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Discussion in 'BOARDANIA' started by ArthurDent, Sep 11, 2005.
Well, that would certainly be interesting.
I watched Dogma last night and now I think Alan Rickman would be wonderful as Sam Vimes.
i reckon rowan atkinson for vetinari and james nesbitt for vimes
You can't be serious. not that I have anything against Rowan Atkinson -- he is funny as Mr. Bean -- but he certainly doesn't fit my mental picture for Lord Vetinari.
I can actually see James Nesbitt as Vimes though.
You've obviously not seen Blackadder then.
Hmm, doesn't really work for me. I picture Vimes more as a tough Clint Eastwood type face than the white-fro Cold Feet face of Nesbitt.
Meh. I know Clint Eastwood is an obvious inspiration for Vimes, but his face is just too thin. He has a weird nose. Vimes should look much more English, to me.
I love Blackadder, and Rowan Atkinson in everything except Mr Bean, and he really doesn't fit my mental image of Vetinari... I mean Blackadder is funny, Mister Bean is ridiculous, Vetinari is... Cool, calm, sly in an uber-intelligent kind of way, he's in control of things, RA is notorious for playing characters that balls things up all the time... Nope, doesn't click for me... Now, maybe he could do Rincewind, or could have done when a little younger, but not Vetinari...
I agree with the proposed Hugh Laurie as Vimes, I must say (see various other casting threads) since I saw House, he just can do it...
I think Hugh Laurie could indeed make a good Vimes, but he's a bit tall.
I like Alan Rickman for Vetinari.
Hugh Laurie for Vimes!!!!! He'll make whoever plays Nobbie look shorter
I like Alan Rickman for Vetinary, but he still got that touch of ludicrousness... Jason Isaacs?
How about Charles Dancer?
(Charles Dance (I))
He's not quite as popular, but good at giving icy looks.
And who was voting for Steve Buscemi as Nobby again?
I don't remember, but obviously the owner of this home page I found does:
Steve Buscemi is a ringer... although not very flattering.
I'm going to come out of left field and say Hugo Weaving for Vetinari...
We've. Been. Watching. You. For. Quite. Some. Time. Now. Mr. Vimes.
Oh yay !! That is a good idea spiky... although I will now have to erase the idea of Vetinarette the drag queen singing opera on the roof of a pink bus in the middle of australia from my mind...
"It's not pink, it's lavender !!!"
But then hey, one of the other dragqueens from Priscilla was also General Zod from superman, and the other one played in Neighbours, so whatever... :roll:
piffle... If you can forgive Hugh Laurie for Blackadder to let him play Vimes you can forgive Hugo Weaving a little drag queening...
Huge Weaving was in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?! Right, now I have to watch that film! He'd need to work on the accent for Vetinari though, but he does have the look.
Dont see how Hugh Laurie needs forgiving for Blackadder though, he was great in that From Ludwig the Indestructable to Lieutenant George, ace all round.
On the subject of former cast of blackadder, is there anywhere we could sneak Tim McInnery(sp?) in? Haven't seen him in recent years, but he's so versatile Im sure there must be somewhere for him.
I quite agree, there is no need to forgive either Hugh or Hugo for past roles, I thouroughly enjoyed all of those I have seen either of them in... However, forgive is not forget, and sometimes, when trying to imagine them in something that hasn't yet been made, actors' past roles do swell up and burst like bubbles all over the place... I just couldn't help wondering what Vetinari would look like in drag this has nothing whatsoever to do with Hugo being any less good for the part, it's just my silly brain on overtime
No, I havn't. The only roles I have seen Rowan Atkinson is are Mr. Bean and Johnny English.
See if you can get hold of either Blackadder series 2 or 4 then. Mr Bean is good, but Blackadder is what you should judge him by for the role of Vetinari.
Blackadder rocks harcore.
But he's not vetineri. nope.
I'm inclined to agree. He's too weasely for Vetinari, I think.
Yes. thats what I was thinking.
Ah, Quoth, that's probably why you perceive Atkinson as a bit of a wimp. Blackadder was probably his best character. Especially 2 and 4.
In "2" he ups the sarcasm in that he is so far ahead of the people around him that they are of little or no importance (unless he really needs them).
For example.
Percy "I'd like to be the spaniard who could get past me"
Blackadder "Well, go to Spain there are millions of them."
I'm not saying he would make an ideal Vetinari but he could be. I'd still prefer Alan Rickman though, but what I'd really like to see is Stephen Briggs given the role.
I always saw Fern Brittan (as long as she can act, although she would only play herself really!) as Sybil. Just posh and cuddly enough with a bit of school marm about her. I also always pictured Dawn French as Nanny Ogg but I do think Dame Maggie Smith as Granny weatherwax is genius! Also I picture someone like Stephen fry as Ridcully and Hugh Laurie as the Bursar because he is silly enough.
I think Steve Buscemi would be a good Bursar, with his buggy eyes. Yeah. Hehe.
Loll, totally! I love Steve Buscemi, he's just got one of those faces. You can say "him with the FACE" and people know who you mean.
Did you see "The Big Lebowski"?
No, but doors bought it the other day. I remember him from Con Air, a crappy 90s film about some convicts on a plane. No snakes though.
He played a mental guy who once wore a girls head as a hat.
Steve Buscemi and Gary Oldman are my two favourite actors.
I love Buscemi in Fargo, if you haven't seen it, you should.
Yah sure.
My kids and I have often debated who we would cast in a Night Watch film. Jonathon Pryce would be good as Vetinari but I cant think of anyone who would be a good Sam Vimes and I have pondered this for years now. I guess Hugh Laurie is OK - Vimes is a mixture of world weariness and a determination to get to the bottom of the crime and Hugh Laurie is versatile.
Macenzie Crook is too young and too tall for Nobby IMHO.
I think Mackenzie Crook would make a passable Reg Shoe.
Hmmmmm. Possibly.
How about Christian Bale for Carrott? He is easily able to do charming and heavy and he is a great actor!
I've been watching the re-runs of an American/Canadian (?) TV series called 'Wishbone' (1990-5). The star is a cute little Jack Russell terrier who would make an ideal Gaspode
I don't normally have views on this sort of thing as i am often dissapointed in the choices actually made, i have however thought about the Sam Vimes theory above and thought Ray Winstone could make a very good Vimes. Determined, thoughtful, caring, sarcastic etc.
Perhaps with Kathy Burke as Cheery Littlebottom?
My City Watch
I'm bored so I'll show you who I had in mind for the City Watch...
Sam Vimes- Hugh Laurie
Carrot- Charlie Hunnam
Angua- Sarah Alexander
Detritus- Vinnie Jones
Fred Colon- Ian McNeice
Nobby Nobbs- Mackenzie Crook
Cherry Littlebottom- Catherine Tate
Sam Vimes
I still say that it should be Marton Csokas to play Sam Vimes. He has the appropriately craggy features (he played Celeborn in LOTR). Look on IMDB for better pics. But I reckon he would be perfect
Mackenzie Crook looks way too good for playing Nobby, at least in that picture...
And wasn't Celeborn an elf!? Someone help my memory...
Celeborn is one of the elves, but this picture in particular just makes Marton Csokas look perfect for Sam Vimes:
Marton Csokas
He was also in Aeon Flux (as Trevor Goodchild) and Kingdom of Heaven (as Guy de Lusignan) so he is very varied actor and can do worldworn, cynical and nasty just as Sam Vimes does in Discworld. I reckon his fairly fanciable as well!
Too fanciable! He looks like a possible, more aged Carrot on most of these pictures!
Agreed, far too hunky... hmmm.
John Malkovich for Vetinari. Though I also think Alan Rickman would get the menace in the voice.
For Granny/Lillith Weatherwax maybe Angelica Houston, with Miriam Margoyles as Nanny Ogg. For Mrs Palm, Joan Collins.:lol:
The Fantasy Casting Couch
I've noticed the other boards have several threads with suggestions for actors and actresses to play various Discworld characters. Very often, new characters are introduced to these threads and the discussion loses steam.
What if we could choose from our favourites from the past 50 years or so and produce the 'Ultimate Cast' of characters. Who would you choose?
Here are my choices...
Vetinari - Jeremy Brett whose best role was Sherlock Holmes.
Ridcully - Brian Blessed who is a large and loud actor.
Vimes - David Jason from his 'Only Fools and Horses' days. Small and wiry.
Nobby - Tony Robinson based on his Baldric character (Blackadder II)
Carrot - James Gower a young, redheaded, Welsh opera singer (surprised?)
Colon - Arthur Lowe from 'Dad's Army' a classic sergeant!
Rincewind - Nigel Planer the 'student' in 'The Young Ones'
Angua - Felicity Kendal from 'The Good Life' (Barbara Good)
Granny Weatherwax - Joan Hickson who played Miss Marple.
Magrat - Jane Horrocks from Absolutely Fabulous as Bubble
Nanny Ogg - Patsy Byrne who played Nursie in Blackadder II
CMOT Dibbler - James Beck from 'Dad's Army' as Pte Walker (a spiv)
The Librarian - Clyde the orang utan from 'Every Which Way but Loose'.
Detritus - Giant Haystacks the very large wrestler plus a little bit of make-up.
Lady Sybil - the late, great Hattie Jacques from the famous 'Carry On' films.
Cohen the Barbarian - Wilfrid Brambell the father in 'Steptoe and Son'
Twoflower - Jackie Chan once you leave the martial arts alone, a good comedy actor.surprisingly
Gaspode - It would have to be Nipper the HMV dog from their famous label.
Death - Christopher Lee HAS THE HEIGHT AND VOICE!
I know some of these actors are no longer alive, unfortunately; but having been educated to their performances over the past 50 years (I AM that old!), I can't help wondering if Pterry, who is about the same age, might have had similar memories when originally creating his characters.
Found it. The thread for this exists here.
See we're not that different to other boards too...
Should we merge them, or is there a difference?
Maybe if Joculator could repost in that thread? Or move the individual post if that is possible.
Sorry for the inconvenience of splitting threads so to speak. Thanks to Spiky for the link to the original post. I see it was posted a few months before I joined UMB and even though I probably spent a few weeks going back through the archived stuff, it was three years ago.
It any of the Sweepers would care to send it through L-space to the correct location it would spare me any more embarrassment. :redface:
Here you go, cleanly starting at page 8. :smile:
I dont think I could watch a film with Angelica houston as a main character like Granny I dont think she could give Granny the right depth and also she does creepy amazingly well but I dont think she can do cynical wisdom, constant underlying anger, bitterness and general bitchiness that Granny possesses all the time.
I reckon Maggie Smith would do a good esme/lily weatherwax
Miriam Margoyles as Nanny Ogg
Also although unrelated Helen Bonham Carter as Adorabelle dearheart from going postal.
Separate names with a comma.


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When I was in high school, I fell in love with anime. I would watch Dragonball Z every day. I would spend my hard earned dollars on expensive dvds (at that time anime was hard to come by and expensive). Later, when I had high speed internet and learned of torrents, I downloaded hours upon hours of anime. I LOVED anime. In fact, half the reason why I first went to Japan was because of my love of anime. I wanted to see the packed trains, school girls, maids and crowds first hand. All of my knowledge of Japan came from anime. This is how most people in America who love Japanese culture, get their information about Japan
Yes, even when I first moved to Japan I viewed it as a perfect paradise for me. I saw no flaws in it and everything that Japan had to offer to me was a wonder. I used to just walk the streets and marvel at little customs here and there that I took in and coveted. However, as stayed in Japan longer, the honeymoon ended. The alter that I built to Japan slowly started to crumble. I slowly came to realize that Japan was not a perfect place but in fact, flawed as much as any other country. This may have come to no surprise to some, but for me this was maddening and disappointing. It is kind of like when you are growing up and how your view of your parents change. As a kid, you think they are perfect beings. Almost inhuman. As you grow up though, you can see their flaws and their perfection is tarnished. You still love them and care about them, but you see them as they are. Sometimes this can be traumatic. This is how I felt about Japan. I still loved Japan but I could see it for what it was.
I recommend these two movies to all of you who love anime and think that it rightly portrays Japan. Perhaps you see Japan as an eden as I did. I feel that these two movies, although old, give an accurate representation of the two problems that greatly plague Japan.
The Bad Sleep Well 悪い奴ほどよく眠る
The Bad Sleep Well is a classic, but relatively unknown (by Americans), movie by the great Akira Kurosawa. This is in fact my favorite Kurosawa movie.
Before I give a quick overview, allow me to explain a little background about Japan. Japan's government has been given the nickname, "The Iron Triangle". This is because of the strong unity between Japan's corporations, beaurocracy and actual government. Japan is strife with corruption. Every country you might say, has corruption. Why does this make Japan any different. Well that's a post for another time but take my word for it, it is bad and in your face, totally unhidden from public view.
So to the movie. The story is one of revenge. The main protaganist is played by the one and only, Toshiro Mifune. Toshiro Mifune is probably Japan's best actor ever. He was in so many movies and that when you see him you will instantly recognize him. Especially if you like Kurosawa flicks. Mifune plays the role of Koichi Nishi. The story follows Koichi as he struggles for revenge for something that you don't find out till half of the movie is through. What is great about this story is just how elaborate his plan for revenge is. The story can easily be compared to The Count of Monte Cristo. It is a delight to watch as Koichi's plan unfolds as the story goes on. I couldn't believe how engaged I was in the story even though it was so old and seemingly slow. Like most of Kurosawa's films, he ends the movie with a point that is easy to see and incredibly rewarding. You are left totally drained at the hands of this masterpiece.
I do not want to really give you a plot summary because it will ruin the movie and you can just read it somewhere else. Just watch this movie already!
To Live 生きる
Ikiru is another great, yet slightly unknown movie by Akira Kurosawa, and it tells a story that accurately describes an issue that everyone must go through if they want to live in Japan. Red tape and Beaurocracy. Japan's government could not be any slower and more inefficient. It plagues many aspects of life in Japan. This stiff way of thinking does not just affect government but every day interactions you have with people. Really what the problem is, is that Japanese people (and I know this is a generalization) have incredible problems with critical thinking. What I mean is, they can not adapt to things because it is as if rules and regulations are hard wired into their brains. A perfect example of this. While I was working at an English teaching school, we had a daycare for toddlers in the morning. One of these toddlers started to make a mad dash out the door and into the street in front of our school. The kids concerned mother called after the kid and ran over towards him, only to stop at the door because she did not have her shoes and and it would be unthinkable to run out in the street with bare feet. The road was not a busy one but still, can you imagine seeing that? Anyways I have gotten away from the point
To Live tells the story of a man named Kenji Watanabe (played by the also great Takashi Shimura). Kenji has worked as a public official his whole life. As a public official, he has spent more time doing meaningless paperwork than actually helping people. He finds out that he has terminal stomach cancer and realizes how he hasn't done anything with his life. Confronted by his own mortality, he decides that he should at least get one thing accomplished before he dies. He decides to make a park. Half the story is told while its happening, the other half is told from his coworkers point of view at his funeral. This makes the story easy to digest as the characters are figuring things out as you are. And in Kurosawa fashion, the movie wouldn't be complete without a knockout ending.
These two films do not have the all the flash and speed of modern day anime. They don't have pocket monsters fighting or socially inept dipshits making fools of themselves while a harem of girls pine over him. What they do have though is realism and depth that is rarely seen in Japanese cinema today. Although they may focus on bad aspects of Japan, a true lover of Japan must consume the bad with the good. Anime gives only the frosting of the cake that is Japan. Perhaps you think that the frosting is the best part. Did I happen to mention that this cake is in fact a double layered chocolate cake with a moist center? YOU ARE MISSING OUT!

subset: commoncrawl


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5 out of 10
30 minutes
At the school
Open file
"I see you took the MCAT twice (which I did not). How did you study differently to do so much better?" Report Response
"You come upon an accident where you see three victims: one lying face down in a ditch face in the water, one with bilateral compound femoral fractures, and the third I can't remember. In what order to you treat them and why. " Report Response
"On a dark road one night you see a young man in what appears to be a disabled car. His hood is raised and his blinkers are on. He asks you for a ride. What do you do?" Report Response
"Why have you not written more letters to the editor?" Report Response
"How can you possibly sit there and tell me you want to be a pediatrician?" Report Response
"The views of the mountains" Report Response
"Almost everything else. Utah certainly thinks it has a great program, and they seem to have convinced their studentbody of it. I don't gather that it's national reputations agrees, however." Report Response
"The lack of diversity in the studentbody" Report Response
"One interview was nice, the second was non stop harrassment. The third was arranged as a tie-breaker, but by then I had arranged better options." Report Response
Browse all Questions & Responses


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A Neteller Casino is a thing of beauty and luckily it is not rare sight at all. Neteller is an instant payment option for depositing at online casinos and has been around since the late 90's. It is a very popular payment method and while the majority of online casinos accept Neteller, the 5 best casinos accepting Neteller are listed below.


text:
Two new Jordan cleats to kick off the baseball season
Just in time for Spring Training.
Pitchers and catchers are about to report, so you know baseball season is right around the corner. And Jordan Brand are wasting no time to expand their on-field lineup for the 2018 season.
The Air Jordan 11 cleat returns this spring in two very familiar Low colorways. The "Cherry" and "Columbia" colorways are honored with their very own cleat. Staying true to the sneaker variety on the upper, they arrive with their signature midsoles replaced with Lunarlon cushioning along with added plastic spikes.
We're still waiting on an official release date, but you can expect to find these hit Nike.com very soon. Stay tuned for more info.
For more Jordan news, click here.


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Would you be my awning?
Protect me from the rain.
Shelter me from the storm.
Swallow me in your shade.
Would you be my dawning?
Protect me from myself.
Shelter me from the darkness.
Take me down from this high shelf.
I don't want to jump.
But I want someone to care.
If I take this lovely leap?
Be my awning hanging there.
Don't see awnings any more.
They're disappearing into air.
You're a delightful oddity,
So special and very rare.
I'll jump.
You'll stretch.
I'll bounce.
You'll catch.
Well-worn. Rain-stained.
Tough enough to hold.
Let the rain roll off your back
Because underneath you're gold.
You're my luxurious safety net that never lets me down.


text:
Seeking a Windows Server System Administrator in the Fort Meade area.
Job Duties:
- Assist with designing and fielding special purpose systems for critical missions, utilizing the latest virtualization products and recommending hardware procurement.
- Design and support a virtualized windows server environment utilizing VMware & vCenter Server to manage windows virtualization on R&D and live windows server environments.
- Provide day-to-day Information Systems (IS) engineering services to support the operation of the Command's AIS classified and internal special access networks.
- Provide day-to-day infrastructure maintenance for Command AIS systems.
- Provide system-engineering services to troubleshoot/correct network, system and software failures as reported by network users of the Command network.
- Provide training and support for AIS personnel on network configuration, troubleshooting, operational procedures and use of software packages on the numerous Command networks.
- Draft and maintain up-to-date system drawings to accurately reflect the configuration of the Command's classified computer networks.
- Provide communications network support to on-going Program Management Office (PMO) sponsored research and development programs involving information systems mission requirements as tasked by management.
- Provide general system engineering support to the Command as required and tasked by NCWDG N6 department management.
- Understand user needs and expectations for AIS functions.
- Understanding of Linux environments from the end user point of view.
- Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
- Create an IS disaster recovery plan.
- Provide software and hardware architectural analysis.
- Provide testing & evaluation support for network systems.
- Manage software and software license
Typical education and experience: Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years related experience, PHD or JD and four (4) years related experience. 15 years work experience in lieu of a Bachelor degree
Required education and experience
- active ts/sci clearance with ability to get ts/sci with ci poly
- bachelors and five (5 ) years or more experience or 8 years of related experience.
- security + ce certification (or any iat level 2 certification)
- 4 years of windows and/or network experience.
- windows server 2008/2012 r2 experience
- vmware expertise. Using esxi and vsphere version 5.1 and up.
- vcenter server expertise managing a mid- level enterprise.
- active directory, dns and group policy expertise.
- linux experience: ubuntu, red hat, and general linux experience.
- basic network switch and routing experience.
- ability to work independently
- ability to rack and stack servers. Lift 50lbs or more
- ability to lead entry level system administrators
- security monitoring & auditing (sccm) acas & solar winds tools experience desired.
- ability to inventory equipment/software and provide list of what's needed
- ability to evaluate technologies for factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, usability for implementation, etc.
- ability to attend building architecture meetings an provide valid input on equipment requirements/needs


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"If your heart's not in it, don't do it"
Action shot 3At Transition Sports we handpick coaches who are passionate about the game and eager to pass on their skills and knowledge to a new generation of basket ballers. Our coaches are 100% committed to developing and supporting our kids on and off the court. We understand that there are times when people take on coaching roles for the wrong reasons (ego, status, because no-one else has put their hand up), which is why we ask all our coaches the tough questions:
- Why are you coaching?
- What are you hoping to achieve by being a coach?
- Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses?
- Are you open to adapting and learning?
"If you need me I'll be there for you"
People often comment on the bond between Transition Sports coaches and players, and the level of support we provide. Our coaches understand that they are a big part of a player's life, a thus their role may extend beyond that of a coach to include being a mentor, family friend, on-court councillor, or whatever a kid needs. This may involve receiving basketball-related calls or texts outside 'working hours', but that's the level of commitment we expect from our Transition Sports family.
"Practice what you preach"
We demand excellence in effort and technique from our players, and likewise from our coaches. Just as we ask players to be honest with themselves and work on their weaknesses, we expect our coaches to continue to develop themselves and their coaching methods for the benefits of our kids.
"If I was to go to a personal trainer who was overweight or unfit, it would not motivate me to train. If they can't do it, what the hell are they yelling at me for? Similarly, if I cant dribble a ball how can I push my player to?"
Our Selection Process
- Observe how a coach interacts/communicates with their existing players and teams
- Discuss core values with coach, both sporting and personal
- Invited to run sessions with Transition Sports students
- Coach accepted based on positive player/parent feedback


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Dermot O'Leary danced on the X Factor alert
It. Has. Happened. Dermot O'Leary has finally danced on this year's X Factor
Oh that's it, this series of the X Factor has been made as host Dermot O'Leary has danced.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but I've been waiting, waiting for this. Only this week it came out that Simon Cowell had apparently banned Dermot from doing the Dermot Dance because it was too much of a distraction from the acts.
But it looks like all of the messages of support for the Dermot Dance (including many, many messages from yours truly) has made it through the red tape and Dermot has danced.
It's rather fitting for a night that will see the acts take on Queen and Michael Jackson songs.
The host busted moves with some gorgeous dancers before telling them "be gone temptresses". Just make sure you come back for more next week eh girls?
Bravo Derms, take a bow.
Oh, and yes, he later dedicated it to myself and RadioTimes.com…
That ones for you @RadioTimes @emmadaly6 ?
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) November 8, 2014


text: I am still decompressing from the Third National Encaustic Conference. After the conference I took a workshop with Miles Conrad. It was titled encaustic in 3D. Sculpture has never been my thing, but this class was amazing. Too bad I didn't have an extra piece of luggage to bring all my mini-sculpture pieces home (and the airlines would not allow me to carry them on) so I had to leave my little creations behind. So all have have are my photo's to show what I did. Miles set up the workshop so that everyone had all the materials for each project in small bags and each numbered so that we all started with the same "stuff" but each piece was unique to each artist. I will incorporate many of the sculpture techniques that he showed us. Her are a few photos of my wax sculptures


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I've been exploring Sarajevo on my own, but decided to join a guided walking tour today. We walked several hours mostly covering territory in Old Town. Meet Bosnia Travel Several Bosnians started the tour group – Meet Bosnia – a few years ago, and they're clearly passionate about their city. The tour was rich with…Read More
Sarajevo Walking Tour
By: suemtravels
Bosnia and Herzegovina, European CitiesAli Pasha's Mosque Old Town, Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Aškenazi Synagogue, Baklava Dućan, Balkan Jewish Traditions and Customs, Baščaršija Square, Bezistan Shopping Center, Blagaj, Bosnia Sandzak, Bosnian Coffee, Bosnians in the Habsburg Monarchy, Cathedral of Sacred Jesus' Heart, Catholic Cathedral, Eternal Fire Sarajevo, Franz-Ferdinand˙s Assassination Site, Gazi Husrev-Begova Street, Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque, Goldsmith's Street, Habsburg Monarchy, Herzegovina, Hotel Europe, Isa Beg Ishakovich, Isa Begov Hamam, Jajce, Kazandžiluk Oldest Street in Sarajevo, Konjic, Kurshumli Madresa (Museum Gazi Husrev Bey), Latin Bridge, Lunar Time, Meet Bosnia, Mostar, Mula Mustafa Baseskija Street, Old Jewish Temple, Old Orthodox Church, Ottoman Rule, Pocitelj, Sarajevo, Sarajevo City Hall, Sarajevo Clock Tower, Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures Ferhadija Street, Sarajevo National and University Library, Sarajevo Old Town, Sarajevo Roses, Sarajevo Sebilj, Sebilj Fountain, Siege of Sarajevo, Statue of Pope John Paul II, Tašlihan Caravan Saray, The Cathedral of Jesus' Sacred Heart, Travnik, Vijećnica, White Fortress, Zlatarska Street, Šeher-Ćehaja Bridge3 Comments on Sarajevo Walking Tour


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A Vermont bulletin on nexus for corporate income tax is open to public comments. In addition, the bulletin includes rules for foreign business entities that do business in Vermont.
Corporate Income Tax Nexus
The Department of Taxes has released a draft technical bulletin which states that:
- substantial nexus does not require physical presence; and
- income tax nexus is established when a foreign corporation intentionally or regularly exploits Vermont's market.
Foreign Business Entities
Also, the bulletin addresses foreign business entities and their:
- income tax filing requirements; and
- minimum payment requirements.
Vermont Nexus Public Comments
Public comments on the draft bulletin are due December 8, 2017.
Subscribers may view the draft and make comments at: http://tax.vermont.gov/public-comments.
Corporate and Business Income Tax Nexus, Filing Requirements, and Minimum Tax Liability, Vermont Department of Taxes, November 2017
Login to read more tax news on CCH® AnswerConnect or CCH® Intelliconnect®.
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text:
I don't know who Mike Rowe is, other than he is the host of a show on CNN called Somebody's Gotta Do It. Somehow he seems to think he has the knowledge and understanding to weigh in on the controversy surrounding Ferguson, Eric Garner and police protests. He fails miserably.
He relates a heated conversation between liberals and conservatives.
Within moments, everyone was talking about Garner and Brown, and the conversation got very political very quickly. A liberal guest said, 'Look, I wasn't there, but it seems pretty clear that both men would still be alive had they been white.' A conservative guest replied, 'I wasn't there either, but it seems pretty clear that both men would still be alive if they hadn't resisted arrest.'
This annoyed the liberal, who asked the conservative why Republicans wanted a 'police state.' This annoyed the conservative, who asked the liberal why Democrats wanted 'total anarchy.' Things continued to escalate, and within moments, fingers were pointing, veins were bulging, and logical fallacies were filling the air. Ho! ho! ho!
Then, he goes on to say that all agree that both sides wanted "law and order" – but broke down over what that looked like.
Next, he relates a conversation with a black friend from Baltimore who lamented the whole issue and was "tired of being represented by two petty criminals who died resisting arrest."
After rallying around the police and as he admits
I'm trying to get my head around the fact that two cops are dead in Brooklyn, assassinated by a lunatic in 'retaliation' for Ferguson and Staten Island.
The shaming of the protesters begins
A few days ago, people were marching in the streets, literally calling for the execution of police. ('What do we want? Dead Cops!') Others are standing by today, waiting to lionize the assassins who answer the call. These are not the champions of justice; these are the enemies of civilization, and it's up to sensible people on both sides of the aisle to close ranks and shout them down.
Every group that is leading the protests of police brutality of people of color has publicly and forcefully denounced the killings of the NYPD officers and called for peaceful protests. But I guess Mike didn't read those statements or read that the chants to kill cops was fake.
Here's his final analysis
I support peaceful protests, and I'm all for rooting out bad cops. But let's not stop there. If we're serious about saving lives, and eliminating the confrontations that lead to the demise of Garner and Brown, let's also condemn the stupidity that leads so many Americans to resist arrest.
I don't care if you're white, black, red, periwinkle, burnt umber, or chartreuse — resisting arrest is not a right, it's a crime. And it's never a good idea.
How tidy.
First, since when has resisting arrest been a death sentence? How many whites have been killed resisting arrest for walking in the middle of the street or selling cigarettes on the corner?
Second, let's just forget the hundreds, if not thousands, of people of color who have been killed by police or security personnel for doing nothing but being in the wrong place and the wrong time. Maybe they were holding a toy gun, but more often, they were just minding their own business. Either way they weren't resisting arrest.
Mike wants to have it both ways – recognize the plight of people of color in this country, but raise the law and order flag to not offend or appear to sympathize with the protests.
All sanitized, neat and smug.
Now I know why I don't watch CNN and I get my news from Democracy Now!


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Office Hours:
Office hours normally take place in the district on the third Friday of every month at the times and locations below, but to practice social distancing, I am now hosting virtual office hours. Please sign up here.
|2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
|at Fowlerville Farms, 941 S. Grand Ave. in Fowlerville
|4 to 5 p.m.
|at Biggby Coffee, 11325 W. Highland Road in Hartland
|5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
|at All Star Coney Island, 934 Michigan Ave. in Howell
No appointments are necessary to attend. If you are unable to attend but would still like to share a thought, concern, or idea with me, please contact my capital office at (517) 373-8835 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Legislative Update:
To view a summary of this year's legislative session, as well as legislation in the works, click here. If you have any questions about legislative matters, please feel free to contact my office.
State Rep. Hank Vaupel was elected to his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2014. He represents the people of Livingston County, including the village of Fowlerville, townships of Conway, Cohoctah, Deerfield, Hartland, Howell, Handy, Iosco, Unadilla, Oceola, Marion, and Tyrone; the city of Howell and part of the city of Fenton.
Rep. Vaupel serves as chair of the committee on Health Policy. He is also a member of the committees on Education, Insurance, and Tax Policy.
Hank earned bachelor and doctorate degrees in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University. After college, Hank proudly served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1968-1971.
In 1972, Hank returned home to Livingston County and independently started his veterinary practice, Kern Road Veterinary Clinic, P.C., which now includes eight veterinarians and provides equine and small animal veterinary service to most of southeast and central Michigan.
Rep. Vaupel has been very involved in the local community. Some of his community leadership included Handy Township Supervisor, Secretary for the Village of Fowlerville DDA, Board Member of the Fowlerville Area Fire Authority, service on the EDC of Livingston County as well as Church Council President at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Hank and his wife Cathy have been happily married for 49 years. They have two grown sons, Matthew an electrical engineer, married to Kelly, and Zachary, an orthopedic surgeon, married to Carli. They also have three grandchildren Vivian, Everett, and Hayes.
EMAIL: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Saturday 9th August
Having heard that hurricane Bertha will be sliding past tomorrow we made a prompt start and were in Abingdon lock by 8am whilst lockies were still having their morning cocoakrispypops. As we entered it was obvious that a little cruiser had decided to share with us and was storming up towards the lock. Such was their haste that Mrs cruiser was still in her nightie and slippers whilst working through the lock and then filling with water above it. Once we'd brimmed Jannock's tank we had a pleasant and un-eventful cruise up to Oxford. At Christchurch meadow there were no pleasure boaters to scare us, just a few eights and sculls. We eschewed Port Meadow as the wind seemed to be building up and went onto the canal and through Jericho instead. Jericho boatyard is still flapdoodle and College cruisers still appear to be operating from their base although the ground next door has been cleared. The wind brought some rain so we pulled over before Wolvercote lock for lunch.
Just as we were finishing, a boat was coming down so we set off and went straight into the empty lock. It was 'Britains Premier Pirate Party Boat' operated by Oxfordshire narrowboats, Yes really! The eight crew members that we could see were all a bit befuddled but we did find out what Pirates eat for lunch : booze and pot-noodles. Graham commented to one lad that it looked like a really healthy lunch. Irony. The reply was "there is sweetcorn in it!" Touche'
We saw this terrific way to grow tomatoes – hung upside down so that the rain keeps them well watered without any effort.
At Dukes lock we found a hire crew had moored their lengthy boat between the bridge and the lock mouth and gone in search of a pub. That will make life difficult when the traffic builds up in the afternoon. Above here we met another Oxfordshire boat that had real pirates on it. Real pirates wear real pirate uniforms, they have hats and ruffled shirts. They also have lady pirates all glammed up. Real pirate lunches are picnics, on water points, and they slosh glasses of Beaujolais Nouveau or Malmsey wine. We saw!
An then there was the crew coming down Roundham lock who had to called back from the lock mouth, where they were waiting to reboard their boat, to wake up their steerer who was just not aware that the gate had opened and he was needed to start moving. It would seem he'd fallen asleep whilst the boat descended in the lock – they say the canals are relaxing ;^)
On through Thrupp, passing Nuneaton and Brighton moored outside the cottages and on to Shipton Weir lock where we were joined by a single hander. Due to the shape of this lock we were both able to share, but once in he was having an awful time working out who was needing to go out first, mixing up the concepts of first and second. He admitted having cruised to the pub and was still supping from a can as he cruised home. It's enough to send you teetotal for a couple of hours maybe.
Tonight's dessert was a Heston Blumenthal candied orange 'stuffed' Christmas pudding with custard – remember them? Graham found it in a cupboard and decided that now was a good time to try it. Slow cooked all afternoon, it was delicious. We even shared it with the boat moored behind us – after all, it says to serve 8 – 10 people.


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Kieran McKeown, CEO Matrix Recruitment, talks recruitment, GDPR and plans for the future.
Q. What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
We have fantastic staff at Matrix Recruitment so staff retention is one of my main priorities. The jobs market is hugely competitive at the moment, and I really believe that CEOs should value good staff.
It's important for companies to grow and evolve and standing still is not an option in any industry. So in this context, an area on which I have been focusing over the past 18 months is change management and the introduction of a LEAN system. Achieving financial and operational efficiencies is crucial to the long-term success of the business and in any SME that role falls to the CEO.
Managing client and candidate expectations is an important part of my day-to-day role at Matrix Recruitment. We look for the best candidates and seek to place them in great jobs that are suited to their skills and expertise, but sometimes an element of compromise is needed and that's where expectations have to be managed. So, for example, for the right job and a great salary, you might have to compromise on location or for a job with flexitime, you might have to commit to working the occasional weekend.
Q. What are your biggest challenges as a CEO?
Change management is a continuous challenge in the recruitment industry, as the process of recruiting is evolving all of the time. In fact, it's such a dynamic process that it can change each time you are undertaking a new recruitment assignment. One month LinkedIn could be the most appropriate tool, but the following month it could be something completely different. So as a national recruiter we have to be agile and ready for continuous change and be experts at leveraging the best available tools, at that time, for a particular recruitment programme.
The legislative environment comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around employment law and more recently GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) that will come into effect from May 2018. There is a significant amount of work to be done around each and we are currently spending a huge amount of time and resources gearing up for GDPR, so that we are fully compliant with the enhanced regulation.
Every prudent business owner keeps an eye on the competition and interestingly enough, where we compete most is in sourcing the right candidates for our clients, which is a challenge that faces everyone in recruitment.
Q. How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
Positive feedback from both clients and candidates is hugely motivating and is always shared with our consultants. We operate in a self-managed environment and whilst everyone has set targets, we don't berate them if they are not achieved, which I think can be terribly demotivating. Instead, we take a collaborative and supportive approach to helping our teams to succeed.
We do organise staff nights out so that the focus isn't all on work and we hold an annual communications day, where all staff are invited to input and share their ideas on the future of their business. If they feel invested in the business they feel more motivated.
Q. What are the challenges facing your industry going forward?
Planning for the introduction of GDPR in 2018 is far more onerous that we originally envisaged and affects everyone in our industry. Staff training, updating software, monitoring paper trails, seeking permission from candidates to keep them on databases and appointing a data officer to help manage the process are just some of the steps we, and those in our industry are having to take to get GDPR-ready. As you can imagine, this really draws on a business' resources, which creates short- and longer-term challenges.
The paucity of candidates has always been a challenge for the recruitment sector and that is not going to change anytime soon. For example, there is a real dearth of skilled tradespeople available for jobs in construction, which is a sector that is returning to growth. Many went away during the recession, found great jobs and just haven't returned.
Q. What new trends are emerging in your industry?
When I started Matrix nearly 20 years ago the business model was effective, if somewhat basic. You worked with a client one-to-one to understand their recruitment needs and searched for a candidate to fit their profile.
Fast forward two decades and whilst we still match candidates to clients, there is a lot less face time, where we physically meet people. The process has evolved and Skype and even phone interviews are starting to replace or at least complement face-to-face meetings. This trend is set to continue and who knows what's next as technology continues to develop.
It's very much a candidate's market at the moment and remuneration packages are having to change to meet new and changing expectations and lifestyle needs. Any employer that can offer flexibility in relation to working hours, working from home or flexitime is already at an advantage. Employee benefits, over and above salary are now a key focus for employers of all sizes.
What is really interesting in our industry is the emergence of new roles that are being created in digital and IT that might not have even existed 18 months ago. Data Cleanser was not a job title with which we would have been familiar two years ago, but the GDPR has created a new need and therefore, a new type of position.
"Positive feedback from both clients and candidates is hugely motivating and is always shared with our consultants. We operate in a self-managed environment and whilst everyone has set targets, we don't berate them if they are not achieved, which I think can be terribly demotivating. Instead, we take a collaborative and supportive approach to helping our teams to succeed."
Q. Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
Many recruitment firms operate a temporary payroll service for freelancers and contractors who we place in temporary employment contracts.
If an individual is working on a contract basis and this continues beyond a period of two years, then that person would be entitled to a redundancy payment in the event of the contract being terminated. This has led to contracts being offered for up to 18 months and then terminated, even though the work is still there. In this instance, companies go back to the market and recruit again for the same role, despite the incumbent having amassed significant experience, usually preferring to stay on with that company rather than having to start over and look for a new contract.
This needs to change as the way in which people work has changed. More and more employees are on temporary contracts, so legislation needs to reflect this new trend.
I would also like to see multinationals improve their payment terms for using the payroll services of a recruitment firm; it can take as long as 90 days for payment, which can really impact cash flow.
Q. As an employer are you finding any skills gaps in the market?
As a national recruitment firm we are certainly seeing skills shortages in certain areas of IT. There's no shortage of IT trainers, but for quite specialist roles, recruiting skilled candidates can be a challenge. We could also do with more candidates in engineering and there are not enough quality laboratory personnel in Ireland.
Q. How did your strategy develop in the context of the banking crisis and economic crisis?
We cut the number of sectors on which we worked from 15 right down to four. It was a drastic measure, but allowed us to focus on areas that were viable and helped us to get through those very difficult and lean years.
Q. How will Brexit affect you, or have you started to feel the effects already?
We have noticed that clients in the food and agri sectors are being very cautious and circumspect and recruitment has certainly slowed in these areas. The hospitality industry is in a similar position and whilst it is benefiting from increased levels of tourism overall, the number of visitors from the UK is in decline, primarily because of the strength of the euro against sterling. So our clients are now looking beyond the UK to other markets, which is a new challenge for many of them.
On a positive note, I think that Brexit is bringing with it new opportunities, particularly in the financial services sector. And, whilst Ireland is certainly being looked at by the big players in this market, we also need to attract financial services professionals, including our diaspora, so that there are no skills shortages.
Q. What's the best advice you've been given, or would give, in business?
I heard some very sage words recently that relate to the financials of the business: turnover is vanity; cash flow is sanity.
Q. What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
We introduced a lean programme for all of our processes earlier this year and that is already starting to yield strong results for the business. We have been nominated for a number of business awards locally, which is a fantastic testament to the team at Matrix Recruitment and always generates a great buzz around the office. At the start of the year we were recommended to a public relations consultancy that has achieved incredible results for us and has really helped raise the profile of Matrix at a national level.
Q. What's next for your company?
We plan to build the business in niche sectors and become specialists in those areas. We are really focused on going deep where talent is scarce, as we feel we can make a significant impact and take ownership of these areas.
In terms of our own recruitment processes, we are embracing what we call the 'future recruiter' who has a strong mix of both social and traditional recruitment skills, which we think will enhance Matrix's offering for both candidates and clients.
Q. What opportunities or plans for growth do you see in 2018?
We are growing our financial services recruitment division dealing with both national and international clients in this sector, so our growth will be mapping market growth, which is pretty dynamic at the moment.
The construction sector has really rebounded and there are many new opportunities there that we are looking at. We also see medical devices and pharma as key to our business for 2018.
Q. Where do you want your business/brand to be this time next year?
I want Matrix Recruitment to become a household name and one that is instantly recognised by candidates and clients.


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Complete Story
Jim Humpal passed away on Aug 31
Longtime former Brush Head Baseball Coach Jim Humpal passed away on August 31, 2019 at the age of 82. Humpal was inducted into the OHSBCA Hall of Fame in 1977 and served as OHSBCA President in 1980. He also served as President of the Greater Cleveland Baseball Coaches Association's President in 1974 and 1975. Humpal was Head Coach 28 seasons for the Arcs and won 500 games at Brush High School along with 6 League Championships, 16 Sectional Championships, 5 District Championships, 3 Regional Championships, 2 Final Four Appearances and was 1985 State Runner-Up. In addition, he coached 7 players who would play professionally; 3 of whom would play Major League Baseball: Dan Masteller (Twins), David Tobik (Tigers, Rangers, Mariners) and 1980 American League Cy Young Award Winner Steve Stone (Giants, White Sox, Cubs, Orioles). He was inducted into the Brush High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the High School Field was named in his honor in 2008. Following his retirement from teaching and coaching at Brush High School, Coach Humpal worked at Triple Play Baseball Academy as an Instructor and Coach.


text: Adult Circulatory SupportDesign Rationale and Preclinical Evaluation of the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System for HemocompatibilityBourque, Kevin; Cotter, Christopher; Dague, Charles; Harjes, Daniel; Dur, Onur; Duhamel, Julien; Spink, Kaitlyn; Walsh, Kelly; Burke, EdwardAuthor Information From the St. Jude Medical, Inc., Pleasanton, California. Submitted for consideration February 2016; accepted for publication in revised form May 2016. The HeartMate 3 LVAD is an investigational device in the United States. Disclosure: All of the authors are employees of St. Jude Medical, Inc. Correspondence: Kevin Bourque, St. Jude Medical, Inc. 23 Fourth Ave, Burlington, MA 01833. Email: email@example.com. ASAIO Journal: July/August 2016 - Volume 62 - Issue 4 - p 375-383 doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000388 Free Metrics Abstract The HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is designed to support advanced heart failure patients. This centrifugal flow pump has a magnetically levitated rotor, artificial pulse, textured blood-contacting surfaces, optimized fluid dynamics, large blood-flow gaps, and low shear stress. Preclinical tests were conducted to assess hemocompatibility. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model guided design for low shear stress and sufficient washing. Hemolysis testing was conducted on six pumps. Plasma-free hemoglobin (PfHb) and modified index of hemolysis (MIH) were compared with HeartMate II (HMII). CFD showed secondary flow path residence times between 27 and 798 min, comparable with main flow residence times between 118 and 587 min; HM3 vs. HMII shear stress exposure above 150 Pa was 3.3 vs. 11 mm3 within the pump volume and 134 vs. 604 mm2 on surfaces. In in vitro hemolysis tests at 2, 5, and 10 L/min, average pfHb 6 hours after test initiation was 58, 74, and 157 mg/dl, compared with 112, 123, and 353 mg/dl for HMII. The HM3/HMII ratio of average MIH at 2, 5, and 10 L/min was 0.29, 0.36, and 0.22. Eight 60 day bovine implants were tested with average flow rates from 5.6 to 6.4 L/min with no device failures, thrombosis, or hemolysis. Results support advancing HM3 to clinical trials. Circulatory support with an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an important treatment option for advanced heart failure. Following the transition from pulsatile to continuous-flow devices, lower adverse event rates and better survival have improved acceptance and usage of the technology. Since clinical studies were initiated approximately 15 years ago, the HeartMate II LVAD (HMII, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Pleasanton, CA) has been implanted in more than 23,000 patients worldwide. Studies have shown a consistent decline in major adverse events, while physical status and quality of life have been improved in the majority of patients.1–4 Nevertheless, complications related to the technology remain, and attention has turned from the wear-out mechanisms associated with early pulsatile devices toward the reduction of clinical adverse events that persist with all rotary blood pumps. The primary focus of current research is on pump thrombosis, thromboembolism, bleeding, stroke, infection, and aortic insufficiency.5–8 Improved hemocompatibility of blood pumps is essential for continued improvement in survival and quality of life. A fundamental strategy for the design of the HeartMate 3 LVAD (HM3, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Pleasanton, CA) was to adopt the aspects of mechanical circulatory support technology that have worked well (e.g., the reliability and small size of a rotary pump), but also to pursue a different technological path that addresses the factors implicated in the most significant adverse events. This path involves a magnetically levitated rotor (Full MagLev, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Pleasanton, CA) and its consequent wide blood-flow gaps, low shear stresses, and artificial pulse capability. A common way to avoid rotor contact is a hydrodynamic bearing, for which a thin layer of blood is entrained between the rotor and pump housing to an extent that the fluid force balances the axial attraction of the rotor to the motor iron.9,10 The HM3 with Full MagLev flow technology utilizes a magnetic bearing, an alternative approach to achieve rotor levitation without imposing high shear and compressive forces on blood.11,12 This feature, along with textured blood-contacting surfaces, wide flow gaps, and an artificial pulse are the principle characteristics of the HM3. Ultimately, the goal of the HM3 design is to improve hemocompatibility with a reduction in thrombotic and hemorrhagic adverse events. To assess hemocompatibility and performance of the HM3, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), in vitro hemolysis, and in vivo implant studies were performed. Several CFD-based hemocompatibility metrics and in vitro hemolysis measurements were compared with the corresponding values of HMII, used as an experimental control. Here, we describe the system design characteristics of HM3 and present the results of the preclinical studies. Materials and Methods Device Description The HM3 system is intended for long-term continuous-flow support of patients with advanced heart failure. The LVAD is surgically positioned in the pericardial space, with an inflow cannula inserted into the left ventricular apex and an outflow graft anastomosed to the ascending aorta (Figure 1). The implanted components include the inflow cannula, pump housing, motor, control electronics, outflow graft and bend relief, and percutaneous driveline (Figure 2).Figure 1.: Main components of the HM3 system. HM3, HeartMate 3.Figure 2.: A: Implanted components of the HM3 include the pump with an integral inflow cannula, cuff lock for quickly securing the pump, outflow graft and bend relief, and percutaneous driveline. B: Enclosed in the pump housing is a rotor and, hermetically sealed from the blood flow, a motor and control electronics. C: An exploded view of the HM3 expose: the pump cover screw ring (A), pump cover (B), rotor (C), o-ring (D), motor assembly (E), cuff lock (F), cuff lock cover (G), cuff lock cover screws (H), inflow cannula (J), and sealing washers (K and L). HM3, HeartMate 3.The HM3 utilizes a centrifugal flow pump that has a capacity to pump blood up to 10 L/min. Left ventricular blood is drawn into the inflow cannula along a central axis and is expelled at right angles by and between the impeller blades of a rotor rotating about the central axis. Blood is angularly accelerated and travels around a volute before it is diffused to a desired pressure and flow rate by being directed tangentially into the outflow graft. The pump rotor is fully supported by magnetic levitation, obviating mechanical or fluid bearings and essentially eliminating mechanical wear as a reliability factor. Both drive (i.e., rotation) and levitation of the rotor is accomplished using a single stator comprising iron pole pieces, a back-iron, copper coils, and position sensors. Measuring the position of a permanent magnet in the rotor and controlling the current in the drive and levitation coils enables active control of the radial position and rotational speed of the rotor. Because the permanent magnet is attracted to the iron pole pieces, the rotor passively resists excursion in the axial direction, whether translating or tilting. The electronics and software necessary to control motor drive and levitation are integrated into the lower housing with the stator; these components plus the rotor comprise the motor. The 20 mm diameter inflow cannula is rigidly affixed to the pump cover. A felt cuff is sewn to the left ventricle at or near the apex. A coring knife is used through the center of this cuff to resect a plug of myocardium. The inflow cannula is then introduced through this cored hole and the pump is readily secured to a titanium ring rigidly affixed to the cuff. The outflow cannula assembly includes a 14 mm sealed woven polyester graft, the distal end of which is cut to desired length and sutured to the ascending aorta. A reinforced tube around the graft serves as a bend relief to prevent kinking and abrasion. The bend relief can be attached or removed and reattached during the implantation procedure, or during pump replacement if necessary. The percutaneous cable is permanently attached to the lower housing through a hermetically sealed feed-through and contains duplicate sets of three conductors: one each for power, ground, and communication. This percutaneous cable is tunneled through subdermal abdominal tissue using a tunneling tool and is exteriorized through a skin incision. It extends only a few inches, where it then is attached to a modular cable and the external controller. In case of damage, the modular cable is readily replaceable without surgery. The controller receives power from the power module, a mobile power unit, or portable batteries, and is the primary user interface. Important functions include displaying operating conditions, adjusting operating condition or mode, providing a communication link for transferring event/period log and alarm information, and initiating battery backup in the case of full power disconnection. The operating speed of the HM3 is in the range of 3,000 to 9,000 rpm. The artificial pulse mode is always used, which varies the rotor speed from the user set speed every 2 seconds to produce changes in blood flow and arterial blood pressure (Figure 3).Figure 3.: A: Schematic diagram of the artificial pulse relative to the speed set by the clinician, ωc. Every 2 seconds, the rotor speed decreases by 2,000 rpm for 0.15 seconds, then increases by 4,000 rpm for 0.20 seconds, then returns to the set-speed. B: The effect of the artificial pulse can be seen superimposed upon the simulated native pulse in an in vitro mock circulatory loop. The effect is more prominent when artificial and native pulses coincide (labeled "A"), and less otherwise.CFD Analysis A transient CFD model was created to analyze the blood flow to guide pump design toward low shear stress and sufficient washing in secondary flow paths. The analysis employed solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations with a laminar flow model using FLUENT v16.0 (ANSYS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA). The numerical model incorporates a node-centered, implicit pressure-based solver using a transient sliding mesh, with second-order spatial and temporal discretization schemes. The fluid volume was meshed using an unstructured tetrahedral mesh with inflation layers to resolve the flow at the boundary layers. The mesh consisted of 12.1 million elements. The final mesh size was settled by sequentially increasing the mesh density until solutions became invariant within one percent. The decision to use a laminar flow model was driven by consideration of Reynolds number and flow visualization experiments that suggested flow is either laminar or transitional across the operating range. The working fluid was assumed incompressible and Newtonian, with a viscosity of 2.7 cP and a density of 1,055 kg/m3, chosen to reflect an expected clinical hematocrit of 32%. Accuracy of the CFD flow model was validated by comparing pump pressure predictions against the corresponding values measured using a blood analog of 45% glycerol water solution in a static flow loop (maximum 5% deviation). Three operating points for the analysis were chosen to encompass the clinically relevant operating region: 2.0 L/min (low flow), 5.4 L/min (nominal flow), and 10.0 L/min (high flow). Identical solution settings and mesh density (10 M elements) were employed to resolve the flow field and estimate the shear loading inside HMII for comparison. Hemolysis index (HI) was calculated for each operating point using the Eulerian numerical model for hemolysis derived by Goubergrits and Affeld,13 which is based on the Giersiepen equation: where dpfHb is the change in concentration of plasma-free hemoglobin, Hb is hemoglobin, τ is shear stress, and t is time. Hemolysis Testing Hemolysis assessment was performed per ASTM F184114,15 using bovine blood, and the results from the HM3 were compared with the clinically approved HMII. Six test devices (HM3) and six predicate devices (HMII) were tested using flow and pressure parameters representing the anticipated clinical flow operating range: 2 L/min (low flow), 5 L/min (nominal flow), and 10 L/min (high flow). For all cases, the pressure across the pump was fixed at 100 mm Hg. Fixing pressure is a slightly different approach than used for the CFD study, but it was done to ensure that the hemolysis study captured the worst-case, i.e., highest speed, conditions, and that the CFD study would capture the fullest range of flow dynamics, including the lowest blade velocities at low flows. The test devices ran in artificial pulse mode while the predicate devices ran at constant speed, representing clinical use in both cases. Circulatory loops were constructed using a 1 L blood reservoir and Tygon tubing immersed in a water bath kept at 37°C. A total of six loops (three candidates and three predicate devices) as well as a static control loop were tested during the same day for 6 hours using the same blood pool. Before beginning each test, a blood sample was taken to establish the pfHb baseline. Blood samples were taken hourly for 6 hours and the pfHb was measured. Testing was repeated five times for each of three test devices, three predicate devices, and one control device at each operating condition (low, nominal, and high). This led to 105 pfHb vs. time curves. Also calculated was the modified index of hemolysis (MIH), which is normalized by hematocrit and hemoglobin: where Hb is the total blood hemoglobin concentration at time zero (mg/L), Ht is hematocrit (%), Q is flow rate (L/min), T is the sampling time interval (min), V is the circuit volume (L), ΔpfHb is the increase of pfHb concentration (mg/L) over sampling time interval. In Vivo Tests The HM3 was implanted in ten Corriente Crossbreed bovine calves weighing 80–100 kg to assess pump performance and safety. Pump operating parameters, hemodynamics, and laboratory values for assessing organ function were collected during the planned 60 day evaluation period. All adverse events were recorded. After termination of each study, a complete necropsy was performed to determine the presence of end-organ pathology related to the device. Implantation was accomplished through a left thoracotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass support, achieved by cannulation of the left carotid artery (arterial return) and left jugular vein (venous inflow). An apical cuff was sewn to the apex of the heart, the apex was cored, and the pump inflow was inserted into the left ventricle and secured. The outflow graft was anastomosed to the descending aorta. Ultrasonic flow probes were placed on the outflow graft of the LVAD and the main pulmonary artery. The LVAD was operated in the pulse mode with the speed setting adjusted to achieve a target flow rate of 5.4 ± 1.0 liters per minute (LPM). Anticoagulation with heparin (25,000 units per 250 ml D5W from postoperative day (POD) 0 to POD 3 to 5, titrated between 1 and 12 ml/hour to maintain ACT between 200 and 250 seconds), and then Coumadin (initiated POD 2 or 3 and continued SID 0.0 to 10.0 mg IV/PO throughout), was achieved with a target INR in the range of 1.5 to 3.0. The animal studies were conducted according to Good Laboratory Practices and an independent quality assurance unit monitored the study. Results Computational fluid dynamics-based hemocompatibility of HM3 was analyzed by reporting volumetric shear stress distribution, shear-exposed areas, and the HI, and compared with the corresponding values for HMII, when it is applicable. Figure 4 illustrates the shear stress distribution across the longitudinal axis of HM3 and also HMII both operating at the nominal condition; 5.4 L/min at 65 mm Hg pump head. Overall, shear stress distribution is relatively homogenous and smooth across the flow passages for both pump types. Typical high shear areas for the axial impeller were confined at the blade tip, whereas HM3 impeller blades exhibit shear stress at the concave side of the blade leading edge and the convex side of the blade trailing edge (Figure 4B). The shear stress histogram for the nominal operating condition (Figure 5) indicates that more than 99% of the blood volume inside HM3 is exposed to low shear stresses (<50 Pa), compared with 97% of pump volume in HMII. Importantly, less than 0.03% (3.3 mm3) of HM3 is exposed to high shear values >150 Pa, compared with 0.09% (11 mm3) of HMII. Similarly, the surface area with wall shear stress exceeding 150 Pa was 7.7% (134 mm2) of the impeller in HM3, compared with 26% (604 mm2) in HMII. In agreement with shear stress loading comparisons, CFD estimation of the HI for HM3 was 14% that of HMII. Comparison of shear stress-based hemocompatibility indices across two pumps is summarized in Table 1. Table 2 provides insight as to how blood damage indices vary across the operating range.Table 1.: CFD-Derived Numerical Hemocompatibility Comparison Between HM3 and HMII at the Nominal Operating Condition of 5.4 L/min and 65 mm HgTable 2.: HM3 CFD-Derived Numerical Hemocompatibility Comparison Among Flow Conditions Across the Operating RangeFigure 4.: Scalar shear stress surface contour plots at 5.4 L/min and 65 mm Hg of HM3 and HMII (A), HM3 rotor well (B), and HM3 rotor blades (C). HMII, HeartMate II; HM3, HeartMate 3.Figure 5.: Scalar shear stress histogram at 5.4 L/min and 65 mm Hg of the HM3 and HMII. HMII, HeartMate II; HM3, HeartMate 3.Surface washing through the secondary flow paths of HM3 was evaluated by estimating the local residence time inside gaps and comparing to the mean residence time of blood traveling through the pump primary flow path (Figure 6), i.e., mean transit time. Computational fluid dynamics simulations showed that mean transit time of blood through HM3 is 587, 219, and 118 min for the 2.0, 5.4, and 10.0 L/min cases, respectively. These values were used as the target residence times inside the secondary flow path to avoid stasis and promote washing. Flow rates in the secondary flow path above the rotor shroud were between 232 and 720 ml/min across the full operating range of the pump, which corresponds to average residence times between 27 and 85 milliseconds. Flow rates through the rotor well secondary flow path (Figure 4) range between 40 and 100 ml/min, resulting in average residence times between 319 and 798 milliseconds.Figure 6.: Velocity contour plot (cross section) of the HM3 illustrating primary and secondary flow paths. HM3, HeartMate 3.The average pfHb at the end of the 6 hour in vitro tests consistently showed less hemolysis for the HM3 compared with HMII (Figure 7). The mean pfHb at each of the three test conditions (2, 5, and 10 L/min) for the HM3 was, respectively, 57.8 ± 35.8, 74.1 ± 34.4, and 156.6 ± 42.6 mg/dl compared with 111.7 ± 35.9, 122.9 ± 34.1, and 352.6 ± 83.0 mg/dl for the HMII at the same conditions. Paired t tests show these differences are significant at all three test conditions, with p values of 0.00016, 0.000007, and 0.000016, respectively. The ratio of HM3 to HMII pfHb was 0.52, 0.60, and 0.44 for the 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 L/min cases, respectively.Figure 7.: Average plasma-free hemoglobin over the course of the 6 hour tests for the HM3 and the HMII. HMII, HeartMate II; HM3, HeartMate 3.In addition, the calculated MIH for the HM3 was 2.1, 3.5, and 2.3 for the 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 L/min conditions compared with 7.3, 9.8, and 10.6 for the HMII. The ratios of HM3 to HMII MIH were 0.29, 0.36, and 0.22 for the 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 L/min cases, respectively, thus demonstrating between 22% and 36% of HMII MIH. In the in vivo experiments, eight of the 10 animals survived beyond the 60 day target time and were electively euthanized on days 61 to 64. Two studies were terminated on the first postoperative day for reasons unrelated to the device: one due to intractable fibrillation and the other due to iatrogenic blood loss. The pump flow was consistently maintained within the targeted average pump flow range of 4.4–6.4 L/min for each animal (Table 3). The pulmonary artery flow increased over the duration of the study in each animal, as was expected due to animal growth. There were no reported device malfunctions throughout the study. The average pfHb and the lactic dehydrogenase values for the entire group of animals indicated that hemolysis did not occur (Figure 8). Gross necropsy did not reveal any systemic effects. Device observations of the blood contacting surfaces included unremarkable pannus formation and collagen islands typical of historical textured surface experience (Figure 9).Table 3.: The Average (±Standard Deviation) Pump Speed, Pump Flow, and Pulmonary Artery Flow for Each In Vivo StudyFigure 8.: The average (±standard deviation) for lactic dehydrogenase (A) and the plasma-free hemoglobin (B) for the eight animals.Figure 9.: Representative photos of pump components after 60 days of support: inflow conduit within the left ventricle (A), the outflow connector (B), and the outflow graft, sectioned longitudinally and reflected to expose the aortic anastomosis (C).Discussion The design of the HM3 LVAS includes features that are well established through extensive clinical research on previous HeartMate models with good biocompatibility and low thromboembolism. The small size and durability of the HMII, when compared with HeartMate XVE, has provided a better quality of life and longer expected survival for more than 23,000 patients. The fundamental strategy with the development of the HM3 is to retain certain HeartMate features that have these demonstrated advantages, but to deliberately depart from the disadvantages of mechanical and hydrodynamic bearing approaches.16 The design goals of the HM3 are to minimize the degree of shear force on blood components, lessen surgery during implantation, reduce the surface area of the biomaterial–blood interface, and enhance continuous blood flow with an artificial pulse. It is anticipated that these features will reduce bleeding complications, thrombogenesis, stroke, and end-organ dysfunction. This HM3 LVAD is placed within the pericardial space without the need for an abdominal pocket, thereby reducing the amount of surgery for implantation. Full MagLev and the wide blood-flow gaps minimize shear-induced blood component damage. The lack of mechanical bearings eliminates friction, heat generation, and the possibility of component wear. The relatively large gaps surrounding the magnetically levitated rotor are 10 to 20 times greater than typical hydrodynamic bearings. The large gaps enable the sharp speed changes employed by the HM3 artificial pulse.17,18 By alternating the speed every 2 seconds, changing blood flow within the LVAD precludes the organization of recirculation and stasis zones. The role pulsatility plays in von Willebrand factor degradation leads to a hypothesis that gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, and epistaxis may be reduced by reducing effects on blood proteins and reducing platelet activation, although clinical experience will be required to substantiate that.19,20 Furthermore, as with prior generations of HeartMate devices, the adherence and stability for cellular attachment offered by the textured blood-contacting surfaces may also ease the need for anticoagulation therapy and minimize the risk of thromboembolism. Hemolysis testing and CFD analysis collectively suggest that the HM3 LVAD maintains low blood cell shear exposure and low hemolysis levels relative to a predicate device, HMII, which has demonstrated considerable clinical success. Comparative analysis indicate that blood volumes exposed to high shear loading and associated estimated hemolysis is equal or lower than HMII values using identical numerical methods. In vitro tests demonstrated that HM3 had consistently lower hemolysis than HMII across the entire operating range. The CFD model was limited to the constant rotor speed case for which features such as artificial pulse were not included, a limitation of the model. Similarly, the bench testing of hemolysis per ASTM F1841 protocol is a comparative test to assess the hemolytic risk of an LVAD, e.g., HM3, relative to HMII used as a control, primarily due to the normal variations in animal blood fragility.15,16 Therefore, absolute pfHb values reported herein do not represent values expected in clinic. Preclinical testing has shown the HM3 to be safe with low levels of hemolysis and promising hemocompatibility. Differences between the bovine and clinical models, such as the bovine model's smaller ratio of mechanical support to cardiac output and more distal outflow graft anastomosis on the aorta are limitations of the study. A clinical trial evaluating safety and efficacy has been completed in Europe, with subsequent CE Mark approval, and a larger trial is ongoing in the United States.21 Acknowledgment The authors thank Tim Myers for manuscript preparation.References 1. Pagani FD, Miller LW, Russell SD, et al.; HeartMate II Investigators: Extended mechanical circulatory support with a continuous-flow rotary left ventricular assist device. J Am Coll Cardiol 2009.54: 312321. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef 2. Starling RC, Naka Y, Boyle AJ, et al.: Results of the post-US food and drug administration-approval study with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device as a bridge to heart transplantation: A prospective study using the INTERMACS (interagency registry for mechanically assisted circulatory support). J Am Coll Cardiol 2011.57: 18901898. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef 3. Slaughter MS, Rogers JG, Milano CA, et al.; HeartMate II Investigators: Advanced heart failure treated with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. N Engl J Med 2009.361: 22412251. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 4. Jorde UP, Kushwaha SS, Tatooles AJ, et al.; HeartMate II Clinical Investigators: Results of the destination therapy post-food and drug administration approval study with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device: A prospective study using the INTERMACS registry (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support). J Am Coll Cardiol 2014.63: 17511757. Cited Here | PubMed 5. Starling RC, Blackstone EH, Smedira NG: Increase in left ventricular assist device thrombosis. N Engl J Med 2014.370: 14651466. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed 6. Arnold WS, Bourque K: The engineer and the clinician: Understanding the work output and troubleshooting of the HeartMate II rotary flow pump. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013.145: 3236. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef 7. Cowger J, Rao V, Massey T, et al.: Comprehensive review and suggested strategies for the detection and management of aortic insufficiency in patients with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. J Heart Lung Transplant 2015.34: 149157. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef 8. Morgan JA, Brewer RJ, Nemeh HW, et al.: Stroke while on long-term left ventricular assist device support: incidence, outcome, and predictors. ASAIO J 2014.60: 284289. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 9. Larose JA, Tamez D, Ashenuga M, Reyes C: Design concepts and principle of operation of the HeartWare ventricular assist system. ASAIO J 2010.56: 285289. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 10. Saito S, Yamazaki K, Nishinaka T, et al.; J-MACS Research Group: Post-approval study of a highly pulsed, low-shear-rate, continuous-flow, left ventricular assist device, EVAHEART: A Japanese multicenter study using J-MACS. J Heart Lung Transplant 2014.33: 599608. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef 11. Sakaguchi T, Matsumiya G, Yoshioka D, et al.: DuraHeart magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device. Circulation 2013.77: 17361741. Cited Here 12. Farrar DJ, Bourque K, Dague CP, Cotter CJ, Poirier VL: Design features, developmental status, and experimental results with the Heartmate III centrifugal left ventricular assist system with a magnetically levitated rotor. ASAIO J 2007.53: 310315. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 13. Goubergrits L, Affeld K: Numerical estimation of blood damage in artificial organs. Artif Organs 2004.28: 499507. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 14. ASTM F1841–97. Standard practice for assessment of hemolysis in continuous flow blood pumps. ASTM Intl 2013. Cited Here 15. ASTM F1830-97. Standard practice for selection of blood for in vitro evaluation of blood pumps. ASTM Intl 2013. Cited Here 16. Bourque K, Gernes DB, Loree HM 2nd, et al.: HeartMate III: Pump design for a centrifugal LVAD with a magnetically levitated rotor. ASAIO J 2001.47: 401405. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 17. Bourque K, Gernes DB, Loree HM, et al.: Incorporation of electronics within a compact, fully implanted left ventricular assist device. Artif Organs 2002.26: 939942. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 18. Bourque K, Dague C, Farrar D, et al.: In vivo assessment of a rotary left ventricular assist device-induced artificial pulse in the proximal and distal aorta. Artif Organs 2006.30: 638642. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 19. Tsai HM: Shear stress and von Willebrand factor in health and disease. Semin Thromb Hemost 2003.29: 479488. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 20. Slaughter MS, Sobieski MA 2nd, Graham JD, Pappas PS, Tatooles AJ, Koenig SC: Platelet activation in heart failure patients supported by the HeartMate II ventricular assist device. Int J Artif Organs 2011.34: 461468. Cited Here | View Full Text | PubMed | CrossRef 21. Schmitto JD, Hanke JS, Rojas SV, Avsar M, Haverich A: First implantation in man of a new magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device (HeartMate III). J Heart Lung Transplant 2015.34: 858860. Cited Here | PubMed | CrossRef Keywords:HeartMate 3; Preclinical testing; hemocompatibility; magnetic levitation Copyright © 2016 by the American Society for Artificial Internal OrgansView full article text


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Dearington to probe New Haven cops' protest
NEW HAVEN -- The New Haven state's attorney last week requested that police open a criminal probe into the police takeover of Church Street during a protest of cop layoffs, but agreed at the chief's request to have his office conduct the investigation instead.
New Haven State's Attorney Michael Dearington's letter, released by the city under a Freedom of Information request, also indicated that Dearington himself was stuck in traffic gridlock on Church Street that resulted from the protest.
Contacted Thursday, Dearington said he would describe the probe "as more of an inquiry." He previously had said that his office had not, but may, secure search warrants for television news footage of the protest, which happened Feb. 17 in the wake of 16 police layoffs.
The next day, Dearington sent a letter to police Chief Frank Limon, asking him to "conduct a potential criminal investigation as to what caused the now notorious shutdown of traffic."
In the letter, he also indicated that he was stuck on Church Street between Route 34 and Chapel Street and "at the time I was distressed that emergency vehicles" would have been unable to get through, and noted the "considerable inconvenience" to individuals and businesses.
Dearington said his office is conducting the inquiry at the request of the department.
As for his rationale for wanting an investigation, Dearington said "the letter speaks for itself."
Police took to the street the same day 16 young police officers were laid off in a wave of budget-driven job cuts across the city. After a protest at police headquarters, about 200 officers marched from Union Avenue to City Hall on Church Street. Police in squad cars closed down Church Street at Chapel Street.
Mayor John DeStefano Jr., who has criticized police for taking over the street in what he characterized as an illegal strike, wouldn't directly answer whether he supported a criminal probe.
Through a spokesman, the administration said: "The mayor respects the state's attorney's views on the matter."
City spokesman Adam Joseph turned the discussion back to the topic DeStefano has stressed in recent weeks.
"The real issue is the city has unsustainable health care and pension plans," said Joseph.
Contacted Thursday evening, police union president Sgt. Louis Cavaliere said he remained baffled about what Dearington is investigating.
The union leadership never ordered any on-duty personnel to leave their post, Cavaliere said, and said that, to his knowledge, no supervisors at the scene -- which included the chief, who was in City Hall -- ordered people to return to their cars and their beats.
"Dearington is going to have to investigate the chief of police," Cavaliere said.
Call William Kaempffer at 203-789-5727. Follow us on Twitter @nhregister.


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Oh, heavy heart,
Would that I could pluck you from my chest
And carry you in a bucket
Until such time
As equilibrium is restored.
RIP Tiffany Opal Winkler
6 lb, 9 oz
20 in.
We longed for your company. We mourn at your passing. We wonder at what may have been.
2 responses to "Heavy"
Thinking of you and yours!!


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Regular price
You don't need to unravel the packaging every time and transfer the contents to a sealed container.
It features a clamp that seals the bag tightly keeping the food fresh and a spout and lid that allows you to pour the contents in a breeze.
We truly believe we make some of the most creative kitchen inventions and we back that up with an Iron-Clad 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
If you don't have a positive shopping experience for any reason, we will do whatever it takes to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase.
Shopping online can sometimes be a daunting task, so we want you to know there is absolutely zero risk in purchasing something and trying it out. If you don't like it, no hard feelings, we'll make it right.
We have 24/7/365 ticket and email support. Please contact us if you need assistance. We are here for you


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HTTP/1.0 200 OK Content-Type: text/html
Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jun 2001 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 2001 The New York Times Company Section: National Briefing Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?186 (Oxycontin) WEST VIRGINIA: STATE SUES DRUG MAKER The state sued the makers of the painkiller OxyContin, claiming that they aggressively tried to get doctors to overprescribe the drug while failing to warn of its potential for abuse. The drug has been linked to at least 120 overdose deaths nationwide. Named as defendants are Purdue Pharma of Stamford, Conn., and Abbott Laboratories of Chicago. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager


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Now you can easily add hand drawn Signatures to your Google App Maker Apps without writing a single line of code. This Module installs with only a few configuration steps and in a few minutes minutes time. Adding Signing to your app has never been easier. NOTE: This is a plugin/module that enhances your existing app.
View the Install Video Here


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She was caught off guard when this strange couple kept close proximity to her daughter and ultimately tried to snatch her. But she is stunned when they made her say this…
My name is Amanda and I'm a Longview, Texas resident. I've convicted that our two-year-old daughter was the victim of a potential sex-trafficking scam yesterday.
I got in the check-out line at a local store early afternoon. I took my daughter out of the cart and the couple ahead struck up the typical conversation about how "cute your daughter is"and then asked about her age, repeatedly. I initially was understanding of what I assumed was a cultural barrier, but I quickly became uncomfortable with the woman's body language and close proximity to my cart/kids. I picked my daughter up only to have the woman ask if she could hold her. The woman was so close at this point that my toddler reached her arms around the woman before I could really respond. In an instant, her proximity finally changed and she backed away. I grabbed back on to my daughter as the woman was saying, "Say bye to mommy"- what an unusual comment to provoke a child to say. the woman resisted returning her when I physically pulled my daughter from her arms.
Know their conversation began immediately with me and this all took place over only a few moments. After this couple left, I was really shaken up but still noticed the man a few feet away in my peripheral vision, continuing to stand, by himself, with no groceries, in a closed check-out lane. He faced the opposite direction, but was looking over his shoulder at me; glaring would be an understatement. His eyes did not leave my every move and I confidently matched his stare to show I was aware of his presence. I loudly conversed with the cashier about their security staff and the odd couple that seemed predatory.
I'm thankful to Jesus that He alone protected us! I was able to get out and home safely with my family.
I've since researched sex-trafficking and some details were precisely my experience. I want to recount those specifics to create awareness in hopes that you can protect y0our own children.
– Abductors often work in groups and position themselves throughout the store. Although it wouldn't appear that these 3 individuals were shopping together, I am certain this man and couple were a team.
– This couple were of East Indian descent and the man was white and covered in tattoos – all were mid 30's. Beware no matter the color, appearance, age or sex.
-The couple checked out with 2 items of little value. Something they could easily abandon.
– The woman had alarming proximity to me at times and twice put her hand in my basket. She created one route for me to place my groceries, thus leaving my attention divided between my kids and my task. ( I did not place anything on the belt until they left…FYI)
– 120 is a prominent sex-trafficking route; Longview included. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice used the following cities to study sex-trafficking data. Notice the first three.
Dallas, Tx
San Antonio, TX
Forth Worth, TX
Salt Lake City, UT
Buffalo, NY
Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA
Independence, MO
Las Vegas, NV
Clearwater, FL
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (U.S. Territory)
-Houston is a popular port where these children are sold overseas.
-Abductors often follow you to your car and snatch the willing child they bonded with moments before; all while you put in groceries.
– Abductors can follow you home.
– The cashier remarked that she thought I knew these strangers.Their body language conveyed that to onlookers, which make an exit-convenient.
– I've heard this is happening at Targe, Walmart & Kmart; often in the mornings/before lunch. Completely true of my experience, but it could happen anywhere.
– Moms shopping alone with kids are targeted. Also true of my experience.
– Although rumors say blonde, fair girls/teen are targets, I've yet to find that in my research & my daughter doesn't fit that description.
– Additionally, little girls AND boys of any age are targets.
The thought of what could have happened is sickening. I'm just like you; a mom and I hope my experience helps you to be, not fearful, but cautious!
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Please share this now to raise awareness & inform your friends and family.
If you know someone who might like this, please click "Share!


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Q: What are the ingredients used in your fudge?
A: if you'd like to see a list of our ingredients for certain flavors, simply email us at firstname.lastname@example.com with your request
Q: Do you make sugar free fudge?
A: fudge-O-lutely is currently working on a recipe for sugar free fudge. When it is available, it will be listed on our flavors page!
Q: How can I ship fudge to more than one recipient?
A: Orders with multiple recipients must be placed separately, as each order only allows one address to be entered.
Q: How do I pay by check?
A: If you do not have or prefer not to use a credit card, you may order fudge by email. Simply email firstname.lastname@example.com, let us know what kind of fudge you would like to order, and we'll get started! We will supply you with the mailing address to send your check, and your order will be shipped once we receive it.
Q: How long can I expect to receive my order?
A: Most orders are processed and made-to-order within 3 days of payment, and shipped within 5 days. We ship via USPS Priority mail, which is guaranteed 2-3 business days. However due to heavy volumes of orders at certain times, please allow up to 5-7 business days to process your fudge order!
Q: What if I'm allergic to certain foods?
A: If you are allergic to peanut butter, nuts, milk, coconut or other foods we highly recommend you do not eat our fudge. All of our fudge flavors are manufactured using the same equipment as those that contain these food allergens.
Q: Where is your store located?
A: fudge-O-lutely operates out of Mechanicsburg, PA, however it is exclusively an internet business, which means we do not have a storefront. You can find us traveling throughout Central Pennsylvania attending festivals and markets where we sell our homemade fudge-keep an eye out for our next stop on our Facebook page!
Q: What are the ingredients used in your fudge?


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With 30 pounds of passion fruit, cherries, oranges and pineapple per barrel, this gose is an ode to that classic New Orleans cocktail, the Hurricane.
Just in time for the dog days of summer, this tart, refreshing sour ale with cucumbers is designed to help beat the heat.
Brewed with Noble hops, this Oktoberfest-style lager boasts a malty, smooth flavor profile.
Vigorous hops unfold notes of guava, pink peppercorns, grapefruit, cherry skins and pine in this IPA.
Here's a sampling of the best beers being released in the coming week around the nation.
All thanks to our releases expert Tucker Anders and Remo Remoquillo, creator of the header image.
It may be low in calories, but this full-bodied IPA has an impressively big aroma and a flavor profile heavy on citrus notes balanced by a restrained bitterness.
This imperial milk stout is brewed with chocolate, vanilla beans and Himalayan sea salt. A nitro finish gives it an ultra-smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Brewed with orange zest, this golden ale is ideal for the warmer months.
This classic Märzen-style lager has all the smooth, malty flavors one associates with Oktoberfest.
Join Action Bronson and Jason Derulo at the International Beer Fest Tomorrow
The digital festival will also feature Prince Royce and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a celebration of International Beer Day.


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MISSION STATEMENT"Ko te whanau te mana whakahaere oTe Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngaringaomatariki"
(Written at Puatahi Marae on 2009)
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngaringaomatariki we will strive to …..
Provide an environment that is conducive to the learning needs of
Our tamariki, our whanau and our community.
Provide quality of learning that respects and enchances the
Tikanga values and principals of our whanau, hapu and iwi.
Aspire to academic excellence in raising the achievement level of our Kura.
Student learning aligned to Te Aho Matua
- Te Ira Tangata – That each student will understand and demonstrate the values of manaakitanga, aroha, tapu, ngakau mahaki.
- Te Reo, Te Ao – That each student understands theMaori view of life and identifies their own knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.
- Nga Iwi – That each student knows and is at ease with their own unique history and whakapapa.
- Nga Ahuatanga Ako – The learning needs of each student is identified and provided in a variety of ways that faciltates learning.
- Te Tino Uaratanga – That each student will learn about and develop an appreciation of their local and regional community.


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The 1919-metre Hovdenuten is one of the summits near Hovden. Enjoy magnificent views of Hovden and the surrounding mountains to the east and west.
This is a great family hike, manageable for children aged five and upwards. This is a round trip, and we recommend to walk clockwise.
To get to the starting point, follow the road from Hovden centre to the bottom of the hill in "Hovden Fjellpark". Continue on marked trail to the left.
The initial ascent is steep, with some rocky sections. For families with young children, walking time to the summit is about 1,5 hours. The total length is approximately 4 km.
You may choose to walk back the same way or continue on the marked trail to the pass Breiveskaret, which will take you to the Fjellparken cabin area. This part of the trail has some loose rocks and at times wet bog areas. Solid footwear is recommended.
The summit awaits you with a stone cairn and a guest book.