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In prisoner Dennis Dechaine's latest bid for a new trial, the key piece of evidence is actually old news.
It is a fragment of unidentified male DNA, extracted by scientists in 1994 from a thumbnail clipping of 12-year-old murder victim Sarah Cherry.
Dechaine was convicted of the murder in 1989 and is serving a life sentence. He says he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that another man set him up.
Prosecutors say the right man is behind bars.
Although the mystery DNA was discovered 16 years ago, an upcoming court hearing would be the first time for that evidence to be considered by a judge. It took a new state law in 2001, a revision of that law in 2006, additional genetic tests on the thumbnail by the state and the defense, and a great deal of legal wrangling to reach this point.
At the hearing, tentatively scheduled for September, Dechaine's legal team must convince a judge that jurors in 1989 probably would have acquitted him if they had known about the thumbnail DNA.
His lawyers also will ask Justice Carl O. Bradford to consider other evidence in the case, such as recently obtained opinions about Sarah Cherry's time of death, and information about alternate suspects.
But the crux of the motion is the DNA, whether it will be deemed credible by the judge, and whether it raises enough doubt for a new trial to be granted in one of Maine's most notorious homicides.
"That is overwhelming evidence, in our view, that it was not Dennis Dechaine who did this," said his attorney, Steve Peterson of Rockport.
Sarah Cherry was abducted while baby-sitting at a home in Bowdoin on July 6, 1988. Her body was found two days later, in the woods about three miles north of the home.
Her wrists were tied together in front of her chest. A gag had been placed in her mouth and a scarf was wrapped around her neck. The killer sexually assaulted her with sticks, and tortured her with a small blade before strangling her.
Papers belonging to Dechaine were found in the driveway of the house where Sarah had been baby-sitting.
His truck was found about 450 feet from the body. The rope and scarf used to commit the crime had come from Dechaine's truck. He walked out of the woods on the night of July 6 in the general vicinity of his truck and Sarah Cherry's body.
Dechaine maintains that he went into the woods that afternoon to inject drugs and to wander around. He says he was alone the whole day, got lost, and someone must have grabbed his papers, the rope and the scarf from his truck.
"I offered up my truck willingly for them to go through," Dechaine said during a March 22 interview at the Maine State Prison in Warren.
"They went through it microscopically. There was absolutely no proof that Sarah Cherry had ever been in my vehicle.
There's no proof that Sarah Cherry ever knew me, or that I ever knew her.
"And there is no doubt in my mind that whoever took Sarah Cherry knew who she was and where she was. This can't possibly be random."
Dechaine hopes his defense team will be able to obtain DNA samples from a number of people, including a list of alternate suspects put together by private investigators who have worked on his behalf.
State prosecutors say Dechaine murdered Sarah Cherry, the evidence proved it, and the DNA is irrelevant.
The thumbnail was subject to possible contamination both during the autopsy and during the year it was in the custody of Dechaine's trial lawyer, Tom Connolly, said William Stokes, head of the criminal division at the state Attorney General's Office.
"Our position has been that the most likely source of that DNA is contamination at the time of the autopsy, since nail clippers were reused from autopsy to autopsy at that time and were stored in a way that was conducive to contamination," Stokes said.
Clippers, blades and other equipment used by medical examiners in 1988, he said, were stored in a toolbox lined with a towel.
While scientists have confirmed the existence of the DNA on Sarah Cherry's thumbnail, they cannot say what type of material it is. It could be from blood, saliva or even a particle of skin. The only other biological material found on the thumbnail was her own blood.
Stokes said there was no evidence suggesting that Sarah Cherry had scratched her killer; state chemists found no tissue underneath her fingernails.
Even if the unknown DNA somehow got transferred to the thumbnail before her death, that doesn't prove someone else killed her, Stokes said. Unlike a rape case, where a sperm sample can identify or clear a defendant, DNA on a murder victim's fingers doesn't automatically identify the killer.
"What does the DNA prove? From our perspective, it doesn't show anything."
The male DNA profile found on Sarah Cherry's thumbnail is incomplete; there is enough genetic material to rule out most people as the source, but there is not enough to conclusively identify an individual.
In 2004, the state crime lab ran the partial profile through a database containing DNA profiles of convicted felons in Maine. Seven possible matches were identified.
Crime lab officials reviewed the histories of the men, and conducted further analysis on the DNA profiles, and ruled them out as potential suspects.
The list of the convicts whose DNA matched the partial profile on the thumbnail remains under seal by an order of the court.
"With partial profiles, you have to be careful because you may actually implicate a lot of innocent people," Stokes said. "We just don't have enough of a profile to make a perfect match."
Dechaine criticized the Attorney General's Office for not doing more to determine the source of the DNA.
"Is that really why we hire prosecutors? Is that why we hire police?" he said. "It would seem to me that anything that could be examined and investigated should be. I would obviously put DNA at the top of that list."
Although neither side has determined whose DNA is on Sarah Cherry's thumbnail, they have ruled out more than a dozen people who had contact with her.
Lawyers who handled the evidence envelopes, police officers and members of the Medical Examiner's Office were all tested and excluded. Family members of Sarah Cherry also were ruled out.
Peterson said the defense also reviewed some autopsies that were performed before Sarah's body was delivered to the Medical Examiner's Office. None of the autopsies reviewed provided a match.
After Sarah Cherry's fingernails were clipped during her autopsy in July 1988, a state chemist used up all of them – except for the thumbnails – while testing for blood types.
Chemist Judith Brinkman determined that the blood found on her fingernails was a match for Sarah. Because her hands had been bound in front of her body, the blood likely was transferred as Sarah groped at her upper chest and neck, where she had been stabbed repeatedly.
About three months before his trial was set to begin, Dechaine asked for a continuance and for DNA testing of the bloodstained thumbnails.
DNA profiling was considered pioneer science at the time. In 1988, an appeals court in Florida was the first U.S. court to admit DNA findings as evidence. Courts around the country were developing standards for how DNA evidence would be handled by lawyers, judges and juries.
While DNA findings had not yet been admitted in a Maine court, the state Attorney General's Office was using the technology by the summer of 1988. Several months before Dechaine made his request, the state sent out items for testing at a commercial lab in New York in connection with a homicide in Fayette.
A hearing on Dechaine's request for DNA testing was held in front of Justice Bradford on Jan. 27, 1989.
The judge relied primarily on input from Brinkman, who had spoken with staffers at a lab in California. They thought the chances of getting usable results were remote, because of the small amount of blood on the nails.
In light of Brinkman's testimony and the other evidence in the case, Bradford denied the request for testing, which would have delayed the trial for at least a few months.
"I have never gotten over the fact that the judge ruled against me," Dechaine said. "My personal feeling is that there was one overlying reason, and that was that it was simply inconvenient to the court schedule."
Connolly, Dechaine's trial lawyer, blames himself for not pushing harder for pretrial DNA testing. Connolly said he failed to bring in his own expert to argue against Brinkman and the state prosecutors.
"I wasn't hanging my hat on the DNA at the time. I thought we were going to win with or without it," Connolly said during an interview at his office in March.
"It was only after the verdict that I realized the enormity of it."
But Connolly did one thing that has essentially kept the case open ever since: During the trial, he placed a defense exhibit sticker on the sealed envelope that contained Sarah's thumbnails, even though they technically belonged to the state.
Then he got a letter from court officials in 1992, saying the exhibits would be destroyed if the lawyers did not pick them up. After writing back to make sure there was not some mistake, Connolly picked up the envelope.
Connolly sent the package for DNA testing at CBR Laboratories in Boston, using money raised by Dechaine's supporters.
State prosecutors found out that Connolly had the nails, and he returned them to state officials under an order from Bradford in late 1993. The results from the lab came back in 1994, showing a mixture of Sarah's blood with DNA from an unknown individual, not Dechaine.
Dechaine filed two court appeals in the years following the discovery of the thumbnail DNA – a petition for post-conviction review with the state supreme court in 1995, and a federal habeas corpus petition in 2000 – asking the court to decide the legality of his imprisonment. Connolly resigned as Dechaine's lawyer in 1995 because the appeal focused on the claim that Connolly had provided ineffective counsel.
In both appeals, judges determined that the case did not merit any new hearings.
State supreme court Justice Donald Marden and U.S. Magistrate Judge David Cohen, in written opinions, said that even with knowledge of the thumbnail DNA, a reasonable juror could have found Dechaine guilty.
"The presence of a DNA profile inconsistent with those of either Cherry or Dechaine does not in itself undermine the weight of the evidence against Dechaine," Cohen wrote.
Just as it seemed that Dechaine had exhausted all of his legal options, the Maine Legislature in 2001 passed a law giving prisoners the right to seek new trials based on DNA evidence.
Dechaine's new lawyer, M. Michaela Murphy of Waterville, filed a motion for a new trial in May 2003.
She got help from the Innocence Project, a national organization founded by Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, who became famous as members of O.J. Simpson's "Dream Team." The project is dedicated to the exoneration of wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing. Six staff lawyers are currently working on about 300 active cases, including Dechaine's.
According to statistics compiled by the Innocence Project, 255 people in 34 states have been exonerated through DNA evidence in the past 21 years. None of those exonerations has been in Maine. In New England, Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only states to have adjudicated DNA-based exonerations, with nine and three respectively.
The majority of the exonerations have occurred after a full DNA profile was obtained from testing of evidence such as blood or semen found on a victim, and the profile did not match the person convicted of the crime, the Innocence Project reports. The group does not keep data on exonerations based on partial DNA profiles, such as the one extracted from Sarah Cherry's thumbnail.
Murphy and state prosecutors agreed in 2003 to a new round of DNA testing for the thumbnail clippings. The results confirmed those from the 1994 test: One of the thumbnails contained a mixture of Sarah's blood with unidentified DNA. The new tests also showed the unidentified DNA belonged to a male.
A hearing was scheduled in September 2005, but Murphy abruptly withdrew her motion just before it was set to begin.
In order to get a new trial, Dechaine would have needed to prove that the DNA on the thumbnail was not his, and that only the real killer could have left it on Sarah's thumbnail. It was an unfair demand on the defendant, and one that the lawyers could not possibly meet, Murphy said at the time.
Michigan and Maine were the only states in the country that put such a heavy burden on convicts.
Dechaine's supporters lobbied for a change in the law that would bring Maine in line with the majority of states. In the spring of 2006, the Legislature revised the statute. Lawmakers critical of the revision dubbed it "The Dennis Dechaine Bill."
Under the revised law, a convicted person has to show that the DNA evidence, had it been available at the trial, probably would have resulted in an acquittal.
In August 2008, Peterson filed the motion for a new trial based on the revised law. Murphy was forced to leave the case behind because she took a post as a Superior Court justice.
Since the time that Peterson filed the motion, little progress has been made toward a hearing. But Peterson and Stokes recently agreed on a schedule that set a hearing date for September.
In the meantime, Peterson has asked the court for $6,500 to have some of the original evidence tested again for DNA. That evidence includes the sticks, the rope, the bandana and the scarf used to kill Sarah Cherry.
Tests on those items in the past decade failed to detect the DNA of anyone other than the 12-year-old victim, but
Peterson wants them tested again using a scraping method that has not been tried on the items. Peterson also intends to have the thumbnail clippings tested one more time.
The court has not yet ruled on his request for funds. If he is denied, Peterson said he will turn to private sources.
Other evidence that might have yielded DNA results was incinerated by the state in 1992. At that time, it was routine for the state to destroy evidence that was not introduced by either side at trial. Several items from the murder investigation were incinerated, including the jeans Sarah Cherry was wearing, hairs found on her body and swabs of Sarah's body that were obtained during the autopsy.
The state is now required to preserve all physical evidence in cases where the identity of the perpetrator is disputed.
That requirement was part of the 2001 state law governing post-conviction appeals based on DNA evidence.
"It's unfortunate," Peterson said of the 1992 incineration. "Now that we've proven the technology to be as good as it is, it would have been helpful to have those items available for testing."
Staff Writer Trevor Maxwell can be contacted at 791-6451 or at:
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Guest Column
Letter to the Editor: Grant program a lifesaver for small business
Letter to the editor: Critic of Portland shelter plan overlooks unmet human needs
The Forecaster
People & Business: Dec. 2
Times Record Opinion
Jase Graves: A Christmas cell phone miracle


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Sentuhan Bayu: I have yet to try any of these, But I'd like to try it someday.Enjoy this article!
Most of us know that baking soda can be used for more than just making homemade cookies and other dough rise. It's not uncommon to see an open box of this leavening agent deodorizing refrigerators, for example. But did you know that there are at least 40 different ways to use baking soda?
Baking soda makes a perfect stand-in for many personal care, cleaning, and deodorizing products. The list of benefits is long: It is inexpensive, free of toxic chemicals, versatile, and effective.
Wondering how baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, works its magic? It helps regulate pH — keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural effect is to neutralize that pH. Beyond that, baking soda has the ability to retard further changes in the pH balance, known as buffering. This dual capability of neutralizing and buffering allows baking soda to do things such as neutralize acidic odors (like in the refrigerator) as well as maintain neutral pH (like in your laundry water, which helps boost your detergent's power). It's a simple reaction, but one that has far-reaching effects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks. And so without further ado, here are some of the many creative ways you can use baking soda.
Personal Care
1. Make toothpaste - A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here's a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.
2. Freshen your mouth - Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.
3. Soak oral appliance - Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.
4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant - Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.
5. Skip harsh deodorant - Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.
6. Use as an antacid - Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin - For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.
8. Make a hand cleanser and softener - Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.
9. Help your hair - Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly — baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.
10. Clean brushes and combs - For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.
11. Make a bath soak - Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.
12. Make a surface soft scrub - For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.
13. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans - Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder.
14. Freshen sponges - Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.
15. Clean the microwave - Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.
16. Polish silver flatware - Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.
17. Clean coffee and tea pots - Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.
18. Clean the oven - Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.
19. Clean floors - Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.
20. Clean furniture - Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
21. Clean shower curtains - Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.
22. Boost your liquid laundry detergent - Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.
23. Clean and freshen sports gear - Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.
24. Remove oil and grease stains - Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.
25. Clean batteries - Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.
26. Clean cars - Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.
27. Deodorize your refrigerator - Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.
28. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables - Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.
29. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals - To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)
30. Deodorize and clean dishwashers - Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.
31. Deodorize lunch boxes - Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone's lunch box to absorb lingering odors.
32. Remove odor from carpets - Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.
33. Freshen closets - Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.
34. Deodorize pet items - Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.
35. Deodorize sneakers - Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.
36. Freshen stuffed animals - Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.
37. Cure all camping needs - Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.
38. Extinguish fires - Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe.
39. Care for the septic system - Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.
40. Scrub fruits and vegetables - Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here's another way to clean your vegetables as well.

subset: commoncrawl


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Italian Glass Medium Square Pendant, measures approx 20x20mm plus bail. 'Made In Murano' motif on the back to ensure authenticity; comes complete with certificate of authenticity.These pendants are handmade sourced from the island of Murano within the Venetian lagoon in Italy. The murano glass artisans are regarded worldwide as the masters of their art. We source the pendants direct from the makers so you can be confident all of our beads are genuine Murano glass.
IG-1446, 1 Murano Glass Pendant - Medium Square Silver Foiled Green
- Product Code: IG-1446
- Availability: 1


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Distribute Adobe Flash Player
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The Majority of Senate Skipped a Classified PRISM Briefing
There was a classified meeting for Senators wanting to learn more about the National Security Agency's PRISM program from the top security officials, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and NSA chief Keith Alexander, but attendance was sparse. Less than half of the Senate attended the meeting. "Only 47 of 100 senators attended the 2:30 briefing, leaving dozens of chairs in the secure meeting room empty," the Hill reports. The only senator who confirmed their attendance was Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein. She really had no choice, given her position, and she was furious about the low turnout. "It's hard to get this story out. Even now we have this big briefing — we've got Alexander, we've got the FBI, we've got the Justice Department, we have the FISA Court there, we have Clapper there — and people are leaving," she told the Hill. So that's one name down — only 99 more to go.
RELATED: How to Apply for Edward Snowden's Old Job
The Senate wrapped up its final vote around noon on Thursday. Apparently the majority of Senators opted to skip the classified briefing scheduled for a few hours later in favor of departing Washington for some extra family time during the long weekend. Many senators were scheduled for luncheons or events that day around Washington but it's next to impossible to verify whether they made it back on time for the meeting. Or, alternatively, if they went straight for the airport.
RELATED: Here's (Possibly) the Whole Truth About How PRISM Works
As the PRISM scandal racks up more and more headlines, and the President's critics get louder and louder, this meeting will likely become the focus of intense scrutiny. Speak out against the administration's surveillance techniques? You bet this meeting's attendance record will be cross-checked as a first line of defense. Here's hoping those who played hooky know


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CarGo content with staying in left field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It was logical for the Rockies to change their minds. Three-time Rawlings Gold Glove-winning left fielder Carlos Gonzalez just didn't think it would happen so quickly.
Until this weekend, the Rockies planned on moving Gonzalez to center field to replace Dexter Fowler, who was traded to the Astros. But acquiring Drew Stubbs from the Indians gave the team an abundance of center fielders. Gonzalez figured the Rockies would take Spring Training to decide, until manager Walt Weiss talked with him a couple of times the last two days.
"He talked to me a couple days ago, and he said he was going to run me in center field and let the other guys make the decision for him," Gonzalez said. "Then he changed his mind. He called me yesterday and said, 'You know what, I think I'm just going to put you in left field now, leave you alone out there.'
"My first thing was, like, 'Why so quick?' We just talked … 'I thought it was going to take a little longer.' But I trust them."
The right-handed hitting Stubbs, who came in a trade for lefty reliever Josh Outman, avoided arbitration with a one-year, $4.1 million contract. His numbers are much better against left-handed pitching, but he'll get a chance to prove he can also face righties. But left-handed hitting Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson are batting for at least platoon action, if not more. Right-handed hitting Brandon Barnes, who came from the Astros along with pitcher Jordan Lyles, is coming off a year in which he enjoyed consistent playing time in center.
Gonzalez has played all three outfield positions with distinction. He played significantly in all three spots when he won his first Gold Glove in 2010. Shifting back and forth in 2011 cost him the award because it was the first year it was done by outfield position (although he was one of the Majors' most effective outfielders). Fowler's emergence in center allowed Gonzalez to stay in left, where he had to cover significant ground at Coors Field but considerably less on the road.
Gonzalez said he didn't lobby either way.
"I told [Weiss] if it's going to be best for the team, it's best for me," Gonzalez said. "I want to make this team better. I know I can do it in both left field and center field, but it's definitely more safe to keep me in left because it's going to take a lot of your legs. It's more for the team than for me that they can keep my offense."


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I bought some darling little bow clips from Gymboree a few years ago. (Similar to these.) After hundreds of hair-dos we have only one or two clips left. I've always thought I could this type of hair bow myself, (especially since Gymboree charges around four bucks for a set of clips.) After a little bit of experimentation with different size and types of bows, I did!
Aren't they cute? After I made these pink ones, I raided by ribbon stash and made a bunch more:
I made all these clips from the instructions below and just by varying the ribbon width and how I trimmed the ribbon "tail", I got several different looks. The clips would make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for any little girl!
Here is how to make your own set of Bow Clips:
Materials needed
- Snap clips with holes on the end (Like these) (I painted my clips with fingernail polish and spray paint)
- Grosgrain ribbon ( I preferred the 1/2 inch or 7/8 inch ribbon. The gold clip used 1/2 inch ribbon and the pink one above it is 7/8 inch ribbon.)
- needle and thread
- Hot glue
- Fray check or a lighter to seal the ribbon edges.
This is how it looks from the side:
Trim the string.
4. Add a dot of glue to the center of the bow:
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I've been playing with Google's Go language a little bit recently, and I'm really beginning to enjoy writing Go code. one of the things I like most about it is its built-in multiprocessing and concurrency features. communication channels are built into the language and runtime, so concurrent threads (goroutines) can talk to each other in a well-defined way, without needing a lot of extra boilerplate code. any function may be spawned to run asynchronously with the "go" keyword, including functions defined inline (lambdas/anonymous delegates). the basic package collection is quite extensive as well, in much the same way that the java and .Net frameworks include modules for common tasks like network communication, cryptography, and regular expressions.
I'm not saying that it's a replacement for any other language(s), but I definitely think it has a lot to offer.
any opinions on this language?


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Joe Walsh w/the Eagles - Life's Been Good:
Just who is the OCC and who do they work for?
They are the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, they are a bureau belonging to the Department of the Treasury, and that would make Timmy Geithner, formerly Hank Paulson (former CEO of Goldman Sachs) their boss! However, the head of the OCC is appointed by the President (same guy who appoints the Secretary Treasurer) with the "advise and consent of the Senate" for a 5 year term.
Quite ironically, the OCC's headquarters are located at One Independence Square.
Oh, and their money to operate comes from the corporations they regulate:
…does not receive any appropriations from Congress. Instead, its operations are funded primarily by assessments on national banks. National banks pay for their examinations, and they pay for the OCC's processing of their corporate applications. The OCC also receives revenue from its investment income, primarily from U.S. Treasury securities.Is an agency truly independent when their operating money comes from those who they regulate?
Well, let's examine what power they have and I'll let you decide how well/ effective they have been at doing their job:
In regulating national banks, the OCC has the power to:How are we looking so far?
• Examine the banks.
• Approve or deny applications for new charters, branches, capital, or other changes in corporate or banking structure.
• Take supervisory actions against banks that do not comply with laws and regulations or that otherwise engage in unsound banking practices. The agency can remove officers and directors, negotiate agreements to change banking practices, and issue cease and desist orders as well as civil money penalties.
• Issue rules and regulations governing bank investments, lending, and other practices.
The OCC's Objectives
The OCC's activities are predicated on four objectives that support the OCC's mission to ensure a stable and competitive national banking system. The four objectives are:
• To ensure the safety and soundness of the national banking system.
• To foster competition by allowing banks to offer new products and services.
• To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of OCC supervision, including reducing regulatory burden.
• To ensure fair and equal access to financial services for all Americans.
I placed a very scientific poll (at least the equal of their work) in the upper right hand corner of this blog. Please take the time to fill it out, perhaps we can all send the results to the central bankers who pay for their own regulator, thank you!
Boy, that really distracted me from my mission, to dissect the OCC's Q1 2009 Quarterly Report which just happens to play down (and attempts to explain away) the risk associated with such tremendously large notional values. But the risk is there and it is concentrated mostly in the top 5 financial institutions. Who are the top 5 and what are the risks? Let's dive inside the OCC's report and see what we can find!
Let's start with the executive Summary (bolding is mine, excuses are theirs)…
Executive SummaryOkay, so in the very first bullet we learn that the notional value of derivatives INCREASED by a whopping $1.6 TRILLION in the first quarter due primarily to the "migration of investment bank derivatives into the commercial banking system." In other words, the investment banks like Goldman Sachs began calling themselves "banks" and thus were forced to disclose derivatives that otherwise were hidden. Remember, the OCC does not know about or track all derivatives, only those "based on Call Report information provided by all insured U.S. commercial banks and trust companies, as well as on other published financial data."
• The notional value of derivatives held by U.S. commercial banks increased $1.6 trillion in the first quarter, or 1%, to $202.0 trillion, due to the continued migration of investment bank derivatives business into the commercial banking system.
• U.S. commercial banks generated record revenues of $9.8 billion trading cash and derivative instruments in the first quarter of 2009, compared to a $9.2 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2008.
• Net current credit exposure decreased 13% to $695 billion.
• Derivative contracts remain concentrated in interest rate products, which comprise 84% of total derivative notional values. The notional value of credit derivative contracts decreased by 8% during the quarter to $14.6 trillion.
And, in bullet two we learn that commercial banks generated RECORD REVENUES in Q1 compared to the equal loss in the prior Q4.
However, in bullets 3 and 4 we learn that supposed net credit exposure decreased to "only" $695 billion, but that the majority of contracts are interest rate products (CDS) and that they decreased down to a mere $14.6 trillion!
Confused? That may well be the point. Let's jump back into the report and see what's really going on – as far as we can tell, which I assure you is NOT the entire picture.
In the very next paragraph, still on the front page under "REVENUES," we learn of their profits and buried in that paragraph is the following, "As noted in previous quarterly reports, another factor that drove revenues was the recognition of changes in the value of trading liabilities.When bank credit spreads increase, as they did in the first quarter, banks reflect the declining value of their liabilities as trading revenues. While trading performance was strong even without the liability value changes, this source did add materially to first quarter trading performance."
Hmmm… "the recognition of changes in the value of trading liabilities." THAT would be marking the value of their debts/ "assets"/ "trading liabilities" to whatever they damn well please. Were the profits of the first two quarters enough to make you angry? Good, those accounting rule changes were brought to you courtesy of the lobbying efforts of the very same banks in which these derivatives are concentrated!! Bank of America alone spent $1.5 BILLION lobbying for these and other changes just this year – not a bad return on that "investment" eh? And it's surely the gift that keeps on giving.
Under the revenue section we learn that CREDIT DERIVATIVES provide the bulk of the profits.
Now let's read up on their explanation of…
Credit Risk
Credit risk is a significant risk in bank derivatives trading activities. The notional amount of a derivative contract is a reference amount from which contractual payments will be derived, but it is generally not an amount at risk. The credit risk in a derivative contract is a function of a number of variables, such as whether counterparties exchange notional principal, the volatility of the underlying market factors (interest rate, currency, commodity, equity or corporate reference entity), the maturity and liquidity of contracts, and the creditworthiness of the counterparties.
Credit risk in derivatives differs from credit risk in loans due to the more uncertain nature of the potential credit exposure. With a funded loan, the amount at risk is the amount advanced to the borrower. The credit risk is unilateral; the bank faces the credit exposure of the borrower. However, in most derivatives transactions, such as swaps (which make up the bulk of bank derivatives contracts), the credit exposure is bilateral. Each party to the contract may (and, if the contract has a long enough tenor, probably will) have a current credit exposure to the other party at various points in time over the contract's life. Moreover, because the credit exposure is a function of movements in market rates, banks do not know, and can only estimate, how much the value of the derivative contract might be at various points of time in the future.
The first step in measuring credit exposure in derivative contracts involves identifying those contracts where a bank would lose value if the counterparty to a contract defaulted today. The total of all contracts with positive value (i.e., derivatives receivables) to the bank is the gross positive fair value (GPFV) and represents an initial measurement of credit exposure. The total of all contracts with negative value (i.e., derivatives payables) to the bank is the gross negative fair value (GNFV) and represents a measurement of the exposure the bank poses to its counterparties.
…A bank's net current credit exposure across all counterparties will therefore be the sum of the gross positive fair values for counterparties lacking legally certain bilateral netting arrangements (this may be due to the use of non-standardized documentation or jurisdiction considerations) and the bilaterally netted current credit exposure for counterparties with legal certainty regarding the enforceability of netting agreements.
This "net" current credit exposure is the primary metric used by the OCC to evaluate credit risk in bank derivatives activities. A more risk sensitive measure of credit exposure would also consider the value of collateral held against counterparty exposures. While banks are not required to report collateral held against their derivatives positions in their Call Reports, they do report collateral in their published financial statements.
Notably, large trading banks tend to have collateral coverage of 30-40% of their net current credit exposures from derivatives contracts.
Understand all that?
I do, let me translate… The OCC is not aware of all the contracts or assets backing the contracts, but they are sure it's all good because the banks report their assets in their financial statements (which are now valued as they wish thanks to the aforementioned expensive FASB and Congressional lobbying efforts). Let's not even get into "Value at Risk (Var)" because we would soon be getting into a circular valuation argument, one that the financial engineering "geniuses" undoubtedly inserted by design.
Question… who is it that prices the value of the swaps the banks "purchased" from one another?
Uh huh. Still wondering how the big banks are making billions again while the little guys are going under?
Okay, then let me ask you this… what happened between Q4 of 2008 and the end of Q1 2009 that produced this dramatic swing in derivatives earnings from an extreme low to an all time high?
Can you say, "mark to fantasy?"
Do I need to paint a picture? Okay, we just learned that Bank of America, ALONE, has spent $1.5 BILLION on lobbying so far this year! Meanwhile Congress and the FASB become "convinced" to suspend mark-to-market accounting rules. Valuations? The majority owner of Markit, the company supposedly setting prices in CMBX and other credit derivatives, is none other than Bank of America! Getting the picture? Results? Back to instant and now RECORD derivatives profits!
And derivatives are now so concentrated, that 95.6% of them reside in just 5 of the OCC's covered institutions:
Who are those 5 banks? They are, JPM, BAC, C, GS, and HSBC… their total credit exposure to risk based capital (as calculated by the OCC) is simply stunning, with Goldman leading that pack at well over 1,000%!!! Now that's leverage:
But when it comes to the notional value of derivatives held, the undisputed kind of the world is JPMorgan who possesses a stunning $81 TRILLION in total derivatives, which is DOWN from over $90 trillion just over a year ago!
Here, let's look at the top 25 holding companies of derivatives:
Of the $291 TRILLION that the top 25 holders carry, the top five banks hold nearly $202 trillion, that's how concentrated they are and how "special" their interests in the shadow banking system are.
Note that GMAC is number 12 on this list with $325 billion in derivatives! An "auto" financing company turned subprime financier who blames their ills on their employees/ unions! Yeah, okay, you can buy into the "unions ruined 'em" line all you want, but I'll tell you that you need look no further than this report to see exactly why GM is bankrupt. See Honda finance on that list? Didn't think so.
You do see CIT at the bottom, and where are they? BANKRUPT. It's called stupid leverage!
So let's look a little more at leverage… Below are the latest balance sheets for both JPM and GS:
JPM Balance Sheet:
GS Balance Sheet:
At JPM we find that at the end of '08 their debt totaled 37.3% of their "assets," not sterling. But how do they value those "assets" and what are they? They hold a nominal value of derivatives that's (coincidentally) 37.3 times their listed "assets." Sure, the OCC will tell you all day long that the notional value isn't their risk, but what is their true risk? This is where the complete lack of transparency comes in – neither you nor I have any way to know. I have a hunch, though, that when JPM blows up, it's game over. That's exactly why they have been dubbed "too big to fail," and have been allowed to rob our futures blind.
And at Goldman their 32% debt to asset ratio isn't anything near as bad as say an airline, but it's a tremendous load for a very highly leveraged company otherwise. Here we find that their derivative contracts outnumber their total "assets" by a 51.6 to 1 margin, even higher than JPMorgan's.
It is simply astonishing to me that we have allowed these companies to influence our government the way that they have. Our politicians have sold us out, the OCC has failed to do their job, and I would submit that the OCC never had a real job to begin with – their job is to act as if there are checks and balances on the 4th branch of government (the Financial Branch), when in fact there are none! They have bought and paid for the other three!
Glass-Steagall, enacted after the Great Depression, was the only limit on leverage there was. The central banks, through tireless lobbying, managed to eliminate it in 1999. Here's a link chronicling its demise… The Long Demise of Glass-Steagall.
It's now too late to bring back Glass-Steagall, the damage and the amounts of debt in the system are beyond that which future incomes can support. It's time for radical change, and to me that means eliminating the Fed, taking back control of our money system, and separating all corporations and their money from government.
The OCC? No need whatsoever for that Illusion.
Joe Walsh - Life Of Illusion:


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Full Mouth Exam and X-Rays
We will take a panoramic X-ray and perform a comprehensive exam of your full mouth. We will discuss your dental health and provide you with an estimated treatment plan and fee if needed.
Panoramic X-ray: This image gives us a good view of all the soft and hard tissue of your oral cavity. It takes less than one minute to complete and greatly reduces the amount of radiation to which our patients are exposed.
Bitewing X-rays: To compliment the panoramic X-ray we get a set of bitewing, or "cavity detection", X-rays that allow the doctors to see in between your back teeth. This is one of the most common spots for cavities to develop. Bitewing X-rays are comprised of two X-rays on each side of the mouth.
When you come for a dental exam, our dentist checks your fillings and may suggest that you replace any loose or broken ones. Your dentist also looks for signs of decay, such as brown or black spots and may want to use X-rays to take a closer look at problem spots.
If you have a cavity, your dentist may keep an eye on it (if it's small) or fill it right away. If a large cavity is not filled, it can get bigger and cause pain. The tooth may even have to be removed and replaced with a false (or artificial) tooth. If you have a cavity and it needs a filling, there are different kinds of fillings to do the job.
Dental Sealants are a plastic coating placed on the biting surface of the teeth. They are very effective in preventing tooth decay. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities.
The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
Bridge is a false tooth that is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth and the bridge is not removable because it is secured into place.
If your tooth is damaged but not lost, a crown can be used to restore its shape, appearance and function. You may need a crown if you have a root canal, a large filling in a tooth or a broken tooth. A crown, also called a cap, is a hollow, artificial tooth used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth.
The crown restores the tooth and protects it from further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth. A tooth that has been fixed with a crown looks and works very much like a natural tooth.
Tooth Extractions
A tooth that is severely damaged may need to be removed. Before removing your tooth, our dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A stronger, general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your teeth need to be removed.
General anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will make you sleep through the procedure.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic plastic and sometimes porcelain and metal materials. A denture closely resembles natural gum tissue and teeth.
A partial denture is for people who still have some of their natural teeth. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position.
Teeth Whitening
There are many options to consider if you want to obtain whiter teeth and a more attractive smile. In-Office Bleaching- For those who are candidates for bleaching, our dentist may suggest chairside bleaching, which may require more than one office visit.
Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour. During chairside bleaching, the dentist will protect the oral soft tissues with either a protective gel or a rubber shield. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
Bleaching solutions contain peroxide(s), which bleach the tooth structure. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. The dentist can make a custom-fitted mouthguard that will fit the teeth precisely, ensuring a more uniform and effective action.
In-Home Bleaching- There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. While these products have improved over the years in effectiveness and ease of use, professional supervision increases success with home bleaching, ensuring proper fit of trays, diagnosis of discoloration and chance of success with bleaching, monitoring progress and managing side effects (sensitivity).
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure to remove dead or dying nerve tissue and bacteria from inside a tooth. A root canal is done if you have an infection that affects the nerve in the root of a tooth. Generally, there is pain and swelling in the area.
The infection can be the result of a tooth crack, cavity, or injury. A root canal can save your tooth. Without treatment, the tooth may become so damaged that it must be removed.
Sedation allows dentists to create a state of relaxation and thus manage the fear and pain patients may experience during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation in dentistry. Local anesthesia is administered by injecting medication into tissue or by applying a medication topically to an area to eliminate sensation.
Minimal sedation is used most frequently in dentistry and usually involves taking medications orally. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on his or her own. The patient may respond normally to verbal commands and may experience some degree of amnesia about what happened during their dental appointment.
Moderate sedation is achieved by using medications that can be taken orally or intravenously (IV). Patients who undergo moderate sedation are awake and respond to touch and/or verbal commands. All bodily functions remain normal, and the patient does not need assistance breathing.
Deep sedation can be achieved by injecting medication, giving oral medications, and in combination with gases. Patients who are deeply sedated are not easily awakened but may respond to some stimulation. Patients may need some breathing assistance at deeper levels.


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Daily entertainment news with what to watch tonight on TV, someone to follow on Twitter and a video of Kim Kardashian getting floured.
What to watch: 'Mad Men' on AMC at 9 p.m. EDT/ 8 p.m. CDT
Tonight is the two-hour season premiere of "Mad Men." Set in 1960s New York, the men and women of Madison Avenue advertising compete ruthlessly in an ego-driven world where selling is an art.
Twitter handle of the day: Chelsea Handler, @chelseahandler
Her profile says, "Comedian, TV personality and author." She has 4,813,068 followers. A recent tweet says, "Life is beautiful."
Video: Kim Kardashian gets floured
-- GateHouse News Service


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Kudos to officials at Rock Valley College for making their commitment to providing good jobs for graduates and a skilled workforce for local employers so visible.
There are seven billboards around town touting programs offered at RVC. The marketing campaign promotes the jobs and salaries RVC graduates can work toward. The salaries are realistic. RVC staff did their homework to determine what people can expect to earn.
Registered nurse, accountant, industrial engineering tech, welder, aviation technician, entrepreneur and elementary teacher are the careers the billboards mention, but there are many more opportunities available for RVC students.
Last week we wrote that good jobs are the key to transforming Rockford. RVC plays a major role in developing students to go on and find meaningful work.
You can start or restart your career at RVC. Check the school's website and find out about classes and when you can sign up.
Lower taxes: A Reboot Illinois poll conducted by We Ask America showed that 65 percent of those surveyed want Illinois' individual income tax to decrease from 5 percent to 3.75 percent. To make up for the estimated $1.8 billion in revenue for the 2015 fiscal year, respondents want lawmakers to cut spending — but not from schools, public safety or human services. Where should the cuts come from? Thirty-six percent of respondents said public employee retirement income and 32 percent said natural resources programs.
The Reboot poll results are similar to a March poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. More than 60 percent of respondents opposed making the 5 percent tax rate permanent and they opposed cutting spending on education, public safety or human services.
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to retain the 5 percent rate, so the poll results would seem to be bad news for him. However, Republican challenger Bruce Rauner has not been specific on what he would cut to balance the budget with a lower income tax rate.
No matter which man is elected in November, he will face plenty of challenges. See the next item.
Unemployment: The jobless rate in Illinois is at it lowest level in almost six years. That's good news, but it's not good enough. Illinois' unemployment rate of 7.5 percent is still well above the national average of 6.3 percent. The state rate has been lower than the national rate only six times since January 2000. How to get more people back to work should be one of the issues the candidates for governor address. That's more people working, not fewer people looking for work, which also affects the jobless rate.
Parole update: Calvin Madison's parole hearing will be Thursday in Springfield. Madison killed 19-year-old John Hogan in 1970 and has spent the last 44 years behind bars.
Madison executed Hogan, 19, in cold blood. He made Hogan kneel, then shot him four times in the back of the head. That was after Hogan gave Madison the contents of the cash register of the gas station where he worked — $100.
Madison was sentenced to death in 1970. Two years later, his life and the lives of 600 other inmates on death row in 34 states were spared when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment and unconstitutional.
He was resentenced to 75 to 100 years in prison. However, under the old "indeterminate" sentencing system in Illinois, no matter how long the sentence — or how horrible the crime — the inmate eventually could be considered for parole.
Madison's family thinks he should go free. More than 700 readers of rrstar.com think he should remain in prison. Only 54 think he should go free. We'll find out what members of the parole board think this week.


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Asilah, a laid-back, whitewashed town with Portuguese-built ramparts buttressing it against the Atlantic, is a favorite seaside spot in northern Morocco. It's a good beach destination for those entering the country through Tangier, which is 25 mi/40 km to the north, who don't have a lot of time to venture farther south or who prefer a restored, traditional environment over a modern resort.
Asilah's accommodations are more modest than those in the bigger resort towns and cities, and its beach is not as nice as those farther south, but the town's smaller size, relaxed atmosphere and the murals by local artists create a relaxing ambience. An international arts festival takes place there each year mid-July to mid-August: Accommodations should be booked in advance during that time. Plan at least one night.
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12 February 2013 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau
The anatomy of a cell nucleus (Source -National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, US)
Singapore: Scientists from Singapore and Germany have identified that the proteins lamin A (Lmna) and lamin B receptor (Lbr) are essential for holding silent genes in their correct position at the edge of the nucleus, in the form of heterochromatin. A deviation from their normal position will cause the genes to malfunction, leading to heart failure, vascular disease and muscle wasting.
For hundreds of years before this discovery, scientists were puzzled by why heterochromatin clustered at the edge of the nucleus and how it was relevant to normal cell function. This recent discovery will enable scientists to gain a better understanding of the diseases of the heart and muscles, and find cures for them in the future.
The findings by Dr Audrey Wang and Dr Colin Stewart of A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) and Dr Irina Solovei, Dr Boris Joffe and Dr Heinrich Leonhardt of the Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich, Germany, were recently published in the prestigious journal Cell.
The scientists showed that the two proteins lamin A and lamin B receptor are important to the organisation of chromatin in the nucleus. Using mouse models, they demonstrated that in the absence of the two proteins, heterochromatin collapsed into the nuclear center. This disrupted gene expression and affected skeletal muscle development, resulting in muscle failure.
Professor Birgitte Lane, executive director of IMB, said, "This research could be particularly relevant for Singapore, as we, like other developed nations, are facing an ageing population, and heart failure, vascular disease and muscle wasting all increase with age."


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Fall happens to be my favorite season of the year. Spring is lovely, summer is joyous. And, of course, winter is the season of calm and peace.
Fall to me, is the season of anticipation. I love the crisp feeling of the air tinged with a bit of chill. Throwing on a sweater in the evening is a welcomed change of pace. It's probably my Midwestern upbringing, but fall makes me think of pumpkins, zucchini, squash, apples, trick or treating and marching band practice. Okay, maybe that last part is just me.
Fall is the season to embrace a slower pace – a time to relax, reflect, and restore. For those with fibromyalgia and other chronic health challenges, fall may be the season to organize and implement your yearly self-care plans. It's a time to review the year prior as well as anticipate and design your desired year ahead.
And what's the first item to review at the top of your self-care list? Food!
When it comes to self-care, eating foods that nourish, support, and fuel your body with nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, whole and natural foods is a primary step. Do you find yourself craving foods that make you feel warm and cozy this time of year?
Increased cravings for fall foods made from harvest fruits and vegetables may seem like a simple reminder of your upbringing. But actually, these cravings are much more primal.
The body naturally craves foods that come to
their peak of ripeness in that season.
It's easy to understand that seasonal eating is better for the environment. When foods are purchased locally, the carbon footprint has less impact from transportation, fuel, air pollution, etc. Of course, eating seasonally is better for the budget, too. Foods that are in season are typically more abundant and on sale. And, eating locally grown produce supports the surrounding agricultural community and economy.
But here's the interesting part about the physical benefits of eating foods that are in season. We are geared, naturally, to crave foods that prepare us for the seasons to come. The study of ancient ayurvedic practices explains that foods have warming or cooling properties meant to work with the body to keep it in balance. Here are a few fundamental tips on eating seasonally:
In SUMMER, we enjoy crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, snow peas, summer squash, berries, grapes, peaches, plums, watermelon, etc. Warmer weather naturally suppresses appetite, so summer vegetables and fruits taste light yet contain nutrients that provide an abundance of energy and vitality. These foods are naturally cooling to the body.
In FALL, we enjoy the harvest of multiple varieties of squash, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, whole grains, apples, and nuts. These foods help us retain our warmth and prepare us for the cold weather ahead. We usually prepare them in soups, stews, or roasted rather than the fresh, raw foods of summer.
In WINTER, we continue with the fall foods and include others to help us store healthy proteins and fats. Foods rich in Omega 3's (salmon, sardines, mackerel, flax seeds, walnuts, etc.) are important as well as healthy fats such as avocados, and fermented foods (cabbage, etc.).
In SPRING, we enjoy lighter foods such as tender young greens – collards, spinach, shoots, micro sprouts, and a wide variety of lettuces. These foods provide a natural detoxification effect for the body as the seasons change. Consuming salads with spring greens naturally eliminates unnecessary weight and toxins that may have been stored in the colder months.
So what fall foods appeal to you?
Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Who's Got the Pumpkin?
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Pumpkin usually comes to mind for most. Pumpkin and I share a checkered past. You could say I've had a love-hate-love relationship with it. Thankfully, pumpkin is back into my good graces.
About 13 years ago, our family rescued an adorable sheltie pup who happened to be morbidly obese. She could barely move and it was devastating to see her disabled by her poor health. The rescue shelter gave us a strict puppy food plan to follow and we were more than a little bit surprised at the ingredients. The diet? It was pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), cooked green beans, and a tiny bit of kibble.
I soon learned that the pumpkin puree provided an abundance of antioxidants and vital nutrients, the green beans added needed fiber, and the kibble, included a bit of crunch.
It wasn't long before our 46 pound walrus of a dog turned into a svelte and healthy 21 pound pup. Her health transformation was astonishing and well worth my temporary aversion to pumpkin.
Pumpkin isn't just for pets, of course. Besides pumpkin soups, it can be cooked and added to stews, chili, and a variety of foods for added nutritional punch. Why not try out this Pumpkin Turkey Chili [1] recipe to warm up the kids before trick-or-treating? Even the pumpkin seeds (often called pepitas) can be made into a Tasty Pepita Treat [2] for the whole family.
How to Find Seasonal Foods
Finding locally grown foods is easier now than ever. Search websites such as the Sustainable Table [3] to find seasonal foods in your area.
Make your shopping experience simple with the help of your phone or tablet. There's no shortage of healthy food apps to download. Try these free options or choose some of the paid apps as well: InSeason, EatLocal, and Locavore.
In all that you do, enjoy the anticipation of this restorative season. What healthy plans can you envision for the year ahead? Putting your mealtime plans into action in the months ahead will assure you of a vibrant future.
Sue Ingebretson (www.RebuildingWellness.com [4]) is an author, speaker, certified holistic health care practitioner and the director of program development for the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Center at California State University, Fullerton. She is also a Patient Advocate/Fibromyalgia Expert for the Alliance Health website and a Fibromyalgia editor for the ProHealth website community.
Her #1 Amazon best-selling chronic illness book, FibroWHYalgia [5], details her own journey from chronic illness to chronic wellness. She is also the creator of the FibroFrog™ [6]– a therapeutic stress-relieving tool which provides powerful healing benefits with fun and whimsy.


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Part 3
Watch our conservation video:
Pitt Rivers and the archaeological excavations on his estate
A retired General, Augustus Pitt Rivers inherited Cranborne Chase in 1880. Cranbourne Chase spanned over 26,000 acres across two counties, Dorset and Wiltshire. The estate contained a wealth of archaeological material from the Roman and Saxon periods and this land provided the perfect area for Pitt Rivers to investigate unspoiled archaeological remains.
A systematic approach
Pitt Rivers excavated Cranborne Chase from the mid-1880s and whilst many previous antiquarians had been attracted to burial mounds and their beautiful treasures, Pitt Rivers was interested in a wider area of investigation. His most important innovation was to collect, record and catalogue all the artifacts, not just those most decorative treasures which were admired by his contemporaries.
His approach to studying and recording the archaeology was highly methodical. He was the first to thoroughly document the stratigraphy and position of finds. On the Cranborne Chase estate, Pitt Rivers focused on the excavation of settlements and examined all the Roman and Saxon artefacts, producing illustrations. The discovery of pottery sherds for instance was indicative of everyday life and a subject worthy of study.
Pitt Rivers also published his findings and illustrated his reports. By the standards of the time, Pitt Rivers was systematic in his approach to gathering information and his records are extensive. He is widely regarded as the first scientific archaeologist to work in Britain and archaeologists to this day acknowledge his work and legacy.
3-dimensional archaeological models
Pitt Rivers was inspired to improve upon his 2-dimensional plans with 3-dimensional models of his excavations. The archaeological models which survive today in the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum are made from wood, wire and plaster of Paris.
The detail, scale and accuracy of the Pitt Rivers archaeological models is extraordinary. He marked where almost every object was found…
Pitt Rivers displayed many of these models when he opened a museum on his estate and today, the majority of the collection (approximately 22,000 objects) is held at the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford.
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum acquired a collection of artefacts, archaeological models and manuscripts called the Pitt Rivers Wessex Collection in 1975. The four large archaeological models from the collection had been in storage for over 30 years and had not been accessible to the public.
This year, Salisbury Museum was awarded a grant from the AIM Pilgrim Trust Conservation Scheme to conserve the models. As these four models are so heavy and fragile, the Wiltshire Conservation Service moved some of its equipment to create an conservation laboatory at the museum and opened the doors to the public.
At many museums there is only ever enough space to display a small proportion of the collection at any one time. These models are very large and although they provide a significant resource, they do take up a good deal of space within a gallery. To make the most of the gallery space, smaller examples of Pitt Rivers' models have been on display. By conserving these large models today, the Conservation Service will ensure that they will be protected and remain in good condition for the future.
More posts to come……