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Can Miley Cyrus Save Health Care Reform?
The pop starlet's new single is great, goofy—and bipartisan!—fun.
At 16, Miley Cyrus is an actress, singer, memoirist, clothing designer, cancer-research advocate, highly ranked member of Forbes' "Superstar Earners Under 25" list, and the subject of a magazine-cover mini-scandal, twice over. Recently, she enjoyed a new career milestone when her song "Party in the USA"—released to promote not an album but a Wal-Mart-exclusive clothing line—became her highest-charting single ever, debuting at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100.
For a 21st-century multitasker like Cyrus, chart performance may seem like a quaint, outmoded measure of success—surely it's a more robust vital sign that all three colorways of her chiffon ruffle blouse have sold out at the Wal-Mart site. But the charts likely mean a lot to a girl who got famous by impersonating a stadium-packing starlet (on the Disney series Hannah Montana), whose father is a musician, too (Billy Ray), and who spent the video for her second-biggest single schlepping around a guitar case (the go-to talisman for pop moppets seeking an aura of musical credibility).
Who needs credibility, though, when you've got a song like "Party in the USA" on your hands? It's the best song of her career and the first that truly deserves its ubiquity.
At the center of the song's appeal is Cyrus' conciliatory streak. Her C.V. is full of jobs, but the one she seems to relish most is that of peace broker: She loves trying to get seemingly irreconcilable forces to hug, or at least sit together at the same lunch table.
This is Hannah Montana's underlying conceit. On the show, the irreconcilable forces in question are the contradictory demands of the public and private spheres, which coexist within a single, industrious girl: Cyrus plays a world-famous pop star who attempts to carve out a secret life as a regular Malibu, Calif., student. In Hannah Montana: The Movie, the tension between fame and privacy is echoed, geographically, in a story line that divides Hannah's time between glitzy, fast-paced Los Angeles and her modest hometown, Crowley Corners, Tenn. (Cyrus herself was born in Nashville.) The tension is ultimately resolved when Hannah throws a special benefit concert that simultaneously saves the town from encroaching developers and offers her a renewed, down-home sense of purpose.
Cyrus's mediating tendencies are on proud display in her music, too. Her single "7 Things" begins as a cathartic kiss-off to some no-good boy, listing six obnoxious traits before the big reveal—"the seventh thing I hate the most that you do: You make me love you." To those of us wishing for a righteous slab of Disney-issue girl power, this payoff is a bit dispiriting, but it's of a piece with Miley's yin-yang philosophy: "You make me laugh, you make me cry," she sings, "but I guess that's both I'll have to buy." On "Hoedown Throwdown," one of the weirdest singles to ever crack the upper reaches of the pop charts, the disparate forces drawn together are hip-hop and country music. Like "The Macarena" and "The Locomotion," "Hoedown Throwdown" is a singalong instruction manual for a new dance step. There are fiddles and banjos, a bleacher-stomping beat, and the sort of awkward, vaguely "urban" slang you typically hear thudding from the mouths of European VJs and young black people in McDonald's radio ads. "Pop it, lock it, polka-dot it," Cyrus raps on the refrain, "countrify then hip-hop it." The song is a goofy mashup of cultural signifiers at their most superficial—a train wreck in the name of brotherhood.
"Party in the USA" is something like the culmination of these earlier efforts, bigger and better. Backed by a sun-mellowed funk riff and strafed with chunky, zipping synthesizers on the chorus, Cyrus tells the apparently autobiographical story of her first trip to Los Angeles. It's a classic fish-out-of-water tale, narrated by a Dixie girl "with a dream and my cardigan." (Dispatch a Ron Herman personal shopper—everyone knows knitwear is banned west of Pasadena!) Cowed, her eyes are wide, but not so wide that she can't roll them a bit at big-city pretenses: "It's definitely not a Nashville party," she sings, " 'Cause all I see are stilettos—I guess I never got the memo!"
At the end of each verse, Cyrus hears one of her favorite songs—Jay-Z comes on the radio in the first verse, a club DJ spins Britney Spears in the second—and suddenly she's able to dance away her jitters: "So I put my hands up, they're playing my song, I know I'm gonna be OK/ Yeah-eah-eeah, it's a party in the USA."* It's a bighearted, triumphant moment, tapping the grinningly goofy populism of "Hoedown Throwdown" and mercifully jettisoning everything else. The song gives a better window into Miley Cyrus' head—and does so more entertainingly—than any other song she's released. Some credit on this score surely belongs to the song's producer and co-writer, Lukasz Gottwald, * who excels at translating the sass and anxieties of American teenage girls—with a beguiling dash of Babelfish-esque stiltedness—into Top 40 gold.
The title "Party in the USA" makes explicit what the lyrics' Nashville-to-L.A. pilgrimage and Jay-Z and Britney name-drops suggest—this isn't a mere single so much as a red state/blue state, hick/elite, rural/urban détente. Pop bliss eradicates regionalism. (This point is built ingeniously into the music, too—when Cyrus repeats the words "and a Jay-Z song was on," it's hard to say whether her mildly robotic vibrato is nodding to country music, T-Pain, or both.)
"Party in the USA" pairs a familiar notion—music brings us together—with a more timely concern. After a summer in which anti-Obama crazies brought guns to town hall meetings and anti-government crazies may have lynched a census worker, in which calls from the left for the president to abandon bipartisanship intensified to a roar, Miley Cyrus has decided on her most ambitious arbitration yet: She wants to heal a fractured nation, at least for three and a half minutes.
Correction, Sept. 29, 2009: The article originally stated that the lyric was "I got my hands up, they're playing my song." (Return to the corrected sentence.)
Correction, Jan. 6, 2010: The article originally stated that Lukasz Gottwald is a Swede. He is American. (Return to the corrected sentence.)


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Hip Hop Dance Tour
Join us for a fun tour like nothing you've ever tried before! It's a dance tour! And yes, you'll be dancing too! Learn about the dance groups that have help shape hip hop culture into what it is today.
- Enjoy a 2.5 dance tour
- Visit Rock Steady Park & Central Park
- See music video & dance studio locations
- Get to dance around the streets of NYC
Dance Through the Streets of New York
Hip hop culture isn't just about music. In the early stages of hip hop, dance groups like the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers became legends turning beats into steps and performing dance battles that no one had ever seen before. This tour explores the indoor and outdoor venues that developed street dancing and turned hip hop dance into a cultural phenomenon.
Watch out – at any point we may put a boom box in the street and start a street dance circle where everyone is expected to participate. It doesn't masser if you're a dancer or not, this interactive tour is ideal for performers that want to see where it all started – and boogie down a little along the way.
The tour is operated in English.
How do I get my tickets?
Shortly after your booking is complete your e-ticket will be send directly to your email, just print it out and bring it on your tour.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour starts near the Fountain on the Plaza on West 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Please be there 15 minutes before the tour starts.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours.
Are there children's tickets?
No, unfortunately, we do not offer children's tickets for this tour.
- From January to March the dance activities move indoors and points of interest are subject to change due to winter weather conditions.
Reserve tickets
Hip Hop Dance Tour
The meeting point is at Columbus Circle.
10 Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023
Hip Hop Dance Tour
The tour operates Tuesday at 10 AM.
The closest subway stop is: 66 St. Lincoln Center
View map

subset: commoncrawl


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Nominate an educator for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award
The Outstanding Biology Teacher Award is sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers and honors teachers of the life sciences in grades 7-12. A candidate must currently be teaching biology and/or other life sciences and must have devoted a significant portion of his or her career to teaching life sciences. A minimum of three years teaching experience in public, private or parochial schools is mandatory before applying for the award. Candidates need not be members of NABT, and unsuccessful candidates may be re-nominated from year to year.
Sanford Health sponsors a $1,000 grant for the winning teacher to use for professional development and/or classroom materials. Winners are also invited to the Honors Luncheon held at the NABT Professional Development Conference in the fall and receive additional materials and prizes from national sponsors.
Nominations containing the following information should be submitted to Julie Olson, director of the South Dakota OBTA award:
• Name of nominee
• Email address of nominee
• Name of nominator
• Email address of nominator
Olson will forward the necessary application forms to the nominee.
The nomination deadline is March 31.


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Reviewed By: Sam Martin on 12/25/06
Very easy to install. I've only had them a short time but they seem to be very durable and more stable than I orginally expected. The only problem is that my 32mm Schwalbe tires are almost too wide. Unless you rims are perfectly true the tire will rub slightly agains the fender or hardware.


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Get a Great Life Cover Plan Angus
Many individuals delayed exploring obtaining a life cover policy since they are afraid discussing their death. Making sure you obtain the insurance coverage you need however, is more important compared to ever. The family members you love and stress over while you live will certainly need the cash you leave from a life insurance plan if you pass away.
Understanding where you have to start in obtaining the insurance policy protection you need is less complicated when you select a credible business. Lots of well well-known companies are on the internet and have internet sites that could aid you to make the preliminary choices required for getting the correct amount and kind of insurance coverage for your specific situation.
Some people might stress over information such as a physical examination or how much a preliminary premium will cost them. As opposed to worrying over these details, speaking to someone with understanding concerning them is best. While some companies do require you to send the results of a physical examination, there are just as several other ones that do not need it.
Being entirely truthful about your health and wellness and also how you care for it is essential for you to maintain your plan essentially. Lying about being a cigarette smoker on your application for coverage could trigger your enjoyed ones to be rejected the cash you leave them if you die from cigarette smoking relevant causes. Constantly being straightforward with your life insurance business is vital to your family after you are gone.
Speak to your agent concerning what insurable interest suggests if you are thinking about acquiring a plan on a friend or someone that is not a blood relative. Numerous regulations and limitations have been taken into place to stop someone from getting a plan on someone they may not know well and then taking their life. Your representative could explain the information of insurable rate of interest as well as just how it impacts you.
Marcus Making the very best Options For Your Life
A number of factors go into the choices you produce your life cover insurance coverage. By making the best choices, you could feel confident your household will be looked after you pass away. Comply with these suggestions for getting the coverage you require at the very best costs feasible.
Selecting in between a joint or solitary policy is a choice you need to take into consideration. This is a choice finest made with a skilled as well as reliable representative. Married couples generally choose a joint plan, however there are advantages to keeping 2 separate policies. If one spouse is detected with cancer, the various other will still have the protection given by their own policy plus the recipient take advantage of their spouse.
When taking into consideration the monetary worth of a policy, you may think about how much money it would certainly consider your household to survive pleasantly after your death. Gathering all your financial debts as well as think of the ones that would need to settled in full in the event you pass away. You might also take into consideration the last costs of funeral services.
An additional facet you may discuss with an agent is a waiver of premium. In the event you are wounded or fall ill, your settlements for your life insurance policy plan could be made if you can not function when you have extra waiver of costs protection. A representative could aid you making the proper term and also choices for this aspect of your plan.
The home loan on your residence is an additional essential settlement to think of in case you are incapable to function. Talk to your agent concerning the protection that aids to pay home mortgage payments too. Peace of mind comes with recognizing you will certainly still have a roofing system over your head if you are unable to function.
Life Cover – Incurable Illness Benefit Scotland
Life cover will pay a lump sum on death. A lot of life cover policies will additionally make an earlier payment on the medical diagnosis of an incurable ailment. This post clarifies how incurable illness advantage jobs as well as why it is so useful to have.
Most people intend to live to a ripe aging but it's a depressing reality that fatality could strike, unexpectedly, at any time. It can be a misfortune when someone dies suddenly, particularly if they leave loved ones behind. If there are financial concerns this will only include in the grief. A life cover policy can help to supply economic security by paying out a round figure quantity on fatality.
Life cover plans will typically pay out a round figure if the person covered is diagnosed with an incurable illness (an incurable illness where life span, in the opinion of the provider's Principal Medical Officer, is much less compared to YEAR). This is known as terminal illness benefit as well as is, basically, an advancement payment of the total that would certainly be payable on death. Insurance claims for this benefit can't be made in the last 18 months of the policy term. Complying with a repayment of terminal ailment advantage, the plan will finish as well as no further settlements will be made.
If somebody understands that they only have a really brief time to live, they might be able to profit a lump sum. Maybe used to pay for medical therapy or treatment that is not offered on the NHS. There could be a should make alterations to the household home or for expert devices. The money could fund a special 'last' vacation, break or family members reunion. Some people could decide to use a settlement of incurable ailment advantage to settle their home mortgage or various other debts. Others will certainly intend to make monetary presents to their loved ones.
What is the Right Prepare for You
There are all sorts of sorts of policies that are available. It is, therefore, a concept to have a look at the different kinds of strategies that exist before you get an over 50 life cover plan. This write-up discusses the different alternatives available.
Whole of Life: This is quite an old made sort of setup. It has the benefit that it is feasible for it to continue to be in force for as long as you live. The problem with these strategies is that they come to be very expensive over time. One more problem with them is that they guarantee to deliver some type of financial investment return yet this has the tendency to be extremely disappointing. This is since the majority of the cash paid into the scheme has to go to spend for security instead of mosting likely to financial investment.
Endowment: This is a cost savings scheme, actually, with some security integrated in. They have actually been utilized to pay off home mortgages in the past but this idea has essentially stopped, now. Most financial advisors recommend keeping cost savings and cover different so, once more, this might not be a fantastic method for most individuals.
Term Guarantee: This offers simple defense. It will pay out a round figure after the fatality of the policyholder throughout the duration that it runs for. It is usually the cheapest type of over 50 life cover plan that is offered.
Those are the fundamental alternatives. You must find an excellent on line comparison site to uncover who the least costly carrier will certainly be for you. Likewise, keep in mind that you could usually secure a joint plan and this will often be even more affordable compared to 2 different plans.
Marcus Angus Understanding on Term Insurance Policy Plans
In today's age, people constantly wish to safeguard the monetary future of the family members, so they could lead a respectable lifestyle after their unfortunate death. Term plan is the response to protect your family versus economic hardship, when you are not about. Acquiring a term insurance plan supplies an amount insured to the nominee/beneficiary, in case of fatality of the life guaranteed.
Benefits/Advantages of buying a term strategy
Fatality Cover: Term plans offer pure life cover as well as it becomes a have to purchase, if you are the only wage earning member in the household. In instance of your unfortunate death, it'ses a good idea an amount matching to the amount insured to the household, so their finances are not influenced.
Fulfill Financial Goals: In case of unforeseen death of the life insured, an onetime lump sum payout equal to the amount assured assists accomplish significant economic objectives like child education and learning and marital relationship. The payment from a term insurance policy strategy likewise helps settle debts such as mortgage or auto loan.
Guarantees Routine Income: Some term plans are readily available with lump sum payment plus monthly earnings to the family, when you are not around. These types of term plans aid your family satisfy the routine expenses easily.
Achieves Maturity Amount: Typically, term plans do not offer any type of maturity advantage, yet TROP strategies use the maturation benefit, and also thus, returns the paid premiums at the maturity of the policy, provided the insured endures through the policy term.
Select Added Coverage: You additionally have the option to pick riders with a term strategy. Bikers such as Accidental Death Benefit, Handicap motorcyclist, Vital Illness, and also Revenue advantage Motorcyclist assistance enhance security to your base policy.
Significant variables to think about before buying a term strategy Intended to purchase a right term plan that can ensure the monetary wellness of the family? Complying with are the essential facets you need to take into consideration prior acquiring the strategy.
An Analysis of Their Possible
It is essential to realize the keynote of insurances before beginning to try to find the ideal choices to satisfy your needs. You could try to find the right amount of protection for your policy to guarantee a favorable outcome of the plan. It likewise depends on the integrity of the insurance provider to make certain that you prevent any settlement issues at the last min. You could search for market scores of your insurer to discover if it would certainly be suitable for you. If the marketplace rankings are bad, you need to stay away from the company.
If the market scores of your insurance provider suffice, it would certainly not excel to acquire insurance policy from the firm. Regardless of managing your plan well enough, you might not get proper outcome if the company is not upto it. You can learn if there have been any settlement issues with the firm in previous then it is most likely to occur once again. It is far better to avoid such a firm instead of obtaining feet dragged without much outcome. For affordable insurance coverages one need to not lose sight of the reliability of the insurer.
The marketplace scores of your insurance company are assigned by common certification firms which take into consideration aspects like market performance and also funding worth of the business. If the company had a steady run in the past years approximately, there are extra chances of it providing proper advantages in the longer term. An additional variable you need to consider is your underwriting profile. You can enhance your underwriting profile to match the underwriting standards. It requires expert assistance to work with your underwriting account for which you can employ an insurance policy advisor.
Mr. Agent, Whole Life, Investment Linked Plan Angus
For the benefits of those that aren't sure exactly what each of those covers, I will certainly offer a little introduction listed below. If you recognize what they are, simply miss all the way down to after the line of asterisks. All the amount remains in SGD dollars.
( You will see I utilize a great deal of terms like "usually" because different insurance firm has different criteria. So I mostly describe the majority of insurers in Singapore.).
* As the name states, it covers your life. As long as you are not "alife" (active. word play here intended), you obtain a payment. Well depending on how much you spend for your costs, your payout goes from like $10000 to $10000000 relying on the company itself.
* Life insurance policy generally additionally covers total and permanent special needs (TPD) prior to the age of 65. Only when you are absolutely impaired such that you can not function any longer, you will obtain the payment.
* Like life insurance policy, it covers your life as well as typically complete and also long-term disability. However, term insurance just covers for a time period only. It can be 5 or 10 or 15 years and so on
* 2 terms come into play here – Renewable and also Exchangeable (R&C). Many term insurance must feature this benefit. Nevertheless for your benefit, please ask your representative if your plan does. Eco-friendly methods you can renew your term insurance at any time with no questions asked. This implies that despite just how old or sick you come to be, insurance firm has to renew your term insurance coverage for you. Convertible ways that you could transform your term insurance to a life plan at any time with once again, no doubt asked.
* Well, term insurance policy has no cash worth.
* Pros: Well its affordable! In fact, its very low-cost compared with a life insurance policy.
* This can be a little challenging. I'll attempt to make it as simple as feasible. It integrates insurance policy with financial investment. ILP is various from the remainder such that you could choose how much you wish to pay for your costs (usually minimal $100 a month). Based on the quantity, you choose what does it cost? insurance coverage you wish to obtain. Component of the costs will go to spend for your death fees, the remainder will be invested in some investment funds you reach choose. Let me show an instance:.
Married pairs generally pick a joint plan, yet there are advantages to keeping 2 separate plans. Life cover plans will typically pay out a lump amount if the individual covered is identified with an incurable illness (an incurable illness where life expectations, in the viewpoint of the supplier's Chief Medical Police officer, is less compared to 12 months). Acquiring a term insurance policy gives a sum guaranteed to the nominee/beneficiary, in the event of death of the life guaranteed.
You could look for the appropriate amount of insurance coverage for your policy to ensure a favorable result of the plan. Convertible ways that you could convert your term insurance coverage to a life plan at any kind of time with again, no concerns asked.


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METAIRIE — At first glance, 310-401 speaks only to the cumulative wins and losses recorded by the New Orleans Saints in 46 colorful, bittersweet seasons.
The numbers say nothing about the good and bad times, the ups and downs and rights and wrongs the franchise has experienced under fledgling owner John Mecom (1967-84) and current owner Tom Benson (1985-present).
The 310-401 record by itself are lifeless digits strung together.
But once inside those numbers, compelling stories usually can be found within each game, such as:
- Not only did the Saints suffer their sixth loss of the season last Sunday at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, but it also marked the 400th loss in franchise history counting the playoffs.
- In Week 5, the Saints beat the San Diego Chargers for their first win of the season. It also represented the 300th all-time regular-season victory in franchise history. In addition, quarterback Drew Brees set an NFL record with a touchdown pass in his 48th consecutive game, breaking the mark of 47 set by Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas in 1960.
- Then, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off the improbable Thursday night at the Georgia Dome, beating the Saints 23-13, intercepting Brees a career-high five times and halting his remarkable TD game streak at 54 games.
Thus, the Saints are 5-7 and on playoff life support with four games remaining.
You probably already knew that.
But did you know in Game 243 of the Saints' existence, Superdome officials received a bomb scare during the final regular season game played on Dec. 18,1983, the same game Mike Lansford of the Los Angeles Rams kicked the Saints out of a potential first playoff berth?
True story.
"I remember somebody in security leaned over and whispered in my ear to leave the press box the moment the game was over,'' longtime Saints stats crew chief Bob Remy recalled. "We didn't learn of the bomb threat until later. It was the strangest damn thing.''
News of the bomb threat apparently was for press box ears only and not common knowledge around the stadium.
"As I recall, Superdome security and NOPD thought it was a hoax, but they were taking every precaution to get people out of there,'' former Saints executive Greg Suit said. "They did a quick sweep of the press box and then it was over.''
Lansford's 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining gave the Rams a 26-24 victory, sending the Saints into the offseason with an 8-8 record under third-year coach Bum Phillips. On May 31, 1985, after 18 futile seasons of failing to post a winning record or making the playoffs, Mecom sold the team to Benson for $70.2 million.
"If Lansford misses that field goal and the Saints go to the playoffs, Mecom might have stuck it out a while longer and Tom Benson might not be the Saints' owner today,'' WGNO-TV sports director Ed Daniels said. "When the Saints didn't get in the playoffs in '83, I think Mecom got 'franchise fatigue.'
"We'll never know. But I think Mecom finally said, 'enough is enough.' "
On the other hand, Benson probably feels he can't get enough after experiencing more highs than lows during his mostly successful 28-year run as NFL owner, beginning with his team's historic 31-17 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
That season, the ball seemed to perpetually bounce the way of the serendipitous Saints, proving again there is an ultra-fine line between winning and losing in the NFL.
Just ask former Saints coach Jim Mora who won 125 games in 141/2 seasons as head coach in New Orleans and Indianapolis, but nary a one in six playoff games.
Asked the hardest to swallow of his four playoff losses in New Orleans (versus Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia), Mora replied: "All four. All of the playoff losses were tough, although maybe the one in Chicago was not as bad as the other three in the dome.''
In fact, Mora said, the losses throughout his NFL coaching career (78 in New Orleans, 34 in Indianapolis) seemed to linger longer with him than the wins (93 in New Orleans, 32 in Indianapolis).
"I think the longer you're in the business, losing got harder and harder for me, tougher and tougher on me,'' Mora said. "It's hard to come back from a loss; it's just hard. As a coach, you've got to really fight it because you've got to bounce back. You're facing your coaches and your players in a couple of days, so you got to put on a face that you really don't feel.
"You have to, so you do. But it's not easy, believe me.''


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Backflow Prevention Assembly Test & Maintenance Report (PDF fillable format)
Licensed Backflow Tester Registration Form (Word 2003)
City of Killeen Ordinance, Chapter 30:
(254) 501-6500
HOURS OF OPERATION: 6:30 am-3:00 pm
Here are few things that you NEED TO KNOW about backflow prevention devices.
If you have further questions about backflow, call us.
Cross connection refers to an actual or potential link between the drinking water system and contaminants, such as chemicals, bacteria, pesticides, or waste water.
• A garden hose is submerged in a bucket of soapy water, hot tub, or swimming pool.
• A lawn irrigation system is connected directly to the drinking water system.
What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flow is reversed from its intended direction and, by way of a cross connection, is pushed or siphoned back into the drinking water system. Backflow can occur by the following mechanisms:
• Backsiphonage - The pressure in the drinking water system is lowered. This type of backflow can result from water line flushing, fire fighting, or water main breaks.
• Backpressure - The pressure in a customer's piping system is greater than that of the drinking water system. This primarily occurs in commercial applications involving pumps, high rise buildings, or boilers.
• A garden hose submerged in a bucket of soapy water, hot tub, or swimming pool creates a cross connection. This allows the contaminated water (soapy water or chemically treated hot tub or pool water) to be backsiphoned into the water system.
• Water containing lawn chemicals is backsiphoned into the water system by way of a lawn irrigation system.
How can cross connections and backflow affect my drinking water?
If a cross connection exists and backflow occurs, contaminants can be drawn back through pipes and into the drinking water system. This has the potential to pollute drinking water and create a potential health hazard.
• A garden hose is submerged in a bucket of soapy water. A water main breaks down the street, lowers water pressure, and soapy water from the bucket is backsiphoned through the hose and into the water system (backflow). At the same time, someone at the residence pours a glass of water from the kitchen faucet. The soapy water flows back out the kitchen faucet, creating a contaminated glass of water.
• A sprinkler head from a lawn irrigation system sits in a puddle of water containing fertilizer (cross connection). Two blocks down the street, firefighters connect to the water system to fight a fire and water pressure is lowered. The puddle of water containing fertilizer is backsiphoned through the sprinkler head and into the water system (backflow.) Meanwhile a neighbor is taking a shower. The fertilizer-contaminated water flows back through the water system and out the neighbor's shower head.
What can I do to prevent backflow?
The easiest way to avoid backflow is to eliminate cross connections between the drinking water system and contaminants. Sometimes cross connections cannot be avoided. In these cases, the installation of a backflow prevention device will stop backflow.
• Avoid creating a cross connection when filling a bucket, hot tub or swimming pool. By leaving a gap between the hose and the water in the container, you eliminate the cross connection and the possibility of backflow.
• Install a backflow prevention device between the lawn irrigation system and the drinking water system to prevent backflow.
What is a backflow prevention assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical valve arrangement, which prevents the reversal of water flow, once it has passed through the valve. There are different types of backflow prevention assemblies for different situations and different degrees of hazard.
When is a backflow prevention assembly required?
Anytime a connection to the water system is made, the City's Backflow Prevention Division should be contacted to determine backflow prevention requirements. The Backflow Prevention Division, located at 1901 Botanical Dr, is open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. They can also be reached by calling (254) 501-6500 x4.
Some Examples:
A backflow prevention assembly may be required if you have a:
• Lawn irrigation system
• Carbonation system
• Chemical feed
• Fire suppression system
• Water feature such as an ornamental fountain or fish pond
• Swimming pool or spa
The City of Killeen requires all underground lawn sprinkler/irrigation systems to have either a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or a reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ) on all new installations. If there is an old double check in place, it is acceptable as long as it passes the test, once if fails or needs repair, it must be replaced with a PVB-where applicable or an RPZ.
City code prohibits any type of cross connection which could endanger the water system.
What are some different types of backflow prevention assemblies, devices, and methods?
Air Gap (AG): An AG is a physical separation between the end of the discharge pipe and the flood level rim of the container being filled. The separation must be two times the diameter of the opening of the discharge pipe. This is the highest form of protection, since the drinking water supply is physically separated from the container.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): An AVB is a non-testable device consisting of an air inlet valve or float check, a check seat and an air inlet port(s). This device is designed to protect against a non-health hazard or a health hazard under a backsiphonage only.
Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RP): An RP is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independently operating, check valves and a mechanically independent, hydraulically dependent relief valve located between the check valves. It is used for services having either health hazards or non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage and gives the highest level of protection among the mechanical backflow prevention assemblies.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): A DCVA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independently operating, check valves together with tightly closing resilient seated shut-off valves upstream and downstream of the check valves. It is used for services having non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage, usually for fire suppression systems.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): A PVB is a mechanical valve assembly that includes a check valve, which closes with the aid of a spring when water flow stops. It also has an air inlet valve, which opens when the internal pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, preventing backsiphonage. It is used for services having either health hazards or non-health hazards and no backpressure conditions; it is typically used on irrigation systems.
Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA): The DCDA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two DCVAs, one that is line sized to provide full flow characteristics and one which is smaller (either ½" or ¾") located on a detector line. It is used for services having non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage, usually for fire suppression systems.
Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA): The RPDA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two RPs, one that is line sized to provide full flow characteristics and one which is smaller (either ½" or ¾") located on a detector line. The RPDA is used on fire suppression systems which pose a health hazard.
Do I need a permit to have a backflow prevention assembly installed and is there a permit fee?
Yes, a plumbing permit is required to install a backflow prevention assembly. Permits can be obtained through the City's Permit Department, at 100 E. Avenue C, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For permit fee information, contact the Permits Department at (254) 501-7762.
Who can install a backflow prevention assembly?
The property owner, a licensed plumber, or a landscape contractor licensed to install backflow prevention devices. A plumbing permit is required.
What does it cost to install a backflow prevention assembly?
Backflow prevention assembly installation is done by private companies who set their own rates. Installation costs vary, so getting quotes from several companies is recommended.
Why am I required to have my backflow prevention assembly tested?
Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that wear out. Regular testing is required to ensure backflow prevention assemblies are functioning properly and have not been bypassed. A visual check of air gap assemblies is sufficient, while mechanical assemblies must be tested with special equipment.
How often do backflow assemblies need to be tested?
All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least annually and immediately following any repair, maintenance, or relocation. Assemblies that repeatedly fail may require more frequent testing or replacement.
Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the backflow prevention assembly?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the assembly is in good operating condition. A person who is state-certified in backflow assembly testing must perform the test and submit the results to the City of Killeen. If any repair work or maintenance is performed, the assembly must be retested immediately. All test results must be submitted to the City of Killeen.
The Certified Tester should mail or bring the original test results to the City at:
City of Killeen
Water & Sanitary Sewer Department-ATTN: BPAT&CSI
805 W. Jasper
Killeen, TX 76542
What is a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester and how can I find one?
A Certified Backflow Assembly Tester is someone who has completed a state-approved, 40-hour training course in backflow prevention assembly testing and has passed a proficiency test to prove his/her knowledge. Many plumbing, fire sprinkler, and lawn irrigation companies, as well as backflow prevention testing companies, are listed in local telephone directories and provide testing services in the Killeen area. As a convenience, the City of Killeen maintains a partial list of companies offering the services of Certified Backflow Assembly Testers.
What does it cost to test a backflow prevention assembly?
Backflow prevention assembly testing is done by private companies who set their own rates. Testing costs vary, so getting quotes from several companies is recommended.
What happens if I do not have my backflow prevention assembly tested and maintained as required?
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, mandates the City of Killeen establish and maintain a cross connection control program. The City of Killeen Ordinance states the City will terminate water service should a property owner fail to comply with cross connection/backflow regulations. This includes testing and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.
More information about backflow prevention and water quality at www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality
You can reach the TCEQ at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partners. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Monday, December 5, 2016
A genetic disorder can be caused by a problem in one or more of the genes. This means that the information in the gene is faulty. This problem can disrupt the normal function of a vital system - such as the immune system or the endocrine system - or prevent normal development of an organ, bones, or skin. It can also significantly increase a person's chances of developing a particular disease, such as diabetes or breast cancer. Birth defects or genetic disorders can also be caused by a problem with the number or structure of chromosomes. Usually this results in multiple body systems being affected.
Collectively, genetic disorders account for a significant portion of human disease and conditions and can present themselves in several different ways. The most widely recognized genetic disorders include Down syndrome, spina bifida, and sickle cell anemia. Also, more information is available about the genetics of common diseases such as cancer. There are more than 6,000 known genetic disorders.(More)
Understanding Inherited Disorders and Birth Defects
Commonly Asked Questions
Additional Information
Meet Our Experts
Anne Matthews, RN, PhD
Research and Your Health:
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First of all, congratulations to Judy Berman on her recent article on prostate cancer ("My prostate cancer month," Sept. 16). She is correct that everybody recognizes the pink ribbons and what they represent, but few know the blue ribbon sign. As a prostate cancer survivor, I really appreciate highlighting prostate cancer awareness.
Prostate cancer is a disease that should kill very few men. PSA testing is critical, and there are alternatives to surgery. Please allow me to put this disease and treatment in a different light by sharing my experience.
The annual PSA tests that my doctor insisted on provided the early warning which was then confirmed in biopsy. I was not interested in "watchful waiting" to see if something else would kill me first, so I began the search for the best treatment choice. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed by urologist surgeons who enthusiastically recommend removal as the only sure cure. I had too many friends and a brother-in-law who took that immediate choice, so I talked candidly with them. I discovered there are at least two inconvenient truths about surgery — perhaps half of those men never regained sexual function and secondly, that surgery does nothing to treat the "margins" just outside the gland and many men have that issue and then face radiation, hormone suppression, or chemotherapy with debilitating side effects. So I rejected surgery.
Another option is brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate. Simplicity is the appeal as this is done on an outpatient basis. It can be very effective, but I discovered too many of these radioactive seeds accidentally migrate to or burn the bladder or colon. It also does not treat the margins. I know someone who took this approach and he is now incontinent and needs to wear an adult diaper. So I rejected brachytherapy.
Photon (X-ray) radiation is another choice, typically delivered by a technique known as IMRT. One of my business partners chose IMRT and although it appears to have cured him, he was exhausted by the five weekly radiation treatments over six weeks. Weekends were off, and he felt much better by Monday morning, but then he went downhill again during the week. So I was not enthusiastic about standard X-ray IMRT radiation.
I remembered a casual friend some years before had gone to California for a different kind of treatment, so I called him. Thank God! He had done proton beam radiation therapy at Loma Linda, a much more targeted radiation with significantly less collateral damage as the beam releases all its energy at the prostate and does not impact the rest of the body or travel out the other side. For a more detailed explanation see The National Association for Proton Therapy. It is every bit as effective as X-ray, perhaps more so, but without the debilitating exhaustion and collateral tissue damage. It also treats the "margins" so any microscopic cancer cells are killed along with cancer cells in the prostate. It is growing in popularity as word spreads, and now there are 11 proton centers in the U.S. and more under development.
I chose the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) in Jacksonville and began my treatments in March 2010 at age 68. I felt terrific the whole six weeks, rode my bike with the North Florida Bicycle Club, played golf twice a week, worked out at the local YMCA, and my wife and I had a very active social life along with other patients and their wives. We called it our "radiation vacation." Most importantly, I am cured and have no adverse side effects like incontinence or impotence. Since I still have a prostate, I still have a PSA score — it declines steadily during and after treatment and mine has stabilized at 0.1 and my testosterone scores are normal for my age.
I am so enthusiastic and appreciative of UFPTI and proton therapy that I volunteer to talk to men going through a decision process like I did nearly four years ago. I get emails and phone calls at least weekly and am thrilled to help newly-diagnosed men who are struggling emotionally with the news and decision making. One of the biggest obstacles is lack of knowledge — both patients and more importantly urologists with a surgical bias. I pledged to help counter that obstacle.
J. Richard Uhlig


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Using Natural Hazards as a Hook in the Earth and Space Science Classroom
This NESTA workshop highlights effective approaches for leveraging dramatic natural events to engage your students and bring your classroom to life with high-impact hands-on activities!
We are frequently reminded of the power of Earth processes and their impact on our lives through natural hazard events. The drama of these events, covered extensively in the media, provides a powerful interdisciplinary hook for engaging young people with the Earth sciences. Humanity exists with geologic consent, and it is essential that future citizens understand natural hazards, what causes them, and how to survive and mitigate them, where possible.
This NESTA workshop identifies critical natural hazards, their Earth system science connections, and the underlying processes behind them through hands-on and literacy-based activities. Participants will engage with activities that utilize NGSS cross-cutting concepts to unite core ideas and incorporate science and engineering practices, ensuring that they will leave the workshop knowing how to use them in their classroom. Activities are aligned to the current National Science Education Standards, and relevance to the NRC Framework for Science Education and the NGSS will be highlighted. Participants receive a handout with links to free resources available on the NESTA and Windows to the Universe educational websites. Windows to the Universe has been developed with sponsorship from NSF, NASA, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and university sponsors since 1995.
Venue name if any:
Hyatt Regency Denver, Centennial A/B/C
Fee for participation:
none other than registration for the NSTA conference
Friday, December 13, 2013 - 8:00am to 9:00am


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There He was, laying on the ground, it was obvious to everybody that the Chief's season had taken a blow as they carted Trent off the field. The broadcast crew in the booth were singing the demise of the season, the fans were singing the demise of the season, no one was giving the Chiefs a chance. Then out of the ashes of adversity came a rejuvinated Chiefs, Huard, Tony G, LJ. Allen, The Team, began to show signs of greatness, all because a much maligned coach from New York, came in and has done his Job, GREAT JOB Herm, you have the Team firing on all cylinders!
GO CHIEFS :hammer: Miami!!
8-) :pint:


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AMITE — The Tangipahoa Parish School Board will seek public input on cost-saving alternatives to the district's current desegregation plan, including the addition of more magnet programs, redrawing attendance zones and clustering schools, board attorney Bob Hammonds said Monday.
The School Board met in executive session for more than five hours Monday to discuss ways to effectively desegregate the parish's schools without spending an estimated $54.5 million to build three new elementary schools as required under a court-ordered desegregation plan.
Hammonds and associate attorney Pamela Wescovich Dill will turn the options into a draft outline for a proposal that will then be subject to a public hearing, according to a unanimous vote of the board following executive session.
Hammonds said there is no set timeline for drafting the outline, getting input from stakeholders and seeking approval from U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, who oversees the district's 47-year-old desegregation case.
The attorney said he hopes to have a first draft complete before winter break, however, because some School Board members have said they would like to implement whatever plan is agreed upon by the fall of 2013.
"It's a very ambitious timeline, but I wouldn't say it's impossible," Hammonds said.
Board members referred all questions about the proposal to Hammonds, who was generally mum on the specifics. However, he said that the options discussed included adding more magnet programs or "educational enhancements" in parish schools, redrawing attendance zones, and pairing or clustering schools by grade levels.
Board member Brett Duncan said last week the board was considering creating regional attendance zones in which parents would have multiple options, including at least one magnet program, for schools in which to enroll their children.
The board's goal, Hammonds said, is to put together a tentative proposal in order to elicit comments from the public.
"Sometimes I find if you go to a community without a plan and just say, 'Tell us what you think,' you get silence," he said. "The outline will be something to begin from. It's intended to be 'a' plan, not 'the' plan."
Board member Sandra Bailey Simmons said following Monday's vote that the board wants the public to be involved in this process.
"We do want to hear from them and what they think the alternatives should be," Simmons said. "That might make a difference."
The push for changes to the district's current desegregation plan comes amid discussions about a projected system deficit of $12 million for 2013-14.
System officials previously had expected a $10 million shortfall next year, but recently learned that another increase in state-mandated retirement contributions will add $1.9 million to that burden.


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July 18, 1961 - September 7, 2013
Campbell Hall, NY
Linda J. Geyer of Campbell Hall, NY entered into rest on September 7, 2013 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY. She was 52.
Linda was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 18, 1961 to Thomas and Joan (Yowell) Gralton. She was the wife of Harold W. Geyer.
Linda was a loving wife and mother who loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. Linda worked as an Account Coordinator in Elant at Goshen Nursing Home. She was also a religious education teacher at St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville, NY.
She is survived by her loving husband, Harold W. Geyer of Campbell Hall, NY; daughters: Katelyn Geyer of Phoenix, AZ and Chelsea Geyer of Campbell Hall; her loving parents, Thomas and Joan Gralton of Greenville, NY; sisters: Mary and her husband, Larry Nicholson of Albany, NY, Susan Vincenzo of Bloomingburg, NY, Laura Cosh of Walden, NY, Jennifer and her husband, Frank Vogel of Milford, PA and Christina Grunke of Bethel, NY; brothers: James Gralton of NC and John and his wife, Laura Gralton of Sugar Loaf, NY; mother-in-law, Leonora Geyer of Washingtonville, NY; brother-in-law, Dennis Geyer in Washingtonville, NY, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 11th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, Washingtonville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 12th, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Washingtonville, NY. Cremation will be private.
Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda's name to St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville, NY.
Arrangements are under the care of Thomas A. Murray of David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY 10992, 845-496-9106; for more info, directions, or to leave condolences or a fond memory for the family, please visit www.davidtfergusonfh.com


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The conservative Republicans who took power in Pennsylvania in 2010 have had a busy year. Republican state legislators, empowered by new control of the governorship and the state house, proposed one of the most stringent mandatory ultrasound bills in the country. The House passed a voter identification law that could block 700,000 Pennsylvanians from voting, most of them young, of color, and poor. Meanwhile, the same state legislators led a successful charge to shrink public employment. The number of government employees fell over 3 percent that year, one of the sharpest declines in any state. Before the cuts, "Pennsylvania [had] the second lowest number of state workers per capita, already," said Rebecca McNichol, Pennsylvania state director of the CLEAR Coalition. Yet, she says, "this past year the budget was devastating" in deeper cuts.
Pennsylvania isn't alone. Republicans seized control of both branches of the legislature in 11 states after the 2010 elections. It's in these very states that public sector layoffs are disproportionately concentrated, leading to one of the biggest rounds of job losses for the public workforce since record keeping began. Governors and state legislators promised to focus on creating jobs and balancing budgets during campaign season—even newly elected Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett still claims that creating jobs is one of his "top priorities." Instead, these newly Republican states are targeting public workers, causing a significant drop in employment in the public sector that has threatened the entire economy.
President Obama is often blamed for the precipitous drop in government payrolls—even though it was caused by shrunken budgets at the state level. "There is no reason to think Mr. Obama is as happy about the reduction in government workers as some Republicans. But like it or not, the Obama administration has turned out to be anything but a big-government one," wrote Floyd Norris in the New York Times. It's true that during Obama's tenure, government employment at all levels dropped by 1.2 percent in 2011, one of the largest declines in history. The federal government lost a proportional share of these jobs: about 13 percent of government workers are employees of the federal government, and about 13 percent of overall public sector job losses in 2011 happened there. But what's critical to understand is that the drop-off in employment in state and local government wasn't spread evenly across states, and this trend had almost nothing to do with Obama or his policies.
Nearly all of the job losses took place at the state and local level, and they were most severe in a handful of GOP-controlled states. In other words, erosion of public sector employment isn't a problem affecting the entire country equally—it's a problem in particular states, thanks to very particular legislators. As the following chart shows, seven states laid off more than 2.5 percent of their own state and local workforce. Other states lost, on average, less than half a percent of their workforce.
Click to enlarge
Of the eleven states in which Republicans came into power in 2010 – Alabama, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – five were among the seven states that lost more than 2.5 percent of their workforce from December 2010 to December 2011. The remaining 42 states lost an average 0.5 percent (there is no data for Mississippi).
Overall, these 11 states were responsible for 40 percent of the total state and local public sector job losses in 2011. Add to these Texas, which because of its large size is responsible for 31 percent of the total at the state and local level. Taken together, these 12 red states drove over 70 percent of the total losses. The rest of the states suffered much smaller losses or even slight gains.
How can we explain these huge, concentrated losses? It's true that state budgets have been decimated in the aftermath of the recovery and the stimulus money that helped support them in 2009 and 2010 is all but gone. But as this data makes clear, the legislators who took office in 2010 are not just dedicated fiscal conservatives focused on balancing the budget. Many of these losses were suffered after right-wing state governments made decisions not to raise revenue or to trim fat where it could be trimmed. Governor Corbett came into office with a promise not to raise taxes, but went even farther by lowering corporate tax rates and imposing a low effective tax rate on drilling in the Marcellus Shale. These choices made the deficit even worse. "There could have been fewer layoffs than there were," said Mark Price, an economist based in Pennsylvania. "They could have avoided this." As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has found, many of these newly GOP-dominated states, including North Carolina, cut corporate taxes, or cut taxes on high-income earners, including Maine and Ohio. Wisconsin did both.
Maine has also suffered from austerity-minded decisions made by its Republican governor. In the past year, Maine lost five percent of its public sector workforce, the second largest percentage any state experienced, mostly through forced attrition. Ginette Rivard, president of the Maine State Employees Association, says that Governor Paul LePage enacted changes that forced many into early retirement. "One department lost eleven percent of its workforce in 2011 through retirement," she says. Everyone else is left to pick up the extra work with no extra pay.
Economists argue over how significantly public sector layoffs in a weak economy hurt the recovery, but many agree that it has a substantial impact. Paul Krugman has estimated that if the government workforce had grown at a Reagan-era rate instead of decreasing rapidly, unemployment would now be closer to 7 percent, instead of the 8.5 percent it's been hovering around for the past five months.


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The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed tighter standards for lead in dust on floors and window sills. Lead dust can be a big source of lead exposure for kids when chips of old paint flake off, or when older homes are renovated. The proposed standards would affect most homes built before 1978 and places where kids spend a lot of time, like day care centers.
A new predator has emerged for a little shorebird in our region, the piping plover.
Snowy owls often spend time out on Great Lakes beaches in the winter. It's a good habitat for them. But something unexpected happened this year.
Vince Cavalieri is the piping plover coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"It became very apparent early this year that there were a lot of snowy owls still being seen," he says.
He says the owls hung around later than usual.
If you've ever tried to keep a raccoon out of your trash can, you know they're smart. At my house, it takes a brick on top of the trash can and a bungee cord on top of the lid to keep the raccoons out.
New research looks at how animals with complex cognitive abilities might do better in cities, but could end up in more conflicts with people.
A lot of economists like the idea of putting a price on the use of fossil fuels, as a way to tackle climate change.
But it's been a hard sell politically.
A new
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on this topic is out from the National Surveys on Energy and Environment. It looks at Americans' opinions on policies like carbon taxes and cap and trade over the last 10 years.
The Environmental Protection Agency is starting to plan what's next for the
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We're eight years into that huge cleanup and restoration effort.
Definition of new national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI ) and dose length product (DLP) for neuro-paediatric CT examinations depending on the medical indication. . Paediatric cranial CT data sets acquired between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively collected between July 2016 and March 2017 from eight of the largest university and cantonal hospitals that perform most of the neuro-paediatric CTs in Switzerland. A consensus review of CTDI and DLP was undertaken for three defined anatomical regions: brain, facial bone, and petrous bone, each with and without contrast medium application. All indications for cranial CT imaging in paediatrics were assigned to one of these three regions. Descriptive statistical analysis of the distribution of the median values for CTDI and DLP yielded values in the minimum, maximum, 25th percentile (1st quartile), median (2nd quartile), and 75th percentile (3rd quartile). New DRLs for neuro-paediatric CT examinations in Switzerland were based on the 75th percentiles of the distributions of the median values of all eight centres. Where appropriate, values were rounded such that the DRLs increase or at least remain constant as the age of the patient increases. Our results revealed DRLs for CTDI and DLP up to 20% lower than the DRLs used so far in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe. This study provides Swiss neuro-paediatric CT DRL values to establish optimum conditions for paediatric cranial CT examinations. Periodic national updates of DRLs, following international comparisons, are essential.
F Ali et al 2018 J. Radiol. Prot. 38 1037
Thermal neutrons are found in reactor, radiotherapy, aircraft, and space environments. The purpose of this study was to characterise the dosimetry and microdosimetry of thermal neutron exposures, using three simulation codes, as a precursor to quantitative radiobiological studies using blood samples. An irradiation line was designed employing a pyrolytic graphite crystal or—alternatively—a super mirror to expose blood samples to thermal neutrons from the National Research Universal reactor to determine radiobiological parameters. The crystal was used when assessing the relative biological effectiveness for dicentric chromosome aberrations, and other biomarkers, in lymphocytes over a low absorbed dose range of 1.2–14 mGy. Higher exposures using a super mirror will allow the additional quantification of mitochondrial responses. The physical size of the thermal neutron fields and their respective wavelength distribution was determined using the McStas Monte Carlo code. Spinning the blood samples produced a spatially uniform absorbed dose as determined from Monte Carlo N-Particle version 6 simulations. The major part (71%) of the total absorbed dose to blood was determined to be from the N(n,p) C reaction and the remainder from the H(n, ) H reaction. Previous radiobiological experiments at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories involving thermal neutron irradiation of blood yielded a relative biological effectiveness of 26±7. Using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System, a similar value of ∼19 for the quality factor of thermal neutrons initiating the N(n,p) C reaction in soft tissue was determined by microdosimetric simulations. This calculated quality factor is of similar high value to the experimentally-derived relative biological effectiveness, and indicates the potential of thermal neutrons to induce deleterious health effects in superficial organs such as cataracts of the eye lens.
G Sh Batorshin and Yu G Mokrov2018 J. Radiol. Prot. 38 R1
Uber has begun running constant background checks on its drivers so that the company can know immediately if a driver is charged with a crime.
Since Uber started testing the system earlier this month, it has barred 25 people from operating as Uber drivers, according to Axios , which first reported the new initiative. Now the company plans to roll out the service for all U.S. Uber drivers.
Last month,
Uber said
it would soon start performing background checks on all drivers in the U.S. every year. The announcement came a few weeks after a
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that at least 103 Uber drivers had been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing passengers.
But today's news is a significant escalation to the safety-check plan. Uber's VP of safety and insurance, Gus Fuldner, told Axios that the company believes this "is a way to get the same kind of info as in a background check, but get it in a real-time manner."
To monitor drivers constantly, Uber is working with background-check company Checkr,
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names and Social Security numbers to check court records, sex offender registries, motor vehicle records, and terrorist watch lists. The system also relies on the real-time data collection company Appriss, which can provide constant updates with new information from local municipalities.
Under this new plan, whenever a driver is charged with a crime, the system will alert Uber and the company will then decide if that person should remain an Uber driver or be removed from the platform.
[ Axios /]
Senior editor and reporter at Gizmodo
Zoosk does the work to ensure that you "video" photo lines up with the one on your profile. Although it takes some time, you can now rest easy knowing your matches are real (or at least verified) when you see that green check mark on their photo.
Image: zoosk/screenshot
Image: zoosk/screenshot
Despite all this, there are quite a large number of fake profiles throughout all of Zoosk. Considering it's really easy to create one, anyone (and I mean anyone) can create a sham profile if they have a Google or Facebook account. And in that way, the online dating service is really easy to spam people with shady and phony users who advertise for free sex if you follow a link to another website or dating app.
It's easy to lure someone with an attractive profile and then hit them up with spam for another service. The green check verification does come in handy in those situations, but it's tough to scroll through numerous fake accounts to get to the real ones. Within one minute of creating a new profile, I was messaged eight times from people who seemed not to be real. Most of them simply viewed my new profile, but some wanted to meet or sent a generic message to elicit a response. It's a red flag whenever you get that many messages from randoms after just signing up.
You may run into another problem with counterfeit or inactive users. It's true, you avoid the fraudulent ones out there because you have the option to only interact with the verified ones, which is just a good rule of thumb for anyone who dates online. However, just because you choose to ignore fake profiles, it doesn't mean fake profiles choose to ignore you. The longer you're active, the longer you'll be susceptible to unwanted messages and sham views, winks, "wants to meet," and requests to chat notifications you'll see on an hourly basis.
Out of the 11 messages and notifications I received during my review period, it was difficult to tell which ones were real and which ones were not genuine. There are other dating sites like OkCupid and Tinder that are really good about scrubbing their platform free of false accounts and spam, but it was quite the undertaking to figure out.
But don't let the bogus profiles get you down. There are still a number of real people on Zoosk who are excited to match with you.
The design of the website and app are pretty modern, as they both emphasize engagement and interaction. In fact, the first thing you do after you create an account is start "liking" people, so the algorithm can get a feel of your preferences.
You can either like someone with a smiley face, which indicates friendship, or you can like someone with a heart, which indicates love. There is no "dislike" or "pass" option in the main online matching section, so if you don't want to mingle with a profile, you simply leave it alone.
This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)


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San Jose is the fittest city for baby boomers in the country, with the highest life expectancy and the fewest unrestful days per month among the nation's largest cities, according to study released Tuesday.
The study, by the American Physical Therapists Association of Alexandria, Va., and The Huffington Post blog, included interviews with boomers, people born between 1946 and 1964, in the 50 biggest cities in the country, association spokeswoman Jennifer Rondon said.
Boomers surveyed in San Jose ranked the highest in self-satisfaction, with 95.6 percent saying they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their lives, Rondon said.
San Jose posted the highest life expectancy among the cities at 82.5 years and lowest number of days of not getting enough rest per month, at 5.6 days, Rondon said.
The percentage of boomers in San Jose with health insurance was high, at 91.8 percent, and they scored lower than the average of the 50 cities in cases of hypertension and cardiac disease and high cholesterol, according to the survey.
Other cities in the top ten list, in declining order, were Minneapolis, San Francisco, Denver, Boston, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Diego and Raleigh, N.C.
The therapist association evaluated two main categories in the study, health and fitness and the lifestyles of the 49-plus adult demographic in the cities, Rondon said.
The group considered the life expectancy in each city, the percentage of residents who have health insurance, the availability of health care, mental and emotional well-being and what recreational and mass transit resources are available.
The association, a professional organization of physical therapists, teamed with the Huffington Post's blog, Huff/50, to conduct the survey with Bert Sperling, who compiles and writes about "best" cities lists for the Huffington Post, Rondon said.


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Except the Clabo money doesn't show until June and the initial reports said that a contract would likely not be redone until then.....
This is the media flapping their gums to generate interest. Just like AJC posting an article about major concerns going into OTAs but when you click you have to sign up for premium service.....sad thing is the article probably talks about this same topic......
Just the media trying to pump up an issue that they can talk about until July or August hits. There's going to be some relief when the cap space from Clabo being released comes back to us. I that's when the Falcons will be able to swoop in and sign our remaining draft picks. Then I think they will get the deal done with Matt. Have to be patient. Honestly, the only things I have read/heard in regards to the Matt Ryan contract is all hear say and assumptions. Nothing official. The entire Falcons organization keeps saying it will get done when the time is right, I think they are just still figuring numbers and playing the jockey game. This isn't a "holdout" type situation, and I don't think it will ever turn into that.
This is true, but Tom Condon will make sure that Ryan gets as much as he can, as guaranteed, and as much as soon as possible as he can manage.
Wow! Seven as's in one sentence. That has got to be a AFT record!
The deal is in the details. Money itself is usually not the sticking point, but the other things in there that most gloss over.
Maybe swift has finally gotten to TD. Why sign him to a long term deal? He isn't that good. Now we can let that kid from Duke spend a year preparing be Super Bowl bound in two more.
TD is going to sign Ryan cause his job is tied to the success of Ryan . Instead the smart thing would do is play out this season. Cap friendly contract and then franchise him next season when Falcons have ton of cap to do so. Then take a look after the 2014 season . If Ryan has only lead us to 1 playoff win in 7 years why not look in another direction .
What instead is going to happen. Ryan is going to get his 120 million contract . Never lead Falcons to a Super Bowl and in years from now of falling short in playoffs we will look back at Ryan, Smith, TD tenure similar to how Eagle
fans look at Reid, McNabb era , the thing is McNabb never had close the talent Ryan had to play with on offensive side


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Hanover, PA
Homewood at Plum Creek opened in 1990 at its current site after 33 years in downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania. Located on 100 acres along both sides of the Plum Creek in Hanover, Homewood at Plum Creek is Homewood's largest community with more than 600 residents.
Residents always have something to do especially with a game room, fitness center with indoor pool, meeting rooms and library. Residents can take advantage of the in-house pharmacy, bank and convenience store or gather for an event in the spacious auditorium.
The community includes:
- 234 cottages
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- 120-bed health care center for skilled and special memory care
Lifestyles Available: Independent Living, Assisted Lifestyle Services, Skilled Care, Alzheimer's, Respite Care, Hospice Care, Short Term Rehab.


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Desjobert, Cecile and Noy, Peter and Swingler, Tracey and Williams, Hannah and Gaston, Kevin and Jayaraman, Padma-Sheela (2008) The PRH/Hex repressor protein causes nuclear retention of Groucho/TLE corepressors. Biochemical Journal. ISSN 0264-6021


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What do you get when you cross a dragon with a boat?
Depending on your imagination, you could get a lot of things. But the first thing you'd get, "dragon boating," is more than just a badass-sounding compound word. It's a 1,000-year old competitive water sport that has been gaining more and more attention at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the last few years.
The only college in Chicago with its own dragon boating team, UIC puts out a call every year for new paddlers to join the co-ed UIC Pyro Paddlers team and competes in two dragon-boating racing events held in the summer in Chinatown and St. Charles.
The team first came together in 2008--around the same time UIC joined the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce--when the chamber asked UIC to put together a dragon boating team for Chinatown's annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy.
Elvin Chan, assistant director of the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, said the Pyro Paddlers' team numbers change every year, depending on the availability of interested paddlers to attend the events as well as the one or two practices held before the races.
Because the team is still fairly new to UIC, Chan said his resource center is "always open to bringing in new blood." New members are not required to have any previous paddling experience.
"We know, as new members, when would be the last time you would happen to have a dragon boat in your backyard?" Chan said.
A maximum of 20 people is needed to fill the longboat designed to look like a dragon, complete with a giant dragon head at the helm of the boat.
Being able to communicate and coordinate with teammates quickly is key during a dragon-boat race, which often only lasts about two minutes. Paddlers sit in pairs and work together to propel their longboats forward to the beat of a boat drummer, who sits backward on the boat and sets the pace of the paddlers' canoe-style strokes with a drum beat. Another teammate known as a "flag puller" grabs the flag at the finish line when the boat has finished the race.
Biochemistry major and senior Kevin Chiem, 21, said he loves dragon boating because it is so easy for new members to pick up the sport and do well as long as they're willing to work hard. Success in dragon-boat races, he said, has more to do with a team's ability to keep its coordination and composure during a race than it does with previous experience.
His co-captain Jenny Korn, a doctorate candidate student in communications who has previously competed on dragon-boat racing teams in Boston and Alabama, agreed.
"You don't have to be strong, necessarily, you have to be in sync," Korn said. "If you're out of sync, no matter how strong you are--that's it, you're going to slow the boat down, and you're going to lose."
UIC placed third out of 26 teams and advanced to the quarterfinals at last year's Chinatown race, eventually placing seveth overall.
Chan and Korn said the races are a great opportunity for the team to showcase UIC, especially at the Chinatown event, which is usually attended by more than 10,000 people. "We do a good job of representing UIC and putting up a good front for them," Korn said. "We're proud of our school: Before each race, we scream, '1, 2, 3, UIC!' and then we go out and row."
Korn said it speaks well of UIC that the university has been so supportive of the sport by funding the team's competition and transportation fees. Korn said she eventually would like to raise enough awareness about dragon boating on campus that enough people join to justify the purchase of their own boats.
"I think we'll eventually have enough people to support two boats--one boat that's more competitive and serious, and one that's more laid-back," Korn said. "I do think that can happen once people get to know UIC as a place for dragon boating."
UIC's Pyro Paddlers hosts a social for interested and experienced paddlers at 4 p.m. Friday in 200 Addams Hall on campus. See the UIC Pyro Paddlers in action at their race on June 8 in St. Charles and on July 13 in Chinatown.
Erin Vogel is a RedEye special contributor.
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i found a puppy food called techni-cal. here are the ingredients:
Chicken meal, ground corn, ground rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E, and citric acid), chicken, whole dried egg, beet pulp, ground wheat, flaxseed, calcium carbonate, natural flavour, sodium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, citric acid, lecithin, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin C, inositol, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, beta carotene, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin K, biotin, vitamin B12), minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc oxide, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), ascorbyl-polyphosphate, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary.
Does that look good or no?
Look Left
I said look left god damnit!
I would say no because the first two ingredients are chicken meal and ground corn.
Ingredients are listed in the order from the most to the least. so it's mostly chicken meal, then the next largest amount of ingredient is corn. Chicken and corn are big allergy problems in a lot of dogs. Dogs cannot digest corn I'm pretty sure.
Prevent a litter
Fix your critter
I think ideally, the only grain you want in there is rice. The first ingredient should always be meat. I am in the process of putting Sophie on Nutro Natural Choice puppy food. It's a lamb and rice food.
Rice and millet are good. NEVER feed a dog food with SOY. Apparently it causes bloat... You don't want corn because that's a cheap filler and has too many carbs. Dogs very frequently become allergic to corn and wheat and this food has both. I was checking and it's actually hard to find a puppy food without corn in it and with a whole animal as the protein source (ie lamb and not lamb meal)
This is solid gold's Hunden Flocken puppy food-- compare:
Lamb Meal | Ground Millet | Ground Brown Rice | Canola Oil | Flaxseed Oil | Menhaden Fish Meal | Ground Barley | Rice Bran | Amaranth | Garlic | Blueberries | Yucca Schidigera Extract | Taurine | Carotene | Choline Chloride | Calcium Carbonate | Vitamin E Supplement | Iron Proteinate | Vitamin A Supplement | Zinc Proteinate | Niacin Supplement | Folic Acid | Thiamine | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Manganese Proteinate | Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex | Copper Proteinate | Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide
This food is really expensive but you can just compare to see the difference. You just have to get the best food that you can with the budget you are comfortable with.
Dog food
If you are looking for a better food and can afford a better quality then I would look to other brands.
The chicken meal is okay but the corn is a no/no. This is an exerpt from the Whole Dog Journal, February issue on dog food and the meat ingredients.
"We look for foods that contain a lot of high-quality animal proteins. We like manufacturers to disclose the approximate percentage of meat, poultry, or fish in their food, but they rarely will, so we look for foods that appear to have lots of animal protein. Ingredients are listed in order or their weight, so ideally a food will have one or two animal proteins in the first few ingredients. Understand that whole meat (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.) contains a lot of water weight. If a food list starts out with chicken, and there is no other animal protein listed until 7th or 8th on the list, the food does not actually contain a lot of animal protein. But if it starts out with chicken, and chicken (or another animal) meal (essentially dehydrated chicken) is number two or three on the list, chances are the product contains an admirable amount of animal protein. Animal proteins tend to be more digestible and palatable..."
Again it depends on what you can afford and what is easily accessible in your area. I myself have been travelling an hour and half once a month to buy the Solid Gold, Wolf King for my dogs. After doing my research I liked the ingredients and my dogs have the most beautiful coats. Their ears are always clean and no skin problems so far. I don't suggest anyone else travel as I do and I do combine my trips with other shopping so I kill two birds with one stone.
If I were you I would look for a food with as little as possible corn and wheat.
I still havn't decided which carbohydrate source is best in a dog's food (rice seems to be the winner so far) but corn is not on my list. Corn is basically sugar and cellulose. And since dogs (and humans) can't digest cellulose, it has really no food value at all. I don't eat corn very much myself, I'm not going to give it to my dog.
And through looking at resources and other opinions and such, I don't think that having a 'meal' (ie chicken meal rather than whole chicken) is that bad. I just consider it a meat source and leave it at that.
A real basic check is to look at the first three ingredients. I prefer the first 2 to be a meat source and the 3rd can be a grain. I don't know if I've ever seen a kibble where the first 3 ingrdeiants were all meat, but I'd probably buy it.
Isn't the "meal" just what coppperbelle said, dried, ground up meat. It doesn't have any bones or beaks or bad parts, it's the same meat, just dry. A pound of wet meat would have less benefit and be less concentrated than a pound of dry meat.
Chicken meal can be fine depending on the type of chicken parts used.
Although corn CAN be an allergen for some dogs. It is highly digestible when ground before use and is just fine, just not quite as digestible as rice. Ground corn is a good quality source of carbohydrates. And, because it includes the entire corn kernel, it contributes additional protein, corn oil, corn bran and vitamins and minerals to the diet.
Here's a summary and link to a study on whole ground corn use in dogfood.
Sorghum and corn show promise as dog food
Rice is commonly used in premium Australian dog foods because it is highly digestible and hypoallergenic. However, sorghum and corn are available and are much less expensive.
Faecal nutrient digestibility of diets containing rice, sorghum and corn, plus the associated faecal quality, was investigated. The nutrient digestibilities of the corn and sorghum diets were lower compared with the rice diet, but the differences in digestibility values were five per cent or less.
These small variations in digestibility were considered unlikely to be physiologically important. The dogs on each diet were also judged as having ideal faecal quality - an important factor when consumers judge the quality of a dog food. The Australian researchers concluded that extruded sorghum and corn are good alternatives to rice as the primary cereal grain in dog foods.
Twomey LN, Pethick DW, Rowe JB et al. J Nutr 2002; 132(6 Suppl 2): 1704S-1705S.
Corn is/has been a staple for many types of animals and many societies.
My dogs are both on Acana which has human grade ingredients that has whole grain ground corn and whole grain rice in it and they both do amazing on it. It's made here in Alberta and it's a great product!!
It's a myth that corn is bad for dogs.
Last edited by Gazoo; March 10th, 2005 at 10:01 PM.
How much does the Acana set you back?
Acana's almost the same price as Nutro, only about 10% more, it's Canadian made and it uses HUMAN GRADE ingredients. It's really good stuff, especially for the price!!!! They also make lamb and rice for the sensitive doogie.
I wouldn't worry about Bloat.This is a Cocker Spaniel puppy.Bloat only occurs in deep chested breeds..GSD's,Dobes,Rotties,Labs,Great Danes,Newfies.Just to name a few...
I say a definate NO to Techni Cal..Rule of thumb,first 4-5 ingredients should not be corn.
Here are a few premium foods.
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul
"A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tongue in hours."
I found the ingredient list I had clipped out of the 'Wellness' brand I originally fed my dog. First 4 ingrediants:
Deboned chicken, salmon meal, fish meal, oatmeal.
It's a very good premium brand (I jump after anything that includes fish in it), but I'm still looking for a reasonably cheap source. What I feed my dog now isn't quite as nice (still a decent quality though, Kirklands from Costco) but it's atleast 1/3 the price.
That's the thing--- dog food is always a trade-off between budget and quality. You just have to feed your dog the best food you are able to and you feel comfortable with.
Is solid gold's Hunden Flocken puppy food a good quality food? I bought a bag of it for Ruby, and she just didn't seem to thrive on it. I was feeding her Purina puppy chow before that, and gradually mixed in the Solid Gold. But it seemed that for the next 2 weeks while she was eating only the Solid Gold, she didn't grow, nor did she gain any substantial weight.
I got her back on the Purina and she is growing well again, getting longer and filling out nicely. I thought I had made a mistake getting the Solid Gold, (got talked into it by a clerk at a pet supply store), but people here are saying it's a premium food. Now I'm really confused as to what's the best thing to feed her.
I also bought the weight management food for my "fluffy" beagle but ended up mixing it in with her regular dogfood when I was under the belief that the Solid Gold wasn't good for her.
"There ain't no meanness in a hound" -Mark Twain
Solid gold is a great food. It just takes a while to see effects when you switch foods. Maybe most of her energy went to the adjustment rather than growth.
I think I said in another thread that when you move up in food quality, the digestion is different. The cheaper commercial foods have digestive aids in them that make the food seem easier to digest. I believe the dog has to physiologically relearn how to digest on it's own.
My doggies took a month and a half to get their stools back to normal. (Solid gold calls this 'detoxifying', I call it "Holy cow! that's an enormous smelly load!!!" ) I know that when a vet tells you to go on a prescription diet for severe allergies, they say it can take up to 6 months for the body to clear up. If it takes that long for allergies, it probably takes that long to get rid of chemicals from previous foods and to see the complete effect of the food. But like I said, my doggies are back to normal a month and a half later, you have to give it a chance when you're switching foods... And sometimes it's better if they grow slower (mostly for big dogs- slow growth= easier on joints and bones)
If all her energy is going into "adjusting" to the new dog food rather than into growing, then wouldn't I be better off waiting until she's finished growing before switching her food?
I don't want to stunt her growth. I want her to get as big as she's supposed to, without any adverse effects on her growth. She's 5 months right now, and about 24 lbs. I don't think she's got much more in height or length to go, but she does need to fill out.
"There ain't no meanness in a hound" -Mark Twain
It won't stunt her growth and there is no need to wait, especially if the food is of better quality. If she grows slower, she'll just grow for a longer time. She'll still end up the same size. The only things that affect final size are neutering early (though I don't know how proven that is), genes and malnutrition, as far as I know. Switching foods doesn't really qualify as malnutrition...
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Postcode of CHEPSTOWE (VIC) is 3351. Below you can find map of CHEPSTOWE, or look up other postcodes in Victoria or other Australian states. If CHEPSTOWE's postcode is duplicated, and other places have same postal code number, you can use our postcode searcher by number 3351.
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Thank you for checking out Concord Baptist. Please feel free to always call our office or stop by the church if you have any more questions. Also, under the leadership page you will find direct emails to contact all staff. Blessings!
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January 8, 2013 10:52:57 PM
STARKVILLE -- Many coaches will use the cliché line of a college basketball season being the culmination of three different seasons: non-conference, conference and postseason.
Mississippi State men's basketball coach Rick Ray isn't one of them and the Bulldogs first-year leader doesn't believe in wiping the slate clean.
Ray can't do anything but look forward with a team he said this week on the Southeastern Conference "is turning a corner" after playing arguably its best game of the the 2012-13 season.
"I think a big thing for this team is our ability to share the basketball," Ray said. "I thought we took poor shots in the beginning and understanding they got those shots in high school and junior college and now those easy shots weren't there. Now our guys are realizing that making the extra pass and grinding out the shot clock a little longer has been the biggest step forward."
There's no talk of a new season as the Bulldogs (5-7) begin Southeastern Conference play tonight against the University of South Carolina (7 p.m., ESPN3) because the non-conference record is still far below the standards of a normal Bowl Championship Series program.
"The record is what it is," Ray said. "It's not something we'll avoid or look past as we get to league play."
Another three-part way to look at this season for MSU is essentially before, during and after the injury to junior guard Jalen Steele.
The leading returning scorer from last season's roster broke his right shooting wrist on a diving layup against Florida Atlantic nearly two months ago and days before the team was headed to the Maui Invitational. Since that injury, MSU has been consistently going through scoring droughts and have had an inability to find a consistent threat from outside the three-point arc.
MSU is last in the league in field goal percentage, three-point shooting, 12th in scoring and last in assists to turnover ratio.
"If you are a shooter, you are always going to think you're shots going to go in," MSU junior forward Colin Borchert said. "I think the biggest thing is just getting use to it and in front of the big crowds. That's the biggest transition for me to find my sweet spot at the Hump and when to take a good shot."
Another factor to Steele's injury was the idea of having it before two season-ended injuries (guards Jacoby Davis and Andre Applewhite) and a possibly career-ending injury to senior forward Wendell Lewis. MSU has already used five different starting lineups in its first 12 games.
Under coach Rick Stansbury's previous 14 years on the bench, MSU's worst SEC record has been 5-11 and only been under the .500 mark just three times in that period. Once again, Ray has said repeatedly he doesn't care about the past of the program but is currently unsure how his team will handle the rigors of league play with just seven scholarship players.
"He provides spacing as far everybody knowing Jalen Steele can shoot," Ray said. "That's one more person that will double down in the points. That's one less person that will help on Roquez (Johnson) or Chicken's (Craig Sword) drives. I think people get lost in he provides scoring but he's going to help other people score too by simply being out there."
The unknown factor to the success of MSU in a more physically demanding league play is the performance of freshman center Gavin Ware. Ware has been over the double-figure scoring mark in each of the last three games and recorded a double-double in two of those contests.
With only seven scholarship players available, Ware must handle the responsibility of being the only consistent post threat for a smaller MSU squad in his first season of college basketball. Any foul trouble or inconsistent play on either end will put pressure on the Bulldogs in conference play to make outside shots.
"There's a lot of trials and tribulations because we are so small," Ware said.
Ray admitted Monday in the local media gathering at the Humphrey Coliseum he "wasn't coaching Ware as well as he should've been" and has changed the motion offense for him to simply find a way to post immediately after setting his first screen in the half court.
"It has just helped me understand my role as a player and as a big man," Ware said. "When we first started out I was a little confused, but as we got on he made it more simple than complex. I let it come to me and I just started playing my game."
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1. Heritage Academy turns tables on Starkville Academy in 21-7 victory HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
2. Christmann helps anchor special teams unit at MSU COLLEGE SPORTS
3. Starkville returns home to face Murrah in region play HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
4. Caledonia can clinch playoff berth with win over Amory HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
5. Bibby ready to make strides in second season with Bulldogs COLLEGE SPORTS


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Former Squaresoft exec calls Enix merger a "complete failure" – report
In response to Square Enix's less than stellar financial report this quarter, former Square president and Square Enix executive Hisashi Suzuki has poured scorn on the publisher's performance. According to Kotaku's translation of a series of Tweets, the Sega director apparently argued that a failure to increase stock value since the merger demonstrates that it was a "complete failure". He also said the joint company has "no vision for the future". Harsh.


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If you would like to learn more about the programs, instructors or upcoming registrations, please feel free to contact us at 715.823.7215 Ext. 2500.
If you are interested in volunteering in your child's class, you will need to fill out a volunteer application. The application can be found on the main website under the District tab or picked up in the office.
Don't forget to check out the information about the Little Trucks Playgroup under the communication tab!


text: Remington Premier Ammunition offers the shooter and hunter one of the greatest varieties of premium bullet designs ever introduced, combined with strict manufacturing tolerances to create ammunition any shooter would be willing to use on that shot of a lifetime. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases. Technical Information Caliber: 17 Remington Bullet Weight: 20 Grains Bullet Style: AccuTip Boat Tail Case Type: Brass Ballistics Information: Muzzle Velocity: 4250 fps Muzzle Energy: 802 ft. lbs.