text:
This is a fairly thorough guide to common poultry predators of the US, with emphasis on tracks, scat, and behavior. Instead of simplified drawings, I use photos of a actual tracks I have found, to give a better sense of what they really look like. This is more detailed than many other guides for poultry farmers, because reliance on overly simplistic information leads to misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, frustration, and higher impact intervention (shooting, trapping, and poisoning). My intention is to educate and inspire a respect for wildlife. Hopefully, this will encourage responsible livestock protection, which allow you to coexist with predators. And if you're interested in wildlife, check out my blog dedicated to tracking and photographing wildlife with motion sensitive cameras, at Winterberry Wildlife.
Things to keep in mind when determining which predator:
- Animals are not machines, so don't expect them to always leave the "classic" sign. Behavior is influenced by many factors. A hungry animal will eat more than a not so hungry animal. An animal weakened by exhaustion, starvation, or illness will be less able to carry prey away. A migrating individual will not be familiar with your habits, and might take risks that resident animals would not. A predator startled during an attack might flee before leaving classic sign.
- Track appearance varies enormously depending on substrate, weather, and time elapsed since the track was left. Perfect, textbook tracks are rarely seen. The examples in my photos are among the clearest and best I've found in 10 years of photographing tracks. Tracks you find near your coop may be far less distinct.
- There is much more to tracking than what I've presented here. For example, knowledge of trail patterns is often necessary, but that is beyond the scope of this. I encourage you to read more about tracking.
This post contains links to online shopping, which is a way for you to support One Acre Farm at no additional cost to you. Click here for my full affiliate disclosure. Thanks for your support!
Poultry Predator Identification
Suspect this clever predator when birds disappear from a secure area, leaving no trace. These are sneaky beasts with dextrous front paws and large brains, capable of tremendous damage despite fencing, gates, locks, and guardian animals. Seriously, I include ourselves here to drive home the point that predators are not the bad guys and we the good. We, too, are predators. We have much more in common with wild animals than we care to admit.
Dog Family
This includes dogs and wild canids, such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes. Tracks show 4 toes, usually with claw marks. Scats vary, depending on the animal's diet.
Domestic dogs are usually well fed and don't eat their prey. Tracks of all members of the dog family are similar, but those of dogs vary more than those of wild species, because there are so many different breeds.
Tracks usually show a very prominent triangular heel pad and prominent claw marks. Outer toes might stick out to the side somewhat.
- Scat bears the sign of a diet high in grains: smooth and grainy, without any twist.
- Suspect them when many birds have been killed but none eaten, and they don't bear the typical signs of other wild predators.
Eastern and western coyotes are considered the same species, but there are important differences. Western coyotes are much smaller (and therefore tracks and scats are smaller), more solitary, and focus on smaller prey, such as rodents and rabbits. Eastern coyotes are intermediate between western coyotes and wolves, and in fact carry a small percentage of wolf DNA. They are more social than western coyotes, may hunt in small packs, occasionally take larger prey, and may go after livestock much larger than chickens. Read more about eastern coyotes here.
- Tracks are very streamlined, with all 4 toes pointing forward, the 2 leading toes close together, pinpoint claw marks, and heel pad impression fainter than toe pad impressions.
- Scat depends on the diet of this omnivore. It may contain fruit or berries, or fur or bone fragments. If it contains fur, it appears twisted. Scats tend to measure 1/2 inch to 1 and 1/4 inches in diameter. Larger bone fragments in scat help distinguish coyote from foxes, which are much smaller and cannot crunch larger bones in their jaws.
- Scat is often left at prominent locations, and sometimes on elevated surfaces (stone or log).
- One or many birds may be killed, all might be carried away. Piles of feathers and even some dead birds might be left behind. You might notice evidence of biting on the back of the neck (broken neck, neck feathers missing).
- Usually active at dawn, dusk, and during the night, around human habitations, but bold enough to venture out in broad daylight when hunger calls and livestock appear easy to take.
- Will dig under fences and chew through chicken wire.
There are several species of fox in North America. Two common, wide ranging species are the red fox and the gray fox. Both hunt singly (except when teaching young) and focus on small prey. The largest individuals weigh only about 12-15 lbs, and many are half that weight. Carrying an adult standard sized chicken is a challenge for this small predator, which may drop its prey to make a quick escape when frightened.
- Tracks tend to be streamlined, but smaller than those of coyote. Heel pads appear much smaller than those of coyote tracks, due to an abundance of fur on the bottom of the foot, which obscures the heel pad print. Here's a post on tracking red fox and distinguishing their tracks from those of coyote and dog.
- Scats vary by diet, and look like coyote scats but smaller – no more than 3/4 inch in diameter. It appears twisted when it contains fur.
- Foxes are notorious for leaving scat where it's very noticeable, especially on elevated surfaces (on a stone or log, for example).
- Red fox urine smells like skunk spray, but much fainter. You can get a whiff of it in the air, but it doesn't knock you over. Gray fox urine smells similar, but even fainter. You can't smell it unless you put your nose close to it.
- Usually active at dawn, dusk, and during darkness where human activity is high, but will hunt during daylight if prey appears easy to get.
- Will dig under fencing and chew through chicken wire.
Cat family
This includes domestic cats and wild felines, such as bobcats and cougars (also called puma, panther, and mountain lion). The lynx, a large footed, northern relative of the bobcat, will probably also take small livestock when easily available, but they don't live in the suburbs like bobcats. Feline tracks show 4 toes, usually without claw marks, and a large heel pad shaped somewhat like a trapezoid.
House cat
Many house cats will kill young chicks, given the opportunity. Hatchlings may be entirely consumed. Wings, feathers, head, and/or feet of growing birds may be left behind. The largest, boldest or hungriest will attempt to kill adult, standard sized chickens. Growing birds are in a gray area. My cats generally ignore pullets over about 6 weeks of age. All of my cats, however, study baby chicks with great interest, so I keep the chicks inaccessible.
- Tracks are small and round, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- House cats usually cover their scat. When you see one, it usually appears segmented but not twisted. It may contain fur, if the cat has been feeding on small mammals. It might contain a small amount of grass, but will never contain a lot plant matter. It will not contain large bone fragments, because domestic cats cannot crush large bones.
This wild feline is about twice the size of a house cat, and frequents rural, suburban, and occasionally urban areas. In some parts of the US, bobcats have become bold around humans, and might pose a significant threat to small livestock at any hour. Bobcats are common here in Massachusetts, but are typically reclusive. That may change as they adapt to the suburbs.
- Tracks are virtually identical to house cat track, though larger, measuring about 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. More details about tracking bobcats here.
- Bobcats usually do not cover their scat, and frequently place them in obvious locations. Like house cat scat, bobcat scat usually appears segmented but not twisted, and never contains a lot of vegetation, nor large bone fragments.
- Bobcats frequently spray urine onto vertical surfaces, much like intact house cats. It smells just like house cat urine.
- Bobcats tend to bite the back of the neck and shoulders of adult chickens.
These large cats are not common chicken predators because they prefer much larger prey. However, any poorly protected livestock, including chickens, can appear on the cougar's menu.
- Track measures 2 and 3/4 to 4 and 3/4 inches in width, and has the same general appearance as tracks of the smaller cats.
- Scats are about 3/4 to 1.5 inches in diameter, placed in the open, in a scrape (cat scrapes ground with front paws), or covered.
- Large animals are killed by a bite to the back of the neck.
Weasel family
This group of capable hunters includes, in North America, fisher, marten, mink, river otter, badger, wolverine, and 3 species of small weasel. Otters eat mostly fish and crayfish and are not likely to take chickens. We don't have marten, badger or wolverine in Massachusetts, so I have not included them.
Often called a "fisher cat", this member of the weasel family is not a cat at all. It usually weighs 5-15 lbs, but the long tail and rich pelt make it look larger. Fishers eat mostly small rodents, rabbits, and carrion, and will take small livestock if the opportunity arises.
- Tracks show 4 or 5 toes (the smallest one does not always register), and a C-shaped metacarpal pad. There is also a heel pad which may or may not show in the track.
- Scats look a lot like fox scats, and like the fox, the fisher often places scat on elevated surfaces.
- Fishers are excellent climbers and diggers.
- More active at night, when living close to humans, but occasionally seen during daylight, especially in the northeast, where they're adapting well to suburbs.
- May kill many chickens in one visit, in effort to cache for future consumption.
Mink and smaller weasels
Mink are semi-aquatic, and hunt both on land and in water, and will take chickens when available. They weigh only 2-4 lbs, and their long skinny bodies can fit through small openings. Weasels are even smaller, and the smallest ones can slip through a 1 inch diameter hole. Weasels are probably more interested in rodents dwelling in livestock housing, but will kill chickens as well.
Tracks and trails look like miniature versions of fisher tracks and trails. The track width is usually about 1 to 1.5 inches for mink. The smallest weasels may have tracks no wider than 1/2 inch.
- Scat reflects the diet. For the mink, scat can be up to 7/16 inches in diameter. For weasels, scat may be up to 3/8 inch in diameter. If it contains fur, it may appear twisted.
- These small predators may need to bite full sized chickens repeatedly on the head and neck to kill them. Sometimes they eat only the heads, and often they kill multiple birds. This surplus killing is probably done with the intention of returning to dine later, when hungry. Because humans also store great quantities of food for future meals, it is ironic that they often condemn the weasel's behavior as "senseless killing".
- Mink and weasels climb well.
Raccoon family
This includes the ubiquitous and omnivorous raccoon, as well as the ringtail, but I have no experience with ring-tails, and their distribution is mostly limited to the southwest.
These clever and adaptable creatures climb well, dig well, tear through chicken wire, and can even open simple latches with their dextrous hands and long fingers. If they cannot tear fencing, they may try to pull chickens through holes in the fencing. They will even pull the heads through the 1-inch diameter holes in chicken wire, so be sure to use heavy, fine mesh fencing. They may hunt singly or in family groups.
- Tracks look like tiny human hands, and are usually about 2 to 3.5 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Claw marks often show.
- Scat is 1/2 to 1.25 inches in diameter. Appearance depends on diet, but it's often very smooth and not twisted. It looks like it's been squeezed out of a giant tooth paste tube. Like many other predators, they may leave scat at the scene of the attack. If you have a lot of raccoons in your area, you might find a "latrine" of many scats at the base of a large tree, or on a large stone or log.
- Intelligent animal with complex behavior, and leave a variety of sign, depending on the situation. They may eat the heads and leave the rest. They may leave heads behind and carry off the bodies. They may take chunks out of the breasts and leave the rest.
Bear family
Bears are enormous omnivores which eat mostly plants, insects, and carrion, but will take livestock when possible. They can easily destroy most chicken coops. If you live in bear country, you'll need electric fencing. We use it. Read here for detailed information about using electric fencing to exclude bears. I have no experience with grizzlies, but think of them as a larger and more aggressive version of the black bear.
Black bear
- Most likely to attack livestock in spring when they've come out of hibernation and little other food is available.
- Adults have very large tracks can be up to 6 inches wide. They have 5 toes on each foot but sometimes only 4 show. Claw marks usually show.
- Scat appearance depends on diet, but often looks like over-sized raccoon scat (untwisted, and as if it was squeezed from a tooth paste tube).
- Livestock death may be accompanied by other destruction that could be accomplished only by a large, strong animal.
There are several species of skunk in North America, the most common and widespread being the striped skunk. The omnivorous skunk's diet varies with the seasons. They eat plants, insects, grubs, worms, salamanders, small birds, bird eggs, and small mammals.
Tracks of striped skunk typically show all 5 toes and claw marks, and about 1 to 1.25 inches wide. Hognose skunk tracks are a little larger, and hooded, pygmy, and spotted skunk tracks are a little smaller.
- Most species are good diggers but not good climbers.
- More likely to eat eggs than adult poultry. May eat eggs right in the coop, and typically they bite into the egg at one end, and lick out the contents. You will find a large portion of the shell mostly intact, and the bitten off end will be crushed.
- Attracted to rodents in poultry housing, and may help reduce the rodent population. However, they do love eggs.
- Might predate on adult chickens, but because they did not evolve to kill large birds, they may maul them with multiple bites.
- Likely to kill only one or a few chickens.
- Usually nocturnal.
Virginia opossum
This omnivore eats a wide range of plant and animal foods, including birds and eggs.
- Tracks measure 1.25 to 3 inches wide. All feet have 5 toes, front track looks like a star, and hind track looks like a tiny human hand with an outstretched thumb. That thumb has no claw, but the other toes do, and may or may not leave pinpoint marks in tracks.
- Scat appearance varies with diet, and is rarely found.
- Excellent climbers
- Chews eggs into small pieces
- Did not evolve to kill large birds, but will take them if easily accessible, and kill by mauling, usually beginning at the cloaca.
- Usually kills only 1 at a time, and might consume most of the bird.
- Usually nocturnal
Rats chew up eggs in the coop or carry them away, and they chew up young chicks. I have read that they occasionally attack adult chickens on the roost, chewing the toes or breast. They probably enter the coop to dine on chicken feed, and to find shelter. Look for small pellet droppings around feeders. They are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter, and 1/4 to almost 1 inch long.
- Rat snakes are the most likely to eat eggs.
- May be active day or night, depending on temperature. During extreme heat, they may be more likely to hunt at night, and during cool weather they feed during the day. They are mostly inactive in winter in colder climates, but they may come out on warm days.
- They eat entire eggs and young chicks, leaving no remains.
- You might find shed skins if a snake is living in your coop.
- The smaller the snake, the less damage it can do. Our runs are covered with 1/2 inch hardware cloth which will exclude snakes that can eat large eggs or chicks of standard breeds. Protect housing for bantam chicks with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
Birds of prey
Birds of prey will attempt to take chickens. The larger the raptor species, the larger the chicken it can carry off, but smaller species will attempt to kill even large birds and eat them in place. Find out which species live in your region, learn to identify them, and read about their habits and hunting style. I will cover only the 3 species which commonly attack chickens in my area (east-central Massachusetts). Beware that raptors are protected by the Migratory Birds Treaty Act, and cannot be killed without a permit.
Cooper's hawk
- Small hawk which cannot carry away a full size chicken, but will attempt to kill and eat in place.
- Those that stick around for the growing season learn that well protected chickens are not worth pursuing and generally don't attack.
- New individuals passing through during fall migration may be very hungry and bold around people and come down for a chicken before your very eyes (I once literally pulled one off a hen).
- Fly within the tree canopy so it's hard to see them as they plan an attack.
Red-tailed hawk
- Large hawk can carry off full sized hen, though awkwardly if it's a heavy breed. You might find a few feathers or no remains at all.
- Juveniles are bolder around humans.
- Easy to see, as they perch on snags or dead branches, and fly over head.
Great horned owl
Very large; can carry off adult chickens.
- Hunt mostly at night and at dawn and dusk, though occasionally take poultry during daylight.
- Typically decapitate victim, so if owl is frightened away before feeding, you might find a headless chicken.
- Informative video of great horned owl predating on chicken found here.
- May kill in excess, if the opportunity arises, and, like humans, cache the excess for later consumption.
- Learn to recognize their night time hoot which you can listen to here.
Opportunistic birds
Crows, ravens, magpies and jays will take eggs and young birds, and will also partake in chicken feed, if you make it easy for them.
- They might poke eggs open, consume the contents, and leave the shell, or carry the shell away and drop it elsewhere. Large birds can carry small eggs away in their beaks.
- Might enter the coop if you leave it open all day, and noise and activity are minimal.
- May learn your habits, work around them, and recognize sounds that indicate your imminent return.
- Crows are highly intelligent and work together. One might stand watch while another slips into the coop to eat an egg or carry it off.
Sources and further reading:
- Winterberry Wildlife
- Damerow, Gail. 1995. A Guide to Raising Chickens. Storey Communications, Inc. Pownal, VT.
- Elbroch, Mark. 2003. Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg, PA.
- Reid, Fiona A. 2006. Mammals of North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA.


text:
Turkey has been rocked by yet another bomb blast with reports coming in from state-run news agency that over eleven have been killed and more than 80 have been injured by car bomb attack at a police headquarters in south-east Turkey.
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has been involved in regular clashes in the region since last July. The violence between the PKK and the security forces had broke out after the collapse of a fragile peace process.
The PKK is listed as terrorist organisation by Turkey, United States and the European Union.
Category: World View
Tags: 11 killed in recent Turkey blast, Blast at police headquarters in South-east Turkey, Blast in South-east Turkey, Blast in Turkey, car bomb attack at police headquarters in south-east Turkey, car bomb attack in Turkey, Cizre blast kill 11 in turkey, international, Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), police headquraters turkey blast, South east Turkey bomb blast, Turkey blast, Turkey PKK conflict, Turkey police headquarters blast, violence between the PKK and the security forces

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Grassroots Motorsports $2017 Challenge Rules
Read all the rules and still have questions? Check out our Rules FAQ at the bottom of the page.
The Basics:
This event is meant to be a fun editorial exercise so Grassroots Motorsports can show its readers what creative people can do with a car, their hands and a little cash. Cars found in violation of the spirit of the event may run for exhibition.
Competition Venue:
The competition will cover three different arenas: autocross, drag racing and concours judging.
The autocross will follow standard autocross rules. Each cone knocked over adds a 2-second penalty to the run time. An entry's fastest single run (regardless of driver) will be used for scoring. Entries will be guaranteed a minimum number of runs TBD prior to the event start time based on entry numbers.
We will again offer pro drivers for those who are not Mario Andretti. Entries will be guaranteed a minimum number of pro driver runs; this number is TBD based on final entry tally and will be announced prior to the event start time.
Pro drivers, and entries that have made fewer than their guaranteed minimum number of runs will be given priority access in staging lanes.
The drag racing will follow standard drag racing practices. Competitors will be given ample time for drag race runs, with their quickest elapsed time counting.
Red light runs will not be counted. Runs that are completed in violation of NHRA rules will be not be counted. (See "Safety" section of the rules for more information.)
Since the drag racing will again take place after dark, all entrants must have at least one operational headlight and at least one operational taillight.
The third venue will be concours judging. Cars will be parked in a centralized location, with hoods, trunks and doors opened for the judges and competitors to view. Entrants will have 3 minutes maximum to present their cars and share their story with the judges. If we like you and/or your story, some bonus time may be awarded. Cars will be judged on innovation, execution and presentation, and scoring will be as such:
Innovation: 0-10 points
Execution: 0-10 points
Presentation: 0-5 points
"Innovation" covers things like design, engineering, creativity and modifications.
"Execution" covers things like cleanliness, workmanship and attention to detail.
"Presentation" covers things like originality, theme, showmanship, team spirit, moxie, chutzpah, backstory and anything else that falls under the heading of "je ne sais quoi."
Any entrant that does not want to go through the concours judging process may decline to be judged by writing "Don't Judge Me" on a piece of tape placed on the upper driver-side corner of the windshield of their car. Cars properly displaying this message that are parked in the centralized concours judging location for the duration of judging will be awarded 12 concours points.
Entry fee will be $175 for the entrant and vehicle and 1 banquet ticket. Each additional teammate/driver/banquet ticket costs $65. Thirty days prior to the event, the entry fee shall go up to $225. Cancellations will be credited to the next year's entry.
All drivers shall have a valid state-issued driver's license and be at least 16 years of age. All passengers shall be at least 16 years of age.
Eligible Vehicles:
Any four-wheeled, production-based vehicle that was originally sold as a passenger vehicle is allowed. (You know what this means, but generally speaking we're going to want to see production frame rails or equivalent unibody structures.) Vehicles that don't fit this category or exceed budget may be run for exhibition only at the event chairman's discretion.)
We do not intend to exclude any past Challenge cars with these new rules. If you believe that your past Challenge car meets the spirit of the rules but not the exact letter of the new law, contact us to discuss grandfathering in your entry.
Net cost of the Challenge car and its preparation for presentation at the event must be equal to or less than a dollar amount equaling the year of the competition. Your purchase price of the Challenge car cannot top that year's budget cap.
Up to half the total annual budget may be recouped by selling parts originally included with or attached to the Challenge car, related parts car(s), or related parts packages at the time of purchase. You may not factor gains or losses made from buying, selling or trading unrelated parts into your budget.
You may never recoup more than a part or car's purchase price or fair market value (whichever value you listed on your budget sheet.) You may not list fair market value instead of purchase price on your budget unless you do not have a receipt from the purchase, or depreciation/appreciation has drastically affected the car or part's value. Free parts must be known to and available to the public (eg. sitting in a ditch on the side of the road). "Free" parts given to you by a friend must be added to the budget at fair market value.
In English, what does this mean?
For 2017, the budget cap is $2017.
For 2017, the most you can recoup through parts sales is $1008.50.
For 2017, the max you can initially pay for a Challenge car is $2017.
If you buy a part for $40, decide it won't work, then resell that part for $50, you may not recoup $10. Leave this unrelated transaction out of your budget sheet entirely.
If you buy an engine for $100, use the heads on your Challenge car, then resell the rest of the engine for $80, you may recoup $80, assuming your build has not already hit the recoup limit.
If you buy an engine for $100, use the heads on your Challenge car, then resell the rest of the engine for $300, you may recoup $100, assuming your build has not already hit the year's recoup limit.
If you bought an engine last week for $800, but the fair market value is actually $200, you must still add it to your budget at $800.
If, 30 years ago, you bought an engine for $800, you may add it to your budget at today's fair market value if you desire to.
Fluids (including gasoline, oil and brake fluid) are not required to be included in the budget. Nitrous oxide refills do not count toward the budget (however, the cost of the equipment that comes along with a nitrous setup does need to be added to the budget). Nominal amounts of grease (such as what's required to pack bearings) do not need to be included in the budget.
Costs to pick up your hooptie from the seller are exempt.
Title fees and so on, in case you bothered, are exempt.
Shipping counts toward parts prices. Sales tax does not.
These safety items are budget-exempt: seat belt or harness; fire extinguisher; roll bar padding; wheel lugs, studs and bolts, and four tires. Brake friction materials, lines, calipers, master cylinders, rotors and drums may be replaced with fresh ones that are functional duplicates. The purpose of this rule is to allow for fresh brake components, not to allow for budget shenanigans. For example, original brake parts cannot be sold and then re-bought to take advantage of this allowance.
The Reese Rule: SFI-approved harmonic balancers, SFI-approved flywheels and SFI-approved flex plates are budget-neutral. These parts are dangerous rotating assemblies that should be treated with respect. Any intact harmonic balancer, flywheel, or flex plate listed on the budget may be exchanged for a duplicate SFI-approved part without increasing or decreasing the budget. "Duplicate" is defined as having the same listed application as the standard part in a major parts catalog. In situations where a standard part is not present to exchange, fair market value of the standard part may be used.
SFI-approved transmission shields, SFI-approved flex plate shields, and SFI-approved bell housings are not rotating parts, and are not budget exempt. You may still be required to use one or all, depending on your car's construction and E.T. in the drags.
Any inside deals—parts, whole cars, trades, donations, stolen parts, etc.—must be added to the budget at fair market value. If you can't figure out the value of a part, ask on the message board at grassrootsmotorsports.com.
Labor you perform yourself does not count. Any labor you pay for counts. If you run a shop and your paid employees work on the car, then it counts.
The Stampie Rule: We're sorry that your car is having an issue at the event, but we can no longer turn a blind eye so you can get back in the game. Parts borrowed at the event must be added to the budget at purchase price or fair market value. If two builds elect to share parts at the challenge, such as a set of wheels and tires, then the parts must be included in both builds' budgets at the full purchase price or fair market value.
Crapcan Clause:
24 Hours of Lemons race cars are automagically legal, provided they meet the spirit and intent of our rules.
If a competitor or competitors feels that another competitor has skirted the safety or budget rules, a protest should be lodged. Protests should be lodged in a timely fashion, with none being accepted later than two hours before the start of the awards banquet.
Step 1: Notify the event chairperson that you intend to lodge a protest.
Step 2: Deposit $50 cash with the event chairperson.
Step 3: Clearly and concisely describe the competitor you're protesting and the part or practice you feel is in violation of the rules.
After fulfilling these steps, the GRM staff will assess the vehicle in question. If the protest is valid, the car in question is penalized at GRM's sole discretion and the protestor(s) deposit is returned. If the protest is not valid, the protestor(s) forfeit their deposit.
Cars should have a finished appearance. Use good sense and taste when you modify your car, as missing grilles, headlights, fenders, hoods and the like are generally unattractive. Cars that are ugly will be less likely to be featured in the magazine and other media. Please remove your front license plate and plate holder, as those things are ugly, too.
GRM will provide required number panels to all entrants. If you have a theme that doesn't work with these panels, then concessions can be made. Please discuss with the GRM staff prior to the event.
Sponsors make this event possible, so GRM reserves the right to require a windshield banner, as well as the right to require that competing companies' decals be removed or covered during the event.
All entrants shall provide a three-ring binder (referred to as the "build book") to GRM at registration. Each build book must contain, in this order:
A single, large photo of the car (the more recent, the better).
Your completed vehicle information form.
On one page, a list of the first and last name of every team member, along with their role on the team (eg. Rick Goolsby: Welder).
The story of your build. Use as much text and as many photos as it takes to explain how and why you built the car you built.
Complete build budget on GRM-provided spreadsheet template. Minimum font size is 12pt typed. Handwritten budgets will not be accepted.
Every receipt referenced in the budget. Photocopies are acceptable.
Supporting documentation for every fair market value calculation used in the budget.
Number panels will be issued once your completed build book is received. Build books will be available for public viewing throughout the weekend at the GRM booth. During the concours, build books will be handed out for display with each car. Each team must return their build book at the conclusion of the concours.
Click here to download the GRM budget spreadsheet template, which includes an example budget on sheets three and four to show how the template should be filled out. When printing your budget for your build book, please print only sheets one and two, not the example sheets. Please do your best to print your budget in a readable form–ex. not spread across 15 pages, and not including 100 unused rows. If you do not have Microsoft Excel, free alternatives are available that can open this spreadsheet. We suggest Google Sheets or Apache OpenOffice. Budget documentation questions can be answered via email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The following will be required: all lug nuts present; two functioning throttle return springs; positive battery tie-down; properly operating brakes; wheel bearings free of excessive play; properly secured seat; and tires free of any exposed cords or other defects. Additionally, all loose items shall be removed from the interior, and open cars running non-DOT race slicks must have approved rollover protection and arm restraints. Cars that do not meet the SCCA's Static Stability Factor will not be allowed to run.
Drivers must wear a helmet at all times. NHRA rules require drivers wear a SFI 3.2A/1 Jacket or better in vehicles equipped with non-OEM nitrous oxide, turbochargers or superchargers that run a 13.99 or faster E.T.
We want to see safe cars. We don't want to send anyone home without getting to compete. Building something radical and not personally familiar with the NHRA standards? Tech inspection at the track isn't the place to learn.
Please discuss your build with GRM staff ahead of time so you arrive with something that is safe and meets the NHRA regulations. Does it have a suitable firewall? Did the welding properly penetrate the metal? Is the harness properly attached? Is the roll bar suitable? Is a legal windshield present? Is your new layout safe and sound?
We recommend you have the car inspected locally and ahead of time by a qualified SCCA or NHRA inspector so no surprises crop up at the event. Failed cars will be reinspected after fixes are made. Entries that fail onsite tech inspection will not be allowed to run.
Cars must meet the safety requirements of the SCCA Solo program while running the autocross, and the NHRA when running the drag strip. Your safety prep level will limit your drag race times. To discourage bonsai runs, cars that run quicker than their safety prep level allows will not be given a time for that pass, and may be barred from future drag passes. Five-point roll bars meeting item 4:10 of the NHRA's general safety regulations are mandatory in all open-top cars running a 13.49 E.T. or faster. For a summary of NHRA's safety rules, click here.
From the NHRA rulebook: If no specific Protective Clothing requirements are stated for a particular class, then the minimum requirements are as follows: full-length pants; short- or long-sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No bare legs. No bare torsos. No tank tops. No open-toe or open-heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not recommended.
Those in the drag strip's staging area shall follow the above clothing requirements.
Autocross safety regulations will follow the SCCA Solo rulebook. Access it by clicking here.
Teams that lose a wheel or send any other large or heavy item flying from their car will be disqualified from the event.
The dynamic score from the challenge will be calculated by adding the competitor's fastest drag time and fastest autocross time together. This will give their "dynamic time."
The lowest dynamic time is worth 100 points. Points for second and subsequent places are determined by dividing the winning time by each other time, then multiplying by 100.
For example, if the winning combined dynamic time is 74.2 seconds and second place is 75.0 seconds, the 74.2-second driver receives 100 points, while second place gets 98.9 points (74.2/75.0 = .989 x 100 = 98.9).
The maximum concours score is 25 points. The maximum possible total score is 125.
Highest score wins the overall trophy. The team that takes the overall win will receive free Challenge entry for the following year.
Rain-Outs and Other Excuses:
Your first run will be first come, first served. If you were unable to compete in any portion of the event because of mechanical failure, bad sleep habits, ennui or any other reason, you will be given an arbitrary score of 99.99 for timed events, or 0 for the concours.
If any part of the event is rained out, struck by a meteor, invaded by a flashmob of Michael Jackson impersonators, or otherwise seriously disrupted so that more than half the entrants don't get a chance to compete, GRM staff may choose to discard that portion of the event from the final scoring.
GRM reserves the right to issue competition bulletins at a later date.
One Final Word:
Remember, this event is all about having fun and being creative, and these rules supersede the ones from past Challenges. Have a question about the event? Just ask.
Rules FAQ
Q: What if I got four autocross tires for free, and bought 4 drag tires for $200? Can I claim my drag tires as my "free" set.
A: In this case, you may technically be able to claim all eight tires as free. However, remember that free parts must be known to and available to the public (eg. sitting in a ditch on the side of the road). A second set of tires that was given to you by a friend or acquired via any other non publicly-available transaction must be budgeted at fair market value.
Q: I want to put a T56 transmission into my Honda Civic, and I know that I need a stock flywheel from a Camaro. Because SFI-approved OEM-replacement flywheels are budget exempt, I can buy a new SFI-approved Camaro flywheel and value it at $0 on my budget, right?
A: No, that is not correct. In this scenario, you may exchange the Camaro flywheel for an SFI part. Bought an OEM Camaro flywheel for $20? Include that receipt in your budget, then you may use an SFI-approved Camaro flywheel without any additional budget impact. If you don't currently own an OEM Camaro flywheel, you may list its SFI-approved replacement at the standard part's fair market value on your budget.
Q: Can I run an over-budget car just for fun?
A: If your Challenge car fails to make the event due to technical, logistical or metaphysical issues, we may allow teams to run an alternate vehicle for exhibition. Please do not register a rental car or other extremely over-budget car for exhibition if you never intend to build a Challenge car.
Q: Can I field a car by myself?
A: Yes, one-person teams are welcome.
Q: Can I camp at the track?
A: Sorry, no camping allowed at the track.
Q: Is there fuel available at the track?
A: Yes, the track sells race fuel. Hours are limited, so plan ahead.
Q: Are media passes available?
A: They certainly are. Contact Rick Goolsby for details.
Q: May I drink alcohol at the track?
A: No alcohol may be consumed at the track. This goes for drivers, crew and spectators.
Q: Is there power available at the track?
A: There is very, very limited available power, so plan ahead.
Q: Is there compressed air available at the track?
A: Yes, there is.
Q: May I grill at the track?
A: Yes. And remember that the staff is often hungry.
Q: It seems like a few of the NHRA rules will make my fairly average car illegal. What gives?
A: We realize that the rulebook has a few issues when it comes to this event. The following rules may be ignored if your car runs slower than 11.49 E.T.:
Windows must be rolled up during drag runs (if you don't have windows, you'll be required to wear a full-face helmet).
Welded differentials prohibited.
Mandatory C-clip eliminators.
Partially excepted: Battery shutoff switches. Alternative construction and placement acceptable. Must remain within driver's and first responder's reach and be clearly labeled on the exterior of the vehicle.
Still have questions? Ask them here.


text:
Be the first to know
Receive emails from properties you follow when new suites are added to them.
Foothills Phase VII is the newest and ninth addition to Triovest's existing Foothills properties and is located within a one mile radius of those buildings. Construction on this "A" class property was completed in 2007. It is located near 52 Street S.E. and 72nd Avenue S.E. This 111,500 square foot multi-tenant building has 28' clear ceilings, office build-outs ranging from 2% to 20%, 16 dock level doors and 6 drive in shipping doors. The property has 128 parking stalls on the 6.9 acre site. Foothills Phase VII is proudly managed by Triovest Realty Advisors.


text:
On my travels
Although I'm still in the throes of posting photos from my recent trip to Siem Reap just a couple of weeks ago, I'll be on the Mekong Express bus again tomorrow morning, winging my way back up north to Siem Reap for another wedding and a couple of days scooting around Angkor. My friends at the Victoria Angkor and Tara Angkor, two of the best hotels in Siem Reap, have offered me accommodation, so I can sample their delights first-hand. Life isn't all bad. The wedding is the sister-in-law of my best pal Rieng and the party is on Sunday. On Monday I might well be back on my bicycle for a trip along the full length of the walls of Angkor Thom, while on Tuesday there's a small chance of a very special look at Angkor, but I won't count my chickens on that score until the day arrives. Don't you love a mystery?
Labels: Siem Reap


text:
The Football Association will screen England's Under-21 international against Macedonia live on its own website. While all the TV talk recently has surrounded the senior side's World Cup qualifier in Ukraine on Saturday, the demise of Setanta has also led to a blackout of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 outfit, and with no replacement deal in place, the FA have opted to show the game themselves.
"This is the best way to ensure as many fans as possible get the chance to see England's young stars for free," said an FA statement.
UK broadcasters were unable to schedule the match during peak time, although this is bound to be one of the issues FA chief executive Ian Watmore will try to address as he attempts to negotiate a replacement contract. The BBC appear current favourites to pick up the remaining parts of the Setanta contract.
Watmore has previously adopted a relaxed approach to the matter and struck a deal with BSkyB to cover the Community Shield in August.
However, bullishness over the cash the FA might be able to pull in has evaporated following the refusal of any broadcaster to pick up Saturday's match in the Ukraine, which will be the first time any England game has not been shown on TV, pictures instead being made available on various newspaper internet sites and also in cinemas. With the FA Cup first round taking place next month, the need to agree a new deal is becoming more urgent.


text:
Visit Our Showroom
We can provide you with a VDU Assessments when you visit our showrooms in Dublin or in Holycross in Tipperary.
Call Us Now
No products
Prices are tax excluded
High Contrast Keyboard with big keys for visually impaired.This High Contrast Keyboard with big keys has been designed for computer users with poor or limited eye sight.The letters are up to 400% bigger than a standard keyboard.An assistive technology large keys keyboard can make an immense difference to those with impared eyesight.
This early learning keyboard is easy to see and makes using the keybord fun.Lower case children's keyboard with big keys, colour coded for easy learning.
An ergonomic split keyboard that will help aleviate undesirable awkward postures while typing. A proven design and years of longevity make the standard Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard a leading recommendation among Risk Managers, Certified Professional Ergonomists, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.
This left handed keyboard has the number pad on the left hand side.This left handed keyboard layout helps to balance out the user's workload, allowing the user's left-hand to operate the numeric keypad while the right hand operates the mouse.The 'A-shape' key layout encourages a more relaxed, natural wrist position which helps users to reduce ulnar...
The proper position of the keyboard is essential in creating a comfortable workstation as well as to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.The Kinesis Freestyle 2 is a split keyboard that is designed by Kinesis Corporation after feedback from ergonomists and health specialists. This split keyboard can help you prevent computer-related repetitive strain...
The Kinesis Freestyle2 VIP3 Accessory Kit provides V-lifter and integrated palm supports that are designed for positioning your forearms and wrists in a more comfortable. The VIP3 Accessory Kit includes a pair of 3-angle V-lifters and integrated palm rests. You can clip these accessories onto the Freestyle2 split keyboard to create the Freestyle2 VIP3...
If you regularly use numeric keypads to enter large amounts of numeric data, Kinesis Freestyle Keyboard is the perfect and essential ergonomic accessory for you. This separate key pad could help you be more productive by entering data fast, as well as it will help prevent computer-related repetitive strain injury or RSI.
We can provide you with a VDU Assessments when you visit our showrooms in Dublin or in Holycross in Tipperary.


text:
Covington Piccadilly 604 Buttercup Fabric
Code: 2739K
26 yard(s) available
Price: $0.00
Vertical Repeat: 25 inches
Horizontal Repeat: 27 inches
Width: 54 inches
Fiber Content: cotton
Manufacturer: Covington
Buttercup yellow and brown flowers climb the diamond lattice framed on an off white background.
Copyright © 2017 Fabric Farms Interiors. All rights reserved.


text:
items |
New Product Alerts, Discounts, & More!
Your Price:
We offer standard, 3 day express, 2 day express, and overnight express shipping options for your convenience. If you place your order Monday - Friday by 2:00 PM EST using one of our express shipping options, your order will be processed and shipped the same day it is placed!
Engrave this item?
The United Black collection delivers another superior example of the Japanese katana. This is the Shikyo (Japanese for "œdeath") katana. This sword measures 43 1/8" and features a mirror polished 29 1/2" blade of hand forged 1045 carbon steel with a heavy blood groove. The blade tang has an exclusive stamp that can only be found on a United Black sword blade. The hardwood handle offers black ray skin and custom leather wrap accented with brass menuki and a uniquely designed cast metal guard and pommel. This item includes a coordinating hardwood sheath and is placed in a traditional cloth sword bag with a collectible hanging medallion and packaged in a custom box. 43 1/8" overall, 29 1/2" blade.This is a True Swords Featured Full Tang product listing.
Shinwa Samurai Katana Sword – Damascus / Genuine Pearl
Now $189.98!
Shinwa Black Dragon Double Edged Katana Sword
Now $89.98!
Build Your Own Custom Katana Sword
Musashi - Folded Elite - Midnight Kame Katana
Samurai Bridge Shinwa Damascus Katana
Now $49.98!
Honshu Boshin Katana with Black Wooden Saya - 1060 High Carbon Steel - Modern Tactical Style
Shinwa Black Damascus White Knight Katana Sword
Now $99.98!
Musashi - 1060 Carbon Steel - Clay Tempered Katana w/ Dragon
I received this as a gift. The sword came as advertised. It was not damaged and the packaging was good. It came sharp and lightly oiled. The blade is well balanced and it "moves" well during use. Very good for the price and quality. Would buy again and from this company.
I got this for my birthday about a week and a half ago, and I must say, I am impressed. The "Hanging Medallion" it comes with is just a little piece of plastic with the company name on it, but I don't particularly care about that. There was no damage to it during shipping, and according to my mother, it got here within 3 or 4 days of her ordering it. On to the blade itself. Exceptional craftsmanship. It feels nice in my hands and has a good weight to it. The balance is a few inches forward of the handle, but that's really not much of an issue. Really everything about the sword is beautiful, and the only thing I can think of that mars that in any way is the CHINA engraving on the back of the blade, just above the Habiki (copper blade collar). The blade is extremely sharp and comes with a light coating of oil. While I was wiping the oil off of the blade, I ran across the edge by mistake and it sliced straight through the rag and into my hand. I chopped up the packaging it came in and it went through the cardboard like it was warm butter. I've noticed that the blade is extremely durable as well, due to the fact that I did a full force swing through a cardboard box and into the concrete below (I didn't think it'd go all the way through, but I guess I'm just undercrediting the blade). The only damage to the blade itself were a few nicks that took me 20 minutes of paranoid inspection to find. I highly recommend this blade to anyone who wants a unique piece to add to their collection.
: Only
Current Price:
more to your cart to reduce the price to


text:
Al Meezan Investment Management Limited Jobs Sales Officers
Al Meezan Investment Management Limited Jobs Sales Officers: Al Meezan Investment Management Limited is seeking for hard working, self motivated, professionals, determined, dynamic and well disciplined staff for different vacant positions such as following.Kindly read carefully and apply in appropriate vacancies accordingly.
Al Meezan Investment Management Limited,require suitable candidates for Sales Officers Position, based in Karachi, Lahore,Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi & Islamabad. Responsibilities includes providing investment advice,creating awareness of mutual funds through active sales calls and new client relationship building. The position requires outdoor sales of mutual funds. Candidates should be bachelors (preferably in Marketing/ Finance) with minimum two years' experience preferably in asset management companies/financial productssales.Please apply at [email protected]


text:
Catherine Bowen, Plascon Trends Editor
It always gives me a bit of a kick when a trend that I have picked up on a while ago, comes to fruition. Nearly two years ago (see my original post here) I said we were to watch out for the "holographic", or, as Gudy Herder of Eclectic Trends puts it, the iridescence trend.
And now we're finally seeing the translation of the iridescent fashion trend into homeware and décor. I'm going to borrow directly from Herder's post (visit the site here to see her original post), as it picks out some of the very best of European design to illustrate how the iridescence trend is being brought to life overseas:
The Iridescent Trend in Fashion and Homeware
I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for local design that echoes this iridescent trend over the next few weeks – how will you be bringing the trend into your spaces?


text:
|Home | About | Journals | Submit | Contact Us | Français
The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in depression characteristics among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women with major depressive disorder. This study also evaluated these differences between postmenopausal women with major depressive disorder who are taking and not taking hormone therapy.
Analyses conducted with data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study focused on female outpatients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder seeking treatment in 41 primary or psychiatric care settings across the United States. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared among women not taking hormone therapy who were premenopausal (N=950), perimenopausal (N=380), or postmenopausal (N=562). These comparisons were also made between postmenopausal women (n=768) taking (N=171) or not taking (N=562) hormone therapy.
After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical baseline differences, premenopausal women were more likely to present with irritability than either peri- or postmenopausal women, and were more likely to have decreased appetite and less likely to have early morning insomnia than perimenopausal women. Postmenopausal women were more likely to have suicidal ideation and poorer physical functioning than either of the other groups, and were more likely to have sympathetic arousal and gastrointestinal symptoms than premenopausal women. After adjusting for baseline differences, postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy had better physical functioning, fewer melancholic features, less sympathetic arousal, and more lack of involvement in activities than women not taking hormone therapy.
Menopausal status and postmenopausal use of hormone therapy may influence the clinical presentation of major depressive episodes in women.
The sex difference in prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is well established, with rates about twice as high in women than in men.1-3 A number of studies have also demonstrated differences in the clinical presentation of MDD in women versus men, including presenting symptoms, course of illness features, comorbidity, and functional impairment. 4-8 Moreover, sex differences in treatment response, both to antidepressants and psychotherapy, have been reported in some but not all studies.4,9-16
Reproductive hormonal factors are likely to contribute to the sex differences in depression, which begin around the time of puberty and persist through midlife.2,17 Some women appear to be particularly susceptible to developing depression during times of hormonal fluctuation, including the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle, the postpartum period, and the perimenopause.18-20 Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are known to affect neurotransmitters involved in depression, including both serotonin and norepinephrine.21,22 In addition, some studies have suggested that menopausal status may influence antidepressant treatment response, particularly with tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).9,11,12,14,15,23
Despite the clear influences of hormonal factors on depression in some women, to the best of our knowledge, no study has examined whether the clinical presentation of depression in women differs according to their menopausal status. Further, no study has assessed the possible effects of hormone therapy on the characteristics of depression in postmenopausal women. A recent report24 did find that hormonal contraceptives may affect depression severity and symptom profile in premenopausal women. Moreover, several studies have found that estrogen is efficacious in treating perimenopausal depression.25-27 Others have suggested that hormonal therapy may enhance antidepressant treatment response in postmenopausal women who are treated with SSRIs.15,28-30 Hence, postmenopausal women with depression who are taking hormone therapy may present differently than those who are not.
The purpose of this report was to determine whether the presentation of depression in women differs according to menopausal status or the presence/absence of hormone therapy. To determine the former, we compared baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women with MDD who were not taking hormone therapy. To determine the latter, we evaluated differences in depression characteristics in postmenopausal women who were and were not taking hormone therapy.
The current study used data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study,31,32 a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-supported study that provided an opportunity to examine differences in the presentation of depression as a function of menopausal status in women seeking treatment for a major depressive episode. The goal of STAR*D was to define prospectively which of several treatments are most effective for participants with non-psychotic MDD and who report an unsatisfactory clinical outcome to an initial, and if necessary, subsequent treatment(s). The study protocol was developed according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All risks, benefits, and adverse events associated with STAR*D were explained to participants, who provided written informed consent prior to study participation. The population and methods of STAR*D are described in detail elsewhere.31,32
STAR*D enrolled 4041 participants from July 2001 through April 2004. To achieve the goal of recruiting a broadly representative group of participants with MDD, STAR*D enrolled patients from 18 primary and 23 psychiatric care clinical sites across the United States that serve either the public or private sectors. Advertising for participants was not permitted as it tends to enroll a less representative study sample.33 Every effort was made to recruit a broad spectrum of participants representing all racial groups and both sexes.
The inclusion criteria were broad so as to acquire a sample representative of individuals with MDD who would receive medication or psychotherapy in everyday practice. Eligible participants were outpatients aged 18–75 with non-psychotic MDD who scored ≥14 on the 17-Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression34,35 (HRSD17) and for whom antidepressant treatment was deemed appropriate by the treating clinician. Participants with suicidal ideation were eligible, as long as outpatient treatment was deemed clinically safe. Participants with most general medical conditions (GMCs) were eligible; however, persons with medical contraindications that precluded randomization to treatments used in the first two steps of the study were excluded.
Participants with a lifetime history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder, or MDD with psychotic features were excluded, as were those with a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder because these primary psychiatric conditions required a different initial treatment.36 Participants with currently active and clinically significant substance abuse were eligible, as long as in-patient care was not required clinically at study entry. Those with active substance dependence who required detoxification were not eligible for reasons of medical safety. Participants with severe, unstable concurrent psychiatric conditions likely to require hospitalization within six months of study entry were also ineligible.
Participants were excluded if they had an established, well-documented history of non-response or clear intolerability in the current major depressive episode to one or more of the protocol treatments delivered at an adequate dose. Participants taking concomitant anxiolytics or sedative hypnotics could enter the study as long as their clinician determined that the antidepressant treatments in the protocol were appropriate and safe. Participants were excluded if they were currently receiving a targeted psychotherapy aimed at their depression; they could participate if they had not responded to such psychotherapy and subsequently terminated it prior to study enrollment, or if they were receiving counseling or therapy for other problems. Participants who were breastfeeding, pregnant or intended to become pregnant within nine months of enrollment were also excluded.
Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) at each of 14 Regional Centers were trained and certified in implementing the treatment protocol and in data collection methods. After obtaining written informed consent at the screening/baseline visit, participants were evaluated by the CRC. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected, as was prior course of illness, current and past substance abuse, prior suicide attempts, current GMCs, and prior history of treatment in the current major depressive episode. The CRC completed the HRSD17 (at baseline to establish inclusion/exclusion criteria) and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology — Clinician-rated37-38 (QIDS-C16). Current GMCs were assessed using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale39-41 (CIRS), and the presence or absence of 11 Axis I psychiatric disorders was assessed using the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ).42,43 A Research Outcomes Assessor called participants for a telephone interview within 72 hours of the baseline visit to complete the HRSD17 and the 30-item Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Clinician-rated (IDS-C30).38,44 Also within 72 hours of enrollment, a telephonic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system was used to collect the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self-Rated37,38 (QIDS-SR16) for assessment of depression severity, and the following measures of quality of life and functioning: the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey45 (SF-12), the 16-item Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire46 (Q-LES-Q), and the five-item Work and Social Adjustment Scale47 (WSAS).
Menopausal status was determined based on both current age and the participant's response to the following question: "Is the patient postmenopausal or post-hysterectomy, or male?" A woman was classified as premenopausal if she was younger than 40 years of age. Of those classified as premenopausal, 49 (4.74 %) answered "yes" to the above question (indicating that they were postmenopausal or post-hysterectomy). These women were still included in the premenopausal group due to the very low prevalence (1-2%) of naturally occurring menopause in women under 40 years old. Those in this age group who were post-hysterectomy but still had ovaries were likely to still be premenopausal, and those who also had both ovaries removed were likely to be taking menopausal hormone therapy and would thus be excluded from the analyses. Women who were at least 40 years old and who reported not being postmenopausal or post-hysterectomy were classified as perimenopausal. Finally, women who were at least 40 years old and reported being postmenopausal or post-hysterectomy were operationally defined as postmenopausal. A small number of these women may have had a hysterectomy without ovariectomy and were still cycling. Women who had either experienced natural menopause or had undergone a hysterectomy were included in the study, with the exception of those women on hormone therapy.
Of the 4041 participants enrolled, 62.7% were women (N=2532). Because administration of hormonal therapies such as hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy could affect the presentation of depressive and menopausal symptoms, women taking these medications (N=636 women; 71 progesterone, 147 estrogen, 302 combination, 116 unknown/other) were excluded from the analyses comparing premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. Of the remaining 1896 women, four were excluded due to missing information about age or menopausal status. Thus, the analyses regarding menopausal status were conducted with a sample of 1890 women. Of these, 950 (50.1%) were classified as premenopausal, 380 (20.0%) were classified as perimenopausal, and 562 (29.6%) were classified as postmenopausal (Figure 1a).
Regarding the comparison with postmenopausal women by hormone therapy status, of the total number of eligible women enrolled in STAR*D (N=2532), 768 were postmenopausal. Of these, 35 (4.5%) could not be classified into either group. Thus the analyses regarding hormone therapy status were conducted with a sample of 737 postmenopausal women. Of these, 171 (22.3%) were taking hormone therapy and 562 (73.2%) were not taking hormone therapy (Figure 1b).
Descriptive statistics are presented as percentages for categorical variables and as means and standard deviations for continuous variables. Chi-square tests and both parametric and nonparametric analysis of variance methods were used to compare the distribution of discrete and continuous, respectively, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics across menopausal status. After adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that differed across menopausal status, regression models (linear for continuous measures and logistic regression for binary measures) were used to assess the independent effect of menopausal status on symptom severity, depressive features, functioning, quality of life, and presence of psychiatric comorbidities and the significance level from a likelihood ratio test is presenteed. If significant differences were identified after adjustment, post-hoc comparisons were made using a Bonferroni correction.
Chi-square tests and both parametric and nonparametric analysis of variance methods were similarly used to compare the distribution of discrete sociodemographic and clinical characteristics across those women taking and not taking hormone therapy. After adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that differed across menopausal status, regression models (linear for continuous measures and logistic regression for binary measures) were used to assess the independent effect of hormone therapy on symptom severity, depressive features, quality of life, functioning, presence of depressive symptoms and presence of psychiatric comorbidities, with menopausal status entered into the model as a two-level design variable. A p-value < .05 indicated a significant difference in all analyses except for the post-hoc analyses, for which a p-value of < .0167 indicated a significant difference.
Table 1 shows the sociodemographic and baseline clinical characteristics of the study sample by menopausal status. Most of the postmenopausal women were seen in primary care settings, while the majority of the premenopausal and perimenopausal women were seen in psychiatric care settings. The average ages of premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were 29.4±5.9 years, 45.0±4.0 years and 54.6±7.9 years, respectively.
Several characteristics of depression history differentiated the three menopausal status groups. Specifically, premenopausal and perimenopausal women were more likely to have a positive family history of depression (Pre: 58%, Peri: 63%, Post: 51%, p=.0008) and were approximately twice as likely to report a past suicide attempt than postmenopausal women (Pre: 23%, Peri: 20%, Post: 12%, p<.0001). Premenopausal women had the youngest age of onset of their first depressive episode and postmenopausal women had the oldest age of onset (Pre: 19.0 (87.9), Peri: 26.6 (13.4), Post: 35.1 (17.8), p<.0001). Postmenopausal women were most likely to present with a chronic depressive episode (Pre: 21%, Peri: 26%, Post: 37%, p<.0001), had the longest duration of depressive illness (Pre: 10.5 (8.0), Peri: 18.4 (13.2), Post: 19.6 (16.3), p<.0001), and had the greatest medical comorbidity based on the CIRS (Pre: 2.2 (1.9), Peri: 3.1 (2.1), Post: 3.9 (2.4), p<.0001).
With regard to symptom severity (Table 2), no differences were found among the menopausal status groups in total scores on either the HRSD17 (Pre: 2.06 (6.5), Peri: 20.1 (6.5), Post: 20.4 (6.7), p=.4763) or the IDS-C30 (Pre: 37.4 (11.3), Peri: 36.0 (11.6), Post: 36.6 (12.1), p=.1311). Total scores on the QIDS-SR16 differed slightly but significantly as a function of menopausal status, with premenopausal women demonstrating the highest mean score of the three groups (Pre: 16.4 (4.2), Peri: 15.5 (4.4), Post: 15.8 (4.3), p=.0008). Postmenopausal women were the most likely to present with anxious features (Pre: 48%, Peri: 44%, Post: 55%, p=.0057). The differences found in QIDS-SR16 scores and anxious features were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for differences in baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Postmenopausal women showed higher mental (Pre: 24.7 (8.2), Peri: 26.0 (8.7), Post: 28.8 (9.2), p<.0001) and lower physical (Pre: 52.0 (10.3), Peri: 49.9 (11.9), Post: 43.4 (11.9), p<.0001) functioning on the SF-12, though after adjustment, only the difference in SF-12 physical functioning remained significant (p < .0001), with the postmenopausal group showing significantly lower physical functioning than both the premenopausal and perimenopausal groups (post-hoc comparions p < .0010 for both pairwise comparisons).
Table 3 shows individual depressive symptoms measured by the IDS-C30 compared on the basis of menopausal status. After adjustment for baseline differences, only early morning insomnia (OR Peri vs. Pre=1.79 (1.34, 2.36), OR Post vs. Pre=1.36 (1.02, 1.82), p = .0003), irritability (OR Peri vs. Pre=0.55 (0.38, 0.79), OR Post vs. Pre=0.43 (0.38, 0.79), p < .0001), decreased appetite (OR Peri vs. Pre=0.77 (0.59, 1.02), OR Post vs. Pre=0.64 (0.48, 0.85), p = .0081), suicidal ideation (OR Peri vs. Pre=1.16 (0.88, 1.54), OR Post vs. Pre=1.54 (1.16, 2.06), p = .0074), sympathetic arousal (OR Peri vs. Pre=1.39 (1.02, 1.90), OR Post vs. Pre=1.59 (1.14, 2.22), p = .0144), and gastrointestinal symptoms (OR Peri vs. Pre=1.31 (0.99, 1.73), OR Post vs. Pre=1.47 (1.10, 1.96), p = .0244) showed significant differences between groups. Post-hoc tests were performed for these symptoms to determine the significant differences between individual groups. Perimenopausal women were less likely to have irritability and were more likely to have early morning insomnia than premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women were more likely to have suicidal ideation, sympathetic arousal and gastrointestinal symptoms than premenopausal women, and less likely to have a decreased appetite and have irritability. Perimenopausal women were less likely to have suicidal ideation than postmenopausal women.
Table 4 provides rates of psychiatric comorbidity as a function of menopausal status. Premenopausal women were more likely to have a comorbid diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (Pre: 17%, Peri: 12%, Post: 12%, p = .0116), social phobia (Pre: 38%, Peri: 27%, Post: 24%, p < .0001), drug abuse (Pre: 8%, Peri: 5%, Post: 3%, p = .0020), bulimia (Pre: 19%, Peri: 13%, Post: 13%, p = .0012), and generalized anxiety (Pre: 28%, Peri: 24%, Post: 22%, p = .0335) than the other groups. After adjustment, none of these differences in psychiatric comorbidity remained significant.
Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of postmenopausal women by hormone therapy status are presented in Table 5. Women taking hormone therapy were significantly less likely to be Hispanic (Non-hormone: 20%, Hormone: 10%, p = .0031); more likely to be Caucasian (Non-hormone: White: 71%, Black 23%, Other 6%; Hormone: White 83%, Black 15%, Other 2%, p = .0031), married (Non-hormone: 35%, Hormone: 47%, p = .0066) and have private insurance (Non-hormone: 48%, Hormone: 61%, p = .0110), and had more years of education (Non-hormone: 12.3 (3.9), Hormone: 13.2 (3.4), p = .0025). Women taking hormone therapy were also more likely to have recurrent depression (Non-hormone: 69%, Hormone: 83%, p = .0006) and had, on average (SD), greater medical comorbidity on the CIRS (Non-hormone: 3.9 (2.4), Hormone: 4.5 (2.4), p = .0016).
We found no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the severity of depression HRSD17 (Non-hormone: 20.4 (6.7), Hormone: 20.0 (6.9), p=.5230) or the presence of atypical(Non-hormone: 17%, ormone: 14%, p=.3998) ; however, after adjustment for baseline sociodemographic and clinical differences, those taking hormone therapy were less likely to have melancholic features (OR=0.53 (.30, .93), p = .0289). Women taking hormone therapy had better physical functioning on the SF-12 (Non-hormone: 43.4 (11.9), Hormone: 45.7 (12.2), p=.0379), which remained significant, (β=−2.72 (−4.72, −0.73), p = .007) after adjustment for baseline sociodemographic and clinical differences (Table 6). Symptom profiles were similar between the two groups, except that even after adjustment for baseline sociodemographic and clinical differences, women taking hormone therapy were significantly more likely to endorse lack of involvement in activities (OR=2.02 (1.09, 3.75), p = .0266) and less likely to endorse sympathetic arousal (OR=0.62 (0.40, 0.97), p = .0359) (Table 7). With regard to psychiatric comorbidities on the PDSQ (Table 8), women taking hormone therapy were significantly less likely to report agoraphobia (Non-hormone: 14%, Hormone: 8%, p=.0400), although this difference was no longer significant after adjustment.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the influence of menopausal status on the presentation of MDD in women, and the first to examine the effect of hormone therapy on the characteristics of major depression in postmenopausal women.
Our finding that postmenopausal women have more general medical comorbidity, an older age of onset, and less likelihood of family history of depression or past suicide attempt suggests that their depression may be related more to general medical comorbidity, hormonal factors, and/or aging than to a lifelong depressive disorder. After adjustment for baseline differences, we found several differences in symptom profiles among pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women. Our finding of more irritability in premenopausal women may reflect the influence of the menstrual cycle on the presentation of depression, since many women experience premenstrual worsening of depression or other premenstrual mood changes, of which irritability is the most common.48 It was surprising that postmenopausal women reported more suicidal ideation, particularly given the similarity of their severity of illness to the other groups and their less frequent history of suicide attempt. One could speculate that this increased suicidal ideation is related to their greater likelihood of being widowed or divorced, which may reflect a lack of social support, and their lower level of resources given their lower income and less private insurance. To examine whether marital status explained the finding, we compared mean score of the suicidal ideation item from the QIDS-SR16 across marital status groups and found no statistically significant difference in the scores. Our finding of a greater likelihood of sympathetic arousal, gastrointestinal symptoms and lower physical functioning in postmenopausal women, characteristics which were present even after adjustment for differences in general medical comorbidity, may be a reflection of age, as these symptoms were also noted to increase with age in a study by Husain et al.,49 who conducted a recent analysis of age-related characteristics of depression that also used the STAR*D population for its study sample . However, an independent effect of hormones is suggested by the fact that postmenopausal women in the study taking hormone therapy had a lower rate of sympathetic arousal and higher physical functioning; this is also consistent with findings in premenopausal women taking versus not taking hormonal contraceptives in another report from the STAR*D study.24
Previous reports suggest that women commonly present with atypical depressive features, such as hypersomnia and hyperphagia.4,5,7,50 Interestingly, we found no difference in the presence of atypical or melancholic features of depression by menopausal status, with about 20% of women in each group showing each of these subtypes. While hypersomnia was more common in premenopausal women than in the other two groups, the difference was no longer significant after adjustment. We did find that early morning insomnia was less common and decreased appetite was more common in premenopausal women; however, it is important to note that in all three of the menopausal status groups, midnocturnal awakening was the most common sleep disturbance and decreased appetite was more common than increased appetite. It is also notable that anxious depression was the most common subtype among all three groups and was seen most frequently in postmenopausal women, although the difference by menopausal status was no longer significant after adjustment.
In addition to differences in the presentation of depression by menopausal status, we also found that depression in postmenopausal women may be influenced by whether or not concomitant hormone therapy is being taken. The women in our study who were taking hormone therapy were more likely to be Caucasian, non-Hispanic, or married, with more years of education and private insurance. The higher educational level in women taking hormone therapy is consistent with the literature50 prior to the publication of the Women's Health Initiative results,51 which is when our study was initiated. Women taking hormone therapy were also more likely to have a recurrent course of depression and greater general medical comorbidity. The greater general medical comorbidity in women taking hormone therapy likely results in increased contact with health care providers and therefore increased opportunities for hormone therapy to be prescribed.
Comparing symptom profiles after adjustment for baseline differences, women on hormone therapy reported better physical functioning, fewer melancholic features, less sympathetic arousal, and more lack of involvement in activities compared to women not on hormone therapy. The better physical functioning, less melancholia, and less sympathetic arousal (i.e., less anxiety) are consistent with the beneficial effects on sleep, energy, mood, and quality of life that have been described with hormone therapy.52 However, the similar overall severity of depression in those taking and not taking hormone therapy is consistent with literature showing that estrogen is not a treatment for major depression in postmenopausal women,53 although it also suggests that hormone therapy does not worsen depressive symptoms.
There are several limitations to this study. The sample was restricted to outpatients with nonpsychotic MDD and may not be generalizable to all depressed women. It was not a random sample of depressed patients as seen in epidemiologic studies; however, we did use broad inclusion criteria, recruited patients from primary and psychiatric care sites across the United States, and had appropriate minority representation. Hence, our sample was probably representative of depressed patients seeking care in outpatient settings. Another limitation was the definition of menopausal status used, which was based on a combination of age and a question about menopausal status and hysterectomy status. More detailed questions about irregular or skipped menstrual cycles and timing of cessation of cycles would have enabled more exact classification of women as pre-, peri, or postmenopausal. In addition, we do not know the timing of the onset of depression in postmenopausal women in relation to their beginning or stopping hormone therapy, information that may have further clarified the effect of hormone therapy on depressive symptom presentation. It is also true that—at least to some extent—age and menopausal status covary and some of the differences identified may have more to do with age differences than reproductive hormonal status. Much of our data rely on self-report and patient recall, which may be unreliable. Finally, the self-report PDSQ was used to diagnose comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders though it is a screening tool.
In conclusion, the depressive episode presentation in women may be influenced by menopausal status as well as postmenopausal use of hormone therapy. The differences reported should be considered in the clinical evaluation and management of female patients with depression. Future analyses will examine the impact of menopausal status and hormone therapy on antidepressant treatment response.
This project has been funded with federal funds from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, under Contract N01MH90003 to UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (P.I.: A.J. Rush). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors appreciate the editorial support of Jon Kilner, MS, MA (Pittsburgh, PA).
Susan G Kornstein, M.D.
Grants/Research Support: National Institute of Mental Health; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Lilly; Forest Laboratories; Wyeth; Novartis; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Pfizer; Takeda.
Advisory Board or Received Honoraria: Wyeth; Pfizer; Lilly; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Forest Laboratories; Takeda; Endo.
Book Royalties: Guilford Press.
Elizabeth A. Young, MD*
Research Support: National Institute of Mental Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Annie T. Harvey, Ph.D.
Research Support: Pfizer Inc. Except for income received from her primary employer, no other financial support or compensation was received from any individual or corporate entity for research or professional service and there are no personal financial holdings that could be perceived as constituting a potential conflict of interest.
Stephen R. Wisniewski, Ph.D.
Research Support: National Institute of Mental Health
Advisory/Consulting: Cyberonics, Inc.
Speaking: None
Equity Holdings (exclude mutual funds/blinded trusts): None
Royalty/patent, other income: None
Michael E. Thase, M.D.
Advisory/Consulting:/Speakers Honoraria: AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cephalon, Cyberonics, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceutica, MedAvante, Inc., Neuronetics, Inc., Novartis, Organon, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Sepracor, Inc., Shire US, Inc., and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Equity Holdings: MedAvante, Inc.
royalty/Patent or Other Income: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., Guilford Publications, and Herald House.
Dr. Thase did not accept research funding from pharmaceutical studies during the STAR*D study, but currently has grants from Eli Lilly and Company and Sepracor, Inc.
Madhukar H. Trivedi, M.D.
Research support: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Cephalon, Inc.; Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.; Eli Lilly & Company; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen Pharmaceutica; National Institute of Mental Health; National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression; Pfizer Inc.; Predix Pharmaceuticals; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
Advisory/Consulting: Abbott Laboratories, Inc.; Akzo (Organon Pharmaceuticals Inc.); Bayer; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Cyberonics, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, LP; Johnson & Johnson PRD; Eli Lilly & Company; Meade Johnson; Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Pfizer, Inc.; Pharmacia & Upjohn; Sepracor; Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
Speaking: Akzo (Organon Pharmaceuticals Inc.); Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Cyberonics, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals; Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, LP; Eli Lilly & Company; Pharmacia & Upjohn; Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
Equity Holdings (exclude mutual funds/blinded trusts): None
Royalty/patent, other income: None
Andrew A. Nierenberg, M.D.
Research support: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Cederroth; Cyberonics, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen Pharmaceutica; Lichtwer Pharma; Eli Lilly & Company; PamLabs; Pfizer Inc.; National Institute of Mental Health; National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression, Stanley Foundation; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
Advisory/Consulting: Astra-Zeneca; Basilea Pharmaceutica; Brain Cells, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Dainippon Sumitomo; Eli Lilly & Company; EpiQ; Genaissance; GlaxoSmithKline; Jazz Pharmaceuticals; Innapharma; Merck; Neuronetics; Novartis; Pfizer, Inc.; PGx Health; Sepracor; Shire; Targacept; Takeda
Speaking: Eli Lilly & Company; GlaxoSmithKline; Organon, Inc.; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories; Massachusetts General Psychiatry Academy (MGHPA talks are supported through Independent Medical Education (IME) grants from the following pharmaceutical companies in 2008: Astra Zeneca, Eli Lilly, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.) No other speaker bureaus since 2003.
Equity Holdings (exclude mutual funds/blinded trusts): Appliance Computing, Inc.
Royalty/patent, other income: None
A. John Rush, M.D.
Research support: National Institute of Mental Health
Advisory/Consulting: Advanced Neuronetic Systems, Inc.; AstraZeneca; Best Practice Project Management, Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Cyberonics, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Healthcare Technology Systems, Inc.; Jazz Pharmaceuticals; Eli Lilly & Company; Magellan Health Services; Merck & Co., Inc.; Neuronetics; Ono Pharmaceutical; Organon USA Inc.; Personality Disorder Research Corp.; Pfizer Inc.; and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories Inc.
Speaking: Cyberonics, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Eli Lilly & Company; and Merck & Co., Inc.
Equity Holdings (exclude mutual funds/blinded trusts): Pfizer Inc.
Royalty/patent, other income: Guilford Publications; Healthcare Technology Systems, Inc.
Jennifer Barkin, Ph.D. has no disclosures to report.
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Susan G. Kornstein, Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Women's Health, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Elizabeth A. Young, Department of Psychiatry and Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan.
Annie T. Harvey, Via Christi Research, Via Christi Regional Medical Center, 1100 N. St. Francis, Suite 300, Wichita, Kansas 67214.
Stephen R. Wisniewski, Epidemiology Data Center, GSPH, University of Pittsburgh.
Jennifer L. Barkin, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.
Michael E. Thase, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania.
Madhukar H. Trivedi, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Andrew A. Nierenberg, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital.
A. John Rush, Departments of Clinical Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore.
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's national science library in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


text:
When something wonderful enters our lives, there's always someone who hates it no mater what. Take Pokémon Go for example. Pretty much everyone in the world is playing it and saving animals in the process.
But one guy is sick and tired of people hunting for Pikachu in his yard. Reddit user Poopanddoodle recently posted a photo of a sign he spotted while using the app.
Here's the full text:
This is a PRIVATE yard, for Tenants of this building only, NOT for Pokemon chasing.
This Whole Pokemon Hunt Is by far the Stupidest Thing I have ever Seen, and I have lived through:
– Hammer Pants;
– Crystal Pepsi;
– Trickle-Down Economics;
– the First-Past-The-Post Electoral System;
– People Taking Jean Chretien Seriously;
– the Macarena;
– the "Will-Ennium",
– the Presidency of George W. Bush; and
– ten Seasons of CSI: Miami.
There is a Bar up the street and around the Corner. Go there, Have a Beer, and seriously think about your life choices.
This guy doesn't like Jean Chretien OR Pokémon Go?! What a hater. Twitter user Joe Heenan decided to give his rebuttal to this grumpy old man…
I saw this notice on social media so I thought I'd put my own one up. pic.twitter.com/u5oNzFWOoJ
— joe heenan (@joeheenan) July 18, 2016
His note reads:
This is a private garden.
But if you see a Pokemon in here, come and get it.
This whole Pokemon hunt is by far one of the best things I have ever seen.
Don't let:
Bitter killjoys
People with no imagination
Folk that hate fun
Members of the conservative party [the United Kingdom's ruling political party]
Angry dads
Donald Trump
Tell you otherwise.
This is awesome!
Now go and catch as many fucking Pokemon as you can.
And people seemed to love his response.
@joeheenan OUTSTANDING! complaining about pokemon is the new "I have no idea who the kardashians are" pretending at being too cool
— Trish Buckley (@MrsPaugie) July 18, 2016
@joeheenan I think I love you a bit for this!
— Mr Page (@MrPage303) July 18, 2016
@joeheenan I ❤ you.
— Twinks (@tinytwink) July 18, 2016


text:
ABISS_poster is a LaTeX class for creating A0 posters easily.
|multimedia Graphics Presentation Text Processing Markup TeX/LaTeX
Release Notes: Default colors are set to the background color. Bugs in \MainTitle and \BGColor commands are fixed.
Release Notes: It is now possible to write stickers on multiple columns (with separators or not). The default color of stickers is automatically fixed to the background color of the poster.
A Fluent OpenStack client API for Java.
A TWiki appliance that is easy to use and lightweight.


text:
Pet Sitter in Hamilton
I am an employed Xray tech who has grown up surrounded by animals. I have always had a pet including a cat, dog, sheep, fish, guinea pig, hamsters, gerbils, and a mouse. I've always loved taking care of my pets (feeding, grooming, playing, etc) and would love to extend my care to your animals.
Pet Sitter Details
|Email Address
|Phone Number
|Provider Type
Notes made here will only be seen by you. If you want to message the owner of this listing
More in Hamilton, New Jersey
Find Pet Sitting Near Hamilton


text:
3DOcean Decorative Birds 9240505
3DOcean Decorative Birds 9240505
3D Model \ Deco Objects
Living \ Room \ Element \ Decorative \ Black \ Deco \ Decoration \ Bird
3D Model - Decorative Birds 9240505 by O-Red @ 3DOcean
3D Model \ Deco Objects
3D File Formats Included: .fbx (multi format), .max (3ds Max), .obj (multi format); Animated: No; Created In: 3ds max 2011; Geometry: Polygons; Low-poly: Yes; Materials: Yes; Poly Count: 27K; Rigged: No; Textured: No; UV Layout: No.
A nice (2 bird) elements that suit for your decoration and any interior scenes .
Please if you have any question, just drop it in the comments,
Wall-Unit; Luxury Sofa; 3D Modern Desk.
Keywords: bird, black, deco, decoration, decorative, element, living, red, room.
Download Link


text:
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D has been announced for Nintendo 3DS.
The theme park construction and management game will be resurrected by publisher Atari and developer n-Space.
The 3DS version will be built from the ground up for the system and will feature a full 3D graphical engine.
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D will also offer a new gameplay mode with unique unlockable content, as well as a 'Park Sandbox' mode.
The Rollercoaster Tycoon series debuted on PC in 1999, and has since seen two sequels and several expansions.
Last month, Electronic Arts unveiled a new free-to-play version of Theme Park coming to iPhone and iPad.
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D will be available from March 2012.
> Nintendo 3DS second analogue stick confirmed
Watch the first trailer for Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D below:


text:
It is located on 26-mile-long Topsail Island. High-rise development is prohibited in the town and all lodging choices are small-scale facilities that blend in with the residential surroundings. The serene and quiet atmosphere is suitable for romantic escapes to the beach.
Sea Vista Motel
The Sea Vista Motel is along the ocean in the heart of Topsail Beach.
Its honeymoon suite offers amenities such as a king-size bed, private balcony facing the ocean, small kitchen with refrigerator, stove and coffeemaker. Guests can hear the ocean waves from the balcony and see the sunset from the room. Other lodging options include standard rooms, mini-efficiency rooms and apartments. Sea Vista Motel 1521 Ocean Blvd. Topsail Beach, NC 28445 910-328-2171 seavistamotel. com
Jolly Roger Motel & Pier
The Jolly Roger Motel & Pier has 65 rooms and a pier that is ideal for fishing.
The Jolly Roger Grill, a casual restaurant on site, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, both inside and outside for ocean-view dining. Rooms come in standard, apartment and efficiency. For a romantic setting, the oceanfront king suite has two rooms, one with a king-size bed and the other room with a double bed, sofa and television. The oceanfront private balcony is close enough to hear the sounds of the ocean. Ground-level rooms have an oceanfront porch and provide easy access to the beach. Jolly Roger Motel & Pier 803 Ocean Blvd. Topsail Beach, NC 28445 910-328-4616 jollyrogertopsailbeach. com
Breezeway Motel and Restaurant
The Breezeway Motel and Restaurant offers cottage rentals that provide an ideal setting for a romantic getaway.
The cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, ceiling fans, screened front porch with rocking chairs, covered back porch and outdoor showers. Guests can use the amenities at the motel next door, such as beach access, a swimming pool and a fishing pier. The on-site Breezeway Restaurant, located along the water, serves steaks, seafood and dessert. Breezeway Motel and Restaurant 636 Channel Blvd. Topsail Beach, NC 28445 910-328-7751 breezewaymotel. com


text:
Dragon and Wolf Color Splash Design by Lucky978Watch
©2013-2017 Lucky978
Well then, I guess my 6th grade art teacher was right! Mistakes are a chance for a whole new.
in awe
You're a fantastic artist and your work is beautiful
Can i use the dragon for a drawing that i wanne make for a friend's birthday?
I'm only posting it on Facebook, with you crediting!
Waiting for promission. xx
WOW!!! how did u do this amazing!!
I absolutely Love this!
Amazing work, hun!
two of my favourite animals in one! you've done it beautifully! makes me want to get out my water colours, on no wait...my grandma used up all my water colour paper. but aaah its just stunning.
I think this looks really cool! Nice work.
Looks amazing.
awww! so sweet!
They looks lovely x3
Awesome job!
Wow! Love it!
i love the art and the water color splotches, great job
How much would it cost to make this as a commission but with different colors and a bunny instead of a wolf? It seems like it would fall between pencil and colored with no bg, but I'm not sure. I love how it has the heart design and think it would be cute for my boyfriend and I.
Beautiful work.~
Yay! looks nice
Wow it turned out amazing i love how u turned a bad situation as u put it and turned it into something beautiful
it doesn't even look like you made a boo-boo!
Ooooh, this is pretty. And weirdly, I'm reminded of myself and my mom -- I love dragons, she loves wolves, and we're pretty much good friends.
Beautiful! Awesome and amazing!!
Don't take this the wrong way but...I kinda hope you 'mess up' more often....<3
I love how you took your mistake and made it awesome! This is wonderful!
This would make a gorgeous tattoo.
Yay! you finished it! lol It looks great!
Wow beautiful!!!
Me encantaaaaaaaaaaaa!! <3
Beautiful... *-*
Awesome <3
This is amazing!
It's amazing how a little "accident" could turn out into something this wonderful. Love it!
that is amazing
how do you do that? seriously I LOVE THAT!
So lovely!
This turned out great! Nice work!
hay it looks way bettrer