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Choose a section News Target News Now Walmart News Now
A fresh round of unionization efforts appear to be in store for major retailers next spring after organized labor won a favorable ruling regarding how elections are conducted.
The retail industry has temporarily avoided a shut down of 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts following a 30 day extension of contract negotiations with organized labor.
The extension solves nothing, but it does give port operators and representatives of the U.S. Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen's Association time to iron out a new collective bargaining agreement that was set to expire on December 29. Retail industry trade groups welcomed news of the extension, while pushing for a longer term solution.
Reducing the number of hours truck drivers are allowed to spend behind the wheel sounds like it would be a good idea to improve the nation's roadways, but nothing could be further from the truth, according the Retail Industry Leaders Association.
The trade group is looking to defeat new rules proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that includes a provision that would reduce to 10 from 11 the number of hours drivers are allowed to drive before taking a 34-hour break.


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Steam Shower
PlumbersCrib offers Steam Generators for your home, spa or Hotel. PlumbersCrib offers Mr. Steam and Amerec Steam Generators, and the can give you guidence on what size steam generator you need. If you have any questions call!!! - Steam Showers use a fraction of the water required to power a regular shower. With environmental concerns on the rise, these units take only two gallons of water to power a 20 minute steam bath as opposed to regular showers which consume 40-gallons of water.
Amerec AK8.5 Residential Steam Bath Generator 8.5kW
Product SKU: AM-9011-50Special Price: $1,330.00
Was: $1,900.00
Amerec Steam Shower Speaker System
Product SKU: AM-9252-064Special Price: $840.00
Was: $1,200.00
Amerec AV2 AV Series 120V Vapormist Generators with Control and White Trim Kit
Product SKU: AM-AV2-WHSpecial Price: $840.00
Was: $1,200.00
Amerec AV2 AV Series 120V Vapormist Generators with Control and Chrome Trim Kit
Product SKU: AM-AV2-CPSpecial Price: $882.00
Was: $1,260.00
Amerec ADP Stainless Steel Generator Drain Pan for AK Series Generators
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Amerec DK60/K30 Contol Unit
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Out of stock
Amerec Warm Start Control
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Amerec CFSH Comfort-Flo Steam Outlet Head with Insulator
Product SKU: AM-CFSHSpecial Price: $105.00
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Amerec AK4 Residential Steam Bath Generator 4kW
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Amerec CFSH Comfort-Flo Steam Outlet Head for the Freedom Control Steam Room Kit
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Amerec AT14 AT Steam Generator with AT Touch Control 14kW 208/240V
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Amerec AT7 AT Steam Generator with AT Touch Control 7kW 208/240V
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Amerec AT10 AT Steam Generator with AT Touch Control 10kW 208/240V
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Amerec AT12 AT Steam Generator with AT Touch Control 12kW 208/240V
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Amerec AK14 Residential Steam Bath Generator 14kW
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Amerec AK12 Residential Steam Bath Generator 12kW
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Was: $2,325.00

subset: commoncrawl


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While I LOVE 1-2 times a week type scrubs (IE the more abrasive types), I usually am not a big fan of scrubs labeled as gentle or for daily use. More often than not they are nothing more than a cream cleanser with a couple beads thrown in that don't have any real exfoliating effects. But this one is great and lives up to the hype.
This is a truly non abrasive skin polisher. Somehow Clinique has managed to create a scrub that is creamy and gentle yet packs enough punch to remove dead or dry skin without being irritating. I have found that this also works great if you massage it in to exfoliate and then leave on for a few minutes in order to get some additional moisturizing properties out of it.
While it does fall into the more pricey category ($20.00) a little goes a long way and it will last a long time. Though directions imply you can use it daily, those with more sensitive skin may want to adjust that less. For my super dry and flaky skin I like to do a week straight to normalize my skin during the winter months and then go back to using this maybe every other day (my harsher scrubs are far too drying to use regularly during cold weather). I have nothing but praise for this product.
This is the only product I've tried so far that has made my blemishy red skin as close to flawless as it will ever me. Enough said
More reviews by dandelionjones
Got this as a sample have used it over the past two weeks each morning and love it so much I have just ordered a 100ml tube. Having dry, annoyingly red, sensitive skin that easily breaks out and having had pretty bad luck with scrubs, I was a bit hesitant with this product but as it says you can use it once a day I thought it must be pretty gentle so gave it a go, and now i'm in love! It's so gentle it's kind of half way between a scrub and face wash, it's very moisturising, I've had way less breakouts (woohoo!) since using it and my face is a bit brighter than it was before, in the way that it kinda has a nice natural sheen now. I think with cleansing products what works and what doesn't is very dependent on skin types. I probably wouldn't suggest this to people with oily skin, but if you have dry, sensitive skin and are a bit scared of heavy duty scrubs but still want to exfoliate I'd definitely give a sample a go!
I used to use this religiously until I realised that there are comparable (and better!) scrubs out there for a fraction of the price. It's a bit of a rip off really.
I've received this many times as a GWP from Clinique, and I always try to use it, and I always end up throwing it away. It leaves me red and irritated and is hard to rinse. I'm more and more in line with the philosophy that excessive exfoliating only creates micro-calluses which spur you to exfoliate even more creating a vicious cycle. Gentle cleansing with a cleansing cloth or wash cloth will remove the dead cells that are ready to come off and no more.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
More reviews by roseannabanana
Ineffective, it is scratchy yet doesn't have enough grains/beads to properly exfoliate.
I think Clinique changed the original formula. I used to love the fact that the grains were big and it left a fresh sensation in my skin. Now it leaves me with an oily sensation and the grains are barely there. Will replace it with another scrub.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
Clinique, being a reputable brand, did not really meet my expectations with this one. I mean its O.K. to sum it up simply. I think its a product for 'normal' skin, I have dry, sensitive skin and it did not do anything to improve the shine/liveliness of my face. Not saying it had bad effects either but if you are looking for something to give you a boost or a glow, this would not be it. It is very average and overpriced for what it is. But try it if you have money to burn.
Having received numerous tubes of this scrub in GWPs I've used this constantly for many years. Its an excellent product - a thick cream with a high concentration of scrub granules that does the job very efficiently.
However, I bought a full-size tube of this for the first time last year and soon afterwards read that the granules are in fact plastic microbeads, which are not biodegradeable and have been found to pollute oceans and lakes, and are harmful to ocean life.
I wouldn't say that I'm the most environmentally-friendly of people but this bothers me enough that I'm going to stop using this and any other scrub products from the Estee Lauder companies, and avoid products containing plastic microbeads from other corporations.
I tried using this scrub by wiping rather than rinsing off but that felt too abrasive, so I'll have to throw the rest of the tube away. The search begins for an equally effective product with a natural scrub agent...
...the plastic microbeads in cosmetic products are listed on the ingredients as polyethylene or polypropylene. They are also present in toothpaste, and several big name brands are currently using them. It appears that some US states are proposing to ban microbeads in products because of the damage they are known to cause.
Lots of information about this issue on the internet if you are interested or concerned.
Thanks for reading this.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
This product is recommended by dermatologists for people with dry and/or sensitive skin. It is very gentle and moisturizing. If you have oily skin this will probably not be right for you. I think this would also be great for someone with roseasia. I don't think using a harsh scrub with large granules is good for the face. This can be used daily if needed and leaves your skin soft for makeup application I usually only use this in the shower to make sure it is all rinsed off...I have tried many, but I always go back to this one.


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- Arteta (72), Pienaar (89)
- Date:2010-03-20
- Kick-off:15:00
- Venue:Goodison Park
- Attendance:36503
- Referee:Wiley, A
Live Commentary
Full time at Goodison, a brave performance by Bolton but it is Everton who secure the points.
Four minutes will be added on.
Great work from Leon Osman down the right as he gets to the touchline and plays a low cross to PIENAAR who slots home.
Tamir Cohen is replaced by Mark Davies.
A lovely chipped ball by Arteta finds the head of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, but the Russian's header loops over the bar.
Everton continue to hunt for a second, but Bolton are still defending stoutly despite being down to ten men.
Jack Wilshere, who has been much quieter this half, is replaced by Matt Taylor.
Yakubu is replaced by Leon Osman.
GOAL! EVERTON 1-0 BOLTON It's double the punishment for Bolton as ARTETA curls the free-kick into the corner - Jaaskelainen was unmoved!
Sam Ricketts comes on for Johan Elmander.
Yakubu is played clean through by Pienaar but is bundled over by Gretar Steinsson on the edge of the box. The referee has no choice but to show Steinsson the red card.
Areta swings in a free-kick from the right onto the head of Phil Jagielka whose header is straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.
More good approach playfrom Everton as Yakubu finds space on the right. But once again the final ball is lacking at his cross is over-hit and goes for a throw.
Nearly a defensive disaster for Everton as Baines mis-hits his clearance straight to Lee, but the South Korean's shot is blocked by Distin.
Tim Cahill jogs off to be replaced by Louis Saha.
A quick throw-in from Pinaar releases Arteta on the left touchline but the Spaniard's cross is over hit and evades everyone on the box.
O'Brien hobbles off for some treatment on a leg injury but soon returns to the action - he has been excellent so far for Bolton today.
Tim Cahiil beats Jussi Jaaskelainen to Phil Jagielka's long cross, but referee Alan Wiley judges that Cahill handled the ball and blows for the free-kick.
Neville's cross from the right is well headed out by O'Brien only as far as Pienaar who lashes in a volley, but once again O'Brien is brave and blocks the South African's shot. Excellent defending from Bolton
Everton seems to be showing more attacking intent in this half, but Bolton are getting plenty of players back and are looking soild.
We are back underway at Goodison.
The half time whistle goes - surely the second half will be better??
FIVE minutes will be added on at the end of the half, yes five!
Lee collides with Cahill and stays on the turf clutching his arm. After lengthy treatment he walks gingerly off the field. I think he wil be ok though.
Chung-Yong Lee gets a yellow for a late challenge on Sylvain Distin.
Brilliant chance for Bolton as Chung-Yong Lee and Wilshire combine to set up Davies in the area, who draws a great low block out of Tim Howard.
Davies puts a ball in from the right, it's headed away but only as far a Tamir Cohen who fires a shot just over the bar from the edge of the box. Decent chance that for Bolton.
Chung-Yong Lee makes an excellent tackle on Leighton Baines who was shaping to shoot, before Pienaar lets fly from 25 yards but it goes well, well over.
Bolton are holding their own it what is becoming a scrappy affair at a soggy Goodison.
Elmander goes down under a challenge from Neville 25 yard from goal, Davies takes the free kick but it is straight at Howard who smothers it comfortably.
Sylvain Distin does well to find Ayegbeni Yakubu, who had pulled away from his marker, but with players in the box the Nigerian overhits his cross and it goes out for a goal-kick.
Tim Cahill is booked for a reckless challenge on Jack Wilshere. Frustration got the better of Cahill there.
It's a sad sight as Victor Anichebe, who has just returned from a year on the sidelines, is stretchered off and replaced by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
Victor Anichebe is barged in the back by Paul Robinson and crumples to the floor in pain. It doesn't look good.
Arteta and Leighton Baines combine well down the left but the England man's low cross is well cleared by Andy O'Brien.
A great ball by Mikel Arteta sends Victor Anichebe clean through, but the Nigerian takes far to long to get a shot away and Paul Robinson gets back to tackle. Great chance for Everton that.
A long free-kick causes chaos in the Everton box as Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander make their presence felt. Johnny Heitinga manages to scramble it clear for Everton.
Referee Alan Wiley gets the game underway at Goodison Park.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle also names an unchanged line-up from the side that thumped Wigan 4-0 last weekend, though Gary Cahill and Mark Davies make a welcome return to the bench after injury.
David Moyes names an unchanged side from the one that drew with Birmingham last weekend though he is boosted by the return of Leon Osman and Louis Saha to the bench.
Match Preview
Everton take on Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon aiming for another three points that would aid their European qualification aspirations.
The Toffees sit in ninth spot and well off the pace for the continental places but a couple of wins would soon bring renewed hope and optimism.
With the Trotters making the short trip to Merseyside, Everton will want to inflict further away-day misery upon Owen Coyle's men.
They have lost nine games on the road this term and went down 4-0 at Sunderland last time out.
Sam Ricketts was dismissed in the Stadium of Light capitulation and he will miss the clash at the weekend through suspension.
However, they have won three of their previous four clashes, including a 2-1 win at West Ham United, to edge away from the relegation places and into 13th position.
David Moyes' side are enjoying a golden run of form, winning their previous six Premier League games on home soil recently.
Wins over Burnley in December, Manchester City and Sunderland in January, impressive back-to-back successes against Chelsea and Manchester United last month and a thumping 5-1 rout versus Hull City on March 7 has boosted confidence which had been flagging.
A further triumph would add pressure on Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Man City and Liverpool, who all sit directly above in the table.
Bolton are with a number of first-team players through injury.
Stuart Holden (broken leg), Mark Davies (ankle), Gary Cahill (arm), Chris Basham (knee), Gavin McCann (foot) and Sean Davis (cruciate ligament) are all missing.
Everton will still be without the services of four key stars for the clash on Saturday afternoon.
Match Report
Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar were on the scoresheet as ten-man Bolton became another victim of fortress Goodison Park with Everton making it seven home wins on the spin with a 2-0 success.
David Moyes' dominant side looked set to be on their way to a disappointing draw, but after Gretar Steinsson saw red for a foul on Pienaar on 71 minutes, Arteta curled the resulting free-kick to put the Toffees ahead.
The home side had earlier found Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in fine form but Arteta's strike - and a late second from Pienaar - ultimately sent the Trotters home empty-handed.
Bolton seized the early initiative and they had a penalty appeal on three minutes after a Steinsson free-kick bounced around the box but referee Alan Wiley was not interested.
Owen Coyle's side were on the front foot again six minutes later but Zat Knight's header was easily saved by Tim Howard.
The home side gradually started to get a foothold in the game as the half wore on - Arteta struck a free-kick into the wall while Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a 15th minute substitute for Victor Anichebe, fired over.
But it was Bolton who wasted the best chance of the half on 39 minutes - Chung-Yong Lee and Jack Wilshere combined well to send Davies clear but the former Chesterfield frontman couldn't beat Howard.
The second half followed the scrip of the first with the home side dominating play, but struggling to find the end product, Ayegbeni Yakubu had a deflected effort saved by Jaaskelainen on 51 minutes.
And two minutes later the Bolton stopper was at it again, this time blocking a Johnny Heitinga effort.
The game exploded into life in the last quarter when Bolton were reduced to ten men when Steinsson received his marching orders for bringing down Pienaar on 71 minutes.
And the Toffees made the advantage count immediately when Arteta curled the resulting free-kick into the top corner.
Bolton tried to get themselves level, but Pienaar's 89th minute goal ensured Everton's unbeaten home run extended to nine games.
Everton Team
Bolton Wanderers Team
Everton | Bolton Wanderers |
6 | 3 |
15 | 17 |
Goal attempts
14 | 6 |
Shots off target
7 | 3 |
0 | 1 |


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The National Museum in Accra is one of the oldest museums in Ghana. Established in 1957, the museum was officially opened by the Duchess of Kent, Britain on the eve of Ghana's... more »
Coco Beach is on the coast road, west of a place called Sakumono. If you follow a sign that says Akwaba Beach Hotel it is very near. It is a great place to chill out in Accra; the... more »


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Martin Short isn't upset with Kathie Lee Gifford for asking him about his late wife on the Today show Wednesday.
Gifford, not realizing that Short's wife, Nancy Dolman, died of ovarian cancer in 2010, commented that the actor has "one of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business." She then asked him, "How many years are you in love with her now?"
Short answered that question as well as follow-up questions about his marriage without correcting her.
In an interview with E! News, the "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" star says of Gifford's error, "On live television, people make mistakes. There's no ill will intended." He adds, "It's nice to aspire to be kind of elegant."
Gifford has apologized for her mistake on both the Today show and on Twitter.


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Nissan Plans 1,000 New Stations to Quickly Charge Electric Cars
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
The move by Nissan comes days after BMW and Volkswagen announced a joint effort to build 100 high-speed public charging stations on the East and West Coasts.
A booming business in lending to poor people with bad credit who need cars to get to work is as much about Wall Street's demand for high returns as it is about used vehicles.
The company doesn't tend to play it safe with design, and the new Murano has elements, like its flowing brightwork, that are bold and refreshing.
The move by Nissan comes days after BMW and Volkswagen announced a joint effort to build 100 high-speed public charging stations on the East and West Coasts.
The stations will be part of a fast-growing network run by ChargePoint, the nation's largest, and will be compatible with nearly all electric vehicles on the road.
Many cars in this segment now offer luxuries like keyless ignition, rear-view cameras and heated leather seats. Don't look for them in the Yaris.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new administrator, Mark R. Rosekind, has ordered a review of a 2013 recall of Ford's biggest pickup trucks.
The South Korean carmaker sought to appease shareholders angered by a $10 billion property buy; the company also posted a 19 percent decline in fourth-quarter profit.
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Charles E. Schumer sent a harshly worded letter to the Federal Highway Administration, saying that the tests were inadequate and should be more rigorous.
The pins can express a person's desire for dream cars and are a way of expressing loyalty to lost models and automobile brands.
Not far from the glamour of the auto show, vehicles that once were stars of the show now sit abandoned around the city.
As envisioned by some companies, self-driving cars will have front seats that can face each other so occupants, even the person in the driver's seat, can chat face to face.
Google hopes to have fully autonomous vehicles on the road by 2020, taking the driver out of the equation and handing the virtual wheel to software.
Automakers gathering in Detroit this week for the city's annual car show promoted a range of their wares aimed at the alternative-energy shopper.
Elon Musk said high fuel prices could no longer be expected to drive consumers toward alternative vehicles.
BMW has created a system that actually obeys when a driver says to the car, "Go park yourself." Other companies are also working on the technology.
The auto industry, after reporting a strong 2014 a week ago, gathered in Detroit to show off its new models.
A new generation of Mustang gives America a new vehicle for the pursuit of happiness.
A closer look at the 2015 Lexus RC and RC F, which offer proof that Lexus is willing to take some styling risks.
For most competitors at a ChumpCar World Series event, winning is second to getting as much track time as possible while spending as little money as possible.
With the country's last auto production plants about to shut down, here is a look at some of the notable models from Australia's automotive history.
Marie Lerch's 1978 Camaro helps her maintain a bond with her mentor from an auto-repair class she took decades ago.
Remembering Francesco De Virgilio, the genius behind Lancia's V6.
It's been true for a while, but where motorcycles are concerned, retro is in.
The museum, at Honda's Twin Ring Motegi circuit, about 90 miles north of Tokyo, has vehicles on display from nearly 70 years of Honda history.
It's not perfect, but the 4C is a beautiful little Italian sports car at a price that mere mortals can contemplate.


text: Excellent place Self service buffet with plenty of healthy choices. The big plus is having a grill section where the chef prepares fish chicken and meats on the spot Salads are healthy and plenty of vegetable choices It is more expensive than most places in Natal but the quality is above average. The restaurant was also very clean


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Event Name
- OR - Select an option belowPurple Door Coffee opened in the Five Points neighborhood in the spring of 2013. In addition to serving beverages made with locally roasted beans, the non-profit coffee shop also serves as an employment opportunity for troubled and homeless youth. Owners Madison Chandler and Mark Smesrud started the venture in order to provide faith-based guidance for at-risk teens. At Purple Door, the crew not only brews good coffee, but they do it for a good cause.


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Total Time:
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
15 mins
15 mins
0 mins
Chef Baki's Note:
creamy oat milk, great for making with the leftovers from your morning serving and costs you pennies compared to the products you find on the shelves at the supermarket. This recipe has basically the same quantities and ratios for making rice milk.
My Private Note
Serves: 8-16
Units: US | Metric
- 1(To cook steel cut or thick rolled oats, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small sauce pan, add 1/2 cup of oats and turn the heat down to med/low, they just want to gently simmer for about 10 minutes. Give it a stir to check to see if the oats have absorbed all of the water.).
- 2Bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
- 3As you are waiting for the water to boil, add the rest of the ingredients to a blender. As soon as your water is boiling add 3-4 cups to the blender. Be sure that there is room left in the top of the blender and that the lid fits securely or you could risk splashing yourself with hot water when you flip the switch.
- 4Turn your blender on low and increase to high speed, blending for about 20 seconds or so. Check the consistency, add more water as necessary to achieve the desired thickness. The mixture will thicken a little as it cools off and eventually chills.
Browse Our Top Beverages Recipes
Nutritional Facts for Homemade Oat Milk
Serving Size: 1 (75 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 8
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value
- Calories 26.6
- Calories from Fat 2
- 10%
- Total Fat 0.3 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol 0.0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium 75.3 mg
- 3%
- Total Carbohydrate 5.0 g
- 1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5 g
- 2%
- Sugars 1.6 g
- 6%
- Protein 0.7 g
- 1%
Ideas from Food.com


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The 2014-2015 Patron Program kicks off this month!
Make your annual donation early via our online donation form
Why should I invest in the MESF Patron Program?
MESF was created to educate, equip and excel Murdock students.
Educate – MESF provides funding for the science program and in classroom technology enhancements that are keysupplements to the education our students receive.
Equip – According to the NSTA, science activities in the early grades lay the groundwork for student understanding in the subject. MESF funds 100% of the hands-on science lab at Murdock, including teacher salary and equipment.
Excel – Research shows that students who utilize technology in the classroom exhibit superior organizational and problem-solving skills as compared to those in more traditional settings. MESF's support, of technology tools and training in the classroom, is vital to our students excelling in the classroomand into the future.
How much should I give? MESF recommends a donation of $125 per family; however every donation will have a powerful impact on Murdock students, so please give at a level that is meaningful to you. Our ultimate goal is for every Murdock Family to make an investment in our students. As an added bonus, everyone whodonates will receive: a MESF magnet and qualify for the classroom competition; gifts of $125 or more will qualify for inclusion in a drawing for a premium Murdock parking space for the 2014-2015 school year!
Is my donation tax deductible? YES! As a 501(c) (3) organization your gift is tax deductible. Tax receipts will be issued either at the time of your donation or be sent to you at the end of the calendar year.
Can my employer match my donation? ABSOLUTELY! Your gift can have an even greater impact on your children through a matching program. Check with your human resources department for your employers matching gift procedures. Questions? Follow the "Double your Donation" link for additional information on Corporate Matching Gifts or Contact Miranda Austin at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Where does the money go? Your donation to the 2014-2015Patron Program will support:
- 100% of the teacher salary for the Science Program
- 100% of the lab equipment and supplies
- Integrative technology resources such as I-pads, Apps,educational software and teacher training to empower Murdock to build and sustain 21st Century Classrooms
Are there other ways to get involved with MESF? YES! We welcome new volunteers to the Foundation and can definitely use you. Please talk to a Board member, fill out a volunteer form at Meet & Greet, or visit complete a volunteer sign-up form on the website. Thank you in advance for your service!


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Dear SA WildFlowers,
Is Devil's Claw an exculsive African Wildflower? Saw it growing throughout Mexico.Gorgeous. ALberto1444 |
Follow-Up Postings:
It grows wild in the Texas area. |
Hi Alberto, That's the trouble with common names!! Harpagophytum procumbens comes from the Kalahari (RSA, Botswana, Namibia, Zim) Proboscidea parviflora (and other species) come from America Both plants and more are called 'Devil's Claw'. Hope this helps |
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arcayne commented on the diary post Move Over Doug Feith: Lawrence O'Donnell Has a Friend by Scarecrow.
Obama's defenders will continue to prefer the most complex and implausible explanations for Social Security and Medicare being on the chopping block. But breaks will appear, as one did with Lawrence O'Donnel several nights ago, when, making the case that Obama was merely engaged in a masterful masquerade as a…well…republican, suddenly mentioned that Clinton was [...]
arcayne commented on the diary post Loughner Insane? Not So Fast by arcayne.
shekissesfrogs: Thank you for your excellent post and link. Yes it could very well turn out that Loughner is a paranoid schizophrenic. I'm sure the facts as we know them will be presented to a court appointed psychiatrist. But more importantly.. "The diagnosis is made based on a thorough interview of the person and family [...]
arcayne commented on the diary post Loughner Insane? Not So Fast by arcayne.
Hello shekissesfrogs: First I must say that I indeed looked at fairlefts' link as well as your's later. And like you I tried to get an idea of what Loughner was getting at. Yes, his writings contain disjointed thoughts but in time you were able to summarize what his beliefs are. Others too have been [...]
arcayne commented on the diary post Loughner insane? Not so fast. by arcayne.
Thank you for your reply fairleft. Certainly Loughner has an odd way of expressing his views at times, although I plead guilty to that as well. Loughner seems to be searching for a basis for an alternative currency which is natural enough in these uncertain times. Loughner also wrote that he won't pay debt with [...]
arcayne wrote a new diary post: Loughner Insane? Not So Fast
There is a widespread assumption that Jared Lee Loughner is "mentally ill" even though no diagnosis of this has yet been made. It is rarely specified whether the writers mean it in the generic popular sense or the clinical sense and yet the difference is important. Few of us are psychiatrists- myself included- but I [...]
arcayne commented on the diary post President Obama, I am a Chump by joeseyryan.
Very best wishes on your situation Joesy and yes, Obama has betrayed us on about level possible. He'd rather fight for the people who spit on him than the ones who cheered for him…the latter group now dwindling in numbers. I defended Obama for a long time, always rationalizing that ok he gave in on [...]
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Reviewed By Steve S (Coatesville, PA) Reviewed for a 2014 Toyota Tundra —1/28/2015 6:03 AM
I installed these in less than an hour without any help. Very sturdy and they look great. Quality product. No more sliding off the edge of the seat to get out and my wife no longer struggles to get in.


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Alert neighbours caught a gang of four men who tried to rob a techie while she was entering her house in Whitefield on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred when Neelima was entering her house after she had gone alone to an ATM nearby to withdraw money. The gang followed her back to her house and overpowered her in a bid to rob her cash.
Neelima raised alarm for help, following which neighbours rushed to her rescue and managed to nab them. The accused were soundly thrashed and handed over to the police. The Whitefield police have taken them into custody and are questioning them.
Keywords: alert neighbours, robbers, Whitefield Police
More In: Bengaluru


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The sunroof may stop working for various different reasons. Our technicians tell us it is often better to replace the complete sunroof assembly than to try and repair the old one.
Google+Car Problem Reports
GMC Yukon Denali Sunroof May Fail
GMC Yukon Denali Problem
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Average Mileage: 110,916 mi (66,250 mi - 200,000 mi)
Visitor, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali, 71,000 mi
Sunroof stuck open following dead battery, wont close
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Visitor, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali, 99,000 mi
my batterie was disconnected for the winter and when I hook the batterie terminal back up,I open the sunroof and it work fine, than went to closed it back, it wont closed, still havent found out what the problem is,if you know what to do to closed the sunroof, please email me back on what to do,I dont really trust car dealers,I know they want to charge you for something you dont need, My email address is email@example.com.. Thanks
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Visitor, 2004 GMC Yukon Denali, 96,000 mi
leaky sunroof. had to get new seal put in
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Visitor, 2002 GMC Yukon Denali, 118,000 mi
Broken track , getting stuck going back on driver side
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Visitor, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali, 94,000 mi
Mechanism failed and seal leaks...bad
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bob-o1, 2002 GMC Yukon Denali, 200,000 miRookie
will not close all the way
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Visitor, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali, 142,000 mi
My sunroof does not want to go back all the way. It will go about two inches then stop like it has something in the way
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godmudder, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali, 66,250 miRookie
Has not been fixed yet, sunroof came completely off its track of course its not under warranty...
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Visitor, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali
leaks has broken assembly
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2015 InVenture Prize Final Round
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech (Directions & Parking)
Tickets may be picked up on the night of the show in the lobby of the Ferst Center after 5:00pm. Reserved tickets will be held until 7:00pm. Doors to the theater close at 7:15pm for the 7:30 - 9:00pm live broadcast.


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Passive Plus, Inc. (PPI) has added an industry leading 100 percent automated CSAM (C Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy) internal inspection to all of its high power 2225, 3838, 6040 and 7676 capacitor series RF capacitors.
Computer Simulation Technology (CST) announces new features to automate workflows for field source coupling and multiphysics simulation using its System Assembly and Modeling (SAM) framework at MTT-S IMS, booth # 1423.
Aeroflex Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Aeroflex Holding Corp., announced an agreement with Hytera Inc. to provide automated test and alignment capabilities for Hytera DMR Series Radios on the Aeroflex 3920B Digital Radio Test Set. Initial test capabilities will be focused on the following Hytera DMR portable radios: PD702, PD782, PD792, PD882, HD702, HD782, HD795, SD982, X1e, and X1p. The program will be later expanded to provide test and alignment of Hytera DMR mobiles.
SemiGen Inc., an ISO and ITAR registered RF/Microwave assembly, automated PCB manufacturing, and RF Supply Center, offers PIN diodes that feature low capacitance and resistance, high reliability, and easy bonding with F.A.C. mesas.
SemiGen Inc., an ISO and ITAR registered RF/Microwave assembly, automated PCB manufacturing, and RF Supply Center, is announcing its full-service, high-quality, RF/Microwave design and automated assembly services as a viable option for companies looking to reduce assembly cost while keeping their production domestic.
AWR Corp., the innovation leader in high-frequency EDA software, announces that it will sponsor the Best Paper Award at the upcoming as well as future Automated RF & Microwave Measurement Society (ARMMS) Conferences in memory of the late AWR European business development manager Steve Evans-Pughe. The ARMMS Best Paper Award titled as "Steve Evans-Pughe Award" will honor the memory of this UK and pan-European RF and microwave industry pioneer.
Indium Corp. introduces a new, high-reliability, low-voiding flux coating for solder preforms. LV1000 reduces false failures while increasing productivity, throughput yields, and component performance. This new halide-free (ROL0) material is especially suited for assembly processes in which the components don't allow for proper outgassing of volatized flux.
ThinkRF announced that five of its employees have been recognized for their participation in this year's IEEE AUTOTESTCON. AUTOTESTCON is the world's premier conference that brings together the military/aerospace automatic test industry and government/military acquirers and users to share new technologies, discuss innovative applications, and exhibit products and services.
Wainwright Instruments introduces UHF/microwave band reject filters that can be tuned by computer with intuitively usable software or directly by simple LAN Telnet protocol. The passband up to 2.5 or 5.0 GHz resp. makes these filters especially suitable for measuring harmonics in laboratory applications and automated test stations in production lines.
Get access to premium content and e-newsletters by registering on the web site. You can also subscribe to Microwave Journal magazine.


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There is much that can be done to create and maintain healthy communities in Oregon. Communities that support people in making healthy choices help prevent chronic diseases and the resulting complications.
Public health prevents disease and promotes health by creating environments, policies, and systems that support wellness for everyone, such as access to healthy food, physical activity, immunizations, safe water and clean air.
Place Matters addresses the growing chronic disease epidemic in Oregon and the risk factors and conditions that drive it. Where we live, work, learn and play influence our physical and emotional health and well-being. The Place Matters Conference brings together state and local organizations that are working together to make healthy communities. The conference was held in November of 2014 and 2012.
We work with local public health authorities, federally recognized tribes, community-based organizations and community leaders to create healthy communities statewide. These groups collaborate to activate and spread policy, systems, and environmental changes that encourage people to be more physically active, eat a healthy diet, and not use tobacco.


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US 20030212454 A1 Abstract A process and system for compressing bioprosthetic tissue for use in medical implants. The process involves placing the tissue between two compressive surfaces and applying a force to reduce any nonuniformity of thickness in the tissue, while at the same time reduce the overall thickness. One particularly useful application is the compression of bioprosthetic sheet during the preparation of heart valve leaflets. Bovine pericardium may be compressed to reduce its thickness by about 50%, and then formed into heart valve leaflets. The thinned leaflets have substantially the same absolute strength as those made from uncompressed tissue, and are particular desirable for use in minimally invasive valves which must be compressed into a small profile. The thin tissue enables a reduction in the overall size of the minimally invasive heart valve for delivery. For instance, rolled MIS valves may be reduced in size to as small as 20 mm in diameter. Desirably, a cross-linking step is combined with the compression step to fix the reduced thickness of the tissue. One apparatus may include porous compression substrates through which a cross-linking solution may diffuse so as to perform the fixation and compression simultaneously.
Claims(42) 1. A method of making a heart valve, comprising:
providing a sheet material having a first thickness; compressing the sheet material into a modified sheet having a second thickness less than the first thickness but with substantially the same absolute tensile strength as the sheet material having the first thickness; forming heart valve leaflets from the modified sheet. 2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
immersing the modified sheet in a cross-linking solution for a sufficient quarantine time to render the bioprosthetic tissue safe for implant and fully cross-link the bioprosthetic tissue. 10. The method of
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. A method of preparing bioprosthetic tissue for implantation, comprising:
providing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue having a first thickness; compressing the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue into a modified sheet having a second thickness; and cross-linking the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue during or shortly after the step of compressing. 14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of
sandwiching the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue between two substrates and applying pressure to the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue with the substrates. 20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. A system for preparing a sheet of material for implantation in a human body, comprising:
a pair of semi-permeable substrates having cooperating surfaces configured to receive a sheet material therebetween, the cooperating surfaces having similar shapes so that the surfaces sandwich the sheet material therebetween; means for compressing the sheet material between the cooperating surfaces to form a modified sheet of reduced thickness; a source of cross-linking solution; and means for contacting the modified sheet with the cross-linking solution. 29. The system of
30. The system of
31. The system of
32. The system of
33. The system of
34. The system of
35. A heart valve comprising:
a structural component; and a plurality of cross-linked bioprosthetic tissue leaflets attached to the structural component, the leaflets having been compressed during or just before cross-linking to reduce their thickness. 36. The heart valve of
37. The heart valve of
38. The heart valve of
39. The heart valve of
40. The heart valve of
41. The heart valve of
42. The heart valve of
Description [0001] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and particularly to compressed bioprosthetic tissue leaflets for heart valve prostheses. [0002] Prosthetic heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased heart valves. In vertebrate animals, the heart is a hollow muscular organ having four pumping chambers: the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles, each provided with its own one-way valve. The natural heart valves are identified as the aortic, mitral (or bicuspid), tricuspid and pulmonary valves. Prosthetic heart valves can be used to replace any of these naturally occurring valves, although repair or replacement of the aortic or mitral valves is most common because they reside in the left side of the heart where pressures are the greatest. [0003] Where replacement of a heart valve is indicated, the dysfunctional valve is typically replaced with either a mechanical valve, or a tissue valve. Tissue valves are often preferred over mechanical valves because they typically do not require long-term treatment with anticoagulants. The most common tissue valves are constructed with whole porcine (pig) valves, or with separate leaflets cut from bovine (cow) pericardium. Also, synthetic materials such as molded polymers have been proposed as substitutes for natural tissue. Although so-called stentless valves comprising a section of porcine aorta along with the valve fully intact are available, the most widely used valves include some form of stent or structural support for the leaflets. Natural tissue valves have a proven track record, but the manufacture thereof suffers from reduced yield of the tissue because of flaws discovered during the inspection process. For example, thickness variations in pericardial tissue renders some pieces unfit for leaflet formation. [0004] A conventional heart valve replacement surgery involves accessing the heart in the patient's thoracic cavity through an incision in the chest. For example, a median sternotomy requires cutting through the sternum and forcing the two opposing halves of the rib cage to be spread apart, allowing access to the thoracic cavity and heart within. The patient is then placed on cardiopulmonary bypass which involves stopping the heart to permit access to the internal chambers. Such open heart surgery is particularly invasive and involves a lengthy and difficult recovery period. [0005] Some attempts have been made to enable less traumatic delivery and implantation of prosthetic heart valves. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,854 to Boretos discloses a radially collapsible heart valve secured to a circular spring stent that can be compressed for delivery and expanded for securing in a valve position. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,077 to Dobbin describes a disk-shaped heart valve that is connected to a radially collapsible stent for minimally invasive implantation. [0006] Recently, a great amount of research has been done to reduce the trauma and risk associated with conventional open heart valve replacement surgery. In particular, the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has exploded since the early to mid-1990s, with devices now being proposed to enable valve replacements without opening the chest cavity. MIS heart valve replacement surgery still typically requires bypass, but the excision of the native valve (in cases where the native valve is removed) and implantation of the prosthetic valve are accomplished via elongated tubes or cannulas. Endoscopes and other such visualization techniques can also be used to assist implantation. [0007] Some examples of more recent MIS heart valves are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,552 to Anderson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,570 to Simpson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,959 to Robertson, et al., PCT Publication No. 00/047139 to Garrison, et al., and PCT Publication No. WO 99/334142 to Vesely. Although these and other such devices provide various ways for collapsing, delivering, and then expanding a �heart valve� per se, none of them disclose an optimum structure. For instance, the publication to Vesely shows a tissue leaflet structure of the prior art in FIG. 1, and an expandable inner frame of the invention having stent posts in FIGS. 3A-3C. The leaflets are �mounted to the stent posts 22 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5.� Such general disclosures as in Vesely stop short of explaining how to construct a prosthetic valve in a manner that maximizes long-term efficacy. In particular, the means of attaching the leaflets to the MIS stent is critical to ensure the integrity and durability of the valve once implanted. [0008] Another problem with MIS valves of the prior art is their relatively large radial dimension during implantation. Most of these valves utilize one or more radially-expanding stents coupled to a biological valve, and the assembly must be compressed radially and then passed through the lumen of a large bore catheter. Reducing the radial profile of the constricted valve via radial compression is problematic and conflicts with the need for sufficient diameter of the valve in its expanded state to fit securely within an adult heart valve annulus. [0009] Bioprosthetic tissue heart valves have proved particularly successful and durable, and substantially eliminate the need for long-term treatment with anticoagulants. Unfortunately, the use of bioprosthetic tissue in minimally invasive heart valve presents a number of challenges. First, minimally invasive heart valves are most effective if they are compressible into a small profile for delivery and then expandable at the site of implantation. Attachment of the bioprosthetic tissue to the structural component of the valve therefore must be able to withstand the valve compression and expansion. In addition, the xenograft valve or tissue leaflets are likely to be susceptible to damage by folding and pinching during valve compression. The potential for pinching the bioprosthetic tissue is particularly acute when the valve is compressed into a very small profile. [0010] Despite some advances in heart valve design, and particularly MIS valve design, there remains a need for improved tissue characteristics and for a minimally invasive heart valve that can be compressed and expanded without damage to the flexible tissue leaflets. [0011] The present invention provides improved bioprosthetic tissue leaflets for heart valves having flexible leaflets, including minimally-invasive (MIS) heart valves. After processing in accordance with the present invention, the leaflets have substantially the same tensile strength as leaflets of the prior art, but are significantly thinner, which enables minimally-invasive valves to be reduced to a smaller insertion profile. The process for reducing the leaflet thickness also smooths thickness non-uniformity, which is a benefit for conventional heart valves. [0012] The present invention includes a method of making a heart valve, comprising the steps of providing a sheet material having a first thickness and compressing the sheet material into a modified sheet having a second thickness less than the first thickness but with substantially the same absolute tensile strength as the sheet material. A heart valve leaflet is then formed from the modified sheet. [0013] In a specific embodiment, the sheet material is bioprosthetic tissue, and the method further includes cross-linking the sheet material during or just after the step of compressing. The step of compressing desirably comprises providing two substrates on either side of and in contact with the sheet material and applying pressure to the sheet material with the substrates, and the step of cross-linking comprises contacting the sheet material with a chemical solution. A chemical solution may, but does not necessarily, flow through at least one of the substrates. The substrates may be solid and shims may be provided to limit their spacing and determine the second thickness. The second thickness is desirably less than about 0.23 mm (0.009 in), and in relative terms is desirably less than about 90% of the first thickness, preferably between about 50-60% of the first thickness. [0014] An alternative method of preparing bioprosthetic tissue for implantation includes providing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue having a first thickness. The sheet of bioprosthetic tissue is compressed into a modified sheet having a second thickness. Finally, the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue is cross-linked during or shortly after the step of compressing. The step of cross-linking is preferably done for a sufficient period of time such that the modified sheet retains its shape. The bioprosthetic tissue may be mammalian pericardium and the step of cross-linking comprises contacting the mammalian pericardium with glutaraldehyde. [0015] The step of compressing may comprise sandwiching the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue between two substrates and applying pressure to the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue with the substrates. The two substrates may be solid or flexible. If the substrates are solid, the spacing between the substrates may be controlled with, for example, shims to determine the second thickness. The step of cross-linking desirably comprises flowing a chemical solution through at least one of the substrates to the tissue. The chemical solution may also be pressurized so as to cause at least one of the substrates to apply pressure to the sheet of bioprosthetic tissue. In one embodiment, the two substrates are semi-permeable and the chemical solution flows through both substrates, either in the same direction or in opposite directions. [0016] The present invention also provides a system for preparing a sheet of material for implantation in a human body. The system includes pair of semi-permeable substrates having cooperating surfaces configured to receive a sheet material therebetween, the cooperating surfaces having similar shapes so that the surfaces sandwich the sheet material therebetween. The system further includes means for compressing the sheet material between the cooperating surfaces to form a modified sheet of reduced thickness, a source of cross-linking solution, and means for contacting the modified sheet with the cross-linking solution. Shims may be provided to limit the spacing of the substrates and thus control the reduced thickness. [0017] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a heart valve having a structural component, and a plurality of cross-linked bioprosthetic tissue leaflets attached thereto. The leaflets are compressed during cross-linking to reduce their thickness. In one specific embodiment, the bioprosthetic tissue is mammalian (e.g., bovine) pericardium, and the leaflets have a reduced thickness of less than about 0.23 mm (0.009 in). In relative terms, the thickness of the leaflets has desirably been reduced by more than about 10% by compression during fixation. Desirably, the thickness of the leaflets has been reduced to between about 50-60% of its original thickness by compression during fixation. [0018] In an embodiment where the compressed tissue is to be used in an MIS valve, the heart valve structural component may be a tubular stent that has cutouts, the edges to which the leaflets attach. More particularly, the tubular stent is a sheet-like member bent into a tube and having two sides parallel to the tube axis that are joined together. The stent is configured to be delivered in a rolled up spiral with one of the two sides being on the inside of the spiral and the other of the two sides being on the outside of the spiral. Because of the thinner leaflets, the rolled up spiral configuration of the tubular stent desirably has a diameter of less than about 20 mm. Once at the implantation site, the stent can be uncoiled to its expanded state which permits the leaflets to function as a valve. [0019] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings. [0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a separated pair of compression substrates and a tissue sheet placed on an inner surface of one of the substrates; [0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compression substrates of FIG. 1 brought together to sandwich the tissue sheet therebetween; [0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the compression substrates and tissue sheet sandwich placed in a fluid container and illustrating a dead weight on top of the upper substrate; [0023]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the compression substrates and tissue sheet sandwich interposed between two halves of a fluid flow chamber; [0024]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary expandable heart valve of the present invention incorporating compressed leaflets; and [0025]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 through one side of the heart valve of FIG. 5 showing a preferred leaflet attachment construction. [0026] The present invention involves various means for compressing tissue sheet to reduce its thickness for use in medical implants, in particular for use as leaflets in heart valves. It is believed that such tissue sheet compression is novel and has many applications in the medical implant field. For example, the reduced thickness tissue sheet may be used in conventional heart valves, and venous valves, as well as minimally invasive heart valves. One specific example, of a conventional heart valve that may utilize tissue in accordance with the present invention is the Carpentier-Edwards� PERIMOUNT� Pericardial Bioprosthesis, available from Edwards Lifesciences of Irvine, Calif. The basic construction of the PERIMOUNT� valve is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,030, which disclosure is expressly incorporated herein by reference. An example of a minimally-invasive valve that may utilize tissue in accordance with the present invention is found is U.S. Ser. No. 09/815,521, filed Mar. 23, 2001, entitled �ROLLED MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART VALVES AND METHODS OF USE.� Furthermore, the modified tissue sheet of the present invention is believed to have superior strength relative to prior tissue sheets having the same thickness, and may prove desirable for such applications as skin grafts and tissue patches. In short, the applications for the modified tissue sheet constructed with the means and methods described herein cannot be limited to the primary application of minimally invasive heart valves. [0027] An application of the present invention is the formation of compressed leaflets for expandable heart valves. In one such application, the leaflets of the present invention are desirably incorporated in expandable prosthetic heart valves that initially roll into a tight spiral to be passed through a catheter or other delivery system and then unfurl or unroll at the implantation site, typically a valve annulus. The heart valves comprise structural stent bodies with a plurality of leaflets incorporated therein. Various materials are suitable for the stent body, although certain nickel-titanium alloys are preferred for their super-elasticity and biocompatibility. It should also be noted that specific stent body configurations disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, and various construction details may be modified within the scope of the invention. [0028] Various bioprosthetic tissues may be used in the present invention, though a preferred tissue for use in the primary application of heart valve leaflets is bovine pericardial tissue. Though the thickness and strength of bovine pericardial tissue is considered desirable for longer lasting valves, other bioprosthetic tissue such as porcine, equine and other mammalian pericardium may be used. In general, the compression process reduces the thickness of the particular material, without a proportional reduction in its absolute strength. For example, a bovine pericardial sheet having a thickness of 0.40 mm (0.016 inches) may be compressed and reduced in thickness by about 50%, without an accompanying reduction in overall absolute tissue strength. Any tissue sheet that behaves in a like manner is a candidate for the processes of the present invention, though those of skill in the art will appreciate that certain materials may be better suited for any one specific application. Even materials other than bioprosthetic tissue may be modified in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to form compressed material for use in implants. For instance, tissue constructs with a synthetic matrix and tissue ingrowth may be improved through the processes disclosed herein. [0029] One embodiment of the invention involves cross-linking or �fixing� the bioprosthetic tissue during or just after the process of compressing its thickness. Cross-linking the collagenous matrix provides stability prior to implantation to retard degeneration. Further, the fixation process generally operates by blocking reactive molecules on the surface of and within the donor tissue, thereby rendering it substantially non-antigenic and suitable for implantation. Fixing bioprosthetic tissue typically involves contacting the tissue with a cross-linking agent, normally a solution. Exemplary fixing solutions for bioprosthetic tissue such as bovine pericardium include glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, polyethylene glycol, etc. Other ways to fix tissue exist, including heating, irradiating, etc. The fixing step helps maintain the compressed sheet in its modified form with a reduced thickness. Furthermore, when the compression and cross-linking are done simultaneously the cross-linking fixes the gross shape of the tissue in the form of the compressing surfaces. For example, bovine pericardium tends to be somewhat uneven and curls at its edges, and compression between flat surfaces in conjunction with cross-linking flattens the tissue to facilitate subsequent handling and formation of heart valve leaflets. Of course, the sheet may be compressed and fixed into a particular three-dimensional form for other uses that require such a contour. [0030] In some cases the procedure of compression first and then fixation, rather than performing these steps simultaneously, may be advantageous and achieve the desired reduction in thickness. The fixation may occur relatively quickly and tend to resist the compression forces, thus hindering the process. On the other hand, if the tissue is compressed in its natural state, it may compress further, and then it can be cross-linked after the compression to fix the thickness. The particular sequence desired depends on the material involved, the time for cross-linking, the ultimate use, and other factors. [0031] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate exemplary systems for processing bioprosthetic tissue in accordance with the present invention. [0032]FIG. 1 illustrates a disk-shaped upper substrate 20 separated above a disk-shaped lower substrate 22 on whose upper surface is located a tissue sheet 24. The upper substrate 20 lowers to sandwich the tissue sheet 24 between it and the lower substrate 22, as seen assembled at 26 in the view of FIG. 2. That is, the tissue sheet 24 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the upper substrate 20 and the upper surface of the lower substrate 22. This assembled sandwich 26 of the substrates 20, 22 and tissue sheet 24 is the basic component of the tissue compression process of the present invention. More than one such sandwich 26 may be stacked together to increase yield. In one arrangement, at least two tissue sheets 24 are alternated between at least three substrates 20, 22. [0033] Optionally, shims 28 (four of which are shown for example) may be interposed between the inner surfaces of the substrates 20, 22 to limit their spacing and at the same time limit the thickness to which the tissue sheet 24 is reduced. Alternatively, the magnitude and duration of compression imparted on the tissue sheet 24 to result in a desired thickness can be empirically determined. The substrates 20, 22 are illustrated as being relatively thick, but represent a variety of substrates including relatively thin ones. Likewise, the relative sizes and shapes of the substrates 20, 22 are exemplary only. [0034] The assembled sandwich 26 is seen in FIG. 3 located within a container 30 and having a compressive weight 32 placed thereover. The compressive weight 32 adds to the existing weight of the upper substrate 20 to compress the tissue sheet 24 between the substrates 20, 22. The magnitude of the weight 32 and duration of compression vary depending on the tissue parameters and subsequent application. In one exemplary embodiment, the tissue is bovine pericardium having a maximum dimension across its face of about 6 in. and the weight 32 is about 250 pounds. The weight 32 remains in place for approximately 30 minutes so as to compress and reduce the thickness of the tissue to between about 50-60% of its original thickness. It will be understood that other mechanical means, such as a hydraulic piston, for applying pressure to the upper substrate 20, may be utilized. [0035] In a preferred embodiment, a fluid fills the container 30 to above the level of the upper substrate 20. The fluid may be a cross-linking solution such as glutaraldehyde, or may be a relatively inert solution such as saline. In either case, the substrates 20, 22 are desirably porous to permit the fluid to seep therethrough and contact the compressed tissue sheet 24. For example, the substrates 20, 22 may be made of a porous polymer having a pore size of between about 15-45 microns. Alternatively, the substrate 20, 22 may be made of a porous ceramic. Whatever the material, the substrates 20, 22 are desirably pre-saturated with the fluid to ensure contact of the fluid with the tissue sheet 24 throughout the compression process. [0036] If the fluid is inert, the tissue sheet 24 does not undergo chemical change, but instead just compresses to a reduced thickness. However, immediately after the compression process the tissue sheet 24 is desirably subjected to a cross-linking step to fix or otherwise maintain the reduced thickness. Studies indicate that cross-linking of tissue substantially fixes the overall shape of the tissue. Therefore, if the tissue sheet 24 is compressed flat and then fixed, it typically remains flat. Moreover, cross-linking fixes the reduced thickness and substantially prevents a reversion back to the original thickness. [0037] It should be noted that in most cases the thickness reduction of bioprosthetic tissue by compression is due primarily to fluid, mainly water, being squeezed from the tissue. Thus, if the tissue is fixed during or immediately after the compression, it will retain its reduced thickness even if re-introduced into an aqueous solution. That is, the tissue will not significantly rehydrate because it has been cross-linked and is no longer as porous as the fresh tissue. For example, bovine pericardium tissue may be formed into heart valve leaflets and then assembled into a complete heart valve. The heart valve is typically stored, sometimes for years, in an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde before implantation during which the compressed tissue of the present invention will substantially retain its reduced thickness. This is beneficial if the leaflets are used in the minimally invasive valves because the reduced thickness enables formation on the relatively low profile of the valve as it is being inserted. [0038]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative system 38 for compressing the tissue sheet 24 using fluid rather than mechanical compression means. The aforementioned sandwich 26 of the substrates 20, 22 and tissue sheet 24 is shown exploded between an upper housing portion 40 and a lower housing portion 42. Both the upper and lower housing portions 40, 42 define facing cavities such that when the two portions are brought together a hollow chamber therein is created within which the sandwich 26 fits. In addition, the upper housing portion 40 has a fluid inlet 44 and the lower housing portion 42 has a fluid outlet 46. Flow arrows indicate the direction that fluid passes through the assembled system 38. [0039] In operation of the system 38, the upper and lower portions 40, 42 come together in sealing engagement with the sandwich 26 positioned within the hollow chamber. Fluid introduced through the inlet 44 pressurizes the hollow chamber above the sandwich 26 which creates a pressure gradient from top to bottom within the chamber. The substrates 20, 22 are porous such that fluid passes through the upper substrate 20 into contact with the tissue sheet 24, and then passes through the tissue sheet in the same direction through the lower substrate 22 and out the outlet 46. If the fluid is a fixative, the tissue is cross-linked during compression and forcing the fluid through the tissue speeds the process. Not only does the pressure gradient cause the flow of fluid through the sandwich 26, but it also compresses the upper substrate 20 against the lower substrate 22, which compresses the tissue sheet 24 therebetween. [0040] Various arrangements utilizing fluid pressure are contemplated other than the system 38 shown in FIG. 4. For example, only one of the substrates 20, 22 may be porous, with the other one being impermeable to passage of the particular fluid used. In addition, the fluid may not flow through the system 38, but rather static fluid pressure may be applied by flowing fluid in through the outlet 46. In that case, the fluid from both directions may be forced through the porous substrates 20, 22 and then radially outward therebetween. [0041] Furthermore, in addition to rigid substrates 20, 22, the fluid pressure system 38 may utilize flexible substrates. For example, flexible porous polymers or other tissue can be used to sandwich the tissue sheet 24 therebetween, with fluid pressure supplied around the outside to compress the tissue sheet. Of course, positive fluid pressure can be supplied on one side of the compression sandwich, as in the system 38, or a negative pressure can be applied to one side to achieve a pressure gradient. [0042] In an alternative embodiment, a combination of rigid and flexible substrates may be used. Outer rigid substrates having holes therethrough for fluid flow may surround a sandwich of two flexible substrates and the tissue sheet. The flexible substrates, being porous, regulate the rate of fluid flow through the system. One example of such a flexible substrate is a paper-type of filter. [0043] Although the present invention has been described as the most suitable for producing bioprosthetic tissue of reduced thickness, the process and systems shown herein also provide an additional important benefit in that the compression process desirably renders the bioprosthetic tissue more uniform in its thickness. Typical bovine pericardium, for example, has great variation in thickness across even small sheets. Therefore, the unmodified thicknesses mentioned herein are averaged across the sheet. Compression of the tissue in accordance with the present invention greatly reduces thickness non-uniformity. This phenomenon does not require much thickness reduction of the tissue sheet, and reductions as low as 10% may be enough in certain situations to render the tissue uniform in thickness. Therefore, the present invention may also be used to render bioprosthetic tissue more uniform in thickness without substantially reducing its thickness. For example, bovine pericardium having an average thickness of between about 0.30-0.46 mm (0.012-0.018 in.) may be compressed according to the present invention by about 10% to render the thickness substantially uniform. By �substantially uniform,� the bovine tissue sheet has a thickness that does not vary by more than about 0.11-0.13 mm (0.004-0.005 inch), as opposed to uncompressed bovine tissue that varies by about 0.22-0.25 mm (0.008-0.01 inch). Thus, the thickness variation is reduced by about 50%. [0044] It should be also noted that the compression surfaces of the substrates are desirably very smooth to render the compressed tissue smooth. If polymer or ceramic substrates are utilized, their compressive surfaces are desirably polished smooth. [0045] The various methods for compressing tissue sheet produce a modified sheet that can then be used in medical implant applications, most notably as heart valve leaflets. The modified sheet is desirably thinner yet just as strong as the unmodified precursor sheet. An exemplary fabrication process involves treating the modified sheet to render it generally inert and safe for human implantation. The treatment typically includes immersing the sheet in a chemical solution such as glutaraldehyde for a predefined period of time to rid the tissue of microbial entities, or �bugs.� An exemplary quarantine period is about 14 days. Subsequently, heart valve leaflets are cut from the modified sheet and assembled with other components into a heart valve. The assembly may include three leaflets each with a rounded cusp edge sewn to the outside of the valve and a free edge that extends into the flow path. The three adjacent pairs of free edges meet in the middle of the valve at coapting lines oriented 120� with respect to one another. In the minimally invasive valve described above, the leaflets or membranes attach over apertures arranged around a tubular stent and the free edges billow inward to meet along the coapting lines. The assembled valve is then stored in a sterile fluid, typically glutaraldehyde, for a period prior to implantation. [0046] Again, the improved tissue of the present invention may be used in various types of heart valves, such as the Carpentier-Edwards� PERIMOUNT� Pericardial Bioprosthesis mentioned above. Thin tissue sheets are particularly useful in minimally-invasive valves, such as those disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/815,521, filed Mar. 23, 2001, entitled �ROLLED MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART VALVES AND METHODS OF USE.� [0047] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary one-piece prosthetic heart valve 120 is shown that utilizes a tissue sheet prepared in accordance with the present invention. The valve 120 comprises a stent body 122 and a plurality of leaflet-forming membranes 124. The stent body 122 is shown in FIG. 5 in its expanded configuration generally defining a tube centered about an axis. A frontal portion of the stent 122 is cut away in the drawing in order to view the membranes 124. The membranes 124 fasten within the stent body 122 so as to form a one-way valve therewithin, and orient the valve to have an inflow end 128 and an outflow end 130. In a preferred embodiment, there are three such membranes 124 each having a free edge 132 that extends inward from the stent body 122 and coapts or meets the other two free edges generally along radial lines spaced apart 120� with respect to each other to shut the valve during the back flow cycle of blood flow. When blood flows in the opposite direction, from the inflow end 128 to the outflow end 130, the free edges 132 of the membranes 124 move radially outward away from each other to open the valve. [0048] With specific reference to FIG. 5, the tubular stent body 122 comprises three sections, starting at the inflow end 128 and moving toward the outflow end 130: an annulus anchoring section 140, a sinus section 142, and an outflow section 144. The three sections 140, 142, and 144 are desirably formed from a single sheet-like piece of material that can be cohesively rolled into a tight spiral and expanded into the tubular configuration shown. In this regard, the stent body 122 includes an axially-oriented first side edge 150 that mates with an axially-oriented second side edge 152 along a longitudinal seam 153. The two side edges 150, 152 abut or overlap and lock together using one or more, but preferably two or more cooperating tabs 154 a and slots 156 a. [0049] The heart valve 120 may be implanted using several minimally-invasive approaches, and in one or more stages. For example, the heart valve 120 may be delivered using a pusher, or along with a balloon catheter, through a large bore cannula or catheter (i.e., tube). In one embodiment, the stent, having the flexible membranes thereon, may be stored in an unfurled configuration to reduce stress upon and damage to the membranes, and rolled into a compact tube just prior to use. [0050] In a preferred implantation technique, the prosthetic heart valve 120 expands outward and compresses against the native leaflets which present a relatively uneven base. Even if the leaflets are excised, the circularity of the annulus depends on the skill of the surgeon. Minimizing any openings in the anchoring section 140 enhances its rigidity so as to ensure a relatively tubular support structure for the leaflet-forming membranes 124. However, anchoring barbs 160 may be provided in the anchoring section 140, and may be formed by integrally cut tabs as shown. In addition, openings may be provided in the side wall of the tubular stent body 122 to reduce the roll-up stiffness. [0051] With reference to FIG. 5, the sinus section 142 comprises a plurality (preferably three) of generally axially extending commissures 170 and curvilinear cusps 172 defined by relatively large sinus apertures 174 in the stent body 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the sinus apertures 174 are generally semi-circular with a straight, circumferential edge 176 defined by the beginning of the outflow section 144. As seen also in cross-section in FIG. 6, a plurality of small attachment apertures 178 track along the edge of the sinus apertures 174, extending around the curvilinear cusps 172 and substantially up the entire commissures 170. Fasteners such as sutures 182 secure an outer edge portion 180 of the membranes 124 to the stent body 122 using the attachment apertures 178. The sutures typically loop through the membrane 124 twice at each attachment aperture 178 in a single mattress stitch, though various other stitching techniques are known. [0052] The stent body 122 with attached membranes 124 rolls up for delivery with the first side edge 150 to the inside of the spiral and the second side edge 152 to the outside. To reduce the size of the delivery passage through which the minimally invasive valve passes, the outer diameter of the rolled up valve is desirably as small as possible. One way to reduce the outer diameter of the valve is to reduce the thickness of the stent body 122 and attached membranes 124. The stent body 122 desirably is made of a highly elastic material which can be extremely thin without risk of deformation in the rolled up configuration of the valve. The membranes 124 are desirably constructed of bioprosthetic tissue that has been compressed in accordance with the present invention to reduce its thickness. As mentioned above, a preferred bioprosthetic tissue is bovine pericardium that has been reduced in thickness to about 50-60% of its starting thickness. [0053] Depending on the size of the valve, and the intended use, bovine pericardium having an unmodified thickness of between about 0.30-0.46 mm (0.012-0.018 in.) is desirable. For use in the rolled-type of minimally invasive valves, the thickness of the bovine pericardium may be reduced down to about 10%-90% of its original thickness (or, stated another way, a reduction of 10%-90%). Desirably the thickness of the bovine pericardium may be reduced down to about 50%-60% of its original thickness, and preferably to about 50% of its original thickness. For example, the modified bovine pericardium tissue mentioned above has a thickness of between about 0.15-0.23 mm (0.006-0.009 in.). The reduction in thickness may be accomplished by leaving the tissue sheet compressed for a predetermined period of time, or precision shims may be introduced in between the compressing surfaces to limit their displacement toward one another. [0054] While the foregoing describes the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Moreover, it will be obvious that certain other modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Referenced by
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Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has released some preliminary details concerning a new planned headquarters for Bee'ah, a Middle East environmental waste management company. The LEED Platinum-seeking project will run solely from renewable energy sources, and also serve as a learning center to promote environmental awareness in the area. Read More
Zaha Hadid is best known for producing flowing structures made from modern materials like concrete, but the Iraqi-British architect has unveiled her first large-scale wooden project. If the end result lives up to the promise shown by the early renders Hadid's office has made available to the press, Cambodia's Sleuk Rith Institute may well end up being rated amongst the architect's finest work to date. Read More
Zaha Hadid to design mathematics gallery for London Science Museum
Zaha Hadid has been selected to design a new mathematics gallery for the London Science Museum, as part of the museum's ongoing redevelopment which also includes a new library and research facilities. The gallery is set to open in 2016 and will be named after David and Claudia Harding, who provided a £5 million (over US$8 million) donation. Read More
Zaha Hadid's Grace on Coronation towers mix old and new
Zaha Hadid Architects will mix (a little) old with (a lot of) new for an upcoming development in Australia. The Grace on Coronation project will see three towers with a contemporary design that tapers at the bottom coexist with a Heritage-listed 1860s house. Read More
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has narrowed its initial list of 44 British Buildings to just six. The Stirling Prize Shortlist is dominated by Renzo Piano's Shard and Zaha Hadid's London Aquatics Center, but there are other strong contenders, too. Read More
Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid has won the London Design Museum's Design of the Year award for her Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. The architect beat over 70 other designs in the categories of Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport – all of which can be seen at the Design Museum until August 25. Read More
The 2008 Beijing Olympics provided China with the ideal platform to showcase highly elaborate, world-class architectural designs. Now with Zaha Hadid's new City of Dreams project set to open in Macau in 2017, the country can add another unique architectural structure to its resume. Read More
Known for her futuristic, curvilinear architectural forays, Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi Pritzker prize winning architect, has never been one to shy away from making a statement. From London's Aquatics Centre to the Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion to the Guangzhou Opera House, Zaha's architectural style remains unique. Now the Iraqi born designer can add Korea's Dongdaemun Design Plaza to her resume. Read More
Superyacht concepts get the Zaha Hadid treatment
Her work may have its critics, but you can't fault the consistency of her design language. Even those with the most fleeting of interests in architecture and design cannot fail to recognize that this yacht design for Blohm+Voss has Zaha Hadid written all over it. Read More
A patch of central London is festooned with pink this week, which can only mean Clerkenwell Design Week is in session once more. Lovely old buildings such as the Farmiloe Building, House of Detention and the Museum of the Order of St. John have opened their doors to designers and design enthusiasts on the lookout for inspiration. Armed with a camera, Gizmag went exploring, and was pleased to see one or two favorites among the novelties. Read More
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Global Immersion vs. Study Tour
What is the difference between a Global Immersion Program class and a Chazen Study Tour?
Study Tours do not generally have a thematic focus and often visit multiple locations. They are intensive experiences, visiting with business executives and government officials as well as cultural sites. Study Tours do not have prior class sessions, are not graded and do not have a deliverable. They are not for credit, take place over 7–10 days and are student-led with support from a faculty advisor and the Chazen Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chazen Global Insights
Why M&A Is Different in Japan
A byproduct of Japan's sluggish economy has been an uptick in merger and acquisition activity.
Read MoreLand a Top Job in Asia
It's a land of growth, opportunity, and complexity. In part two of our series on careers in Asia, top recruiting experts describe how to crack the region's hidden job market.
Read MoreEurope's Lapse of Reason
The European Union's malaise is self-inflicted, says Columbia Business School's resident Nobel Laureate.
Read MoreThe Road to the C-Suite Goes Through Asia
No matter where your home base is, Asia is a necessary stopover on the career path to the corner office. Top search executives explain why.
Read MoreWhat Makes China Buy
Tom Doctoroff, head of JWT South Asia, reveals how to snag a coveted market: Chinese online shoppers
Read MoreThe Expat's Dilemma
A foreign posting is a real resume booster — right? Not always, especially if you're coming from outside the United States to work within its borders. Assistant Professor Dan Wang explains.
Read MoreEbola and Global Inequality
The ebola crisis is a stark reminder of the downside of globalization, says Columbia Business School's resident Nobel laureate.
Read MorePrivate Equity in India: An Insider's View
Vishal Bakshi '00, managing director of principal investments in India for Goldman Sachs, opens up about the thorny world of private equity in a country dominated by family-owned businesses.
Read MoreIndia? A Model for Health Care?
Absolutely, says the head of Fortis Healthcare. India is stepping up to serve locals and internationals alike.
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Registration for language classes is now open until Feb. 3. First day of language classes is Feb. 16.
Study Tour bidding has closed. Please email email@example.com to be added to the waitlist.
Get on-the-ground perspective from students now on Chazen study tours. Read the blog


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I live in Virginia and am considering filing for personal bankruptcy. Would
anyone have any information about this topic?I don't know much about this and I would like to know what the exact process is,and what things I could or could not do once I have filed. I am particulary interested in what the long-term ramifications would be, but any info would be useful. Thanks in advance. |
Follow-Up Postings:
The decision of whether to file bankruptcy or not is complex and difficult. Filing bankruptcy does have long-term implications to your credit rating, your ability to do such things as purchase a home and car, and possibly even get some jobs. However, the other side of that issue is that most people who are considering bankruptcy already have credit problems, and in many cases bankruptcy can be the most expedient way for them to get back on their feet. The link below is to a Nolo.com article on Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once you click on that, you can read that article which contains a good overview of what bankruptcy is and what it involves. At the top of that page, there is also a "search" function. If you click search, it will take you to a search page. There, type in "bankruptcy" as your search term, and where it asks for the type of info to look for, put a check next to "Articles and FAQs." This will lead you to a huge number of bankruptcy related articles. The Nolo.com information is unbiased and can help you make your own decision about whether bankruptcy is or isn't right for you, and it can also help you decide between Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is where certain debts are discharged, and Chapter 13, where you pay back a portion of what you owe, using court-administered payment plan. Ken |
Here is a link that might be useful: Nolo.com Bankruptcy Article
Here's a link to another Nolo.com article, this one titled "Bankruptcy FAQ." This one has more info than the one I linked above. Ken |
Here is a link that might be useful: Nolo.com Bankruptcy FAQ
Maybe you can find the information specific to your state at this link. Good luck! |
Here is a link that might be useful: Eastern District of Virginia
- Posted by Dave_Donhoff (email@example.com) on Sun, May 11, 03 at 20:39
Hi fbresnah, Before you step in the bucket of personal bankruptcy, I'd urge you to determine what you REALLY expect to get out of it. Bankruptcy is an effective tool for protecting income producing assets (like business inventory, machinery, and investments) from being siezed by creditors, thereby preventing any possibility of recovery. Many (most?) people who use personal bankruptcy have no income producing assets to protect, and thus take a much worse medicine than the problem they are actually addressing. Also, most folks who use personal bankruptcy are primarily attempting to "stop the noise" of the creditors & collectors who are relentlessly harrassing & pursuing them. If you fall into the category of those who have no income producing assets to protect, you can often get FAR better results, with FAR fewer negative side effects by using alternative strategies. Ken and I have gone from intense adversaries in our opinions to what I believe is allies in the concern for the common man who gets stuck in the mechanism of the public credit game. I know that at his core he cares deeply about people, and I think he knows that about me too. Together (or not exactly together, sometimes,) we've dived deep into various aspects of this topic... and some great stuff has come out of it. I'd invite you to surf a few of the following threads. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/finance/msg0914195427209.html?4 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/finance/msg081156017751.html?15 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/finance/msg1122145213469.html?49 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/finance/msg0811432230158.html?29 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/finance/msg010459412351.html?5 All the best to you with your challenges, |
Check as to whether you'll get out from under all your debt - some debts in some jurisdictions are not cancelled in a bankruptcy. There are the fees to be paid to the bankruptcy trustees, etc. Who stand in line ahead of the people who benefitted you by giving you credit in the first place. My former SIL went through bankruptcy owing under $20,000., while a friend of many years standing sniffed with disdain when he heard of it: he's sometimes owed well over $50,000. but wouldn't consider bankruptcy. He's more self-reliant, more entrepreneurial - and more tough-minded - than the former SIL. Knows a lot more about money and how it works, as well. I hope that you choose the path that'll be most effective for you. Good wishes as you make the attempt. joyful guy |
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Chris, You always find such awesome stuff.
Painting Done. Laying floor next week.
BIW mod 3 Lesson 2
Build in sensible practice. Practice in small chunks. *Don't try out your moves at a major party the first time, maybe start with a lunch out.
Act out the moves or steps of your plan. *Practice saying "No Thank You"
Practice under similar circumstances. * Buy a treat, but delay having the treat for a certain amount of time.
Chris, You always find such awesome stuff.
heehee, just keeping busy at work.
For me it is the first bite. If I can hold that off, I am good. But once I have one, it seems to open a floodgate. So, unless it is absolutely essential (ie. it is a sit down dinner), I just plan not to eat at a party.
I'm the Queen of "no thank you" when in a public setting. Not so much so when its just me and the offending temptation! That's why I try to keep my house void of things Tomi shouldn't eat! I guess its all an exercise in self-control and determination.
BIW Mod 3 Lesson 3 Specific Focus
-Prepare for the unexpected. Willpower is a systematic approach to difficult situations. Have a contingency plan.
-Create a SMaC list (Specific, Methodical and Constant) More specific than the Manifesto. A list that guides behavior in good times and bad. *Much like the eating plan with rumble strips that I came up with last week.
-Small stuff matters. Prepare for the little stuff and you don't have to deal with the big stuff.
*I had a small bonfire this morning. I took all of that sorted paperwork from last week out to our burn pile and lit it up. I had to keep stirring the pile to make sure everything was destroyed. It felt very cathartic.
*I am still having a hard time with the food. Even with all the tricks I am learning about will power, something is missing. It dawned on me today that in order to use these great systems I am learning in BIW, one has to actually want to succeed and believe that they can do it. My mind is not cooperating with me on this. If I cannot change the largely subliminal negative self talk, I will not ever succeed in conquering the health issue.
I realized today that
1) After 40 years of struggle with food, I believe my situation is largely hopeless.
2) Somewhere in my psyche is the belief that I do not deserve to succeed in this area.
I have a simple new mantra. "I can be healthy. I deserve to be healthy."
Excellent mantra - how throw those others thoughts away because they are totally false! I hope you don't mind if I interject a little of my personal thoughts regarding faith............. I believe that satan plants thoughts in our heads to deceive us and make us miserable - so when I have I thought that is destructive or damaging in any way I try to remember this simple little mantra -- "Those are not MY thoughts" and I push them aside.
Now for a bit of levity! I found this in an email and thought of you............ and all the other teachers in MDA-land.
wtf stamp.jpg
I hope its not too small - If so I will edit............


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This issue is a variant of Superman (DC, 2006 series) #700. There exist further variants.
This issue went on sale 2010-06-23 (on time). "Printed by World Color Press, Inc, Montreal, QC, Canada. 06/16/10."
Three covers were done for this issue; one featuring primarily Superman and Lois, and two alternate ones featuring just Superman (25 issues for 1 issue mixture in color, and 75 issues for 1 issue mixture in black and white).
For every 25 copies of the standard edition, retailers were allowed to order one copy of this variant edition. This is an homage to the cover of Superman (DC, 1939 series) #233 by Neal Adams, and is credited as "after NEAL ADAMS" on the inside. This is in honor of DC Comics 75th anniversary.
This story is set in the past. The scene on the first page with the boat sitting on the street in front of a Metropolis police station is very reminiscent of a similar scene in Superman: The Movie.
Story continues in the next issue.
The art includes previews of the covers of Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #890 and #892, page 11 of Action Comics #890; the covers from Supergirl (DC, 2005 series) #55 and #56; pencils from an interior page of Supergirl #54; and page 2 and the first panel of page 4 of the Superboy story in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #892.
Previews the upcoming issue on sale June 30th.
Adam talks about the new Green Arrow series. Appears on page 58 in this issue.
Total of 3 one-page and 2 two-page ads for: React (gum, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company), Sin & Punishment: Star Successor (video game, Nintendo/TREASURE, 2 pages), Unnatural History (TV, Cartoon Network, 2 pages), Big Problems call for Big Solutions: Hero Factory (toys, Lego), and Batman: Arkham Asylum (video game, Square Enix). Appear in various places in this issue.


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1999 School of Architecture and Built Environment
Nguyen, B., Gupta, H. and Faniran, S. (1999) Waste Minimisation strategies in the construction industry- A Geelong Case Study, Young Waste Professionals Conference, NSW Waste Board, Sydney [L2]
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