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Brussels, 26 June 1997
Information memo on the patent system in Europe
How does the existing patent system operate in Europe?
Patent protection is ensured in the European Union by two systems, neither of which is based on a Community legislative instrument: the national patent systems and the European patent system. The national patent was the first to appear: to obtain protection throughout the Community, recourse to the national system involves filing 15 patent applications with 15 national patent offices. The European patent system is based on two international agreements, the 1973 Munich Convention on the European Patent, or European Patent Convention, and the 1975 Luxembourg Convention on the Community Patent, or Community Patent Convention.
The European Patent Convention does not create a uniform protection right but it does provide the applicant with protection in as many of the Signatory States as he wishes. Although this system has the advantage of being extremely flexible, it also has certain drawbacks associated with its complexity and cost. The European patent continues to be governed by the different national laws of the countries concerned. What is more, there is no provision within this system for a court with powers to settle patent disputes at European level; there is the risk here that the competent courts in the Member States will hand down contradictory judgments.
The Community patent (introduced by the Community Patent Convention) is intended to bring together the bundle of protection rights resulting from the grant of a European patent and merge them into a single, unitary and autonomous, protection right valid throughout the Community. However, this Convention has yet to take effect: although 20 years have elapsed since it was signed, it has so far been ratified by only seven Member States. The fact that the Community patent system is established by means of an international agreement also makes it extremely cumbersome and complicated from the standpoint of the accession of new Member States.
What are the problems currently facing the patent system in Europe?
The patent system in Europe has two weaknesses: complexity and cost.
The first problem stems from the complexity of the system: although the 1975 Luxembourg Convention was intended to introduce a unitary patent that would be immediately valid throughout the Community, it has never entered into force. Firms wishing to secure protection throughout the Community thus still have to go through a partial procedure managed by the European Patent Office in Munich. This system is incomplete since, once it has been granted, the European patent is not unitary but continues to be governed by the different national laws of the countries concerned. This means, in practice, that applicants have to use the services of several patent agents, that patentees have to pay renewal fees in several countries and, above all, that any legal action needed has to be brought before the national courts of several countries.
As far as costs are concerned, the European Patent Office has recently taken some major decisions designed to reduce procedural fees significantly. These will be cut by some 30% from 1 July this year, representing a total saving of some ECU 60 million per year. This will be a significant step forward, but there remains the thorny problem of translations. A patent currently has to be translated into all the languages of the Member States concerned, which generates a large volume of translation work (between 20 and 50 pages per patent), costing on average some ECU 10 000 per patent. Many firms today, and particularly SMEs, are finding it difficult to bear costs as heavy as this.
What are the advantages of the Community patent?
It is easy to imagine the advantages of a unitary patent system:
What can be done to reduce the costs of translating patents?
The facts are disquieting: translations of patents are costing large sums of money (some ECU 400 million a year), forcing firms to adopt a restrictive stance towards protecting their inventions. Firms are being selective in seeking protection for their inventions, thereby running the risk of letting their competitors take advantage of what is not protected; they are also limiting the number of countries for which they request patent protection, which means that some Member States are liable to be left aside by the most up-to-date technological developments. Another aspect of the problem is that the consultation rate for translations filed at the different patent offices is usually extremely low (on average, it hardly exceeds 5%).
On the basis of these findings, the European Patent Office has launched wide-ranging discussions on ways and means of reducing the volume of compulsory translation, without discriminating between languages and while ensuring that as much as possible of the useful technical information is made widely available. The Green Paper follows the same line of reasoning and proposes a series of topics for discussion and envisages a number of possible solutions. It is now up to the users of the patent system to voice their needs.
What is the importance of patents for research and innovation and for SMEs?
The importance of patents was for many years underestimated by some branches of industry, and this is unfortunately still true of some small and medium-sized enterprises. It is clearly recognized that the patent system is the best instrument for protecting investments made and time spent in researching and developing new products and new technologies. The Community's current trade surplus is due to high-tech products (pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace) for which patent protection is essential.
Without patents, the fruits of a firm's innovation effort can be plundered by any of its competitors. Patents enable a balance to be struck between the dissemination of information, since all patent applications are published and accessible to everyone, and the legitimate protection of inventions for a limited period.
The Green Paper also devotes special attention to the problems encountered by SMEs in connection with patents. Several of the suggestions made in the Green Paper could be particularly advantageous for SMEs: the possibility of reduced fees for SMEs, or the introduction of a system of legal costs insurance which could cover the costs of court action to enforce rights conferred by patents. This is a novel idea, the practical details of which still need to be worked out.
Should the European Patent Office be brought within the framework of the Community, along the lines of the Trademarks Office in Alicante?
In the Commission's mind, the question of technical resources is not uppermost; the first priority is to ensure that the patent system in Europe is effective and offers firms genuine legal certainty at reasonable cost. These aims can apparently be met by strengthening the links between the European Patent Office and the Community institutions, because this would bring the activities of the Office more within the ambit of the common policies, such as industrial policy or the policy to promote innovation.
Side Bar


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Fatherhood Inspires Little Duck's Healthy Snacks for Kids
A Brooklyn, N.Y., startup called Little Duck Organics Inc. raised $4 million in Series A funding from Burch Creative Capital to expand its line of healthful snacks for kids, some of which are wrapped in "plantable" packaging.
Chief executive and founder of Little Duck, Zak Normandin, previously worked as a marine engineer for the U.S. Coast Guard. He was inspired to start his food company after becoming a father himself, he said.
Little Duck Organics incorporated in 2011, and prior to its venture funding, raised some seed money from angels and from CircleUp.com, the equity crowdfunding platform that specializes in consumer packaged goods startups. The company has raised about $4.5 million total funding to date, Mr. Normandin said.
Currently, Little Duck makes and sells snacks and cereals for babies older than 6 months. The company's products appeal to families with concerns about chemicals and allergens, or who are health- and environment-conscious.
Its snacks and cereals are all certified organic and kosher, and in some cases, gluten-free. Little Duck does not use genetically modified ingredients in its seven available "SKUs," or stock-keeping units.
The company plans to use the $4 million Series A funding to introduce 14 new SKUs in 2014, including beverages and some snacks that are for older kids, not just babies.
To date the company's most expensive offering is a warm cereal called Mighty Oats, which costs about $6, and comes in a package comprised of a "plantable" sleeve" and a compostable cup.
The packaging, if planted and cultivated, yields tomatoes, carrots or lettuce. Mr. Normandin explained, "You add water, feed it to your baby and can compost it. It's a zero net waste for the consumer."
If $6 sounds like a lot for a kid's single serving of warm cereal, Mr. Normandin said "Our prices are at par with premium brands in this category."
More than 10,000 groceries and retail storefronts sell Little Duck Organics products today including Whole Foods Market Inc., Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., Buy Buy Baby Inc. and Toys "R" Us Inc. and Babies "R" Us.
Online, the company sells via Amazon.com, Diapers.com, FreshDirect.com and AbesMarket.com, among other sites.
Founder and managing director of Burch Creative Capital, J. Christopher Burch, said he was impressed by the Little Duck Organics brand, packaging and product innovation to date.
He expects the company to "build a brand that becomes core to the customer segment" of parents who care about what their kids are eating, and appreciate "innovative packaging and [food]."
Mr. Burch is a co-creator or investor in many well-known consumer ventures including Jawbone creators Aliph Inc., Poppin Inc., which makes brightly colored office supplies, and the retail and fashion brands C. Wonder LLC and Tory Burch LLC.
The investor said, "People may ask, 'Why would you go into this space?' There is a higher cost with any inventory business...But there is also plenty of space for a company like Little Duck."
This year, large consumer packaged goods companies snapped up health- and eco-conscious brands in the baby food category. Notably, Hain Celestrial Inc. acquired Ella Baby Ltd., Campell Soup Co. acquired Plum Organics Inc. and Danone SA acquired Happy Family from Nurture Inc.
The category should remain hot for the foreseeable future, Mr. Burch and Mr. Normandin both believe. According to a Transparency Market Research forecast, the global baby food and pediatric nutrition market is expected to reach $63.7 billion by 2017.
Write to Lora Kolodny at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter at @lorakolodny

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Cowgirls are continuing to roll, forcing the Jackrabbits to shoot unsuccessfully from the outside en route to the 12-point lead. Layshia Clarendon has 23 points now, including a runner with 8.6 seconds left that put Cajon up 39-27.
Darshae Burnside now has 15 points and four blocked shots to go with her six points, but she committed her fourth foul late in the third. Poly, after starting the quarter strong, didn't score for the final 4:21 of the period.


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Drew Talley, PhD
Associate Professor, Environmental and Ocean Sciences
- Ph.D., University of California San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Biological Oceanography
- B.Sc., San Diego State University, Biology
Drew Talley, PhD, teaches a variety of courses including Introduction to Physical Oceanography, Biological Oceanography, Graduate Statistics and Experimental Design, and Life in the Ocean. His overall research focuses on understanding connectivity across habitat boundaries, and assessing how that interdependence between systems changes with anthropogenic influence both locally (e.g., through habitat loss) and globally (e.g., through climate change).
Areas of Expertise
Marine Ecology
Scholarly Work
Talley's research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms and generalities behind habitat linkages, and integrating these connections into studies of coastal ecosystems. Examples include research focused on the connectivity of habitats in southern California estuaries; the effects of global climate change on estuarine food webs in the San Francisco estuary; connectivity at the land-sea interface in the Gulf of California; food web dynamics in coastal systems of northern Baja California, and the ecosystem-level impacts of species invasions in southern California. Throughout all of his research, Talley deeply integrates education and applied conservation biology into his fundamental science questions.
Talley has published numerous papers and book chapters, and has been the recipient of grants from CA Sea Grant, UC Mexus, and the National Science Foundation, among others.
Areas of Interest
Talley's philosophy of teaching parallels his research philosophy – students thrive under a system that is multidisciplinary, allowing them to use traditional classroom-learning methods coupled with field and laboratory work, so that they come to an understanding of a topic from multiple angles. This is particularly important (and appropriate) in ocean sciences and ecology, where interdisciplinary techniques are not only helpful, but often necessary. In all of his classes, he strives where possible to integrate hands-on activities in addition to lectures, while tying the broader concepts to student's personal experiences.
Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
Contact Us Email
Phone: (619) 260-4795
Fax: (619) 260-6874
Visit Campus Map
Science & Technology 275
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110


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Map with directions to the trip Manihiki-Glen Eden Auckland. With distance, travel times, costs and traffic situation.
The distance of the road from Manihiki to Glen Eden Auckland is approximately kilometers, equal to miles, the approximate duration of the trip is about . To calculate the fuel costs required for the trip, use the appropriate form travel cost calculation.
The distance measured as the crow flies between Manihiki and Glen Eden Auckland is approximately 3.826 km equal to 2.378 mi
In nz/where-is/Manihiki,cook_islands you will find more information about Manihiki, distances from neighboring towns and major cities (in kilometres and miles).
In nz/where-is/Glen_Eden_Auckland,new_zealand you will find more information about Glen Eden Auckland, distances from neighboring towns and major cities (in kilometres and miles).
In addition it is possible through specific links to Google Maps to display the location of: attractions, museums, restaurants, supermarkets, post offices, banks, ATM, train stations, airports, petrol stations, car mechanics and electrics, Rental cars, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, schools, bookstores, churches, cemeteries nearby both Glen Eden Auckland and Manihiki
The route departing from Manihiki with arrival in Glen Eden Auckland was calculated using the features of Google Maps. You can also follow the road directions of the Manihiki - Glen Eden Auckland step by step or view the route in reverse (directions Glen Eden Auckland - Manihiki).
Calculate the route for to Glen Eden Auckland starting from a different location. You can enter both a generic location and an exact address.


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As I listened to Michael Cunningham read The Hours, I found my opinion of the book changing to a more positive one as I finished each of the six discs. Because the audio version of the book does not have clearly defined chapter breaks, I at first found it difficult to keep the three stories that Cunningham alternates separated in my mind. But as I grew more and more comfortable with the three main characters and their separate storylines, I began to realize what a well-constructed piece of writing The Hours is.
Cunningham sets the tone with his prologue describing Virginia Woolf's 1941 suicide. It is an unflinching look at the mechanics of her death and it leads directly into the three stories that he will intertwine for the rest of the book: Virginia Woolf in 1923, Clarissa Vaughan in present day Greenwich Village, and Laura Brown in 1949
None of the three women are particularly happy when we meet them. Virginia Woolf is struggling with the plotline of Mrs. Dalloway and is unhappy that she ever agreed to live in
The three women have more in common than their discontented unhappiness, however. Clarissa Vaughan, who has always been called "Mrs. Dalloway" by her dying friend, finds herself, as she plans his party, recreating a modern version of the day that Woolf describes in the novel. Laura Brown, desperately seeking some time alone during which she can for a while shed the role of wife and mother, carries a copy of Mrs. Dalloway with her into which she hopes to escape for a few hours.
It may be the sprit of Virginia Woolf that thematically ties the three stories together so neatly, but all three are beautifully told and filled with such interesting characters that they stand well on their own. But it is the clever surprise that Cunningham saves for his last few pages that brings everything together neatly in a way that makes the reader fully appreciate what he has accomplished in The Hours.
Rated at: 4.5


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Cohen leads fundraising in Annapolis elections
Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen has raised the most money this summer of any candidate running for election in the state capital this fall, according to campaign finance reports filed Tuesday.
Cohen raised $35,000 for his re-election campaign during the June 25-Aug. 18 reporting period, on top of $32,000 he already had in the bank.
Cohen reported spending about $42,000 — leaving him with nearly $25,000 on hand going into the fall elections.
Cohen's opponent in the Democratic primary, Bevin Buchheister, raised nearly $11,000. She also accepted $10,100 worth of loans from her husband to pay for printing.
Buchheister, who entered the race at the beginning of August, spent a little more than $14,000, leaving her with a cash balance of $6,850.
On the Republican side, mayoral candidate Mike Pantelides has raised the most: $30,551. In addition, he has loaned his campaign a little more than $6,000.
Pantelides has spent a little more than $16,000, leaving him with about $20,500 on hand.
Republican Bob O'Shea raised a little more than $3,000 and loaned his campaign nearly $12,000. He reported a cash balance of less than $6,000.
Republican Frank Bradley signed an affidavit saying he did not receive or spend more than $100, so he did not need to file a report.
Candidates for alderman also filed reports Tuesday; the most reported raised was $13,455 by Rhonda Pindell Charles, a Democrat running unopposed in Ward 3.
There also now is an additional candidate for the city council. Allen Furth was nominated by the Republican Party to run in Ward 1 last week, after no Republican had filed. Furth raised no money but loaned his campaign $275.
Reports were not posted online from Alderman Fred Paone and Alderman Kenneth Kirby, who are running for re-election, and Alderwoman Classie Hoyle, who is not running for re-election. The campaign finance reports are posted on the city's website, http://www.annapolis.gov, under the "Elections 2103" section.
The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 17 with the general election Nov. 5.
—Pamela Wood
Arnold health club to become Greater Annapolis Family Center Y
The Y of Central Maryland will operate its first family center in Anne Arundel beginning Sept. 19 when it converts the Big Vanilla Athletic Club in Arnold into the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y.
Terms of the purchase from LAR LLC, owners of Big Vanilla, were not disclosed. A spokeswoman for the Y said staff of the 80,000-square-foot Arnold health and fitness club, about 200 employees total, will be offered positions with the Y.
Big Vanilla has about 9,000 members at the Arnold location, and all memberships will be honored by the Y, the spokeswoman said.
In addition to the Arnold site, Big Vanilla operates another club in Pasadena. Owner Larry Ray will continue to operate that site, according to a news release from the Y. As for the Y takeover of the Arnold location, Ray said in the release, "I know that I am leaving the business I built in the hands of an organization that will do good for the community."
The Y has summer camps and before- and after-school programs in Anne Arundel, but has not previously operated a family center in the county. Family centers typically provide daily health and wellness activities, weekly classes and programs for all ages.
Michelle Reedy, who has served as a director at Y family centers in Ellicott City in Howard County, and Parkville and Perry Hall in Baltimore County, has been named district executive director for the Annapolis center.
—Sun staff reports


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Virgin Blue Celebrates Major Milestone
Virgin Blue is continuing its strong growth and will today welcome on board its 10-millionth Guest only two and a half years after launching into Australian skies.
The 10-million Guest mark is a significant step for the airline as it flexes its winglets and asserts its position as Australia's low fare leader. It also cements Virgin Blue's role as a viable long-term player in the domestic aviation industry.
The mystery 10-millionth Guest is likely to board an 8.30am direct flight from Virgin Blue's Brisbane base to Mackay this morning.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said, "Since the vast majority of start-up airlines don't make it to 1-million passengers, this is an important milestone for us. Virgin Blue has gone from strength to strength by focussing on the needs of our Guests, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure."
He continued, "We are both thrilled and grateful for the emphatic support we've received from the Australian travelling public, especially the large number of corporates who have come on board with us in recent months."
It took Virgin Blue nearly two years to celebrate 5-million Guests and only ten months to carry the second 5-million due to the arrival of new aircraft, an increase in destinations serviced, as well as the introduction of more flights on existing routes across the country.
The airline will continue to take delivery of more new aircraft to cater for the increasing demand for Virgin Blue's low fare, high quality service.
Brett Godfrey added, "In light of the current global aviation trend, we are very fortunate to be one of the few airlines expanding. We are committed to the low fare model and are happy our strength in the domestic aviation market is providing a boost to the struggling tourism industry."
Virgin Blue will tomorrow launch flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast and next month will begin services between Sydney and Alice Springs as well as Sydney and Canberra.
The airline also recently opened its first "Blue Room" at Brisbane Airport, with southern ports to follow shortly.
The 10-millionth Guest will receive a celebratory gift including flight vouchers, a 12 month Blue Room membership, champagne and a selection of Virgin Blue's popular merchandise.


text:
Use mouse scroll wheel over image or pinch-to-zoom on touch devices. You can also click and drag around on image.
Vorsteiner McLaren MP4-VX
Parked toVorsteiner McLaren MP4-VX for the Coupe & Spyder
MP4-VX features full carbon fiber front bumper, side sill extension blades, rear bumper and forged wheels.
Vehicle Info: 2013 McLaren MP4-12C


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First real post here. Does anyone know which cards are taken by this videocam, or any experience with it using them. Is it important to have the fastest card for HD video? , and what size suits best.
Many thanks
SDHC or SDXC for Sony CX550v
Started by rogerholmesuk, Jan 28 2013 08:49 AM
2 replies to this topic
Posted 28 January 2013 - 08:49 AM
Posted 28 January 2013 - 02:33 PM
From the specs page: Media Type : 64GB Non-Removeable Flash Memory; Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately)
Nauticam 550 w/ T2i - Zen 100 - Inon Z240 - Tokina 10-17 - Canon 60mm - Sola 600
Posted 28 January 2013 - 04:23 PM
Thanks for response. So both SDHC and SDXC There are so many SD cards out there. Does a faster card help and if so which?


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70s Inspired Bell Bottom Pants
Added Jun 25, 2013
by melonhead
Roanoke, Indiana...
I made these pants by drafting out a pattern using an old pair of pajama bottoms. I haven't learned how to draft pants yet, but I've been learning by cutting up old pants, and taking notes on their construction. I can't wait till I can finally take a pattern drafting class at SCAD and learn the correct way! For now though, this has been working.
I used the pajamas as a basic start pattern, and then I changed the measurements to create the shape that I wanted – well fitted bell bottoms. The fabric is a printed jersey knit that I found in the $1.50 section of Wal-Mart. Because I wanted the waist area to be well fitted I used an invisible zipper, instead of inserting elastic around the waist band. That way I could get a more well fitted look at the top so it exaggerated the flared knee even more. These are the most comfortable pants that I have ever worn, and I'm planning on making more in different sizes to add to my Etsy shop later this summer.
More over on my blog: http://esther-fromthesticks.blogspot.com/2013/06/boogum-now-baby-70s-inspired-bell.html
Material Notes
Jersey Knit, invisible zipper, interfacing, thread
4 Comments Sign in to add a post
Jul 2, 2013, 08.07 PMby iba
you have the talent of making me see a whole movie including stories that rock the stars from the sky, instead of just pictures! It's beautiful! The world is waiting for refreshing ideas and styles like yours. I learned how to draft patterns for pants and it's not too hard and they work wonderfully, but yours looks great too! Good luck with everything !
1 Reply
Jul 6, 2013, 03.56 PMby melonhead
Oh thank you so much for your kind complements about my work! I can't wait to draft pants! I'm glad you said they're not hard, because they seem a bit daunting to me. I can't wait though!
Jul 1, 2013, 07.55 PMby loyl8
i swear you make some adorable outfits and rock it..and rockin photography too!
1 Reply
Jul 6, 2013, 03.56 PMby melonhead
Thank you! (:
Jun 26, 2013, 08.23 PMby wzrdreams
Fantastic! I love the shirt you paired it with. I miss the $ Walmart fabric! You wouldn't find that in NYC… I'm happy for you that you are choosing SCAD!
Jun 26, 2013, 04.22 AMby donnaroxy
These are so good. It's amazing the fabric you can find at wally world. If I were your age I would rock these. Beautiful girl, beautiful pants.
Add to Favorites 15 people added it


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Vintage cars take front seat at 12th Rods on the Wharf in Monterey
Vintage cars take front seat at 12th Rods on the Wharf in Monterey
MONTEREY, Calif. —
Car enthusiasts revved their engines Sunday for the 12th Rods on the Wharf car show at Monterey's Custom House Plaza.
VIDEO: Classic car fans revved up for Rods on the Wharf
Cars in every color took part of the day's lineup. A 1957 Corvette Convertible boasts the original hue, venetian red. There's also a 1973 Chevy Nova, a 1957 Corvette Convertible, a 1969 Firebird Ram Air 400 and a bright pink Cadillac Coupe De Ville, among other favorites.
The car show benefits the Gateway Center of Monterey County, a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services for adults with developmental disabilities. Car enthusiasts said it's a good way to give back.


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Saigon Remembered has reopened in the Cranbrook Shopping Center in Cockeysville.
In an email to his faithful customers, owner and executive chef Trang Nguyen said that this is "third and most intimate incarnation of Baltimore's first and finest restaurant dedicated to serving authentic Vietnamese and Pan Asian cuisine."
Nguyen also told his customers that the new Saigon Remembered, unlike the first incarnations on Belair Road and across from the Senator movie theater on York Road, has plenty of free parking.
The York Road location closed in May 2011.
Saigon Remembered is at 584 Cranbrook Road in Cockeysville. For information call 410-667-4100.
Follow Baltimore Diner on Twitter @gorelickingood


text: The component is constructed of durable galvalume metal and fits roofs with pitches from 0/12 to 6/12. It is designed to protect vent pipes that are vented through your roof - specifically Type B gas vent pipes with a 6 inch inner diameter. You can take advantage of all of those features and a limited lifetime warranty simply by choosing Dura-Vent Type B Gas Vent Adjustable Roof Flashing.


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You probably know how to make bath time fun, but how about keeping the tub safe? In a recent survey, only about a third (38 percent) of adults knew that the correct water temperature for an infant bath is no more than 120 F. Any higher can cause burns, notes Meri-K Appy, president of Home Safety Council, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home-related injuries. To be safe, keep your home's water-heater gauge set at 120 F, and before you get your bambino wet, test the water by running the inside of your wrist or forearm through the water to test for hot spots. Lukewarm on these thin-skinned areas is just about right. More bath safety tips:
Fill the tub with only an inch or so of water. That's all a baby needs to get clean, enjoy a little water play and stay safe.
Cover the tub spout with a cushioned guard to protect your tot's head in the event he accidentally bumps it.
Never leave your baby unattended for a second in the bath, even if you're using a tub seat, and always stay within arm's reach.


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To the Editor:
October in New England is "NECAP time," when public school students show what they know and can do on state assessments. While the stated goal of making sure that all schools are adequately educating our children sounds laudable, these tests are not appropriate for all students.
English language learner (ELL) students who have been in the U.S. for less than one year do not have to take state tests in reading, but they do in mathematics. Each time I administer the state math assessments in English to ELLs who have been in the country for between a few weeks to one year, I wonder why I am forced to do this. Students can ask for single word translations, an accommodation that research suggests is not helpful as was illustrated this year when a student who arrived here this summer asked during the assessment, "O que é 'does'?" or "What does 'does' mean?" (Think for a minute – How would you translate "does" to a third grader?) The student left more than half of his answers blank and got many others wrong – not because he does not have the math skills (he is on grade level in his native language) – but because he did not understand what he was reading. I can predict that he will score "significantly below proficient," as has been the case with almost all of our first-year students.
To demonstrate one's ability to "do the math" on these assessments, one has to be able to read in English.
It is time that we realize that this is a futile activity. If we believe that they have not acquired enough language proficiency to take a reading assessment, we should also realize that they have not acquired enough proficiency to take a math assessment filled with word problems. Otherwise, we are not evaluating what they can do; only how resilient they are to our ridiculous testing policies.
Julie Nora, Ph.D.
Director, International Charter School
Dear Dr. Nora, I found your comments interesting because I pretty much have had the same argument, however, it relates to American born children that are Dyslexic and I imagine ELL students and Dyslexic students view it as Greek or ελπίδα The translation is Hope, however as you point out not having mastered English Reading wouldn't allow them to translate.
While I see you point, I take issue with ELL students, because we cannot even focus on getting children tested who show obvious weaknesses and make them take the NECAP. Unfortunately, it isn't until after the 3rd grade (after the Reading to Learn) has been established and the child has a gap that finally they concede to then looking at. The proficiency is overlooked and redirected to experimenting with such children.
I was at the Legislative Hearing last year that heard the argument in the RI House concerning your points made. This argument was directly followed with a plea to also to recognize and treat Dyselxia. Sadly, neither passed. In the meantime, as you point out...we are diminishing the opportunities for our children and in the end lowering the bar of education.


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Airline Plans To Cancel All Flights Booked Through 3rd Party Websites
from the piss-off-your-customers-much? dept
Yes, we understand that these airlines prefer people to purchase flights from the airlines directly, but it still seems bizarre to try to cut off a great promotional channel. People already know to go look at 3rd party sites for airfare, so actively working against having your flights promoted doesn't make much sense. Then actively pissing off a bunch of your customers who booked through those sites by canceling their flights is even more braindead, as you've just formed a huge group of customers who will complain about your airline and spread the word about how you canceled their legitimately purchased flight for no reason other than spite and a confusion over business models. When Ryanair started promoting how some of its seats might come with sexual gratification, I'd bet many passengers didn't realize it would end with them getting screwed.


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Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Brief Thoughts on MJR Pen Testing Post
If the code cannot be fully understood statically, it must be tested dynamically. A live test will reveal how the system acts when working, and may reveal unanticipated interactions or vulnerabilities. In light of this fact, I think pen testers who unearth these flaws perform a valuable service. If it's not tested, it's not a service.
Update: Thanks to Tom's comment below, I changed the attribution to fellow Matasano poster Dave Goldsmith.
12 comments:
- tqbf said...
Fair warning: the chargen is a group blog. Window, Dave, Jeremy, and Dino post too. In this case, the post is Dave's.
My thoughts on Ranum's post are more involved and less forgiving. I like MJR, but he frustrates the hell out of me. I agree with Dave though: the original Bugtraq poster is clearly a Jerry Springer guest in waiting, and MJR is not working hard to avoid falling into the "Springer Show Surprise Guest: Your Jilted Ex-Husband!" mold himself.
I speak for the team when I say that we are, as a group, tired of hearing that it takes less talent to break something than to build it. We do both. But I encourage MJR to tell that to Paul Kocher, the late Hans Dobbertin, or Xiaoyun Wang. It's a lot easier to design something crappy than it is to break something good.
Oh now I get it - pentesters - pens that test real euro currency. That's bad..real bad...
- David Belle-Isle said...
Actually that "mjr" has the perfect engineer mentality: stubborn and i-know-everything attitude. Those people are a real pain to work with.
sad: OK the guys who are professional breakers of things of course deserve credit, credit which is limited since so far we dont have a way to do something like a UL/materials sheet for things on a network.
sadder: the professional breakers of things have to get so ruffled when someone points out (quite correctly IMO) that much of the work they do could (and should) in fact be part of an automated QA process.
I'm having a slight challenge understanding the value system...
Is "a bucket of warm spit" worth more, or less, than, say, a bucket of cold spit? The former is at least fresh (or recently re-heated); the latter is somewhat aged. :)
- tqbf said...
MJR didn't "point out" that security testing could be built in to QA process (and what part of security testing do you believe should be automated? how much benefit do you believe would accrue relative to the size of the security problem overall?).
MJR said "penetration testers" aren't "worth a bucket of warm spit".
I'm not sure it's within bounds of reasonable discussion to suggest that it's the pentesters who are getting "ruffled" here.
It should also be made clear that the original thread to which MJR responded isn't about the value of pentesting. It's about something far dumber than that.
- Richard Bejtlich said...
I should have pointed out that I think the "spit" comment is unfair. I would reserve terms like that for people like "0x80" and not other security professionals. I also agree that it is not trivial to perform pen testing and I respect those that do.
tqbf: What MJR undiplomatically said isnt the interesting point unless you are in a position to have your feathers ruffled. The actual words are of far less interest to me than the idea that some of what is now mostly a post shipping "process" of discovery by whomever could or should be a pre-ship QA process.
If we assume that certain parts of what gets lumped into the process of "pen testing" can be automated, most especially the parts of banging on the network connections to see how the product reacts, it would seem to me that would become a very valuable QA process. Lets say that for now, this is best done by a trained human who can interpret the results. However the same thing could once be said of most of what can now be done by people with access to automated scanners, etc.
If such a QA tool is produced within the framework of a commonly used set of QA tools then businesses which offer more advanced services in the way of pentesting could differentiate themselves.
- tqbf said...
I think it's obvious to most people in the industry that there is an unfilled niche for automated security testing in product development. There's a discussion on DailyDave swirling around fuzzers in test-driven development in the wake of the LDAP findings.
I'm responding to you because I think you're making a hasty generalization. The fact that there are uses for automated tools, run by generalist software developers, has nothing to do with MJR's argument or the argument over third-party pen-testing in general.
I'll allow that you're not trying to wade into the argument about whether pen-testers are immoral or "failed security analysts", point out that your original comment was not germane to MJR's point or my own, and agree that QA is valuable.
Then, turning my attention directly to your argument: what portion of security testing do you believe is automatable? How much benefit do you believe would accrue from industry-wide adoption of such tools relative to the overall security problem? Do you know, or do you just have an intuition that many of our problems are simplistic and should be easy to catch?
I ask because the majority of our findings are not fuzzer results or overflows; looking over the queue of advisories we've got lined up, I see very few problems that could be caught by any automated tool I could reasonably conceive of. So while I want to encourage better vendor exit testing and have a lot of respect for QA, I'm uncomfortable with the argument that better QA would make a dent in the problem.
For the record I want to point out that I'm a professional builder, contracting as a professional breaker while we bootstrap a first rev of a product that has nothing to do with software testing or individual vulnerabilities. But you can see which side of the pentester vs. developer debate has my sympathy.
It's interesting that mjr is described as an engineer that "knows it all", and then he goes on in this post to deride pen testers.
What's interesting about this? What do you think engineers do? They pen test with iron, steel, concrete, etc. When a foundation to a building is poured they do tests on the concrete to ensure that it's the right consistency and can withstand the load properly. Bridges are tested in wind tunnels, loads are calcualted, etc. Voila, pen testers!
Very funny if you ask me, very very funny!
I also disagree that pentesters aren't valuable. The best ones don't just check for code bugs: they try to find weaknesses in combinations of code, business processes, and human fallibility. A software engineer is, in many cases, not going to be able to cover all those viewpoints with the creativity and knowledge necessary to test a complex system. I don't believe security testing is ever going to be a pure QA matter -- not as long as security also rests in the hands of the people who make the rules and then break them.
I speak as someone who hires pentesters, and respects the ones who are 100% ethical and understand the concept of trespassing.
tqbf: thanks for your reasonable response. I should have made it more clear that I did previously understand the position of your business and your history. No disrespect intended to you at all.
I am of the opinion though that a majority of the people in the profession loosely described as pentesting do not have the background, experience, etc. to justify their work not being automated. In the 10 or so years I've been in and around itsec in various positions, I've seen alot of work done under the auspices of pentesting that ammounted to little more than button clicking. IMO this includes many "specialized" applications intended to break other bits of software.
It seems we agree on the value of improving the state of the industry and building more security testing into QA. We may not see eye to eye on how much of the work is automatable, but thats another matter.


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Hartsville, S.C. – The Coker Lady Cobras were narrowly defeated by the nationally ranked #8 Francis Marion Patriots, 5-4 in women's collegiate tennis on Sunday afternoon. The win improves FMU to 1-0, with Coker falling to 0-1.
Coker's only win in doubles came at No.3 when Cassidy Spencer (Wilkesboro, NC) and Lindsay Crighton (Florence, SC) defeated Jessica Lombardi and Katie Cracraft, 8-0.
In singles, the Patriots picked up wins at No. 1 through No. 3, but the Lady Cobras managed three wins of their own, as freshman Stephanie Medley (Sumter, SC) won 6-1, 6-4 at No. 4, while at No. 5 Ashley Pace (Clinton, SC) won 6-2, 6-4 and Crighton picked up her second win of the day at No. 6, 6-3, 6-3.
The Lady Cobras will now have a long break before returning to the courts on Saturday, February 14, when they travel to Converse College.


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Your search returned 68 cottages.
*Applicable to holidays commencing at least 6 weeks in the future. Full balance due 6 weeks prior to departure. Please refer to Book Now Pay Later Terms and Conditions for further information.
Just show me cottages near English Heritage Properties
Here at Sykes Cottages, we understand that for many of our customers, the main appeal of a cottage holiday in the UK rests with their interest in the country's extraordinary history. That's why, we've handpicked a selection of holiday cottages across England that are located within a short drive of some of the English Heritage's most prevalent sites, giving you the perfect opportunity for an enthralling daytrip on your next cottage holiday. There's really nothing better than enriching yourself with knowledge amid some the country's most beloved historical sites, so get set for a cottage holiday full of exploration and discovery in one of our cottages to rent near English Heritage sites.
Treasured holiday memories at English Heritage
With over 400 sites across England open to the public, the English Heritage provides a trove of superb historic attractions; from national treasures to lesser known sites with equally as fascinating stories to tell. A cottage holiday near one of these eminent English Heritage sites holds timeless appeal, and serves as a great base from which to experience the dominion of history that lays waiting to be discovered behind the stone walls and beneath the emerald grasslands of these ancient heritage sites.
Visit the 'Castle of the Rock' in Cheshire and gaze out over eight counties from the lofty ramparts. Touch the stones of Stonehenge during the summer solstice and discover the archaic 'key of England' at Dover Castle. Play Queen for the day at Isle of Wight's Osborne House, and King at Eltham Palace. Ramble the ruins of Rochester Castle, and trace the steps of Harry Hotspur in Warkworth Hermitage. Get wet under the fountains of Witley Court, and dry off in the sumptuous gardens of Belsay Hall, before returning to your cosy holiday cottage, where you can put your feet up, have a brew and reflect on your day amid one of English Heritage's finest historic sites.
So prepare for a step into yesteryear on a cottage holiday within a stone's throw from an English Heritage site; there's no better way to encounter the charm of English history on your Sykes cottage holiday.
Please find below a list of English Heritage properties by
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History tutors and Home Tuition in Hereford
Our History Tutors in Hereford are all fully-qualified History Teachers, who also offer their skills as high quality home tutors. All are subject-specialists, professional, reliable, up-to-date with Examination Boards and the current demands of a changing curriculum. Lessons are taught at your home and are scheduled at your convenience; whether weekdays, evenings or weekends.
Find a History Home Tutor in Hereford
"Teachers To Your Home" provides high quality History Tuition in Hereford, at your home and convenience. We work with over 18,000 qualified teachers across the UK, who also choose to offer their professional skills as high quality home tutors.
We can support History at all levels and can provide high quality tuition for Primary and Junior levels, as well as prepare children towards 11+, 13+, Common Entrance or for GCSE, IGCSE, IB and A level Examinations, across all the major Examination Boards including OCR, AQA, Edexcel, CIE, WJEC.
More information on History home tuition in Hereford and in the surrounding area: Tuition Fees - How it Works - About Us - Our Reviews - Tutor Locations - Homepage
Call us now or send us a short message and we will phone you back
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A selection of our teachers who provide History tuition in and around Hereford
"History will be kind to me ... for I intend to write it."– Winston Churchill
History is the study of the past, specifically how it relates to humans. It relates to past events as well as to the memory, discovery, collection, organisation, presentation and interpretation of information about these events. Whether you are learning about the eqyptians in primary school or attempting to analyse the human rights movement in the USA, we can provide a History Tutor who can help you.


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harrison+woodley+tebow= oreo, dunk him hes done!!!!!!
Weather shouldn't be a major factor today, chance of flurries but that's about it.
tick tick tick tick tick tick
And their fans.
Hey Folks ready to go. Sorry I wasnt on last week...I was in Vegas watching the game at the Boulder Station Sports Book. (Dollar Buds & Dollar Hot Dogs....who can say no to that?)
Plenty of folks from Steeler Nation is Sin City. And watching all of the Oakland fans there being disappointed was even better.
Jazzed and ready here. My God time is slow.
JD from Utah!
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If you buy this track you have support for editions, email me to firstname.lastname@example.com and I will edit the lenght of the parts of the audio to fit your needs or make a loop of any part of the song. Absolutely FREE!
A Good feeling Energic Song. Great for TV or Radio advertising, podcasting, viral marketing or any other project that needs a fun and energic Music Background.
In this track there're Drums, Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar.
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Erie County Legislature Adopts 2007 County Budget
On Friday, December 1st, the Erie County Legislature adopted a 2007 County budget that provides $500,000 more in Library support than the County Executive's proposed budget. The County levy for Library purposes will rise from the 2006 level of $21.7 million to $22.2 million in 2007.
Between 2004 and 2005, the Library lost nearly 25% of its funding from Erie County, and funding remained static in 2006. Without doubt, the Library requires much more than $500,000 to address its many needs, but the $500,000 restoration is an encouraging beginning. These additional funds will benefit libraries that failed to meet New York State minimum standards this year and other libraries whose hours of service were reduced to levels that can only be described as unacceptable. Details will be forthcoming.
Thank you to the many individuals who voiced support for Erie County's public libraries in recent months. Your efforts, assistance and passion are remarkable and made a substantial impact.
View 2007 Adopted Budget (PDF)


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Seven Deaths Confirmed in Arkansas
Authorities have now confirmed seven deaths in Arkansas after a severe storm
Category: General News
Washington No. 1 Mint Oil Producer in US
KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — Eastern Washington farmers in Adams, Grant and Yakima counties are finishing the mint harvest that makes the state the top producer of mint oil in the nation.
Washington makes enough mint oil each year to flavor 135 sticks of gum for every American.
Washington Mint Commission Executive Director Rod Christensen told the Tri-City Herald one of the major advantages for the state crop is its quality.
Most of the mint oil is processed by a dealer near Harrah, and about half the crop is exported.
Washington has about 150 growers who produce 3.5 million gallons of mint oil a year. The crop is valued at $80 million.


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Hi i started this as my Lady is haveing soft Poo's, i would of thought they would be a tad harder by now, and listening to some problems my clients have had im wondering if it is the food, i feed her on Red Mills puppy food.
The day i had serious problems i did find her eating the adult food which is way too heavy for her.
we now supervise the feeding.
however one of the members here says she gies the dogs bran, im wondering if she can tell me what brand and where i can get it, as maybe this will solve my problems nuntill she can go on adult food.
My other 2 dogs have no problems on this food. i had a look in Tesco's today to see what other food was on the market, but other then tins of pedagree puppy food i drew a blank for pups.
Any ideas or sugestions welcome
thanks in advance.


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High School Extra / St. Joe's edges Niagara Falls
St. Joe's edges Niagara Falls
Nick Custodi scored on a reversal and a near fall in double overtime and his 7-2 decision at 132 pounds gave St. Joe's a 37-36 win over Niagara Falls in the season opener for both wrestling programs.
The other key match came at 106 pounds, at which Garrett Baugher of St. Joe's won a 6-5 decision over Donny McCoi.
"The boys at 106, both of them were two of the top wrestlers in the area last year," St. Joe's coach Pete Kennedy said. "Both coaches were pleased. Getting tough matches against tough opponents is everything in this sport. To get that in November is huge. Both of them are going to do great things this season."
It was also a homecoming of sorts for Niagara Falls coach D.J. Giancola. The second-year head coach wrestled at St. Joe's for Kennedy.
Iroquois, Nardin nab tourney wins
Freshman Marissa Parker hit two key free throws with 1:15 left in the game as host Iroqouis edged Lancaster, 59-58, in the Matthew Foster Memorial Tournament. The Chiefs came back from a 12-point deficit by driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line. Iroquois shot 18 of 24 from the line, making 10 of 12 attempts in the fourth quarter.
Three three-pointers by Jenny Colvin in the third quarter sparked the Chiefs. Lauren Jensen had 18 points, nine assists and nine rebounds while Colleen Wirth had 19 points.
Iroquois faces Nardin in the championship game at noon Saturday; the Gators defeated Pioneer, 69-36.
Sophomore Rachel Faver hit four three-pointers and scored a team-high 12 points to pace Nardin, which jumped out to a 27-7 lead in the first quarter.
Football first team announced today
The 25-member All-Western New York football first team will be unveiled during a special episode of PrepTalkTV today at 7 p.m. at www.buffalonews.com.
The All-Western New York football issue will be published Saturday.


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What's your go-to product or brand that gets around your child's food allergy?
Definitely Enjoy Life chocolate chips and mega chunks. We use them in cookies, muffins, pancakes, and as cupcake/cookie decorations. We have also melted them for making s'mores and chocolate covered pretzels. There are so many treats my daughter might never have been able to experience if not for these products. We always keep a stock pile in the pantry.


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Magic Mile Unveils Toyota Wheel and Deal
NHMS Unveils Wheel and Deal
What's behind curtain number one? That's what fans attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 300 at the Magic Mile on July 14 will be asking. Today in the Expo Center at the Radisson Hotel, New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials unveiled the "Toyota Wheel and Deal Pre-Race Show," which will transform this summer's frontstretch and pre-race stage into the world's largest game show.
A scaled-down version of "Wheel and Deal" was played today, where fans won cash prizes, various NASCAR gear and the ultimate door prize – an opportunity to be one of the 43 contestants to play for a chance to win 10 new Toyota cars on July 14.
In the past, fans have watched pre-race concerts, acts and various entertainment performers as part of the pre-race festivities. This year, fans will be part of the pre-race celebration. Not only do 43 select fans have a chance to drive away with a new car, but any fan on hand for the New Hampshire 300 will have the opportunity to take part in this historic Magic Mile event.
"Our goal is to make New Hampshire Motor Speedway the destination for 'wow' for our fans," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager for the speedway. "This interactive fan pre-race sweepstakes is unprecedented in professional sporting events. With more than $250,000 in cars and prizes to be given away to fans, it definitely adds the 'wow factor' to our ongoing 'Fans First' initiative."
Contestants will be playing for prizes worth more than $250,000, including a case of Miller Lite per month for a year, products from September race sponsor SYLVANIA, Team O'Neil Rally School driving opportunities, a quart of Gifford's Ice Cream per week for a year, a set of Nokian Tyres winter tires for the 10 Toyota cars, racing merchandise, passes to an exclusive driver's meeting and much more. But certainly it will be the 10 sparkling new 2013 Toyotas that will have the fans' undivided attention. The cars will be given away through a variety of different games that will be loosely based on popular TV game shows with a racing twist.
With media, speedway officials and even the honorable Ted Gatsas, Mayor of Manchester, looking on, fans were given a small taste of this summer's pre-show event today. The Valentine's Day show was hosted by Jose Castillo, who will channel his inner Bob Barker again in July.
Contestants received everything from a personalized Valentine from Magic Mile mascot Milo the Moose to a New Hampshire Speedway T-shirt and hat to a tortoise. Tudor, a 15-year-old Sulcata Tortoise from the W.I.L.D. Center & Zoological Park of New England, was on hand, serving as a gag gift.
The big winner today, however, was Marlo McDaniel of Manchester, N.H. McDaniel was one of five contestants to join Castillo on stage to reveal their hidden prize. McDaniel uncovered a miniature Toyota car, signifying her inclusion as the first of 43 contestants to take part in July's "Toyota Wheel and Deal Pre-Race Show."
"This is just amazing, I'm so excited," said McDaniel, who has attended every NASCAR race at NHMS for the last seven years. "I was looking forward to the race before, but now I can't wait for it to get here. I need a car, too, so it works out perfect."
The remaining 42 contestants will be chosen at random after the April 15 deadline. Fans that have already purchased tickets and those who buy tickets to the New Hampshire 300 between now and April 15 will be automatically entered. Non-purchase registration will also be available. A full list of the rules will be available on www.nhms.com.


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06 April 2007 20:15
Car Accident Lawsuits
A properly filed lawsuit can help the injured party get compensation for their traumatic experience. In the cases mentioned above, the guilty party must pay for the medical bills and the property damage caused by the accident. Also, costs for any hospital
1 (1 marks)


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Surfing with Saltwater Cowgirls - Session B - DBJCSA
Are you ready to head to the beach for some fun in the sun and surfing? That's right, surfing! Whether you have never touched a surf board before or caught a few waves, this is the program for you! Learn all the fundamentals of surfing like, how to properly carry your board, control your board, navigate through waves and catch and ride your own wave at Jacksonville Beach.
The crew at Saltwater Cowgirls are very experienced, women surfers and coaches who make safety their highest priority. During the lesson they will emphasize board control and ocean-awareness to fully prepare the girls for their surfing experience. Instructors are in the water at every moment to offer assistance and ensure student safety throughout the lesson. Lengthy instruction takes place on land before the students are able to enter the water. Girls will be broken down into age groups for this program.
• All students must be able to swim prior to attending the program.
• Surfboards and wetsuits (if needed) are provided for every girl attending the program.
• The use of wetsuits will allow girls to still participate in the program in the colder months.
• If wetsuits are not needed, rash guards and board shorts are recommended.
• Students may use their own board, but this is not a requirement.
* Surfing fun patch included with this program for every registered Girl Scout girl.
* This event is for 2018 registered Girl Scouts, and registered & approved adult volunteers.
* For safety and supervision reasons, troops and individuals are not permitted to bring non-Girl Scouts or siblings.
* Girl/adult ratios must be followed unless otherwise indicated in the program description. Adults are expected to stay on the premises and in some cases, help girls during the event.
Cost: $43/girl, $1/adult
Contact: Brittany McCallister, (904) 389-3071, email@example.com
Register by Jan. 29 at noon


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Here you can find answers to questions about how the board works. Use the links or search box below to find your way around.
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Censorship is not our intent, but we consider rule violations a form of hacking and spamming, and our moderators will react by 'cleaning it' and possibly banning the person making such postings.
We do not seek to restrict ideas; we choose to encourage them.


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March 2, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The MIT women's fencing team placed sixth out of 12 teams at the IFA Championship last weekend, equaling the program's best team finish which was first reached in 2002. In addition, Robin Shin captured the Silver medal in sabre, becoming the first medalist for the Engineers since Caroline Purcell claimed the sabre crown nine years ago.
Shin began her march to the medal stand with a 7-4 ledger in qualifying action. She edged out Charlotte Rose (Brown), 15-13, to kick off the championship flight. Shin then defeated Anna Hanley (Brandeis), 15-9, and Stephanie Aiuto (Columbia), 15-11, before falling to Caroline Vloka (Harvard), 15-6, in the title match. Lauren Chilton and Molly Kozminsky also represented MIT in the sabre competition. With an 8-3 record, Chilton finished fourth in the "C" pool while Kozminsky ranked ninth (3-8) in the "B" pool. As a team, the Cardinal and Gray placed sixth overall.
Cordelia Link finished fifth among all foil competitors for the third year in a row as the squad ranked eighth. After notching a 7-4 mark, Link defeated Dana Baines (Cornell), 15-10, but lost to Arielle Pensler (Harvard), 15-13. Jenna Caldwell placed eighth in the "B" pool with a 5-6 record as Lindley Graham finished ninth with a mark of 3-7.
Kirsten Hessler advanced to the epee individual championship bracket courtesy of an 8-3 mark in the "B" pool. Hessler's run was short-lived as Chandler Clay (Princeton) outlasted her, 15-13, and resulted in a 10th-place finish. Sophie Monahan ranked sixth in the "C" pool with a ledger of 6-5 as Stephanie Shin placed 11th (3-8) in the top pool. The Engineers finished seventh as a team.
The IFA Championship, the oldest collegiate championship in the country, featured squads from Boston College, Brandeis University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Vassar College and Yale University.


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Lady Gaga looked like she was thisclose to fainting during a concert in New Zealand this weekend.
A lethargic Lady sang most of her concert closer "Bad Romance" sitting or laying down on the front of the stage -- and appeared more out of it than usual.
According to the person who posted the video on YouTube, it was so hot that "people passed out" in the audience.
CommentsClick To View
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Dr. James Haralambides explains logical structures for his Software Engineering class.
CS Minor
Minor in Computer Science
The minor in Computer Science consists of at least 20 credits in CS courses approved by the advisor, which must include:
CS 231 - Computer Science I
Evolution of hardware and software. Problem analysis and algorithm development. Data types, control structures, subprograms, scope, and recursion. Prerequisite: MAT 109.
CS 232 - Computer Science II
Programming methodology. Data abstraction. Classes and class templates. Inheritance and polymorphism. Search techniques. Algorithm complexity. Windows programming and applications programming interface (API). Prerequisites: CS 231 and MAT 110.
CS 331 - Data Structures and Algorithms
Algorithm analysis. Abstract data types. Techniques for the implementation of abstract data types, such as arrays, stacks, queues, trees, heaps, and graphs. Sorting. Prerequisite: CS 232 and MAT 253.


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Here's a picture of Jeff and Jordan taken at the wedding reception. (Outside of the building of course since no pictures were allowed inside)
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Bunny Business.
not funny business. word.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Posted by J Bunny.
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'why do i drink champagne for breakfast? doesnt everyone?'
-noel coward
Random Things You Should Know:
i cant live w/o fake eyelashes.
oldies make me the most happy, ever.
i think im fucking hilarious.
i will not conform.
i can be super mean. its one of my many adorable qualitites.
i never ever make my bed.
i heart making lists.
im a total lush. total.
i like to read.
i put up my middle finger to love.
if i find something super funny, i laugh out loud. even when im completely alone.
i despise traffic.
im sarcastic, deal.
i pretty much cant eat anything w/o condiments.
and frank sinatra said it all when he said 'thats life.'
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Gifts of love from your very own kitchen, including oatmeat squares, PB&C; brownies and Far East party mix.
If you haven't done so already, now's the time to decide what gifts you're going to provide for family, friends, neighbors and the like.
Food is always a good idea. Mainly because it's disposable, so nobody has to find a place to hang it, display it or store it.
Besides which, a gift of food can show a great deal of thoughtfulness on your part. That's because you'll undoubtedly take into account your givee's likes and dislikes — not to mention their allergies: nuts, dairy, gluten (all the rage these days) and/or all of the above.
Your edible gift can be store-bought, of course. Either locally or from one of the myriad food-gift purveyors whose catalogs have undoubtedly clogged your mailbox by now. But, our exercise du jour is for those who like to present a gift of love from their very own kitchens.
Our focus this time is on holiday food gifts that don't include cookies. Not that there's anything wrong with cookies, but if you're in the mood to try something different, here are some ideas which are designed for those nearest and dearest to us who don't suffer from food allergies.
Oatmeal squares
If you've decided to go beyond cookies this season, perhaps an assortment of various squares/brownies appeals. These yummy squares go well beyond plain old oatmeal, and include coconut and chocolate chips.
You can make them a few days ahead, cool them thoroughly, cut them into squares and wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Refrigerate until you're ready to package them pretty for presentation.
Those holiday cookie tins you've collected over the years can also contain your alternate gifts.
Softened butter, for baking pans
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (all-purpose) flour
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup each, milk chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (9-inch) square baking pans with 14-inch-long sheets of aluminum foil, letting excess foil hang over edges. Butter foil in pans.
In a large bowl, toss together oats, flour, brown sugar, chocolate chips, coconut, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs and vanilla. Add egg mixture to oat mixture.
Stir until egg mixture is well incorporated, but don't overdo it.
Divide batter between baking pans, distributing it evenly in each pan. Bake until set, about 25 minutes, switching pans on shelves in oven about halfway through baking time. Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in center: It should come out clean, with perhaps a few crumbs attached.
Remove pans from oven. Remove squares from pans to cooling racks, using foil to lift from pans. Cool completely before cutting each pan of squares into 16 pieces, for 32 squares total.
PS, If keeping the squares a few days before giving as gifts, don't cut them into (smaller) squares until you're ready to package them.
PB&C; brownies
PB&C; stands for peanut butter and chocolate, and butter and peanuts. These sensuous (if you think of food as being sexy) frosted squares are replete with virtually all the allergens: flour, two kinds of chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter … mmm.
You can make these a couple of days ahead, wrap in waxed paper, then foil and refrigerate until ready to cut and package.
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus additional softened butter for pan
6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (all-purpose) flour
1 cup roasted, salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1 cup chunky peanut butter (not "natural" or old-fashioned)
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
Three-fourths cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon half and half (or use whole milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
For brownies, heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan with 20-inch piece of foil, leaving an overhang on both ends. Butter foil in pan.
In a large, heavy saucepan, over low heat, add the 1 1/2 sticks butter and both chocolates. Stir until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar, vanilla and salt. Then whisk in eggs, one at a time.
Fold in flour, then chopped peanuts. Spread into prepared pan and bake in center of oven for about 30 minutes, until tester inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Remove pan from oven. Use foil overhang to remove brownies from pan to a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping.
For topping, in a medium bowl, with electric mixer, beat peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter (half a stick) to blend. Add powdered sugar, salt and cinnamon, and beat well. Beat in half and half, and vanilla.
Spread mixture on top of brownies.
In a small pan, over low heat, stir together, the remaining 4 tablespoons (half a stick) of unsalted butter and the 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate until smooth. Dollop chocolate mixture over brownies, then spread evenly to cover peanut butter topping.
Chill until set, about 1 and a half hours. Cut into 30 squares; or wrap well, refrigerate, then cut into squares when ready to package for presentation.
Far East party mix
We have a friend who's allergic to chocolate and caffeine. For her and for those dear ones who may actually prefer a salty treat over a sweet one, here's a take-off on the classic party mix that includes elements with an Asian influence.
The mix can easily be made quite a bit ahead, then kept in airtight containers at room temperature until you're ready to package for gifting. Better keep them hidden from the snackers in the house.
4 cups each, corn and rice cereal squares (read Chex)
4 cups broken pieces of sesame flavored rice crackers
2 cups teeny-tiny pretzels or pretzel sticks, broken
1 1/4 cups wasabi peas
1/2 cup each, lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts, and lightly salted almonds (regular or smoked)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons white wine Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon each, garlic powder and ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (or less) cayenne pepper
Cooking spray
Heat oven to 200 degrees. Spray-coat 2 jelly roll pans, i.e. baking sheets with sides.
In a very large bowl (or big cooking pot), combine corn and rice cereal squares, broken sesame rice crackers, pretzels, wasabi peas, peanuts and almonds.
In a small saucepan, over medium, melt the stick of butter. Whisk in sugar, curry powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, ground cumin and cayenne. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, tossing gently to coat all ingredients.
Spread mixture on prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, switching pans on shelves halfway through baking time.
Remove to wire racks to cool. Cool completely before packaging in airtight containers.
Makes about 16 cups.


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Home > Special Events > Steaming Day Voucher 2019
Steaming Day Voucher 2019Steaming day admission voucher for 2019
At Quainton
A great gift idea - give a Steaming Day voucher to allow the recipient/s free entry to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre!
This voucher can be redeemed on any normal steaming day (shown in green on calendar) during 2019 - vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Opening times: 10.30am to 5.00pm (4.30pm on weekdays)
A full size locomotive will be in steam offering unlimited free train rides. Train rides can also be taken on our miniature railway for a small charge (£1 per person age 3+)
Hot and cold meals/snacks are available in the cafe and our well-stocked gift shop will be open.
Your voucher will be printed by us and posted to you. Please ensure you allow enough time before the date of your visit for your tickets to be delivered.
You must bring your vouchers with you on the day of your visit.
Tickets are always available on the gate.


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Ice Skating on the Prom (next to the REGIS CENTRE) in Bognor Regis for the winter season from 23rd November 2017 until 7th January 2018
Come and join in the fun and get in the Christmas Spirit with us in Bognor Regis.
Our fully covered 'REAL ICE' rink ensures fun whatever the weather may throw at us
Open from 23rd November 2017 to 7th January 2018
OPEN EVERY DAY 10am – 9pm ( CLOSED Christmas Day)
For Further Information call 07405 714591 or visit http://iceskatingontheprom.co.uk/
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Under 16's must be accompied by an adult at all times.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please contact us via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/iceskatingontheprom/
What's the refund policy?
Sorry, 1st Point Property & Event Management are unable to issue refunds for this event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
You can can bring your printed ticket or your email confirmation as proof of purchase to the event.


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Selecting your vehicle's make, model, and year allows us to display only parts and items specific to your car's model and year.
Part# C240316
Be the First to Review
OPGI Price: $28.99
Part Type: (R) = Authentic reproduction of the original GM product
Years: 1959-1977
Sold As: EACH
OPGI now offers 3/4" and 1" (depending on your car's application) pipe plugs for posi-traction rear ends. Both of these plugs accept the red Posi tag and are completely factory-correct. Perfect for final rear end detailing.


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Driving transformative innovation to save lives
Working at PATH
Get monthly updates on our work with News From PATH.
It takes more than just the right ideas to solve global health challenges. It also takes the right systems and the right people. That's why we are constantly searching for experienced leaders and enthusiastic emerging professionals who share our vision: a world where innovation ensures that health is within reach for everyone.
Visit our career site
Does that sound like you? Please visit our career site* to view:
Then apply by uploading your r sum and cover letter and filling out our online application.
Keep up with our work
Stay on top of news from the leading innovator in global health and get the latest thinking from our leaders and others who are driving transformative innovation to save lives:
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Follow our jobs on social media
PATH is committed to ensuring fair employment practices and equal access to our programs, services, and activities. If you are in need of disability-related accommodations, or you would like to contact our disability compliance coordinator, please email us at [email protected]
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information about our equal employment opportunity policy and affirmative action plan, please see our EEO/AAP statement (122 KB PDF).


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Cadillac Escalade Leveling Kits
Level your Cadillac Escalade with one of the leveling kit options offered here for a cleaner look that allows larger tires and provides more ground clearance.
This unique leveling kit made by ProRyde gives you the option to change the amount of front lift without having to purchase any new components. Over time, the requirements for your Cadillac Escalade could change, making the ProRyde leveling kit an excellent choice. Construction using high-strength steel components and 10.9 hardware ensures durability. ProRyde products for the Cadillac Escalade are backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. FREE SHIPPING to Lower 48 states
|Item #


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KTLA-TV, 5800 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028
The Sweepstakes begins at 12:01:01 a.m.. PT on May 5, 2014 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. PT on May 11, 2014. All entries must be submitted and received within this time period. Any entries not received within this time period will be disqualified. The computer clock of Sponsors' webmaster is the official timekeeping device of the Sweepstakes.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Two Methods of Entry. Only one method of entry per person/email address/household regardless of entry method will be allowed (for a maximum of one entry).
• Enter via text
Using the text messaging feature on your cellular telephone, send a text message to 515151 with the letter string SUPERSTARS in the body of the message. All entrants must have a text messaging two-way capable handset and digital service in order to enter the Sweepstakes using the text messaging method. Entrants will be sent a text message to confirm or reject entry into the Sweepstakes. Text-Message entries may be subject to fees under the terms of the entrant's cell-phone/text messaging subscription plan (contact your carrier for pricing plans and details). Text messaging and wireless services are not available in all areas. If any dispute arises as to identity of any entrant, an entrant shall be considered the authorized account holder by the cellular provider. "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned a number by the cellular provider or as shown on the cellular provider's records or the natural person authorized to use the number by an entity that is shown on cellular provider's records for that number. Only entries to the designated number and containing the correct keyword shall be eligible. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any text message entry at any time which in Sponsor's opinion does not comply with these Official Rules. Sponsors are not responsible for unavailability of phone lines or connections, cellular phone service, or any other technical malfunctions of inability to transmit messages or entries.
• Enter online:
Go to www.ktla.com/superstars and complete and submit the online entry form. You must provide all information requested on the entry form, including name, telephone number, and age. You must also have a valid e-mail account in order for your entry to be eligible. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. Copies or other mechanical reproductions, facsimiles, entries containing technical or electronic reproductions, entries containing attached files are not eligible and will be rejected. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of an entrant, the holder of the e-mail account will be deemed the person who submitted the entry. Entries become the exclusive property of Sponsors and will not be returned or acknowledged. Limit one entry per person/e-mail address. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Sponsors are not responsible for entries that are lost, late, misaddressed or misdirected due to technical or computer failures, errors or data loss of any kind, lost or unavailable internet connections, or failed incomplete, garbled or deleted computer or networks transmissions, inability to access the website or online service, or any other technical error or malfunction.
Void Where Prohibited By Law. These sweepstakes are open only to legal residents of California within the Los Angeles Designated Market Area as defined by The Nielsen Company, who are 18 years of age or older as of May 5, 2014 and who have not won any other prize from KTLA within the 60 days prior to the Sweepstakes Period. Employees of other media companies (including radio and television), Sponsors and their parent corporations, subsidiaries, or affiliates, advertising or promotional agencies, and such employees' immediate family or household members are not eligible to enter or win the contest.
All entries will be combined into a single pool, and from that pool one (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing on or near May 12, 2014. The winner will be notified that he or she has been selected as a winner by telephone or by e-mail.
The odds of winning depend on the number of valid entries received. If the selected winner is not eligible, declines the prize, or cannot be contacted within twenty-four (24) hours of the initial notification, the prize will be forfeited and may be awarded to an alternate winner randomly selected by Sponsors from all remaining valid entries.
The winner will receive two (2) tickets valid for admission to see Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull perform on October 10, 2014 �at STAPLES Center, 1111 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA, 90015 ("STAPLES Center").
The approximate retail value ("ARV") of the entire prize package is $359.00.
The Prize is
non-transferable, non-refundable, may not be combined with any other offer, and
has no cash value. Prize substitution will not be allowed, except at the sole
discretion of Sponsors. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of
equal or greater value for the prize. Any unused Prize elements will be
forfeited. Any difference between actual value and stated ARV will not be
awarded. Sponsors will not replace any lost or stolen tickets, vouchers or
certificates or similar items once they are in the prize winner's possession.
Prize is awarded "as is" with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied, by Sponsors.
All federal, state, and local taxes associated with the prize, as well as all other costs or expenses involved in obtaining or consuming the prize, including but not limited to incidentals at Dodger Stadium, including food and beverage, are the responsibility of the Winner.
The prize is not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed, it is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and it may not be substituted for another prize, except at the sole discretion of Sponsors, or as provided in these rules. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value for the prize.
The winner may be asked to come to KTLA at 5800 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 to pick up his or her prize.
The winner will be required to present valid identification and shall be required to sign a Statement of Eligibility and Liability and Publicity Release by the deadline established by Sponsors in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not fulfill these requirements, the prize will be forfeited. Winners have 3 days to return the W-9, if so required, and Statement of Eligibility and Liability. Winner will receive a 1099 tax form reflecting the actual value of any prize that is $600 or more.
If for any reason, the Internet-related portion of these sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, tampering, fraud, technical failure, or any other cause which corrupts or threatens the administration, security or integrity of the sweepstakes, Sponsors reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate or suspend the sweepstakes or any portion of the sweepstakes. ANY ATTEMPT TO DAMAGE OR UNDERMINE THE FAIR AND LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THESE SWEEPSTAKES WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES. Information submitted in Internet entries, including entrant's name, address, e-mail address, etc., may be used by Sponsors for marketing or promotional purposes.
Neither the failure of Sponsors to insist upon or enforce strict performance of any provision of these Official Rules nor the failure, delay or omission by Sponsors in exercising any right with respect to any term of these Official Rules, will be construed as a waiver or relinquishment to any extent of each Sponsor's or right to assert or rely upon any such provision or right in that or any other instance.
By participating in this sweepstakes, you agree to release and hold harmless Sponsors, and all these companies' parent corporations, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and the officers, directors, agents, and employees of all such companies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of action, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this sweepstakes, and/or your acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize and any travel related thereto, including without limitation, personal injury, death, property damage, defamation, infringement of intellectual property rights, and claims based on the rights of publicity and privacy.
All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrants and Sponsors in connection with these Sweepstakes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions.
By participating in these sweepstakes, you also agree to have your name, photograph, voice, biographical information, and likeness used in any and all media for promotional purposes relating to these sweepstakes or future similar sweepstakes without further compensation or notice, except as prohibited by law.
For a copy of the Official Rules or the name of the winners, send a self-addressed envelope to "ENRIQUE IGLESIAS/PITBULL GIVEAWAY 2014", KTLA-TV, Attn: Creative Services, 5800 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028, by June 30, 2014. The winner's name will be available after the winner has been verified and the prizes have been awarded.
These Sweepstakes are subject to the privacy policy of KTLA, as posted on the KTLA website. For more information, see http://privacy.tribune.com. These Sweepstakes are also subject to the KTLA.COM terms of service, available at http://www.ktla.com/termsofservice.


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Think AHEAD (A Healthy Eating And Drinking) Study
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01044134
Recruitment Status : Terminated (We achieved n=38, due to slow recruitment (=2/3 of target).)
First Posted : January 7, 2010
Last Update Posted : July 29, 2015
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Advice to increase water consumption as part of a weight-reducing diet - typically to 8 cups (64 fl oz, ~2 L) per day ("8x8" water recommendation) - is almost ubiquitously recommended by healthcare professionals. Many believe that water promotes weight loss through numerous physiological mechanisms. However, only limited observational data and virtually no experimental data exist regarding the effects of water consumption on body weight. In this study, we propose a randomized controlled pilot study in which two groups of overweight adolescents will receive a standard weight loss regimen, either with (experimental intervention) or without (control intervention) additional advice and support to increase water consumption. We will utilize individual sessions, an innovative text messaging protocol, and motivational telephone calls to promote adherence to the interventions. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate feasibility and obtain preliminary efficacy data, to inform design of a future, definitive study.
It is hypothesized that increasing water consumption will improve the efficacy of a standard weight-reducing diet and will lead to decreased consumption of energy-containing beverages, decreased total energy intake, improved diet quality, improved immune status, and improved cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors. This simple behavioral intervention will be feasible and will significantly increase water consumption among participants in the experimental vs. control group.
|Condition or disease
|Behavioral: Dietary counseling
|Not Applicable
This is a 6-month randomized controlled trial. After the initial baseline screening and assessments, 60 overweight adolescents will be randomly assigned (30 subjects per group) to a standard weight-reducing diet with the advice to consume 8 cups of water per day (experimental group) or the same standard weight-reducing diet without additional advice (control group). The interventions will consist of nutrition education and behavioral counseling by a registered dietitian, during individual sessions and telephone calls. Mobile text messaging will be used to reinforce information presented at the individual sessions and thereby foster adherence to dietary advice. Diet prescriptions will differ only in regard to the specificity of recommendations regarding water consumption and physical activity recommendations will not differ between groups. The frequency and content of text messages will be consistent between the experimental and control groups, with the exception that the experimental group will receive an additional phrase with each message to encourage the "8 x8" water recommendation.
A registered dietitian will communicate with each participant one time per month, either during an individual session or by telephone. Individual sessions will include nutrition classes, taste testing, hands-on activities, and opportunities for questions and answers. Text messages will be sent on a daily basis.
Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at regular intervals throughout the 6 months of the study.
The blinding of the randomization will be broken on or after July 28, 2014 and the data will be analyzed according to the following plan. All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle, attributing each subject to his or her assigned diet regardless of compliance. Baseline characteristics will be compared between the diet groups using the Fisher exact test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. The 6-month change from baseline in the primary and secondary outcomes will be compared between groups using a general linear model, adjusting for baseline covariates that are potentially correlated with the outcome. These include demographics, socioeconomic status, anthropometrics, physical activity, and beverage consumption. We will further test covariates for potential interaction, i.e., differential effect on outcome in the two trial arms. The null hypothesis is that the 6-month change from baseline will not differ between diet groups.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|38 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Single (Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|A 6-Month Study on Diet and Weight Loss in Overweight Adolescents
|Study Start Date :
|February 2011
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|June 2014
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|June 2014
Experimental: Diet + Water
Participants will be counseled to follow a standard weight-reducing diet including consumption of 1) ample vegetables, fruits, and legumes; 2) whole rather than refined grains; and 3) high-quality proteins at most meals and snacks. Moreover, we will recommend limiting intake of added fats and sugars and avoiding juices and sugar-sweetened beverages (per standard practice). Participants will also be counseled to increase their water intake to 8 cups per day, consistent with the popular "8 × 8" recommendation (eight 8-oz glasses of water).
Behavioral: Dietary counseling
Participants will receive personalized dietary counseling to promote behavior change
Active Comparator: Diet
Participants will be counseled on the same standard weight-reducing diet, as described above, with no specific advice regarding water consumption. Furthermore, no specific dietary recommendations will be provided on altering fluid/beverage intake, other than to decrease calorie-containing beverages as noted above. When participants ask for a recommendation regarding water intake, they will be advised that drinking plain water is the best way to satisfy thirst and instructed to drink when thirsty.
Behavioral: Dietary counseling
Participants will receive personalized dietary counseling to promote behavior change
- Body mass index [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Body fat percentage [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Body circumferences [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Urine specific gravity [ Time Frame: Change throughout 6 months ]
- Hunger, satiety, and palatability ratings [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Diet quality [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Satisfaction rating [ Time Frame: 6 months ]
- Immune status [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Cardiovascular risk factors [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
- Diabetes risk factors [ Time Frame: 6 month change ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|12 Years to 17 Years (Child)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- BMI ≥ 85th percentile for sex and age according to CDC growth charts
- Access to a working telephone and cell phone
- At least one parent willing and able to participate in the intervention with the subject
- Residing in predominately one household (no more than one weekend every two weeks in a secondary household)
- Medical clearance from a primary care provider or treating physician to rule out any major medical illness, disability, or disorder (e.g., liver disease, renal failure, cancer)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Intake of more than 4 cups (250 mL per cup) of water per day
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
- Currently smoking (> 1 cigarette in the past week)
- Major surgery within the previous 6 months
- Does not have a primary care provider
- Physician diagnosis of a major medical illness (e.g. diabetes)
- Previous diagnosis of an eating disorder
- Physical, mental, or cognitive handicaps that prevent participation
- Chronic use of medications that may affect study outcomes (e.g. stimulants or diuretics)
- Another member of the family (first degree relative) or household participating in the study
- A friend, classmate or coworker participating in the study with whom they have contact with one or more times per week
- Girls who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months, lactating, or within 6 months postpartum
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01044134
|United States, Massachusetts
|Children's Hospital Boston
|Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
|Principal Investigator:
|David S Ludwig, MD, PhD
|Boston Children's Hospital
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|Responsible Party:
|David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, Professor, Boston Children's Hospital
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01044134 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|January 7, 2010 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|July 29, 2015
|Last Verified:
|July 2015