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TechNavio's analysts forecast the Dental Implants market in Brazil to grow at a CAGR of 12.49 percent over the period 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the rise in the edentulous population. The Dental Implants market in Brazil has also been witnessing the growth in exports. However, the high competition among the vendors could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.
To Read The Complete Report with TOC Visit: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/158293
TechNavio's report, the Dental Implants Market in Brazil 2012-2016, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the north, north-east, south-east, south, and center-west regions of Brazil; it also covers the Dental Implants and Dentures market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
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The key vendors dominating this market space are Biomet 3i, Conexao Implant Systems, Neodent S.A., SISTEMA DE IMPLANTE NACIONAL LTDA. (SIN), and Straumann Holding AG.
The other vendors mentioned in the report are 3M ESPE, AS Technology, Biodentis GmbH, Cadent Inc., Dental Wings Inc., Dentoflex Comercio e Industria de Materiais Odontologicos, DENTSPLY International, Neodent S.A., Nobel Biocare Holding AG, Southern Cross, and Zimmer Holdings.
To Browse All Reports visit: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/
Key questions answered in this report:
- What will the market size be in 2016 and what will the growth rate be?
- What are the key market trends?
- What is driving this market?
- What are the challenges to market growth?
- Who are the key vendors in this market space?
- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?


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With the show season ending Baltimore Knife and Sword Co. (known as Slayer Swords on the west coast) have 1 sword left in stock that was specifically made to be ECS legal. The blade is 30" and fullered with a 5" handle. It is fitted with a wheel pommel and a slightly downturned guard. The tip is already radiused rather then pointed. Handle is black leather.
This is the same type of sword we supply through Age Of Chivalry. Currently retailing for $375 we are offering this sword for $325 if purchased before the end of the month.
Only one in stock.
Lifetime warrenty against breakage, repaired at no charge.
please check our site at www.baltimoreknife.com
Kerry Stagmer

subset: commoncrawl


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Dog Lymph Node Biopsy
Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts,"
My 12-year-old dog is currently being tested for Lymphosarcoma. The lymph nodes are swollen from her throat to the back of her legs. Aspirates were taken a week ago and the pathology came back that there are cells indicative of cancer in the lymph nodes but they aren't actually able to determine which type. She went in Friday to have pieces of her lymph nodes removed for biopsy, and when my vet cut the casing over the first lymph node, he said pus "flew" out of it. He then decided to biopsy a second one and the same thing happened. He said he's biopsied hundreds of lymph nodes and has never seen this. She was first put on antibiotics, which didn't take the swelling down. She's now on Baytril and still no sign of the lymph nodes decreasing in size. Is pus in the lymph nodes indicative of any of type of Lymphoma?
Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds:
First, regardless of whether your dog's lymph nodes are enlarged due to infection/inflammation or cancer, the biopsy should give you a definitive diagnosis. Second, although the material coming from the lymph node looked like pus, it might actually be malignant lymphoid tissue. When a lymph node is full of malignant lymphoid cells, it can bulge when cut open, and the tissue can look "creamy" or pus-like. I would recommend a consultation with a board-certified veterinary oncologist. If your dog needs treatment quickly, and the definitive biopsy results are not back yet, an oncologist will sometimes give a relatively safe lymphoma drug called L-asparaginase on the presumption that the enlargement is due to lymphoma, and see if the lymph nodes respond. This is similar to giving antibiotics on the presumption that the lymph nodes are enlarged due to infection. However, as mentioned earlier, the biopsy should give you an answer, and should not take more than 3-5 working days to get the results. Good luck in the care of your dog.


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Archive for the 'Geoff Diehl' Category
2011 Legislative Review
One year ago today, I was given the privilege of representing the interests of the 7th Plymouth District at the State House when I was inaugurated on January 5th, 2011, as part of the 187th General Court. I am proud to report that, though the combined efforts of elected officials and the resilience of the hard working families and businesses of the Commonwealth, we have been able to significantly lower unemployment, increase our bond rating and rainy day fund, plus enact policies to enhance the safety of our fellow citizens.
The first half of the 2011-2012 session has already demonstrated the positive effects of the 25% changeover in the legislature. Instead of new taxes, fees and business-as-usual politics, fiscal reform and relief for Massachusetts cities and towns, plus new business opportunities, have taken precedence on Beacon Hill.
The following is a list and description of successful legislation and budget initiatives from the House, some missed opportunities, and a look forward to see what priorities are in store for 2012 and beyond.
Reversions to Local Aid: Because of the struggling economy, many areas of state funding were cut in order to balance the budget, including government aid to cities and towns. In fact, my #1 campaign promise was to restore local aid funding. As a result, the Republican caucus proposed a creative solution aimed at maintaining funding for local aid at its current level. Under the proposal, which was unanimously adopted by the Legislature, half of all unspent appropriations in the FY11 budget that would otherwise "revert" to the General Fund will be given to cities and towns. On October 31st, the Department of Revenue certified that amount of money available from this amendment was $65M, level funding local aid for FY12 and restoring the cuts made in the Governor's original budget. The town of Abington received $120,305, East Bridgewater got $91,541 and Whitman was given $148,090.
Veterans' "Welcome Home" Bonus Funding Increase: The House was able to secure increased funding for the "Welcome Home" Bonus account by $700K within the FY12 Supplemental Budget. Given the President's recent announcement to draw down the number of troops in Iraq, it made sense to secure a portion of the $395 million in anticipated surplus revenue to ensure the Commonwealth's 11,000 deployed service members would receive up to $1,000 when they return from active deployment. [Adopted unanimously on a voice vote, signed by the Governor on 11/11/11]
EBT Commission: The Legislature adopted within the FY11 Supplemental Budget (H.3737) an amendment establishing a commission to study the use of electronic benefit transfer cards and the cost of requiring the Department of Transitional Assistance to include on the cards a photograph of the cardholder. This commission will hopefully provide the Commonwealth with further insight into how we can best prevent inappropriate use of electronic benefit transfer cards. [Adopted unanimously on a voice vote, signed by the Governor on 12/21/11
Chapter 90 Transportation Funding: Each year the state provides cities and towns with a reimbursement for eligible road projects. This funding is capped and distributed proportionally to each municipality based on a number of factors, including the size of the municipality and the number of road miles. Traditionally, the total amount of Chapter 90 funding available to all cities and towns was roughly $155M. This year, however, economic conditions spurred the Legislature to provide $200M in Chapter 90 reimbursement monies in order to spur job growth from these transportation projects. [RC #31 (148Y to 0N), signed by Governor on 04/11/11]
Municipal Health Insurance: Probably the most important reform passed by the Legislature this session, this well publicized budget amendment was enacted to provide the most relief for Massachusetts cities and towns – estimated at close to $100M by the Mass. Municipal Association. In order to curb year-over-year increases in municipal employee health insurance, lawmakers crafted a proposal to bring municipal health insurance plans in line with those offered to state employees. After negotiations between the Governor and the Legislature, the final plan calls for a 30-day timeframe for a governmental unit and labor to negotiate a plan that either transfers employees into the GIC or to implements plan design changes aligning municipal plans with the plans provided by the GIC. Also adopted was Labor's requirement to have 25% of the savings, realized by making plan design changes or moving to the GIC, be returned through employees through health care savings accounts or some other out-of-pocket expense relief. Finally, the plan requires all eligible retirees to enroll in a Medicare health plan. [Governor's amendment adopted on RC #87 (150Y to 2N), signed by Governor on 07/12/11]
Court Reform: Following reports of patronage hires, the Legislature took the first step in addressing the issue by reforming the administration of the courts. The legislation places the financial and administrative responsibilities with a professional court administrator rather than the Chief Justice of Administration and Management. Perhaps most important, the bill reforms the courts hiring process, allowing legislator recommendations to be considered only in the final stage of the hiring process and making all written recommendations public record. [RC #77 (152Y-0N), signed by Governor on 08/04/11]
Alimony Reform: The Commonwealth's alimony system has been viewed as deeply flawed and one of the most generous to the recipient of alimony payments in the country. Lifetime alimony payments were permissible, with little consideration of the recipient's income or assets. This reform creates different types of alimony categories with clear durational limits, thus providing judges with clear guidelines for alimony judgments. [RC #91 (151Y-0N), signed by Governor on 9/26/2011]
House and Senate Redistricting: Following the completion of the decennial census, the representative and senatorial districts of the General Court are required to be redrawn to account for the change in population over the last decade. The Redistricting Committee worked closely with individual members, in an inclusive, bipartisan effort to create a map reflective of the Committee on Redistricting's ideals and the wishes of the constituents of the Commonwealth. The revised House map includes 20 majority minority seats, and an increase of 10 seats over the 2000 Census. Individual legislators had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Moran, who led the House redistricting efforts, multiple times over the course of the year-long effort; and the process was as open and transparent as possible. [Adopted on RC #128 (151Y-3N), signed by Governor on 11/03/11]
Pension Reform: This legislation makes many changes to the current pensions system and will potentially save the Commonwealth $6.4B over the next 30 years. Highlights of the bill include: increasing the retirement age from 55 to 60; increasing the COLA base from $12K to $13K; increasing the average of highest 3 years to highest 5 years for pension calculation; and mandating members who serve in more than 1 group to pro-rate benefits based upon the total years of service that member rendered in each group (all for employees hired after 4/2/12, with the exception of the COLA increase). [RC #147 (152Y-0N), signed by Governor on 11/18/2011]
Human Trafficking: At the time the legislation was filed, Massachusetts was one of only four states in the nation that had failed to address the growing issue of human trafficking. This legislation makes human trafficking a criminal offense and gives prosecutors new tools to target prostitution and forced labor networks. [RC #145 (153Y-1N), signed by Governor on 11/21/2011]
"Evergreen" Clause: Current law specifies that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) shall not exceed a term of three years. However, certain CBAs include an "evergreen" clause, which allowed the terms of the CBA to remain in "full force and effect" beyond the maximum three year term, until a new CBA was negotiated. On October 22, 2010, the SJC ruled that, since the law specifies that the terms of CBAs shall not exceed three years, "evergreen" clauses are unenforceable because, in essence, that would extend the term of the contract beyond the statutorily allowable maximum. In its decision, the SJC noted that an "evergreen" clause can serve a purpose, but until the Legislature takes action to change the law, the Court must rule based on the Legislature's original intent – which was to limit the terms to three years. Thus, this bill allows CBAs to include, in their 3 year agreement, a provision that allows the terms of the agreement to remain in effect beyond the 3 years, until a new contract is negotiated. As written, the inclusion of an "evergreen" clause is permitted prospectively. The bill also allows for retroactive enforcement of an "evergreen" clause if it was included in your already-executed CBA and that CBA matter was not involved in a pending or adjudicated case between October 22, 2010 (the date of the SJC ruling) and November 1, 2011. [RC #181 (151Y-2N), signed by Governor on 11/22/11]
Expanded Gaming: Another well-covered bill that made headlines during its passage, this legislation, which was unsuccessful in the last session, allows for expanded gaming in the Commonwealth. A new 5 member Commission, called the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), is established to enforce the laws governing gaming licenses and to establish any necessary rules or regulations. The MGC makes the final determination for licensure. They may issue up to three Category 1 (casino gaming) licenses and one Category 2 (slot parlor) license. These casino licenses are awarded by region, but the slot parlor license is not site specific. All licenses are awarded by the MGC on the basis of the suitability of the licensure application. Estimates for annual tax revenue fall somewhere around $300M and it is believed that a total of around 15,000 jobs will be created once all three casinos and the slot parlor are up and running. [RC #144 (121Y-33N), signed by Governor on 11/22/11]
Habitual Offenders: Following the murder of Woburn police officer John Maguire and passage of a crime bill by the Senate, the House finally took action on a version of the Habitual Offenders Bill. The bill, based on Melissa's Bill, which has been filed and advanced for many years by Representative Brad Hill and Melissa's father, Les Gosule, targets the worst criminal offenders in the Commonwealth. This bill would ensure that an offender convicted of certain violent offenses who has been convicted twice previously of one or more the violent offenses, will be considered a habitual offender and be punished by imprisonment for the maximum term provided by law for the third offense. The bill includes amendments to require that parole for life sentences only be granted by a two-thirds vote of the parole board, and that the AG, DA, Chief of Police, and victim be notified in writing of parole hearings for an offender convicted of a violent crime who has served more than 5 years. The House and Senate have begun to meet in conference with hopes of coming to an agreement and taking final action on compromise language in 2012. [RC #180 (142Y-12N), in Conference Committee]
The 2011-2012 legislation was not without its disappointments. Efforts aimed at implementing further reforms, providing municipalities with better fiscal forecasting, and reducing taxes were not supported by everyone in the House. Here are some initiatives that failed to pass.
Secure Communities: After several months of "studying" whether the state would join the Secure Communities Program required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be implemented by all states by 2013, the Governor's Administration chose to hold Massachusetts out of the program. This program leverages existing information sharing capabilities between the DHS and the Department of Justice to identify aliens who are arrested for a crime and booked into local law enforcement custody using fingerprint technology. [Rejected on RC #73 (73Y-84N) during House Budget Debate]
Local Aid Resolution: In order for many cities and towns to properly manage and set their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, local leaders are forced to almost guess the amount of state aid that they expect to receive. Under this proposal, the Legislature would have been required to adopt a local aid resolution by March 15th of each year, setting the minimum amount of local aid from the state in a timely manner. [Amendment rejected on RC #16 (32Y-123N) during Joint Rules Debate]
Income Tax Roll Back: In 2000, voters approved a ballot initiative to reduce the income tax from 5.95% to 5%; but the Legislature overrode the will of the voters and froze the rollback at 5.3%. This amendment would have reduced the income tax to 5% by decreasing the rate 0.1% each year for three years. [Rejected on RC #39 (34Y-121N) during House Budget Debate]
Sales Tax Roll Back: Despite warnings from economic and business leaders to avoid regressive tax increases during a sluggish economy, Massachusetts Democratic Legislators raised the state sales tax by 20% in 2009. After initially suggesting the tax increase would generate $900M in new revenue, decreased consumer spending during the recession resulted in much less tax revenue ($580M). During debate on a sales tax holiday, Republican Leadership sought to debate the merits of reducing the state sales tax over the next two fiscal years; however, Majority Leadership used procedural tactics to prevent a debate on the issue. [Ruled beyond the scope. Vote was on supporting the ruling of the Chair – RC #94 (118Y- 35N) during Sales Tax Holiday Debate]
With a busy first half of the 2011-2012 legislative session, the second half looks to be equally active. The following issues are anticipated to be debated by the House at some point prior to session adjournment:
Jobs Package: After holding 8 Jobs Tour Events around the Commonwealth over the last several months, the Republican Caucus is poised to release a Jobs Package in January in response to the feedback provided to the members by local business owners. The legislative package will address a number of key issues discussed at each event, including: the state's complex regulatory system; burdensome tax policy; and the generally poor business climate. The legislation will also seek to elevate and reintroduce a number of policies that have been promoted by small business owners for years, including reforms to: the independent contractor law; unemployment insurance; health care mandates; and several anti-business tax laws.
Health Care & Payment Reform: Despite having 98% coverage, Massachusetts still has some of the most expensive premiums in the country. Action is necessary to reform how we pay for care and to lower costs for Massachusetts businesses, consumers, and municipalities. In January, members of the Legislature will offer a promising alternative to what is currently in place, including several initiatives that address critical issues in health care and payment reform. Some of these key issues include: disclosure and transparency; patient education and consumer protection; workforce development; medical malpractice; governance; electronic medical records; and payment reform.
Education Collaboratives: In the summer of 2011, the Inspector General and State Auditor released reports chronicling vast mismanagement and fiscal abuse at several of the state's 30 Education Collaboratives. An Education Committee redraft of two bills incorporate aspects into a comprehensive piece of legislation that: improves financial transparency and accountability; increases state oversight; creates new regulations for collaborative employees, board members, and related non-profit/for-profit organizations; and creates a commission to study the future role of collaboratives, including whether they should continue providing adult services.
Main Street Fairness: In August of this year, the Revenue Committee reported out House bill 3673, An Act to promote sales tax fairness for Main Street retailers, favorably to the Joint Committee on Rules. If passed, the bill will make Massachusetts the 25th state signed onto the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSTUA), which was first initiated in 2000. The bill would provide Massachusetts with the option of joining the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board and having three voting delegates (appointed by the House Speaker, Senate President, and DOR). Twelve months after passage, the bill would require Massachusetts to adhere to uniform product definitions and to adopt uniform requirements for filing sales tax returns. Most notably, however, the agreement ties Massachusetts to a yet-to-be passed Congressional bill called the Main Street Fairness Act, which would enable states to collect sales taxes from Internet retailers, like Amazon.com, who do not have a physical presence in the state. Additional revenue estimates resulting from these changes range from $100M – $330M per year.
Tax Expenditure Commission Report: The Tax Expenditure Commission, created in the FY12 Budget, will complete its report April 30, 2012. At a total of $24.2B, the FY12 Tax Expenditure Budget (TEB) is made up of $5.7B in personal income tax exemptions, $1.3B in corporate excise tax exemptions, and $17.2B in sales tax exemptions. On the other hand, the state is projected to collect $21B in total tax revenue to be put toward the $30.5B budget in FY12. The Commission is charged with formulating recommendations for an overhaul of the TEB, and intends to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of each expenditure with an eye toward broadening the overall base and lowering tax rates.
Green Communities Act Reforms: Following from the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy's Green Communities Act (GCA) Oversight hearing, the Legislature may act to mitigate the costly impacts of the GCA on the Commonwealth's ratepayers. Most notably, the Committee is expected to address the need for competitive procurement, increased transparency, added clarity in defining cost effective renewables, and the prohibition of sweetheart deals for utilities and renewable developers. Many of these reforms are included in a bill filed by the House GOP caucus. (H. 3767, An act relative to competitively solicited and cost effective long-term renewable energy contracts, in Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy)
High Cost for Electricity and Storm Response: In addition to GCA reforms, the Legislature is expected to address the inadequate response to both Hurricane Irene and the late October snowstorm by the state's public utilities, as well as other contributing factors to the high cost of electricity in the Commonwealth. This could include different means of increasing competition in transmission and distribution.
Wind Energy Siting Reform: During the previous Legislative Session, the Governor's Administration pushed for the passage of H. 4955, An Act relative to comprehensive siting reform for land based wind projects, to streamline the siting process for land-based wind turbines and to facilitate the Administration's goal of 2,000MW by 2020. During 2011, the two hearings held by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy highlighted significant public opposition to the refiled bill (S. 1666), raising concerns regarding the detrimental health effects of inappropriately sited industrial wind turbines in Falmouth. Consequently, the Senate President, previously a key advocate, has renounced support and, as a result, the passage of this bill is no longer certain.
I hope this has been informative and, as always, I welcome your valuable feedback and ideas on how we can make sure that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts remains one of the leading states in our great nation. Please call or e-mail me to set time to talk and, in the meantime, Happy New Year!
Geoffrey G. Diehl | State Representative
7th Plymouth District: Abington | Whitman | East Bridgewater
"Your Voice on Beacon Hill"
State House – Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2810
Beacon Hill Blotter: "Honor Roll of the Abolitionists" Presented to 7th Plymouth District
WHITMAN, MA: On Sunday, August 14th, during a gathering of the South Shore GOP at the Whitman VFW (Post 697), Ms. Lugenia Gordon of Manchester, N.H. presented a scroll known as the "Honor Roll of the Abolitionists" to the State Representative Geoff Diehl. The scroll was awarded to recognize the significant contributions made by past citizens of the 7th Plymouth District (Abington, Whitman & East Bridgewater) for the Abolitionist movement to end slavery. Read the rest of this entry »
Beacon Hill Blotter: Jefferson's Guest
"Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do…"
John Lennon's ballad was playing in my ears as I read the welcome letter from my professor at the Darden School at University of Virginia, urging me and the other 49 legislators from around the country to "take off the (D) or (R) off your persona and dig into the ideas." We were all about to participate in a scholarship program run by the State Legislative Leadership Foundation and held on the campus designed by Thomas Jefferson, someone who helped transform America through his Declaration of Independence, so there was a nice congruity to it all. And Lennon's "Imagine" came to mind based on the recent revelation that he might actually have been a Reagan Democrat at the end of his life, giving me renewed hope that "aisle crossing" was possible, after all.
Beacon Hill Blotter: Memorial Day 2011: A Call to Act
Below is the speech delivered by Representative Diehl in Abington and Whitman and by his wife, KathyJo, in East Bridgewater for Memorial Day:
"The observance of Memorial Day serves as a reminder of a rich history of American might and sacrifice and of the men and women of our great state and country who have served in all branches of our military. It is a day of reflection, honor and reverence and must be fittingly celebrated if we are to remain "One Nation Under God." And, it is also a call; a call to act.
For this day is too great to be dependent on memory alone. In 1884, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., himself a veteran of the Civil War, from where Memorial Day was first celebrated, had some forward-thinking insight into this day which I would like to share with you. He said, "Today is the moment that by common consent, we pause to be conscious of our national life, to rejoice in it, to recall what our country has done for each of us and to ask ourselves what we can do for our country in return."
Holmes understood to fight a war you must believe something and want something with all your might.
To fight for the Union, to abolish slavery, to liberate Cuba, to make the world safe for democracy, to fight fascism, to keep a nuclear world safe, to fight terrorism.
In their memory, we must remember this day not only as an observance, but a celebration of a life worth living.
Let us not only hallow the sacred memory of those from this town who died for our country, let us also be inspired this day to act diligently on the challenges that face us today so that we can be worthy of their actions.
This is the time for a new hope. This is the hour to stand up and be counted. This is a sacred moment to dedicate ourselves and to act with enthusiasm and faith on the issues that confront each and every one of us as Americans, both at home and abroad.
Let us here today dedicate our lives as Lincoln so eloquently stated, so that the dead shall not have died in vain, and that "government of the people, by the people, for the people" shall not perish from the earth."
Maiden Speech: "A New Hope"
(April 27, 2011):
187th MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Representatives of the 187th General Court and Guests.
Thanks also to the people of my district who share with me the hope that we can find a solution to the financial hardships that face our Commonwealth. In 1977 when our nation was going through a similar energy and economic crisis, my recently divorced mother found herself out of work due to a labor strike and I experienced first-hand the sacrifices she made for the two of us to get by.
I am asking today for your support of a budget amendment that will help families who may find themselves in similar peril with one of the most important assets they need to keep their lives together – their home. My amendment asks not for dollars, but a study to support a bill, number 1183, which is an "Act Providing for Homeowner Consolidation and Relief." This study will allow for groups like Mass. Bankers, Mass. Credit Union and Mass Housing to leverage their experience towards finalizing a bill that will help thousands of residents remain in their homes.
Experience is a valuable ally in all walks of life. As a freshman in this House, I can't adequately express how in the short time I have been here I have come to treasure the helpful advice I have received from members on both sides of the aisle. An individual who does not value experience is like Sophocles' ignorant man, who only appreciates something of value after it has slipped out of his hands.
In as much as we value experience, however, we cannot mistake experience with the routine, the established pattern of behavior based on prior analysis or comfortable habit.
The eyes of the public are upon this chamber as never before – watching what priorities we set, waiting for action, not business as usual. I was elected to provide a voice to the voiceless members of my community, barely making ends meet, still finding time to help their community, suffering in silence, too proud to take a hand out but in need of a helping hand. They have been ignored for too long. They shall not be ignored again. The increased discontent expressed in the home, at school, and even in state capitals across the country is, in part, based on the continuous strain of our distressed economy.
Sixty years ago, Massachusetts was in large part a self- sufficient state. It had, within its borders, significant heavy industry, agriculture and an integrated rail, highway and air system. Its public education system shone as a beacon and a model for other states to follow. Our banking and insurance industries were second to none in the world.
Today the same cannot, in large measure, be said about the Commonwealth, we have seen the loss of significant heavy industry and lack of attention to our transportation infrastructure. Our once progressive and uniformly excellent educational system is uneven and, all too often, a quality public education is an accident of birth.
We have the closest deep seaport to Europe and, rather than being the Seattle of the East, residential condos line the shores. In the summer there is a harbor tour called the "Sunset Cruise." As the ship passes the empty shell of a once-thriving commercial hub, the guide informs visitors to this city that "not a single export leaves the port of Boston." The "Sunset Cruise" an apt name for our current circumstances.
But for our universities, hospitals, skilled tradesmen and small business owners, our State's economy would be even bleaker. We continue to lose congressional seats in a predictable exodus of residents who leave for other states where job retention or growth is conducted more in earnest.
For those men and women who remain in the state, increases in the cost of living have left many with onerous consumer debt. And the products offered by our financial institutions, such as interest only loans, are part of the Gordian knot that strangles the consumer.
We may not have been in this chamber when the decline began, but surely we can act to change the direction, the very language of political discourse in this state, indeed this nation, by taking the economic challenges of this Commonwealth head on.
It is in the public good that non-delinquent residential home owners be afforded a loan product that will allow them to consolidate and refinance their current debt, allow them relief from higher monthly payments, avoid foreclosure, and help increase consumer savings.
I hope you will join in support with the bipartisan and bicameral sponsors of "Act Providing for Homeowner Consolidation and Relief" and approve of the budget amendment study, allowing a true vetting by industry experts.
This mortgage relief act is a bill whose passage this year will send the clear and strong message that this body is serious about tackling the issues that threaten our neighbors' needs and livelihoods.
I understand that many people may see only continued dark clouds on the horizon. John Bunyan reminds us in "The Pilgrim's Progress," however;
"…Dark Clouds bring Waters, when the bright bring none.
Yea, dark or bright, if they their Silver drops
Cause to descend, the Earth, by yielding Crops,
Gives praise to both, and carpeth not at either,
But treasures up the Fruit they yield together…"
I believe in the character of this body and the hope it has stood for these many years. Let us resolve to be the session of a new hope.
A new hope that calls for the first priority to be a relief from the financial distress and the pain and suffering of our residents, caught in a credit crunch, by offering a solution that the private sector is unable to provide due to outdated lending regulation.
A new hope to those who see no hope in remaining in Massachusetts, by taking seriously the need for infrastructure changes in rail, highway and ports, in concert with the cultivating of industry and commerce, both traditional and technological.
A new hope for our public school system by planning for a twenty-first century delivery of education that ensures uniformity of buildings, curriculum, administration and teaching.
A new hope in our outlook, based on that firm foundation that is our eternal hope; that calls upon each of us at times to bear the other's burdens, and to measure success and wealth not merely in dollars and cents, but how we lend a helping hand, working for the commonwealth of all.
I thank you.
Beacon Hill Blotter: A Fool's Errand?
On Friday, April 1st, one might have thought that, when observing the proceedings on Beacon Hill, an elaborate April Fool's prank was being played on the people of the Commonwealth. On that day, the State House was taken over by high school students who, as part of the 64th annual "Massachusetts Student Government Day," played the parts of Representatives, Senators and even the Governor.
Their day began with a simulated committee hearing to introduce two pieces of legislation – one to mandate teaching financial literacy in grades K-12 and one related to reducing childhood obesity rates by removing the state subsidy for sugared, sweetened beverages and candy in schools. That was followed by formal sessions in the House and Senate Chambers, where debates ensued, followed by votes. (Both initiatives passed) Read the rest of this entry »
Beacon Hill Blotter: Recovery
The word carries many meanings and, in current times, many implications. Japan is in the process of recovering from a devastating combination of an earthquake and the resulting tsunami, which has been further complicated by the partial melt-down of a coastal nuclear reactor. The US economy is fighting to get on the road to recovery following an economic melt-down, resulting from a combination of a housing bubble burst and a banking crisis with world-wide implications.
To residents on the Massachusetts South Shore, "recovery" also describes a proposed school to help kids dealing with substance abuse which is being proposed by a tremendous group of true grassroots activists, composed of parents, teachers, administrators, substance abuse counselors and civic leaders.
Beacon Hill Blotter: Help Japan
With the recent events that have occured in Japan, I am taking a one week hiatus from posting my activies and opinions on the Beacon Hill Blotter. Instead, I urge you to pray for the people of northern Japan who have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. Read the rest of this entry »
Beacon Hill Blotter: Amazing Grace
It's not often you get to see Howard Beale, the character from the movie "Network," played out in real life. It's one thing to be on the campaign trail and be told by conspiracy theorists to look at things like the book "The Creature From Jekyll Island" (about the Federal Reserve) or to find out why attorneys are not lawyers. It's quite another to see someone come to a Ways & Means hearing and speak the truth about the manipulation of social services at the expense of the people they're purported to serve, as well as taxpayers.
Enter Grace Ross, recent candidate for Governor, who was unable to get enough signatures to primary Deval Patrick. A self-proclaimed "activist for social justice," I had no idea what to expect in her testimony on Friday, March 4th, in the last hour of the last day of a state-wide tour of budget hearings. Because her time was limited to 3 minutes, she presented a simple chart showing state revenue sources, from highest to lowest. Again, due to time constraints, she wanted to make sure we were aware of the fact that food stamps (now called "S.N.A.P.") and Unemployment Insurance were the two largest generators of income to Massachusetts – and that's beating a Lottery that is ranked 1st in the nation, reaping over $4B annually. She even reiterated that the sales tax increase was a mistake… gasp! Read the rest of this entry »
Beacon Hill Blotter: Death by a thousand cuts
My schedule has been dominated by the joint Senate and House hearings for Ways & Means and the testimonies we've been hearing from agency after agency is a plea to level fund or restore some of the lost appropriations to the services that provide critical and in some cases, Constitutional, support to the citizens of the Commonwealth. I should be used to it by now, of course.
When I first joined the Finance Committee for my home town, we had just entered into the first year of cuts to Local Aid and local receipts were also trending downward. Whether it was animal control, the library or the regional school district, the message was always the same. Fortunately, the town of Whitman had been frugal for years and had reserves and retiring debt, along with strong leadership in all our Departments, which allowed us to backfill accounts and protect vital services. Read the rest of this entry »


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…only as long as you are aware of the potential consequences.
The recent national story about Congressman Anthony Weiner's Twitter posts plus some of the comments posted to the recent Petaluma Patch article, Police launch active investigation into Aqus Cafe vandalism serve as the background for this attempt to again cover the issues of
- Free speech
- Appropriate speech
- Legal liability and other consequences for the author (anonymous or not) of the posted words or photos–whether they be in a forum, an article comment or in a blog
This article is a summary of the several articles posted in the past.
In today's online world, you have the ability to exercise your power of free speech on any number of news websites that permit blogs or public postings to news stories, on-line forums or other message boards and social media sites. However there is no absolute right to say or write anything you want without risking litigation or other consequences.
As a user of such websites, including the social media sites, you should be aware that these sites have user agreements dictating that the author of any blog, post, or comment is responsible for its content.
For purposes of this article, think of "Free Speech" as a large ocean with two shores, or boundaries if you will. For convenience, I will call them the Criminal Liability Shore and the Civil Liability Shore…
- On the Criminal Liability Shore, you will find several prohibitions against "incitement" with the classic example being that of Oliver Wendell Homes–You can't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire. Updating Holmes, you had better not exercise your "Right of Free Speech" by saying "bomb" at an airport, unless you enjoy the prospect of suffering significant and swift consequences.
- On the Civil Liability shore, you will find numerous restrictions and potential litigation on what you can say or write due to trademark and copyright laws. In addition, there are the classic twin specters of defamation claims and potential libel suits.
In between the two shores, there is a vast ocean of unrestricted speech–ideas, criticism, argument, advocacy, complaints, general ranting, etc. The contents of this ocean are only regulated by…
- Social convention–e.g. there are certain things one should not say at a wedding or an office party…or in some bars after midnight.
- Employer rules, policies, and regulations
- Contract or agreement–such as a website user agreement.
Defamation (Libel & Slander) is an extremely complex legal topic. Almost every word used to describe the parameters of defamation is a term of art with a mountain of case-law behind each word or phrase…publication, distribution, retraction, trade or business libel, malice, actual malice, intent, negligence, etc.
- From a practical standpoint, not every disparaging, critical, negative, or derogatory statement constitutes legal defamation. By case-law, public figures and elected officials must endure even more than the average person, as they must prove "actual malice" in the publishing of an alleged defamatory statement.
- Even if defamation is established, proving up damages is not always an easy task.
- On the other hand, as a litigant defending against a defamation claim, you may be forced to spend a considerable amount of money to prove your defense. In short, you may win against the defamation claim…but you will be broke.
In my opinion, most (if not all) of the risks of potential defamation claims can be avoided by the use of a little common sense and common courtesy when posting on a public forum.
Now, for those who still want to push the limits–and, in my opinion, they know when they are crossing the line–I suggest they read the next section.
Screen names are not a protection against discovery
I have a natural bias of wanting to know the author of anything I read and believe that people should put their name behind their words. For example, can anyone imagine John Hancock signing the Declaration of Independence as BIGJOHN?
I have come to the reluctant conclusion that the use of screen names is acceptable although I prefer otherwise.
How you act behind the screen name (i.e. what you write) is an entirely different question. You are ultimately responsible for what you say whether as "Big John" or John Hancock.
There is a belief by some that you can say anything under a screen name and never be held accountable if a person or a business suspects a criminal or civil law has been broken and decides to pursue the case in court.
The practice of allowing the use of screen names is not an implied permission to engage in defamatory language or to violate the terms of a website's user agreement. You do so at your own risk, particularly in the area of business or trade libel.
In my opinion, if there is litigation generated by an anonymous posting or series of posts, a website is going to give you up in a New York minute.
Think about it…before you post your next brilliant "flame" for all the world to see…
Oh, one more thing. For those who are inclined to post photos of themselves on social media sites, do not use former Congressman Anthony Weiner as a role model. His photos may not have been "illegal"–but they certainly had consequences.


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Do not apply directly to water, or to areas where surface water is present or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment washwater or rinsate.
Dimethoate is known to leach through soil into ground water under certain conditions as a result of label use. Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in ground-water contamination.
This product may contaminate water through drift of spray in wind. This product has a high potential for runoff for several days after application. Poorly draining soils and soils with shallow water tables are more prone to produce runoff that contains this product.
A level, well maintained vegetative buffer strip between areas to which this product is applied and surface water features such as ponds, streams, and springs will reduce the potential for contamination of water from rainfall-runoff. Runoff of this product will be reduced by avoiding applications when rainfall is forecasted to occur within 48 hours.
A vegetative filter strip constructed and maintained in accordance with the 2000 Natural Resources Conservation Service publication "Conservation Buffers to Reduce Pesticide Losses" (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/buffers/) will significantly reduce the potential for contamination of water from rainfall-runoff.
This pesticide is toxic to wildlife and aquatic invertebrates.
This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.
Do not use this product for any other uses than those specified on the label. This product is intended for use by the commercial grower or commercial applicator in conventional hydraulic sprayers, ground applicators, airplane sprayers, or by chemigation.
GROUND APPLICATION: Use recommended amount in sufficient water for thorough coverage.
AIR APPLICATION: Use recommended amount in 2 to 10 gallons of water, unless otherwise specified. Repeat applications as necessary unless otherwise specified.
Consult your State Experiment Station or State Extension Service for proper timing of applications.
High Pressure Handwand Equipment: When applications are made by high pressure handwand equipment, the maximum application rate for all crops and use-patterns is 0.0025 pounds active ingredient per gallon.
Maximum single application rate: 0.5 lb a.i./A (1 1/2 pints of formulation) 14 day retreatment interval. Maximum total rate per season: 1 lb a.i./A The REI us 48 hours. May be applied up to 2 days prior to harvest. Do not feed treated vines. This pesticide is highly toxic to bees; do not apply if bees are visiting the areas to be treated when crop or weeds are in bloom.


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Writing instruments and Stationery
Distinctive packaging and impressive appearance for writing, drawing and painting equipment, drawings, drafts or blueprints ...
BlockPack opens as it turns. Patented packaging concept with TwistLock closure technique and ratchet-length adjustment.
Boxing clever...
Round telescopic protective packaging tube with "twistlock" length adjustment
Round protective packaging tube with fixed length and screw closure
Hexagonal protective packaging tube with ratchet style length adjustment
Clear outside, secure inside...
Round fixed length packaging tube with plug-closure
Square telescopic protective packaging tube with ratchet length adjustment
Rectangular protective packaging tube with ratchet style length adjustment
Elegant designed case with universal applications
Technologically perfect plastic case- exclusive design and product protection!
Functionality combined with sales boosting design
Modern, eyecatching set-packaging for presentation, storage and transport
Slim design, slimmer price!
Square protective packaging box with hinged lid.
Rectangular protective packaging box with hinged lid.
...the ideal package!


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Loan Repayment
You begin repaying Federal Direct Stafford loans six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment. You must complete federally required Exit Counseling before you graduate from SCF, if you drop below half-time attendance, or withdraw from classes completely.
The Department of Education offers Loan Repayment Plans and Calculators.
When your loan is due, the federal loan servicer will mail you a payment schedule with your monthly payment of principal and interest, and the unpaid balance for each month it takes to repay your total debt. If they do not contact you, you are responsible for contacting them at:
Direct Loan Servicing Online
U.S. Department of Education
Borrower Services Department
Direct Loan Servicing Center
PO Box 4609
Utica, NY 13504-4609
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
With your PIN, you can access NSLDS, a database that contains your financial aid history from any school. This includes grants, federal Stafford and PLUS loans, whether borrowed directly from the Federal government or a private lender. Private loans are not listed on NSLDS.


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Fee is unfair
Did you know Kansas is one of only nine states who impose a fee, which Kansas courts have declared a tax, on purchasers of real estate when they take out a loan to finance that purchase?
A person who has cash to purchase a home or land isn't required to pay the tax. Additionally, borrowers that utilize government sponsored lenders, such as Farm Credit, are not subjected to the mortgage registration tax. In other words, the mortgage registration tax is not fairly applied to all borrowers, let alone to those who use cash to make their purchase.
In Kansas, purchasers of real estate requiring financing from a community bank, savings and loan, or credit union must pay a tax of $0.26 per $100 of indebtedness. On a typical $150,000 home loan, it adds an additional $390 to the borrower's closing costs.
On a farm or commercial real estate purchase, it can literally add thousands of dollars to the borrower's closing costs. Almost all of the tax, $0.25 per $100 borrowed, goes directly to the general fund of the county where the property is located.
This begs the question;: Why does Kansas tax policy discriminate against certain individuals who need to borrow money to purchase real estate? This tax singles out a small segment of the population for unfair tax treatment. It isn't a coincidence that 41 states across the nation don't impose this tax. A mortgage registration tax penalizes those who seek to invest in their community and grow equity for their future.
The mortgage registration tax should not be confused with the mortgage recording fee that is also paid by the borrower. The mortgage recording fee is also payable at closing and was specifically established to cover the costs associated with recording mortgage documents. The mortgage registration fee (KSA 79-3102) that we are working to repeal is a tax in addition to the mortgage recording fee (KSA 28-115).
Since both are required to be paid before the mortgage is filed, a borrower essentially pays twice to record the same mortgage.
The Kansas Bankers Association is part of a coalition working to eliminate this unfair tax to bring equity to Kansas borrowers.
Fair tax policy is possible, and now is the time to level the playing field for all Kansans.
Chuck Stones, president/CEO, Kansas Bankers Association


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With the ground-breaking 9½-hour "Shoah" and similar documentaries to his credit, it would be understandable if filmmaker Claude Lanzmann felt he'd spent enough time dealing with the Holocaust. But the opposite is true, with a vengeance.
At age 87 Lanzmann has come out with one of his most provocative films because he felt he had no choice. The subject of "The Last of the Unjust," based on a series of interviews the director did in 1975, "continued to dwell in my mind and haunt me," Lanzmann has written. "I was the custodian of something unique."
What's unique are the thoughts and reminiscences of Benjamin Murmelstein, who died in 1989. Murmelstein had been a rabbi in Vienna, but at the time of filming at his home in Rome, he was the last surviving head of a Judenrat, the Jewish councils set up to administer, under Nazi supervision, ghettos and concentration camps.
More than that, Murmelstein had been the head of the Judenrat at the notorious Theresienstadt camp, a show ghetto in the Bohemian countryside just outside Prague whose bogus pleasures were trumpeted to the world in propaganda and film as "Hitler's gift to the Jews."
At three hours and 38 minutes, "The Last of the Unjust," like Lanzmann himself at his advanced age, is ungainly but powerful. An essay/meditation on the nature of good and evil, heroism and expediency, this films tackles head on the question of whether people like Murmelstein were collaborators who should be condemned, if not executed, or realists who made the best of a completely nightmarish situation. Those who think this is a black and white issue will be surprised, as Lanzmann himself appears to have been, by what is said here.
Lanzmann filmed about a dozen hours of conversation with Murmelstein, and "The Last of the Unjust" (a play on the title of André Schwarz-Bart's novel "The Last of the Just" and Murmelstein's name for himself) has a weakness for personal digressions that don't always compel.
Before we get to the heart of Murmelstein's testimony, we see Lanzmann himself at stations where the transport trains to Theresienstadt stopped, hear a cantor chanting Kol Nidre at a restored synagogue, even glimpse people walking on the Holocaust-themed Path of Remembrance in Vienna.
A bull of a man trying to finish his life's work, the aging but indomitable Lanzmann is a powerful presence, and his moments in today's crumbling ruins of the Theresienstadt camp have an impact. But "The Last of the Unjust" is at its best in the 1975 footage and the glimpse it gives us into an aspect of the Holocaust even Lanzmann hasn't shown us before.
Articulate and unabashed, a man of formidable will and intelligence and a most persuasive talker, Murmelstein is well aware that his actions ("They said I was a big mouth and mean") have enraged people. He calls his position as head of the Judenrat "a mockery, a character created to be made fun of," but insisted that despite the essential powerlessness of his situation, he "had to be a marionette who pulled his own strings."
Because he believes that "one cannot understand things without context," Murmelstein begins his story in 1938, six years before his ascension at Theresienstadt. As a representative of the Vienna Jewish community, he worked closely with the notorious Adolf Eichmann and, in the years before the Final Solution, helped large numbers of Jews flee Austria if they could afford the crippling bribes Eichmann demanded.
It's when Murmelstein begins to talk about his time at Theresienstadt that "Last of the Unjust" goes up a notch. He says of the camp that "it was all a lie from top to bottom" and uses as an example his reaction when the Germans insisted that a typhus epidemic had to be instantly eradicated.
"We had the doctors write 'diarrhea' instead of 'typhus' on all cases," said Murmelstein. "You have to defeat the enemy with its own methods, lies had more value in Theresienstadt than elsewhere."
Though he admits a taste for adventure and ambition ("We're all human, who doesn't like power?"), Murmelstein does not have a heroic vision for himself. In fact, the literary character he most identifies with is Don Quixote's sidekick Sancho Panza.
"He is pragmatic and calculating while others are tilting at windmills," Murmelstein explains. "I was a calculating realist with both feet on the ground."
Lanzmann wouldn't be Lanzmann if he didn't push back at some of Murmelstein's claims, especially the man's defense of his decision to help beautify Theresienstadt's facilities to mislead visitors from the Red Cross. Putting glass in windows, he insisted, kept the people inside warmer. As to the propaganda film he cooperated with, Murmelstein says, "If they showed us, they wouldn't kill us. That was my logic, and I hope it was correct."
Accused by Lanzmann of being unemotional about the plight of Jews who died in Theresienstadt or were shipped East, Murmelstein replies, "If you are a doctor crying over a patient during an operation, you kill him. What good would crying have done?"
Somewhere near the end of his multi-hour interview with Lanzmann, Murmelstein takes a breath and says to his interrogator, "I never pulled away from danger. You're the last danger to come my way and I'm not afraid of you either." How many people he will convince is an open question, but Murmelstein's efforts make you think about the unthinkable, and that is a major accomplishment in and of itself.
'The Last of the Unjust'
No MPAA rating
Running time: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Playing: At Laemmle's Royal, West Los Angeles; Laemmle's Town Center, Encino; Regal Westpark, Irvine


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Sept. 23, 2008
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic passing of former Matador centerfielder Lyman Bostock, an occasion remembered in an article written by columnist Jill Painter of the Daily News.
Bostock played two season for the Matadors before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins. He played two full seasons, and contended for the American Leage batting title in both years, losing out to george Brett in 1976, and Rod Carew in 1977.
As a free-agent, Bostock became one of the the first players to sign a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract under Major League Baseball's new free-agency era with the California Angels.
Bostock never did finish his first season with the Angels as he was tragically killed in Gary, Indiana while visiting his family.


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Amusement parks have been around for decades and they are just as popular as they have ever been. For the most part, the physics and theories used to build these wonderful theme parks in the early years have withheld the test of time and are still exactly the same. An amusement park is an enjoyable place for people of all ages. Below are some parks here in Los Angeles, California.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Universal CityWalk
Peekaboo Playland
Pacific Park
Sky High Sports
Travel Town Railroad
Ripley's Believe It or Not
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
Knott's Berry Farm
Disney California Adventure Park
Raging Waters San Dimas
Radiator Springs Racers
Adventure City
Cars Land
Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel
Knott's Berry Farm Montezooma's Revenge
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Resort
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Critter Country Fruit Cart
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Mark Twain Riverboat
Castle Park
Knott's Soak City
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - LA
For more Amusement Parks in Los Angeles,click here : http://us.wowcity.com/losangeles/?what=Amusement+Parks
Amusements parks overall are a fascinating place. The atmosphere created by all of the visitors is very lively. Music can be heard in the background from live concerts. All different kinds of smells are in the air, from the overly priced food stores to the quacking ducks swimming in the ponds. Lights flash all over the place from carnival games that seem hopeless of victory.


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What happens to TV characters after their shows are canceled? With a cardboard cutout of Buffy's second-greatest vampire with a soul and a little creativity, the Tumblr "Angel does stuff" imagines the post-Wolfram & Hart years of the vampire investigator.
In reality, we know that, between the Buffy, Angel, and Angel & Faith comics, he's been a pretty busy vamp. Still, it looks like he's having grand time in his off hours, doing normal vampire stuff like watching ladies sleep and looking at vampire porn, as well as finishing his screenplay and implausibly hanging out on the Vegas strip in broad daylight.
Angel does stuff. [via reddit]


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PhD students at Bentley complete their degree with a competitive advantage in the job market resulting from exposure to, and hands-on experience with, seven high-tech learning labs and many online resources and research databases. Wireless computing on campus makes it easy for students to work independently, or within a group, from anywhere on campus, and computing support is offered seven days a week. New Student Technology Overview.
Information PhD Students
Wireless Computing – All students have access to Bentley's high-speed security-enabled wireless network. Learn more.
Falcon Printing – All students have the ability to print from anywhere on campus using a print allowance, provided on a yearly basis. Learn more.
OnTheHub – Graduate, PhD and Part-Time Undergraduate students receive OnTheHub accounts that enables them to purchase Microsoft's academic software. Learn more.


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HRHS announces Sentara brand introduction for 2015
After more than 60 years of successfully providing quality healthcare to our community, Halifax Regional Health System (HRHS) took a significant step in strengthening its future when the organization became a part of Sentara Healthcare in July 2013. Signifying yet another milestone with our Sentara partnership, HRHS is pleased to announce that we will introduce the Sentara brand into the Halifax community Feb. 1, 2015.
The Sentara brand introduction will be reflected throughout all entities of HRHS, including the hospital, primary and specialty physician practices, long term care and home health and hospice services. As part of the brand introduction, we will formally adopt a new hospital name: Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital. Other name changes will follow suit, such as The Woodview and MeadowView Terrace, which will become Sentara Woodview and Sentara MeadowView Terrace, respectively.
"We are excited to take this very important step in our partnership with Sentara," said Halifax Regional's President Chris A. Lumsden. "Becoming part of the Sentara brand family will further position Halifax as the regional leader in providing quality health care and as part of the larger Sentara Healthcare family."
HRHS and its Board of Directors began exploring partnership and affiliation options in 2011, and selected Sentara after more than 18 months of research and dedication to finding the right fit. HRHS leadership believed the affiliation would help HRHS achieve its long-term mission and preserve core values while navigating the ever-changing healthcare environment. "Now we are able to further grow and strengthen the level of healthcare we provide with the additional resources and expertise Sentara offers us," Lumsden said.
While continuing to provide excellent healthcare to residents of Southern Virginia, HRHS has been full of activity in the past several months. Notable projects in 2014 include development and expansion of surgical services, including general surgery and orthopedics; development of our hospitalist and emergency department service line; adding a new MRI machine; approval for the addition of another procedure room in the hospital's catheterization lab; adding 14 new providers to the medical staff; and development of the Strategic Plan 2014-2017.
"These projects, and more, are expected to flourish in 2015, all with the Sentara brand as the new face of healthcare in Southern Virginia," Lumsden said. "We are proud to announce the branding milestone and we look forward to Sentara being much more visible in our region beginning in February. The names may be changing, but we will still live by the core values which have brought us to this point and we are still working to help residents of Southern Virginia live a healthier life."


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Block Print Table Linens
Looking for some new linens to dress up your holiday table? Consider something block printed: It's elegant, eclectic and classic. Below are 10 pretty finds, and if you are thinking of block printing your own, you can find some great tutorials and inspiration here.
1. Mombasa Tablecloth, $45 from Serena & Lily
2. Organic Cotton Birch Tree Cloth Napkins, $20/set of 4 from Oh, Little Rabbit
3. Long Grey Peacock Raja Linen Runner, $92 from Papa ToToro
4. Chinoiserie Ultramarine Blue and Tan Linen Table Runner, $52 from Giardino
5. Chevron Napkins, $24/set of 2 from Madeline Weinrib
6. Little V's Block Print Cloth Napkins, $28/set of 4 from juliepeach
7. Red and Gold Lace Medallion Linen Table Runner, $50 from Giardino
8. Black & White Block Printed Cotton Napkins, $43/set of 4 from Be Still
9. Flax Table Runner, $160 from Rachel Craven
10. Leaf Print Napkin Set, $20/set of 4 from West Elm
• All About Block-Printed Textiles: Inspiration & DIY Tips
• How To: Make Your Own Block Printed Napkins
• Elegant, Eclectic, Classic: Indian Block Prints for Every Budget
(Images: As linked above.)


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DeKALB – DeKalb Mayor John Rey shook ShoDeen developer Dave Patzelt's hand Monday after City Council members narrowly passed plans for his massive Irongate housing development.
"I look forward to having your development in our community," Rey said, thanking Patzelt for his tenacity over five years of discussions.
The council voted, 6-2, to annex 458 acres near DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road. Third Ward Alderwoman Kristen Lash and 1st Ward Alderman David Jacobson, who have opposed the development in the past, voted against the annexation agreement Monday.
Under the plan, Irongate would include 123 townhomes, 350 senior dwelling units and 1,119 single-family homes north of the high school between Annie Glidden Road and First Street, according to a recent memo city staff wrote to City Council members. The plan includes two church sites, several parks and an elementary school.
The plan includes about 5 acres of commercial property at the southeast corner of the intersection at Annie Glidden and Bethany roads, which would be surrounded by the townhomes, the memo shows. About 11.6 acres would be dedicated to the 350 senior housing units along Bethany Road near the western portion of the development.
None of the townhomes can be built until at least 350 single-family homes are finished, and city officials and the townhome owners association will be able to enforce a ban on townhome owners renting out the townhomes.
ShoDeen expects the community would be built over 20 years, with about 21 units being built in the first year. It expects more units would be built each year, with about 80 units built in the 10th year.
In recent months, the developer removed about 30 proposed housing units and made other adjustments so DeKalb Park District and DeKalb School District 428 leaders would sign off on the design.
While discussing the proposal Monday, 7th Ward Alderwoman Monica O'Leary said the proposed development could provide housing in light of estimated increased demand.
But Jacobson repeated his doubts that the housing was needed in light of empty lots in other DeKalb developments, as well as homeowners in recent new developments seeing foreclosures and property values plumeting to half of the original purchase prices.
"I just don't think with the empty lots and the amount of nondevelopment in our community, this is the time," Jacobson said.
Former DeKalb mayor and longtime resident Bessie Chronopoulos questioned whether the developer would follow through with the design promises in the proposal.
"The fear I have is that it will change," she said. "The flavor of this will change."
Irongate details
• Total of 458 acres
• Located north of Dresser Road between North Annie Glidden Road and First Street
• 123 townhomes
• 1,119 single-family homes
• 350 senior dwelling units


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Schumer: Senate has votes for media shield law
WASHINGTON (AP) — A supporter of a bill to protect reporters and the news media from having to reveal confidential sources said Friday the measure has the backing of the Obama administration and the support of enough senators to move ahead this year.
Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate, spoke optimistically about prospects for the measure, identifying five Republicans who would join with Democrats and independents on a bill that he said would address a constitutional oversight.
While the first amendment protects freedom of the press, "there is no first amendment right for gathering information," Schumer said at The New York Times' Sources and Secrets Conference on the press, government and national security.
The bill was revived last year after the disclosure that the Justice Department had secretly subpoenaed almost two months' worth of telephone records for 21 phone lines used by reporters and editors for The Associated Press and secretly used a search warrant to obtain some emails of a Fox News journalist.
The Justice Department took the actions in looking into leaks of classified information to the news organizations. The AP received no advance warning of the subpoena.
Schumer discussed the bill's provisions and how, if it became law, it might affect journalist Glenn Greenwald, who reported on National Security Agency's secret surveillance based on documents leaked by Edward Snowden.
"It's probably not enough protections to (cover) him, but it's better than current law," Schumer said.
The bill's protections would apply to a "covered journalist," defined as an employee, independent contractor or agent of an entity that disseminates news or information. The individual would have to have been employed for one year within the last 20 or three months within the last five years.
It would apply to student journalists or someone with a considerable amount of freelance work in the last five years. A federal judge also would have the discretion to declare an individual a "covered journalist" who would be granted the privileges of the law.
The bill also says that information is only privileged if it is disseminated by a news medium, described as "newspaper, nonfiction book, wire service, news agency, news website, mobile application or other news or information service (whether distributed digitally or otherwise); news program, magazine or other periodical, whether in print, electronic or other format; or thorough television or radio broadcast ... or motion picture for public showing."
While the definition covers traditional and online media, it draws the line at posts on Twitter, blogs or other social media websites by non-journalists.
The overall bill would protect reporters and news media organizations from being required to reveal the identities of confidential sources, but it does not grant an absolute privilege to journalists.
The bill makes clear that before the government asks a news organization to divulge sources, it first must go to a judge, who would supervise any subpoenas or court orders for information. Such orders would be limited, if possible, "in purpose, subject matter and period of time covered so as to avoid compelling disclosure of peripheral, nonessential or speculative information."
Schumer was asked how the bill would affect James Risen, a Pulitzer prize-winning reporter who is battling government efforts to force him to testify in the trial of a CIA official occused of leaking information to him.
"Under our bill, Risen would have his day in court," Schumer said.
The senator wasn't certain about the impact on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, saying he didn't know how Assange makes his money under the bill's definition of a "covered journalist."
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill last September on a 13-5 vote. Schumer said the measure has the support of Republican Sens. Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Roy Blunt of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. He also noted the backing of Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley and Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch in the committee.
"I think we're going to get the bill on the floor of the Senate and pass it," said Schumer, who explained that other Republicans have concerns due to national security.
Votes are not expected until after April, however.
In the AP story that triggered one of the leak probes, the news organization reported that U.S. intelligence had learned that al-Qaida's Yemen branch hoped to launch a spectacular attack using a new, nearly undetectable bomb aboard a U.S.-bound airliner around the anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death.
In the Fox News story, reporter James Rosen reported that U.S. intelligence officials had warned Obama and senior U.S. officials that North Korea would respond to a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning nuclear tests with another nuclear test.
Last month, the Justice Department announced it was revising its rules for obtaining records from the news media in leak investigations, promising that in most instances, the government will notify news organizations beforehand of its intention to do so.
The revised procedures are designed to give news organizations an opportunity to challenge any subpoenas or search warrants in federal court.
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Tag Archives: active imagination
A conceptual model for human image recognition: combining passive memory with active imagination
When I was in college (in the '80s) the question why humans outperform computers in image recognition already was receiving some attention. At the time an idea came to me, and it still seems relevant enough to write down. No … Continue reading


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Planning a bachelorette party can be stressful and finding inspiration and ideas isn't as simply as you might think. While there are tons of amazing wedding blogs out there, very few focus on pre-wedding parties and everything a bridesmaid needs to know. Enter Ultimate Bridesmaid, your go-to resource for everything from the bridal shower to the wedding day toast, with all the tips and tools for the other women in the wedding – the bridesmaids.
If you're planning a bar crawl for a bachelorette party, spice up the night with a scavenger hunt. It's a little like truth or dare (without the truth part) with some found objects thrown in. You can customize a list for your group, or use our handy printable version above. And make sure you take a picture as you check each item off the list (for proof and posterity!).
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Find a guy with the same name as the groom and get him to snap a picture with the bride. +1 for each guy you find.
- Find a penny from the year the bride was born. +1
- If the bride's from out of state, meet someone from her home state. (+1) Add an extra point if he or she is from her home town.
- If you're in the bride's home town, find people who went to the same high school/grade school as her. (+1) Add additional points if they were actually in her class.
- Find another bachelorette or bachelor party. Ask the brides-to-be or bride- and groom-to-be to pose together. +1
- Ask the bartender to come up with a special drink that is "the bride's drink." Then start talking the drink up around the bar and convince strangers to order it by name (i.e. I'll have The Amanda). +1 for each person who orders it.
- Designate "the bride's song" for the night. Get the DJ to play it at each bar. All attendees must sing. +1 each time the song is played. Double points if they play it twice in the same bar! Triple points if you develop a choreographed dance that you all do to the song.
- Find objects that unintentionally resemble the male anatomy…you know what! +1 each.
- Collect marriage advice. Ask people to write their advice on a napkin. If you want this to get naughtier, change this to advice for the wedding night. Target really drunk people for the best answers. +1 for each napkin you collect.
- Pick a distinctive characteristic about the groom. Maybe he has a mustache, red hair, or always wears a shirt from his favorite college team. Now hunt down groom look-alikes. The bride must approve your choice, then snap a picture for later comparison. +1 for each look-alike you find.
- Collect a coaster from each bar or a napkin signed by the bartender. +1 each
- The bride needs to be carried across the threshold into every bar. Try to recruit a stranger to do the job, but in a pinch someone in your group can carry her in. You only score +1 when a stranger does the job though!
For everything a bridesmaid needs to know, from bridal shower games (that don't suck) to writing the ultimate maid of honor speeches, check out UltimateBridesmaid.com.


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U.S. Men's National Team Unveils New Nike Away Kit Against Italy
Kits Worn for First Time in Today's Match in Genoa, Italy
CHICAGO (Feb. 29, 2012) – The U.S. Men's National Team unveiled its new Nike away kit earlier today when it took the field against four-time World Cup champion Italy at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa.
The new kits combine a distinctly American look with cutting edge, player-focused technology all in an environmentally friendly package.
The replica jersey is available to fans at ussoccerstore.com.
The away jersey was inspired by the popular varsity jackets worn in high school and college, incorporating a blue body with white sleeves and a crossover collar that features red, white and blue stripes.
It also features a tonal sash on the front to echo the same design on shirts worn when the U.S. famously defeated England during the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. Inside the neck is an American Stars and Stripes flag, affectionately known as Old Glory.
The shirt's laser-cut ventilation promotes localized cooling so the athletes can remain focused on the game. The fabric is approximately 23 percent lighter than the version designed four years ago. Embedded with Dri-FIT technology, the kits help regulate players' temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.
The base layer apparel includes Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong shorts and Nike Pro Combat Hypercool 2.0 top. The shorts provide added support, featuring a padded waist and thigh protection, while mesh fabric is placed in the heat zones for breathability. The top delivers ventilation and sweat-wicking fabric to keep athletes cool and comfortable during match play.
The fabric of the kit's shorts is made with 100 percent recycled polyester. The shirt fabric is made with at least 96 percent recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles, minimizing environmental impact.
U.S. MNT Authentic Nike Away Jersey Features
- Blue base color with white sleeves and crossover collar with red, white and blue stripes
- Inside neck of the shirt includes the American Stars and Stripes flag
- Jersey has tonal sash on the front
- Blue shorts and socks, and the socks include a white and red stripe at the top
Comfort and Fit
- Fabric is about 23 percent lighter than the design from four years ago
- Embedded with Dri-FIT technology
- Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt
- Double-knit structure and yarns to make kit 20 percent stronger than past designs
- Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong shorts feature padded waist and thigh protection
- Nike Pro Combat Hypercool 2.0 top delivers ventilation and sweat-wicking fabric
Environmentally Friendly
- Shorts made with 100 percent recycled polyester
- Shirts made with at least 96 percent recycled polyester
- Kit made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles


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An examination of the Technorati rankings for recent years reveals that turnover among the top 50 blogs has become increasingly rare. Even as the total number of blogs has swelled to 133 million from 27 million in 2006, the top 50 have remained relatively static. On March 15, 2006, 30 blogs out of the top 50 were new to the list, never having appeared at the top in any previous year; last month, that number was down to 18.
Of the top 50 blogs, 21 are owned by such familiar names as CNN, the New York Times, ABC, and AOL.
An immense proportion of the online readership—roughly 42% of all blog traffic—flows to the top 50 blogs.
What do you think? Is the "democratic" nature of the blogosphere being bought up by titans?


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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Ya Ya Anderson scored 13 points to lead four double-figure scorers as Radford defeated The Citadel 74-61 on Saturday.
Blake Smith had 12 points, R.J. Price 11 and Kyle Noreen 10 for the Highlanders (4-3).
Ashton Moore led the Bulldogs (3-2) with 12 points, and Mike Groselle, Marshall Harris III and Matt Van Scyoc had 10 apiece, with Groselle grabbing nine rebounds in the first meeting of the schools.
Radford built a 40-18 lead at the 4:05 mark of the first half. The Highlanders had 15 offensive rebounds, leading to a 13-0 advantage in second-chance points in the half, and forced 15 turnovers that led to a 23-2 edge in points off turnovers.
From the Highlanders' 49-31 advantage on Anderson's layup 6:02 into the second half, the Bulldogs closed to 49-43 on two free throws by Harris, but Price and Noreen made layups, and the Highlanders pulled away.