text:
by Myles Biggs
Builder Magazine, one
of the housing industry's top printed publications, published their annual list
of America's Biggest Builders last month. The list uses data from 2012 and
ranks builders, from one to one hundred, based on their total number of
closings in the United States. The list also features information about each
company's revenue, where they built and what type of housing projects they
Clinching the top spot on the list of 100 biggest builders in America was D.R. Horton, followed by Pulte
Group in the number two spot. Lennar Corp., NVR and KB Home rounded out the top five.
Unfortunately, this list of 100 builders only includes those
companies that build homes on-site; modular home builders and other
system-built housing manufacturers have not been included in this annual listing.
However, Ritz-Craft is proud to say that we built and
delivered 603 homes in 2012 – making us the rightful number 49 on this list of
the 100 Biggest Builders in America. What we're even more proud of is the fact
that this number is up over 30 percent from 2011, when we built and delivered 456
modular homes.
Do you think modular/system-built home manufacturers should
be included in Builder Magazine's annual
publication of America's Biggest Builders? Give us your opinion in the comments
section below.
Contact Ritz-Craft: If you would like to contact Ritz-Craft Corporation directly, you may email us at firstname.lastname@example.com, or please call us at any of our two facilities or our licensed agent nearest to where your intend to build: Northeast Division: 800-326-9836, Southeast Division: 910-410-5050, Midwest Division: 877-878-4025
Artist renderings depict homes as they may be built on a typical site. Renderings may include optional and site-installed features.
Be sure to thoroughly discuss all aspects of your building project with your Ritz-Craft homebuilder.
Based on vendor availability, all options portrayed on this site are subject to change without notification.
Ritz-Craft builds off-site systems built modular housing. The company is one of the largest family owned modular and manufactured home builders in America. Ritz-Craft modular homes are available for sale by local builders, dealers and developers in the following states (Michigan - MI, Maine - ME, New Hampshire - NH, Vermont - VT, Massachusetts - MA, Connecticut - CT, Rhode Island - RI, New York - NY, Pennsylvania - PA, New Jersey - NJ, Maryland - MD, Delaware - DE, Virginia - VA, West Virginia - WV, North Carolina - NC, South Carolina - SC, Georgia - GA, Tennessee - TN, Kentucky - KY, Ohio - OH, Indiana - IN, Illinois - IL, Wisconsin - WI, Iowa - IA, Missouri - MO). We serve regional markets in the New England, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, and Southeastern states.
Ritz-Craft also builds duplex homes and townhouses as well as other types of prefabricated homes. Home prices are determined by Ritz-Craft home builders, who quote all modular home costs. Custom modular home plans are also available.
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text:
Men's Woodsman Heavyweight Flannel Shirt Jacket
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Colors:Evergreen Plaid
Product Features
Insulated quilted lining
Adjustable button cuffs
Embroidered Legendary® logo
Twin buttoned chest pockets
Locker loop for
easy storage
Easy access hand warming pockets
100% Heavyweight Cotton Flannel
Nothing beats the effortless comfort of a long-sleeve flannel shirt. We made it thicker to trap heat better, too. Made to keep you warm and comfortable from day one.
Real chamois piecing
You need a great shirt jacket to keep up with your lifestyle. The Woodsman Shirt Jac features real chamois piecing to last longer and keep you comfortable and dry no matter where you're headed.
Product Description & Details
With the first chill in the air you'll be reaching for this classic plaid heavyweight insulated flannel with real chamois piecing. Features a quilted insulated lining for added warmth and comfort, buttoned chest pockets, and handy side seam hand warming pockets.
- Classic plaid heavyweight flannel
- Real chamois piecing
- Quilted insulated lining for added warmth
- Buttoned chest pockets
- Handy side seam hand warming pockets
- Imported
Shell | 100% Cotton
Lining | 100% Polyester
WashMachine wash cold separately. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Remove promptly. Low iron.
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When will more sizes be available?
does this jacket, or any other shirt/jacket ( without a hood ) have any inside pockets ????
What colors is the Evergreen Plaid? The website image looks green/blue but the catalog looks black/green.
Im 5'7", 180.. all shirts i buy are a large. What would you suggest here?
Where is the embroidered Signature Buck located? Is it large? I don't see it in any of the pictures, but the picture quality is low and won't zoom so it's hard to tell. I'm buying for a non-hunter, so I'm hoping it's small.
Is there lining in the sleeves??
Is this item only available in Big and Tall sizes?
What is the weight in Oz of the outside shell and the grams of polyester inside? Thank you!
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Accounting for Claims Management SaaS Costs
Effectively controlling claim adjustment expenses can reduce an Insurer's costs significantly. VIP Software, a national provider of integrated software solutions to P&C insurance companies, helps carriers manage their external adjuster expense by offering a product which is an expense reconciliation and reserve management solution. This web-based application, BAP™, is an end-to-end, automated solution, from vendor invoice creation; invoice review and reconciliation; to approval for payment, pending payment or rejected payment, based on preconfigured adjuster fee schedules within the software.
BAP ensures accuracy of billing and payment for independent adjuster services, while eliminating the need for additional manual or human resources. The automation is made possible through integration with leading property estimating software, Xactware® and Symbility. The analytical tool within the BAP provides holistic, real-time insight into the detail of independent adjuster and vendor expenses and operations at a moment's request.
Carriers purchase a subscription to the software as a service (SaaS), paying only for the software as it is used – with no licensing agreements or long-term software contracts. Software costs are generated concurrently with the creation of a vendor invoice, which means the cost is directly related to a covered loss and billed only upon the claim or the work assignment being closed.
Accounting & Financial Reporting
In addition to cost savings and operational efficiencies, it is important to understand the accounting and reporting requirements for SaaS contracts. From an insurer's perspective there are several matters to consider with respect to how the cost of SaaS used in the claim adjustment process are presented in their financial statement.
Accounting for implementation and recurring SaaS costs.
There is no implementation cost for the service contract and the recurring costs are incurred as part of the claim settlement process. Since you do not own or control other's access to the software, all associated costs are expensed when incurred for both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP). (1) (2)
Expense and reserve classification for recurring SaaS costs.
The expense associated with usage of the software is tracked and identified within the Insurer's claim settlement process and invoiced and coded to a specific claim. Because the cost occurs in connection with the adjustment and recording of losses, which arises only when a covered or insured event occurs, it meets the definition of loss adjustment expense (LAE); sometimes referred to in the industry as allocated loss adjustment expense (ALAE), and should be classified on line 3 of the Statement of Income in the Annual Statement. In addition, the cost of utilizing the software is a fee associated with adjusting and settling of claims and therefore meets the definition of Adjusting & Other Payments ("A&O"). (3) (4)
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Authoritative Accounting Literature
(1) Accounting Standards Update 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement
(2) Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 4, Assets and Nonadmitted Assets & Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 16, Electronic Data Processing Equipment & Software
(3) Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 55, Unpaid Claims, Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
(4) ASC 944-40, Claim Cost & Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits
This White Paper is being published by CFO Alliance, Inc. a professional accounting and consulting firm. While the information reflects our best interpretation of the authoritative accounting guidance and industry best practices, implementation of this or any other financial function must involve careful consultation with your legal counsel and audit and tax advisor. Furthermore, the above discussion cannot encompass all details for each company or organization and professional judgment will dictate the proper course of action in your particular case.
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text:
|Original research
|Peer reviewed
Cite as: Nguyen K, Cassar G, Friendship RM, et al. An investigation of the impacts of induced parturition, birth weight, birth order, litter size, and sow parity on piglet serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G. J Swine Health Prod. 2013;21(3):139-143.
Also available as a PDF.
Objective: To determine the impacts of induced parturition, birth weight, birth order, litter size, and sow parity on piglet serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) .
Materials and methods: In Experiment 1, sows were either induced to farrow (n = 56) or allowed to farrow naturally (n = 84). Litters of induced sows were placed immediately into a warm crèche until farrowing was complete, then all piglets were weighed and placed with the sow at the same time. Blood samples were collected at 3 days of age from one or two of the smallest pigs, one medium pig, and the largest pig in each litter for measurement of serum IgG. In Experiment 2, the firstborn and last-born piglets in 78 litters were blood sampled at 3 days of age and sera were assayed for total IgG.
Results: Experiment 1. Mean serum IgG concentration was higher in piglets from induced litters than in piglets from control sows (P < .001). Serum IgG concentrations increased with increased piglet weight (P < .001). Piglets from larger litters had lower serum IgG (P < .001). Serum IgG concentrations in piglets were not affected by sow parity (Experiment 1) or birth order (Experiment 2).
Implications: Supervision of farrowing may allow for improved colostrum intake with benefits to passive immunity. However, first-born pigs do not appear to get a disproportionate share of available immunoglobulins.
Objetivo: Determinar el impactos del parto inducido, peso al nacimiento, orden de nacimiento, tamaño de camada, y paridad de la hembra en las concentraciones de inmunoglobulina G (IgG por sus siglas en inglés) del suero del lechón.
Materiales y métodos: En el Experimento 1, se indujo a las hembras a parir (n = 56) o se les permitió parir naturalmente (n = 84). Las camadas de las hembras inducidas se colocaron inmediatamente en una lechonera atemperada hasta que el parto terminó, entonces se pesaron todos los lechones y se colocaron con la hembra al mismo tiempo. Se recolectaron muestras de sangre a los 3 días de edad de uno o dos de los lechones más pequeños, un lechón mediano, y el lechón más grande en cada camada para medir el suero IgG. En el Experimento 2, en 78 camadas se tomaron muestras de sangre del primero y del último lechón en nacer a los 3 días de edad y se midió el total de IgG en el suero.
Resultados: Experimento 1. La media de la concentración IgG del suero fue más alta en los lechones de las camadas inducidas que en los lechones de las hembras control (P < .001). Las concentraciones de IgG del suero aumentaron con el aumento de peso del lechón (P < .001). Los lechones de camadas más grandes tuvieron menos IgG en el suero (P < .001). Las concentraciones de IgG del suero en los lechones no se afectaron con relación a la paridad de la hembra (Experimento 1) o el orden de nacimiento (Experimento 2).
Implicaciones: La supervisión del parto puede permitir un mejor consumo de calostro con beneficios para la inmunidad pasiva. Sin embargo, los cerdos que nacieron primero no parecen obtener una porción desproporcionada de las inmunoglobulinas disponibles.
Objectif: Déterminer les impacts de la parturition induite, du poids à la naissance, de l'ordre de naissance, de la taille de la portée, et de la parité de la truie sur les concentrations sériques d'immunoglobuline G (Ig G) des porcelets.
Matériels et méthodes: Dans l'expérience 1, les truies étaient soit induites à mettre-bas (n = 56) ou laissées à mettre-bas naturellement (n = 84). Les portées des truies induites étaient placées immédiatement dans une crèche chauffée jusqu'à ce que la mise-bas soit complétée, les porcelets étaient ensuite pesés et mis avec la truie tous en même temps. Des échantillons sanguins étaient prélevés à 3 jours d'âge à partir d'un ou deux des porcelets les plus petits, un porcelet de taille moyenne, et le porcelet le plus gros dans chaque portée pour mesurer les IgG sériques. Dans l'expérience 2, à l'âge de 3 jours du sang a été prélevé des premiers et derniers porcelets nés dans 78 portées et le sérum testé pour les IgG totales.
Résultats: Expérience 1. La concentration sérique moyenne des IgG était plus élevée chez les porcelets des mises-bas induites comparativement aux porcelets des truies témoins (P < .001). Les concentrations sériques d'IgG augmentaient avec le poids des porcelets (P < .001). Les porcelets provenant des portées les plus nombreuses avaient les concentrations sériques d'IgG les plus faibles (P < .001). Les concentrations sériques d'IgG des porcelets n'étaient pas influencées par la parité des truies (Expérience 1) ou l'ordre de la naissance (Expérience 2).
Implications: La supervision des mises-bas pourrait permettre une meilleure prise de colostrum avec des bénéfices pour l'immunité passive. Toutefois, les porcelets nés en premier ne semblent pas obtenir une portion disproportionnée d'immunoglobulines disponibles.
Keywords: swine, farrowing supervision, piglets, immunoglobulin G
Search the AASV web site for pages with similar keywords.
Received: August 23, 2012
Accepted: January 21, 2013
Pigs are born with virtually no circulating immunoglobulins and a relatively immature immune system.1 Therefore, it is vital that neonates ingest adequate amounts of colostrum to establish a robust passive immunity. At parturition, colostrum is high in total solids and protein but low in sugar and fat content. Mammary secretions gradually change from colostrum to milk within 4 days postpartum.2 Colostral immunoglobulins are predominantly immunoglobulin G (Ig G) (80%), but this decreases rapidly relative to IgA, which constitutes 70% of the immunoglobulin in mature milk. Sow colostrum contains approximately 30 to 70 mg per mL of IgG,3 although concentrations differ among sows. Newborn piglets have serum Ig concentrations < 1 mg per mL, but after colostrum uptake, concentrations should increase to 25 to 30 mg per mL.4
Due to variation among sows in colostral quality and the many factors influencing ingestion of colostrum and absorption of colostral IgG by piglets, there is a high degree of variation within and among litters in the quantity of circulating IgG in piglets.5 Absorption of colostral IgG is crucial for protection against infectious diseases and for development of the immune system,6-8 but may be problematic in large litters and for small pigs because of the difficulty in obtaining a teat suckling position.9 Weak pigs with poor immunity are more likely to be infected with pathogens, which may cause problems with infectious disease after weaning, when passive immunity has waned.
Supervision and assistance at farrowing has been shown to reduce losses due to stillbirth,10 but little attention has been paid to other potential benefits, such as ensuring that all piglets receive colostrum within the first few hours of birth. The purposes of this study were to determine if induction of parturition with supervision of colostral intake affects serum IgG level in piglets, compared to piglets born unsupervised, and to determine whether serum IgG level in piglets is affected by birth weight, birth order, litter size, or sow parity.
Material and methods
The protocols in this study were approved by the University of Guelph Animal Care Committee (Experiment 1) and the Michigan State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (Experiment 2).
Experiment 1 was conducted on a 600-sow (Yorkshire × Landrace) farrow-to-feeder-pig farm located near Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Each sow was randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, with similar parity distribution between the two groups. Sows farrowed over a 1-month period. The average gestation length for this farm was 115 days. Sows were either induced to farrow by intravulval injection of the prostaglandin F2α analogue cloprostenol (1 mL Planate; Schering-Plough, Kirkland, Quebec) at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on day 114 of gestation (Induced; n = 56) or were allowed to farrow naturally (Control; n = 84). It was intended that an approximately equal number of sows would be included in each treatment group; however, 19 Induced sows began farrowing before researchers arrived the morning after induction, and these sows were excluded from the trial. Details of assistance and handling of newborn piglets are provided in a previously published paper.10 Briefly, Induced sows farrowing during working hours the day after induction were provided with a high level of supervision: piglets were dried and kept warm, and workers ensured that each piglet received colostrum through supplemental colostrum feedings or by placing each piglet at a teat. Control sows received supervision twice daily during feeding as per the farm's usual practice. The Control piglets were not dried and were left on their own to find the heated creep area and to access the udder. The only intervention was to euthanize weak or injured piglets.
At farrowing, piglets from Induced sows were ear notched for birth order and litter number, and they were weighed. Additional weights were obtained at 3 days and 21 days. Control piglets were weighed only at 3 and 21 days of age. Piglet 3-day weight was used to arbitrarily categorize piglets as "small" (< 1.1 kg), "medium" (≥ 1.1 kg and < 2.0 kg), and "large" (≥ 2.0 kg). At the day-3 weighing, castration was performed and iron dextran injections were administered. Preweaning mortality was recorded, but cause of death was not determined. At 3 days of age, a blood sample from the orbital venous sinus was collected from one or two of the smallest piglets, a medium piglet, and the largest piglet of each litter. Blood samples were centrifuged and sera separated and stored at -70°C until analyzed for IgG concentrations using a commercial pig IgG ELISA kit (Bethyl Laboratories, Montgomery, Texas).
Experiment 2 was conducted on a 2500-sow (Yorkshire) farrow-to-feeder-pig operation in Michigan. Gestating sows were housed in outdoor paddocks, but were moved indoors prior to the expected farrowing day. Farrowing induction was not performed. Sows were observed continuously (24 hours per day). At farrowing, the first and last pigs born were ear notched for identification. At 3 days of age, a blood sample from the orbital venous sinus was collected from the firstborn and last-born piglets of each sampled litter (n = 78 litters). Blood samples were centrifuged and sera stored at -70°C until analyzed for IgG concentrations as described above.
Statistical analysis
All data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and imported into Stata 10 Intercooled for Windows XP (StataCorp LP, College Station, Texas) for data analysis: P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
In Experiment 1, the median IgG concentration for the 466 piglets in the study (Induced and Control groups combined) was arbitrarily chosen as a cutoff point between piglets with "low" and "high" concentrations of IgG. Univariable analysis of the independent variables "treatment group" and "birth order" and their impact on serum IgG concentration was performed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. In addition, a mixed multivariable linear regression model with sow as a random effect was used to investigate the impact of induction and supervision on the concentration of IgG in piglet sera. It is possible that the level of IgG is affected by other parameters, including parity, size of piglet (small, medium, or large), and number of pigs nursing. Therefore, these parameters were included in the analysis to control for possible confounding and to evaluate their impact on serum IgG concentrations in piglets.
For Experiment 2, a linear regression model with sow as a random effect was applied to determine the association between birth order (firstborn and last-born) and serum IgG of the piglets. Serum IgG values in both experiments were transformed to square roots to meet the normal distribution assumption in linear regression analysis.
For Experiment 1, samples from 198 piglets from Induced sows and 268 samples from Control sows were analyzed. The mean concentrations of IgG for Induced and Control piglets combined were 75.4 mg per mL and 57.3 mg per mL, respectively. The distribution of IgG concentrations for the two treatment groups are presented in Figure 1. Samples having concentrations of IgG below 63 mg per mL (the median value for the 466 piglets in the study) were classified as having low concentrations of serum IgG; 59% of Control and 37% of Induced piglets had low serum IgG concentrations (Table 1). Of the 466 piglets, 212 (45.5%), 132 (28.3%), and 122 (26.2%) were classified as small, medium, and large size, respectively. The mean IgG concentrations for small, medium, and large piglets were 51.2 ± 36.1 mg per mL, 65.9 ± 31.7 mg per mL, and 87.8 ± 45.5 mg per mL, respectively. Preweaning mortality did not differ between Induced and Control litters, as reported previously.10
Figure 1: Experiment 1. Histogram showing distribution of serum IgG concentrations at 3 days of age for 466 piglets born by Induced farrowings (red bars; n = 56 litters) or Control farrowings (blue bars; n = 84 litters). Induced sows were induced on day 114 of gestation; farrowing was constantly supervised and piglets were provided with a high level of care, including provision of colostrum. Control piglets were born to sows that farrowed without extra supervision; sows were observed twice a day and piglets were not provided with supplemental colostrum. Blood was collected from one or two of the smallest piglets, a medium piglet, and the largest piglet of each litter.
Table 1: Distribution of piglets with low serum IgG by treatment (Control or Induced farrowings) and by piglet birth weight (Experiment 1) *
* Induced and control farrowings described in Figure 1. Low serum IgG concentration was defined as < 63 mg/mL, the median for all 466 piglets in the experiment.
Induced piglets had higher serum IgG than did Control piglets (P < .001). Also, size of piglets and number of nursing piglets were correlated with serum IgG in univariable analysis (P < .001), but parity was not.
In multivariable analysis, inducing and supervising farrowing, as well as the size of piglets at birth and the number of nursing pigs, affected the level of IgG in sera (Table 2). When controlling for other independent variables, the serum IgG concentration in Induced piglets was higher than that in Control piglets (P < .001). Larger piglets had higher IgG concentrations than smaller piglets, and piglets from larger litters had lower serum IgG concentrations than piglets from smaller litters (P < .001). However, sow parity had no effect on serum IgG concentration. No confounding or interaction was evident.
Table 2: Multivariable linear regression analysis of the effect of inducing parturition and providing farrowing assistance and neonatal care on serum IgG concentration in 466 piglets (Experiment 1)*
* Treatments described in Figure 1. Piglet size categories described in Table 1. Values represent the square roots of IgG concentrations, which were transformed to square roots to meet normal distribution assumption in linear regression analysis.
Ig = immunoglobin; NA = not applicable.
In Experiment 2, IgG was low in 67.9% of firstborn and 66.7% of last-born piglets. The mean IgG concentrations (± SD) for firstborn and last-born pigs were 68.2 ± 73.2 mg per mL and 61.1 ± 59.2 mg per mL, respectively. In linear regression analysis, there was no effect of birth order on serum IgG concentrations at P < .05.
Consuming sufficient colostrum is vital for development of neonatal passive immunity. The results of Experiment 1 show that inducing parturition to facilitate supervision of farrowing and neonatal care significantly affects the serum IgG concentration by reducing the number of piglets having low serum IgG concentrations. The implication of this is that supervision of piglet delivery allows for more uniform consumption of colostrum by the piglets within the litter. However, although supervised piglets did show higher serum IgG concentrations at 3 days of age than did Control piglets, there was no evidence in this trial that there was an economic benefit associated with higher IgG levels, in that preweaning mortality did not differ between the two groups. The majority of piglets with low serum IgG concentrations were small (< 1.1 kg), presumably less competitive, and so struggled to obtain sufficient colostrum. The potentially less adequate passive immunity of these smaller piglets may increase their risk of infection. Feeding supplemental colostrum to small piglets in the supervised litters resulted in a lower proportion of small piglets in the low IgG category and supports the suggestion that timely supplemental colostrum will improve passive immunity of small piglets. Further, supplemental colostrum will also improve the energy status of small pigs, with further potential benefits to their growth and survival.
We reasoned that firstborn piglets can nurse without competition and that they are in a better position when it comes to establishing a teat suckling position. However, contrary to expectation, these studies demonstrated that firstborn piglets did not have higher serum IgG than last-born piglets, and birth order did not have a significant effect on the degree of passive immunity attained. Similarly, Devillers et al11 reported that birth order is not associated with the volume of colostrum ingested. However, Klobasa et al12 reported a significant effect of birth order on serum IgG concentrations in piglets in the first day of life. They attributed the effect to changes in colostrum composition that occur between the births of the first and last piglets in a litter. These researchers12 measured serum IgG concentrations in German Landrace piglets between 12 and 24 hours of age using radioimmunodiffusion, whereas the present study evaluated serum IgG by ELISA in 3-day-old Yorkshire pigs. It is unclear whether these differences in methodology contributed to the differences in findings. It is possible that other management parameters might affect serum IgG in piglets. In Experiment 2, factors such as parity of the sow, litter size, and other possibly contributing factors were not measured, and this may explain in part the lack of observed association between birth order and serum IgG in the piglets in this study.
In the present study, piglet weight did have an influence on the amount of IgG present in the serum, presumably due to an improved competitive position. Larger piglets have been noted to ingest larger volumes of colostrum.11 Intervention by assisting small piglets to suckle and providing additional sources of nutrition may improve their chances for survival.
The IgG concentration of colostrum is several-fold greater than the concentration present in sow serum.13 Devillers et al11 documented up to 2.8-fold differences among sows in total colostral volume. In the present study, the serum IgG concentrations in piglets demonstrated that serum IgG levels are variable even in circumstances where piglets are provided with adequate colostrum in the first few hours of life. There are few published data for IgG concentrations in 3-day-old piglets for comparison with the present study. Nielsen et al4 reported average Ig levels of 25 to 30 mg per mL, which is lower than the present results. Ariza-Nieto et al,14 using the same commercial ELISA assay used in the present study, reported a mean concentration of serum IgG of 56.8 mg per mL in 1-day-old piglets, comparable to that of piglets born to Control sows in the present study. Since the half-life of serum IgG in neonatal pigs is approximately 14 days,15 a difference of 2 days in age at sampling is unlikely to affect mean IgG concentrations substantially. Pausenberger et al,16 comparing three ELISA assays for porcine serum IgG, reported considerable differences in standard deviations among assays.
The swine industry has adopted all-in, all-out management and off-site nursery facilities in order to prevent transmission of disease from the sow herd to the young growing pigs. However, this strategy is defeated if passive immunity fails to protect piglets until they are old enough to be weaned. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine circovirus type 2 are examples of pathogens that are endemic on many farms, and their control depends on minimizing the leakage of viremic piglets from the farrowing room to the nursery.
• Supervision of farrowing, including ensuring adequate colostrum intake by neonatal piglets, can increase serum immunoglobulin levels, particularly in small piglets.
• First-born pigs do not appear to get a disproportionate share of available immunoglobulins.
Conflict of interest
None reported.
1. Wagstrom ES, Yoon K, Zimmerman JJ. Immune components in mammary secretions. Viral Immunol. 2000;13:383–397.
2. Hartmann PE, Hughes PE. Lactation. In: Dunkin AC, Taverner MR, eds. Pig Production. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier; 1996:89.
3. Tizard IR. Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction. 8th ed. St Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:229.
*4. Nielsen JP, Kjaersgaard HD, Kristensen CS. Colostrum uptake – effect on health and daily gain until slaughter. Proc IPVS. Hamburg, Germany. 2004;2:272.
5. Simensen E, Karlberg K. A survey of preweaning mortality in pigs. Nord Vet Med. 1980;32:194–200.
6. Sangild PT. Uptake of colostral immunoglobulins by the compromised newborn farm animal. Acta Vet Scand. 2003;98(suppl):105–122.
7. Brambell FWR. The passive immunity of the young mammal. Biol Rev. 1958;33:488–531.
8. Chaniago TD, Watson DL, Owen RA, Johnson RH. Immunoglobulins in blood serum of foetal pigs. Aust Vet J. 1978;54:30–33.
9. Baxter EM, Jarvis S, D'Eath RB, Ross DW, Robson SK, Farish M, Nevison IM, Lawrence AB, Edwards SA. Investigating the behavioural and physiological indicators of neonatal survival in pigs. Theriogenology. 2008;69:773–783.
10. Nguyen K, Cassar G, Friendship RM, Dewey C, Farzan A, Kirkwood RN. Stillbirth and preweaning mortality in litters of sows induced to farrow with supervision compared to litters of naturally farrowing sows with minimal supervision. J Swine Health Prod. 2011;19:214–217.
11. Devillers N, Farmer C, Le Dividich J, Prunier A. Variability of colostrum yield and colostrum intake in pigs. Animal. 2007;1:1033–1041.
12. Klobasa F, Schröder C, Stroot C, Henning M. Passive immunization in neonatal piglets in natural rearing – effects of birth order, birth weight, litter size and parity. Berliner und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift (Berlin). 2004;117:19–23.
13. Le Dividich J, Rooke JA, Herpin P. Nutritional and immunological importance of colostrum for the newborn pig. J Agr Sci. 2005;143:469–485.
14. Ariza-Nieto C, Bandrick M, Baidoo SK, Anil L, Molitor TW, Hathaway MR. Effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oils to sows on colostrum and milk composition, growth pattern and immune status of suckling pigs. J Anim Sci. 2011;89:1079–1089.
15. Curtis J, Bourne FJ. Half-lives of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM in the serum of new-born pigs. Immunology. 1973;24:147–155.
16. Pausenberger A, Schuster K, Erhard MH. Investigation on the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in newborn piglets by use of three different ELISA tests. Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere. 2012;40:77–84.
*Non-refereed reference.


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Once again, Space Battleship Yamato 2199 proves that the Gamilan side of the war can be incredibly compelling. Episode 21, Prison Planet 17, sees the Yamato licking its wounds after the battle with Domel's fleet while Kodai and Yurisha get wrapped up in a riot on Prison Planet 17 amid an attempt to rescue Yuki from the Gamilans.
One of my on-going gripes about this series is that it lacks any sense of consequence following a battle. This episode opens with a slow pan across the length of the Yamato. Thereupon we see a ship that looks like little more than a hulk in space. A subsequent funeral scene shows dozens of Yamato crewmen, and the Zaltzi strike team, in coffins awaiting a burial in space. It's nothing special for a space opera to honour the dead, but in this case it's a clear indicator that the stakes have gone up. Though, perhaps not as much as we might think as it turns out that security officer Hoshina is still alive.
Niimi, now restored to active duty, points out that the ship is in dire need of raw materials for repairs. Suspecting that a nearby planet is of as much interest to the Gamilans as it is to the Yamato, Captain Okita sends Kodai on a recon mission. Unbenounced to the Terrans, this world houses a Gamilan gulag, and as fortune would have it, Yuki is on her way there for a brief layover before being sent to Gamilas itself.
Unfolding within the walls of the prison, the balance of the episode pretty much confirms every theory I have had about a looming Gamilan civil war. Before either Yuki or Kodai land on the planet, we see Admiral Ditz sitting in a prison cell. Perhaps I wasn't paying attention, but when did Admiral Ditz get sent to the gulag? You think I would remember something like that happening. Nevertheless, it's clear he won't be staying for long when his prison issue meal contains a pistol.
With the blue-skinned Gamilan warden using captive Gatlantian soldiers for live-fire target practice, it's easy to see why they would riot when given the opportunity. Less clear is Ditz's motivation for getting wrapped up in the chaos. Melda Ditz, the same Melda Ditz who was a guest on board the Yamato some episodes back, arrives at the prison for an imperial inspection. Except her inspection is just a guise to spring her father and up end the warden's rule on the planet. Yet the sight of Melda and her father's blue skinned revolutionaries standing shoulder to shoulder with the newly liberated Gatlantians gave me some pause for consideration. Actually, pause for consideration is too much of an understatement; I wanted to know what the hell was going on.
There's absolutely no attempt to account for why the Ditz family is tied up in this insurrection. Melda's time aboard the Yamato offered every indication her being a loyal solider. While we have seen a few scenes of political dissidents and army officers being rounded up by the Gamilan Secret Police, we haven't had a single shred of narrative – save for this episode – to suggest that there's an organized resistance capable of acting against the imperial regime. It's a fascinating divergence from the 70s source material and certainly something that will become more relevant as the Yamato nears Iscandar. It's also deliciously infuriating for now simply because I want to know precisely what is going on. Considering Kodai's ship crashed on the prison planet, effectively stranding him and Yurisha, I expect we won't have to wait long for some answers.
Overall, this is a great episode. It addresses SBY's past tendency to glaze over the consequences of war while adding another, surprisingly good, layer of depth to the alien nemesis. If Yamato can keep up writing like this for the remaining five episodes, I'll be inclined to absolve it of a great many of its past sins.
Stray Thoughts
– Yurisha reveals to Kodai that Iscandar is Gamilas' twin planet. A Kodai freakout occurs on schedule.
– Lt. Ito survives the Yamato getting hulled in the battle with Domel. He and his clumsy sidekick crash the Seagull on the prison planet after shooting out the main controls. His inclusion in the episode seemed tedious right up until the point where he saves Yurisha's life, thinking her to be Yuki, who he already suspects to be an Iscandarian, and in turn gets shot in the back. With his dying breath, Ito asks Yurisha to lead the Yamato to Iscandar so they can save Earth. Since Yurisha's mission is to observe humanity before Starsha renders judgement upon us, I expect Ito will prove to be a key reason why Starsha consents to saving the Earth.
– Dr. Sato and his nurse attend the zero-g funeral on the deck of the Yamato. The gravitas of the scene might have been better maintained were it not for the nurse's heaving space boobs.
Dear god, did I just write heaving space boobs? I bet my mother is proud of me.


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AdMob's just-released report (pdf) of mobile ad data from February, 2010 includes great news for our favorite operating system, noting that "Android was the fastest growing operating system in the AdMob network year-over-year." But more importantly, putting the report in the context of other recent data suggests that Android users are a better audience for advertisers than users of iPhones or Blackberries.
Android users, only 5.2% of U.S. smartphones, accounted for 42% of ad requests in AdMob's report. IPhone users generated 44%, nearly the same percentage of ad requests as Android, but from five times the marketshare: 25.3%. Blackberry lags, with 41.6% market share generating only 7% of ad requests. (U.S. smartphone marketshare via comScore's report last month.)
Worldwide, Android's share of smartphone ad requests jumped from 2% in February, 2009 to 24% in February, 2010. numbers follow a similar pattern. That 24%, half iPhone's share, comes from less than 5% of the world's smartphone market, while Apple generates its 50% of requests from almost 15% of worldwide smartphone sales. Again, Blackberry trails far behind, its almost 20% of worldwide smartphones accounting for only 4% of ad requests. (Worldwide smartphone marketshare via Gartner's report last month.)
What does this mean? It means that the average Android user is much more active in generating ad requests than users of other platforms, both via web browsing and in ad-supported apps. Simply put, advertisers' money is much better spent on Android users than on iPhone or Blackberry users.


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3. Permanency Hearing Before Final Order
15 Minutes; up to 25 suggested best practice
Prior to Hearing, review court file to determine:
⧠ If first Permanency Hearing, scheduled no later than 180th day after DFPS named TMC. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.304(a)
⧠ If subsequent Permanency Hearing, scheduled within 120 days of last Permanency Hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.305
⧠ Persons entitled to notice given 10 days' notice of hearing, including children 10 and older. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.0021
⧠ Whether DFPS Permanency Progress Report filed at least 10 days before hearing pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303(a) and, in addition to elements required by Tex. Fam. Code 263.306, includes:
• Child's Permanency Plan. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.3025(b)
• Summary of Medical Care. Tex. Fam. Code § 266.007
⧠ The court file includes:
• Notification regarding consent for medical care. Tex. Fam. Code § 266.004
• Form 2085-E identifying Education Decision-maker. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004
• Visitation Plan. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.107
At Hearing:
⧠ Identify those present, note those not present, determine service on parties, and swear witnesses. Tex. Fam. Code § 102.009; Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(1)
⧠ Ensure child in attendance in person or by videoconference or phone unless specifically excused. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.302
• Youth in Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) may attend in person or by telephone or videoconference
⧠ Determine DFPS due diligence to locate and serve parties not present. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(2)(A)
⧠ Ensure that each parent, alleged father or relative has provided locating information for absent parents, alleged fathers, or relatives. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(2)(B)
⧠ Determine whether the child has had the opportunity to provide information about relative or designated caregivers. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)
⧠ Determine status of paternity issues and whether Paternity Registry searched. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.421
⧠ Determine if language interpretation is needed. Tex. Gov. Code § 57.002
⧠ Advise unrepresented parents of right to counsel; determine indigence; appoint counsel. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.0061
⧠ Inquire about Indian/Native American Heritage. 25 U.S.C. §1912; Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(3)
• Inquire of all parties if there's Indian heritage in the family.
• Determine which tribes may be involved.
• Ensure proper notice to parent, tribe, if known, and Bureau of Indian Affairs, if tribe unknown. (See Topical Checklist: ICWA)
⧠ Determine whether child or parent is not a citizen of the United States. 8 C.F.R § 204.11
• If not, determine if Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for the child (or teen parent) is appropriate, then issue Order for DFPS to initiate the process.
• Determine if notice given to appropriate Consulate.
⧠ Review extent of compliance with temporary orders and service plan and extent to which progress has been made. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(3)
⧠ Ensure parties and those present have the opportunity to present evidence and be heard. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.0021(b)
⧠ Determine if child's caregiver is present and given opportunity to provide information about the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.0021.
⧠ If the child has been placed with a relative or designated caregiver, inform the individual serving as a placement for the child of the ability to become a licensed foster parent and apply for a Permanency Care Assistance agreement. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(c)
⧠ Determine whether DFPS is able to place with relative and note evidence supporting decision. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.002(b
⧠ Review Permanency Progress Report to determine:
• Safety and well-being of child and whether child's needs, including any medical or special needs, adequately addressed. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(A)
• Continuing necessity and appropriateness of child's placement, including for a child placed outside Texas, whether the placement continues to be in the child's best interest. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(B)
• Appropriateness of the child's primary and alternative permanency goals and whether DFPS has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(C)
• Whether the child has been provided the opportunity, in a developmentally appropriate manner, to express opinion about medical care. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(D)
• For a child receiving psychotropic medication, whether the child has:
o been provided nonpharmacological interventions.
o seen prescribing physician every 90 days for review. (See Topical Checklist: Medical and Mental Health Care) Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(E)
• Whether child's education decision-maker identified, the child's education needs and goals identified and addressed, and any major changes in child's school performance or disciplinary events. (See Topical Checklist: Education) Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(F)
• For child 14 years of age or older, whether transition services needed to assist the child from substitute care to independent living are available in the child's community. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(4)(G)
• For a child whose permanency goal is APPLA:
o child's desired permanency outcome; and
o whether APPLA is the best permanency plan and, if so, provide compelling reasons why it continues not to be in the child's best interest to:
▪ return home,
▪ be placed for adoption,
▪ be placed with a legal guardian, or
▪ be placed with a fit and willing relative. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(H)
o whether DFPS has conducted an Independent Living Skills (ILS) assessment under Section 264.121(a-3). Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(H)(iii)
o whether DFPS has addressed the goals identified in the youth's permanency plan. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(H)(iv)
o For youth 16 years of age or older, whether DFPS has provided documents required by Section 264.121(e). Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(H)(v)
o For youth 18 years or older, or has had disabilities of minority removed, whether DFPS has provided youth with documents and information listed in Section 264.121(e-1). Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)(H)(vi)
⧠ Determine whether child is receiving appropriate medical care. Tex. Fam. Code § 266.007
⧠ Review DFPS efforts to ensure that the child has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age-appropriate normalcy activities, including activities not listed in the child's service plan. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306
⧠ Ask Child's Attorney Ad Litem if has seen client and when.
• If AAL has not seen client, ensure form is provided. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.004(d)(2)
• AAL should be knowledgeable about medical care and education goals and progress. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.003(b); Tex. Fam. Code § 107.004(d-2)
• AAL has duty to advise clients 16 and older of right to seek designation from the court to serve as own medical consenter. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.004(b)(3)
At End of Hearing:
⧠ Make a finding as to whether returning the child to the child's home is safe and appropriate, in the best interest of the child and whether return home is contrary to the welfare of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.002(c)
⧠ Determine whether to return the child to child's parents if the child's parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment and return is in the child's best interest. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5)
⧠ Advise/warn parents and parties that custodial rights and duties may be subject to restriction or termination or child not returned unless parent demonstrates willingness and ability to provide child with safe environment. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.006
⧠ Incorporate any changes or modifications to the service plan into the court order. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.106
⧠ Estimate likely date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the child's home, placed for adoption, or placed in PMC. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(7)
⧠ Set next Permanency Hearing within 120 days or sooner, as appropriate. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.305
⧠ Announce in open court the dismissal date and dates of any upcoming hearings. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(8)
Best Practices:
⧠ If necessary parties, including child, did not receive notice, consider resetting hearing to secure their attendance.
⧠ Engage parties with direct questions:
• Do you understand the purpose of this hearing?
• Do you understand the DFPS permanency goal for you and your family?
• Were you given the opportunity to discuss or provide input into this permanency plan?
⧠ Engage youth:
• Tell me how you feel about your medical care, school, grades, and activities.
• Tell me how you're being treated where you live.
• What do you want for your future?
⧠ REASONABLE EFFORTS: Ask direct and child-specific questions of DFPS about both the primary goal and the concurrent goal:
• If primary goal is reunification: please articulate the specific efforts you have made to reunify Mary Jane with Ms. Smith; please be specific in describing your actions with regard to each.
• If concurrent goal is permanent managing conservatorship to a relative: articulate the specific efforts you have made to place Mary Jane with her grandmother, etc.
⧠ If child not moving toward positive permanency, set timelines and tasks that must be completed prior to next hearing.
⧠ Set Next Permanency Hearing within 90 instead of 120 days.
⧠ For Youth Receiving Transitional Living Services:
• Youth 14 and older are:
o eligible for family group decision-making about their future;
o Entitled to an independent living skills assessment
• Youth 16 and older must:
o be enrolled in Preparation for Adult Living (PAL);
o Receive an independent living skills assessment
o o Receive certain documents as outlined in Section 264.121(e)
• All youth who turn 18 while in foster care are:
o eligible for extended foster care and trial independence;
o entitled to referrals to Texas Workforce Commission; and
o entitled to have certain documents in their possession before they leave care, including a driver's license or identification card, birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, proof of enrollment in Medicaid, and copy of credit report.
⧠ Ask the following questions:
• What is preventing this child from returning home today?
• How is my decision specific to this child and this family?
• Are there cultural issues we need to understand?
Well-being issues that may be pertinent at Permanency Hearing:
Medical Care and Mental Health: (See Topical Checklist: Medical and Mental Health Care)
⧠ Permanency Report must include a summary of medical care, including:
• Nature of emergency medical care provided to child and circumstances necessitating care, include injury or acute illness of child.
• All medical and mental health treatment child is receiving and child's progress with treatment.
o includes mental health, physical health, dental, eye exams, immunizations, and any physical mental health illnesses and treatments.
• Any medication prescribed for child, condition, diagnosis, and symptoms for which medication was prescribed and child's progress with medication.
• Degree to which child or foster care provider complied or failed to comply with any plan of medical treatment for child.
• Any adverse reaction to or side effects of any medical treatment provided to child.
• Any specific medical condition of child diagnosed or for which tests are being conducted to make diagnosis.
• Any activity child should avoid or engage in that might affect effectiveness of treatment, including physical activities, other medications, and diet.
• Other info required by DFPS or rule of court. Tex. Fam. Code § 266.007
Education and Educational Decisions:
(See Topical Checklist: Education)
⧠ Child enrolled in school and in appropriate grade.
⧠ Child remains in current school, regardless of placement changes.
⧠ If change in school required due to placement change, determine:
• Where child wants to attend school
• Whether transportation is available
• Whether change can be coordinated with grading and testing periods
• Whether records and credits transferred
⧠ If too young for school (0-3 years), child assessed for developmental milestones through ECI; if 0-5, child enrolled in Early Head Start, Head Start, or Pre-Kindergarten.
⧠ Educational Decision-maker identified on Form 2085-E. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004
⧠ School supports and disciplinary issues addressed, including signed form prohibiting corporal punishment.
⧠ Child involved in extracurricular activities.
⧠ As needed, child evaluated for and receiving special education services.
⧠ Child, age 14 or older, has postsecondary education plan.


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The Beautified Project LONDON CONCERTS
The Beautified Project will play three concerts in London, in association with ACCC of Great Britain and the Persian branch of world-famous BBC channel.
This is the first time an English-Language band from Armenia plays concerts for the British audience.
Please note all 3 concerts will be filmed by BBC for a documentary about the band.
Here are the dates:
1.Sunday 10th of April – BUSH HALL
full-band rock concert. Doors 7:30
Address: 310 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 7LJ
2.Saturday 16th of April – Church of St. Yeghiche
Unplugged ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Memorial Concert. Doors 7:30
Address: Cranley Gardens, London SW7 3BB
3.Sunday 17th of April – 12 Bar Club
unplugged concert. Doors 7:30
Address: 26 Denmark St, London WC2H 8NL
For more information please call: +44 7535155873
And don't forget to like us on facebook and follow on twitter :)
rock! rearranged using violin and cello… (videos, pics)
Dear Beautified Family!
Here is the unplugged version of The Beautified Project's hit song BUTTERFLY and All Alone (dedicated to Arshile Gorky) which are rearranged using violin and cello.
Special performance by Georgian violinist Helen Mechitova and Hasmik Vardanyan the cellist from Komitas quartet!
Unplugged in Cascade Complex, Yerevan | 11 February 2011
write Your name and E-mail to comment.


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The Cold War featured an intense offensive and defensive strategic arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that included nuclear weapons, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and missile defense systems. The theory that defensive armament would result in an offensive arms race to penetrate existing missile defense systems prompted both sides to sign the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty). That treaty allowed only two missile defense systems to protect limited areas, later reduced to only one system through the additional Protocol to the Treaty in 1974. However, neither the U.S. nor the Soviet Union stopped their efforts to develop missile defense systems. The Strategic Defensive Initiative (SDI), known as Star Wars and introduced by President Reagan in 1983 became one of the largest military projects in U.S. history; however, it was canceled after intense debate over feasibility and cost.
The U.S. dream of a missile shield to protect the North American continent from any range of the ballistic missile, especially Russian and Chinese ICBMs equipped with nuclear warheads, never disappeared. America intensified its efforts on the National Missile Defense (NMD) project after President George W. Bush announced in 2002 that the U.S. would withdraw from the ABM Treaty, with the deployment of advanced interceptors in Alaska and California to protect the U.S. continent against intermediate- and long-range missiles becoming a cornerstone of the project. The U.S. also announced that it would deploy ten Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) in Poland and a fixed radar system in the Czech Republic, as part of the NMD.


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The Robocar Evolution project explores the potential relation between autonomous cars and urban space, aiming to move the debate from robot cars as a tech project to robot cars as a spatial and social project as a necessary addition to the tech-focused discourse. This is a research and urban design project focused on space-related discoveries facilitated by the advent of autonomous cars and how these spatial opportunities could address the current urban issues (such as growth, climate change, environmental quality, social segregation, energy transition, automation) through urban design. The questions WHAT (is a robocar), WHEN (will it be available to the public), and WHY (is the theme relevant in urbanism) approach the autonomous cars from an urbanism perspective.
This website is a knowledge producing platform to explore the relation between robocars and urban space.


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Custom Home Plan Design & Drafting
Hartsfield Construction, Inc. is a Design-Build construction company. The ability to complete all aspects of design, drafting, and building puts HCI in the optimum position to complete any construction project with the most continuity.
Our in-house CAD (Computer Assisted Design) program enables us to design and draft plans that are unique to fit each customer's budget, lot limitations, style and functionality needs. We can create a home plan from a blank page or modify one of our existing plan designs.
Our CAD program has the capabilities of building the designed structure into a 3D drawing that can be easily viewed from any angle. Other features like adding color, furniture, exterior landscaping and even sunlight rays, enables the design to be accurately created, eliminating any guess work.
Our Home Plan Design service is available to all customers of Hartsfield Construction (New Construction and Remodeling) and in many cases is included at no extra charge.


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Our family loves homemade Oreo cookies. I thought it would be fun to make a Halloween version of these cookies. You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry if you are like me and buy devils food cake mixes at the case lot sale. You probably don't but you should that way you always have them on hand and can make these cookies whenever you want. These cookies are so soft and yummy it's hard to only eat one!
1 box devils food cake mix
1/3 cup of oil
2 eggs
1 can of cream cheese frosting ( I used the orange colored frosting in the can)
Yes only 3 ingredients ! How easy is that??
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Then you will empty the cake mix into a bowl and add the eggs and oil and mix together well. The dough will be thick.
3. Next place the dough onto a ungreased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Roll the dough into little balls, I make mine on the smaller size because I like my cookies more the size of an actual Oreo. I also figure the smaller you make them the more there is to eat. 🙂
4.Cook for 8 minutes and then take them out and let them cook for 2 more minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring them onto a cooling rack. They are a soft cookie you don't want to over cook them.
5. After the cookies have cooled down take your frosting ( I used the orange colored canned frosting) and spread one cookie with the frosting, then sandwich with another cookie. Then I dumped some sprinkles into a bowl and rolled the frosted cookie into the sprinkles.
When my kids came home from school and saw these cookies on the counter they could hardly wait to eat one! I thought they turned out cute and would be a perfect dessert for a Halloween party or a fun treat to make after school with your kids. They could all decorate them in different ways!
Linking Up Here:
Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party
Link Party Palooza
Strut Your Stuff Saturday
Super Saturday Link Party


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YOU ARE WATCHING: Touch 2020
Have a nice day! All The Best
Touch 2020
'Touch' follows Juhani, who one day sees his old gym teacher after many years. As memories surface, Juhani decides to follow him.
Genres: Short, Drama
Actor: Glyn Banks, Pelle Heikkilä, Patrik Kumpulainen, Rasmus Lipsanen
Director: Fabian Munsterhjelm
Country: Finland
Movie: Touch 2020
Production Co:
Duration: 9 min
Release: 2020


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An email hosting service is an Internet hosting service that runs email servers and provides many benefits.
Increased productivity and security
- Reduce IT costs with flexible and reliable Exchange email hosted in our secure UK data centre.
- Increase employee productivity with secure centralised storage for instant access to email, calendars and contacts on the move.
- Enhance security with cutting-edge anti-virus and spam protection
Enhanced collaboration tools
Benefit from the latest in email messaging and collaboration tools with Outlook 2010 Web App and Outlook Software for PC and Mac.
- Improve your organisation and time management with personal mail folders, calendars and address lists.
- Work more efficiently and aid collaboration with advanced business features such as shared folders, shared tasks and delegate access to allow other users to manage your Microsoft Exchange mailbox on your behalf.
- Communicate quickly and effectively. Organisation View gives you easy access to all mailbox profiles on your domain from your own mailbox.
What is webmail?
Webmail are web-based email accounts. These are usually free email accounts that are operated from a website. Examples include Hotmail, GMail and Yahoo Mail.
Webmail allows the users to access their emails as long as they have access to an Internet connection and a web browser. This also means that the user cannot read an old email or draft a new email offline.
POP3 Email Accounts
POP3 is the oldest Internet message access protocol. It was designed to support offline/local email processing. Email is delivered to a mail server and a remote email client periodically downloads the email from the server to the user's computer. Once the messages are delivered, they are deleted from the mailserver, although users can configure their email client to leave a copy of the email on the mail server.
POP3 email accounts require an email client to send and receive emails. Common email clients include Netscape Messenger, Outlook Express, Mozilla Thunderbird, OSX mail, and more.
When you check your email using an email client, it makes a connection to your mailserver and downloads your emails on to your computer. Note that POP3 handles mail access (or mail retrieval) only. Email sending is handled by SMTP.
Advantages of POP3:
- All emails are downloaded to your computer. You can read your emails without being logged onto the Internet
- Opening attachments is easy and quick as the file is already downloaded on to you computer
- It frees up storage space on your mailserver, and there is not a maximum size on your mailbox (except as determined by the size of your hard drive)
Disadvantages of POP3:
- Opening attachments is easy and quick, sometimes a bit too easy and quick if the attachment has a virus in it
- All messages are downloaded on to the accessing email client/computer. This means that the user will need to go back to the same computer to access the emails
Outgoing Email Server – SMTP
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It handles the sending of emails.
The ability to support email services includes to critical functions: SMTP and POP3. Together, they allow the user to send outgoing mail and retrieve incoming mail, respectively.
The SMTP server performs two basic functions:
- It verifies that anyone attempting to send outgoing email through the SMTP server is allowed to do so
- It sends the outgoing mail and if undeliverable, sends the message back to the sender
If you are using a email client, you will need to configure the SMTP server setting so that you can send outgoing emails.
Some hosting companies do not offer SMTP services as they can be difficult to maintain. If your hosting company does not offer SMTP service, another option is to use that of your Internet service provider.


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Affordable Vaginoplasty Hospital Bangalore, Affordable Vaginoplasty Hospital Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Cost Vaginoplasty Chennai, Cost Vaginoplasty Surgery, Cost Vaginoplasty Surgery Hospital Delhi, Cost Vaginoplasty Surgery Mumbai, Delhi, Delhi-India, Hyderabad, Low Cost Vaginoplasty Mumbai India, Low Cost Vaginoplasty Surgery Hospital, Low cost Vaginoplasty surgery Hyderabad, Pune, Vaginoplasty Delhi Hospital, Vaginoplasty Hospital Pune, Vaginoplasty India, Vaginoplasty Surgery Ahmedabad, Vaginoplasty Surgery Hospital Mumbai, Vaginoplasty Surgery India
Vaginoplasty is a cosmetic as well as a reconstructive surgical procedure to improve the appearance and tone of the vagina by tightening the vaginal muscles, support tissues and reduce the relaxed vaginal linings.
Some more terms to remember –
Vaginal Relaxation – Vaginal Relaxation is a term loosely used to describe stretching of the vaginal muscles due to weakness, loss of tone and strength. Vaginal Relaxation may result from aging, multiple vaginal childbirths and not strengthening pelvic and perineal muscles especially after childbirth.
Labiaplasty (Labia Reduction, Labia Beautification) – In this procedure, the labia majora and labia minora are surgically reduced and made smaller to give a woman's external genitalia more youthful look
Hymenoplasty – In this procedure, the ruptured hymen is reconstructed to a pre-sexual state.
Perineoplasty – In this procedure, the muscles of the perineum are tightened.
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR) – This non-surgical procedure is performed to enhance vaginal muscle tone, strength, and control. It will also effectively decreases the internal and external vaginal diameters and strengthen the perineal body
Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (DLV) – This procedure is performed for the enhancement of the vulvar structures, labia minora, labia majora, mons pubis, perineum, introitus and hymen
Un-hooding of the Clitoris – Removal of thick skin from over the clitoris to obtain maximum gratification during sexual activity
Who is an ideal candidate for Vaginoplasty?
If you are a woman who is determined to maximize her sexual sensation, gratification, would also like to improve the appearance of her external genitalia, restore her self-esteem and rejuvenate her love life, then you are an ideal candidate for Vaginoplasty. Women suffering from stress incontinence of urine (involuntary loss of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or sex) can also have this problem corrected by Vaginoplasty.
What does Vaginoplasty involve?
It is not uncommon to have a combination procedure i.e. Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty during the same surgery. They can also be performed at the same time with most cosmetic surgical procedures such as Liposuction, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift or Breast Reduction, Facelift, Thigh Lift, Rhinoplasty and Eyelid Surgery. Vaginoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and you will be required to stay in the hospital for a maximum of 2 days. Vaginoplasty is performed as a standard gynecologic surgical procedure and takes about 60 – 90 minutes. You will spend an hour in the recovery room under the supervision of a nurse to monitor for post-operative complications like excessive bleeding. Vaginoplasty tightens vaginal muscles and the surrounding soft tissues. The incisions made to tighten your vaginal muscles will either be stapled or sutured with dissolvable suturing material. The result of a Vaginoplasty is an immediate decrease in the size of vaginal muscles, resulting in more friction during sexual intercourse.
How to prepare pre-operatively for Vaginoplasty?
Like all other surgeries, preparations for Vaginoplasty also require you to be aware of a few do's and don'ts which are as follows:
During your Vaginoplasty pre-operative visit, remember to inform your surgeon and anesthetist about your health condition and all the prescription and non-prescription medications including vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements that you are taking.
Your surgeon will request routine pre-operative testing of blood, urine, pap test and a pregnancy test to make sure that you are not pregnant.
If you smoke, stop smoking 2 weeks before Vaginoplasty to avoid healing problems during the recovery period.
Eat a balanced diet to help expedite your recovery after Vaginoplasty.
Do not eat or drink anything at least 10 hours before Vaginoplasty
Do not have sexual intercourse the night before Vaginoplasty to help the surgeon assess the vaginal tissues properly.
What is the recovery period like following Vaginoplasty?
There will be pain and discomfort for the next week or so following Vaginoplasty. Your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication to relieve pain, antibiotics to prevent infection at the incision site after Vaginoplasty procedure. You will also be instructed to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks or until the incisions made for Vaginoplasty heal completely. This is extremely critical as expansion of contraction of vaginal muscles during sexual activity can lead to tearing and incomplete or delayed healing after Vaginoplasty. You will be asked to come back after a week to get the sutures removed. Do exercises to strengthen and tighten the pelvic muscles, avoid straining during defecation (avoid being constipated), lifting heavy objects for about a month following Vaginoplasty. Vaginal muscle stretching exercises are very important after Vaginoplasty as it reduces the amount of scar tissue formed and may ensure an adequate sized vagina.
What is the outcome of Vaginoplasty?
The results from Vaginoplasty are very rewarding and it can make you and your partner very happy. Vaginoplasty tightens and restores the vaginal muscles thereby re-establishing friction that increases sexual gratification for both women and men! There is a 98% success rate, in about 2% of cases you might need a minor revision procedure to get the results you want.
Benefits of Vaginoplasty
The benefits of Vaginoplasty are to improve the esthetic appearance of your vulva and vagina and also to tighten and strengthen your vaginal muscles and enhance the pleasure and gratification during sexual activity. If you are uncomfortable with the changes your private parts have undergone due to aging, childbirth or any trauma, then you will most certainly benefit from Vaginoplasty.
Risks of Vaginoplasty
Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Painful intercourse – If your vaginal muscles are not too lax to begin with, then Vaginoplasty may cause them to further tighten, resulting in pain during sexual activity
Alternatives to Vaginoplasty
These alternative treatment options can be used alone or in combination to improve the look of your external genitals and make your sexual experience a fulfilling and pleasurable one
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR) – This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. In this procedure laser is used to strengthen and tighten the vaginal muscles.
Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (DLV) – This procedure is used for enhancement of the vulvar structures, labia minora, labia majora, mons pubis, perineum, introitus and hymen.
Laser Reduction Labiaplasty – This technique can sculpture the elongated or unequal labial minora (small inner lips)
Laser Perineoplasty – This method is used to enhance the sagging labia majora (large outer lips) and labia minora to give your vulva a youthful and esthetically appealing look
For more information please visit www.medsurgeindia.com or email us at email@example.com email@example.com you can also follow us at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top Follow us on Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/MedSurgeIndia
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A few years before publishing Strange Attractors #1, I completed two stories for a comic which has never seen print. Mark and I completely reworked the concept, but some of the characters and situations are recognizable.
A) Cover
B) Page One of the first story
C) Page Two of the first story
D) Page One of the second story
E) Working out designs for the official version


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Days constantly filled with praise and awards, popular Paula Hawkins' great anticipation for her newest mystery-thriller novel, Into the Water was no surprise. The book was published following the success of The Girl on the Train, which was produced into a movie in 2014. Into the Water showcases the extremes …Read More »
Download http://bigtheme.net/joomla Free Templates Joomla! 3
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We've already chatted about ways to make your rental feel a little homier and comfier. But when it's time to move, you've got a big task on your to-do list… get that rental deposit back! That means that those holes in the walls from your gallery wall need to be filled, and everything should be fresh & lookin' good for your landlord.
We've compiled a list of 10 tips for how to get your rental deposit back, so you can pick up that big ol' check when it's time to move on out. (more…)


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Friday, February 22, 2013
Love Shower Week Three
This week was a little different for me in terms of self care. Yes, I spent lots and lots of time embroidering which I have become addicted to but there has been something else going on with me for a bit. I've been in a strange place...feeling a bit out of sorts, disconnected and a little lost.
I've done all kinds of things to help me move through this tough time and this week was a big turning point for me.
Jill has been by my side as I've been going through this phase, asking questions, offering help, and giving me space. I'm the kind of person (or I guess I should say my ego) who tends to want to handle my own stuff. I like to be in control, to be strong, to figure it out for myself. I'm not so good with vulnerable.
This week I did my best to let that wall down and I finally accepted Jill's offer to help and as always, Jill was amazing. She did some energy work and card readings and helped me release some heavy stuff. I feel lighter. I caught myself bopping and singing in the car and feeling more energy.there has definitely been a shift.
So for me this week's Love Shower was about letting someone else in and allowing myself to be helped and taken care of and it was the gift that I needed.
So thank you Jill! You are amazing!
This week Jill made a video showing you how to make a crystal grid using our mandalas. She made a grid to go along with our Love Shower Challenge. How cool is that?!
There is a ton of great info in this video so check it out and be sure to leave any comments or questions below. We love to hear from all of you!
Shower Yourself With Love Mandala Crystal Grid from Inner Alignment Mandalas on Vimeo.
8 comments:
Your embroidery is beautiful! You are very welcome and thanks for the kind words :) I'm glad that you are noticing a shift. I will say that I am so grateful that you are my business partner and I LOVE the way we are both able to bring something totally different and yet interrelated to these powerful Inner Alignment Mandalas :)ReplyDelete
Great video Jill! I love the feel of the quartz. And even can feel the dynamic you set in motion with the grid on the video. I look forward to seeing more as you dive into the world of video!ReplyDelete
Your embroidery is beautiful and glowing! Your intuitive voice shines so brightly in your lovely art. Keep rockin' it!
Big love to you both and congratulations on your mandala haven. It is beautiful here.
Great video Jill! I love the feel of the quartz. And even can feel the dynamic you set in motion with the grid on the video. I look forward to seeing more as you dive into the world of video!ReplyDelete
Your embroidery is beautiful and glowing! Your intuitive voice shines so brightly in your lovely art. Keep rockin' it!
Big love to you both and congratulations on your mandala haven. It is beautiful here.
Thank you so much Jeanie ;)It has been through listening to your amazing voice and your beautiful CD...Singing My Soul Home http://www.jeananthony.net/singing_my_soul_home___1.htmDelete
That I have stepped into this next beautiful expression of my Journey.
With Gratitude,
Jill Mrie
Thank you so much Jeanie! Your words are kind. So glad to have your support. Have a beautiful day!Delete
Michelle and Jill Marie...ReplyDelete
I love how open and honest you both are and so appreciate all that you share here.
Michelle... I am loving what you are creating with your embroidery. Each piece unique and beautiful. And I love that Jill Marie was able to help you shift things this week.
Jill Marie, Thank you for creating the video. I LOVED hearing your voice! Sweet and gentle... just like you. Thank you for all that you have shared here as well. I found it very interesting and will enjoy playing it again.Replies
Thank you Sandi! I'm having all kinds of fun with needle and thread! Who knew? Haha.Delete
Thanks San :) I really enjoyed talking about four of my favorite things ~ aside from my family and friends of course! Energy Work, Inner Alignment Mandalas, Crystals and Grids. Hats off to all those that encourage others to follow their Dreams and what makes their Heart Sing. I'm guessing that is what you do with your beautiful art too...meaning following what's in your Heart ;) You inspire me!Delete


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More Info
Visit the event page for this symposium.
Sponsored by the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life. Cosponsored by the Tauber Institute for the Study of European Jewry, with the cooperation of the Brandeis Interfaith Chaplaincy, the Mandel Center for the Humanities and the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies.
Religion and the Quest to Contain Violence
A Symposium on James Carroll's Jerusalem, Jerusalem
March 14, 2011
Participant Biographies
Asma Afsaruddin is professor of Islamic studies in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her research focuses on the pre-modern and modern religious and political thought of Islam, Qura'n and hadith, Islamic intellectual history, and gender. She is the author and/or editor of six books, including Striving in the Path of God: Jihad and Martyrdom in Islamic Thought and Praxis (Oxford University Press, 2011, forthcoming); The First Muslims: History and Memory (Oneworld Publications, 2008), and Excellence and Precedence: Medieval Islamic Discourse on Legitimate Leadership (Brill, 2002). Professor Afsaruddin has also published numerous scholarly articles and popular essays on topics as diverse as pluralism and moderation in Islamic thought, war and peace in Islam, inter-faith relations, and discourses on reform in the Muslim world. She lectures widely on these topics in the US, Europe, and the Middle East and frequently consults with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Afsaruddin is currently a senior editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Women (2012), an advisor to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life for the project "Global Survey of Muslims," chair of the board of directors of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, and member of the advisory board of the journal Intertwined Worlds (Woolf Institute, Cambridge University). Her research has won funding from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, among others.
Bernadette J. Brooten, Kraft-Hiatt Professor of Christian Studies and of Women's and Gender Studies at Brandeis University, is founder and director of the Brandeis Feminist Sexual Ethics Project. This project aims to create Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sexual ethics rooted in freedom, mutuality, meaningful consent, responsibility, and female (as well as male) pleasure, untainted by slave-holding values. These religions' sacred texts and traditions have all tolerated slavery, which has frequently involved the sexual exploitation of women and girls. Brooten heads a team of scholars, activists, artists, and policy analysts who are disentangling the nexus of slavery, religion, women, and sexuality. They aim to help religious and other people complete the abolition of slavery and move beyond harmful racial and sexual stereotypes. Because religion is a powerful social force, transformed religious sexual ethics, based not on scriptural literalism or the hierarchies of ancient slave-holding societies but on respect, will benefit the whole of society. Brooten is editing the essays that were presented at a major public conference, "Beyond Slavery: Overcoming Its Religious and Sexual Legacy" (October 15–16, 2006, Brandeis University), and she is writing a book on early Christian women who were enslaved or who owned enslaved laborers. She has written Women Leaders in The Ancient Synagogue: Inscriptional Evidence and Background Issues (1982), and Love Between Women: Early Christian Responses to Female Homoeroticism (1996), for which she received three awards, and she has edited Beyond Slavery: Overcoming Its Religious and Sexual Legacies (forthcoming 2010). She has also published on various topics in ancient Jewish and early Christian history. In addition to a MacArthur Fellowship, she has held fellowships from the Harvard Law School, the Fulbright Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and many other agencies. Brooten studied at the University of Portland (B.A. 1971), the University of Tübingen, Hebrew University, and Harvard University (Ph.D. 1982). She previously taught at the School of Theology at Claremont, the Claremont Graduate School, the University of Tübingen, Harvard Divinity School, and the University of Oslo.
James Carroll, a member of the International Advisory Board of the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life, is a novelist and a journalist whose writings on politics, religion, and culture have challenged thinkers and government leaders in America and elsewhere. He has studied poetry and religion, and he has worked as a civil rights activist and a professor. In 1969, he became Catholic chaplain at Boston University, but left the priesthood in 1974 to write full time. Carroll has published ten novels, including The City Below (1996), a New York Times Notable Book, and numerous award-winning works of nonfiction, including An American Requiem: God, My Father and the War that Came Between Us (1996), which won the National Book Award in 1996. His weekly column in the Boston Globe reminds readers of the moral imperatives that govern all people in a pluralistic society. His book Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews: A History was released in 2001, followed by Toward a New Catholic Church in 2002. His tenth novel, Secret Father, was published in 2005. In 2006, he published House of War: The Pentagon and the Disastrous Rise of American Power, which won the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award. The documentary film James Carroll's Constantine's Sword, based on his book, was released in theaters in April 2008 and is available on DVD. Practicing Catholic, in which he examines why he is still a practicing member of the religion, was published in April 2009. Carroll taught an undergraduate course at Brandeis in Spring 2009 called "Sacred Violence: An Investigation in History and Theology," which explored the relationship between religion and violence, with special focus on Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He is currently Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at Suffolk University in Boston. Carroll's latest book, Jerusalem, Jerusalem: How the Ancient City Ignited Our Modern World, will be published in March, 2011.
Susannah Heschel is the Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College. Her scholarship focuses on Jewish-Christian relations in Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries, the history of biblical scholarship, and the history of anti-Semitism. Her numerous publications include Abraham Geiger and the Jewish Jesus (University of Chicago Press), which won a National Jewish Book Award and Germany's Geiger Prize, and The Aryan Jesus: Christian Theologians and the Bible in Nazi Germany (Princeton University Press). She is the author of over seventy articles and has edited several books, including Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity: Essays of Abraham Joshua Heschel; Betrayal: German Churches and the Holocaust (with Robert P. Ericksen); Insider/Outsider: American Jews and Multiculturalism (with David Biale and Michael Galchinsky). The recipient of many grants and awards, she has been a Rockefeller Fellow at the National Humanities Center, and was awarded a Scholar's Grant by the Carnegie Foundation that has given her two years of leave, starting in January 2009, to write a book on the history of Jewish scholarship on Islam. During her leave, she is a Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Humanities at Tufts University.
Kanan Makiya is the Sylvia K. Hassenfeld Professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at Brandeis University. Born in Baghdad, he left Iraq to study architecture at M.I.T, later joining Makiya Associates to design and build projects in the Middle East. In 1981, he left the practice of architecture and began to write a book about Iraq. Republic of Fear: The Politics of Modern Iraq (1989) became a best-seller after Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Makiya's next book, The Monument (1991), is an essay on the aesthetics of power and kitsch. Both Republic of Fear and The Monument were written under the pseudonym, Samir al-Khalil. Cruelty and Silence: War, Tyranny, Uprising and the Arab World (1993), was published under Makiya's own name. It was awarded The Lionel Gelber Prize for the best book on international relations published in English in 1993. In 2000 he published The Rock: A Seventh-Century Tale of Jerusalem, a work of historical fiction that tells the story of the building of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Along with these books, Makiya has written for The Independent, The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Times Literary Supplement and The Times. Makiya has been profiled in many books and publications including The New Yorker (Jan 6, 1992) and The New York Times Magazine (Oct.7, 2007). He has collaborated on several films for television, the most known of which exposed for the first time the 1988 campaign of mass murder in northern Iraq known as the Anfal. The film, originally aired in January 1992 on the BBC, was shown by Frontline in the U.S. under the title "Saddam's Killing Fields," and received the Edward R. Morrow Award For Best Television Documentary On Foreign Affairs for 1992. Professor Makiya's books are available in many languages including Arabic, French, Turkish and Spanish. In 2003 he founded the Iraq Memory Foundation, a NGO based in Baghdad and the US dedicated to issues of remembrance, violence and identity formation. The Memory Foundation has collected and digitized nearly 10 million pages of Ba'th era documents and has been supported by both the Iraqi and U.S. governments as well as many foundations.
Martin E. Marty serves as the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he has taught religious history primarily at the Divinity School for over 35 years. Upon his retirement in 1998, the Divinity School renamed its Institute for the Advanced Study of Religion The Martin Marty Center. "Marty" is one of the most prominent interpreters of religion and culture today. He specializes in late eighteenth and twentieth-century American religion. Among his many directorships include heading the Fundamentalism Project of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Public Religion Project at the University of Chicago. The author of over 50 books, Marty has written the three-volume Modern American Religion (University of Chicago Press). Other books are The One and the Many: America's Search for the Common Good; Education, Religion and the Common Good; and Politics, Religion and the Common Good; and with photographer Micah Marty, Places Along the Way; Our Hope for Years to Come; The Promise of Winter; and When True Simplicity Is Gained. His Righteous Empire won the National Book Award. Some of Marty's numerous awards and honors include the National Humanities Medal, the National Book Award, the Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the University of Chicago Alumni Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal of the Association of Theological Schools, and the Order of Lincoln Medallion (Illinois' top honor). He has received 80 honorary doctorates. Marty is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Chandler Rosenberger is Assistant Professor of International and Global Studies and Sociology at Brandeis University. A historical sociologist specializing in the cultural foundations of politics, Rosenberger is especially interested in the intellectual roots of political revolutions. Rosenberger studied History and Philosophy at Dartmouth College and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Oxford. From 1992 to 1994, he covered the collapse of Czechoslovakia and the war in Yugoslavia as a journalist and as a fellow of the Institute of Current World Affairs. After seven years in Europe Rosenberger returned to the United States to write a dissertation at Boston University on the dissident intellectuals who led Czechoslovakia's "Velvet Revolution." He then taught international relations at Boston University for nine years. Rosenberger has written about post-Communist Central Europe for scholarly journals and for such publications as Critical Review, Human Rights Watch, World Policy Journal, and The Wall Street Journal. He is now writing a biography of former Czech dissident and president, Václav Havel, for Prentice Hall. Outside of his academic work, Rosenberger serves on the Board of Advisors of the Apollinaire Theatre Company in Chelsea, MA.
S. Ilan Troen is the Stoll Family Chair in Israel Studies and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. Before joining Brandeis, he served as director of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute and Archives in Sede Boker, Israel, and dean of the faculty of humanities and social sciences at Ben-Gurion University. He has authored or edited numerous books in American, Jewish and Israeli history. He is also the founding editor of Israel Studies (Indiana University Press), an international journal that publishes three issues annually on behalf of Brandeis and Ben-Gurion University. His most recent book publications include Jewish Centers and Peripheries: European Jewry Between America and Israel 50 Years after World War II (1998); The Americanization of Israel (2001), with Glenda Abramson; Divergent Jewish Cultures: Israel and America (2001), with Deborah Dash-Moore; Imagining Zion: Dreams, Designs and Realities in a Century of Jewish Settlement (2003); and, with Jacob Lassner, Jews and Muslims in the Arab World; Haunted by Pasts Real and Imagined (2007). Forthcoming with Maoz Azaryahu in 2011 is Tel Aviv: The First Century; Visions, Designs and Actualities.


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Hi !
Well, even if I read it for quite a long time, it's my first post on this board and I don't know where I'm supposed to present myself.
So, basically, I'm French, I play electric guitar (sometimes fretless guitar) for 15 year, I play a little bass, and I began to play drums 2 years ago. I also like to tweak my tube-amp, play with synthesizers, and make some noise with Pure Data.
I listen a lot of music, from Jesus Lizard to John Coltrane, if it sounds good, I don't give a shit to the "style" of music I listen to.
If you are curious here is the band where I play guitar (the recording is a bit crappy as I do it myself with a few mics available):
So, about this topic, I'll be moving to Rochester (MN) in a few month (maybe this summer). I wonder if some people here are living in Rochester, or even in Minnesota. It could be cool to meet some people, to have informations about music scene down there, and maybe to play in a band !!!
So, anyone ?


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This time, I need your help. I'm Attorney Steve Rice.
The firm is growing, and we need another legal assistant. A go-getter.
Experience is a plus. Not too much though. We will train you–to become the best.
But you better bring it. The persistence, the patience to succeed. And the courage to fail.
Above all else, you must be professional. In a world of pretenders, you must be the real thing. That means returning phone calls, emails. Doing what you say you're going to do. Doing the job. It means caring.
You will love working here. Or you will hate it. But either way, you will be better for it. You simply can't survive here without being someone special.
If you want the job, drop off a resume. Make an impression. And you will get an interview.