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Wildlife Health Assessment Program
BRI's Wildlife Health Assessment Program will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the biotic response to environmental pollutants by providing ecotoxicological and conservation medicine expertise in support of BRI's current and future wildlife research endeavors. Globally, emergent wildlife diseases, human-wildlife disease interactions, ecosystem health, and environmental contamination are increasingly significant issues of concern. Through applied research and collaboration with wildlife health professionals, BRI's Wildlife Health Assessment Program will enhance science-based conservation strategies and policy implementation to improve the health and integrity of wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend, and so, environmental conditions for human communities.
BRI's Wildlife Health Assessment Program will promote the results of BRI's ecotoxicological research to expand scientific and public awareness and understanding of the interrelatedness of human, wildlife, and ecosystem health (One Health).
"Health of wildlife indicates the health of the ecosystem."
— Nina Schoch, DVM, Program Director
Program Director
Nina Schoch, DVM
Assistant Program Director/Field Veterinarian:
Donna Mensching, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT
Veterinary Technician: Michelle Brown
Program Goals
- Expanding BRI's collaborative research programs to address critical wildlife and ecosystem health issues;
- Identification of nonlethal biomarkers for evaluating sublethal and lethal impacts of environmental contaminants to wildlife;
- Mitigating/addressing concerns related to ecotoxicological impacts to One Health;
- Providing timely response to emerging wildlife disease outbreaks and/or environmental contaminant exposures to assess resulting wildlife population and health impacts;
- Providing technical support and expertise for development of scientifically and statistically valid study designs to obtain baseline physiology information, determine contaminant levels, conduct pathogen/disease surveillance and risk assessments, and ensure biosecurity;
- Providing technical support and expertise for development and implementation of wildlife sampling, sample processing, and laboratory submission protocols, and for in-house laboratory analysis;
- Veterinary oversight of BRI's scientific field research to ensure quality animal welfare of the capture and sample processing of animals;
- Addressing gaps in longitudinal baseline physiology information of wildlife species
Current BRI Projects
Initial studies conducted by BRI's wildlife health assessment program have included health assessments for common loons in New York's Adirondack Park, colonial waterbirds and secretive marshbirds as part of the Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment, and white-backed and Cape vultures in South Africa. In 2011-2012, the program will build on these projects to develop a rapid response team for evaluating the impacts to wildlife health from emerging wildlife disease outbreaks and/or environmental contaminant exposures. Potential projects for the coming year include assessing physiologic affects of possible oil exposure to common loons and northern gannets who wintered in the Gulf; continuation of health assessments for Adirondack loons and South African vultures; investigating the effects of PBDE residues on marine mammals; conducting fish eagle and ground hornbill health assessment and ecotoxicology studies in South Africa; and collaborating with Ugandan colleagues on a water contamination project and on an infectious disease project.


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A section of Raleigh's busy Glenwood district was closed off for a time Sunday afternoon after reports of a suspicious package.
The incident focused in the 400 block of Glenwood, around the intersection of Tucker and Glenwood when a passerby reported seeing a grenade on a bench.
Traffic was closed off for about an hour before the Raleigh bomb squad determined the grenade was a fake.
1350 13th AvenueColumbus, GA 31901
Telephone: 706.323.3333
Fax: 706.327.6655
Email: email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Roberttx...See my comment about the United Airline problem. Like I said there, regardless of industry, reputations are made (good or bad) on how hiccups are handled. For many people, there won't be a second chance to impress them. One bad experience and they'll gone to someone else who'll treat them better.June 18, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.
good luck getting any help, it's already under staffed. i went the other day and the 2 people working were overwhelmed without a manager or any help in sight.
this store needs new management in place.June 18, 2011 at 10:13 a.m.


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Fox 11 found signs of potential major delays threatening to knock California's high-speed rail project right off track and leave taxpayers at risk of paying back a big loan.
We sent a crew to Sacramento to square off with the head of the rail authority today. Our investigative producer Heidi Cuda has the story.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc5151 Wisconsin Ave. NWWashington, DC 20016Main Number: (202) 244-5151Newsroom: (202) firstname.lastname@example.com


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Technological advances boost aesthetics, efficiency for adult braces
By Dr. Robert Sunstein, DDS
Smile-correcting orthodontic devices have never been synonymous with high-style; but now, advances in technology and aesthetic design are bringing adult braces into the mainstream – and making them more visually appealing as well. The Los Angeles Times reports that, as of 2008, over 1 million adult men and women were wearing braces; and thanks to a combination of trends including improved orthodontic insurance coverage rates and an increased desire to enhance physical appearance, that number may well continue to rise.
21st century braces are strikingly different from their traditional, stigma-ridden counterparts. In place of heavy wires and unsightly headgear, orthodontic patients now find clear ceramic brackets and Invisalign trays – both of which afford the wearer increased efficiency and comfort in addition to aesthetic subtlety. Today's orthodontic materials are made of light, flexible nickel titanium wires, and can be custom-made to not only fit each patient's mouth individually, but to also retain shape memory and thus reduce the need for frequent, time-consuming adjustments.
Dr. Michael Rogers, president of the American Association of Orthodontists, explains that these new, "faster" braces aren't merely more convenient: the nickel titanium wire actually "moves teeth faster because it works all the time" – making the daunting time commitment traditionally associated with braces a thing of the distant past. Furthermore, for those with dental insurance coverage, costs are improving as well. While the average set prices somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000, orthodontia coverage rates have risen from 54% in 1996 to as much as 73% in 2008 – making affordable oral care and aesthetic improvement an accessible reality for adults and children alike.
Convenient, innovative adult braces at a state-of-the-art San Diego facility
Like many medical professionals, orthodontists have witnessed dramatic industry developments in the last several decades. Straight, healthy smiles are no longer a benefit to be enjoyed exclusively by privileged consumers (or very young children). Instead, adults who desire straighter teeth for any reason – be it a career change into the public spotlight or a renewed need for social confidence – can now access subtle, effective and fast-acting braces — all right here at San Diego's premier orthodontic facility.
With over thirteen years of shared experience, our Sunny Smile Specialists are committed to providing unprecedented orthodontic care to the San Diego community. Based in a new, state-of-the-art La Jolla facility and dedicated to patient flexibility and convenience, our staff uses the latest technology to accommodate adult and child patients alike and achieve straighter teeth and improved oral health in as little as six months – no heavy wires or frequent appointments required.
Braces: they're not just for kids anymore. Learn more, at www.lajollaorthodontist.com
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Short URL: http://www.lajollalight.com/?p=46378


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Haddington, Scotland (PRWEB) February 11, 2007
On February 8, Oprah revealed The Secret to the world. But does it work? A unique ebook authored by Colin Joss and packed with practical instructions and with inspirational stories shows that it does.
Joss is an Internet marketer and founder of Back Roads Marketing. His latest ebook 'Inspired Attraction' teaches anyone how to use the law of attraction to achieve anything they desire.
"The law of attraction simply states that our thoughts and feelings are like a magnet," Joss explained. "If we think warm, fuzzy thoughts that make us feel good we attract to ourselves warm, fuzzy people and experiences. If we think cold, hard thoughts that make us feel bad we attract to ourselves cold, hard people and experiences."
Joss approached a number of successful people and asked them to describe how they use the law of attraction in their day-to-day lives. He selected the thirteen most powerful contributions – including contributions from two stars of The Secret – and combined them into his ebook.
"After watching the Oprah special on The Secret, people probably came away wondering 'Is this for real?'" Joss explained. "The idea behind 'Inspired Attraction' is to show that it is for real and that anyone can use the law of attraction to transform their lives. That's why I included both practical instructions and inspirational stories."
Readers will learn:
Dr. Joe Vitale's two step process for manifestation and have angels handing out your business card.
Dr. John F Demartini's secret of asking high quality questions to spark the law of attraction.
Aine Belton's science and spirituality behind the law of attraction.
Rebecca Hanson's advice to dream big dreams and how to build strong foundations under those dreams.
Pat O'Bryan's inspiring transformation from struggling musician to Internet marketing legend. And he owes it all to the law of attraction.
As well as 8 others from Yanik Silver, Amy Scott Grant, Bill Hibbler, Jeannette Maw, Lori Brower, Marina Woods, Colin Joss, and Craig Perrine.
Joss explained "The response to 'Inspired Attraction' has been wonderful. Following the Oprah special, I'm sure thousands more people will benefit from this ebook."
'Inspired Attraction' is available at Inspired Attraction.


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» Posts Tagged 'hammertonail'
Watch this Unique Behind the Scenes Doc for 'Ain't Them Bodies Saints'
Bill and Turner Ross, the filmmaking team behind Tchoupitoulas and 45365, now turn their cameras to the set of David Lowery's mini-epic Ain't Them Bodies Saints, which opened in 20 theaters this week. This is one of the most meditative behind the scenes documentaries I've ever seen, and one that welcomely breathes a little life to those in-between moments on set. If you're a filmmaker, you're extremely liable to enjoy this. Hit the jump to learn more. More »
After a Record-Breaking Number of Acquisitions at Sundance, is Indie Film 'Back?'
A bit of time has passed since I posted about a record number of acquisitions taking place at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Without attending the festival myself — and as someone who hopes to play Sundance with one of my own films in the future — I've found myself wondering in the days since, "why?" What made Sundance 2011 so different from Sundance 2010? At Hammer to Nail, producer Mike S. Ryan has asked the same question, and he's much more qualified to provide answers: More »


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Good Job.
(Fūton: Atsugai) - Wind Style: Pressure Damage
Rank: A
Chakra Cost:30
Damage Points:60
Description: A Huge blast of wind that levels anything in its path; Can cause major damage and requires a sufficient chakra level to perform. This large wind blast
moves in tremendous speed and cannot be controlled. If the user gets caught in it, it will harm him also.
Focus on the size and the power of this jutsu. (link the picture so that you will understand what I mean)
10 sentences.


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SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The FDA is reporting that jerky treats made in China are potentially deadly for animals.
The agency reports some 1,800 new cases of pet illnesses since the last warning in October.
The majority of the jerky treats from China included the following flavors: chicken, duck and sweet potato.
In all, the FDA reports more than 4,800 complaints of illness and 1,000 dogs have died. The agency is continuing an investigation to find out exactly what's causing the illnesses.
Petco says they're switching out treats from China for those made in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia and South America. They expect to get rid of all Chinese-made treats in their 1,300 stores by the end of the year.
Petsmart will do the same, pulling those treats off shelves by March of next year.
However, it is still alarming for dog owners who want the products removed right away.
"I hope that gets figured out and they find out who has them on shelves and get rid of them today," said dog owner, Jackie Noriega.
The FDA says not to purchase these jerky treats from China:
Waggin TrainCanyon CreekMilo's Kitchen
The best advice from local animal clinics is to call them for a second opinion and to throw away jerky treats made in China and definitely not to buy them from any store.


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LiveDrive review
Friday, January 4, 2013
Livedrive is one of the first developers to the Windows 8 party with a new native app that works with the company's online storage and file sharing service. Livedrive already has provided apps for both Android and iOS, so this is a logical evolution for the company. It's available in plans that range from $8 per month on up, each with a 14-day free trial.
Read more...


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Another Fun Patons Pattern!
Posted By: Cori from Yarnspirations | 2 Comments
I am Louise from Wildflower Wool, a knitter who loves knitting and teaching others how to knit. Join me as I knit every pattern from Next Steps Eight: Fair Isle Knitting and blog my progress along the way. To read from the beginning, visit my previous posts.
Here it is.....the Crazy for Color Cap! Isn't it great?!
Yarn - Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash using pumpkin, mallard teal, apple green, aran and eggplant
Needles - 4mm and 4.5mm
Way back in January when I decided I was going to knit my way through all the patterns in The Next Steps Eight Fair Isle Knitting pattern book my initial excitement was because of the patterns themselves; but once I sat down and really read through the pattern book I discovered how wonderfully it was laid out. Not only do the patterns start out very simple and progress in difficulty as you follow the book you learn how to knit fair isle on circular needles, straight needles and double pointed needles. All my previous fair isle knitting had always been done in the round on a circular needle so this was an exciting chance to expand my knitting horizons and try something different.
You can see my first attempt at knitting fair isle on straight needles here.
One of the "rules" that I set for myself when knitting these projects was to knit using the method the pattern called for. In this case it was in the round with double pointed needles. As you can see in the picture below I cast on and started the pattern using the called for dpn's but that was about as far as I got.
Not long after this picture was taken I realized that this was also the first hat I had ever knit completely on dpn's and you know what.......I really was not having any fun knitting with the dpn's and I have no idea why. I love knitting socks on dpn's and I know that some hat Knitters (yes, Rose I am thinking of you!) only do hats on dpn's. But, for me, hat knitting and dpn's just didn't click. So, after thinking about it for a while I decided that I had given dpn's a try, had followed the instructions and had gotten the hang of how to carry the yarns where the old and new needles meet and that I wanted to enjoy knitting the rest of the hat. So I switched to a 16" circular needle and I was immediately a happy Knitter! My advice to you is to be open to trying a new technique but in the end choose what you enjoy the most.
Once I was happily knitting along on my circular needle the hat was finished in no time. The chart was easy to follow, most rows were easily memorized and the colours changed often enough that you didn't have to worry about carrying the non working yarn across your work. This really was a quick fun knit (once I got my needles sorted out!) and then it was time to deal with the unavoidable tail ends that result from multi colour knitting.
It looks like a lot of ends to deal with and it is but it really doesn't take that long to weave them all in
and the finished hat is well worth the time and effort.
If you have been reading this blog for anytime at all I am sure that it didn't take you long to figure out that I am the biggest Patons Classic Wool fan :) This hat was knit in the DK superwash version of Classic Wool and it was wonderful to knit with. If you haven't tried it yet and have been thinking about it the Yarnspirations.com is offering free shipping on orders over $40 right now.....it is very tempting!!
Hi Louise. Like you I would
Hi Louise. Like you I would leave the ends and then have to darn them in at the end. But a few years ago I read an article that told you to start carrying the new yarn a few stitches before you actually started knitting with it by carrying it along like you do when knitting with the two yarns. When you get to the end of the colour you are dropping just carry it along in the same over and under method for a few stiches. Voila! only thing then is to cut the ends they are already woven in.
I'm so very sorry I forgot to
I'm so very sorry I forgot to mention how much I love the hat.


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As firefighters, we are better protected than we ever have been before. Take personal protective equipment (PPE), for example. When used properly, our PPE prevents the products of combustion from affecting us not only in the short term but also in the long term. That it allows us to operate more effectively in hostile environments is unquestioned. But, as my former chief often asserted, sometimes the most dangerous moments during our response are going to and returning from an incident.
Besides safety measures implemented during the past 25 years that have brought firefighters inside the apparatus and those designed to keep interior equipment from becoming airborne, there are myriad safety elements incorporated into today's apparatus to protect us.
Protective Cages
Although some rigs have seating in the rear, the cab of the truck is where firefighters will spend most of their time when responding to incidents. It's natural that many of the safety features added to protect them will be in the chassis.
According to Ulisses Parmeziani, vice president of operations for Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC, the company offers a safety cage cab design that combines structural design, material selection, manufacturing, and design standards to protect occupants in cases of rolling over and front and side impact. "Seagrave's rigid stainless steel subassembly totally surrounds and protects occupants," he says. "The entire structure of a Seagrave cab can take a real beating in high pressure and heat because it's mounted on a main support sill of four- by three-inch carbon steel tubing using 1.25-inch diameter pins made of 4140 high-tensile steel. The sill has a thickness of 5/16 inches." He adds that cage tubing wraps completely around the cab interior, the roof, side walls, back wall, floor, and across the front, even wrapping around the door posts for added strength. Wrapped corners provide added protection in the event of a corner impact. A stainless steel skin and stainless steel overlay plates adhere to the cage tubing, which Parmeziani claims is especially important to increase penetration resistance to falling debris in cities with high-rise buildings.
Each E-ONE custom chassis is also designed with a structural roll-cage cab to provide protection for firefighters, states Amanda Gummer, marketing and communications manager for E-ONE. "In recent third-party testing, our cab structure withstood over five times the static roof load and over twice the frontal impact required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and SAE," she says. These chassis offer structural extrusions including subframes, a full flange wishbone frame rail, center uprights, and crossbeam extrusions. "Horizontal and vertical supports carry severe vertical loads that can occur in an accident," adds Gummer. "The exterior cab skin material and cab door skins are made of 3/16-inch aluminum alloy sheets for added strength."
"A similar structural roll cage can also be found on all E-ONE body designs, assisting in the protection of the chassis in the event of a rollover," asserts Joe Hedges, E-ONE product manager. "Interlocking aluminum extrusions with aluminum plates throughout our bodies result in strong yet lightweight vehicles."
Paul Christiansen, marketing director at Ferrara Fire Apparatus, says when the company redesigned its Inferno/Igniter cab to meet new EPA emissions requirements, it also took other steps to protect the firefighter from injury. For example, it lowered the cab step height, which is now 19 to 21 inches from ground to first step depending on tire size. This is three to five inches below NFPA requirements. Additionally he states, "Our windshield and side glass are oversized for improved visibility. The cab itself has a roll cage design that protects the firefighter in the event of a collision."
Rollover Protection
Other cab features are more systemic, involving different ways of slowing a vehicle to avoid rollovers as well as components to protect firefighters inside should a rollover still occur.
Mike Moore, vice president, business development, at Pierce Manufacturing, cites Pierce's electronic stability control (ESC) automatic safety management braking system as one example of a rollover avoidance system. "ESC monitors a fire truck's cornering and will, if necessary, automatically reduce engine rpm and selectively apply brakes to individual wheels to bring the vehicle back to its intended direction," he says.
Another Pierce innovation is its TAK-4 independent front suspension system. It shortens stopping distance by up to 23 percent, says Moore, improves ride quality, enhances vehicle control, improves durability, and simplifies maintenance.
E-ONE has an exclusive ESC system called G4™. The system uses sensors on each wheel to constantly monitor driving conditions. "When critical lateral acceleration is detected or if the tires begin to slip," says Hedges," the system intervenes to offer more stability during evasive maneuvers and more confidence behind the wheel." The company also has an on-site tilt table that allows product designs to be validated on campus. "Although not an NFPA requirement, we conduct this test to ensure stability," says Gummer.
Although these systems can help apparatus operators avoid rollover situations, accidents do sometimes occur. Phil Gerace, director of sales and marketing for KME, says that KME Predator custom chassis include full occupant protection. "KME's Total Occupant Protection (TOP™) system is designed to give all cab occupants the ultimate protection in the event of a collision or rollover," he says. To that end, KME cabs feature IMMI's 4Front™ frontal collision protection (air bags) and RollTek™ rollover occupant protection. "These systems deploy within a quarter of a second to help protect firefighters by pretensioning the seat belts, lowering air seats to the safest position, and engaging air bag cushions or engaging a steering wheel air bag to protect the head and neck of the driver, while inflating a knee bolster air bag to protect the officer's knees," says Gerace. He adds that rollover protection side air bags will soon be integrated into firefighters' seats so that regardless of their height or seat position, the bag will be in the optimal safety position.
Pierce offers its Side Roll Protection system to help protect in the event of an imminent roll. "When the Side Roll Protection system senses a roll," says Moore, "a series of actions is triggered to tighten the seat belts, lower and lock down the seats to eliminate movement, and inflate tubular side air bags and curtains."
Seagrave also incorporates the RollTek rollover protection system for additional protection.
Ambulance Challenges
Protecting firefighters inside an ambulance presents a different set of challenges. Firefighters in the back of ambulances are moving around much more, reaching for various supplies, and protection systems must be engineered to keep personnel seated while allowing them freedom of movement.
Chad Newsome, national sales manager, PL Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. says P.L. Custom Emergency Vehicles has worked to address real-world safety concerns for both the EMT and firefighter working in its ambulances and the patients these crews care for. "The PL Custom standard ambulance interior layout includes 45-degree upper cabinets, radiused cabinet corner edges, and dual retracting seat belts, allowing seated personnel to move while remaining seated," he says. "The interior is designed to provide a safe working environment by keeping all necessary equipment within easy reach."
Other safety features include upper and lower five- by two-inch impact safety rails welded into the side structural framework along the full length of the ambulance body. Full height compartment doors protect the ambulance and occupants from injury in the event of an impact. Seat belts are secured to structurally reinforced framework in the body side walls. "The module body framework is a fully welded roll cage structure of 6061T-6 aluminum tubes on 12-inch centers with 0.125-inch 5052 H-34 single-piece aluminum skin panels on the body sides and roof," adds Newsome.
Chad Braun, executive sales manager, Braun Industries, Inc. says Braun has worked extensively on seating arrangements and securing paramedics and EMTs through different seats in place of squad benches and CPR-style seats. These include more restraint systems consisting of three-, four-, and six-point seat belt systems. "We have also gone with an ergonomic interior design to keep the firefighter/paramedic seated and restrained in the seat," says Braun. "They still have to perform their job duties, so we have laid out an interior that puts all their equipment and tools within reach of their seated positions. We have also designed the interior cabinets with rounded interior corners to eliminate sharp points."
The Horton Occupant Protection System (HOPS) includes air bag deployment in key areas of the body module to protect personnel in the event of a rollover, progressive resistance head cushions to dissipate energy from impacted body parts to improve survival and reduce injury severity, and a removable chest strap on three-point restraint systems to allow improved upper body movement for personnel while seated and belted, according to Steve Cole, manager, Rescue Division, Horton Emergency Vehicles.
Beyond the Cab
Besides getting to and from an incident, getting in and out of a vehicle as well as retrieving and stowing gear on the rig can cause firefighter injuries. Although apparatus manufacturers adhere to NFPA safety standards, many innovations originate from unique fire department requests. They also, in some cases, become standard features in future apparatus.
For example, Los Angeles County, California, worked with KME to develop its Lock-N-Load™ hosebed cover. "It is a tread plate cover that rolls back onto itself, allowing one person to roll it back and lift it completely out of the way," says Gerace. While in the open position, positive locking gas struts keep the cover open and the cover locks in the closed position.
Mike Marquis, vice president, sales, Rescue 1, cites the popularity and evolution of rooftop compartments as creating a safety concern for departments. "The concern is that an unsuspecting firefighter could accidentally step off the roof," he says. " 'Mansaver' bars and walled partitions at the end of the roof walkway have been requested by some departments to address this concern."
He adds that most walk-around rescues built by Rescue 1 today feature a full lift-up stairway to access the upper compartments. "This previous option has now become a standard offering on most rescues built today," he adds. "These lift-up stairs offer safe access to the rooftop in any weather conditions." The steps are constructed with grip-strut grating for sure footing in any type of weather conditions. "The perimeter edging of the stairway is finished with reflective striping," Marquis says. "Flashing red LEDs are located on each side of the steps for additional illumination in the dark."
Besides the stairs, Rescue 1 adds reflective striping to the edges of all shelving and slide-out trays for additional visibility in the dark. Speaking of trays, Marquis asserts that the safety issue with these trays is not the capacity rating but the serious injuries that can occur when sliding and tilting the tray if a firefighter is not expecting and bracing for the heavy weight of the tray and equipment. "Rescue 1 has developed an air-assisted slide-out/tilt-down tray that prevents a rapid deployment of the equipped trays," he says. "The air-assisted tray can be adjusted to operate safely with any weight load. It also helps return the tray back to its stowed position."
With the growing popularity of oil dry hoppers, Rescue 1 also developed a way to save firefighters' backs when loading the hopper. "The storage compartments are located on the roof, requiring heavy bags of material to be carried to the roof for reloading," says Marquis. "Rescue 1 developed an electric vacuum reloading feature to prevent back injuries. The absorbent material is drawn from ground level up to the rooftop storage compartment. The system is equipped with a sensor to shut down the vacuum when the absorbent bin is full."
Customers demanded low, ground-accessible hosebeds from Alexis Fire Equipment, according to Jeff Morris, president, Alexis Fire Equipment. He adds that cartridged preconnects that lay behind the cab for ground accessibility and ease of hose loading are now standard. He adds that these features are customer-driven as well as by the company's own R&D. "We listen to our customers and meet their needs in the safest, most efficient manner possible," says Morris. "Many times this means out-of-the-box thinking to meet objectives safely."
Moore adds, "All Pierce R&D efforts are customer-driven in the sense that Pierce develops products and innovations that are directed at solving issues faced by the people who use them. Pierce conducts formal and informal research with firefighters to help identify their priorities and needs."
"We have several innovations which are now standard on all E-ONE apparatus," says Hedges. "[These include] E-ONE's patented Gator Grip® nonslip stepping surface to reduce slipping; a serrated edge on top of our rub rail to reduce slipping; and integral nonslip extruded aluminum ladder rungs instead of rubber rung covers, which can wear out, fall off, and do not reach the entire width of the rung."
Safe and Practical
Many innovations that have safety in mind are also very practical. For example, Christiansen says Ferrara put a 45-degree outward break on the outer edge of adjustable shelves located in the lower portion of a compartment. "This makes it easier for firefighters to retrieve heavy equipment and really makes sense when you think about it," he says. "When lifting, that 45-degree bend makes it much easier to get that equipment over the edge of the shelf."
Harold Boer, president, Rosenbauer America, says Rosenbauer has incorporated many European designs of equipment-mounting devices, such as swing- out trays and tool boards to help prevent back injuries. "We have also developed a folding stair-step type of access ladder to access aerial turntables and hosebeds on pumpers," he says. "This gives a much larger step area and is inclined to give a safer climbing angle. We have also developed powered equipment storage devices for ladders, hard suction hoses, portatanks, and hosebeds on aerials to reduce the need to climb on the truck, reducing the potential for falling."
Practical, but safe, innovations at Crimson Fire include pullout steps integrated into the tailboard, pump houses, and so on that provide more surface area to stand on to perform various duties on the apparatus, according to Bill Doebler, vice president, sales and marketing. "New features are always customer-driven, in one shape or form," he says. "Listening to the customer is the key to designing and building innovative, quality, durable, and safe products." Other Crimson features include dual swing-out drives on aerial devices that provide a smoother rotation and less backlash, sliding aerial controls in the platform that allow firefighters to move controls to optimum operating positions, and a standing platform outside the platform that provides more surface area to perform safe rescue techniques. "The Crimson Fire Smart Loader is a flip-down hosebed wall that also serves as a stepping surface to assist loading hose on a side-stack hosebed," adds Doebler. "The HydraLoad is a hydraulically driven side-stack hosebed that lowers the hosebed height to 20 inches from the ground."
SVI Trucks designs padded head bumpers into its apparatus–especially walk-in rescue, hazmat, and command trucks where personnel may bump their heads while moving around the apparatus, states Steve Houchin, regional sales manager, SVI Trucks. Other safety features SVI incorporates include rear stairways to provide safer access to upper roof compartments and slide-out trays and tool boards that provide easier and safer access to loose equipment. In addition, "SVI Trucks designs a winch that extends from the upper portion of an exterior compartment, which allows easier removal of heavy fire/rescue equipment from the compartment," he adds.
KME AerialCats™ include rung covers with an aggressive gripping surface for both hands and feet, according to Gerace. "Each rung cover also features photoluminescent bands that help orient you to your climbing path in low lighting conditions," he says. Should a department need additional illumination, KME offers the LED Lumabar Pathfinder™ walkway lights that provide total illumination of the aerial walkway.
The company's Store Front Blitz feature on its rear-mount ladders allows the tip of the ladder to be positioned inside a storefront or structure, for a blitz interior attack without putting personnel into harm's way.
KME's PRO™ rescue-pumper eliminated discharges from the operator work area to the front, rear, and officer's side of the truck. A camera system allows the operator to see the other side of the truck to maintain view of hydrant and pump operations.
What to Expect
There will be no shortage of safety innovations in 2012 and beyond. Seagrave has two things to watch out for.
Parmeziani says seat belts will have an option for an adjustable "D" loop (upper seat belt anchor) or the ready reach option, a device that positions the seat belt forward about six inches from the upper anchor, making the seat belt easier to reach when in turnout gear.
"Seagrave applied for a patent and is launching a double redundant electrical system for aerial devices," Parmeziani adds. "So, if one system becomes inoperable because of a component or condition, the redundant system automatically starts to operate the aerial device in a way that is transparent to the operator." He says this prevents firefighters or civilians from being trapped in a hazardous situation while waiting for a manual backup system. "Additionally, Seagrave offers autodiagnosis of the system to allow for quick identification and resolution," Parmeziani adds.
Gerace expects to see electronic stability control for tankers and 4x4 units. "In addition, there will be a trend toward simplifying operations on vehicles so controls are intuitive and operation procedures are clear."
On the ambulance side, Newsome says seat belt monitoring systems and vehicle data recorders are welcome additions to improving the safety environment for those providing and receiving emergency care but cautions that new trends in design safety must have a definable benefit. "When new ideas and designs are presented, look into them fully. The best new ambulance with the coolest new gadgets can't help anyone if it cannot be easily serviced."
Cole expects to see SRS frontal impact air bags to become available on commercial vehicle chassis.
Look Beyond Standards
The NFPA provides industrywide direction on increasing firefighter safety. Hedges cites eliminating open cabs, step heights, warning light requirements, and occupant detection systems as just a few.
Marquis states that manufacturers should look beyond NFPA requirements. "Most fire departments have chosen to follow guidelines published by the NFPA," he says. "As an emergency vehicle manufacturer, we need to look beyond these requirements to develop the next generation of innovative ideas and continue to critique how the equipment is built and operated by each fire department."
Morris states Alexis keeps firefighter safety and NFPA guidelines at the forefront of the design process rather than addressing them during the build process. "This way, all questions have been addressed and the safety issues resolved in a way that is agreeable to the customer and is acceptable to the NFPA and other industry-leading standards."
Doebler adds that overall, today's fire apparatus are becoming more safe by almost all means–from applying more visible striping and lettering to lowering equipment to a more ergonomic and usable height.
But, don't skimp on these safety features, warns Joseph Neiner, chairman and CEO of Seagrave. "In these economic times, there is more pressure than ever to cut costs, but you can't compromise safety," he says. "A savvy apparatus purchasing decision should never be based on price alone."
Finally, Christiansen reminds firefighters to not forget the operator when it comes to safety. "The progression of NFPA standards has led to significant upgrades in safety," he says. "Cab strength requirements, vehicle rollover protection, and positive-latching SCBA brackets are just a few examples. However, the bottom line on safety usually comes down to the person operating the apparatus and/or other vehicles on the highway."
CHRIS Mc LOONE, associate editor of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, is an 18-year veteran of the fire service and a captain with Weldon Fire Company (Glenside, PA). He has been a writer and editor for more than 15 years. While with Fire Engineering, he contributed to the May 2006 issue, a Jesse H. Neal Award winner for its coverage of the Hurricane Katrina response and recovery.
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ATHLETICS: Russell Young tops RSE runners at London Marathon (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)
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ATHLETICS: Russell Young tops RSE runners at London Marathon
Updated 1:00pm Tuesday 15th April 2014 in Sport
EIGHT RSE runners travelled to London last weekend to take on the Virgin Money London Marathon.
Running Somewhere Else
Virgin Money London Marathon
Well done to Russell Young who despite the heat of the day finished the race in 2:54.47 and to marathon first timer Dave Witnall who crossed the line in 3:28.09.
Also running the distance for the first time was Sharon Baldwin (3:55.35) and Elaine Chapman in (4:20.17).
Mother and daughter Deb and Eve Barry also competed with Deb finishing in 3:58.02 to secure a 'good for your age' place after missing out by 20 seconds the last time.
Eve, running the distance for the first time, clocked 4:50.20.
Paul and Caroline Coates having competed in Rome three weeks earlier did well to finish in 4:31.28 and 5:33.52 respectively.
Marathon Des Sables
LAURA MADDISON did incredibly well to complete the punishing Marathon Des Sables in 54hrs 12min 08sec.
Full report on her effort in the Standard next week.
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Welcome to the Mindful Yoga Studio!
Mindful Yoga in Southeast Wisconsin puts balance into your life. We are passionate about your health and devoted to teaching students the art and healing power of hatha yoga.
Yoga Is Self Discovery. Mindful Yoga invites you to join us in this joyful and on-going journey of personal growth and improved health.
Yoga postures help to increase energy and strength while restoring harmony to your bodily systems. Honor your body while you gain focus, clarity and awareness. Manage your wellness, stress and life with confidence, balance and Mindful Yoga!
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Meditation In Mind
Our Hatha Yoga style is meditative with an emphasis on breath awareness which is taught at the beginning of each class. The breath is the most important aspect of yoga and our lives....read more
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The Mindful Yoga Difference
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{title} {reviewRating}/{reviewRatingRange}
Containers & Lids (1-3/16 CUPS / 9.5 OZ)
Protect the foods you love with Glad® LockWare™ containers. With lids that twist and lock tight, these extra-small containers provide extra protection against leaks. So your favorite fruit, dressings or other small snacks stay secure on the go. They're microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free, too.
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I love these containers for dry food but they consistently leak if I put any liquid in them. I'm not sure if it has to do with how the lids don't go on very smooth or if I got some faulty product but every time I put liquid in them they leak.— Dee88


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Criminal Justice
Should the cellphone industry do more to end the trade in stolen smartphones?
By Martha Neil
May 2, 2013, 01:30 pm CDT
A problem that is easily solved. Simply require carriers to replace stolen devices at no cost to the subscriber. They will stop carrying devices that are easily used after being stollen and the manufacturers will correct the problem to maintain sales.
By W.R.T. on 2013 05 02, 6:06 pm CDT
@ 1: A free new device has the potential for abuse. I would rather see the carriers be required to offer the consumer a similar replacement phone at about 50% discount, without obligation to the consumer to extend their existing plan longer than the time remaining on their current contract. I believe the carriers actually have a way of deactivating the old SIM card and giving you the same number—but this may depend on the type of phone. If so, people who use their phone for business would experience fewer problems insuring that their contacts got the new information.
By BMF on 2013 05 02, 7:39 pm CDT
This is stupid. They already have apps that let you wipe your phone and track your phone if it gets lost or stolen. And I believe you can also remotely disable it. Most people just dont take the time to set up the programs in advance and the cops Are reluctant to investigate cell phone thefts.
By anonymous on 2013 05 03, 2:43 am CDT
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Comedian Ian Bagg at the Punch Line
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Comedian Ian Bagg have expired.
The last date listed for Comedian Ian Bagg was Friday March 21, 2014 / 10:00pm.
Currently at Punch Line Comedy Club:
SF Comedy Showcase at the Punch Line
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Come see the Punch Line's weekly SF Comedy Showcase, held every Sunday for over 30 years. San Francisco has a rich and vibrant comedy scene, and this weekly show has birthed such comedians as Patton Oswalt, Margaret Cho and Arj Barker, as well as the current flock of up-and-coming stars like W. Kamau Bell and Moshe Kasher. Laugh at a lineup of the Bay Area's top stand-up comics, many of whom have appeared on late-night television, Comedy Central and more. Learn More
Venue Details
There is a garage located on the same block, just around the corner. Be warned it closes at 10pm. There is a $50 charge to reopen to retrieve your car. Definitely park else where.Comedian Mike E. Winfield travel • Jul 14 2014 star this tip starred
The weather was windy.Comedian Robert Hawkins dress • May 30 2014 star this tip starred
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from Novi
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The majority of the show seemed to be unscripted - a lot of the jokes were based off of interactions with audience members and I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard throughout the duration of an entire act. I will definitely see him again!
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He was a great comedian. He used the crowd as his foil, so it was very unique. Every show of his must be different, as they crowd is different each time. He was extremely funny, and I would 100% go see him again. Everyone in my group agreed...continued
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Ian is a bright, funny, creative guy. Unfortunately almost his entire routine involved heckeling the audience. He gets way too crude and assaultive. Ultimately it was tense and not fun.
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Unrelenting, fast paced improv. Everyone in the audience gets Bagged, so be prepared to get pilloried. This guy is vicious. Brilliant.
Quotes & Highlights
See videos of Ian's comedy at his website.
Ian Bagg was born in the little town of Terrace, B.C. Canada. In 1994, he began doing stand-up comedy and quickly became a regular at all the major comedy clubs. After a short three years in New York, Ian had made three appearances on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Soon after moving to Los Angeles, he worked as a correspondent for MySpace, hosted Ripe TV's The_ Hollywood Burn_, and even had his own live talk show "The Ian Bagg Show". He's added credits like NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as CBS's Late Late Show with hosts Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson. He was able to be a part of a half hour comedy special, _A Comic's Climb on HBO, and Comedy Central Presents Ian Bagg._ In love with the art of stand up, he was thrilled when The History Channel asked him to be a part of their special_, The History of the Joke._


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Rutgers-WVU depth chart posted
What, you were expecting Chas Dodd to start over Gary Nova? The only news of note this week is that DE Manny Abreu is listed in the starting lineup following his injury against Louisville. Abreu hasn't made a ton of big plays outside of Navy this year, but with Mike Larrow already injured, RU can ill-afford to lose more defensive linemen.


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Wagner does periodic interviews on Appleton area radio shows to promote his work on OnMilwaukee.com, where he covers the Brewers. He did an interview today where he talked about Eric Gagne and other things. His insights have been hit and miss some times, in my opinion, but he does have locker room access.
On Gagne, he said that Riske might come off the DL first (though not yet), even though Gagne's trip to the DL was for precautionary reasons. Gagne apparently played catch this week and experiences some discomfort again and the workout was terminated. Wagner said he doesn't expect Gagne to be activated any time soon. He also said that Gagne's "one weird guy to figure out", and "I've given up trying to figure out Eric Gagne." The tone in his voice when he made those comments reflected a mix of amusement and frustration, but he went no further in explaining what he meant. He did say that everyone associated with the team seemed to expect, though wouldn't admit, that Torres would remain the closer when (if?) Gagne returns to the active roster.
When prompted, he said that no one in the clubhouse seemed to really be paying much attention to Bill Hall's trade request, and he personally gave Hall a pass for letting his agent speak out because of the number of times Hall's been moved around. He said he sensed no disharmony in the dugout and overtly compared Ryan Braun's comments after the sweep in Boston to Zambrano's dugout fight last year, suggesting it might be the trigger point for a long period of success this year. He was optimistic that Parra's recent performances would continue for much of the rest of the season.
Thought I'd pass it along...


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A crowbar
This week we signed the papers to initiate an evaluation. "For autism," said the special educator, making an X near the signature line on one particular form. As we signed I wondered how many parents hear that word so baldly stated and want to correct him. No, no, I think you made a mistake. You don't mean autism. You mean Asperger's. Or "something on the spectrum." Or...I know what: quirky. How about you just write quirky? And put in "delightfully" if there's room.
This is not a new idea, that something's going on with Charlie more complex than "doesn't feel like listening" or "harmless goofballing" or "overindulgent parents, Jesus, did you hear them?" even though any of those might be concomitant. Autism? ADHD? ODD? NVLD? OMGSRSLY? Yeah, sure, maybe, I guess. Throw 'em on the stack, whatever consonants you have, and let's just please find out.
And "Let's just please find out" is not a new request. He's seen his pediatrician, two OTs, and a neurologist; the school counselor, the support specialist, the special educators. In fact, for the last six months the school has been doing its due diligence to determine whether the lower-level interventions they provide as a matter of course might be sufficient. While it could have been stopped at any point if the smile charts and sensory breaks and social coaching had shown much promise, the process has been in motion for some time now. This is simply its culmination.
So we are accustomed to the idea that there's something, whatever it'll ultimately be called. (I call it "I just want my kid to make it through the school day in the company of his classmates having learned something without an outburst." The eventual DSM-VI is going to be all over that shit.) We know we need some help.
And yet there's something about signing, about taking the pen in hand and making that mechanical squiggle, saying, "Yes, please classify my child," that feels like standing over Pandora's Box, reading the packing list carefully, and then asking for a crowbar. Like we're setting something big and possibly dangerous in motion without knowing how it works. Simultaneously like we're doing absolutely the right thing for our child, and like we're selling him down the river.
Posted by Julie at 09:27 AM in Charles in charge | Comments (111)
If you're not kind of totally freaked out, you haven't been paying attention
A brief selection of images from the bookshelves of my children:
"Wait, wait, Ben, why are you crying? I thought you liked dogs."
"Shhh. Shhhhhhh. Don't cry, bunny. Does this one make you feel better?"
Criteria to consider when selecting a children's book:
Does it make me think of cat nipples?
...or that? (Still, it could be worse. It could be scratch 'n' sniff.)
Can you look at that picture without thinking of Boogie Nights?
...Bet you can't now.
To exorcise that vision, please enjoy...a piglet...hungrily eyeing...the meat case. Yes. That's much, much better.
Posted by Julie at 11:12 AM in I am full of good ideas | Comments (54)
An update as quick as the call was
I saw the principal again at pickup yesterday. From down the block he saw me coming and made that "telephone" hand gesture. I shrugged extravagantly, palms up, in the universal signal for, "Dude. WHAT." As I got nearer he nodded ruefully, the very picture of regret. I widened my eyes all crazy-like, and may have bared a fang. "I'll call you," he said, as I moved into earshot. "Please," I said, and passed.
And he called, beginning with a litany of reasons he hadn't called sooner. I listened, hoping any of those reasons would seem relevant -- pertaining directly to my child -- or urgent -- involving a hungry live tiger on the loose during school hours. But no; I think he was trying to placate me.
In fact, the entire call was about placating me, but in the briefest, ten-foot-pole-est of ways -- so maybe not about placating me, but in fact about shutting me up, presumably so he could go ward off an outbreak of ebola or quash a rising junta or something. I hear he is a very busy man.
The takeaway from the conversation is that Charlie is back on the bus; I made it known that Paul and I are not happy with the way the situation was handled; and that velociraptors must have been tearing through the corridor eating children, library books, and test scores left and right, because, damn, did that principal get off the phone fast.
(I kid because I love...being put off for days.)
Deeply unsatisfying, but not the end of this particular conversation. We have the luxury of a planned conference next week, during which I'll bring this up, maybe even without crying. Thank you so much for all your suggestions and encouragement. I'm learning a lot -- some of it depressing, but all of it useful, and every bit gratefully received.
In an abrupt change of subject, because I do occasionally look up from my navel for a minute, if only to say, "Oooh, linty," I want to point out Keiko Zoll's fantastic multipart rant about PETA, which is giving away a free vasectomy...to encourage people to spay or neuter their pets..."in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week."
In case that pissed you off, why not channel your anger into action? Consider this your yearly reminder about RESOLVE's Advocacy Day, when we formally ask our congressional representatives to -- stay with me, this is crazy -- represent us with meaningful action. Either in Washington or in your home state, you can officially make your voice heard about infertility, and RESOLVE will help.
And in case that pissed you off, here is a toddler painting, some bread I baked, and a manifesto in the making.
Posted by Julie at 12:36 PM in Charles in charge, Jane, you ignorant slut | Comments (29)
The bus
I've been perseverating on this for what feels like a week now but has only been two days, wearing away at it like the metal-gnawing rodents we discussed at breakfast this morning. (Rodents came after monkeys; monkeys came after horses. "I like to eat horses," Ben cheerfully said. Hush and finish your Wilbur.)
I've told everyone I normally talk to, and when I ran out of people I unloaded on the cat. (He eyed the flecks of spittle in the corners of my mouth, judged my mood to a nicety, and backed away slowly from my crazy-eyed self.) Having talked all my friends into catatonia, I still need to say it some more. It's all I can think about so I'll post it here: Charlie's been banned from the school bus.
About three weeks ago, we were called to pick him up from school. He'd had some classroom outbursts and hit a couple of other kids. (Oh, the sinking in my stomach as I type that — not only that he did it, but at what it means to say on the Internet, Sometimes my kid hits.) As a bonus, apparently there'd been an issue with a kid on the bus.
So we picked him up, brought him home, and attempted to talk it all out. The classroom behavior was of much greater concern, particularly since he was in agreement that things had gone badly there. The bus incident, on the other hand, seemed to be a question of roughhousing gone too far. "M. and I like to sit together and punch ourselves" — not each other — "and pretend to knock ourselves out." M., it seems, amid this play had hit her head on the window pretty hard.
With larger matters to worry about — oh, God, sometimes my kid hits — we resolved the bus situation, we thought, by warning Charlie that he needed to avoid the appearance of violence as well as the violence itself, that that kind of play was likely to lead to trouble, and that he shouldn't sit with M. anymore.
This Monday, a few weeks later now, Paul took a call from the principal. Something had happened on the bus. M.'s mother had gone to the school, incensed. The upshot was that Charlie was not to ride the bus anymore "until we work out a solution."
On hearing this after school hours, I had a million questions: Did something new happen that we didn't know about? What? Why was this the first solution the school proposed? Did it occur to the school to simply separate the kids, have them sit in different seats? Did no one ask Charlie his side of the story?
Sort of seems like not.
Without telling Charlie what was up, I asked him casually about the bus. He seemed entirely unaware that anything alarming might have happened; his only perception that something was out of the ordinary was that when he tried to sit with M. on Monday morning, she told him, "My mom will get mad if I sit with you." As far as he understands it, M. is his friend and they like to goof around together.
For a variety of reasons I believe him, that he didn't do anything mean-spirited or out of anger. He is always perfectly willing to cop to it when that's been the case, "I didn't mean to" being his version of an iron-clad defense, like, whoa, there, Clarence Darrow, your legal kung fu confounds me. I acknowledge Charlie's difficulties in that area, but I think this is a different matter entirely: this is pretty much the definition of everything being all fun and games until someone loses an eye.
(Oh, God, y'all, no: she still has both of her eyes.)
Now, one thing I need you to know about the principal is that at our last meeting, I really felt he heard our concern that Charlie's enthusiasm for school is fast diminishing. He instructed the team — the classroom teacher, the counselor, the support specialist, the occupational therapist — to do what they could to set him up for success, to make school fun for him. He didn't come right out and say, "Go easy on him," but he might as well have, as that was the implication. He did say, "Let's make it our project to keep that light shining."
So the most urgent question I had for the principal was whether it had occurred to anyone to attempt a resolution that didn't summarily take away one of the very few things my kid enjoys about his school experience.
I left a message for the principal at 8:30 yesterday morning. I left another at 1:30. And when I went to pick Charlie up yesterday afternoon, I found him on the steps of the school, presiding over pickup. "I'll call you," he said.
So this is me, perseverating. I cannot let this go. I'm anxious and furious and, on and off, kind of teary. I'm a little twitchy right now, truth be told, keyed up and angry and all too ready to say things I'll surely regret. (As mad as I am that no one has called, I wouldn't want to talk to me, either. I appreciate that the school's first priority is to guarantee the safety of students. But having acknowledged that, I'm still feeling pretty snarly.)
It's only a bus, I tell myself. (The cat agrees from his hiding place, wishing I'd stop hyperventilating. It's harshing his nut-licking mellow.) But it's also something more. It's the suggestion that my kid may be seen as a problem to be solved instead of a child to be understood and met where he is right now. It's the worry that, huh, maybe the school isn't going to go to bat for him when he needs it. And it's the dawning awareness that there may be lots of battles just like this one, simultaneously small and big, to be fought and, God help me, won.
Awkward to tack this on, I know, but I wanted to let you know that among about 60 donors, you gave $2130 for relief efforts in Japan. That's…a lot of money, y'all. The winner of the quilt is Susan, from comment number 33. Susan, it's on its way.
It feels weird to thank you, because I know you didn't do it for me — you do so much for me already, just by being here — but I do want to let you know how grateful I am to you for being part of something big with me. Thank you.
Posted by Julie at 08:42 AM in Charles in charge | Comments (91)
Two minutes' self-indulgence
Happens every time: I can take bad news with great aplomb, as long as no one is kind. Tell me hard facts, and I sit up straighter, but use that tone and I crumple. That was me on Thursday, sitting in a meeting about Charlie — not the hitting meeting, which was five minutes in the principal's office, only long enough for me to think, I wore my Confederate flag bikini for this? but another, an hour and a half, all about our boy and the trouble he's having in school.
I was fine as long as we stuck to plans and procedures. I nodded intelligently through percentiles and programs. I remained detached during a recitation of Charlie's less amusing idiosyncrasies. (I won't reduce him to a list of behaviors, so let's just say he has some.) I was fine until I brought up my most urgent concern, that the problems Charlie's having in the classroom are dampening his enthusiasm for being there and reducing what little engagement he has. I was fine until the principal agreed, saying, "Some of Charlie's light is going out."
Said so kindly it made me cry, silently like I do, but still. If you're going to say shit like that, Mr. Awesome Empathic Principal, ditch the tone of concern and hire a robot to do it for you. Or maybe a Speak and Spell. Because I cannot be a badass with tears dripping off my nose.
The upshot, the short version — because typing even that much has a tear wobbling on the edge of my eyelid — is that Charlie is being evaluated to see if he qualifies for special education. I will be shocked if he doesn't.
Don't mistake me: That's not the problem. I mean, we all have something, right? Getting picked last for sports teams or not having dates in high school or needing Xanax to get on an airplane or looking in the mirror and not liking what we see: Whatever it is, we are all, in some way, irregular. I've known too many families of every stripe — happy families, successful families, regardless of their challenges — to assign it any stigma.
The problem for me is me. I am finding it really hard to shake an ugly idea: that we should somehow be exempt. That because we had it hard early on, now we're due for unremarkable-ever-after. That, Jesus, hasn't that all been enough?
Through our years of infertility, I was never really inclined to feel especially hard done by. Oh, I hated it, but never did it feel like we were unjustly singled out by Fate, the universe, or God. Where some would say, "Why me?" I was content with "Why not me?" If infertility was the worst thing that had happened to me — and at the time, it was — I didn't have much to complain about.
The same is true now. I haven't lost perspective entirely; this is not the worst thing that's happened, not by a long shot. Charlie having trouble is, after all and more importantly, still Charlie, and, my God, how lucky am I? And it's real, what he's experiencing, and it's hard for him and us, but I know it could be worse, so drop the melodrama, Julie. Cut the crap and get on with it. I know it's not that bad. Nevertheless, I am furious, with the kind of anger that's made more frustrating by the fact that it has no target. There is no one to be mad at.
It's the same old anger, I guess, but this time it's being fueled by a feeling that embarrasses me (which is why I'm sharing it here in the quiet with only two or three of my most intimate friends who can be counted on not to judge me for it). That feeling is entitlement. Oh, come on, I think, listening to the neurologist muse, or seeing the school's number on the caller ID. Come on. Do we really deserve this?
And I hate that feeling in myself, because of course the answer is no; of course it is. Deserving's got nothing to do with it. Better people than I have it worse than we ever will. No one ever deserves this kind of difficulty. Therefore, kind of, if you think about it, well, we all do.
Posted by Julie at 11:22 PM in Charles in charge | Comments (131)
What not to wear
...to a meeting concerning your kindergarten son's hitting at school:
- Two words: Catholic schoolgirl.
- Two other words: Beer hat. (Via Twitter.)
- Arm in a sling, heavy eye makeup -- I favor Urban Decay eyeshadow in the Weeping Bruise palette -- and a few fake teeth to spit out casually during conversation.
- "The answer is nun. Nun more black."
- "I'm with Stupid --->" shirt, no matter how strategically you seat yourself in the principal's office.
(What I did wear: a matronly sweater and a shellshocked look, because oh em effing gee.)
Posted by Julie at 09:37 AM in Charles in charge | Comments (32)
Tater tot
Due to an untimely move during high school, the second semester of my senior year found me in a health class designed for freshmen, necessary for graduation. The curriculum purported to address general topics in health and hygiene, but in reality it was about eleven solid weeks of sex ed -- let us relive the magic -- and one solid week of The-Wonder-of-Me bullshit. ("Make an album cover that sums up your personality!" "...The answer is none. None more black.")
Now, by that time I had a good working knowledge of contraception, so it was with purest teenage scorn that I received an assignment intended to terrify my fourteen-year-old classmates into celibacy. We were each issued a five-pound sack of potatoes and told to treat it as we would a real baby: to take it with us wherever we went unless we could find a babysitter; to budget for its care and feeding; and never, under any circumstances, to mash it with cream and butter.
At eighteen, I was pretty sure that anything I found stupid was worth doing very badly. I subverted the assignment in every way I could think of. Instead of pricing cribs at Sears, I insisted I'd empty a laundry basket. While my classmates borrowed strollers and wheeled their babies to English, I toted mine like a football, a hold that appalled my teacher, but one my real babies loved. I unsacked my baby and stuffed its tuberous parts into the sleeves and legs of a dingy romper from Goodwill. I named it Headless. I got a low grade. And that was my training for parenthood.
Today outside the grocery store I saw a girl lugging a baby carrier. She was young, thirteen or fourteen. The sight of her alarmed me, and I looked around for her mother. The carrier was too heavy for her; as she lurched, it jerked and swayed, but she didn't seem to care.
As I passed her I looked at the baby, expecting to see a freaked-out face gone green. But of course it wasn't a baby, but a life-sized plastic doll. My first reaction was relief: I'd been thirty seconds away from rushing right over and telling her to stop shaking that baby; demanding to know if she was breastfeeding; and making some inconsequential small talk about circumcision -- you know, just pleasant social chit-chat. Oh, and cover that baby up! It's 30 degrees out here!
My second reaction was laughter. Because from the neck down the baby was covered…with a bag of Cheetos, a box of Hot Pockets, and a package of Rainbow Twizzlers, all tucked in very neatly next to her ersatz child.
But I still wanted to tell her she was doing it wrong. For the sake of authenticity, she should have swapped the Twizzlers for Xanax.
Posted by Julie at 09:54 PM | Comments (35)
In the midst
I didn't have what you'd call a religious upbringing, but for a while when I was a kid I did go to church every Sunday. My older brother and I sang in the children's choir.
Think about that for a second.
Yup. It all just goes to show you...something...about...okay, I don't know what it goes to show, except that it's kind of a brilliant idea, really, for parents who want Sunday morning child care.
What, you don't think my parents actually attended that church, right?
Anyway, we'd get dropped off, and amid the sound of squealing tires as my parents made their getaway, we'd be there all bleating like snow white little lambs -- the snippets of hymns come back to me all the time -- and then we'd settle into our pews and pretend to listen to the rector as he conducted the talky parts of the service. I have no recollection of those interludes, although since this was an Episcopalian church, it is safe to assume he was exhorting us all to commit adultery, overthrow the papacy, and have a gin and tonic, in that order. What I do remember is that when the time came for us to read along from the Book of Common Prayer, I would flip to the appropriate section along with my choirmates, and as the rector droned I would drift.
Pretending to be casual, I'd flip the book's thin pages. Naturally -- come on, like you wouldn't have -- I'd end up at the Order for the Burial of the Dead. I never attended a funeral in childhood, never heard these words read aloud, but now, much later in life when I know more about what dying means, those phrases come back just like the hymns. In the midst of life we are in death is what I keep hearing these days.
Last week my cousin died, 40 years old, in apparent good health, a slim, athletic man. He left a wife and son, and I have been having flashes several times a day of what this must be like for them. Even the poorest imaginings make me cry: how many horrible months lie ahead before everything stops feeling wrong? And, my God, what will they have to go through until they're finally there?
I'm not writing this because I want condolences. This isn't about me, and that's the point. I have this indelible picture in my mind, and it's crazy but it persists. I am thinking about Japan as one of those giant photo collages -- choose a view of the devastation; it doesn't matter which. Now think of that picture as being composed of a billion smaller pictures: zoom out and you see a town swept away, a family scanning a notice board for news of lost loved ones. Or a young man alone in his home, fallen over suddenly, while the phone rings and rings, unanswered -- his wife, to ask what the doctor said. This is happening every day, to those we'll always love and those we'll never know. Japan is a reminder, on a scale that's hard to assimilate.
So I do things with my children, and I think helplessly and gratefully, Life is going on. Even my cousin's wife since that day has washed her five-year-old's hair, fixed him some sort of meal, comforted him or tried. We go on, and it feels both wrong and right, simultaneously obscene and sacred. Shouldn't the world stop turning? I think when I look at the pictures out of Japan. No, and thank God it doesn't, I think when I check on Ben as he's sleeping, or soothe a crying Charlie when he swallows his first lost tooth.
In the midst of life we are in death, but it goes both ways, amen.
If I were a better person, I might be feeling, I don't know, different. A surge of renewed gratitude for what I have. The drive to make the world a better place in some practical, tangible way. Or even a respectful solemnity. I don't know. None of that's really happening for me. What I'm experiencing instead is a strengthening of my conviction that we're all connected, we're all in this together, and while nothing solves the problem, exactly -- you can't wish a town back into existence, or ease the loss of a husband and father -- doing something helps. I know it helps the giver, and I hope it helps the recipients.
Inspired by much better quilters, I'm giving away a quilt. Unlike their big beautiful offerings, though, mine's a little one, about 40" square, suitable for a baby or young child.
It's made from a pattern by Elizabeth Hartmann and features a print called Bad Kitty:
...and it's made of cotton fabric and batting, with a backing of soft polyester plush:
To enter, just donate $10 or more to the American Red Cross's designated fund. After donating, come back here and leave a comment with your tracking number. For every $10 given you'll get one entry into the drawing, so please make it clear in your comment if you've donated more than that. Please also leave a valid e-mail address in the appointed space so I can contact you if you win. Next week I'll choose a winner.
Posted by Julie at 02:36 PM | Comments (62)
Ribbed...for her pleasure
We have a winner!
With this comment...
I wish I could come up with a witty response, but I'm so busy panicking about my wretched infertile loins and the state of Georgia trying to make effing miscarriages a crime (as if having the damn things isn't awful enough) that my brain is flatlining...
...Danielle has won the Let's Panic About Babies! book and gift basket. For no reason at all, I am now wondering if the gift basket's "back" massager bears any resemblance at all to the pink fairy armadillo so many of you correctly identified. (If you can look at the drawing above without wondering where you'd insert the batteries, you're a better person than I in pretty much every way.)
But panic no more, Danielle, about the Georgia miscarriage thing, which proposes the death penalty -- Ha, made you snort your coffee! Wait, oh, God, you're choking! Shit, y'all, what do I do? -- in cases where women cannot prove there was "no human involvement whatsoever in the causation" of their loss.
As monstrous as that idea is, it doesn't appear to be an immediate threat to our inalienable right to lie on the bathroom floor crying, whispering, "This just can't be happening." According to RESOLVE, which mounts particularly strong and effective advocacy efforts in Georgia, "[Republican state representative Bobby Franklin] introduces this same legislation every year[...] The Bill has not been assigned to committee and is unlikely to receive a hearing." (Which isn't to say there's nothing to panic about: For crying out loud, Georgia, personhood again?)
So just relax, Danielle, with your nice basket of stuff! Get it? Just relax? Just...rel...oh, never mind. Or at least don't panic about that particular measure, although I admit it might keep me up at night if my state had kept re-electing that creep since 1996.
At any rate, I'm a little too cheerful today to get ranty, so let me direct you to Keiko Zoll's post at Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed about why this stuff is important even if you can't get pregnant.
I'm in a good mood. Our cat is home after a few weeks of cancer treatment, and spent all night sneezing gently on my face, and while it doesn't sound nice to get periodically sprayed out of a sound sleep by a burst of atomized cat snot, I assure you it was wonderful. My tooth extraction went well and the oral surgeon pronounced himself pleased; although I'm saving the offending molars in case I want them made bionic and reinstalled someday, I believe I can put it behind me now and save my remaining Vicodin for my next fancy dinner party.
And the stories you told in the comments -- I really did laugh at some of them, because, egad, what else can you do? (Answer: Get a little teary, which is what I did with the others. I am sorry someone said those things to you, and awed that you didn't go all rabid fairy murder armadillo on their ass, because, damn.)
Thanks so much for reading, entering, and sharing. Do read all the comments if you can, but in case you're feeling fragile, I'll just highlight some of the funniest.
My husband's grandmother, spry for her 82 years, was playing with my 6-month-old son last Thanksgiving when she (quite loudly) asked him: "How did you get so cute when your parents are so ugly?"
Yeah, standing right here, Grandma. -- Adria
I once started a family feud by not allowing my dad to take my then-newborn daughter for a ride. On his HARLEY. IN A SNUGLI. -- Meim
After three failed IUIs, a failed IVF and the subsequent adoption of our beautiful son, my best male friend from college quipped (on my Facebook wall), "Why didn't you guys just try the old fashioned way?" -- Jess H
Waiting for a bus with Kid 1, less than 4 months old, tucked napping neatly out of sight in a Maya Wrap. He woke up and shifted himself up from his curled up position and grabbed the wrap, pulling it down so he could see out of it and check out where we were.
Old lady nearby: "Oh my gosh! It's a baby! I thought it was just an ugly purse!" -- deezydubya
I delivered my daughter by emergency C-section. Later that day, I was telling my mother, who had also delivered her children by C-section, how disappointed I was that I did not have the dreamy no-intervention birth I had planned. My sweet and well-intentioned mother began listing of the benefits of having had a C-section rather than a vaginal birth, beginning with, "You'll still be a snug fit." -- Julia
I don't know if this counts because it was something I said to a friend who posted on Facebook announcing her first pregnancy. She asked all of her BTDT friends what she would need upon the baby's birth. Asshole that I am (thinking I was being hilarious), I responded, "Miracle blanket, marriage counseling, and Zoloft."
It was her FIRST BABY. -- Kate
Worst comment a terrified 22-year-old could ever hear, from a friend of a friend (so, an old-lady stranger), no less: "Gawd, you're carryin' low. I hope your bladder innin't wrecked. Thanks to Jimmy I cain't laugh, walk or breathe without peein' my pants day and night. Ah mean it." -- AdirondackJen
I was about 25 weeks pregnant and ran to our local walmart to get groceries. Standing in line to check out, a man gets in line behind me. I make eye contact by accident and thus the "encounter" begins. Oh hi. Are you pregnant? (I am fat-ish, and this is my first child, so in the beginning I am kind of excited. This quickly goes downhill.) So I answer the questions. Yes, I am pregnant. 25 weeks. It's my fist. I'm having a boy. Then Creepy McStalker asks if I am HAPPILY married. I answer yes, very much so. And he says, "Oh, yeah, yeah. Me, too. You know, you just get tired of chicken all the time, and want a little steak now and again," and winks. So apparently fat-ish knocked up girls = steak. Obviously. Well this freaks me out, so I turn my back and unload my cart at the register. I turn around again and he tells me not to take offense. Sometimes it's just nice to put your dipstick somewhere else. I left ASAP and called my husband. He asked what I was wearing. I told him a hoodie and maternity jeans. He told me I was asking for it. -- Kristen Wiley
My friend was excitedly telling her mother than she was expecting her third child. Her mother replies "What do you want THREE children for?" My friend is HER third child. -- Jill
As my first child was, uh, crowning during labor, my husband (my. HUSBAND.) took a peek and declared, "No way is that going to fit." -- shriek house
Oh, there are so many stupid things it's hard to narrow down one, but my favorite "advice" was from my large, loud stepfather to my husband.
And then the waiter asked him to please be quiet. -- Krystyn
And finally this one, which is a special kind of awful, but also a special kind of did-you-just-do-that? hilarious:
When hearing of our seventh miscarriage, someone said to me, "Maybe the babies aren't sticking because you guys are 'mixed,'" complete with a "stirring a bowl" hand gesture.
My husband is brown and I am white. -- Angela
Akeeyu sums it all up perfectly: "It's a veritable cornucrapia."
And finally, a special bonus shout-out to Jessica, whose evil genius impresses and inspires me:
That animal looks a lot like the anteater Beanie Baby my husband found in some old stuff the other day. For some reason it scares the crap out of my two-year-old -- it's a tiny stuffed animal! -- so now when we don't want her to touch something we put the anteater on it. -- Jessica
May that serve as a warning to us all.
Posted by Julie at 11:54 AM | Comments (22)
Giveaway: Let's Panic About Babies!
If writing on the Internet has taught me nothing else — and it has not — I thought it had taught me that panic shared is panic eased. Alice Bradley and Eden M. Kennedy, of Finslippy and Fussy respectively, have definitively shattered my hypothesis with their new book, Let's Panic About Babies! (Thanks, shatterer...erer...esses.) It turns out that panic shared is actually panic mocked, mercilessly and hilariously, complete with helpful line drawings:
(I know. Iiiii know, infertile friends. Your embryologists went commando.)
No matter how you find yourself with child — do I hear "Both hands and a flashlight"? — Alice and Eden will guide you through the bewildering first months of pregnancy, the harrowing hours of labor and delivery, and the what-the-fucking-Christing? of the newborn phase with gentle womanly wisdom, a bottomless wellspring of sympathy, lots and lots of dick jokes, and a creature that looks sort of like an armadillo, but could not possibly be:
Sorry if that was a spoiler. (Wait a minute. No, I'm not. ROSEBUD WAS HIS SLED.)
"Through absurd anecdotes, charts and pictures," their publisher primly claims, "the authors satirize typical pregnancy handbooks in a comically ironic and often bawdy manner." (Bawdy! Often bawdy! My stars! Is nothing sacred?) The book also features useful tables, quizzes, and lists with titles like OBSERVATIONS SOME ASSHOLES WILL SHARE WITH YOU, AND APPROPRIATE RESPONSES and BIG FAT GODDAMN LIES YOUR FRIENDS WILL TELL YOU. It also includes this bold and fearless indictment of that darkest denizen of...well, basically just darkness, I guess: the mommyblogger.
Alice, Eden, I flutter my tarp in salute. (If that grommet hits me in the eye, I'm going to feel reeeeally stupid.)
If you would like to win not only a copy of this groundbreaking work of annotated Elizabethan allegorical poetry but a "Panic Break" gift basket, including...
- an electric "back" massager, not for use on unexplained calf pain, ladies;
- a stress ball, for gagging annoying advice-givers;
- an anti-stress bath soak, for reviving your victims when remorse eventually steals over you;
- a meditation CD, so that you can contemplate your own unworthiness to shepherd an innocent newborn soul through this our world of wickedness and despair;
- Anne Taintor shot glasses, which might even be something like this; and
- a Panic-themed Subversive Cross Stitch kit!
...please leave a comment here, telling us either what animal that is in the picture above — it's almost like it's a travel-sized accordion/armadillo hybrid, one that doubles as a collapsible cup, and yes, I am only including that link to mess up Let's Panic's "Customers who bought this item also bought..." on Amazon — or the worst thing anyone's ever said to you about pregnancy, childbirth or parenting.
I'll pick a winner on Wednesday, March 9. Contest open to residents of the US and Canada only, please, and if you enter more than once, I'll see to it that your calf pain is no longer unexplained.
Posted by Julie at 10:27 PM | Comments (219)


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Carmelo Anthony, you know the guy. 25 PPG, 6-10 RPG, 2-5 assists per night. Unhappy being with the girl he likes and wanting to be with the one he feels longed for and truly loves and leaving the Nuggets with nothing as he goes for her (Knicks in a metaphorical sense incase you were wondering if he was leaving LaLa). So I was thinking of trades that would be more realistic to teams who would trade for Melo just for the salary dump, or for a possible playoff run and when I look at the Blazers I see a potential both. So what is the trade?
Why Denver does it: To get .20 cents off the dollar in a trade for Melos value instead of 0, as well as getting some potentially good big men, whom we are in desperate need of despite Joel Pryzbilla's still recovering from injury and Oden still.. being injured we would definitely feel we could get these two into at least 70% health at the best at least because we were able to get Nene (our starting center) fully recovered from season ending injuries of the past and testicular cancer.
Denver also needs big men as Al Harrington, Nene and Shelden Williams were out rebounded by Kevin Love by 2 rebounds.
Why Portland does it: Is a Melo rental worse than 2.1 ppg, 3 RPG combined by 2 big men on 14,000,000 dollars payroll? Well I would think yes it is. To me it seems the general consensus on Oden is that he is a bust and he is just collecting a big fat paycheck, while Joel is still recovering from his injuries. With Melo not only do you clear about 14,000,000 in payroll by years end with very little to show for it, but you get Carmelo Anthony who will play very well alongside your group of good but not great role players and get you to the playoffs where you will be dangerous enough to make a possible title run. Now I know Nate is a prude man but I am sure he could see it in his heart to get along with Melo because he is good friends with his mentor George Karl.
Portland is also ranked 23rd in offense and a boost of Carmelo would really amp up their offense.
So who thinks this could work and would you approve of this trade?


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Posts tagged "paramore still into you"
Miss KL <3′s Paramore
Yesterday the world got a first glimpse of Paramore's video for their latest banger, Still Into You. There was singing, there was dancing, there was surrealism to it's fullest...oh and there was even a UNIF cameo. Check out leader singer, Hayley Williams, in our fave UNIF pastel Moto jacket!


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News: Jay-Z Kicks Off South By Southwest Festivities, "I'm Feeling A Lot Of Love In This City"
Monday, Mar 12, 2012 11:28PM
Rap mogul Jay-Z stayed true to his word by kicking off the festivities for South By Southwest Monday (March 12) by performing for a packed crowd of Austin, Texas fans.
According to reports, Young Hov performed a slew of records ranging from "99 Problems" up to his new "Glory" tribute track.
The show at the Austin City Limits Live venue marked the end of South By Southwest's interactive conference and an unofficial start to South By Southwest's music conference, which gets under way on Tuesday. The 80-minute show, to promote American Express' new partnership with Twitter and streamed live online, was packed with Hova's hits, including "99 Problems," ''Dirt Off Your Shoulder," ''Empire State of Mind" and "Glory," his ode to Blue Ivy Carter, the 2-month-old daughter he has with Beyonce. (Wall Street Journal)
Known for speaking his mind, Jay warmed fans up throughout the set.
"I'm feeling a lot of love in this building," Jay-Z said. "I'm feeling a lot of love in this city today. I'm feeling a lot of love in this city tonight." Jay-Z, wearing a cap with a polka-dot brim, his trademark sunglasses and a sparkling gold chain, led the crowd in several rap-a-longs and kept everyone on their feet. Fans lined up for entrance more than two hours before show time. "You had a beautiful time and I had a beautiful time," Jay-Z said to the crowd. "That means every single person in this building from the front to the top, front to the top, everybody, everybody, everybody, scream." (Washington Post)
Jay reportedly got into Austin a night before to peep another performance.
Jay-Z played a hits-filled set for a standing room-only crowd after flying in late Monday afternoon. He was on the town with his wife, Beyonce, in New York City the night before to see fellow SXSW participant The-Dream, perhaps explaining his late arrival in Texas. The show at the Austin City Limits Live venue marked the end of South By Southwest's interactive conference and an unofficial start to South By Southwest's music conference, which gets under way on Tuesday. (National Public Radio)
Hov's live set was sponsored by American Express and streamed live through YouTube.
The concert, appropriately titled the "Amex Synch Show," is not the first time the superstar has made an appearance at the festival. Last year Jay-Z surprised festival goers at a Kanye West music showcase and theories were flying Saturday in Austin as to who might show up on stage with Jigga. For those not fortunate enough to make the concert in person, the show will be streamed on YouTube and available later on demand. The show happens Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. CST/8 p.m. EST. (CNN)


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Georgetown Apparel
Find all the best styles at www.georgetownapparel.com. Get Georgetown Apparel at our shop with the largest collection of Georgetown Apparel for the biggest, most serious fans. Whether it's a special item for the big game, a gift for your favorite fan, or a just a little something for yourself, nothing shows off team pride more than sporting Georgetown Apparel. Find a huge assortment of Georgetown Apparel, including t-shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, and hats, in men's, women's and kids sizing. Our t-shirts and sweatshirts feature high quality screen print or embroidered graphics. Discover the most popular jerseys to support your favorite team in style. Top it all off with our large assortment of hats from structured or unstructured and flex fit, fitted or adjustable, even beanies and visors. Get Georgetown Apparel which is always authentic, top quality merchandise and officially licensed. With so many styles to choose from you are sure to find the Georgetown Apparel that fits the look you want. The hardest part will be choosing!
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text: The Middle Forced Family Fun Share: About this programme The Hecks head off on a last-minute break ahead of the new school year, but the chances of a relaxing excursion looks slim. Meanwhile, a man from Frankie's past - who could have contributed to her and Mike's ruined honeymoon - reappears. Guest starring Ray Romano. Cast and crew Cast Frankie Heck Patricia Heaton Mike Heck Neil Flynn Axl Heck Charlie McDermott Sue Heck Eden Sher Brick Heck Atticus Shaffer Nicky Kohlbrenner Ray Romano Categories Sitcom Share:


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In my little world, the hot weather of summer brought a $2,000 car repair bill, the need for a new clothes dryer and a long list of unexpected expenses for a critically ill pet.
Back when I was young and carefree I took a trip to Europe. I was fascinated by the magnificent architecture, gorgeous scenery and charming people but surprised at the almost primitive nature of some of the countries.
For Colleen Smith, the 80-year-old building known as Cohen's Retreat is plenty more than bricks and mortar.
Sweetie Pie is a chubby little gal who's attracting quite a bit of attention on Tybee Island.
As the song goes, Ann and John Savage had been planning forever to get their kicks on Route 66.
So last fall they packed up a ton of gear, hopped on their BMW touring motorcycles and rode across the United States and back.
As a child, one of Julie Donaldson Lowenthal's biggest thrills was going to work with her Grandma Donaldson at Johnny Harris Restaurant.
I've heard about Scott's Antique Market for years, mostly from my author friend Kathy Hogan Trocheck, who writes under the name Mary Kay Andrews. She often shares with me pictures of fabulous finds that she buys at Scott's outside of Atlanta.
Just a few short months ago Beckie Helmreich and her husband, David, of Savannah were the parents of two adult children.
But nearly everything changed on Dec.
I've known Betty Welch since the 1970s but I didn't really know her until she asked me to edit the autobiography that she wrote by hand.
My idea of camping is making motel reservations.
Oh sure, I went to Girl Scout camp in the fourth grade and to Athens Y camp as a 12-year-old, and decades later, I still cherish memories and trinkets from those adventures.
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Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2014. All Rights Reserved.


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There have been some very interesting discussions at the MVP Summit concerning the CLR JIT, what we expect of it, and how to evolve it forward. I obviously can't disclose any NDA materials, but what I can do is share my hopes and dreams for the JIT, going forward. This is not a terribly popular subject, but there are some UserVoice suggestions around the JIT, such as adding SIMD support to C#.
The state of the JIT today is that it's a fairly quick compiler that does a fairly bad job at optimization. There are some tricks it employs that are not available to statically compiled languages, such as interface method inlining via profiling, but compared to state-of-the-art dynamic JITs, it lags strongly behind. Some of the biggest weaknesses, in my opinion, include:
- Almost complete lack of support for SIMD operations, both automatic and programmer-specified
- Issues with inlining support of methods that return or accept complex value types
- Disparity between x86 and x64 JITs in terms of code quality and compilation speed
- Lack of flexibility on inlining and "hot-spot" optimization decisions
- No extra, breath-taking optimizations in NGen compared to the runtime JIT
- Insufficient knobs for tweaking JIT behavior, aggressiveness, memory utilization
Of all these, I think the biggest pain point is support for SIMD operations. In Visual C++ 2012, the compiler can automatically vectorize loops over integers or floats and produce super-efficient vector operations using 128- and 256-bit registers. The potential speedups from auto-vectorization are 8x on modern hardware. The biggest challenge with auto-vectorization is figuring out whether it's safe to perform it — i.e., making sure that no dependencies exist that would break the vectorized version. But that kind of analysis is easier in C# than it is in C++.
Even without auto-vectorization support, C++ compilers have offered intrinsic operations for years that give low-level developers the opportunity to optimize their loops, game engines, and math operations, at the expense of nastiness such as:
for (int i = 0; i < size; i += 8) { __m128i vb = _mm_load_si128((__m128i const*)&b[i]); __m128i vc = _mm_load_si128((__m128i const*)&c[i]); __m128i vd = _mm_load_si128((__m128i const*)&d[i]); vc = _mm_add_epi16(vc, vtwo); vd = _mm_add_epi16(vd, vk); __m128i mask = _mm_cmpgt_epi16(vb, vzero); vc = _mm_and_si128(vc, mask); vd = _mm_andnot_si128(mask, vd); __m128i vr = _mm_or_si128(vc, vd); _mm_store_si128((__m128i*)&a[i], vr); }
Now, I'm not an advocate for including every single intrinsic into C# so that it's supported by the JIT. In fact, I think it would be an ugly approach to take, albeit a relatively easy one. Another option is simulating existing vector libraries for C++ code, using a small number of built-in types whose operations are automatically promoted to SIMD instructions. For example:
Vector4f a = new Vector4f(1.0f, 2.0f, 3.0f, 4.0f); Vector4f b = a.Reverse(); Vector4f c = -a * b/2;
But there definitely exist more elegant approaches that also decouple the source code from the processor implementation, so that, for example, when larger registers are available (e.g. 512-bit registers), they could be used automatically. This would likely require either fully automatic vectorization, so that you write "a simple loop" and the compiler generates appropriate instructions, or significant new syntax/attributes that would be used by the developer to hint that automatic vectorization is possible. Perhaps a new type of arrays, or a new type of array indexing syntax, would go toward enabling this experience.
My next item on the list after SIMD support would be extra work in NGen. Currently, running NGen on your application has (almost) only the effect of improving startup performance, because there's not need to perform compilation at runtime. However, I'll be willing to sacrifice compilation time when running NGen — i.e., have a much slower NGen turnaround time — at the expense of generating more efficient code and introducing additional optimizations.
You are welcome to chime in with your suggestions and thoughts in the comments, and make sure to visit UserVoice and make suggestions. (Although you should first skim through the existing ones to avoid diluting votes on already-posted suggestions.)
I am posting short links and updates on Twitter as well as on this blog. You can follow me: @goldshtn