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Reporting from Washington — Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky found few friends by his side this year when he stood in his cranky way against unemployment benefits as the nation inched toward a 10% jobless rate.
Even his fellow Republicans squirmed.
But now, even as the Senate is poised this week to approve aid for more than 2.5 million out-of-work Americans whose benefits have run out, Bunning's insistence that aid not add to the national debt may have indelibly altered the debate.


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Department of Gerontology
CPACS Building Room 211
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68182
phone (Omaha): 402-554-2272
fax (Omaha): 402-554-2317
901 North 17 Street
310 Nebraska Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0562
Julie Masters, Ph.D.
Department Chair
phone (Omaha): (402) 554.3953
phone (Lincoln): (402) 472.0754
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Paul Falkowski, Ph.D.
Online Advisor/Coordinator
phone: (402) 554.3780
email: email@example.com
department of gerontology online programs.
Distance education is a reflection of a twenty-first century world. Our department has embraced this new way of providing students with a convenient and thought-provoking way of learning about the aging experience. Courses are available to students throughout Nebraska, the U.S. and worldwide. These are in addition to our on-campus offerings in Omaha and Lincoln.
Thanks to the generosity of University of Nebraska Online we are now developing offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels including certificates and the MA in Social Gerontology. We are also working closely with UNL's Department of Interior Design in giving students the opportunity to combine courses in gerontology and design as part of our collaborative certificate. Finally, none of our efforts would be possible without the generosity of our private donors including The Vetter Foundation and Terry Haney in supporting our efforts.
Distance Education promises to be an exciting chapter in our successful history. We look forward to you joining us in this journey.
Have questions or want more information about Gerontology programs? Fill out our Ask an Advisor form and an academic advisor will be in contact with you.
Last updated 2/6/2014 by Melanie Kiper, webmaster

subset: commoncrawl


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Annapolis has dozens of great restaurants, and I'm enjoying getting to explore them all. I thought it would be fun to see how well locals know the dining in their own backyard.
Guess the Restaurant is a weekly feature that publishes Sunday mornings, featuring a dish from a restaurant around town. It's up to you to figure out where I ate.
The answer will be posted the following Sunday.
Last Sunday I posted a picture of a baked potato , which came from on State Circle.
I think this lunch spot is pretty popular because several people guessed correctly. Aurore L, Michele H. and Deb Daly guessed correctly on the website, and Paula Fish guessed correctly on Annapolis Patch's Facebook page.
If you're not a fan of Annapolis Patch on Facebook—and you really should be—you can like us by clicking here.
Now, can you guess what restaurant where this bowl of chili came from?
I know it's summer, but I could resist this vegetarian option when I saw it on the menu. It's pretty rare in my experience to find meat free chili in restaurants.
Share your guesses in the comments section below, and I'll reveal the answer next Sunday.


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How To Pick Out A Blazer
We take the guesswork out of blazer shopping so you won't look like an idiot when you're wearing one.
By Elyse Orecchio
Whether you're going to happy hour with coworkers, on a date, or you simply want to add class to your look, a blazer will help dust-up your appearance. And every guy should have at least one hanging in his closet.
But blazer hunting can be tricky if don't know what you're doing. Should you go with a one or two-button style? What's best for cool weather? Or warm weather? And will you look half as goofy as the Zoolanders who model them?
Those are all valid questions, and we removed the guesswork for you as well as cut off the models' heads in our photos so you won't be bothered by their Blue Steel imitations.
Affordable: Single-button blazer from Banana Republic ($130) | High-end: Two-button blazer from Royal Underground ($400)
Single-button blazers will work best on slim, short guys who aren't afraid to look trendy. Read: If you're headed to an RNC convention, it's probably best to skip the one-button suit for something more traditional.
Two-button blazers are a classic look that never go out of style. They will also make you appear taller by lengthening your torso.
Three-button blazers are fine if you're in the market for a suit; they'll work for trim guys who are six-feet and taller since the buttons go higher on the chest. When buttoning, go with the top two or one button at the top or middle. However, if you're just going to buy a blazer, go with a one or two button.


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A woman is recovering in the hospital after a bullet grazed her arm during a robbery attempt.
The woman told police she was walking in the 1300 block of Joseph E Boone Blvd. around 3 a.m. Friday when a tan car pulled up to her.
The suspects got out of the car and started shooting at the victim.
The Crime Scene Unit and the General Investigation Unit responded to the scene.
Copyright 2013 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.


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The Canton Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Kick-off meeting at the Monday night. The event included information about upcoming chamber events, members-only insurance programs and a raffle to benefit a Canton High School scholarship fund. In addition free food and drinks were offered courtesy of Cafe Louise, , , , , , LaTrattoria and Bahre's Package Store.
Attendees raised $320 through the raffle, which supports the Chamber's Canton High School Scholarship fund. Each June the organization awards at least one scholarship to a CHS Senior planning to pursue a college degree in business or an entrepreneurial endeavor.
The event was co-chaired by Marge Harmon of Harmon Travel and Mary Vincent of Vincent Funeral Homes, Inc.
On Feb. 2 the Chamber will host a "Transform Your Business Results for Long-Term Success" luncheon at Valley Sports Center with Pete Winiarski, President of Win Enterprises, LLC. Cost is $7. For more information on it and other upcoming events log on to http://www.cantonchamberofcommerce.com.


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I spend a great deal of time in these regular communications sharing the great accomplishments of the students currently attending Northshore schools. In this letter, I'd like to share some interesting statistics on where our students go after graduating from our schools.
In recent years we have seen great improvements in the ability to track our students' educational pursuits following graduation. The Education Research and Data Center out of the Washington State Office of Financial Management (www.erdc.wa.gov) is a growing source of such valuable information.
The most recent data available is for the graduating class of 2010. Of the 1,498 NSD graduates in 2010, 78% entered higher education directly from high school, compared to a statewide average of 62%. Over 80% of those college-bound students enrolled in a Washington state college or university with 37% entering a public 4-year institution, 6% entering a private 4-year institution, 38% attending a public 2-year institution, and 1% attending a private 2-year institution. The remaining 18% enrolled out-of-state, with the vast majority of those entering a public or private 4-year college or university.
The college application deadline for this year's seniors is rapidly approaching. One measure of our success as a district is whether those students will gain entrance to the colleges and universities they pursue. As students and their families eagerly await those acceptance letters later this spring, I am confident that our students will continue to do well.
Larry Francois, Northshore School District Superintendent


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Availability: Dinah's Garden Hotel
Suite, 1 King Bed, LanaiMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted TubMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Signature Suite, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen BedsMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Lagoon ViewMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child)
Executive Suite, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden AreaMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Deluxe Room, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, PatioMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child)
The Sea, by Alexander's Steakhouse at Palo Alto boutique oasis hotel
In Bay Area's South Bay
Surrounded by tropical lagoons and landscaped gardens, this Bay Area hotel is 3 miles from downtown Palo Alto, Stanford University, and the Stanford Shopping Center.
Pool, Polynesian food
A swimming pool, fitness center, and one restaurant are available at Dinah's Garden Hotel. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the property.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
Guest suites and rooms at Dinah's Garden Hotel include LCD HDTVs with premium movie channels and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Dinah's Garden Hotel Amenities
- General
Surrounded by tropical lagoons and landscaped gardens, Dinah's Garden Hotel is three miles from Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto.
Dinah's Garden Hotel features one restaurant and a poolside bar. A full breakfast is available daily (surcharge). The hotel also offers a swimming pool and fitness equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the property. Business services and computer station are available on site.
- Restaurant
- Outdoor pool
- Poolside bar
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Use of nearby fitness center (discount)
- Coffee shop or café
- Room service (limited hours)
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- 24-hour front desk
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Elevator/lift
- Fireplace in lobby
- Number of floors - 3
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Wedding services
- Concierge services
- Computer station
- Rooftop terrace
- Luggage storage
- One meeting room
- Health club
- Total number of rooms - 129
- ATM/banking
- Free self parking
- Free parking nearby
- Conference space size (meters) - 166
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Express check-out
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Garden
- Year Built 1957
- 24-hour business center
- Conference space size (feet) - 1786
- Number of buildings/towers - 7
- Television in lobby
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi , Free wired high-speed Internet
- Parking
Free self parking, Free parking nearby
- Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Premium bedding
- Air conditioning
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Phone
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Desk
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Climate control
- Complimentary weekday newspaper
- Satellite TV service
- Free Wi-Fi
- In-room massage available
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Complimentary toiletries
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Individually decorated
- Dining
The Sea, by Alexander's Steakhouse - Seafood restaurant. Offers banquet space for social and corporate functions as well.
Dinah's Poolside Restaurant - Open for breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week.
- Recreation
A swimming pool and small fitness room are on site. The recreational activities listed are on site; fees may apply
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
Dinah's Garden Hotel Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time ends at 2 AM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: JCB International, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fees
- Unless otherwise indicated, the charges below are not included in the overall room price. If not included in the overall room price, they will be charged by the property at check-in or check-out. Charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book. This property told us they will charge you for the following:
We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
- A tax is imposed by the city: USD 1.5 per accommodation, per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Deposit: USD 25 per night (for stays between 1 January - 31 December)
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 15 per night
- Additional Details
Children 16 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
Awards & Affiliations
- Details
- A Green / Sustainable Property - Third Party CertifiedThis property participates in California Green Lodging Program, a third-party certification program that has been independently certified. Third-party certification measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy. An objective assessment of a company's sustainable tourism practices has been performed at this property by an auditor who is independent of the third-party certification program.


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411 S Larkin Ave
Joliet, IL 60436
Map: Map This Location
Closest Airport: ORD
Location. Holiday Inn Joliet Conference Center is located in Joliet, close to University of St. Francis, Rialto Square Theater, and Silver Cross Field. Nearby points of interest also include Joliet Junior College.
Hotel Features. Holiday Inn Joliet Conference Center features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This 3 star property offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Joliet property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Guestrooms. 200 air conditioned guestrooms at Holiday Inn Joliet Conference Center feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary newspapers. Bathrooms feature hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available. Guestrooms offer multi line phones with voice mail, as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. Rooms also include windows that open and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is available daily.
Notifications and Fees:
The following facilities will be closed during the winter:
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
BWW Recap: Did SYTYCD's Top-16 Episode Feature the Show's Sexiest Routine Ever? Updated & with Pictures
VIDEO: First Look - Pierce Brosnan Stars in THE NOVEMBER MAN
Dita Von Teese Debuts Collection for Bare Necessities
Takuya Hiramitsu Discusses New SAILOR MOON Stage Musical, PETITE ETRANGER
Just In From the Musicians Union: Met Opera General Manager Peter Gelb Threatens Lockout and Cancellation of Season
Gerard Floriano Named New Artistic Director of Rochester Chamber Orchestra


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Apparently chicken pox parties had been the rage by some parents who believe actually making their children suffer through them will boost their immunity.
But now these misguided parents have taken this event to a new, lower level. They are mailing objects that have been contaminated with the chicken pox virus to people who cannot attend one of their "parties."
This was reported by a Nashville Tennessee TV station when a woman charged $50 to send lollipops with contaminated saliva from her own ill children to people who wanted to infect their children.
A Nashville prosecutor Jerry Martin warned that this is illegal and unsafe, according to a report in AP.
When my children had chicken pox, it was incredibly unpleasant and painful for them. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to purposely infect their children under the false belief that it's the right thing to do.
Or add related content to this report
News Stories | Images | Videos | Comments


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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Two months after putting off a decision on whether to expand Medicaid to more low-income adults, leaders of the Michigan Senate are looking to hold their much-anticipated vote.
The showdown in the Republican-dominated chamber on Tuesday or Wednesday could determine whether hundreds of thousands of state residents will qualify for government-provided health care starting in January.
Here's a look at the issue and dynamics at play:
The 2010 federal health care law has a two-part strategy to ensure nearly all Americans have health insurance. One is Medicaid expansion, which was designed to cover the neediest uninsured people but became optional for states because of a Supreme Court decision last year.
Medicaid already covers 1.9 million, or one in five, Michigan residents — mainly low-income children, pregnant women, the disabled and some poorer working adults. The debate is whether to cover nearly a half-million more adults making up to 133 percent of the poverty level, or $15,500 for an individual and $26,500 for a family of three.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder is lobbying for the expansion along with the medical and insurance industries, Democrats, some GOP lawmakers and advocates for the poor. Snyder says those who would be covered now use the emergency room for medical care — which he says is unacceptable, expensive and leads to higher premiums for businesses and individuals with private insurance. Reducing those ER visits by giving people an insurance card to go to the doctor will save money, according to proponents.
The expansion is fully financed by the federal government for the first three years and phases down gradually to a 90 percent federal share. The state would save money initially but owe later on. Cumulative costs would exceed savings in 15 years, according to the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency. Snyder also says the Affordable Care Act is here to say, so Michigan might as well get something in return for the new taxes coming under the law.


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Gender: Female
Years in Practice: 13 Years
Languages Spoken: English, French, German, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog
Medical School: University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Graduation Date: 2001
Hospital Affiliations: University Hospital
Specialties: Family Medicine
©2005-2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.


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350g/12oz black cherries, stoned and chopped (canned may be used)
4 tbsp kirsch liqueur
1 tsp almond essence
200g/7oz quality dark chocolate
175g/6oz creamed coconut, roughly chopped or grated
100g/4oz hard (block) vegetarian margarine
200g/7oz vegetarian almond crunch biscuits
50g/2oz hazelnuts, roughly chopped
Lightly oil 8 ramekin dishes with a flavour free oil and line with silicone baking parchment.
Place the fresh or canned cherries in a bowl and pour over the kirsch liqueur and almond essence. Leave to marinate for 2 hours.
Melt the chocolate, creamed coconut and margarine together over a gentle heat.
Roughly crush the almond crunch biscuits and stir into the melted mixture with the hazelnuts. Add the marinated fruit and any remaining liquid.
Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekin dishes and lightly smooth the top. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Turn out the desserts and serve on individual plates.
Type the ingredients you want to use, then click Go. For better results you can use quotation marks around phrases (e.g. "chicken breast"). Alternatively you can search by chef, programme, cuisine, diet, or dish (e.g. Lasagne).
BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.


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ASUS announced two new updates to its Fonepad lineup this week: one 6-inch model with a SuperIPS+, 1920x1080 display, and a 7-inch model with a "regular" IPS 1280x800 screen. Each is powered by Intel's newer Clover Trail system-on-chip (SoC), with the Fonepad Note 6E snagging a 2GHz Z2580 and the Fonepad 7E picking up a cheaper Atom Z2560 which runs at 1.6GHz. The 6E also scores 2GB of RAM, meaning you'll be able to keep more tabs open in your browser without reloading - something the larger screen will no doubt tempt customers to do.
If it wasn't obvious by its name alone, ASUS is going straight after Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 - the Fonepad Note 6E also features a built-in stylus and a few stylus-optimized pre-installed applications.
Both phones pick up 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 as well as 850/900/1900 MHz. GSM/HSPA support. The Note 6E gets 2100MHz, but the 7E does not. There's no report of LTE, but depending on where you are, that might not matter too much.
Each supports expansion via microSD card slots, which should make the phablets popular with some enthusiasts. This is on top of the 16GB/32GB onboard you'll get with the Fonepad Note 6E, and the 8GB/16GB/32GB you'll score with the Fonepad 7E.
If you're thinking that the 7E sounds like an overall weaker device, you'd be right - but it does win for battery capacity. The Fonepd 7E comes with a 3950mAh battery, which ASUS claims will deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for video playback and 28 hours of 3G talk time. The Note 6E 'only' features a 3200mAh version - so you'll see video playback cut down to 6.5 hours, with 3G talk time driven down to 23.
ASUS is keeping mum about how much you can expect to pay for either model, but that lack of LTE should help to keep the price a bit cheaper than it might be otherwise - after all, you can pick up Sony's 3G-only version of its Xperia Z Ultra for just $650 with no contract.
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Ragnar Relay Finishers
Design Your Own
Similar Photos: sports | recreation | white | the peace makers | ragnar relay | del sol | wickid active | running uniform
Share this photo: Twitter Facebook
comment by anonymous - Apr 07, 2007 - back to the top
What a fun race! They look great for just having run 187 miles!
comment by anonymous - Mar 02, 2009 - back to the top
What a great race, I had so much fun that first time... We just completed Del Sol 2009 as Pacemakers III, 202 miles this time, it was a hot finish this time (mid 80's)..


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Lunar WayTalk0
15,507pages on
this wiki
this wiki
Redirected from Lunar
The Lunar Way is the sum total of the teachings of the Red Goddess and her saints and deities.
- Believers in the Lunar Way are called Lunars.
- It is strongest within the Lunar Empire and surrounding areas.
- There are 108,000 Lunars in First Blessed
- There are 58,500 Lunars in the Satrapy of Kostaddi
- There are 88,000 Lunars in the Satrapy of Sylila
- There are 76,000 Lunars in the Satrapy of Darjiin
- There are 22,500 Lunars in the Satrapy of Doblian
- There are 40,000 Lunars in the Satrapy of Doblian
- There are 81,000 Lunars in the Western Reaches
- There are 310,500 Lunars in the Silver Shadow
- There are 27,000 Lunars in the Satrapy of Karasal
- There are 44,000 Lunars in Oraya
- The Lunar Provinces, Arrolia, the Red Hair Tribe and the CharUn have significant but unknown numbers of Lunars.
- There are 3,250 Lunars in occupied Sartar, 3000 of whom worship the Seven Mothers and 250 worshippers of the Red Goddess
- The total known number of Lunars is 858,750 as of 1621 ST
Important Lunar DeitiesEdit
- Danfive Xaron
- Deezola
- Etyries
- Gerra
- HonEel
- Hwarin Dalthippa
- Irrippi Ontor
- Jakaleel
- Natha
- Orogeria
- Rashorana
- The Red Emperor
- Star Twins
- Teelo Norri
- Yanafal Tarnils


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Ice House® Fleece Driver's Cap
Save a bundle and bundle up!
A stylish driver's cap that is extra warm. One size fits most. Hurry!
Item #: 32J-85R10
- $4.95
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Suggest changes
The organising team for Calderdale's only Pride event is working extremely hard to make the 2011 party the biggest and best seen so far.
After just three years, Calderdale Pride has grown from a small musical programme into a festival-style celebration of the diversity of Calderdale's communities, welcoming all, with attractions for everyone, from young children interested in learning circus skills, to adrenalin-seeking thrill seekers intent on catapulting themselves into the air.
There are also numerous commercial, craft, food and information stalls offering a huge variety of goods and information.
Hope to see you there!
Calderdale Pride Group, Voluntary Action CalderdaleThe Resource Centre, Hall StreetHalifax, West YorkshireHX1 5AY
Steven Outhwaite
12:00 noon until 6:00pm
Saturday 18th June 2011


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Videos > Gianna Michaels > Busty Gianna Michaels gets her big tits and phat ass wet outdoors
Third Movies Welcome to the official home of 3rd Degree Adult Films. On our site the pussy is hot, the ass is round and the boobs are plentiful. Third Movies is every fappers dream site as every video will leave your dick hard enough to cut diamonds.
Featured Pornstars:
- Gianna Michaels


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News Archives 2006
December 2006
- 12/22/06 Westat Presents Senior Corps Findings at Gerontological Society Meeting
- 12/12/06 Westat Awarded Second CTSU Contract by NCI
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
- 09/28/06 Incorporating NVivo Into the Analytic Process: Westat Presents Its Challenges and Successes
- 09/13/06 Westat to Exhibit at Several 2006 Health-related Conferences/Job Fairs
August 2006
July 2006
- 07/25/06 Presentations by Westat Staff at International AIDS Conference
- 07/18/06 Westat Staff Participate in 2006 JSM Conference
- 07/07/06 Joseph Waksberg's Career Commemorated
June 2006
May 2006
- 05/24/06 Westat Senior VP Gives Keynote Address at International Blaise® Conference
- 05/12/06 Presentations by Westat Staff at AAPOR Annual Conference
April 2006
- 04/28/06 Westat Staff Participate in AERA Annual Meeting
- 04/12/06 Westat Awards Subcontracts for International Blood Safety and Availability Research
March 2006
- 03/27/06 SAS Press Publishes Michael Raithel's The Complete Guide to SAS Indexes
- 03/27/06 Westat Expands Patient Safety Culture Assessment Materials
Westat Presents Senior Corps Findings at Gerontological Society Meeting
Dr. Cynthia Thomas, a Westat Senior Study Director, gave a presentation titled "How Senior Corps Volunteer Programs Strengthen Communities and Enrich the Lives of Volunteers" at the 59th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America on November 19, 2006, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Priyanthi Silva and Anne Kleiner from Westat and Nathan Dietz from the Department of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), were the co-authors. Data for this presentation came from the annual performance measurement surveys of the CNCS that Westat has been conducting for several years: the Foster Grandparent Mentoring Children Survey, the Senior Companion Service Recipient Survey, and the RSVP Volunteer Survey.
Results of the surveys indicate that foster grandparents are effective mentors because they increase children's self-esteem and help them to improve their academic performance. Senior companions are valued because they help older adults remain in their own homes by providing emotional and social support and assistance with errands and tasks around the house. Volunteers through the RSVP program believe they are able to contribute significantly to society and feel vital, active, and productive in their roles.
For more information: Contact Westat
Westat Awarded Second CTSU Contract by NCI
Westat has again been selected to manage the Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU), a program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). That contract, with anticipated extensions, will run for a total of 7 years. The CTSU facilitates physician and patient access to cancer clinical trials across the United States and Canada, provides needed support services for the trials, and works with NCI to streamline and standardize service offerings. The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups was the primary subcontractor in the original contract and continues in that role on the new contract.
Since 1999, Westat has worked to develop and implement systems and procedures for coordinating protocol implementation and providing regulatory support, data management, quality assurance, and financial management services. We also provide training services for CTSU systems and protocols, and operate the CTSU web site and help desk. The CTSU Independent Clinical Research Site program draws small hospital and cancer clinics into the research process. Under the new contract, Westat will continue to operate the CTSU and will undertake new initiatives to address emerging recommendations for improving the cancer trials infrastructure, making creative use of information technology, and extending services to new research organizations.
"The CTSU has been particularly effective in offering a wide range of clinical trial options to clinical researchers, accelerating enrollment to several major trials, and helping to advance cancer research," noted Westat Vice President Steve Durako. "The CTSU has become a vital component of the national cancer research establishment."
For more information: Contact Westat
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_103106/page9 [*]
http://www.ctsu.org/ [*]
Westat Wins Aegis Award for Documentary Videos on Ending Homelessness
Westat has won a coveted 2006 Aegis Award for the documentary video series Transformation Through Partnerships: Systems Change to End Chronic Homelessness, which was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Aegis Awards recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective video/film productions being produced today.
The videos present the complex partnerships developed in Philadelphia and Seattle to meet the needs of persons who are homeless and have mental illnesses and substance abuse issues. Partnership efforts to end chronic homelessness highlighted in the videos include programs formed by homeless service providers and city/county government, the criminal justice system, the police, hospital emergency rooms, and business and philanthropic communities. The featured programs have won multiple national awards for their partnership efforts, and the videos present best practices to other communities striving to end homelessness.
Westat Project Director Dr. Mary Anne Myers worked with a team that included our late colleague Dr. Wade Martin, Ms. Dianne McElroy, and Ms. Chandria Jones, with support from the Westat Graphics Department and Tom Barnett Productions. Dr. Martin passed away just as the videos were completed. His partnership model forms the core structure used to elucidate the featured community collaborations. We are pleased that his ideas live on in the videos.
For more information: Contact Westat
Westat Welcomes New VP: Dr. Elaine Eaker, Epidemiologist
Westat is pleased to announce that Elaine Eaker, ScD, has joined Westat as a Vice President and head of a newly formed unit in our Health Sector. This unit will conduct communication research and develop and disseminate a variety of media messages. Dr. Eaker will also continue to pursue her research interests in social and behavioral epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
Dr. Eaker brings to Westat an extensive research background in health and epidemiologic studies and in behavioral research, as well as experience in managing research programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She is an expert in women's health, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, and community interventions for prevention of chronic disease. Dr. Eaker is a recognized authority on the measurement of psychological and social characteristics in population-based epidemiologic research.
Dr. Eaker founded and conducted research under Eaker Epidemiology Enterprises, LLC, for about 10 years. Prior to forming Eaker Epidemiology Enterprises, LLC, Dr. Eaker was a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University. She has also held the positions of senior epidemiologist at the Marshfield Medical Research and Education Foundation, chief of the Cardiovascular Health Branch at CDC, and epidemiologist at the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Eaker has served on the American Heart Association (AHA) National Research Committee, the AHA National Research Program and Evaluation Committee, and the Executive Board of the Epidemiology and Prevention Council of AHA. For 5 years she chaired the Behavioral Science, Epidemiology, and Prevention Study Committee for the National AHA.
Westat is delighted to have Elaine join Westat to head this new group where she can use her strong research and management skills to continue her work in understanding the role of social and behavioral factors to public health and developing communications solutions in health and social areas.
Dr. Eaker has recently been funded by the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, to develop TalkToYourDocsm, a commercial web site to help improve communication and decisionmaking processes between health care providers and their patients on selected health issues.
For more information: Contact Westat
Incorporating NVivo Into the Analytic Process: Westat Presents Its Challenges and Successes
Karla Eisen, a Westat senior research associate, presented a paper at the Strategies in Qualitative Research Using QSR Software Conference held at the University of Durham, United Kingdom, September 12-15, 2006. The paper was coauthored by Dr. Izabella Zandberg and Dr. Susan Berkowitz, also from Westat. The presentation was on integrating NVivo, a computer-assisted qualitative software application, as part of a multiteam analysis of in-depth interview data in a mixed methods evaluation of clinical research networks.
"We presented the successes, challenges, and lessons learned in incorporating NVivo into the analytic process on this study," explained Eisen, "with particular emphasis on the implications of the diversity of the analytic team, especially of varying levels of experience conducting qualitative analysis and how this interplayed with differing inclinations to use and master the software." The presentation also considered the impact of working in a time-pressured, deadline-driven, non-academic environment, which made it impossible to fully exploit either the iterative or educative potential of the software.
For more information: Contact Westat
Westat to Exhibit at Several 2006 Health-related Conferences/Job Fairs
Westat will be exhibiting ongoing and upcoming work at several health-related conferences and job fairs this year. Representatives will be on hand to speak with prospective clients and staff. See the following list for conferences, dates, and sites.Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) Annual Conference
When: September 22-25, 2006
Where: Chicago Marriott Downtown, Chicago, Illinois
Booth number: 29
www.socra.org/html/2006_conference.htm [*]
Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) Annual Conference
When: October 8-11, 2006
Where: Buena Vista Palace, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Booth number: 307
www.scdm.org/events/Fall2006 [*]
NIH Research Festival Job Fair for NIH Postdoctoral, Research, and Clinical Fellows
When: October 19, 2006
Where: Natcher Conference Center (NIH campus), Bethesda, Maryland
Booth: Westat
http://researchfestival.nih.gov/job_fair.html [*]
Clinical Trial Supply USA Conference
When: October 24-25, 2006
Where: Holiday Inn Philadelphia�Historic District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Booth: Westat
www.clinicaltrialsevents.com/usa2006 [*]
American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Exposition
When: November 4-8, 2006
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Booth numbers: 720 and 819
www.apha.org/meetings [*]
Westat Acquires Eagle Design & Management, Inc.
Westat is pleased to announce the acquisition of Eagle Design & Management, Inc. (Eagle Design), effective July 1, 2006. Eagle Design increases Westat's capabilities for providing information management and communications solutions to our Federal Government and private sector clients. Westat can now offer current and prospective clients end-to-end communications services�from formative research to message and concept development and from implementation and dissemination to evaluation. The acquisition expands and complements Westat experience in health communications research and evaluation, in graphic design and production, and in a broad range of web-based applications.
For the past 15 years, Eagle Design has offered comprehensive health information center services to agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, primarily to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In managing these information centers, Eagle Design staff responded to inquiries from the public, created health education materials, developed and maintained accessible web sites, worked with NIH grantee institutions to disseminate research results and implement health awareness campaigns, and warehoused and distributed publications. Eagle Design has developed and implemented communication campaigns with many Federal Government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, Federal Trade Commission, National Science Foundation, Federal Aviation Administration, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Eagle Design has also conducted research projects for the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention and the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eagle Design's experience includes many projects focusing on plain language communications and in ensuring compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Eagle Design staff and operations have been relocated to our Rockville office campus. Organizationally, they will be integrated into a research area to provide the most effective combination of our capabilities.
For more information: Contact Westat
Presentations by Westat Staff at International AIDS Conference
Westat researchers will be making a variety of presentations at the XVI International AIDS Conference (IAS), August 13�18, 2006, to be held in Toronto, Canada. The theme of this year's conference is Time to Deliver! A list of presentations, posters, and abstracts to which Westat staff (names in bold) will be contributing follows. For details on the time and location of each presentation, refer to the IAS Programme Overview [*].
Adriana Duran, Marcelo Losso, Horacio Salomon, Sandra Pampuro, Donald R. Harris, Luis Soto-Ramirez, and Jennifer S. Read. Development of Antiretroviral Resistance Among HIV-1-Infected Women First Exposed to Antiretrovirals During Pregnancy: The NICHD International Site Development Initiative (NISDI) Perinatal Study.
Mar�a L. Cruz, Julianne Byrne, Daisy. Machado, Edmundo Cardoso, Mar�a Cervi, Adriana Aguilar, Miguel Cashat-Cruz, Mar�a Z. de Aquino, James Korelitz, and Leslie K. Serchuck. HIV-Infected Adolescents in Latin America: A Subpopulation of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) International Site Development Initiative (NISDI) Pediatric Study.
Ricardo H. Oliveira, Julianne Byrne, Ricardo de Souza, Adriana A. Tiraboschi, Eloisa H.S. Marques, Regina Succi, and Leslie K. Serchuck. HAART in Children and Adolescents in Latin America: Relationship Between Viral Load and Clinical Characteristics from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative (NISDI) Pediatric Study.
Miguel Cashat-Cruz, Ren� Gonin, Laura Freimanis, and Leslie K. Serchuck. Triglycerides and Cholesterol Among HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but Un-infected Children Less Than 2 Years in Latin America.
Westat Staff Participate in 2006 JSM Conference
Westat researchers will be participating as authors, session chairs, and discussants at the 2006 Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) in Seattle, Washington, to be held August 6-9, 2006. Sponsored by the American Statistical Association and four other related professional societies, this year's meeting will be drawing approximately 5,000 attendees.
Presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including health surveys, longitudinal education studies, and methodological issues such as disclosure risk, nonresponse bias, and new interviewing and modeling techniques. Of particular interest is a presentation on reflections on the career of the late Joseph Waksberg, longtime chairman of the board of Westat.
A list of papers and presentations to which Westat staff (names in bold) will be contributing follows. For details on the time and location of each presentation, refer to the 2006 Joint Statistical Meetings Preliminary Program [*]:
Laura Branden. Use of Interpreters in Telephone Interviews.
Connie Citro, Graham Kalton, and Michael L. Cohen. Functionality and Usability of Information From the American Community Survey.
Sylvia Dohrmann, Daifeng Han, and Leyla Mohadjer. Residential Address Lists vs. Traditional Listing: Enumerating Households and Group Quarters.
Brad Edwards, David Cantor, and Lisa Moses. Differences in Survey Nonresponse Components Over Time in Various Domains.
Jiaquan Fan and David Judkins. Testing the Robustness of HLM and SUDAAN.
Ismael Flores Cervantes, J. Michael Brick, Laura Alvarez Rojas, Michael E. Jones, David Grant, and John Kurata. A Review of the Sample Design for the 2001, 2003, and 2005 California Health Interview Survey.
Wayne Fuller, Keith Rust, Phillip S. Kott, Barry I. Graubard, and S. Lynne Stokes. Panel Discussion: Finite Population Correction Factors.
Jeffrey Kerwin, Kerry Levin, Andrew Wang, Stephen Campbell, and Stehanie Shipp. A Comparison of Strategies for Reducing Item Nonresponse in a Web Survey.
Thomas Krenzke, Stephen Roey, Sylvia Dohrmann, Leyla Mohadjer, Wen-Chau Haung, Steve Kaufman, and Marilyn Seastrom. Tactics for Reducing the Risk of Disclosure Using the NCES DataSwap Software.
Hyunshik Lee, Frank Jenkins, and Sunyeong Heo. Hierarchical Linear Modeling Using Complex Survey Data Based on the Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study (PEELS).
Tiandong Li, Chinfang Wong, and Ru Lu. A Bayesian Approach to the Calibration of New Test Items.
Benmei Liu. Accounting for Interviewer Variability in Small Area Estimation.
Stephen R. Machlin, David Kashihara, and Diana Wobus. Evaluation of the Accuracy of Household Reports of Medical Expenditures for Visits to Physician Offices.
Stephen R. Machlin, Diana Wobus, and David Kashihara. Evaluation of the Completeness of Household Reports of Medical Expenditures for Visits to Physician Offices.
David Morganstein, Graham Kalton, Ed Bryant, and Dan Levine. Why Some Statisticians Never Die or Fade Away: Reflections on the Career of Joe Waksberg.
Inho Park, Sylvia Dohrmann, Jill Montaquila, Leyla Mohadjer, and Lester R. Curtin. Reducing the Risk of Data Disclosure Through Area Masking: Limiting Biases in Variance Estimation.
Andrea Piesse and David Judkins. Estimating Counterfactual Temporal Trends.
Mary Schubauer-Berigan, William R. Radabaugh, Avima Ruder, Misty Hein, Sharon R. Silver, Patricia Laber, Kathleen Waters, Jinghui Liu, Steven Spaeth, and Kyle Steenland. LTAS.NET: A NIOSH Life Table Analysis System for the Windows Environment.
Wendy Van de Kerckhove, Thomas Krenzke, and Leyla Mohadjer. Approaches to Nonresponse Bias Analysis in an Adult Literacy Survey.
Joseph Waksberg's Career Commemorated
The career of Joseph Waksberg, former Westat Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Board who died in early January, was commemorated on June 26, 2006, at the National Academy of Sciences.
The audience included many of Joe's long-time colleagues and friends, as well as his son and daughter, his companion, members of his family, and family friends. Invited speakers included many from his career. Dan Levine remembered Joe's "first" career at the Census Bureau, which spanned some 30 years. Dr. Graham Kalton summarized many of Joe's important methodological innovations to the statistical field. Dr. J. Michael Brick focused on Joe's contributions to the development of random digit dialing. Warren Mitofsky shared his recollections of Joe during many late election nights at CBS, as well as highlighting Joe's contributions to the development of the field of predicting election results. These speakers were followed by comments from Joseph Hunt, President of Westat; Dr. Howard Hogan, Census Bureau; Arlene Waksberg, Joe's daughter, who spoke for the family; and Dr. Monroe Sirken, National Center for Health Statistics.
A number of common threads ran through all of the presentations: Joe's professional eminence, his contributions to the field of statistics, his warmth and humanity, his willingness to help, and his ability to reach out to others. And, as Dr. Sirken summarized, Joe really cared�he cared about his work, he cared about the Federal statistical system, he cared about ideas, and above all, he cared about people. Those present were in full agreement and one point was very clear�Joe will be missed.
NAGC Honors Three Products for Excellence in Communication
The National Association of Government Communicators [*] (NAGC) has granted first and second place awards in different categories to three Westat projects in recognition of their excellence in communication. Each year NAGC honors the best in government communications and underscores the association's high standards of professionalism in public service. The following awards recognize the vision and expertise of the respective government agencies to develop effective communication tools in collaboration with Westat's project teams of researchers, graphic artists, and support staff.
- Eagle Books�First Place: Soft Cover Book Category
Developed for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Native Diabetes Wellness Program, the Eagle Books [*] use Native American characters to deliver messages about healthy living to elementary school children. The complete series was made available in March 2006. Printing and distribution of the books will soon reach 1 million. Westat handled the art direction and production for the series.
- No Child Left Behind Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative�Second Place: Conference Brochures or Programs Category
This U.S. Department of Education program provided strategy-based services for managing major conference events, including workshop planning and support, and materials development for print, multimedia, video, and the web. The Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative [*] was created in 2004 to improve teacher quality by having teachers with proven classroom strategies share those strategies with other teachers. Westat has been involved since the inception of the initiative.
- Recovering Hope: Mothers Speak Out About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)�Second Place: Documentary Category
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention produced Recovering Hope, an hour-long documentary, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the range of disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Created for viewing by women in recovery and their counselors, the documentary encourages women to stay in recovery and to seek services for their children. Distribution of the video kits now exceeds 15,000. Westat served as SAMHSA's FASD Materials Development Center for Excellence [*] and created the documentary in collaboration with Pendragwn Productions.
The competition is open to communicators for national, military, state, regional, county, municipal, or other governmental entities or agencies and also to private-sector communicators, like Westat, who have produced work for a government entity and enter it on their behalf. Awards are given to the government organization for which the work was produced.
For more information: Contact Westat
Westat Senior VP Gives Keynote Address at International Blaise® ® Conference
Dr. James Smith, Westat Senior Vice President of Computer Systems and Applications, presented a keynote address at the 10th International Blaise Users Conference (IBUC 2006) held May 9-12, 2006, in Arnhem, The Netherlands. His address, "Open Sesame, Open Blaise," suggested some types of software openness�such as open architecture, open source, and open innovation�that may be relevant to the Blaise software system. Blaise is a computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) system and survey processing tool for the Windows operating system. Westat is the licensor for Blaise in the United States and Canada and is a major user of the system for data collection work.
Dr. Smith is responsible for Westat's survey systems design, development, and operation and for management of the company's systems analysis and programming staff.
For more information about Blaise:
Presentations by Westat Staff at AAPOR Annual Conference
Westat researchers will be making a variety of presentations at the 2006 American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Annual Conference to be held May 18-21 in Montreal, Canada. The theme of this year's conference is Confronting Core Values and Cultural Conflict. A list of papers and presentations to which Westat staff (names in bold) will be contributing follows. For details on the time and location of each presentation, refer to the AAPOR Annual Conference Preliminary Program [*].
David Cantor, Holly Schiffrin, Inho Park, and Bradford Hesse. An Experiment Testing a Promised Incentive for a Random Digit Dial Survey.
Sherman Edwards, J. Michael Brick, John Kurata, and David Grant. Effects of Multiple Sponsors on RDD ResponseRates.
Barbara H. Forsyth, Martha Stapleton Kudela, Deidre Lawrence, Kerry Levin, and Gordon Willis. Methods for Translating Survey Questionnaires.
Ryan A. Hubbard and Thomas M. Guterbock. Community and Survey Nonresponse.
Martha Stapleton Kudela, Barbara H. Forsyth, Kerry Levin, Deidre Lawrence, and Gordon Willis. Cognitive Interviewing versus Behavior Coding.
Kerry Levin, Barbara H. Forsyth, Martha Stapleton Kudela, Deidre Lawrence, and Gordon Willis. Applying Field-based Pretesting Methods.
Laurie Lewis, Izabella Zandberg, and Brian Kleiner. Mixed Modes and Mode Effects: Focus on the Web.
Natalie C. Otoo and Ryan A. Hubbard. Projecting Your Assets: Asset Value Nonresponse.
Elizabeth W. Wood, Jennifer O'Brien, Kerry Levin, and Tracey H. Heller. Boosting Response Rates: Are There Optimal Times to Email Respondents?
David Cantor. An Introduction to Conducting Surveys of Organizations (Short Course).
Robert M. Groves and J. Michael Brick. Practical Tools for Nonresponse Bias Studies (Short Course).
Westat Staff Participate in AERA Annual Meeting
Fifteen Westat researchers participated in this year's American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, discussing a wide range of topics, including adult literacy, computer technology, student achievement, and high school curriculum and transcripts, among others. The meeting was held in San Francisco, California, from April 7-11, 2006, with approximately 14,000 education researchers in attendance. A list of papers and presentations to which Westat staff (names in bold) contributed follows.
Janis Brown, Carolyn Shettle, Robert Colby Perkins, and Stephen Roey. Measures of High-School Curriculum Offerings.
Mary Dilworth and Barbara Williams. Career Opportunities to Conduct Educational Research that Influence National Policy Decisions. Roundtable discussion.
Brian Kleiner, Gary Silverstein, Xiaodong Zhang, and Amber Winkler. A Random Assignment Study on the Impact of Home Computers on Fifth Graders. Also Designing and Implementing a Randomized Experiment.
Janis Brown, Eugene Gonzalez, and Stephen Roey, Enhancing the Accessibility of Course-Taking Data: NAEP High-School Transcript Study Data on the Web.
Elois Scott, Ina Mullis, Michael Martin, Miyako Ikeda, Patrick Gonzales, Leslie Jocelyn, David Kastberg, Eugene Gonzalez, and Trevor Williams. Measuring Student Achievement in Large-Scale International Assessments.
Gary Silverstein and Michael Golden. A State's Perspective on Using a Randomized Experiment to Study Computer Impacts on Fifth Grade Students
Adrienne Andi Sosin, Gary Schecter, Carolyn Shettle, Carolyn Thompson, Elaine Sands, Mary Cortina, JoAnn Cosentino, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, and Renee White-Clark. School-University Collaboration in the No Child Left Behind Era: A Postmortem for a Federal Grant Proposal.
Sheida White, Barbara Forsyth, Jing Ching, and Carianne Santangelo. Real-World Tasks Study of the National Assessment of Adult Literacy.
Xiaodong Zhang, Gary Silverstein, Philip Fletcher, John Wells. An Integrated Method to Analyze Achievement Across Systemic Initiatives.
Westat Awards Subcontracts for International Blood Safety and Availability Research
Under Westat's Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study-II (REDS-II) coordinating center contract with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Westat has awarded subcontracts to two U.S. research institutions as part of NHLBI's new REDS-II international initiative. The objectives of the international program are to conduct epidemiologic, laboratory, and survey research of blood donors in resource-limited countries seriously affected by the AIDS epidemic. This international initiative has been developed to improve blood safety and availability. Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, will be conducting research in China in collaboration with the Chinese Institute for Blood Transfusion, located in Beijing, and five blood centers distributed throughout China. Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California, will conduct research in collaboration with the Funda��o de Medicina in Sao Paulo and three other Brazilian blood centers.
Since its inception in the late 1980s, REDS has been one of the U.S.'s premier research programs in blood safety and availability. The new international initiative addresses the global imperative to improve blood resources.
SAS Press Publishes Michael Raithel's The Complete Guide to SAS Indexes
Michael Raithel, a Westat senior systems analyst and an authority on SAS software, has had his third book published by SAS Press. The Complete Guide to SAS Indexes was published in February 2006. Mr. Raithel has published two other books to date:
- Tuning SAS Applications in the MVS Environment (1995), which was entered into the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History Information Technology collection, and
- Tuning SAS Applications in the OS/390 and z/OS Environments (2003), which is the updated second edition of the 1995 book.
Mr. Raithel is on a Westat team of recognized senior SAS technology leaders. He provides leadership and planning for the application of SAS software products to a variety of projects. Notably, he is involved in the planning, deployment, and tuning of SAS/IntrNet software, used by various projects to display government data over the Internet. Mr. Raithel has taught SAS software classes at conferences, at Westat, and as an invited lecturer to the SAS Institute's office in the United Kingdom. His web-based SAS/IntrNet�SAS Data Warehouse GPRA application, created for the U.S. Customs Service, was nominated for the 1999 Computerworld Smithsonian Award in the Government and Nonprofit Organizations category.
You can read an interview with Mr. Raithel by SAS Press's Authorline at the following link:
http://support.sas.com/publishing/bbu/authorline/2006/1_06/1_06a.html [*]
For more information about his book:
http://www.sas.com/apps/pubscat/bookdetails.jsp?catid=1&pc=60409 [*]
Westat Expands Patient Safety Culture Assessment Materials
In an effort funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Westat is expanding the assessment of patient safety culture beyond the hospital setting. Westat is adapting the highly successful Hospital Survey on Patient Safety (HSOPS), which assesses hospital staff perceptions about the facility's environment related to medical error and patient safety, to two other care settings: nursing homes and outpatient/ambulatory health care facilities. Organizations interested in pilot testing these draft surveys should contact Westat at email@example.com for the summer 2006 testing. The final surveys will be available in 2007.
Westat is also developing a national database to enable hospitals to compare their patient safety culture survey results with other hospitals' results.
HSOPS, a public-use survey, and its companion survey users' guide were released for national distribution in fall 2004 in partnership with Premier, Inc., the Department of Defense (DoD), and the American Hospital Association (AHA).
For more information:
www.ahrq.gov/qual/hospculture [*]
* Related Internet link - Westat is NOT responsible for the privacy practices or the content on other web sites. (See Westat's Privacy Policy.)


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The atmospheric greenhouse effect, an idea that authors trace back to the traditional works of Fourier 1824, Tyndall 1861, and Arrhenius 1896, and which is still supported in global climatology, essentially describes a fictitious mechanism, in which a planetary atmosphere acts as a heat pump driven by an environment that is radiatively interacting with but radiatively equilibrated to the atmospheric system. According to the second law of thermodynamics such a planetary machine can never exist. Nevertheless, in almost all texts of global climatology and in a widespread secondary literature it is taken for granted that such mechanism is real and stands on a firm scientific foundation. In this paper the popular conjecture is analyzed and the underlying physical principles are clarified. By showing that (a) there are no common physical laws between the warming phenomenon in glass houses and the fictitious atmospheric greenhouse effects, (b) there are no calculations to determine an average surface temperature of a planet, (c) the frequently mentioned difference of 33 degrees Celsius is a meaningless number calculated wrongly, (d) the formulas of cavity radiation are used inappropriately, (e) the assumption of a radiative balance is unphysical, (f) thermal conductivity and friction must not be set to zero, the atmospheric greenhouse conjecture is falsified.
Unfortunately, there is no source in the literature, where the greenhouse e ect is introducedin harmony with the scientic standards of theoretical physics. As already emphasized, the\supplement" to Kittel's book on thermal physics [92] only refers to the IPCC assessments[23, 25]. Prominent global climatologists (as well as \climate sceptics") often present theirideas in handbooks, encyclopedias, and in secondary and tertiary literature.
he goes on to say that his imagined heat pump idea violates the second law of thermo
"Proof of the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect".Contrary to the claims of G&T, I show here that:1. An average surface temperature for a planet is perfectly well defined with or without rotation, and with or without infrared absorbing gases.2. This average temperature is mathematically constrained to be less than the fourth root of the average fourth power of the temperature, and can in some circumstances (a planet with no or very slow rotation, and low surface thermal inertia) be much less. . . .5. The measured average temperature of Earth's surface is 33 degrees C higher than the limit determined by items (2) and (3). Therefore, Earth is proved to have a greenhouse effect of at least 33K.
Buy Dale's Book!


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December 14, 2006Four years ago, a team of NIDCR grantees and colleagues isolated a gene involved in causing Van der Woude syndrome, the most common of the syndromic forms of cleft lip and palate. Amid the good news, the scientists predicted that further study of the gene, called intereferon regulatory factor (Irf6), would likely reveal a series of important clues into mammalian and thus human development. In the November issue of the journal Nature Genetics, the NIDCR grantees and their colleagues report on the latest developmental clue to be teased out of Irf6. The scientists found that mice with deficient amounts of the Irf6 protein in utero are born with abnormal skin, limb, and craniofacial development. Their analyses indicated that the primary defect involved keratinocytes, the major cell type of the epidermis, suggesting the Irf6 protein is necessary to regulate their proper differentiation and proliferation. According to the authors, their discovery links for the first time an IRF family member to epidermal development. As they noted, "The new roles for a member of the IRF family expand the repertoire of IRF functions from stress response into development but suggest a bridge that spans these apparently disparate functions." Read more about this paper by Ingraham et al. In the same issue of Nature Genetics, another group of NIDCR grantees report independently and simultaneously that Irf6 "is a key determinant of the keratinocyte proliferation-differentiation switch." The finding is based on work with mice that carried a missense mutation in both copies of the Irf6 gene in utero. Read more about this paper by Richardson et al.
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Hi Marty, a couple of comments on two recent postings: (1) Re Normand's article on Aubrey Mattingly/Stittsville--the correct spelling ,according to the Goulbourn Historical Society is and always has been STITTSVILLE named in honour of the first settler and postmaster Jackson Stitt. We moved to Stittsville in 1971and while the CPR was still running through the centre of town ,the water tower had been torn down but the train station cum hotel was and still is a downtown heritage building.
The last train went through in the early '80's and the road bed is now a part of the Trans Canada trail. (2) Thanks to Bob Hawkins for the link re Weredale Boys Home which brought back a lot of memories. When reading through the comments of former residents though I thought that I would add my two cents to perhaps balance off some of the negative impressions of the postings on the link. That must be prefaced by the fact that I can only speak for the 4-1/2 years I was there. My Dad died in May of 1952 and Jim and I went into the"Home" in Sept 1953.
There is no doubt that Weredale was a tough place and Jim and I were very fortunate that we had some guardian angels there when we arrived, to look out for us until we found our sea legs. A year earlier Ralph and Gerald Robertson and Herbie Simons, who we had grown up with in the Park, as they were foster children of the Saunders family(Parker Ave), had entered Weredale and so with a year of seasoning they were able to teach us the ropes as we eased into our new life.
As was typical of most institutions of that ilk and era, discipline was first and foremost , rote was the common form of operation and abuses did occur. In the main however the administration and staff were generally tough but fair and if one followed the rules then life with its restrictions and regimentation was liveable. As with everything else in life though much of what we become is dependent on where we come from and how we react to our environment . In the main Weredale was a safe if not necessarily nurturing haven for most of the 150 residents who arrived there with a wide variety of unpleasant histories and upbringings. In spite of that beginning however there were a lot of success stories and ,I personally know Weredale old boys who became Accountants, orthodontists, Social Workers and Lawyers,automobile mechanics and magazine editors.
In the city we attended schools under the control of the Westmount School Board (one of the best systems in the city of Montreal). In the main residence we had a swimming pool, gym ,an outdoor rink in the winter which became a ball diamond in the spring and fall,albeit with an asphalt surface ,which prevented any sliding into home plate, a scout troop ,which went on overnight outings on the West Island in the winter , a library, games rooms with pool table and ping pong(oops table tennis) tables, a model train room which would be the envy of many hobbyists and movies every Fri night.
In the summer we school children( some of the residents were working full time) spent the full summer at a camp on Lac L'achigan north of St Jerome where we learned to boat ,swim ,canoe, sail , shoot rifles, outdoor camping and nature craft. In addition there was a hierarchical system where if one showed leadership abilities he could progress from ordinary camper to hut leader, to counsellor -in -training to counsellor and instructor in the various activities.
While at school during the regular season we were generally on a tight schedule -leave for school at 8:20 after an inspection to see that our boots were shined, face washed ,hair combed, clean shirt and tie and pants, come home for lunch and then check in after school no later than 4:00 pm unless we had special dispensation. I personally sang in the school glee club, played on school teams in soccer , volleyball, hockey and football and was allowed to check in late after practice or games with no hassle.
I didn't live in a cocoon when I was there and I was certainly aware that bullying and some physical abuse did occur but in a situation like Weredale ,quick fists,fast feet, street smarts and the discernment to know when to use any or all of the above was usually enough to keep out of trouble. If I had my druthers I most certainly would have preferred that my Dad had not died and that I would have spent those 4-1/2 years in Greenfield Park however as one wise man once said " when you life hands you a lemon make lemonade". JMcC
Thanks John McC.


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After four years of cutbacks and concessions, the faces its toughest budget yet.
"This is definitely the worst it's looked. But the good news is that the economy is stabilizing. We're looking at a one percent decrease in property values," said Mayor Gretchen Driskell. The city is banking on collecting $5,182,696 in real property taxes in 2013, down from $5,468,271.
At the same time, the city is staring at a $550,000 fix to the roof of the building and $150,000 to fix the storm drain in the Wildwood subdivision. Total general fund expenses are expected to rise nearly $700,000 in 2013.
The end result is that more tough choices will need to be made in the coming weeks.
"We're going to have to talk about ways to generate revenues and to cut expenses," said City Manager Todd Campbell. "80 percent of our budget is people so as we continue to cut costs that's more burden on the employees, and that's something we're going to propose to continue to do. But at some point, we need to consider a balanced approach and talk about revenue generation as well."
For now, council is working under the assumption that the police department will continue to work without a Deputy Chief. The city is also planning not to hire anyone to replace any of the four DPW workers who are retiring, which will mean the department will have just 10 employees. As well, the city office staff has been thinned by attrition as well.
Campbell said the city would approach non-union staff about continuing the wage freeze. The city is sitting down to negotiate a new contract with the Teamsters union representing DPW and other city employees. Campbell said the city might ask employees to forgo cost of living increases and longevity and merit pay increases, along with continuing the wage freeze. He said once a deal is reached with the Teamsters and non-union staff, the city would go to the police unions, who have contracts until 2013, and ask for concessions.
At Monday night's city council budget meeting, Finance Director Lee Bourgoin suggested one option was to assess the fire millage that remains unused in the city. The idea was not well received, as council recently passed a motion to continue to pay for its share of the fire department out of the general fund.
Another option for revenue generation might be a parks tax. The general fund partially subsidizes the Rec Center, for example. Council member Dean Girbach suggested that continued financing of the program might require citizens to vote on a special recreation millage.
The city levies 13.4410 mills for operating. The maximum millage available to the city is 14.6281 mills. Over the years, the city's millage has ranged from 11 to 17.3 mills. Because of lower property values, city residents are paying lower taxes than in the past. Bourgoin said that in 2007, the typical Saline household paid more than $1,500 in taxes for city operations. Today, that number is at $1,283. Bourgoin noted that it would take a millage increase of about 3 mills to make up the difference.
Driskell didn't appear keen on tax hikes on residents.
"Residents are paying less in taxes. But they have less income, too. There has been a big shift in the state and we're still absorbing it. It's going to take more time," Driskell said.
Instead, she suggested aggressively marketing vacant city-owned land, like the old DPW site on Maple Road. She said that the city would have to take a close look at every capital project. She also said workers would have to bear the brunt of the financial strain.
"We're going to have to ask our employees to sacrifice more. But we need to be cognizant that there's a breaking point," said Driskell.
City administration and department heads have already taken one crack at the budget. The first look at the budget on March 26 showed the city's fund balance falling from $709,391 into a deficit of 1,392,715, a drop of more than $2 million. After going over the budget with department heads, Bourgoin and Campbell have reduced the $2 million shortfall to about $600,000, with the latest budget projections showing a fund balance of $138,937.
City council will continue budget discussions at 6 p.m. Monday, prior to the regular meeting.


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July 25, 2014
pt class traitors
CLASS TRAITORS 1:50 pm November 27, 2012
Millionaire Joe Scarborough Class Wars 'Rich People'
Wonketteers, did you know that the country is full of rich people with mansions and jets? And that these people are far richer than most Americans are or ever will be? Joe Scarborough knows a little something about wealth inequality — not because HE's wealthy, but because he's seen OTHER PEOPLE hoard vast quantities of […]
CLASS TRAITORS 12:06 pm November 21, 2012
Stupid Old Joe Biden Takes Thanksgiving Vacation, Is Stupid
Dumb Joe Biden, what have you done now!!! Keith Koffler, of White House Dossier, is here to tell us in the excellent journalistic scoop "'Middle Class Joe' Takes Thanksgiving on Nantucket." Vice President Biden, who thinks of himself as middle class and self-identifies with average Americans, embarked Tuesday for the exclusive resort island of Nantucket, […]


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Share a Pair of Stories and the Plum Borough Community Library are teaming up to host an event to honor veterans.
On President's Day, Monday, Feb. 18, veterans will be telling stories to library visitors from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The community, and particularly school children, are encouraged to attend.
Children are urged to bring thank you notes or cards which will be displayed at the library, shared with the veteran storytellers or donated to an area VA hospital. Young children can download a printable thank you card to color here.
Many veterans already have agreed to speak, and any who attends and would like to share a story will be welcome to do so.
To register for the program, contact the library at 412-798-7323.
Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.


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|ordinate (ˈɔːdɪnɪt)
|Compare abscissa See also Cartesian coordinates the vertical or y-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates
|[C16: from New Latin phrase (linea) ordināte (applicāta) (line applied) in an orderly manner, from ordināre to arrange in order]
ordinate or·di·nate (ôr'dn-ĭt, -āt')
The plane Cartesian coordinate representing the distance from a specified point to the x-axis, measured parallel to the y-axis.
|ordinate (ôr'dn-ĭt) Pronunciation Key
The distance of a point from the x-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the y-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 3 as its ordinate. Compare abscissa.


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Originally published on Wed January 23, 2013 8:53 pm
The recent crises in northern Africa, from Libya to Mali to Algeria, have raised a host of questions about the role of the American military command responsible for the entire continent.
Founded in 2007, the United States Africa Command, or AFRICOM, was created to train African militaries so U.S. troops would not be called upon in times of crisis.
From NPR News, it's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Robert Siegel.
Controversial experiments on bird flu could resume within weeks because leading influenza researchers around the world have finally called a halt to an unusual moratorium that has lasted more than a year.
The voluntary pause in the research started back in January 2012. Scientists had genetically altered the bird flu virus H5N1, changing it in ways that allowed it to spread through the coughs and sneezes of ferrets — the lab stand-in for people.
It was probably a first for Norway when a truck trailer full of sweet goat cheese caught fire near the town of Narvik late last week, blocking a road tunnel. it took four days for firefighters to put out the flames. No one was hurt. Norwegian Broadcasting says the tunnel was so badly damaged that geologists are checking it for safety, and any lingering toxic gases.
Almost a decade since the end of the hit American TV series Friends, the show — and, in particular, the fictitious Central Perk cafe, where much of the action took place — is enjoying an afterlife in China's capital, Beijing. Here, the show that chronicled the exploits of New York City pals Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey is almost seen as a lifestyle guide.
Tucked away on the sixth floor of a Beijing apartment block is a mini replica of the cafe, orange couch and all, whose owner Du Xin introduces himself by saying, "Everyone calls me 'Gunther' here."
Originally published on Tue January 22, 2013 8:48 pm
In his inaugural address, President Obama made reference to historic events in the women's rights movement, the black civil rights movement and the gay rights movement.
Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Thousands of activists on both sides of the issue are holding rallies marking the day at state capitals across the country.
In the decades since the decision, abortion has been one of the most debated and legislated issues in the nation. And state legislatures, which are increasingly passing laws restricting abortion, have become the debate's key battlegrounds.
The Senate picked up Tuesday exactly where it left off nearly three weeks ago. By a twist of the rules, the Senate chamber remains in its first legislative day of the 113th Congress.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he's kept things at the starting point so that he and his fellow Democrats have the option of changing the rules on the filibuster by a simple majority vote.
"The Senate will take action to make this institution that we all love, the United States Senate, work more effectively," Reid said Tuesday. "We'll consider changes to the Senate rules."
President Obama pulled out a surprise in his inaugural address on Monday. After barely mentioning climate change in his campaign, he put it on his short list of priorities for his second term.
"We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations," he said. Today the White House had scant detail on what the president plans to do.
Congress faces a battle over gun laws that could be the biggest in a generation.
Leading the charge for gun rights is the National Rifle Association, with its huge budget and grass-roots operations. On the other side, a new leader has emerged in recent years: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is not only outspoken on gun control, he has also opened his substantial wallet for the cause.


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Open Thread: 3/23 Camp NotesBy
The Yankees lost to the Tigers this afternoon despite leading by three runs at one point. Andy Pettitte allowed four runs in 6.1 innings of work, so he's pretty much stretched out for the season. Just one more tune-up start to go. Cody Eppley faced five batters and allowed five hits, which is … uh … not good. Shawn Kelley allowed a run in an inning and a third.
Ben Francisco was the big star of the day, hitting not one but two homers. They both came off righties — Anibal Sanchez and Bruce Rondon — even though the team is looking at him as a lefty masher. Juan Rivera had three hits including a double while Brett Gardner, Eduardo Nunez (two), Ichiro Suzuki, and Chris Stewart all singled. Kevin Youkilis and Jayson Nix doubled. Here's the box score and here's the rest from Tampa…
- Brennan Boesch (stiff left ribcage) was checked out by the doctors today and he will not play this weekend. The Yankees are off on Monday and the plan is to get him back in a game Tuesday or Wednesday. [Andy McCullough & Bryan Hoch]
- Joe Girardi said he doesn't expect to make any final roster decisions until the exhibition game against Army at West Point next Saturday. Fifth starter, first base, left field, bench, and Clay Rapada's vacant bullpen spot are all up for grabs. [Chad Jennings]
- David Adams played in his first minor league game of the year this afternoon. He had been battling a back injury that required an epidural and kept him out of big league Spring Training. [Josh Norris]
- Jose Campos pitched in a minor league game this afternoon and was sitting 89-91 mph with the fastball in the first inning. He missed basically all of last year with an elbow problem, so it's good to hear he's back on the mound. [Norris]
- The Yankees released a handful of minor leaguer pitchers today: righties Cory Arbiso, Pedro Guerra, Will Oliver, Matt Richardson and lefty Matt Bashore. Arbiso was the best of the bunch. [Norris]
- Adam Warren will start against the Rays when they come to Tampa tomorrow. That game will be on YES and MLB.tv (no local blackout).
Here is your open thread for the evening. The Devils, Knicks, and Nets are all playing, plus MLB Network will air a Spring Training game later tonight. Sounds like most people will get the Pirates and Red Sox. Talk about any of that stuff and more right here. Enjoy.
74 Comments»
So two wind-aided HRs by Francisco and I guess that convinces Girardi and Cashman he deserves a roster spot. Death on lefties– or I guess death from lefties. Hit .213 against lefties last year. Mesa could do that — with much betyter defense and more power. Francisco hit 4 dingers all last year.
Mesa hit .214 against lefties last year….combined in AA/AAA.
Neither is a good option as a lefty masher. Francisco is at least hitting now. May as well keep him around until he stops.
How dare a veteran player trying to make a major league roster impress! No, Ben Francisco, get back in the box we want you in!
Two home runs have nothing to do with his roster spot.
He was all but guaranteed a spot as soon as they picked him up, same as Boesch and to a VERY slightly lesser extent Rivera.
Fuck Ben Francisco go Melky!
This edition of "Random Crap Bob looked at today and find surprising because he doesn't read much other than news"
Apparently there's a place called Cabbagetown.
Upon reading this news I immediately started looking for garments branded with the towns name (Cabbagetown Sluggers shirt? I'll take two!), it turns out there's more than one out there:
Ironically neither place seem to have much agriculture today.
Lesson of the day: don't name towns with era-appropriate names.
Hard to say that positions are open when I can really only wrap my head around one possibility:
C – Cervelli/Stewart
1B – Youkilis (hopefully keeps him healthier)
2B – Cano
3B – Nunez (I'll be clenching with every play)
SS – Jeter
LF – Boesch/Mesa
CF – Gardner
RF – Ichiro
DH – Hafner/Rivera (please God, bring back Pronk instead of Pork…)
C – Stewart/Cervelli
PH/DH – Rivera/Hafner
INF – Nix
OF – Mesa/Boesch
Has the fucking season started yet?
I thought it was always fucking season?
Well played.
Got any kids?
Ladies and gentlemen, here are your potential New York Yankees Opening Day starters:
1B: Juan Rivera
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Kevin Youkilis
SS: Eduardo Nunez
LF: Ichiro Suzuki
CF: Brett Gardner
RF: Brennan Boesch
C: Francisco Cervelli
DH: Travis Hafner
Over the last two seasons, those nine guys have combined to hit .270/.334/.423 – but that is HEAVILY weighted by Robinson Cano's .307/.364/.542. If we remove his numbers, the team's averages over that time fall to a less than impressive .262/.327/.396.
For comparison, the 2012 Minnesota Twins hit .260/.325/.390.
Pathetic. Have to say, if the Steinbrenners sell the team or Cashman goes I won't be too upset. Sure Granderson and Teixeira are better, but they're still pretty overrated: .232/.319/.492 and .252/.332/.475 respectively. A-Rod? Please…I think imagining anything better than .275/.340/.430 is insane. All things considered this team's not looking very good. Nothing down the farm that seems like it would help that much or net anything decent in a trade. Perhaps this is when the Yankees join the rest of baseball in mediocrity.
Another prodigal son returns.
I assume stuart is warming up in the pen.
This line up is basically Robinson Cano surrounded by a non-Detroit AL Central team. The rotation looks like it might be non-terrible, though.
And this is easily the worst team they've fielded in well over a decade. I hated the 2008 squad, but even then they had A-Rod coming off an MVP season and Jeter, Posada, and Cano were coming off good seasons. Damon IIRC too.
That depends. Do you consider 2000 "well over"?
Well in 2000 they returned most of the core of a 98 win team, but guys had worse years than they did in 1999.
Do you even know what "prodigal" means? Also, don't you have better things to do than commenting/trolling on a baseball blog all day, every day, for the past umpteenth days?
Don't you have better things to do than reading his comments on a baseball blog all day, every day, for the past umpteenth days?
It's called STATISTICS, genius.
It's called STALKING, genius.
Ok. Sure.
Just, you know, get a life. That's all. Have a nice night, sir.
You have zero clue, buddy.
Use a real screen name next time.
The Legions of the Miserable are emerging from their winter hibernation.
Quote is from NoMaas too.
NoMaas people are dicks. I'm not even kidding. When I first got into more advanced statistics (for back then) I made a few beginner's errors in a comment (while my own tone was not, and should not be interpreted as patronizing, insulting or rude in any way) and one or two of the then-site staff (not sure if they still write there now) treated me very rudely. The personal insults I took that day was uncalled for.
One of the great things about RAB is that Mike and the regulars won't lash out at you for no good reason. At most is maybe a good-natured teasing insult (if you are likely to be a regular) or dissecting your comments to give some harsh but fair rebuttals.
So yeah, to be short, screw them.
I agree. I liked NoMaas when I first discovered the vast blogosphere, but the fact that they let their commenters say some vile shit, particularly about the 3 RAB founders, and that they act like their shit doesn't stink, turned me away from them at least a year ago.
I liked NoMaas when it was basically a front page of funny pictures.
NoMaas? Am I back in 2008 when they were last relevant? What is Steve Lombardi up too?
So with 4 of the team's top 5 or 6 hitters out of the lineup (and possibly none out for the full season), the remaining lineup combined for an OPS over the past 2 years that is still more than 20 points better than AL average?
Wow, things are better than I thought.
20 points better than the AL average? Que? They're opening the season with Eduardo Nunez, Vernon Wells, Juan Rivera, Kevin Youkilis, and one of Chris Stewart or Frankie Cervelli will be starting opening day. Yeah.
Yeah, 4 top 100 prospects in the farm system won't net you anything decent in a trade.
I admit this is only based on loose impressions of looking over RAB daily, but it seems like Stewart has been going out there a lot more often the past week or two (as opposed to Cervelli). If true, that would seem to indicate that they're going to go with Stewart as the starter and Cervelli as the backup.
This lady got a father of three fired for making a sexual joke to his friend while in her vicinity. He made a couple of sexual, not sexist jokes to his friend at a conference while seated behind her. She didn't ask them to stop, nor did she express that she was uncomfortable with the jokes. She then takes the guy's photo and tweets it, and his employer finds out and gets her fired. She is being hailed as a hero, but ironically the jokes weren't sexist at all, and she herself supposedly tweeted some sexual jokes in the past.
Sounds like a real bitch.
Hey everyone…
I was hoping there was going to be another fantasy thread this year…but since there was not. I thought I would put this here in the open thread.
Anyone interested in joining a RAB league from last year that has turned keeper? Need a few committed managers for a competitive league.
You can see the details here….
If you want to join send me an email at email@example.com and include your email and the team you would like to take over.
I am watching Krokus on TV.
So, the saga of the Godspell production continues: Our theater company has gotten the money to perform Godspell. The story is this:
We need 575 dollars to perform Godspell. 375 are donations from family members of the chairmen-300 from a combination of two not-immediate relatives and my parents, and 75 from a co-chairman's Aunt. That means we needed 200 more dollars to put on the show.
This money is essentially a guarantee in about two and a half to three weeks or so, due to fundraisers with various companies and a hundred dollar advertisement bought by a business. But a co-chairman informed me that this may not be soon enough, because people are asking for exact audition dates, and since we can't give them they're losing interest.
So my super-awesome parents, who I told this to, offered, along with their 100 dollar donation, to give us a 200 dollar loan.
Meaning: We can get the rights. The show is a GO.
Oddly, my reaction has been sort of reserved. I figured I'd be thrilled. I think that will come when I actually hold the scripts in my hand, but until then I won't believe it.
BUT-for all intents and purposes, WE DID IT. I honestly did not think we would actually be able to pull this off, but I think we're really, truly going to. I mean, there's still the real meat, auditions and rehearsals-but we have a theater. We have a director, music director, and stage manager. And finally, FINALLY, we will have the rights. We're going to pull it off. I can't believe it.
If we do, everything-absolutely everything-will be worth it.
This is going to be so fucking cool.
Nice to hear that, seems like you've been looking forward to it for a while.
I think that you're in a condition I call success-denial. Things turned out much easier/better than you expected (possibly on the edge of your hopes) or some good fortunes happened in succession so you cannot believe your relatively good fortune.
Yes shoppers, look for Bill Hall to make an inexpensive comeback.


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A fan gets ready to board the flight to Providence for the AFC title game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots.
WBAL-TV/Scott Wykoff
There is plenty of Ravens swag available for fans at BWI as they meet their flights to New England for the AFC title game.WBAL-TV/Scott Wykoff
Double T Diner in Perry Hall customers wanted their purple pride to rise and shine early.
WBAL-TV/Kim Dacey
No lack of spirit around these parts on championship game day.WBAL-TV/Kim Dacey
Fans sitting pretty in purple on championship game day.WBAL-TV/Kim Dacey
The gang's all here to start the victory celebration early.WBAL-TV/Kim Dacey
A pair of Ravens fans - at the gate - ready for the next step before the Superbowl in New Orleans.WBAL-TV/Scott Wykoff


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Hessen (Hesse)
Hesse prides itself to be an international and open-minded state that is also deeply rooted in its heritage and history. From Kassel to Darmstadt and from Fulda to the state capital of Wiesbaden, the cities of Hesse are unique in their cultural offerings and architecture. And the metropolis of Frankfurt-am-Main is the fast-developing European financial centre and hosts Germany's most important international airport.
Nestled between the major cities lie towns and villages with picturesque half-timbered buildings and unique architectural monuments and proud of their local history. Every major city – but also many smaller towns – have their own theaters, orchestras, dance companies and night clubs. Over the centuries, what has emerged is not a homogenous conurbation of communities, but rather a colorful mosaic that gives Hesse its vibrance.
Just one hour away from the cities you will find untouched wilderness, in the Odenwald, the Westerwald, the Taunus or the Vogelsberg. Hesse is Germany's richest forest state with 41% woodland. Natural scenery from heather to moor landscapes, attractive lakes, the Rhine and the Lahn rivers, make Hesse a holiday destination with hundreds of kilometres of beautiful hiking trails, long-distance cycling routes and countless other leisure activities. Several famous holiday routes lead right through Hesse, such as the German Medieval Route, the German Avenue Route, The German Limes Route and the Fairytale Route.
Frankfurt is one of Germany's major commercial centres. It hosts some important trade fairs. The annual "Frankfurter Buchmesse" is the world's largest book fair. Frankfurt has a great history as a free city and setting for the coronation of kings and emperors. The first National Parliament convened in the Paulskirche in 1848. The city's most famous son: Johann Wolfgang van Goethe. Read more on theFrankfurt page.
The capital city of Hesse, historically famous as a spa town and today an outstanding convention and culture centre. The baroque-styled Wiesbaden Kurhaus, landmark of the elegant city, is surrounded by splendid historical buildings. It hosts several restaurants, the Casino and the State Theater of Hesse. The Colonnades opposite – running over 129 m – are the longest columned hall in Europe. Facing the Kurhaus: Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz (Emperor Frederick's Square) right in front of the noble Hotel Nassauer Hof at Wiesbaden's distinguished boulevard Wilhelmstrasse, with its stylish boutiques, pleasant cafés and superb antique stores.


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Maybe Exodus International Can Save Women From Christian Domestic Discipline
A marriage license and daily prayers don't make domestic abuse any more legal.
Religious conviction makes people do and say crazy things, many of them not remotely rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ or other icons of people of faith. Sometimes, those people see the light and realize hate and discrimination are not the goals of any true and sincere religion. And sometimes, those people are so threatened at the thought they might lose control over other groups of people, they double-down on the crazy.
On the hopeful front, we have Alan Chambers, who recently apologized to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for his years trying to "fix" gays and lesbians by offering "reparative therapy" to make them straight. Exodus International, a Christian ministry, decided to close its doors after 37 years and stop trying to turn gays into heterosexuals. Said Exodus president Chambers in a statement on the group's website:
For quite some time we've been imprisoned in a worldview that's neither honoring toward our fellow human beings, nor biblical. From a Judeo-Christian perspective, gay, straight or otherwise, we're all prodigal sons and daughters. Exodus International is the prodigal's older brother, trying to impose its will on God's promises, and make judgments on who's worthy of His Kingdom. God is calling us to be the Father – to welcome everyone, to love unhindered.
This is a new season of ministry, to a new generation. Our goals are to reduce fear (reducefear.org), and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities.
[See a collection of political cartoons on gay marriage.]
The idea that homosexuals can simply be trained to be sexually attracted to people of the other sex is absurd, and defies logic for two contradictory reasons. An initial thought is that if homosexuality were a choice, we might have a lot more lesbians. Why not double your shoe wardrobe, never mind avoid conversations with your female friends, after a breakup, about how you'll never understand male behavior? The second thought is that if one could choose one's sexual orientation, why make a choice that will make you the target of discrimination, violence, hatred and even murder?
Perhaps the idea behind it is that Christians are supposed to hate the sin, but love the sinner. It's a tremendously impressive step that Chambers has realized that the so-called "sin" was merely being "the sinner" – and that it is wrong to demonize people simply for being who and what God or nature made them.
Score one for tolerance among those claiming to be motivated by religion. It's been undermined a bit, however, by a group (a small one, thankfully) that thinks men should spank their wives in the name of Christian discipline.
[Read the U.S. News Debate: Should the Boy Scouts of America Lift Its Ban on Gay Members?]
Both The Daily Beast and Jezebel have written about the practice of spanking for Jesus. Called "Christian Domestic Discipline," the practice is meant to keep wives in line by domestic violence – or, as its adherents call it, just a way to keep a woman in her rightful, submissive place. As The Daily Beast's Brandy Zadrozny reports:
Referred to as CDD by its followers, the practice often includes spanking and other types corporal punishments administered by husbands—and ostensibly ordained by God. While the private nature of the discipline makes it difficult to estimate the number of adherents, activity in several online forums suggests a figure in the low thousands. Devotees call CDD an alternative lifestyle and enthusiastically sing its praises; for critics, it's nothing but domestic abuse by another name.
Good lord.
[Read the U.S. News Debate: Should Gay Marriage be Legal Nationwide?]
Jezebel's Callie Beusman writes about the women being under constant supervision and monitoring by their husbands, who punish the adult women with such child-rearing tactics as time outs and having phone privileges taken away.
This isn't a lifestyle choice. It's abuse, and it's no less illegal because it's being done in the name of religion. It's the same mindset that led to what Ohio authorities say was the enslavement of three women by a local man who beat them, raped them and kept them from leaving the house. A marriage license and daily prayers don't make it fundamentally any different.
The leaders of Exodus have joined the modern world, realizing they can't "save" gays and lesbians from being who they are. The ministry is planning to open under a new name and mission. Perhaps they could rescue the women being abused by CDD followers.


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IMP Awards > Intl > UK > 2011 Movie Poster Gallery > Codebreaker Poster
Poster design by Kustom Creative
Codebreaker (2011)
TRAILERS | IMDB | AMAZON | added: Oct 2nd, 2012
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