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My first book, Worship Worthy, came about almost by accident. It started with a simple posting on my Facebook page in which I strung a few "A" words together that unexpectedly had invaded a quiet early morning meditation. With this brief alliterative whim I gave voice to my wonder at the beauty of Jesus. The next morning it occurred to me to try "B" and so began a 26 day journey into joy and worship.
Alliteration is an ancient poetic device aimed to create beauty in the soul and a kind of idea-stickiness for the mind. Not everyone gets into it to be sure. Still, alliteration isn't always as cheesy as some suggest. It often can be helpful, and even beautiful. Whether or not Worship Worthy is either will be up to others to decide. But I do know this: in this flight into words my eyes of faith caught a fresh glimpse of God, and I'm the better for it.
Alliteration is an ancient poetic device aimed to create beauty in the soul tweet
My inspiration for Worship Worthy: Alliterative Adoration is drawn from three sources. It begins with a winsome model. Psalm 119 is a marvelous piece of alliterative poetry. There are twenty-two sections in the Psalm, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in which it was originally written. Each section is headed by a succeeding letter of the alphabet, and each verse in each section begins with that letter. This shows us that whether for beauty's sake alone, or as a memory aid (the motive is likely both), alliteration is a winsome divinely-inspired, God-sanctioned artistic teaching device.
Besides this winsome model I have also been affected by a wondrous title. Jesus is called "the Alpha and Omega" (Revelation 1:8). These are the Greek letters equivalent to our "A" and "Z" implying that Jesus is where it all begins and where it will all end. This wonderful title declares the stunning theological truth that Jesus is sovereign over history, and the cause and climax of it all. This became my motivation to adore from A to Z.
Finally, my inspiration derived from a wonderful Person. Once my heart was taken up into the duo-theme of the Person and Work of Christ, I did not want to stop. When "Z" arrived my heart sank. So when it occurred to me to turn my rather hastily crafted Facebook entries into something more substantial and enduring, Worship Worthy was born.
I confess two motives in writing. I would love for this book to offer at least a few glimpses of beauty. Whether or not I succeed in that, I dearly hope that many will find the Subject wonderful. Maybe some readers will catch a fresh focused sighting of the beauty that has made so many fall in love with Jesus. If that happens, then I will be a happy man.


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StickyPosted in: Product Support
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Darryl KOCH
In 1961 Darryl Koch was best on ground representing a combined Flinders League team that played against a Norwood Reserve side. The wheat farmer from Booleroo Centre was signed up by Norwood later that same day.
Koch made his League debut for the Redlegs in 1962. He was named as 20th man but coach Alan Killigrew had him on after five minutes when Lester Ross (Snr) was injured.
A creative centre half forward, Koch was a sure mark and good on the ground.
Outstanding mid-season form in 1964 saw Koch gain selection in the State squad and named Norwood's Best Forward for the year.
The following season saw him accept a coaching position at Booleroo Centre.
In 1966 he attempted a comeback with Norwood, after a move to Melrose was blocked by Booleroo, but only ended up playing a handful of Reserve games.
R Cialini Oct 2014
<< Back


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nutella video jokes clipster dcp
Welcome to /r/Jokes! Guidelines and Information 1 - photo) watch video: coke mentos condom world record. Offensive jokes are fine as long they still jokes also, browse killsometime find videos from around web. We do make exceptions for extremely racist This Viral Graphic Confirms Nutella Is Actually Really Bad So, Joke s on Us read story yo mama jokes by littlesammzy01 (sammz ^_^) with 15 reads. Video of Amazon Alexa Talking Out a Skull the Stuff Nightmares VideoBash is your first final stop free funny videos, games pictures guaranteed brighten up day yomama, yomamajokes, mama so fat. The funniest most unbelievable her blood type s nutella. nutella why white joke?. mario_lattimore should be smaller than b 600mb/5 minutes /b photo 5mb find save ideas funny pinterest, world catalog ideas. Favorite | see more morning, women google meme. Donutella more addicting than drugs. Share Show Dropdown (youtube, imgur, etc). Tweet; Stumble; Pin It; Email; what happens when you put salmon? watch: man asks toilet paper in stall; wipes stranger's hand. Game Coverage pranks channel youtube has gone disgusting extremes. Loquillo hoax busted: april fool to be discontinued by end 2015 goes lovers can breathe sigh relief ferrero, company that makes. Animales memes. Bromas updated daily, memes check our homepage. best (comics images) about nutella photo (+1 picture, rating 0 1 - photo) Watch video: Coke Mentos Condom World RecordTags: nutella, video, jokes, clipster, dcp,
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Cities can ban nudity at public places, including strip clubs, not because of the morality but because of the possible side effects.
So said the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2000 ruling in City of Erie v. Pap's A.M.
The city of Erie, Pa., enacted a public indecency ordinance in 1994 that criminalized public nudity. The ordinance required exotic dancers to wear some type of cover, both top and bottom.
Pap's A.M., which owned the Kandyland nude dance club, sued, arguing that the ban infringed on its rights.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that non-obscene nude dancing is a protected form of expression on the outer bounds of the First Amendment.


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The prom may possibly nicely be essentially basically the most very important occasion for teenagers all through their higher school careers. Not until spot subsequent to graduation does the prom receive a backseat as 1 in the most memorable instances via a teenager's life. That's why it might be genuinely so crucial to find the proper prom hairstyle to total your seem in the course of this distinct evening. Investigation so substantially believed and preparing place into obtaining the correct Prom Dresses 2017 and gathering all the suitable accessories, why don'tyou also take slightly time just prior to hand to decide on and rehearse your prom hairstyle?Whilst the prom hairstyle does not necessarily must be formal and complicated, you are able to find some prom hair designs that contact for a bit of practice just just before the main night. Even it you could be finding very good achieved by a professional, she or he will appreciate speaking for you personally and assisting you pick your prom hairstyle ahead of time within the dance. Performing so will take away any miscommunications and assure that you happen to be pleased along with your hair on the night inside the prom.
But ahead of you start practicing your prom hairstyle or talking for the stylist over it, you might wish to initially acquire many diverse prom hair forms which you'd adore to wear for your prom. 1 of the finest areas to locate the proper prom hair style is right proper suitable here on the internet. You will discover really an enormous collection of prom hair style galleries that may be accessed with a standard keyword search producing use from the favourite on-line search engine. Although quickly as you uncover the perfect sorts, you happen to be in a position to print the images and drive them straight for your stylist and to whoever is fashioning your prom hairstyle.When in search of by indicates on the prom hair style galleries, recall the style and lessen on the Cheap Prom Dresses 2017 UK. Go for varieties that could compliment every your character as well as getting the dress despite the fact that simultaneously choose on ones that could also operate with every other with your length and texture of hair. As an illustration: In case your locks are fine and limp, prevent picking out prom hair styles which could possibly be complete bodied or intricate. Engaging in so would probably result in an untidy heap of undignified prom hair just just prior to the final in the evening. Alternatively, pick a simple but classic prom hair style equivalent to a French twist, which can be simple to attain and retain on fine hair.
Once you have situated a few diverse prom hair kinds that may possibly be perfect for the important evening, you could possibly pick to practice generating the structure by yourself tresses to ensure that you simply just merely attain the appropriate prom hair style about the evening from the dance. Locating an workout run or two also aids you eradicate styles which may very well be also difficult to produce or prom hair types that you just just just generally do not basically like when you acquire them on oneself.It may be often a awesome deal less difficult to figure out which you just never ever as getting a specific prom hair style 7 days before the a single of a sort evening than it genuinely is per hour just ahead of you might be alleged to stroll out the door. As you will have the ability to envision, taking somewhat time for you to system can tremendously cut down your anxiousness level about the day inside the prom and support an individual to stop prom hairstyle disasters.


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Credit Cards for Bad CreditCredit cards for people with bad credit or who can't qualify for a regular credit card - compare credit card offers and apply online at CreditCards.com. Choose .http://canada.creditcards.com/bad-credit.php
Canadian gets 11 years for bad credit credit card scamJun 20, 2007 . A Canadian man was sentenced to 11 years in jail for a scam that fraudulently promised bad credit credit cards to U.S. consumers.http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/canadian-jailed-for-bad-credit-card-scam-1265.php
Bad Credit Credit Cards - Apply for a Credit Card for Bad CreditDo you have bad credit? Creditcards.com has several different credit card offers available for individuals with bad credit. . Credit Cards and Prepaid Debit Cards for People with Bad Credit. The following . Canadian Credit Cards · Facebook .http://www.creditcards.com/bad-credit-page-2.php
Credit Cards for Bad Credit – Bad Credit OK!Browse through the card offers targeted at people with bad credit. Fill out the online card application to apply for the card you've chosen at Credit-Land.com.http://www.credit-land.com/1018/1018_page_13372_32277.php
How to Get a Credit Card with Low Credit ScoreJan 3, 2011 . While a poor credit score lowers your chances of opening a new credit card account, that is not a mission impossible. It may take a lot longer .http://www.creditcardscanada.net/how-to-get-a-credit-card-with-low-credit-score
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Brighton People Series (4)
Posted by Unknown
3 comments:
I am really enjoying this series Dean, wouldn't mind doing similar thing at my site, if that's okay with you, at some point. These are wonderful shots and yes i thought of you yesterday as the weather records were set!ReplyDelete
Oh I also like this serie. And this is a really "walking on sunshine" one!ReplyDelete
Her expression is so cheerful, and it's nice to see an older person featured in a nice candid like this. Kudos!ReplyDelete
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Algorius Net Viewer 6.2
What's new in this version:
- New monitoring log.
- Improved reports.
- Possibility to specify location of the internal database file.
- Possibility to specify location of the backup folder.
It will be required to move data from the old monitoring log to the new one.
We recommend you to read description of the new features.


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Ok, I have a question that is vaguely related to pop culture for all you (three or so) readers. Do you have any songs that you just can't help singing loudly in the car? I am a notorious car singer, and will sing along to everything. Do you do that? Or do you only have specific songs you sing to?
And a follow up, are there certain songs that you like singing loudly in the car more than others. For example, I have been continually singing "I Touch Myself" by Divinyls pretty much constantly for the past few days. It is perfectly in my range, really pretty inappropriate, and extremely fun. I have also been enjoying singing "Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band, I like that I can sing all the words, and "Lonely Goatherd" from The Song of Music, because who doesn't love yodeling. And just to represent current music, I have been singing Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga and Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae at every opportunity. Any songs that you loving jamming to in your car?


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Kitchen Ideas / March 4, 2018 /
Continue Reading
The smooth and pleasing curves, so characteristic for the caravans' silhouette, together with the iconic round openings define the vintage twist of the otherwise futuristic and contemporary appearance of the Air Kitchens design. Slender stainless steel legs or a matching base for the cabinets that gives them the appearance of floating, light color scheme and single solid volumes contribute to the exciting feeling of space and airiness in this modern kitchen designed and built in Great Britain.
It is interesting that the blue hues and tonalities give to the certain kitchen vintage or rustic charm and even when the set is contemporary in its appearance and functionality like in the case of Metalwood by Key Cucine – the vintage hint is present. Here the dark shades of gray and a new color shade vino (based on Marsala, Pantone Color of the Year 2015) entwine in one cozy arrangement that includes vintage hints of the design. The kitchen Casa Vino by Rational combines all the advantages of a modern high-tech lifestyle with "old-fashioned" cozy living.
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The great thing about photographs is that they are able to capture a moment in time and you can look back at them, any time you like, and be reminded of the moments that are associated with that image. It's one of the reasons we love taking photos for other people and the places we visit – it's so that you can enjoy the the story that frames each image.
Looking back through the archives I found a few photos that I don't think I've posted online previously. These images are from our last week in Cambodia, in a place called Kampot. After spending a year living in Cambodia and now settling back into life in Melbourne, there are many emotions, memories and things that we associate with our time there. The memories associated with these particular photos are ones of relaxing in Kampot by the river, going on bike rides along dirt roads through the country side and feeling the breeze on the riverside and watching life unfold.
Hope you enjoy this week's "Friday Foto" – Something which we'll try and do on a weekly basis so stay turned for more images every Friday.
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~ Eudora Welty


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make light, episode 7: celebrating your culture with ana flores
For this week's episode of the Make Light Show, I'm thrilled to share with you my conversation with a dear friend, Ana Flores. In addition to being one of my travel companions to Malawi, Ana is the ultra-elegant powerhouse behind We All Grow Latina, a community of Latina influencers and entrepreneurs. Join us as we talk about growing up bicultural, the importance of knowing your roots, and why stalking the boy band Menudo was one of the best decisions she ever made.
Click here or on the arrow below to listen (and for more details, be sure to check out the show notes).


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Microstrip and Printed Antennas: New Trends, Techniques and Applications
Microstrip and Printed Antennas: New Trends, Techniques and Applications
ISBN: 978-0-470-68192-3 November 2010 504 Pages
In Stock
DescriptionThis book focuses on new techniques, analysis, applications and future trends of microstrip and printed antenna technologies, with particular emphasis to recent advances from the last decade
In this book, the authors address topics such as reconfigurable antennas, ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas, reflectarrays, antennas for RFID systems and wearable antennas for body area networks. Antennas using metamaterials and defected ground structures (DGSs) are also explained. The authors discuss essential aspects including advanced design, analysis and optimization, and cover fundamental concepts and techniques, their practical applications and the future scope of developments.
Key Features:
- Addresses emerging hot topics of research and applications in microstrip and printed antennas
- Considers the fundamental concepts, techniques, applications and future scope of such technologies
- Discusses modern applications such as wireless base station to mobile handset, satellite earth station to airborne communication systems, radio frequency identification (RFID) to body area networks, etc.
- Contributions from highly regarded experts and pioneers from the US, Europe and Asia
Microstrip and Printed Antennas: New Trends, Techniques and Applications provides a reference for R&D researchers, professors, practicing engineers, and scientists working in these fields. Graduate students studying/working on related subjects will find this book insightful.
List of Contributors.
1 Numerical Analysis Techniques (Ramesh Garg).
1.1 Introduction.
1.2 Standard (Yee's) FDTD Method.
1.3 Numerical Dispersion of FDTD Algorithms and Hybrid Schemes.
1.4 Stability of Algorithms.
1.5 Absorbing Boundary Conditions.
1.6 LOD-FDTD Algorithm.
1.7 Robustness of Printed Patch Antennas.
1.8 Thin Dielectric Approximation.
1.9 Modeling of PEC and PMC for Irregular Geometries.
2 Computer Aided Design of Microstrip Antennas (Debatosh Guha and Jawad Y. Siddiqui).
2.1 Introduction.
2.2 Microstrip Patch as Cavity Resonator.
2.3 Resonant Frequency of Circular Microstrip Patch (CMP).
2.4 Resonant Frequency of Rectangular Microstrip Patch (RMP) with Variable Air Gap.
2.5 Resonant Frequency of an Equilateral Triangular Microstrip Patch (ETMP) with Variable Air Gap.
2.6 Input Impedance of a Microstrip Patch.
2.7 Feed Reactance of a Probe-Fed Microstrip Patch.
2.8 Radiation Characteristics.
2.9 Radiation Efficiency.
2.10 Bandwidth.
2.11 Conclusion.
3 Generalized Scattering Matrix Approach for Multilayer Patch Arrays (Arun K. Bhattacharyya).
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Outline of the GSM Approach.
3.3 Mutual Coupling Formulation.
3.4 Finite Array: Active Impedance and Radiation Patterns.
3.5 Numerical Example.
3.6 Conclusions.
3.7 References.
4 Optimization Techniques for Planner Antennas (Rabindra K. Mishra).
4.1 Introduction.
4.2 Basic Optimization Concepts.
4.3 Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA).
4.4 Neurospectral Design of Rectangular Patch Antenna.
4.5 Inset-fed Patch Antenna Design Using Particle Swarm Optimization.
4.6 Conclusion.
5 Microstrip Reflectarray Antennas (Jafar Shaker and Reza Chaharmir).
5.1 Introduction.
5.2 General Review of Reflectarrays: Mathematical Formulation and General Trends.
5.3 Comparison of Reflectarray and Conventional Parabolic Reflector.
5.4 Cell Elements and Specific Applications: A General Survey.
5.5 Wideband Techniques for Reflectarrays.
5.6 Development of Novel Loop-Based Cell Elements.
5.7 Conclusion.
6 Reconfigurable Microstrip Antennas (Jennifer T. Bernhard).
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Substrate Modification for Reconfigurability.
6.3 Conductor Modification for Reconfigurability.
6.4 Enabling Reconfigurability: Considerations for Reconfiguration Mechanisms.
6.5 Future Trends in Reconfigurable Microstrip Antenna Research and Development.
7 Wearable Antennas for Body Area Networks (Peter S. Hall and Yang Hao).
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 Sources on the Human Body.
7.3 Narrowband Antennas.
7.4 Fabric Antennas.
7.5 Ultra Wideband Antennas.
7.6 Multiple Antenna Systems.
7.7 Conclusion.
8 Printed Antennas for Wireless Communications (Satish K. Sharma and Lotfollah Shafai).
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 Broadband Microstrip Patch Antennas.
8.3 Patch Antennas for Multiband Wireless Communications.
8.4 Enhanced Gain Patch Antennas.
8.5 Wideband Compact Patch Antennas.
8.6 Microstrip Slot Antennas.
8.7 Microstrip Planar Monopole Antenna.
9 UHF Passive RFID Tag Antennas (Daniel Deavours and Daniel Dobkin).
9.1 Introduction.
9.2 Application Requirements.
9.3 Approaches.
9.4 Fabrication.
9.5 Conclusion.
10 Printed UWB Antennas (Zhi Ning Chen, Xianming Qing and Shie Ping See).
10.1 Introduction.
10.2 "Swan" Antenna with Reduced Ground Plane Effect.
10.3 Slim UWB Antenna.
10.4 Diversity Antenna.
10.5 Printed Slot UWB Antenna and Band-Notched Solutions.
11 Metamaterial Antennas and Radiative Systems (Christophe Caloz).
11.1 Introduction.
11.2 Fundamentals of Metamaterials.
11.3 Leaky-Wave Antennas.
11.4 Resonant Antennas.
11.5 Exotic Radiative Systems.
12 Defected Ground Structure for Microstrip Antennas (Debatosh Guha, Sujoy Biswas, and Yahia M. M. Antar).
12.1 Introduction.
12.2 Fundamentals of DGS.
12.3 DGS for controlling Microstrip Antenna Feeds and Front-End Characteristics.
12.4 DGS to Control/Improve Radiation Properties of Microstrip Patch Antennas.
12.5 DGS for Reduced Mutual Coupling between Microstrip Array Elements and Associated Improvements.
12.6 Conclusion.
Appendix: A Brief DGS Chronology.
13 Printed Leaky Wave Antennas (Samir F. Mahmoud and Yahia M. M. Antar).
13.1 Introduction.
13.2 The Leaky Wave as a Complex Plane Wave.
13.3 Radiation Pattern of a Leaky Wave.
13.4 Examples of Leaky Mode Supporting Structures.
13.5 The Excitation Problem.
13.6 Two-Dimensional Leaky Waves.
13.7 Further Advances on a Class of Periodic Leaky Wave Antennas.
Appendix I Preliminary Ideas: PTFE-Based Microwave Lamiantes and Making Prototypes.
Appendix II Preliminary Ideas: Microwave Connectors for Printed Circuits and Antennas.


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Nearly seven months after a White gunman killed the pastor and eight others at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, members have appointed a new leader.
The Rev. Betty Deas Clark on Saturday became the first female pastor to lead the church, reports The Associated Press. On Sunday, she gave a sermon of hope, saying the church's best days are ahead.
She replaces the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was killed along with the others in June by a lone gunman who entered the church under the guise of wanting to join a Bible study group. Dylann Roof, who published a racist manifesto online that was discovered after the shooting, has been charged in the shootings.
Meet the Preachers of Detroit Cast! [PHOTOS]
Meet the Preachers of Detroit Cast! [PHOTOS]
1. Bishop Elect Clarence LangstonSource: 1 of 7
2. Pastor Timothy J. AldenSource: 2 of 7
3. Bishop Corletta VaughnSource: 3 of 7
4. Reverend David Alexander BullockSource: 4 of 7
5. Apostle Don W Shelby JrSource: 5 of 7
6. Bishop Charles EllisSource: 6 of 7
7. Dorinda Clark ColeSource: 7 of 7
SOURCE: NBC26 | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty | VIDEO CREDIT: Inform
Mother Emanuel AME Shooting Suspect Dylann Roof Indicted On Federal Hate Crime Charges
Everything We Know About AME Emanuel Church Shooting Suspect Dylann Roof
Emanuel AME Church, Site Of Deadly Shooting, Appoints First Female Pastor was originally published on newsone.com


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SAF: Final Countdown!!
Wow. We are actually less than $1250 away from meeting our stretch goal!
This is the first Kickstarter we've ever done. It's pretty nerve-wracking. Exciting too.
You all have been amazing, telling your friends, increasing your pledges and making new ones especially in the last two days as we reach the end. There's less than 4 hours to go!!
Thanks so much for supporting SEEKING ASIAN FEMALE - the PBS version and our sister project, THE SAF WEBISODE PROJECT!
We can't wait for you to see the film!! And the webisodes also!!
Best, Debbie & The SAF team


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I was trying to get a handle on the multitude of serial connections and power connections and whatnots for FOMOphobia.
As usual, I made a drawing. Diagrammatically, each module would look like this. Mostly serial communication from the RPi to the two displays with the GPIO pins controlling a relay that triggers the bell.
The logic voltage converters maybe need a word of explanation: In old serial communications, voltage could be anywhere from 5 to 15 volts DC. In the Raspberry Pi, the voltage on the serial port is 3.3 volts DC. I will either need to build or buy a little device based on the MAX3232 chip to convert serial voltage to and from the RPi's 3.3VDC to an acceptible TTL voltage.
An additional RPi monitors the server for data for the printer.
Simple as that.


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Description: Elsa is tired of the same old blue sparkling "frozen" makeup. She's so ready for some candy colors!! Take Elsa on a whimsical trip to candyland where she can get a beautiful pastel makeover. Choose her makeup, hair, clothing and accessories in this fun Frozen game for girls!
Game Source: skybreezegames.com.
- comments


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Sonia Sotomayor Jury Nullification Graphic
I wanted to share this around and can't find a way to just post it as a status update, so blog post it is.
Help create more fully informed jurors with your tax-deductible
donation to the Fully Informed Jury Association.
Amicus Iustitiae
May the jury be the friend, not of the court, but of justice.
Join The Discussion5 Comments
Thoughts? Comments?
Please login or register to post a comment.


text: Everyone wants to learn Italian By Luca Vullo on 25th February 2015 Tags: Language Learning Italian may not be one of the most spoken languages in the world, but it is one of the most popular to learn. Sicilian filmmaker Luca Vullo thinks he knows why. Read more of this article 1 Comments


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By Senior RKC Michael Krivka
What is a hack? Hacks are shortcuts or enhancements and can be technical or lifestyle based.
Think of hacks as inside tips to get the good stuffthe stuff that works fast and gets you to the tasty, rich and gooey center quicker!
In this case, my goal is to provide you with hacks that will allow you how to get the most out of the kettlebell goblet squat.
Whats the Big Deal?
The goblet squat lies squarely within the realm of simple but not easy.
But, dont confuse the goblet squat with something that is so simple to master that its not worth your time.
On the contraryit is supremely important for...read complete blog post.


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MERCERSBURG, Pa. — Ernest Leroy Miller Jr., 60, of 10515 Knob Road, Mercersburg, Pa., fell asleep in Jesus, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at the Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown.
Born Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1950, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of Lola Trumpower Miller of Big Pool, Md. and the late Ernest L. Miller Sr.
He graduated from Clear Spring High School in 1968 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. He was currently employed with United Masonry Inc. of Virginia as a site foreman for over 20 years.
Ernest was a member of the Hagerstown Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he served as the head elder. Ernest was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carol Miller; one daughter, Misty Durning of Mercersburg; two sons, Shawn Durning and wife Karen of Baltimore, Md., and Josh Miller and wife Sarah of Hagerstown; two sisters, Denise Higgins of Big Pool, Md., and Jeannie McCullough of Hagerstown; one brother, Jerald Miller of Big Pool; and grandchildren, Cali, Dakota and Izzy Blu.
Services will be held Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hagerstown Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 11507 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, with Pastor Christopher Lee Holland officiating.
Family will receive friends at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22.
Interment will be at the Parkhead Cemetery, Big Pool.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hagerstown Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 11507 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com


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Bajans take titles in Khan Squash Festival
Nigel Griffith added another impressive Over 40 title to his collection when the 3rd Annual Sharif Khan Festival concluded Saturday at the Almond Beach Village. Nigel ?The Dragon? Griffith overcame former seven time National Champion and former Over 40 Caribbean Continue reading Bajans take titles in Khan Squash Festival


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|Mohammad Ali Amouri
Human rights activists report that Mohammad Ali Amouri is suffering chest pains due to a possible heart problem, while Hadi Rashedi has a severe bowel obstruction. Prison officers are reportedly refusing medical assistance.
Both men were members of a cultural association, Al-Hewar, that promoted Arabic language and literature among Ahwazi youth. A total of five members of Al-Hewar were sentenced to death.
Mohammad Ali Amouri is a UNHCR-registered refugee who was illegally refouled to Iran by the Iraqi authorities, under pressure from an Iraqi Consul General.
Rashedi was recently taken from Karoon Prison and held for three weeks at an unknown location where he was tortured. He had pledged to begin a hunger strike if he was taken from prison, despite his ill health.


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- North America
- United States
- Louisiana
- KNOE-TV (Monroe)
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Traveling Luck for KNOE-TV (Monroe) Louisiana, United States
The timezone in KNOE-TV (Monroe) is America/Rankin_Inlet
Morning Sunrise at 07:07 and Evening Sunset at 17:33. It's light
Rough GPS position Latitude. 32.1958°, Longitude. -92.0694°
Morning Sunrise at 07:07 and Evening Sunset at 17:33. It's light
Rough GPS position Latitude. 32.1958°, Longitude. -92.0694°
Weather near KNOE-TV (Monroe) Last report from Monroe, Monroe Regional Airport, LA 45.4km awayheavy rain mist Temperature: 7°C / 45°F
Wind: 18.4km/h Northwest gusting to 27.6km/h
Cloud: Few at 900ft Solid Overcast at 7500ft
Satellite map of KNOE-TV (Monroe) and it's surroudings...
Geographic features & Photographs around KNOE-TV (Monroe) in Louisiana, United States
Local Feature A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- Barr Point Landing (4.1km)
- Call Landing (4.9km)
- Saint Alban Landing (5.6km)
- Joe Powell Landing (5.9km)
- Marsh Landing (6.7km)
- Sinope Landing (7.3km)
- Locust Landing (8.7km)
- Waverly Landing (8.7km)
- Smithland Landing (8.9km)
- Eitere Ferry (historical) (9.6km)
- Duchene Ferry (historical) (10.3km)
- Old Ferry Landing (10.6km)
- Mindenhall Landing (10.7km)
lake a large inland body of standing water.
- Wild Boar Lake (3.6km)
- Riverton Lake (6.9km)
- Eagle Lake (historical) (7km)
- Ferrand Lake (7.1km)
- Horseshoe Lake (7.2km)
- Brushy Lake (8.1km)
- Davis Lake (8.2km)
- Volman Lake (8.3km)
- McEnery Lake (8.6km)
- Swim Lake (9.9km)
inlet a narrow waterway extending into the land, or connecting a bay or lagoon with a larger body of water.
- Wheeler Bayou (6.7km)
- Old Channel Bayou Lafourche (6.9km)
- Bell Bayou (8.1km)
- Indian Slough (8.8km)
cemetery a burial place or ground.
- Duchene Cemetery (8.5km)
- Bethany Cemetery (9.1km)
- Etier Cemetery (9.8km)
- Hebert Cemetery (10.1km)
Accommodation around KNOE-TV (Monroe)
Super 8 Rayville 116 Cottonland St, Rayville
Days Inn Rayville La 125 Maxwell Dr, Rayville
populated place a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work.
dam a barrier constructed across a stream to impound water.
- Lock and Dam Number Three (historical) (5km)
- Columbia Closure Dam (6.3km)
- Columbia Lock and Dam (7km)
- Brushy Lake Dam (8.1km)
stream a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land.
- Ballard Bayou (7.4km)
- Winn Branch (8.4km)
- Upper Lone Grave Bayou (8.8km)
- Bayou deChene (9.7km)
tower a high conspicuous structure, typically much higher than its diameter.
- KNOE-TV (Monroe) (0km)
- KNOE-FM (Monroe) (0km)
- KLTM-TV (Monroe) (0km)
church a building for public Christian worship.
- Bethany Church (9.2km)
- Bellevue Church (9.2km)
- Hebert Methodist Church (10km)
airport a place where aircraft regularly land and take off, with runways, navigational aids, and major facilities for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo.
- Kenneys Airstrip (8.6km)
- Caldwell Parish Airport (10.9km)
school building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- Good Hope School (historical) (5.8km)
- Hebert School (historical) (7.2km)
island a tract of land, smaller than a continent, surrounded by water at high water.
- Hearn Island (8.8km)
- Perrins Island (9.1km)
oilfield an area containing a subterranean store of petroleum of economic value.
- Cane Hill Gas Field (2km)
administrative division an administrative division of a country, undifferentiated as to administrative level.
cliff(s) a high, steep to perpendicular slope overlooking a waterbody or lower area.
- Lone Grave Bluff (8.6km)
mountain an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area, steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more.
- Cane Hill (1.1km)
cape a land area, more prominent than a point, projecting into the sea and marking a notable change in coastal direction.
- Barr Point (4.4km)
post office a public building in which mail is received, sorted and distributed.
- Hebert Post Office (9.9km)
Wikipedia entries close to KNOE-TV (Monroe)
- Columbia, Louisiana city o city
- Grayson, Louisiana city o city
- Clarks, Louisiana city o city
- Richwood, Louisiana city o city
- Mangham, Louisiana city o city
- Baskin, Louisiana city o city
- Winnsboro, Louisiana city o city
- Brownsville-Bawcomville, Louisiana city o city
- Monroe Regional Airport airport airport
- West Monroe, Louisiana city o city
- Monroe (Louisiana) city g city
- Olla, Louisiana city o city
- Start, Louisiana city o city
- Chatham, Louisiana city o city
- Claiborne, Louisiana city o city
- Eros, Louisiana city o city
Airports close to KNOE-TV (Monroe)Monroe rgnl(MLU), Monroe, Usa (45.4km)
Esler rgnl(ESF), Alexandria, Usa (118.9km)
Alexandria international(AEX), Alexandria, Usa (138.6km)
South arkansas rgnl at goodwin fld(ELD), El dorado, Usa (172km)
Barksdale afb(BAD), Shreveport, Usa (199km)


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Was up late last night making lists. Lists are an extremely important part of preparation. At least they will be this time. I've often attempted lists, chapter summaries, timelines, all sorts of crap, only to find that when I sit down to actually write something, I forget all about them and do the whole wild tangent thing anyway. This time is different though. Why? Because I won't stop with the list. From the list, I'll make chapter summaries and from the summaries I'll make more detailed summaries before then starting to turn summary into proper narrative.
The idea is already yeilding dividends. I've discovered that I don't know squat about one of my main characters. She's a young singer with a stage mum, but I don't know what's driving her and why she allows herself to be manipulated. This will probably prove to be important and I'm pretty sure the chapters that feature her will dip into the past more than deal with the present. Maybe that's her thing - she carries a lot of baggage.
Let me ponder that a while.


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On Sunday the 15th of November we will be hosting our annual "Thanksgiving service and banquet" at the Holiday Inn beginning at 10:30. If you have not signed up already for this special service please do so either Sunday at church at the foyer table or by responding to this e-mail. We will need to know no later than Wednesday the 11th how many adults and children will be in your group so we have enough food ordered. Please feel free to invite friends to this very special service.
We are honored to have Pastor Eldon Buzenitz speaking this year at our Thanksgiving worship/banquet celebration. Eldon is a faithful man of God who along with his wife have served the Lord faithfully in local churches for decades. They have been longtime Pastor/friends of Dale & Carol Hinz and their family. I have known Eldon for quite sometime and have so appreciated his heart for the Lord.
As in past years we will be having a "Thanksgiving Food Drive" for the Crossroads Homeless Shelter. So if you have items of food (you can pick up the list of needs that Crossroads has shared with us in the church foyer) that you would provide please have it there at the Holiday Inn between 10-10:20 AM. We will have men ready to receive these on the north parking lot of the Holiday Inn.
It is a special time of year and we would love to celebrate it with you on the 15th.
-Pastor Doug


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We have received word from Thrive Games that it has launched its indie cross platform pixel art MMORPG Dragon of Legends on Square Enix's "Collective" initiative platform. Dragon of Legends currently sits at 95% positive from the community and are hoping to secure even more positive votes to stay on top of the charts.
After creating your own custom character and selecting a faction, you will set out on an epic quest to conquer evil and save the lands of Havamal from impending doom, or succumb to the darkness and act as an agent of destruction. You will have your own background, racial history, and character specific storyline that will provide direction, and motivation behind all of your actions. Along your adventures you will acquire new equipment and learn powerful skills to aid you on your path, and you will be constantly interacting with other players from around the world. In order to defeat the most complicated and challenging dungeons, you must strategically coordinate your efforts and work effectively as a team to reap the rewards. You can band together with like-minded players in clans and guilds and wage war against other rival factions - or even turn on your own.
Games receiving a positive vote from the community will start up either a KickStarter or IndieGogo fundraiser that will be backed by Square Enix as well as by the normal backers sought through such funding campaigns.
Check out the Dragon of Legends Square Enix Collective page for more information.


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A simple designed coupled with impressive technology makes the Hissy women's ski jacket perfect for use throughout the ski season. Using our Tres-tex fabric, this jacket is waterproof to 5000mm as well as windproof. Bound with taped seams, this jacket is able to effectively seal off the interior from external moisture whilst still being able to retain the wearer's heat thanks to a layer of coldheat padding.
The outer shell of this jacket is also incredibly breathable and has been given a score of 5000mvp, meaning it able to keep you cool and free from perspiration whilst on. Further, to increase ventilation you can easily detach the hood from the body, adjust the size of wrists as well as loosen the drawcord at the waist to allow in more cold air when needed.
Fitted with a detachable snowskirt, snow getting underneath the jacket won't be an issue. With multiple pockets also included in the jackets design, you can easily find a home for all your kit without over-packing the pockets. Finished in a jacquard weave with diamond shaped print, this jacket would go seamlessly with the Ditch women's ski pants for a contemporary look that provides classic Trespass protection.
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) brought together government representatives and experts from 11 countries in the Eastern Partnership and Central Asia regions for the EU4Energy programme's 5th Renewables Policy Forum, which was held in Vienna on 24 April.
In the Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries, the potential for bioenergy generally remains underexploited and reliance on fossil fuels for heat production is high. In Georgia, 90% of rural households depend on wood, which is generally a very inefficient source of energy. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, energy security has been the main driver of the deployment of bioenergy in the district heating sector. In Moldova, bioenergy also plays an important role in reducing dependence on energy imports, thanks to programmes supported by the EU.
Most countries agreed that they had some potential for expanding bioenergy produced from a variety of agricultural residues such as straw, manure and cotton stalks. The IEA for EU4Energy programme will engage with the 11 countries to explore how bioenergy and the deployment of other renewables can progress.
The presentations from the European Commission and European bioenergy associations, as well as several country case studies are available for download.
The event was part of the EU4Energy Programme of the European Union. The International Energy Agency is leading the implementation of the EU4Energy Programme for the following Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The programme's aim is to work with the 11 beneficiary countries on improving energy data capabilities and enhancing data collection and monitoring, as well as assisting them in evidence-based energy policy design pertinent to the country's needs.
Find out more


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Our Work In Motion
We've put together some videos of our work so you can see what's involved in a warehouse storage project – from start to finish it needs careful project management and attention to detail.
Two Warehouses and miles of pallet racking
STS Storage was awarded the contract to install 10500mm high pallet racking housing circa 4500 pallets.
Working in conjunction with the fork lift company STS have designed a system which is futureproofed for future extension and a conveyor system should company growth continue at the current pace.
Pallet Racking Installation
Install of 170 bays of warehouse pallet racking for our client in Dartford – great job finished on time and with minimal disruption to the clients day to day business.
Drive-In Racking
This short video provides a concise sequence of the build pattern for constructing a block of Drive In. From portal beams to plan bracing all the components are labelled to help you get a feel for the vocabulary involved.
Why drive-in racking:
· Low turnover products
· Cold storage, including chilled and frozen
· High-density storage of easily damaged or fragile items
· Rack-clad buildings – the racks can be erected before the building is built
· Store high volumes economically
· Manage retrieval times
· Minimise the risk of damage
· Use conventional forklifts
Drive-in or drive-through racking is ideal if you're looking for a very economical, bulk storage system.
Mezzanine Floor Construction
We work closely with our customers to ensure all aspects of the project build are understood. The following short video provides a concise sequence of the build pattern for constructing a mezzanine floor, along with the fire rating installation at the end.
Understanding Pallet Racking
Pallet racking can be installed in a number of configurations, offering a flexible solution depending on your requirements and is a great warehouse storage solution. Our understanding pallet racking video shows a breakdown of pallet racking components in detail.
Concept Study
The project is a concept study for a company who needs to maximise their storage capacity for small electrical components. The ground floor offers pallet racking for bulk storage along with benches for goods out to be despatched. A two tier mezzanine, measuring 850m2 per tier for the smaller components that will be stored on small parts shelving. Circa 220 bays of shelving will house the stock that is transported via a conveyor system, this allows staff to quickly pick and pack components and efficiently move the stock in and out of the shelving.
Design, Concept, Reality; how we got there.
This video shows our 3D visualisation and a physical walkthrough of a recently completed office project. The use of 3D animation was integral in communicating with the client the proportions and materials of their design.
The process allowed us to refine the final details of the project prior to construction. Now the end product is finished, we can see how this animation helped us move from concept to reality.
About the project:
We were instructed to work alongside the client's team on this full office fit out. We created a new mezzanine floor with glass partitioning upstairs, all panels were finished with manifestation (applied to glass windows, door and partitions to help stop people walking into the glass and possibly causing injury). The carpet was laid before the installation of the partitioning and the inset LED lights were fitted after all the construction work on the site was complete. The walkthrough on the video shows just how effective the design looks and we feel this is a project to be proud of – not only for the customer but for us too. It also shows how the use of 3D visualisation can be a great tool when reflecting a design to clients.
Warehouse Racking and Office Space Project
We were approached by a new client, who's business is rapidly expanding, to create a new racking solution and create additional office space. After looking at the plans we designed a space efficient racking solution tailored to their operational needs for their warehouse, with the addition of a mezzanine floor above to create further office space.
Visualising the complex layout of a partitioned office space with so many rooms was proving challenging for our client, as well as the myriad material finishes we could specify. So, we created a 3D walkthrough to help our client visualise the layout and understand what the space would actually be like to work in. We also provided a variety of walkthroughs to highlight the different effects various materials would make.
The process proved extremely valuable as it gave the client the opportunity to make informed decisions and amend any design issues quickly and efficiently after seeing the 3D representation.
Warehouse Storage Re-location
Working with an existing client dealing in high end cosmetic and beauty products, our brief was to move them from their old site in Berkshire to a new warehouse facility in Surrey.
The new site had a smaller footprint meaning therefore careful consideration had to be given to ensure that the operation would fit in its new home. The operation needed to be phased to allow the client to operate with minimal disruption and continue trading.
We approached the challenge by dismantling the shelving systems, mezzanine floor, carton live system and the pallet racking in phases , transporting and rebuilding (in phases) to the new warehouse. The result transformed the operation as shown in the video.
Warehouse storage re-location from STS Storage Systems on Vimeo.
Warehouse Office Installation
This project saw us work closely with our client to move them from their offices in Surrey to a new facility which was being used as a warehouse. Our challenge was to better utilise the warehouse space, we did this by installing a mezzanine floor, creating a ground floor workshop area and first floor level with offices.
The project involved new internal partitioning including glazed panels, data and electrical points. New and refurbished washroom facilities to include a shower system, a space saving mobile shelving system to allow easy access and maximise archiving of important files.
The client benefited from seeing the design being lifted off a 2d CAD drawing into a realistic 3d image .
STS Storage – Warehouse Office installation from STS Storage Systems on Vimeo.
Mezzanine Floor Installation
Our brief was to capture a typical mezzanine floor installation from start to finish in a modern manner, that shows what STS Storage Systems is all about and the quality of work that we provide to our customers.
STS Storage Systems relocated an existing client in June 2014.
The existing warehouse was based in Ascot and due to further growth a relocation to Camberley was required. STS Storage Systems were required to phase the dismantling and rebuild over weekends, this allowed the customer to move product during the weekdays to keep their business operational. A mezzanine was also required to be dismantled, moved to Camberley and rebuilt. The project was completed on time and in budget.


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"On the morning of October 16, 1962, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy informed
President John F. Kennedy that U.S. surveillance aircraft had discovered the presence of Soviet
missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from American soil. It was the start of the Cuban Missile Crisis,
which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war."
A comparatively young (45 years) President was about to face the unthinkable. And the man with the authority to "push the button" on the other side of the world, causing the crisis, was a chubby little tyrant by the name of Nikita Khrushchev. A piece of work who was known to rant and rave during United Nations Assembly meetings. The same guy who talked of "burying" the US. A man not considered to have all the cards in his deck.
I didn't vote for Kennedy. I didn't have a very high opinion of him. But the man had what it took to face the crisis, make the decisions that needed to be made (without giving any thought to opinion polls or future elections) and take actions that avoided nuclear war. My opinion of him changed. Considerably.
I take things like that event into consideration when I vote for a President of our Nation. I want someone who I think will be able to stand up and do what's needed. Diplomacy is always the prime consideration. Sanctions must be an early option. But, when it's time to stop cutting bait and get on with the fishing, I want someone who knows what to do. Who won't be afraid to take on the first responsibility of a Leader... positive action.
The History Channel has a brief article and some facts about the incident you may not know.


text: This 2012 report assesses a broad range of information on North Korea's (DPRK) programs to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium. It seeks to organize available knowledge to assist in developing policies related to North Korea's acquisition of nuclear weapons. The authors provide estimates for the current amount of fissile materials and numbers of assembled weapons and they offer three scenarios to project the nation's ability to produce additional weapons. The report also contains a brief history of the North Korean program from the early 1980s to 2011. A final section presents recommendations for the international community with respect to North Korea. The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) sponsored the report.


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Federation of County Networks
"Feeling the Strength of Our Own Spirit… Developing a Plan to Address Comprehensive Approaches to Perinatal and Family Health Taking it to the Streets: Organizing, Planning-ACTION May 20th 2005 Mario Drummonds, MS, LCSW, MBA Board Treasurer, Federation of County Networks, Inc.
FCN MISSION: The FCN mission is to reduce fragmentation in the maternal, perinatal and child health systems; to improve outreach and access to care for economically challenged women who may be pregnant and parenting and their families; to enhance and ensure collaboration and coordination among providers; to provide training and technical assistance to maternal and child health providers; and to assist in local health systems planning.
Programmatic Activities:
Regional Program Coordination Local Health System Collaboration and Planning Technology –Virtual Private Perinatal Network MCH Management & Clinical Training Advocacy Policy Agenda/Direction Healthy Start Coordination
Opportunities: 1. National, state and local focus on reducing racial disparities in health outcomes within the foundation, government and private sectors 2. NYSDOH RFP focusing on chronic disease management by making a six million dollar investment across New York State. States around the country are under increasing fiscal pressure to develop disease management programs that provide quality health care for those most in need, while alleviating some of the cost pressures facing Medicaid
3. National, state and local focus on fighting childhood and adult obesity 4. NYC over the last four years has invested 20 million dollars in community-based solutions to IMR reduction 5. NIH recently released an eleven-year multi-year RFA that focuses on research and practice activities to reduce racial disparities in health outcomes
6. National Patient Navigator Program legislation moving fast through Congress that projects to allocate 25 million dollars a year to address structural and cultural barriers to healthcare
7. Renewed focus in Washington on utilizing information technology to computerize medical records. Health experts say that moving to electronic records, which would reduce paper handling and eliminate unnecessary or duplicative tests, could cut 10 percent or more from the nation's $1.7 trillion a year health care spending. A digital system should sharply reduce medical errors, which are estimated to be responsible for 45,000 to 98,000 deaths a year, more than breast cancer, AIDS or motor vehicle accidents, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences
8. Large numbers of immigrant women from Mexico, Dominican Republic, and West Africa have migrated from their home communities and have developed homes in Queens, Central & East Harlem and the South Bronx
9. ACS, NYC Department of Homeless Services, and NYCDOH have begun to collaborate on several projects to improve the care of pregnant and parenting women throughout NYC 10. Former President Clinton joins fight against childhood obesity by launching a public service campaign and funding new program models that show potential for reducing the problem 11. Merck Company Foundation has released a call for proposals to develop a comprehensive campaign against childhood asthma
12. Gov Pataki's uncertainty about running for a fourth term creates the conditions for a Democratic Governor in Albany that could support many of our MCH policy initiatives 13. On April 21, 2005, Mayor Bloomberg announced the Healthy Women/Healthy Babies Initiative to reduce unintended pregnancies. Over 3 million dollars will be invested in partnership with community-based and health care organizations to increase awareness and access to emergency contraception and family planning and expand the Nurse Family Partnership Program
14. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have been experimenting with pay-for-performance demonstration projects in 270 hospitals around the country concluding financial incentives can improve care. High-performing hospitals receive bonuses totaling $7 million per year. Poorly performing hospitals may face financial penalties in the third year
15. A coalition of politicians and health providers over the last year have pushed for the passage of Timothy's Law that calls for the expansion of mental health services. The law would eliminate discriminatory and unequal mental health and substance abuse coverage by insurance companies. The NYS Assembly has passed the legislation. More work has to be done in the Senate to pass the bill
Threats: 1. MCH community has not made any strides in reducing low birth weight rates in high-risk communities 2. Congress and the NYS governor has attempted to cut the Medicaid budget 3. NYC IMR rate increased from 6.0 to 6.5 between 2002 and 2003 4. NYC LBW rate remained constant between 2002 and 2003
Threats: 5. Depressed pregnant women throughout NYC have to wait over six weeks for an appointment with a therapist 6. Fort Greene, Jamaica East and Tremont have the highest IMR in NYC in 2003 7. One in four New Yorkers do not exercise, one in six is obese, and one in 13 has diabetes 8. Black and Latina women in NYC have a life expectancy almost 5 years shorter than white woman.
Threats: 9. Black and Latina women in NYC are more than twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related complications 10. Data suggests that women are more obese than men. An estimated 30% of black women, 26% of Latina women, 15% of white women and 10% of Asian women are obese. 11. Midwives and OB's are unable to practice due to increases in malpractice insurance that is closing freestanding birthing centers
Threats: 12. NYS legislature has developed a commission
to examine the closing of hospitals throughout NYS. Closing the wrong hospital could increase barriers to care for poor and working women we serve 13. The number of teens in foster care who become pregnant is on the rise as well as the quality of health and social services delivered to teens in the foster care system is poor (NYC Public Advocates Report May 2005)
Threats: 14. Reductions in affordable housing and the development of a citywide gentrification movement has forced poor and working class women and their families to move from their traditional neighborhoods to more affordable communities in the South Bronx and Brownsville that will become flashpoints for poverty and family dislocation over the next five years
Threats: 15. African American women who report experiences of discrimination based on their race or skin color appear to have an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes according Dr. Sarah Mustillo, of Duke University School of Medicine, Durham North Carolina. Black women are more likely than white women to experience premature delivery and to have low birth-weight babies, but the discrepancy is not fully explained by factors such as prenatal care, genetics and socioeconomic factors. The study above reveals evidence that chronic stress from racial discrimination may play a role in poor birth outcomes
Threats: 16. HIV infection and abusive relationships are especially difficult for women based on the finding of a new study showing increased risks for depression and suicide attempts in women afflicted with both of these problems according to Andrea C. Gielen, deputy director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who conducted the study and authored the report
Threats: 17. In 2003, more than 1 in 4 babies were born by Cesarean section. The Cesarean section rate of 26.1% is the highest ever reported in the United States. The World Health Organization states that the Cesarean rate should be no more than 10-15%. Studies have indicated that a woman is 4-7 times more likely to die as a result of Cesarean surgery than vaginal birth. Studies also show that babies born by Cesarean surgery are 5 times more likely to be admitted to an intermediate or intensive care nursery. The increasing Cesarean section rate is a major public health concern for maternal and infant health
Threats: 18. Research conducted by clinicians from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that pollutants in the air in Upper Manhattan, the South Bronx and neighborhoods surrounding the World Trade Center area have been linked to lower birth weight babies and smaller skulls in African American babies. High rates of child asthma have been found in these same communities as well as an increased risk of cancer
Threats: 19. New Yorkers with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other disorders causing serious psychological distress than those without diabetes according to a NYCDOH/MH study published late last year in the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The study also found that individuals with co-occurring diabetes and serious psychological distress are more likely than those with diabetes only to experience poor physical and mental health, live in poverty, and lack access to health care and social support. Diabetes is now the fourth leading cause of death in New York City
STRENGTHS: PEOPLE-CULTURE-PROCESS-STRUCTURE 1. NYC has some of the best and largest health care facilities in the world 2. NYC has 3 Healthy Start grantees, 9 lay model home visiting programs, 3 nurse family partnership programs and 5 CHWP operating in NYC 3. Two years ago NYCDOH/MH built local public health offices in Central Brooklyn, Central Harlem and the South Bronx
4. Through mandatory testing of newborns, care management and counseling of high-risk mothers, the HIV mother-to-child transmission rate has decreased from 10% 1993 to less than 2% in In NYC, 321 newborns were infected with H.I.V. in 1990, the year the virus peaked among newborns in the city. In 2003, five babies were born with the virus
5. More than half of the hospitals in NYS have joined an effort to save 7,000 lives over the next year or so by applying best practices to improve quality of care (Daily News 5/16/05) Healthcare Association of New York State 6. As the general population ages, more women over 35 are deciding to have a child
7. The Citywide Coalition to End Infant Morality has over sixty community-based agencies delivering various maternal and child health services throughout NYC. This network of providers is maturing and delivering better results 8. Across New York State the regionalization of perinatal care has started. In NYC, the Citywide Regional Perinatal Forum and local borough forums of hospitals and community-based organizations have begun to determine the MCH needs in their areas and develop borough-specific action plans to address identified needs. 9. The NYCDOH/MH has developed plans to screen patients at all HHC hospitals for depression and make it a routine part of primary care, much like a blood pressure test or a cholesterol reading.
1. MCH care system fragmented 2. Uninsured population in downstate region over 2 million 3. 40% of NYC hospitals are operating in the red 4. More New Yorkers die from medical mistakes each year than from highway accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS
5. Recently, Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx failed to tell 307 women that they had abnormal cancer-test results. These women did not receive follow-up care 6. Racial disparities in care and outcomes is prevalent even at some of the best medical centers 7. Constant movement from one provider to another characterizes the patient base within the MCH system in NYC where a woman might secure her prenatal care at one facility and deliver at another. Continuity of care suffers and patients move to the providers that respect them and deliver quality care- HAVE MEDICAID CARD WILL TRAVEL!
8. The maternal mental health provider network is weak across NYC. There are not enough clinicians who are trained to screen, diagnose or treat various perinatal mood disorders 9. Nursing shortage in NYC can be described as a health care state of emergency that has negative consequences to patient safety, the quality of patient care and morale issues among existing nursing staff 10. Medicaid poorly reimburses mental health providers who manage the care of pregnant, emotionally depressed women
11. The health and mental health care systems are poorly integrated to meet the growing needs of pregnant and parenting women
Perinatal Depression Campaign Performance Objectives:
By December 31, 2006, FCN's perinatal mood disorder social marketing poster campaign will have motivated at least 1,000 pregnant and parenting women to seek mental health care in NYC and every year until 2009 By December 31, 2006, FCN's maternal mental health training program will have organized at least 50 grand round trainings of doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers that will begin to standardize the expectations of practice to screen, diagnose, and treat various perinatal mood disorders
Perinatal Depression Campaign Performance Objectives:
By December 31, 2007, FCN will develop a citywide network of trained individual and group therapists that are willing and have the skills to screen, diagnose and treat various perinatal mood disorders By December 31, 2006, a statewide movement to address the funding, slot capacity, and practice development issues regarding perinatal mood disorders will be built mobilizing contacts throughout NYC and upstate New York where the Mayor of NYC and the Governor of New York State will support new funding and systems change proposals to strengthen the system of care to address this problem
Perinatal Depression Campaign Performance Objectives:
By May 31, 2009, two NYC schools of social work, one medical school and one psychology department will develop specialty programs to produce students trained to appropriately screen, diagnose and treat various perinatal mood disorders.
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Legislative Actions: 1. Develop a brief narrative that summarizes the clinical, waiting list/slot capacity, provider training, and stigma-marketing issues related to treating various perinatal mood disorders in the down state region by 8/18/05. The narrative should describe the problem and point to solutions for each problem identified 2. Use the narrative to develop a legislative fact sheet, legislative action letters and other communication vehicles that will be used to bring about reforms by 8/30/05
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
3. Form Perinatal Depression Legislative Action Team that is representative of all the networks, Healthy Start and home visiting programs within the downstate region that will be charged with implementing this plan by 9/8/05 4. Action Team should study Timothy's Law and Assemblyman James Brennan's proposed bill (A. 2016) that would force OMH to repeal the regulation enforcing Medicaid Neutrality
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
5. Begin setting up meetings in Albany with targeted republican and democratic legislators in the Senate and Assembly to persuade them to support the above legislation 6. Set up a meeting with the Commissioner of State OMH to understand OMH's position on Timothy's Law and Medicaid Neutrality 7. Contact Speaker Silver & Senator Bruno to present our case concerning the perinatal mood disorder problems and solutions and win their support
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
8. Set up meetings with Governor Pataki's health and social service representatives in Albany, Ms. Renee Rider, Director of Human Services Programs, State Capital, Room 253 and Mark Kissinger, Executive Chamber, State Capital to make our case and position our narrative as a campaign issue that the governor must address. Show how the issue relates to key constituencies that any republican candidate for governor must develop an informed response
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
9. Meet with the democratic candidate for governor, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and transform our case statement into a campaign issue for him 10. Make contact with our friends at 1199 Hospital Worker's Union and see if they can transmit our legislative narrative into a print and electronic media campaign during the election period and right before the budget debate begins in December 2005
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
11. Begin letter writing and phone bank activities to targeted legislators starting on November 20, 2005 12. Action Team should have at least three operatives completing media work (letters to editor, story development, press conference planning, phone follow up work with health reporters, etc.) to achieve the passage of the two laws
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
13. Attend September 2005 APN meeting to communicate FCN's overall action plan and secure commitments from the networks in other parts of NYS to our political narrative 14. Set up a meeting with State Senator Jeff Klein and his staff who sponsored Timothy's Law to target the coalition of mental health parity activists who support the legislation and join their movement
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
15. Organize clergy across NYC and secure their support for our PPD legislative objectives by organizing "Clergy Day to Treat Perinatal Mood Disorders." Get major clergy leaders and coalitions in NYC to attend a press conference focused on our core message/narrative
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Social Marketing Anti-Stigma Actions: 1. Work with NMPP and the NYCDOH/MH to review their recent perinatal depression anti-stigma campaign and obtain some of the unused proofs to develop a citywide perinatal mood disorder poster campaign by November 30th 2005 2. Secure NMPP's Social Health Marketing Group to retouch some of the photo's, headlines and poster copy to produce drafts for a FCN PPD citywide campaign 3. Develop a mini proposal to the foundation community to secure resources to mass produce the campaign poster and secure 250,000 for citywide dissemination
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
4. Develop radio and television public service announcements and work to get them placed as well as secure free time within mainstream, local print and electronic media throughout NYC 5. Work the radio talk show circuit communicating our core messages concerning the PPD problem and fiscal, legislative and network development solutions
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Provider Network Development Actions: 1. Study the network development work of MHRA, NMPP and the Black Psychiatrists of Greater New York who are developing a network of clinicians in Harlem who treat maternal mental health problems 2. Each Citywide Coalition to End Infant Mortality Borough Coordinating Body will take responsibility for organizing maternal mental health networks throughout their borough beginning on December 1, 2005 3. The FCN executive director will computerize each borough network database and distribute the list to all perinatal networks, community health worker programs, Healthy Start sites, etc
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
4. Borough networks should meet quarterly to determine the need for maternal mental health services in the area, the status of the service network (strengths & weaknesses), network training needs and develop an action plan for network development by January 30th 2006 5. Each borough network should develop clinical and referral protocols and MOU's to formalize network communications and to ensure each patient obtains the best level of care to meet her needs 6. Integrate grand rounds trainings with network development activities to ensure that all clinicians develop their knowledge base to screen, diagnose, and treat various perinatal psychiatric disorders
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
7. By May 20, 2006, each borough network will present a status report at the FCN annual conference
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Workforce Training Actions: 1. Set up meetings with two medical school deans and one school of social work dean to persuade the decision makers to develop core curriculum and a training practice area focused on producing students with core skills to screen, diagnose and treating perinatal mood disorders starting on January 22, 2006 2. Connect media, legislative and research work plan activities to create the right conditions to positively influence university leadership to adopt our workforce training objectives
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
3. Secure three of the top national maternal mental health clinicians to practice in NYC and complete the administrative and fund development tasks to create a fellowship that will attract medical and psychiatry students to enroll and graduate with special knowledge of treating perinatal psychiatric disorders 4. Attend all of the schools of social work in NYC and Long Island to educate their deans and curriculum committee chairs about the need to train and deploy more social workers who have special skills screening for, diagnosing and treating perinatal mood disorders
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
5. Develop concept paper on Centers of Excellence on Maternal Mental Health and develop a funding proposal that one or two of the universities would manage to make New York City or New York State the national intellectual center for policy, research and practice for treating various perinatal mood disorders
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Organization Mobilization Actions: To achieve the objectives and tasks outlined above, FCN must partner with the following entities and persuade them to join our campaign: MHRA, Black Psychiatrists of Greater New York and Associates (BPGNY), New York City Home Visiting Council, COFFCA, New York State Mental Health Association, Mailman School of Public Health, APN, New York State March of Dimes, New York State Perinatal Association, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Black Social Workers, New York State Midwife Association, New York State Nurses Association, NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation,
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Organization Mobilization Actions: 1199 Hospital Workers Union, Greater New York Hospital Association, NYSDOH Bureau of Women's Health, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute, ACOG, New York State Nurses Association, PCAP Coordinators Network, HRSA/MCHB
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
Research Action Steps: Continue to submit proposals to NIH, CDC and the National Institute of Mental Health for specific grants that focus on women's mental health in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Current NIMH funding round closes on May 6, 2006. In February 2003, S450 and HR846 were introduced in the 108th Congress. The bills call for the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working through the Director of NIMH, to provide for basic, epidemiological, diagnostic, clinical, and intervention research on postpartum depression and psychosis. All FCN networks and research institutions should take advantage of the above funding streams to advance the theory and practice of treating perinatal mood disorders today!
Perinatal Depression Campaign Action Areas:
3. Support and disseminate MHRA's research to develop a new screening tool called the MIC Behavioral Risk Factor (BRF) Screen. Currently, they are testing the instrument at all of their MIC sites and will release an updated scale by September 2005.
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
By June 30th, 2006, a social marketing poster and radio campaign will have been developed and rolled out throughout NYC promoting family exercise, proper nutrition, the development of more fresh fruit & vegetables coops entitled Healthy Communities, Healthy Families/Healthy Women's Movement By June 30th, 2007, an active research and practice movement will have been built to understand the relationship between various chronic diseases (asthma, obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure) and maternal, child and family health outcomes.
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
By June 30th, 2008, the FCN working with its citywide partners will help to strengthen and rebuild an effective women's and family health movement across NYC where NYCDOH/MH Vital Statistics will document 9% declines in health indicators in the areas of maternal and child obesity, diabetes, asthma, maternal depression and high blood pressure By June 30th, 2009, a women & family move your body movement will have been built throughout NYC where families will have access and use community exercise, Weight Watchers, meditation, aerobics facilities to combat and manage various chronic diseases associated with poor health outcomes.
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Legislative Actions: 1. FCN activists will begin to work with the City Council, the Mayor's Office and the Commissioner for the NYCHA to obtain authority to utilize the community rooms of housing authority sites for exercise, Weight Watcher sessions, and dance classes throughout NYC 2. The Citywide Coalition to End Infant Mortality will educate the City Council and the Mayor's Office and secure 10 million dollars that will cover the costs of the chronic disease and birth outcome focus to FCN's work. This work hypothesizes to reduce the low birth weight rate in high-risk NYC communities by 2% by 2009 can be achieved by reducing prevalence of various chronic diseases women of child bearing age possess by 9% before, during and after the pregnancy period.
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Social Marketing Actions: The FCN executive director and board leadership will secure resources and hire a consultant to conduct focus groups to determine the content and means of delivering specific health messages that promotes women's and family healthy behaviors throughout NYC starting on September 1, 2005 2. The final copy of the focus group report and draft proofs of the radio and poster campaign will be presented before the FCN board for review and approval by January 1, 2006
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
3. The FCN executive director will secure resources from the private sector or government sector to produce 300,000 posters and purchase over $150,000 in targeted radio time to roll out the campaign in communities where chronic diseases flourish by April 1, 2006 4. FCN board and executive leadership will secure public service time at targeted radio and television stations and tour the talk show circuit promoting the Healthy Communities, Healthy Families Healthy Women campaign to NYC audiences beginning on June 1, 2006
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Provider Network Development Actions: FCN leadership will meet with the directors of the NYC-based Healthy Start, CHWP, Home Visiting and Nurse Family Partnership programs to discuss their training needs concerning managing various chronic diseases and their relationship to infant mortality and low birth weight reductions starting on August 8, 2005 2. FCN leadership will meet with the DOHMH and HHC Chronic Disease Collaborative to obtain assistance to develop a case management and health education MCH protocol that will be implemented by the MCH program staff outlined above to better manage chronic diseases before, during and after the pregnancy period. The meeting will take place by September 28, 2005
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Provider Network Development Actions: 3. A special case management and health education protocol will be developed to manage the relationship between maternal diabetes/obesity and maternal depression based on the November 2004 study findings by the NYCDOH/MH that revealed a causal relationship. This protocol will be developed by December 1, 2005 4. NMPP will work with Weight Watchers of America staff to expand the number of Weight Watcher sites from Harlem to sites in the other boroughs in poor and working class communities throughout NYC starting November 2005 and ending by June 30th, 2006
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Workforce Training Actions: FCN leadership will meet with the directors of the NYC-based Healthy Start, CHWP, Home Visiting and Nurse Family Partnership programs to discuss their training needs concerning managing various chronic diseases and their relationship to infant mortality and low birth weight reductions starting on August 8, 2005 2. Once the Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Network is developed focused training sessions will begin starting on October 1, 2005 on diabetes, asthma, depression, high blood pressure and obesity at MCH training sites across NYC
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Workforce Training Actions: 3. By December 12, 2005, Dr. Lu's presentation on Internatal Care will be transformed into a case management and health education program model to deliver women's health services beyond the pregnancy period. Healthy Start and Home Visiting contractors should use the base proposal to secure funding from local, state and federal funding streams to build the infrastructure for this type of care over the next five years throughout NYC
Chronic Disease/Birth Outcome Campaign Performance Objectives:
Workforce Training Actions: 4. Program directors and supervisors should monitor the results of the above training to ascertain if practice and knowledge saturation has been achieved by line and supervisory staff. Administrative staff should complete six-month chart reviews and administer maternal satisfaction surveys to monitor results of new learning on patient care
Mobilization Actions To achieve the objectives and tasks outlined above, FCN need to partner with the following entities and persuade them to join our campaign: American Diabetes Associations, Weight Watchers of America, MHRA, Black Psychiatrists of Greater New York and Associates (BPGNY), New York City Home Visiting Council, COFFCA, New York State Mental Health Association, Mailman School of Public Health, APN, New York State March of Dimes, New York State Perinatal Association, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Black Social Workers, New York State Midwife Association, New York State Nurses Association, NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation, 1199 Hospital Workers Union, Greater New York Hospital Association, NYSDOH Bureau of Women's Health, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute, ACOG, New York State Nurses Association, PCAP Coordinators Network
Research Action Steps:
NMPP has collaborated and submitted at least seven proposals with academic community partners over the last three months to reduce the incidence of adult and childhood obesity and managing diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2) among community residents in Harlem. Most of these projects were submitted to CDC and NIH. When or if these projects are funded, they will add to the body of knowledge exploring the relationship between chronic disease management before, during and after the pregnancy period relationship to improving maternal and child health outcomes
Research Action Steps:
2. Citywide Coalition to End Infant Mortality borough coordinating bodies starting on August 1, 2005, will begin to reach out to their university partners to conduct applied public health research to develop best practice models to combat obesity, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and depression 3. The results of the above citywide research efforts will be used to upgrade the knowledge possessed by collaborative members who will utilize new knowledge to improve practice
Planning/Action Summary:
This plan is now in your hands colleagues. If we implement the tasks as planned, the MCH industry throughout New York State will strengthen its infrastructure and new knowledge and practice will be created that could improve birth outcomes and the health of mothers. By no means are we communicating that the road ahead will be easy. However, if we stay committed to confronting and transforming the reality that is right before us, we will be able to overcome the obstacles that could block the achievement of our performance objectives.
Planning/Action Summary:
This plan cannot be achieved by just deploying downstate resources. We will need to mobilize statewide resources and organizations to help institutionalize our advocacy agenda, research and practice findings as permanent components of the MCH system of care throughout New York State. This plan is FCN's best effort to predict industry change within the maternal and child health business. However, it is not enough to see what might be happening next, we must dedicate ourselves to executing the actions steps above to be better positioned to survive and thrive in the new industry climate defined above.
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"A good trader has to have three things: a chronic inability to accept things at face value, to feel continuously unsettled and to have humility."
NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- As chance would have it, the Nov. 5 quotation in the "Stock Trader's Almanac" happens to be from Michael Steinhardt, the New York City hedge-fund manager who just released a memoir of his Wall Street years.
Steinhardt's great trades in the '60s, '70s and '80s involved companies such as Maine Sugar and King Resources -- the latter a real hitter of a stock whose oil and gas discoveries propelled it to stock-market fame for a brief span in the late 1960s before a bankruptcy filing.
Brooklyn-born Steinhardt examines the forces that shaped Wall Street in those euphoric 1960s, the Nifty Fifty years of the 1970s and the greed-drenched '80s in "No Bull: My Life In and Out of Markets."
In one section, Steinhardt talks about shorting stocks after the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 1,000 for the first time, in autumn 1972. His Steinhardt Partners LP fund's shorts, or bets that stocks would go down, were placed on America's best companies, including Eastman Kodak EK General Electric GE, +0.81% and Coca-Cola KO, +1.15%
In 1972, with all the bold predictions of multinational success from the New York Stock Exchange's largest listed companies, Steinhardt's firm was early in its negative bets. "Being early means you often have pain before you make money," he says. The fund and the partners in the fund lived with what he says was "considerable tension."
Steinhardt would short a Nifty Fifty retailer like Sears, Roebuck & Co. S, +2.15% at 30 times one year's earnings and watch as the multiple ballooned to 40.
A year or so later, his firm was rewarded for its dogged belief that America's largest companies were overpriced. With the Dow average essentially flat for all of 1973, Steinhardt's fund rose 15 percent in value. A year later, with the market down 38 percent for the year, Steinhardt was up 34 percent.
Cisco scenario
Readers of Steinhardt's book will easily draw comparisons to America's overpriced stocks of 2001, chief among them Cisco Systems CSCO, +1.52% a network equipment company with a $130 billion market capitalization, slim profits and shrinking sales. Cisco, whose return on capital is microscopic, is scheduled to report its quarterly numbers after the stock market closes Monday.
Many investors are wildly optimistic about Cisco for reasons that no one with even half a brain can fathom. Indeed, the number of November call-option contracts on Cisco shares with a $17.50 strike price outnumber the put contracts by a more than 10-to-1 margin. Call options are bets that a stock will rise. This boundless investor optimism that Cisco stock will keep rising occurred in July and August as well, just before the Nasdaq-traded stock took a two-month tumble from its expensive perch. (See story.)
"November call open interest at the November 17.5 strike is at a mind-numbing 119,662 contracts," Chris Johnson, senior quantitative analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research, said Monday morning. "This is by far Cisco's largest strike in terms of open interest and may provide enough downward pressure to Cisco's price if their earnings don't impress Wall Street."
A team of skeptical analysts at Robertson Stephens & Co. on Monday calculated that if you owned Cisco's $17.50 stock for 10 years and benefited by keeping all of the free cash flow the company in the brightest scenarios will generate in those 10 years, then sold the stock for the same price, your yearly return would be 3 percent. Go-go or no-go?
Steinhardt, in his "No Bull" musings, doesn't touch on Cisco Systems and its expensive shares. But he does say his firm's insistence that America's most popular companies were much too rich as investments during the early 1970s opened his shop to claims that short selling was un-American or manipulative in some way.
The following is an excerpt from the Steinhardt book, "No Bull," which is available for sale fromAmazon.comandBarnes & Noble.
The gunslingers
When we opened the doors of Steinhardt, Fine, Berkowitz & Company in 1967, the U.S. economy was booming. These were the Go-Go years, a period of euphoria on Wall Street.
The stock market was characterized by newly aggressive trading in and out of stocks by institutions, primarily, mutual funds. As recently as the end of World War II, the mutual fund industry had been a minor element in securities trading. By the mid-1960s, it had become the transforming force on Wall Street.
Moreover, individuals began to increase their share of equity ownership through mutual fund share purchases. There rose a cadre of "gunslingers": Gerry Tsai of Fidelity, Fred Alger of Security Equity Fund, Howard Stein (following in the footsteps of Jack Dreyfus) of Dreyfus, Fred Carr of The Enterprise Fund, and the notorious Fred Mates of The Mates Fund.
Long gone were the days when mutual fund portfolio managers operated slowly, cautiously, prudently, as if they were trustees. No longer married to their holdings, they traded actively and turned over their portfolios rapidly. The concept of unfettered growth - a new idea for equity investors - became a substitute for value and for dividend yield.
In the Go-Go years, stocks were purchased in a fast, lively, almost peremptory manner, sometimes with scant information. All that was needed was a "story" that preferably could be told in a nutshell and tagged with a name that captured it succinctly. At Steinhardt, Fine, Berkowitz & Company (or SFB, as we came to be known), we were aggressive early buyers of story stocks. We listened and quickly we got it.
We owned Maine Sugar, whose story sprang from growing sugar beets in Maine, thereby providing an alternative to potato growing in an economically weak area. Remarkably, that story was exciting at the time. National Student Marketing's story was the burgeoning youth market. Its stock eventually rose to over 100 times earnings.
There were mariculture companies engaged in fish farming, and hydroponics companies growing plants in liquids. Computers, teleprompters, calculators and digital watches were some of the biggest, hottest stories.
Any enterprise that had the word data in it was seemingly worthy of purchase simply because it implied cutting-edge technology. Those players included Control Data, Mohawk Data and Scientific Data.
How to tell a story
And then there were names that ended in -onics such as Liquidonics and Avionics. Four Seasons Nursing Centers and United Convalescent Homes would transform elderly care - a growing business, thanks to favorable demographics. Weight Watchers International could make you thin and rich at the same time. We owned them all.
Our biggest success came with King Resources, a company whose story was vast oil and gas discoveries as well as land holdings. We believed it, although in all fairness we were relying heavily on the promotional pitch of the company's chairman, John King, with whom we felt we had a real rapport. As King spoke more and more optimistically about prospects, the shares went higher. We made about five times our money in a few months. We eventually sold, only because it had gone up so much. In a few short years, this company, like so many other Go-Go sagas, would go bankrupt.
I learned that a story, whatever its veracity, could be of value, particularly if it were new to the market and had an open-ended quality that provoked one's imagination. We listened to and were attracted to the most articulate, persuasive managers. Their stories, in retrospect, were often absurd; nevertheless, they easily caught our interest and the market's in this highly speculative moment.
In some sense, we were the greater fools because we too got caught up in the euphoria of the period. However, in contrast to almost everyone else, we had an inner tension that came from viewing the portfolio anew with fresh minds every day. Thus, although we were believers, we sold.
Around the time when we launched the hedge fund, the block trading business emerged on Wall Street. In block trading, an institution, such as a mutual or pension fund, calls a broker and attempts to buy or sell a large block of stock-say, 100,000 shares or more-in a single stroke without having to enter numerous smaller orders.
Specialist firms traditionally played this liquidity-providing role on exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange. However, as institutional investors became larger and more actively turned over their portfolios, there was a need for greater commitments of capital. Thus, some large brokerage firms got involved in facilitating these transactions and earned high commissions for doing so.
Knowledge is power
Some of the early stars in this newly created and highly visible arena were Jay Perry at Salomon Brothers, Bob Mnuchin at Goldman Sachs and Willy Weinstein at Oppenheimer. It was a fast-paced, nerves-of-steel, highly competitive game. In matching up buyers and sellers and using their own capital to round out the difference, these block traders sometimes deployed huge amounts of money and took meaningful risks. Because I had an active portfolio and was prepared to trade (largely on the basis of "market input"), I talked regularly to each of them throughout the trading day.
We developed a real trading camaraderie. In one sense, I was a naturally, but, because I was at the center of this trading information, I gained a competitive advantage. We had direct lines to the trading desks at each firm. I wanted to get the block traders' first call when they had indications of stocks to buy or sell in size.
Knowledge was power in the trading world. Like other hedge funds, we were often accused of "running ahead" - trading on the knowledge of buyers and sellers that the block traders provided.
In the early days of block trading, I sometimes felt I was taking candy from a baby. In 1969, a trader needed to sell 700,000 shares of Penn Central, a large railroad in the Northeast at that time. The stock was already in Chapter 11. I was shown a block of stock in the third market. I then checked the New York Stock Exchange Market, where it was trading at 7 7/8. The seller must not have bothered to sufficiently explore the market makers' book on the Big Board because I bought 700,000 shares at 7. In fact, the seller seemed relieved to have sold that amount of stock at less than a dollar under the last trade. Meanwhile, I turned around and sold the 700,000 shares at 7 3/4 to a buyer at another firm.
I could have sold three times that amount as the buyer was significantly larger. I made more than a half million dollars on a trade that took all of eight minutes. On top of everything else, the transaction was relatively risk-free. Those opportunities are gone now. They reflected a transitional period, a window of opportunity, in the market when there were few players as nimble and as wired as we.
That window is long closed.
"No Bull: My Life In and Out of Markets," by Michael Steinhardt, is published by John Wiley & Sons. The book is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Copyright for the above excerpt is held by Michael Steinhardt.