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MacKenzie Buice
MacKenzie is a native of Massachusetts and trained for a decade in ballet, jazz, modern. lyrical, and tap at Patti Morris Dance Unlimited in Millbury, MA. As a college freshman, she was a member of the Duquesne University Varsity Dance Team before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2005. MacKenzie holds a B.A. in communication from Virginia Tech and was a member of the High Techs Dance Team while pursuing her degree. MacKenzie continued her education earning a Master's of Science in arts administration with a concentration in fundraising management from Boston University in 2010. While completing her Master's degree, Mackenzie was a member of Boston University's Dance Theatre Group as a dancer and choreographer. Her work was selected by faculty to represent the University at the American College Dance Festival New England Regional Conference in 2010. From 2010-2012, MacKenzie served as the Head Coach of the Worcester State University Dance Team. During her tenure, MacKenzie led the team to their first Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Dance Team National Championship in Walt Disney World. In the summer of 2013, MacKenzie relocated to North Carolina with her husband Mike. She works professionally in non-profit fundraising and is an active distance runner. She is very excited about joining the dance community in the Triangle as a Code f.a.d. Company dancer.
Natalee Campbell
Originally from Austin, Texas, Natalee began dancing at a young age. She continued her passion for dance throughout university and now as one of the founding members of Code f.a.d. Company. Natalee received her M.S. in textiles and technology management from North Carolina State University where she also earned her B.S. in textile and apparel management. She danced with the NCSU Dance Company under the direction of Robin Harris and assistant director Autumn Mist Belk. As a company member, she worked with guest artists Carol Kyles Finely, Megan Marvel, and Jack Arnold. During her college career, Natalee had the opportunity to perform at four Regional American Dance Festivals as well as the University of North Carolina Festival of the Arts, the Triangle Dance Festival for AIDS, the Raleigh Medal of Arts Ceremony, and has toured with the North Carolina Dance Festival. Natalee is excited to continue dancing with Code f.a.d Company. She also serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary and as the Member Representative for the company.
Maggie Moore Conti
Maggie Conti has a BFA in dance and minor in management from George Mason University. After ten years of teaching a variety of dance styles to students of all ages, she decided to obtain her Elementary Education Teaching Certification from UNCW. While she grew up dancing and competing in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, Maggie found her niche in contemporary dance. Originally from Roanoke, VA, she has also lived and danced in Florida, Maine, and Wilmington. She lived in Wilmington for 5 years where she became involved in the local dance community and became a core member of Forward Motion Dance Company. In Wilmington, her choreography was performed in the North Carolina Dance Festival in 2010. Performance experience includes FMD Company Shows, Dancelorus, and the NC Dance Festival. Maggie and her family relocated to the Raleigh area in July of 2014. She continues to teach elementary school in the public school system and is thrilled to have been invited to be a member of Code f.a.d. for the 2014-2015 season.
Jill Bradley Hall
Jill holds a B.A. in theatre and dance from James Madison University, where she received the Dance Faculty Award. While a student, she was a member of the Associate Dance Ensemble, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and the Virginia Repertory Company, a pre-professional touring company. As a company member, Jill worked with guest artists Lisa Race, Shannon Hummel, Ric Rose and Fin. She also served as the technical director of the dance department at JMU. During her college career, Jill had the opportunity to perform at two Regional American College Dance Festivals. The first was hosted by Slippery Rock University, and the second by James Madison University where they were selected to also perform at the National American College Dance Festival hosted by the University of Maryland. Jill spent two summers training and working at the American Dance Festival as a stagecraft apprentice and then as a production intern under the direction of Bessie Award winner David Ferri. While at ADF, she had the honor to work with Bill T. Jones, Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Lisa Race, Mark Haim, and others. Since graduation Jill has performed professionally with The West Virginia Dance Company under the direction of Toneta Akers-Toler, (WV Governor's Arts Award winner for Excellence in the Arts), Theatre West Virginia (directed by Marina Hunley), and Kitchen Sink Dance Company (directed by Michael McGowan and Absolute Dance Company), where she remains a guest performer and choreographer. She has had guest performances with David Dorfman Dance in the world premiere of Undergroundand Deborah Riley Dance Projects. Jill has been working with Autumn Mist Belk since 2006 and serves on the Board of Directors for Code f.a.d. Company. Additionally, Jill has taught and choreographed extensively throughout the east coast. Her work has been shown in New York, West Virginia, Mississippi and Virginia. Jill is also a graduate of Blue Cliff College as a certified massage therapist where she was the valedictorian.
Kristina Loflin
Kristina is a 2011 graduate of Meredith College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Communication. While at Meredith, Kristina had the privilege to be a member of the pre-professional dance companies Meredith Dance Theatre and the Meredith Jazz and Tap Company. During her years at Meredith, Kristina became a cheerleading coach with the Wake County School System having led the West Lake Wildcats to second place at the 2009 Sweetheart Classic Competition held in Greensboro. She was also able to earn the Dillard Drive Dragons place third out of eight teams in their division at the 2010 Wake County Cheer Competition with her own choreography and music. Since graduation, Kristina has been busy starting her own cheer and dance company, Xtreme Challenge All Stars in the city of Angier, NC. She had led the XCAS 2009-2010 dance team to win first and second place titles locally, regionally and nationally with her choreography before transitioning to becoming the new owner. Kristina continues to teach, coach and choreograph dance and cheerleading while being one of the newest members of the Code f.a.d. Company.
Ashley McCullough
Ashley McCullough has 22 years of dance experience. She grew up in Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, and Louisiana. Although having no place to officially call home, Ashley has found home everywhere she travels through dance. Growing up she trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical with an emphasis in tap and competed at many dance competitions in the Eastern United States for 10 years where she won various awards. After high school, she continued her studies and dance training earning her Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, with an emphasis in modern/contemporary dance. While in college, she toured with Brigham Young University's Spring Performing Arts Company of the International Folk Dance Ensemble and later performed and choreographed for the student-based modern dance company dancEnsemble. In her last semester she was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in "Panorama" with the Martha Graham Dance Company in their concert. Two weeks after graduating she married her best friend and high school sweetheart and moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where she spent three years teaching dance and yoga. Under the direction of Kris Cangelosi she spent two years in Baton Rouge performing and choreographing for Cangelosi Dance Project. Recently, Ashley has moved to Durham as her husband starts his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Duke University. They are expecting their first child in December 2014. Ashley is fortunate to be able to continue dancing and teaching dance, yoga, and gymnastics in the area through her pregnancy and is excited to jump in full force with Code f.a.d. Company afterwards!
Gerren Mobley
A native of South Florida, Gerren began studying dance at the age of three, becoming a very serious young dancer in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, and acrobatics. He trained at Southern Dance Theater in Boynton Beach, Florida, and was a student in the dance department at Palm Beach County School of the Arts. In 1996, he moved to North Carolina and continued training intensely at Cary Ballet Conservatory where he is now a faculty member and choreographer for the 3D Project which has been hailed nationally among concert jazz professionals and dancers as a premier pre-professional jazz company for dancers six and up. Gerren is a graduate of North Carolina State University's College of Management and, while in school, was a member of the NCSU Dance Company for two years. Gerren has choreographed for the NC State Dance Program, and he has performed at the American College Dance Festival's Gala and as a guest artist for Megan Marvel's graduate thesis concert. He is ecstatic to be dancing with Code f.a.d. Company!
Courtney Owen-Muir
Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Courtney is a contemporary dancer who has also trained heavily in ballet, modern, jazz, improvisation, and partnering, with a background in tap, acrobatics, music theatre, and hip-hop. She graduated Cawthra Park Secondary School as a dance major in the Regional Arts Program, continued onto Ryerson University in the BFA Dance Program, and then to The Conteur Academy where she graduated the 2-year contemporary program in June 2014. The Conteur Academy is where Courtney received the final foundation of her professional training and solidifying her movement before entering the professional dance world. With two major performances in the program, Courtney had the honor of being a soloist in her first year show, and she was recognized as one of the top three students in the program. Courtney continually takes her time off in the summer and winter to train abroad from different programs around the world, some of which include: The Movement Invention Project (New York City), The Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive (New York City), LA Contemporary Dance Program (Los Angeles), Ate9 Winter Intensive (Los Angeles), and The American Dance Festival (North Carolina). Courtney had the privilege of her first professional opportunity as a company dancer and actress in The Women in War Project – a theatre production that consisted of a six-week tour throughout Greece, performing at prominent historical landmarks. Courtney is extremely excited to be working with Code f.a.d. Company in North Carolina, and is excited for a thrilling year ahead!
Kelley Murphy
Christina Serafino
Alexa Pliskow
Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Alexa moved to Chapel Hill this year after graduating from the University of Florida in May 2014 with a B.F.A. in dance and a B.A. in sociology. Alexa started dancing when she was four years old. She attended Dreyfoos performing arts school focusing on modern and ballet and Giselle's Dance Studio under the Royal Academy of Dance. Continuing her education, Alexa trained in modern, ballet, and West African dance at The University of Florida. As a student, she performed in many shows and choreographed several works. She has worked with many guest artists from the U.S., Israel, and Africa. While at UF, she also performed with The Neta Dance Company in New York in 2011. New to North Carolina, Alexa will be performing her own work at SPARKcon 2014 in Raleigh. She has also begun working with the nosi DANCE theater and KT Collective on a project to debut in 2015 and is very excited to begin working with Code f.a.d. Company.
Natalie Rojano
Natalie Rojano graduated Magna Cum Laude from Meredith College in 2012 with a B.A. in dance studies and a B.A. in psychology. During her time at Meredith, she was a member of Meredith Jazz and Tap Company and Meredith Dance Theater. Her choreography has received gala recognition and in 2012 she received the Academic Achievement Award in Dance. Natalie has had the privilege to receive instruction under Carol Kyles Finley, Alyson Colwell Waber, Talani Torres, Sherry Shapiro, and several other professionals in the field. After college, Natalie danced with Blank Slate Dance Company based in Durham, NC, for two years, and she is currently the dance director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest. This is Natalie's first year with Code f.a.d. Company, and she is very excited for this new opportunity!


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Davies irked by transfer policy
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at the club's transfer acquisition committee, just days after signing a player.The Reds have brought Peterborough midfielder George Boyd to the City Ground, having paid a substantial loan fee to the Championship strugglers. But Davies suggested to BBC Radio Nottingham that he is not satisfied. "They're now listening to the advice of the manager [I gave] in January that we did need fresh faces," he quipped. The committee.... read more
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subset: commoncrawl


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Renaissance: Rebirth, Revival…
Welcome to Body Renaissance!
I was over 400lbs and since then I have lost 195 pounds so I know the struggles involved with weight loss. I am a certified personal trainer and started Body Renaissance because I want to offer my services and support to you free of charge. Why? Because we all need someone in our corner. Weight loss and fitness can be a daunting task and we all could use some help. The goals with Body Renaissance are: to connect with people, add personal support, have awesome challenges, give away cool stuff, all while making it fun. It may be a large task to take on, but you can either get on-board or continue to do nothing. Join the Body Renaissance team! Have your own story? We would love to share it with the world email Body Renaissance and let's party!
Web Design by Body Renaissance


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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
I love to cook and try new things. Most of my recipes I have made up myself. I really try and make things healthier. I also try and cook everything myself and not use prepackaged food with a ton of bad ingredients in them. I think the simpler the better. My favorite dishes to cook are either pasta or Mediterranean. I've been cooking and baking since the 4th grade and haven't stopped.
I really like medditerranean type foods but I'll try and make anything that sounds interesting to me.


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Research Topics
| Chrisandra L ShufeltSummaryAffiliation: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Country: USA Publications
| Collaborators
Detail Information
- Timing of hormone therapy, type of menopause, and coronary disease in women: data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome EvaluationChrisandra L Shufelt
Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute and Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 444 S San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Menopause 18:943-50. 2011..The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of the timing of hormone therapy (HT) use with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in women with natural versus surgical menopause... - A pilot randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial of traditional acupuncture for vasomotor symptoms and mechanistic pathways of menopauseJeannette M Painovich
Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Menopause 19:54-61. 2012.... - Do faculty intensivists have better outcomes when caring for patients directly in a closed ICU versus consulting in an open ICU?Dani Hackner
Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Division, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Hosp Pract (1995) 37:40-50. 2009.... - Contraceptive hormone use and cardiovascular diseaseChrisandra L Shufelt
Women s Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
J Am Coll Cardiol 53:221-31. 2009.... - Safety of testosterone use in womenChrisandra L Shufelt
Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Maturitas 63:63-6. 2009..Nevertheless, only long-term safety studies will provide conclusive evidence as to testosterone safety in women...


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Mandalay Bay Unveils Plans to Expand Convention CenterFriday April 25th, 2014 - 9:48AM G
| | | | | | | | | | | These are shortcuts to your favorite social networking and bookmark sites. Add this story to your Facebook page, del.icio.us, DiggIt, and many others!
LAS VEGAS—Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, plans to expand its Convention Center. Based on demand for additional space, the resort will add new exhibit space, underground parking and increase overall square footage. Plans include the addition of more than 350,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space to the existing 1.7 million-sq.-ft. Mandalay Bay Convention Center as well as underground parking and more carpeted ballroom space. The new spaces will allow Mandalay Bay to grow current shows, pursue new and larger corporate partners and achieve greater utilization of the entire facility. Upon completion, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center will have more than 2 million total sq. ft. and 1.1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space. "Several long-standing customers approached us with a need for additional space to grow their business; they looked to us to be a solution provider, and we went to work," said Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay. "In addition to enabling our current clients to develop larger events, the additional space and new flexibility will allow us to attract new business to Las Vegas. We believe this investment will increase visitation to Las Vegas, driving incremental business to MGM Resorts' portfolio and the city overall." Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2014 with new exhibit space available in August 2015 and anticipated completion of all spaces in January 2016. The project is estimated to cost approximately $66 million. Featuring a 70,000-sq.-ft. ballroom that is divisible by five, the new space will allow for maximum flexibility and more breakout areas for corporate groups. The bandwidth of the Convention Center's state-of-the-art technology also will increase to accommodate more attendees and to allow for the most advanced presentations. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center hosted the Wyndham Hotel Group Conference last September. The HD Expo will be held at the convention center next month. Tags: Mandalay Bay Convention Center • Hospitality • Construction/Renovation • |
As we begin 2015, and what is expected to be a healthy year for the hotel industry with expansion, progress and innovation as key catalysts for growth, Hotel Business is right on board with that momentum, bringing you, with this issue, our own updated product.


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.- Several pro-life groups in Mexico are hosting the IV Life and Family Congress on April 24-25 in Mexico City, on the theme, "Controversies and challenges for the family."
According to the conference coordinator, Ana Ochoa, Bishop Jose Guerrero of Mexicali will participate in the opening of the event. The first talk will be called "The New Human Rights" and will be given by Jorge Scala, an Argentinean lawyer and legal advisor to the Latin American Council for Life and the Family. His presentation will explain how "new ideologies seek to impose a radical vision concerning morality and human rights."
Other subjects to be addressed during the event include "Drugs in the New Millennium" and "Pornography and the electronic media," which will be given by Mark Kastleman, founder and president of the Life Dynamic Institute in Salt Lake City, who will explain in scientific terms "how pornography and sexually explicit material in movies, on television and the internet create an addiction in the human brain similar to that caused by drug abuse."
Dale O-Leary, researcher and member of the National Association for Research & Therapy on Homosexuality, will deliver a talk on "Homosexuality: myths and realities" and "Marriage and adoption in the new public policy."
On Sunday, April 25, medical surgeon Carlos Yeomans will talk on "The myth of 'safe sex'," providing a scientific explanation of "how the deceitful marketing of the condom as 'an effective contraceptive method' is criminal and exposes people to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases."
Lastly, Paola Scarinci of Del Bosco will address the subjects of "The new ideologies: Where are they seeking to take us?" and "Controversies and challenges for the Family," and Osiris Reyes will talk about the "CEDAW: the new world order."
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Posted by Smiokey Joe
Kelvin Grove Farm(Calhoun, Georgia)Kelvin Grove Farm
[ Member listing ]14 Nov · Sun 2010pig whisperer
I think our sole pig gets lonely. Every few days she goes for a walk about. Fortunately our neighbors are really, really nice people. She just wanders about and eventually comes home - around feeding time. Yesterday, Lauren and I spent the day in Chattanooga. We are nearly home when the call comes - Sue Pig is visiting the horses. Now the extraordinary part. Lauren goes to the fence calls her and then flaps her arms up and down and smacks the side of her legs. Sue Pig perks right up and jogs home following Lauren all the way. Lauren's arms are flapping and the pig's following eagerly. Damnedest thing I've ever seen. This morning I got to try it. It worked!!! I think I'll change Lauren's name to Pig Whisperer. For a self-proclaimed city girl, she's got a unique farm talent. Wish I had a video :(
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I expected BMW to do well in 2009 after 'sacrificing' the title run-in 2008 to concentrate on the new rules.
A late crash was all that stopped Kubica getting a podium in Australia (Round 1) and Heidfeld actually got 2nd place in Malaysia (Round 2). It looked like their was some potential in the car.
Then it hardly scored a point for the rest of the season… It was over by Catalunya.
'RACING' – it lived up to that billing today. ;)
Obviously the Martini logo is the roughly the same shape as the London transport roundel but interestingly enough Williams Hybrid Engineering (F1 team subsidiary) did a deal with Transport for London in 2012 to stick flywheel energy recovery systems in some buses, utilising technology directly derived from the unraced 2009 Williams KERS system so there is history between the two!
Here's hoping they can take the fight to the German P1 teams and build on their five WEC victories to give us a great season!
Hmm, I preferred the black testing livery.
I foresee some fans being so tired when the sun rises at hour 18 of Le Mans 24hrs that they will mix up the white Porsches and Audis!! :P
Pagenaud needs some yellow for a return of the AWESOME Team Spirit Renault F1 colours!!
If they drop the Tweet-vote crap, I'll watch Formula E.
Right angle, chicane, right angle, chicane: Inspiring stuff right there.
The pitane is the mose interesting feature yet it's still just right angles.
Official shots of the new Porsche 919 Hybrid are still exciting even if the race livery is a bit drab!
I wanted Jacques to go to the new Porsche le Mans team. He has some unfinished business there regarding a certain motorsport triple crown!
Sadly I don't have the time to invest in it to get the most out of it. I've managed to save up enough for a Mclaren and an Aventador in game which is something, but I don't think I'll ever get to use the multimillion credit costing LMP1 or Group C cars.
The climate might be stable in Bahrain but…
Ferrari: F2004, 2004
McLaren: MP4-4, 1988
Williams: FW14B, 1992
Red Bull: RB7, 2011
Lotus: R26 (Renault F1), 2006
Mercedes: BGP001 (Brawn GP), 2009; W196 (Daimler-Benz) 1955, 1956.
Sauber: F1.08 (BMW) 2008
Force India: 199 (Jordan), 1999
Toro Rosso: STR3, 2008
Caterham: CT01, 2012
Marussia: MR02, 2013
I wonder if Mclaren are playing the oldest trick in the book in one last roll of the dice to bag a new 2014 sponsor.
Two fastest laps in two days. Probably just coincidence.
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Get your board Grab your bike!
Hours of Operation:
8 am – 8:30 pm
7 Days a week
- Remember, you must have a Release Form on file to ride.
- Participants under the age of 18 must sign Release Form along with Parent/Guardian
- Parent or Guardian must be present at the Park at initial signup for those participants under age 18
- The Skate Park is SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Release forms can also be obtained at the Parks and Recreation Main Office:
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton, Virginia 23314 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm


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Tags hip hop, banger, smoke, party, party music
Genres hip hop, rap, gangsta rap, underground hip hop, west coast (beta) (flag as incorrect)
Published May 15, 2012
10 tracks to get your FIRED UP!!
nigger lovers
It will work
Jus enjoying them tunes ya digg
Chillin bro, Whats good with you?
Ma negga
Straight Bangers by OG Joshie C
10 tracks to get your FIRED UP!!.
hip hop, banger, smoke, party, party music
Slay Music by OG Joshie C
8 tracks guaranteed to get your girl wet .
bedroom, sex, intimate, bedtime


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Sat, Sep 1, 12 at 18:23
Thanks to all those who helped awhile back with my problems with EC/CC (loosing leaves, segments, and rotting)the plants have sprung back and have lots of new growth. All the cutting I've planted are sprouting new growth, I am so amazed and pleased. But, on some of the EC the newer leaves are curving downward. The leaves on the plants are all firm, I water when soil is dry, and drains quickly. I haven't seen any bugs.
Thank you for any suggestions. |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by Enterotoxigenic00 8 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 1, 12 at 18:25
- Posted by Enterotoxigenic00 8 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 1, 12 at 18:29
Are you giving these plants enough light? Those 'leaves' aren't leaves, but modified stems. And like the stems of any plant that do not receive sufficient light for the species, they become lank and leggy. These are tropical cacti, true cacti. The fleshy body of a desert (arid) cactus is also modified stem tissue. The spines of a cactus are modified leaves. Interesting, huh? Anyway, I don't think that your plants are receiving quite enough light. |
- Posted by Enterotoxigenic00 8 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 1, 12 at 23:06
aahhhaa! Ok, so I see...now. It's only the 'front' leaves or now modified stems that are doing the downward curve trying to reach the light. The ones closest to the light are not curving. How interesting. Thank you rhizo_1. K |
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LionLaw wrote:Update: Citi pulled EQ. Somehow, this caused my EQ FICO to go up 3 points (648->651).
I'm excited to see what my score bump will be next month; my util will go from $1700/3500 to $30/4000, and that's before my new Citi card even starts reporting. Any guesses?
Really? Nice! What does your report look like? Any baddies?
Only negative indicators are from late payments on SLs, but those have multiple 120+ lates, with the most recent reporting in Sept '11. Two open CCs and two closed CCs reporting, all with perfect payment histories; average age of those is about 5 years (oldest is 11 years, youngest is 7 months). Auto loan opened in April. Overall AAoA is 5 years.
myFICO is the consumer division of FICO. Since its introduction 20 years ago, the FICO® Score has become a global standard for measuring credit risk in the banking, mortgage, credit card, auto and retail industries. 90 of the top 100 largest U.S. financial institutions use the FICO Score to make consumer credit decisions.
>> About myFICO


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Abstract: | It is well-known that word frequencies arrange themselves according to Zipf's law. However, little is known about the dependency of the parameters of the law and the complexity of a communication system. Many models of the evolution of language assume that the exponent of the law remains constant as the complexity of a communication systems increases. Using longitudinal studies of child language, we analysed the word rank distribution for the speech of children and adults participating in conversations. The adults typically included family members (e.g., parents) or the investigators conducting the research. Our analysis of the evolution of Zipf's law yields two main unexpected results. First, in children the exponent of the law tends to decrease over time while this tendency is weaker in adults, thus suggesting this is not a mere mirror effect of adult speech. Second, although the exponent of the law is more stable in adults, their exponents fall below 1 which is the typical value of the exponent assumed in both children and adults. Our analysis also shows a tendency of the mean length of utterances (MLU), a simple estimate of syntactic complexity, to increase as the exponent decreases. The parallel evolution of the exponent and a simple indicator of syntactic complexity (MLU) supports the hypothesis that the exponent of Zipf's law and linguistic complexity are inter-related. The assumption that Zipf's law for word ranks is a power-law with a constant exponent of one in both adults and children needs to be revised. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6103 |
Abstract: | Finnmark County is the northernmost county in Norway. For several decades, the rate of mortality after injury in this sparsely inhabited region has remained above the national average. Following documentation of this discrepancy for the period 1991–1995, improvements to the trauma system were implemented. The present study aims to assess whether trauma-related mortality rates have subsequently improved. All injury-associated fatalities in Finnmark from 1995–2004 were identified retrospectively from the National Registry of Death and reviewed. Low-energy trauma in elderly individuals and poisonings were excluded. A total of 453 cases of trauma-related death occurred during the study period, and 327 of those met the inclusion criteria. Information was retrievable for 266 cases. The majority of deaths (86%) occurred in the prehospital phase. The main causes of death were suicide (33%) and road traffic accidents (21%). Drowning and snowmobile injuries accounted for an unexpectedly high proportion (12 and 8%, respectively). The time of death did not show trimodal distribution. Compared to the previous study period, there was a significant overall decline in injury-related mortality, yet there was no change in place of death, mechanism of injury, or time from injury until death. Changes in injury-related mortality cannot be linked to improvements in the trauma system. There was no change in the epidemiological patterns of injury. The high rate of on-scene mortality indicates that any major improvement in the number of injury-related deaths lies in targeted prevention. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/3863 |
Abstract: | Background Many studies indicate rural location as a separate risk for dying from injuries. For decades, Finnmark, the northernmost and most rural county in Norway, has topped the injury mortality statistics in Norway. The present study is an exploration of the impact of rurality, using a point-by-point comparison to another Norwegian county. Methods We identified all fatalities following injury occurring in Finnmark between 2000 and 2004, and in Hordaland, a mixed rural/urban county in western Norway between 2003 and 2004 using data from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Intoxications and low-energy trauma in patients aged over 64 years were excluded. To assess the effect of a rural locale, Hordaland was divided into a rural and an urban group for comparison. In addition, data from Statistics Norway were analysed. Results Finnmark reported 207 deaths and Hordaland 217 deaths. Finnmark had an injury death rate of 33.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Urban Hordaland had 18.8 deaths per 100,000 and rural Hordaland 23.7 deaths per 100,000. In Finnmark, more victims were male and were younger than in the other areas. Finnmark and rural Hordaland both had more fatal traffic accidents than urban Hordaland, but fewer non-fatal traffic accidents. Conclusions This study illustrates the disadvantages of the most rural trauma victims and suggests an urban-rural continuum. Rural victims seem to be younger, die mainly at the site of injury, and from road traffic accident injuries. In addition to injury prevention, the extent and possible impact of lay people's first aid response should be explored. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6330 |
Abstract: | Background: Death after injury with low energy has gained increasing focus lately, and seems to constitute a significant amount of trauma-related death. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of deaths from low-energy trauma in a rural Norwegian cohort. Methods: All deaths from external causes in Finnmark County, Norway, from 1995 to 2004 were identified retrospectively through the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Deaths caused by hanging, drowning, suffocation, poisoning, and electrocution were excluded. Trauma was categorised as high energy or low energy based on mechanism of injury. All low-energy trauma deaths were then reviewed. Results: There were 262 cases of trauma death during the period. Low-energy trauma counted for 43% of the trauma deaths, with an annual crude death rate of 13 per 100,000 inhabitants. Low falls accounted for 99% of the injuries. Fractures were sustained in 89% of cases and head injuries in 11%. Ninety per cent of patients had pre-existing medical conditions, and the median age was 82 years. Death was caused by a medical condition in 85% of cases. Fifty-two per cent of the patients died after discharge from the hospital. Conclusion: In this cohort, low-energy trauma was a significant contributor to trauma related death, especially among |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6648 |
Abstract: | Diminished antioxidant defence or increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the biological system can result into oxidative stress which can cause damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, lipids and as a result different disease states arise like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidants from different plant resources can significantly delay or prevent oxidation of the substrate and hence prevents from various diseases. Therefore, present research was focused in search of potent natural antioxidants. For the study, methanolic extracts of twenty-five common natural medicines, mostly spices were screened using 1,1–diphenyl2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical for their antioxidative activities. Among them, extracts of Chebulae Fructus, Terminalia Billericae Fructus, Phyllanthi Fructus, Cinnamomi Cortex, Arecae Semen, Pericarpium Punicae Granati, Syzygiae Fructus, Rhei Rhizoma, Pterocarpi Lignum and Santali Lignum Albi showed potent antioxidative activity with EC50 values being 1.5, 2.1, 1.4, 2, 1.5, 1.45, 2.7, 2.9, 3, 3.8 μg/mL, respectively. Ascorbic acid (EC50: 2.6 μg/mL) was used as positive control. Therefore, consumers can increase their intake of foods rich in antioxidant compounds that can lower the risk of chronic health problems. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5793 |
Abstract: | This study investigated the overall clinical impact of anti-α- actinin antibodies in patients with pre-selected autoimmune diseases and in a random group of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)- positive individuals. The relation of anti-α-actinin antibodies with lupus nephritis and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies represented a particular focus for the study. Using a cross-sectional design, the presence of antibodies to α-actinin was studied in selected groups, classified according to the relevant American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 99), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 68), Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) (n = 85), and fibromyalgia (FM) (n = 29), and in a random group of ANA-positive individuals (n = 142). Renal disease was defined as (increased) proteinuria with haematuria or presence of cellular casts. Sera from SLE, RA, and Sjøgren's syndrome (SS) patients had significantly higher levels of anti-α-actinin antibodies than the other patient groups. Using the geometric mean (± 2 standard deviations) in FM patients as the upper cutoff, 20% of SLE patients, 12% of RA patients, 4% of SS patients, and none of the WG patients were positive for anti-α- actinin antibodies. Within the SLE cohort, anti-α-actinin antibody levels were higher in patients with renal flares (p = 0.02) and correlated independently with anti-dsDNA antibody levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (p < 0.007) but not with other disease features. In the random ANA group, 14 individuals had anti-α-actinin antibodies. Of these, 36% had SLE, while 64% suffered from other, mostly autoimmune, disorders. Antibodies binding to α-actinin were detected in 20% of SLE patients but were not specific for SLE. They correlate with anti-dsDNA antibody levels, implying in vitro crossreactivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies, which may explain the observed association with renal disease in SLE. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1105 |
Abstract: | Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) react non-enzymatically with tissue proteins to form irreversible structures involved in atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and wound healing. Studies on AGE-inhibitors have demonstrated possible prevention of diabetes complications. The present open label study was conducted on aminoguanidine (AGu), an inhibitor of AGE-formation, to examine potential effects on wound healing in diabetes type 2-like db/db mice during 5 - 6 weeks. The animals were divided into 4 groups: AGu from the day of wounding (day 0) topically and/or systemically in drinking water (1 g/L; group 1, n = 13); AGu 1 g/L in drinking water from 7 weeks prior to day 0 (group 2, n = 21); AGu 5 g/L in drinking water from 9 - 11 weeks prior to day 0 (group 3, n = 6); placebo controls (group 4, n = 8). Results: Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Percentage change in A1C and body weight from baseline to the end of the experiment were both related to the AGu doses (1 or 5 g/L; A1C-change, P = 0.01; weight-change, P = 0.04, both for linear trend across groups 4, 2, and 3, respectively). Even so, percentage wound closure was not improved in the AGu-treated groups compared to controls (P ≥ 0.8). |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6526 |
Abstract: | Impaired wound healing is a frequent problem in diabetes. Hyperglycemia may be an operative mechanism, but a link between glycemic control and wound healing has never been established.Wounds in db/db mice have been extensively studied. This study was undertaken to see if plasma glucose was a predictor of wound healing. An excisional wound was made (149 db/db mice). Wound closure was studied versus metabolic variables. The animals were 11.8 ± 0.2 weeks (mean ± standard error of the mean), obese (38.1 ± 0.5 g), and hyperglycemic (fasting plasma glucose 21.0 ± 0.7mmol/L). Wound closure at day 13 was 30.1 ± 1.6%. In linear mixed model analyses neither fasting plasma glucose nor its change from start to end of experiment was a significant predictor of wound closure (𝛽� = 0.15, 𝑃� = 0.07, 95%CI: −0.01 to 0.31 and 𝛽� = 0.06, 𝑃� = 0.5, 95%CI: −0.11 to 0.23, resp.). However, increase in body weight significantly and independently predicted wound closure (for weight change, 𝛽� = 0.22, 𝑃� = 0.008, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.38).This study strongly suggests that wound healing in db/db mice is independent of prevailing glycemia but dependent on anabolic changes such as weight gain over time. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5931 |
Abstract: | Objective: Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 antibody used successfully in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) for induction and maintenance of remission. Our study aims to evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of chronic pre-emptive RTX therapy in GPA. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5637 |
Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic efficiency of anti-MCV, anti-CCP2 and RF detection for patients with RA. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with established rheumatic disease: rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n=75), psoriatic arthritis (PsA; n=25), 27 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS; n=27) and connective tissue disease (CTD; n=17). Anti-CCP2, anti-MCV and RF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on stored serum according to the manufacturer`s instructions. RESULTS: IgM-RF had the highest sensitivity, but the positive likelihood ratio is just 1.43. The detection of anti-MCV has a higher sensitivity for RA (76%), a specificity similar to anti-CCP2 (96%) resulting in the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.25). Anti-MCV levels correlate well with anti-CCP2 levels (R=0.74; p<0.01). The mean level of anti-MCV is significantly higher in RA than in other subgroups (395 U/ml versus 14.4 U/ml, χ2=61.0; p<0.001) and in each other subgroup (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon: U=239, p<0.001 for RA and PsA; U=215, p<0.001 for RA and AS; U=192, p<0.001 for RA and CTD). Among RA patients, anti-CCP2 levels have a dichotomous distribution whereas anti-MCV levels have a homogeneous distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-MCV could be a better test for diagnosing RA than anti-CCP2. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5634 |
Abstract: | Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was revolutionized during the last decade with the development of new biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) enabling the targeting of immune cells and cytokines other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subcutaneous formulations of the newer biologic DMARDs facilitate not only patients' emancipation from the hospital, but reduce both societal and medical costs. Intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) in RA has an efficacy and safety profile similar to anti-TNF in both the short and long-term. However, TCZ can be administered in monotherapy without loss of efficacy when patients do not tolerate methotrexate or synthetic DMARDs. TCZ is consistently found superior to methotrexate and possibly superior to adalimumab in monotherapy in randomized controlled trials. Subcutaneous administration of TCZ is as effective and safe as its intravenous administration in RA patients during the first year of treatment. Similar to intravenous TCZ, patients' weight and possibly previous use of anti-TNF influence the efficacy of subcutaneous TCZ. Additionally, combination with synthetic DMARDs seems to expose RA patients to more adverse events independently of its administration route. Pharmacokinetics of different administration routes could potentially lead to differences in efficacy, adverse events, and auto-immunogenicity. The concentration of free TCZ before new TCZ dose (C trough) is higher in the subcutaneous route, while the maximal concentration of free TCZ is higher in the intravenous route. The subcutaneous dosages of TCZ 162 mg every week, and every 2 weeks in RA patients with low body weight (60 kg) work well. Nevertheless, dosage and intervals of subcutaneous TCZ administration could be adjusted during the course of treatment since 80% of non-Japanese RA patients with usually higher body weight achieved similar efficacy with the low TCZ dosage in combination with a synthetic DMARD. Patients want effective, easy-to-administer therapy with sustained prolonged efficacy without the need of polypharmacy and with minimal to no side effects. Subcutaneous TCZ in RA patients in monotherapy seems to live up to patients' expectations. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6527 |
Abstract: | Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 antibody used successfully in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) for induction and maintenance of remission. Our study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of chronic pre-emptive RTX therapy in GPA. Retrospective study of 35 GPA patients treated with RTX between April 2004 and September 2011 for active disease and maintenance. RTX was initiated as two 1 g infusions 2 weeks apart and thereafter 2 g of RTX was readministered annually. Patients were followed for 47 (2–88) months. They received a median RTX dose of 8 g (2–13) over 5 (1–10) rounds. All patients had a clinical response, but nine relapses were recorded (flare rate of 6.6/100 patient-years). At last visit, 13 patients (37%) had discontinued RTX mainly due to hypogammaglobulinaemia (57%). Nine patients (26%) had severe infections (infection rate of 6.6/100 patient-years) and 10 patients (29%) had chronic infections. Risks factors for severe infections are a high cumulative dose of CYC, low CD4 cell count and a significant drop in total immunoglobulins after the first RTX round. Risks factors for chronic infections are low IgG level during RTX maintenance and possibly the cumulative RTX dose. Long-term pre-emptive RTX maintenance was efficacious in reducing the risk for relapse but was discontinued in one-third of the patients. The patients' net state of immunodeficiency under RTX changes over time as low immunoglobulin serum levels increased the risk for infections. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5589 |
Abstract: | This article reviews the characteristics and weaknesses of the rheumatoid factor (RF) assay compared with anticitrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) testing in the work-up of patients with synovitis. This should lead physicians to change their ordering habits and replace RF by ACPA. For RA diagnosis, good clinical judgement based on clinical history, physical examination and routine laboratory work exceeds the value of RF and ACPA assays. In settings of both low and high pretest probability, the added value of each of these assays is low. In cases with intermediate probability, ACPA assays are superior to immunoglobulin (Ig)M-RF because of their higher specificity, and they should be the first choice in a RA diagnostic work-up. Dual testing brings few additional advantages and increases costs significantly. ACPA and IgM-RF are both imperfect tests; around 30% of patients with manifest RA will test negative in both assays and therefore caution needs to be exercised when interpreting negative results. Since 2009, the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody assay has been the only assay available at our institution for RA work-up, with IgM-RF available on a case-by-case basis for non-RA diseases. This has led to a 70% reduction in RF assays performed annually. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5636 |
Abstract: | Reports in haematology, transplantation medicine and rheumatology indicate that Rituximab, a B cell depleting therapy, increases the risk for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumopathy. Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis have an increased incidence of P. jiroveci pneumopathy compared to other autoimmune diseases and Rituximab is often used to induce and maintain remission. Herein, we present a case of a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis treated with Rituximab for relapse that developed P. jiroveci pneumopathy 3 months after and we review the relevant literature to assess P. jiroveci pneumopathy incidence and risks factors under Rituximab. We also discuss whether P. jiroveci screening before Rituximab and P. jiroveci pneumopathy prophylaxis under Rituximab are indicated. P. jiroveci colonisation is found in 25 % of patients with autoimmune diseases. However, the association between colonisation and P. jiroveci pneumopathy development is not very strong. P. jiroveci pneumopathy incidence in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients treated with Rituximab is found to be 1.2 %. Therefore, evidence and practice do not support the use of P. jiroveci pneumopathy chemoprophylaxis in all ANCA-associated vasculitis patients receiving Rituximab. CD4 cell count cut-off does not work well in patients treated with Rituximab as it does not reflect T cell impairment following B cell depletion. To help stratify the risk of both colonisation and P. jiroveci pneumopathy development, assessment of the patient's net state of immunodeficiency before administering Rituximab—including age, renal or lung involvement, previous infections due to T cell dysfunction, blood tests (lymphocytopenia, low CD4 cell count) and concomitant therapy—is warranted. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6087 |
Abstract: | CRP is a marker of inflammation and is also a known cardiovascular risk factor. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have moderately elevated CRP levels and develop organ damage , that includes an increased rate of cardiovascular events. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6644 |
Abstract: | Background: There is concern about the safety of homebirths, especially in women transferred to hospital during or after labour. The scope of transfer in planned home births has not been assessed in a systematic review. This review aimed to describe the proportions and indications for transfer from home to hospital during or after labour in planned home births. Methods: The databases Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, Svemed+, and the Cochrane Library were searched using the MeSH term "home childbirth". Inclusion criteria were as follows: the study population was women who chose planned home birth at the onset of labour; the studies were from Western countries; the birth attendant was an authorised midwife or medical doctor; the studies were published in 1985 or later, with data not older than from 1980; and data on transfer from home to hospital were described. Of the 3366 titles identified, 83 full text articles were screened, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. Two of the authors independently extracted the data. Because of the heterogeneity and lack of robustness across the studies, there were considerable risks for bias if performing meta-analyses. A descriptive presentation of the findings was chosen. Results: Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion, containing data from 215,257 women. The total proportion of transfer from home to hospital varied from 9.9% to 31.9% across the studies. The most common indication for transfer was labour dystocia, occurring in 5.1% to 9.8% of all women planning for home births. Transfer for indication for foetal distress varied from 1.0% to 3.6%, postpartum haemorrhage from 0% to 0.2% and respiratory problems in the infant from 0.3% to 1.4%. The proportion of emergency transfers varied from 0% to 5.4%. Conclusion: Future studies should report indications for transfer from home to hospital and provide clear definitions of emergency transfers. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10037/6528 |
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text:
In a groundbreaking combination of a "People-Sim" and a "World-Builder", Space Colony allows players to manage and nurture an unruly bunch of dysfunctional space dwellers. Explore the planet, establish industries, and improve the colonists' living conditions in a world swarming with over 20 unique alien species. Get to know your people's strengths and weaknesses, train them, bring them together, or keep them apart.Features
- Manage your space community: Over 20 unique personalities. They brawl, argue, get depressed, go crazy, and fall in love.
- Contend with 20 alien species: They hunt, socialize, and get on with their weird and varied daily lives. But be ready to allocate power to your force fields as they may turn their eyes on you!
- Choose your properties: use the many robots and androids at your disposal to establish profitable extraction industries and hi-tech factories...so you can spend more time at the slot machines.
Recent threads
- Need Any Help? Apr 17
- Space Colonization Jul 28
- Pharmaceutical Extractor Jun 15
- Space colony 2? Nov 25
- Genre: City Simulation (PC)
- Theme(s): Lifestyle
- Perspective(s): Isometric
- Developer: FireFly Studios
- Publisher: G.O.D.
Released North America Oct 14, 2003


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- Forum: Cake Decorating
- Thread: Cake dummies
If all of your tiers are 3", then it will look great. When they are all stacked up, the overall height is what matters for the correct looking proportions. If you also do a cake that you cut into for tastings, you will want it to be similar height, or people will wonder they are different. Most people in the general public don't realize that the displays cakes are foam.


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European Union leaders struggled to meet demands by Spain and Italy for relief from rising borrowing costs, threatening to derail a 120 billion-euro ($149 billion) pledge to boost economic growth.
Leaders from the 17 euro nations stayed on to debate the crisis-fighting plan early this morning after all 27 nations informally signed off on the growth strategy. Italy is withholding its final endorsement of the initiative as it pushes for collective action at an EU summit in Brussels to push down its bond yields, said two Italian officials who spoke on the condition that they not be named.
EU President Herman Van Rompuy said talks weren't gridlocked and will continue through the night and later today.
"We haven't yet a conclusion on the growth agenda because we have to discuss also the aspects of financial stability and we do this related to the discussion also foreseen" on the future of the euro, Van Rompuy told reporters late yesterday.
Italian officials said they were surprised by his remarks, signaled it sought a broader deal that includes immediate action on lowering borrowing costs. Germany has opposed any effort to join forces on sovereign debt or expand the crisis-fighting role of the European Central Bank.
French President Francois Hollande said Italy and Spain ought to receive support from the euro area's firewall funds and that their yields are still too high after the efforts they've made to reform their economies. Spain's 10-year yields breached 7 percent and Italy auctioned 10-year securities at the highest yields since December yesterday.
Hollande's Concern
Hollande said the growth remarks "aren't enough" and that he'll withhold endorsement of an EU fiscal pact, which was endorsed by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy in December, at least until the end of the two-day summit.
"The euro zone cannot stay in the current circumstance, without a budgetary union and even more without a banking union," Hollande told reporters.
Stocks fell in early Asian trading on concern a breakdown in Europe's crisis-fighting effort may deepen a slowdown in the world's second-biggest economic bloc. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index slid 0.3 percent at 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo.
Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen proposed that bailout funds buy collateralized government debt in primary markets. His proposal joined discussion of whether the euro area's rescue fund should aid banks directly and the role of the ECB, which has already bought more than 200 billion euros of government bonds and pumped more than 1 trillion euros of three-year loans into the banking system. It shelved its bond-purchase program earlier this year.
'Concrete Measures'
European Union Economic and Monetary Affairs CommissionerOlli Rehn said the ECB's actions have prevented the crisis from worsening. He also called for "concrete measures" to help Italy and Spain and more debate about mutualized public debt.
"The ECB has played a key role in safeguarding financial stability," Rehn said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "We respect the independence of the ECB, but they have played a key role so far in fighting off the crisis."
To contact the reporters on this story: Rebecca Christie in Brussels at email@example.com; Andrew Frye in Brussels at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Hertling at email@example.com


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Here's a very practical smaller sized safe if you don't need a full sized one. It's the Liberty Centurion Fire & Security model.
It's classified as a light duty, commercial grade safe. At 20W x 33.25H x 22.75D it's pretty compact in size, and at 600#, it's perfect for storing a few handguns and other goodies. It also has a Sargeant & Greenleaf mechanical dial lock, and a fire rating of 120min. at 1700ºF, which is pretty impressive IMO.
Going to try one, being delivered/installed next week. With tax and delivery, ran me a little over a grand which I didn't think is bad for this kind of specialty safe. Check it out on Liberty's website.


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Final Thoughts
This card really looked good as soon as we pulled it out of the box. For starters, you get display galore; Dual Link DVI, HDMI, Display port and your standard TV-Out port. The cooler is also tried and tested with previous models and runs like a dream. If that doesn't do it for you we also have a copy of Tomb Raider Anniversary to keep you occupied.
Now, if features don't do it for you we have a nice overclock out of the box which really lets the card scream along when compared to the Galaxy 9600GT which is also overclocked.
This card is just truly kick ass, and Palit have gone out of the way to offer something that stands out from the competition. There is no doubt that this card has the potential to sell well, and with the aggressive pricing we see from Palit the card would suit everyone from a person who enjoys gaming to someone who wants to be display-proof to someone who's just looking for an awesome card to suit their HTPC which is also capable of doing a bit of gaming.
This card really sets the benchmark for the 9600GT and it's going to be hard to beat. Palit have done an excellent job of the card and no doubt it's going to be the card of choice for anyone who wants a card that offers an all round experience that covers everything from outputs to out of the box performance. The Palit 9600GT Sonic is probably going to be the card for you!


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2 Fractions arithmetic in symbolic form is shown below:
a/b + c/d = (a*d + b*c) / (b*d)
a/b - c/d = (a*d - b*c) / (b*d)
a/b * c/d = (a*b) / (b*d)
a/b / c/d = (a*d) / (b*c)
This computational technique is rather straightforward, but it does not guarantee the result to be in the lowest terms. Thus, it may require additional step aimed at reducing the result fraction to lowest terms by prime factoring of numerator and denominator, finding and applying the greatest common factor (GCF).
3 Fractions calculation, in particular addition and subtraction can be performed in two different ways:
Method A: two-step procedure based on the associative property of arithmetic operations, i.e., applying the corresponding arithmetic operator to the first and second fractions, then applying the second arithmetic operator to to the result and the third fraction. Associative property of 3 fractions arithmetic as it applies to the addition and subtraction as shown below (note: in the absence of parenthesis the standard order of mathematical calculation is from left to right).
a/b ± c/d ± e/f = (e/f ± c/d) ± e/f
Corresponding numeric examples:
1/2 + 2/9 - 1/6 = (1/2 + 2/9) - 1/6 = 13/18 -1/6
13/18 -1/6 = 5/9
Method B: a single step computation formula
a/b ± c/d ± e/f = (a*d*f ±c*b*f ± e*b*d) / (b*d*f)
This computational technique is rather straightforward and presented in a compact form. It's relevant to mention, that neither methods guarantee the result to be in the lowest terms, thus, additional step is needed to reduce the result fraction to the lowest terms. In general, fraction calculation can be a rather labor-intensive and error-prone operation, especially in case of 3 fraction arithmetic that involves both regular fractions and mixed number. Such calculations can be easily performed using popular free online 3 fractions calculator available free of charge at [1] in several rather simple steps:
Step 1. Open the web page [1] (see sample screenshot attached to the article)
Step 2. Select computation mode, either 2 or 3 fractions
Step 3. Enter the fractions and/or mixed numbers in the text boxes and select the arithmetic operators using drop-downs
Step 4. Click on 'Calculate' button to get the result displayed as fraction and equivalent decimal number (rounded upon necessity)


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Whoa! We see that you've got a wickedly high score. We'll be freezing your score until we can verify it.
If you're ready to show off your mad skills to the Game Master,
submit your score now.
Ever just feel like flipping out and clicking on a ton of stuff? We hear you loud and clear. Flip Out is a fresh new take on matching games, but don't run away yet. You'll be matching far more that just similar images! Flip Out is chock-full of unique twists that will tickle your brain just the right way. With a fun visual style and feel-good gameplay that will keep you coming back for more, Flip Out is a game you have to try today.
***In order to earn Swag Bucks from playing games, please make sure you have any ad or pop-up blocking software disabled and you have the most current versions of Adobe Flash installed. In some cases, the pop-up setting might be found in your browser's Settings or Options menu. You can download the latest version of Adobe Flash at the link below:


text:
noun \bə-ˈläd, ba-\Definition of BALLADE
: a fixed verse form consisting usually of three stanzas with recurrent rhymes, an envoi, and an identical refrain for each part
: a musical composition usually for piano suggesting the epic ballad
Origin of BALLADE
Middle English balade, from Middle French, ballad, ballade
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with BALLADE
Akkad, Arad, Ashdod, aubade, Belgrade, bipod, black cod, Black Rod, Cape Cod, couvade, croustade, death squad, dry-shod, ephod, facade, fantod, fly rod, glissade, hot-rod, jihad, lingcod, Nimrod, oeillade, peasecod, pomade, ramrod, Riyadh, roughshod, roulade, saccade, scalade, seedpod, slipshod, sun god, synod, tie-rod, tightwad, tomcod, torsade, tripod, unshod, vice squad
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)One of several formes fixes in French lyric poetry and song, cultivated particularly in the 14th–15th centuries. It consists of three main stanzas having the same rhyme scheme plus a shortened final dedicatory stanza; all four stanzas have identical final refrain lines. The texts were often solemn and formal, containing elaborate symbolism and classical references. Though present in the poetry of many ages and regions, the ballade in its purest form was found only in France and England. Its precursors can be found in the songs of the troubadours and trouvères.
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text:
EU budget summit ends without deal
PUBLISHED: 24 Nov 2012 04:08:11 | UPDATED: 24 Nov 2012 04:08:11PRINT EDITION: 24 Nov 2012
A European Union summit has wound up with no deal sealed for the bloc's next long-term budget, officials from several EU delegations say.
"There is no agreement," one official said.
The talks on the EU's €1 trillion ($1.25 trillion) budget for the 27-member bloc appear to have faltered over tensions between rich and poor states and Britain's "virulent" demands for austerity.
British Prime Minister David Cameron kept up his defiant stance on the second day of bitter negotiations on a budget for the seven years from 2014 to 2020.
"There really is a problem that there hasn't been the progress in cutting back proposals for additional spending," Cameron told reporters on Friday.
Britain, like many countries across Europe, is responding to the economic crisis with major public spending cuts and Cameron argues that at a time of austerity at home the EU must also make deep cuts.
Cameron's bleak assessment of the state of the budget talks was shared by other EU leaders, who arrived one by one at European Council building in Brussels for bilateral meetings before the summit proper resumed after lunch.
"I believe that also in this round, we won't be where have to get to, which is a unanimous decision," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, repeating a line she had adopted even before arriving in the Belgian capital.
"If we need a second round, then we will take the time necessary for it," she added, referring to the prospect of another summit in the coming months to nail down a deal.
Merkel and French President Francois Hollande both saw Cameron in bilateral meetings on Friday. A British official said afterward that Merkel was "sympathetic" to the British position. No details emerged of the Hollande meeting.
Nearly a year after he angered his European counterparts by vetoing a pact to resolve the eurozone crisis, Cameron was again at odds with them by demanding cuts to the perks enjoyed by so-called "eurocrats" - the well-paid EU civil servants frequently targeted by the British press.
An EU diplomat said the main obstacle at the summit was Cameron's demand for reductions in the planned trillion-euro budget, adding that "the most virulent" countries seeking cuts were Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands.
European Parliament member and Belgian former prime minister Guy Verhofstadt was scathing about the British position: "It's not necessary to isolate Cameron; he can isolate himself."
Cameron had vowed to bring down the budget from a proposed €1.047 trillion to €886 billion.
Read more
Topics | Economy /Fiscal Policy , Politics /World Politics |


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New Living Translation (NLT) | New International Version (NIV) |
14 They set to work and removed the pagan altars from Jerusalem. They took away all the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley. | 14 They removed the altars in Jerusalem and cleared away the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley. |
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. (New Living Translation - The Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


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Total Time:
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
1 hr
1 hr
0 mins
MarieRynr's Note:
These are different than the other ones posted on here. We love these better than the "actual" real thing! The topping is traditionally a milk chocolate one but semi-sweet chocolate is good too. I am guessing at the prep time.
My Private Note
Units: US | Metric
cookie base
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cream or 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
caramel filling
- 1 (14 ounce) can condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- milk chocolate candy bar (such as Dairy Milk or Hershey's)
- 1Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2Spray an 8 by 11 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- 3In a large bowl, blend the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, salt, corn syrup, white and brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a fine meal. Turn out into the baking pan and drizzle in cream and vanilla and toss by hand to combine until you have a slightly, damp, sandy mixture. Press or pat gently into the pan. Bake until edges are barely browned, 20-25 minutes. Remove and spread on the caramel.
- 4Prepare the caramel while the bottom layer is baking.
- 5In a medium saucepan, stir the condensed milk, corn syrup, butter, and brown sugar over low heat. Simmer, stirring once in awhile, 8-10 minutes, until mixture does not taste gritty (sugar dissolves), and is thickened and about 245°F Be careful that the bottom does not burn. If this happens do not stir the burnt part into the rest of the caramel. Pour caramel over baked (very warm, or still hot) cookie bottom.
- 6Place the chocolate bars on the caramel. Using a metal icing spatula, apread the chocolate over the caramel to cover the top. Alternatively, chop the chocolate and sprinkle over the top (or use milk chocolate chips but chocolate bar chocolate tastes better), let melt a bit and then coat the top.
- 7Refrigerate a few hours to let the chocolate set. Remove from the fridge, bring to room temperature, then cut into finger sizes.
Browse Our Top Bar Cookie Recipes
Nutritional Facts for Chocolate Caramel Cookie Candy Bars
Serving Size: 1 (1294 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 1
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value
- Calories 141.6
- Calories from Fat 58
- 41%
- Total Fat 6.4 g
- 9%
- Saturated Fat 4.0 g
- 20%
- Cholesterol 18.4 mg
- 6%
- Sodium 47.5 mg
- 1%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.5 g
- 6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2 g
- 0%
- Sugars 12.5 g
- 50%
- Protein 1.8 g
- 3%
Ideas from Food.com


text:
Originally published Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Sounders look to atone for last Portland visit
June's 2-1 loss to Timbers was the low point of Seattle's season, the last game in a club-record seven-match winless streak.
Seattle Times staff reporter
Sounders FC @ Portland, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 5
Latest from the Sounders FC blog
Weekend Watch: Must-see matches from around the world NEW - 1/30, 12:21 PM
TUKWILA — Three months ago, Sounders FC was at a crossroads.
At least that's how coach Sigi Schmid put it following a demoralizing 2-1 road loss to rival Portland back in June. The defeat was Seattle's first to its main rival in four years since joining MLS; it also extended the team's winless streak to a franchise-worst seven games.
"I think it was the lowest point of the season, for sure," said assistant coach Brian Schmetzer. "That stretch was wearing on all of us."
Three months later, the Sounders return to Portland this weekend on the verge of clinching a playoff berth having gone 6-1-4 since that nightmare at JELD-WEN Field.
So was it a wake-up call? As Seattle heads toward what is assuredly a fourth straight trip to the playoffs, was that painful defeat a turning point?
"I think that's too much focus on that one game," Schmetzer said. "We have too much pride as an organization, from Sigi to the last guy on our roster, and there was not anyone in that group that didn't do a little bit more reflection, self reflection, thinking outside of the box, back inside of the box, work a little harder in training, work a little smarter in training for us to get out of that slide."
Schmid remembers that June performance in Portland as lacking both in quality and composure, and the postgame message to the team was blunt: That wasn't good enough and things have to change.
The Sounders followed that up with an against-the-odds win against league-leading San Jose in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal, a game played on just one day's rest. Overall, Seattle has lost just twice in its 16 games in all competitions since the Portland loss — only once if you count a loss in the Open Cup final as a tie, as the tournament does.
"Obviously the guys responded," Schmid said, "and they've responded very well."
Steady success doesn't mean the Sounders have forgotten about that June defeat where Timbers fans victoriously chanted and triumphantly waved flags.
Midfielder Brad Evans said revenge will be an element of the team's motivation, and defender Zach Scott said he is determined to keep the Cascadia Cup, a fan-sponsored trophy among the three Pacific Northwest rivals, out of Portland's hands.
"(It would) basically make their entire season if they beat us again at home," said Scott, who added the Sounders are battling for potential playoff seeding. "For us ... these points are humongous aside from it being a rivalry game."
Added defender Jeff Parke: "We can go down there and change things. We can come back with a win, change the story and have guys smiling and fans laughing and having a good time instead ... wondering what the hell happened that day."
• Eddie Johnson was named MLS Player of the Week for his two-goal performance against Chivas USA.
• Schmid said he expects midfielders Christian Tiffert (ankle) and Mauro Rosales (quad) to be available Saturday in Portland.
• Fredy Montero has the fourth-most sold player jersey in MLS, according to rankings released by the league Tuesday. Rosales ranks ninth and midfielder Osvaldo Alonso comes in at No. 13. Not surprisingly, L.A. Galaxy star David Beckham is No. 1.


text:
Don Allen represents the interests of clients in obtaining the benefit of their bargains, remedies for their claims and resolving disputes in the courts, in arbitration or mediation. A substantial body of client and trial experience provides Don with the ability to advise clients in effectively addressing legal needs and providing to them legal services and solutions.
"A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's printed on."- Sam Goldwyn.
A person should never try to explain this statement to a court. To avoid having to, they should use their lawyer when they're negotiating an agreement or when they're trying to get out of one. Sometimes disputes are thrust upon us, and we are required to answer them.
In any of these situations, the key to successful contracts or navigating a dispute in business or with a neighbor is having a lawyer who understands how to state things clearly, in plain language, and how to present a case in court when necessary. And in all of those cases, having a lawyer who knows how to tell the other side that their case isn't worth the paper it's printed on.


text:
Hello everyone! I just joined this list and already I feel I'm in
way over my head. :-) I have one simple question, but it definitely
involves using Linux for audio. In fact, it's such a simple and
common question that I'm almost embarrassed to ask the experts here
about it.I've finally got my collection of analog sound recordings (LPs and
audiocassettes) down to the relatively few that aren't available in
any digital format but are worth preserving. That means I'll have
to digitize those myself. So --Can anyone recommend (or disparage) any particular hardware and
software for digitizing sound recordings?Here are some specifics about my equipment and my expectations:
Something close to CD quality or 320 kbps MP3s will be "good enough"
here. I'll be dealing only with existing stereo recordings. I
already have a turntable, receiver (including phono preamp), and
cassette deck, all working, that are IMO good enough. I also have
the 25' of audio cables (RCA plugs) necessary to connect my "stereo
system" to my computer, unless rearranging my entire room to bring
them closer together would make a significant difference.At the computer end, I have an low-end Compaq desktop with
integrated audio (inadequate quality for input here) running
Mandriva 2010.0, an available PCIe-x16 slot and some USB 2.0 ports
(no Firewire), plus lots (hundreds of GBs) of free HD space. For
the new audio hardware, I'd prefer something that not only fits this
machine and runs well under Linux, but will also be usable in future
desktop Linux systems (e.g. not a plain PCI card if possible).
Anything that would fit into that PCIe x16 slot (I understand a PCIe
x1 card will work in a PCIe x16 slot) or a USB port -- I just need
something that will accept line-level stereo inputs. I'm hoping to
find something decent in the US $40-80 range, new or used.For software, I thought I could use 'rec' to put the digitized audio
into some standard file format (and automatically split it into
tracks if desired), and 'audacity' for the digital signal processing
(noise reduction, declicking, etc.). Or are there other programs
that would be better for me, either in audio quality or ease of use?Any recommendations for hardware or software, especially hardware,
would be very much appreciated! Suggestions on where else to look
for advice would be welcomed too. Thanks!Adam
Linux-audio-user mailing list
LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the USA and other countries.
Linuxaudio.org logo copyright Thorsten Wilms © 2006.
Hosting provided by the Virginia Tech Department of Music and DISIS.


text:
Summary: In recent years, Mexico has faced a grave public security crisis. From 2006 to 2009, rampant cartel related violence has killed more than 13,000 people, including hundreds of police and military personnel. Given the inability of domestic law enforcement agencies to adequately address these challenges, Mexico has deployed tens of thousands of troops to restore order and combat violent organized crime groups. In addition, Mexican and U.S. officials initiated unprecedented measures to promote cross ...show more-border collaboration in law enforcement and security, including the multi-billion dollar Merida Initiative to share responsibilities in fighting the war on drugs. These developments raise a host of questions about the course of Mexican public security and the prospects for strengthening the rule of law. This monograph brings together the works of nine exceptional scholars who present timely analysis of these questions, provide a thorough assessment of Mexico's principal domestic security challenges, and offer insights on how to tackle them. This monograph is part of the Justice in Mexico Project coordinated by the Trans-Border Institute at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego, and generously supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and The Tinker Foundation. The Justice in Mexico Project examines key aspects of the rule of law and the challenges related to reforming the administration of justice in Mexico, and provides access to relevant data and analysis through its website: www.justiceinmexico.org. Table Of Contents 1. Police and Public Security in Mexico - Robert A. Donnelly and David A. Shirk 2. Mexican Police and the Criminal Justice System - Guillermo Zepeda Lecuona 3. The Militarization of Public Security and the Role of the Military in Mexico - Marcos Pablo Moloeznik 4. Organized Crime and Official Corruption in Mexico - Carlos Antonio Flores Perez 5. The Weaknesses of Public Security Forces in Mexico City - Elena Azaola 6. Mexican Law Enforcement Culture: Testimonies from Police Behind Bars - Maria Eugenia Suarez de Garay 7. Two Steps Forward: Lessons from Chihuahua - Daniel M. Sabet 8. Public Security and Human Rights: Reflections on the Experience of Jalisco - Jorge Rocha Quintero 9. Future Directions for Police and Public Security in Mexico - David A. Shirk ...show less
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text:
Kellen Boswell Winslow II (K-2)
Position: TE
Height: 6-4 Weight: 254 lbs.
Born: July 21, 1983 in San Diego, CA
High School: Scripps Ranch
College: Miami (FL) (school history) (Winslow college stats)
Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 36 (2551st overall since 1950)
Relatives: Son of Kellen Winslow
1-time Pro Bowler (fine print)
Other SR Links: College Football at Sports-Reference.com
Output includes all passing, rushing, and receiving plays.


text:
Robbie Coltrane Hospitalized for flu–Missing the Harry Potter Celebration
Jan 31, 2015
Posted by Catherine
According to Time Magazine. Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) was hospitalized with flu symptoms in Florida. He was rushed to a Floridian hospital as soon as his transAtlantic flight from England touched ground. Robbie Coltrane's rep says that he will be back up and about in no time, though it is almost certain that he will be unable …read more!


text:
- Home
- About ASF
- What is Autism?
- How Common is Autism?
- Early Signs of Autism
- Autism Diagnosis
- Following a Diagnosis
- Treatment Options
- Beware of Non Evidence-Based Treatments
- Autism and Vaccines
- Autism Science
- Quick Facts About Autism
- What We Fund
- Get Involved
- Resources
- Day of Learning & Evening of Celebration
- Contact Us
The Autism Sequencing Consortium: Large-Scale, High-Throughput Sequencing in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Date Published:
December 20, 2012
Dr. Joseph Buxbaum and team discuss the current state of ASD gene discovery and the benefits of a genomic technology called high-throughput sequencing.


text:
"The Life Goal!"
Clearly describes what to achieve, what is above everything
How the best ever masters achieves superioriy, Leonardo Da Vinchi and others
The must have and must listen to everybody! Helps understand why you are here in this world, where to go and what to achieve!
"Excellent Book!"
Guide to Self-Discipline
This book gives excellent advice to anyone who is trying to master any skill. Whether you're trying to master a skill or just improve it, this book will definitely help you.
I am so glad I found this service!
"Robert Greene's Mastery"
Educational, Entertaining, Thought-Provoking
Any of Greene's other books have been leading to this, however, this one is more focused on the development of self, rather than reacting or influencing people.
48 Laws of Power
Art of Seduction
33 Strategies of War
A study of genius; A genius study
This book I wish I had read as was nearing the end of college. It put so much in perspective, as with Greene's other books, you find yourself looking at the world in a different light. This book is far less cynical than the previous entries, and far less "morally questionable." I am already planning on rereading/listening to this again.
Meehan is a best selling author and superstar
Yes definitely. It has quality information, inspiring relevant stories and examples. And it explores the true mindset and attitude that one must develop to create mastery in any area of thur life. This book requires a great deal of patience but I found it to be addictive from beginning to end
Excellent narration. Compelling, genuine and knows how to create impact where it's needed through use if time and emotion in voice.
Yes!! Used different levels if emotion, sound, tone, and depth of voice to create differentiation a in representing different examples.
Absolutely. It exceeded my expectations
A fantastic book and well narrated. Highly recommended.
48 Laws of power, also by the same author.
Narration in a quality voice. Good for those who learn better via listening.
Did not laugh or cry, but there were many 'AH-HA' type moments throughout the book.
Once you listen to the book you'll realize why.
Only problem with this audio book was that I felt it a bit quiet. I had to turn the volume up quite a lot and even then it seemed 'off'.
Other than that a fantastic book and well narrated.
"Robert Greene's best book yet"
Unlike Greene's other books, which are base and amoral (although still entertaining), this book is uplifting and motivating. Becoming great at anything is hard work and it is the hard work that separates those who achieve mastery in a subject area (or areas) and those who merely spectate. Mastery is not magic or necessarily innate ability, it is dedication to a pursuit through various phases of learning, from novice to master, combined with time and impeccable, undying work ethic. Greene, as in his other books, weaves historical examples throughout. Mastery is his best work to date and his first work to eclipse his own 48 Laws of Power.
Can't complain.
"An amazing look at greatness"
Reading Robert Green books is like climbing a mountain. It's long, hard at times, but extremely rewarding once you reach the top.
The book starts off setting the tone by talking about the origin of human beings & culture. He even goes into the evolution of our primate ancestors to evolve stereoscopic vision, as an adaptation to living in trees, which were repurposed to aid tool making in humans. Knowing the author went this deep in grounding his future claims about human greatness was chilling.
5 stars easy.
"Pretty good, similar to ..."
I enjoyed this one ... good writing and great read. The biographical stories were fascinating and I found the switching of topics fascinating.
The only problem I had with this book, is that the underlying premise (that there are different stages of mastery) seemed lost at times. Also, there was a tendency to wax on and give different advice: for example, the author described the frantic energy and creative spark that deadlines can create for us ... then later describes that creative mastery should be done slowly.
Overall, though ... great read and great narrator. If you want to read something similar, try "Talent is Overated" ... this book has a similar message, similar biographies, but has a more focused premise (that all great performers required about 10k hours of concentrated practice to achieve greatness).
"Another well-written and conceived Greene title"
This is standard Robert Greene work - and that's a good thing. Like "The 48 Laws of Power", he breaks down his topic (Mastery) into bite-sized chunks and then provides interesting glimpses and interpretations of historical (and current) events in light of the particular topic at hand. His stories are interesting and his points fascinating.
There are things in this book for everyone. I wish I'd read this book when I was sixteen. I'll probably give it to my daughter to read when *she* is sixteen. If your ambition is mastery of *anything*, I recommend this book!
"What guided you to this book?"
Amazing, Inspiring, Truth
Moments of resonance, Solidifying and expressing ideas and theories I've had about intuition, or the "guiding force" available to all of us.
I loved every story, lesson, and quote. Undoubtedly these masters tapped into a resource which most ignore. I was drawn to this book because of my own guidance, coincidences, and paths found through this process. Our marketed, physical systems have took us as far as they can, now we must look inward to reach our full potentials. These masters were a rarity in the past but I believe with technology and books like Mastery will be abundant in our future. Robert Greene expresses the importance of submersing yourself into a field and being guided by your intuitions, but this practice goes for all aspects of life. This is a great crash course for anyone interested in this field. "We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us." -Marcel Proust.


text:
You tell me.
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Re: You tell me.
Originally Posted by
No, it's pretty clear whose head needs shrunk. I suspect, as you have stated elsewhere, that you are just a professional pot-stirrer, in which case we're all just wasting our time here. Pretending for a moment that we're not just pissing in the wind...
You keep stating this opinion of yours regarding Dick Lebeau and this year's defense, and stating it as if it is fact. And yet whenever pressed, you hit us with
rhetorical zingers
like "Look, I'm probably not explaining myself as well as I could and right now I really don't feel like trying to figure that out." You have this bizarre contention that stats can be made to say anything, they're just there to lie to us, as if someone could invert this year's rankings, and easily make the case that Green Bay and New England were really the best defenses, while Pittsburgh and the Texans just flat-out sucked. These sorts of claims suggest that you are delusional, and should indeed get your head examined.
I'll ask you for the fourteenth time: other than the second Ravens game, which regular season game did our "paper defense" shit the bed, or give away a game that the offense had won for us? And for the fortieth time that I've asked you and everyone else on this board: Can you find me a two- or three-game stretch
in Arians' tenure where the offense was dominant? I could possibly even find two games that Ray Sherman or Kevin Gilbride put together that were truly solid. Arians? No.
It's not that we "give the game away" but rather that we never (lately - in the last couple of seasons) seem to
the game away and we seem to allow way too many teams to "hang around".
My personal beef with this defense is third down. There was a time when we'd have a team in a third and long situation and I'd be sure that we'd be getting the ball back very soon. But lately, third and long seems to be a lucky charm for other teams and I can't count how many times, when a team needs 10 or 11 yards, we let them gain 11 or 12. It's gotten to the point where whenever I see a third and long, I just roll my eyes and think, "Oh well, maybe we can stop them on the next series".
The defense isn't bad, it's just sloppy and it seems to allow teams to continue when that didn't happen in the past (or at least not nearly as much). It's sort of like a slow leak rather than a gaping hole and through the course of a game we seem to be defending against red zone or near red zone situations far more often than we should. This doesn't always end up with other teams scoring TD's, but rather nibbling away with FG's or by simply running the clock and it's turned way too many games that we should have put away into late-game nail-biters.
Staistically (my favorite word) we don't turn up looking bad, but functionally we have the tendency to keep another team's hopes alive and that eventually comes back to haunt us. We have a secondary that I feel is basically talented, but seems to be out of position more often than it should be for a #1 defense. Troy, for example, is often shown arriving at a ballcarrier with great speed and from seemingly out of nowhere and the talking heads always marvel at his quickness, but my question is always: "Why was he so far out of position in the first place?"
I can't point to any specific thing or specific person or package but rather I just see the defense as a whole playing sloppy and allowing other teams to do things that I believe we're more than capable of preventing. I think this whole Dick LeBeau / #1 Defense thing serves as a cover of sorts and that we tend to see ourselves as great when we're really just "OK".
Whether LeBeau needs to leave or not is debatable, but I think that his defense needs to be scrutinized at least as much as Arians' offense and that he's being given a pass because of his godlike status. If we're in the process of taking a hard look at things, I think we need to drop this #1 Defense crap and pop the hood on that defense and take a serious look around because that #1 status is - in my opinion - more smoke and mirrors than real.
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text:
American McGee is one of gaming's most renowned and influential designers. Having started way back when with id Software on Doom II, Quake and then Quake II, he swiftly moved over to EA in the late nineties creating the acclaimed American McGee's Alice.
After producing the intriguing Scrapland, McGee has continued his ambition to unite the gaming and movie worlds, avowing to be the 'Walt Disney of Gaming, only a little more wicked.' With two film projects in the works in American McGee's Oz and American McGee's Grimm, McGee has recently moved to Hong Kong, which he sees as one of the new production centres in the future of the industry.
With new outing Bad Day LA releasing in just a week or two's time, we caught up with American in the first part of an exclusive interview to hear about his newest PC project, the role of humour in gaming and challenges of creating good comedy and why in-game advertising isn't necessarily an evil thing.
Free of the restrictions of a big studio system, McGee is refreshingly candid on the big issues of the day including Bad Day's political themes, "My goal with the game was to highlight the ridiculous notion of living in constant fear and trading our liberties for "safety" when there is no actual threat... at least not ones that giving up our freedoms for will save us from", also expounding on the current political climate toward games in the US and how even his name has become a barometer for how America is perceived abroad... so without further ado it's over to you American.
How is Bad Day LA doing: do you have a release date for it? And who is going to publish it in the UK and Europe?
Bad Day LA is doing great. We are just putting the finishing touches on it and getting it out the door. There is a release date for it. In the US we're looking at a late August release date and in UK/Europe around the same time. For the UK/Europe, there are a few different publishers, depending on territory. In the UK and Germany, the publisher is Gost and Frogster. In the UK the publisher is Supersonic.
Bad Day boasts a very distinctive visual style, what made you choose that look and does it give the game a very different feel and flavour?
Humour is a big theme in the game, and at the same time we're dealing with some topics that aren't normally considered funny. The art style is designed to look a little like those in-flight safety cards you see on air planes, and also serves to soften the impact of the disasters themes we're dealing with. The goal was not to gross people out with photo-realistic blood and gore, but to highlight the ridiculous nature of living in constant fear of unpredictable disasters.
The art itself was inspired by a Los Angeles art duo called Kozyndan (www.kozyndan.com).
What's been the biggest challenge in developing Bad Day?
Creating good comedy is hard, anyone will tell you that. And combining comedy with decent game play is no small feat. Along with all the usual technical, artistic, and schedule related challenges that are usually associated with game development, we also had to deal with the cultural adaptation of our content to our development environment in Hong Kong and mainland China. All in all, this was probably one of the more challenging development projects I've been involved with, and I think everyone learned a lot of valuable lessons.
How did the idea for the game originally come about - and how close is the game to your original vision?
The original concept was inspired by a wide range of events that I witnessed in the US post-9/11. But I was really inspired into action by a billboard I saw on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, which read "Bio-chemical terror attack - Are you Prepared!?" It was this billboard, brought to us by the Department of Homeland Security, that really pushed me over the edge. It has become so normal to see messages like this all over the US today, that we hardly notice them any more. America is a fear-controlled society.


text:
11 Reasons I Should Be Your JOMC 271 Draft Pick
UNC Journalism professor Joe Bob Hester gave his Advertising Copy and Communication students their first assignment: "Assume only 3 people will be allowed to take the course. I get to choose who stays. Convince me that you should be one of those 3 people via Twitter." Challenge Accepted.