum marker for screening patients at high risk for HCC, as well as for the diagnosis and monitoring of responses to HCC treatment for over 40 years. But the clinical value of AFP is challenged in recent years due to low sensitivity and specificity [3–5]. In addition, AFP levels greater than 500 ng/ml are correlated with the tumor size: 80% of small HCC show no increase of AFP concentration [6]. Some patients with cirrhosis and/or hepatic inflammation could have an elevated level of AFP without the presence of tumors. Therefore, serum markers with better diagnostic accuracy are needed for HCC.
Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as Golph2), is a resident Golgi-specific membrane protein expressed by biliary epithelial cells in normal liver, and its expression is increased markedly in chronic liver diseases, especially in HCC cells [7]. There have been studies reporting the use of serum GP73 as a serum marker for HCC, but the results are heterogeneous and even conflicting. The objective of the present review was to synthesize and analyze the results from systematic selection of research papers that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serum GP73 by directly comparing it with AFP for the diagnosis of HCC.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Eligible studies were those original research articles that directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of GP73 test with AFP for HCC in the same patients, or randomly assigned patients to one of the tests using blood as the only sample type. Studies that evaluated serum GP73 or AFP levels by messenger RNA, DNA or DNA polymorphisms, or those without providing the sensitivity or specificity of GP73 or AFP were excluded.
Studies published in English and Chinese were included. Abstracts, letters, editorials and expert opinions, reviews without original data, case reports and studies lacking control groups were also excluded. No restriction was set on the year of publication.
Identification of studies
A comprehensive systematic literature review of original researches studying the diagnostic accuracy of GP73 was performed searching the following electronic databases through May 2011: PUBMED, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effect (DARE), Health Technology Assessment Database and NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS-EED). In addition, references from included articles and relevant published reports were hand searched. No restriction was set on the language, study design, year of publication and publishes status. Subject headings and keywords used in the search process included the following: (1) GP73: GP73, golgi protein 73, golgi phosphoprotein 2, golgi membrane protein 1; and (2) HCC: HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cell carcinoma, hepatic cell carcinoma. The PUBMED search strategy was shown in Additional file 1. We did not use keywords or indexing terms for diagnostic test accuracy since they might miss relevant studies.
Study selection
All the studies were reviewed by two reviewers (Zhou Y and Ying J) independently based on titles and abstracts, and then the full texts of potentially eligible studies were retrieved for further assessment. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. The authors would be contacted for further study details when necessary.
When the same author reported results obtained from the same patient population in several publications, only the most recent or the most complete report was included in the analysis to avoid overlap between cohorts.
Data extraction
The following data were extracted from the included studies by two reviewers (Zhou Y and Yin X) independently: authors, year of publication, journal, study design, number of patients, reference test, assay type of the markers, cutoff values and raw data for the analysis of sensitivity and specificity (the number of true positive, false negative, true negative and false positive results) for comparison of patients diagnosed with HCC vs. control. Any disagreements were resolved through consultation with the third reviewer (Zhang BH).
Assessment of methodological quality
The quality of each study was assessed according to the QUADAS (Quality Assessment of studies of Diagnostic Accuracy included in Systematic reviews) checklist recommended by Cochrane Collaboration. Each of the 11 items in the QUADAS checklist was scored as "yes", "no", or "unclear" [8].
Representative patient spectrum
HCC typically develops in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis [2]. It is in these target populations that serum markers are most urgently needed. Patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis who were suspected as having HCC were scored "yes". Studies that recruited healthy patients in the control group and groups known to have HCC were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information to make a judgment were scored "unclear".
Acceptable reference standard
Histopathology is the currently acceptable reference standard recommended by EASL for HCC. If histopathology is not available, HCC diagnosis is usually established by ultrasound, MRI or CT when either of them shows a nodule with arterial hypervascularization >2 cm [9]. Studies using the reference standard consisting of the above mentioned standards were scored "yes". Studies using neither histopathology nor the above imaging modalities were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information were scored "unclear".
Suitable time between reference standard and index test
Blood samples collected before intervention were considered acceptable, knowing that HCC is unlikely to disappear spontaneously. Therefore, studies in which blood samples were collected before intervention were scored "yes". Studies in which blood samples were collected after intervention were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information were scored the study as "unclear".
Sample verification by reference standard
Studies in which all the patients received GP73 and AFP tests and whose disease status was confirmed by the above reference standard were scored "yes". Studies in which some patients missed the above reference standard were scored "no".
Consistency of reference standard
Studies in which the HCC diagnosis was confirmed by the same type of reference standard (histopathology or imaging techniques) in all patients were scored "yes". Studies in which the HCC diagnosis of some patients was confirmed by histopathology while that of some other patients was confirmed by imaging modalities were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information to make a conclusive judgment were scored "unclear".
Reference standard independent of index test
Studies that did not include GP73 and AFP in the reference standard were scored "yes", and studies that included GP73 and AFP in the reference standard were scored "no".
Reference standard blinded
Studies in which blood samples for GP73 and AFP measurement were analyzed by technicians who were blind to the reference standard results were scored "yes". Studies in which blood samples for GP73 and AFP measurement were analyzed by technicians who were aware of the reference standard results were scored "no". Studies without providing sufficient information were scored "unclear".
Index test blinded
Studies in which the disease status was confirmed by the reference standard in all patients without the results of GP73 and AFP were scored "yes". Studies with known GP73 or AFP results were scored "no".
Relevant clinical information
Studies were scored "yes" in which the same clinical data were available when test results were interpreted as would be available when the test is used in practice. Studies with unavailable clinical data in practice were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information were scored "unclear".
Uninterpretable/intermediate test results reported
Studies in which all uninterpretable or intermediate results were reported were scored "yes". Studies without reporting intermediate results were scored "no". Studies without sufficient information to judge were scored "unclear".
Explained withdrawals
Studies in which all details that happened to the patients included were clearly reported were scored "yes". Studies without explaining the reason for withdrawal were scored "no".
Data analysis
Using the 'metandi' module for Stata (version 10), sensitivity and specificity were calculated, and the diagnostic accuracy was summarized for each study. Meta-regression was performed in an attempt to explain the observed heterogeneity. Data were presented as forest plots and receiver operating characteristic curves. Forest plots display the sensitivity and specificity of individual studies with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The receiver operating characteristic curves show individual study data points with size proportional to study weight, and the hierarchical summary curve resulting from the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model.
Characteristics of the excluded studies
Reason for exclusion
Block 2005
Patients: HCC vs. Healthy
Tests: immunoblot assay for GP73, AFP not measured.
Outcomes: no usable data.
Mao 2008
Suspected overlapped study population with Mao 2010
Chen 2011
Suspected overlapped study population with Mao 2010.
Li 2009a
Patients: HCC vs. cholangiocellular carcinoma
Tests: GP73, AFP and VEGF expression in tumor, tumor-adjacent and normal liver specimens by immunohistochemistry.
Outcomes: no usable data.
Riener 2009a
Patients: HCC vs. (healthy and viral hepatitis)
Tests: methods for GP73and AFP test not cleared reported
Outcomes: no usable data.
Riener 2009b
Patients: HCC vs. (chronic HCV infection, bile duct carcinoma and healthy)
Test: sera GOLPH2 detection using ELISA, AFP not tested.
Outcomes: no usable data.
Stenner 2009
Patients: HCC vs. (HCV, bile duct carcinoma and healthy)
Tests: sera GOLPH2 levels by ELISA, unclear whether AFP tested or not.
Abstract; no clear data reported.
Li 2009b
Patients: HCC vs. (cirrhosis and healthy)
Tests: methods for serum GOLPH2 and AFP not reported.
Letter; no usable data.
Yamamoto 2009
Patients: HCC
Tests: serum GP73 autoantigen/autoantibody and AFP measured
Abstract, no usable data.
Yamamoto 2010
Patients: HCC
Tests: serum GP 73 autoantigen and autoantibody measured by ELISA.
Outcomes: sensitivity/specificity at cutoff points was not calculated.
Tan 2009
Patients: HCC vs. (liver disease without HCC and healthy)
Tests: serum GOLPH2 levels by ELISA, AFP not measured.
Outcomes: sensitivity, specificity and cut off value were available, but AFP levels were not tested.
Gu 2009
Patients: HCC vs. cirrhosis
Tests: GP73 by ELISA, AFP not tested.
Outcomes: sensitivity, specificity and cut off value were available, but AFP levels were not tested.
Characteristics of included studies
tumor staging (TNM)
assay type
cutoff value
assay type
cutoff value
7.4 RUa
36 ug/L
94.7 ug/L
15.3 ug/L
2.36 ug/L
4.36 ug/L
China, USA
35 ug/L
99 ug/L
113.8 ug/L
13.6 ug/L
100 ug/L
400 ug/L
Quality of the studies
The summary diagnostic accuracy of GP73 vs. AFP for HCC
Summary of diagnostic accuracy of GP73 and AFP using "metandi" module in stata10
Std. err
std err
The diagnostic accuracy of GP73 vs. AFP for early HCC
The diagnostic values of GP73 vs. AFP for detecting early HCC (TNM I-II) were reported in three studies. The raw data for the two markers are shown in Figure 3. As the "metandi" command in Stata requires data from more than four studies, we used the Metadisc (Version 1.4; Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for GP73 were comparable to AFP: sensitivity 79% (95% CI 74-84%) vs. 79% (74-83%) and specificity 62% (95% CI 58-66%) vs. 60% (56-64%). While DOR turned to be better for AFP than GP73: 11.85 (95% CI 6.92-20.30) vs. 8.03 (95% CI 2.73-23.58).
Meta- regression for heterogeneity
Meta-regression of the effects of methodological characteristics on diagnostic accuracy
adjusted p*
adjusted p
We found and assessed eight studies that directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of serum GP73 and AFP in the same patient population. The results demonstrate that GP73 is a comparable marker for HCC to AFP. However, the studies showed numerous methodological limitations, a broad range of diagnostic accuracy values and heterogeneity. The methodological quality of the eight studies is poor, and one of the studies did not even report the age and sex of the patients included. Five of the studies stated that serum GP73 was advantageous over AFP, while the remaining three studies reported opposite results. Because of the limited number and the different cutoff values of the studies included in this meta-analysis, we were not able to explore causes for the existing big heterogeneity by meta-regression.
The increasing incidence of HCC worldwide has sparked a new interest in HCC serum markers. A number of novel candidate markers have been suggested. GP73 is a 400-amino acid 73-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that normally resides in epithelial cells of many human tissues [32]. Higher levels of serum GP73 were first found in patients with hepatitis B virus-related HCC by Block in 2005 [7]. Although the precise mechanism of GP73 elevation in the circulation remains obscure, serum GP73 has gained great interest for its potent role in the diagnosis of HCC. Western blotting, immunoblotting and ELISA are three major methods used to assay GP73. The former two are semiquantitative and laborious, but the results of ELISA are disappointing. Six studies [18, 21, 23, 24, 27, 33] using ELISA method failed to find significant elevation of serum GP73 in HCC groups compared with that in liver cirrhosis groups. Recently described GP73-specific serum autoantibodies might interfere with ELISA analysis. Researchers have found several isoforms of GP73 that correspond with different patterns or levels of glycosylation [34]. Whether measuring HCC-specific GP73 isoform helps improve the diagnostic accuracy still needs further research.
The goal of cancer-screening is to detect tumors at an early stage when successful treatment is possible [35]. An ideal biomarker should be specific and noninvasive. The field of HCC serum markers is primed for new candidate markers that have the potential to replace their flawed leader AFP [36]. To avoid substantial confounding factors in comparisons, we only used studies that directly compared GP73 with AFP in the same patients. However, fully paired studies are usually scant. Despite the big heterogeneity, we still found that GP73 may be a comparable marker to AFP for HCC. However, cancer is a diverse class of diseases that differ widely in their causes and biology, and therefore it is unlikely for a single biomarker to detect all cancers of a particular organ with high specificity and sensitivity. The diagnostic value of GP73 combined with AFP for HCC was stated in Wang's and Mao's reports, and the results seem better than the single marker. However, further observation is needed in more studies.
Only three studies reported diagnostic utility of serum GP73 compared AFP by tumor stage and the conclusions were conflicting. The diagnostic ability of GP73 to detect HCC in an early stage needs further observation.
One of the major goals of meta-analysis is to explore reasons for heterogeneity rather than computation of a single summary measure [37]. Notably, the differential cutoff values within the studies could cause a threshold effect. Different study populations appeared to have substantially influenced the diagnostic sensitivity [38]. In our meta-analysis, the prevalence of HCC, cutoff value, consecutive patient selection and assay method were used in the meta-regression analysis to assess the effect of study methodology and threshold on DOR. Because of the small number of studies included, we used the permutation test recommended by Higgins and Thompson [39]. But we failed to find the reason responsible for the existing heterogeneity. The following reasons may hamper the statistical analysis of sources of heterogeneity: First, many reports of studies on diagnostic accuracy lacked information on key elements of design and conduct. Without complete and accurate reporting, we cannot correctly identify potential sources of bias and variability. Second, few studies using direct comparisons are available. The small numbers also made subgroup analysis unavailable. Third, the diagnostic meta-analysis is also threatened by publication bias. Investigating publication bias for diagnostic tests is problematic. Funnel plot-based tests used to detect publication bias in review of randomized controlled trials have proven to be seriously misleading for diagnostic studies, and alternatives have poor power [40].
In conclusion, our meta-analysis found that GP73 is a comparable marker to AFP as an independent diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of HCC. The combination value of GP73 and AFP still needs further research. The currently existing studies on GP73 have not yet met the most stringent criteria defined by the Early Detection Research Network. Future studies should be designed to prospectively test markers in appropriately selected risk populations.
Authors' Affiliations
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Pre-publication history
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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Some Christmas trees are sunk in lakes to act as habitat for bass. In the picture below, members of the Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to sink donated trees using cinder blocks.
If you'd like to enhance your own backyard habitat, prop your tree up using a makeshift stand or by sinking it into the ground or alternatively, you can just lay it directly on the ground. Birds will use the limbs (with or without needles) as shelter and if you have bird feeders, you may find an increase in your visitors thanks to the extra shelter and safety from predators you have provided.
A female house sparrow enjoying her new Christmas tree perch
(and yes my fellow ornithologists, I know it's an invasive species, but it's the only applicable picture I could find)
(and yes my fellow ornithologists, I know it's an invasive species, but it's the only applicable picture I could find)
Donated trees are used not just to create habitats, but to protect them as well. A barricade of Christmas trees can act as an effective means of protecting areas such as shorelines and sand dunes from erosion.
That's right little penguin-thingy, just kill the tree
and keep telling yourself that everything will be ok.
There are many other ways to put that old Christmas tree to use, and many will be specific to the area in which you live. In order to find out your local options, just do a Google search for "Christmas tree recycling" and the name of your city. If you are served by Waste Management Inc. you can visit the website for your local office (enter in your zip code here) and even see if your town does curbside pick up of trees! Whether you are wishing you and Christmas could be together just a little bit longer or if you are so over Christmas, you can give away your tree memento with no emotional baggage attached, knowing it will be put to good use. Just remember, there are other Christmases in the sea and thanks to you, a tree in the lake as well.


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Where are people wait pooling? What schools did you list? Did you lower your standards?
The SF K Files is a place for parents who are seeking a school in San Francisco. The site offers up reviews of public, private and charter schools, as well as lots of advice and opinions from the community.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Hot topic: Round II
50 comments:
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 11:38 AM
We wanted to wait pool Grattan since it's our neighborhood school but, in looking at last year's wait pool data, we decided we probably wouldn't have a chance in hell if we did that. Instead, we listed Commodore Sloat. *crossing fingers*ReplyDelete
Our amended Round 2 list included:
New Traditions, Sutro, Sunnyside, Lakeshore, Stevenson, McCoppin.
We definitely had to lower our standards to include schools outside of a 1.5 mile radius from home (that was our criteria for Round 1 but we got 0/7 - the closest schools to our home are simply too popular).
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 12:31 PM
We're waitpooling Alvarado. We know we have a snowball's chance in hell, but we happen to speak Spanish at home, so perhaps our chances are slightly less dire.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 2:24 PM
We wait pooled the same school that we put #1 in Round I. Sorry, I don't want to say which school, although it's a school I thought we had a shot at for Round I, and I'm still hoping our chances are realistic for Round #2. I can actually live with our assigned school (JOES GE) even though it wasn't on our original list. I'm impressed with the principal, and the welcoming event really made me feel good about the place. So for our new list of 7, I figured I'd list all our dream schools in our neck of the woods(West Portal, Miraloma, Rooftop, Clarendon, Dianne Feinstein, etc.) even though we basically have no chance of getting into them w/out putting them as our wait pool. It just seemed like a waste to select only a wait pool school and not put anything down on the amended list -- with this crazy system, you just never know what the computer will spit out!ReplyDelete
Wow, you know you're addicted to this blog when you're posting at 2:21 on a sunny Saturday afternoon! For the record -- my toddler is napping, so I can't go outside just now! ;-)
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Is there ANY way of getting waitpool stats for immersion programs broken down by language (e.g. how many Spanish speakers vs. English speakers waitpooling a particular Spanish-immersion program)?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 6:25 PM
We are applying for 2nd Grade. We put Clarendon GE as our wait pool school.ReplyDelete
Amended Round 2: Clarendon JBBP, Lilienthal, West Portal, Miraloma, Rooftop, Lakeshore, Peabody
We did this in the event the District adds spaces in Grades 1-3. We went 0/7 in Round 1 and expect the same result in Round 2 unless they decide to add classes.
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM
is there any truth to the rumor Sheridan is adding a new class, and that it will be the first Arabic immersion program?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 9:51 PM
6:25 --a coworker told me her brother who has 2 kids at CLilienthal is moving out of SF... the kids are currently 1st and 4th grade... not sure how parents notify the school district they are not returning next year.. doesn't really seem like there is a vehicle for communication, though for sure the teachers and principal (perhaps) would know...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Thanks, 9:51. I will put a call in to the principal at Lilienthal and scope things out. We were thinking of listing Lilienthal first, but in the end decided to try Clarendon, which is closer to home.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Hmmm...I was hoping this thread would be more active. Guess everyone is holding their cards close to the vest?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 9:59 AM
11:38 am. Where did SFUSD place your child during Round 1?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 1:02 PM
9:59 am:ReplyDelete
My son was assigned to John Muir, which is not an option for us.
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 1:06 PM
to post at 11:38pm,ReplyDelete
there is ALWAYS a lot of movement at Grattan. Reason = many Grattan kids are on waitlists for private and don't remove their names from the incoming list for kindergarten.
Don't give up on Grattan.
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Agreed re Grattan. Last year there were something like 10?? (I heard this through a co-worker last year and may be fuzzy on the numbers -- sorry) spots that opened up after the start of school. I think the spreadsheet put out by the district, while a nice effort for sure, didn't capture all movement at the various schools.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I think Grattan and Lilianthal are both good bets as waitpool schools (I know someone who got Lilianthal in the 1st grade lottery Round I, and there is often a lot of movement there).ReplyDelete
In terms of amended lists, if you really want anything, you should list schools that people got assigned to in Round I (De Avila, Rosa Parks, Jose Ortega etc.).
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I was afraid of that re: the wait list data. IT is lacking quite a bit of detail so I had to "read between the lines" so to speak. The 08/09 data showed quite a few students (14, if I remember correctly?) who were still waiting for Grattan at the end of September. IF all kids from the 0/7 priority from the May wait list never took their names off the list, it meant that there were still 5 or so kids left from that priority's wait list. Of course, it was impossible to know from the data how many from the 0/7 priority group took their names off the list and went elsewhere.ReplyDelete
However, I was advised by PPS that listing Grattan would be risky, mainly because it's such a small school and movement would be less likely. I was told that Commodore Sloat and Jefferson would be more realistic because there is *some* movement plus they are larger schools (i.e. more K classes).
AND some friends of mine were advised by a Grattan insider not to wait list because it probably wouldn't happen.
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 2:55 PM
We waitlisted Jefferson with Stevenson as our #1 Round II. We really want West Portal (walking distance), but looking at last year's numbers, it didn't look promising. We took off all the immersion as we figured those would be high demand.ReplyDelete
If we get Jefferson, we'll be happy as it is also very close to home and on public transport (I'm the one who takes 2-3 buses to work and my husband also takes public transport). Plus, we'll be DONE with this crazy lottery.
RLS is also close by, but not as easy on transport. If we get this, we'll move back to waitlisting to West Portal, our #1 choice, but we'd be happy at RLS.
We went 0/7 assigned Ortega GE. The ONLY problem I have with this school is the distance from home and work.
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 3:44 PM
SHould we waitpool Grattan or Miraloma?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 4:24 PM
I was one of five people remaining in the first cohort of the Grattan waitpool at the start of school last year. We all ended up clearing the waitlist by the 10 day count. Each year is different but Grattan did have a lot of movement last year.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 9:14 PM
I have heard from a very reliable source that the district is going to open another kindergarten class at Sherman.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 9:51 PM
There was a lot of movement at Grattan last year. I know 4 families that got a call in week before school started (3 of them got the call the Thursday before), and then 2 kids started in my daughter's K class after the start of the school year. I suspect one of them has already posted here, because she has previously said that she was at the end of the list.ReplyDelete
Additional insider info: although Grattan's first choice requests were up this year, I know that there were still unclaimed spots as of end of day last Thursday (the day private deposits were due). So if I'm reading between the lines right, that would seem to suggest that Grattan was a favorite for people who are seriously weighing private school options, some of whom will take them. Otherwise, wouldn't they have gobbled up their spots immediately and enrolled as soon as they could have? If that's the case, there may again be lots of movement.
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I didn't enroll my child to the assigned school. I'm going private.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Thank you for not enrolling. It mystifies me that some parents enroll before finding out whether they got into a private school they wanted, thereby making it harder to give up a spot. Or, worse, don't even try to give up a spot and leave other parents who want it waiting until late in the summer or the 10-day count. Which school was it where you decided not to enroll?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 9:37 AM
"We're waitpooling Alvarado. We know we have a snowball's chance in hell, but we happen to speak Spanish at home, so perhaps our chances are slightly less dire."ReplyDelete
Hmm..that's odd you didn't get into Alvarado, as normally the Spanish immersion programs or even Spanish-speaking kids, c.f. the Flynn-Alvarado screw-up last year. Check with EPC if other programs (Flynn, Monroe, Fairmount) are short Spanish-speaking kids.
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 9:49 AM
I know a Spanish speaker (ELL child, no English spoken at home, low-income) that got into Alvarado SI. There was better outreach this year, so it is possible that those spots were just oversubbed.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 1:46 PM
It amazes me that the alternative for so many is to put their kids into these language immersion programs. What happened to the priority of teaching the kids to actually read, write, and be able to add without a calculator? Shouldn't that be accomplished before you start teaching them another language?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I think lots of people want their kid to have an "edge"ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 1:57 PM
"It amazes me that the alternative for so many is to put their kids into these language immersion programs. What happened to the priority of teaching the kids to actually read, write, and be able to add without a calculator?"ReplyDelete
I visited more than 25 schools. After a while, I realised there were plenty of excellent schools, both public and private, in San Francisco, not just the name-brand schools. So my decision pivoted on other factors aside from the three R's. Language immersion was one (I can teach my kid to add and to read, but I can't teach him Spanish or Mandarin), proximity to my house another.
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 2:11 PM
With the achievement gap a mile wide I don't think these immersion programs are giving that "edge" anyone needs.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 2:44 PM
I think the priority should be a solid elementary education and a school that is right for your family. One that you would feel comfortable going to every day for the next 6 years... If that happens to be one of the more popular schools I say hang on till the 10 day count is over, or beyond. Kindergarten is not mandatory, so you can wait it out as long as you can stand it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 3:33 PM
When is SFUSD posting the 2009-2010 Waiting Pool list? This week?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM
1:46 -- It may seem counterintuitive, but there is credible academic research that shows that English-speaking kids in Spanish-immersion programs score higher in those basic subjects than their monolingual peers in Gen Ed programs.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM
OH, and Spanish-speaking kids in immersion programs score higher in English language arts and math than Spanish-speaking ELLs in Gen Ed classes, too, by the time they are in 5th grade.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Good question, 3:33. All I have heard is that you can change your waitpool request starting April 6th (is that right?), so presumably by that date they will have posted the waitpool requests that came in by March 27th. It will take them some time to do the data entry, and today is a holiday for SFUSD.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 5:08 PM
And, Round 2 offers will be mailed on May 1. They will be running the 1st waitpool before they run Round 2.ReplyDelete
Also--besides today's holiday for Cesar Chavez, spring break is next week at all the schools. Meaning, if you have any idea about wanting to change your waitpool request to something else during next week's grace period, once you see the stratospheric numbers at some of the schools :-( -- go this week to check them out. Next week they will be closed. Word to the wise.
- AnonymousMarch 30, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Not really Round II question but looking for feedback on William Cobb our assigned school at 0/7 becuase unless we are assigned something else in Round II or waitlist, this is it and I would like to know more about it. I specifically would like to hear from anyone who has older kids (4th or 5th grade) or anyone who went to the Montessori K program this year. What are the positives and negatives? Is there a lot of parent involvement?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 31, 2009 at 9:48 AM
We got waitlisted at John Muir, as did all of the neighborhood kids (from Noe Valley). It appears that no one is accepting their offer there. Is there any truth to the Sherman new Kindergarten class rumor? What are parents' impressions of Sherman?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 31, 2009 at 11:16 AM
I didn't send my kids to immersion, but for me the attraction would be the advantage of learning another language at a young age. It's much easier for kids to attain fluency in a second language when they start young, and once someone has learned another language it's easier to pick up more languages down the road. We had other reasons for not choosing to pursue immersion, but in my view that's the big advantage of it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 31, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Were most of the Noe Valley kids assigned to John Muir? Last year it was Hillcrest.ReplyDelete
3:33 and 4:55 --ReplyDelete
I called the EPC today. The woman who answered said Round 2 waitpool data will be posted online Monday 4/6, and we'll have until Friday 4/10 to amend our choices.
- AnonymousMarch 31, 2009 at 6:51 PM
Thanks, 5:17!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Has anyone heard about Creative Arts Charter School on Turk Street? Anything good or bad?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Lots of people know about Creative Arts, but: Are you asking this in the context of Round 2, which is after all the subject of this thread?ReplyDelete
As a charter school, Creative Arts has a separate admissions process. There is now a waitlist 100 names long. The rank on waitlist was determined by lottery, as I understand it. You would be at the bottom of that list at this point if you applied for admission. And, as a charter school, CACS is not an available school to list in the Round 2 lottery.
- AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Creative Arts Charter School has a lottery that is completely separate from the rest of SFUSD. If you did not apply to CACS in Round 1, you can add you name to the wait list.ReplyDelete
Since the lottery is separate, many families are "holding a space" in the CACS wait list. This means there will be a tremendous amount of movement as people here form Round 2 and their other SFUSD wait list.
We heard last year very late in the summer, just before school started. If you have questions about the Creative Arts admission process, check out the web page
and call 415.749.3509
- AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 1:08 PM
I posted this on another thread. Someone (offline) suggested I post this on this thread as well - for those of you not trolling all the threads.ReplyDelete
If you were considering private and didn't get in and/or are 0/7 in the lottery- what are your options? I think the key is to find a reasonable kindergarten for your kid. Kindergarteners are flexible and going to 'any' kindergarten will not hurt and would probably benefit your child in some way. This is what I would do (not necessarily in any particular order and with no value judgments):
1. Go through Round II and beyond. Ten day count.
2. Visit your assigned public school and register (you need a spot). Visit the kindergarten classes and try to get a sense of which teacher(s) might be better for your child.
3. Visit your local neighborhood public school(s) and see if you can get a sense of the K-1 teachers. Make a judgment about how easy it would be to get in to your local vs. compared to your assigned school. Being in the neighborhood would be a plus for your family. Don't forget to check the schools near your work. Make sure the school has afterschool care that is open to your family. Some schools only have afterschool for free/reduced lunch kids. Need to factor that in.
4. Stay on the private school waitlists (doesn't hurt or cost you anything). Check in once a week.
5. Look at other privates / parochial schools with rolling admissions / space – see if you like them as a short term solution – again focus on K and 1st grade.
6. If your kid is on the young side – look at the transitional K options. Especially if you are committed to getting into a specific private – the preschools usually have some space at the 5 yr. old level as some of their kids leave for Kindergarten. Call and ask and get on their waiting lists.
7. Ask around your circle of friends (especially any teachers) for public K teachers they know who they consider very good to amazing. Repeat Step 3.
8. If you are thinking of moving 'anyway'. Look at rentals in the neighborhood(s) / town you want for the schools. Rentals are pretty good now and there is decent inventory. Rent out your SF digs (business rentals are great – because you can leave some furniture and some use of your house and it can generally be comparable to rents.) You might lose money on this deal – but remember the private school tuition you were willing to pay.
9. Homeschool. Kindergarten is not required in California. You don't have to meet any requirements to homeschool for K.
10. Try to relax and not communicate your anxiety to your kid. Again – talking to many teachers – K is pretty straightforward. You are choosing between pretty similar options for the most part.
11. Make a strategic plan for next year and reassess it after you have gone through K for a few months based on your circumstances.
I've posted this before, but here goes...Katherine Michiels School (9-4pm with free extended care before and after) has a two year kinder program, with the second year kinder having open spots. The upper elementary 1st - 5th is trying to grow, too. A good school to look into for back up. We are in Kinder there now.
- AnonymousApril 3, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Waitpool data is up...
- AnonymousApril 7, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Two questions for all you experts (I am a newbie to the process).ReplyDelete
(1) among the kids in the waitpool, how do they decide the priority order once a spot opens or is it random?
(2) does a child in the waitpool now at a certain school get priority over someone who might switch into the waitpool at that school now/later?
- AnonymousApril 9, 2009 at 9:47 AM
4/7: Not positive but based on reading many blog posts here is my impression: (a) Hardship appeals are handled in May. (b) After hardship appeals are dealt with and if there are any open spots, they pull out of the wait pool and see how the kid fits in the diversity mix. If the kid fits a profile they want, they take the kid. If not they look for a kid in the wait pool that will fit the profile they want. But if the school has enough spots for everyone in the wait pool, the wait pool people will get in regardless of the diversity profile. (c) For both K and other grades, but especially grades other than K, 6 and 9, many or most wait pool spots don't open until the 10-day count. The schools don't know how many kids from the prior year will return, or for K, 6 and 9, how many of the kids who enrolled will actually show up.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 17, 2010 at 2:38 PM
We are 0/7 on first round for K school. Bilingual family - child tested fluent on both english and foreign language assessment test (so this is consider to be qualify as both catergory I understand from a counselor at ETC). The information on SFUSD suggested to apply for school that have openings. Looking at the current list - not many schools that we would even consider. Is it waste of time to list schools from round 1?? what are the chances of getting into one of the school from round 1ist in the 2nd round?? I would like to hear experience from anybody that would like to share.ReplyDelete


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