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Politics & Government
Financial regulator seeks powers to curb excess speculation
WASHINGTON — Firing the opening shot in a likely battle with Wall Street, the federal regulator who's overseeing the trading of oil contracts asked Congress on Thursday for broad powers to regulate the exotic private contracts that are thought to contribute to rising oil prices and the global financial crisis.
Testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Gary Gensler told lawmakers that he needs broad authority to bring all derivatives contracts under regulatory supervision. Derivatives involve bets that derive their value based on future prices of some underlying asset, such as oil contracts, interest rates, currency or even bonds and other forms of credit.
The new commission chief also called for an additional set of rules for swaps dealers, big global financial institutions that dominate activity in these markets. These rules would force players on both sides of a transaction in these markets to set aside cash to cover potential losses.
The global financial system nearly collapsed during the last four months of 2008 after the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department rescued insurance giant American International Group. AIG was rescued because it had issued trillions of dollars in insurance-like private derivatives contracts and had insufficient reserves to cover its losses.
"The current financial crisis has taught us that the derivatives trading activities of a single firm can threaten the entire financial system and that all such firms should be subject to robust federal regulation," Gensler said.
However, private-sector players such as farming giant Cargill Inc. warned of unintended consequences from forcing companies to post more cash on trades. The proposed changes will cause "a significant drain on working capital at a time when capital is highly constrained and credit is in short supply," said David Dines, the president of risk management for Cargill.
Gensler's proposals seek to curb excessive speculation in these complex markets. They'd standardize many contracts and have them clear on an exchange, much like regulated products on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
If Congress grants the commission's wishes, big Wall Street players such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase and others would be subject to capital requirements, new business-conduct rules and more extensive reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
On the job officially for eight days, Gensler saw his confirmation held up in the Senate for months until the Obama administration publicly came out with a proposal to regulate derivatives. Some Democratic senators, concerned that massive amounts of bets in unregulated markets are partly behind rising oil prices, wanted proof that the administration was serious about taking on Wall Street.
"We can't continue to do what we've been doing," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, adding that he hoped to pass a derivatives-regulation bill by fall.
A former Goldman Sachs partner, Gensler was a controversial pick by President Barack Obama because while Gensler was a top Treasury official in the Clinton administration, he pushed for deregulation in these markets that led to the excesses that brought the globe to the brink of financial catastrophe last year.
Gensler has acknowledged that Clinton-era deregulation went too far. He told Senate appropriators earlier this week that he thought that these unregulated markets had helped push oil prices to record highs last summer and might be doing so again.
"I do think that, looking back, looking back in that period . . . when oil prices peaked in last summer, that a contributing factor — not the only factor, because there were many, many factors, but a contributing factor — to the commodity asset bubble was index investors and other financial investors," he said Tuesday.
Some analysts think that big Wall Street firms, acting as the main drivers in derivatives markets, have encouraged big institutional investors such as pension funds to bet heavily on rising prices for commodities. Their massive financial flows are thought to be partly behind rising oil prices.
Lynn Stout, a professor of securities law at the University of California-Los Angeles, has studied the history of derivatives regulation. She told lawmakers Thursday that her research shows that unregulated derivatives almost always are associated with asset price bubbles like last year's run-up in oil prices.
In the 12-month period that ended last July, oil prices rose from $70 a barrel to a record $147, then collapsed below $40 in the fall amid the global financial crisis. This year oil prices have rebounded by 85 percent, and Goldman Sachs on Thursday forecast them to go to $85 a barrel this year.
This year's rise happened even as oil inventories are near record highs and demand has hovered around a 10-year low. It's led some to conclude that oil prices now are divorced from supply and demand, and that Americans are paying more because speculators drive up prices by betting hundreds of billions on oil contracts.
"Americans are flat on their backs and will not tolerate gas prices reaching $3 and $4" a gallon again," Michael Masters, a hedge fund manager who's frequently called to testify on the role of speculators, told lawmakers Thursday.
Statement of Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Gary Gensler
Statement of UCLA professor Lynn Stout
Testimony of David Dines, the president of Cargill Risk Management
To ask a question about this story or any economic question, go to McClatchy's economy Q&A
Why low oil prices now may mean higher oil prices later
BofA says it's near $34 billion goal set by regulators
Can a government of politicians keep politics out of GM?
Follow the latest politics news at McClatchy'sPlanet Washington


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Effective selection and application of modern gensets require a strong knowledge of generator basics as well as an in-depth awareness of fuel sources and NEC requirements.
Engine-generator sets now have countless applications, often with multiple uses within the same facility. Most engine-generator systems provide for human safety and protection of property in applications such as office buildings, hotels, places of assembly, and government facilities. Hospitals and nursing homes have special needs vital to life, and these emergency power systems reflect these requirements.
Other applications
At the same time, engine-generator systems can be used to supply power to a local utility in a peak power or interruptible power program when the utility needs additional capacity. This application frequently justifies the cost of an expensive auxiliary power system because of the excellent rebate or payback programs available from most utilities.
Cogeneration is another energy-saving, cost-cutting technique utilizing waste heat from one or more engine-generator sets to perform useful functions.
Utility power may be derived from a traditional power company, or from an independent power producer (IPP). The law permits an IPP to "wheel" power via the utility lines to any user as desired. As a result, traditional design guidelines must be adjusted to accommodate these changes.
When such energy-conservation installations are implemented, grants or rebates from local utilities amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars may be available from the local utility or governmental body. As a result, not only are energy costs reduced, but also capital costs are frequently slashed, permitting a fast payback of initial investment.
Newer technologies, such as computer installations, communications networks, and modern research and development laboratories, are demanding an increasing amount of auxiliary power. Some such facilities require highly dependable power requiring multiple engine-generator sets and incorporating a wide variety of support equipment and systems.
Synchronous generator
Most applications today use the synchronous generator because of its versatility, reliability, and capability of operating independently. Most modern synchronous generators are of the revolving field alternator design. Essentially, this means that the armature windings are held stationary, and the field is rotated. Therefore, generated power can be taken directly from the stationary armature windings. On the other hand, revolving armature alternators are less popular because generated output power must be derived via slip rings and brushes.
The exact value of the AC voltage generated by a synchronous machine is controlled by varying the current in the DC field windings, while frequency is controlled by the speed of rotation.
Power output is controlled by the torque applied to the generator shaft by the driving engine. In this manner, the synchronous generator offers precise control over the power it can generate.
Generator exciters
Almost all modern synchronous generators use a brushless exciter, which essentially is a small AC generator on the main shaft. The AC voltage generated is rectified by a 3-phase rotating rectifier assembly also on the shaft. The DC voltage thus obtained is applied to the main generator field, which is also on the main shaft. A voltage regulator is provided to control the exciter field current and, in this manner, the field voltage can be precisely controlled, resulting in a stable, well-controlled generator output voltage.
Because of recent problems with nonlinear loads, which cause unwanted harmonics in a power system, some generator manufacturers are providing an additional generator furnished with a permanent magnet exciter (PME) to provide field magnetism to the brushless exciter. This approach eliminates or greatly reduces harmonic distortion because exciter voltage is derived from magnets instead of the line. In some designs, the PME serves as the main exciter. However, it's not actually an exciter in the true sense of the term. When selecting a generator, be sure to investigate the need or availability of the permanent magnet exciter.
Voltage regulation
The output voltage of a synchronous generator is controlled by the excitation in the field windings. To control this, the generator's voltage regulator measures the output voltage, compares it with a standard reference voltage obtained from a Zener diode that continuously samples output voltage, and adjusts the excitation current up or down as needed to maintain the output voltage at its rated value. If the load varies, the excitation is continuously adjusted to keep the voltage constant.
Frequency of the AC current produced is dependent on two factors: The number of poles (n) built into the machine and the speed of rotation (rpm). Thus, frequency (f) is calculated by using the follow equation:
f = (rpm x n) / 120
Therefore, rpm = (f x 120) / n
As a result, a two-pole generator must have an rpm of 3600 to provide 60 Hz while a four-pole generator must rotate at 1800 rpm to provide 60 Hz. An eight-pole generator must operate at 900 rpm to provide 60 Hz. To obtain a 50 Hz output, the generator speeds must be slightly slower as calculations would show.
Since frequency is normally a constant (60 Hz or 50 Hz), control of the generator speed is essential. This is accomplished by providing precise rpm control of the prime mover, which is done by a governor. (Engine speed governors are discussed later on.)
When specifying, sizing, or selecting a generator, you must take many factors into consideration. As previously mentioned, factors that relate to the prime mover must receive equal attention simultaneously.
Important generator considerations include:
* Type of generator;
* RPM and frequency;
* Location and any required enclosures;
* Kilowatt rating and efficiency;
* Number of phases and power factor;
* Controls and related switchgear;
* Transfer switching; and
* Duty, starting conditions, etc.
Be sure to contact the manufacturer if the generator will have to supply a large motor load. Some motors draw vary large starting currents that will place heavy demands on the generator.
If the facility loads include non-linear loads (computer power supplies, variable frequency drives, electronic ballasts or other similar electronic equipment, particularly those furnished with switch-mode power supplies), it's essential that you advise the generator supplier of such so that proper steps can be taken to avoid equipment overheating or other problems due to harmonics. Some generator manufacturers recommend low-impedance generators and have developed winding design techniques to reduce the effects of the harmonic currents generated. In some instances, the generator may have to be derated and neutral size increased to safely supply complex nonlinear loads.
Induction generator
The construction of an induction generator is essentially the same as that of an induction motor: Both have a squirrel-cage rotor and wound stator. When this machine is driven above its designed synchronous speed, it becomes a generator; at less than synchronous speed, it functions as a motor. Because the induction generator does not have an exciter, it must operate in parallel with the utility. This outside power source provides the reactive power for generator operation. Also, its frequency is automatically locked in with the utility.
An induction generator is a popular choice for use when designing cogeneration systems, where it will operate in parallel with the utility. This type of generator offers certain advantages over a synchronous generator. For example, voltage and frequency are controlled by the utility; thus voltage and frequency regulators are not required. In addition, the generator construction offers high reliability and little maintenance. Also, a minimum of protective relays and controls are required. Its major disadvantage is that it normally cannot operate alone as a standby/emergency generator in such an application.
Type of driving engine
Gasoline engines are economical up to about 100kW. Initial costs are comparatively low, and they have reliable starting ability. The engine can be two or four stroke.
Diesel engines are popular because of their reliability, ruggedness, low maintenance, economical operation, and low initial cost for larger capacities. For auxiliary power applications, diesel engines are built in sizes from a few kW up to about 2000kW. For prime power applications, they may be sized up to 20,000 hp or more. Diesel engines can be two- or four-stroke, turbocharged, and air- or liquid-cooled.
Initial costs for diesel engines are higher than those for gasoline or gaseous-fuel engines. In some instances, these engines are built to operate on either diesel or gaseous fuel. Installation for large auxiliary-power units (1000 to 2000kW) is usually more costly because of requirements for foundation, vibration damping, sound reduction, water cooling, exhaust stack, and starting equipment. In addition, special considerations are usually required for use in ambient temperatures below 40 [degrees] F.
Gaseous fuel engines are comparable to diesel engines in many ways, except that the normal gas supply is subject to interruption in the event the supply line is broken or cutoff. However, an on-site propane gas tank can be installed to provide an alternate supply of fuel in the event the normal supply is lost.
Gas turbine sets have had considerable success as on-site power sources for heavy loads ranging from about 500kW up. Chief advantages include small size, light weight, and lack of vibration. They are well suited for installation on upper floors or on roofs. Water cooling is not required; however, the high volume of exhaust may necessitate large stacks. Also, sound levels are high, but soundproofing is comparatively easy to accomplish. They are relatively slow-starting unless provided with special starting aids, such as a compressed-air-driven pneumatic motor.
Some turbine-driven sets have the capability of burning a variety of fuels, either liquid or gas. They are also available as dual-fuel sets, such as natural gas and diesel, or natural gas and liquid petroleum gas.
Factors in fuel selection
Fuel availability frequently determines the choice of the engine-generator set. If a given fuel is already in use at the site, a genset using the same fuel may be most desirable.
If the genset is to be located in an isolated area where public utilities are not available, LPG or diesel fuel are logical choices. If the unit is to be located in a seismic risk area, an on-site fuel supply must be considered. A dual-fuel engine, such as a natural gas/propane unit is often selected to satisfy this need. (Refer to NEC Sec. 700-12b, and NFPA 110:3-1.2.)
Gaseous fuels. Air pollution due to engine exhaust is becoming a serious consideration, in particular because of recent clean-air legislation. Often, a dual-fuel unit capable of burning natural gas or propane can be advantageous because its exhaust is less toxic than that of a diesel engine. If a dual-fuel unit is selected, be sure to check the output rating for each fuel. The kW capability of a given genset is lower on natural gas than on propane.
Gaseous fuels, which are all clean-burning, offer minimum carbon buildup, cleaner crankcase oil, no fuel storage problems, and less engine maintenance than either diesel or gasoline fuels. However, LPG presents the greatest hazard of any of the fuels because any vapors leaked or released, being heavier than air, will fill low areas such as basements, and create an explosion hazard.
Any fuel system must be installed in accordance with applicable codes, and this is especially important with an LPG system. Reputable manufacturers provide guidance in the design of fuel systems. An excellent source of fuel system design for LPG is NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code.
Recent EPA rulings require stricter standards for installations of fuel tanks. An approved LPG fuel tank must be used to store liquid propane. All appropriate shut-off valves and pressure gauges must be included. An LPG tank should never be installed inside a structure; it should be installed outside, some distance away from any structures and away from open flames, sparks, or electrical connections.
Gasoline. Most smaller engine-generator sets operate on gasoline for a number of reasons. The smaller gensets (to about 100kW) are used in portable applications, such as on construction sites, for mobile emergency power, in motor homes or recreation vehicles, etc. In these applications, ready fuel availability is important. Also, gasoline engines start easier than diesels in cold temperatures. You should take note that most of these applications use fuel regularly and that the fuel supply must be replenished. Therefore, they usually do not stand unused for long periods of time.
Gasoline is rarely used in alternate power-source applications because storage of this fuel can be a fire hazard, and long-term storage of gasoline can be detrimental to the engine.
Diesel fuel. In many applications, diesel fuel is chosen because it offers easy on-site storage, has fewer problems with long-term storage, has reduced fire hazards, and is capable of more operating hours between overhauls. Also, modern diesel engines offer many advantages over other types of prime movers.
A disadvantage of diesel fuel is its low volatility at low ambient temperatures. This problem is minimized by providing diesels with thermostatically controlled coolant heaters to maintain the water jacket temperature at 90 [degrees] F or higher.
Combustion air
The output power of any type of engine is proportional to the lbs of fuel burned per unit of time. For diesels, each lb of fuel requires 17 lb of air for complete combustion. When more air is forced into the cylinder, more fuel is burned and more power is developed. Several methods are used to increase engine power. The most common are turbocharging (supercharging), after-cooling, and intake tuning.
Turbochargers use the pressure of the exhaust gas to drive a turbine/compressor in the combustion air intake system. This forces additional air into the combustion chamber for more power production.
Aftercoolers employ heat exchangers in the combustion air system to reduce air temperature, thereby making the air more dense and providing more oxygen for combustion.
In nearly all instances, a governor applied to an engine-generator set controls engine speed to assure the driven AC generator provides the proper frequency of the AC power output. There are many types of governors; however, for auxiliary power applications, an isochronous governor is normally selected. It controls the speed of the engine so it remains constant from no-load to full load, assuring a constant AC power output frequency from the generator.
A modern system consists of two primary components: An electronic speed control and an actuator that adjusts the speed of the engine. The electronic speed control senses actual engine speed and provides a feedback signal to the mechanical/hydraulic actuator, which, in turn, positions the engine throttle or fuel control to maintain a very accurate engine speed.
Controls and monitoring
A wide variety of instruments, safety devices, and controls are available for special needs. These include a load-test switch, engine-start relays, time-clock or engine-start circuit, and engine-time running meters. Alarm relays include overload, over/under voltage, reverse-current relays, and ground-fault protection. Engine protection includes alarms for low fuel, low oil, low cooling water, overtemperature, etc. Be sure to check applicable articles in the NEC for required controls and signaling devices, such as automatic starting and derangement signals.
Synchronizing controls permit automatic synchronizing of two or more generators. Usually, visual indication of synchronization (two pilot lights) is also provided at the generator control and paralleling switchgear. In addition, a programmable logic controller (PLC) with keyboard may be included to provide for programming of voltage/phase synchronization, speed control, and frequency adjust. Generators may be programmed to operate in certain sequences to obtain maximum efficiency and reliability of operation.
NEC-defined applications
The National Electrical Code provides guidance for safe and proper installation of on-site engine-generator systems. Local codes may vary and must be reviewed during early design stages.
Whatever the application, a great many components are involved in the installation of an on-site power system. The system selected and components involved depend on the type of occupancy, type of process or activity, and specific needs of the facility. Additional important considerations include budget considerations, degree of safety or reliability desired, codes and standards, and the particular set of special functions and technologies required for the application.
Applicable Code rules depend on the purpose of the system under consideration. In addition, the requirements of these rules serve as an excellent guideline that helps effective design, selection, and installation.
Article 700 (Emergency Systems) covers systems that are legally required to be installed and that supply loads essential to safety and life, such as emergency lighting, essential refrigeration and ventilation, and signaling systems. Typically, emergency systems are installed in places of assembly, such as theaters, schools, stadiums, or wherever large numbers of people may gather. The purpose of the system is to assure safe evacuation by providing electric power for adequate emergency lighting, fire detection, operation of fire pumps, alarm signals, and communication.
Article 701 (Legally Required Standby Systems) covers those systems required and classified as legally required standby by municipal, state, federal, and/or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to supply power automatically to important selected loads (other than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal power source. Legally required standby power systems are typically installed to serve such loads as heating and refrigeration systems, communication systems, ventilation and smoke-removal systems, sewage disposal, lighting, and industrial processes which, when stopped during any power outage, could create hazards or hamper rescue or fire fighting operations.
Article 702 (Optional Standby Systems) says that optional standby systems are intended to protect private business or property where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system. Optional standby systems (other than those classed as emergency or legally required standby systems) typically serve as an alternate power source for industrial and commercial buildings, farms, and residences by supplying such loads as heating and refrigeration systems, data processing and communications systems, and industrial processes which, when stopped during any power outage, could cause discomfort, serious interruption of the process, or damage to the product or process.
Article 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources) provides rules that apply to engine-generator sets that operate in parallel with the utility (or other sources). Regulations cover the generator connection point, characteristics, and protection as well as rules concerning synchronous and induction generators.
Article 517 (Health Care Facilities) includes numerous regulations that apply to on-site power systems installed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Especially important are Secs. 517-31, 34, 35, 44, and 50. Requirements are similar to those of Article 700, with a few variations.
Article 455 (Generators) provides general guidelines for proper and safe installation of generators. Regulations cover location, marking, overcurrent protection, and others. Of particular significance is an exception to Sec. 445-4, which permits the generator overload devices to be connected to an annunciator or alarm instead of where they would interrupt the generator circuit. This is permitted only where deemed by the authority having jurisdiction that the generator should operate to failure to prevent a greater hazard to persons.
The IEEE Orange Book, Recommended Practice for Emergency and Standby Power Systems (IEEE 446) is another valuable aid.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tooling Article
Moving Forward with Reverse Engineering
Industrial Experimental Technologies (IET), Auburn Hills, MI, thrives on bringing old parts back into service, even when design documentation or drawings are lacking. Customers often come to the company with urgent problems that require the delivery of immediate solutions in a very short timeframe.
Among its production capabilities: CNC machining, milling and turning; stamping and forming; three- and five-axis laser cutting; direct metal laser sintering; casting and forging; hydroforming; and tool and fixture design and production.
A Call from the Army
For a recent U.S. Army project, IET received shipments of vehicle parts that had been blown up in Iraq and Afghanistan. The need: Reverse-engineer and manufacture replacement parts.
"If the right side of the vehicle was destroyed, they'd send us the left-side components so that we could reverse-engineer and create fenders, doors, axle components and other parts," says Knighton. "They didn't have the drawings or 3D data, so we performed reverse engineering and then cast and machined the parts to provide a complete solution."
Similarly, the firm has worked with Rolls Royce to create replacement parts for old jet engines that are still in service, some of them 50 years old. And yet another challenging project involved redesign of a GM S10 pickup truck. Here, IET converted the vehicle from a two-door to four-door cab, including the redesign of 122 unique parts.
Timing is of the Essence
The ability to quickly create and modify a solid model is crucial for the reverse-engineering process. "We'll take the part, model it in Cimatron and machine it," says Knighton. "We'll go back to the solid model for any necessary changes until we get the part perfectly right. If we didn't have software that is easy and quick to use, we would be spending a lot of time making these changes."
Many of the projects IET is tasked with are on a tight schedule. Customers of such projects don't look for a supplier to do just part of the job, they want one supplier to develop a complete solution and help them move from the development stage all the through production.
An operator removes a lower deck-lid stamping from an 800-ton hydraulic press, one of several presses operating in the IET pressroom.
"This is a highly iterative process," says Knighton. "In one recent stamping project, we went through 30 different product iterations. By the end of the brief two-month process, we produced 87,000 pieces on a manually operated progressive die designed in Cimatron."
IET uses Cimatron die-design and development software for product design, die design and all machine-tool path programming. Knighton explains: "We'll make a model and the customer will suggest changes, or will want us to try something different. All the while, in parallel we are trying to engineer the die design. Cimatron enables us to quickly modify the part model and have the die-design changes flow right through, allowing us to save a tremendous amount of time."
Quoting also can pose a challenge for such projects. "These are not straightforward jobs," adds Knighton, "often requiring us to move from prototype all the to production. With our software, I can quickly envision in just a few minutes what the solid model should look like if I turn it into a production die. Once we get the job, I then can direct somebody how to make the die that I envisioned in just an hour or two." MFArticle provided by Cimatron Technologies, Inc., Novi, MI: 248/596-9700; www.cimatrontech.com.
See also: 3D Systems/Cimatron Software
Related Enterprise Zones: Software
Reader Comments
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Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agents
Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts offer unparalleled service to the home owners of Myrtle Beach and those looking to relocate to our sunny beaches. Whether you are looking to sell your current home or buy a home for investments purposes or upgrade your existing home, put our professionals to work for you. We have the knowledge and professional experience to work for you and make your dreams happen. Our number one priority is your satisfaction. We take pride in our reputation and know that you will be completely satisfied with our results whether you are buying or selling a home or condo. We know the Myrtle Beach area inside and out and are here to serve you.
Call to setup an appointment with us and you will see for yourself why we are the top ranked Myrtle Beach real estate agents in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.
Homes For Sale Myrtle Beach
We study the market on a daily basis and use this information to keep our clients informed of changes that help them to make wise decisions. Our Myrtle Beach real estate agents have systems that give the most exposure to your listing and attract potential buyers. Our systems have proven results.
When you decide to list your home, you want a team that gives 110% to your listing. The last thing you want to do is list your home and then just wait for the listing to expire. You want to hire a Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agency that will get your home sold in the least amount of time for the most amount of money. You want an aggressive Myrtle Beach real estate agent. There are many factors that go into selling your home or condo and it comes down to aggressive marketing, knowing the numbers, sound pricing and having an expert on your side.
Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts has been ranked in the top 1% of real estate agents out of a field of 2,400 agents in Horry County for the most closed transactions in one year. Just last year we were ranked as Exit Realty Elite top Realtor in Myrtle Beach and the #1 agent in the state of South Carolina and #7 in the WORLD with Exit Realty International. We are now independent brokers and have been ranked in the Wall Street Journal's top 250 Teams in the United States.
Bank Owned Properties, Foreclosures and Short Sales
Stay informed with our tips and updates on Myrtle Beach foreclosures and make informed buying decisions. We give you tips on what to look for whether you are an investor or a home owner looking for a great deal. Our listings include pre-foreclosure, VA and HUD foreclosures, bank owned and Real Estate Owned (REO) foreclosures. Right now you can find some of the most affordable opportunities to purchase in both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Call us today if you would like to invest in Myrtle Beach real estate or condos.
As you know, the Grand Strand has become the destination resort area for the entire southeast, out ranking even Florida. Prices have never been better making it very affordable to purchase a vacation home or condo near the beach. With today's lower prices, Myrtle Beach Rental Properties are extremely attractive. They can provide rental income that allows the property to pay for itself. Visitors still love Myrtle Beach and the rental rates have not dropped as drastically as the price of buying a rental unit.
Golf Condos and Retirement Communities
Because of our warm climate, Myrtle Beach is a great place for golf condos. Myrtle Beach Golf communities are more popular than ever. Because we have more moderate summer weather, this area is often preferred over Florida. More and more retirees are choosing to relocate to Myrtle Beach and our Myrtle Beach real estate agents are here to serve you.
Call today to schedule a time to discuss your situation – whether you are buying or selling a home in Myrtle Beach – 843-839-9870.
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Check our listings at http://www.homeguidemyrtlebeach.com/


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Hagey Hall 3157
200 University Ave,. W.
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
519-888-4567, ext. 36536
The School of Accounting and Finance was the first English speaking professional school of its kind in Canada. We offer 2 undergraduate - Accounting and Financial Management and Computing and Financial Management - and 3 graduate - Master of Accounting; Master of Taxation; PhD in Accounting - programs to provide students with the technical, analytical, evaluative, and communication skills needed to prepare for successful careers in public accounting, finance, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors. In conjunction with the Faculties of Mathematics and Science, the School also administers 2 undergraduate programs - Mathematics/CPA; Biotechnology/CPA - and 1 graduate program - Master of Quantitative Finance.
The School of Accounting and Finance has received the highest level of national accreditation under the new Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) National Accreditation Standards, expanding on the transitional legacy exemption granted in October 2012. The SAF's national accreditation provides a range of customized pathways for SAF students to tailor their education for a direct route to the CPA designation.
When current students in the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM), Biotechnology/CPA, and Mathematics/CPA programs combine their undergraduate studies with the Master of Accounting (MAcc) graduate program can move directly to the CPA Common Final Examination (CFE).
The legacy transitional exemption was a show of confidence from CPA Ontario in how well the SAF has prepared graduates for professional accreditation in accounting.
-Tom Scott, SAF Director


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Butters recalled from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article misstated what products were affected by the recall. Only Trader Joe's raw almond butters are part of the recall.
Butters are being recalled from Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and other grocers because of a possible Salmonella contamination.
nSpired Natural Foods is voluntarily recalling its Arrowhead Mills peanut butter, MaraNatha almond butters and other brands of the nut butters, according to a release from the Food and Drug Administration.
The company was notified of four illnesses possibly related to these products, the FDA says.
Salmonella causes people to suffer from diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 42,000 cases are reported in the USA each year, the CDC says.
Consumers of the recalled products should throw away the product and call the company at 1-800-937-7008 for a replacement or refund.
Contributing: Associated Press
Follow @JolieLeeDC on Twitter.
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Hi all, Bryan here – I'm back home in snowy Seattle after a fun-filled week in San Francisco for RSA Conference 2011. One of my favorite games to play at RSA each year is to identify the hot buzzword or phrase of the year: the one meme that keeps popping up in every session and every vendor's booth. The last few years have, of course, belonged to The Cloud, and this year looked like it was shaping up to be the year of the Advanced Persistent Threat. But then a dark horse came out of nowhere and snatched the buzzword crown away. The award for most overused expression for 2011 goes to The Bear – as in: You Don't Have to Outrun the Bear.
I'm sure everyone reading this has heard the old joke about outrunning bears before, so I won't tell it again here. Personally, I've never been a big fan of this philosophy. Basically, it suggests that you don't have to aim for perfect security; you just have to be a little bit harder to attack than the other people around you. Now I know that security is not an absolute, that there's no such thing as perfect security. But is "let them do it to the other guy" really the best we can strive for as an industry? It reminds me of the Far Side cartoon where (ironically) a bear is caught in a hunter's crosshairs, and he's grinning and pointing at his friend standing next to him. It's especially worrying to me that this message seems to resonate so well with so many people.
Since we're already talking about clichéd expressions, take a look at the Tragedy of the Commons, if you want to know where this line of thought will take us. Or better still, adopt a security philosophy that benefits the community, maybe "a rising tide lifts all ships." This is the attitude that the most security-mature organizations take. Adobe benefits from platform defenses created by Microsoft and Apple. Microsoft and Apple likewise benefit from application defenses we build into our products, like the Adobe Reader sandbox. Even if you don't work for an OS vendor, you can always contribute time to an open-source security project like the OWASP projects or simply share your knowledge by writing about what you've learned and helping others to avoid the same mistakes.
Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now. I promise that next time I'll be back with a less philosophical post that has some code snippets in it. But in the meantime, remember that it's not enough just to run faster than your friend. If he's falling behind, grab his arm, pull him to safety, and maybe both of you can live to tell about how you outran the bear.
Security is an industry concern and not one that is limited to a select group of vendors or products. No organization is immune to vulnerabilities and exploits. It is critical that vendors and the security community at large partner and work together to try and stay ahead of the game and combat those with malicious intent.


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15 Nov Greg Fitzsimmons, Live from the Brea Improv
[download_link link="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/theadamcarollashow/2012.11.16ACS.mp3″ target="blank"]DOWNLOAD HERE[/download_link]
Show Summary
Adam chats with Greg and the gang about the surprise podcast recording on the drive up. He also talks about his daughter's Thanksgiving Party at school, and rants about baby vegetables and almond cookies. Later, Adam takes audience questions about time travel, Mr. Birchum, and sharing Mangria.
Alison opens the news discussing John McCain's controversy for missing a briefing on Benghazi. The guys then talk about the horrible experience of camping, and the story of 'Danny Two Sheets.' Other news stories include updates on Petraeus, a Facts of Life cast member with West Nile, and rumors of Joe Simpson being gay. As the show wraps up, the guys talk about creepy carnival barker mustaches, and Johnny Depp's new Bob Dylan book.
For more info on today's guest, visit http://GregFitzsimmons.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @GregFitzShow.
[youtube url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWszPQV-OKo" autohide="1″ showinfo="0″]
Show Credits
Producer: Mike Lynch
Producer: Mike Dawson
Audio/Voice Over/Post-Production: Mike Dawson
Newsgirl: Alison Rosen
Sound Effects: Bryan Bishop
Associate Producer: Gary Smith
Technical Director: Chris Laxamana
Show Summary: Matt Fondiler


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Indie rock songs contain trite and obvious messages for angst ridden adolescents. Perfect, then, for capturing the feelings of political party activists searching for a saviour.
I haven't really got an opinion on the question of who ought to be leader of the Labour Party. Actually, that's not really true. I think it should be Grant Robertson, but that's purely because he's my friend and we always want our friends to be successful. Only, I note, because we can then hate them for it.
But in terms of the current fevered "should Shearer go?" (or, rather, "Shearer should go!") discussion burning up the interwebz, I haven't really got an opinion. Partly it's because I've just got back to town after a break in the US of A, where there were bigger and noisier political games to distract me. Partly it's because I haven't really got a direct stake in the issue, as I'm not a Labour Party member. And partly it's because there's a lot more to the leadership issue than "can David Shearer learn how to get through an interview without sounding incoherent?" - there's obviously internal caucus politicing which isn't really visible to the outside eye but which matter very much in terms of constructing a team that can compete with the National opposition (as well as the Greens and NZ First allies).
However, as I was out on my evening walk around Purakaunui inlet while the evening sun fell across the flat water and illuminated the headland in a soft golden glow, my iPod shuffle brought the Sebadoh song "Brand New Love" to my ears. And for some reason the lyrics made me think of the obvious and passionate desire that those debating Labour's leadership have for a leader that they can fall madly in love with. And they also reminded me of how elusive and ultimately disappointing such forms of love can be.
So because everyone else in the general political blogosphere has something to say on the issue and I hate to be the only one not talking, here's my only comment on the Labour leadership issue:
Restless eyes close, maybe it'll go away.
Please rest tomorrow, bring a satisfying day.
The restless urge of love that's worth the burning for;
Surely it's that one consuming love to give you more.
Any thought could be the beginning
Of the brand new tangled web you're spinning.
Anyone could be a brand new love.
Any tithe that holds can be broken,
Tear your bitter world to the open.
Anyone could be a brand new love.
You won't be the first, your twisted change is normal.
Gossan dirt, whispered to the nodding head,
Thrilled you fell apart, instead of them.
But they will.
For any hope for love can be killed.
If you need a different face,
It's definitely time to destroy this place.
Any thought could be the beginning
Of the brand new tangled web you're spinning.
Anyone could be a brand new love.
Follow what you feel, you alone decide what's real.
Anyone can be a brand new love.
If you don't know Sebadoh's song, you can hear it here (or a more mellow live version here). There's also a (poppier) Superchunk cover that I quite like here.


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Tuesday October 15, 2019; 05:59 pm EDT
Camp Letts' Wingstock Festival and Gordon Biersch's Summerbrau
It's not summer yet, but things are heating up. This Saturday, June 8, Camp Letts in Edgewater hosts the second annual Chesapeake Wingstock Festival. This tasty fundraiser supports Camp Letts' Caring for Community Campaign, which provides kids in need with full and partial scholarships to attend camp. Seven local restaurants fire up their best wings for both judges' and people's choice awards. There are lots of activities for the youngsters (12 and under get free admission) with a kid zone, moon bounce and frolicking in the pool. There's live music, food sales and, for the over-21 crowd, alcoholic beverages. Worth watching is the wing-eating contest.
$20 plus a premium for wing tasting and judging.
Gordon Biersch gets a jump on the season with the introduction of Summerbrau brew and Tastes of Summer menu. Located at the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole, Gordon Biersch has its own on-site brewery (public tours available). The Summerbrau is a lighter beer made with German yeast in the Kolsch style originating in Cologne, Germany. This special lager (and any Biersch drafts) can be purchased in a refillable growler ($5 or $10) filled at the bar. A fill-up runs $11 for the special brews and will quench a big thirst at two liters.
The Tastes of Summer menu highlights foods that pair well with Gordon Biersch's Summerbrau and signature mojito. Lobster and shrimp tacos, seared Ahi tuna and bourbon chicken with grilled shrimp are a few options.
Both the Summerbrau and the seasonal menu will be gone by early July, just in time for the next new brew, the Blonde Bock, which will be tapped in celebration of the restaurant chain's 25th anniversary.


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Hoboken (city, United States)
Hoboken (hō´bōkən, –bəkən), city (1990 pop. 33,397), Hudson co., NE N.J., on the Hudson River adjoining Jersey City and opposite Manhattan; settled by the Dutch c.1640, inc. as a city 1855. A port of entry and railroad terminal, it has food-processing industries and electronic, chemical, and metal products factories. Hoboken is the seat of Stevens Institute of Technology.
The site changed title many times before John Stevens gained possession in 1784. He built his home at Castle Point (a rock formation overlooking the river) and laid out the town in 1804. Stevens built (c.1825) and ran on his estate the first locomotive to pull a train on tracks in the United States. John Jacob Astor lived in Hoboken; his home was a gathering place for authors, including Washington Irving, and William Cullen Bryant. Hoboken became an important industrial and commercial center in the late 19th cent. with a major port, shipyards, and warehouses.
In the 1970s and 80s professionals, artists, and students flocked to the city for its affordable, renovated housing and easy access to New York City. Hoboken's reputation has grown accordingly, and it has become a cultural community with art galleries, musical events, entertainment, and developing businesses. A major riverfront development project was launched in the late 1990s, and the city became an alternative office location for companies based in Manhattan. In 2012 the city suffered extensive flooding damage from Hurricane Sandy.
Hoboken (former city, Belgium)
Hoboken (hō´bōkən), section of Antwerp, Antwerp prov., N Belgium, on the Scheldt River. It has large shipyards and wool-processing plants. A former industrial suburb of Antwerp, it was annexed by Antwerp in 1983.


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Falling branches, road flooding, downed power lines and strong wind — driving rain sideways at times — had emergency services scrambling yesterday to keep ahead of Hurricane Sandy, which landed on New England more as a bad fall storm than a major disaster.
The storm was not a replay of Hurricane Irene, which battered the area in late August 2011, or last year's Halloween snowstorm, which left many people without power for weeks. It did cause problems for residents throughout Central Massachusetts. With wind gusts close to 60 miles per hour, trees and limbs fell, damaging homes and vehicles, blocking roads and causing power outages.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick said there was a lot of wind damage, but no serious injuries attributed to the hurricane.
Speaking at 8:30 p.m. from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency bunker in Framingham, the governor said most of the impact in Massachusetts of the weather, which was downgraded to a tropical storm, was in the South Coast of the state. He said that was just then entering its most dangerous stage of high tides and storm surge.
He said that the state was lucky that the hurricane took a turn and did not hit Massachusetts as directly as had been predicted under one scenario.
Mr. Patrick said that 108 people were in shelters by 8:30 p.m. There is capacity for 10,000 to 15,000 people, he said.
"In general we think people can prepare for a normal workday" today, Mr. Patrick said. He said he is cautiously optimistic that commuter rail and MBTA service will be ready by commuting time this morning.
State government offices will be delayed in opening until 10 a.m. today, he said, and he hopes that private businesses will be flexible as well — especially if their employees are coming from the South Coast or Cape Ann.
Schools and many businesses throughout Worcester County were closed yesterday, and Worcester public schools will be closed today, along with many other school districts around the county, because of power outages and in anticipation of continuing bad weather.
In Mendon, a tree fell on a vehicle at 140 Cape Road at 1 p.m., injuring the driver, who was taken to a local hospital. The identity of the driver and his condition were not immediately available.
Erin Harrington and her two young children were in her bedroom at 40 Kenberma Road in Worcester yesterday when an old willow tree she had been meaning to have removed came crashing down, striking her 2007 Toyota sedan. Some of the tree's smaller branches also came to rest on the roof above her bedroom.
"Thankfully it didn't crash through the roof," she said.
Ms. Harrington said fire crews told her the roof was not damaged and that it would be safe to stay in the house. Still, she was undecided yesterday afternoon.
"I have issues with sleeping in a room with a tree on the roof," she said.
Luckily her husband had parked his car behind hers, and it escaped damage.
On Myrtle Street in Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University senior Kayleigh A. Bennett was sitting in the living room of her apartment yesterday afternoon watching storm updates on television with her three roommates when she heard a huge crash and saw a flash like lightning.
"I ran to the front door and saw my roommate's car was fine, but I forgot mine was out there," she said.
Ms. Bennett's car, a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass she bought in her junior year, was crushed by a 55-foot tree, almost 4 feet in diameter, which also took out power to several multifamily homes used as off-campus student housing.
"We thought it would rain a little and it would be misty, but there wasn't much wind," Ms. Bennett said. "We weren't expecting a tree to fall."
In Sterling, two firefighters had a close call when they went to check out a downed tree on Jewett Road at 6:37 p.m. Fire Chief David Hurlbut Jr. said a power line fell on their pickup on Jewett Road and they called for backup. The second team used monitoring meters to determine a fuse had blown and the line was no longer live. After removing the power line, the team drove the truck away.
In Sturbridge, a section of the roof of the former Piccadilly Pub was blown off. Several homes, including a house at Oak Ridge Avenue in Southbridge, were also damaged by falling trees. Also in Southbridge, nine roads were blocked by trees and wires in the afternoon.
The National Weather Service was predicting rain would continue at least through today, with diminishing winds through the day. During the day sustained winds in Worcester were between 21 and 26 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. The possibility of rain will diminish significantly Wednesday but wind could still be a factor. The weather service is predicting winds of 7 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 36 mph. Temperatures are expected to remain high, rising to 65 degrees todayand 58 degrees tomorrow.
In anticipation of the storm, Worcester opened its emergency operations center at 7 a.m. yesterday yo coordinate storm-related services. The city's customer service center was also open yesterday and was expected to remain open for the duration of the storm. Residents wishing to report downed trees, tree limbs, blocked roads, sewage backup or other city-related storm issues may call the service center at (508) 929-1300.The storm prompted Worcester and the Red Cross to open an emergency shelter at Worcester Technical High School on Skyline Drive for residents forced from their homes. Transportation to the shelter is available by calling (508) 798-3252.
There were about 6, 000 customers without power in the city as of 10 last night.
Power companies were preparing for the hurricane well before it reached the Northeast. National Grid had 550 crews — between 1,400 and 1,500 people — on the ground to deal with the expected outages.
National Grid Massachusetts President Marcy Reed said the power company was determined to improve its performance after complaints about its response to Hurricane Irene in August 2011 and the Halloween snowstorm in October 2011. The utility had more than 48,500 customers without power by 9 p.m.
Storm damage assessment is not expected to be completed at least until tomorrow for both National Grid and Unitil.
Alec O'Meara, a spokesman for Unitil, said among the unusual aspects of this storm are its size and duration. He said the peak of the storm was expected to go on for several hours. Through the early evening about 27,000 of the utility's customers were without power.
Mr. O'Meara said that number was mainly in the New Hampshire seacoast area. The four towns the utility serves in Massachusetts had a total 4,100 of 28,000 customers without power. He said Unitil brought in 260 crews to deal with the storm, with Unitil's normal workforce of 450 expanded to about 1,000.
Paula Owen, Brian Lee, Jackie Reis, Lee Hammel and Kim Ring of the Telegram & Gazette staff contributed to this report.


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Would You Like a Bite?/
Thanks to the tons of money being invested in finding out more about the little insect responsible for every third bite of food we eat, there are now regular scientific discoveries made about honeybees. One recent discovery was news even to many beekeepers, who used to describe this behavior as "grooming."
Honeybees Don't Just Sting
Turns out honeybees aren't being fashionable or fastidious; they not only sting but they can also bite. I wondered what some of my bees were doing earlier this summer when I opened a hive to find them "rolling" a wax moth larvae away from the hive entrance. I had read that healthy hives can protect themselves from these invaders and assumed bees were stinging the larvae. After several bees converged on the wax moth larvae, I noticed none of the bees were dying.
A bee can only sting once, then dies.
Although the bees were still moving, the wax moth larvae had stopped. The bees were then able to roll it off the edge of the hive. Now I know the bees were biting the wax moth larvae. Researchers have discovered that honeybees use their tiny mandibles to paralyze victims with a snake-like venom. The secretion left by the bite was found to be similar to Lidocaine, the dominant local anesthetic used in humans and other mammals. Like a snake bite, the secretion contains a natural anesthetic that paralyzes the victim for 6-10 minutes so the pest can be dragged out of the hive. The finding could help scientists develop ways to help bees fight off viruses that are affecting the wider bee population.
Bee Anesthetic
Dr Max Watkins, a former researcher at Cardiff University, said the anesthetic may not only help honeybees fend off pests such as wax moths and the parasitic varroa mites, but it also has great potential for human use.
"Firstly, the revelation that honeybees can bite enemies that they cannot sting confounds some existing ideas and adds significantly to our biological knowledge. "Secondly, the discovery of a highly effective natural anesthetic with huge potential will be of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry eager to develop better local anesthetics."
The natural anesthetic is 2-heptanone, a compound found in many foods.
It is also secreted by certain insects but never before understood to have anesthetic properties. Until recently, research seemed to indicate that 2-heptanone was either a honeybee alarm pheromone that triggers defensive responses, or a chemical marker signaling to other foraging bees that a flower had already been visited. The compound is found naturally in many foods such as beer and white bread, and is so safe that USDA allows it as a food additive.
That's a bear of a discovery!


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Broker's (Premium London Dry Gin)
Review: Broker's Premium London Dry Gin (40 % ABV) 86.5/100
a review by Chip Dykstra (AKA Arctic Wolf)
Posted on February 5, 2012
Broker's Gin is a relatively new brand, created in 1998 by the Dawson Brother's (Martin and Andy). Despite the rather recent creation of this brand, the recipe for Broker's Gin is reported to be over 200 years old. Apparently, during the design phase for the brand, the Dawson brothers tasted and tested many newer recipes as well; however they found that sometimes the old ways really are the best ways, and after various trials they chose the 200-year-old recipe. Broker's Gin is made from traditional copper pot stills in a distillery located near Birmingham, England. Like the recipe for the gin, this distillery is over 200 years old as well.
Broker's is a wheat-based, quadruple-distilled, pure grain spirit. Ten natural ingredients are used to flavour this spirit and of course the primary botanical used is juniper. The botanicals are steeped in the quadruple-distilled base spirit inside the still for 24 hours prior to the spirit being processed through a final, fifth distillation to produce Broker's Gin.
According to the Broker's Gin Website, the botanicals used to produce Broker's Gin and their sources are, juniper berries from Bulgaria or Macedonia, coriander seed from Bulgaria, orris root from Italy, nutmeg from India, cassia bark from China, cinnamon from Madagascar, liquorice from Sri Lanka, orange peel from Spain, lemon peel from Spain and angelica root from Belgium or France.
I was given a bottle of Broker's Gin by Woodman Wines and Spirits to review on my website, and it is with that bottle that I shall begin.
In the Bottle 4/5
The bottle presentation for Broker's Gin is shown to the left. I love the addition of the Bowler hat to the top of the bottle. It's a little thing, but it makes the bottle stand out, and it showcases the English heritage of this London Dry Gin very well. The picture of a man with a bowler hat and cane on the label is a nice touch as well. My only quibble is the metallic screw cap topper. I prefer a plastic topper or a cork style but, that quibble is minor and I like what I see.
In the Glass 8.5/10
I poured out my first sample of Broker's Gin into a glencairn glass and my nose was greeted with the classic mild piny juniper scent of a traditional English gin. Light notes of lemon and lime citrus lay in the breezes with just a hint of orange peel. The overall effect is light and refreshing. If you spend some time nosing the glass it is possible to detect a very light pungent spiciness which lies under the more assertive juniper and citrus. I get the sense from nosing the glass, that this spirit represents a classic, traditional gin.
In the Mouth 52/60
The initial entry on to the palate reveals a nice layer of spiciness which opens (or maybe it is more correct to say cleanses) the palate making it very receptive to the nuances within the gin. Again I notice that classic flavour profile of light juniper accented by lemony citrus and a touch of orange. The spiciness seems to stem from the coriander seed although to my palate it is vaguely reminiscent of ginger and rye spices. Only the vaguest whispers of cinnamon and licorice are apparent, and the result is a nice gin which I can sip quite easily. The individual botanicals do not assert themselves vigorously, rather they lie within the flavour stream waiting for you to discover them.
Of course, although I can sip this gin rather easily, it is cocktails which I prefer when I open a bottle of gin. My cocktails of choice for gin are my own Key Lime Gimlet, and the Lime Fizz, although after discovering Q Tonic recently I have added the Gin and Tonic to my repertoire. As I suspected, the cocktails I made with Broker's were delicious! The gin doesn't add any special twist or unique flavour to the cocktails, rather it allows you to make solid classic cocktails and bar drinks which any gin enthusiast will appreciate. The gin is solid!
In the Throat 13/15
Broker's Gin exits the palate with a nice spicy warmth; but it does not impart very much burn to the throat. Light juniper and orange peel are left behind for you to savour. This warm spiciness is probably what is making those cocktails taste so good.
The Afterburn 9/10
It seemed to me, when I went over my scores, that this gin was better than the sum of its parts. The flavour profile is light and refreshing with all of the botanicals within the gin working well together. My conclusion is that Broker's is a great go to gin when one wants to mix traditional gin cocktails with a crisp, clean taste profile. As I stated earlier, the Broker's gin doesn't add any special twist or unique flavour to the cocktails, rather it allows you to make solid classic cocktails and bar drinks which any gin enthusiast will appreciate.
You may read some of my other Gin Reviews (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews.
Note: I appreciate the input of one of my readers who notes that my bottle of Broker's is a 40 % abv spirit. He mentioned that he has always experienced this gin as a 47 % abv product. I find myself wishing I had this higher proof spirit to review. My experience is that the higher abv (within reason) usually results in a more flavourful and higher scoring spirit.
Suggested Recipes
About two years ago I created this cocktail for a few friends of mine who claimed they did not like gin. They have been converted, and if you try this recipe with Broker's Gin, it is sure to convert you too.
Lady of the Empire
1 1/2 oz Broker's Gin
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1 tsp simple syrup
Place the first four ingredients in a metal cocktail shaker
Shake vigorously with ice until the metal is frosted
Strain into a chilled wine or cocktail glass
Lime Martini
2 oz Dry Gin
dash Vermouth
1/2 oz of Lime
3/8 oz of sugar syrup
Thin slice of Lime
Rinse a chilled Martini glass with a dash of vermouth
Pour the other three ingredients into a metal shaker with ice
Shake until the sides of the shaker frost
Strain into the cocktail glass
Add a thin slice of lime to the cocktail.
And of course… enjoy!
Note: If you are interested in more of my original cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!
My Final Score is out of 100 and you may (loosely) interpret that score as follows:
0-25 A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49 Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59 You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn't.
60-69 Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74 Now we have a fair mixing spirit. Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79 You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84 We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89 Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94 Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+ I haven't met this bottle yet…but I want to.
Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal scale as follows:
70 – 79.5 Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5 Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95 Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+ Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)
6 Responses to "Broker's (Premium London Dry Gin)"
July 4, 2013 at 5:16 pm
In the UK this is sold in 700 mL bottles at 40%, Canada 750 mL bottles at 40%, US 750 mL bottles at 47%.
The US one at 47% is the better of the two. Regardless, I quite enjoy the 40% and find it's an excellent value.
The whole 40% vs. 47% reminds me of Beefeater as noted in Chip's July 2011 review; however, the differences are not as vast when enjoying Brokers. I simply wish they'd release 47% globally for all to enjoy.
December 7, 2012 at 1:12 am
I've just tried Broker's for the first time this week, as part of a project to put together the "Vesper" cocktail from CASINO ROYALE, in its original 1953 strength. Well, as I'd been wanting to try the brand, and because it's sold at 94 proof in the USA, I chose Broker's. I taste any spirit that I ever buy on its own, to see if it would make a good "sipping" spirit, as well as a good mixer. I must say that I am QUITE impressed!!! Broker's costs about $5 less than "Beefy", and it has a GREAT crisp, bracing gin taste. Plus, that little bowler hat is so cute. So veddy veddy Bridish….
February 5, 2012 at 8:55 pm
I dug out my bottle of Broker's from the recycling bin, and as I reported, the gin I've been drinking is 47% ABV.
I like negronis, and I find that Broker's does a fine job there at a very affordable price. Many comparable gins in my area cost around $30.
February 5, 2012 at 9:57 am
Whoa, if I'm not mistaken, looking at the photo with this post, it seems that Broker's Gin is 40% ABV. Every bottle of Broker's that I've ever bought has been higher, I think around 47% ABV. I would read it to you the precise number off of my bottle, but I just finished it off earlier this week.
February 5, 2012 at 9:52 am
I like this gin. It's my go-to mixer. In my area of New Jersey you can purchase it for under $20, which makes it a no-brainer purchase.


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I took this photo of the tombstone for Stephen Read and his wife Elizabeth (nee Sanders) in 2000 and although I had no idea then that he was actually one of my ancestors, I sort of had a feeling that he was.
They are buried in the churchyard at Great Milton in Oxfordshire and at the time Stephen and Elizabeth were the only Reads I could find buried there. (It wasn't until a few years later that I discovered that my ancestors Edward Read and his wife Mary (nee Tanner) were also buried in the same place although we did not come across their graves.
Stephen became a bit of a brick wall. I found him and Elizabeth in the Censuses. They did not appear to have had children. He worked as a Harness Maker and in the various Censuses there are one or two others living with Stephen and Elizabeth who are apprentice Harness Makers or assistants etc.. Also living with them in one Census (1851) was Elizabeth Larner. She also became a bit of a brick wall too.
I found her in an earlier Census (1841) living with a different Stephen Read and his wife Ann (Nanny) (nee Rose) in Thame, Oxfordshire. This Stephen was the youngest of all my 6 x great grandfather Cozens Read's twenty children and was the only one to appear in a Census. So, I wondered, is the Harness Maker Stephen related to Cozens Read's youngest child? Especially as at one time they each had Elizabeth Larner living with them?
Time went on and I looked at this photo often to see if there were any clues as to who Stephen belonged to. At the time I did not know his wife's maiden name either!
More time and more searching went on and eventually I found that Stephen the Harness Maker was in fact the grandson of Stephen and Ann (Nanny) Read and so also the great grandson of Cozens Read. It also turned out that Elizabeth Larner was the Aunt of Stephen the Harness Maker! (And so at more or less the same time the brick wall I managed to break down with Stephen was also the same wall I managed to break down with Elizabeth Larner as she is the daughter of Stephen and Ann (Nanny) Read.
Stephen's wife Elizabeth was a Great Milton girl and they married there on 2nd December 1850 and lived there for the rest of their lives. I have never found any children for them and as they are in all the Censuses until they each die, there have never been any children living with them at all, so I think it is fairly safe to say they were childless.
The Inscription on their tombstone is:
The Memory Of
Stephen Read
who died Jan. 31. 1888
Aged 74 years
Also of
wife of the above
who died (and this then goes down into the grass – but Elizabeth died in December 1878)
There is also a footstone which reads:
(next wording is unreadable)
Stephen was about four years old when his own father, also Stephen, died aged 30.
It took a number of years to discover who Stephen the Harness Maker belonged to, but the original feeling that I had that he was one of mine proved correct!!


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Cook the noodles as the package directs, rinse and drain. Place the noodles in a bowl with the blanched vegetables and toss. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Heat the oil in a medium skillet and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ginger and sauté 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the Edensoy, peanut butter, lemon juice and shoyu soy sauce, stirring constantly. Cook over a low flame for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the flame off and stir in the chopped scallions. Pour the sauce over the noodles, toss well to mix evenly and serve.
For those with allergies to peanuts, organic cashew, almond or sesame butter may be substituted for peanut butter.
Per serving - 367 calories, 13 g fat (32% calories from fat), 15 g protein, 45 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 302 mg sodium


text:
Anyone who cares about tennis in Central Massachusetts should have an interest in the survival of the Worcester Tennis Club.
For 106 years, the club, with its green clubhouse veranda and iconic red clay courts, has symbolized tennis in the region and has nurtured countless fine players.
But despite valiant efforts to revive things, the member-owned, nonprofit club has been struggling with declining and stagnant membership in the last few years and has been looking for ways to not only survive, but also to prosper.
The club has scheduled a membership meeting for July 17 to discuss the club's future, among other things, John Wilcox, chairman of the club's board, confirmed last week.
These meetings are usually in the fall, but Wilcox said it makes a lot of sense to convene in summer during the height of the season and members are attuned to tennis.
"We're ultimately going to decide on the future of the club," Wilcox said, adding that "the future of the club is bright."
As a former member of the board myself, I recall the perennial struggles to increase outreach and attract and retain members and deal with the thorny problem of scarce parking in the club's dense urban neighborhood next to Becker College.
The WTC's leaders have done an admirable job on many of these issues in recent years. Youth programs are strong. The club now offers team tennis and many more sanctioned tournaments than in the past. A capital campaign has been under way. And the beautiful traditional red courts, the only such clay courts in the state, play as slow and as true as ever.
Still, though, the club has been forced to seek partners to help it navigate the future. Ideas the board has entertained include merging with Worcester's Tatnuck Country Club, a golf club with a tennis tradition; and merging with other tennis clubs such as Holden Towers (of which I am a member), the Greendale YMCA in Worcester and the Paxton Sports Centre.
Wilcox told me that any and all ideas are still up for consideration, including moving the club to a different location, and staying put.
One approach Wilcox emphasized is modernization, including installing lights for night play.
Another is partnering with another group or institution, Wilcox said.
"We're looking for collaborative partners," he said. "We can't stand by ourselves as a silo. Our goal is to continually improve.
"Our goal is to continue the Worcester Tennis Club," he added. "We're looking out for our membership."
When graphite racquet technology hit three decades ago, it was a revolution in tennis.
From the pro level to the ranks of public court hackers, players had access to unheard-of power combined with light weight. An unprecedented array of racquet shapes, lengths and widths were available for players to choose to accompany their personal playing styles.
Since then, graphite has been further refined, and many new materials, such as Kevlar and boron, have been incorporated into racquet design.
But many in the tennis world think the new tennis strings have had a bigger impact than modern racquets.
Many of you players out there who have tried Luxilon or other super stiff polyester strings — which have taken over to a large extent from the old simple nylon strings — know what they can do for your game.
"They give you so much more spin and control," said Justin Hagenbuch, a Holden Towers member and physical education teacher at West Boylston High School who strings racquets for himself and friends, me included. "It's totally changed tennis."
In professional tennis, the strings have allowed players to stand way behind the court and play defense with impunity — treating the court almost like a giant ping-pong table. At the same time, offensive-minded players slash and loop balls from previously unheard-of angles.
And the drop shot has made a big comeback. Just watch players such as Spanish clay court maestro Rafael Nadal slice a drop shot so finely that the ball bounds in reverse when it lands.
Hagenbuch introduced me to Luxilon and similar strings a few years ago, and they have made a big difference in allowing me to hit big topspin and slice even into middle age. These strings can be tough on the arm, though, so Hagenbuch started stringing softer cross strings for me while sticking with the stiff stuff for the mains.
"Everyone says you can rip balls as hard as you can and they still go in," said Hagenbuch, who hits looping topspin shots from both sides that look like giant parabolas. "When your opponents hit the ball and you're sure it's going out, a lot of the time it will still go in."
Jon Anderson, president of the Holden club and a longtime racquet stringer at the Greendale Y, says stringing with the taut, wire-like polyester strings can be a "nightmare."
Often, the strings will sort of "explode," or uncoil, from their wrapper. Anderson counters this by stretching them taught on the floor to make them easier to manipulate.
Anderson noted that while many players still like the softer, cheaper nylon, polyester strings are more durable and are still more affordable than the expensive natural gut that pros use to supplement polyester.
The new strings "are supposed to grip the ball better, and they have less elasticity, which allows you to swing harder," Anderson explained.
Monday — Westboro Racquet and Swim Club, USTA Northeast Inter-Regional Championships, 12s, 14s, 16s, 18s Level 5 tournaments.
Friday-next Sunday — Worcester Tennis Club, USTA junior 14s and 16s Level 7 tournaments.
Saturday — Wayside Racquet & Swim Club, Marlboro, USTA men's and women's 3.5 and 4.0 singles tournaments and combined 7.0 and 8.0 mixed doubles tournaments.
Next Sunday — Wayside, USTA 10s, Level 7 boys' and girls' tournaments.
Next Sunday — Westboro, USTA 16s boys' and girls' Level 1 Inter-Sectional Championships.
July 12-14 — Worcester Tennis Club, USTA men's 35-and-over and 50-and-over tournaments.
July 13 — Greendale YMCA, Worcester, USTA 12s boys' and girls' green ball Level 7 tournaments.
July 24 — Westboro, USTA boys' and girls' 12s, 14s and 16s Zone Level 2 team championships.
July 26 — Greendale Y, USTA boys' and girls' 14s and 16s Level 7 tournaments.
Aug. 2-4 — Worcester Tennis Club, Bill and Dottie Power Worcester County Open men's and women's singles tournament.
Contact Shaun Sutner at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @ssutner.


text:
Basic matte paper for posters and drafts prior fine art prints making. Printer compatibility: Canon, EPSON, HP.
FomeiJet Premium Matt 180 is a basic matte coated paper for posters and drafts prior the fine art prints making, 180 g/m2.
Country of origin: Germany.
Printer compatibility: Canon, EPSON, HP.
Availability: sheets, rolls.
FomeiJet Premium Matt 180 is economical, totally matte photo paper for printing of graphic and design studies using inkjet printers. It is also popular for the map printing. It can easily cope with image reproductions with high resolution and color saturation. It is easy to roll it down.
Premium Matt 180 paper could be printed with dye-based and also with pigment inks. It means that it is compatible with all of the interior plotters and desktop printers on the market.
Who is looking for a deep matte & smooth paper of the highest quality, with confidence elects FomeiJet Portrait Matt 230 (sheets, rolls).
Part for professionals :: ABOUT ICC PROFILES ::
Are you unsatisfied with the color accuracy or neutrality of BW photography? Our company owns state-of-the-art measuring devices and algorithms for ICC profiles generating. It means that FOMEI serves to both professionals and hobbyists custom calibration/profilation whatever compatible medium-printer pair. Thanks to measuring of interaction between paper and printer, "color vision" of this pair becomes known and ICC profile is generated. This ICC profile describes relationship between paper and printer precisely and makes corrections to the natural nonlinearities of color reproduction. Nonlinearities that are not compensable via sliders in the printer driver. Finally, ICC profile is added to the reproduction chain into application that support output color management (Adobe Photoshop, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, mirage…) Or the ICC profile is associated to printer right in operating system and then printing utility of OS could be used: Print Wizard on Windows, Preview on MAC OS. This process results into color accuracy of the printed photos. Relative to the focus of FOMEI company, generic ICC profiles are not produced a priori for all existing photo-printers on today market. But library of ICC profiles of FOMEI Collection and FomeiJet medias is still growing and therefore many of you will have possibility to choose between generic (basic) and custom (high quality) ICC profile.
:: ICC profilation price list ::
Generic ICC profile :: free of charge
• measured on the other printer machine
• better than nothing :-o, but FOMEI is not responsible for color accuracy with application of generic profile
Custom ICC profile that becomes your property :: 36 € w/o VAT
• ICC profile is generated on the base of the test chart measuring that is printed on your machine
• FOMEI is responsible for the ICC profile quality (payment after your confirmation of the satisfaction)
• post-corrections of the ICC profile included (maybe you prefer warmer BW than standard etc.)
Custom ICC profile that FOMEI adds to the open ICC profiles library :: 7 € w/o VAT
• you obtain custom ICC profile measured on your printer per extra low price and FOMEI is responsible for quality
• FOMEI adds ICC profile to the library; hence, this ICC becomes generic for other users
Your calibration orders and inquiries please send to email@example.com.
|Print technology
|inkjet printing
|inkjet photoprinters Canon, EPSON, HP
|Media type
|matte coated
|roll 43,2 cm
|Roll lenght
|45 m
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By registering, I agree with the processing of my personal data.


text:
Today I brought my mum along to Aqua Sheko, the fish-spa I've mentioned before, such a relaxing experience with great results, my feet are back to baby skin.
Don't have much time to day more as we're heading out for dinner at Goodman's in a minute, have a great eve you too!
Today I wore my new choral angora knit form Whistles, leather pants Topshop, coat Oasis, boots Robert Clergerie and bag Celine


text:
Teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum
Teacher professional development and classroom resources across the curriculum
Workshop 2: Making Writing Meaningful
Gloria Hamilton's Lesson
Veteran teacher Gloria Hamilton was inspired by Dear Abby and some of her students' "I've got all the answers" bravado to develop an engaging, month-long activity that gets her eighth-grade students writing every day. It's called "Dear Know-It-All."
There's a box in Gloria's room where students leave anonymous questions for "Dear Know-It-All." Each morning, Gloria pulls a question from the box and writes it on the board, and all day, each class responds to the question in the form of a letter. Gloria gives the class between five and eight minutes to respond to the question, and then two or three students volunteer to share their advice. Gloria records those solutions on the board, and very often the class discussion of the solutions leads into the day's lesson.
Gloria finds the "Dear Know-It-All" activity is effective on many levels—it's engaging because it taps into the social nature of teenagers and involves issues important to them; it challenges her students to think of mature solutions to problems facing their peers and offers them a chance to help a classmate; and it gives them a chance to write, first thing, every day, in a non-threatening, informal style.
| Top |
© Annenberg Foundation 2017. All rights reserved. Legal Policy


text:
Just wanted to inform you all that SO is featured on Slashdot today after Jon Skeet reached 100K:
"StackOverflow, the successful question-and-answer website for programmers, is now over a year old and its top user has just passed 100,000 reputation points. Now one of the creators of StackOverflow, Joel Spolsky, and his company Fog Creek, are developing a software-as-a-service form of the StackOverflow engine called StackExchange to support any topic you want. The software is currently in private beta, but the first few beta sites have surfaced. Topics include business travel, the home, parenthood, the environment, finance, and iPhone game development."


text:
UK toymaker Arklu has announced the winning design for its Lottie doll superhero competition, which was part of a campaign launched to demonstrate that girls can be superheroes, too. The contest was independently judged by the Brave Girls Alliance.
The winning design was inspired by 6-year-old Lily from Ohio. As part of her entry, Lily was asked to define Super Lottie's abilities. She said Lottie's superpowers should include "the power to be anything, to do anything, and to make the world a better place. She is unique and special in her own way."
The set marks the first time that a crowd-sourced design by a child has gone into commercial production.
Lottie dolls were created with a focus on maintaining wholesome characteristics. The dolls have a healthy, childlike body shape, wear childlike clothing (no make-up, high heels, or tattoos), and represent wholesome pastimes. This year, Arklu also introduced a range of dolls exploring gender-empowering, adventurous themes.
Lottie's new outfit and a matching kids costume inspired by Lily's design are available now.


text:
Based at the University Hospitals of Leicester, we serve the educational needs of healthcare practitioners in Acute & Emergency Medicine across the East Midlands, UK
The trainee will be able to evaluate the patient who presents with a painful red eye, produce a valid differential diagnosis, appropriate investigation and implement a management.
We are always looking to expand the number of resources that link to the RCEM curriculum. If you would like to contribute relevant links to be included, simply fill out the form below. We endeavour to peer review all links sent to us to ensure they are of the highest educational quality.


text:
Combination of Dronabinol and Clonidine for Cannabis Dependence in Patients With Schizophrenia (DCCS)
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01598896
Recruitment Status : Terminated (low enrollment due to limited resources)
First Posted : May 15, 2012
Results First Posted : August 1, 2018
Last Update Posted : August 29, 2018
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Study Results
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Cannabis use disorders are an important public health problem in the United States, but no effective pharmacotherapies are available to treat these disorders. People with schizophrenia are more likely than healthy people to abuse cannabis. Cannabis use may worsen clinical outcomes in this group, making the identification of pharmacotherapy to treat cannabis dependence in those with schizophrenia important. The investigators intend to test the combination of dronabinol, a cannabinoid agonist, and the α2-adrenergic agonist clonidine, for cannabis dependence in subjects with schizophrenia. The combination of dronabinol and clonidine may alleviate cannabis withdrawal symptoms while allowing treatment-seeking outpatients to benefit from medical management (MM) sessions when they are trying to stop using cannabis. The investigators propose to assess the relationship of dronabinol and clonidine, when added to MM, on cannabis use patterns in cannabis-dependent patients with schizophrenia.
Hypothesis: The investigators predict that combination pharmacotherapy of dronabinol and clonidine will significantly reduce cannabis use compared to those receiving placebo.
|Condition or disease
|Cannabis Dependence Marijuana Dependence
|Drug: Dronabinol Drug: Clonidine Drug: Placebo
|Phase 2 Phase 3
Subjects will receive either the combination of dronabinol and clonidine or placebo in addition to medical management (MM) over a 10-week treatment period. Following treatment completion, subjects will have follow-up visits until 14 weeks after treatment initiation. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility of the combination of dronabinol and clonidine for cannabis dependence and will establish effect sizes for a larger trial.
Cannabis use disorders are highly prevalent in the United States and rising among high school seniors, making the identification of efficacious treatments for cannabis dependence of critical clinical and public health significance. Schizophrenia is overrepresented among those with cannabis dependence. At the completion of this study, the investigators hope to have improved our understanding of the relationship of the pharmacotherapy combination of dronabinol and clondine on cannabis use.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|12 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Combination of Dronabinol and Clonidine for Cannabis Dependence in Patients With Schizophrenia
|Study Start Date :
|May 2012
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|August 2017
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|August 2017
Experimental: Dronabinol + Clonidine
Dronabinol titrated to 5 mg three times daily, Clonidine 0.1 mg twice daily
Drug: Dronabinol
Dronabinol titrated to 5 mg three times daily
Other Name: Marinol, CSA Drug Code 7369, Schedule III, NDC 54868-3189-0
Drug: Clonidine
Clonidine 0.1 mg twice daily
Other Name: Catapres, NDC 16590-266-30
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Drug: Placebo
One placebo capsule by mouth twice daily
- Change From Baseline in Cannabis Use at 10 Weeks [ Time Frame: At 10 weeks ]Subject self-report hits of marijuana per day at week 10
- Change in Craving Symptoms From Baseline at 10 Weeks [ Time Frame: At 10 weeks ]
Scores on the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ) (Heishman et al. 2009) - The 4 Factor Total Score.
Maximum Score = 84 Minimum Score = 12 The higher the score, the more severe marijuana craving symptoms endorsed by the subject.
- Change From Baseline in Cannabis Use at 14 Weeks [ Time Frame: At 14 weeks ]Self-report cannabis use at 14 weeks after initiating the study.
- Change in Craving Symptoms From Baseline at 14 Weeks [ Time Frame: At 14 weeks ]
Scores on the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (Heishman et al. 2009) - The 4 Factor Total Score
Maximum Score = 84 Minimum Score = 12 The higher the score, the more severe marijuana craving symptoms endorsed by the subject.
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age range 18-45 years
- DSM-IV diagnosis of cannabis dependence, based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID)
- DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID)
- express a desire to quit cannabis use within the next 30 days
- have used cannabis on ≥20 days within the past 30 days (i.e., an average of ≥5 day per week)
- identify cannabis as their primary drug of abuse; 6) stable on antipsychotic medication for ≥1 month
- for women of childbearing age, a negative pregnancy test at screening with agreement to use adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and monthly pregnancy tests
- consent for us to communicate with their prescribing clinician if one exists
- furnish the names of 2 locators, who would assist study staff in locating them during the study period
- live close enough to McLean Hospital to attend study visits
- plan to stay in the Boston area for the next 3 months
- are willing and able to sign informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current diagnosis of other drug or alcohol dependence (excluding nicotine)
- significant cardiac disease as indicated by history or suspected by abnormal ECG or history of cardiac symptoms
- Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) subscale for positive symptoms of psychosis item > 3 (moderate) at baseline evaluation
- current medical condition that could prevent regular study attendance
- liver function tests >3 times the upper limit of normal range
- history of seizure disorder or history of head trauma or CNS insult that could predispose the subject to seizures
- taking clozapine
- current suicidal risk
- bradycardia less than or equal to 50 bpm, supine blood pressure of less than or equal to 100/65, a seated blood pressure of less than or equal to 90/60, or orthostatic change of >20 systolic or >10 diastolic on standing, at screening or any pre-dose assessment, or symptoms attributable to low BP (i.e. lightheadedness or dizziness on standing)
- mental retardation or organic mental disorder
- currently in a residential treatment setting in which substance use is monitored and restricted, since the restricted access to drugs could represent an important confounding variable
- pregnant, nursing, or, if a woman of childbearing potential, not using a form of birth control judged by the investigator to be effective
- concomitant treatment with opioid analgesics, sedative hypnotics, or other known CNS depressants
- known hypersensitivity to cannabinoids or sesame oil or clonidine
- disease of the gastrointestinal system, liver, or kidneys that may impede metabolism or excretion of dronabinol
- inability to read or write in English that would hinder their ability to follow study procedures
- history of seizures or a family history of seizures.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01598896
|United States, Massachusetts
|McLean Hospital
|Belmont, Massachusetts, United States, 02478
|Principal Investigator:
|Kevin P Hill, MD, MHS
|Mclean Hospital
Documents provided by Kevin P. Hill, MD, MHS, Mclean Hospital:
|Responsible Party:
|Kevin P. Hill, MD, MHS, Instructor in Psychiatry, Mclean Hospital
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01598896 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
Brain and Behavior Research ( Other Identifier: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation )
|First Posted:
|May 15, 2012 Key Record Dates
|Results First Posted:
|August 1, 2018
|Last Update Posted:
|August 29, 2018
|Last Verified:
|July 2018
Cannabis Dependence
Marijuana Dependence
Cannabis Use Disorders
Cannabis Withdrawal
Marijuana Abuse
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
Mental Disorders
Substance-Related Disorders
Chemically-Induced Disorders
Sensory System Agents
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Antihypertensive Agents
Autonomic Agents
Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic Agents
Neurotransmitter Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Psychotropic Drugs
Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists


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