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by zoom | 15th November 2019 4:55 pm
The protection of private information is fundamental to the trust Zoom users have given us when choosing our service. In order to be compliant with GDPR we have implemented the following updates to our platform and practices.
Zoom's products now feature an explicit consent mechanism for EU users. Existing or new users coming from IP address detected from EU when signing into the Zoom desktop or mobile application, or joining a meeting without being signed in, across any platform (Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS) will be presented with a one-time privacy policy update. Consent to the updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are stored for compliance purposes. Audio notifications can be enabled for users who are joining a meeting that is being recorded, via the telephone. Visual recording indicators are also present.
For EU member state customers, we have implemented "zero-load" cookies, which means that cookies will not be put onto a users browser until after preferences have been set. Users that are detected via IP address as coming from a EU member state, upon their first visit to the zoom.us website, will be presented with a cookie-pop up box that allows cookie preferences to be set. These cookie preferences can also be changed at any time in the future by visiting the cookie preferences link at the footer of any page on our website (only visible to visitors with EU IP addresses).
Links to Privacy Policy:
For easy accessibility we have updated our website to include links to our Privacy Policy at places where personal data is collected.
Opt-in to Communications:
EU users can opt-in to communications from Zoom when registering for Zoom-hosted webinars or downloading whitepapers from our website. Users in other jurisdictions can contact firstname.lastname@example.com to be unsubscribed from marketing emails.
Data Protection Officer
We have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO), Kari Zeni, who is an expert on GDPR compliance topics. She can be reached at email@example.com.
Zoom has entered into Data Protection Agreements with our vendors (subprocessors) to ensure that the privacy and security of our customer data is protected. We provide a pre-signed DPA for Zoom customers. Zoom's DPA has been thoroughly vetted to comply with all GDPR and other privacy and security-related requirements, has been drafted to clearly and accurately describe the manner in which Zoom consistently provides its service to all of its customers, and is consistent with the security program on which Zoom's annual SOC2 (Type II) third-party audit is premised.
We have also updated our Privacy Policy to be more transparent and have developed a cookie policy that describes the purpose of the cookies that Zoom uses.
Employee Education and Training
In addition to the privacy training that all Zoom employees receive during on-boarding and annually thereafter, employees with roles that are customer facing (e.g. sales team) have been trained on GDPR and how it impacts their roles.
Data Subject Rights
GDPR empowers data subjects (aka our users) with certain rights to help assure the privacy and protection of their personal data. These rights include:
The right to be informed
The right of access
The right of rectification
The right to erasure
The right to restrict processing
The right to object
Rights on automated decision making/profiling
The original article was posted here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360000126326-Official-Statement-EU-GDPR-Compliance[1]
Source URL: https://www.gdpr.associates/official-statement-eu-gdpr-compliance/
Copyright ©2020 GDPR Associates unless otherwise noted.


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Ultimate is a basic, yet comprehensive template with a responsive layout using the skeletion framework.
It ships with many features. To name a few: Video and Audio Formats, Tabs, Sliders, Image Formats, Buttons, Styled Forms and many more.
If you want to see what I'm up to, follow me on Twitter. And please don't forget to rate this item.

subset: commoncrawl


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SANTA CLARA, Calif. – When Víctor Bernárdez lined up a 72nd-minute free kick from 19 yards out and hammered the ball some 12 rows deep into section 108 of Buck Shaw Stadium, the odds of the San Jose Earthquakes center back notching a brace Saturday night seemed pretty much non-existent.
Faster than you could translate "Goonies never say die" into Spanish, Bernárdez made sure his gaffe was just a footnote to arguably his most clutch performance since joining the Quakes in 2012.
The 31-year-old Honduran international skimmed in a free header off a 75th-minute corner kick, then added another goal with a dagger of a shot from 8 yards out in the 95th to secure a 3-3 tie against Real Salt Lake in the Quakes' regular-season opener.
¡Ánimo! los Goonies! indeed.
Bernárdez's equalizer, which was followed seconds later by the final whistle, capped a furious finish in which San Jose cracked open an RSL team which had tried desperately to preserve a 3-1 halftime lead. It came after Shaun Francis recycled a poorly struck corner from Shea Salinas, pumping a deep cross to give Alan Gordon a chance at outjumping Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Bernárdez used one touch outside RSL's 6-yard box to settle the ball, and one more to lash it home.
"I anticipated the ball bouncing my direction, so I adjusted my body to play the deflection," Bernárdez said through a team interpreter. "I am just blessed to have been put in a position today to score two goals which my team absolutely needed to get a tie at home."
Bernárdez, who now has five regular-season MLS goals – plus one in the 2012 playoffs – was the only member of San Jose's preferred backline in the starting XI against RSL. Left back Jordan Stewart, center back Clarence Goodson and right back options Brandon Barklage and Andreas Görlitz were all held out due to injury, which led to Bernárdez marshaling a quartet that included Francis on the left, Jason Hernandez in the middle and winger-by-trade Cordell Cato at right back.
"He's always a stud," Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch said. "And to add two goals tonight – I was going to give him a little grief about his free kick, but I think I'll leave that be now that he's got two goals and got us a point."
Bernárdez tried to light a fire under the Quakes late in the first half, after RSL had come back from Chris Wondolowski's early strike with goals from Kyle Beckerman and Joao Plata. Coming up with an interception in his third, Bernárdez lugged the ball forward, instigating a San Jose attack which eventually led to him sliding a nice ball to Steven Lenhart, who pulled his shot just wide of the near post from 17 yards.
"He's someone that's very good in the attacking phase of the game, whether it's free kicks from distance or whether it's attacking corners," Quakes coach Mark Watson said. "He's a big, powerful guy and gets his head on the ball. He was instrumental in getting us back in the game and ultimately getting points out of the game."


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Time at Egypt (UTC+02:00) 04:00 PM Date: Saturday, 15 Aug, 2020
Every citizen from the approved countries can apply for eVisa to Egypt. Please check requirements for details. Nowadays, getting a Egyptian eVisa (ETA) is the most convenient and fastest way among many recommended methods. Egyptian eVisa is one kind of visa issued by Government of Egypt.
Our company is not the Embassy/Consulate/High Commission or the representative of the Government of Egypt. This website www.egyptvisagov.com will support individuals and legal entities to complete the necessary paperwork for short-term stay in Egypt. If you apply through our website, we will consult, support all required documents for your eVisa application.
* Firstly, you need to read the eligibility information.
* You should complete all information on our application form appropriate to your case.
* In 15 minutes, you will receive our email to implement all required documents and finish visa fee payment depended on your case.
* Our service includes expert assistance, 24h professional support, processing time guarantee.
* Please contact us if you need any support regarding our services by:
- Email: email@example.com


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City of Plymouth, MNHome Menu
Calendar of Events
If desired, choose a Category and/or Department to filter results.
Regular Council Meeting
- Date: 01/28/2020 7:00 pm
- Location: Council Chambers
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Return to full list >>
Council Documents:
Council Documents:
Council Packet
Proposed Ordinances
Other Council Documents
Council packets are typically available the Thursday afternoon prior to the meeting.


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Toyota C-HR Cabin Filter at City Toyota near Havre 59501
Get your Toyota C-HR cabin filter checked and replaced by a trustworthy service team at City Toyota near Havre 59501. The cabin filter in your Toyota C-HR allows you to breathe clean air instead of particles and chemicals that come out of your tailpipe. The service team at City Toyota near Havre 59501 will install a new, fresh cabin filter in your Toyota C-HR so you can breathe easier.
The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust, and exhaust gases that may find their way into the ventilation system of your Toyota C-HR, making your car's interior a healthier place. If you have allergies, run the heat and air conditioning system on recirculate and change the cabin filter per Toyota's instructions.
With fresh cabin filters installed by the service team at City Toyota near Havre 59501, you can take a deep breath in the middle of a traffic jam without worrying about what you're breathing in. When your air filter gets dirty, it can cause unpleasant odors and can greatly affect heat and air conditioner performance in your vehicle. Changing your cabin filter once a year is a good way to make sure the air inside your Toyota C-HR stays clean.
City Toyota near Havre 59501 will ensure a quality cabin filter is installed in your Toyota C-HR. When your cabin filter gets dirty, it can harm more than just the air you breathe. Not only can a dirty cabin filter send chemicals into the air that irritate allergies and reduce air flow, but it can also send grit and grime back in your engine, potentially causing major damage and harming your car's performance and gas mileage. A new cabin filter makes your Toyota C-HR run smoother and smell better on the inside of your car for a long time.
City Toyota near Havre 59501 knows the air you breathe in your car is not something you should take lightly and there are many different kinds of cabin filters for you to choose from. With City Toyota near Havre 59501, we make sure you have all the information you need from our knowledgeable service staff. We want to help you have the best experience with your Toyota C-HR - replacing a cabin filter will give you a better driving experience near the Havre area.
We make sure you are left with a quality cabin filter in your car. At City Toyota near Havre 59501, we also make sure you have fast and prompt service. Keep unpleasant odors and irritating particles away with this inexpensive and quick fix. You get a quality cabin filter installed correctly and on schedule with City Toyota near Havre 59501. Schedule a service appointment today so you can breathe easier as you drive away with a great cabin filter in your Toyota C-HR.
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Service Hours
|7:30 am - 5:00 pm
|7:30 am - 5:00 pm
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Our Location
City Toyota
3900 10th Ave So.
Great Falls, MT 59405 Get Directions


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Muslin, Canvas & Cyclorama Fabrics
COTTON MUSLIN is a plain, tightly woven sheeting with a multitude of uses in the theatre; CANVAS is similar, but thicker and heavier. Both are real workhorse fabrics in scenic design.
NFR COTTON MUSLIN and CANVAS take paint beautifully, so these fabrics are ideal for painted backdrops, scenic flats, and the like. And the translucence of cotton makes it perfect for lighting and projected effects. To meet code requirements for most venues, flame retardant treatment can be applied after painting.
FR COTTON MUSLIN is ideal for bounce drops, cycloramas, and other applications where the surface is used for lighting effects rather than paint (which can interact adversely with the FR chemicals in the fabric). The tight weave of the cotton gives it a luminous glow when lit, and wide widths make it possible to have seamless expanses up to 12,192 meter (40 feet) wide.
IFR POLYESTER MUSLIN & CANVAS offer, in addition to inherent flame retardancy, a softer texture than cotton. These synthetics are, unlike cotton, impervious to moisture, so they perform extremely well in high-humidity climates and as drapery for outdoor applications. Durable and washable, POLY-MUSLIN and CANVAS are also very useful for trade show booths and other exhibition purposes where stringent IFR requirements apply. These materials also make excellent surfaces for scenic lighting effects, projection, and cycloramas (which can be seamless up to 6,096 meter (20 feet) high).
We've Been Weaving Wide Width Seamless Muslin for Over 30 Years
Until the introduction of Gerriets' Seamless 33'0" (10m) muslin in 1985, 33' (10m) wide muslin was woven folded on a 16' (5m) wide loom. In order to do this, the shuttle had to travel a U-shaped path and heavier reinforcing threads were required halfway into the cloth at the point where the shuttle changed direction. This "shuttle pack", when rear illuminated on stage, caused an annoying shadow line throughout the drop. The reinforcing threads also absorbed dye differently, creating problems for scenic designers. Gerriets engineered the first 33' (10m) wide loom using technology developed by a Swiss firm to weave narrow width cotton. Five, 6'6" (2 m) looms were dismantled and reassembled together to form one 33' (10m) loom. Bullet-like projectiles carry the thread from one side of the loom to the other. They track across the loom within hundreds of metal guides and are trapped at the far side, then drop into a conveyor belt which returns them to be shot across again. Because the cloth is woven flat, reinforcing threads are unnecessary and the result is a smooth, seamless expanse, 33' (10m) wide. Translucent sky drops are truly SEAMLESS, revealing only what the scenic artist painted. A few years later, we further increased our capacity to weave wide width seamless muslin by engineering the worlds' first 41' (12m) loom. Today, Gerriets is a leading weaver and supplier of wide width SEAMLESS muslin to the entertainment, exhibition and TV & Film production industries.
When you need SEAMLESS, think Gerriets.


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High Country Views, episode 6
HCN editors dissect the news
In this episode of High Country Views, Jonathan Thompson and Cally Carswell discuss the scandal-plagued Minerals Management Service, an obscure federal agency that has been making headlines since the Gulf oil spill, and why its failures matter to the West.
For our next podcast, we want to hear what's happening in your neck of the West! Call High Country Views anytime at (970) 497-1310 to leave us a short voicemail postcard. Tell us what's making news in your area or just how the landscape is changing this time of year. Whatever is happening where you are, we'd like to know about it.
You can now catch High Country Views every other week. Available for download soon!


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Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.
|The Simpsons - Season 16 Episode 7 : Mommie Beerest
|00:22:14 minutes
|First Air Date
|Dec 16, 1989
|Last Air Date
|May 17, 2020
|32 Seasons
|685 Episodes
|Animation, Comedy
|Alternative Title
|Simpsoni, Simpsonlar oilasi
|Plot Keywords
High-Speed Downloads
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Bringing Solutions to the IUCN World Conservation Congressby -
The World Resources Institute made important contributions on a variety of issues at the IUCN World Conservation Congress discussions. Topics included ecosystems, access to information, deforestation, governance and tools for sustainability metrics.
Over 8,000 conservation professionals gathered in Barcelona to chart pathways for sustaining environmental systems and species diversity. With the unraveling of the world financial system and the accelerating collapse of ecosystems starkly apparent, there is greater urgency to address both simultaneously.
At IUCN, WRI launched World Resources Report 2008, Roots of Resilience: Growing the Wealth of the Poor. This volume details how ecosystems can become a powerful model for nature-based enterprise that delivers continuing economic and social benefits to the poor, even as it sustains the natural resource base.
Frances Seymour, Director General of CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research), moderated a panel that included: Marion Cheatle, Deputy Director, Early Warning and Assessment, UNEP; Warren Evans, Environment Director, The World Bank; Benson Venegas, Executive Director, Asociación ANAI Talamanca; Veerle Vandeweerd, Director, Environment and Energy Group, UNDP.
Benson Venegas emphasized how communities must be brought into national and international decision-making. "These places are our homes, our pharmacies, our cultures, and have deep meaning," he said. "We can bring the solutions to the table."
Warren Evans recommended that readers take note of the previous World Resources Report, Wealth of the Poor, to fully appreciate the findings and recommendations in the current volume.
Manish Bapna, WRI Executive Vice President, noted how many projects are brought to scale and sustained in a disabling environment. Illustrating his points with an example in Bangladesh, he urged pursuit of more "pro-rural and pro-poor" approaches to development based on ecosystem services and benefits. He closed by saying, "Ultimately, this book is about hope."
Please view his presentation on the World Resources Report 2008 here:
In cooperation with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, WRI also launched the Japanese-language edition of the Corporate Ecosystem Service Review. Ms. Ayako Kohno, of Hitachi Chemical's Corporate Social Responsibility office, said "we knew right away what a powerful tool this is." Japanese represents the fourth language translation for the Review.
Janet Ranganathan, vice president for science and research at WRI, hosted a panel of prominent experts whom she asked to reconcile two challenges: the degradation of ecosystems for short-term choices that create larger costs with development aspirations. She asked how we can better understand the impact on ecosystems affected by development. In other words, how can decisions be made with relevant data and with a more complete picture of implications and consequences?
Janet was the lead author of Ecosystem Services: A Guide for Decision Makers, which WRI released at the opening of IUCN. The book demonstrates to decision makers how development and the environment can be managed together to increase prosperity, while also protecting the planet.
Peter Carter, Associate Director of the Services Development Unit of the Environmental Investment Bank noted that we cannot manage what we cannot accurately measure, and that what is needed are sufficiently reliable indicators of the health of ecosystems and a corresponding price. Jim Salzman, Professor of Law and Environmental Policy at Duke University said that protected areas for ecosystems services may be preferable to those based on biodiversity.
Carlos Rodriguez, former Environment Minister for Costa Rica, observed that the real estate boom in Costa Rica has presented stark choices-- such as those between "sex and casinos or sustainable eco-tourism?" Major tourism operators want to be profitable in the short-term, but Mr. Rodriguez wondered, What kind of tourism provides the greatest benefits? Gerben de Jong, Director of Water & Environment in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the point that each decision has failures and is never perfect, but we learn from each and take one more step toward improvement.
Lalanath de Silva and Joe Foti led a workshop on Points of Entry: Reforming Environmental Governance and Improving Livelihoods through Increased Public Access to Decision-Making. The group--comprised of representatives from local, national an international groups--addressed how to more effectively open access to information for environmental decision-making. Representing the worldwide network of The Access Initiative, Lalanath and Joe provided a view of how non-government organizations are building capacity for influence, communications and advocacy.
Craig Hanson appeared on a panel with WBCSD, Syngenta, and Mondi to address Developing Corporate Strategies to Manage Risks and Opportunities Related to Ecosystem Services. The panel discussed how business managers can proactively develop strategies to manage business risks and opportunities arising from their company's dependence and impact on ecosystems.
And Fred Stolle provided a dynamic presentation entitled Keeping Up: Using the Latest Technology to Curb Deforestation. Fred has worked for many years on developing improved mapping techniques and satellite observations to produce reliable, cost-effective measurements of forest cover change. These methods are meant to improve management of the world's forests, particularly in the world's deforestation "hotspots."
In the end, the WRI had a major presence at IUCN and our experts were able to share their ideas and innovations with thousands of global leaders in sustainable development.


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Roseland Cottage
Historic Roseland Park opened in 1876. It consists of 60.3 acres of wooded land and waterfront along Roseland Lake. Although the park is private property, it is open to the public. See History, Facilities and Activities, Directions, Hours, Volunteers, Board, Fishing, Park Rules and More Information below.
The park was donated by the Bowen Family to the people of Woodstock and the surrounding towns. The park is operated by the Trustees of the Bowen Family Trust under the will of Henry C. Bowen. Henry C. Bowen was a Woodstock native who became an influential New York merchant, publisher, abolitionist and philanthropist. He spent his summers in a retreat he built on Woodstock Hill. The house is called Roseland Cottage, or "The Pink House." It is now maintained by Historic New England. (See more information on the Historic New England website).
To see what's happening at Roseland Cottage click here. Beginning in May with a Plant Sale and ending with the now famous Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival in October, the Pink House has wonderful family events planned all summer long and into the fall.
The park originally accommodated hoards of attendees of the Fourth of July parties that Bowen hosted each year. Bowen used to charge a small entrance fee, and there was parking for 1,200 horses and buggies. In Victorian days, it sported more than 1,000 rosebushes, gilded fountains, decorative statuary, wooded walking trails, statuary and a Gothic windmill, a boat house, dining room, and bunaglows with maid service. A black cast iron St. Bernard can still be viewed at the Woodstock
Golf Course Clubhouse
The Roseland Park Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers are working together to restore and maintain the park. They encourage visitors to respect the park's heritage and property.
The park closes at sunset. A caretaker lives on the property, and also maintains the Woodstock Golf Course (a nine-hole, 110 acre golf course, also offering golf lessons with a PGA Pro) across the street. Park rules are posted at the entrance to the park, and provided below.
Facilities and Activities
- Playground, boating, fishing, picnicking, walking and running. No swimming or camping is permitted. Pets must be leashed.
- Lake and grounds, pavilion, basketball court, benches, boat launch.
- Rental: The park can be reserved for for weddings or parties.
- Park Phone Number: (860) 963-9557.
- Park Superintendent: Rick Harless.
The park is located in southeastern Woodstock, CT, on Roseland Park Road (near the intersection of 169 and 171). From I-395, Exit 97 (Route 44), head west on Route 44, turn right on Route 171 north, then turn right on Route 169 north and turn right on Roseland Park Road. Golf Course is on the left, Park is on the right.
- December 1 - March 14 - 8 a.m. to sunset
- March 15 - November 30: 7 a.m. to sunset
Board of Trustees
Water Quality and Fishing
- Roseland Lake is a 96.4 acre natural lake fed by Muddy Brook, Mill Brook and two smaller unnamed streams. It drains into Shephard's Pond, which flows into the Little River and then to the Quinebaug River. Water quality has been an issue at Roseland Park, primarily due to high nitrates.
- Fishing: The pond is stocked each spring with catchable size brown and rainbow trout. It is reportedly good for black crappie, fair for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and sunfish. Ice fishing for panfish is popular.
Roseland Park Rules (01/07/2008)
- Use the park at your own risk. Upon entering this park, you agree that you are doing so at your own risk. You use the park facilities at your own risk. Neither the Trustees, the Trust or any park employee shall be responsible for any loss or damage, of any kind, to your person or property arising out of your use of this park or any of its equipment or facilities.
- Park recreation areas shall be open to the public daily between the hours of 7 a.m. and sunset from March 15 until November 30, and between the hours of 8 a.m. and sunset from December 1 until March 14. The Trustees or Park Manager reserves the right to close or alter normal operating hours for special events.
- Boats shall be launched from posted areas only. Use of boats are to conform to U.S. Coast Guard Boating regulations.
- Picnicking shall be limited to those places designate by the Trustees of Roseland Park or the Park Manager.
- Fishing is permitting between the hours of operation. All fishing is subject to the provisions of Chapter 490 of the CT General Statutes and regulations adopted thereunder.
- No camping is permitting.
- No swimming is permitted.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
- Fires may be kindled only in grills, stoves, fireplaces or other designated campfire facilities. All park patrons are to comply with posted fire regulations. No person may kindle or maintain a fire within (5) feet of any tree, building, or shrub. No fire shall be left unattended. All fires are to be thoroughly extinguished prior to departure from the picnic site.
- No person shall dispose of any material except in provided receptacles.
- Disposing of any material in Roseland Park which was not accumulated during the use of such facilities is prohibited.
- No person shall use any building or structure for any purpose other than that for which it is designated.
- No person shall attach any item to a faucet without prior approval of the Park Manager or his staff.
- Bicycle riding on foot trails is prohibited. use of any trail, road or path posted as closed is prohibited.
- No person shall erect or post any notice or sign upon park property unless authorized by the park manager.
- Trustees assume no responsibility for loss or theft of patrons personal property during their visit or use of Roseland Park.
- Pets which are on a leash and are under the control of their owner or keeper are permitted. Seeing-eye and hearing-ear dogs are permitted in all areas not closed to the public while accompanied by the person needing their assistance. Pet owners or keepers are responsible for the removal an proper disposal of pet feces from the property of Roseland Park.
- Riding animals are prohibited. Permission to take riding animals on the paved roads must be obtained b the Trustees or the Park manager.
- No person shall deface, destroy, alter or otherwise injure in any manner any structures, buildings, vegetation, earth or rock material, trees or fuel wood, nor shall any wildlife be molested or disturbed.
- The Trustees or park Manage may grant, upon request, permission to collect specimens, take samples and conduct other investigations for scientific or educational purposes.
More Information
- Lakes in Woodstock (Woodstock Conservation Commission website)
- Trails in Woodstock (Woodstock Conservation Commission website)
- The Town Beach (Muddy Pond)
- Palmer Arboretum
- Camp Nahaco (Woodstock Conservation Commission website)
- Woodstock Historical Society
- Historic New England - Roseland Cottage
- Bluebird Conservation
- Woodstock Golf Course and Driving Range - 9 hole, with driving range (grass, mat), putting green, chipping, clubhouse pro shop and snacks. 2,397 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35. The course rating is 35.5, and the slope rating is 113. Phone (860) 928-4130.


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UTICA, N.Y. -- Vehbija Besirevic's life has taken a hectic turn in the weeks after his cousin Safet Muhovic's July 30 drowning death in the West Canada Creek.
Vehbija Besirevic's life has taken a hectic turn in the weeks after his cousin Safet Muhovic's July 30 drowning death in the West Canada Creek. Muhovic's wife died from cancer in 2001, so Besirevic and his wife, Dzenita Besirevic, have welcomed Muhovic's two daughters into their home on South Street in Utica. While trying to make things as easy as possible for Muhovic's daughters, the Besirevics also have been working to gain legal custody of the girls and receive Muhovic's estate. They additionally have their own children to worry about -- one son who turns 2 in September and another son who is younger than 3 months. Vehbija Besirevic has been struggling with all this while battling his own grief from his cousin's death. "To be honest with you, it's not easy," he said. "But I have to deal with it." Muhovic drowned after helping another cousin who was fighting rapid waters in the West Canada Creek. The Muhovics moved from Bosnia to Utah in 2000, and then to Utica in 2001. After a couple days of mostly sadness and crying, the daughters, Amela, 13, and Amila, 10, have been managing to deal with their loss, Vehbija Besirevic said. Almost every night, he takes them to a park to ride bikes, watches television with them or joins them for a shopping adventure. Every weekend, they spend time playing at the park. The activities might help them all push what happened from their minds, he said. "It's not easy," he said. "But we gotta live, you know." He wasn't there the night Muhovic drowned, but Amila was. It was a scary night, Amila said, and she misses her parents. Dealing with the loss of both parents has been hard, but she said living with her father's cousin has been "all right," and she finds more comfort as time passes. "I feel better," she said. Vehbija Besirevic will feel better if he can obtain legal custody of the girls and Muhovic's estate, which would provide money to help the girls as they grow up, he said. "They don't have parents anymore to work for them," he said. "I want to get as much as possible for these kids." He filed custody papers and doesn't believe he'll have trouble gaining custody. But he was initially worried about the costs involved with hiring a lawyer to receive the estate. Social workers met with him last week and told him a lawyer will be provided for free, he said. Just buying school supplies for Amela and Amila will involve a difficult process. ECR International, the Utica company where Muhovic worked, provided Vehbija Besirevic with two checks in Muhovic's name, which will be used to help cover the cost of school supplies. Samir Ruznic, owner of Ruznic Market at 801 Albany St. in Utica, also wants to help, he said. Ruznic placed a sign with a picture of the girls at the front of his store and has collected more than $1,000 in donations for the family so far, he said. "I just want to help, that's all," Ruznic said. "They're in good hands now, but they're not with their parents now. This is not enough, of course, but what are you going to do? You've got to try." Dzenita Besirevic also has been trying the best she can during these difficult times, she said. "I still think it's going to get easier," she said. "There's hope, so I'll cope." And despite everything, Vehbija Besirevic manages to look past the problems and focus on the positives that bring happiness to his life. "I'm still happy," he said. "I'm happy with my wife. I'm happy with my kids. I'm happy with my cousin's children." Utica Observer-Dispatch


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In this course, students learn to recognize and to apply the basic concepts that govern integrated body function (as an intact organism) in the body's nine organ systems.
In this course, students learn to recognize and to apply the basic concepts that govern integrated body function (as an intact organism) in the body's nine organ systems.
Metabolic Pathways, Biology, Organ Systems, Medicine
Apr 16, 2018
I am an incoming medical student here in the Philippines and this course has provided me with enough background about the human body and the underlying machinery of every system associated with it.
Jul 01, 2020
Introductor physiology is very useful and enhanced concepts clarity for students and teachers. I thank prof Emma jakoi and prof Mimi and Dukes University staff who strived for initiating course.
Welcome to Module 2 of Introductory Human Physiology! We begin our study of the human body with an overview of the basic concepts that underlie the functions of cells and organs within the body and their integration to maintain life. This is an important introduction to how physiologists view the body. We will return to these basic concepts again as we progress through the organs systems and consider how they respond to perturbations incurred in daily functions and in disease.
The things to do this week are to watch the 6 videos, to answer the in-video questions, to read the notes for each topic, and to complete two problem sets (homeostasis, transporters & channels, and endocrine concepts). It will be most effective if you follow the sequence of videos. The notes provide a more detailed summary of each topic. We encourage you to find which resource (videos and/or notes) works best for you.We have included a set of problems to be completed as homework exercises. We strongly encourage you to complete these problems sets. They are not graded and are for your personal feedback. It has been our experience that these exercises are helpful in increasing understanding and retention of the newly learned materials.Please use the interactive forum as a means to exchange ideas, to ask questions, to form study groups and interest groups, and to meet your community. We will monitor the forum daily.Thank you for joining us. We are excited about sharing this educational experience with you. Welcome!


text: Pedestrian Safety for Teachers Did you know... Unintentional pedestrian injuries are the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States for children ages 5 to 14? In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States and another 70,000 pedestrians were injured? Nearly 1 in 4 traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under are pedestrian deaths? Educate the children in your care about the importance of pedestrian safety: Remind them to increase their visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and wearing retro-reflective clothing. Encourage them to always walk on sidewalks or paths, cross the streets at street corners, and always follow traffic signals and crosswalks. Model for them how to always look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street. Then have them practice it in the classroom. Talk to them about staying alert at all times and to not be distracted by cell phones or other digital devices while walking. Remind them to be attentive for cars that are backing out of or pulling into driveways or parking lots. For more information, please visit the following websites: Safe Kids Worldwide Educator Portal


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As a teacher for over 15 years, I have received many lovely gifts from my students. I have treasured them all. Some can still be found in a shoe box in my closet and others have gone the way of many of my children's refrigerator art....
All have been greatly appreciated, especially the homemade ones. The time and thought put into choosing just the right image to color or type of treat to bake. I have enjoyed and appreciated being thought of in such a lovely way.
Here are some of the gifts I've received over the years:
flowers (always a good stand by, who doesn't love flowers?)
candy (very sweet)
hand soap/lotion (very nice for those of us who wash our hands 5billion times as day)
a bottle of wine
tickets to a movie (LOVED this!)
cash (this felt a bit impersonal, although the card was lovely, it felt a little like a tip, I ended up buying things for the classroom with the money)
Gift certificate to a local store I love (very thoughtful!)
a beautiful silver bracelet engraved (I wear it every year on the first day of school)
a hand knitted scarf (cozy for the playgrounds of the Northeast)
Hot Chocolate (equally cozy & yummy too)
candles (the scented kind)
home made ornaments and jewelry (very sweet, anything home made is adorable)
This second list is entitled: "Cost a Pretty Penny"
These are items I think your children's teacher would enjoy receiving but you may not be able to afford depending on how many kiddos you have and how many teachers you want to give something to. (I personally could not afford to pull any of these off but would love to).
- Have LUNCH delivered to school.
- Create note cards or note pads "From the desk of..." to give to your child's teacher. Use your child's art work to create sure to be used stationary.
- Ask your child to inquire about their teacher's interests and possible collections such as tennis or gardening (gift appropriately with gift certificates to stores where they can make their own purchases to add to their collections.)
- Gift card to local teacher supply store
- Gift certificate to a local spa ("One free manicure for hands that have helped us grow and learn all year long.")
- Expensive chocolates (from a local candy shop)
- A flowering plant
- Have flowers delivered to school.
- Jewelry (the home made kind is most often cherished, I still have a button bracelet a little boy made for me before he left to start kindergarten)
- Donate books in the teacher's name to the school library/classroom
- I'm sure you can come up with many more...
A story or poem written by your child about their teacher with a drawing to illustrate
Photos! Once a parent came to all the events throughout the school year (Open House, Field Trips, Our Annual Auction, parent ed. nights, the Spring yard sale...etc.) and took photos. Then they compiled the photos into a small scrap book for us. This was a classroom treasure for years afterward and a wonderful tool for me as the Director at the time, to use to show enrolling families just some of the many things we do through-out the school year that they can become part of.
My favorite gift of all time:
Photos of all my students. One very sweet and talented photographer parent took photos of all the kids in my class one year and surprised me with a memory book. It was wrapped in hand print paper made by the kids in my class. I will always treasure this book and the wrapping paper. (*My classroom assistant helped the parent out a bit to make this all possible and I was leaving on maternity leave that year also).
I am sure that whatever your child and you come up with, their teacher will appreciate. Share your ideas by leaving a comment if time allows. Remember it's not how much money you paid for a gift it's the thought that matters most.
In PEACE,


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We're still not 100% sure if the new Fast & Furious movie is entitled "Fast & Furious 6" (it could be "Fast Six", "Furious Six", or maybe even my personal prediction, Fast Cars Go Boom Now), but no matter what it ends up being called, we now have the first synopsis. The new film has Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) trying to stop a group of mercenary drivers led by an unnamed mastermind (Luke Evans) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). Hobbs recruits Dom (Vin Diesel) and his crew to help bring down the criminal outfit, and in exchange will provide pardons for the Rio heist.
Hit the jump for the full synopsis, and look out for the first trailer during the Super Bowl. The film also stars Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Elsa Pataky, and Gina Carano. Fast & Furious 6 opens May 24th.
Here's the official synopsis for Furious 6:
Since Dom (Diesel) and Brian's (Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin's empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete.
Meanwhile, Hobbs (Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again.
Click here for all of our Fast & Furious 6 coverage.


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Moderated by Bill Cusick, MD
William Cusick MD, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine
Bill Cusick, MD is an OB/GYN with a sub-specialty in Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Cusick is affiliated with St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT. His areas of Special Interest include: obstetrical and gyn ultrasound, prenatal screening, diagnosis, patient safety, MFM practice management. Dr. Cusick answers your questions about high risk pregnancies.


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Source: National Bureau of Economic Research
Release: NBER Macrohistory Database
Series Is Presented Here As Two Variables--(1)-- Seasonally Adjusted Data, 1921-1946 (2)--Seasonally Adjusted Data, 1947-1970. 1921-1938 Original NBER Series 08260 Was Divided By Series 8296. These Data Given In 1939 Dollars Are Converted To The Base 1958=100 By Multiplying That Quotient By 43.2, The 1939 Figure On The 1958 Base. Source: Barger And Klein, NBER Series No. 8260: See Note Below
This NBER data series q04216a appears on the NBER website in Chapter 4 at http://www.nber.org/databases/macrohistory/contents/chapter04.html.
NBER Indicator: q04216a
National Bureau of Economic Research, Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator, Total for United States [Q0416AUSQ072SNBR], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/Q0416AUSQ072SNBR, August 6, 2020.


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HOUSTON – A man wielding what appeared to be sewing scissors was shot and killed Thursday afternoon during a confrontation with an officer, according to authorities.
Houston police said the entire ordeal began in the driveway of a home in the Meyerland area. Police said the suspect pedaled his bicycle up to a woman who was tending to packages in her car.
"Apparently she had the back end of her vehicle open, she was either loading or unloading some items. The suspect came by, he was on a bicycle, and he took her purse," said HPD spokesman Victor Senties.
Police said an off-duty Houston police officer who happened to be in the area was quickly flagged down for help. Investigators said that officer then relayed a description of the suspect to other on-duty officers working the area.
Police said when Officer D. Rivera, a 2 year veteran of the force, made his way to Dumfries and Doud, he was quickly approached by a resident.
"He finds a witness who points out the suspect is actually crouching down over by this residence," said Senties.
Police said when the officer approached the man he found him rummaging through a backpack. Authorities said the officer repeatedly told the man to stand up and show him his hands.
"The suspect gets up quickly, throws his jacket in the face of officer Rivera and at the same time he comes at him, lunges at him with two pairs of scissors," said Senties.
Police said the officer, fearing for his life, fired his weapons several times, killing the man.
According to Senties, police are still trying to figure out who this man is, citing no known connection between the suspect and the surrounding neighborhood. Police said it is possible the man was homeless.


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Sometimes a change in scenery is good, sometimes time runs out in a certain spot. — Phil Nevin
Leaving New York City is very good for Woody Allen.
I loved Match Point, set in London, which Allen completed in 2005. Oscar voters loved Vicky Cristina Barcelona, giving Penelope Cruz the Best Supporting Oscar nod.
And Allen's newest endeavor, Midnight in Paris, may be the biggest charmer of them all.
Allen is not in the film. That is a good thing. Owen Wilson plays the Woody role, but he plays it as an optimist. I swore I saw the sun shining in his eyes a few times, he is so upbeat (even when he is sad).
His counterpoint is Rachel McAdams, his fiancee and generally unlikable person. Her parents are even less so. There is a big "THUD" when they appear on screen because there is no nuance to their characters, but perhaps they are supposed to be the dose of reality.
Because the rest of the film is magic. Owen's love affair with the city of Paris. The people he meets…and he meets some pretty fantastic people. The unexpected cameos and brilliant performances by actors not mentioned in any promotion for the film. (I was surprised; I want you to be, too.)
I enjoyed Midnight in Paris so much. It was, quite simply, a delight.
Guess where I'm jonesin' to go now?


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Welcome to Long Beach!
EVENT DATE: Oct 07, 2012
DEADLINE TO GIVE: Nov 07, 2012
For 2012, The Long Beach International City Bank Marathon is reaching out to the entire community in an effort to raise awareness and money for charity. This year we're making it easier than ever to let all of our runners, volunteers and supporters get involved and help make a difference.
Long Beach International City Bank Marathon has partnered with Crowdrise to encourage the entire community to unite and fundraise for their favorite charities in 2012. Just imagine the impact the entire community can have when harnessed to give back in a fun and compelling way!
To Fundraise for One of Our Great Official Charity Teams, Click Here
To Raise Money for Any Charity or Cause that You Support, Click Here
We have lots of awesome prizes (like an iPad3) for you to use to get your friends and family to donate to your fundraiser. Click here to check it out, choose a prize and email everyone you know about it.
Click Here to Register for the 2012 Run Long Beach.
Click Here to Visit the Run Long Beach Website.


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Peer reviewed
Download full text
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ERIC Number: ED546877
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 342
Abstractor: ERIC
Annual Proceedings of Selected Research and Development Papers Presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (36th, Anaheim, California, 2013). Volume 1
Simonson, Michael, Ed.
Association for Educational Communications and Technology
For the thirty-sixth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Anaheim, California. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes. Volume 1 contains papers dealing primarily with research and development topics. Papers dealing with the practice of instructional technology including instruction and training issues are contained in Volume 2. (Individual papers contain references.) [For Volume 2, see ED546878.]
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Discussion Groups, Content Analysis, Games, Multimedia Instruction, College Students, Epistemology, Beliefs, Asynchronous Communication, Visual Stimuli, Attention, Electronic Learning, Psychological Patterns, Outcomes of Education, Animation, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Writing Instruction, Academic Discourse, Foreign Countries, Media Specialists, Student Role, Graduate Students, Leadership, Motivation, Web Sites, Academic Advising, Structural Equation Models, Courseware, Open Education, Internet, Mass Media Use, Secondary School Students, Electronic Publishing, Books, Evaluation, Research Methodology, Online Courses, Educational Improvement, Personality Traits, Performance, Educational Games, Computer Games, Genetics, College Science, Science Instruction, Action Research, Student Participation, Quality Assurance, Barriers, Community Colleges, Success, Learner Engagement, Web 2.0 Technologies, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Web Based Instruction, Cooperative Learning, Elementary Secondary Education, Music, Space Sciences, Cognitive Style, Language Proficiency, Learning Strategies, Mathematics Anxiety, Influences, Preservice Teachers, Intention, Technology Integration, Handheld Devices, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Problem Solving, Nursing Students, Bullying, Repetition, Emotional Response, Computer Mediated Communication, Plagiarism, Integrity, Student Behavior, Comparative Analysis, Synchronous Communication, English Language Learners, Kindergarten, Measures (Individuals), Korean, Test Reliability, Test Validity, Information Seeking, College Faculty, Social Networks, Foreign Students, Tenure, Faculty Promotion, Inquiry, Active Learning, Creativity, Academic Achievement
Association for Educational Communications and Technology. 1800 North Stonelake Drive Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47408. Tel: 877-677-2328; Tel: 812-335-7675; e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com; Web site: http://www.aect.org
Publication Type: Collected Works - Proceedings
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education; Two Year Colleges; Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for Educational Communications and Technology
Identifiers - Location: China; Jamaica; Taiwan; Thailand; United States


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LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — Jalen Pickett had a hard time getting schools to notice him before he signed with Siena a year ago. Now, he already has workouts scheduled with NBA teams after entering his name into consideration for the upcoming draft.
"I'm going to go out there and see where I stand with all the great college players, see if I can play at the next level, just get some feedback on my game," Pickett said Tuesday. "I always wanted to get to the NBA later on. I didn't think it was going to come so fast. To get this type of acknowledgement so early ... is just a dream come true.
"I'm pretty confident. I'm never going to be scared," added Pickett, who only received a handful of college offers after one year of prep school despite stellar play in AAU ball. "I'm going to go out there and play my game."
Under new NCAA rules college players can try out with NBA teams, participate in the NBA Draft Combine, and retain the services of an agent during the evaluation process but must end the relationship and withdraw from the draft by May 29 if they want to return to school. Pickett, who had a standout freshman year for the Saints, is being represented by Three Eye Sports.
It's a sign of the times, even for players in weaker leagues like the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference where Siena competes. The MAAC ranked near the bottom (29th of 32) in the power rankings this past season.
"Jalen's hoping to show well," new Siena coach Carmen Maciariello said. "He won't be able to work out with everybody, so we'll have to pick and choose what fits his style of play and teams that are known for looking at underclassmen and maybe trying to build that relationship for the future."
Pickett averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.1 steals as a freshman . The 6-foot-4, 190-pound point guard from Rochester, New York ranked ninth nationally in assists per game (6.7) and among Division I freshmen was third in assists and fourth in both assist-to-turnover ratio and steals. He was named MAAC rookie of the week a record 11 times and became the first freshman in more than three decades to earn a first-team spot on the all-MAAC team.
"We'd love for him to be a lottery pick. That would be great," Maciariello said. "It would be our first lottery pick. Hopefully, he can stick around a year or two, but this is a great chance for not only Jalen but our program to sell when we recruit. You come to Siena, you'll be able to achieve your dreams."
Only one former Siena player has appeared in an NBA game. Edwin Ubiles played in four games with the Washington Wizards in March 2012, totaling 14 points and 10 rebounds in 52 minutes of action. Kenny Hasbrouck signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Miami Heat in March and April of 2010 but never saw action in a regular-season game.
Pickett is facing a stiff challenge because he's recovering from mononucleosis and has to get back in game shape in a hurry. He said he planned to follow the steps necessary to maintain his collegiate eligibility and is expected back for his sophomore year.
"It's got to be the right situation, the right opportunity," Pickett said. "If they offer the right situation and I can go, I think I'll take it. If the opportunity presents itself, you can't turn it down."
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


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L'shanah tovah
Today I baked a traditional (i.e. round) Challah for the new year's celebration.
Round Holiday Challah
Certainly not my best ever, but it'll do!
Today I baked a traditional (i.e. round) Challah for the new year's celebration.
Round Holiday Challah
Certainly not my best ever, but it'll do!
Really lovely bread, Dolfs. To everyone, have a great holiday.
Yes, beautiful challah. I think I like the round shape the best and and I didn't realize that was the most traditional.
Hi dolf,
how did you shape your challah? It is braided and round at the same time. How is that possible?
Also, which recipe do you prefer to use for your dough? I liked RLB's recipe because it uses sourdough, which always is a problem in my kitchen (too many leftovers), and bread keeps better when a piece of sourdough is incorporated. Your loaf looks light, so I would like to know how you do it. Thanks.
That looks so good! As did Mariana's. What a treat to see the two shapes. I've never tasted Challah, but want to one of these days.
Happy Holidays!
Dolf, wow! you surprized me. I have never thought about braiding two ends toghether. I will figure that out even if I have to practice first on shoe laces : )
You provided excellent explanations, just wonderful. My husband, for whom I bake breads is also diabetic, so lower sugar is good.
I can't open your spreadsheet. Is you recipe like in the Joy of Cooking but with half of sugar, or have you changed proportions in other places as well?
Thank you. I want to bake it.
I baked your challah today and it is supertasty, DELICIOUS! I now regret not having baked it earlier, making it our daily bread. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this gorgeous recipe. My gosh, you are a genius, Dolf. You are.
I put the entire amount of sugar as sugar and it doesn't taste overly sweet at all. It simply tastes heavenly - not eggy, not sugary, not oily - just an outstanding loaf of very delicate white bread, the best. I am not sure my husband will be able to detect sugar. We'll see.
Thank You!
Dolf, I was lucky that you published this recipe and that you patiently converted it into grams, oz, and volumes. So nice of you! If you have some other recipes as lucky as this one, please, share with me. I am very impressed by this one. My family loves your challah!
What are you baking now?


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playoff sig is up
if you want to be an assistant in this sim league pm me
IDK, Why Udeze isn't on the team, But the Roster are as Jan 08, Thats why Sage isn't on our team.
I am trying to get Marc Bulger, So far Its a 3rd and A Player IDk, What player yet.
Hey, Whats New?
Did you see my Roster Gripes?
Here our are Ratings
There not that Bad, But there are some Players that we need to Gripe, Who do you think we should Gripe?
Ratings are going up today, We have 5 Gripes, Which means we can Argue there Ratings.
We have to use these Wisely.
When I downloaded the Game I remember that AP was a 92, But MJD from the Jags was like a 96. So thats a Thought.
And Bernard Berrian Was Low, Somthing like 77, Sidney Rice was Higher than Him, We should think about that aswell.
The Ratings should come out soon, And once they come out the League will start.
When do the ratings come out? When does the league start?
Yea I will see, I will wait untill the Ratings come out for the Sim League, Before we make any big moves.
Hey what do you think about Manning,Brackett and a 4th for TJack,Greenway and Pat Williams?
paradigm shift
Purp n Yellow
We do the impossible.


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Because physicians are at the center of patients' health-care experiences, your choices of physicians are the most important decisions you make in determining the quality of medical care you will receive.
Our databases on physician quality provide:
- Ratings of doctors for surgical outcomes—Preventable medical errors of various kinds kill at least 200,000 Americans each year, making this the third leading cause of death in the United States, six times as many deaths as from auto accidents. One way to reduce such errors is for consumers to choose the best surgeons. At Checkbook.org/SurgeonRatings, you'll find the surgeons we could identify as having better-than-average outcomes for 12 types of high-risk surgery. These are the first-ever nationwide ratings of surgeons for patient outcomes, based on our analysis of government data of more than 5 million surgeries. We found big surgeon-to-surgeon differences.
- Physicians most often recognized by their peers—We regularly send surveys to all actively practicing physicians in the 53 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. and ask them to tell us which one or two doctors in each of 38 specialty fields they "would consider most desirable for care of a loved one." Our database reveals the names of physicians who were mentioned most often by other area physicians—and the number of times they were mentioned.
- Patient ratings of primary care physicians—Patients looking for primary care physicians in the areas where we publish Consumers' Checkbook magazine—the Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Seattle-Tacoma, Twin Cities, and Washington, DC, areas—can also review how doctors were rated by surveyed patients. Patients are the best source of information on many aspects of physician quality, including how well doctors listen, explain things, help patients coordinate care among other healthcare providers, and make themselves accessible for appointments and advice. These aspects of care are critical to prevention, to accurate diagnoses, and to a patient's ability and motivation to do his or her part in carrying out a plan of care.


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Pop star Michael Jackson's death has been ruled a homicide from an overdose of the anaesthetic propofol and other drugs, and police will refer the case to prosecutors for possible criminal charges, officials said on Friday.
The coroner's ruling fuelled speculation that his doctor may face a criminal charge of manslaughter or worse.
The Los Angeles County Coroner said in a statement that propofol and the sedative lorazepam were the primary drugs responsible for Jackson's June 25 death at the age of 50.
Other drugs found in the singer's body were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine and ephedrine.
Separately, the Los Angeles Police Department said its investigation was continuing but that police were referring the case to prosecutors for possible criminal charges.
Jackson, whose "Thriller" CD remains the best-selling album of all time, died suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest in a rented Los Angeles mansion only weeks before he was to begin a series of comeback concerts.
Houston-based doctor Conrad Murray was hired to care for the singer while he prepared for the concerts, and he was at Jackson's bedside the day he died. Murray has admitted to police that he administered propofol, which is generally used in surgery, to help Jackson sleep.
In court documents, police have said Murray is the subject of a manslaughter investigation but officials have also looked into care provided to Jackson by other doctors who may have prescribed other drugs to him.
A spokesman for Murray's lawyer said the attorney had no immediate comment.
The list of drugs in Jackson's system reads like a cocktail of sedatives, painkillers and one stimulant. Midazolam is a sedative similar to propofol, used to make patients drowsy but not unconscious during procedures such as colonoscopies.
Diazepam, the generic version of Valium, is used to calm anxiety, while lidocaine is a painkiller and ephedrine is a stimulant.
The coroner said the complete toxicology report remained sealed at the request of the Los Angeles police and the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Forensics expert Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, who chairs the Department of Science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is not involved in the case, said that absent the full report, it was difficult to determine whether charges would be filed against Dr. Murray and what those charges would be.
He said prosecutors would be looking at the amount of propofol and other drugs in Jackson's system, whether errors were made in administering drugs in combination, and whether Murray gave proper dosages or a lethal dosage.
"If he administered a lethal dose of propofol, they could charge him with negligent homicide," Kobilinsky said.
But for now, police have only said in affidavits obtained to search Murray's office that he is the subject of an investigation for the lesser charge of manslaughter.
A spokesman for Jackson's family issued a statement on Friday saying the family commended the actions of the coroner and other law enforcement groups and "looks forward to the day that justice can be served."
Article from Yahoo! Entertainment


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Miley Cyrus is hitting the international road!
The 18-year-old superstar announced the first two stops on her upcoming international tour on her Facebook on Sunday.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood: Then & Now
U.S. & World
Miley's tour will kick off in Quito, Ecuador on April 29 and then head to Lima, Peru on May 1.
The remainder of her dates and stops remain a mystery for now.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: She's Just Bein' Miley!
"Where should I go next? More tour dates will be announced soon!" the young star wrote in a message on her Facebook page.
Reps for Miley also told Access Hollywood that more dates on the upcoming tour would be announced shortly.
Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood Heartthrobs!
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood Starlets!
PLAY IT NOW: Access Hollywood Live: Kelly Osbourne - Miley Cyrus Is 'The Hardest Working Girl In Hollywood'
PLAY IT NOW: Rosie O'Donnell Responds To Billy Ray Cyrus Blaming 'Hannah Montana' For His Family's Troubles
More from Access: [ Miley Cyrus Access Hollywood Tours ]


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Design, Development & the Elections?
The run up to the U.S. Presidential Elections on November 6 is causing quite the conversation, and whichever candidate you're behind (or passionately not behind), there are a couple of outlets to channel your energy.
Pit your favorite (or least favorite) politicos against one another in this arcade-style action fighting game. Currently on Android (coming soon to iOS) this new app by Mighty Bits gives you a chance to debate the old-fashioned way – much like Tuesday night's Town Hall debate. Curious about the making of the app? Check out our Gaming team's post, "From Rock the Vote to Smash Vote!"
For those who talk about leaving the country when their candidate of choice loses, JetBlue will be there to make that a reality for a lucky winner of its new campaign, Election Protection, as covered by Design Envy. Some great creative design and web development work went into the making that's worth a peek.
Have you seen any great design or development work surrounding the upcoming elections? Share with us in the comments below!


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Patrick Henningsen
April 6, 2012
PHOENIX – Arizona continues to set the stage as a battleground pitting local and state's rights against the federal government's inclination to control how states are allowed to govern their own affairs.
The Department of Justice in Washington has accused Sheriff Joe Arapio's Office of engaging in what they describe as 'racial profiling and mistreatment of illegals aliens and hispanics' and alleged 'human rights violations' in its patrols and jails.
The DOJ has refused to present any of its alleged evidence to support their charges, yet, they are still moving forward and are threatening to sue if Arpaio does not comply. Not intimidated by Washington's threats, Maricopa County's own Attorney General Bill Mongomery told the DOJ yesterday, "put up or shut up".
Negotiations between the Sheriff's Office and the DOJ came to a halt on Tuesday when Arpaio flatly refused to allow a court-appointed embedded DOJ "monitor" stationed in his office full-time, a move which many critics describe as a federal power-grab, aimed at controlling Arpaio, a duly elected office holder representing 4.5 million residents in the Phoenix area.
Maricopa County is not the only Sheriff's office under DOJ investigation. Arpaio explains, "They been investigating 20 other departments recently with their civil rrights unit in the Department of Justice." In an earlier FOX interview last December, Arpaio stated flatly, "I'm not going to back down because of politics, because the President wants to get the hispanic vote."
"What is this, a poker game? They want to go to court, we'll be glad to meet them in court", blasted Arpaio.
The DOJ has already spent millions of dollars to date through their three year investigation into Arpaio's office, including applying pressure on Arpaio to resign as elected Sheriff.
If a compromise cannot be reached between the two parties, the DOJ contends that it will file a federal lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, a legal battle which is likely to cost millions for both sides, and could drag on for years.
There may be other political reasons to force an Arpaio resignation in 2012, besides what critics claim as currying favor with Arizona's hispanic voting bloc before the November elections. Not least of all, is because of the Sheriff's Office's own Cold Case Posse law enforcement investigation into the validity of President Obama's birth certificate and Selective Service draft card.
According to his team, early returns for the investigation have turned up conclusive evidence on two counts. "What we are looking at is two possible forged government documents", explains Arpaio.
On the strength of Arpaio's investigation into Obama, the Arizona State Legislature went on to draft HB 2480 that would require Barack Obama to prove his eligibility as a US President, and would also determine whether his name would appear on the state ballot come November.
Since the Obama I.D. bill was lodged two weeks ago, it has met with some resistance, being intentionally held-up by certain members of the state senate.
Regardless of the outcome of HB 2480, the Sheriff's Office says they will remain steadfast in their investigation, and will continue to follow-up on evidence of forgery and fraud in the Obama case.
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There are a good number of audio editors for Linux: Audacity, ReZound and Ardour, Sweep, glame, and ecasound (command-line) to name a few. I have limited disk space, and although Audacity seems to be the champ of Linux audio editing, I initially decided to try Sweep because my editing needs were very basic.
I installed Sweep and began mixing together. Sweep didn't have an import option so I had to load two windows and copy and paste the track in. Doing this took an extraordinary long time. Also Sweep just seems unpolished. Sweep's multi-taking is poor and rendered my system to a halt making doing any other activities while it processed the mp3s impossible. On top of these, Sweep takes an huge amount of temporary disk space so I decided to try ecasound.
I looked a bit though portage and didn't see a command line audio editor. Recently though, I learned there is one: ecasound.
ecasound has few dependencies and support for most major formats. Use of ecasound with mp3 will require mpg321 or mpg123 for input and lame for output.
I mixed two audio streams both 15 minutes with Sweep and ecasound. Sweep took several hours and ecasound did it in 15 minutes. ecasound does very well with multitasking allowing me to browse the web and do several other tasks.
Mixing tracks requires a simple command line. -a defines audio track and the number. Numerous tracks are possible not just to two listed here.
ecasound -a:1 -i audio1.mp3 -a:2 -i audio2.mp3 -a:all -o audio-mix.mp3
To Mixing tracks with an offset files will need to be made. Create .ewf-files like this:
vim part2.ewf
source = vocals.wav
offset = 5.000
vim part3.wav
source = vocals.wav
offset = 10.000
Then mix them:
ecasound -a:1 -i song.wav -a:2 -i vocals.wav -a:3 -i part2.ewf -a:4 -i part3.ewf ... -a:all -o out.wav
Cut a file (-t=seconds)
ecasound -i bigfile.wav -o part1.wav -t:370.0


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Monday, October 22, 2007
The Battle of the Uncircumsized Penises
David Nalbandian is God! That's right all you naysayers! Well, my man did it. I have a few men on the tour that are my favorites, but as you all know from reading the previous post, I have a very, very specical place in my heart for David. In the quarters, he beat Rafa 6/1, 6/2. A spanking. I like Rafa. In fact, this post was going to be called, I Liked Rafael Nadal Before You Did, which is true. But even though I like Rafa and liked him before you did, I still wanted David to win because Rafa has won plenty of times, but David tends to lose more than he should.
The commentators kept saying how poorly Rafa was playing which may have been sort of true - but people! David played really, really well. Then, when David beat Djokovic in the semis, they kept saying how poorly Djokovic was playing. Then, even while beating Roger Goddamn Federer, they had to say that The R-Fed was playing poorly. I wanted to pull my hair out. In the final, to the credit of the announcers ( a tiny tiny bit of credit), they gave David a little love.
The truth is, he played brilliantly in those last three matches. He served amazingly well- at 70 percent sometimes -- and he owned Federer's second serve! Owned it! Did anyone else hear the announcers talk about how David owned Federer's second serve? No. Because they weren't paying attention. They were too busy feeling awkward-- and this goes for the Rafa match and the Djokovic match -- about how wrong they were about David. So they didn't even watch what he did so well, which were many things. Taking control of the points, keeping the ball deep, finishing up at the net whenever possible. And he did this against Rafa and Djokopvic, too. He played very, very well to win those matches.
Now, four years ago, I was in Toronto with my sons at the Canada Open. Of course, we were trawling the back courts rather than sitting in the stadium watching a match. And there on a uncrowded back court, were Nalbandian and Nadal, practicing with Uncle Tony and the then coach of David's (with whom he is no longer). And both of them had their shirts off! David had a very sexy tat on his arm. And this was around the time when Rafa turned from boy to man. He was suddenly big. The year before, he hadn't quite filled out. But the point is, they are buddies. And both such good sports. Did you see their hug after David whomped him!? I love these two. Oh, and on that practice court, when David left, everyone watching left, except for me and my sons. David at that point was the bigger star! No one knew who Rafa was, except for me. That's why I was going to title this, I Liked Rafael Nadal Before You Did. So I stayed after David left and watched Rafa hit forehand after forehand. Without his shirt on. And another thing! He had been speaking Spanish with David when they were both practicing. But after David left, he spoke Catalan with Uncle Tony! How cool is that? I feel like I know something very special about Rafa. That he is Catalan/Mallorcan. Of course, the Catalan they speak in Mallorca is different than the Catalan they speak in Barcelona, but still. I know something special about him, like if I'd seen a little birthmark or something that the rest of his fans hadn't seen.
And what about the great sportsmanship of Djokovic? Putting his arm around David to congratulate him? I just love these guys.
But back to the Rafa and David match and to the very important topic mentioned in the title of this post. (Although, Djokovic and R-Fed come into play here, too.) While I was watching Rafa anad David play and the camera was focussed on Rafa's big, sweaty forarms and heaving chest, I thought, this guy is uncircumsized. And then I realized, so is David, probably. And so is Djokovic most likley! And R-Fed! What Swiss guy gets circumsized? The Spanish don't do it, either. And then a very big, hard, long, throbbing thought struck me upside the head: what if the reason why American players are not doing so well in tennis is because they are circumsized? People say that not being circumsized makes you have a lot more feeling in your penis. Maybe, somehow, this extra feeling in the penis makes them have extra powers on the court. And so I wanted to try and make a list of all the top one hundred players who are not circumsized. I don't know if the Russian do it, but my guess is not. So Safin might go on this list. And definitely Feliciano Lopez, Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer and possibly Juan Monaco, although I'm not entirely certain about the Argentines. Perhaps the ATP or the ITF would like to do a study on this. I would be more than willing to help. I could help by, firstly, gathering information. I'm sure that the players in the locker room all have a general idea about who is circumsized and who is not. But I could do a better, more thorough investigation into this all important matter. I would look at each player's penis and, with a clipboard in hand, write down their names in one of the two categories that I would have on my clipboard. The two categories would be circumsized and uncircumsized. It would be very scientific.
So I wanted to share this revelation. Perhaps this is something we can do here in America to make better tennis players; leave our boys uncut. Just a thought. Thanks for listening. I'm going to go watch the Women's Zurich Final (I think it's Zurich, I have it taped..) which consists of Justine Henin against the pretty lady, Tatiana Golovin.
Yours Truly,
8 comments:
- paula said...
My friend Tom asked me to post this! Something is wrong with my post-comment machine.
Hmmm. Miss, Paula, your theory, if I understand you correctly is, roughly put, the greater the foreskin the greater the forehand.
I agree with you that it is a compelling and very worthy question to ask and a valuable one to have answered. I'm curious to know if you've made any further headway in your research. Also, have you considered approaching the US Olympic Committee or even the Federal Government to see if either party would be willing to fund you research? Roddick and Blake are probably both circumcised but are probably both just anomalies, or "standard deviations" in the statistical sense. If it is indeed true and there's a direct correlation I think you should submit your query to the National Obstetricians Association in Washington DC. I'm led to wonder if my overhead slam might be a little better if I had overhead skin. I'd be curious to know if there is a way to have foreskin re-applied. Sorta like a reverse Brisk. Would my USTA ranking go up from a 4.5 to a 5 or better? Wow, you've really got my head(s) swimming with thoughts. Thank you. In closing might I also provide my own theory on why it could be that an uncircumcised member might perform better as a member of the ITF than a circumcised member; uncircumcised pee-pees are really ugly and perhaps it is the case that guys unfortunate enough to have a cheese filled little anteater in their shorts instead of my glossy, clean machine are so unlucky with the ladies that instead of pounding beaver as a hobby they take up tennis and pound little yellow balls instead. Just a thought. Sincerely, Tommy "The Wall" Carver
- October 25, 2007 at 5:30 AM
- paula said...
Dear Tom,
I appreciate your intriguing musings on the connection between circumcision and professional tennis prowess. Most importantly, I want to thank you for suggesting I contact the U.S. Olympic Committee regarding my research. I'm not sure how I managed to overlook them as a possible funder for my scientific study! Because of the recent doping scandals in track and field, I cannot imagine that the U.S. Olympic Committee would NOT be interested in finding a new, easier way of making our athletes-- although, I was focussing on tennis players, but hey, I would volunteer to check out hockey players, too, for instance -- more athletic, more powerful, more likely to win by the simple non-operation on not being circumsized.
And yes, Tom, there are ways to bring back your precious foreskin. I suggest,if you are so inclined, through the magic of the internet, that you contact one of the many groups that support this action. Unfortunately, it involves putting heavy weights on your member until the skin starts to stretch. But I think it's worth it! Just imagine how much your forehand will improve!!!
- October 25, 2007 at 6:35 AM
- Jon said...
Something about your uncircumcised penis theory really stinks. More acute penile sensitivity pays a handsome dividend on the streets of Bangkok, but not on Center Court in Queens. When I'm playing tennis, all I want to be focusing on is using my racquet to stroke fuzzy balls. Any distraction down there would certainly interfere with making the cut and therefore translate into increased hardness.
- November 5, 2007 at 12:15 PM
- Savannah said...
This made me a fan! Thanks Paula.
I am a stone Rafatard and this never crossed my mind.
- December 18, 2007 at 6:20 PM
- paula said...
Thanks Savannah! I've enjoyed your blog so much as well as your comments on Craig's blog. I know our boys deserve a longer off-season but I feel lost without them. I can't wait for Hopman Cup and the whole pre-Australia season to start! It's really not so long from now!
- December 19, 2007 at 6:14 AM
I'm uncut, and totally sceptical of your theory.
The USA's rise to dominance over the course of the last century while the proportion of its adult men who were circumcised grew, is a coincidence. The USA will lose a lot of its dominance over the course of this century, and the proportion of its adult men who are left intact will rise. (More and more young women - the mothers of tomorrow - find circ uncool.) This too will be a coincidence.
America became powerful at a time when porn was furtive and timid. America began to decline as the digicam and web made it possible for all American women to show their pussies to anyone with a broadband connection. These too are coincidences.
The only real advantage the USA has on the tennis court is a large population. And the way more and more mothers pamper their children makes it less and less likely than an American will grow up to be a star outside of football and basketball.
Mrs Paula, try not to take too much offense at my blunt views. I rather like your legs.
- February 19, 2009 at 5:19 PM
- paula said...
Here are a few thought Mr anon-
Sampras? Greek descent. The Greeks don't cut. Agassi-Armenian. They don't cut. Mac? cut. Borg- not cut(yeah, he's not American and neither was Nastasi). Chang? Asians in Asia don't cut, right? Courier-like Mac. But things to think about.
American children are spoiled. But they also are not living in Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe is not the land of unspoiled children (especially the boys) but it is the land of fewer opportunties.
Also, what about me, with a clipboard? I just want in the locker room! I actually don't beleive this theory. Don't tell.
- February 20, 2009 at 6:03 PM
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- June 5, 2009 at 11:58 AM


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Pre-Season Power Rankings: Part 1
With the first week of pre-season in the books, it's time for the first Power Rankings of the year. Here's the bottom half of the league as I see it currently, though these rankings are sure to change as August rolls into September. At this point of the league year it's tough to find much separation between the 20-25 middle-road teams. Other than the truly elite and truly awful teams, pre-season rankings really amount to how much the author likes each team's young players, coach and QB. With that said, here is the bottom half of the league from my point of view:
17. Kansas City Chiefs – Put a top QB on the Chiefs and they are arguably an elite team. Their defense was fairly stout down the stretch last season and responded well to new coach Romeo Crennel. There is a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, assuming Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry can return to form after missing last year with injuries. Unlike AFC West rivals Oakland and San Diego, Kansas City seems more likely to exceed expectations than to disappoint. If Brian Daboll can get a good season from Cassel (questionable given the track records of both Daboll and Cassel), the Chiefs could see double-digit wins and a division championship. Even if Cassel struggles, they might be able to squeak out 9 or 10 wins if their running game can perform to 2010 levels.
18. Tennessee Titans – The Titans, like the Bills, Chiefs and a few other teams, have a lot of nice pieces but it's hard to project them to have a ton of success – though history tells us that one or more of the middle tier teams will put it all together and make a good run. Like those other teams, I can't put them any higher than the middle of the pack due to their QB situation. Jake Locker is the future and probably a better bet than Matt Hasselbeck to lead the team to postseason glory but can he perform at the NFL level? The talent surrounding him is intriguing though it's easy to be down on both Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt. Their defense has a good amount of talent despite not having many household names and the Titans could be well-balanced enough to make a run at their division if Locker can step up.
19. Buffalo Bills – Their front 7 is certainly talented, despite the horrendous contract given to Mark Anderson. The rest of the team is still lacking high-end talent and they are still led by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chan Gailey. I don't think 2012 will be the breakout year that Bills fans are hoping for, though 2nd place in the AFC East and an outside shot at the playoffs could be a possibility.
20. San Diego Chargers – With just about any other coach, the Chargers would have been higher up in my rankings. I just cannot take a Norv Turner coached team seriously. Especially a Norv Turner coached team with its worst talent level in a number of years. The Chargers are razor thin at a number of positions on both sides of the ball and are relying heavily on Ryan Mathews and Antonio Gates to stay healthy. The defense will need the plethora of recent high draft picks (Melvin Ingram, Kendall Reyes, Corey Luiget, Marcus Gilchrist et al) to step up for the Chargers to make a strong playoff run.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs should be better in 2012 if only because their coaching situation looks to be more stable (if not dramatically improved). It's no secret that Raheem Morris was in over his head last year and that contributed to the team's under-performance. They have a ton of young talent – on paper – and signing Vincent Jackson will help their offense quite a bit. Certainly, their skill positions look promising and the OL is solid enough to win. The real questions in Tampa Bay are: can Josh Freeman ever take the next step in his development and can Greg Schiano get his young talent to fulfill their promise?
22. Carolina Panthers – The Panthers offense again be a strong unit, though it's likely the league will be better prepared for Cam Newton and the Carolina rushing attack. The OL has some question marks and the depth at WR can't sustain a loss of Steve Smith (nor a decline in his production). That said, they should score a lot of points and be near the top of the league in yards. However, the defense – bad last year – hasn't been improved enough to make the Panthers legitimate contenders. Adding Luke Kuechly is a nice start to rebuilding the team's front 7 but there are still too many holes on D. The interior DL and CB spots are thin at best and the team will have to win a lot of shootouts to avoid a losing record.
23. Oakland Raiders – Carson Palmer is the epitome of a league-average QB. The Raiders are the epitome of a league average team talent-wise. Why are they so low in my power rankings? Simply put, I don't see a lot of places for the Raiders to get unexpected production and chances are good that either Palmer implodes or Darren McFadden gets derailed by his seemingly yearly injury. They're an 8-8 team (maybe 9-7 given their division) if everything goes right, but the guys they are relying upon have such troubling track records that it's more likely than not that they underachieve relative to their talent level.
24. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts could be downright awful in 2012. However, their first pre-season game showed enough to think that there is also a chance that Indianapolis could be respectable this year. Forget the Andrew Luck hype and the over-the-top gushing over his first preseason game against an inept St. Louis team. What piqued my interest was the way Chuck Pagano had his defense playing. While the Rams' OL is putrid, the key players on the Colts' D look to have adapted to the new 3-4 look and even Jerry Hughes showed some potential as a pure rush linebacker. The young talent on offense is there and a good QB – which Luck seems poised to be right from the start – can make up for a lot of shortcomings. Luck's biggest challenge will be surviving with a very questionable OL in front of him.
25. Arizona Cardinals – The NFL is a passing league and it's tough to think of a team with a worse QB situation. Neither John Skelton nor Kevin Kolb seem like good enough passers to keep the Cardinals offense moving and the team's running game simply isn't able to compensate for their lack of a quality signal caller. Their defense, both young and promising, should help them stay in games and could keep them from a truly terrible season. Outside of a soft 4 game stretch from weeks 4-7, the Cardinals have a tough schedule. It would be surprising if they won more than 7 games and they have the potential to end up drafting top 5 in 2013.
26. New York Jets – The Jets seem like a team destined for collapse. Their defense has little depth outside of their DE spot and the offense is a mess. They fancy themselves a "ground and pound" offense but Shonn Greene is both mediocre and too soft for the style of offense Rex Ryan likes to employ. The QB situation has been much discussed, but neither Mark Sanchez nor Tim Tebow are good enough to win in the NFL without the defense carrying the team. If the Jets D stays healthy and Stephen Hill can hit the ground running, the Jets can probably hover around .500. But they are one or two injuries away from a 4-12 type of season.
27. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill looked good in his first pre-season action, but it's hard to find a team with less talent on offense than Miami. Their WR's, TE's and RB's are all in the bottom third of the league and probably in the bottom 5 at each position. Conversely, their defense is pretty solid and their schedule is somewhat favorable. 8-8 is probably their absolute upside if their defense can steal some games for them.
28. Cleveland Browns – I'm a bit more bullish on Brandon Weeden than many (though his first pre-season game didn't really do much to inspire) but I'm not at all sold on the rest of the Browns talent on offense. Trent Richardson should help but the rest of the talent on offense is below average. Greg Little was a drop machine last year and supplemental draft pick Josh Gordon is unlikely to make a big impact early on. The defense has lost Chris Gocong from an already-thin LB grouping and Joe Haden is facing a 4 game suspension. It looks like another tough year in Cleveland.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blaine Gabbert has a lot to prove this year after a horrific 2011 season. He has some decent pieces to work with on offense but a shaky OL which wasn't improved enough in the offseason. The Jaguars D put up decent numbers last year but it is tough to see them repeating a top 10 year on that side of the ball given their tougher schedule and lack of top-end talent. 38th overall pick Andre Branch looks promising and the Jaguars have enough pieces to surprise some people if Gabbert can find his footing as a starting QB in the NFL. Mike Mularkey was a questionable choice as a coach and might not get too many years to turn around the franchise.
30. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III will give the Redskins something to watch every week, but the rest of the team needs more talent before the Redskins are ready to compete in the NFC East. They have enough decent players on both sides of the ball to think that they could exceed expectations with some luck. However, a rookie QB with a limited supporting cast can only do so much – especially against one of the league's toughest schedules. The Redskins probably won't play as poorly as their final record might suggest.
31. Minnesota Vikings – Barring a phenomenal year from Christian Ponder, it is hard to see how the Vikings can win more than 6 games. While Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson are amongst the game's best players, the supporting cast is decidedly sub-par. They are riddled with holes on both sides of the ball and unlike many other bad teams from 2011, Minnesota didn't do much to improve their roster. Matt Kalil should help solidify their line but it's unlikely that the rest of their draft picks will be enough to get Minnesota out of the division's cellar.
32. St. Louis Rams – Jeff Fisher will get his guys to play hard and compete, but there is still a significant lack of talent on the roster. The OLB and S spots are in bad shape and the team's OL is amongst the worst in the league. There are a number of promising young players, but the Rams will lose a lot of games in 2012. They look like a team which will start to build some momentum late in the year as young players start to develop and find their footing in Fisher's scheme.


text:
In a saner world, or let me rephrase that even before I begin…
In the real world, such behavior is easily considered to be mentally unstable. A serious problem. Yes, even in Pakistan.
On an evidently non-violent trigger, anger fits so severe that you end up possibly and at times actually killing a human being. Even doing the same to a non-human animal would warrant serious investigation but of course what really matters is how good you feel at the end of the deed. Nobody wants to burn in the agony of repressed anger about God knows what.
Let the rage out. It's good to let the poison out. But also focus on the positive things in life. You know, surround yourself with positive people. But still does that make this problem go away?
And what is the solution to this sort of behavior? What would you suggest for an individual displaying such dangerous, out-of-control behavior? Or even worse, a large group of individuals displaying shockingly identical symptoms. Now it is easy to condemn and dismiss a large group of people just like that, but what about offering a real solution.
The latest episode of rage is an undeniable symptom and evidence of such a condition among our nation.
I don't know about you but when I experienced not-so-similar and far less dangerous anxiety and compulsive symptoms, I went to a psychiatrist. I was prescribed some medicine and now I feel much better, or I am trying at least. Now I know while there is no way you can make the problem disappear completely, you can at least manage it and become socially acceptable.
There really is no taboo in mental illness, especially when you acknowledge that you are going to act to treat it. Of course, no one chooses their mental disease but they can sometimes choose to keep people around them from suffering the consequences.
It is more difficult to diagnose and treat mass hysteria though. Especially when it is mixed with a strange mix of illusions, delusions, and paranoia of an extreme nature. They have an altered version of reality.
However, it is just a thought that we may go on with this sort of inappropriate behavior or start facing the reality of our condition and to start treating it. While I know that it is hard for an entire nation to see a therapist or be prescribed an SNRI or an antipsychotic for curbing the violence in our heavily indoctrinated nerves, we could start doing so in an individual capacity.
Doing so might limit incidents such as the lynching and public humiliation of Mardan journalism student Mashaal Khan at the hands of his fellow campus mates in Abdul Wali Khan University for committing a blasphemy, allegedly or not.
This is not normal if you think it is. It is just a socially acceptable mental disease. And estimating very carefully, we badly need some help. Which means seeing a well reputed, qualified psychiatrist who can prescribe antidepressants and anti-psychotics, whatever is needed in each deteriorated case.
However, you could choose to make matters worse if you think that the local cleric in your mosque is a good substitute to a psychiatrist. Or especially if you think he is more qualified. That is why we have this role in our society and economy.
But of course, all the rational prescriptions to this condition would sound not only ridiculous but outrageous and offensive when religion comes into the picture.
In that case, even the most savage behavior somehow becomes the most enviable sign of high piety.
In that case, diagnosing, prescribing and helping become acts of blasphemy.
The post was originally published in The Nation blogs.
Filed under: Commentary, Videos | Tagged: anger, anti-psychotics, antidepressants, behavior, blasphemy, cleric, death, free speech, freedom of expression, life, Mardan, Mashaal Khan, mental disease, offensive, Pakistan, psychiatrist, public lynching, rage, religion, socially acceptable mental disease, students, theocracy, therapy, video, violence | Leave a comment »