text:
Are you Robert S Schwartz?Claim your profile
Publications (31)95.46 Total impact
Article: Subcutaneous Adipose tissue insulin resistance is associated with visceral adiposity in postmenopausal women.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Objective: We determined whether whole body and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) insulin resistance was proportional to regional fat mass (FM). Design and Methods: We studied postmenopausal women (Mean±SD; age 56±4 y, n=25) who were overweight or obese (BMI 29.9±5.1 kg/m(2) ). Whole body and regional FM were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT). Women were studied during basal and insulin-stimulated (3-stage euglycemic clamp) conditions. Whole-body lipolysis was assessed by [(2) H5 ]glycerol rate of appearance and abdominal and femoral SAT lipolysis by interstitial glycerol (microdialysis). Results: Whole body insulin resistance in skeletal muscle (insulin-stimulated glucose disposal) and adipose tissue (insulin-suppressed lipolysis) were independently related to trunk FM (r=-0.336 and 0.484, respectively), but not leg FM (r=-0.142 and -0.148, respectively). Local antilipolytic insulin resistance in abdominal, but not femoral, SAT was positively related to trunk FM (r=0.552) and visceral FM (r=0.511) but not related to leg FM (r=-0.289). Whole body and abdominal, but not femoral, adipose tissue insulin sensitivity were strongly related to skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (r=-0.727 and -0.674, respectively). Conclusions: The association of SAT insulin sensitivity (lipolysis) with adiposity and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is specific to the abdominal region.Obesity 01/2014; · 3.92 Impact Factor
Article: Motor function is associated with 1,25(OH)2D and indices of insulin-glucose dynamics in non-diabetic older adults.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Advancing age is accompanied by changes in metabolic characteristics, such as reduced insulin sensitivity and low levels of vitamin D, which may exacerbate age-related declines in physical function. The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between insulin-glucose dynamics, vitamin D metabolites, and performance on a battery of motor tasks in healthy, non-diabetic older adults. Sixty-nine community-dwelling men and women (65-90 years) were recruited. Insulin-glucose dynamics were determined by an intravenous glucose tolerance test, and vitamin D metabolites were measured. Motor function was characterized by the time to walk 500 m, chair-rise time, lower body strength, dorsiflexor steadiness and endurance time, and muscle coactivation. Significant unadjusted correlations were found between insulin-glucose dynamics and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] with walk time, strength, steadiness, endurance time, and muscle activation (p < 0.05). A significant amount of the variance in walking endurance was explained by the sex of the individual, 1,25(OH)2D, and fasting blood insulin (R (2) = 0.36, p < 0.001). Strength could be partially explained by age, body fatness, and fasting glucose (R (2) = 0.55, p < 0.001). Poor motor function in non-diabetic older men and women was associated with indices of insulin-glucose dynamics and the bio-active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D. Walking endurance and strength were explained by 1,25(OH)2D and fasting blood glucose and insulin, even after adjusting for age, sex, and body fat. Motor function in a relatively small sample of non-diabetic older men and women was associated with metabolic factors that increase in prevalence with aging.Aging - Clinical and Experimental Research 10/2013; · 1.01 Impact Factor
Article: Multiplexed analysis of steroid hormones in human serum using novel microflow tile technology and LC-MS/MS.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A novel microfluidic chromatography device coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was utilized for the multiplex analysis of 5 steroids (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, cortisol, cortisone) in human serum. The use of microfluidics allowed for reduction of the chromatographic flow rate to 3μl/min with overall method run times comparable to standard flow LC-MS/MS methods reported in the literature, corresponding to a 150 fold decrease in solvent consumption. Furthermore, a simple sample preparation protocol was employed requiring injection of only 0.5μl of sample, corresponding to a 100-400 fold increase in on-column sensitivity as compared to published standard flow assays. The measured LOQ for both testosterone and progesterone was 0.4ng/mL, representing an improvement over reported literature values obtained by standard flow methods employing comparable sample preparation and large injection volumes. The LOQs for cortisol (1.9ng/mL), cortisone (0.3ng/mL), and dihydrotestosterone (1.4ng/mL) were all within a biologically relevant range. A comparison of clinical serum samples was performed for the analysis of testosterone using this microfluidic LC-MS/MS assay and the Beckman Access II automated antibody-based measurement system. The immunoassay results were systematically higher due to matrix interference which was easily resolved with the increased chromatographic resolution obtained in the microflow LC-MS/MS assay.Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences 07/2013; 934C:16-21. · 2.78 Impact Factor
Article: Impact of older age and nursing home residence on clinical outcomes of US emergency department visits for severe sepsis.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of older age and nursing home residence on the incidence and morbidity of severe sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 19460 emergency department visits from the 2005 to 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys with diagnosis of infection with or without severe sepsis (acute organ dysfunction). Clinical outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Older adults (age ≥65 years) were 5-fold more likely to have infections classified as severe sepsis than younger adults (6.5% vs 1.3%), and nursing home residents were 7-fold more likely to have a severe sepsis diagnosis compared with nonnursing home residents (14% vs 1.9%). Among visits for severe sepsis, older adults, compared with younger adults, had modestly higher rates of ICU admission (27% vs 21%), hospital LOS (median, 6 vs 5 days), and in-hospital mortality (24% vs 16%). Nursing home residents with severe sepsis, compared with nonnursing home residents, had significantly higher rates of ICU admission (40% vs 21%), hospital LOS (median, 7 vs 5 days), and in-hospital mortality (37% vs 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults and particularly nursing home residents have a disproportionately high incidence of and morbidity from severe sepsis.Journal of critical care 05/2013; · 2.13 Impact Factor
Article: Effects of Testosterone and Progressive Resistance Exercise in Healthy, Highly Functioning Older Men With Low-Normal Testosterone Levels.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Context:Aging in men is associated with reduced testosterone (T) levels and physiological changes leading to frailty, but the benefits of T supplementation are inconclusive.Objective:We studied the effects of T supplementation with and without progressive resistance training (PRT) on functional performance, strength, and body composition.Design, Setting, and Participants:We recruited 167 generally healthy community-dwelling older men (66 ± 5 years) with low-normal baseline total T levels (200-350 ng/dL).Intervention:Subjects were randomized to placebo or transdermal T gel [2 doses targeting either a lower (400-550 ng/dL) or higher (600-1000 ng/dL) T range] and to either PRT or no exercise for 12 months.Main Outcome Measure:The primary outcome was functional performance, whereas secondary outcomes were strength and body composition.Results:A total of 143 men completed the study. At 12 months, total T was 528 ± 287 ng/dL in subjects receiving any T and 287 ± 65 ng/dL in the placebo group. In the PRT group, function and strength were not different between T- and placebo-treated subjects, despite greater improvements in fat mass (P = .04) and fat-free mass (P = .01) with T. In the non-PRT group, T did not improve function but improved fat mass (P = .005), fat-free mass (P = .03), and upper body strength (P = .03) compared with placebo. There were fewer cardiovascular events in the T-treated groups compared with placebo.Conclusions:T supplementation was well tolerated and improved body composition but had no effect on functional performance. T supplementation improved upper body strength only in nonexercisers compared with placebo.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 03/2013; · 6.50 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: N-acetyl-4-aminophenol (ACET) may impair musculoskeletal adaptations to progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) by inhibiting exercise-induced muscle protein synthesis and bone formation. To test the hypothesis that ACET would diminish training-induced increases in fat-free mass (FFM) and osteogenesis, untrained men (n = 26) aged ≥50 years participated in 16 weeks of high-intensity PRT and bone-loading exercises and were randomly assigned to take ACET (1,000 mg/day) or placebo (PLAC) 2 h before each exercise session. Total body FFM was measured by DXA at baseline and week 16. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and C-terminal crosslinks of type-I collagen (CTX) were measured at baseline and week 16. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed at baseline and weeks 3 and 16 for prostanoid, anabolic, and catabolic gene expression by RT-PCR. In exercise-compliant men (ACET, n = 10; PLAC, n = 7), the increase in FFM was not different between groups (p = 0.91). The changes in serum BAP and CTX were not different between groups (p > 0.7). There were no significant changes in any of the target genes at week 3. After 16 weeks of PRT, the mRNA expressions of the anabolic marker p70S6K (p = 0.003) and catabolic marker muscle-atrophy F-box (MAFbx) (p = 0.03) were significantly reduced as compared to baseline in ACET. The mRNA expression of the prostanoids were unchanged (all p ≥ 0.40) in both groups. The administration of ACET (1,000 mg) prior to each exercise session did not impair PRT-induced increases in FFM or significantly alter bone formation markers in middle aged and older men.Arbeitsphysiologie 10/2012; · 2.66 Impact Factor
Article: Exercise for People in Early- or Mid-Stage Parkinson Disease: A 16-Month Randomized Controlled Trial.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Background Exercise confers short-term benefits for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD).Objective The purpose of the study was to compare short- and long-term responses among 2 supervised exercise programs and a home-based control exercise program.DesignThe 16-month randomized controlled exercise intervention investigated 3 exercise approaches: flexibility/balance/function exercise (FBF), supervised aerobic exercise (AE), and home-based exercise (control).SettingThis study was conducted in outpatient clinics.PatientsThe participants were 121 individuals with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-3).InterventionThe FBF program (individualized spinal and extremity flexibility exercises followed by group balance/functional training) was supervised by a physical therapist. The AE program (using a treadmill, bike, or elliptical trainer) was supervised by an exercise trainer. Supervision was provided 3 days per week for 4 months, and then monthly (16 months total). The control group participants exercised at home using the National Parkinson Foundation Fitness Counts program, with 1 supervised, clinic-based group session per month.Measurements OUTCOMES: obtained by blinded assessors, were determined at 4, 10, and 16 months. The primary outcome measures were overall physical function (Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance [CS-PFP]), balance (Functional Reach Test [FRT]), and walking economy (oxygen uptake [mL/kg/min]). Secondary outcome measures were symptom severity (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS] activities of daily living [ADL] and motor subscales) and quality of life (39-item Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Scale [PDQ-39]). RESULTS: /b>Of the 121 participants, 86.8%, 82.6%, and 79.3% completed 4, 10, and 16 months, respectively, of the intervention. At 4 months, improvement in CS-PFP scores was greater in the FBF group than in the control group (mean difference=4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2 to 7.3) and the AE group (mean difference=3.1, 95% CI=0.0 to 6.2). Balance was not different among groups at any time point. Walking economy improved in the AE group compared with the FBF group at 4 months (mean difference=-1.2, 95% CI=-1.9 to -0.5), 10 months (mean difference=-1.2, 95% CI=-1.9 to -0.5), and 16 months (mean difference=-1.7, 95% CI=-2.5 to -1.0). The only secondary outcome that showed significant differences was UPDRS ADL subscale scores: the FBF group performed better than the control group at 4 months (mean difference=-1.47, 95% CI=-2.79 to -0.15) and 16 months (mean difference=-1.95, 95% CI=-3.84 to -0.08).LimitationsAbsence of a non-exercise control group was a limitation of the study. CONCLUSIONS:/b>Findings demonstrated overall functional benefits at 4 months in the FBF group and improved walking economy (up to 16 months) in the AE group.Physical Therapy 07/2012; · 2.78 Impact Factor
Article: Relationship between intensity of quadriceps muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation and strength recovery after total knee arthroplasty.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can facilitate the recovery of quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet the optimal intensity (dosage) of NMES and its effect on strength after TKA have yet to be determined. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the intensity of NMES application was related to the recovery of quadriceps muscle strength early after TKA. A secondary objective was to quantify quadriceps muscle fatigue and activation immediately after NMES to guide decisions about the timing of NMES during rehabilitation sessions. This study was an observational experimental investigation. Data were collected from 30 people who were 50 to 85 years of age and who received NMES after TKA. These people participated in a randomized controlled trial in which they received either standard rehabilitation or standard rehabilitation plus NMES to the quadriceps muscle to mitigate strength loss. For the NMES intervention group, NMES was applied 2 times per day at the maximal tolerable intensity for 15 contractions beginning 48 hours after surgery over the first 6 weeks after TKA. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation training intensity and quadriceps muscle strength and activation were assessed before surgery and 3.5 and 6.5 weeks after TKA. At 3.5 weeks, there was a significant association between NMES training intensity and a change in quadriceps muscle strength (R(2)=.68) and activation (R(2)=.22). At 6.5 weeks, NMES training intensity was related to a change in strength (R(2)=.25) but not to a change in activation (R(2)=.00). Furthermore, quadriceps muscle fatigue occurred during NMES sessions at 3.5 and 6.5 weeks, whereas quadriceps muscle activation did not change. Some participants reached the maximal stimulator output during at least 1 treatment session and might have tolerated more stimulation. Higher NMES training intensities were associated with greater quadriceps muscle strength and activation after TKA.Physical Therapy 05/2012; 92(9):1187-96. · 2.78 Impact Factor
Article: Effects of testosterone supplementation on clinical and rehabilitative outcomes in older men undergoing on-pump CABG.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Testosterone levels decrease with age. This decline is steeper during "critical illnesses". Cardiac surgery is a particular representative model of major clinical condition producing stress responses similar to those observed during severe nonsurgical illness. Cardiac revascularization with extracorporeal circulation is characterized by marked postoperative complications such as insulin resistance, a pro-inflammatory state, acute anemia and renal dysfunction. These phenomena are more evident in older subjects, who are particularly vulnerable in the post-operative state, a condition that has been recently termed as "acute postoperative frailty". We recently showed that in older men with low ejection fraction undergoing cardiac revascularization with extracorporeal circulation, there is a profound decline in anabolic hormones, including testosterone. After surgery testosterone concentration frequently declines to less than 200 ng/dl, a situation suggestive of overt hypogonadism. Since men with low testosterone levels have a high probability of developing mobility limitations, we considered this a rationale for the perioperative use of testosterone treatment in older men undergoing cardiac revasularization surgery. We hypothesized that testosterone supplementation at this time might attenuate the impressive post-surgical catabolic hormonal milieu. The aim of this manuscript is to elucidate an ongoing randomized clinical trial in older men (70+ years old) undergoing elective cardiovascular revascularization with extracorporeal circulation. This randomized clinical trial will evaluate the effects of intramuscular testosterone administration on clinical and functional outcomes in this population. The study will also address potential mechanisms underlying the expected beneficial effects of testosterone supplementation including improvement of insulin sensitivity, markers of inflammatory status and improved hemoglobin levels.Contemporary clinical trials 03/2012; 33(4):730-8. · 1.51 Impact Factor
- Obesity 02/2012; 20(8):1549-57. · 3.92 Impact Factor
Article: A losing battle: weight regain does not restore weight loss-induced bone loss in postmenopausal women.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Previously, we reported significant bone mineral density (BMD) loss in postmenopausal women after modest weight loss. It remains unclear whether the magnitude of BMD change in response to weight loss is appropriate (i.e., proportional to weight loss) and whether BMD is recovered with weight regain. We now report changes in BMD after a 1-year follow-up. Subjects (n = 23) in this secondary analysis were postmenopausal women randomized to placebo as part of a larger trial. They completed a 6-month exercise-based weight loss program and returned for follow-up at 18 months. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at baseline, 6, and 18 months. At baseline, subjects were aged 56.8 ± 5.4 years (mean ± s.d.), 10.0 ± 9.2 years postmenopausal, and BMI was 29.6 ± 4.0 kg/m(2). They lost 3.9 ± 3.5 kg during the weight loss intervention. During follow-up, they regained 2.9 ± 3.9 kg. Six months of weight loss resulted in a significant decrease in lumbar spine (LS) (-1.7 ± 3.5%; P = 0.002) and hip (-0.04 ± 3.5%; P = 0.03) BMD that was accompanied by an increase in a biomarker of bone resorption (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX: 34 ± 54%; P = 0.08). However, weight regain was not associated with LS (0.05 ± 3.8%; P = 0.15) or hip (-0.6 ± 3.0%; P = 0.81) bone regain or decreased bone resorption (CTX: -3 ± 37%; P = 0.73). The findings suggest that BMD lost during weight reduction may not be fully recovered with weight regain in hormone-deficient, postmenopausal women. Future studies are needed to identify effective strategies to prevent bone loss during periods of weight loss.Obesity 08/2011; 19(12):2345-50. · 3.92 Impact Factor
Article: Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipids.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To determine the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) therapy on changes in central adiposity, insulin action and blood lipids. Many of the actions of DHEA in humans are thought to be mediated through its conversion to sex hormones, which are modulators of adiposity, muscularity and insulin sensitivity. The effects of DHEA replacement on regional tissue composition, glucose metabolism and blood lipid profile in older adults have been inconsistent. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The intervention was oral DHEA 50 mg/day or placebo for 12 months. Fifty-eighty women and 61 men, aged 60-88 years, with low serum DHEA sulphate (DHEAS) levels at study entry. Computed tomography measures of abdominal fat areas, thigh muscle and fat areas, DXA-derived trunk fat mass, serum glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose challenge, and fasted serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed before and after the intervention. There were no significant (P > 0·05) differences between the DHEA and placebo groups in the changes in regional tissue composition or glucose metabolism. HDL-cholesterol (P = 0·01) and fasted triglycerides (P = 0·02) decreased in women and men taking DHEA. Restoring serum DHEAS levels in older adults to young adult levels for 1 year does not appear to reduce central adiposity or improve insulin action. The benefit of DHEA on decreasing serum triglycerides must be weighed against the HDL-lowering effect.Clinical Endocrinology 04/2011; 75(4):456-63. · 3.40 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Age-related differences in force steadiness have been extensively examined and used as an index of motor function. However, the functional relevance of steadiness remains unclear. The aim here was to evaluate the relations among hand strength, steadiness, and function across the adult life span. Seventy-five adults (45 women; 18-89 yr) performed three strength, two steadiness, and four functional tests with both hands. Strength was measured during index finger abduction, precision pinch, and handgrip, and steadiness was measured during index finger abduction and precision pinch. Functional tests included the Grooved Pegboard test, the game Operation™, a scissor task, and a tracing task. Moderate correlations were observed between both steadiness tasks and performance on the Grooved Pegboard test (R(2) = 0.57 and R(2) = 0.46, respectively) and Operation™ (R(2) = -0.47 and R(2) = -0.57, respectively). The relation between measures of steadiness and hand function suggests that the physiological mechanisms responsible for differences in steadiness also contribute to differences in the performance of fine motor tasks with the hand.Medicine and science in sports and exercise 04/2011; 43(4):560-7. · 4.48 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We have previously shown a favorable association of subcutaneous leg fat with markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women. It is not known whether there is a sex dimorphism in the association of lower-body adiposity with reduced metabolic risk. Thus, our primary aim was to determine whether the favorable association of thigh subcutaneous fat, independent of abdominal fat, is also observed in older men. Mid-thigh and abdominal fat areas were measured by computed tomography (CT) in 108 older men and postmenopausal women (mean ± s.d.; 69 ± 7 years). Additionally, trunk and leg fat mass (FM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia were determined from oral glucose tolerance tests and lipid and lipoprotein measurements, respectively. Outcomes were fasted and postchallenge (area under the curve, AUC) insulin (INS(AUC)) and glucose (GLU(AUC)), product of the insulin and glucose AUC (INS(AUC) × GLU(AUC)), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Consistent with our previous findings in postmenopausal women, adjusting for DXA trunk FM revealed a favorable association of DXA leg FM with the metabolic risk outcomes in both older men and postmenopausal women. Likewise, adjusting for CT abdominal visceral fat generally revealed a favorable association of CT thigh fat with metabolic risk outcomes in women, but not men. The discordance between the DXA and CT results in men is unclear but may be due to sex differences in visceral fat accrual. The mechanisms underlying the protective effect of thigh fat on metabolic risk factors need to be elucidated.Obesity 02/2011; 19(2):422-8. · 3.92 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Prostaglandins (PGs) are essential signaling factors in bone mechanotransduction. In animals, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for PG synthesis (cyclooxygenase) by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) blocks the bone-formation response to loading when administered before, but not immediately after, loading. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether the timing of NSAID use influences bone mineral density (BMD) adaptations to exercise in humans. Healthy premenopausal women (n = 73) aged 21 to 40 years completed a supervised 9-month weight-bearing exercise training program. They were randomized to take (1) ibuprofen (400 mg) before exercise, placebo after (IBUP/PLAC), (2) placebo before, ibuprofen after (PLAC/IBUP), or (3) placebo before and after (PLAC/PLAC) exercise. Relative changes in hip and lumbar spine BMD from before to after exercise training were assessed using a Hologic Delphi-W dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instrument. Because this was the first study to evaluate whether ibuprofen use affects skeletal adaptations to exercise, only women who were compliant with exercise were included in the primary analyses (IBUP/PLAC, n = 17; PLAC/PLAC, n = 23; and PLAC/IBUP, n = 14). There was a significant effect of drug treatment, adjusted for baseline BMD, on the BMD response to exercise for regions of the hip (total, p < .001; neck, p = .026; trochanter, p = .040; shaft, p = .019) but not the spine (p = .242). The largest increases in BMD occurred in the group that took ibuprofen after exercise. Total-hip BMD changes averaged -0.2% +/- 1.3%, 0.4% +/- 1.8%, and 2.1% +/- 1.7% in the IBUP/PLAC, PLAC/PLAC, and PLAC/IBUP groups, respectively. This preliminary study suggests that taking NSAIDs after exercise enhances the adaptive response of BMD to exercise, whereas taking NSAIDs before may impair the adaptive response.Journal of bone and mineral research: the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 01/2010; 25(6):1415-22. · 6.04 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Most mechanical forces acting on the skeleton are generated either through impact with the ground (i.e., gravitational loading) or through muscle contractions (i.e., muscle loading). If one of these conduits for activating mechanotransduction in bone is more effective than the other with respect to developing or maintaining bone strength, this would have important clinical implications for prescribing physical activity for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. This section of the symposium considered whether there is evidence from studies of humans that the effectiveness of physical activity to preserve bone health is dependent on whether the activities stimulate the skeleton primarily through gravitational or muscle loading. Conclusive evidence is lacking, but several lines of research suggest that physical activities that involve impact forces, and therefore generate both gravitation and muscle loading, are most likely to have beneficial effects on bone metabolism and reduce fracture risk.Medicine and science in sports and exercise 10/2009; 41(11):2050-5. · 4.48 Impact Factor
Article: Prospective Study of Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Level, Cardiovascular Disease Mortality, and All‐Cause Mortality in Older U.S. Adults[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and mortality in a representative U.S. sample of older adults.DESIGN: Prospective cohort from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and linked mortality files.SETTING: Noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian population.PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand four hundred eight NHANES III participants aged 65 and older enrolled from 1988 to 1994 and followed for mortality through 2000.MEASUREMENTS: Primary exposure was serum 25(OH)D level at enrollment. Primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, respectively.RESULTS: During the median 7.3 years of follow-up, there were 1,493 (44%) deaths, including 767 CVD-related deaths. Median 25(OH)D level was 66 nmol/L. Adjusting for demographics, season, and cardiovascular risk factors, baseline 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with all-cause mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92–0.98, per 10 nmol/L 25[OH]D). Compared with subjects with 25(OH)D levels of 100 nmol/L or higher, the adjusted HR for subjects with levels less than 25.0 nmol/L was 1.83 (95% CI=1.14–2.94) and for levels of 25.0 to 49.9 nmol/L was 1.47 (95% CI=1.09–1.97). The association appeared stronger for CVD mortality (adjusted HR=2.36, 95% CI=1.17–4.75, for subjects with 25[OH]D levels<25.0 nmol/L vs those ≥100.0 nmol/L) than for non-CVD mortality (adjusted HR=1.42, 95% CI=0.73–2.79, for subjects with 25[OH]D levels<25.0 nmol/L vs those ≥100.0 nmol/L).CONCLUSION: In noninstitutionalized older adults, a group at high risk for all-cause mortality, serum 25(OH)D levels had an independent, inverse association with CVD and all-cause mortality. Randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in older adults are warranted to determine whether this association is causal and reversible.Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 08/2009; 57(9):1595 - 1603. · 3.98 Impact Factor
- The Aging Male 01/2009; 11(4):153-6. · 1.71 Impact Factor
Article: Increases in bone mineral density in response to oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults appear to be mediated by serum estrogens.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The mechanisms by which dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement increases bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults are not known. Objective: The aims were to determine the effects of DHEA therapy on changes in sex hormones and IGF-I and their associations with changes in BMD. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at an academic research institution. Participants were 58 women and 61 men, aged 60-88 yr, with low serum DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) levels. The intervention was oral DHEA 50 mg/d or placebo for 12 months. BMD and serum DHEAS, testosterone, estradiol (E(2)), estrone (E(1)), SHBG, IGF-I, and IGF binding protein 3 were measured before and after intervention. Free testosterone and estrogen (FEI) indices were calculated. The average changes in hip and spine BMD (DHEA vs. placebo) ranged from 1.1 to 1.6%. Compared with placebo, DHEA replacement increased serum DHEAS, testosterone, free testosterone index, E(1), E(2), FEI, and IGF-I (all P < 0.001) and decreased SHBG (P = 0.02) in women and, in men, increased DHEAS, E(1), FEI (all P < 0.001), and E(2) (P = 0.02) and decreased SHBG (P = 0.037). The changes in total and regional hip BMD were associated with 12-month E(2) (all P <or= 0.001) and FEI (all P <or= 0.013). The effects of DHEA treatment were eliminated by adjustment for 12-month E(2). The significant increases in hip BMD in older adults undergoing DHEA replacement were mediated primarily by increases in serum E(2) rather than direct effects of DHEAS.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 09/2008; 93(12):4767-73. · 6.43 Impact Factor
Article: Relative contributions of adiposity and muscularity to physical function in community-dwelling older adults.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To determine the relative contributions of adiposity and muscularity to multi-dimensional performance-based and perceived physical function in older adults living independently. Data from 109 women and men, aged 60 or older, with low serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate levels were included in this cross-sectional analysis of baseline measures from a single-site, randomized, controlled trial of DHEA replacement therapy. Physical function was determined by means of performance on the 100-point Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test and by self-reporting using the physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (SF36PF). Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Linear regression analyses were used to determine the contributions of body mass index (BMI; kg body mass/m2), fat index (FI; kg fat/m2), and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI; kg muscle/m2) to the CS-PFP and SF36PF scores, adjusted for age and sex. Age-adjusted regression analyses indicated that FI, but not ASMI, was a significant (P<0.001) determinant of CS-PFP (R2=0.54) and SF36PF (R2=0.37). When adjusted for age and sex, BMI was nearly as good a predictor of CS-PFP (R2=0.50) and SF36PF (R2=0.34) as FI. Adiposity was a stronger predictor of measured and self-reported physical function than was muscularity in older adults living independently. BMI, adjusted for sex, is a reasonable substitute for adiposity in the prediction of physical function.Obesity 05/2008; 16(5):1039-44. · 3.92 Impact Factor
Top Journals
University of Colorado
Denver, Colorado, United States
- • Division of Geriatric Medicine
- • Department of Medicine
Università degli studi di Parma
Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
East Carolina UniversityNorth Carolina, United States


text:
Uhhh my ex wants to smoke with me and I'm still hungover why
2 Chains // Bills 2 Pay
I want to delete everything I wish I never made this blog all I do is make mistakes unfunny posts and annoy everyone
I feel neurotic as hell and I'd give anything to not be myself or exist for a couple days it's way too cold to ride my bike everything is closed no one is talking to me my wifi is screwy tumblr mobile still doesn't have read mores and I don't want to really bother anyone with this anyway so I guess I have to find something else to occupy my time . But yea Have a good holiday if u bang with the Christ Gang
An Interactive Dynamic Shape Display that Physically Renders 3D Content
Five engineers from the Tangible Media Group at MIT's media lab have developed 'inFORM', a dynamic shape display that has the capability to render three-dimensional content physically, so users can interact with tangible digital information.
inFORM is a Dynamic Shape Display that can render 3D content physically, so users can interact with digital information in a tangible way. inFORM can also interact with the physical world around it, for example moving objects on the table's surface. Remote participants in a video conference can be displayed physically, allowing for a strong sense of presence and the ability to interact physically at a distance.
got a software update and the only noticeable change is the emojis look different. but we still don't have our own. we got these shits tho ♤♡♢♧ ayye

subset: commoncrawl


text:
RICHMOND, Va. - Here are the post-game notes from the Tigers' 48-32 win at Richmond on Saturday.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Tigers' 48-32 win over Richmond continued their amazing success on the road … The Tigers' win over the Spiders was their ninth road win in a row, a school record … The Tigers' road winning streak started on Oct. 27, 2012 with a 49-35 win at Villanova … Since then, the Tigers have posted wins at Delaware (34-27), New Hampshire (64-35), Connecticut (33-18), Holy Cross (49-7), North Carolina Central (35-17), Stony Brook (35-21) and Richmond (48-32).
WEST BECOMES ALL-TIME LEADER: Playing in the 30th game of his career, junior Terrance West ran for a career high 272 yards to become Towson's career rushing leader … On a 24-yard run in the second quarter, he passed Jason Corle, '00, who ran for 3,601 yards in his career … West's career high 272 yards increased his total to 3,742 yards on 609 carries … West leads NCAA FCS in rushing yards with 1,404 yards on 220 carries … He has 23 rushing touchdowns and 24 overall touchdowns this season.
SECOND HALF TEAM: The Tigers continued their trend as a second half team in the win over Richmond … Through nine games, the Tigers have outscored their opponents by 180-58 … When the Tigers shut out Richmond in the third quarter, it marked the seventh time in nine games that they had blanked their opponent in the third quarter … Towson has now outscored its opposition by a 101-14 margin … Delaware State and Albany are the only teams to score on the Tigers in the third quarter.
OFFENSIVE DEFENSE: During the Tigers' 48-32 win over Richmond, the Tiger defense scored two touchdowns … Late in the first half, sophomore safety Christian Carpenter intercepted a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, giving Towson a 27-12 lead … Early in the fourth quarter, senior linebacker Telvion Clark sacked Michael Strauss, forced a fumble, recovered it and ran 32 yards for a touchdown … In nine games, the Tiger defense has now scored five touchdowns … Sophomore Donnell Lewis recovered a fumble and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown in the Tigers' win at Stony Brook … In the Tigers' victory at Albany, Lewis had an interception and a 38-yard return for a touchdown … Junior safety Thomas Bradley had an interception and a 90-yard return for a touchdown in a 49-7 win at Holy Cross.
MR. TOUCHDOWN: When junior Terrance West scored five touchdowns at Richmond, it marked the second five-touchdown game of the season for him … He shares the school record for touchdowns in a game with former All-American Tony Vinson, '95 … He has scored 24 touchdowns in nine games this season and leads NCAA FCS … In his career, West has now scored 67 touchdowns … He ranks fourth on the Colonial Athletic Association career list with 67 touchdowns … West's 65 career rushing touchdowns tied the CAA record for career rushing touchdowns … He now shares the record with former All-American Omar Cuff of Delaware.
CAREER HIGH TACKLES: In the Tigers' win over Richmond, senior linebacker Telvion Clark had the biggest game of his career … He made a career high 16 tackles against the Spiders … He had two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and made two tackles for lost yardage … He also scored the first touchdown of his career when he sacked Michael Strauss, forced a fumble and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.
TURNOVER REVERSAL: In the Tigers' win at Richmond, Towson forced a season-high four turnovers … The Tigers recovered two fumbles, both by Telvion Clark … Christian Carpenter and Donnell Lewis each had an interception … It marked the first time in four games that Towson had won the turnover battle.
EVEN RECORD: When the Tigers beat Richmond, it enabled Coach Rob Ambrose to even his coaching record at Towson to 27-27 … After two seasons, Ambrose had a 3-19 mark … Over the last three seasons, he has led Towson to a 24-8 record for a .750 winning percentage.
FAST START: For the first time since their win at North Carolina Central on Sept. 21, the Tigers scored first in their win at Richmond … On the Tigers' first possession at Richmond, they drove 98 yards in six plays … On their second offensive play, Terrance West broke loose for a 79-yard run to the Spiders' 18-yard line … Peter Athens capped off the drive with a six-yard TD pass to West.
NOT SO CLOSE: Richmond came into its matchup against Towson with five losses by a total of 20 points ... The Spiders lost to North Carolina State (23-21), Gardner-Webb (12-10) and Rhode Island (12-10) ... However, the loss to Towson wasn't nearly as close ... The 48 points allowed by Richmond were the most that the Spiders had allowed since a 55-35 loss to Appalachian State on Dec. 7, 2007 ... The 48 points allowed were the most Richmond allowed in a home game since a 59-21 loss to William & Mary in 2003.


text:
Much of the material listed on these archived web pages has been superseded, or served a particular purpose at a particular time. It may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application. Many archived documents may link to web pages that have moved or no longer exist, or may refer to other documents that are no longer available.
Media Release
Senator the Hon Robert Hill
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for the Environment
31 January 1997
The Australian Democrats have once again resorted to baseless scaremongering over changes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.
The Democrats claim the proposed changes are designed to allow foreign ships to discharge waste during Operation Tandem Thrust in Shoalwater Bay.
The proposed amendments have no connection with Tandem Thrust and may not even be in force before this exercise.
The proposed amendment is designed solely to overcome a drafting error in previous legislation passed in 1995.
The Explanatory Memorandum to that 1995 legislation clearly stated in relation to subsection 38J(7) that 'Defence force vessels and aircraft are exempted by definition from the operation of the section'.
The Democrats did not express any opposition to this. During the debate, Democrat Senator John Coulter said "We are supporting this legislation as we believe that it improves the present administration and management in this area." (Hansard 8/3/95)
A drafting error has subsequently been discovered. The amendment now proposed by the Government, on advice from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, simply gives effect to the original intention of the legislation by correcting the drafting error.
The drafting error creates the absurd situation where tourist boats can discharge waste if it is necessary to save lives but the Defence Force cannot.
Defence Force standards in relation to the discharge of waste exceed the standard that would be required by the legislation and the standard expected of commercial shipping.
The Howard Government remains totally committed to the effective management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Media contact:
Matt Brown, 08 237 7920; 0419 693 515


text:
FRANKFURT, Germany —
In the 1970s, Switzerland's watchmakers were almost put out of business when they underestimated the importance of the quartz watch. Though the industry recovered and is prospering, today it faces a new technological challenge from "smartwatches" such as Samsung Electronics's $299 Galaxy Gear.
As with quartz four decades ago, the devices are being met with a shrug. According to a survey by consultants Deloitte, two-thirds of executives in the Swiss industry say smartwatches pose no threat.
"How would you like it if your boyfriend brings you a smartwatch instead of a nice pavé diamond watch?" said Johann Rupert, the billionaire controlling shareholder of Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, which sells watches under 13 brands including Cartier and Vacheron Constantin. "I'm not sure it's going to have a huge impact on classic watches. "
The industry should brace for the arrival of smartwatches, said Andreas Hofer, a partner at Boston Consulting Group in Zurich. Researcher Strategy Analytics predicts global sales of 1 million smartwatches this year and 7 million in 2014. Sanford C. Bernstein forecasts that Apple could see iWatch revenue of $2.3 billion to $5.7 billion in the first year of selling such a device.
Swiss watchmakers "shouldn't say too quickly it's a trend that won't affect them," said consultant Hofer, who checks his iPhone to be on time. "There should be some modesty."
The high-end Swiss watch is so low-tech that from a practical standpoint, it should no longer exist. When battery- powered quartz watches arrived in the 1970s, many consumers abandoned older mechanical ones — both those that require winding and self-winders, which tap energy from the motion of the wearer's wrist.
The number of Swiss employed in the industry fell from about 90,000 in 1970 to just over 30,000 in 1984, and companies decreased from 1,600 in 1970 to 600 today, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, a manufacturers' group.
Quartz watches were cheaper and more reliable. Even the most expensive mechanical watches lose several seconds a week and require maintenance every few years that can cost more than two new iPhones.
Despite its continued reliance on centuries-old technology, the industry has fortified itself since the 1980s. Switzerland's exports of timepieces rose 11 percent last year to a record 21.4 billion francs ($23.7 billion), based on wholesale prices, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Exports climbed 8.5 percent in September from a year ago, data from the federation showed today.
Mechanical watches made up a third of revenue in the $58 billion watch market last year, and the segment will expand 33 percent by 2016, researcher Euromonitor International forecasts. High-end Swiss watches can fetch stratospheric prices: Patek Philippe's Sky Moon Tourbillon runs $1.3 million and Franck Muller's Aeternitas Mega 4 is $2.9 million.
"The more you learn about watches, the more you realize there is real know-how behind them," said Gabriel Vachette, 30, who runs a website about watches and owns roughly 20. He got the bug from his father, who has 100.
"You can tell a story with a beautiful watch," Vachette said. "People who buy a Galaxy Gear will get rid of it in a year or two."
Many Swiss watchmakers will likely continue to do well because a smartwatch may often be an addition to a collection rather than a replacement for a $5,000 Rolex, according to Jon Cox, an analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux in Zurich.
"If you're a successful young investment banker you can probably afford to own both a luxury watch and a smartwatch," Cox said. "A Swiss watch really is a statement about yourself so other people can clearly see you're wealthy. You don't get the same 'wow' factor with a smartwatch."
At greatest risk are low- and mid-range brands such as Swatch and Tissot, Cox said. With many timepieces in the $200- $400 price range, they'll often be in direct competition with smartwatches in the minds of buyers.
Samsung's watch "shows nothing new," said Swatch Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek. Swatch has made interactive watches for 20 years, he said, "and has gained precious experience." Tissot, a Swatch unit whose watches have had electronic touch screens since 1999 and incorporate altimeters and electronic compasses for hikers and divers, has said it will continue adding technology.
Investors are backing the Swiss watchmakers. Swatch and Richemont shares have both outpaced Switzerland's benchmark SMI Index this year, and 20 analysts recommend buying Swatch while none recommend selling the stock.
"So far the concept of the smartwatch is questionable," said Michel Keusch, a portfolio manager at Bellevue Asset Management AG in Kuesnacht, Switzerland, which holds Richemont and Swatch shares among its 2.2 billion francs of assets. "You need to charge it every day. It's a miniature screen. Everybody has a smartphone anyway."
Keusch said consumers may initially snap up smartwatches amid media hype, but that the product may fade like calculator watches did in the 1980s. He says sales may start around 2 million units a year, a fraction of the 1 billion timepieces sold annually.
HTC Corp. is developing a smartwatch that uses Google Inc.'s Android software and can take pictures, according to a person familiar with the matter. The smartwatch will join a growing segment of wearable technology that already includes devices from Samsung and Sony Corp.
History is littered with high-tech watches that are no longer on store shelves. Microsoft formed alliances in 2003 with Fossil and Citizen for watches that could receive information such as news, sports, weather, and stocks. Swatch and Tissot joined the software maker with similar products the following year. By 2008, they had all been pulled from the market.
One Swiss watchmaker embracing new technology is Arny Kapshitzer. His startup, Hyetis, says its $1,200 Crossbow ) a self-winder with a camera and GPS that can pair with phones — is the first Swiss smartwatch. Kapshitzer presented his idea to several Swiss brands, and the few that met with him said smartwatches are just a fad that will quickly die out.
"I don't believe it: I think it's a real market and the future of the watch industry," Kapshitzer said. Swiss watchmakers "are still in a comfortable situation. We're in a situation of resistance to innovation. It's a big mistake."
Z_CNHI News Service
For Swiss watchmakers, not yet time to worry about smartwatches
FRANKFURT, Germany —
In the 1970s, Switzerland's watchmakers were almost put out of business when they underestimated the importance of the quartz watch. Though the industry recovered and is prospering, today it faces a new technological challenge from "smartwatches" such as Samsung Electronics's $299 Galaxy Gear.
- Z_CNHI News Service
America's sleep-deprived cities
Americans might run on sleep, but those living in the country's largest cities don't appear to run on much.
Who should pay for your kids ACT?
Thirteen states paid for 11th-grade students in all public high schools to take the ACT college admission test this year, with several more planning to join them in 2015.
Why do people look like their pets?
As much as we might quibble over the virtues and vices of Canis domesticus, however, and over whether human nature is any better or worse than dog nature, even dog fanciers don't usually want to look like a dog.
Another stumble begs questions about Notre Dame
Notre Dame's vaunted reputation for formidable athletics and serious academics is again sullied by a cheating scandal. Maybe the high standards of the Fighting Irish are just too good to be true.
Ice bucket challenge trending up
Internet trends are a dime a dozen these days. Everything from Tebowing to planking to the cinnamon challenge can cause a wave of social media activity that can last for weeks before fizzling out.
Five myths about presidential vacations
In the nuclear age, presidents may have only minutes to make a decision that could affect the entire world. They don't so much leave the White House as they take a miniature version of it with them wherever they go.
Debate filled with 'hate' gives Hamas a pass
Political invective is dialed to the max, and everyone who disagrees is a "hater." But the hate police, who are so eager to cast labels, are ignoring the real wells of contempt in the Middle East.
OU player's suspension shows pitfalls of addressing sexual assault on campus
The University of Oklahoma's leading tackler is suspended for the season - or maybe not. Frank Shannon is still practicing with the Sooners amid a court battle over whether OU can discipline him after a sexual assault investigation. The tough issue of addressing assault on campus isn't just OU's problem.
Can 6 seconds launch a career? A generation of Vine stars sure hopes so.
A year ago, Shawn Mendes filmed himself singing a tentative acoustic cover of the Justin Bieber song "As Long as You Love Me" and put the results on Vine. He wasn't expecting much response. "I didn't really want anything to happen; I just kind of wanted to see what people would think," says Mendes, 16. "I posted that first Vine and woke up the next morning with 10,000 followers. That was pretty cool."
8 crucial tips for college freshmen
With school starting back up around the country, no one has a bigger deer-in-the-headlights look than college freshmen.
- More Z_CNHI News Service Headlines
- America's sleep-deprived cities


text:
Old Mill Park, Mill ValleyCelebrate the magic of fall and discover unique works of art in the redwood grove of Old Mill Park! The 58th Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival on September 20 and 21 will showcase over 140 fine artis...
San Francisco live shows in davis events
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Saturday, Sep 20 10:00a
2014 ARCS Scholar Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, Oct 28 11:30a
Fairmont San Francisco, San FranciscoJoin Event Chair Martha Ryan and ARCS Northern California Chapter President Roulhac Austin to honor and applaud the work and discovery of 61 ARCS Scholars pursuing excellence in science, engineerin...
2014 ARCS Foundation Scholar Awards Luncheon
Thursday, Oct 30 11:30a
Fairmont San Francisco, San FranciscoJoin Event Chair Martha Ryan and ARCS Northern California Chapter President Roulhac Austin to honor and applaud the work and discovery of 61 ARCS Scholars pursuing excellence in science, engineerin...
Demo Event: Eventbrite Conference
Thursday, Sep 18 8:00a
Eventbrite, San Francisco**This event is not real and only for example purposes.** Eventbrite Conference. Join us for an exclusive 2-day event...
Icee Hot W/ Seven Davis Jr., Pender Street Steppers, Roche
Saturday, Sep 13 10:00p
Public Works, San Francisco
Alameda County's 11th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Conference & Training
Thursday, Oct 16 8:30a
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, EmeryvilleD I v e r s Ability Attracting, Engaging & Advancing Persons with Disabilities Register Now - Sessions are Filling Fast All Speakers and Times are Subject to Change...
Barbara Pizik Fashion Trunk Show
Wednesday, Sep 10 11:00a
The Galleria, San FranciscoFor twenty years Barbara Pizik has been helping women create wardrobes that are timeless, unexpected and luxurious...
Suddenly It's Magic Fashion Show
Saturday, Nov 15 4:00p
Scottish Rite Center & Theater, OaklandA fashion show like no other featuring the Bay Area's top models, designers, stores and boutiques with you commentator for the evening the one and only Barbara Davis!
Straight No Chaser
Sunday, Dec 28 8:00p
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco***Tickets On Sale 5/30*** Sun, December 28, 2014 8:00 PM (Doors open at: 7:00 PM) Straight No Chaser Davies Symphony Hall 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415-621-6600) All Ages. $29...
2014 STAR Parent Conference on Autism, and Resource Fair
Saturday, Oct 11 8:30a
Regional Center of the East Bay, San LeandroStar 2014 Parent Conference on Autism and Resource Fair Saturday, October 11, 2014 8:30 am to 2:45 pm Regional Center of the East Bay 500 Davis Street San Leandro, CA Services, Treatment, Advoca...
Son Lux
Saturday, Sep 20 9:00p
The Independent, San FranciscoSon Lux is Ryan Lott. His debut recording, At War With Walls and Mazes (2008), earned him the title of "Best New Artist" by NPR's All Songs Considered...
La Santa Cecilia
Tuesday, Oct 28 8:00p
The Independent, San FranciscoLa Santa Cecilia consists of accordionist and requintero Jose "Pepe" Carlos, bassist Alex Bendana, percussionist Miguel Ramirez, and lead vocalist La Marisoul, whose captivating voice sings about l...
Bear's Den
Friday, Nov 7 9:00p
Great American Music Hall, San FranciscoAndrew Davie, Joey Haynes and Kevin Jones - Bear's Den to an ever-growing army of fans - formed a band in 2012...
Brett Harris
Tuesday, Sep 2 8:00p
Hotel Utah Saloon, San FranciscoBrett Harris is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in Durham, NC...
Queer LifeSpace Presents Q-Ball - Queers Unqorked
Thursday, Oct 23 6:00p
Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, San FranciscoQueer LifeSpace Presents Q-Ball QUEERS Un-Qorked! A magical evening at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts supporting queer-focused mental health care and honoring local queer leaders...
San Francisco live shows in davis Related Topics
arts & crafts | community | business & tech | dance | fairs & festivals | food & dining | music | performing arts | sports & outdoors | visual arts | other | comedy | shopping | holiday | education/campus | t sisters | circus | sept 1 2014 | concerts | whose line is it anyway santa rosa | 415-706-4874 | davis hall | art show | moon festival | animals | imagine dance competition | band festival | live sex | 8/23 | pop | manhattan | all 4 one oakland ca | jazz | music | tiburon
Don't Miss This
Sponsored Listings
Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon
at Club FugaziWed 9/3 8:00p
Hot Tickets More »
Tue 10/28 11:30a
Thu 10/30 11:30a
Thu 9/18 8:00a
Wed 9/10 11:00a
Sun 12/28 8:00p
Upcoming Holiday Events More »
Oktoberfest By The Bay 2014
Mon 9/22 5:00p
200 Thrillrides - Fundraiser!
Sat 9/20 7:30p
Sat 9/27 12:00p
Markscheider Kunst
Sun 9/21 6:30p
卢台长旧金山湾区玄艺综述解答会2014(天眼看图腾)Master Lu
Thu 9/18 6:00p


text:
A water monitoring network that helps keep port traffic moving is the responsibility of the Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI) for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Green Marine and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of jointly expanding efforts
July cargo volumes deliver strong start to new fiscal year
SC Ports Authority reported 2014 fiscal year-end operating earnings of $14.3 million, 20.7 percent over the organization's financial plan.
Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Bundaberg suffered significant damage due to a fire which occurred on Monday, August 11, 2014 in Brisbane.
The boat was undergoing
Today in U.S. Naval History - August 20
1952 - In interservice air operation at Chang Pyong-ni, Korea, U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force aircraft destroy 80 percent of assigned area.
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency announces the successful completion of the Cape Ray's mission to destroy Syria's chemical weapons components at sea.
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency/U.


text:
Added Feb 7, 2013
by heatherrique
Southern, Califo...
Top with neckline and wrist bands embellished with a bow. I made two versions. It is fairly simple to sew, with the only things to watch out for is the directions for binding the neckline and ends of the sleeves and for the lengths of the bindings.
First version in a lightweight polyester jacquard with slight pinstripes and a striped cotton woven for the bands. Second version in a teal polyester faille and a black knit for the bands.
Feb 7, 2013, 05.48 PMby Mary Athey
Both versions are lovely. I.m having time of from making dresses (my favourite thing to sew) & I.m sewing vasic wardrobe staples. I love this kind of tops as they can be dressed up or down. Great job xx
Feb 8, 2013, 03.54 AMby heatherrique
Thank you, Mary! I am looking forward to see your new projects.
Feb 7, 2013, 08.11 AMby Sylvia Romano
Feb 8, 2013, 03.54 AMby heatherrique
Thank you!
Add to Favorites no one added it
See more prize details and how to enter...
Enter the Grand Prize Sewing Contest
Editors' Pick
Cool greys transition from summer to fall in a shirt dress, flowing maxi skirt, and new jackets.
Make the Drawstring Shirt Dress
Backstage Report
8 patterns, a web seminar, and technique videos for sewing menswear.
Sewing & Techniques
Say goodbye to skipped stitches and damaged seams!
See all entries and vote.
You must allow our "request for permission" request to login to Burdastyle with Facebook.


text:
Davey: Grangemouth community 'avoided major blow'
Energy Secretary Ed Davey has hailed an agreement to save the Grangemouth chemical plant and said it showed the Coalition's "commitment to Scotland".
– Energy Secretary Ed Davey
This is a very positive result.
Grangemouth is important to the Scottish economy, the UK economy and most importantly to the local economy where 800 jobs have been saved and the local community has avoided a major blow.
We can now look forward to a future of growth at Grangemouth.
Many people in the UK and Scottish Governments have worked hard to make this happen, a clear sign of our commitment to Scotland, its economy and its people.


text:
Bank of America to pay largest civil settlement in American history
The settlement ends probes aimed at not only Bank of America but also its Countrywide Financial Corporation and Merrill Lynch subsidiaries.
Sweet for one Hershey, bitter for another
Both use similar lettering for the word HERSHEY, which appears in capital letters in the center of both designs, But where the chocolate bar says "milk chocolate," the politician's logo says "state senate."
What every corporate counsel should know about spotting a franchise
When drafting agreements or creating these types of relationships, corporate counsel need to be cognizant of franchise laws to avoid accidentally creating a franchise relationship.
GSK settlement calls for promotional practices reform
My office helps protect consumers by pursuing material inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the marketing of pharmaceuticals as potential violations of our state consumer protection law.
Keara Gordon, DLA Piper
Gordon is a partner and co-chair of the Class Action Litigation Practice Group
Heidi Levine, DLA Piper
Levine is the co-managing partner of the New York office
Obamacare data entry workers sit with nothing to do, news report claims
A source, identified by the Missouri news media as a "whistleblower," said $1.2 billion is being used in part on data workers' salary who appear to do little each day at an enrollment processing center for Obamacare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act.
Capital One scores IP litigation victory over Intellectual Ventures
A U.S. district judge dismissed an IV lawsuit against Capital One on April 16, invalidating two patents that IV was attempting to assert against the financial institution.
Supreme Court decision to have major implications for state and local campaign finance
12 states and Washington D.C. have laws limiting contributions to candidates and parties, but those decisions can now be easily challenged in lower courts.
Considering comfort letters and prospective purchasers' agreements
No one should be satisfied that the new owner simply qualifies as an owner exempt from statutory environmental cleanup liability simply because the contamination was pre-existing.


text:
From picking the right produce to how we bake our breads, Panera Bread is committed to the culinary craft... more
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest qu... more
Zoe's Cupcake Cafe, Teaneck, NJ. Net proceeds support Zoe's Place, Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to... more
Local Premium Listings
© 2014 Local Corporation - US Patent 7,231,405
Some data provided by Acxiom. Questions and Comments? Send us your feedback!


text:
Virginia architecture and planning firm sets up permanent office in New Jersey.
NEWARK, N.J. – Rhodeside & Harwell, a landscape architecture and planning firm, established a permanent office in downtown Newark. The firm, which is based in Alexandria, Va., has maintained a project office in Newark for five years and has completed numerous design projects in the region.
Faye Harwell serves as managing partner for the office. Harwell, along with key staff, including associates David Carro and Aaron Feldman-Grosse, has overseen a number of major projects in Newark and throughout the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. Recent planning and landscape architecture initiatives in New Jersey include the award-winning restoration of the historic Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark and master plans for Cadwalader Park in Trenton and for Briant Pond Park in Union County.
Other notable projects include the design of the George Mason National Memorial on the National Mall in Washington; design of a new waterfront park at the National Aquarium in Baltimore; development of the landscape plan for the Capitol Square in Richmond, Va.; a new campus building at Virginia Tech; landscape design at U.S. embassies worldwide and development of a new landscape for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rhodeside & Harwell's Newark office is located at 60 Park Place, a circa-1925, landmark tower located in the city's central business district. The address is 60 Park Place, Suite 502, Newark, NJ, 07102. The phone number is 973.848.1660.
Start small if you are thinking about adding design/build services to your portfolio.
For the second time, The Riverside Company has acquired the Texas franchising company.
Total Lawn Care tailors a customer-friendly approach to lawn care.
Follow these tips to be better prepared for snow management on large sites.
Kowalewski joins Hunter to support its micro irrigation business segment.


text:
TEXAS COURTHOUSE SHOOTING: Kaufman County's chief prosecutor Mark Hasse was fatally shot in the parking lot of the department of motor vehicles by two men wearing tactical vests, CBS News reports. Mark Hasse died after being transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. The suspects are still at large.
The following two tabs change content below.
Janet Shan is a freelance journalist, blogger and social media consultant. Janet specializes in political and social commentary, as well as business writing. She is the founder and managing editor of the Hinterland Gazette. She is putting the finishing touches on her new novel, a mystery based in the hills on Montego Bay, Jamaica.


text:
welcome to interactions
creative strategies for business
Organisations can be messy, creative, joyous, problematic places. We understand how they really work and our expertise is in understanding and unpacking problems and coming up with practical and pragmatic solutions.
We work with organisations across all sectors and of all sizes. The dilemmas we have helped our clients resolve range from the major (such as organisational change) to the more discrete (interpersonal conflict). We bring our experience in organisational behaviour, creativity and clarity and match that with practical and sustainable solutions.
Want to know more? Why not sign up for our Newsletter?
the blog
The Internet is what you make of it, obviously. And there are aspiring writers who use digital technology to read and research and seek the counsel of their peers. But the Internet has also been a great aggregator of anxiety and an enabler of our worst tendencies. It has allowed us to trumpet our own [...]
The secret (emotional) language of food
This article from Dan Jurafsky (based on his book The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu) is fascinating. He researched restaurant reviews…that's right…over 900,000 of them relating to 6.500 individual restaurants; he also reviewed the language on the back of food packets plus restaurant menus, and the results were fascinating. But food writing, to a [...]
The value of conflict in organisations
I've been re-watching Margaret Heffernan's TED talk on the value of conflict in organisations. I particularly like this quote So how do organizations think? Well, for the most part, they don't. And that isn't because they don't want to, it's really because they can't. And they can't because the people inside of them are too afraid of conflict. The organisation as [...]
Silicon Valley's culture of failure
Most startups fail. However many entrepreneurs still overestimate the chances of success – and the cost of failure. This interesting piece front the Guardian focusses on the current reification of 'failure' (as it relates to start-ups). The myth of 'failure' remains alluring in certain circles, as though you have earned the right to succeed only if [...]
US student is rescued from giant vagina sculpture in Germany
From the Guardian: I can see this being used as a teaching tool on psychoanalytic training courses for years and years!


text:
WP Fluid Images replaces the fixed width and height attributes so your images resize in a fluid or responsive design.
Now this is a plugin that is REALY useful. Thanks!
after hours of trying with functions.php this plugin made my day :)
Made my site mobile in minutes. Thank You!
As soon as I activate the plugin, my existing images are automatically resized to fit the layout. It's just works! Thank you for saving my day!
Very happy with this. With little or no work, I was able to get this going. I'm not exactly an expert, so I was thrilled when my images were automatically responsive within my blog posts.
Images are now auto resized, fit perfectly with my blog size, even no need any settings :D
Many thanks for this plugin.
You must log in to submit a review. You can also log in or register using the form near the top of this page.


text:
New day. New Daily Deals. Get them before they are gone!
New Customer ? Start Here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Shop all ink and toner cartridges by brand
New day. New Daily Deals. Get them before they are gone!
Item: 126928 Model: SC59-226
This chair has thick padded seat and back with a built-in lumbar support and contemporary loop arms.
Boost comfort levels during long work hours with this Office Star WorkSmart task chair. This chair's gray fabric upholstery covers plush padding that supports your body while you work, and its multiple adjustment options allow you to raise and lower the seat to conform to space requirements and position the tilt to the perfect angle for your body.
|Chair Upholstery
|Arm Style
|Fixed Arms
This Web site is intended for use by US residents only. See International Sites. See our delivery policy for full details. Copyright 1998-2014, Staples, Inc., All Rights Reserved.


text:
|Sorting Last Post on Top ↓ Message:
I am a knitter and crocheter. I am 62, and have been knitting since I was 10, and crocheting since I was 15. So many years under my belt. The grands are getting a little big for all my knitting and such. They don't want sweaters anymore from Gramma, except for my 10 year old granddaughter. She will take anything I will make for her. Doll clothes, slippers, mittens, hats, sweaters, she is a girly girl, just like her Gramma. The boys will still use slippers and hats, but thats about it. Well lapghans probably. They would like some more of them too I imagine.
I too donate to charity, hats, mittens, lapghans and afghans.
I have so much yarn that hubby says I could open up my own store. I love yarn.
and ladies, all that cornbread talk made me hungry.
mmmm sounds great! I love Jiffy Mix too! lol Just not the calories. lol But it is what I grew up on, and with extra sugar added to it! lol
SewInLove/Heather heathersprairie.blogspot.com heathersrecipereviews.blogspot.com
Grandma Judy, I'm sure your caregivers were happy with your cookies. I like Jiffy cornbread mix too as does DH. Have you ever take one box of mix and add 1 small can of crushed pineapple, juice and all. NO milk and NO egg. just the cr. pineapple and dry mix. Delicious. I have several other concoctions from the WW board using Jiffy. Now I have never heard of Yankee Cornbread. I grew up in Mass. and we never had cornbread and I don't think I ever had it until I married my southern DH. I do like sweetener in mine too.
I've also heard of adding a yellow cake mix to pancake mix. Seems like that is a secret ingredient of Marie Callendar's restaurant. I'm not a pancake eater. I know my DD and DH have tried it.
Ann in San Diego
I use a lot of mixes because they are generally cheaper. One of my favorite recipes is for cornbread. I use Jiffy mixes. Two corn muffin mixes and one yellow cake mix. Add the ingredients as called for on the boxes. This combination makes a really good sweet cornbread. Yankee corn bread.
I am currently working with other mixes to see what I can do with them. This morning I was working with a peanut butter cookie mix. It doesn't taste anything like peanut butter cookies should so I added and extra egg, about a cup of peanut butter and two mashed bananas. I baked it in a square pan like brownies. The end product was great! Much better than I anticipated.
I also modified an oatmeal cookie mix using the zest from one large Lemon and the juice too. Then I added a cup of dried blueberries. They were terrific.
For the safety of my waistline they all went home with my caregiver so I wouldn't be tempted.
Love, Judy
I haven't been in the kitchen much today but it is getting toward supper time and I better come up with something.
Sarah, I knit. Just stocking caps and then in the winter I find some place to give them away. One year I had accumulated 300 but last year was only 200. Every winter I try and find some group that is collecting coats, jackets, sweaters etc. Last year I read about a Girl Scout Troup that was collecting clothes for needy children, and they went to them. I mentioned this to DS as 10 year old outgrows clothes pretty quickly. He bought me 3 trash bags full to take to the girls.
Ann in San Diego
Easy banana bread is so easy I make it over and over again!
It freezes great! And is wonderful toasted.
SewInLove/Heather heathersprairie.blogspot.com heathersrecipereviews.blogspot.com
Hi Everyone!
Hope it is turning out to be a good day for everyone. So far so good here. I have been crocheting this morning. I have some leftover yarns so I'm making an afghan out of them, nothing special as for the pattern though. All I can think of for scrap afghans is granny squares. Does anyone else crochet? What are you working on? Are there any crafters here?
Heather I don't think it would hurt Mammy's Cornbread to add more Splenda. The part of the south I'm from we don't eat sweet cornbread so I only add a tad to take the bitterness from baking soda. I get all into the jalapeno cornbread. Love hot and spicy foods.
What's cooking in your kitchens today? I'm thinking of making JoAnna"s Easy Banana Bread. Still in the thinking process though.
Catch Ya Later
|Last Post:
|Friday, July 5
|What are you reading?
|Friday, May 31


text:
The Andromeda Galaxy Posters
The Andromeda Galaxy Posters is highly luxury and makes a right wall decoration, this unit dimension is 24 x 18 inch and the price is $32.99. If you're trying to explore top recommended The Andromeda Galaxy Posters with low-cost price, this unit is the perfect deals for you.
The Andromeda Galaxy Posters is relatively simple, relatively flexible, and absolutely mighty. This item is so dazzling and tiny that any details are completely riveting. The glorious pattern material, and this poster has very few crinkles. The unit looks striking, and overall a highly glorious experience since it was so simple and easy. There is some indication that The Andromeda Galaxy Posters is at the center of the photograph - that they descended and built this world. It is a extremely pretty poster, the one looks even better than what the tiny photograph shows you. This looks amazing, this has riveting earmark and the paper feels like a normal photo. The one will be shipped directly upon receipt of check or money order payable in USD. This poster has both the strengths of thoroughgoing and practical type. The Andromeda Galaxy Posters is just great, it looks illustrious in person and the colors verily pop.


text:
It is official.
I miss Star Wars: The Old Republic. I love FFXIV, but I miss all of my characters, and I really want to finish the stories I never got to finish.
I can't sub for 2 MMOs consistently, let alone play them both, though. I also have 0 friends on my SWTOR server except for femstef, who also misses SWTOR, whereas I have a whole bunch of friends on FFXIV.
FFXIV is overall a better game… I just miss the stories in SWTOR. Jeez.
I'll probably buy a month during the next double EXP event to see if I can't plow through some more story content.
Being good to each other is so important, guys.
Wow, that took an unexpected turn.
Cactus…piss? This a translation error if I've ever seen one
It is the name of an alcohol brewed from Sabotenders (cactuars). Totally not a mistranslation. Just hilarious.
(Source: rennwalker)
Great for the sci-fi writer or artist who wants to get into the mood, or just to be inspired.
Also great for just being a big dork and pretend you're on a spaceship.
Wear headphones!
- SCI-FI Laboratory Sound
- Star Trek TNG - USS Enterprise Sleeping Quarters Background Ambience
- Timeship "Relativity" Bridge Background Ambience (Star Trek: Voyager)
- Star Trek: Voyager Astrometrics Lab Background Ambience
- Star Wars: ECHO BASE Background Ambience
- Star Trek TNG: "Warp Core" Background Ambience - USS Enterprise D
- Star Trek: TNG USS Enterprise D Engineering Warp Core Background Ambience
- Star Trek: The Next Generation USS Enterprise D "Ten Forward" Background Ambience
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Infirmary Background Ambience
- Star Trek: Voyager Engineering Warp Core Background Ambience
- Star Trek: TNG USS-Enterprise D Bridge Background Ambience (LONG)
- Star Trek: TNG "Cargo Bay" Background Ambience
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "Quark's Bar" Ambient Background (w/ Dabo Table, crew banter, etc)
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "Quark's Bar" Ambient Background
- Star Trek: Voyager Bridge Background Ambience
- Star Trek: Deep Space 9 "OPS" Background Ambience
- Star Trek: TOS USS-Enterprise Bridge Background Ambience
- Star Trek: TNG USS-Enterprise D Bridge Background Ambience
- Exoplanet - Forest Ambience Sounds, Sci Fi Insect and Fantasy Creatures
- Sci-Fi Ambient (1956-1969)
- Spaceship Sound Effects, Battlecruiser and Spacecraft Passbys
- Unknown Surface - Alien Soundscapes and Sound Effects - Sci Fi
- NASA Space Sounds
- Dark Ambient Space Music: Through The Ergosphere
- Mass Effect 2 HQ Extra - Normandy Ambience
- Mass Effect 2 - Omega Clinic / Tuchanka
- Death Star - Star Wars Environmental Background Ambience
- Star Wars SWTOR - Jedi/Sith Starship Bridge Background Ambience
- 1 HOUR | Mass Effect 2 Spaceship Background Ambience
- Star Wars - Coruscant Traffic Background Ambience
- Star Wars Ambient - Dromund Kaas / Thunderstorms
- Star Wars - Voss Environmental Ambience / Nature Sounds
- Star Wars SWTOR - Sith Sanctum Background Ambience
- Star Wars - Imperial Intelligence Headquarters Ambience
- Star Wars - Nar Shaddaa Casino Background Ambience
- Star Wars - Fleet Environmental Ambience / Bustling Chatter
- Star Wars - Nar Shaddaa Cityscape Background Ambience
Proof that Wolf Pack is still a bunch of kids in adult bodies
this adorable drawing
Plo's Bros
*legit tearing up because it's so cute*
omg babies
Holy fuuuuuck these are incredible~!
so i bought this ring that has a little hinge and it opens up to a tiny secret box hidden under the gem and my mom told me that women used to put poison in it and then SLIP POISON INTO PEOPLES DRINKS and i was like NUH UH THIS CANT BE REAL and i just googled it and guys this is like a real thing
people are psycho
I have a few of those. I think they're really neat!
classiest way to poison someone hands down
That's how it all goes down in Hamlet, poison ring.
I've always, always wanted one of these because I have pure peppermint liquid that can ruin a drink with one drop and just kargfksernjskrn I want one.
wait why does everyone want one of these
what are all of you people planning
i regret making this post because i have been getting the creepiest reblogs in the universe seriously tumblr u scary
Hot sauce.
(Source: samandriel)
State police are taking over apparently, and it looks like they're trying to do things RIGHT.
LITERALLY how can this petition possibly still be struggling to break 70k signatures?? are you against more measures to keep cops from killing black people in the streets? in their own homes? please signal boost this petition to all your social media sites.
This is the petition literally:
"Petitioning President Barack Obama: Please Enact New Federal Laws to Protect Citizens from Police Violence and Misconduct"
Signal boost the shit out of this.
Fuck this shit man. Cops are supposed to PROTECT us. Not kill us.
The photos and information coming out of Ferguson, MO this evening are shocking.
SWAT teams clearing out fast food restaurants, journalists arrested, full-scale police-as-military response to non-violent protest.
And yet perhaps the most amazing thing is that there seem not to be any elected officials willing to tell this police force to stand down.
Signal boost the fuck out of all of this. This is unconstitutional and illegal. The entire police force should be sacked for this, if not arrested themselves.
This is fucking fascism, and it's terrifying.
There are elected officials protesting.
I can't do anything about this and it infuriates me. What the fuck, man!
FFXIV BOSS FIGHT MEME - Robin Fauder
Quest: Grim and Evil
Robin Fauder, one of the famed Heroes of Light, a Scion of the Seventh Dawn, and a personal friend of Lord Haurchefantand Ishgard as a whole, has gone missing while investigating a Dravanian extremist cult. House Haurchefant has tasked a small search party to ascertain his location, but Lord Haurchefant expects the worst. Scour the Courthas Central Highlands for clues as to Robin whereabouts, then rendezvous with the Ishgardian knights with your findings.
(The player heads to the first location and finds a tome laying on the ground.)
"The abandoned tome is marked with the seal of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. It is well-worn, and investigating its pages reveals that it is a journal belonging to Robin. The last entry piques your interest.
'I can't remember. I know this symbol that I keep seeing. I know it. And I am afraid because of it. I woke up on that caravan with no memories. None. And yet, here I am, with this pit in my stomach because I recognize a symbol that I've seen painted in the blood of innocents slaughtered for some Dravanian murderers.
"Grimleal." The name came to my tongue unbidden. That is the name of this cult, I am sure of it. And that terrifies me.
Not just normal fear, the kind that comes before any battle. This fear grips my very soul.
It is obvious that I have to stop these madmen. I have faced Dravanians, dragons, gods, even Primals and ancient Allagan monstrosities. So then why am I so terrified right now?'
It appears that another page followed this entry, but it was torn out."
You have found Robin's journal, but it seems a page was missing. Search the area for more clues.
(The player heads to the next location and finds the corpses of several black-robed figures and several drakes. The cultist's robes have a curious purple symbol on them.
When approaching the site, corpses begin to rise, and the player is forced to fight several waves of "Risen" enemies. After the battles, the player searches one of the cultist's bodies. He finds another journal page.)
"This appears to be the missing page of the journal. It is hastily written and nearly illegible, but you can make out some of it.
'I remember….. Gods no he is inside my heart inside my soul he is…… Lucina please help me someone anyone…. have to stop him have to stop me have to stop destiny is taking over I can't control…. pLEASE STOP HIM…. GRIMA… he lives and now he is in my head GODS NO'"
You were ambushed by strange cultists risen as zombies, and discovered the harried entry of Robin's journal. Rendezvous with the search party and report your findings.
(The player heads to the rendezvous point with the Ishgardian knights. The player finds all of them slaughtered, the symbol of Grima painted in their blood across the snow.)
You have found the search party - slain, by the hand of this cult. Report your findings to Lord Haurchefant at Camp Dragonhead.
(The player reports their findings to Lord Haurchefant, but they are interrupted during their talk. Camp Dragonhead is under attack. Lord Haruchefant asks who it is, assuming another Dragon attack. The soldier begrudgingly reveals that Robin is attacking, alone.)
Robin has initiated a one-man assault on Camp Dragonhead. Confront him and find out what is happening.
(The player and Lord Haurchefant find Robin outside the gates, looking onwards from the wall. He stands on a tall cliff overlooking Dragonhead. He leaps from the cliff, slaying one of the Ishgardian knights below him on impact. He kills several more that rush him with ease, blasting them with magic and fending them off with his spear. Haurchefant calls for his soldiers to stop, and demands an explanation from Robin. Robin's eyes glow an eerie red, and he speaks cryptically, saying "He is in control now," and that "Run. He will destroy you all. I will destroy you all. Lord Haurchefant calls for his troops to fall back within the wall, and seal the gate. Robin stands there and allows the soldiers to retreat.)
It is clear that Robin has been influenced by this "Grima," and is preparing to attack Camp Dragonhead. Retreat and prepare to defend it from the addled Warrior of Light!
Location: Camp Dragonhead
The fight takes place in the main plaza of Camp Dragonhead. The streets are abandoned, though soldiers stand ready along the perimeter, waiting to help in any way they can.
The Boss Fight: Robin
Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJmwooRTpfo
Phase 1 - 100% - 80%: Robin will auto-attack the player target with the highest enmity. He uses the following moves during this phase
- Jump: Robin will use Jump randomly on any party member without the highest enmity. This attack does moderate damage, and cannot be avoided. He uses this attack once every 15 seconds. Robin returns to his last position after using Jump
- Spineshatter Dive: After 30 seconds, Robin can use Spineshatter Dive. He uses it on the first caster to use a move with a cast time of 3 seconds or more. After 10 seconds, he can target anyone casting a spell with a cast time of 2.5 seconds or more. After 10 more seconds, he can target anyone casting a spell with a cast time of 2 seconds or more, and so on until he uses the move. He leaps to the target, dealing moderate damage and stunning them for 5 seconds. He does not return to his original location after using this attack After using this attack, it becomes available again after 30 seconds.
Phase 2 - 80% - 60%: Robin will use the same strategies as before, but adding these abilities to the mix. He will always cast one of these moves after using Spineshatter Dive.
- Rexcalibur: Robin targets the ground underneath 3 party members with an average-sized circle. If they do not move out of the way before the cast time is up, they take medium-low Wind damage and are shoved back 20 meters in a random direction as a green tornado explodes at the location.
- Thoron: Robin targets the ground in a line facing a random enemy with a relatively short cast time. Targets that cannot evade in time are blasted by a huge bolt of lightning arcing from Robin, taking medium-high damage and are paralyzed for 30 seconds (can be removed).
Phase 3 - 60% - 40%: Upon entering this phase, Robin uses Bolganone (followed by Rain of Scorn and Shadowfire Dive). He then uses the same strategy as before, but he always uses Bolganone (and thus, Rain of Scorn and Shadowfire Dive) after using Spineshatter Dive.
- Rexcalibur: Now targets 4 party members.
- Thoron: Now uses 2 lines, casts twice in quick succession.
- Bolganone: Robin charges an AOE attack that hits anyone nearby if they do not move for high damage. Lava erupts from the ground beneath Robin, who flies up into the sky and becomes untargetable until he uses Shadowfire Dive. Leads into Rain of Scorn.
- Rain of Scorn: Robin throws a rain of spears, each of which does a small AOE with light damage on it. They can be avoided, but they each have a circle target of about 1 second, and are aimed randomly, so it is near impossible to avoid all of them.
- Shadowfire Dive: Robin crashes back down in a purple-flamed explosion onto the target with the highest enmity with an AOE damage affect that does medium-high damage to the target and anyone nearby.
Phase 4 - 40% - 10%: A dark, shadowy aura surrounds Robin in this phase. He immediately casts Nosferatu, casting it again at 30% and 20%. His strategy otherwise remains the same.
- Rexcalibur: Now targets 5 party members.
- Thoron: Now uses 3 lines, cast three times in quick succession.
- Nosferatu: Robin conjures two roving circles, much like smaller, moving Shadow Flares. These deal moderate damage to anyone standing in them, healing Robin for a portion of the damage dealt. Each consecutive cast of Nosferatu adds 2 more Nosferatu, for a maximum of 6 at 20%.
Ultimate - Future of Despair
Robin leaps up on top of the Aetheryte in the center of camp dragonhead and becomes untargetable. The Aetheryte slowly begins to fracture and turn purple. It explodes in a torrent of black and purple flames, and Robin vanishes. The party takes heavy damage. The city is devastated by the explosion, and the bridge the Aetheryte stands on is gone. A large black dragon, Grima Reborn, takes is in the sky above.
Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNv-UnN3RvY
Phase 5 -Grima Reborn - 100% - 10%: Grima Reborn is untargetable for this phase. The only way to damage him is by repairing a Damaged Ballista, and firing it at Grima.
- Ballista Mechanics
- To repair the Damaged Ballistae, the party must escort and protect House Haurchefant Engineers. There are three damaged ballistae spread out on the north side of the field. The engineers spawn from the south side. One engineer spawns for each ballista, and the engineer is replaced if he is killed.
- When repaired, the Ballista must be loaded by interacting with and carrying ammunition from a nearby pile. The Ballista must be reloaded after firing 6 times. If a ballista is destroyed by Risen or by Grima Reborn, it must be repaired again in the same manner as before.
- When interacting with a Ballista to fire it, the player is put into first person mode. A targeting reticule appears in the center of the screen. Pressing the left mouse button (or X) fires a ballista round (which has a 2.5 second global cool down.) Ballista rounds that strike Grima Reborn as he flies around deal percentage damage to him based on where the round hits. Ballista rounds cannot be aimed at ground targets.
- Body/Wing shot - 1%
- Head Shot - 3%
- Eye Shot - 5%
Phase begins with Lord Haurchefant, 2 of each friendly combat add, and one Engineer for each damaged ballista. If slain, friendly adds are replaced, but their corpses can be raised as Risen later in the fight.
3 Risen Knights, 3 Risen Dragoons, 3 Risen Archers, and 3 Risen Conjurer spawn at the beginning of the fight.
- Lord Haurchefant (Friendly) - High HP, moderate damage. If slain, Grima Reborn enrages, using Apocalypse, wiping the party. Attacks any unit attacking Engineers, attacking the nearest unit otherwise.
- House Haurchefant Knight (Friendly) - Sword and shield knight. High HP, low damage. If slain, can be raised as Risen Knight. Attacks the nearest unit.
- House Haurchefant Dragoon (Friendly)- Spear-wielding knight. Moderate HP, moderate damage. If slain, can be raised as a Risen Dragoon. Attacks a random enemy unit.
- House Haurchefant Conjurer (Friendly)- Healing knight. Casts percentage healing-based cures on injured party members and NPCs. Low HP, no damage. If slain, can be raised as Risen Conjurer.
- House Haurchefant Archer (Friendly)- Ranged knight. Low HP, high damage. If slain, can be raised as Risen Archer. Attacks Risen with the lowest HP nearby first.
- House Haurchefant Engineer (Friendly)- Non-combat essential NPC. Moderate HP, no damage. Automatically repairs ballistae for use against Grima Reborn. If slain, can be raised as Risen Soldier.
- Risen Knight - Sword and shield zombie. High HP, low damage. Will periodically stun target. Targets based on enmity.
- Risen Dragoon - Spear-wielding zombie. Moderate HP, moderate damage. Selects one target at random (NPC or Party) and attacks relentlessly. If target is slain, selects another randomly.
- Risen Conjurer - Healing zombie. Low HP, no damage. Heals enemy zombies randomly, will periodically raise zombies using Grima's Truth.
- Risen Archer - Bow-wielding zombie. Low HP, high damage. Attacks the target with the lowest maximum HP first. Applies DoTs.
- Risen Soldier - Sword-wielding zombie. Low HP, low damage. Attacks targets based on enmity.
Grima Reborn uses the following moves randomly throughout the fight. Moves are listed from the most to the least likely for him to use throughout the fight.
- Flux: A puddle of dark energy forms on the ground, seeking out a random victim. Other units can intercept the puddle, removing it. Deals moderate-low damage to players and friendly NPCs, heals Risen, and raises knight corpses as Risen.
- Nosferatu: As before, but one roving circle per 10% health missing from Grima. Each tick of damage on a player restores 1% of Grima Reborn's health; each tick of damage on an NPC restores .05% of Grima Reborn's health. If Nosferatu strikes a fallen Risen or Knight corpse, the corpse stands again as a Risen.
- Mire: Three separate DoT effects applied to one party member. Each deals light damage and slows the target 20% for 30 seconds, and each stacks. Must each be removed individually.
- Goetia: An unavoidable burst of dark energy damages all friendly units for a moderate amount of damage. Raises 1/4th of the total Risen and corpses on the field as Risen of their type (3 if no other units have died).
- Chains of Grima (effect): If Flux, Nosferatu, Mire, or Goetia slay a player, or if Nosferatu or Flux strike a fallen player, that player is restored to full hit points, but is under the effects of Chains of Grima. This effect cannot be removed. While under these effects, you lose control of your character and begin auto-attacking the nearest friendly character. You become targetable by friendly characters, and must be slain before being able to be raised again.
- Apocalypse: Grima Reborn unleashes his shadowy, void-powered breath upon the battlefield, instantly killing the party and all NPCs still alive. Automatically uses after 7 minutes elapse spent in phase 5.
Phase 6 - 10% - 0%: Grima Reborn plummets to the ground, crashing in the middle of the field All Risen adds fall, and any remaining NPCs (save Haurchefant) are pushed backwards and incapacitated (not killed). Grima Reborn's six eyes become targetable. Each has about 5% as much health as Grima Reborn begins to charge Apocalypse, which is used after 90 seconds. The party must destroy each Eye of Grima to destroy Grima Reborn. Flux, Nosferatu, Mire, and Goetia are still casted sporadically throughout the remainder of the fight (each damage tic on Lord Haurchefant or the players removes 1 second from the cast time of Apocalypse).
Quotes during battle:
- Upon aggro: "Please, end this before his darkness claims me completely…"
- "I can't control it… I am sorry, friend."
- "I will destroy you all. Run, while you still can!"
- "This shadow… will consume all."
- "THAT is enough protest. You are MINE."
- Nosferatu (Phase 4): "TASTE FEAR."
- Future of Despair: "Enough of this farce. My mere visage shall destroy this world! BEHOLD DESPAIR INCARNATE!"
- "Rise, my pawns! Crush these worms!"
- NPC death: "Despair! Your soldiers become my own!"
- NPC death: "What a pathetic existence!"
- Chains of Grima: "Not even you can escape my clutches!"
- Chains of Grima: "Your friend is mine now!"
- Chains of Grima: "Dance, Warrior of Light! Dance, and despair!"
- Chains of Grima: "Surrender your body to me, worm!"
- Phase 6: "Unf… How is this… possible? Foul machines. I shall erase you all from existence itself!"
- 30 seconds until Apocalypse cast: Robin: "Finish me! Stop this madness!"
Upon defeat: Grima bellows before finally dissipating into purple-black smoke. Robin lays unconscious on the ground where Grima was defeated.
Denouement: Camp Dragonhead is in ruins. Haurchefant takes him inside to get medical treatment and keep him under watch. Eventually, Robin wakes up and explains that he has all of his memories back, and that the dragon who possessed him was a relic of another world who's fate was inextricably tied to his own. While he thought he was defeated, he must have survived and gained enough power in Dravania to finally try to reclaim his "vessel," as Robin refers to himself as. He also explains that he is surprised to still be in this world, as the defeat of Grima in the last world caused him to leave it, presumably shunted to this one. He speculates that it is because he has some further purpose to fulfill here before he can be allowed to leave, but he mentions that he someday hopes to return to his home world, so that he can see "her" again someday. But if he needs to save a thousand worlds to do so, then so be it.
He then apologizes profusely to the party and to Lord Haurchefant, and pledges to make reparations in any way that he can to both groups for obvious reasons.
A Long Island Iced Bee
Made with Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Rum, and LIVE BEES.
The Long Island Iced Bee is becoming popular in college towns across America despite its noxious odor and the intense throat pain is causes. The bee sting venom is said to accentuate the alcohol for a smooth buzz, but doctors warn the drink can be fatal to those allergic to bees, and is extremely poor for any drinker's health.
This is wildly inaccurate, those are wasps you idiot
You try working the word "Wasp" into a cocktail joke, pal.
Headline! Feminist doesn't understand humor!
Headline! Man grasps at straws to insult feminism, fails to recognize humor in ironic hypocrisy.
(Source: sodomies)
(Source: spazzdhn)