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UNDERSTANDING PRIMARY NONADHERENCE TO MEDICATIONS AND ITS ASSOCIATED HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS IN AN INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE SETTING by Janet Shin A Dissertation Presented to the FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHARMACEUTICAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY) August 2012 Copyright 2012 Janet Shin
Object Description
|Understanding primary nonadherence to medications and its associated healthcare outcomes: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records in an integrated healthcare setting
|Shin, Janet
|Author email
|Doctor of Philosophy
|Document type
|Degree program
|Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
|School of Pharmacy
|Date defended/completed
|Date submitted
|Date approved
|Restricted until
|Date published
|Advisor (committee chair)
|McCombs, Jeffrey
|Advisor (committee member)
Joyce, Geoffrey
Wilber, Kathleen H.
|OBJECTIVES: Phase I objectives were to measure the extent of primary nonadherence (PNA) in an integrated healthcare system and identify factors significantly associated with PNA to chronic and acute medications. The objective of phase II was to examine healthcare outcomes associated with PNA to cholesterol and diabetes medications. ❧ METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Southern California using data from its integrated electronic medical record system. All new prescriptions for 10 therapeutic drug groups (antiinfectives, analgesics, migraine medications, antidiabetics, osteoporosis medications, cardiovascular agents, antihyperlipidemics, antiasthmatics, antidepressants, and anticoagulants) written for patients who satisfied membership and other criteria were included in phase I. PNA rates were calculated by therapeutic drug group as the number of prescriptions not filled within 14 days over the total number of prescriptions. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify patient, prescriber, and prescription factors significantly associated with PNA. Patients who filled an antidiabetic or antihyperlipidemic were eligible for inclusion in Phase II if they were at least 18 years of age and satisfied additional inclusion and exclusion criteria. A more conservative definition of PNA was applied in phase II as the failure to fill within 180 days. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline differences among patient groups and to describe secondary nonadherence and unadjusted rates of event outcomes. The paired t-test and a multivariate difference-in-difference model were used to evaluate changes in lab values. A multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to measure the effect of PNA and secondary nonadherence on event outcomes of new disease complications, ER visits, and hospitalization. ❧ RESULTS: In phase I, a total of 569,095 new prescriptions for 398,025 patients satisfied study criteria. The overall PNA rate was 9.8% but individual PNA rates varied widely by therapeutic drug group. The effects of patient race, baseline comorbidities, prior fills, and being treatment-naive on PNA were consistent across drug groups. The strongest predictors were prior fills and being treatment-naïve. Some factors (mostly prescriber and prescription factors) depended on whether the treatment was acute or chronic. Phase II included 21,291 cholesterol patients and 10,137 diabetes patients. PNA rates were12.0% and 5.1% for cholesterol and diabetes, respectively. Secondary nonadherence was relatively worse in cholesterol than diabetes with about 20% of primary adherent patients only filling the first prescription. Adherent patients were on average older and sicker than nonadherent patients. Patients who were nonadherent to their cholesterol or diabetes medication were significantly associated with worse health outcomes in terms of lab values and ER visits. In cholesterol, the risk for ER visits was significantly higher in secondary nonadherent patients (HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.34) and the risk of hospitalization was significantly higher in primary nonadherent patients with prior cholesterol medication use (HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.41) in comparison to adherent patients. For diabetes, secondary nonadherent patients were associated with significantly increased risk for ER visits (HR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.51). ❧ CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study help clinicians and healthcare decision-makers to understand the extent of PNA and how PNA varies by therapeutic drug group in an integrated healthcare setting. Most factors of PNA were consistent across drug groups, but some factors depended on whether the treatment was acute or chronic. In addition, these results can facilitate the decision-making process in designing and implementing cost-effective patient interventions to improve overall adherence to cholesterol and diabetes medications. Future research should examine the effect of PNA on longer-term health outcomes such as mortality.
|medication adherence; healthcare outcomes; electronic medical records
|Part of collection
|University of Southern California dissertations and theses
|Publisher (of the original version)
|University of Southern California
|Place of publication (of the original version)
|Los Angeles, California
|Publisher (of the digital version)
|University of Southern California. Libraries
|Electronically uploaded by the author
|Legacy record ID
|Contributing entity
|University of Southern California
|Shin, Janet
|Physical access
|The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the author, as the original true and official version of the work, but does not grant the reader permission to use the work if the desired use is covered by copyright. It is the author, as rights holder, who must provide use permission if such use is covered by copyright. The original signature page accompanying the original submission of the work to the USC Libraries is retained by the USC Libraries and a copy of it may be obtained by authorized requesters contacting the repository e-mail address given.
|Repository name
|University of Southern California Digital Library
|Repository address
|USC Digital Library, University of Southern California, University Park Campus MC 7002, 106 University Village, Los Angeles, California 90089-7002, USA
|Repository email
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|Repository email
|Full text
|UNDERSTANDING PRIMARY NONADHERENCE TO MEDICATIONS AND ITS ASSOCIATED HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS IN AN INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE SETTING by Janet Shin A Dissertation Presented to the FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHARMACEUTICAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY) August 2012 Copyright 2012 Janet Shin


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subset: commoncrawl


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WASHINGTON -- Nearly all regions of the United States are reporting that stronger housing markets have helped boost economic growth since the middle of August, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve.
The Fed says growth improved in 10 of its 12 regional banking districts, while leveling off in one region and slowing in another. Rising home sales helped lift home prices.
The report also cited strength in auto sales in the period that covered September and the last weeks in August. Still, most districts said consumer spending was flat or up only slightly. Manufacturing activity was mixed, with half of the districts reporting slight improvement since the previous Fed report.


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Smartphones are the single-fastest-growing consumer electronics segment in the world, and Google and Apple are the most formidable players in the arena. iOS and Android together hold a vast majority of the global market, and both Apple and Google have their own hardware ventures (the iPhone/iPad and the Nexus tablet/smartphone family).
But once we move past the battle for mobile souls, there is little else that these two giants have in common. In fact, even a layman could list the differences between Apple and Google all day long. But rarely does the CEO of Google.
Yes, Larry Page shared a few new interesting factoids on today's earnings call that elucidated his perspective on the rivalry.
Page started by mentioning that Google's "long-term investment in Maps has paid off." The app was downloaded over 10 million times in 48 hours, with partial credit for the spike going to Apple's less-than-accurate Maps product.
Google has spent over a decade laboriously perfecting its mapping product, with the help of street view cars and sheer user volume. Apple, on the other hand, clearly hasn't been working on the product for more than five years, though the exact R&D time isn't clear.
Regardless of who succeeds and who fails at mapping the entire universe, these companies are approaching the project very differently. Google is looking to monetize its Maps product directly. Page explained on the call that Google Maps already generates a significant amount of revenue via search.
"The number of search queries that we receive that are geographically related is very high, and we generate quite a bit of money from our web search business," Page said. "But we're in the early stages of monetizing Maps directly in the Maps product."
If Apple has any plan to monetize Maps, we don't know about it, and it wouldn't make sense with Apple's software trajectory. Apple Maps is more of a responsive product offering than a long-term revenue generator — Apple didn't like Google pulling in data through iHardware, and that was reason enough to launch a premature Maps product.
But it's not just Google's Maps app getting iOS users excited. Page boasted on the call that six Google apps were featured in Apple's Best of 2012, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
Apple only had one of its own apps on the list, iPhoto.
Sure Google iOS apps have more downloads, but Google has more apps in general. "Google's biggest challenge is focus," said the Google CEO, highlighting another way the company differentiates itself from Apple. With hundreds of different products and operations, seemingly launched and discontinued willy nilly, this comment isn't news to anyone.
Google has brought this "challenge" upon itself, fostering this type of imaginative wandering and creativity in its employees, with its 20 percent time. If you ask employees to spend one-fifth of their time on a special project they're interested in, it's inevitable that some will lose focus.
Apple, in stark contrast, creates very few products each year. The company doesn't immediately discontinue a service or product just because they launched it as a beta, and it isn't doing well. Apple stuff is only discontinued when something better has come along to replace it.
Though there are noticeably fewer product failures to come out of Apple, Google employees seem much happier. Google was at the top of Forbes' Best Place To Work list this year, up from the fourth-place spot last year. Apple wasn't on that list.
Larry Page emphasized on the investor call that he wants every employee at Google to feel like "part of a big family," and that's been clear with the way that People Operations (Google's internal term for HR) monitors employees' happiness levels obsessively.
Steve Jobs may have wanted Apple to feel like a family, but his management tactics aren't what many would call nurturing. Because he keeps his cards close to his chest, Tim Cook's management style is less clear.
What is clear, is that Apple and Google are like night and day in Larry Page's eyes.
Apple makes money on hardware, a game that Google is relatively new to. Google, on the other hand, makes its money off of search and ads. Google powers its way to market with spurts of tons of new products as opposed to very focused, almost repressed product launches from Apple. Apple pressures its employees to perfect their work, while Google encourages and nurtures employees to create whatever tickles their fancy. And while Apple is busy reacting to anything that might threaten its complete control over the ecosystem, Google is focusing on long-term revenue streams from its core products, while opening up the code to the world.
Their fighting styles are very different. But like it or not, these two will be duking it out on mobile for years to come. And it's these differences that make it such a riveting fight to watch.


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Halo fans rejoice: we have news on where the franchise is going. While Microsoft was silent on Halo 3 (and apparently will be for the near future), they did announce two new games. The first game, Halo Wars, is going to be a RTS title in the Halo universe. At least now the mystery of Halogen being shut down can be explained. The other game—and this is exciting—is a brand new title in the Halo franchise that will be developed by Peter Jackson's new game development house, Wingnut Interactive. Peter Jackson and Microsoft have been very buddy-buddy lately: Wingnut Interactive is partnered with Microsoft Game Studios, and the HD-DVD drive will also come with a copy of Peter Jackson's King Kong. Of course we already know that Peter Jackson is producing the Halo movie as well. I can't wait to see what he and Fran Walsh are able to do with the Halo universe.
While I wish we had gotten some solid Halo 3 news, the trailer for Halo Wars looks great. No in-game footage or any clues as to how the game will play, but for Halo fans, the updated character models as well as the site of an army of Spartans is enough to get the juices flowing. Wingnut Interactive is also working with Bungie Studios to make a third game, with is not a Halo title, but features all new IP. We can only hope Peter Jackson will be able to bring the same level of quality we saw in the Lord of the Rings and King Kong movies to games.


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Fee-fi-fo-flop goes "Jack The Giant Slayer," director Bryan Singer's effects-laden 3-D reimagining of the classic "Jack and the Beanstalk."
Fee-fi-fo-flop goes "Jack The Giant Slayer," director Bryan Singer's effects-laden 3-D reimagining of the classic "Jack and the Beanstalk." The script from a trio of writers -- Christopher McQuarrie, (who teamed with Singer on "The Usual Suspects"), Darren Lemke and Dan Studney -- is a darker take on the children's story. Think: a bloated episode of "Grimm" or "Once Upon a Time." They throw a lot in the fast-moving script, including a Giant fart gag, a double-cross, a love-against-the-odds scenario, and, well, if you know the fairy tale, you know what happens.
If you're not up on your English folk tales, the film opens with a refresher on "Jack and the Beanstalk" brought alive by some cool CGI. From there, it all goes down the beanstalk. The only delights are the film's three stars – Nicholas Hoult (Jack), Eleanor Tomlinson (Princess Isabelle) and Ewan McGregor (Elmont). Hoult ("Warm Bodies") and Tomlinson (making a beautiful royal) are endearing together, and yes, you do root for them, even though a noble girl isn't supposed to take up with a farm boy. Credit that to the performances, not the material and rote lines they're ask to speak. The always-reliable McGregor -- and his magnificent hair, which remains perfectly coiffed even after battling an army of giants -- makes the most of his part as the leader of the king's (Ian McShane) elite guard.
I don't want to spill the beans, but Jack gets his hands on the magic legumes, which can't get damp or, like Gremlins, bad things will happen. Naturally, they do. Jack, who's acrophobic, is charged with climbing up the beanstalk to save the adventure-thirsty princess. He ends up in a battle with a race of vengeful giants.
The movie has romance and risk, but is missing a key ingredient: excitement. Characters are not left lingering in peril and intermittent charm only grips you for so long. Plus, there's this creepy arranged engagement between Stanley Tucci's deceitful Roderick and teen-queen-to-be, Isabelle, who desires to marry for love, not the politics of the crown. Tucci, per usual, steals his fair share of the movie, as Roderick's thirst for power grows taller than the beanstalk.
Visually, the film was shot in 3-D, which provides depth and detail when the emerald green beanstalk spirals and grows to unimaginable heights. Otherwise, the extra dimension doesn't enhance the experience as much as you might expect. It does, however, amplify the ugliness of the Giants. The super-sized creatures are scaly and hairy with disgusting brown-stained teeth -- as far away from the Jolly Green Giant as you can get. In a stop-motion performance, Billy Nighy is General Fallon, the leader, set on destroying the kingdoms in England. Nighy's voice is adequately menacing, but never raises the threat level. Children under 7 might be scared, but the Giants are really more ghoulish than gruesome, even though they pick up people to eat like candy bars. There's battles but never any bloodshed, making this a some-what gentle "Giant."
Jack the Giant Slayer
PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language. Cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Ewan McGregor. Grade: B-
Dana Barbuto may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Our Multi-specialist expertise is rooted in our genes. As one of the leading automotive systems designer and manufacturer, nothing is more natural for Valeo than to deliver 14 product lines for passenger cars and 8 product lines for heavy duty, serving all distribution channels, from carmaker networks to the Independent Aftermarket and modern distribution, in more than 120 countries all over the world.
Valeo Service, your Multi-product specialist
Valeo has organized its 14 product lines for passenger cars and 8 lines for heavy duty vehicles, into five transversal «markets» covering each area of expertise required by the Independent Aftermarket.
This market combines products such as clutches, alternators, starters, thermal systems and switches. In addition, it offers specific training and diagnostic tools adapted to this demanding, highly technical professional activity.
A high-rotation range of all products needed for vehicle maintenance, targeting distributors, garages and end-consumers. This market enables a distributor to combine all Valeo products that need to be replaced on a regular basis: wiper blades, filters, brake fluids and coolants, brake pads, discs and shoes, plugs, bulbs.
This market is for body repair professionals who use Valeo product lines to repair damage caused in impacts to parts such as optical units, radiators, condensers, locks or cooling fan units. This market-based approach facilitates the work of body shops by simplifying their supply system.
Post-equipment solutions
This range supplements original vehicle equipment with a selection of products and accessories that enhance safety, comfort and pleasure at the wheel. It includes electronic driving and parking assistance solutions and customization accessories (lights, filler caps, etc.).
This range of high-technology products, specialized training and know-how in technical assistance, is specially adapted to meeting the specific needs of even the most demanding professionals for trucks, coaches, buses, agricultural vehicles and Light Commercial Vehicles.
Valeo Service, your Multi-channel specialist
As a multi-specialist, Valeo is committed to staying as close to its customers as possible. That's why it has developed a differentiated service offer adapted to the specific needs of each channel of distribution
- Marketing services for trading groups or traditional garages such as range management with dedicated offers: Valeo CLASSIC for vehicles aged 10 years and older, Valeo Asian range dedicated to Japanese and Korean vehicles; but also for autocentres, hypermarkets or Web delaers such as category management and merchandising expertise.
- Sell out services to support its customers before, during and after purchase: product catalogues in paper or electronic version, virtual tours of our test labs or assembly videos accessible via QR-codes.
- Logistic services with 12 distribution platforms all over the world
- Technical services for heavy duty vehicle specialists and traditionnal garages, such as dedicated Website and local hotlines but also for end-users (product filtment vidéos).
Our wide range of services aims to ensure full satisfaction for professionals and end users all over the world.
Valeo Service, your Multi-territory specialist
In order to brings Aftermarket the closest answer to its daily needs, Valeo has dedicated teams all over the world:
- Europe
> Valeo Service France
> Valeo Service Eastern Europe
> Valeo Service Germany
> Valeo Service Northern Europe
> Valeo Service Russia
> Valeo Service Spain (Spain + Portugal)
> Valeo Service United-Kingdom and Eire
> Valeo Service Adriatica
- Middle East
> Valeo Service Turkey (Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, KSA, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrein, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armania, kazakhistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan)
- North America
> Valeo Service U.S.A.
- South America
> Valeo Service South America (Brazil and Argentina)
- Asia
> Valeo Service India Auto Parts
> Valeo Service China (Valeo Auto Part Trading (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD)
Other territories are addressed by the Valeo Service Export division.
Employees testimonials
Innovations and Products for the Aftermarket
beep&park/vision™ new technology
beep&park/vision™ is Valeo's ultimate parking assistance system, which makes the most of the latest innovations. It combines a new rear camera with new reversing radars that send audible and visual signals every time the driver parks. It's the ideal solution for adding optional equipment, whatever the vehicle.
Flat Blade Truck
Already successful on passenger cars, with 9 new vehicles out of 10 equipped with Flat Blade in O.E., Flat Blade technology is now a must-have. As N°1 O.E.M. supplier for wiper systems worldwide, Valeo has designed a Flat Blade specifically adapted to trucks. Truck drivers are now able to upgrade their original conventional blade and benefit from all the advantages of the Flat Blade.
optiPACK™ is the Valeo innovative truck brake pad solution developed for the Aftermarket. It has been designed to enable professionals to save time, minimize vehicle downtime and simplify ordering. This "all-in-one" kit includes the brake pads, accessories and wear indicators required to complete a secure brake pad replacement. optiPACK™ is an easy-to-sell, easy-to-store and easy-to-fit solution for all commercial vehicle segments, including light to heavy trucks, semi-trailers, buses and coaches. With only 57 part numbers, including 30 new in 2012, optiPACK™ covers 92% of all European trucks.
NU-LOK™ is the new generation of enhanced performance anti-noise shims, which provide a secure attachment to the pad plate. NU-LOK™ is specifically designed to cover all the contact points of the plate to caliper fit. Thanks to its geometry, the NU-LOK™ shim completely isolates the piston, avoiding even minimum steel-to-steel contact and then optimizing the anti-noise performance. In addition, thanks to the NU-LOK™ locking finger attachment system, the shim on the pad is self-attached, providing a secure attachment to the pad plate. On the road and during braking, the piston force makes the pad shift, and this tends to damage the traditional shim and compromises the integrity of the system.
Valeo smart packagings, QR-codes and rich media
Valeo offers a new interactive service to help users replace the main- tenance products on their vehicles, in the form of videos which guide them as they select, fit and use their Valeo products. They are accessible for free, on the packaging of an increasing number of Valeo products. With a smartphone or tablet, users can flash the QR-codes on the front of the pack and view these instructional videos, available in up to nine languages, as often as they like.


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Eastern Hognose Snake, Puff Adder, Hissing Adder, Spreading Adder, Blow Viper, Hissing Sand Snake
Scientific name: Heterodon platirhinos (LATREILLE 1801)
* Currently accepted name
* scientific names used through time
- Heterodon platirhinos – LATREILLE 1801
- Heterodon platyrhinos – BAIRD & GIRARD 1853
- Heterodon platyrhinus [sic] – DUMÉRIL, BIBRON & DUMÉRIL 1854
- Heterodon niger – DUMÉRIL & BIBRON 1854 (fide WALLACH)
- Coluber heterodon – DAUDIN 1803
- Heterodon browni – STEJNEGER 1903
- Heterodon contortrix – ALLEN 1932
Description: Average adult size is 20-33 inches (51-84 cm), record is 45.5 inches (115.5 cm). It has a thick body and slightly upturned, pointed snout. Adult coloration is extremely variable and may be mostly yellow, tan, olive, brown, gray, orange, or reddish-brown with dark brown or black large, irregular shaped blotches on the back and smaller blotches on the sides. Some individuals may be entirely black or dark gray without any pattern. The belly may be yellow, light gray, or pinkish and may or may not be mottled gray or greenish. The underside of the tail is lighter than the rest of the belly. There is a dark line extending from the upper jaw through the eye. The scales are keeled, and there are 23-25 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.
A. Side of the head
B. Top of the head
C. Front (face view) of the head
D. Keeled scales
E. Elongated scales below the tail (subcaudal scales) are typically divided
Range: It is found throughout Florida, excluding the Keys. Outside of Florida, it is found throughout the eastern US from Florida and Texas north to Minnesota, east to southern Ontario and Quebec and southern New Hampshire.
Habitat: It locally abundant in certain habitats including sandhills, scrub, high pine and turkey oak woodlands, hardwood hammocks, meadows, and cultivated fields.
Comments: HARMLESS (Non-Venemous).
Heterodon means "different tooth," which refers to the enlarged teeth on the rear of the upper jaw. These teeth inject a mild venom into its prey, and also serve to pop inflated toads like a balloon to enable swallowing. They use their blunt nose to search through leaf litter and soil for prey.
Adults mainly eat toads, but will sometimes eat other frogs, insects, and invertebrates. Juveniles eat small frogs and toads, insects, lizards, and small snakes.
It lays eggs. Breeding takes place in both the spring and fall. Males often follow the female around for several days prior to courtship and copulation. They lay between 4-61 whitish, thin shelled, leathery eggs 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) long. Eggs are deposited in a moist sandy, shallow hole, or under debris, and hatch in 39-65 days. Hatchlings are 6.5-9.5 inches (16-24 cm).
The Hognose Snake is renowned for its "death feigning" behavior. When threatened, it flattens its head and neck and hisses loudly. It may strike, but only with its mouth closed. If it is further harassed, it will flip on its back and convulse for a short period and may defecate and regurgitate its food. It will then remain motionless with its belly up, mouth open, and tongue hanging out. It may play dead for several minutes before cautiously turning over, looking around to see if it is safe before crawling away.
Flattening its head and hissing when it is frightened gave rise to two of the local names used for this snake. The banded form of the Hognose Snake is often called a "Puff Adder" and is correctly believed to be harmless. However, the black form of the Hognose Snake is called a "Spreading Adder" and is wrongly believed to be deadly. Both color forms of the Eastern Hognose Snake are harmless to humans. However, humans that are allergic to its small amount of venom have been known to produce local swelling, but no human death has ever occurred.
Another old myth says that the Hognose Snake can mix venom with its breath and is thus able to kill a person from a distance of twenty-five feet. In truth, its breath is harmless.
Comparison with other species: The Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) has a light-colored belly and underside of the tail, and a more upturned snout. Hognose Snakes are often confused with the Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), which has a blunt nose — it is easy to distinguish between the harmless Hognose Snakes and the Pigmy Rattlesnake.


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Som ett komplement till mina tidigare inlägg Russia's Disinformation Campaign over South Ossetia och Before the Gunfire, Cyberattacks against Georgia kommer här en mycket intressant kronologi over händelseutvecklingen som lede fram till Rysslands invasion av Georgien från Central Asia-Caucasus Institute.
Som jag konstaterat tidigare så visar även denna kronologi på de långtgående ryska förberedelserna långt innan kriget. Och att den ryska planeringen var att "göra något" i början/mitten av augusti. Vilket ju också skede.
De ryska styrkorna var förbereda och hade satt sig i rörelse före den 7-8 augusti då Georgien gick in i Tschinvali.
Här är en bra karta som visar de olika styrkornas utgångsläge och det inledande förloppet.
Klicka på kartan så blir den större/Click on the map
In August 2008, Russia launched an invasion of Georgia that sent shock waves reverberating – first across the post-Soviet space, but then also into the rest of Europe and the world, as the magnitude of the invasion and its implications became clear.
This invasion took the world by surprise. But what should have been surprising about it was perhaps the extent of Russia's willingness to employ crude military force against a neighboring state, not that it happened. Indeed, Russia had for several years pursued increasingly aggressive and interventionist policies in Georgia, and had employed an array of instruments that included military means, albeit at a smaller scale. In the several months that preceded the invasion, Moscow's increasingly blatant provocations against Georgia led to a growing fear in the analytic community that it was seeking a military confrontation. Yet western reactions to this aggressive behavior remained declaratory and cautious in nature, and failed to attach cost to Russia for its behavior.
After invading Georgia on August 8, Russia did score some initial successes in portraying the invasion as a response to a Georgian decision to militarily enter Tskhinvali, the capital of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia. Yet a growing body of evidence rapidly emerged, implying that Russia's invasion was premeditated, not reactive – or in the words of a leading Russian military analyst, planned, not spontaneous.
Indeed, as the chronology included in this paper shows, Russia had been meticulously preparing an invasion of Georgia through the substantial massing and preparation of forces in the country's immediate vicinity. Scholars will debate whether Russian tanks were already advancing inside Georgian territory when Georgian forces launched their attack on Tskhinvali; yet there seems little doubt that they were at least on the move toward the border. And the scope of the Russian attack leave little doubt: it immediately broadened from the conflict zone of South Ossetia, to the opening of a second front in Abkhazia and systematic attacks on military and economic infrastructure across Georgia's territory. Within days, tens of thousands of Russian troops and hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles roamed Georgian roads.
Russia's subsequent decisions to ignore the terms of a cease-fire agreement it signed, and to recognize the independence of the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, all complete the picture of long-hatched plan. The purpose was not merely related to South Ossetia or even Abkhazia: it served to punish Georgia and expose the inability of the west to prevent Russia from moving aggressively to restore its primacy over the former Soviet Union's territory, irrespective of the wishes of the governments and populations of the sovereign countries on that area. It is indeed the predetermined nature of this war that makes its implications so far-reaching. It constituted Moscow's first military aggression against a neighboring state since the invasion of Afghanistan in 1978; and it took place, this time, against a member state of European institutions such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and to that a country on track to integration with NATO.
As such, political leaders and analyst soon understood that it formed the largest crisis to date in Russia's relationship with the West; some have even come to realize that the Georgian war of 2008 may be the most significant challenge to European Security since the Cold War's end. It is therefore of particular importance to document, already at this stage, how this war started and draw some preliminary conclusions regarding what it means for Georgia, the post-Soviet space, and Europe and the United States. The following pages propose to do so by providing a chronology of events before, during, and immediately after the war; as well as to propose some initial conclusions that could be drawn from this chronology, as well as regarding its implications.
This chronology has been assembled to the extent possible based on multiple and independent sources, as well as on the personal notes of the authors, including experiences on the ground during the conflict. Given the recent nature of the events, however, it is possible that some information reflected here will need correction as more solid evidence emerges. The authors express their gratitude to David J. Smith and Jonathan Kulick for their comments on the chronology. The authors will be grateful to receive additional suggestions for corrections or additions
Russian invasion routes and forces
Klicka på kartorna så blir den större/Click on the maps
Russian-claimed security zone, South Ossetia
Russian bombing targets in Georgia
Summer 2004
Following an operation launched by the Georgian governments to curtail rampant smuggling across South Ossetia, clashes between Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists take place as Georgia sought to restory authority, with numerous deaths on both sides.
Winter 2005
Sergey Bagapsh assumes the de facto presidency of Abkhazia, following an election in which Moscow backed his opponent, Raul Khadzhimba. Bagapsh's electoral victory led to strong Russian pressure on the de facto leadership, which forced Bagapsh to include Khadzhimba into his government as Vice President and hand him control of security and defense affairs.
Subsequently, serving Russian security and military officials are appointed to leading positions in the de facto governments of the unrecognized republics. Hence Russian general Soltan Soslaniev served as Abkhazia's defense minister, while Anatoly Zaitsev became the de facto republic's chief of staff. Likewise, South Ossetia's prime minister, Yuri Morozov, and security chief, Anatoly Barankevich, were among several Russian officers in the South Ossetian de facto government.
President Saakashvili presents peace plans to both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are rejected.
January 2006
Explosions occur on the Russian side of the Georgian-Russian border, damaging a gas pipeline and an electricity transmission line and cutting gas and electricity supplies to Georgia. These explosions occur days after Russia cut energy supplies to Ukraine, and are blamed on unidentified terrorists.
Spring 2006
Russia introduces an import ban on Georgian wine and mineral water, Georgia's most lucrative export products, citing health and quality concerns.
Spring 2006
Russia builds a military base in the district of Java, north of Tskhinvali in South Ossetia, an area off limits to international observers. The base includes substantial refueling capabilities for tanks and armored vehicles.
July 2006
Under what is officially a law enforcement operation, Georgia takes control of the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia, previously run by a local (Georgian) warlord. The Georgian Government-in-Exile for Abkhazia is installed in the Gorge. Georgia also intensifies efforts to internationalize the Russian-led peacekeeping formats in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
September-October 2006
Georgia expels six Russian intelligence agents accused of espionage. Russia responds with a full economic embargo of Georgia, including the severance of all transportation and communication links, including rail, road, sea, air, postal, and banking ties. Russian law enforcement raids Georgian businesses in Russia and begins deporting Georgian citizens.
March 11, 2007
Georgian-controlled villages in the Kodori Gorge are attacked by ground-to ground rocket fire, likely from territory controlled by the Abkhaz de facto authorities. The attack is supported by Russian military helicopters, a fact obliquely confirmed by a subsequent report of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG). Western leaders fail to react to the UNOMIG report.
May 2007
After elections held in parallel with elections for the Tskhinvali authorities, Georgia introduces a provisional administration in the parts of South Ossetia it controlled since the cease-fire of 1992, under the leadership of Dmitri Sanakoyev, a former high official in the separatist government.
August 6, 2007
A missile dropped by an aircraft lands undetonated near a Georgian radar in Tsitelubani in close proximity of South Ossetia, recently upgraded to NATO standards. Two teams of European and American experts conclude that the action must have been performed by the Russian Air Force. A Russian team of experts instead argues the incident had been staged by Georgia to create an impression of Russian aggression against the country.
February 17, 2008
Kosovo declares independence. President Putin claims Kosovo's independence, if recognized by western states, will set a precedent with consequences for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. A few weeks later, in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Konstantin Zatulin, Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on CIS and Compatriot Affairs, suggests the draft presidential decree may be just the first step toward Russian recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It is important to move now, says Zatulin, while Kosovo is still a fresh issue and well before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. ( For full details and documents, see the October 2007 Silk Road Paper published by the Joint Center, The August 6 Bombing Incident in Georgia: Implications for the Euro-Atlantic Region, by Svante E. Cornell, David J. Smith, and S. Frederick Starr).
March 5, 2008
Tbilisi withdraws from the Joint Control Commission overseeing negotiations over South Ossetia. It instead proposes a format which, apart from Georgia, South Ossetia and Russia, also envisages active roles for the EU, OSCE and the Sanakoyev administration.
March 6, 2008
Russia announces its withdrawal from the 1996 CIS sanctions treaty, which banned trade, economic, financial, transport and other links with Abkhazia.
March 28, 2008
President Mikheil Saakashvili outlines a new peace initiative for Abkhazia, including the establishment of a free economic zone, representation at all levels of the Georgian government, and far-reaching autonomy for Abkhazia.
April 3, 2008
At the NATO summit in Bucharest, Georgia is denied a Membership Action Plan. Georgia and Ukraine are nevertheless assured they will be offered NATO membership at an unspecified point in the future. German chancellor Angel Merkel stresses that a country with unresolved conflicts can nevertheless not join NATO.
April 16, 2008
A Russian presidential decree signed by outgoing President Vladimir Putin instructs the Russian government, as well as Russian regions, to open political, social, and economic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The decree in many ways establishes relations between Moscow and the two territories that approximate relations between Moscow and its federal subjects. This is interpreted in Tbilisi as a move to legalize a Russian annexation of the two regions.
April 18, 2008
Abkhazia claims Georgia is reinforcing its troops along the cease-fire line and in the Kodori Gorge. UNOMIG nevertheless states that no troop increases have taken place.
April 21, 2008
An unarmed Georgian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is downed over Abkhazia. Citing footage from the UAV's camera capturing its own destruction by a MiG-29 aircraft as well as radar recordings showing an aircraft taking off from the Gudauta airbase in Abkhazia and departing into Russian airspace, Georgia accuses the Russian Air Force of downing the UAV. This triggers a diplomatic row, as Tbilisi claims Russia is engaging in military action in Abkhazia, while Russia denies responsibility, claiming the plane was shot down by the Abkhaz air defenses. A UNOMIG investigation subsequently concludes in May that the aircraft was Russian.
April 24, 2008
At the UN, the U.S., UK, France and Germany, all members of the Group of Friends of the Secretary General for Georgia, express concern over Russia's policy toward Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and President Saakashvili calls for talks on internationalizing the peacekeeping missions in the two regions.
April 29, 2008
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims Georgia has reinforced its military presence in the Kodori Gorge, preparing for an invasion of Abkhazia. Russia confirms it is reinforcing its peacekeeping contingent in Abkhazia, and setting up several new checkpoints along the Inguri River. UNOMIG subsequently denies any troop buildup in the Kodori Gorge or along the cease-fire line.
May 8, 2008
Russia confirms having increased its peacekeeping contingent in Abkhazia from 1997 to 2542 soldiers.
May 14, 2008
Abkhazia's leader Sergey Bagapsh requests permanent Russian military presence in Abkhazia. Such plans are later denied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Georgian officials say a war between Georgia and Russia has been avoided due to French mediation.
May 16, 2008
The UN General Assembly passes a resolution tabled by Georgia on the right of return of all IDPs to Abkhazia. The U.S. votes for the resolution, Russia against; most western European states abstain.
May 21, 2008
Georgia holds parliamentary elections. Two buses intended for transporting Georgians in the Gali region to polling stations are blown up in Khurcha, just across the border in Georgia, injuring four. Tbilisi claims the Abkhaz side is responsible. Later reports by UN observers suggest the incident was staged by Georgian officials.
May 31, 2008
The Russian Ministry of Defense sends about 400 troops from the Russian Defense Ministry Railway Forces to rehabilitate Abkhazian railways. Tbilisi accuses Russia of improving the infrastructure in Abkhazia in preparation for a military intervention.
June 16, 2008
One person is killed and four injured in a skirmish between Georgian and South Ossetian forces in the outskirts of Tskhinvali. Georgian forces confiscate heavy equipment including anti-tank missiles from Russian peacekeepers on the Georgian side of the Georgian-Abkhaz administrative border – weaponry that, according to the agreement on peacekeeping, required notification of Georgian authorities.
June 21, 2008
In an interview with the Georgian newspaper Rezonansi, respected Russian military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer stated that a political decision to start a war in Georgia had been taken in Moscow as early as April. He predicted that a war would start in Abkhazia no later than the middle of August.
July 1, 2008
Sukhumi closes Abkhazia's de facto border with Georgia.
July 3-4, 2008
An explosion in the South Ossetian village of Dmenisi kills a South Ossetian police chief. Later the same day, a mine attack on a convoy carrying Dmitri Sanakoyev injures three Georgian policemen near Tskhinvali. The attack is followed by an exchange of fire between Sanakoyev's security personnel and unknown gunmen. At least two people die in shellings in Tskhinvali and surrounding villages.
July 5, 2008
The information services of the North Caucasian Islamic resistance publish an article on their website, Kavkaz-Center, stating that Russia will wage a war in Georgia in August, but placing it in Abkhazia.
July 8, 2008
The Georgian MOD reports the intrusion of four Russian aircraft over South Ossetia. Russia confirms its aircraft entered Georgian airspace to "cool hotheads", marking the first instance of a violation of airspace not denied by Russia.
July 15, 2008
Russia launches a large-scale military exercise, "Kavkaz-2008", in 11 regions in the vicinity of the Georgian border. Approximately 8,000 army servicemen participate in the training, which engages paratroopers, the Pskov Airborne division and the Black Sea Fleet. 700 combat vehicles and 20 aircraft are activated and undergo readiness inspections. The Russian authorities refer to the exercise as a pre-planned counter-terrorism operation, but states also that it aims to prepare the troops for involvement in special peacekeeping operations, due to the latest developments in the region.
July 30, 2008
The Russian Ministry of Defense announces the completion of the repair of the 54-kilometer railway linking the Abkhazian capital of Sukhumi with the region of Ochamchire in the Abkhazian conflict zone.
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Is there a current thread about the series? I can't find it ( I didn't look that hard ) watched it online yesterday.
It's great, maybe a little rushed but that's hard to tell off of one, one-hour premier episode.
My biggest issue is having ready the books and knowing whats going to happen to the characters I have a lot of trepidation issues.
Pretty happy with the casting, although I was happy before. And I cam so glad it's on HBO as they don't pull any of the sex and violence.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8


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Eid brings lots of happiness and pleasures in every season, people are right that Eids are only for children and ladies, as we have already shared some Eid dresses in previous season but here we are going to share you some of the most elegant dresses from Gul Ahmed Collection. These are Gul Ahmed Eid Collection 2012-2013, These Eid dresses contains long shirts with embroidered work which can also be wear in parties and weddings. We have posted these Gul Ahmed dresses with Price detail for our valued visitors. Well let's see what are special in Gul Ahmed Embroidered Dresses for Eid 2012-2013.
Gul Ahmed Eid Dresses 2012-2013
All these embroidered dresses contains simple and beautiful embroidery work specially on Shirt Neck-line and borders. For winter season all of these dresses are in long shirts and gown with trousers and churi pajama. All these collection are shoot by Guddu Shani Photographers / Film-maker / Image Consultants which are specialized in fashion industry.
Gul Ahmed Embroidered Dresses
Price: Rs. 9000
Embroidered Double Shirt Dresses
Price: Rs. 15,000
Gul Ahmed Embroidered Gowns
Price: Rs. 15,000
Gul Ahmed Eid Collection 2012-2013
Price: Rs. 8500
Gul Ahmed Heavy Embroidered Dresses
Price: Rs. 15,000
Gul Ahmed Embroidered Dresses for Eid


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Rethink Towel Management
Towel Tracker founder Steven Molewyk was inspired by a health club owner in Grand Rapids, MI, who was growing weary of patrons stealing nearly 3,500 towels a month from his facility. Stolen towels cost the business nearly $50,000 a year. "Many fitness center owners believe this is the price they must pay for doing business, but I thought there must be a better towel management solution," Molewyk said.
How It Works
The Towel Tracker has two components: the clean towel unit and the towel return unit. Towel Tracker assigns towels to users with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Users access towels by swiping their ID card through the reader to open the door. Each towel is embedded with a RFID tag that provides the towel with a unique identification number. Users take the towels they want and close the door. A scanning system reads the RFID tags in the towels and assigns them to the user. As used towels are placed into the return receptacle, the system scans the RFID tags again to credit the user for their return.
Turning Towel Service into a Profit Center
"We can help businesses become more sustainable by reducing towel service costs and proactively addressing towel theft," Molewyk said. Club owners can use the Towel Tracker to implement various payment policies for towel service: no-charge, charge-per-towel or charge-per-unreturned-towel. By encouraging responsible towel usage, patrons are less likely to leave dirty towels lying around for employees to clean up. This reduces the staff's housekeeping efforts, enhances the appearance of the facility and improves sanitation. By promoting responsible towel usage, preventing theft and reducing utilities, Towel Tracker is an economical and environmentally friendly towel management solution.
Booth No. 2733
This company is an exhibitor at IHRSA and an advertiser in the February 2012 issue of Club Industry.


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When the question -- "What do I want to do with my life?" -- finally hits, it can be overwhelming to most of us. Some people, such as myself, have an idea but need an extra push to get over the hump of deciding. Luckily, I found something that could help many other students.
As a high school student, deciding on a career choice can be difficult. Fortunately I was recently able to participate in a career program between Allentown Central Catholic High School and Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown that enabled me to receive insight and experience in the various positions of the medical field. This four-session program, called Inspiring Hearts, is run through the hospital. It offers a variety of experiences to view medical professions that essentially aid in determining a career.
I was able to experience unique opportunities that not only pertained to my future profession in pharmacy but also to other realms of medicine. Having an interest in pharmacy, I saw how a hospital pharmacy operates and the functions of the pharmacist and pharmacy technicians. I followed up with shadowing the psychiatric pharmacist. The next week, I had the wonderful opportunity of observing three surgeries in the operating room. For my last rotation, I met with a neurologist who was very passionate and dedicated to his career; he not only taught me information about psychology and the nervous system but also about the medical field as a whole. Overall, Inspiring Hearts really enlightened me and reaffirmed my pursuit of a doctorate of pharmacy.
I came to realize during this program that opportunities like this really need to be made available to high school students throughout the area. With the region's health networks, many aspiring students who seek a health care career should have an opportunity not only to volunteer but also to share in unique experiences that would help them determine whether to seek a career in the medical profession.
Ideally, the desired opportunity lies in the hands-on learning and observation of the student. By devoting a day for students to enter the hospital and view its functions from the perspectives of doctors, nurses or other staff members and experience what they do and how they do it, hospitals can give students an accurate experience of possible future careers. Being a smaller hospital and a private school, Sacred Heart Hospital and Allentown Central Catholic have been able to organize and succeed with such an amazing program, proving how simple it can be to achieve something great.
It was truly a one of a kind and memorable experience, and I hope more students throughout our area have the opportunity to be a part of programs such as this one.
Brian Foster is a junior at Allentown Central Catholic High School.
Want to write for iThink? High school and college students can send an email to email@example.com.
When the question -- "What do I want to do with my life?" -- finally hits, it can be overwhelming to most of us. Some people, such as myself, have an idea but need an extra push to get over the hump of deciding. Luckily, I found something that could help many other students.


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Baltimore residents hear casino jobs plan; Some skeptical
Some residents angry that casino exec.'s left before public commenting
The public on Wednesday heard plans for the first time that would ensure the thousands of jobs up for grabs at Baltimore City's new casino would actually go to city residents, but some were skeptical about whether that promise would become reality.
The local hiring plan was presented as part of a City Council public hearing on the issue.
"What I realize is that the American dream, for the last four years, I haven't been having," said city resident James Commander.
Commander is one of thousands hoping to land a job at the new Caesars casino complex that plans to open in 2014 on a parcel of land in the shadow of M&T Bank Stadium.
"We need these jobs. We want these jobs," Commander said.
At the hearing, the mayor's office revealed details of a memorandum of understanding between the city and Caesars that promises to give priority to qualified city residents to help fill close to 1,800 jobs at the Horseshoe Casino.
"It is really our job to make sure that we do everything possible to do a very, very broad outreach for a community hiring effort," said Karen Sitnick of the mayor's Office of Employment Development.
"I need people that know the city. I need people that are passionate about the city -- that can answer questions about the city. You don't get that if you're not from the city," said Caesars spokesman Chad Barnhill.
But later at the hearing, a group of community leaders and local labor union members cornered the Caesar executives in the hallway. They were upset that the executives left the hearing just as the public comment period began.
"If you're not concerned enough to stay around and hear their concerns, it doesn't lend well to the idea that you're trying to give back to the city," said community organizer Richie Armstrong.
The union members said the early exit reinforced their distrust of the hiring memorandum of understanding between the city and Caesars.
"It doesn't hold anybody accountable, because you can say, 'I tried to reach the goal but somehow we failed.' That still leaves the residents out in the cold," Armstrong said.
As part of the memorandum of understanding, Caesars has agreed to submit workforce reports to the city twice a year to show how many of its workers live in Baltimore.


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Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Kolapakkam, near Porur, is one of the Navagraha temples around Chennai, expecially Porur. This temple is Surya Parihara Sthalam. There is a seperate shrine for Suryan facing West. Suryan is accorded prime importance in this temple. The Lord here got the name Agastheeswarar because Agasthyar the Great Sage is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. His consort is Anandavalli. The Lord here was also worshiped by another Sage called Vakeesa and hence He is also known as Vakeeswarar.
The Sthala Vriksham is Arasa Maram or Peepal tree. The holy theertham is Amritha Pushkarni.
Kala Bhairavar is another very powerful Deity in this temple. Special puja is performed every Sunday to Kala Bhairavar during Rahu Kalam. Devotees believe that their wishes are fulfilled by worshiping Kala Bhairavar here for six consecutive Sundays. Offerings of red cloth, red flowers and wheat are made by the devotees to Suryan.
There are seperate shrines for Pillayar – known as Raja Ganapathy at this temple, Kasi Vishwanathar and Visalakshi, Kala Bhairavar, Lord Muruga with his wives Valli and Deivayani. The peacock which is the vahana or vehicle of Lord Muruga is made out of green coloured granite and is known as Maragadha Mayil. There is also the Rinavimochana Lingeshwarar who is supposed to free His devotees of all debts. According to scriptures, every human being is born with three types of debts. They are Deva rina (debt to God), Rishi rina (debt to Sages or Rishis) and Pitru rina (debt to ones ancestors). There are also well-defined means of repaying these debts. If a man does not repay these debts in his lifetime he will have another birth to repay. There is no escape from repaying these debts. Read more about how to rid of these debts in my post on Kadan Nivartheeswarar Temple at Thirucherai.
According to inscriptions, this temple has been built and rebuilt several times at various times by many Kings of various Dynasties. Some of them are Raja Raja Chola I, Raja Raja Chola II, Aditya Chola, Rajendra Chola and Sundara Pandyan. Vijakanda Gopala a Telugu Chola King and Vijaya Maharaja of Sumatra have also patronised and contributed to the temple at various times. The area surrounding temple also seems to have been the seat of Budhdhist activity in this region. Archeological evidence pointing to this has been unearthed by the ASI.
Here is a report in The Hindu on these findings by the ASI.
The temple was almost in ruins in 1998 before it was rebuilt. I have posted some snaps of how the temple looked prior to 1998.
This is one of the Navagraha temples around Chennai. The list is as follows
Suryan Sthalam – Gnayiru Gramam, Surya Sthalam & Agastheeswarar Kovil, Kolapakkam
Chevvai Sthalam or Angakaran Sthalam – Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Poonamalee
Budhan Sthalam – Sundareswarar Kovil, Kovur & Karaneeswarar Koil, Saidapet
Guru Sthalam – Ramanatheeswarar Koil, Porur & Thiruvaleeswarar Koil, Padi
Sukran Sthalam – Valleeswarar Kovil, Mylapore, Valleeswarar Kovil, Mangadu
Saneeswaran Sthalam – Agastheeswarar Kovil, Pozhichalur
Rahu Sthalam – Nageswarar Temple, Kunrathur
Kethu Sthalam – Neelakanteswarar Kovil, Gerugambakkam
Location: Kolapakkam is on the outskirts of Chennai. It can be reached from Mount Poonamalee road. At the Ramavaram signal you can take a left turn into Manapakkam and this road will lead to Kolapakkam which is about 3 Kms from there. This can also be approached from Porur – Kunrathur Road through Gerugambakkam which is the neighbouring village and site of one of the other eight Navagraha temples around Porur. This can also be reached from Pozhichalur neighbouring Pammal and Pallavaram which is where the Saneeswaran temple is located. One has to cross a small causeway over Adyar river, so this route may not be very ideal during the rainy season. Moreover, these internal roads are not very well maintained.
Temple Timings: 7 AM to 11 AM & 4 PM to 8 PM (Timings subject to change on special days and important festival days)
Temple Address:
Arulmigu Anandavalli Sametha Agastheeswarar Koil
Chennai 602 122


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Many string theorists and cosmologists have recently turned their attention to building and testing string theory models of inflation. One of the main goals is to find novel features that could distinguish stringy models from their field theoretic counterparts. This is difficult because, in most examples, string theory is used to derived an effective theory operating at energies well below the string scale. However, since string theory provides a complete description of dynamics also at higher energies, it may be interesting to construct inflationary models which take advantage of this distinctive feature. I will discuss recent progress in this direction using p-adic string theory - a toy model of the bosonic string for which the full series of higher dimensional operators is known explicitly - as a playground for studying string cosmology to all order in $alpha\'$. The p-adic string is a nonlocal theory containing derivatives of all orders and this structure is also ubiquitous in string field theory. After discussing the difficulties (such as ghosts and classical instabilities) that arise in working with higher derivative theories I will show how to construct generic inflationary models with infinitely many derivatives. Novel features include the possibility of realizing slow roll inflation with a steep potential and large nongaussian signatures in the CMB.


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Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis
Thoughts on link between Joao Plata and Alvaro Saborio:
"So far, so good. Plata has two passes showing two goals for Sabo in the first three games and that's obviously a very good thing. I think in all three of the matches Plata has come on and given us a little bit of energy and a little bit of a different look. He's been a pretty dangerous player, so I'm pleased."
Thoughts on Robbie Findley:
"I think Robbie just needs to remember to find the right gaps where he can be the most effective and typically that's trying to find gaps between center backs, in between the center back and the wide back and trying to get in behind as often as possible. I feel like today he did a good job at that, and that he got himself into really good spots in the first half, but unfortunately he really should have finished. So I think we just build on it and say that today was better than last week and we hope that next week will be better than this week."
Thoughts on Luis Gil and Sebastian Velasquez:
"I think they both have had pretty strong performances. I don't think that either one of them you would say has had all of the ninety minutes where they were very, very good and very, very effective. Both of them are still making a few too many errors on the ball, but truthfully a lot of our players are making a few too many errors. So they are still a work in progress, we need to be patient like we said from the beginning, and in the end we should benefit greatly from getting young players like that experience."
Thoughts on RSL's defensive efforts:
"We have given away two goals in three matches, that's not a bad statistic to lean on. When you look at it a little more closely I think we are giving up a few to many clear cut chances, but some of that comes through what we are trying to get out of the game. If we had gotten to 1-1 and said, 'Okay, we'll close up the shop and we're happy to take the draw away from our home stadium,' I don't think that they end up with those three clear cut chances there at the end. But because we don't have that mentality we open ourselves up to plays from behind and allowed the three. At least I think it was three, maybe it wasn't three, but it felt like 14 clear-cut chances to score against us. Credit to Nick Rimando for saving us a point there."
Thoughts on Ned Grabavoy coming off the bench:
"The thinking was that Khari Stephenson was injured and we needed to get another midfielder on. I thought it was the right type of game for Ned, we knew it was going to be difficult to find gaps and space to play in. We needed another mature player who has been in our system for a while to figure things out and push things along for us in the second half. Pretty clear to me though that his fitness level was struggling a little bit, so we need to really be focused on that this next week to hopefully make him available for all 90 come next Saturday."
Thoughts on Nick Rimando:
"I think if you had to pin-point out your top performer over the first three matches his name would certainly be at the top of the list. He's been absolutely stellar for us at the beginning of the season and he gets considered I think for the national team at the exact right time for next weekend's match. So I'm really pleased with his performance and pleased that we were able to recognize him tonight."
Thoughts on Deshorn Brown:
"I believe he was in one other time, not a lot more, but one other time. Where he cut between Kwame [Watson-Siriboe] and Tony Beltran and that was a very much miscall on Kwame's part. But he was an active player, and he was winning a lot of balls in the air. They seemed to have a very set tactic in the first half today to play every goal kick to Atiba Harris's head and flicked on for him to run on to. We didn't deal well with that. I don't think the organization was quite right, I think we lost a lot of head balls in our defensive end which is very atypical for us and won't be acceptable going forward."
Thoughts on being satisfied with one point in the home opener:
"No, no. Going into the locker room it's absolutely silent; it's as though we lost 3-0. Our guys want more, they expect more and I think that's a good thing to have."
Thoughts on offseason changes and the crowd:
"The crowd again was outstanding, outstanding. We should be very thankful that we have them to root us on the way they do. But again, I think that we feel that we should have done better, we feel a little of anguish that we didn't get all the three points like we set out for here. It has been a rough offseason, there's no doubt about it. With so many changes in players, ownership and everything, all of that takes a toll. We will hope, as I keep telling the guys, to improve day-by-day and week-by-week. That has to be our objective, to be at our best at the end of the season."
Real Salt Lake MF Kyle Beckerman
On the goal by Deshorn Brown:
"It was kind of a freak thing, we were really dominating, getting chance after chance and next think you know we're losing. So it was disappointing but nobody held their heads. We figured if we keep dominating this game we're going to get a goal. We just wish we would have maybe got one a little bit earlier, maybe would have helped us get the second."
On what the fans wanted to see tonight:
"I think the fans wanted to see that we can still play like we have in the past. I think tonight we showed a lot of the same skills, in passing and being able to dominate a team for 90 minutes. To not get the goal was a bit disappointing because I think everybody wanted to go home with a big happy smile and three points in the bag. Sometimes that happens. We'll just have to work on finishing this week and see if we can do better next week."
On Ned Grabavoy's return to play:
"Yeah, Ned's great. I think we've missed him the past two games. He's a really important player for us and the more he gets in and the more he gets his fitness back, it will be a big help for us."
On Nick Rimando's performance:
"Nick is always big for us. I say it again and again, he's one of the best in the league. He's done it for years now and I think that's probably why he doesn't get as much credit as he should, because it's expected of him. But we need him, he's huge for us. We'll need him more often throughout the season."
On Rimando's national team duties:
"Yeah, it's going to be tough. But we brought in Josh for that reason and he's been really sharp in practice. So hopefully he'll get in there, he's a two-time MLS Cup champ so he's not a bad backup."
On the midfield and how it is coming together
"It's a bit here and there, today I thought it was a lot better at times, I don't know what the possession was, but it seemed like we had the ball the whole time except for when they countered. But it can still improve and I think the more we play and once we get some injured guys back it will be a little bit more cohesive."
Real Salt Lake GK Nick Rimando
On making some big saves:
"It went right through my chest and stomach I got it, it knocked the wind out of me, but tonight they got their opportunities, when we throw everything at them trying to get the tying goal and the go ahead goal. So I just try to keep my team in it and make the saves I can make. Tonight, second half I was able to make those saves and keep our team in the game."
On his performance and what it means for his national team chances:
"I don't want to judge myself. That's what the coaches are for. I think I got called in for a reason. I'm doing something right and it helps with these guys, it always helps. So it's a privilege and honor to get called up and represent the country."
On the defense's performance tonight:
"This was the first game that I felt like we were really shaky. Definitely some stuff we have to iron out, but I think it's safe to say that everyone knows we need to get better. We held our hands up and we definitely need to look at the videotape and see where we need to get better and improve…. It's a young season and as long as we take care of business and iron out those details we'll be fine."
On Pickens' injury:
"You never wish for any kind of injury for a goalkeeper or any player. To see him down is disappointing for sure. But I know he's a strong guy and he'll bounce back."
On what they did to bounce back from the Colorado goal:
"Nothing, our response this year has been great when we go down a goal. It kind of lights a little fire underneath us to go and get one, especially at home in front of our fans. You don't want to lose ever in front of your fans. It just kind of pushed us in to move forward. We knew we were going to leave some holes in the back and move forward. But we knew we weren't going to give up, so that's what you get from us."
Real Salt Lake FW Alvaro Saborio
On the goal he scored in the second half:
"We were trying to push for most of that second half, trying to get our first goal and it came off a great pass from Plata."
On improving offensively:
"Right now we are trying in a lot of different ways. Now all we have to do is just look forward and score. We were a better team than them and all we really have to do is step forward."
Real Salt Lake FW Robbie Findley
On missing some chance:
"You usually get more opportunities at home and it definitely happened today. I just need to be better at it on my end, when my teammates get me the ball. I just need to be more focused."
On the thought process behind his two 1-on-1 chances:
"Yeah, I try and forget about that stuff as fast as I can, it's tough, but it's done and that's that, you just try and move on. The end of the second one I just missed the touch and it took me too wide, so I had to bring it back around. I've just got to be sharper."
Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Overall thoughts:
"It was a pretty good game for both. I thought there was a lot of energy during the first 20 minutes. We are very proud of the boys. They fought during the game and they had the best chances all over the game. We defended well. I thought our discipline tactically today was a highlight for the team. We are proud of them. We push that discipline is the standard point. The options were ours, the chances were there, and we had many opportunities to put the game away and we did not. But we walk away with a point from Salt Lake with the sensation that it could be three points."
On starting Brown:
"One of the things that we are proud of as a club is that the club is becoming younger with approximately four boys that are coming from the draft or coming from the academy, and those things are going to be a reward for the club at some point. Today was one of those. When you see Deshorn scoring and getting his first MLS goal it's fantastic. I know there are many more to come from him."
On goals of the team:
"Like any other team in MLS at this point, MLS is at a pretty high level. We showed it today here in Salt Lake against a very good team. We came in, and I thought we deserved three points today, and that just lets us know that we have to be higher. We're young, but we to be in the playoffs, and obviously we want to be part of the finals. I know the boys can do it."
On Matt Pickens:
"It seems like he has something that is bad. We won't talk about it yet."
On Clint Irwin:
"Excellent. It's his first MLS game. He came up big today with a lot of pressure. Coming in the game, not starting, just coming in, it was tense and had pressure, but I thought he did very well. For me it's a great performance. We have been trying to develop the philosophy that training and preparation means a lot, and he has been working very hard, and we decided that he deserved to be number two, and that's the game. I think that Matt and Clint understand that this is a competition and they actually take this as an opportunity to compete for a spot, and that is going to make them better. Today, Clint showed that the job is there for the taking. He can work, and it could happen."
Colorado Rapids DF Drew Moor
On the team's good defensive performance and mentality:
"It's always been a tough place. It's a tough place when I played for Dallas. It's a tough place with Colorado. They make it a tough place to play in. We wanted to be solid defensively. We don't want to allow a bunch of easy chances, especially early in the game. We dropped our line in a little bit deeper. We didn't want to just play defense, which clearly we didn't, we created a bunch of chances even after they scored. I thought we had one or two very good chances where we could have won it, but being solid and even being difficult to play against was the number one goal and I thought we achieved that."
On how the mentality switched after the goal by Brown:
"The mentality didn't change at all. We remained solid. I didn't think that we bunkered in. Obviously, they're down a goal and they're going to go looking for the tying goal. Second half they put some pressure on, but I never really felt threatened for long periods of time. They created some chances, but again, like I said, with Deshorn Brown's speed up top, and Atiba's obviously a handful as well, we created just as good of chances as they did. Without Rimando making a couple good saves, I think we get all three points here."
On how the draw after two losses helps them going forward:
"It's big. Everyone is disappointed here that we didn't win the game, which is a good sign. I think last year, maybe we lose this game, but this team has some strong characters, and some good leaders, and a good core group, and we build off of the little victories like this. We are disappointed that we didn't win, which is a good sign, and if we can play as solid as we did this weekend in LA next weekend, and as the season progresses, I think our prospects are good."
Colorado Rapids FW Deshorn Brown
Thoughts on the game:
"I think we played pretty well right until the end. We get our first goal in the first half and we were going pretty great until the second half. We stayed right there and just a misunderstanding with the defenders. We come here and get one point and I think that's really great."
On the play leading up to his goal and how he stole the ball:
"That's just me. I'm not going to give up. I saw the defender go around, turn with the ball, and make a silly mistake. I took it off his foot and then went straight to goal and just hit it. Luckily, it went in. It was a great feeling, scoring."
On getting his first professional goal:
"It was a great feeling. Scoring my first professional goal, it was a great feeling. We were hoping to get three points, but we get one point so I think we came out here and did really well. It was a great feeling."
On his team's defensive effort:
"We defended really well because we have been working on it from when the week began. We came here and we executed. As I said before, we made a silly mistake and gave up a goal. We've been working really hard throughout the week to get this done and we came here and executed. It was a great thing."
On his play and confidence:
"I came in as a rookie and I've been fighting in training to try and get on the field. The main strikers are already out with injury and I'm just trying to do the best I can to help the team and hopefully they will come back soon. I just have to keep working hard no matter, what even when they come back. It's a great feeling to go out there and fight really hard for this team."