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NEW HAVEN OPEN: Wozniacki retires, Kirilenko reaches final (videos, photos)
NEW HAVEN -- There will be a new Queen of New Haven.
After 20 straight victories and four consecutive tournament titles, Caroline Wozniacki's reign in the Elm City came to an end Friday.
The third-seeded Wozniacki dropped the first set 7-5 and then retired with a right knee injury against No. 7 Maria Kirilenko in the semifinals of the New Haven Open in front of 3,071 at the afternoon session. During the changeover Wozniacki requested to see the trainer. After talking for a short time, Wozniacki decided not to continue. She gave a wave to the cheering crowd at the Connecticut Tennis Center as she walked off the court.
"It's definitely not the way I would have liked to have finished here having won four times," Wozniacki said. "I would have loved to just play a normal match. You know if I won, that would be great. If not, I would lose in a normal way. You know, it's unfortunate. But these things happen. You know, you just need to move on."
Wozniacki injured her knee in the first game of the second set in her 6-2, 6-1 win over Dominika Cibulkova in Thursday's quarterfinals. With a brace on her right knee, she seemed to be moving well early in the match against Kirilenko. Tied at 5 in the first set, Kirilenko broke Wozniacki and then held serve to take the opening set. It was just the fourth set Wozniacki dropped in her 21 matches at New Haven's WTA event.
PHOTOS: Check out Caroline Wozniacki's first loss in New Haven and all the action in photos throughout the entire tournament.
"I mean, I could feel it from the start," Wozniacki said. "But, you know, it just started to get a bit worse. I decided to stop because, yeah, I mean, first of all, you know, if you don't feel 100 percent, you can't compete at 100 percent. It's better to let it rest. I wasn't going to win this match anyways if I'm not on 100-percent fit level."
If she won that first set, would she have retired? It's a fair question. Wozniacki's response: She wasn't in that situation.
So now Wozniacki plans to rest Saturday, get some treatment on her injured knee and hopes to be ready for the U.S. Open.
As for Kirilenko, she will play in her first final in the United States Saturday at 3 p.m. The 25-year-old Russian has reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and also earned a bronze medal at the Olympics while rising in the WTA rankings this year. She also reached the semifinals in New Haven in 2010.
"Well, I think I'm playing well here," said Kirilenko, who is now 1-5 all-time against Wozniacki. "I mean, the first match, like I said before, I didn't play really good tennis. Every match I feel that I'm improving. I found the way to play again on hard court, as grass court is different completely than hard. Today I played I think the best tennis in this tournament."
And will Kirilenko's boyfriend, two-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin make the trip to New Haven?
"I don't know," she said with a smile. [He] can be."
Well, Rory McIlroy won't be. The world's top-ranked golfer was on hand when his girlfriend, Wozniacki, won her fourth title last year. It's one of many memorable moments during Wozniacki's run at New Haven.
She was asked to reflect on her time at the tournament, following Friday's loss.
"It sounds like I'm retiring," Wozniacki said. "It's definitely meant a lot to me, this tournament. You know, it was a big tournament for me to win back in 2008. Then coming back and defending it in 2009 was huge, as well, for me because I think that was the first time I had to go and defend a title. That was something special. Then, you know, you defend it again and again...Winning the same one four times in a row is definitely special."
To receive breaking news first, simply text the word nhsports to 22700. *Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.


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Hi everyone, I hope you are all fine and happy.
I have recently finished this random act of kindness for Andrea over at The Craft Room blog here .
Andrea sent me a RAK last year, it was a beautiful pinkeep made in blue and trimmed in gorgeous ribbon. I was so thrilled with such a lovely gift, ever since that day I have always intended to make Andrea a surprise gift too- well here it is!
I designed the box and made it in pink because I knew Andrea liked this colour combination and also liked boxes. I made the little bottle cap pincushion to match, it is trimmed with swarovski crystals - of course!
There are more photos below.
You can see Andreas rak to me(click here,) just scroll down the page.
Stitching news
I have recently finished a couple of exchanges but I cannot show them yet until they have been received by my partners.
Thanks for stopping by, have a happy, stitchy day!

subset: commoncrawl


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Duchess Catherine, the former Kate Middleton, joined husband Prince William on Friday for their first joint appearance since debuting the royal baby, Prince George.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Ring of Fire race in Anglesey, Wales, where they are currently living as William wraps up his Royal Air Force duties there. Kate's appearance was a surprise, and she came out to thank members of the local community for their support, according to Sky News.
The new parents stood on a grassy hill overlooking the bay, joining the crowd as they counted down from 10 to kick off the race. William rang the bell to signal the start to runners participating in the three-day 135-mile foot race along the coast.
The new mom has kept a low profile since debuting their son outside the Lindo Wing of London's St. Mary's hospital a day after he was born. William returned to work -- and the spotlight -- soon after the birth and charmingly compared his military duties to raising a son.
The royals also gave the world a glimpse of their provincial life by sharing informal family portraits of themselves, George and their dog last week. The duchess' next scheduled official appearance is Sept. 12, when she's to join William at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London, the Daily Mail reported.
Kate, 31, already looked pre-baby perfect at the race. She paired a green Ralph Lauren blazer with a patterned silk blouse by Zara and snugly fit her already slim figure into a pair of dark J. Brand skinny jeans, according to People magazine and the Daily Mail.
The first-time mom stayed fit by walking her dog, Lupo, and taking regular "ante-natal" yoga classes while she was pregnant, the Mail reported.
She said that their 5-week-old son was at home napping with his grandmother, Carole Middleton, who came to babysit.
"He's doing very well," Kate told Sarah Bingham, 38. "He's with granny at the moment. He's sleeping well but I know these things change at a minute's notice."
The new mom described her son as "sweet" and told another event-goer that she was keen to get back into shape -- even though what little baby weight she gained appeared to have already melted off.
Color us royally green with envy.
Follow Ministry of Gossip @LATcelebs.


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As CentOS 6 will soon EOL in around 2020, it's time to study next step.
We have been running OpenVZ for years (over 10 years) with DirectAdmin.
However, it seems OpenVZ 7 (or called Virtuozzo Linux 7) is not so active recently (at least its forum).
Do you run DirectAdmin on top of Docker, or run on Virtuozzo Linux 7? or other suggestions?
Thank you very much for your sharing.


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Hello Dr. Bob! I was curious as to what the risks were of contracting HIV while using a condom. I'm a female who has recently become involved in a sexual relationship with a new boyfriend. He told me he doesn't have any STD's, but I have always been one to use condoms no matter what. For my own peace of mind, I wanted to know what the risks were of possibly contracting the virus while using a condom assuming its been used correctly. There are some websites that I've come across through research that say condoms do not prevent the disease. Thank you for your time. I think your forum and taking the time to answer questions from people that are not very educated in this topic is very nice of you and it really helps.
Thanks, Marie
Hello Marie,
HIV cannot permeate intact latex (or polyurethane). This has been well-studied under laboratory conditions. However, latex (or polyurethane) condoms are not 100% effective in the "real world" because they frequently are not used properly and rarely they break. In some real-world (real-bedroom?) studies, condom efficacy is in the range of 85% to 90%, again primarily due to improper condom technique. See below. There is also much more about this topic to be found in the archives of this forum in the chapter on HIV sexual prevention. Have a look!
Dr. Bob
Congratulations !! You are a minority now ... (CONDOM EFFICACY 2009) Dec 21, 2009
Hi Doc,
Probably my last query was a bit long. I will cut it short now (Not too short). I had protected sex (condom intact & used with water based jelly) with a chinese pros in Dubai 16 days ago with no oral or kissing. So far I have not experienced any real symptom (fever, diarrhea, rash) but I am having mild nausea,sore throat, itching, heaviness in groin & armpits.
I know you will give your usual response that hiv cannot pass through intact latex but I don't think it will help now. WHY !! bços there are a couple of experts on The Body and some other websites who call protected sex as not 100 % safe. They have a very diplomatic answer " Correctly using condoms is safer sex not THE SAFEST!" and what do they mean by risk being Extremely low why not Zero. I always wonder what is the non-safe part when a condom is used correctly. Is it the latex becoming weaker during intercourse.. may be some kind of pores forming into it. Even Wikipedia.org says condoms if used CORRECTLY-again CORRECTLY- and consistently can reduce the transmission risk to 85 % AS COMPARED TO AN UNPROTECTED EXPOSURE. 15 % is too much of a risk when it comes to one's well-being. Why the hell they dont print all these things on condoms. YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK BUT CANNOT ELIMINATE IT. Half of the worriedwells are WORRIED-WELLS bcos of all this shit said by these experts.
Seriously I don't know doc if you are going to comment on this but I think the experts questioning the 100 % integrity of latex condoms are indeed a MAJORITY and not a minority. So Doc unfortunately you have become a Minority. But anyways I wish you a long life and hope you will keep on healing worried wells like me. (I know I need to see a shrink but crazy people like me sometimes talk sense.)
take care Doc Jay
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello Jay,
Let's ratchet down your anxiety levels a bit, OK? Try taking three big cleansing yoga breaths. Go ahead, we'll wait. There, doesn't that feel better?
Thanks for the "congratulations," but unfortunately, I don't feel it's warranted, as I and the other experts agree completely on condom effectiveness! If you read my comments carefully, I think you'll better understand my message. For instance, read this following comment extracted from one of my posts in the archives: "Unfortunately I cannot explain what other people might be thinking or how they might be interpreting (or misinterpreting) scientific data. What I can do is try to explain the scientific facts and let you draw your own conclusions, OK? You ask if there has ever been a "confirmed" case of HIV transmission while properly using a latex condom. The answer would be a qualified "no." I say qualified because there would be no scientific way to validate that a latex condoms was indeed used properly after the fact. What we have confirmed in the laboratory, as opposed to the boudoir, is that HIV cannot permeate intact latex. No way. No how. Consequently the advice I give involves a very carefully constructed qualifying phrase: If the latex condom is used properly and doesn't break, the HIV-transmission risk would be essentially nonexistent. That's very different from saying condoms are 100% protective. Saying condoms are 100% protective would, in my opinion, be misleading, because condoms are not always properly used and condoms can very rarely fail (break)."
Please pay particular attention to the concluding statement: "Saying condoms are 100% protective would, in my opinion, be misleading, because condoms are not always properly used and condoms can very rarely fail (break)."
Jay, my comments about HIV not being able to permeate intact latex (or polyurethane) are well established scientifically in the laboratory. However, condoms testing under ideal laboratory conditions is somewhat different than what happens between the sheets or hanging from the chandelier in the heat of the moment after several cosmopolitans!
I'll repost below some information from the archives. If you read it carefully, I'm confident you'll see there really is no difference of opinion.
Finally, you state: "I know I need to see a shrink . . . ." Jay, there you and I are in completely agreement!
Happy Holidays.
Dr. Bob
Mysterious Question and thought of you immediately! (CONDOM EFFICACY 2009) Apr 21, 2009
Hi Dr Bob,
I was asking you some questions back in 2004 and have not got a reply yet. LOL. So I thought that I could be lucky this time round!
Ive seen on the internet on some surveys on condoms usage. It was reported that condoms only have 98% reliability in pregnancy prevention. The report says that out of 100 couples who used condoms correctly and consistently over a period of one year, 2 of them managed to get pregnant. How did that happen because condoms are supposed to have no holes or leakage in them? Does leakage happens in condoms? I mean when you removed it and it looks intact? Is it supposed to be leaking somewhere? How does condoms breakage looks like?
Response from Dr. Frascino
Thanks for being patient. I should be getting to your 2004 question fairly soon! Things can get a bit backed up around here. Actually most folks have absolutely no idea how long it takes to read through thousands of questions day after day, let alone compose and post responses! In reality, I can only respond to a small percentage of questions cramming their way into my overstuffed inbox on a continual basis from throughout the cyber universe. (Thanks for being understanding.)
The bottom-line about latex (and polyurethane) condoms is that HIV cannot permeate intact latex (or polyurethane). No way. No how. Very occasionally condoms fail (break). Much more frequently people do not use condoms properly. This primarily accounts for the failure rate. Condoms do not have holes! Regarding the 100 couples, they, as you can imagine, were not screwing under laboratory conditions, but rather in their own boudoir (or on the kitchen table or wherever). Consequently, even though they claimed to use condoms "correctly" (and most of the time they probably did), chances are human error was the cause of the "new humans" produced, rather than a problem with the condom. See below.
Dr. Bob
condom effectiveness (CONDOM EFFICACY 2008) Oct 27, 2008
i read in a forum that hiv can pass through latex condoms and thus condoms are not effective in preventing hiv transmission. Is it true ?
Response from Dr. Frascino
You read what??? Certainly you didn't read anything like that in this forum! Sweetie, think about this for a moment. If condoms didn't protect against HIV, why would they be the centerpiece of HIV-prevention programs? Gay men are not exactly worried about unwanted pregnancies right?
Perhaps you were reading about a very specific type of condom, the natural lambskin condom. This type protects against unwanted pregnancy, but not against HIV. However, latex (or polyurethane) condoms are impermeable to HIV. (See below.)
Dr. Bob
Safe Sex and HIV (CONDOMS) (CONDOM EFFICACY) Apr 26, 2008
Hello Dr. Bob. How are you doing? I was just wondering about something. Has there ever been a CONFIRMED case of someone using proper protection and still contracting HIV? I know you say that if a condom doesn't break and is used properly then the risk is non-existent. Why do other Web sites say differently? I trust your opinion, so can you clarify this inconsistency of information? Thanks!
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hi Joe,
Unfortunately I cannot explain what other people might be thinking or how they might be interpreting (or misinterpreting) scientific data. What I can do is try to explain the scientific facts and let you draw your own conclusions, OK? You ask if there has ever been a "confirmed" case of HIV transmission while properly using a latex condom. The answer would be a qualified "no." I say qualified because there would be no scientific way to validate that a latex condoms was indeed used properly after the fact. What we have confirmed in the laboratory, as opposed to the boudoir, is that HIV cannot permeate intact latex. No way. No how. Consequently the advice I give involves a very carefully constructed qualifying phrase: If the latex condom is used properly and doesn't break, the HIV-transmission risk would be essentially nonexistent. That's very different from saying condoms are 100% protective. Saying condoms are 100% protective would, in my opinion, be misleading, because condoms are not always properly used and condoms can very rarely fail (break). I'll post below some information about condom efficacy from the archives. Hopefully this will further clarify any inconsistencies.
Be safe. Be well.
Dr. Bob
Effectiveness of condoms (CONDOMS) (CONDOM EFFICACY) Jan 2, 2008
I am confused good doctor...you said HIV can't penetrate a condom no, way no how....why does The CDC website say its only 85% effective. They say that it still possible to get HIV. I googled it and I see everything from 98% to 80%. I know people who have slept with over 60 people and they never got anything using a condom. So whats the real deal?
Response from Dr. Frascino
I've addressed this topic numerous times before and have nothing new to add. See below.
Dr. Bob
condoms aren't totally safe (CONDOMS) (CONDOM EFFICACY) Jan 10, 2007
I don't really have a queston but rather a statement. i'm a 17 senoir in hight school and have done many essays throughout my high school career. when i was in the 11th grade i did a report on safe sex and the different types of condoms you can use. i quickly found out that, they may decrease the risk but they do NOT take that risk away. there are tiny tears in condoms that are not big enough for sperm to pass but, viruses can. i think you should better infor people on this subject and help me help people understand that there is always that chance that you could become infected.
Response from Dr. Frascino
You don't have a "queston," but rather a statement. OK. You're a "senoir" in "hight" school???? Hmmm . . . . Your many essays and 11th grade report on safe sex found that there are "tiny tears in condoms that are not big enough for sperm to pass, but viruses can."???? Consequently, you think I should better "infor" people on this subject . . . . Do I have that correct?????
OK, I'm delighted you have taken an interest in learning about safe(r) sex, including the use of condoms. However, if I graded your report, you would have flunked, because you did not use scientifically reliable sources for your information. I strongly urge you to go back and check your sources and your facts, not to mention your spelling and grammar!
I do agree with you that condoms, when used in real world situations, are not 100% effective, but not for the reasons that you imply. HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis, cannot permeate intact latex or polyurethane. No way. No how! Condoms do not have tiny tears that allow HIV to pass through!!! Condoms are not 100% effective, because they can be used improperly and, rarely, they fail (break) during sex. I'll repost one item from the archives below. You can find many more by doing a simple search and following the related links. I'd advise steering clear of links to The Vatican or anything having to do with Fox News or any Bush Administration faith-based, science-phobic position papers on this topic, OK?
Finally, since you are still in high school, let me leave you with a quote form Mark Twain:
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."
Good luck.
Get the real facts. Stay safe.
Dr. Bob
Holes in Latex Condom (CONDOMS) Jul 29, 2006
Hello Dr.
These last days there had been a lot of "bad information" circulating on the net about, the fact that the holes in the latex condom, are about 100 times bigger than an HIV particle, so the virus could pass the intact condom. I think, ( and i believe i read that in an paper) that althoug the hole could be 100 times bigger than a virus particule, at that level of interaction, the electromagnetic forces, make imposible for the particle to pass the intact latex. Unfortunately I coulnd't find any demonstration about this fact on the net, and my math or knowledge in molecular biology it's not enought to prove it. Thanks for your comments and sorry about my english. The bad info sometimes is worse than no info. Thanks again.
Response from Dr. Frascino
You are correct the information about holey condoms is "bad information" often generated and perpetuated by the holiest of holies, the Vatican. Religion obviously is based solely on beliefs, be they virgin births, walking on water, Adam and Steve (I mean Eve), etc. Science and common sense sometimes get in the way of these belief systems the science of evolution versus the belief of creationism, etc.
Unfortunately we have this type of problem with condoms. Anti-science religions, like the Catholic Church, believe that condoms are nothing more than Swiss cheese. Science, on the other hand, has confirmed repeatedly that HIV cannot permeate intact latex. No way. No how.
The concept that condoms have holes is a myth that has been disproved on numerous occasions. The Vatican (and other rightwing religious sex-phobic wingnuts), however, continues to "believe" their fantasy. Actually, it's hard for me to really accept that they actually truly believe this obvious fallacy, but they most likely continue to promote it because it fits in nicely with their other agendas.
I'll post some information form the archives that addresses the efficacy of condoms. You can also find much more information on this topic in the archives.
Yes, there is "bad information" out there; however, focusing on the scientifically sound information will mitigate and hopefully eventually eliminate myths in favor of truth, fact and common sense. Watch for a swing back toward science, truth and reality once Dubya and his cronies have been tarred, feathered and run out of town. One small victory this week was the crushing defeat of the Religious Right's poster boy, Ralph Reed, in his bid to become lieutenant governor of Georgia.
Stay safe. Stay well.
Dr. Bob
only 80%????
Jul 25, 2006
I just was watching The Today and there was a doctor on there who stated that condoms are only 80% protective against HIV. I have always had protective anal sex - no condoms breaking. I have heard I am at close to zero risk - but this doctor "chic" on The Today show freaked me out. Can you add to this?
Response from Dr. Frascino
No need to freak out. HIV cannot permeate intact latex. No way. No how. The reason condoms are not 100% protective has to do with many potential factors, such as:
Using the wrong kind of condom. Natural (lamb's skin) condoms do not protect against HIV.
Using condoms improperly. This is a biggy! You'd be amazed how many studs just don't know how to dress for success!
Condom failure. It's rare, but it can happen, especially if one is stingy with the lube.
I'll post some questions from the archives below that address condom efficacy. The "doctor chick" on the Today Show seems to be a bit of an alarmist. Chances are she voted for Dubya and his sex-phobic anti-science cronies.
Stay safe and you'll stay well.
Dr. Bob
What's the story with those new condoms?
Apr 3, 2006
Hey Dr Bob Thanks for answering our questions.
Recently I bought a Trojan condom and what I found written on it frightened me a lot.
The message written on the condom went something like, " although proper use of the condom may protect against HIV/Aids, it does not properly eliminate the risk".
That seemed a little bit in contradiction to what I have read from your archives here. My impression was that if the condom was used properly and does not break then you can count on 100% protection. Does this mean that those of us who had protected sex with people of unknown status should go for tests? I am confused.
Thanks Doc
Response from Dr. Frascino
". . . does not properly eliminate the risk???" I doubt that was the exact wording, but the take-home message you really need to hear is that if you're going to have sex, using a latex condom properly is the smartest thing you can do to prevent contracting HIV. I'll repost a question from earlier today that addressed condom efficacy.
Dr. Bob
not another hypothetical risk question Apr 3, 2006
Hi Dr Bob:
After finding out that my bf was HIV positive, I've been a regular in this great site, mining for as much information as I can find and process. I understand people's fears, but somehow I grow tired of the "5 years ago I touched a handkerchief that a prostitute had used to wipe her butt, I washed my hands with bleach 432 times after that and my ELISA, western and PCR came back negative 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after that, what should I do?" type of question. So here are my questions, from a neg. guy who regularly engages in protected sex with a pos. guy: 1- When they say that condoms offer at least 85% protection against HIV, do they mean that out of 100 episodes of protected sex with a pos. individual, 15 result in transmission? I guess not, but what do they actually mean? 2 - The HIV specialist my bf is seeing told him that there is no data to back up PEP, so she doesn't recommend it. Is this true? 3 - How often do you think I should be tested? Thank you so much for the amazing site, it goes to show that information is power.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Gosh, if you think you're tired of the "touched a hooker's hankie" type of question, you can just imagine how I must feel as I wade through literally thousands of such questions on a continual basis day after day. So let's proceed to your magnetic couple questions: 1. The bottom line here is that HIV cannot pass through intact latex. No way. No how. Condom statistics (like all statistics) can be a bit misleading. I'll repost below a few questions from the archives that address the condom-efficacy question. I also suggest you check the Planned Parenthood Web site and review their document, "The Truth about Condoms." It's well referenced. Now let me show you an example of how statistics can be misleading in a very Republican-NRA sort of way. Consider the following stats: Doctors: The number of doctors in the U.S. is 700,000 Accidental deaths caused by physicians per year are 120,000 Accidental deaths per physician is 17.14% (Statistics courtesy of the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) Guns: The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000 (yes that's 80 million) The number of accidental gun deaths per year is 1,500 The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.001875% (Statistics courtesy of the FBI) Therefore, "statistically speaking," doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners, the logical conclusion being "guns don't kill people, doctors do!" See what I mean about statistics and how they can be manipulated to support an illogical conclusion?!?
Your boyfriend's HIV specialist doesn't recommend PEP? That's worrisome. The most direct evidence supporting the efficacy of PEP is a case-control study of needlestick injuries to health care workers. In that study the prompt initiation of AZT was associated with an 81% decrease in the risk of acquiring HIV. In the nonoccupational arena we have data from observational studies and registries. Although data from observational studies and case reports may not provide definitive evidence of PEP's efficacy in nonoccupational exposures, the overall cumulative data is so convincing that it would now be considered unethical to run a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of PEP to scientifically verify what has now become standard of care for most HIV specialist practices. I would suggest you print out a copy of the recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services entitled "Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection-Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV in the United States" (January 2005) and review it with your boyfriend's HIV specialist. If he/she doesn't promptly change his or her opinion on PEP, you might want to consider changing HIV specialists! I also bet that if that specialist found himself/herself on the wrong end of a broken condom with an HIV+ partner, he or she would have PEP meds swallowed faster than Bush can write " I souport publik edekasion"
That depends on your level of risk. For instance, some magnetic couples don't use condoms for oral sex, some may not use condoms "properly" each and every time, etc. Some HIV specialists suggest an every-six-month STD/HIV screen for the sexually active "at risk" population. Consequently the answer to how often I would recommend that you be tested would depend on a variety of variables. But remember, the option of testing is always open to you if you feel there has been a potential exposure. Yes, information is indeed power.
Stay well. I hope your magnetic coupling is as successful and satisfying as mine. I think we should change the terminology of "serodiscordant" to "serodiverse," as serodiscordant is so, well, discordant, and that certainly doesn't apply to my relationship!
Dr. Bob
With age comes wisdom, maybe? Jun 29, 2005
Has there been any known cases of persons getting infected with HIV even though they have consistently and correctly used a latex condom without any breakage of slippage? This may sound like a dumb question to you and others, but me and my friends at my high school are getting different answers from alot of adults here at school and elsewhere about condoms and there effectiveness against HIV. Thanks for reading this letter and it is important to have an expert opinion like yours, I know you know more than these so called other grown-ups.
David (still not sure if I'm bi or just gay) either way would like to do it right.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hi David,
With age comes wisdom? Maybe. But far too often with age the broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places. So, since I still have a narrow waist, I'll try to clear up the condom efficacy/effectiveness conundrum. Under controlled laboratory conditions, latex condoms are essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens, including HIV. However, when placed into the context of horned-up mattress mambo with the lights off after a few cosmopolitans, the "real life" large-scale epidemiological studies show condoms to be 80-95% effective in reducing HIV infection. Some folks think they are using condoms properly, when, in reality, they are not. I'll attach a few recent posts from the archives that also address this issue, OK?
David, bi, gay or whatever, it's cool with me. What's most important is that your facts are "straight!"
Stay well! Stay safe.
Dr. Bob
critical: have you shifted your opinion on condoms? Posted: Apr 6, 2005
I am a donor to your organization, a regular reader and an admirer. I have a question for you that has very important ramifications for myself and the entire population that frequents this site. For literally years, your position has been, simply stated, that the proper use of a condom prevents HIV transmission. While "proper use" is somewhat loaded phraseology, and you have always very candidly pointed out that humans are not always perfect, the gist of your position has been that proper use of a condom prevents HIV transmissions and obviates testing. Of course, I realize that this prevention statement incorporates assumptions, e.g., condom did not fall off, break, was not expired, and was put on properly. Now, however, I am reading your posts indicating that "large epidemiological studies" indicate that practically speaking, i.e., in the real world of human error and shortcoming, condoms are (I believe you stated) approximately 80% to 95% effective at preventing transmission. You still state, though, that they are nearly 100% efficacious in the laboratory world. Perhaps I am missing something, but to me, you seemed to have shifted considerably your views on the overall effectiveness (i.e., real world effectiveness) of condoms. The question to you that I think should clarify your position: if you were advising an individual, such as myself, on the safety of using a condom for intercourse with a partner of unknown statuts (and therefore, to error on caution's side, let's say positive); and assuming that I have used many condoms in the past and know how to use them "properly," i.e., leave room at tip, unroll to base, don't put on inside-out, etc.), then would you advise me that using a condom for intercourse with this partner will effectively prevent HIV transmission? I realize that large epidemiological studies are not necessarily reducible to the individual level. But I think your apparent shift (at least as perceived by me) merits elaboration to the "individuals" who visit your site. Thank you, and god bless you!!!!
Dr. Bob's reply:
No, my position on condoms has not changed at all over the years and I don't anticipate it will unless new scientific research evolves to support a change.
So, why the confusion??? Like many other current problems, it can be traced back to a "son of a Bush." In the context of U.S. Government policies and programs for combating HIV/AIDS domestically and internationally, a debate has resurfaced about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexual transmission of HIV infection. Some recent U.S. Government policies have begun to shift emphasis to the "lack of condom effectiveness" in educational materials and other publications that receive federal funds. This shift has caused confusion in the general public about whether condoms should be used and promoted for preventing HIV infection. I have consistently restated the scientific evidence related to condom efficacy and effectiveness for prevention of HIV/AIDS. You are correct that I have often quoted the scientific facts from laboratory studies, including those conducted by the FDA, concluding that latex condoms are impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens, including HIV. Therefore, if you did use a latex condom properly and the condom did not fail, I do not believe HIV testing is warranted.
There are many reasons condom effectiveness in preventing HIV may be compromised. For instance, using natural skin rather than latex or polyurethane condoms, using the wrong type of lubricant (oil-based rather than water-based), not using the condom for the whole sex act (some folks put them on just before ejaculating), compromising the integrity of the condom (excessive heat if kept in the glove compartment of your car, tearing the condom when opening the foil packet, using condoms beyond their expiration date), etc., etc., etc. the list can go on and on and on.
Even with all these "real life" limitations of not using a condom "properly," condoms still remain 80-95% effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection if used consistently. I hope that helps clarify any confusion.
The real take-home message is that scientific evidence does not support the recent shift in U.S. Government policy that stresses lack of condom efficacy. Rather the scientific evidence clearly shows that both male and female condoms are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Gosh, if I'm getting this many questions about condoms, I can just imagine what the evolution and global warming experts are up against in refuting Dubya's faith-based science initiatives. Stay safe. Stay well.
Dr. Bob
I hope you won't be annoyed. Posted: May 14, 2005
Dr Bob,
You seem to imply that the catholic church's position re: rubbers is wrong. And I agree with you a 100%. However, what I disagree with is your counter-implication that condoms provide almost perfect protection. Fact is, in studies with discordant couples, there were always one or two that got infected with condoms (as opposed to 10 out of a 100 odd couples) implying that the risk is still significant. I want to know if I am misunderstanding you, or what your opinion is on this otherwise.
Thank you for educating us on these issues. You are the best!
Dr. Bob's response:
No, of course I'm not annoyed but I do think you are misinterpreting my "counter-implication." If you go back to the archives, what you will find is that my statements are very consistent and reflect what we know about how well condoms work for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Perhaps the easiest way to explain this is to make a distinction between efficacy and effectiveness. Efficacy can be defined as the protection the user would have under "ideal" conditions. Efficacy, therefore, is dependent on the properties of the device, in this case the condom, tested in controlled situations. Effectiveness can be defined as the protection the user would have under "actual" or "real life" conditions. Effectiveness, therefore, is dependent on both the properties of the device (condom) and the behaviors of the user. Laboratory studies, including those conducted by the FDA, have shown the latex condom to be essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD germs, including HIV. However, in large-scale, "real life" epidemiological studies, condoms are 80-95% effective in reducing HIV infection.
The bottom line is that condoms provide a highly effective barrier method when used correctly.
The Catholic Church is shamefully wrong in their condemnation of condoms. For example, in El Salvador the Church helped push through a law requiring condom packages to carry a warning label stating that condoms do not protect against AIDS. Studies now show fewer than four percent of Salvadoran couples use condoms the first time they have sex. The result will be more funerals. The Church must choose between obeying tradition and saving lives. Somehow the answer to the often quoted question "What would Jesus do?" seems painfully obvious.
Stay safe. Stay well.
Dr. Bob
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION Basic Facts About Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV Infection and Other STDs With more than 1 million Americans infected with HIV, most of them through sexual transmission, and an estimated 12 million other sexually transmitted diseases occurring each year in the United States, effective strategies for preventing these diseases are critical. The proper and consistent use of latex condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse--vaginal, anal, or oral--can greatly reduce a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs, including HIV infection. In fact, recent studies provide compelling evidence that latex condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV infection when used properly for every act of intercourse. Latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly-- new studies provide additional evidence that condoms work The protection that proper use of latex condoms provides against HIV transmission is most evident from studies of couples in which one member is infected with HIV and the other is not, i.e., "discordant couples." In a study of discordant couples in Europe, among 123 couples who reported consistent condom use, none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast, among the 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 of the uninfected partners became infected. As these studies indicate, condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection. Consistent use means using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse. Correct condom use should include the following steps: Use a new condom for each act of intercourse. Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral). Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom's tip. Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants, such as glycerine or lubricating jellies (which can be purchased at any pharmacy). Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken the condom. Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off. Myths About Condoms There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding about condom effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following updated information to address some common myths about condoms. This information is based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical studies. Myth #1: Condoms don't work Some persons have expressed concern about studies that report failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy prevention. Analysis of these studies indicates that the large range of efficacy rates is related to incorrect or i inconsistent use. The fact is: latex condoms are highly effective for pregnancy prevention, but only when they are used properly. Research indicates that only 30 to 60 percent of men who claim to use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may not use them correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak from the base or break. Myth #2: HIV can pass through condoms A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain "holes" that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for natural membrane condoms, laboratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a continuous barrier to microorganisms, including HIV, as well as sperm. Myth #3: Condoms frequently break Another area of concern expressed by some is about the quality of latex condoms. Condoms are classified as medical devices and are regulated by the FDA. Every latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested for defects before it is packaged. During the manufacturing process, condoms are double-dipped in latex and undergo stringent quality control procedures. Several studies clearly show that condom breakage rates in this country are less than 2 percent. Most of the breakage is due to incorrect usage rather than poor condom quality. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken latex, causing the condom to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Preventing HIV Infection And Other STDs Recommended Prevention Strategies Abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective HIV prevention strategy. However, for individuals who choose to be sexually active, the following are highly effective: Engaging in sexual activities that do not involve vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse Having intercourse only with one uninfected partner Using latex condoms correctly from start to finish with each act of intercourse Other HIV Prevention Strategies Condoms for Women The FDA recently approved a female condom, which will soon be available in the United States. A limited study of this condom as a contraceptive indicates a failure rate of about 26 percent in 1 year. Although laboratory studies indicate that the device serves as a mechanical barrier to viruses, further clinical research is necessary to determine its effectiveness in preventing transmission of HIV. Spermicides The role of spermicides in preventing HIV infection is uncertain. Condoms lubricated with spermicides are not likely to be more effective than condoms used with other water-based lubricants. Spermicides added to the tip of the condom are also not likely to add protection against HIV. Making Responsible Choices In summary, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, are preventable, and individuals have several responsible prevention strategies to choose from. But the effectiveness of each one depends largely on the individual. Those who practice abstinence as a prevention strategy will find it effective only if they always abstain. Similarly, those who choose any of the other recommended prevention strategies, including condoms, will find them highly effective if used correctly and consistently. For further information contact: CDC National AIDS Hotline: 1.800.232.4636 Spanish: 1-800-342-SIDA Deaf: 1-800-324-7889 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention July 30, 1993 ________________________________________ Our thanks to<> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provided this article to The Body.


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Recently I noted that there were more and more topics outside of Simon (but mostly related to KDE in other ways) that I wanted to talk about.
Therefore, I have decided to set up a personal blog: http://grasch.net/blog.
Because I don't want to maintain two separate blogs, this is also the place where I will post updates about the Simon development from now on.
The new blog will of course also be aggregated to Planet KDE.


text:
An international learning and consulting center for digital archaeology.
We help professionals in cultural resources management and aspiring archaeologists learn the right technologies and tools to make their work practice better, faster, and more competitive. In our in-person workshops and online classes you'll find relevant topics, taught by expert instructors, and downloadable materials at an affordable cost.
- Don la Barre, Digital Imaging for Archaeology Immersive Workshop
We consult with museums, archives, libraries, cultural resources professionals and archaeologists to find and adopt the best tools and processes for their digital data projects, from the field to data-driven online sharing.
- Claire Hall, Te Reo O Taranaki Trust
The Center for Digital Archaeology (CoDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; women led and operated. We believe that knowledge of the past inspires and educates the life of communities.


text:
Photo 43 of 525
Daylight shines through remarkably intact stained glass windows at Hudson Valley SH, while chaos ensues nearby. Multiple floors were caving in due to a lightning fire and subsequent moisture seepage, sucking patient furniture into the basement as they collapsed.
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Slideshow with audio and narration delving into the attraction of Urban Exploration. This piece accompanied a San Francisco Chronicle article on the subject.
To commemorate the centennial of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, I re-shot George Lawrence's landmark photograph, "San Francisco in Ruins."


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Saturday 7th October - Weather chat and discussion
Recommended Posts
Latest Weather News
Wet, wild, cold and mild by the end of the week as low pressure returns
The brief visit of high pressure is already nearing its end. The weather then turns increasingly unsettled toward the end of the week with a real contrast in temperatures north to south. Read the full update here
High pressure on the scene but low pressure still closeby
We have high pressure on the menu for a change to start the new working week but low pressure to the southeast is bringing some wet weather this morning. Read the full update here
Our picks
Teleconnections - Interactions and Impact
Blessed Weather posted a topic in Weather Discussion - Autumn,Track the teleconnections, their impacts and their interactions this Autumn and Winter.
- 9 replies
NOAA satellite images decoded. Daily images.
BurntFishTrousers posted a topic in Weather Discussion - Autumn,Recently posted in the Hurricane Lorenzo thread some NOAA satellite images I was able to receive with a decent 137Mhz antenna and some decoding software. People were doing this sort of thing way back 15-20 years ago, but you don't see many images posted nowadays. It's still quite cool!
- 37 replies
What are these clouds?
Climate Man posted a question in Weather and Meteorology Q&A,I took the following pictures in the Alps at the end of September. I am not a great expert on clouds and wonder if someone can help with information about the type?
- 1 reply
Climate Questions
BornFromTheVoid posted a topic in Climate Change - The Science,Climate change and climate change Q & A.
- 30 replies
Reasons for not looking forward to winter in the UK?
Sunny76 posted a topic in Weather Discussion - Autumn,Even if you love cold, snowy weather, there are still reasons to not look forward to Winter. What are yours?
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text:
Wireless charging for Dell's Latitude Z
You've seen ultra-thin notebooks and you've seen large-screen notebooks but never have you seen an ultra-thin large-screen notebook. Well, now you have.
Tonight, Dell is launching the world's thinnest and lightest notebook with a 16-inch display. What's more, it's the world's first notebook to incorporate wireless charging. The Latitude Z is aimed at business users and will focus on security and usability rather than outright performance.
At about 1.25 centimetres thick and weighing 2 kilograms, the svelte-looking laptop achieves its thin profile by eschewing the DVD burner altogether; it's an external module that plugs in via a USB cable. Another way Dell has managed to shed size and weight is by using solid-state drives (SSDs). The SSDs are available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities and, for the ultra paranoid, you can even have two of them in case the first one fails.
The Latitude Z's external shell is finished in a matte "soft-touch" coating, available in a single colour called Black Cherry.
The stand-out feature, however, is its use of wireless induction charging. Instead of a cord, the Latitude Z can sit on a purpose-built stand designed to charge up its batteries without a physical connection. You'll pay for the privilege though; it will take 30 to 40 minutes longer to fully charge the battery and it's an optional extra that will set you back $395.
The Latitude Z can also recognise your face using a FaceAware feature via the built-in webcam, which locks out the notebook to other users when you step away. The 2-megapixel webcam focuses automatically and can recognise contact details on a business card. A fingerprint scanner is a given but there's also a no-contact smartcard sensor next to the touchpad that can be configured to work with certain office security passes.
The bezel surrounding the 16-inch widescreen display has a touch-sensitive strip along the right edge that has shortcuts and media controls built in. Another Dell feature the Latitude Z is introducing to the world is a module called Latitude ON. It's basically a second low-power computer within a computer, or, as Dell calls it, a "spare tyre operating system".
Latitude ON boots up in an instant and has built-in software that lets you read common document formats, such as DOC, XLS, PPF and PDF.
The Latitude Z will be available from tomorrow, starting at $2799 for the entry-level model equipped with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory and 64GB SSD drive.


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Final Hour! Join our Livestream
We are on Steam now! Thanks for voting!
We have a PayPal Humble Bundle up!
Update #31 - Add-ons & Friday Livestream
Update #30 - $5 Soundtrack and more!
Update #27 - Wii U Stretch Goal!
You can add extra rewards to your current tier if you so desire (remember, no need to change your tier, just add the amount and we'll see the amount and a note from you during the survey):
- Add $5 - Digital OST for the game
- Add $10 - Unlock the Alternate playable Drifter
- Add $15 - Additional Copy of the Game for any platform
- Add $30 - Limited run t-shirt (no international yet)
- Add $35 - SNES style physical box and manual (no international yet)
- Add $42 - Limited Compact Print (11x14) (no international yet)
- Add $60 - Printed Softcover Companion Art Book (no international yet)
Drifters of this world are the collectors of forgotten knowledge, lost technologies and broken histories. Our Drifter is haunted by an insatiable illness, traveling further into the lands of Buried Time, steeped in blood and treasure hoping to discover a way to quiet the vicious disease. Echoes of a dark and violent past from the dead eras resonate throughout and he can't help but listen.
Hyper Light Drifter is a 2D Action RPG in the vein of the best 8-bit and 16-bit classics, with modernized mechanics and designs on a much grander scale.
Visions for this game have been fluttering in my skull for ages; something dark and fantastic, with giant forests to navigate, huge floating structures to explore, deep crumbling ruins to loot, massive throngs of enemies to rend, and behemoths both flesh and mechanical to overcome. I want it all to be as beautiful as possible, forging color with the dark and eerie wastes and intimidating landscapes. It plays like the best parts of A Link to the Past and Diablo, evolved: lightning fast combat, more mobility, an array of tactical options, more numerous and intelligent enemies, and a larger world with a twisted past to do it all in.
Rip through enemies with responsive, fun combat; engaging and brutal. Upgrade weapons, discover new equipment and trek deeper than ever.
Traverse a dark, detailed and interconnected world with alternate paths and secret loot. Miyazaki films have taught me that beautiful animation and design add life to a world. From characters to background elements, everything is lovingly crafted while I hum show-tunes and squint suspiciously at the flickering pixels until they perform as intended.
A challenge - The game is accessible and easy to pick up, but difficult to master and complete; enemies and hazards become more vicious and numerous, so players must use clever tactics to avoid death. (Some yell hurtful phrases at players simply to bring tears to the cereal bowl below.)
Core Mechanics
- Primary weapon - Composed of phase shifted Hard Light (also known as Solid Light), your sword acts as the primary means of offense; it's quick, brutal, and can slash through most anything. Best of all it never runs low on energy.
- Sprite Companion - An indispensable personalized drone, the Sprite manages your inventory virtually, maintains your shields, seeks out hidden paths and lights the way in the darkest of times. Functionality may be expanded with new modules.
- Secondary items - You'll come across a variety of advanced weaponry, items and gear throughout your travels; Light Rail Pistols, Heavy Rifles, various hi-power explosives and enemy-aware Seeker Drones. All of these are powered by limited batteries, found scattered throughout the world.
- Defense System - A rechargeable Hard Light Diamond shield which offers total protection from attacks for a short burst of time. If timed correctly projectiles can be reflected back at enemies for extra damage. Can be upgraded to extend duration.
- Dash Module - Multi-use gear that enables a triple speed dash; can be used to evade attacks, cut across gaps and chasms, break through certain blocks and rubble and even stun enemies.
Roly Poly
Enemy Sprites
Boss Reveals
Name: Rivan The Tamer
Attributes: User of searing RedShift light, causing great destruction when attacking. His companion beast adds to his already fierce tactics.
Domain: The Deep Red Keep, roaming the Barren Halls.
Music Reveal
From the Masterful Disasterpeace (Rich Vreeland) here's the first sample track:
Notes on $160,000 Goal:
I want this game to shine. I want to fully indulge this vision, so I will use the funds to further the quality of the game rather than bolster any after-thoughts.
On $180,000 Goal:
There are so many great artists, illustrators, writers, wonderfully creative people that I'm surrounded by and I want them in on this! I plan to commission small pieces of art to flesh out the world; they can create new character that live in this world, write new lore, and punch out some rad art, all within the limitations of the history and style of this world. All work will be collected in the Companion Art Book and their pieces featured on our site once they start producing!
On $200,000 Goal:
The Companion Art Book is a physical compendium of knowledge and reference materials, high res unused art assets and never before seen art works for the project. It will also include commissioned pieces and extended lore for the world and characters within created by several artists throughout the community as well as a collection of some of the fan art that has been and continues to be posted. (Love it all!) this will be available for purchase after the campaign has ended, once everything has been commissioned and compiled.
Notes on PS4 + Vita + Wii U + OUYA support
REVISION! I'd like for everyone to be able to get the version they want. If you have already contributed at the $10 tier, simply pledge an additional $5 and I'll compose a survey after the campaign is over to determine which version you would like a key for. Cross-buy is undetermined for right now. If you have already contributed at $15 or more, you will be given the choice of PC, Linux, Mac, PS4, Vita, Wii U, or OUYA. That's as simple as I can make it for now!
Details on the Challenge Mode
This mode will have several mix-up mini quests for you to test your skills at; you'll have wave-based challenges where you fight off increasingly difficult hordes to see how long you can survive as you level up, boss rush runs, speed runs and other odd modes that wouldn't typically fit in the main game. All will have a scoring mechanism that unlocks achievements, plus we are working on local co-op for this mode.
Physical Box and Manual
We will be able to provide and ship out a slick designed SNES style physical box and manual to go with your digital download! Both printed in full color and shipped directly to you. This is NOW a Reward Tier AND you can get it as an add-on for any Tier if you add $35 to your pledge! The Stretch Goal allows us to offer it outside of the Kickstarter for any who would like to nab it down the line.
The game is in a prototype phase, planned initially for PC, though I would love to expand to other platforms.
Having worked with Beau Blyth of Samurai Gunn fame on the programming side, the framework for the game is in place - remaining mechanics and the body of the game will slot nicely into current systems. All will be refined until it feels sleek, satisfying and fun.
The venerable and talented Disasterpeace (Rich Vreeland) has been gracious enough to jump on board to compose the soundtrack!
The bigger task ahead is asset generation; enemy sprites (which use dozens of frames of hand drawn art, including the major Boss encounters), new level designs (plus fancy lighting!), and sound design.
If I reach the $64,000 stretch goal, I will be able to hire a secondary animator/designer which will allow more time to sink into expanding the world.
The $75,000 goal will allow for an even deeper soundtrack with bonus tracks plus a SFX pro.
I have planned for a potential release date in mid 2014, with beta access at least two months prior, allowing time to tweak and bug-fix and adjust according to player feedback. A more solid schedule will become apparent for backers once resources have been assessed.
This project has rapidly evolved into a much larger world and story and needs the help of the community in order for it to thrive.
Completing this game by mid 2014 requires focus and time; the initial goal will afford me these two (current) luxuries.The higher stretch goals will allow a fully realized version.
- Paying outside help - This is a passion project for me, but other friends and professionals (such as Beau and Rich) need to be compensated for their tremendous talents. Having a sound effects producer/musical talent as well as an animator to assist would lighten the workload considerably and allow me to concentrate on the overall structure and scope of the game, as well as fine tuning all of the time consuming little things.
- Company and operation costs - In order to begin selling through any platform I'll need to establish Heart Machine as a full game company, which takes a fair chunk of money and time, plus licensing, living costs and bills factor in.
- Improving and fixing - Getting testers, implementing community feedback, using every ounce of my soul to produce a game I've been dreaming of for decades.
Access to the Game
I have been researching distribution methods. Now I have PC, Mac, Linux (DRM-Free or Steam), PS4, Vita, Wii U, and OUYA.
The closed Beta will surely hold some valuable insight, and in order to implement that knowledge delays may happen. I will do my best to keep Backers informed of progress on all fronts.
Alex Preston (Heart Machine) -alxpreston.com, @HeartMachineZ
Lead Designer + Animator + Secondary Programming
I've been an illustrator and designer for a good long while now. Developing games has been a passion of mine since I was a child, though I've never had the courage and support until now to actually release something into the wild. Spread your neon wings you sweet pixelated bastard!
Beau Blyth (Teknopants) -teknopants.com, @Teknopants
Lead Programmer + Tremendous Hair
Developed loads of rad fast-paced arcade style games including the upcoming super bad-ass Samurai Gunn. A master of many disciplines and the man helping me code this beastly project. A massive thanks and unending high fives/hugs/punches go his way. Also payment.
Rich Vreeland (Disasterpeace) - disasterpeace.com/, @Disasterpeace
Musical Score + Piercing Eyes
This chip-blasting machine of a man has produced tons of fantastic game albums, most notably Fez. (Which completely wrecked my mind for a solid year.) I've been lucky enough to get him aboard on this project to develop the soundtrack; you know he'll deliver something special.
Will Wiesenfeld (Baths)- bathsmusic.com, @BATHSmusic
Contributor + Super Fantastic Beat-dropper
A supreme talent and fine craftsman of music and smiles, also known as the one-man pound-storm of deep beats and carnal wailing that is Baths, has produced the trailer track. Is producing another track for the game during production.
Teddy Diefenbach (TeddyDief) -teddydiefenbach.com, @TeddyDief
A thoughtful soul who created The Moonlighters and Shove Pro, co-founded Rad Dragon, is a programmer and game designer extraordinaire. Dives deep into things such as systems design, narrative design and his ultimate mission of recreating the golden age of late 90s Squaresoft.
The Game
All copies will be sent out upon release 2014. Planned platforms are Windows, Linux and Mac OSX and now PS4, Vita, Wii U, and OUYA. PC copies can be DRM-free or Steam keys (thanks to our backers pushing us through Greenlight!). Everyone in the $10 tier will get the PC/Mac/Linux game on release, $15 and above will net you an option for PS4, Vita, Wii U, or OUYA, and the $25 tier receives a Kickstarter exclusive version of the game with bonus side quest.
Instruction Booklet
A nifty little booklet to bring you back to the days when manuals meant something; revealing a little known move, a secret passage, or simply bolstering the story and context of the world outside of the game. This particular Instruction Book will include all of those items and more, with illustrations to accompany important sections.
Companion Book (Art and Stories)
This beauty will contain tons of concept illustrations, sprites, sketches, notes on characters and the world, plus revealing knowledge of the finer details of this realm. This process has already generated a lot of assets that won't be used in game, so I'd like to provide a look behind-the-scenes of a project like this. Plus silly drawings of cat creatures and Pork-Peoples will be stuffed into the pages for pure entertainment purposes. Much mocking of lowly creatures shall be had!
Original Soundtrack
The master Rich Vreeland (Disasterpeace) will be composing the eerie OST for this game! I'm jazz-handin' all around this room with excitement at this very moment, nearly unable to continue typing! The full OST will be included in digital form at the $40 Tier with bonus tracks. Boom!
Alternate Drifter
Receive a Kickstarter-only alternative main playable character to destroy and explore with. He might have a variant weapon, glowing eyes, and sinister intentions.
Resplendent Print
A 18x24 archival quality print of the main character posing in a fantastic manner (probably with creature parts flying about) will be yours to man-handle or gently place in a frame. Hand signed and numbered, with a lovely thank you note on the rear to haunt you in your sleep.
Immortal sprite
Your name will be translated to the in-game rune system, thus immortalizing your very being into this world beyond. These symbols will be used in special locations. Real names only, please. (No, Crack McButtson is not a real name.)
Design a dastardly enemy
Put your skills to use and help design the look, behavior, name and location a new enemy will appear. This is no fools errand; you'll be creating (digital) life itself, and thus comes the responsibility to nurture the sad heap until it's of age to brutalize Drifters every moment it can.
Design a mid-boss creature
Have you always wanted an angry spider to lob shells at you? Well we can help bring your vision to life! Together we will build an entire mid-boss encounter, with behavior patterns, chamber layout, the look of the creature and it's rewards. As above, choose attributes wisely.
T-Shirt Special
The $60 tier will net you a snazzy design from Casey Hunt in small, medium, large or XL. This will be available to purchase sometime after the Kickstarter as well, so those who have already donated won't be left without something to wear.
Party in the city
You'll join us (a bunch of goofy independent developers) for a wrap party evening of hangabouts, Smash Brothers (plus other multi-player games) and general raging at Glitch City, the Culver City Indie game space. You'll also receive a hand-signed print, a few high fives, and some great big smiles. Your name will be listed in the credits under the Major Thank-You section.
Reference Sheet
You can add extra rewards to your current tier if you so desire (remember, no need to change your tier, just add the amount and we'll see the amount and a note from you during the survey):
- Add $5 - Digital OST for the game
- Add $10 - Unlock the Alternate playable Drifter
- Add $15 - Additional Copy of the Game for any platform
- Add $30 - Limited run t-shirt (no international yet)
- Add $35 - SNES style physical box and manual (no international yet)
- Add $42 - Limited Compact Print (11x14) (no international yet)
- Add $60 - Printed Softcover Companion Art Book (no international yet)
Risks and challenges
After months of planning and writing and drawing and programming the vision for the project became vivid and succinct. That was the biggest hurdle to overcome. The second was exposing this to the public eye, as that can be a terrifying prospect; and here it is.
Creative endeavors like this are difficult and often unwieldy beasts with many mouths to feed and razor-tipped claws to bind. I've written and planned as much as I possibly could up to this point, and with the framework in place I have the bulk of the more difficult obstacles conquered. Issues will come, as they always do in any long-term project, but I feel thoroughly prepared; I have the proper tools and skills and a large support network through our shared community space Glitch City which is bursting at the seams with excellent developers with vast wells of knowledge and years of experience prototyping, building, and releasing games. I feel incredibly lucky to be tapped into this community and to have such reliable friends willing to lend a hand with resources I may need in the future to complete this game.
I've done what I can to get this far through some rather extreme health struggles, and I don't plan to stop. Heart and soul have been etched into this project and I hope it shines through. Stay with me, all will be well in the end.
Funding period
- (30 days)


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Lumene Illuminating Anti-Age BB Cream SPF 20
($15, two shades; cvs.com)
Trifecta! This BB aced our lab moisturization tests, provided good makeup coverage, and blended with a range of skin tones.
2. Bargain Buy
Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30
($9, five shades; amazon.com)
Nicely hydrating, with a sheer finish, plus the level of SPF derms recommend for daily wear. "I liked the light tint," one tester said.
3. Worth a Splurge
Estée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme SPF 35
($38, two shades; amazon.com)
For those looking for heavier coverage, this fills the bill. Its SPF tied for highest among the BBs we tested. "I love the scent and silky feel on my face after applying," raved one volunteer.
How We Tested
We started with 10 beauty balms — products that claim to do triple duty as moisturizer, makeup, and sunscreen. Our lab evaluated the BBs for hydration and coverage; then 140-plus women tried them for a week. Lab results showed that not all delivered on their multitasking promise (few provided adequate moisture and coverage), but 78% of testers said BBs did help streamline their routine.


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TAMPA, Fla. - From a stage looking down on a beer and brat fest to fete Wisconsin, vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, the man of the hour, gave the state's GOP Senate candidate, Tommy Thompson, a shout-out.
"I can't tell you how proud I am about Wisconsin, how proud I am about our leaders that have stepped up in Wisconsin. You're going to help us send Tommy Thompson to the United States Senate so Harry Reid is no longer Majority Leader," Ryan shouted to a large tent filled with beaming delegates.
While Ryan praised him, Thompson waved to try to get his attention and that of the Badger State's delegates as well, but to no avail. The former governor and cabinet head was blocked by a large crowd of people as he hastily walked in moments before Ryan's address, and the audience was otherwise transfixed by the vice presidential nominee.
The moment seemed to perfectly encapsulate the Wisconsin Senate race to date: In a state with a booming national influence, the all-important contest that could determine control of the Senate has been an afterthought.
But Republicans can't afford to neglect Thompson's race against Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D), despite recent polls showing him up by as much as 9 points, and Thompson's time in Tampa shows just that.
Though a campaign spokesman declined to release an official schedule, multiple GOP sources in the state said Thompson's trip to Florida reflects his pressing need to fundraise. He held a fundraiser on a yacht here Wednesday that was headlined by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn and a handful of other GOP Senators.
A brutal four-way primary has left Thompson with only $353,000 in cash on hand, according to the most recent Federal Election Commission disclosures. The former governor has raised approximately $2,367,000 to date while spending nearly $2,112,000 and chipping in $100,000 of his own money.
"The biggest question in my mind is whether or not there's going to be adequate resources for Tommy to get his message out," Walker, clad in a Green Bay Packers polo, told a gaggle of reporters at the brat fest. "Right now, coming off a primary, there's still a little bit of gap - as there often is after a primary. Congresswoman Baldwin has poured, is pouring, tons of money into ads almost exclusively about attacking Tommy Thompson."
Walker continued by finding a political silver lining in the money gap and barrage of negative ads, adding, "I think that's a sign that they recognize that they've got nothing. If they run on Tammy Baldwin's record, they'll never win in the state of Wisconsin."
Earlier this month, Thompson won just 34 percent of the GOP primary vote, narrowly defeating two tea-party-backed opponents. He faced a multiple-front attack from conservative groups challenging his connections to President Barack Obama's health care law, his time as a Washington, D.C., lobbyist and even his age. The conservative Club for Growth alone spent nearly $550,000 against him.
Thompson said he thinks Republican voters in Wisconsin have coalesced around his candidacy.
"I would say that 97 percent of the Republicans are supporting me," he said. He called his race "one of the top three Senate races in America," along with Ohio and Virginia.
A Wisconsin delegate who attended the closed-press boat event said the former governor emphasized his continued vigor, despite attacks to the contrary from his much younger primary opponents just weeks ago.
"That he's virile!" exclaimed Trish Schaefer, a 46-year-old resident of Sun Prairie, Wis., when asked what Thompson's message was.
Though he expresses the confidence of a candidate with broad name recognition and a long political career, Thompson has been making moves in the weeks following his primary that belie an acknowledgement that a campaign shakeup was necessary.
On Aug. 18, he hired a new campaign manager, Keith Gilkes, who ran Walker's 2010 gubernatorial race. A source familiar with Wisconsin Republican politics indicated that the campaign is currently in transition, with significant staff changes being made.
Throughout the primary, even the most passionate of Thompson's supporters expressed concern that he was not running an aggressive and modern campaign - a flaw that proved fatal in other primaries, such as in Indiana. With the Senate majority potentially hinging on Wisconsin, Thompson needs to ramp up his efforts in the general to secure the open seat that many believe is his to lose.
"What kind of campaign will he run? Is he going to sit back and wait for the votes to roll in or is he going to go out there and pull out the stops?" a Wisconsin Republican operative unaffiliated with Thompson or any of his former primary challengers asked. "It remains to be seen."
Top Republican officials prioritizing winning Wisconsin for the Romney-Ryan ticket likely will favor Thompson, although the presidential race also threatens divert attention and resources away from his bid. National and local operatives of both parties concede that a potential Obama-Thompson voter is much more likely than a Romney-Baldwin one.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who hails from the Badger State, said this week that he does not see his national responsibilities, or Ryan's, impeding the party's plans to win the Senate race at home. He highlighted the field advantage Republicans have in Wisconsin, gained largely in the historic effort to recall Walker, as one of the party's top weapons in trying to sweep the ballot.
"We're also going to have a massive turnout operation in Wisconsin. There isn't a state in the country that I think - now I've got a lot more intimate knowledge of this - [has] more data on voters than Wisconsin. Tommy is going to benefit from the massive ground operation there and the turnout operation."
Thompson said he plans to attend several meetings this week in Tampa. He did not confirm further public appearances, although the boat fundraiser held Wednesday also had a separate space for Wisconsin delegates to attend cost-free. He seemed unconcerned about the competition in his race.
"It's absolutely probably one of the most classic differences of philosophy and positions and vision for America of any two candidates ever running for the United States Senate," Thompson said.


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Waning Crescent
Waning Crescent
from 75.00
Hand sculpted in bronze, this moon pendant is approximately 1" in diameter. There are several types of chain and several lengths to choose from. I wear mine on the longer side (30") with lots of room to layer a shorter necklace.
You can search the calendar below for a significant date (birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation,...) to find the corresponding moon charm.
If you would like a namer or date (or both) hand-engraved, please indicate at checkout.
chain type:
chain metal:


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Citation of the Holberg Committee:
"Manuel Castells is the leading sociologist of the city and new information and media technologies. His ideas and writings have shaped our understanding of the political dynamics of urban and global economies in the network society. He has illuminated the underlying power structures of the great technological revolutions of our time and their consequences. He has helped us to understand how social and political movements have co-evolved with the new information technologies.
Castells' trilogy, The Information Age, offers a comprehensive theory of the global information-based society, associated with urban networks and media communications. His theoretical insights are grounded in continuing empirical research into the societal and technological transformations associated with media power. His most recent work, Communication Power, is an innovative analysis of the ways in which new media technologies can enable challenges to the concentration of media power, thus reconfiguring the political sphere.
In his earlier work The Urban Question (1972) Manuel Castells questioned the dominant tradition that explained the form of cities by the operation of markets across geographical space. Instead, he argued that the underlying dynamics of urban life involved local struggles for political power. Castells argued that cities created "collective problems" that neither traditional capitalist nor classical Marxist models could account for. In The City and the Grass Roots (1983) he deepened this analysis of the city as the product of conflict between social movements and urban power elites.
In the nineties, Castells' attention shifted to the relation between globalization and emerging information technologies. His trilogy, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture (1996-98), deepens his continuing research into urban processes, economic transformations, technological change, and civic movements. The first volume, The Rise of the Network Society, had a major impact on our understanding of global informational capitalism. The Power of Identity analyzes the civic aspects of the network society in promoting organized resistance and new social movements. The final volume, End of Millennium, is devoted to the unevenness of the cultural transformations produced in different parts of the world in response to the new technologies.
Castells' latest book, Communication Power (2009), places the concept of power at the core of his analysis of the exercise of corporate power in culture, politics and society and the role of new media in exerting citizen power through social movements. Castells has taken thinking about "the political" to an entirely new level through his prescient account of the emergence of and interaction between new forms of power in the age of the network society."


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Undergraduate Degrees, Majors and Concentrations
HSMG4200 - Strategic Planng/Marketing Hc
Summer 2019
This course (Strategic Planning and Marketing in Health Care) focuses on planning and marketing programs which enhance productive relationships with both internal and external customers and their families. The course explores a variety of environmental factors which affect the delivery of health services at all levels, and discuss planning and marketing approaches/techniques to best meet the needs of the community served. Strategic planning tools and survey design techniques are used to develop and formulate feasible plans for the maximization of resources and to enhance quality patient care and customer services within health services organizations.
Prerequisite: HMSG2300
3 Credits
Schedule Book for All Active and Available Future Terms, Course starting with HSMG4200
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