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Polibits no.43 México ene./jun. 2011
Detecting Derivatives using Specific and Invariant Descriptors
Fabien Poulard, Nicolás Hernandez, and Béatrice Daille
University of Nantes / LINA (CNRS UMR 6241), 2 rue de la Houssiniere, B.P. 92208, 44322 Nantes Cedex 3, France (email: email@example.com).
Manuscript received November 9, 2010.
Manuscript accepted for publication January 15, 2011.
This paper explores the detection of derivation links between texts (otherwise called plagiarism, nearduplication, revision, etc.) at the document level. We evaluate the use of textual elements implementing the ideas of specificity and invariance as well as their combination to characterize derivatives. We built a French press corpus based on Wikinews revisions to run this evaluation. We obtain performances similar to the state of the art method (ngrams overlap) while reducing the signature size and so, the processing costs. In order to ensure the verifiability and the reproducibility of our results we make our code as well as our corpus available to the community.
Key words: Textual derivatives, detection of derivations, nearduplicates, revisions, linguistic descriptors, French corpus.
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Limbaugh Adds A Hillary Clinton Twist To His Petraeus-Benghazi Conspiracy Theory
Video ››› ››› MEDIA MATTERS STAFF
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Fox News has a long-running obsession with Benghazi. Yet despite its best efforts to push phony scandals about the attacks, the truth has occasionally broken through the noise. Here are five examples of guests shooting down Fox's Benghazi hoax:
Fox News host Elisabeth Hasselbeck connected an ongoing National Football League controversy surrounding domestic violence to the September 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya.
The Fox & Friends host tweeted September 16, "Imagine if everyone that asked for transparency in the #nfl @nfl Demanded that same #transparency in our #government," adding the hashtags "#Benghazi" and "#IRS," references to the terrorist attack and the alleged targeting by the IRS of tax exempt organizations.
Imagine if everyone that asked for transparency in the #nfl @nfl Demanded that same #transparency in our #government #Benghazi #IRS
-- elisabeth hasselbeck (@ehasselbeck) September 16, 2014
Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice was indefinitely suspended by the NFL after a video of him punching his now-wife and knocking her unconscious leaked, and the organization came under fire for not previously suspending Rice when he initially admitted to the assault. Fifteen female senators have asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to "institute a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence," and questioned whether the commissioner or other league officials may have attempted to "cover-up" evidence of the abuse.
Fox News has repeatedly attempted to claim the Obama administration engaged in a "cover up" of the Benghazi attacks, with the evening lineup alleging a "cover up" in 281 segments in the first 20 months following the attacks. Network personalities have previous invoked Benghazi in relation to meteorologists meeting with President Obama, the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, Gov. Chris Christie's bridge scandal, Yom Kippur, and Monday Night Football.
UPDATE: Hasselbeck later tweeted at the Huffington Post, which wrote up her comments:
. @HuffingtonPost We spoke w/the mom whose son was killed &men there that night. Inserting #Benghazi - is NOT ridiculous-IT IS AN #HONOR
-- elisabeth hasselbeck (@ehasselbeck) September 16, 2014
With the House Select Committee on Benghazi scheduled to convene for its first public hearing tomorrow, Media Matters is unveiling All Questions Answered, the definitive user's guide to the committee that demonstrates how conservative inquiries into the 2012 attacks have been litigated over and over again.
You can read All Questions Answered at BenghaziHoax.com, a new Media Matters website featuring our latest research and curating nearly 1,000 pieces we have produced over the past two years chronicling and debunking the lies right-wing media have pushed about Benghazi.
Fox News and the conservative media have been politicizing Benghazi for more than two years, seeking to turn the tragic events of that night into a phony scandal in order to damage President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The network took credit for House Speaker John Boehner's decision to create the select committee, a development Fox News contributors had sought for months. In the two weeks after the announcement the network devoted over 16 hours and 27 minutes -- at least 227 segments -- to Benghazi, a value of more than $124 million.
An excerpt from All Questions Answered details how the right-wing press turned an innocuous email from Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes into a sham "smoking gun," leading to the creation of the committee:
Conservative media outlets were up in arms, and they were soon followed by mainstream reporters. According to this new right-wing narrative, the White House had been withholding these emails from the public and congressional committees. But what did these emails actually demonstrate?
Rhodes' job on the National Security Council was to provide communications guidance to administration officials speaking on foreign policy issues. In the wake of upheaval across the entire region, with violent protests taking place in Cairo and the attack on the United States' diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, Rhodes was tasked with preparing messaging guidance for then-national security adviser Susan Rice. In the emails unveiled by Judicial Watch, Rhodes took CIA-authored talking points -- whose creation had been made public in detail a year earlier -- and turned them into a messaging document.
That no new information was revealed mattered little. Simply the perception that the Obama administration was hiding something from the public created a media firestorm.
All Questions Answered goes down the list of conservative questions about Benghazi one by one, debunking the lies and myths about the attacks and the Obama administration's response.
All Questions Answered is a supplement to Media Matters' best-selling 2013 ebook The Benghazi Hoax, which "tells in intimate detail the story of the deception created by those who fill airtime with savage punditry and pseudo-journalism and how the Republicans in charge of the investigative committees were empowered but ultimately failed to find a scandal - any kind of scandal - to tar a Democratic White House."
Benghazi Hoax: All Questions Answerered by MediaMatters4America
UPDATE: Kris Paronto, one of the security contractors Toensing mentioned on Fox and a co-author of the book 13 Hours, responded to her allegations on Twitter:
Please do not listen to Victoria Toensing. She does not represent us in any way shape or form
-- Kris Paronto (@KrisParonto) September 9, 2014
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) called out Fox News' favorite Benghazi lawyer, Victoria Toensing, for her "unfortunate" and untrue allegations about the 2012 attacks and subsequent investigations.
Fox & Friends invited Toensing on its September 9 program to weigh in on the network's latest attempt to revive the repeatedly debunked myth of a "stand down" order issued to three CIA security personnel in Benghazi.
Toensing dismissed the fact that both the House Intelligence Committee and various investigations determined that no such stand down order was issued, claiming the State Department had worked to undermine and "vilif[y]" the security personnel and Benghazi witnesses. According to Toensing, Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee "harassed" the security contractors when they gave their testimony on Benghazi, pressuring them not to write about their experiences.
Rep. Mike Rogers, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, shot down Toensing's accusations in a later segment on Fox & Friends. Rogers debunked the notion of any stand down order, and though he refrained from mentioning Toensing by name, he called out "lawyers who have a financial interest in this, certainly making allegations that are far from true." Rogers went on:
ROGERS: As I said, I hope everybody buys [the security contractors'] book, because these are very brave souls who served their country proudly, who ended up driving into unknown circumstances and saved them. That's all really good. And so, the only way that people buy the book is with some inflammatory comments. These are attorneys who have a financial stake in this. And it's unfortunate. The facts will -- we've asked that these transcripts be released, and I think that'll tell the truth. I think Americans can look at that and find out what was the real truth.
Toensing is well-known to be an unreliable source, previously criticized as lacking "impartiality, non-partisanship, and professionalism."
WND reporter Aaron Klein's history of outrageous conspiracy theories has already cast serious doubt on the credibility of his new book, The REAL Benghazi Story. But the book itself contains major distortions of reality, including selectively-edited evidence and distorted facts, reconfirming Klein's commitment to pushing convoluted hoaxes.
Klein's book, which Media Matters obtained a copy of in advance of its September 9 release, claims to "expose" the "truth" about the 2012 attacks on U.S. facilities in Libya, revealing "What The White House and Hillary Don't Want You To Know." Included are a few of the more conspiratorial analyses that Klein has previously pushed at the birther website WND, such as the claim that Benghazi is linked to the Boston Marathon bombing -- because a handful of members of a jihadist group may have taken part in the Benghazi attacks, and that group also "is behind" a magazine "thought to have provided bomb-building instructions" for the accused marathon bombers.
Klein's book does include one seemingly "new" Benghazi theory, which is also entirely false. Klein attempts to attack former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for what he claims is her previously "unreported role" in Benghazi, by falsely claiming she must have personally approved security conditions at the Benghazi compound.
The Benghazi mission was unusual for government buildings overseas, as it featured a CIA annex that was separate from the diplomatic compound, roughly a mile apart. Typically government agencies are housed together in the same building, which is called "co-location." According to Klein, State Department regulations would have required Clinton to personally sign a waiver permitting the Benghazi mission to be set up like this, and thus provided "personal approval of security conditions at the compound":
...it can now be said that Clinton personally provided the legal waivers for U.S. personnel to occupy that death trap of a mission. This largely unreported detail was confirmed in the Senate's January 2014 report on Benghazi. Senate investigators found the Benghazi facility required a special waiver since it did not meet the minimum official security standards set by the State Department.
Some of the necessary waivers, the Senate affirmed, could have been issued at lower levels within the State Department. However "other departures, such as the co-location requirement, could only be approved by the Secretary of State." ... This means Clinton herself approved some aspects of the U.S. special mission, including separating the mission from the seemingly more protected CIA annex. In doing so, did Clinton know she was approving a woefully unprotected compound? If not, then at the very least she is guilty of dereliction of duty and the diplomatic equivalence of criminal negligence.
But the fact is the Benghazi mission did not require this kind of waiver. The State Department regulations Klein is referencing lay out the responsibilities of the Secretary under the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act, or SECCA. But as the State Department Accountability Review Board (ARB) that investigated Benghazi explained, the Benghazi facility was exempted from SECCA. SECCA applies to diplomatic facilities, such as consulates, that are officially notified to the host government. Instead, the special mission in Benghazi was a "temporary, residential facility, not officially notified to the host government," and as such SECCA rules -- waivable or not -- did not apply.
In fact, the document approving the set up and security conditions for the compound has been public since at least September 2013, when it was posted online by Al Jazeera America. It clearly shows the signature of Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy, as well as clearance from a number of other low-level officials.
State's ARB report acknowledged that the Benghazi mission's "'non-status' as a temporary, residential facility made allocation of resources for security and personnel more difficult." They recommended State develop minimum security standards for temporary facilities and encouraged co-location in the future. Clinton accepted the recommendation and began implementing it before leaving office.
Real flaws in security at Benghazi do not, however, justify Klein's attempt to ignore the facts and claim Clinton personally signed waivers approving the compound.
A new book that seeks to damage Hillary Clinton over the 2012 attacks in Benghazi reportedly relies on long-debunked conservative myths.
On September 9, WND Books will publish Aaron Klein's The REAL Benghazi Story: What the White House and Hillary Don't Want You to Know. The book's release is the latest salvo from a conservative cottage industry that aims to make money and political hay out of both Benghazi and Clinton smears.
Klein, a senior reporter for the birther site WND, is not a credible author -- one of his recent books portrayed President Obama as a "Manchurian Candidate" whose autobiography was ghostwritten by Bill Ayers.
The Washington Examiner's Paul Bedard, who reviewed an advance copy of Klein's Benghazi book, reported that Klein argues "Clinton was unwilling to provide additional security to the diplomatic outpost and even played a role in sending Stevens to his 'doomed mission.'"
Klein's contention that Clinton "was unwilling to provide additional security to the diplomatic outpost" seems to reference the long-debunked conservative claim that the then-Secretary of State personally signed off on cables rejecting requests for additional security. When congressional Republicans first made that claim in April 2013, diplomatic reporters noted that every cable sent to the State Department from overseas facilities is addressed to the secretary, and every cable sent from the State Department is signed by the secretary, even though the secretary rarely reviews them.
In her 2014 memoir, Clinton wrote that she had never seen the cables in question, stating, "That's not how it works. It shouldn't. And it didn't."
Klein's claim that Clinton "played a role in sending Stevens" to his death in Benghazi has also been debunked. The State Department's Accountability Review Board reported that Stevens "made the decision to travel to Benghazi independently of Washington, per standard practice," with the trip's timing "driven in part by commitments in Tripoli." Gregory Hicks, who was Stevens' deputy, also testified before Congress that the ambassador "chose to go" to Benghazi.
A central question of Fox News' latest documentary on Benghazi has already been answered by official congressional and State Department investigations into the terrorist attacks.
On August 27, Fox announced "13 Hours at Benghazi," a new documentary hosted by Special Report anchor Bret Baier that will reportedly include "exclusive" interviews with three American security personnel who were present for the September 2012 attacks. The production, scheduled to air September 5, is based on a forthcoming book written by journalist Mitchell Zuckoff and the CIA contractors.
According to Fox's announcement, the production will specifically explore "Whether or not military assistance was requested by the security team and whether orders from above hindered their response to the violence that claimed the lives of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans."
The problem with this premise is that both of those questions have already been answered by official intelligence investigations.
As the Daily Beast's Eli Lake has explained, on the night of the attacks there was a 23-minute delay between the initial distress call from the diplomatic mission and when the CIA contractors departed the nearby Annex to respond. Despite suggestions from some in the intelligence community that this delay hindered their rescue effort, investigations found no evidence that the CIA operatives were delayed by "orders from above," as Fox's announcement suggests.
Instead, the Senate Intelligence Committee's January 2014 review of the attacks found that during that delay, the CIA's Chief of Base "attempted to secure assistance and heavy weapons" from US allies in the region, and that (emphasis added):
Although some members of the security team expressed frustration that they were unable to respond more quickly to the Mission compound, the Committee found no evidence of intentional delay or obstruction by the Chief of Base or any other party.
The State Department's independent Accountability Review Board also found the CIA team was not obstructed by officials:
The departure of the Annex team was not delayed by orders from superiors; the team leader decided on his own to depart the Annex compound once it was apparent, despite a brief delay to permit their continuing efforts, that rapid support from local security elements was not forthcoming.
Finally, the House Intelligence Committee, chaired by Republicans, also found no evidence that any response effort was blocked by official orders. According to Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), the "bipartisan, factual, definitive report" on the Intelligence Community's actions the night of the attacks "shows there was no 'stand down order' given to American personnel attempting to offer assistance that evening."
Fox's Bret Baier, the host of the upcoming special, reported on the House Intelligence Committee's findings on August 5.
Baier has hosted previous Fox specials on Benghazi and has repeatedly used his Fox News program to promote myths about the attacks and their aftermath. The false claim that CIA contractors received "orders to wait" was also pushed by 60 Minutes' infamous since-retracted Benghazi report, which featured a discredited "eyewitness" account from a British security contractor.
A new report by the House Intelligence Committee reportedly concluded that there was no intentional wrongdoing in how the Obama administration responded to the 2012 attacks in Benghazi. After two years and countless independent investigations, when will Fox News finally end its nonstop scandal-mongering?
Newly released transcripts of congressional testimony from nine military officers confirmed that no "stand down" order was issued during the September 2012 Benghazi attacks, again debunking Fox News' constantly-cited myth.
The Associated Press reported July 10 that previously classified testimony given to Congress from the military officers "undermines contentions by Republican lawmakers that a 'stand-down order' held back military assets that could have saved the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans killed at a diplomatic outpost and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya." Instead, the military officers confirmed that the Special Operations team of four who were in Tripoli that night "were instructed to help protect and care for those being evacuated from Benghazi and from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli. The senior military officer who issued the instruction to 'remain in place' and the detachment leader who received it said it was the right decision and has been widely mischaracterized."
This new testimony confirms previous reports that debunked the false claim that someone in the Obama administration or military had denied assistance to Americans at the diplomatic facilities in Benghazi the night of the terrorist attacks. Lt. Col. S.E. Gibson, the former commander of a four-member Army Special Forces unit in Tripoli, Libya, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both told congressional committees over a year ago that no stand down order was given. Multiple CIA senior officers have repeatedly denied the false charge. In early 2014, a House Armed Services Committee report and a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report put the myth to rest.
As Media Matters previously noted, Fox News was a primary force behind the false "stand down" story claim. Just a month after the attacks they repeatedly suggested that the Obama administration had made a "political decision" to allow Americans to be killed, and pushed variations on the false "stand down" narrative in 85 primetime segments in the following months. The network has continued to push the myth long after it was debunked, citing questions of why military aid was supposedly withheld as a rationale for the establishment of the House select committee on Benghazi.
A six-member quick reaction team and 60 Libyan militiamen in Benghazi responded to the attack, and reinforcements from the embassy in Tripoli arrived the same night.
NBC's David Gregory pointed a series of questions about Hillary Clinton's role in the 2012 Benghazi attacks to Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), allowing Paul to attack Clinton with the long-debunked smear that she was aware of the need for additional security forces at the Benghazi compound yet denied the requests.
On the June 22 edition of NBC's Meet The Press, host David Gregory posed a series of questions on Hillary Clinton's role in the 2012 attacks on diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, but failed to correct Sen. Paul's false smears that Clinton refused requested security. While discussing the possibility of Clinton running for president in 2016, Gregory asked Sen. Paul about whether "the prosecution of foreign policy," is "the main argument" against Clinton's candidacy. In his response, Paul invoked the debunked myth that Hillary Clinton refused "multiple requests for more security" in the months leading up the attacks.
Later in the interview, Gregory asked whether Benghazi is "disqualifying" for Clinton's potential 2016 candidacy, again allowing Sen. Paul to claim that Clinton "was not responsive to multiple requests for more security." Paul concluded that the American people "want a commander in chief that will send reinforcements, that will defend the country, and that will provide the adequate security," implying for a third time that Clinton refused security she knew was necessary to the Benghazi compound:
Fox contributor Lauren Ashburn complained that "it's just not fair" for critics to hold Fox News accountable for any misinformation and biased commentary made on-air by the network's paid hosts and contributors, suggesting the network shouldn't be held responsible for a recent conspiracy theory about the timing of Benghazi suspect Ahmed Abu Khattala's capture, which originated on Fox.
Khattala was taken into U.S. custody on June 17 for his role in helping lead the 2012 attacks on a U.S. diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.
Fox News hosts and correspondents began immediately questioning the curious timing of Khattala's capture, speculating that it was intended to help Hillary Clinton's book tour and Fox News interview, ignoring the months of planning and preparation spent prior to Khattala's capture. The network even attempted to legitimize its hosts' conspiracy theories by pretending the speculation originated outside of the network.
On the June 22 edition of Fox News' MediaBuzz, Ashburn defended her network, complaining "it's just not fair" for critics to hold Fox News accountable for the conspiracy theories pushed by its hosts and contributors on-air if their commentary isn't an official statement from the network. Discussing criticisms the network received for questioning the timing of the Benghazi suspect's capture, Ashburn said, "the more outlandish the comments, the more the websites are going to say 'oh my gosh, Fox News said this, and they made this point,' and it's funny because Fox News didn't say that, those individual contributors said that." Ashburn concluded "it's just not fair to do that":
Fox News reverted to long debunked Benghazi myths to attack Hillary Clinton for her Tuesday interview on Fox, during which she stood by the fact that intelligence at the time linked the Benghazi terror attacks to an inflammatory anti-Islam video.
Ahmed Abu Khattala was captured Sunday by U.S. military and law enforcement in response to an indictment for murder in connection with his role as a suspected ringleader of the Benghazi attacks.
Fox hosts Bret Baier and Greta Van Susteren interviewed Hillary Clinton on Tuesday and devoted nearly 40 percent of the interview to Benghazi and raised already-answered questions.
On the June 18 edition of Fox News' Fox & Friends, co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade discussed the interview, criticizing Clinton for standing by "the administration mantra" that the 2012 Benghazi attacks were linked to the inflammatory anti-Islam video. Kilmeade argued that Clinton defended the link despite the fact that former CIA acting deputy director Mike Morell said that there was "no way" the attacks had "anything to do with the video," while Doocy accused the administration of pushing the video link to protect the administration "in advance of an election." Baier followed suit on America's Newsroom, criticizing Clinton for asserting "the fact that a video was a part of the situation on the ground in Benghazi":
Fox News attempted to legitimize its hosts' conspiracy theory that the timing of Ahmed Abu Khattala's capture was "curious" by pretending the speculation originated outside the network.
Ahmed Abu Khattala was taken into U.S. custody on June 17 for his role in helping lead the 2012 attacks on a diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.
Immediately, Fox anchors questioned the "curious timing" of Khattala's capture, speculating that it was intended to help President Obama in the polls or to give Hillary Clinton a good headline for an upcoming Fox News interview. After the breaking report on Happening Now, co-host Jon Scott pointed out that Khattala had given media interviews before his capture, and said the "obvious question" is "why now?" Minutes later on Outnumbered, the hosts called the arrest "too neat" and "too cute," speculating that it was timed to be "a great thing to announce" during Clinton's Fox interview.
On June 18, Fox hosts concealed that the speculation of "curious timing" began on their own network, noting that "some" people had made serious claims that the timing looked suspicious without identifying the origin. On Fox & Friends, co-host Steve Doocy spouted:
It was yesterday that it was announced that we finally went in and got him. And to some, they said, 'Now isn't that curious timing? The same day that Hillary Clinton is showing up on Fox News, they are able to announce we got the bad guy.'
During Fox News' interview with Hillary Clinton, Bret Baier rehashed an already-answered question about whether or not the former secretary of state had been in contact with then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta the night of the attacks on the U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, despite a House committee determining months ago there was no evidence that Clinton had done so.
Baier and fellow Fox host Greta Van Susteren interviewed Clinton on June 17 as part of her tour for her new book, Hard Choices. Baier focused much of his questioning on the September 2012 attacks in Benghazi, asking Clinton whether or not she had spoken with Panetta the night of the attack:
BAIER: Did you talk to Secretary Panetta that night?
CLINTON: I talked with [then-CIA] Director [David] Petraeus. I talked on a video -- secure video conference with a full array of officials. I knew because I had talked with the National Security Adviser, Tom Donilon, that Secretary Panetta and [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] General [Martin] Dempsey were doing everything they could. We had open lines.
BAIER: You didn't speak to him that night?
CLINTON: I didn't. You know, I can't recall. I know that the Defense Department was in the room in the video conference that I held.
This isn't the first time Fox has pushed the false claim that Clinton spoke to Panetta the night of the Benghazi attack. The network hasrepeatedly speculated that a "stand down order" had been issued the night of the attacks on Benghazi, often linking that false claim to Clinton or Panetta.
However, a February 2014 report on the Benghazi Investigation from the House Armed Services Committee definitively found that Clinton did not communicate with Panetta on September 11, 2012, during the attacks on Benghazi:
"[A]s to specifics" of the U.S. reaction, Secretary Panetta testified to the Senate that the President "left that up to us." Secretary Panetta said the President was "well informed" about events and worried about American lives. He and General Dempsey also testified they had no further contact with the President, nor did Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ever communicate with them that evening.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hello. I recently tried out two different FNX9 9mm pistols. FNX is the successor to Fabrique National's FNP-handgun series. This polymer-framed, double-action semiautomatic sports frame-mounted, ambidextrous thumb safety levers, which double as decockers, and the pistol does permit Condition One ("cocked-and-locked") Carry for those preferring that option. Unlike the Hi Power, the FNX-line is manufactured in the USA.
The FNX9 has a stainless-steel slide-and-barrel assembly. On one pistol both were left "in the white" for a two-tone appearance. The slide/barrel assembly had been somehow coated black on the pistol. (Other than "looks", these pistols performed equivalently.)
Here is the dark version of the FNX9 semiautomatic pistol. The thumb safety ("on safe" in this picture) can be applied whether the hammer is at full-cock, in the "hammer drop position" (as shown in the photo) or fully foward. The hammer can also be cocked with the thumb safety applied and the slide can be hand-cycled as well. The only time that the pistol must be off-safety is to fire it! Certainly, it can be carried with the hammer down for a DA first-shot and the safety off, but for those preferring to do so, the safety can be applied and disengaged during presentation as is done by practicioners of the single-action autoloader. Barrel length is 4".
FN advises that these pistols are sighted-in for a dead-on hold at 20 yards.
Primer strikes were positive and reasonably well-centered. There were no failures to fire whatsoever in over 1000 shots fired in 5 separate range visits, including this one.
Previous to todays shooting session, this particular FNX9 had digested roughly 700 shots of various commercial ammuntion. With today's 320 shots, that count is now over a thousand with no failures of any sort.
In my opinion, the pistol has the potential as a viable choice for those desiring a reliable and lightweight polymer-framed autoloader for either home defense, concealed carry or both. (The pistol is larger than some expressly intended for clandestine carrying, but this pistol can be concealed with little effort and appropriate clothes selection.)
There are features I really like with the FNX9, but it has some I find distasteful as well. For those interested in a more detail and lengthy report, follow the link below:
Best to all and good shooting.


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text: Granted statehood in 1889, Washingtonwas namedin honor ofGeorge Washington; it is the only U.S. state named after a president. The state's coastal location and excellent harborshave contributed to its role as a leader in tradewith Alaska, Canada and countries of the Pacific Rim. The majestic Mount Rainier soars above Seattle and is the highest peak in the continental United States. Another Washingtonlandmark, Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in U.S. history. The Evergreen State is the nation's leader producer of apples and is the home of the coffee chain Starbucks. Famous Washingtonians include musician Jimi Hendrix, entertainer Bing Crosby and computer pioneer Bill Gates.


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Black Sabbath extend their world tour to 2014
Less than two weeks before they release their new home video, Black Sabbath have something else to share with fans: new tour dates. And they'll keep the veteran rockers on the road until April 2014.
The band has been busy the past several months, swinging through North and South Americas, Australia, Asia and — starting next week in Helsinki — Europe in support of "13". And now they've added a dozen more dates to their schedule. And if you live in North America, especially in Canada, you're in luck. The new leg of the tour kicks off on March 31 in New York and wraps up on April 26 in Los Angeles. But in between, the group will hit Great White North cities like Montreal and Calgary. The full itinerary is below.
In the meantime, Sabbath's new Blu-ray and DVD, "Live … Gathered in Their Masses", comes out on November 26 and features songs from the April 29 and May 1, 2013, tour dates in Melbourne. Fans can preorder it from BlackSabbath.com.
Tickets for the new tour go on sale November 22. The band has set up a site for fans to RSVP for early access to pre-sale tickets, which will be available on November 20.
After Sabbath do one final run through North America, they'll head back to Europe for a last string of shows there, effectively ending their marathon, yearlong tour in support of their first No. 1 album.
Black Sabbath 2014 North American Tour Dates
3/31 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
4/3 – Halifax, NS - Metro Centre
4/5 – Quebec City, QC - Colisee Pepsi
4/7 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
4/9 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
4/11 – Hamilton, ON – Copps Coliseum
4/13 - Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
4/16 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
4/18 – Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Centre
4/20 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
4/22 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
4/26 – Los Angeles, CA &‐ Hollywood Bowl
Michael Galucci for Ultimate Classic Rock, 15 November 2013


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In the Hoffman laboratory, we study how microbes contribute to chronic diseases of children. The microbes we study are found in the lung and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of children with these diseases.
In the Hoffman laboratory, we study how microbes contribute to chronic diseases of children. The microbes we study are found in the lung and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of children with these diseases.
Our research team gathered on the banks of the Montlake cut on a sunny March afternoon outside the UWMC.
Research Summary: I am a clinician-scientist; clinically, I am a pediatric pulmonologist, focused on the health and disease of children's lungs. One of the most vexing problems I face in this clinical role is how to treat children with chronic infections, particularly those suffered by people with cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic endobronchial tubes, and non-CF bronchiectasis. Because of my frustration with these infections, my laboratory efforts concentrate on how to better study and treat these devastating infections. As nutritional failure plays a role in the outcomes of many of pediatric lung diseases, I am also interested in how the GI microbiota impact early growth and nutrition. My hope is to ameliorate or halt the lung diseases many chronic infections generate, and to improve the lung health of children worldwide.
Research Summary: Overall, my work focuses on genotypic and phenotypic characterization of microorganisms recovered from the CF lung environment. I am specifically interested in defining mechanisms of resistance, hypersusceptibility, and dependence to antimicrobial agents in clinical CF bacterial isolates. In parallel, a current project is focused on antibiotic susceptibility profiling of bacterial communities in CF sputum.
Research Summary: CF is a multi-organ system disease, however the hallmark clinical manifestations result in respiratory failure and gastrointestinal complications. In effort to better understand CF physiology and mechanisms of disease, my work focuses on characterizing the microbiota of both the lung and gastrointestinal tract in CF patients.
Research Summary: My research focuses on interspecies interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Co-infection with these two bacterial species occurs commonly in people with cystic fibrosis and is associated with higher lung disease morbidity and mortality. I study how these microorganisms interact through secreted products, such as proteins and small molecules, and how these interactions influence both biofilm formation and the host immune response.
Research Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is the bacterium most commonly cultured from CF patients, and I am particularly interested in small colony variant (SCV) Staphylococcus aureus. SCVs are frequently isolated from antibiotic-refractory S. aureus infections. Moreover, the recovery of SCVs has been correlated with both worse clinical outcome and poor response to antibiotics. My thesis research will focus on these prevalent yet understudied S. aureus variants; I am interested in the in vivo mechanisms of emergence and characterizing physiological growth characteristics indicative of persistence, i.e. biofilm formation, intracellular survival, and metabolic profiles. My research could have broad implication for how S. aureus infections are managed in chronic infections like CF as well as relevance for osteomyelitis, soft tissue, and device related infections.
Additionally, SCVs grow poorly or not at all on standard antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) media and quickly revert to wild-type in vitro, making AST under standard conditions problematic. Therefore, directing antibiotic treatment in patients with SCV infections is not universally practiced. Based off these issues, a component of my thesis research has been to design and optimize AST methods for S. aureus SCVs. This project has direct clinical application, and could potentially be implemented across clinical microbiology laboratories.


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Managing Director, Office of the / Office of Emergency Management[Record group 61-9]
Agency Function
- The Office of Emergency Management seeks to review, revise and update the City's Emergency Operations Plan to meet federal and state requirements; to coordinate, evaluate and report on emergency response / management exercises involving departmental, commercial, private and volunteer resources; and to develop the Hazardous Material Facility Off-Site Emergency Response Plan required by federal legislation.
- Agency History
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- No holdings
- Current Records
- 61-9.a Maps and Drawings
61-9.b Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee. History File
Click on a folder or file to return to that level...
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Last updated on November 8, 2000


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Out of 173 countries worldwide, the United States is one of only five that doesn't guarantee paid leave to give birth and care for a newborn.
If you're getting paid while on maternity leave, consider yourself lucky: Out of 173 countries worldwide, the United States is one of only five that don't guarantee paid leave to give birth and care for a newborn, according to a study by researchers at Harvard and McGill universities.
"It's dramatically striking that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world," says lead researcher Jody Heymann, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Institute for Health and Social Policy at McGill in Montreal, Quebec. "Every industrialized country offers paid leave. So can the United States."
While a small minority of enlightened U.S. companies offer paid maternal leave, most don't, even though research shows the practice increases employee retention, reducing hiring and retraining expenses. "It's often too hard for companies to offer it if competitors don't," Heymann says. And while several states are considering paid family leave, California is the only one that currently offers it. "The only way to ensure that all Americans are protected is to pass federal legislation," she adds.
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) proposed expanding the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid job protection, to include six weeks of paid leave. However, the U.S. Department of Labor requested comments on the FMLA, alarming several family- and health-advocacy groups that fear the protections for parents may be rolled back rather than increased.
Some argue that other countries can afford to be more generous because citizens pay more taxes. However, nearly all governments around the globe offer more protections than the United States, whether they're high-tax, low-tax, progressive or conservative. "It's also a myth that these countries have higher unemployment rates," says Heymann. The good news is that paid leave in the U.S. is gaining momentum, she adds: "Calls and e-mails to your representatives do make a difference."
There is something else you can do. The rapidly growing MomsRising advocates and organizes grassroots campaigns for maternity/paternity leave and other family issues. Join today at momsrising.org.
How America's Family-Workplace Policies Compare
- Of the 168 countries that guarantee paid maternity and/or paternity leave, 98 offer 14 or more weeks. These include Russia, Lithuania and Finland (about three years, at least partially paid) and Sweden and Germany (about two years per couple for each birth). Only the United States, Lesotho, Liberia, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea don't guarantee leave with pay. - Sixty-six countries grant fathers either paid paternity leave or paid parental leave, with 31 of those countries offering 14 or more weeks. The U.S. guarantees fathers no such paid leave. - A minimum of 107 countries protect a working woman's right to breastfeed; at least 73 of them provide for paid pumping/feeding breaks. The U.S., however, does not guarantee the right to breastfeed or pump at work.


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If you've taken a class from me or you are my husband, you have heard me say "color equals flavor". It is my anthem. I will sing it from the rooftops. I really should get t-shirts made.
For this very reason my puff pastry teeters on the edge of burnt as I adore the golden toffee flavors that exist on its copper edges. I hold my breath while making caramel as I creep up to the line of complete and total disaster trying to get it as close to a deep, dark umber as possible. I'm rewarded with a caramel that is rich in flavor and not cloyingly sweet as a tinge of bitterness cuts through the sweetness creating a perfect balance.
Sticking to my motto I will often try and figure out more ways to squeeze in another layer of flavor by adding a toasted, caramel, nutty quality. For example, I will often reach for dark brown sugar instead of white and I love using browned butter in place of a plain cube of butter.
This dedication to darker flavors led me to the discovery of toasting flour. Before I started experimenting I had never heard of this before and then suddenly today, Dorie Greenspan (my baking hero) posted a recipe for toasted flour shortbread. If Dorie posts it you know it must be good.
My version takes flour to a deep golden color. The resulting cookie is borderline savory, lightly sweet and immensely nutty. The texture is pleasantly tender which makes for a bit of a crumbly dough, but I insist that it is worth the mess and misshapen cookies. My favorite accompaniment for these shortbread is raspberry jam. Although raspberry buttercream isn't bad either.
My preferred method for toasting the flour is in a large pan on the stove. Over medium heat I constantly stir two cups of flour until the desired color is reached. This takes about 10-15 minutes. You could toast in the oven as well. At 350* place two cups of flour on a baking sheet. Stirring every 10 minutes roast until desired color – for me this was about 45 minutes. I like it good and toasty. As your flour reaches the correct color the smell will wander through the kitchen leaving scented trails of roasted nuts and freshly popped toast.
not toasted /toasted
For a less intense roasted flavor you could toast for less time or simply use half toasted flour and half regular. Always sift the cooled flour as it has a tendency to form little clumps during the toasting process. Which is why I say toast 2 cups rather than the 1 1/2 cups called for in the recipe.
Just think of the possibilities this technique opens up. Imagine the flavor of bread that is baked with half toasted flour. Chocolate chip cookies would be even more irresistible. Toasted flour cakes would give another reason to celebrate.
Other flour toasters:
Dorie's Toasted Flour Shortbread
Toasted Flour Shortbread
4 oz. (1 stick) butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup sugar
1 ½ cups toasted flour* (see directions on how to toast above)
2 T heavy cream
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup turbinado sugar
Pre-heat oven to 350*
Cream the butter, vanilla and sugars. Add the flour, cream and salt. Stir just to combine.
Place the crumbly dough on a sheet of parchment. Form into a 1' log. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top and press it into the dough covering all sides.
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.
Slice the log into ¼' rounds and bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes. Let cool on the sheet tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 2 dozen


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/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/3-to-5-club-logo.png 0 0 Maci Ogrady /wp-content/uploads/2016/11/3-to-5-club-logo.png Maci Ogrady2018-01-22 10:15:572018-09-05 08:06:38FasTrak #8
FasTrak #8
Add to Calendar
November 27, 2018 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am
3to5 Club Business Transformation Center
5670 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard
Ste LL100W, Greenwood Village
5670 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard
Ste LL100W, Greenwood Village
Are you making decisions based on where you are right now in your business or where you want to be?
Is it time to push forward to a new level?
Get on the FasTrak.
Tap into the power of your peers, get off the treadmill and get back to the passion that brought you into business in the first place.
The Objective: A Steady Stream of Potential Clients
The sales process doesn't break down because we aren't good salespeople, but because we don't have enough of the RIGHT people to talk to. With a steady stream of potential clients, you could rapidly grow your business. FasTrak (the 90-Day Double Your Income Challenge) is designed to do just that.
Double Your Income in 90 days? Sound Crazy?!
Yet, in the last 3 years, 40+% of those who accepted the challenge, have doubled their income.
It's amazing what we can do when we make a decision to do something, and put a date on when we'll get it done.
If you could simply get in front of more potential clients, would your business grow?
This is maybe the most important 90-minute meeting of your business career! Here, you'll review the three principles and eight tools of successful salespeople that will be shared during our 11-week FasTrak sales series.
In the meeting, we'll discuss what the eleven weeks of FasTrak is all about, the mindset required to double your income, and the strategy and mechanics that will get you there.
If you take the challenge, you will join many others who will be giving each other practical, tactical, daily and weekly support and community for the entire 90 days in FasTrak. Even if you decide not to take FasTrak, this 90-minute meeting will be extremely useful and valuable to you.


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West Wing schooled on scandal
No White House could have completely prepared for the bad news that slammed into the West Wing in the last week, but President Barack Obama's team has been handcuffed as never before — by lousy luck, fear of making a big mistake, and a shortage of players in key positions.
The last week's wave of scandal has exposed weaknesses in the West Wing, problems top Obama aides are racing to remedy in the face of potentially damaging revelations about the Benghazi attack, an errant IRS probe into tea party groups, and the Justice Department's stunning announcement they had secretly seized Associated Press phone records.
Story Continued Below
Any one of the three crises could, conceivably, turn into a major scandal. At the moment, it's more likely Republicans will try to bundle them into a noxious narrative of a presidency in decline: Obama, who prided himself on controlling his own destiny, is losing his grip on government.
( Also on POLITICO: D.C. turns on Obama)
That's the problem the White House has to confront now. And current and former Obama aides say the West Wing is making a bad situation somewhat worse by appearing too defensive and offering awkward, unsatisfying responses dictated by lawyers instead of common sense.
"The language should be more active than phrases like 'I didn't have any patience for this' or 'if the allegations are true,'" said former Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs, referring to comments made by the president at a Monday press conference.
"I lose patience with my 9-year-old. This is a lot more serious than that."
( Also on POLITICO: Obama's dangerous new narrative)
Tuesday night, Obama was able go farther, saying that while an Inspector General's report he IRS scandal exonerated the White House of any serious wrongdoing the targeting of conservative groups was "intolerable and inexcusable." He said he'd directed Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to hold those responsible for conduct that "bottom line is, it was wrong."
Gibbs, who was known for his aggressive style at the podium — too aggressive for some inside the building — urged Obama to "get ahead"of the story "by appoint[ing] a commission, a bipartisan commission made up of former IRS officials, to come up with a solution for how you deal with the issue of political organizations and the enforcement of the laws around non-profits — because you can only catch so many arrows."
( Also on POLITICO: Watchdog: IRS used 'inappropriate criteria')
One frustrated senior White House official complained to POLITICO that "our hands are completely tied" in dealing with the IRS and DOJ investigations because "we are legally prevented from telling them what to do… There's no playbook because we can't make them run our plays… if this was Treasury or HUD or Education, we could be a lot more aggressive."
Another former administration official, who had a hand in managing Guantanamo Bay and other controversies, said Obama's communications team, led publicly by press secretary Jay Carney, have been "very, very slow on the draw— which is kind of surprising considering how many times they have been through this crap before."


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A bizarre scene is unfolding at today's third round action at the AT&T National. After violent storms uprooted several trees (including a 75 foot tree falling across the fairway on 14) and delayed play, the course has been overrun by thousands of "Invisible Man" guys.
As you can see from this shot of today's play, virtually the entire gallery at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland has gotten in on the act. If you listen to the broadcast, the fans have really dedicated themselves to the role as everyone has gone quiet, even the "Get in the hole!" guys. Who are these guys and what are they playing at? [PGA.com]


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José María Ortiz is a comic arist from Valencia. In the 1950s he drew 'Roy Clark' in Comandos (Ed. Valenciana), and contributed to Fanvencia collections like 'Aventuras de Guerra' and 'Historias de Guerra'. Together with writer Pedro Muñoz he contributed to the Grafidea collections 'Cuatro Capitanes' and 'Jarko, el Temible'. As an agency artist, he has worked on French series like 'Cinq As', 'Marino' (in Zembla), 'Scotland Yard', 'Tenax' and 'Super Boy'
José Ortiz Tafalla was the artist of the 'Los Trotamundos' comic, which he made with scriptwriter Eugenio Sotillos for agency Interpubli. The series featured four travelling teenagers (three boys and a girl) whose adventures happened in different countries. A Spanish edition was published in 1985.
Los Trotamundos


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I just listed or rather added an extra room to my apartment. But made this a separate room bookable as one. It wasn't actually quite ready and opened by mistake instead of my original rooms. However with some speedy and ingenuity I made the lighting work last minute to cater. My guests arrived and totally loved it. What do you do when the crunch is hours away from arrival and your space not quite ready?
43 Kommentare
Dear Liz,
What I get from your post is that the room was not ready to be booked and not because of cleaning, but rather missing things or unfinished work.
If you normally receive a guest into an unfinished space, that can end up being very bad afterwards.
However, as most of us have a place that is fully functional, the only thing that would be a "ready" issue would be the room cleaning and preparation for another guest.
This is why you have the check-in time, to be sure that you have those rooms ready, regardless of the situation and if the guest arrives earlier, you simply tell them to wait until the check-in time as the room is not ready.
After the check-in time, the guest will really see it as an issue and in most cases it will be unacceptable for them.
That's what I believe is the case for such things.
Zsolt - www.thuild.com
Hello there, yes this has happened to me also a few times despite the fact i have an arrival time and departure time, that i have to stick to,especially in Summer. Im fortunate enough to have a summer kitchen where i can allow guests to rest after a long journey and i always offer a wee nibble and a glass of something chilled, guests usually are aware that they have arrived early and are usually quite relaxed about it.
Happy hosting and all the best.
I am currently building a place where guests could wait, because on several occasions I have had guests arrive way before the check-in time.
So before that i would just offer them activities whilsts their room is still being prepared.
Furthermore, pulse has a template to send guests a text to notify them that they room is ready for check-in.
Hi Liz
I had trouble with my light switches and the electrician couldn't come until the next day so like you I put some lamps around the room and everyone was happy. We have a big communal lounge where people can relax if they check in early. They usually choose to drop of their luggage and go site seeing
For us this is only a problem when we are full. Otherwise we just allocate the guest another room.
When we have no other availability, this has only occurred when the guest who checked out the same day had damaged something in the room, we will offer the guests chill out by the pool with complimentary drinks and/or suggest we store their luggage so that they can go out and start their holiday. Obviously after the usual apologies and explanation.
Only once we had to relocate the guest for one night while we arranged a new window! We also gave this particular couple a free slap-up meal. They were really stoked and couldn't thank us enough.
For us the only problem would be if we had no vacancies. Otherwise we could just allocate the guest to another room. However, if there are no rooms available due to other guests that had occupied the other rooms the night before and are staying, then we otherwise allow the guest to check in. And explain to them this is why we have check in times and check out times. Example, The guest arriving that day came at 9am way before check in time and before check out time for the previous guest.. our check in times are from 1-9:30pm (we do however make special arrangements for guests unable to check in by 9:30pm). With that being said, we did not have anywhere for the guest to go. So I suggested they leave their luggage with us here in the office, go to breakfast at the diner just up about a mile. However they were not happy. In a case like this, it is on the guest that did not abide by check in times and assumed they could just check in. She had stated she did not see where it stated check in times (I do know as we all do there is a portion on the where the guest sees "Important info you should read") and to it to be known that she was leaving a nasty review... oh she did and lied about the room. She was here for a 2 day stay. So, point is, maybe these check in/check out times should be listed somewhere the guest must check off a box stating they read this
It is quite rude of the guests to say they have not read the check in time. Through out the world guest houses all have check in times and if you know you are going to be somewhere early you should ring and inquire if you are able to do so. We all like our places to look their best when guests arrive and this takes time
Wendy you are so right but like my current guests ......a mature couple ....all the booking had been done by their children as they were not able to use the internet.It never pays to let a guest see the room before it's ready, Just politely explain that as hotels do they can not go in until check in and send them away.....my couple had read no rules ...didn't know there were any.
Hey everyone,
Much like Stephenandrichard , we have have check in times but should the guest arrive sooner than they should we normally send them to the restaurant on-site. We find Food/Drinks normally make people happy.
We have had a pipe burst in a unit right before check-in time... but luckily we had another unit open. This is where I admire those with smaller properties such you as, Liz M Lockwood . Thinking of a quick lighting fix in a jiffy! Really brings out the creativity in a person, doesn't it?
Well done all!
I really think I'm missing out sometimes because we have very large properties.
Very good idea, Sara. Do you have to pay for these cards? Or it's a discount card?
I didn't do that intentionally, but that what happened. My guest was a student of architecture. She saw my paintings and we started to talk about art. I gave her my advices where to go to art exhibits for free. I had discount cards for 20% from top art gallery (they give just few to chosen people). I am not sure, if she actually went there, but I could see that she was really happy to see the discount!
That's it! It's woman nature. Women Love discounts! It works like magic.
I am planning to make a tour on local establishments and ask for more discounts cards. It's the easiest thing for me to negotiate good deals, normally people give me discounts without even printing the card ("just mention my name" scheme)
I am not sure if it will improve your performance during low season. May be can just improve the score.
I see the problem with advertising
First, it creates confusion if one establishment promotes other establishments. Second, people might think that your place is doing very well so bad that you have to attract people with those discounts.
As for me, it's just a sweet add on. Except for massage. Maybe its a good idea to get into contact with local masseuse and make massage services available on call. As for me I would like to stay in such villa, that offers professional massage
This being our first year of operation we only had one guest show up early. Our check-in time is from 3 PM to 10 PM unless arranged otherwise ahead of time. They arrived at 11:30 AM. Thankfully the room was ready as we had just finished it. Guests, if they book the room on BDC themselves the check-in time is clearly stated. After they have booked their room we email them our Guest Policies which states the check-in time. The day they are due to arrive I typically send a text message re-iterating the check-in time but stating the room is ready and they can check in any time. Another guest really appreciated it is they had flown into town really early and had not had much sleep. So they checked in and were able to catch a few hours of sleep before starting their vacation. They mentioned it in their 10/10 review.
When we recommend restaurants we ask our guests to say we recommended them just to get our name out there. We have not yet set up any formal agreements with any other businesses.
Jessie & Jay guests really appreciate early check-in. When travelling myself I really appreciate it when check-in is flexible if needed. Μy place is always ready early in the morning of the day my guests are expected. Sometimes recommending restaurants might be tricky. Guests might not like the recommendations thus making them unhappy.
Jessica & Jay,
I do the same. Each time a guest books on BDC, I immediately send them a "Thank you" in that states check in times and a reminder to check our cancellation policy. Because we are not a 24 hr. Motel, I also extend to the guest that we will make special arrangements with them in case they need to check in past our hours... they appreciate that very much. However, again, as stated in my above comment, if we have no vacancies due to guests booking 2 or more days with us and we have no other rooms to allow the guest that has decided to check in early prior to Check out times, unfortunately we cannot give them another room.
We do not have a restaurant on property, there is a place they can go for breakfast/coffee less then a mile from here.
Generally, especially On Season we always have No Vacancies. So this makes it hard for us to be able to allow a guest to check in to a room that is not ready due to the present guest has not checked out yet.
Now our biggest issue is, more so than checking in early, is a guest that does not read nor respond to us trying to reach out to them regarding check in times. Meaning, if after our check in times and we have now closed. It becomes a No Show on their part. I have attempt to call the guest if they are not here by a certain time to let them know that check in times are almost past and if that is the case, as stated above, I would make arrangements with them for a late check in (arranging room entry and payment). We do this so the guest does not have rush in. Now if the guest still does not respond to this, then I reach out to BDC and if they are unsuccessful, Then again considered a No Show. At that point. The guest could be subject to room entry.
if the room is not ready , I offer them to have a coffee or even a beer in the restaurant on our expense. Most of the guest are taking the offer , ones in a while we get one who can not be pleased with anything. I am offering to this one to leave at no charge . :) Don't like negative in the house. Chance to sell the room is quite high. But even I don't sell it, still happy to get rid of the trouble/:)
Early check in can also be difficult if guests want to checkout late. We only have a small lodge, 30 beds, but I need the hours between 10am and 2pm to get the cleaning done to the standard that I want.
The bathrooms and kitchen are communal so I can not do anything until the guests check out. If they want to stay until 11am and the next lot want to check in at 1pm that does not leave a lot of time.
We also have guests check out and go and do their activities for the day. Then they come back to use the toilets and showers before going to their next destination. Really that is going too far.
Wendy Crews,
I completely understand this issue you are having. Can I make a suggestion ? You say you need the hours 10am - 2pm to the get the cleaning done. And a guest wants to stay past your check out times. However, like me, I may not have another room to offer the guest that would be assigned to that room type. Then why not change your check in times ? Why not let your guests know in advance if they plan on a Late Check Out it is only if availability allows & same as Early Check In. Or putting in place a Early Check in/Late check out fee (I am presently putting this in place). I have seen this in many Hotels/Motels and B & B's. I understand that not all guests read everything.
I also understand, None of us want to loose a booking. But, If we do not have the rooms available then we are unable to allow the guests to check in early or check out late.
Now I also see that you saying guests check out and then come back to use the room ? If the guest has checked out, then why allow them to come back after they have gone out for the day ? I am sure you are just trying to be accommodating to all of your guests, but once they check out and want to reuse the room then charge them for another day (if availability allows) Or unfortunately say you are sorry but they have checked out and you have another guest coming in the room.
We here have only 16 rooms &1 housekeeper (I help out with cleaning of the rooms when necessary if I am able too.) I cannot allow a early check in late check out if we do not the availability.
Hi K2u
We have a late checkout fee of $10. If guests are stuck here for some reason we accommodate them but when we say we will have to charge them they usually pack up and leave quite happily. If we do not do this we will have guests cooking lunch at 1pm when they should not be here. People can pay $32 a night and that covers a lot but they can not carry on using electricity when they should of checked out. As for the guests who come back in the evening to use the facilities we do not allow it, would they do that at a motel where they are paying three times the price as here? I do whatever I can to keep guests happy which is generally easy as I love people and I really want them to feel at home, it is only a few guests that want more and more and you can not make them happy
So agree with Wendy, a couple with a car (we don't have free parking it's pay and display by the city) checked out last week , left their car and went all over London sightseeing then marked me down on location, a location They chose!!!!!!!!!They did not mention I had to go and buy diabetic jam etc as he never told me in advance medical needs.
Another guest packed up to leave Sunday by 11 am but wanted to lie in his room till 1...using my electricity and WiFi data playing games on his new computer.And a new guest was expected.
No hotel would allow that then we get lousy reviews.
I completely understand, we all want to make ours guests happy. We thrive on making our guests comfortable and feeling like family. With that being said, we here have such a huge turn a round. That is why we had to put a policy in place that if availability allows we can accommodate them for a late check out. Most guests understand this. We would love to be able to let our guests check in early and check out late, again we are majority of the time completely full. And because we are a small country Motel we have to take the time to clean (I mean spotless clean) we have very high standards here. After the housekeeper is finished in the rooms, I check each room to be 100 % sure the rooms are clean. As we all know how long it takes to clean a room, so if the guest does not check out on time and we have another guest coming into the room, we need to have the time to clean it.
Hi Sara,
Well that's not your fault then if the guest failed to let you know about his/her medical needs. I am sure you have it posted somewhere to let you know that they must let you know of food allergies, ect.
Do you have somewhere else for a guest to stay around your property ? We do not, otherwise we would be able have a guest wants to stay a bit longer but not in the room.
You are correct, we (Motel/Hotel) generally cannot allow a guest to do what your guest did.
Unfortunately, although we can do our most very best to make a guest very happy, it just does not work out that way sometimes. There are guests out there that no matter what you do its not good enough for them.
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Dell Cloud Labs: Partnering with customers to build a better cloud
When it comes to creating the best possible cloud computing solutions for our customers, we consider your input to be one of our greatest resources.
Dell Cloud Labs builds upon this belief. We invite you and other IT professionals to participate in our exploration of new public cloud ideas and concepts. Working with you gives us a deeper understanding of your cloud needs, of possible improvements to potential offerings and of whether a project is viable as a full-blown offering.
As a participant in a Dell cloud project, you will:
- Gain hands-on, early-adapter access to innovative projects.
- Interact directly with subject matter experts and other users.
- Contribute to shaping project direction and features.
Project Sputnik
Project Crowbar


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Description: Hat of gray felt. The hat is styled as a man's fedora. The crown is of gray felt, canted backwards, with flattened top which is sunken-in. Brim slants down in front and turns up in back, and is quilted with concentric stitching. Remains of threads and holes indicate hat originally had some form of band around the base of the crown. Hat is unlined, with inner hatband of steel blue gray grosgrain ribbon inside base of crown. Affixed to inner hatband is black elasticized cord to secure hat to wearer's head. Maker's label sewn to inner hatband: "Valerie / Hat / Paris - New York", with size label sewn to edge of maker's label: "22 1/2"
Date: 1948
Creator: Valerie Hat


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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Severely obese women who undergo weight-loss surgery may have a decreased risk of developing diabetes during future pregnancies, a new study suggests.
Researchers found that among 700 women who had undergone obesity surgery, those who'd had the procedure before becoming pregnant were 77 percent less likely to develop pregnancy-related diabetes than those who'd had a pregnancy before their surgery. They also had a lower rate of cesarean section.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, add to evidence of the potential health benefits of weight-loss surgery.
Research has shown that the surgery, which restricts the amount of food a person can eat, can spur substantial weight loss and help control obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Studies have come to conflicting conclusions, however, regarding the effects on gestational diabetes, a form of the disorder that arises during pregnancy.
While gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, during pregnancy it may cause the fetus to grow abnormally large, which can make a C-section or forceps necessary and raise the risk of postpartum bleeding. Women who develop gestational diabetes are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
For the new study, Dr. Anne E. Burke and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore reviewed insurance records of 23,594 U.S. women who had undergone obesity surgery between 2002 and 2006.
Of those women, 346 had given birth during that same time period, but before having the surgery; another 354 had given birth after the surgery — typically about 20 months later.
Most had undergone gastric bypass, in which the upper portion of the stomach is stapled off to create a small pouch that restricts the amount of food a person can eat at one time. The surgeon also creates a bypass around the rest of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine, which limits the body's absorption of food.
A minority — 42 women overall — had undergone gastric banding, where an adjustable band is used to create the pouch at the upper part of the stomach.
Burke's team found that among women who had delivered before weight-loss surgery, 27 percent developed gestational diabetes during the pregnancy. That compared with eight percent of those who'd delivered after their surgery.
Similarly, the rate of C-section was lower in the former group: 28 percent versus 43 percent.
The researchers then factored in two other variables: the women's age and whether they had ever had a C-section in the past, which raises the odds of having one in subsequent pregnancies. With those factors considered, obesity surgery was linked to a 77 percent reduction in the risk of gestational diabetes and a 52 percent decrease in the odds of C-section.
The findings "add to a growing body of evidence in favor of a protective effect" of weight-loss surgery against gestational diabetes and C-section, Burke told Reuters Health.
However, she added, "I do not think this is saying that obese women need to delay pregnancy until after having this surgery."
For one, only certain, severely obese women would be candidates for the procedure. Moreover, Burke pointed out, women should first try to shed weight through diet and exercise before turning to surgery.
The study has limitations, the researchers acknowledge. Chief among them is the fact that it was a review of insurance records, rather than a controlled study where women were recruited and then followed over time to compare the pregnancy outcomes of those who had obesity surgery with those who did not.
According to Burke, it would be difficult, for both practical and ethical reasons, to conduct a randomized, clinical trial — in which women would be randomly assigned to have weight-loss surgery either before or after a pregnancy.
But, she noted, it would be more feasible to do a study where women were followed over time to look at the pregnancy outcomes of women who chose to have weight-loss surgery and those who did not.
In general, weight-loss surgery may be an option for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, which puts them in the category of severe obesity. It may also be an option for people who are less severely obese but have chronic medical conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
The risks include short-term complications from surgery, like serious bleeding, infection and blood clots; longer-term risks include vitamin and mineral deficiencies and hernia development. And an estimated 10 percent of patients have an unsatisfactory weight loss or eventually regain much of the weight they had shed.
An estimated 220,000 Americans underwent some form of weight-loss surgery, most often gastric bypass, in 2009, according to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.
On average, the procedures cost about $20,000 to $25,000. Whether surgery is a cost-effective way to prevent gestational diabetes is a question for future research, according to Burke's team.
A study published last month found that weight-loss surgery may curb the costs of managing type 2 diabetes.
The study, which examined insurance claims of more than 2,200 weight-loss surgery patients, found that among those with diabetes before the surgery, only 15 percent were still taking diabetes medications two years after the procedure. (See Reuters Health story of August 16, 2010.)
Diabetic patients' yearly healthcare costs averaged nearly $6,400 in the two years before surgery; the typical cost of the surgery plus hospitalization was almost $30,000.
The researchers concluded that because the weight loss won by surgery can be maintained for years, the procedure could be cost-saving in the long run for people with type 2 diabetes.
SOURCE: link.reuters.com/kub83p Journal of the American College of Surgeons, August 2010.


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|By MikeCrane (vt-williston-cuda1k2-122.sbtnvt.adelphia.net - 188.8.131.52) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 11:59 am: Edit Post
25th Annual Reunion of Gabon Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
and their friends ( and their friends....)
This is one party you do not want to miss. Although it may have taken 25 years to perfect, we finally got it down. So for those of you who have been waiting for the right year this is it!! The setting is ideal, entertainment for all, accommodations to suit any taste, and superb food(....we're still working on the company)
Date: August 20th - 22nd, 2004
Location: Rock Point in Burlington, Vermont. Rock Point is a private prep school located on the shores of Lake Champlain. The fete will be held in the main building, a 19th century brownstone castle with all the space we need to gather, dance, eat, sit and enjoy the views. There is a game room, dining hall, full kitchen facilities, a library, many other rooms for private rendezvous, a great front porch and a rolling lawn with chairs. See it here on the web: http://www.rockpoint.org. (The lake is 200 yards behind the building) There is a 200 acre campus with hiking trails, ball fields, mountain biking, gardens, swimming beaches, boating and a 300 foot high peninsula that juts into Lake Champlain with stunning sunsets.
Lake Champlain: Lake Champlain in the 6th largest freshwater lake in the United States. Rock Point is a two minute walk to a large sandy beach that has excellent swimming with on-duty lifeguards and is perfectly safe for children. For the more adventurous, there are chartered sailing, charted fishing and cruises departing out of Burlington Harbor.
Burlington Vermont
Burlington is one of the greatest town in America. 40,000 people, 4 colleges, nationally recognized historic Main Street district. It is the most popular tourist destination in Vermont. Downtown Burlington is a really fun place to be, great shopping, lots of nightlife, museums, live music waterfront. You can bike there in 5 minutes along the bikepath that follows the Lake. It has received numerous accolades over the years including:
 Number one "City to Have It All"
 Best overall standard of living in the United States
 One of the seven best retirement areas in the country
 Declared one of the "10 Great Places to Raise a Family"
 Ranked one of the most livable cities in America
 One of Four Outstanding Get-Away Locations in the Northeast" (USA Weekday Magazine, May 1997)
 "Number One Place for Families that Love Outdoor Sports" ( Outdoor Magazine, June 1999)
 "Sixth Best Family Friendly Place in the Nation" (Reader's Digest, April 1997)
 "One of Ten College Towns Worth a Visit" (Princeton Review, 1999)
 "Number One Child Friendly City in America" (Zero Population Growth, 2001)
 "One of the 50 "Places of a Lifetime."National Geographic Traveler
If you are looking for a summer vacation location, this is the place. Think about tying the reunion into a longer stay. There are endless things to do in Vermont. For more information visit :http://www.vermont.org/visiting/
There is a wide range of accommodations.
Rock Point has 27 dorm rooms (some with great views of the Lake). Each have two single beds. (That can be squeezed together for those trying to rekindle something) Showers are a few steps down the hall. Rooms are available for $25 per night regardless of the number of people you cram in and comes with sheets and towels. You can make reservations with me, Book early!
Camping is available at a very nice campground that is walking distance to Rock Point. There are tent and RV sites for $29 and $21 respectively. Book that early too Check it out at : http://www.bpr.ci.burlington.vt.us/north_beach.htm
Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are widely available. Try this: http://www.vermont.org/accommodations
There are also a few homeless shelters in town as well as many park benches for those of you who don't make it home at night. The back of my Subaru will also be available for those of you who want to experience how I used to travel.
Burlington is served by the Burlington International Airport. If you fly to Burlington you won't need to rent a car (unless you want it for traveling later). Rock Point is 15-20 minutes from the airport, someone will pick you up or you can take a taxi for 10 bucks. Jet Blue, Delta, US AIR, United, Continental and maybe a few others serve the airport. Southwest flies to Manchester, New Hampshire (3 hours). Montreal is 2 hours away which may be cheaper for you long distance travelers. Albany, New York is 3 hours. You can take a train to Essex Junction, Vermont (20 minutes outside of town). You can also sail right to Rock Point, via the St Lawrence seaway, from anywhere in the greater Atlantic Ocean region.
On Saturday Night there is a Dance Party with a live DJ spinning the tunes: Sponsored by Alison Tocci
The Second Annual Team Canoe Races: the reigning champions Joan Mathieu and Mike Crane are the team to beat (but you won't have a prayer)
Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking and Mountain Biking (for those who actually get out of their chairs)
All-Night Poker Championships: sponsored by Bob Nicola and Doug Spatz (bring your own cigars)
Maple Tapping demonstrations: sponsored by Rob Merriam
Beer Keg Tapping demonstrations: Sponsored by Mark Willis
Live Acoustic Music "Jump -In": sponsored by Ed Molinero (first one to suggest Kumbya will be shot)
Field Games: volleyball, softball, basketball, horseshoes, croquet (sorry no paintball)
Chocolate-Chip Cookie Cooking classes: Sponsored by Sue Capozzi
Awards Ceremony Sponsored by Mike Crane: Awards will be given out to: (1) The farthest traveled (2) the latest COSed volunteer (3) the earliest COSed volunteer (4) those still serving but on AWOL. And Lots More!!!!!!!!!!!!
The place is entirely kid friendly. Space can be reserved off for toddlers, there are game rooms for kids, safe beaches, and activities for teens.
This is the best part
1) $25 per head reserves the place, Rock Point, for the weekend (Friday 12:00 to Sunday afternoon) that includes the kitchen, dining room, library, dance hall, other rooms, playing fields, hiking trails, canoes, bikes etc etc... (sorry those with two heads will have to pay twice)
2) Food will cost $50 per head: Kids under 10 eat free, kids between 11 and 18 are half price. That includes (for vegetarians and meat-eaters):
a 3 course dinner Friday night
a full country breakfast featuring pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup
lunch with make-your own sandwiches, salads, and deserts
a serious hoe-down Barbecue on Saturday night with all the fixin's
late night snacks
a Vermont Sunday Brunch
snacks throughout the weekend
That's right, 5 meals plus in-between food for $50!!! (you do the math)
Vegetarians will be happy. Special accommodations can be made for kids on different schedules or others with dietary needs.
3) Accommodations: On your own. If you want a room at Rock Point that's $25 per night and you can reserve it through me
4) Alcohol: All alcohol is BYOB. I 'm buying the first keg however, and maybe the second.
5) Grand total is: $75 per head (plus $25 if you have kids between 11 and 18) for the whole weekend. This is the cheapest and most fun vacation you'll ever have.
Deposit: To secure your place in the fame and glamour of the 25th annual Gabon Peace Corps Reunion you'll need to send a $30 deposit by May 1st, 2004 (but send it now if you can) to your host. Make the checks out to: La Fete O'
Your Host: That's me.
Mike Crane
21 Ivy Lane
Burlington, Vermont 05401
For those of you who don't know me (consider yourself fortunate)
But seriously I am looking forward to meeting new faces and can't wait to see some of those old ones.
Pass the word: I am sure many of these e-mail addresses will get bounced back so please forward this message to those whom you know... and bring a friend


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Information for international students applying to the Mount.
International students at Mount St. Joseph University find a warm community that welcomes diversity and values the wisdom that comes from other cultures. Thank you for considering Mount St. Joseph University.
Why the Mount?
The Mount's commitment to diversity extends across the nation and across the globe. We encourage international students to bring their perspectives and experiences to the Mount to enhance the overall campus learning experience.
Students come to the Mount because they know our small class sizes mean individual attention from actual professors, not from teaching assistants or graduate students. They love being close to downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and find great support through our many academic and career resources.
Admission Requirements
If you are ready to apply for admission to the Mount, go to the Admission Requirements section of the site to get started.
Transfer Guidelines
If you are interested in transferring to the Mount from a college or university in another country and want information regarding your status as an American student, please contact the Office of Admission at (513) 244-4531 or 1-800-654-9314, x4531.
International transfer credits may be accepted but are subject to evaluation based on standardized guidelines from AACRAO, WES, NAFSA, or similar organizations.
Check out the Transfer Guidelines section of our site for specific transfer policies and answers to your transfer-related questions.
Official Transcript Evaluation
Once admitted to the University, the Office of Admission will conduct an official transcript evaluation. During this process we determine how previous college credit will transfer.
Request Information
If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact the Office of Admission.


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Romantic Seas of Europe
Posted on July 14, 2010
Embark on an extraordinary journey across Europe's romantic seas, in the most luxurious surroundings imaginable – a world where everything is included, without exception and without compromise. Tour the ancient ports of the Black Sea. Witness the myths and wonders of the Aegean and Israel. Capture the exclusive allure of the Italian Riviera. Revel in the eternal embrace of land and sea that makes cruising the perfect way to experience and explore Europe.Read More »
In addition to our…
New Bonus Savings in the Tropics
Posted on July 8, 2010
The colors of the tropics are straight out of an artist's palette. Emerald-green palms sway in the ocean breezes. Puffs of sugar-white clouds waft by in the royal-blue sky. Turquoise seas break ever so gently over the cappuccino-hued beaches. This is paradise, pure and simple. But it's not an artist's rendering, it is the tropics á la Regent Seven Seas Cruises. A world of color, islands of joy and plenty of time to savor each moment.Read More »
You will enjoy 2-for-1 Fares, Included…
RSSC Announces Bonus Offer for 25-Night Cruise
Posted on July 7, 2010
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a bonus offer for its 25-night "Indian Ocean Odyssey" cruise from Dubai to Cape Town, departing Nov. 8. Guests receive a free African safari, a Taj Mahal land tour or $2,000 if they book by Sept. 30. The cruise visits Fujairah, UAE; Mumbai, Goa, New Mangalore and Cochin, India; Mahé and Praslin, Seychelles; Port Louis, Mauritius; Pointe des Galets, Réunion; and Richards Bay and Durban, South Africa.Read More »
The three-night, mid-cruise Taj Mahal…
- Page 1 of 1 pages
Contact a Regent Seven Seas Cruises specialist
For detailed information regarding a Regent Seven Seas Cruises itinerary and pricing, please contact our Personal Vacation Planners today!
You may also e-mail us through our online contact form »


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MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The Georgia College soccer team (5-13, 4-6 PBC) has qualified for the 2011 Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Tournament as the No. 8-seed, traveling to No. 1-seed Armstrong (12-2-3, 9-0-1 PBC) Tuesday, Nov. 1 for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
The Bobcats battled the Pirates to a 1-0 loss in the team's regular-season meeting Oct. 19 at Bobcat Field. Armstrong went undefeated in conference play, taking the PBC Regular Season title; they were positioned No. 18 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire National Rankings.
The Bobcats are led on the scoring front by freshman Ashley Veilleux (Monroe, Ga.), who has 13 points on five goals and three assists. Classmate Abby Dalton (Macon, Ga.) has posted three goals and three assists to rank second on the team with nine points. Two former All-PBC players dot the GC roster in senior midfielder Karen Bonilla (Manassas, Va.) and senior defender Tawny Moffat (Peachtree City, Ga.).
GC Sports Information will bring you the live audio broadcast at www.UStream.tv/GCBobcats with a 1:50 p.m. airtime, Chandler Lee and Al Weston on the call.
For more information on the 2011 PBC Tournament, visit the tournament web site at http://peachbelt.com/information/11soccertournament/index .
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.