text:
To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu
Dogs for Diabetes
Quinn Phillips
July 27, 2009
Dogs have long been trained to assist people with certain medical conditions, including mobility impairment and blindness. Now, diabetes is getting added to the list, at least experimentally.
Cancer and Bio-detection Dogs, a nonprofit center and sponsor of research in Aylesbury, England, is in the process of training 17 Diabetic Hypo-Alert Dogs to detect hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. Dogs' sense of smell can be sharp enough to detect changes in blood glucose level before humans notice them, possibly a boon to people who frequently experience low blood glucose or who have hypoglycemia unawareness.
According to an article on the Today show Web site about the program, 65% of people with Type 1 diabetes reported in a survey (conducted last year at Queen's University Belfast) that their dogs reacted when they had episodes of hypoglycemia. But no large trial has been conducted to study how early, and how effectively, dogs detect blood glucose changes, or to discern whether other technology — such as a continuous glucose monitor — might accomplish the same goals more effectively or at a lower cost. The chief executive of Cancer and Bio-detection Dogs maintains that dogs can detect blood chemical changes in the realm of parts per trillion, something that no external man-made sensor can do.
So how good — or crazy — is this idea? Watch this video to see it lampooned on The Colbert Report.
What do you think — would you be interested in a dog trained to detect hypoglycemia? If you have a dog, does it react when your blood glucose gets low? Would you rather rely on a medical device? Is this too small a function for a full-time medical dog? Leave a comment below!
I would like to find out more about these medically trained dogs. I wouldn't put more emphasis on a dog over a medical device but if you have both in play then one could be protected in different ways. Supposing one's device fails then there is always the back up of a dog. Would these dogs be considered Service Dogs? If so, then they would be allowed to go where ever the person does? Where can I find out more?
Posted by: Sheri | Jul 28, 2009 11:54 AM
My current dog has never really been around when I've had a serious low bloodsugar. My last dog, Jackson-a black lab, woke me up abou three different times while I had him for a low blood sugar. I was in the 30s each time he licked my foot or leg to wake me up. I usually wake up on my own, but these three times, it was because of Jackson. I'd love it if my current dog Barkley could to do the same.
Posted by: Victoria | Jul 28, 2009 06:07 PM
I have had 2 Frenh Poodles who have always alerted me to episodes of low blood sugar, especially in the middle of the night. He nudges, kisses, or stands on my to get me to wake-up and constantly smells my breath (and it's not because of poor oral care.)
Posted by: LETA | Jul 29, 2009 05:04 PM
The dogs seem very reliable. My husband said they would be good for people alone but I disagree. I've had low blood sugar when he's been here and he doesn't do anything. They need more research for me to make an honest opinion but so far they seem fine. Would they be called a service dog so they could go anywhere? Which would cost more is one of my questions - the dog or your own reaction? there are many questions that are unaswered. Need more reseaarch.
Posted by: Cindy Stamm | Jul 29, 2009 12:51 PM
In June 2005, I adopted a rescued dog named Louie to work with children and do therapy visits. In September 2005, Louie began to do a strange thing-he would suddenly jump up, come over to me at my desk, get on my lap, sniff my mouth and lick my chin. I just thought he wanted attention. He started doing this on a regular basis, daily in fact. I noticed that after he did it, I felt bad-sweaty, nauseated and weak. I noticed increase thirst, blurred vision, etc. Made a doctor's appointment, had tests done. In November 2005, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Louie became my service dog and has helped me on a number of occassions. He did this without training. These dogs are life savers while Louie picks up on the highs, mostly he notices the lows. I won't go anywhere without him.
Posted by: Vivian | Jul 29, 2009 12:57 PM
I cannot believe that there are that many people that have hypoglycemia that you need a dog to sniff it out. They would be best used to sniff for dope rather than hypoglcemia.
Posted by: Mitchell | Jul 29, 2009 01:09 PM
We are using stevia in the place of sugar. What do you know about this plant? Is it better than sugar or canderel? We notice that we don't suffer pain in our joints with stevia. I would like to hear your and others opinions about this subject. Thank you Renè
Posted by: Renè | Jul 29, 2009 01:22 PM
My dog woke me 2-3 times while asleep with low blood glucose about an hour or two before my normal wake up time. He hasn't done it recently but I would like to find out more about this.
Posted by: Bob R | Jul 29, 2009 01:46 PM
My previous dog, Brandi, woke me several times by licking me continuosly, when I had severe low blood sugars. One night when my husband had to call 911, she woke him to do that. When they tested me my blood sugar was 20. Went to the ER that night. Yes I believe that dogs have a sense of when my blood sugars are low. My new dog hasn't exhibited any signs that he knows, but we have only had him about 6 weeks.
Posted by: Nancy | Jul 29, 2009 02:30 PM
I had a wonderful little pound puppy that was a chow shepard mix that seemed to know when I was having problems with my blood sugar. On days that it was low he would not leave my side and many times he would wake my husband and keep pestering him until my husband would check on me. Most often he would have to get me juice. I am sure that dog saved my life on a couple of occasions. I think it is a wonderful idea and hope that more dogs would have his instincts or be able to be taught to recognize when help was needed.
Posted by: CJ | Jul 29, 2009 02:31 PM
My dog detects hypoglycemia and signals me. He started signaling me spontanteously, and then I worked with a service dog trainer to make sure he would do it consistently, and also to make sure that his behavior would be good enough to go places with me. He has traveled with me for 2 years now, and is very consistent about signaling me when my blood glucose is low. There are several training programs in the U.S. if you search the term "diabetes alert dog," you can easily find them. The most well-funded one seems to be "Dogs 4 Diabetics" in San Rafael, CA; but there are others in other parts of the country. I have also heard that there have been some research studies published out of Australia.
Posted by: Ann | Jul 29, 2009 02:51 PM
My service dog, Angel, has woken me from a sound sleep because my bloodsugar had dropped to 40. She has done this several times. I never had low blood sugar in my sleep before. This is not a trained response for her. She is trained for mobility and balance for Dystonia but nothing for diabetes.
Posted by: Sharon | Jul 29, 2009 06:49 PM
Hi All!! I have been a boxer dog addict since 1992 and type 1 diabetic since 1973. I have a couple of boxers that have detected hypoglycemic episodes on me. Usually at night. It took the death of one of them for me to realize after he was gone what "magical" powers he had. I think a dog can be trained to detect and respond as needed and would be a wonderful asset for SOME people but not all. You have to have a lot of real animal love and trust in your animals. But for some folks, yes it is certainly an option. Boxer and Frenchie Mom to Moonee and Vertee, Boxers; Marge and Serena my French Bulldogs.
Posted by: Susan | Jul 29, 2009 08:45 PM
I thought I was imagining that my 2 1/2 year-old maltese, Abbey, was responsive to my low blood sugars. She has woken me up several times, usually around 3 or 4 in the morning. My sugars have gone as low as 18! I know she's saved my life, as I live alone and would probably not be able to rouse myself enough to wake up if not for her licking my face and sniffing my breath. Nobody trained her. It's just instinctual! God bless her little heart!
Posted by: Patti | Aug 03, 2009 04:51 PM
I adopted a dog from the humane society and he alerts me when my bloodsugars drop. I feel like I saved him and he saved me several times. He has not been trained formally but has saved me several times. He is never wrong. I also have a cat who will actually come to the door at night and bang until my husband gets up I check a bloodsugar and get juice. She checks the cup my husband gets to make sure it is orange juice. She is never wrong in the 10 years I have had her she gets a 100% The intelligence, love and value of animals is boundless.
Posted by: Lora Edwards | Aug 05, 2009 01:22 PM
I have had Type 1 for 42 years now, and my only complication is 'low-blood-sugar unawareness'...which is a very serious matter. After coming close to death many times, I looked into getting a trained dog which would alert me of my low sugars. It obviously is an awesome solution for some...but I talked myself out of getting a dog because I considered all the obstacles...like matching a dog to my personality, the training involved, the challenge of taking the dog with me when attending meetings, when flying, when using rapid transit, and even just going for groceries. I am presently trying out a continuous glucose monitor which is also very challenging to use at first, and also is expensive to maintain... I think it wins out over the dog mainly because the monitor can be programmed to be silent when necessary (e.g. duriing a wedding). I am still learning the finer details of using it...but as long as it proves that is it is very accurate at reading my low blood-sugars, then it will be a life-saver...and that is worth a lot!
Posted by: M Johnston | Aug 05, 2009 02:46 PM
Yes I do believe that dogs have a sense of detecting Hypoglycemia. I have 16 yr old dalmation named Lacey........she has senced my low blood sugar several times the pass few months & has made several attempts at waking me from a sound sleep, causing me to test my blood sugar which has been around 40. Lacey is just a family pet no training.
Posted by: Linda | Aug 05, 2009 05:40 PM
Yes I do believe..........I have a 16 yr old dalmation named Lacey, she has come to my side several times the last few months waking me & my blood sugar readings have been around 40. she has been a family pet with no training. Just earning her keep. Lacey is very special girl to me.
Posted by: Linda | Aug 05, 2009 05:54 PM
I have two small rescue dogs. Chihuahua Mix who are always with me when at home, sometimes when we are traveling. They sleep with me, and have never reacted to low blood glucose readings in either myself or my husband who is also diabetic.It would be nice if they did, I have to rely on symptoms and a monitoring device. Usually I wake with symptoms of shaking and sweating when I have low readings in my sleep, but I cannot rely on this always being the case and it would be nice if the dogs or even one of them would react and let me know when sleeping that I have a low reading.
Posted by: Phyl Herman | Aug 05, 2009 06:50 PM
I had a shiztu who woke me at night when my blood sugar would drop. He did that at least two or three times a year for five years. Then I lost him. I am now alone and I have a cat. My cat knows when my blood sugar begins to get low and he licks my forehead or takes his paw and taps my cheek until I wake up.
Posted by: Shirley | Aug 05, 2009 10:52 PM
I am a firm believer in the ability of animals to alert to medical conditions, including Diabetes. As a child, I was spending the night with a friend. Their family dog alerted the parents to an extreme hypoglycemic reaction. The dog likely saved my life that night. My husband tells me that my cat, who has since passed away, would bat at his nose to wake him in the night when I was having a hypoglycemic reaction. Having hypoglycemic unawareness, I am very interested in the development of this ability in animals.
Posted by: Lora | Aug 06, 2009 12:48 AM
Posted by: kathy payne | Aug 06, 2009 06:57 AM
I would prefer some sort of device similar to the insulin pump or included in the pump to alert you of low blood sugar.
Posted by: Ottilie | Aug 06, 2009 03:17 PM
I had a German Shepherd mix that witnessed me have a seizure due to low blood sugars and awoke my parents. After that time, she was always very sensitive to my blood sugars, especially when I was sleeping and would wake me or pester me until I realized what she was after. My husband and I estimated that she saved me at least 8 times from severe lows in the middle of the night during her 17-years of life. I have not had a dog sense with such accuity for my blood sugars. Maybe one day.
Posted by: Debra | Aug 07, 2009 09:58 AM
There are several organizations that train dogs in the United States to be diabetes alert dogs. If you google this topic, you will find several options for officially training a dog to do this. Also there is an organization in Australia that does this also. And it does work. Many parents who have children with type 1 diabetes wish to have these dogs. Children with type 1 can have both rapid rises in their blood glucose level and sudden severe drops also; based on activity levels, hormones, stress, incorrectly calculating carb. counts, giving insulin for food that the child does not eat, illness, etc. The variables that can affect blood sugar are endless and scary. My daughter was diagnosed at age 2 with type 1 diabetes, and she could not always communicate to us that she felt hypoglycemic. It would have been fabulous to have a dog who could let us know when she wasn't able. We even get up through the night to check her blood glucose levels. Imagine if she slept with a dog who would jump up and let us know that she was low while she was sleeping. Yes, Mitchell, there are that many people out there who need these dogs to SAVE THEIR LIVES from these serious life threatening seizure inducing low blood glucose levels. Trust me, we live with this every day.
Posted by: Jennifer | Aug 08, 2009 12:06 AM
I would love to have a service dog for this purpose. I am guesing that those that think we should automatically feel and know when we go high or low don't have diabetes. At least my experience with type 1 I don't always know in time when I am going low and it can hit fast where confusion can set in making it difficult to know what to do. With a service dog I might be cued in to check even before I have noticeable symptoms. I also would feel much better knowing that my child had a dog that can send warning signals because kids don't always understand their symptoms and even if they do they sometimes think it can wait a minute. All I need to know is where can I get one?
Posted by: Tracy | Aug 19, 2009 06:16 PM
I have developed low blood sugar unawareness, especially during the afternoon when I am distracted by work. I would love to have a dog that would bugged me when my sugar was at 45 or 50 or so. It would keep me from getting to the very incoherent stage. I would be very interested in the details about the alert dogs. How are they trained? Is there a breed that is more acute than others? This is a great idea. I was on a pump and it didn't work any better than syringes. I mean pumps are amazing but doesn't alert ahead. Any help would be appreciated. Are there clinical trials to measure the effects of dogs? THanks for your article and the posts afterwards.
Posted by: jaime jameson | Aug 29, 2009 05:43 PM
My husband was just recently diagnosed diabetic after being rushed to the ER with ketoacidosis. A couple days before he was experiencing excessive thirst and other symptoms. Our little chihuahua Mia, who I have to be honest is usually extremely attached to me, seemed to start hanging around with him and becoming anxious. The morning my husband was taken to the hospital he awoke with blurred vision and throughout the morning was becoming more disorientated. We also noticed that Mia was pacing, anxious and stuck to him like glue. She would not let him out of her sight and when he would stop to sit she would paw at him over and over as if she wanted to tell him something but couldn't. We realized that she was definetly sensing something was going on with him. When we think back to that day we are amazed and touched by it. I'm so thankful that my husband is doing well and managing his diabetes with the help of our little angel, Mia.
Posted by: Denise | May 15, 2010 09:34 PM
I was priveleged to own the first fully accredited Hypo Alert dog in Australia. If you take a look at the web-site www.halodogs.webs.com there is a link to an organisation in the U.S. that can help you. These dogs are little life-savers, many have done exactly that for their owners. What most peple fail to grasp, is that at no time does the dog take the place of regular testing, but the dog will give you the nudge to actually take that test, and often before you feel anything yourself.
Posted by: Lorraine Jessep | Jun 12, 2010 04:41 AM
Apparently publishing the web-site isn't allowed. So, you can try and google my name, and it should lead you to the site. There are two organisations in Australia, the one with the link is the one with only three dogs featured at this time.
Posted by: Lorraine Jessep | Jun 12, 2010 04:45 AM
I am a diabetic and insulin dependant.I own a nine month old Bernese Mountain Dog,which I understand have been trained in this area.I wish to have my dog trained also.ANY input or yhelp to point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
Posted by: Dennis Cormier | Jul 07, 2010 08:41 PM
What area do you live Dennis?
Posted by: Lorraine Jessep | Jul 30, 2010 02:50 AM
I am a 33 yr old type 1 diabetic. I have a 2 1/2 yr old male maltese which was given to me as a puppy. He has never been trained to detect lows or highs but seems to be accutly aware of them. He always reacts when my sugars are low and high, lower than about 60 and above probably 250. Family and friends have even commented on his behavior. I would love to know more on how you train dogs to detect and react to highs and lows and would love to try to train some. However, I do feel that medical advancements and devices are essensial in taking the best care of our bodies. When the question is posed if this is too small a task for a full time medical help dog my answer is no. There is no help too little when you speak of helping one to better there life and the quality and length of it. As far as being more affordable, I have been a insulin pump user for the past 9 years and with insurance the copay for pump alone would almost cover the price of a trained dog, not to mention the monthly supplies that never end and still waiting for my insurance to cover the cost of a CMG and its monthly supplies.
Posted by: alicia perez | Oct 24, 2010 10:25 PM
^^^ was quite right
Posted by: Emo | Feb 06, 2011 07:20 PM
I have Type II diabetes and would love to have a dog alert me. I do have a rescue dog my husband and I received from the SPCA. Interestingly, this little dog rushes to my aid anytime I sneeze. He jumps up, looks at me and then pushes his cheek or neck onto my cheek or mouth and nose. I don't know why he does this but he finds it very important to him. He will even get up from a deep sleep to come to my aid. Funny, but when he des this it seems to stop any further sneezing. He always does this and will look me over before he will get down. I honestly think he is trying to help me in some way. He touches my heart. He is so mattentive I think he could be trained to be one of these dogs.
Posted by: Vicki Childress | May 03, 2011 11:13 PM
I have been a diabetic for 35 years and i have nearly died to many to mention. But i think if mans best friend, can help detect low blood sugars i would love to have one, I have a little dog i took in because its death cannot hear, but she cannot detect my low sugars, and i have alot. If you get this going please contact me, I would love to hear from you! Sincerely Ms Howell.
Posted by: jackie | Oct 06, 2011 10:40 PM
I have type 1 diabetes. I often have low blood sugar, especially at night, because my diabetes is very hard to control. my mom has to use a sleep apnoea machine, which is very loud, so she can't hear me when I have a seizure-which happens every now and then. These are potentially deadly, and an alert dog could go alert my mom and wake her up even if her machine is really loud. This may save my life in the event of a seizure. Please help me get a medical alert dog.
Posted by: Hannah Lyman | Nov 16, 2011 11:54 PM
my baby brandy is one of the dogs that can sense out medical problems. one night she woke me up from a very sound sleep and would not stop until i was awake i checked my blood sugar and it was 59 it is not supposed to go below 70. i have a friend that has mental issues and i didnt know but she tried to commit suicuide and my dog made me wake up with very little sleep to find a letter and her unconious and could have died as i sit here 2nite she is right by my side. Most nights she has to lay up-against me so she can feel me breathing and lots of times she gets in my face so she can tell that im still breathing so i do believe that there are dogs that can sense if there is a medical problems
Posted by: shanda | Nov 23, 2011 07:11 AM
Directed towards the people who dont understand how hard diabetes is on a person... I'm 17 years old. I have had Diabetes for 14 years. I have went into DKA 4 major times. Most Diabetics dont live after the first time. Go google DKA. Out of these 4 times an alert dog could have saved my life. Yea thats right a DOG. An animal. Something that people think is disgusting or stupid. Yea thats right a DOG. Could have saved me the trouble of kidney failure. Diabetic alert dogs dont come cheap. Some people even have to train their own dogs. Iam. Logan is my 8 month old Labrador retriever Iam training myself. Yea a DOG. He is going to save my life one day. Logan I love more than most humans. Because we have that type of bond. Diabetes doesnt seem nearly as bad as cancer or heart disease or things like that. But it is! Its just as bad! And its silent! It will take your life before you even get the chance to breathe. And why do us diabetics need dogs? To save ourlives, so we can save each other!! 17 year old diabetic type one :) Thank you!
Posted by: Tabitha | Feb 09, 2012 11:01 AM
I have type 2 diabetes as well as my husband and we have a chihuahuas that can and has alerted us both to both highs and lows with our sugar she has not been trained to do this it's just something she does. My question is what do I have to do to be able to take her every where with us most places won't allow dogs can you get some kind of papers like service dogs have?
Posted by: Susan | Mar 24, 2012 10:00 PM
I have a miniature poodle, and he licks my wrist sometimes, I dont know if I have diabetes but I met this guest speaker that has diabetes, and she said that dogs can detect if your blood sugar rate is low, by licking your wrist. I would like to know if a poodle can detect that. Or was he just doing that?
Posted by: Shannon | May 11, 2012 01:56 PM
Hey I just wanted to add in here I have a calico cat that does all these same things for me- she wakes me up- either licks or nibbles or crys- and does this also anytime I'm crashing hard if I goto the hospital the entire time she's worried back at the house for my okay and when I get back stays even more aware for a week or so (I'm still in diagnosis stage but she's been doing this her entire life which is a lil over a year now- I've been in and out of hospitals about once a month for unconsciousness) I'm sure this would have happened alot more if she wasnt around- she will sometimes even bring people to me crying to take care of me if I'm failing on it myself-- wonderful thing is she's never had training- she's even sensitive and assists for the panic attacks not leaving my side-I often take her with me places (she's leash and shoulder trained) I'm not sure how dogs are for people but I can recommend a good sensitive cat for people who prefer them- it just takes a bit more work on finding the right one for the job. She found me- I can't complain.
Posted by: Laura | Jun 13, 2012 11:57 PM
My poodle has spontaneously alerted since I got her at 4 months, so far 27 times with low sugar. She will lick or paw at me until I acknowledge her and get my test kit. She then sits patiently while I test. She has no formal training for diabetes but is obedience trained and registered with sugardogs.org. They work exclusively with poodles for diabetics.
Posted by: Mark | Aug 17, 2012 01:28 PM
I came accross this site because my dog smells my wrist everytime I come home and I was wondering why she did this. I have hypocltcemia so I was very interested in seeing this article. I absolutely believe dogs can detect when something is wrong and knowing when blodd surgar is down is only a small part of what the potential is for these dogs.
Posted by: Diane | Oct 17, 2012 12:02 PM
I think that the idea of animals being able to sense medical changes in people and animals being able to pick up on / sense / detect other kinds of problems and dangers is truely amazing. How do animals do it???? I am not sure if I know the answer myself.
Posted by: Marisa | Feb 05, 2014 07:10 PM
My 11 yr old daughter was diagnosed w/ type 1 diabetes Sept of last year . Her levels were so off the scale (1100)....she was med filghted to children's hospital In L Rock, AR. She has it under control Better than myself. I am certain of that. I have to give all the credit to my awesome wife and the Lord above for EVERYTHING else. However. I'm convinced I have the ability to train one of these dogs ! Any information / contacts , etc n the right direction would b greatly appreciated. ,Steven Baker
Posted by: Steven | Apr 29, 2014 05:45 AM
I think it would be absolutely wonderful because where some people may think it couldn't make a difference i think it could but of course use a monito but i myself had a blood sugar of 31 i should have been passed out on the floor but by the grace of god i wasn't , something told me to check my sugar but if i would have had a medical dog for diabetes i would have known my sugar was dropping sooner because its nothing to play with when it comes to my blood sugars because too low or to high can be deadly and if its not time or you don't feel that your blood sugar isn't right you could run into problems where if you had a dog trained for it yea it could save your life so no i don't think its too muchh to ask that people with diabetes have a little more security in their life with a medical diabetic dog i would love to have my dog trained just not enough money . I think life saving animals should be more affordable for people with low incomes
Posted by: jenni | Jun 04, 2014 03:52 AM
Disclaimer of Medical Advice:You understand that the blogs posts and comments to such blog posts (whether posted by us, our agents, bloggers, or by users) do not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind and you should not rely on any information contained on such posts or comments to replace consultations with your qualified health care professionals to meet your individual needs. The opinions and other information contained in the blog posts and comments do not reflect the opinions or positions of the Site Proprietor.


text:
- Critic & User
- Videos &
- Codes
& FAQs
- Gameplay
- Similar
Game Details
- Release Date 8/30/2006
- Publisher Sega
- Platform PSP Games
- Genre Action Adventure
- Number of Players 4
Game Description
There's a whole new way to monkey around as popular puzzler Super Monkey Ball ups the ante (and antics) and makes the leap to a story-based platform adventure! Original Monkey Ballers Aiai, MeeMee, Gongon, and Baby are joined by new characters on five quests. It's up to the Super Monkey Ball gang to end a feud between kingdoms and defeat the Naysayers, who've taken all the fun out of Monkey Ball world. Monkey Balls have new powers, including the ability to stick to walls, hover, and turn invisible. Go beyond the storyline with 50 new puzzle levels, 6 all-ages party games, and PSP-exclusives like multiplayer WiFi and a trading-card game.
User Reviews
Average Member Rating: 4.7 out of 10
Super Monkey Ball Adventure. (3 out of 10)
posted by hyperdog (OMAHA, NE) on Oct 24, 2006
Member since Sep 2006
3 out of 3 gamers (100%) found this review helpful
Member since Sep 2006
3 out of 3 gamers (100%) found this review helpful
Very hard to control with the anolog stickmore
Specs & Requirements
Memory 704 kb
Wireless Wi-Fi Compatible (Ad Hoc)
Modes Story, Full Mission Single-Player, Mini-Games, Challenge
Similar Games
- Grand Theft Auto IVRelease 4/28/2008
- New Super Mario Bros. WiiRelease 11/14/2009
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2Release 11/9/2009

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The infinitely re-playable world of The Sims 3 is set to expand once more with The Sims 3 Late Night. The upcoming expansion will include new skills, careers, and opportunities – as well as a ton of new locations and gear to customize your Sim's appearance and living quarters.
But it's the return of vampirism that promises to bring the biggest changes to how you actually play The Sims 3. And these vampires won't be overly glamorous vampires or cartoony caricatures of counts and countesses from the 1920s. "Our vampires are not Twilight," insists associate producer Grant Rodiek. He's the one who designed the new vampire system for Late Night and wants to make sure that your blood-sucking Sim is totally badass and unique.
"The Sims 2 also had vampires. Their vampires were based on this sort of 1920s' Bela Lugosi-style vampire. We wanted [Late Night] vampires to be more muscular and powerful. They gain skills twice as quickly. They run in a flash at night. They can drink from other Sims. They can hunt Sims. They can read their minds and learn about them really quickly… So, if there's a girl you want to date or this girl you want to drink from, you can make [her] think of you and she's going to like you more," continues Grant Rodiek.
One downside to being a vampire is that you have to drink plasma to survive. "You can grow plasma fruits, you can drink plasma juice from the fridge, which is free, but it won't make them very happy – it just satisfies your thirst. Or, you can actually drink from other Sims, which is the best way to make them happy – unless you're a 'vegetarian vampire.' At that point, you'll actually prefer the vegetable," says Rodiek. It's also harder to do stuff during the day. Get too many UV rays, and your Sim's mood will be affected to the point that they can even begin to lose the ability to use their supernatural powers.
Above: Grouping is a big new feature in Late Night. Go bar hopping with friends, play games, and get into bar brawls. Also, this time around, NPC Sims can invite you to their own house parties
Our demo begins with a trip to Waylon's Haunt, a seedy dive bar near the city's port. In Late Night, you can now start a band with other Sims and play gigs. He's in the middle of showing us all the cool special effects you can set up to add some flare to your band's performance. But just as he's finishing setting up a smoke machine and a miniature laser light show, he spots a member of the paparazzi snapping pictures of his Sim who also happens to be a vampire.
Above: If you want to know if a Sim is a vampire, just look into their eyes
There's something off about the color of her skin and when we zoom in for a closer look, we can see a hint of fang in her grin just below her smoldering bloodshot eyes. Rodiek draws attention to his Sim's moodlet. "Basically, when you're around vampires you don't know, your Sim gets a moodlet called 'Hunted.' And this is to encourage you to either leave or to befriend them – because once you befriend them, you won't get this anymore. And of course, if you're a vampire, you won't be 'Hunted' you will be the 'Hunter'."
We see a bit of how being a 'Hunter' works after we head to Aquarius, a posh night club located on the roof of a tall building in the heart of the city. Rodiek brings an entourage of Sims with him for the journey. He explains that with Night Life, the Sims team wanted to get back to the roots of The Sims' gameplay, particularly the simulation aspect of it. You can now form groups and take them barhopping, and watch them interact as they order drinks, get in bar brawls, or dance on the bar. It's not long before two members from the party split off for some skinny dipping in Aquarius' outdoor hot tub.
After drinking in the scene, Rodiek shows us how you can target prey. He scans the area for the Sim that will be his main course for the evening. "It turns out that Amy Star is the 'Hunt' target. So that's the person my vampire has determined has the best blood; she's the best, tastiest person… and if you go up here, you can see a map tag that shows where they are," explains Rodiek as he pulls up the city map with an icon for our Hunt target. But we won't need to chase Amy Star throughout the city this time. Tonight, Rodiek uses his vampire powers to make Amy Star think of him, he flirts with her. And before long, Rodiek's Sim is supping on Star's plasma with a gentle bite to the wrist. This is a more friendly bite. If your vampire has a more intimate relationship with its prey, you might see a more erotic bite to the nape of the neck.
But before things get too serious, we quickly return to the random shenanigans that The Sims 3 is best known for. After having his fill of Amy Star, Rodiek decides to play a prank on his friends in the hot tub by stealing their clothes when they're not looking. With nothing but a mosaic filter blur to cover their naked bodies, his Sims' friends are full of shame.
The Sims 3 studio tour
Want to know where your Sims come from? Wonder no more and check out our behind-the-scenes tour of the Studio where The Sims 3 was made
The Sims 3
REVIEW: Love, work and kleptomania return
TheJackOfHearts - September 8, 2010 1:29 a.m.
GamesRadarTylerNagata - September 7, 2010 11:47 p.m.
Showing 1-9 of 9 comments
Log in using Facebook to share comments, games, status update and other activity easily with your Facebook feed.


text:
All application materials, with the exception of the Dean's letter, must be completed by October 6, 2014. Only completed applications will be reviewed on October 6th.
Please help us improve your experience on our website by completing a brief survey
Yes, I'll give feedback No, Thanks
Your browser does not support iframes.
Copyright © 2014 The University of Iowa. All Rights Reserved.


text: dood. i feel like i am jus over-reacting with everything. i get online last night and daniel has an away message up that says "haha <3 skeet skeet! " and i automatically assume hes got a girl over there. cuz thats just how he is. but i asked him about it in a joking way and i find out i need to just trust him a little more. but maybe not. i mean...clare is coming here in a few days >.< ughhhh. not liking that. anywho. im getting birth control soon for my periods. yupp. excited cuz they are seriously annoying the shit outta me right now. oh. and i went tanning for the first time ever yesterday. so excited im not gunna be pale for much longer


text:
Specialty Sleep Association — sleepinformation.org, March 7, 2011
Boyd Specialty Sleep is introducing a new, three-model Planet Sleep™ memory foam collection aimed at giving select retailers an exclusive combination of benefits: Superior memory foam applications and comfort feels, a high-end in-store presentation, plus high profit opportunities.
According to company president Dennis Boyd, premium Planet Sleep beds are not only exceptionally comfortable, but like other Boyd sleep products, are also highly eco-friendly in their design and manufacture.
"We believe this specialty line delivers the 'complete package' to retailers who want luxury memory foam products that are demonstrably different," he said. These beds incorporate from four to seven inches of our exclusive open-cell memory foam layers, feature densities of up to seven pounds and total mattress profiles of up to 13 inches. A standout in-store presentation details the unique quality, comfort and contouring support that Planet Sleep beds provide, while promoting their environmentally-conscious design and production.
Expected to retail from $1,299 to $1,999 in queen, the top-of-the-line Planet Sleep model uses three layers of memory foam atop a high-density foam support base. The top inch of memory foam lies beneath an anti-microbial bamboo-pattern cover of 100% rayon. The fabric is made from sustainable bamboo fiber, known for its moisture control ability. The middle model has five inches of memory foam, including Boyd's patent-pending, channel-vented Stay-Cool™ layer. The Stay Cool memory foam is tri-zoned for enhanced lumbar support, improved air circulation and heat dissipation for the sleeper. Enhancing the performance of the Stay-Cool layer and the entire bed is a patent-pending FoamSpring™ Support System at the base, which also is tri-zoned and channel-vented. "Like the top number, this Planet Sleep model also includes memory foam just beneath the same eco-friendly rayon-bamboo cover," Boyd noted. The starting model in the collection — also featured in the same fabric — incorporates both solid and Stay-Cool memory foam layers atop the company's FoamSpring support base. All of the beds use open-celled memory foam "which spreads — rather than traps — air pressure, providing superior comfort, contouring support and a cooler sleep surface," according to Boyd.
To effectively promote the new Planet Sleep line, the company has created a comprehensive POS program that includes matching headboards and foot protectors — both with information inserts — plus coordinated pillows, all executed in a rich, textured suede look. The program includes a mini-mattress display that helps retail sales associates explain the features and benefits of Planet Sleep mattresses.
"The ultra premium feel and performance of this line, combined with the quality in-store presentation materials we have to support it, clearly deliver the brand message we want for Planet Sleep," Boyd said. The beds, which carry a 20-year limited warranty, also have earned Level I Seal /Tags of the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) Environmental and Safety Consumer Education Program, as well as other environmental awards. One such award is for the company's "green" foam manufacturing process. Boyd's foam is produced in a sealed chamber that uses air pressure rather than chemicals to control the foam's properties and ultimate performance. As a result of this procedure, harmful emissions like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are contained and prevented from entering the atmosphere.
Boyd Specialty Sleep was founded in 1977 by Denny Boyd and dedicates itself to quality, innovation and excellence in a wide range of highly diversified specialty sleep products. The company has earned more than 30 patents for its innovations and is strategically focused on the health and safety of consumers, and on the environmental impact of its products.
Specialty Sleep Association — sleepinformation.org, January, 2011
SSA Environmental & Safety Program is an outgrowth of the initial SSA "Green Initiative". It has three levels of compliance and will promote consumer education on environmental attributes of mattresses and awareness of compliance with federal flame resistance and children's safety issues.
The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) "THE FUTURE OF SLEEP™ is dedicated to providing consumers with pertinent information to help them make the best mattress and bedding decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
The SSA Environmental & Safety Program for consumer education, retailer training and truth in "green" marketing is the SSA's most recent consumer outreach.
In its January 2010 Environmental Claims Report, the SSA's consumer research study found that 41% of consumers worry about the safety of mattresses in their homes and 15% of consumers want "emissions-free" mattresses. These two issues were consumers' top two concerns.
79% of consumers surveyed stated they would choose a mattress with an environmentally friendly claim that they could understand and trust to be complete and truthful. In response to this study and several other worldwide indicators, the SSA is developing this Environmental & Safety Program to address environmental truth in marketing. On this website consumers can see the industry's top manufacturers and follow links right into the manufacturer website, for up-to-date information on a diverse spectrum of sleep products and the newest innovations in sleep technology.
The SSA Environmental & Safety Program provides a three-step seal and consumer disclosure label (CDL) program that will help consumers to understand the environmental and safety attributes of participating manufacturers' products. The seals and labels appear on mattresses from manufacturers who join the program and serve to inform the consumer about the minimum environmental and safety compliance levels the particular product adheres to, along with a CDL that lists material content by percentage for components in the mattress.
For more information and to view the seal CLICK HERE.
To display the Level I seal, a manufacturer must:
For the Level II seal, a manufacturer must meet all the requirements of the first threshold and in addition, the products must:
The Level III seal is the highest that can be achieved. To meet the Level III requirements, a manufacturer must comply with the previous two levels' requirements and:
The Specialty Sleep Association Environmental & Safety Program Board of Governors includes:
SSA is also pleased to recognize the following individuals and organizations that supported the development of the Environmental & Safety Program through information sharing, reviews/critiques, and by providing additional resources. Special thanks for the strong support from Dow in support of consumer education.
Randy Carter, Steelcase; Greg Crawford, Steel Recycling Institute; Michael Deese, Howe & Hutton, Ltd.; Susan Ebaugh, Lilly Management Group; David Farley & Jeff Scorziell, Anatomic Global; Al Hodgson & Raja Tannous, Berkeley Analytical; Josh Jacobs, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute; Bob Luedeka, Polyurethane Foam Association; Joanne Mattiase, Law Office of Joanne E. Mattiase; Susan Inglis, Sustainable Furnishings Council; Kate Lewis & Ron Buckhalt, USDA's BioPreferred Program; Sam Moore & Dana Dunn, Hohenstein Institutes; Reinhard Oppl, Eurofins; Ryan Trainer, President, International Sleep Products Association; Dwayne Welch, Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co.; Don Wright, Wright Labels.
Denny Boyd — Furniture Today, September 13, 2010
ST. LOUIS - Boyd Specialty Sleep has become the first U.S. mattress manufacturer to adopt the new safety and environmental standards created by the Specialty Sleep Assn. to help consumers better understand what is inside their mattresses.
Boyd is placing the SSA Safety & Environmental Program seal on its NaturalFlex latex mattresses and its PlanetSleep visco-memory foam mattresses. The mattresses are expected to be on retailers' floors in the next few weeks.
The Boyd mattresses in the program display the group's Level I seal, which means the company has met all federal safety flammability requirements; provided a warrantee for the product; met all safety requirements for children's products if applicable; disclosed material construction with a descriptive label content; will participate in an annual survey to identify carbon footprint issues and has committed to continuous improvement; and met standards set by the Montreal Protocol Act when applicable, for reduction or elimination of ozone depleting substances.
"The seal empowers consumers to see what a manufacturer is doing to actively assure the safety and environmental friendliness of their products." - Denny Boyd, Boyd Specialty Sleep.
"The SSA's SEP seal is a real breakthrough for the consumer and empowers them to see what a manufacturer is doing to actively assure the safety and environmental friendliness of their products," said Denny Boyd, president of Boyd Specialty Sleep. "The retail response we saw a few weeks ago in Las Vegas to our products carrying the seal exceeded our expectations and I believe is a further indication that the SSA has really solved one of the great challenges our industry has faced in recent memory by finding a way to bring us all together around the issue of safety and environmental sensitivity to the products we sell."
David Perry — Furniture Today, August 4, 2010
AT THE MARKET — The Specialty Sleep Assn. is launching a safety and environmental mattress seal and label program designed to better educate consumers about the components in their sleep sets. The program, developed after more than a year of research and work, features mattress labels and seals on beds made by participating manufacturers.
Manufacturers pay a fee to the SSA to use the label and seal, which inform the consumer about the minimum environmental and safety compliance levels the mattress meets. Consumers who want more information can go to the SSA's website for additional details.
The SSA, an industry group based in Friant, Calif., shows here in World Market Center C-1350.
"Purchasing safe and environmentally friendly products is an overwhelming concern of consumers," said Dale Read, SSA president. "The Safety and Environmental Program represents the best way to finally deliver a clear message, through a revolutionary new label and education program, that the bedding industry is listening to that concern. The SSA is proud to have taken a leadership role in this important task of creating clarity in defining the broad terms being used to define environmentally friendly products as part of our ongoing mission to promote natural, healthier and safer sleep solutions for consumers."
There are two levels in the seal and label program.
To display the Level I seal, a manufacturer must meet all federal safety flammability requirements, provide a warranty for the product, meet all safety requirements for children's products if applicable, disclose material construction on a label, participate in an annual survey to identify carbon footprint issues, and meet standards set by the Montreal Protocol Act, when applicable, for the reduction or elimination of ozone-depleting substances.
The Level II seal requires all the above, and also that the manufacturer meet the standards in California Section 1350 testing for low VOC emissions, and to validate that the mattress's textile covering contains no harmful substances.
The SSA said several manufacturers have signed on and are displaying mattresses in compliance with the program here this week, although it did not name the manufacturers.
Read said the new seal and label program "is all about transparency and education. It represents a unification of suppliers, manufacturers and retailers around a set of environmental terms and definitions that will reduce confusion and bolster sales to consumers anxious to purchase environmentally friendly products."
He said the seal will "provide an industry standard for what is green, sustainable and natural," and will also give retail sales associates the opportunity to discuss mattress safety issues with consumers.
By Denny Boyd — Furniture Today, July 28, 2002
Savvy consumers, from Baby Boomers to Generation Y and generations in between, are increasingly committed to health and wellness. As a result, they are looking for new, better and more innovative ways to improve their sleep.
Specialty sleep products — most notably air, flotation, latex, foam and adjustable sleep surfaces — offer manufacturers and retailers a great opportunity to meet the need of this growing market segment. Consider the following:


text:
Email Security Warning
Email messages sent
over the internet are not secure. Please do not include
any account or personal information such as social security
numbers in the message.
We're here for you.
When you want personal service and a reassuring smile, it's nice to know the Madison Square staff is nearby and eager to serve you. You can also use your Madison Square Visa Check Card to access any Allpoint ATM.
Allpoint is a national network of ATMs with over 500 convenient Maryland locations, and thousands of ATMs throughout the 50 states.
Barbara Nash, Branch Manager
email@example.com, ext. 1201
2209 Belair Road
Fallston, MD 21047
Phone & Fax:
Phone: 410-877-8253
Fax: 410-877-0295
Bank by Phone: 1-800-325-0851
ATM on site
Elaine Quinn, Branch Manager
email@example.com, ext. 1501
Address:126 N. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone & Fax:
Phone: 410-836-9699
Fax: 410-836-9925
Bank by Phone: 1-800-325-0851
ATM on site


text:
Google Suggest on Social Media
Well it looks like Digg is better than Reddit and Reddit is better than Digg…let me ask you…how'd you get here? There are some pretty insightful and amusing revelations in these Google Suggests, like "Facebook is for losers," "Twitter is for old people" and "MySpace is ghetto." It also looks like all of these sites are down. My favorite is the fact that people feel "Google is watching you"….come on guys, don't do evil.
Tags: Digg, Google, Reddit, Social Media
Bigger Brother Fart Gets Schoolboy Detention
4 Responses to Google Suggest on Social Media
google knows the truth…
A lot of negative people. But I admit, Apple is very very evil.
I believe the correct term is bought and not shopped.


text:
Joan Morris 571-238-5030
Jennifer Pickett 804-786-7432
Corinne Geller 804-674-2789
Jan. 15, 2009
VRE Sells Out; Authorized Vehicles Defined
Traffic heading into Washington, D.C., on eastbound Interstate 66 will be detoured to the 14th Street Bridge via Route 110 and Interstate 395 North.
Pedestrians may cross the Roosevelt Bridge using the sidewalk.
Outbound lanes on the Roosevelt Bridge will remain open all day Sunday.
As previously announced, HOV-2 is in effect eastbound on I-66 (far left lane outside the Beltway; both lanes inside the Beltway) beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, until 3 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Beginning 3 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, I-66 eastbound inside the Beltway will be open only to authorized vehicles - buses, taxis, for-hire limos and for-hire car services. Westbound lanes of I-66 will be open to all vehicular traffic on Tuesday.
Jan. 18, Sunday: The Memorial Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No vehicular or pedestrian traffic will have access to the Memorial Bridge or to the west side of the Lincoln Memorial.
Pedestrians will not be able to access the event from the Arlington Cemetery Metro exit.
Additional Virginia State Police personnel will be assigned in and around this area to aid with increases in traffic volumes and detours.
These bridge closures are due to the "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" Opening Celebration concert on the Mall on Sunday, Jan. 18.
Please check www.inauguration.dc.gov prior to going to the festivities for final updates, event access, and additional road closures and restrictions within Washington, D.C.
Jan. 20, Tuesday: I-66 West HOV-2 hours: On Tuesday, HOV-2 will be in effect starting at 4 p.m. (not 6 p.m. as previously announced) for westbound traffic.
HOV-2 will remain in effect westbound until Wednesday at 9 p.m. – a total of 29 hours – to help clear traffic out of the city.
HOV-2 is in effect on both lanes inside the Capital Beltway/Interstate 495 and the far left lane outside the Beltway.
For more information on HOV restrictions related to Jan. 20, 2009, click on http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009_GetAround.shtm.
Virginia Railway Express is now sold out on both the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines. For more information, go to www.vre.org.
For additional Virginia transit options, please click on Virginia's Inauguration Web site at http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009_GetAround.shtm.
Final List of "Authorized Vehicles" : The following is a complete list of what Virginia will recognize as an "authorized vehicle" on Jan. 20.
Authorized vehicles only will be allowed access to northbound I-395 and eastbound I-66 within the Capitol Beltway/I-495 on Tuesday.
The road restrictions go into place beginning at 3 a.m. and will be lifted shortly after 7 p.m.
Southbound I-395 and westbound I-66 will be open to all traffic all day Tuesday.
- Emergency vehicles
- For-hire limos and for-hire car services
Buses, defined as any motor vehicle, vehicle or combination of vehicles used to transport passengers designed to seat 16 or more passengers including the driver, which includes the following:
- Transit and commuter buses
- Charter/tour
- School buses
- Church buses
- Shuttle buses – airport/hotel, etc.
- Cutaways/large vans
Virginia Work Zones:
Many visitors will be traveling through Virginia from points south. The potential for significant backups exist, especially along the interstate system.
To reduce potential impacts to travelers throughout Virginia, and to ensure the maximum number of lanes available, all construction and maintenance activities will be suspended along selected interstates identified below.
During the entire inauguration period, there will be no lane closures for construction or maintenance work on Interstates 66, 395 and 495.
In addition, there will be no lane closures on heavily traveled roads in Northern Virginia, including Routes 1, 7, 28, 50, 234, 236, the Dulles Toll Road, Fairfax County Parkway and Prince William Parkway. This will be in effect from Friday, Jan. 16, until noon, Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Elsewhere in Virginia, from Friday, Jan. 16, through noon, Tuesday, Jan. 20, there will be no temporary construction or maintenance activities in the northbound lanes of Interstates 77, 81, 85, 95 and 295.
The same will occur on Interstate 64 westbound from mile marker 225 and points west.
Beginning at noon Tuesday, Jan. 20, through noon, Wednesday, Jan. 21, there will be no temporary construction or maintenance activities in the southbound lanes of Interstates 77, 81, 85, 95 and 295; as well as temporary construction or maintenance activities on I-64 eastbound from mile marker 1 to mile marker 225.
Virginia Traffic Information Resources: For up-to-date information on Virginia traffic conditions, motorists are encouraged to:
- Call 511 on a cell phone or land line
Log onto www.511virginia.org
- Tune to 1620 AM, in the Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia regions for Virginia Highway Advisory Radio
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.


text:
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dovid Coplon
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to fly out to Los Angeles from iVillage's New York City headquarters to moderate our exclusive Reese Witherspoon live chat on Feb. 15. It was an engaging experience attended by fans around the world who wanted to know everything from her favorite books (she counts The Office star Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) among one of her favorites); what she'd be doing if she wasn't an actress ("I thought I was going to be a doctor because my mom's a nurse and my dad's a doctor so I wanted to go to med school"); and how the newlywed (who married agent Jim Toth last March) balances being a mom to daughter Ava, 12, and son Deacon, 8 (with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe) and her career.
Backstage at the Santa Monica, Calif., studio of Chelsea Lately, where Witherspoon was making an appearance on her good pal -- and This Means War costar -- Chelsea Handler's talk show, the This Means War actress (whose movie opens nationwide on Feb. 17) and I settled in for almost an hour of fans excitedly chiming in via typed and on-camera questions (one fan told Reese that they have a Reese Witherspoon Day in their house every year because they love her so much). It was a fun roller-coaster ride because we never knew what was coming next! (If you missed it, click here to watch it!)
Gracious and excited to interact with her fans in this exclusive iVillage live video chat powered by Spreecast, the Oscar winner -- who looks as petite and lovely in person as she does on screen -- was candid and funny as she opened up about her career and life. Here are some of the highlights from our sitdown:
On her friendship with Chelsea Handler: "I know that doesn't sound like her personality, but she's really a great friend. She's the kind of person that'll cancel all her plans if you're in a bad mood and you just want to sit on the couch and watch a movie. And she always organizes a Super Bowl party or and invites everybody. She's really generous that way too. She likes to give a lot of good gifts."
On her menagerie of animals at home: "I have three dogs, I have two horses, I have 21 chickens and I have two goats -- oh it goes on -- I have two donkeys and I have two pigs named Booker T. Washington and Valentine, Lavender Valentine."
On her family life: "I have a pretty normal life, outside of what I do for a living -- which is kind of crazy and I travel a lot and I get to go on talk shows and all that kind of fun stuff. I have a pretty regular life. I get the kids off to school in the morning and I go to work at my office and pick them up from school and hang out. And we like to cook and jump on the trampoline a lot. My daughter and I are obsessed with the trampoline and my son and I like to throw the football around or we'll play basketball in the driveway and that's pretty much it. We watch The Voice a lot. Like all the singers, I get excited when they get chosen."
On staying in shape: "I'm just always interested in being healthy, so I exercise even if I have a really early call at work. I'll get up really early and exercise even if I only get on like a treadmill for 30 minutes. It's good, it wakes me up, it makes me feel better. And you know I'm lucky I get to stay in hotels that have a gym in them. It makes it a lot easier."
On her domestic-violence work: "I'm really excited about the work that I've been doing campaigning to end domestic violence. I think it's something that people don't talk about very much and it's something that affects one in three women worldwide. And when you think about that, that's somebody you know. That's your mother, that's your sister, that's your girlfriend; it's somebody in your life. So just getting people to talk about it and feel freer about coming forward and pressing charges is, it's actually been really meaningful to me to be able to give back to so many people."
On her role models: "Probably (the) two people would be my grandmother because my mom worked a lot. She'd pick me up after school, help me with my homework and she'd always read books to me and taught me to love reading. She was a schoolteacher and she just was a real lady, she just carried herself beautifully and taught me to really respect myself. And then probably my mom. She always had three jobs. She was a teacher and she was a nurse and she just an incredibly giving, caring person."
On being a "stay-at-home mom": "I only do one movie a year so that's about three months out of the year and the rest of the time I'm kind of a stay-at-home mom. I have an office so I go to the office while the kids are at school. But I just, I go to the basketball game and the horseback riding competitions and all that kind of stuff and I really enjoy being a parent. It's a real grounding experience and you know, I like the other parents. It's fun."
On her love of scary movies: "I love scary movies! I watch a lot of scary movies but nobody else in my house wants to watch them so I watch them by myself. Especially American Horror Story, that TV show, that new one that's so scary? I love it! I'd love to do something like when Nicole Kidman did that movie The Others, that was a real period kind of movie. I think that would be really great."
On women she admires: "Marian Wright Edelman is one of the foremost advocates for children's rights in America. I love Gloria Steinem, I think she's incredible. I'm loving (New York) Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, I think she's got incredible things to say and is working on some really interesting initiatives. I look at many people's careers, Holly Hunter, and Frances McDormand, and Diane Keaton, women who've really had long and wonderful careers where they create great characters and just seem to be endlessly interesting and fascinating to watch."
On beauty versus brains: "I would have to go with brains, you know. Beauty fades. Being smart is forever."
Subscribe to Reese Witherspoon's official Facebook page. Follow 'This Means War' on Facebook and Twitter!
Serena Kappes is iVillage's Entertainment Editorial Director. Follow her on Twitter: @serenakappes


text:
New Home Photo Gallery
The Home Builders Southeastern Wisconsin Relies On
At Kaerek Homes, we take pride in being the industry leader and home builders Southeastern Wisconsin relies on! We encourage you to browse our new home photos and see the quality craftsmanship and versatile designs for yourself! Our experienced home builders have the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the right floor plan, design, and amenities to meet your family needs and budget. Whether you're contemplating the basic design and layout of your new home, or you're ready to start building, browse our photo galleries for inspiration to help turn your dream home into a reality.


text:
"Dad, help me."
"God, help me."
"Help me. Help me. Help me."
These were the last words of a mentally ill homeless man named Kelly Thomas, who was beaten into a coma by two Fullerton (California) police officers on the night of July 10, 2011. Thomas died five days later. Yet despite the fact that the beating was recorded on videotape, and the pleas of the beaten man were heard and recorded by audio devices worn by the officers, an Orange County jury Monday night acquitted both men of all of the criminal charges against them.
It was not second-degree murder, the jury concluded after about one full day of deliberations. It was not involuntary manslaughter, they said. It was not even an example of the use of "excessive force" on the part of the two officers, Manual Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, who for reasons still unclear are no longer cops. Moments after the verdicts, the prosecutor in the case announced he would not pursue criminal charges against a third officer on scene that night.
In most instances where the police use deadly force against citizens, judges and jurors and the rest of us are required to sift through one-sided accounts of what happened. Usually we are left to weigh the words of the police against the silence of the dead. But this case was different. We all can review the evidence to judge for ourselves whether this verdict is just or not.
Here is the video of the incident. (Warning: It is graphic.)
And here, from The Los Angeles Times, which has covered this sad story so well through years, is perhaps the best summary of what happened:
Jurors, who are now weighing the fate of former officers Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, will also have to wrestle with the question of what actually killed the homeless man: the police beating, as prosecutors contend, or, as defense attorneys suggest, a diseased heart damaged by years of drug use.
[District Attorney Tony] Rackauckas said Ramos was a bully who wanted to hurt Thomas, and Cicinelli crossed the line when he used his stun gun to hit the mentally ill homeless man in the face.
Orange County's top prosecutor focused on what he said was a turning point in Thomas' encounter with the police: Ramos slipping on a pair of latex gloves as he tells Thomas, "See these fists?.... They're getting ready to ---- you up."
Rackauckas said Ramos' threatening words and provocative actions turned a routine police encounter into a crime scene. The prosecutor said that once the officer threatened Thomas, the homeless man had a right to defend himself.
In the video, Thomas can be seen standing up and backing away from Ramos. Within seconds, Ramos and another officer begin swinging their batons at him.
Cicinelli can be seen arriving at the scene as the two officers struggled with Thomas on the ground. The video shows Cicinelli using his Taser multiple times to stun Thomas and then finally smacking the homeless man in the face with it.
"I just probably smashed his face to hell," Cicinelli is heard saying after the struggle.
What do you see when you watch the video? I see an obviously ill man whose illness precludes him from having a rational interaction with the police. And I see officers who clearly lose whatever patience they may have had toward this ill man at the outset of the encounter. And when they lose their patience, I see them become unhinged and then unremitting in their use of force, even as Thomas can be heard begging for them to stop, pleading with them that he cannot breathe. It is painful to watch it unfold knowing how it all ends.
To me, this horrible video is the epitome of the use of "excessive force"—at a minimum. So what did those jurors see that I missed in the video? What in turn did I see that they did not? How could it be that not a single member of that jury was willing to stand up for Thomas for even a single night following the lone full day of deliberations? They have not commented publicly since Monday evening but it's reasonable to assume a few things: 1) They were open to persuasion from defense attorneys offering context about the video, 2) they were willing to give the officers the benefit of the doubt about the reasonable of their fears that Thomas could hurt them, and 3) they accepted the broad swath of California law designed to protect cops from culpability for these sorts of avoidable deaths.
- 1
- 2
- > >
- Single Page


text:
By IH 02/04 Updated: 05/04 10:33
A WORLD of shipwrecks, grief, laughter, love and reunion are created in the first RSC productions in the World Shakespeare festival.
A trilogy of plays - The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night and The Tempest – go under the banner What Country Friends is This? Led by RSC Associate Director David Farr, the ensemble company will explore migration, exile, and the discovery of brave new worlds. All three cross-cast productions will share the same creative team and play in repertoire in the RST.
Farr said of the trilogy: "In this shipwreck trilogy we are exploring the recurrent obsessions of Shakespeare with migration, exile and the discovery of yourself through others.
"Amir Nizar Zuabi (directing The Comedy of Errors) and I are both keen to interrogate these in a modern context and we have chosen to use a shared design environment (by Jon Bausor) to do so.
"In these plays again and again Shakespeare returns to the image of man or woman as a drop in the ocean seeking another drop. He describes love and passion as being like the sea, and he sees in shipwreck the destruction and the revival of the self. For a man who appears never to have left his country he travelled far in his imagination.
"I look forward to continuing that journey with the wonderful cast we have with us, from great RSC actors such as Jon Slinger and Nick Day to the unique Palestinian performer Amer Hlehel."
Slinger continues with the RSC, taking on three roles - as Dr Pinch in The Comedy of Errors, Malvolio in Twelfth Night and Prospero in The Tempest. He previously played major roles in Michael Boyd's History Cycle in 2008/9 and most recently played the title role in Boyd's production of Macbeth in the RST, and Lenny in The Homecoming in the Swan.
Emily Taaffe makes her RSC debut as Viola in Twelfth Night and Miranda in The Tempest. Her most recent theatre roles were for the National Theatre in The Veil, The Cherry Orchard and Nation. She has also appeared in The Borgias on television.
Amer Hlehel makes his RSC debut, coming from Palestine where he works with the ShiberHur company. He has appeared in Zuabi's recent productions at the Young Vic and has also appeared in Palestinian films.
The Comedy of Errors - mistaken identity follows the fortunes of two sets of identical twins, accidentally separated at birth, then miraculously thrown together again - plays until May 14 and July 16 to October 6.
David Farr directs both Twelfth Night, running until May 15, and July 12 to October 6, and The Tempest, until May 19, and July 13 to October 7.
Shipwrecked on the shores of a strange land, in Twelfth Night Viola believes her twin brother Sebastian drowned. Disguising herself as a boy to work in the court of Duke Orsino, she finds herself a go-between for the man she serves and the woman who refuses to love him.
The Tempest finds Prospero usurped from his position as Duke of Milan and cast away with his daughter Miranda to a remote island. Twelve years later, and intent on revenge, he raises a magical tempest that shipwrecks his enemies on his shores.
Visit www.facebook.com/worldshakespearefestival for further details on the World Shakespeare festival.
For tickets visit www.rsc.org.uk or call the box office on 0844 800 1110.
1 Ruth back in saddle and aiming for Paralympics
2 Foot fetish pervert jailed for library assault
3 Leamington woman to pay back thousands she falsely claimed
THE GOLDEN age of radio is brought to
THE RSC is at war. Productions of Richard
AWARD-WINNING RSC regulars Katy Stephens and Joe Dixon
THE TROUBLED life of legendary French singer Edith
The Shoemaker's Holiday Swan Theatre Stratford NEXT door in the ...
THE DUNWELLS play the Arnold House in Rugby on February ...
CHRISTMAS spirit returns to the Warwick Arts Centre for the ...
The Courteeners, Birmingham O2 Academy Thursday, November 20 TO CELEBRATE ...


text:
Hello there bloggers! Today is a much better day because I feel better, but still no voice... my family is in heaven LOL!! I finished this card, and started three more, but no video's :( maybe next week :)
You know how much I love Pink, and when I'm in a hurry it's my go to color, and I'm in a hurry because I still need to finish a few things, and get them posted by the end of the month that's quickly approaching eek!!
Thanks for visiting again today, and a HUGE thank you for all your well wishes. I truly appreciate them all. I will be back real soon.
Supplies used:
Image: Little Blessings - Crafty Secrets.
Cardstock: Whisper White, Blush Blossom - Stampin' Up!
Spellbinders™: Enchanted M-Bossabilities™ side "B", Floral Ovals, Big Scalloped Ovals SM, Classic Ovals SM, Labels Twenty-Three, Grand Rectangles Nestabilities®.
Ribbon: May Arts Pink Silk - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.
Misc.: Self Adhesive Pearls - The Stamp SImply Ribbon Store. Crystallized Swarovski Beads on Stick Pin by Jolee's/eksuccess. Pearl Heart Self Adhesive Embellishment - Zva Creative.


text:
Learn how to create your very own blog and add a podcast too using the tools that you already have available on your computer.
Learn More>>
Master Microsoft Word 2010 and get the training you need to use and teach this powerful program effectively in the classroom.
Learn More>>
Learn how to motivate students and enrich your lessons by bringing Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 into your classroom.
Learn More>>
Complete the form below and click the Reset Password button. If
we find your password, we'll send password reset instructions to the e-mail address
we have on record for you.


text:
It's holiday card season!!! We're going to show you how to make a beautiful and simple photo card that will stand out in the crowd. The best part – you can do it at home for cheap! For more ways to make your holiday stress-free, visit iVillage.com.
From Sponsored On November 15, 2013 at 12:19PM


text:
USA regulations allow a power-assisted maximum speed of 20 mph for bicycles. At speeds greater than 20 mph, a powered bicycle is not longer considered a bicycle and is subject to scooter laws. The Ridekick™ power trailer has a maximum rated power of 500 watts and a motor speed capable of producing non-pedaling bike speeds up to 19 mph subject to certain conditions¹.
To operate a Ridekick™ assisted bike in the United States, the user does not need a license or moped certificate. There is no age limit, and you can use a Ridekick power trailer on cycling paths and bike lanes. It conforms to most regulations for normal bicycles. However, local laws and regulations may vary from city to city and state to state: Ridekick International advises owners to check relevant regulations where you will be using the Ridekick™ power trailer.
Patent: US 6,725,955; Patent Pending
24" wide x 39" long* x 16" tall (60.9 cm x 99 cm x 40.6 cm)
40 pounds with battery pack (18.1 kg)
Cargo Capacity
Rated to 75 lbs (incremental to the Ridekick™) (34.02 kg)
41.8 liters of cargo capacity inside the unit
500 watt electric brush motor
Battery Pack
Sealed lead acid (SLA) battery: 24 volt , 12 amp hour
Standard configuration weight of battery: 18.8 pounds (8.5 kg)
UL certified 1.5 amp Smart Charger with LED status display
Full battery maximum charge time: 6 hours
Charging temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
Digitally proportional lever action
Microprocessor based smart controller
Scrolling diagnostic display
Battery damage protection
Quick-release; attaches to rear hub
Speed Control
Regulated by hand-operated throttle
Maximum speed: 19 mph¹ (30.6 km/h)
Expected distance: 12-15 miles¹ (19.3 km)
Actual Distance/Speed¹
Dependent upon:
- Degree of pedaling combined with Ridekick use (more pedaling, less Ridekick = further distance)
- Weight of rider
- Weight of load carried
- Temperature (colder = less distance)
- Terrain (more hills = less distance)
- Bike and Ridekick tire pressure
40 amps
Maximum Tire Pressure
35 psi
Tire Size
12 ½" x 2 ¼ " (31.75 cm x 5.715 cm)
¹Speed and distance dependent upon: Degree of pedaling combined with Ridekick use, weight of rider, weight of load carried, temperature, terrain, and tire pressure.


text:
home links
At a Glance
NO HELMET NO RIDE! USAGE OF WALKMAN, iPOD OR ANY HEADPHONE DEPENDENT DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING THE RIDE! MOUNTAIN BIKES USING KNOBBY TREAD TYRES ARE PROHIBITED. MOUNTAIN BIKES USING TYRES SAFE FOR ROAD ARE WELCOMED.
Over 700 cyclists from around Malaysia are expected to brave the 250 km Malakoff Inter-state Fellowship Ride 2011 covering the three states of Penang, Perak and Kedah. The two-day Ride spans over 31 December 2012 and 1 January 2013, covering challenging terrains of 180 km and 70 km, respectively.
The Ride is co organised by The Penang State Government, Penang Sports Council, KOTRT and Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) and is part of the Company's flagship corporate social responsibility platform the Malakoff Community Partnerships. Through this Ride, Malakoff aims to combine sports and healthy living with community outreach. While the participants paddle into the dawn of 2012 traversing route with a reinforced commitment to healthy lifestyles, they also aim to raise fund for charity organisations that will be announced during the event launch.
To ensure a smooth and safe ride, authorities from Polis Diraja Malaysia, Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang, Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP), Juru Auto City, Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), KTM Motonation and Delta Business Solutions will be working together to extend necessary support.
Entry fee is RM55.00, non-refundable. Entry fees collected will be channeled to charitable organisations. Ride with a cause.
More info
It's the last cycling event of 2012 and also the opening cycling event for the year 2013. Come and join us cycle through Pulau Pinang, Kedah and Perak in a single day. See the rustic kampung scene you have almost forgotten. Check out roads forgotten by motorist and do it VIP style, escorted.
Day 1, 31 December 2012, will take you through 180km of rustic kampung charm. The road is flat with minor climbs and best of all it is shaded almost 80% of the route. With 3 feeding stops thrown in, it is definitely a doable ride for cyclists of all levels.
Day 2, 1 January 2013, will take cyclists around Penang Island passing through roads that allow you to look at Penang from a very different angle. There has been many round island rides but none can compare to this! This 70km route will leave you beaming with pride and bragging rights after completing it.
Experienced Marshals from PDRM with credential of marshalling the Le Tour de Langkawi will be roped in to ensure you a VIP ride.
For RM55.00, you'll get goodies from sponsors and a cool cycling jersey. To add value to your money, your registration fees will be donated to charitable organisations.
Registrations close upon reaching 700 registered participants. Come and join us. Register now. It doesn't matter whether you are riding only one day or both days or not sure you can make it on the day. Whether you are riding or not sure of even starting, your registration fees go to charitable organisations. Wait no more. Register now before the registration closes or forever hold your peace.
(All you wanted to know but too macho to ask!)
1. What is the Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride?
It is a recreational event that caters to all levels of road-biking enthusiasts from beginners, weekend roadies to hardcore competitors.
It is NOT a race, per se, but more to promote fellowship, cycling tourism and healthy lifestyle. PLEASE OBSERVE ALL TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS ALL THE TIME. This is the time to savor the beautiful scenery and camaraderie with your fellow roadies. The focus is on Fun, Food and Fellowship.
2. How much financial damage do I need to incur to enjoy this event?
Well, you get to ride with hundreds of your fellow roadies and at the same time do your bit for a charitable cause!
After the ride on Day 1, you will be treated to light lunch. On Day 2, you will be treated to Penang's famous local Malay culinary delights.
You will also get our event souvenir cycling jersey, lots of sponsored goodies, an exclusive finisher certificate, and the chance to win awesome lucky draw prizes. What more can you ask for? ..and ALL this for a measly RM55.00 per person!
3. Wow, can I still sign up for this event?
We have started taking entries with immediate effect and we are closing when the set limit of 700 participants is reached. WE WOULD MAKE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Please refer to this web site, not your friends or bike shop for updates.
4. How is the route like? Is it very tough?
The two days (years) ride spans over 31st December 2012 and 1st January 2013.
Day 1 covers a distance of 180km.
Day 2 covers moderately challenging terrains of 70km.
4. What is my preparation?
HELMET COMPULSORY! NO HELMET, NO RIDE! WALKMAN OR iPOD NOT ALLOWED DURING RIDE.
Have a good working condition road bike. Be SELF-SUFFICIENT i.e. 2 FULL size drinking bottles, and the usual bike accessories like multi-tool, spare tubes, mini pump or Co2 cartridge. An enduring spirit to complete the ride, COMMON SENSE to obey ALL road and traffic regulations! Your sense of humor to enjoy the road, the scorching sun and the company of your fellow roadies will help.
Ride hard, ride SAFE and have FUN! Last but not least remember to smile.
5. Are there any water stations or feed stops?
There are 2 water stations for refill and feeding during the day 1 ride.
3 water stations will be set up for the day 2 ride.
A bike mechanic will sweep the ride. In case of breakdown, wait for the mechanic to attend to you FOC. However parts/accessories changed will be charged accordingly by the mechanic.
6. I'm not familiar with the roads and am not a strong rider, will I lose my way if I am left behind?
The route will be clearly marked by signboards with direction indicators and lots of marshals and traffic controllers. If you dropped out of the peloton, our riding marshals will assist to tow you back to join the peloton OR..
if you have fallen too far behind, our sweepers (in pick-up trucks or lorries) will pick you up and take you to the next available stop. Please FOLLOW all instructions by our marshals as your safety is our outmost importance!
7. What are the important time checks and reminders?
Day 1 : 31 December 2012 (180km)
5.30am : Open of registration lines & collection of rider plates. Check-in COMPULSORY!
6.45am : Arrival of VIP and ride briefing, Registration counter closes
7.00am : Flag off by VIP.
9.00am: Jersey collection counter opens.
2.30pm : Arrival of first wave of riders. Check-out COMPULSORY to collect your jersey
3.30pm : Last check out of riders. Jersey counter closes.
End of Day 1
Day 2 : 1 Jan 2013 (70km)
5.30am : Open of registration lines & collection of rider plate. Check-in COMPULSORY to collect your jersey if you have not done so the day before.
6.45am : Arrival of VIP and ride briefing, Registration counter closes
7.00am : Flag off by VIP.
9.00am : Collection of jersey for participants not riding on both days
11.00am : Arrival of cyclists at finishing line. Check-out COMPULSORY to collect lucky draw numbers
12.00pm : Arrival of Sweepers/Last check-out
12.30pm: Buffet Lunch, lucky draw and mock-cheque presentation
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR INSURANCE POLICY OR POLICIES ARE NOT VOID OR VOIDABLE AS A RESULT OF THE YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT. ALL riders will be required to sign an indemnity form to clear the organizers and their agents of any legal proceedings.
This is a NON-PROFIT making event and is organized by volunteers who have sacrificed much of their time, energy and money FOC, so they don't need to be burdened by legal issues after the event.
8. How to qualify for the lucky draw?
Only participants with VALID RIDING PLATES are eligible for the LUCKY DRAWS.
Your lucky draw numbers and goodies can be claimed at the finishing line by CHECKING-OUT whether you complete the ride or return to the finish line. The safety of your lucky draw tickets are your own responsibility. Lost ticket will NOT be replaced!
Riders must claim the prizes PERSONALLY.
UNCLAIMED lucky draw prizes will be REDRAWNED.


text:
BROAD CHANNEL (PIX11)—A couple of weeks ago, it wouldn't have been possible to see the floor inside this American Legion hall in Broad Channel Queens, let alone be able to mop it.
Lead volunteer Etienne David Adorn told Pix11's Jay Dow, "There was also at least a foot of mud in here that they had to hose out. So what you're seeing right now is post major cleanup, days and days."
Thanksgiving meal in their time of need.
Make no mistake, the need is great.
In Broad Channel and the neighboring communities of Howard Beach and the Rockaways, several generations of families lost entire homes in the storm.
"There are organizations out there giving free turkeys to people. But how are they going to cook them if they don't have gas. How are they going to be able to serve them if they don't' have cutlery and plates and everything else like that", Adorn said.
Kathy Guiseppone and her 14-year old twin sons are here now to volunteer.
They will return on Thanksgiving day to enjoy hot meals - donated by several organizations across the city.
"You can't thank people enough. You just can't," said Broad Channel resident Kathy Guiseppone.
To be clear, Thanksgiving dinner at the Guiseppone home - this year - was not an option.
"Everything's gone. It's gutted. Everything. Pictures, furniture, clothes, they lost everything", said Guiseppone.
It explains why the Chapel Creek Fellowship Church out of Ft. Worth Texas decided it was absolutely necessary to drive three trailers - through the night over the last three days - to *this* neighborhood.
"Disaster relief is a way to execute our mission in the world. It's part of what we do - we serve", pastor Keith day.
There will be Texas down home cooking in Queens, not for a few, but for the masses as in 2,000 people a day.
"The people of our church got together and converted this trailer into a cooking unit so that we could come out here and do this," said Pastor Day.


text:
Amir Miremadi
Expedited Courier Group
Whether you're a local law firm,
an out-of-state lawyer, a fellow process server or a company who needs
an attempt to get a real signature from other contractors, we attempt
service and make a non-invasive commitment to get their signature.
The Process Services we
specialize are:
Same Day Process
Service is the one of the main services of our business.
Service of process
is a routine procedure in the legal community. In this case our
messengers have the experience to be courteous but persistent. They
will visit the locations, house or business.
Rush Serves
Normally this type
of services requires immediate action. The majority of our clients want
a quick turnaround. We normally pick up or receive the documents
by email, fax, or same day courier and notify the client immediately
upon completion.
Affidavit Preparation
affidavits requires attention to detail. We currently have people in
our team that have been doing this for many years.
Document Retrieval
Retrieving legal
and other documents takes a lot of time. We can save you by using our
talented team instead of wasting attorneys and legal assistants
time. Our Team of messengers and researchers find public files in
local, state, and federal courts and government departments and
agencies. We deliver copies of the requested documents by email, fax,
express mail, or by own courier team in person.
Legal Research
Our legal
research services cover the following areas:
All these
services require a team of experts who know the local courts, who have
good relationships with the clerical people and who can efficiently
take into consideration the time you are investing in this
And in that time, we have collected a roster of clients in different
sectors like The Baltimore Ravens, Geico, Travelers Insurance, UPS,
FedEx, Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development, Baltimore
Magazine, Law firms, Atthorney offices Part and Distribution and
Medical equipment to name a few. Our Maryland Courier Services
operation is committed to your business. from all the counties in
Maryland to Washington DC, Virginia, Pensilvania and Delaware to New
York, New Jersey and South Carolina, North Carolina.
We also recently expanded our offices so we can offer a wider
variety of business intangibles regular courier delivery, rush
delivery, priority delivery, long distance, AM/PM delivery, scheduled
and routed, on board courier, distribution storage, court research and
SDAT, court filing, Process
Services airport pick up, errand services, short- and long-term
warehousing, banking services and accounting payroll.
Whether its one envelope or 100 boxes our bike messengers and
drivers will literally go the extra mile to delivery and expedite the
arrival. And thats why we retain nearly every client weve ever had
the honor of serviced.
At Expedited Courier Group, our priority is customer
satisfaction. The difference between us and any delivery company in
Maryland is that we recognize that no customer is the same. And we have
the technology, resources and personal touch to meet our customers
changing needs on time, every time.
It could be a Bike Messenger or a Trucking load Service, all related
with Baltimore shipping or Maryland Shipping, we will take care of. Our
professional couriers and messengers are dedicated to deliver on time
pickups. From small parcels to large truck freight, we can accommodate
all your delivery requirements.
We offer a variety of delivery solutions including Same Day or Next Day
as well as Rush Delivery. Our delivery options include:
To learn more about how Expedited Courier Group services can serve
you in Baltimore, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington District of
Columbia, All the counties in Maryland, Pensilvanya and Delaware call
us at 866-956-1199 or send us an email at info @
Or you can click
here to open an easy-access online account so you can place an
order any time of the day.
Good afternoon Amir,
Thank you for the information. I would like to thank you and your staff for always doing such a great job! Your company is always very professional, your deliveries are always timely and your staff could not be nicer. It is a pleasure to do business with you and we appreciate your service.
Ann Lawson
Johnson Berman Architecture and Interior Design
Maryland, Virginia and DC Areas that we proudly serve:
Baltimore, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Baltimore County, Towson, Baltimore City, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Prince Frederick, Caroline County, Denton, Carroll County, Westminster, Frederick County, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Cecil County, Elkton, Charles County, La Plata, Dorchester County, Cambridge, Dorchester, Frederick County , Frederick , Garrett County , Oakland Harford County, Bel Air , Howard County, Ellicott City, Kent County, Chestertown Montgomery County, Rockville ,Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, Queen Anne's County, Centreville, Saint Mary's County, Leonardtown, Somerset County Princess Anne, Talbot County, Easton, Washington County, Hagerstown, Wicomico County, Salisbury, Worcester County.
Washington DC Area Cities that we proudly serve:
Alexandria, Annandale, Annapolis, Arlington, Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Bowie, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Chillum, College Park, Dale City, Fort Washington, Gaithersburg, Glassmanor, Greenbelt, Leesburg, Manassas, McLean, Montgomery Village, Oakton, Olney, Potomac, Reston, Rockville, Silver Spring, Springfield, St. Charles, Sterling, Suitland, West Springfield, Woodbridge and throughout the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.


text:
The following post was written by Lauren Griffin, a Peace Scholar from Luther College. She wrote it immediately following the bombing in Oslo on Friday as an update to her personal blog.
Today was a shocking and terrifying day for Norway. I woke up from my afternoon nap to what seemed to be a clap of thunder after a very rainy morning. Not ten minutes later, I saw a status update from my friend Joe back home about an explosion in Oslo. It turns out that he heard about the attack before anyone I knew here. Disbelief was our first reaction as my friends and I tried to check sources online. Who would want to attack Oslo, the world capital of peace?? There was much speculation and many rumors about what had happened as well as panic and concern for our friends and family in Oslo. Thankfully, almost everybody at the International Summer School has been accounted for and is back here on campus safely. Two of my friends had actually gone downtown this afternoon for coffee and were just two blocks away from the building where the bomb went off. I had originally planned to join them. The windows in their café rattled and after seeing people running through the street, many on cell phones, they went outside to find out what happened. They saw shattered glass and damaged buildings through a smokey haze before a police officer moved the police line farther away from the scene.
It has been very interesting to see how the students here have reacted to these events. My two friends were, naturally, pretty shaken up. Most of the Americans were nervous and confused. Many students were already discussing who might have attacked and why, while others were snapping pictures during our emergency ISS meeting. Some started shouting in the hallways about terrorist attacks, and a few were crying. Most were trying to get ahold of loved ones at home. However, many of our friends from the Balkans didn't seem phased by the news coverage at all. While they were of course concerned and saddened, many of them have grown up in violent, unstable countries and hearing about a bombing was not an entirely new experience for them. The distant sirens and helicopters above, however, were very surreal for me.
At this point, I don't know much more than many of you do, although some of the news on TV has been taking longer to trickle over to the States. We've been following BBC's live coverage online and I can give my brief, unprofessional summary about the information I've heard so far:
As of now, seven are confirmed dead in the Oslo city center. The number of injured is unknown. Police suspect a massive car bomb but do not know the cause. Damage was done to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's office and government headquarters as well as the location of a main newspaper in Norway. All the government ministers are safe and the Prime Minister has left a press conference to go visit the injured in the Oslo University Hospital. They've evacuated the central city and soldiers and police are downtown now. Soon after the explosion, a gunman dressed as a policeman fired openly at a Labour Party youth camp on the island of Utøya, west of Oslo. The Prime Minister had been scheduled to attend. Ten young people have been confirmed dead so far, but the search for missing people is still going. Undetonated explosives have been found on the island. One man, reported to be a 32 year old Norwegian, has been arrested and is believed to be connected to both incidents. The motivation for the attacks is unknown.
It has been a very very scary day full of bombs, gunfire, broken glass, and blood. I can't imagine the terror of those youth on the island who were forced to hide in bushes or attempted to swim away from the island toward shore. However, as Prime Minister Stoltenberg stated, "It's important that we don't let ourselves be scared. Because the purpose of that kind of violence is to create fear." Thank you everyone for keeping Oslo in your thoughts today and in the coming weeks. These incidents have truly shaken this country as a peace nation. As my dad said, "In this tragedy the irony of your being there to study peace has not been lost on any of us." Perhaps this is all the more reason to be studying peace in Norway.


text:
Courtesy of Adam Hudson
Geosciences Ph.D. candidate Adam Hudson, of the University of Arizona, digs up shells for radiocarbon dating from a dried out lake in Oregon. The dating will help reconstruct periods of glaciation when water filled the lake.
With the Earth in a warming climate at stake, preparing for the future means understanding the past. That's where paleoclimate scientists come in.
Paleoclimatology is the study of ancient climates. Climatologists such as Aaron Putnam explain that 800,000 years of climate records locked in the Earth's ice show that greenhouse gas levels are far higher now than during the natural climate shifts over all that time.
Top climate scientists assessed the impact of melting glaciers, rising sea levels and lakes turning into deserts at this year's Comer Abrupt Climate Change Conference in Wisconsin. From rapid warming potentially linked to a comet striking the Earth some 55 million years ago to the Little Ice Age aiding the Mongol invasion of Eurasia, climate impacts past and present highlighted research findings from across the world. But rising fossil fuel emissions in our era are escalating global warming, scientists stated.
In a period of less than 100 years, the Mongol Empire spread across Eurasia and encompassed the greatest contiguous land empire in history under the great Khan dynasty. Historians generally attribute rising power and domination to leadership and military strategy. But, some climate scientists credit the Little Ice Age for the Mongol expansion and take a new look at the impact climate can deliver on the rise and fall of civilization.
Climate scientist Meredith Kelly finds answers about climate change in Uganda and evidence of glaciers that receded from here.
Capturing and storing the 29 billion tons of carbon dioxide the world emits annually from burning fossil fuels could help clamp a lid on climate change.
Oceans are temporarily absorbing heat and masking global warming. But climate change hasn't halted.
Climate change critics are pointing to a 15-year period of stable global temperatures to suggest that global warming has stopped. Global temperatures showed a continuous rise since 1975 before the respite set in. But climate change hasn't halted. Scientists at the Comer Conference countered that oceans are temporarily absorbing heat and masking global warming.
Icebergs the size of Manhattan's Central Park break off of Greenland's glaciers and trigger earhthquakes that are detected from seismic waves thousands of miles away. These glacial earthquakes aren't knocking down any buildings but they are contributing to the collapse of the glaciers. And that adds to rising global sea levels, Meredith Nettles told top climate scientists gathered at the annual Comer Abrupt Climate Change Conference in Wisconsin.
Wallace Broecker works at the forefront of climate science, an elder statesman of global research at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. He grew up in Oak Park, earned his Ph.D. in the 1950s at Columbia and won fame in his field of geoscience. He coined the phrase global warming in the 1970s and discovered the global conveyor belt of the oceans.
Climate scientists are confirming the latest United Nations assessment of rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers and intensifying heat waves due to human activities locking ever more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Researchers revealing clues to climate change in the outer stretches of the planet canceled trips and put theses and dissertations on hold as they waited for the government to reopen. The government's turn-around means a rebound for much of the research but also lingering delays.
Sustainability fuels science at major climate conference
Foundation spurs a legacy of pioneering research
Why people struggle to understand climate change
Richard Alley: Climate change needs lots of action - fast
Geologist uses mud to clarify Arctic warming
Medill investigates national security threat of climate change


text:
Your support is very much appreciated
The work of running the Christians Together website is dependent on those who appreciate and support the ministry – in prayer and, as the Lord leads, in giving. If you would like to make a donation to the work please click on the button below. Many thanks. Colin
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
2 Tim 2:1-5
Christians Together, 21/04/2008